Installation Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Connaught As District G.M. Of Bombay.

INSTALLATION OF H . R . H . THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AS DISTRICT G . M . OF BOMBAY .

The installation of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught as D . G . M . of Bombay took place at Government House , Parel ( by the kind permission ot his Excellency the Governor , Lord Rcay ) , in the presence of the largest assembly of

Freemasons ever witnessed in India . Ihe Parel Government House has been an empty house for some time past ; but the portions of it used for the evening of the 12 th ult . had been furnished , decorated , and illuminated in a style of great magnificence . The decorations , illuminations , and furnishing had been done in a thorough manner by Khan Bahadoor M . C .

Murzban , executive engineer at the Presidency . The ornamental entrance gateway on the south was illuminated with lines of coloured lamps ; and all over the large compound , from this gateway to the bungalow , festoons of tumbler lights vvere pendent in continuous lines on both sides , with bannerets waving- from Venetian poles at short intervals . ' Ihe fountain in Iront of the bungalow / threw up

jets of liquid crystal , which had a remarkable dazzling effect in the effulgence of myriad lights . The front and south facades of the bungalow were picked out with lines and curves of multi-coloured lanterns . In the archways of the porch were exhibited the illuminated letters D . and C . ( i . e .., Duke of Connaught ) resting on the square and compasses , artistically fitted in elegant teakwood frames . The

vestibule of the bungalow had been specially re-painted . Its pillars and arches were decorated with wreaths of ( lowers and Masonic emblems worked in Moral devices . Beyond the vestibule vvas the dining saloon , where covers had been laid for 256 brethren , and vvhich vvas tastefully decorated with wreaths of flowers and illuminated with chandeliers in which the electric light ( incandescent

globes ) had been introduced . In an archway at the eastern end of the dining saloon , behind the seat of the District Grand Master , had been unfurled the Royal Standard , which greatly added to the effect of the other decorations . The room exactly over the porch had been fitted up as a robing room for the Masons generally , and a side room was specially reserved as his Royal Highness's dressing room .

The long passage to the bungalow , the vestibule , the main staiicase , and other parts of the bungalow were rendered pretty with a charming array of evergreens and of plants in flower and foliage . The lodge room upstairs vvas effectively illuminated with chandeliers with the electric light in the same manner as in the dining saloon . Accommodation had been provided here for 300 to 400 Masons . The dais

had been removed from the Freemasons' Hall at Byculla , and fitted up in the east end of the Parel House . Superb gilt chairs vvere arranged upon it , while gilt chairs and couches were arranged in the central passage reserved for the processions of the Grand Masters and the officers of the Grand Lodges . On either side of this central passage were arranged seats for the Masons generally . Over against the

walls of the lodge room were arranged the banners of the Dist . G . Lodge and of the different lodges under the English and Scottish Constitmion . Behind the dais was placed against the wall a portrait of her Majesty the Queen-Empress in the robes of state . The general arrangements vvere carried out by a Committee consisting of Bros . VV . H . Hussey , T . Counsel ! , W . C Rowe , T . F . Pennock , and C

Moore ; Bios . Harold King and H . I . P . Thompson formed the Dinner Committee ; Bro . J . W . Smith had charge of the ceremonies . Among the Masons present were observed Bros . Sir Henry Morland , Harold King , J . VV . Smith , H . B . Rustomjee , Rev . H . N . Midwinter , James Moore , K . S . Brown , VV . H . Hussey , H . I . P . Thompson , Col . Wooldridge , Col . Cavaye , Col . Becher , General Bedford , W . C .

H . Gill , Grattan Geary , H . W . Barroiv , Manockjee Cursetjee , C . E . Kane , K . R . Cama , J . D . Wadia , M . M . Bhownuggree , CLE . ; K . N . Kabrajee , H . M . Chichgar , L . Bergl , Chisholm , M . C . Murzban , D . R . Chichgar , J . Seabrooke , Capt . Glark , Professor Scorgie , W . B . Fellows , A . Bruel , A . Mackenzie , Alfred King , A . M . Gubtiay , G . Ormiston , N . Roberts , Dhunjeeb

hoy Merwanjee Jeejeebhoy , S . N . Cooper , S . N . Wadia , Dr . Kirtikar , Major Lojd , Lieut . Montgomery , R . N . Mant , VV . Lamb , E . M . Slater , Diusha Dorabjee Mistree , R . M . Rutnagur , D . S . Taraporewalla , J . E . Davar , D . D . Shroff , S . P . Davar , D . P . Mehta , b . D . Framroz , C . D . Furdoonjee , D . Gostling , Valentine Reid , P . M . Narielwalla , H . N . Gheesta , J . G . Pitt , Capt . Peile , F . Turner

, H . Watson , VV . B . Green , C . D . Wise , E . C . Jussawalla , H . R . Bragg , J . T . Branson , C . Bounnevialle , F . Blyth , J . P . Corntoith , D . M . Kapadia , J . H . Latimer , J . Merriman , Kenneth Macaulay , M . K . Tody walla , S . B . Bhrocha , N . N . Guzder , N . R . Kathoke , F . W . English , T . M . English , Lieut . Elliott , J . Green , and others . The District Grand Lodge having been opened at 6 . 30

p . m ., Bro . VV . H . Hussey , the District Grand Secretary , read the summons convening the meeting . The following roll of lodges was called over , and the representatives of each made responses thereto : Orion in the West , Poona ; St . George , Bombay ; Concord , Bombay ; Union , Karrachi ; Industry , Hyderabad , Sind ; Truth , Bombay ; Alexandra , J ubbulpore ; Emulation , Bombay ; Corinth ,

Nagpore ; Eastern Star , Bombay ; Friendship and Harmony , Igatpuri ; Cyrus , Bombay ; Sukkur , Sind ; Berar , Budneira ; Aryan , Bombay ; Excelsior , Bhosawal ; Hiram , Bombay ; Malwa , Mhow ; Star of Rajputana , Nusseerabad ; Justice , Abu Road ; and Tyrrel-Leith , Baroda . Bro . H . M . Rustomjee , representative of the Grand Lodge of Bengal , and Bro . E . C . Jussawalla , of the Grand Lodge of

the Punjab , were introduced and received with due honours . Next came Bro . Sir Henry Morland , Grand Master of all Scottish Freemasonry in India , vvith his Grand Lodge officers . About 7 p . m ., a fanfare of trumpets announced the arrival of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , District Grand Master Designate , vvho was conducted by a private staircase to his robing-room .

Bro . HAROLD KING , Deputy District Grand Master-incharge , said , brethren , I have now to inform you of the object of this special communication of the District Grand Lodge , vvhich is , as you are well aware , the installation of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught as District Grand Master in this presidency . That , it must be admitted by allis a

, great honour conferred on this presidency ; and I am sure 1 am only expressing the feelings of all the members of the District Grand Lodge of Bombay that we shall show him all loyalty and obedience . ( Cheers . ) I will only adduse one tact to show the interest his Royal Highness takes in Freemasonry in this district . He recently met vvith a rather

Installation Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Connaught As District G.M. Of Bombay.

severe accident which rendered him lame . He walks lame now ; and he desires me to say that he hopes that the brethren will excuse his entering the District Grand Lodge limping , and vvith the aid of a stick . ( Cheers . ) The undermentioned seven Past Masters of Lodges were directed to go out and receive his Royal Highness , and introduce him vvith due honours : Bros . R . Dickie , VV . C H .

Gill , Shamrao Vithal , B . C . Pavree , H . VV . Barrow , S . N . Wadia , and J . D . Pitt . At 7 . 30 p . m ., his Royal Highness was escorted into the lodge room by the above mentioned brethren . His Royal Highness vvas accompanied by Col . Cavaye , his Military Secretary , Col . Becher , the Equerryin-waiting , and Col . Wooldridge , Deputy Adjutant-General , who are old Masons . The District Grand Secretary read

out the patent of his Royal Highness's appointment as District Grand Master of Bombay . The prescribed ceremonial having been gone through , and the District Grand Chaplain , Bro . Rev . H . N . MIDWINTER , having offered an appropriate prayer , Bro . Harold King , amidst a fanfare of trumpets without , installed his Royal Highness in the chair of District Grand Master of Bombay .

His Royal Highness then appointed Bro . Harold King his Deputy and invested him vvith the insignia of tho office . His Royal Highness announced that he re-appointed all the other officers holding office in the District Grand Lodge . H . R . H . also in the exercise of the privilege granted by the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , and the Grand Lodge of England , to D . G . M . ' s of conferring District

Grand Lodge rank on a certain number of brethren in commemoration of the Jubilee of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen—Empress , conferred on Bro . W . H . Hussey the rank of Past Deputy District Grand Master —( loud cheers )—and on Bros . Framjee Dinshaw Petit and Rev . H . N . Midwinter , Past District Grand Wardens . His Royal HIGHNESS said , brethren , —I rise to address you

and to assure you of the high honour I feel it to have been this day invested as your Dist . G . M . ( Cheers . ) I feel the honour the more deeply , both from its coming from his Royal Highness the Grand Master of England , and from the brother at whose wish it has been conferred . During the time that I hold this office , brethren , I am suie you will find my first object and every endeavour vvould be to

do all I can to promote the interests of the Craft in general , and of this District Grand Lodge in particular . ( Applause . ) Sir HENRY MORLAND said : Your Royal Highness , —Since the establishment of the Grand Lodge of all Scottish Freemasonry in India , it has been customary for the District Grand Master of Bombay to hold tke office of Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of all Scottish

Freemasonry . You , Sir , have done us the honour to deign to accept the office , and I trust that you will permit me to invest you vvith the insigna belonging thereto . ^ I can assure you that this is emblematical of the good feelings with which the members of the Scottish Constitution are actuated towards the English Constitution , and that it is to be

regarded as a token of our sincere loyalty to the Throne and good intentions to the British Constitution . ( Applause . ) I trust you will do us the honour of being present at a communication of our Grand Lodge on some future occasion . ( Cheers . ) His Royal HIGHNESS : I thank you , Sir , for the great honour you have done me . ( Loud applause . )

Sir HENRY MORLAND then invested his Royal Highness with the jewel of a Past Grand Master and a collar of the office . The collar was of green corded silk with lotus flower and thistle richly embroidered in silver and gold . Ihe jewel vvas of iS-carat gold , very massive , with wreath of lotus and thistle , and St . Andrew in the centre .

The DISTRICT GRAND SECRETARY intimated that he had leceived congratulations Irom the District Grand Lodge of Bengal , and of the Punjab , and from a number of other lodges , as well as from brethren who could not be present , and in connection vvith tbe joyful occasion he bad received from Bro . Ganesham Nilkunt , J . G . W ., a cheque for Rs . ioo to be devoted to the Charity . Bro . HussiiY

also said that he had received her Majesty the Queen Empress' reply to the address of congratulation -sent by the District Grand Lodge in connection ivitn the Jubilee ot her Majesty ' s reign . Bro . HUSSEY read the reply , which was as follows : " 1 thank the District Grand Master , and the District Grand Master Designate , and the officeis and members of the

District Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Bombay , for their kindly congratulations and good wishes . " His Royal HIGHNESS the District Grand Master closed the lodge , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet hall . During the evening , the band of the East Yorkshne Regiment played a selection of music . After dinner , the usual

constitutional toasts were drunk . The toasts of " The Queen-Empress and the Craft , " as well as " the Grand Master , His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales" vvere greeted vvith enthusiastic cheers and continuous cheering ; "The Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland" were proposed by his Royal HIGHNESS and received with due honours .

Bro . HAROLD KING said : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , 1 rise to propose the next toast on the list . I feel some regret that the Right Worshipful Past District Grand Master , Right Worshipful Bro . Tyrrell Leith , is not present vvith his eloquence to deal vvith the subject as it should be dealt with . It is with diffidence that 1 present to you the toast of the evening , that of" Ihe Right VVorshipfuI

the District Grand Master , H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught . " ( Loud cheers . ) Brethren , it needs but a few words for me , to embellish such a toast because his Royal Highness is well-known to you as a Mason eminent in Masonry , brought up in the Craft , and well-skilled in our ancient landmarks . ( Applause . ) Brethren , vve consider it a singularly auspicious circumstance that a Prince of the

blood Royal of England should come to reign over us—( loud and continued applause)—in Masonry here where all Masons have joined hands to reiterate their devoted loyalty to the Throne . ( Applause . ) From far and wide , Masons gathered together to present an address toher Majesty the Queen-Empress , the daughter of a Freemason , and the mother of a most Worshipful Grand Master — ( loud cheers)—vvho was graciously pleased to receive our

congratulations on her Jubilee , or the anniversary of the 50 th year of her reign . ( Loud cheers . ) Brethren , we are in far away India , who vvere not able to be present , yet felt our hearts throbbing in sympathy vvith the great movement that took place in England in June last . ( Cheers . ) And now , brethren , to turn to him who was present there , and who vvas graciously pleased to be our representative , and bear our Masonic congratulations to her Majesty . ( Cheers . ) Atthe meeting of the Grand Lodge of England , Bro . Right

Installation Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Connaught As District G.M. Of Bombay.

Hon . the Earl of Lathom said , in seconding the address , that we as Masons claimed , and justly so , to be equal to and not surpassed by anyone in loyalty to the Throne —( loud cheers)—and he added that vve ventured to believe that our Royal patron looks with a kindly eye on our Institution , and is satisfied that his Royal Highness the Prince of VVales , our Most Worshipful

Grand Master , and other members of the Royal Family belong to it . ( Loud cheers . ) And the Right Hon . Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon , who moved the address , pointed out that the Craft included several members of thc Royal Family . ( Cheers . ) But , brethren , a new era seems to have sprung up in Masonry out here , for one of her sons has come out to reign over us in Freemasonry . ( Loud

cheers . ) Right Worshipful Sir , your Royal Highness has conferred on the Bombay District Grand Lodge a great honour in consenting to rule over it , and on behalf ot the brethren under you , I beg to offer you absolute loyalty and obedience . ( Loud applause . ) We have marked the interest your Royal Highness has always taken in Masonry in England , as Past Grand Warden , and Prov . Grand

Master of Sussex , and from thc time your Royal Highness arrived in India , vve have heard of your instituting branches of the Order in Upper India , visiting lodges and receiving Masonic deputations . ( Loud cheers . ) 'J hat , brethren , is sufficient to show the lively interest our newly-instalied District Grand Master takes in Masonry in general —( loud applause)—and I have yet another fact to mention that

shows the lively interest he takes in Masonry in Bombay . ( Cheers . ) Right Worshipful Sir , we felt that ive were specially honoured when , on your arrival in this Presidency , you graciously consented lo carry home the Masonic address from our Presidency . ( Cheers . ) That vvas the only Masonic address , saving that of the Grand Lodge of England , that vvas presented personally to her Majesty .

( Loud cheers . ) And now Right Worshipful Sir , I feel that 1 have omitted a great deal that I could say in support of this toast , but I think that in the heart of every member present at this table , there beats but one feeling of loyalty and devotion to yourself . ( Loud cheers . ) Right VVorshipfuI Sir , let our work in the future speak to you , as our voice can never speak . ( Applause . ) It is the work of the

brethren throughout the Presidency that will show how devoted and loyal here we are to you as our head . ( Cheers . ) We feel that under your beneficent rule , Masonry will flourish in all parts , not only in this Presidency , ! but . Jhroughout India . ( Loud applause . ) We look for an increase to our Order which has lor its object peace , good-will , charity , and brotherly love . ( Loud cheers . ) Biethren , I now call

on you to rise and drink with the utmost enthusiasm . the toast of the Right Worshispful the District Grand Master , his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught . ( Immense Applause . ) His Royal HIGHNESS responded in [ the following ^ terms : Worshipful Sir and Brethren , 1 am , indeed , deeply touched at the kind reception you have given me here the first time

1 have had the honour of presiding as your District Grand Master . ( Cheers . ) I hope I may take the reception you have given me here as a happy augury of what is going to happen in the future . ( Applause . ) Brethren , 1 suppose there is a no more unique district anywhere than the District of Bombay . . ( Hear , hear . ) ln this district there are Masons of all nationalities and of all creeds , but all imbued

with the same spirit of devotion to the Craft and loyalty to their Sovereign . ( Loud applause . ) Brethren , I leel that in the position I now hold , 1 cannot do better than follow in the footsteps of the Worshipful brother whom I am succeeding . ( Cheers . ) I am sure there does not live a Mason vvho is truer to ail the principles that govern our body than he was —( cheers)—and 1 know how deeply he

felt on giving up the position vvhich he was so proud to nave held for so many years . ( Cheers . ) Brethren , W . Bro . King has referred in very touching and very pleasant terms to my having been your representative in presenting the address of tnis District <~> rand Lodge to the Queen-Empress on the occasion of her Jubilee . ( Loud cheers . ) 1 can assure you that 1 felt it an especial honour in having been

asked to present this address Irom so representative a body as the District Giand Lodge of Bombay —( renewed cheers ) —and excepting the address presented by the Grand Lodge of England , it was the only one received personally by her Majesty . ( Loud applause . ) Brethren , 1 hope I may congiatulate you on the very successful , happy , and flourishing state in which Freemasonry in this district is —( hear , hear )

—and I can say that it during the time 1 am your District Grand Master , 1 am able to keep you up to the mark , and , if possible to increase your numbers and your enthusiasm —( cheers)— 1 shall teel myselt amply rewarded . ( Loud applause . ) 1 thank you ali for the very kind manner in Which you have drunk my health this evening , and you VV . Bro . King for the terms in which you have proposed it .

( Applause , loud and long continued . ) His Royal HIGHNESS proposed the next toast as follows '; Brethren , 1 rise to propose a toast which 1 am sure _ vvill be very acceptable to us all—it is that of" The Most Worshipful the Grand Master of all Scottish Freemasoniy in India , Bro . SirHenryMorland . " ( Applause . ) Brethren , one of our gieat mottoes is good fellowship , and fraternity , and 1 think it is

only right that on this occasion vve should drink most heartily to the health of the Most Worshipful thc Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of all Scottish Freemasonry in India . ( Cheers . ) they have come amongst us this evening in the most cordial manner , and wc thank them most heartily , and I only hope that we may be able in the same way , to go amongst them . ( Loudcheers . ) ltaffords

me especial pleasure to propose this toast , knowing , as I do , the Most VVorshipfuI the Grand Master ior some time , and 1 hope it will not be considered out of place it on this public occasion , as the representatives of the Grand Lodge of England , vve congratulate Bro . Sir Henry Morland upon the honour which it has pleastd our Sovereign to conler upon him , —( loud applause)—which vve consider reflects

the highest honour not only upon himself , but upon all of us as Masons . ( Loud cheering . ) 1 ask you to join me in drinking the health of Bro . Sir Henry Moiland . ( . Loud applause . ) Bro . Sir HENRY MORLAND , on rising to respond , said , your Royal Highness and Right Worshipful District Grand Master , VVorshipfuI brethren , and Brethren all : —Believe

me 1 feel deeply the compliment that has been paid me this evening by the toast of the Grand Master ot all Scottish Freemasonry in India having been proposed on this auspicious occasion by the Right Worship ! ul the District Grand Master . ( Hear , hear . ) I feel it also an especial honour in being permitted to be present on this particular occasion , which must form a golden page in the annals oj ( Continued on page 678 ) ,