MASONIC.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIV, Issue 10786, 25 October 1895, Page 3

MASONIC.

ENTERTAINMENT TO-CHILDREN. There has never beeo.-a more delightful or a more thoroughly satisfactory gathering in the Masonic Hal!, than that which was held last evening. The occasion was the celebration of the anniversary of the St Augustine Lodge, and, as in former years, a special programme had been devised for the delectation of the children of members of the Craft. Of course there was a crowded attendance, and the only regret experienced in connection with such special features of Masonry is that the seating space available is not very much greater. Once more, there was a “ picture, song and story” programme, admirably conceived, admirably carried out; and from beginning to end the enjoyment of the youngsters was simply perfect. There were limelight pictures of many kinds, which Bro T. Crook showed by the aid of an apparatus he has himself manufactured; and it is but common justice to say that pictures have never been better shown in this oity. Amongst the mechanical effects introduced was the cycloidotrope, by means of which exquisite eccentric patterns grow upon the screen, the results being after the manner of "engine turning.” The pictures were described by P.M. Bco Charles Hull, who had some comical stories to tell. Pianoforte solos were played by Miss Black; songs were sung by the Misses L. Smith and Bonnington, and by Bros Woodhouse and Millar ; but the most pleasing of the vocal items were the trios sung by a number of children who had been trained by Bro Maitland Gardner. Perhaps the items moat enjoyed by the guests of the evening —the children—were the ventriloquial sketches introduced by BroH.,H. Ray ward. Probably no ventriloquist has ever had a more satisfactory tribute paid to his abilities than was experienced by Bro Ray ward last evening. He was delineating a scene at a dentist’s. The patient could be heard coming up the stairs, and, as he neared the floor, the children rose in a body to watch for his appearance, and h%d to bo assured that they were being deceived. There was a long "interval ” in the programme. In that interval the children were taken to the refectory, which, by the aid of plants and flowers and fairy lamps bad been converted into a sort of Wonderland, and regaled with all manner of good things. In the meantime the elder folk were being served with tea and coffee, and afforded the opportunity of pleasant intercourse. All seemed sorry when the programme was ended, and all, it is safe to say, will look forward longingly to the next Masonic gathering of a like nature.