Channel Islands.

Hie general body of Freemasons of Jersey haA'e thought , then , that three among many other duties devols-e on them at this particular moment . And the managing committee , svhich comprises z-epresentatives of all the Anglo Lodges , have requested me to state to you , on opening this day's proceedings , As-hat they hold those duties to be . They think , in the first place , that it is a social duty to find and provide cheerful amusement at given times for the general community . NOAV , svhat period '

should be so universall y festive as the Christmas holidays ? Everybody knosvs that " all ss-ork" and ' ¦ ' no enjoyment" lead invariably to dullness aitd gradual impairment of physical and intellectual posver . AVe Masons , then , lias-o decided to act on our conviction respecting the indispensable necessity of periods of fair and varied recreation for every one , —and this is one of the reasons svby sve have undertaken these fetes . Before tho close AVO trust to show that sve have , is this matter , fully attended to tho claims of all qualities and classes , and taken special heed of those , svho b y their position , are the most in need of a passing hour of

recreation and joy . Tho second duty sve are anxious to perform is , —to make an effort , though slight it may be , to promote the cultivation and love of art among osir fellow-citizens . Thanks to the Bailiff , Colonel Lo Contour , Q . A . D . C , Colonel Pereival Touzel , K . N ., Captain Saumarez , R . N ., Captain Broker , Captain Mauger , Mr . Stirling , Mr . Massey , and others , sve arc enabled to open to-day svhat may lead to that Avhich 1 refer to . Thanks to tho public spirit and intelligence of the gentlemen

I have named sve may nosv expect an artistic and scientific exhibition next summer . If so , a museum—the absence of svhich in a place like this is so to be regretted—svill be the proximate result . If that desideratum is attained Avithin a reasonable time , AVO trust that Asdien you assist at the inaugural fete of the hopo-for 'Treasury of Art and Science you svill not forget hosv far to-day ' s modest stud unassuming masonic exhibition may hove contributed to tosvards it . The third duty svhich has impelled the Masons , svith svhom you so kindly act , is one that is not merely transient ;—it is eternal , because it is—the duty of

chanty . Ihe Master , as you all knoss-, said that the 2 » or svere always to be amongst us . All societies have , assuredly , theirs ; and ours is no exception to the rule . But , in appealing to yoss to-day , Ave particularly wish to explain that tho svidoss'S and orphans in svhoso behalf svo have all come forward on this occasion are those svho are specially connected svith the promoters of this Temple . I mention this to avoid misconception . On the domain of any other charitable organization , connected Avith the craft , sve are not venturing to

trespass . In connection svith this , —the pecuniary , the charitable , in fact the practical part of these fetes , —I am specially requested to state that the proceeds , duly handed to trustees , svill be invested so as to ensure for the objects sve have contemplated an interest equal to that granted by local banks to the depositors . In conclusion , ¦ ladies and gentlemen , I am directed to say that sve shall

expect indulgence it , m some slight details , sve cannot , this time , rigidly adhere to the letter of our programme . If so , hosvovcr , sve shall make up for tho deficiency by other means . Finally , ladies and gentlemen , the committee earnestl y thank you , particularly the ladies ss'ho have taken charge of stalls , for your enlightened and generous co-operation . AVithout it , our efforts svould have been comparatively fruitless : —Asliereas Avith it sve succeed beyond our greatest hopes in our threefold object , —to enliven—to instruct—and to solace;—to raise the

merry laugh that does the heart good ; to elevate the mind b y the contemplation of the beauteous and the study of the svonderful ; and ' to cheer Avere it but one sorrosving sister , one desolate child , ss-ith the consolatory reflection that , after all , fraternity is not a vain svord , — and that hearts almost innumerable yet respond , in humble truthfulness , and svith earnest svarmth , to the sacred command : " Love ye one another . " After the bazaar had been opened , the brethren svere honored Avith a visit from his excellency Major-Geneva ! Burke Cuppuge , and suite . The Lieutenant-Governor svas received at the entrance to the Temple by JMr . L . Manuel , chairman of the committee , Mr . Albert Sehuiitt and Mi ' . Edward Dickson Le