Obituary.

ago . All his brothers were Freemasons , and good ones , but the subject of our notice survived them all . Bro . Pearson ivas first initiated a Mason in the year 1805 , at Neston , in Cheshire , Lodge No . 253 , of which Lodge both his father and grandfather were members . He continued his membership of this lodge for about two when he removed to Wigtonand deeply and

years , , enthusiastically imbued with the principles of Masonry . Bro . Pearson set about establishing a Lodge at Wigton , and soon found other congenial spirits to join him . In 1807 , the Wig ton St . John's Lodge was formed , and Bro . John Pearson was the first Master named in the warrant for its opening . At thattime the number of the Lodges AVUS 607 , but this was

before the union of 1 he sister Grand Lodges . From the year 1805 untilihis death Bro . Pearson was a true-hearted Mason . To him Freemasonry was something more than a name , a mere form—it was something to be loved and cherished and worked for . By perseverance he worked himself up thoroughly in all the departments which make a good and true Mason , and soon began to be of

note among the various lodges in the county . When the late Sir James Graham , Provincial Grand Master , wanted to take the higher degrees in the sublime art and knowledge of Masonry , Bro . Pearson was the man selected to give them , and the old man used to tell an amusing story of his being called upon to sing a song after the labours of the evening , when he struck up with Ewan Clark's song in the Cumberland dialect : —

" We ' re tax'd when Ave re born , we're taxed when Ave dee 1 Now , countryman , these are hard laws , d ' ye see . " At that time taxes were being laid on very heavily , and the people were no more fond of heavy taxes than they are-now . Bro . Sir . James , being then First Lord of the Admiralty , and a Cabinet Minister , laughed very heartily at the apropos song of his brother Freemason .

AVhen Captain—afterwards Admiral Graham got his higher degrees , Bro . Pearson also officiated . Captain Pearson stammered somewhat in his speech , and Avhen called upon to respond to the toast of his health , he said , stammeringfy , "he never could make a speech , but his brother Jamie would . It need not be said that brother Jamie ' s speech was an excellent one . Sir James

after-Avards became the Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmoreland . Bro . Pearson was all his life a most assiduous and enthusiastic Freemason . Every lodge found him at his post , and at the close of the evening his well-known toast of " There ' s sec a thing as ganging heame , " amused if it did not please those who wished to stay late . He attended the anniversary meetings of his lodge

( Dec . 27 th ) on no fewer than fifty-six consecutive occasions . It is not generally known that Bro . Stephen Blair , late Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , got all his three degrees in the Wigton St . John ' s Lodge . The late Bro . Pearson gave him his degrees , we believe . Wherever the principles of Masonry were to be promulgated , Bro . Pearson was there , aud was by his

acquirements fit to take part in any of the ceremonies peculiar to the Masonic body . Only a very few months before his death , Bro . Pearson could remember the greater part of the long and impressive Masonic lore he Avas at one time such an adept in , and he could go on for hours Avith scarcely a falter . Early on Saturday morning be passed away calmly

and peacefully , closing his eyes as if to go to sleep . Curiously enough he died the very day before the anniversary of his bnth , which was on Sunday . Unfortunately it Avas too late to obtain a Dispensation from the Provincial Grand Lodge , as Sunday intervened betiveen the day of his death and that of his funeral . All that his brethren could do therefore Avas to assemble themselves to do honour to their old and kindly-hearted

Obituary.

brother . A large number of Wigton brethren and members of other lodges did attend , and walked in procession in front of the hearse to the Cemetry , Avhen six of his older brethren bore him to his last resting place . Had the funeral been a Masonic one , there would have been a very large gathering from all parts of the county , as Bro . Pearson Avas known throughout all the Lodges

in Cumberland and Westmoreland . _ A few years ago his portrait was engraved in a large size , and each lodge in the two counties has a copy framed and hung up in it . It is a most excellent portrait . He is iu full Masonic clothing , and wears the Jewel of the Provincial Grand . Secretary , which office he had once the honour to hold . This portrait is , we believe , very scarce , as new copies are not to be had-—IVigton Advertiser , Sept . 31 st .

Notes On Music And The Drama.

NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA .

THE GLOBE opens this evening ( Saturday ) , when , under Mr . Montague ' s management , will be produced Byron ' s Comedy "lPartners for Life ' . " The farce " My AVife ' s Out , " and the " Swiss Cottage , " a burletta will also be produced . The company includes Miss Carlotta Addison , Miss Larkin , Miss Maria Harris , Miss Nelly Harris , Miss Harrison , Miss Fanny Josephs , Mr . Compton , Mr . David Fisher , Mr . Plockton , Mr . C . S . Neville ( his first appearance in Loudon ) , Mr . E . AV . Garden , Mr . Peveril , aud Mr . H . J . Montague . Mr . T . E . " Srnale occupies the post of acting manager .

COVEXT GARDES . —M . Riviere ' s benefit is announced for Saturday next , and judging by the success which has attended the series of concerts , it will doubtless prove a " Bumper , " at any rate it will be deserved . On the Monday followino- Mr . Edward Murray , the acting manager , well also take his benefit . The programme for the ensuing week will include : ou Monday , Popular Music ; Tuesday , Verdi Night ; AVednesday , Beethoven Ni

ght ; Thursday , Ballad Concert ; Friday , Handel Night . AVe have heard rumours that in consequence of the great success arrangements are in progress for another series of these popular concerts .

Of Amateur performances tho Dramatic Critic has usuall y a wholesome dread . This evening , however , an exceptionally excellent performance may be expected . The " Comus Dramatic Club" announce their second season at St . George ' s Theatre , Regent Street . " Cool as a Cucumber , " " Henry Dunbar , " and " Ici On Parle Prancais , " comprise the programme . At the Theatreon Thursday nextthe "Lela Dramatic Club " ive

, , g their fourth performance , for the benefit of the Victoria Hospital for sick children , at Chelsea , which no doubt will be well attended . We may ask whoever arranged the "Bill , " if the list of Dramatic Authors is so scant , that they should be compelled to select a " Comedy " aud a "Metrical Melodrama " both by the same author . Perhaps it is the author himself , if so all is explained .

Prom "Figaro" we learn that the famous dancer , Taglwin , is about to leave Paris , and take up her residence iu London ,, where she intends giving lessons in dancing . HAYJIAEKET . —Lord Dundreary having taken his departure , this theatre will commence on Monday with "An Alarming Sacrifice . " Shakespear ' s Comedy , "As You Like It , " is announced with Messrs . Kendal , Chippendale , Howe , Rogers ,

Everill , Harry Payne , Clak , AV . Gordon , and AVeathers ' by . Mrs . Chippendale and Mrs . C . Hill . The Rivals is underlined for the 11 th inst ., and the Haymarket audience will have the pleasure of witnessing the "Bob Acres" of Bro . Buckstone , whom all will be glad to welcome home after his recent illness . Miss Amy Sedgwick is announced to appear in "One Good Turn Deserves Auother . " CKEMORNE . —A grand fancy dress ball is announced for Monday . Tickets 10 s . 6 d . The ball will take place in the theatre of the establishment .