The Owl Club.

THE OWL CLUB .

rilHE owl is one of tho least melodious of songsters . Its "hoot " -L may bo appropriate , but it is not musical , whilo its moro prolonged effort at making itself heard is commonly described as a " screech . " If wo wero to describe tho more effective notes of our most famous singers as screeches , we havo every reason to believe they would not regard tho description as in any wise complimentary .

Bo this as it may , tho Owl Club is not so called because it is composed of a number of owls , nor yet , perchance , because , as a cockney might say , its members ' owl moro or less musically . It is so called , AVO imagine , on tho Incus a -non luccndo , because its members are not owls in respect of their musical powers , but because they aro a very agreeable , very eompauiouable set of fellows , who havo somo very

practical , and at tho same timo A'ery charming notions about singing . Wo spent ono of tho most delightful evenings imaginable with them on Monday , when they gave their second concert of tho present season at the Guildhall Tavern . It might almost have becu looked upon as a select family party , for there is no admission except by vouchors , of Avhich a certain number aro placed at the disposal of each member .

Thero may havo been , perhaps , a hundred pcoplo present , and tho programme included an admirable selection of glees and songs , while Mr . Fountain Meeu pvesided at the pianoforte . Tho musical arrangements wero entrusted to Messrs . Burgess Perry , Albert James , Edwin Moss , Edward Collins , Arthur Thompson , and George Musgravo , four of whoso names will bo familiar to our readers , as their owners

form the Avell-known " Masonic Quartette , " aud often help to mako tho meetings of our Lodges pass most pleasantly . All the gentlemen on Monday wero at their very best , and the audience , therefore , were justly enthusiastic , as each sneceeding effort on tho part of tho artists appeared to surpass that which had gone before . First in order of performance came Spofforth ' s well known glee , " Come , bounteous

May . " This served as a foretasto of Avhat was to follow , being ren . dered feelingly , and , AVO might almost add , faultlessly . Thus the friendliest relations were at once established between the artists and tho audience . Then followed a second gleo , Calcott ' s " Lovely seems the moon ' s fair lustre , " which was sung quite as effectively . Huttou ' s song , " The lark now leaves his watery nest , " was next in order of

sequence . This had been entrusted to Mr . Burgess Perry , whose alto singing is so justly appreciated , and he sang it with tho greatest delicacy of feeling . Another glee ( " Shades of the Heroes "—Cooke ) , was succeeded by Mr . Albert Hubbard's version of " Jack's Delight . " This , we venture to say , was equal to any other vevsion we havo heard elsewhere , and was promptly and heartily applauded . A part song ,

Reichardt ' s "Tho Image of tho Rose , " in whioh Mr . Albert Jamos ( tenor ) took the solo part , Avas oue of tho greatest successes of the evening . The effect of Mr . James ' s singing to a humming accompaniment by the other voices Avas most charming , so much so , indeed , that tho audience demanded it a second timo . Spofforth ' s glee " Hail , smiling mom , " is a great favourite , not only among glee singers , but

among amateurs of gloo singing likewise . Under these circumstances , it is hard to say whether tho artists were more ilattored by the reception it met with , or the audience more delighted at the manner in which it was sung . After another part song—Horsloy ' s "Sweet is evening ' s tranquil time "—Mr . Fountain Mccn appeared , and gavo a solo recital on tho pianoforte—Mendelssohn ' s prelude aud fugue in E minor .

His execution was well nigh perfect , and the manner in which ho interpretetl the great master ' s work was worthy of tho highest praise , Then came tho glee "Vulcan , contrive mo , " and then Mr . Arthur Thompson ' s song , " To Chloe in sickness , " by our greatest classical composer , tho late Sir Sterndalo Bennett . This was another of the principal successes of tho evening . Mr . Thompson sang Avith

exquisito tasto and finish , and so delighted tho audience , that they unanimously called upon him to repeat it . The Qnartett , " 0 Eros" ( Mendelssohn ) rendered by Messrs . Collins , James , Thompson , and Hubbard , was a specimen of highclass singing , each member of the quartette exhibiting the samo harmony of feeling , as well as singing in complete harmony with the

others . The chorus , Mendelssohn ' s " Fair Semele ' s high-born son , " brought this admirable programme to a satisfactory conclusion , and the audience departed soon afterwards , delighted , as may well be imagined , with the exceedingly tasteful entertainment which had been provided for them . Wo hardly think it possiblo to have spent anywhere a moro agreeable evening . Everything passed off admirably . The

room was Avell suited for tho purpose , and the arrangements left nothiug to be desired . Tho programme was long , and varied enough to please all tastes , yet was it not too protracted , nor was thero a single song or glee which any one present would prefer to have had omitted . Considering tho exquisite taste aud musical ability of its members , wo cannot but regard tho title of " The Owl Club " as a

misnomer ; but inasmuch as they aro manifestly inspired in all their plans by Minerva , the Goddess of Wisdom , of whom the Owl is emblematic , wo cannot but applaud their choice of name . Wo hope , on future occasious , to enjoy tho privilege of listening to "The Owls " in their pleasant home at tho Guildhall Tavern . A concert under their auspices is a treat of which only thoso who have hoard them can form a just appreciation .

Hie Provincial Grand Lodge of the Eastern Division of the county of Lancaster will be held in Crawshaw ' s Hall , Blackburn-road , Accrington , on Thursday , 22 nd Nov . Provincial Grand Lodge will be opened by the Right W . P . G . M . Col . Le Gendre Starkie , at 12 . 30 p . m .

The annnal banquet of the Salisbury Lodge of Instruction , No . 435 , will be held on Thursday , 29 th inst . at the Union Tavern , Air-street , W . Bro . T . Cnll , the Secretary , will occupy the chair .

The London Masonic Club.

THE LONDON MASONIC CLUB .

' MUE monthly rennions of tho members of tho above Club aro geno-¦* - rally looked forward to with pleasurable anticipations . Tho assembly on Wednesday last was most numerously attended , both by members and visitors , and a moro thoroughly enjoyablo ovening it were hardly possiblo to conceive . The dinner and dessert provided was of tho most recherche" character , and Bro . J . Langton , Avho presided , exerted himself most strenuously to promote the comfort of all

by whom ho was surrounded . On tho removal of the cloth , tho Chairman proposed tho Health of the Queen . In doing so , he remarked that every loyal heart beat with respect for her ; she was the daughter of a Mason , and three of hor sons hold distinguished positions in our Order ; she therefore had special claims upon us , claims which wo as Masons are always proud to recognise . This toast was

followed by that of the health of the M . W . G . M . tho Princo of Wales , tho Princess of Wales , and tho rest of tho Royal Family , Avhich received amplo recognition . With tho Pro . G . M ., tho D . G . M ., and the rest of tho Grand Officers was associated tho name of Bro . Henry Murray P . D . G . M . China , who thanked Bro . Langton for tho kind way in which he had associated his name with the toast , iu conucctiou

with tho distinguished noblemen who were at our head . This was his first visit to tho London Masonic Club , but he hoped it Avould not bo his last . He had read in tho Masonic papers of tho hospitality shown by several of tho Metropolitan Lodges to a brother from China , who visited them a few months back : and it had afforded him infinite pleasure , as ho was acquainted with that brother . He ( Bro . Murray )

had travelled over many parts of the Avorld , and had during his travels visited many Lodges . He had also been in Lodges in Scotland and Ireland . There were many who differed in their ideas of Freemasonry , bnt thero was no difference of opinion as to the respect and esteem in which tho Grand Lodge of England was held . He felt proud , indeed , in being called on to respond , and in having his name

associated with tho Grand Officers . Tho Chairman then gave tho health of the Visitors , coupling Avith tho toast the name of Mr . Crump , who acknowledged tho compliment . Tho toast of health and prosperity to tho Chairman , fonnd an ablo exponent in Bro . Murray , who spoko of tho hearty reception accorded the Visitors , and dilated on the many genial qualities of Bro . Langton , who was Avell known and universally

respected . Bro . Langton , in responding , said that Avhat he had done for the Club had been to him a labour of love . He hoped the Club would flourish , but in order to eusnre this , the individual exertions of every member was required . He trusted the expressions he had listened to that evening would bo realised in the future . Bro . Langton sincerely thanked all for the kind recognition of the toast .

Tho Chairman then proposed the Masonic Press ; he Avas grateful for tho kindness at all times exhibited , and for the faithful records published . Bro . H . M . Levy P . M . 188 responded . During the evening , Bro . Taunton gavo somo of his artistic delineations of eccentric characters , which wero received with roars of laughter . Bros . J . Wood , Magnus Ohrcn , Mundy , Ward , and Willingback also contributed to the enjoyment of tho evening .

Northumberland And Berwick-On Tweed Lodge Of M.M.M.

NORTHUMBERLAND AND BERWICK-ON TWEED LODGE OF M . M . M .

THE regular meeting of this time-immomorial Lodge Avas held ou tho 24 th October , at the Masonic Hall , Maple-street , Newcastleon-Tync . Amongst those present were Bros . W . S . Hughes P . P . G . S . of W . W . M ., W . E . Franklin S . W ., W . Coburn J . W ., Dr . Luke Armstrong M . O ., S . B . Bell as S . O ., R . L . Armstrong J . O ., It . G . Salmon S . D ., J . Blinkensop J . D ., J . Wood I . G ., S . M . Harris Steward , G . Limes Tyler ; V . W . Bros . C . Banester P . M . P . G . M . O ., W . Foulsham

P . M . P . G . M . O ., & c . The Lodge being opened , tho minntes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for five brethren for advancement ; it , ' proved successfnl , and there being two of the candidates in attendance , they wero advanced to this honourable degree by the W . M ., in a very impressive manner . This being the night for the election of W . M ., the unanimous choice of the Lodge fell on Bro . W . E . Franklin S . W ., who suitably

aeknowledged the honour clone him . Bro . R . Lock was reelected Treasurer and G . Limes Tyler . Iu accordanco Avith a notice of motion , Bro , S . M . Harris moved that tho sum of two guineas be voted towards the Indian Famine Relief Fund , which being very ably supported by Bro . Foulsham P . M ., was carried . The Lodge being closed , tho brethren adjourned to refreshment , the usual Masonic toasts meeting with a heart y reception . Tho annual festival will be held on the 28 th November .

We paid a visit to tho Pol ytechnic tho other evening , and Averc glad to sec this popular entertainment full y appreciated _ b y the public . Tho programme Avas especiall y attractive . It included a hi ghl y instructive lecture on Egyptian Obelisks in general , and of that denominated

" Cleopatra ' s Needle" iu particular . After this , Ave Averc dul y initiated into the mysteries of the torpedo , and the part that instrument of destruction is intended to play in actual ^ warfare . The whole concluded with the " Siege of Troy , " which at once carried us back to our schooldays —and Ave remembered the line ,

" When Greek meets Greek then comes the lug of war . " The words Avere Avell rendered , the various parts well sustained , and the scenery most effective . We spent a pleasant evening , and can heartily recommend our readers to " go and do likewise . "