In replying to the toast W. P. Master Ons, P.D.G.J.W, for China, alluded the pleasure it always afforded P.ML's in the Craft to view the progress and improvement of Freemasomy. It was of course very gratifying to the P.M.'s of the Tuscan Lodge particularly to mark the strides it had made during the past few years. One of its founders was present here to-night, R.W. Bro. €, Thorne, and to him many thanks were due, not only for work formerly done in the Lodge, but for the instruction and guidance afforded to its rulers, since he had been appointed by the Prince of Wales to the high office he at present occupied; and it must be very gratifying to him to see the very creditable institution that had been erected on the foundation of the Tuscan Lodge. Bro. Miller had made very flattering allusion to the works of W. Bros. Gundry, J. I. Miller, L. Moore and himself (WW. Bro. Orme), and doubtless all the P.M.'s would agree with him in feeling that their labours were rewarded by the high position the Tuscan Lodge now held. He noticed the improved working in Shanghai Lodges generally, and recommended the junior Brethren to attend regularly the Lodge of Assiduity which had so Jargely led to this result, and with a tribute of praise to the W.M. and officers lately elected, he closed his remarks by thanking the Brethren for their cordial reception of the toast of the P.M.'s.
W. Bro. Krxeswmx said a pleasing duty devolved on him in the toast he now had to propose. They had heard of the present officers of the Tuscan Lodge, and they had seen how worthy they were of the promotion which had fallen to their lot, but what of those of the past? without whose exertions the Lodge could never have attained its present position. He had for many years noted the zealous discharge of their duti by the Masters who year after year had been elected to fill the chair, and under whose bountiful care the Lodge had always been conducted in a manner which reflected. credit on Masonry in Shanghai. He was sorry to miss from amongst them W. Bro. Hughes their I.P.M., who had been summoned from Shanghai during his year of office, but all, or nearly all, the past officers of the year were then around him, and in
it with the name of one of the most proposing their healths, he would couple tinguished of their number, a well-known and honoured mason W, Bro, Lewis Moore.
W. Bro. Moone in reply, said—W.M. and Brethren, regret W. Bro. Hughes, the L.P.M., is not present here this evening, as te could have replied to the toast in a far more able manner than I can, However, on his behalf, I beg to thank you. I am sure you all regret that he was obliged to 0 leave before his term of office had expired, as he had the working of the Lodge at heart. On behalf of the oticers 1 also beg to return their sincere thanks, They have all done their best to enable the working of the Lodge to go on smoothly, and Iam glad their endeavours have been so much appreciated. The praise poured on me the W.ML Iam afraid Tam not entitle to, because I have only done my duty asa Mason ought to do, and further I shall at all times be ready to assist the Lodge as far as lies in my power, when called upon, I trust the Tuscan Lodge will continue to work as heretofore, and that it will shortly be, if it is not already, second to none in Shanghai.
After a song by W.
Jansen, W. Bro. Moone: again rose and said, W.M. and Brethren, I am glad that the proposal of the next toast has been entrusted to me. You have: heard W. Bro, Orme dilate upon the Sister Grand Lodges, and incidentally refer to the Lodges in Shang-i working under their rule. It is prosperity to these Lodges and health to their members that I ask you to respond to, and Tam certain it requires no commendation from me to ensure an enthusiastic reception to this toast. We have present with us to-night members of the Lodges Ancient Landmark, Cosmopolitan and Germania. Lately, many of us assisted at the iustallation ceremonies of the two former, and afterwards enjoyed the hospitality of their members. I regret to say that through the ignorance of many of our own members of the German langnge, we are not enabled to join in the ceremonies of the latter Lodge as We would like to do, but we can at all times bear testimony to the fraternal feeling that exists between the members and ourselves, which is fully borne out by the ready and kind manner in which the attend our meetings, and cheer us by their genial cordiality. They also unite with us aiding the relief of suffering amongst the Brethren, when unfortunately it is neces sary to enlist their sympathies. Brethren, I was going to say a great deal more, but have just been reminded time is short. I will not, therefore, detain you further, but at once ask you to unite in wishing pros. perity to our Sister Lodges, and continued health and strength to their members.
W. Bro. Jansx, W.M., Ancient Landmark Lodge, Mass. Constitution, in a
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.