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  • Aug. 16, 1879
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  • OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER.
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    Article NOTABLE MANUFACTORIES. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article SUMMER BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE, No. 1472. Page 1 of 1
    Article SUMMER BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE, No. 1472. Page 1 of 1
    Article OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER. Page 1 of 1
    Article OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER. Page 1 of 1
Page 4

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Notable Manufactories.

then dipped into a solution of cyanide of potassium , and ' after remaining a few seconds—i longer or shorter time is necessary according as the gilt con ting is to be thicker or thinner—were taken out and brushed by machinery , the utmost delicacy cf manipulation beine necessary in this last stage , or else the coating of metal will be no sooner on than it is again rubbed off .

OTHER ARTICLES NOT S PECIFIED IN THE ABOVE REMARKS . These include naval and military accoutre ments of every kind such as are in use in the sister services—namely , swords , belts , pouches , cockei hats , forage caps , shakos , busbies , sa . hes , & c . ; implements used in laying the first stones of buildings , and the furniture and implements that

are in use in Masons' lodges and those of other societies . As regards the last mentioned , those of our readers who are members of one or other society know well enough already the admirable character of the work which issues from Mr . Kenning ' s establishment . As to specifying these different articles and implements , that is interesting to Masons , Foresters , Druids , and the like rather than to

the general public . Then there is the tinsel used for stage purposes , in which term we include not only the spangles worn by harlequin and sprite , and the coloured stuffs wliich look so bright ant ! glittering , as well as the simple but showy trimmings of ballet dresses , but also the richer and more effective laces and fringes whicli , albeit composed of metal that is not precious , are in their way precious costly .

Those on whom devolved the expenses of producing Babil and Bijou , with its rich dresses and magnificent spectacles , will bear out this statement . Even the twist used in dressing dolls and tor making up cosaques and bon-bons , as well as the so-called gold and silver shavings which form part and parcel if the humblest " ornaments for your fire stoves , " may be bad here , by the ton if necessary

FISHING GIMP AND LINES , & c , Mr . Kenning manufactures these in two kinds . One is of wire , in several patterns , spun on silk , and the grea'er the strength required , the greater is the proportion uf silk used , the stronger gimp being equal to bearing the str . iin of the largest fish . The olher leading speciality in this branch is asilk anil hair tapered line for fly-fishing , which

shows the most delicate workmanship , and the ini-rits of which have been already proved in all parts of thc United Kingdom . Here also may be seen the gold and silver thn ads and tinsels which are placed round the bodies of the artificial flies used in salmon and trout fishing , and here , likewise , the llama-fringe , as we believe it is called , which , with gild and silver threads , & c , plays so censpicuous a part in the manufacture of artificial flowers .

CLUCKS AND WATCHES . The articles we have enumerated atitwe are manufactured at the premises , Nos . I , 2 , 3 , and 4 , Little Britain , and 17 . S , Aldersgate-street . No . 19 R , Fleet- ^ reet , is in a great measure devoted to the sale of clocks and watches . Several ol the specimens of workmanship were shown to us , and our advice to intending purchasers of this class of aiticle is that they should _ o anel i _< ljre for themselves .

CONCLUDING REMARKS . V 7 e have by no means exhausted the branches of business in which Mr . Kenning is engaged ; but , as those which yet remain hardly come within the scope of this article , let it suffice if we mention that he is the publisher and proprietor of several Masonic periodicals , all of which are printed as well as published at the Fleet-street branch ,

and amongst which the Freemason , occupies the foremost place , while he is also a Masonic bookseller and printer anil publisher nf Masonic works on a very extensive scale . In addition to his two London establishments he can boast of three others , severally situated in as many of our largest provincial towns , viz ., one at 9 . West Howard street , Glasgow ; a second at 2 , Monument-plate , Liverpool ;

and the third at 47 , Biidgc-strcet , Manchester . He does also a veiy large trade with India and the colonics . It will be understood that a position in business such as this cau only have been achieved by energy , ability , and enterprise ; and we trust there are none so churlish as to grudge success to the man who has shown himself the possessor cf these qualities .

Summer Banquet Of The Henley Lodge, No. 1472.

SUMMER BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE , No . 1472 .

One of those pleasant outings that the brethren of the above excellent lodge annually indulge in , and to which their fair and amiable b longings are invited , took place on the 30 th ult ., and being well arrangeeiand carried out was , as the rt suit , most enjayable . The start took place frcm

Bro . E . West s house , the Three Crowns , at North Woolwich , and the party proceeded by boat to Giaves-. nd , which vvas reached at about two p . m . The Clarendon Hotel , where the banquet was to be held , was first visited , and there Bro . Ntale , the worthy proprietor , received the brethren and ladies , and after partaking of refreshments they embarked in two handsome breaks and went for a drive

through the beautiful country around , and returned about five o ' clock , when a splendidly appointed and admirably served fanquit was partaken of . Bro . W . T . Turner , the W . M ., presided , and Bros . Dr . W . Vance and E . J . Lloyd , Senior and Junior Wardens , filled their respective chairs . Among the olfii-eis and brethren present were Bros . I . Ives , Sec . and P . M . ; E . West , P . M .: Jas . Elder , S . D . ;

V . J Hollowly , D . C . j E . T . Lewis , W . S . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; W . Page , P . M . 1076 , Tyler ; G . Plume , Caley , R . W . Hawkes , C . Jolly ( Freemason ) , and others . The ladies , among whom were Mrs . Turner , Mrs . Ives , Miss West , Mrs . Caley , Mrs . Frost , and others , were tastefully and elegantly atliretl , ami added a rare charm lo the feast , which was hi ghly commended by all . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , but without the firing .

Summer Banquet Of The Henley Lodge, No. 1472.

Bro . Past Master Manney , in giving the toast of " The W . M ., " spoke of the couttesy and urbanity he had ahvays displayed in his intercourse with the brethren , and of the pleasure they all felt at seeing him presiding over them upon that occas'on , when the ladies , whose presence so much enhanced the pleasure of their ptoceedings . had kindly ceensented to honour them with their

presence . He wished him and his amiable wife many years of happiness . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Turner , in his response , trusted to see ere long the Henley Lodge one of the must influential and prosperous iu the metropolitan district , and thanked the brethren especially for their good wishes towards him . Bros . Turner and Lloyd had the honour of responding

for " The Ladies , " and did it well . Bros . West and Ives responded for " The Past Masters , " and Bro . Vance for " The Officers . " Bro . Jolly responetl for " The Visitors , " and under the management of Bro . M . Sherwin some pleasing

harmony enlivened the proceedings , until an early departure for town broke up a gathering at once Masonic , social , and pleasant . Bro . Neale presented some handsome bouquets to several of the brethren for the . ladies , and was heartily thanked for his excellent catering-.

Our First Noble Grand Master.

OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER .

( Concluded . ) Turn wc now to his public career , and a relation of those events in his life which bear evidence to his character . His grace was born in 1688 or 1689 , and in March 1708-9 succeeded to the title on the death of his father . 111 : 715 he married Mary , fourth and youngest c ' aughter and co-heir

of the illustrious John , Duke of Marlborough . At the coronation of George I ., on the nth O . tol-er 1715 , he acted as Constable of England . Subsequently he became Colontl of the ist Regiment of Foot Guards . In 1718 he was made Knight of the Garter , and on thc revival of the Order of the Bath , in 1725 , the King appointed him Grand Master , he likewise held thc office nf

Master nf the Great Waidrobe , an otlice in the lioyal Hoiisehold which had been s : tiled on his father by patent , with remainder to himself . He was also " Lord Proprietor and Captain General of the Islands of St . Luria and St . Vincent , in America , " probably , says Lo Ige , by virtue of grants which reverted to the crown at his death . In August , 1 7 ^ he was appointed Governor of the Isle of

, Wight , an ;! in June of the following year Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioner-. In 173 b he was sworn in a member of the Privy Council . Tnough , in his lifetime , he held many military appointments , his grace never saw any active service . He received his commission as Major-General in 1 735 , and became Lieutenant-Grneral in 1739 . In May , 1740 , he was appointed Master-General of the

Ordnance , and Colonel of the Queen ' s Regiment of Horse . He vvas also in this year , ami in the years 1745 and 1748 likewise , one of the Lords Justices appointed to administer the- Kingdom duiing his Majesty ' s absence in Hanover . Ou the outbreak of the Jacobite Rebellion , in 1745 , the duke raised a regiment in the count ' u s of Northampton

and Warwick , ot both of which he was Lora-Lieutenanr , ami in acknowledgment of his loyalty he vvas made General of Hoise . Tiat a nobleman , however distinguished , who held such 11 number of appointment * should provoke sadies , good ir ill-natured , as the case might be , is not to be wondered , anil , accordingly , we . find Sir Charles Hanbury Williams writing of his grace as follows : —

"Three regiments one duke contents , With two more places , you know ; Since his Bath Knights His Grace delights , ' In tria junct' in uno . ' " The duke died of a fever at his house iu Privy-gardens , Whitehall , on tie ifjth July , 1749 , without male issue .

but leavintr two daughters his co-heirs , of whom one—I-abtl ! a—married ^ 1 ) William MimUj-u , Earl of Manchester , and (•) Edward Hussey ; while the olher—Eleanor —ni .. riie . d , Gcorge Brudenell , fourth Earl of Caidigau , who , in 17 C 6 , assumed the family 1 . ami : and in whom Ihe lilies of Mitijuis of Monttn-rimr and Duke of Montagu were revived , only again to become extinct on his dtath without

mile issue in 1790 . Lodge speaks of the subject of our sketch as an eccentric humorist , buc tvith a heart overflowing wilh kindness and generosity , and his irresistible affection for the surprising ane . the ridiculous seldom failed to insinuate itself even in Ihose noble acts of beneficence which ought to immortalise his name . The neig hbourhood of Bti g hton , his

favourile seat at Northamptonshire , still cherishes abundant anecdotes of his tlisposition ; while his tenderness—and this must be regarded as the truest test of its genuineness —extended to every class of animated nature . His tenants and dependents were strictly charged neither to work nor kill their old and disabled cattle , but to bring them to his park , a portion of which , called the " reservoir , " was set

apart for their reception , and theie they remained until , in the order of nature , death put an end to their existence . He also is said to have kept a dog which , owing to its ugliness , he treated most kindly , because , ashe said , it vvas too intensely hideous to have any claim ou the kindness of others . We gather further , from the memoirs of the "Kit-Kat Club , " that "he was constantly seeking for

objjets whereon to exercise his benevolent propensities , and was remaikable for performing acts of charity and kindness with a singularity and dexterity of achievement which at once . stonished and confounded the persor . s on whom his favours were lavished , and he usetl lo declare that it was this very surprise on the party which afforded him so much delight and amusement , and that ihe pleasure with which he bestowed a benefit on a deserving in-

Our First Noble Grand Master.

dividual was precisely in proportion to the opportunities he had of making the reverse so much Ihe more extraordinary and unlooked for . " As to his personal appearance , he is described as having been of middle stature , but inclining to be tall , with a dark complf xion and a very expressive eye . We close this notice with the following anecdotes —( , 1 ) of his feolicsome disposition , ( J ) of his great generosity ; and

we are assured our friends will read them with the greatest pleasure . On a certain occasion the duke gave an entertain , ment at the well-known Devil Tavern , Tcmple Bar . to several of the most considerable among the nobility and gentry , one John James Heidi gger , a _ ort of reformer iu the conduct of operas and m . squiraiies , be-ing also one ofthe guests . Within a fen- hours after dinner Heidegger was

made so intoxicated that he was catried out of the room insensible and laid upon a bed—at th ^ time we are writing of extreme conviviality was the order of the day . While he was in this state , a mould was taken of his face , from which a mask was made , anil a f < : \ v days before the next masquerade , at which the King and Countess of Yarmouth had arranged to be present , his grace obtained

information of the dress Heidegger would wear . An exactly similar dress was made and fitted on a man of the same stature as Heidegger , who could imitate his voice and gestures exactly . The tlay arrived , and when the King had taken his seat , Heidegger , as usual , ordered the musicians to play " God Save the King . " The moment , however , his back was turned , the f-lsc Heidegger ordered

them to play " Over the Water to Charlie , " to the no small conrternation of the guests who were not in the secret . The true Heidegger at once flew to Ihe music gallery , where h ° stamped , swore , and raved like a madman , accusing the musicians of being drunk or engaged in a conspiracy to ruin him . So long as he remained , all went well , but the moment hc went to the drawing-room the counterfeit

appeared in the gallery and ordered the musicians 10 play the above-mentioned treasombte teine . At length the uproar became so great , anil the ciies of '' Shame" so loud and continuous , that the officers of the guard were on the point of rushing into the gallery anil kicking the musicians out , when ihe Duke of Montagu gave the real He-ititgget to understand that he must immediately make a most

abject apology to the King , who was in a most violent passion , and could not be otherwise aupeased . Heidegger had no sooner done so than his " double " presented himself , to the intense astonishment of the real Simi-n Pure , who looked round ami at OMLV became speechless . The laughter which followed when the mask was removed from the face of the counterfeit ami the plot explained may b ;

more easily imagined than I'esciib .-d . But , however laughable a practical joke nf this kind may have been to those who witnessed it , it only illustrates the broad humour instinct in the duke's character . The following shows how generously he could behave to those whom misfortune had overtaken . Seion alter the peace in 1748 . his grace noticed that a middle-aged man in a kinel o

military dress , the lace of which was much tarnl » hed , while the cloth iiself was worn almost threadbare , was in the habit of making his appearance every tlay in the Park , aud walking about or sitting down in a stile of melancholy abstraction . Accordingly he male inquiries , and very soon learned that the man wis a gentleman who had invested the whole of Iv . s small f . ertune in the

purchase of a commission ; that he had fought bravely during the war , and that when peace- hail been concluded he vvas one of those unfoitun ales who ha I been compelled to retire into private life on half-pay . Tne duke further ascertained that thc gentleman hatl a wife and numerous family , whom he hatl sent down tu Yorkshire to live as they best could on one moiety of his half-pay , while hc

eked out his existence on the other half in Loudon on the chance of finding some suitable occupation . Hiving gathered these particulars , his grace one tlay sent his valet to the gentleman with nn invititum to dine wilh him on a certrin day , he himself . standing some distance off and watching the ainazi-nie-nt of his future gutst . The invitation was accepted , anil on the day fixed Ihe gentleman

appeared , and was ushered into the presence of the t'uke , who received him very cordially , ami told him he had invited him expressly to meet a lady who was an oltl friend and deeply interested in his welfare . Tlie gentleman at once replietl that his grace must bs 1 tbouring under a delusion , as he knew no lady who was a mutual fiiciid of theirs . At that moment dinner was announced , ami , on

entering the room , the officer , who was in a state of no little perplexity , bowed low to the assembled guests , when , on recovering liirnsilf , what was his astonishment to find his wife and children present . The lady was equally astonished . She had been induced to come up to towa from Yorkshire on some pretence or other , ami ha . d no more expected to meet her husb _ vl than the latter had expected

to meet his wife . The sequel may be told Very briefly . A legal gentleman had been specially invited to attend with a deed or instrument all ready prepared , and convey - ing to the gentleman a handsome competence for life . The astonishment of the fortunate couple may be imagined , as

well as the fervour of their thanks and tbe p leasure of his grace at having performed so generous a deed . We are indebted to the kindness of Bro Jacob Norton for having directed our attention to these two out of the many anecdotes which might be related of his Grace of Montagu our first noble Grand Master . "

Bro . Major Charles Mercit-r vvas on Thursday last presentetl with a testimonial in recognition of hia services as Honorary Secretary in Ceiuiuclion with tne interchange of visits made by the Carles Civi ques ot Belgium and the Volunteers of Great Britain . The presentation was made by Alderman Sir James Clai _ Lawrence , Bart ., M . P .

WORDSWORTH ' S "COCA PILLS" ths success' .. ! ! < # , '' £ slecple-sness , neuralgia , and Hay fever . 36 . per box . Hom natnir . Chemist . 6 . Sloane-street . London .

“The Freemason: 1879-08-16, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 27 June 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_16081879/page/4/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
CONTENTS. Article 1
Untitled Article 1
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 1
Mark Masonry. Article 1
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT. Article 2
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 2
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF KENT. Article 2
NOTABLE MANUFACTORIES. Article 3
SUMMER BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE, No. 1472. Article 4
OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER. Article 4
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MON MOUTHSHIRE. Article 5
MASONIC MUSIC. Article 5
NEW MASONIG HALL, CLUB, AND LODGE AT PORTSMOUTH. Article 5
ARRIVAL OF DISTINGUISHED CANADIANS. Article 5
TO OUR READERS. Article 6
IMPORTANT NOTICE. Article 6
TO ADVERTISERS. Article 6
Answers to Correspondents. Article 6
Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Article 6
Untitled Article 6
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS. Article 6
SCENES AT ELECTIONS. Article 6
TRUTH—NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. Article 6
MANNERS AND MORALS. Article 6
Original Correspondence. Article 7
Reviews. Article 7
Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 7
Public Amusements. Article 8
HEREFORDSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION. Article 8
SPECIMENS OF SOCIETY JOURNALS. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 9
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS Article 10
MASONIC MEETINGS IN WEST LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. Article 10
Untitled Ad 10
Untitled Ad 10
Untitled Ad 10
Untitled Ad 10
Untitled Ad 10
Untitled Ad 10
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Notable Manufactories.

then dipped into a solution of cyanide of potassium , and ' after remaining a few seconds—i longer or shorter time is necessary according as the gilt con ting is to be thicker or thinner—were taken out and brushed by machinery , the utmost delicacy cf manipulation beine necessary in this last stage , or else the coating of metal will be no sooner on than it is again rubbed off .

OTHER ARTICLES NOT S PECIFIED IN THE ABOVE REMARKS . These include naval and military accoutre ments of every kind such as are in use in the sister services—namely , swords , belts , pouches , cockei hats , forage caps , shakos , busbies , sa . hes , & c . ; implements used in laying the first stones of buildings , and the furniture and implements that

are in use in Masons' lodges and those of other societies . As regards the last mentioned , those of our readers who are members of one or other society know well enough already the admirable character of the work which issues from Mr . Kenning ' s establishment . As to specifying these different articles and implements , that is interesting to Masons , Foresters , Druids , and the like rather than to

the general public . Then there is the tinsel used for stage purposes , in which term we include not only the spangles worn by harlequin and sprite , and the coloured stuffs wliich look so bright ant ! glittering , as well as the simple but showy trimmings of ballet dresses , but also the richer and more effective laces and fringes whicli , albeit composed of metal that is not precious , are in their way precious costly .

Those on whom devolved the expenses of producing Babil and Bijou , with its rich dresses and magnificent spectacles , will bear out this statement . Even the twist used in dressing dolls and tor making up cosaques and bon-bons , as well as the so-called gold and silver shavings which form part and parcel if the humblest " ornaments for your fire stoves , " may be bad here , by the ton if necessary

FISHING GIMP AND LINES , & c , Mr . Kenning manufactures these in two kinds . One is of wire , in several patterns , spun on silk , and the grea'er the strength required , the greater is the proportion uf silk used , the stronger gimp being equal to bearing the str . iin of the largest fish . The olher leading speciality in this branch is asilk anil hair tapered line for fly-fishing , which

shows the most delicate workmanship , and the ini-rits of which have been already proved in all parts of thc United Kingdom . Here also may be seen the gold and silver thn ads and tinsels which are placed round the bodies of the artificial flies used in salmon and trout fishing , and here , likewise , the llama-fringe , as we believe it is called , which , with gild and silver threads , & c , plays so censpicuous a part in the manufacture of artificial flowers .

CLUCKS AND WATCHES . The articles we have enumerated atitwe are manufactured at the premises , Nos . I , 2 , 3 , and 4 , Little Britain , and 17 . S , Aldersgate-street . No . 19 R , Fleet- ^ reet , is in a great measure devoted to the sale of clocks and watches . Several ol the specimens of workmanship were shown to us , and our advice to intending purchasers of this class of aiticle is that they should _ o anel i _< ljre for themselves .

CONCLUDING REMARKS . V 7 e have by no means exhausted the branches of business in which Mr . Kenning is engaged ; but , as those which yet remain hardly come within the scope of this article , let it suffice if we mention that he is the publisher and proprietor of several Masonic periodicals , all of which are printed as well as published at the Fleet-street branch ,

and amongst which the Freemason , occupies the foremost place , while he is also a Masonic bookseller and printer anil publisher nf Masonic works on a very extensive scale . In addition to his two London establishments he can boast of three others , severally situated in as many of our largest provincial towns , viz ., one at 9 . West Howard street , Glasgow ; a second at 2 , Monument-plate , Liverpool ;

and the third at 47 , Biidgc-strcet , Manchester . He does also a veiy large trade with India and the colonics . It will be understood that a position in business such as this cau only have been achieved by energy , ability , and enterprise ; and we trust there are none so churlish as to grudge success to the man who has shown himself the possessor cf these qualities .

Summer Banquet Of The Henley Lodge, No. 1472.

SUMMER BANQUET OF THE HENLEY LODGE , No . 1472 .

One of those pleasant outings that the brethren of the above excellent lodge annually indulge in , and to which their fair and amiable b longings are invited , took place on the 30 th ult ., and being well arrangeeiand carried out was , as the rt suit , most enjayable . The start took place frcm

Bro . E . West s house , the Three Crowns , at North Woolwich , and the party proceeded by boat to Giaves-. nd , which vvas reached at about two p . m . The Clarendon Hotel , where the banquet was to be held , was first visited , and there Bro . Ntale , the worthy proprietor , received the brethren and ladies , and after partaking of refreshments they embarked in two handsome breaks and went for a drive

through the beautiful country around , and returned about five o ' clock , when a splendidly appointed and admirably served fanquit was partaken of . Bro . W . T . Turner , the W . M ., presided , and Bros . Dr . W . Vance and E . J . Lloyd , Senior and Junior Wardens , filled their respective chairs . Among the olfii-eis and brethren present were Bros . I . Ives , Sec . and P . M . ; E . West , P . M .: Jas . Elder , S . D . ;

V . J Hollowly , D . C . j E . T . Lewis , W . S . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; W . Page , P . M . 1076 , Tyler ; G . Plume , Caley , R . W . Hawkes , C . Jolly ( Freemason ) , and others . The ladies , among whom were Mrs . Turner , Mrs . Ives , Miss West , Mrs . Caley , Mrs . Frost , and others , were tastefully and elegantly atliretl , ami added a rare charm lo the feast , which was hi ghly commended by all . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , but without the firing .

Summer Banquet Of The Henley Lodge, No. 1472.

Bro . Past Master Manney , in giving the toast of " The W . M ., " spoke of the couttesy and urbanity he had ahvays displayed in his intercourse with the brethren , and of the pleasure they all felt at seeing him presiding over them upon that occas'on , when the ladies , whose presence so much enhanced the pleasure of their ptoceedings . had kindly ceensented to honour them with their

presence . He wished him and his amiable wife many years of happiness . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Turner , in his response , trusted to see ere long the Henley Lodge one of the must influential and prosperous iu the metropolitan district , and thanked the brethren especially for their good wishes towards him . Bros . Turner and Lloyd had the honour of responding

for " The Ladies , " and did it well . Bros . West and Ives responded for " The Past Masters , " and Bro . Vance for " The Officers . " Bro . Jolly responetl for " The Visitors , " and under the management of Bro . M . Sherwin some pleasing

harmony enlivened the proceedings , until an early departure for town broke up a gathering at once Masonic , social , and pleasant . Bro . Neale presented some handsome bouquets to several of the brethren for the . ladies , and was heartily thanked for his excellent catering-.

Our First Noble Grand Master.

OUR FIRST NOBLE GRAND MASTER .

( Concluded . ) Turn wc now to his public career , and a relation of those events in his life which bear evidence to his character . His grace was born in 1688 or 1689 , and in March 1708-9 succeeded to the title on the death of his father . 111 : 715 he married Mary , fourth and youngest c ' aughter and co-heir

of the illustrious John , Duke of Marlborough . At the coronation of George I ., on the nth O . tol-er 1715 , he acted as Constable of England . Subsequently he became Colontl of the ist Regiment of Foot Guards . In 1718 he was made Knight of the Garter , and on thc revival of the Order of the Bath , in 1725 , the King appointed him Grand Master , he likewise held thc office nf

Master nf the Great Waidrobe , an otlice in the lioyal Hoiisehold which had been s : tiled on his father by patent , with remainder to himself . He was also " Lord Proprietor and Captain General of the Islands of St . Luria and St . Vincent , in America , " probably , says Lo Ige , by virtue of grants which reverted to the crown at his death . In August , 1 7 ^ he was appointed Governor of the Isle of

, Wight , an ;! in June of the following year Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioner-. In 173 b he was sworn in a member of the Privy Council . Tnough , in his lifetime , he held many military appointments , his grace never saw any active service . He received his commission as Major-General in 1 735 , and became Lieutenant-Grneral in 1739 . In May , 1740 , he was appointed Master-General of the

Ordnance , and Colonel of the Queen ' s Regiment of Horse . He vvas also in this year , ami in the years 1745 and 1748 likewise , one of the Lords Justices appointed to administer the- Kingdom duiing his Majesty ' s absence in Hanover . Ou the outbreak of the Jacobite Rebellion , in 1745 , the duke raised a regiment in the count ' u s of Northampton

and Warwick , ot both of which he was Lora-Lieutenanr , ami in acknowledgment of his loyalty he vvas made General of Hoise . Tiat a nobleman , however distinguished , who held such 11 number of appointment * should provoke sadies , good ir ill-natured , as the case might be , is not to be wondered , anil , accordingly , we . find Sir Charles Hanbury Williams writing of his grace as follows : —

"Three regiments one duke contents , With two more places , you know ; Since his Bath Knights His Grace delights , ' In tria junct' in uno . ' " The duke died of a fever at his house iu Privy-gardens , Whitehall , on tie ifjth July , 1749 , without male issue .

but leavintr two daughters his co-heirs , of whom one—I-abtl ! a—married ^ 1 ) William MimUj-u , Earl of Manchester , and (•) Edward Hussey ; while the olher—Eleanor —ni .. riie . d , Gcorge Brudenell , fourth Earl of Caidigau , who , in 17 C 6 , assumed the family 1 . ami : and in whom Ihe lilies of Mitijuis of Monttn-rimr and Duke of Montagu were revived , only again to become extinct on his dtath without

mile issue in 1790 . Lodge speaks of the subject of our sketch as an eccentric humorist , buc tvith a heart overflowing wilh kindness and generosity , and his irresistible affection for the surprising ane . the ridiculous seldom failed to insinuate itself even in Ihose noble acts of beneficence which ought to immortalise his name . The neig hbourhood of Bti g hton , his

favourile seat at Northamptonshire , still cherishes abundant anecdotes of his tlisposition ; while his tenderness—and this must be regarded as the truest test of its genuineness —extended to every class of animated nature . His tenants and dependents were strictly charged neither to work nor kill their old and disabled cattle , but to bring them to his park , a portion of which , called the " reservoir , " was set

apart for their reception , and theie they remained until , in the order of nature , death put an end to their existence . He also is said to have kept a dog which , owing to its ugliness , he treated most kindly , because , ashe said , it vvas too intensely hideous to have any claim ou the kindness of others . We gather further , from the memoirs of the "Kit-Kat Club , " that "he was constantly seeking for

objjets whereon to exercise his benevolent propensities , and was remaikable for performing acts of charity and kindness with a singularity and dexterity of achievement which at once . stonished and confounded the persor . s on whom his favours were lavished , and he usetl lo declare that it was this very surprise on the party which afforded him so much delight and amusement , and that ihe pleasure with which he bestowed a benefit on a deserving in-

Our First Noble Grand Master.

dividual was precisely in proportion to the opportunities he had of making the reverse so much Ihe more extraordinary and unlooked for . " As to his personal appearance , he is described as having been of middle stature , but inclining to be tall , with a dark complf xion and a very expressive eye . We close this notice with the following anecdotes —( , 1 ) of his feolicsome disposition , ( J ) of his great generosity ; and

we are assured our friends will read them with the greatest pleasure . On a certain occasion the duke gave an entertain , ment at the well-known Devil Tavern , Tcmple Bar . to several of the most considerable among the nobility and gentry , one John James Heidi gger , a _ ort of reformer iu the conduct of operas and m . squiraiies , be-ing also one ofthe guests . Within a fen- hours after dinner Heidegger was

made so intoxicated that he was catried out of the room insensible and laid upon a bed—at th ^ time we are writing of extreme conviviality was the order of the day . While he was in this state , a mould was taken of his face , from which a mask was made , anil a f < : \ v days before the next masquerade , at which the King and Countess of Yarmouth had arranged to be present , his grace obtained

information of the dress Heidegger would wear . An exactly similar dress was made and fitted on a man of the same stature as Heidegger , who could imitate his voice and gestures exactly . The tlay arrived , and when the King had taken his seat , Heidegger , as usual , ordered the musicians to play " God Save the King . " The moment , however , his back was turned , the f-lsc Heidegger ordered

them to play " Over the Water to Charlie , " to the no small conrternation of the guests who were not in the secret . The true Heidegger at once flew to Ihe music gallery , where h ° stamped , swore , and raved like a madman , accusing the musicians of being drunk or engaged in a conspiracy to ruin him . So long as he remained , all went well , but the moment hc went to the drawing-room the counterfeit

appeared in the gallery and ordered the musicians 10 play the above-mentioned treasombte teine . At length the uproar became so great , anil the ciies of '' Shame" so loud and continuous , that the officers of the guard were on the point of rushing into the gallery anil kicking the musicians out , when ihe Duke of Montagu gave the real He-ititgget to understand that he must immediately make a most

abject apology to the King , who was in a most violent passion , and could not be otherwise aupeased . Heidegger had no sooner done so than his " double " presented himself , to the intense astonishment of the real Simi-n Pure , who looked round ami at OMLV became speechless . The laughter which followed when the mask was removed from the face of the counterfeit ami the plot explained may b ;

more easily imagined than I'esciib .-d . But , however laughable a practical joke nf this kind may have been to those who witnessed it , it only illustrates the broad humour instinct in the duke's character . The following shows how generously he could behave to those whom misfortune had overtaken . Seion alter the peace in 1748 . his grace noticed that a middle-aged man in a kinel o

military dress , the lace of which was much tarnl » hed , while the cloth iiself was worn almost threadbare , was in the habit of making his appearance every tlay in the Park , aud walking about or sitting down in a stile of melancholy abstraction . Accordingly he male inquiries , and very soon learned that the man wis a gentleman who had invested the whole of Iv . s small f . ertune in the

purchase of a commission ; that he had fought bravely during the war , and that when peace- hail been concluded he vvas one of those unfoitun ales who ha I been compelled to retire into private life on half-pay . Tne duke further ascertained that thc gentleman hatl a wife and numerous family , whom he hatl sent down tu Yorkshire to live as they best could on one moiety of his half-pay , while hc

eked out his existence on the other half in Loudon on the chance of finding some suitable occupation . Hiving gathered these particulars , his grace one tlay sent his valet to the gentleman with nn invititum to dine wilh him on a certrin day , he himself . standing some distance off and watching the ainazi-nie-nt of his future gutst . The invitation was accepted , anil on the day fixed Ihe gentleman

appeared , and was ushered into the presence of the t'uke , who received him very cordially , ami told him he had invited him expressly to meet a lady who was an oltl friend and deeply interested in his welfare . Tlie gentleman at once replietl that his grace must bs 1 tbouring under a delusion , as he knew no lady who was a mutual fiiciid of theirs . At that moment dinner was announced , ami , on

entering the room , the officer , who was in a state of no little perplexity , bowed low to the assembled guests , when , on recovering liirnsilf , what was his astonishment to find his wife and children present . The lady was equally astonished . She had been induced to come up to towa from Yorkshire on some pretence or other , ami ha . d no more expected to meet her husb _ vl than the latter had expected

to meet his wife . The sequel may be told Very briefly . A legal gentleman had been specially invited to attend with a deed or instrument all ready prepared , and convey - ing to the gentleman a handsome competence for life . The astonishment of the fortunate couple may be imagined , as

well as the fervour of their thanks and tbe p leasure of his grace at having performed so generous a deed . We are indebted to the kindness of Bro Jacob Norton for having directed our attention to these two out of the many anecdotes which might be related of his Grace of Montagu our first noble Grand Master . "

Bro . Major Charles Mercit-r vvas on Thursday last presentetl with a testimonial in recognition of hia services as Honorary Secretary in Ceiuiuclion with tne interchange of visits made by the Carles Civi ques ot Belgium and the Volunteers of Great Britain . The presentation was made by Alderman Sir James Clai _ Lawrence , Bart ., M . P .

WORDSWORTH ' S "COCA PILLS" ths success' .. ! ! < # , '' £ slecple-sness , neuralgia , and Hay fever . 36 . per box . Hom natnir . Chemist . 6 . Sloane-street . London .

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