Reports Of Meetings.

beat to maintain the honour which had always been attached to the chair . He confidently predicted that the ensuing year would be one of harmony and happiness . In conclusion the W . M . referred in graceful terms to the loss the Lodge had sustained in the death of Bro . Panks , and said no one would have been more pleased to see him in the chair that night than Bro , Panks . The Worshipful Master afterwards proposed the Installing Master , to whom he paid a tribute for the way in which he conducted the ceremony . Bro . Lyus suitably responded .

In giving the toast of the Immediate Past Master , the Worshipful Master expressed extreme regret at the absence of Bro . W . A . Smith , who . he said , had been an indefatigable member of their Lodge , as every member of the Lqdge could bear testimony . He asked permission of the Brethren to send Brother Smith a message expressive of their regret at his unavoidable absence , and wishing him every success in his new home .

GORDON LODGE , No . 2149 . ON Wednesday , 27 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hanley , Brother Dr . C . H . Phillips was installed as W . M ., over forty Brethren assembling on the occasion , the ceremony being very efficiently performed by Bro . Thomas Taylor P . P . G . S . W . the retiring W . M . After the banquet Bro . John Bromley proposed the health of the W . M ., remarking that the able way in which Dr . Phillips had gone through office after office was evidence that he would discharge the duties of the highest post in the Lodge with efficiency .

The toast having been cordially honoured , the W . M . responded , declaring that he had Freemasonry thoroughly at heart , and he should always do the best he could in any office connected with the Lodge . The W . M . then proposed the health of the I . P . M ., and spoke highly of the way in which Bro . Taylor had performed the various impressive

ceremonies connected with the working . The toast was well received . Bro . Taylor responded , and in the course of his remarks gave an account of the origin and progress of the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association , observing that in addition to the five hundred guineas which the Association invested , it was expected that another 1 , 000 guineas would be raised in the coming July by the pic-nic to be held at Trentham .

Bro . T ; Taylor proposed the Masonic Charities , remarking that without those charities Freemasonry would not have that character for usefulness which it undoubtedly possessed , and in supporting those charities Staffordshire had probably done more in proportion to its size than any other Province . He referred to the names of various eminent Masons who had taken an active part in promoting the success of the Staffordshire Masonie Charitable Association , and said they were delighted to have amongst them that evening the President of the Association , whose name he coupled with the toast . It was received nibst cordially .

Brother M . Barker , in the course of his response , referred to the great demonstration to be made at Trentham , in July . He mentioned that St . James Lodge , No . 482 , Handsworth , would send twenty Stewards , and expected to bring 80 to 100 visitors to Trentham . The Committee of the Association looked to the Brethren of the North to ensure the complete success of the gathering . His connection with Freemasonry commenced upwards of thirty years ago . He was anxious to join from a remarkable instance of the value of the work done by the charities belonging to the fraternity which was brought to his knowledge .

Theatrical & Entertainment Notes.

THEATRICAL & ENTERTAINMENT NOTES .

The Empire Theatre of Varieties . —The increasing attendance of ladies at the Music Halls has undoubtedly led to an improvement in the tone of the programmes at those popular places of amusement , and a recent visit to the Empire Theatre proved very conclusively that the management are considerably benefitting thereby . A large number of ladies and gentlemen in evening dress were to be seen in the best parts of the house , while the entertainment provided by Mr . H . J . Hitchins would meet with the approval

of Mrs . Grundy herself . The charming ballet " La Danse , " is still found sufficiently attractive , thanks to the efforts of Mdlles . M . Irmler and Zanfretta , assisted by Mr . Will Bishop and the ladies of Madame Katti Lanner ' s school of dancing . The novelties consist oi the Mercur trio , two of whom form a living trapeze , while the third performs some wonderful feats

thereon ; the Lusinskis , four Russians , who give specimens of the peasant dances ; the clever Schaffer Troupe , who have an entirely fresh performance ; and the marvellous Cinematographe , which brings the magic lantern into the realms of science . The grand spectacle of " Faust , " with selections from Gounod's opera , concludes the entertainment , which is of the highest order , and met with considerable applause .

The Theatres have been busy this week with new productions . On Monday , Miss May Yohe revived " Mam ' zelle Nitouche" at the Court ; Tuesday saw the production of Bir . Herman Merivale ' s adaptation of Sardou ' s " Divorgons , " , now called " The Queen ' s Proctor , " at the Royalty ; on Wednesday , Messrs . Forbes Robertson and Frederick Harrison presented Mr . Louis N . Parker ' s " faithful" translation of Hermann Sudermanh ' s " Heimat , " under the more euphonious name of " Magda . " To-night , Saturdav , Miss Olga Nethersole performs the heroine in Mr . Henrv

Hamilton s version of " Carmen for the first time in London . Next Blonday will witness the return of the " Divine Sarah " for a fortnight ' s engagement at the Comedy , in some of her favourite characters , including " Magda " ; and also the production of " The Little Genius " at the Avenue . Next Wednesday Mr . and Mrs . Kendal open the Garrick with an original play by Mr . Sydney Grundy , entitled " The Greatest of these " ; while on Thursday Mr . Fred . Kerr gives ^ us & new farce at Terry ' s , in " . The Sunbury Scandal . " . Certainly playgoers have no reason to complain of any lack of variety , so all they have to do is "to pay their money , and take their choice . "

Just Published , 18 mo ., Wrappers , 1 / -, A SMALL and reliable pocket LEXICON of FREEMASONRY , would be of value to young Masons , giving full information on matters connected with the Ritual and Customs of the Order ; with this view it has been compiled and revised by W . J . Morris .

12 mo ., blue cloth , red edges , 5 / - TEXT BOOK OF FREEMASONRY , complete handbook of Instruction to all workings in the various Mysteries and Ceremonies of Craft Masonry , & c , & c . Ditto , Ditto , on thin paper , in leather pocket style . REEVES AND TURNER , 5 Wellington Street , Strand , London .

Theatrical & Entertainment Notes.

WEDDING OF A MACCLESFIELD BROTHER . THE Rev . Canon Fansett , M . A ., Vicar of St . Cuthbert ' s , York , ii expected to perform this morning ( Saturday ) a most pleasing ceremony by uniting in matrimony Miss Clara Elizabeth Bowman , eldest daughter of Charles Bowman , Esq ., of York , to Brother Robert Brown , editor of th « Macclesfield " Courier and Herald . " Both parties are well known in

Yorkshire and Cheshire , and the event is likely to cause no little excitement in the ancient city of York . Bro . Brown is a Past Master of the Oombermera Lodge of Union , No . 291 , a P . P . G . Std . of Cheshire , and in addition to being a member of tho Macclesfield School Board , holds more than a doaon prominent public appointments in that town . In Masonic circles he is widely known as the author of a volume entitled " One Hundred years ol Freemasonry in Macclesfield . "

Masonic Sonnets, No. 119.

Masonic Sonnets , No . 119 .

Bx BBO . CHAS . F . FOBSHAW , LL . D ., 2417 , 1242 , 295 ( E . G . ) , 161 , 8 * ( S . O . )

To Wor . Bro . ROBERT BROWN P . M . 295 P . P . G . Std . Che > hlr « $ Editor of the " Macclesfield Courier , " on the occasion of his marriage . 6 th June 1896 . ON this eventful and auspicious day I wish , dear Brother of the Mystic Tie ,

Long life , good health and all of Harmony Be ever with you on Life ' s devious way . May the Most High be e ' er your guard and guide , Giving such store of His abundant love , That you and yours in Friendship will abide

Till you are called to that Grand Lodge Above . May Hope reiga always and may Peace give rest , Nought may there be to stop thy How ot Joy , May troubles ne ' er find refuge in thy breast ,

Nor grief disturb , nor carking cares annoy . Thus may you journey down the vale of years , With all that blesses , brightens , and endears . Winder Honse , Bradford , 4 th June 1896 .

Oar congratulations to Bro . Arthur Spiegel , Vi 1 < 11 v i presented him with a son on Tuesday . We are pleased to hear that mother and child are progressing most favourably .

HALF DAY IN SHAKESPEARE'S COUNTRY . THE London and North Western Railway Company announce that on Saturday next , 13 th inst ., they will run a half day trip to Stratford-on . Avon , leaving London ( Euston ) 12-30 p . m ., Chalk Farm 12-9 p . m ., Kilburn 12-15 p . m ., Chelsea 11-52 a . m ., West Brompton 11 56 a . m ., Kensington ( Addison Road ) 12-12 p . m ., Uxbridge Road 12-14 p . m ., Willesden Junction 12-40 p . m ., Clapham Junction 11-46 a . m ., and Battersea 11-49 a . m ., ond returning from Stratford-on-Avon at 7-40 p . m . the saine evening . - Third Class return fare , 3 s 6 d .

A WEEK OR FORTNIGHT IN NORTH WALES . THE London and North Western Railway Company announce that on every Saturday till further notice , cheap excursions will be run from London ( Euston ) , Willesden Junction , Broad Street , Mansion House , Victoria , " , and Kensington ( Addison Road ) , to Shrewsbury , Rhyl , Abergele , Colwyn Bay , Llandudno , Dolgelly , Barmouth , Aberystwyth and other stations in North Wales for 3 , 8 , 10 , 15 or 17 days . Full particulars can be obtained at any of the Company ' s Stations and Town Offices .

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