Provincial Lodges.

however , their allegiance to the sovereign of their native land . They recognised fully the sentiment of one of England ' s ancient heroes , which had been immortalised by England's greatest poet" In peace there ' s nothing so becomes a man , As modest stillness ancl humanity . But when the blast of war blows iu our ears , Let us be tigers in our fierce deportment . " ( Cheers . )

Through the aggressions of the Emperor of Russia , this war had been forced upon . them , and right glad would they be when an honourable peace should be secured . They had not yet taken Sebastopol , but they had done something at Sweaborg which was indicative of their ultimate success , and there was that in the English character which would never let them give up , but they would persevere under all discouragements until it be destroyed . The best blood of Cambria had been shed in the course of the operations , and there was scarcely a high family in the country that had not

sustained severe losses . It was to be hoped that the sufferings of the last winter would not have to be repeated , but whether or not , the army and navy would stand firm , and do their duty . Let all I'resent then—remembering not only that they had many brethren in the Crimea , and in the Baltic and Black Seas , but that all men were brethren—join heartily in acknowledging their services by drinking the toast which he had been commanded to propose . ( Cheers ) . The toast was drank with . three times three . Br . Marriott proposed " Lady AVynn , of Wynnstay , Lady Combermere , Lady Corbett , and the other patronesses of the Order . " ( Cheers ) .

Responded to by the Rev . Br . Elliott . The R . AV . P . G . Master gave " The health of the Chaplains , Brs . Guise and Bentley . " . ( Masonic honours ) . Responded to by the Rev . Br . Jellicorse . " The visiting Brethren , " " The R . AV . G . Masters of Ireland and Scotland , " " The Masters and AVardens of Lodges , " responded to by the Rev . Br . James , of Ludlow ; "The Treasurer and Secretary , " responded to by Brs . White and Wigan ; " The Musical Brethrenand thanks to them for their services

, , " responded to by Br . Bloxham , V . AA ' . P . G . Registrar ; and "To all poor ancl distressed Masons throughout . the world , and speedy relief to them ; " having been drunk , The R , W . P . G . Master expressed the great pleasure he had in attending their meetings , and promised to be present at the consecration of their new Chapter . On the following day , for the satisfaction and enjoyment of the ladies , the brethren gave a pic-nic on the AVrekin , which was fashionably and numerously attended by the

gentler sex . A sumptuous repast was provided , and "the ladies" ancl " all friends round the AA " rekin" were enthusiastically toasted . There was a band of music also provided , and the merry dance was kept up on the green sward with great spirit till the shades of evening warned the party that it was time to retire . Tlie gallantry of the Masonic body was the theme of universal praise amongst the female portion of the community , and the brethren avowed their deep regret tiiat it was not in their jiower or that of any body of Masons to make such an innovation upon the ancient constitution of the Order as would admit females to a partici pation in then * mysteries . and privileges- The weather was delightful throughout the day .

SUFFOLK . AVednesday , 20 th Sept ., was a day long to be remembered in the history of Beccles , as being the occasion of the P . G . M . for Suffolk of free and accepted Masons ( Sh * E . S . Gooch , Bart ., M . P . ) having held a Lodge in that town . About 7 , a . m ., the day was ushered in by a merry peal from the musical bells of St . Michael ' s tower , which was repeated at intervals . At one , p . m ., the brethren of the several Lodges in the province went in procession , accompanied by a band , to the Corn Exchange , where the Lodge was held . At three o ' clock , the Lodge was closed , and the public were admitted by tickets to hear an address in aid of the funds of the Lying-in-Charity of the town ; when the Rev . G . Mingaye , of Wilhy , P . G . C , delivered a most suitable