Royal Arch.

S . E . ; Lyon , P . S . ; Lovegrove , Fulxvood , Hastie , Minchie , and others . The minutes of the last convocation having been read and confirmed the ceremony of exaltation xvas effectively and impressively rehearsed , the working of Comp . Lyon , as P . S ., being carefully and excellently rendered . Great praise is due to all thc ollicers for the care bestoxx-ed by them in their various duties , and it must be

very encouraging to Comp . Poore , the xvorthy and painstaking Preceptor , to find the chapter so steadily groxving in numbers and importance , and it is confidently believed that this xvill ultimately become the most successful chapter of instruction in London . All Royal Arch Alasons are earnestly and cordially invited to attend every Friday evening at half-past seven , xvhen they maybe sure of receiving a hearty xvclcome and hearty greeting .

Masonic Balls.

MASONIC BALLS .

During the past few xveeks xvhen so many events of great moment have been occurring in the xvorld Alasonic there has been a dearth of space xvherein to set forth , even in brief , an account of ccit . iin celebrations xxhich , occuring , as the children say , " onl y once a year , " yet cirry xvith them a considerable amount of importance and influence for good .

Fully carrying out the proud boast enunciated in our "Entered Apprentice" song that " No mortal can more the ladies adore , than a Free and Accepted Mason , " xve must congratulate our brethren upon the thoughtfulness xvliich has resulted in several really successful and happy events , in xvhich the brethren have not only

"been happy themselves and communicated happiness , but have , in so doing , materially upheld the dignity of Freemasonry as a social and unselfish institution , but have materially assisted that true outcome of true Alasonic feeling : Charity . Taking these events in the order of priority according to the numbers of the lodges , we have lirst the ball of the

TEMPERANCE LODGE , 169 , Deptford , held at Saves Court , Deptford , under the distinguished patronage of Air . Boord , ALP . for Greenxvich , and Mr . Evelyn , of Deptford . A capital band , under the direction of Air . Kalischer , who assisted Bros . K . G . G . Bax and H . Pitt as Alasters of the Ceremonies , contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the ladies and brethren assembled , and

xvho , tothe number of about 1 S 0 , presented a specially grand and varied spectacle , the brethren being in Craft clothing , and thc ladies , as usual , displaying excellent taste in their costumes . A capitally serx-ed supper xvas supplied by Bro . Morgan , iG 9 , host of the lodge , and the discussion of the same formed an agreeable break in the pleasures of thc dancing . Bro . G . Skudder , S . D . 169 , proved an able president at the social board , and xve learned xvith much pleasure that the

p roceeds of thc ball xvill be devoted to augment the funds ne xvill havc the pleasure of taking up as Stexvard for thc forthcoming festival of the Royal Alasonic Institution for Boys in June next . The toasts folloxving the supper xverc fexv and pithily given , Bro . Skudder specially thanking thc ladies for their kind attendance and support . _ The dancing xvas rcnexved xvith vigour , and heartily enjoyed until a capital dance list , and , indeed , many of the dancers , xvcre exhausted .

BURDETT COUTTS LODGE , No . 127 *? . The anniversary festival of the above lodge xvas successfull y celebrated at the Cannon-street Hotel , E . C , some 200 ladies and brethren taking part in the proceedings , xvhich had for their outcome a happy reunion of the brethren and their fair partners , and support to the Alasonic Charities . The ball xvas under the distinguished patronage of the

Hon . Baroness Burdett Coutts , and had the advantage of thc experienced direction of liro . R . L . Sturtevant , P . AL 127 S , xvho xvas assisted from lirst to last by a capital Board of Stexvards , comprising Bros . R . J . Chitson , VV . AL 127 S ; 1 . 1 . Berry , P . M . 554 . S . VV . ; VV . 11 . Making ,. J . VV . ; G . VV . Verry , P . M ., Hon . Secretary ; R . J . Crutch , Treas . ; A . Jones , I . P . M . ; VV . P . Clark , S . D . ; J . VV

R . Hammond , J . D . ; B . Stexvart , I . G . ; K . Brittain , D . C . ; J . K . Sturtevant and A . VV . Weston , W . Stexvards ; IC . VV . Schroeder , Org . ; G . A . Payne , P . AL 933 ; and G . II . Stephens , S . VV . 1 G 23 the AI . Cs . being Bios . A . C . Stichling , 511 , and VV . Perrin , 1056 , all of xvhose exertions xvcre efficiently carried out . The dancing xvas much enjoyed , although the evening being xvarm and gas having

to be used to light thc large hall , instead of thc electric light , thc dancing xvas not carried on xvith quite such pleasure as it xvould had thc room been cooler . A well-served supper xvas partaken of shortly after midnight , Bro . Chitson presiding . " Success to the Burdett Coutts Ball "

xvas given , Bro . Chitson saying he felt himself highly honoured by thc large numbers xvhich had rallied round him that evening , and expressed his sincere thanks for their kind support . After some other toaits dancing xvas enjoyably rencived , and xvas continued ta the satisfaction of all concerned . —————

PENGE LODGE , No . 1 S 15 . Thc third annual ball xvas held on the 27 th ult ., at the Vestry Hall , Anerley , and passed off in a most successful and enjoyable manner . Although it could hardly be expected from the short notice given , the occasion brought together a strong muster of brethren , ladies , and friends .

The hall xvorc a most animated aspect , being again adorned xvith Masonic decorations b y Bros . Williams and Dibble . The dancing xvas entered into xvith great spirit and promptness and xvas thoroughly enjoyed . An excellent supper xvas supplied by Bro . Alackrcll , of the Thicket Hotel , and though divided xvas xvell arranged . Great credit is due to the Stewards and all concerned .

FAITH LODGE , 4 S 4 , ASHTON-IN-MACKERFIELD . The members of this lodge held a ball at the 'Toxvn Hall , Nexvton-le-Willoxvs , on Shrove Tuesday , for thc benefit of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . It xvas held under the distinguished patronage of Bros , thc Earl of Lathom , R . W . D . G . M ., and Prov . G . AI . West Lane ; Right Hon . Col . Stanley , M . P ., G . S . W . and D . P . G . AI . West Lane j Sir Gilbert Greenall , Bart ., P . G . W . ;

S . Pearson , W . F . Gooch , S . E . Pardey , R . Brierley , and other distinguished brethren . Altogether about 70 couples xvere preent , and the ball xvas in every respect a great success . 'There being no chapter attached to the lodge , Craft clothing , with a little sprinkling of the Erovincial , only xvas xvcin . 'The room presented a most rilliant and animated spectacle xvhen lighted up . The decorations had been carried out under the superintendence of Bros . Stones , Harewood , W . Hibbert ,

Masonic Balls.

and Devereux , the orchestra being surrounded xvith beautiful exotic and other plants , 'The Stexvards xvere Bros . Crompton and Cooper , Bros . Hibbert and Devereux acting as M . Cs ., xvhile Bro . Cooper acted as director of the evening ' s arrangements . A most elegant supper xvas supplied by Bro . ii . Hibbert , of the Blue Bell Hotel , Newton . Dancing commenced about nine o ' clock and xvas

kept up xvith the greatest enjoyment until the small hours of the morning . It maybe interesting hereto note that the ball xvas held in the room xvhere the lodge xvas first opened in 1842 , being then part of the Old Horse and Jockey Hotel , Nexvton , its number at that time being 711 . Subsequently from various causes the lodge xvas removed to Ashton-in-. Mackerfield .

ST . JOHN'S LODGE , No . 2 S 0 S . C , COLDSTREAAI . The second ball since the resuscitation of the lodge xvas held in the Hall of the Alechanics' Institute , on " Friday evening , the 29 th ult ., under most favourable auspices , and , like its predecessor , takes rank as being the best of its kind in the neighbourhood . The hall xvas tastefully decorated xvith the emblems of the Fraternity , and , as on the

former occasion , a portion of the area xvas set apart for supper room and refreshment stall , this being done by light screens of pink and xvhite . On the staircase and in the room various shrubs , flowers , and plants formed a pleasing addition to the other decorations . The music xvas supplied by the celebrated quadrille band of Bro . Amers , of Nexvcastle-on-Tyne , and xvas an especial treat . The programme

opened with the "Triumph" in double set , and xvas led off by Bro . Jno . Smith , R . W . AL , and Mrs . Alunro , and Bro . A . L . Miller , P . M . 393 , and Miss Hair . Thereafter it xvas unanimously agreed by the company , that being the 29 th February of Leap Year , the usual order of things should be

reversed until midnight , and the ladies choose partners and proffer the usual attentions they are in the habit of receiving . This xvas a source of much amusement and enjoyment . 'The refreshments xvere purveyed in excellent style by Bro . Robertson , Nexvcastle Arms Hotel . Dancing xvas keptup until five o ' clock . Thecompany numberedovcr 70 .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

Bro . Bancroft , in reviving M . Sardou ' s comedy " Peril , " has received the applause and gratitude of his patrons at the Haymarket . 'The last time it xvas played in l-ondon xvas at the Prince of Wales ' s in 1 S 7 G , attaining great popularity . Onl y one of the cast who represented it at that time noxv play in it , that one being Bro . Bancroft himself , and he has changed his Sir George Ormond for Dr . Thornton , Mr . Forbes Robertson noxv playing thc

former character . It xvould be xvell if other mangers xvould from time to time unearth some of thc best comedies xvhich years ago took so xvell xvith the public . Peril is not a play dependent on the times in xvhich it is acted ; it might have been played 100 years ago—had it liven written—and it may be represented too years hence and still all its pathos xvill be fresh . Its very truthfulness in the display of human character must alxvays be thc same , unless human nature

should change materially . Lapse of time cannot detract from its smartness , its interest is ever nexv . 'The third act is the most thrilling . In the first act the audience is interested , in the second aroused , in thc third spell bound , and in the fourth gratified . Thc absorbing poxver of " Peril" it is useless to deny . _ As Lady Ormond , Mrs . Bernard Beere is thoroughl y suited xvith a part befitting her , xvithout making comparisons as to former artistes . One

can never forget hoxv she pourtrays thc xvife wxo , though pure in heart , in unreflecting moments yields to a temptation , and that from her husband ' s dear friend , a guest in her oxvn house ; but finally her purity and honour prevail , and she comes out of her passion honouring her husband more than ever , and , Hinging axvay her tempter xvith disdain , shoxvs hoxv virtue at last triumphs ox-cr impulsive blind love . Wc may here just briefly say that the plot of the

play is thc guilty passion xvhich Capt . Bradford , otherxvise a fine young felloxv , conceives for Lady Ormond , thc xvife of his host , and xvhich she foolishly reciprocates in a weak moment , oxving to her impulsive nature . In the third act xve see thc jealousy of the too-confiding Sir George Ormond aroused by some so-called friends , and he adopts a tusc to try his wife ' s honour . He pretends to be suddenly called axvay , returning of course when not

expected , but not to find his xvife yielding to thc importunities of Capt . Bradford , xvho has forced himself into her presence , ( laving at last axvakencd , and only just in time , to her duties , she entreats her lover to leave her , clinging to her husband , and loving him more than ever . Sir George does not taunt his xvife , but fully believes in her innocence , and by his very noble nature brings the young captain to his senses , and does him a kindness xvhich he gladly

cmbraces . Air . H . B . Conxvay of course plays Captain Bradford , a character so xvell suited to his representation of impetuous nature . The Sir George Ormond of Mr . Forbes-Robertson one must love , because one docs not often meet xvith such characters in real life . Mr . Brookfield of course makes his part suit him , and Air . Alfred Bishop xve have never , and it is saying a good deal , seen to greater advantage ; the grumpy , illnatured , old East

Indian , Sir Woodbine , he most faithfully pourtrays , and makes much nf thc fun to be derived from the play . Bro . Bancroft , in yielding up the part of the husband , is admirably suited to thc cynical Dr . Thornton , a true friend to Sir George and Lady Ormond . Bro . Bancroft entirely loses his individuality , and thereby enhances the rendering of thc part he has undertaken to play . Mrs . Canninge and Miss Wilton ( Airs . Bancroft ' s sister ) also add to the

interest of " Peril " in what they havc to do . " A Lesson " proceeds " Peril , " in xvhich Mrs . Bancroft and Miss Lingard , xvho have no part in the play of the evening , distinguish themselves . We noticed that scarcely any one entered the theatre after the first rise of the curtain , for the simple reason that no one xvould , if they could help

it , lose Mrs . Bancroft ' s splendid acting in the character of Aliss Reeve . Air . li . Russell has just noxv all his xvork cutout as manager to cater for his audience in the xvay of seats , but is equal to the occasion . VVe notice that H . R . H . tlie Duchess of Edinburgh has been already txvice to see " Peril" and "A Lesson . " The Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome have honoured the theatre xvith a visit .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The following circular has been issued to VV . AIs . of lodges : " 5 , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , Alarch , 1 SS 4 . " 9 GT 11 ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL . "Worshipful Sir and Bro . —I have the honour to inform you that the Right Hon . the Lord Brooke , M . P ., R . VV .

Prov . Grand Master of Essex , has very kindly consented to preside at the above festival . " I have also to state for the information of the brethren that it has been necessary to change the date on xvhich the festival xvill be held from Wednesday , 14 th , to Wednesday , 2 ist of Alay .

"Should your lodge not be already represented by a Stexvard , permit mc to solicit your very valuable co-operation on this occasion , as at present there is a great necessity for a large accession to the list , the number of names already received being comparatively small . " I am , VVorshipful Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , " F . R . W . I IEDGES , Secretary . "

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . JAMES MILLEDGE , P . P . G . S . W . DORSET . It is xvith exceeding regret that xve announce the death of a very old Freemason , VV . Bro . James Alilledge , xvho xvas initiated into Freemasonry in All Souls' Lodge Weymouth , No . 2 S 3 ( noxv 170 ) , as far back as June 13 th , 1 S 23 , having been proposed by R . VV . Bro . Wm . ' Eliot , P . P . G . M . Dorset , seconded by VV . Bro . Thos . Robinson , P . AL , both of xvhom outlive him . He became VV . M . of his lodge in

i !> 33 ; xvas appointed P . G . J . W . in 1 S 34 , and P . G . S . W . Dorset in 1 S 35 . He filled the chair of '/ .. in the All Souls ' Chapter in 1 S 36 , and that of H . in the Province of Dorset , in 1834 . The chair of All Souls' Lodge is at present held by his eldest son , VV . Bro . Zillxvood Alilledge . Asatownsman his conduct has alxvays been xvithout fear and xvithout reproach . The hi ghest honours his fellow-townsmen could confer have been his . lie has been a Member of the Toxvn

Council xvithout intermission since 1832 , xvas Alayor in 1 S 70-71 , and Alderman and Justice of the Peace for the Borough at the time of his death . He quietly passed axvay , after a prolonged illness borne xvith great Christian fortitude , on Monday , the 25 th ult ., at the ripe old age of S 3 , and to him may be justly applied the epithet " Alark thc perfect man ,

and behold the upright man ; for the end of that man is peace . " His xvas a career xvorthy of all imitation , and xvith confidence it may be said of him that he has " ascended to that Grand Lodge Above xvhere the xvorld ' s Great Architect lives and reigns till time shall be no more , there to shine before I lis Throne as the stars for ever and ever . " 1

BRO . GEORGE BUCKLAND . Wc regret to announce the death of Bro . George Buckland , the popular lecturer and entertainer . I Ic had been for some time in failing health , and it is only xvithin thc last xveek that circulars have been rent out announcing a dramatic and musical entertainment for his benefit at the St . George ' s Hall , for Wednesday , thc 26 th inst . Messrs . Alfred Read and Corney Grain had volunteered to lend the

hall for the occasion , and among the committee organised in support of the scheme xverc Messrs . J . L . Toole ( treasurer ) , VVilson Barrett , Alfred Bishop , Lionel Brough , Arthur Cecil , Frank Celli , Charles Coote , Charles Du Val , Corney Grain , F . VV . Green , Geo . Grossmith , John Hare , Henry Herman , David James , Charles Kelly , Meyer , l . utz , Frederic Alaccabc , John Maclean , M . Alaybrick , Henry Neville , II . Paulton , R . Recce , Alfred Reed , R .

Soutar , Edxvard 'Terry , and J . D . Langton ( Hon . Sec ) . Thc assistance thus freely offered , hoxvever , came too late , Uro . Buckland expired on Sunday night at his residence at Dartmouth-park-hill , in thc G 4 U 1 year of his age . I Ie will be best remembered in connection with the old Polytechnic Institution , xvhere his humorous songs , recitations , and sketches of character for many years enjoyed popularity . Bro . Buckland xvas a P . AI . of the Asaph Lodge .

and P . Z . of the Asaph Chapter . His genial presence and excellent xvorking of thc lodge and chapter ceremonies made him a xvclcome visitor in all Alasonic circles , and his loss xvill be much regretted . Thc Honorary Secretary of the Entertainment Committee xvrites to say that " the Committee has decided that the entertainment announced to be given at St . George's Hall .

Lanirhamplace , on VVcdncsday afternoon , the 26 th inst ., shall take place , notxvithstanding the unfortunate , but not unexpected death of Uro . Buckland xvhich occurred on Sunday last . The proceeds of the entertainment xvill Uq . handed to his xvidoxv , xvho has been left totally unprovided for , oxving to thc prolonged illness of Bro . Buckland , xvhich had incapacitated him from giving his entertainments for a long time past . " ¦

BRO . S . SAIOUT , SEN ., P . AI . 1642 , Z . 1 G 42 . VVe regret to announce the death of Bro . S . Smout , sen ., P . M . 1 G 42 and Z . 1 G 42 , which took place on Monday last at his residence , Chesterton-road , North Kensington . He was one of thc founders of the "Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , and most justly respected by the Fraternity . His interment takes place at Kensal-grcen Cemetery to-day ( Friday ) at half-past two o ' clock .

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

BIRTHS . BOYD . —On the 17 th Jan ., at Avonside , near Chiistchurch , Nexv Zealand , the wife of C Boyd , of a daughter . Cox . —On the 9 th inst ., at Pomeroy , Honiton , Devon , thc wife of Capt . R . H . Cox , of a son .

MARRIAGE . M ITCIIEI . L—IRVINE . —On Jan . 21 st , at Calicut , Malabar , Edxvard Charles Mitchell , of Vythery , Wynaad ' Madras , to Edith Caroline , xvidoxv of J . Irvine .

DEATHS . KELLY . — On the 7 th inst ., at 6 , Derxvent-terracc , Newington-common , N ., Caroline Mary , the dearly-loved xvife of Bro . Fitzroy Arthur Kelly , and youngest daughter of John Jackson , of Addington-road , Boxv . SHAND . —On the 4 th inst ., after an illness of only 12 days , at school , in Alargate , George Alexander , aged S years andG months , the beloved youngest son of Bro . J . E , Shand .