Masonic And General Tidings

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS

BRO . SIR AUGUSTUS HARRIS has joined the Sporting League , the object of vvhich is to influence public opinion , without regard to parly politics , in the interests of sport , so as to enable the people to amuse themselves in future without molestation .

A MEMORIAL expressive of the sympathy of the Englis-h people vvith the Russian nation in their bereavement i * novv lying for signature at the head-quarters of tbe Foreign Press Association in London , 7 , New Coventrystreet , W .

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Provincial Grand Lodce of Cambridgeshire will be held at Wisbech , under the invitation of I ' nited Good Fellowship Lodge , No . Son . on Tuesday , the 20 th inst ., and will be attended bv the Piov . G . M .. Bro . Col . R . Townley Caldwell , and the ' D . P . G . M ., Bro . Rev . J . H . Gray .

ON THE 2 ND INSTANT , at the meeting of the Loyal Cambrian Lodge , No . no , at Merthyr T y dvil , Bro . Dr . Dyke , J . P ., was presented vvith an oil painting of himself , in recognition of his prolonged services . Bro . Dr . Dyke is the oldest member in the province , his period of membership being 5 ( 1 years . Bro . Sandbrook , W . M ., presided , and Bro . D . Rees Lewis , P . M ., made the presentation . The oil-painting vvas the work of Bro . G . F . Harris .

THE INSTALLATION MEETING of the Lodgeof Asaph , No . 131 'J , was held on the 5 th instant , at Freemasons' Hall , when Bro . Francis Henry Macklin , the well-known actor , was installed by Bro . Hambleton , the retiring VV . M . The lodge , which was founded 24 years ago for the convenhnce of members of the dramatic and musical professions , has now , after liberally assisting many cases of distress , nearly £ 1000 in its benevolent fund .

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY COMPANY announce that they have novv extended their arrangement for the booking and delivery of passengers' luggage to their hotel or residence , to apply to all the towns served by the Midland Railway , in which the company deliver with their own carts . Smaller towns are , therefore , novv placed in the same advantageous position as London , Manchester , Liverpool , Birmingham , Nottingham , Leeds , Bradford , and ( he other principal centres in this respect .

THE LORD MAYOR . —On Wednesday , at the Mansion House , the members of the Corporation presented Lady Tyler , the Lady Mayoress , vvith a diamond star and brooch , in recognition of the genial way in vvhich she has discharged the duties of her position , and a deputation of private friends and intimate acquaintances , headed by the Rev . R . B . Ransfoid , the chaplain , subsequently presented the Lord Mayor vvith a splendid service of silver , in token of their esteem and regard .

MASON ic _ BANQUET . —The usual banquet and Lodge of Instruction in connection vvith the opening of the winter session of the Lewises Lodge , was held at the Castle H . tel , Ramigsle , on Monday . 29 th ult . The chair vvas occupied by B 10 . J . Chapman , VV . M ., who vvas supported by Bro . J .

Baldwin in the vice-chair . Twenty-five members and friends sst down fo a capital spread , provided by the host ( Bro . J . Ncale ) . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honouied , ard during the evening a draw for the Masonic Charities took place , in vvhich Bro . Geo . Page was the LUCcessful candidate .

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF STIRLINGSHIRE . —The quarterly communication of the above Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Masonic Half , Falkirk , on Tuesday , 30 th ult ., Bro . George Christie , Prov . Grand Master , presiding . The other members of the Prov . Grand Lodge present were * . Bros . Wm . Black , P . G . D . M . j J . Haddow , P . G . S . W . j R . Crawford , acting P . G . J . W . j Jas . Brown , P . G . Sec .: and Dr . Over , P . G . Treas . It vvas reported

that the Prov . Grand Master had visited Lodge Zetland , No . 391 j Carron Lodge , No . 139 ; and Lodge St . Servanus , No . 771 , and was highly satisfied with the manner in which those lodges conducted their business . It vvas intimated that Bro . H . M . Shaw-Stewart cf Carnock , M . P ., was to be installed as Provincial Grand Master of Renfrewshire West , at Greenock , on the 23 rd inst ., and a deputation of the office-bearers expressedltheir intention of being present at the installation .

CONVERSAZIONE OF THE Q UATUOR CORONATI LODGE . —Bro . Speth , the Secretary of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge has issued the following circular : " Converazione , final notice . —On Wednesday , 2 Sth November next , the warrant of the Lodge Ouatuor Coronati will be ten years old . lt has finally been decided to commemorate the occasion by a conversazione in the new King ' s Hall of the Holborn

Restaurant on that date , ihe proceedings will comprise an Address of Welcome by the Worshipful Master , Rev . C . J . Ball ; an Oration on Freemasonry , specially addressed to the ladies , by Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson j and excellent vocal and conceited music at intervals ; but the projected performance of Mozart ' s Masonic Cantata has been abandoned . Bro . F . I . VV . Crowe , of Torquay , will

exhibit a selection from his large collection of old and curious Masonic clothing . Bro . G . L . Shackles , of Hull , will exhibit his unrivalled collection of Masonic medals . Light refreshments vvill be provided throughout the evening . A dispensation has been granted by the M . W . Grand

Master , authorising the brethren to wear Craft clothing . Brethren aie permitted to introduce their friends , ladies and gentlemen ( the latter need not necessarily be Masons ) . Tickets will be issued only to members of eilher Circle . Tfe piice of the tickets ( lo include refreshments ) has been fixed at five shillings per head .

" I ' nVKK'l V l \ 1111 : limn ; ni ( l 111 ,- , ] c \ il tlinmin ,. sl . jnr ^ : tt llilll . " Tin ' s u .-is una- ; i 1 ; i \ nnn ' tr ' ,,,:,- ! in tlic il ; i \ .. when lic ; i \ v ilr ' mk ' ni .. ' ami ennv ' n nil nirctin . ^ wm- < nuiiiirimr tlinn Ihrv ; ui-UOW . ll i > ; i Hum ] tn ; , M . hill iml ,-l tlJJKilrlv il i- , „ .. ; , ] v , ; i \> ri-alii-id . As iilli-n : is mil , ¦;/• , an- in iln- ililcli , wilh imvirly i

. -OUiiM . ' nilii . il .-u ' t'nllyiMi ciiirrhc : ! ami |„ . , . , ¦ . il ^ riniiinj ,- hard-liv . The li |* ht ' <> r I'xisii-mc is kivn , ami we ran only sucrrril in holding jimcrty al arm ' s length hy kc-c ] , in |_ ' onr heads cunl , unr nerves steady , am ! onr Iraincs health ) and \ ie . i . nms . llmvnre vve In dn lliis ' - There is only one-lire \ v ; iv , niv hnilhers . 1 speak ill all seriousness when I say—use llulluvvuy'i , fills .

Masonic And General Tidings

A NEW LODGE OF INSTRUCTION * has been formed under the sanction of Grand Lodge , vvhich will be called the Woodrow Lodge of Instruction , No . 1708 , and be held at the Star and Garter , Pall Mall , on Monday afternoons , from 3 to 5 o ' clotk . Preceptor , Bro . C . Woodrow , P . M . Plucknett Lodge , No . 170 S .

BRO . F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., P . M ., P . Z ., & c , author of "The Noble Soul , " "The Submerged City , " "Toujours Perdrix" ( poems ) , "A Novel Vengeance , " and "TheFour Henries " ' ( prose ) , recites his original productions at musical entertainments , smoking concerts . & c . For terms , address 02 , Lancaster-road , Notting Hill , W .

MINEHEAD M ASONIC HALL COMPANY , LIMITED . — This company vvas registered on the 29 th ult ., vvith a capital of £ 1000 , divided into 200 shares of £ s each , to acquire by purchase a plot of land in Minehead , in the county of Somerset , for the purpose of erecting a building adanted for a Masonic hall , and other purposes . Registered office , 12 , Hammet-street , Taunton , Somerset . — Investors ' Guardian .

THE CITY LIEUTENANCY . —Her Majesty having' been pleased to give directions , through the Secretary of State for War , for the issue of a new commission of the Lieutenancy of the City of London , and to give the Lord Mayor the privilege of nominating persons to fill such vacancies as have arisen during his term of office , his lordship has made the following nominations : Mr . Thomas James Barratt , Mr . Frederick Hill , Mr . Hoarce Brooks Marshall , jun .,

Mr . ) ohn Morgan , Mr . James Herbert Renals , Mr . James Ralph Truscott , and Mr . Frederick Charles Tyler . RECENTLY SOME VALUAIH . E MANUSCRIPTS and other curios belonging to the early days of Methodism have come into the possession of the Wesleyan Book Room authorities at City-road . This week an album containing a unique collection of society tickets from the days of John Wesley ,

also valuable autographs of many of the Fathers of the Methodist Church , has been formally presented by the Rev . C . H . Kelly , one of the ex-presidents vvho received the gift from a gentleman in Australia . The value of the colled ion is increased by ecclesiastical and biographical notes contributed by the ! Rev . James Everett , principal founder nf the United Methodist Free Churches .

MR . CLEMENT SCOTT delivered a lecture on Thursday night at Newcastle on " Thirty-live Years at the Play , " in aid of the Crippled Children ' s Home , at Wallsend . A large and fashionable audience assembled at the Art Gallery . Bro . Sir Augustus Harris presided , and introduced Mr . Scott , who traced the history of the English stage from 1 S 60 J and , in dealing vvith that class of play in vvhich

certain phases of human nature were analysed and put prominently forward , said nothing vvas to be gained by flaunting upon the stage the worst vices of humanity , when there vvas so much of vvhat was good and beautiful to be depicted . 1 le believed there would be a revolution in the drama , but it vvas not likely to come from people vvho had doctrines to preach so much as from the individual playgoer .

MRS . KATHARINE FISK , an American contralto , vvho sang in London some time ago , is again amongst us , and on Thursday afternoon gave a " song recital . " Therevvas but a small audience , but Mrs . Fisk proved conclusively that she deserved one much larger . Her excellent voice and method , as well as her intelligence and feeling , vvere well displayed in a number of classical selections , such as " Creation's Hymn , " " In questa tomba , " " Death and

the Maiden , " and the "Sapphische Ode" of Brahms . Mrs . Fisk also sang vvith success the well-known air , "Amour , viens aidtr ma faiblesse , " from Saint-Safins ' " Samson and Delila , " and introduced a number of songs of a light character , presumably by American composers whose names are not familiar on this side . Mr . Chadwick vve know , and two of his folk-songs , " Love and Joy" and " The Noithern Days , " met vvith much favour . Mr . Anton Schlosser vvas the accompanist .

THE ORDER OK THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE . — Historically considered the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine commemotates the first elevation of Christianity frcm the position of a despised and proscribed heresy , to tbat of a legally recognised and honoured religion . Christianity had indeed existed for more than three centuries before the institution of the Order , but always under the ban of restrictive laws and proclamations , moie or less

rigidly enforced , according to the caprice of those entrusted with their administration , and it was not until Constantine won the battle vvhich gave him supreme control over the Western Empire that it acquired an established place among the religionsof Ihe world . To preserve the memory of the event vvhich tendered possible this great change , as

well as testify in the most maiked manner his sense of the Divine aid vvhich had given him the victory , our ancient traditions assert that in the yiar A . D . 313 he established Ihis Order of Knighthood , prescribed its insignia and committed to its keeping the Lab-uum , or sacred banner , behind which his legions tv . r after maiched to victory . — Masonic . Chronicle .

T HE J APAN SOCIETY . —AS the outcome of an afterdinner chat at the Mansion House some weeks ago , Bro . Horniman , M . J . S ., F . R . G . S ., gave a reception to the members of the Japan Sociely , cf whichhe is a member , at Horniman's Museum , Forest Hill , last week . There was a crowded attendance , but great disappointment was expressed at the abtence of the Japanese Minister , Viscount Aoki , the President of the Society , vvho sent the

following telegram in explanation of his absence " Frederick John Horniman , Esq ., Forest Hill , London . —Pressure of official duties does not permit me to leave Berlin now , and I deeply regret my inability to be present at your reception . Accept my sincere thanks for the honour extended to me , and remember me kindly to members of our Society . —AOKI . " Madame Shimoda , who is now in lingland on a special mission Irom the lmpeiial hou-ehold

to study English family life and the best methods of higher female education , was present , looking very picturesque in her native dress . Madame Shimoda has been fur nine years the principal of Ihe lrmpri-ss ' s College for Peeresses in lobuvo , and on her return will have the charge of the Imperial Princesses ' education . After lhc reception—which lasted about an hour the guests made a thoiough

inspection of the interesting collection of exhibits , the Japanese portion of the museum coming in very naturally tor ihe chief attraction . About ti ght o ' clock ihe party adjourned to "Surrey Mount , " Bro . Horniman's residence , where refreshments were served , and a pleasant programme of music discussed under the diicction of Mr . Dalgety Henderson .

Masonic And General Tidings

"JOHN-A-DREAMS " a new play by Mr . C . Haddon Chambers , was favourably received on its production at the Haymarket Theatre , on Thursday night . We are asked to state that the Southwark Lod ge 0 f Instruction has been removed from the Sir Gjrnet Wolseley and vvill in future meet at the White Hart , New Cross ' Gate , S . E ., every Thursday evening at eight o ' clock . '

SITTING at the Mansion House for the la « . t time on Thursday as Chief Magistrate , Sir George Tyler bade an official farewell to all conn ? cted vvith the administration of justice at that court . His lordship sincerely thanked the staff for the assistance they had rend ; red him during the year . Referring to the distribution of relief through the poor-box , he vvas p ' eased to learn that the continued

liberality of the public had enabled much good to be don ; after the careful inquiries and precautions vvhich vvere in . variably exercised . To the members of the legal pro . Session and the press be also tendered sin-ere thanks for their courtesy and attention . The Chief Clerk ( Mr , Douglas ) acknowledged his lordship ' s tribute . MESSRS . ] . R . PARKINGTON AND CO , of 24 ,

Crutchedfriars , report : T he improvement manifested of late in the demand for wines and spirits is still fairly maintained , though it cannot even novv be claimed that the revival i _ sufficiently pronounced to warrant the assertion that a renewed era of prosperity has dawned upon us . From the multitude of conllicting , and even contradictory , reports emanating from the various vine-crowing centres of Europe it is difficult to glean , in the absence of official

statistics , the actual result of the recent Continental vintage . However , it is evident that the pessimistic accounts hitherto despatched are by no means justified by results , and that the yield , though far from rivalling the enormius crop of last year , is considerably in excess of the average . At present it would be moat hazardous to venture a conjecture as to the quality of the general yield , more especially as it appears to be strikingly unequal .

WE FREQUENTLY HEAR the phrase "ancient constitutions , " and appeals are frequently made to them assuprem : authority . This is all a mistake . The " ancient constitutions" referred to are simply the constitution , or "general regulations , " of the Grand Lodge of England as adopted by that body when they " approved " the charges as compiled by Anderson . These " regulations" for the

government of the Craft in England are enactments based upon the charges j or , in other words , they are simply the constitution of that Grand Lodge , and are of no more authority beyond the jurisdiction of that body than is the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Michigan or that of any other Grand Lodge . Those regulations may be changed at pleasure , so that they do not contravene the charges ; they

havebeen changed frequently since they vvere first adopted , and will probably bc again . —American Tyler . THE LORD MAYOR and the Lord Mayor Elect , after entertaining the Aldermen , the Recorder , the Sheriffs , the high officers of the Corporation , and the Masters , Wardens , and Courts of the Stationers ' , Spectacle Makers ' ,

Fruiterers , and Gold and Silver Wire Drawers Companies at luncheon at the Mansion House , on Thursday , proceeded in State to the Guildhall , where Sir Joseph Renals vvas formally admitted to ofiice . The numerous spectat ors ol the ceremony of " swearing-in" missed the personalities both of Mr . Chamberlain Cotton—who , to everybody ' s regret ,

was absent on account of a sudden attack of illness—and of Mr . William Payne , late the Chamberlain's Principal Clerk , vvho for 40 years in succession had till now officiated on this occasion . I he usual "reverences" were duly performed by the several officials , either as substitutes , or in their own proper offices , and the various insignia were handed over and returned to their respective custodians . The retiring Lord Mayor and the new finally drove t-ff together , amid the cheers of a considerable crowd .

LORD COLERIDGE in presenting the prizes and certin eates gained by the candidates at the examinations held by the metropolitan centre of Trinity College , London , ol which he is the vice-president , confessed that he had one : composed a melody which had , happily , never been published , or probably he would not havebeen asked to take the chair on that interesting occasion . Nevertheless lie

claimed a right to that honour as one who vvas passionately fond ol music in every form , save , perhaps , when it emanated from a "German eleemosynary band" or a barrel organ , but lie admitted a preference for the classics , ai ™ would rather hear " Bach often " than " Offenbach . " H ' lordship defended the English from the charge of being at unmusical nation , declaring that the man who could solve

the difficulty of enabling the public in this country to hear music as cheaply as abroad , would discover what a Meat love of the art there is among the people . In the course nf the proceedings , which took place at Piinces' Hall-Piccadilly , it was stated that 1 , 173 candidates had wc " examined . The National Piize , awarded by the college , vvas taken by Eustace Turner , vvho had passed wit " honours in harmony and counterpoint .

THE "AUSTRALASIAN KEYSTONE" appears to « P ' j ence the same difficulty in pleasing everybody that the Di World journals have done eicr since the first news shee was printed : In ils October number the editor thus delivers himself : " Numerous verbal , and a few written , complaints have reached us regarding the curtness ° ' ° " reuorts in last issue on ordinary meetings of Craft lodg '*

Wc would remind our esteemed readers whatbefell , accor - ing to the old fable , the owner of a beast of burden wiw endeavoured to please everybody . VVe decidedly ? ° "• intend attempting such an impossible task . Our object 1 curtailing reports is to gain space lor matter of rno gtneia . 1 interest . The rituals contain fullest data ot ceremonies . It is true a proveib exi-ts which says : «''' is lets txpensive in his tastes than the a"' . 1 it IIIJM ' , 111 iu 11 iniiii ii'iMiiH" — -

woman ; . , .-., I . I ^ ' m ., .,., , , , would appear in silks and satins , the former is ciinti'l' ¦ , he appears in print . ' VVe sincerely tiust the men-be . rs our institution form the exception to this sa ) ing ; a It n 0 A one or two isolated cases have occurred when a brolner ie withdrawn bis support from the paper owing to his n king omitted in connection with a choral or some 0 ceieiiioiiy . We fervently hope the oinisMon of the s

ment trut any ceremony ' mas performed , in an "' jA'' '* the mniiner , ' tkc , fee , vvill be lully counterbalanced by' j additional quantity uf items of greater importance vve be able to publish . We trust the brethren will give ^ pltnty of 'copy' for our new column , ' Sayings tn ^ South : ' also lhat our kind honorary correspondents « ^ , contributors vvill not fail to report anv 'pearls 0 / cloqtu they may hear fall a ' , the festive bjarcl . "