Within the last couple of years there has undoubtedly been a revival ut Freemasonry in Shanghai, and the unanimity and cordiaiity of feeling that exists between the varies Lodges working under different constitutions have from time to time been exemplified in the num-ronsly attended anil highly successful gatherings that have recently taken place in the Masonic Hall. But all previous gatherings were surpassed in success and splendour by the Ball given on evening under the auspices of the Craft. In every respect it was a most unqualified snecess,—a success unparalleled in the history of Freemasonry in_this far-distant Settlement of the Far East. The charitable object for which it was given, its cosmopolitan character, the popularity' of previous Masonic Balls, the zeal with which the Committee laboured in the cause, all tended to a realisation of the most sanguine expectations, and last night's gathering of Masons, with their wives daughters, sisters, and sweethearts, mu ever take a high rank in the records of the many social successes achieved by our small community, and judging from the approbation universally "expressed future reunions of the kind will be looked forward to with interest and pleasure—indeed, we think it will be a mistake if the Brethren of the mystic tie do not continue to strive to make their ball, as they have certainly done this year, one of the most popular and attractive events of the festive season.
For some indefinitely explained reason, the spacious hall belonging to the Brethren has been discarded during the last few years for the purposes of the ball, and preference given to the accommodation provided at the Club, but on this occasion, and we think it a wise decision on the part of those concerned, the scene of the festivities was the Masonic Hall. Though its external pretensions to architectural beauty somewhat belie the convenience of its internal arrangements, the preparations made, and the eulogy bestowed upon those who had been most active in the work, must have convinced the most sensitive and fas tedious that the Masonic Hall is well adapted for the purpose - perhaps more than any other building in the Settlement. The entrance was covered in with a canopy that extended to the street, while over it, in front of the pillars, was brilliant illumination in the form of a large star and the motto, Audi-Vide-Race, Matting and crimson cloth were laid down the steps and as far as the kerbstone; on either side wore arranged plants and choice flowers; the top and sides of the canopy were illuminated with Chinesoand Japanese lanterns; and the whole presented an appearance sufficiently oat once assure the guests that they were heartily welcomed. In the entrance hall was a further profusion of plants and exotics, with festoons of evergreens and flowers encircling the pillars, entwined round the doors, and drooping from the ceiling, while arranged in the bend of the stairs was a prettily arranged grotto, in the contre of which was a beautiful fountain surmounted with large balls of dazzling brilliance. The fountain was in active motion, and was a texture which elicited much admiration. The stairs were covered with matting and red cloth, and no matter which way the eye was directed there was some striking Masonic emblem, symbol, Danner, mirror, or festoon of evergreens, in view. The effect of these decorations was resplendent, the staircase and landing looking especially brilliant. Amongst the most prominent objects may be mentioned ing representatives of Truth and Innocence, in the persons of two little girls prettily attired and standing on altars, distributing programmes to the guests as they ascended the stairs; while at the top of the stairs the guests were saluted by a fully equipped Tyler. In the cornices were the mottoes "Brotherly Love," "Truth," "Relief," and" Audi-Vide-Race," in bold white letters on a blue ground. Arranzed between them, and in other conspicuous places were the banners of the Royal Arch Chapter, Masonic emblems, the portraits of Masonic dignitaries, and other artificial devices for mural ornamentations, all more or less wreathed in evergreens and in some instances relieved by flowers. The effect was at once striking and pleasing; and to the uninitiated must have been not a little amazing.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.