MASONIC LODGE DUNSTAN, S.C., NO. 470.

Dunstan Times, Issue 659, 4 December 1874, Page 2

MASONIC LODGE DUNSTAN, S.C., NO. 470.

INSTALLATION. The Installation of Officers for tho ensuing year took place in the Lodge Room, Clyde, on Tuesday afternoon last, the Ist inst., tho following gentlemen being inducted to tho various offices as sot opposite their names, Bro. A. Christophers, P.M., presiding:—Bro. Rev. J. Jones, R.W.M., Bro. Jaa. Hazlett, D.M., Bro. A. D. Harvey, S.M., Bro. C. P. Beck, S.W., Bro. R. Madigau, J.W., Bro. Geo. Clark, Troas.. Bro. Geo. Fache, Sec., Bro. W. Grindlcy, S.D., Bro. W. Hall, J.D , Bro. W. Fache, 1.G., Bro. J. Thormahlen, Tyler, and Bros. Earacs and Samson, Stewards. During the evening was held the ANNIVERSARY BALE. On no other occasion was there a larger or more fashionable assembly than that which filled tho Town Hall of Clyde, on Tuesday evening last, in answer to invitations issued by the Brethren of the Masonic Ijodge Dunstan, to their Anniversary Ball. At nine o’clock sharp the Band struck up a polka, and the night’s amusement commenced. It was a beautiful evening, and everything appeared propitious. The room was most tastefully decorated by Mr Thns. Webb. Extending the entire length of the haP were chains of flowers, which were gracefully crossed and looped round the chandeliers, wh’Te at the head of the room, and immediately above the Masonic emblems were the Cniou Jack, tho Stars and Stripes, and tho Tricolor. The mnsic was supplied by tho Clyde Brass Band, which, it is needless to say, was all that could he desired. Mr Thomas Gilmore, of Cromwell, acted as Master of Ceremonies, and acquitted himself admirably. There wore no less than twenty-four dances on the programme, which were gone through with zest, and it is pleasing to be able to add that there was no scarcity of ladies, and tho craft have every reason to congratulate themselves, not only upon tho general arrangements connected with the Ball, but also upon the manner in which they were carried out. The fair ones seemed bent upon making the most of their time, for no sooner would a dance be over than preparations would bo made for getting another under weigh. Wo noticed one or two gentlemen on the other side of fifty, who could not resist the temptation to engage in the mazy waltz, and though not quite so active as their more youthful companion, still they reminded the on-looker of 11 a second Roland, or a revivified Bayard.” It would be a difficult task to Beloit the Belle .as where all were so well dressed, and lo«ked so beautiful there was very much of the sameness in each ; one thing, however, is certain, and it is that no ball has, to our knowledge, been better dressed in tho Province, nor more successfully earned out. Refreshments were there in abundance, and the thirsty and the hungry were not denied, gratis, tho good things of this life. The attendance wan very numerous, there being about one hundred and forty present, and as many as seven sets of quadrilles up at the same time. Many of the invited guests came ft long distance there being amongst their number those from Tuapeka, Spear-

grass Flat, Cromwell, and Alexandra. Only one feeling exists, which is that of regret that the Masonic Ball only occurs but once a year, and doubtless many of those present, on Tuesday last will long remember the night's fun and amusement.

On the following evening (Wednesday), the ball was again filled, but this time with juveniles, who, to the music of the Band tripped it right merrily. Their happy faces, and pretty dresses, presented a pleasing sight seldom seen in large cities, much less in an up-country township on the goldfields. The children indulged in several games at intervals, and they were supplied with all kinds of little nic-nacs such as sweetmeats, biscuits, figs, and lemonade, which they relished immensely. The Baud brought the dancing to a close at eleven o’clock, by playing the National Anthem.