Provincial.

social distinction . The announcement was unanimously received by the brethren , and there is every prospect of thorough success . Bro . H . B . White , P . M ., proposed , Bro . Joseph Maxfield , P . M ., seconded , and it was unanimously resolved , that the Prov . G . Master be presented with a centenary jewel . After a variety of other business had been transacted , the lodge was closed according to ancient custom in perfect love and harmony .

MONMOUTHSHIRE . NEWPORT . —Lsca Lodge ( No . 633 ) . — -At the meeting of this lodge held on AVednesday , Sept . 20 th , Bro . John Middleton , W . M ., in the chair , ten gentlemen from the Tredegar Ironworks were proposed as candidates for initiation . We understand if they are approved , the whole will he initiated at the next lodge on the 3 rd Wednesday iu October , a special dispensation having been granted for that purpose . We hear a new lodgo will be forthwith opened at Tredegar , every preparatory matter being arranged . AVe wish them God speed .

WARWICKSHIRE . LATINO THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW MASONIC HALL , BIRMINGHAM . On AVednesday afternoon , September 20 th , the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the New Masonic Hall and Club Buildings , in New-street , was performed by Lord Leigh , the R . W . Prov . G . M . in the presence of a large concourse of

breth-, ren and ladies . The brethren assembled at the Masonic Rooms , Newhallstreet , at one o'clock , to receive the R . W . Prov . G . M ., who opened j , the Provincial Grand Lodge in due form . Amongst those present were— The Right Hon . and R . W . Bro . Lord Leigh , Prov . G . M . ; Bros . C . W . Elkington , D . Prov . G . M . ; J . H . Bedford , Prov . G . W . ; H . Weiss , Prov . G . W . ; Rev . W . B . Smith ,

Prov . G . Cli . ip . ; Rev . J . Stonehouse , Prov . G . Chap . ; J . Collins , Prov . G . Tvler ; 6 . Hudson , Prov . G . Reg . ; W . Ii . Briggs . Prov . G . Sec ; C . Read , Prov . S . G . D . ; J . Pursall , Prov . S . G . AV . ; J . J . Turner , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; G . Wyman , Prov . G . S . B . ; W . L . Harrison , Prov . G . Org . ; J . Isaacs , Prov . G . Assist . Sec . ; F . D . Johnson , Prov . G . Assist . Purst ., and other officers of tho Provincial Grand Lodge ; Bro . Harvey , Prov . G . M .

Staffordshire ; Bros . W . H . Sprotson , W . M . 43 ; A . S . Blankensee , J . W . 43 ; and AV . Stillman , P . M ., Sec . 43 ; Bros . W . J . Walters , W . M . 74 ; M . Smart , S . W . 74 ; J . Bowker , J . W . 74 ; and C . J . Penn , T . 74 ; Bros . G . Beech , W . M . 473 ; W . C . M'Entee , J . W . 473 ; D . Malins , jun ., Org . 473 ; Bros . J . A . Best , Prov . G . S-B . and AV . M . 739 ; J . Muggridge , P . M . 739 ; J . Stubbin , S . AV . 739 ; Bros . Lieut .-Col . Mason , P . M . 887 ; the Rev . . 1 . Ray , Chap . 887 ; and Captain M'Innis , 887 ; Bros . E . Worrall , AV . M . 925 ; F . D .

Johnson , P . Jf . 925 ; M . 0 . Suffield , S . W . 925 ; C . Pembrook , J . W . 925 ; and Rev . H . G . Layton , Chap . 925 ; Bro . A . M'Cracken , AV . M . 101 G ; Bros . T . Partridge , W . M . 1031 ; T . D . Miller , J . D . 1031 ; AV . W . Rose , Assist . Sec . 1031 ; and P . F . Cuisset , Org . & e . After the formal business had been gone through , a procession was formed , which marched to the Town-hall , where the invited guests fell in .

On two sides of the open space platforms were erected , on which there were about 500 ladies ; the floor of the open space being reserved for the brethren , and those who were to take part in the ceremony . There were in all upwards of 1 , 100 people present ; and the effect produced by the gay dresses of the . ladies and the regalia of the brethren was most picturesque . In addition to those already named , there wore present at tbe

ceremony the Mayor ( Mr . H . AViggin ) , Dr . Miller , Dr . Badham , and many others . After the brethren had all fallen in to their appointed places , prayers were offered bv the Rev . F . Stonehouse , Prov . G . Chap ., and Bro . J . Ray , P . Prov . G . Chap , ( lecturer of St . Phillips ) . Bro . Charles AV . Elkington , D . Prov . G . M ., and Chairman of Directorsthen presented the inscrition and ies of the

, p cop proceedings to the Provincial Grand Master . Bro . AV . B . Briggs , Provincial Grand Secretary , read the following inscription , which was placed in a bottle , together with the reports and some coins of the present reign : — " Provincial Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of Warwickshire . At a special meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , held at the Masonic Rooms , Newhall-street , Birmingham , on AVednesday ,

the 20 th September , ISSo , in the 39 th year of the reign of her Gracious Majesty Queen A ictoria , this , the Foundation Stone of the buildings of the Masonic Hall and Club Company ( Limited ) , was laid in solemn form , and according to ancient usage by the Right Hon . William Henry Lord Leigh , Lord-Lieutenant and Right AVorshipful Grand Master of Warwickshire , assisted by the Worshipful Bro . Charles William Elkington , Past Grand Sword Bearer of EnglandDeputy Provincial

, Grand Master of Warwickshire ; the Worshipful Bro . J . H . Bedford , Senior Grand Warden ; the AVorshipful Bro . AV . H . AVeiss , Junior Grand Warden ; the Worshipful Bro . W . Bramwell Smith , and the Worshipful Bro . Frederick Stonehouse , Grand Chaplains ; and in the presence of a numerous body of Grand Officers , Past Grand Officers , and brethren . " Then followed a list of the officers and directors of the company . The

bottle was then placed in a cavity of the stone by Bro . James T . Collins , Provincial Grand Treasurer . Mr . Holmes , the architect , next presented to Lord Leigh a silver trowel , bearing the following inscription : — " Presented to the Right Worshipful Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Leigh , Prov . G . M . of Warwickshire , on his laying the foundation stone of the Masonic Hall , at BirminghamSeptember 20 thA . I . 5865 A . D . 1865 . " On the

, , , reverse was his Lordship ' s crest . The trowel , which was furnished by Messrs . Elkington and , Mason , was the gift of the Directors . Lord Leigh then smoothed the mortar below thestone . The workmen lowered the stone into its place , whilst an anthem was sung , commencing

Let our theme of praise ascending , Blent in music ' s lofty strain ; the band accompanying the singers , who were conducted by Bro . Stockley . The PROV . G . MASTEK having applied the rule , level , and square in the usual manner , then said : I pronounce this stone well and truly laid . May the Great Architect of the Universe

prosper this and all our good and healthful undertakings , and may he bestow upon us the blessings of love , peace , harmony , and plenty . So mote it be . Wine , oil , and corn were then poured on the stone , aud his lordship having mounted ifc , said : Mr . Mayor , ladies , and gentlemen , ifc is not my intention to detain you with many observations , but I should wish simply to explain that through Masons having flourished so much in

this province , it was necessary to raise a building in order to accommodate the Masons of this town ; consequently a few Masons of Birmingham assembled together , and formed themselves into a company to build a Masonic hall , a drawing of which is exhibited ; and I only hope and trust that the town will consider that the architecture may be an addition to the numerous buildings not only raised by Masons in this town , but throughout the country , of which a splendid illustration may he found in the magnificent Cathedral of St . Paul ' s , London , and

many other most splendid buildings throughout England . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . W . BRAMWELL SMITH , Prov . G . Chap ., then delivered an appropriate and beautiful oration . ( Tlie oration will be given in our next . ) The National Anthem was then played , after which the Mayor mounted the stone , and after congratulating his fellowtownsmen on the commencement of a building which Would be

an honour and an ornament to the town , called upon those present to give three cheers for Lord Leigh , which were given with considerable energy . Lord LEIGH thanked the Ma 3 'or for the compliment paid to him , which he said he should take as intended for the body he had the honour of being the head of in that province . Looking around him , he said the Masons always prided themselves on

being looked up to and liked by the ladies of Birmingham and Warwickshire ; and he always felt that the ladies were with them . He hoped that before he next att ° nded a meeting of a body in Birmingham the Mayor would be an initiated Mason . ( Laughter . ) He called upon all present to join him in giving three cheers for the ladies . ( Loud cheers . ) The procession was then re-formed , and walked to the Townhall to

THE LUNCHEON . About five hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down to a luncheon served in the Town Hall , while a number of others occupied seats in the galleries , from which they were able to observe the proceedings . The chair was occupied by Bro . C . W . Elkington , Deputy Provincial Grand Master of AVarwickshire ; and there were also seated at the cross table , Lord Leigh , Pro-