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Article BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE SPHINX CLUB. Page 1 of 1 Article THE SPHINX CLUB. Page 1 of 1 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 2 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 2 →
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Board Of Benevolence.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence—the last meeting for the year—vvas held on Wednesday evening , the 22 nd ult ., at Freemasons' Hall j Bro . R . Grev , P . G . D ., President , in the chair . Bro . James Brett , P . G . P " ., Senior Vice-President , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., junior Vice-President , vvere in their respective chairs Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S ., A . A . Pendlebury ,
W . Lee , W . Dodd , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler , likewise attended . There vvere also present a large number of brethren . On taking his seat for the first time since his appointment as President of the Board of Benevolence by the Grand Master , Bro . GREY was loudly cheered . He thereupon rose and said thot he felt highly honoured by having
the appointment conferred upon him by the Prince of Wales . It vvas , indeed , a very exalted position to be placed in , and he should endeavour to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of his Royal Highness and the brethren . He hoped that the Board would work with the same harmony and unanimity as heretofore . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., said he had to
announce that at the meeting of the Board of General Purposes the day before , the Finance Committee reported that the Board of Benevolence had overdrawn their account by £ 2500 . The Board of General Purposes , therefore , vvere compelled to order that a sum of £ 3000 consols should be sold out of the accumulated funds , of the Board of Benevolence to meet that excess of expenditure . He had
also to inform the President of the Board in respect to their financial position that the £ 3000 was sold nut yesterday , completing a sum of £ . 9000 vvhich had been sold out of the accumulated funds of the Board since the 7 th March , 1882 , vvhich represented a loss of regular income to the Board of £ 270 a year . With the sum of £ 3000 which had novv been sold out the Board would commence their business that
evening vvith a sum of £ 500 in hand to meet a probable expenditure of the evening of £ 1100 , so that he believed before the Board met again in that room they would be indebted to the Board of General Purposes £ 700 . More consols would have to be sold out . The invested sum now left to the credit of the Fund of Benevolence would be £ 41 , 000 .
Bro . W . H . FERRYMAN , A . G . P ., enquired when the money came in for the use of the Board , and when the accounts were made up . Col . SHADWELL CLERKE said that the quarterages which vvere the support of the fund vvere constantly being paid in from day to day . They vvere always being paid in . The accounts were made up at the end of the quarter .
Bro . FERRYMAN : Then vve only know the result at the end of the quarter . Bro . CHARLES DAIRY : DO you know vvhat is the amount given in the course of each year ? Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE : It is stated by the Finance Committee whose accounts are ]| audited by the auditor , to be about £ 0000 .
Bro . W . H . FERRYMAN : The expenditure is about £ 1000 a month . Col . SHADWELL CLERKE : We give £ 800 a year to the Bnenevolent Institution as well . Bro . G . P . BRITTEN : The quarterages are constantly increasing as well . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE : NO ; unfortunately that is not so , not from the lodges in England . The lodges
abroad do not contribute quarterages . The subject then dropped and the brethren proceeded to the list , first confirming recommendations made at the last meeting to the extent of £ 440 . There vvere 57 cases on the new list , coming from London , Keswick , Worcester , Stoke-on-Trent , Trinidad , Trowbridge , Liverpool , Mossley , Falmouth , Gravesend , Walsall , Dukinfield , Thornton
Heath , Accrington , Meerut , St . John's , New Brunswick , Loughton , Wandsworth , Darwen , Halifax , Lyme Regis , New York , Birmingham , Northampton , Whitstable , Barbadoes , Brighton , Gibraltar , Burslem and Farnham . The Board sat five hours , in the course of which time they dismissed three petitions , and granted relief to the
other 54 to the extent of £ 1447 . There were two recommendations to Grand Lodge of £ 75 each , and eight of £ 50 each . Eight recommendations to the Grand Master of £ 40 each , and seven of £ 30 each . Ten immediate grants were made of £ 20 each , fifteen of £ 10 each , and three of £ 5 each ; and one grant vvas made of £ 2 .
The Sphinx Club.
THE SPHINX CLUB .
Once a year the members of the Sphinx Club meet together " within two miles of Bow Bells " for a feast of reason and flow of soul , accompanied , as is most fitting at this festive season , by a feast of creature comforts as well , for which purpose a hostelry of gastronomic repute is selected , according to the taste or predilection of the
Chairman of the year , in whose hands this selection is vested . Freemasons' Tavern vvas the place chosen in this instance , and no one vvho knows the resources of this famous house will marvel at the choice . The Club is not a large one , and its members , although many of them are distinguished travellers , do not assemble to compare notes or read papers on geographical discoveries , or the opening
up of fresh fields for the march of civilisation . In short , there is no reason why there should be any mystery about the Sphinx Club , vvhich vvas formed some 10 years ago by gentlemen whose occupations gave them few opportunities of meeting one another and their friends , except in a casual way . Its first and only Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , was mainly instrumental in establishing it , but it is not
in any way a Masonic Club , as the connection vvith it of our worthy brother would suggest , but somehow , either by a process of natural selection or the survival of the fittest amongst its members it happens that nearly all are members of the Masonic Order . This fact , in addition to the friendly relations existing among its members , renders it in a double sense a meeting for social intercourse . Some four years since a distinguished member was added to its
rollno less a personage than his Highness Prince Hilmay Pasha , who has since become its Honorary President , and the presence of the Prince at the meeting on Tuesday , the 28 th ult ., rendered it more than usually interesting . The President of the past year vvas Bro . Edgar Bowyer , and at the business meeting preceding the banquet , Bro . S . Kelly , V . P ., vvas nominated as President for the ensuing year , naming as V . P . Bro . J . L . Mather . The dinner took place in the Drawing Room of Freemasons' Tavern , and the Chairman , Bro . S . Kelly , vvas supported by the Hon .
The Sphinx Club.
President Prince Ibraham Hilmay Pasha , his aide-de-camp , Vassy Effendi , Bros . A . M . Broadley , C . F . Matier ( Sec ); A . H . Gibbs ( Treas . ); Edgar Bowyer , Richard Forrest , J . Terry , John L . Mather , Charles F . Hogard , Thomas M . Benton , Thomas Cubitt , Charles H . Driver , W . Lake , James Pulley , Henry Venn , Richard Eve , A . M . Broadley , F . Trebeck , James Moon , Charles Belton ,
F . Trevor , Richard Kelly , Arthur Kelly , H . Nully , Charles Belton , Peter Poulls , and others . The Loving Cup having been passed round , the CHAIRMAN proposed the loyal toasts , vvhich vvere most loyally received . Bro . BROADLEY said : Mr . President and gentlemen—I have been invited this evening to propose a toast which
will , I am sure , meet with a very cordial reception at your hands ; it is "The Health of H . H . Prince Ibrahim Hilmay , " vvho four years ago became , not only a member but Honorary President of this club , and who novv , for the first time , takes part in your annual gathering . Although the Prince has never been with you before , he has often made enquiries as to the welfare of the club , in vvhich he
takes a considerable interest . Prince Ibrahim Hilmay is , as many of you must be aware , almost an Englishman . It is novv ten years ago since he entered as a student the Royal Academy at Woolwich , and after completing his studies at that institution he has been a frequent visitor to this our country , the language of vvhich he speaks almost as well as that of his own land ; and he
has on many occasions given proof of the sympathy vvhich he feels for the prosperity of the country vvhich he all but looks on as the one of his adoption . Gentlemen , the Prince during his stay in Europe has not wasted his time . He has compiled a very exhaustive bibliography of Egyptian literature , which is a work widely read and in every way worthy of his genius ; a work of vvhich the members of the
Sphinx Club might well be proud . I trust this is not the last occasion at vvhich he will be present at the annual dinner , and I call on you to drink His Highness's health vvith the enthusiasm vvhich it deserves . ( Cheers . ) Prince IBRAHIM HILMAY , in reply , said : Mr . President , Mr . Broadley , and gentlemen—1 am very sensible of the kindly terms in which my health has been proposed
and honoured at your hands . It is a very great pleasure to me to be here to-night and to testify by my presence the interest which 1 feel in the welfare of the Sphinx Club . The Sphinx Club is no longer an enigma for me . I appreciate entirely the good fellowship of its members , and I hope its career vvill be a long and a prosperous one . I am deeply interested vvith
everything associated directly or indirectly with my beloved country , and the Sphinx Club will ever have a cherished place in my memory . ( Cheers . ) I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the very kindly reception vvhich has been extended to me to-night , and I ask you to join me in drinking long life and continued prosperity to the club , the existence and success of vvhich vve are met to celebrate .
( Loud cheers . ) Bro . BOWYER next proposed " The Health of the Chairman " in a few well-chosen words , and Bro . KELLY responded . He congratulated the Club on the progress it had made , the number of members having more than doubled since its formation . The other toasts were— " The Vice-President , " responded
to by Bro . J . L . MATHER ; "The Visitors , " proposed by Bro . J AMES TERRY , and responded to in French by VASSY EFFENDI , and , perhapsjit is unnecessary to say , in English , by Bro . TREVOR , from New Zealand . " The Treasurer , Bro . A . H . Gibbs , and the Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , " vvere the next honoured . The former paid a deserved compliment to the Chairman , remarking that they seemed
to be getting a better one every year ; and the latter gave a short account of the origin of the club , and what it did for the pleasure of the members and in contributions to various charitable objects . " The Press , " proposed in very eloquent terms by Bro . R . EVE , and responded to by Bro . W . LAKE , brought a vere pleasant evening to a close .
We should mention that a collection vvas made at the dinner table , and the amount , including a munificent contribution from the Prince , vvas distributed amongst the following Charities : The Gordon Hospital at Port Said , the Commercial Travellers' Schools , the R . M . I , for Girls , the R . M . I , for Boys , the R . M . B . I . for Aged Freemasons ] and Widows of Freemasons .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Bro . Augustus Harris has gauged with accuracy the popular taste for spectacular display , and has produced for the current season a pantomime surpassing in magnificence anything ever yet seen , even on the familiar boards of Old Drury . One splendid scene is succeeded by another still more splendid j gorgeously-apparelled artists quit the stage only to make way for others still more gorgeous ;
the music and acting match well vvith the spectacular effects , and every one , from the manager and author down to the lowest " super , " must have found an ample reward for their exertions and talent in the running fire of enthusiastic applause vvhich on Monday accompanied the performance from the rise to the fall of the curtain , and the cheers vvhich greeted them at the end . The old Arabian
Nights' story of "The Forty Thieves" furnishes _ the material for the pantomime , and it will be easily imagined vvith what skill the veteran Blanchard has adapted it , and how he has made the most of the opportunities itaffords for fun and spectacle . Nor vvill there be any difficulty in picturing to- oneself how admirably the chief actors and actresses—Bros . Herbert Campbell and Harry Nicholls ,
Mr . Pateman , Madame Constance Gilchrist , Miss M . A . Victor , E . D'Auban , & c , & c ., —fulfil the parts severally assigned to them . As regards the scenery and dresses , it will be enough if vve state that the former is the work of Beverly , Telbin , and other well-known artists , while the latter have been designed by Wilhelm , and
executed by Auguste et Cie and other costumiers . The banners are by Bro . George Kenning , the armour and jewellery by Gutperle ( of Paris ) , Kennedy , and Phillips , and the ballets under the direction of Madame Katti Lanner , with the breakdown dances arranged by Bro . John D'Auban . Last , but not least , the music is by Ferdinand Wallerstein , while the credit of inventing , arranging , and
The Theatres.
producing the vvhole belongs to Bro . Harris . We have spoken already of the splendour of the successive scenes vvhich are presented , among the earliest being the " Interior of the Cave , " by Beverly , vvhich afforded a magnificent background for the rich and costly costumes of those vvho appeared in it . But the grandest and most magnificent of all was the Jubilee scene proper , in vvhich
representatives of all the different nations and peoples which owe allegiance to the Queen appear and do homage to Britannia . It is hardly possible to conceive of anything more brilliant and dazzling than this , and Bro . Harris must , indeed , be proud of the reception accorded to it from all parts of the house , ln fact , the only fault to be alleged against " The Forty Thieves , "—on the opening
nightwas the unusual length of the performance , which vvas protracted . long past midnight by an exceptional array of magnificent spectacles , such as has never before been crowded within the limits of a single pantomime . However , the difficulty caused by this " embarras de richesses " will have been overcome before these remarks appear in print .
* * * During the holiday season paterfamilias cannot do better than take the children to the delightful entertainment vvhich Mr . Saville Clarke has provided for them at the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , by having adapted Lewis Carrol ' s ( Mr . Dudgeon ) charming fairy tale ot "Alice in Wonderland , " for the purposes ot production on the stage .
Of course Mr . Saville Clarke has taken the time honoured prerogative of the burlesque writer , and does not stick quite closely to the text , but no one who has read the book , and we advise those who are going , to read it first to enjoy it better—cannot fail to follow the beautiful story of Alice ' s wondrous dream . But vve venture to think that this pretty play vvill not be amusing to the little ones alone for it
seemed to us that the elder ones enjoy it quite as much , and enter as heartily into the adventures ot the mad hare and hatter , humpty dumpty , the knave and queen of hearts , and tweedledum and tweedledee . Most of the principals and the entire choruses are children . Miss Phoebe Carlo vvho plays Alice , is a born actress . This pretty girl is , vve believe , about twelve yeais of age . She
sings naturally and without self consciousness , and is devoid of affectation . We think it would be better for her and her audience if Mr . Walter Slaughter—who has set the tale to such cheerful music—would make the orchestra play a little softer when she is speaking or singing . 1 he dialogue is full of fun . One laughs at learning that the tortoise is called so because at the bottom
of the sea it keeps a school and " taught us . " Masons will have a special interest in a song about " green turtle soup . " The story which gets the most applause is " here we go round the mulberry bush , " sung by Alice and Tweedledum and Tweedledee , vvho show us "this is the way vve go to school on a frosty morning . " Much of the drollery comes from the lips ot Mr . Sydney Harcourt . Master
Charles Adeson , from a mask which enlarges his head , causes a deal of merriment . Perhaps , next to Alsce , a dear little girl , Dorothy D'Alcourt , of about five years of age , as the Uarmoner afforded the best fun with her genial sayings and doings . She and all the children seem to love vvhat they are doing , and enter into it vvith all their little hearts . The Rosa iamily vvho have so often , in other
places delighted us , vve are disappointed in . They seem out of harmony there , although Mr . Edgar Bruce has let his theatre for a term , he is ably represented by the courteous Mr . W . H . Griffiths , vvho has acted as manager ever since the opening of the theatre . We particularly wish to point out an important fact that the stalls , and dress circle , & c , are half price at these afternoon performances .
rr w Hir Mr . George Edwardes , having determined to revert to the old Gaiety tradition as the home of burlesque , has transferred the comic opera in the height of its prosperity to the Prince of Wales's Theatre , and would seem to have given " carte blanche " to Miss Farren , Mr . Fred Leslie , and Bro . Charles Harris to keep up the fame
of this attractive theatre . Under Bro . Charles Harris ' s direction a beautiful burlesque , or , as we should prefer to term it , extravagnaza has been produced , entitled " Monte Christo , Junior . " The scenery and dresses are superb . Bro . Harris is specially to be congratulated upon the second act , when the scene is suddenly changed from the exterior of a beautilul old castle to the interior of a fairy cave ,
resplendent vvith jewels and brilliant with light . We doubt whether any one can readily trace the story of the elder Dumas ' s " Monte Christo" in this piece . The scenes and the names are identical , but not much morej but this does not signify , specially at Chiistmas . Miss Nellie Farren , though not supplied vvith such a good part as usual , is the life and soul of the extravagnaza . A play must be bad ,
indeed , if Miss Farren cannot make it go . She gives us in "Monte Christo , Junior , " a little oi the tragic , pathetic , comic , and comedy , now here , and now there . 'The reception she gets is a token that , though she has been away for some months , her fiiends—the public—esteem her talents as highly as ever . Mr . Fred Leslie has one of the best parts he has yet ever played , and certainly the loud applause
vvhich he is continually greeted vvith he richly deserves , for he works hard . His best song is in the last act , and is a true burlesque of acting of some of the London favourites . He imitates Bros . Toole and Tom Thorne , Mr . G . Grossmith , Mr . Durward Lely , Arthur Roberts , and even Miss Farren , in her old song as the street Arab , and goes further skill by burlesquing himself as Rip van Winkle .
His imitation of the peculiarities of these people is wonderful . He has some pretty dances vvith Miss Farren and Mr . Lonnen , and it is evident he is a highly popular actor . Miss Mackulty , one of Mr . Edward Dixey ' s ladies , sings a topical song with a refrain " I like it , I do , " much like Mr . Dixey ' s great song , vvhich he sung last summer at the same theatre , " It's English , you know . " Miss Sylvia
Grey deserves a word of praise for her graceful style of dancing . Miss Fane Templeton and Miss Delaporte and Mr . Lonnen are the remainder of the chiefs of the cast j the latter is a very clever young actor , and quite an acquisition to the stage . The public will do well to visit the Gaiety during the Christmas holidays j they vvill be highly amused , for they have here an all-round , first-class entertainment
. * A * w -Jp We were more pleased than we anticipated with the performance vve witnessed recently at the Avenue . T here is not much Robinson Crusoe , but there is plenty—
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Board Of Benevolence.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence—the last meeting for the year—vvas held on Wednesday evening , the 22 nd ult ., at Freemasons' Hall j Bro . R . Grev , P . G . D ., President , in the chair . Bro . James Brett , P . G . P " ., Senior Vice-President , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., junior Vice-President , vvere in their respective chairs Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S ., A . A . Pendlebury ,
W . Lee , W . Dodd , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler , likewise attended . There vvere also present a large number of brethren . On taking his seat for the first time since his appointment as President of the Board of Benevolence by the Grand Master , Bro . GREY was loudly cheered . He thereupon rose and said thot he felt highly honoured by having
the appointment conferred upon him by the Prince of Wales . It vvas , indeed , a very exalted position to be placed in , and he should endeavour to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of his Royal Highness and the brethren . He hoped that the Board would work with the same harmony and unanimity as heretofore . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., said he had to
announce that at the meeting of the Board of General Purposes the day before , the Finance Committee reported that the Board of Benevolence had overdrawn their account by £ 2500 . The Board of General Purposes , therefore , vvere compelled to order that a sum of £ 3000 consols should be sold out of the accumulated funds , of the Board of Benevolence to meet that excess of expenditure . He had
also to inform the President of the Board in respect to their financial position that the £ 3000 was sold nut yesterday , completing a sum of £ . 9000 vvhich had been sold out of the accumulated funds of the Board since the 7 th March , 1882 , vvhich represented a loss of regular income to the Board of £ 270 a year . With the sum of £ 3000 which had novv been sold out the Board would commence their business that
evening vvith a sum of £ 500 in hand to meet a probable expenditure of the evening of £ 1100 , so that he believed before the Board met again in that room they would be indebted to the Board of General Purposes £ 700 . More consols would have to be sold out . The invested sum now left to the credit of the Fund of Benevolence would be £ 41 , 000 .
Bro . W . H . FERRYMAN , A . G . P ., enquired when the money came in for the use of the Board , and when the accounts were made up . Col . SHADWELL CLERKE said that the quarterages which vvere the support of the fund vvere constantly being paid in from day to day . They vvere always being paid in . The accounts were made up at the end of the quarter .
Bro . FERRYMAN : Then vve only know the result at the end of the quarter . Bro . CHARLES DAIRY : DO you know vvhat is the amount given in the course of each year ? Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE : It is stated by the Finance Committee whose accounts are ]| audited by the auditor , to be about £ 0000 .
Bro . W . H . FERRYMAN : The expenditure is about £ 1000 a month . Col . SHADWELL CLERKE : We give £ 800 a year to the Bnenevolent Institution as well . Bro . G . P . BRITTEN : The quarterages are constantly increasing as well . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE : NO ; unfortunately that is not so , not from the lodges in England . The lodges
abroad do not contribute quarterages . The subject then dropped and the brethren proceeded to the list , first confirming recommendations made at the last meeting to the extent of £ 440 . There vvere 57 cases on the new list , coming from London , Keswick , Worcester , Stoke-on-Trent , Trinidad , Trowbridge , Liverpool , Mossley , Falmouth , Gravesend , Walsall , Dukinfield , Thornton
Heath , Accrington , Meerut , St . John's , New Brunswick , Loughton , Wandsworth , Darwen , Halifax , Lyme Regis , New York , Birmingham , Northampton , Whitstable , Barbadoes , Brighton , Gibraltar , Burslem and Farnham . The Board sat five hours , in the course of which time they dismissed three petitions , and granted relief to the
other 54 to the extent of £ 1447 . There were two recommendations to Grand Lodge of £ 75 each , and eight of £ 50 each . Eight recommendations to the Grand Master of £ 40 each , and seven of £ 30 each . Ten immediate grants were made of £ 20 each , fifteen of £ 10 each , and three of £ 5 each ; and one grant vvas made of £ 2 .
The Sphinx Club.
THE SPHINX CLUB .
Once a year the members of the Sphinx Club meet together " within two miles of Bow Bells " for a feast of reason and flow of soul , accompanied , as is most fitting at this festive season , by a feast of creature comforts as well , for which purpose a hostelry of gastronomic repute is selected , according to the taste or predilection of the
Chairman of the year , in whose hands this selection is vested . Freemasons' Tavern vvas the place chosen in this instance , and no one vvho knows the resources of this famous house will marvel at the choice . The Club is not a large one , and its members , although many of them are distinguished travellers , do not assemble to compare notes or read papers on geographical discoveries , or the opening
up of fresh fields for the march of civilisation . In short , there is no reason why there should be any mystery about the Sphinx Club , vvhich vvas formed some 10 years ago by gentlemen whose occupations gave them few opportunities of meeting one another and their friends , except in a casual way . Its first and only Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , was mainly instrumental in establishing it , but it is not
in any way a Masonic Club , as the connection vvith it of our worthy brother would suggest , but somehow , either by a process of natural selection or the survival of the fittest amongst its members it happens that nearly all are members of the Masonic Order . This fact , in addition to the friendly relations existing among its members , renders it in a double sense a meeting for social intercourse . Some four years since a distinguished member was added to its
rollno less a personage than his Highness Prince Hilmay Pasha , who has since become its Honorary President , and the presence of the Prince at the meeting on Tuesday , the 28 th ult ., rendered it more than usually interesting . The President of the past year vvas Bro . Edgar Bowyer , and at the business meeting preceding the banquet , Bro . S . Kelly , V . P ., vvas nominated as President for the ensuing year , naming as V . P . Bro . J . L . Mather . The dinner took place in the Drawing Room of Freemasons' Tavern , and the Chairman , Bro . S . Kelly , vvas supported by the Hon .
The Sphinx Club.
President Prince Ibraham Hilmay Pasha , his aide-de-camp , Vassy Effendi , Bros . A . M . Broadley , C . F . Matier ( Sec ); A . H . Gibbs ( Treas . ); Edgar Bowyer , Richard Forrest , J . Terry , John L . Mather , Charles F . Hogard , Thomas M . Benton , Thomas Cubitt , Charles H . Driver , W . Lake , James Pulley , Henry Venn , Richard Eve , A . M . Broadley , F . Trebeck , James Moon , Charles Belton ,
F . Trevor , Richard Kelly , Arthur Kelly , H . Nully , Charles Belton , Peter Poulls , and others . The Loving Cup having been passed round , the CHAIRMAN proposed the loyal toasts , vvhich vvere most loyally received . Bro . BROADLEY said : Mr . President and gentlemen—I have been invited this evening to propose a toast which
will , I am sure , meet with a very cordial reception at your hands ; it is "The Health of H . H . Prince Ibrahim Hilmay , " vvho four years ago became , not only a member but Honorary President of this club , and who novv , for the first time , takes part in your annual gathering . Although the Prince has never been with you before , he has often made enquiries as to the welfare of the club , in vvhich he
takes a considerable interest . Prince Ibrahim Hilmay is , as many of you must be aware , almost an Englishman . It is novv ten years ago since he entered as a student the Royal Academy at Woolwich , and after completing his studies at that institution he has been a frequent visitor to this our country , the language of vvhich he speaks almost as well as that of his own land ; and he
has on many occasions given proof of the sympathy vvhich he feels for the prosperity of the country vvhich he all but looks on as the one of his adoption . Gentlemen , the Prince during his stay in Europe has not wasted his time . He has compiled a very exhaustive bibliography of Egyptian literature , which is a work widely read and in every way worthy of his genius ; a work of vvhich the members of the
Sphinx Club might well be proud . I trust this is not the last occasion at vvhich he will be present at the annual dinner , and I call on you to drink His Highness's health vvith the enthusiasm vvhich it deserves . ( Cheers . ) Prince IBRAHIM HILMAY , in reply , said : Mr . President , Mr . Broadley , and gentlemen—1 am very sensible of the kindly terms in which my health has been proposed
and honoured at your hands . It is a very great pleasure to me to be here to-night and to testify by my presence the interest which 1 feel in the welfare of the Sphinx Club . The Sphinx Club is no longer an enigma for me . I appreciate entirely the good fellowship of its members , and I hope its career vvill be a long and a prosperous one . I am deeply interested vvith
everything associated directly or indirectly with my beloved country , and the Sphinx Club will ever have a cherished place in my memory . ( Cheers . ) I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the very kindly reception vvhich has been extended to me to-night , and I ask you to join me in drinking long life and continued prosperity to the club , the existence and success of vvhich vve are met to celebrate .
( Loud cheers . ) Bro . BOWYER next proposed " The Health of the Chairman " in a few well-chosen words , and Bro . KELLY responded . He congratulated the Club on the progress it had made , the number of members having more than doubled since its formation . The other toasts were— " The Vice-President , " responded
to by Bro . J . L . MATHER ; "The Visitors , " proposed by Bro . J AMES TERRY , and responded to in French by VASSY EFFENDI , and , perhapsjit is unnecessary to say , in English , by Bro . TREVOR , from New Zealand . " The Treasurer , Bro . A . H . Gibbs , and the Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier , " vvere the next honoured . The former paid a deserved compliment to the Chairman , remarking that they seemed
to be getting a better one every year ; and the latter gave a short account of the origin of the club , and what it did for the pleasure of the members and in contributions to various charitable objects . " The Press , " proposed in very eloquent terms by Bro . R . EVE , and responded to by Bro . W . LAKE , brought a vere pleasant evening to a close .
We should mention that a collection vvas made at the dinner table , and the amount , including a munificent contribution from the Prince , vvas distributed amongst the following Charities : The Gordon Hospital at Port Said , the Commercial Travellers' Schools , the R . M . I , for Girls , the R . M . I , for Boys , the R . M . B . I . for Aged Freemasons ] and Widows of Freemasons .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Bro . Augustus Harris has gauged with accuracy the popular taste for spectacular display , and has produced for the current season a pantomime surpassing in magnificence anything ever yet seen , even on the familiar boards of Old Drury . One splendid scene is succeeded by another still more splendid j gorgeously-apparelled artists quit the stage only to make way for others still more gorgeous ;
the music and acting match well vvith the spectacular effects , and every one , from the manager and author down to the lowest " super , " must have found an ample reward for their exertions and talent in the running fire of enthusiastic applause vvhich on Monday accompanied the performance from the rise to the fall of the curtain , and the cheers vvhich greeted them at the end . The old Arabian
Nights' story of "The Forty Thieves" furnishes _ the material for the pantomime , and it will be easily imagined vvith what skill the veteran Blanchard has adapted it , and how he has made the most of the opportunities itaffords for fun and spectacle . Nor vvill there be any difficulty in picturing to- oneself how admirably the chief actors and actresses—Bros . Herbert Campbell and Harry Nicholls ,
Mr . Pateman , Madame Constance Gilchrist , Miss M . A . Victor , E . D'Auban , & c , & c ., —fulfil the parts severally assigned to them . As regards the scenery and dresses , it will be enough if vve state that the former is the work of Beverly , Telbin , and other well-known artists , while the latter have been designed by Wilhelm , and
executed by Auguste et Cie and other costumiers . The banners are by Bro . George Kenning , the armour and jewellery by Gutperle ( of Paris ) , Kennedy , and Phillips , and the ballets under the direction of Madame Katti Lanner , with the breakdown dances arranged by Bro . John D'Auban . Last , but not least , the music is by Ferdinand Wallerstein , while the credit of inventing , arranging , and
The Theatres.
producing the vvhole belongs to Bro . Harris . We have spoken already of the splendour of the successive scenes vvhich are presented , among the earliest being the " Interior of the Cave , " by Beverly , vvhich afforded a magnificent background for the rich and costly costumes of those vvho appeared in it . But the grandest and most magnificent of all was the Jubilee scene proper , in vvhich
representatives of all the different nations and peoples which owe allegiance to the Queen appear and do homage to Britannia . It is hardly possible to conceive of anything more brilliant and dazzling than this , and Bro . Harris must , indeed , be proud of the reception accorded to it from all parts of the house , ln fact , the only fault to be alleged against " The Forty Thieves , "—on the opening
nightwas the unusual length of the performance , which vvas protracted . long past midnight by an exceptional array of magnificent spectacles , such as has never before been crowded within the limits of a single pantomime . However , the difficulty caused by this " embarras de richesses " will have been overcome before these remarks appear in print .
* * * During the holiday season paterfamilias cannot do better than take the children to the delightful entertainment vvhich Mr . Saville Clarke has provided for them at the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , by having adapted Lewis Carrol ' s ( Mr . Dudgeon ) charming fairy tale ot "Alice in Wonderland , " for the purposes ot production on the stage .
Of course Mr . Saville Clarke has taken the time honoured prerogative of the burlesque writer , and does not stick quite closely to the text , but no one who has read the book , and we advise those who are going , to read it first to enjoy it better—cannot fail to follow the beautiful story of Alice ' s wondrous dream . But vve venture to think that this pretty play vvill not be amusing to the little ones alone for it
seemed to us that the elder ones enjoy it quite as much , and enter as heartily into the adventures ot the mad hare and hatter , humpty dumpty , the knave and queen of hearts , and tweedledum and tweedledee . Most of the principals and the entire choruses are children . Miss Phoebe Carlo vvho plays Alice , is a born actress . This pretty girl is , vve believe , about twelve yeais of age . She
sings naturally and without self consciousness , and is devoid of affectation . We think it would be better for her and her audience if Mr . Walter Slaughter—who has set the tale to such cheerful music—would make the orchestra play a little softer when she is speaking or singing . 1 he dialogue is full of fun . One laughs at learning that the tortoise is called so because at the bottom
of the sea it keeps a school and " taught us . " Masons will have a special interest in a song about " green turtle soup . " The story which gets the most applause is " here we go round the mulberry bush , " sung by Alice and Tweedledum and Tweedledee , vvho show us "this is the way vve go to school on a frosty morning . " Much of the drollery comes from the lips ot Mr . Sydney Harcourt . Master
Charles Adeson , from a mask which enlarges his head , causes a deal of merriment . Perhaps , next to Alsce , a dear little girl , Dorothy D'Alcourt , of about five years of age , as the Uarmoner afforded the best fun with her genial sayings and doings . She and all the children seem to love vvhat they are doing , and enter into it vvith all their little hearts . The Rosa iamily vvho have so often , in other
places delighted us , vve are disappointed in . They seem out of harmony there , although Mr . Edgar Bruce has let his theatre for a term , he is ably represented by the courteous Mr . W . H . Griffiths , vvho has acted as manager ever since the opening of the theatre . We particularly wish to point out an important fact that the stalls , and dress circle , & c , are half price at these afternoon performances .
rr w Hir Mr . George Edwardes , having determined to revert to the old Gaiety tradition as the home of burlesque , has transferred the comic opera in the height of its prosperity to the Prince of Wales's Theatre , and would seem to have given " carte blanche " to Miss Farren , Mr . Fred Leslie , and Bro . Charles Harris to keep up the fame
of this attractive theatre . Under Bro . Charles Harris ' s direction a beautiful burlesque , or , as we should prefer to term it , extravagnaza has been produced , entitled " Monte Christo , Junior . " The scenery and dresses are superb . Bro . Harris is specially to be congratulated upon the second act , when the scene is suddenly changed from the exterior of a beautilul old castle to the interior of a fairy cave ,
resplendent vvith jewels and brilliant with light . We doubt whether any one can readily trace the story of the elder Dumas ' s " Monte Christo" in this piece . The scenes and the names are identical , but not much morej but this does not signify , specially at Chiistmas . Miss Nellie Farren , though not supplied vvith such a good part as usual , is the life and soul of the extravagnaza . A play must be bad ,
indeed , if Miss Farren cannot make it go . She gives us in "Monte Christo , Junior , " a little oi the tragic , pathetic , comic , and comedy , now here , and now there . 'The reception she gets is a token that , though she has been away for some months , her fiiends—the public—esteem her talents as highly as ever . Mr . Fred Leslie has one of the best parts he has yet ever played , and certainly the loud applause
vvhich he is continually greeted vvith he richly deserves , for he works hard . His best song is in the last act , and is a true burlesque of acting of some of the London favourites . He imitates Bros . Toole and Tom Thorne , Mr . G . Grossmith , Mr . Durward Lely , Arthur Roberts , and even Miss Farren , in her old song as the street Arab , and goes further skill by burlesquing himself as Rip van Winkle .
His imitation of the peculiarities of these people is wonderful . He has some pretty dances vvith Miss Farren and Mr . Lonnen , and it is evident he is a highly popular actor . Miss Mackulty , one of Mr . Edward Dixey ' s ladies , sings a topical song with a refrain " I like it , I do , " much like Mr . Dixey ' s great song , vvhich he sung last summer at the same theatre , " It's English , you know . " Miss Sylvia
Grey deserves a word of praise for her graceful style of dancing . Miss Fane Templeton and Miss Delaporte and Mr . Lonnen are the remainder of the chiefs of the cast j the latter is a very clever young actor , and quite an acquisition to the stage . The public will do well to visit the Gaiety during the Christmas holidays j they vvill be highly amused , for they have here an all-round , first-class entertainment
. * A * w -Jp We were more pleased than we anticipated with the performance vve witnessed recently at the Avenue . T here is not much Robinson Crusoe , but there is plenty—