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Article FIRST ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CHISWICK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 2012. Page 1 of 1 Article THE QUEBEC DIFFICULTY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE QUEBEC DIFFICULTY. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC HALL IN SOUTH AFRICA. Page 1 of 1 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 1 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1 Article Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
First Annual Supper Of The Chiswick Lodge Of Instruction, No. 2012.
FIRST ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CHISWICK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 2012 .
The first annual supper took place on Saturday , 2 Sth ult ., at the Bolton Hotel , Chiswick , and a goodly muster assembled . Bro . Gardner , Treas ., in the chair , and Bro . Qrong in the vice . Amongst those present were Bros . E .
Gilbert , Prov . G . S ., P . M ., P . Z . ; F . R . Hayes , VV . M . ; \ V Mann , P . M ., P . Z . ; Jackson , P . M . ; Johnson , P . M . j Horsfall , P . M . ; V . Wing , W . Dowling , H . Furze , J . gjms , Craiggs , Fruen , Hoodless , W . Williams , A . Williams , E . M . Coombe , Walden , Seers , Meyer , Tilbury , Backer , Rowling , Gomm , Tipper , Dameron , Miiburn , Durrant , Muir , and several others .
The cloth being removed , the usual loyal toasts were niven and drank with enthusiasm . The C HAIRMAN , in responding to the toast of his health , said that he was proud to occupy the position he did on the present occasion , and thanked them for speaking of him in the kind manner they had . It gave him great p leasure to find such a muster as they had to-night , and
trusted on future occasions that they would have equally i < ood meetings . Since he had been connected with the lodge he had tried to make it a success , and he hoped that he had succeeded , and trusted he should continue to do so . He was sure that they all thought it was , and he could assure them that both the mother lodge and the lodge of instruction , now both in a prosperous condition , had
subscribed to the Charities , and he was happy to say that he had the honour to be a Steward at the great Benevolent Festival , and a magnificent sum of £ 17 , 500 was subscribed , and asked them one all not to forget that the first principle in Freemasonry was Charity . He then gave them the toast of the evening , viz ., "The Lodge of Instruction , " coupling with it the name of the Secretary , Bro . A . Strong .
Uro . STRONG , in responding , said the lodge was started the latter end of May , 1 SS 4 , and since then they had had between five and six hundred attendances , exclusive of the evening when the consecrating ceremony was rehearsed , when there were present over 90 M . M . 's . They had received £ 16 , and had subscribed £ 5 to the Boys' School . Their expenses had been rather heavy ; but they were out
of debt , and the treasury had a balance in hand . He assured them that those who were not members of the lodge if they came they would acquire quickly under the aUe tuition of their worthy Preceptor , Bro . Ayling—who , Vic was sorry to hear , was hot well enough to be present—that knowledge of the working it was necessary for every Mason to possess .
The toast of "The Visitors followed , and was responded to . The SECRETARY then proposed "The Health of the Treasurer , " which was drunk with musical honours . The TREASURER , in returning thanks , said that , by the manner in which the toast had been given and received , he had given the brethren satisfaction . It was what he had tried to do , and trusted that as long as hc remained
their Treasurer they would have the same amount of confidence in him that they had shown that evening . As regarded the funds , he thought before the 12 months had expired they would be able to hold the first ballot for life subscribership to one of the Charities , and reminded them that it was only b y constant attendance that they could make themselves eligible to take part in it , and advised
those who had not made themselves eligible to do so . Songs and recitations were interspersed , and after the toast of " Bro . Wright , the Host , " "God save the Queen " was sung . There being several Scotch brethren present , who had seemingly enjoyed themselves , a verse of " Auld lang syne " was sung in Highland style , and so ended a very happy meeting .
The Quebec Difficulty.
THE QUEBEC DIFFICULTY .
We cull the following extracts from our Canadian contemporary , the Montreal Times , of February 16 th : — "Apropos to the edict recently issued by the Grand Master of Quebec discrediting all Masons holding of thc Grand Lodge of England , it is stated that , in defiance of it , and recognising its injustice , impropriety , and futility , a
number of prominent Quebec Masons have manifested their hostility to the command by visiting several English lodges in this city , where were amply demonstrated towards them fraternal feelings of Freemasonry . " It is further understood that the Grand Master of Quebec , who issued the edict , has since that time sought for an official interview with the District Grand Master of
England in this city . " It has been remarked as very remarkable that , although lhe Grand Lodge of Quebec approved the Grand Master ' s edict—b y a narrow majority—the Grand Lodge unanimousl y adopted a resolution of sympathy and condolence wilh the widow of an English Freemason . " In the Toronto Freemason for February the two
appear following letters : " Hamilton , Jan . 30 th , 188 ; . Dear Sir and Brother , . "In answer to your question—ist . Will the Grand Lodge of Canada become involved in the Quebec-England controversy ? I would say , not necessarily . That will depend greatly on the shape matters may assume . It
, however , is a question that the Grand Lodge alone can 2 nd . What is your opinion on Quebec ' s edict of nonmtercourse ? The edict of the Grand Master of Quebec ? J . ust reached me . It is addressed to the brethren in obedience to the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and affects them alone . The recnirnil-inn whirl , was nrrnrrled hv thp Grand
Lod ge of Canada , at the date of the agreement with the yrand Lodge of England , to the lodges referred to , is still force , and we have one lodge in our jurisdiction holding ¦ JHegiance to the Grand Lodge of Ireland , whose work is considered by us regular and legal . I think it would be ccV ? i for me at P rescnt to express an opinion on the met . —1 ani j my ( jearjBr 0 i Cowan , yours fraternally , HUGH MURRAY , G . M . "
„ London , Jan . 28 , 1 S 85 . Dear Sir and Brother , IL c ' Your letter to hand , and in reply I may say to of r juration that I cannot tell what the Grand Lodge but li ? may do in the Quebec-Eng'and controversy , 1 ' nope those in authority at present will be as wise as
The Quebec Difficulty.
those that have gone before , and keep out of the trouble , as it is not a matter that concerns us in the least , and as a matter of fact we owe Quebec very little indeed . " 2 nd , My opinion of edicts of non-intercourse with Masons , ordered b y G . Lodges , are often very absurd , as I think the present is . Masons ought to find some other
method to arrange their differences , and I question very much the power of any G . L . to command its members to obey any such edict . Should thc G . L . of Canada unfortunately adopt such a course the same remarks will apply to her . ' " I want you to understand that I have written of the A . F . & A . M . ; the Mark Master business I have not
considered . "The other they got as a legacy from thc Grand Lodge of Canada , and 1 hold they have no right to change the conditions , or only by acts of kindness and moral suasion , as it is sometimes called . —Yours fraternally , "JAS . MOFFAT , P . G . M . "
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall In South Africa.
CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC HALL IN SOUTH AFRICA .
The foundation-stone of a new hall for the Sir Charles VVarren Lodge , the Diamond Fields , South Africa , having been laid last October , and the building being completed , the impressive ceremony of consecrating it as a lodge was performed by the P . District Grand Master , R . W . Bro .
Giddy , on the afternoon of Wednesday , the 4 th February . The building , which is from the design of Bro . C . Abarrow , the VV . M . of the lodge , has no pretentions to an elaborate exterior ,, but shows good workmansnip throughout . 'The entrance , which is at the west end , admits you into an ample ante-room , to the left is a robing room , while to the right , through an archway , is the library , the books of
which were chosen by Bro . Sir Charles VVarren when the lodge was started six years ago . The lodge room , which is capable of holding over 200 , is lofty , with an arched ceiling springing from a caved cornice , under which arc the small ventilating windows , admitting a subdued light through tinted glass . The east wall is divided into three arches , springing from columns of the Tuscan order , while a
dado runs round the lodge . The walls and ceilings throughout are tinted pale blue , with the mouldings , & c , brought out in a darker shade . The whole of thc work and fittings were entrusted to Bro . Langford , who has carried them out in a most thoroughly workmanlike manner . After the brethren had assembled , and the VV . M . had opened the lodge in the Three Degrees , the P . District
Grand Master addressed the brethren on the nature of the meeting , when prayer was offered by the Chaplain . The lodge was then adjourned and marshalled in procession , under the direction of Bro . Connolly , P . M ., D . C , to the Wesleyanl'Church , . where Divine service was conducted , and an address given by Canon Gaul . On the return to the lodge the P . D . Grand Master
continued the ceremony of consecrating the lodge , the music being presided over by Bro . Wylie , P . M . The VV . M . having thanked tlie visiting brethren of the Cosmopolitan , Octahedron , Richard Giddy , Peace and Harmony , Athole , and other lodges for their attendance and co-operation , the lodge was closed in due form , and this interesting meeting terminated .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Miss E . Farren , the popular actress at the Gaiety , will start in June on a provincial tour , returning to her old theatre at Christmas . * # * On Alarch 141 ) 1 or 21 st , the new Japanese opera by Gilbert and Sullivan will be produced at the Savoy . VVe believe the company will not be greatly . altered .
Mr . David James operis the Opera Comique at Easter . He has had a pit made and the house redecorated , and appointed Bro . H . VVarren Wright as his acting manager . #
* * The Avenue re-opens under Miss Violet Melnotte ' s management with a farcical comedy , entitled "Tact , " in which Mr . Chas . Groves , Mr . Walter Everard ( always funny ) , Mr . Odell , Miss Sophie Larkin , and the Manageress appear . # #
* Miss Mary Anderson has written her autograph in a collection which Bro . Lieut . Hy . Wright is making of the signatures of men and women in all ranks and professions of life . So interested was Miss Anderson with the book that she requested she might keep it for a few weeks , and has been entertaining her friends with it .
* * # The new drama by Sims may be expected at thc Adelphi on the 4 th prox . ; it is said to be a startling one . Mr . Wilson Barrett , to an interviewer of the Daily News , said he ( W . B . ) thinks G . R . Sims has not yet been seen at his best ; perhaps the forthcoming drama is the one Mr . Barrett anticipated . "In the Ranks " is still doing good business . The Bros . Gatti must have made a fortune .
* Bro . J . L . Toole tells a pood story , which is worth repeating . VVhen visiting Carlisle with his company he and several of his ladies and gentlemen strolled into the Cathedral to service , and found only two persons there .
They quickly increased the congregation , and on coming out Bro . J . L . Toole informed the verger whom he was , and said as he and his company had done so much for Carlisle Cathedral , he expected Carlisle would respond to him ; and so it did , for the theatre was crowded at night .
* * At the Gaiety , on Wednesday , was produced a new five-act play and a matinee by Mr . Appleton , in which Miss Minnie Bell appeared as the heroine . One of the actors informed us that ] he considers it a strong play and will be seen again .
The Theatres.
We hope to have something lo say in another issue concerning Mr . Burnand ' s new burlesque at the Gaiety , "Mazeppa . " VVe only hope that with it the palmy days of this popular house will revive .
* * " The Lady of the I ^ ocket , " a new Venetian opera , was to be produced just before our going to press . The cast includes Miss Florence St . John , Mr . J . L . Shine , Mr . C . Ryley , Miss Susie Vaughan , sister of Aliss Kate of that ilk , Miss Agnes Barnett , and Miss Lesley Bell . We
hope this will spell " fortune" to the as yet unlucky "Empire" theatre . Bro . Harry Hitchins has been appointed acting manager , than whom a better choice could not have been made . The entertainment is to consist of burlesque , ilight opera , ba llet , and spectacular display .
* * On Saturday afternoon , the 28 th ult ., a very fashionable audience assembled at the Criterion Theatre to witness an amateur performance , which was given in aid of the fund for restoring Wolferton Church , near Sandringham , the seat of the M . W . Grand Master . The Prince and Princess of Wales were present . The pieces
represented were Lady Arthur Hill ' s pretty operetta , "The Lost Husband , " and Douglas Jerrold ' s comedy , " The White Milliner , " the latter chosen probably because it gives an opportunity of a number of ladies well known in ' Society appearing as milliners' apprentices . The cast , which was almost exclusively an amateur one , included Lady Greville , Miss Wyndham , Mrs . Godfrey Pearse , Mr . Gardner , and Mr . Colnaghi . The performance went off very well , and
will be repeated to-morrow ( Saturday ) , under the patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh , for the wives and children of the soldiers in the Soudan . As the pit was turned into stalls , and as there would be no salary list , a goodly sum ought to be netted for both objects . There vvas a time—not so long ago—when the Chur ; h would not recognise the Stage ; happily , those days are now gone by , and now the Church seeks support from the Stage .
* * Bro . Alexander Henderson has entirely changed the character of his house . The Comedy was built and opened in 1 S 79 , and up till now comic opera has been the entertainment given , in spite of the theatre ' s title . Few theatres have done better or been more popular , and now , for some reason or other , we presume want of originality in
authors and composers , operatic music is banished , and we hear comedy is to take its place . But we don't think it can last long with the present programme . Mr . Burnand ' s " Family Ties " was worth seeing m 1 S 77 , and " Nemesis , " thc burlesque , in 1 S 73 , but neither are of much interest now . M . Marius is still [ very funny in his original character in the former piece , but we found it difficult to sit it out . In
" Nemesis " Mr . Arthur Roberts is excellent , and sings some new topical songs , but he is the redeeming feature in the extravaganza . Miss Lottie Venne is always a favourite and looks pretty in everything , but we wish she would not always simper and smirk . VVe have been to the Comedy scores of times but have never seen such a poor entertain ment as the present , and we hope itjwill soon be changed .
# # # On Saturday last the Strand reopened—Mr . J . S . Clarke and Bro . E . Terry having the first and second mortgage on the house—with "Jo , " the well-known drama from Dickens ' s "Bleak House . " Some years ago it created a great sensation at the Globe—every one went to see it . Miss Jenny Lee ( Mrs . J . P . Barnett ) still gives her
wonderful impersonation of the crossing sweeper . Those who have lived in London and studied its people will vouch for the truthfulness of her portraying the life and vicissitudes of a London street arab . After her long absence in the Antipodes Miss Jenny Lee brings bsck with her a vigour and freshness which not only pervaded every word and action , but struck at once to the heart and feelings , and created a sympathy for poor "Jo . " Many were the sobs
heard in the Strand on Saturday night . Who could help not having a dry " e'e" who has a heart which must be moved by such acting . Miss Jenny Lee may be assured that her treatment of "Jo" will find a large amount of favour in London still . Mr . Buckett is still the stern but tender-hearted detective . Miss Dolores Drummond is also still the Hortense , the French maid , Mr . Wilmot , the Chadband , and Miss Kattie Lee the dirty slut of Snagsby ' s . VVe believe "Jo" is only to be represented for a few weeks , so one ought ] to take time by the forelock .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . WILLIAM STEPHENS , G . PURSUIVANT . We have , almost at the moment of going to press , received the sad and unexpected news of the death at Auckland , New Zealand , only a few days since , of Bro . William Stephens , Grand Pursuivant , and we are sure his very numerous " circle of friends will unite with us in this expression of regret at his loss . Bro . Stephens had for many years taken a very active part in Masonry , and his zeal at length had its reward in his elevation to the rank of a Grand Officer .
Births, Marriages, And Deaths.
Births , Marriages , and Deaths .
BIRTHS . BUCKLEY . —On the 29 th January , at Barrackpore , Calcutta , the wife of R . B . Buckley , Esq ., of a son . GABRIEL . —On the ist inst ., at Mill-hill-road , Acton , the wife of T . E . Gabriel , of a son .
MARRIAGE . WALL—WALL . —On the 2 Sth ult ., at St . George ' s Church , Canterbury , Waller George Wall , of Liverpool , to Charlotte , daughter of the late G . Wall , of Canterbury .
DEATHS . SHANKS . —On the afith ult ., at St . John ' s Hill House , New Wandsworth , S . VV ., of rheumatic fever , G . J . H . C . Poulett Shanks , the beloved and only son of Major Shanks , K . M ., aged 19 years . WOOD . —On the ist inst ., at Franklin House , South Norwood-hill , Surgeon-Major William Edward Wood , aged 68 ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
First Annual Supper Of The Chiswick Lodge Of Instruction, No. 2012.
FIRST ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CHISWICK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 2012 .
The first annual supper took place on Saturday , 2 Sth ult ., at the Bolton Hotel , Chiswick , and a goodly muster assembled . Bro . Gardner , Treas ., in the chair , and Bro . Qrong in the vice . Amongst those present were Bros . E .
Gilbert , Prov . G . S ., P . M ., P . Z . ; F . R . Hayes , VV . M . ; \ V Mann , P . M ., P . Z . ; Jackson , P . M . ; Johnson , P . M . j Horsfall , P . M . ; V . Wing , W . Dowling , H . Furze , J . gjms , Craiggs , Fruen , Hoodless , W . Williams , A . Williams , E . M . Coombe , Walden , Seers , Meyer , Tilbury , Backer , Rowling , Gomm , Tipper , Dameron , Miiburn , Durrant , Muir , and several others .
The cloth being removed , the usual loyal toasts were niven and drank with enthusiasm . The C HAIRMAN , in responding to the toast of his health , said that he was proud to occupy the position he did on the present occasion , and thanked them for speaking of him in the kind manner they had . It gave him great p leasure to find such a muster as they had to-night , and
trusted on future occasions that they would have equally i < ood meetings . Since he had been connected with the lodge he had tried to make it a success , and he hoped that he had succeeded , and trusted he should continue to do so . He was sure that they all thought it was , and he could assure them that both the mother lodge and the lodge of instruction , now both in a prosperous condition , had
subscribed to the Charities , and he was happy to say that he had the honour to be a Steward at the great Benevolent Festival , and a magnificent sum of £ 17 , 500 was subscribed , and asked them one all not to forget that the first principle in Freemasonry was Charity . He then gave them the toast of the evening , viz ., "The Lodge of Instruction , " coupling with it the name of the Secretary , Bro . A . Strong .
Uro . STRONG , in responding , said the lodge was started the latter end of May , 1 SS 4 , and since then they had had between five and six hundred attendances , exclusive of the evening when the consecrating ceremony was rehearsed , when there were present over 90 M . M . 's . They had received £ 16 , and had subscribed £ 5 to the Boys' School . Their expenses had been rather heavy ; but they were out
of debt , and the treasury had a balance in hand . He assured them that those who were not members of the lodge if they came they would acquire quickly under the aUe tuition of their worthy Preceptor , Bro . Ayling—who , Vic was sorry to hear , was hot well enough to be present—that knowledge of the working it was necessary for every Mason to possess .
The toast of "The Visitors followed , and was responded to . The SECRETARY then proposed "The Health of the Treasurer , " which was drunk with musical honours . The TREASURER , in returning thanks , said that , by the manner in which the toast had been given and received , he had given the brethren satisfaction . It was what he had tried to do , and trusted that as long as hc remained
their Treasurer they would have the same amount of confidence in him that they had shown that evening . As regarded the funds , he thought before the 12 months had expired they would be able to hold the first ballot for life subscribership to one of the Charities , and reminded them that it was only b y constant attendance that they could make themselves eligible to take part in it , and advised
those who had not made themselves eligible to do so . Songs and recitations were interspersed , and after the toast of " Bro . Wright , the Host , " "God save the Queen " was sung . There being several Scotch brethren present , who had seemingly enjoyed themselves , a verse of " Auld lang syne " was sung in Highland style , and so ended a very happy meeting .
The Quebec Difficulty.
THE QUEBEC DIFFICULTY .
We cull the following extracts from our Canadian contemporary , the Montreal Times , of February 16 th : — "Apropos to the edict recently issued by the Grand Master of Quebec discrediting all Masons holding of thc Grand Lodge of England , it is stated that , in defiance of it , and recognising its injustice , impropriety , and futility , a
number of prominent Quebec Masons have manifested their hostility to the command by visiting several English lodges in this city , where were amply demonstrated towards them fraternal feelings of Freemasonry . " It is further understood that the Grand Master of Quebec , who issued the edict , has since that time sought for an official interview with the District Grand Master of
England in this city . " It has been remarked as very remarkable that , although lhe Grand Lodge of Quebec approved the Grand Master ' s edict—b y a narrow majority—the Grand Lodge unanimousl y adopted a resolution of sympathy and condolence wilh the widow of an English Freemason . " In the Toronto Freemason for February the two
appear following letters : " Hamilton , Jan . 30 th , 188 ; . Dear Sir and Brother , . "In answer to your question—ist . Will the Grand Lodge of Canada become involved in the Quebec-England controversy ? I would say , not necessarily . That will depend greatly on the shape matters may assume . It
, however , is a question that the Grand Lodge alone can 2 nd . What is your opinion on Quebec ' s edict of nonmtercourse ? The edict of the Grand Master of Quebec ? J . ust reached me . It is addressed to the brethren in obedience to the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and affects them alone . The recnirnil-inn whirl , was nrrnrrled hv thp Grand
Lod ge of Canada , at the date of the agreement with the yrand Lodge of England , to the lodges referred to , is still force , and we have one lodge in our jurisdiction holding ¦ JHegiance to the Grand Lodge of Ireland , whose work is considered by us regular and legal . I think it would be ccV ? i for me at P rescnt to express an opinion on the met . —1 ani j my ( jearjBr 0 i Cowan , yours fraternally , HUGH MURRAY , G . M . "
„ London , Jan . 28 , 1 S 85 . Dear Sir and Brother , IL c ' Your letter to hand , and in reply I may say to of r juration that I cannot tell what the Grand Lodge but li ? may do in the Quebec-Eng'and controversy , 1 ' nope those in authority at present will be as wise as
The Quebec Difficulty.
those that have gone before , and keep out of the trouble , as it is not a matter that concerns us in the least , and as a matter of fact we owe Quebec very little indeed . " 2 nd , My opinion of edicts of non-intercourse with Masons , ordered b y G . Lodges , are often very absurd , as I think the present is . Masons ought to find some other
method to arrange their differences , and I question very much the power of any G . L . to command its members to obey any such edict . Should thc G . L . of Canada unfortunately adopt such a course the same remarks will apply to her . ' " I want you to understand that I have written of the A . F . & A . M . ; the Mark Master business I have not
considered . "The other they got as a legacy from thc Grand Lodge of Canada , and 1 hold they have no right to change the conditions , or only by acts of kindness and moral suasion , as it is sometimes called . —Yours fraternally , "JAS . MOFFAT , P . G . M . "
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall In South Africa.
CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC HALL IN SOUTH AFRICA .
The foundation-stone of a new hall for the Sir Charles VVarren Lodge , the Diamond Fields , South Africa , having been laid last October , and the building being completed , the impressive ceremony of consecrating it as a lodge was performed by the P . District Grand Master , R . W . Bro .
Giddy , on the afternoon of Wednesday , the 4 th February . The building , which is from the design of Bro . C . Abarrow , the VV . M . of the lodge , has no pretentions to an elaborate exterior ,, but shows good workmansnip throughout . 'The entrance , which is at the west end , admits you into an ample ante-room , to the left is a robing room , while to the right , through an archway , is the library , the books of
which were chosen by Bro . Sir Charles VVarren when the lodge was started six years ago . The lodge room , which is capable of holding over 200 , is lofty , with an arched ceiling springing from a caved cornice , under which arc the small ventilating windows , admitting a subdued light through tinted glass . The east wall is divided into three arches , springing from columns of the Tuscan order , while a
dado runs round the lodge . The walls and ceilings throughout are tinted pale blue , with the mouldings , & c , brought out in a darker shade . The whole of thc work and fittings were entrusted to Bro . Langford , who has carried them out in a most thoroughly workmanlike manner . After the brethren had assembled , and the VV . M . had opened the lodge in the Three Degrees , the P . District
Grand Master addressed the brethren on the nature of the meeting , when prayer was offered by the Chaplain . The lodge was then adjourned and marshalled in procession , under the direction of Bro . Connolly , P . M ., D . C , to the Wesleyanl'Church , . where Divine service was conducted , and an address given by Canon Gaul . On the return to the lodge the P . D . Grand Master
continued the ceremony of consecrating the lodge , the music being presided over by Bro . Wylie , P . M . The VV . M . having thanked tlie visiting brethren of the Cosmopolitan , Octahedron , Richard Giddy , Peace and Harmony , Athole , and other lodges for their attendance and co-operation , the lodge was closed in due form , and this interesting meeting terminated .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Miss E . Farren , the popular actress at the Gaiety , will start in June on a provincial tour , returning to her old theatre at Christmas . * # * On Alarch 141 ) 1 or 21 st , the new Japanese opera by Gilbert and Sullivan will be produced at the Savoy . VVe believe the company will not be greatly . altered .
Mr . David James operis the Opera Comique at Easter . He has had a pit made and the house redecorated , and appointed Bro . H . VVarren Wright as his acting manager . #
* * The Avenue re-opens under Miss Violet Melnotte ' s management with a farcical comedy , entitled "Tact , " in which Mr . Chas . Groves , Mr . Walter Everard ( always funny ) , Mr . Odell , Miss Sophie Larkin , and the Manageress appear . # #
* Miss Mary Anderson has written her autograph in a collection which Bro . Lieut . Hy . Wright is making of the signatures of men and women in all ranks and professions of life . So interested was Miss Anderson with the book that she requested she might keep it for a few weeks , and has been entertaining her friends with it .
* * # The new drama by Sims may be expected at thc Adelphi on the 4 th prox . ; it is said to be a startling one . Mr . Wilson Barrett , to an interviewer of the Daily News , said he ( W . B . ) thinks G . R . Sims has not yet been seen at his best ; perhaps the forthcoming drama is the one Mr . Barrett anticipated . "In the Ranks " is still doing good business . The Bros . Gatti must have made a fortune .
* Bro . J . L . Toole tells a pood story , which is worth repeating . VVhen visiting Carlisle with his company he and several of his ladies and gentlemen strolled into the Cathedral to service , and found only two persons there .
They quickly increased the congregation , and on coming out Bro . J . L . Toole informed the verger whom he was , and said as he and his company had done so much for Carlisle Cathedral , he expected Carlisle would respond to him ; and so it did , for the theatre was crowded at night .
* * At the Gaiety , on Wednesday , was produced a new five-act play and a matinee by Mr . Appleton , in which Miss Minnie Bell appeared as the heroine . One of the actors informed us that ] he considers it a strong play and will be seen again .
The Theatres.
We hope to have something lo say in another issue concerning Mr . Burnand ' s new burlesque at the Gaiety , "Mazeppa . " VVe only hope that with it the palmy days of this popular house will revive .
* * " The Lady of the I ^ ocket , " a new Venetian opera , was to be produced just before our going to press . The cast includes Miss Florence St . John , Mr . J . L . Shine , Mr . C . Ryley , Miss Susie Vaughan , sister of Aliss Kate of that ilk , Miss Agnes Barnett , and Miss Lesley Bell . We
hope this will spell " fortune" to the as yet unlucky "Empire" theatre . Bro . Harry Hitchins has been appointed acting manager , than whom a better choice could not have been made . The entertainment is to consist of burlesque , ilight opera , ba llet , and spectacular display .
* * On Saturday afternoon , the 28 th ult ., a very fashionable audience assembled at the Criterion Theatre to witness an amateur performance , which was given in aid of the fund for restoring Wolferton Church , near Sandringham , the seat of the M . W . Grand Master . The Prince and Princess of Wales were present . The pieces
represented were Lady Arthur Hill ' s pretty operetta , "The Lost Husband , " and Douglas Jerrold ' s comedy , " The White Milliner , " the latter chosen probably because it gives an opportunity of a number of ladies well known in ' Society appearing as milliners' apprentices . The cast , which was almost exclusively an amateur one , included Lady Greville , Miss Wyndham , Mrs . Godfrey Pearse , Mr . Gardner , and Mr . Colnaghi . The performance went off very well , and
will be repeated to-morrow ( Saturday ) , under the patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh , for the wives and children of the soldiers in the Soudan . As the pit was turned into stalls , and as there would be no salary list , a goodly sum ought to be netted for both objects . There vvas a time—not so long ago—when the Chur ; h would not recognise the Stage ; happily , those days are now gone by , and now the Church seeks support from the Stage .
* * Bro . Alexander Henderson has entirely changed the character of his house . The Comedy was built and opened in 1 S 79 , and up till now comic opera has been the entertainment given , in spite of the theatre ' s title . Few theatres have done better or been more popular , and now , for some reason or other , we presume want of originality in
authors and composers , operatic music is banished , and we hear comedy is to take its place . But we don't think it can last long with the present programme . Mr . Burnand ' s " Family Ties " was worth seeing m 1 S 77 , and " Nemesis , " thc burlesque , in 1 S 73 , but neither are of much interest now . M . Marius is still [ very funny in his original character in the former piece , but we found it difficult to sit it out . In
" Nemesis " Mr . Arthur Roberts is excellent , and sings some new topical songs , but he is the redeeming feature in the extravaganza . Miss Lottie Venne is always a favourite and looks pretty in everything , but we wish she would not always simper and smirk . VVe have been to the Comedy scores of times but have never seen such a poor entertain ment as the present , and we hope itjwill soon be changed .
# # # On Saturday last the Strand reopened—Mr . J . S . Clarke and Bro . E . Terry having the first and second mortgage on the house—with "Jo , " the well-known drama from Dickens ' s "Bleak House . " Some years ago it created a great sensation at the Globe—every one went to see it . Miss Jenny Lee ( Mrs . J . P . Barnett ) still gives her
wonderful impersonation of the crossing sweeper . Those who have lived in London and studied its people will vouch for the truthfulness of her portraying the life and vicissitudes of a London street arab . After her long absence in the Antipodes Miss Jenny Lee brings bsck with her a vigour and freshness which not only pervaded every word and action , but struck at once to the heart and feelings , and created a sympathy for poor "Jo . " Many were the sobs
heard in the Strand on Saturday night . Who could help not having a dry " e'e" who has a heart which must be moved by such acting . Miss Jenny Lee may be assured that her treatment of "Jo" will find a large amount of favour in London still . Mr . Buckett is still the stern but tender-hearted detective . Miss Dolores Drummond is also still the Hortense , the French maid , Mr . Wilmot , the Chadband , and Miss Kattie Lee the dirty slut of Snagsby ' s . VVe believe "Jo" is only to be represented for a few weeks , so one ought ] to take time by the forelock .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . WILLIAM STEPHENS , G . PURSUIVANT . We have , almost at the moment of going to press , received the sad and unexpected news of the death at Auckland , New Zealand , only a few days since , of Bro . William Stephens , Grand Pursuivant , and we are sure his very numerous " circle of friends will unite with us in this expression of regret at his loss . Bro . Stephens had for many years taken a very active part in Masonry , and his zeal at length had its reward in his elevation to the rank of a Grand Officer .
Births, Marriages, And Deaths.
Births , Marriages , and Deaths .
BIRTHS . BUCKLEY . —On the 29 th January , at Barrackpore , Calcutta , the wife of R . B . Buckley , Esq ., of a son . GABRIEL . —On the ist inst ., at Mill-hill-road , Acton , the wife of T . E . Gabriel , of a son .
MARRIAGE . WALL—WALL . —On the 2 Sth ult ., at St . George ' s Church , Canterbury , Waller George Wall , of Liverpool , to Charlotte , daughter of the late G . Wall , of Canterbury .
DEATHS . SHANKS . —On the afith ult ., at St . John ' s Hill House , New Wandsworth , S . VV ., of rheumatic fever , G . J . H . C . Poulett Shanks , the beloved and only son of Major Shanks , K . M ., aged 19 years . WOOD . —On the ist inst ., at Franklin House , South Norwood-hill , Surgeon-Major William Edward Wood , aged 68 ,