-
Articles/Ads
Article Royal Arch. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Red Cross of Constantine. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1 Article BRO. SPENCER FREEMAN. Page 1 of 1 Article Jamaica. Page 1 of 1 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
occasion , and also by the thoughtfulness of Comp . White , who has for nearly fifty years been a member of the chapter , at the commencement of his reply expressed the great gratification it afforded him to accede to the wishes of the companions that he should become a joining member of the chapter . He desired most heartily and masonically to thank them for their kindly expressions towards him , and assured them that the jewel would ever be worn by him as
a pledge of that Masonic friendship for him exhibited by the members of the Craft in Bath , and that the illuminated address which had been prepared by the thoughtful consideration of Comp . White would most certainly find a suitable and conspicuous resting place in his own dwelling . He trusted that in years to come—when perhaps he shall have passed away—those who follow him will view with satisfaction the testimony of those who had that day
Masonically banded themselves together to do him honour . He regretted exceedingly that Comp . VVhite was not present in person , but he felt assured that he was there in heart . Every companion would with himself sincerely regret increasing age and declining strength had jirecluded him from a personal participation in the pleasurable occupations of that day . He himself could look back to Masonic friendships formed in Bath during a period of
more than thirty years , in the early portion of whicli he paid frequent visits to relatives whose place of residence it then was , and since that time he always felt when he came into the good old city , though less frequently than formerly , that hewas sure of meeting many friends with whom he had had much intercourse , and who , equally with himself , were pleased to renew old associations . He most heartily repeated his thanks , and trusted that at no distant date he
should be able to come amongst them again . It should be added that in the course of his address the Grand Superintendent expressed his gratification at finding the ceremonies so efficiently worked , in a style which would compare favourably with the best , and though there were some portions which were new to him they had his thorough approval . No other business could be entered upon , this beinsr an
emergency meeting with a specified object . Consequently the chapter was at once closed and the companions adjourned to the Grand Pump Room Hotel , where an elegant repast was served . The M . E . Z ., of course presided , supported by Colonel Adair and his officers , the vice-chair being occupied by the P . S ., who merits a special notice on the style in which he performed his duties both in the
chapter and at the banquet . Between the toasts some capital songs were given by Comps . Cater , Robinson , Knight , Williamson , Reynolds , and Afercer , accompanied on the piano by the Organist , Comp . Marfarlane . Thus an important event in the annals of this chapter , of wliich all who hatl the privilege of being present will have grateful reminiscences , vvas brought to a most satisfactory conclusion .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
LANCASTER . — Red Rose of Lancashire Conclave ( No . 12 ) . —The regular meeting of the above conclave took place on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., at the County Hotel . In the unavoidable absence of the M . P . S . the conclave was dul y opened b y Sir Kt . R . Stanton , P . S ., assisted by Sir Kt . Aldous , V . E . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and passed , the ballot was taken for ' Bro . Edward Armitasre .
B . A ., 859 , and it having proved unanimously in his favour , he was duly installed a Knight of Rome and of the Red Cross of Constantine by Sir Kt . R . Stanton , P . S . and Recorder , the duties of Prefect being undertaken by Sir Kt . Longman , P . S . A senate of Sovereigns was then opened and Sir Kt . Aldous enthroned M . P . S . Sir Kt . Hannah having been elected Viceroy , and being out of town , the
ceremony of inducting him into the chair of V . E . was postponed till the next meeting . The M . P . S . having appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year the conclave was closed in due form . The Sir Knights then adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent repast had been prepared . The M . P . S . presided and a very pleasant evening was passed .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JOHN ENTWISLE . We briefly noted last week thc death , on the 10 th inst ., of Bro . Entwisle , a conspicuous brother of the Province of East Lancashire , who for many yeais past had taken an active part in all the various branches of Freemasonry , and was also a strong supporter of our Charitable Institutions . Bro . Entwisle was initiated in January , 1 S 5 G , in St . John ' s Lodge , No . 221 , Bolton , and having successively filled the
Junior and Senior Wardens' chairs , was elected W . M . in 1 S 59 . For his services in the latter capacity he received a Past Master ' s jewel , and was subsequently appointed Prov . G . Supt . of Works East Lancashire . He was exalted in the St . John ' s Chapter , No . 221 , and rose in time to be its M . E . Z ., being also a joining member of the Chapter of Concord , No , 37 , of Bolton , and a Past Prov . G . Scribe N . He was a Past Master of the St . John's Mark Lodge , No .
2 , under the Scotch Constitution , having been advanced in 1856 , and Past Prov . Grand Master of Lancashire for that Degree . He was perfected in the Palatine Rose Croix Chapter , and a joinimg member and P . M . W . S . of St . Peter's Chapter , as well as a member of the 30 . He was also a Past N . of the Mount Ararat Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , a founder and P . S . of the St George's Conclave of the Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine , Past
Preceptor of the St . James of Jerusalem Preceptory , K . T ., a founder and Past Master of the St . John ' s Council of Royal and Select Masters , Past Grand Junior VVarden Lancashire and Cheshire , of the Royal Order of Scotland . a member of the Order of St . Lawrence , and an hon . IX of the Rosicrucian Society and Chief Adept of the Lancashire College . As to the Institutions , he was a Vice-President of the Boys' School and a Life-Governor of the
Girls' School and Benevolent Institution , besides having served the office of Steward at several of the anniversary festivals . Brief as the foregoing record is , it will suiiice to show that our deceased brother had during the seven and twenty years of his Masonic career taken a deep interest in all that related to the Craft , and that he had achieved a most enviable distinction in its ranks . His memory will long be respected as that of a most worthy brother and genial man .
Bro. Spencer Freeman.
BRO . SPENCER FREEMAN .
The funeral of the late Bro . Spencer Freeman took place on Alonday amid universal expressions of respect . The fact of his being a medical practitioner for nearly a half century had created a large circle of friends , many of whom attended his obsequies . The funeral cortege was formed , and marched to the church . The sides were lined by members of the Freemasons and Oddfellows , who , closing up ,
followed the mourners , the principal of whom were the Rev . Freeman ( Saxmundham ) , Alisses Simpson , Air . R . Simpson , and Mr . Thomas Simpson ( Stowmarket ) . The coffin , which was placed in the principal aisle , was overlaid with a velvet pall , upon which was placed some beautiful wreaths . Upon leaving the church the " Dead March " in " Saul " was played upon the organ by Mr . William Lankester , the organist . Between 60 and 70 members of Temple
of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows headed the procession , followed by the Freemasons . The R . W . Prov . G . AI ., Bro . Lord Waveney , was unable to be present , being in Ireland , and the Deputy Grand Master , Rev , C . J . Martyn , was prevented by illness from attending , but sent a most beautiful wreath , composed of stephanotis , lily of the valley , white lilac , white roses , ferns , & c . The Provincial Grand Lodge was represented bv Bro . F . Lone , P . G . S . YV .:
Bro . VV . H . Lucia , Prov . Grand Secretary ; Bro . Robert Woodward , Prov . G . S ., the latter also representing the Phcenix Lodge as W . AI . 'The other Past Alasters of the lodge present were Bros . F . R . Betts , YV . G . Ransom , George Tydeman , J . D . Larkin , J . VV . Sheridan , li . Beveridge , J . K . Sidgwick , and S . H . Wright . Amongst the
brethren from the lodge were Bros . S . Page , E . Bridges , A . Tillott , O . Andrews J . Mills , J . Lockwood , J . Robinson , M . Bloomfield , S . K . Woodward , and W . Matthews , Amongst the visitors from the other lodges was Bro . R . M . Phipson , of Norwich . During Monday evening the bells of the parish church rang out a muffled peal .
Jamaica.
Jamaica .
A terrible fire occurred in Kingston on the nth December last , by which at least one third of the city was destroyed in the short space of twelve hours , several lives were lost , and thousands of persons were left homeless , without food , or clothing , or the means to procure either . The published accounts show that 160 wharves , bonded warehouses , and stores , and 44 6 retail shops and private residences , with their contents , representing over one million of pounds
sterling , have been entirely lost , there being only a few thousands of pounds covered by insurances . The Colonial Bank , the Govenncnt Savings Bank , and the Ordnance Department have all been completely burnt . The excitement in the city is still very great , and it is fearful to contemplate the state of things that will be consequent on this deplorable catastrophe , scores cf merchants ruined , hundreds of clerks out of employment without the
prospect of getting anything to do for a long time to come , their homes destroyed , their furniture gone , their wives and children starving , themselves powerless to afford relief . Among the sufferers we regret to mention that there are a number of our Alasonic brethren with their dependant families . With the view of relieving their dire distress , the Jamiaca Masonic Benevolent Association have issued the following circular to the fraternity in that province .
" Kingston , 12 th December , 18 S 2 . "Dear Sirand Brother , —Thecalamitous fire which occurred in this city yesterday ( and whicli to a great extent still continues ) has left a very large number of our brethren and their families in utter destitution . The Committee of the General Alasonic Benevolence , on behalf of the sufferers , hereby appeal tothe members of the Fraternity throughout the province for immediate pecuniary aid .
" 1 cannot address each brother individually , because the lists last sent to the Grand Lodges are not at present available . The committee therefore beg that you will , without loss of time , communicate with the members of your lodge and urge them to send their contributions at once to any of the brethren whose names appear below , livery Mason in this case will , the committee are persuaded , be ready to help our suffering brethren . —I remain , yours
fraternally , A . C . SINCLAIR , Secretary . "R . W . Bros . Altamont DeCordova , President ; the Hon . S . C . Burke , M . P . Cormac McCormack , Vice-Presidents ; Bros . J . C . Ford , Treasurer ; A . C Sinclair , Secretary ; R . W . Bros , the Hon . J . C . Mackglashan , } . L . Ashenheim , C . W . Tait , G . C H . Lewis , B . Alortimer Dias , A . H . Jones , William Duff , D . P . Ross , the Hon . A . H . Alexander , E . X . Leon , VV . G . McFarlaine , and C . L . Campbell . " This appeal has been responded to in a manner that was
scarcely to be anticipated under existing circumstances , and has enabled the special Fire Relief Committee to meet the immediate and most pressing needs of the unfortunate sufferers ; but as the assistance required is beyond the means of those now granting aid , the Association have to appeal to the brethren outside of Jamaica in the following circular , copies of which have been sent to the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland , and the Grand Lodge of Mark
Alaster Masons : " 79 , Duke-street , Kingston , Jamaica , " 12 th December , 1 SS 2 . " W . Sir and Brother , —The devasting fire which has just destroyed the greater part of the commercial and a large portion of the residential sections of this city having left a very large number of our brethren and their families in utter destitution , the Committee of the Jamaica Masonic
Benevolence , on behalf of the sufferers , hereb y appeal to the members of the Fraternity throughout the United Kingdom for immediate pecuniary aid . " Not having a list of the lodges at hand , the Committee cannot address each lodge individually , but they beg that you will , without loss of time , communicate with the other lodges of your province , and urge them to join you in sending contributions at once to their distressed and afllictcd brethren in Jamaica .
" Remittances can be made in form of bills on London , endorsed to the manager of the Colonial Bank in this city , by whom the amounts will be paid over to the Committee . — I remain , yours fraternally , " A . C . S INCLAIR , Honorary Secretary . " We trust that this appeal will secure the desired aid , and that thus we may be able to assist the Committee of the Jamaica Benevolence in relieving the necessities and soothing the afflictions of our distant brethren and their connections .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Their Royal Hi ghnesses thc Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh , and " Bro . Lord Wolseley , honoured the Olympic with their presence last week . # # « The M . W . Grand Master and H . R . H . the Princess of Wales with their suite went to the Comedy on Monday to witness the performance of " Rip Van Winkle . " v
* H . R . H . the Duke , and H . I . H . ' the Duchess , of Edinburgh and children went to the Avenue on Alonday afternoon to the see pantomime of " Dick Whittington , and in the evening left for Berlin to take part in the festivities of the silver wedding of Bro . the Crown Prince and the Princess of Germany .
* * A burlesque b y Mr . F . C . Burnand , editor of Punch , will we believe shortly make its appearance at the Gaiety . " Valentine and Orson " on the ( nst eleven nights produced / 4000 . a
* * * The Criterion is likel y to bring out Bro . Sims " Mother-in-Law , " originally produced at the Opera Comique . YVe do not know yet who will be in the cast . It is a piece just suitable for the Criterion , and it is a wonder it was not played there first .
* * Bro . J . I .. Toole could not have done better than revive at the present time the ever popular " Dot . " We are wanting just now such pieces as these . It is by Mr . Dion Boucicault , and is founded on Air . Charles Dickens ' s " Cricket on the Hearth . " It is twenty years since this was first put before the public at the Adelphiwhen Bro .
, Toole , then a young man , showed by his rendering of Caleb Plummer something of the stuff he was made of , and made his first impression on the stage public , which he has fully justified . Air . Samuel Emery , Miss Woolgar , and Miss L . Keeley also played at this time . Bro . Toole has announced it only to be played for twelve nights ; but we should not be surprised if before " Dearer than Life" is again played our
D . otner may see the htnessof leaving " Dot" a little longer on the programme . Miss Eliza Johnstone is the excitable Tilly , the nursemaid , a fair type of a country yokel . Miss Emily Thorne , at all times a favourite , is Mrs . Fielding , and her daughter is represented b y Miss Mellon . The blind girl , Bertha , is feelingly and naturally played by Aliss liffie Liston ; Dot by Aliss Kempton ; the selfish and unhappy Treckleton Mr . Shelton plays with much imnressi ' on _ whili .
the honest John PectrybmgU . of Mr . Billington is only surpassed by Bro . Toole himself . Air . Billington continually brings a tear into the eyes of his audience . " Mr . Guffin ' s Elopement" still follows as the after piece , in which Bro . Toole sings " 'The Speaker ' s Eye ; " but when an encore was demanded the evening of our visit the singer had to ask the indulgence of his audience to be excused , owing to a bad cold which made his voice hoarse .
* We are glad to welcome Miss Genevieve Ward once more to the London stage . This lady is now playin" * at the Olympic , of which she has become the lessee . We believe Aliss Ward has appeared nearl y a thousand times in her character of Stephanie in " Forget me not . " We believe we may safel y assert a complete success has
attended the new venture . "Forget me not" is full of interest and holds the audience from beginning to end . We need not give the detail of the story , as it is not by any means new . Stephanie carries on the combat with Sir-Horace Welby pleasantly , but coldly , with occasional earnestness . One of the finest parts is when Stephanie pleads on her knees to Welb y to allow her to wipe out the
past and enter the world penitent and resolved to lead a better life and not to be the despised of all pure women and honest men . But when Welby refuses to keep her , looking upon her as an abandoned woman , who has dragged her better nature too low to lift it up again out of the mire of sin , then Stephanie turns round , dries up her tears , assumes a haughty defiant attitude , and endeavours to
impress on sur Horace that her penitence was unreal , that she had been only mocking , and was content to go on in the old way she had long ago carved out for herself of living tor herself , and fearless of any one or of what people may say abouther . HereMiss Ward moves heraudience , and fixes theirattentiononher to thc end . Another thrilling portion is when Welby informs this woman that he has found out
about the murder of her husband , and he knows who the murderer was , who killed the husband only to get at the wife , who had ruined him in a gambling hell she kept . But Stephanie , after . being frightened with past memories , draws herself up and refuses to believe that the murderer is close at hand and thirsting for her blood , for , says she , he is safe in jail for life . Welby had hoped b
y telling her of her unsatety , to move her to leave the house of Alice Verney , but she has played all her life with dangerous tools , and is not to be coerced by a tale . Only one thing is left , and that is to give ocular demonstration that the murderer is at hand . Welb y draws the curtain to one side and discloses Barrato on the terrace of the garden . She now believes , and is willinsr to accent anv condition .
to be allowed to flee the country . Welb y assures her of her safety from Rome on condition that she signs a document consenting to her son ' s marriage , which by the law of trance is null and void unless the consent of the parents is given to a minor ' s marriage . She makes good her escape _ from the room wherein is Barrato . who is ordered
by Welby to look straight in front of him , as a lady wishes to make her exit unseen . Mr . W . H . Vernon , who plays Sir Horace Welby , does so with earnestness ; he is always pleasant to see on the ( stage . Miss Buckstone is Alice Verney , and is gentle and ladylike . Mrs , Leigh Murray's Mrs . l'oley is particularl y dignified and yet amusing , and onl y in accordance with Airs . Alurray ' s usual style "l'orget me not" is a piece to be seen .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
occasion , and also by the thoughtfulness of Comp . White , who has for nearly fifty years been a member of the chapter , at the commencement of his reply expressed the great gratification it afforded him to accede to the wishes of the companions that he should become a joining member of the chapter . He desired most heartily and masonically to thank them for their kindly expressions towards him , and assured them that the jewel would ever be worn by him as
a pledge of that Masonic friendship for him exhibited by the members of the Craft in Bath , and that the illuminated address which had been prepared by the thoughtful consideration of Comp . White would most certainly find a suitable and conspicuous resting place in his own dwelling . He trusted that in years to come—when perhaps he shall have passed away—those who follow him will view with satisfaction the testimony of those who had that day
Masonically banded themselves together to do him honour . He regretted exceedingly that Comp . VVhite was not present in person , but he felt assured that he was there in heart . Every companion would with himself sincerely regret increasing age and declining strength had jirecluded him from a personal participation in the pleasurable occupations of that day . He himself could look back to Masonic friendships formed in Bath during a period of
more than thirty years , in the early portion of whicli he paid frequent visits to relatives whose place of residence it then was , and since that time he always felt when he came into the good old city , though less frequently than formerly , that hewas sure of meeting many friends with whom he had had much intercourse , and who , equally with himself , were pleased to renew old associations . He most heartily repeated his thanks , and trusted that at no distant date he
should be able to come amongst them again . It should be added that in the course of his address the Grand Superintendent expressed his gratification at finding the ceremonies so efficiently worked , in a style which would compare favourably with the best , and though there were some portions which were new to him they had his thorough approval . No other business could be entered upon , this beinsr an
emergency meeting with a specified object . Consequently the chapter was at once closed and the companions adjourned to the Grand Pump Room Hotel , where an elegant repast was served . The M . E . Z ., of course presided , supported by Colonel Adair and his officers , the vice-chair being occupied by the P . S ., who merits a special notice on the style in which he performed his duties both in the
chapter and at the banquet . Between the toasts some capital songs were given by Comps . Cater , Robinson , Knight , Williamson , Reynolds , and Afercer , accompanied on the piano by the Organist , Comp . Marfarlane . Thus an important event in the annals of this chapter , of wliich all who hatl the privilege of being present will have grateful reminiscences , vvas brought to a most satisfactory conclusion .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
LANCASTER . — Red Rose of Lancashire Conclave ( No . 12 ) . —The regular meeting of the above conclave took place on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., at the County Hotel . In the unavoidable absence of the M . P . S . the conclave was dul y opened b y Sir Kt . R . Stanton , P . S ., assisted by Sir Kt . Aldous , V . E . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and passed , the ballot was taken for ' Bro . Edward Armitasre .
B . A ., 859 , and it having proved unanimously in his favour , he was duly installed a Knight of Rome and of the Red Cross of Constantine by Sir Kt . R . Stanton , P . S . and Recorder , the duties of Prefect being undertaken by Sir Kt . Longman , P . S . A senate of Sovereigns was then opened and Sir Kt . Aldous enthroned M . P . S . Sir Kt . Hannah having been elected Viceroy , and being out of town , the
ceremony of inducting him into the chair of V . E . was postponed till the next meeting . The M . P . S . having appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year the conclave was closed in due form . The Sir Knights then adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent repast had been prepared . The M . P . S . presided and a very pleasant evening was passed .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JOHN ENTWISLE . We briefly noted last week thc death , on the 10 th inst ., of Bro . Entwisle , a conspicuous brother of the Province of East Lancashire , who for many yeais past had taken an active part in all the various branches of Freemasonry , and was also a strong supporter of our Charitable Institutions . Bro . Entwisle was initiated in January , 1 S 5 G , in St . John ' s Lodge , No . 221 , Bolton , and having successively filled the
Junior and Senior Wardens' chairs , was elected W . M . in 1 S 59 . For his services in the latter capacity he received a Past Master ' s jewel , and was subsequently appointed Prov . G . Supt . of Works East Lancashire . He was exalted in the St . John ' s Chapter , No . 221 , and rose in time to be its M . E . Z ., being also a joining member of the Chapter of Concord , No , 37 , of Bolton , and a Past Prov . G . Scribe N . He was a Past Master of the St . John's Mark Lodge , No .
2 , under the Scotch Constitution , having been advanced in 1856 , and Past Prov . Grand Master of Lancashire for that Degree . He was perfected in the Palatine Rose Croix Chapter , and a joinimg member and P . M . W . S . of St . Peter's Chapter , as well as a member of the 30 . He was also a Past N . of the Mount Ararat Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , a founder and P . S . of the St George's Conclave of the Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine , Past
Preceptor of the St . James of Jerusalem Preceptory , K . T ., a founder and Past Master of the St . John ' s Council of Royal and Select Masters , Past Grand Junior VVarden Lancashire and Cheshire , of the Royal Order of Scotland . a member of the Order of St . Lawrence , and an hon . IX of the Rosicrucian Society and Chief Adept of the Lancashire College . As to the Institutions , he was a Vice-President of the Boys' School and a Life-Governor of the
Girls' School and Benevolent Institution , besides having served the office of Steward at several of the anniversary festivals . Brief as the foregoing record is , it will suiiice to show that our deceased brother had during the seven and twenty years of his Masonic career taken a deep interest in all that related to the Craft , and that he had achieved a most enviable distinction in its ranks . His memory will long be respected as that of a most worthy brother and genial man .
Bro. Spencer Freeman.
BRO . SPENCER FREEMAN .
The funeral of the late Bro . Spencer Freeman took place on Alonday amid universal expressions of respect . The fact of his being a medical practitioner for nearly a half century had created a large circle of friends , many of whom attended his obsequies . The funeral cortege was formed , and marched to the church . The sides were lined by members of the Freemasons and Oddfellows , who , closing up ,
followed the mourners , the principal of whom were the Rev . Freeman ( Saxmundham ) , Alisses Simpson , Air . R . Simpson , and Mr . Thomas Simpson ( Stowmarket ) . The coffin , which was placed in the principal aisle , was overlaid with a velvet pall , upon which was placed some beautiful wreaths . Upon leaving the church the " Dead March " in " Saul " was played upon the organ by Mr . William Lankester , the organist . Between 60 and 70 members of Temple
of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows headed the procession , followed by the Freemasons . The R . W . Prov . G . AI ., Bro . Lord Waveney , was unable to be present , being in Ireland , and the Deputy Grand Master , Rev , C . J . Martyn , was prevented by illness from attending , but sent a most beautiful wreath , composed of stephanotis , lily of the valley , white lilac , white roses , ferns , & c . The Provincial Grand Lodge was represented bv Bro . F . Lone , P . G . S . YV .:
Bro . VV . H . Lucia , Prov . Grand Secretary ; Bro . Robert Woodward , Prov . G . S ., the latter also representing the Phcenix Lodge as W . AI . 'The other Past Alasters of the lodge present were Bros . F . R . Betts , YV . G . Ransom , George Tydeman , J . D . Larkin , J . VV . Sheridan , li . Beveridge , J . K . Sidgwick , and S . H . Wright . Amongst the
brethren from the lodge were Bros . S . Page , E . Bridges , A . Tillott , O . Andrews J . Mills , J . Lockwood , J . Robinson , M . Bloomfield , S . K . Woodward , and W . Matthews , Amongst the visitors from the other lodges was Bro . R . M . Phipson , of Norwich . During Monday evening the bells of the parish church rang out a muffled peal .
Jamaica.
Jamaica .
A terrible fire occurred in Kingston on the nth December last , by which at least one third of the city was destroyed in the short space of twelve hours , several lives were lost , and thousands of persons were left homeless , without food , or clothing , or the means to procure either . The published accounts show that 160 wharves , bonded warehouses , and stores , and 44 6 retail shops and private residences , with their contents , representing over one million of pounds
sterling , have been entirely lost , there being only a few thousands of pounds covered by insurances . The Colonial Bank , the Govenncnt Savings Bank , and the Ordnance Department have all been completely burnt . The excitement in the city is still very great , and it is fearful to contemplate the state of things that will be consequent on this deplorable catastrophe , scores cf merchants ruined , hundreds of clerks out of employment without the
prospect of getting anything to do for a long time to come , their homes destroyed , their furniture gone , their wives and children starving , themselves powerless to afford relief . Among the sufferers we regret to mention that there are a number of our Alasonic brethren with their dependant families . With the view of relieving their dire distress , the Jamiaca Masonic Benevolent Association have issued the following circular to the fraternity in that province .
" Kingston , 12 th December , 18 S 2 . "Dear Sirand Brother , —Thecalamitous fire which occurred in this city yesterday ( and whicli to a great extent still continues ) has left a very large number of our brethren and their families in utter destitution . The Committee of the General Alasonic Benevolence , on behalf of the sufferers , hereby appeal tothe members of the Fraternity throughout the province for immediate pecuniary aid .
" 1 cannot address each brother individually , because the lists last sent to the Grand Lodges are not at present available . The committee therefore beg that you will , without loss of time , communicate with the members of your lodge and urge them to send their contributions at once to any of the brethren whose names appear below , livery Mason in this case will , the committee are persuaded , be ready to help our suffering brethren . —I remain , yours
fraternally , A . C . SINCLAIR , Secretary . "R . W . Bros . Altamont DeCordova , President ; the Hon . S . C . Burke , M . P . Cormac McCormack , Vice-Presidents ; Bros . J . C . Ford , Treasurer ; A . C Sinclair , Secretary ; R . W . Bros , the Hon . J . C . Mackglashan , } . L . Ashenheim , C . W . Tait , G . C H . Lewis , B . Alortimer Dias , A . H . Jones , William Duff , D . P . Ross , the Hon . A . H . Alexander , E . X . Leon , VV . G . McFarlaine , and C . L . Campbell . " This appeal has been responded to in a manner that was
scarcely to be anticipated under existing circumstances , and has enabled the special Fire Relief Committee to meet the immediate and most pressing needs of the unfortunate sufferers ; but as the assistance required is beyond the means of those now granting aid , the Association have to appeal to the brethren outside of Jamaica in the following circular , copies of which have been sent to the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland , and the Grand Lodge of Mark
Alaster Masons : " 79 , Duke-street , Kingston , Jamaica , " 12 th December , 1 SS 2 . " W . Sir and Brother , —The devasting fire which has just destroyed the greater part of the commercial and a large portion of the residential sections of this city having left a very large number of our brethren and their families in utter destitution , the Committee of the Jamaica Masonic
Benevolence , on behalf of the sufferers , hereb y appeal to the members of the Fraternity throughout the United Kingdom for immediate pecuniary aid . " Not having a list of the lodges at hand , the Committee cannot address each lodge individually , but they beg that you will , without loss of time , communicate with the other lodges of your province , and urge them to join you in sending contributions at once to their distressed and afllictcd brethren in Jamaica .
" Remittances can be made in form of bills on London , endorsed to the manager of the Colonial Bank in this city , by whom the amounts will be paid over to the Committee . — I remain , yours fraternally , " A . C . S INCLAIR , Honorary Secretary . " We trust that this appeal will secure the desired aid , and that thus we may be able to assist the Committee of the Jamaica Benevolence in relieving the necessities and soothing the afflictions of our distant brethren and their connections .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
Their Royal Hi ghnesses thc Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh , and " Bro . Lord Wolseley , honoured the Olympic with their presence last week . # # « The M . W . Grand Master and H . R . H . the Princess of Wales with their suite went to the Comedy on Monday to witness the performance of " Rip Van Winkle . " v
* H . R . H . the Duke , and H . I . H . ' the Duchess , of Edinburgh and children went to the Avenue on Alonday afternoon to the see pantomime of " Dick Whittington , and in the evening left for Berlin to take part in the festivities of the silver wedding of Bro . the Crown Prince and the Princess of Germany .
* * A burlesque b y Mr . F . C . Burnand , editor of Punch , will we believe shortly make its appearance at the Gaiety . " Valentine and Orson " on the ( nst eleven nights produced / 4000 . a
* * * The Criterion is likel y to bring out Bro . Sims " Mother-in-Law , " originally produced at the Opera Comique . YVe do not know yet who will be in the cast . It is a piece just suitable for the Criterion , and it is a wonder it was not played there first .
* * Bro . J . I .. Toole could not have done better than revive at the present time the ever popular " Dot . " We are wanting just now such pieces as these . It is by Mr . Dion Boucicault , and is founded on Air . Charles Dickens ' s " Cricket on the Hearth . " It is twenty years since this was first put before the public at the Adelphiwhen Bro .
, Toole , then a young man , showed by his rendering of Caleb Plummer something of the stuff he was made of , and made his first impression on the stage public , which he has fully justified . Air . Samuel Emery , Miss Woolgar , and Miss L . Keeley also played at this time . Bro . Toole has announced it only to be played for twelve nights ; but we should not be surprised if before " Dearer than Life" is again played our
D . otner may see the htnessof leaving " Dot" a little longer on the programme . Miss Eliza Johnstone is the excitable Tilly , the nursemaid , a fair type of a country yokel . Miss Emily Thorne , at all times a favourite , is Mrs . Fielding , and her daughter is represented b y Miss Mellon . The blind girl , Bertha , is feelingly and naturally played by Aliss liffie Liston ; Dot by Aliss Kempton ; the selfish and unhappy Treckleton Mr . Shelton plays with much imnressi ' on _ whili .
the honest John PectrybmgU . of Mr . Billington is only surpassed by Bro . Toole himself . Air . Billington continually brings a tear into the eyes of his audience . " Mr . Guffin ' s Elopement" still follows as the after piece , in which Bro . Toole sings " 'The Speaker ' s Eye ; " but when an encore was demanded the evening of our visit the singer had to ask the indulgence of his audience to be excused , owing to a bad cold which made his voice hoarse .
* We are glad to welcome Miss Genevieve Ward once more to the London stage . This lady is now playin" * at the Olympic , of which she has become the lessee . We believe Aliss Ward has appeared nearl y a thousand times in her character of Stephanie in " Forget me not . " We believe we may safel y assert a complete success has
attended the new venture . "Forget me not" is full of interest and holds the audience from beginning to end . We need not give the detail of the story , as it is not by any means new . Stephanie carries on the combat with Sir-Horace Welby pleasantly , but coldly , with occasional earnestness . One of the finest parts is when Stephanie pleads on her knees to Welb y to allow her to wipe out the
past and enter the world penitent and resolved to lead a better life and not to be the despised of all pure women and honest men . But when Welby refuses to keep her , looking upon her as an abandoned woman , who has dragged her better nature too low to lift it up again out of the mire of sin , then Stephanie turns round , dries up her tears , assumes a haughty defiant attitude , and endeavours to
impress on sur Horace that her penitence was unreal , that she had been only mocking , and was content to go on in the old way she had long ago carved out for herself of living tor herself , and fearless of any one or of what people may say abouther . HereMiss Ward moves heraudience , and fixes theirattentiononher to thc end . Another thrilling portion is when Welby informs this woman that he has found out
about the murder of her husband , and he knows who the murderer was , who killed the husband only to get at the wife , who had ruined him in a gambling hell she kept . But Stephanie , after . being frightened with past memories , draws herself up and refuses to believe that the murderer is close at hand and thirsting for her blood , for , says she , he is safe in jail for life . Welby had hoped b
y telling her of her unsatety , to move her to leave the house of Alice Verney , but she has played all her life with dangerous tools , and is not to be coerced by a tale . Only one thing is left , and that is to give ocular demonstration that the murderer is at hand . Welb y draws the curtain to one side and discloses Barrato on the terrace of the garden . She now believes , and is willinsr to accent anv condition .
to be allowed to flee the country . Welb y assures her of her safety from Rome on condition that she signs a document consenting to her son ' s marriage , which by the law of trance is null and void unless the consent of the parents is given to a minor ' s marriage . She makes good her escape _ from the room wherein is Barrato . who is ordered
by Welby to look straight in front of him , as a lady wishes to make her exit unseen . Mr . W . H . Vernon , who plays Sir Horace Welby , does so with earnestness ; he is always pleasant to see on the ( stage . Miss Buckstone is Alice Verney , and is gentle and ladylike . Mrs , Leigh Murray's Mrs . l'oley is particularl y dignified and yet amusing , and onl y in accordance with Airs . Alurray ' s usual style "l'orget me not" is a piece to be seen .