Twelfth Night Entertainment At The Girls' School.

TWELFTH NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .

The annual Twelfth Night entertainment given . by the House Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution lor Girls to those girls who remain in the School during the Christmas holidays , took place on Monday evening , at the School House , St . John ' s Hill , Battersea Rise . Bro . Robert

Grey , Chairman on the rota , and a large company of ladies and brethren attended on the occasion , among " those present being Misses Kate T . Terry , C . Terry , Jessie E . Terry , and F . S . Bowyer , Mr . H . L . Bowyer , Mr . F . Elton , Bros . Frank Richardson , and C . F . Matier , Bro . and Mrs . Hammerton , Bro . H . H . Aspinall , Misses May Aspinall , Ethel Aspinall , A . B . Robertson and Constance Robertson ,

Miss Massey , Miss A . R . Massey , Mr . H . W . Massey , Mr . A . S . Dicketts , Bro . Herbert Dicketts , Bro . J . E . Roberts , Mrs . Roberts , Bros . Jas . Moon , Chas . Fred . Hogard and F . R . \ V . Hedges , Mr . E . H . Venn , Bro . Henry Venn , Mr . St . John G . S . Clerke , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Mr . A . B . H . Clerke , Mrs . Hirsch , Mr . W . C . Hirsch , Bros . Louis Hirsch , J . H . Matthews , E . Bowyer

P . G Std . Br . ; Messrs . A . P . Bowyer , G . W . Bowyer , and T . W . Palmer , Bros . Aid . Savory , J . S . Peachey , Chas . Stevens and Griffiths Smith , Miss Brewer , Bro . W . C . Hurst , P . M . G 39 , Bengal , and Miss C . Denison . The company took tea together at five o'clock , Miss Jarwood , the Matron of the Institution , taking the principal seat , and Miss Shepherd acting as Vice-President .

At six o clock Herr Adalbert Frikell entertained the whole party with his feats of legerdemain , including—Le pigeon ties delicat , un mouchoir blanc , spiritual calculation and thought reading , die Bachus Flasche , the inexhaustible pocket , a tender handkerchief , botanical manifestations , and distillery out of paper shavings . At seven o'clock the pupils and visitors engaged in

dancing " , and at eight o ' clock Herr Frikell gave a second part of his entertainment , including extraordinary mesmerism , the watery surprise , illustrations of finger-fertigkeit , grand potpourri , avec Ie chapeau mephisto , Frikell s atmospheric mint , La ! ou Frikell partout , and explanations of ancient and modern prestidigitation . Mr . Arthur Lock presided at the pianoforte .

The children afterwards had their twelfth cakes and olher refreshments , and enjoyed the amusements provided by the brethren . The remainder of the evening was employed in dancing - , which was kept up with much spirit till a late hour .

The entertainment was one of the most successful ever provided at the Girls' School . After the entertainment Herr Frikell gave every one of the pupils in the School a present ; and Bro . Alderman Savory further added to their pleasure by presenting each pupil with a new shilling .

Destruction Of Bro. Carson's Library.

DESTRUCTION OF BRO . CARSON'S LIBRARY .

Bro . Hughan writes respecting this serious loss as follows : ' * I have just had enclosed sent me by my friend , Bro . J . J . Taylor , of New Jersey , U . S . A . In common with Masonic students the wide world over , I most sinct-rely sympathise with our Bro . Carson's loss , and can only hope that the

rumour is not correct , but 1 fear it is too true . Bro . Carson has been a collector of Masonic works and curios for over a quarter of a century , and has , or had , the finest private Masonic library known . . He secured several uniques for his extraordinary collection , and has always been most generous in making their contents known , for the benefit of all concerned . "

" MASONIC TEMPLE ON FIRE . " DESTRUCTION OF BOOKS WHICH CANNOT BE REPLACED . " LOSS ABOUT 200 , 000 DOLS . " CINCINNATI , Ohio , Dec . 24 th , 18 S 4 . —A fire broke out this morning in the cellar of J . R . Mills and Co . ' s stationery and mercantile printing establishment , situated on Walnut-street , above Third , in the north-east corner ol

the Masonic Temple . It extended rapidl y to other portions of the Temple , which is a large building fronting on Third-street and extending to an alley midway between Walnut and Main streets . By 11 o ' clock the fire was fully under control , and was confined to the Temple , and mainly to its northern half , the building being divided by a wide hall running from east to west .

" The Masonic Temple is the property of Nova Ccsarea Lodge of Masons . It was built at the cost of 200 , 000 dols . It was insured for 125 , 000 dols ., much more than enough to cover the loss on the building . The principal item of the loss is that of the Scottish Rite , whose property was on the

third and fourth floors , the portion of the . building first damaged by the lire . Their loss is estimated at 50 , 000 to 75 , 000 dols . Enoch T . Carson ' s Masonic library , worth 10 , 000 dols ., and containing many works impossible to replace , was wholly lost and was uninsured . The losses to the other lodges were not so heavy , as much property was

carried out . "J . R . Mills and Co ., in whose establishment the fire started , cannot estimate their loss , but as their printing house , which was separate from their other premises , is not burned , it is thought that 30 , 000 dols . will cover their loss ; insurance 10 , 000 dols . The total loss on the structure is estimated at 60 , 000 dols . ; the Scottish Rite , 75 , 000 dols . ; J . R . Mills and Co ., 30 , 000 dols . ; and others , 10 , 000 dols . The Scottish Rite insurance is 16 , 000 dols . "

Jottings From The Antipodes.

JOTTINGS FROM THE ANTIPODES .

( . FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT . ] MELBOURNE , Nov . IOTH . . Masonry in Victoria , under the English Constitution particularl y , has made rapid strides since the assumption of 'he reins of government by Sir W . J . Clarke . Several new lod ges have recently been opened , others are talked about .

and some that for years had hardly moved at all , are making new members every lodge night . In Collingwood , a Melbourne suburb , a new lodge has been inaugurated , under the name of the Earl of Carnarvon , and with 42 promoters to commence with . This impetus to legitimate Masonry betokens the early extinction of the so-called Grand Lodge of Victoria . That body now boasts a total ° f 17 lodges , the full membership of which would probably wake three or four decent lodges . The best proof of their

Jottings From The Antipodes.

numerical poverty , in fact , is supplied by the official organ , in the columns of which the officers of each lodge are detailed , some of them holding positions in as manv as three lodges . Overtures , moreover , are being made for an amalgamation , not on our side , of course . The chief of the illegally-formed body has on two occasions sounded the English District Giand Secretary on the subject . This , with other significant signs of the times that I need not

here refer to , but which are well known in Melbourne Masonic circles , all tend to a sure result , namely , that the end is near . An amalgamation , however , will be a serious matter for the Victorians . In the first place , the seceders who left their lodges in arrears of dues will have to pay up , whilst those who were induced to be made irregularly , will find themselves out of the pale . These insuperable difficulties are a bar to any amalgamation , and the olive

branch has been plucked for ncthing . The foundation-stone of the new Freemasons' Hall will shortly be laid by Sir VV . J . Clarke . When erected it will be the most complete and extensive building of the kind in Australia . The front part of the existing structure , on which another storey is to be built , was opened as a Masonic Club a fortnight ago . The building , from the first , was spotted for the purpose , standing as it does in Collins-street

—the principal thoroughfare of Melbourne , and the clubland of the Victorian Metropolis , seeing that therein are the Melbourne , the Bohemian , the Athenseum , the Yorr ' tck , and the Jewish Clubs . The Masonic Club contains on the ground floor dining room , strangers' room , bar and smoking room , secretary's office , kitchen , Sic , and on the first floor reading room , drawing room , billiard room , and card mom , together with sleeping accommodation for country members .

As the only club of its kind south of the line , it has all at once become very popular , the members now numbering over a hundred , and increasing every week , so that by the time the new hall is opened , the roll ought to have increased five-fold . . Sir W . J . Clarke is President of the Committee . 1 he admission fee is five guineas , and annual subscription three guineas . We have some distinguished members of the Craft in

Melbourne just now . One is Capt . Moreland R . W . G . M . of Scottish Masonry in All India , from Bombay . My introduction to Capt . Moreland is the more interesting from the circumstance of his being a relative of the Grand Master of my mother province—the Earl of Bective . Bro . Col . Brownrigg , Assistant Adjutant General of the Victorian Military Forces , now settled in Melbourne , is Past Deputy District Grand Masterof the Punjab . E . C .

Brownrigg is a household word to English Masons ; and it is scarcely necessary to add that the gallant colonel , like his father and uncle , evinces a deep interest in the Craft . The MAV . Pro Grand Master of England has been invited to accept honorary membership of the new Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . It is 12 months since a new Mark Lodge was opened in Melbourne , with the object of excluding Mark Masons who

had cast in their lot with the spurious Grand Lodge of Victoria . Difficulties and obstacles of every imaginable kind were thrown in the way at first , and much correspondence passed between the Mark authorities and promoters here and the General Board at home . The Combermere Mark Lodge , No . 33 G , however , came out of the fray with flying colours , and it is significant that the W . M . was requested to name some member of his lodge upon whom the M . VV .

Grand Master was desirous of conferring- the rank of a Past Grand Officer of England . The position of the lodge , and the soundness of its principles , are furthermore exemplified by the following bye-law , adopted in accordance with a recommendation from the General Board : " No member of any so-called Masonic organisation that is not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England , shall be advanced in , or become a joining member of , or be admitted to enter as a visitor , in

this Mark Master Masons Lodge . " 1 he first anniversary was celebrated last week , when the new W . M ., Bro . Dr . Willmott , P . M . and M . E . Z . 752 ( E . C ) , D . G . P . B . G . P ., was installed . The Combermere Lodge is now in full working order , and the returns to Grand Secretary are very gratifying to all concerned . Speaking of the Mark Degree , the Keystone Lodge , No . 19 , working in Melbourne , is , I think , the onl y one now holding a warrant from the Grand Chapter of Scotland . It is very strong in members , and meets regularly every month .

The consecration of the Combermere Conclave of Red Cross Knights in Melbourne hangs fire through the nonreceipt of regalia and appointments from England . The certificates of the nine or ten promoters , installed several months ago , have not yet turned up , albeit , the warrant is here , and ready for business , whilst about a score of candidates are waiting . Once fairly under way , there is no doubt the Chivalric Order would prove a success . I have

had enquiries about the Order from Tasmania . Vastly different to the Victorian and New South Wales institutions is the status of the new Grand Lodge of South Australia . Founded on British Constitutional lines , namely , a majority—and a heavy majority—of signatories , recognition by the Grand Lodges at home must and will follow in due course . By the way , it is highly amusing the persistent way in which the Victorians trumpet forth the names

of Grand Lodges in the United States and elsewhere that have acknowledged their existence . The gilt of the American recognition is , however , seriously dimmed since my friend , Bro . John VV . Simons , expounded his opinions in the A eiv York Dispatch . Coming as it does from a Past Grand Master of New York , whose members exceed the whole of the Grand Bodies in America , including Bulgaria and Roumania in Europe , that have acknowledged the

Victorian faux pas , this deliverance is a valuable commentary on the folly and presumption of an irresponsible and dictatorial clique , many of whose followers have discovered their mistake , and would long ere this have retraced their steps had it been possible . Reverting to South Australia , the only lodge that has not joined the new Grand Lodge is the Duke of Leinster , No . 363 , under the Irish Constitution . A month ago they consecrated a new hall , called the Alfred Masonic Hallin

, Adelaide . A former member tells me this lodge is very rich in money , as well as in real property . An English brother , initiated and passed in a North of England lodge , comes out to Australia , and settles in Adelaide . He is raised in a lodge , an hour subsequent to the said lodge agreeing to join the Grand Lodge of South Australia . Query—What is his present and future standing ? and will the Grand Lodge of England grant him a certificate ?

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE GENERAL GRAND CONCLAVE . The annual assembly was holden on Monday , the ist ult ., at SA , Red Lion-square , High Holborn . W . C , when there were present Sir Knights James Lewis-Thomas , Acting G . S . G . ; Thomas Cuhitt , G . J . G . ; H . A . Dubois , G . M . ; John Mason , G H . Chancellor ; George Powell , G .

Examiner ; John G . Marsh , P . G . S . G . and P . G . A . ; George Mickley , G . A . Marshal ; C F . Hogard , G . Examiner ; T . C . Walls , G . A . Treas . ; E . H . Thiellay , G . Perfect ; Henry Venn , G . Swd . B . ; T . Massa , G . A . Recorder ; J . Moon , G . Vice-Chamberlain ; H . H . Shirley ; J . R . Foulger ; G . F . Tucltcy , Int . Gen . Bristol ; C . F . Matier , P . S . 50 , Int . Gen . South Lane . ; C VV . Priclmore , and Carlo Tichiaz .

The lines having been formed , the Most 111 . Acting Grand Sovereign , attended by the Grand Officers , entered the Grand Conclave , which was opened in imperial form . The minutes of the previous assembly of the General Grand Conclave , which had heen printed and freely circulated , ayere taken as read , and unanimously carried . The Executive Committee—which had been summoned to meet two

hours previously—were not able to present a full report , owing to the very serious illness of the Grand Treasurer , Sir Knight I evander * , and the absence , also from illness , of the Grand Recorder , Sir Knight Woodman . A notice of motion from Sir Kni ght Hogard , Grand Examiner , had been placej before the sir knights , which

was to be further considered at an adjourned meeting of their Committee , to be held during the following week , after which the Grand Council will be summoned to consider the Grand Treasurer ' s accounts and other matters . There being the exact number proposed for election , there was no contest , and the Senate is as follows :

Appointed by Grand Sovereign—1 C . F . Hogard . 5 W . E . Dawes . 2 Euuene H . Thiellay . 6 Cuthbert E . Peek . 3 T . C . Walls . 7 G . A . Rooks . 4 Thomas Massa . 8 Alfred R . Robinson .

Elected by Grand Conclave , without a contest—1 H . Venn . 6 C . VV . Pridmore . 2 J . G . Chillingworth . 7 H . J . Lardner . 3 J . Moon . S J . S . Cumberland . 4 Geo . Mickley . 9 P . de F . Collier . 5 Rich . Robinson . 10 H . H . Shirley .

They recommended that the sum of £ to 10 s . be voted frcm the General Fund to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , to be placed on Sir Knight Cubitt ' s list . This was voted in 1 SS 3 , but informally ( it has since then been paid out of funds in the hands of the Grand Recorder ) . This report was read by Sir Knight HOGARD and duly

accepted by Grand Conclave . Sir Knight MATIER proposed , and Sir Knight POWELL seconded , that the Committee to carry out the suggestion contained in notice of motion by Sir Knight Hogard be composed of the following : Sir Knights J . Lewis-Thomas , Powell , Walls , Moon . Hogard , Dubois , and Mason . Sir Knight DUBOIS proposed , and Sir Knight POWPLL

seconded , that the dues from Irwin Conclave , Bristol , be remitted to 30 th September last , and that the conclave have power to resume woiking . The acting Grand Recorder , Sir Knight MASON , read a letter from the Most III . Grand Sovereign , Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., expressing satisfaction at the progress the Order was making abroad , and appointing Sir Knight

Levander * -, Grand Treasurer , and Sir Knight Woodman , Grand Recorder , to the brevet rank of " Grand Viceroy . " Sir Knight WALLS proposed , and Sir Knight DUBOIS seconded , that Sir Knight Levander * be elected again Grand Treasurer , which was carried unanimously . Sir Knight MAIIER proposed , and air Knight POWELL seconded , that the Executive Committee be formed of tha

same members a = usual . The ACTING GRAND RECORDER stated that it appeared from the correspondence that the Order was increasing in the Colonies , and several of the home conclaves had resumed , which had been in abeyance . In addition to the X ' 10 10 s . for last year , to be placed on Sir Knight Cubitt ' s list , for the Rnval Masonic Benevolent

Institution , it was proposed by Sir Knight DUBOIS , and seconded by Sir Knight CUBITT , that a sum of £ 5 5 s . be voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls ' , to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for their next Festivals . This was carried unanimously . Sir Knight POWELL proposed , and Sir Knight HOGARD

seconded , that the Grand Conclave be summoned for the first Monday in March , in accordance with the statutes of the Order , but which have been in abeyance from the year 1879 , since which time it has been found convenient to hold Grand Conclave in December , and under the banner of the Premier Conclave . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read by ACTING GRAND RECORDER from Sir Knights the Most

111 . Grand Sovereign , Col . Sir F . Burdett , Bart . ; the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , Most Em . G . Viceroy ; T . W . Ellison Macartney , M . P ., M . E . G . Senior General ; Eminent Sir Knights A . Robinson , Lewthwaite , T . B . Whytehead , Rev . A . W . Hall , A . O . Wilson , G . P . Bro . ckbank , and W . H . Brittain . There was a banquet , as usual , under the banner of the Premier Conclave . * Since dead .

? THE TESTIMONIAL TO MR . ALDERMAN FOWLER , M . P . —It has been decided that the testimonial to Mr . Alderman Fowler , M . P ., the late Lord Mayor , will take the form of a diamond necklace for Miss Fowler , who acted as Lady Mayoress last year , and a valuable piece of

plate for the Alderman himself , together with a handsome album containing the signatures of the subscribers . The presentation cannot take place until the latter end of February , as the Alderman is now en route fur Egypt , and will not be in London until the re-assembling of Parliament . —City Press .

£ BO to £ 500 . —Tobacconists . —A . pamphlet ( So pages ) How to commence from £ 20 ; three stamps . H . Myers & Co ., 109 , Euslon-nl ., London . Sample cigars 6 , J , 4 , —1 ' ., 14 stamps , [ Auvr . ]