SIR WALTER SCOTT LODGE.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2089, 14 September 1875, Page 2

SIR WALTER SCOTT LODGE.

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE

The anniversary of the Lodge Sir Walter Scott, S.C., was celebrated in the Academy of Music last night by a soiree and dance, the whole arrangements in connection with, which were carried out in a most satisfactory manner under the supervision of an efficient stewardship. At a quarter past six tea was laid in the spacious ball of Jthe Academy, provided by Host Curtis of the Pacific. The refreshments comprised all that could be desired for such an occasion, including substantial fare arid light refreshments, with fruits in season and out of season. Three long tables were spread the whole length of the Academy, and these were fouud inadequate for the accommodation of visitors, many of whom had to seek accommodation in the gallery and on the stage. Constant replenishing of the tables was resorted to during nearly an hoar and a half, and at the time the business of the concert commenced, the scene was a most enlivening one. The hall was crowded from floor to ceiling, a Urge proportion of the company being ladies. Last year's celebration was considered successful, but last night's gathering must have been exceedingly gi'atifying to the Lodge Sir Walter Scott and the promoters of the celebration.- After;full justice had been done to the ample provision for satisfying the inward cravings of human nature as represented at soirees, the programme was proceeded with.

The Bey. James .Hill, B.W.M, Sir Walter Scott Lodge, occupied the chair.

The Chairman said they would now proceed with the anthem. There would be no intervals.

The united Masonic Choir sang the anthem " Behold How Good and Joyful."

The Chairman, in his introductory remarks said, that as he had to speak at a subsequent, period of the proceedings on a Masonic theme, he would not then give an address, but he could not let the opportunity pass without congratulating the Lodge Sir Walter Scott on the large and respectable assemblage there present to 4 do honor to their anniversary celebration. Ladies were not allowed to take part in their lodges, but by their presence there that night they had shown an appreciation of the way in which Masonry was practised in the Sir Walter Scott Lodge. In the name of that lodge he thanked the ladies for their presence there that night; and would call upoD the Band to give them the next item on the programme. Band and Choir—'* March of the Men of Harlech."

Song—"The Arab's Farewell to His Steed."—Bro. Trewheela.

The Chairman then introduced the Key. Mr Agnew, who said he had seen many wonderful and pleasing things during his residence and travels. in these colonies, but nothing more wonderful or more pleasing than the gathering of that evening and the town in which it was held. Thirty years ago he visited that spot, but he saw then nothing save a barren wilderness and a desolate-looking shore, the abode of sea-bhds. Now, as if by the magic wand of an enchanter, he saw a city by the sea, densely* populated, and possessing all that art and civilisation could give. Such a meeting aa that was an evidence of the respectability and civilization among them. Some of the Anglo-Saxon race had found their way here, bidding defiance to the dangers of the deep. They had scaled and ransacked these hills and dales until gold was found. They would scarcely believe it, if it were told at home, that gardens had been planted here on laud more " slantingdicular " than a church roof; that houses had been built on places where a hen could not even be got to roost; and that they were digging gold like some people dug for clay. Men of all nationalities had found their way here, and were united in one grand purpose. They were met under one roof to celebrate a Masonic event by eating buns and drinking tea. (Laughter.) Tea-drinking was a great institution. It was said that balf-a-pirit of beer would get three men togotber, but a quarter of an ounce of tea would get six women together. (Laughter.) He, for one, was always partial to tea meetings. When he was preaching at home he used to be asked to visit people, and'he found a difficulty in doing so. But at one time he found he had as many as seventy invitations which would have occupied him for three weeks, and he foip.d it impossible to fulfil a}l engagements. He had got over the difficulty in a measure. He had visited the poorest people first. They should see the woman in her calico cap as stiff as a Dutch oven. The walls whitewashed and embellished with pictures of the apostj.es, looking as if dressed in their best, going to a tea megt_ing. Then the floor as clean and sanded, the crockery—like many people outside— a leetle cracked. The tea tray, the beauty of the establishment; the Battle of i Waterloo in the centre and the Garden of Eden all round. Then the tea pot with the handle tied on, and it would never pour until tthe spout was Hown down. *"" These were spme pf the experiences of his tea drinking. He was once'Vt a'lajfge maeting'in'Sydney at which there was a University professor present. The meeting was for the elevation of society. The professor jpoke before him, and said that there was nothing l^ke music; let theiri get some tnusipal instrument and learn a few airs. Well, Whail to fallow th'ig p'rpffjssp^ and he said that ho thought the learned doctor had made a trifling mistake, for he found at every house lie visited that there was a musical instrument. (Laughter.) He did not mean the baby. That was an instrument which, when wound up, went on for all pternity. He would not give a pin for that father lylio would not walk about for an hour and ahalf at njglit in order :to let his wife' 'have sdine jest' He'wquld just get his shoes mended and send him for another wandering' Jew. (L^uglj.ter.) The instrument hp meant 'wfis gne of whose praises philosophers had spoken and poets had sung. "It was the tea-kettle. (Laughter.).. ■• That was music. Let them look at it on the fire where it monopolised all the sensibilities. It,sang and hummed pf the comfortable armchair and slippers, Mndl'it W6h£ on in. this joyful strain until the' lid dan.Ced 'arid 1 We'stbam and the smoke' went round'embracing each other like matrimonial bliss:"Eiiiur "Burritt. h?,d a notion 6f that kind when; in a lecture 'in Liyei'ftoo!/ he told young men' to stick MuWessJ- 1 He told- thtem if thoy found' "themselves incapable of ;;doing' it otherwise, tp jtie']the:m.ielv)?s jbo the counter like a pair of 6hop scissors, or nail theaieelres as a farmer did a horseshoe to the

barn-door, or get some bird-lime and put ifc on tbeir office-seats, and if that was not | sufficient to keep them to business, then to look around them for a young sensible woman, propose marriage to her, get married, and he would be set up for life. If the young man's friends came round, J as they would be sure to do, and told J him how foolish he was in taking such a step without asking their advice, the way to drive them off was to ask eac > of them to lend him a five»pound note. Those friends would never come near them for the next three months. They would keep on the opposite side of the street. It did not take much to get married; all they wanted was a Bedstead, a bellows, and a teakettle. He was reminded that the time alloted to speakers wa3 limited. They were all Masons and their time was measured. The rev. chairman had told them that there was no place in Masonry for ladies. That was not quite correct. la France they had lodges for ladies, and he often thought he would like to establish similar lodges in the colonies. If the gentlemen Masons did not behave themselves and come home at proper hours they would set up a ladies lodge. He was going to lecture on Friday night on the subject of Freemasonry, and he cautioned the brethren that he would let the ladies into all the mysteries, so he hoped they would all be present on that occasion. He supposed he had now occupied sufficient time, and I there might be too much of a good thing, and he would conclude by telling them an ! anecdote. (Therev. gentleman concluded | a highly humorous address by relating two anecdotes illustrative of " overdoing ! it," and ;sat-down amid applause.) ! Song—" Kathleen Mavourneen"—Miss j Dow. This song was beautifully sung, ! and an encore being demanded Miss S Dow obligingly sang ■" Annie Laurie." Cho'r—" Ye Banks and Braes." .

Mr E. W. Hoilis delivered an address on the symbolism of Freemasonry and its speculative significance as applied to daily life. ■ Song—«My Pretty Jane"—Mr W. C. Wright. • Choir—" The Winds."

Soag—" Auld Kobin Grey "—Miss Dow. This song was feelingly sung, and. the singer was again encored, when Miss Dow sang " Jessie's Dream." Song- -" Nil Desperandum " Bro S. Catran. The Eev. J. Hill said: The subject o j which I have to address you is "Tht Benevolence of Freemasonry." Among the institutions that have got a firm foot ing in the nations of the world, Freemasonry occupies a prominent place. Bounded by no limits of territory, and no distinctions among men, the Order' has been established wherever the light of civilization has penetrated, and has received its many thousands of members out of every class of which society is composed. At present it, enjoys a popularity and a pow,cr unequalled at any previous<p T erSod of, its history ; and this proud position it has attained in spite of the .most determined opposition, the bitterest calumny, and the crueles't persecution. Now,.in what are we to seek an explanation of this universality, of the institution ? Is it in the fact that many of the highest and the noblest of men have identified themselves with it ? No. Not. to be denied is it that the presence of aristocracy and of royalty give an immense attraction to any cause! The recent installation of the heir to the British, /throne as. Grand Master of English .Masonry not only was imposing in itself, but must have given an impetus to the craft thatshalllong be felt throughout tbeworld. But the hold which Masonry has on the human heart is to be found in something far deeper than the influence of external pomp and grandeur, or the presence of princes and kings. Is it to be found then in the fact that Masonry is a secret Order ? JN To. Not to be denied is it that curiosity is a strong principle in the human mind, and that it may have a power with some who come for admission at the door of a lodge; but in something far more permanent and sure must wo seek the reason of the attachment, the geal, the enthusiasm of multitudes who have long been familiar with all the mysteries, and from whose brea«ta the influence of all novelty has long passed away. Is the explanation to be found, then, in the great antiquity of the Order ? No. Not to be denied is it that a high appreciative interest in what has long survived the ravages of time is both natural and proper; and that if anything presents material for this it is Masonry ; for not only the operative, but the speculative — the figurative — the moral in Masonry, can be traced back to very early times. But this survival is the yery thing to, be accounted for. Why amon? the many institutions that have passed away has Masonry continued? Perished have they so completely that the dust of ages has covered from view their principles and their objects ; while Magonry still lives. What is the secret of its longevity and vitality ? It is to be found in the fact that Masonry is based on the deepest principles of human nature, principles that are unaffected by climate or time, to which no class of men can be indifferent, and which make the whole world kin. Institutions which sxipply only knowledge, to the mind, valuable though" they be, are always in danger.. Tliey satisfy the reason, but they theeji; not fhe deep "ifantsjp.f- our. constitution. To make an institution secure and permanent you must get hold of the emotions of the soul, the broad aud indestructible emotions which, deny it who may, ever guide and control the world. This is what Masonry has done. On the feelings Aai '' loye' and sympathy 'gnij kindness, feelings which have a place alike in the breasts of peasants and of kings, feelings which no height of civilisation can efface, and no depth of degradation can destroy, it has founded a brotherhood. Beneath all the conventionalities of society, and the differences of rank and I station, there is a broad deep current ot human experience. Masonry seizes the fact) and' Without interfering with .the ! varieties of ppliticalo'pinions or, religious (jeUefs.'Vhiph'have'bee'n'suclia cause of it asks men everywhere to recognise a: pQmm.on'orjgm, f common dependanoe, a common happiness, a common duty of help. It is \n this brotherhood, founded on the imperishable feelings of the human heart, that the benevolence of Masonry takes its rise. Brotherhood, in this vale of tears, necegsjitgten benevolence. Had this world jieen^a 'garden whose trees were lad^ With luscfou's; 'fruits', whbW path's we're adorned 'witli flowers of" the most beaii* teous hue 3 and sweetest'fragrance, and in whose soil weeds coulcj fiud. no place-i had the sky nevpr been darkened, and tHe breeze's eve;;"been Sop; and balm# as. thp evening seph'yr,'all' th& conditions of a brotherhood would have beeu only i

those which sunshine and peace can de« mand. But this world to many, a traveller is a desert whose paths are "rough and rugged, and covered with briers fend thorns ; and o'er which the sun, though it rise at morn in cloudless brightness, often goes down at even in tempest mad storm. A brotherhood, therefore, that was not equal to the darkness and the trials of such a '■ '.world would be but ft mockery, a delusion, and a snare. Nobly doe 3 Freemasonry meet this requirement. From the sumnvt of prosperity and sunshine on which it rejoices, it readily goes do%n to the lowest depths of humiliation to sympathise fend to succour. To the Magen enveloped in' adversity, or stricken dbwn by affliction, or bowing beneath a load of years, it extends the helping hand; and when the grave has received dust to dust and ashes to ashes, and the green, acacia as a last farewell, Masonry turns to the home enshrouded in gloom, and whispers words of peace; and= if need be, extends the kindness of charity to the desolat* widow, and the helpless children of the brother that has gone. Some drops of happiness are these which Masonry puts, into the cup of human sorrow; some streaks of light which Masonry casts,otiC the lonesome path oi human life. But ibfc is so quietly—so unobtrusively done, thar^ I almost betray a secret in making such a public allusion to it. ' These are the things which keep Masonry' fresh arid - vigorous in the hearts of men. But for these it would be only as a tree stripped, of its foliage, without fruit, and venerable only for its age ; but with these it is as a tree whose "branches arc covered with verdure, whose fruit is abundant and pleasant, and under whose wide-spreading shade weary travellers may find some ! rest. v . Recently, the benevolence of Masonry has taken a more definite shape to meet, the circumstances of suffering brethren. In France, Prussia, Switzerland and other nations of the Continent of Europe there are establishments for the relief of poor and decayed Masons, and the support and education of the orphan children of Masons. Similar institutions are in America, in England and Ireland, and other countries. These institutions are admirably conducted; they the expenditure of many ;thousarids of pounds; they are the out* * come of the real spirit of Masonry, and are a noble refutation .of all the bitter calumnies that hard been written against it. (Cheers.) And though in such districts as ours no such establishment of Masonic charity rears its head, the spirit of Masonry is th» same. A benevolent fund exists in every lodge; cases of distress are anxiously considered and kindly dealt with as circumstances permit, and no duty of the Master .is more pleasant than to be the channel of the sympathetic feeling and the generous charity of the members. These, then, being some of the fruits of Freemasonry, why should it be looked,on with suspicion or spoken against ? Amidst the many societies for the amelioration of the human family that exist—and there is need for them all—it takes iti place, and nobly does it do its work. Against not one individual does it utter a word; against not one institution does it harbor a hostile feeling. The man that woul^L make it otherwise would pervert the iristitution, and destroy its spirit. Some societies have come into existence because of opposition to others —to redress some supjposed grievance; to resist some sup«f posed' oppression ; to expose.some,,supposed error. Their origin—their rery life—is hostility. Not so is it'/witU Masonry. Only, in the difficulties and trials of human life, the wants and the sorrows of the human heart, it took its rise. Never is its voice for war; but ever for peace. In its own way, and by its own means, it seeks to lessen human sorrow, and add to human joy. Still may it draw to its help the good and the true; still may its banners remain unsullied as its principles shall remain unchanged; ami still may tbe sun of prosperity shine on it in every clime in which it finds a place. It is in harmony with the.goodness -of the Great Father of all; it is needed by the universal condition of man; it is founded on the principles'of ourholy religion; it has the gratitude df many a burdened heart; it receives the widow's blessing, and the orphan's prayer.' (Cheers.) " Song—"Three Fishers "—Mr M. H. Airey. , Clarionet Solo — Scotch Airs r— Mr Arden.

Choir—'

•" Oberon."

The s >iree portion of the programme having been completed the hall was cleared and dancing commenced. A pro* gramme was prepared embracing twenty dances, and' capital musip v^as b,rovi4e4 by Christianseß's string band. The afc teodance at the d mcc was very large, s.a that at times the floor was uncomfortably filled. But altogether the arrangements were very good and reflect credit on the stewards. The celebration was in every way a genuine success, and aftordod such a night's enjoyment as seldom qccqpS; :

Hbad Waiters.—Barbers. The Magic of a Marriag%l£j6£.---■■ Not very long ago, a lady of interesting and lovely appearance called upon me. I had married her, but she. recalled thajjg^ curastance, aud she then said that heJ^n had not blessed her with children, and she believed the reason was because her: husband dfd nojf giye me any; fee.. ' | laughed, of course, as you do now, and tried to laugh her out of the idea, but she was very serious, very earnest about it, so I had tp submit, and accept the honorarium which she offered. Some time after, I met her father, whom t Eg* eoliecte.d, in t^e'st^efc, *t|d'^,3 we along td£etheiy_l asked him haw b,ig daughter was. He said she was very well aud happy with her little boy! Now, my brother ministers, take heart! If Providence looks out so vigilautly for the marriage fees, do not concern yourselves about any subluuary matters, but give yourselves, heart and soul, to the good work of serving tl^e truth.—Key. Dr Furnace. : ' i^\ A. hoboes (N.y.faeufcist killed a man the ether day in trying to pull out one of his teeth, and the citizens came very near'mobhing him ~fot~i&, These pitiaen^ were a pack of fools. "-If they wanted tp mob somebody, Why the dickens didn't V|" they mob the man who was base enough to hang on to his tooth in that rascally way ?—Louisville Courier Journal. ;

Bbave to the La9t.—While at th« breakfast-table a little girl made loud and repeated eaty' for buttetecj toast. After disposing of a libeiul''quantity;-.sUe-wail, told that too much buttered'toast! would; make her ill. Looking wistfully at the" dish for a moment, she Uiouglit she sa\f her way: ou^ of the difficulty 1, and e^cclaimed, -' Well, gire m 6 auu^oij piec^, aud send for ze doctor/