Untitled Article

Earl of Yarborough , B . W . G . M ., presiding , supported by Bro . Bonamy Dobree , S . G . W . ; Edwd . Baldwin , J . G . W . ; J . Hervey , S . G . D . ; Bev . J . E . Cox , G . Chap . ; Bagshaw , Prov . G . M . for Essex ; Spiers , P . G . S . B . ; and about 180 other brethren . The dinner , which was served in a very elegant and liberal manner , having been concluded , the B . W . G . M . proposed the " Health of her Majesty , the Patroness of the Institution , H . B . H . Prince Albert , Albert Prince of Wales , and the rest of the Boyal Family , " which was drunk with all the honours .

The B . W . D . G . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one which , under ordinary circumstances , might be well left out in an assembly like theirs , but were they to do so upon the present occasion , they might , perhaps , be accused of injustice and ingratitude . He alluded to the Army and Navy ( cheers ) . He was sure that they must all have noticed with admiration , not only their gallantry , but the patience the troops had exhibited in the East under the most trying circumstances , and that they would , therefore , cordially join him in drinking the

toast ( cheers ) . He could not give them " The Army and Navy" upon the present occasion without also coupling with , the toast the services of their gallant Allies ( loud cheers ) . He was glad to find that his sentiments met with their approbation ; and , ' trusting that the two countries might long continue , in war or in peace , in amity together , he begged to propose " The Allied Armies and Navies " ( cheers ) .

The B . W . Chairman , in proposing the next toast , " The Health of the Bight Hon . the Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M ., " expressed his regret that the noble lord was absent from their festival that day—a regret in which he was sure they would all sympathise , when he told them that the noble earl was acting under the advice of his medical man in abstaining from festivals of that description ( hear ) . The heart of the M . W . G . M ., the Earl of Zetland , however , was with them , and he held in his hand a note from the noble lord , expressing his deep regret at being unable to attend , and enclosing a cheque for £ 10 10 s . in aid of the funds

of the Institution ( cheers ) . It was unnecessary for him to say much in recommendation of the toast , as they were aware that the G . M . had at all times been ready to set an example in supporting the Masonic charities , and upholding those principles which should distinguish Freemasons . He believed that no one could fill the high post to which he had been elected by the Brethren more conscientiously , or so as to give greater satisfaction to the Craft than the G . M ., and he , therefore , begged to propose to them the " Health of the M . W . G . M . the Earl of Zetland " ( cheers ) .

Bro . Bagshaw , Prov . G . M . for Essex , had not expected , when he entered the hall , to be called upon to address them . He had , however , been entrusted with a toast which he had great pleasure in proposing , and which he was sure they must anticipate with equal pleasure . The D . G . M ., who now filled the chair , was known to them all as one of the warmest supporters of their charities , and as always discharging with the utmost fidelity his duties as a man and a Mason ( cheers ) . It was a most pleasing duty for him to have to propose the health of the noble earl , knowing him to be an honour to their noble Craft , and he , therefore , asked the Brethren to join him in drinking the health of the D . GLM ., the chairman of the evening ( cheers ) .

The D . G . M . stated that the manner in which the toast had heen proposed and accepted , rendered it impossible for him to return them thanks in the manner he felt to be due to them . He could assure the Brethren it would give great encouragement for the future in the performance of his duties ( cheers ) . When he was informed that the M . W . G . M . must be unavoidably absent , and he was requested to take the chair at that festival , he at once acceded ( cheers ) , and he should be

glad at any time to do everything in his power to promote the prosperity of the Institution , and show the interest he took in the Craft . He wished to show them that he was not an idle man , that he was determined to do his duty in the high position he had the honour to fill , and the reception he had received that evening would encourage him in his determination ( cheers ) . He wished to see this Institution made as perfect as possible , so that the boys might not only he brought np to be uBeful to themselves , but grow up to assist their aged parents ( cheers ) .