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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
After business the brethren sat down to a sumptuous banquet laid in the lodge-room . After the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts , ( Bros . Alarsh . Skeaf , and Johnson acknowledging that eif the P . G , officers ) , the W . M . proposed " " The West Lancashire Alasonic Educational Institution , " ant ]
in doing so referred to the exertions of Bro . H . Newman on behalf of the charity , whereby the Temple Lodge had perhaps more Life Governors than any others within thc province . Bro . Newman , whose name was coupled with the toast , and who was most enthusiastically received , said he had done no more in connection with the
Institution than he would be delighted to eh . again . " England expected every man to do his duty , " and he thought every Mason was only doing his duty in seeking to nrovide for the etlucation and advancement of his brother ' s orphan children ( loud cheers ) . He hoped that neit a
single , brother would rest contented until he had become a Life Governor . Bre > . Danson , I . P . M . then gave "The Worship ful Alaster , " and in doing so alluded to the qualities which peculiarly fitted Bro . Martin for fulfilling the duties of his office . The W . M ., replieel in eloquent terms ,
and assured the brethren that his greatest aim would be to fulfil the functions of his important office lo the best of his ability , anel to the entire satisfaction of the brethren " The Newl y Initiated Brother " was acknowledged by Brei . Birch , and "The P . M . ' s eif Lodge 1094 , " by Bros .
Johnson , Crane , anel Smith , the W . M ., next gave "The I . P . M .. Installing Officer , " to which Bro . Dawson replieel in suitable terms , "'Ihe Officers , " respontleel toby Bro . Gibson , S . W . ; Bro . Washington , J . W . ; J . Wood , Treas . ; and
others , and "The Visiting Brethren , " acknowledged b y Bros . Clegg , Donaldson , Porter , anel others , were the remaining toasts . Excellent songs were contributed during the evening by Bros . Dawson , Washington , Levett , Clegg . Lei g hton , and others .
RAMSGATE . —Lewises Lodge ( No . 1209 ) . — The installation meeting eif this Lodge was held at the Koyal Hotel , Ramsgate , em Wednesday , April 9 th . The Brethren assembled at 3 o ' cltick , and the Lodge was opened in the first degree . Bro . Cassingham was examined and
entrusted , anel then retired . I he Lodge was opened in the second tlegree , and Bro . Alartin , A . F . C , of the : Royal Navy Loelge ( No . 429 ) . was examined as to his knowledge of the second degree anel , having preivrel his proficiency , was entrusted . The Lodge was opened in the thirtl
degree , and Bro . Wnoiton , P G . A . S ., W . M ., having vacated the chair , Bro . Winch . P . G . J . D ., W . M ., ( 429 ) , raised Bro . Alartin to the sublime degieee of M . M . 'Ihe ceremony was ably perfoinntl , anel renelere d the more impressive b y the musical accompaniment of Bro . Larkin who
presided at ' . he organ . Bro . Weiotton resumed th ? Lotige in the second degree , anel passed Brei . Cassitigh . un . Uro . Lewis Finch , P . M ., 429 , and 1 , 209 , PI'G . D . C , the Installing Master , then took the Chair ; and Bro . Weioton presented Bro . Bedford N . Hiscocks , the . W . Al . elect ; who ,
after promising adherence to the ancient charges and regulations , ttie . k the O . B . of a W . M . elect . A Bounl of Installed Alasters was formed , anel , the Brethren below that rank having retired , Bro . B . N . Hiscocks was dul y installed in the chair of K . S ., with the e . usttmiary ceremonies . The Biethren saluted the W . Al . in the three several
degrees , and the following officers were invested , viz . —Brtis . Call , S . W ; A . Wootoii , W . Al . 127 , J . . ; Lewis Finch , 'Ireasurer ; B . L . Hiscocks , Secretary ; Geo . Page , S . D . ; James W . Smith , J . D . ; Crux , D . C ; Larkin , Org . ; Eelwarel J . Smith , I . G . ; Jeilm Fincn , Steward ; Gee ) ,
Meager , Tyler . The remainder of the installation ceremony was performed by Bro . L . Finch , and the W . M . cl-ised the Lotige . The Brethren , ineludii g visitors Irani Sandwiih , Margate , Dartfoiu , and other places , a'ljotirncel to a banquet
which by the superior quality of the dishes and the excellence of the wines , gave great satisfaction tei all . Among the toasts which followed none was drunk with more heartiness than that ol ' the W . AL ; great stress being laid r . pon the fact that lie was the first candidate for initiation
after the consecration of the Lodge , that he is a Lewis ( his father being an old and esteemed Mason and the Secretary of the Lodge ) , and that
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
he is one of those who gave rise to the name of the Lodge , it having been established especially in order to afford to the sons of members of the Royal Navy Lodge opportunities of more rapid promotion than could be had in that Lodge , which was , and is still , of great numerical
strength . AIACBOXALD LODGE ( 1216 ) . —This lodge held its regular meeting for election of W . M . and olficers , at the head-quarters of the First Surrey Rifles , Camberwell , on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., wlvm were present , Bros . Waterall , "W . AL ;
S . H . Wagstaff " , I . P . AI . ; lames Stevens , P . AL . as S . W . j . II . Haske , S . D ., as J . W . ; AI . S . Larlham , J . D . ; Dr . Eugene Cronin , Treas . ; J . J . Curtis , Sec . ; Hammond , I . G . ; F . Cozens , Org . ; Fletcher , Steward ; and Bros . Utile , Williams , Collins , Alexander . Gray , Styan , Bradley ,
Mayo , and others , anel visitors , Bros . A . Woodcock , j . W . 1201 ; and G . F . Smith , 1 S 4 . The minutes ofthe previous regular meeting and of a subsequent loelge of emergency having been confirmed , Bros . Bradley , Capt . Styan , and Capt . Mayo were severally raised to the sublime degree
eif M . M ., with the usual perfect musical ceremony . The lodge having been closed for the first elegree , Alessrs . B . B . Joy , R . C . Culling , and Thomas Day , efficient members of the corps and unanimously approved of on ballot , were severally introduced and initiated into the Oreler .
The elections for the ensuing year were then proceeded with , anel Bro . G . H . Newington Bridges , the Senior Warden ( unfortunately absent anel on the Continent seeking restoration to health ) , was unanimousl y elected W . AL The hi g hly respected Treasurer , Bro . Dr . Eugene Cronin , was
also re-elected without a dissentient . Bros . F . Williams , and Hale were appointed on the Audit Committee , Bro . Stevens , P . AL , proposed , and it was unanimousl y voted " that a P . M . Jewel of the value of ten guineas , and of the adopted pattern , be presented to Bro . George Witenall in
appreciation of his valuable services to the lodge , and of the ability displayed by him as AV . M . during thc past year . " The lodge was then closed , and refreshment followed labour , the brethren thoroughl y enjoying the brief period allowed for this purpose and separating in perfect
harmony . The Installation meeting is appointed lor the Sth May , when consequent upon the welldeserved popularity eif the W . M . elect , and the general good report in which this lodge is held , a large gathering and meist pleasant entertainment may be confidently anticipated .
LEICESTER —Commercial Lotige ( No . 1391 ) . —The twenty-first meeting eif this young and flourishing Leielge was ceinveiied em llie 12 th inst . The Leielge was opened at 4 p . m . The minutes ofthe previous Lodge , held March Sth anel 24 th respectively , having been confirmed , anel the
ballot declare d clear in the election of a candidate , the W . M . then proceeded tei install his successor . The newl y installed Master then appointed and invested his officers , viz .: Bros . j . B . Hall , I . P . M . ; Dr . Clifton , S . W . R . A . Barber , jun ., J . . ; A . G . Chamberlin , Sec . ; W . II .
Chamberlin , Asst . Sec ; E . Alason , S . D . ; B . Aloore , J . D . ; G . Matts , J . G . ; G . Crofts , Dir . Cer . ; Alfred Chamberlin , Org . ; J . S . and W . R . Tomlins , Stewards ; Bembridge and Dunn , Tylers . The Treasurer ' s accounts were presented and confirmed , showing a balance in hand em the
General Account of £ z $ 17 s . 6 d . ; anel : \ balance eif £ 4 13 s . 9 el . on tlie Benevolent Fund Account . In tlie first year of the existence eif this Lodge , it has raised up wards of fift y guineas for charitable purposes , including a donation to the Girls ' School of £$ c , s ., £ 11 tei the Boys' School (
proceeds eif a ball he-Ul March 10 th , 1873 ) , and £ 10 iSs . < 5 d . subscribed b y the Members of the Lodge tei a fund raised in this Province to purchase L ; wis into the Boys' School . The W . M . then rose for the first and second times . Tiie charity box was then carrietl round the Loelge , yielding 21 s . 2 d . By this means alone ,
daring the year , / . ' 16 14 s . ud . has been realised—proof of the estimate the Brethren eif this Lodge put upon that virtue which is justl y denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . The W . AL then rose feir the third and last time , anel after four candidates had been proposed for initiation , and the hearty good wishes of the visiting Brethren
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had been duly acknowledged , the lodge was closed in due form , and the Brethren adjourned to the banquet . The attendance was not quite so numerous as was expected , owing partly that next Friday , the iSth , has been fixed for the Installation
of the Right Hon . and Right AVorshipful Bro . Karl Ferrers , P . G . AI ., designate , and that Saturday proved an inconvenient day for many of the Brethren of our own and the sister Lodges . Notwithstantlinirthisdrawback those that attended
were hi g hl y deli g hted with the proceedings . The Stewards p laced before the brethren the , delicacies of the season , the Worshi p ful Master presiding with conspicuous ability . After grace the usual loyal anel Alasonic toasts were given . " The Queen and the Craft , " " the G . AL , his Deputy , and Grantl
Lodge . " " TheProvincial Grand Master , designate , the kt . Hem . and Rt . AVorshi p ful Bro . Earl Ferrers . " " The Past Pro . Grand Alaster , the Rt . AVorshipful Bro . W . Kelly , " responded to by Bro . S . S . Partridge , Prov . G . Registrar . The LP . Alaster then crave the toast of the eveninsr . " The
Worship ful Master of the Commercial Lodge , Bro J . Halford , and success tei his Leielge . " Thc W . AL , after thanking the Brethren for the enthusiastic manner in which Bro . Hall had presented that toast to their notice , assured them he was duly sensible of the very hig h honour the }
had done him in placing him in that proud position , anel no efforts on his part would be wanting to fully justify the confidence the Brethren had reposed in him ; and with such a stall" of officers he had the good fortune to be supported by , he believed the ceremonies of the
hotl y would be most efficiently performed . Again thanking the Brethren , the AV . AL concluded by proposing the LP . M ., Bro . Hall ' s health . Bro . Hall , after thanking the brethren for thc kind manner in which they had drunk his health ,
said the official position he then held , that of I . P . AL , proved the lodge had a history , although a brief one , still it enabled them to take a retrospective glance , and they were justly proud of what had been clone , and grateful to the G . A . O . T . I J . for the success that had attended their efforts in
forming that lodge and conducting it through its infancy . It had now arrived at that age that it might fairl y expect to feel its feet . He could not hel p reminding the AVorshipful Alaster when he assumed that position , lie cotilel only offer the
brethren words of promise , and when a little cloud hung over their lodge his hope was in tlie future . The prosperity and success of thc lodge was an accomplished fact , and the prospect was all that could be desired , with such an able anel zealous Alaster in the chair . The . toast of
;< ' 1 he Officers was responded to by Bro . Barber , jun ., J . W ., anel the S . D . Bro . Barber , in responding , regretted the absence eif the S . W ., who would have responded far more ably than it was possible feir him to do . He said , W . AL , I cannot but think that you are fortunate in having invested
to-mtrht such an useful set of olficers , for cummencmg with the P . AI . ' s , they IJall , IPaile upon you , and I am sure our S . W . ( the most popular investment you have made to-ni ght ) will for his year of office interpret freel y the letters he usually signs at the end of his name , M . D ., as Alasonic
Duty instead of Memey Down ( laughter and cheers ) . Of the J . W . I cannot say much , at all events , he is the Barber of the lodge , and , judging from the appearance of most of the faces eif the members , he will not often have occasion to close shave any of them . Well , W . Alaster , reaching
Secretary , and Assistant Secretary , of course upon all state occasions you will have your Clmmberlins in attendance , and going on tei the S 1 ) . if you have not an excellent officer in him who is a born Mason as well as a Freemason , it would be a pity ; in case , however , of this doubledyed Mason not being sufficient for his work you
have Moore ( J . D . ) belvnd . Passing on , Worshipful Sir , through Crofts ( Directorof Ceremonies ) , wo come to the I . G ., anel what is there more appropriate at the entrance of the lodge than a Matt , our Alatt , however is made of excellent fibre , btit it will not stand trampling upon ; our I . G ., in particular , is a tragedian eif no nuan oreler , anel would use both blood anel orateirical thunder to
prevent improper knowledge oi our mysteries being obtained . So far , AVorshipful Alaster , I have managed fairly , but as soon as I reach tmtside to look for Bembridge , I ' m Dunn ( Tylers ) . 1 Much laughter ) . Joking apart , Worshi p ful Sir
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
After business the brethren sat down to a sumptuous banquet laid in the lodge-room . After the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts , ( Bros . Alarsh . Skeaf , and Johnson acknowledging that eif the P . G , officers ) , the W . M . proposed " " The West Lancashire Alasonic Educational Institution , " ant ]
in doing so referred to the exertions of Bro . H . Newman on behalf of the charity , whereby the Temple Lodge had perhaps more Life Governors than any others within thc province . Bro . Newman , whose name was coupled with the toast , and who was most enthusiastically received , said he had done no more in connection with the
Institution than he would be delighted to eh . again . " England expected every man to do his duty , " and he thought every Mason was only doing his duty in seeking to nrovide for the etlucation and advancement of his brother ' s orphan children ( loud cheers ) . He hoped that neit a
single , brother would rest contented until he had become a Life Governor . Bre > . Danson , I . P . M . then gave "The Worship ful Alaster , " and in doing so alluded to the qualities which peculiarly fitted Bro . Martin for fulfilling the duties of his office . The W . M ., replieel in eloquent terms ,
and assured the brethren that his greatest aim would be to fulfil the functions of his important office lo the best of his ability , anel to the entire satisfaction of the brethren " The Newl y Initiated Brother " was acknowledged by Brei . Birch , and "The P . M . ' s eif Lodge 1094 , " by Bros .
Johnson , Crane , anel Smith , the W . M ., next gave "The I . P . M .. Installing Officer , " to which Bro . Dawson replieel in suitable terms , "'Ihe Officers , " respontleel toby Bro . Gibson , S . W . ; Bro . Washington , J . W . ; J . Wood , Treas . ; and
others , and "The Visiting Brethren , " acknowledged b y Bros . Clegg , Donaldson , Porter , anel others , were the remaining toasts . Excellent songs were contributed during the evening by Bros . Dawson , Washington , Levett , Clegg . Lei g hton , and others .
RAMSGATE . —Lewises Lodge ( No . 1209 ) . — The installation meeting eif this Lodge was held at the Koyal Hotel , Ramsgate , em Wednesday , April 9 th . The Brethren assembled at 3 o ' cltick , and the Lodge was opened in the first degree . Bro . Cassingham was examined and
entrusted , anel then retired . I he Lodge was opened in the second tlegree , and Bro . Alartin , A . F . C , of the : Royal Navy Loelge ( No . 429 ) . was examined as to his knowledge of the second degree anel , having preivrel his proficiency , was entrusted . The Lodge was opened in the thirtl
degree , and Bro . Wnoiton , P G . A . S ., W . M ., having vacated the chair , Bro . Winch . P . G . J . D ., W . M ., ( 429 ) , raised Bro . Alartin to the sublime degieee of M . M . 'Ihe ceremony was ably perfoinntl , anel renelere d the more impressive b y the musical accompaniment of Bro . Larkin who
presided at ' . he organ . Bro . Weiotton resumed th ? Lotige in the second degree , anel passed Brei . Cassitigh . un . Uro . Lewis Finch , P . M ., 429 , and 1 , 209 , PI'G . D . C , the Installing Master , then took the Chair ; and Bro . Weioton presented Bro . Bedford N . Hiscocks , the . W . Al . elect ; who ,
after promising adherence to the ancient charges and regulations , ttie . k the O . B . of a W . M . elect . A Bounl of Installed Alasters was formed , anel , the Brethren below that rank having retired , Bro . B . N . Hiscocks was dul y installed in the chair of K . S ., with the e . usttmiary ceremonies . The Biethren saluted the W . Al . in the three several
degrees , and the following officers were invested , viz . —Brtis . Call , S . W ; A . Wootoii , W . Al . 127 , J . . ; Lewis Finch , 'Ireasurer ; B . L . Hiscocks , Secretary ; Geo . Page , S . D . ; James W . Smith , J . D . ; Crux , D . C ; Larkin , Org . ; Eelwarel J . Smith , I . G . ; Jeilm Fincn , Steward ; Gee ) ,
Meager , Tyler . The remainder of the installation ceremony was performed by Bro . L . Finch , and the W . M . cl-ised the Lotige . The Brethren , ineludii g visitors Irani Sandwiih , Margate , Dartfoiu , and other places , a'ljotirncel to a banquet
which by the superior quality of the dishes and the excellence of the wines , gave great satisfaction tei all . Among the toasts which followed none was drunk with more heartiness than that ol ' the W . AL ; great stress being laid r . pon the fact that lie was the first candidate for initiation
after the consecration of the Lodge , that he is a Lewis ( his father being an old and esteemed Mason and the Secretary of the Lodge ) , and that
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
he is one of those who gave rise to the name of the Lodge , it having been established especially in order to afford to the sons of members of the Royal Navy Lodge opportunities of more rapid promotion than could be had in that Lodge , which was , and is still , of great numerical
strength . AIACBOXALD LODGE ( 1216 ) . —This lodge held its regular meeting for election of W . M . and olficers , at the head-quarters of the First Surrey Rifles , Camberwell , on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., wlvm were present , Bros . Waterall , "W . AL ;
S . H . Wagstaff " , I . P . AI . ; lames Stevens , P . AL . as S . W . j . II . Haske , S . D ., as J . W . ; AI . S . Larlham , J . D . ; Dr . Eugene Cronin , Treas . ; J . J . Curtis , Sec . ; Hammond , I . G . ; F . Cozens , Org . ; Fletcher , Steward ; and Bros . Utile , Williams , Collins , Alexander . Gray , Styan , Bradley ,
Mayo , and others , anel visitors , Bros . A . Woodcock , j . W . 1201 ; and G . F . Smith , 1 S 4 . The minutes ofthe previous regular meeting and of a subsequent loelge of emergency having been confirmed , Bros . Bradley , Capt . Styan , and Capt . Mayo were severally raised to the sublime degree
eif M . M ., with the usual perfect musical ceremony . The lodge having been closed for the first elegree , Alessrs . B . B . Joy , R . C . Culling , and Thomas Day , efficient members of the corps and unanimously approved of on ballot , were severally introduced and initiated into the Oreler .
The elections for the ensuing year were then proceeded with , anel Bro . G . H . Newington Bridges , the Senior Warden ( unfortunately absent anel on the Continent seeking restoration to health ) , was unanimousl y elected W . AL The hi g hly respected Treasurer , Bro . Dr . Eugene Cronin , was
also re-elected without a dissentient . Bros . F . Williams , and Hale were appointed on the Audit Committee , Bro . Stevens , P . AL , proposed , and it was unanimousl y voted " that a P . M . Jewel of the value of ten guineas , and of the adopted pattern , be presented to Bro . George Witenall in
appreciation of his valuable services to the lodge , and of the ability displayed by him as AV . M . during thc past year . " The lodge was then closed , and refreshment followed labour , the brethren thoroughl y enjoying the brief period allowed for this purpose and separating in perfect
harmony . The Installation meeting is appointed lor the Sth May , when consequent upon the welldeserved popularity eif the W . M . elect , and the general good report in which this lodge is held , a large gathering and meist pleasant entertainment may be confidently anticipated .
LEICESTER —Commercial Lotige ( No . 1391 ) . —The twenty-first meeting eif this young and flourishing Leielge was ceinveiied em llie 12 th inst . The Leielge was opened at 4 p . m . The minutes ofthe previous Lodge , held March Sth anel 24 th respectively , having been confirmed , anel the
ballot declare d clear in the election of a candidate , the W . M . then proceeded tei install his successor . The newl y installed Master then appointed and invested his officers , viz .: Bros . j . B . Hall , I . P . M . ; Dr . Clifton , S . W . R . A . Barber , jun ., J . . ; A . G . Chamberlin , Sec . ; W . II .
Chamberlin , Asst . Sec ; E . Alason , S . D . ; B . Aloore , J . D . ; G . Matts , J . G . ; G . Crofts , Dir . Cer . ; Alfred Chamberlin , Org . ; J . S . and W . R . Tomlins , Stewards ; Bembridge and Dunn , Tylers . The Treasurer ' s accounts were presented and confirmed , showing a balance in hand em the
General Account of £ z $ 17 s . 6 d . ; anel : \ balance eif £ 4 13 s . 9 el . on tlie Benevolent Fund Account . In tlie first year of the existence eif this Lodge , it has raised up wards of fift y guineas for charitable purposes , including a donation to the Girls ' School of £$ c , s ., £ 11 tei the Boys' School (
proceeds eif a ball he-Ul March 10 th , 1873 ) , and £ 10 iSs . < 5 d . subscribed b y the Members of the Lodge tei a fund raised in this Province to purchase L ; wis into the Boys' School . The W . M . then rose for the first and second times . Tiie charity box was then carrietl round the Loelge , yielding 21 s . 2 d . By this means alone ,
daring the year , / . ' 16 14 s . ud . has been realised—proof of the estimate the Brethren eif this Lodge put upon that virtue which is justl y denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . The W . AL then rose feir the third and last time , anel after four candidates had been proposed for initiation , and the hearty good wishes of the visiting Brethren
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had been duly acknowledged , the lodge was closed in due form , and the Brethren adjourned to the banquet . The attendance was not quite so numerous as was expected , owing partly that next Friday , the iSth , has been fixed for the Installation
of the Right Hon . and Right AVorshipful Bro . Karl Ferrers , P . G . AI ., designate , and that Saturday proved an inconvenient day for many of the Brethren of our own and the sister Lodges . Notwithstantlinirthisdrawback those that attended
were hi g hl y deli g hted with the proceedings . The Stewards p laced before the brethren the , delicacies of the season , the Worshi p ful Master presiding with conspicuous ability . After grace the usual loyal anel Alasonic toasts were given . " The Queen and the Craft , " " the G . AL , his Deputy , and Grantl
Lodge . " " TheProvincial Grand Master , designate , the kt . Hem . and Rt . AVorshi p ful Bro . Earl Ferrers . " " The Past Pro . Grand Alaster , the Rt . AVorshipful Bro . W . Kelly , " responded to by Bro . S . S . Partridge , Prov . G . Registrar . The LP . Alaster then crave the toast of the eveninsr . " The
Worship ful Master of the Commercial Lodge , Bro J . Halford , and success tei his Leielge . " Thc W . AL , after thanking the Brethren for the enthusiastic manner in which Bro . Hall had presented that toast to their notice , assured them he was duly sensible of the very hig h honour the }
had done him in placing him in that proud position , anel no efforts on his part would be wanting to fully justify the confidence the Brethren had reposed in him ; and with such a stall" of officers he had the good fortune to be supported by , he believed the ceremonies of the
hotl y would be most efficiently performed . Again thanking the Brethren , the AV . AL concluded by proposing the LP . M ., Bro . Hall ' s health . Bro . Hall , after thanking the brethren for thc kind manner in which they had drunk his health ,
said the official position he then held , that of I . P . AL , proved the lodge had a history , although a brief one , still it enabled them to take a retrospective glance , and they were justly proud of what had been clone , and grateful to the G . A . O . T . I J . for the success that had attended their efforts in
forming that lodge and conducting it through its infancy . It had now arrived at that age that it might fairl y expect to feel its feet . He could not hel p reminding the AVorshipful Alaster when he assumed that position , lie cotilel only offer the
brethren words of promise , and when a little cloud hung over their lodge his hope was in tlie future . The prosperity and success of thc lodge was an accomplished fact , and the prospect was all that could be desired , with such an able anel zealous Alaster in the chair . The . toast of
;< ' 1 he Officers was responded to by Bro . Barber , jun ., J . W ., anel the S . D . Bro . Barber , in responding , regretted the absence eif the S . W ., who would have responded far more ably than it was possible feir him to do . He said , W . AL , I cannot but think that you are fortunate in having invested
to-mtrht such an useful set of olficers , for cummencmg with the P . AI . ' s , they IJall , IPaile upon you , and I am sure our S . W . ( the most popular investment you have made to-ni ght ) will for his year of office interpret freel y the letters he usually signs at the end of his name , M . D ., as Alasonic
Duty instead of Memey Down ( laughter and cheers ) . Of the J . W . I cannot say much , at all events , he is the Barber of the lodge , and , judging from the appearance of most of the faces eif the members , he will not often have occasion to close shave any of them . Well , W . Alaster , reaching
Secretary , and Assistant Secretary , of course upon all state occasions you will have your Clmmberlins in attendance , and going on tei the S 1 ) . if you have not an excellent officer in him who is a born Mason as well as a Freemason , it would be a pity ; in case , however , of this doubledyed Mason not being sufficient for his work you
have Moore ( J . D . ) belvnd . Passing on , Worshipful Sir , through Crofts ( Directorof Ceremonies ) , wo come to the I . G ., anel what is there more appropriate at the entrance of the lodge than a Matt , our Alatt , however is made of excellent fibre , btit it will not stand trampling upon ; our I . G ., in particular , is a tragedian eif no nuan oreler , anel would use both blood anel orateirical thunder to
prevent improper knowledge oi our mysteries being obtained . So far , AVorshipful Alaster , I have managed fairly , but as soon as I reach tmtside to look for Bembridge , I ' m Dunn ( Tylers ) . 1 Much laughter ) . Joking apart , Worshi p ful Sir