Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Dramatic Lodge Of Royal Ark Mariners, No. 487.
CONSECRATION OF THE DRAMATIC LODGE OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS , No . 487 .
The consecration of the above lodge took place on Thursday , the 31 st ult . A lodge of Royal Ark Mariners was opened by W . Bro . G . P . Parker , P . C . N ., at three o ' clock , the chairs of J . and S . being- occupied respectively by W . Bros . RaymondTucker , P . C . N ., andC . E . L . VVright , P . C . N ., and the following brethren were duly elevated to the Degree : Bros . H . Nicholls , P . G . Std . Br . ; S . Pringle , j . Murray , A . Duck , E . Humphries , C . Goggin , T . Fraser , E . Beverley , W . Lyon , H . Leonard , and J . Matthews .
The lodge was then adjourned , and at four o ' clock the G . Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., entered in procession , accompanied by several G . Officers , and having assumed the throne , appointed as his assistants V . W . Bro . Chas . Belton . P . G . W ., J . ; W . Bros . R . Clowas , P . G . J . O , S . ; the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , M . A ., P . C . N .. Chap . ; J . F . Tower , P . A . G . D . C , D . of C . , * and Bro . Maior Carrell , P . G . M . O ., Guardian .
The Consecrating Officer having addressed the brethren , and the founders signified their approval of the brethren named in the warrant , the following oration was delivered by the CHAPLAIN : I suppose it is an almost unique thing for two Royal Ark Mariners' lodges to be consecrated in London in successive months , and yet that is the case to-day , for only a little over a month ago I was privileged to act * s Chaplain , when the Ark of the United Service was launched on what , I trust , will be a long and
prosperous career . This afternoon we are assembled to take our share in a similar ceremony on behalf of the Dramatic Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , and in accordance with tradition , I am called on to give you an oration on the nature and princip les of the Order . But the task is in itself by no means an easy one , for the Royal Ark Mariners Degree is not one with any very deep esoteric teaching ; it does not lend itself to any pictorial embellishment ; nor has it any of those dramatic possibilities , which we at once recognise in some other Degrees ,
and which , while they of course appeal to the actor will make even the critic acknowledge that the play has some strong situations in the 2 nd and 3 rd act . The Order of Royal Ark Mariners is not , however , of this type at all . It commemorates certain very interesting events , but these events are unfolded to the candidates in the simplest form ; the truths it enunciates , are noble , definite , and helpful , but they do not at once grip you with the same force , as when conveyed to your inner consciousness by action rather than speech . Thus , as we all know ,
there have been many fine plajs written , which it is a pleasure to read but which are quite unsuitedto public performances—plays of beautiful thoughts , but which can only be appreciated by quiet study—and so in the same way in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree there is nothing to attract the eye or catch the ear , but the ceremony must be studied and closely attended to if we would learn the beauties it contains . Now , I am sure that the way in which this Degree has prospered of late years isa proof that brethren have discovered
that there is much more in Masonry than merely an imposing ceremonial . I am often struck when I read the report of the General Board of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons , by whom this Order is governed , by the number of times that I see the announcement , " a warrant has been granted for a new Ark Mariners lodge . " It shows how great has been the progress made by the Order , and how many latent possibilities there are in it . But it has not always been so . The Degree is certainly of great antiquity , yet
its origin is lost in the mists of the past . Ir . the iSth century it was governed by a Grand Lodge , but it gradually grew more and more feeble , and at last , after many negotiations , it was transferred to the Mark Degree , which is the reason why every Royal Ark must be attached to some Mark Lodge . The principal object of this Degree is to keep in our remembrance that terrible flood which once overwhelmed the world , and on a previous occasion I dealt at length with the historical and scientific evidence in its f lvour . I pointed out that , apart from
other things , almost every nation of the earth possesses traces of a deluge , and of how great an importance THAT is , but without dilating further on it , I would call your attention to another subject which naturally arises from it . Noah and his family , we read , alone escaped the fate which befell the rest of mankind . They were preserved alive in the ark from the midst of those who were destroyed for their wickedness by the wrathful displeasure of the Lord . They were set apart , and dedicated to a higher work . Now , in a symbolical sense , this may be
said of us . WE are , in the first place , called apart from the uninstructed or popular world who are not Masons . It is a distinct calling , inasmuch as a man can only become a Mason of his own free will and accord , and unbiassed by any improper motive . But we are hardly initiated before we are told that it is our duty , without neglecting the ordinary business of our lives , to make a daily advance in Masonic knowledge . Now , how are we to do this ? The answers are many and various ; for all have not the same gifts . The
first and most obvious answer , no doubt , is by searching and studying the records of the past , but there are many men who have not received the requisite training for this . Or we may pay diligent attention to our ceremonials , and by conversation with those of more experience than ourselves endeavour to understand their real meaning and express them intelligently . Or , again—and this is where I would especially draw my parallel—we may , by joining as many of the Degrees in FVcemasonry as are open to us , greatly increase our knowledge , and realise batter
the relative dependency of its several parts . In the Ark there were only eight human beings , and three were shut off from the world , and so we find that as we advance in the higher Degrees in Masonry , their adherents are smaller in number , for it is only those who have shown a genuine thirst for Misrule knowled ^ j who ever take them up . lt is one of these lodges belonging to tbe higher Degrees
lhat we are about to consecrate this afternoon , and I think I miy take it that all those who are united in forming it are so impressed with the teachings of this Degree , that they will not only do their utmost to promote its interests , but also to profit by what they have learnt . If we will work in this spirit we may expect to grow in knowledge , and thus meriting the approval of the S . G . C . of T . O ., may hope to be safely brought to the haven of everlasting rest .
1 he lodge was then consecrated and constituted with the customary ceremonies , and a Board of Ex . Commanders having been opened , Bro . C . Cruikshanks was duly installed as W . C . N , by the G . Secretary in his usuall y impressive manner . The W . C . N , then appointed and invested his officers : Bro . H . Nicholls , J . ; W . Bro . the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , P . N ., S . ; Bros . C . Coggin , Treas . ; Major C . VV . Carrell , Scribe ; H . Leonard , D . of C . ; T . Fraser , S . D . j E . Humphries , J . D . ; H . Murray , Org . ; S . Pringle , Guardian ; J . Matthews , Stwd . ; and E . Mills , Warder .
The Consecrating Officers were elected as hon . members , and also Bro . G . P . Parker , who was also appointed I . P . N . Bro . A . J . Thomas was elected a joining member , and the lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a pleasant evening was spent .
> L if . KING has contributed 10 guineas as an annual subscription to the funds of the British Orphan Asylum , Slough .
The November Magazines.
The November Magazines .
The Captain opens with the continuation of the new serial , " A Cavalier Maid . " " In Deep Water" is also continued , and there is a further tale from the trenches , relating to the present Boer War , as well as several very interesting complete tales . Athletes , stamp collectors , and cyclists are well catered for in their respective " corners . " and there is a capital article on some famous escapes from prison . There is a further instalment of the amusing " Autobiography of a Dog . "
Oassell ' s Magazine contains concluding chapters of Rudyard Kipling ' s " Kim , " and Max Pemberton ' s " Giants' Gate , " also several complete tales . There are interesting papers on the rustic spots of Greater London , troopships ( by W . Clark Russell ) , bull-fighting in Portugal , rulers who have met with violent deaths , and Mr . A . C . MacLaren ' s Australian team . The current number is one of quite exceptional interest , fascinating as Cassell ' s invariably is .
Chambers ' s Journal contains "At the Sign of the Silver Bell , " "A King ' s Gambit , " and other complete stories , also interesting papers on the wealth of Spain , life in a convict prison ( by an inmate ) , the mysteries of artificial incubation , lemon-ranching in the Pacific Slope , the cheapness of Portuguese hotels , submarine boats , and Indian conjuring . The Science and Art " Notes for the month fully maintain the high reputation enjoyed by this journal in that specific department .
The Century Illustrated Magazine contains several capital complete stories ,. one of them by Mark Twain , and some articles of unusual interest , including a retrospect of American humour , and a paper on the dirigible balloon of M . Santos-Dumont , written with the aeronaut's knowledge and consent . A paper on the . settlement of the Western States of America is interesting as a
study in transportation , and there is a thoughtful and scholarly article on the assassination of kings and presidents , and one on some of the personal characteristics of President McKinley . The illustrations in this magazine have greatly improved of late , the half-tone plate engravings being particularly fine .
The Cornhill Magazine opens with an appreciation of Edmond Rostand , by Mr . Henry James , and Sir Rowland Blennerhassett contributes Recollections of Cardinal Newman , throwing new light on the views of Newman in regard to thc Italian movement and the temporal sovereignty of the Pope . Fiction is represented by an instalment of Mr . Stanley Weyman's " Count Hannibal , " and by two short stories— " Becky " and " A Lesson in Manners "—from the pens of Miss Eleanor Hayden and Mr . Harold White . There is pathos in the poem
by Miss Turnbull , who lost her life in her endeavour to save a sister from the flames , Under the title of " A Club in Being , " the Rev . H . C . D . Latham , of the Inns of Court Mission , gives some experience of life among the rougher working boys of London . "The Londoner" continues the diversions of his Log Book . Dr . Fitchett brings his " Tale of the Great Mutiny " up to the storming of Delhi , while " Urbanus Sylvan " heads his Provincial Letter "A Meditation among the Tombs . "
The Gentleman ' s Magazine opens with a humorous sketch entitled " At the Dentists , " which is an adaptation from the Danish of Hozer . " Three Years of the Eastern Question " is a statesmanlike article from the pen of W . Miller , M . A . ; . while 1 . E . Gore , F . R . A . S ., contributes an appreciative paper on , the great Belgian astronomer , M . Houzeau . Georgrina Hill ' s " Tales of Ambassadors " will be read with interest , as also will " The Siddons , " an article that will be appreciated by all lovers of the histrionic art and its history . " The Old Science and the New " and " Self-styled Plantagenets " are papers worthy of perusal , and " The Broken Dream " is an interesting complete tale .
Longman's Magazine contains a further instalment of the serial tale " The Gold-Stealers , " while there are two very interesting complete tales . Lieut .-Col . A . L . Paget concludes his experiences as a Commandant of prisoners of war at Deadwood Camp , St . Helena ; and J . R . E . Sumner completes his "Recollections of a Tender-foot . " There are some beautiful verses by the Rev . George Bird entitled " Too Late . "
Macmillan's Magazine opens with a continuation of the fascinating serial " Princess Puck . " There is an appreciative sketch of the late Signor Crispi ; a hitherto unpublished poem on Robert Burns . The River-life of the Land of the Poppy is dealt with in the current number , and there are very interesting and instructive papers on " Dickens and Modern Humour , " golf , the mystery of collaboration , and other subjects , which combine to make the November number one of unusual interest .
The New Town Clerk Of Sydney, New South Wales—A Well-Known Freemason.
THE NEW TOWN CLERK OF SYDNEY , NEW SOUTH WALES—A WELL-KNOWN FREEMASON .
INTERESTING MASONIC CAREER . Bro . Thomas Huggins Nesbitt , late City Comptroller of Westminster , left London on Tuesday , the 29 th ult ., to take up a new , responsible , and onerous position as Town Clerk of S ydney , New South Wales , at the lucrative salary of £ 2000 a year . In the course of an interview with Bro . Nesbitt prior to his departure , it was elicited that he is a native of Cumberland ( Whitehaven ) . He was for many years Town Clerk of Douglas , Isle of Man , with credit to himself .
Leaving Manxland for London , he was appointed clerk to the vestry of St . George ' s , Hanover-square , and Irom thence his promotion has been marked and rapid . After three years' service in the latter office , he was unanimously appointed Comptroller of the City of Westminster , and recently , out of many applicants , was selected for the position of Town Clerk of Sydney . He proceeded by way of Dover and Calais to Paris , thence to Marseilles , where he joined the fine steamer Victoria , of the P . and O . Line ( Capt . Lygon , R . N . ) , which sailed on Friday ,
the 1 st instant , and is due at Colombo on the 24 th instant . The Victoria on leaving Colombo calls at Freemantle , Albany , Adelaide , Melbourne , and is due at Sydney on the 14 th prox . In his new post Bro . Nesbitt will take charge of the whole of the administrative depertment of Sydney , of which Sir James Graham , one of the new Knights in honour of the Royal visit , is Miyor . Just prior to leaving London , Bro . Nesbitt was the recipient of many presentations , testimonials , high encomiums , and expressions of goodwill , including one from the staff at
Westminster , and a complimentary dinner by the heads of departments . He is accompanied out by Mrs . Nesbitt and two youngest daughters , his eldest daughter and two sons , in business here , remaining in London tor the time being . Bro , Nesbitt ' s Masonic career has been somewhat unique and his advancement rapid , It will be interesting to members of the Craft who know him , and to
Freemasons generally , to know that in Masonic circles Bro . Nesbitt ' s work has been of the most distinguished character , and is generally recognised . In Manx Freemasonry he is paiticularly well-known , he having been initiated in Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 , Douglas , when that lodge met in St . James' Hall , being proposed by Bro . J . A . Brown , and initiated by the late Bro . ' John Quinney . In 1 SS 1 he decided to join the Athole Lodge , No . 1004 , Douglas , proceeding step
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Dramatic Lodge Of Royal Ark Mariners, No. 487.
CONSECRATION OF THE DRAMATIC LODGE OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS , No . 487 .
The consecration of the above lodge took place on Thursday , the 31 st ult . A lodge of Royal Ark Mariners was opened by W . Bro . G . P . Parker , P . C . N ., at three o ' clock , the chairs of J . and S . being- occupied respectively by W . Bros . RaymondTucker , P . C . N ., andC . E . L . VVright , P . C . N ., and the following brethren were duly elevated to the Degree : Bros . H . Nicholls , P . G . Std . Br . ; S . Pringle , j . Murray , A . Duck , E . Humphries , C . Goggin , T . Fraser , E . Beverley , W . Lyon , H . Leonard , and J . Matthews .
The lodge was then adjourned , and at four o ' clock the G . Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., entered in procession , accompanied by several G . Officers , and having assumed the throne , appointed as his assistants V . W . Bro . Chas . Belton . P . G . W ., J . ; W . Bros . R . Clowas , P . G . J . O , S . ; the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , M . A ., P . C . N .. Chap . ; J . F . Tower , P . A . G . D . C , D . of C . , * and Bro . Maior Carrell , P . G . M . O ., Guardian .
The Consecrating Officer having addressed the brethren , and the founders signified their approval of the brethren named in the warrant , the following oration was delivered by the CHAPLAIN : I suppose it is an almost unique thing for two Royal Ark Mariners' lodges to be consecrated in London in successive months , and yet that is the case to-day , for only a little over a month ago I was privileged to act * s Chaplain , when the Ark of the United Service was launched on what , I trust , will be a long and
prosperous career . This afternoon we are assembled to take our share in a similar ceremony on behalf of the Dramatic Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , and in accordance with tradition , I am called on to give you an oration on the nature and princip les of the Order . But the task is in itself by no means an easy one , for the Royal Ark Mariners Degree is not one with any very deep esoteric teaching ; it does not lend itself to any pictorial embellishment ; nor has it any of those dramatic possibilities , which we at once recognise in some other Degrees ,
and which , while they of course appeal to the actor will make even the critic acknowledge that the play has some strong situations in the 2 nd and 3 rd act . The Order of Royal Ark Mariners is not , however , of this type at all . It commemorates certain very interesting events , but these events are unfolded to the candidates in the simplest form ; the truths it enunciates , are noble , definite , and helpful , but they do not at once grip you with the same force , as when conveyed to your inner consciousness by action rather than speech . Thus , as we all know ,
there have been many fine plajs written , which it is a pleasure to read but which are quite unsuitedto public performances—plays of beautiful thoughts , but which can only be appreciated by quiet study—and so in the same way in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree there is nothing to attract the eye or catch the ear , but the ceremony must be studied and closely attended to if we would learn the beauties it contains . Now , I am sure that the way in which this Degree has prospered of late years isa proof that brethren have discovered
that there is much more in Masonry than merely an imposing ceremonial . I am often struck when I read the report of the General Board of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons , by whom this Order is governed , by the number of times that I see the announcement , " a warrant has been granted for a new Ark Mariners lodge . " It shows how great has been the progress made by the Order , and how many latent possibilities there are in it . But it has not always been so . The Degree is certainly of great antiquity , yet
its origin is lost in the mists of the past . Ir . the iSth century it was governed by a Grand Lodge , but it gradually grew more and more feeble , and at last , after many negotiations , it was transferred to the Mark Degree , which is the reason why every Royal Ark must be attached to some Mark Lodge . The principal object of this Degree is to keep in our remembrance that terrible flood which once overwhelmed the world , and on a previous occasion I dealt at length with the historical and scientific evidence in its f lvour . I pointed out that , apart from
other things , almost every nation of the earth possesses traces of a deluge , and of how great an importance THAT is , but without dilating further on it , I would call your attention to another subject which naturally arises from it . Noah and his family , we read , alone escaped the fate which befell the rest of mankind . They were preserved alive in the ark from the midst of those who were destroyed for their wickedness by the wrathful displeasure of the Lord . They were set apart , and dedicated to a higher work . Now , in a symbolical sense , this may be
said of us . WE are , in the first place , called apart from the uninstructed or popular world who are not Masons . It is a distinct calling , inasmuch as a man can only become a Mason of his own free will and accord , and unbiassed by any improper motive . But we are hardly initiated before we are told that it is our duty , without neglecting the ordinary business of our lives , to make a daily advance in Masonic knowledge . Now , how are we to do this ? The answers are many and various ; for all have not the same gifts . The
first and most obvious answer , no doubt , is by searching and studying the records of the past , but there are many men who have not received the requisite training for this . Or we may pay diligent attention to our ceremonials , and by conversation with those of more experience than ourselves endeavour to understand their real meaning and express them intelligently . Or , again—and this is where I would especially draw my parallel—we may , by joining as many of the Degrees in FVcemasonry as are open to us , greatly increase our knowledge , and realise batter
the relative dependency of its several parts . In the Ark there were only eight human beings , and three were shut off from the world , and so we find that as we advance in the higher Degrees in Masonry , their adherents are smaller in number , for it is only those who have shown a genuine thirst for Misrule knowled ^ j who ever take them up . lt is one of these lodges belonging to tbe higher Degrees
lhat we are about to consecrate this afternoon , and I think I miy take it that all those who are united in forming it are so impressed with the teachings of this Degree , that they will not only do their utmost to promote its interests , but also to profit by what they have learnt . If we will work in this spirit we may expect to grow in knowledge , and thus meriting the approval of the S . G . C . of T . O ., may hope to be safely brought to the haven of everlasting rest .
1 he lodge was then consecrated and constituted with the customary ceremonies , and a Board of Ex . Commanders having been opened , Bro . C . Cruikshanks was duly installed as W . C . N , by the G . Secretary in his usuall y impressive manner . The W . C . N , then appointed and invested his officers : Bro . H . Nicholls , J . ; W . Bro . the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , P . N ., S . ; Bros . C . Coggin , Treas . ; Major C . VV . Carrell , Scribe ; H . Leonard , D . of C . ; T . Fraser , S . D . j E . Humphries , J . D . ; H . Murray , Org . ; S . Pringle , Guardian ; J . Matthews , Stwd . ; and E . Mills , Warder .
The Consecrating Officers were elected as hon . members , and also Bro . G . P . Parker , who was also appointed I . P . N . Bro . A . J . Thomas was elected a joining member , and the lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a pleasant evening was spent .
> L if . KING has contributed 10 guineas as an annual subscription to the funds of the British Orphan Asylum , Slough .
The November Magazines.
The November Magazines .
The Captain opens with the continuation of the new serial , " A Cavalier Maid . " " In Deep Water" is also continued , and there is a further tale from the trenches , relating to the present Boer War , as well as several very interesting complete tales . Athletes , stamp collectors , and cyclists are well catered for in their respective " corners . " and there is a capital article on some famous escapes from prison . There is a further instalment of the amusing " Autobiography of a Dog . "
Oassell ' s Magazine contains concluding chapters of Rudyard Kipling ' s " Kim , " and Max Pemberton ' s " Giants' Gate , " also several complete tales . There are interesting papers on the rustic spots of Greater London , troopships ( by W . Clark Russell ) , bull-fighting in Portugal , rulers who have met with violent deaths , and Mr . A . C . MacLaren ' s Australian team . The current number is one of quite exceptional interest , fascinating as Cassell ' s invariably is .
Chambers ' s Journal contains "At the Sign of the Silver Bell , " "A King ' s Gambit , " and other complete stories , also interesting papers on the wealth of Spain , life in a convict prison ( by an inmate ) , the mysteries of artificial incubation , lemon-ranching in the Pacific Slope , the cheapness of Portuguese hotels , submarine boats , and Indian conjuring . The Science and Art " Notes for the month fully maintain the high reputation enjoyed by this journal in that specific department .
The Century Illustrated Magazine contains several capital complete stories ,. one of them by Mark Twain , and some articles of unusual interest , including a retrospect of American humour , and a paper on the dirigible balloon of M . Santos-Dumont , written with the aeronaut's knowledge and consent . A paper on the . settlement of the Western States of America is interesting as a
study in transportation , and there is a thoughtful and scholarly article on the assassination of kings and presidents , and one on some of the personal characteristics of President McKinley . The illustrations in this magazine have greatly improved of late , the half-tone plate engravings being particularly fine .
The Cornhill Magazine opens with an appreciation of Edmond Rostand , by Mr . Henry James , and Sir Rowland Blennerhassett contributes Recollections of Cardinal Newman , throwing new light on the views of Newman in regard to thc Italian movement and the temporal sovereignty of the Pope . Fiction is represented by an instalment of Mr . Stanley Weyman's " Count Hannibal , " and by two short stories— " Becky " and " A Lesson in Manners "—from the pens of Miss Eleanor Hayden and Mr . Harold White . There is pathos in the poem
by Miss Turnbull , who lost her life in her endeavour to save a sister from the flames , Under the title of " A Club in Being , " the Rev . H . C . D . Latham , of the Inns of Court Mission , gives some experience of life among the rougher working boys of London . "The Londoner" continues the diversions of his Log Book . Dr . Fitchett brings his " Tale of the Great Mutiny " up to the storming of Delhi , while " Urbanus Sylvan " heads his Provincial Letter "A Meditation among the Tombs . "
The Gentleman ' s Magazine opens with a humorous sketch entitled " At the Dentists , " which is an adaptation from the Danish of Hozer . " Three Years of the Eastern Question " is a statesmanlike article from the pen of W . Miller , M . A . ; . while 1 . E . Gore , F . R . A . S ., contributes an appreciative paper on , the great Belgian astronomer , M . Houzeau . Georgrina Hill ' s " Tales of Ambassadors " will be read with interest , as also will " The Siddons , " an article that will be appreciated by all lovers of the histrionic art and its history . " The Old Science and the New " and " Self-styled Plantagenets " are papers worthy of perusal , and " The Broken Dream " is an interesting complete tale .
Longman's Magazine contains a further instalment of the serial tale " The Gold-Stealers , " while there are two very interesting complete tales . Lieut .-Col . A . L . Paget concludes his experiences as a Commandant of prisoners of war at Deadwood Camp , St . Helena ; and J . R . E . Sumner completes his "Recollections of a Tender-foot . " There are some beautiful verses by the Rev . George Bird entitled " Too Late . "
Macmillan's Magazine opens with a continuation of the fascinating serial " Princess Puck . " There is an appreciative sketch of the late Signor Crispi ; a hitherto unpublished poem on Robert Burns . The River-life of the Land of the Poppy is dealt with in the current number , and there are very interesting and instructive papers on " Dickens and Modern Humour , " golf , the mystery of collaboration , and other subjects , which combine to make the November number one of unusual interest .
The New Town Clerk Of Sydney, New South Wales—A Well-Known Freemason.
THE NEW TOWN CLERK OF SYDNEY , NEW SOUTH WALES—A WELL-KNOWN FREEMASON .
INTERESTING MASONIC CAREER . Bro . Thomas Huggins Nesbitt , late City Comptroller of Westminster , left London on Tuesday , the 29 th ult ., to take up a new , responsible , and onerous position as Town Clerk of S ydney , New South Wales , at the lucrative salary of £ 2000 a year . In the course of an interview with Bro . Nesbitt prior to his departure , it was elicited that he is a native of Cumberland ( Whitehaven ) . He was for many years Town Clerk of Douglas , Isle of Man , with credit to himself .
Leaving Manxland for London , he was appointed clerk to the vestry of St . George ' s , Hanover-square , and Irom thence his promotion has been marked and rapid . After three years' service in the latter office , he was unanimously appointed Comptroller of the City of Westminster , and recently , out of many applicants , was selected for the position of Town Clerk of Sydney . He proceeded by way of Dover and Calais to Paris , thence to Marseilles , where he joined the fine steamer Victoria , of the P . and O . Line ( Capt . Lygon , R . N . ) , which sailed on Friday ,
the 1 st instant , and is due at Colombo on the 24 th instant . The Victoria on leaving Colombo calls at Freemantle , Albany , Adelaide , Melbourne , and is due at Sydney on the 14 th prox . In his new post Bro . Nesbitt will take charge of the whole of the administrative depertment of Sydney , of which Sir James Graham , one of the new Knights in honour of the Royal visit , is Miyor . Just prior to leaving London , Bro . Nesbitt was the recipient of many presentations , testimonials , high encomiums , and expressions of goodwill , including one from the staff at
Westminster , and a complimentary dinner by the heads of departments . He is accompanied out by Mrs . Nesbitt and two youngest daughters , his eldest daughter and two sons , in business here , remaining in London tor the time being . Bro , Nesbitt ' s Masonic career has been somewhat unique and his advancement rapid , It will be interesting to members of the Craft who know him , and to
Freemasons generally , to know that in Masonic circles Bro . Nesbitt ' s work has been of the most distinguished character , and is generally recognised . In Manx Freemasonry he is paiticularly well-known , he having been initiated in Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 , Douglas , when that lodge met in St . James' Hall , being proposed by Bro . J . A . Brown , and initiated by the late Bro . ' John Quinney . In 1 SS 1 he decided to join the Athole Lodge , No . 1004 , Douglas , proceeding step