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Article GRAND MARK LODGE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article ECLECTIC LODGE, No. L201, LADIES' BANQUET. Page 1 of 1 Article ECLECTIC LODGE, No. L201, LADIES' BANQUET. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Mark Lodge.
IX . Similar privileges are acquired by lodges on payment ' of double the above amounts . X . No app licant shall be elig ible for election unless the Va'her has been for at least three years a subscribing member of some Mark Lodge under the English Constitution . XL No child shall be admitted to the benefits of this Institution who is under eig ht or above thirteen years of
lCe , nor continue a recip ient after the age of sixteen . ' XII . No candidate shall be p laced on the list until approved of by the Board . XIH- Every petitioner shall produce a certificate signed by Vne Master and Secretary of the Mark Lodge in which the father was advanced , or of which he has been a subscribing member for at least three years , together with a
ccitificate or satisfactory proof of the date ot the birth of the app licant . XIV . A list of all approved candidates shall be sent by the Secretary to every subscriber at least fourteen days before the day of election .
XV . A quarterly report of the progress , conduct , and health of every child assisted by this Institution shall be required from the head of the educational establishment where the child is placed , and the General Board shall take such other steps as may be practicable for ascertaining the progress made by the child .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .
The Provincial Grand Mark Master Masons' Lodge , of the county Palatine of Lancaster , was held in the Town Hall , Bury , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., when a Urge number of Mark Masons assembled , under the presidency olthe M . W . Grand Mark Master , Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , Prov . G . M . ot Lancashire ; assisted by his deputy the R . W .
Bro . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , and thc following officers of Prov . Grand Lodge : — Bros . Geo . P . Brockbank , S . G . W . ; Edward Haywood , | . G . W . Thomas Wilson , G . M . O . ; Henry Lees Hollingwurtli , G . S . O . ; Frederick Dean , G . J . O . ; Augustus A . Bagshawe , G . Chap ; John Outfield , G . Treas . ; John Heap , G . Reg . ; John Chadwick , G . Sec . ; John Rancliffe ,
G . S . D . ; John Harwood , G . J . D . ; James 'Iayler , G . L of W . ; C . M . Jones , G . D . of Cir . ; R . W . Waterson , G . D . of C . ; Julius Armsberg , G . Swd . B . ; James Huartson , ( J . Std . 13 . ; Thomas " Horsfall , G . Org . ; G . E . Hanmcr , ( i . Purs ., together with about 120 brethren from all parts of the province . The Prov . G . Lodge was opened in form , and with
solemn prayer , about 3 10 p . m . Thc minutes of Prov . G . Lodge , held in Bolton , Oct . 22 nd , 1 S 77 , were submitted for confirmation . The Treasurer's accounts , duly audited , were presented and showed the very gratifying balance of £ \ 17 in favour of Prov . Grand Lodge . Bro . Charles F . Woodall , W . M . elect , Union Lodge
32 , vvas then unanimously elected Prov . Grand Treasurer , in the place of Bro . John Duflield , who , forhis valuable services in that capacity for nearly eight years , and to show the Prov . Grand Master's appreciation of the same , was appointed Prov . Grand Senior Warden for the year . The Prov . Grand Master then proceeded to appoint and invest the Prov . Grand Officers as follows : —
John Duffield Piov . S . G . W . James Shaw ... .. ... ... Prov . J . G . W . E . C . Milligan Prov . G . M . O . James Huaitson ... ... ... Prov . G . S . O . Kdward Diggle Prov . G . J . O . Augustus A . Bagshawe Prov . G . C . Joseph Harrison ... ... ... Prov . A . G . C . Henry f . Jackson ... ... ... Prov . G . R . C . F . VVoodall Prov . G . T .
John Chadwick Prov . G . S . George E . Hanmcr ... Prov . S . G . D . John Davison ,., ... Prov . J . G . D . Samuel Porritt Prov . G . L of W .
R . W . Waterson Prov . G . D . of C . T . W . Probert Prov . G . A . D . of C . Joseph Wood Prov . G . S . B . James Horrocks Prov . G . S . B . (" corge Lamb Cimpb : ll ... ... Prov . G . O . . 1 . L . Thorpe Prov . G . P . Bro . Brockbank rose , and in an eloquent speech , proposed " that the sum ol fifty guineas be given in the name
of the Prov . Grand Mark Master lo the Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows . " Tnis was ably seconded by Bro . Matier , and carried unanimously . The Deputy I'rov . Grand Master gave his best thanks to the brethren for their promise of fifty guineas to the Hoyal Masonic B nevoleni Institution , at the next Annual Festival , of which Institution he would have the honour to preside , and he hoped to be well supported by his Lancashire brethren .
The G . Secretary announced that every lodge in the province was represented , and all returns from lodges had been received , showing a great improvement on previous year ? , indicating an amount of attention and good work , and reflecting favourably upon the W . M . and officers of 'he various lodges , who lie ( the P . G . Secretary ) believed were now iu belter working order than in any previous year .
I he P . G , Sec . was now askctl by the Prov . G . M . to withdraw Irom the lodge , and when this had been done , iir ° . C . F . Matier , P . G . J . W ., rose , and proposed that the sum 11 £ 2 ;; he given each year for his services as P . G . ""¦ ee , one year ' s payment to date from October , 18 77 . Bro . latier
" spoke in the highest terms of the most satisfactory manner in whicli Bro . Chadwick had performed his Secre'inal duties during the last nine y-ars . Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . G . S . O . cf England , seconded the Proposition , which was supported by thc P . G . Chaplain ' . "ru . Bagshawe ) . Bro . J . Duffield , P . G . S . W . ( Past P . G .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.
Treas . ) , also referred to the great pleasure it had given him to work with Bro . Chadwick , and several other brethren spoke in very complimentary terms of the P . G . Secretary ' s indefatigable services , and of the great advantage which these had been to P . G . Lodge . The proposition was carried by acclamation . On the P . G . Secretary ' s re-entrance into the P . G . Lodge
the Prov . G . Master said he h-id great pleasure in informing him that Prov . G . Lodge had thought it right to pass a resolution giving to him , the Grand Secretary , twenty-five pounds per annum , ant to date retrospectively from Oct ., 1877 , and that he felt very proud to think that under these circumstances Bro . Chadwick ' s services could be secured , at least , for a time . He had served Prov . G . Lodge well
for nine years in that capacity , gratuitously , ar . d thought Prov . G . Lodge vvas well justified in what it had done . Requests were made from brethren from Rose and Thistle Lodge , Wigan , and also from Skelmersdale Lodge , Ashton-under-Lyne , to have next meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge held in their towns .
"Hearty Good Wishes" were expressed from brethren hailing from Yorkshire , Cheshire , Middlesex , and Surrey , and the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed at 4 . 30 p . m . The banquet was h : ld at the Derby Hotel , at 5 o ' clock , the M . W . G . Master , Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , presiding , when about sixty brethren sat down to a most excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Wm . Hadley .
Eclectic Lodge, No. L201, Ladies' Banquet.
ECLECTIC LODGE , No . L 201 , LADIES ' BANQUET .
Subsequent to the emergency meeting on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., of ivhich we have elsewhere given a report , the brethren , accompanied by their wives , lady friends , and a number of Masonic visitors , to whom special invitations had been given , assembled at the Holborn Restaurant , to
a banquet and soiree musicale . The arrangements had been planned and carried out by the W . M . and a committee of officers , and their efforts were ably seconded by Bro . Hamp , the enterprising manager of the Restaurant , a member of thc lodge . On arriving , thc brethren and guests were conducted to the " Duke ' s Saloon , " elegantly fitted up for the nonce as
a drawing room , where the necessary presentations to the W . M . and principal officers took place . At seven o'clock an adjournment was made to the banquctting-room , where a most elegant and recherche dinner was served , covers being laid for ninety-nine , and every seat being occupied . A pleasing feature at the tah'c was a list of toasts , interspersed with Shakisperian quoUlions , edited
and arranged by the W . M ., Bro . Arthur F . laylor . On the conclusion ot dinner grace was sung by Bros . II . Taylor , Bannister , Clegg , and Evans , and the usual toasts of "The Queen , " "The M . W . Grand Master , " an 1 "The Grand Officers , " were proposed hythe W . M ., and drunk with enthusiasm , but , of course , without thc honours usual at tyled Masonic banquets .
Bro . E . J . Harty , I . P . M ., in a few felicitous remarks , proposed " The Health of the W . M . and Mrs . Taylor , " assuring the ladies that the arduous duties of the lodge itself were carried out by Bro . Taylor with the same thoroughness and affability as they had seen him exhibit in the presidency ar the banquet-table . With regard to having a ladies' banquet he ( Bro . Harty ) hail , when the thing was
first mooted , almost doubted of its advisability , but on mature consideration , had given the idea his unqualified support , and he trusted that the initiative taken , and so ably carried out by the W . M ., and which bad this evening proved so signally successful , would be made an annual institution . The W . M ., in reply , said that even had the applause he
had just heard not been given , he should have felt amply rewarded by thc preserce of the brilliant assembly before him . He felt it au exceeding honour to have been enabled to welcome and preside over a more distinguished and numerous company than had ever before gracsd the banquet tabic of the Eclectic Lodge . After the toast of " The . Initiates" had been proposed
by the W . M ., and responded to by Bro . Parr , who stated how much he had baen impressed by the ceremonies he had pissed through , Bro . Dr . Pearse was delegated to propase tlv : toast ofthe evening , " The Ladies . " He said , this toast is one which , above all others , will be responded to , not only in the glass but in the heart of every brother here , The initiation , Worshipful Master , by you , of this new
orderof things , is worthy of your head and heart . Above all ether things woman stands highest in our Masonic history . We are reminded in it of that period of the world's history when , after the Great Architect ol the Universe had created man , He brought before him woman as His last antl best work . Thus she stands and will remain in the heart of every Mason throughout not only
all Christendom but of every country in the world of civilization . The ladies often tell us how selfish Masonry is—why not have us with you ? they say , what are your secrets , your signs ? But we forget them not ; we allude to them not only in our ceremonies , but in our affections as expressed in those ceremonies . Masonry consists not in a mere convivial regaling , not iu the mcrebaiinuettingof brethren ,
but 111 the principles which are founded nn the purest piety and virtue . " Bro . Pearce then concluded an eloquent oration with an allusion to the reli gious element in Masonry . TheJ . W ., Bro . W . S . Lee , on rising to respond , was greeted with loud applause , upon which he said , I am afraid the applause with which you have greeted me must
be taken as a truthful commentary on the fact of my having been appointed to reply to this toast , and which may be expressed by a famous N . B . " This is sarcasm , " because it really requires a brother of iron nerve , resolute determination , and magnificent eloquence , to reply to this by far the most important toast of the evening , whilst I , unfortunately , as the brethren well know , am the most
Eclectic Lodge, No. L201, Ladies' Banquet.
modest man in the Eclectic Lodge . ( Ironical Cheers . ) I have , however one qualification perhaps for the important position where I have been placed . Like Artemus Ward , I like little boys , 1 like little girls , that is , when they are very nice , but , oh ! the big girls immensely . ( Laughter . ) It is really superfluous that it should be thought necessary for any one to speak on behalf of the ladies , not only like
good wine do they need no praise or bush , but they are intertwined with the foundations , the corner stones , if we ever had any , our mothers , if we ever had any ( loud laughter ) , and being so intimately connected with Masonrv it is really a shame that they should ever be thrust out into the cold when we can always find room for them at our tables , as we always do in our hearts . ( Cheers . ) I
am glad the Eclectic Lodge is beginning to realise its responsibilities in this respect . I am glad that a certain ancient classic , Mr . Paris , is not here to night . You will remember that a few thousand years ago he was a good deal troubled to decide which of three young ladies was most engaging , he would certainly be driven crazy were he compelled to decide which is the most elegant , graceful , and
beautiful of those whom the brethren by some occult means best known to themselves , —that is one of the secrets of Freemasonry—have gathered together to honour us this evening with their presence . Not but that each brother could easily decide for himself which he would prefer , but that is rather a delicate matter and had better be passed . [ I know our sisters will think kindlier of Masonry for what
they have seen of its working to night , they will not grow cross if it takes away now and then a husband or a sweetheart temporarily from their sides , and I know that their presence here to night will influence and bless the Eclectic Lodge long after the memory of this plcasent evening shall have passed away . ( Loud Applause . ) Bro . Reid Canon Harford , P . M ., in replying for the
visiting brethren , said the presence of ladies was hardly an innovation , it vvas carrying out the law of nature . In the French lodges of the last century brethren and sisters met there together regularly . Bro . J . Stevens P . M ., in response to the " * same toast , made some capital remarks , some of which were lost to our reporter in the hearty bursts of laughter with which
they were greeted . He said he never knew such a remarkable contrast as the Eclectic Lodge of a few years ago and at the present moment . The Eclectic Lodge never ted , never met but upan Barmecide feast days . Dark , dreary , and comfortless were those days , when civilization had not laid a line or extended a compass . Compare the present occasion . Then the Eclectic Lodge did not dine , but a
" Harty " good fellow took hold of them as W . M ., and made them dine . He , with the co-o ,, eration of his officers , pulled them through a very difficult year , and now another brother , the present W . M ., had still further pushed ahead this extraordinary correct lodge . He always enjoyed his visits to the Eclectic Lodge , but never more than on the present occasion . He only wished his wife had been present
as he should have been able to convince her what he had during the whole period of his married life failed to do , that there wis some good in Freemasonry . Bro . Stevens concluded with complimenting the W . M . for his selection of Shakespearian quotations on thc toast list . Bro . Harty , I . P . M ., responded for the Past Masters , and Bro . Saul , S . W ., for the officers .
An excellent concert vvas then given by several brethren and ladies , the most noticeable feature being a duct for piano and harmonium , by Miss Hamp , a young lady of some nine or ten years , and Bro . A . L . Tamplin , the wellknown organis ' , who also subsequently treated the company to a solo on the latter instrument , which perfectly
entranced his hearers . A pianoforte solo by Miss Bolton , songs by Mr . Mander , Bros . R . Taylor , G . S . Graham , Knight Smith , and a wonderful performance by Bro . Graham , of the natural whistle , accompanied by the band , which was greatly applauded . The company separated about 12 o'clock , with mutual congratulations as to the success of the meeting .
Celebrated as the Emerald Isle is for its whisky , it promises to achieve an equally enviable notoriety for its tobacco , if we may judge from the growing demand made for that manufactured by Messrs . Murray , Sons and Co ., at their extensive factories in Belfast and Dublin . Thc favour with which the various tobaccos ot this particular firm have been received is , to a great
extent , due to the measures they have taken to ensure deliveries to them of the finest qualities only . All their special brands sent out to the retail dealers are encased in sealed packets , with the na-ne and trade mark ( a pine ) , so that purchasers may rely upon obtaining the genuine article . This guarantee , coupled with the acknowledged purity of Messrs . Murrays' tobaccos , has an important signification ( or smokers ; it is , therefore , hardly surprising that Messrs .
Murray should have contributed sa materially to obtain for the sister Isle , a reputation for tobacco second only to that which she enjoys for whiskey . The " mellow " smoking mixture , recently sent us from Belfast , well deserves the appellation with which its introducers have designated it , and will be welcomed by all pipe smokers ; a tribute equally merited hy Messrs . Murray's other brands , most of which can now be obtained of tobacconists in this
country . An Evening Entertainment for the pupils of the Royal Normal College and Academy of Music for the Blind will he given by Bro . Magnus Ohren , on Friday next , at 8 o ' clock , at the College , Upper Norwood . Aro . Ohren will be assisted by members of his family , and the Misses
Mahood . The entertainment will consist ot Readings , Songs , Ducts , etc . Bro . Sir Albert Woods , G . Dir . of Cer ., Garter King at Arms , went to Windsor Castle on Thursday , for the purpose of placing the banners of the Earl of Beaconsfield and thc Marquis of Salisbury in St . George ' s Chapel .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Mark Lodge.
IX . Similar privileges are acquired by lodges on payment ' of double the above amounts . X . No app licant shall be elig ible for election unless the Va'her has been for at least three years a subscribing member of some Mark Lodge under the English Constitution . XL No child shall be admitted to the benefits of this Institution who is under eig ht or above thirteen years of
lCe , nor continue a recip ient after the age of sixteen . ' XII . No candidate shall be p laced on the list until approved of by the Board . XIH- Every petitioner shall produce a certificate signed by Vne Master and Secretary of the Mark Lodge in which the father was advanced , or of which he has been a subscribing member for at least three years , together with a
ccitificate or satisfactory proof of the date ot the birth of the app licant . XIV . A list of all approved candidates shall be sent by the Secretary to every subscriber at least fourteen days before the day of election .
XV . A quarterly report of the progress , conduct , and health of every child assisted by this Institution shall be required from the head of the educational establishment where the child is placed , and the General Board shall take such other steps as may be practicable for ascertaining the progress made by the child .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF LANCASHIRE .
The Provincial Grand Mark Master Masons' Lodge , of the county Palatine of Lancaster , was held in the Town Hall , Bury , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., when a Urge number of Mark Masons assembled , under the presidency olthe M . W . Grand Mark Master , Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , Prov . G . M . ot Lancashire ; assisted by his deputy the R . W .
Bro . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , and thc following officers of Prov . Grand Lodge : — Bros . Geo . P . Brockbank , S . G . W . ; Edward Haywood , | . G . W . Thomas Wilson , G . M . O . ; Henry Lees Hollingwurtli , G . S . O . ; Frederick Dean , G . J . O . ; Augustus A . Bagshawe , G . Chap ; John Outfield , G . Treas . ; John Heap , G . Reg . ; John Chadwick , G . Sec . ; John Rancliffe ,
G . S . D . ; John Harwood , G . J . D . ; James 'Iayler , G . L of W . ; C . M . Jones , G . D . of Cir . ; R . W . Waterson , G . D . of C . ; Julius Armsberg , G . Swd . B . ; James Huartson , ( J . Std . 13 . ; Thomas " Horsfall , G . Org . ; G . E . Hanmcr , ( i . Purs ., together with about 120 brethren from all parts of the province . The Prov . G . Lodge was opened in form , and with
solemn prayer , about 3 10 p . m . Thc minutes of Prov . G . Lodge , held in Bolton , Oct . 22 nd , 1 S 77 , were submitted for confirmation . The Treasurer's accounts , duly audited , were presented and showed the very gratifying balance of £ \ 17 in favour of Prov . Grand Lodge . Bro . Charles F . Woodall , W . M . elect , Union Lodge
32 , vvas then unanimously elected Prov . Grand Treasurer , in the place of Bro . John Duflield , who , forhis valuable services in that capacity for nearly eight years , and to show the Prov . Grand Master's appreciation of the same , was appointed Prov . Grand Senior Warden for the year . The Prov . Grand Master then proceeded to appoint and invest the Prov . Grand Officers as follows : —
John Duffield Piov . S . G . W . James Shaw ... .. ... ... Prov . J . G . W . E . C . Milligan Prov . G . M . O . James Huaitson ... ... ... Prov . G . S . O . Kdward Diggle Prov . G . J . O . Augustus A . Bagshawe Prov . G . C . Joseph Harrison ... ... ... Prov . A . G . C . Henry f . Jackson ... ... ... Prov . G . R . C . F . VVoodall Prov . G . T .
John Chadwick Prov . G . S . George E . Hanmcr ... Prov . S . G . D . John Davison ,., ... Prov . J . G . D . Samuel Porritt Prov . G . L of W .
R . W . Waterson Prov . G . D . of C . T . W . Probert Prov . G . A . D . of C . Joseph Wood Prov . G . S . B . James Horrocks Prov . G . S . B . (" corge Lamb Cimpb : ll ... ... Prov . G . O . . 1 . L . Thorpe Prov . G . P . Bro . Brockbank rose , and in an eloquent speech , proposed " that the sum ol fifty guineas be given in the name
of the Prov . Grand Mark Master lo the Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows . " Tnis was ably seconded by Bro . Matier , and carried unanimously . The Deputy I'rov . Grand Master gave his best thanks to the brethren for their promise of fifty guineas to the Hoyal Masonic B nevoleni Institution , at the next Annual Festival , of which Institution he would have the honour to preside , and he hoped to be well supported by his Lancashire brethren .
The G . Secretary announced that every lodge in the province was represented , and all returns from lodges had been received , showing a great improvement on previous year ? , indicating an amount of attention and good work , and reflecting favourably upon the W . M . and officers of 'he various lodges , who lie ( the P . G . Secretary ) believed were now iu belter working order than in any previous year .
I he P . G , Sec . was now askctl by the Prov . G . M . to withdraw Irom the lodge , and when this had been done , iir ° . C . F . Matier , P . G . J . W ., rose , and proposed that the sum 11 £ 2 ;; he given each year for his services as P . G . ""¦ ee , one year ' s payment to date from October , 18 77 . Bro . latier
" spoke in the highest terms of the most satisfactory manner in whicli Bro . Chadwick had performed his Secre'inal duties during the last nine y-ars . Bro . J . R . Goepel , P . G . S . O . cf England , seconded the Proposition , which was supported by thc P . G . Chaplain ' . "ru . Bagshawe ) . Bro . J . Duffield , P . G . S . W . ( Past P . G .
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Lancashire.
Treas . ) , also referred to the great pleasure it had given him to work with Bro . Chadwick , and several other brethren spoke in very complimentary terms of the P . G . Secretary ' s indefatigable services , and of the great advantage which these had been to P . G . Lodge . The proposition was carried by acclamation . On the P . G . Secretary ' s re-entrance into the P . G . Lodge
the Prov . G . Master said he h-id great pleasure in informing him that Prov . G . Lodge had thought it right to pass a resolution giving to him , the Grand Secretary , twenty-five pounds per annum , ant to date retrospectively from Oct ., 1877 , and that he felt very proud to think that under these circumstances Bro . Chadwick ' s services could be secured , at least , for a time . He had served Prov . G . Lodge well
for nine years in that capacity , gratuitously , ar . d thought Prov . G . Lodge vvas well justified in what it had done . Requests were made from brethren from Rose and Thistle Lodge , Wigan , and also from Skelmersdale Lodge , Ashton-under-Lyne , to have next meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge held in their towns .
"Hearty Good Wishes" were expressed from brethren hailing from Yorkshire , Cheshire , Middlesex , and Surrey , and the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed at 4 . 30 p . m . The banquet was h : ld at the Derby Hotel , at 5 o ' clock , the M . W . G . Master , Bro . Lord Skelmersdale , presiding , when about sixty brethren sat down to a most excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Wm . Hadley .
Eclectic Lodge, No. L201, Ladies' Banquet.
ECLECTIC LODGE , No . L 201 , LADIES ' BANQUET .
Subsequent to the emergency meeting on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., of ivhich we have elsewhere given a report , the brethren , accompanied by their wives , lady friends , and a number of Masonic visitors , to whom special invitations had been given , assembled at the Holborn Restaurant , to
a banquet and soiree musicale . The arrangements had been planned and carried out by the W . M . and a committee of officers , and their efforts were ably seconded by Bro . Hamp , the enterprising manager of the Restaurant , a member of thc lodge . On arriving , thc brethren and guests were conducted to the " Duke ' s Saloon , " elegantly fitted up for the nonce as
a drawing room , where the necessary presentations to the W . M . and principal officers took place . At seven o'clock an adjournment was made to the banquctting-room , where a most elegant and recherche dinner was served , covers being laid for ninety-nine , and every seat being occupied . A pleasing feature at the tah'c was a list of toasts , interspersed with Shakisperian quoUlions , edited
and arranged by the W . M ., Bro . Arthur F . laylor . On the conclusion ot dinner grace was sung by Bros . II . Taylor , Bannister , Clegg , and Evans , and the usual toasts of "The Queen , " "The M . W . Grand Master , " an 1 "The Grand Officers , " were proposed hythe W . M ., and drunk with enthusiasm , but , of course , without thc honours usual at tyled Masonic banquets .
Bro . E . J . Harty , I . P . M ., in a few felicitous remarks , proposed " The Health of the W . M . and Mrs . Taylor , " assuring the ladies that the arduous duties of the lodge itself were carried out by Bro . Taylor with the same thoroughness and affability as they had seen him exhibit in the presidency ar the banquet-table . With regard to having a ladies' banquet he ( Bro . Harty ) hail , when the thing was
first mooted , almost doubted of its advisability , but on mature consideration , had given the idea his unqualified support , and he trusted that the initiative taken , and so ably carried out by the W . M ., and which bad this evening proved so signally successful , would be made an annual institution . The W . M ., in reply , said that even had the applause he
had just heard not been given , he should have felt amply rewarded by thc preserce of the brilliant assembly before him . He felt it au exceeding honour to have been enabled to welcome and preside over a more distinguished and numerous company than had ever before gracsd the banquet tabic of the Eclectic Lodge . After the toast of " The . Initiates" had been proposed
by the W . M ., and responded to by Bro . Parr , who stated how much he had baen impressed by the ceremonies he had pissed through , Bro . Dr . Pearse was delegated to propase tlv : toast ofthe evening , " The Ladies . " He said , this toast is one which , above all others , will be responded to , not only in the glass but in the heart of every brother here , The initiation , Worshipful Master , by you , of this new
orderof things , is worthy of your head and heart . Above all ether things woman stands highest in our Masonic history . We are reminded in it of that period of the world's history when , after the Great Architect ol the Universe had created man , He brought before him woman as His last antl best work . Thus she stands and will remain in the heart of every Mason throughout not only
all Christendom but of every country in the world of civilization . The ladies often tell us how selfish Masonry is—why not have us with you ? they say , what are your secrets , your signs ? But we forget them not ; we allude to them not only in our ceremonies , but in our affections as expressed in those ceremonies . Masonry consists not in a mere convivial regaling , not iu the mcrebaiinuettingof brethren ,
but 111 the principles which are founded nn the purest piety and virtue . " Bro . Pearce then concluded an eloquent oration with an allusion to the reli gious element in Masonry . TheJ . W ., Bro . W . S . Lee , on rising to respond , was greeted with loud applause , upon which he said , I am afraid the applause with which you have greeted me must
be taken as a truthful commentary on the fact of my having been appointed to reply to this toast , and which may be expressed by a famous N . B . " This is sarcasm , " because it really requires a brother of iron nerve , resolute determination , and magnificent eloquence , to reply to this by far the most important toast of the evening , whilst I , unfortunately , as the brethren well know , am the most
Eclectic Lodge, No. L201, Ladies' Banquet.
modest man in the Eclectic Lodge . ( Ironical Cheers . ) I have , however one qualification perhaps for the important position where I have been placed . Like Artemus Ward , I like little boys , 1 like little girls , that is , when they are very nice , but , oh ! the big girls immensely . ( Laughter . ) It is really superfluous that it should be thought necessary for any one to speak on behalf of the ladies , not only like
good wine do they need no praise or bush , but they are intertwined with the foundations , the corner stones , if we ever had any , our mothers , if we ever had any ( loud laughter ) , and being so intimately connected with Masonrv it is really a shame that they should ever be thrust out into the cold when we can always find room for them at our tables , as we always do in our hearts . ( Cheers . ) I
am glad the Eclectic Lodge is beginning to realise its responsibilities in this respect . I am glad that a certain ancient classic , Mr . Paris , is not here to night . You will remember that a few thousand years ago he was a good deal troubled to decide which of three young ladies was most engaging , he would certainly be driven crazy were he compelled to decide which is the most elegant , graceful , and
beautiful of those whom the brethren by some occult means best known to themselves , —that is one of the secrets of Freemasonry—have gathered together to honour us this evening with their presence . Not but that each brother could easily decide for himself which he would prefer , but that is rather a delicate matter and had better be passed . [ I know our sisters will think kindlier of Masonry for what
they have seen of its working to night , they will not grow cross if it takes away now and then a husband or a sweetheart temporarily from their sides , and I know that their presence here to night will influence and bless the Eclectic Lodge long after the memory of this plcasent evening shall have passed away . ( Loud Applause . ) Bro . Reid Canon Harford , P . M ., in replying for the
visiting brethren , said the presence of ladies was hardly an innovation , it vvas carrying out the law of nature . In the French lodges of the last century brethren and sisters met there together regularly . Bro . J . Stevens P . M ., in response to the " * same toast , made some capital remarks , some of which were lost to our reporter in the hearty bursts of laughter with which
they were greeted . He said he never knew such a remarkable contrast as the Eclectic Lodge of a few years ago and at the present moment . The Eclectic Lodge never ted , never met but upan Barmecide feast days . Dark , dreary , and comfortless were those days , when civilization had not laid a line or extended a compass . Compare the present occasion . Then the Eclectic Lodge did not dine , but a
" Harty " good fellow took hold of them as W . M ., and made them dine . He , with the co-o ,, eration of his officers , pulled them through a very difficult year , and now another brother , the present W . M ., had still further pushed ahead this extraordinary correct lodge . He always enjoyed his visits to the Eclectic Lodge , but never more than on the present occasion . He only wished his wife had been present
as he should have been able to convince her what he had during the whole period of his married life failed to do , that there wis some good in Freemasonry . Bro . Stevens concluded with complimenting the W . M . for his selection of Shakespearian quotations on thc toast list . Bro . Harty , I . P . M ., responded for the Past Masters , and Bro . Saul , S . W ., for the officers .
An excellent concert vvas then given by several brethren and ladies , the most noticeable feature being a duct for piano and harmonium , by Miss Hamp , a young lady of some nine or ten years , and Bro . A . L . Tamplin , the wellknown organis ' , who also subsequently treated the company to a solo on the latter instrument , which perfectly
entranced his hearers . A pianoforte solo by Miss Bolton , songs by Mr . Mander , Bros . R . Taylor , G . S . Graham , Knight Smith , and a wonderful performance by Bro . Graham , of the natural whistle , accompanied by the band , which was greatly applauded . The company separated about 12 o'clock , with mutual congratulations as to the success of the meeting .
Celebrated as the Emerald Isle is for its whisky , it promises to achieve an equally enviable notoriety for its tobacco , if we may judge from the growing demand made for that manufactured by Messrs . Murray , Sons and Co ., at their extensive factories in Belfast and Dublin . Thc favour with which the various tobaccos ot this particular firm have been received is , to a great
extent , due to the measures they have taken to ensure deliveries to them of the finest qualities only . All their special brands sent out to the retail dealers are encased in sealed packets , with the na-ne and trade mark ( a pine ) , so that purchasers may rely upon obtaining the genuine article . This guarantee , coupled with the acknowledged purity of Messrs . Murrays' tobaccos , has an important signification ( or smokers ; it is , therefore , hardly surprising that Messrs .
Murray should have contributed sa materially to obtain for the sister Isle , a reputation for tobacco second only to that which she enjoys for whiskey . The " mellow " smoking mixture , recently sent us from Belfast , well deserves the appellation with which its introducers have designated it , and will be welcomed by all pipe smokers ; a tribute equally merited hy Messrs . Murray's other brands , most of which can now be obtained of tobacconists in this
country . An Evening Entertainment for the pupils of the Royal Normal College and Academy of Music for the Blind will he given by Bro . Magnus Ohren , on Friday next , at 8 o ' clock , at the College , Upper Norwood . Aro . Ohren will be assisted by members of his family , and the Misses
Mahood . The entertainment will consist ot Readings , Songs , Ducts , etc . Bro . Sir Albert Woods , G . Dir . of Cer ., Garter King at Arms , went to Windsor Castle on Thursday , for the purpose of placing the banners of the Earl of Beaconsfield and thc Marquis of Salisbury in St . George ' s Chapel .