Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management of this Institution held , l ; usual monthly meeting- at Freemasons' Hall , on Wediiv Bro . Charles Belton presided , and there were neS « nt Bros . A . H-. Tattersball , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; r « " ltnn . Edirar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; Col . A .

Ridge-,, Chas . Daniel , Albert Fish , C . H . Webb , W . J . Crutch , rll ' r « e lones , Charles G . Hill , Henry Cox , William Clarke , pfiP ; Raynham W . Stewart , P . G . D . ; H . J . Strong , rX ' ro-e Kenning , Thos . Griffiths , R . Turtle Pigott , P . A . G . n r ¦ I . L . Mather , E . M . Lander , Jas . Bartle , W . H . plnnvman , A . G . P . ; W . Bellingham , Alex . Forsyth , C . u Driver . R . Berridge , C . F . Hogard , S . Brooks , W .

Hilton , C . J . Perceval , C . F . Matier , L . Stean , F . Adlard , Thns Cubitt , P . G . P . ; Julius Ouitmann , Major A . Durrant , Geor ge MicUley , M . A ., M . B . ; Hugh Colter , John E . Dawson , Jas . Willing , jun ., J . Tickle , Jabez Hogg , P . G . D . ; Henry Garrod , G . P . ; John J . Berry , C . E . Soppet , J . Larkin , and Jas . Terry , Secretary . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read

and verified , the Secretary reported the deaths of one female annuitant , one widow receiving half of her late husband ' s annuity , and two approved candidates ( one male and one female ) , and the withdrawal of one male candidate ' s name from the list for the May election . The Warden ' s report for the' past month was read , and also that of the Finance Committee , which was received ,

adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . A Committee , consisting of Bros . J . A . Farnfield , John Newton , and Charles Lacey , was appointed to draw up the annual report . It was agreed that the Stewards of the late Festival be invited to pay their accustomed visit to the Institution at Crovdon at the usual time—early in the month of June .

Bro . EDGAR BOWYER , P . G . Std . Br ., then submitted a motion , of which due notice had been given , to the effect" That the sum of one hundred guineas be presented to the Secretary , Bro . James Terry , from the funds of the Institution , in acknowledgment of the zeal he has shown Airine- the past 12 months , whereby thesum of over -C ICKOOO

was realised at the recent Festival . " This having been seconded and carried by acclamation , Bro . TERRY , who during its consideration had withdrawn , re-entered the room , and returned his sincere thanks for the handsome compliment paid him . A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings .

The Grand Secretary In Wales.

THE GRAND SECRETARY IN WALES .

On Wednesday , the 6 th inst ., after the conclusion of the visit paid by the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Rite to this part of England , Bro . the Earl of Limerick , Prov . G . M . of Bristol , and the Countess of

Limerick ; Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . of England ; Col . Somerville Burney , P . G . D . ; and J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D ., remained behind as guests of Bro . Sir George Elliot , Bart ., M . P ., P . G . M . South Wales ( East Division ) , who conducted them by special train from Newport to Aberaman House , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke

who was visiting this pait of the country for the first time since he was appointed Grand Secretary to the Craft by his _ Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , being the recipient of continuous demonstrations of Masonic loyalty throughout the journey . The special train was stopped at various points along the line to receive deputations and

addresses from the brethren of South Wales . The exigencies of the railway service made it impossible in most instances to do more than receive the addresses and give brief replies , but at Pontypridd arrangements had been made , by the thoughtful care of Bro . James Hurman , the traffic manager of the Taff Vale Railway , which

admitted ot a longer stay . Here the W . M ., Bro . btephen Lewis , and a very numerous deputation of the brethren of the Merlin Lodge were assembled on the platform , and when Bros , the Earl of Limerick , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Sir George Elliot , M . P ., Col . Burney , and J . C . Parkinson had alighted , they presented the following address : —

To the Very Worshipful Colonel SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of England . "We , the Master , Past Masters , Wardens , and brethren W the Merlin Lodge , 157 S , of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons , desire to offer you a sincere and cordial Welcome into our midst . Our town has from time to time

received many distinguished brethren , but on no previous occasion has it been honoured by the visit of a brother occupying the honourable and onerous position of that of •""¦ and Secretary of England . Your distinguished career , and the ability with which you have discharged the duties ° , . '" . various offices from time to time , and the grace with

ynch you have assisted brethren all over the kingdom in , discharge of their several duties have adorned the w ea " , y ° * your Masonic life , and have rendered you a cac rec 'P ' ° f a " honour that all Masons everywhere tl V y ° 1 ' ls > therefore , with regret that we learn at your engagements will not allow us an opportunity of

ceivmg you and the distinguished brethren who accom-^ you into our lodge , and there according to you that dirH- 1116 wn ! ' y ° position commands and our desires rein ^' fraternal greetings , we have the honour to anj t ' vefy worshipful sir and brother , yours faithfully "" atraternal ly , —STEPHEN LEWIS , W . M . & c . " rloi :. ros- po'onel CLERKE and the Earl of LIMERICK both

the 1 m ° ' nteresting speeches in reply , after which Mas U LI '' 00 escor ' : ed the illustrious party to their new elif . ; ?" , ' " "> which was carefully inspected and which "ieG f encomiums on its spaciousness and beauty , st ruct ran " Secretary remarking that he had seldom seen a C 0 Un . more admirably adapted to its purpose . The visif „ r ess ° f Limerick kindly accompanied the party of

hospital- ? Pontypridd brethren exercised most liberal ac y . 'he light and appropriate refection served , her lad ^^ ^ y tne ' ' ? P » which was presented to guj s u j ^ . " ! P , a . nd afterwards partaken of by the distinand ( L vl ^ tors , who joined heartily with the W . M ., P . M . 's , ha || j er brethren in cordially wishing success to the new dpoi w"ich Sir George Elliot has alreadv manifested his

^ asonir- f ' ky contributing 100 guineas towards its sode the r . , tur ( : fittings . After this interesting epi"teir snp ? 8 uished visitors were formally conducted to ywial train , the brethren of the Merlin Lodge again

The Grand Secretary In Wales.

assembling under their W . M . on the platform , and wishing the travellers God-speed with ringing cheers , which were gracefully acknowledged as the train slowly glided from the station . On the special train arriving in the grounds of Aberaman House , the brethren of St . David ' s Lodge , Aberdare , were assembled in even greater numbers than at Pontypridd ,

and as soon as the party had alighted the senior P . M ., the I . P . M ., and Bro . J . C . Parkinson ( who has been twice W . M . of the lodge ) , delivered addresses of welcome to the Earl of Limerick and the Grand Secretary , both of whom responded in eloquent and feeling terms , the Earl of Limerick and Col . Shadwell H . Clerke assuring the Aberdare brethren that the touching evidences of welcome and

Masonic loyalty from them and generally from the brethren of South Wales would be faithfully reported by them to their colleagues in London , who would receive them with a high feeling of satisfaction . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke referred to the position held by the St . David ' s Lodge , of Aberdare , extolling the practical services rendered to it by Bro . J . C . Parkinson , who had so long upheld its interests

by his personal labours and care . Sir George Elliot , as Provincial Grand Master , presided over this interesting demonstration , and added his official welcome to that extended by the brethren of his province . Sir George then invited the whole of the party to Aberaman House , where they were suitably entertained , the proceedings terminating by renewed expressions of attachment to the Order and

loyalty to the popular representative of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , and the Grand Master of the province , Sir George Elliot . One of the most important results of the recent visit of the Supreme Council is that , subject to the consent of that body , a Rose Croix Chapter will be formed at Cardiff , with Bro . James Hurman as its first M . W . S . It is hoped that the Supreme Council will be induced to pay a second visit

to the district to consecrate this chapter , and that about the third week in May the South Wales brethren may again have the privilege of welcoming these illustrious representatives , the Earl of Limerick , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and the other brethren having graciously signified their intention , should no unforeseen engagements prevent , of coming down for this purpose , and Sir George Elliot , with his customary bountiful hospitality , has insisted upon their again staying at Aberaman House .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

The charming - opera " Dorothy , which was originally produced at the Gaiety , last autumn , removed at Christmas to the Prince of Wales's , is still meeting with such universal approval that no change is likely to take place yet , although "Waldemar " is ready to be produced when wanted . Some changes have taken place in the cast of late . Miss Edith Chester who has retired from the stage and married , is

succeeded by Miss Florence Dysart , who originated the part of Dorothy ' s cousin , which she renders with perfection . Miss Marie Tempest has succeeded Marion Hood as Dorothy , and Miss Grace Huntly now takes the part of the landlord's daughter . Mr . Hayden Coffin is still nightly encored in his famous "Queen of my heart . " Mr . Ben Davies , in the place of Mr . Redfern Hollins , plays and sings most advantageously , and Bro . Arthur

Williams' " gags" are enjoyed as much as ever . Mr . Levenston looks after the front of the house in a most able manner for Mr . Ledger , who may be congratulated on having secured such a big succcess . We hear the Comedy Company is also reaping a rich harvest . In our opinion " Dorothy" is far away the most taking opera of recent years . We hope Mr . Alfred Cellier will continue with such exquisite music .

Bro . J . Willing , jr ., P . M . Savoy , and First Master of Strand Lodge , has collaborated with Bro . John Douglass , a drama called "A Dark Secret , " which was for so long the talk of the East end , now transferred to the Olympic for three weeks longer , the inhabitants of the West end have a chance of witnessing this marvellously

realistic drama . " A Dark Secret" is not a work of great literary merit . Its attraction it owes chiefly to wonderful scenes in the third act , 213 tons of water are seen on the stage in a huge tank , in which steam launches , dingeys , skiffs , whiffs , outriggers , and other crafts , move about , as also do swans and ducks . This is meant to represent Henley Regatta , and as it is proverbial that there is always

one day wet at Henley , we have the overclouding of the sun and a downpour of rain upon the stage . The drama itself tells us how a wicked uncle with his son tries to get the fortune of a deceased brother's daughter , and the dreadful things they do in order to gain base ends , and how of course they are eventually frustrated . The chief

characters ' aredepicted by Miss Amy Steinberg ( Mrs . Douglass ) , Miss Stella Brereton , Miss Dolores Drummond , Mr . Paxton , Mr . Roe , Mr . L . Culvert , Mr . S . Lea , and Mr . Pringle . In these days when so much is thought of what is real on the stage , we anticipate that Mr . Douglas will do well in his short visit at Olympic .

" Monte Cristo , J r ., " has started on a fresh lease of life at the Gaiety . Not content with the crowded houses Mr . George Edwardes has nightly he determined to show his sense of appreciation by introducing new attractions ( though they were not demanded ) , in the way of fresh songs , dances , dresses , and a slight change in the cast .

This took place on Saturday last , when there was a sort of second first night . Miss Marion Hood was unavoidably absent , her place being filled by Miss L . Wilson . Miss Barlow was also indisposed , her place being represented at short notice by Miss Florence Beale , and in such a manner that it is no disparagement to Miss Barlow to say that had it not been announced the audience would have been none

the wiser . Miss Beale's personal appearance is exactly suited to the character , and having played in important parts such as Lady Oldacre in " The Candidate , " at the Criterion and elsewhere , Miss Beale's acting is well known . Miss Farren seemed even younger than ever . She danced and sang with all her usual animation , and was especially greeted in' the last act in her song , in which she describes

The Theatres.

herself " as a jolly little chap all round . " She gave as an encore verses from some of her most popular songs . Mr . Fred Leslie received such an ovation as to sometimes stop the performance . His imitation of the peculiarities of some of our leading actors , including Bros . Irving , Toole , Arthur Roberts , Tom Thorne , and G . Grossmith , is something marvellous , and was duly appreciated . He even goes

the length of imitating Miss Farren and himself . Miss Letty Lind , one of the new members of the company , both sang and danced very nicely , and she must have been very pleased with her reception . Mr . Lonnen is very funny with his song about the "Bally hoolty lemonade , " and with Bro . Leslie causes roars of laughter , with the "gags" and other business . The third act now contains

a very graceful dance , by some of the principals and chorus . Souvenirs in the shape of portraits of the different characters in costume were distributed to the audience , designed by Mr . Percy Anderson , to call attention to the dresses . All we need say is that the costumes in "Monte Cristo , Jr ., " are some of the most lovely we hive ever witnessed . Bro . Charles Harris shared with Mr . Edwardes the honours of the

production as stage manager , which he light well deserved . At midnight on Sunday the lessee invited the principal members of the company , together with some friends in the literary and artistic world , to meet in a more social way to celebrate the 100 th peiformance of the burlesque . The stalls and pit had been boarded over bringing them level with the stage . Supper was served on

the stage about 12 . 30 , after which dancing commenced and was continued until well into the morning . The band was placed in the second tier , while the dress circle and other parts of the house were beautifully decorated with palms and other exotics . Towards the end , Bro . Lionel Brough proposed from the balcony " The Health of the Host and Mr . Harris , and prosperity to Monte Cristo Jr ., and Mr .

Edwards future management , " which was cordially received by every one , and duly responded to by Mr . Edwards and Bro . Charles Harris . Amongst those invited were Bros . Bancroft , Dixon-Hartland , M . P ., Lord Dangan , Miss Kate Vaughan , Miss Farren , Mrs , Bernard Beere , Hon . J . Byng , Mr . Clement Scott , Miss Florence Dysart , Colonel Farquharson , Mr . and Mrs . Beatty Kingston , tiro . Capt . Bashford , Bro . Augustus Harris JL .

, . Shine , Col . Ward , Bro . and Mrs . Arthur Yates , Miss Grace Huntly , Miss Phyllis Broughton , Mrs . Marini , Bros . Fred Leslie , Morell Mackenzie , and Lennox Browne , Miss Agnes Hewell , Miss Norreys , Mr . Hayden Coffin , and Miss Sybil Grey . We ought to add that the caterer was Mr . Whitely , and that his manager Bro . Brighton had looked after everything , the whole entertainment taking place without the least hitch .

" Held by the Enemy , " the new piece at the ' Princess ' s is a strong , interesting , well planned , well played , well cast , wholesome , and amusing play . It was modestly produced at a matinee a fortnight since , and " took on " so well that it found its way into the evening programme as soon as possible . Fortunately no change in the cast has

been necessary . Although it deals with the events of the American Civil War of more than a quarter-of-a-century ago , there is that in " Held by the Enemy " which takes now in another country . Its story might b 2 planned just as easily in the late Franco-German or Russo-Turkish Wars , or the Days of the Commonwealth in England . A girl affianced in early life to her cousin , a Confedrate

officer , fallsin love with a colonel in the Federal army holding possession of the town in which her home is situated . Partly to see his betrothed Lieutenant Havne passes in disguise through the lines of the enemy and is seized as a spy . Tracings _ of the fortifications are found upon him , a court martial is held , and sentence of death by hanging is about to be recorded . His cousin is present , and though

she does not love him , yet she tries to save his life in the very peculiar way of accusing her lover , the colonel , of substituting this document for an innocent one carried by young Hayne , who has been seized by the calonel ' s orders . Col . Prescott is such a man of honour that h-a hears this terrible accusation against himself of perjury and forgerv that he will not deny it to expose the falsehood ot the girl

he loves . The colonel is about to be disgraced when the prisoner bursts out , and scorns to accept his life on such conditions , and owns to the papers being his , and boasts that he is a spy . Sentence of death is accordingly pronounced . Whilst in custody a shell bursts over his prison breaking down the wall and door allowing him to escape , but he is shot at by the guard and wounded , though not mortall

necessarily y . Rachael makes yet another attempt to save her cousin , and gets an order from General Stanbury permitting her to bring the body through the lines . Pretending that Gordon Hayne is dead , she has him brought out on a stretcher . But the suspicions of the brigade surgeon are aroused , and he demands to see the corpse . ' 1 his leads to a strong situation , the strongest in

the play , in which Rachael , aided by her lover , endeavours to prevent a proceeding which must lead to discovery and death . The surgeon , however , triumphs , and the body is exposed . A surprise awaits the audience as well as the young lady , ¦ for while the . dispute has been going on Hayne has died on the stretcher . Of course , Rachel eventually marries Col . Prescott . An amusing lover ' s scene runs through the play

, though entirely separated and unnecessary to the plot . This is splendidly played by Mr . Yorke Stephens , as a war correspondent , and Miss Annie Hughes , who never obtrude their parts . The fourth act they have nearly all to themselves , and winthorough sympathy for their clever byplay . Miss Canninge is the aunt to these young ladies , and plays the part in her usual acrid manner , though we do not think

aunts are all so sour as Miss Canninge would depict them . Miss Alma Murray is the heroine , and we do not know any one who could have played the part so well . It is not an easy character that of a girl who , while she loves one man , is affianced to another , and being conscience-stricken endeavours to save the life of the man she does not love at . the expense of the one she does . She plays with that

delicacy and refinement which Miss Alma Murray always does . Bro . Charles Warner is less excited as Colonel Prescott than usual , the effect of his acting being excellent . Mr . Gardiner ' s Lieutenant Hayne is one of the best things he has ever done . We shall expect to find

'Held by the Enemy" occupying the Princess's for months to come . Mr . John Hollingshead , jun ., is in charge as acting manager , which shows for itself that the comforts of the audience are looked after with a zealous eye , and that nothing is left undone to give satisfaction to the public .