Untitled Article

proceeds of the recent Masonic demonstration in recognition of Bro . Newcombe ' s conduct on the occasion of the calamity which befell Madlle „ Julie , took place in the Theatre . Notwithstanding an increase which had been made in the charges for admission , the house was what is professionally designated " a Bumper , " every available seat in the boxes , pit , and gallery , being occupied . The sight presented by this crowded audience was in itself an interesting one , but the occasion which had called together so many of the inhabitants of this and the

neighbouring towns , gave rise to additional source of gratification on the part of the *~ spectator . The pieces selected for the evening ' s entertainment were Sheridan Knowles ' s play of "The Hunchback , " and the farce entitled "The Eton Boy . In the former , Bro . Newcombe sustained the character of Master Modus , and was well received . At the close of this piece the presentation took place . When the curtain drew up , a table was discovered in the centre of the stage , on the left of

which stood Bro . G . W . Soltau , chairman of the committee , near whom was the secretary , Bro . W . Hunt . At the other side sat Bro . Newcombe , and the treasurer , Bro . B . Lidstone , occupied a position near him . Around these , ranged in such a manner as to form a half circle , and decorated with Masonic clothing , were about seventy members of the different Lodges belonging to the neighbourhood , the Provincial and Past Provincial Officers occupying the foremost places .

A burst of applause followed the rising of the curtain , and as soon as this had subsided , Bro . G . W . Soltau advanced to the foot-lights , and addressed the audience . He began by observing , that if upon any previous occasion he had found it necessary to ask . the kind indulgence of an assembly , he found it doubly necessary on the present , seeing that it was the first time he ever had the honour of appearing on this or any other stage . He considered that he should be a sorry Mason if , while he had been instrumental in laying the foundation of these proceedings ,

he had failed to see the accomplishment of that which he believed was well and worthily commenced . He was rejoiced to find that this large and numerous assembly fully accorded with that which the Freemasons had undertaken , and that they thought that body acted well and wisely in presenting Bro . Newcombe with a testimonial expressive of their esteem and regard . After alluding to the circumstances connected with Madlle . Julie , Bro . Soltau went on to relate another instance of Bro . Newcombe ' s kindness , in the case of Mr . and Mrs . Henderson ,

both of whom had , though at different periods , fallen ill during engagements at the theatre , and to both of whom , up to the time of their death , did he pay the salaries they would have received had they been enabled to carry out their engagements . These were cases that were not generally known . He might carry the catalogue to a considerable length , but he would merely say that such was Bro . Newcombe ' s liberality , that he really felt afraid sometimes to tell him of any act of charity in which he might be engaged . Bro . Newcombe had shown that he fully came up to the principles of Masonry , and he was proud to recognise

Bro . Newcombe as a Brother Mason . A few days ago a play was put upon the stage entitled " Secrets Worth Knowing , " and he had no doubt that some of the audience came here in the full expectation of having their minds enlightened in reference to the secrets of Freemasonry . They were disappointed on that occasion , and no doubt thought that some little light would he thrown upon the subject on this . " Ladies , " added Bro . Soltau , " you were never more mistaken in your lives . " But this he would tell them , that whatever the Freemasons '

secrets were , they were all founded on those three important , great , and noble virtues , " brotherly love , relief , and truth . " "Sir , " said Bro . Soltau , turning to Bro . Newcombe , "the distinguished , way in which you have shown yourself to be a true Mason lias induced the Brethren you see around you—Brethren from every part of the country- —to co-operate with us in presenting you with these testimonials . Allow mo , Bro . Newcombe , to place in your hands one hundred sovereigns . " [ Loud , applause , Bro . Soltau handing the purse to Bro . Newcombe , | Bro . Soltau proceeded to remark that he . felt much pleasure in placing that sum in Bro . , Nowcombe ' s hands , because he know the real value of money , and how to distribute it usefully , lie then presented the silver inkstand , which he nUted w ; i :-