Untitled Article

and management met with universal approbation ; and -the various Lodges ,, both at home and abroad , appeared to be all emulous of setting aside funds for relief and instruction . In conclusion , he could but say that , so long as the Brethren continued to support him with their confidence , he would endeavour to discharge the duties devolved on him to the best of his ability . Scena from Keolanthe by Balfe , sung by Miss Birch .

The M . W . G . M . then asked the Brethren to join him in a toast , which he knew was always well received . The D . G . M . the Earl of Yarborough , and although the noble Earl was unable to be present , yet , as they all acknowledged his readiness to attend to their interests and support their charities , and in every way to do his duty as a Mason , they would receive his name in his absence as warmly as were he present ; he therefore would give them the health of the Earl of Yarborough , the D . G . M ., and it was received with long continued cheers . '»¦ ¦ '¦ A new song , by Bro . Hatton , " Sweet Love , good night , " was very well sung by Bro . George Perren .

The M . W . G . M . then said , that in acknowledging the presence of many old friends , he had to greet some who might be called new friends from taking office in the G . L . for the first time , although they were well known as Masons , he would mention Bro . Stuart , the S . G . W ., whose father had held office in the G . L ., who himself belonged to the profession of Arms , and , as well as many other Masons , had been in the great conflict in which the country was engaged ; he

would not particularize them , but requested the Brethren to greet " the Wardens and other Grand Officers of the year , " which Bro . Stuart acknowledged in brief terms , acquainting the Brethren that , to his own knowledge , the Craft had increased very much in India , in France , in Germany , and even in Spain . Glee , —" Fairest of the "Virgin train , "by Hopkins .

The G . M . then proposed the healths of the Provincial G . M . ' s of England and its colonies , accompanying it with the names of Bros . Dobie , Hall , Bagshawe , and Kent ( cheers . ) Bro . Dobie , Prov . G . M ., for Surrey , said , his object in rising was , after thanking the Brethren for himself and the rest of the Prov . G . M . ' s , to introduce to their notice Dr . Kent , the Prov . G . M . for South Australia , who would tell them the progress of Freemasonry in that distant Province .

Bro . Kent was very happy that he had this opportunity afforded him of assuring the Brethren in the Grand Lodge of England , that in his Province Masonry had made strides equally rapid with the increased population , that there are now thirteen Lodges in active operation , and the Craft holds so high a position in society , that the great body of the clergy of the established Church in Australia were always ready to assist in the dedication of the Lodges , and he hoped that his visit would be the means of the Brethren in England and Australia becoming better acquainted . Bro . Kent ' s speech , of which our report is necessarily but a sketch , was received with enthusiastic cheers . Song—by Bro . D . King .

The M . W . G . M . said , I now propose " The Masonic Charities , " and in so doing , I am sure you will give me your support , and by your reception of the toast prove your readiness to sustain those endowments nobly . We have expended a large sum certainly , in building the Girls' School , but is it not an Institution of which any society may be proud ? and I therefore remind you that the Annual Festival of the School is on the 16 th of May , when I trust , a large number of the Brethren will as usual be present . I now give , " The Masonic Charities . "

—The toast was most cordially received . Bro Genge sung a new song , " I would I had Aladdin ' s Lamp , " which was loudly encored . The M . W . G . M . rose , and said , " Brethren , I am sure you will all be anxious we should show to the fair sex how much we feel honoured by their presence . I am confident you will greet with enthusiasm the ladies in the gallery . " Glee—The M . W . G . M ., in giving the last toast of the evening , which was to express their gratitude for the excellent arrangements made that day by the Stewards ,