Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Summer Excursion Of The Friars Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1349.
SUMMER EXCURSION OF THE FRIARS LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1349 .
fiT-lST e ¦ li . ¦¦ - •!( wi : i li ! - < -MII-COS-- is a proposition whioh meet : v . ' . ' . ¦¦!¦ ¦ : •• ¦;; : ; ¦ . \ . Van " - iho many instances win n t'' : r " , - : . ! •¦ ' v ! ll :,- ivi'iii -- 'U'oi'ssfid visit of tin li- ' . ¦¦;¦¦ ''• ¦ .. i' ¦'' . ' ! I . i tin * Crown Gardens Tl .: -I ..- ¦ . ' I :. : . ' ¦¦ e : eb 1 v ii ¦ ¦ ¦ iho . : ¦ < -i >) MI , 'iniiiversnn
Sinn :: ii - !! ,, .: i : ¦ v . ' : '••' ' ! :: ' '¦! --.-. nv invited . Tlio proviom ncr . isi : ni ,- iv ! - ' .-: * * -. • . i i-i •' -. " !'" i' - ' nAsnN ' s Ctn-o \ irr . K of the 1 'iih St- ; * i . -- ¦) ' •¦ ' ! ¦ ¦ : " : > -.. .- .: ' .- ' !•; --MI . - ¦!¦ * : r : *! y sseeesst ' iil aspect , both :: < to be-e ' *¦ . ' ¦ : ¦ -ne'b . e .. . " . "<¦ " feinim' ! ' * . *—lire . - ; . Miist-o , Pavitt , and Wot-slev—iberei ' ee e- ; -evi eb a wis . * di ~ -ornt-ii . il this year in again selecting the same Inoalhw Tho nuniber expected being largoi
than upon the last rc-, -nsK * n , it was deemed advisable , as far as possible , to arrange for the party to go by rail . Liberal arrangements wero made with tho Great Eastern Railway Company , whereby a saloon and other first-class carriages wero placed at the services of thoso who might wish to leave town early , so as to enjoy a long day . A largo number availed themselves of these facilities ,
and wero amply rewarded by tho additional timo at their disposal for enjoying tho many sports and recreations which this popular resort affords . Tho weather fortunately continued fine , albeit somewhat dull . Of tho , sports , croquet proved a strong attraction , whilst at lawn billiards the skill of tlio brethren was markedly displayed . Bnfc if tho palm must bo awarded to any game , ifc should certainly
bo that of archery , which engrossed tho attention of by far the greater number , and though the practice of the sterner sex was good , it was open to little doubt that tho Maids Marian had the best of the encounter , in point of skill , at this ancient pastime . This need not bo wondered afc , if it be true that , according to tho authority of Plato , archery was the invention of tho goddess Diana . As
Englishmen , it is perhaps well thafc tho remembrance of a weapon which although ifc has cost us a Harold , a Richard , and other historic celebrities , has dono good national service , and gained us many noted battles—from Crossy , Poictiers , and Agincourt downwards—should still bo in voguo amongst ns . Whilst these enjoyments were proceed inc . many of the gnosis took tho opportunity
to inspect the . admirable gardens for which the Crown Hotel is so justly famous . Here the general effect was satisfactory , although we missed the splendid show of Hollyhocks which once formed so notable a feature in these grounds ; perhaps , however , their loss was more than compensated by the improved show of dahlias and phloxes , in great variety of beauty and colour . Nor need
the visitor confine himself or herself to tho gardens , for tho beanties of the surrounding conntry invito one and all to indulge , —in a row or a walk along the silver Lea . Shonld we do either we aro sure to come upon a brother who , as a disciple of Izaak Walton , has stolon away in seeming unsociability to enjoy tho " gentle" sport . Little perhaps does ho think—and tho opportunity for thinking is surely his
while engaged in such an occupation—that the stream upon whose crystal bosom ho peacefully gazes has been tho scene of many a stirring event . Tot hardly ten centuries ago it bore the gallant Norseman's fleet of pinnaces from tho River Thames along the Lea , passing Broxbourne nearly to Hertford ( for the tide flowed in those early times to that ancient city ) . Here , having entrenched
themselves , tho Danes made sad havoc among the neighbouring people , until king Alfred caused a wall , called Blackwall , to be built in the East of London , which , diverting the stream , stranded their vessels and left their fortifications high and dry . These latter give a name to the locality , Weir or Wave , which is one archaiologists and savants have much interested themselves in assigning a reason for .
Nor should tho village itself bo neglected , for the pedestrian will be well rewarded by a visit to tho church , which is a handsome edifice in tho decorative stylo of English Architecture , with a square tower supporting an octagonal spire . The church and village anciently belonged to the Knights of St . John . The ancient Manor House , too , has played its part in history , and formerly belonged to the
Monks of Bermondscy . James I ., on his march from Scotland , was entertained here . Ho was received by tho Lord Keeper of the Seal , Lord Treasurer , Lord Admiral , aud other notables , with all the pomp and circumstance of state . It may also bo interesting to Freemasons to know that the principles dear to them aro here well enforced . A school , freo to tho children of tho parish , beiug sustained by
an endowment sinco 1667 , whilst an almhonso for six poor widows , and other minor benefactions exist . But the effect of outdoor exercise , is making itself felt , and the pedestrian , tbe angler , and those who havo been engaged in sports are gathering in fcho saloon , whore r , banquet has been prepared by Bro . T . Beningfield in his bust style . Being favoured with an early view of
the banquet room , wo wero struck wita fcho perfection of tho arrangements—the splendid ferns , suspended along the roof of tho building , gave a cool and . rol ' re-dnbie-: a-neefe to the table , on which a buttonhole of flowers had been laid for each visitor . Tho menu deserves a word of praise—for whilst ifc contained a list of good things to come , it also incindr-d a list , of toasts , to which had been affixed a suitable
Shak-. po . iaa quotation selected by a studious brother . As upon a former oocar-bm , bio ehaii - was taken by Bro . W . Musto P . M . and Preceptor , - . vim was ably supported by Bros . T . J . Barnes and XV . H . Myers in the --ice-era irs . Ample justice having been dono to the good cheer , de . i-iir .: tho discussion of which somo selections woro per-_ r- ! T .- ' . 'd by : i . capita ! band , under tho direction of Mr . R . Hirst , Grace was srid , reed tan 1 ' resident ; rose . The Indies , he said , wonld no
doubt find more pxv . rsuro in walking about the grounds than in any dry SI-O- 'OIHS which -ni- ' et crime from him . He would , therefore , for thoir v . . ' : ¦ ¦ , ' -peak bviolly . The first toast was ono which was always responded ' ¦ ¦ :-, by men with great heartiness , by the ladies with enthusiasm , but inoe especially so by Freemasons . Her Majesty was a lady who was known to be dear to all , both as onr Supreme head aud the mother of several noted men and Masons . The next toast , Bro . Musto said , one dear to English Freemasons—was , " H . R . H . the
Summer Excursion Of The Friars Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1349.
Prince of Wales . As they wero not all Masons , it would be highly improper to enter into his qualifications as Ruler of the Craft . Tho Indies look up to him as lovingly as wo do , nnd ho could assure them Masons acknowledge and revere tho Princo of Wales . Tho toast '' Success to tho Friars Lodgo of Instruction " was , tho W . M . said necessarily the toast of tho day . It was the Festival of that Lod « o
which had brought them there . Por two or three years it hiul engendered a great deal of good will and social feeling , in proof of which might bo mentioned their last year's mooting . There hail not been a simile hitch upon that occasion to mar their pleasure , and ho might claim tho samo remark as applicable to tho present day . This success and social fooling woro in a largo measure dne to thoir
esteemed Bro . Pavitt , tinder whoso roof thoy gathered , while their good working was attributable to the indefatigable Secretary Bro . Worsley . Ho conld dilate afc great length upon the excellent qualities possessed by these brethren , but the ladies would be better pleased to spend the timo in the open air . The toast was most heartily received , and Bro . Worsley , in a warm eulogy on the Lodge of Instruction , claimed thafc
it had been a genuine success , and ifc was second to none in London ; statements , we may remark , that met with general approval . Bro . Barnes , after some humourous observations , said , as Bro . Worsley had stated , their Lodge of Instruction was second to none in London . How . ever , the ladies wonld not understand this , bnt the brethren all knew what it meant . Personally ho saw no reason why tho ladies should
not know what made up a successful Lodgo of lustruction , aud that without coming eighteen miles from home , and oven then but once a year . Tho toast he had the honour of proposing waa one whioh naturally emanated from the preceding one . The present Chairman was the Founder of the Lodge , but Bro . Worsley had undertaken the burden of calling them together ; still if it had nofc been for Bro . Musto ,
who started the Lodge of Instruction , they would probably not have met to day . A better , worthier , and nobler fellow than Bro . Musto was not to be found . He was not a Mason of one or two years' standing only ; he ( Bro . Barnes ) had known him intimately during a course of years , and a hotter fellow never lived . Any words moro would bo thrown away ; he would ask them to drink the health of the chair .
man , and , quoting the text upon the menu , say , " Upon my soul , a proper man . " Bro . Musto replied -. For himself he had little to say , except to thank Bro . Barnes and those present for their kind appreciation of his services . His connection with the Friars Lodge of Instruction had been a most pleasant one ; he had taken a great deal of interest in it , and so long as he lived he hoped to continue so to do .
As Bro . Barnes had said so many kind things of him , he would appeal to all who knew him to credit him with sincerity of utterance in any remarks he might let fall concerning Bro . Barnes , of whom all he conld say would be but gilding refined gold . Bro . Barnes is recognised as our Father in Freemasonry , and we owe to him whatever greatness we have achieved . What he ( Bro . Musto ) knew , and what
incentive he had to acquire , was derived from Bro . Barnes . They likewise had that day as a vice president Bro . Myers . If Bro . Barnes was their father in Freemasonry , then Bro . Myers was his eldest son , and to him we must pay homage as well as to our dear old friend . Bro . Barnes , in acknowledging this compliment , said that the remark that Bro . Myers was his eldest son had set him thinking that in the
Masonic circle he had been pained to witness that , as soon as a brother passed from among us , he was all but forgotten . One Bro . Austin , in life , had been called his first lieutenant ; he ( Bro . Barnes ) would like , at future meetings , to keep in mind those brethren who had rendered special services , so that , though they might be cut off , and their faces seen no more , yet their memory should still be green . Bro .
Myers also replied to tho toast . The Treasurer , Bro . Pavitt , was next honoured . Of him the chairman remarked ifc was nofc necessary to say much . The longer they knew him , the more they respected him . He was one of the mainstays of the Lodge of Instruction , and his kind and genial reception was ever an inducement for the members to revisit the Lodge . ( Cheers were then given for Bro . and Mrs .
Pavitt . ) Bro . Pavitt reviewed the progress of the Lodge ; its career unquestionably had been a successful one , as was likewise this their second summer outing . He hoped they might have opportunities in future years of renewing the pleasant experiences of this day . The Secretary was next toasted , and in the course of his reply , Bro . Worsley said he had endeavoured to perform his duty , and to do his
utmost to make this festive day of tho Friars Lodge of Instruction a thoronghly successful one . He would rather wind up his speech by singing a song . This was done , and the Ladies were toasted , in felicitous terms , and Bro . Lovve , being a bachelor , was called upon to respond . He said he thought he was the wrong man in the right place . The ladies were deeply sensible of the kind and able manner
in which their health had been proposed , their virtues extolled , and their beauty praised . They had appreciated their kind reception that day , but as they would now prefer to gain the open air , he would be brief , and thank the brethren for the honour done to the toast of the Ladies . The toasts were pleasantly interspersed with vocal and instrumental music . Anions : those who assisted should bo
mentioned Bro . Worsley , who was accompanied by Miss Worsley ; Miss A . Musto , who gave a charming rendering of " She woro a wreath of roses , " and later in the day , by desire , " Darby and Joan ; " Bro . Smith and others . A fantasia for four hands , from Meyerbeer ' s " Le Prophetc , " arranged by Bro . S . Smith , was performed by the Misses Cull , in a highly finished manner . The shades of evening were falling as tho party again visited the gardens , where ,
after obtaining souvenirs of the day , in the shape of bouquets , a dancing party was formed , nnder tha skilful direction of Bro . T . Loane , who acted as M . C . This , with an occasional interval for vocal music , took up the time available before the departure of tho last train to London , in the comfortable carriages of which all reached town safely . As on the former occasion , one and all could say . that , " As happy we had met , so happy we would part , and happy meet again . " So mote it be !
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Summer Excursion Of The Friars Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1349.
SUMMER EXCURSION OF THE FRIARS LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1349 .
fiT-lST e ¦ li . ¦¦ - •!( wi : i li ! - < -MII-COS-- is a proposition whioh meet : v . ' . ' . ¦¦!¦ ¦ : •• ¦;; : ; ¦ . \ . Van " - iho many instances win n t'' : r " , - : . ! •¦ ' v ! ll :,- ivi'iii -- 'U'oi'ssfid visit of tin li- ' . ¦¦;¦¦ ''• ¦ .. i' ¦'' . ' ! I . i tin * Crown Gardens Tl .: -I ..- ¦ . ' I :. : . ' ¦¦ e : eb 1 v ii ¦ ¦ ¦ iho . : ¦ < -i >) MI , 'iniiiversnn
Sinn :: ii - !! ,, .: i : ¦ v . ' : '••' ' ! :: ' '¦! --.-. nv invited . Tlio proviom ncr . isi : ni ,- iv ! - ' .-: * * -. • . i i-i •' -. " !'" i' - ' nAsnN ' s Ctn-o \ irr . K of the 1 'iih St- ; * i . -- ¦) ' •¦ ' ! ¦ ¦ : " : > -.. .- .: ' .- ' !•; --MI . - ¦!¦ * : r : *! y sseeesst ' iil aspect , both :: < to be-e ' *¦ . ' ¦ : ¦ -ne'b . e .. . " . "<¦ " feinim' ! ' * . *—lire . - ; . Miist-o , Pavitt , and Wot-slev—iberei ' ee e- ; -evi eb a wis . * di ~ -ornt-ii . il this year in again selecting the same Inoalhw Tho nuniber expected being largoi
than upon the last rc-, -nsK * n , it was deemed advisable , as far as possible , to arrange for the party to go by rail . Liberal arrangements wero made with tho Great Eastern Railway Company , whereby a saloon and other first-class carriages wero placed at the services of thoso who might wish to leave town early , so as to enjoy a long day . A largo number availed themselves of these facilities ,
and wero amply rewarded by tho additional timo at their disposal for enjoying tho many sports and recreations which this popular resort affords . Tho weather fortunately continued fine , albeit somewhat dull . Of tho , sports , croquet proved a strong attraction , whilst at lawn billiards the skill of tlio brethren was markedly displayed . Bnfc if tho palm must bo awarded to any game , ifc should certainly
bo that of archery , which engrossed tho attention of by far the greater number , and though the practice of the sterner sex was good , it was open to little doubt that tho Maids Marian had the best of the encounter , in point of skill , at this ancient pastime . This need not bo wondered afc , if it be true that , according to tho authority of Plato , archery was the invention of tho goddess Diana . As
Englishmen , it is perhaps well thafc tho remembrance of a weapon which although ifc has cost us a Harold , a Richard , and other historic celebrities , has dono good national service , and gained us many noted battles—from Crossy , Poictiers , and Agincourt downwards—should still bo in voguo amongst ns . Whilst these enjoyments were proceed inc . many of the gnosis took tho opportunity
to inspect the . admirable gardens for which the Crown Hotel is so justly famous . Here the general effect was satisfactory , although we missed the splendid show of Hollyhocks which once formed so notable a feature in these grounds ; perhaps , however , their loss was more than compensated by the improved show of dahlias and phloxes , in great variety of beauty and colour . Nor need
the visitor confine himself or herself to tho gardens , for tho beanties of the surrounding conntry invito one and all to indulge , —in a row or a walk along the silver Lea . Shonld we do either we aro sure to come upon a brother who , as a disciple of Izaak Walton , has stolon away in seeming unsociability to enjoy tho " gentle" sport . Little perhaps does ho think—and tho opportunity for thinking is surely his
while engaged in such an occupation—that the stream upon whose crystal bosom ho peacefully gazes has been tho scene of many a stirring event . Tot hardly ten centuries ago it bore the gallant Norseman's fleet of pinnaces from tho River Thames along the Lea , passing Broxbourne nearly to Hertford ( for the tide flowed in those early times to that ancient city ) . Here , having entrenched
themselves , tho Danes made sad havoc among the neighbouring people , until king Alfred caused a wall , called Blackwall , to be built in the East of London , which , diverting the stream , stranded their vessels and left their fortifications high and dry . These latter give a name to the locality , Weir or Wave , which is one archaiologists and savants have much interested themselves in assigning a reason for .
Nor should tho village itself bo neglected , for the pedestrian will be well rewarded by a visit to tho church , which is a handsome edifice in tho decorative stylo of English Architecture , with a square tower supporting an octagonal spire . The church and village anciently belonged to the Knights of St . John . The ancient Manor House , too , has played its part in history , and formerly belonged to the
Monks of Bermondscy . James I ., on his march from Scotland , was entertained here . Ho was received by tho Lord Keeper of the Seal , Lord Treasurer , Lord Admiral , aud other notables , with all the pomp and circumstance of state . It may also bo interesting to Freemasons to know that the principles dear to them aro here well enforced . A school , freo to tho children of tho parish , beiug sustained by
an endowment sinco 1667 , whilst an almhonso for six poor widows , and other minor benefactions exist . But the effect of outdoor exercise , is making itself felt , and the pedestrian , tbe angler , and those who havo been engaged in sports are gathering in fcho saloon , whore r , banquet has been prepared by Bro . T . Beningfield in his bust style . Being favoured with an early view of
the banquet room , wo wero struck wita fcho perfection of tho arrangements—the splendid ferns , suspended along the roof of tho building , gave a cool and . rol ' re-dnbie-: a-neefe to the table , on which a buttonhole of flowers had been laid for each visitor . Tho menu deserves a word of praise—for whilst ifc contained a list of good things to come , it also incindr-d a list , of toasts , to which had been affixed a suitable
Shak-. po . iaa quotation selected by a studious brother . As upon a former oocar-bm , bio ehaii - was taken by Bro . W . Musto P . M . and Preceptor , - . vim was ably supported by Bros . T . J . Barnes and XV . H . Myers in the --ice-era irs . Ample justice having been dono to the good cheer , de . i-iir .: tho discussion of which somo selections woro per-_ r- ! T .- ' . 'd by : i . capita ! band , under tho direction of Mr . R . Hirst , Grace was srid , reed tan 1 ' resident ; rose . The Indies , he said , wonld no
doubt find more pxv . rsuro in walking about the grounds than in any dry SI-O- 'OIHS which -ni- ' et crime from him . He would , therefore , for thoir v . . ' : ¦ ¦ , ' -peak bviolly . The first toast was ono which was always responded ' ¦ ¦ :-, by men with great heartiness , by the ladies with enthusiasm , but inoe especially so by Freemasons . Her Majesty was a lady who was known to be dear to all , both as onr Supreme head aud the mother of several noted men and Masons . The next toast , Bro . Musto said , one dear to English Freemasons—was , " H . R . H . the
Summer Excursion Of The Friars Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1349.
Prince of Wales . As they wero not all Masons , it would be highly improper to enter into his qualifications as Ruler of the Craft . Tho Indies look up to him as lovingly as wo do , nnd ho could assure them Masons acknowledge and revere tho Princo of Wales . Tho toast '' Success to tho Friars Lodgo of Instruction " was , tho W . M . said necessarily the toast of tho day . It was the Festival of that Lod « o
which had brought them there . Por two or three years it hiul engendered a great deal of good will and social feeling , in proof of which might bo mentioned their last year's mooting . There hail not been a simile hitch upon that occasion to mar their pleasure , and ho might claim tho samo remark as applicable to tho present day . This success and social fooling woro in a largo measure dne to thoir
esteemed Bro . Pavitt , tinder whoso roof thoy gathered , while their good working was attributable to the indefatigable Secretary Bro . Worsley . Ho conld dilate afc great length upon the excellent qualities possessed by these brethren , but the ladies would be better pleased to spend the timo in the open air . The toast was most heartily received , and Bro . Worsley , in a warm eulogy on the Lodge of Instruction , claimed thafc
it had been a genuine success , and ifc was second to none in London ; statements , we may remark , that met with general approval . Bro . Barnes , after some humourous observations , said , as Bro . Worsley had stated , their Lodge of Instruction was second to none in London . How . ever , the ladies wonld not understand this , bnt the brethren all knew what it meant . Personally ho saw no reason why tho ladies should
not know what made up a successful Lodgo of lustruction , aud that without coming eighteen miles from home , and oven then but once a year . Tho toast he had the honour of proposing waa one whioh naturally emanated from the preceding one . The present Chairman was the Founder of the Lodge , but Bro . Worsley had undertaken the burden of calling them together ; still if it had nofc been for Bro . Musto ,
who started the Lodge of Instruction , they would probably not have met to day . A better , worthier , and nobler fellow than Bro . Musto was not to be found . He was not a Mason of one or two years' standing only ; he ( Bro . Barnes ) had known him intimately during a course of years , and a hotter fellow never lived . Any words moro would bo thrown away ; he would ask them to drink the health of the chair .
man , and , quoting the text upon the menu , say , " Upon my soul , a proper man . " Bro . Musto replied -. For himself he had little to say , except to thank Bro . Barnes and those present for their kind appreciation of his services . His connection with the Friars Lodge of Instruction had been a most pleasant one ; he had taken a great deal of interest in it , and so long as he lived he hoped to continue so to do .
As Bro . Barnes had said so many kind things of him , he would appeal to all who knew him to credit him with sincerity of utterance in any remarks he might let fall concerning Bro . Barnes , of whom all he conld say would be but gilding refined gold . Bro . Barnes is recognised as our Father in Freemasonry , and we owe to him whatever greatness we have achieved . What he ( Bro . Musto ) knew , and what
incentive he had to acquire , was derived from Bro . Barnes . They likewise had that day as a vice president Bro . Myers . If Bro . Barnes was their father in Freemasonry , then Bro . Myers was his eldest son , and to him we must pay homage as well as to our dear old friend . Bro . Barnes , in acknowledging this compliment , said that the remark that Bro . Myers was his eldest son had set him thinking that in the
Masonic circle he had been pained to witness that , as soon as a brother passed from among us , he was all but forgotten . One Bro . Austin , in life , had been called his first lieutenant ; he ( Bro . Barnes ) would like , at future meetings , to keep in mind those brethren who had rendered special services , so that , though they might be cut off , and their faces seen no more , yet their memory should still be green . Bro .
Myers also replied to tho toast . The Treasurer , Bro . Pavitt , was next honoured . Of him the chairman remarked ifc was nofc necessary to say much . The longer they knew him , the more they respected him . He was one of the mainstays of the Lodge of Instruction , and his kind and genial reception was ever an inducement for the members to revisit the Lodge . ( Cheers were then given for Bro . and Mrs .
Pavitt . ) Bro . Pavitt reviewed the progress of the Lodge ; its career unquestionably had been a successful one , as was likewise this their second summer outing . He hoped they might have opportunities in future years of renewing the pleasant experiences of this day . The Secretary was next toasted , and in the course of his reply , Bro . Worsley said he had endeavoured to perform his duty , and to do his
utmost to make this festive day of tho Friars Lodge of Instruction a thoronghly successful one . He would rather wind up his speech by singing a song . This was done , and the Ladies were toasted , in felicitous terms , and Bro . Lovve , being a bachelor , was called upon to respond . He said he thought he was the wrong man in the right place . The ladies were deeply sensible of the kind and able manner
in which their health had been proposed , their virtues extolled , and their beauty praised . They had appreciated their kind reception that day , but as they would now prefer to gain the open air , he would be brief , and thank the brethren for the honour done to the toast of the Ladies . The toasts were pleasantly interspersed with vocal and instrumental music . Anions : those who assisted should bo
mentioned Bro . Worsley , who was accompanied by Miss Worsley ; Miss A . Musto , who gave a charming rendering of " She woro a wreath of roses , " and later in the day , by desire , " Darby and Joan ; " Bro . Smith and others . A fantasia for four hands , from Meyerbeer ' s " Le Prophetc , " arranged by Bro . S . Smith , was performed by the Misses Cull , in a highly finished manner . The shades of evening were falling as tho party again visited the gardens , where ,
after obtaining souvenirs of the day , in the shape of bouquets , a dancing party was formed , nnder tha skilful direction of Bro . T . Loane , who acted as M . C . This , with an occasional interval for vocal music , took up the time available before the departure of tho last train to London , in the comfortable carriages of which all reached town safely . As on the former occasion , one and all could say . that , " As happy we had met , so happy we would part , and happy meet again . " So mote it be !