Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

The Duke of Cambridge left Victoria Station by the continental express for Dover , en route for Cannes , on Tuesday , several members of the head-quarters staff being present on the platform to take leave of his Royal Highness . On Thursday afternoon Mr . T . Edgar Pemberton delivered a lecture at the Court Theatre on "The Story of the English Stage , " which was attended by many prominent actors and actresses .

We are glad to hear that the Right Hon . A . J . Balfour , M . P ., who was attacked in a mild form with influenza on Friday , 17 th instant , is progressing favourably towards recovery , and has already been able to leave his room . The Prince of Wales has promised to preside at the annual general meeting of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution , which will be held at St . Martin ' s Town Hall ,

Charing Cross-road , in the afternoon of Saturday , the 1 Sth prox . Bro . the Earl and Countess of Lathom and the Ladies Alaud and Edith Wilbraham left London on board the Orient Company ' s steamer Garonne for a cruise in the Alediterranean . The party will be absent from England

till after Easter . Mr . Frederick Pritchard presided at the 2 Cth Anniversary Festival of the Drovers' Benevolent Institution , which was held at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , on Thursday . The donations and subscriptions , including £ 105 from the Chairman , amounted to about -rCSoo .

The Prime Minister and Mrs . Gladstone left town for Windsor on a visit to the Queen . Her Majesty ' s dinner party included Bro . Lord Herschell ( the Lord Chancellor ) , Bro . the Marquis and Marchioness of Breadalbane , Mr . and Mrs . Gladstone , Mr . H . H . Asquith , M . P ., and Sir William Jenner . The annual meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute was

held at the Society ' s Rooms , Northumberland-avenue , on Tues-day , under the presidency of Sir Frederick Young . The 24 th annual report was submitted and adopted , a strong feeling being exhibited against the amalgamation of the Society with , or its absorption by the Imperial Institute .

Admiral Sir Arthur Gumming , K . C . B ., who died recently in the 76 th year of his age , served with distinction in the Syrian campaign of 1 S 40 , and also in the Baltic and Black Sea during the Russian war . He had received the Royal Humane Society's medal , as well as the medals for Syria , Baltic , and the Crimea .

The entries at the 14 th annual show of the Shire Horse Society , which was opened at the Royal Agricultural Hall , Islington , on Monday , numbered 507 , namely , 294 stallions and 213 mares . Among the exhibitors were the Prince of Wales , and Bros . Lord Egerton of Tatton , Lord Hindlip , Lord Hothfield , and Lord Wantage .

The band of the Grenadier Guards , under Bro . Lieut . Dan Godfrey , and that of the ist Dragoon Guards , played on the Fast Terrace , Windsor Castle , by command of her Majesty , on Sunday afternoon last , when some thousands of visitors thronged the grounds . Among the promenaders were the Empress Frederick of Germany , Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg and their children , and the children of the Duchess of Albany .

The Prince of Wales has consented to preside at the Jubilee Festival of the Iron , Hardware , and Aletal Trades ' Pension Society , which will be held some time in the month of May . Among the Stewards are Bros , the Duke of Devonshire , the Duke of Portland , the Earl of Wharncliffe , and Lord Brassey . Thc Society has distributed jfioo . oco during its career of 50 years , has a reserve of £ 20 , 000 , and its now paying away annually in pensions £ 3000 .

An addition was made to the Royal Navy on Thursday by the delivery to the Sheerness Dockyard authorities of the new fast gun-boat Jaseur , built at Barrow by contract . The Jaseur is ordered to be immediatel y armed and completed for commission . Her equipment is to consist of two 4-7 ' in and four three-pounder quick-firing guns , and five torpedo tubes . The Jaseur had a very boisterous passage from Barrow , and was damaged in co lision .

Among the guests at the evening party given by the Countess Stanhope at their family residence in Grosvenorplace , on Saturday evening last , were lhe Turkish and Austrian Ambassadors , the Danish Minister , ard Madame de Bille , Bro . the Duke and the Duchess of St . Albans ,

Bro . the Earl and the Countess of Wharncliffe , Bro . Earl and the Countess Amherst , Bro . Lord and Lady Balfour , Bro . Lord and Lady Cremorne , Bro . Lord Ampthill , Bro . Sir Algernon Borthwick and Miss Borthwick , and Bro , General Sir Redvers and Lady Audrey Duller .

The first large muster of Metropolitan Volunteers this year will be held to-morrow ( Saturday ) , when , in accordance with orders issued from the War Office , all the infantry regiments comprising the West London Volunteer Brigade will concentrate in Regent ' s Park , and march to Hampstead .

It is expected that the force thus assembled will consist of 5000 officers and men . Similar musters in full strength of the North , East , and South London , and Surrey brigades are being arranged to take place between now and Faster , and there will also be a muster of the Artillery and Engineers of the Home District .

We have received from Bro . John K . King , Coggeshall , Essex , a copy of his illustrated garden annual and reference book for iSoi . As usual , this excellent catalogue is replete with information en all matters connected with the garden , and should be in the hands of everybody who wishes to be up-to-date in the latest varieties of fruits ,

( lowers , and vegetables . When we add that this is the centenary of the establishment of the firm ol John K . King , and that it has enjoyed for many years the patronage of Royalty , nothing more need be said to recommend it to the attention of such of our readers as are not patrons of the Royal seed establishment at Coggeshall .

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 prices for past years . —Address , G . Evans and Co ., Stockbrokers , 11 , Poultry , London , E . C .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bros . Will E . Chapman , James Fertiatider ., and H . S . Foster , M . P ., the newly-installed W . M . of the Temple Lodge , No . 101 , were elected , on Monday , to the three Principals' chairs of Bayard Chapter , No . 16 T 5 . The Duchess of Albany and her children left Claremont for Cannes on Thursday . They will take up their residence at the Villa N evada , where the late Duke was on a visit at the time of his death , and remain for about six weeks .

The Duchess of Teck and the Princess May visited the Exhibition of British Lace which is intended for the Chicago collection , and were received on their arrival by the Duchess of Abercorn , President of the British Lace Section , Bro . the Duke of Abercorn , and the Ladies Hamilton .

The Queen will hold a Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace , on Tuesday next , the 28 th inst ., and will be accompanied to London by the Empress Frederick of Germany . It is understood that her Majesty will not leave England on her visit to the continent till the 20 th prox ., and that she will be accompanied by Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg .

Mr . George Lock , of the firm of Collinson and Lock , has had the honour of submitting to the inspection of their Majesties the Queen and the Empress Frederick the collection of silks , brocades , and gold and silver tissues , all of British manufacture , that are being sent by them to the Chicago International Exhibition .

The 23 rd annual grand ball , in aid of the funds of the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage , will take place on Thursday , 20 th April next , at the Cannon Street Hotel , City , under the distinguished patronage and presence of the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress , the Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs . Two ball rooms with suite of apartments have been engaged for the evening .

Bro . Chas . F . I'orshaw , LL . D ., of Bradford , the author of ' * Wanderings of Imagery , " " Thoughts in the Gloaming , " and numerous other volumes ot verse , was on the 23 rd instant , elected an Honorary Member of , and Poet Laureate to the Peebles Kilwinning Lodge , No . 24 ( S . C ) , the warrant of which dates from 1716 . Bro . Dr . Forshaw composed an ode on the occasion , which he recited after being invested .

The Prince of Wales attended and took a deep interest in the proceedings of the fifth meeting , on Tuesday , of the Royal Commission on the Aged and Infirm Poor . The Earl of Aberdare presided , and most of the Commissioners were present . The evidence of Mr . Hedley , Metropolitan Inspector of the Local Government Board , was brought to a conclusion , and that of Air . Davey , another Inspector of the same Board , commenced .

The annual ball given given by the brethren of Arkwright Lodge , No . 1495 , Alatlock , took place at the New Bath Hotel , on Thursday , the iCth inst . There were upwards of 70 present , including Masons from all the adjoining towns , and these appeared in full regalia by special dispensation . Dancing commenced at 8 . 30 to the strains of Barnes' orchestra , and was maintained until 3 a . m . The

Al . C was Bro . H . B . Boag , and the Stewards comprised the chief oflicers of the lodge . THE PKAKI . ASSURANCE COMPANY , LIMITED . —The annual report and statement of accounts just issued again presents a satisfactory and encouraging record of the Company's progress during the past year . Under all heads

an improvement is shown—452 , 587 new policies were issued during the year , representing a new income of £ 202 , 145 , and the total income of thc Company shows an increase of £ 23 . 043 over that of the previous year . The claims paid dm ing the same period amounted to £ 151 , 735 . A dividend of 10 per cent , was declared at the meeting on Monday last , and the whole of thc resolutions were unanimously adopted .

The announcement of the death of Bro . Charles Bargery , at his residence , 22 , Walton-road , will be received with sincere regret by a large number of Masonic and other friends . The deceased had held the important post of supervisor of Inland Kevenue for many years , and all who were brought into business contact with him will remember his unfailing courtesy in the prosecution of his somewhat arduous duties . As a Freemason , Bro . Bargery was held

in the very highest esteem b y all members of the Masonic lodges in the West Lancashire Division . At the time of his death he was Past Master of the Kirkdale Lodge , No . 1756 , and in recognition of the valuable services that he rendered to Masonry in general , and to Masonic Charities in particular , the Provincial Grand Alaster some years ago appointed him to the position of P . P . S . G . D . The remains of the deceased will be interred at Anfield Cemetery .

OLD MASONIANS . —The usual monthly social evening of the above Association was held at Anderton ' s Hotel on Friday , the 17 th inst ., the chair being taken by Mr . Haroldson Hare , who was supported by a Targe and appreciative gathering of members and visitors . The programme was carried out by Bros . A . Church , T . Sweeney , VV . Miles Smith , and Messrs . J . Horncastle , W . G . Churcher , Bob

Rae , W . Edwards , A . Slade ( cornet ) , W . Sweetman ( bones ) , and Chas . Capper , the well-known siflleur . Messrs . David Davies and Frank Churcher presided at the piano . Messrs . Rud Ibachson kindly lent the splendid instrument . If the enthusiasm of the audience can be correctly gauged by the number of encores demanded , it is evident the concert gave the utmost satisfaction to all those present . " The Health

of the Chairman " was proposed by Bro . W . D . Church , P . M . 1365 , who , in a hearty and lucid manner , placed the objects of the Association before the assembly , announcing also that he had great pleasure in becoming an honorary member , as also had Bro . J . R . Robert , P . M . G 5 . He concluded by congratulating Mr . Hate on the performance of

a somewhat responsible duty , and asked the audience to drink his health , which they did with musical honours . We are pleased to announce that Bro . W . Shurmur , P . P . G . T . Essex , and Vice-Patron of the Schools , was present , and signified his willingness to become a Vice-President of the Association .

HotaoWAv ' s Pins A . \ D OIST . MKXT are remedies which should invariably be taken by travel ers in sear , h of health , pleasure , or business . Many deleterious infliiencesare constantly at work in foreign climes , tending to deteriorate health ; these and the altcrrd conditions of life will entail on tll ' -se who travel the necessity of carefully attending to early symp oms of iscase , and

they will lind Die use of these remedies to be highly necessary , the action of the I'ills being purifying and strengthening and of great service in case of fever , ague , and all inflammatory diseas . s , whilst the Ointment is a sovereign cure in cases of piles , bad legs , bad breasts , wounds , and ulcers . Holioway ' s remedies do not deteriorate by change of climate .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Her Majesty has forwarded a further contribution of 2 a guineas to the East London Hospital for Children , Shadwell . His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales , the Duke of York , and a distinguished company of mourners attended the funeral of the late Col . the Hon . Oliver Montagu , at Brampton Church , Huntingdon , on Thursday .

A dramatic performance was given by the staff of the London and South-Western Bank at St . George's Hall , on Saturday evening last , in aid of the Bank Clerks' Orphanage . There was a very full house , and the programme went off very successfully , and will doubtless be beneficial to the Orphanage .

The Duchess of Connaught has been suffering from a severe cold , which prevented her being present , on Tuesday , at a concert on behalf of the Portsmouth and South Hants Eye and Ear Infirmary . On Thursday her Royal Highness was convalescent , and in the afternoon , accompanied by the Duke of Connaught , returned to Osborne .

An entertainment by the Albany Dramatic Club will take place at the Manor Rooms , Hackney , on Thursday next , March 2 nd , in aid of the Metropolitan Hospital . Kingslandroad . It is hoped that the funds of this deserving Institution , which now stands in great need of money , will be benefited . Tickets—3 s ., 2 s ., and is . —may be obtained of many local residents , or of Mr . J . W . Rees , Hon . Sec ,

S 4 , Shoreditch , E ., and Mr . W . R . Bennett , Hon . Treas ., 75 , Stapleton Hall-road , Stroud Green , VV . A" Magdalen" by Murillo , stated ' to have been purchased for £ 3000 from the collection of the Queen oi Spain , was offered at Willis ' s Rooms and realised onl y 310 guineas . At the same sale a " Marriage of the Virgin , " byiVan Eyck , for which as much as £ 1500 had been paid ,

brought only £ 540 . On the other hand , two very unpretentious pictures of farmyard life , painted by George Morland—not at all improbaby to wipe off a score at some village alehouse—were knocked down at £ 430 and £ 270 respectively . Lord Mayor Knill and the Lady Mayoress entertained at dinner at the Mansion House on Saturday evening last

the Duke and the Duchess of Teck and the Princesses Victoria and May and Prince Adolphus of Teck . Among the guests invited to meet them being Bro . Alderman Sir Henry and Lady Knight , Bro . Alderman Sir J ames and Lady Whitehead , Bro . Alderman Joseph and Lady Savory , Bart ., Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Renals and Mrs . Renals , and Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Wilkin and Mrs . Wilkin .

The Primate , with six of his suffragans and a dozen representatives of the Lower House , journeyed to Windsor , on Thursday , with the object of laying before her Majesty in person the loyal and dutiful address of the Convocation of the Province of Canterbury . At Windsor Railway

Station carriages from the Castle met his Grace and party , who were also ( in accordance with precedent ) entertained by the Queen at luncheon . The address includeded a protest against any interference with the historic position of the four Welsh dioceses in the Province of Canterbury .

The Queen has presented Mr . George Miller , Mus . Bic , Bandmaster of the Royal Marine Light Infantry , with an ivory baton , gold-mounted , and bearing the following inscription : " Presented to Air . George Miller , Bandmaster Royal Marine Light Infantry , by Victoria , R . I ., Osborne , February ioth , 1895 " The following letter accompanied the gift : *' Sir H . Ponsonby is commanded by the Queen to send the enclosed conductor ' s baton to Mr . Miller in recognition of his services , especially during the last month at Osborne . "

The Duke of Edinburgh visited Exeter on Tuesday , for the purpose of distributing the new service decoration to the Volunteer officers of the district . His Royal Highness was received b y the Mayor , and presented with an address at the Guildhall , and after lunching with Col . Milne-Holme and the oflicers of the 1 ith Regimental Depot , he proceeded

to the Drill Hall , where he bestowed the medal on 21 officers . In the evening the Duke was entertained at dinner by the Mayor and Corporation , among the principal guestsbeing Lord Clinton , Bro . Col . Sir M . Walrond , M . P ., the Bishop of Exeter , the High Sheriff of Devon , and Bro . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe .

At the inaugural dinner of the Hyde Park Club on Thursday night an important addition was made to London club life . The premises , which occupy a considerable portion of Hyde Park-court , Albert-gate , are of the most commodious and luxurious description . Manv of the chief apartments overlook the park , and especially is this the case with the drawing-room , which forms part of a special

suite set apart for the entertainment of ladies , the guests of members . The club is strictly non-political , and already the list of original members is nearly completed . The Duke of Teck , who was expected to take the chair , telegraphed his inability to be present . The vice-chair was occupied by Captain the Hon . Randolph Stewart , who was supported by a large and distinguished company .

Archdeacon Farrar , in presence of a _ large gathering of friends of temperance , from all religious denominations and all classes of society held in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House under the presidency of the Lord Mayor , presented to Lady Lawson the portrait of her husband , Sir Wilfrid , President of the United Kingdom Alliance , as an acknowledgement of the efforts he has made for years in

the cause of temperance and social reform . The painting is by Mr . Cecil Burns , and was exhibited in the Academy last year . Sir Wilfrid , in acknowledging the gift on behalf of his wife , made a humorous speech illustrative of the difficulties of a temperance reformer ' s career , but expressed pleasure that the artist had not carried principle to the extreme of painting the picture in water-colours .

The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Right Hon . Robert William Duff to be Governor of New South Wales , in the room of the Earl of Jersey , resigned . Mi * . Duff was a Junior Lord of the Treasury k ° from 1 SS 2 to 18 S 5 , and CivilLord of the Admiralty in Mr . Gladstone's last Administration , The right hon . gentleman

is the first untitled Governor of the Colony for many years . He is 57 years of age , and married , in 1871 , a daug hter ol the late bir William Scott , of Ancrum . The appointment : creates a vacancy in the representation of Banffshire , W which Mr . Duff has sat continuously since 186 T . He thus enjoyed the distinction of being the senior member fro " Scotland in the House of Commons . At the General Election he was returned by a large majority .