Provincial Lodges.

Br . Colonel Vernon psoposed " The health of our gallant Allies , " and remarked that the Emperor of the French was a Mason . He expressed a hope that they should for a long series of years be bound in bonds of union with that most warlike and gallant nation , and that the recent visit of the Emperor and the Empress would serve to cement that union . After dilating on the indomitable courage of their noble ally , he begged them to pledge a bumper to him , and to express an earnest hope that the Great Architect of the Universe would long preserve a life which might truly be said

to be , under every circumstance , one of the most precious lives in Europe —( Loud cheers ) . Br . Mons . Baume responded to the toast , and remarked that it must be a proud reflection to both countries to see England and France taking part , side by side , in the war of civilization against barbarism . England was renowned as a commercial nation , but when the great principles of freedom were endangered , there was no nation who threw aside the scabbard more readily , or wielded the sword more nobly .

England and France were now united in that common object in protecting the weak against the strong , and to such an union Russia must succumb , for both countries were prepared to shed their best blood , and to spend their treasures , in defence of those principles of liberty upon which they had taken their stand , and were bent in carrying out . It was true that this must be attended by increased taxation , but he knew that neither the people of this country , nor of his own , would grudge what was necessary in order to uphold the liberties and secure the peace of Europe—( Much

cheering ) . Br . Randall proposed , in eloquent terms , " Success to the Masonic Charities , " and strongly urged the brethren to give the best practical illustration of Masonry by affording them all the support in their power . The brethren then withdrew to tea and coffee , which were served in the Council Chamber , after which the proceedings were brought to a close . MASONIC BALL—The Oxford Journal sayswe understand that the Freemasons

, of the Province of Oxford intend to give a grand ball on Tuesday the 19 th of June , at the Town Hall . The Earl of Derby is expected to honor it with his presence , and all the arrangements are matured . Sir H . Peyton , Bart ., the Earl of Lincoln , Capt . Bowyer , the Mayor of Oxford , J . Morrell , jun ., Esq ., Viscount Fordwich , Lord Garlies , and about 20 other brethren of rank and influence , have consented to act as stewards .

CHURCHILL LODGE , NUNEHAM ( No . 702 ) . —The Annual Meeting of this Lodge was held at the Harcourt Arms Inn , on Monday , May 7 th , when the AV . M . elect , Br . the Rev . J . Sidebotham , was installed by Br . J . Thorp , AV . M . of the Alfred City Lodge . After this ceremony the W . M . appointed the following to be his officers for the year : —Past-Master , Br . T . Toy ; Senior Warden , Br . Fraser ; Junior ditto , Br . Rev . T . Russell ; Chaplain , Br . Rev . J . G . AA ood ; Treasurer , Br . W . Gardiner-Secretary , Br . Joseph Plowman ; Senior Deacon , Br . G . Druce ; Junior ditto , Br ' . Master of the Ceremonies Cartwriht

Bigge ; , Br . g ; Inner Guard , Br . Vincent * Organist , Br . Gordon ; Stewards , Brs . Faber anel Hon . AV . J . Vernon ; Tylers , Brs ! Bull and Tipton . The following brethren were ballotted for , and elected joining members : —Brs . Strother , Robbins , Hutton , and J . Hurst . The following were proposed as joining members : —Brs . Hope , Bliss , Hayward , Dr . Elvy , and Coleridge . The brethren proceeded from labour to refreshment , and , under the auspices of the W . M ,, a very agreeable afternoon was spent . STAFFORDSHIRE .

SUTHERLAND LODGE , BURSLEM ( NO . 660 ) . —The brethren of this Lod ° -e celebrated the festival of St . John by a sumptuous banquet , at the George Hotel on AVednesday , May 9 . The office of president w * s ably filled by Br . C . T . Davenport , W . M ., supported by Br . W . H . AVright , of Hanley , Provincial Grand Chaplain , and other members of the Provincial Lodge . Br . AV . K . Harvey , P . M ., occupied the vice-ehair . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , the latter eliciting various replies from the brethren , and in some of them pleasing facts were stated as