Entertainment To About 800 Old People At Northampton.

ENTERTAINMENT TO ABOUT 800 OLD PEOPLE AT NORTHAMPTON .

As a body , the Freemasons of the country subscribe largely to their Schools and different Institutions , and are also noted for their brotherly and fellow feeling in works which are promoted for the good of the public generally . 'The members of the Province of Norths and Hunts are not behind their brethren in

other parts of the country in this respect , and the town lodges of the body have also kindly lent ' their assistance on many public occasions in the town of Northampton . About a month since , at a meeting of the brethren , the noble suggestion was broached that endeavours should be made to give a tea and

entertainment to a number of the Old People of Northampton , and that subscriptions should be solicited among the members of the different lodges in the town for the purpose of carrying out the project . The suggestion was heartily acquiesced in , and a Committee was speedily formed , consisting of the Worshipful Master

and the Wardens and a few other members of the three lodges in the town—the Pomfret , 360 ; Eleanor Cross , 1764 ; and Delapre , 1911—to collect the subscriptions and carry out the necessary arrangements . The proposal was entered into with good will by the members , and the result was that an excellent list of

contributors was obtained . The distribution of tickets was entrusted to the subscribers pro rata , and between 750 and 800 were issued , the recipients being understood to be over the age of 50 years . The Corn Exchange , the only available building for such a gathering , was secured , and was gaily decorated by willing

hands with flags , bannerettes , and the banners of the lodges of the province , and also a number of signalling flags , kindl y lent by Bro . T . P . Dorman . The duties of Hon . Secretary to the Committee were carried out b y Bro . G . Butcher , and , although of a most arduous character the airangements were so perfect

that everything passed off without the slightest hitch . About four o ' clock on Thursday afternoon , the 23 rd ult ., the " guests" began to arrive at the Exchange , and many of them were so old and feeble that those who had given them tickets had also generously provided cabs for them . When seated the sight was of a

most interesting description , and one which could not fail to arouse kindly and sympathetic feelings in the stoutest hearts . Both men and women presented a most clean , tidy , and , in the great majority of instances , bright appearance , and there were evident anticipations of the good things in store for them . After a selection of music had been played on the organ by Bro .

Brook Sampson , and grace had been sung , the old people were entertained to a substantial meat tea , the commissariat department being kindly taken charge of by Bro . Quartermaster Hughes , than whom a better person for such an undertaking it would be difficult to find . There was a plentiful supply of meat , cake , and bread and butter , and the tea was admirabl y served .

The following ladies kindly consented to preside at the numerous tables , or to act as amateur waitresses , as required , and they took an evident delight in their self-imposed task -. Mrs . Airs , Mrs . Ayres , Mrs . Archer , Mrs . Ashdowne , Mrs . Ashford , Mrs . H . Brown , Mrs . S . Barber , Mrs . J . Barber , Mrs .

Beesley , Mrs . Beel , Miss Beel , Mrs . Boycott , Mrs . Butcher , Misses Bingley , Miss Clarke , Mrs . Currall , Mrs . S . S . Campion , Mrs . Croft , Mrs . Cooke , Mrs . T . P . Dorman , Mrs . Dainty , Mrs . Ellard , Mrs . Emery , Mrs . Edmund , Mrs . Eunson , Mrs . Fletcher , Misses Frisby , Misses Franks , Mrs . Gibbins , Mrs . Goldney ,

Mrs . Green , Mrs . Gold , Misses Gibson , Miss Hughes , Miss Hodges , Mrs . Haviland , Mrs . Ingman , Mrs . Jowett , Mrs . Jeffery , Mrs . Jones , Mrs . Konow , Mrs . Kellett , Mrs . Merry , Mrs . Martin , Mrs . Marden , Mrs . Mackenzie , Mrs . Morris , Miss Miles , Miss Nunn , Mrs . Percival , Miss Peirce , Misses Pearson ( three ) ,

Miss Pendered , Mrs . Robinson , Misses Robinson , Miss Rice , Mrs . Rolfe , Mrs . Snow , Miss Snow , Mrs . Sampson , Mrs . Stanton , Mrs . Sadler , Mrs . Sherwood , Miss Smith , Mrs . Sanders , Mrs . Thorpe , Mrs . Tebbutt , Mrs . Tipler , Mrs . Thompson , Mrs . Vials , Misses Wilkins ( three ) , Mrs . Wallis , Mrs . T . Wetherell , Mrs . Whitford , and Mrs . Wilkinson .

A large number of the brethren also lent their aid as waiters , and the wants of everyone of the company were well and readil y looked after , and not a single complaint of any character was heard from the large assembly . Some 200 tickets were issued to visitors to witness

the proceedings , and the orchestra was well filled , principally by ladies . Tea over , grace after meat was sung . Shortly afterwards , Bro . Rev . Dr . SANDKK . S mounted a platform erected in the centre of the right hand side of the Exchange , and addressed the gathering . The

rev . brother said he wanted , in the name of the Masons of Northampton , to bid them all a very hearty welcome , and to express the hope that they had all thoroughl y enjoyed themselves as far as the evening ' s entertainment had yet gone . He humorousl y remarked that he was not going to tell them the mysteries of Freemasonry , as there were too many about the room who

knew all about them , and perhaps his life would not be safe if he were to tell them all the secrets which they as a body had from the outside world . They , as Masons , naturall y , when Bro . Butler Wilkins proposed the scheme , were extremel y glad to fall in with it , and the results of the efforts put forward were before them that evening . After again expressing the hope that they had up to that time thoroughl y enjoyed themselves ,

Entertainment To About 800 Old People At Northampton.

he said he would express the further hope that they would also enjoy the other good things which were to come . There was plenty of amusement provided for them , and he trusted there would be something with which to cheer not only the mental part of man and of

woman , but also the corporal part as well . Tie would tell them another secret . It was a secret , and there was something in it . When they as Masons met together in those mysterious assemblies which they held , and where their friend Bro . Dean stood outside with a

drawn sword in his hand , they talked a good deal about old age and about the chances of poverty in life , and they had it diligently impressed upon them by various speakers to endeavour to cultivate the virtues of submission , of humility , and of resignation . They acknowledged that in life there

were many ups and downs . There were many pieces in their journey which had a black shadow across them , and there were many pieces which had the bri ght sunlight shining upon them ; and one of the great lessons they wanted to learn , while taking things as they came , was never to lose their trust in God . Those lessons

which they tried to learn for themselves as Masons were just the lessons he should like , speaking as a very unworthy mouth-piece of the Masons of Northampton , to strongly impress upon those who had been selected , for various reasons , to attend that gathering . They had trials , and the Masons had trials . Most of them had poverty , and the Masons mi ght have poverty .

They had their share of trouble which age brought with it , and the Masons , God being with them , looked forward to an old age ; and it might be that God , in His providence , would give them a share of the troubles they had at that time . B y endeavouring to lighten their load that day ; by showing them their good-will , their friendship , and their desire to give them solace and relief in the midst of all the troubles of the world

outside , they were trying to impress that same lesson upon their own hearts . He felt sure that all the brethren present that evening , who had turned up in such goodly numbers , would not only have the remembrance of that pleasant gathering in their minds , and the pleasure of having done good that day and of

having given a [ cheer and comfort to others , however little , but he trusted they would all go away from that place hoping that in their old age the remembrance of gatherings like that mi ght be a solace and a cheer to themselves . There was no solace and no cheer like that of the heart of the man who

had tried to do some good in- his day and generation . Though he did not say that which was taking place that evening was a very great piece of good , yet it had been a sort of text for a sermon , whichhe trusted they would all carry out in their lives . Concluding his

remarks , Dr . Sanders said he would then leave them to the solid enjoyment which would be on the tables on the screen in front of them , and also in the listening to the voices of their talented brethren , and especiall y that of their talented Bro . Beel .

During the evening cakes and other refreshment and oranges were distributed among the old people , and on leaving each of the old women was presented with a quarter of , 1 pound of tea . The evening ' s

entertainment will long be remembered by all who were privileged to take part in it . A short concert followed , and and an attractive entertainment of a varied character was given , which appeared to give much amusement and gratification .

Liverpool Press Club.

LIVERPOOL PRESS CLUB .

The annual meeting of the members of the Liverpool Press Club was held on the 24 th ult ., at the club premises Hatton-garden . Mr . Hamilton Lee , in the unavoidable absence of Mr . J . A . Willox , the president of the club , occupied the chair at the opening of the proceedings .

The committee , in their report , called attention to the satisfactory financial condition of the club , and stated that 29 new members had been enrolled during the year . The report and statement of accounts were adopted , after which the officers for the coming year were elected as follows ; : President , Mr . J . B . Mackenzie chief of the reporting staff of the Liverpool Mercurv

vice-presidents , Mr . Hamilton Lee and Mr . W . P . Smith ; honorary treasurer , Mr . J . Bimson ; honorary secretary , Mr . W . Jamieson ; honorary auditor , Mr . J . C . Backhouse ; committee , Mr . E . D . James , Mr . J . E . J . Holmes , Mr . J . Mason , Mr . James Phillips Mr ' J . A . Willox , and Mr . T . J . Brown . Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring officers and the chairman of the meeting .

Presentation To Bro. C. G. Sparrow P.M. 1743, P.Z. 1471.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . C . G . SPARROW P . M . 1743 , P . Z . 1471 .

A very interesting meeting of the Perseverance Lodge of Instruction , No . 1 743 , was held on Monday evening , 29 th ult ., at Deacon ' s Tavern , Walbrook , E . C , when Bros . C . M . Coxon , S . D . 2278 , and 1471 '

occupied the chair as W . M . ; ] . G , Cobb , J . W . 2278 as S . W . ; Daniels , P . M . 1 743 , as J . W . ; C . G . S parrow ^ P . M . acting Preceptor ; j . Mitchell , P . M ., Treas . ; J . H . Bridgman , Sec . ; Hancock , S . D . ; Martindale , J . D . ; O'Brien , I . G . ; and the following brethren were also present : Bros . Fade , P . M . 1 743 ; Fox , S . W .

1 743 ; hells , Daunton , Flexman Lloyd , Lonsdale , and Brewer . The lodge was then opened and the minutes read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation having been rehearsed , and Bro . Brewer elected a member of the lodge , the W . M ., Bro . Coxon , rose and said that

Presentation To Bro. C. G. Sparrow P.M. 1743, P.Z. 1471.

they met that ni g ht for the last time under Bro . Sparrow ' s kindl y rule and direction . They had felt they could not let him leave them without showing , in some form , their appreciation of the valuable services he had rendered to the lodge , first as Secretary , and afterwards as acting Preceptor . The W . M . expressed .

on behalf of the brethren , their best wishes for his success in his new home , their regret at losing his services , and as a mark of their esteem presented him with a purse which had been subscribed by the members . The Secretary then read a letter which had been

prepared and signed by all the brethren present . The S . W ., Bro . COBB , as a born Australian colonist , tendered his best wishes to Bro . Sparrow , and assured him that he would find in the colony a hearty welcome and true friends .

After a few remarks from Bro . MITCHELL , P . M ., Treas ., Bro . SPARROW replied , thanking the brethren for the unexpected mark of their favour which he had received . His heart had been , and would continue to be , with the Perseverance Lodge of Instruction , and when far away he should never forget the kindness

which had been shown to him b y the brethren . The lodge was then closed , and the meeting was formed into a smoking concert , and a very pleasant evening was spent , terminating with " Auld Lang Syne . " '

Bro . Sparrow sails shortly for Melbourne , and carries with him the good wishes of a large circle of Masonic friends . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C , Preceptor of the lodge , was unfortunatel y unable to be present owing to illness .

Third Annual Ball Of The Downshire Lodge, No. 594 .

THIRD ANNUAL BALL OF THE DOWNSHIRE LODGE , No . 594 .

The brethren of the above lodge held their third annual ball at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , on the 30 th ult ., in aid of the Downshire Lodge Fund of Benevolence . There were about 150 guests present . The ball was under the patronage of Bros , the Ri ght Hon . the Earl of Lathom , E . H . Cookson , Prov .

S . G . W ., and other Provincial Grand Officers . The guests were received by the W . M . ( Bro . E . R . Latham ) and Mrs . Latham . The following brethren constituted the active Committee : Bros . E . R . Latham , W . M ., President ; I . Turner , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . L . Houghton , P . M . ; W . H . Veevers , P . M . ; A . Pedersen , P . M . ; D . Dunkel ,

S . W . ; B . Allenby , J . W . ; J . Phelan , Sec ; J . Edwards , S . D . ; E . Smart , J . D . ; P . Roose , I . G . ; J . Bellingham , J . Hawley , and E . Jefferies , Stwds . It is expected the ball will result in the addition of a substantial sum to the benevolent fund , which was founded b y the present W . M . about two months ago , to which already a considerable amount has been subscribed .

The room was tastefully decorated , and Bro . Swinnerton ' s band furnished the dance music . An excellent supper vvas provided . Bro . Ernest Smart , as Assistant Secretary and Master of Ceremonies , fulfilled his duties in a most satisfactory manner .

Ireland.

Ireland .

BOYLE . Abbey Lodge ( No . 242 ) . —The annual festival of this old lodge was held on 'Thursday , the gth ult ., and proved a most enjoyable gathering . In the absence of the VV . M . elect , Bro . Hubert Hamilton , J . P ., and at the request of the out-going W . M ., Bro . Larminie , the chair for the evening was occupied by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master

of North Connaught , Bro . Francis 1 ' .. Clarke , M . D ., LL . D ., who installed the following as officers , and they were presented to the chair by Bros . Major T . Y . L . Kirkwood , D . L ., P . M ., and Charles Webb , J . P ., P . M . : Bros . Win . Hamilton , M . B ., S . W . ; G . VV . Jackson , J . W . ; Rev . J . G . Digges , M . A ., Chap . ; Dudley Hill Jameson , S . D . ; H . Moore , J . D . ; an J the Earl of Kingston , H . M . L ., I . G . The indefatigable Secretary and Treasurer , Bro . Robert R . Fry ,

P . M ., P . G . I . G ., was re-installed in the same position he has so \\\ rthily filled for the past year-and-half . Mr . Joseph Gillespie , a candidate who had been accepted at the previous communication , was admitted and initiated in a most perfect manner by Bro . T . F . Haskins , who , to the regret of every brother of the lodge , is leaving Boyle for the County Wexford , where doubtless his Masonic light will he duly utilised .

After other business , the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . In addition to those already enumerated , a large number sat down , including Bros . VV . J . Robinson , P . M ., P . G . Steward ; Major Carter ; Cairn Cross Church , S 54 , P . S . G . W . ; David Browne , P . G . Treas . ; St . George Harrison , P . G . Sec . ; Philip Carter , 223 ( E . C ); William

Parke , P . P . S . G . W . ; Arthur Harrison , P . M . S 54 ; and others . The loyal toasts were duly and enthusiastically received , after which the usual Masonic ones were given and received with equal enthusiasm . Responding to his health , the out-going W . M ., Bro . S . Larminie , thanked the brethren for the kindness and loyalty

he had experienced during his year of office , and concluded by proposing " The Health of Bro . the Earl of Kingston , her Majesty ' s Lieutenant of the County . " Lord Kingston suitably responded , and thanked the brethren for having elected him to lodge office as Inner Guard .

When proposing the toast of " 'The Newly-installed Officers , " the D . P . G . M . said that the lodge was most fortunate in its selection , and especially alluded to the Masonic knowledge possessed by Bros . VV . Hamilton , S . W ., and D . H . Jameson , S . D ., and the efficiency and zeal of Bro . Fry , of Frybrook , their esteemed Secretary . As to Bro , the