Masonic Entertainment To Old Folks At Northampton.

The somewhat arduous duties of Hon . Secretaries werc well and ably discharged by Bros . H . W . K . Markham and W . J . Hull . In addition there was also an Entertainment Committee , consisting of Bros . J . J . Hart , C . E . Thorpe , C . Rider-Noble , C . J . King , T . H . Vials , Brook Sampson , R . \ V . Strickland , and T . Phipps Dorman .

Each member of the Craft was supplied with tickets according to thc amount subscribed , and these were given by them to the old people over 60 years of age whom they might select . The provision of the food for so large a number of persons was kindly undertaken by Bro . Captain and Quartermaster J . Hughes , of the Northampton Volunteers . There was plenty

and to spare , and everything passed off without the slightest hitch . Bro . Captain Hughes was ably assisted in the commissariat department by Orderly-Sergeant Stanley , Corporal Stanley , and Private Slinn , of the Volunteers . The 26 tables were well arranged by Bros . W . D . Gibbins and T . Emery , and by four o'clock , the hour

appointed for tea , nearly all the invited guests were seated . Unfortunately the Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Euston , almost at the last moment , found he was unable to attend the function , and sent a telegram to that effect , a fact which caused a universal expression of regret . As soon as everything was ready , the Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , and other officers

of the different lodges who had been marshalled by Bro . J . J . Hart , Prov . G . D . of Centered the Exchange , the rear being brought up bythe Mayor ( Councillor W . Tomes ) , and that veteran Mason of the ' province , Bro . H . P . Markham , D . L ., and their entry was the signal for an outburst of applause . On approaching the orchestra the brethren opened out and allowed Bro .

Markham , who had consented to preside in the absence of the Earl of Euston , and the Mayor to proceed to their seats in the centre of the orchestra , the Mayoress and the Misses Tomes occupying seats on the right of'his Worship . Grace having been sung , the tea was proceeded with , during which , Bro . T . H . Vials played various selections on the organ .

Among the brethren who were present and attended were Bros . J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; T . Phipps Dorman , the Rev . W . H . Holding , the Rev . G . Chappell , J . Eunson , J . Bingley , W . J . Hull , E . Fletcher , T . Franks , R . H . Boycott , J . Ingram , J . O . Bailey , Capt . R . Wallace , Capt . A . F . Mulliner . F . Tyler , C . Cooke , C . Cooke , jun ., W . E . Mawle , R . S . Skillington ,

E . J . Gibbs , ] . S . Champion , W . J . Stanton , J . Blunt , F . F . Blunt , T . Ashdowne , J . F . Gains , E . G . Frost , J . Dickens , W . Rowden , W . D . Gibbens , C . H . Dorman , G . T . Sharman , W . Hughes , T . H . Fisher , G . Fisher , C . R . Nunn * G . T . Cooke , R . A . Dillon , H . Weed , J . Porteous , J . J . Martin , J . B . Brown , J . O . Wallis , W . E . Stimpson , W . Mark , W . Page , F . J . Airs , J . Faulkner ,

D . B . Gardner , T . Dadford , E . A . Stark , H . Duke , E . C . Ashford , E . Archer , J . Clayson , H . W . Horton , J . H . C . Crockett , J . T . Ambidge , G . H . Frecknell , F . Freear , E . J . Gibbs , and others . At the conclusion of the tea grace was sung , and Bro . H . P . MARKHAM addressed the large gathering , meeting with a most hearty reception on rising . He

expressed his great regret at the absence of the Earl of Euston , the head of the Craft in the province , and one whom they , as Masons , highly respected and esteemed , and then spoke of the pleasure it gave him to attend that grand and pleasant gathering . He alluded to the hospitable and Charitable principles of the Craft , and to the pleasure it gave the brethren in

the town to see so many of the aged people by whom they were surrounded free for a short time from the turmoils of their everyday life and thoroughly enjoying themselves . In the course of his further remarks , Bro . Markham made a feeling allusion to the death of their Deputy Grand Master , Bro . Butler Wilkins , and also offered a hearty welcome to the Mayor and

Mayoress and their daughters among them . The MAYOR , who was heartily received , and Bro . J . M . MCLEOD , Secretary Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , followed with short addresses . The men were then supplied with pipes and tobacco , and the women with snuff . They were also each given two tickets entitling them to be served with beer or

mineral waters . Shortly after six o ' clock the entertainment , which had been arranged by Bro . T . Phipps Dorman , was proceeded with . By the aid of his powerful lantern he showed a great variety of beautiful scenes on a large screen , which afforded intense delight and pleasure to the company , as was manifested by their frequent

app lause . Many of the scenes were accompanied by appropriate music , rendered by a glee party , consisting of Mrs . Boycott , Miss Boycott , Miss Cable , Miss Ellard , Mrs . Tebbutt , Miss Parker , Bros , the Rev . G . Chappell , J . J . Hart , E . Howes , M . Warwick , C . E . Thorpe , W . Arkell , W . G , West , and Astley Cooper . Bro . T . H ,

Vials presided at the piano . On leaving the room , about half-past eight o'clock , the whole of the women were given a quarter of a pound of tea . The brethren subsequently dined at the Masonic Club , the Mayor being one of the guests .

THE PANTOMIME S EASON at Drury Lane Theatre was brought to a close on Saturday last , when a handsome gold hunting chronometer was presented to Bro . Sir Augustus Harris by the members of his staff and company . Ihe presentation was made by Miss Ada Blanche on behalf of the donors , and was very gracefully acknowledged by the recipient , who had only arrived the same afternoon in time to present . the prizes won by the children employed in the pantomime at the Theatre School .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

ST . LUKE'S LODGE ( No . 144 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., at the Victoria Tavern , Gertrude-street , Chelsea . Present : Bros . Payers , W . M . ; Thomas , S . W . ; "Austin , J . W . ; Carlstrom , Preceptor ; Stutlield , Sec ; Beauchamp , S . D . ; Winsborrow , J . D . ; Markland , I . G . ; Saunders , P . M . ; Holland . P . M . ; Moody , P . M . ; Badcock , Ham , Goonertine , Lightfoot , Sharpin , H .

J . Thompson , Nicholls , Royle , White , Larkin , Tuckfield , and Schott . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . The ceremony of installation was rehearsed , Bro . Saunders being the candidate . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . | Bro . Saunders

invested his officers . Bro . Payers gave the three addresses . The W . M . rose for the first time , Bro . Larkin and Goonertine , were elected joining members of the lodge , and the dues were collected . The W . M . rose for the second time ,, and Bro . Thomas was elected W . M . for the ,- next meeting . The W . M . rose for the third time , and the Iodge was closed .

LA TOLERANCE LODGE ( No . 538 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Frascati , Oxford-street , W ., when there were present Bros . Sandlands , W . M . ; Hill , S . W . ; Jackson , J . W . ; Terry , S . D . ; Kraus , J . D . ; Beedle , I . G . ; Paul , P . M ., Preceptor ; Thom , P . M ., Asst . Preceptor ; T . W . Smale , P . M . ; W . Parker , P . M . ; H . C . Parker ,

Houghton , Mason , Tidy , Evans , and Dukes . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . The ist Section of the Lecture was worked by the W . M . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Tidy , being a candidate for passing , was examined and entrusted . The Iodge was

resumed to the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed . The 2 nd Section was worked by the W . M . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The 6 th Section ot the Lecture was worked by the W . M . The W . M . rose for the first time , when Bro . Parkes , P . M . 1201 , was elected a joining member . On the second rising , Bro . Hill , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and

appointed his officers in rotation . The W . M . rose for the third time , when Bro . Stiles' letter was read in reply to a letter of congratulation sent him from this lodge on his being elected Grand Treasurer . It was proposed by Bro Thom , P . M ., and seconded by Bro . Paul , P . M ., that the letter be copied in the minute book—carried . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., at the Town Hall Tavern , High-street , Kensington , when there were present : Bros . J . H . Neville , W . M . ; J . W . Barker , P . M ., S . W . ; C . Woods , J . W . ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., & c , Deputy Preceptor ; F . Craggs , P . M ., Sec ; J . Worth , S . D . ; L . Beale , J . D . ; J . R . Battersby ,

I . G . ; W . B . Neville , W . M . 1767 ; W . Thwaites , and W . H . Dresden , P . M . The lodge was duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Thwaites offered himself as a candidate for passing , and having given the necessary proofs , was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing

was rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The lodge was called off and on , and resumed to the Second Degree . Bro . Beale offered himself as a candidate for raising , he was dul y examined and entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Barker was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge was closed .

QUEEN'S WESTMINSTER LODGE ( No . 2021 ) .-At the weekly meeting of this lodge , on Friday , the 15 th inst ., held at the Criterion Restaurant , Piccadilly , W ., the 15 Sections were worked under the able presidency of Bro . W . Cleghorn , P . M ., Preceptor , supported by Bro . D .

Haslett , S . W ., and Bro . Richard Wilson , W . M . 766 , as J . W . The Sections were taken by Bros . Wood , P . M ., Sec . ; Taylor , Denny , Gunzell , Rymer , Luke , Sandlands , Spice , Vicars , Carlstrom , Haslett , Bates , Hoggins , and Collens . A large attendance testified to the popularity of the presiding Master .

MAIDSTONE . —KOUINSON LODGE ( No . 2046 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , the iCth instant , at Freemasons' Hall , Brewer-street . Present : Bros . W . Jenkinson , W . M . ; J . Dyke , S . W . ; T . W . Neech , P . M ., J . W . ; H . Whyman , P . M ., Preceptor ; H . Potvine , Sec ; L . W . Stansell , I . G . ; J . Gowen , Tyler ; and E . Gratwick .

The lodge was opened in the First Degree , when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Preceptor put the questions of the 3 rd Section of the First Lecture , Bros , Dyke and Potvine responding to the same . The W . M . rose for the first time , when the Preceptor proposed that at the meeting to be held on the 30 th inst .

the Three Degrees should be rehearsed , for the purpose of ascertaining the time they take to work , so as to form a time-table for future use , that candidates may be informed the approximate time their presence would be required . The VV . M . rose for the second and third times , when " Hearty good wishes" were tendered by the brethren , and the lodge was closed .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT ( No . 753 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held on the 14 th instant at the Eagle Tavern , Cliftonroad , Maida Vale , W ., when there werc present Comps . C . Kempton , P . Z ., M . E . Z . ; R . Milliken , P . Z ., H . ; R . T . Redfearn , J . ; W . Parsons , S . E . ; J . C . Kruse , S . N . ; C . Coleman , P . S . ; and W . P . Clark , 1 st A . S .

The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of thc last convocation read and confirmed , the ceremony _ of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Parsons personating the candidate . After the address of the Third Chair , Comp . Kempton resigned the First Chair in favour of Comp . Coleman , who is M . E . Z . elect of the mother . chapter , and delivered the symbolical address in a faultless manner . It was proposed , seconded , and carried that Comp . Coleman

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

be elected M . E . Z . for the next fortnight , and it was notified that Comp . Weston , P . Z . and S . E . of the mother chapter , will rehearse the ceremony of installation of the Second Chair on Thursday , the 28 th inst ., when a good gathering is expected . The chapter was then closed .

STAR CHAPTER ( No . 1275 ) . —The usual weekly meetingof the above was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , on Friday , the 15 th inst ., when there were present : Comps . Elgar , M . E . Z . ; Loader , H . ; Dunn , J . ; F . Hilton , P . Z ., Preceptorj C H . Stone , S . E . ; Lewis , S . N . ; Dawson , P . S . ; Cureton , Barr , Belchamber , G . White , T . T . Willcox , Benedetti , Pullen ,

and Telling . The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of the previous convocation read and confirmed , the ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Belchamber personating the candidate . Comps . George White , 2 nd A . S . 97 s , and Thos . T . Willcox , H 975 , were elected members . Comp . Loader , H ., was elected M . E . Z . for the next meeting . The chapter was then closed .

Annual Supper Of The Ranelagh Lodge Of Instruction, No. 834.

ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE RANELAGH LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 834 .

The annual supper of the above lodge of instruction was held on Friday , the Sth instant , at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith , when a numerous assembly of members and visitors were present , the

chair being occupied by Bro . W . W . Williams , W . M . of the mother lodge , and the vice-chair by Bro . W . Hinds . After a repast , well served by the host , Bro . H . Blackman , the usual Masonic toasts were given , and heartily responded to . The worthy CHAIRMAN , on behalf of the lodge , with

a few well-chosen remarks , then presented to Bro . F . Craggs , P . M ., the Secretary , a valuable and handsome gold Masonic ring , in token of appreciation of his services , regretting the absence , through illness , of the Preceptor and Treasurer , Bros . A . Williams and T . Jobson . The proceedings were enlivened by several songs and recitations by various brethren .

Fisheries Exhibition At The Royal Aquarium.

FISHERIES EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL AQUARIUM .

Being a lover of the gentle art , I took a stroll round the exhibition , now on view at the Aquarium , on the opening day , and thoroughly enjoyed the fine show of all kinds of fresh-water fish that are most artisticall y mounted in cases round the Igallery . Seldom have I

seen * such an example of patience rewarded . Chubb , tench , bream , carp , jack , roach , barbel , perch—the largest that I have seen , including Dan Leno ' s trout . One naturally feels anxious to look at the tackle that captured such fine specimens , and again the wish is satisfied , for there is a superb display of rods , flies , and lines , and every requisite for the top and bottom

angler . I prefer to see the rods displayed at full height , which one cannot do at the vendor ' s shop . The principal exhibitors are Messrs . J . R . Richardson , Bernard and Son , Hardy Bros ., Gillett , Ogden Smith , and Alfred and Son , of the London district ; and Murton , of Newcastle ; Holland , of Salisbury ; Ogden and Scotford , of Cheltenham ; Slater ot Nottingham ; and John Enright & Son , Castle Connell . H . T . M .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall , London . Bro . Robert Grey , President , occupied the President ' s chair , Bro . Major-Gen . Frederick Gadsden * ,, G . D ., took the chair of Senior Vice-President , and B »* o . C . J . R . Tijou , P . A . G . P ., that of Junior Vice-President . Bros . Edward Letchworth , G . S ., William Lake , P . P .

G . Reg . Cornwall , William Dodd , and W . H . Lee represented Grand Secretary ' s department . The other brethren who attended were Bros . William Vincent , Charles Dairy , A . Lucking , John 0 . Carter , David D . Mercer , S . O . Abraham , George B . Chapman , George . R . Langley , George Graveley , Henry Garrod , J . A . Farnfield , T . W . Whitmarsh , Thomas J . Ralling , W

Kipps , S . H . Goldschmidt , Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , R . H . Evans , Richard Eve , Walter Martin , William F . Smithson , James Bunker , John M . Mitchell , Thomas Simmons , Fredk . Hunt , G . H . Charsley , R . Y . Barton , John Glass , C . J . Williams , William G . Nottage , R . E . Clarke , T . B . Dodson , J . W . Ciuff , H . Massey , Henry Smith Syer , G . L . Moore , W . E . Wigmore J . Pickett

, John Oldis , Thomas R . Cass , George Edwards , Harry Siliis , J . Macgregor , Max Mendelssohn , Wm . J , Crump , Alfred G . T . Hunt , Joseph D . Barnett , Henry L . Hart , W . A . Scurrah , F . H . Bright , C . Sweeting , R . Philip Upton , Arthur Cox , William Baker , W . F . Gilles , H . Lloyd , W . H . Wellsman , A . C . White , T . C . Freeman , W . Fowles , A . F . Lay , R . Pain Walkden

George Laker , T . Cope Allingann , Walter Densham , Thomas Cull , George Motion , W . M . Stiles , J . C . Osterstock , and Henry Sadler , G . Tyler . Recommendations to the Grand Master , made at the last February meeting , of grants to the amount of , £ 460 were lirst [ confirmed . There were 46 cases

on the new list , qualified by lodges in the London district , and at Spilsby , Gateshead , Teignmouth , Windsor , Cheltenham , Sydney , N . S . W ., Chatham , Poole , Morpeth , South Shields , Coleshill , Newport , I . W ., Lymington , Halifax , Manchester , New York , Constantinople , Southampton , Maldon . Umballa , Lea-