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important one , and one that in every private Lodge ought to be filled by an efficient Past M ., it was part of his duty to direct the Brethren to a correct discharge of their duties , without which much of our beautiful ceremonial was injured in effect . The health of Bro . G . Genge ( who was in excellent voice ) , and best thanks for his services , was given by the Prov . G . M . and most cordially responded to . Nine o ' clock had nearly arrived , and the Brethren separated , highly delighted with the day ' s proceedings .

The pleasure of our attendance at Hitchin was much enhanced by the opportunity it affords us of visiting the ancient church , which contains many memorials of great interest : there are several altar-tombs , and many brasses of the fifteenth century . There are several monuments to the Radcliffes , also the Skynners , Bydes and Kendales .

KENT . Ashford . —A Lodge of Instruction was held here , at the Assembly-room , on Monday , the 6 th of August ; it was principally attended by Brethren of the Hythe , Folkstone , Hastings , and Maidstone Lodges . Charles Purton Cooper , Esq . Q . C ., the Prov . G . M . for Kent , was present , and expressed himself highly pleased with the working of the Lectures . There was afterwards a dinner , at the Saracen ' s Head Inn ; about thirty Brethren partook of it , the Prov . G . M . presiding . There are several Brethren residing in Ashford , and it is intended shortly to open a Lodge .

LANCASHIRE . Blackburn . —Lodge of Fidelity ( No . 336 ) . —This Lodge held its regular meet " ing on the 3 rd August , at the Angel Inn , King Street . Bro . Stocks , P . M ., ( in the absence of Bro . W . Thwaites , jun ., W . M ., ) officiating , assisted by Bros . Whewell , S . W ., and Wm , Harrison , as J . W . ( in the absence of Bro . John Yates , J . W . ) Several affairs of business were transacted , after which the Brethren laboured in the first degree and then partook of refreshment , and passed a most agreeable evening , separating at an early hour .

Lodge of Perseverance ( No . 432 ) . —This Lodge held its usual meeting on the evening of Monday the 30 th July , at eight o ' clock . The members were honoured with the presence of various visiting Brethren , among whom were : —Bros . Stocks , P . M ., No . 336 ; Wade , P . M ., No . 534 ; and Eaves , P . M . and Sec , No . 336 . After the Lodge had been duly opened with solemn prayer , various matters of

business were transacted , and measures taken towards the formation of a Masonic library for the Lodge . The Brethren postponed the installation of the W . M . till next Lodge night , the business of the evening having taken up a considerable time , and they then adjourned to an excellent supper provided by Bro . Sansom , and afterwards separated in good harmony . Great hopes may be now held that this respected Lodge will ere long take a high rank for order and knowledge of the true principles of the Craft .

Bury . —The Provincial Grand Lodge . —The annual festival of the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire was held at the Town Hall , in Bury , on the 25 th of July . Early in the morning the bells of the parish church , and the banners floating from various public buildings , denoted that an event of no small importance was about to occur . The Brethren began to arrive about eleven , and at noon the Grand Lodge was opened in form by the Dep . Prov . G . M . Stephen Blair . After the usual business and the appointment of officers for the ensuing year , a

procession was formed to the parish church , where Divine service was performed by the Rev . E . J . Hornby , M . A ., rector of Bury , assisted by two curates . There was cathedral service , and the singing , under the conduct of Mr . Sparks , was admirable . The sermon was preached by theHev . 0 . P . Nicholson , P . G . Chap ., whose text was taken from Prov . iii . 3 , 4 : " Let not mercy and truth forsake thee ;

bind them about thy neck ; work them upon the table of thine heart . So shalt thou find . favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man . " After a truly Masonic sermon , listened to with marked attention by about 300 Brethren and as many ladies , a collection was made in aid of the Bury Ladies' Charity and the Bury Dispensary , which realised £ 20 . 7 s . , At half-past five the Brethren sat down to a banquet in the Lecture Hall of the