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legitimate and long descended Steward , Lord Lieutenant of the county . ( Applause ) . There are pleasant things to look upon . The time is drawing near when I may look upon fewer pleasant things than I have , and therefore every one that I do see is more stamped upon my imagination , and I rejoice in it the more . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , I thank yon

cordially for the manner in which you have expressed your opinion with regard to the turn-out of the Grand Lodge this day . I shall make a special statement at the next meeting at Graud Lodge of the reception with which you have honoured us , and all I can say is , that if on any other occasion you have buildings to erect— ( prolonged applause)—and if you

have on this occasion found us to be "bonny lads " you may bid us " aye come back again . " ( Laughter . and applause . ) The Earl of DALHOUSIE afterwards said—1 am extremely sorry to he obliged to be guilty of what may appear somewhat indecorous contradiction of our excellent Chairman , the Provost , lie stated to vou just now that he rose to propose the

toast ofthe day . Now 1 dispute that position with him entirely . ( Laughter and applause . ) 1 think that the honour of proposing the toast of the day has , whether intentionally unintentionally , been devolved upon my shoulders . I wish it had fallen on the shoulders of the Provost , because whilst I was considering how I should introduce the subject of the toast ofthe ( liiy . Iirst of all a gallant volunteer got up and

took the wind out of my mam -ail —( laughter)—nnd then the Member for tlie burgh got up and he took the wind out of the other sails —( renewed laughter)—so I found after all that thc best thing I could do was to follow modern invention , and to try and do a little by ste .-uu . ( Laughter and prolonged applause . ) I am sure , gentlemen , you will have anticipated me when I say tnat the toast to which 1 shall ask you to

drink is tbe health of Jlr . Peter Coats , the donor of the builJing of which we have this day laid the foundationstone . ( Loud applause , the company rising mid waving their handkerchiefs ) Well may you rise , gentlemen , with these signs of approbation . A townsman of that cast is not to be lightly valued . He has given to his native town an institution in which is to be cherished the love

of science , tlie love ot letters , tbe pursuit of knowledge of all descriptions—knowledge which tends to soften tiie savage mind , and to bring the infant minds of the rising and the minds ofthe present generation into harmony with tlie civilisation , advancing as ^ it is , of th ¦ day . fieutlcmcn , we have all of us seen , in these money-making days , men advancing in the accumulation of wealth , and we have seen that wealth

turned or . iy to selfish purposes or to self-indulgence . I say , perish such wealth iu tlie using . ( Applause ) But men founding their own fortune , rising upon that foundation , as these two brothers have done , tocnii '¦ cneeiu their own locality and gathering the lawful gains of their industry , not to spend them in scif-inriiilgtnict . ' , but to make them thc means ot pouring blessings upon those ainoag whom they live—all honour ,

I say , to such wealth —( applause)—all honour to the industry and activity of those who have accumulated it . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , I trust that Providence may long spare these two brothers to see fruit from their handiwork—the one to seethe fruit which is to be derived from those fields which he has laid out for the healthful recreation of the community ; the other to see frait arise within the building which lie has

founded to enoble ( he iniads of his fellow townspeople , and to teach them those lessons which will make them examples to every manufacturing town in the country . ( Applause . ) I cannot conclude these observations without saying how much gratilication 1 derived from tho conduct of the inhabitants of the town this day . ( Applause . ) The Sheriff lias said that he has painful dnties to perforin in les locality . 1

should imagine they were far less painful than in that locality from which I myself come . When I contrast thc behaviour of the inhabitants of Paisley this day with that of any other large town in which I have seen : iinilar exhibitions . I can only say this , that not seeing a policeman , except with the magistrates —( laughter and applause)—throughout the whole of this dav , I did not observe either the most remote approach

to a breach of the peace , nor even an act of incivility on thc part of any of thc townspeople . ( Applause . ) I have derived great pleasure from my visit here ; but the greatest 1 have derived is that of shaking hands left and right with two such brothers as Peter and Thomas Coats . ( Applause . ) I now ask you to give what 1 think I have almost proved to be the toast of the evening , the health of Mr . Peter Coats .

( Applause . ) Mr . COATS , who , on rising to reply , was received with loud applause , said : I rise , 1 assure yon , with very trying feeling * to respond to tlie toast of my health , which has been proposed by his lordship in flattering terms of which I consider that I am altogether unworthy , and responded to by this large assembly with such cordiality . ( Applause . ) I

regret very much that I cannot adequately thank you for your kindness . My friend , Provost Macfarlane , knows very well that my wish was that the ceremony of this day should be conducted in a much more private manner than has proved the case —( hear , hear)—but 1 yielded to the solicitations of my friend , knowing that hia intention was so good . It was my intention to have said something to night iu regard to

the institution of which the foiind . iiiou-stone has been laid to-day , but I have learned from my friend the Provost that that our speeches arc to be brief , and I am thankful that he has given me such a hint . You will perhaps think it excusable that the events of to-day have tended to embarrass and excite me , and I shall therefore content myself with acknowledging , as I do with heartfelt gratitude , the flattering

manner in which my health has been proposed and responded to . ( Loud applause . ) The remaining toasts were "The Clergy , " " The M . P . for the Burgh , " "The M . P . for the County , "and "The Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council . " In the course ofthe evening , several capital songs were sung by members of the company , and music appropriate to the toasts were rendered by an instrumental band in attendance . The proceedings were very pleasant and successful .

Lodge Of Prudent Brethren.

LODGE OF PRUDENT BRETHREN .

PRESENTATION TO BR . G . S . STATES , SECRETARY . On Tuesday evening last a meeting of this numerous and influential Lodge was held at the Freemason ' s Hall , Great Queen-street , Lincoln ' s Inn Fields . Br . H . Phipps Allender , W . M ., occupied the Chair of K . S ., and was ably

supported by the following officers : —Thomas Moore , S . AV . ; W . J . Walter , J . AV . ; J . Boyd , Treasurer George S . States , P . M . Grand Steward ' s Lodge 172 , 1 . G 6 , P . G . S ., ifcc , < fec . ; "V V . J . Brown , S . D . Cambridge , J . D . George Wood , Director of Ceremonies ; George Pitt , I . G ., the

ever-agreeable William AVatson , Wine Steward ; J . G . Brown , Assistant Secretary Hoare , P . G . S ., Ty ler , & c . Amongst the Past Masters were Brs . George Sharpe , II . A . Brown , and William Carter . The visitors were , Brs Morris ( P . M . Phcenix , 173 ) , Piatt ( Globe , 2 a ) E . Massey ,

S . AV . ( Beadon . 619 ) , Reid , P . M . ( Westbourne 733 ) , J . B . Reid , ( J . D . Strawberry Hill , 946 ) , Bibb , ( United Strength , 22 j ) , Peirce ( Belgrave , 749 ) , Ranee , ( Industry , 180 ) , Vaughan ( Confidence , 193 ) , Fyse ( Philanthropic ) , C . Ireland

( Eleusis , Boston , U . S . A . ) , Charles Slomiiu ( 45 , i-c ) , and Charles E . Thompson ( 1158 ct 177 ) . The Lodge "as opened in due form , and with solemn prayer , and the minutes of thc previous meeting read and confirmed .

The only Masonic business done was rendered in an exemplary manner by the W . M . Br . Phipps Allender , and elicited tho warmest approval from the brethren , and consisted of one passing and one raising . The Lodge was then called off , and the

brethren adjourned to an excellent dinner served under the management of ( as usual ) of Br . C . Gosden , and which gave universal satisfaction . Tlie office of wine steward , ( on such an occasion no sinecure ) , was ably filled by the veteran in Freemasonry , Br . AV . Watson .

After the cloth had been drawn , Bit . ALLENDER , W . M ., ( who , wc understood , had attended , although suffering from indisposition , in order to be present on this unusual occasion ) rose , and proposed the first toast . He said , amongst Masons the Queen was always

first in their thoughts , and to render it a Masouic toast , he coupled with it the " Craft . " Her most gracious Majesty the Queen was so much respected and admired that anything like eulogy ou his part would almost amount to impertinence . He therefore called upon them to drink to tlie . " Queen and the Craft . "

The national anthem was then sung , the solo parts being given by Brs . Carter and Theodore Distin . The Worship ful MASTER then proposed thc health of the Sovereign in Freemasonry , thc Uig ht Hon . the Earl of Zetland , the Most Worship ful Grand Master of Masons , who for

twentyfive years had presided over them with so much honour , lt was almost needless lo say anything about the universal courtesy with which he treated the brethren with whom he camo in contact ( hear , hear ) , nor was it worth while to say anything about his Masonic talents . ( Cheers . ) The toast it is almost unnecessary to say , was received with applause , and u reall y good fire

given . The AVorship ful MASTEK proposed the health of thc Earl de Grey and llipon , the Dcp'ity Grand Master , and said , all who were in thc habit of attending Grand Lodge are aware of his abilities , and when the time should conic when

he would be Grand Master ho was quite sure he would g ive thc same satisfaction as ho did in his present position . ( Cheers ) . Br . Carter , " Teach me , Mary , how to woo theo . " Br . SHARP , I . P . M ., proposed tho health of

Br . Allender , thc AV . M . He said , for 1 he very able and efficient manner in which he had discharged his duties he was entitled to their respect and warmest approval . He had only been a member of tho Prudent Brethren Lodge

lor a few years , and yet he had arrived at tho honourable position he then filled . His progress in the Craft would , he trusted , act as an incentive to his younger brethren to work with the same diligence . He thought they wero very

Lodge Of Prudent Brethren.

much indebted to him for presiding over them , and trusted they would drink to his good health , long life , and prosperity , in bumpers . The toast was well received . Br . THEODORE DISTIN sang " Savourneen Deelish , " which was applauded .

The Worshi pful MASTER said , Br . Sharp , Past Masters , Wardens , and Brethren , it is with diffidence that I rise to return thanks for the kind manner iu which you have proposed and responded to the toast . I feel that our Br . Sharp has given me more credit than I deserve ,

although it is quite true I am but a young member of this Lodge . I should not have been in this position had it not been for the kind instruction I have received from our brother Past Masters , it would be invidious to particularise , but I will veuture to mention our Brs .

States , Sharp , Browning , and Carter , ( hear , hear ) , and I cannot help saying that I feel bound to do my best for the Lodge , so that I may not bring discredit upon them . If my efforts have met with your approbation I can assure you I am amply repaid . ( Cheers ) .

The next toast was the health of the evergenial kind-hearted Bro . States the Sec , and in speaking of him the W . M . said he was an excellent and worthy Mason , and he wished him long life and happiness . He ( AV . M . ) then , by the power invested in him , resumed tlie lodge from refreshment to labour , for the purpose of

pieseuting to Bro . G . S . States , the Secretary of the lod ge , a very handsome testimonial , consisting of an engrossing , in a handsome frame surmounted by the Masonic emblems and tho number of the lodge . Tlie engrossing , which was elaborately got up was as follows : —

lestimonial , from the Lodge of Prudent Brethren , ] S o . 145 , to BRO . GEORGE STATES . Dear Sir and Brother , —AA ' e beg sincerely to testify to \ on our high esteem and best thanks for the very able manlier in which you performed the duties of the secretary of this lodge for the last four years , and

hope that this Icstinioiual will be a convincing proof that where true . Masonic feeling and ability arc displayed , the brethren will never fail to award their approbation . With kind regards towards yourself , as well as our best whites for your health , happiness , and prosperity ,

we subscribe ourselves , ou behalf of the brethren , yours fraternally and faithfully , JOHN BOYD , President . GEORGE JOSEPH SHARPE , Vice-President . GEORGE WOOD , Treasurer and Secretary . 27 th April , 1869 .

1 Ins was accompanied b y a handsome "Centrepiece , " which was made of solid silver , wei ghing about 90 ozs . and of the value of about £ 100 , upon which was the following inscription : " Presented by the Members of the Lodge of Prudent Brethren , Xo . 145 , to Bro . Geo . S . States ,

as an acknowledgment of his services as Secretary . — 27 th April , 18 G 9 . " The Worshipful Master said it was his most pleasing duty to be the medium b y which the brethren wished in begging his acceptance of the handsome testimonial before him , to express

thc good feeling they entertained for him . He had conducted himself in a more than usuall y excellent manner in the discharge of his duties as secretary of tlie lodge for the last four years . After reading the Inscriptions the Worshi p ful Master , amidst loud applause , presented the

Testimonial to Bro . States , and said lie hoped Bro . States would allow him to add his quotahis individual quota—of respect and good feeling entertained for him . There was an old saying that " good wine needs no bush , " and that he thought applied to Bro . States , and he need

only say that he hoped he would long continue a member of the Prudent Brethren Lodge , to enjoy that esteem in wliich he was held . Bito . STATICS , who upon rising was received with unbounded marks of approbation , said that if he had the capability of one of the first statesmen of the realm in expressing his ideas , he

could not express himself m sufficiently adequate language to thank them for tlio honour they had done him . It was the first , —his maiden , presentation—that he had ever had in the whole course of his life , and heshould always look upon it with feelings of gratitude ; and for the very kind presentation ho begged most sincerely to