Mark Masonry.

The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned the banquet room of the hall , and did ample justice to * Id collation , provided by Bro . VV . Taylor . a M the conclusion of the repast , «¦< „ W M . proposed thc toasts of "The Queen and , 1 , Masonry , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . r VI M . " and "The M-W- Br 0- R ' S ht Hon - Lord and Ihe Urand

r prton of Tatton , Pro * . 1 V 1 ., umcers , D sent and Past , " coupling with this toast the name of the teemed and illustrious Bro . John Lane , P . G . S . O ., who e 5 Lhlv responded to the toast . 5 TheW . M . then gave the toast of "The V . W . Bro . C . and the Officers

c ence Bate , D . P . G . M . M ., Prov . G . , Pesent and Past , " coupled with the name of Bro . Lane , L in responding , thought he was having a good share of SIP toasting , and that soon he would be cooked enough . The orovince being still without a P . G . M ., he thought the

n P . G . M . performed his duties with tact and ability . Tlie toast of the evening vvas then proposed by the cyV . that of "TheW . M ., " who had been placed in the chair ' of the lodge that day , and he hoped the G . O . O . T . U . would give him health to rule over the lodge during the

The Worshipful Master very feelingly responded . His health vvas only indifferent , but he would do his best to carry out his duties and maintain the dignity of the chair . In the toast of " The Installing Master , " Bro . Lane came in for another toasting and a little speech . As the father of the lodge , may the G . O . O . T . U . long continue health and strength to him to give counsel and advice to the younger brethren who , look up to him for that advice vvhich he is ever ready to give . "The Oflicers" and Tyler ' s toasts concluded a very pleasant and sociable evening .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

PROVINCIAL PRIORY OF KENT AND SURREY . The annual meeting ol the above Provincial Priory was held on Friday , the 21 st inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , under the banner of the Temple Dressing Preceptory , No . 45 , which having been opened , the E . P . elect of the Lullingstone Preceptory , No . 155 , vvas ably and eloquently installed by Sir Knight Horatio Ward , after which the Prov . Sub-Prior and officers entered in

procession under the arch of steel , and Provincial Priory was opened in form . ' The PROV . REGISTRAR called the muster roll , and read the minutes of the last Provincial Priory , which were duly confirmed .

Several letters of apology for absence were reported , and the Treasurer ' s accounts for the year presented , duly audited , the same having been received and adopted . Sir Knight BATEMAN , E . P . 155 . vvas proposed for reelection as Treasurer by the PROV . SUB-PRIOR , which vvas seconded by Sir Knight WARD , and unanimously carried .

Sir Knight LEMON proposed , the PROV . TREASURER seconded , and it was carried unanimously , that £ 53 . 5 s be paid from the Benevolent Fund to the Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons , in the name of Mrs . Haldanewife of the Prov . Prior nominate .

Sir Knight HALDANE expressed his grateful appreciation of the compliment , and took occasion to refer in highly eulogistic terms to the services rendered to Masonry in general , and this Order in particular , by the late Prov . Prior , General J . S . Brownrigg , during a long series of years . He also exoressed the sincere sympathy of members of the Prov . Priory vvith Sir Knight Cummings , who

was absent through domestic affliction . It vvas then announced that the Great Sub-Prior of England , & c , Sir Knight Col . Shadwell Clerke , vvas without , and demanded admission , which being accorded , that distinguished officer , accompanied by several Grand Officers , entered under the arch of steel , and assumed the throne .

The GREAT SUB-PRIOR addressed Prov . Priory , and referred to the occasion as one of mingled mournfulness and joy . He had installed the late lamented Prov . Prior many years ago , and he having in the fulness of his days been called away , his place was to be filled by one concerning whose fitness for the exalted position there was a happy unanimity of opinion , both within and without this rriory .

The acting Sub-Marshal , Sir Knight Frank Richardson , wen announced that the Prov . Prior nominate was without , a "d claimed admission , in order to be installed into the charge of his province . The Great Sub-Prior having ordeied "im to be admitted , he entered , preceded by his Banner "earer , vvith furled banner , and Sword Bearer , and gave HP h's patent , vvhich was read bv the Prov . Registrar .

kr a ' Sub-Prior then administered the customary oW'Kation , and duly invested and placed the Prov . Prior on the throne . The Prov . Prelate having pronounced the "enediction , the Herald proclaimed the very Eminent Prov f ° r , Sir Knight Col . George H . J . Haldane , 32 , & c , ™ no was saluted by the sir knights present . The Prov . D - - - — « i > - « .. Tf I . II \ . ^ 1 . niii ^ ma pi ^ o & ill .. X I 1 C I . 1 UV .

nor addressed the sir knights in well-chosen and feeling Y ' . referring to his lamented predecessor with warm a Passions of appreciation , and thanking the members of Wei V " ^ . ' ory f ° . 'he cordial way in which they had aY ° ^ h " appointment , finally proceeding to appoint ^ invest his officers as follows : S 'rKni ght Horatio Ward :.. Prov . Sub-Prior .

» Rev . H . Cummings ... Prov . Prelate . » Wm . Geo . Lemon ... Prov . Chancellor . ,, Eugene Monteuuis ... Prov . Constable . » C Belton Prov . Marshal . >¦ A . H . Bateman ... Prov . Treas . and Reg . ' J- S . Harris Prov . Sub-Marshal . " G . R . Cobham ... Prov . Almoner . » Dr . Stead Prov . Herald . > ' T . R . Dallmeyer ... Prov . Std . Br . ( B . ) . > ' Major Bailey ... Prov . Std . Br . ( V . B . ) . » Walter Harper ... Prov . Banner Br . » Belgrave Ninnis ... Prov . Chamberlain . PratY ' u P-A-Vennell ... Prov . Capt . of Guard . A rHa "' son Prov . Equerry . 'ion t ° JS * V ?' 'hanks was then carried by acclama-Coon er I ' 'ghts Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . P . ; Fer * = > . M .: and F . Richardson , C . G ., for their valu-

Knights Templar.

able services in performing and assisting at the ceremony of installation . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed from National Great Priory , Province of East Anglia , and District of the Mediterranean . The alms were collected , and Provincial Priory vvas

closed . Temple Crossing Preceptory was subsequently closed , and the sir knights adjourned to a recherche banquet , admirably served under the personal supervision of Mr . Pearce , jun ., one of the proprietors of the Bridge House Hotel , whose attention to the wants of the sir knights throughout the day left nothing to be desired .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were eloquently proposed by the Prov . Prior , Sir Knight HALDANB , who presided , supported on either side by the Great Sub-Prior , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and the Grand Chancellor , Sir Knight Philbrick . There were also present Sir Knights Col . Somerville Burney , P . P . G . C . Essex ; Raymond Thrupp , G . R . ; Col . Hartley , G . S . B . ; Col . Ramsey , P . P . Malta ; Captain

Purchas , P . A . D . C . ; Frank Richardson , G . CG . ; Col . Phillips , P . P . East Anglia ; H . Ward , P . S . P . ; F . Wood , P . G . C ; R . Toynes Emmerson , P . P . P . ; Dr . Penfold , P . P . M . ; L . T . Fisher , P . P . M . ; Col . Blunt , H . Carman , Geo . R . Cobham , P . P . G . S . B . ; F . VV . Mitchell , P . G . Prov . ; A . G . Hennell , S . M . ; W . Harris , P . H . ; F . W . Wright , P . S . B . ; Dr . Fletcher Beach , P . S . B . ; Walter Harper , C . of G . ; A . H . Bateman , Treas . and Reg . ; and others .

Straits Settlements

Straits Settlements

A special meeting of Lodge St . George was held on May 15 th to consider the proposition of Bro . Khory that a Masonic Charitable Fund be established for the relief of widows and orphans of Masons who may happen to be left in destitute circumstances . Bro . Khory , in submitting his proposal and the general details of the scheme , commented on the fact that the

Straits Settlements were quite exceptional in not having a Masonic Charitable Fund . Funds of this nature were general institutions all throughout the United Kingdom and the Colonies , India , and the East , and were powerful factors for good to those connected with the Craft . It was also shown how the fund could be supported and augmented annually , apart from voluntary subscriptions , by being

credited with a small percentage of the monthly subscriptions of members and of the various fees levied by the lodges . The proposition vvas very favourably received by the brethren present , and in the debate which ensued , Bros . Braddell , Knight , Presgrave , E . A . Thomson , W . Davison , Garrard , Derrick , Little , Makepeace , and Stuart all took

part . With respect to the proposal that the fund should be worked on such lines as to include the sister lodges in Penang and Perak , it vvas strongly urged by Bros . Knight and Pesgrave that it would be advisable to confine its operations to Singapore alone , otherwise there could be no doubt that difficulties and complications would arise in the management and general administration of the

fund . It vvas further suggested by Bro . Presgrave that , while the main object of the fund should always continue to be the relief ot the destitute widows and orphans of Masons , it should also be made available for affording assistance in deserving cases of distressed Masons attached to lodges in Singapore . After Bro . Braddell , W . M ., had carefully summed up

and commented on the views and suggestions laid before the meeting , The following proposition was proposed by Bro . Khory , seconded by Bro . Presgrave , and carried unanimously : "That a Masonic Benevolent Fund be established . " It was also agreed , before taking any further action in the matter , to await the decision of the brethren of Lodge Zetland-in-the-East .

We are glad to be able to state that the proposer of the motion has very generously promised a donation of 500 dollars to s art the fund , and that numerous other subscriptions have been guaranteed . We heartily congratulate the brethren on the good work vvhich they are about to initiate .

Proposed Memorial To The Late Canon Portal.

PROPOSED MEMORIAL TO THE LATE CANON PORTAL .

An influential and representative meeting was held on Wednesday , the 19 th inst ., in the Schoolroom at Burghclere , for the purpose of agreeing upon a suitable memorial of the late lamented rector , the Rev . Canon Portal . The attendance included the Earl of Carnarvon ( who

presided ) , the Countess of Carnarvon , Sir Alexander Arbuthnot , K . C . S . I ., Mrs . Fox , Mrs . Fanshawe , Mrs . Arkwright , Admiral Herbert , Mr . W . Holding , Mr . Fox , Major-General Maunsell , Rev . C . A . Sladen , Mr . Arkwright , Rev . F . C . Gosling , and Messrs . Rutherford , S . Wentworth , T . Hearn , White , Plenty , Pavey , Kelleway , Brown , and others .

Lord CARNARVON , in explaining the object of the meeting , spoke at some length , and with considerable emotion . The noble earl expressed his hope that they would be able to agree , without one dissentient voice , in the course they would adopt . He vvas quite sure there vvas but one feeling in those two parishes of Burghclere and Newtown , and indeed in all the surrounding parishes , namely , a feeling

of respect and affection for the memory of their late lamented rector and friend , Canon Portal . It was about 18 years since Canon Portal came into that parish . He was one of his ( Lord Carnarvon ' s ) oldest , and he might say dearest , friends . He first knew him at Oxford , and from first to last there never vvas the slightest break in their friendship . When it fell to his lot to present Canon

Portal with the living of Burghclere , he knew him so well that he felt he could not give them a better man , and the event justified that opinion . After referring to Canon Portal ' s work in the parish , and to the respect and esteem in which he was held , he proposed that the memorial should take the form of a painted window in the Parish Church of Burghclere . This resolution was unanimously carried .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

" True Heart , " the newest drama at the Princess ' s , though it follows closely in the wake of other dramas , is yet above the average in point of interest in its details . We have the wicked baronet , who wishes to get rid of his late brother's little daughter , in order that he may come into the property as well as the-title , and we have the customary good young man , who eventually brings

the bad man to justice , and restores the property to the young lady . The authors—Mr . Byatt and Sir William Magnay—have every right to be pleased vvith their work , for it is a really well-put together play , and never lacking in interest . The great scene of all is curiously reserved until the end of the piece . This is the rescue in a lifeboat of the heroine , and is a wonderful piece of stage

management , for the Princess's stage for a few minutes looks exactly like a rough sea on a dark night , and the lifeboat is made to go through the evolutions such as one has seen at the launching of such vessels , and the rescue of the passengers and the firing of the rocket apparatus . This scene alone is sure to draw audiences , even in the hot

weather . The company includes Misses Grace Hawthorne and Helen Leyton and Mrs . Huntley , and Messrs . Yorke Stephens , Leonard Boyne , Bassett Roe , Julian Cross , and E . W . Garden . The melodrama belongs to Messrs . Yorke Stephens and H . H . Morell ( son of Bro . Sir Morell Mackenzie . * * *

We went to the Strand prepared for and expecting an amusing entertainment , knowing that " . ^ Esop's Fables" was the work of the author of "Loose Tiles , " and that Bro . Penley was to have the leading part . Our anticipations much exceeded our realisations , for , after the first act , which was none too brilliant , the whole thing began to bore one , and before the curtain fell we should

say not any one cared a brass farthing how the play would end . We cannot understand how such an astute manager as Mr . Wyndham could put up such a trashy play , vvhich , we think , is called a farcical comedy . For a one-act farce , " JEsop's Fables" might be very funny , but , when spun out to three acts , it is more than one can endure . VVe hope Mr . J . P . Hurst will not take to heart

his fiasco , but go on , and give us another funny play like "Loose files" or " The Begum Diamonds , " which had many points of interest in it . To see the diminutive Bro , Penley a hero against his will , and made love to on that account by a huge woman , who now grovels at his feet and now stands him on a chair that he may reach up and be able to be kissed , is ludicrous in the extreme , and so are

Bro . Penley s make up and droll style of talking , but as "/ Esop's Fables" is lacking in plot , so do such excellent people as Bro . Penley and Miss Alma Stanley fail to amuse their audience . Any one who understands about the construction could tell that when the first act was over the play was virtually ended , and the two next acts could only be sustained by Bro . Penley ' s drolleries , for there was nothing

more to be done , so we were treated to a lot of tomfoolery . Some of the humour of the piece was , on the first night , misinterpreted by a portion of the audience , who hissed while others laughed ; this vvas the singing of the sentimental duet , " Some day , " by Bro . Penley and Miss Stanley , out of tune . Many persons thought they could not hefp the discord , and so tried to stop the song . Miss

Alma Stanley did not get all the praise she deserved , for she worked hard all through the olay . Mr . GeorgeGiddens was not as good as usual as ^ Esop Brown . Mr . Forbes Dawson somewhat burlesqued the character of a Major , and the other artistes did their little as well as they could . It is impossible to say what Bro . Penley may dj vvit . l his part , as he has before this worked up unsuccessful pieces .

Willing's Selected Theatrical Programme.

WILLING'S SELECTED THEATRICAL PROGRAMME .

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA . Every Evening , ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA . ADELPHI THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , THE SHAUGHRAUN ; at 7 . 15 , Farce . GAIETY THEATRE . Every Evening , FAUST UP TO DATE .

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 50 , THE OLD HOME ; at 7 . 50 , THE POET . OPERA COMIQUE THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 45 , OUR FLAT ; at S . 15 , To THE RESCUE .

COURT THEATRE . Every Evening , at S . 30 , A WHITE LIE ; at S , IN THE CORRIDOR . COMEDY THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , A HIGHLAND LEGACY ; at 9 , TENTRRHOOKS .

TOOLE'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 , THE BROKEN SIXPENCE ; at 8 . 30 , ARTFUL CARDS ; after which , THE BIRTHPLACE OF PODGERS .

SAVOY THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 15 , THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD ; at 7 . 20 , MRS . J ARRAMIE ' S GENIE . PRINCE OF WALES'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 15 , PAUL J ONES ; at 7 . 30 , J SMITH . TERRY'S THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 30 , SWEET LAVENDER .

LYRIC THEATRE . Every Evening , at 8 . 15 , DORIS ; at 7 . 40 , FUNNIBONES ' FIX . GRAND THEATRE . Every Evening , FORGET ME NOT . SURRiiY THEATRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , THE FUGITIVE . ROYAL AQUARIUM . Open 12 ( noon ); close 11 . 30 . p . m . Constant Round of Amusement .

ALHAMBRA . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment . Two Grand Ballets , & c . EMPIRE . Every Evening , at 7 . 30 , Variety Entertainment Grand Ballet , DIANA , & C .