Opening Of A New Masonic Hall At Jarrow.

ficsencc on the occasion of opening this beautiful Masonic Hall . Brethren of my mother lodge , let me ardently desire you to let this day be a starting point for more supreme efforts in living a true Masonic life . 'Try to shorten the bond of union that has bound soul with soul so long , and has enabled this lodge to move on for twenty years without ajar . Let us shorten , I lay , that bond , till we all merge into one , and there is not a crevice between us in which the

demon of discord can find a habitation . From the first ages of the world to the present day Masonry has only had two objects in view : to draw us nearer to the G . A . O . T . U ., and to each other ; and may these harmenious lines of architectural beauty that surround us ever look down upon a like beauty of sweet fellowship and concord within these sacred walls . May thc proceedings of to-day serve but to forge another link in the chain nf brotherly love and good

fellowship by which we are already united . Mayour children and our children's children rejoice at these auspicious solemnities . May we enjoy within these walls every satisfaction and delig ht that disinterested affection and Masonic intercourse can afford . May the good report of the lodge tend to exalt and enhance the reputation of the Craft at large , so that Masonry may llouriih here as in every other quarter ol the globe , and be assisted in its noble mission in diffusing

thc light of wisdom , aiding the strength of reason , displaying the beauty of virtue , and diminishing the aggregate of human vice and misery . Being thus firmly established by the high character of its friends , it may laugh to scorn the malice of its foes and rise superior above all thc opposition of the outer world , and like the lofty summit that bares its breast with dignified composure to the tempest , and fear les- by presents its bosom to thc midnight storm . Brethren , as this

building has bcen raised in unanimity and concord , may wc lorg remain so ; and , as Bro . Spain remarked , at the laying of thc foundation stone , it was well and truly laid , and upon that foundation a building has been raised , perfect in ail its parts and honourable to the builders . Other brethren having addressed the lodge on the event of the day , the company then adjourned for refreshment , at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed

by the W . M ., who presided . Uro . Witter proposed " I he health of the Visiting Brethren " , to which Bro . Eckford , I . P . M . of Perseverance Lodge , responded . Bro . Crookes , P . G . S ., proposed " The healtlvif the W . M . and brethren of S" . Bede ' s lodge , " and the W AI . responded . Bro . J . G . Moor , Sunderland , proposed " 'The architect of the building , " on whose behalf Bro . Prentice replied . 'The brethren then assembled in ; due order , under the

direction of Bro . Bell , A . D . of C . Northumberland , acting I ) . of C . The precession then marched to Christ Church , where Divine service was celebrated . The procession was viewed by a large concourse of people . The service which was very impressive , was specially arranged by Bro . Witter , for the occasion , and was conducted by the Rev . J . Bee , vicar of Christ Church . 1 he Rev . A . Brutton read the lesson , which was from Rom . xii . 1 he special hymns

sung were " Lead , kindly light . " and " Oh , Lord , how joyful ' tis to ice thc brethren join in love to Thee , " the closing hymn being "Abide with me . " The Psalms chosen were the ijth , 122 nd , and i ... \ rd . The sermon was preached b y Bro . Rev . W . Hedlcy , vicar of I Milium , Chaplain of lodge |( ' 4 _ , from Gen . i . ,,., "Let there be light . " At the close- of thc service a collection , amounting to over six pounds , was taken on behalf of the fund for providing a

peal of bells for Christ Church , Jarrow . The brethren subsequently icturncd to the lodge , which was closed in due form . 'The building was then thrown open tothe public , and w _ s visited by a veiy large number of people . A knife and fork tea was afterwards held in the Ellison scheolroom , and the attendance was very large . The festival , which was a decided success , was concluded

by a ball , held in the Mechanics Institute . Bros . Golder and Armstrong ofliciated as Masters of Ceremonies , and Bros . Sedcole , T . Ramsay , and 'I ' . Robinson acted as Stewards . The ball was led off by Bin . A . McDougall , W . M . of thc SI . Bede Lodge and Mrs . M . H . Dodds . Anion" those present were the Mayoress and Miss Dexter , Mr . A . P . Andersen , Gateshead ; W . Brandt , Sunderland ; Alderman Ciay ; Mr . and Mrs . W . Ross , South Shields ;

Mr . J . Eltiingham and Miss Cowan , South Shields ; Mrs . T , Robinson , Mr . James Poole , Mr . Gray , Jarrow ; Mr . G . S . Shotlen and Miss Shotlcn , South Shields ; Mr . and Mrs . Hodgson , Mr . and Mrs . Dodds , Mrs , Sedcole , Mrs . | . Arundcll , Stockton ; Mr . A . Hoeton , North Shields ; Mr . M . Hill and Miss Charlton , Mr . ] . R . Davidson and Miss IC . A . Ellhringatn , Mr . J . Liddell and Miss Liddell , Newcastle ; Mr . and Mrs .

John Harrison , Mr . J . M . Marr , Newcastle ; Mrs . Gray , Mr . Thomas Binks , South Shields ; Misses Charlton , Hebburn ; Mr . Dancaster and Miss Watson ; Mr . and Mrs . II . Parker , Mrs . Dodd , Mrs . XV . Armstrong ; Mr . | . McCulloch , Hebburn ; Mr . and Mrs . Burnett , Mr . W . \ V Wylam ; Mr . and Mrs . J . Duncan ; Mr . and Mrs . Brodie , Gateshead ; Mr . and Mrs . Witter ; Mrs . R . W y lam ; Mr . and Mrs . | . Horner ; Mr . | . IC . Talbot and Miss Talbot

Mr . and Mrs . G . A . Barrasford , Mrs . Stenhouse , Mr . and Mrs . T . Renton , Mr . and Mrs . ( .. Mcintosh , Mr . and Mrs . Ithuraldc , Mr . ICrrington and Miss Hardy , Mr . J . Petree and Miss Petree , Mr . and Mrs . Dttffell , Mr . T . ' Wylam , Mr . and Mrs . J . Patterson , Mr . A . Holmes and Miss Holmes , Mr . and Mrs . II . Colder , Mr . and Mrs . T . Meikle , Miss Wylam , Mr . and Mrs . T . Ramsey , Mr . and Mrs . A . W . Roberts , Mr . A . G . Jordan

, Misses Morris , Mr . and Mrs . John Fenwick , Mrs . H . Hunting , Mr . J . Robinson , Mr . T . Barrasford and Miss Talbot , Mr . J . and Mrs . Armstrong , Mr . and Mrs . Hickman , Mr . and Mrs . J . T . Dickinson , Mr . and Mrs . T . Winship , Mr . J . Storiir and Miss S . litirlinson , Mr . Nixon and Miss Burlinson , Mr . II . Soderberg , Alisses Ward ( 2 ) , Mr . and Mrs . George Thornton , Mr . Calvert

and Miss Ross , Mrs . Laing , Mr . and Mrs . A . Donaldson , Mr . R . Polls and Miss Yeclcs , Mr . and Mrs . Fairgrievss , Mr . and Miss Walton , Mr . W . Hopper and Miss Hopper , Mr . and Mrs . Simpson , Mrs . C . S . Hunting , Miss Steele , Mr . and Mrs . Mcllattie , Mr . and Mrs . Ramsay , Mr . and Mrs . Rule , Mr . and Mrs . Smith , Mrs . Parkin , Mr . and Mrs . Davison , Mr . and Mrs . J . H . Thompson , Mr . and Mrs . T . Kirk , Mr . and Mrs . M . 'Thompson .

Hro . Alderman Fowler , M . I \ , speaking in the House last week , expressed an opinion that the war in the Transvaal was a righteous one , and said he hoped that Cctewayo would be liberated .

The Caledonian Lodge Soiree At Manchester.

THE CALEDONIAN LODGE SOIREE AT MANCHESTER .

The members of this lodge organised another successful soriee on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., at the Freemasons ' Hall , Cooper-street . Thc success which has hitherto attended the carrying out of these pleasant social gatherings must be very gratify ing to those who devote time and money to attain a satisfactory result ; and , whereas we have known of several soirees that have not , either

financially or socially , bcen a success in connection with other lodges , the fact remains that , owing to some unexplained cause , the Caledonian is always , and we trust ever will be , " tin succc ' s complet . " The company began to arrive shortly before eight o'clock , and very soon after that hour dancing commenced in earnest , and was carried on until 10 . 45 , when an adjournment

was made to supper , which was laid in the lodge-roam . When all the company were seated , the room presented a very brilliant appearance ; the various shades of cloth in the ladies' costumes contrasting favourably with the sombre black coats of the gentlemen . When supper was finished and during dessert , Bro . T . FAIRRIE , I . P . M ., rose , and said he had a very pleasing

duty to perform , which was to propose the toast of the evening viz ., " The W . M ., " a duty which had thrice devolved itself upon him during the past three months—when Bro . Bagnall was elected W . M ., after he had been installed , and on the present occasion . To those who were not aware of it , he would inform them that Bro . Bagnall had been a member of the lodge for twenty years , and during that time he had gained the respect and esteem of

all who knew him . Ihe toast was warmly responded to , after which Bro . Thos . Shorrocks , S . W ., sang a verse oi " Here ' s to his Health in a Song . " The W . M ., in reply , said he rose with a great deal of pleasure to respond to the toast kindly proposed . It fell to the lot of very few W . M . 's to see such a brilliant assembly as that no . v before him , gathered together to do

honour to their lodge , and he begged to express his sincere thanks to them all . He trusted every one would enjoy themselves , and then there would be no doubt of thc soiree proving a success . He begged to express his sincere thanks to Bros . Roberts , P . M ., Clay , P . M ., ICIdershaiv , P . M ., and Hind , P . M ., for tlieir hearty co-operation with him in carrying out thc arrangements . With respect to Bro .

Roberts , he would say that during and ever since his Mastership the lodge had prospered , and seemed to have inaugurated a new scries of prosperous years . Bro . ICIdershaiv was always to the fore when assistance was required to carry out any work for the welfare of his lodge , whilst Bro . J . ( 1 . Hind was willing and able at all times to give them the benefit of his experience . As for Bro . Fairrie most of

the members knew how he had performed his duties during the past year , and that he was ever ready to do his utmost to further the interests of his lodge . 'Ihe W . M . went on to say that their I . P . M . had certainly been a good fairy in uttering this kind wish , for there could be little doubt that it had been realised . Bro . Uat _ nall informed Ihe visitors it was a pleasure to

him and the members of the lodge to sec their faces around the social board , and hc assuied them he took an interest in their welfare and prosperity . He gave them all a cordial welcome , and assured them it was the desire of himself , and the members of his lodge , to make them happy , and he trusted that if spared they would honour the Caledonian Lodge next year with their bright presence and

happy snides . Bro . Cl . AV , P . M ., rose to propose "'Ihe Ladies , " and while remarking that the toast might well have been entrusted to abler hands , said it was very satisfactory to sec such a number of the fair sex assembled that evening , without whom the so ' rce could not possibly have bcen successful . He felt sure the members of the Caledonian Lodge owed a very great deal to them for being present

that evening , and therefore it was with the greatest possible pleasure tint he proposed the toast . The toast was responded to with much warmth , and our respected brother and veteran in Masonry , Bro . Henry Robberds , P . P . G . Org ., led off the well known lines , " Here ' s a Health to all Good Lasses , " which was taken up by the gentlemen , and sang with much spiiit .

Bro . THUS . SIIOKKOCI ' S , S . W ., responded on behalf of " Les Dames" in a humoursonie speech , and shortly afterwards dancing was resumed , and carried on until 4 . 30 , when the company dispersed , after spending a very enjoyable evening . During the evening Madame Duprd sang a couple of her delightful songs , and Bro . William Paulden , J . W ., gave

two recitations with his accustomed ability . Ihe musical portion of thc entertainment was executed by three gentlemen engaged by Bro . John Greenwood , who played a well selected programme ot popular dance music . We had almost omitted to mention an important item , which was the proposal , by Bro . W . M . BAGNALI ., during dessert , of "The Healths of the Soirc ' c Committee , " of

whom he would couple thc names of Bros . Paulden and Duckworth , who had laboured hard to ensure the soire ' e becoming a success , and had undoubtedly succeeded . The toast was heartily responded to , after wliich Bros . PALM . DEN and DUCKWORTH replied . Amongst the company were Bro . W . Bagnall , W . M ., and Mrs . Bagnall ; Bro . Thos . Shorrocks , S . W . ; Bro . H .

Paulden , | . W ., and Mrs . Paulden ; Bro . R . A . Eldershaw , P . M ., D . ' of C ., and Mrs . Eldershaw ; Bro . J . C . Hind , P . M ., and Mrs . Hind ; Bro . C . Duckworth , Sec , and Mrs . Duckworth ; Bro . T . Saner , S . D . ; Bro . John Cliff , J . D ., and Mrs . Cliff ; Bro . S . Lawton , l . G ., and Mrs . Lawton ; Bro . J . Roberts , P . M ., 'Treas ., and Mrs . Roberts ; Mr . and Mrs . Thos . Roberts ; Mr . and Mrs . James E . Roberts ;

Bro . A . B . Whittaker , I . P . M . 16 33 , and Mrs . and Miss Whittaker ; Bro . S . J . Naphtali , Sec . 1147 , and Mrs . Naphtali ; Bro . Jas . Adams , 795 , and Mrs . Adams ; Bro . W . Lyons , Hi . v . ; Councillors . C . Thompson and Mrs . Thompson ; Air . J . B ., Mrs . and Miss Roscoe ; Mr . John , Mrs . and Miss Fades ; Mr . and Mrs . W . Knebbs ; Mr . A . I . Potter and Miss Howard ; Bro . II . T . Robberds

P . M . 1147 , Madame Dupre- and Miss Robberds ; Bro . IC . Clay , P . M ., and Mrs . Clay ; Bros . John Bollard , P . M . 126 ; IC . ! R . Gledhill , ( j'i 2 ; T . W . Stanley , 104 ; B . Taylor , Allison , S . Bramwell , J . Gregory , Thompson , Townley Parker ; 'Thomas Fairrie , I . P . M ., and Mrs . Fairrie ; Mr . Samuel and Miss A yland ; Bro . R . R . Lisenden , J . D . 317 ( Freemason ) and Mrs . Lisenden .

Masonic Balls.

MASONIC BALLS .

ROYAL YORK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 31 G . The invitation ball and supper in connection with the above lodge took place at Brighton , on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., and —as attended by a large number of the brethren and friends . 'The committee were Bros . J . XV Stubb , P . M . ; A . S . Hankes , P . M . ; G . S . Gospie

, H . Kent , R . I aige , A . H . Thacker , and J . B . Hannay , acting as Sec , and through whom everything was carried out in such good order that it very much added to the enjoyment ancl happiness of all present . The floral decorations were by Bro . XX' . Balchin , and the upholstery by Messrs . Pike and Co ., who divided at intervals thc long

corridor with oriental and lace curtains into rooms , as it were , in which were placed settees , easy chairs , and beautiful cabinets . The refreshments were supplied by Bros . Sayers and Marks , who catered in their usual good form . The dancing was kept up with great spirit until morning had well advanced , to the musical strains of Bro . XV Deane ' s band . —

OAKLEY LODGE , No . G 04 . On the 15 th inst ., a ball was given by the brethren of Basingstoke and neighbourhood in the 'Town Hall . About 120 were present . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . H . M . Powell , who , as usual , supplied

an excellent quadrille band . Bro . G . Tubb , of the Black Boy Hotel , supplied the refreshments , which gave general satisfaction . Bros . J . W . Lamb , E . A . Adams , and IC . II . Couran , performed the duti . sof M . C . The whole proceedings passed off with the greatest eclat .

STONELEIGH LODGE , No . 725 . On the 15 th inst . a grand ball in connection with the above lodge , took place at thc King ' s Arms Hotel , Kenilworth . 'The patrons were numerous and influential , as were also the stewards . The interior of the covered balcony , connecting the ball room with the hotel , was covered with red cloth , and the walls on cither side were

hung with mirrors of various designs , in front of each being a half circular candelabra , filled with candles . The windows were draped with crimson cloth and white muslin curtains , whilst the walls were still further adorned with a large and handsome collection of paintings , pictures , and oleogra p hs of various descriptions . 'The entrance end to the ball room was fitted as a light refreshment buffet ;

Messrs . Synycr and Gilmer s band , who supplied an excellent programme of music , being situated at the opposite end , on a raised dais , covered with crimson cloth , immediately behind which , on the walls , were hung two splerdid mirrors , 'l'he floor was nicely prepared , and the room generally bore a very attractive aspect . Supper was served at twelve o ' clock in thc Assembly-room of the hotel

and was of a most recherche character . The company began to arrive shortly before ten o ' clock , and when all the guests were assembled the sight was a very pleasing one , the brethren generally appearing in Alasonic costume . Special trains ran from Kenilwcrth to Coventry and Leamington for thc occasion . 'The company numbered upwards of 120 , and amongst those present were Mr . W .

Manton , Mr . and Mrs . Herbert Holland , Coventry ; Mr . and Mrs . Hill , Leamington ; Mr . and Mrs . ] . Locke , Leamington ; Mr . and Sirs . J . Stanley , Leamington ; Mr . Edwards , Coventry ; Miss Turton , Coventry ; Mr . Wincott , Leamington ; Mr . IC . Hodges , Kenilworth ; Mr . and Miss Peake , Stamford ; Mr . Curlis , Coventry ; Mr . IC . Mason , Kenilworth ; Miss Collins , London ; Mr . A . II . Horsfall , Coventry ; Air . J . P . Ward , Coventry ; Mr . and

Miss Colline-bourne , Coventry ; Mr . Baker , Coventry : Mr . and Mrs . F . Lee , Mr . Edward Brown , Mr . N . Keen , Bro . Piatt , Bro . Wyatt , Mr . Ingram , and Bro . Thos . Clarke , Warwick ; Mr . | . A . Stanley , Leamington ; Mr . and Mrs . Cleaver , Miss Cleaver ant-Miss Dawe ; Mr . Baker , sen ., and Miss Baker , Mr . Chowlcs and party , Mr . Whittingdale , Mr . Potter , the Misses Clarke , Mr . and Mrs . Ligcings , Mr . and Airs , lohn Hewitt , Mr . J . Hewitt , jun ., Mr . II . T . Stephens , Mr . and Miss Collingbourne , Mr . A . Horsfall , Mr . Reiishaw , and Bro . Masser , W . AI . Stoncleigh Lodge .

BURDETT COUTTS LODGE No . 127 S . 'The ball in connection with the above Lodgo was held on the 14 th inst ., at the Cannon Street Hotel , the proceeds being devoted exclusively to Masonic Charities , and from the large number present we hope that a considerable sum was realised . Dancing commenced soon after nine o ' clock to the music of Air . A . Cohen ' s

quadrille band , and was kept up until an early hour in tdc morning-. Bro . A . C . Stichling acted as Al . C . and did all in Ins power towards the success of the evening . Supper was served about twelve o ' clock , Bro . R . L . Sturtivant , W . AL of the lodge , taking the chair . 'The toast of " The Oueen " was given , also those of " 'The Stewards

and I he Chairman . After these had been responded to , the Secretary of the lodge proposed " 'The I lealth of thc Ladies" for whom Bro . Graham replied . 'The Stewards of the evening were Bros . Albert Jones , R . I . Chitson , Robt . Brittain , S . G . Bonner , J . XV ' . R . Hammond , W . II . Alaking , Basil Stewart , and R . C . Sturtivant , W . AL

Presentation To Bro. Lieut. A. J. Lindsay At Dublin.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . LIEUT . A . J . LINDSAY AT DUBLIN .

Wc extract from thc Irish Times , ol the 21 st ult ., the following account of the presentation to Bro . Lieut . A . j . Lindsay , R . A ., P . M ., P . * .., & c . : — " An exceedingly interestingand imposing ceremony took place yesterday morning in the Royal Barracks , viz .: thc presentation of the silver medals of the Royal National

Lifeboat Institution to Lieut . Alexander John Lindsay of the Royal Artillery . 'This gentleman is well known in Dublin society , and the honour which he has justly received will be the means of increasing the popularity with which he is so justly esteemed . 'The distinction has been bestowed

on Lieut . Lindsay in recognition of his brave and intrepid services in assisting , with much peril to his life , thc launching of the Pool Beg Lifeboat , and proceeding to the assistance of the George Houllon , a vessel of St . John's , New Brunswick , which had gone aground on the 22 nd of October , 1 SS 1 , near Sutton , in a heavy gale .

" General Lord Clarina , commanding the district , attended by his staff , made the presentation , while drawn up in full-dress detachments from the various regiments in garrison , about 400 men , who , having fixed bayonets , received thc general with a salute . Lieut . Lindsay , and