Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Martins , and Looe , repaired to the Eliot Arms , where an excellent banquet was provided by the hostess ( Mrs . Jenkins ) . After the usual toasts had been given and a very p leasant evening spent , the meeting closed at io o ' clock . SLAITHWAITE . —Colne Valley Lodge ( No . t ( j .. ') . —This lodge held its annual Festival of St . John ' s

on Wednesday , the 19 th ult ., at the Lewisham Hotel , and was well attended by brethren from Lancashire , Saddleworth , Meltham , and Huddersfield , who seemed anxious to honour a young lodge which deserved so well of the Craft . Commencing only twelve months ago with nine members , it has increased to thirty-one good and true Masons who have followed the first W . M . into the Craft ,

knowing that in so faithful a guide no danger would ensue , neither have they been mistaken , for all have expressed their keen delight at the good fellowship which has been found in addition to the greater aims , dignity and worth of the science . The meeting on Wednesday was at three o ' clock . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been passed , Mr . Peters was balloted for and

afterwards duly initiated by the W . M ., Bro . George Haigh . Bro . Samuel Sug den , the W . M . elect , vvas then presented and duly installed by Bro . Varley , Huddersfield , who did his work well . A number of other brethren were invested with collar and jewel of their respective offices . After the business of the lodge the room was rearranged , and a splendid spread set out for the company by Bro . Wood ,

who had done all he could to give and deserve satisfaction . At the festive board sat at the head of No . 1 table the newly appointed W . M ., with him Bro . G . Haigh , the I . P . AL The loyal and patriotic toasts were given with Masonic horouis . and when about the middle of their ceremonies Bro . Derbyshire , S . W ., got up aud presented Bro . G . Haigh with a most beautiful Past Master ' s jewel ,

which had been freely subscribed to by every member of thelodge , for the kindness , urbanity , and brotherly affection by which Bro . Haigh had welcomed every young member , for the zeal he had displayed on behalf of the lodge , and for what he had done for Masonry in the Colne Valley . Bro . Jno . Sugden , an old friend , had the pleasing duty of investing Bro . Haigh with the distinguishing badge ,

which had on the front the simple yet beautiful words " Brotherly love , " and on the back " Presented to Bro . George Haigh , the first W . M . of the Colne Valley . As Bro . Haigh had not the slighest idea of what had been done on his behalf , he exhibited a little embarrasment , and assured the brethren that this kindness would be remembered as long as h ; lived .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

TRURO . —Royal Cornubian Chapter ( No . 331 ) . —At the last meeting of this chapter , five pounds was voted towards the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , of which the R . W . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , P . G . AL , is the Steward for the Province of Cornwall . We are pleased to hear that more than £ 3 00 will ba placed at the Earl's disposal . M . E . Comp . J . Bray was

invested by Comp . Anderton , P . Z ., as ist Principal , and Comp . J . P . Rogers , as 3 rd Principal ; Comp . W . Lake , the 2 nd Principal elect , was unavoidably absent . The other officers invested were Comps . J . H . Ferris , E . ; W . D . Rogers , N . ; R . Carter , P . S . ; T . Olver , jun ., 1 st A . S . ; J . B . Champion , 2 nd A . S . ; E . T . Carlyon , P . G . S . E ., Treasurer ; J . T . Hawken , Registrar ; and W . Rooks ,

janitor . TYWARDREATH . —Unity Chapter ( No . 1151 ) . —At a meeting of the members of this chapter , E . Comps . the Rev . Dr . Treffry , Z . ; William Tonkin , H . ; Captain Hugh Colville , J . ; presiding as the three Principals , it was proposed by E . Comp . Rev Dr . Treffry , and seconded by the ether two Principals , that the sum of

£ io should bc placed in the hands of E . Comp . Hughan to purchase a Life Governor ' s vote in the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , making £ 20 in all from the chapter for this year . The St . Andrew's Lodge , No , 11 5 , and Restormel Encampment of Knights Templar , meeting at the place , recently voted £ 10 each , thus making a total of £ 40 for Tywardreath , which sum is to be placed on the list of the Earl cf Mount Edgcumbe , as

Steward for Cornwall , in February , 1878 . So far over £ 300 has been promised in the province , which is certainly a creditable amount in one year , but as it is only recently that large amounts have been subscribed , and as at present at least £ 150 is being received annually from the institution on behalf of Cornish annuitants , it is evident that much larger sums than those mentioned should be raised annually by the lodges and chapters in Cornwall .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

ST . MARK'S LODGE ( No 1 ) . —The January meeting of the above loilge was held on Tuesday last , at the Masonic Rooms , Little Britain . Brethren present Bros . E . H . Thiellay , W . M . ; Dubois , S . W . ; Stephens , J . W . ; H . C . Levander , P . M ., Treas . ; George Kenning , P . M ., Sec ; Wilkinson , and D'Almaine . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken

for Bro . Herbert Santtr : the result being in his favour , Pro ! Santer was advanced to the degree of Mark faster . It was proposed by the Treasurer , seconded by Bro . Wilkinson , and carried , that the future meetings of the lodge be he'd at the Freemasons' Tavern . The lodge was then closed . The brethren dined together at the Holborn Restaurant .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The " New Year ' s Treat " to the aged inmates of the Asylum of this Institution at Croydon was given on Wednesday last , when several brethren and ladies who take a warm interest both in the success of the Institution

and the comfort and happiness of the annuitants , made the journey to Croydon to see the inmates , and afford them a few hours' entertainment at the opening of the year 1878 . Among the party were Bro . James Terry , Secretary of the Institution ; George Knill , Collector ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; W . W . Alorgan , G . Ward Verry , G . H . W ebb , C . J . Perceval , C Daniel , H . Massey ( Freemason ) ,

W . H . Hall , J . Newton , W . H . Main , F . C . Cox , R . Pearcey , J . Frock , E . G . Legge , E . Bowyer , R . H . Halford , J . A . Farnfield , J . Constable , Dr . Strong , Honorary Surgeon to the Institution , Messrs . G . Reckncll , F . T . Tubbs , H . Dines , E . H . Dines , Mrs . Terry , Mrs . Constable , Mrs . Bowyer , Mrs . Perceval , Mrs . Newton , Mrs . Strong , Mrs . Verry , Mrs . Halford , Miss Terry , Miss

Talmage , and Miss Constable . The company arrived at their destination shortly before two o ' clock , and on reaching the Institution were conducted to the dining hall , which they found very tastefully arranged with Christmas " welcomes " on the walls , Masonic insignia , and well executed national arms . The tables were laid out with Christmas cheer , some excellent

hothouse plants lent by Dr . Strong , and a plentiful supply of bonbons . The party was a large one , so large indeed that the capacity of the hall was sorely tried , and for the full enjoyment of such a pleasant meeting required a further extension . However , the company , although hoping that before another New Year the Craft will see fit to enlarge the chamber , set all difficulties on one side

and entered heart and soul into the proceedings of the day . Dr . Strong took the head of the table , supported on his right by Bro . Norris ( Warden ) , and on his left by Mrs . Terry ; while the vice chair was occupied by Bro . James Terry . The other visitors attended to the comforts of the annuitants , and were unremitting in their endeavours to make them comfortable , exertions which appeared to bc

highly appreciated by the old people . When the heavier portion of the repast had been disposed of , that great institution , the Christinas pudding , which had been specially prepared by Mrs . Strong for the occasion , was introduced , and although , of a size that would gladden the heart of the most voracious schoolboy home for the holidays , very quickly disappeared . At the close of the repast all the old

ladies were presented with a pound of tea , and all the old brethren with a pound of tobacco , sent as usual by Bro . William Hale , and before the annuitants adjourned to their residences , Dr . Strong first proposed " The Health of the Queen , " the patroness of the Institution , patroness of the Craft , and mother of the M . W . G . M . When this toast had been honoured Dr . Strong proposed the health of those friends who provided the entertainment , and said

that there might be some persons present who were not aware that these annual gatherings , and all the good things provided did not come out of the funds of the institution , but were voluntary gifts . One brother sent the tea , another the tobacco , another the wine , and such nice things as would warm the annuitants' toes before going to bed . For those who did not prefer these articles there was another little article provided , bearing a likeness of Her Majesty . Therefore to these brethren who hail furnished such

articles , and the good cheer that had just been partaken of , he proposed the thanks of the company by drinking their health . Dr . Strong , after this toast had been drunk , proposed "The Health of Bro . Norris , Warden . " The worthy Chairman said he was not an Irishman , and as a true and loyal subject of Her Majesty , was not a Home Ruler ; but he was going to ask the company to drink the health

of the Home Ruler of those who were residents of this Institution , Bro . Norris , the Warden . He was sure that to all those who had the pleasure and happiness of being pnder Bro . Norris ' s sway not the least pleasant portion of ( his gathering was to see him occupying the position he had occupied for the last two or three years . All the company trusted that he might be spared to them for some

time longer . At one time it was thought that Bro . Norris was the oldest Mason in England ; but another brother had lately had , he would not say the impudenc , to come forward , but he had come forward anil said he > vas a month older in Masonry than Bro . Norris . But Bro . Norris was tough , and as long as his constitution would hold out he ( Dr . Strong ) , would promise to

endeavour with God's blessing to do his best to enable Bro . Norris to survive the other brother who claimed the older Masonship . They would now drink Bro . Norris ' s health , with the heartiest good wishes for his long life and strength fo be Warden of the Institution . Bro . Norris , in reply , tendered his sincere thanks for Dr . Strong ' s kind expressions and the warmth of the company ' s response and only

wished he was deserving of half the good expressions that Pr . Strong and the kind friends arcund him used towards him . With this the old people adjourned for a short time to their homes , where they were visited by the ladies and brethren ; and after tea an evening entertainment was proyided , in which Mr . Frank Thornton , Miss Terry , Mrs . Stiong , Dr . Strong , Miss Strong , Messrs . Dines , Miss

Talmadge , Bro . John Constable , and Miss Constable took part , and iu which thi re was some excellent singing and music . Dissolving views , representing a journey " jlound the World in Ninety Minutes , " were given by Bros . Legge and Newton , and a negro entertainment by Messrs . Dines and Miss Talmadge . Mr . Frank Thornton sang a good

patter song , " Coming of Age , " Don't ask mc to gjve up Flo ., " and gave some lively imitations of a showman . Miss Terry , besides accompanying on the piano in mafkedly finished style , sang with equal ability the song , " I love new friends , " and Miss Strong gave an admirable performance on the violin . Bro . John Constable and Dr .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Strong also added to the amusements of the evening bysinging , and Mrs . Strong and Miss Constable likewise performed on the piano with great ability . Altogether the entertainment was admirable , and was thoroughly enjoyed by the company . Refreshments were served at intervals during the evening , and before the party separated at ten o ' clock , Bro . Constable rose and said that all present

highly appreciated the efforts that had been made to amuse them , but there was one to whom they were all very much indebted , Dr . Strong , whose efforts . on behalf of the old people were so well known . He would not dilate on his many virtues , but he was sure the brethren all loved and respected him , as he ( Bro . Constable ) himself did . He proposed three heartv cheers

for Dr . Strong , and the partner of his life . Dr . Strong , after the cheers had been vociferously given , thanked Bro . Constable for what he had said . When Bro . Constable began to speak he ( Dr . Strong ) had no idea he was going to couple his name with the compliment . He thought that Bro . Terry was about to be the object of his remarks , as to him was due all the honour Bro .

Constable showered on him ( Dr . Strong ) . It was Bro . Terry who looked after the Institution from year ' s end to year ' s end , and it was Bro . Ferry who initiated these entertainments . If the company , therefore , would allow him ( Dr . Strong ) he would now propose " The Health of Bro . Terry . " Bro . Terry in reply said it was a source of great gratification to him to have had

something to do with getting up this entertainment , ar | d if it added to the comfort of the old brethren and ladies in the Institution he was amply repaid for any trouble he mi g ht have been at . His greatest delight was to come down to Croydon and do something for them . They had been kind enough to acknowledge the services of himself , his wife , and family , and he thanked them very heartily

for so doing . In return he wished them most heartily a happy and prosperous New Year , and he hoped to have all the brethren ' s best services for the next festival of the Institution on the 13 th February . It was highly gratifying to him that for the first time in the history of this Institution it stood No . 1 for 1877 on the list of donations and subscriptions . The Girls' School received £ 11 , 800 in the year , the Boys' £ 14 , 300 , and the Benevolent Institution

£ 16 , 427 . That would gratify all the brethren , because it would enable the committee to take on a larger number of annuitants . Within the last four days , however , there had been nineteen additional petitions \ n , and therefore he hoped that at the festival in'February thebrethren would again strongly support the Institution . The visitors then bade good-night to the annuitants , and returned to town in the special saloon carriage kindly provided by the South Eastern Railway Company .

Public Amusements.

Public Amusements .

ST 11 AND . —This being the season almost entirely devoted to pantomime and extravaganza , it was but natural that the oldest established house in London for this elegitimate form of dramatic entertainment should supply its patrons with a new burlesque in the place of Messrs . Reece and Farnie ' s somewhat dry " Champagne , " which has done duty for some little time . Also it was but natural that

Mrs . Swanborough should entrust Mr . Burnand , the popular author of " Blaok-eyed-Susan , " with the work in which he had proved himself to bc so thoroughly at home with . " The Red Rover , or I Believe You my Buoy , " is the title of Mr . Burnand ' s latest edition of a nautical tradition , as he terms it in the bill , and certainly no expense nor trouble has been spared by the management in doing

justice to the title . In addition to such old favourites as Messrs . Marius , Cox , Penley , and Miss Lottie Venne , we have Miss Rachel Sanger , who upon this occasion makes her first appearance at this Theatre . Of the trifle itself , perhaps the least said the better—that it amuses the audience is beyond doubt — that it bored us is equally true , but then we

are not great lovers of burlesque , and are inclined no doubt to bc captious , and have scarcely recovered , perhaps , from our late Christmas festivities—save the mark . Of the acting , all the ladies and gentlemen engaged exert themselves with earnestness and success . M . Marius is exceedingly clever in his impersonation of the excitable pirate , and the way in which he sings " Keep it dark " makes amends for much exaggeration . In the last scene

Miss Sanger , as the fascinating lieutenant , of course is charming—she cpuld not be otherwise—and Miss Venne again proves what a valuable acquisition she is in a burlesque company . OE the others , Messrs . Cox and Penley make the most of their parts ; the former as " Guinea , " and the latter as the hapless tailor , " Homespun , '' The burlesque is preceded by the successful comedy " Family Ties , " by the same author .

FOLLY . —The new Christmas novelty entitled ''A Night of Terror" at this house is a decided success . It is adniittedly an adaption from the French , but it has been so cleverly worked for the English siage by Messrs . Wyndham and Matthison that it is thoroughly English in tone . It would be most unfair to tell the story , if indeed it could be done , except on the stage , for more than half the

pleasure of the audience consists in witnessing the wild , extraordinary , impossible , but irresistably laughable surpiises wrought out of the many incidents and complications of the piece . At this time of the year when the inclination of sensible people is to find enjoyment , a large portion of which should consist of merriment , there is

not another place ( f amusement 111 London where that enjoyment and merriment can , with such certainty , be found as at " I h- Fol j . " The acting throughout is excellent . Miss Munrpe and Miss Violet Cameron vie with each other in makipg wholly attractive and charming their respective parts , and Messrs . Hill , Howson , Murray , Day and Ash-