Royal Arch.

pleasant depths before him , and undoubtedly accept all future opportunities for witnessing a repetition of the admirable exposition of the beautiful ritual of the Royal Arch he had that evening been permitted to attend . Comp . Headon ' s kindly remarks were received with much satisfaction . VVith thc toast of the Past First Principals the name of Ex . Comp . James'Stevens , senior P . Z ., was coupled with

expressions of pleasure at his attendance after a long absence , and hearty congratulations on his recovery from his late severe accident . Special reference was made to each of the companions who had occupied thechairof M . E . Z ., and particularly those who had so materially assisted in the resuscitation of the chapter in 1 S 72 and its progress since that date ; and in returning thanks for his colleagues and himself Comp . Stevens congratulated the members

generally on the proud position of the chapter , . which was quite as much due to the individual interest evinced by them as to any labours of himself and other P . Zs . in the past . He trusted the present prosperity would continue and that for many years yet he might be spared to witness its progress . No better or more acceptable recognition of Past Principals could be given there or in any other chapter than an earnest desire " all round " to uphold the principles of the Order and make thc work of the chapter satisfactory

in every respect . A pleasant evening having becn spent in thorough harmony the companions separated at the usual closing hour as it struck from the old Curfew Tower of the Royal Castle .

WARRINGTON . —Gilbert Greenall Chapter ( No . 1250 ) . —The third anniversary of this prosperous chapter was held on Tuesday , the 26 th ult ., in the Masonic Rooms , Sankey-street . After the minutes of the last convocation had been read and confirmed , E . Comp . P . J . Edelsten , P . P . G . S . B ., P . Z , 14 S and 1250 , proceeded to install the Three Principals , viz ., E . Comps . T . H . Sutton , M . E . Z . ; I . II . Galloway , II . ; and S . Mallhead , J ., in

accordance with the usual rites and ceremonies of the Order , and which was done in a very efficient and impressive manner . The M . E . Z . then invested the following officers : Comps . VV . Richardson . I . P . Z . ; VV . Taylor , S . E . ; J . Shillcock , S . N . ; A . G . Webster , P . S . ; R . Heaton , Treas . ; and Thomas Domville , Janitor . 'The retiring M . E . Z . was then presented with a P . Z . ' s jewel , in recognition of the

services rendered by him to the chapter during his year of office , and whicli was acknowledged in suitable terms . The chapter being dul y closed the companions afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet , provided by Comp . Speakman , under the presidency of the M . E . Z . 'The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly given and responded to , and after spending a most pleasant evening the companions separated in peace and harmony ,

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

MANCHESTER . —St . Andrew ' s Lodge ( No . 34 ) . — 'The installation of Bro . Wm . Nicholl took place on Thursday , thc 2 Sth ult ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Cooperstreet . Present : Bros . J . E . Lees , VV . M . ; Win . Nicholl , S . W . ; ! . M . Sinclair , J . W . ; II . L . Rocca , M . O . ; VV . R . _ owter , S . O . ; Alfred Oiitram , Sec ; George Hunt , S . D . ; E . P . Stubbs , J . D . ; H . C . Miller , P . M . Prov . G . D . ; T . R . Peel , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ;

, VV . II . Hopkins , P . M ., P . P . G . M . O . ; A . Stamm , S , Kelly , A . Slonian , Julius , Arensberg , P . M ., and R . R . Lisenden ( Freemason ) . Visitors : Bros . J . D . Murray , G . Swd . Br . England ; Edward Simpson , P . P . G . Reg . ol Marks ; and Cecil Ouenncll , 114 . 'The minutes of tne previous meeting were read and confirmed , and a copy of the balance-sheet was handed to

each member , and the Auditors' report on the same was adopted . Upon the invitation of Bro . Nicholl , VV . M . elect , B .-o . J . D . Murray presided as Installing Master , and llro . Nicholl having bcen duly presented , was forthwith inducted into the chair with all due rite and ceremony , and with Bro . Murray's well-known ability . 'The brethren afterwards saluted their new Master in thc customary

manner . Thc following brethren were invested oilicers for the ensuing year by Brn . T . R . Peel : Bros . J . M . Sinclair , S . W . ; II . L . Rocca , J . VV . ; VV . R . Soutcr , M . O . ; A . H . Jefferis , S . O . ( by deputy ) ; A . Outram , J . O . ; 11 . C . ' Miller , P . G . D ., Treas . ; George Hunt , Sec ; S . Kelly , Register of Marks ; VV . J . Cunliffe , S . D . ( by deputy );

E . P . Stubbs , J . D . ; R . R . Lisenden ; and Kirk , Ty ler . Bro . Peel subsequently delivered the whole of thc addresses , and thc lodge was shortly afterwards closed in peace and harmony . Later on the brethren dined together , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed , a very pleasant evening being enjoyed by all .

SUNDERLAND . — -Union Lodge ( No . 124 ) . — Thc regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic llall , Park-terrace , on Thursday evening , the 28 th ult . Bro . 'Thomas William Watson , VV . M ., presided , and with the ofiicers and brethren of the lodge received a visit from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Masons . The deputation consisted of Bros . R . B . Reed , Prov . G . S . W . ; M ,

Corbett , W . Liddell , J . Wood , J . S . Pearson , and F . Maddison , Prov . and Past I ' rov . Grand Officers . The other officers and brethren present were Bros . F . Maddison , actin" ! . P . M . ; W . Coxon , S . W . ; R . Kintnond , J . VV . ; M . Frampton , Treas . ; J . R . Pattison , acting Sec ; II . S . Hall . orscn , S . D . j ti . Pinkney , J . D . ; M . F . Dodd , M . O . ; C . McNamara , S . O . ; J . C . Moor , acting J . O . ; H .

Wrightson , I . G . ; J . Brown , Tyler ; R . Hudson , Prov . G . S . D . ; VV . Logan , J . Dobson , G . Porteous , R . Whitfield , and Fleet Surgeon Evans . The lodge having been duly opened , several telegrams and letters were received from the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . Canon Tristram , and the Provincial Grand Secretaryand others unable to attend the lodge . The

, brethren received the Prov . Grand Officers in due form , The election of W . M . for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , and llro . W . Coxon , S . W ., was unanimously elected . Bro . M . Frampton , P . M ., was re-elected Treas ., and Bro . Brown , Tyler , llro . II . VV . Emerson , P . M . GGi , was proposed for membership , and Bro . B . Levy , P . M .,

was proposed as a rejoining member . " Hearty good wishes " having been expressed the lodge was duly closed . 'The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting room where a substantial repast was provided , at wliich Bro . T . M . Watson , VV . M ., presided , and Bro . VV . Coxon , S . VV ., occupied the vice-chair . The toast of " The Prov .

Mark Masonry.

Grand Master and Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge " was cordially received , and was responded to by Bro . I .. B . Reed . 'The toast of " The W . M . elect , Bro . Coxon" was afterwards given and received with enthusiasm . The proceedings afterwards terminated .

HASTINGS . —East Sussex Lodge ( No . 166 ) . — The usual quarterly meeting of this lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , on Tuesday , the 19 th ult . The W . M ., Bro . the Rev . E . F . Cave-Brown-Cave , P . P . G . Mark Chap ., presided , supported by Bros . F . Rossiter , Prov . G . D . of C , S . W . and Treas . ; E . VV . J . Hennah , Prov . G . S . of VV ., J . VV . ; VV . H . Russell , Prov . G . Stwd ., M . O . ; T . VV .

Markwick , S . O . ; the R . W . Prov . G . M . M ., T . Trollope , P . M ., acting J . D . ; F . Duke , Secretary ; C . W . Duke , Grand Stwd ., P . P . G . S . W ., P . M ., acting S . D . ; Henry Kimm , actintr J . D . ( Freemason ); F . H . Hallett , Prov . G . Org ., Org . ; J . B . Foord , l . G . ; Leslie , Tyler ; T . II . Case , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , several letters of apology for non-attendance were put in . Bro . Major Robertson was elected a joining

member . Ballots having been successful in the case of three candidates , viz ., Bros . Brisco , Rev . Saunders , and C . Tomes , the two former brethren were very ably advanced by the VV . M . to the Degree of M . M . M . The election of Master for the ensuing year then took place , resulting in the unanimous return of Bro . F . Rossiter , S . W . Bro . Hennah , J . VV ., was elected Treasurer , and Bro . VV . Leslie reappointed Tyler . Other matters having been disposed of , the lodge was closed till thc 20 th May , when thc installation takes place .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE . — Royal Kent Chapter ( No . 8 ) . —A convocation of the members of this chapter was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Maplestreet , on Friday , the 22 nd ult . The chapter was opened by III . Bro . S . F . Bouslicld , M . W . S ., assisted by the officers . 'The Grand Marshal presented Ex . and P . Bro . J . S . Wilks , M . W . S . elect , to the M . W . S . for installation , who performed the ceremony with great care , after wliich the

M . W . S . appointed his oilicers . 111 . Bro . Charles James Banister , S . G . I . G . 33 , and l . G . N . E . Dist ., was received in due form . Ex . and P . llro . Charles D . Hill Drury was unanimously elected a joining member , and two candidates duly . clected for perfection . The III . and Ex . and Perfect brethren dined together in the banqueting hall under the presidency of the M . W . S ., spending a very happy evening . Ill Bro . Banister was unable to be present at thc banquet . ¦—

LANCASTER . —Philips Chapter ( No . 52 ) . — The usual meeting of this chapter was opened in due form by thc M . W . S ., III . Bro . VV . VV . Cottam , assisted by the officers of the chapter . HI . Bro . C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds , S . G . I . G . 33 ° . I . G . N . VV . Dist . ; and 111 . Bro . C . J . Banister , S . G . I . G . 33 " , I . G . N . E . Dist . ; were announced and received under an arch of steel . Two candidates being in attendance were perfected to the satisfaction of the illustrious

brethren . The M . W . S . elect , Bro . J . C . Barber , was presented to 111 . Bro . C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds , who installed him into the chair with great care and solemnity , after which the officers for the year were appointed . A very satislactory balance sheet was presented . The brethren expressed themselves much pleased at the visit of their old friend , 111 . Bro . Banister , the state of whose health , however , would not permit him to remain through the evening .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

LEEDS . —Fidelity Preceptory ( No . 114 ) . —An emergency meeting of this preccptory was held on thc 19 th ult ., at the rooms , Carlton-hill . The preceptory was opened in due form in the presence of Sir Knights John Barker , E . P . ; R . Wilson , P . E . P ., as Constable ; Gibson , P . E . P ., as Marshal ; R . VV . Moore , Sub-Marshal ; J . D . Kay ,

Km . Sub-Prior West Vorks , as Prelate ; II . E . Green , Recorder ; G . II . Locking , as C . of L . ; and C . L . Mason , P . Sub-Prior West Yorks . The ballot was taken for Comps . F . Waddington , 289 , and II . C . Pickersgill , 837 , which being unanimous * . hey were both installed knights of this Order by the E . P . This being all the business the preceptory was closed in due form and thc sir knights adjourned to refreshment . __™

DARLINGTON . —St . Cuthbert ' s Preceptory ( No . 139 ) . —The preceptory was opened on Tuesday , the lyth ult ., in due form by the E . P ., Sir Kt . Thomas Ness , assisted by his officers . The E . P . elect was presented by Sir Knight R . A . Luck , P . E . P ., Prov . G . Ch ., to Sir Knight C . R . Fry , P . E . P ., Prov . G . Marshal , for installation , which was given most impressively . Sir Knieht John lames

Wilkes , E . P ., being enthroned , was saluted and proclaimed , and afterwards appointed and invested his officers for thc year . The Auditors presented the Treasurer's account , which was very satisfactory . V . E . Prov . Prior , Sir Knight C . J . Banister , was received under an arch of steel and

saluted . He expressed himself as greatly pleased with the excellent working . After the preceptory was closed , the sir knights adjourned to the King's Head I lotel , where an excellent banquet was prepared and enjoyed by the sir knights under the presidency of the E . P . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly responded to .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

PREMIER CONCLAVE . —A meeting of this prosperous and distinguished conclave was held at the Masonic Hall , Red Lion-square , on the 3 rd inst . Among those in attendance were Sir Knights E . II . Thiellay , M . P . S . ; Shirley , V . E . ; T . C . Walls , S . G . ; Dr . Micklcy , l . G . ; T . Cubitt , P . M . P . S ., Treasurer ; John Mason , P . M . P . S ., Recorder ; II . J , Lardner , Dr . Pridmore , Dawes , VV . Lake , Massa , I . P . M . P . S . ; Marsh , P . M . P . S .:

H . A . Dubois , P . M . P . S . ; Macartney , M . P ., P . M . P . S . Sir Knights Lewis Thomas , P . M . P . S . 2 ; and Professor Lott , P . M . P . S . 8 ( Jersey ) , were visitors . The minutes of the previous conclave having been read and confirmed , Sir Knight Shirley was unanimously elected M . P . S ., T . C . Walls , V . E ., and T . Cubitt , Treasurer . A

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Past Sovereign s jewel was unanimousl y voted to Sir Knight Thiellay in recognition of his services during the past year . The sir knights then adjourned tothe Holborn Restaurant , where a banquet was partaken of . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed . " The Health of the Grand Council " was coupled with the name of Sir Knt . Macartney , M . P ., who responded . The toast of "The Grand Senate" was responded to by Sir Knt . Walls .

" 1 he Health of the M . P . S . was warmly proposed by Sir Knt . Massa , " and was duly acknowledged by the M . P . S . " The Visitors " followed , coupled with the names of Sir Knts . Thomas and Lott , who fluently replied . " The Past Sovereigns" was responded to by Sir Knts . Massa and March , "The Treasurer and Recorder" by Sir Knts . Cubitt and Massa , and " The Officers" by Sir Knts . Shirley , Walls , and Dawes . The proceedings , which throughout were most successful , then terminated .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Miss Fortescue has again taken ber place on the stage , she forming part ot the cast at the reproduction of Mr . VV . S . Gilbert's popular play " Dan'l Druce , " at the Court , on Thursday evening . # #

* . A massive silver cup was presented on Friday night last by the company at Drury Lane to Bro . Augustus Harris , in commemoration of the 100 th performance of thc pantomime " Cinderella . " The cup is very handsomely chased , and bears on one side the names of the most prominent subscribers to the presentation .

* * * On Monday Mr . lidgar Uruce brought out his new play , at the Prince ' s , with thc same cast as have been p laying since thc opening of this theatre . The new piece is b y Messrs . Jones and Herman , the authors of the "Silver King , " and entitled" Breaking the Butterfly , " being founded on Ibsen ' s " Norah , " which produced a perfect sensation on its production in Scandinavia in 1 SS 0 .

* » » " Confusion , " at the Vaudeville , reached its 250 th performance last week , with not the slightest signs of wavering . Originally put on in thc slow season , it has proved a piece the public like , a practical example that

managers are not always—generally not—the best judges of thc public taste . Wc suppose that no one is more surprised than Bro . Thorne at its continued success . Its one drawback is that it keeps Bro . Thorne from the stage , as there is not a part for this favourite comedian .

••* The International in Holborn lias again reopened under Mr . C . Howard ' s management . Forafortnig . it the " Danites" b y Bret Harte has been the chief attraction , a piece always welcome in town or country . On its

withdrawal a new burlesque , " -The Mad Princess , " will be produced , which we hear has many points in its favour . Some of the company arc well known on the stage and therefore this hitherto unfortunate house may , like one near it , yet prove a success .

••* Mr . ^ Wilson Barrett has stated that " The Silver King" was the most lucrative of his dramas , but "Claudian , " its successor , has beaten it by far . Though hc expected thc stalls would respond to it well , he was not prepared that it would meet a similar and successful fate from the pit and gallery , but such is the case , and the Princesses is doing the best business it has ever done vet .

1 his clearly proves that thc people arc right for high class classical plays , well written , well acted , and well mounted such as "Claudian" is . Of Miss Emmeline Ormsby , Messrs . Dcnenlain and Blake have recently produced some very tasteful and life-like portraits with neutral backgrounds . Miss Ormsby is taken in costume in various attitudes assumed by her in " Claudian , " which do the utmost credit to both sitter , artist , and publisher . » * »

" balka at the Comedy passed its hundredth performance three weeks since , and seems , if anything , to be gaining in public favour . It is one of the most lively and tuneful of comic operas of recent years , whilst one of its principal features is that a number of artistes have accorded to them leading parts , instead of its centreing on one . Bro . Ashley has introduced many new witticisms since

November into his part of 1 ancrcd , Miss Violet Cameron sings sweeter than ever , Miss Wadman and Mr . Hamilton receive still more applause , and Mr . Pcnley and Mr . Kcllehcr are droller than we have seen them in anything else . "Falka " also has a plot running throught it ol interest . Bro . Dove Keighley , the coadjutor of Bro . D'Albcrtson , looks ably after his audience and their personal comforts .

# # # A statement made a short time since on the very best authority that the Pandora in Leicester-square was about being opened as the Pho . nix , by Bro . Henderson , under Bro . Morton ' s management must be cancelled . The management had decided to call it the Oueen ' s ; but having found that this title was not onen Tn thnm

it has been finally named the Empire Theatre , and will open at Easter , still under Bro . A . Henderson . 'The entertainment will be composed of spectacular opera and grand ballet , with novel effects of " mise-en-scene " on the most gorgeous scale , and supported by a company of artistes , ballet , chorus , and variety performers such as has never appeared in London before . Bro . Henderson and

Mr . H . B . Farnie being responsible for thc stage . A characteristic feature of the Empire Theatre will be the unrivalled accommodation for every class of visitor in the front of the house . Not only will the stalls , private boxes , and circle be the most luxurious in the metropolis , but the point of view from all parts of the house , and the acoustir

qualities of the building , are absolutely unrivalled . Thc foyers , promenades , terraces , vestibules , and saloons are quite unequalled , and the situation of the theatre is the most central and accessible in London . We need only add to ensure the comfort of the public that Bro . II . J . Hitchin ' sis appointed acting manager , and in his hands nothing will be left to be desired .