Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

Bro . Walter H . Long , M . P ., and Lady Dorcan Long have taken Stambridge House , Malmesbury , for the hunting season , and propose hunting with the Duke of Beaufort ' s hounds . The members of the Baccleugh Hunt have subscribed the sum of £ 6 oo towards a wedding present to the Earl of Dalkeith , and the Hardwick Town Council are raising a fund for the same purpose .

The Duke of York has become President of the Life-Saving Society , one of the principal objects of which is to promote technical education in the saving of life , and the resuscitation of persons apparently drowned . The annual ball held in connection with the Cripplegate Lodge is arranged to take place at Cannon-street Hotel on Thursday , the iGthprox . Bro . W . Medwin , P . M ., of 2 S ,

London Wall , is acting as Secretary . Bro . Dan Godfrey s band has been engaged . The Prince of Wales has consented to become Chairman of the Committee which is being formed for the purpose of raising a memorial to the late Sir Richard Owen , whose biography , it is said , is about to be written by his grandson , the Rev . R . Owen .

The Princess of Wales has graciously consented to become a patroness of the Gardners' Orphan Fund , which was established by the Girdners of Great Britain and Ireland in 1 SS 7 in commemoration of the Queen ' s Jubilee . At the same time her Royal Highness forwarded a donation of 10 guineas towards the funds .

Last week the Marquis and Marchioness of Lon ilonderry entertained a large party for covert shooting at Mount Stewart , county Down , among the guests being Bro . the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn , the Marquis of Downshire , H . ro . the Karl and Countess of Kilmorey , Bro . General Lord Wolseley and the Hon . Frances Wolseley , and Bro . Lord Randolph Churchill .

Mrs . Harvey , of the Cliff , Shankhn , Isle of Wight , has ofTered to present to the Council of the Girls' Friendly Society a substantially built house near Shanklin , standing in its own grounds of about two and a half acres , and containing 100 beds , for the purpose of a convalescent home . The only condition attached to the gift is a ground rent of ^ 40 , to provide from which a guarantee fund of Jt . Soo is being raised , towards which Bro . Wyndham S . Portal has contributed £ 100 .

" At the end of the current year Mr . K . \ V . Parker surrenders thc District Grand Mastership of the Masons in the Punjab , an ollice which he has successfully held for five years . The appointment is made bv the Prince of Wales , who offered the succession to Mr . H . J . Whymper , of Rawalpindi and Murree . This would have been an excellent selection , and very popular with Masons generally ; but Mr . Whymper found himself unible to accept it . " — Civil and Military Gazelle , Lahore , India , Dec . 5 , iSi ) 2 .

A meeting has been called at Lincoln ' s Inn to-morrow ( Saturday ) by the Treasurers of the Four Inns of Cnur ' s to consider the present state of the Vi lunteer Rifle Corps ( " Devil's Own ) , and the steps to be taken to increase its numbers . It is understood that the War Offic ; has given notice that unless the corps is strengthened before Eister it will be reduced from six to four companies . We trust that a means will be found to prevent so serious a loss of prestige , and possibly even the ultimite extinction of the corps .

On Saturday last , the first anniversary of the dea'h of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , the Prince and Pr . ncess of Wales and the Duke of York visited the tomb of the deceased Piince in the Albert Chapel , Windsor , and deposited crosses of white camelias and lilies of the vall ey near the coffin , which still lies in the middle of the chapel . The visit was stiictly private , and when it was over the Royal

party returned to town and travelled thence by train to Sandringham . Subsequently the chapel was visited by the Duke and Duchess ot Teck and thc Princess May and Piince Alexander of Teck , and all placed wreaths on the late Duke ' s coffin . On the same day his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland opened the Albert Victor Memorial Bed in ihe Children ' s Hospital , Harcourt-strcit , Dublin .

CRYSTAL PALACE CYCLE Snow . — Upwards of 1400 specimen cycles will be exhibited at the National Cycle Show , which op-ns tr-day ( Friday ) , at the Crystal Palace . The exhibitors include the largest and mo > t eminent cycle manufacturing firms in the kingdom . It is now three years since these "big" makers have exhibited at any cycle show , and a finer colleclion of machines than will be on view

on this occasion has never been brought together . I ler Royal Highness the Duchess of Teck has graciously 1 xtended her sprcial patronage to the exhibition . The couits on the west side of the north nave will be devoted to the indiarubber section , a most important annexe now thai pneumatic tyres are so extensively used . 'Ihe machinery and steel tube annexe will be in the western conirlorand

, all the latest developments in ejele accessotics and appliances will be on view . In no other building in the kingdom can a display of cycles be sren under such pleasant and advantageous conditions . The long lines of machines are staged on platforms covered with crimson cloth , and Hanked on cither side with palms , tree ferns , rare exotics , and

rhoice floral decorations , while the Palace issupeibly i'luminated in the evening . 'Ihe entertainments during the show will include ( tick , comic , and fancy bicycle riding by thecelebrated Selbinis . The exhibition will be open till 10 o ' clock every evening , and will finally close at y o ' clock on Saturday , the jSth inst .

Young lady artist , daughter of Exhibitor at the Royal Academy , artistically colours photographs : Cartes , is ., 2 s . ; cabinets , 2 s ., 3 s . f > d . Photographs enlarged up to life-size , and ^ finished in cils , water colour , or monochrome . Ivory miniatures faithfully reproduced from photographs , and most delicately painted . Special care taken with the colouring of regalia . Ilighe t testimonials from nobility , & c—Mabel Vernon , Craven House , Beaconslield-road , New Southgate , N .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . the Earl and Countess of Radnor have built a village hall at Bodenham , near to Longford Park , for the use of the parish and district . Bro . A . Culler , J . W ., was elected W . M . of tbe Covent Garden Lodge ; No . iG ( 4 ; BYo . Edward Jacobs , P . M ., Treasurer ; and Bro . R . F . Potter ; P . M ., Tyler , at the last meeting of the lodge , on the 10 th inst .

An exhibition of sewing machines will be held in the galleries of the Crystal Palace from to-day ( Friday ) to the 2 Sth inst . Other machines for domestic use will also be included . Baron de Hirsch has forwarded a donation of £ 700 to the Great Northern Central Hospital , Holloway-road , N ., and the amount has been added to the fund now being raised to complete the buildings .

Mrs . Frances Anne Kemble ( llutler ) , daughter of Charles Kemble , and niece of Mrs . Siddons and John Kemble , who , in her day , was a famous actress , and subsequently a Shakespearean reader , died on Sunday , aged S 3 years . According to present arrangements , the Duchess of Albany will leave Clarendon for the Hague on a visit to the Queen Regent of the Netherlands on the 31 st instant . Her Royal Highness will also pay a visit to Cannes towards the end of February .

The Enfield and Tottenham Local Boards have refused to contribute anything towards the purchase of the Alexandra Palace and grounds , but the Southgate Local Board have agreed to pay about £ 2000 towards this object or to make an annual payment of £ So for Co years .

Bro . George Reynolds , the zealous Secretary of the Anglo-American Lodge , has been elected a member of the Lodge of Veterans of Illinois . This is a graceful recognition of the efforts of our worthy brother to bring together , whenever opportunity has offered , the Masons of both countries , and especially to offer fraternal greeting and the hospitality of the lodge to American visitors in London .

The Registrar-General's returns for last week show that the death-rate in London was 30 3 , or rather less than the previous week . Of the 33 large towns , Wolverhampton heads the list with 33 . 4 , Brighton ' s rate was 27 . 1 J , while that of Croydon was 2 S 7 , showing an increase of 10 . Diseases of the respiratory organf , aided by diphtheria and scarlet fever , account for the high mortali'y in London .

The Archduke Francis Ferdinand , who isheir-presumptive to the throne of Austria-Hungary , arrived at Bombay from Ceyh n , on board the man-of-war Kaiserna Elizabeth on Tuesday . Lord Harris , Governor of the Presidency , went on board to welcome his Imperial Highness , who shortly afterwards landed and was received in State , the display of military at the landing-place being brilliant in the extreme .

Bro . Lord Herschell ( Lord Chancellor ) , Bro . Sir George O . Trevelyan , and Bro . G . J . Shaw-Lerevre attended the Cabinet Council hi Id at the Prime Minister's official residence , 10 , Downing-street , on Monday . Bros . Sir G . Trevelyan and Shaw-Lefevre were present at the Council so hastily summoned on Tuesday , Bro . Lord Herschell , who had gone to Osborne on a visit to the Queen , being on that account unable to attend . ~

The Saddlers' Company have made grants for courses of public lectures to be given this winter at the North-East London Institute , Hackney , and the Mirley MeiiDiial College , Waterloo Uiid < re-roid , on Astronomy ; and at Westbourne-park Institute anil St . John ' s Institute , B ixton , on the Atmosphere . Mr . J . D . M'Clure , MA ., w . ll he the lecturer on the formr subject , and Profess r Vivian Liwison the latter , and the courses will commence this month .

METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL , KINOSI . AND-ROAI ) . —On Wednesday last there was a second New Year ' s Entertainment given to the patients and nurses at this institution . The first pait commenced at 5 . 3 ) p . m . with a concert , c imprisings mgs , rccititions , and cornet and violin solos , the latter . Ivy Sir . G . A . Mohr being < specially appreciated , after which the well-known comedy in two acts , entitled

Ihe Old Story , by H . J . Byron , was admirably performed by the St . Clair Amateur Dramatic Club , the characters being-as follows : Waverley Uroivn ( batchelor ) , Mr . Arthur Froom ; Theodore Thompson ( barrister ) , Mr . Cecil Mount ; Captain Kootoo ( unattached ) , Air . E . W . A . Kendall ; P . N . Jones ( poet ) , Mr . Percy Wuods ; Wilkinson ( servant ) , Mr . Edward Parrj Mrs . Deadset ( widow ) , Miss J . M . Froom ; MissSnipely ( spinster ) . Miss

Dully htandage ; Miss Ciichett ( spinster ) , Miss Maud Froom ; Lucy Krown ( UroAn ' s niece ) . Miss Kathleen Standage ; and Fritters ( her maid ) , Miss Violet Froom . As on the previous evening , the furniture for the stage was kindly lent by Messrs . J . Rotherham and Co ., Si to yi , Shureditch High-street , E ., and the decorations by Messrs . J . Defries and S in , 147 , Houndsditch . The pr grammes were presented by Messrs . Elen Fiaher and Co ., of Lombard and Fenchurch-streets , E . G .

MASONIC VKTKKAN ASSOCIATIONS . —Nearly every State in the Union has a Masonic Veteran Association . That of the Pacific ceast is piobably the largtst and most inlluenlial , as it embiaces all the States of the Pacific Ciast as well as these to the east , including Colorado and Montani . Its influence has been to retain the interest of the older members of the Craft , and render their allegiance to the

lodges of lenger duration , for in order to secure membership , they must have a s ' anding of at least 21 years as Master Masons and at the same time be in good and regular standing in their re-pective lodges . The events of the year in New Vork , Pennsylvania and Illinois Masonic circles are the various re-unions of the Masonic Veteran Associations . They bring together in stcial ar ; d fraternal meeting the members of the Craft , many of whom have ceased for years

to be active woike s , but whose interes ' sin the well-being of the Fraternity is as sincere as on the day they assumed the vows of an Entered Apprentice . Early in the present year a movement was inaugurated looking 10 the formation of a Masonic Vi teran Associa ion for the State of Minnesota . In furtherance of that object , a call was issued , signed by Grand Master Barlo and 22 other brethren , lor a preliminary meeting to be held during the session of the Grand Lodge .

Twelfth Annual Edition of Explanatory Book , sent gratis and post free , gives reliable information how to make money quickly by Stocks and Shares . Highest and lowest price lor past years . —Address , G . Evans , and Co ., Stockbrokers , 11 , Poultry , London , E . C .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . George Hand , Alliance Lodge , No . 1 S 27 , Loriner and Shipwright , of Lawrence Lane , City , has consented to become a candidate for the office of Sheriff of London . All the available troops in garrison attended Divine service in Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday last , the service having been arranged at the instance of the officers arid men , a large draft of whom are about to leave shortly for India . Bro . the Earl of March , and the Ladies Gordon-Lennox

arrived in Belgrave-square from Goodwood , on Saturday last , in order to be present at the marriage of Mr . Farquharson , of Newcastle , with Miss ZoG Musgrave , daughter of Lady Brougham d'Vaifx . The Duke of Cambridge , the Duke of Teck , _ 2 nd Prince Alexander of Teck were pres ° nt at the marriage of Mr . Farquharson , of Invercsuld , and Miss Zee Musgrave , daughter of Lady Brougham , which was solemnised in St . Paul's Church , Knightsbridge , on Monday .

At the quarterly meeting of the Constantine Lodge of Mark Masters . No . 145 , at Colchester , on Thursday , Jan . 12 , Bro . H . J . Skingle }' , J . W ., was elected Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . W . Bro . J . P . Lewin , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., & c , was re-elected Treasurer .

We are informed by Bro . John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . of East Lancashire , that a warrant has been granted for a new lodge , to be called the Duke of York Lodge , No . 2449 . The date of consecration is not fixed , but probably it will be in February . Col . le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . P . G . Master will consecrate on the occasion .

By the death of the late Dr . Kelly , of Parsonstown , the Mason c Boys' School , Dublin , has fallen in for considerable property . On the death of Dr . Kelly's widow , who is an old lady , there will be a sum of £ . 500 a year out of the property available for the benefit of the pu-iils of the school , and it is proposed to utilise a portion of it for exhibitions . It is good news to hear that Drs . Abercrombie and Laking ,

at the conclusion of their visit to Bro . the Earl of Londesborough , on Monday , issued a bulletin to the effect that his lordship is progressing satisfactorily , that he is out of danger , and that there is no need for alarm unless he should suffer a relapse . We regret to hear of the death , last week , of Miss Clair Herbert , eldest daughter of Bro . the Hon . Aubern Herbert ,

who wis staying wilh her parents at Porto Fino , near Genoa . The death was very sudden . Miss Herbert , who was neiceof the late Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon , being only in her 19 th year . We are informed that the arrangements for the annual Masonic ball to be held at Cardiff on the 31 st inst . are now almost complete . This ainuil gathering , as usual , will be

held in the Park Hall , and there is gent rally a large demand for tickets . Those desirous of beiig present should make application early , and thus avoid disappointment such as was experienced last year . Bro . Dan Godfrey ' s band has been engaged for the occasion , and every effort is being put forward to enhance the success and enjoyment of the gathering .

EMPIRE BKNKITI- TOR Tin-: "POOR or LONDON . "Bcolvingand subscriptions are coming in fast , and the highest anticipations of the Directors will most probibly be more than realised . The Lord Mayor has kindly consented to distribute the fund , and the fist of patrons will be tounJ to

contain names of many of the hiuhe-t in the land . As regards the entertain nent which will h-. provided , actors , singers , and dancers have generoisly rcsp mded . As u-ual , Mr . Arthur Huberts « lvays rcaly t > e < ert himself in the cause of charity , has , unasked , tendered his services . " Round the Town " will be the piece de rest t . r-ice .

I he Pope has sent a letter forth to the world , the ful text of which has not yet appeared in this country , though it is undoubtedly chiefly dirccteJ against its natives . The point of it is that His Holiness considers all Freemasons to be infidels , and devoid of true Christian religi in . If a Pope can be said to be in error , most assuredly His Holiness is . Freemasons are , we are happy to say , very numerous in

Great Brit tin , and no one win any title to veracity would deny to English and Irish , Scotch and Welsh Freemasons , Protestints and Catholics , at leas : as equil an am mnt of genuine Christian religion as thit which nin-Freemison Catholics and Protistants can claim . —Court Journal . TIIK I .. VTI-: BKO . WILLIAM PAKKF , J . P . —The sudden demise of this amiable and very popular gentleman has

thrown a great gloom over the surrounding districts . Bro . Parke was father of Surgeon Parke , D . C . L ., who distinguished himself so much with the Stanley Expedition . lie was greatly devoted to the interests of th" : Church , was hon . secretary to the Select Vestry , a parocH il nominator , Diocesan Sy . irdsman for Kilmore Parish , Diocese of Elphin .

He was a Piince Mason , and a well known figure in Masonic ciicles in this province . The usual Hill-street Pelty Sessions were adjourned as a token of respect for the memory of the deceased , who was one of the oldest magistrates in the district , and a vote of condolence ; conveyed from the Bench to the members of his fanvly .

A VKNKHAHI . K FREKMASON . —Bn > . Edmuid White , enler < d upon his yoth year on Saturday , the 7 th instant , and lis many friends will read with pleasure the fol ' owing < x ' ra : t from last Saturday ' s issue of the Balli Chronicle : " Hearty greetings and congratulations to our old friend and whilom fellow-citizen , Mr . Edmund White , who to-day enters on his qoth year . His many friends in the 'dear old city ' of his adoption will , we are sure , cordially endors : the

good wishes . They will al-o be glad to hear Fiat , with the excepti . m of a cold , Mr . White is in good health . " A few of his M isonic friends , desiring to testify their regard for their venerable brother , and to keep the day in remembrance , sent him a handsome Royal Arch jewel—that of Third Principal in a Provincial Grand Chipter—this being the position Bro . White holds in the Provincial Grand Chapter of Somerset .

HIILUIWAV ' S OixTM . xr AND PILLS—A most effectual cure fur gout and rheumatism . —A frequent cause of these complaints is thc inllamnia ury state of Hie hi ,,., ! , ntlented with bad digestion , lassitu c ami ^ re . it d biliiy , shnwinj , ' Ihe want of a pn . per circulation of the Hum , ana thai i npii'ity of the blond irre . 'illv nrj- 'ravales those disorders . I lnllow . iv ' , I'iils are of si , puiifvinjr a

nature that a few doses t-iken in lime are an ellictual preventive a « ninst ( , 'cmc anil rheum tism , lint anyone thai has an attack ol either sho .. Id use I Inlloway's Ointment also , the powerful properties uf wtm'li , combined with the elic-cls o ! the nils , enure a certain cure . The Ointment should be thnioucjily rubbed into the parts aliened at least twice a day , after they have liven sulliciently fomented with warm water to open tbe pores to faciliale the introduction of the Ointment to the ul . iuds .