Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
vcry strange that thc highest in the realm should be the patron of the Order—hc meant Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen . It seemed equally strange that the Prince of Wales shoultl be at the head of their Order . ( Hear , hear . ) It was also , to those who did not understand it , still more strange that the Royal Prince Leopold and the Duke of Connaught should occupy offices in the Grand
Lodge . ( Hear , hear . ) He dared say many might wonder how it was that amongst other noble names identified with Masonry so many had devoted , and were still ready and willing to devote so much time and attention to Masonry . They could hardly enlighten thc public in all the sympathies that bound them to one another , because it appeared to him that of all
things in this world it could only be thoroughly appreciated by those who knew the inmost secrets of Masonry . Their tenets and principles , which hatl caused the world to advance so much , were founded on everything that was good and loyal , because , he need not tell his brethren present that their rule and principle was to submit everything to the will of Providence , whom they called the
Great Architect of the Universe . They looked up to Him as the Creator , Preserver , and Benefactor in this life . Whilst Masonry in many other of its degrees and attributes has made direct advances , they looketl with regartl on various systems of religion , and in their broad principles , it did not matter whether a man lived in the farthest parts of the globe or whether he were a close neighbour , they
could call him brother and welcome him under that title , and with that freedom which characterised their conduct . ( Applause . ) There wos a principle , to use language of St . Paul , " whicii never failtth" in their order , antl that ruling principle was charity . This was not merely a supefluous word with them , but it induced enc man to help another in need ,
provided that man werc honourable , upright , and straightforward , and whilst recognising their duty to the poor , whether they lived under a monarchical or republican Government , they recognised still more their duty to their neighbour by doing unto others as they would that others tlo to them . ( Hear , hear . ) Colonel Starkie , by his position , was elevated , perhaps , above thc necessity of daily
toil ; he lnhciited a name which hatl been honoured through many generations , and which , they all trusted , would continue lu be honoured for generations yet to come . ( Applause . ) He thought it was their brother ' s great privilege , occupying so elevated a position in Masonry , lo sail forth upon the ocean of Lifc , endeavouring to help those more unfrrtunale than himself , antl whilst such
conduct would occupy the minds of men , it would not only tend to raise their intellects and eleveloy e their meorality , but it would also kindle a warm and kindly feeling . It was such cordial sentiments as these that they wished to permeate society . Whilst voyaging on the sea of lifc , it was Col . Statkie ' s object to do as much gootl to everybody with whom he came in contact as possible . The
great object of Masonry was to promote a bond of sympathy antl unity , which woultl elevate not only themselves ; but its salutary influence would spreatl like the rays of the sun throughout the whole earth . Of all in connection with their Order he wished it to be said , " Sec how these brethren dwell together in unity . " ( Hear , hear . ) Wherever they met a Mason a fellow feeling was at
once aroused , and the sympathies of a brother were excited . He was sure that so long as their Prov . Grand Master was at thc head of the Order in this district , he would regartl with sympathy , affection , and esteem , all the brethren who dwelt under his care . ( Applause . ) Nobody knew better than he did how to maintain those feelings of right anil justice anil charity , in as gentle yet as forcible
a manner as possible . He believed there was a cordiality of feeling between Ihe * mos-t distant lodges and himself , and thc sentiments with which Colonel Starkie was regarded coultl not be expressed in words . They all rejoiced to celebrate his 50 th birthday , antl that he was hale and strong , and while that presentation came from only three lodges iu the province , Col . Starkie might look upon it as
111 fact an expression of the feelings of the whole province . This province was the largest over whicii any Provincial Grand Master ruled in the country , and all the members rejoiced in maintaining the principles of Masonry by fighting under his banner against the flesh and sinews of the world , against infidelity , antl all kinds of vice and immorality , and endeavouring to promote that upright conduct
which Masonry so truly taught . He thought Masonry was above all other things calculated to inspire peace and goodwill towards men , which should prevail to the ends of thc earth . He had great pleasure in presenting the adtlress . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . W . Coddington , who was received with loud cheers , said that he hatl great pleasure in supporting the
presentation of the adelress to the R . W . Prov . G . M . He felt that he coultl add little to the eloquent remaiks of Bro . Hutchinson , but he esteemed it a compliment that hc shoultl have been selected to say a few wortls upon that most interesting occasion . He had had the pleasure of knowing Bro . Starkie for a number of years , anil whether he looked upon him as a Freemason , as a gentleman , as
a country squire of thc good old English type , if , last though not least as a thorough sportsman , ( loud cheers . ) —be felt that they might go far indeeel before they fountl one who could fulfil his multifarious duties in so able , and conscientious a manner . The address which had just been read , briefl y expressed the feelings and sentiments of the three Blackburn lodges , but he might say that in every town and district of this important province the name of
n w " WaS a -wa )' rece ' vcd with honour , antl that their " . VV . Prov . G . M . was looked upon with esteem and veneration by every Lancashire Freemason . ( Cheers . ) He had very great pleasure in supporting on behalf of himself , and Lodge 26 9 , and others , the address which had just been presented to Bro . ' Starkie , and hoped hc might live long and happily to hold the position which he now filled . ( Loud cheers . )
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
Bro . Starkie rose to reply , and was rccewetl with loud and prolonged cheers . He said anybody who was placed in the ' same situation as he was would feel most gratified , most thankful , and also have sentiments almost similar to those which were in his mintl , that it was hardly possible to finel wortls adequately to express in proper language his thanks for that beautiful and touching
testimony of their esteem and regard for himself on the one hand , and the sentiments vvh ich had flowed from the lips of Past Grand Officers on the other ; for the cordial Masonic friendship which had been cxpressed . by his friend antl brother , Bro . Coddington , or by the high degree of honour which had been tlone him by the Mayor of that great and important borough by presiding on that occasion .
( Cheers . ) He knew not why in Blackburn they were always treating him with heaps of kindness and marks of attention most unexpectetl—he hoped not undeservedly . ( Loud cheers . ) It has been from a peculiar circumstance his gootl fortune of late to reside amongst them , but long ere that period , whenever he came to that good old town thc marks of friendship , esteem , and regard that were
shown him were such that he always felt their kindness antl brotherly feeling , not from anything on his part , but fiom their part towards himself . Did they think that a man with any spark of honour , with any spark of feeling would throw those sentiments aside ? He could not .
They had nothing to gain by it ; he had nothing to gain by it . It was that mutual liking , peculiar to Englishmen , which one man entertained for another . ( Cheers . ) It was the custom in ancient times , when his fellow-citizens wisheti-to confer upon a man some high honour , to present him with a civic crown . It was not the intrinsic
worth of the crown that made it valuable , but it was the feeling it embodied . That address was a civic crown . Those beautiful expressions , so beautifully inscribed and delineated , were priceless gems , they were mementoes of feeling which were not to be lightly regarded , and they should be treasured by him until the day he died . ( Cheers . ) What a civic crown was to the man who hail deserved well
of his country that address was to him . It should have a very tlistinguished place assigned to it where he lived now , and an equally prominent place when he went elsewhere , as a manifestation of the feeling entertained for him by the brethren of the three lodges of Blackburn . ( Cheers . ) They hatl taken the auspicious occasion of his fiftieth birthday lo present him with that incalculably
valuable mark of their friendship , full as it was of expressions of kindness to him . As it was his fiftieth birthday , he hatl to look back upon life , antl also to look forward , and in doing so he was reminded of the great anil glorious light of the sun , one oi the emblems ol Ihe Masonic botly . As a boy hc hatl seen the sun rise , antl as a man he had basked in its meridian splendour , anil now that it was
declining , let him hope that his setting sun might have the beauty and picturesqueness which attended the sun as it set in the West . ( Cheers . ) „ When the bell tolled for him for the last time , and when he had put on his last shift , let him hope that his shortcomings , which hatl been numerous , woultl be forgotten ; let them remember that he was a man of strong passions like themselves , but let
them also remember that he tried to fear God , to love the Queen , to honour his country , and to exalt Freemasonry . ( Loud cheers . ) It was not everybody who had the gift of oratory like Bro . Hutchinson . Hc looked upon oratory as he looketl upon the painter ' s art , as a means of pourtraying something in a manner in which they had not thought
of it before ; and they rand pardon mm if he did not arrive at that point of vivid expression , and make them understand how deeply he felt the honour they had conferred upon him on that occasion . But if wortls were wanting , let him assure them that in his heart he appreciated their heartfelt kindness > n presenting him with a testimonial on that occasion . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Hutchinson had alludctl
to the long relationship of his family with Freemasonry . He did not like to be egotistical , but he must say that hc did feel proutl that for a long series of years his family had been intimately connected in a very high position with Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) He believed that if the principles of their Order were carried out with strict integrity they woultl add to thc benefits of mankind by softening
asperities , antl to the advancement of social and moral gootl to an incalculable degree . Since he had joined the Order it had led him to meet many men oi eiifferent opinions , and hc had had the atlvantage of discussing those opinions in a calm antl brotherly manner , without a wish on the part of either to get the better of the other . It was a grand and
noble Order ; it had no narrow limits , but proud antl noble lines . It had no dogma , but it took the grand itlca to benefit mankind on earth , and to fit them better for eternity , ( cheers . ) He might not have in himself the capabilities entirely to fill all thc duties of the offices he might take , but since he had had thc honour of ruling over that province , he had met with such kindness
of feeling , such nobleness of sentiment , such kind expressions of brotherly love and affection from those he ruled over , that he had felt how very great were his shortcomings . He asketl the three Masters of the lodges at Blackburn , who had drawn the memorial , to accept from him , as a Past Grantl Officer of England , his testimony to thc zeal which he had always found to exist in the lodges
of thc province and in Blackburn in particular . He thought that although he had come amongst them almost as a stranger , he had received more kindness in that town than in any town in Lancashire ; and hc felt an interest in their welfare and in the borough , which was second to
none in thc county in his feelings . ( Cheers . ) Whatever he could do for them in his social life , or elsewhere , he would be glad to do it . As lis friend upon his right ( Bro . Coddington ) had said he did like the life of a country squire . He liked to live amongst his people : and after thc marked kindness which he had
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
received , it would be a vcry strange phase and a very queer turn for him to take if he ever forgot it . There might be clearer air , brighter scenes , nobler rivers , and more gorgeous scenery than they could boast , but there were no hearts in the world like the hearts of Lancashire men . ( Cheers . ) It was said that no man was a prophet in his own country , but let a man be what he was in any
situation , he would find in Lancashire that he was esteemed and was reckoned up every day as much as the price of consols in the papers . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Never would hc elesert the friends who had clustered round him ; never would he give way to feelings of aggrandisement against his neighbour . ( Hear , hear . ) He reciprocated to them all the kind feeling they had shown to him ,
and asking them only to be to his faults a little kind , hc would fill thc position he held as well as he could until he passed the great gulf which separates this world from another . If they lived another ten years , might they maintain thc friendship that now existed ; might he never do a dishonest act ; but might he do honour to his family , and be faithful to his friends and to his country .
( Loud cheers . ) Bro . Ashworth proposed a vote of thanks to the chair . Bro . Blankhorn seconded the motion , which was supported by Bro . Starkie , and received in the manner suggested . The proceedings then terminated , and the company adjourned to the ball-room .
The ball , which was held in the assembly-room , was in aid of the funds of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational Benevolent Institution . It was exceedingly well attended , and passed off with the greatest eclat . The handsome hall and its adjuncts had been elaborately and tastefully decorated by Mr . F . Thomas , Market-place , whose well known taste in this class of
work was perhaps more happily displayed on this occasion than at any previous time . In front of the entrance of the Town Hall an awning was erected , and the vestibule was filled with choice plants from the conservatories of Col . Feilden , the whole being lighted by a handsome transparency of the Prince of Wales' plume and motto . The stairs , corridors , and landing were richly carpeted in
enmson and relieved with plants ; and thc rooms devoted respectively to the ladies and gentlemen as cloak rooms , were replete with everything necessary for comfort antl convenience . In the ball room a number of cabinets were placed in convenient positions , antl each was surmounted with a large mirror and furnished with a very choice assortment of ornaments , which latter , along with a
number of vases , & c , on the mantel-pieces , and in other parts of thc room , were kindly lent by Mr . Pinder , of thc Market-place . The company was a most brilliant or . e , representing , as it did , most of the leading families in the town and district . The Masonic brethren were dressed in the costumes and decorated with the jewels of the Order , in accordance
with their several positions anel rank in the Craft . At certain periods during tlie evening , those who were members of the higher degrees retired , and re-entered the room , attiretl in their respective costumes . The Royal Arch degree , we may add , was very strongly represented . Later 011 those belonging to the Knight 1 emplar degree formed in procession , and on reaching the centre of the
room , what is termed the " Arch of Steel " was formed , This was effected by the members passing each other in pairs , underneath their swords . This costume and one or two others representing still higher degrees , though somewhat singular to eyes unaccustomed to this kind of demonstration , was exceedingly picturesque . One or two quadrilles werc formetl , the
gentlemen in which were Knights Templars , and this was per haps thc happiest effect producetl by the change of attire The ladies' dresses were , we need hartily say , rich and di versified , and the result was , as may be supposed , charm ing . The band was provided by Bro . Goodwin , Prov . G Org . of East Lancashire . Bros . A . Blenkhorn antl W .
Counscll performed the duties of Masters of Ceremonies , and werc assisted by the following gentlemen , who acted as Stewards : Bros . W . Ashburn , J . Bcrtwistle , J . Brieily , E . Brooks , S . L . Buckley , E . Halliwell , J . Heap , W . Lamb , F . T . Mercer , H . T . Piatt , J . Pye , O . Sugar , ! ¦ ' . Thomas , J . Troupe , and J . W . Walsh . Bros . W . H . Cunliffe , antl D . Towers officiated as Directors of the Masonic Ceremonies .
A silver mine , the ore of which is stated to be unusually rich , has according to the Norwegian papers , been discovered in the Nam Valley . The discoverer will probably receive a Government grant of about 400 , 000
crowns . The German Parliament has been summoned for Feb . 6 th . Mr . Henry Dymond , the special correspondent of the Morning Advertiser in the Russo-Turkish war , was initiated on Monday last in the Enfield Lodge , No , ' 2 .-I 7-
We are very pleased to learn that the health of our Royal brother Prince Leopold , has so far improved , as to permit of his taking a little exercise on the terrace of the Palace at Windsor . CLEOPATRA ' S NEEDLE . —Lloy d ' s agents at
Scilly reported to Lloyd ' s this afternoon that the weather at Scilly for some days past had been remarkably fine and scttlctl with a smooth sea , very favourable for the Cleopatra passing the Bay of Biscay . At the time of the telegram being despatched from Scilly ( afternoon of the 17 th ) the wind was northwest . —Globe .
The following gentlemen have been elected as associates of the Royal Academy of Arts : —Briton Riviere , painter ; J . E , Coehm , sculptor ; Alfred Watcrhouse , architect .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
vcry strange that thc highest in the realm should be the patron of the Order—hc meant Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen . It seemed equally strange that the Prince of Wales shoultl be at the head of their Order . ( Hear , hear . ) It was also , to those who did not understand it , still more strange that the Royal Prince Leopold and the Duke of Connaught should occupy offices in the Grand
Lodge . ( Hear , hear . ) He dared say many might wonder how it was that amongst other noble names identified with Masonry so many had devoted , and were still ready and willing to devote so much time and attention to Masonry . They could hardly enlighten thc public in all the sympathies that bound them to one another , because it appeared to him that of all
things in this world it could only be thoroughly appreciated by those who knew the inmost secrets of Masonry . Their tenets and principles , which hatl caused the world to advance so much , were founded on everything that was good and loyal , because , he need not tell his brethren present that their rule and principle was to submit everything to the will of Providence , whom they called the
Great Architect of the Universe . They looked up to Him as the Creator , Preserver , and Benefactor in this life . Whilst Masonry in many other of its degrees and attributes has made direct advances , they looketl with regartl on various systems of religion , and in their broad principles , it did not matter whether a man lived in the farthest parts of the globe or whether he were a close neighbour , they
could call him brother and welcome him under that title , and with that freedom which characterised their conduct . ( Applause . ) There wos a principle , to use language of St . Paul , " whicii never failtth" in their order , antl that ruling principle was charity . This was not merely a supefluous word with them , but it induced enc man to help another in need ,
provided that man werc honourable , upright , and straightforward , and whilst recognising their duty to the poor , whether they lived under a monarchical or republican Government , they recognised still more their duty to their neighbour by doing unto others as they would that others tlo to them . ( Hear , hear . ) Colonel Starkie , by his position , was elevated , perhaps , above thc necessity of daily
toil ; he lnhciited a name which hatl been honoured through many generations , and which , they all trusted , would continue lu be honoured for generations yet to come . ( Applause . ) He thought it was their brother ' s great privilege , occupying so elevated a position in Masonry , lo sail forth upon the ocean of Lifc , endeavouring to help those more unfrrtunale than himself , antl whilst such
conduct would occupy the minds of men , it would not only tend to raise their intellects and eleveloy e their meorality , but it would also kindle a warm and kindly feeling . It was such cordial sentiments as these that they wished to permeate society . Whilst voyaging on the sea of lifc , it was Col . Statkie ' s object to do as much gootl to everybody with whom he came in contact as possible . The
great object of Masonry was to promote a bond of sympathy antl unity , which woultl elevate not only themselves ; but its salutary influence would spreatl like the rays of the sun throughout the whole earth . Of all in connection with their Order he wished it to be said , " Sec how these brethren dwell together in unity . " ( Hear , hear . ) Wherever they met a Mason a fellow feeling was at
once aroused , and the sympathies of a brother were excited . He was sure that so long as their Prov . Grand Master was at thc head of the Order in this district , he would regartl with sympathy , affection , and esteem , all the brethren who dwelt under his care . ( Applause . ) Nobody knew better than he did how to maintain those feelings of right anil justice anil charity , in as gentle yet as forcible
a manner as possible . He believed there was a cordiality of feeling between Ihe * mos-t distant lodges and himself , and thc sentiments with which Colonel Starkie was regarded coultl not be expressed in words . They all rejoiced to celebrate his 50 th birthday , antl that he was hale and strong , and while that presentation came from only three lodges iu the province , Col . Starkie might look upon it as
111 fact an expression of the feelings of the whole province . This province was the largest over whicii any Provincial Grand Master ruled in the country , and all the members rejoiced in maintaining the principles of Masonry by fighting under his banner against the flesh and sinews of the world , against infidelity , antl all kinds of vice and immorality , and endeavouring to promote that upright conduct
which Masonry so truly taught . He thought Masonry was above all other things calculated to inspire peace and goodwill towards men , which should prevail to the ends of thc earth . He had great pleasure in presenting the adtlress . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . W . Coddington , who was received with loud cheers , said that he hatl great pleasure in supporting the
presentation of the adelress to the R . W . Prov . G . M . He felt that he coultl add little to the eloquent remaiks of Bro . Hutchinson , but he esteemed it a compliment that hc shoultl have been selected to say a few wortls upon that most interesting occasion . He had had the pleasure of knowing Bro . Starkie for a number of years , anil whether he looked upon him as a Freemason , as a gentleman , as
a country squire of thc good old English type , if , last though not least as a thorough sportsman , ( loud cheers . ) —be felt that they might go far indeeel before they fountl one who could fulfil his multifarious duties in so able , and conscientious a manner . The address which had just been read , briefl y expressed the feelings and sentiments of the three Blackburn lodges , but he might say that in every town and district of this important province the name of
n w " WaS a -wa )' rece ' vcd with honour , antl that their " . VV . Prov . G . M . was looked upon with esteem and veneration by every Lancashire Freemason . ( Cheers . ) He had very great pleasure in supporting on behalf of himself , and Lodge 26 9 , and others , the address which had just been presented to Bro . ' Starkie , and hoped hc might live long and happily to hold the position which he now filled . ( Loud cheers . )
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
Bro . Starkie rose to reply , and was rccewetl with loud and prolonged cheers . He said anybody who was placed in the ' same situation as he was would feel most gratified , most thankful , and also have sentiments almost similar to those which were in his mintl , that it was hardly possible to finel wortls adequately to express in proper language his thanks for that beautiful and touching
testimony of their esteem and regard for himself on the one hand , and the sentiments vvh ich had flowed from the lips of Past Grand Officers on the other ; for the cordial Masonic friendship which had been cxpressed . by his friend antl brother , Bro . Coddington , or by the high degree of honour which had been tlone him by the Mayor of that great and important borough by presiding on that occasion .
( Cheers . ) He knew not why in Blackburn they were always treating him with heaps of kindness and marks of attention most unexpectetl—he hoped not undeservedly . ( Loud cheers . ) It has been from a peculiar circumstance his gootl fortune of late to reside amongst them , but long ere that period , whenever he came to that good old town thc marks of friendship , esteem , and regard that were
shown him were such that he always felt their kindness antl brotherly feeling , not from anything on his part , but fiom their part towards himself . Did they think that a man with any spark of honour , with any spark of feeling would throw those sentiments aside ? He could not .
They had nothing to gain by it ; he had nothing to gain by it . It was that mutual liking , peculiar to Englishmen , which one man entertained for another . ( Cheers . ) It was the custom in ancient times , when his fellow-citizens wisheti-to confer upon a man some high honour , to present him with a civic crown . It was not the intrinsic
worth of the crown that made it valuable , but it was the feeling it embodied . That address was a civic crown . Those beautiful expressions , so beautifully inscribed and delineated , were priceless gems , they were mementoes of feeling which were not to be lightly regarded , and they should be treasured by him until the day he died . ( Cheers . ) What a civic crown was to the man who hail deserved well
of his country that address was to him . It should have a very tlistinguished place assigned to it where he lived now , and an equally prominent place when he went elsewhere , as a manifestation of the feeling entertained for him by the brethren of the three lodges of Blackburn . ( Cheers . ) They hatl taken the auspicious occasion of his fiftieth birthday lo present him with that incalculably
valuable mark of their friendship , full as it was of expressions of kindness to him . As it was his fiftieth birthday , he hatl to look back upon life , antl also to look forward , and in doing so he was reminded of the great anil glorious light of the sun , one oi the emblems ol Ihe Masonic botly . As a boy hc hatl seen the sun rise , antl as a man he had basked in its meridian splendour , anil now that it was
declining , let him hope that his setting sun might have the beauty and picturesqueness which attended the sun as it set in the West . ( Cheers . ) „ When the bell tolled for him for the last time , and when he had put on his last shift , let him hope that his shortcomings , which hatl been numerous , woultl be forgotten ; let them remember that he was a man of strong passions like themselves , but let
them also remember that he tried to fear God , to love the Queen , to honour his country , and to exalt Freemasonry . ( Loud cheers . ) It was not everybody who had the gift of oratory like Bro . Hutchinson . Hc looked upon oratory as he looketl upon the painter ' s art , as a means of pourtraying something in a manner in which they had not thought
of it before ; and they rand pardon mm if he did not arrive at that point of vivid expression , and make them understand how deeply he felt the honour they had conferred upon him on that occasion . But if wortls were wanting , let him assure them that in his heart he appreciated their heartfelt kindness > n presenting him with a testimonial on that occasion . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Hutchinson had alludctl
to the long relationship of his family with Freemasonry . He did not like to be egotistical , but he must say that hc did feel proutl that for a long series of years his family had been intimately connected in a very high position with Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) He believed that if the principles of their Order were carried out with strict integrity they woultl add to thc benefits of mankind by softening
asperities , antl to the advancement of social and moral gootl to an incalculable degree . Since he had joined the Order it had led him to meet many men oi eiifferent opinions , and hc had had the atlvantage of discussing those opinions in a calm antl brotherly manner , without a wish on the part of either to get the better of the other . It was a grand and
noble Order ; it had no narrow limits , but proud antl noble lines . It had no dogma , but it took the grand itlca to benefit mankind on earth , and to fit them better for eternity , ( cheers . ) He might not have in himself the capabilities entirely to fill all thc duties of the offices he might take , but since he had had thc honour of ruling over that province , he had met with such kindness
of feeling , such nobleness of sentiment , such kind expressions of brotherly love and affection from those he ruled over , that he had felt how very great were his shortcomings . He asketl the three Masters of the lodges at Blackburn , who had drawn the memorial , to accept from him , as a Past Grantl Officer of England , his testimony to thc zeal which he had always found to exist in the lodges
of thc province and in Blackburn in particular . He thought that although he had come amongst them almost as a stranger , he had received more kindness in that town than in any town in Lancashire ; and hc felt an interest in their welfare and in the borough , which was second to
none in thc county in his feelings . ( Cheers . ) Whatever he could do for them in his social life , or elsewhere , he would be glad to do it . As lis friend upon his right ( Bro . Coddington ) had said he did like the life of a country squire . He liked to live amongst his people : and after thc marked kindness which he had
Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.
received , it would be a vcry strange phase and a very queer turn for him to take if he ever forgot it . There might be clearer air , brighter scenes , nobler rivers , and more gorgeous scenery than they could boast , but there were no hearts in the world like the hearts of Lancashire men . ( Cheers . ) It was said that no man was a prophet in his own country , but let a man be what he was in any
situation , he would find in Lancashire that he was esteemed and was reckoned up every day as much as the price of consols in the papers . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Never would hc elesert the friends who had clustered round him ; never would he give way to feelings of aggrandisement against his neighbour . ( Hear , hear . ) He reciprocated to them all the kind feeling they had shown to him ,
and asking them only to be to his faults a little kind , hc would fill thc position he held as well as he could until he passed the great gulf which separates this world from another . If they lived another ten years , might they maintain thc friendship that now existed ; might he never do a dishonest act ; but might he do honour to his family , and be faithful to his friends and to his country .
( Loud cheers . ) Bro . Ashworth proposed a vote of thanks to the chair . Bro . Blankhorn seconded the motion , which was supported by Bro . Starkie , and received in the manner suggested . The proceedings then terminated , and the company adjourned to the ball-room .
The ball , which was held in the assembly-room , was in aid of the funds of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational Benevolent Institution . It was exceedingly well attended , and passed off with the greatest eclat . The handsome hall and its adjuncts had been elaborately and tastefully decorated by Mr . F . Thomas , Market-place , whose well known taste in this class of
work was perhaps more happily displayed on this occasion than at any previous time . In front of the entrance of the Town Hall an awning was erected , and the vestibule was filled with choice plants from the conservatories of Col . Feilden , the whole being lighted by a handsome transparency of the Prince of Wales' plume and motto . The stairs , corridors , and landing were richly carpeted in
enmson and relieved with plants ; and thc rooms devoted respectively to the ladies and gentlemen as cloak rooms , were replete with everything necessary for comfort antl convenience . In the ball room a number of cabinets were placed in convenient positions , antl each was surmounted with a large mirror and furnished with a very choice assortment of ornaments , which latter , along with a
number of vases , & c , on the mantel-pieces , and in other parts of thc room , were kindly lent by Mr . Pinder , of thc Market-place . The company was a most brilliant or . e , representing , as it did , most of the leading families in the town and district . The Masonic brethren were dressed in the costumes and decorated with the jewels of the Order , in accordance
with their several positions anel rank in the Craft . At certain periods during tlie evening , those who were members of the higher degrees retired , and re-entered the room , attiretl in their respective costumes . The Royal Arch degree , we may add , was very strongly represented . Later 011 those belonging to the Knight 1 emplar degree formed in procession , and on reaching the centre of the
room , what is termed the " Arch of Steel " was formed , This was effected by the members passing each other in pairs , underneath their swords . This costume and one or two others representing still higher degrees , though somewhat singular to eyes unaccustomed to this kind of demonstration , was exceedingly picturesque . One or two quadrilles werc formetl , the
gentlemen in which were Knights Templars , and this was per haps thc happiest effect producetl by the change of attire The ladies' dresses were , we need hartily say , rich and di versified , and the result was , as may be supposed , charm ing . The band was provided by Bro . Goodwin , Prov . G Org . of East Lancashire . Bros . A . Blenkhorn antl W .
Counscll performed the duties of Masters of Ceremonies , and werc assisted by the following gentlemen , who acted as Stewards : Bros . W . Ashburn , J . Bcrtwistle , J . Brieily , E . Brooks , S . L . Buckley , E . Halliwell , J . Heap , W . Lamb , F . T . Mercer , H . T . Piatt , J . Pye , O . Sugar , ! ¦ ' . Thomas , J . Troupe , and J . W . Walsh . Bros . W . H . Cunliffe , antl D . Towers officiated as Directors of the Masonic Ceremonies .
A silver mine , the ore of which is stated to be unusually rich , has according to the Norwegian papers , been discovered in the Nam Valley . The discoverer will probably receive a Government grant of about 400 , 000
crowns . The German Parliament has been summoned for Feb . 6 th . Mr . Henry Dymond , the special correspondent of the Morning Advertiser in the Russo-Turkish war , was initiated on Monday last in the Enfield Lodge , No , ' 2 .-I 7-
We are very pleased to learn that the health of our Royal brother Prince Leopold , has so far improved , as to permit of his taking a little exercise on the terrace of the Palace at Windsor . CLEOPATRA ' S NEEDLE . —Lloy d ' s agents at
Scilly reported to Lloyd ' s this afternoon that the weather at Scilly for some days past had been remarkably fine and scttlctl with a smooth sea , very favourable for the Cleopatra passing the Bay of Biscay . At the time of the telegram being despatched from Scilly ( afternoon of the 17 th ) the wind was northwest . —Globe .
The following gentlemen have been elected as associates of the Royal Academy of Arts : —Briton Riviere , painter ; J . E , Coehm , sculptor ; Alfred Watcrhouse , architect .