"Is. Marriage A Failure?"

and Benevolent Institutions of Freemasonry , and not by the habits of some of its members . Denunciation is of very doubtful value in any such cases . It is apt to gall and embitter , and has been tried often , without success . — Yours faithfully , OLD FREEMASON . Watford , August 24 .

Sir—I cannot allow the letter of " A Freemason ' s Wife " to pass without a protest , for although , unfortunately , there undoubtedly are ranged under the banners of Freemasonry some unworthy men who neglect their home duties , yet it is most unjust to the many thousands of true _ Freemasons to imply that to be connected with the Craft is necessarily to be both selfish and unfaithful . The very principles on

which the Order is founded are wholly opposed to any neglect of duty , and everyone admitted into the Craft is solemnly charged to neglect none of the ordinary duties of life j and no man , whatever ceremonies he may have gone through , or however he may bedeck himself with Masonic jewellery , is worthy of the name " Freemason " who is careless of his home or family , or who disregards in

any degree his civil , religious , or domestic duties . If the husband of "A Freemason ' s Wife" will act according to his Masonic obligation , his wife will have no further reason to complain of any lack of duty or affection to his home , and she at least will have no cause to consider marriage a failure . —I beg to remain , yours faithfully , THE LEVEL . Wellington , Somerset , August 24 .

Sir—I am tempted to reply to a " Freemason ' s Wife , " because I do not hold the same opinions . My husband is a Freemason . His friends and my brother tell me he is honoured and respected by one and all . I hear him say that next to his home and the comforts of his own fireside his Masonry is his greatest pleasure . My experience is that far from making him a selfish man it tends to make

him a better one , for I believe Freemasonry to be all that is noble and good . In my opinion marriage would be less a "failure " if women would but be a little less selfish , and bear in mind that because they cannot belong to lodges themselves and spend the rest of the evening at an hotel there is no reason why their husbands should not . I do not want my husband always at my apron strings , and

much as I love his company and appreciate his evenings at home , I am still more pleased with his honours and the position he holds as a Freemason . There are , I dare say , loose men who are Masons and do not make good husbands , but after 14 years of a happy married life I am proud to sign myself , ANOTHER FREEMASON ' S WIFE . Eton , August 25 .

The Late Bro. Sir John Brand, President Of The Orange Free State.

THE LATE BRO . SIR JOHN BRAND , PRESIDENT OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE .

On Sunday , July 22 nd , the Jubilee Lodge held a most solemn and impressive Service of Sorrow to the memory of the late Bro . Sir John Henry Brand , in the Kaap Exchange . After the opening of the lodge and the Masonic rites had been conducted with closed doors as usual , the public who had received invitations were admitted to witness and participate in the interesting service .

There were a great many ladies and gentlemen present . After an organ voluntary by Bro . A . W . Bayly , and prayer by the Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . Adams , an address was delivered by the W . Master , Bro . Ochse . As printed leaflets of the whole service were in the hands of visitors , they were enabled to join in the prayers and responses with the brethren . The

anthem"Days and moments quickly flying" —was most impressively sung . The reading from Holy Writ was that most magnificent chapter commencing " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth , " with its rich Eastern imagery and allegory . " Thou art passing hence , my Brother , " a solo by Mr . C . Halle , was a very high and splendid effort on that gentleman ' s part , listened to with

breathless attention j as likewise the duet Vital Spark of Heavenly Flame , " sung by Mr . Halle and Bro . E . H . A . Cohen . Addresses were also delivered by Bros . J . C Verey , J . Z . De Villiers , and the Rev . Adams . The first-named , it should be mentioned , arranged this service , having had the melancholy task of assisting at a similar ceremonial many years ago at the Good Hope Lodge , Capetown , on the

occasion of the death of President Brand ' s father , Sir Christoffel Brand . During the singing of the processional hymn , "Great God , what do I see and hear ? " the brethren , headed by the W . M ., marched in procession two abreast round the centre of the lodge , where a coffin covered with wreaths was placed , and bearing some insignia indicating the deceased brother ' s high

rank as a Knight of the Rosy Cross . At the conclusion of the hymn , the W . M . deposited his piece of evergreen on the emblematical bier , pronouncing these words : " This evergreen , which once marked the temporary resting place of the illustrious dead , is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul . By this we are reminded that

we have an immortal part within us that shall survive the grave , and which shall never , never , never die . " All the brethren deposited their evergreens in like manner , and the service was shortly afterwards brought to a conclusion . After the public had left , the lodge was closed in the usual manner . — The Barberton Herald and Transvaal Mining Mail .

There was some capital shooting at the Rainham Ranges , Essex , on Monday , in connection with the annual prize meeting of the 2 nd City of London Rifles . The challenge cup given by Bro . General Sir Fred . Roberts , Bart ., honorary colonel of the regiment , was won by Sergt . Fortunati , with a score of 146 points out of a possible 175 , 7 shots each at 200 , 500 , 600 , 700 , and 800 yards . The Merchant Taylors' Challenge Cup was won by Capt .

Thomson with 81 points , at 200 , 500 , and 600 yards ( seven shots at each range ) , after shooting off a tie with Private White , who had made the same score . Sergt . Fortunati Won the challenge cup and jewel given by the Salters ' Company , with a score of 85 points , seven shots each at the same three ranges ; and Private Shand took the challenge cup given by Mrs . Rimington , with a score of 23 points , out of a possible 25 points , five shots at any range .

Picnic Of The Portsmouth Temperance Lodge, No. 2068.

PICNIC OF THE PORTSMOUTH TEMPERANCE LODGE , No . 2068 .

The members of this lodge may justly feel gratified and proud at the successful result of the new departure in Masonry , at least in this part of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight , by arranging a picnic for the brethren of the lodge and their " wives and sweethearts . "

The Portsmouth Temperance Lodge , whose warrant dates October 16 th , 1 SS 4 , holds its meetings at the Soldiers' Institute , and has been making wondrous strides since its constitution , it now mustering some 105 members , with an extremely good show of votes for the Masonic Charities . Lately a warrant was granted for a Royal Arch Chapter in connection with the lodge , and the constitution of which

will take place shortly . Each quarter a banquet is held after lodge business , but this quarter the idea was mooted by Bro . R . G . Pither , Secretary , that a picnic should take its place . A committee was formed , comprising all the officers of the lodge , with the result that the affair passed off on Wednesday , the 22 nd ult ., with great eclat . At S . 30 a . m . upwards of a hundred brethren assembled

at the Soldiers' Institute , High-street , and left in five fourhorse brakes , well supplied by Mr . A . W . White , for Goodwood , via Emsworth and Chichester . Thanks to the Colonel and officers , the centre brake was occupied by a portion of the band of the Border Regiment , who played several selections en route . Amongst those present were Bros . T . Tufnell , VV . M .

G . Bevis , P . G . D . of C , I . P . M . ; J . Palmer , P . P . G . Stwd ., P . M . ; W . Miller , S . W . j Q . Cecconi , J . W . j R . G . Pither , Hon . Secj G . Williams , S . D . j E . R . Fisher , J . D . ; G . Woodthorpe , I . G . ; VV . Porter and T . Making , Stwds . j J . Wells , Tyler j G . Reading , P . H . Emanuel , Grigsby , Freake , Biggs , Boyce , Prior , McFail , G . Williams , H . King , Cronin , and others .

The first halt was made at Farlington , from whence the party went to Emsworth and Chichester , where there was a wait of three quarters of an hour , during which time the majority of the visitors visited the cathedral . The band played several pieces during the interval , much to the satisfaction ot the farmers and citizens . Corney Seat , Goodwood , was reached about one o ' clock , where a van was in

waiting for volunteers to help lay the cloth . " When all was ready the brethren sang grace . Ample justice was done to the fare provided . During dinner some capital pieces were played by the band , and afterwards the VV . M ., Bro . Tufnell , on behalf of the lodge , gave a hearty welcome to the ladies , and hoped the innovation was the commencement of similar outings .

Dancing was indulged in on the lawn , after which all assembled in the pheasantry , where Mr . Russell photographed groups of the members of the lodge together , and also of the whole party . A return was again made for the Seat , and dancing was indulged in , whilst some paid a visit to the course . At six o'clock the return journey was made via Funtington to

Westbourne , where a sumptuous tea was provided at the Cricketers . After the repast and grace had been sung , Bro . P . H . EMANUEL proposed a vote of thanks to the Commitlee for making such successful arrangements for the day , especially eulogising Bros . Tufnell and Pither , who had bore the brunt of the work . The Secretary , Bro . Pither ,

was , as they all knew , a most indefatigable worker , and whatever he undertook was done well . Bro . TUFNELL and Bro . PITHER severally responded . Bro . G . READING proposed "The Wives , Sisters , and Sweethearts of Masons , " and Bro . GRISBY responded . Dancing was again indulged in , and the journey home was commenced at 9 . 15 , the Soldiers' Institute being reached at 11 o ' clock .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . H . JEFFS , P . M ., P . Z ., & c . We regret to announce the death of Bro . Henry Jeffs , who for many years past has been a conspicuous member of our Society in Gloucestershire . The deceased was initiated in the Royal Lebanon Lodge , No . 493 , the senior of the two lodges which have their quarters in his native city of Gloucester , and had thrice filled the chair of VV .

Master , namely , in the years 1866 , 1867 , and 1875 . He was also a joining member of the junior Gloucester lodge —the Zetland , No . 1005 , and was VV . M . in 1 SS 0 and again in 1 SS 2 . His services were recognised by his appointment to the chair of Prov . J . G . Warden in 1872 and 1873 , and last year , when his Royal Highness the M . W . G . Alaster accorded permission to the several Prov . Grand Masters

to confer Past Provincial rank on distinguished brethren in the provinces , in commemoration of the Oueen's Jubilee , R . W . Bro . Sir M . E . Hicks-Beach , Bart ., " M . P ., Prov . G . Master of Gloucestershire , was pleased to bestow on Bro . J effs the rank of Past Prov . S . G . W . He was Z . of the Unanimity Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , No . 82 , Cheltenham , in 18 S 4 , and held the same office in the Royal

Lebanon Chapter , No . 493 , Gloucester , the year following . He was a Past Master ot the Cheltenham and Keystone Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 10 , and Past Prov . J . G . W . of the same Degree . He was known for his antiquarian researches , and was chiefly instrumental in obtaining the erection of a memorial to Bishop Hooper , who was burnt to death near Gloucester Cathedral in the reign of the first Mary .

BRO . JOHN T . ALSTON , P . M . The funeral of Bro . John T . Alston , ofthe firm of Messrs . j . and W . Alston , contractors , of Liverpool , took place at Everton Cemetery on Wednesday , the 22 nd ult , and was attended by a large gathering of the family and friends of the deceased , as well as very many members of the Masonic Fraternity , with which he had been connected for several years , being a Past Master of the Ancient

Union Lodge , No . 213 . Among the brethren present to show respect to Bro . Alston ' s memory were Bros . G . R . Ashston , W . M . 203 ; C . Birch , P . M . 203 J E . Johnston , P . M ., P . S . G . D . j J . P . Bryan , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; T . May Smith , 1570 ; J . N . Hounsell , P . M . 203 ; W . M'Culloch , 203 ; W . Gick , P . M . 203 ; P . Ball , P . P . G . T . ; J . Casey , P . M . 1570 ; H . Taylor , 20 3 j H . James , P . M ., P . G . D . j J . M . Smythe , H . 203 ; B .

Obituary.

Bailey , S . D . 2114 j S . Dean , 203 j T . Saxon , 241 . 7 Brotherton , P . M . 241 j J . Winsor , P . M . 241 j VV . Thomas ' 203 j W . H . Martin , 203 ; J . Martin , 823 ; J . W . Baker , See ' 203 j J . Galloway , I . P . M . 203 j W . Eastwood , 203 j p c ' Fisher , 203 ; J . M'Ewen , Steward 203 ; R- Britten , P . M *

" 756 ; J . Grierson , P . M . 1756 ; Bradley Pass , 477 - T ' S . Sergeant , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; W . Wilson , 203 ; ' Heaton , 20 3 j Phillips , 203 j E . Donnelly , S . W . 20 ? ' . J . G . Highfield , 203 j G . J . Clough , S . D . 203 j F . Q ' Elsworth , 241 j J . B . Treasure , 1013 j C . Bargery , P . fyj ' 1756 , P . G . D . ; Bullen , 1756 " j and others . " ' '

BRO . JOSEPH E . HIRST , 823 . The remains of the late Bro . Joseph E . Hirst , of i-, Spencer-street , and 6 and 8 , Rigby-street , Liverpool , were ' interred in the Necropolis of that city , on Saturday . afternoon , the 25 th ult ., in the presence of a large gathering f relatives and friends . The deceased was highly respected

in his business , and by his kindly disposition had endeared himself to a large circle . Up to his death the deceased was a member of the Everton Lodge , No . 823 , and the following brethren of his lodge joined in the procession Bros . W . Maddox , W . M . j W . J . Lunt , C . C , P . M ' Robert W . Gow , I . P . M . j J . J . Boyle , " P . M . j R . t ' rsntten

, a . w . ; vv . Spencer , steward ; livan Morgan W . J . Quine , Edward Beaven , Robert Arden , Walter Gaskill , P . Nicholson , C H . W . Bush , G . Thomas , and others The services in the chapel , and likewise at the grave , were ' conducted by the Rev . Daniel Jones , minister of Everton " - road Baptist Chapel .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

At this time of year audiences are not inclined to be too particular as to the fare served up for them theatrically , and so Bro . W . Lestocq , W . M . 1319 , and Bro . Walter Everard have collaborated and written a farcical comedy , which they term " Uncles and Aunts , " and Mr . C H . Hawtrey has produced itat the Comedy Theatre . Its plot is of the thin order , and somewhat complicated .

The characters consist of a couple of pairs of lovers , a couple of uncles , and a couple of aunts . An elderly gentleman makes love—and an ass of himself at the same time—to one of the young ladies , and then transfers his affections to an aunt , whom he calls his Aurora Borealis . This old gentleman—Mr . Zedekiah Aspen—is played by Mr . VV . S . Penley , who adds another success to his already

large stock . His old men are as clever as his young ones . As the sporting young man in "The Arabian Nights " and as Rev . Mr . Spalding in the " Private Secretary " Mr . Penley achieved great fame ; this he has certainly added to in his latest character . His make-up is most ludicrous , and so while he is on the stage the new farcical comedy goes very merrily , and we should say will continue to draw

tor some time . The authors have modestly assigned themselves small parts to play , Bro . Lestocq only coming on in the last act . Mr . Chas . Groves ably assists the piece , as do Misses Cissy Graham , Vane Featherstone , and Elton . A very quiet bit of character acting is done by Mr . W . F .

Hawtrey as the old butler . It is quite a relief to see the part of a manservant represented on the stage naturally and different from the usual buffoonery , Mr . Jerome ' s "Barbara" is again the opening piece , and well worth seeing . " Uncles and Aunts " ought to have a run owing to Mr . W . S . Penley ' s comical acting .

* * * Bro . Henry Bracy has undertaken the reins of management and opened the Avenue for a short season . The pieces he has selected are Mr . Arthur Lane ' s comedydrama , " Gladys , " which was produced at a matinee in December , 1 SS 6 , and the burlesque , "Don Juan , Junior , " by Mr . E . Righton and Mr . R . Reece . We recollect its

being performed at the Royalty eight years ago under the management of Miss Kate Lawler . Mr . Righton played the chief part then , as he does now . There is a bevy of very fine looking damsels , chief of whom are Miss Emily Spiller , Miss Kate Everleigh , and Miss Rose Dearing . Ihe burlesque is written up to date , allusions being made to the Daily Telegraph ' s correspondence columns

regarding marriage , General Boulanger , and the Naval Manoeuvres . "Don Juan , Junior , " bristles with puns on words , the music is tuneful , the medleys have to be repeated , and the burlesque is prettily staged . "Gladys " is chiefly remarkable for the acting of the heroine by Miss Florence West , who is ably supported by Mr . Lewis Waller , Mr . Buckstone , Mr . Royce Carleton , and Mr . Kinghorne . The

plot deals with a villain who marries a lady and then makes her his catspaw to dupe his victims to secure their money by the foulest means , and even compromises his wife ' s honour . The hero , of course , is a former lover of the wife , then penniless . He comes into a fortune and is able to wed Gladys , as her marriage to Stapleton is illegal . VVe do not

see why these two pieces should not prove a gain for the few weeks Bro . Bracy has the theatre . We must all regret , however , that this popular singer and actor does not appear himself in the programme he has provided . Mr . T . Dove-Keighley returns to an old post . Where he formally deputised he is now installed as acting manager , and ooks after the comforts of Bro . Bracy's patrons .

' i ' l " £ # Mr . Rider Haggard ' s "She" is due at the Gaiety on the 6 th inst ., with Miss Eyre as leading lady . The new Shaftesbury Theatre is to open towards the end of the month with "As you like it . " Bro . Augustus Harris re-opens Drury Lane with the drama by himself and Mr . W . H . Hamilton . Miss Agnes Hewitt , on the

Sth , re-opens the Olympic with "The Ticket-of-Leave Man , " Bro . Henry Neville in his old part as Bob Brierley . Mr . F . J . Harris reopens the Opera Comique with a new comic opera now in active rehearsal , and the Globe programme will change from "Bootle ' s Baby" to the old

" Monk ' s Room . " The Vaudeville re-opens with their success , "Joseph ' s Sweetheart , " at the end of the month , when Mr . Rutland Barrington takes over the management of the St . James's Theatre , So there is a busy time ijj store at the theatres . Later on , three new'Jtheatres win bid for public favour .