Untitled Article

R . J . Bagshaw , Prov . G . M . for Essex ; D . B . A . Kent , Prov . G . M . for South Australia ; E . Baldwin and Pattison , P . G . Wardens ; Rev . J . E . Cox and E . Moore , G . Chaplains ; Hawes , Potter , Faudel , Baumer , Norris and Hervey , P . G . D . ; Spiers , Masson , Biggs , Patten , Philipe , Le Yeau , and other P . G . S . B . s , and the newly appointed G . Officers , and about two hundred Brethren . The dinner was acknowledged by all to be the most excellent , and the good taste displayed in all its arrangements , did great credit to Messrs . Watson , Coggin , and Banks . The wines were without limit , and as far as our own experience will allow us to judge , equal to the viands .

Bro . Ransford , the G . Organist , had the management of the musical department , and was assisted by Misses Birch , E . Birch and Ransford , and Bros . D . King , Genge , G . Perren , E . W . Ransford , and Smythson . The gallery , as usual , was filled with elegantly dressed ladies , the friends of the G . Stewards . The cloth having been removed , and a grace sung , the selection of which we must condemn , as contrary to the acknowledged principles that govern the Craft in the universality and equality of all who put their trust in the G . A . of the Universe , and which certainly would not have been allowed to be introduced , had the G . S . ' s a voice in the musical arrangements .

The Gbakd Master rose , and called on the Brethren to drink that toast which , by no society , was received with more heartfelt pleasure and enthusiasm , than by Freemasons , " The health of her Gracious Majesty the Queen . " The " National Anthem" was sung , and its execution , especially the solo parts of Misses Birch and Ransford , called forth considerable applause . The Grand Master then proposed " The healths of Prince Albert and the rest of the Royal family . " Aria—From " Semiramide ; " well sung by Miss Ransford . After the G . M . had proposed a toast to "The Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland , " which was followed by a Glee , — " Fill me , Boy , " by Cooke ,

Bro . T . Hall , Prov . G . M . for Cambridgeshire , said , he had permission to propose the next toast , which required but few words from him , knowing the kindly spirit and enthusiasm with which it would be received ; it was " The health of their M . W . G . M . " ( loud and long continued cheers , in which the ladies in the gallery joined , by waving their handkerchiefs . ) Although the laws of their Order required an annual election , yet the government of their M . W . G . M . had been so

consonant with the feelings of the great majority of the Craft , that this was the twelfth time of the Earl of Zetland being placed at the head of the Order . His eminent services and urbane conduct , combined with his knowledge of the principles of Masonry , enabled him to fill the chair to the satisfaction of the Brethren . He therefore called on them , by giving a hearty reception to the toast , to prove their fidelity and loyalty to his government— "The M . W . G . M . the Earl of Zetland , " and it was received with long continued cheers .

The M . W . G . M . on rising was received with the loudest plaudits . He thanked them most sincerely for the warm as well as kind reception his name had been received by all the Brethren , as well as for the concurrence with the flattering terms on which the Prov . G . M . for Cambridgeshire had introduced his name . He expressed the satisfaction he felt that the ancient and honourable society of Freemasons had received , during the last few years , great accessions , not only to the number of its Lodges , and the number of its members , but that , in the most distant countries of the world , its principles were rapidly becoming known and

respected . The charities of the Order were also increasing in wealth and usefulness . The objects which it had in view were gradually sanctioned by all the civilised nations of the world , and he was happy to say that Freemasonry had taken firm root in Australia , where several Lodges had been opened . He assured the Brethren his best efforts had ever been devoted to support and maintain the best interests of the Order ; and , when he could no longer be of service ,

he would gladly retire to give place to one more efficient . He was gratified in finding that the increase of our Order throughout England , as well as in our Colonies , was a proof that , in those days of intelligence , Freemasonry was an institution deserving the encouragement of an enlightened people . He was most highly gratified in finding our excellent charities so well supported ; their conduct TOh . I . 2 T