Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

The Duke of Connaught has consented to preside at the annual meeting of the Army Scripture Readers' Society , which will be held in Princes' Hall , Piccadilly , oh Friday , the 3 rd June . Bro . Lord Mayor Evans will entertain the governors and directors of the Bank of England and the leading bankers and merchants of the City of London at dinner at the . Mansion House on Wednesday , the iSth prox .

There is now on view at the Great Gallery , in Ashley Gardens , Victoria-street , a " Panorama of Jerusalem and the Holy Land on the Day of Crucifixion . " The work is by L . Kowalsky , and is well worth a visit from those who delight in panoramic art .

At the meeting of the Dunelm Mark Lodje , No 356 , on the Sth inst ., Bro . J . Barker , P . G . O ., J . W ., was elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bro . Logan , P . M ., P . P . S . G . O ., was re-elected Treasurer . The installation and investiture will take place in October .

The soiree of the Ballad Singers took place in the galleries of the Royal Society of British Artists , Suffolkstreet , on Wednesday . There was a numerous audience , who greatly appreciated the excellent programme s ; t before them by Bro . Wilhelm Ganz , P . G . O .

On leaving Hyeres , the Duke and Duchess of Connaught made a halt at Paris , where they spent a few days , and continuing their journey homeward , reached London early in the present week . Their Royal Highnesses will make a brief stay in town before returning to Portsmouth .

Bro . Sir Arthur Sullivan has so far recovered that he was able to leave Monte Carlo by the train de luxe on Wednesday . He will proceed direct to Calais , and after passing the night there , will cross the Channel . Dr . Fagge is in attendance upon him , and is convinced he will bear the journey well .

The Oueen received at Hyeres on Saturday last a deputation , consisting of six members of the Horticultural and Agricultural Society of Hyires , and after M . Villard , the President , had delivered a brief but appropriate address , her Majesty was presented with a beautiful bouquet by two little girls who accompanied the deputation .

The last of the fancy dress balls of the season was given by Bro . Sir Augustus Harris , at the Theatre Royal , Covent Garden , on VVednesday evening * . There was a large attendance , the costumes were varied and handsome , and the music excellent . There is no reason to doubt that Bro . Sir A . Harris ' s experiment in this direction has proved successful , and we trust it will be repeated next year .

The park which has been presented to the people of Chester by the Duke of Westminster , and which is locally known as the Edgar Field , from its proximity to the ruins of a building which is supposed to have been King Edgar's palace , was formally opened by the Mayor on Monday . It is understood to have cost the Duke £ 4 , 000 , and his grace has given an additional £ 1 , 000 as an endowment fund . On

the motion of Bro . Sir Horatio Lloyd , the thanks of the citizens for his splendid gift were voted to the Duke . The Duke of Northumberland , who , notwithstanding he has attained the great age of S 2 years , is in excellent health , has been spending the Easter recess at Albury Park ,

Surrey . But his grace will go to Alnwick early next month , for the festivities in celebration of the recent coming of age of his grandson , Lord Warkworth , eldest son of Bro . Earl Percy . The festivities will extend over three days , and will include balls and garden parties . At a later date Albury Park will be the scene of similar rejoicings .

A mobilisation on an extended scale of militia artillery , under the Duke of Connaught , will be commenced on the 23 rd prox ., from which day the men will remain underarms for 34 days . There will be eight brigades altogether , of which seven will be quartered , partly in barracks and partly in forts and tents , at Portsmouth and one at Sandown . Important operations of an experimental defensive character will be practised . Scotland will furnish four of the brigades , and England and Ireland two each .

A meeting of the Hampshire Lodge of Emulation , omposed of Past Masters of the province , was held on Saturday evening , the gth inst ., when Bro . G . L . Stohbs , Prov . S . G . D ., a brother well known throughout Hampshire and Sussex , was unanimously elected as VV . M . for the ensuing year . The Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . D ., was present at the meeting , which was

presided over by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Eve , Past Grand Treasurer of England . Another distinguished member of Grand Lodge , Bro . Sudlow , P . G . Std . Br ., was also present , and gave a very able exposition of the Third Degree . Bro . Lord Mayor Evans and the Lady Mayoress received the Bluecoat Boys at thc Mansion House on Tuesday , when the latter received as usual their Easter gilts of money , the

Grecians , 13 in number , being presented with a guinea each , six junior Grecians with half-a-guinea , 43 monitors with half-a-crown , and 5 S 4 boys with a shilling . The customary refreshment of buns and wine or lemonade was afterwards dispensed , and then his lordship , accompanied by several functionaries , attended I Jivine service in Christ Church , Newgate-street , when the special sermon was

preached by the Bishop of Southwell . The Grand Tattoo at Dover on Saturday evening last , instead of the usual smoking concert , at the Town Hall , proved a great success . Crowds thronged into the town from all the country round about , and the townsfolk turned out in great force in order to be spectators of the unusual scene . The bands and drums and fifes and pipers of the different corps , both regular and auxiliary , marched by

different routes to the appointed rendezvous—the Paradewhere " first post" having been sounded , the several bands in succession played the pieces allotted to them , the performance closing at gunfire , 9 p . m ., with " grand tattoo , " consisting of " Abide with me , " " Rule Britannia , " " God Save the Oueen , " and " last post" by the buglers of the regular brigade in garrison at Dover . We think this kind of musical display might with advantage be repeated ; it proved attractive enough when tried at one of the Exhibitions a few years ago .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . Lord Brassey , who was expected to arrive in London during the present week , has been unanimously elected President of the St . George ' s Club , Hanover-square , and Chairman of the Committee . The Irish Times has commenced an interesting series of articles , descriptive of the history of the Irish Masonic Orphan Schools and the object of the Celebration . The first article appeared on the 13 th inst .

A poll of the ratepayers of Lewisham on the proposed increase of the Free Library rate , from half-penny to a penny , has just been taken , with the result that 2 S 7 S voted against the augmentation , and 1 S 72 in its favour . The first party of 100 emigrants who are being sent out to Canada under the auspices of the Self-Help Emigration Society , left Euston Station for Liverpool on the 15 th inst .,

sailing from the latter place for Montreal the day following . It is announced that in connection with the celebration of the 400 th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus , there will be a series of yacht races organised by the Royal Station Yacht Club at Genoa in August next . It is announced that her Majesty intends making a longer stay on the Continent than she originally intended ,

and that she will not return to England till the beginning of next month . She is expected to leave Darmstadt for home on the 2 nd prox . During last week considerably over 20 , 000 boxes of Tasmanian apples were landed from Peninsular and Oriental Company ' s steamers in the Royal Albert Docks , the prices realised ranging from is . per lb . for thebest qualities to 4 d . per lb . for those of inferior class .

Bro . the Duke of Devonshire arrived at Devonshire House from Paris on Saturday last . During the present week his grace has been staying at Newmarket , but on Monday he has arranged to address a political meeting in the Derby Drill Hall .

Bro . the Earl of Dunraven arrived at Civita Vecchia in his yacht , the Valkyrie , before Easter , and after spending some time at Rome , intends proceeding to Naples en route for Pola , where he will hand over the yacht to its new owner , the Archduke Stephen , Commodore of the Imperial Yacht Squadron of Austria .

By order of the General Commanding , Bro . Sir Evelyn Wood , there will be a competition at Aldershot on Wednesday next , the 27 th instant , for the purpose of selecting four teams from the ten infantry battalions now in camp , to compete in the bayonet exercise contest at the Royal Military Tournament in the Royal Agricultural Hall . Bro . the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot has been

appointed to the office of Lord High Steward of the borough of Stafford , rendered vacant by the death of the Earl of Lichfield . His lordship was subsequently present at the opening of the public baths in the town , and announced his intention of presenting a clock , with three dials , for the bath house tower . The Prince and Princess of Wiles , accompanied by Prince

George of Wales , the Duke and Duchess of Teck , and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck , visited Grasse on Tuesday , and spent the afternoon in inspecting various manufactories , especially those for the production of artificial ( lowers , perfumes , and crystallised fruits . They returned to Cannes at 6 " p . m . delighted with their excursion . The construction of a new fast cruiser , which will be

christened the Charybdis , has just been ordered by the Lords of the Admiralty at Sheerness . The cost of the vessel , when completed , is estimated at £ 245 , , but only about one-third of this sum will be expended during the current financial year . The Charybdis will have a displacement of 43 G 0 tons and will be propelled by triple expansion engines of 9000 horse-power , at a speed ranging

from iSr to 19 J knots per hour . She will carry a formidable armament and is to be fitted for service as a flagship . On Monday evening , the nth inst ., there was a large gathering of brethren from Chapel-en-le-Frith , Buxton , New Mills , and other places , at Chapel-en-le-Frith Town

Hall . Bro . VV . S . Anderson , VV . M . of the High Peak Lodge , presided , and on behalf of the members presented a very costly and handsome electro-plated tea service to Bro . James Whitehead , who was the first W . M . of the High Peak Lodge 1 o years ago , and has been Secretary for eight years past . The proceedings were very pleasant .

The beautiful memorial window presented to the Hospital for Sick Children by Mr . John Ross Robertson has arrived from England , and since being placed in position , it has been admired by many visitors . It is probably the finest piece of stained glass in this country . Mr . Henry Halliday , of London , Eng ., who as a stained glass artist is said to

have no equal , is the designer . The subject is Christ healing a sick child , and si well is the scene delineated that the cold , lifeless glass irresistibly conveys the moral beauty and value of the touching story depicted . This window is said to have cost in the neighbourhood of *? 3 ooo , and will certainly take rank as one of the attractions of the city , lt is well worth seeing . —Canadian Craftsman .

Good Friday was characterised by the usual concerts of sacred music , among the principal performances being that of the " Messiah , " by the Royal Choral Society , in the Royal Albert Hall , South Kensington . The solo parts were entrusted to Madame Nordica , Madame Bella Cole , Mr . Ben Davies and Mr . Norman Salmond . The hall was crowded , and the performance gave the most complete

satisfaction . The Crystal Palace was also thronged with visitors , who were attracted thither by thc promise of a selection of choice music by Handel , Haydn , Gounod , Mendelssohn , and other masters . 'There the principal vocalists were the Misses Mcintyre and Anna VVilliams

Miss Marian Mackenzie , Bro . Barton McGuckin , and Mr . Santley . There was also a performance of the " Messiah " at the Great Assembly Hall , Mile End-road , which was thronged to its utmost capacity by an audience which listened with rapt attention to this great masterpiece of Handel .

FISH I FISH ! risn I The CO-OPEKATIVK FISH SUPPLY Co ., LTD ., are now sending out cheap BASKETS of FISH or OYSTERS , carriage paid , to any part of the Kingdom , from 2 s . Od . each and upwards , direct from the landing stage . Address orders and remittances to the Co-Operative Fish Supply Co ., Ltd ., Pontoon , Grimsby , or to Billingsgate Buildings , London , E . C ., as may be most convenient . Try our London House for their celebrated Bloaters , Findon Haddocks , Kippers , & c .

Masonic And General Tidings.

* It is said that the German Emperor will vi sit Cowes 0 the ist of August in order to witness the race for the Queen " Cup at the Royal Yacht Squadron Regatta the day following Bro . H . C . Richards , who has much benefited by h ; , course at Bath , has gone on a visit to Dundridge , in Devon shire , until the close of the Easter vacation , when he hopes In rpsiimft his duties .

Prince Henry of Battenberg will take the chair at the Hotel Metropole , on Monday , the gth prox ., at the 20 th anniversary festival of the Provident Surgical Applia nce Society . By the kind permission of the Treasurer and Benchers the Royal Horticultural Society will hold their annual flower show in the grounds of the Inner Temple on Wednesday and Thursday , the 25 th and 26 th prox .

Wednesday , the 4 th prox ., is the day fixed for the annual examinations of the City and Guilds of London Institute . Full particulars can be obtained on application to the Examinations Department at the Institute , Exhibition-roail S . W . The British Ambassador at Berlin , Sir Edward Malet and Lady Ermyntrude left the German capital on Wednes- ' day for a fortnight ' s stay in England . The Hon . Le Poer Trench will act as Charge d'Affaires in the Ambassador ' s absence .

Bro . Lord Halsbury ( Lord Chancellor ) and Lad y Hals , bury , accompanied by their son and daughter , have left Stanmore for Cardiff , where they will remain for the rest of the week , and where his lordship will address a political meeting .

Bro . Earl and the Countess Amherst have been entertaining a large party of guests at Montreal , their seat near Sevenoaks , during the Easter recess , and on Tuesday they gave a ball , which was numerously attended by members of the county families . The command of the Dockyard Reserve at Sheerness will fall vacant on May ist , upon the completion of the three years' period of service of Commander J . W . Osborne . Commander Angus W . S . Douglas has been selected for the appointment .

In a sketch it publishes of the career of Bro . John Lobb C . C . — " Honest John , " to use the writer ' s phrase—The CH expresses the earnest hope "that his valuable life may be spared for many a year to come to champion the cause of education and the interests of his fellow citizens at large . "

Mr . and Mrs . Gladstone have made arrangements to return to town next Thursday from Hawarden . Mr . Stuart Rendel , M . P ., has placed his house in Carlton House Gardens at Mr . Gladstone ' s disposal , and the right hon . gentleman has accepted the invitation to reside there for several weeks .

Bro . Charlie Woods , of Lodge 2345 , delivered a lecture at the Conservative Committee Rooms , Ferndale-road , Brixton , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., on British Homes across the Sea . " The lecturer dealt with questions affecting India , Australia , New Zealand , Tasmania , Canada , Jamaica , & c , and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks .

The Princess of Wales , accompanied by the Princesses Victoria and Maud of Wales , arrived at Cannes from Cap-Martin , at 5 . 23 on Wednesday afternoon , and was met at the station by the Prince of Wales and Prince George , with whom she drove to the hotel . The Prince of Wales and Prince George , with M . and Madame de Falbe , also visited the cruiser Surprise in the afternoon . Prince Henry of Battenberg received them .

The usual game of football was played in the old style at Workington on Easter Tuesday . The goals were about three-quarters of a mile apart , Workington Hall being one and the Harbour the other . Several hundreds took part in the game , those playing up being called the " Uppies , " and

those playing down the " Downies . " Aftera struggle which lasted for about an hour , victory was declared in favour of the former . The ball was kicked off by a man named Daglish , who has discharged the same duty for several years past . Many of the players plunged freely into the river , and there were a good many articles of clothing torn .

In recognition of the valuable services rendered to the Railway Guards' Universal Friendly Society by Bro . George Abbott , stationmaster at Cannon-street and Charing Cross Termini , who has been a member of the institution for nearly 40 years , a testimonial has bcen subscribed for by his brother members , which will be shortly presented at a dinner at the Holborn Restaurant . The testimonial will consist of a silver tea and coffee service with salver ( en suite ) , a

handsomj dining-room clock and vases , also an illuminated address . Bro , Abbott , since his membership , has been instrumental in obtaining subscriptions and donations for the society amounting to upwards of £ 5000 , and ol this large sum he has by his own efforts collected more than £ 2000 . In addition to these services Bro . Abbott has fulfilled the duties of Chairman to the society at different periods for eight years .

As the weather on Monday was fine till about 6 p . m ., the various pleasure resorts in and around London were thronged with sightseers . The Zoological Gardens had over 28 , 000 ; South Kensington , 19 , 500 ; the Natural History Museum , close on 11 , 000 ; Madame Tussaud s , over 33 , 000 ; and the Crystal Palace , nearly 75 , 500 . Ine various railways were also well patronisedbut unfortunately

, the general success of the Bank Holiday was marred hy a terrible catastrophe which occurred at the Hampstead Heath station of the North London Railway . About 6 p . m ,. when the sky became overcast , the people on Hampsteacj Heath became anxious to make their way homewards , and time it

the throng was so great at the station that for some was impossible to prevent the influx of would-be travellers . At length , when it was possible to make inquiry , it W-j found that eight people had been crushed to death , anu about 13 otheis , mostly children , more or less sen' ""' "' injured .

HULLOWAY ' S OIXIMIAT AMI PILLS . —With the chan-jini" * «*' - .. it is prudent for all to rectify any ailment aiHii-ting them , »«} ' is incumbent on tlie aged , sullc-ring under ulcerations andsin "' debilitating muses , to have them removed , or worse conseq » " ^ will follow . This Ointment is their remedy ; on its po «' '" , \ lt may confidently rely ; it not . simply puts their sores out of - " - 'h J but extirpates the source of mischief , extracts the . "'" ' j * . poison , and stimulates nature to nil up the ulcer w ' ' . ' *' " tijis healthy granulations that will abide through life , iin-i''' 0 jr treatment had legs soon become sound , scorbutic •* ; l'i , ) s . ' '!' for their scales , and scrofulous sores cease to annoy . Snell h"I ' the disease was unknown in former days .