Laying Of The Memorial Stone Of The New Public Halls, Glasgow.

we heard a great deal as to the character of some of our music saloons—much indeed which was not to our credit , but rather to our shame . We should , however , remember that there are thousands in Glasgow who are wealthy enough to have their own drawing rooms and their own music and dancing at home . 1 am afraid that many of them forget that the great majority of the teeming

thousands of this city have no such opportunities . I fear they do not keep in mind that there are thousands of young men who have , as absolute strangers anil without friends , come to our city to fight the battle of life . Is it to be expected that these young men are to be without recreation and amusement , and if we do not provide both of a suitable kind , I do not know we can blame them for

accepting such amusement as they can find . I am afraid that much of the blame must lie at the door of the wealthy citizens of Glasgow . I therefore trust that there will be found within these walls such recreation , amusement , and instruction as shall be beneficial , not only to our young men , but to all classes of the community . Allow me , in conclusion , to express the hope that before six months are

over there shall be , insteau of 300 subscribers , 3000 to these public halls . Mr , James Campbell said -. —Sir , on behalf of the shareholders and directors of the New Halls Company , I beg to tender to you , Colonel Neilson , as Provincial Grand Master , and the other members of the Masonic body present , our very best thanks for the interest and trouble you have

taken in laying the memorial stone of these buildings . One cannot doubt but that the interesting ceremony , which has now been completed , gives E happy augury to the future of the undertaking . I have now the gratification of presenting to you , as Provincial Grand Master , this Masonic emblem as a remembrance of the occasion , to be preserved by you and yours . ( Applause . ) I have also

very great pleasure in publicly expressing our very warm thanks to the Honourable the Lord Provost , the Magistrates , and members of the Town Council , for their attendance here to-day . To the Lord Provost our thanks are particularly due , for the warm interest he has taken in and the practical aid he has given to this undertaking ever since it originated . We have also to acknowledge

gratefully the attendance of various gentlemen representing other public bodies in the city , who give us their countenance and encouragement . And now that these halls are fairly under way I trust that they will externally , under the guidance of our talented and painstaking architect , prove an ornament to our city , and be internally in all respects adequate for the various purposes for which they have been erected . We

hope to have the buildings completed in time for a grand musical festival in the autumn of next year . ( Applause . ) I have only one word to say in conclusion , and that is that it wijl be quite necessary for us to have our whole author , ised capital subscribed , so as to have the buildings finished free of debt . This matter I leave in the hands of my fellow-townsmen , with a strong conviction that they

will enable us to do this , and so maintain the name for liberality which I am glad to say Glasgow possesses . ( Applause . ) The Lord Provost—Mr . Campbell , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , My Brethren , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —I feel highly honoured to be called upon on this occasion , and to be supportetl by my fellow magistrates

and many members of the I own Council , 111 celebrating such an event as the laying of the memorial stone of a building which , I trust , so inaugurated , will last long and be a great advantage to the community . You , Right Worshipful Grand Master , have stated truly , that amusement and recreation are necessary for the human kind , and your words , I have no doubt , will bear weight in the

city , and that we shall see quite a rush of people becoming subscribers to these halls . ( Applause . ) I am sure that nothing is more gratifying to the citizens than to have a place of rational amusement , and on no occasion can the city be better served than to have the memorial stone of this building laid by you , Right Worshipful Grand Master , in the midst of such a concourse of fellow-citizens , with such

an amount of honour and respect . ( Applause . ) The Provincial Grand Master , turning | tothc Freemasons , said , — I beg to offer my thanks to you , my brethren , for having come here to lay this memorial stone . You have heard the Lord Provost and Mr . Campbell express their gratification at our presence . I trust when such an occasion occurs again you will , as you have done to-day , keep

such order as has done credit to the Craft . I again thank you for your attendance to-day . ( Applause . ) This concluded the proceedings at the memorial stone . The Masonic emblem , which was a trowel of solid silver , with a beautifully-carved ivory handle , bore the following inscription : — " Presented to Col . Montgomerie Neilson , of Queenshill , Provincial Grand Master , on the

occasion of his laying the memorial stone of the New Public Halls . —Glasgow , 22 nd May , 1875 . " The proceedings at the building having been concluded , the Provincial Grand Lodge returned to the Queen ' s Rooms , and in the Pillar Hall there—with Bro . William Bell , R . W . M ., Lodge St . John , acting Senior Warden , and Bro . Geo . M'Donald , R . W . M ., Lodge Thistle and Rose , acting

Junior Warden—was closed in regular form . At the conclusion of the ceremony , the Building Committee entertained the Lord Provost , magistrates , and the members of the Craft to luncheon in the Queen ' s Rooms—Mr . James Campbell , of Tillichewan , presiding . The company present was , with the addition of Mr . Alex . Smollett , of Bonhill , the same as that whose names are previously

mentioned . The Chairman gave the toast of "The Queen , " which was warmly responded to . The Lord Provost proposed " Success to the Glasgow Public Halls Company . " In proposing the toast his lordship said that Friday was a day of storm and rain , but on Saturday we had had gleams of sun-

Laying Of The Memorial Stone Of The New Public Halls, Glasgow.

shine , and the Masonic brethren had been able to lay the memorial stone of the Glasgow Public Halls with the sun shining upon the occasion . I Ie thought they might accept it as an omen that , although the commencement of the construction of the halls hatl been somewhat involved in . difficulty , the end of them woultl be a great success . Glasgow was sadly in want of public halls ,

particularly in the west end of the city ; for , with the exception of the Queen ' s Rooms , which was good enough oi its kind , they had no other . The east and the south of the city were comparatively well provided for , and in the centre they had the City Hall , which , though large and commodious , was by 110 means accessible ' to the residents in the west end . The area of the new hall will be

onethird larger than the City Hall , and it will have retiring rooms and accessories , such as are not to be found in the neighbourhood of Candlcriggs . He felt that the gentlemen who had set agoing this scheme , antl had carried it on so far amidst great difficulties , were entitled to the thanks of the citizens of Glasgow for providing such a building as that now being erected , which would supply a

long felt want . Mr . James Campbell replied . He assured those present that the undertaking was a very serious one , antl he took that opportunity of stating candidly to them that if it had not been for the zeal and energy of his co-directors the scheme would have broken down altogether . But they had worked with zeal and determination , and endeavoured to give to the city a good hall , and to get money to pay

for it Although they were not in a position to say that they hatl sufficient of public support to enable them to open the halls free of debt , he was yet in sanguine hopes that before the building was finished every farthing would be paid . He had every confidence in the generosity of his fellow-citizens , and felt sure that the halls would be opened free of debt . , i Several other toasts followed .

Masonic Tidings.

Masonic Tidings .

GUANO MARK Loom ; . —The Half-Yearly Communication of Grand Lodge of this Degree will be held on Tuesday evening at Freemasons' Tavern . A lodge of improvement will be opened at three o ' clock , and previous to the opening of Grantl Lodge , to afford the brethren who may attend Grantl Lodge the opportunity of witnessing the ceremony of advancement as performed in our London

Mark Lodges . Grand Lotige will be opened at five o ' clock , and the Rt . I Ion . the Earl of Limerick will be installed as Grand Master of this Degree . His Lordship , as was reported in the Freemason , of the 27 th of February , was unanimously elected Grantl Master , in succession to Earl Percy , at a special Grand Lodge held on the 23 rd of that month .

Captain Boyton was on Friday , 21 st inst ., initiated into the Craft of l ' reemasons . The . initiation took place in the Lodge of Friendship ,, No . 206 , at the Ship and Turtle Tavern , Leadenhall-street , E . C . The funeral of Bro . Allan , of 6 9 and 70 , St . Paul ' s-churchyanl , took place on Tuesday last . We have received one guinea for the Masonic Life Boat

Endowment Fund . St . John ' s Lodge , Liverpool , No . 673 , was represented at the Royal Installation by the following brethren : —Bros . M . Corless , W . M . ; J . Thornton , P . M . ; R . Pearson , P . M . Treas . ; S . Johnson , P . M . Sec , Prov . G . Steward , W . L . ; T . Clark , P . M . ; E . Byle , l . P . M . } T . Roberts , J . W . ; and II . Burrows , J . D .

Strong Man Lodge of Instruction , Crown Tavern , Clerkcnwell Green . —This lodge will meet at 7 o ' clock on Monday the 31 st inst , to work the Fifteen Sections ; Bro . Beckett , Preceptor . ISLE OF MAN MASONS AND THE PIUSCE or WALES . —In connection with the recent installation of our most illustrious Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as M . W . G . M . of

the United Grand Lodge of England , the leading brethren of the Lodge of Mona , 212 , holding under the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , which meets at Castletown , Isleof Man , are about to send H . R . H . an illuminated address conveying theircongratulations on the auspicious cvent . The address has been illuminated by Mr . J . Orr Marplcs , artist to H . R . H . the Duke of Edinburgh , of the Liverpool and

London Chambers , Liverpool , who has again displayed the finest taste in its execution . The border is composed of exquisite floral devices , the body of the address in early English text , and the initial letters contain the well known Manx arms . The following are the terms of the address , which will be enclosed in a handsome case , anil forwarded to H . R . H . in due course . "To his Royal Highness Albert Edward , Prince of Wales ,

Most Worshipful Grand Master of England . " May it please your Royal Highness , — The member ; of the Lodge of Mona , 212 , under the constitution of the Grand Lotige o [ Ireland , on your installation as Grand Master of England , beg to approach your Royal Highness with our most hearty good wishes . That your Royal Highness will tread in the footsteps of those of

the royal family who have so ably preceded you in the annals of Freemasonry we most thoroughly believe . Our earnest prayers and wishes are that you be enabled to extend the efforts of the Order in the exercise of brotherly love and practical benevolence . And may the Most High , Almighty , and Eternal God , Architect and Ruler of the Universe , protect you on earth ; and when this transitory life

shall have passed away , may you finally arise from the tomb of transgression to shine as the stars for ever and ever . So mote it be . > - "Signed on behalf of the lodge by theW . M . and Officers . "Castletown , Isle of Man , May 12 , 1875 . " A marriage was solemnized on Saturday last , at St . John ' s Church , Forest Hill , of a particularly interesting nature . The affianced couple , together with their friends ,

Masonic Tidings.

were evidently well known , [ or long before the carriages arrived to convey the parties to church , the- villagers of Bell-green , Lower' Sydenham , also the employes of the gas works , by whom they are highly esteemed , were out and lining ihe road , patiently waiting to obtain a glimpse ot the bride and bridegroom , the latter being Bro . Charles Magnus Ohren , son of Bro . Magnus Ohren , of Lower

Sydenham , and the former being Elizabeth , eldest daughter of James Watson , Esq ., C . E ., of Aberdalgie Lodge , Lower Sydenham . The bride was enthusiastically cheered as she entered her carriage , antl the cheering renewed on the return from church . The ceremony was impressively conducted by the Rev . Dr . Boyd , in the presence of a large number of persons that hatl thronged the pews nearest the

chancel . The bridesmaids were Miss Rose Ohren , Miss Kate Ohren , Miss Nellie Watson , and Miss Mary Macrostie , all of whom were richly clad , presenting a most charming spectacle . After the breakfast , which was prepared by Messrs . Sawyer , of the Crystal Palace , the happy couple left for their honeymoon , carrying with them heartfelt wishes for their happiness and enjoyment . The number of the

wedding presents was very large , testifying to the prevailing regard and estimation towards the happy pair . WELL DESERVED COMPLIMENT . —A benefit was recently given to Bro . Sam Hague , proprietor of St James ' s Hall , Liverpool , who has been rendered houseless by the recent disastrous fire . The benefit , which was most successful , tock place at the Royal Amphitheatre , under the patronage

of His Worship the Major ( Bro . Lieut . Col . Stcble ) ,. Bros . John Pearson ( High Sheriff of Lancashire ) , Capt . G . Turner , and others ; and the attendance of brethren from various local lodges was very numerous , showing how deeply Bro . Hague ' s loss is sympathised with by the brethren . A second night was generously given up by Bro . Hague fcr the benefit of his company , who were also great sufferers by the

fire . THE LONDON * TAVERN * . —In announcing the approaching sale of -his tavern ( on June 2 nd , unless an acceptable offer be previously made by private contract ) , Messrs . Gadsden , Ellis and Co . state that the building is of a very substantial character , and affords the following accommodation : —On the upper floor—which is approached by

principal and secondary staircases , the former being lighted by means of a handsome glazed dome—the justly celebrated and admirably proportioned banquet ting hall , extending along the entire front of the tavern , a very large reception room , communicating with the court room , serving lobby , and spacious landing . On the second floor —three front rooms , with set of lavatories , four back rooms ,

corridor , and landing . On the first floor—the pillar room —a lofty and beautifully decorated saloon , with ornamental coved and panelled ceiling and enriched cornice anil entablature , supported by Corinthian columns and pilasters , and wall panelling ; two other large and well-lighted rooms , used for public meetings and auction sales ; a well lighted front office , spacious landing , and a large room at the

rear , approached by an outer staircase . ScoTSMt ^ IN Ltw-vuvx . —Last tvening a number nf gen tlemeu met at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Bro . Macrae Moir . The Marquis of Huntly presided , and among those present were several representative Scotsmen resilient in the metropolis . In opening the proceedings the chairman

said that the testimonial was started quite spontaneously in recognition of Mr . Moir ' s efforts on behalf of his distressed countrymen . In a brief space of time the subscriptions had amounted to about £ 100 , anil the movement was cordially supported by Scotsmen of every political creed , and in every part of the country . The chairman subsequently presented the purse to Hro . Moir , with whom

he warmly shook hands . In the course of his reply the recipient said that he took the testimonial as an incitement to do more in the future than he had accomplished in the past . Bro . Dr . Erasmus Wilson proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman , which , seconded by Mr . Lyell , was cordially endorsed by the company . The names appended to the list of subscribers were printed on an illuminated scroll .

They included the chairman , the Duke and Duchess of Argyll , the Duke of Buecleuch , the Duke of Montrose , the Duke of Richmond , Sir Richard Wallace , Sir W . Fcrgusson , and Professor Blackie , together with personal fi iends ol Bro . Moir . There were altogether something like 236 subscribers . Bito . Snt J BENNETT AND THE AGIIIC UI . TLIIAI .

LAIIOUHERS . —A mass meeting of agricultural labourers was held on I lam-hill on Monday afternoon . Sir John Bennett occupied the chair , and there were several thousand persons present Mr . G . Mitchell moved a petition to Parliament praying that an investigation may be made

as to the condition of the public charities . Mr . G . Potter moved a resolution in favour of the extension of the franchise , and Mr . Bradlaugh supported it . Other resolutions , asking the compulsory formation of school boards and the restoration of public lands to the poor , were also passed .

ROYAL LONIION MILITIA . —This regiment will commence its annual training , under ^ Colonel-Commandant Bro . Sir William Anderson Rose , on Monday , the 31 st instant . The recruits have been at drill for some time past , so as to enable them to join the ranks when the main hotly assembles for 27 days' exercise , which takes place this year at the artillery ground abutting on the militia barracks in the City-road .

THE summer excursion of the Cripplegalc Pension Society has been arranged to take place at Rosherville Gardens on June 23 rd . Bro . Alderman Knight is to be the chairman on this occasion .

THE annual festival of the Silver Trade Pension Society will take place at the London Tavern , on Tuesday , . 1 ""^ 15 th , at which Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor will preside , supported by the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex .