Untitled Article

pleasure it afforded him to represent on this occasion the G . M . of Ireland , the Duke of Leinster , who , for Masonic zeal and worth , was not exceeded by the distinguished Brother who presided over this meeting . He congratulated the Province on the elevation of two such worthy Masons as Bros . Bowyer and Spiers , the latter of whom had evinced his sympathy for Ireland , when visiting that country recently , by becoming a Governor of her Masonic Schools , and his courtesy had won the good opinions of all with whom he came in contact .

Bro . Masson , P . G . S . B ., acknowledged the toast on behalf of Scotland , and remarked that he had the happiness and delight of first seeing the light of Masonry in 1812 , and on a late return to his native land , found 18 & Brethren assembled to greet him ; generally , Masonry was on the increase , and its benefits extending , as it was universally seen , that the morals they inculcate \ and the virtues they practise are worthy of all praise . The Mayor , Bro . Sadler , proposed " The Army and Navy , " with a handsome eulogy to our troops and allies , not forgetting those noble-minded women who had forsaken their homes in the true spirit of Masonry , to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded .

Bro . Col . Yernon responded to the toast . The Dep . Prov . G . M . Bro . Spiers proposed the health of the Prov . G . M . Bro . Bowyer , who , in reply , said he trusted he should never show himself insensible to the honour or unmindful of the responsibility conferred upon him . The Prov . G . M . proposed the healths of his distinguished visitors , the various Prov . G . Officers , who had done him the honour to attend on this occasion , and more especially the Prov . G . M . of Cambrigeshire , who had performed the ceremony of Installation with so much zeal , kindness , and ability .

Bro . Hall , Prov . G . M . of Cambridgeshire remarked , that he presided over a Province in which the Sister University was situated , which made him feel deeper interest in the Masonic progress at Oxford . Joyous as was the present meeting , he could not but express his sincere grief for the loss of their lamented Prov . G . M . Bro . Bidley , than whom a more estimable man , or better Mason , never lived . Where could Masonry be expected to flourish more than here and

in the Sister University , where they were surrounded by its noblest records , and where the pursuits humanise the disposition , and enlighten the understanding ? Many of those who now took an active part in these Masonic ceremonies are destined to play important parts in the great theatre of the world , in the Senate or the Church , and he was assured that they would never have effaced from their minds the important lessons they received in our temple .

Bro . Rev . G . R . Portal proposed < e The Mayor , and prosperity to the City of Oxford , " and expressed his conviction that the increasing unity between the University and City had been in a great measure owing to the fact , that for the last four years the civic chair had been tilled by Masons . Bro . Sadler returned thanks . The P . G . M . of Cambridgeshire proposed , in complimentary terms , " The health of the D . Prov . G . M . "

Bro . Spiers said — In the office to which I am this day appointed I hope I shall be able to satisfy your expectations . I will endeavour to carry out those great principles which have been inculcated in the Lodge-room . I well know that all my success , when presiding as chief magistrate of this city , was to be attributed to following out the principles Masonry inculcates . I have spent much time in the study of its duties ; and if I have been useful in society , it was only by putting in practice that which Masonry at every step enjoined , viz ., to promote the welfare and happiness of our fellow-men .

At this stage of the proceedings a splendid silver candelabrum , convertible into an epergne , and intended as a testimonial to Bro . W . Thompson , was placed on the table . It is of chaste and elegant design , weighing about 300 oz ., and was supplied by Bro . Sheard , of this city . Bro . Beach rose and said , that there was nothing more gratifying in every p hase of life than to reward merit , and that the Masonic body had never been backward in manifesting that spirit . As a proof of it , they had embraced this opportunity of testifying to Bro . W . Thompson their sense of his unwearied exer-