Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00500
esteemed as he was . Bro . Salmon , th * -n retiring Master , submitted the toast of the Worshipfnl Master . He felt a great responsibility devolved upon him when he was asked to prop > sa the to ist of the new ruler of tbe Domatic Lodge . He was sure the new . Master would prove by hia actions that be woil deserved his name ; that he would prove a good fellow both in action and name . Ho would
impress on the members that tha Mtucev could not do everything in the Lodge ; he needed the assistant-. } and support of tho members , and , as one of the Past Musters of tho Ledge , he hoped tho new Master would receive both . He believed that iu dua course their new chief would go forward in support of one of the great Charities of tho Craft , and he hoped that when that did occur he would receive
tbo assistance of the members of the Lodgo , and thafc tbey would one aud all strive to advance tho welfare of the Charitable Institutions . In reply , the Worshipful Master said ho had been a member of the Domatic Lodge for many years . It was then jnat on nineteen years since he was initiated in it , and he well remembered he had been admitted by their Past Master Bro . Ferguson . The members
could well understand how pleased he was to see that brother made tho recipient of a testimonial that evening . He might claim that he had remained true to the Domatic Lodge , for he had missed but fow of its meetings duriug the nineteen years of his membership , and he was uow amply rewarded in being placed ab its head . Referring , to the remarks of bis predecessor in regard to tho support of the
Charities , he hoped the members would rally round him aud help to raise a substantial total ou behalf of tho Boys' School , whioh was just now specially in need of funds . Ho had long resided close to the Justifcuton , at Wood Green , and had watched its progress . He could remember it as a comparatively small gentleman ' s residence ; now it was an institution they must all be proud of , and he hoped they would do much to support it . Tho subsequent toasts included tho
following , viz ., tho Installing Master , the V isitors , tho Past Masters , the Treasurer aud Secretary , special honour being paid to Bro . George Everett , in consideration of his selection aa Graud Treasurer of England . Daring tho evening a pleasing selection of music was given , under tho direction of Bro . Rieohelmann , the Organist of the Lodge , the artistes being Mdme . Riechelmann , Miss Emily Foxcroft , Mr . W . P . Richards , and Mr . Reohab Tandy .
FRIENDSHIP LODGE , No . 202
THE installation bauquet was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Princes Square , Plymouth , on the 7 th inst ., when brethren and visitors to the number of eighty partook of an excellent dinner , ably served by the Steward and Stewardess ( Mr . aud Mrs . Harvey ) , under the personal supervision of the indefatigable Secretary to the club ,
Bro . Dillon . Tho Worshipfnl Master Bro . Joseph Oldfwld presided , and a most enjoyable evening was spanfc . Tho nsual Masonio and Loyal toasts were duly honoured , and responded to . Excellent songs were given by Bros . Leonard 202 , Lemon 180 , Sweet 202 , Leonard 202 , Collins 202 , Lathom 202 , Eades 202 , Cross 202 , Diehard 230 , Goodyear 223 . Mr . Harris , of Devonport , presided at the piano .
AFFABILITY LODGE , No . 317 . THE installation of Bro . Vasil Marco VultehofF took place and tho St . John ' s Festival was celebrated , on the 7 th iust ., at tho Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester . Tlio usual night of meet , ing is the first Thursday in the month , but in consequence of New Year ' s Day falling ou a Thursday , tho meeting was postponed . The
following brethren were present : —E . G . Chrsworth W . M ., V . M . VnltcboiTS . W ., S . Staton J . W ., W . J . Cunlifto P . M . Treas . P . P . G . S . D . j J . Read Sec , F . Spencer S . D ., Wm . Garside J . D ., Geo . Jackson I . G . ' John Bladon P . M . D . C . P . P . G . A . D . C , Past Masters Dawson , Lever , Walmsley , Lisenden , Garside , Robinson , and Bnshell ; Bros . A . Allen
N . Field , A . Wild , G . H . Scott , John Quail , J . H . Marsh , Lawrence Hall , W . N . Paterson , J . S . Whitehead , F . \ V . Ashe , E . Wihl , and W . Broeklelmrst . Visitors : —!' . R . Peel P . M . 1 U 7 P . P . G . J . D ., E . L . Littler P . M . 1730 P . P . G . P . W . L ., T . J . lloper W . M . St . George ' s P . P . G . P ., Stephen Jnpp P . M . 1110 P . G . Organist W . L ., Win . Hardcastle
P . M . 1773 P . P . G . D . C , E . Hullurd W . M . 1773 , Wm . Sturm P . M . 1161 , Jas . Wilson P . M . 317 , J . H . Dulgleish I . P . M . 1117 , J . Aldred P . M . 1140 , S . Lewis W . M . 1161 , J . Stovold P . M . 093 , \ V . T . Hesketh P . M . 1375 , W . Campbell P . M . 1357 , J . W . Rattray I . P . M . 1093 , Thos . Shorrock P . M . 201 , A . W . Peroberton 1030 . M . Erangelino ( Harmonic
Lodge ) , A . Broome 1166 , Edward Smith 317 , J . Ridsdale Bowley 216 , and Edward Pike P . M . Prince Edward Lodge . The Lodgo was opened at 3 ' 45 , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . In the second degree the W . M . elect Bro . V . M . Vultchoff was presented to the Installing Master ( Bro . E . G . Chesworth ) b
y Rro . John Bladon P . M . P . P . G . A . D . C , and after tho usual preliminaries , and with all doe rite and ceremony , inducted iuto the chair of K . S . before a Board of 26 Installed Masters . Ou the re-admission of all M . M . ' g , the usual proclamation was made and salutes given , aftw which Bro . James Dawson P . M . delivered the address to the W . M ..
and invested fcho following brethren Olficeis for rim ensuing year : — Rro . S Staton S . W .. J . Read J . W ., W . J . Gauhife P . M . Treasure ! P . P . G . S . D ., Wm . Garside Secretary , F . Spencer S . D ., Gtoi'go Jackson I . D ., John Bladon P . M . P . P . G . A . D . C . Dir . of Cers ., J . S . Whitehead Organist , Thomas Buabell P . M . I . G ., Alired Allen , J . II . Marsh , aud
J - Quail Stewards . Bro . K . It . Lisenden delivered the address to the Wardens , aud Bro . John Bladon to the Brethren . A Past Master ' s jowel M-as presented to Bro . E . G . Chesworth I . P . M . for his services duriug the past year , aud he returned thanks iu a no tt speech . There being no farther business , " Hearty good wishes" wero expressed by the visitors , and the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 615 . Jhe
brethren subsequentl y celebrated the Festival of St . John with a capital banquet , alter which the nsual toast list was proceeded with . -Ihe health of the W . M . was proposed in eulogistic terms by the I . P . M . » nd heartil y drank by all present , Bro . J . S . Whitehead singing Here s to his Health in a Song . " Tho W . M . having replied ib appropriate language , Bro . Dawson proposed the Visitors in one of his telling speeches , several of their number responding . Tbe other
Ar00501
toasts included tha I . P . M . and Installing Master , tho Offieers . the P . M . ' s , the M . iso'iie Charities , and tho intervals between the toasts were enlivened with soiae capital sonps , from Bros . Stephen Jnpp , Ridsdale , Bowler , Thome . a Shorruek , J . S . Whitehead , & c ., Bro .
Lisenden reciting tho evi-r-popukr " Kissing Cup a Race . A pleasant evening was spent , which would , however , havo been far more agreeable bad it not been for the fog that penetrated the banquet-room and created a disagreeable impression and appearance on the otherwise brilliant scene .
FAITH AND UNANIMITY LODGE , No . 417
AT the annual festival , held at the Masonio HaU , D . nrcheater , ou the 7 th inst ., Bro . E . Newman was installed W . M . for tha ensuing year . The following were the Officers invested : —Brothers E . W . Young S . W ., If . A . Huxtable J . W ., Hewgill Secretary , Look P . M . Treasurer , Kuight S . D ., Maltby J . D ., Stroud D . C , Rev . H . Everett Chaplain .
LA TOLERANCE LODGE , No . 528 . * T 1 HE installation meeting of this Lodge was held on New Year ' s ¦ L Day , nt Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Wm . May Clear W . M . presiding . Bro . John Gibson was passed to the second degree . Bro . Kench P . M . P . G . P ., at the request of the W . M ., installed Bro . William Webb as Master of the Lodge for the year . The Officers appointed were Bros . W . May Clear I . P . M ., G . L . Lyons S . W ., W . E . Willby J . W ., James Kenoh P . M . P . G . P . Treasurer , J . B . Sly P . M . Secretary ,
S . G . Eldridgo S . D ., Hooker J . D ., Pittmann I . G ., J . \ V . Elvin P . M . D . C , W . G . Fenn P . M . and J . L . Prior Stewards , Theo . Ward , R . A . M ., Organist , and Walkley P . M . Tyler . The ceremonies of the evening were ably performed by Bros . Clear , Keuoh , and the Officers . Lodge was closed , and tho work was followed by a choice banquet afc Freemasons' Tavern . Tho banquet was succeeded by the usual
Masonic toasts , and somo exquisite singing by Madle . Vagnolini , Miss Flora Edwards , Bros . G . L . Lyon aud J . J . Pittmann , with Bro . Theo . Ward at the piano . Bro . Kench , responding for the Graud Officers , wished the brethren ou thafc first night of the new year all health and prosperity . On behalf of Grand Lodge , he would say that tbe Lodge La Tolerance was well represented at the Quarterly Communications
and at the meetings of the Board of Benevolence . It was the duty of the W . M . to attend those meetings , and he waa sure the new W . M . wonld do so . Although tbe Past Masters and Wardens had the right to attend the Quarterly Communications , ifc was only the Master who was permitted to attend the Board of Benevolence . There was always something of interest at these meetings . At a
recent meeting ot Grand Lodge there were three distinguished visitors , the Grand Masters of Pennsylvania , Louisiana , and Canada , and it was most interesting to listen to the speeches of those brethren on the subjscfc of Masonry in their districts . At the last meeting of Grand Lodge a sum of one hundred guineas was voted to the families of fche crew of H . M . S . Serpent , whioh was lost with its
hands , except three , off the coast of Spain . There were some who maintained thafc the funds of Grand Lodge should be voted only to Masonic purposes , but that was not tho feeling of the members of Lodge La Tolerance . Whilst fully admitting thafc Masons' first care should be for those ranged under the banners of Masonry , thoy would bo false to the old teaching aud spirit of tho Craft did they not
also endeavour to help , succour , aud defend all those iu peril , danger , and tribulation . They were all only stewards of those good things their Heavenly Father had entrusted them with . He did not suppose there waa over a period in the history of Masonry when there efforts for good wore so powerful as now . The more its tenet-t became known and understood , the morn they woro Hubscribod to and
practised , thc greater would bo their reverence for the Sacred Law , and the butter would they bo tna ' oled to unito in the grand design ol being happy aud communicating happiness . Bro . Clear I . P . M . proposed the health of the WAA ., a brother who was initiated at the sime time ns himself ( Bro . Clear ) . They had since worked np together . Thero was no brother iu whose hands the interests of the
Ledge could bo with greater safety loft . It was impossible it could lose any of its lu = tre in the hand * of Bro . Webb . In a W . M . they required many qualities ; he mnst be a good man und true , be inuao bave powers of governing with firmness and yet with discretion , he must be gonial iu disposition , and Bro . Webb possensed all these qualities . They all knew he had them , and this he would show : he
would set an example to the La Tolerance Lodge , aud would represent ifc as Steward at tho next Festival of the Girls' Institution , an Institution to whkh all tho brethren of the Lodge gave their support . The Worshipful Master , who was received with hearty applause on rising , said he did not think he was a vain man , but he ' . vas afraid ho might become so when he found himself so warmly
received . He thanked the brethren for his election to the chair , u position it had been his ambition to occupy ever since he was initiated . i lo believed the ambition to bo a right one . He made a mistake when ha was quite a young Mason ; ho thought when a man got iu the chair there was nothing for hirn to do , bnt he now found that the more lie knew tha more he wauted to know . That he thought
accounted in some measure for tbo fact that old Masons who bad been in the Craft many years stilt took a great interest in it ; tbey were , in fact , more enthusiastic every meeting . He was the youngest man who had had the honour to preside over the La Tolerance Lodge , and he must ask the brethren to excuse him if he made any mistaken on that ground . He hoped they would have plenty of work during the year , and he would pledge himself to do the beat ha could for tbe
Lodge , and , with Bro . Kench and other Past Masters to assist hirn , he was sure he should succeed . The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of the I . P . M . During his year of office Bro . Clear had governed the Lodge with the firmness which was necessary , bnt he had combined with that suoh heartiness and bonhommie , that it was a pleasnre to be ruled by him . The Lodge had voted him a Past Master ' s jewel , bnt , although it was but a slight token of their regard , Bro , Clear would take it , as it waa meaut , as a sincere ( okeo .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00500
esteemed as he was . Bro . Salmon , th * -n retiring Master , submitted the toast of the Worshipfnl Master . He felt a great responsibility devolved upon him when he was asked to prop > sa the to ist of the new ruler of tbe Domatic Lodge . He was sure the new . Master would prove by hia actions that be woil deserved his name ; that he would prove a good fellow both in action and name . Ho would
impress on the members that tha Mtucev could not do everything in the Lodge ; he needed the assistant-. } and support of tho members , and , as one of the Past Musters of tho Ledge , he hoped tho new Master would receive both . He believed that iu dua course their new chief would go forward in support of one of the great Charities of tho Craft , and he hoped that when that did occur he would receive
tbo assistance of the members of the Lodgo , and thafc tbey would one aud all strive to advance tho welfare of the Charitable Institutions . In reply , the Worshipful Master said ho had been a member of the Domatic Lodge for many years . It was then jnat on nineteen years since he was initiated in it , and he well remembered he had been admitted by their Past Master Bro . Ferguson . The members
could well understand how pleased he was to see that brother made tho recipient of a testimonial that evening . He might claim that he had remained true to the Domatic Lodge , for he had missed but fow of its meetings duriug the nineteen years of his membership , and he was uow amply rewarded in being placed ab its head . Referring , to the remarks of bis predecessor in regard to tho support of the
Charities , he hoped the members would rally round him aud help to raise a substantial total ou behalf of tho Boys' School , whioh was just now specially in need of funds . Ho had long resided close to the Justifcuton , at Wood Green , and had watched its progress . He could remember it as a comparatively small gentleman ' s residence ; now it was an institution they must all be proud of , and he hoped they would do much to support it . Tho subsequent toasts included tho
following , viz ., tho Installing Master , the V isitors , tho Past Masters , the Treasurer aud Secretary , special honour being paid to Bro . George Everett , in consideration of his selection aa Graud Treasurer of England . Daring tho evening a pleasing selection of music was given , under tho direction of Bro . Rieohelmann , the Organist of the Lodge , the artistes being Mdme . Riechelmann , Miss Emily Foxcroft , Mr . W . P . Richards , and Mr . Reohab Tandy .
FRIENDSHIP LODGE , No . 202
THE installation bauquet was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Princes Square , Plymouth , on the 7 th inst ., when brethren and visitors to the number of eighty partook of an excellent dinner , ably served by the Steward and Stewardess ( Mr . aud Mrs . Harvey ) , under the personal supervision of the indefatigable Secretary to the club ,
Bro . Dillon . Tho Worshipfnl Master Bro . Joseph Oldfwld presided , and a most enjoyable evening was spanfc . Tho nsual Masonio and Loyal toasts were duly honoured , and responded to . Excellent songs were given by Bros . Leonard 202 , Lemon 180 , Sweet 202 , Leonard 202 , Collins 202 , Lathom 202 , Eades 202 , Cross 202 , Diehard 230 , Goodyear 223 . Mr . Harris , of Devonport , presided at the piano .
AFFABILITY LODGE , No . 317 . THE installation of Bro . Vasil Marco VultehofF took place and tho St . John ' s Festival was celebrated , on the 7 th iust ., at tho Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester . Tlio usual night of meet , ing is the first Thursday in the month , but in consequence of New Year ' s Day falling ou a Thursday , tho meeting was postponed . The
following brethren were present : —E . G . Chrsworth W . M ., V . M . VnltcboiTS . W ., S . Staton J . W ., W . J . Cunlifto P . M . Treas . P . P . G . S . D . j J . Read Sec , F . Spencer S . D ., Wm . Garside J . D ., Geo . Jackson I . G . ' John Bladon P . M . D . C . P . P . G . A . D . C , Past Masters Dawson , Lever , Walmsley , Lisenden , Garside , Robinson , and Bnshell ; Bros . A . Allen
N . Field , A . Wild , G . H . Scott , John Quail , J . H . Marsh , Lawrence Hall , W . N . Paterson , J . S . Whitehead , F . \ V . Ashe , E . Wihl , and W . Broeklelmrst . Visitors : —!' . R . Peel P . M . 1 U 7 P . P . G . J . D ., E . L . Littler P . M . 1730 P . P . G . P . W . L ., T . J . lloper W . M . St . George ' s P . P . G . P ., Stephen Jnpp P . M . 1110 P . G . Organist W . L ., Win . Hardcastle
P . M . 1773 P . P . G . D . C , E . Hullurd W . M . 1773 , Wm . Sturm P . M . 1161 , Jas . Wilson P . M . 317 , J . H . Dulgleish I . P . M . 1117 , J . Aldred P . M . 1140 , S . Lewis W . M . 1161 , J . Stovold P . M . 093 , \ V . T . Hesketh P . M . 1375 , W . Campbell P . M . 1357 , J . W . Rattray I . P . M . 1093 , Thos . Shorrock P . M . 201 , A . W . Peroberton 1030 . M . Erangelino ( Harmonic
Lodge ) , A . Broome 1166 , Edward Smith 317 , J . Ridsdale Bowley 216 , and Edward Pike P . M . Prince Edward Lodge . The Lodgo was opened at 3 ' 45 , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . In the second degree the W . M . elect Bro . V . M . Vultchoff was presented to the Installing Master ( Bro . E . G . Chesworth ) b
y Rro . John Bladon P . M . P . P . G . A . D . C , and after tho usual preliminaries , and with all doe rite and ceremony , inducted iuto the chair of K . S . before a Board of 26 Installed Masters . Ou the re-admission of all M . M . ' g , the usual proclamation was made and salutes given , aftw which Bro . James Dawson P . M . delivered the address to the W . M ..
and invested fcho following brethren Olficeis for rim ensuing year : — Rro . S Staton S . W .. J . Read J . W ., W . J . Gauhife P . M . Treasure ! P . P . G . S . D ., Wm . Garside Secretary , F . Spencer S . D ., Gtoi'go Jackson I . D ., John Bladon P . M . P . P . G . A . D . C . Dir . of Cers ., J . S . Whitehead Organist , Thomas Buabell P . M . I . G ., Alired Allen , J . II . Marsh , aud
J - Quail Stewards . Bro . K . It . Lisenden delivered the address to the Wardens , aud Bro . John Bladon to the Brethren . A Past Master ' s jowel M-as presented to Bro . E . G . Chesworth I . P . M . for his services duriug the past year , aud he returned thanks iu a no tt speech . There being no farther business , " Hearty good wishes" wero expressed by the visitors , and the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 615 . Jhe
brethren subsequentl y celebrated the Festival of St . John with a capital banquet , alter which the nsual toast list was proceeded with . -Ihe health of the W . M . was proposed in eulogistic terms by the I . P . M . » nd heartil y drank by all present , Bro . J . S . Whitehead singing Here s to his Health in a Song . " Tho W . M . having replied ib appropriate language , Bro . Dawson proposed the Visitors in one of his telling speeches , several of their number responding . Tbe other
Ar00501
toasts included tha I . P . M . and Installing Master , tho Offieers . the P . M . ' s , the M . iso'iie Charities , and tho intervals between the toasts were enlivened with soiae capital sonps , from Bros . Stephen Jnpp , Ridsdale , Bowler , Thome . a Shorruek , J . S . Whitehead , & c ., Bro .
Lisenden reciting tho evi-r-popukr " Kissing Cup a Race . A pleasant evening was spent , which would , however , havo been far more agreeable bad it not been for the fog that penetrated the banquet-room and created a disagreeable impression and appearance on the otherwise brilliant scene .
FAITH AND UNANIMITY LODGE , No . 417
AT the annual festival , held at the Masonio HaU , D . nrcheater , ou the 7 th inst ., Bro . E . Newman was installed W . M . for tha ensuing year . The following were the Officers invested : —Brothers E . W . Young S . W ., If . A . Huxtable J . W ., Hewgill Secretary , Look P . M . Treasurer , Kuight S . D ., Maltby J . D ., Stroud D . C , Rev . H . Everett Chaplain .
LA TOLERANCE LODGE , No . 528 . * T 1 HE installation meeting of this Lodge was held on New Year ' s ¦ L Day , nt Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Wm . May Clear W . M . presiding . Bro . John Gibson was passed to the second degree . Bro . Kench P . M . P . G . P ., at the request of the W . M ., installed Bro . William Webb as Master of the Lodge for the year . The Officers appointed were Bros . W . May Clear I . P . M ., G . L . Lyons S . W ., W . E . Willby J . W ., James Kenoh P . M . P . G . P . Treasurer , J . B . Sly P . M . Secretary ,
S . G . Eldridgo S . D ., Hooker J . D ., Pittmann I . G ., J . \ V . Elvin P . M . D . C , W . G . Fenn P . M . and J . L . Prior Stewards , Theo . Ward , R . A . M ., Organist , and Walkley P . M . Tyler . The ceremonies of the evening were ably performed by Bros . Clear , Keuoh , and the Officers . Lodge was closed , and tho work was followed by a choice banquet afc Freemasons' Tavern . Tho banquet was succeeded by the usual
Masonic toasts , and somo exquisite singing by Madle . Vagnolini , Miss Flora Edwards , Bros . G . L . Lyon aud J . J . Pittmann , with Bro . Theo . Ward at the piano . Bro . Kench , responding for the Graud Officers , wished the brethren ou thafc first night of the new year all health and prosperity . On behalf of Grand Lodge , he would say that tbe Lodge La Tolerance was well represented at the Quarterly Communications
and at the meetings of the Board of Benevolence . It was the duty of the W . M . to attend those meetings , and he waa sure the new W . M . wonld do so . Although tbe Past Masters and Wardens had the right to attend the Quarterly Communications , ifc was only the Master who was permitted to attend the Board of Benevolence . There was always something of interest at these meetings . At a
recent meeting ot Grand Lodge there were three distinguished visitors , the Grand Masters of Pennsylvania , Louisiana , and Canada , and it was most interesting to listen to the speeches of those brethren on the subjscfc of Masonry in their districts . At the last meeting of Grand Lodge a sum of one hundred guineas was voted to the families of fche crew of H . M . S . Serpent , whioh was lost with its
hands , except three , off the coast of Spain . There were some who maintained thafc the funds of Grand Lodge should be voted only to Masonic purposes , but that was not tho feeling of the members of Lodge La Tolerance . Whilst fully admitting thafc Masons' first care should be for those ranged under the banners of Masonry , thoy would bo false to the old teaching aud spirit of tho Craft did they not
also endeavour to help , succour , aud defend all those iu peril , danger , and tribulation . They were all only stewards of those good things their Heavenly Father had entrusted them with . He did not suppose there waa over a period in the history of Masonry when there efforts for good wore so powerful as now . The more its tenet-t became known and understood , the morn they woro Hubscribod to and
practised , thc greater would bo their reverence for the Sacred Law , and the butter would they bo tna ' oled to unito in the grand design ol being happy aud communicating happiness . Bro . Clear I . P . M . proposed the health of the WAA ., a brother who was initiated at the sime time ns himself ( Bro . Clear ) . They had since worked np together . Thero was no brother iu whose hands the interests of the
Ledge could bo with greater safety loft . It was impossible it could lose any of its lu = tre in the hand * of Bro . Webb . In a W . M . they required many qualities ; he mnst be a good man und true , be inuao bave powers of governing with firmness and yet with discretion , he must be gonial iu disposition , and Bro . Webb possensed all these qualities . They all knew he had them , and this he would show : he
would set an example to the La Tolerance Lodge , aud would represent ifc as Steward at tho next Festival of the Girls' Institution , an Institution to whkh all tho brethren of the Lodge gave their support . The Worshipful Master , who was received with hearty applause on rising , said he did not think he was a vain man , but he ' . vas afraid ho might become so when he found himself so warmly
received . He thanked the brethren for his election to the chair , u position it had been his ambition to occupy ever since he was initiated . i lo believed the ambition to bo a right one . He made a mistake when ha was quite a young Mason ; ho thought when a man got iu the chair there was nothing for hirn to do , bnt he now found that the more lie knew tha more he wauted to know . That he thought
accounted in some measure for tbo fact that old Masons who bad been in the Craft many years stilt took a great interest in it ; tbey were , in fact , more enthusiastic every meeting . He was the youngest man who had had the honour to preside over the La Tolerance Lodge , and he must ask the brethren to excuse him if he made any mistaken on that ground . He hoped they would have plenty of work during the year , and he would pledge himself to do the beat ha could for tbe
Lodge , and , with Bro . Kench and other Past Masters to assist hirn , he was sure he should succeed . The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of the I . P . M . During his year of office Bro . Clear had governed the Lodge with the firmness which was necessary , bnt he had combined with that suoh heartiness and bonhommie , that it was a pleasnre to be ruled by him . The Lodge had voted him a Past Master ' s jewel , bnt , although it was but a slight token of their regard , Bro , Clear would take it , as it waa meaut , as a sincere ( okeo .