MASONIC FESTIVAL.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 895, 2 December 1871, Page 2

MASONIC FESTIVAL.

The members of the Thistle Lodge of Westport met together at the Masonic Hall. Empire Hotel, ou Thursday evening, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of tho tutelar saint of Scottish Freemasons. The arrangements were conducted on a scale of magnificence aud liberality characteristic of the social gatherings of the brethren of the " mystic tie," and nothing interfered with the enjoyment of the numerous guests; unless a slight moisture in the atmosphere, which may possibly have aroused some anxiety in respect to damp feet and soiled dresses. About ten o'clock the company commenced to arrive, and from that hour until midnight there was a constant flow of guests. Among the company present, were E. J. O'Conor, Esq., M.H.R., and Mrs O'Conor, l)r Thorpe J. P. and Mrs Thorpe, Mr and Mrs Winstnnley, the Rev. Mr Soutar and Mrs Soutar, Mr and Mrs Humphrey, Mr and Mrs Munro, Mr and Mrs M'Farlaue, Mr and Mrs Simpson, Mr . and Mrs Mirfin, Mrs Pal In, Miss A. Falla, Miss E, Falla, Mr E. and Mrs J. Suisted, Mr and Mrs G-. White, Mr and Mrs Barrie, Mr and Mrs Murdoch, Mrs M. Steel, Mrs Teasdale, Mrs Carpenter , Mrs Wignell, Miss Scully, Miss Finnigan, Miss Murphy, Miss Fitzgerald, Miss M'Lean, Miss Fox, Miss Keating, Mr J. Leslie, Mr Buchanan, Mr Bayfield, Mr Corr

Mr J. Seaton, Mr. A.. Stitt, Mr Sontgen, Mr H. G-. Hughes, Mr J. Hughes, Mr Graves, Mr Grsen, Mr Poole, Mr W. M'Laren. Mr M'Kenna, Mr Blacklock, Mr Fama, Mr Fernandez, Mr W. Abtrnethy, Mr Tiller, Mr Wingie. The Northern Terraces and Charleston were also represented. We lack the tasteful observation and technical skill, that alone conld do justice to the elegant and recherche toilettes which lent additional brilliancy to the scene. What silks and gauzes, laces, flouncings and furbelows, what yards of tulle illusion we should have to enumerate in order to give faint justice to the elegance of design and the tasteful combination of colours. Previous to the orchestra giving the signal for the giddy dance, a trio by Mrs .T. Suiatedj Miss Scully, and Mr Munro, was very tastefully and carefully rendered. This was followed by a pianoforte duet by the Misses A. and E. Folia, which reflected credit on the skill of the fair musicians. Immediately afterwards, the dancing commenced, and was continued until nearly six o'clock the following morning. If there were anything at which we should be disposed to cavil it was the oversight which had failed to secure the presence of a sufficient number of gentlemen who could dance, so as to avert the annoyance of seeing ladies longing to dance fixed like pictures to the wall. In addition to the numbers of the relative sexes not having been fairly proportioned, there was an unusual average of well-dressed, handsome men, who would persist in keeping close to the side posts of the doorway, and declined the constant solicitations of the Stewards to be introduced to a partner for the next set or waltz. To such gentlemen,if they cannot dance, we emphatically say learn how. There can be no legitimate aversion to so innocent an amusement, and it is, therefore, the duty of every man, who purposes to appear at balls, to learn how to dance. After reading this homily, we will refer to a more pleasant theme—the supper. Without attempting any elaborate description, it may be briefly described as admirable. Apart from the costliness aud rarity of the wine and viands, the manner in which the latter were cooked and served, the various concomitants which contributed to give the table brillianco and elegance, the tasteful flowers, superb table equipage, —and yet more, the charms of the fair guests who assembled—united in p oducing an effect at once striking and pleasing. As we previously stated, the company dispersed shortly before six o'clock, after doing honour to an entertainment, which adds another to the long list of brilliant successes in connection with masonic festivities.