Obituary.

reverently laid sprigs of acacia upon the lid , thus paying a last and mournful token of respect to him , who vvas not merely a brother in name , for Past Master Baker vvas loved as such by all who knew him intimately in Masonry . His simple , though unshaken adherence to what he considered vvas the proper working , his unostentatious

attention to his varied duties , and his ever ready cheerfulness and desire to assist his younger brethren , combined to create in our departed brother a personal magnetism which was irresistible . And finally it may be said , to the honour of our lamented brother , that he literally died in harness . Upon the last occasion on which he ventured out of doors

he attended at Great Queen-street to pay certain dues that were owing , and the last act of his life , previous to receiving his summons from the Great Architect of the Universe to the Grand Lodge above , vvas to prepare the books of the Prince Frederick William Chapter for the brother who had promised to act as S . E . on his behalf . Bro . F . G . Baker's place it will , indeed , be hard to fill .

BRO . CARL ROSA . In the musical world , but more particularly in the operatic portion of it , the news of the unexpected death of Bro . Carl Rosa has been received almost vvith a feeling of dismay . One day vve heard of the arrangements which

Bro . Augustus Harris and he had made for the coming operatic season , and immediately afterwards , as it seemed , that he had been taken ill and vvas dead . What makes our sense of regret still more poignant is that our deceased brother vvas quite a young man of about 43 or 44 years of age , from whom , much as he had done in the cause of

music , and especially for English Opera , still more and still brighter triumphs might have been expected . However , death has claimed him prematurely as a victim , and vve , who vvere looking forward to his becoming an able and active member of the Drury Lane Lodge , ' No . 2127—in which he vvas initiated only three weeks ago—have nothing left us but to mourn his loss . The funeral will

take place at Highgate Cemetery on Monday next , and , irrespective of the many brethren who will attend on the sad occasion out of respect for their deceased brother ' s memory , the Drury Lane Lodge will be represented by Bros . Admiral Sir E . A . Inglefield , W . M . ; Sir John E . Gorst , . Q . C , M . P ,, I . P . M . ; Alderman Sir H . Isaacs , S . VV . ; Fernandez , ] . W . ; and A . M . Broadley , Past Dep . Dist . G . M . Malta , Secretary .

Bro . DEAMER . It is vvith much regret vve have to record the death of Bro . Dr . Deamer , one of the oldest medical men at Christchurch , N . Z . While at a meeting of the Medical Society , on March 12 , he vvas seized vvith a fit of apoplexy , and falling suddenly to the ground , died immediately . By

this sad occurrence Masonry in New Zealand has suffered a great loss , for Bro . Dr . Deamer was a prominent Mason , and in fact the only one in Christchurch who had reeceived the 33 rd Degree , this being conferred on him by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales during a visit to England ten years ago . In celebration of her Majesty's Jubilee he vvas

appointed P . A . G . D . of C . to the Grand Lodgeof England ; he was also admitted to the Order of the Knights Templar , and opened the first preceptory at Christchurch . The late brother was only 59 yearsof age , and arrived in the colony in 1 S 6 3 , but his quarter of a century residence there has been

much to the good of the place , both as regards Masonry and in every other respect . The funeral took place vvith full Masonic rites , on March 15 , at the English Cemetery , Christchurch , and a large number of Oddfellows , Foresters , and medical men attended to pay their last respects to one whom they so -worthily honoured .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

There were not wanting those who predicted a short run of Gilbert and Sullivan ' s newest opera . But ' fhe Yeomen of the Guard " has run now nearly seven months and is likely to remain in the bills for the whole season , though vve shall not be astonished if Mr . D'Oyle Carte , before he removes to his new theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue , were to revive several of the old and ever-popular operas by the same masler hands . " The Yeomen of the

Guard , " we believe , draws as greatly as any of its successors . The music may not be as easy to commit to memory as "The Mikado , " but everyone who goes to the Savoy spends a delightful evening , and soon wants to go ""¦ gain to see Mr . Grossmith as the Jester , to hear Miss Jessie Bond and Miss Geraldine Ullmar , and the rich bass v ° ice of Mr . Richard Temple . It is almost superfluous to add that "The Yeomen of the Guard " is mounted in the

usuall y exquisite style and taste which have always been Prominent features in all Mr . Carte's productions . •*" S * The Avenue , after a week ' s closing for rehearsal , [ e-opened on Monday week forthe performance of Richard Henry ' s ( Messrs . Butler and Newton ) burlesque called Lancelot the Lovely . " Mr . John Crook , the composer and conductor , put evervone in a e * ood humour bv olavina *

such bright music as the overture . When the curtain rose to a full house , it vvas soon evident that the burlesque was going to take . It is in two acts . Its story is not over '" telligible , but its fun is great . The lover of Tennyson ' s Poems need not be shocked that our Laureate is to be made a Parody of . The names of the characters but little else r Memble the " Idylls of the King . " In the first act vve s ^ . Arthur draw the sword out of the stone and so lay < j 'aim to the throne of Britain . Lancelot , who appears J-J-st in a steam launch , is prompted by his mother to steal 'ne sword , so that he may sit on the throne , which is recovered by the magician Merlin . Bro . Arthur Roberts has . sen furnished by the authors vvith plenty of material of " * 1-u ingenuity , and on Monday kept the house in roars ' 'he most innocent laughter , and in a week or so vve are u . re the piece will be much further worked up by this "ginal burlesque actor . His imitation of the professors "o perform feats under water is most ludicrous . The sn ^ * = * rave may object tp Stonehenge being turned into a urce of banter . The huge monoliths become automaton

The Theatres.

machines for Bro . Roberts to get a cigarette and matches from , whilst another becomes a punch and judy show . Bro . Roberts has several good songs ; the one about " The Masher Eye" vvas encored again and again , as was the clever parody on " Who ' s that calling ? " responded to by some from the wings . Mr . E . D . Ward does good service as Merlin . His song in the first act is sure also to become

very popular . Mr . Alec Marsh , as Arthur , is very dignified , and sings several times in his usual splendid voice-Mr . Joseph Tapley well deserved nis encore for his care , fully rendered tenor song . Mdme . Vanoni is a desirable help-meet to Bro . Roberts in pulling the piece along . She never seemed tired of doing her best , and worked throughout vvith a right good will . Miss Carrfe Coote had a solo dance which she had to

repeat three times , and vve must say her dancing vvas graceful and very effective . We vvould rather the programme had stated that the music had been arranged by Mr . Crook than composed by him , for it is not altogether original , not that it is any the worse for that . The dresses are pretty , and the scenery in harmony vvith the Avenue traditions . Altogether " Lancelot the Lovely " is quite a success , and should run for months .

* * * A magnificent theatre and a most noble play , such in a few words is our opinion of Mr . Hare ' s latest venlure . The space at our disposal will not permit us , this week , to give any detailed account of the beautiful and comfortable Garrick Theatre which Mr . Emden , the architect of the Court and Terry's Theatre , has built . There is plenty of

room between the rows of seats to pass out and in without treading on the toes of those in the same row , and without knocking the heads of those in the row in front . The pit has cushioned seats vvith arms , and the stalls have under them a locker large enough to hold a light coat and a hat , so that one is independent of cloak rooms . There are no fees anywhere , and the whole of the building is lighted by

electricity . Some people think it unwise in opening a new theatre to commence with a play which has not already been a success . But Mr . Hare has ventured otherwise , and has gauged well the public taste , the result being that Mr . Pinero ' s play " The Profligate " has been received vvith every possible commendation , and is as likely to be playing at Christmas as not . We believe

that the first object of the play is to amuse , but vve have always held that if it can combine teaching a good moral lesson , then the stage is more elevating . VVe have often pointed out plays which have in them as noble a lesson to be learned as one vvould get frorii many a sermon from the great preachers . " The Profligate " is a play which could do no one any harm , but might effect much good in the

callous , indifferent , and even immoral man . For years the pulpit and the platform have tried to convey the doctrine of equality in the morals of either sex , but we think Mr . Pinero is the first author who has boldly transferred this to the stage . VVe have had many plays in which the weakness of woman prior to marriage has wrecked the happiness of the innocent husband . Now we have the reverse , for it is the husband ' s

early vices which follow him when he marries a pure confiding girl whom he really loves , but who comes to despise him when she learns his career in youth . Dunstan Renshaw , whom one can hardly call a roue , for there is a lot of good in him , has , beiore the play begins , ruined a young woman , Janet Preece , and deserted her . He marries a school girl , Leslie Brudenell , not because lie

is in love vvith her so much as that she is spotless and innocent , but she loves Dunstan , and very soon exercises her power for good on her husband . He comes to love and worship her vvith the most perfect affection a woman can want from a man . Much against her will they are married at the registry office . Her guardian's partner'and solicitor declines to go to the ceremony , for he hi mself loves her ,

^n but does not declare it , and he feels that she is being sacrificed to Renshaw , whose character he knows something of . Whilst the marriage is taking place the victim of Renshaw ' s lust comes to Murray , the solicitor , for professional advice to endeavour to find one " Lawrence Kenward , " for that is the only name she knows him by . From her description , but above all by a drawing she makes of him , Murray is sure that

Kenward is Renshaw , and when the couple return from the registrar man and wife Murray accuses Renshaw of being the seducer of Janet Preece . The scene is transferred to Italy , where the honeymoon takes place . Renshaw is profuse vvith his charity to the poor in the neighbourhood , hoping by good actions , taught by the love of his wife for him , to blot out and amend the past , but " be sure your

sin will find you out" comes only too true for him , for Janet , who has been dismissed as lady's maid to a society mother and daughter , flies to Leslie for protection . Mrs . Renshaw has pity on her , and takes her into her service . The daughter , Irene , confesses to Mrs . Renshaw that her mother has sold her in marriage to Lord Dangars , a divorce , whom she hates , and who says of himself that he

"has been everything in a divorce suit , but never the petitioner . " Renshaw and Dangars , who knew each other in bachelor life , are seen approaching . Janet , vvith a shriek , sees her seducer . Leslie , believing in the goodness of her husband , and knowing the career of Lord Dangars , of course , supposes Janet intends Dangars . To aid Irene to escape , she denounces Dangars in the

presence of the whole company , and ( we think in a not very tasteful way ) holds up the girl as his victim to endorse what she has said . Then comes the most thrilling scene in the play . Janet relieves Dangars of the charge , and Leslie's eyes begin to open , for there is no one left but her own husband , whom she has held up before the company . Man and wife are left alone .

Dunstan implores her forgiveness . In her agony she cries out " Deny it , deny it ! " When he says he cannot , she replies "Thengo . " ^ The sword of Damocles has fallen on the man , and the wife falls down in a swoon . The husband returns to England a broken-down penitent . He seeks out his wife , but she will not see him . He is about to take his life , but overcomes the cowardly temptation . Murray

advises Leslie to forgive , and so they are reconciled . lt is all through a very lachrymose sort of play . There is a side love plot between Leslie's brother Wilfrid and Janet , and a very interesting sketch by Mr . Hare of Lord Dangars , whose make-up is almost unrecognisable . Miss Olga

Nethersole , as Janet , is not half as good as she vvas in "The Dean ' s Daughter" or "The Silver Falls . " Mr . Forbes Robertson , who , with Miss Kate Rorke , bears the burden of the piece , never has been seen to greater advantage . Of Miss Kate Rorke it is not possible to speak too highly . -She rises in the third act to a pinnacle of

The Theatres.

acting which completely subjugates every one . We have known this young lady intimately ( we mean only on the other side of the footlights ) since she went on the stage , and acknowledge to being prejudiced in her favour , but we believe every one allows that in " The Profligate " Miss Kate Rorke has never done anything to equal this superb bit of acting . Mr . Lewis Waller , as the Solicitor , seems a little too sentimental .

Bro . Sydney Brough , as Wilfrid , is most refreshing , and gives promise of being a worthy addition to the family . Miss Lamb , as Irene , speaks vvith much expression , and plays well a somewhat difficult part . Mrs . Gaston Murray , always a sound actress , represents a woman of the world , always on the look out for a big match . She reminds us too much of Miss Victor's Mrs . GilfiUian in "Sweet Lavender . " " The Profligate " is artistically and pecuniarily a big success .

* s # Mr . H . A . Jones' new play " Wealth " at the Haymarket , though not so good as his "Saints and Sinners , " is a fine peice , and like "The Profligate" of Mr . Pinero , has a fine moral , that he who runs may read . It teaches without preaching . The plot , in a few words , is of a Yorkshireman whose mother died in the workhouse ,

who , by scraping together and working hard for years , becomes a millionaire . But he makes money his God . Mr . Jones shows his audience how wretched it is to live for the amassing of riches for their own saka , and how such men should be despised and even pitied . To keep the business in the family he wishes his only child to marry her cousin , but she refuses . He then strikes her out of his

will , leaves all his wealth to the nephew , and bids her marry the man she has chosen , but never to see her father again . The old man goes mad and fancies himself a pauper . He becomes in his demented state reconciled to his daughter , and is about blessing her the day before her wedding day to the noble man of her choice , when he dies , having of course bequeathed his all to her . It is a one part play ,

written for and round Bro . Tree , who adds another link to his long chain of representative characters . His make-up is a master piece , as is also his acting . But it must not be understood that the other parts are not of interest . All the fault vve find in them is that they have not a chance of more than half developing themselves . Mrs . Tree plays with all that grace and charm with which thisladyabounds . Bro . Macklin , as the lover , acts in his usual straightforward style . Bro .

Brookfield is the nephew—a thankless part . A most refreshing little comedy part is played by Miss Norreys and Mr . Maurice , who serve to enlighten the doleful story ; and Mr . Weedon Grossmith , if a little exaggerated , gives a capital rendering of a brainless City swell . Some of the smartest lines in the piece fall to him . The verdict has not been unanimous in favour of "Wealth , " but vve hold to our opinion that it is such plays as this vve want on our s ' age . .

Willing's Selected Theatrical Programme.

WILLING'S SELECTED THEATRICAL PROGRAMME .

ADELPHI THEATRE . Every Evening , at S , THE HARBOUR LIGHTS ; at 7 . 15 , Farce .

GAIETY THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 30 , FAUST UP TO DATE ; at 7 . 30 , FIRST MATE . VAUDEVILLE THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 50 , THAT DOCTOR CUPIDJ at 7 . 50 , THE POET .

OPERA COMIQUE THEATRE . Every Evening , at 9 , THE REAL LITTLE Lotto FAUNTLEROY J atS . 15 , HER OWN RIVAL . COURT THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 30 , THE WEAKER SEX .

COMEDY THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , A ^ HIGHLAND LEGACY J at 9 , TENTERHOOKS . TOOLE'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , THE DON ; after which Ici ON PARLE KRANCAIS .

SAVOY THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 15 , THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD ; at 7 . 20 , MRS . J ARRAMIE ' S GENIE . AVENUE THEATRE . Closed . Easter Monday , at 8 , LANCELOT THE LOVELY , or , THE IDOL OF THE KING ; 31 7 . 45 , OUITS .

PRINCE OF WALES'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 15 , PAUL J ONES ; at 7 . 30 , J SMITH . TERRY'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 30 , SWEET LAVENDER . ) LYRIC THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 15 , DORIS .

ROYALTY THEATRE . Every Evening , at S , MIGNONETTE . OLYMPIC THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , EAST LYNNE . GRAND THEATRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , THE SILVER FALLS .

SURREY THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , FOR A LIFE . ROYAL AQUARIUM . Open 12 ( noon ); close 11 . 30 . p . m . Constant Round of Amusement .

ALHAMBRA . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment . Two Grand Ballets , & c . EMPIRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment Grand Ballet , DIANA , & C

LONDON PAVILION . Every Evening , Grand Variety Entertainment . CANTERBURY THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment , Humorous Sketches , & c

MADAME TUSSAUD & SONS' EXHIBITION . Open 10 a . m . till 10 p . m . Portrait Models of Past and Present Celebrities .