Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

The final meeting of . the Board of Stewards for the recent Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution will be held at Freemasons' Hall , on Tuesday next , the 13 th inst ., at 5 p . m ., when the accounts will be submitted , passed , and ordered to be paid , and the Board dissolved .

Bro . J . S . Cumberland , who has not been in good health for some time , will leave England this week for the South of Europe , visiting Naples , Malta , and probably Tangiers . He will be away about a month , and we trust the change will restore him to his usual vigour .

The Richard Jeffries memorial bint was unveiled in Salisbury Cathedral on Wednesday by Bishop Wordsworth . An address was given by the Dean . Bro . Lord Mayor Evans and the Lady Mayoress returned to the Mansion House on Saturday last , having concluded their visit to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort at Badminton .

Bro . the Duke of Devonshire hid an audience of the Queen at Windsor Castle on Saturday last , when his Grace delivered to her Majesty the badge of the Order of the Garter worn by his late father . Hilheito the Duke of Argyll has fat in the House of Lords as Baron Sundridge and Hamilton , but recently her Majesty has been pleased to confer on his Grace the dignity of a dukedom of the United Kingdom .

The Duke of Teck and his daughter , the Princess Victoria Mary , visited the Oueen at Windsor Castle on Monday and stayed to lunch , afterwards visiting the M liiioleim , and returning to the White Lodge , Richmond . By the kind permission of the Corporation of London , the British and Foreign Bible Society held their SSth annual gathering in the Guildhall on Saturday last , when , after a seiies of appropriate addresses , tea , cake , and other light refreshments were partaken of in the Crypt .

Bro . Lord Halsbury ( Lord Chancellor ) , Bro . Lord Ashbourne ( Lord Chancellor of Ireland ) , and Bros . Lord George Hamilton , Sir M . E . Hicks-Beach , and the Right Hon . W . L . Jackson attended the Cabinet Council which was held at the Foreign Office on Saturday last .

Bro . the Rev . H . M . Maujham , M . A ., vicar of VVtutstable , P . M . of the Graystone Lodge , No . 1915 , and W . M . of the United Industrious Ledge , No . 31 , at Canterbury , and P . P . G . Chap , of Kent , was on the 25 th ult . duly installed in the First Principal ' s chair of the Chapter of Harmony , No . 1 JJ , at Faversham . Bro . Col . L . G . Dundas , late 62 nd Wiltshire Regiment ,

has kindly granted permission to Bro . Col . I . Davies Sewell , formerly in the 4 th Royal Fusiliers , to parade the 4 th Volunteer Battalion of the Essex Regiment in the barrack square of Finsbury Barracks , City-road , this day ( Saturday ) previously to the Essex men having a march out . The 20 th anniversary of the weddins : day of the Prince

and Princess of Wales was observed at Windsor on Thursday . The bells of the Chapel Royal , of St . George ' s , and St . John ' s Church were nng , and the usual salutes were fired in the Long Walk . No festivities were held at the Castle , owing to the death of the Duke ol Clarer . ce .

With truffles selling at prices all the way from 4 s . to 14 s . the pound , the gourmet will hear wilh delight that there are ample supplies at the base uf the Himalayas . The species , it would appear , is not yet known to science , and is described by Dr . Cooke as Tuber imlicitiii It is closely allied to the French black trullle , but much smaller .

The Marchioness of Londonderry has given permission forasileof real Irish-made work , to be held towards the end of the current month at Londonderry House , in b ; ha \ f of the Irish Industries' Association , Motcomb-street . lhe Duchess of Abercorn , the Countess of Aberdeen—who is President of the Association -and the Marchioness of I . ondonderry will take charge of stalls .

In the minute book of an old New Hampshire lodge , date 1790 , 'tis recorded— ' The Master proposed Thumas Hall Costlo , agentleman from the West Indies , and hiving the appearance of 11 gentleman and a stranger , he w ^ s accepted . " Many lodges today are no more exacting than their New Hampshire predecessors . — South Afrlain Freemason .

At the meeting of the Rose Croix Chapter of St . Aubyn , at the Fidelity Hall , Granb ) -street , Devonport , on the 29 th ult ., Frater A . J . Verdi was installed the M . W . S . Prater E . Ailken-Davies , P . M . W . S ., was the Installing Officer , assisted by Praties C Watson , W . G . Watson , P . M . W . S ., and 1 . Kinton Bond . The ollicers invested were Fratrcs VV . G . Watson , I . P . M . W . S .: F . T . W . Curtis , Prelate ;

T . VV . Payne , ist On . ; J . Chapman , 2 nd Gen . ; t . Watson , 'Ireas . ; W . G . Watson , Recorder ; J . Allen , G . M . ; E . Woodland , C of G . ; I . Austin , R . ; K . A . Davies , H . J VV . Trevena , D . C ; C . Newton , O . ; and W . Henderson , Equerry . At the close of the business the Iratres adjourned to lhe Masonic Hall , Plymouth , where they dined together , Frater A . J . Verdi presiding .

The brethren of the Agricola Lodge and their friends held their annual ball at the Albeit Rooms , Stonegate , Yoik , en lhe 1 st inst . 'The event had been postponed from the 2 nd ult ., in consequence of the death ol the Duke ol Clarence , 'lhe function was of the most pleasant and enjoyable chaiacltr , the anangerr . cnls being admirably canied cut . 'lhe M . C . 's were Bros . I . Mctjee , G . II .

Stott , ar . d I ) . Young , S . D . Uro . li . Stephenson acted as ' T yler , and Bros . Riley and Poynts as Stewards . By the dispensation tf the Provincial Lirand Master the members of the lodge were permitted to wear Masonic clothing ami jewels . In the absence through indisposition of Bro . I . E .

Wilkinson , I . P . M ., Bro . Captain Ilewson , P . M ., P . / .., l ' . D . G . D . Malta , officiated as W . M ., and among those a ' so present were Bros . Manton , S . W . ; T . N . Latham , Sec . ; and J . Booth , Treas . The company consisted ol forty couples , and an excellent programme was not concluded until past three .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . Thomas Benskin is a candidate for Parliamentary honours at the next election for South-west Bethnal Green . Bro . William G . Lemon has been re-elected on the London County Council for the Lewisham division . Bro . Lord Brassey ' s yacht the Sunbeam arrived at Jamaica on the 2 nd instant , the party on board consisting of Bro . Lord and Lady Brassey , Broi the Duke and Duchess of St . Albans , and others .

We are glad to hear that the Baroness Burdett-Coutts has entirely recovered from her recent severe chill , but the continuance of the cold weather has prevented her leaving the house or going away for a change of air . Sir Julian Goldsmid , Bart ., M . P ., has very kindly consented to preside at the 53 rd Anniversary Festival of the Gardeners' Koyal Benevolent Institution , which will be held on the 20 th June next at the Hotel Mcitropole .

Among the art treasures which have been lent to the Corporation of London for their approaching Spring and Summer Loan Exhibition at tbe Guildhall , her Majesty has graciously sent "The End of the Day , " by the late George Mason , A . R . A ., an I " Rorke ' s Drift , " by Lady Butler ( Elizabeth Thompson ) .

Bro . Henry Irving presided at the annual meeting of the Actors' Association , which was held on the stage of the Lyceum Theatre towards the close of last week , when the report , which was most satisfactory , was adopted , and it was resolved that more energetic measures should be taken for bringing the objects of the Association more prominently to the notice of members of the profession .

The London and South-Western Bank continues to make satisfactory progress . According to the balance-sheet recently issued , the gross profits for the half-year after providing for bad and doubtful debts , & c , amounted to , ( . ' ioi , 6 S 5 12 s . Sd ., and after placing £ 10 , 003 , in addition to , { , ' 200 , 000 already to the credit of that account , a dividend was declared at the rate of S per cent , per annum .

The Mayor of Eastbourne has received a letter from Bro . Sir Francis Knollys , in which the Prince and Princess of Wales express their appreciation of the del'cacy and forbearance in respecting their privacy which the inhabitants of this popular Sussex watering-place have observed during the recent visit of their Royal Highnesses to Compton Piace .

Among literary treasures which have realised high prices at recent sales may be mentioned an uncut copy of the first edition of Smollett ' s " Peregrine Pickle , " which sold for f , l \ 10 s . ; the " Black Brooke of St . David ' s , " with signature of Henry VIII ., ^ 2 , S 10 s . ; Buydall ' s " Shakespeare ' s Gallery , " £ . 19 , ; Carey ' s "Life in Paris , " L 165 s . ; and Ireland ' s " Life of Napoleon Buonaparte , " jtn .

Bro . the Rev . Canon VV . H . Cooper , who has lately returned from Canada , and was Incumbent of Kamloops , British Columbia , will send out a protected party for all parts of the colony by the Sardinian , on the 21 st April , in charge of Bro . Lieut .-Col . C . A . Cooper , who will gladly give all information and forward papers on receipt of a stamped envelope to 10 , Delahay-street , Westminster .

The Princess Henry of Battenberg has wrilten to Lady Egerton of Tatton to lhe effect that she will visit Stockport on the 2 Sth April , for the purpose of opening the bazaar in aid of ' . he Cheshire Girls' Friendly Society . Her Koyal Highness will be accompanied by her husband , and during t ' uir stay they will be the guests of Bro . Lord and Lad y Egerton of Tatton at Tatton Park , Knutsford .

The temperance propaganda in American Masonry is making rapid progress , and has even spread to our British colony of Canada . A motion to forbid the use of liquor at Masonic banquets obtained 404 votes out of a total number cf about 1000 at the last imeting of the Grand Lodge of Canada . To us , although we sympathise with temperance lodges , this attempt to force upon the Craft an universal rule on a puint whereon public opinion is much divided , seems very ill advised . —South African Free nasim .

I have ever felt it my duty to support I ' reemasonry and encourage its principles , because it powerfully develops all social and benevolent affections ; because it mitigates without , and annihilates within the violence of political and theological controversy ; because it affords the only neutral ground on which all ranks and classes can meet in peifect equality and associate without degradation or mortification , whether for purposes of moral instruction or social intercourse . —Lord Durham .

On I hursday evening , the 3 rd instant , at the usual meeting of the Walpole Lodge at Norwich , the oppo tunity was taken by the officers ar . d brethren of testifying to the esteem and regard entertained by them towards Urn . S . J . Carman , who is about to leave England for New Zealand . Bro . Carman has filled the various offices in the lodge in an exemplary minner , and for about eight years discharged

the onerous duties of Secretary with a zeal and ab lity that left nothing to be desired , hence it was scarcely a matter for surprise that on lhe announcement of his departure from England the members should have unanimously resolved to give him a tangible memento of his connection with the ludge to carry with him . lhe W . M , Bro . VV . ) . Farrow , threw himsell into the movement with f . rvouraiid headed

, the sulisciiption list , whicu was su well supported that an amplification of the oiiginal design was rendered passible . The testimonial consisted of an illuminated address recording the circumstances and containing tha names of the subscribers , together with a jewel appertaining to the rank held by Bro . Carman in the Provincial Grand Lodije . The

presentation was made in open lodge by the VV . M ., and during the evening several brethren joined in paying tribute to the many good qualities evinced by Bro . Carman during his Masonic career , while all joined in wishing him " Codsiiced , " with good health and prosperity in his new sphere of labour .

HoLl . oWAv ' . s 1 'll . l . s . Tilt' chief wondir of modern times . This incomparable Me .. hire incrcas * the appetite , strengthens lite stomach , cl . anses llic liver , correct , biiii . ijsi , e > . s , and prevents iLitiilciiC ) , jiniilies the system , invigorates lhe nerves , ai . il reinstates sound health . I ' lie enormous demand for these Pills throughout lhe j ^ l d . e astonishes everybody , and a shit ;! - trial

convinces the must sceptical that no medicine epulis llulluway ' s I'ills in it , ability to remove alt t ., mp aints incidental to the hum . in race . They are a hlessin : to the alllicted , and a houn to all who labuur under internal or external disease . 'J' | , * purification of the hlood , leniova ! uf all restraints from the secretive ur ^ u s , and penile aperient action are the ]) rolilu- sources ul the CNtensive curative ranite of Hnlloway ' s I'ills .

Masonic And General Tidings.

In some American jurisdictions every member wears Viis hat in lodge in token of equality . In others only the VV . i \[ wears his , in token of authority . The next Horse Show will be held at the Royal Ai- ; , cultural Hall , Islington , from the 5 th to the nth of May " when the prize list will be on a liberal scale , and the seating accommodation in the Hall much improved .

Bro . VV . J . Murlis , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , who has for some years filled the office of Secretary of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , No . 1642 , has resigned , and the VV . M ., Bro . Lieut , T . VV . Heath , has appointed Bro . Reuben C . Green , P . M . ' P . Z ., in his stead . ''

Every Master of a lodge , every Past Master , and those aspiring to this honour ; in fact , every Mason , ought to cultivate a taste for literary and scientific Freemasonry in addition to a knowledge of its ritual and ceremonial observances and landmarks . —Ohio Masonic Chronicle .

It may save disappointment and trouble to persons seek , ing presentations for Christ ' s Hospital to know that the number of boys in the boarding schools is still in excess of the number prescribed by the scheme of 1 S 90 , and that as no donation governor is in future to have more than one child on the foundation by direct presentation , no presents , tions or nominations are likely to be issued to donation governors for some years to come .

The Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince George and Princess Victoria of Wales visited the Queen at Windsor Castle on Sunday , arriving in time for Divine service in her Majesty ' s private chapel . They afterwards visited the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore , where lie the remains of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , and subsequently lunched with the Queen , remaining till the evening , when they returned to town by special train to Paddington .

The Lord Mayor and Lady . Mayoress gave a dinner part y at the Mansion House on Wednesday , to meet Mr . | ohn Pound , the new Alderman ot Aldgate Ward , and Airs . Pound . The guests , about Co in number , included the members of the Court of Aldermen , the Sheriffs and Under Sheriffs , the Town Clerk , and other high officers of the Corporation , Mr . Rose-Innes , the Deputy of Aldgate Ward , and Major Roper ParkingtonandMr . Beatley , the proposer and seconder of the new Alderman .

At 10 0 clock on Sunday evening an aurora borealis , vivid despite the bright moonlight , but lasting only a short time , was seen from the Observatory at Geottingen . The dark segment was distinctly seen near the horizon , the parts above it being light green , and surmounted here and there

by masses of red light . A large number of yellowish rays shot up into the sky from time to time . The instruments in the Magnetic Observatory showed that a considerable disturbance of the terrestrial magnet had previously taken place .

We regret to have to record the death of Mrs . Grace Aslett , wife of Bro . Harry Dan Aslett , P . M . Wallington Lodge , 1 S 92 , the well-known and respected superintendent of the Kensington and Chelsea District Branch School at Hammersmith . Mrs . Aslett had for some time been

suffering from consumption , and after an illness borne « ilh the greatest patience and resignation , she sank to rest on Friday , the lyth ult . The funeral took place on the 23 rd ult ., at the Hammersmith Cemetery , and was attended by many well-known residents and sympathising friends .

lhe Stcaker gave his second Parliamentary full-dress dinner on Wednesday to the following noblemen and gentlemen , viz .: Mr . Gladstone , the Earl of Cavan , Hon . (' . K . Spencer , Hon . E . Maijonbanks , Mr . Stansfeld , Sir Lyon Ptayfair , Mr . Mundella , Mr . Osborne Morgan , Mr .

Shaiv-Lefevre , Sir George Trevelyan , Mr . J . B . Balfour , Mr . H Campbell-Bannerman , Mr . J . Motley , Sir U . Kay-Shuttleworth , Mr . H . H . Fowler , Sir C Russell , Mr . Duff , . Mr Flower , Mr . H . Gladstone , Mr . A . Morley , Mr . Woodall , Ven . Archdeacon Farrar ( Chaplain ) , and Mr . E . Poiisunlij ( Secretary ) .

lhe Duke and Duchess of Teck and Princess May left London for Cannts on Wednesday , travelling in a large saloon carriage attached to the 11 o ' clock train from Victoria . A number of relatives and personal friends were at the station to bid them good bye , among these bein , ' lhe Duke of Cambridge , Lord Wm . Neville , and the Hon .

Sidney Greville . Princess May looked very pale , but appeared to have regained some of her usual good h alth . 1 he Duke of Cambridge took leave of his sister and niece in the saloon , the parting being if a most afftcii mate character . As the train steamed out of the station the crowd raised their hats , and the Duchess and Princess . May bowed their acknowledgments of the salute .

'The death , at Wimbledon , is announced of Mr . Fr . mcis Grantham Faithfull , 20 years clerk of the . Merchant Taylors' Company , an office which he resigned iS months ago on account ot ill-health . He was the son of the Kev . Francis Faithfull , nctur ot Hatfield , Herts , and was born in 1845 . He was educated at Harrow and Oxford , and

entered the War Otfice in 1 S 6 O . He was assistant pnvate Secretary to Sir John Pakington , when Stcretary ot State for VV ac in iSisS , and subsequently private Secretavy to Loid Noithbrook . In the latter part ot 1 . S 70 he was elected cleik ol the Merchant Taylors' Company out of more than 50 candidates .

lhe Prince and Princess of Wales , Prince Geor ( , "anel the Pnnctsses Victoria and . Maud of Wales , left London on Wednesday evening tor the South of France . Sister l ei "' ' who was one of the nurses in attendance upon I'd" * George during his recent illness , is now in attendance upon Princess Maud , who is not very strong . 'The Royal V ' - " l arrived at Charing Cross from Mailborough House at 'S

minutes past cij-ht , and were received by Col . Siu ' - ' Director , and Sir Myles Fenton , General Manager , » f ''" Suuih- Eastern Company , the latter of whom took charge of the special tiain 10 Dover . The party crossed Iruij Dover to Calais in the steamer Calais-IJouvres , < d ''" j London , Chatham , and Dover Railway Company , anl j thence took tram to Montour , a villa having been secure " for them within 2 ^ minutes' drive of that place ..

LNI ' I . UKNZA TONIC—Nothing is moie effective in W ' ing up nerve and strength duung the prevalence »• '"' , lluenza than Grant ' s Murvlla Cherry Brandy . In i ; a *' . L debility iis marvellous restorative poweis , derived fro " ' peculiar properties of the Kent Morella , render it of S ' value in regaining strength after illness . Sold everywM ™ '