The Approaching Boys' School Festival.

badges alone excepted , and the latter with or without bonnets , as may be preferred . The badges will be distributed b y the Special Stewards entrusted with this charge , while wands will be worn by Special Stewards only , and not by the general body of Stewards . Dinner , which with wines and dessert , will be provided for by Bro . John Sayers , Western-road , Brighton , will be served in the Dome at 4 p . m . precisely , and consequently

brethren and their friends are particularly requested to assemble in the Pavilion , certainly not later than 3 . 30 p . m . It may be mentioned that , by the kind permission of the Directors , admission to the Aquarium may be had at a charge of sixpence each person , on presentation of the Festival Dinner Tickets . The following are the special railway arrangements for the occasion : —

RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR T ICKETS . A Special train of Fin-tclass carriages will leave London Bridge Terminus at 10 . 45 a . m ., calling at East Croydon at 11 . 10 a . m ., connecting with trains leaving Victoria Station at 10 . 40 a . m ., calling at Clapham Junction at 10 . 45 ; returning from Brighton to London Bridge at S . 30 p . m ., calling at East Croydon to set down passengers for Clapham

Junction and Victoria . The Pavilion is about half-a-mile distant from the railway station . Cab fare , is . To meet unforeseen exigencies , railway tickets may be obtained at London Bridge Station up to 10 . 45 a . m . ; at Victoria Station up to 10 . 30 a . m . ; and at Clapham Junction on Wednesday , 30 th , from the Secretary or Assistants , who will wear a small red rosette .

FREDERICK BINCKES , Hon . Sec . Board of Stewards , 21 st June . 6 , Freemasons' Hall , W . C .

Boys' School Distribution Of Prizes, Wood Green.

BOYS' SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES , WOOD GREEN .

We have elsewhere mentioned that R . W . Bro . Lord Suffield has signified his intention of presiding- at the annual FeAe and Distribution of Prizes at Wood Green tomorrow ( Saturday ) . The arrangements are of the usual character . The distribution will take place in the large

Hall of the Institution , commencing at 2 p m ., and will be followed by a collation in the Gymnasium at 5 p . m . About 6 , 30 p . m . there will be the usual athletic sports , and with the distribution of the prizes at these competitions the day ' s proceedings , which will be enlivened at intervals by the Band of the Institution , will come to an end . There will be a farce acted after the Chairman has delivered his remarks , the one chosen being by Martin Beecher , and

entitled " In Possession , " and the boy who plavs his part best will be awarded lhe prize for Dramatic Ability , which the members of the Drury Lane Lodge have resolved on giving . The great desideratum on these occasions is fine weather , and if the Clerk in Charge will have the kindness to bear this in mind , and lay on a special store of warm sunshire for to-morrow , we have no doubt the Festival Stewards and their friends and the boys at Wood Green will forgive him much , if not all , of his recent coldness .

Boys' School Festival.

BOYS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL .

The principal business transacted at the third meeting , held at Freemasons' Hall on Monday , of the Board of Stewards for the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , concerned the arrangement of seats , but Bro . Binckes , Hon . Secretary of the Boa'd , announced that he had recently had an interview with

R . VV . Bro . Lord Suffield , Prov . G . M . of Norfolk , who will preside on the occasion , and that his lordship , who evinced a deep interest in all that relates to the School , had expressed his intention of being in the chair at the annual Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes , which has been arranged for to-morrow ( Saturday ) . Bro . J . L . Mather in the

chair . Among the Stewards present were Bros . VV . M . By water , Rev . H . Cummings , C . Challen , VV . Holloway , H . M . Hobbs , E . West , J . L . Mather , H . A . Worcester Reeves , C . F . Hogard , George Mickley , M . B ., R . Kempster , A . Money , G . Gardner , VV . Purnell , G . Norrington , Capt . Newington Bridges , W . C Claridge , J . Sadler Wood , G . J . Dunkley , and F . Binckes ( Hon . Sec . )

Royal Order Of Scotland.

ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND .

We understand that the Earl of Rosslyn has , in response to a petition from several York members of the Order , authorised the formation of a Provincial Grand Lodge for Yorkshire , with its head-quarlers at York . Bro . the Rev . W . Valentine , Vicar of Whixley , will be the Provincial Grand Master , and the ceremony connected with the

constitution will take place on Saturday , the 10 th July , in the Freemasons' Hall , St . Saviourgate , York , when Lord Rosslyn will officiate , and will be assisted by Bro . D . Murray Lyon , Grand Secretary , and a large deputation of brethren from the Grand Lodge in Edinburgh . A number of candidates wilt be advanced on the occasion , and it would seem that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire will begin its existence under most favourable auspices .

Freemasonry In Manchester.

FREEMASONRY IN MANCHESTER .

The Arthur Sullivan Lodge , No . 2156 , will be consecrated at the Memorial Hall , Albert-square , on Monday next . Its meetings are to be held in the afternoon . The idea of establishing a lodge upon such a condition originated with certain memhers of Mr . Charles Hallo ' s orchestra , and other professional brethren , who are unable to attend to

their Masonic duties in the customary hours of meeting . It is anticipated that the membership of the lodge will be made up principally from musical and dramatic ranks . Sir Arthur Sullivan ' s permission has been given for the naming of the lodge . The eminent composer regrets , however , that his engagements will prevent him from being present

at the inaugural ceremony . The K . W . P . G . M ., Bro . Col . Starkie , will perform the ceremony of consecration . Bro . N . Dumville , P . M . 152 , is the W . M . designate , and will be duly installed by Bro . Colonel Starkie . Bros . A . H . Williams and A . Avison are the prospective Wardens ; Bro , Ben Brierly has been asked to discharge the duties of

Freemasonry In Manchester.

Secretary , and Bro . E . VV . Irving , P . M . ( S . C ) , will be nominated for election as Treasurer . The Prov . Grand Organist , Bro . Dr . Bentley , has composed an anthem for the special service with which the lodge is to be opened , and Bro . Oliver Gaggs is organising an orchestra for the occasion .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

PALATINE COMMANDERY , No . iS , NEW YORK . The knights of this commandery met at the Masonic Temple , 23 rd Street , 6 th Avenue , on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., to attend Divine service in the St . Mark ' s Protestant Episcopal Church , being their annual Ascension gathering . There was a very large attendance of knights in full regalia , forming a very imposing sight as they marched through the principal thoroughfares of the city to the strains of a

splendid band . The Eminent Commander , Sir Knight J . VV . Bowden , was ably supported by an efficient staff of officers , among whom , as a visitor , was Sir Knight John Chapman , P . Prov . G . R . Devonshire . A very impressive service was rendered , and an excellent discourse was given by the rector , the Rev . Dr . J . H . Rylance , who , although announcing himself as not a Freemason , gave a very warm reception to the sir knights , and dilated in most kindly terms

upon the sublime teaching of this Christian Order . The procession of the clergy passing through the ranks of the members in glittering uniforms , under the " Arch of Steel , " had a wonderful effect . The musical part of tbe service was also most ably and impressively rendered . After the service was concluded , Sir Knight J . VV . Bowden E . C , gave the word of command to form and return to the Masonic Temple , where ample refreshments were prepared .

MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA . The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters held its 26 th annual assembly in San Francisco , April 26 th last . We have no report of the business transacted . C L . Fields was elected Most Illustrious Grand Master , and Thomas H . Caswell , Grand Recorder . The Grand Royal Arch Chapter held its 32 nd annual convocation in the same placecommencing on the morning of the next day , about

, 200 representatives being present . Grand Hiah Priest Edward Coleman , of Grass Valley , said : " Thirty-two years have not yet passed since a few zealous and faithful Craftsmen , representing three chapters , comprising less than So members , met and organised this Grand Body . From this small beginning it has continued to grow and expand , until to day 66 chapters bow to its authority , and 4062 Royal Arch Masons kneel around our altars , united

and working for the general good of our institution . " During the year two new chapters were formed—HollUler Chapter , at Hollister , and Riverside Chapter , at Riverside . The year ' s receipts were n , 5 S 4 43 dollars ; disbursements , 4 . 6 S 2 8 l dollars ; cash on _ hand , 6 , goi -62 dollars . The increase of members during the year was 101 . The Royal Arch Degree was exemplified during the evening . The Grand High Priest quotes as

follows in regard to the death of the Grand Guard , Ira Colburn Root , who died July 4 'h last , at the advanced age of 74 : "Comp . Root was made a Mason in California Lodge , No . 1 , on Nov . Cth , 1859 , and exalted to the Sublime R . A . Degree in California Chapter , No . 5 , on the 3 rd of March , 1 S 63 . The Comp . was appointed Grand Guard of this Grand Chapter in the year 1867 . He was blessed with a remarkable memory of faces . Once known ,

always known by him . This faculty rendered him ever efficient in the discharge of his duties , and with his genial and affable manners , placed him high in our regard . Faithfully he guarded the outer couit of this Grand Tabernacle ; he is now gathered to his fathers , and I would recommend that a mourning page in our proceedings be dedicated to his memory . " The Grand Commandery met on the afternoon of the 29 th .

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA . Comp . S . Harper , Chairman , of the Committee of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Pensylvania on Foreign Correspondence , appears to have prepared a very able report of Royal Arch doings in the various jurisdictions in the United States of America . The following passages from it relating to the physical perfection doctrine and public installations are worth reading , and we have

therefore taken the liberty of quoting them entire . " In some jurisdictions we iind earneast and influential men engaged in tearing down the landmark in regard to physical perfection . We are told that it is " heart and intellect , " not legs and arms that constitute the man , that there are crippled and dismembered men vyho are capable of as good Masonic work as the most physical perfect man in the Fraternity . Without stopping to admit or dispute

this proposition we observe that as the rule as to the physical condition of an applicant was accepted when our speculative system was formulated we have no right now to alter it . Freemasonry is a symbolical system and if we destroy the symbols we will deprive ourselves of the Masonic language in which to instruct the Craftsmen . Perfection

ot human character , perfection in personal life , perfection in knowledge of our duty to God and man , are the principal objects of our Fraternity and of these we have always believed that physical perfection is the unquestionable Masonic symbol . Destroy the symbul and wc reduce Freemasonry to a level with the myriad of secret societies which the prolific brain of man has originated within the last 50

years . " Another sign of the times which we deplore is the opening up of some of our most solemn ceremonies to the gaze of the profane world . Under Massachusetts we have related how the General Grand High Priest of the United States not only constituted and consecrated a chapter , but also installed its officers before a mixed assembly of Masons and profanes . That was not a solitary example , for we

have encountered in other places the public installation of officers . Not only in the chapter , but even in the lodge this unfortunate innovation is being practised , and an Institution whose genius it is to celebrate its ceremonies and mysteries within Tyled doors is made to contribute to the entertainment of a curious public . The natural result of

this is to loosen the bond of secrecy which has done so much to hold the Fraternity together as a unit . _ It begets freedom of expression , not only in speech but in writing . It is by no nv-ans rare to find in report and addusses , words and phrases printed in bold character that shouU be used only with the greatest caution .

The Craft Abroad.

„ in searching for the cause of this desire to air Masonry before the world we are able to discover none so much responsible for it as the commandery . Its dazzling banners , its waving plumes , and glittering sword have done much to force it before the public that our admiring friends may see how well we look in our Templar uniform . We make our annual and triennial conclaves gala days in the different cities and towns in which they are held , and our installations

are made occasions when our new Grand Master and Grand Commander may ventilate their oratory for the delectation of the masses . In making these remarks we do not spare our own jurisdiction—the Templars of Pennsylvania are as reprehensible as any in the land , and if it were possible more so , for their Masonic training is at war with such practices . Companions of Pennsylvania , who are Knights Templar , will you not think of these things ?"

At the public examination of the pupils of the Warehousemen and Clerks' Schools , and at the distribution of prizes which follows , the chair will be taken by Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Evans , and lhe prizes distributed by Mrs . Evans . The programme of proceedings will include

also a cricket match , lawn tennis en the terraces , luncheon at 2 p in ., and tea and coffee at 5 p . m . It is to be hoped therefore , that those to whom special invitations had been sent will return answer on or before Thursday next , the 1 st prox .

Bro . the Lord Mayor gave a grand banquet at the Mansion House on Tuesday to the . MayorsandProvosts of the United Kingdom , the principal guests including Bros . Aldermen Sir J . W . EUis , Bart ., M . P ., Savory , Sir H . E . Knight , DeKeyser , Gray , and Cowan , Alderman and Sheriff Evans , Sheriff Clarke , Sir J . B . Monckton ( Town Clerk ) , T . Beard , Under-Shetiff Rose- Innes , G , Shaw , Loveridge , VV . H . Pannell , Under-Sheriff Baxter , and others .

KENTUCKY . —Speculative Freemasonry , Mackey tells us , was introduced into Kentucky in 17 S 8 , when the Grand Lodge of Virginia granted a warrant to Lexington Lodge , Ne . 25 , at Lexington . Three other lodges were warranted by the Virginian Grand Lodge at Paris , Georgetown , and Frankfort , and a fifth received a dispensation in Shelbyville . In 1 S 00 these lodges met at Lexington , and form the Grand Lodge of Kentucky , W . Murray being the

first Grand Master . Kentucky now has 5 S 6 lodges , and 21 , 594 members of the Order . A Grand Chapter was formed in 1 S 16 , a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in 1 S 27 , and a Grand Encampment in 1 S 47 . A Grand Consistory of the Antient and Accepted Scottish Rite was formed in 1852 by Bro . Albert Mackey , the distinguished cyclopredist , as Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for the southern jurisdiction . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia .

Willing's Selected Theatrical Programme.

WILLING'S SELECTED THEATRICAL PROGRAMME .

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA . Tuesdays , Thursdays , and Saturdays , Italian Opera . HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE . Every Evening , French Plays .

DRURY LANE THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 , FRIVOLI . ADELPHI THEATRE . Every Evening , at S , THF . HARBOUR LIGHTS ; at 7 . 15 , Farce .

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE . Every Evening , at S , SOPHIA . Matinee every Saturday at 2 . 30 . GLOBE THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 . 0 , THE SINS OF THE FATHERS ; at 9 , THE PICKPOCKET .

SAVOY THEATRE . Every Evening at S . 35 , THE MIKADO ; or , THE TOWN OF TITIPU ; at 7 . 45 , THE CARP . Matinee every Saturday at 2 . 30 . OPERA COMIQUE THEATRE . Closed . Re-open July 3 with THE F OOL ' S REVENGE .

GAIETY THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 . 45 , ADONIS ; at 8 , Farce . TOOLE'S THEATRE . Closed . Re-open with HAND AND HEART and HERNE THE HUNTER .

COURT THEATRE . Every Evening at S . 45 , THE SCHOOLMISTRESS ; at S , BREAKING THE ICE . Matinee Saturday next at 2 , 30 . COMEDY THEATRE . Every Evening at 8 , ERMINIE .

GRAND THEATRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , THE FAMINE . STANDARD THEATRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , CONFUSION . SURREY THEATRE . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , THE RING OF IRON .

ROYAL AQUARIUM . Open , 12 . 0 ; close , 11 . 30 . Constant Round of Amusement . COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION . Open daily from 10 a . m . to 10 p . m . Admission one shilling ; Wednesdays half-a-crown .

ALBERT PALACE . Open Irom 12 noon to 10 p . m . Amusements all day . ALHAMBRA THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening at 8 , Variety Entertainment . Two Grand Ballets , & c . CANTERBURY THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , Grand Variety Company , 81 c , & c .

PARAGON THEATRE OF VARIETIES . Every Evening at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment , & c , Sic . MADAME TUSSAUD AND SON'S EXHIBITION . Open 10 till 10 . Portrait Models of Past and Present Celebrities ,