Red Cross Of Constantine.

were those present who had held even lower offices . During the time he had been a member of the Craft it had had a good many ups and downs , but he thought he might truly say that at no time jn South Australia had the Masonic Craft stood in a better position than at the present time . That was not , however , from any effort on his part . Bro . Gosse had referred

to the confusion which reigned about 10 years ago . He did not know that it was so long ago , but he knew that the state of the Craft was anything but flattering . If any person connected with the working of their lodges had the misfortune to attend a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge he would soon have found that things were not as they ought to have been ; but he was g lad that

that state of things was now changed . In what he had done he had only walked in the footsteps of one who was energetic in putting Masonic matters on a better footing—Bro . Whittell—who had been mainly instrumental in promoting that harmony and good feeling which had grown ever since . Brother Whittell had had to retire from the office of D . D . G . M . because his private

practice required the whole of his attention , and he thought he was correct in saying that the Right Worshipful D . G . Master had , on the advice of Brother Whittell , asked him to take the office . He had accepted it , and had tried , as far as he could , to tread in the paths in which Brother Whittell had trod . He now looked back with pleasure to find that the harsh feelings which had

existed had died out , and that the lodges were in better working than they had ever been before , and that there was true Masonic feeling , not only in their own lodges , but amongst the members of the sister Constitutions , Brother Muecke , as representative of the Scotch Constitution , had made some very complimentary remarks regarding him , but he could not think that he had raised

the love of Freemasons in South Australia in the slightest degree ; officers of lodges required only to be looked at by the Provincial Grand Lodge officers . He would only take credit to himself that he had endeavoured to 'lo his woik as Deputy District Grand Master , and assisted in the working of the lodges in every way in his power . To that extent alone he took any credit for carrying on the work which Brother Whittell had

begun . One thing that had tended to bring down Freemasonry here was that they had been larger in their ideas than in their pockets . It was not onco or twice that the Freemasons here had tried to begin by being big men instead of climbing up gradually . He referred to the matter of Masonic Halls . Three times they had tried to have a Masonic HaU of their own , but on each of these occasions had failed . And on each of these occasions men

had severed from active work in the Craft who had taken a deep interest in Freemasonry . Time , however , ha : , he thought , salved over any feeling , and he sawgotie brother who had become inactive smiling , as if he agreed with the remark . He hoped that he had found that the rise in thc value of property had prevented loss . He hoped that men quir » : as capable would continue to serve as had

served in the past work of the lodges . As he had said , it was the duty of the hi gher officers rather to watch than to act . They did not want over-legislation , and if it was carried out in Freemasonry they would sec many men not taking a part in the work of the Craft that they ought to take . He had merely looked on and assisted when it became necessary . In thc town lodges the assistance

that the Deputy had had to render was very small indeed , as there were men in those lodges able to do their work well . In the country the services of the Deputy had been more useful , and here his interest in Masonry , and consequent knowledge of it had enabled him to hel p them . The Worshipful D . S . G . W . Bio . Gwynne , had overwhelmed him with the good things

that he had said of him . Every one who knew Bio . Gwynne knew how good a friend he was—always the same . He had never wanted the aid of a sound judgment , but Bro . Gwynne had been ready with assistance and advice . In regard to a remark that he had made as to his ( Bro . Downer ' s ) energy , as shown by his dancing at a Masonic Ball at Kapunda till 4 o'clock in the morning , and being

at the opening of a lodge in the afternoon , he could only say that Masons proverbially went from labour to refreshment . On both the occasions Bro . Gynne had ie . ferred to , he had been upon Masonic business , thc ball , however , being at Clare . A good Mason was thoroughly able to woik or to enjoy himself where pleasure was going , and in the latter especially he considered himself a very

good Mason . In conclusion , he could only say that he felt himself truly thankful for the kind svay in which Uro . Gosse had proposed his health , and for ihe very coidial manner in which they had received it . It was a matter of very great pleasure to him to find that he was held in such bigh esteem by the brethren of the Craft , as was shown by their presence on that occasion . He saw that

Masonry here was thoroughly represented by brethren of all classes around the table , and that mmy of his brethren had put themselves to great inconvenience because 'heir residences were a considerable distance from town , and they had sacrificed their time and business in coming to town to show him this mark of respect , lt was almost impossible for him to find words to say how very

pleased he was , and how grateful he felt for their kind wishes . He hoped when he reached England that he Would have an opportunity of watching thc working of some of the Masonic lodges there—and seeing whether the working of Lodges here was like the working of those " 1 England . He would go home with a strong opinion

mit some of the Lodges here were worked as well as they could be worked . He must heartily thank them for this and other acts of kindness that he had received at tlieir hands , and trusted that the time would not be very long before he might return to carry out the duties that be had now the honour to discharge . He had thought " ri ght when he received his leave ' of absence to offer to

Red Cross Of Constantine.

tender his resignation of thc office' of D . D . G . M ., as he thought it u-ifair to retain the position , seeing that he had all thc powers delegated from the D . G . M ., and could regulate and rule the Craft without consulting the D . G . M . on the subject . He felt that it would not be fair to the D . G . M ., that it would not bn fair to the Craft , which was more important still , for him to go away without offering

to resign . The interest of the Craft and not his presence was involved . Thc D . G . M . had been kind enough to say that he ought to be considered in the matter , and so it been finally arranged that he should not tender his " resignation , but should go away and come back again with the Masonic title that he held . In conclusion , he wished once more to thank them most heartily for the kind way

in which he had been welcomed . Bro . C . Peacock ( Mayor of Adelaide ) proposed the toast of " The W . M ' s of Lodges of South Australia . " Bro . W . M . Mais responded for the English Constitution , Bro . W . M . Robertson for the Scotch Constitution , and Bro . W . M . Simpson for the Irish Constitution . Bro . D . G . Chaplain the Rev . Hy . Read , M . A ., proposed

" The Past Masters of South Australian Lodges . " Bros . P . M . ' s Cunningham , Barlow , and King responded . Bro . Dr . Whittell proposed " The Banqueting Committee , " and Bro . Cunningham responded , saying that the committee had worked hard to make the affair a success , and had spared neither trouble nor expense . They were not responsible for the hitches which occurred in the

catering durirjg the early part of the evening . Bro . H . E . Downer proposed "The Health of the Chairman , the D . G . M ., Bro . A . Hardy . " The D . G . M . responded , thanking the brethren for the confidence expressed in him , and conveying some advice on the woiking of the business of the Craft . Bro . R . Rees proposed " The Vice-Chairman . " The Vice-Chairman responded , and the proceedings terminated at a late hour .

Laying The Foundation Stone Of The New Town Hall At Stonehaven.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW TOWN HALL AT STONEHAVEN .

Ail Stonehaven and the whole of the surrounding district turned out en masse to witness the ceremonial with which the foundation-stone of the new Town Hall was laid by Lord Inverurie , on Tuesday , 20 th ultimo .,

1 he event which culminates 111 this interesting and highly picturesque display has brrcn looked forward to for soire length of time , and the arrangements having been properly matured , everything passed off in the most p leasing and agreeable manner , there being a very marked want of " hitches "—those frightful bugbears of public ceremonials , which so often reduce them to the level

of the ludicrous , and even the contemptible . The liall , when completed , will be a handsome , compact building , and will supply what has long been a felt want in the county town of the Meirns . The total cost , including furnishings , will not be much less than £ 4000 . Mr . Baird , of Uric , superior of Stonehaven , and who has always manifested a warm interest in its prosperity , has

subscribed £ 200 to the building fund , and liberal subscriptions have also been receiver ! from other county gentlemen , from Sir G . Balfour , Bart ., M . P ., and from the leading citizens . The committee , however , are still short by about £ 1000 of the requisite sum , and to assist in meeting that deficiency a bazaar is to bs held on an early day .

Ihe commencement of the proceedings was fixed for half-past one o'clock , but long before that time large numbers of people , attracted by thc excitement of the occasion , as well as by the excellence of the weather , had assembled in the large Market Square , where the procession was to be marshalled by Chief Constable Weir , and whence it was to start on its perambulatory tour . In

the square a large quantity of fire wood had been gathered , along with other inflammable material , while a large boat , whose sea days had been done for a long time now , and for whose possession an enthusiast invested the sum of 1 js . of Her Majesty's current coin , lay for the last

time " high and dry ail ready for the great bonfire of the evening . Strings of bunting crossed the streets at interval ! :, and flags and all the other paraphernalia incidental to this sort of " bl'nv-oi : t" were to be fonnd at every corner . The children from the two public schools of the town—Fetteresso and Duirncttsir—wera the first of

the processionists to appear , and better pictures of happyness and enjoyment than were presented by them could not have been desired . There tbey were , dressel in their best and out fot a holiday , cheering—as only full-hearted youngsters can cheer—to the echo as each new arrival debouched on to the square . Then , after the children , came in quick succession lhc trade representatives wilh

badges and devic-s , thc Masonic brethren , the Foresters , and the Good Templars , with their insignia , the Town Councils of thc old and new towns of Stonehaven—for a river is in the midst of her , whicli is the line of demarcation—and so on till the hour cf the ceremony approached . Chief Constable Weir , who was on horseback ,

marshalled Ihe procession . Most of the lodges were well represented , there being over 203 Masons in full costume in the procession . After perambulating the principal streets of the town , all of which were lined with spectators , the procession returned to the New Hall , where the foundation-stone

ceremony took place , and to witness which a grand stand was crowded with ladies and gentlemen . Prior to Lord Inverurie laying the stone , ex-Provosi Soutar presented his Lordship with a beautiful silver trowel for the performance of thc work , and expressed a hope that his lordship would retain thc same as a memento of the day's proceedings .

Laying The Foundation Stone Of The New Town Hall At Stonehaven.

Lord Inverurie naving returned thanks , proceeded ^ to lay tbe foundation-stone in true Masonic style , the usual libation of wine and oil being poured on after his lordship had administered the orthodox three knocks , the Urie Band playing appropriate music . Three hearty cheers were raised after his lordshi p had finished the work . In the cavity beneath the stone was placed a glass jar

containing a parchment on which was written a copy of the prospectus of the hall undertaking , with list of subscribers annexed , and copies of local newspapers , and ten current coins of the realm , & c . Lord Inverurie then mounted the stone and said—Brethren , ladies , and gentlemen , —I am going to begin the few remarks I have to make by expressing my mingled

sense of lively satisfaction and regret—regret at the absence of the Provincial Grand Master , and satisfaction at being myself able to be present . I feel regret that Lord Ramsaycould not have been here to-day , feeling as I do that the ceremony would then have been performed by far abler hands than mine ; yet I feel great satisfaction ia having this opportunity of meeting so many of my Masonic

brethren on such a happy occasion . This is the first occasion which has fallen to my lot to preside at such an assembly as this , and I cannot but feel a peculiar satisfaction that this first occasion should be a ' , the county town of a county with which , along with Aberdeenshire , I am more intimately connected than any other , and one to which my forefathers have been similarly attached for generations . It is not my forte to make

long speeches , nor have I the time ; but 1 cannot stand down without expressing , in the name of the brethren present as well as in my own name , our best wishes to the Provost and Town Council of this town for the undertaking of which we have now laid the foundation-stone . Stonehaven , if it cannot boast of many noble buildings , can boast of something far better , something for which we are known all over the world—I mean the hardiness

and bravery 01 its fishermen—men who will go anywhere and brave anything to save life if placed in jeopardy on this tock-boiind coast . It is with great pleasure I see them represented here to-day . In laying this foundation stone of a more fitting hall for the use of the magistrates and Town Council of this town , I feel sure you will all join with me in wishing both them and the town all

success and prosperity in the future ; and in conclusion , I pray that this hall may exist through future years alike a memorial of Masonic work and an ornament to this our good town . Provost Wood congratulated thc company on the successful proceedings of the day , and on the prospect of having within a month a commodious Town Hall .

Heacknowledgcii the hearty and liberal response that had been made by all classes to the appeal for subscriptions and support . Many of the landed proprietors of the county had shown their genuine liberality in the handsome subscriptions they had given , amongst whom were the present Lord Lieutenw , the Convener of the County , the Earl of Kintore , and Mr . Baird of Uric , the superior of the New

Town , who with his wonted liberality was the first to head the subscription list , and who , along with many others , hail repeated their donations . To all classes and to all individuals he desired to express his own thanks ar . d those ot the members of the Council and Hall Committee , lie had in a special manner to thank the noble lo'tl who came forward so readily 011 this occasion , and who had so gracefully performed the interesting

ceremony . Provost Wood then called for three cheers for his lordship , which having been enthusiastically given , Lord Inverurie sail that he would like , in the first place , once more to say how iruich obliged he . was for the way in which the co n pany had kindly cheered his name ,

anil in the second p lace , to say how sorry he was to have to leave before the banquet . At the same time , he would leave what would be an equally good substitutea little money . The ceremony then closed , after which a banquet followed .

Freemasonry In South Africa.

FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH AFRICA .

CONSECRATION OK THE SOUTHERN CROSS LOIIKE , NO . 1590 , On Wednesday , 28 th February , thebrethren assembled at the new lodge , for the pjrpose of dedicating it to Masonic service , and also f < - . r installing the VV . M-elect . At four o ' clock Bro . P . M . Bain took the chair , b .-i'ig supported by

PM . ' s Bros . Nettlcton , Kemsley , Smyth , J . Licit , Tonics , H . W . Pearson , and Wiii , Bros . Dunsterville and Alabaster acting as S . VV . and J . W . respectively . The formal business completed Bro . the Rev . G . Smith , Chaplain of the Good Will Lodge , Port Elizabeth , performed the dedication service , ami the brethren formed in procession to St .

Kathcriiie ' s Church , wliere a short sermon was delivered by the same reverend gentl .-man . This completed , a return to lodge was made in the same order as before , and Bro . Bain , assisted by the other Past Masters , installed Bro . Dr . S .. J . Mciutjos as the first Worship ful Master of

the Lodge bouthcrn Cries , No . 1590 . The W . M . elect then proceeded to invest his ofiicers as follows : —Bros . B . Harvey , S . W . ; T . Tunbridge , J . W . ; C . Holmes , Treasurer ; D . S . Essclen , Secretary ; Lemon , S . D ; Gibbon , J . D . ; Atkinson , I . G .

CONSECRATION OK THE A . MATOI . E LODGE , NO . 1640 . This lodge was opened at Alice on the 28 th February , and drew together a very large number of Masonic and other visitors , including the Fort Beaufort Brass Band , whose efficient services added materially to the success of

the demonstration . Tlie brethren assembled at half-past three a . m . in the Court-room , and proceeded to St . Bartholomew ' s Church . On arriving at the church , the procession opened to the right and left , so as to enter in inverted order . After service the procession moved in the same order to the lodge-room , and on arrival again opened