Obituary.

say a few words at his funeral , I do so . Death has come upon us on this occasion like a thief in the night . At this open grave we are reminded of a beautiful ceremony we know of figurative of death . Here vve are in the actual presence of death in all its stern , relentless , and solemn reality . Alay the monition come to us— 'Therefore be ye also ready , for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Alan cometh . ' Our deceased brother vvas not an old

member of the Craft , nor had he filled any office in the Order , but he had been with us long enough to earn tbe respect , esteem , and confidence of his brethren . He vvas diligent in business and fervent in spirit . You , brethren , testify that he vvas genial , kind , and of a truly sympathetic nature . His friends who have known him intimately bear testimony that he was faithful in his friendships and a good citizen .

The domestic circle dwell with affectionate remembrance on his kindness of heart . He vvas earnest and thorough in all he said and did ; transparent and understood ; an advocate of what he believed to be true and just . If any thoughts unworthy of his memory have for a moment had possession of our minds they are discarded with sorrow for having entertained them . Alan seeth not as God seeth , and if our judgments are mistaken in matters material , with what

humility should we attempt to penetrate the mysteries of death and a judgment to come . Let us hope that our lamented Bro . Evans , in his need and distress and helplessness , and in his hurried passage through the dark valley of thc shadow of death , paradoxical as it may sound to the unbelieving , that the Lord of Life vvas with him in the supreme moment ot extremity . This poor tenement of clay ! May there be for our brother the bright Morning Star which shall usher in Eternal Day . Alay vve all ascend

from the tomb of transgression and shine as the stars for ever and ever . I am sure , brethren , that you lift your hearts to God that Our Father in Heaven , of whom it is said ' He relieveth the fatherless and widow , ' may heal the bleeding hearts of the stricken ones . The sprigs of acacia we deposit on the coffin are symbolical of tbe immortality of the soul and the resurrection unto eternal life . Peace be to the ashes of Brother Evans ! Alay we , with him , reach the haven of rest , where the World ' s Great Architect lives and reigns for evermore ! So mote it be . "—Gloucester Standard .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Bro , William Holland lias taken the Albert Palace , Battersea , which he is going to make a rival to thc Kensington Exhibition . If any one can make it pay , "the peoples' caterer" will be able to do so .

The new play by Mr . Pinero , to be brought out to-morrow ( Saturday ) at the Court , is said to have good parts for Air . John Wood and Bros . Cecil and Clayton . VVe hope the run will be as long as " The Alagistrate , " which vvas unprecedented .

* * * Bro . Toole is about to close his theatre for a week or so in order to make some alterations on the stage . On re-opening the little house , our old friend will play some of his old pieces , ' * Paul Pry , " " Uncle Dick ' s Darling , " "Dot , " and , of course , " Faust and Loose , " which is now having a merry run . His many admirers will thus have an opportunity of seeing this distinguished comedian in some of his favourite characters .

# # # The new drama produced at Margate with Miss Lingard and Air . Lennard Boyne in the principal parts is such a success that vve hope it will be shortly brought to London . In the meanwhile it is going round the provinces . "Sister Alary " is of the pathetic style of piece , and very original . The authors are Air . Wilson Barrett and Air , Clement Scott .

* « Pending the production of their new play , " Denisc , " the Haymarket lessees have revived " She Stoops to Conquer . " An important Masonic engagement prevented our being present on Saturday week , but we hear

that it is not efficiently played . An old English comedy like that requires each character to be supported by a wellqualified person chosen for the part . An imperfect rendering of this play is very depressing . We hope Alessrs . Russell and Bashford will yet meet with success , and find a play to keep up the traditions of thc Haymarket .

* # * VVe are glad to learn that Mr . Terriss has arranged to bring over the Daly Company from America again . They will open at the Strand on the 27 th Alay , and play "A Night Off . " "The Country Girl , " "Love on Crutches , " " She Would and she Wouldn't , " and " Nancy

and Co . " amongst some of their pieces . VVe hope they will be well supported , as this time they come in a more seasonable time of the year than on their last visit two years ago . VVe saw them in all their characters in 18 S 4 , and were delighted with thc company , especially Air . and Mrs . Lewis and Miss Rehan . The Daly troupe ought to cause a sensation .

# # * A new burlesque by Mr . Harry Paulton and Tcdde vvas put on at the Comedy after "Erminie " on Alonday . It is of the usual order of such pieces , dealing with various topics of the day—Servia and Kovimania , and the muzzling of dogs ; but the principle portion is a skit upon the Socialists , the West-end riots of last month ,

the inefficiency of the police . VVe thought the late head of that department which looks after the peace of her Alajesty ' s subjects vvas dealt with too hardly and too personally . The dancing is clever , and received several encores , as did one or two songs . The characters are for the most part those engaged in "Erminie , " which is still playing to good houses . This conv ' c opera has several travelling companies out in different parts of the country .

# # * The last nights of the " Private Secretary" are near at hand . Wc went to thc Globe a few evenings ago and laughed as heartily at this successful piece as if we had never seen it before , though it was our fourth time . The

The Theatres.

"Private Secretary" has had a run of about 700 nights . Air . Hawtrey did well when he purchased the rights , for on its production at the Prince ' s it was a comparative failure . It is said the new piece is to be called " The Pickpocket . " Probably the Globe will be well filled now the end is near , for people who have seen the " Private Secretary" once , and laughed at Messrs . Penley ' s and Hill ' s drollery , will

wish to do so once more for the last time . Bro . Lestocq has written a very pretty comedietta , "The Sins of the Fathers , " as a first piece . The dialogue is natural and generally bright . Bro . Lestocq is most amusing as an Irish footman . Aliss Ellen Terry , who vvas present on our last visit , seemed to enjoy the funny incidents as much as anyone in the house .

* * * A litt'e after Easter we may expect Mr . Sydney Grundy ' s new classical tragedy , " Clito , " at tbe Princesses . The period is believed to be about the time of Pericles . VVe hope it may be a big success for Mr . Wilson Barrett and Air . Grundy . The latter gentleman has not , vve think , been always well treated at the hands of the critics—partly

his own fault , as he is too caustic and bitter in'his writings . In these days none of us can be quite independent , and it is well not to tread upon other persons' toes if it can be avoided . We thought "The Glass of Fashion" and "The Silver Shield" of Air . Grundy's capital plays ,

though decidedly severe , but we cannot say untruthful . However , when he deals with centuries back , he will not have thc same opportunity to " go for " what he considers abuses . " The Lord Harry " is being well received , as vve anticipated would be the case , but owing to arrangements its run cannot be a long one .

* Thc management have lately brought out a very tasteful programme at the Gaiety , where" Jack Sheppard " still urges on his wild career . The hundredth performance is past , and judging by the crowded houses there is not likely to be a change until the French plays begin in June . The joint reign of Alessrs . Hollingshead and G . Edwardes appears to have thoroughly resuscitated the fortunes of

this favourite theatre . Aliss Farren has never been seen to better advantage than in her part of the young highwayman . Air . —or , as he soon will be , through the Drury Lane Lodge , Bro . —Fred . Leslie , Bro . David James , Aliss Marion Hood , and Aliss Wadman help very much to the success of the splendid entertainment provided for the Gaiety patrons , who heartily respond to all that is done for them .

* » » We do not think sufficient credit has been given to Air . John Hollingshead respecting the abolition of the closing of theatres on Ash Wednesday , which V . W . Brer , the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Alaster , when Lord Chamberlain last year inaugurated . This was the first

year theatres have been open on Ash Wednesday . ' One is apt to forget when one obtains a thing to whom it is vve owe what we get . lt . was Mr . Hollingshead who for so many years led the opposition to the compulsory closing of theatres on that day . Air . Hollingshead is also the pioneer of . free programmes , in which he is imitated by many though not all lessees .

The Theatre holds the position it look up when Air . Clement Scott became its editor . This month ' s number is no exception to the rule . VVe have very interesting criticisms on the various new plays . " The Lord Harry , " " Enemies , " " Engaged , " and papers lay well-known writers , on subjects pertaining and interesting

to the drama . The photographs ( in costume ) of Mr . Felix Morris and Miss Alaiy Rorke , as well as Aliss Evveretta Laurence in last month ' s do much credit to Air . Barraud , of Oxford-street , who is well-known as a painstaking photographer . Air . Barraud never allows anything to go out of his studio which is not of the best . He has published some enlarged photographs of Bro . and Mrs .

Bancroft , Aliss Kate Rorke ( on porcelain ) Bro . Henry Irving , and Bro . and Airs . Kendal , and some charming portraits of the little Princesses , daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh . We believe Mr . Barraud is engaged on a picture of our chief actors and actresses , together with dramatic authors , "first nighters , " and theatrical managers . Whenever it comes out it will be very interesting .

•# * New songs , new dances , and new dialogue have been introduced into the comic opera of " Kenilworth , " which has been running merrily at the Avenue since before Christmas . The change is made , Bro . D'Albertson , the courteous acting manager informs us , for the benefit of those who come time after time to see the piece and like

a little variety . Crowded audiences are still the orders of the day at the Avenue , for the simple reason that a good and interesting comic opera has been written , taiting songs and accompaniments composed , pretty dresses , and " mese-en-scene , " a strong and numerous company engaged , and no expense spared to make it take with the public , who , in return , reciprocate with a good will what has been provided for them .

* # * The new play at the Vaudeville is another instance of what bad judges managers are when they are also actors . Mr . C . M . Rae submitted a play which he calls original , and that is a question to Bro . Thomas Thorne , who , no doubt , said to himself " There is a part for me , " not thinking of anyone else , accepts and produces

it , the result being a dismal failure . It has been our misfortune to " assist" at many first nights of indifferent plays , but vve do not know if we ever begrudged wasting an evening more than on Thursday week , when we went to see " Doo , Brown , and Co . " We do not agree with some who think that the audience was in a mood to condemn Mr . Rae's play—they could not do otherwise . From

the first it vvas obvious that there is not a particle of merit in the piece . A stupid catchword , " What an artist , what a photographer , " which Air . Fred Thorne had to repeat , became so tedious that the people soon turned it into ridicule . When , at the fall of the curtain , the author foolishly presented himself to the audience , he was greeted

with groans and hisses , and shouts of " What an artist ! ' We gave patient attention to the whole of the three acts , and yet vvere quite unable at the end to know what the piece was about any more than at the commencement . It seemed a hideous jumble of unstrung sentences . Bro . Thorne and Miss Larkin made some comic capital

The Theatres.

out of their parts , but the rest of the powerful cast , consisting of Air . Charles Groves , Air . Charles Glenney , Air . Fred Thorne , Miss Helen Forsyth , and Miss Maude Millett utterly failed to do or act anything . There is nothing to act . They have our sincere sympathy . Everyone who goes to theatres knows that these ladies and gentlemen can play well vvhsn they have something to play . We hope the author will be more successful when he next

writes or adapts a farcical comedy , and that Bro . 1 homas Thorne will consider his company and his audience a little more . We have passed so many pleasant evenings at the Vaudeville that we regret having to write with such condemnation , and only hope the change which will be made will for the better—it could not be for the worse . Mr . Robert Buchanan has written a comedy which is to be

produced soon . The Vaudeville is now closed . Aliss Kate Rorke , it is said , is to have the leading lady ' s part . This will be the first time since she joined Bro . Thome's company that this charming young actress will have had a fair chance of displaying her undoubted talents . We have not any hesitation in anticipating that Miss Rorke will charm ner audience by her acting as well as presence if scope be allowed her .

* * * The Empire has at last reopened its doors with this time some hope of achieving a success , unless the salary list and expenses of this enormous theatre do riot prove to be higher than thc takings . " Round the World in Eighty Days" depicts Al . Jules Verne ' s typical mad Englishman on his travels . Given that a person lays a heavy wager to go round the world in So days , and see

everything , a great many sensational events—for the purpose of the stage—can be easily introduced . But still it is more a spectacle than a drama at the Empire , and that best suits the size of the house . VVe have the sacrifice of a widow of a Brahmin in India , adventures with the Red Indians in Canada , snake charming , Borneo , the Rocky mountains , the Atlantic ocean , and all manners of dangers , escapes , and adventures . M . Alarius , Mr . Cartwright

and Air . Collette are the chief actors , while Aliss Kate Vaughan , who , by the bye , does not dance , vve suppose medical orders prevent ; Aliss Kate Chard , and Mdlle . Aliska are the chief ladies , and do well so much as is requisite . But it is the beautiful ballets and spectacular display which form the great attraction . Mdlle . Pertoldi is

the principal danseuse , and heads a most efficient corps of the ballet , who perform their task to the thorough satisfaction of the audience . AI . Alarius , who is now the manager , shows that he is thoroughly in earnest , and knows what he is about , and vve hope the public will tender him their support .

# # * " On 'Change" has not suffered on change from one theatre to another . Produced in September at Toole's , it had to migrate to the Strand , where it gained in popularity . Aliss Alinnie Palmer having engaged that theatre , Mr . Duck took the play to the Opera Comique , where it has done even better still . There are not many pieces which could stand shifting about . We went to see it in its

new home the other day , and noticed Aliss Ellen Terry looking at it and roaring with laughter , which set at rest the unfounded rumours that she is suffering from cancer in the tongue . It is as much—possibly more—owing to the strong cast , consisting of Messrs . Felix Alorris , VVm . Farren , G . Moore , and Yorke Stephens as anything else that " On 'Change " has settled down into such a success . It is now preceded by a " lever de rideau , " Air . Williams' old farce , "Turn Him Out , " in which Mr . Felix Morris repeats the

character of Nicodemus Nobs , the itinerant toyseller , with the same success that he has had in America , where he has frequently acted it . The fun is rather of the boisterous order , it being the duty of Nobs to " chuck out" of Mrs . Aloke ' s house an admirer who is too persistent . He , unfortunately , turns out the wrong man , and ejects the lawful husband , Air . Moke . Air . Morris , as the costermong ; er , gives a capital bit of acting , evidently studied from life . Those who go to see " On "Change" should go in time to see also "Turn Him Out . "

The Lewis Fire Extinguisher.

THE LEWIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER .

VVe were present with a large number of invited guests to witness an exhibition of the " Lewis Hand Fire Extinguisher , " on an enclosed ground in Blomfield-street , London-wall . The extinguisher consists of a handsomely ornamented tin tube , not unsightly in shape in the best of furnished rooms , and can be suspended by a hook against anv convenient place ; it is eighteen inches long by two

inches in diameter , with a sprinkler of one and half inches below the opening end , through which the extinguishing fluid may be showered at a distance of from sixteen to 20 feet . The tube , which holds about a quart of the fluid , is a secret , not deteriorated by age , is perfectly harmless either to human beings , animals , clothes , wood , & c . The eases which it is highly charged with will liberate themselves

at a temperature of 120 degrees . 1 he exhibition , under the management of Air . Rowan commenced with setting fire to a large wooden frame about ten feet high by about six feet wide , which , after being saturated with petroleum and smeared with tar , was set alight , and when thc flames had completely taken hold of the frame , tha extinguisher vvas applied , and in less than 10 seconds the

fire was completely got under . lhe second test vvas a tall wooden flue , representing a chimney stack , filled with light wood and dry shavings , and upon being set fire to and allowed to burn some two or three minutes , a small application of the fluid was placed at the bottom of the burning chimney , which immediately quenched the flames from the gases contained in the fluid .

The third trial , the severest , consisted of a structure representing a room , tarred throughout , the inside filled with shavings and dry wood , then saturated with petroleum ; this was then fired , when two of the tubes unopened were thrown in amongst the then powerful flames ; the heat bursting the tubes immediately

extinguished the flames . Thc visitors were very pleased at the exhibition , and expressed themselves in the highest manner as to the thorough efficiency of the invention . We are informed by the executive that the extinguisher is in use at Osborne , Whitley ' s , P . & O . Co ., Royal Mail , & c , ai well as many noblemen ' s mansions , and hotels .

_ __ The annual meeting of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund will be held in Exeter on Tuesday , thc 6 th prox .