A Busy Dramatist.

and at the Theatre Royal , Portsmouth . In addition to these there were three or four other companies in the provinces playing "The Royal Pardon , ' "Queen ' s Evidence , " and "Taken from Life "—which was originally written for Messrs . Gatti , and had a phenomenal run—so that , altogether , Mr . Pettitt calculated that on Monday nitrht lo . ooo people were listening to his plays . Mr .

Pettitt draws fees for every one of these performances , so that he must have the income of a prince . Mr . Gilbert probably makes more money out of the stage , and Mr . G . R . Sims as much , but with these exceptions , no one has struck such a rich mine in the drama as the genial author of " The Harbour Lights . " Shortly before cockcrow Mr . Pettitt stood on the steps of the Grosvenor , and declared

_ that the prospects of the British drama were better to-day than ever . A few days ago he glanced through the columns of a daily paper and found that at two-thirds of the thirtynine theatres in London pieces of French origin were being played . At the present time only three French adaptations

have a place on the London stage , and of the three , one is a burlesque of "Monte Christo , " by two English authors . With which sage reflections revolving in my mind , I sailed homeward , not wondering any longer why Henry Pettitt was voted in town and country one of the best fellows in the world .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . SAMUEL WHITE . Bro . Samuel White , of the firm of Messrs . John White and Son , leather merchants , Bingley , died suddenly on the 25 th ult ., of heart disease , and his remains were interred at Bingley on 30 th ult . The cortege left Gilstead Hall at eleven o ' clock , and proceeded to the parish church , where the funeral service was held . A number of private carriages

were sent , and all the neighbouring lodges were represented , and a large number of beautiful wreaths were conveyed in a separate carriage . Amongst the mourners were Mr . D . Salmond , Mr . J . B . Sharp , Mr . J . Anderton , Mr . D . England , Mr . C . Platts , Mr . W . Platts , Mr . Aked , Mr . Hardcastle , Mr . R . E . Weatherhead , Mr . Fred Bonsor , Mr . Gatecliffe , Mr . C . E . Sugden , and all

the relations and many friends of the deceased gentleman . A full choral service was conducted in the parish church by the Rev . H . L . Williams , M . A . Mr . Charles Blagbro sang the solo— " Be thou faithful , " and the organist played the "Dead March . " Bro . White was highly respected in Bingley . He was sixty years of age . —Leeds Mercury .

Masonic And General Tidings

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS

The Committee of Management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution will hold their next monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday the 13 th inst . Bro . R . H . Crowden , of Newlands Park , has been returned to represent the Lawrie Park Ward on the Beckenham Local Board without opposition .

The ceremony of consecration will be rehearsed by Bro . Jas . Terry , P . M ., & c , at the Lily Lodge of Instruction , No . 820 , Greyhound Hotel , Richmond , on Tuesday , April the 19 th . The Agent-General for Queensland so hi ghly approved of Bro . Major Cooper's article , " An Emigrant Ship , " in the March number of the " Illustrated Naval

and Military Magazine , " that he has ordered a reprint of 5000 copies . The installation meeting of the Lodge of Israel , 1474 , Birmingham , was held on Monday , the 14 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall ( Old Synagogue ) , Severn-street . There was a very large attendance of Provincial Grand Officers and

other visitors . The installation ceremony was conducted by Bro . S . Lyon , M . P ., one of the founders of the lodge , the Master being Bro . James Adie . As in the so-called Jewish lodges in London , this lodge has several non-Jewish members , and the banquets are arranged according to Jewish observances .

Among the more . recent developments in Jerusalem is a Masonic lodge , the Royal Solomon , which had been dormant for some years , and has been lately revived . No place could be more appropriate for a lodge of a cosmopolitan character than Jerusalem , abounding with traces and traditions of Hiram and the Phoenician builders

of the Temple . It will , no doubt , be a rallying point for those enthusiastic Masons who may visit Jerusalem in order to explore the site of King Solomon ' s gorgeous edifice and the intricacies of the vast quarries beneath , where the stones were prepared by the skilful Craftsmen . — . Globe .

On Wednesday evening , the 23 rd ult ., the brethren of the Brotherly Love Lodge , No . 320 , Headford , Yeovil , presented to Bro . J . Alfred Milborne , I . P . M ., a handsome set of Provincial Masonic clothing as a wedding gift , he having been married during his year of office as

W . M . of the lodge . The presentation was briefly but appropriatelymadebytheW . M ., Bro . Basket , and acknowledged by Bro . Milborne in suitable terms . At the lodge three new members were initiated , and the brethren , including several from the neighbouring Province of Dorset , afterwards partook of supper .

AN INTERESTING MASONIC RELIC—Recently Mr . Thomas Thistle , of Whitby , while attending a sale by auction in that town , had knocked down to him for a nominal sum a miscellaneous lot of old manuscripts , account books , apparently of little value . Upon examination , there was discovered amongst the collection the original minutes of the Britannia Lodge , constituted in

1772 , and held in the Plough Inn , Church-street , Whitby . This lodge was the first Masonic fraternity established in Whitby , and was the predecessor of the Lion Lodge , No . 312 , to which Mr . Thistle has kindly presented these curious and interesting minutes , which will be preserved in the archives of the lod ge as a relic of Masonry in Whitby in the olden times .

Masonic And General Tidings

We understand that the testimonial which it is proposed to present to Bro . V . P . Freeman , who has rendered such admirable service to Freemasonry as Prov . Grand Secretary of Sussex , is expected to exceed £ 700 . Bro . John Bewley was elected W . M . of the Stirling Lodge , No . 19 S 9 , Cleator Moor , by a unanimous vote on Wednesday , the 30 th ult .

The Merchant Taylors' Company in commemoration of the Queen ' s Jubilee have voted £ 1000 to the Imperial Institute , £ 250 to the Clergy Distress Fund , and £ 250 to the Church House . Bro . Edward Terry has made it known that he proposes opening his new theatre on the 29 th September next , and that he will not therefore appear , as reported at

the Gaiety during the autumn . We have to announce that the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Middlesex , will be held under the banner of the Stanmore Chapter , No . 1549 , at the Abercorn Hotel , Great Stanmore , on Saturday , the 14 th May , prox . On Tuesday , the boys at Christ ' s Hospital will

be received at the Mansion House by Bro . the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress , and having been regaled with the customary buns and wine , will be presented , the Grecians with a guinea , and the Probationers with half-a-guinea , Monitors , half-a-crown , and the rank ] and file with a shilling each . We are desired to state that the usual weekly

meeting of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1949 , at the Prince Regent , Dulwich-road , Herne-hill , S . E ., will not be held on the evening of Tuesday next , the 12 th inst ., but on the following Tuesday , the 19 th inst . Bro . J . Andrews , W . S . 19 S 6 , will occupy the chair . The lodge will be opened at 8 p . m . precisely , and it is anticipated agoodly number of the brethren will be present .

The following dinners take place at the Freemasons' Tavern for the week ending the gth inst . : Monday —Old King ' s Arms Chapter , Lodge of Union ? , Caxton Lodge , Robert Burns Lodge , and Lodge of Joppa . Tuesday—Old Acquaintance Musical Society . Wednesday—Hackney Carriage Proprietors . Thursday—Westminster and Keystone Lodge , Universal Chapter , and St . James ' s Chapter .

A grand banquet was given by the Imperial Federation League to the delegates to the Colonial Conference , at Freemasons' Tavern , on Saturday evening last . Bros . Lord Charles Beresford , R . N ., M . P ., Lord Brabourne , Lord E . Cecil , Lord Castletown , Sir . W . Crossman , M . P ., T . Agg-Gavdner , M . P ., Lord C . Hamilton , M . P ., Colonel King-Harman , M . P ., Jackson , M . P ., Storey-Maskelyne , M . P ., and A . Staveley Hill , M . P ., being among the principal guests .

A very successful conversazione was held in the Exhibition Hall of the Botanic Gardens , Belfast , on Friday the 25 th ult ., in behalf of the Belfast Masonic Charities and Widows' Fund . The Report showed that during the past year the receipts had appreciably increased , and that a large amount of assistance had been rendered . The band of the West Surrey regiment was present , and played an excellent programme of music , which gave the utmost satisfaction to the brethren and their friends .

There was a numerous muster of guests at the dinner at Guildhall Tavern on Monday evening , of the General Purposes Committee of the City Corporation , among the most conspicuous being Bros . Aldermen Sir H . E . Knight , Cowan , and Sir John Staples , K . C . M . G ., Lieut .-Col . and Sheriff Kirby , J . W . Goodinge ( late Chairman of the Committee ) , A . J . Altaian , and G . Pitt-Lewis , O . C .,

M . P . The occasion was unusually interesting trom the fact that in the course of the evening the services of Bro . Goodinge , as Chairman during the past year , were recognised , and the esteem in vihich he is held was shown , by the presentation to him of a very handsome gold watch and chain , which was feelingly acknowledged by the recipient in a few appropriate sentences .

The series of dramatic performances now taking place at the Crystal Palace are unquestionably the most successful of their kind ever attempted there . Everybody regards Sydenham as a place on which a blight has fallen , and to some extent this is so . It is the blight of public neglect , which has been brought about through the rival attractions of South Kensington . Yet , in what were these

exhibitions comparable to the glasshouse of England ? Very few people seem aware that the Palace is now open at cheap rates on Wednesdays until nearly midnight , brilliantly lighted , and with a fresh theatrical piece each week , with Oscar Barrett as the guiding spirit . The management has been stirred to its depths by the rumours that the building was about to be closed , and intend making every effort to prove those rumours false .

KENNING S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF MASONIC CLOTHING AND J EWELS . ( Published at 195 , Aldersgate-street . ) The fifth edition of this gorgeous volume has just appeared , and will afford pleasure to the uninitiated from its numberless artistic designs . The cataogue refers , we should state , to the numerous insignia in use by the Masonic body , and is , no doubt , what it

professes to be , the reflex of an establishment which is unique amongst Masonic stores . At Mr . Kenning's every material thing connected with the Craft can be seen , and it may be said that many of the articles are manufactured on the premises . We are told that " every branch , from the drawing of the gold or silver wire , to the finished article , is carried on on the premises . " The catalogue shows in

gorgeous colours the various aprons , collars , gauntlets , banners , & c , and chains , jewels , & c , in more sober tints . As well as illustrating the variety of design of the various insignia belonging to Masonry , the catalogue is a good specimen of colour printing in the present year of grace . — The Metropolitan . HOLLOWAV ' S OINTMENT AND PILLS . —Diseases of Women . —

Medical science in all ages has been directed to alleviate the many maladies incident to females ; but Professor Holloway , by diligent study and attentive observation , was induced to believe that Nature had provided a remedy for those special diseases . He has , after vast research , succeeded in compounding this celebrated Pills and Ointmentwhich embod

, y the principle naturally designed for the relief and cure of disorders peculiar to women of all ages and constitutions , whether residing in warm or cold climates . They have repeatedly corrected disordered functions which , have defied the usual drugs prescribed tor such cases , and still more satisfactory is it that the malady is relieved completely and permanently—rAnvT . ]

Masonic And General Tidings

A warrant has been granted for a lodge , named the Regent ' s Park Lodge , bearing the number 2202 , to meet at the York and Albany , Park-street , Regent ' s Park , f which Bro . D . P . Cama , Grand Treasurer , is to be the fj rst Master ; Bro . E . C . Mulvey , S . W . ; and Bro . J . K . R . Cama , J . W .

A GREAT MASONIC PICTURE . A fine Masonic picture is now on view at the studio of Mr . Burt Sharp , photographer and artist , at 79 , West , street Brighton . It is commemorative of the grand ceremony last year at the Dome and the Royal Pavilion , when H . R . Jf the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master of England , inl stalled his brother the Duke of Connaught as Provincial

Grand Master of Sussex . The picture is a triumph of indefatigable energy and photographic ability , inasmuch as the whole life of the work has been carefully added piece by piece to the photograph of the assembly room , and that in so excellent a manner as scarcely to leave a fault even in the perspective of the large gathering . The view is from a point immediately about the entrance to the Corn Exchange

and there is embraced within it no fewer than 570 portraits of the Masons who were present—those of the Grand Lodge of England on the platform or dais ; the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex in the foreground on the floor f the hall ; the Worshipful Masters , Past Masters and Wardens of Sussex Lodges in the balcony ; and Master Masons and others of the Craft filling up the remaining

space in the area and in the outer circle . Beside the Prince of Wales ( who occupies the chair ) is Prince Victor , the line to the Prince's left being continued by nob ! emen representing the Grand and Provincial Lodges and including Lord Leigh , the Marquis of Hertford , Earl Amherst , Earl Rosslyn , Earl of Lathom , Earl Kintore , and Lord Harlech . The Senior Warden's chair is seen to be

occupied by Lord Herschell , and that of the Junior Warden by Lord Charles Beresford . The special incident in the cere , mony depicted is that of Bro . Gerard Ford , the Provincial Grand Registrar ( now Deputy Prov . G . M . ) , upon the steps of the dais in the act of presenting the address of congratulation , through Sir Albert Wcods ( the Grand Director of Ceremonies ) to the Prince of Wales . The execution of the picture , which is 6 ft . s in . by 3 ft . gin ., is

the result of nine months' labour , Mr . Sharp having had to travel over a great part of England and Wales in order to obtain sittings of many of the prominent Masons who took part in the proceedings . The picture is now ready for re-production , and is a really splendid specimen of photographic skill and a worthy memento of the unique event which it so graphically records . BISHOP FRASER MEMORIAL CHAPEL . — We

learn that the Committee for erecting the Diocesan Memorial to the late Bishop Fraser have been informed that the effigy and monument may be expected to be completed about the middle of May . It is understood also that the memorial chapel , erected by the liberality of Mrs . Fraser , will be ready lor the reception of the monumental the same time . The friends of the late Bishop will be

gratified to read an extract from a private letter written recently by a gentleman who had seen the figure in the studio of Bro . Forsyth , the sculptor : "The statue is a supreme success . The likeness is scarcely less than an inspiration . " To complete the memorial in a suitable manner the Committee will require some additional donations or offertories , as well as for the payment of the subscriptions already promised .

Willing's Selected Theatrical Programme.

WILLING'S SELECTED THEATRICAL PROGRAMME .

DRURY LANE THEATRE . Every Evening at 7 . 25 , THE FORTY THIEVES . Morning Performance every Wednesday and Saturday , at 1 . 25 . ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA , COVENT GARDEN . Every Evening , Italian Opera at popular prices .

ADELPHI THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 , THE HARBOUR LIGHTS J at 7 . 15 , Farce . PRINCESS'S THEATRE . Every Evening , HELD BY THE ENEMY . GLOBE THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 . 45 , THE PRIVATE SECRETARY ; at 8 , AFTER MANY DAYS .

SAVOY THEATRE . Everjr Evening at S . 30 , RUDDIGORE , OR THE WITCH ' S CURSE ; at 7 . 40 , THE CARP .

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 50 , A DARK NIGHT ' S BRIDAL ; at 8 . 30 , SOPHIA . Matinee Every Saturday , at 2 . 30 . GAIETY THhATRE . Every Evening at 8 , MONTE CRISTO , JR . ; at 7-3 ° > DIMITY ' S DILEMMA . COURT THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 , THE NETTLE ; at 8 . 30 , DANDY-D ICK ,

STRAND THEATRE . Every Evening , at S , J ACK IN THE BOX ; at 7 . 30 , BV SPECIAL KEOUEST . COMEDY THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 , THE OPEN GATE ; at 9 , T HE MORMON .

TOOLE'S THEATRE . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , RUDDY GEORGE ; at S . 30 , T HE BUTLER .

PRINCE OF WALES'S THEATRE . Every Evening at S . 30 , DOROTHY ; at 7 . 45 , A HAPPY DAY ' STANDARD THEATRE , Every Evening at 7 . 30 , BLIND J USTICE . GRAND THEATRE . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , HUMAN NATURE .

SURREY THEATRE . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , THE ROMANY RYE . ROYAL AQUARIUM . , Open , 12 . 0 ; close , 11 . 30 . Constant Round of Amusement .

LONDON PAVILION . Every Evening at 8 , the Marvellous Variety Entertainment , & c . ALHAMBRA THEATRE OF VARIETIES . , Every Evening at 8 , Variety Entertainment . Two Gran Ballets , & c .

CANTERBURY THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , Grand Variety Company , & c- > & ' PARAGON THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment , & c , « MADAME TUSSAUD & SONS' EXHIBITIONOpen 10 till 10 . Portrait Models of Past and Pr « ' Celebrities .