The W. M. then said—The toast he had now the pleasure to propose was the District Grand Master and Officers of the D.G.L. of Northern China. All Masons working under the English Constitution must feel very proud of the rare abilities of R.W. Bro. Thorne, W. Bro. Kingsmill, too, had that evening conducted the install. ing ceremonies in a most highly efficient manner, while W. Bro. Moore had had the bulk of the Lodge work to direct during the past year owing to the unexpected departure of W. Bro, Hughes, who held the chair. The W.M. concluded by proposing the toast of which he had given notice.
The toast was acknowledged by W. Bro. Tuorxe, R.W.D.G.M., who said, W.M. Bros, Wardens and Brethren—In returning D.G. Lodge for the kind response you have on thanks on behalf of the officers of the made to the toast proposed in such eloquent terms by the W.M., can assure you it is a pleasure at all times for us to take part in your ceremonies. The admirable manner in which the installation has been performed by our W. Bro. Kingsmill, will, hope, make its proper impression upon you, so that you may carry out the pt ciples inculcated thereby. "Masonry is doing good service in Shanghai, and I am sure if we all strive to promulgate its true principles, we shall find much benefit accrue to others who are not within our pale. The D.G. Officers are ever ready to lend their aid in assisting the working of the various lodges, and I trust the junior members of the Craft will emulate their example. To shew what may be achieved in this way, Imay instance the career of our W. Bro. Henry Aineas Sidford, who was largely instrumental in establishing the Tuscan Lodge, in connection wherewith he overcome a multitude of difficulties. We all know his services to the Done Lodge at Chinkiang, and we now hear of his visiting Amoy to instal the W.M. of the new Ionic Lodge there, the D.G.M. of Hongkong having recognised Bro. Sidford's long and able services by appointing him his District Grand Senior Warden. Before I resume my seat Ihave to ask you to join me in drinking the health of the W.AL. our W. Bro, Short, who by the manner in which
roving himself a worthy successor of handles the gavel gives promise of former incumbents of the Tuscan chair, and may our best wishes help him on the way, The W. M. said he had already addressed the Brethren on several occasions, and need scarcely say there was no more gratifying one than the present, but as he ha wish to monopolize the conversation, he would simply ask their acceptance of his heartfelt thanks and wish prosperity to everyone present.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.