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Article GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND. Page 1 of 1 Article GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Page 1 of 1 Article INDIAN CIVILISATION. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Scotland.
GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND .
The Quarterly Communication of the Grand Loelge of Scotland was held in ihe Freemasons' Hall , Edinburgh . The throne was occupied by Sir Michael Shaw-Stcwar f , Bart ., Grand Master Mason of Scotland ; supported by Bros . F . A . Barrow , Senior Grand Warden , and the Right Hon . Lord Inverurie , Junior Grand Wartlen .
Among those on the platform were the Rev . A . Thomson Grant , Grand Chaplain ; Colonel W . M . Neilson , Prov . Grand Master , Glasgow ; R . F . Shaw-Stewart , Senior Grand Deacon ; William Hay , Grand Jeweller ; Thomas Halkett , Grand Bible Bearer ; J . Coghill , Dir . of Ceremonies ; Captain Hills , Marshal ; Bro . Wm . Officer , representative of the Grand Orient of Egypt ; William Mann ,
D . M . Lyon , Grand Secretary . There was a large attendance from Glasgow and the other Western provinces , among those present being—A . Thomson , Pr . M .. No . 605 ; D . Reid , Pr . M ., No . 200 ; J . Findlay , R . W . M ., No . 333 ; J . Morgan , R . W . M ., No . 219 ; Gcoige Fisher , R . W . M ., ' No . 129 , Paisley ; W . H . Bickerton , Prov . Grand Secretary , Glasgow ; J . Harley , B . W . M ., No . 3 : 4 ; R . Nisbct , Pr . M .,
No . 340 ; A . M'Pherson , No . 129 ; P . Blain , J . W ., No . 129 ; J . C . Shand , No . 428 ; Thomas White , R . W . M ., No . 592 ; A . Brown , No . 43 S ; Jas . Colquhoun , S . W ., No . 442 ; J . Monro , I . P . M ., No . 360 ; W . Maclean , Secretary Prince's Lodge , Glasgow ; J . Fife , R . W . M ., No . 4 6 5 ; J . Mackie , R . W . M ., No . 7 ; T . Allan , R . W . M ., No . " 18 ; J . Scott , R . W . M ., No . 213 : J . Tweed , R . W . M ., No . 591 ; G . G .
Heys , S . W ., No . 307 ; M . Stark , R . W . M ., No . 219 . A letter of apology for absence was read from Colonel Campbell of Blythswood , Provincial Grand Master , Renfrew , shire . After Grand Lodge had been opened and raised to the sublime degree , the Grand Secretary submitted the minutes . Bro . Nisbet moved that the portion referring to the election of the Finance Committee be not approved .
The effect of the resolution which was adopted was to throw the management again into the hands of a few brethren of that district exclusively , the same as it had been for many years before . Things got into muddle from sheer neglect or utter incapacity on the part of those who held the office prior to 1877 . At the time the first work of the Grand Committee was to elect a new Finance Committee , when
one member was chosen from the East , one from the South , and one from the West . These gentlemen had effected great reforms in the Committee , but at the veiy first opportunity Brothers Barrow and Adam Thomson , who represented the West and South , were out , and in their place two brethren from Edinburgh were elected , so that the exclusive management of the financial affairs was
again placed in the hands of that district . Brother Bickerton stconded the motion , and held that in justice to Freemasonry and in justice to the brethren , the two members who had been put out ( f the committee should be re-elected . The Grand Lodge hael never been so prosperous as when Bros . Barrnw and Adam Thomson were members . In that year £ 2000 had been put into the bank ,
and they had this sum at their credit , while in former years it was the very reverse . They were bounel to acknowledge their services , anel he therefore , seconded the motion for thtir reappointment . Brother Mann denied that confidence had been restored to the Grand Ledge by the election of the gentlemen referred to . This was the greatest mistake and nonsense ever spoken . ( " Oh , oh . " )
The Finance Committee had no more to do with restoring confidence in regard to the affairs of Ihe Grand Lodge than they had to do with the affairs of Timbuctoo . Their affairs were put on the proper footing biforc the Finance Committee were appointed . A new Grand Secretary had been appointed , and he challenged anyone to say that a single mistake had occurred in his accounts , and all the
committee had to do was to check them . The alteration in the committee was mail : because the gentlemen lcferred to were at a distance , and there was a difficulty in signing cheques . By a large majority , it was agreed to remit the matter back to the committee for reconsideration . Brother Adam Thomson pointed out that a member of one of the committees did work for the Grand Lodge , and
and passed his own accounts . The brother referred to said his work was very trifling . In future , however , he would not accept work , but retain his seat on the committee . In the minutes of the Grand Committee a recommendation was made that a special communication should be held on 21 st May for the adjustment of the laws anel constitution , but after some discussion it was agreed that the matter
should be considered at a meeting on 3 th August . The Grand Secretary intimated that reports of the proceedings of the Grand Lodgis of Nova Scotia , Tennessee , New Brunswick , Virginia , Minnesota , and West Virginia had been received , and the thanks of the Grand Lodge were awarded . Charters were issued in favour of the following lodges
—St . John ' s , Victoria , Hong Kong , China ; Southern Star , Geraldine , New Zealand ; the Taieri Lodge , Outram , Otago , New Zealand ; St . Vincent , Poit-Wakefuld , South Australia ; King Solomon , Montreal , Canada ; St . John's Lodge , Kingston , Jamaica ; Argyll , Montreal . The minutes of the Grand Committee contained a report in regard to the proceedings of the Provincial Grand Lodge
of India as to a complaint of Bro . Morelanel that the Grand Secretary had written directly to some of the lodges in India , instead of communicating with them through the medium of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The committee stated that it was only necessary to say that as each lodge was directly responsible to Grand Lodge for its dues and return of intrants , it was the duty of the Grand Secretary
to collect them from the lodges themselves wherever practicable , and not through the Provincial Grand Lodges ; and it would be a dangerous precedent to exclude the Grand Secretary from direct communication with any subordinate lodge . They therefore rccommciHlcd that the present commission should be recalled anel another granted term of the constitution . Brother Morcland said tha emirsc which had been adoptnl would have the iffee
Grand Lodge Of Scotland.
of alienating t he lodges in India . Brother Hay said that nothing would be further from their intention than to offend these lodges , but they could deal with them in no other way . It was ultimately agreed to remit the matter for reconsideration . With regard to the Grand Orient of France , on the recommendation of the Granel Committee resolutions were adopted
similar to those of the Grand Lodge of England , which express profound regret at the step taken by the Grand Orient in removing from its constitution an assertion of belief in God . The Grand Lodge cannot recognise as true and genuine brethren any who have been initiated in lodges which either deny or ignore that belief , and direct all Worshipful Masters holding of Grand Lodge not to
admit any foreign brother as a visitor unless he has been initiated in a lodge professing a belief in God , or acknowledges his belief in an essential landmark of the Order . Bro . Adam Thomson , seconded by Bro . Bickerton , moved , "That the whole of the financial income of Grand Ledge , from whatever source , benevolent fund included , shall come under the direct supervision of the Finance
Committee ; and that no individual brother , trustee , or committee shall be allowed to operate upon any fund or account belonging to Grand Lodge , unless sanctioned by said Finance Committee and approveel of by Grand Committee or Grand Lodge , and any brother or committee violating the above shall be in duty bound to refund the same . " The motion was adopted , and the Grand Lodge was then CIOECII in ample form , after a sitting of nearly four hours .
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
MASONS'TREAT TO THE ORPHANAGE CHILDREN . The members of St . John ' s Loelgc , Secunderabad , entertained the children of the Orphanage at this station . At first the little ones engaged in sports—the boys throwing the cricket ball , racing , jumping , & c , and thegiils racing , skipping , breaking the egg , and both boys and girls the tug
of war . The children entered heartily into the several competitions , and some of the eicnts caused no little merriment to the children themselves as well as to the spectators , who were not so numerous as they generally are on these occasions . Very few indeed of the ladies and gentlemen of the station were present . Tie band of the 29 th Regiment was present and played some splendid music
during the sports , which terminated a little before sunset . 'Ihe successful competitors were then called and received their prizes from Lady Chamberlain , who handed them to the children with a kind word or remark to each . Of the boys little Philbin carried away the most prizes , and little Lizzy Ross among the girls . The 11- , bution of prizes over , the little ones weic marchtd 1 .. the
Freemasons' Hall , headed by the band playing a H \ ely march , where a delicious tea awaited them . After the grace was sung the childien were helped to everything on the table , and legated themselves heartily . Cake and tea were also handed round to those present , and the children sang the grace after meat . They then sang two songs before Lady Chamberlain and the other ladies and gentlemen left , not ,
however , before three cheers were called for , and heartily responded to , for her ladyship ; three more for the Worshipful Master , officers , and brethren of Lodge St . John , and three more for the Rev . Mr . Morley . Tables v ; ere then removed , the hall cleared , the band struck up , and awaytripped several of the boys and girls , in company with
others , through the mazes of the dance—quadrille , waltz , lancers , galop , and Circassian circle , and then it was time for the children to retire . They were marched back to the Orphanage , the band playing before them , at about eight o'clock , after having thoroughly enjoyed a very pleasant evening .
PROVINCIAL PMORY or BVJRMAH . Of the United Religious and Military Orders of the Temple and St . John of Jerusalem , Palestine , Rhodes , and Malta , for British Burmah , under the Great Priory of England anil Wales , anil the Dependencies thereof , —Col . Harvey Tucket Duncan , C . S . I ., Provincial Prior , —holden at the Masonic Temple , Cantonments , Rangoon ,
on Thurselay , the 13 th day of November , A . L . 5 881 , A . D . 1877 , A . O . 539 , at half-past eight , p . m . Present : The eminent Sub-Prior , Sir Knight H . Krauss . Great Officers : E . Sir Knight Jos . Dawson , Treasurer and Acting Provincial Chancellor ; Sir Knight E . H . Stone , " Royal Dcccan" Prcceptory , Sccunderabael , as Provincial Constable ; E . Sir Knight Major D . A .
Patterson , " Excelsior" Preceptory , 21 st Royal Scots Fusiliers , Rangoon , as Provincial Marshal . Ofixers : Frater J . H . Claikson , as Guard . The Provincial Sub-Prior having taken his seat upon the Throne , opened the Provincial Priory in form . The acting Provincial Chancellor called the muster roll .
The minutes of the last Provincial Priory , holden on the 1 st day of December , 1876 , were read and declared to be correctly recorded . Apologies for unavoidable absence from several Sir Knights were read , accepted , and ordered to be recorded . The Acting Provincial Chancellor submitted the Provincial Treasurer ' saccounts since the last Provincial Priory ,
showing a balance to the credit of the Provincial Pnory of Rupees 119-8-6 . The Provincial Sub-Prior informed the Sir Knights that the Sub-Marshal of the Convent General had announced the death , on the nth May last , of Sir Knight theRight Honourable the Earl of Shrewsbury anel Talbot , G . C . T .,
& c , & c , and that directions had been given that all Knights meeting in their Preccptories , Great Priories , or Convent General , should wear mourning for six months . The Provincial Sub-Prior announced with great regret the death , on the 14 th July last , of Sir Knight J . White , Provincial Marshal .
Freemasonry In India.
A letter dated 7 th November , 1877 , from V . E . Sir Knight Colonel H . T . Duncan , C . S . I ., Provincial Prior , British Resident at Mandalay , was read , intimating that he had that day posted a letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the Great Priory of England conveying resignation of the Provincial Priorship , and that he had strongly recommended that the E . Sir Knight selected by the Sir Knights
of the province should be appointed to the vacant office . E . Sir Knight Jos . Dawson was elected Provincial Treasurer . The following appointments for the ensuing year were then announced : —E . Sir Knights H . Krauss ( P . E . Sub-Prior ) , Provincial Sub-Prior ; E . G . Man , Provincial Prelate ; W . H . Porter , Provincial Chancellor ; W . Ford ,
Provincial Constable ; Capt . H . P . Law , Provincial Marshal ; Jos . Dawson , ( P . E . Sub-Prior ) , Provincial Treasurer ; J Mack , Provincial Registrar ; C . A . Small , Provincial Sub-Marshal ; Frater J . H . Clarkson , Guard . Sir Knights W . Ford and C . A . Small were appointed by the Provincial Sab-Prior to serve on the Provincial Priory Committee . The Provincial Priory was closed in form at 9-13 p . m .
Treasurer ' s account was as follows : the balance on 30 th December , 1876 , was Rs . 149-0-6 ; total receipts were Rs . 191-0-6 . Expenses were : by rent and lighting of Masonic Temple , on 30 th December , 1876 , Rs . 12-0-0 , by refreshments on same date Rs . 6-4-0 , one dispatch box Rs . 26-0-0 , labelling box Rs . 7-4-0 . Printing proceedings Rs . 20-0-0 . Total expenses wire Rs . 71-8-0 , leaving Balance on 5 th November , 1877 . of Rs . 119-8-6 .
Indian Civilisation.
INDIAN CIVILISATION .
Dr . Birdwood C . S . I , R . N ., of the India Office , London , in the preface to his valuable hand-book to the Indian Court of the Paris Exhibition , peints out how the commerce between Europe and India first originated along the southern shores of Europe and Asia , or Liius Ariarum , as he calls it , and how the course if that commerce
through the Euphrates Valley and Egypt influenced the destiny of the nations of Wtslcrn Asia and the Mediterranean through all time . Separate notices are given of the articles of Indian and Fastcru commerce which illustrate its historical development . In the concluding chapter of his work on the knot and flower pattern , Dr . Birdwood traces the Indian cone pattern through all its
diversities of form to the lotus bed and bunches of the date palm fruits , and the flower pattern to the lotus flower and frowns of the date palm anel soma floweis . 1 le traces these forms through all their variations , as the honty-suckle and palmette of Greek and Roman decoration , the shell ornament of the Renaissance , and the forms observed in Persian , Indian , and Chinese art . Dr . Birdwood
connects the ornamentation of Oriental carpets with the veils of ancient temples , which were embroidered by women with the emblems of the deity worshipped , the chief tmbltm being the date palm as the tree of life , with the knot and flower pattern derived from it , and the lotus and soma plant—all emblems of the fulness and pleasures of life . Dr . Birdwood holds that all Indian art has been profoundly
influenced by Assyrian , Persian , and Greek ait through 3000 years of intimate commercial intercourse through the Euphrates Valley , and by Vasco de Gatra down to the ili . 'Covi-ry of the way to India by the Cape of Good Hope . This is a " moot point" cf some importance in the gnat Arjan qic . s ^ ion , which elcservcs the notice of cxptrt and students .
FINE ART AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE . —The Picture Gallery at the Crystal Palace , always a source of attraction and a source of cultivation of taste as well as of interest to the visitors , will for the ensuing season , be open to the public , its walls displaying throughout their entire extent a fresh collection of modern oil paintings and water-colour drawings . Of the former no fewer than 823
are exhibited and of the latter 394 , being examples not of English only but also of French , Belgian , and German artists . For some five or six years past the directors have offered gold , silver , and bronze medals to be competed for in the following classes—For history or figure subjects in oils ; for the best pictures of any other kind , including landscapes , sea pieces , animals , & c . ; and for the best
water-colour elrawings irrespective of subject . Two gold , eight silver , and six bronze medals are offered to foreign artists as an inducement to them to contribute and compete . There was also a splendid gold medal provided for the best oil picture , without regard to school , style , or subject , painteil since the year 1872 . That profit as well as distinction is secured by the artists may be gathered from
the fact that of the forty pictures in respect of which medals were awarded last year , no fewer than twenty-five were sold at the prices at which they were appraised . Mr . G . D . Leslie , B . A ., Mr . G . A . Storey , A . R . A ., and Mr . P . R , Morris , A . R . 4 ., were engaged during several hours " judging , " and in the result awarded the following prizes : —The special gold medal for
the best picture exhibited was taken by Professor C . Lasch , an English artist , for his picture " The Orphans" ( 43 ) . For figure subjects the gold medal was awarded to Mr . A . Stock for his picture , " Our Soldiers—Past and Future " ( 661 ); for landscape to Mr . F . W . Meyer in respect of his picture , " Autumn Twilight—Dinas Lake" ( 74 ) ; and for water-colour drawing to Mr . J . A . Hcuston , the subject of his piece being the "Death of Warwick , the King
Maker" ( 1075 ) . To foreign artists a gold medal was awarded to C . Winneherg for his picture " In the Scripture Gallery" ( 541 ) , and one to V . Wieshaupt for his " View on the Maes" ( 356 ) . Twelve silver medals anil nine bronze were taken by English and eight silver and six bronze by foreign artists . The exhibition , it may be added , is in point of merit about the average , and there is some proof that the gallery progresses yearly in the estimation of the publi
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Scotland.
GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND .
The Quarterly Communication of the Grand Loelge of Scotland was held in ihe Freemasons' Hall , Edinburgh . The throne was occupied by Sir Michael Shaw-Stcwar f , Bart ., Grand Master Mason of Scotland ; supported by Bros . F . A . Barrow , Senior Grand Warden , and the Right Hon . Lord Inverurie , Junior Grand Wartlen .
Among those on the platform were the Rev . A . Thomson Grant , Grand Chaplain ; Colonel W . M . Neilson , Prov . Grand Master , Glasgow ; R . F . Shaw-Stewart , Senior Grand Deacon ; William Hay , Grand Jeweller ; Thomas Halkett , Grand Bible Bearer ; J . Coghill , Dir . of Ceremonies ; Captain Hills , Marshal ; Bro . Wm . Officer , representative of the Grand Orient of Egypt ; William Mann ,
D . M . Lyon , Grand Secretary . There was a large attendance from Glasgow and the other Western provinces , among those present being—A . Thomson , Pr . M .. No . 605 ; D . Reid , Pr . M ., No . 200 ; J . Findlay , R . W . M ., No . 333 ; J . Morgan , R . W . M ., No . 219 ; Gcoige Fisher , R . W . M ., ' No . 129 , Paisley ; W . H . Bickerton , Prov . Grand Secretary , Glasgow ; J . Harley , B . W . M ., No . 3 : 4 ; R . Nisbct , Pr . M .,
No . 340 ; A . M'Pherson , No . 129 ; P . Blain , J . W ., No . 129 ; J . C . Shand , No . 428 ; Thomas White , R . W . M ., No . 592 ; A . Brown , No . 43 S ; Jas . Colquhoun , S . W ., No . 442 ; J . Monro , I . P . M ., No . 360 ; W . Maclean , Secretary Prince's Lodge , Glasgow ; J . Fife , R . W . M ., No . 4 6 5 ; J . Mackie , R . W . M ., No . 7 ; T . Allan , R . W . M ., No . " 18 ; J . Scott , R . W . M ., No . 213 : J . Tweed , R . W . M ., No . 591 ; G . G .
Heys , S . W ., No . 307 ; M . Stark , R . W . M ., No . 219 . A letter of apology for absence was read from Colonel Campbell of Blythswood , Provincial Grand Master , Renfrew , shire . After Grand Lodge had been opened and raised to the sublime degree , the Grand Secretary submitted the minutes . Bro . Nisbet moved that the portion referring to the election of the Finance Committee be not approved .
The effect of the resolution which was adopted was to throw the management again into the hands of a few brethren of that district exclusively , the same as it had been for many years before . Things got into muddle from sheer neglect or utter incapacity on the part of those who held the office prior to 1877 . At the time the first work of the Grand Committee was to elect a new Finance Committee , when
one member was chosen from the East , one from the South , and one from the West . These gentlemen had effected great reforms in the Committee , but at the veiy first opportunity Brothers Barrow and Adam Thomson , who represented the West and South , were out , and in their place two brethren from Edinburgh were elected , so that the exclusive management of the financial affairs was
again placed in the hands of that district . Brother Bickerton stconded the motion , and held that in justice to Freemasonry and in justice to the brethren , the two members who had been put out ( f the committee should be re-elected . The Grand Lodge hael never been so prosperous as when Bros . Barrnw and Adam Thomson were members . In that year £ 2000 had been put into the bank ,
and they had this sum at their credit , while in former years it was the very reverse . They were bounel to acknowledge their services , anel he therefore , seconded the motion for thtir reappointment . Brother Mann denied that confidence had been restored to the Grand Ledge by the election of the gentlemen referred to . This was the greatest mistake and nonsense ever spoken . ( " Oh , oh . " )
The Finance Committee had no more to do with restoring confidence in regard to the affairs of Ihe Grand Lodge than they had to do with the affairs of Timbuctoo . Their affairs were put on the proper footing biforc the Finance Committee were appointed . A new Grand Secretary had been appointed , and he challenged anyone to say that a single mistake had occurred in his accounts , and all the
committee had to do was to check them . The alteration in the committee was mail : because the gentlemen lcferred to were at a distance , and there was a difficulty in signing cheques . By a large majority , it was agreed to remit the matter back to the committee for reconsideration . Brother Adam Thomson pointed out that a member of one of the committees did work for the Grand Lodge , and
and passed his own accounts . The brother referred to said his work was very trifling . In future , however , he would not accept work , but retain his seat on the committee . In the minutes of the Grand Committee a recommendation was made that a special communication should be held on 21 st May for the adjustment of the laws anel constitution , but after some discussion it was agreed that the matter
should be considered at a meeting on 3 th August . The Grand Secretary intimated that reports of the proceedings of the Grand Lodgis of Nova Scotia , Tennessee , New Brunswick , Virginia , Minnesota , and West Virginia had been received , and the thanks of the Grand Lodge were awarded . Charters were issued in favour of the following lodges
—St . John ' s , Victoria , Hong Kong , China ; Southern Star , Geraldine , New Zealand ; the Taieri Lodge , Outram , Otago , New Zealand ; St . Vincent , Poit-Wakefuld , South Australia ; King Solomon , Montreal , Canada ; St . John's Lodge , Kingston , Jamaica ; Argyll , Montreal . The minutes of the Grand Committee contained a report in regard to the proceedings of the Provincial Grand Lodge
of India as to a complaint of Bro . Morelanel that the Grand Secretary had written directly to some of the lodges in India , instead of communicating with them through the medium of the Provincial Grand Lodge . The committee stated that it was only necessary to say that as each lodge was directly responsible to Grand Lodge for its dues and return of intrants , it was the duty of the Grand Secretary
to collect them from the lodges themselves wherever practicable , and not through the Provincial Grand Lodges ; and it would be a dangerous precedent to exclude the Grand Secretary from direct communication with any subordinate lodge . They therefore rccommciHlcd that the present commission should be recalled anel another granted term of the constitution . Brother Morcland said tha emirsc which had been adoptnl would have the iffee
Grand Lodge Of Scotland.
of alienating t he lodges in India . Brother Hay said that nothing would be further from their intention than to offend these lodges , but they could deal with them in no other way . It was ultimately agreed to remit the matter for reconsideration . With regard to the Grand Orient of France , on the recommendation of the Granel Committee resolutions were adopted
similar to those of the Grand Lodge of England , which express profound regret at the step taken by the Grand Orient in removing from its constitution an assertion of belief in God . The Grand Lodge cannot recognise as true and genuine brethren any who have been initiated in lodges which either deny or ignore that belief , and direct all Worshipful Masters holding of Grand Lodge not to
admit any foreign brother as a visitor unless he has been initiated in a lodge professing a belief in God , or acknowledges his belief in an essential landmark of the Order . Bro . Adam Thomson , seconded by Bro . Bickerton , moved , "That the whole of the financial income of Grand Ledge , from whatever source , benevolent fund included , shall come under the direct supervision of the Finance
Committee ; and that no individual brother , trustee , or committee shall be allowed to operate upon any fund or account belonging to Grand Lodge , unless sanctioned by said Finance Committee and approveel of by Grand Committee or Grand Lodge , and any brother or committee violating the above shall be in duty bound to refund the same . " The motion was adopted , and the Grand Lodge was then CIOECII in ample form , after a sitting of nearly four hours .
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
MASONS'TREAT TO THE ORPHANAGE CHILDREN . The members of St . John ' s Loelgc , Secunderabad , entertained the children of the Orphanage at this station . At first the little ones engaged in sports—the boys throwing the cricket ball , racing , jumping , & c , and thegiils racing , skipping , breaking the egg , and both boys and girls the tug
of war . The children entered heartily into the several competitions , and some of the eicnts caused no little merriment to the children themselves as well as to the spectators , who were not so numerous as they generally are on these occasions . Very few indeed of the ladies and gentlemen of the station were present . Tie band of the 29 th Regiment was present and played some splendid music
during the sports , which terminated a little before sunset . 'Ihe successful competitors were then called and received their prizes from Lady Chamberlain , who handed them to the children with a kind word or remark to each . Of the boys little Philbin carried away the most prizes , and little Lizzy Ross among the girls . The 11- , bution of prizes over , the little ones weic marchtd 1 .. the
Freemasons' Hall , headed by the band playing a H \ ely march , where a delicious tea awaited them . After the grace was sung the childien were helped to everything on the table , and legated themselves heartily . Cake and tea were also handed round to those present , and the children sang the grace after meat . They then sang two songs before Lady Chamberlain and the other ladies and gentlemen left , not ,
however , before three cheers were called for , and heartily responded to , for her ladyship ; three more for the Worshipful Master , officers , and brethren of Lodge St . John , and three more for the Rev . Mr . Morley . Tables v ; ere then removed , the hall cleared , the band struck up , and awaytripped several of the boys and girls , in company with
others , through the mazes of the dance—quadrille , waltz , lancers , galop , and Circassian circle , and then it was time for the children to retire . They were marched back to the Orphanage , the band playing before them , at about eight o'clock , after having thoroughly enjoyed a very pleasant evening .
PROVINCIAL PMORY or BVJRMAH . Of the United Religious and Military Orders of the Temple and St . John of Jerusalem , Palestine , Rhodes , and Malta , for British Burmah , under the Great Priory of England anil Wales , anil the Dependencies thereof , —Col . Harvey Tucket Duncan , C . S . I ., Provincial Prior , —holden at the Masonic Temple , Cantonments , Rangoon ,
on Thurselay , the 13 th day of November , A . L . 5 881 , A . D . 1877 , A . O . 539 , at half-past eight , p . m . Present : The eminent Sub-Prior , Sir Knight H . Krauss . Great Officers : E . Sir Knight Jos . Dawson , Treasurer and Acting Provincial Chancellor ; Sir Knight E . H . Stone , " Royal Dcccan" Prcceptory , Sccunderabael , as Provincial Constable ; E . Sir Knight Major D . A .
Patterson , " Excelsior" Preceptory , 21 st Royal Scots Fusiliers , Rangoon , as Provincial Marshal . Ofixers : Frater J . H . Claikson , as Guard . The Provincial Sub-Prior having taken his seat upon the Throne , opened the Provincial Priory in form . The acting Provincial Chancellor called the muster roll .
The minutes of the last Provincial Priory , holden on the 1 st day of December , 1876 , were read and declared to be correctly recorded . Apologies for unavoidable absence from several Sir Knights were read , accepted , and ordered to be recorded . The Acting Provincial Chancellor submitted the Provincial Treasurer ' saccounts since the last Provincial Priory ,
showing a balance to the credit of the Provincial Pnory of Rupees 119-8-6 . The Provincial Sub-Prior informed the Sir Knights that the Sub-Marshal of the Convent General had announced the death , on the nth May last , of Sir Knight theRight Honourable the Earl of Shrewsbury anel Talbot , G . C . T .,
& c , & c , and that directions had been given that all Knights meeting in their Preccptories , Great Priories , or Convent General , should wear mourning for six months . The Provincial Sub-Prior announced with great regret the death , on the 14 th July last , of Sir Knight J . White , Provincial Marshal .
Freemasonry In India.
A letter dated 7 th November , 1877 , from V . E . Sir Knight Colonel H . T . Duncan , C . S . I ., Provincial Prior , British Resident at Mandalay , was read , intimating that he had that day posted a letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the Great Priory of England conveying resignation of the Provincial Priorship , and that he had strongly recommended that the E . Sir Knight selected by the Sir Knights
of the province should be appointed to the vacant office . E . Sir Knight Jos . Dawson was elected Provincial Treasurer . The following appointments for the ensuing year were then announced : —E . Sir Knights H . Krauss ( P . E . Sub-Prior ) , Provincial Sub-Prior ; E . G . Man , Provincial Prelate ; W . H . Porter , Provincial Chancellor ; W . Ford ,
Provincial Constable ; Capt . H . P . Law , Provincial Marshal ; Jos . Dawson , ( P . E . Sub-Prior ) , Provincial Treasurer ; J Mack , Provincial Registrar ; C . A . Small , Provincial Sub-Marshal ; Frater J . H . Clarkson , Guard . Sir Knights W . Ford and C . A . Small were appointed by the Provincial Sab-Prior to serve on the Provincial Priory Committee . The Provincial Priory was closed in form at 9-13 p . m .
Treasurer ' s account was as follows : the balance on 30 th December , 1876 , was Rs . 149-0-6 ; total receipts were Rs . 191-0-6 . Expenses were : by rent and lighting of Masonic Temple , on 30 th December , 1876 , Rs . 12-0-0 , by refreshments on same date Rs . 6-4-0 , one dispatch box Rs . 26-0-0 , labelling box Rs . 7-4-0 . Printing proceedings Rs . 20-0-0 . Total expenses wire Rs . 71-8-0 , leaving Balance on 5 th November , 1877 . of Rs . 119-8-6 .
Indian Civilisation.
INDIAN CIVILISATION .
Dr . Birdwood C . S . I , R . N ., of the India Office , London , in the preface to his valuable hand-book to the Indian Court of the Paris Exhibition , peints out how the commerce between Europe and India first originated along the southern shores of Europe and Asia , or Liius Ariarum , as he calls it , and how the course if that commerce
through the Euphrates Valley and Egypt influenced the destiny of the nations of Wtslcrn Asia and the Mediterranean through all time . Separate notices are given of the articles of Indian and Fastcru commerce which illustrate its historical development . In the concluding chapter of his work on the knot and flower pattern , Dr . Birdwood traces the Indian cone pattern through all its
diversities of form to the lotus bed and bunches of the date palm fruits , and the flower pattern to the lotus flower and frowns of the date palm anel soma floweis . 1 le traces these forms through all their variations , as the honty-suckle and palmette of Greek and Roman decoration , the shell ornament of the Renaissance , and the forms observed in Persian , Indian , and Chinese art . Dr . Birdwood
connects the ornamentation of Oriental carpets with the veils of ancient temples , which were embroidered by women with the emblems of the deity worshipped , the chief tmbltm being the date palm as the tree of life , with the knot and flower pattern derived from it , and the lotus and soma plant—all emblems of the fulness and pleasures of life . Dr . Birdwood holds that all Indian art has been profoundly
influenced by Assyrian , Persian , and Greek ait through 3000 years of intimate commercial intercourse through the Euphrates Valley , and by Vasco de Gatra down to the ili . 'Covi-ry of the way to India by the Cape of Good Hope . This is a " moot point" cf some importance in the gnat Arjan qic . s ^ ion , which elcservcs the notice of cxptrt and students .
FINE ART AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE . —The Picture Gallery at the Crystal Palace , always a source of attraction and a source of cultivation of taste as well as of interest to the visitors , will for the ensuing season , be open to the public , its walls displaying throughout their entire extent a fresh collection of modern oil paintings and water-colour drawings . Of the former no fewer than 823
are exhibited and of the latter 394 , being examples not of English only but also of French , Belgian , and German artists . For some five or six years past the directors have offered gold , silver , and bronze medals to be competed for in the following classes—For history or figure subjects in oils ; for the best pictures of any other kind , including landscapes , sea pieces , animals , & c . ; and for the best
water-colour elrawings irrespective of subject . Two gold , eight silver , and six bronze medals are offered to foreign artists as an inducement to them to contribute and compete . There was also a splendid gold medal provided for the best oil picture , without regard to school , style , or subject , painteil since the year 1872 . That profit as well as distinction is secured by the artists may be gathered from
the fact that of the forty pictures in respect of which medals were awarded last year , no fewer than twenty-five were sold at the prices at which they were appraised . Mr . G . D . Leslie , B . A ., Mr . G . A . Storey , A . R . A ., and Mr . P . R , Morris , A . R . 4 ., were engaged during several hours " judging , " and in the result awarded the following prizes : —The special gold medal for
the best picture exhibited was taken by Professor C . Lasch , an English artist , for his picture " The Orphans" ( 43 ) . For figure subjects the gold medal was awarded to Mr . A . Stock for his picture , " Our Soldiers—Past and Future " ( 661 ); for landscape to Mr . F . W . Meyer in respect of his picture , " Autumn Twilight—Dinas Lake" ( 74 ) ; and for water-colour drawing to Mr . J . A . Hcuston , the subject of his piece being the "Death of Warwick , the King
Maker" ( 1075 ) . To foreign artists a gold medal was awarded to C . Winneherg for his picture " In the Scripture Gallery" ( 541 ) , and one to V . Wieshaupt for his " View on the Maes" ( 356 ) . Twelve silver medals anil nine bronze were taken by English and eight silver and six bronze by foreign artists . The exhibition , it may be added , is in point of merit about the average , and there is some proof that the gallery progresses yearly in the estimation of the publi