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Athenaeum , the V . W . D . P . G . M . in the chair , supported on his right by the Prov . S . G . W . Bro . Bell ; on his left by Bro . Brock Hollinshead , of Blackburn , We noticed also the Rev . the P . G . Chap . Bro . Tannah , P . G . S . ; Bro . Barlow , P . G . Treas . ; Bro . Fawcett , P . G . Org . ; Bro . Lambert , P . P . G . I ) . ; Bro . Wolfenden , P . P . G . S . ; Bro . Pitt , P . G . D . C . ; Bro . Wilding , P . G . Swordbearer ; Bro . Daws , Bro . Dack , Bro . Redfern , & c , & c .

After the cloth was drawn , the D . P . G . M . expressed his sorrow that the P . G . M . the Earl of Ellesmere could not be present through indisposition . At this time about 200 ladies entered the room , and took their seats in a gallery prepared for them . The usual loyal toasts were proposed , and drunk with Masonic applause . Bro . Crompton having been called on to propose the health of the Earl of Yarborough , did so in suitable terms . The P . S . G . W . then proposed the health of the P . G . M . the Earl of Ellesmere : Bro . Brock Robinshead "The memory of the

fallen heroes in the Crimea ; " Bro . Pitt , the R . W . P . G . M . for Cheshire , the Lord Viscount Combermere , all which were duly honoured . The chairman then requested Bro . Bleakley to propose the next toast , which he did in a somewhat lengthy , though most appropriate speech , which frequently elicited bursts of applause . The subject of his remarks was " The Ladies , " and no small amount of amusement was created by his calling on the chairman to respond , a duty however , delegated by the latter to Bro . Barlow , whose affectation of the doleful ,

because of the task imposed on him , and his expressions of desire to change his state of singleness , highly amused the ladies . The Rev . Chaplain then proposed the health of the chairman , and in his desire to do full justice to the toast , so far forgot himself as to outstep the bonds of Masonic neutrality , and allude to the various political and progressive movements with which he had been identified . The D . P . G . M . made a suitable reply , explaining in a suitable manner to the visitors that Masonry had no connection with politics , but was a society , the

members of which were banded together to do good without respect to creed or politics . He concluded by a high eulogium on the P . G . Chaplain , whose health he proposed . The Rev . Gentleman , in his reply , acknowledged the honour done him in his appointment as P . G . Chaplain ; he said Freemasonry was as dear to him as the light of day . Alluding to Bro . Bleakly ' s enthusiastic speech , the rev . gentleman said he should be proud to come over to Bury and marry the ladies to Freemasons without fee or reward . Bro . Broughton was called upon to give the next toast ,

" The Visiting Brethren . " He stated that hospitality was one of the natural results of those great principles on which the order is founded . He reminded the chairman that in old days the tessera hospitalis was used when friendships were formed between individuals ; but among Freemasons , those tickets were not required : for when , where , and however , a Brother might meet with another , he

was certain of his hospitality , even to the half ., of his last loaf . Bro . Woodcock gave "The Masters and Wardens of Lodges . " The chairman passed a wellmerited eulogium on the P . G . Stewards Bros . Newall , McDonald , and Hill , and proposed their health , which was responded to by Bro . McDonald . Bro . Ramsbottom proposed " All poor and distressed Brethren , and a speedy release from all their sufferings . "

An excellent glee party was in attendance , and enlivened the pleasures of the evening by some Masonic songs , & c . Bro . Fawcett also gave a solo on the piano . The banquet was prepared and arranged by Bro . Lawrence Park , and the tasteful arrangements of the room gave much satisfaction . The dessert was presented by Mr . William Grant , only son of the late Bro . John Grant , the last of the Cheeryble Brothers of Dickens . The Brethren separated a little before ten o ' clock , when special trains were in readiness to convey them home .

MONMOUTHSHIRE . A Provincial Grand Lodge has been called for the 29 th of August , at Newport , for the purpose of laying , with Masonic honours , the foundation-stone of a new Masonic Hall in that town : in our next number we hope to be able to furnish a full report of these interesting proceedings .