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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STAFFORDSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Australia. Page 1 of 2 Article Australia. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
This was seconded by Bro . W . R . BLAIR and carried unanimously . Bro . BODENHAM stated that the balance in hand at the end of the year amounted to £ i 16 15 s . 3 d ., and the accounts were in perfect order . Hc suggested that the balance should be invested . Only once during thc past 10 years had the expenses exceeded the receipts , and he proposed that in addition to the sums invested they should annually invest
the balance whenever there might be one . This vvasseconded by Bro . BiNDT . EY and carried . 'The brethren then left thc lodge room , and a procession ¦ was formed , the volume of the Sacred Law being ^ carried by four Lewises , named G . Tunnicli / Te , Barlow , Stringer , and Devereux . The procession , which vvas a long one and excited much interest in thc town , proceeded to Shelton Church , where Divine service was held . The prayers were
read by Bro . the Rev . E . D . Boothman , rector of Shelton , who is one oi the Prov . Grand Chaplains . The lessons ¦ were read by Bro . F . Brandon and Bro . the Rev . T . Lloyd , 526 . Bro . Mountford , Prov . Grand Organist , conducted the musical portion of the service , which included a solo during the anthem by Bro . Downing , 460 . 'The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . VV . F . Drury , the senior Prov . Grand Chaplainwho took for his text I . Corinthians ,
, iii ., 10 , 11 : " According to the grace of God which is given unto me , as a wise master builder , 1 have laid the foundation , and another buildeth thereon . But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon . For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid , which is Jesus Christ . " At the close of the service the brethren returned to the Town Hall and the business of the lodge was resumed , lt was announced that the collection at the church amounted
to £ * 3 ? s . -, d . Of this sum £ 5 5 s . was voted to thc rector of Shelton for his schools , £ 3 3 s . to thc preacher towards the funds of his new church at Burton , and £ 2 2 s . to the Longton Cottage Hospital . The Rev . VV . F . Drury vvas cordiall y thanked for his excellent sermon .. 'The PROV . GRAND MASTER referred to thc great loss which Masonry had sustained through the death of the Duke of Albany , and said hc had intended to call a special
lodge , but that was rendered unnecessary in consequence of the Grand Lodge of England having passed a resolution in the name of Masons generally . After thc transaction of some other business the lodge vvas closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Mechanics' Hall , in thc large room of which thc banquet vvas held , about 250 attending it . 'The walls were adorned w ' th the banners of various lod _ rcs and portraits of the late Earl of Shrewsbury
and other eminent Masons , while thc tables were decorated with vases containing plants and ( lowers , and thc room had a very cheerful appearance . 'The Prov . G . Master presided ; but he and the other brethren from the south of the province having to leave early , the chair vvas taken by Bro . Piercy , P . G . S . W . Before leaving the Prov . G . Master expressed himself delighted with thc heartiness ' with which he had been received , and proposed " The Health of thc Queen , "
which was duly honoured . Thc usual Masonic toasts followed , tho speakers being Bros . Piercy , Warren , Bromley , Cartwright , Hales , John Webberley , and Marks , thc latter of whom responded for " 'The Visitors . " Bro . T . TAYLOR proposed "The Masonic Charities , " remarking that hc vvas glad to know that they were so munificently supported by the brethren . After referring to thc value of the Masonic Schools , he said when hc went
up as a Steward to the Benevolent Institution hc took with him £ 152 ios ., which not only made him a "Vice-President but brought iG more votes to the Staffordshire list . Bro . DHKKV responded . He said he had had an intimate acquairitancc with thc Charities Ior a great number of years , and he was able to speak in terms of the highest commendation as to thc way in which they were managed .
From thc knowledge which he had gained he was as strong an advocate of the Charities as ever he was when hc first became a Freemason . He found that in round numbers the expenses of management did not average more than to per cent , of thc income of the Charities . Having spoken of the Old Peoples' Institution , and of the excellence of the education and training which the girls and boys received , Bro . Dcrrv said he was going with Bros . Tooth and
Bayley to represent the brethren of the province at the next Boys' festival . It was said that this was an expensive establishment . Each boy in this Institution cost £ 43 per annum for education , clothing , board and lodging . When he left thc School he was fitted for any position in life that an Englishman could occupy . If they got value for their money the price was not too dear . If they could place children of good natural parts upon
the lines where they could gain a respectable livelihood and rctlect in future life credit upon the Institution , they could not do a nobler thing than to aid thc orphan . The future generals , admirals , and judges were to be found amongst the young of the present day , and the Freemasons , hc was glad to say , were enabling orphans to rise to dignified positions . The Freemasons were in the position of foster-parents to those children ; they were a wealthy
Fraternity taking the position of the poor patents the boys had lost . He hoped they would give freely and lovingly , and Cod would bless them ior so doing . Bro . TOOTH , who was also called upon to respond , said that he should be able to take over £ < . _ vvith him , and he trusted that hc and thc other two Stewards would take with them nearly j ( . 3 ° - Bro . the Rev . W . F . DKUKY , in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of the Stewards , " and complimented the Menturia Lodge upon possessing men of such business
capacity . Bro . VV . HAMPTON responded . Bro . T . TAYLOR in complimentary terms proposed " The Health of . the Prov . G . D . C , " and Bro . FOWKE having responded , thc proceedings were shortly afterwards brought to a close . The speeches were interspersed with some admirable singing by the Silverdale glee party . Other vocal music was supplied , Bio . F . Mountford presiding at thc pianoforte .
HOLLOW-AY ' PILLS can be conlidently recommended as a domeslie remedy for the ailments of all . classes and conditions of people . Young and old of both sexes may take this medicine- with the certainty of deriving licnclit from its use , when disorder or disease is making Ihcm miserable . Holloway ' s Pills arc unrivalled for their purifying , aperient , and strengthening properties . They remove in . digestion , palpitation , and headache , and arc specially serviceable in complaints peculiar to females . Each box is wrapped with printed instructions for the guidance of invalids , who will readily understand , from carefully studying Ihcm , tlie best way of recovering health . Holloway ' s I'ills will \\ ork a thorough change un the constitutions of the weak and nervous .
Australia.
Australia .
INSTALLATION OF SIR W . J . CLARKE AS DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ( E . C . & S . C . ) OF VICTORIA . GRAND AND IMPOSING CEREMONY . On the 26 th of March last the most important and interesting event of recent years in connection with Freemasonry in the British colonies took place in the Melbourne Town Hall , when Bro . Sir VVilliam John Clarke , Bart .,
R . VV . Grand Master of Victoria * under the Irish Constitution , was installed as R . VV . District Grand' Master of the two Constitutions of England and Scotland in the same colony . The occasion was so noteworthy , and at the same time so unusual , as to induce the executives of the two bodies to put forward their best endeavours so as to invest the imposing ceremonies with every possible elaboration and
effect . In former times , whenever it has been necessary to induct a chief of the Craft into his chair of office under either of the three Constitutions , the incidental ceremonies and surroundings have been simple and formal in character ; but the circumstances attached to this auspicious event demanded extraordinary efforts , and so nothing was left undone that might add the utmost effect and brilliancy lo
the gathering , which , to use the words of a local chronicler , " has never becn equalled or approached in any part of her Majesty ' s dominions , vvith the single exception of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of VVales in the Albert Hall , London , nine years ago , when nearly 10 , 000 Masons assembled from all parts of thc kingdom . " Apart from Sir William Clarke ' s high social position and popularity as
a citizen and exponent of that greatest of Masonic virtues —charity—the circumstance of his being appointed respectively head of the three Masonic communities in Victoria must rank amongst thc historical and memorable events of the colony ; indeed , it is doubtful whether there could be found a similar combination of offices in thc whole of the annals of thc Craft .
* Whilst the preliminaries for the English ceremony were going on , the members of the Scotch District Grand Lodge were assembling in another part of thc building f < Jr the purpose of installing Sir William Clarke into the chair . Thc District Grand Lodge was opened shortly after halfpast nine o ' clock by Bro . Joseph Cahill , Substitute G . M ., thc other officers present being Bros . II . VV . Lowry , Dist .
G . Sec , as Depute G . M . ; J . Miller , D . G . S . W . ; A . E . Bates , D . G . J . W . ; W . Elms , D . G . Treas . ; G . F . Martin , D . G . Chap , j J . Little , D . G . S . D . ; Charles Clarke , D . G . J . D . ; H . T . Hcrbcrte , D . G . Jeweller ; F . Donaldson , D . G . Bible Br . ; F . Wilkie , D . G . D . C . j F . A . Elliot , D . G . Swd . Br . ; F . Gibson , D . G . I . G . ; J . Haydon and George Cornell , D . G . Marshals ; and A . j . Clarke , D . G . Tyler .
The visiting brethren assembled in great force , and amongst those on the dais were the chiefs of the District Grand Lodges of New South Wales . E . C ., Queensland I . C , and several other brethren of distinction . Bro . Sir VV . J . Clarke was admitted to the Past Master's Degree in the presence of a large number of Installed Masters of all three Constitutions . On the return of the other brethren ,
the Earl of Mar and Kellie's patent of Sir VV . Clarke ' s appointment as District Grand Master of-Victoria , signed November 30 th ( St . Andrew ' s Day ) , was read . He was then obligated , invested with the insignia of his office , installed into the chair , and proclaimed chief of Scottish Masonry in Victoria . The newly-installed Dist . Grand Master subsequently appointed and invested Bros . Capt . C . uosrnuie uist
K . Alartin ana josepn canw , Depute ana __ . Grand Masters for the ensuing year , after which the Dist . Grand Lodge was closed in due . form , the communication having merely becn one of emergency for the ceremony of installation . The great mass of the brethren had , however , been graduall y assembling for the I-. nglish ceremony in the larire hall , the doors of which were closed shortly after ten
o ' clock to all but Ofiicers and Past Ofiicers of the District Grand Lodge and distinguished colonial visitors , the hall being pretty well crowded by the time the procession was formed on the staircase and corridor of the second floor . The throne was erected due east , on a spacious dais , and the District Grand Lodge floor was covered with the usual tcssclated pavement and blazing star in the centre ; whilst
the furniture and appointments lor- the officers were supplied from the Masonic Hall , banners and shields in thc gallery helping to set oft the surroundings . The long procession of the District Grand Lodge and visitors from other districts was announced about 11 o ' clock . The processional march , played by Bro . Lee , D . G . Org ., was from " Eli . " thc same as performed by the late Bro . Sir Michael
Costa on thc entrance of the Prince of VVales at his installation . at fhe Royal Albert Hall . The scene when-the immense assemblage had settled down into their places was most striking , and will not be readily forgotten . To commence with , the balconies and outside spaces of the ground floor were occupied by brethren in the light blue of the English lodges . Bordering on the pavement of . tne
District Grand Lodge , Officers and Past Officers of the district , in their purple and gold , formed a bold relief , whilst here and there were sprinklings of the green and light blue and gold of the Scotch and Irish representatives . The dais was a mass of brilliant colour , prominent being the strong deputation from the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales , English Constitution , with their banner , headed by Bros . J . S . Williams , LP ., Dist . G . M . ; H .
Westcott , D . D . G . M . ; and most of the officers of the district . Surrounding the throne were also Bros . Rev . R . D . Poulctt-Harris , Dist . G . M . Tasmania ( E . C . ; Theodore O . Unmack , Prov . G . M . Queensland ( I . C ); two brethren who had only that morning arrived from Adelaide ; deputations from New Zealand ; Dr . William Gillett Sedgwick , Dist . G . M . New South VVales ( S . C ); G . Baker , D . P . G . M . Victoria ( f . C . ); Capt , Martin and J . Cahill , Dep . and Sub . G . Ms . Victoria ( S . C ) . 'The District Grand Lodge of Victoria was opened in form
Australia.
by Bro . Dr . H . St . John Clarke , D . D . G . M ., assisted by Bro . H . W . Lowry , D . G . Treas ., as Deputy , Bros . Chas . Shaw and P . Blashki being in their positions as D . G . Ws ., and Rev . VV . E . Brooke , D . G . Chap . The business of the day having been commenced , the whole * of the assemblage sang with splendid effect the well-known . Masonic ode commencing " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid . " The roll of lodges in the district having been called by tbe D . G . Sec ,
Bro . T . H . Lempriere , the minutes of the previous Quarterl y Communication wete read and confirmed . The next business on the agenda was the election of D . G . Treasurer , Bro . H . VV . Lowry receiving the unanimous vote of the brethren for the fourth successive time . The ceremonies connected with the installation of the new District Grand Master Were then proceeded with , and on the reouest of the presiding officer , the patent of
appointment by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was read . The following deputation of six Masters of lodges was next directed to withdraw for thc purpose of introducing the R . W . District Grand Master designate : Bros . Dr . Willmott , 752 ; Jas . Morton , S 45 ; VV . Wreford , 713 j D . G . Coope , 641 ; VV . H . Purves , 474 ; and T . C . Russell , 727 ; the two latter of whom carried on cushions thc gauntlets and apron and collar and jewel of Sir W . I . Clarke . On entering the
District Grand Lodge , the D . G . Organist played a grand processional march , especially composed for thc occasion . Having arrived in the east , Bro . Dr . Willmott presented the R . W . District Grand Master designate for installation , and he was dul y obligated , invested , and inducted into the chair of his high office , in accordance with ancient custom . These ceremonies having been performed , the installation . was proclaimed by sound of trumpet , supplemented by the
proclamation from the D . C , Bro . Perry . The ACTING DISTRICT GRAND MASTER then rose and addressing the newly-installed R . VV . District Grand Master congratulated him on the auspicious event of the day , an event which augured well for the future prosperity , honour , and usefulness of the Masonic Craft in the colony . First he held the position of Provincial Grand Master under the Irish Constitution , and that day witnessed the
consummation of their warmest hopes that he would ultimately preside over the English and Scottish Districts as well . The Craft under the whole of the three British Constitutions had passed through anxious times , the circumstances of which were thoroughly familiar to every brother present . R . VV . Sir VVilliam Clarke had been hailed and congratulated as chief of Masonic Victoria by an imposing assemblage of the Craft , the like of which , whether as regards
numbers , unity of sentiment , or general enthusiasm , had never previously been gathered together in any city of the southern hemisphere . ( Cheers . ) Such was but a fitting climax to the efforts made by the great majority of thc Craft to stem sedition , and to preserve its time-honoured connection with the mother Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland . ( Cheers . ) His appointment made a new era in thc history of colonial Masonry . A
noble career was before him , and brotherly love , relief , and truth would increase and flourish abundantly under the genial and beneficent sway of so distinguished a brother , on whose standard that day has bcen emblazoned thc memorable watchwords of our Royal Grand Master-Loyalty and Charity . ( Cheers . ) Might thc Great Architect of the Universe , therefore , be pleased to grant their R . VV . Dist . G . M . health and strength to discharge the duties of his great office with satisfaction to himself and
advantage to thc Order , and might he be long spared to preside over United Freemasonry in Victoria , under the Constitutions of England , Scotland , and Ireland . ( Cheers . ) The * choir then followed with the Masonic ode , " Hail to the Master , " which was sung with splendid effect . After this the patent ot Dr . St . John Clarke as Dep . Dist . G . M . was read , and he was dul y installed and saluted in due form . Rossini ' s grand Ode to Charity ( "Carita" ) was here . sung by thc choir , and then thc R . VV . Dist . G . M . appointed his officers for thc year , and they were invested as below : —
Bro . H . St . John Clarke , P . M . 729 ... 'D . Dist . G . M . „ E . M . lames , P . M . 729 ... Dist . G . S . W . „ J . VV . Robson , P . M . 713 ... Dist . G . J . W . „ Rev . VV . E . Brooke , P . M . 7 GS Dist . G . Chap . * „ Rev . W . VV . Mantell , 744 ... Dist . G . A . Chap . „ II . VV . Lowry , P . M . 922 ( reelected ) Dist . G . Treas . „ VV . Gledhill , P . M . 747 ... * ... Dist . G . Reg .
„ 1 . H . Lempriere , P . M . 729 ... Dist . G . Sec . „ M . Capua , P . M . 474 ' Dist . G . S . D . „ G . Annand , W . M . 1020 ... Dist . G . S . D . „ R . D . Scott , P . M . 1131 ... Dist . G . J . D . „ VV . F . Dixon , P . M . 747 ... Dist . G . J . D . „ A . Purchase , 720 Dist . G . S . of VV . „ VV . Davis , W . M . 1968 ... Dist . G . D . C . „ E . H . Warren , P . M . 84 G ... Dist . G . A . D . C .
„ G . Mercer , W . M . 545 Dist . G . Swd . Br . „ VV . Marshall , P . M . 714 ... Dist . G . Std . Br . „ David Lee , 752 Dist . G . Org . „ T . Akitt , VV . M . 1 SS 1 Dist . G . Purst . „ R . E . Williams , P . M . 1157 , ... Dist . G . A . Purst . Bros . J . Patterson , 474 ; J . Bennie , " ) 714 ; J . Page , 727 ; J . McKennell , {• Dist . G . Stwds . 530 ; and Chas . Brown . 720 ... 3
Bro . A . J . Clark , P . M . ... ... Dist . G . Tyler . 'This completed the ceremony , and after the usual proclamations the District Grand Lodge was closed in due form , the procession of officers returning to the reception rooms in inverted order at half-past 12 . * "ll ? "" ¦ ' ¦ angements and general details in the hands of the Ceremonial Committee and their volunteer assistants were the theme of general praise , and when it is
considered that between 2 , 000 and 3 , 000 were present , these commendations were justly earned by every brother con- , ccrned . The programme was an exact reproduction of the similar ceremony on the occasion of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of England . 1 aken altogether , the celebration constituted the most imposing gathering of the Masonic body ever held in the Australian colonies , and every brother in Victoria , as well as those from other districts , who had the good fortune to
be present , will long remember the day when Sir William John Clarke was installed as head of the Victorian Craft . The day ' s celebrations were brought to a conclusion by a . banquet in . the evening , in the Town Hall . Previous to entering the hall , Sir VV . J . Clarke held a levee , at which the whole of the brethren invited by the R . W . District Grand Master to dinner paid their respects . This part of thc proceedings consumed over an hour , and thc crush on , the stairs , coupled with thc great heat , tested the tempers
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.
This was seconded by Bro . W . R . BLAIR and carried unanimously . Bro . BODENHAM stated that the balance in hand at the end of the year amounted to £ i 16 15 s . 3 d ., and the accounts were in perfect order . Hc suggested that the balance should be invested . Only once during thc past 10 years had the expenses exceeded the receipts , and he proposed that in addition to the sums invested they should annually invest
the balance whenever there might be one . This vvasseconded by Bro . BiNDT . EY and carried . 'The brethren then left thc lodge room , and a procession ¦ was formed , the volume of the Sacred Law being ^ carried by four Lewises , named G . Tunnicli / Te , Barlow , Stringer , and Devereux . The procession , which vvas a long one and excited much interest in thc town , proceeded to Shelton Church , where Divine service was held . The prayers were
read by Bro . the Rev . E . D . Boothman , rector of Shelton , who is one oi the Prov . Grand Chaplains . The lessons ¦ were read by Bro . F . Brandon and Bro . the Rev . T . Lloyd , 526 . Bro . Mountford , Prov . Grand Organist , conducted the musical portion of the service , which included a solo during the anthem by Bro . Downing , 460 . 'The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . VV . F . Drury , the senior Prov . Grand Chaplainwho took for his text I . Corinthians ,
, iii ., 10 , 11 : " According to the grace of God which is given unto me , as a wise master builder , 1 have laid the foundation , and another buildeth thereon . But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon . For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid , which is Jesus Christ . " At the close of the service the brethren returned to the Town Hall and the business of the lodge was resumed , lt was announced that the collection at the church amounted
to £ * 3 ? s . -, d . Of this sum £ 5 5 s . was voted to thc rector of Shelton for his schools , £ 3 3 s . to thc preacher towards the funds of his new church at Burton , and £ 2 2 s . to the Longton Cottage Hospital . The Rev . VV . F . Drury vvas cordiall y thanked for his excellent sermon .. 'The PROV . GRAND MASTER referred to thc great loss which Masonry had sustained through the death of the Duke of Albany , and said hc had intended to call a special
lodge , but that was rendered unnecessary in consequence of the Grand Lodge of England having passed a resolution in the name of Masons generally . After thc transaction of some other business the lodge vvas closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Mechanics' Hall , in thc large room of which thc banquet vvas held , about 250 attending it . 'The walls were adorned w ' th the banners of various lod _ rcs and portraits of the late Earl of Shrewsbury
and other eminent Masons , while thc tables were decorated with vases containing plants and ( lowers , and thc room had a very cheerful appearance . 'The Prov . G . Master presided ; but he and the other brethren from the south of the province having to leave early , the chair vvas taken by Bro . Piercy , P . G . S . W . Before leaving the Prov . G . Master expressed himself delighted with thc heartiness ' with which he had been received , and proposed " The Health of thc Queen , "
which was duly honoured . Thc usual Masonic toasts followed , tho speakers being Bros . Piercy , Warren , Bromley , Cartwright , Hales , John Webberley , and Marks , thc latter of whom responded for " 'The Visitors . " Bro . T . TAYLOR proposed "The Masonic Charities , " remarking that hc vvas glad to know that they were so munificently supported by the brethren . After referring to thc value of the Masonic Schools , he said when hc went
up as a Steward to the Benevolent Institution hc took with him £ 152 ios ., which not only made him a "Vice-President but brought iG more votes to the Staffordshire list . Bro . DHKKV responded . He said he had had an intimate acquairitancc with thc Charities Ior a great number of years , and he was able to speak in terms of the highest commendation as to thc way in which they were managed .
From thc knowledge which he had gained he was as strong an advocate of the Charities as ever he was when hc first became a Freemason . He found that in round numbers the expenses of management did not average more than to per cent , of thc income of the Charities . Having spoken of the Old Peoples' Institution , and of the excellence of the education and training which the girls and boys received , Bro . Dcrrv said he was going with Bros . Tooth and
Bayley to represent the brethren of the province at the next Boys' festival . It was said that this was an expensive establishment . Each boy in this Institution cost £ 43 per annum for education , clothing , board and lodging . When he left thc School he was fitted for any position in life that an Englishman could occupy . If they got value for their money the price was not too dear . If they could place children of good natural parts upon
the lines where they could gain a respectable livelihood and rctlect in future life credit upon the Institution , they could not do a nobler thing than to aid thc orphan . The future generals , admirals , and judges were to be found amongst the young of the present day , and the Freemasons , hc was glad to say , were enabling orphans to rise to dignified positions . The Freemasons were in the position of foster-parents to those children ; they were a wealthy
Fraternity taking the position of the poor patents the boys had lost . He hoped they would give freely and lovingly , and Cod would bless them ior so doing . Bro . TOOTH , who was also called upon to respond , said that he should be able to take over £ < . _ vvith him , and he trusted that hc and thc other two Stewards would take with them nearly j ( . 3 ° - Bro . the Rev . W . F . DKUKY , in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of the Stewards , " and complimented the Menturia Lodge upon possessing men of such business
capacity . Bro . VV . HAMPTON responded . Bro . T . TAYLOR in complimentary terms proposed " The Health of . the Prov . G . D . C , " and Bro . FOWKE having responded , thc proceedings were shortly afterwards brought to a close . The speeches were interspersed with some admirable singing by the Silverdale glee party . Other vocal music was supplied , Bio . F . Mountford presiding at thc pianoforte .
HOLLOW-AY ' PILLS can be conlidently recommended as a domeslie remedy for the ailments of all . classes and conditions of people . Young and old of both sexes may take this medicine- with the certainty of deriving licnclit from its use , when disorder or disease is making Ihcm miserable . Holloway ' s Pills arc unrivalled for their purifying , aperient , and strengthening properties . They remove in . digestion , palpitation , and headache , and arc specially serviceable in complaints peculiar to females . Each box is wrapped with printed instructions for the guidance of invalids , who will readily understand , from carefully studying Ihcm , tlie best way of recovering health . Holloway ' s I'ills will \\ ork a thorough change un the constitutions of the weak and nervous .
Australia.
Australia .
INSTALLATION OF SIR W . J . CLARKE AS DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ( E . C . & S . C . ) OF VICTORIA . GRAND AND IMPOSING CEREMONY . On the 26 th of March last the most important and interesting event of recent years in connection with Freemasonry in the British colonies took place in the Melbourne Town Hall , when Bro . Sir VVilliam John Clarke , Bart .,
R . VV . Grand Master of Victoria * under the Irish Constitution , was installed as R . VV . District Grand' Master of the two Constitutions of England and Scotland in the same colony . The occasion was so noteworthy , and at the same time so unusual , as to induce the executives of the two bodies to put forward their best endeavours so as to invest the imposing ceremonies with every possible elaboration and
effect . In former times , whenever it has been necessary to induct a chief of the Craft into his chair of office under either of the three Constitutions , the incidental ceremonies and surroundings have been simple and formal in character ; but the circumstances attached to this auspicious event demanded extraordinary efforts , and so nothing was left undone that might add the utmost effect and brilliancy lo
the gathering , which , to use the words of a local chronicler , " has never becn equalled or approached in any part of her Majesty ' s dominions , vvith the single exception of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of VVales in the Albert Hall , London , nine years ago , when nearly 10 , 000 Masons assembled from all parts of thc kingdom . " Apart from Sir William Clarke ' s high social position and popularity as
a citizen and exponent of that greatest of Masonic virtues —charity—the circumstance of his being appointed respectively head of the three Masonic communities in Victoria must rank amongst thc historical and memorable events of the colony ; indeed , it is doubtful whether there could be found a similar combination of offices in thc whole of the annals of thc Craft .
* Whilst the preliminaries for the English ceremony were going on , the members of the Scotch District Grand Lodge were assembling in another part of thc building f < Jr the purpose of installing Sir William Clarke into the chair . Thc District Grand Lodge was opened shortly after halfpast nine o ' clock by Bro . Joseph Cahill , Substitute G . M ., thc other officers present being Bros . II . VV . Lowry , Dist .
G . Sec , as Depute G . M . ; J . Miller , D . G . S . W . ; A . E . Bates , D . G . J . W . ; W . Elms , D . G . Treas . ; G . F . Martin , D . G . Chap , j J . Little , D . G . S . D . ; Charles Clarke , D . G . J . D . ; H . T . Hcrbcrte , D . G . Jeweller ; F . Donaldson , D . G . Bible Br . ; F . Wilkie , D . G . D . C . j F . A . Elliot , D . G . Swd . Br . ; F . Gibson , D . G . I . G . ; J . Haydon and George Cornell , D . G . Marshals ; and A . j . Clarke , D . G . Tyler .
The visiting brethren assembled in great force , and amongst those on the dais were the chiefs of the District Grand Lodges of New South Wales . E . C ., Queensland I . C , and several other brethren of distinction . Bro . Sir VV . J . Clarke was admitted to the Past Master's Degree in the presence of a large number of Installed Masters of all three Constitutions . On the return of the other brethren ,
the Earl of Mar and Kellie's patent of Sir VV . Clarke ' s appointment as District Grand Master of-Victoria , signed November 30 th ( St . Andrew ' s Day ) , was read . He was then obligated , invested with the insignia of his office , installed into the chair , and proclaimed chief of Scottish Masonry in Victoria . The newly-installed Dist . Grand Master subsequently appointed and invested Bros . Capt . C . uosrnuie uist
K . Alartin ana josepn canw , Depute ana __ . Grand Masters for the ensuing year , after which the Dist . Grand Lodge was closed in due . form , the communication having merely becn one of emergency for the ceremony of installation . The great mass of the brethren had , however , been graduall y assembling for the I-. nglish ceremony in the larire hall , the doors of which were closed shortly after ten
o ' clock to all but Ofiicers and Past Ofiicers of the District Grand Lodge and distinguished colonial visitors , the hall being pretty well crowded by the time the procession was formed on the staircase and corridor of the second floor . The throne was erected due east , on a spacious dais , and the District Grand Lodge floor was covered with the usual tcssclated pavement and blazing star in the centre ; whilst
the furniture and appointments lor- the officers were supplied from the Masonic Hall , banners and shields in thc gallery helping to set oft the surroundings . The long procession of the District Grand Lodge and visitors from other districts was announced about 11 o ' clock . The processional march , played by Bro . Lee , D . G . Org ., was from " Eli . " thc same as performed by the late Bro . Sir Michael
Costa on thc entrance of the Prince of VVales at his installation . at fhe Royal Albert Hall . The scene when-the immense assemblage had settled down into their places was most striking , and will not be readily forgotten . To commence with , the balconies and outside spaces of the ground floor were occupied by brethren in the light blue of the English lodges . Bordering on the pavement of . tne
District Grand Lodge , Officers and Past Officers of the district , in their purple and gold , formed a bold relief , whilst here and there were sprinklings of the green and light blue and gold of the Scotch and Irish representatives . The dais was a mass of brilliant colour , prominent being the strong deputation from the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales , English Constitution , with their banner , headed by Bros . J . S . Williams , LP ., Dist . G . M . ; H .
Westcott , D . D . G . M . ; and most of the officers of the district . Surrounding the throne were also Bros . Rev . R . D . Poulctt-Harris , Dist . G . M . Tasmania ( E . C . ; Theodore O . Unmack , Prov . G . M . Queensland ( I . C ); two brethren who had only that morning arrived from Adelaide ; deputations from New Zealand ; Dr . William Gillett Sedgwick , Dist . G . M . New South VVales ( S . C ); G . Baker , D . P . G . M . Victoria ( f . C . ); Capt , Martin and J . Cahill , Dep . and Sub . G . Ms . Victoria ( S . C ) . 'The District Grand Lodge of Victoria was opened in form
Australia.
by Bro . Dr . H . St . John Clarke , D . D . G . M ., assisted by Bro . H . W . Lowry , D . G . Treas ., as Deputy , Bros . Chas . Shaw and P . Blashki being in their positions as D . G . Ws ., and Rev . VV . E . Brooke , D . G . Chap . The business of the day having been commenced , the whole * of the assemblage sang with splendid effect the well-known . Masonic ode commencing " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid . " The roll of lodges in the district having been called by tbe D . G . Sec ,
Bro . T . H . Lempriere , the minutes of the previous Quarterl y Communication wete read and confirmed . The next business on the agenda was the election of D . G . Treasurer , Bro . H . VV . Lowry receiving the unanimous vote of the brethren for the fourth successive time . The ceremonies connected with the installation of the new District Grand Master Were then proceeded with , and on the reouest of the presiding officer , the patent of
appointment by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was read . The following deputation of six Masters of lodges was next directed to withdraw for thc purpose of introducing the R . W . District Grand Master designate : Bros . Dr . Willmott , 752 ; Jas . Morton , S 45 ; VV . Wreford , 713 j D . G . Coope , 641 ; VV . H . Purves , 474 ; and T . C . Russell , 727 ; the two latter of whom carried on cushions thc gauntlets and apron and collar and jewel of Sir W . I . Clarke . On entering the
District Grand Lodge , the D . G . Organist played a grand processional march , especially composed for thc occasion . Having arrived in the east , Bro . Dr . Willmott presented the R . W . District Grand Master designate for installation , and he was dul y obligated , invested , and inducted into the chair of his high office , in accordance with ancient custom . These ceremonies having been performed , the installation . was proclaimed by sound of trumpet , supplemented by the
proclamation from the D . C , Bro . Perry . The ACTING DISTRICT GRAND MASTER then rose and addressing the newly-installed R . VV . District Grand Master congratulated him on the auspicious event of the day , an event which augured well for the future prosperity , honour , and usefulness of the Masonic Craft in the colony . First he held the position of Provincial Grand Master under the Irish Constitution , and that day witnessed the
consummation of their warmest hopes that he would ultimately preside over the English and Scottish Districts as well . The Craft under the whole of the three British Constitutions had passed through anxious times , the circumstances of which were thoroughly familiar to every brother present . R . VV . Sir VVilliam Clarke had been hailed and congratulated as chief of Masonic Victoria by an imposing assemblage of the Craft , the like of which , whether as regards
numbers , unity of sentiment , or general enthusiasm , had never previously been gathered together in any city of the southern hemisphere . ( Cheers . ) Such was but a fitting climax to the efforts made by the great majority of thc Craft to stem sedition , and to preserve its time-honoured connection with the mother Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland . ( Cheers . ) His appointment made a new era in thc history of colonial Masonry . A
noble career was before him , and brotherly love , relief , and truth would increase and flourish abundantly under the genial and beneficent sway of so distinguished a brother , on whose standard that day has bcen emblazoned thc memorable watchwords of our Royal Grand Master-Loyalty and Charity . ( Cheers . ) Might thc Great Architect of the Universe , therefore , be pleased to grant their R . VV . Dist . G . M . health and strength to discharge the duties of his great office with satisfaction to himself and
advantage to thc Order , and might he be long spared to preside over United Freemasonry in Victoria , under the Constitutions of England , Scotland , and Ireland . ( Cheers . ) The * choir then followed with the Masonic ode , " Hail to the Master , " which was sung with splendid effect . After this the patent ot Dr . St . John Clarke as Dep . Dist . G . M . was read , and he was dul y installed and saluted in due form . Rossini ' s grand Ode to Charity ( "Carita" ) was here . sung by thc choir , and then thc R . VV . Dist . G . M . appointed his officers for thc year , and they were invested as below : —
Bro . H . St . John Clarke , P . M . 729 ... 'D . Dist . G . M . „ E . M . lames , P . M . 729 ... Dist . G . S . W . „ J . VV . Robson , P . M . 713 ... Dist . G . J . W . „ Rev . VV . E . Brooke , P . M . 7 GS Dist . G . Chap . * „ Rev . W . VV . Mantell , 744 ... Dist . G . A . Chap . „ II . VV . Lowry , P . M . 922 ( reelected ) Dist . G . Treas . „ VV . Gledhill , P . M . 747 ... * ... Dist . G . Reg .
„ 1 . H . Lempriere , P . M . 729 ... Dist . G . Sec . „ M . Capua , P . M . 474 ' Dist . G . S . D . „ G . Annand , W . M . 1020 ... Dist . G . S . D . „ R . D . Scott , P . M . 1131 ... Dist . G . J . D . „ VV . F . Dixon , P . M . 747 ... Dist . G . J . D . „ A . Purchase , 720 Dist . G . S . of VV . „ VV . Davis , W . M . 1968 ... Dist . G . D . C . „ E . H . Warren , P . M . 84 G ... Dist . G . A . D . C .
„ G . Mercer , W . M . 545 Dist . G . Swd . Br . „ VV . Marshall , P . M . 714 ... Dist . G . Std . Br . „ David Lee , 752 Dist . G . Org . „ T . Akitt , VV . M . 1 SS 1 Dist . G . Purst . „ R . E . Williams , P . M . 1157 , ... Dist . G . A . Purst . Bros . J . Patterson , 474 ; J . Bennie , " ) 714 ; J . Page , 727 ; J . McKennell , {• Dist . G . Stwds . 530 ; and Chas . Brown . 720 ... 3
Bro . A . J . Clark , P . M . ... ... Dist . G . Tyler . 'This completed the ceremony , and after the usual proclamations the District Grand Lodge was closed in due form , the procession of officers returning to the reception rooms in inverted order at half-past 12 . * "ll ? "" ¦ ' ¦ angements and general details in the hands of the Ceremonial Committee and their volunteer assistants were the theme of general praise , and when it is
considered that between 2 , 000 and 3 , 000 were present , these commendations were justly earned by every brother con- , ccrned . The programme was an exact reproduction of the similar ceremony on the occasion of the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of England . 1 aken altogether , the celebration constituted the most imposing gathering of the Masonic body ever held in the Australian colonies , and every brother in Victoria , as well as those from other districts , who had the good fortune to
be present , will long remember the day when Sir William John Clarke was installed as head of the Victorian Craft . The day ' s celebrations were brought to a conclusion by a . banquet in . the evening , in the Town Hall . Previous to entering the hall , Sir VV . J . Clarke held a levee , at which the whole of the brethren invited by the R . W . District Grand Master to dinner paid their respects . This part of thc proceedings consumed over an hour , and thc crush on , the stairs , coupled with thc great heat , tested the tempers