Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

BRO . ALDERMAN SIR J OSEPH DIMSDALE , M . P ., entered upon his ^ rd year on Thursday . BRO . SIR HOMEWOOD CRAWFORD has been elected on the council of the executive committee of the London Municipal Society . BRO . DR . W . H . CUMMINGS has been elected one of the chairmen of the conference to be held next year in London by the Incorporated Society of Musicians .

BRO . THE ARCHDEACON OF LONDON will preside at the Holborn Restaurant on Saturday , the 2 nd prox ., at the annual dinner of the Sanitary Inspectors' Association . THE LINOTYPE COMPANY , of which Bro . Sheriff Lawrence is the Chairman , has declaieti a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent , per annum on the preferred ordinary shares for the past quarter . THURSDAY was the anniversary of Bro . Earl Roberts ' s arrival at Cape Town to take up cemmand in South Africa , his lordship landing from the Dunottar Castle on January 10 th , 1900 .

BRO . SIR HOMEWOOD CRAWFORD has been elected on the committee of management cf the Deaf and Dumb Asylum , Old Kent-road and Margate , in Succession to his father , the late Bro . John Crawford . THE CORDWAINERS" COMPANY will entertain a number of distinguished members of the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Academy ] of Music at dinner at the hall on Wednesday , the 16 th instant .

THH LORINERS' COMPANY . —Bro . Alderman Sir William Treloar ( the master ) will preside at a dinner of the Loriners' Company on Wednesday , the 23 rd instant , Bro . Ihe Lord Mayor and Sheriffs being the prfneipal guests .

FITZGEORGE-AVENUE . —Bro . the Lord Mayor has consented to formally open on Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., Fitrgeorge-avenue , West Kensington , the new street designed by Mr . Delissa Joseph and constructed by Mr . Henry Lovatt . BROS . HORACE BROOKS MARSHALL AND SON have again given their commission ( , ( , 348 ) on the year ' s sales ot the Methodist Times to the Worn-out Ministers' Fund . Since 1 SS 5 the fund has benefited to the extent of £ 4500 from this source .

THE DUCHESS OF SAXE-COBURG AND GOTHA visited the Duke and Duchess of Connaught , at Clarence House , ' on Wednesday , and remained to luncheon . Her Imperial Highness has arranged to leave London to-day ( Friday ) for Osborne , on a visit to the Queen . WEDNESDAY NIGHT ' Gazette contains the following official announcement : " Privy Council Office , ( an . 7 , 1901 . —This day Field-Marshal the Right Honourable Frederick Sleigh , Baron Roberts of Kandahar , K . P ., G . C . B ., was , in the presence of Mr . Serretary Brodrick , sworn Commander-in-Chief . "

IN THE OPINION of Bro . Dr . W . H . Cummings , the most remarkable achievement of the 19 th century in the realm of music has been the development of the Symphony by Beethoven . " The future , " he adds , " will probably see a great improvement in musicdrama , or opera , founded on the excellences , and avoiding the defects , of Wagner ' s methods . " END OF HIGHGATE ARCHWAY . —The last remaining portion of the old Highgate Archway is now being removed , and socn the road will be widened , and the more modern bridge will stand alone in its newness . The memorial-stone , dated October 31 , 1812 , hss been taken away . The work of demolition is difficult , as the cemented stones of the arch are almost like solid rock .

. BRO . LORD WANTAGE has issued a letter describing what has been done by the Red Cross Scciety in South Africa , particularly with regard to the Princess of Wales Hospital ship and the Princess Christain Hospital train . The former had covered a distance of 40 , 000 miles in voyages , and 725 patients had been treated in the wards , while the train had proved itself of immense advantage to wounded soldiers in Natal and the interior of the Transvaal .

THE COSTERS of London now have an organ of their own , its inception being due to the Ccstermongers' Federation of Great Britain and Ireland . The editor is Mr . H . W . Blake , president of the Federation , and journal , which is termed the "Coster , " will appear on the first Saturday in each month . The first number , which contains a clever doggerel poem , " Costers Organize , " by Mr . Fred Summers , the well-known coster of Farringdon-road , gives excellent promise for the future .

BRO . LORD ROBERTS has sent to Major-General Trotter , commanding the Home District , a notification of his personal approval of all the arrangements in connection with his reception on the 3 rd instant . In annourcing this the Major-General observes that the Commander-in-Chief ' s approval "is largely due to the soldierlike bearing of the troops generally , and to the assistance accorded to him on the occasion by all ranks ; and he takes this opportunity of thanking all those who took part in the proceedings .

THB REIGN OF THE JQ UEEN . — "I think I would . say , " writes Bro . Archdeacon Sinclair , "that the development of freedom and order in the reign of Queen Victoria is the incident in the past century which should be most fruitful for future good Her 63 years of wise constitutional government pres : nt an example to the whole world to which there is no parallel . The memory of a truly good woman at the head of what has become poEEibly the greatest nation in the world should be an ideal for the ne » century which will be as fresh at ifs close ] as at its beginning . "

NBW C ENTURY ADVICE . —Bro . the Archdeacon of London ha . written a htter to the Evening Ness giving advice to be followed this century . As a nation , he siys , this is the time when we thou ! 1 take the opportunity of looking into our faults . " As 10 our aspect as Christians , there can be no doubt at all , " he adds , "that our religious disunions are a drplorable weakness . They will probably continue . The Roman Catholic

Church can effer no terms but submission ; the traditions of Independents , Baptists- , Methodists , and the rest represent an esprit de corps which is not likely to evapo : ate . The refoimed Catholicism of the English Church is regarded by half the nation as true to history and lo reason . But all these differences may be held with mutual respect , toleration , and charity . Love is the fulfiling of the law , and the Church w lich snjivs most ol it will be the wisest friend to the new century . "

BRO . V ISCOUNT WOLESLEY was invited to take part in the annual dinner toabou ! 3 60 old soldiers ot East Anglia , to be given by the Norfolk Daily Standard in Norwich on Tuesday , the 15 th instant , but as he is unable lo be present he has sent the following letter to Capt . Atthill , one sf the hon . secretaries of the fund : " I regret very much that I shall not be able this year to attend the dinner given annually in Norwich

to the veterans of Norfolk . I have always taken , and will always continue to take , the deepest interest in those who fight our battles for us . I feel that those who stay at home and can afford to contribute in any way towards helping to make the old age ol our retired soldiers and sailors happy should be only too glad to do so . No section of society deserve better of those who love England than the men who have fought for her on land or sea . "

WHAT IS NOW KNOWN as the Marple Lodge only came into existence in the year 1809 . There was , however , a lodge meeting in Stockport , originally founded in 1759 , which for all practical purposes ceased to meet in 1795 . Of this ancient lodge the Marple organisation of to-day is the lineal representative and true descendant . Much of the ancient furniture , many obsolete jewels , and a multitude of oddments which have no place in modern Freemasonry , together with the complete set of books , are among the most treasured possessions which the members of to-day have of evidence of the

Masonic activity of their predecessors , i < 5 in number , who founded and furnished the " Lodge ot Benevolence , " No . 83 , Athol Warrant , at the "Sign of ye Unicorn in ye Militate , " Stockport , on New Year's Day , 1759 . This lodge soon became the strongest numerically , as it was , unquestionably , the most influential in status , in the town and neiehbouihocd . "Ihe original lodge ceased to exist during the closing days of the 18 th

century . Permission to meet was obtained from the Grand Lodge of England some 14 years afterwards , and the revived lodge was opened at the " Stag ' s Head ( now the Norfolk Arms ) , Marple Bridge , early in 1809 . From that year to 1 S 15 the lodge meetings were held at the Stag ' s Head , and from 1815 to 1 S 45 at the bull ' s Head , Marple . The removal to the Jolly Sailor took place during the summer of 1843 , since which date all meetings have been held there , a period of about 5 6 years . — " Memories pf Marple , " by Joel Wainwright , Esq .

Masonic And General Tidings.

BRO . EARL ROBERTS has consented to become patron of the Naval and Military Exhibition at the Crystal Palace during the coming summer . BRO . EARL ROBERTS has conseuted to become Patron to the Naval and Military Exhibition , to be held at the Crystal Palace during the coming summer . BRO . J . LEWIS THOMAS , F . S . A ., late Chief Surveyor , War Office , and Mrs . Lewis Thomas celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday at 26 , Gloucester-street , Warwick-square , S . W .

BRO . SIR J AIRD , M . P . —Sir John Aird , M . P ., has left England for Egypt , his visit to that country being in connection with the undertaking upon which his firm , Messrs . J . Aird and Co ., are engaged . MEMBERS of the Court of Common Council and many others will be please ! to learn that Bro . Arthur B . Hudson , C . C ., is making satisfactory progress toward ? recovery following the surgical operation he underwent a few days ago .

THE COUNCIL OF THE HOME AND COLONIAL _ TRAINING COLLEGE have purchased the buildings of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , Wood Green . When the alterations are complete accommodation will be provided for 200 students .

BRO . LORD ROBERTS has informed Bro . the Lord Mayor that he will be happy to receive the address which the Corporation of the City of London have decided to present to him . It is expected that the ceremony will take place at the beginning or middle of next month . BRO . LORD AND LADY BRASSEY gave a ball at Normanhurst on Tuesday evening , and entertained a large house party for the occasion . Among their guests were the Marquis and Marchioness Camden , Lady Magheramorne , Viscount Northland , the Hon . Eustace and Lady Evelyn Dawnav , the Hon . Beryl Dawnay , Miss G . Brassey , Captain Campbell , Captain Crawley , and Mr . and the Hon . Mrs . Freeman-Thomas .

FORTHCOMING MASONIC CHARITY BALL AT BANGOR . —Arrangements have been made for the holding of a Masonic Charity ball , under distinguished patronage , at the George Hotel , Bangor , on Friday , the iSth instant . Bros . W . A . Foster and F . Bellis are acting as honorary secretaries of the movement . The whole of the proceeds are to be devoted to the Masonic Charities , and will be disposed of in equal parts by the St . David's , the Anglesey , and the Royal Leek Lodges .

H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES has graciously consented to open in person a British Congress on Tuberculosis in the Queen ' s Hall , London , at three o ' clock in the afternoon of Monday , July 22 nd , 1901 , and it has been decided that the Congress shall be held from Monday , J uly 22 nd , to Friday , July 26 th . Every British colony and dependency is invited to participate by sending delegates , while the Governments of countries in Europe , Asia , and America are invited to send representative men of science and others , who will be the distinguished guests of the Congress .

MASONIC DINNER AT PORTSMOUTH . —The Masonic Century Dinner , which takes place at the Portsmouth Town Hall on the 15 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . the Right Hon . W . W . B . Beach . M . P ., P . G . M ., promises to be a great success . A large number of applications for tickets have already been received , so that those who desire to take part should send in their names quickly to Bro . G . VV . Edmonds at the Prudential Buildings , Landport . The gathering will be altogether of a social nature , and a good programme of vocal and instrumental music has been arranged .

SIR J AIRD , BART . —The New Centurv has commenced well with the bestowal of a baronetcy upor . the Member for Paddington . There are few busier or better men in the land than John Aird . Amongst the important public works he has carried out at home and abroad , his hustling of old Father Nile compelling him to evenly distribute his favours over thirsty Egypt , will , when completed , rank highest . But he always had a winning way with water , as is shown by the Staines reservoir and the new docks at Southampton . We ought to have Aird of this recognition before . But it ' s never too late to be a baronet . —Punch .

THE NEW CENTURY . —History will tell the tale of the changes which the 20 th century marked in England ( says Canon Scott Holland in the current number ot GoothaiV ) , and will record how it started from out of the resources which tbe dying century handed over to it , and from the courage and hope and patience of those who . freeing themselves from the dark shadows which the old century hid cast over them ,

struck out resolutely to clear the path that led to the new day . Out of the past they had learned by bitter experience what might be cast aside and whit might yet be won ; and , strong in faith , and unstaggered by the deadness of their own impotence , they looked bravely to God to achieve what He had taught them to desire , and to bring in the better Time .

THE SIXTH LADIES' NIGHT of the Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 , will take place at the Cannon-street Hotel , E . C , on Thursday , the 24 th instant , and will receive the coidial support of the members of the Lion and Lamb Chapter . The proceedings will commence with a reception at 5 . 30 p . m ., and will be followed by dancing at six , and supper at eight p . m . ; carriages to be called for 11 . 30 p . m . Tickets , half a guinea each , to include supper ( without wines ) , dance , and light refreshment during the evening , to be had of Bro . Thomas Stokes , W . M ., " Channocks , " 25 , Woodhouse-grove , East Ham , and the Stewards and M . Cs ., or Bro . James Smith , P . M ., Hon . Secretary , 8 , Bancroft-road , E .

"THE RICHARD EVE MEMORHL . "—In accordance with the resolution passed by the Quarterly Court of October , the Board of Management of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys has given careful consideration to the proposal to perpituite the memory of Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., who for many years was a Trustee of the Institution and Chairman of the Board of Management . The Board has resolved to

raise a fund for the erection of a stained glass window in the assembly or dining hill of the new schools at Bushey . The Board feels that the work done by Bro . Eve in connection with the Institution is so well known that many brethren and lodges will welcome the opportunity to contribute to the memorial , and at the same time add to the ornamentation of the new school buildings . About £ 170 has already been promised .

THE ARRANGEMENTS for the grand united service with which the Bournemouth Freemasons propose to celebrate the coming of the new century art now in a forward state . The service will , we hear , take place at St . Peter ' s , where a sermon will be preached by Bro . the Rev . Basil Wilberforce , Archdeacon of Westminster . Brethren of all the local lodges will attend , and the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . W . W . B . Beach

M . P ., will give his countenance and personal support , and preside at a special lod ? e of emergency—to be held in connection with the Lo < lge of Hengist—subsequent to the service . A candidate will be admitted to the mysteries of the Craft , and a grand Masonic banquet will be held in the evening . Wednesday , the iGth inst ., has been fixed as the date for the ceremonies .

THE SHUTTLEWORTII MEMORIAL . —The fund being raised toestablish a memorial of the late Bro . Professor Shuttleworth has already met with hearty support , but further aid is needed . In an appeal signed by the Bishop of Stepney , Bro . Archdeacon Sinclair , Bro . Alderman Sir William Treloar , the Rev . Prebendary Wace , and Mr . George W . E . Russell , M . P ., the public are reminded that the object of the memorial is to make

provision for the widow and children , who have been left with little means , owing to the sacrifices the late Professor made during his lifetime , and to the fact that his premature death precluded him from making adequate provision for his family . Contributions may be stnt to Mr . R . Petheridge , hon . secretary , Chapter House , St . Paul ' s Cathedral ; to Bro . Alderman Sir William Treloar . treasurer , fiS , Ludgate-hill ; or to the London City , and Midland Bank , Ludgate-hill . '

Golden Wedding.

GOLDEN WEDDING .

On the 9 th January , 1851 , at the Cathedral of St . John , Antigua , by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese , assisted by the Ven . the Archdeacon and the Rev R Grant , James Lewis Thomas , Esq ., H . M . Ordnance Office , to Eliza Anne , elder daughter of the late Hon . Henry Lecil Hodges , barrister-at-law .

Death.

DEATH .

DAVIS-ALLEN . —On the 6 th instant , at St . Ermin ' s Hotel , Westminster , J . Davis-Allen , M . D ., son-in-law of the Rev . S , A . Tipple , of Norwood , aged 49 ,