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Obituary.
a recipient of a pension for 31 years . He was born on the 24 th June , 17 S 9 , and had thus attained the good old age of g 4 years and three months .
BRO . S . J . TURQUAND . It is with great regret we announce the death of Bro . S . J . Turquand . The sad event occurred on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., and all v .-ho knew our esteemed and able brother will sympathise with his family and numerous friends , both Masonic and non-Masonic Bro . Turquand took a deep interest in the work done in lodges of instruction . He
acted himself on occasions as Preceptor , and all who have enjoyed the privilege of attending when he occupied the chair in that capacity will , we feel assured , agree with us that there were few abler exponents of our ritual and cere , monies . Bro . Turquand had at different times held many offices of great distinction and responsibility , and only as recently as June last was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in the Mark Grand Lodge of England and Wales , & c .
South Africa.
South Africa .
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NATAL . The meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Natal , which was held in the Masonic Hall , Pietermaritzburg , on the 24 th August last , was followed in the evening by a banquet under the Maritzburg lodges in honour of the R . W . the D . G . Master and Officers of the Grand Lodge . The R . W . the D . D . G . Master , VV . Francis , presided . About forty Masons were present . 'Ihe dinner was
excellently served by Bro . Simpson , of the Horseshoe Hotel . After the covers were removed the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Queen and Craft , " which was loyally responded to , Bro . Foster at the same time playing the National Anthem . The CHAIRMAN then gave the toast of "Thc M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " which was received with full honours .
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The M . W . Pro CM ., the Earl of Carnarvon ; the R . W . D . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom ; and the Grand Officers of England . " The toast was also responded to with the usual honours . The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast of the evening , said he had to ask the brethren to join with him in drinking " The Health of the R . VV . the District Grand Master , Mr . Justice Finnemore . " The District Grand Master's
work and ability was as well known to them as to him . It was the first time they had had the power of welcoming the District Grand Master in Maritzburg . They welcomed him with very great pleasure , and only regretted they could not keep him among them , although the Durban brethren might not think so . Some might ask how it was that Bro . Finnemore had received the title ot R . W . G . M . For the benefit of young Masons , he
would say that the secret of it had been the power of work and sticking to it , and of thoroughly mastering the details of the Craft . Although all Masons could not become Grand Masters , he would remind young Apprentices that they could aspire to all the offices in the lodge . He did not know any institution which had so much attraction for gentlemen to work in as that of Masonry , because it was simply on those who were most worthy that the honours of
the lodge were conferred . He was sure that not only had the choice of the District Grand Master been well and properly made , but also that he would fill thc office with great credit , and with the prosperity of the Craft in Natal . ( Applause . ) The labours of the office were not light . The duties were most arduous , and the office carried with it work of no light order . ( Applause . ) He ( the chairman ) was most careful to avoid anything that had the slightest
semblance of flattery or praise ; but he must say that it was a good , thing for Masonry in Natal that they had so able a man to be at the head of it . These considerations convinced him that they had entered into a new era in Masonry in Natal , and they might look forward to increased Erospenty and usefulness for the Craft . He called on the rethren to drink the health of the District Grand Master of Natal . ( Applause . )
The R . W . Bro . FINNEMORE , D . G . M ., in reply , said that , having already addressed them at some length—perhaps at too great length—that afternoon , at the opening of District Grand Lodge , he had little now to say beyond returning his heartfelt thanks , in the first place for the kind reception and splendid hospitality with which they had welcomed him and his officers that day ; and , in the second place , for the kind and complimentary manner in which the
toast of his health had been proposed and received that evening . It was almost needless for him to say that he was greatly gratified by the events of that day ; and by the support which every lodge in his district , and the large number of brethren who had attended on that occasion , had accorded him in the discharge of the duties of the important office of their District Grand Master . The advantages accruing to Freemasonry from theiestablishment of a
District Grand Lodge were manifold . As Bro . Dr . Egan , whom he had had the pleasure of meeting in Durban some months ago—and who held in the Eastern District of the Cape Colony a position corresponding to his here—remarked , without such a body as District Grand Lodge to govern them , Masonic lodges were more or less isolated , and partook more of the nature of small clubs . That was obviated by the existence of the District Grand Lodge ,
which was necessary to bring the members together , and to make them feel that they were only parts of one grand system which inculcated the principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . Its presence should make the whole district work more harmoniously together for the general good ; and it afforded another illustration of the lesson conveyed by the old fable of the bundle of sticks , which single were easily broken , but united were strong and
unbreakable . The District Grand Lodge was the bond that tied them together ; and by thus uniting together and co-operating for worthy objects , they would increase their strength and usefulness , and success was more likely to crown their efforts . The progressive character of Masonry in this district , as in other parts of the world , could not fail to be
a source of pride and satisfaction to them all . When they read of the wonderful strides which their Order was making in England ; when they learnt that at the last annual festival of the Masonic Institution for Boys no less than ( in round numbers ) £ 23 , 000 was raised ; when they learnt that on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England alone there were no less than about 200 , 000 mem-
South Africa.
bers , and that there was an annual increase of , at least , 10 , 000 ; when they learnt such facts as those , they could not but look forward to the future with the utmost confidence . Under other jurisdictions and in other countries the state of the Order was equally progressive and satisfactory . In America there were at least 800 , 000 Masons . Here , in Natal , Freemasonry had taken firm root ; and , when they heard of lodges which had comparatively only
recently sprung into existence showing their zeal for the Order by erecting halls for Masonic purposes ; when they found brethren in remote country places bestirring themselves to establish new lodges , they might congratulate themselves that , in spite of depressed trade and hard times , Freemasonry still continued its hold upon the members of the fraternity with undiminished strength . As regarded the high office which it was his pride and privilege to hold
m this district , he could only say that should health and strength be vouchsafed to him his best efforts should always be put forth to perform the duties in such a manner as to give satisfaction to the members , and to ensure that the welfare and prosperity of the Craft should not deteriorate in his hands . Speaking for his own part , and he felt sure he could say the same for his brother officers from Durban , he assured the brethren that they should carry with them back to Durban a vivid recollection of their kindness and
hospitality ; and that wnen on some future occasion they had the pleasure of meeting their Pietermaritzburg brethren at Durban , it would be a source of great satisfaction to them if they could reciprocate in some degree the kindly feelings and hearty welcome which they had been good enough to accord to them that day . The CHAIRMAN then called on Bro . Smith , P . M ., to present to R'W . Bro . Finnemore a jewel of the Royal Arch Masons .
Bro . SMITH , P . M ., in presenting the jewel , said that he stood in the proud position of being First Principal of the Royal Arch , and a brother of the Royal Arch had given to him the very pleasant duty of presenting to the R . W . the District Grand Master a jewel in commemoration of his services to that Order ; and it was the sincere wish of all the brethren that he might have long life to wear it . While pinning the jewel to his breast , he asked all members of thc
Koyal Arch to drink to the health and happiness of their right worshipful brother . R . VV . Bro . FINNEMORE , in a few words , suitably acknowledged the presentation of the jewel . The DISTRICT GRAND MASTER proposed the nexttoast , namely , that of "The Officers of the District Grand Lodge , " coupling with the toast the names of Bro . Russell , D . G . S . W ., and Bro . Smith , D . G . Superintendent of Works .
VV . Bros . RUSSELL and SMITH briefly replied . VV . Bro . A . C . DULCKEN , D . G . Reg ., proposed "The Health of the Visiting Brethren , " which was responded to by W . Bro . J . CROWE , D . G . J . D . W . Bro . Rev . J . REYNOLDS , D . G . Chaplain , then proposed "The Health of the Absent Brethren , " which was received with silent honours . VV . Bro . S . MARRIOTT , D . G . Treas ., next proposed
" The Health of the Masters of the Maritzburg Lodges , " which was responded to b y Bros . R . IRELAND , I . P . M . Prince Alfred Lodge ; W . A . SMITH , VV . M . Natalia Lodge ; and VV . Bro . E . H . WILTSHIER , I . P . M . Skelmersdale Lodge . R . VV . Bro . FINNEMORE proposed the toast of "The D . D . G . M ., Bro . Wesley Francis . " He was well-known to all the brethren . He had always commanded the confidence and esteem of the brethren , whether in his Masonic ,
commercial , or private capacity ; therefore , in selecting him for the office of D . D . G . M . he knew he had made a good choice . The principal work of the District Grand Lodge fell on the Deputy Grand Master . It was only recently he had been obliged to depute him to open a new lodge , as he ( the speaker ) was unable to attend , and that was the first time he had had the opportunity of publicly thanking him for having undertaken the duty . In all cases
where he ( the District Grand Master ) could not attend , it would be his duty to ask the Deputy D . G . M . to undertake the office in his place , and he had , therefore , very great pleasure in asking them to join with him in drinking "The Health of their Chairman , the Deputy District Grand Master . " V . W . Bro . VV . FRANCIS having briefly responded , introduced the last toast on the list , namely , the 'Tyler's toast , and made an appeal to the brethren to respond
liberally in the cause of charity , so that a fund might be formed from which relief could be given , not only to members of the Craft , but to all who were in distress . The result of the appeal was that an amount of £ 13 4 s . 6 d . will be added to the sum which formed the nucleus of a fund in the hands of the D . G . Treasurer for the relief of brethren in distress . Several brothers gave songs and recitations during the evening , and the company broke up about half-past eleven o ' clock .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Bro . Col . Mapleson sailed for New York on Thursday . He says the opera house on the Thames Embankment will be completed by June next . * # * " Giddy Godiva , or the Girl who was sent to Coventry , " is the title of a new burlesque to be produced at Astley ' s on the 13 th inst ., with Miss Maude Forrester as Godiva .
* " Mankind , or Beggar Your Neighbour , " has been revived at the Surrey , in which Mr . George Conquest continues to distinguish himself as Daniel Groodge . A new sensational drama will be produced in two weeks , written by Messrs . Merritt and Conquest .
* Many of our readers will be glad to learn that Mr . Chas . Wyndham has regained the Criterion Theatre , Bro . Henderson having , with the consent of Messrs . Spiers and Pond , transferred the lease . Mr . Wyndham will reopen it on his return from America with one of his comedies which are always welcomed by the audiences . His new theatre in Northumberland Avenue has not been begun yet .
The Theatres.
Mr . Harry Paulton has taken Bro . Lionel Brough ' s place at the Comedy in " Rip Van Winkle , " and in his hands the part has lost none of its interest . Mr . Paulton has introduced several original drolleries . A new comic opera is on the tapis for the Comedy , the present one having been played nearly a year .
* On Monday night Mr . Burnand ' s new burlesque " Ariel " will be produced on the boards of Bro . Hollingshead's theatre . The Gaiety will be crammed from floor to ceiling , so much interest being attached to the fact of Shakespeare's play "The Tempest , " being burlesqued . Miss Farren will have the title role .
* -s * Mr . Grundy's little comedy " Man Proposes , " now precedes "The Glass of Fashion" at the Globe . It gives Miss Lottie Venne the opportunity of acting in her bewitching way with all her archness , lt is worth going a long way to see . "The Glass of Fashion " has now taken a tight hold on the stage and is likely to bring money to the house for some time . It is one of the most original and brightest comedies we have seen of late years .
« We should not like to predict a failure or success for " The Millionaire , " which was brought out at the Court last week . A play adapted from a novel necessarily suffers from want ot cohesion . The novelist has many pages , and time to work out his story ; but the author of a play must be concise and confine his work to a small space . To those who are acquainted with Bro . Edmund Yates' book , "
Kissing the Rod , " Mr . Godfrey's play , founded on it , may be very clear ; but to those persons to whom the whole thing is fresh it is difficult to imagine all that they should do to properly enter into the spirit of the play . Mr . Godfrey has done his work admirably , though his latest writing is not equal to " The Parvenu " of last year . There is so much pleasure to be got out of seeing the play , that it will not be a matter for surprise should " The Millionaire" occupy
the theatre for some time . It is crammed full of wit and repartee of no ordinary character . The company is quite unique who represent it . Every member is exactly suited to their part . Miss Guyon is a young lady who is duped into a marriage with Mr . Streightley , a wealthy stockbroker in the City , who , with her father ' s connivance , engages to contract the match , though her heart is at the time another ' s . This other is a certain Gordon Frere , a young
man whose character is not be admired and who is poor . The young lady is al ! that a good man might desire , whilst her father is a sordid , good-for-nothing man ; a mere adventurer , one who lives on his wits , and would sell his own soul for money . Young Frere sends a letter to Kate enclosed in one he writes to Mr . Guyon asking for her hand . The father keeps the letter , and with the help of his cousin , Lady Henmarsh , a worldly woman of society , makes his
daughter think that Frere has deserted her . Old Guyon is on his beam ends for money . Everything he possesses is mortgaged ; acceptances are becoming due which hecannot meet . He makes the acquaintance of Mr . Streightley , who becomes enamoured of Kate , and hearing from her the condition of her father , Streightley visits the house andoffers his cheque to take up the bills . Of course Old Guyon accents ; the motive does not concern him why thc offer is
made . He soon notices which way the wind blows , and is only too glad to encourage Streightley ' s attentions to his daughter and do what he can to get Frere out of the way . But there is a feeling of dissatisfaction , as no explanation is forthcoming to the audience how it comes to pass that this Mr . Streightley , an honourable man of business , is a willing party to the deceit of intercepting Gordon Frere's letter to Kate . Perhaps he thinks all is fair in love .
However , he is paid out , for Hester Gould , a young lady companion to Miss Guyon , who has fallen in love with Streightley , and afterwards becomes a rich heiress , for very jealousy brings trouble between man and wife . Some time after their marriage Guyon leaves on the table by accident his pocketbook containing Frere ' s letter with the memorandum on it , " shown to Robert Streightley . " Miss Gould reads it , and vows vengeance on her rival . Seeing the couple together
happy with one another—for Kate has come to love her husband by his devotion to her and having had falsehoods put into her ear by her father and aunt about young Frere—Miss Gould immediately after puts this , book into Kate ' s hand and bids her read the letter . Her eyes are opened , and she sees the cruel fraud that has been practised upon her ; how her father has sold her , and how her husband has bought her , and that all the time Frere has remained
true to her . She flies into a passion with her husband and quits his house declaring she will never seehis face again . He goes down in the world , is heartbroken , his business fails ; now Hester Gould comes to the rescue , and with her fortune relieves the man she loves , and whom she has ruined in his home , but this is done without Streightley's knowledge . He falls ill ; Kate hears of it ; her heart is touched when she hears it is all through her , and she
returns to her husband . With their reconciliation the curtain drops . There are a number of other characters in the play whom we have not mentioned , many of whom have conspicuous places . Mr . Arthur Cecil , who represents Guyon , is suited to the very letter in his part . His rendering of the impecunious old rake is a splendid piece of acting . Bro . Clayton , as Streightley , Ieavesjnothing to be desired , though there are times when we have seen Bro . Clayton to a
greater advantage . He has yielded to his new partner in the management of the theatre the chief role . Miss Marion Terry is KateGuyon . She was greeted with rounds of applause when she appeared on the stage . She illustrates the heroine with that grace which she has made her own . Mrs . John Wood , as Lady Henmarsh , has a character exactly suited to her to play . As the cynical woman of fashion , it is to Mrs . John Wood that the otten
laughter which drowns the house is due . We have seen Mrs . Wood on the stage and always enjoyed her acting , but never more so than in "The Millionaire . " , Mrs . Beerbohm Tree ' s Hester Gould is another fine piece oi acting . She has made her mark , and may be expected to shortlv be in the front ranks of the profession . The Court
is not a theatre in which loud applause is heard . Situated on thc confines of Belgravia , most of its space is devoted to stalls and dress circles , the occupiers of which are not g iven to showing their apprecietion by noisy demonstration . The pit and gallery are here very meagerly represented , but from the keen interest every one seemed to have in the piece we hope to see " The Millionaire " going for some time , and can certainly recommend it as a play to be seen .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
a recipient of a pension for 31 years . He was born on the 24 th June , 17 S 9 , and had thus attained the good old age of g 4 years and three months .
BRO . S . J . TURQUAND . It is with great regret we announce the death of Bro . S . J . Turquand . The sad event occurred on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., and all v .-ho knew our esteemed and able brother will sympathise with his family and numerous friends , both Masonic and non-Masonic Bro . Turquand took a deep interest in the work done in lodges of instruction . He
acted himself on occasions as Preceptor , and all who have enjoyed the privilege of attending when he occupied the chair in that capacity will , we feel assured , agree with us that there were few abler exponents of our ritual and cere , monies . Bro . Turquand had at different times held many offices of great distinction and responsibility , and only as recently as June last was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in the Mark Grand Lodge of England and Wales , & c .
South Africa.
South Africa .
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NATAL . The meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Natal , which was held in the Masonic Hall , Pietermaritzburg , on the 24 th August last , was followed in the evening by a banquet under the Maritzburg lodges in honour of the R . W . the D . G . Master and Officers of the Grand Lodge . The R . W . the D . D . G . Master , VV . Francis , presided . About forty Masons were present . 'Ihe dinner was
excellently served by Bro . Simpson , of the Horseshoe Hotel . After the covers were removed the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Queen and Craft , " which was loyally responded to , Bro . Foster at the same time playing the National Anthem . The CHAIRMAN then gave the toast of "Thc M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " which was received with full honours .
The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The M . W . Pro CM ., the Earl of Carnarvon ; the R . W . D . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom ; and the Grand Officers of England . " The toast was also responded to with the usual honours . The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast of the evening , said he had to ask the brethren to join with him in drinking " The Health of the R . VV . the District Grand Master , Mr . Justice Finnemore . " The District Grand Master's
work and ability was as well known to them as to him . It was the first time they had had the power of welcoming the District Grand Master in Maritzburg . They welcomed him with very great pleasure , and only regretted they could not keep him among them , although the Durban brethren might not think so . Some might ask how it was that Bro . Finnemore had received the title ot R . W . G . M . For the benefit of young Masons , he
would say that the secret of it had been the power of work and sticking to it , and of thoroughly mastering the details of the Craft . Although all Masons could not become Grand Masters , he would remind young Apprentices that they could aspire to all the offices in the lodge . He did not know any institution which had so much attraction for gentlemen to work in as that of Masonry , because it was simply on those who were most worthy that the honours of
the lodge were conferred . He was sure that not only had the choice of the District Grand Master been well and properly made , but also that he would fill thc office with great credit , and with the prosperity of the Craft in Natal . ( Applause . ) The labours of the office were not light . The duties were most arduous , and the office carried with it work of no light order . ( Applause . ) He ( the chairman ) was most careful to avoid anything that had the slightest
semblance of flattery or praise ; but he must say that it was a good , thing for Masonry in Natal that they had so able a man to be at the head of it . These considerations convinced him that they had entered into a new era in Masonry in Natal , and they might look forward to increased Erospenty and usefulness for the Craft . He called on the rethren to drink the health of the District Grand Master of Natal . ( Applause . )
The R . W . Bro . FINNEMORE , D . G . M ., in reply , said that , having already addressed them at some length—perhaps at too great length—that afternoon , at the opening of District Grand Lodge , he had little now to say beyond returning his heartfelt thanks , in the first place for the kind reception and splendid hospitality with which they had welcomed him and his officers that day ; and , in the second place , for the kind and complimentary manner in which the
toast of his health had been proposed and received that evening . It was almost needless for him to say that he was greatly gratified by the events of that day ; and by the support which every lodge in his district , and the large number of brethren who had attended on that occasion , had accorded him in the discharge of the duties of the important office of their District Grand Master . The advantages accruing to Freemasonry from theiestablishment of a
District Grand Lodge were manifold . As Bro . Dr . Egan , whom he had had the pleasure of meeting in Durban some months ago—and who held in the Eastern District of the Cape Colony a position corresponding to his here—remarked , without such a body as District Grand Lodge to govern them , Masonic lodges were more or less isolated , and partook more of the nature of small clubs . That was obviated by the existence of the District Grand Lodge ,
which was necessary to bring the members together , and to make them feel that they were only parts of one grand system which inculcated the principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . Its presence should make the whole district work more harmoniously together for the general good ; and it afforded another illustration of the lesson conveyed by the old fable of the bundle of sticks , which single were easily broken , but united were strong and
unbreakable . The District Grand Lodge was the bond that tied them together ; and by thus uniting together and co-operating for worthy objects , they would increase their strength and usefulness , and success was more likely to crown their efforts . The progressive character of Masonry in this district , as in other parts of the world , could not fail to be
a source of pride and satisfaction to them all . When they read of the wonderful strides which their Order was making in England ; when they learnt that at the last annual festival of the Masonic Institution for Boys no less than ( in round numbers ) £ 23 , 000 was raised ; when they learnt that on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England alone there were no less than about 200 , 000 mem-
South Africa.
bers , and that there was an annual increase of , at least , 10 , 000 ; when they learnt such facts as those , they could not but look forward to the future with the utmost confidence . Under other jurisdictions and in other countries the state of the Order was equally progressive and satisfactory . In America there were at least 800 , 000 Masons . Here , in Natal , Freemasonry had taken firm root ; and , when they heard of lodges which had comparatively only
recently sprung into existence showing their zeal for the Order by erecting halls for Masonic purposes ; when they found brethren in remote country places bestirring themselves to establish new lodges , they might congratulate themselves that , in spite of depressed trade and hard times , Freemasonry still continued its hold upon the members of the fraternity with undiminished strength . As regarded the high office which it was his pride and privilege to hold
m this district , he could only say that should health and strength be vouchsafed to him his best efforts should always be put forth to perform the duties in such a manner as to give satisfaction to the members , and to ensure that the welfare and prosperity of the Craft should not deteriorate in his hands . Speaking for his own part , and he felt sure he could say the same for his brother officers from Durban , he assured the brethren that they should carry with them back to Durban a vivid recollection of their kindness and
hospitality ; and that wnen on some future occasion they had the pleasure of meeting their Pietermaritzburg brethren at Durban , it would be a source of great satisfaction to them if they could reciprocate in some degree the kindly feelings and hearty welcome which they had been good enough to accord to them that day . The CHAIRMAN then called on Bro . Smith , P . M ., to present to R'W . Bro . Finnemore a jewel of the Royal Arch Masons .
Bro . SMITH , P . M ., in presenting the jewel , said that he stood in the proud position of being First Principal of the Royal Arch , and a brother of the Royal Arch had given to him the very pleasant duty of presenting to the R . W . the District Grand Master a jewel in commemoration of his services to that Order ; and it was the sincere wish of all the brethren that he might have long life to wear it . While pinning the jewel to his breast , he asked all members of thc
Koyal Arch to drink to the health and happiness of their right worshipful brother . R . VV . Bro . FINNEMORE , in a few words , suitably acknowledged the presentation of the jewel . The DISTRICT GRAND MASTER proposed the nexttoast , namely , that of "The Officers of the District Grand Lodge , " coupling with the toast the names of Bro . Russell , D . G . S . W ., and Bro . Smith , D . G . Superintendent of Works .
VV . Bros . RUSSELL and SMITH briefly replied . VV . Bro . A . C . DULCKEN , D . G . Reg ., proposed "The Health of the Visiting Brethren , " which was responded to by W . Bro . J . CROWE , D . G . J . D . W . Bro . Rev . J . REYNOLDS , D . G . Chaplain , then proposed "The Health of the Absent Brethren , " which was received with silent honours . VV . Bro . S . MARRIOTT , D . G . Treas ., next proposed
" The Health of the Masters of the Maritzburg Lodges , " which was responded to b y Bros . R . IRELAND , I . P . M . Prince Alfred Lodge ; W . A . SMITH , VV . M . Natalia Lodge ; and VV . Bro . E . H . WILTSHIER , I . P . M . Skelmersdale Lodge . R . VV . Bro . FINNEMORE proposed the toast of "The D . D . G . M ., Bro . Wesley Francis . " He was well-known to all the brethren . He had always commanded the confidence and esteem of the brethren , whether in his Masonic ,
commercial , or private capacity ; therefore , in selecting him for the office of D . D . G . M . he knew he had made a good choice . The principal work of the District Grand Lodge fell on the Deputy Grand Master . It was only recently he had been obliged to depute him to open a new lodge , as he ( the speaker ) was unable to attend , and that was the first time he had had the opportunity of publicly thanking him for having undertaken the duty . In all cases
where he ( the District Grand Master ) could not attend , it would be his duty to ask the Deputy D . G . M . to undertake the office in his place , and he had , therefore , very great pleasure in asking them to join with him in drinking "The Health of their Chairman , the Deputy District Grand Master . " V . W . Bro . VV . FRANCIS having briefly responded , introduced the last toast on the list , namely , the 'Tyler's toast , and made an appeal to the brethren to respond
liberally in the cause of charity , so that a fund might be formed from which relief could be given , not only to members of the Craft , but to all who were in distress . The result of the appeal was that an amount of £ 13 4 s . 6 d . will be added to the sum which formed the nucleus of a fund in the hands of the D . G . Treasurer for the relief of brethren in distress . Several brothers gave songs and recitations during the evening , and the company broke up about half-past eleven o ' clock .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Bro . Col . Mapleson sailed for New York on Thursday . He says the opera house on the Thames Embankment will be completed by June next . * # * " Giddy Godiva , or the Girl who was sent to Coventry , " is the title of a new burlesque to be produced at Astley ' s on the 13 th inst ., with Miss Maude Forrester as Godiva .
* " Mankind , or Beggar Your Neighbour , " has been revived at the Surrey , in which Mr . George Conquest continues to distinguish himself as Daniel Groodge . A new sensational drama will be produced in two weeks , written by Messrs . Merritt and Conquest .
* Many of our readers will be glad to learn that Mr . Chas . Wyndham has regained the Criterion Theatre , Bro . Henderson having , with the consent of Messrs . Spiers and Pond , transferred the lease . Mr . Wyndham will reopen it on his return from America with one of his comedies which are always welcomed by the audiences . His new theatre in Northumberland Avenue has not been begun yet .
The Theatres.
Mr . Harry Paulton has taken Bro . Lionel Brough ' s place at the Comedy in " Rip Van Winkle , " and in his hands the part has lost none of its interest . Mr . Paulton has introduced several original drolleries . A new comic opera is on the tapis for the Comedy , the present one having been played nearly a year .
* On Monday night Mr . Burnand ' s new burlesque " Ariel " will be produced on the boards of Bro . Hollingshead's theatre . The Gaiety will be crammed from floor to ceiling , so much interest being attached to the fact of Shakespeare's play "The Tempest , " being burlesqued . Miss Farren will have the title role .
* -s * Mr . Grundy's little comedy " Man Proposes , " now precedes "The Glass of Fashion" at the Globe . It gives Miss Lottie Venne the opportunity of acting in her bewitching way with all her archness , lt is worth going a long way to see . "The Glass of Fashion " has now taken a tight hold on the stage and is likely to bring money to the house for some time . It is one of the most original and brightest comedies we have seen of late years .
« We should not like to predict a failure or success for " The Millionaire , " which was brought out at the Court last week . A play adapted from a novel necessarily suffers from want ot cohesion . The novelist has many pages , and time to work out his story ; but the author of a play must be concise and confine his work to a small space . To those who are acquainted with Bro . Edmund Yates' book , "
Kissing the Rod , " Mr . Godfrey's play , founded on it , may be very clear ; but to those persons to whom the whole thing is fresh it is difficult to imagine all that they should do to properly enter into the spirit of the play . Mr . Godfrey has done his work admirably , though his latest writing is not equal to " The Parvenu " of last year . There is so much pleasure to be got out of seeing the play , that it will not be a matter for surprise should " The Millionaire" occupy
the theatre for some time . It is crammed full of wit and repartee of no ordinary character . The company is quite unique who represent it . Every member is exactly suited to their part . Miss Guyon is a young lady who is duped into a marriage with Mr . Streightley , a wealthy stockbroker in the City , who , with her father ' s connivance , engages to contract the match , though her heart is at the time another ' s . This other is a certain Gordon Frere , a young
man whose character is not be admired and who is poor . The young lady is al ! that a good man might desire , whilst her father is a sordid , good-for-nothing man ; a mere adventurer , one who lives on his wits , and would sell his own soul for money . Young Frere sends a letter to Kate enclosed in one he writes to Mr . Guyon asking for her hand . The father keeps the letter , and with the help of his cousin , Lady Henmarsh , a worldly woman of society , makes his
daughter think that Frere has deserted her . Old Guyon is on his beam ends for money . Everything he possesses is mortgaged ; acceptances are becoming due which hecannot meet . He makes the acquaintance of Mr . Streightley , who becomes enamoured of Kate , and hearing from her the condition of her father , Streightley visits the house andoffers his cheque to take up the bills . Of course Old Guyon accents ; the motive does not concern him why thc offer is
made . He soon notices which way the wind blows , and is only too glad to encourage Streightley ' s attentions to his daughter and do what he can to get Frere out of the way . But there is a feeling of dissatisfaction , as no explanation is forthcoming to the audience how it comes to pass that this Mr . Streightley , an honourable man of business , is a willing party to the deceit of intercepting Gordon Frere's letter to Kate . Perhaps he thinks all is fair in love .
However , he is paid out , for Hester Gould , a young lady companion to Miss Guyon , who has fallen in love with Streightley , and afterwards becomes a rich heiress , for very jealousy brings trouble between man and wife . Some time after their marriage Guyon leaves on the table by accident his pocketbook containing Frere ' s letter with the memorandum on it , " shown to Robert Streightley . " Miss Gould reads it , and vows vengeance on her rival . Seeing the couple together
happy with one another—for Kate has come to love her husband by his devotion to her and having had falsehoods put into her ear by her father and aunt about young Frere—Miss Gould immediately after puts this , book into Kate ' s hand and bids her read the letter . Her eyes are opened , and she sees the cruel fraud that has been practised upon her ; how her father has sold her , and how her husband has bought her , and that all the time Frere has remained
true to her . She flies into a passion with her husband and quits his house declaring she will never seehis face again . He goes down in the world , is heartbroken , his business fails ; now Hester Gould comes to the rescue , and with her fortune relieves the man she loves , and whom she has ruined in his home , but this is done without Streightley's knowledge . He falls ill ; Kate hears of it ; her heart is touched when she hears it is all through her , and she
returns to her husband . With their reconciliation the curtain drops . There are a number of other characters in the play whom we have not mentioned , many of whom have conspicuous places . Mr . Arthur Cecil , who represents Guyon , is suited to the very letter in his part . His rendering of the impecunious old rake is a splendid piece of acting . Bro . Clayton , as Streightley , Ieavesjnothing to be desired , though there are times when we have seen Bro . Clayton to a
greater advantage . He has yielded to his new partner in the management of the theatre the chief role . Miss Marion Terry is KateGuyon . She was greeted with rounds of applause when she appeared on the stage . She illustrates the heroine with that grace which she has made her own . Mrs . John Wood , as Lady Henmarsh , has a character exactly suited to her to play . As the cynical woman of fashion , it is to Mrs . John Wood that the otten
laughter which drowns the house is due . We have seen Mrs . Wood on the stage and always enjoyed her acting , but never more so than in "The Millionaire . " , Mrs . Beerbohm Tree ' s Hester Gould is another fine piece oi acting . She has made her mark , and may be expected to shortlv be in the front ranks of the profession . The Court
is not a theatre in which loud applause is heard . Situated on thc confines of Belgravia , most of its space is devoted to stalls and dress circles , the occupiers of which are not g iven to showing their apprecietion by noisy demonstration . The pit and gallery are here very meagerly represented , but from the keen interest every one seemed to have in the piece we hope to see " The Millionaire " going for some time , and can certainly recommend it as a play to be seen .