Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

The Chairman said that so many candidates were to be admitted next time that some of those who werc unsu cccssful at last election polled a larger number than the minimum votes which would secure election next time , and therefore they woultl not require to add to what they got last time . Col . Creaton could not see how a certain number of candidates were to be admitted each time . Suppose there

were only six vacancies , and it was wanted to put in twenty candidates . Bro . Binckes said that the age ot sixteen was quite late enough to keep boys in the Institution . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford was afraid sqi subscribers wou'd not like to be restricted . The Chairman said what he recommended was , that

the General Committee , or some members on behalf of the General Committee , should ascertain the practice with egard to St . Ann's , the London Orphan , and the Idiot Asylum , and see how it worked in those institutions . The objection raised by Bro . Woodford of how the subscribers would like the restriction , was one deserving of very serious consideration . Still the subscribers to the institutions he

had mentioned took no objection to it . Col . Creaton said he observed by his voting papers in the London Orphan Asylum that there were about the same number—forty out of seventy-three . The Chairman thought it would be desirable to ventilate this subject , and that Bro . Binckes should bring it before the General Committee to ascertain the practice of

other institutions , and see whether some means might not be adoptetl whereby the number to be elected on each occasion might not be made more nearly equal than it was at present . When the number to be admitted was five out of sixty or seventy candidates the struggle was something fearful . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford said it was a most

important question for our Institutions whether the term of subscription to a lodge was at present sufficient for brethren in and out of London . Masonry had got to such a position now that they might increase the maximum cf subscription to a lotlge . At jiresent the time was five years , and that might be matle up of portions of years spread over a great many years . Men in that position

constantly got their children into the Schools , whilst others who had lived and died in Masonry could not get their children in . Five ycars were hardly a sufficient qualification . Col . Creaton was very glad that Bro . Woodford hatl broached this subject . It was one that was worthy of grave consideration .

The Chairman said that these points when considered might be consideretl conjointly by committees of both Schools , that thc same law might be applicable to both . The subject then dropped . On the motion of Bro . Roebuck , seconded by Bro . Col . Creaton , £ 1500 was voted for the new playground , the old one having been built upon in the formation of the new

portion of the school . The Chairman suggested that the Committee might take into consideration the advisability of having a swimming bath . Bro . Binckes s lid this was a question again of money ; but he thought that with the magnificent swimming baths at the Alexandra Palace the proprietors of that

establishment would be happy to make terms with the Institution for the use cf them . He thought that for £ 100 a year this could be done . Col . Creaton referred to the subject of the abolition of the effix of Collector , and wished to know whether there were not still large sums ol money in annual subscriptions outstanding from 1877 . He wished to know

whether the change had answered . Bro . Binckes had not gone thoroughly into the statistics . There was money still outstanding ; but the annual subscriptions were much larger than hitherto ; and the abolition of the office of Collector had proved a success . The meeting then concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

The Annual Masonic Ball At Liverpool.

THE ANNUAL MASONIC BALL AT LIVERPOOL .

The Freemasons of " the good old town " of Liverpool held hig h festival on Tuesday evening , the Sth inst ., at the Town Hall , when and where the 29 th annual Grand Masonic Ball took place . The gathering had again the charm of charity to recommend it to the patronage of our

fraternity , as assistance to the funds of West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was once more the primary object of the " festive throng . " Thc brotherhood in this division of the county are justly proud of the name and fame which their excellent Charitable Institution has gained throughout the length and breadth of the land , and the help given by its aid during thc past year has been

more valuable than ever . The value of the institution is clearly shown by the fact that at present nearly 100 children are on the foundation , educated entirely from its funds ; and this number is steadily increasing from year to year , as the natural result of the marvellous progress which the Craft is making in this division of the county . The current expenses of education , amounting to about

£ 1100 per annum , are now covered by the subscriptions of the brethren , thc interest from the invested capital , the proceeds of the annual ball , and donations ; and so liberally has the " West Lancashire " been supported by the brethren that there is now an accumulated capital of about £ i % , too , being a large increase as compared with list

year . The special feature of this charity is that the whole of the scheme in connection with its working is carried out without a single farthing of expenditure , as all the jfficeis gratuitously give their services in carrying out its > bjects , and they personally superintend the progress made by the children at the different schools in which they are placed , these schools being selected by their mothers or

The Annual Masonic Ball At Liverpool.

guardians . It is in contemplation to increase the benefits conferred by this excellent charity , in the direction of giving a helping band to children when about to start in the world after leaving school ; and there is little doubt that the enthusiastic support of the brethren will enable the committee to carry this scheme into effect when it has been sanctioned by the proper authority .

Tbe ball was under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor and Mayoress of Liverpool , Lord antl Lady Skelmersdale , Earl and Countess Bective , Major Starkie , Lord cle Tabley , Hon . F . A . Stanley , Sir Gilbert and Lady Greenall , Lieut-Colonel N . Bousfield , M . P . ; Captain Garnett , Sir James Ramsden , Lieut-Colonel Birchall , W . Rathbone , Esq ., M . P . ; Right Hon . Viscount Sandon ,

M . P . ; J . Torr , Esq ., M . P . ; Colonel Ireland Blackburne , M . P . ; and others . The executive committee consisted of Bros . G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . of C . ( chairman ) ; W . J . Lunt , P . Z ., P . M . 823 ( vice-chairman ); J . M'Kune , P . Z ., P . M . 216 ( treasurer ) ; and H . M . Molyneux , P . M . 823 ( who again acted as M . C ) . Thc important duties of honorary secretary were admirably fulfilled by Bro R .

Martin , jun ., I . P . M . 1182 , who was indefatigable in his exertions to make the ' 78 ball a certain success . There were about 500 persons present , and thc varied nature of the Masonic clothing worn by the brethren nearly every Older in Masonry being represented , gave a striking effect to the ballrooms . The great and small

rooms were utilised for the purposes of dancing , which was carried on to thc stiains of Bro . G . W . Phillipps' band . Supper was served in the luncheon and dining rooms of the Town Hall , the excellent catering of Bro . Fairhurst ( Fisk and Fairhurst ) giving great satisfaction ; and amongst the " creature comforts " was a splendid baron of beef , which was the " observed of all observers . "

Ireland.

Ireland .

The Provincial Grantl Lodge , Sauth-Eastcrn District , met at Clonmcl on the 9 th inst . Thc attendance of brethren from various lodges was very large . The Ht . Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Stephen Moore , D . L ., M . P ., occupied the chair . The routine business having been transacted , the officers for the year were duly installed . Bro . Milward , being absent , was not installed

as Senior Grand Warden , but tbe Very Worshipful W . G . D . Golf , Deputy Provincial Granc Master , acted in his place . Bro . W . H . Constable was installed as Junior Grand Warden , Bros . Waugh and Sunderland , No . 32 , being Grand Senior Deacon and Grand Inner Guard ; Bro . J . E . Murphy , 5 , Prov . Grand Treas . ; antl Bro . DeRenzy , 297 , as Prov . Grand Sec . The Grand Master then proceeded ,

accoreling to resolution , to present thtir late honoured Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Sir John Kcane , Bart ., D . L ., with a gold P . G . M . jewel and a beautifully illuminated address ( the work ot Mr . Mullaby , of Watcrford ) , handsomely framed the design embracing many Masonic insignia , having Corinthian and Doric pillars upon each side , wreathed with a ribbon bearing thc names of the various

Lodges in the Province , the "All-seeing Eye" being at the top . Underneath are fully emblazoned the arms of Bro . Sir John Keane ( taken from a wonderfully preserved old parchment , with a genealogy of the family written in Irish antl English ) , also the open Bible , with compass , square , & c . —all being richly encircled with wreaths of flowers , scrolls , & c . The address , which was prefaced by

the Provincial Grand Master with some appropriate remarks , in his usual graceful and happy style , was in the following terms : — " At the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , South-Eastern District , held in Carlow , April , 1877 , it was unanimously resolved that the lodge , having learned with great regret that Bro . Sir John H . Keane , Bart ., has

resigned the office of Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , which he has held since its formation , desires to place on record its deep sense of the obligation due to him for the Masonic manner in which he discharged the duties of this office , ever faithfully attending , and generally

presiding , at its meetings , often at much personal inconvenience—thus evincing his interest in our Order , and always endeavouring to promote its prosperity and harmony . —Signed on behalf ot tbe Provincial Grand Lodge , " S TEPHEN MOORE , P . G . M . "

Bro . Sir John Keane , who was saluted with warm applause , then replied as follows : — Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , —I ask you to accept my deep and sincere thanks for the resolution so kindly passed at the Provincial Quaitcily Meeting held in Carlow in April , expressing " its sense of the obligation due to me for the Masonic manncrin which I have discharged

the duties of Past Grand Master , in faithfully attending and generally presiding at its meetings . " I feel , brethren , that this expression of the P . G . Lodge is over indulgent towards myself , conscious as I am of the many shortcomings in the manner of my carrying out the duties of the high office entrusted to my careb , our late Most Worshipful Grand Master more than ten yeais back , and

continued by his successor . Still I have endeavoured to carry out those duties according to the gifts and lights that I have received ; but imperfectly performed even as they were , they could not have been gone through without the hearty and frankly tendered co-operation of the brethren of the district—brethren , in many instances , of far more Masonic knowledge , zeal , and experience than

myself . In bidding you an official farewell , I feel a consolation in being succeeded by a brother whose private and Masonic character is " without fear and without reproach , " and in whose judicious hands I pray that this district , which I have had the great honour of forming , may go on and prosper , the brethren thereof never forgetting to dwell together in peace , love , and harmony . 1

Ireland.

An address was also read , and is to be presented to Bro . Abraham Denny , Watcrford , at next provincial meeting there , the lodge expressing regret for his indisposition . About thirty-six of the brethren then adjourned to refreshment , and enjoyed a delightful evening , receiving

the proverbial hospitality of Lodge 44 , Bros . Ffennell , Fitzgerald , and Bradley being as indefatigable as ever in their attention to their guests . A large collection was taken up for the Masonic Orphan Schools—the meeting , -ill through , earring out the old Masonic motto of" Peace , love , and charity . "—Clonmcl Chronicle .

Public Amusements.

Public Amusements .

COVENT GARDEN . —The entertainment provided by Bro . C . Rice at this house for the especial edification of our little ones far surpasses any other for good songs , excellent dancing , and supeib scenery , that we have witnessed this season . The march of the three hundred is in itself

enough to make the piece— " Puss in Boots "—a glorious success . Those who have been to Covent Garden Theatre will endorse our opinion , and those who have not have yet to see , if they take our advice , the most finished and gorgeous of all the Christmas spectacles .

NEW ROYALTY . — "La Marjolaine" still runs at this theatre , and if good houses can testify to a success , this play is undoubtedly one . Miss Kate Santley has , perhaps , more admirers off the stage than any other lady in her line in the profession . That she has fairly earned this

popularity none but the envious will question , nor that she fully sustains , in " La Marjolaine , " her right to popular suffrage . The opera is now preceded by a comedietta by Mr . Rae , entitled " Love ' s Alarms , " in which Mr . Lionel Brough contrives to keep the majority of the audience in one continuous roar of laughter .

The Late King Of Italy.

THE LATE KING OF ITALY .

The second edition of the British Medical Journal contains the following telegram from its Roman Correspondent -. — , " The following is a brief epitome of the course of the late King's illness : —The King had been slightly indisposed for 14 days , the symptoms at first being ,

however , omy of an indistinct character . The main symptoms of which he complaineel at the outset were those of cold , shivering , antl pains chiefly located at the right side of the chest . During the night of Saturday he had exposed himself at an open window , and was seized at noon on Sunday with severe shivering and acute and obviously pleuritic pain , for which he was bled to a slight amount .

On the same evening , Dr . Baccelh , a physician specially known for recent researches on the subject of the diagnosis and treatment of pleuretic effusions and accompanying inflammations , saw him in consultation . He found considerable dulness over the right lung , indicating a complication of pneumonia . The King was bled again next morning ,

and hi- * other treatment consisted mainly in the adminis . tration of quinine in small doses and tartarized antimony . On Monday high fever set in , with profuse sweating -, the heart was dilated , and its action weak . On Tuesday the same symptoms continued in an aggravated form , and on that evening there was a notable exacerbation of fever .

together with a military eruption of bad omen . On Wednesday morning His Majesty was obviously sinking , and had become so weak that the pulse could scarcely be felt . Oxygen inhalations were then employed , and uVse produced a temporary rally ; but the effect was onlp temporary , and the King died in collapse at halfpast two . "

CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY . —Ihe next meeting of the Prudent Brethren Chapter , No . 145 , held at Freemasons' Hall , will take place on Tuesday , February 12 , 1878 , on which occasion , as there will be no exaltation , the work will consist of lectures , sections , and illustrations appertaining to Royal Arch Masonry . Those companions

who werc present at the former public night given by this chapter will no doubt avail themselves of the privilege of attending . Those who may have been prevented upon that occasion , we strongly advise to avail themselves of this . The chapter will be open to all R . A . companions properly vouched for . We hope to give further particulars

in our next . We have received the following notice of an instruction meeting which we deem worthy of re-production : "New Cross to wit . —To all members of our Order to whom these presents may come . Whereas our trusty and well-beloved Bro . John Shaw , P . M . 79 , Sic , assisted by fifteen well-known and learned members of the Craft , will work the Fifteen Sections , in thc Star Lodge of

Instruction , 1275 . These are therefore to command you to appear at our said lodge , on Saturday , the 26 th day of January , 1878 , at seven o ' clock in the afternoon , at the Marquis of Granby Tavern , New Cross Road , and then and there to help , aid , and assist in the working of the said Fifteen Sections , and herein fail not at your peril . Given under our hands and seal this 29 th day of December , 1877 . —H . Keeble and A . B . Church , Honorary Secretaries . "

HOLLOWAY ' OINTMENT NND PILLS . —Multitudes suffering under a complication of disorders might obtain relief through these healingand purifying remedies , which should be employed without a day ' s delay . When the weather is variable and colds and influenzas are prevalent , this Oinjment , well rubbed upon the throat and chest , eives thc Greatest case , and checks all tendency

to inflammation in the lungs and other organs . The Pills assist the curative action of the Ointment , inasmuch as they purify the blood and so quicken the circulation that congestion is rendered almost impossible , Holloway ' s treatment deals most successfully too , with that very troublesome and often tedious ailment , indiges . tion , which is the bane of thousands from overwork and fast living in the oresent dar . —ADIT .