Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

The Committee of Management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution will hold its regular monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday next , the 13 th inst ., at 4 p . m . The marriage of Mr . Freeman Thomas with the Hon . Marie Brassey , daughter of Bro . Lord Brassey , will be

solemnised at St . Pauls Church , Knightsbridge , at 1 p . m ., on Wednesday , the 20 th inst . During the stay of the Gaekwar of Baroda in London he has undergone successful treatment , involving a slight operation on his throat , at the hands of Bro . Lennox Browne .

The meetings of the Duke of Albany Lodge of Instruction , No . igf > 3 , held at Mason ' s Arms Hotel , Battersea Park-road , have been adjourned until the first VVednesday in September . We are asked to state that the meetings of the St . John's Lodge of Instruction , No . l 3 ofi , are held every Thursday evening , at eight o ' clock , at the Queen Victoria Tavern , Exmouth-street , Stepney , E .

It is authoritatively announced that the City Chamber of Arbitration , which there is reason to believe will commence active work at the close of the Long Vacation , will have two permanent officials who will be paid by fees only , a Legal Assessor and a Registrar , and that Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , will hold the former office , and Air . T . Roderick , the City Secondary , the latter .

The Dean of St . Paul's and the President of the Royal Academy having invited the Corporation of London to assist in a movement for placing Stephens' Statue of the Duke of Wellington in a more suitable and prominent position in the Cathedral , the City Fathers have referred the matter to their Coal , Corn , and Finance Committee for consideration and report .

Prince Christian was present at a cricket match played on the Windsor Home Park , on Saturday last , between the Home Park Club and the Windsor Rugby Football Club . The former scored fig and 52 , of which the Prince's son , Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein , made 31 . The Rugby Football Club scored 163—Mr . Somerville scoring 7 S—in this one innings and thus secured the victory .

The Prince of VVales , accompanied by Bro . Lord Suffield , again visited the Imperial Institute on the 1 st instant , being received by Bros . Lord Herschell , Sir Fred . Abel , and Sir Somers Vine . On Sunday his Royal Highness went on board the Alelampus at . Portsmouth , which has recently been commissioned by his son , the Duke of York , all the officers being presented to him . On Alonday the Prince returned to town .

Tuesday was the opening day of the tercentenary celebration of the foundation of the University of Dublin , and among the representatives present of learned and artistic societies in London , were Sir John Lubbock , Bart ., AI . P . j Sir Richard Ouain , Sir James Paget , and Mr . Alma

Tadema . The precession to St . Patrick s Cathedral passed through the streets of Dublin , headed b y the band of the Sussex Regiment , to attend Divine service , the sermon in commemoration of the event being preached by the Dean of St . Patrick's .

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York , with Admiral the Earl of Clanwilliam left Portsmouth Harbour on Monday morning for a run through Spithead in No . .. Torpedo boat . Subsequently their Royal Highnesses inspected the Royal Sovereign and then , after luncheon with the Admiral at

Admiralty House , the Prince returned to town . On Tuesday his Royal Highness visited the second annual exhibition of the Society of Portrait Painters at the Royal Institute , Piccadilly , and the summer exhibition at the New Gallery , Regent-street .

On Friday , the ist inst ., Bro . Lord Randolph Churchill was returned unopposed for South Paddington , and for the space of 24 hours had the honour of being the only man in the United Kingdom who was privileged to write ALP . after his name . On Saturday over a dozen other members were

elected without opposition , among them being Bros . Sir Algernon Borthwick Ior South Kensington , Sir Al . E . Hicks-Beach , Bart ., for VVest Bristol , Sir James Whitehead , one of the two representatives for Leicester , and Bro . Sir Edward Watkin , Bart ., for Hythe .

BRITISH EOUITAM . E ASSURANCE COMPANY . —Amongst the assurance companies which have not only passed thiough their trial stage , but have firmly established Ihf mselves in the confidence of the public , the British Equitable may fairly be included . Established 37 years ago , each succeeding year has shown a steady progress , and the managing director , Bro . VV . S . Gover , was not only able to

congratulate himself on an unbroken record of attendances at each of the 37 annual meetings which he was fairly entitled to do , but what was of more moment to those assembled , he was also able to present to them an increasingly prosperous account of the year ' s business . Last year a satisfactory division of profits was made , and the accumulated fund now stands at £ 1 , 303 . 532 . One excellent and somewhat

remarkable feature in the conduct of the Company's affairs during the past year has been the large number of meetings held in the country in order to lay before the policy holders the actual position of the Company . Insurance companies are subject , and very properly so , to verv keen criticisms

in these days , and the real interests of both insurer and insured are best consulted b y a perfectly frank and open statement of the exact position in which it stands . It is satisfactory to note that everywhere those interested have been convinced not only of the soundness , but of the wealth and prosperity of the Company .

HOLLOWAY s PILLS . —though good health i . s preferable to high honour , how regardless people often are of the former—how covetous of the later . Many suller their strength tn drain away ere maturity is reached , through ignorance of tiie facility allorded by these incomparable Pills of clucking the first untoward symptnnis of derangement , and rcinsUting order without

interfeting in the least with their pleasure or pursuits . To the young especially , it is important to maintain the highest digestive eliiciencv , without whicli the growth is stunted , the muscles become lax , the frame feeble , and the mind slothful . The removal of indigestion by these Pills is so easy that none save the most thoughtless permit it to sap the spring of life .

Masonic And General Tidings.

At the general meeting of the society , held in June , Bro . Emra Holmes , F . R . Hist . Soc , was elected a Fellow of the Royal Antiquarian Society ( Ireland ) . According to the latest arrangements , the Queen , it is understood , will continue to reside at Windsor till Tuesday ,

the 19 th inst ., when the Court will move to Osborne . In order to continue its series of experiments on liquid oxygen the Royal Institution of Great Britain has received £ 300 from the Royal Society , £ 120 from Air . Ludwig Alond , and £ 50 from Mr . Hugo Midler .

The annual dinner of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in London will be held at the Hotel Metropole , on Monday , the iSth inst . The Duke of Aosta , nephew of the King of Italy , who is on a visit to this country , has signified his intention of being present .

Bro . Lord Mayor Evans and the Lady Alayoress , who have returned from their visit to Cardiff , entertained the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England and the ministers of other denominations at dinner at the Mansion House on Wednesday evening .

The review of the Household Cavalry and 17 th Lancers by the Duke of Cambridge which was originally ordered for Monday took place on Wednesday on Wimbledon Common , the Princess Alary Duchess of Teck and her daughter being present on the occasion .

The Royal Botanic Society gave their annual evening fete at their gardens in the Regent ' s Park on Wednesday , when there was a large 1 and fashionable attendance , the pleasure of whose presence was greatly enhanced by the music played by the band of the 2 nd Life Guards .

VVe are pleased to hear that the Duchess of Connaught , who went abrcad a short time since for the purpose of recruiting her strength , has greatly benefited by the change . The Duke met her Royal Highness on her return , and after a brief rest at Buckingham Palace , the two proceeded to Portsmouth .

The Alansion House Fund for the relief of the sufferers by the cyclone in the Mauritius was stated to have reached over £ 10 , 000 by the close of last week . The name of Bro . J . de Bels Adam , Alayor of Liverpool , by whom £ 500 was collected for the fund , has been added to the list of the Committee .

The degree of " Dr . has been conferred honoris causa by the University of Dublin , on Bro . Henry Irving , who at the time of receiving the degree was the subject of a grand ovation from the students , who subsequently carried him shoulder high round the Quadrangle and were thanked by him in an effective little speech .

According to the latest returns of the Registrar-General the mortality in London , notwithstanding the extensive prevalence of scarlet fever , was so low last week as iG . S per 1000 . The number of deaths from diphtheria was more than double the corrected average , and there were registered four deaths from smallpox .

His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief made his annual inspection of the Royal Military Asylum , Chelsea , on Wednesday , in the presence of Generals Lord Chelmsford , Bro . Sir Reginald Gipps , Bro . Sir Redvers Buller , Sir Arthur Herbert , and others . The boys , to the number

of about 250 , headed by their excellent bind , marched and counter marched , and went through their musical drill and other exercises with great precision , greatly to the pleasure of the Duke , who expressed himself well sat sfied with their appearance and discipline .

1 he summer excursion annually organised by the Lincolnshire brethren took place recently , and resulted , in every sense , in a most brilliant success . The lovely country known as "The Dukeries" had been selected as a convenient and attractive place of resort , and no less than 100 ladies and gentlemen availed themselves of the Masons' invitation . Many lodges in the province were represented , including Sutton Bridge , Bourn , and Sleaford , whilst various

brethren from distant p'ovinces were also of the party . After a drive through "The Dukeries" the excursionists returned to the Royal at Worksop to dinner . Bro . Harvey once more presided over his 100 guests , and a right merry time was spent until the stroke of eight signalled the hour for the return journey . The arrangements were efficiently manipulated by Bro . Harvey , Bro . Bimrose , the Secretary , and Bro . Barrell .

One of the most enjoyable excursions ever held in connection with the Elm Lodge , No . 1212 , took place on Tuesday , the 2 Sth ult ., under the supervision of the VV . M ,, Bro . VVilliam Sweet . The party , which was a numerous one , left the Alillbay and Devonport Stations for Liskeard in the morning , the journey proving the more agreeable on account of the comfortable saloon carriage provided by

the railway authorities at the request of the VV . M . Pull justice was done to a luncheon , which was admirably served at Bro . Cleave's Stag Hotel . Thence the excursionists proceeded in open conveyances to theCheesewring , the manifold beauties of which for some time attracted their attention . After indulging in a healthy scramble over the huge lichen-covered boulders , the visitors were

photographed in a group as a memento of the outing . On Liskeard being reached once more anjexcellent meat tea proved very acceptable to the now hungry party . A convivial time was spent , during wliich the VV . AI . received the hearty good wishes of all present . The party returned to Plymouth well satisfied with their trip . FII'LII-LANK INSTITI-TIONS . —The , 0 th anniversary of

the Field-lane Refuges anl Ragged Schools was held on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., in the Holborn Town Hall , the Karl of Aberdeen presiding ; a large party of children from the industrial schools lent brightness to the occasion by singing a variety of pieces . Mr . Peregrine Piatt in rendering a summary of the report gave some interesting particulars of the origin and work of this most useful Institution . Some idea of the work can be formed fom the fact

that during the past year the I'cfuges have received 805 persons and placed 251 of them in employment . The average attendance at ( he Bible Schools has been 509 every Sunday and 320 every Friday , and the Industrial Schools have had 217 boys and girls under instruction , while the

girls sewing school has been in operation each Tuesday during the year with an average attendance of 250 scholars . The cost of maintaining the work of the Institution amounts annually to about £ . S 20 o j the income , however , was below the expenditure , and there was a deficiency of no less than £ Xoo . lt was therefore urged that special efforts shoultl be made to raise funds for the maintenance of this work .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . Sir Augustus Harris was a guest last week at the inaugural dinner of the authors' Club , St . James ' s-place Bro . Sir Polydore De Keyser has consented to take the chair on Monday , the 25 th inst ., at a complimentary banquet that is to be given at the Rainbow , Fleet-street , to Mr Alderman Treloar , the hosts being inhabitants of the Ward of Farringdon Without .

Bro . T . Hastings Miller , the chairman , has arranged for a special concert of the Guildhall School of Music to be held on Saturday , the 23 rd inst ., in the Guildhall . The Lord Mayor and Lady Alayoress , the Sheriffs and their ladies have promised to attend in state .

The recent meeting at the Alansion House in aid of the Children ' s Country Holidays Fund , to , Buckingham-street has resulted in the sum of £ 130 being handed over to Air . Lyttelton . This amount will suffice to give a fortnight's holiday to about 300 poor children .

In consequence of the necessity for carrying out extensive repairs , painting , & c , at the University College Hospital it has been decided to close it , with the exception of the Alaternity Department , for six weeks from the 20 th instant . The various repairs , & c , will necessitate considerable outlay , and the committee trust that the friends of the charit y will help them to meet this heavy but necessary expenditure

The competition for the Lord Alayor's prizes at the Guildhall School of Music took place on Thursday last Madame Nordica acting as judge . There were 14 com . petitors , and the prizes were awarded to Jessie Bradford , Emily Briggs , and Ida Price . The competition for the tenor prize also took place on Friday , Air . Barton AlcGuckin acting as judge . There were eight competitors , and the prize was awarded to Samuel Alasters .

The competitions for the Lawn Tennis Championshi ps were brought to a close at the All England Club at Wimbledon last week , when the winners of the Ladies ' Singles and the Gentlemen ' s Doubles , All Comers' Competitions , met the holders of the two titles in the presence of a large company of spectators . As had been anticipated , Aliss Dod retained possession of the Ladies' Championship ; but in the other event last year's winners were defeated by three sets to one .

There would seem to be something in the combination oi Freemasonry with medicine that makes for longevity . Not very long ago we ( British Medical Journal ) had occasion to congratulate Air . William Salmon , of Pennlyne , Glamorganshire , the oldest member of the College of Surgeons , who is also believed to be the oldest Freemason in the world , on his completion of his 102 nd year . Now a rival

medico-Masonic planet swims into our ken in the form of Dr . Enoch Fithian , of Greenwich , Cumberland county , U . S . A ., who on ioth May celebrated the completion of a century of life . Dr . Fithian , who was born on ioth May , 1792 , claims to be the oldest Freemason in the United States . He boasts that he has seen every President of the United States from Washington down to the present occupant of the VVhite House . —Morning Leader .

This year's match between Oxford and Cambridge , which was played at Lord's on Thursday , Friday , and Saturday of last week , terminated , contrary to expectation , in a substantial victory for the former by five wickets . Dark lllue won the toss , and , electing to go in , made the fine score of 3 ( 15 , of which Alessrs . Jardine and Hill compiled 140 and 114 respectively . Against this Cambridge were able to put together only 1 G 0 , of which 63 stood to the credit of

Waigall , who carried out his bat , and 34 to Jackson , the Light Blue captain . In their second venture they compiled 3 SS , Streatfield scoring 114 , R N . Douglas , 51 , Latham , 69 , and Jackson , 33 . This left Oxford 1 S 4 to win , which they did for the loss of five wickets only , Jardine compiling 39 , and Palairet ( captain ) not out 71 . Oxford have now won 26 matches against Cambridge 29 , three other matches having been drawn .

The members of the Derby Lodge , No . 724 , and tlnar friends to over 100 , held their annual picnic at Matlo-k Bath under very favourable auspices . To amuse the visiters a few sports were arranged and competed for as follows : 100-yards race for gentlemen : 1 , T . bcolt j 2 , J . Bagott ; 3 , R . Coursey . 100-yards ladies' race ( single ladies , relations of members ) : 1 , Miss Keithley ; 2 , Miss Griffith ;

3 , Aliss A . Heardman . 120-yards race ( gentlemen ) , the Derby handicap , for members only : 1 , J . VV . Griffiths ; 2 , C . Lindsey . 100-jards race , for the wives of members only : 1 . Airs . J . D . Griffiths ; 2 , Mrs . C . W . Higson ; 3 , Mrs . Levi Turner . 22 o-yards race , for gentlemen : 1 , Air . Alillingtonj 2 , Mr . Keithley j 3 , Air . W . Urisccc i 2 o-yards race , for ladies : 1 , Airs . Norris ; 2 , Mi- ^ s

Coursey ; 3 , Aliss Hornby . 75-yards race , for gentlemen 1 , R . Godbeherej 2 , Levi Turner ; 3 . C Higson . 5 . * yards race , for ladies : 1 , Mrs . Chipcasej 2 , Aliss h . Heardman ; 3 , Miss Piitchard . Ladies' extra , 30-yanls race : Airs . F . Bohn . After tea the prizes were delivered 1 " the successful competitors , and the party returned home after a very enjoyable outing .

THE INFANT . ORPHAN ASYLUM . —The Board of Management of this well-known institution have , in the past , been particularly successful in obtaining the patronage and presence of Royalty on the occasion of the distribution 01 prizes to the scholars , and this year has proved no excep tion to thc rule , for the annual proceedings which took place at VVanstead on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., were graced with

the presence ol his Grace the Duke and H . R . H . \" Duchess of Fife , her Royal Highness making the distribution of awards . In consequence a large and fashionable assembly gathered within the spacious examination room . ' witness the function , and receive ocular proof of the adi'iir * able manner in which the children are trained . ' foundation-stone of this noble institution was laid by tne Prince Consort nearly 50 years agoand since then it "

, had an uninterrupted careerof usefulness andp hilanthroi .-'To Bro . Green , the Secretary , much of this success is due , and the Management Committee has been an excclle " one . It is not free from anxiety as to the means by whir its usefulness can be maintained , sharing as it has done t depression which unfortunately overshadows similar ins tions , but it is hoped that the corner will soon be '" . j anil that he will soon be able to announce that it has IL

turned to a more prosperous state . A G 0011 PLAN . —The Eleventh Annual Edition ^ Explanatory Book , sent free , gives valuable and re n j information how to operate successfully in Stocks a Shares and obtain handsome profits . —Address , Geo . M and Co ., Stockbrokers , 11 , Poultry , London , E . C .