Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

IN compliance with a requisition presented to Bro . Robert Wentwoi-tli Little , S . G . W . Middlesex , Sec . to the Institution , a special meeting of Governors and Subscribers was held on Saturday , at Freemason ' s Hall , Great Queen Street , Bro . Lient .-Col . CreatonP . G . D . V . P . in the chair . Bro . Little road particulars of the schome , which was recommended by the Special Committee of the General Committee , and by them passed into thi 3 Court . It provided for the erection of

a large new hall , with a covered way between it and the new lanndries in the grounds . The cost of these additions , which would provido for the accommodation of 94 extra children , was estimated by Bro . Massa , the architect , to cost £ 20 , 790 . The adoption of this report was proposed by Bro . T . W . White , and seconded by Bro . H . Dubois . Bro . Dr . Ramsey asked whether the sum named in the estimate would

cover the whole expense . The Chairman said that , after full consideration , the Committee believed it would be much under the estimate . Bro . R . W . Stewart enquired whether the architect ' s commission was included in the estimate , which wonld amount to something like £ 1250 . Bro . Massa said it was not included in the estimate , but it would amount to £ 1200 . The Chairman said the

Committee were of opinion that , instead of patching it up to inorease the accommodation , as had been the case fov the last dozen years , at a cost of something like £ 16 , 000 , they would be acting more wisely to incur a larger expenditure at once , and erect a building that was equal to their requirements . Bro . Kenyon objected to the large outlay ; ho said the present position of the School was not healthy ,

being surrounded by houses , and would shortly be hemmed in closer ; by spending £ 21 , 000 they would be reduoing their annual income £ 1 , 000 . While they had the responsibility of providing for 91 extra girls a more healthy spot might be selected ; and , as an amendment , he moved its rejection . Bro . H . Browse P . G . D . also spoke on the subject . Bro . W . Winn informed the

meeting it had already been ascertained that £ 1 , 200 had not been included in the architect ' s commission , and a further charge would be required for the furniture of the new building . Bro . Dr . Ramsey asked the chairman as to the healthiness of the present building , and was informed by him that there had been but two deaths in seven years . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart , spoke of

utilising the Infirmary , Dining Hall , & c , at a cost of £ 1 , 000 , but submitted to the decision of the committee , and their adoption of the proposed scheme . Bro . Herbert Dickett P . G . S . testified to the healthy condition of the present site , and adduced as evidence that two Royal Commissions had been entrusted with enquiry for Patriotic School . The Parish had also built a district workhouse there . Col .

Bnrdett , P . G . M . Middlesex , thought the neighbourhood was being too much built on to admit of the School being healthy , and he believed in a short time the whole place would be densely populated . After some further discussion , Bro . J . Smith P . G . P . proposed , and Bro . John Boyd P . G . P . seconded , that the whole matter , together with any further schemes , be referred back to the committee , who were

nominated . The following Life Governors : Bros . Poynter Kenyon , D . Rolls , J . Smith , Roebuck , Dr . W . Ramsey , G . Kenning , Pish , and W . Stephens . A vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman . There were present—Bros . Col . Burdett P . G . M . Middlesex , J . Symonds P . G . D ., H . Browse P . G . P ., J . C . Parkinson D . P . G . M . Middlesex , T . J .

Sabine , H . Dickett , John Boyd P . G . P ., J . Smith P . G . P , H . Massey , Poynter , Berry , D . Rolls , W . Smeed , R . W . Stewart , T . W . White , S . Rawson D . G . M . China , Massa , Tafctershall , F . Binckes , H . M . Levy , G . _ Kenning , C . Lacey , -Fish , Davage , E . H . Thiellay , Famfield , Griffiths Smith , J . M . Vaughan , J . M . Montague .

Bro. C. Duval's Entertainment,

BRO . C . DUVAL'S ENTERTAINMENT ,

In Aid of the Funds of the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution . CHESHIRE stands well among our Provinces in the support it extends to our principal Charitable Institutions . It has , moreover , a Masonic Educational Institution of its own , in which the brethren naturally take pride , and which they strive most earnestly to make as efficient as possible . Aa a means to this end , an

entertainment was organised in aid of the funds of this Institution , on the evenings of the 6 th , 7 th and 8 th instant , under the patronage of Right Hon . Lord de Tabley R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . George C . Legh D . P . G . M ., and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and the Masters , Wardens , and Officers of Lodges 477 and 537 , Birkenhead ; 605 and 1276 , Seacombe ; and 1289 , Rock Ferry . This series of

entertainments w . is held on the 6 th mat ., at the Concert Hall , Liscard ; on the 7 th , at the Queen's Hall , Birkenhead ; and on the 8 th , at the Rock Hotel Assembly Rooms , Rock Ferry . They were given solely by Bro . Charles Duval , an Irish brother , Lodge 139 , Ireland , and R . A . Chapter 73 , Limerick whose talents as a mimic and vocalist have been so generally and so deservedly recognised by the

press , both here and in Ireland . The programme consisted of his "Odds and Ends , " and included his recitation of " The Bells , " and his impersonation of a variety of characters , such as " Signor Howlini , " " Chawley of Ours , " "Captain Rattlecash , " "Betsy Scrubbe , " " Colonel Peppard , " " Miss Dashaway , " " Professor Dullbore , " " The Town Crier , " & c . He gave , also , of his Specialities , such as " His Original Burlesque

Science Lecture , " " His Tragedy in Five Acts , " " His Double Cha . racters and Duetts in Two Voices , " & c , & c , together with sundry from his repertoire of songs which includes " The Agony Column , " " Off to Pnncheston , " "The Race of Life , " " The Maid of All Work , " " Little Bynkes , " and " Barney and Mary . " On each evening the Lodges mustered in considerable strength . The entertainment was

Bro. C. Duval's Entertainment,

admirably given , and the reception accorded to our talented brother was in the highest degree enthusiastic , worthy alike of the skill of the performer , and the purpose for which his entertainment was given . As a result , Bio . Dnval handed over to the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution the sum of £ 30 , being one-half of the nett

proceeds . Wo trust the example of the Birkenhead and neighbouring Lodges may bo followed , not only in Cheshire , but in other of our provinces , and in the metropolis likewise . We feel snre ^ Bro . Duval would meet with a hearty welcome everywhere , and that his great talents would bo duly appreciated by the Craft throughout England .

We must not bo understood as suggesting that Bro . Duval's ability should be utilised for the cause of charity to his own detriment . We are aware of the heavy calls made upon him , and those similarly engaged . It is possible to enlist the services of a popular artist without trespassing on his good nature . It is a common thing to get up

some dramatic , musical , or other entertainment in aid of the funds of some charity . The Gomniitteo of Management take all the risk , and if the performance is successful , the performer and the charity are alike advantaged . We merely throw out this as a hint to those zealou 3 in the cause of charity . Many a man will purchase tickets for such an entertainment who would not otherwise heed much the divine claims of charity .

Impromptu Song.

IMPROMPTU SONG .

Written and Sung at the Annual Meeting of the "Alexandra" Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons , Hornsea , 15 th December 1875 . I ' m going to sing a little song , and do as I ' m requested , 'Tis all about a gathering in which you're interested ; The noblest set of men I ' ve known , e'er since that I was born , see , Are the members of the "Alexandra " Lodge , that's down at Hornsea .

Attention pay , You may depend , I'll not offend , By what I say .

'Tis just about a year ago , you all recorded votes , Sirs , And elevated to the East , our worthy Brother OATES , Sirs ; Right well he has performed his part , he ' s played no paltry pranks , Sirs , But as the EX-MAYOR truly says , " he's deserving of our thanks , " Sirs .

Attention pay , & c . He was very soon surrounded by a lot of noble swells , Sirs , And first and foremost in tho lot , was Brother B . L . WEILS , Sirs ; He was not " up" in Masonry ; but now ho " gets on faster , " And this evening you've elected him to be your future Master .

Attention pay , & c . For another able officer you have not to look far , Sirs , There , in the South , you will perceive our Brother WILLIAM CAER , Sirs ; I ' m very sure you'll all agree that he has done his duty , And if he glides into the West you'll see more of his beauty .

Attention pay , & c . There , in the North East , you may see our Brother MATTHEW HOCKNEY , I know no word to rhyme with his , except the name of Cockney ; I use this word advisedly —it does not mean disgrace , Sirs , But it testifies he ' s wide-awake , whene ' er he takes his place , Sirs .

Attention pay , & c . Then COLBECK , as our "laugh and split , " is really quite elated , When he gets a candidate who wants to be , by you , initiated ; While from our worthy Secretary you often get good wiggings , So if you don't behave yourselves I'll send for Brother LIGGINS .

Attention pay , & c . Brother TnoMi'SON , as your Treasurer , has done his duty fine 0 ! And proved that ho is competent to take care of tho rhino , His balance-sheet is gratifying ; your good applause , he ' s won it , The only wondov in my mind is—how the deuce he ' s done it .

Attention pay , & c . Our Inner Guard a true man is , right well the work he tackles , A very useful little man is our good Brother SHACKLES ; While in our Outer Guard we have a man who does ' nt tiro In keeping off intruders—I mean our Brother CKIEK .

Attention pay , & c . Our Past Masters , to help us on , are nevor slow or tardy , [ HARDY ; We ' ve had friends WELLS and BROOKE to-night , and likewise Brother We value their assistance—I'm certain you'll not doubt it , Wo should not have got on so well if wo had been without it .

Attention pay , & c . Our Lodge began with thirteen men , but all were good and true , Sirs , And at the end of our first year , we numbered forty-two , Sirs ; You'll find at end of ' 76 , our brotherhood excels , Sirs , For we mean to rally round our Master—Brother B . L . WELLS , Sir .

Attention pay , kc . Then fill your glasses to the brim , and take your time from me , Sirs , Success to " Alexandra" —the jewel of Hornsea , Sirs ; I ' m sure the brethren understand the confidence I feel , Sirs , You all will labour in the cause with " fervency and zeal , " Sirs , i Attention pay , & c .