Indian Masonry.

we lived in a temple of perfection , which , as far as my experience goes , is an impossibility . I would rather not be elected to be the Grand Master of All Scottish Freemasonry in India on the understanding that all possible dissensions had been squared . It is true , Sir , there is some reason , or there may be some reason , in the possible criticism that may have been advanced . It is true that I am honoured by being the Pro District Grand Master under

the English Constitution , and I am now , as you are all aware , Grand Master of All Scottish Freemasonry in India . There is an objection to that whioh I have observed in others and to which I strongly object myself , and it is that I am no advocate of pluralism . But still , Sir , taking you as a pattern , and observing the way in which you have discharged your duties , and coming to you , if you will allow me , for guidance in my difficulties , I shall hope to

triumph over such difficulties as may present themselves tome . But I would still make one moro observation on that point . I do not for one believe in the competition between English Masonry and Scottish Masonry . If there is such a competition anywhere , and ifc does lead anywhere to disagreeobleness , I think there must be some bad management somewhere , and I can assure you both of fche English and the Scotch Constitutions , that so long as

I have the honour to preside over both no competition shall present itself . Now , Brethren , I find myself as Grand Mastor of All Scottish Freemasonry in India more closely allied to Scotland than I have been hitherto . It is true that I have passed in that delightful country some of the happiest days of my life , and I hope to pass more there , but you have not informed me , most Worshipful Sir , whether this distinguished honour which was conferred upon

me this afternoon entitles me to come to high ceremonials in a kilt . I am aware that a distinguished predecessor of mine , nofc as a Freemason , but as the Governor of Bombay , enveloped his graceful form in the kilt , and , Worshipful Sir , if that had been the condition I think I should have fought rather shy of accepting the honour . As there seems some difference of opinion we will reserve it for decision for a future occasion . I may mention

that I was immensely flattered by the gathering fchat I saw this afternoon when I was installed , and also by the great number of Brethren assembled in this hall this evening . I am given fco understand by Brethren of great experience and long service in the Craft that these two meetings outnumber any other meeting that has been held by the Craft before . Well , I take thafc , Brethren , as a most flattering circumstance , and I am glad to remark that

here on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the reign of our beloved Queen-Empress we meet in fraternity and unity , Mussulmans , Hindoos , Parsees , and Christians , cemented by the Craft to which we are devoted . Now , Brethren , what is it that has brought us here together in this brotherly love and affection but this Craft of Freemasonry ? To-morrow , you are aware , you will all have to assist me at a very interesting ceremony . I am to lay

the foundation-stone of a Temple for the Craft . The idea haa been long under consideration , and to-morrow we lay the foundation-stone , and before my time comes to an end I shall hope to see it opened . The Craft should certainly possess a Temple worthy of the Craft and of this beautiful city of Bombay , and I am proud of the fact that as a result of the dire catastrophe that has been upon us , and the buildings that may be erected in the future ,

the foundation-stone of the first new building is to be laid by the Freemasons of Bombay . As you are all aware , arrangements for the laying of this foundation-stone have been subjects which have occupied lengthy consideration , and at last matters have been brought to a head . I must say that I think there are two individuals who deserve our warmest appreciation and our thanks for their efforts , and these are Worshipful Brothers Darasha

Chichgar and N . N . Wadia . Their labours have been unceasing , and to-morrow they will see a practical commencement of the work they have so laboured to promote . Now , Brethren , I thank you most cordiall y for drinking my health , but like a postscript in a lady ' s letter , the point of my speech is to come . I have to propose to you the health of the Past Grand Master Worshipful Brother Smith . For the five years Worshipful Brother

Smith has held this trust he not only in no way betrayed it , but he sustained the dignity of the position he held during that period . I speak , I am sure , the conscientious wish of all Freemasons under the Scottish Constitution , Sir , when I convey thanks to you for the part you have taken , the enthusiasm you have shown , and the dignity with which you have upheld the honour of the Craft .

Bro . Smith , in replying to fche toast , said that words failed him to adequately express his thanks to tbe Grand Master for proposing his toast in such kind terms . He took thafc opportunity to render an account of his stewardship for the last five years , and in doing so alluded to the number of Lodges that worked under the Grand Lodge , and the satisfactory financial position of those Lodges and of Grand Lodge .

Bro . Smith then proposed the toast of the District Grand Master of Bombay H . B . H . the Duke of Connaught , and the Sister District Grand Lodges , which was cordially received by the Brethren . Bro . Smith proposed the toast of the Grand Masters Depute and Substitute , and the Grand Officers present and past , and while doing so gave a brief history of the Masonic career of each of these Officers .

Bro . P . N . Wadia , in returning thanks , said that he considered himself most fortunate that he was the Grand Master Depute this year , which would be remembered as a red-letter one , not only in the annals of Freemasonry in this country , but also in the history of the world . In the annals

of Freemasonry , because it was for the first time that the soeptre of the District Grand Lodge and that of the Grand Lodge of All Scottish Freemasonry in India was weilded by the same hand , and the government of both Constitutions vested in one head . In the history of the world because it was the year of the Diamond Jubilee of their beloved

Indian Masonry.

Sovereign , whom the world had so justly accorded , and would long continue to accord , pre-eminence , not only on account of the length and prosperity of Her reign , but on the world-wide extent of Her dominions , as also the wisdom and beneficence of Hor rule , the purity of Her court , the beauty of the domestic relations of Her life , and for Her marvellous power of sympathy with and regard for the teeming millions of the diverse

races ruled by Her . It had been truly said that the sun never set upon the dominions of their noble Queen-Empress , but Freemasons could with still greater truth proclaim that the sun never set upon Freemasonry , which had spread and was still spreading all over the civilised world and operating ita noble and benign influence over those who came within its sphere . The

Grand Officers were always ready to render service , whenever required , to the Craft , but he might mention that the lion ' s share of the work devolved on the Grand Secretary and only those who had seen him toiling and moiling from morning till evening in his shirt sleeves to keep pace with the work that was thrown upon him , could realise how onerous his duties were , and how ably and cheerfully he discharged them .

Bro . P . N . Wadia , in proposing the toast of the Deputy District Grand Master and Officers of District Grand Lodge , said that the Deputy District Grand Master Bro . W . Owen Dunn , who had gone home on sick leave , had rendered signal services to the Craft in connection with the proposed Masonio Hall , the foundation of whioh was to be laid by H . E . Lord Sandhurst on the following day . Bro . Shields , who acted for Bro . Dunn , was himself the

Deputy District Grand Master at one time , and was a most zealous Mason , ever ready to further the interests of the District Grand Lodge , and they were glad to see him among them that nighfc . They had also great pleasure in welcoming Bro . Barrow Pasfc Deputy District Grand Master , whose name was a household word in local Masonic circles . Among the District Grand

Officers present on fche occasion , who successfull engineered the scheme for a new Masonic Temple , was Bro . the Hon . N . N . Wadia , who was a Mason who did good by stealth , and blushed to find ifc fame . The architect of his own fortune , he was ever ready to find out and relieve distress , and to hiin belonged the credit , next to their Grand Masters , of providing' such a beautiful Temple as they were to have in Bombay .

Bro . I . M . Shields having replied to the toast in suitable terms , Bro . K . B . Cama proposed the Subordinate Lodges and Visitors , coupling with the toast the name of Bro . the Hon . Justice Badrudin Tyebji , who acknowledged the compliment in a neat little speech . Bro . D . B . Chichgar then gave the Tyler ' s toast , which was drunk in solemn silence , and the assembly having sung " Auld Lang Syne " to the accompaniment of the Band , separated at about 11 * 30 p . m . — " Times of India . "

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