Obituary.

Holmes , S . D . 1545 ; F . Sharp , J . D . 1545 ; M . Mann , 1545 ; J- Taylor , 1545 ; and J . J . Rutherford , 1545 . Bro . Holmes was initiated in the Airedale Lodge , No . 543 ( now 3 S 7 ) , on the 17 th September 1 S 5 G , and was a member of it , and also of 1545 , Baildon . He was VV . M . of his mother Lodge 3 S 7 , in 1858-9 , and again in 1 S 66 . During his mastership in the latter year he proposed the writer as a member of 3 S 7 , and was _ the only-Mason he ( the writer ) ever knew admitted on affirmation .

BRO . DAVISON , P . M ., OF YORK . We regret to announce the death of Bro . Ralph Davison , of the York Lodge , No . 23 G , which melancholy event took place at his residence Hayesthorpe , near York , on Saturday evening , the 24 th ult ., in the Gist year of his age . Bro . Davison was initiated in the York Lodge ( then the Union Lodge ) in April 1 SG 1 , and continued a valued member

, thereof up to his death . From 1 S 63 to 1 SG 7 inclusive , he discharged in a most efficient manner the duties of Secretary of the lodge , and in iSGS was elected VVorshipful Master , which office he filled with conspicuous ability . He was also Secretary of tin Building Committee when the Masonic Hall was erected in Duncombe-place in 1 SG 4 , and rendered valuable service to the lodge during the progress

of its erection . In 1 S 71 he was appointed by the late Earl of Zetland , then P . G . M ., Provincial Grand Sword Bearer of North and East Yorkshire . He was exalted in the Zetland Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 1 S 70 , and served the office of First Principal in 1 S 73 . His failing health during the past few years prevented his taking an active part in the business of the lodge and chapter , but his deep unabated to his decease

interest therein remained up . Bro . Davison was an intimate friend of and co-worker with the late Bro . Wm . Cowling , P . M ., and installed the latter in the chair when he was appointed ( for the second time ) VV . M . of the lodge in 1 S 77 the year of the celebration of its centenary . During the period of his Secretaryship , Bro . Davison , in conjunction with the late Bro . Cowling ,

transcribed several of the old records and Constitutions in the possession of the York Lodge , for publication by Bro . Hughan in his valuable Masonic works . Bro . Davison was a most active and useful member of the York City Council for upwards of twenty years , and in the various committees of the council with which he was connected his loss will be greatly felt . He was also for manv vears chu rchwarden of the parish of St .

Michael le Belfrey , York , ar . d took a prominent part in the restoration of the church , which contains a window bearing his name . A few years ago his fellow parishioners presented him with a valuable silver salver in token of their high regard for him , and in recognition of his faithful work in the parish with which he was so long associated . The funeral of our lamented brother took jilace on

Wednesday afternoon , the 2 Sth ult ., at the York Cemetery , his remains heing followed to the grave by the Lord Mayor , Aldermen , and Corporation of the city , and a large number of York brethren , amongst whom were the following : Bros . Kirby , W . M . 23 G ; Sir Jas . Meek , P . M . ; VV . Lawton , P . M . ; Rev . J . E . M . Young , P . M . ; Joseph Todd , P . M . ; A . Buckle , P . M . ; Geo . Balmford , P . M . ;

M . Rooke , P . M . ; F . Rawling , P . M . ; Rymer , P . M . ( Sheriff of York ); J . Sowray , P . M . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; Alderman J . Terry , Alderman Jas . Melrose , Alderman Geo . Brown , J . Wilson , Geo . Moore , J . Sampson , j . B . Sampson , T . J . Russell , G . K . Hitchcock , W . T . Gowland , J . Toes , W . Smith ( Secretary ) , J . Tissiman , T . G . Hodgson , J . G . Turner , P . Matthews ,

E . Houlden , S . Border , J . Wilkinson ( Town Clerk ) J . Biscomb , C . L . Burdekin , M . Cooper , J . Blenkin , and others . Amongst the numerous wreaths of flowers placed upon the coffin was a beautiful one from the York Lodge , representing a R . A . jewel . By his brethren in York Bro . Davison was greatly esteemed , and they mourn the loss of a true and faithful brother .

BRO . R . H . MARSH ( HENRY MARSTON ) . We regret to record the death of Bro . R . H . Marsh , formerly of the Urban Lodge , No . 119 G . Bro . Marsh , who was better known to the world by his professional name of Henry Marston , was in his day a prominent member of the dramatic profession . He was born on the 2 nd March , 1 S 04 and was educated at Winchester School .

, Having at an early period of his career evinced a predilection for theatrical pursuits he made his d ^ bflt when about 21 years of age , and after a successful career in the provinces extending over 14 years he appeared on the London boards . His forte was tragedy , and those who can carry their recollection back to IS 39 a"d the years that followed will find his name associated with that of

Macready and other bright particular stars of that epoch . His name however will be principally associated with the " Wells " in the glorious days off the late Mr . Phelps ' s management . Those days extended over 16 years , and during the period our late brother played his part in no less than 30 out of the 31 plays of Shakespeare produced under Mr . Phelps ' s auspices . Of late years he had been

prevented by the state of his health from taking an active part in his profession , but he will always be remembered as an actor of merit , but above all as one of the few surviving links remaining between the drama of to-day and the drama as it was during the days of Charles Kemble , the elder Kean , Macready , & c . The record of Bro . Marsh ' s career is a brief one . He was initiated in the

Albany Lodge , No . 151 , Newport , Isle of Wight . In 1 SG 7 he joined the Urban Lodge , No . 1196 , and remained a subscribing member to the end of 1 S 7 S . In 1879 he was elected an annuitant of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , so that the closing years of his life were passed in comparative comfort if not in affluence . He died on Friday , the 23 rd ult ., and was buried at Highgate Cemetery on Thursday week .

BRO . HENRY GLOSTER . Bro . Henry Gloster , P . M . 1531 and W . M . 1326 , whose death we noticed recently , was buried at Brockley cemetery on the 24 th ult ., and among those present to pay respect to his memory were Bros . J . Tuck and J . Grilfin of No . Kti ; Bros . J . J . Marsh , J . W ., C . VV . Baker , and VV .

Walters , of No . 132 G . Bro . Gloster , who died of consumption after a prolonged illness , was only 41 years of age . He was initiated into Freeemasonry on the 22 nd May , 1 S 72 , in the Lebanon Lodge , and was at the time of his death its VV . M . He was one of the founders of the Chislehurst Lodge and its chief during two successive years—1878-9 . He had also served the office of Prov .

Obituary.

Grand Steward of Middlesex , and was a life governor of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , having acted as Steward at one of its festivals . We regret to say that owing to the length of time he was ill and the consequent falling off in his business , his widow and the family of seven children he leaves behind are unprovided for , and thc Chislehurst Lodge having knowledge of this circumstance , not only sent a letter of condolence to Mrs . Gloster , but accompanied the letter with a grant of £ 10 .

BRO . ELIAS WOLFGANG . The remains of the late Bro . Elias Wolfgang , wine and spirit broker , of 93 , Bidston-road , Oxton , Liverpool , were recently interred in the churchyard at Woodchurch in the presence of a large gathering of the relatives and friends of the deceased . Amongst those assembled to pay respect to his memory being Bros . T . Hamson , VV . S . Vines , Frank

Wall , Councillor E . Grindley , VV . Hartridge , T . Thompson , David Cumming , J . B . Mackenzie , and Capt . Berrey . Bro . Wolfgang was a member of the Zetland Lodge , No . 537 , and was highly respected by the members of the Craft in Birkenhead and elsewhere , as well as by a large circle of friends and acquaintances . We offer our respectful sympathy to the members of his family .

BRO . EDWARD SAKER . The sad news of the death of Bro . Edward Saker , one of the original members of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , and lessee of the Royal Alexandra Theatre , Liverpool , will be received with general regret not only among those who were more intimately acquainted with him and by the members of his profession , but by that numerous

public for whose amusement and edification he had catered during so many years with marked success . Though Bro . Saker was only in his forty-fourth year , his death , which occurred at his residence in Bedford-street , South Liverpool , was not altogether unexpected . For a long time previously he had been suffering from a severe attack of his presistent enemy , the gout , and though hopes were entertained that

he would pull through , they were unhappily falsified . Bro . Saker belonged to an old theatrical family , many of whose members have worthily contributed to maintain its best traditions . As an actor , his forte lay in burlesque and comedy , but it was in his capacity of lessee and manager of the Alexandra theatre that Bro . Saker achieved his greatest successes , and it mattered

not whether he produced , opera , tragedy , cjmedy , or farce , owing to his liberality and careful supervision of the business , failure was a thing unheard of in his experience . Bro . Saker was buried in St . James ' s cemetery on Monday , and our readers will judge of our late brother ' s popularity and the respect in which he was held from the fact from Sooo to 10 , 000 people assembled in the streets and cemetery to witness the

performance of the mournful ceremony . Many of his brother Masons were included in the funeral cortege , among them being Bros . R . H . Wyndham , his brother-in-law and formerly lessee of the Theatre Royal , Edinburgh , Lionel Brough , H . J . Loveday , S . M . Harrison , J . Kellett Smith , P . P . G . Reg . VV . Lancashire , Frank Emory , lessee of the Prince of Wales Theatre , VV . VV . Sandbrook , J . Atkinson , and others . Bro . Saker leaves behind him a family of five young children , of whom the oldest is only eight years old .

BF . O . CAPTAIN TURVEY . It is with regret we announce the death of Bro . Captain James Turvey , a member of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 5 S 0 , and previously of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 . The sad event occurred on Thursday last , at his residence , Welbeck House , Southport , and the funeral , which was numerously attended bv members of his family

and immediate friends , took place in the churchyard at Westhead , near Ormskirk , on Saturday last . The deceased , who was only fifty years of age , had taken an active part in the Volunteer movement from its inception , and owing to his frequent change of residence had had a large and varied experience in connection with different corps . He was also highly esteemed in musical circles , in

which his abilities and genial manner made him always welcome . By medical advice he made the voyage to New York and back towards the close of last year , and was the last passenger to leave the ill-fated City of Brussels before she sank , his preservation from death being due to the

skill and courage of Mr . George Collar , the purser . The change , however , does not seem to have benefited him , or it may well be that the shock caused to his system by the sinkingof the vessel was more than his strength could cope with , and a few months saw the close of a useful and active life .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

During' the last week the Prince of Wales has visited the Avenue to see " Lurette , " and the Gaiety , and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have been to the Gaiety , Royal Comedy , Court , Drury-Iane , and Toole ' s Theatres .

it- » * At the Gaiety Theatre on the afternoon of Monday , the 9 th inst ., will be presented " Vice Versa ; a Lesson to Fathers , " in three tableaux , being a stage version , by Edward Rose , of the successful story of the same name by Mr . Anstey , who has given Mr . Rose sole and exclusive sanction to dramatise his story . Considerable interest will doubtless be felt in the play , owing to thc great popularity of the book , which has already run through 25 editions .

* * Mr . Leader has proved himself a real " leader . " He has opened Her Majesty ' s with " A Trip to the Moon , " and was honoured on the lirst night with the presence of the M . W . Grand Master , the Princess of Wales , and the

Princesses Louise , Victoria , and Maud of Wales , on which occasion Miss Fanny Leslie delivered an admirable address . We confidently predict that for its ballets the opera will become the talk of London . We may safely say they are unrivalled in the history of London ballets ; everything before them has been put in the shade . Mr . Leader made use of some very high sounding terms in his advertisements

The Theatres.

announcing the opening of the theatre ; but he was quite justified in doing so , for he has fulfilled all he said . Expense seems not to have been spared , and as there is no rival at present probably it will amply repay itself . The chorus contains some hundreds of performers , whilst the orchestra under M . Jacobi is of unusual dimensions . Another good feature is that there is not any unnecessary dialogue , only enough to explain the story , which can be briefly said .

Prince Caprice , after having travelled over the world , is dissatisfied , and wishes to go to the moon . The astronomers are consulted , but in vain . Miscroscope hits on a plan . A cannon 20 miles in length is forged ; it is loaded with a shell , into which Prince Caprice , King Clashbang , and Microscope enter , a fuse is applied and they are shot into the moon . The Prince falls in love with Princess Fantasy , daughter of King Cosmos of the moon , but she does not

know what love is until he gives her an apple . She now becomes a trouble to her parents who decide to put her up to auction to get rid of her . Microscope is told to buy her , but Prince Swindel drugs Microscope with wine and carries her off . They pursue Swindel and all meet in the land of plenty , where a snow ballet takes place , which we believe now concludes the performance , though another act was originally intended to follow . This snow ballet is

of indescribable beauty . Weshallsoon hear every one asking "Have you seen the snow ballet ? " When the snow descends a picture of unsurpassing beauty is depicted . Everything that can please the eye and ear has been brought into play by Mr . Leader and we wish him every success in his venture . There is nothing vulgar , but on the

contrary , everything is of refined taste . We need only mention that Miss Annie Albery , Miss Olga Marini , Mr . Julian Cross , Mr . E . Rosenthal , and Mr . Lionel Rignold are the chief singers , whilst Mdlle . Rossi , Mdlle . Consuelo De La Brujere , Aliss Powell , and Mdlle . de Gilbert are the chief dancers and that they are ably assisted by the best cast that has ever been got together .

* * Miss Hilda Hilton ' s new play with which she on Saturday opened the Opera Comique might better have been called " Bigamy , or the Governess " rather than "Bondage ; " but still there is not much in a name , and neither is there much in this new play presented on that occasion to the public . It is adapted from the French play by Pierre D'Alry . We cannot help thinking that Miss

Hilda Hilton would have done better had she looked about for an original English play . We predict a short life for "Bondage . " The plot is not a new one . One is somewhat reminded of Mrs . Henry Wood ' s novel" East Lynne , " also adapted for the stage . But in " Bondage " the man who marries two wives is a villain , and has no reason to believe his first wife is dead . They are alike in that his first wife comes to be governess to his child under the roof of the

lad y whom he has made his second wife . Helen Maxwell ( Miss Hilda Hilton ) , the heroine , has been married to a Mr . Robert Leicester ( Mr . Charles Kelly ) , who is a thorough scoundrel , and after spending all her money leaves her to starve , but not to die as he would wish . The first three acts occur in L'Estrange ' s home in Eaton-square , for the villain has changed his name and married another lady . Here Miss Maxwell comes to be governess to his child

Alice L Estrange . Sir Gilbert Vincent has come to love this governess and she him , but she tells him it is impossible she can marry . He wrings out of her her story , and vows to find the man , if he is alive , who has so cruelly treated her . The curtain after the first act drops on -Miss Maxwell having recognised the master of the house as her husband . In the second act little Alice brings her father a picture she has been drawing , and on which he discerns

writing he is too familiar with . All the past is quickly brought back and he dreads disclosure ; besides he has just started in the City a Universal Financial Credit Company whose shareholders will be ruined that L'Estrange may be enriched . But he has with him in his swindle a Mr . Schneider , who through his wife , the Hon . Mrs . Schneider ( Miss Agnes Thomas ) , has discovered the mystery of the governess and who can use his position

to ruin or to back up L'Estrange as suits himself best . Schneider gets all he can out of Miss Maxwell , but she , seeing there is something behind the scenes , declines to give further information and gives notice to Mrs . L'Estrange to leave her situation . Mrs . L'Estrange discovers that her husband and governess have met before , but is told by her husband that he once was engaged to the lady and did not behave very well , but that is all . On this Mrs . L'Estranire

calls Miss Maxwell in and apologises to her for an outburst of passion . Mrs . Schneider however tells her friend that there is something between her husband and governess , and when she invites the L'Estranges to dinner the villain quickly writes a note and drops it in Miss Maxwell ' s work basket . Mrs . L'Estrange thereupon reads it and finds her husband asks Miss Maxwell to meet him that evening in the study . She of course determines to be there too . He

has previously entreated his first wife not to disclose anything for Alice ' s sake and she has promised . L'Estrange has made up his mind to abscond from the Credit Company but it is too late . A warrant is out for his arrest for forgery ) and during the meeting in the study between himself , Miss Maxwell , and Mrs . L' Estrange , an officer arrives ; L' Estrange asks permission to go into the next room to arrange some papersand there blows his brains out . Thisendstheplav . In

the nrst part some interest is aroused , but as it goes on it flags and we felt sure as the close came that this would be the finale , a very unsatisfactory one , as no ingenuity is required to wind it up in this way . The author was called for at the close amongst a good deal of hissing . A gentleman came forward and explained the author was not in the house , and had the bad taste to ask the audience if he should inform the author they were satisfiedthus them

, giving an opportunity to shout " No . " We are sorry to see Miss Hilda Hilton in such a poor play We have many times seen her to the best advantage . The ' part besides does not suit her ; she somewhat overdid the V ? ' i w Mr' Kellv » as the heartless , bad man , played well . Mr . Win . Farren , jun ., as Schnieder , was vtry good , and showed talents worthy of his sire . Mr . Alexander , as Sir Gilbert , was fairly good . Miss Nellv Bromlev iMiss I'E » .

trange ) of course pleased the audience ; but we also regret that she—in fact , the whole company—were not engaged in a more clever piece . Miss Thomas made her part very funny , considering it was a somewhat minor one she perhaps got as much cheering as anyone , her irritating way of calling her husband Moses when he did not give her enough money for her extravagance affording the principal part or the amusement .