Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Morris , P . M . ; Rutter , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Taylor , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; Haslam , Chirnside , Bradley , Fletcher , Sugdcn , Makin , Swarbrick , Crompton , and Forrest . Visitors : Bros . R . Duxbury , VV . M . 14 G ; E . G . Harwood , J . W . 1723 ; R . H . Philips , S . D . 34 S ; Greenhalgh , 113 ; and W . Crankshaw , W . M . 34 S . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed ,

Bro . Crompton passed a satisfactory examination as to his proficiency as an Entered Apprentice , and having been entrusted retired . Proceeded to thc Second Degree , when Bros . Makin and Swarbrick passed a satisfactory examination as Craftesinen , and being entrusted also retired . Opened upon thc Third Degree , when Bros . Makin and Swarbrick were separately introduced and respectively

raised to thc Degree of M . M ., the former by the VV . M ., and the latter by Bro . Boothroyd , P . M ., and the working tools of thc Degree were explained to them . Closed to the Second Degree , when Bro . Crompton was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft by the VV . M . ; the working tools of the Degree being explained by thc Senior Warden ,

Bro . Melrose . Closed to the First Degree forthwith . Bro . Edwin Melrose , ' S . VV ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bro . G . P . Brockbank was re-elected Treasurer . Bros . J . R . Haslam and R . J . Chirnside were elected Auditors of the Treasurer ' s accounts . It was agreed to celebrate thc festival of St . John on thc ordinary lodge night on thc lGth inst . Lodge soon afterwards closed .

BOLTON . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 348 ) . —Thc installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 2 Gth ult ., at the Bulls Inn , at 3 o ' clock in the afternoon . Present : Bros . Wm . Crankshaw , VV . M . ; J . B . Taylor , I . P . M . ; John Kenyon , S . W . ; John Partington , J . W . ; lohn Alcock , P . M ., Sec ; This . Raby , P . M ., Treas . ; R . H . Phillips , S . D . j VV . Chadwick , J . D . ; John

Harwood , P . M ., Org . ; Rob . Jones , I . G . ; Jno . Higson , Tyler ; Israel A . G . Greenhalgh , P . M . ; | as . Horrocks , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ; Samuel Barrett , P . M . ; Henry Greenwood , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst . ; Jas . Eckersley , Geo . Barnes , Jas . Mantel ! , Wm . Greenwood , Joseph Wood , Win . Green , Alfred Jones , John Hamer , Jos . Calderbank , J . VV . Allen , G . VV . Dyson , and Wm . Wood . Visitors :

Bros . G . P . Brockbank , VV . M . 37 , P . P . G . S . D ., Grand Steward Scotland ; R . Duxbury , W . M . 14 GJ Bcnj . Taylor , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . W . Taylor , P . P . G . Org . ; Rooke Pennington , P . M . 37 ; Wm . Heywood , Org . 14 G ; Joseph Sutton , 4 S 4 ; l'dwd . Bridge , 9 SG ; Robt . Latham , W . M . 1723 ; E . G . Harwood , J . W . 1723 ; John Priestley , 1723 ; Natli . Nicholson , P . M ., Sec . 1723 ; Thos . Taylor , Stwd .

1723 ; and T . Barber , 1250 . The lodge having been opened the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed ; it then proceeded to thc Second Degree , when Bro . John Kenyon , W . M . elect , was presented by Bros . Greenwood and Greenhalgh to a Board of Installed Masters , under the presidency of Bro . John Alcock , P . M ., and was duly obligated as regards thc

government of the lodge ; and thc lodge having proceeded to thc Third Degree , Bro . Kenyon was duly installed and proclaimed , anJ saluted in the 'Three Degrees according to ancient form . Bro . Thomas Raby , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . James Horrocks , P . P . G . Stwd ., reelected Charity Representative in the East Lancashire Institution . The following brethren were appointed officers

for thc ensuing year : Bros . John Partington , S . VV . ; R . II . Phillips , J . W . ; John Alcock , P . M ., Sec ; Wm . Chadwick , S . VV . ; Rich . Jones , J . VV . ; Jas . Eckersley , I . G . ; R . Harwood , P . M ., and Jnn . Harwood , P . M ., Dirs . of Cers . ; A . Jones and G . W . Dyson , Stwds . ; and T . Higson , P . M ., Tyler . The newly-appointed were invested with thc collar and jewel of their respective offices by Bro .

John Harwood , who explained to them thc nature of their several duties . Thc addresses to the VV . M ., ofiiccrs , and thc brethren were given by Bro . John Alcock , who has undertaken this duty for several years past . " Hearty good wishes " were given by thc visiting brethren , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 5 . 30 , and the brethren adjourned to banquet .

ROCK FERRY . —Rock Lodge ( No 1289 ) . —A meeting of thc members of the above-named lodge was held on Friday , thc 14 th ult ., at thc Assembly Rooms , Royal Rock Hotel , for thc purpose of installing the new Worshipful Master , Bro . Henry Bloomfield Bare , for thc ensuing year . 'There was a large attendance of brethren , members of thc Rock Lodge and visitors from other

districts , the latter including Bros . J . Salmon , P . P . S . G . D . Cheshire ; Dr . Spratly , P . P . S . G . D . Cheshire ; J . M . Lockwood , P . P . G . Sup . of Wks . ; W . M . Light ' foot , P . M . ; J . I . intorn Palmer ; Charles Lancaster ; L . F . Pearson ; William Thorne ; William Stewart ; 'Thomas Munnerley ; C . Wise , I . P . M . 78 G ; G . F . Davis ; J . C . Robinson , P . M . 425 ; and others . The members of the Rock Lodge

present included Bros . C . S . Dean , retiring W . M . ; II . B . Bare ; Edward C . Friend , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Cheshire ; Francis L . Bolton , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . Cheshire ; Rev . G . F . Dean , P . P . G . Chap , j John Philips , P . M . ; VV . S . Stanton , P . M . ; Henry Jones , P . M . ; T . Thorburn , J . R . Ross , J . Knight , and F . Banning , P . P . G . Bro . H . B . Bare was duly installed Master of the lodge ,

after which the election of ofiiccrs took place as follows : Bros . William Roberts , S . W . ; A . Corelli , J . W . ; E . C Friend , Treas . ; F . L . Bolton , Sec . ( jiro tern . ); J . F . Dean , S . D . ; S . II . Maddock , J . D . ; VV . G . Cronan , I . G . ; and F . Holtaway , i'Tyler . Bro . C . S . Dean , I . P . M ., acted as Installing Master , and discharged his duties in a manner

lor which he was highly complimented . A satisfactory account was given of the progress of the lodge , and a large addition of members was announced . The business having been transacted , the brethren subsequently adjourned to an excellent repast presided over by the new VV . M ., and at which the usual toasts were proposed and duly honoured .

MALDON . —Blackwater Lodge ( No . 1977 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday , thc 17 th ult ., at the Blue Boar Hotel , Bro . T . Eustace , W . M ., presiding . Among the brethren present were Bros . A . Richardson , S . VV . ; Robt . Smith , J . VV . ; T . Rix , P . M . ; G . A . Euftacc ,

Sec . ; S . II . Ellis , S . D . ; S . Shawyer , J . D . ; VV . Strutt , I . G . ; and a large muster of brethren and several visitors . The W . M . first raised Bros . W . Kudrum and W . M . Mead , passed Bro . G . Cockct , and afterwards initiated Bros . T . Willis and J . 'Turner . 'The next business of the evening was the presentation of a gold locket , bearing the lodge arms and the monogram of Miss Hast attached to a

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

ribbon of Masonic blue . In making the presentation in the name of the lodge the W . M . said he had then a pleasant duty to perform , which was to present to the Secretary , on behalf of Miss Hast , a gold locket , as a mark of their esteem and appreciation of her great kindness in working the very handsome banner for the lodge , and

trusted that the G . A . O . T . U . would spare her life for many years to come to wear it . The Secretary acknowledged thc same in a few well chosen and appro priate remarks . The lodge was closed in due form , when the visitors were entertained by the W . M . and members , and a pleasant evening was spent . *

Ireland.

Ireland .

GRAND MASONIC CHORAL SERVICE . The brethren of the province of Munstcr , on thc 27 th of last month celebrated thc festival of St . John the Evangelist , by attending a special choral service at St . Fin Barre ' s Cathedral . Being the first public display of Freemasons as a body held in Cork for many years , thc ceremony was looked forward to with a considerable amount of interest not only by members of the Craft , but the public , who have

learned to regard the Brotherhood with a share of mystery . The fact being made known that the Masons would appear in their vrey attractive and symbolical regalia wassulhcient to draw a vast concourse of people , who appeared not only curious , but interested in the entire proceedings , l-ong before the entrance to thc Cathedral was opened , large numbers of ladies and gentlemen crowded up to the doors , and when thc bars were removed the spacious wings were

rapidly filled with a dense mass of people packed as closely together as possible , and still there was not room for hundreds outside eager to gain ingress to thc building . Shortly before three o ' clock the brethren representing the several lodges of the province assembled in the ambulatory aisle of the cathedral , where they clothed themselves according to thc different orders of thc Craft to which each belonged . A procession was then formed , headed by thc

ollicers of thc Provincial Grand I-odgc , and followed by the officers and members of the subordinate lodges , taking their positions according to thc numbers of their lodges , No . 1 , being immediately after the ollicers of Provincial Grand Lodge , and thc higher numbers in their order following . The procession thus lormed marched up the centre isle of thc sacred edifice and took their seats at a quarter past three o'clock in the nave , which was reserved

from the public Thc brethren who joined in the procession numbered about 700 , and when they took up their position they lent a magnificent appearance to thc handsome edifice . Dr . J . Christopher Alarks presided at the organ with his usual ability , and the music selected for the service was from Masonic composers . The Dean and members of the chapter officiated . The first lesson was read by Bro . thc Rev . Wm . Canon Daunt , A . M ., and the

second by Bro . the Rev . John Stokoc , Chaplain of No . 1 Lodge . Bro . the Rev . Robert William Delacour , M . A ., having ascended thc pulpit , selected as his text thc fifth verse of the ist chapter of St . John , "And thc light shincth in darkness , and the darkness comprehended it not . " The speaker , in thc course of an eloquent address , alluded to the grand objects of Masonry , the great foundation on which it rested , and the eminent

services it had rendered to Christianity . 'The foul charges made against the Craft he would not desecrate the pulpit by alluding to as they were both malicious and unfounded , and were only the creations of ignorance and bigotry . Freemasonry was an ancient institution , which had silently borne thc calumnies heaped upon it from time to time , and was to-day as it had ever been , the nursery of religious character , cultivation and love for literature and the line

arts , He urged thc brcthcrn to adhere closely to the principles and characteristics of the grand old order , and by individual life set an example to thc world . Each brother should feel as if thc credit of the entire order rested on his individual conduct ; thus fortified , the whole body would ever be able to maintain thc glorious character they had earned in the past . Thc Craft had ever been liberal in their contributions towards raising edifices to thc glorv

of God and in providing for thc education of the children of deceased brethren , and he trusted that they would on the present occasion contribute towards thc Masonic Orphan Schools and the Cathedral in which they were assembled . A collection was taken up to be applied to thc Masonic Orphan Schools , and the Cathedral Fund .

Ihe benediction was pronounced by the Lord Bishop , after which the brethren retired to the ambulatory aisle , where they divested themselves of their regalia . The demonstration was one of the most successful which has been witnessed in Cork for many years , and the Cathedral never contained a larger assembly of the general public .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Mr . Wilson Barrett is not only to be congratulated , but thanked for thc magnificent drama he has put on the stage of the Princess's . Nothing like it nor surpassing it has ever been p layed in recent times . I Ic has struck out a new path , and if the public respond liberally and kindly to what he now puts before it , we may say a new era will have been inaugurated in thc annals of thc drama . Shakcpcare's plays arc usually looked upon as thc highest forms

of art for the stage , but Messrs . Herman and Wills s scholarly and classical drama runs very close on our national poet ' s plays and quite puts all competitors into shade . If those people who have an inherent prejudice against the stage are ever to be won over to sec the beauty and elevating influence this form of art has on thc human mind it will be by such pieces as " Claudian . " Mr . Wilson Barrett told the public he was going to strike a new vein .

but kept very dark what this was to be until the public should judge of it for themselves . He also said that dramas like the "Silver King " would again be produced , and that thc "Silver King " was still in the height of its prosperity , but we hope Mr . Barrett will get such support from the public and find authors like Messrs . Herman and Wills that he will keep for some time to come to dramas like "Claudian . " Instead of the vulgarisms and . sensation-

The Theatres.

alism of modern dramas we now have refinement and all that which appeals to the higher faculties . The plot is very easy to follow . Wc are taken back to the early days of Christianity . The scene takes place on the shores of the Bosphorus , where Constantino founded that mighty city which has borne his name through all ages down to the present time . When the curtain rises for the prologue one discovers a scene that Alma Tadema might be proud to

be the painter of . ThetimeisA . D . 362 . Thecity is Byzantium , a city of white marble , situated in a lovely blue sea . Art and nature are well combined , the former in its marble terraces , the latter in her sunshine and blue sky and sea . It was at this time that Julian the Apostate was in power , and when Christianity struggling with Paganism . Thc luxury of the Romans had spread here and brought with it its train of profligacy and slavery . "Theorus , " a sculptor ,

has come to purchase his beautiful wife " Serena , at the slave market . He has saved enough money to buy off his wileandchild ; cveryoncis congratulating him on whatseems his coming happiness , but the lustful eye s of " Volpas , '' an old man , have fallen upon this lovely woman , and he outbids the husband , who thereupon turns to his friends and borrows more money , and from 3000 drachmas he bids Sooo drachmas . While this is going on there comes on

thc scene thc hero of the drama , one " Claudian , " a rich , powerful , noble , and sensual man . His beauty strikes every one , for he is muscular , and not effeminate , as one reads the Romans were when they became so grossly sensual . "Claudian" is a slave to himself ; though wealthy and able to buy up slaves , his own psssions and profligacy make him a slave to them . He has been born into luxury of every

conceivable kind , his very wish is law . And now he pretends to have some compassion for the girl and to save her from Volpas , and he bids against Volpas and Theorus , and , of course , the woman becomes his propeity . The people cannot stand this ; they take up thc side of the husband and attack Claudian and his attendants . In thc scrimmage Serena escapes , but where to hide is the question . She and her husband have become Christians . She

flics to thc care of the hol y Clement . But Claudian judged she would go thcr : and himself enters the hermit s cell . His passion is aroused at she , his slave , escaping from him . The Christian priest , whose face is angelic , warns the voluptuous man not to touch her , and that he shall only do so by killing thc saint . The proud noble , not used to being thwarted , draws his dagger and in a moment tlie holy Clement falls at his feet murdered . But before his

spirit departs from his body he raises himself feebly and utters to Claudian a fearlul curse and prophecy . Mr . Willard ' s enunciation of it sends a thrill through thc audience . So important is it as the key to the whole drama that we give it at length : " Be young for ever through thc centuries ; see generations born and age and die , and all who flattered , served , or loved thee , dust ; but thou live on . Thy course , like a baneful star across the

sky , shall blight and wither all upon thy track . To love thee , or to be beloved by thee , alike shall poison , maim , and kill . Thc innocent sunshine shall die out before thee , and thc black shadow of misfortune follow . Th y soul shall hunger , thirst , and famish to do good , and try in vain to do it . The happiness as pure as crystal well , touched by thy lips shall become mudd y at its course . Thy pity shall envenom what 'twould soothe , be poison to thc wound

till thou couldst pray for thc hard heart again thou hast to-day . Thy charity , which might have comforted onehalf the kingdom ' s poor , breed pestilence and ruin until thc vaulted rocks shall split , a gulf be struck 'twixt thee and me , then thou shalt choose cither to die or live accurst till doom . From dying lips this curse from heaven has fallen . " The saint then dies . Claudian . goes to Serena to give her her liberty , who has fallen on the floor .

but only to find thc first part of the curse fulfilled . She is dead . Claudian now takes out of the saint ' s dead hand thc cross it clasps , he kisses it as if to show he has embraced Christianity . The curtain falls . In the first act a hundred years have elapsed . Claudian still lives , but in misery . Wherever he goes evil follows . He enters a vineyard near Charydos where the people are happy at their work . One of thc villagers , Agazil , a blacksmith , is

about being married to the prettiest girl , Atmida . But thc curse falls on her . No sooner does she sec Claudian but she is drawn towards him and loves him . She is bound b y a spell . Her love for her lover , her parents , her village all depart before this mysterious hold which is on her . Almida is struck blind ; she follows Claudian everywhere like a dog , in spite of his warnings . "To love thec or to be beloved by thec alike shall poison , maim , and . kill . " St . Clement's prophecy all is coming true . A terrible earth-< - ¦ 1 •* I j > j-i tilrne loir )/* A ¦ ( unfit mic nt * i * n Iminlai ¦» nn > i > nil «•«•• uuanibti | fftu \ wt / ivtv iniftv till

. «>* . a . v $ HIIHI , 'UJ LMI . ' " » *> L-UIl " fusion ; thc stately palaces and buildings arc all laid low ; ruin everywhere . As the curtain falls on this fearful scene Claudian is seen emerging from the ruins , thc only being one can see who has escaped , groaning out these words , " But I shall live on . " In the last act the spirit of the holy Clement is seen coming out of the ruins and meets Claudian , and bids him choose "either to die or live accurst till doom . " At first , when he finds that Almida

has not been killed , be chooses life ; but he makes a noble struggle , and when he knows that his death would remove the spell from Almida , and that her love for her bcthrothed would return , he sacrifices himself and chooses to die . He falls back , a vivid Hash ol lightning quivers over the ruins of his pala e , and he departs life supported by Almida and Agazil . The poetic play is finished . " Claudian " is necessarily a one part play . When Mr . Wilson Barrett isoff the

stage the interest flags a little , but when he is on one might hear a pin drop . Miss Eastlake , who plays Almida , has a good part . She touches thc hearts of her audience with her pathos , and makes them interested in Almida . Mr . Barrett has never p layed better ; his classical face , his noble bearing , and his eloquence hold the audience spellbound . Sir Julius Benedict s song in the vineyard comes in and enlivens the dialogue . The scenery of Messrs . Mann , Hall , and Tclbin is lovely . We have already said it is more

like gazing on some lovely pictures of a renowned painter ; but we suppose nothing has before been attempted like thc earthquake scene . In a moment after a flash of lightninghas been seen and a rumbling noise heard an upheaval takes place , and down come all the beautiful capitals , and everything once lovely is chaos . This may be said to be the sensational part of the drama ; but as it is so necessary to thc stage , we are sure that no one can say it has been introduced " to draw . " Wc trust Mr . Wilson Barrett will have such encouragement from the public to continue in the lino he has adopted in "Claudiani "