Metropolitan.

thank them ; at tho same time lie wished ifc understood thafc he didn't care about the allusion to his age , he meant lo live ten years longer afc least . " The Brethren then adjourned from labour to refreshment , the AV . M . presiding . The toasts folloiving the banquet were eloquently introduced . Bro . AA ' atson acknoivlcdged the toast of the P . Ms ., making some allusions to tho changes . that had taken place since he first sat in the chair of this Lodge seventeen years ago—a sad change had come o ' er the irit of his dream since March 71 S 42—whichby the byehappened to bo the

sp , , , anniversary of his birth . The only members of the Lodge , at that time noiv present ivere himself aud Bro . Tomblcson . He ( Bro . AA ' atson ) hoped to he among them yet many years , and AA'hen called to that " bourne from Avhence no traveller returns , " he might carry with him the goodwill of all men . Bro . ffiivmer replied to tho toast of the health of the AV . AL in a neat speech , and a happy evening passed away . Among the Past Masters present AVB observed Bros . AVatson , Apted ( Treasurer ) , Tombleson , Le Gassick , Robinson , Clements , "Dyfco , Xcwton ( Secretary ) ,

and James Wilder Adams . The visitors comprised Bros . Carter , Xo . 1 , 022 , Meymotfc , Xo . If , Eviiighain , Xo . 75 , Plumpton , Xo . 83 , McDavite , Xo . , ' 160 , M . S . Hogg , Xo . llif , and others . On Monday , the 1-ilh , an Emergency meeting Avas held , Bro . Farmer , AV . AL , presiding , supported by Bros . Apted , AVatson , and Newton , P . Ms ., and about tiveuty-five other brethren . Air . Oscar Elliatte ( a AVallachian Boyavcl ) was initiated , the ceremony being interpreted by Bro . AVm . Jeffs . Mr . llichavd Parker -was also initiated . The circular of the Board of General Purposes AA'as taken into consideration , the unanimous opinion of the Lodgo being given in favour of appropriating so much oi tho property as may bo necessary to Alasonic purposes , and dispensing with a Tavern .

ST . THOMAS LODGE ( XO . 166 ) . —This Lodge met on Saturday , March 5 th , at the Freemasons' Tavern , Bro . Luce , AV . AL , presiding . The miuut . es o £ last meeting were read and confirmed , after Avhich a ballot Avas taken for Air . Gilbert who ivas subsequently initiated into Masonry , the AA ' . M . performing the ceremony in a most impressive manner . Tho ceremony oi passing was also v .-ell gone through , the Ai'orking being quite iu keeping ivifch the celebrity this Lodge has obtained for excellence . The Loclire AA'as then closed .

[ AVe hear that the subscription to the Lodge has beeu reduced and fche banquets dispensed AA'ith . So far so good ; bufc a Sfc . Thomas ' s dinner club lias been formed for the purpose of excluding one or IAVO brethren ; and at this club the brethren dine in their clothing and drink Masonic toasts -, vith the accustomed honours . This is neither Masonic nor legal . —HD . ' J ST . LURK ' LODUE ( XO . 168 ) .--The -. i-cmb .-i-. j of this Lodge held their regular

monthly meeting on Monday , Ma-eh Ti . li . After the initiation of a gentleman into the Order , Bro . Coliavd . I ' . M .. of the Lodge , brought forward a motion , of Avhich he had given notice . — " Thafc a fund be raised in the Lodge to bo devoted to the exclusive benefit oi the four Masonic charities . " And after some discussion the following resolution ivas adopted by a large majority , — " That live shillings per annum out of each member ' s yearly subscription bo set apart for that purpose . "

PucExir . LODGE ( XO . 202 ) . —The monthly meeting of this Lodge ' . vas held at tho Freemasons' Tavern , on Saturday , March 12 th , Bro . AV . AVatson , P . M .. presided as AV . AL , and Bro . Harrison , P . M ., occupied the Senior AVarden ' s chair , the other officers filling theiv proper places in the Lodge , Air . Ed . D . Bradley AA'as duly introduced and initiated into the Order , and Bro . Dr . O'Connor , of tho ltoyal Free -Hospital , Avas raised to the third degree—the ceremonies being admirably per * 'el-Hied . Pro . Henry G . Warren , P . M ., next brought the circular of tho Board of General Purposes under considerationAvhen it ivas resolved thafc it is desirable to

, found a library , reading , and refreshment rooms , and in tho opinion of this Lodge , they ivould prove generally acceptable to the Craffc ; thafc if practicable , it is desirable to devote the necessary property exclusively to Masonic purposes : and that this Lodgo believes the Craft are prepared lo submit to some diminution of their annual income for tho purpose of keeping the property sacred to Masonry . The fourth question—whether the brethren ivould support refreshment rooms b y