Masonic Mem.

but the esteem and affection of all the Grand Officers . He knew of no man who had more at heart the interests of the Craft , and he was delighted for a season to see him relieved from the cares of office , that he might enjoy that which he believed he had at heart—the benefit of the Society of Masons . Drunk with cheers .

Bro . FKEDEKICK DtrsnAS returned thanks for the D . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers . Bro . FEEDK :. DLWDAS rose and said he had great pleasure in proposing a toast which he was sure they would receive with all cordiality and honour . The name he had to propose was that of a nobleman who had gained the regard and aft ' ection of

the whole Craft , and although he was not then holding the high office he once filled , they still had a grateful recollection of his past services . It had been attended by no small sacrifice on the part of the noble lord to be present on that occasion . It was only at three o'clock that afternoon that he saw the . noble lord in his bed suffering from severe indisposition , and ,

had he adopted the advice of his medical adviser , he would not have been present with them that night , but the noble lord said , " No , I will go , and I shall do my duty , " showing that he Tielieved he could best reconcile himself by promoting the interests of that Institution—and indeed they were all interested in it—aud for his kindness they owed him a deep debt of gratitude . He proposed " The Health of their noble Chairman , the Earl of Dalhousie . " Drunk with loud cheers .

The EAEL OE DALHOUSIE said he begged to return the "brethren his warmest thanks for tbe kind manner in which they iad been pleased to receive his health , aud he thought he might say that the expression of their kindness which he had just received was far better , than all the medicine he should have ¦ received at the hands of the doctor . In the presence of the

worthy brother who sat on his left ( Bro . Havers ) , it was far from his intention to undervalue the Esculapian art , but when a man undertook a duty he ought not to allow any light matter 4 o interfere with the performance of it . He had suffered considerable pain , but -when bis voedical man vjas opposed to his

attending that day , he tested him , and when he found that he was not a Mason he put no faith in him . He determined , and broke through all legitimate restraint . There he was , and he was sure that he was none the worse for it , and he should carrj * away with him the pleasing' reflection that he had performed the promise he made to the Board of Stewards , however

unworthily he might have filled the chair on that occasion . He had always taken a deep interest in the Craft ; and when his avocations called him to a distant part of the country , he put his office of Deput y Grand Master at the disposal of the Grand Master , and iu what he had done he had contributed his mite , not only towards the success of Masonry , but to the promotion

of their Charities . The Stewards then left the Hall , and in a short time a procession was formed , the Stewards and others taking part in it . It was formed in the following order : —

Stewards two abreast . Vice-Presidents and Oflicers of the Board . Treasurer of the Institution with two Boys . House Committee , each Member with two Boys . The Head Master with two Boys . The remainder of the Boys , two abreast .

Stewards , two abreast . The whole proceeded entirely round the hall . On reaching the dais the second time the Stewards , so far as practicable , ranged themselves behind the cross-table , the boys iu front .

Their appearance was most healthy , and nothing could be more interesting than to see the young Lewises presenting theappearance of the sons of gentlemen , without the- slightest badge of charity upon them . When they had all clustered in front of the dais , — The CHAIEIIAJT said : Brethren , I may say that you now

behold our happy and interesting family . Behold the issue of your past exertions on behalf of this noble Charity , and see what you may anticipate for the future . In giving the toast of the evening , "Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , " I am sure that toast must come home to the heart of every Mason . This Institution is a glory to us , for it has sent

into the world many a poor child with a good education , enabling him to fill very important offices iu the State , who would otherwise , and but for its aid , have perished in ignorance and vice . I have within a few days had the pleasure of inspecting this Institution , and I can assure you that the way in which your charity is carried on

is most satisfactory , for a more creditable building , with a more creditable management , it has never been my lot to see . I had my eye cafet about to see whether the means intended for charity were wasted , but I must say that , while I perceived everything was done on a scale commensurate with the magnitude and importance of the Craft , nothing was

thrown away in useless ornament , but everything was done in a solid and Masonic manner . In giving this toast I must say a few words on the Institution which we are met this day to honour and uphold . To a certain extent the Institution embodies that nature which we , as Masons , are taught to hold in the highest esteem , which is charity ; but this Institution is not a charity after the manner of a benefit society , and indeed I should be loth to think that any Mason who joins our Craft

should be under the impression that he can look forward to our Charities as a right . On the contrary , they are administered for the benefit of the Craft , and may he partaken of by brethren who , though at one time are flourishing in life , have not had the means to lay up the best legacy they could bequeath , and that is in giving a good education to their

children . How many brethren who hold up their heads ia respectability have not that balance at their banker ' s should they be suddenly called away , to enable them to leave a suitable provision for their children . It is to cases like these that I wish to direct your attention . I feel that when a child is thus left on its mother ' s hands with

perhaps but scarcely means , and unable to provide for it as it ought to be provided for , such child ought to be a greater object of our solicitude than those who have been paupers from their birth , for they are not entitled to look forward to such au education . Ours is a noble Institution , and those you see before you are the fruits of it . I wish , however , to draw your

attention to the position of this Institution , for I look upon it that it ought to be the object of all charitable institutions to get clear of debt . Nothing flourishes when it has got a millstone round its neck ; no doubt it is a great impediment to progress , and the sooner it is got rid of the better . During the past year , through the liberality of the Craft on occasions like the

present , aud by support throughout the country , we have been enabled to add twenty-four boys to our number , and we have this day the whole of the children assembled in this room , which speaks well for the healthiness of the spot selected in which you have reared your edifice ; and it is satisfactory to find that in the preservation of health the anxieties of the master and

matron are not overburdened . Again commending this Charity to your constant and generous support , I give you " Success aud Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys now