Metropolitan.

institution . Without further remarks he would call upon them , to drink the health of their W . M . in a bumper . The W . M . on rising said , that he could not sufficiently thank Bro . P . M . Adams for the honourable and complimentary terms in which he had been pleased to propose his health , nor could he adequately thank the Brethren for the cordial and hearty manner in which they had received it . The high encomiums heaped upon him by their respected Brother were far , very far beyond his merits , but

doubtless they were the offspring of his personal regard . It was true he had endeavoured to discharge the responsible duties attached to the high position to which their kindness had unanimously elected him , in a manner creditable to himself and honourable to the Lodge ; and from the demonstration on this , as well as on all other occasions , he trusted that thus far he had not been wholly unsuccessful . Pie had had the high honour to introduce and initiate many gentlemen into their ancient and honourable institution , which he hoped ,

and believed , was gratifying to the Lodge , and the last sheaf of his harvest had not yet been gathered , for he had more reaping yet to do . It was also true that the Grand Lodge of England had done him the honour , to associate him in the management of the Benevolent Institution , for the benefit of which he should ever labour , —he trusted not without success . He could not better close his observations , than by assuring them how earnest he was in his endeavours to avoid anything hy which he might forfeit their kind and generous feelings towards him , and in drinking to the good health of all , he wished them continued prosperity and happiness .

The W . M . on calling on the Brethren to charge their glasses , said , the next toast he had to propose was one which he was sure they would respond to with delight , it was the " Past Masters of St . John ' s Lodge . " He should couple the toast with the names of Bros . P . M . Adams , Hamilton , and Shury . With respect to the merits of Bro . Adams , as they had been dwelt upon in open Lodge , he should only say , to each of the Brethren , " Go thou and do likewise . " Bro . Hamilton had "been a P . M . of the Lodge for thirty years , and the minutes of the Lodge would justify his assertion , that in every point of view , whether in its prosperity or its adversity , he had been its earnest supporter . Bro . Shury was

a P . M . of but three years' standing ; yet to him the Lodge was much indebted . It was owing to that excellent Brother that Bros . Adams , Thompson , Hazard , and he himself had joined it ; he discharged the duties incidental to the W . M . in a manner highly creditable to himself , and gratifying to the Lodge . Although he had singled out these names , still the P . Ms , generally were the pillars of the Lodge , to whom only could the W . M . for the time being look for guidance ; the landmarks of the Order would not be safe in the hands of any W . M . who disregarded their advice . He called upon them to he upstanding , and to drink the " Health and Prosperity of the Past Masters of the St . John ' s Lodge . "

Bro . Shury , in returning thanks , said , the P . Ms , were much indebted to their W . M . and to the Brethren for the kind and cordial manner in which their healths had been given and received . Bros . Hamilton and Adams having briefly returned thanks , the W . M . gave " The Officers of the St . John ' s Lodge , " which toast he was confident woulbi as cordially responded to as any of the former . Bros . Hazard , Johnson , and Pritchard returned thanks in neat and appropriate terms .

Ihe pleasures of the evening were much enhanced by the excellent singing of Bros . W . H . Jones , honorary member , Hazard , Pitt , Purkiss , & c . —We understand that the Brethren are about to pay Bro . P . M . Shury the well-merited compliment of presenting him with a P . M . ' s jewel .

VOli . 11 . I i )