Metropolitan

to him in Masonry was to return thanks for the Brethren ' s kindness at these annual meetings . He was truly happy to see such a numerous assembly , and that after forty years' continuance they were concluding a most prosperous year . Thus stimulated , he would endeavour to do his duty in future , as in past years . The apron he had on , and reserved for these occasions , and which he looked upon as the most precious jewel he possessed , was presented to Bro . Peter Thompson by their worthy chairman , and he hoped ever to preserve it as a memorial of two excellent Brothers . He concluded by returning his sincere and grateful thanks for the warmth with which his name had been received .

Bro , Jennings , in rising to propose the next toast , with good humour disclaimed modesty as being an essential for Grand Office : it certainly was never a characteristic of his , otherwise one who could not return thanks for himself would be very unfit to propose the health of another . I am pleased beyond measure at seeing the number of baidheads and grey-haired Masons who have come here this evening , doubtless for instruction . I have seen much of Masonry in past years , and from the exhibition this evening , I anticipate / the future happy progress of Masonry ; we have three Degrees in our institution , and I think we may say these are the good—the better- —and the best . I am quite sure you will all agree with me that Bro . Havers has the third Degree , and that you will , by enthusiastically greeting the toast c < Bro . Havers , " afinrd evidence ol your kind wishes towards our excellent president ( continued cheers )* .

Bro . Havers , in responding , said , he but desired among them to be known as a member of that Lodge of Instruction . The time was approaching when he must retire from taking the active part he had hitherto done in Grand Lodge ( cries of no , no ! we can ' t do without you ) . He must , after twenty-two years' attendance , be allowed to remember the good old rule " Know thyself . " Possessing within his heart those feelings that animated all Masons , even when he retired from his usual constant attendance , he should ever be ready to stand up in defence of our privileges . He could well remember the feelings with which twenty-two years

ago he went home after delivering a part of the same lecture they had heard worked that evening . He concluded by saying , I thank you for the kind expression of your feelings towards me . I am much gratified in seeing so many good Masons in attendance . I am sure , from the exhibition this evening , that nothing now is wanting to raise Masonry to a pitch it has never reached in this or any other country . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . Havers then proposed Bros . Bowman , Ashwell , Boughey , and Parran , who had so ably worked the sections : their accuracy and manner could not be excelled .

Bro . Bowman , in returning their united thanks , said the commendation they received that evening would be a stimulus to them , should their services be demanded on a future occasion ; and particularly addressing their President , said , " We , sir , have always your excellent conservative feeling for our Order , and should regret to lose your presence here or elsewhere . " ( Hear , hear . ) The President next said , "I have now to ask you to drink ' Success to the Sister Lodge of Instruction / and we have present Bro . Stephen Barton this

Wilson , one of the pillars of Masonry . " ^ Continued cheers followed announcement . ) " Bro . Wilson has been a member of the Emulation Lodge of Instruction twenty-seven years ; he is one whom we are delighted to honour at oar board ; he is one whose services deserved acknowledgment many years ago ; he will , ere many days are over , be advanced to an office he will fill with honour and credit . " ( Cheers . ) "I now ask you to give a kind and hearty response to ' The Sister Lodge of Instruction and Bro . Stephen Barton Wilson . ' "

The cheers that followed having subsided , Bro . Wilson rose , and , after expressing his grateful thanks for the reception of his name in connection with the sister Lodge , said he should have felt called upon to notice the working of the lecture in detail , but he had been anticipated by others . He might , however , mention the excellent manner in which Bro . Muggeridge had conducted the business , and refer to the beautiful way in which Bro . Bowman had delivered the explanation of the tracing-board . He wished to mention that between the two Lodges there were some trifling variations in the wording , and as each was desirous of promoting goodness and uniformity of working , he was happy in being able to communicate