Obituary.

and at his funeral , which took place on Saturday last in the Mill Hill Cemetery , Cambridge , in the presence of a numerous body of mourners , several brethren attended , among them being Bros . Rev . D . Hall , P . G . Sec , and Dr . Garrett , P . G . Org . Bro . Ward , in his capacity of President of the Cambridge University Cricket Club , was extremely popular with the members of the University .

On Saturday last there vvas a large gathering of brethren and ladies in the Watford Cemetery , in order to witness the unveiling of a memorial to the late Bro . Dr . Wilson lies , Dep . Prov . G . M . Hertfordshire , whose death , caused by an apparently trifling accident during the discharge of his

professional duties , occurred in the earlier part of the current year . The memorial is in the form of a handsome marble cross , supported by three marble slabs , resting on a granite base , the space set apart for the grave being enclosed b y a marble kerbing , and the cross itself bearing a suitable inscription .

BRO . CAPTAIN J . BIRKIN , P . M . . We regret to be under the necessity of announcing the death of Bro . Captain John Birkin , who vvas initiated in Lodge 262 in 1841 , and had been elected to the office of Worshipful Master thereof . He died suddenly on Sunday last whilst attending the evening service at St . John ' s

Church , Redhill . Bro . Birkin formerly served in the 85 th Foot ( the King's Light Infantry ) , and latterly in the 4 th Battalion the Royal Fusiliers , of which regiment he was Quartermaster for 21 years , retiring in 187 S with the rank of Captain . He was a good brother and a Mason at heart , and his loss will be deeply regretted by a numerous circle of friends .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

«* , 1 ¦___—¦—_¦_¦— -. 1 On Saturday next , the nth inst ., Mr . Harrington Baily , who has taken the Opera Comique for six weeks , opens it with " Nita ' s First " and " Vice Versa . "

* * The St . James ' s re-opened on Thursday with "The Ironmaster , " which the company has been playing in the large provincial towns during the last few weeks . Its popularity has not only not decreased , but is increasing , and we may expect this play , to keep its place in the programme for some time to come .

* Mr . Herman Merivale ' s burlesque , " Called There and Back , " on " Called Back , " is in active preparation for the Gaiety , where it will be produced in about three weeks . In the meanwhile Mr . Walter Browne's farcical comedy , " A Wet Day , " which met with some success at a matinee , has been brought out . tn the new burlesque Miss Farren will caricature Gilbert . Vaughan , and Miss Gilchrist will be Pauline .

* * We do not know that the revival of " New Men and Old Acres " at the Court calls for much comment . It is a play which most persons have seen at some time or other , and there are many who have seen it when played by even more distinguished companies than the present , when Miss Ellen Terry and Mrs . Kendal were the Lilian

Vavasour , now represented by Miss Marion Terry . The writer has not had that fortune , therefore is unable to compare criticisms . The story of " New Men and Old Acres " is one which has formed the theme of many dramatic works in past and present times . We have lately had " The Parvenu , " " Lords and Commons , " and " The Millionaire , " all having the same basis , which is an old family , proud of

its blood , falling into bad circumstances , and thesprung-up merchant with no history at al ) , but with the wealth which the aristocrat so sorely needs . In this comedy of the late Tom Taylor the sentiment is true , the humour thoroughly English , and the moral sound . Nothing could possibly be better than Mr . Arthur Cecil ' s impersonation of the impecunious and proud Mr . Marmaduke Vavasour . He has a

small part , but shows himself therein the great actor he is ; his portrait of the squire is perfect . Mr . John Clayton , his partner in the management of the theatre , acquits himself on the whole well ; but we think is more sombre than is necessary , even for a Liverpool merchant . It is a conception of his own , and therefore might be more admired than if it were not original . Miss Le Thiere , as the haughty

Lady Vavasour , is dignified , but too fussy . Miss Marion Terry , as Miss Vavasour , though charming , does not seem quite at home with her slang phrases , which she has got from her schoolbody cousin . Mr . H . R . Smith has made a distinct advance since we last saw him ; he pourtrays excellentl y the freshness and stupidity of a school boy . Mr . Gilbert Trent , as the lawyer , gives a studied representation , and

Mr . Lyons , as Blasenbalg , never misses his mark , and contrives to make his part one of the most effective . But it is to Mrs . John Wood and Bro . J . W . Anson that much of the success of the run of the piece must be looked to . As the Bunters , if they a little over exaggerate the vulgar wealthy couple , they afford a deal of amusement . Both seem to us to play a little too much to their audience , and

to be too conscious . In real life such people when brought in contact with those in refined society would be too much aware of their defects of speech and manner to display them as vividly as they do in this comedy . Mrs . John Wood is , we think , the only lady on the stage at present who can play low comedy . As Mrs . Bunter her dresses are alone a work of art . They have not kept to the

author ' s text , but have introduced a good deal ot " gag . " From an artistic point of view this is out of place in high comedy , as it verges on burlesque and farce , but no one can deny that it is not very amusing , and some of the funniest lines are those in which Mrs . Bunter presents her husband with his genealogical tree obtained from Herald's College . The mounting of the comedy is done with

uncommon care . Bunter ' s drawing-room is very fine , showing the money laid out without the slightest regard to taste or beauty . We notice with much p leasure that at the Court the custom is kept up of appearing in evening dress by both ladies and gentlemen in the best parts of the house . Mr . Coleman , the Secretary , looks with displeasure at any one who departs from this custom . We wish it were more closely observed in the best theatres .

Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

We shall shortly publish a series of papers by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , on " Some Ancient York Masons , and their Early Haunts . " Bro . J . J . Goode will be installed W . M . of the Clerkenwell Lodge , No . 196 4 , at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel , to-morrow ( Saturday ) . Bro . R . C . Else . D . P . G . M . Somersetshire bas

been re-appointed , for a further term of three years , Prov . G . M . M . M . in respect of the same province . At the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset , on the proposition of Bro . C . W . Radway , P . P . G . S . VV ., the sum of five guineas vvas voted to the " Hughan Testimonial Fund . " Bro . C . E . Soppet , of 48 , Newgate-street , has been appointed auditor of the Grand Lodge of Mark

Master Alasons of England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown . For the benefit of members of the Architectural Association , and * students preparing for the examination of the Royal institute of British Architects , a course of lectures will be delivered on Friday evenings during the session at 9 , Conduit-street , on " Building Construction , " by Bro . H . Lovegrove , A . R . I . B . A .

Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , M . P ., the master ( Mr . R . S . Wilkinson , J . P . ) , the wardens ( Mr . C . N . Newdegate , M . P ., and Mr . J . E . Bennett ) , and the court of assistants of the Spectaclemakers' Company have issued invitations for a dinner at thc Mansion House on Tuesday , the 14 th inst . The Jewish Chronicle says tbat on the 27 th

inst . a banquet will be given at the Criterion , Piccadilly , by the Tranquillity , Joppa , Israel , and Samson Lodges , in honour of the attainment of his hundredth year by Bro . Sir Moses Montefiore . The Montefiore Lodge , No . 1017 , is also included in the programme , this lodge taking the direction of the affair . Bro . Henry Wright , hon . secretary of the City

Church and Churchyard Protection Society , replying , in the Times , to the suggestion that that body should interfere to prevent the proposed restoration of the church of St . Stephen , Walbrook , explains that such interference would be out of the province of the society , whose sole object is to prevent the destruction of City churches and churchyards .

We are asked to call the attention of the members of metropolitan lodges of instruction , and of provincial lodges , to Bro . James Stevens ' s advertisement in another page . He is desirous to have opportunities during thc forthcoming Masonic season for the delivery of his lecture , " Knobs and Excrescences , " which explains the entire ceremonies of the E . A . Degree , and would be pleased to place

himself at the disposal of any body of Freemasons desiring his attendance for that purpose . Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., has received from the Union Lodge of Instruction , at Leicester , through its Secretary , Bro . E . P . Steeds , a pleasing souvenir of his late visit to that place , and a record of the satisfaction

afforded to the brethren there by the delivery of his lecture on the ceremonial of the First Degree , in the form of an engrossed copy of the resolutions passed on that occasion , thanking him for his services and constituting him an honorary member of the lodge . We understand a similar compliment awaits him from Kidderminster , where he lately delivered his instructive lecture .

Yesterday the City of London Chess Club entered upon its new premises , at the Salutation in Newgate-street . This new temple of chess , which is intended to be the scene of many future chess contests , is a spacious room of about Soft , in length by 26 ft . in breadth . It was yesterday brilliantly lighted up for the occasion , and had a very imposing appearance . This effect was further increased

when a company of nearly 100 gentlemen sat down together to enjoy themselves at a well-spread table . Large as the room is , it was taxed to the utmost to find seats for all the guests . Mr . Richard Pilkington , president of the club , occupied the chair , and Mr . F . H . Gastineau , vice-president , occupied the vice-chair . Among the company present were all the well-known officials of the club , and also Dr .

Zukertort , Mr . Blackburne , Mr . P . Hirschfeld , Mr . Hoffer , of the Field , Mr . Duffy , of the Illustrated London News , Mr . M'Donnell , ofthe Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News , Mr . Cubison , M . Gunsberg , Captain Alexander S . Beaumont , Captain L . B . Beaumont , Dr . Sutro , Mr . Studd , ProfessorS . Lehmayer , Mr . J . E . Rabbetts , Dr . S . Rabbetts , Mr . H . K . Argall , and others . After the cloth had been

removed , the president proposed " The Health of Mr . Blackburne , " who is about to proceed abroad for the benefit of his health . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm , and Mr . Blackburne , in responding , expressed a hope that he might yet live to enjoy many more pleasant meetings like the present . The president then proposed " The Health

of Dr . Zukertort , " and took occasion to welcome him heartily back to England after his long sojourn in America . This toast , like the preceding one , was drunk with great enthusiasm . Dr . Zukertort , in responding , said he was very much flattered by the cordial reception he had met with that evening , and thanked them all heartily for their kindness . —The Times , September 30 th .

£ SO to £ BOO . —Tobacconists . —A pamphlet ( 80 pages ) How to commence from . £ -20 ; three stamps . H . Myers & Co ., 10 9 , Euston-rd ., London . Sample cigars 6 , j , 4 ,-1 / ., 14 stamps . [ Auv-1 . 3 In all outward complaints a desperate effort should be made to at once remove these annoying infirmities , and of establishing a cure . The remarkable remedies discovered by Professor Holloway wilt satisfactorily accomplish this desirable result , without any of

those dangers or drawbacks which attend the old method or treating ulcerative inflammations , scrofulous affections , or scorbutic annoyances . The most timid invalids may use both thc Ointment and [ 'ills with tlie utmost safety with certain success , provided a moderate attention be bestowed on their accompanying " Directions . " Both the preparations soothe , heal , and pwify . The one assists the other most materially in effecting cure * and renewing strength by helping exhausted nature just when she needs such succour , — [ ADVT . i

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . Gilbey will be installed W . M . of the Villiers Lodge , No . 1194 , at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court to-morrow ( Saturday ) . The United Telephone Company have arranged to lay a tenth line between London and Brighton , and it is expected shortly to be ready for service . The Earl of Kintore , M . W . G . M . M . M ., has fixed the Sth December for tbe installation of Bro . A . F . Godson as Prov . G . M . M . M . Worcestershire .

The consecration of the Kendrick Lodge , No . 2043 , t ° ok place on Thursday , at the Masonic Hall , Greyfriars-road , Reading . The ceremonies were performed by the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , Deputy Provincial ' Grand Master . Bro . W . G . Flanagan vvas installed as W . M .

Bro . the Lord Mayor , M . P ., has promised to open a Shakespearean Market in the Lecture Hall of the City Temple , on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., in aid of the restoration fund of Fetter-lane Chapel , among the records of which appears the signature of Richard Cromwell , son of the Protector .

Freemasons' Hotel, Great Queen-Street, W.C.

FREEMASONS' HOTEL , GREAT QUEEN-STREET , W . C .

An important change has recently been made in the name of an old-established and familiar resort of our country visitors in Great Queen-street . Bacon's Hotelas regards its designation—has passed away entirely , and its place is now occupied by the Freemasons' Hotel , with Messrs . Spiers and Pond as its proprietors . The hotel

that bore the late proprietor ' s name was one of the best establishments of its kind in all London , and had a reputation for quiet and cosiness which we are satisfied his successors will spare no pains to retain , and hand on intact to those who may come after them . In welcoming his successors in the proprietorship of what has been rechristcned the " Freemasons'Hotel , " we are even more desirous than otherwise we might have been of

evincing towards them a cordial spirit , because Messrs . Spiers and Pond are no strangers to the neighbourhood . For some time past they have been established in the contiguous Freemasons' Tavern , and it is no secret that thus far during the term of their occupation they have won golden opinions from their numerous array of customers . This is no more than was to have been expected from such firm , and now that they have extended the sphere

of their operations by taking the hotel , as well as the tavern , under their control , we may look without the slightest misgiving to see them making the most of their opportunities , and catering as successfully for their new class of customers as heretofore they have done for their old . They have unquestionally made a good beginning . The hotel has been re-fitted , re-decorated , and re-furnished throughout in a style which makes everything look bright and

cheerful , and , at the same time , is in complete keeping with its known traditionary character for domestic comfort and cosiness . In fact , the changes that have been made in the interior arrangements and appearance of the hotel are both the greatest and the least that could be made—the greatest because the whole of the furniture and appointments have been renewed , and the least because , in spite of this renewal , the character and appearance of everything

remain unchanged . lt is said a rose by any other name will smell as sweet , and " Freemasons' Hotel" is nothing else than " Bacon's Hotel" continued . We do not go so far as to say that Messrs . Spiers and Pond , in the plentitude of the resources at their command , have done nothing calculated to enhance their own fame—if that be possible—and that of the establishment they have so recently taken under their wing . The new hotel will undoubtedly enjoy several

advantages which were out of the question in Bro . Bacon ' s time . For instance , a communication has been opened between the hotel and the tavern for the convenience of frequenters of the former ; but without in the slightest degree impairing their comfort—the distinction between the two establishments will remain as marked as ever . Then , as the culinary requirements of the tavern are necessarily greater than those of the hotel , it cannot fail to be of advantage

to the occupants of the latter that the services of the tavern chef— and a new chef of great experience has just been appointed—will be at their disposal , so far as may be necessary . But , even in this case , so much attention has been paid with a view to making the hotel kitchens as complete in their arrangements as possible , that , to all intents and purposes , they will be independent of the tavern kitchen . As to the residential arrangements , they remain

as before . There are some 50 bedrooms available , with the usual complement of private and general sitting rooms , among the latter being , of course , the dining and coffee rooms , Sic These latter , b y the way , as well as the staircases , have been made additionally attractive by the numerous paintings—some of them of considerable merit—with which they are hung . It only remains lor us to add that the superintendence of the hotel will be in the hands of

Bro . Dawkins , and , as we have no desire to be charged with flattery , we shall content ourselves with remarking that the mention of his name is a sufficient guarantee that the comfort of the guests will be well cared for . It will not be out of place , perhaps , to say a few words as to the Tavern , in which sundry changes have just been made which we are inclined to believe will be found improvements . Prominent among ;_ hem is the restoration of

the old grill room , but with a distinct and separate serv . ee as regards attendance , lifts , & c , & c . We have alwa ' ys been under the impression that doing away with the grill room was a mistake . It drew a certain class of customerspeople who care little to frequent establishments where only set dinners are to be had , and where , therefore , it is impossible to enjoy a steak or chop in the midst of comfortable surroundings . In all Messrs . Spiers and Pond ' s

establishments the grill room stands out as a conspicuous and—be it added—popular feature , and we are not so much surprised at there being once again a grill room in Freemasons' Tavern as at the delay that has occurred in reestablishing it . Other changes have becn made of a similar character , especially in the kitchen department , but our readers will understand that these periodical changes in the

direction of further improvement are an indispensable part of tavern ceremony , and it is only necessary we should record the fact of their having been made , and that it will devolve on Bro . Dawkins to see that full effect is given to the kindly intentions of the proprietor ^ . of the- improved establishment . The re-decoration of the tavern has been carried out by Mr . W . Read , of 437 , Brixton-road , under the superintendence of Mr . Henry Read .