Theatrical And Musical Notes.

most powerful cast of characters . The burlesque opening has been written by Jlr . Robert Soutar . The dresses , appointments , and scenery are of a most gorgeous description , outvieing all previous productions . Special attention has been devoted to a grand dioramic change from Jack ' s Farm by moonlight to the Giant ' s Castle . The opening scene is called Sky Parlour , where tbe Clerk of the Weather is ruminating on the past and coining storms . The pantomime has been produced under the sole

direction of Mr . Isaac Cohen . Clown , the Great Giovamiclli . Several novelties have been introduced into the harlequinade . PAAT . LION . Jlessrs . D'Auban and AA arde ' s subject for the denizens of the East of London is the old familiar story of "A alontine and Orson ; or , Harlequin Progress . " The first scene represents a gloomy cavern , where Indolence , surrounded by his associates ,

are bemoaning their fate , which seems likely to be a very hard one , in consequence of the improvement that is being made in their circle of acquaintances . The favourite of Indolence is the wild man , Orson , and the savage is taken under the especial care of the fiend , in the hope that be will upset the doings of Improvement , and overthrow the Knight A alontine . Jlr . D'Auban and Miss AA arde are Harlequins , Miss D'Auban Columbine ; Mr . Jones Pantaloon , Alex . Deulin Policeman , and Messrs . AVarde and Stonette Clowns . The pantomime has been produced with great regard to scenic display .

Presentation To Bro . W. H. Crooke, Prov. G. S. Durham, Sunderland.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . H . CROOKE , PROV . G . S . DURHAM , SUNDERLAND .

An interesting gathering of Freemasons took place at Bro . Ramshaws ' s , Palatine hotel , Sunderland , on Friday evening , the 17 th inst ., for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Bro . Orookes , recognizing in some degree the able and efficient manner in which ho has performed for upwards of thirteen years the duties of Prov . G . S . Prior to the presentation Bro . Crooke was entertained to dinner , There was a large gathering of Masters

, Past Masters , and members of the four lodges in Sunderland ; Gateshead and Bishop Auckland were also represented . The chair was very ably filled by Bro . Matthew Allison , AOL , 97 ( Palatine ) , and the vice-chair by Bro . John Bell , I . G . 80 ( Sc , John ' s . ) The chairman of the Testimonial Committee , Bro . John Trewholt , P . M . 910 ( AVilliamson ) was prevented from taking part

in these pleasant proceedings by severe domestic atilictions . The cloth having been drawn , the chairman gave in succession the . following three toasts , ivhieh were duly honored , viz : •—¦ "Her most gracious Majesty the Queen . " "Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of AVales and the Royal Family . " "The Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , thd M . AV ., the

G . M . of England and all tho Masonic powers . " The vice-chairman gave the toast of " the Army , Navy , Militia and Volunteer forces . " After referring in glowing terms to the many glorious deeds of both the army and navy he said , it gave him extreme pleasure to witness the good feeling that now existed between the soldiers and the civil guardians of the peace . He could

well remember the time when quite a different feeling existed , the soldiers frequently coming into collision with tbe police . Tho present friendly feeling was strikingly shown a week ago , when the efficient band of the borough police force played out a detachment of the -1-Otli regiment that had been for some months stationed here , and had received orders to proceed to Ireland , ancl

played in a detachment of the 12 th that have come here to relieve the 10 th . Bro . Bell at some length referred to the usefulness of the militia and volunteer forces , and coupled with the toast the name of Bro . A . Clay , who duly responded . The chairman in proposing " Tho Mayor and Corporation of Sunderland " referred to tho very efficient manner in which that body performed its various duties , and trusted that they would bo successful in their present endeavour to prove to the officials iu London , that this

Presentation To Bro . W. H. Crooke, Prov. G. S. Durham, Sunderland.

river was not a creek of Newcastle , that a town of 100 , 000 inhabitants , the largest in the county , was of too much importance to have its Post office , Telegraph and Inland Revenue offices put into a bye street . There was , he continued , no more energetic man in the Corporation than Bro . AVeiner , and he coupled his name with the toast , to which Bro . Councillor Weiner S . W . SO ( St .

John ' s ) responded . The chairman then called upon Bro . S . J . AVade , P . M . SO ( St . John ' s ) to make the presentation , which he did as follows : — Bro . chairman , vice-chairman and brethren , the constant worker who toils with brain aud hand is the true worshipper of the G . A . O . T . TJ ., and in no organisation ,,

society , or confederacy is this more seen than in the craft where all men meet ou the same level . Peer and peasant , rich and poor , learned and unlearned in our lodges meet and commingle . No one has done more for the craft than the friend and brother who is to ni ght our guest , and you will agree with me that "there is a true philosophy of life for those who win their way with

manly stroke . " AVe meet within our . brother every good and manlyfeeling , there is a genuine good ring in all his actions , we may say of him as has been said of the inhabitants of the Emerald isle—there is that kindliness , cheerfulness , courtesy and manly bearing , that we all admire and which are distinguishing characteristics of every good

mason . In every society much depends on the secretary , and when I tell j-ou that since Bro . Orookes was first appointed Prov . G . S . the number of lodges in the province has increased from twelve to nineteen , the opening of all these additional lodges except one ( when lie was abroad ) he attended , as well as at the opening of two R . A . chapters , and that he has been present on every important occasion in the province during thirteen years ,

as well as in other provinces . I need not tell you the time and money it has cost him . Oft called upon by Our Prov . G . M . for his advice , of the value of that advice , ancl of the ability he has brought to bear on the discharge of the important duties of his office , we need no further evidence than his recent appointment for the fourteenth time . This brilliant assemblage also

testifies to the great satisfaction he has given for so long , and how he his respected for his "works' sake . A man is a good mason who knows himself , who can subdue his passions and his will , who stands fast in the liberty that makes him free . Such a man is our brother . 1 have great pleasure , Bro . Orookes , in presenting y 0 u , in the name of tiie subscribers , with this watch and chain

; may the watch be a faithful monitor of the moments as they pass , and ovary time you look upon it may your hearo speaic faithfully to its Maker . I have also pleasure in handing to you the jewel aud clothing of a Prov . G . S ., aud trust that for many years to come you will Jive to wear them spotless , and when the bright color of this ribbon shall become laded , and the gold tarnistied with

age , you will still be spared to give us your advice and assistance . I am sure that no act of yours will dim the brightness of this jewel , and am convinced that in whatever-work your hand may be engaged , oi whatever your brain may dictate , your actions will be nothing but honorable ; you will do nothing to sully the clothing' we have pleasure iu seeing you wear . I further beg your

acceptance of this lit . le trinket ( a ring ) as a present for your only child , whom I hope will bo a green spot in your life's old age , and a help and assistance in your decliningyears . May you live long and enjoy every happiness-, and when summoned to the Grand Lodge above may we all meet you there and again enjoy your society . Bro . V . ado concluded by proposing the health of Bro . Orookes in the following words : —

Pill high ! for whatsoever tho liquor may ho , The glass at tho brim should run o ' er : Let every true brother take it from me , If ho never drank bumper before .