Masonry In Africa.

of the Order form such an important body at the Gold Coast , and that they have been so fortunate as to gain the approbation ofthe Herald . AVe read : —• ' ' The arrangements altogether were excellent throughout . The courtesy and extreme and delicate attention to the guests on the part of the Masons , the exact regularity aud absence of fuss that characterised the refreshment department , the

kindly feelings that appeared to reign amongst the company generally , rendered this evening party by far the most complete and agreeable that we have ever witnessed on this coast . Nothing could exceed the kindness of the Brethren of the mystic tie ; and when we consider the tasteful and artistical manner in which they had decorated the apartments , the perfect order , comfort , and judicious plenty that prevailed in the refreshment rooms aud on the supper tables , the courtesy ancl earnest attention of the Masons towards their guests , ancl the

genuine happiness that reigned among the company , we cannot help pronouncing that the ball given by the Gold Coast Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons on St . John ' s day , 1858 , was far the best and most complete entertainment of the kind that we have ever witnessed on the Gold Coast of Africa . "

The party was more select than numerous , mustering altogether only thirty-two persons , of which twelve only were ladies—these latter being " chiefly African . " AVe find here a marked contrast to the dulness which too frequently prevails on similar occasions at home . Languor ancl fatigue appear to have been banished for this occasion at any rate , and a mercurial spirit developed which one would almost imagine impossible in that climate . Our journalist remarks : —

" One very remarkable feature of this interesting party was , that though the lively men were brisk and lively as ' usual , the grave , and cruiet , and retired men beat them hollow . It was nothing new to see that the influences of music , the society of laches , aud refreshment , had developed the gay disposition of such as were naturally joyous among the party . But what was certainly most unexpected and most pleasing was , to see men , ordinarily of the most steady fad serious demeanour , and whom it might be thought hardl external influences of this sort would thaw

y any into gaiety , become as lively aud as cheerful as if balls were their natural element . Nothing could be a greater proof than this , that the entertainment was more than good . Men who on these occasions usually sneak to bed at tivelve , were discontented when they found , at half-past three , that they really must depart at last . The time Hew too quickly and too pleasantly . "

AS no enjoyment in this sublunary sphere is without alloy , the elite of Cape Coast found the pleasures of tlie evening in danger of being marred by a circumstance whicli however ivas duly met by the energy of tlie brethren , who appear to have supplied the want of an institution under which we flourish in London— " Policeman X . " Thus we find : —

" One great nuisance that afflicts large entertainments iu this country , is the intrusion of ttniuvited and unwelcome persons into the house , and very frequently into the apartments where the guests are assembled . A number of people find the means of entrance , aud stick themselves at tbe doors , inundate the galleries , invade the refreshment rooms , and by their presence , their noise , and their proceedings , disgust and annoy every one . At the ball on Monday last , it was pleasing to observe the absence of this affliction . "U e believe an attempt ivas made to cany out the abominable practice , but it was promptly put clown by the stewards . "

Brother Derecourt covered himself with glory , and proved himself equal to the emergencies of a sultry climate : — ^ "The refreshment * and the serving of them were under the superintendence of Brother Derecourt , who , entrenched behind a tempting array of bottles , distributed the needful to the guests , with the most admirable cheerfulness and rapidity . " A shameful advantage appears to have been taken of the innocence of