Dlst. G. Lodge Of The Punjab.

DlST . G . LODGE OF THE PUNJAB .

The regular quarterly communication of the Dist . G . i veof the Punjab was held at Freemasons'Hall , Lahore , ' Saturday , thc 13 th April last . Bro . E . Woodall Parker , ? V-t G . M- > presided , and among the D . G . Officers and . lire present were Bros . Colonel Oswald Menzies , pfD D . D . G . M . ; Major J . G . Kelly , D . S . G . Warden ; p ,. Bri ] LaH Ghose , Past D . D . G . M ., as D . J . G . Warden ; Chap ¦ i of

n A Spankie , as D . G . . P . C . Mukerj , P . D . B . Q Purps . ; W . Bull , D . G . Sec . ; Major R . D . B . Rutherford as D . S . G . Deacon ; Capt . L . j . E . Bradshaw , n IG Deacon ; A . E . Stoddard , as D . G . S . B . ; G . E . Coates , D . G . Org . j C . Potter , D . G . Purst . , * and Fazl Din , D . G . Tyler . The Dist . G . Lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the previous communication read and confirmed , the

reports of the coaras or ueneral Purposes and Benevolence were read , and the grants recommended in the latter made . The tender for additions to the hall recommended by the Hall Fund Committee was accepted after the name of the contractor had been altered from Mrs . to Mr . Coates . The draft ru ' es * ° ^ library to be attiched to the Hall were ordered to be printed and circulated for consideration

amonsr the lodges and brethren , and the rules as then revised to be submitted for approval to the Board of General Purposes . Grants , as recommended by fche Board of General Purposes , of 120 rupees towards P . M . I , silver and bronze presentation jewels for the Stewards of 1 S 8 S , and of 500 rupees towards the cost of the additions to the Hall , were passed

unanimously . After the transaction of other business , the DISTRICT G . M ASTER delivered his usual address , and at the outset laid particular stress on the necessity for caution in the admission of candidates , remarking that " although the attention of lodges had several times been drawn to the subject , it appeared that undesirable additions were not seldom made

to the Craft . ' He said further that " it was obvious that no one should be admitted who was not in a position to maintain himself and family in comfort , nor likely to be not only a credit , but a source of strength to the Craft . The character and position of every candidate should , therefore , be thoroughly inquired into by the lodge before the ballot was taken , and . undesirable persons rigorously excluded . Above

all , it was desirable to exclude persons who were addicted to vices , which were sure to bring discredit and distress on themselves and on all concerned with them . " He also strongl y condemned the plan of examining candidates for admission to the higher Decrees as beinsr in the majority of

cases a sham , and laid it down that all such candidates should be carefully and properly prepared before they should be allowed to advance to a higher grade . He cited several cases of irregularity which had been brought to his notice—on which we comment elsewhere—and shortly afterwards District Grand Lodge was closed with the usual ceremonies . ¦ +

The Recent Festival Of The R.M.I. For Boys.

THE RECENT FESTIVAL OF THE R . M . I . FOR BOYS .

_ The following further sums have been received since our issue of last week was published , namely : Lod ge LONDON . £ s . d . 198 Bro . W . Webber , additional 21 o 0 ( raising his list to £ 47 5 s . ) 13 S 1 „ H . F . Foale , additional 10 10 0 ( raising his list to £ 56 14 s . ) ' o ^ „ E . B . Cox , additional 4 13 0

( raising his list to £ 141 15 s . ) -012 „ G . Gardner , additional 22 10 o ( raising his list to £ 3 69 ios . ) -Jio ,, S . J . Attenborough , additional ... 5 5 0 ( raising his list to £ 15 15 s . )

PROVINCES . ,, -. KENT . ' 99 Bro . G . J . Bussey 5210 0 n SUSSEX . ¦ 947 Bro . A . F . Lamette , additional 10 10 0

( raising his list to £ 63 . ) £ 126 iS o Last week ' s additions 67 4 o Total £ 194 2 o « .

Notes From An Old Freemasonry Publication.

NOTES FROM AN OLD FREEMASONRY PUBLICATION .

( wri ? acloss a Publication in book form the other day dua n ? f * ; ' P ° ndent ) of the year 1 S 09 , written in a very door rr' P 'P ° rtJn 8 ' be an " authentic key to the M-w . , emasonry . " The writer is what is known in flaSl ' . clesasa "Cowan , " but the work itself is entirely lindin 5 ° , 0 rder * Although an eavesdropper , his tm ' nL ° fh ^ at he sa , v and heard is : " l am inclined to i * 0 „ .: r nat the chief design nf the e . stahlishmpnl * is tn

™ ° ral a 1 a . * inform the mind , and promote the good or ? S 0 Clal virtues ° * humanity , decency , and Anion * , A ? ' ' much as possible in the world . " Alban * f „ , ltems of interest in the book I find that St . In 0 , 5 , v the first Grand Lodge in Britain in A . D . 2 S 7 . 'hourii rtA , vin formed a Grand Lodge at York , and r , C n i nrOUP * h a loiW iMcf-a nf ,. o ,,-c tlin ™ T ^ Uff-ln ra „™ A „ A vi IJ i" \ i 1 iiti ^ LIUIU ( .

tile l Irrl / . " ' * " " * J .-... .. I . J -... . I . U in 142 c \\ ' ¦ ' seerns to have been growing in power , for ' ^ ventv ' fi-.- 8 assemb -ies were prohibited by Parliament . MasonryA j - ears later * Heni T VI . was initiated into to Willfam ,- ! 9 ° secrets of the Order were revealed thet , „ a . i * ' V * privately . The Freemasons inane-nrated

c oniniet „ ri ? . ¦ St- Paul ' s Cathedral , London , in 1657 , and 'WlanoIwi 2 * 3 * The office of Grand Secretary for a ^ rand Tr established in 1723 , and the following year Ceding * < 4 , s " rer w as appointed . It was in the two suc-Was PronoAi , " general fund for distressed Masons " \ i * * i „ i * lJU ? ecl , and a " fnm ™ iu .. „ c r * i . __ : i .. " : _ * . ^ J

as suined „„ system which has grown till now it has a ho 'd has , V i ° - S reat -Magnitude . Indeed , so firm >? ndon over r ° ed ' tllat at a meetin S held recently in M ; * sonic chp A ?' , , vas subscribed by those present for m asons' Hal ! P P oses . The plans for a Freew London were approved by Grand

Notes From An Old Freemasonry Publication.

Lodge of England in 1769 , but it is not till four years later that any definite steps seem to have been taken . A Hall Committee was appointed in 1773 , and the year following a site for the building was purchased . The first stone of the building was laid in 1775 , and the same year / ' 5000 towards the building of the hall was raised by means of a tontine . The hall was dedicated in 177 6 , and

the following" year the anniversary of the dedication was ordered to be kept . It was not always merry with thc Masons , however . It is recorded that in 1757 , 14 persons were expelled the Order for irregularities , and that in 1762 several others shared the same fate . In 1777 several Masons had to submit to the indignity of imprisonment at Naples , but on what pretence it does not appear . His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland was elected Grand

Master in 17 S 2 , and during his tenure of office ( 17 S 8 ) the Royal Cumberland Freemasons' School was instituted . At his death in 1790 , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , initiated in 17 S 7 , was elected to the vacancy . It is worthy of note that at the date on which the book was published ( 1 S 09 ) , H . R . H . George Augustus Frederick , the then Prince of VVales , filled the office of Grand Master of England , a position which is held in this year of grace , iSSrj , by Albert Edward , Prince of Wales .

Masonic Outing To Windsor.

MASONIC OUTING TO WINDSOR .

On Thursday in last week , the annual excursion , and what may be termed the " ladies' day , " of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , No . 1642 , meeting at Ladbroke Hall , Notting-hill , took place as in former years , the Royal borough of Windsor again being selected for visitation . Before commencing the journey a lodge meeting was held , and after the transanction of the necessary business the

trip was commenced from Paddington , special saloons being attached to the ordinary train , which was timed to reach Windsor at a few minutes to eleven . The lodge numbers about 60 members , and of these half the number availed themselves of the excursion , accompanied by a similar number of ladies . The members were Bros . W . I . Murlis , P . M ., Sec . ; S .

H . Parkhouse , P . M ., Treas . ; E . M . Lander , P . M ., D . C . ( founders of the lodge ); R . H . Pearson , P . M ., VV . M . ; F . C . Frye , P . M . ( member of the County Council of London ); I . Woodmason , P . M ., P . G . D . C . Middx ., S . W ., W . M . elect ; R . C . Green , J . W . j J . R . Roberts , J . D . j J . Whittlesea , R . Reid , E . Rogers , Stwd . j C . Manchester , G . A . VVilliams , J . M . Huish , H . Foskett , J .

French , VV . H . VVadham , W . R . Hatton , J . S . Adkins , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., * S . Ransom , H . Holmes , G . Davis , P . M . , * T . P . Rider , and J . K . Cama . On arrival at Windsor the party dispersed in various directions ; some enjoyed a pleasant little run up the river Thames on board a steam-launch , * others enjoyed a lovely drive to the famed Virginia Water , and not a few of the

visitors went over as much of the castle as was possible , the Queen being in residence , and the State apartments , therefore , not open . The weather was fine , and the members of the party enjoyed themselves exceedingly . At six o'clock a move was made to the ancient hostelry of the Star and Garter , where the host , Bro . VV . J . McCloskie , had prepared a most excellent banquet , which was presided

over by Bro . John Woodmason , P . M ., W . M . elect . Ample justice was done the menu , after which a short toast list was briefly gone through . "The Queen and the Craft" and "The Prince of VVales , M . W . G . M ., " were duly honoured . The CHAIRMAN proposed the toast of " The Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom and the rest of the Grand Officers ,

Present and Past , " to which Bro . ROGERS responded , expressing his pleasure at being present on behalf of the Grand Lodge in his mother lodge , the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . Bro . PEARSON proposed " The Health of the Chairman , the W . M . of the Lodge , Bro . J . Woodmason . " In doing so , he alluded to what he had been informed by the Chairman , that the hotel in which they were assembled was the

second oldest in England . Some of them might have seen the representation of Shakespeare ' s " Merry Wives of Windsor" at the Haymarket , and would be interested in hearing that some of the incidents were taken from that old hotel . The CHAIRMAN responded to the toast , and proposed "The Health of the Initiate . "

Bro . MURLIS proposed " The Visitors , and alluded to the good done by Freemasons in general in organising Charities for old persons , and their care for the orphans and destitute . The toast was acknowledged by Messrs . Jubal Webb , G . Weston , and Kitchenam , the first named making some very

humorous remarks on Masonry on behalf of the ladies . The toasts of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " "The Masonic Charities , " " The Past Masters , " " The Officers , " and the Tyler's toast were also duly honoured . The party afterwards returned to London by the 10 , 40 Great Western train .

Bro. H. Clarke's Garden Party At Cannon Hall.

BRO . H . CLARKE'S GARDEN PARTY AT CANNON HALL .

To the members of the Alliance Lodge , with their ladies , Bro . H . Clarke , C . C , VV . M . 1827 , and Mrs . Clarke gave on Saturday last a garden party at their charming Elizabethan residence , Cannon Hall , Hampstead . Cannon Hall is a delightful old building , its title being derived from the fact that it is surmounted by iron guns , there being also on the lawn two other pieces of ordnance . The house is

on the fringe of Hampstead Heath , the situation being lovely . The company on Saturday last included Bro . the Lord Mayor ( who had previously fulfilled two engagements at VVood Green ) , the Lady Mayoress , and their two daughters j Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Gray , Bro . Sheriff Newton and Mrs . Newton , Alderman Cowan , Mrs . Cowan ,

and Miss Cowan , Alderman Sir H . A . Isaacs and Lady Isaacs , and a number of other corporators . Bro . Clarke had also invited his brethren of the County Council , and these gentlemen were present in strong force , the Chairman , Lord Rosebery , being amongst the number who accepted the invitation . The other councillors and their ladies who were to be seen

on the lawn included Mr . firth ( Deputy Chairman ) and Mrs . Firth j Lord and Lady Lingen ; Sir George Harris ; Colonel and Mrs , Rotton ; Mr . J . S . Fletcher , J . P . ; Mr ,

Bro. H. Clarke's Garden Party At Cannon Hall.

Alderman Evan Spicer , Mrs . Spicer , and Miss Spicer ; and Mr . H . H . C . Marks . Nearly the whole of the members of the Alliance Lodge accepted invitations , those present including Bro . Captain Philips and Mrs . Philips ; Bro . F . VVest and Miss West ; Bro . David Mercer and Mrs . Mercer ; liro . R . T . Fenn , Mrs . Fenn , and Miss Fenn ; and othcr members of the

G . Lodge ; Mr . IT . C . Richards , Col . Banister Fletcher , Mrs . Fletcher , Bro . Hyde Clarke , Bro . Jabez Hogg , Mrs . Hogg , Miss Hogg , Bro . Ex-Sheriff Clarke , Mrs . Clarke , Bro . Col . and Miss Harding , Col . E . R . Wilde , Miss Wilde , Mr . J . G . Wild , Mrs . Wild , and others . The comdany further included Lord Knutsford , Lady Knutsford , Sir Richard Temple , Bart ., M . P ., the Rev . S . Burnaby , the Rev . J . Kirkmanand Mrs . Kirkman , the Rev . T . Turner , Mr . Seymour Lucas ,

Mrs . Lucas , Mr . and Mrs . Crawford , Mr . and Mrs . Bell , Mr . and Mrs . Peebles , Mr . F . S . Knott , and others . Bro . and Mrs . Clarke made a genial host and hostess , receiving their friends with a warm welcome . In the spacious garden , which is laid out in the picturesque style of years ago , the band of the Coldstream Guards played , while in the house vocal music was given by several of the company .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . H . LONGHURST . The funeral of the late Bro . H . Longhurst , P . M . 1425 ) took place on Wednesday , the ioth inst ., at Paddington Cemetery , attended by many friends , among whom were Mr . H . Longhurst , the son , chief mourner ; Mr . H . VVooley , Bros . J . Cruttenden , 1425 ; H . Hanshaw , the son-in-law and nephews ; A . Alden , 2032 ; H . Dehane , 1543 ; G .

Read , Sec . 1425 ; VV . Death , 5 * 1 j J . T . Westley , 733 ; J . Temple , 511 j Messrs . Graham , Morgan , Scannard , Bryan , Harding , and many others . The service was performed by the Chaplain . Bro . Longhurst was the founder and first VV . M . of the Hyde Park Lodge , and was held in hig h repute and esteem among the brethren for his geniality and warm friendship and his readiness at all times to give

Masonic assistance . His death was sudden after a long arid tedious illness , and his loss will be felt by all who knew him . Our late brother held a very important appointment on the Great Western Railway , and for his services in the early days of the company was deputed to open the Brentford Docks , afterwards becoming Superintendent at Paddington Goods Department , which he gave up for an appointment in a private firm , holding it until his death .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Nothing is more trying to a writer than to write a notice of a screaming farce so as to convey the plot and humour contained therein to the reader . VVe almost doubt wheiher since Saturday any one has been able to reproduce on paper the story of the latest London play , so as to convey its tull drollery , and at the same time to do justice to Mr . Lumley , the author of "Aunt lack , " with which Mrs . John Wood

essayed to re-open her own theatre . We have done our share of laughter both in the old and present Court Theatres at the many comical productions the lessees have treated the public to , but we think we have never heard more shaking of sides than is now provoked by Mr . Lumley ' s piece . Breach of promise is the motive power of Aunt J ack , which is a subject always amusing to either sex . Aunt J ack

has a nephew , Caleb Cornisn , who is at the bar ( bnetiess ) , and shares chambers in Plaster Buildings , Temple , with a Mr . Brue . Caleb has expectations from his aunt , and without her consent has married Miss Doyle , a niece of Colonel Taverner , the Colonel likewise not knowing of his niece ' s marriage . Aunt Jack is bringing an action for breach of promise of marriage against Colonel Taverner , and claims

jl , 6 ooo damages for wounded heart , tritted affections , ISIC . Colonel Taverner's counsel is Mr . Brue . Aunt Jack calls on her nephew at his chambers , and makes the acquaintance of his friend ' s aunt , of whom she has often heard , and , not knowing her name , calls her Miss Cornish , which it is not . When Caleb arrives , Aunt Jack , having learnt that her counsel has thrown up his brief , engages her nephew

to conduct her case in court the next day . Caleb is , therefore , forced to take up his Aunt ' s case against his wife ' s uncle , ancl his colleague is the leader on the other side for the defendant , after having himself just proposed for the plaintiff . Such is the story of the first act . ln the second act all the people meet in a private dining room of the Imperial Hotel , a stupid waiter having shown two parties

into the same room , one consisting of Col . T averner , his niece , and his counsel , Mr . Bruej the other of Aunt Jack , her nephew , and her solicitor . The third act is a court of Justice , in which the judge cracks jokes at the expense of the parties to the suit , and the plaintiff when in the witness box sings a comic song and tickles the judge with her sunshade and harangues the jury , and forces the counsel for the

other side to admit that he has proposed to her , on which the jury award her one farthing damages . Mrs . J ohn Wood , as Aunt Jack , is fitted with a part which exactly suits her as a low comedian j she keeps every one in roars of laughter . Mr . Arthur Lecil , as Mr . Brue , plays with that refinement in which he has always tutored himself . Mr . Eric Lewis , as Caleb Cornish , Mr . Aynsworth , and Mr . v \ eedon

Grossmith , as Aunt Jack ' s solicitor from the country , have good par . s , and play them to every one's satisfaction ; and we must not forget the little sketch , splendidly acted by Air . VV . Phillips , of the barrister ' s clerk . Miss l'lorence Wood and Miss Filippi in subordinate parts , are all that can

be desired . A most pathetic lirst piece , by Mr . Heathcote , " His Toast , " should be seen at the same time , lt has one of the prettiest sentiments running through it , and brings tears to one ' s eyes , which are soon driven away by the drollery of "Aunt Jack , " which ought to draw for many weeks .

The candidates for the vacancy in Last Marylebone , caused by the resignation of Bro . Lord Charles beresford , ure Mr . Edward Buulnois , Conservative , and Mr . Leveson-( jower , only son of Bro . the Hon . E . F . Leveson-Gower , Lite M . P . for Bodmin , and nephew of Bro . Earl uranville , Liberal . The polling takes place to-day ( Friday ) .