Masonic And General Tidings.

MASONIC AND GENERAL TIDINGS .

The many friends of Bro . Frank Richardson will be delighted to know that he is gradually regaining strength and is in a fair way towards recovery . Mr . Frank Reginald Kenning has joined the Livery of the Loriners' Company .

The Duke and Duchess of Teck have been invited to join the family gathering of the King and Queen of Denmark which always takes place in the autumn , and they will be present during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York .

The right of daughter lodges in Scotland to be represented in Grand Lodge by proxy has , says Grand Secretary , been exercised since 1736 . It is embodied in their charters , and it secures equal representation to all lodges , whether at home or abroad .

At the regular meeting of the Eldon Lodge , No . 1755 , held at Portishead , Somerset , on Saturday , the 12 th inst ., Bro . A . G . Tonkin , S . W ., was elected W . M ., Bro . J . R . Thebridge was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . F . Simpkins was re-elected Tyler for the ensuing year .

Bro . Lord Haddington , Grand Master Mason of Scotland , has been recommended by Grand Lodge for appointment as Grand Representative from the Grand Lodge of England in room of Bro . Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart , Bart ., resigned . Sir Michael has held the honoured post for 23 years .

The Prince and Princess of Wales , the Duke and Duchess of York , and the Princesses Victoria and Maud left Portsmouth Dockyard for Marlborough House on Monday , the Duke and Duchess of York , however , going into residence at York House , St . James ' s . The Royal party were attended by Bro . Sir Francis Knollys , Miss Khollys , Lady Eva Greville , and the Hon . Derik Keppel .

The funeral of Miss Mary A . Gordon , second sister of the late General Gordon , the hero of Khartoum , took place at Southampton on Monday , and was attended by Sir John and Lady Cowell , representing the Queen and Royal Family at Osborne , and Major-General Sir Charles W . Wilson , Director-General of the Ordnance Survey , on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught .

The third match between the Hythe School of Musketry and the North London Rifle Club , with teams of 10 men a side , resulted in the victory of the former b y 49 points , the total scores being , Hythe School , 913 , North London Club , S 64 . The ranges were 200 , 500 , arid 600 yards , seven shots at each range , and the club gained a slight advantage at the 200 yards , scoring 312 to their opponent ' s 304 , but at the 500 yards the Staff scored 323 to 2 S 1 , and at the 600 yards

2 S 6 to 27 i . ¦ General Sir Edward Hamley , ex-M . P . for Birkenhead , who has just died suddenly of heart disease , was born in 1 S 24 , and entered the army in 1 S 43 . He had seen service in the Crimea , having been present at the battles of Alma , Inkermann , and Balaclava , and at the seige of Sebastopol . He also took" a leading part in the Egyptian Campaign against Arabi , storming Tel-el-Kebir with the Second Division , of which he held the command .

At a meeting of the Mansion House Committee on Thursday , it was reported that a communication had been received by the Lord Mayor from the Duke and Duchess of York desiring that the money subscribed by the citizens and inhabitants of London for a wedding gift be expended

in the purchase of tapestry for the ornamentation of their Royal Highnesses' London residence , York House , St . James ' s Palace . The suggestion was adopted , and steps were taken to purchase such tapestry as their Royal Highnesses might consider suitable for the purpose indicated .

The end of the Provincial Grand Lodge for Edinburgh dispute is now within measurable distance , the Grand Lodge at its meeting on the 10 th inst . having adopted the following recommendation from Grand Committee : — " Having regard to the strong feeling expressed by many brethren in the Edinburgh district against the formation of a Provincial Grand

Lodge , the appointment of a Provincial Grand Master for the province be delayed until the first Thursday of November , when it will be competent for Grand Lodge to reconsider its resolution of 3 rd November , 1892 , by which it was resolved to establish the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ed \ nbureh . " -Mallel .

About 35 members of Lodge Prudence , No . 1550 , held their annual outing on Saturday , the 12 th instant . The party left the Masonic Hall , Plymouth , in two brakes , and proceeded to Downderry , via Polbathic and Hessenfordone of the most charming drives in the county , especially now when the country is looking at its best , the valleys being literally filled with orchards producing fruit in great

abundance . At Downderry about two hours were spent , during which an excellent high tea was partaken of . The return journey was through Crafthole and Antony . Arriving in time to catch the 9 p . m . ferry at Torpoint , the party returned to the Masonic Hall , where the day ' s enjoyment was concluded in the large dining room by a miscellaneous entertainment , over which Bro . Ernest Budge , the Worshipful Master , presided . Songs and recitations were

given , among the contributors being Miss Lavers and several members of the lodge . The proceedings throughout were very enjoyable , and were much appreciated , especially by the ladies , of whom there was a fair attendance . A vote of thanks was accorded to the committee through the chairman , who , in reply , mentioned that the energetic Secretary , Bro . Sellick was entitled to nearly , if not the whole of the praise .

"CmriusM WILL FOSTER TALENT , " is an adage too well known to need dilating upon , especially as it is necessary to speak of something which for many years has delicd adverse criticism . Holloway ' s Pll s and Ointment , as sterling remedies for all complaints , are more familiar than "household words , " being In constant daily use by thousands of people , who look

upon their possession as a pontile necessity . Leading medical authorities advise their use as reliable medicines in times of need . As a certain cure fo * all skin diseases they are unequalled , whilst for bile , sick headache , flatulency , indigestion , and all Hverand stomach disorders , it has been truly said they are worth their weight in gold .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . the Marquis and Marchioness of Headfort , having returned to town from Cowes , were to proceed this day ( Friday ) to Headfort House , Kelts , county Meath . Bro . Lord and Lady Carrington have been paying a series of visits to friends in Scotland , but they are expected to return to Wycombe Abbey next week , probably on the 26 th inst .

The Lord Chancellor ( Bro . Lord Herschel ) has acceded to the request of the Torquay Town Council for a separate Commission of the Peace , and has appointed sixteen gentlemen , with the County Court Judge , to act as Justices . The W . M . of the Derby Allcroft Lodge desires to state that his absence from the funeral ( at which the lodge was represented by other officers ) was owing to his being in a remote part of the country and his inability to get bai k in time .

The oldest Freemason in the Colonies is dead . This was Bro . Ernest C . Smith , who died at Elizabeth Bay , New South Wales , a few weeks ago . He combined the functions of Consul-General for Portugal , Consul-General for Hawaii , and Consul for Peru .

Sir Charles Hall , Q . C ., M . P ., . Recorder of London , though recovering from his late relapse at Hamburg , is unable , owing to an attack of gout , to . take more than a very little moderate exercise in a bath-chair . As soon , however , as he is able to undertake the journey , he will pay a visit to Scotland .

In the match for large yachts at the Royal Yacht Club Regatta , Southsea , on Monday , the Prince of Wales ' s Britannia proved an easy winner , the Salanita being second . The Calluna and Navahoe were also entered and started , but neither of them appears to have had the slightest chance of winning , and the American did not complete the course .

Another serious boating accident is reported from Carrig Island in the Shannon , by which as many as 17 lives have been lost . It was a party of excursionists who had been to Kilkie , and were returning to their homes at Tarbort when the boat upset , and , owing to the darkness of the night , the whole of them were drowned . Several bathing fatalities have also occurred along the coast and elsewhere .

A gallant deed was recently done by a cripple . A boy and girl were bathing at Withernsea , near Hull , when they got out of their depth , and the girl was drowned , but the boy was rescued by a man named Dove , an inmate of the Convalescent Home , who , notwithstanding that he was suffering from a broken ankle , and was compelled to use crutches , pluckily jumped into the sea and saved the lad .

The rejoicings which have recently taken place in the family and among the tenants of Bro . the Earl of Jersey on the occasion of his return from New South Wales have been brought to an abrupt termination by the sudden death at Geneva of his lordship ' s mother , Julia Countess of Jersey , who was the eldest daughter of the late Sir Robert Peel , Bart ., and sister of the present baronet .

At the quarterly meeting of the Patriotic Chapter , No . 51 , held at Colchester , on Wednesday , the oth inst ., the following were elected officers for the ensuing year : Comps . C . Osmond , M . E . Z . ; R . Haward Ives , H . ; ] . G . Renshaw , J . ; T . J . Railing , S . E . ; A . J . H . Ward , S . N . ; J . E . Hennemeyer , Treas . ; E . Gowers , P . S . ; , H . J . Skingley and S . D . C . Ablitt , Asst . Sojs . ; and A . Wright , J anitor . The brethren connected with the Airedale and the

Scientific Lodges at Bradford are going to show the public next Wednesday afternoon on the Branch Hotel grounds how they can handle the willow and trundle the ball . This annual cricket match between the brethren is one of the enjoyable gatherings of the season , and as the elevens selected include some good cricketers there should be a large gathering .

The great match at the Oval between the Australians and England terminated on Wednesday in the defeat ol the Colonials in one innings with 43 runs to spare . England won the choice and going to the wickets first amassed the grand total of 4 S 3 . The Australians , however , were dismissed for 01 , and though in their second innings they made

a stand worthy of their reputation and put together the large score of 349 , they were beaten , as we _ have said , in a single innings by 43 runs . Of the other principal matches of the early half of the week that between Yorkshire and Middlesex resulted in a victory for the former by 145 runs , and that between Somersetshire and Gloucestershire in the victory of Somersetshire by 127 runs .

Reports as to the grouse shooting since the 12 th instant seem to be generally favourable , and there has been some capital sport not only only on the Scottish moors , but likewise on those in Yorkshire and Wales . In Perthshire , Aberdeenshire , and Forfarshire some good bags were made , the birds being generally reported as fairly plentiful , strong , and healthy , but somewhat wild on Kin more .

Bro . the Marquis of Zetland and another gun killed Co brace on the opening day , while on the Arkengarth Dale Moors , in Yorkshire , a party of gentlemen bagged 35 s brace . Among those who are entertaining large shooting parties in North Wales are Bro . Sir W . Williams Wynn , Bart ., Lord Penrhyn , Col . Cornwallis-West , and the Hon . Charles Wynn .

The notices which appeared in the City Press of Wednesday and Saturday last week were somewhat exhaustive in regard to the life and labours of the late Mr . J . D . Allcroft . I may add , however , that having , at the age of 50 , amassed a large fortune , and certainly being well aware how to invest it profitably , he preferred to have a tangible stake in the country in the shape of a large estate . He always

kept his responsibilities as a landlord before him , and was careful to ensure the proper housing of his tenants and dependants before he commenced the mansion upon which afterwards he expended so large a sum of money . Again , in connection with the Young Men ' s Christian Association , he was one of the five who guaranteed £ 5000 each for Exeter Hall , and paid it . Mr . Allcroft was on the

Commission of the Lieutenancy of the City of London , and Vice-President of the Church Association , and contributed most liberally to the cost of the litigation in regard to the erection of the St . Paul ' s rered' / s . It says not a little for the liberality of the man , that after all the heat and trouble of this litigation , he was able to meet Canon Gregory in the most friendly manner at the Lent Supper at the Christ ' s Hospital . —City Press .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Bro . the Marquis and Marchioness of Tweeddale ha been entertaining a large shooting party at Yester , Ha ^ dingtonshire , the bag on the opening day comprising 1 ? brace of grouse . "

Bro . Eventt and Son , Tailors , & c , of St . Martin * * House , Gresham-street , believing that they can carry 0 r their business as successfully without a public display , hav ' issued a circular announcing their removal to the first floor of the same building , where they hope to receive the patronage of their friends as before .

Colonel and Mrs . Cornwallis are entertaining a large party of guests at Milford Manor , Hants , including the Marquis , of Ormonde , the Earl and Countess of Listoive and the Ladies Hare , Lord Ashbourne , Sir Michael Hicksi Beach , M . P ., and Lady Lucy Hicks-Beach , the Hon . Harry Bourke , the Hon . Col . C . Crichtjn , Sir John Poynder M . P ., and others . '

Cardinal Vaughan opened the new Roman Catholir Church of " Our Lady Star of the Sea , " at- Llandudno . Archbishop Scarisbrick , O . S . B ., celebrated High Mass ! and the ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor . Dr ! Vaughan preached the sermon . There was an immense congregation , including many non-Catholics . The new building is an excellent specimen of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture .

Taking advantage of the visit of Bro . Lord Roberts to Dunbar , the Town Council on Thursday afternoon . presented the distinguished officer with the freedom of the burgh . The burgess ticket was enclosed in a silver casket and the presentation was made by Provost Brand , in the presence of a large gathering . Irt accepting the freedom Bro . Lord Roberts thanked the town for the honourthey had done him , and expressed his pleasure in finding that his past services had been so highly appreciated .

Her Majesty ' s Office of Works , representing the Government , has approved of the plans and specifications for the new Gallery of British Art , presented to the nation by Kir . Henry Tate . The Trustees have accepted the tender of Messrs . Higgs and Hill , of South Lambeth-road , for the erection of the first portion of the Institution at Millbank , and instructions have been given to proceed with the foundations at once .

, A gentleman upon a hunting expedition on the east coast of South Africa sent home by the Hawarden Castle a black buck , with a request that it might be presented to Mr . Gladstone as from an admirer . Sir Thomas Esmonde , the chief Nationalist whip , who was made the medium of commuuication , accordingly forwarded a couole of haunches of the venison to Downing-street , and on Thursday received a letter from the Prime Minister expressing his sincere acknowledgments for the gift .

TUB NEW MASTER CUTLER OK SHEFFIELD .---At a meeting of the Cutlers' Company , held on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., Bro . Geo . Howson , of the firm of Harrison , Bros ., and Howson , was unanimously elected Master Cutler for the ensuing year , and Bros . C . H . Bingham and H . H . Andrew were elected Senior and Junior Wardens

respectively . The installation of the ^ Master Cutler will take place at the Town Hall on the first Thursday in September , and the feast will be later in the year . Bro . Howson was initiated in the Britannia Lodge , No . 130 , Sheffield , and is a Master Mason . Bro . Andrew is a M M . of the same lodge . Bro . Bingham is a M . M . of the Royal Brunswick Lodge , No . 296 , Sheffield . . .

The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer the decoration of the Albert Medal of the Second Class on Capt . Spenser W . Scrase-Dickins , 2 nd Highland Light Infantry , under the following circumstances : While the steamship Pcshawur was passing through the Red Sea OR April 27 th 1893 , a Lascar who was at work in one of the boats fell overboard . Captain Scrase-Dickins . who had

been invalided home and was lying half asleep in a chair on deck , immediately jumped overboard , and swimming to the Lascar succeeded in keeping him afloat until they were both picked up by the ship ' s boat a mile and a half away from the vessel . 1 he Peshawur was going at the time at the rate of 11 i knots , with a strong head wind , and the sea was moderately high-and'known td be infested with

sharks . A claim for £ 1000 has been received by Messrs . Cassell and Company from the representatives of Mr . W . A . Williams , of Llantwit Main Cottage , Llantrisant , who met with his death in the Pontypridd Railway Disaster . It is stated that Mr . Williams had duly signed and left at home a copy of Cassel / 's Saturday ' Journal of the 9 th inst .

The matter is now being investigated by the Provident Clerks and General Accident Insurance Company , Limited , through whom the Cassel /' s Saturday Journal Insurance is effected , with a view of payment of claim if substantiated . It will be remembered that the case of Mr . Williams was a

peculiarly sad one . He was employed as chief clerk to Mr . James C . Spickett , solicitor , Pontypridd , and had arranged to start in practice as a solicitor at Whitby in a few days' time . He had with him his little boy , who is suffering , from a severe scalp wound , whilst Mrs . Williams is near her confinement .

The Baroness Burdett-Coutts , who was accompanied by Sir Edmund Henderson , formerly Chief Commissioner ol the Metropolitan Police , presented the prizes to the successful competitors in the fifth annual athletic sports of the " Division Swimming Club , held at the Welsh Harp , Hendon . The chief event of the day , the half-mile swimming race , for a silver cup value 15 guineas , presented by Bro . »»• beioi

Burdett-Coutts , M . P ., and to be won three times = becoming the property of the winner ( open to the whole 01 the Metropolitan and City Police Forces and the "'" . j ' politan Fire Brigade ) , was easily won by PoIice-constaW Drake ( City Police ) , who last year won a similar cup " the third time , and became its absolute owner ; J . , ^ "f . ( of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade ) was second , and serg 1

Sly ( of the J Division ) was third . The silver cup . v * ^ 10 guineas , lor a 100 yards handicap , open to rnembers the club only , was won by Police-constable Lamb , ' " j constable Betts being second ; and a silver cup , to be W " The Tysall Challenge Cup , " presented by Mr . E . Tys *'; for 50 yards swimming on the back , was won by Serg

Brogan , Police-constable Short finishing second . Twelfth Annual Edition of Explanatory Book , ^ ** gratis and post tree , gives reliable information how '" . " # ( money quickly by Stocks and Shares . Highest and » ^ prices for past years . —Address , G . Evans and Co ., - ^ brokers , 11 , Poultry , London , E . C .