Provincial Lodges.

Song , "The Chough and Crow , so well sung as to elicit an enthusiastic encore . Br . Antrobus rose , and having called for bumpers , said he had the unfortunate privilege , in consequence of the absence of the D . P . G . M ., of proposing the next toast . It was one he gave with considerable regret , because it was a prelude to requesting the absence of the ladies , before entering upon their own more secret proceedings . ( Cheers and laughter ) . The brethren seemed to laugh , as if they thought there was any anxiety anywhere to discover what were the secrets of Freemasonry .

If any such desire should be manifested , the brethren would take care to hide them within tlie deep recesses of their own breasts . ( Cheers ) . However , whether they had secrets or not , he begged to give " The health of the Ladies , " and to add to that toast the name of the Viscountess Combermere —( tremendous cheering)— -a lady who honoured them that morning by being present at the church—an exceedingly good Mason , and who ought to be made one , if any lady could be admitted into the Order . ( Applause ) . He had had the honour of having her ladyshion a visit at his

p house during the last few days , and it was only the day previous that he heard her speak in the highest terms of commendation of the Craft as a bond which linked people of all sorts together in amity and good fellowship . The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm .

Song , " I ' m a Merry , Laughing Girl , by Miss Shand—encored . Lord Combermere returned his warmest thanks for the honour conferred upon his lady . He could assure the brethren that Lady Combermere wished well to Masonry , and if it were possible for ladies to become Masons , she would be one , but as it was , she had done all in her power to promote the good of Masonry in general , and of that province in particular . The uninitiated having retired , the following Masonic toasts were drunk with

Masonic honours -. — "The Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M . " Glee and chorus , " Hail to the Craft . " The P . G . C , Br . Tanner , gave "The health of the P . G . M ., whom he justly described as one of the best of Masons , and best of men . Masonry ought to think itself highly favoured in having one so excellent to preside over its proceedings—a nobleman whom to know was to love . The toast was drunk with a warmth and

¦ enthusiasm which showed how much the noble lord lives in the hearts of his brethren . His lordship , in responding , said , as long as it pleased the G . A . of the U . to give him health and strength , he should always feel it a pleasure to attend the P . G . L . He expressed his satisfaction at the proceedings of the clay , and trusted to have the honour of meeting all of them next year at Egremont . ( Loud cheers ) .

SONG—By Br . Pearsall . Here ' s a health unto Lord Combermere . AVith a fal , la , la , Who never knew the name of fear , With a fal , la , la , And he that will not drink this health , I'll wish him neither joy nor wealth ; But a good strong rope , to hang himself , With a fal , la , la .

To his Lady fill the glass again , With a fal , la , la , And let us all the goblet drain , ' With a fal , la , la , And he that will not drink this toast , With right good will—why clear the coast ; And bear him to the whipping post , With a fal , la , la .