Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

board the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . , . „ T- i „ i The acquisition of such musicians as Bros . Tyler and Nichols added immensely to the harmonious character of the evening , to which several of the brethren also contributed in good style . The toasts were of the usual character , and as the

Master has from the commencement of his reign been noted for his wit ( i . e ., brevity ) , the example has been followed in a most praiseworthy manner ; it did not , however , prevent the brethren from giving the honoured names of Bro Lord Holmesdale and Bro . Eastes , their esteemed Grand Masters lorious

Prnv Grand and Deputy Prov . , a g reception ? while the toasts of "The W . M " and " The Past Masters" were received with marked enthusiasm . Bro . Tyler eloquently thanked the brethren for making him a Mason , and promised to strive to reach the chair , and from what we know of him we feel sure that he will

succeed ' The evening being well spent , the brethren withdrew , after singing ° a verse of the " National Anthem" and " Auld Lang Syne . "

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —This lodge , which has ever since its consecration by the Earl of Zetland , in 1 S 7 C , been holding its meetings in the Queen's Hotel , has just comp leted its purchase of buildings , which will at once be converted into a Masonic hall . The lodge has been fortunate in finding a place eminently suited for the purpose . It will be remembered that in 1 SS 3 the Grand

Master laid the foundation stone of the new Institute of Science , Literature , and Art , in York , and that there was on the occasion a most brilliant assemblage of the Craft . This building has just been completed , and the old building , which for a number of years has accommodated the members of the institute , has been purchased by the Eboracum Lodge for the sum of £ 1250 . That so young

a lodge should have been able to acquire such a building without interference with its work for our Masonic Charities is almost startling , and reflects the utmost credit upon its members , many of whom are amongst the most active and intelligent of our brethren in the north . It is anticipated that a further outlay of about £ 200 will ronder the building fit for Masonic purposes , and it is expected that the May

meeting of the lodge will be held in the new premises . The location of the hall is as nearly as possible the exact centre point of the city , and the street ( St . Saviourgate ) has the advantage of being a very quiet thoroughfare . Entering from the street by folding doors and through the inner glass doors , we find on the left the smoke room , 29 feet by 12 , opening out of which is a small cloak room and

pantry , 14 by 7 . On the same side of the entrance is a committee room , 12 by 12 , which can be added to the smoke room when required by means of doors . On the opposite side of the passage is the banquet room , 42 feet by 13 . Further on is an excellent lavatory and pantries , whilst at the rear of the building is a comfortable 4-roomed Tvler ' s cottage , with all conveniences , and detached from

the main building . Below there is extensive cellarage . A broad flight of stone steps with an iron balustrade leads to the lodge room , which measures 42 feet by 31 , and is very lofty and well ventilated , and has an organ recess measuring JO feet by 10 , with unlimited height . At one corner there is a small room , to be utilised as a library and museum , & c , 16 feet by S . Altogether few more

handsome or convenient Masonic halls will be found in that part of the country . The Eboracum Lodge . ' possesses a large collection of Masonic prints and portraits , so that the walls of its new abode will be amply decorated , whilst its library has also swollen to a collection of some 200 volumes . The ceremony of dedication will probably ^ take place at some late period in the summer .

HAMPTON COURT . — Raymond Thrupp Lodge ( No . 2024 ) . —The first installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Mitre Hotel on the 30 th ult ., and was honoured with the presence of the P . G . M ., Sir Francis Burdett . Bro . C . Graham , P . G . S ., performed the ceremony of installation with great credit . The new W . M ., Bro Matthew Mildredin reply , said he would endeavour to

. , imitate the example set by his predecessor , and felt sure that he should have the support and goodwill of the brethren in his desire to carry out the duties of his office , and hoped that all would unite in promoting the interest and harmony of the lodge . This young lodge has already 20 members , the number being limited to 30 .

After the lodge was closed , the brethren adjourned to the drawing room , where an excellent banquet was given , and among the visitors were Bros . Chapman , P . M . ; W . H . Bale , l . P . M . 87 ; Davis , W . M . S 7 ; and many others . Bro . Chapman gave his amusing recitation of "Old Mother Hubbard" and "The Initjate , " and several songs were sung . Altogether it was a very enjoyable evening , and the brethren returned to town in good time .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —The weekly meet ing was held on Tuesday , the 7 th inst ., when there were present Bros . March , W . M . ; Chretien , S . VV . ; Montague , J . W . ; Farwig , acting Preceptor ; Mount , S . D . ; Swain , , D . ; Stroud , I . G . j Cross , Sec . ; Lovegrove , Woods , Skinner , and Weeks . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

previous meeting were read and confirmed . Tho ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Swain being the candidate . The ceremony of passing was next rehearsed . The First Section of the Lecture was then worked by the brethren , questions by Bro . Farwig . The S . VV . was unanimously elected W . M . at the next meeting , and appointed his officers in rotation . It was then proposed , seconded , and

carried unanimously that the future meetings of the lodge be held at the Victoria Chambers Restaurant , Victoria-street , and that the first meeting be held there on the 21 st inst . It was also agreed to unanimously that Bro . Cottebrune occupy the chair of W . M . on that occasion . Bro . Farwig was unanimously elected an honorary member . All Masonic business being ended , lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No . 753 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 31 st ult ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , Maidahill . There were present Bros . Wickens , W . M ,

Instruction.

Scattergood , S . W . ; Guterboch , J . W . ; Baker , P . M ., Treas ., and Preceptor ; J . J . Thomas , Secretary ; Mellier , S . D . ; Stratton , J . D . ; Page , I . G . ; Williams , P . M . ; Kempton , P . M . ; Harvey , Davie , Wright , and Hutchings . The lodge was opened In due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . Kempton

having answered the questions leading to the Third Degree , was duly instructed . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Kempton as candidate . Lodge called off and on . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the ceremony of installation rehearsed by the W . M . The lodge was resumed to the Third Degree , and Bro . Davie was installed

into the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . Bro . Scattergood , S . VV ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . A vote of thanks was passed , and ordered to be entered in the minutes , to Bro . Wickens for the able and efficient manner in which he worked the ceremony of installation for the first time in this lodge of instruction . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , 4 th inst ., at the Hampshire Hog , King-street , Hammersmith . Present : Bros . H . Price , W . M . ; Cragges , S . W . ; A . Williams , J . W . ; Geo . Gardner , Treas . ; W . Alting , Sec . ; Topper , S . D . ; D . Stronk , J . D . ; R . Hill , I . G . ; Weeks , Tyler ; Johnstone , P . M . ; H . Furze , arid S . Brown . Visitor : Bro . H . Hill . The lodge opened was in due form , and the minutes read and

confirmed . Lodge opened in First and Second Degrees , and Bro . Weeks , answered the usual questions . The W . M ., assisted by his officers , worked the First Section of Third Degree , and afterwards the ceremony of raising was rehearsed . A vote of thanks was

unanimously passed to Bro . Price for the efficient manner in which he had performed the duties of W . M ., and the great treat afforded the members . Votes of thanks were passed to Bros . Williams and Furze for gifts of aprons . This was one of the grand nights of this lodge . The Fifteen Sections will be worked on the first Saturday in May , at 7 o'clock .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

GUERNSEY . —Loyalty Chapter ( No . 243 ) . — An emergency meeting of this prosperous chapter was held in the Masonic Temple , on Monday , the 30 th ult ., for the purpose of exalting Bro . Bichard , son of the M . E . Z ., and Bro . Mugford . Amongst those present were Comps . Bichard , Z . ; H . Strickland , P . Z ., acting H . ; J . Le Huray , J . ; Enira Holmes , P . Z . ; J . Pengelly , J . Quick , P . Soj . ; Courtenay , Parsons , and others .

The impressive ceremony was gone through admirably , the Principals each delivering the lecture , mystical , symbolical , and historical , appropriate to his chair and office , and the newly-exalted companions were evidently very much impressed with the beauty and dignity of this exalted Degree . The usual banquet followed , and the M . E . Z . announced that there were five other candidates for election and exaltation at the next regular chapter meeting . In proposing " The Past Principals , " the M . E . Z ., alluding to

Comp . Emra Holmes lecture on Freemasonry , recently delivered in Guernsey , said he hoped it would soon be delivered again before the chapter and the united lodges . In reply Comp . Emra Holmes said he had delivered his lecture " Random Notes on Freernasonry , " at the invitation of the Mariners' Lodge , and he should be very happy to deliver it again when invited to do so by any other of the chapters or lodges in the Island . A very harmonious evening was spent . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given from the chair , and duly responded to .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

LANCASTER . —Moore Lodge ( No . 146 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 30 th ult . Present : Bros . Gregson , I . P . M ., asW . M . ; Wm . Hall , P . P . G . S . W ., as S . W . ; A . Stanley , J . W . ; F . C . Turner , M . O . ; R . Stanton , P . M ., Sec ; Hy . Longman , P . P . G . J . O . ; Capt . Garnett . Visitor : Bro . Armitage . A Board of Installed Masters having been opened , Bro . Rev . Stanton , P . M ., was duly installed into the chair of

H ., in due form by Bro . Gregson , I . P . M ., after which he invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . A . Stanley , S . W . ; C . H . Garnett , J . W . ; W . W . Wilde , M . O . ; J . H . Irvin , S . O . ; F . C . Turner , J . O . ; J . Aldous , Org . ; W . Hall , Treas . ; B . Gregson , Sec . ; H . Longman , D . C ; J . Stanley , I . G . ; A . K . Allinson , Tyler . Bro . S . P . Bayley , l . P . M . 2 S 1 , who had been previously balloted for , was then admitted and duly advanced to the degrees of M . M . and M . M . M ., by the W . M . There being no further business the lodge was closed .

Royal Order Of Scotland.

ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND .

The installation and investiture of the Earl of Rosslyn as Most Worshipful Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Royal Order of Scotland took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Edinburgh , on Monday last , with unprecedented grandeur and imposing ceremony . The Knights

Companions in attendance , who wore their quaint and appropriate costume , were all arranged in their stations by the Grand Marischal , the Earl of Kintore . The Deputy Governor announced the object of the meeting , and the Earl of Rosslyn was duly installed in the throne of Grand Lodge . We shall give a full account of the proceedings in our next .

A statement having been circulated to the effect that the American rights of the Drury Lane drama , " Freedom , " have been purchased for two dollars , we have authority for saying that such is not the case . Messrs . Brooks and Dickson had entered into an agreement to produce the play at the cost of several thousand pounds , and to pay the authors , Messrs . Augustus Harris and G . F . Rowe , ten per cent , on the gross receipts . This agreement , which has another * year to run , was all that was sold , and the purchaser will have to carry out all its conditions .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

" Jo " is nearly over at the Strand , where a new play is to take its place at an early date . * * * At the Avenue , in ' conjunction with "Tact , " a new one-act operetta is to be brought out , but the date is not fixed definitely . The music is by Mr . J . M . Glover , and words by Mr . Harry Paulton and Mr . J . Moore .

* Miss Kate Santley re-opened her old theatre , the Royalty on Saturday last , with comic opera , amongst her company being Mr . L . Kelleher , Bro . Henry Ashley , and Miss Mullholland . The title of the opera is " Francois the Radical . "

# # * Bro . J . L . Toole took possession of his own theatre on Saturday last , and for the present produces "The Upper Crust" and "Mr . Guffin ' s Elopement . " During the evening Bro . Toole made an announcement as to the future pieces . Bro . Byron's unacted play will follow soon . * » #

The Adel p hi drama , by Bro . G . R . Sims , is called " The Last Chance , " as the title " Against the Tide" has already been used . It was brought out on Saturday last , Bro . Chas . Warner being the principal actor . We hope to notice it in a future issue .

* Miss Violet Cameron , after an absence of more than twelve months from any stage , returned to her old quarters—the Comedy—where for a time " The Mascotte " has been revived , with Mr . Arthur Roberts in Bro . Lionel Brough ' s old part . Mr . Walsham is the tenor , Miss Cameron received an enthusiastic welcome .

* * » It would be impossible to praise too highly Mr . Pinero's successful play , " The Magistrate , " produced at the Court last week . It certainly is a big jump from serious comedy to farce—for such the new play is—but we do not think Messrs . Clayton and Cecil need offer any apology for the violent change in the conduct of their pretty little house .

Every criticism and individual speak in unism of the fortune which is likely to reign upon the management for some time to come . Mr . Pinero has dealt with his materials with a master hand . The play is sufficiently probable in its wild absurdity not to take it wholly out of the region of everyday life , and it succeeds in keeping the audience in roars of laughter throughout its three acts . There is

nothing disagreeable in " The Magistrate , " or which need shock Mr . W . S . Gilbert ' s " young lady of fifteen , " and we hope managers will now encourage English authors , as it is proved that we need not adapt French pieces—which always lose some ol their brilliancy in the adaptation—when we have at our own doors authors who can write just as funny , and evidently far cleaner , plays than their neighbours . Mr .

Pinero says his p lay is original , and we take his word . Mr . Pocket is a magistrate at Mulberry-street Police Court , has married a widow who has given her age as 31 , and that of her son as 14 , whereas she should be 3 6 , and the lad 19 . Here at once is the ground for a lot of amusement out of the complications which arise . Master Cis is kept in an Eton suit , and among other

things is provided with a pretty girl of 16 ; as his music mistress . Naturally , they fall in love with one another ; but Master Cis has other weaknesses . He is a " man " " about town . " He actually rents a room in the Hotel de Prince , Mecklenburg , where he gives supper parties and gets into heavy debt . He has also learned the profession of gambling , and shows his stepfather and his brother

magistrate Mr . Bullamy , a new game by which he of course contrives to make the others lose . He induces Mr . Pocket to go with him to Mecklenburg to enjoy himself , his object being to get the gov ' nor to pay off his debts . The magistrate informs his wife that an old friend of his , Col . Ladyn , is coming to dine the next night . Mrs . Pocket is troubled beyond measure at the announcement , for it soihappens that

Col . Lakyn was a friend of her first husband as well , and is godfather to Cis . She is afraid he may innocently disclose the boy ' s age , and so her own too . She and her sister set off to find the Colonel to beg him to make no allusion to dates , but he has left his chambers and is at Mecklenburg entertaining a brother officer at supper-Thither they proceed , where in the next room are

MrPocket and Cis . The whole party stay until after closing time . The police enter and demand names and addresses , both parties having taken refuge in the same room , but being in darkness do not recognise one another . The military men are enraged at the civil officers of the law and assault them . The magistrate and stepson escape by the window , but not without bruises . The police do not trust

the addresses given for the ladies—which are false—and take them into custody . Next morning Mr . Pocket arrives only just in time at Mulberry-street Police Court , having been chased into the suburbs as far as Kilburn , and , still in his evening dress , is in a fearful condition . His wife and sister-in-law are brought before him ; but he is so ag itated that he summarily sentences them to seven days , withe 11 '

the option of a fine . How his colleague , Mr . Bulla iny < ultimately rescues them in a legitimate manner we need not relate . Our readers will see that there is material here to drive all London and our country cousins to see it . i » ; Arthur Cecil has the best part , so he is afforded plenty ot opportunities for the display of his comic vein . Mr . QW ton is almost unrecognisable as the Indian colonel ;

astonishes everybody . Mr . Eversfield , the precocious bo >' i acts it naturally . Mr , Kerr deserves praise for his acting as the modern swell . Little Miss Harvey , the governess , plays her part well , and Miss Marion Terry , who plays « ' <" less consciousness than anv . is verv nuaint . Sirs . J °

Wood is responsible for many of the fits of laug hter tl « audience cannot help having , and we think is quite eq " to any of her former representations . Messrs . Clayt ° " and Cecil are to be congratulated on the undoubted succ <* they have made in changing from serious comedy to extravagant farce ,