The Craft Abroad.

his present position . The Masons of the North felt proud of their Grand Master , and he was highly respected in every lodge . They would all be pleased on some future occasion to have an opportunity of listening to an account of his travels and the various lodges he had visited in England . ( Applause . ) Ho asked the brethren to drink "The Health of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Tasmania . " ( Applause . )

The toast was enthusiastically received , and Bros . Lisbey , Cragg , Wilkinson , Brickhill , and Aikenhead , on behalf of their respective lodges , having all expressed their welcome , The M . W . GRAND MASTER , in reply , said he could not but feel very highly flattered at the very cordial reception they had been good enough to extend to him on his return to Tasmania . It was said that out of the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh ; but on this occasion he felt reallv his heart was so full that

he could scarcely give expression to the feelings which had taken possession of him on returning once more amongst them , and hearing that they were all progressing satisfactorily . ( Hear , hear . ) He was pleased to have their welcome and congratulations on his return , and to let them know that he felt now thoroughly reinvigorated and restored to health and strength . ( Applause . ) He trusted that his travels and experiences in the old country had been not only advantageous to him from a health point of view , but would also be a benefit to

the Institution which he held in such high affection and reverence , and to the community in which he dwelt . ( Applause . ) He was sure they would not at this juncture expect any extended remarks from him , for he hoped on some future occasion , when he had had time to consolidate his Masonic experiences in the old world and put them into form , to lay them before the brethren in a manner that would be of interest and benefit to the Craft in general . ( Applause . ) He could assure them , however , that it had been his desire and endeavour to maintain with

honour and dignity the proud position which they had conferred iipon him , and he had ever been mindful that in all the honours , courtesies , and hospitalities extended to him , they had been extended to him as the representative of Tasmania . ( Applause . ) it would be gratifying to them all to know that when recognition was extended to a Grand Lodge such as theirs it really meant a fraternal greeling , and he attributed much ofthe gratification and pleasure he had experienced in the old country to the genuine Masonic feeling which the Masons

there desired to extend to Masons throughout the universe . He had the privilege while in England of meeting , perhaps , some of the greatest Masons in the world , and had gained a knowledge of Masonic matters which would be beneficial to him whether he occupied his present position or any other position in the Craft in Tasmania . His desire would always be to assist the Institution which he held in such high affection . ( Applause . ) In going round the world he had looked forward with considerable pleasure and happiness to the day of his return to

Tasmania , and he could assure them that while his anticipations were pleasing , the realisation had been much more pleasing still . ( Applause . ) He might tell them that wherever he had been he had never lost an opportunity of extolling the beauties and climate of Tasmania . ( Hear , hear . ) He thanked them-for their courtesies to his wife ar . d daughter , an ' * was sure they would bs pleased to hear of the hearty welcome extended to them . And now he must thank the M . W . Pro

Grand Master and the officers of the Grand Lodge for the manner in which Grand Lodge affairs had been conducted during his absence , and also Masons generally for the loyalty and goodwill shown to the Grand Lodge oliicers during that period . ( Hear , hear . ) He concluded by thanking them once more , and assuring them how deeply grateful he was for the cordial welcome they had accorded him . ( Applause . )

The M . W . GRAND MASTER said there was another toast he would like to propose . He thought they should not allow such an opportunity to pass without showing their goodwill and esteem towards the M . W . Pro Grand Mister , who had so well and ably filled the position during his absence . He had already thanked him for his efforts on behalf of the Craft , and now asked the brethren present to drink his health . ( A pplause . )

The M . W . PRO GRAND MASTER thanked the Grand Master for his kindly words . He had felt the responsibility very much ; but he had been greatly assisted by . the Deputy Grand Master , and by the Grand Lodge officers , who had come forward and helped him right loyally . ( Applause . ) This terminated a very pleasant function .

Hon . C . E . Davies , Mrs . and Miss Davies left by the afternoon express for Hobart , which was reached the same evening . Mrs . and Miss Davies alighted at Risdon Station , and Bro . Davies came on to Hobart , accompanied by his brother ( Bro . J . G . Davies , M . H . A . ) , and Bro . G . T . Taylor , the Commercial Manager oi thc Mercury Upon alighting at the Hobart Station , the Grand Master was accorded a hearty reception by his Masonic brethren and others .

The party drove to the Masonic Hall , where there was a very large gathering of brethren , and on the . Grand Master entering the hall he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers .

The R . W . Past Deputy Grand Master ( Bro . L . Susman ) having taken the chair , with Bro . T . R . Marsden as Grand Director of Ceremonies . The R . W . Deputy Grand Master , Bro . J . G . DAVIES , M . H . A ., said that , having regard to the relations that existed between him and thc M . W . Grand Master , he would content himself by expressing his heartfelt thanks to the Great Architect of the Universe that his brother , their Grand Master , had been permitted to return , and be once more amongst them in good health . ( Prolonged

cheers . ) In handing over to him again thc work which he had given him ( the speaker ) to do before leaving the colony , he did so in the full belief and hope that he would find that , as far as the southern jurisdiction was concerned , he would have no cause of complaint about the manner in which that work had been performed during his absence . ( Applause . ) The officers of the Grand Lodge had loyall y supported him , and he heartily thanked them for it . He would call upon 'heir Ri ght Worshipful P . D . G . M ., Bro . Susman , to address the Grand Master on behalf of the Grand Lodge .

Bro , SUSMAN , P . D . G . M ,, addressing the Grand Master , said ; The privilege has been accorded me of welcoming you , Most Worshipful Grand Master , on behalf of the Grand Lodge and the Cruft generally , on your return from your voyage from the old country to your native place , and to the seat of your Masonic government . We earnestl y hope that yourself and family will have derived all 'lie benefit you expected from the trip , and will have returned with renewed health ¦<\ d strength in our midst . We know that your mind is ever open to learn and

'inproyu whenever opportunity oilers , and we have no doubt tha : you will have uade in your travels a large number of mental notes of improvements you have ¦ win in matters social , political , and Masonic , which will stand you in good stead " your future career as , a citizen , a member of our Legislature , and Grand Master * -- our beloved Order . ( Cheers . ) We have watched with keen interest the announcement of your various visits at high Masonic functions in England , and 1 was clearl y brought home to us , in reading of the proceedings , that you were "idecd most brotherly and ' loyally treated , and that , masonically speaking , you

' ccupy the same position which his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales occupies "i England . ( Cheers . ) 1 do sincerely hope that you may now be able to resume > uur various and sometimes onerous duties with advantage , to the furtherance of he best interests of your country , and to Masonry in general , over which we trust . iuu will rule as ably in the future as you have done since your elevation to the " gh and responsible office of Grand Master . ( Loud cheers . ) Refreshments were served and the toast ot " The -M . W . the Grand Master " us honoured with much cheering and musical fires . I"he W . Masters of the lodges having tendered their hiarty con ^ rawlatioa ' ,

The Craft Abroad.

The M . W . the GRAND MASTER in rising to reply was received with prolonged cheers . He said he scarcely knew how to adequately express himself in assuring them of the gratification he felt at being once more amongst them all . ( Cheers . ) When he left , several months ago , he must confess that he took his departure with a feeling of reluctancy ; but now he had returned he did not feel he had reason to regret the step he then took . ( Cheers . ) The advantages of his trip to Europe—the old country especially , and the experience he had gained , he

trusted would prove not only beneficial to him from a personal point of view , but advantageous to " the great institution of Freemasonry , which he revered so much — ( cheers)—and he also hoped that the information he had gained would prove of some service to the community in which he lived . ( Renewed cheers . ) He had already been honoured that day in being received by the Northern brethren—( prolonged cheers)—in the most cordial and fraternal manner . ( Renewed cheers . ) If hc had consulted his own wishes he would , perhaps , have preferred

meeting them when he had got his' land legs on , and he could have addressed them more fully . During his sojourn in the old country he ever strove to be mindful in connection with Freemasonry that he was the Grand Master of Tasmania , and that the respect which he so ungrudgingly received and the welcome everywhere accorded to him was not as Charles Ellis Davies , but as the Grand Master of Tasmania . ( Cheers . ) To his brethren of this colony he owed the distinguished position he occupied , and he had endeavoured to zealously uphold

that proud position wherever he went with dignity and honour—( cheers )—and it was gratifying to him to learn on his return that they had heard of his efforts in that direction , and that they were appreciated by his brethren . The grandest Masonic scene that he had witnessed was in the Albert Hall , London , on that occasion when there was such a marvellous gathering of Freemasons , and when the Benevolence of Masons was so strikingly and handsomely demonstrated by their subscribing , as no doubt they had heard , the magnificent sum of £ 130 , 000 to

a Masonic charitable institution . He fancied he saw that wonderful scene still , with the thousands of their brethren gathered within that immense building at the moment that the munificent sum was announced by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales . The cheers that went up seemed to shake the building . It was a most imposing scene . Never before had he witnessed such a display of enthusiasm , and he should never forget it . Might the benevolence of their brethren at home prove an incentive to them in Tasmania to emulate such a noble

example 1 ( Cheers . ) He would like to take this first opportunity afforded of thanking most sincerely the Deputy Grand Master and officers of Grand Lodge for the able manner in which they had carried on the work of Grand Lodge during his absence . He took it as a personal compliment to himself , and hoped now he had returned that hc would be able to resume the important duties which had been entrusted to him with that judgement and discretion that was only to be expected of him . ( Cheers . ) He could not tell

them how delighted he was to be once more amongst them . From the moment he reached Launceston that feeling of gUdness was uppermost , and as he came through from the North , with so many places reminding him of old associations , his bosom was filled with pride and joy at returning to his own beautiful , native land . ( Loud cheers . ) Though he had been in many distant lands since his depar » ture , and about the beauties of which people had talked to him on several occasions , he was bound to confess that he could not enthuse about them whilst mindful of the fact that he had left behind in fair Tasmania scenes quite as grand

and beautiful , and in most instances much more so . ( Enthusiastic cheers . ) He assured them that he had never lost an opportunity , whenever he spoke , of impressing upon his audience the many natural advantages that Tasmania enjoyed , and that he thought there was no more beautiful land 011 God ' s earth . ( Loud cheers . ) He again thanked them for their very cordial reception , and was grateful to the Great Architectlof the Universe that he was restored to perfect health and strength . ( Prolonged cheers . ) Bro . Bradshaw-Major then played " Home , sweet home " on the pianoforte .

The M . W . GRAND MASTER next proposed " The Health of the M . W . Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers , " thanking them for the good woik they had done during his absence . The toast was received with musical fires , Bros . J . G . DAVIES , M . H . A ., Deputy G . M . ; F . H . WISE , Past Deputy G . M . ; E . J . ROOEKS , President of the Board of General Purposes ; J . W . ISRAEL , President of the Board of Benevolence ; and J . HAMILTON , M . H . A ., G . Secretary , responded . The proceedings then terminated with thc toast of " The Presiding Past Deputy Grand Master , " which was warmly honoured .

— 4 St . John ' s Lodge , No . 492 E . R . A regular meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Rooms , St . John ' s , Antigua , on Tuesday morning , the 27 th ult ., being the festival of St . John the Evangelist , the Patron Saint of the Order ; there were present Bros . R . H . K . D / ett , W . M . : M . R . Higgins , S . P . M . ; Thos . Fisher , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Chas . Griffin , J . W . ; Rev . J . Emery , Chap . ; j . D . Wall , Treas . ; T . S . Piggott , S . D . ; J . H . Bridger , J . D .: C . U . Melanson , D . C . ; G . T . Gillwey , acting Org . ; F . J . W . II . Doig , acting I . G . j J . D . West , Tyler ; and others . **

The lodge was opened and the minutes read and confirmed , after which labour was suspended , and the brethren repaired to the Cathedral School room , whence they moved in procession to thc Cathedral , where Divine Service was performed by the rector , assisted by his curate , the Rev . Mr . Jackson , and Bro . the Rev . C . H . Branch , P . M . The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . Jos . Emrey , Chaplain designate , from I Thes V . 21 , ** Prove all things ; hoH fast that which is good . " The antiquity of the Order . and its excellencies were dilated upon , and the brethren reminded solemnly of

their obligatory duties to the Craft , to the world , but , above all , their natural and assumed duties to the Great Architect of the Universe . It was a purely Masonic sermon , whicli the brethren could not fail to appreciate . A hymn specially composed for the occasion by the W . M . and set to music by Bro . G . T . Gillwey was sung . At the close of the service the brethren returned in procession to the school room and thence they went back to the lodge , where , labour being resumed , after the VV . M . had addressed the brethren shortly as to th ; events of the year and the satisfactory state of the finances , Bro . Thos . Fisher was , according to ancient ceremony , instilled and

saluted as W . M . for the ensuing Masonic term . The newly-installed VV . M . appointed a . nd invested the following oliicers : ISros . Chas . Griffin , S . W . ; Thos . S . G . Pigott , J W . ; Rev . J . Emrey , Chap . ; J . II . D . Wall ( re-elected ) Treas . ; W . W . Malone , Sec ; John H . Bridger , S . D . j Wm . L . Wall , J . l ) . ; M . R . Higgins , P . M ., D . C . ; F . J . W . II . Doig , I . G . ; and J . F . D . West , Tyler . After the appointment of the Committee for General Purposes , and an Audit Committee , and all other business having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the dining hall where luncheon was served , under the superintendence of Mr . Frederick Lewis , whose reputation as a caterer was again well sustained . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having b : en duly drunk , the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to an end .

BRO . THE EARL OV DUNRAVEN on Saturday last returned to town from Blackburn . Tin' LORD LIBUIKNANT and Countess Cadogan have been entertaming this week at Dublin Castle , the Marquis of Ormonde and the Ladies Butler , Bro . the Marquis of Headfort , llro . the Karl and Countess of Erne and Lady Evelyn Crichton , Bro . the Earl and Countess of Bandon , Viscountess IIelmsley , Lord Hyde and Lady Edith Villiers , Lord and Lady Castletown , of Upper Oosory , the Hon . Gerald Ward , the Hon . Arthur O'Neill , Bro . Sir Charles and Lady Barrington , Captain and Mrs . Fowler , Miss Farqu « harson , aril th : Hon . Willii m Cadogan .