Provincial.

Bro . AV . A . CLARK , in responding , made some interesting remarks on the decadence ancl the resuscitation of the lodge . He believed Freemasonry had the principle of vitality in itselfthat it never died ; that it mig ht be depressed , but would be sure to rise again . Bro . JAITES CLASS , in acknowledging the compliment as the Secretary , said that the success which hacl attended the lodgo since its removal from Tiverton hacl ly repaid him for his

amp trouble , that he must have been insensible to kindly feeling if lie did not deeply appreciate the kind maimer in which he had been received by the brethren then present , as well as on all other occasions . He also desired to express his very great obligation to the E . AV . D . Prov . G . M . for the very flattering manner in which he had introduced his name . He hoped that the time would soon arrive ween he should not have to call our Eev . Bro .

Deputy , but the Grand Master of this province . He was sure that if the democratic principle were applied to this question , not only would there be a tremendous majority of votes recorded in Bro . Huyshe's favour , but that throughout the whole county of Devon there would not be one brother who would not most readily put him at the head of the province , so mild and conciliatory hacl been his rule for a period of twelve years . He

( Bro . Clase ) would venture to predict that if it should please the Grand Master to make the appointment , the meeting for installing Bro . Huyshe as Prov . G . M . would be the largest ever assembled in Devon for Masonic purposes . The mention of Bro . Huyshe as the possible future G . M . of the province was so heartily received by the applause of the brethren that it was some minutes before Bro . Clase was enabled

to proceed with his speech . The AV . MASTEB proposed "The Sister Lodges ofthe Three Towns , " which was acknowledged in an able speech Bro . Harfoot , AV . M . of St . John ' s ( No . 83 ) . Bro . Captain A . EIDGEWAY , in responding to the toast of " The Strangers , " dwelt more particularly on the universality of Freemasonry , and its adaptability for promoting the best interests of mankind .

After Bro . C . J . Laidman had very happily acknowledged the honour done to the wives ancl sweethearts of Freemasons , the usual " sympathetic toast" brought to a close the united banquet of Lodge Fidelity , the H . E . A :, P . G . Chapter , and the Prov . Grand Lodge of Mark Masters , which will be long remembered by many Freemasons as a most interesting ancl happy meeting . During the evening , in a most effective speech , the E . AV . D Prov . G . M ., at the request of fche subscribers to a testimonial to

Bro . J . Eogers , P . Z . and P . M . of Lodge Friendship , for his zeal in promoting the welfare of the order , presented that brother with a P . Z . jewel as a recognition of his valuable services . Bro . EOGERS , in a few remarks , expressed his deep sense of the kindness of his brethren . Bro . Harfoot , 78 , Union-street , Plymouth , and Bro . James Clase , 18 Fore-street , Devonport , will be happy to receive subscriptions for the benefit of Bro . Eogers , who is in delicate health , to be applied in such a manner as a committee , duly appointed , shall decide to be most conformable to the necessities of that brother .

In the course of the proceedings the brethren had the rich treat of hearing Br . -James Eowe in one of his excellent songs , ancl Br . Eodda ' s Cornish Stones were inimitable , and added much to the hilarity of the evening . HAMPSHIRE . WINCHESTER . —Lodge of Economy ( No . 90 . )—Tho monthl

y meeting of this lodge took place on AVednesday evening , March : 26 th , when there was a good attendance of the brethren , the W . M ., A . Smith , B . A . , presiding . Some preliminary business having been arranged , the brethren proceeded to ballot for a candidate for initiation , namely Mr . AAllson Fisher , a Professor of Mathematics at the AA'inchester Garrison . That gentleman having been duly ancl unanimously elected , he was properly

prepared , admitted , ami initiated as a Freemason , the ceremony being performed by the AV . M . in a very perfect manner ; the working tools being explained by Bro . Hasleham , P . M ., and the initiation charge given by Bro . S . Adamson , S . D . On the question being put by the AA ' . M ., " has any brother anything to propose for the good of Freemasonry ? " Bro . SHERRY , P . M ., rose and said : AV . Master , by the contributions of some of the brethren of the lodge , and the assistance of the lodge charity box , I have been enabled to pay , through Bros . Hayward and Stebbing , the Hampshire Stewards this year , for the Boys '

School Festival , the sum of ten guineas , which will entitle No . 00 to another life governorship . I had the pleasure of accompanying Bros . Hayward aud Stebbing to the Festival , and I am happy to report that the result was very satisfactory , both as to the numbers of brethren who attendee ! , and the amount subscribed , but as to the comfort ol the brethren present , I must say that it was anything hut what it ought to be ; . the crowded state of the Masonic hall was fearful , and I hope that before the

festival of next year , the Board of General Purposes will think it right , in their wisdom , to recommend to Grand Lodge a plan for building a much larger room , ancl improving the present Tavern property so as to make it worthy of the Craft . They ought to hear in mind that the Masonic body has been for some years past very rapidly increasing , and has outgrown the present accommodation . Whilst on this topic , I trust the AV . M . will allow me to say that I should also like to see a plan adopted by

the Board thafc may enable the Provincial ( when in town ) and the London brethren to meet together by means of reading and refreshment rooms at the Tavern . I believe that immensegood would result to the Craft if a daily intercourse of this kind could be established . I have a great objection to money belonging to the Craft being spent , but I think in this ease it would prove a very profitable investment . I must congratulate Bro . B ' mckes , the Secretary to the Boys' School , on the result

of his able ancl indefatigable exertions , which produced , I believe , the largest sum ever subscribed—over £ 3500 , which he has been principally instrumental in collecting . I think Bro . Binckes deserves the thanks of the Craft for his exertions , ancl also for the comprehensive pamphlet he has so punctually and promptly prepared ancl circulated with the report . By this publication I have been reminded that I neglected topiay my annual

subscription last year , ancl it may surprise some of the brethren to hear that the lodge subscription is in the same plight , ancl I have no doubt that many others may have unintentionally been guilty of the same omission . Attached to this pamphlet are the rules of the Institution , and I wish to call the attention of the brethren to Eules 51 and 52 , not yet confirmed by the Quarterly General Committee -. — " Rule 51 . Auy person may place a properly qualified child in the Institution , provided such child can be conveniently admitted , upon payment in one sum , of one

hundred and twenty guineas , without voting in respect of any part thereof . " Rule 52 . " Anyperson subscribing two hundred andfifty guineas , in one payment , and without voting in respect of any part thereof , shall be entitled during liis or her life , to keep one properly qualified child in the Institution . " I consider these rules will open the road to abuse ; and if allowed to stand , may at some future time , materially alter the object for which the institution was founded , in charity . I think , if sufficient means

could be made available for an extra building , as an auxiliary to the present school for tho sons of Freemasons , who have the means of paying such sums as those named in these rules , together with a small annual subscription for each boy , sufficient provision could be made for their education , under the present staff , with the addition of extra assistants . By these means the cost of their maintenance , clothing , & c , would be very moderate , whilst they would be well cared for , and receive an

education to fit them for whatever situation they may be called on to fill . Bnt I certainly must protest against any of our present means being applied to such purposes as proposed . I think such a school as I have named , ought to be made to answer , and help to benefit the boys on the foundation . I have merely thrown out these suggestions with a view to call attention to them if they are worth anything ; if not , I hope to be forgiven for occupying so much of your time . I beg to thank you

, AV . M ., forgiving me this opportunity of bringing these matters under the notice of the brethren of No . 90 . —Bro . HASLEHAII , P . M ., thought the thanks of the brethren were due to Bro . Sherry for his clear and able statement . He accorded entirely with him , and thought the AV . M . should be deputed to represent the opinions of the lodge upon the matter at the next Quarterly Court . He considered the evils pointed out by

Bro . Sherry to be very serious , and calculated , if not checked early , to subvert the original intentions of the founders , do harm to the institution , and allowing the privileges to fall into the hands of a few , destroy the practice of charity . — Bro . BIGGS , P . M ., recognised the inroads open to be made on the charity ; this was not the first time there had been encroachments attempted upon charities . There was scarcely a public school of ancient date in this country , but had in some way or other suffered . King Edward ' s School , in London , commonly called Christchurch , and also the College of Win-