Royal Commemoration Lodge, No. 1585.

Grand . —Notwithstanding the numerous counter attractions now in Loudon , comic opera has once more been the attraction nt this theatre . Played at Croydon on the 27 th September last , " Rhoda " was presented to a London audience for the first time on Monday . Since its firsfc production fche plot has been considerably improved , and now we have a most amusing and pretty opera . The libretto has

been written by Walter Parke , and the music composed by Antonio L . Mora . The work is in three acts . Mr . Parke has clone his share well , and has written a most pleasing book , never vulgar , and always entertaining . Mr . Mora has provided some pretty and ear-eatching music , which doubtless will become popular . The serenade sung by Adolphe is very pretty , as also is the vocal gavotte in the last act

while the music to fche interrogatory couplets in the second act is admirably fitted to the words . The action of the opera is laid in the town of Pavana , Spanish America , arid begins wifch a contest for the mayoralty of Pavana , with the result that one Poter Bosco is ultimately elected . Bosco has a scapegrace nephew , Carlos Valdez , who wishes to marry Khoda , daughter of Baron Poncho ; b y this means he

hopes to retrieve his fortunes . The Mayor consents to assist his nephew , but Rhoda rejects Carlos , sho being secretl y betrothed to Adolphe Martel . Her maid Teresa is also in love , with Ventro a travelling showman , who is in possession of a life-size mechanical figure of a lady . Carlos engages this man to hel p him deceive Rhoda , and ifc is by the aid of this figure , added to false

representations and forged letters , thafc Carlos contrives to arouse Rhoda ' a jealousy . The figure , placed on a seat under a tree , is mistaken by Adolphe for Rhoda , whom he has come to serenade , while she in turn believes he is addressing some feminine rival . In her rage she fires at Adolphe , but the shot misses , but hits the figure , which falls , and is immediately removed by the showman . Carlos gives the alarm

that a murder has been committed ; a hat ancl cane , fonnd on the spot , are taken possession of by the police as a clue for tracino- the identity of the culprits . Adolphe and Rhoda escape , while the Mayor and police start in pursuit of the presumed assassins . This brings the first act to a conclusion . The remaining parfc shows how Adolphe and Rhoda are captured ; the former is accused of the

supposed murder , and remanded for further inquiries . In * the end Adolphe is released , and ifc is shown thafc onl y a mechanical figure has been shot . Instead of getting Rhoda for a wife Carlos is made to go through a mock marriage with the figure , he all the time thinking it is Rhoda . This lady and Adolphe are afterwards married . The second act is certainly the most amusing , while the

last would be better if it were strengthened . Mr . Henry Walsham as Adolphe , carries off chief hononrs . His splendid tenor voice is heard to considerable advantage , while bis acting is of no mean character . His rendering of the serenade was charming whilst his duets with Rhoda were very effective . The part of Rhoda was undertaken by Miss Kate Chard , who shows to considerable

advantage . Her singing is both pretty and effective , an advantage made the most of by tho lady . Mr . C . H . Kenney carried off the palm for the comical bnsiness , his Mayor was an excellent performance . In the trial scene Mr . Kenney was at his best , he never lost an opportunity to cause the house to roar with laughter . Mr . Deane Brand gave the necessary finish to the part of Carlos , while the

graceful dancing and pleasing singing of Miss Agnes Oliver as Teresa , deserves a word of praise . The other characters want strengthening ; if this be done an excellent all round caste would be the result . We understand that " Rhoda " will shortly be seen at one of our West End theatres , where , with better mounting and a stronger orchestra , a successful career should lie before it .

Hengler ' S . —Nothing was lacking on Saturday last—the night chosen by Mr . Charles Hengler for his re-opening—to show how popular his circus preformances have become . Notwithstanding other entertainments of a similar character , afc Battersea and in the North of London , a crowded audience was present fco welcome Mr . Hengler ^ back to the magnificent building in Argyll Street . Mr .

Hengler , in the hope of finding amusement for his patrons has called in the aid of one or two tronpes of artistes that , perhaps , do not properly belong to a circus company ; however , by this means he provides a varied and amusing programme . Foremost to be noticed is a troupe of six bicyclists , known as " The Selbinis , " whose entertainment is a most extraordinary one ; such feats as balancing

plates , catching rings on a spike affixed to the head , and throwing balls and knives , is achieved by the principal of the troupe whilst riding a bicycle . The children ride on tiny machines , and propel a machine withont either saddle or back-wheel . Altogether the Selbinis are an exceptionally clever troupe . The Jees , in their interlude , "The Musical Smithy , " produced melody from horse-shoes

house-steps , blacksmith's anvils , the stalks of flowers , and from a pair of bellows . The comic business of this troupe is amusing while the musical portion is decidoly novel . The Conradis and the Brothers Rogers go throngh some clever acrobatic feats ; and Mr . P . 0 . Hengler puts the pony Robin and the American horse Washington through niost interesting performances . The latter ascends and descends a

ni ght of stairs without tho slightest sign of fear . Tho eqtiestri . n portion of the programme is carried out by well-known artistes ¦ and embraces the graceful riding of Miss Alice Welby Cooke , Miss Agnes Senga , and Miss Eliso Bradbury . The champion rider of England Hernandez , went throngh some daring feats of horsemanshi p , but the jockey act was not so well performed by the Spanish rider , Felix

Thomasjo , as we have seen it . Tho always welcome-clowns were well represented by Friskey , Little Sandy , Whimsical Walker , and tho Bros . Rogers . Two of these gentlemen have a scene to themselves , here Little Sandy puts his "Porcine Pet" through a novt 1 ontertainmenfc , while the other , Whimsical Walker , as he is clubbed after frightening all the attendants out of the riig , is himself driven

out by his " Pugnacious Bantam . " The evening ' s entertainment was brought to a conclusion by the over welcome race by ponies mounted by monkey jockeys . If Mr . C . Hengler only keeps his entertainment to the standard it now presents , fche season started by h'm last Saturday should prove as successful as those he haa already passed throngh .

Diary For The Week.

DIARY FOR THE WEEK .

v / 3 shall be obliged if the Secretaries of the various Lodges throughout the Kingdom will favour us with a list of their Days of Meetings , & c , as we have decided to insert only those that are verified by the Officers of the several Lodges .

cSenoral Committee Boys' School , Freemasons' Hall , at 4 142—St . Thomas , City Terminus Hotol , Cannon Street 17 !)—Manchester , Yorkshire Uroy , London St ., Tottenham Court Rd ., at 8 ( In ) ! 1275—Star , Five Hells , 155 New Cross-road , S . E ., at 7 . ( Instruction ) i I'M '—Karl of Zetland , Koyal Kdward , Tremble , Haekuey , at 7 ( lustruction ) : 1572—Carnarvon , Albion Tavern , Aldorsgato-scree ! 1622—Rose , Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell

I SATURDAY 6 th NOVEMBER .

1621— Kccleston , Crown and Anchor , 79 Kbnrv Street , S . W ., at 7 ( Instruction ) 2012-Chiswick , Windsor Castle Hotel , Kins ? Street , Hammersmith at 7 . 30 ( In ) I Sinai i ihnptw v Improvement ,. Union , Air--itr-eei . ite ^ aat-nt .., vV ' . u , * ' * 1 R . A . 820—Lily of Richmond , Greyhound , Richmond , a " t 8 . ( Instruction ) j 30<—Prince Go > r-re , Private Rooms , Bottoms , East . wood 1153—Truth . Private Rooms , Conservative Club , Newton Heath . Manohes ' et 14 B 6—Hova Ecclesia , Old Ship Hotel , Brighton -uu , uuuost 8 i 1567—Elliot , Railway Hotel . Feltham

MONDAY , 8 th NOVEMBER .

5—St . George ' s and Corner Stone , Freemasons' Hall , W . C . 22—Loughborough , Gauden Hotel , Clapham , at 7 . 30 . ( Instruction ) 48—Strong linn . Excise Tavern , Old Broad Street , B . C ., at 7 ( instruction ) 58—Felicity , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street 59—Royal Naval , Freemasons' Hall , W . C . 90—St . ' John , Albion , Aldersgate-street , E . C . 174— Sincerity , Railway Tavern , Railway Place , Fenchurch Street at 7 . ( In ) . 80—Rt . James ' s Union , Union Tavern , Air-street , W ., at 8 ( Instruction ) 193—Confidence , Anderton ' s Fleet-street , E . C .

312—Euphrates , Mother Red Cap , High Street , Camden Town , at 8 . ( Inst ) . 222—St . Andrews , 101 Queen Victoria-street 548—Wellington , Whito Swan , High-street , Deptford , at 8 ( Instruction ) 975—Rose of Denmark , Gauden Hotel , Clapham Road Station , at 7 . 30 . ( Inst ) 1237-Enfield , Market-place , Enfield 1366—Highgate , Gatehouse Hotel , Highgate 1423- Hyde Park , Porch ester Hotel , Leiustor Place , Cleveland Gardens , at 8 ( In ) Works 202

1445—Prince Leopold , Printing , Whitechapel Road , E ., at 7 ( Inst . ) 1489—Marquess of Ripon , Queen s Hotel , Victoria Park , at 7 . 30 ( In ) I 507—Metropolitan , The Moorgate , i > rnsbary Pavement , E . G ., at 7 . 30 ( Inst . ) 1571— Leopold , Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge 1585—Royal Commemoration , Railway Hotel , High Street , Putney , at 8 . ( In . ) 1608—Kilbnrr ,, 46 South Molton Street , Oxford Street , W „ at S . ( tnst . ) Ifi 2 . l—West Smithfield , New Market Hotel , King Street , Smithfieldat 7 ( In . )

, 1657—Aldersgate , Castle and Falcon , Aldersgate-street , E . G . 1670—Adelphi , 4 Adelphi Terrace , Strand l «! i : t—Kirisrsinnd , Cock Tavern , Highbury , N ., at 8 . 30 ( Instruction ) 1789—TJbique , Masonic Hall , Air-street , VV . 1805—Bromley St . Leonard , Vestry Hall , Bow-road , Bromley lb 91—St . Ambrose , Baron ' s Court Hotel , West Kensington . ( Inatruction )

1901—Selvvyn , East Dulwich Hotel , East Dulwich . ( Instruction ) 2012—Chiswick , Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge R . A . 720—Panmure , Horns Tavern , Kennington R . A . 862—Whittington , Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet Street R . A . 1537—St . Peter Westminster , Freemasons' Hall , W . O . K . T . 140—Studholme , Masonic Hall , Golden-square

40—Derwent , Castle Hotel , Hastings 61—Probity , Freemason ' s Hall , St . John's-place , Halifax 75 _ Love and Honour , Royal Hotel , Falmouth SS—Scientific , Red Lion , Petty Gary , Cambridge 104—st John , Ashton Houso , Greek-street , Stockport 151—Albany , Masonic Hall , Newport , I . W . 240— St Hilda , Freemasons' Hall , i > owtor-street , South Shields

262—Salopian , the Lion Hotel , Shrewsbury 204-Nelson of the Nile , Freemasons' Hall , Batley 292—Sincerity , Masonic Hall , Liverpool 296—Royal Brunswick , Freemasons Hall , Surrey-street , Sheffield 297 _ wi ' tham , New Masonic Hall , Lincoln •/*>—TTnno New Masonic Hall , Darley-street , Bradford 307—Prince Frederick White Horse Hotel , Hebden Bridge

, s < U _ TJ rwai TjTuon , Chequers Hotel , Uxbridge . ( Instruction ) lOS-Three Graces , Private Rooms , Haworth . il-Commercial , Flying Horse Hotel , Nottingham 133-Hn ^ Swan ' Hotel , Brighlmgsea 467-Tulor , Red Lion Hotel , Oldham 481-St Peter Masonic Hall , Maple-street , Newcastle 502-Rectitude , Town Hall , Rugby street

587-Howo , Masonic Hall , New- , Birmingham 5 S 9 _ Druids of Love and Liberality , Masom Hall , Redruth 613-Urity , Masonic Hall , Southport H 65-Monta"ue , Royal Lion , Lyme Regis 721—Independence , Masonic Chambers , Eastgate-row-north , Chester J ^—Derby Masonic Hall , Liverpool at 8 . ( Instruction ) 707-Haniey Hanley Hall , Dartmouth

, 893—Meridian , National School Room , Millbrook , Cornwall 919—Williamson , St . Stephen School , Monkwoarmonth , Durham ion—Hartiu"ton , Masonic Uall , Custom House Buildings , Barrow-in-Furness 10 ii 9-Unitcd ° Brothers , Castlo Hotel , Southsoa 1112—Shirley , Masonic Hall , Shirley , Hants 1174—PentangloSun Hotel , Chatham

, 1221—Defence , Masonic Hal ! , Carlton-hill , Leeds 1253—Travellers , Queen ' s Hotel , Manchester 13 a ( i—Fermor Hesketh , Masonic Hali , Liverpool 1430—Sandgate , Masonic Hall , Sandgate 1449—Royal Military , -Masonic Hull , Canterbury 1474—Israel , Masonic Hall , Severn-street , Birmingham

1542—Legiolium , Masonic Hall , Carlton-street , Oastletord i 575—Olive , Corbet Arms . Market Drayton 159 : 2—Abbey , Suffolk Hotel , bury St . Edmunds 1611—Eboracum , Masonic Hull , St . Saviourgato , 5 Tor * S Itsia— Handyside , Zetland Hotel , Saltburn-b . y-Sea 1056—Wolsey , White Hart Hotel , Hampton Wick mots—Fidelity and Sincerity , Wellington , Somerset 1977—lilackwaier , Blue Boar Hotol , Maldou .

R . A . 51—Patriotic , Castle Library , Colchester . ( Emergency ) R . A . (¦¦)—Royal Cheshire , Ashley ' s Arms , Dukintleld R . ' . ' 100—Friendship , Crown and Cushion , Great Yarmouth R . A . 148—Elias Ashmole , Chapter Rooms , Warrington 1 LA . 276—Essex , While Hart Hotel , Chelmsford R ' . 306—Alfred , Masonic Hall , Kelsull-street , Leeds

R . A . 379—Tynto , Masonic Hall , Old Orchard Street , Bath R . A . 422—All Saint's , Masonic Hall , Gainsborough d . X . 827—St . John , Masonic Temple , Halifax-road , Dewjbury R ! A . 1258—Kennard , Masonic Hall , George Street , Pontypool M . M . —Egerton , Royal Rock Hotel , Rock Ferry , Cheshire . M . M . 9—jVortescue , Masonic Hall , South Molton , Devon R ' < j —Walton , Skelmersdale Masonio Hall , J & rJsdalej Liverpool