Provincial.

scene it would be difficult to conceive . The entertainment was elegant and profuse in its character , and reflected the highest credit on the stewards and all connected with it . On the conclusion of the dejeilner , the chirman proposed The Queen , ' after which "The health of the guest of the day , Bro . Beech , " and in the name of the Brethren of the Apollo Lodge presented him with the costly piece of plate , and an elegant group of figures , which they had subscribed to . Bro . Beech responded in a long and eloquent address . The Earl of Carnarvon

proposed the healths of the Provost and Fellows of Worcester College , and thanks to them for granting the use of their gardens for this demonstration . The Vice-Chancellor replied at some length , but was inaudible except to those immediately around him . The Prov . G . M . gave , as the parting toast , "The Ladies / ' which was responded to by Bro . Beech . Shortly after , the company separated , highly delighted with this interesting gathering , the effect of which was greatly enhanced by the Brethren of the Masonic Order appearing in full costume . On the 2 nd and 3 rd the Apollo and Alfred Lodges gave grand balls in the evening , which were very numerously attended .

SOMERSETSHIRE . Bath . — Royal Sussex Lodge ( No . 61 ) . —A numerously attended Lodge was held at Bro . Amery ' s , on Monday , June 9 th , wdien three gentleman were initiated into the mysteries of the Order . The ceremonies were most admirably performed by Bro . Biggs , P . M ., No . 247 ,.-who kindly officiated for Bro . Dr . Tunstall , the W . M .,

who was unable to attend in consequence of a severe domestic affliction . Great regret was expressed at the cause of the W . M . ' s absence , both by the members of the Lodge and also the visitors ; and it was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence be addressed to him , expressive of their sympathy for the loss he had sustained in his family .

On Tuesday , the 17 th , another Lodge was held in the same place , when the ceremony of initiation was performed by Bro . Dr . Hodges , P . M ., in a manner which elicited the warmest thanks of the Brethren . The lecture on the Tracing Board was given by Bro . Milsoni , Sec , and it was most gratifying to the Lodge to witness the talent of this rising young Mason . A letter from the W . M ., in answer to the one of condolence which had been sent from the Lodge , was read , and was ordered to be entered on the minutes .

The P . W . Prov . G . M . for Somerset , has expressed his intention of visiting the Boyal Sussex Lodge , for the purpose of holding his Provincial Grand Lodge , on Friday , the 25 th instant , at the Guildhall , Bath . There will be a banquet at Bro . Amery ' s , Royal Sussex Hotel , in the evening .

STAFFORDSHIRE . Tipton . —Noah's Ark Lodge ( No . 43 / 5 ) . —This splendid working Lodge was again honoured with the presence of its Prov . G . M ., Col . George Vernon , on Friday evening , the 20 th June , when a large number of the Brethren and some distinguished visitors assembled to do him honour . The Lodge was opened by Bro . William Howells , the W . M . ( assisted by his officers ) , in due form . Mr . Samuel Bannister , of the Bloomfield Iron Works , Tipton , was brought forward ,

and initiated in the 1 st Degree of Freemasonry . Bro . George Patterson , of Great Bridge , was then passed to the 2 nd Degree , the charge ( together with the explanations of the Tracing-Board ) , was given by the W . M . The good and truly Masonic working of this Lodge has long been a proverb in the district , and it has increased rather than diminished the eclat conferred in consequence . The Prov . G . M ., during the evening , expressed his pleasure at the satisfactory manner in

winch the Lodge was working , and announced his intention of holding the Prov . Grand Lodge at Tipton in the autumn , a compliment which ho considered the Lodge deserved . This announcement has given great satisfaction , and will impart such a stimulus , as to cause a still further endeavour to render the Lodge worthy of the noble G . M . in whose province it ranks . The most interesting ceremony of the evening was that of the presentation to their highly and deservedly esteemed immediate P . M ., the B , cv . Bro . E . A . Gwynno , Prov . G . Chap ., of a Past Master ' s Jewel . The jewel was exceedingly handsome ,