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Article THE GRANITE LODGE, No. 1328. Page 1 of 1 Article PORTSMOUTH FREEMASONS' HALL AND CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC PICNIC. Page 1 of 1 Article THE NUTCRACKERS' CLUB. Page 1 of 1 Article THE NUTCRACKERS' CLUB. Page 1 of 1 Article COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO BRO. REV. DR. P. H. ERNEST BRETTE. Page 1 of 1 Article IN MEMORIAM. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Granite Lodge, No. 1328.
THE GRANITE LODGE , No . 1328 .
" The Gods give us joy , " sayeth Touchstone , and our cthers of this lodge might repeat the exclamation , for on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., Bro . Robert Payne , W . M ., accomnied by Bro . J . Lewis Thomas-, Secretary , and about '' ^ -lily-five faithful followers , enjoyed the pleasures of a ' ! mmer outing without rain . It was Queen ' s weather ;
t had thc clerk of the weather arranged otherwise , nohine daunted , the hardy members of the Granite Lodge ' ould have " braved the deadly breach , " and faced that » ife * ct Zulu of tempts . ? , Jupiter Piuvius . However , Tap-F \ v was the Paradise of the Peri for the day ; and Skindle ' s Hotel was tn be the place whereat to " spend a happy day . " Meeting at the drat Western Railway at Paddington at
0 i- a . m ., a couple of saloon e-arriages awaited their arrival . Soon they were whizzing through boundless space , and reached the Taplow Station in good time . On arrival there , Mr . I ) . Hoare , the proprietor of Skintlle ' s Ho'cl , had in readiness a newly-built steam launch ( which it £ 800 ) to convey the brethren up " the silvciy Thames , " as Pope calls it . Previously providing
themselves with a well-filled nosebag and an oveifluwing trough , steam was got up , antl away went the little craft , "ploug hing the water / plains " until ihcy reached Cleavej 0 n Woods , the Kiounds of whicii the Duke of Westminste r graciously threw open for the recreation 0 f the brethren . After visiting those magnificent regions , ami witnessing some ot thc loveliest ic-ncry
in the world ( certainly , nothing up tlie Rhine equals the views from Maidenhead to Marlow ) , the biethien returned to the launch ( not lunch ) , and once more they found themselves upon the " bounding billows of the deep , " passing throug h locks , and gazing upon the most exquisitely laid out lawns running down to the banks of the river—places that " gods mignt worship and infidels adore . " One thing
which marred the pleasure of the trip was the mt Iancholy backwardness of the harvest and corps—not a bit of haymaking was going on , and everthing presented the aspect of disappointment to thc farmer . After touching at Marlow the brethren returned to Skintlle's Hotel , where , under a spacious marquee , a sumptuous banquet was served up in a manner reflecting Ihe highest creelit on the tl-.
wardship of Mr . Hoare , the proprietor , and the Granite ' s pioneer ui pleasure , Bro . J . Lewis Thomas . In an epicurean sense it wss the sugar alter the pill . The menu was excellent , and everything lout au fail . After the banquet the VV . M ., Bro . Robert Payne , proposed "The Health of the Queen , " which was responded tn with much enthusiasm and loyal pleasure , while "The
Health of His . Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , and Ihe rest of thc * R « . yal Family , ' was received with thorough Masonic delight . In sehcting "Tne Visitors" for thc next to ist , the W . M . referred to the fact that the Granite was justly distinguished for its hospitality to those brethren who desired to mingle in thc charmed circle of its soci . ty . II : wished
them long life and happiness , and trusted llvy would continue to vi < it the lotlge for many years to come . Bro . Levander , in response * , tendered the thanks i . f the lisitors for thc manner in which they had been entertained . They had , he said , enjoyed themselves immensely . lim . Holden endorsed thc remarks of the last speaker , thanked the < 3 ranitc for its kind reception , ami assured
the lotlge that he had never spent a pkasantei * or more charming day . Bro . He riiiald Mount , I . P . M ., next proposed " Tbe Health of the W . M ., Bro . Payne , " who , he declared , had cheerfully done all he could to make the proceedings of the day a great success , and his efforts had been unquestionably realised .
Bio . Payne replying , while acknowledging the manner in which they had drunk his health , said that the credit lor thc successfully carried-out programme was due in the main to Bro . J . Lewis Thomas . He took the opportunity uf thanking the lodge for the kimlness they hail shown "ini during his year of office , whicii woultl never be effaced from his memory . Tlie brethren then returned to town .
Portsmouth Freemasons' Hall And Club Company, Limited.
PORTSMOUTH FREEMASONS' HALL AND CLUB COMPANY , LIMITED .
This company , whicii was incorporated on the 17 th o April , has now closed its share list , as all the 6 oo shares have quickly been disposed of among the brethren residing " 1 the locality , with a few exceptions . The schools , now
rcnted by the Roman Catholics , will be taken possession "' on the 25 th of next March , and will be thoroughly defeated and adapted for the convenience of the brethren , ™| h in the lodge and banqueting-rooms ; especial caie *•" be taken , that , in preparing the lodge-robrh for the use 01 stveral lodges , their individuality -will be carefully prewved
; this will , doubtless , . popularise the , buildings , as •lasonic bodies jealously guara the prestige attaching to "'" Ji after many years of careful and Hard work . the building in the Commercial-road was sold by pub'"•¦ auction to the W . M . of the Royal Sussex Lodge , Bro . Jaraes Willmott , whp , with commendable zeal , quicklj . ** 't liulled Hriwn . 'Siirl rprfitoven * the debris , krt an In ennldn
e contractor , Bro . William David Lewis , to proceed wilh g ' tciion of thc club building , in which accommodaon will be provided for the Borough of Portsmouth Cham-IL ' - 't Commerce . , , 'te foundation stone will he laid bv his Worshiu the
jjJ i Alderman William David King , J . P ., about the * i'l k ' '" •^ S i when a meeting of the shareholders 'ritn 1 lle . '' ' ' lne d ' rec'o rate a , ul shareholders , with their adjo W '" ' " le occas ' ° f ' y ' isT the foundation stone , ftcvi !| ' " ¦ Assen : l ' - ly Rooms for dinner , which will be a * -- by that veteran in Masonry * . Bro . P . M . Cawte-
Masonic Picnic.
MASONIC PICNIC .
On Wednesday , the 2-jth ult ., several of the members of Ihe Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction , No . 1044 , spent a very enjoyable day at Sheppeiton , whither they- resoited for the purpose of enjoying a boating picnic . The morning was not a very bright one , and only Bros . George Howick and J . Frost had the courage to face the elements by a
journey on the road , which was accomplished with less " wetness" than was anticipated . The other brethren travelled hy rail , and amongst them were Bros . W . A . Morgan , ( VV . M . of 1044 ) , H . R . Jones , J . G . C-irter , C . Dis-by and Mrs . Digby , J . J . Holland . ' F . W Wartlrope-r , F . Reed and Mrs . Heed , and Denham . Two boats were chartered , and a pleasant row , ami-lst
delightful sunshine ( for the dark clouds antl rain had disappeared ) , was taken as far as Weybridge Ferry , where some slight " refreshment after labour" was indulged in at a quaint boating hostelry . The return journey was then madewith the title in favour of the " craft "—antl the ladies antl brethren sat down to a capital banquet , which was provided iu a reaily first-class manner liy Mr . R . Stone , of the
Ship Hotel , whose savoury edii . les were as much appreciateel as his excellent wines . At the dinner the chair was taken by Bro . Morgan , while the vice-chair was ably liiled by Bro . Digby . The cloth having been removed , the usual loyal and patriotic toasts-Were given from the chair . The Chairman , in feeling terms , then said that the day
was one which he trusted would ever be thought of as a memorable one in the annals of local Freemasonry , for they were about to do honour to Bro . J . G . Carter , the worthy Preceptor of the lodge of instruction . ( Applause . ) He was sure the brethren owed a debt of gratitude to their painstaking Preceptor for his untiring energy on their behalf . He ( the Chairman ) had much pleasure in
presenting Bro . Carter with a massive gold ring—a memento from the lodge of instruction—to show thc respect in which he is held . ( Cheers . ) The Vice-Cliairman warmly praised the Masonic tact of Bro . Carter , and felt that the brethren , in presenting thc ring , were only bestowing honour where honour is due . The o her brethren also spoke as to Bro . Cartel ' s
kindness . Bro . Frost was particularly humorous . In thc course of his remarks , he saitl that some of them hid , no doubt , heard of the parson and the irascible " whip , " who usetl some rather har . l adjectives to thc four-in-hand he was driving . "Hush I "said thc parson , who sat next him ; " Job , in all his troubles , never complained so . " " P . r ' aps
not , replied the whip ; "but then Job never druv three blind 'uns and a bolter . " I It ( Bro . Carter ) hatl not , perhaps , had " three blind ' uns and "A bolter " to drive—( laughter)—but he had guided the coach veiy successfully . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Carter then suitivilv responded , and after some
songs fiom Bros . Digby , J . J . Holland , an I . others , the brethren and ladies again took a ro . v on the Thames , after which tea was served at the hotel . The picnic party returned to town in the evenin ? , evidently happier and more contented by reason of thc pleasant day which had been spent . —Mid-Surrey Standard .
The Nutcrackers' Club.
THE NUTCRACKERS' CLUB .
( Query No . 1075 , May 31 . ) [ 1092 . ] The Nutcrackers' Club does not now exist . Its nbjtcts were social . It met in the " Cavern " under the Stock Exchange , in the room previously used as a private dining club by several J . P . ' s antl prominent leaders of the Conservative patty in Ma cluster .
Thc City Lanttru of December 31 , 1874 , contained a facetious article on the club , which was founded by our fellow-townsman , Mr . E . O . Bleackley , who invented the rules , pass-words , and ceremonies . It originated through a lew gentlemen dining together once a week
until they assumed the proportions of a club , and wished to lend dignity and cxclusivciiess to their proceedings by the introduction of rules and ceremonials . The crest of the club was the squirrel , as the most ancient of nutcrackers , trie arms a pyramid of nuts , and the motto " crackers , not crushers , " indicative that
To crush was to destroy , But to crack to enjoy , equally illustrative of nuts or conversation . ShakspcrUu quotations relevant to the objects of the club were frequently used , such as : "Wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts , having no other rea . tm but because Ihou hast . haz : leyes . " " . There can be no kernel in this light nut . " "' A were
as good crack a fusty nat with no kernel . " The piesident was designated " Marshal , " the vice-president " General , " and the secretary " Colonel , " and the number of members was limited to twenty-one of the inner degiee . The objects were mastication , imbibition , joke , nut-cracking , and all ojher practices belonging to this eccentric order . Ihe use of even numbers was forbidden , and only odd figures were
used . The elections for "the outer degree" were by open proposal , and the candidate had to order a dish of nuts and a bottle of wine . Entire absence from the club for a
month without permission of the marshal voided all thc privileges of the club . When a candidate was inducted , all the Nutcrackers , on a sign from the general , simultaneously snapped their fingers and stood for the remainder eof thc ceremony with the palms of their left hands on the cro . vns of their own heads until another signal was given ,
when they simultaneously cracked a nut each , and the marshal exchanged and ate a nut with the candidate , as typical of the good-fellowship which binds all Nutcrackers , He then showed and explained several of the signs to the newly-made Nutcracker . The snapping of the fingers was typical that Nutcrackers were not easily overcome by
The Nutcrackers' Club.
trifles , but snapped their fingers at misfortune . The placing of the left hand on the crown . of the head was intended to imply that a Nutcracker ' s brains were in the usual place , ready to conceive grand objects for the welfare of Nutcrackers in particular , and mankind in general . Ari exhortation was then pronounced , and something like the following was inculcated : — " In becoming one of us , I
may inform you that there is nothing in our practices or principles that can shock the most delicate morality ; in fact , they have rather a tendency to elevate and refine . We use ceremony , because it was invented by the founder of our ancient Order to keep fools at a distance . Our pleasures are innocent , and delight equally in participation or reflection ; like the supper which
Atticus gave to Cicero , pleasing in recollection . As a Nutcracker , the hands of Bria ** a ; us will defend you , and the e-. es of Argus watch over you ; but it would require the energy of Demosthenes , the judgment of Quintillian , and the flowing periods of Cicero to explain in detail the aspirations of thc Ancient Order of Nutcrackers . Our order is based on semi-military forms , because Nutcrackers from
time immemorial have always been iu the van whenever the honour of their country was assaileri . The use of even nu . nbers is especially fo : bidden antl eschewed by all gootl Nutcrackers , which ptobiblyis one reason why the uninitiated world has often taken us for Oddfellows . In compliance with this uncontrovertible regulation our watchwords are seven , and comprise the noblest words in
this or any other language , viz ., Honour , Honesty , Goodnature , Truth , Secrecy , Silence , and Patience . " Then followed a autcrackatory explanation of these noble mottoes , accompanied by a private revelation of the mystic words crack—slap—snap , in conjunction with a peculiar
entanglemeut of the fingers which no description can explain , and the passwords completed the ceremony . Some of thc happiest hours of my life were passed in the Nutcrackers' Club , ami I am sorry tint it came to an untimely end . AN OLIO MEMBER .
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Rev. Dr. P. H. Ernest Brette.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO BRO . REV . DR . P . H . ERNEST BRETTE .
A complimentary tlinncr was given to Bro . Brette at the Star and Gait ; r Hotel , Richmond , on Thurst'ay , the ioth iust ., bv the Aldersgate Lotlge , No . 16 57 . Bro . A . J . Altman , W . M ., presided , supported by Mrs . Altman , Bro .
George Kenning , S . W ., antl Mrs . Kenning ; Bro . Dr . Smith , J . W . ; Bro . Colonel Burdeti , Prov . Grand Master Middlesex , and Mrs . Burdett ; Bro . Jolliffe and the Misses J 1 iffe , Bro . Chapman anil Miss Chapman , Bro . White and Miss White , Bro . Froom , Mrs . Froom , and Miss Froom , Bro . Brookman and Mrs . Brookman , Bro . D . luca
and Mrs . Deluca , Bro . Benskin , Bro . II . C Levander and Miss Levander , Mr . Evans ami Miss Evans , Mr , W . F . Malcolm and Mrs . Malcolm , Mr . VV . F . Gush , Mr . Crouch and Mrs . Crouch , and Bro . Protheroe . Tne VV . M . received a telegram from Bro . J . D . Allcroft , M . P ., P . M ., regretting his absence . Thc W . M . proposed " The Health of Her Most Gracious
Majesty the Queen , " " Dr . Rev . P . H . Ernest Brette , " ' * Colonel Burdett , " " Tne Visitors , " and " The Ladies ; " Bro . II . C . Levander responding for the visitors and Mr . Evans for the ladies . The pleasures of the evening were enhanced by thc skilful playing of the Misses Jolliffe and Miss White on thc piano .
In Memoriam.
IN MEMORIAM .
Louis NAPOLEON . CIIISLEIIUUST , J ULY 12 , 1879 . Oh ! ending sad of hopes all btight ami fair , Oh ! close of many prayers and loving pride , A widow ' tl mother ' s grieving sadly there For one to stand no more in duty at her side .
We mourn him truly , deeply , one and all ; The high , the low ; awl English soldiers crave , With whom he nobly shared what fate might fall , Comrades in lifc and death , to guard his honour'd grave . Strange paradox of years ! While memory flings Its solemn colouring over time and fame , Amid her soldierssailorsstatesmen
, , , kings , England will ne ' er forget Napoleon ' s name . We sigh for such a fate , in such young years ; We mourn glad powers quench'd , great gifts no more ; But yet we trust , amid our falling tears , [ shore . That brave boy in his death has reached a deathless
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . GEORGE PHYTHIAN . Our much respected and regretted Bro . George Phythian , P . M . of the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , and Comp . J . of the Lion and Lamb Chapter , departed this life on the 30 th ult . He was a hartl-working member in the Craft , and also a liberal subsciiber to our Cnaiilies . His ktrdleness and geniality of manner will long be m i ssed among his brethren and companions .
The Alliance Lodge , No . 1827 , is to be consecrated at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City , on Wednesday , the 30 th ins * . Bro . J . II . Mo . nckton , P . VI ., P ,. G . D ., President of the Boanl of General Purposes , is the W . M . designate ,, and Bro . L . F . Littell , P . M ., will be S . W , and Bro . Frink Green , P . M ., J . W .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Granite Lodge, No. 1328.
THE GRANITE LODGE , No . 1328 .
" The Gods give us joy , " sayeth Touchstone , and our cthers of this lodge might repeat the exclamation , for on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., Bro . Robert Payne , W . M ., accomnied by Bro . J . Lewis Thomas-, Secretary , and about '' ^ -lily-five faithful followers , enjoyed the pleasures of a ' ! mmer outing without rain . It was Queen ' s weather ;
t had thc clerk of the weather arranged otherwise , nohine daunted , the hardy members of the Granite Lodge ' ould have " braved the deadly breach , " and faced that » ife * ct Zulu of tempts . ? , Jupiter Piuvius . However , Tap-F \ v was the Paradise of the Peri for the day ; and Skindle ' s Hotel was tn be the place whereat to " spend a happy day . " Meeting at the drat Western Railway at Paddington at
0 i- a . m ., a couple of saloon e-arriages awaited their arrival . Soon they were whizzing through boundless space , and reached the Taplow Station in good time . On arrival there , Mr . I ) . Hoare , the proprietor of Skintlle ' s Ho'cl , had in readiness a newly-built steam launch ( which it £ 800 ) to convey the brethren up " the silvciy Thames , " as Pope calls it . Previously providing
themselves with a well-filled nosebag and an oveifluwing trough , steam was got up , antl away went the little craft , "ploug hing the water / plains " until ihcy reached Cleavej 0 n Woods , the Kiounds of whicii the Duke of Westminste r graciously threw open for the recreation 0 f the brethren . After visiting those magnificent regions , ami witnessing some ot thc loveliest ic-ncry
in the world ( certainly , nothing up tlie Rhine equals the views from Maidenhead to Marlow ) , the biethien returned to the launch ( not lunch ) , and once more they found themselves upon the " bounding billows of the deep , " passing throug h locks , and gazing upon the most exquisitely laid out lawns running down to the banks of the river—places that " gods mignt worship and infidels adore . " One thing
which marred the pleasure of the trip was the mt Iancholy backwardness of the harvest and corps—not a bit of haymaking was going on , and everthing presented the aspect of disappointment to thc farmer . After touching at Marlow the brethren returned to Skintlle's Hotel , where , under a spacious marquee , a sumptuous banquet was served up in a manner reflecting Ihe highest creelit on the tl-.
wardship of Mr . Hoare , the proprietor , and the Granite ' s pioneer ui pleasure , Bro . J . Lewis Thomas . In an epicurean sense it wss the sugar alter the pill . The menu was excellent , and everything lout au fail . After the banquet the VV . M ., Bro . Robert Payne , proposed "The Health of the Queen , " which was responded tn with much enthusiasm and loyal pleasure , while "The
Health of His . Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , and Ihe rest of thc * R « . yal Family , ' was received with thorough Masonic delight . In sehcting "Tne Visitors" for thc next to ist , the W . M . referred to the fact that the Granite was justly distinguished for its hospitality to those brethren who desired to mingle in thc charmed circle of its soci . ty . II : wished
them long life and happiness , and trusted llvy would continue to vi < it the lotlge for many years to come . Bro . Levander , in response * , tendered the thanks i . f the lisitors for thc manner in which they had been entertained . They had , he said , enjoyed themselves immensely . lim . Holden endorsed thc remarks of the last speaker , thanked the < 3 ranitc for its kind reception , ami assured
the lotlge that he had never spent a pkasantei * or more charming day . Bro . He riiiald Mount , I . P . M ., next proposed " Tbe Health of the W . M ., Bro . Payne , " who , he declared , had cheerfully done all he could to make the proceedings of the day a great success , and his efforts had been unquestionably realised .
Bio . Payne replying , while acknowledging the manner in which they had drunk his health , said that the credit lor thc successfully carried-out programme was due in the main to Bro . J . Lewis Thomas . He took the opportunity uf thanking the lodge for the kimlness they hail shown "ini during his year of office , whicii woultl never be effaced from his memory . Tlie brethren then returned to town .
Portsmouth Freemasons' Hall And Club Company, Limited.
PORTSMOUTH FREEMASONS' HALL AND CLUB COMPANY , LIMITED .
This company , whicii was incorporated on the 17 th o April , has now closed its share list , as all the 6 oo shares have quickly been disposed of among the brethren residing " 1 the locality , with a few exceptions . The schools , now
rcnted by the Roman Catholics , will be taken possession "' on the 25 th of next March , and will be thoroughly defeated and adapted for the convenience of the brethren , ™| h in the lodge and banqueting-rooms ; especial caie *•" be taken , that , in preparing the lodge-robrh for the use 01 stveral lodges , their individuality -will be carefully prewved
; this will , doubtless , . popularise the , buildings , as •lasonic bodies jealously guara the prestige attaching to "'" Ji after many years of careful and Hard work . the building in the Commercial-road was sold by pub'"•¦ auction to the W . M . of the Royal Sussex Lodge , Bro . Jaraes Willmott , whp , with commendable zeal , quicklj . ** 't liulled Hriwn . 'Siirl rprfitoven * the debris , krt an In ennldn
e contractor , Bro . William David Lewis , to proceed wilh g ' tciion of thc club building , in which accommodaon will be provided for the Borough of Portsmouth Cham-IL ' - 't Commerce . , , 'te foundation stone will he laid bv his Worshiu the
jjJ i Alderman William David King , J . P ., about the * i'l k ' '" •^ S i when a meeting of the shareholders 'ritn 1 lle . '' ' ' lne d ' rec'o rate a , ul shareholders , with their adjo W '" ' " le occas ' ° f ' y ' isT the foundation stone , ftcvi !| ' " ¦ Assen : l ' - ly Rooms for dinner , which will be a * -- by that veteran in Masonry * . Bro . P . M . Cawte-
Masonic Picnic.
MASONIC PICNIC .
On Wednesday , the 2-jth ult ., several of the members of Ihe Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction , No . 1044 , spent a very enjoyable day at Sheppeiton , whither they- resoited for the purpose of enjoying a boating picnic . The morning was not a very bright one , and only Bros . George Howick and J . Frost had the courage to face the elements by a
journey on the road , which was accomplished with less " wetness" than was anticipated . The other brethren travelled hy rail , and amongst them were Bros . W . A . Morgan , ( VV . M . of 1044 ) , H . R . Jones , J . G . C-irter , C . Dis-by and Mrs . Digby , J . J . Holland . ' F . W Wartlrope-r , F . Reed and Mrs . Heed , and Denham . Two boats were chartered , and a pleasant row , ami-lst
delightful sunshine ( for the dark clouds antl rain had disappeared ) , was taken as far as Weybridge Ferry , where some slight " refreshment after labour" was indulged in at a quaint boating hostelry . The return journey was then madewith the title in favour of the " craft "—antl the ladies antl brethren sat down to a capital banquet , which was provided iu a reaily first-class manner liy Mr . R . Stone , of the
Ship Hotel , whose savoury edii . les were as much appreciateel as his excellent wines . At the dinner the chair was taken by Bro . Morgan , while the vice-chair was ably liiled by Bro . Digby . The cloth having been removed , the usual loyal and patriotic toasts-Were given from the chair . The Chairman , in feeling terms , then said that the day
was one which he trusted would ever be thought of as a memorable one in the annals of local Freemasonry , for they were about to do honour to Bro . J . G . Carter , the worthy Preceptor of the lodge of instruction . ( Applause . ) He was sure the brethren owed a debt of gratitude to their painstaking Preceptor for his untiring energy on their behalf . He ( the Chairman ) had much pleasure in
presenting Bro . Carter with a massive gold ring—a memento from the lodge of instruction—to show thc respect in which he is held . ( Cheers . ) The Vice-Cliairman warmly praised the Masonic tact of Bro . Carter , and felt that the brethren , in presenting thc ring , were only bestowing honour where honour is due . The o her brethren also spoke as to Bro . Cartel ' s
kindness . Bro . Frost was particularly humorous . In thc course of his remarks , he saitl that some of them hid , no doubt , heard of the parson and the irascible " whip , " who usetl some rather har . l adjectives to thc four-in-hand he was driving . "Hush I "said thc parson , who sat next him ; " Job , in all his troubles , never complained so . " " P . r ' aps
not , replied the whip ; "but then Job never druv three blind 'uns and a bolter . " I It ( Bro . Carter ) hatl not , perhaps , had " three blind ' uns and "A bolter " to drive—( laughter)—but he had guided the coach veiy successfully . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Carter then suitivilv responded , and after some
songs fiom Bros . Digby , J . J . Holland , an I . others , the brethren and ladies again took a ro . v on the Thames , after which tea was served at the hotel . The picnic party returned to town in the evenin ? , evidently happier and more contented by reason of thc pleasant day which had been spent . —Mid-Surrey Standard .
The Nutcrackers' Club.
THE NUTCRACKERS' CLUB .
( Query No . 1075 , May 31 . ) [ 1092 . ] The Nutcrackers' Club does not now exist . Its nbjtcts were social . It met in the " Cavern " under the Stock Exchange , in the room previously used as a private dining club by several J . P . ' s antl prominent leaders of the Conservative patty in Ma cluster .
Thc City Lanttru of December 31 , 1874 , contained a facetious article on the club , which was founded by our fellow-townsman , Mr . E . O . Bleackley , who invented the rules , pass-words , and ceremonies . It originated through a lew gentlemen dining together once a week
until they assumed the proportions of a club , and wished to lend dignity and cxclusivciiess to their proceedings by the introduction of rules and ceremonials . The crest of the club was the squirrel , as the most ancient of nutcrackers , trie arms a pyramid of nuts , and the motto " crackers , not crushers , " indicative that
To crush was to destroy , But to crack to enjoy , equally illustrative of nuts or conversation . ShakspcrUu quotations relevant to the objects of the club were frequently used , such as : "Wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts , having no other rea . tm but because Ihou hast . haz : leyes . " " . There can be no kernel in this light nut . " "' A were
as good crack a fusty nat with no kernel . " The piesident was designated " Marshal , " the vice-president " General , " and the secretary " Colonel , " and the number of members was limited to twenty-one of the inner degiee . The objects were mastication , imbibition , joke , nut-cracking , and all ojher practices belonging to this eccentric order . Ihe use of even numbers was forbidden , and only odd figures were
used . The elections for "the outer degree" were by open proposal , and the candidate had to order a dish of nuts and a bottle of wine . Entire absence from the club for a
month without permission of the marshal voided all thc privileges of the club . When a candidate was inducted , all the Nutcrackers , on a sign from the general , simultaneously snapped their fingers and stood for the remainder eof thc ceremony with the palms of their left hands on the cro . vns of their own heads until another signal was given ,
when they simultaneously cracked a nut each , and the marshal exchanged and ate a nut with the candidate , as typical of the good-fellowship which binds all Nutcrackers , He then showed and explained several of the signs to the newly-made Nutcracker . The snapping of the fingers was typical that Nutcrackers were not easily overcome by
The Nutcrackers' Club.
trifles , but snapped their fingers at misfortune . The placing of the left hand on the crown . of the head was intended to imply that a Nutcracker ' s brains were in the usual place , ready to conceive grand objects for the welfare of Nutcrackers in particular , and mankind in general . Ari exhortation was then pronounced , and something like the following was inculcated : — " In becoming one of us , I
may inform you that there is nothing in our practices or principles that can shock the most delicate morality ; in fact , they have rather a tendency to elevate and refine . We use ceremony , because it was invented by the founder of our ancient Order to keep fools at a distance . Our pleasures are innocent , and delight equally in participation or reflection ; like the supper which
Atticus gave to Cicero , pleasing in recollection . As a Nutcracker , the hands of Bria ** a ; us will defend you , and the e-. es of Argus watch over you ; but it would require the energy of Demosthenes , the judgment of Quintillian , and the flowing periods of Cicero to explain in detail the aspirations of thc Ancient Order of Nutcrackers . Our order is based on semi-military forms , because Nutcrackers from
time immemorial have always been iu the van whenever the honour of their country was assaileri . The use of even nu . nbers is especially fo : bidden antl eschewed by all gootl Nutcrackers , which ptobiblyis one reason why the uninitiated world has often taken us for Oddfellows . In compliance with this uncontrovertible regulation our watchwords are seven , and comprise the noblest words in
this or any other language , viz ., Honour , Honesty , Goodnature , Truth , Secrecy , Silence , and Patience . " Then followed a autcrackatory explanation of these noble mottoes , accompanied by a private revelation of the mystic words crack—slap—snap , in conjunction with a peculiar
entanglemeut of the fingers which no description can explain , and the passwords completed the ceremony . Some of thc happiest hours of my life were passed in the Nutcrackers' Club , ami I am sorry tint it came to an untimely end . AN OLIO MEMBER .
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Rev. Dr. P. H. Ernest Brette.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO BRO . REV . DR . P . H . ERNEST BRETTE .
A complimentary tlinncr was given to Bro . Brette at the Star and Gait ; r Hotel , Richmond , on Thurst'ay , the ioth iust ., bv the Aldersgate Lotlge , No . 16 57 . Bro . A . J . Altman , W . M ., presided , supported by Mrs . Altman , Bro .
George Kenning , S . W ., antl Mrs . Kenning ; Bro . Dr . Smith , J . W . ; Bro . Colonel Burdeti , Prov . Grand Master Middlesex , and Mrs . Burdett ; Bro . Jolliffe and the Misses J 1 iffe , Bro . Chapman anil Miss Chapman , Bro . White and Miss White , Bro . Froom , Mrs . Froom , and Miss Froom , Bro . Brookman and Mrs . Brookman , Bro . D . luca
and Mrs . Deluca , Bro . Benskin , Bro . II . C Levander and Miss Levander , Mr . Evans ami Miss Evans , Mr , W . F . Malcolm and Mrs . Malcolm , Mr . VV . F . Gush , Mr . Crouch and Mrs . Crouch , and Bro . Protheroe . Tne VV . M . received a telegram from Bro . J . D . Allcroft , M . P ., P . M ., regretting his absence . Thc W . M . proposed " The Health of Her Most Gracious
Majesty the Queen , " " Dr . Rev . P . H . Ernest Brette , " ' * Colonel Burdett , " " Tne Visitors , " and " The Ladies ; " Bro . II . C . Levander responding for the visitors and Mr . Evans for the ladies . The pleasures of the evening were enhanced by thc skilful playing of the Misses Jolliffe and Miss White on thc piano .
In Memoriam.
IN MEMORIAM .
Louis NAPOLEON . CIIISLEIIUUST , J ULY 12 , 1879 . Oh ! ending sad of hopes all btight ami fair , Oh ! close of many prayers and loving pride , A widow ' tl mother ' s grieving sadly there For one to stand no more in duty at her side .
We mourn him truly , deeply , one and all ; The high , the low ; awl English soldiers crave , With whom he nobly shared what fate might fall , Comrades in lifc and death , to guard his honour'd grave . Strange paradox of years ! While memory flings Its solemn colouring over time and fame , Amid her soldierssailorsstatesmen
, , , kings , England will ne ' er forget Napoleon ' s name . We sigh for such a fate , in such young years ; We mourn glad powers quench'd , great gifts no more ; But yet we trust , amid our falling tears , [ shore . That brave boy in his death has reached a deathless
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . GEORGE PHYTHIAN . Our much respected and regretted Bro . George Phythian , P . M . of the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , and Comp . J . of the Lion and Lamb Chapter , departed this life on the 30 th ult . He was a hartl-working member in the Craft , and also a liberal subsciiber to our Cnaiilies . His ktrdleness and geniality of manner will long be m i ssed among his brethren and companions .
The Alliance Lodge , No . 1827 , is to be consecrated at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City , on Wednesday , the 30 th ins * . Bro . J . II . Mo . nckton , P . VI ., P ,. G . D ., President of the Boanl of General Purposes , is the W . M . designate ,, and Bro . L . F . Littell , P . M ., will be S . W , and Bro . Frink Green , P . M ., J . W .