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The Freemason's Chronicle, Nov. 8, 1879: Page 5

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    Article MASONIC CEREMONY AT READING. ← Page 2 of 3
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Page 5

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Masonic Ceremony At Reading.

time and energies to it . We believe that tho undertaking whioh yonr lordship will to-day help forward by your presence and co-operation ¦ will supply wants which have long been felt , and we venture to hope that tho buildings which will bo provided , and the institutions which will be established in them , will bo of wide spread public advantage , not only to the population of Reading and its immediate suburbs , bnt

also to the inhabitants generallyof the county of Berks and of the adjacent counties . We desire to offer our special thanks to the Countess of Carnarvon for the honour which is conferred upon the borough by her presence on this occasion . We beg your lordship and your Countess to accept the expression of our sincere desire that you may both be

blessed with many years of health and happiness , and long continue to adorn the high station to which Divino Providence has called yon . Given under the common seal of the Mayor , Aldermen , and Burgesses of the Borough of Reading , at a meeting of the Council , and under the hands of the members of the Committee , this 3 rd day of November 1879 .

The Earl of Carnarvon rose to reply , but was requested by the Mayor to resnme his seat , as his lordship was still suffering from his recent attack of gout . His lordship said : Mr . Mayor—I very gratefully take advantage of your kind permission to allow me this indulgence . I nm suffering , as every one must see , from an enemy that is so remorseless and so unsparing that he mnst be humoured—otherwise

it would be extremely difficult to resist him . I beg to express , first of all , the sincere thanks of Lady Carnarvon for tbe kind words in which you have been pleased to couch this address as regards her . She will long remember her visit to Reading , and appreciates the high honour done her . And next I have to express my own most sincere and grateful thanks for the honour which vou have done me

in asking me , as a friend and neighbour , to undertake the important duty of laying the foundation stone of this group of public buildings . I , too , shall long remember it , and I find it difficult to express my appreciation of the honour which has been conferred upon me . In public life there are undoubtedly many honours which are coveted , and many also which are gained . There are many distinctions , many

rewards . There is much public approval , and sometimes much disapproval . All of ns , I suppose , in our own way , know what this is . But of one thing I am quite certain , that nothing is more precious than for a man to feel that ho has the goodwill , and still more the public mark of goodwill and confidence , expressed by a grent town , near which he has so long lived , and in which he hopes he has so many ,

not only good neighbours but warm friends . I need not tell yon how sensible I am of the importance of this great borough which you , sir , as chief magistrate , represent . It is an ancient borough , with great traditions in the past , and with a long roll of distinguished names , amongst those who have either been born here , or who have lived here , or who have done public service here . I feel it

particularly gratifying to be allowed , in some small way , to identify myself to-day with one of the greatest modern public works that Reading has undertaken . I know this is not the time for making long speeches . That has been wisely postponed to a later period of the day . But I think I should be wrong if I refrained from saying one word as to a paragraph in the address which has just been read . I

appreciate , as every one must do , the great liberality—I might say more than liberality , the munificence—of so many who have rendered it possible that this work should be undertaken . In earlier times and in other countries it was frequently the custom of the State to lay burdens of expense or of labour upon her most eminent citizens . Sometimes those services were compulsory , sometimes

voluntary . In this case they are voluntary ; free as the very air , and they will not , in consequence , be the less appreciated by tho citizens of ReadiDg . Though no doubt the fancy may change , yet the spirit remains—the same spirit of liberality , of munificence , of public service and duty ; and so long as these qualities remain , either in Read - ing or in England , we may be quite sure that the State will be well

and worthily served . I have only once more to express , on behalf of Lady Carnarvon and myself , our grateful thanks for the high hononr you have done us , and , though we are only just at the beginning of our work to-day , to add our warm and hearty wishes for the completion and final success of tho work . The Earl of Carnarvon then proceeded to the Masonic Lodge ,

whence , after some time , the brethren emerged in procession , and , joined by a procession of tho members of the Corporation , they , in all the pomp of mace and sword and Masonic regalia , escorted his Lordship to the site of the memorial stone , where Lady Carnarvon was waiting , and where a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen had gathered . When the head of tho procession arrived at the Buildings

tho brethren formed an avenue for the P . G . Officers to pass throngh . Tbe brethren bearing the vessels containing the corn , wine , and oil , together with tho mallet , having deposited tho same on a pedestal placed for that purpose , silence was proclaimed by the Provincial G . Director of Ceremonies , and the Mayor presented the trowel to the M . W . the Pro G . M ., on behalf of the Bnilding Committee , asking him to set tho stone .

Lord Carnarvon said : Ladies and gentlemen—L have to thank the Mayor for this most handsome trowel , which he has been pleased to give me . I shall long retain it—I trust not only I , but my familyas an heirloom in memory of the work with which yon have boen o-ood enough to entrnst me to-day , and which I deeply appreciate . Next , I desire to thank my Masonic brethren for being present here to-day ,

and to assure you how much they feel it also an honour and a privilege to take part in this work of great public usefulness to the town of Reading . Let me offer you my hearty good wishes for the group of pnblic buildings of which we to-day lay the memorial stone . May the School of Science and of Art spread far and wide in this towu and its neighbourhood , and be a useful means of education

May the Museum , already enriched by a precious gift , receive many more bequests and gifts , and have a crowd of students to study the books of nature which these specimens within its walls may reveal ! May the Library be a source of instruction and of happiness to yonn " and old , to rich nnd poor alike ! And may the Town Hall carry out the best and highest traditions of English civic and public life , the

Masonic Ceremony At Reading.

traditions of self-government—tho traditions of free speech—the tra . ditions of law and of liberty ! I thank you deeply for having allowed me this important privilege to-day . In dne course the architect presented to the Pro Grand Master the plans . The Prov . G . Chaplain ( Bro . R . C . Honey ) offered a prayer . The Prov . G . Seo . ( Bro . R . Bradley ) read the inscription on the stone .

The Prov . G . Treas . ( Bro . C . Stephens ) deposited the vessel containing the coins , and also the records . An entered apprentice ( Bro . Cundell ) then presented the cement to set the atone . A hymn was sung by the choir , under the direction of Bro . W . H . Strickland P . P . G . O ., during which the stone was lowered , with three distinct stops . The Pro Grand Master having proved , by the mallet ,

square , level , and plumb , that tho stone was well laid , then received the cornucopia and strewed corn thereon ; the G . Wardens presented the ewers containing the wine and oil , which was poured out conformably to ancient custom . The Rev . Sir J . W . Hayes then offered a prayer and pronounced the benediction . Among the Masons whom we noticed present were — Bros , the Rev .

Sir J . W . Hayes , Bart ., aoting as Prov . Grand Master ; E . J . Trendell P . P . S . G . W ., acting as D . P . G . M . ; J . Blandy Jenkins S . G . W ., J . McGubbia J . G . W ., Revs . C . R . Honey , N . T . Garry , E . Do Ewer Grand Chaplains , C . Stephens Grand Treasurer , R . Bradley Grand Secretary , Jabez Adams S . G . D ., R . Roberts J . G . D ., Edward Baker G . S . W .. R . Ravenor G . D . C ., Joseph Elmes A . G . D . C ., James Rutland

Grand Organist , W . G . Flanagan Grand Pnr 3 uivant , C . Nowell A . G . P ., C . W . Cox , C . A . Vardy , Ephraim Davey , E . J . Shrewsbury , Dick Radclyffe Grand Stewards , and forty-one Past Grand Officers 5 also Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master Hampshire and the Isle of Wight , Reginald Bird P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . Grand Master Oxon , T . H . Chandler P . P . S . G . W .

Wilts , W . B . Farr P . S . G . W . Bengal , W . R . Wood P . G . Steward Eng ., P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , — Lainaon P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , John M . Reid P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , Darrell W . H . Horlock P . P . G . S . W . Cornwall , S . G . Kirchhoffer P . G . S . W . Cambs ., E . G . Bruton P . P . S . G . W . Oxon , J . M , Dormer S . W ., J . W . Terry P . G . Reg . Herts . W . Weare P . P . G . D . Leicester , H . Sndler Gr . Tvler , J . M . Studwell P . G . S ., Jos . Tomlinson

P . P . G . S . D Norfolk , Christopher Park P . P . G . R . Oxon , Wm . Park P . P . G . S . D . Oxonf John Dew P . P . G . Reg . Hants , Geo . Lear P . P . G . D . Hants , Wm . Wells P . P . G . D . Surrey , Jno . Bond P . G . P . Surrey , H . M . Powell P . G . O . Hants , Fredk . Binekes P . G . Steward , W . F . Freeman P . G . Sec . Sussex , A . Portsmouth P . P . G . D . C . Hants , and about two hundred members of Lodges in the Province , and Visitors . On

returninc : to the Exchange , the Lodge was closed in due form . Sir John Hayes expressed the deep regret of the brethren that illness had caused the absence of tho P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . The Rev . Bro . thanked Bro . Bicrgs for his admirable management of the procession ; and Bro . Bradley , the P . G . Sec , for his excellent arrangements . The ceremony was followed by a public luncheon in the Town Hall ,

in which upwards of three hundred ladies and gent ' emen participated . The Mayor presided , and amongst the invited guests were—The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon , Mrs . 11 . B . Blandy , the Ven . Archdeacon Purey-Cnst Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks , and Lady Purey-Cnst , the Bishop of Oxford , the Right Hon . Sir R . J . Phillimore and Lady Phillimore , Sir Julian

Goldsmid Bart . M . P . and Lady Goldsmid , Mr . Walter M . P . and Mrs . Walter , Mr . G . Shaw Lefevre M . P ., Mr . G . Palmer M . P . and Mrs . Palmer , Sir Peter and Lady Spokes , the Right Hon . J . R . Mowbray M . P . and Mrs . Mowbray , Mr . W . W . B . Beach M . P . Prov . G . Master Hants and Isle of Wight , High Sheriff of Berkshire , tho Recorder of the Borough , Mr . Henry Day ( Town Clerk ) , Mrs . Day , Mr . W . I . Palmer ,

and many members of the Corporation . Sir D . Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks , was absent by medical advice . The loyal toasts having been duly honoured , the Right Hon . J . R . Mowbray M . P . proposed " The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese and other Ministers of Religion . " He said the effect of religion was to bind man to man , and it gave sound principles to

legislation . It was the main security for local order , and the sole foundation of good government . The Bishop of Oxford , in reply , said , when he became bishop ten years ago , Reading was the second town in the diocese for population , bat now it was the first , having surpassed the cathedral city of Oxford . The increase of the town was not of temporal advantage to the clergy , as they had to pay stipends for

assistance ; bnt thoy took delight iu doing their duty . Mr . W . W . B . Beach M . P . then gave " The Army , Navy , and Auxiliary Forces . " In tho course of his remarks , he said if there was anything that marred the usefulness of the British Army , it was the extreme youth of many of the mon ; but this was a fault which time wonld remedy ; for , although young , the English soldiers were not

destitute of courage . Colonel Jordan , C . B ., acknowledged the compliment . The Mayor proposed "The Health of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon . " The toast was warmly honoured . The Earl of Carnarvon , on rising to reply , was received with loud cheer 3 . His lordship said : Mr . Mayor , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —It needed no apology from yon , sir , either for the form of words or for

the hospitality of which we have been partakers to-day . Your words were most graceful ; your hospitality has been overflowing . Allow me to express in Lady Carnarvon ' s name and mine , our heartfelt thanks for the honour which yon have done us this day , and for tho great privilege of beincr allowed to share in this great work of the town of Reading . My noble friend Lord Derby the other day mado a very

able speech—such as he is accustomed to make—on these public men who , in their own towns , rendered great public service , and discharge great acts of local patriotism and statesmanship . I might say much in the same strain here to-day . I might speak of tho liberality , the princely munificence , which has rendered possible this great public work in Reading—bnt I have already alluded to that to-day . Time

I know is pressing , and I will remit my remarks to a somewhat dif . ferent side of the question . Mr . Mayor , T know nothing more remarkable than tho extraordinary growth of our great English towns during the last quarter of a century . To-day Reading is doing that which other groat municipalities have been dnring f Hat time . These public buildings , and the men who created them and occupy thorn )

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1879-11-08, Page 5” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 9 May 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_08111879/page/5/.
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OUR SCHOLARS IN AFTER LIFE. ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND. Article 1
THE ROYAL ARCH AT YORK. Article 2
OLD LODGE MINUTES, Article 4
MASONIC CEREMONY AT READING. Article 4
NEW MASONIC HALL AND CLUB AT KIDDERMINSTER. Article 6
KNIGHTS TEMPLARS AND THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. Article 7
CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTHWARK. Article 7
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SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. Article 8
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Article 9
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF NORTHUMBERLAND. Article 9
COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOYS' SCHOOL. Article 9
THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS. Article 9
DIARY FOR THE WEEK. Article 10
NOTICES OF MEETINGS Article 11
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THE ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND, Article 14
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Masonic Ceremony At Reading.

time and energies to it . We believe that tho undertaking whioh yonr lordship will to-day help forward by your presence and co-operation ¦ will supply wants which have long been felt , and we venture to hope that tho buildings which will bo provided , and the institutions which will be established in them , will bo of wide spread public advantage , not only to the population of Reading and its immediate suburbs , bnt

also to the inhabitants generallyof the county of Berks and of the adjacent counties . We desire to offer our special thanks to the Countess of Carnarvon for the honour which is conferred upon the borough by her presence on this occasion . We beg your lordship and your Countess to accept the expression of our sincere desire that you may both be

blessed with many years of health and happiness , and long continue to adorn the high station to which Divino Providence has called yon . Given under the common seal of the Mayor , Aldermen , and Burgesses of the Borough of Reading , at a meeting of the Council , and under the hands of the members of the Committee , this 3 rd day of November 1879 .

The Earl of Carnarvon rose to reply , but was requested by the Mayor to resnme his seat , as his lordship was still suffering from his recent attack of gout . His lordship said : Mr . Mayor—I very gratefully take advantage of your kind permission to allow me this indulgence . I nm suffering , as every one must see , from an enemy that is so remorseless and so unsparing that he mnst be humoured—otherwise

it would be extremely difficult to resist him . I beg to express , first of all , the sincere thanks of Lady Carnarvon for tbe kind words in which you have been pleased to couch this address as regards her . She will long remember her visit to Reading , and appreciates the high honour done her . And next I have to express my own most sincere and grateful thanks for the honour which vou have done me

in asking me , as a friend and neighbour , to undertake the important duty of laying the foundation stone of this group of public buildings . I , too , shall long remember it , and I find it difficult to express my appreciation of the honour which has been conferred upon me . In public life there are undoubtedly many honours which are coveted , and many also which are gained . There are many distinctions , many

rewards . There is much public approval , and sometimes much disapproval . All of ns , I suppose , in our own way , know what this is . But of one thing I am quite certain , that nothing is more precious than for a man to feel that ho has the goodwill , and still more the public mark of goodwill and confidence , expressed by a grent town , near which he has so long lived , and in which he hopes he has so many ,

not only good neighbours but warm friends . I need not tell yon how sensible I am of the importance of this great borough which you , sir , as chief magistrate , represent . It is an ancient borough , with great traditions in the past , and with a long roll of distinguished names , amongst those who have either been born here , or who have lived here , or who have done public service here . I feel it

particularly gratifying to be allowed , in some small way , to identify myself to-day with one of the greatest modern public works that Reading has undertaken . I know this is not the time for making long speeches . That has been wisely postponed to a later period of the day . But I think I should be wrong if I refrained from saying one word as to a paragraph in the address which has just been read . I

appreciate , as every one must do , the great liberality—I might say more than liberality , the munificence—of so many who have rendered it possible that this work should be undertaken . In earlier times and in other countries it was frequently the custom of the State to lay burdens of expense or of labour upon her most eminent citizens . Sometimes those services were compulsory , sometimes

voluntary . In this case they are voluntary ; free as the very air , and they will not , in consequence , be the less appreciated by tho citizens of ReadiDg . Though no doubt the fancy may change , yet the spirit remains—the same spirit of liberality , of munificence , of public service and duty ; and so long as these qualities remain , either in Read - ing or in England , we may be quite sure that the State will be well

and worthily served . I have only once more to express , on behalf of Lady Carnarvon and myself , our grateful thanks for the high hononr you have done us , and , though we are only just at the beginning of our work to-day , to add our warm and hearty wishes for the completion and final success of tho work . The Earl of Carnarvon then proceeded to the Masonic Lodge ,

whence , after some time , the brethren emerged in procession , and , joined by a procession of tho members of the Corporation , they , in all the pomp of mace and sword and Masonic regalia , escorted his Lordship to the site of the memorial stone , where Lady Carnarvon was waiting , and where a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen had gathered . When the head of tho procession arrived at the Buildings

tho brethren formed an avenue for the P . G . Officers to pass throngh . Tbe brethren bearing the vessels containing the corn , wine , and oil , together with tho mallet , having deposited tho same on a pedestal placed for that purpose , silence was proclaimed by the Provincial G . Director of Ceremonies , and the Mayor presented the trowel to the M . W . the Pro G . M ., on behalf of the Bnilding Committee , asking him to set tho stone .

Lord Carnarvon said : Ladies and gentlemen—L have to thank the Mayor for this most handsome trowel , which he has been pleased to give me . I shall long retain it—I trust not only I , but my familyas an heirloom in memory of the work with which yon have boen o-ood enough to entrnst me to-day , and which I deeply appreciate . Next , I desire to thank my Masonic brethren for being present here to-day ,

and to assure you how much they feel it also an honour and a privilege to take part in this work of great public usefulness to the town of Reading . Let me offer you my hearty good wishes for the group of pnblic buildings of which we to-day lay the memorial stone . May the School of Science and of Art spread far and wide in this towu and its neighbourhood , and be a useful means of education

May the Museum , already enriched by a precious gift , receive many more bequests and gifts , and have a crowd of students to study the books of nature which these specimens within its walls may reveal ! May the Library be a source of instruction and of happiness to yonn " and old , to rich nnd poor alike ! And may the Town Hall carry out the best and highest traditions of English civic and public life , the

Masonic Ceremony At Reading.

traditions of self-government—tho traditions of free speech—the tra . ditions of law and of liberty ! I thank you deeply for having allowed me this important privilege to-day . In dne course the architect presented to the Pro Grand Master the plans . The Prov . G . Chaplain ( Bro . R . C . Honey ) offered a prayer . The Prov . G . Seo . ( Bro . R . Bradley ) read the inscription on the stone .

The Prov . G . Treas . ( Bro . C . Stephens ) deposited the vessel containing the coins , and also the records . An entered apprentice ( Bro . Cundell ) then presented the cement to set the atone . A hymn was sung by the choir , under the direction of Bro . W . H . Strickland P . P . G . O ., during which the stone was lowered , with three distinct stops . The Pro Grand Master having proved , by the mallet ,

square , level , and plumb , that tho stone was well laid , then received the cornucopia and strewed corn thereon ; the G . Wardens presented the ewers containing the wine and oil , which was poured out conformably to ancient custom . The Rev . Sir J . W . Hayes then offered a prayer and pronounced the benediction . Among the Masons whom we noticed present were — Bros , the Rev .

Sir J . W . Hayes , Bart ., aoting as Prov . Grand Master ; E . J . Trendell P . P . S . G . W ., acting as D . P . G . M . ; J . Blandy Jenkins S . G . W ., J . McGubbia J . G . W ., Revs . C . R . Honey , N . T . Garry , E . Do Ewer Grand Chaplains , C . Stephens Grand Treasurer , R . Bradley Grand Secretary , Jabez Adams S . G . D ., R . Roberts J . G . D ., Edward Baker G . S . W .. R . Ravenor G . D . C ., Joseph Elmes A . G . D . C ., James Rutland

Grand Organist , W . G . Flanagan Grand Pnr 3 uivant , C . Nowell A . G . P ., C . W . Cox , C . A . Vardy , Ephraim Davey , E . J . Shrewsbury , Dick Radclyffe Grand Stewards , and forty-one Past Grand Officers 5 also Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master Hampshire and the Isle of Wight , Reginald Bird P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . Grand Master Oxon , T . H . Chandler P . P . S . G . W .

Wilts , W . B . Farr P . S . G . W . Bengal , W . R . Wood P . G . Steward Eng ., P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , — Lainaon P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , John M . Reid P . P . G . S . W . Sussex , Darrell W . H . Horlock P . P . G . S . W . Cornwall , S . G . Kirchhoffer P . G . S . W . Cambs ., E . G . Bruton P . P . S . G . W . Oxon , J . M , Dormer S . W ., J . W . Terry P . G . Reg . Herts . W . Weare P . P . G . D . Leicester , H . Sndler Gr . Tvler , J . M . Studwell P . G . S ., Jos . Tomlinson

P . P . G . S . D Norfolk , Christopher Park P . P . G . R . Oxon , Wm . Park P . P . G . S . D . Oxonf John Dew P . P . G . Reg . Hants , Geo . Lear P . P . G . D . Hants , Wm . Wells P . P . G . D . Surrey , Jno . Bond P . G . P . Surrey , H . M . Powell P . G . O . Hants , Fredk . Binekes P . G . Steward , W . F . Freeman P . G . Sec . Sussex , A . Portsmouth P . P . G . D . C . Hants , and about two hundred members of Lodges in the Province , and Visitors . On

returninc : to the Exchange , the Lodge was closed in due form . Sir John Hayes expressed the deep regret of the brethren that illness had caused the absence of tho P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . The Rev . Bro . thanked Bro . Bicrgs for his admirable management of the procession ; and Bro . Bradley , the P . G . Sec , for his excellent arrangements . The ceremony was followed by a public luncheon in the Town Hall ,

in which upwards of three hundred ladies and gent ' emen participated . The Mayor presided , and amongst the invited guests were—The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon , Mrs . 11 . B . Blandy , the Ven . Archdeacon Purey-Cnst Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks , and Lady Purey-Cnst , the Bishop of Oxford , the Right Hon . Sir R . J . Phillimore and Lady Phillimore , Sir Julian

Goldsmid Bart . M . P . and Lady Goldsmid , Mr . Walter M . P . and Mrs . Walter , Mr . G . Shaw Lefevre M . P ., Mr . G . Palmer M . P . and Mrs . Palmer , Sir Peter and Lady Spokes , the Right Hon . J . R . Mowbray M . P . and Mrs . Mowbray , Mr . W . W . B . Beach M . P . Prov . G . Master Hants and Isle of Wight , High Sheriff of Berkshire , tho Recorder of the Borough , Mr . Henry Day ( Town Clerk ) , Mrs . Day , Mr . W . I . Palmer ,

and many members of the Corporation . Sir D . Gooch , Bart ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks , was absent by medical advice . The loyal toasts having been duly honoured , the Right Hon . J . R . Mowbray M . P . proposed " The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese and other Ministers of Religion . " He said the effect of religion was to bind man to man , and it gave sound principles to

legislation . It was the main security for local order , and the sole foundation of good government . The Bishop of Oxford , in reply , said , when he became bishop ten years ago , Reading was the second town in the diocese for population , bat now it was the first , having surpassed the cathedral city of Oxford . The increase of the town was not of temporal advantage to the clergy , as they had to pay stipends for

assistance ; bnt thoy took delight iu doing their duty . Mr . W . W . B . Beach M . P . then gave " The Army , Navy , and Auxiliary Forces . " In tho course of his remarks , he said if there was anything that marred the usefulness of the British Army , it was the extreme youth of many of the mon ; but this was a fault which time wonld remedy ; for , although young , the English soldiers were not

destitute of courage . Colonel Jordan , C . B ., acknowledged the compliment . The Mayor proposed "The Health of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon . " The toast was warmly honoured . The Earl of Carnarvon , on rising to reply , was received with loud cheer 3 . His lordship said : Mr . Mayor , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —It needed no apology from yon , sir , either for the form of words or for

the hospitality of which we have been partakers to-day . Your words were most graceful ; your hospitality has been overflowing . Allow me to express in Lady Carnarvon ' s name and mine , our heartfelt thanks for the honour which yon have done us this day , and for tho great privilege of beincr allowed to share in this great work of the town of Reading . My noble friend Lord Derby the other day mado a very

able speech—such as he is accustomed to make—on these public men who , in their own towns , rendered great public service , and discharge great acts of local patriotism and statesmanship . I might say much in the same strain here to-day . I might speak of tho liberality , the princely munificence , which has rendered possible this great public work in Reading—bnt I have already alluded to that to-day . Time

I know is pressing , and I will remit my remarks to a somewhat dif . ferent side of the question . Mr . Mayor , T know nothing more remarkable than tho extraordinary growth of our great English towns during the last quarter of a century . To-day Reading is doing that which other groat municipalities have been dnring f Hat time . These public buildings , and the men who created them and occupy thorn )

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