Correspondence.

tho hidden mysteries of the anei .-nt a : id honourable Order , moio especially as it was founded up . ni the sublime- basi : ; of religion , truth , and virtue , He hid been veiy nu : ch o .-icvurayod in hi .- ; work by the loyal co-operaiion and cheery supp -ri , of many true Masons , notably by the Deputy Preceptor Bro . Clever , the Treasurer Bro . Forteseue , tho Chairman of the Local Bard Bro . Wildash , Past

Master Kauftman , the very genial and obliging Steward Brother Clark , Past Master Ives , and the indefatigable Secretaries Bros . Carter and Bestow , but lie must not forget the Organist Brother Stacey . Brother Wildash had already informed them that the Walthamstow Masonic Benevolent Associations ha . ; sent up largo sums to the Central Masonic Charitable Institutions . He believed

the sums amounted al ogethcr to over £ 2 , 0 Uu . That was very satisfactory , and it was a great pleasure to himself and to those friends who cordially co-operated with him , if tney hau succeeded in imparting Masonic knowledge ami had also inculcated the true principles of Masonic munificence . The Lodge of Instruction had been particularly successful . They really had the Warrant for tho

Walthamstow Lodge granted to tho workers of the Lodgo of Instruction , and now they were desirous of establishing a Walthamstow Chapter , which ho hoped would be equally successful . All this was exceedingly gratifying , and personally he felt more than repaid for any trouble or time he had devoted to what he considered such extroinely good work .

Bro . Shurmur now proposed the toast of the Vice Presidents . It was a source of gratification to him that their Bro . Gowor had accepted the post of Deputy Preceptor of this Lodge , as he felt that he might stay away without any fear that the work would bo

neglected , as he knew Bro . Grower was quite capable of carrying on the duties of Masonic tutor . In their excellent Bro . Fortescuo they had one of the Lodge's best friends—he had done all in his power for the Lodge , and it had reaped many advantages in consequence of his association with it .

Bro . Gower replied . Bro . Shurmur had expressed pride in his pupils . The pupils endeavoured to do their best and thereby show their appreciation of their instructor . He felt ho uid not deserve the post of Deputy Preceptor , but felt the appointment showed he Ijad won tho approval of his fellows . He was very proud of the position and also proud of the Lodge .

: Bro . N . Forteseue the Treasurer of the Lodge said that what little ho had done had been undertaken with a great amount of pleasure . He hoped their worthy Deputy Preceptor would occupy that position as long as he did that of Treasurer , a position of

which ho was particularly proud , for the reason , among others , that it brought him into close contact with such excellent Secretaries as they possessed in Bros . Carter and Bestow , whose chief delight seemed to be to make calls upon him for cheques to be devoted to the sacred cause of Charity .

. Archdeacon Dunbar submitted the toast of the Visitors . However small an abode a man might have it would bo void , and however largo it would be incomplete without visitors . Tho Lodge of Instruction had always been proud in entertaining Visitors , almost as proud as they felt in the advances they had been able to make in Masonry . They were particularly pleased that night in

having among them Bro . Dr . Schadach , a Norwegian Brother from whom they were anxious to hear some account of Masonry in that country . He was told the Norwegian Brothers wore very minute aprons , but had immense Masonic Temples . Communication between England and Norway had become so easy at the present day that really they must look upon the two nations as closely associated . They h- aru much ol the extreme hospitality of the

Norwegians , a trait iu which tin Mai-omc section of that country specially excelled . Coming nearer home they had a well known Mason among them in Bro . Dancyger , who held an important post in the city , and yet found time to take a large share in the work of the Order . It was strange that those who seemed to have the most to do in business were also able to devote the most attention to such matters as Masonry .

Dr . Scharlach replied , saying it was not the first time he had had the privilege of being present at these annual meetings , and it had afforded him great pleasure to learn something of the ways and works of Freemasons in England . In Norway Masonry was on the increase , as it was everywhere else in all civilised countries . It had most beneficent ellects on society in Norway , binding together

in close friendship and Brotherhood those who would otherwise perhaps stand apart ; because , however much people might be divided in the outer world through their vocations , qualities , and various other circumstances , when they met together in their halls they met as Brethren , and all outside differences were forgotten . Masonry not only connected together men of the same nation , but

it was a cosmopolitan institution . It was bound to reach its end beyond the boundaries of nations , and to bring different nations close together . Especially was this so among the Masons of the Anglo-Saxon race , where there existed a closer bond than among some parts of the Fraternity of other countries . Thus a close relationship had always been shown between the Grand Masters of

England and Norway—His Majesty King Oscar nnd the Prince of Wales . Norwegian Masons had frequently had the pleasure of seeing Englishmen in Norwegian Lodges , and they hud always seemed to be one with ihem ; whenever he visited Lodges in England he no longer felt strange , being alwa . s recriwd as u Brother and not as

a stianger . It would be a phasurt to him to report the good work , the Charity , the hospitality and friendship of the Loege , and if there was anything that would tend to make the reception of an English Brother warmer in Noiway than anything else , it would bo the accounts of how the English received Norwegian Brethren .

Bro . Dancygermade an excellent speech . He considered Ledges of Instruction of great utility , and lelt it a great privilege to meet with such Masons as the one at the head of that Ledge . Duiirg a ten years' association with the Order , the speaker soid he had done his best , passing the chair m both Cmit and Arch , ana acting as Preceptor for scni' years . The \\ altLi . mstcw Ledge of Institution might with riaton Lc ] citiculaily juutl oi the petition it had cahieved in the cause ol Charity . r lhe thiei woikeis in the Lcd & e

Correspondence.

wore old and tried Masons , but what was more gratifying still was to know that the younger members were coining on , and gave promise of winning equal renown in tho future . Bro . Fowler PoAo also responded . The toast of the Officers and Stewards was next submitted by

Bro . shurmur , who gave to Bros . Carter and Bestow the credit of having been the chief workers in arranging for the annual supper , but as they wero always ready to do what thoy could for the Lodge this particular occasion only supplied another opportunity for tho display of their enthusiasm .

The two Brethren replied , and then the Tyler's toast was given , and the meeting was brought to a conclusion . Glancing through the first part of this report since it went to press wo notice we have not mentioned the name of tne proposer of tho toast of the President Bro . Philbrick , which was submitted by Bro . Shurmur in the terms we record .

FANCY DRESS BALL AT COVENT GARDEN

RESPLENDENT with lighr and colour , the Opera House at Coven t Garden never looked more handsome than it did on Friday oi last week , when Sir Augustus Harris gave the first of this season's fancy dress balls . Encouraged by the success of previous years the enterprising manager has surpassed himself in presenting tue public with the most magnificient ball room in London .

The scene on the stage is intended to represent " The Sunny South , " painted by Mr . Bruce Smith , with views of " the Riviera of the Mediterranean . " In the midst is erected the orchestra , brilliant in white aud gold , wherein Mr . J . M . Glover presided over a splendid band of a hundred musicians . From the boxes coloured streamers oE innumerable bouquets descended , while flowers , evergreens and stately palms wero placed in various corners , tho whole forming a most beautiful and elegant spectacle .

But from a dancer ' s point of view the principal attraction was the parquet flooring covering the whole of the space between the stage and the circle . It is composed of oak and walnut woods fixed together by a patent process which dispenses with nails , and being finely polished presents a most agreeable surface to the votaries of Terpsichore .

The valuablo prizes offered by Sir Augustus Harris no doubt largely contributed to the charming variety of the costumes , which wero prettier and more diversified than on previous occasions . The ladies' prizes were taken by an Indian Princess , a White Watteau and a Gold Tipped Cigarette , but we imagine the judges must have overlooked a very effective dress representing a Basket of Violets ,

the magnificient Portia and the stately Catherine of Arragon . Many ladies wore dominoes of accordian pleated silk of various hues , which were greatly admired . Thero was also Fame , with her trumpet—and her wings placed upside down—a fanciful Racing dress , Spanish Marchioness , several Directoire costumes , mora or less accurate , Vivandieros , and Merry Swiss Girls galore .

Among the men were Friar Tuck , Santa Claus , a Winged Bat , Monks , Japanese and Chinese , Pierrots , and several smart looking men in Naval and Military uniforms . The first of tho men ' s prizes was taken by an eccentric costume , labelled " Cracked , " the head being a walnut between an enormous pair of nut crackers . Another was King Coal , who must have spent an unpleasant evening , for he could find no partner , and mournfully perambulated the hall .

Meandering through the motley throng , nodding to some , and shaking hands with his more intimate acquaintances , was the genial manager , who received hearty congratulations on all sides upon the success of the ball , which will be repeated at intervals during the winter , and there can be but little doubt that they will be highly appreciated by that large portion of the public who are not opposed to amusement and innocent recreation .

MASONIC AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY .

THE second of a series of performances organised by this Sheffield Society for the 18 th season was given on the 30 th ult ., at the Baths , Glossop Road , Sheffield , before a large and

fashionable audience . The performance opened with the operetta , ' Mr . Jericho , " played by special permission of Mr . d'Oyly Carte . Mr . A . W . Pinero ' s comedy , " The Money Spinner , " the first which brought the oramatist into fame , followed .

The staging and music were admirable , and the whole entertain ment a great success .

The successful and interesting sporting drama , " The Derby Winner , " must shortly be removed from Drury Lane , on account of rehearsals of the annual pantomime ; and though it may and

probably will be produced at another house , it cannot possibly be seen to such advantage as it is on the fine stage of the national theatre . Visitors should therefore make haste to see it before it is withdrawn .

A Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees , England and Wales , & c , will be held at Mark Masons ' Hall , London , on Monday , the 17 th inst ., at 6 p . m ., the

business including the appointment and investiture of the Grand Officers . A banquet will follow , at Freemasons ' Tavern , at 7 p . m ., at which the Earl of Euston Grand Master has consented to preside .