Provincial.

Eye , the radiations of which will , Avhen finished , be enriched Avith gold . The canopy of the alcove is studded with stars , AA-hich will be gilt , on a ground of cerulean blue . The ornaments Aipon the span of the arch Avill also be in gold , and will , when finished , form one of the most beautiful objects in this noble room . A dais will be erected , on which Avill sit , beneath the canopy , the W . M . of the loclge and brethren who have qualified themselves to occupy that exalted position .

The lofty ceiling is divided into three compartments , tbe two outer ones and tbe centre being formed with four panels . In the middle of the centre compartment is placed a large sunlight , AA'hich throAvs a subdued but sufficient light upon the crimson carpet which lines the floor beneath . The sunlight itself is enriched with a circlet composed of Avater lilies and foliage , standing out in bold relief . The means of lighting the

-room by day -is by two large margin ceiling lights , with Masonic mouldings and fluted and coloured glass . The effect of this is exceedingly good , especially by daylight . Around these are ornamental guilloclie enrichments , Avrought within an effective plaster moulding . The angles and centres on either side are ornamented with Masonic emblems Avhich , it is intended , - should be faced ivith gold . This stle of decoration is continued

y round the room , forming tbe upper portion of a carved cornice of about 3 ft . Bin . in girth , finished at the base with a deeply sunk egg and dart moulding . The celling is further ornamented with handsomely designed shields , bearing the monograms of the various donors to the decorations of the new hall , which gives an elegant effect and finish to this beautifully arranged room .

At the AVestern end is Avhat may be termed the organ gallery . " In front of this is a handsome ornamental cast iron balustrade in purple and gold , which renders it most effective when viewed from the opposite end of the room . This is supported by a massive base moulding , above which , at the sides , are heavy ornamental trusses in plaster , of appropriate design . In the centre of the gallery stands the organ , built expressly for the hall b y Bro . George Green , of St . Peter ' s-street , and is the

generous gift of one of its chief promoters . It contains seven stops— -principal , open diapason , stop diapason , claribella , dulciana , fifteenth , and Bourdon . The range will be from double C to F ; li octaA'e Bourdon pipes ; 16 ft . tone . A neat Avainscot case encloses the whole . The front presents a very imposing appearance . The pipes , Avhich are gilt , are studded Avith Masonic emblems in crimson , blue , and gold ; the work of Mr . Day , of Northgate-street . The tone is very fine and

powerful , and the instrument is pronounced by Messrs . Norman and Lindley Nunn to be tha best and most perfect ever builfc by Mr . Green . In the centre of the western arch is the gilt figure of an angle ! , holding a white scroll , on which is inscribed the words , "" 0 ! First and sole Foundation . " Under the organ gallery is a handsome clock , also a gift of one of the brethren . On tbe south Avail of the room is a memorial tablet of Sienna marble , in the form of a shield , designed bv Bro . J . Chinnock ,

of the firm of Tovell , Chinnock , and Co . It bears tlie following inscription : — " This Masonic Hall was erected by the members of Lodge Prince of AA ' ales ( So . 959 ) , Ipswich . Foundation stone laid May 1 , 1865 . Building finished and consecrated Januarv 22 , 1866 . " Directly opposite the stone is a handsome massive French red marble chimney piece , with a keystone of pure Carrara marble ,

bearing the crest of tlie donor . Tlie carpet , which shows much good taste in selection , is of crimson and black , of fleur de lis pattern , and the chairs , which are elegant in design , are of first class workmanship and material . They are of solid mahogany , covered with crimson Utrecht velvet . At the back , wrought in the framework , is cleverly introduced the square and compasses . Under the apse is placed a panelled oak chair , with twisted columns . At the

back is a Masonic Prince of Wales plume , in gold , with a ribbon of blue beneath . Above the crown of fche chair are gilt Masonic emblems , cleverly devised . On either side of the centre seat are two beautiful chairs of the Louis Quatorz style , covered with crimson Utrecht velvet , the ivoodwork being of white and gold . At the back of each is a Prince of AVales plume in gold . The contrast of colour is exceedingly appropriate . The style of both carpets and chairs give a handsome finish to the room . The whole of tbe upholstery has been supplied by Bro . Joseph AVilliams , of Market-street , Ipswich , and we cannot speak in too

high terms of the manner in which he has carried out the important task assigned to him , showing great good taste and careful selection . The whole of the Masonis emblems and many of the floral devices in the lodge room and entrance hall were designed by Bro . C . T . Townsend . The plaster mouldings , ornamental decorations , and . vork in Parian cement have been ably carried out by Mr . William Adkinsof Torry-streetNorwich . AVe

, , cannot speak too highly of Mr . Adkin as an artistic ancl skilful modeller in plaster . He possesses excellent taste , and no better specimens of decorative work can be found than those he executed for tbe lodge room of the New Masonic Hall . The door furniture of lodge room ancl banqueting room is of amber coloured cut glass inside , and ebony outside . This style applies to all the principal doors in the building .

A handsome brass tablet will cover the foundation stone , which bears tbe following inscription : — " Foundation stone laid 1 st May , 1865 , by Bro . John Head P . ; Prov . J . G . AV ., and the first W . M . of the Lodge Prince of AA'ales . " A very beautifully engraved plume heads the tablet , having on either side No . " 595 . There are two doors at the western end of the loclge roomone culled the principal entrance and the other leading to what is termed the ante room , Avhich ivill be used exclusively for Misonic purposes . This room , which is tastefully arranged ,

is 14 ft . long , 13 ft . wide , and 10 ft . high , and has a door communicating with the entrance hall . The next room in order on the lower floor is the robing room , which is on the immediate left of the grand entrance . This apartment is most commodious for the purpose for which ifc is intended , and is tastefully arranged . It is 12 ffc . long , by 14 ft . Gin . Avide , and 10 ft . in height . Adjoining this is a Steward ' s closet , 14-J-ft . long , 4 iffc . wide , and 10 ft . in height .

This is conA'eniently situate nearly opposite the banqueting room . The staircase leading from the entrance hall is covered with Brussels carpet of gold and blue , v / ith Jteur de lis in centre , and the landings with Kamptulicon of the Mosaic pattern , with Maltese cross enclosed within a square . The stairs are supported by a handsome ornamental iron balustrade , ivith mahogany band rail . Afc fche top of the flight of stairs we

come to the committee room . This is probably one of the most valuable rooms in the whole building , being admirably adapted for holding lodges of instruction , committee meetings , & c . Ifc is 22 ft . long , 17 ft . wide , and lift , high , is well lighted by tliree windows next the church passage , ancl fitted also with patent sunlight . The ceiling is coved , and the quiet , simple moulding of ivhite and gold gives it a very pretty effect . The carpet , paper , and furniture are quite in keeping with the rest of the decorations .

It will be seen that the true Masonic colours—crimson , purple , and sky blue—have been observed in all the decorations throughout tbe building . Near the committee room is the entrance to the organ loft . Descending again to the ground floor , we must not omit to mention the staircase hall , which is 14 ft . 6 in . long , 6 ft . wide , and 10 ft . high . At the end of this we come to the spacious kitchen , fitted up with patent range , steam and hot water

apparatus , and every appliance for cooking , arranged under the direction of Bro . Peekham , of Lewishain . This apartment is 14 ft . long , 17 ft . wide , and 10 ft . high . It is ivell lighted and ventilated . Attached are the scullery , officer , & c .

Beneath the floor are good roomy beer , wine , and coal cellars . The Tyler ' s or hall keeper ' s residence is most convenient ancl well arranged . It contains five rooms 12 ft . square , and has a very pretty entrance porch , 10 ft . high . The house fronts the churchyard , ancl is exceedingly well lighted and ventilated . The whole is enclosed with neat iron railing , having an entrance next the church lane , near which a standard lamp has been placed , which lig hts the passage down to Brookstreet .

The work has been most efficiently and satisfactorily carried out by Bro . J . A . Pettit , the builder , and the stonework , floors , & c , by Bro . Chinnock , of the firm of Tovell , Chinnock , and Co ., who has also most efficiently performed the important duties of clerk of the works . The sunlights , gas standards , glazing , painting , & c , were entrusted to Bro . Lucas , of Orwell-place , who has carried out his work in a most satisfactory manner .