South Metropolitan Masonic Hall Company (Limited).

and advocated the cause of the company in an able speech ; and the very numerous promises of support which have been already received leave little doubt that the very moderate capital of one thousand £ 5 shares will soon be raised . As was

well put by Mr . E . Dresser Rogers , a very large amount of capital is not required for such an undertaking , and when it is remembered that so great is the scarcity of accommodation for public meetings in the district , that one of the most

favourite buildings for winter gatherings is used as a swimming bath in the summer , there seems every probability of a remunerative return beingmade on the outlay . The promoters , however , do not at all insist upon this view ofthe case , although ,

of course , it is not entirely lost sight of . They say , simply , here is a great and acknowledged want which has long pressed on the Masonic brotherhood ; let us , by a little mutual co-operation supply it ; and if , in so doing , we can also benefit ourselves in a pecuniary point of view , so much the better . This is the tone to create

confidence and ensure success ; and if , as is contemplated , a really good central site is selected , there can be no doubt but that a hearty measure of support will be awarded . The directors were requested to make inquiries as to what sites are

available , and report to the meeting to be held on the 27 th inst . ; and although some may be inclined to wait until that time before applying for shares , we venture to suggest that by so doing they will stand a chance of getting no allotment ,

and at the same time debar themselves from the right of voting on the question of site , should there be any difference of opinion . It is not ' so much a long pull , or a very strong pull , as a pull altogether , which is here required ; and from the

good feeling- and readiness to subordinate individual wishes to the good of the whole , exhibited on the 23 rd ult ., there is every -reason to anticipate that perfect unanimity which is one of the attributes of Freemasonry . We heartily commend the scheme to the attention of all our Masonic brethren .

Oration

ORATION

Delivered by Bro . the Rev . THOMAS SOMEHVULE . A . M ., at the inauguration of the neiu Masonic Hall , Victoria Vancouver ' s Island . The dedication of the lodge is one of the most solemn ordinances of our ancient Order , and I

am certain that as these holy symbols stood im ~ veiled in their new resting-place , and your thoughts wandered back through the corridor o £ ages to the scene of their first introduction , and forward to the rich associations that will be

entwined around them in the future , thoughts deep > and hallowed could not fail to well up from thesprings of your heart . Be it simply mine , then ,, as one for all , to voice forth these your silent , reflections .

The work completed to-day is called " The ^ Dedication of the Lodge to the Holy Saint John , " the patron of our Order ; but , strictly speaking ,,, the work has a double purpose—both , dedication ! . and consecration . The lodge is dedicated to

virtue , in the name of the Great Jehovah , and consecrated , separated , and set apart to the purpose of preserving the memory of these illustrious names .

It is dedicated to virtue . True Masonry is thedutiful daughter of Heaven . The lodge is the sacred shrine of Almighty Jehovah . By His law every Mason must be a good and true mantrue to himself , his fellows , ancl to the

Beingbefore whom he has bent in adorin g reverence .. The ' ' '' stupid atheist or irreligious libertine" may make himself a false man , but never a good ' . Mason . The Mason is pledged to pious virtue-Eor let it be forgotten that virtue ori ginaWy

meant valour . Among the old Romans the most , valorous man was esteemed the most virtuous ; - ; now , while strength should not be all , it must , still form an important element of goodness . Thegood man must , ever be a strong man .

Meresentimentalism is silly ; like the vapour it appear ~ eth for a little while and then vanisheth away . Irt every " good and true man" there must be a . healthy firmness . The feeling of desire must be yoked with the principle of right , and will must drive them both .

Rugged strength anil radiant beauty—These were once in nature ' s plan ; Humble toil and Heavenward duty—These will form the perfect man . To virtue , strong and beautiful , is this Half dedicated . Never , then , let careless feet defile its

pavement , nor unclean hands touch its vessels ; never let angry disputations be heard within its walls . Conscience as a faithful T yler must guardoff the furies of discord ; temper must be ever tempered , and feeling chastened . It is that wo may become better men that we meet here , and & Vs our labours—the charges , the rituals , the cere-