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Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 2 Article Red Cross of Constantine. Page 1 of 2 Article Red Cross of Constantine. Page 1 of 2 →
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
721 ; R . J . Davids , I . P . M . 606 ; and J . Dennis , P . M . 721 . At the close of the installation Bro . F . Smith , at the request of the W . M ., graphically described the decorations of the lodge-room . They were , he said , from an original design , and it had given him very great pleasure thus to testify his respect for the lodge and his esteem for his friend Bro . Salmon , to whose Masonic labours they
were all so much indebted . The installation banquet was held in the Ball-room of the Black Lion Hotel , the chair , in the unavoidable absence of the Worshipful Master , who is in delicate health , being occupied by Bro . Horatio Lloyd . A very excellent repast was served , and at the close the Chairman gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . In proposing "Thc Health of the Provincial Grand Master ,
Sir Watkin W . Wynn , " the Chairman remarked that he had only to mention the name of Sir Watkin to ensure a most enthusiastic reception at the hands of all Masons . Unfortdnately , the state of his health did not permit him to be present at their Masonic festival , but he hoped the time would shortly come when he would be restored to his usual health , and again honour them with his genial
presence . In proposing " The Health of the Newly-installed Worshipful Master , " the Chairman remaiked that he had known Bro . Potts all his life , and he felt sure they all regarded his election as Master as a great acquisition to the lodge . He was a gentleman of great intelligence ; one whose heart was in the right place , and in every way fitted to perform the duties of Master with credit to
himself and satisfaction to the lodge . It was a very great source of pain to Bro . Potts that the state of his health ¦ would not permit of his being present at the banquet . He had assured him ( the chairman ) that he had looked forward during the past three years to that evening , and nothing but the state of his health could possibly have prevented him being present . He was sure , however , he
was with them in spirit , and was thinking of them at that moment . Thc toast was most enthusiastically received . In proposing " The Health of the Installing Master , " the Chairman said he had now to ask them to honour a brother to whom they were , perhaps , more indebted than any other . If they wanted anything they naturally turned to Bro . James Salmon , who was at all
times ready to give them his help . He had installed that day their new Master , and had rendered the ceremony in his usual able style . It was at all times a pleasure to him ( Bro . Lloyd ) to be present when any ceremonies were conducted by Bro . Salmon ; and he was sure they were all of the same opinion . Bro . Salmon had not only originated the Sir Watkin Lodge , but had assisted other
lodges in different parts of thc province , and he understood that he was now to be installed first Master of a lodge at Rhyl . The toast was received with Masonic honours . Bro . Salmon , in responding , said the chairman had referred to him in very flattering terms ; but in doing what he had done he felt that he had only done his duty . Me had undertaken to steer the Sir Watkin Lodge through
all difficulties , and he could not have done that if he had not had the hearty assistance of the brethren of the lodge . The Sir Watkin Ledge had only been in existence three years , but it had made wonderful progress , and was a credit in every way to their Provincial Grand Master , whose name it bore . It was well known that the province of Notth Wales deservedly stood high , whether they
considered it as a centre of Masonic working , or as a centre of Masonic charity , but it was not generally krown that in addition to these cardinal excellences it had the merit of being the most ancient province under the Grand Lodge of England . North Wales was the first province formed by thc Grand Lodge of England , in the year 1727 , by thc Earl Inchiquin , then Grand Master of England .
The warrant was dated ioth May , 1727 , and Bro . Hugh Warburton was the first Provincial Grand Master . ( Hear , hear . ) In the same year , on the 24 th June , Sir Edward Manscl was appointed Prov . Grand Master for South Wales . They knew what the division of Masonry into provinces had done to consolidate the Craft , and to diffuse its beneficent principles , and it was
llitneiore pleasing to them that the initiation of so important a reform in Masonic government should have been intrusted to the Masons of the Principality . ( Applause . ) Their beloved Provincial Grand Master , Sir Watkin Williams Wynn , was the third oldest Grand Master in England , and during his reign Masonry had greatly extended throughout Wales and Shropshire . Previous to
the year 1852 , when Sir Watkin was appointed , there were only two lodges in Shropshire , and two in North Wales , but there were now 13 lodges in North Wales , and seven in Shropshire . Bro . Francis Smith , in responding to the toast of his health , which was proposed in flattering terms by the Chairman , said the decoration of the lodge had been to him
a labour of love . He had at all times taken an interest in the province of North Wales , having been connected with a very old lodge at Welshpool . During thc evening several excellent songs were given by Bros . H . Ellis , of Chester ; Williams , Adams , and Lewis . Bro . Francis Smith and his son also materially contributed to the harmony of the evening .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this " crack" lodge , which has shown so much healthy vitality since its consecration last year , was held on Tuesday week , at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , where there was a very numerous attendance of members . The visitors , however , did net attend in the usual strong force . The lodge was
opened at 2 . rro prompt by Bro . Joseph Bill , the esteemed W . M ., and tbcre were also present Bros . B . B . Mar ? on , P . G . S ., P . M ; J . W . Chapman , S . W . ; Undo Courtenay , J . W . ; A . Wooiiich , | Treasurer ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., Organist ; W . W . Sandbrook . J . D ; J . Atkinson , I . G . ; A . Collinson , S . S . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ' ; Henry Leslie , Frank Emery , W . Hildyard , F . Wilkinson , J . Hill , Ballard , Dr . Whittle , Cotton , Savage , Blamphin , P . Buck , Lowe , Burgess , & c .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
The W . M ., in his usual masterly manner , passed three brethren to the second degree , and raised five brethren to the Sublime Degree of M . M ' s . At the conclusion of business , the brethren adjourned to banquet in the old Lodge Room , where a very pleasant evening was enjoyed .
INSTRUCTION . LOUGH BORO' LODGE ( No . 22 ) was opened in due form on Monday , 26 th ult . Bro . G . Phythian , S . W . of the Neptune Lodge No . 22 , worked the ceremony of initiation ; Bro . E . P . Storr , W . M . of the Neptune , the Second Degrer , when Bro . White , our able instructor , took the chair , and gave a lecture on the first of the five points , or brotherly love , afterwards working the ceremony of
raising , etc . ST . LUKE'S LODGE ( No . 144 ) . —The Fifteen Sections were worked in this lodge of instruction , held at the White Hart , King ' s-road , Chelsea , on Good Friday evening , Bro . Jas . Ardin , P . M . 511 , in the chair . Officers : Bros . Bley , S . W . ; Sedgwick , J . W . ; Cameron , S . D . ; Markland , J . D ., Bullen , I . G . ; and Birch , P . M . Thc Sections were worked by the following brethren : —
FIRST LECTURE . ist Section , by Bro . Bullen , 160 , N . B . 2 nd „ „ Markland , 144 . 3 rd „ „ Taylor , 452 . 4 th „ „ Allen , W . M . 144 . 5 th ,, „ Cameron , 180 . 6 th „ „ Wood , 145 . 7 th „ „ Carlstrom , 730 . SECON-O LECTURE .
1 st Section , by Bro . Swallow , 382 . 2 nd „ „ Hancock , jjn . 3 rd „ „ Baber , 452 . 4 th „ „ Caulton , 3 S 2 . r , th „ „ Sedgwick , 180 .
THIRD LECTURE . ist Section , by Bro . Dr . Egan , 858 . 2 nd „ „ Bley , 25 . 3 rd „ „ Caulton , 382 . Proposed by Bro . Birch , P . M . of thc parent lodge , and seconded by Bro . Dr . Egan , that a vote of thanks be recorded for tbe able manner the W . M . performed the duties of the evening . Thc W . M ., in thanking Bro . Birch
( whom he had known for forty-five years ) for his kind observation ? , and also Bro Dr . Egan for the high compliment he had paid him , and in thanking tbe brethren for their support , expressed himself highly pleased not only with the correct , but the very impressive manner which each brother worked his Section . The lodge was closed at 10 . 20 . The lodge meets every Friday evening at 7 . 30 .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
PORTSMOUTH . —Naval and Military Conclave ( No . 35 ) . —The quarterly meeting of this conclave was held in the Masonic Hall , Portsmouth , on Tuesday , March 27 th . The conclave was opened by Sir Knt . J Harrison , M . P . S ., at ( 1 . 35 . The minutes of the former conclave of Dec . 5 th , 18 7 6 , were unanimously adopted , as also was the balance-sheet for the past year . The ballot
was taken separately for Bros . Izod ; Cawte , P . P . G . W . ; Ellis , P . Z . 342 ; and E . J . Smith , and proved unanimous in each case . Bros . A . Holbrook , S . W . Ellis , and E . J . Smith being in attendance , were duly obligated and installed ; and also proclaimed by the acting H . The historical oration was delivered by P . S . Hiilman . Sir Knts . Osboine and Reading signed Grand Conclave
certificates . The M . P . S . addressed a few remarks to the Sir Knights expressive of regret at the unavoidable absence of the Dep . Int . Gen . and H . P ., from whom he had received letters of apology ; more especially as the pleasing duty devolved upon him of presenting to the much beloved Int . Gen ., Dr . Knott , the very handsome and costly jewel of a P . £ ov ., unanimously voted at the last meeting . Sir
Knt . Harrison , in contrasting the position of the conclave previous to the appointment of the doctor twelve months since with the present flourishing and hopeful prospects , hoped that he might be spared many years to this conclave , and the division he had the honour of presiding over for the advancement of our beloved and chivalric Order . In reply , the Int . Gen . thanked the members most heartily
for this very handsome expression and token of their appreciation of his services . The conclave had certainly increased in numbers and position , and it would be his determination to still further advance the Order in this division ; in fact , he trusted that before long the formation of at least one other conclave would have his recommendation . Earnestly impressing upon the Sir Knights the
necessity of great care in the selection of candidates , exhorting them at all times to consider quality before quantity , and to be most careful to propose only brethren of good repute , he in conclusion paid a well-earned compliment to their indefatigable Recorder , P . S . Robinson , for his unremitting services to the conclavefrom its formation to thc present moment . The revised bye-laws , as
recommended by the Perm . Council , were then read and adopted . The conclave was closed in solemn form at 8 . 35 . Mount Olivet Sane . K . H . S . and Com . St . John was then opened by P . Com . Bro . Knt . Alfred R . Robinson . The minutes of thc commandery held on Dec . nth , 1876 ( as also the balance-sheet ) , were unanimously adopted . Bro . Knights below the rank of P . P . and M . E . C . having retired , Bro . Knt . J . Harrison was inducted in ancient
form by the acting Com . Bro . Knights were rc-ai ' mittcd and saluted Sir Knt . Harrison as M . E . C . On account of several members being absent , the appointment of officers was omitted until next meeting . Sir Knts . Harries , Adames , Reading , Ellis , and Copus were received K . H . S ., and installed Knights of St . John , the traditional oration being delivered by the Int . Gen . The commandery was duly sealed at 10 .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA . A banquet by the members of the Masonic Craft was given to Bro . H . E . Downer , D . D . G . M ., on the eve of his departure for Europe , at Adelaide , on Monday , January 22 . About 140 brethren sat down to dinner , including representatives from the three Constitutions—English ,
Scotch , and Irish—and also visitors from Gawler , Strathalbyn , and Mount Barker . The chair was occupied by Bro . Arthur Hardy , D . G . M ., who was supported en the right by the guest of the evening , D . D . G . M ., H . E . Downer ; S . P . G . M Muecke , S . C . ; and P . D . D . G . M . Dr . Whittell , E . C . ; and on the left by D . G . S . C . Bros . Justice Gwynne , E . C . ; D . D . G . M . Crowdcr , I . C . ; and D . G . C .
the Rev . Henry Reade , M . A ., E . C . The vice-chair was filled by Dr . W . Gosse , P . D . D . G . M ., who was supported on the right by Bros . P . M . W . Barlow , I . C , andfW . Townsend , M . P ., E ' C . ; and on the left by Bro . C . Peacock , Mayor of Adelaide , E . C ., and W . M . Mais , E . C . Bro . R . Rees acted as Master of Ceremonies . The Chairman read apologies for non-attendance from
Bros . Chief Justice Way , Von Doussa , and Willshire , and D . P . G . M . Page , S . C . ; also from the G . M . elect and brethren of the Clare Lodge . The Chairman gave "The Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and " The Three Constitutions , English , Irish , and Scotch , " which Were drunk with thc usual Masonic honours .
The Chairman next proposed" The D . G . M ' s and D . D . G . M . ' s oi the I . C . and S . C . of South Australia . " S . P . G . M . Bro . Muecke responded for the Scotch Constitution , eulogizing the services of Bro . Downer , and speaking of the high esteem in which he was held bythe brethren of the Scottish Constitution . D . D . G . M . Bro . Crowder , I . C , responded for that Con .
stitution , expressing a hope that the time would come when they would not be called English , Irish , and Scottish Constitutions , bul would become the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Australia . Bro . P . M . Clarke gave "The District Grand Lodge Officers , E . C , " which was well received . Bro . D . G . S . W . His Honor Judge Gwynne responded ,
and after some humorous remarks anent his own shortcomings as a Mason , spoke highly of the energy of Bro . Downer , and his zeal for Masonry . He hoped that when on his visit to England Bro . Downer would have the opportunity and privilege of attending some of the grand Masonic gatherings there . Brother Downer in the external world gave expression in his actions to the great
principles of Masonry . The Vice Chairman proposed " The Health of the Guest of the evening—Bro . H . E . Downer . " He said if ever he felt a difficulty in his life it was at that present time . When he was asked to assist in thc banquet to Bro . Downer he said and felt that nothing would give him greater pleasure , but when he did so he had no idea that
. 1 letter would be put into his hands asking him to propose the toast of the evening . He felt the greatest difficulty in expressing his sentiments when speaking of their guest , whether as a man , a gentleman , or as a prominent citizen . In any capacity he was one who was deserving of the warmest commendation and support , but that night they had to consider him as a Mason . In
that capacity he would like to recall to the brothers a period about ten years previously , at which time he was sorry to say Masonry in South Australia was in a state of chaos . Certain circumstances occurred at that time which were to be greatly regretted ; but that happily had all passed away , and thc brethren were now working together in friendship and unity . He spoke more particularly of thc English Constitution . The present state of
things he attributed in no small degree to the action and influence of Bro . Downer . All knew how he had worked in the cause of Masonry . He ( the speaker ) was not a man of many words , and would merely ask them to join with him in wishing their guest a pleasant voyage to England , a pleasant sojourn there , and safe return and a warm welcome back to South Australia . The toast was drunk with full Masonic and musical
honours . Bro . Downer , in rising to respond , was met with applause . He said , if Bro . Gosse though it at all necessary to make any apology , how much greater was the necessity for him in asMng them to accept his very best thanks for the very cordial way in which they had received him there on that occasion . He would that he were possessed of
much more power , both mentally and physically , to thank them , not only for this , but for the many other acts of kindness which he had received at their hands , for coming there as they had done , and wishing him every kind wish that one ' s heart could wish oneself . He only wished that he were deserving of half the kind things that had been said of him . If he could go away that night and feel
that one quarter of them , or much less , were in any way deserved , he would go away feeling a prouder man than he had ever felt in his life—that was if he thought that he deserved them really , and that his brethren of the Craft were truly recognising what little he had done . As to what had been said about him , he must say that to l " mind the man who called himself a Mason could not get
his shoulder to the wheel without lending all the force he was capable of to drive the wheel round—that he couW not be a true Mason without putting all his strength to help Masonry forward , and that he could not hold office W the Order without devoting a large amount of time ar "
much attention to making himself proficient in its " ulie ! , ' He had joined the Craft when he was 21 , and had he '! l office nearly all the time from that period to the preset * not as Deputy District Grand Master all the time . " had begun in the humble office of Junior Deacon in t' " United Tradesmen ' s Lodge , and he was sure th £ '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
721 ; R . J . Davids , I . P . M . 606 ; and J . Dennis , P . M . 721 . At the close of the installation Bro . F . Smith , at the request of the W . M ., graphically described the decorations of the lodge-room . They were , he said , from an original design , and it had given him very great pleasure thus to testify his respect for the lodge and his esteem for his friend Bro . Salmon , to whose Masonic labours they
were all so much indebted . The installation banquet was held in the Ball-room of the Black Lion Hotel , the chair , in the unavoidable absence of the Worshipful Master , who is in delicate health , being occupied by Bro . Horatio Lloyd . A very excellent repast was served , and at the close the Chairman gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . In proposing "Thc Health of the Provincial Grand Master ,
Sir Watkin W . Wynn , " the Chairman remarked that he had only to mention the name of Sir Watkin to ensure a most enthusiastic reception at the hands of all Masons . Unfortdnately , the state of his health did not permit him to be present at their Masonic festival , but he hoped the time would shortly come when he would be restored to his usual health , and again honour them with his genial
presence . In proposing " The Health of the Newly-installed Worshipful Master , " the Chairman remaiked that he had known Bro . Potts all his life , and he felt sure they all regarded his election as Master as a great acquisition to the lodge . He was a gentleman of great intelligence ; one whose heart was in the right place , and in every way fitted to perform the duties of Master with credit to
himself and satisfaction to the lodge . It was a very great source of pain to Bro . Potts that the state of his health ¦ would not permit of his being present at the banquet . He had assured him ( the chairman ) that he had looked forward during the past three years to that evening , and nothing but the state of his health could possibly have prevented him being present . He was sure , however , he
was with them in spirit , and was thinking of them at that moment . Thc toast was most enthusiastically received . In proposing " The Health of the Installing Master , " the Chairman said he had now to ask them to honour a brother to whom they were , perhaps , more indebted than any other . If they wanted anything they naturally turned to Bro . James Salmon , who was at all
times ready to give them his help . He had installed that day their new Master , and had rendered the ceremony in his usual able style . It was at all times a pleasure to him ( Bro . Lloyd ) to be present when any ceremonies were conducted by Bro . Salmon ; and he was sure they were all of the same opinion . Bro . Salmon had not only originated the Sir Watkin Lodge , but had assisted other
lodges in different parts of thc province , and he understood that he was now to be installed first Master of a lodge at Rhyl . The toast was received with Masonic honours . Bro . Salmon , in responding , said the chairman had referred to him in very flattering terms ; but in doing what he had done he felt that he had only done his duty . Me had undertaken to steer the Sir Watkin Lodge through
all difficulties , and he could not have done that if he had not had the hearty assistance of the brethren of the lodge . The Sir Watkin Ledge had only been in existence three years , but it had made wonderful progress , and was a credit in every way to their Provincial Grand Master , whose name it bore . It was well known that the province of Notth Wales deservedly stood high , whether they
considered it as a centre of Masonic working , or as a centre of Masonic charity , but it was not generally krown that in addition to these cardinal excellences it had the merit of being the most ancient province under the Grand Lodge of England . North Wales was the first province formed by thc Grand Lodge of England , in the year 1727 , by thc Earl Inchiquin , then Grand Master of England .
The warrant was dated ioth May , 1727 , and Bro . Hugh Warburton was the first Provincial Grand Master . ( Hear , hear . ) In the same year , on the 24 th June , Sir Edward Manscl was appointed Prov . Grand Master for South Wales . They knew what the division of Masonry into provinces had done to consolidate the Craft , and to diffuse its beneficent principles , and it was
llitneiore pleasing to them that the initiation of so important a reform in Masonic government should have been intrusted to the Masons of the Principality . ( Applause . ) Their beloved Provincial Grand Master , Sir Watkin Williams Wynn , was the third oldest Grand Master in England , and during his reign Masonry had greatly extended throughout Wales and Shropshire . Previous to
the year 1852 , when Sir Watkin was appointed , there were only two lodges in Shropshire , and two in North Wales , but there were now 13 lodges in North Wales , and seven in Shropshire . Bro . Francis Smith , in responding to the toast of his health , which was proposed in flattering terms by the Chairman , said the decoration of the lodge had been to him
a labour of love . He had at all times taken an interest in the province of North Wales , having been connected with a very old lodge at Welshpool . During thc evening several excellent songs were given by Bros . H . Ellis , of Chester ; Williams , Adams , and Lewis . Bro . Francis Smith and his son also materially contributed to the harmony of the evening .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this " crack" lodge , which has shown so much healthy vitality since its consecration last year , was held on Tuesday week , at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , where there was a very numerous attendance of members . The visitors , however , did net attend in the usual strong force . The lodge was
opened at 2 . rro prompt by Bro . Joseph Bill , the esteemed W . M ., and tbcre were also present Bros . B . B . Mar ? on , P . G . S ., P . M ; J . W . Chapman , S . W . ; Undo Courtenay , J . W . ; A . Wooiiich , | Treasurer ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., Organist ; W . W . Sandbrook . J . D ; J . Atkinson , I . G . ; A . Collinson , S . S . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ' ; Henry Leslie , Frank Emery , W . Hildyard , F . Wilkinson , J . Hill , Ballard , Dr . Whittle , Cotton , Savage , Blamphin , P . Buck , Lowe , Burgess , & c .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
The W . M ., in his usual masterly manner , passed three brethren to the second degree , and raised five brethren to the Sublime Degree of M . M ' s . At the conclusion of business , the brethren adjourned to banquet in the old Lodge Room , where a very pleasant evening was enjoyed .
INSTRUCTION . LOUGH BORO' LODGE ( No . 22 ) was opened in due form on Monday , 26 th ult . Bro . G . Phythian , S . W . of the Neptune Lodge No . 22 , worked the ceremony of initiation ; Bro . E . P . Storr , W . M . of the Neptune , the Second Degrer , when Bro . White , our able instructor , took the chair , and gave a lecture on the first of the five points , or brotherly love , afterwards working the ceremony of
raising , etc . ST . LUKE'S LODGE ( No . 144 ) . —The Fifteen Sections were worked in this lodge of instruction , held at the White Hart , King ' s-road , Chelsea , on Good Friday evening , Bro . Jas . Ardin , P . M . 511 , in the chair . Officers : Bros . Bley , S . W . ; Sedgwick , J . W . ; Cameron , S . D . ; Markland , J . D ., Bullen , I . G . ; and Birch , P . M . Thc Sections were worked by the following brethren : —
FIRST LECTURE . ist Section , by Bro . Bullen , 160 , N . B . 2 nd „ „ Markland , 144 . 3 rd „ „ Taylor , 452 . 4 th „ „ Allen , W . M . 144 . 5 th ,, „ Cameron , 180 . 6 th „ „ Wood , 145 . 7 th „ „ Carlstrom , 730 . SECON-O LECTURE .
1 st Section , by Bro . Swallow , 382 . 2 nd „ „ Hancock , jjn . 3 rd „ „ Baber , 452 . 4 th „ „ Caulton , 3 S 2 . r , th „ „ Sedgwick , 180 .
THIRD LECTURE . ist Section , by Bro . Dr . Egan , 858 . 2 nd „ „ Bley , 25 . 3 rd „ „ Caulton , 382 . Proposed by Bro . Birch , P . M . of thc parent lodge , and seconded by Bro . Dr . Egan , that a vote of thanks be recorded for tbe able manner the W . M . performed the duties of the evening . Thc W . M ., in thanking Bro . Birch
( whom he had known for forty-five years ) for his kind observation ? , and also Bro Dr . Egan for the high compliment he had paid him , and in thanking tbe brethren for their support , expressed himself highly pleased not only with the correct , but the very impressive manner which each brother worked his Section . The lodge was closed at 10 . 20 . The lodge meets every Friday evening at 7 . 30 .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
PORTSMOUTH . —Naval and Military Conclave ( No . 35 ) . —The quarterly meeting of this conclave was held in the Masonic Hall , Portsmouth , on Tuesday , March 27 th . The conclave was opened by Sir Knt . J Harrison , M . P . S ., at ( 1 . 35 . The minutes of the former conclave of Dec . 5 th , 18 7 6 , were unanimously adopted , as also was the balance-sheet for the past year . The ballot
was taken separately for Bros . Izod ; Cawte , P . P . G . W . ; Ellis , P . Z . 342 ; and E . J . Smith , and proved unanimous in each case . Bros . A . Holbrook , S . W . Ellis , and E . J . Smith being in attendance , were duly obligated and installed ; and also proclaimed by the acting H . The historical oration was delivered by P . S . Hiilman . Sir Knts . Osboine and Reading signed Grand Conclave
certificates . The M . P . S . addressed a few remarks to the Sir Knights expressive of regret at the unavoidable absence of the Dep . Int . Gen . and H . P ., from whom he had received letters of apology ; more especially as the pleasing duty devolved upon him of presenting to the much beloved Int . Gen ., Dr . Knott , the very handsome and costly jewel of a P . £ ov ., unanimously voted at the last meeting . Sir
Knt . Harrison , in contrasting the position of the conclave previous to the appointment of the doctor twelve months since with the present flourishing and hopeful prospects , hoped that he might be spared many years to this conclave , and the division he had the honour of presiding over for the advancement of our beloved and chivalric Order . In reply , the Int . Gen . thanked the members most heartily
for this very handsome expression and token of their appreciation of his services . The conclave had certainly increased in numbers and position , and it would be his determination to still further advance the Order in this division ; in fact , he trusted that before long the formation of at least one other conclave would have his recommendation . Earnestly impressing upon the Sir Knights the
necessity of great care in the selection of candidates , exhorting them at all times to consider quality before quantity , and to be most careful to propose only brethren of good repute , he in conclusion paid a well-earned compliment to their indefatigable Recorder , P . S . Robinson , for his unremitting services to the conclavefrom its formation to thc present moment . The revised bye-laws , as
recommended by the Perm . Council , were then read and adopted . The conclave was closed in solemn form at 8 . 35 . Mount Olivet Sane . K . H . S . and Com . St . John was then opened by P . Com . Bro . Knt . Alfred R . Robinson . The minutes of thc commandery held on Dec . nth , 1876 ( as also the balance-sheet ) , were unanimously adopted . Bro . Knights below the rank of P . P . and M . E . C . having retired , Bro . Knt . J . Harrison was inducted in ancient
form by the acting Com . Bro . Knights were rc-ai ' mittcd and saluted Sir Knt . Harrison as M . E . C . On account of several members being absent , the appointment of officers was omitted until next meeting . Sir Knts . Harries , Adames , Reading , Ellis , and Copus were received K . H . S ., and installed Knights of St . John , the traditional oration being delivered by the Int . Gen . The commandery was duly sealed at 10 .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA . A banquet by the members of the Masonic Craft was given to Bro . H . E . Downer , D . D . G . M ., on the eve of his departure for Europe , at Adelaide , on Monday , January 22 . About 140 brethren sat down to dinner , including representatives from the three Constitutions—English ,
Scotch , and Irish—and also visitors from Gawler , Strathalbyn , and Mount Barker . The chair was occupied by Bro . Arthur Hardy , D . G . M ., who was supported en the right by the guest of the evening , D . D . G . M ., H . E . Downer ; S . P . G . M Muecke , S . C . ; and P . D . D . G . M . Dr . Whittell , E . C . ; and on the left by D . G . S . C . Bros . Justice Gwynne , E . C . ; D . D . G . M . Crowdcr , I . C . ; and D . G . C .
the Rev . Henry Reade , M . A ., E . C . The vice-chair was filled by Dr . W . Gosse , P . D . D . G . M ., who was supported on the right by Bros . P . M . W . Barlow , I . C , andfW . Townsend , M . P ., E ' C . ; and on the left by Bro . C . Peacock , Mayor of Adelaide , E . C ., and W . M . Mais , E . C . Bro . R . Rees acted as Master of Ceremonies . The Chairman read apologies for non-attendance from
Bros . Chief Justice Way , Von Doussa , and Willshire , and D . P . G . M . Page , S . C . ; also from the G . M . elect and brethren of the Clare Lodge . The Chairman gave "The Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and " The Three Constitutions , English , Irish , and Scotch , " which Were drunk with thc usual Masonic honours .
The Chairman next proposed" The D . G . M ' s and D . D . G . M . ' s oi the I . C . and S . C . of South Australia . " S . P . G . M . Bro . Muecke responded for the Scotch Constitution , eulogizing the services of Bro . Downer , and speaking of the high esteem in which he was held bythe brethren of the Scottish Constitution . D . D . G . M . Bro . Crowder , I . C , responded for that Con .
stitution , expressing a hope that the time would come when they would not be called English , Irish , and Scottish Constitutions , bul would become the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Australia . Bro . P . M . Clarke gave "The District Grand Lodge Officers , E . C , " which was well received . Bro . D . G . S . W . His Honor Judge Gwynne responded ,
and after some humorous remarks anent his own shortcomings as a Mason , spoke highly of the energy of Bro . Downer , and his zeal for Masonry . He hoped that when on his visit to England Bro . Downer would have the opportunity and privilege of attending some of the grand Masonic gatherings there . Brother Downer in the external world gave expression in his actions to the great
principles of Masonry . The Vice Chairman proposed " The Health of the Guest of the evening—Bro . H . E . Downer . " He said if ever he felt a difficulty in his life it was at that present time . When he was asked to assist in thc banquet to Bro . Downer he said and felt that nothing would give him greater pleasure , but when he did so he had no idea that
. 1 letter would be put into his hands asking him to propose the toast of the evening . He felt the greatest difficulty in expressing his sentiments when speaking of their guest , whether as a man , a gentleman , or as a prominent citizen . In any capacity he was one who was deserving of the warmest commendation and support , but that night they had to consider him as a Mason . In
that capacity he would like to recall to the brothers a period about ten years previously , at which time he was sorry to say Masonry in South Australia was in a state of chaos . Certain circumstances occurred at that time which were to be greatly regretted ; but that happily had all passed away , and thc brethren were now working together in friendship and unity . He spoke more particularly of thc English Constitution . The present state of
things he attributed in no small degree to the action and influence of Bro . Downer . All knew how he had worked in the cause of Masonry . He ( the speaker ) was not a man of many words , and would merely ask them to join with him in wishing their guest a pleasant voyage to England , a pleasant sojourn there , and safe return and a warm welcome back to South Australia . The toast was drunk with full Masonic and musical
honours . Bro . Downer , in rising to respond , was met with applause . He said , if Bro . Gosse though it at all necessary to make any apology , how much greater was the necessity for him in asMng them to accept his very best thanks for the very cordial way in which they had received him there on that occasion . He would that he were possessed of
much more power , both mentally and physically , to thank them , not only for this , but for the many other acts of kindness which he had received at their hands , for coming there as they had done , and wishing him every kind wish that one ' s heart could wish oneself . He only wished that he were deserving of half the kind things that had been said of him . If he could go away that night and feel
that one quarter of them , or much less , were in any way deserved , he would go away feeling a prouder man than he had ever felt in his life—that was if he thought that he deserved them really , and that his brethren of the Craft were truly recognising what little he had done . As to what had been said about him , he must say that to l " mind the man who called himself a Mason could not get
his shoulder to the wheel without lending all the force he was capable of to drive the wheel round—that he couW not be a true Mason without putting all his strength to help Masonry forward , and that he could not hold office W the Order without devoting a large amount of time ar "
much attention to making himself proficient in its " ulie ! , ' He had joined the Craft when he was 21 , and had he '! l office nearly all the time from that period to the preset * not as Deputy District Grand Master all the time . " had begun in the humble office of Junior Deacon in t' " United Tradesmen ' s Lodge , and he was sure th £ '