The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Miss Nellie Harris , who has not been seen on the stage for some time , has purchased the Novelty Theatre , it was rumoured with the intention of letting it . We now learn she will re-open it herself . She must have gained some experience in the enterprise of a theatrical manager from her brother , Bro . Augustus Harris .

•* * * Simultaneous with our notice of the last new opera at the Royalty the theatre closed , our prognostications being realised . At this season of the year our columns are full of matters purely Masonic that the notice , though in type ,

was not able to appear sooner , though intended for an earlier issue . "Gillette" was such a dreadful failure that it was withdrawn at the earliest possible moment . Miss Kate Santley has done well in closing the theatre for the present .

# * # So different is " Claudian " at the Princess ' s from the" ordinary run of dramas , being founded on the early days of Christianity , that to compress any notice of the play into a few lines would be a fruitless task , and unjust to the authors , Messrs . Herman and Wills , and the hero , Mr .

Wilson Barrett . The opening scene of the prologue is perhaps the finest thing ever done on the stage as an effect . In this praiseworthy attempt to raise the character of the stage Mr . Wilson Barrett deserves the support of the public . # # *

It has been our wish to say something- about Bros . Kendal's and Hare ' s last comedy , " Young Folks ' Ways , " at St . James ' s Theatre ; but we feel a play brought out at this house ought to be carefully noticed , and at some length . We have had neither time nor space to do this since its advent . Although possessing much that is interesting , and the acting leaving nothing to be desired , it

cannot be said "Young Folks' Ways" is altogether what we have usually been treated to at Bro . Kendal's house , and it will shortly be withdrawn and " A Scrap of Paper" reproduced for a time . Still there is much that is attractive in " Young Folks' Ways " that we recommend our readers to make a journey to King-street before theend of the year . It is too late now to describe the story , but we make these remarks

as we know some of those who read the Freemason look at the theatrical news , not having opportunity or time it may be to go through the long criticisms which appear in the daiiy and professionals journals , and yet like to be posted up as to what is going on . Many other newspapers less connected with the drama than ourselves devote a portion of their pages to this art and find it is looked for . If only to see Bro . and Mrs . Kendal again we say go .

The Alhambra has opened with all or even more of its former brilliancy . At present our space will not admit of an extended review of what is allowed by all , critics , public , and actors , to be a decided success . It is al . vays more agreeable to chronicle in this light of a thoroughly English production . We hope we shall see

less and less of translations from the l'rench , for we have Englishmen who can compose music and write dialogue as pretty and witty as the nation across the Straits , without being indelicate . Bro . Sims has done well again for the plot , whilst Mr . Frederick Clay has done the same for the music . But there is a sadness which has come over the opening of the Alhambra . The composer , Mr . Frederick

Clay , conducted the opera on the first night and on the second was in the house as a spectator . Whilst walking home with Bro . Sims arm-in-arm , and passing the Covent Garden Opera House , he suddenly stumbled and then fell . He was taken into Bow-street Police Court and it was found he had received a paralytic stroke which has deprived him

of speech and made him unconscious . He was taken to the house of his brother , Mr . Cecil Clay , where Sir Wm . Jenner was summoned , and grave symptoms presented themselves . The medical men are of opinion that a blood vessel has burst on the brain , but hopes are entertained of his recovery .

* ¦*¦ w Bro . Terry might be a vain man , but he isn ' t . He returned to the Gaiety on Monday , and brought with him a company he had been playing with in Liverpool , Belfast , Glasgow , and other towns in " The Rocket , " by Mr . Pinero . The first intimation of his presence was his voice as he called on the stage from the " flies , " " Florence ,

Florence . " The most callous and unenthusiastic must have felt a thrill as the audience—not by any means the gallery alone this time—cheered round after round directly he uttered the words , and when he came on the stage for several moments they would not allow the piece to continue . He had to repeat his sentence over and over again before any one could hear him , and even when the burst of

applause subsided , one strong admirer shouted , " another cheer for Terry , " and it was given lustily . As there is only this week for this comedy to be played , we shall not go into its merits . The provinces have this time pronounced rightly for London . In is "funny , very , very funny . " But Bro . Edward Terry it is who makes it so . The character suits him well , that

of the abandoned old rake , who trades on his daughter ' s ( or his make-believe daughter ' s ) charms , and thereby lives on his son-in-law , and makes love to the latter ' s mother . Bro . 'Ferry is ably assisted by Mr . Beaumont , Mr . Sydney , Miss Dolores Drummond , and Miss Maria Jones . The extravaganza "Young Fra

Diavolo " follows / in which Miss Nellie Farren distinguishes herself as usual in her celebrated " Crutch and Toothpick " song , " I'm a swell , you can tell . " Bro . E . B . Hartt had certainly all his work cut out to satisfy the first night ' s demands for seats to welcome back to London the popular Bro . Terry . #

* * A meeting in connection with the Actors' Benevolent Fund was held on theCth inst ., in the "foyer" of the Royal Alexandra Theatre , Liverpool . Bro . Edward Terry occupied the chair , and there were also present Bros . G . W . Harris , C . Dornton , and John Atkinson ; Messrs . A .

The Theatres.

Beaumont , P . Harmer , J . VV . Whitbread , G . D . Clarance , G . Edwards , F . VV . Walden , E . J . Lonnen , H . T . Brickwell , E . V . Campbell , W . Brickwell , Basil Henry , larvis Widdicombe , R . Cullen , C . Amalia , E . Wanter , A . R . Lawrence , and W . Barton ; Mrs . Charles Dornton , Miss Dolores Drummond , Miss Sutherland , Miss Kate St . Ange , Miss Maria Jones , Miss Rachel , and Miss Katie Ryan . The chairman said that since the recent organisation of the

fund 350 members had contributed , £ . 2900 . Liverpool was the only city that formed a centre , representative of the fund , and it was desirable that other places of importance should be added to the list of centres . Letters were read from Bro . Frank Emery ( Prince of Wales Theatre ) , Mr . D . Grannell ( Rotunda Theatre ) , and Bro . Captain R . B . Bainbridge ( Royal Court Theatre ) , suggesting that the Alexandra should be chosen as the theatre for the Liverpool centre , and the suggestion was adopted . Bro . Harris

spoke of the work that had been done here since October last , mentioning several cases in which relief had been granted . It was agreed on the motion of Bro . Harris , seconded by Bro . Atkinson , that notices should be placed in all the theatres in the city and district announcing that the Alexandra had been selected as the head-quarters of the centre . Votes of thanks to the chairman , and to Mrs . Saker for her kindness in granting the use of the " foyer " for the meeting , brought the proceedings to a close .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

For the Week ending Saturday , December 29 , 1 S 83 . MONDAY , DECEMBER 24 . Lodge 1632 , Stuart , Bridge House Hot ., London Bridge .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Wellington , White Swan Hot ., High-st ., Deptford , 8 to 10 . Sincerity , Railway Tav ., Fenchurch-st ., at 7 . St . James ' s Union , Union Tav ., Air-st ., Regent-st ., at 8 . Perfect Ashlar , Jamaica Tav ., Southwark Park-rd ., at 8 . United Military , Earl of Chatham , Thomas-st ., Woolwich . West Smithfield , Clarence Hot ., Aldersgate-st ., at 7 .

Doric Chapter , Duke ' s Head , 79 , Whitechapei-rd ., at 6 . Roval Commemoration , Fox and Hounds ., Putney , 8 till 10 . St . " Mark's , Surrey M . H ., Camberwell New-rd . John Hervey , Albion Hall , London Wall , at 8 . Kingsland , Cock Tav ., Highbury , N ., at 8 . 30 . Metropolitan , Moorgate Tav ., 15 Finsbury Pavement , 7 . 30 . Strong Man , Excise Tav ., Old Broad-st ., at 7 .

St . Ambrose , Baron s Court Hot ., VV . Kensington , at S . Hyde Park , Fountains Abbey Hot ., 111 , Praed-st ., Paddington , at S . Tredegar , Royal Hot ., Mile End-rd .. at S . Euphrates , Mother Red Cap , High-st ., Camden Town , S . Marquess of Ripon , Pembury Tav ., Amherst-rd ., Hackney , at 7 . 45 .

TUESDAY , DECEMBER 25 . ( CHRISTMAS DAY . )

( No meetings . ) WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 2 G . ( BANK HOLIDAY . ) Lodge 898 , Temperance-in-the-East , 6 , Newby-pl ., Poplar . „ 1017 , Montefiore , S , Air-st ., Regent-st ., VV . Chap . 753 , Prince Frederick William , Lord ' s Hot ., St . John ' s Wood . „ 907 , Royal Albert , White Hart Tav ., Abchurch-lanc . ,, 1624 , Eccleston , Freemasons' Hall .

LODGES av INSTRUCTION . Kent , King and Queen , Norton Folgate , Bishopsgate-st ., S . Prince Leopold , Grand Avenue M . H ., S 3 Gracechurch-st ., S United Mariners , Lugard Hot ., Lugard-rd ., Peckham . Confidence , Hercules Tavern , Leadenhall-st ., 7 till g . New Concord , Jolly Farmers , Southgate-rd ., N ., at 8 . Mt . Lebanon , Horse Shoe Tav ., Newington Causeway , S .

Pythagorean , Portland * Hot ., Greenwich , at S . La Tolerance , Morland Hot ., Dean-st ., W ., at 8 . United Strength , Hope Tav ., 179 , Stanhope-st ., Regent's Park , atS . Peckham , Lord Wellington Hot ., 516 , Old Kent-rd ., at 8 . Burdett Coutts , Duke ' s Head , 79 , VVhitechapel Road , at 8 . Southwark , Southwark Park Tav ., Southwark Park , at 8 .

Dukeof Connaught , Ryl . Edwd . Hot ., Mare-st ., Hackney , 8 Burgoyne , Victoria Hot ., 35 , Chaiterhouse-st ., E . C , at 7 . Whittington , Red Lion , Poppin's-court , Fleet-st ., at 8 . Langthorne , Swan Hot ., Stratford , at 8 . Temperancein the East , G . the Fourth , Ida-st ., E ., at 7 . 30 . Eleanor , Trocadero Hot ., Liverpool-st ., E . C .

MerchantNavy . SilverT ., Burdett-rd ., Limehouse , 7 . 30 ( aft . ) Creaton , Prince Albert Tav ., Portobello-ter ., Notting hill , 8 . Panmure , Balham Hot . Balham , 7 . Wanderers , Adam and EveT ., PaImer-st ., Westminster , 7 . 3 o Emblematic , Goat and Star , Swallow-st ., Regent-st ., at S . Camden Chapter , Boston Hot ., Holloway , at S . 30 p . m . Finsbury Park , Cock Tav ., Highbury , at S . 30 .

THURSDAY , DECEMBER 27 . General Committee Girls' School at 4 . Mark 118 , Northumberland , M . H . Tav ., Basinghall-st .

LODGES OP INSTRUCTION . Justice , Brown Bear , High-st ., Deptford , 8 to 10 . Union Waterloo , Earl of Chatham , Thomas-st ., Woolwich . ' Egyptian , Hercules Tav ., Leadenhall-st ., 7 . 30 . Fidelity , Yorkshire Grey , London-st ., W . C ., at 8 .

The Great City , M . H ., Masons' Avenue , 6 . 30 . Finsbury , Jolly Anglers' Tav ., Bath-st ., City-rd . Ebury , 12 , Ponsonby-st ., Millbank , at S . Highgate , Boston Hot ., Junction-rd ., N ., at 8 . High Cross , Coach & Horses , High-rd ., Tottenham , at S .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

Salisbury , Union Tav ., Air-st ., Regent-st ., at 8 . Southern Star , The Pheasant , Stangate , S . W ., at 8 . Great Northern , Berwick , Arms , Berners-st ., Oxford-st . Leopold , Old White Hart , Borough High-st ., at 7 . 30 . City of London , Jamaica Coffee House , Cornhill , 6 . 30 . Royal Arthur , Prince of Wales Hot . ( opposite Wimbledon Railway Station ) , at 7 . 30 .

Vitruvian , White Hart , Belvedere-rd ., Lambeth , at 8 . Covent Garden , The Cranbourne , 1 , Upper St . Martin's-Iame , W . C ., S . Royal Albert , White Hart Hot ., Abchurch-lane , at 7 . 30 . Duke of Edinburgh , Bricklayers' Arms , Narrow-st ., Limehouse , at 7 . Stockwell , Cock Tav ., Kennington-rd . at 7 . X 0 .

, Victoria Park , Yorkshire Grey , High-st ., Stratford , at S . Guelph , Blackbirds Inn , Hi g h-st ., Leyton . Langton , Mansion House Station Restaurant , Queen Victoria-st ., at 6 . ( Emulation Working . ) ~~ St . Michael's , Moorgate Tav ., Finsbury Pavement , at 8 . Crusaders , Old Jerusalem Tav ., St . John's-gate ,

Clerkenwell , at 9 . Upton , Swan Tav ., Bethnal Green-rd ., at 8 . Londesborough , Berkeley Arms , John-st ., Mayfair , at 8 . Camden , Lincoln's Inn Restaurant , 305 , High Holborn , at 7 . North London Chap ., Canonbury Tav ., at S . Prince Frederick William Chapter , Eagle Tav ., CIifton-rd ., Maida-vale , 7 . 30 .

FRIDAY , DECEMBER 2 S . Chap . 134 , Caledonian , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Stability , M . H ., Masons' Avenue , at 6 . Robert Burns , North Pole , 387 Oxford-st , W ., at 8 . All Saints , Town Hall , Poplar , at 7 . 30 . Belgrave , Harp Tav ., Jermyn-st ., W ., at 8 . Unions Emulation ( for M . Ms . ) F . M . H ., at 7 . Temperance , Victoria Tav ., Victoria-rd . Deptfordat S .

, , Metropolitan ( Victoria ) , Portugal Hot ., Fleet-st ., at 7 . St . Marylebone , British Stores Tav ., St . John's Wood . Westbourne , Lord's Hot ., St . John's Wood , at S . United Pilgrims , Surrey M . H ., Camberwell New-rd ., 7 . 30 . St . James ' s , Gregorian Arms , Jamaica-rd ., S . E ., at 8 . Doric , Duke ' s Head , 79 , Whitechapel-rd ., at S . Clapton , Lord Stanley , Sandringham-rd ., Hackney , 8 .

bt . Luke's , White Hart , King ' s-rd ., Chelsea , 7 . 30 . Chigwell , Prince ' s Hall , Buckhurst-hill , at 7 . 30 . Royal Standard , The Alwyne Castle , St . Paul ' s-rd ., N . Ranelagh , Six Bells , Queen-st ., Hammersmith , VV ., at 8 . Selwyn , East Dulwich Hot ., East Dulwich , at S . Wm . Preston , St . Andrew ' s T ., George-st ,, Baker-sc ., VV . Earl of Carnarvon , Ladbroke Hall , Notting-hill , at 8 .

St . George's , Globe Tav ., Greenwich , at 8 . Ubique , Guardsman Coffee Tav ., Buckingham Palaceroad , at 7 . 30 . Royal Alfred , Star and Garter , Ketv Bridge , at S . Pythagorean Chapter , PortlandHot ., London-st ., Greenwich Old Kent Mark , Crown and Cushion , London Wall , at 7 . St . lohn's , Mother Red Cap , Camden Town , N . W ., at S . SATURDAY , DECEMBER 29 .

( No meetings . ) LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Manchester , 17 , London-st ., Fitzroy-sq ., at 8 . Percy , Jolly Farmers , Southgate-rd ., N ., at S . Star , Five Bells , New Cross-rd ., S . E ., at 7 . King Harold , Four Swans , Waltham Cross , 7 . Alexandra Palace . Station Ho .. Camberwell New-rd ., at 7 . jo . Eccleston , King ' s Head , Ebury Bridge , Pimlico , at 7 .

Masonic Meetings In West Lancashire And Cheshire,

MASONIC MEETINGS IN WEST LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ,

For the Week ending Saturday , December 29 , 18 S 3 . MONDAY , DECEMBER 24 . Lodge 1325 , Stanley , M . H ., Liverpool . Chap . 241 , Friendship , M . H ., Liverpool . Derby L . of I ., M . H ., Liverpool .

TUESDAY , DECEMBER 25 . ( No Meetings . ) WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 26 . Lodge 32 , St . George's , Adelphi Hot ., Liverpool . „ 230 , Harmony , Garston Hot , Garston .

„ 724 , Derby , M . H ., Liverpool . » 73 ° « Ellesmere , Royal Oak , Chorley . „ 1609 , Liverpool Dramatic , M . H ., Liverpool . ,, 1756 , Kirkdale , Skelmersdale Hall , Liverpool . Toxteth L . of I ., M . R ., North Hill-street , Liverpool . Neptune L . of I ., M . H ., Liverpool .

THURSDAY , DECEMBER 27 . Lodge 1313 , Fermor , M . H ., Southport . FRIDAY , DECEMBER 28 . Lodge 1061 , Triumph , Market Hot ., Lytham . SATURDAY , DECEMBER 29 . Lodge 1126 , Oakwood , Dovestock Inn , Romclly .

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WEAK OR DEFECTIVE SIGHT . —SPECTACLES scientifically adapted to remedy impaired vision by Bro . ACKI . AND , Surgeon , daily , at Home andThornthwaite ' s , Opticians to the Queen , 416 , Strand , London , W . C . Send six » 1- » mpB for " Ackland ' s Hints on Spectacles , " which contains valuable suggesinrs to sufferers from imperfect sight .

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NO FAMILIES WHO VALUE THEIR HF . ALTH SHOULD BE WITHOUT ONE OF THE LONDON AND GENERAL WATER PURIFYING COMPANY'S ( LIMITED ) PATENT CISTERN FILTERS , Charged Solely with Animal Charcoal , u r- » fift A Requiring when once fixed no attention whatever . Portable Cistern House ^! stern , ntiea And sllperj or to all others , vide Professor Frankland's Reports to the Registrar General , July , Filter , with a . Cistern miter . , ( N 0 ¥ ember , 1867 , and May , 1850 ; the Lancet , January la , 1867 . Also Testimonials _ , _ __ -, from Dr . Hassell , September 23 , 1863-, the late Dr . Lethehy , February it , i 86 < , and | ffl ^ S 5 ^ E | S 3 ffl December , 1871 . _ S ^ i ^ = ^ Sr : MI || Price £ 1 10 s . and upwards . PORTABLE FILTERS on this System , , e ? r Js . to 4 $ . riiiSjri ^ - > > rm . iiSSg 1111 Patronised and used by Her Majesty the Queen , at Osborne ; by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , ^ KJIFMI 1 ¦ = rH ffSslfil ? ' Illl at sandringham ; by H . R . H . the Duke of Edinburgh , at Eastwell ; by H . R . H . the Duke of H ™ IM 11 ' ' ' 3 JP ^ 3 HMIIII ! 9 ConnauSnt . Bagshot Park ; by H . R . H . the Dukeof Cambridge ; thee" of the Medical l ^ sSM I : ^ - ^ i £ ^ ffiV'f || jMllll & "flllli B Profession , and at the London , Westminster , St . George ' s , St . Mary ' s Consumption , Fever , ( 1 < fe ! fc 9 1 I ix-i SJf" fft ' i ( III and German Hospitals , and various Lunatic Asylums , Institutions , Breweries , Sec ; at all the j Muffi iaS ^ ii Ay ^ f ^ Mda r schools established by the School Board for London , and at the Royal Masonic Boys ' and SwEiSS l £ Girls' Schools . il—¦ It , POCKET FILTERS , s . 6 d . and 6 s . each . HOUSEHOLD and FANCY FILTERS from us , 6 d . Water Testing Apparatus for detecting the Impurities in Water , 10 s . 6 d . ana 31 s . each . —" The Testing Apparatus for discovering the pres ; nce of Impurities in Water is a most convenient and portable one . " —Vide " Dyke on the Preliminary Duties of Health Officer * . " 157 , STRAND , W . C . ( four doors from Somerset House ) , LONDON . Read " Water , its Impurities and Purification . " price per post , fid .