Scripture, but to the demonstration of their truth according to laws prescribed and immutable.

However distasteful and worldly it may be to speak of money in connexion with things sacred, yet the two seem inseparably blended. In the early ages of Christianity it was not so, but civilization has changed all that, for in these latter days churches and money have intermarried; some are poor, others rich. Even the Masonic Temples are not entered without money, and so convinced was Bro. Oliver that a mercenary spirit profaned the Temple, that he did not hesitate, in a letter to Bro. Melville, to accuse Bro. Whyte of such profanation.

Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear brethren say that they have paid fee after fee into the Masonic treasury for degrees which only conferred empty badges and titles without knowledge of any kind; while some have even vainly regretted the money thus spent because they were all the poorer and none the wiser.

There are, however, many gratifying proofs that brethren do here and there glean sheaves of knowledge by devoting attention to studies appertaining to the Craft-the contributions to Magazine of Bro. Haye being more than ordinarily interesting and instructive. It is brethren of his acquirements who must be attracted by Bro. Melville's re-discoveries, seeing that they lead to important consequences, namely, the revival of the ancient religion of Free

masonry.

As churches are everywhere made sources of emolument, the rehabilitation of the Masonic church would fill her exchequer to overflowing.

The readers of the Magazine are indebted to it for publishing the papers on "Masonic Celestial Mysteries," which, so far as they have gone, appear intended to show the extent, the variety, the nature of the knowledge embraced by the science of the ancient mysteries.

A correspondent of the Magazine complains that the papers are beyond his comprehension, when he might so easily satisfy himself that the mysteries are inexplicable caligraphically, and are alone made comprehensible by the use of the symbols. Another correspondent sneeringly pre-supposes that the rediscoveries are the high road to knowledge. He, however, is nearer the truth than he unwittingly imagines, for the science of the mysteries is not only fractionally minute, but most comprehensive, reaching from earth to heaven, and, therefore, requires, both patience and earnest meditation to learn and properly digest.

Tell

It is thinking, rather than reading men who, in most instances, bear off the palm. It is they who mould the opinions of the unthinking masses. me, says the sage, "what your profoundest thinkers, in this generation, are doing or writing, and I will tell you what will be the character of the next generation."

Lord Macaulay would not have ventured to sketch the picture of the New Zealander contemplating the ruins of London, at some period in the womb of futurity, without more scientific meditation than meets

the eye.

It is the varied nature of the mystic science that enabled Bro. Melville to discover that the Assyrian marble in the British Museum did not represent "the

interior of a castle," as the author of Nineveh erroneously supposed, but an astrolabe" of great value; thus has he rendered essential service to astronomy and Freemasonry; and that has also enabled him to discover that the Mosaic chronology of the world is not earthly, but heavenly; thus has he again not only rendered good service to the science of geology but to the civilized world.

Yet, in the face of these facts, testifying to Bro. Melville's extensive and valuable researches, there are writers in the Magazine who pooh-pooh his Masonic papers, because they do not reveal the meaning of the "points," which, by-the-bye, the Craft are forbidden to do, and because the sash comparison between the Royal Arch Companions and Knights of the Bath is not faultless.

The opponents of these papers seem altogether to ignore that their author has re-discovered the ancient science of the Craft-a science that is demonstrable like any inferior science-and that he moreover, in an open, strightforward manner has offered, through the Magazine, to demonstrate its truth to any who may earnestly desire to witness the modus operandi. Let those, therefore, among his opponents either accept his offer, or else proceed to prove the falsity of the Grand Registrar's certificate, published in the Magazine, and then let them disprove, if they can, the facts before mentioned; when these feats are performed they will be entitled to the congratulations of all who prefer the "interior of a castle" to an "astrolabe," who prefer that the "ceremonies" should be earthly rather than heavenly, and who will not believe that the savant Moses was an astronomer and viewed creation by the light of that science.

When one writer abuses another, it is either from poverty of intellect or of incapability of valid argument. Thus it is with a correspondent in the Magazine, who, writing from Dublin, abuses Bro. Melville's papers and those of another brother, instead of endeavouring to refute their contents by conclusive reasoning. The letter revives the recollection of the circulars issued, some three or four years ago, by the Grand Lodge, Dublin, to branch lodges in Australia, forbidding their members to fraternize with Bro. Melville on the subject of his re-discoveries. Thus did the Grand Lodge, magnanimously essay, not only to stifle inquiry into the truth of the re-discoveries, but absolutely repudiated them without first testing their merits! Oh, most righteous circular! most just and equitable Grand Lodge!

Oh,

To revert to the Assyrian marble :-its history is not unlike that of many chef d'œuvres of painters and sculptors which chance to fall into the hands of mere collectors, who, ignorant of their value, part with them for some comparative trifle to the connoisseur, whose superior. knowledge has its reward in the scientific or art treasure of which he has thus become the fortunate possessor.

Bro. Melville stands in the position of the connoisseur, for he has not only taught the nation the value of the Assyrian relique, but has taught it that the Mosaic chronology of creation is of celestial derivation. These discoveries are alone the passport to immortal honour, and it is to be hoped they will have their reward. For the nation, to her glory be it said, annually confers rewards on the learned for literary or scientific services rendered to society, and

On and after the present issue, the price of the MAGAZINE is reduced to THREEPENCE.

It is now nine years since the quarto series of the MAGAZINE was commenced, and it has ever since continued to be published at sixpence weekly.

For a considerable time past it has been in contemplation to reduce the price of this MAGAZINE; and it is now many months since the intentions of the then proprietor were made known by announcements in the advertising columns that a permanent reduction in price would be made as soon as the necessary arrangements for that purpose could be completed, and a fitting opportunity occurred.

It is now our pleasing duty to announce to our subscribers and friends the promised reduction; and also that various improvements will be introduced into the MAGAZINE itself. In so doing we must of course look to a greatly extended support from the members of the Craft for that reward, which we are assured by a very large circle of friends and supporters, such a step as that about to be taken will be sure to meet with; still it is only by the active and energetic support of our friends that such a venture can be made to succeed-more particularly in the case of a class journal—and by a greatly increased sale to cover the weekly cost of production.

The proposed reduction of the postage rates on newspapers, bas been for some time past looked forward to as affording an opportunity for expecting the reduction in price of the MAGAZINE; and it is believed that long before our next half-yearly volume is completed, the anticipated reduction on the newspaper postage rates will be successfully introduced by the Post Office Authorities. And therefore the approaching commencement of a new volume has, under these circumstances, been considered an appropriate occasion for carrying out the long contemplated and previously announced intention, to reduce the sum of the MAGAZINE to THREEPENCE.

Whilst thanking the numerous subscribers and the zealous friends and supporters of the MAGAZINE for their past aid and labour on our behalf, we trust still to secure their hearty cooperation, so that, by their recommendations and otherwise, amongst the members of the Masonic Order, they may assist us in so expanding the area of its usefulness and by greatlyincreasing the number of its readers, thus give it still greater power and influence as the well-tried organ of the Craft at large.

MASONIC MEMS,

UNIVERSAL MASONIC CALENDAR FOR 1869.-A few remaining copies of the second edition are for sale at a reduction of 25 per

cent.

THE British Association will meet at Exeter, on the 8th August, on which occasion we trust that those members belonging to the ancient Craft will meet with a Masonic reception.

IT has been proposed by some of the Dutch lodges to hold an International meeting of Freemasons during the period of the Netherlands Exhibition. The meeting to take place either at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, in the month of September next. Further particulars are promised, which we shall publish.

PROVINCE OF KENT.-The Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at the Head Quarters of the Volunteer Artillery, at Brompton, on Wednesday, the 14th inst,, at twelve o'clock precisely. We understand that the following propositions will be brought forward :—That a grant from the Prov. G. Lodge fund of 20 guineas be made to the Zetland Commemoration, 50 guineas to the Old Men's Asylum, 40 guineas to the Girls' School, and 60 guineas to the Boys' School; the two latter amounts to be taken from the Provincial Charity Fund.

THE HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, by Bro. A. 0; Haye, was brought to a conclusion in our last number. As a faithful and impartial record of the rise and fall of this Order it is worthy a place on the bookshelf of every reader of history, AT the last meeting of the Board of Grand Stewards, handsome 18-carat gold Past Grand Steward's jewels were presented to the President, Bro. J. E. Ebenezer Saunders; Treasurer, Bro. William J. Vian; and to the Secretary, Bro. John B. Monckton. These were manufactured by Bro. Joseph J. Caney, Cheapside, and reflect great credit on him as being both tasteful and elegant. At the Crescent Lodge (No. 788), last week, a gold P.M.'s jewel was presented to Bro. W. H. Thompson. In this case the old style was departed from, and a new pattern usedone giving more scope for artistic work.

As Bro. William Smith, C.E., was returning home from the meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence, at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen-street, last Wednesday week, he was violently assaulted, and a very valuable gold, dead-beat, centre-seconds, stop-watch, together with a massive gold albert chain, seal, and appendages, were forcibly wrested from his person whilst he was passing along the west side of Drury Lane, and opposite to Turner's Court, where a gang of thieves was posted. The property, which was worth fifty guineas, has not been recovered.

METROPOLITAN.

DOMATIC LODGE (No. 177).-An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Friday evening, the 25th ult., at Anderton's Hotel, Flect-street. Bro. R. Tanner, W.M., presided, and he was supported by his officers and several P.M.'s. The first business of the evening was to raise Bro. Legg to the sublime degree of M.M., which was well done by the W.M., and in a most impressive manner. This was followed by passing Bro. Harsell to the second degree, which was done in a faultless style. The lodge having been resumed to the first degree, a discussion took place as to the summer festival, which, having been disposed of, the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned for refreshment. On the withdrawal of the cloth, the duly honoured. Bro. Smith, P.M. & Treas., in very compli W.M. gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts, and they were all mentary terms proposed "The health of Bro. Tanuer, W.M.,” and alluded to the excellent way in which he discharged the duties in the chair, the great hospitality they enjoyed under his rule, and, at the same time, the great care he took of the expen

diture of the funds, so that the lodge should always be in a satisfactory condition. The toast was very cordially responded to. The W.M., in reply, thanked the brethren for the cordial manner in which they had drank his health, and assured them that he would do all in his power to secure the prosperity of the lodge. The health of the P.M.'s was then given, and Bro. Thompson took occasion to congratulate the lodge in having such a W.M. to preside over them, and it was a special pleasure to him as he had the privilege of initiating Bro. Tanner into Freemasonry. He had done good suit and service in the lodge, and, at the end of his year of office, he hoped the brethren would show it by some substantial mark of their appreciation of what he had done for them. "The Officers was the next toast, for which Bro. Foulger, S.W., returned thanks. Some ether toasts were given, and a very happy evening was spent by the brethren in the true spirit of Freemasonry.

PROVINCIAL.

DEVONSHIRE.

DEVONPORT.-St. Aubyn Lodge (No. 954).

The brethren of this lodge assembled at the Masonic Rooms, Moon-street. Morice-town, on the 21st ult., to instal the W.M. elect. Bro. James Hawton. The ceremony was ably performed by Bro. Chapple, P.M. The W.M. then invested the following brethren in office for the ensuing year :-Bros. Gudridge, I.P.M.; H. Smith, S.W.; M. Paul, J.W.; Vincent Bird, Treas.; Baxter, Sec.; Watson, S.D.; Flanagan. J.D.; Rickard, I.G.; Masters, Dir of Cers.; Pote, Creber, Thacker, and Roberts, Stewards; Rashbrook, Tyler. The lodge was closed, and the brethren adjourned to the Odd Fellows' Hall, Ker-street. The W.M. presided, and was supported on his right by Bros. Metham, D. Prov. G.M.; Elliot, Prov. G.S.W.; Radford, P. Prov. G.D.; Briggs, P. Prov. G.S.B.; and on the left by Bros. Gudridge, I.P.M.; Clemens, P.M.; Bird, P.M.; Chapple, P.M., P. Prov. G. Dir. of Cers.. and Murch, P. Prov. G. Org. There were also present Bros. Harris, W.M. No. 1,091; Foxwell, P.M., 1,071; Littleton, P.M., 1,091; Price, P.M., 202; and Welch, P.M., 202.

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given, and the musical portion of the programme was ably sustained by brethren of the lodge. Bro. Holt presided at the pianoforte.

The W.M. proposed the toast of the "Prince of Wales and the Craft," which was drank with the greatest enthusiasm.

Bro. Chapple, P.M., P. Prov. G. Dir. of Cers., then proposed the toast of "the Grand Master of England," observing that though they had not a personal acquaintance with the Grand Master, yet that his actions were of a character that all lodges might well be proud of him.

The W.M. then gave the next toast "the Prov. G.M., Rev. J. Huyshe, and D. Prov. G.M., Bro. L. P. Metham, and officers of Prov. G.L." Bros. Metham and Colonel Elliott, P.G.S.W., responded to the toast.

The D. Prov. G.M. then proposed the toast of the W.M., and observed that it was the toast of the evening, "the health of the W.M. then presiding," who would, doubtless preside on more important occasions during the coming year, when they were assembled together for the purpose of transacting the business connected with the lodge. For the good of the lodge he hoped the W.M. would have a happy and prosperous year; but to ensure that, the lodge must have a good Master, and in the choice made he believed the brethren had found one.

The W.M.. in acknowledging the compliment paid him, said he thanked the brethren for the high honour which had been conferred in electing him the W.M. of such a large and prosperous lodge. In the next place he would thank the D. Prov. G.M. for the way in which he had proposed the toast, and observed that it would be his study, aided by his P.M.'s and other officers, to conduct the lodge in a way as that it should be second to none in good order.

The next toast was "the Treasurer and other officers of the lodge." This was responded to by Bro. Vincent Bird, P.M. and Treas., who after acknowledging the many kind things the W.M. had said of him and the officers, proceeded to say that on some former occasions it had fallen to his lot to indicate the progress of Lodge St. Aubyn, he, therefore, aceepted the present position rather as a pleasure than a duty. He then said: Permit me,

Worshipful sir, to remark that as the glorious sun rising in the east and opening the day adds another line of shadow to those already on the dial plate of time, so does your rising in our Orient to-day mark another period in the history and existence of Lodge St, Aubyn. And this thought carries me back to the time when a few Masons met (and with perhaps more zeal than prudence or discretion) determined to establish this lodge. It would effect no good purpose even were I able to penetrate their motives, nor will I follow their mutations, suffice it to say one of their resolves has culminated to-day, namely, the entrance of the founders into the chair of King Solomon. In you Worshipful sir that point has been reachad. The will of the founders has been accomplished. Henceforth seniority may give place to merit, and the line of the constitutions followed without a breach of faith. You, Worshipful Master, may be regarded as the last of the Barons. They were the last of a fading dynasty; although you are the last of the founders you will have the high honour of conveying your authority to some one of the sons of Lodge St. Aubyn, who I trust will commence a long line of illustrious masters, whose termination will commence with eternity. Among our ancient Hebrew brethren the number seven was regarded as a sacred number. That same veneration has been transmitted to us. Three rule a lodge, five form a lodge, seven make it perfect or complete. You, Worshipful Sir, being the seventh Master of the lodge, I accept it as an augury for good, that, having passed round the six periods of our existence, we are about to enter a year, the labours of which I hope will make the lodge perfect in all its parts and honourable to its founders. Don't let me be mistaken in what I say about perfection; I don't expect angelic perfection in a human institution; but I do hope and expect the lodge will attain that perfection included in the triad-just, perfect, and regular. Look at our premises; can anything be desired to make it more complete for Masonic service? Look at our fittings and furniture; what more is wanted? Look at our workings; they have on many occasions been the subject of eulogistic praise; still, I think there is room for improvement. Lastly, look at our finances, they are rapidly approaching that diminishing point when the balance will be carried to the other side of the account, and Saint Aubyn shine, not with borrowed lustre, but with that charity which is the perfection of Masonry and without which all our professions are as sounding brass and as tinkling cymbals. Worshipful Master, on behalf of myself and brother officers, I promise you willing and perfect obedience in the coming year. Numerous other toasts followed and were appropriately responded to. The utmost harmony prevailed and a very pleasant evening was spent, and the brethren departed in peace, the lodge being closed at 11 p.m.

STOKE.-Huyshe Lodge (No. 1,099).-A meeting was held at the Huyshe Masonic Hall, Home Park, Stoke, on Monday, the 21st ult., to instal the W.M. elect Bro. John Brown. The ceremony was impressively performed by Bro. S. Willoughby, P.M., assisted by Bros. Chappie, Lose, and Austin, P.M.'s. After the installation the W.M. appointed as his officers Bros. S. Willoughby, I.P.M.; E. A. Davies, S. W.; E. Roseveare, J.W.; S. Chapple, P.M., P. Prov. Assist. Dir. of Cers., Treas.; W. H. W. Sargent, Sec.; W. H. Gilham, S.D.; A. Blackell, J.D.; J. Allen, I.G.; J. Lang, Dir. of Cers.; W. H. Shepherd, Stewd.; Jas. Rashbrook, Tyler. After the appointments a candidate was admitted into Freemasonry, and the lodge was closed.

TOTNES.-Pleiades Lodge (No. 710)-The monthly meeting was held at the Masonic Rooms on Thursday, the 24th ult., but the usual report is not supplied, the W.M. having placed his veto on the publication of the proceedings.

ESSEX.

COLCHESTER.-The Angel Lodge (No. 51).

The members of this old-established lodge celebrated the Festival of St. John the Baptist at their lodge-room, Cups Hotel, on Wednesday, the 23rd ult.

The lodge was opened at half-past two o'clock, Bro. Alfred Cobb, W.M., presiding. There were also present:-Bros. George Allen, W. Sprent, I. K. Pettitt, T. Bolton, Henry Sandford, W. Hickford, jun., J. E. Addis, J. Bosworth, P.M.; Č. O. G. Becker,. P.M.; Horace Darken, P.M.; R. Ellisdon, T. Hall, T. R. Quilter, W.M. elect; Greene, H. P. Lewis, H. Samuel, P. Hast, F. A. Cole, W. Griffin, J. Whitton, W. Slaney, members of the lodge. Visitors: Bros. W. Shury, P.M. 167; S. B. King, P.M. 376; James Franks, P.M. 376; J. H. Staddon, W.M. Perfect Friend

ship; Edward C. Tidd, P. Assist. G. Sec. Suffolk, 959; Newman, W.M. United Lodge, 697; G. H. Ray, S.W. 697, &c.

In

The lodge having been opened in the first degree, the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The next business was to instal the W.M. elect, Bro. T. R. Quilter, into the chair of K.S. The ceremony of installation was most ably and impressively performed by the retiring W.M., Bro. Alfred Cobb. deed, it is long since we have seen this imposing ceremony so well performed. Every sentence was perfectly uttered, and every word unfalteringly given, and the working tools and addresses pertaining to the three degrees given without a hitch of any kind. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the W.M. elect having been inducted into the chair, the following appointment and investiture of officers took place:-Bros. H. P. Lewis, S.W.; Henry Samuel, J.W.; P. Hast, S.D.; F. A. Cole, J.D.; W. Slaney, Treas.; G. K. R. Bowler, Sec.; W. Griffin, Dir of Cers. ; Allen and Boulton, Stewards; C. H. Sandford, I.G.; J. Whitton, Tyler.

After the various officers had taken their respective places in the lodge, Bro. Darken proposed that a P.M.'s jewel should be presented to Bro. Alfred Cobb, as a mark of the high appreciation in which his services on behalf of Masonry were held, and for the able and efficient manner in which he had discharged the duties of W.M. during the past year. The proposition was seconded by Bro. Shury and unanimously agreed to by the brethren.

Bro. J. L. Watts, having answered the necessary questions, was passed by the newly-installed Master to the degree of a F.C.

The lodge was then closed in due and solemn form. We cannot, however, refrain from saying that the admirable working of this lodge called forth from the visiting brethren the most unqualified expressions of admiration, not only of the ability shown by the Master, but of the manner in which the newly-appointed officers acquitted themselves.

At five o'clock the brethren, under the presidency of the W.M., sat down to a sumptuous banquet provided by the worthy host, Mr. Salter. On the removal of the cloth, the toasts usual among Masons were given, including "The Queen and the Craft," "The Prince of Wales," "The Earl of Zetland, G.M. of England," The D.G.M., the Earl de Grey and Ripon, and the rest of the Grand Officers," "The Prov. G. M. of Essex, Bro. R. J. Bagshaw, and the Past and Present Prov. G. Officers," to which the Prov. G.S.W., Bro. A. Cobb, suitably responded, acknowledging the compliment on their behalf.

Bro. Ellisden proposed "The Visitors," to which Bros. Franks, King, Newman, and Staddon responded.

Bro. Hall, P.M., gave "The health of the W.M., Bro. Quilter," which was most cordially received by the company. He said they could not but admire and appreciate the able manner in which Bro. Cobb had performed the duties of his office during the past year. He did not desire to make invidious distinctions, but he must say that, if there was one man more than another more worthy of succeeding to that office, it was their present much respected W.M. It afforded him very great pleasure to see they had accorded to their estimable I.P.M. the P.M.'s jewel. It was an honour he richly deserved, and he hoped he would live long to wear it.

The W.M., in acknowledging the compliment expressed his appreciation of the high honour they had that day conferred upon him by electing him to fill the W. M.'s chair. He should use his best endeavours to fulfil the Masonic duties which would be required of him to the best of his ability, and would study all he could to advance the interest and welfare of the Angel Lodge. He hoped all the support that could be given would be accorded to the Masonic Charities, which were in every way deserving of their consideration, as being amongst the especial objects of Masonry. His heart was god, in so far as Masonry was concerned and as far as regarded the working of the lodge, but he did not possess the ability that some brethren did; still his will was good, and he would endeavour conscientiously to perform his duty. He highly appreciated the kind and flattering manner in which they had received the toast of his health. The W.M. proposed "The Past Masters of the Angel Lodge," uniting with it the name of Bro. Cobb, who replied on behalf of the P.M.'s.

Next followed "The health of the Officers of the Angel Lodge," to which the various brethren who held office responded.

Bro. Becker gave "The health of the Secretary, Bro. Bowler," and expressed his great regret at his absence through the serious indisposition of his brother, but, though absent, he well knew

that his heart was with them that day. Let them, therefore, drink his health, and wish his family prosperity, health, and happiness.

Bro. Griffin proposed "The health of the Treasurer, Bro. Slaney."

Bro. Stephen B. King, P.M., gave "The Masonic Charities," which were, he said, worthy of the support of every Mason. The healths of Bro. Henry Greene and Watts were also given and acknowledged.

Bro. Griffin proposed the Tyler, Bro. Whitton, who had been 40 years a Mason.

Bro. Whitton briefly replied, and the interesting proceedings were brought to a close about ten o'clock.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

COLEFORD,--Royal Forest of Dean (No. 1,067).-A meeting of this lodge was held on the 22nd ult., for the transaction of business and to instal their W.M. for the ensuing year. The retiring W.M., Bro. F. Nash, Prov. G. Reg. Herefordshire, was presented by the lodge with a very chaste gold P.M.'s jewel, as a mark of the great respect in which he was held by the lodge, and as a testimony of their appreciation of the way in which he had filled the chair during the preceding twelve months. The jewel was manufactured by Bro. J. J. Caney, of 44, Cheapside, and is a very tasteful and artistic work.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZouсH.-Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge (No. 779). -The annual festival of this lodge took place on Tuesday, the 29th ult., the lodge being opened at the Town Hall, at three o'clock, by Bro. the Rev. S. Pyemont, D.D., Prov. S.G.W., the W.M., the following brethren also being present, viz., Bros. W. Kelly D. Prov. G.M.; H. E. Smith, J.P., P.M., and P. Prov. J.G.W.; G. F. Brown, P.M. and P. Prov. S.G.W.; S. Love, P.M. and P. Prov. S.G.D.; E. F. Mammatt, W.M. elect, and Prov. G. Reg.; Garnar, Faulkner, Blood, Johnson, Conner, and other members of the lodge. Amongst the visitors were Bros. J. E. Bindley and T. A. Jackson, Abbey Lodge (No. 624); R. Warner, P.M. Repose Lodge (No. 802); and Bros. Major Brewin, P. Prov. S.G.W., and Prov. G. Treas.: Pettifor, P. Prov. S.G.W.; Stretton, P. Prov. G. Reg.; Duff, P. Prov. J.G.D.; Buzzard, Prov. G. Steward; and Atwood, of the Leicester lodges. The lodge having been opened, the D. Prov. G.M. was saluted with the usual honours, and some preliminary business transacted, Bro. E. F. Mammatt was presented for the benefit of installation, and the W.M. proceeded to address him according to usage, after which assent was given to the ancient charges, and the O.B. as regards the government of the lodge. Aiter the lodge had been opened in the third degree, the D. Prov. G.M. assumed the gavel, and having declared a Board of Installed Masters duly constituted, he proceeded regularly to instal Bro. Mammatt in the chair of the lodge, after which he was duly saluted by the P.M.'s present. The brethren having been called in, it was announced to them that the W.M. had been duly installed, and they were called upon tɔ salute him. The address to the W.M. was given, and subsequently the ceremony was completed down to the first degree. The W.M. appointed the following as the officers, and invested them (with the exception of Earl Ferrers, who was prevented being present through illness):-Bros. Dr. Pyemont, I.P.M.; El Ferrers, S.W.; Garnar, J.W.; Faulkner, S.D.; Blood, J.D.; Johnson, I.G.; Conner, Tyler. In delivering the final charge the D. Prov. G.M. expressed the great pleasure he had (having ten years ago installed the late worthy and respected Br. Mammatt, as the first W.M. of the lodge), in attending on this occasion to assist in the installation of the present W.M., who, he doubted not, would prove a worthy successor of his excellent father. The ledge having been closed, the brethren adjourned to the Queen's Head Hotel, where the banquet was served in Bro. Love's usual style of excellence.

LEICESTER. John of Gaunt Lodge (No. 523).—The brethren of this lodge assembled to celebrate their annual festival on St. John's day, at the Freemasons' Hall, when, from the great esteem in which the W.M. elect, Bro. George Toller, jun., is held by the members of both the local ledges, the attendance was very numerous. All the officers, except the Chaplain, who is in France, and the Treasurer, whose absence was caused by illness, were in their places, and the following P.M.'s were present-W. Kelly, D. Prov. G.M; Goodyer, P. Prov. S.G.W. Major Brewin, P. Prov. S.G.W. and Treas.; Sheppard, P. Pr