Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

BRO . GEORGE BRIGGS , C . C , has been unanimously elected on the Committee of Management of the Metropolitan Dispensary , 9 , Fore-street . BRO . J LOBB , C . C , has been appointed by the governors of the Sir John Cass Foundation one of the governors of the Hackney Institute . J UDGES AT THE MANSION HOUSE . —Bro . the Lord Mayor will entertain his Majesty ' s Judges at dinner at the Mansion House on Wednesday evening , June 12 th next .

BRO . W . W . THOMPSON presided on the iSth instant over the annual reunion of past and present students of the Pastors' Co lege connected with the Metropolitan Tabernacle . A HEAVY CORPSE . —The funeral ot Mr . Samuel Ballard , agriculturist , aged 61 , the heaviest man in Kent , took place at Strood , near Rochester , on Saturday . He weighed 36 stone , and 10 men were required to carry the coffin .

ON the application of Bro . Dean Hole , P . G . Chap ., the President of the National Rose Society , the Benchers of the Inner Temple have granted the use of their garden for the annual show of that society , which will take place at the latter part of the first week in July next . SALE OF CURIOS . —A stick made out of the wood of Nelson ' s flagship , a lamp from Kaabal at Mecca , a war dress of an Angoni warrior , and a mandarin's silk robe , are a few of the many curious items that were sold at Mr . J . C . Stevens ' s auction rooms . A number of " Pekin relics " were also included .

DURING THE last few days the King ' s horses in the Royal mews at Windsor Castle have been frequently exercised tor the purpose of accustoming them to the noise and appearance of motor cars , a we I-known local resident using his motor for the purpose , and executing a number of movements to test their docility . THE NEWSVENDORS' BENEVOLENT AND PROVIDENT INSTITUTION . —Bro . the Lord Mayor has consented to preside at the festival dinner of this society at Stationers ' Hall on Tuesday , June : 5 th . His lordship will make a special appeal for iunds to establish further pensions for the widows of newsvendors in commemoration of the reign of Queen Victoria .

ON Tuesday , the 16 th instant , a deputation from the South-East Lon don Licensed Victuallers and Beersellers' Trade Protection Society waited on Bro . Alderman Bell , at the Wenlock Brewery , City-road , and presented him with a framed scroll in recognition of his services as the president at their annual dinner . The magnitude of Bro . Bell ' s efforts to secure the success of the festivity is evidenced by the amount of money collected , viz ., £ 650 .

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY . —We are asked to say that parcels containing gifts for transmission to the South African Constabulary should be sent to the care of Messrs . Hayter and Hayter , 36 , Upper Thames-street , E . C , the packers to the Crown Agents for the Colonies , and not to Chapel-place , Delahay-street , S . W . All packages must be sent carriage paid , and be clearly marked " Lady Sarah Wilson ' s Fund . " Matches or other dangerous goods are not allowed .

THE 112 th anniversary dinner of the City Dispensary , 29 and 30 , College-street , Dowgate Hill , of which Bro . Alderman F . P . Alliston is Chairman , will take place at the Albion Tavern on Tuesday , the 14 th prox ., when Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , assisted by the Sheriffs of London , will preside . The lease of the former premises at 46 , Watling-street having expired , the dispensary has had to be removed to Dowgate Hill at a cost of about £ 600 , ot which £ 400 is still owing . In order to liquidate this debt , the Committee are at present earnestly soliciting assistance and contributions .

LIFEBOAT FUND . —The King and Queen have graciously consented to give their patronage to the fete in aid oi the " Lifeboat Saturday Fund , " to be held at Stafford House on the evening of June 26 th . The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York , Princess Louise ( Duchess of Fife ) , Princess Victoria , Princess Charles of Denmark , Duke and Duchess of Connaught , and Prince and Princess Christian have also given their patronage . Mdme . Melba has cabled from America that she will gladly give her services , and the fete promises to be a great success .

"THE MONARCH OF THE MEADOWS . "—In a recent issue of the City Press mention was made of the theft some years ago from the late Bro . J . D . Allcroft of Mr . Sidney Cooper ' s fine picture " Monarch of the Meadows . " Miss Allcroft now writes to say that the picture was recovered 18 months afcer it was stolen . Vie thief , it appears , was imprisoned for the theft of a horse and cart , leaving the picture in the care of a cousin , who cave it up to the police . The man was sentenced ti seven years ' imprisonment for arson , but died shortly after . The picture is now in the possession of the family at Stokesay Court , Shropshire .

A NEW PARK FOR EALING . —Bro . Lord George Hamilton , Secretary of State for India , has accepted the invitation of the Ealing Urban District Council to perform the ceremony of declaring the Walpole Park open on the ist prox . The park , which is about 30 acres in extent , has been acquired by the District Council from Sir Spencer Walpnlefor the sum of £ " 40 , 000 . It was formerly for many years the residence of the late Right Hon . Sir S . H . Walpole , who died there in 1898 . The park is well wooded , and it is intended , as far as possible , to retain it in its present form .

O . N TUESDAY , the 7 th prox ., Bro . the Lord Mayor will give a dinner party at the Mansion House to H . R . H . the Duke of Cambridge , the Honorary CoIonel-in-Chief , Colonel Matthey , V . D ., the Commandant , and the officers of the London Rifle Brigade , of which his eldest son , Mr . Francis Haydn Green , is a Captain . Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Bingham , who will shortly succeed Colonel Matthey in the command of the regiment , will be present , as will also Colonels Lord Edward Pelham Clinton and Cholmondtley , who were formerly commanding oflicers . General Sir Henry Trotter , General Turner , and others interested in the volunteer movement in the metropolis will be present .

AT THE annual general meeting of the governors and friends ofthe Royal National Lifeboat Institution , which was he'd at the Town Hall , Westminster , on Saturday , the 20 th instant , the Duke of Northumberland , K . G ., in the chair , it was stated that during the year 1900 , 35 vessels and S 65 lives had been saved by means of the Institution ' s boats . Unfortunately , owing to claims made on the national purse by the war and from other

causes , the income of the Institution suffered a very serious diminution last year , the total receipts from ordinary sources of revenue being only £ 69 . 693 , as against an expenditure for the year of , ( , 95 , 623 . It is hoped that the public will subscribe to the Institution during 1901 , with unprecedented liberality in order , if possible , to make up for last year ' s serious deficit .

EGYPTIAN HALL . —Maskelyne and Cooke ' s Variety Entertainment . —We have paid during the past weeks a second visit to this most interesting entertainment . Herr Valadon , a clever prestidigitateur , performs a number of magical tricks before the audience , appearing to accomplish the most extraordinary things in the simplest manner possible . A series of animated photographs were then submitted to the audience , the current events of the present South African War were clearly and beautifully depicted , the illusions being life-like in their character : scenes of domestic interest in connection with

the late Queen ' s death , and the accession of his Majesty King Edward VII ., were also shown , i he mechanical orchestra , the parts of which are heard in every portion of the hall , from the ceiling to the floor , added melodious charms enhancing the effect . Herr Valadon introduced his wife , who , blindfolded , solved arithmetical problems , gave all the possible moves of a knight on achessboard , and played a game of Nap all at the same time . Then followed a magical romance , entitled " The Entranced Fakir , " which forms the amusing vehicle by which Mr . Maskelyne exposes the tricks of the so-called

hypnotists , and again introduces his well-known latest Levitation Mystery . There is a brief and interesting description of the manner in which this is done given in the programme , but the illusion is still a mystery , for the public sees rise , from a level surface , a human body outstietched , which remains suspended in mid-air , ascending and descending , as willed by the illusionist , Mr . Maskelyne . How it is done bailies all conception—many curious and even scientific theories have been propounded , but the mystery , as yet , remains unsolved . We highly commend this amusing entertainment to the notice of the general public .

Masonic And General Tidings.

BRO . THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF DERBY have arrived at their residenee in St .. James ' s-square from Knowsley , P rescot , Lancashire . THE DUNEDIN FREEMASONS have started a movement for founding an institution for the maintenance , education , and equipment of orphans and destitute children of Freemasons in the colony .

BRO . SPETH ' S FUNHRAL . —Bro . Dr . W . J . Chetwode Crawley , P . G . D . Ireland , was prevented , at the last moment , from crossing the Channel to attend owing to a sharp attack of indisposition . DR . WINNINGTON-INGRAM , the new Bishop of London , goes to Sandringham tomorrow ( Saturday ) to do homage to the Ring on his appointment . His lordship will remain at Sandringham until Monday .

AT MESSRS . SOTHEBY ' S , on Wednesday , George Cruikshank s Caricatures in eight imperial volumes sold for the extraordinary price of £ 445 , while a collection of original drawings by Isaac Cruikshank , his father , brought £ 550 . WAR STAMPS . —The issue of these stamps by the Victorian Government to celebrate the first appearance of Victorian troops on the battlefield is not quite exhausted .

and application for same should be made to the Agent-Genecal foe Victoria , 15 , Victoriastreet , Westminster , S . W . A QUEEN ANNE SILVER TEA KETTLE sold for £ 77 ( or 26 s . per oz . ) at Messrs . Knight , Frank , and Rutley's Galleries on the 19 th inst . Three Georgian tea caddies , 33 oz ., £ 48 ; a silver coffee pot , dated 1720 , at 39 s . per oz . ; a silver soup tureen , 68 oz ., at 14 s . 6 d . per oz .

GLASGOW EXHIBITION . —The opening of the Glasgow International Eichibition has now been definitely fixed for Thursday , May 2 nd . Owing to deep mourning the King will be unable to be present , and the inauguration ceremony will bs performed in his Majesty's name bv Bro . the Duke of Fife , K . T ., who will be accompanied by H . R . H . Princess Louise ( Duchess of Fife ) .

BRO . LORD ROBERTS ' S STATUE . —Lord Roberts has consented to open the Naval and Military Exhibition in commemoration of the Jubilee of the Crystal Palace on Thursday , the 23 rd prox ., and on the same day Lady Roberts will unveil the eq lestuan statue to her distinguished husband , which is from that date to be included among the art treasures of the Crystal Palace .

THE anniversary meeting of the Royal Society of Literature was held at the Society ' s Room , 20 , Hanover-square , W ., on Wednesday last , Bro . E . W . Brabrook C . B ., F . S . A ., presiding . Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Halsbury , F . R . S ., Lord Hiifh Chancellor , was elected President ; Bro . J . Henniker Heaton , M . P ., was elected a Vice-President ; and Bro . Dr . Charles Forshaw , F . R . H . S ., was elected a member of the ' Council .

THERE was a good attendance at the Royal Alfred Lodge of Instruction , held at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , on Thursday , the 25 th inst . Bro . E . C St . Aubyn , W . M ., presided , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Justin Allen , P . VI ., tuking the part of the candidate . Bro . R . Williams , P . M ., Preceptor , subsequently worked the 2 nd Section of the Lecture , a most enjoyable and instructive evening being spent by all present .

LONDON CART HORSE PARADE . —In connection with the London Cart Horse Parade Society , the 16 th annual parade of London cart horses will take place in Regent ' s Park on Whit Monday . At last year ' s function 700 prizes were awaided , amounting to £ 350 . It is anticipated that this year ' s parade of the best examples of Lond in ' * heivy horses will number nearly 1000 . Full particulars can be obtained at the offices of the society , 12 , Hanover-square .

THE MEMBERS of the City of London Schools Committee and their lady friends spent a p leasant evening on Friday , the igth inst ., at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel , under the presidency of the Chairman , Bro . Walter Wellsman , with whom was Mrs . Wallsman . The principal guests were Bro . the Lord Miyor and Lady Miyoress and Bro , Alderman and Sheriff Vaughan Morgan . The Chairman , on behalf of the meeting , made a presentation to the late Chairman , Mr . Thomas , in acknowledgment of his pist services , and subsequently Bro . the Lord Mayor proposed ths toast of " The Chairman , Bro . Wellsman , " which was enthusiastically received .

ENGLAND ' S CHARITIES . —Investments of 20 Millions . —The 48 th report of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales shows that the total sum of stocks and investments held by the official trustees of charitable funds on 31 st December , 1 9 00 , amounted 10 ^ 20 , 829 , 650 Ss . gd ., divided into 21 , 591 separate accounts . This sum is irrespective ot certain securities expressed in terms of foreign currencies , and of certain annuities , and also of sundry other securities . The aggregate income derived from the several stocks , securities , and annuities held by the official trustees of charitable funds amounted , for the year ended on 31 st December , 1900 , to £ 600 , 572 2 s . id .

IF THE first number of the "Caxton Magazine , " published by Messrs . Blade ? , East , and Blades , at 23 , Abchurch-lane , may oe taken as a faithful sample of the numbers that are to follow , the publishers should have no difficulty in making a suc : ; ss of a periodical that is intended to be the official journal of the Institute of Printers and kindred trades of the British Empire . As is only to be expected from a publication of this nature , the " Caxton " is admirably printed and profusely illustrated , but we regret being compelled to add that it nevertheless falls short of some of the American trade journals received by us . It is to be hoped that when once thoroughly established , the "Caxton" will succeed in equalling , if not in surpassing , its Transatlantic rivals .

THE NKW AMERICA CUP CHALLENGER—Launch of Shamrock II . —On Saturday afternoon Shamrock the Second , Sir T . Lipton ' s new challenger for the Americi Cup , was launched from the shipyard of Messrs . Denny Bros ., Dumbarton . The ne * challenger has been designed by Mr . G . L . Watson , and is the outcome of a long series of experiments made with yacht models in a special tank . The launching

ceremony , which was quite successful , was a brilliant function , nearly 200 guests being present at Sir Thomas Lipton ' s invitation . The yacht was christened by the Marchioness of Dufferin . The greatest secrecy as to the Shamrock ' s construction has been observed thrnugfio . it , and even on Saturday at her launch not much idea could be gathered of her torm ot structure , as she was buoyed on each side by pontoons .

His GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH informs us that he has consented to preside at the S 6 th anniversary festival of the Royal Caledonian Asylum , to be held in the Grand Hall , Hotel Cecil , on Wednesday , the nth prox . Ever since the beg ' mn ' me of last century this institution has been maintainingand educating the children of Scottish soldiers , sailors , and marines , and also the children of indigent Scotch parents resident in London . At the present time the management of the institution , recogiHm ? the

special claims of soldiers' children , are admitting without payment or election any eligible children of Scottish soldiers who have fallen , or may yet fall , during the campaign in South Africa . Funds are urgently needed both for the current exoenses of the institution and also tor the erection of a new building in thc country . Those who are unable to be present at the festival , the tickets for which are 21 s . each , are asked to forward their contributions to the Secretary of the Institution .

INSTALLATION OF THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY . —A Special Communication of the Prov . G . Lodge of Antrim has been convened to be held in the Exhibition Hall , Botanic Gardens , Belfast , on Monday next , at one o ' clock p . m ., for the purpose of installing Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Shaftesbury as Grand Master of the province . It is almost 10 years since a similar cer < mony was performed in Antrim , the occasion being the installation of Bro . the Marquis of Hertford , who , owing to his numerous engagements , has been obliged to resigna circumstance which the brethren

, much regret . 'The approaching ceremony will be of a most interesting nature , and this , coupled with the fact that the Dep . G . Master , Uro . Sir James Creed Meredith , LL . D ., will preside , and be assisted by Bros . Viscount Templetown , S . G . W . ; Sir John Banks , K . C . B ., J . G . W ., and other Grand Lodge Oliicers , is certain to ensure a very large attendance of the brethren , not only in the city but also those from the country . The hour ( one o ' clock ) is , perhaps , not the most suitable for many members of the Order , Dublin

but , of course , the convenience of so many distinguished brethren coming from . and who must return in the evening , had to be considered . The proceedings win occupy about three-quarters of an hour , so that those who take luncheon from one tm two will have an opportunity of witnessing this most interesting installation . ANGLO-INDIANS AND OTHERS seeking genuine Indian-manufactured condiments , currie stuffs , chutnees , preserves , poppidums , Bombay ducks , Nepau pepper , & c , send to the original firm . C Stembridge and Co ., iS , Green-street , Leicester-square , London ; and Calcutta . Established 1821 . Write for price ! ' «• ( Removed from 33 , Leicester-sauare ) .