Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

INSTRUCTION .

NORTH LONDON CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT ( No . ,, ) —A convocation was held on Thursdav , the 6 th inst ., at the / Uwv ' n Castle Tavern , St . Paul ' s-road , Canonbury . Present : rnmns Wm . Radcliffe , M . E . Z . ; H . Jenkins , H . ; S . Barnet , J . ; IE . Sheffield , S . E . ; F . Hallows , S . N . ; and J . Strugnell , P . S . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Alfred Le Grand acting as candidate . Th ; ritual WAS rehearsed in an able and impressive manner . On the whole , a very instructive evening was spent .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management held their regular monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday . Bro . Jabez Hogg , P . G . D ., occupied the chair , and among those present were Bros . James Brett , P . G . P . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; Samuel Brooks , John Bulmer , C . H . Driver , W . B . Daniell , VV . Belchamber , Hugh Cotter , Alex . Forsyth , Frederic Davison , P . G . D . ; Joseph

Freeman , Albert Fish , Wm . Hilton , Charles Lacey , Charles Belton , Louis Stean , A . H . Tattershall , W . Vaughan Morgan , W . M . Bywater , H . ] . Strong , C . J . Perceval , ] . ATFarnfield , W . J . Murlis , T . Cubitt , P . G . P . ; C . G . Hill , C . F . Hogard , John E . Dawson , J . L . Mather , S . B . Wilson , and James Terry ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read

and verified , the Secretary reported the deathsof four annuitants ( two male and two female ) , and of a male candidate . The Warden ' s report having been read and accepted , and that of the Finance Committee adopted and ordered to be entered on the minutes , an application by the widow ot a deceased annuitant for the half of her husband ' s annuity was granted . A female candidate's name was withdrawn

from the list . The petitions of 25 candidates ( 14 men and n widows ) was then considered , all with one exception ( male ) being accepted , and the names ordered to be placed on the respective lists for the May eledion . The customary vole of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close .

Twelfth Night Festivity At Drury Lane.

TWELFTH NIGHT FESTIVITY AT DRURY LANE .

The usual Twelfth Night festival in connection with the Baddeley bequest took place at Drury Lane Theatre on the 6 th inst ., the celebration being on Bro . Augustus Harris ' s grandest scale , and well kept up till an early hour the next morning . There was , as may be supposed , a large gathering , theatrical worthies being largely in the majority , but law and physic , the miliary

and civil services , literature , art , and diplomacy were numerously and efficiently represented , among the many guests of the evening being Bros . Herbert Campbell , Edward Terry , Charles Warner , John Douglass , Earl of Onslow , Sir John Gorst , Q . C , M . P ., W . T . Marriott , O . C ., M . P ., G . A . Sala , A . M . Broadley , A . Meadows . Lionel Brough , and others . The guests having arrived ,

and Mr . Telbin's Jubilee scene having been converted for the nonce into a banqueting room , Mr . James Fernandez advanced to the footlights and delivered an eloquent , oration to the memory of the departed Baddeley and his many virtues , as well as to the generous hospitality of the present lessee of Old Drury , the latter part of his speech being heartily applauded by those present . The curtain then

aose on the Jubilee scene with its heavily laden supper tables and its trophy of "G . H . Mumms' 1 SS 0 " Champagne at the foot of the Queen ' s statue ; and Messrs . Spiers and Pond having purveyed a magnificent supper , the guests disposed themselves with hearty goodwill to discussing its varied merits .

Supper over , and the tables having been removed , Mr . Wallerstein ' s band struck up a waltz , and Bro . Harris opened the ball , which was kept up with admirable spirit and unflagging vigour till past 4 a . m ., when a dispersal of the guests homewards took place , and the 92 nd celebration of the Baddeley Bequest , with all its agreeable associations , took rank with its ninety-one predecessors .

Obituary.

Obituary .

R . W . BRO . COL . A . STEWART , D . G . M . BENGAL . Bro . Colonel Anthony Stewart , of the Bengal Staff Corps , who died on the 13 th December last , was initiated in Lod ge Hope and Perseverance , No . 782 , Lahore , Punjab , in May , 1862 , and was W . M . in the years 1865 , iS 67 , and 1874 , as well as of Lodge Mayo , No . 1430 , Rawal Pindi , in the year 1878 . He was appointed Deputy District Grand

Master of the Punjab in the years 186 9 and 1881 , and in 1882 succeeded Bro . Colonel Marmaduke Ramsay as District Grand Master . He was also at the time of his death the District Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masonry in the Punjab , and the Immediate Past Prov . Grand Mark Master of Bengal . He was a Knight Templar and had held high office in that Order ; the Intendant General of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine in Bengal ; a

member of the Allied and Cryptic Degrees , and held the 32 in the Ancient and Accepted Rite . Lastly , he was also a Y , ? " Pres ' < Jent ° f 'he Royal Masonic Charities , and was well known for his public and private Charities throughout the provinces . Thus in all respects his loss will be a severe one , and there is hardly a branch of Masonry or an Institution connected with the Fraternity which will not have good cause to lament his death .

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of the complexion , as Holloway's Pills purify the blood and Th P ' umpness ts the face which had lost both flesh and colour rem 1 "s 'ombine every excellence desirable in a domestic . crneuy . The most certain and beneficial results flow from the or « , k ° r n se of this regulating medicine ; even persons in health , sLZ 1 ' ° w e sedentary occupation , will find it an invaluable " ¦ psrient , —VABVT . ]

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Tne last mgius ot " i lie Mikado , " ine most popular of all the popular operas of Gilbert and Sullivan , are announced . We are sure our readers will make the most of their opportunities to see for the last time this pretty piece . ' #

* * Bro . Edward Terry writes that he , some three years ago , obtained the signatures of nearly all the leading managers and actors to a petition to Bro . J . P . Knight , the late manager of the London , Brighton , and South Coast Railway , and that the new manager , Mr . Sarle , has acted upon their request and put on a train to Brighton on Saturdays after the London theatres are over , giving the jaded actor a chance of two days' sea air .

On Monday and Tuesday two new plays are to be produced at the Hay market and Globe respectively—Mr . Jones's " Hard Hit" at the former house , and an adaptation from the French called "The Lodgers , " at the latter .

For Mr . H . A . Jones ' s piece a powerful company has been arranged , including Messrs . Beerbohm Tree , Arthur Dacre , and E . Maurice ; Misses Marion Terry and Mary Rorke will also appear . Rumour says it is a strong play . At the Globe Messrs . C . H . Hawtrey , W . J . Hill , and W . S . Penley , and Miss Vane Featherstone will appear .

* * *> When a theatre is taken for a short time , as the Opera Comique seemingly is , for Miss Vaughan becomes the lessee next month , it is the custom to look upon the play put up for that time as not worth a visit . We were agreeably suiprised at the acting of the company engaged in "A Night Off , " which is just now being played . To

those who have not seen the Daly company this farcical comedy will afford an immense amount of amusement , and those who , like ourselves , have witnessed it at the hands of the clever Daly troupe , can still laugh at and enjoy " A Night Off . " We do not for a moment say it is played at the Opera Comique on an equality with the American company . It is not . The ladies are specially

weak ; but Bro . Bevendge , as Snap , is quite as good as the original Mr . Leclerq , and we hope , now Bro . Beveridge has thrown up the part of the gentleman villain , he will stick to such characters as he is playing in this piece . Mr . Kaye , as the Professor , dresses , talks , and looks like Mr . James Lewis . Altogether a very pleasant evening can be spent when one has "A Night Off . "

# # # The last weeks of "The Beggar Student ' at the Comedy are announced , for on St . Valentine ' s Day Miss Melnotte produces Mr . Harry Paulton ' s and Mr . Mostyn Tedde's new and original comic opera , " Mynheer Jan . " The cast will include the lessee , Misses Camille D'Arville , Kate Munroe , and Madame Amadi ( Mrs . G .

Loveday ) , Messrs . Harry Paulton , Sydney Harcourt , De Lange , F . \ i yatt , and Mons . Marius . In the meanwhile "The Beggar Student , " from Manchester , occupies the boards , and is sustained by a very efficient and good allround cast . This opera was given at the Alhambra some few years ago ; but not nearly so well performed . Miss Ada Lincoln , Bro . Henry Bracy , Mr . Fred Mervin , and

Mr . John Child are all of them singers of the first order . The first and last named are new to us , and we welcome them as acquisitions to the lyric stage . Mr . Child cannot act , or , at least , with any ease ; but he sings with accuracy and precision , and has a lovely tenor voice , which he knows well how to use . Mr , F . Mervin has never had a character ( his original ) which suits him better . The opera is tastefully mounted , and the music is bright and tuneful . * a *

Mr . Edward oompton has changed his programme and given the public an opportunity of seeing Goldsmith's ever popular comedy , "She Stoops to Conquer . " We have seen this immortal play , as most of the old English comedies , many times , but we enjoyed it at the Strand as much as the first night of a new piece . It is presented by the Compton Comedy Company with care and completeness , as the other classical plays which they

have given from their stock have been , Mr . Compton has changed from the character of Tony Lumpkin to * that of young Marlow , and plays it in a highly polished style , though he seems to be never quite at ease , but appears to have some self-consciousness . Mr . Valentine now appears as Tony Lumpkin , and to him much credit is due , this being his first time in the character . He gives a delightful

rendering of the Squire ' s son ; though different from what we have seen before , none the less acceptable , and carefully avoids the usual tomfoolery and vulgar character Tony is too often depicted to be . Mr . Sydney Valentine has had a chance , and has embraced it . Mr . Lewis Ball , it was anticipated , would give a highly finished rendering of Mr . Hardcastle . He is an actor of the old school , one

who never takes liberties with a part to get a passing applause . Mr . Ball ' s old English gentlemen " are always refined , and his pleasant voice makes him still more agreeable . Mr . Dadsworth , as Diggory , has struck out a new line , and his playing evidently pleases the . audience , though we can scarcely think it possible for a man-servant , even in the days the comedy was written , to be quite so ignorant

as to his duties , position , and manners . Miss Virginia Bateman—Mrs . Compton—is a pleasing Miss Hardcastle , but plays too much after her husband ' s style , she might , with advantage , be a little brighter , and make the piece go quicker . Mr . Percy Marshall , who is a valuable member of the company , is the Hastings . Miss Dora Vivian is not quite at home as Miss Neville , but Mrs . Aickin as

Mrs . Hardcastle plays the past as everyone would wish it played , she makes the usual mistakes in her speeches , and causes much laughter , but never descends to vulgarity . Altogether the reportoire of the Compton Comedy Company has been very successful . Each piece they produce they play better than the previous one . They are , from

subordinate to principal part , perfect . Intending audiences should go in time to see " Blue Devils , " which is given with great spirit by Messrs . Valentine , Marshall , and Miss Margaret Terry . The latter plays with much grace and winningness , and deserves what she gets , the applause of the audience , and besides , is possessed of a pretty face .

Masonic And General Tidings

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS

Bro . J . Knapton Abel has been unanimously elected Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers ' Company in succession to Bro , Major Joseph , C . C . Mr . Walter Meredith Thomas , son of Bro . J . Lewis Thomas , F . S . A ., P . A . G . D . C , has lately keen gazetted to the 1 st batallion Devonshire Regiment , formerly the uth foot , now quartered at Cork .

Comp , Marmaduke Tennant , who holds the position of D . P . G . M . in Craft Masonry of the Eastern Division of South Wales , has been appointed P . G . Supt . of Royal Arch Masons , an office which has been vacant for some time past . Bro . James Bridge was installed W . M . of the Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge , No . 1504 , Padiham , on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., the usual banquet being afterwards held and a very enjoyable evening spent .

The installation meeting of the Windrush Lodge , No . 1703 , Oxford , was held on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., and the installation banquet took place in the evening , Bio . Nelms , of the Marlborough Hotel , being the caterer . At a meeting of the University of London Lodge , No . 2033 , held on Thursday evening , Baron Herschell , late Lord Chancellor of Great Britain , was unanimously elected W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year , and will be regularly installed at the next ordinary meeting in May .

The brethren of Dewsbury gave their annual baU on Friday , the 7 th inst ., under the auspices of the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles , No . 20 S , Bro . C . E . Rhodes , W . M ., acting as M . C . There was a large and fashionable party present . Our readers will be pleased to hear of the

marriage this week of the lady Winifred Herbert , daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , and Prov . Grand Master of Somersetshire . There was a large gathering at the marriage ceremony , and the bridal pair afterwards left to pass the honeymoon at the Earl ' s seat , Highclere castle .

Ihe ceremony of installation will be performed at the United Strength Lodge of Instruction , No . 23 S , which is held at the Hope Tavern , Stanhope-street , Hampstead-road , on Wednesday , the 19 th inst ., by Bro Ellwood , VV . M . Manchester Lodge , No . 179 . All brethren are cordially invited to this lodge ot instruction , of which Bro . Kew , P . M ., is the Preceptor , and Bro . H . Palmer , Hon . Sec .

A grand Masonic ball was held in the Town Hall , Bournemouth , on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., under the auspices of the Hengist Lodge , No . 195 , the chief patrons being Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., P . G . M . Hants and the Isle of Wight ; Montague Guest , P . G . M . Dorsetshire ; and J . E . Le Feuvre , G . J . D ., D . P . G . M . Hants and the Isle of Wight . There was a very efficient body of Stewards , and everything passed off most successfully , quite a hundred guests being present .

Ihe Prince of Wales presided at a meeting held in the banqueting hall of St . James ' s Palace , on Wednesday , in support of the propo .-al to establish an Imperial Institute for the United Kingdom , the Colonies , and India , there being present , among others , Bros . Prince Albert Victor of Wales , Lord Herschell , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Lord Mayor , Alderman Sir John Staples , K . C . M . G ., the Duke of St . Albans , the harl of Cork , Earl Granville , Lord Kensington , and Lord Wantage .

The Lodge of Joppa has fallen into the fashion prevailing amongst lodges at this season , and will hold their first ball , under the patronage , and it is hoped the presence , of the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress , at Willis's Rooms , on Monday , the 14 th February . The I . P . M ., Bro . Dewsnap , and the W . M ., Bro . Lewis Wall , are the Chairman and Vice -

Chairmanrespec-, tively , with Bro . J . S . Lyon as Treasurer , and Bro . H . Lazuras as Hon . Secretary . We have no doubt it will be a thorough success . . On Thursday evening , the 6 th inst ., a meeting was held in the Masonic Hall , Working-street , Cardiff , under the presidency of the W . M . of the Bute Lodge , Bro . John Munday , to consider the desirability of promotim ? a

Masonic ball in Cardiff to commemorate the Royal Jubilee year . Several brethren from the local lodges were present , and a resolution was passed decidiag- to hold a ball on February 14 th ( Valentine's Day ) , and that communications to that effect be sent to the lodges of the district , asking their co-operation . Bro . T . Mathews , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., was appointed Secretary .

A Special Grand Lod ge of the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will assemble , by command of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . VV . W . B . Beach M . P ., at the Guildhall , Winchester , on Monday , the 31 st inst ., at 1 . 15 p . m ., and to be close tyled at 1 . 30 p . m ., when it is to be proposed that the sum of 100 guineas be given to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institutionand to

con-, sider any suggestions which may be made as to the manner of commemorating the Jubilee year of her Majesty by the Freemasons of that province . A banquet will afterwards be held at the Masonic Hall . It will be seen from our advertisement columns that the Royal Jubilee Lodge Ball , which proved so eminently successful some 12 months since , is about to be

repeated . _ We note that the Committee have wisely anticipated the increased numbers who are sure to take advantage of their excellent programme and arrangements generally , by having on this occasion engaged the Freemasons' Tavern , and thus assuring ample accommodation for the comfort of their patrons . The Commmiitee and Stewards remain almost unalteredwith the exception that

, the recently installed W . M ., Bro . C . R . Williams , is President , and Bro . T . Dunn , P . M ., Vice-President . While . as on the last occasion Bro . N . Turner acts as Treasurer to the Ball Fund ; Bro . A . Darch , P . M ., Sec ; Bros . W Lloyd , P . Meekham , G . Horton and F . H . Williams , M . C . ' s . Thus a gathering worthy the Royal Jubilee year is assured beforehand .

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