Untitled Article

When the room was nearly full , a deputation proceeded for Dr . Kent , in a chariot drawn by eight horses , all iron-greys , spirited animals , and beautifully matched . This imposing turn-out , with its postilions in scarlet and gold , and other brilliant appointments , attracted general notice . On the arrival of Dr . Kent at the Masonic Hall , the Grand Lodge was opened in due form by the Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Lazar , and the dispensation appointing him to act during the absence of the P . G . M . was read by the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . Dr . Moore . The

Prov . G . M ., Dr . Kent , then presented the patent of authority ( granted to him by the Earl of Zetland , G . M . of England ) to Bro . Lazar , who in a short but appropriate address , acknowledged the honour that had been conferred upon him . The Prov . G . M . then took leave of the Grand Lodge in an affecting speech , and the Lodge was closed according to ancient usage . While these proceedings engaged attention within the Lodge , numerous vehicles arrived with Brothers anxious to join the procession . This concourse , together with the strains of a brass band , attracted a considerable crowd outside the Masonic Hall , and several ladies secured seats under the ornate verandah which shades the front of the

building . When the door of the Lodge-room was thrown open , and Dr . Kent appeared , escorted by the principal Officers in their regalia , several persons pressed forward , anxious to grasp the hand , to breathe a parting word , or catch a nod of recognition from one who seemed to have enjoyed the rare good fortune of living many years among them with universal respect , and whose departure was looked upon by all with regret . As the worthy P . G . M . proceeded to his seat in the chariot , he was saluted with Masonic honours by the Craft .

When they subsided , he arose , and taking off his hat , hade farewell to all his friends present who were not Freemasons . This courteous act elicited a round of cheers in reply . The procession proceeded to the port , being loudly cheered at various points throughout the journey . When the cortege arrived at the port the harbour presented a most animated appearance . Nearly all the vessels were decorated with flags , and several displayed the " hieroglyphics , bright , " which none but Craftsmen understand , and as the leading carriages of the procession

drew up in front of the Britannia Hotel , some of the ships fired a salute . A double line was formed by Brothers from the carriages to the entrance of the hotel , and the Prov . G . M . Kent was met on alighting by Bro . Leon , the W . M . of the Lodge of Unity , with several of his Officers , who escorted him to the Lodge-room , where the ceremony of leave-taking was most impressive . The procession again formed'and proceeded to the steam-tug , which was boarded by all the Brethren , who seemed determined not to part from their respected President until the last

moment . On the signal to start being given , the air was rent with cheerings from the shore , and the deep booming of guns from the saluting battery below the Company ' s Bridge . On boarding the Antelope , the party proceeded to the saloon , which presented a most imposing appearance , as nearly two hundred Masons , in their rich regalia , occupied it . D . P . G . M . Lazar proposed the farewell toast in a

brief but impressive speech ; it was received with an unmistakeahle manifestation of sincerity , and was responded to by P . G . M . Kent , who was deeply aifected , in an eloquent reply . He acknowledged for himself and his family the great honour conferred upon him by the Craft in that public demonstration ; he referred regretfully to the suspension of the intercourse that had evoked such kindly feelings , and declared that

* Strong memory on his heart shall write Those happy scenes when far awaV He then bade ' a heart-warm fond adieu' to every Brother present , and they , wishing him all prosperity , took their leave . On their landing , the cavalcade reformed and returned to town , where it arrived safely about ten o ' clock . " Dr . Kent is Inspector General of Hospitals at Western Australia .