Notices Of Meetings.

brethren for nearly two hours , the various points of his discourse being carefully noted by many , who followed Bro . Stevens closely . Some idea of the interest that was evinced may be gathered from tho fact thafc although fche time occupied was so long , there was not even a call off for refreshment , rather an unusual circumstance in a Lodge

of Instruotion . Undoubtedly the lecture gave the utmost satisfaction , and at its close Bro . W . Drewett , proprietor of the Kingston and Surrey News , proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Stevens for the rich Masonic treat he had afforded the brethren , from which they had all derived much profit and edification . In a terse but able speech ,

Bro . Drewett referred to one or two points in the lecture , and concluded by saying they were all deeply indebted to Bro . Stevens for coming amongst them . The vote of thanks having been seconded , was carried by acclamation , and Bro . Stevens briefly acknowledged the compliment that had been paid to him . The business of the

Lodge having concluded , by a very capital arrangement the brethren , who had temporarily retired fco a coffee-room , returned to the Lodge room ; where a substantial supper , consisting of the oldfashioned " leg o' mutton and trimmins , " with a substantial joint of

beef , was served . The way in which the comfort and enjoyment of the party was studied by the worthy hosts of the " Alexandra " was much appreciated . There were no set speeches , but a few complimentary toasts , interspersed with singing and recitations , were the staple of a very cosy and enjoyable evening .

UNITED STRENGTH CHAPTER , No . 228 . THE Companions had a very quiet meeting on Tuesday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham Street . Comp . Terry P . Z . Treasurer , Past G . Standard Bearer , installed Comp . A . VV . Fenner as the 1 st Principal , and Comp . A . Ross as the 3 rd Principal , Comp . E . II . Edia was unavoidably absent . His induction into the chair of H . was postponed . A very enjoyable supper was partaken of by the Companions afterwards .

ST . GEORGE'S CHAPTER , No . 2025 . THE annual meeting of this Chapter was held on Thursday evening , the 17 th inst ., afc St . George ' s Hall , East Stonehouse , to instal the Principals for the year ensuing . Comps . James Gifford asZ ., W . Odam as H ., and J . S . Sloggett as J . The Installing Principals were Companions J . R . Lord P . Z . 70 , James Gidley P . Z . 1205 2025 , W . Allsford P . Z . 202 , and the Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A .,

P . Z . 189 , Prov . Grand Third Principal : assisted by the following Board of Installed Principals : —Companions J . Griffon P . Z . 70 , G . R . Barrett P . Z . 1255 2025 , E . A . Davies P . Z . 159 2025 , J . Gonrley P . Z . 1205 , A . H . Whiddon Z . 202 , R . Pike P . Z . 230 , George Horswill J . 105 , and H . Langmead J . 202 . The Officers were invested as

follow : —Comps . J . Griffin I . P . Z ., C . G . Withol S . E ., J . T . Bond S . N ., W . Cann P . Soj ., L . Wells and W . J . Pengelly A . Sojs ., G . R . Barrett P . Z . Treas ., W . Mussell D . C , and J Gidley Janitor . Previous to the installations four candidates were duly advanced to this snblime

degree . At the close of the Chapter tho Companions , to the number of twenty , adjourned to Risdon ' s Restaurant , Plymouth , where an excellent supper was laid , and under the presidency of Companion J . Clifford Z . a pleasant and enjoyable evening was passed .

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR . AT a regular meeting of the Holy Cross Preceptory of Knights Templar , held at the Huyshe Masonic Temple , on Friday , tha 18 th instant , Sir Knight E . B . Thompson , M . D ., was elected as the Eminent Preceptor for tho year ensuing , and Eminent Sir Knight W . F . Westcott E . C . as the Treasurer . V . E . Sir Knight

the Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A ., presented to the Preceptory an engraving representing "Tho Reception of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales K . G ., & c , as Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master , by

the Grand Conclave of Knights Templar , 13 th May 1870 , " a fellow picture to that which he gave to " Loyal Brunswick , " his own Encampment , on his installation as the Provincial Grand Prior on the 4 th of last August . The panel bears the following inscription : —

"Presented to the Holy Cross Preceptory , No . 30 , by the V . E , Sir Knight fche Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A ., 31 deg ., Very Eminent Provincial Grand Prior of Devon , 18 th November 1887 . " The gift was acknowledged by Eminent Sir Knight G . Whittley , Sir Knight E . B . Thompson , and Sir Knight G . R . Barrett .

THE GROWTH OF FREEMASONRY NOTWITHSTANDING the terrible anntbemas which have been heaped upon it , Freemasonry continues to spread in every direction . Within the limits of the British Empire , its development has been most remarkable in recent years . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire ( Bro . H . C . Okeover ) mentioned the other day that he had consecrated fourteeu Lodges in thafc district

This remark was made on the occasion of tho consecration of a new Lodge in the large and growing town of Long Eaton , which has been named the Fairfield , and which has been mainly bronght into existence through tho exertions of Bro . J . P . Fearfield , a gentleman well known in the local lace trade . The Lodge was launched under tho most

favourable auspices , and ought to have a bright and prosperous career . It will find a homo—afc all events for tho time being—in tho upper rooms of the Pavilion , attached to the Recreation Ground . Its first master is Bro . W . Silver Hall , of Derby , an experienced and hardworking Mason , who has just vacated the chair of Tyrian , tho mother

Lodge of the Province , and who formerly presided over tho Abbey Lodge , Nuneaton . Bro . Hall's powers of organization aro well-known aud assisted by such old hands as Bro . Maltby of Ilkeston , and Bros ' . E . Home and J . O . Manton of Derby ( who arc included in his list of Officers ) , ho may be trusted to cany on the affairs of tho oow Lod"e with harmony and success—Derby FiCportcr .

The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

Criterion . —The long-promised adaptation of " Un Voyage en Caucase " was produced last Saturday . It failed , however , to make any great stir . Mr . F . W . Broughton is responsible for the English version , which is best described as a most absurd and improbable story . The first act is very amusing , but after the entry of the

supposed Caucasian chief , everything falls flat and becomes wearisome . Fancy a Caucasian chief talking English without the slightest foreign accent , while the landlady of the hero ia also disguised as a Caucasian . This alone was absurd , but the two last acts contained nothing bufc what was certain

to take place . The whole piece is founded on the troubles of a man who has managed to get hold of the manuscript of a work whioh has " caught on . " The nephew of the real author has discovered fche fraud , and proposes to have revenge . He disguises himself , and goea to the hypocrite ' s house , first begging shelter , and then breaking

everything he can get hold of , and finally finishes by making love fco the old man ' s daughter . The whole thing is founded on a false note , and only manages to struggle for a brief while , to result in an awful failure afc the close . Every chance was given the piece by the actors . They worked hard , but with very little result . Mr . David James was full of humour as fche

wouldbe author , his make up being perfect . Mr . Giddens * quaint manner was wholly unsuited to the part of the Caucasian , while Mr . Blakeley made the most of what was allotted him . Mr . Sydney Brough gave a touch of originality to his part that made it pleasing

to see . This young actor is steadily mounting the ladder of fame , and his latest effort will add to his laurels . Miss Annie Hughes waa clever as the daughter , Mrs . E . Phelps a pleasing mother , while Miss F . Paget worked hard as the Caucasian lady .

Olympia . —Once more this magnificent building is occupied by the Paris Hippodrome , and from the way in which M . Houcke , the manager , has started his season , in all probability the success will eclipse last year's . Each item on the programme is of the highest order , while every " turn" is varied . The programme starts with a

manoeuvre by 32 lady riders and 8 gentlemen ; this is cleverly executed , and is followed by a comic performance by the Harlow Brothers . Then follows a race by Arabian steeds . Miss Jenny O'Brien shows she must have spent much time in teaching her pigeons fco obey her commands , as also must M . Blennow with his

clever performing dogs , and as the exhibitor of some novel performing bullocks . M . Gilbert goea through a clever steeplechasing act , while an exciting scene is witnessed when the little " post" of ponies start racing . The troupe of Morocco Jumpers put themselves into some clever positions , while the Sisters Antoinette Gontard and the

Young Clara go through a clever Haute Ecole act . Of course , one of the most exciting and novel scenes is the Roman games , wherein acorn , bat of gladiators , races of chariots , with two and four horses , take place . These acts are wonderfully realistic , and call down the highest praise from the audience . Professor Corradini , with his performing horses

and elephant brings the first part to a close . The second part consists of Arabian scenes , in which is shown how a military train is attacked ; this is followed by native dances and the portrayal of different incidents connected with the Arab race . These scenes are

well worth seeing ; they are not only exciting , but they are supposed to be true imitations of Arabian life . During the interval most of the visitors are allowed to visit the stables . With the liberal programme set forth , Olympia should this season prove a gigantic

success . The new farce , " The Woman Hater , " by Mr . David Lloyd , will be presented for tbe first time in London next Thursday evening , at Terry ' s theatre . Tho work was recently " tried " in the provinces ,

with great success . It has been well caste , several prominent artistes having been engaged to support Mr . Terry . The farce will be preceded by tbe domestic drama " Off Duty ; " iu this Mr . Lionel Brough will play his old part .

Once more wo have fco announce fche postponement of tho production of " Theodora , " at the Princess's Theatre , which , on account of the heavy scenic preparations , will not be ready for Boxing Night as hoped for . Miss Grace Hawthorne has decided on introducing ,

for the holiday season , Hartley Campbell's play of " Siberia" for the night bill , and a grand revival of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" for daily matinees . Both of these plays will be produced between now and Christmas .

Ths installation meeting of the City of Westminster Lodge , No . 15 G 3 , was held at the Regent Masonic Temple , Cafe Royal , W ., on the 24 th instant , when the VOL , Bro . W . 0 . Smith , installed Bro . Edmund Beaumoofc Cox

J . W . into the chair , to the satisfaction of a large gathering . Bro . J . A . Hammond . P . M . had . been duly re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . J . E . Shand P . M . was re-invested for seventh year as Secretary . A full report will appear iu onr next .

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INSTALLATION OFH.R.H.THEPRINCEOFWALES As tlie M . W . G . M . of England , AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 28 th APEIL 1875 / COPIES of this BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVING by Brother HARTY \ j P . M ., consisting of Artist's Proot ' d , Proofs before Letters , aud Lettered Proofs , India Prints , and Plain Pritita may be had at Cost Price by applying to Bro . W . £ ,. 3510 BR IS , ay Southampton Buildings , W . C , London .