South Africa.

resolved to have them printed and circulated . With this District Grand Lodge once fairly started , they could have no doubt but that so long as the brethren continue to hold fast to the traditions of old , and to act in conformity with the noble lessons they were taught in Masonry—upholding the principles of justice , sympathy , charity , harmony , and brotherly love—so long must Freemasonry continue to flourish and to be influential for good throughout the colony long after the names of all worthy Masons of this generation are enshrined amongst those who , " Are gathered to the glorious band Of those who lived to benefit their rare . "

( Applause . ) Bro . E . H . WILTSHER , P . M . 1729 and 1 S 67 , then read the patent of the District Grand Lodge of Natal given under the hands , and by command of H . R . H . the Most Worshipful Grand Master , of the Deputy Grand Master , the Karl of Latham , and Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . Bro . the Rev . I . REYNOLDS , 73 S , offered up a prayer

invoking the Divine blessings on the labours of the newlyappointed D . G . M ., and prayed that the works of the District Grand Lodge might be so effected that they would bring glory on the Divine Master and do good to His people . Bro . FIN'NF . MORI . then took the oath as Right Worshipful District Grand Master . The brethren passed before the D . G . M . and saluted him . Hm . W . Francis . P . M . iCG ; . was appointed D . D . G . M .,

and thanked the D . G . M . for thc trust reposed in him by appointing him as his deputy , and assured him thatitwould afford him very great pleasure to help hin In any way in his power . He also congratulated the D . G . _ in the distinguished honour conferred on him , and was sure that the appointment would meet with the approval of the brethren , as they all felt that he was equal to the task imposed upon him . ( Applause . ) 'The election of D . C Treasurer then took place , and Bro . S . Marriott , P . M . 73 S , was unanimously elected ,

The R . W . D . G . M . then appointed and invested with their badges of office the following brethren as D . G . Officers for the ensuing year : Bro . VV . Francis Dist . D . G . M . „ G . Russell Dist . G . S . W . „ J . Roseveare ... ... ... Dist . G . J . W . „ Rev . J . Reynolds ... ... Dist . C Chap . . . S . Marriott ... ... Dist . G . Treas .

„ A . C . Dulcken Dist . G . Reg . „ IC . II . Wiltsher Dist . C Sec . „ A . J . Keeler Dist . G . A . Sec .

„ T . . Hill ... ... ... uist . i _ . _ „ J . Crowe Dist . G . J . D . , " J . Smith Dist . G . S . of VV . .. G . O . Matterson Dist . G . D . C .

„ VV . A . Voysey Dist . G . A . D . C . W . Sink Dist . G . S . B . „ Rev . A . Ikin , LL . D ., Mus . Doc . Dist . C Org . „ S . Stranack Dist . G . Purst . „ F . II . Field Dist . G . A . Purst .

'The R . W . D . G . M . said that in the appointment of officers he had endeavoured to have regard to seniority and merit of the brethren selected , and he thought all the lodges in the colony were represented . He hoped the appointments would give satisfaction , if not , he could onlysay that he had endeavoured to act fairly and impartially , and he was sorry that he had no more offices to give away . It was resolved that the Tyler of the lodge visited by the District Grand Lodge should act for the time being as Dist . Grand Tyler . The R . W . D . G . M . said he had left the appointment of

O . G . Stewards for another occasion , in order to give the various lodges the opportunity of naming a representative from each , though , of course , six would have to be selected by lot from nine nominated . It was resolved that the D . G . M ., D . D . G . M ., D . G . Wardens and Masters of each lodge should constitute a committee to revise the bye-laws and bring up the report at the next meeting ; this committee were also to exercise

" ad interim" the powers of the Board of General Purposes . _ After a few unimportant resolutions the D . G . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room and partook of a cold collation . After a sumptuous repast The R . W . D . G . M ., proposed the first toast that of "The Queen and Royal Family . " He said that nowhere was more loyalty shown to the Oueen than amongst

Freemasons . ( Applause . ) As regarded the Koyal 1-amily they were equally attached to them , and they had good reason for being so , as there had been almost continuous association ol the Royal Family with the Craft since 1737 . ( Hear , hear . ) He learnt from a Masonic journal a lew particulars of this connection , and lie would read them . They found that they had had representatives iu Masonry since 1737 Frederick , Prince of V Vales , his sons , the Dukes

of York , Cumberland , and Gt- _ c . ster ; their nephews , George , Prince of Wales , the Dukes of York , Clarence ( afterwards William IV . ) , Kent , Cumberland , and Sussex , and Prince William of Gloucester , son of the above Duke of Gloucester ; George V . of Hanover , son of Ernest , Duke of Cumberland , afterwards King of Hanover ; the present Prince of VVales and the Dukes of Connaught and Albany , grandsons of the Dukeof Kent ; and their cousin ,

the present Duke of Cumberland . It is only during the 15 years that elapsed between 1751 , when Frederick , Prince of Wales died , and 17 CC , when his sons the Dukes of York and Gloucester , were initiated that Freemasonry since 1737 has been unable to boast a Royal Craftsman . With these facts before them they could not fail to feel astached to the Queen and Royal Family , and he asked them now to drink to their health . ( Applause . ) "The Health of the M . W . G . M ., the Prince of VVales and Officers of the Grand Lodge " was also given from the

chair , and drunk with great enthusiasm . Bro . J ESSIE SMITH , 13 , I . P . M . 1605 , proposed the toast of " Success to the District Grand Lodge of Natal , " and said he thought they had taken a very important step in Masonry , and knew that every . Mason looked forward to it as a great advancement in their pleasure and profit . The R . W . D . G . M . in response said that when he looked back to the pleasant meeting that they had had that afternoon , and to the kindly faces round him that night , to the well-filled board there , and to the officers he had appointed to assist him — brethren who were well experienced in

South Africa.

Masonry , and for whom they all had regard—lie felt sure the success cf the District Grand Lodge was a matter of certainty . ( Applause . ) They mig ht look forward with confidence to the future , and he thanked them for the way in which they had proposed and seconded that toast . ( Applause . ) The D . D . G . M ., Bro . FRANCIS , in proposing the next toast , said he knew it was one that would commend itself to them in a very few words . That was one ot the very important

epochs of Masonry in Natal which they had met to celebrate , and which he hopsd they would be spared many years of prosperity and success to the Craft to look back to . ( Hear , hear . ) The toast was that of "'The R . W . District Grand Master . " ( Loud applause . ) When he looked back to times past and compared them with times present , he found that the contrast was very striking . He was present at the laying of the foundation " stone of that building ; the

day was looked upon as a very important one , which it was , and it reflected very great credit on the very few Mason , then living in the place . They carried through the work very successfully . It was not to be supposed that unless this collection of lodges were in good odour at home they would have received " that privilege . ( Hear , hear . )

This was not supposition , but he was sure he had heard it remarked at home that from nowhere did the Grand Lodge get better returns , nor even such good ones as from Natal . ( Applause . ) He had visited several old lodges at homeone especially with which his fathers had been connected for generations , namely , at VVest Cowes , Isle of Wightand he was sure that nowhere did he see better working

than he did m Natal —( hear , hear ) , and that that was a matter of fact was shown in such a small communily as their ' s having the privilege of being raised to a District Grand Lodge . To come to the toast—tlieir District Grand Master was comparatively a young Mason , and it spoke well for him that he had attained to what he was sure he considered , and rightly so , a very distinguished honour , but one of wliich he was fully worthy , and one which he

would adorn . ( Applause . ) lt was not simply that by steady perseverance and knowledge of the Craft , but by hard work that he had attained to the position that he had that night . He had the ability and qualification to hold the post , and they might rest assured that he would throw the same energy into that as he had into all the other branches of Masonry with which he had been connected . ( Applause . ) There was a lot of hard work before a man

who attained to so high a position . The time was when they would have had to look round to find ofiicers to carry on the work , but that was not the case now , there was competition , and it was only by sheer hard work that a man could get up to a position and hold his own . He was sure it was the unanimous opinion of all brethren in Natal that the right man had now got into the right position . ( Hear , hear . ) As years go by and other District Grand

Masters would in time succeed him , they will have none of the work to do that the first D . G . M . will have to accomplish . ( Hear , hear . ) There are many men who could step into a going concern and cairy it on , but it was a different thing when that concern had to be started . That work would fall to a man who had the most gigantic appetite for work ot any man he knew and he was sure that what application and memory and ability for the work could do Uro .

rinnemore would accomplish . ( Applause . ) He said this also for the brothers up-country , as they all felt that he was thoroughly well fitted for the posl of D . G . M . ( Applause . ) The distribution of ofiicers made by him was as fair as it could possibly be , and the judgment shown now in the selection of officers was the best possible augury for the good working of the D . G . L . ( Applause . ) Before asking them to drink the health of the D . G . M . he had a pleasing

duty to perform in asking Bro . Stantial to present to R . W . Bro . Finncmore a jewel , wliich the brethren of Maritzburg wished to present to him as a mark of their appreciation of his services in the lodge in that city . ( Hear , hear . ) First , however , let them drink to "The Newly-Installed District Grand Master . " Bro . C . S . T . STANTIAL , P . M . 95 6 , with a few wellchosen remarks presented to the R . W . D . G . M . a handsome

jewel from the Mark Lodge of Maritzburg . The inscription on the jewel was " Presented to Uro . R . J . Finncmore by the brethren of the Natal Lodge , No . 252 , in recognition of the services as foundation W . M . M ., and VV . C . M . 1 SS 0 and iSS . " ( Loud applause and cheers . ) The R . W . D . G . M . in responding said he would first of all thank the Maritzburg brethren for their handsome present of the jewel , and then said that it was very gratifying

to see so large an assemblage of Masons present both that afternoon and evening . Bro . Francis had rightly said that he regarded the honour of being D . G . M . as a very great honour indeed , and he trusted that brethren would never regret the day when they elected him to that office . ( Hear , hear . ) It would be his earnest endeavour at all times to render service to the Craft . It was little more than seven years since he was initiated into the Craft , and he was not

ashamed to say that because it showed that he had worked hard . ( Applause . ) During that time he had not only attained the highest honours in Craft Masonry , but the highest honours in every other Degree in the colony . He said that in no boastful spirit , but as showing the numberof jewels whicli the brethren had presented to him atone time or another . He had tried on this occasion to choose officers whom he thought were entitled to them by reason of

meritorious services and ability to fill the offices . ( Hear , hear . ) He had every confidence in the officers , and looked forward to a very successful year of office with their assistance . ( Applause . ) Again thanking them for the honour done him and the complimentary speeches made , the R . VV . D . G . M . sat down amidst applause . Bro . P . SANDFORD , S . W . 73 S , proposed "Thc D . D . CM . and Ofiicers of D . G . Lodge , " which was responded

to Bros . ritANcis , RUSSELL , and ROSEVARE . . Bro . the Ven . Archdeacon GARDE proposed the toast of " The Officers , " which was responded to by Bro . F . H . FIELD , 956 , P . M . 55 S , 1436 , and iSSO , D . G . A . Purst ., but between the toast and response Bro . Bour gave one of his clever imitation cornet solos with his lips . Bro . E . H . BINGHAM , P . D . CS . B . of Malta , 515 , proposed "The Health of the Past Masters , " and this was

responded to by Bro . STANTIAL , P . M . Bro . WILTSHIRE , P . M . D . C Sec , proposed "The Stewards , Bros . Keeler , Sandford , Pardy , and Leask , " to whom much of the success of the evening was due . Bro . SANDFORD replied . The Tyler's toast and the singing of " Auld Lang Syne , " and " God Save the Queen " concluded a pleasant evening and day that will be ever remembered in Natal .

Ar01102

"The Damscheffs" has bcen revived at the Court . This play is of such sterling merit that its advent should be welcomed . It was originally produced at the St . James's six years ago , and made its mark . T _; e cast is now even stronger than then . The story is a Russian one , and on the evening of our visit the Duchess of Edinburgh was there , and seemed highly interested in it throvghout . We cannot help thinking that a little too much Is r . iade of

the virtues of the poor , and too much of the bad k .-. bits of the nobility . But possibly no harm is done by it . The latter can smile and the occupants of the gallery car . cheer , so that no one really is offended ; but we do not cere to see one class made virtuous at the expense of another ' -. eld up to ridicule . The Countess Danischeffshas a son , Vladimir , whom she wishes to marry to a rich princess , of noble blood like themselves . The young count has just told his

mother that hc loves a girl , a serf , whom his mother has taken into heremployas hermaid , and wishes her'o sanction his marriage . She refuses . Her son entreats her , and swears if she will not agree he will , at all costs . n : arry this girl . Her family pride will not allow her , and she suggests that the girl shall become his mistress , but not his wife . Here Mr . Conway . ( the Count Vladimir ) comes cut in one of the finest characters we have ever seen him p ' . av . His

indignation anel abhorrence of doing such a bas- ; thing to the young and virtuous girl , whom he truly loves . , is marvellously portrayed . Every muscle , every nerve in him is brought into play . He becomes passionate , and ' . his to his own mother , which makes it all the finer . We have never seen him more in earnest . He shows the true noble far more than does the countess , though she is of noble birth . Into the vole of Vladimir Mr . Conway throws his whole

heart and soul . The countess seeing he is resolute outwardly consents to his marriage , provided he will go at once for a twelvemonth on travel , when she hopes he will forget his fancy , and see some one more suitable to his station in life . He assents to any condition so that he may marry Anna . He starts that night ; but directly he has gone the countess calls in a serf , Osip ( Mr . Clayton ) , and , on condition he marries Anna , gives him his freedom . He has long

loved the damsel , and accepts . The girl is brought in , and the priest called to celebrate the marriage . Miss Marion Terry , as Anna , now displays her talents , as does Miss Moodie , the countess . Anna begs , entreats , prays not to be linked to a man she does not and cannot love . She throws herself at her mistress ' s feet and asks her to say what she has done to deserve this treatment at her ladyship's hands . She implores her by everything not to bind her

in marriage to Osip . Her screaming and struggling , when two women are called to force her to undergo the ceremony of marriage are perfection of acting . The Priest intervenes and reminds the Countess what a marriage is without the divine blessing . But the Countess threatens the Priest and bids him do his duty . It must be remembered bv the audience that they are beholding Russian society anil that some years ago and njt English . In Russia where there

are only two classes , to speak of , the aristocracy and the serfs , the rich autocrats had the power of the dependents entirely in their hands and served them as if they were beings without souls or hearts . Miss Moodieas the Countess is stern , cold , soulless , utterly devoid of human feeling and looks upon her serfs as things she may do as she likes with . The first act ends here . In the second act we see the young hero Vladimir , in the house of

the Princess Lydia , who has made up her mind to marry him . Her conversation with a French diplomatist , M . D . Talde ( Mr . Arthur Cecil ) is very amusing . Here comes the Countess , and is delighted to find her son with the Princess , thinking he has abandoned the girl Anna . But she is quite wrong . He greets his mother affectionately , and of course asks after Anna . He receives information that the girl has been married since he has left . He asks

his mother if this is so . She acknowledges it . He then demands whether she is the cause . The Countess is silent . In his impetuous and indignant "Speak , mother , speak , " Mr . Conway again comes to the front . In spite of what a contemporary says about his being not at home here and too nervous , we repeat this young actor surpasses himself , never has he been seen to a greater advantage . Even the unusually cool audience of the Court are infused with the

indignation and applaud him loudly when he denounces his own mother in the Princess Lydia ' s drawing room . She asks him where he is going to , "To kill them both and then himself" is his reply . He goes with that intention to the cottage and sees Osip and reminds him how he ( the Count ) had as a boy pleaded with his father and spared tbe Serf the knout , and is this all the gratitude he shows , by marrying thc girl he knew he

( Vladimir ) loved ? Osip falls on his knees and exclaims " strike , master , strike " but the horsewhi p falls from his hands . Osip explains all , how that he being a serf could not refuse his mistress ' s commands to marry the girl , and if he had , she would have forced Anna to marry some one who did not love her . He does love her , but as it is not returned , he treats her as a sister knowing that the young master and she are lovers . He brings her forth and gives her to the Count and then in noble self sacrifice tells them

of his intention to retire into a monastery . Of course the young Count now thanks him , covers him with blessings , his mother sees it is no further use holding out . A divorce is obtained from the Czar and they are married . "The Danischeffs " is a play to be seen a second time for its acting . We have spoken of Miss Marion Terry , Mr . Conway , Miss Louise Moodie , and Mr . Clayton , it only remains to say that Miss Carlotta Addison as the Princess Lydia is extremely pleasant .

# # # Miss Ellen Terry will take her benefit at the last performance , the 212 th , of "Much Ado About Nothing , " on June ist . It will be late in 1 SS 4 before we have the p leasure of seeing this unique and talented company again in England . But what is our loss is America ' s gain . Not

only will Bro . Irving and Miss Terry be welcomed in a hearty American way but they will reap a big harvest . During their visit to the States Bro . Edwin Booth will play with Bro . Irving somewhere , so our brethren across the pond will have an opportunity as we have had of seeing these two great Shakespcrian reresentatives together .