Segond Masonic Ball Of The Prince Frederick William Lodge , No. 753.

SEGOND MASONIC BALL OF THE PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE , No . 753 .

A large number of members and friends , numbering over 250 , attended the second Masonic ball of the Prince Frederick William Lodge , No . 753 , at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , on Monday , the oond inst . With Bro . James Stephens , W . M ., as

President of the Stewards , and Bro . J . J . Thomas as Honorary Secretary , it was anticipated that success was assured , and these anticipations were more than realised in the great success which attended their exertions . Bro . Delevanti ' s band played an excellent selection of dance music , and the floor being in first-class condition , nothing more was desired by the devotees of

Terpsichore to spend a most enjoyable evening . The programme was interrupted about midway , when supper was served in the Crown Room , under the personal superintendence of Bro . Mantel , whose efforts gave comp lete satisfaction . "The Queen and Royal Family" was heartily honoured , and Bro . J . J . THOMAS , P . M ., then rave

"The W . M . " He said Bro . Stephens , the W . M ., had much to congratulate himself upon in seeing the enormous gathering around him . The W . M . had worked nobly for it , and had left no stone unturned to make the affair a success . A great success it was they would all admit , and they congratulated the Master on the happy results of the second ball in connection with

this lodge . Last year they mustered something like 140 , and on the present occasion they had advanced on that and numbered over 250 . Bro . Stephens , W . M ., had earned some distinction in Masonry , and had done a great deal for the cause of Masonry since he joined it . Bro . J AMES STEPHENS , W . M ., returned thanks , and said hc feared Bro . Thomas had somewhat intruded

upon the lines of flattery in having said so much . That brother had referred to the great success of the evening , but he ( the W . M . ) had had excellent officers as Stewards , who had done good work . It was a great gratification to know they had been instrumental in bringing about one of the most successful balls which , owing to recent circumstances , had been held in that

establishment during the present season . He thanked all sincerely for the generous support accorded the second ball of the lodge of which he had the honour and privilege of being Worshipful Master . Bro . DAVEV , P . M ., proposed "The Ladies , " which was responded to by Bro . S . H . BESING .

Dancing was then resumed and continued until the small hours ot the morning , when the company separated with mutual congratulations on the success of the evening . It only remains to add that Bro . Stephens , the W . M ., performed the onerous duties of M . C . with geniality and general satisfaction .

Annual Bail Of The Duke Of Edinburgh Lodge , No. 1182, Liverpool.

ANNUAL BAIL OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH LODGE , No . 1182 , LIVERPOOL .

The 22 nd annual ball ( in aid of the local Masonic Charities ) of this popular lodge was held on Thursday evening , the 18 th inst ., at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , when a good muster of the members and their friends

were present . Much to the regret of all , the W . M ., Bro . Andrew Morris , was unable to attend , owing to illness , but his position was ably sustained by Bro . W . Rawsthorne , LP . M ., who was supported by an efficient bod y of Stewards , captained b y Bro . G . Johnston . Bro . A . BARCLAY , P . M ., acted with his usual skill as

Master of the Ceremonies , and after supper proposed ' The Health of the W . M . " in felicitous terms , which was responded to by " Bro . W . RAWSTHORNE . The toast of " The Health of the Ladies , " which was accepted with great enthusiasm , was proposed by uro . W . F . FERGUSON , S . W ., and responded to in a

humorous speech by Bro . G . JOHNSTON . Great credit is due to Bro . R . Tunnicliffe , J . W ., for lhe admirable manner in which he fulfilled his duties as "on . Secretary and Treasurer . The splendid band was supplied by Mr . T . Quillan , and the catering , under the supervision of Mr . T . Mercanton , gave the highest satisfaction .

Ladies' Night Of The West Smithfleld Lodge No.1623.

LADIES' NIGHT OF THE WEST SMITHFlELD LODGE NO . 1623 .

. A very successful ladies' banquet and ball was held 'n connection with thc West Smithfield Lodge , No . _ ~ . J | tit I * rft / 'triH-ajinne' T'limrn fZfU'if riiiolln-cfi-oot / in

1 lursday , the 18 th inst . The company—numbering out 160—sat down to an excellent banquet under M u P residency of Bro . P . H . Clisby , W . M ., and im * - n £ been done t 0 the £°° d fare provided , a "" ted toast list was nri-. rppi-ii-. i-l will ! .

lhe Queen and the Craft" and "H . R . H . the th ^ fn , Wales " were heartily honoured , after which ' , •« . proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " conwhir-h i !" Br 0 - Clisby- W M on the ability with evine J dlscharged h 's duties , and the desire he lodire ' ° P romote anything for the benefit of the

f ° r the £ '! n Cusuv * W . M ., returned sincere thanks and as f' P P ° sition and reception of the toast , him iA , the brethren of the pleasure it always gave for the - , u- i the lod E * He also thanked all present observi 1 ? P ort that evening , and concluded by niai .:- g . that he would not set . 1 bad example bv

of dand s P eech as he knew they were all desirous aIter ° ; j ^}) Hcil >' -D , P . M ., replied for "The Visitors , "

Ladies' Night Of The West Smithfleld Lodge No.1623.

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Ladies" in appropriate terms . He said it afforded the members great pleasure to see the ladies present , and he hoped they would also attend in goodly numbers the summer outing , which would take place later on . As he was sure he should be complying with their wishes , he would simply give the toast with all heartiness and

sincerity , and couple the name of Bro . Worrall . Bro . M . W . WORRALL , S . D ., briefly replied , and an adjournment was made to the Drawing Room . Musical selections were well rendered by Miss Foxcroft and Bros . H . Clinch , Egbert Roberts , Org . ; T . A .

Hoffmann , and R . Evans , and Signor Moro . Dancing was subsequently enjoyed in the large hall , to the music of an excellent band conducted by Mr . Bamberger , and the company separated in the early hours of the morning , having spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening .

The Late Grand Secretary.

THE LATE GRAND SECRETARY .

The following address of condolence has been sent by the five Craft lodges and three Mark lodges at Hull " To Mrs . Shadwell H . Clerke , " Madam , —On behalf of the Freemasons of Hull , we beg respectfully to offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolence with yourself and famil y upon the sudden and lamentable bereavement you have sustained by the loss of your beloved husband , the late Colonel Clerke ,

Grand Secretary of England , who by his great Masonic acquirements , administrative ability , courtesy , and kindness had endeared himself to the members of our Order , and whose memory will ever be cherished by us with affectionate regret . Sincerely trusting that the Great Architect of the Universe may comfort and sustain you under this sad affliction , —We beg to

remain , yours respectfully , CRAFT LODGES . MARK LODGES . " A . E . Kessen , W . M . 57 , R . R . Hauley , W . M . 12 , " L . B . Brekke „ 250 , John Walton „ 182 , "H . Woodhouse „ IOIO , G . W . Greenwood „ -120 "J . W . Tindell „ 1605 , " G . W . Greenwood „ 2134 . " Hull , 16 th February , 1892 . "

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

Prince Leopold Lodge ( No . 238 ) . —This lodge held a meeting at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 16 th inst . Among those in attendance were Bros . N . Prower , M . A ., W . C . N . ; C . Chauffourier , J . ; F . W . Driver , M . A ., 3 . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . G . C , P . W . C . N ., Scribe ; Harvey , Guardian ; T . O . Harding , M . A ., P . W . C . N . ; and Goddard , Warder . Bro . H . H . Shirley ,

M . A ., P . W . C . N . i , & c , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Chauffourier was elected W . C . N ., * Bro . N . Prower , M . A ., Treasurer ; and Bro . Goddard , Warder . A vote of thanks was passed to Bro . N . Prower for his services as W . C . N ., and a similar compliment was passed to

Bro . b . Partington for his services as Treasurer . Apologies for non-attendance having been received from Bros . W . Drew , Holroyd , and others , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , under the genial presidency of Bro . C . Chauffourier , W . M . of the Prince Leopold Mark Lodge . The customary toasts were duly honoured .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

To do it even bare justice in relating the story of " Lady Windermere's Fan , " Mr . Oscar Wilde ' s new play at the St . James's Theatre , would take up space which at present cannot be spared in the Freemason . Wc shall , therefore , not spoil the treat in store for those who are going to see it , or our own impressions after seeing it , by any attempt at elucidation or repetition of

the countless smart epigrams with which the whole play abounds to overflowing . It bristles with wit , itsdialogue is brilliant , its story is thrilling with interest from start to finish without a moment ' s monotony , its stagemounting is exquisite in tha extreme , the acting is perfection by one and all ; in fine , in spite of its construction as a dramatic work of art being here and

there shaky , and in two or three places situations occur which have often been used before , we confidently say that everybody who is anybody will go to the St . James during the next few months to see for themselves this very clever play , which they will hear everyone talking about . At every dinner party or ball during the coming

London season " Lady Windermere ' s Fan" is sure to be the topic of conversation . Mr . George Alexander may reckon on extensive bookingof his stalls and dresscircle , for Mr . Wilde ' s play is essentially one that interests the upper-ten . Being precluded from going into details , we must content ourselves by observing that Mr . Alexander has secured an undoubted financial

success in this brilliant , though not faultless , play . The efficient company engaged include Miss Marion Terry , Miss Lily Hanbury , Mr . Ben Webster , Mr . Malcolm Gould , Miss Maud Graves , Miss Fanny Coleman , Mrs . A . Vane Tempest ( a scion of the Londonderry family ) , and Miss de Winton , who , we believe , is a daughter of Sir Francis de Winton , Iv . C , K . G ., just appointed Comptroller and Treasurer to the household of Prince George of Wales .

The Theatres.

The construction of "A Bohemian " is so faulty that we fear its lot cannot be a very happy one , even though it is greatly relieved by theactingof Mr . Lewis Waller , Miss Florence West , Mr . Percyval , Mr . Aynesworth , and Miss Maud Millett . The pivot of the plot on which the interest of this four-act play turns isa false motive , and though Mr . L . Parker , the author , charms , he never

wisely pleases his audience by his dialogue , and he cannot hope to attain satisfactory results from so crude a piece of dramatic craftsmanship . A play , the basis of whose plot deals with matters which occurred years before the play opens , can never work up much enthusiasm amongst an audience , and , as in this case especially , when the foundation

is an unnatural one . VVe are told that a young lady who has made a great name as an opera singer , is loved by an officer , and on the day of the marriage they are separated by a former admirer , who declares that she is not what she should be . When challenged for proofs he produces a birth certificate of a child , registered in her name . She will

not say it is a fraud ; to do so would break her old blind father ' s heart , and he is present . Her sister , who is dead , had sinned , but to preserve her good name this girl took upon herself the shame , as her sister was her father ' s favourite , no reason being given b y the author why she is . She had confided this secret to her old admirer , and handed him the false certificate to post ,

but the villain that he is kept it for years for his own ulterior vile purposes . When her father dies there is no further need to conceal this fact . Her innocence is established by her would-be betrayer , who , relating the old story to her , is overheard by the husband ( an old dramatic device ) . The tempter meets his doom at the hands of some gipsies , who had years before sworn to

avenge an accidental homicide of one of their comrades—a somewhat romantic melodramatic introduction in what is supposed to be a play of the present time . The erring sister does not personally appear in the play , so why should we feel any particular sympathy for her . True , it is very self-sacrificing of her sister to take the guilt of the other upon her . but

then it is quite unnatural and uncalled for . Why should a good husband be sacrificed * and why should thc father ' s feelings be studied for one daughter more than another ? Surely an ordinary parent would feel the disgrace equally in one child as the other I Miss Florence West , as the heroine , is all that we can desire . It is a somewhat unsympathetic part well acted . Mr .

Lewis Waller , as the villain , is , as always , conscientious in his action and perfect in his elocution . Mr . Aynesworth and Miss Millett play the comedy part , and in their hands these parts go well with the audience . They vastly help the author , one as the namby-pamby young curate , and the other as his fiancee—daughter of a

country rector—who is frank , good , mischievous , and a true English girl . Miss Maude Millett reminds us of her delightful acting in " Sweet Lavender , "The Idler , " " Sunlight and Shadow , " and " May and December . " "A Bohemian" is so well acted that , in spite of its defects in construction , we hope to see it again at the Globe .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . WILLIAM HAMMOND . We record with deep regret the decease of Bro . William Hammond , aged 70 , which took place , after a long illness , at Hampton on Tuesday last . Bro . W . Hammond was initiated in the Jordan Lodge , No . 201 ' in 1858 , and became Master in 186 4 . He held probably the unique position of being a founder and first

W . M . of three lodges in Middlesex—the Lebanon , No . 1326 , in 1870 ; the Hemming , No . 1512 , in 18 75 J and the Wolsey , No . 1656 , in 1878—occupying the chair in the latter lod ge for two years in succession . He also served as M . E . Z . of the Lebanon Chapter in 1877 , and of the Era in 18 S 0—81 , whilst in Mark Masonry he was a founder and third W . M . of the

Francis Burdett Lodge , No . 181 , in the year 1882 . He was appointed Provincial Grand Deacon of Middlesex in 18 75 , and the same year A . G . S . of Provincial Grand Chapter . To our late departed brother many brethren , some of whom have since gained promotion in the province , are indebted for their admission to Masonic light , and his family of initiates will ever remember

with affection his impressive rendering of the ritual and faultless interpretation of our beautiful ceremonies . Bro . Hammond was not unmindful of his obligations to the Institutions . He served as Steward for " Our Boys , " and qualified as a Life Governor ; he also subscribed to the R . M . B . I ., and made his five children Life Governors of one or more of the Charities . Of

late years his affliction has necessitated his withdrawal from Masonic circles , but there has never been a meeting of any of his lodges or chapters without many kind enquiries from sympathising brothers after " Bro . William . " He was churchwarden of Hampton for over 20 years , and greatly respected in the parish and

neighbourhood . The funeral service will take place at Hampton Parish Church to-morrow ( Saturday ) at 2 . 30 , and the interment at Hampton Cemetery . There will also be a celebration of the Holy Communion by the Rev . R . Digby Ram , M . A ., vicar , in the church at 11 . 4 S a . m .

_ The Duchess of Hamilton , whilst hunting * with Mr . Fernie ' s hounds on Tuesday , met with rather a serious accident . Her horse slipped and fell , rollinfruver her Grace . She was taken to Gurnley Hall , and attended by Dr . Marriott , who found one of the shoulders dislocated . Her Grace was afterwards removed to Glen , and was reported on Wednesday evening to be going on favourably .