Correspondence.

to rnle ns , he would become the most popular monarch that had ever ruled the destinies of this mighty empire . The toast of the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , present and paBt , was most ably responded to by Bro . Fenn , aud in a few words by Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke Grand Secretary , who said

that he was amazed at the rapid strides the Lodge had made since he had the pleasure of consecrating it some five years ago . He trusted ifc would continue in its career of prosperity . Bro . Charles Bellerby I . P . M . had great pleasure in proposing the health of the W . M . Bro . Alexander Jones , whom he had been intimately acquainted with for

many years , and who was his Father in MaBonry . The W . M . having thanked the brethren for the exceeding cordiality with whioh they had received the toast , said that now he had the felioity of placing on the breast of the I . P . M . the gold jewel of the Lodge , awarded to him unanimously by the brethren for the excellent manner in whioh

he had presided over them both in the Lodge and at the banquet table during the last twelve months . Bro . Geo . Lambert P . M . P . G . S . B . then said the W . M . had entrusted him with the gavel for the purpose of proposing the toast of the Visitors . It would probably be within the memory of most of the brethren that a Masonio Rifle

Matob , consisting of ten members from each of the Volunteer Lodges of the Metropolis , viz ., the Queen ' s , the London Rifle Brigade , the 1 st Surrey Rifles , and the South Middlesex , bad taken place at Caterham during the Autnmn , and was won , after an exciting match , by the Queen ' s , with a few points only to the good . A wish having

been generally expressed to make the match an annual event he had great pleasure in offering for their acceptance the gavel he now held in bis hand ( whioh was a very handsome and useful present , being mounted in silver , with the four CoatB of Arms of the competing regiments in sjlver around it ) . The same to be held by the W . M . of

the winning Lodge for twelve months , and to be called by general deare " The Lambert Challenge Gavel . " He greeted and welcomed the whole of the Visitors present , and conpled with the toast the names of the Worshipful Masters of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , the 1 st Surrey Rifles Lodge , and La France Lodge , also Brother Alderman

Williamson of the Province and loyal City of Worcester . These brethren suitably responded on behalf of the Visitors . The W . M . then gave the toast of the Initiate , whioh waa replied to by Bro . Hone in a most effective and telling manner , fairly rousing the brethren to enthusiasm . The

toast of the Past Masters was given , including Bro . Bellerby I . P . M ., Geo . Lambert P . G . S . B ., Clifford Probyn , Payne , whose year of office , the W . M . said , was signalled by such perfection of working as few could equal and none excel . Also Bros . Herbert Lambert , George Coup Secretary , and Delevante Organist , the latter being desired by

the W . M . to step forward to enable him to be invested with the P . M . ' s collar aud the gold jewel of the Lodge , unanimously voted by tbe brethren in recognition of his valuable and talented services since the formation of the Lodge . Bro . T'MevantG suitably responded in

one of his usual characteristic and eloquent speeches . Bro . George Coop , in responding to the toaBt of the Secretary , made a strong appeal to the brethren to support his List for the " Old People , " of whioh Institution he is a Steward for the forthcoming Festival . The

Officers of the Lodge having each responded to the toast of their Health , the Tyler brought a most enjoyable and successful meeting to a close . The musical arrangements wero of a very high order , the overture to "Zampa , " led by Bro . F . Delevante , being received with Joud and prolonged applause . Among tho visitors were Bros . Colonel

Shadwell H . Clerke Grand Sec . Thos . Fenn P . B . G . P ., Wm . Bywater P . G . S . B ., J . Terry P . G . S . B ., W . Wilson P . G . P ., W . B . Williamson P . G . W . Worcestershire , J . Zacharie D . G . M . California , Dickinson W . M . 164 , AnBbaoker P . M . 73 , Gawith P . M . and Sec . 2045 , Padmore 523 , Saunders P . M . and Treasurer 1503 , J . Bladen J . D . 1839 ,

G < oss W . M . 1314 , Wetzlar J . W . 141 , St . Clair W . M . La France , Blnmden P . M . 865 , Cranch W . M . 1216 , Turner S . W . 1216 , Roach S . W . 85 , Harvey J . W . 1216 , Carter P . G . J . D . Kent , Gardner P . M . Sec . 2012 , Walker W . M . 1962 , Newton J . W . 569 . Pellatt 1194 , Woodward P . M . 1920 , Isaacson S . W . 1321 , Head 1791 , Corner 312 ,

Lamb-ttJ . W . 198 , Monteunis P . M . 2060 , Harnell S . D . 511 , Lee W . M . 198 , Cornise 1319 , Owen P . M . 1287 , McDou < rall P . M . 1962 , Tayton 1962 , B > eaon P . M . 1321 , Shiell 34 , Wedge 719 , Groves 55 , Williams

S . W . 198 , Rees 799 , Nearden 171 , Rowbotham 1624 , Hambleton 1319 , Collens P . M . 766 , Tyler 219 , Watkin I . G . 1257 , Birkett 569 , Harris 533 , Robinson 860 , Goffin G . D . C . Surrey , Bullock P . M . 101 , and Cleghorn P . M . 1287 .

Joppa Lodge Of Instruction , Ho . 188 . —On Tuesday , the 1 st instant , at the Manchester Hotel , Aldersgate-street , E . C . Bros . Moss Preceptor , R . J . Chillingworth W . M ., Ansell S . W ., Dodd J . W ., Saqui Secretary , Pege P . M . S . D ., Davis J . D ., Phillips I . G . ; Bros .

Botibol , Marks , Poppmacher , Carrociero . Visitor—Bro . Da Co 3 ta . Bro . Moas worked the first , second , and fourth seotions of the first lecture . Tbe initiation ceremony was rehearsed , Bro . Da Co 3 ta candidate . It was resolved that the annual dinner of the Lodge of Instruction take place on the 15 th instant , at the Manchester Hotel .

The Benevolent Institution.

THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

rpHE annnal New Year's Entertainment at the Royal Masonio JL Benevolent Institution at Croydon took place on Wednesday , when a number of frieuds of the Institution assembled , and assisted iu providing an evening's amusement for the residents . Amon » those present were Bros . James Terry ( Secretary ) , Mrs . and the Misses Terry , C F . Hogard , T . Hastings Miller and the Misses

Miller , Thomas Cubitt , H . Cotter , J . J . Berry , W . J . Crutch , Robert Halford , Mrs . and Miss Halford , R . W . Stewart , John Newton , Mrs . and Miss Newton , Alex . Mnllord and Mrs . Mullord , J . G . Tongue , Mrs . and the Misses Tongue , J . Cooper , H . Cox , C . Kempton and Mrs .

Kempton , C . G . Hill and Mrs . Hill , J . W . Sacon and Mrs . Saoon , W . W . Morgan , C . J . Dnry and Miss Dury , H . Massey and the Misses Massey , E . G . Smith and Mrs . Smith , the Misses Crutch , Clara Miller , M . J . and L . Raikes , J . E . Terry , Charles Lacey , & c . The

The Benevolent Institution.

dinner was presided over by Bro . Dr . Strong , and at its conclusion the customary toast of Success to the Institution was given ; with it being coupled the names of Bro . James Terry the Secretary , and Miss Norris the Matron . In the course of his reply , Bro . Terry gave a brief sketch of the work being done by the Institution , which

now provides annuities for 430 old people—a striking contrast to what was being done some twenty years ago , when the Charity was scarcely kuown . He spoke of the great improvements that had taken place in the building of the Institution ; tbe hall in whioh they were then assembled—for instance—being a modern improvement ,

and one whioh was generally appreciated . Here they were enabled once a week to have a little gathering , and the piano , whioh bad so kindly been provided by friends , was frequently requisitioned . Speaking of the futnre of the Institution he said their prospects were encouraging , and he hoped that their Anniversary Festival , shortly

to be held , wonld be a great success ; at the same time the best efforts of their friends wonld be necessary in order to secure all that was needed for the year's work . Later in the evening a musical entertainment was provided , Bros . De Lacy , Sohartau , and Kenningham , with lady assistants , giving their services . In the course of the

proceedings fraternal greetings passed between those assembled at Croydon and the Lancashire annuitants , who hold a similar gathering on the same day eaoh year . Reference was also made to the fact

that the funds of the Institution are not taxed for these entertainments , the necessary charges being defrayed by a special fund provided for the purpose . The residents received the customary gifts of tea and tobacco .

The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

Grand . —The success that Mr . Charles Wilmot deserves , after his plucky attempt to tide over his misfortune of last Christmas , is likely to be achieved from his latest pantomime . Onoe more he has entrusted our old friend Geoffrey Thorn with the task of preparing the book , and this gentleman entitles the pantomime " Sweet

Cinderella , or Harlequin the Prince and tbe Lass , and the Slipper of Glass . " Mr . Thorn has written a pantomime that may at once be said to be witty and amusing , both to young and old . Funny sayings , comical songs , and plenty of go , are embraced in the work , and while the author has followed closely the fairy tale , he has left plenty of

Bcope for the display of good scenery and pretty dresses . These are seen to most advantage in the scene where a picnic is presented ; a ballet , described as taking place in the Silver Moonbeams . Here there are some pretty and artistic dresses , capitally displayed by the grouping of the dancers . Later on the grand hall of the Prince's Palace

is shown , and onoe more a ballet takes place , with equally good resultj this iB described aa the Sappho ballet . Then follows some amusing scenes leading up to the Throne room of the Palace , where , after a fine procession , Cinderella comes forward to own the lost slipper . This is the signal for general rejoicings in the shape of the grand

fete of Santa Clans and arrival of the Seven Champions . After this the principals pair off , and all ends happily with a grand transformation scone representing the " Triumph of True Love . " This was most artistically arranged , and called forth loud applause . The songs are excellent , while frequent use I ' made of the popular

topicB of the day . The artistes engaged are an excellent troupe , and well fitted for their respective tasks . Miss Dot Mario gives us an ideal Cinderella , singiug and dancing in excellent style , while Miss Julia Warden ia vivacious and interesting as the Prince . Messrs . Fred Williams and Mark Kinghorne have pleutv of scope for showing

their abilities , and as the two ugly sisters they certainly avail themselves of their opportunity , while Mr . Joe Burgess is most amusing as the father of the girls . Mias Laura Maxwell is interesting as the good fairy , and Mr . L . C . Dunbar sings in most agreeable style as the Prince ' s Prime Minister . The Paragon Quartette , tho Sisters

Wallis , Misa Dora Douglas , all add to tho enjoyment of the piece . A special word of praise is doe to the scene allotted to the little children , who sing and dance to well-known nursery rhymes in moBt effective style . Mr . J . M . Jones has arranged the ballets aud trained the children , and certainly he has done his work well . The

Harlequinade that follows is above the average , and with Mr . Jone 3 as Clown causes plenty of fun for all present . Mr . Wilmot is to be congratulated on his 1888 pantomime , which will rank among the moat complete he has produced , and one of the beat to be seen in London this year .

Mohawk Minstrels . —After a vacation during the Cattle Show Week these Minstrels returned to their favourite home at Islington with an entirely new and varied programme for the holiday season , Messrs . Campbell , Gordon , Oliver and Elsworththe most popular of the ballad singers—gave some telling selections ,

whilst the comic BongB were entrusted to MesBrs . Johnny Danvers , Walter Howard , and Little Thomas . The first part concludes with a new comicality , produced by Mr . Campbell , entitled the " Dinner at the Mohawks' Club . " The second part opens with the antics of the two Armstrongs , the latest of the tribe of knock-about comedians .

To our mind they are equal to the " Macs . " There is a characteristic plantation sketch , written by Mr . E . Forman , called " Will the Boys Come Back ? " Little Thomas Bings " Who Killed Cock Warren ? " on truly comic lines , for which he is loudly encored . Mr . Sohofield

contributes to the grotesque element in the shape of a burlesque ballet scena . The programme concludes with the ever popular sketch " The Black Mummy . " These Minstrels deserve tho patronage with which their new programme has been favoured j it equals , if ifc does not excel , all their previous efforts .

The ball in connection with the William Preston Lodge , No . 766 , will take place at the Cannon-street Hotel , on Tuesday next , the 8 th inst . Tickets 15 s each , to include refreshments , supper and wine , can be obtained from any of

the Stewards , or from Bro . P . G . Barns J . W ., 47 Forestreet , E . C .