Craft Freemasonry.

Avell managed as it Avas , it Avas quite possible in six weeks time to have 60 , 000 extra men ready to join our fleet . ( Loud cheers . ) He could assure them the navy of England had deteriorated in no ivay , and after twels'e years experience of that branch of the service , he could say that at present the navy of this country Avas in a more efficient state than at any former period of our history . ( Loud cheers . ) Colonel Bosvyer returned thanks for the army . ( Cheers . ) He believed the safet

y and honour of England svas safe in their keeping . They had shown at all times true British spirit , and had done their duty ; and go where they might , or let them engage in any encounter , he believed that the name and the honour of England Avas dearer to them than life itself . ( Loud cheers . ) The Provincial Grand Master said the next toast he had to propose As-as "The Health of the Grand Master of the Order . " The Grand Registrar replied , and concluded by expressing on his OAVII behalf , and on that of those Avho had that day been associated Avith him , the delight they felt in being present on such an auspicious occasion ; and for himself he would say that he should carry away very pleasant memorials of the masons of

Nottingham . ( Loud cheers . ) Colonel Bowyer then rose , and Avas very cordiall y received . He said the duty devolved on him of proposing the next toast , and ho Avas quite sure that no svords of his AVCI-C needed to ensure its most hearty reception . It svas to the health of the Noble Provincial Grand Master . ( Loud and enthusiastic cheering . ) He thought himself very fortunate in having to propose such a toast , inasmuch as the noble Duke Avas Avhat he might call an alumnus of his own in his province . Cheers His had

( . ) Grace proved himself to be a most accomplished and zealous Mason , and ho ( Colonel Bosvyer ) could not but bo proud to see one of his children exalted to so high a position . ( Laughter and loud cheers . ) It Avas to him a great honor to propose the health of a nobleman svhoiu he had had the honor of knoAving since his first initiation , and svho he svas sure svould do honor to the craft . ( Loud cheers . ) They had nosv a grand centre ot Freemasonry , and he hoped that from that centre would emanate a Masonic lihtwhich svould

g , shed a fresh lustre on the principles and unities of the Order ( cheers ); and that whatos-er might bo tho business in svhich any or all of the brethren engaged , they Avould never forget the great rules of the Order . ( Loud cheers . ) He proposed the toast most cordially , and . he Avas sure that it svould be received by es-ery brother svith the same feelings to svhich lie had endeavoured to give expression . ( Cheers . ) The toast was drank svith Masonic honors , and in the most enthusiastic

manner . The Provincial Grand Master , on rising to reply , was received in a most enthusiastic manner . He said : Brethren , I thank you not only for the cordial and generous reception you have given me this evening , but also for your kindness in promoting me to tho high position svhich I nosv occupy among you . I confess that I felt at first considerable diffidence and hesitation in accepting this high position ; but this did not arise from any desire to shrink from its responsibilitiesbut because felt that deficient

, I I svas in that knowledge svhich , as your Provincial Grand Master , I should possess , and that I svas quite unequal to the task of svorthify and adequately filling the place of those svho have preceded me in this office . ( Cheers . ) AA ith this hesitation came at the same time a conviction that I should be acting a most ungrateful part if I refused , and I felt that I should not perform my duty by not accepting the offer you made me . I , therefore , at once replied in the affirmative , and I resolved to do my best to the and viesvs of the craft in

promote object this county , relying on your kindness and forbearance to supply my deficiencies and shortcomings . I regret to say that I have been very much behindhand in my masonic duties , so baekss-ard indeed that I fear Colonel Bowyer svould hardly recognize me as that alumnus whom he praised so highly . ( Cheers . ) On this account I feel all the more strongly your kindness in promoting me to the office , and I beg to tender you this assurance that by doing my utmost to promote tho interest of the craft , by diving deep into its mysteries , and by attending to the duties you have