Masonic Tidings.

Masonic Tidings .

F UNERAL OK THE OLDEST F REEMASON IN E NGLAND . —On Thursday , the 17 th ult ., at St . Mary Le Gill Church , Barnoldswick , the remains of Bro . Henry Crook ( 84 ) , who is stated to be the oldest Freemason in England , were interred . Bro . Crook joined a Lodge of Freemasons in 1 S 21 . —Preston Guardian , Wednesday , Alarch 23 rd . In ourreport of the Ravensbourne Ball last week ,

by a singular typographical error , the word Surplus was made to read Templars . The Mediterranean Mark Lodge , No . 27 S , will be consecrated at Gibraltar on 'Thursday , 28 th inst ., by VV . Bro . Thos . J . Pulley , P . M ., P . G . S ., Prov . G . S . Berks and Oxon , who has been appointed by the Al . VV . G . M . AI . AL for that purpose . We understand that a new lodge of Roval Ark Mariners , to be moored to the Gibraltar Alark

Lodge , No . 43 , will be consecrated by Bro . Pulley during his visit to the Rock . The hall yearly meeting- of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland and Westmorland will be held on Friday , the Sth inst ., under the banner of Lodge of Perseverance , No . 371 ; The annual convocation of the Prov .

Grand Chapter will also beheld the same day , under the banner of the Nicholson Chapter , No . 371 : Oswald Edward Lewis , who was a candidate at the coming election of the Boys' School , having just received a presentation to Christ ' s Hospital , his name has been withdrawn from the list . .

The ball recently held at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverjiool , in connection with the Lodge of Israel , No . 1502 , has resulted in a balance , after paying expenses , of the sum of £ 50 , which will be devoted to the increase of the money set aside for the Fund of Benevolence attached to the lodge .

' 1 he Royal Commission on Agriculture , under the presidency of Bro . His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon , will go to Edinburgh early next week , with a view to inquiring into Scotch agriculture on the spot , and are expected to remain in the Scotch capital for a week or ten days . Bro . Egbert l ^ oberts , the basso vocalist , who has

recently undergone a surgical operation , is , we are pleased to learn , progressing favourably . Bro . J . L . Toole will appear in " Trying a Magistrate , " and Bro . Thomas Thorne in " A Regular Fix " at the Sutton Public Hall , on Tuesday afternoon next , when Aliss Sarah Thorne takes a benefit to recoup

her for the loss sustained by an accident during her recent pantomime visit , when the whole of the proscenium fell forward , doing great damage to the scenery . Bro . S . C . Hadley presided at the annual festival of the Surgical Appliance Society at Cannon-street Hotel , on Wednesday last .

A most successful entertainment was given atthe Royal Park Theatre on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., for the benefit of Aliss Amy Steinberg ( wife of Bro . John Douglass ) , when in addition to the regular company several artists of distinction gave their assistance . The result of the performance was most satisfactory .

The World says , "ThePortsmouth Freemasons are rejoicing in their numerical and financial prosperity . They are receiving important accessions to their ranks from the army and thenavy . Commander Lord Charles Beresford is to be the VV . Alaster of a new lodge , for which the Prince of Wales has granted the warrant . It is to be named after the popular general commanding the southern district , and Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar will be one of its earliest

members ; but His Royal Highness the Grand Alaster of England will not , owing to recent events , perform the ceremony of consecration , the P . G . AI . of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight undertaking that duty . The annual Provincial Grand I ^ odge of West Yorkshire will be held at Bradford on Wednesday next , the Gth inst . Wc hope to give a report of the proceedings in the following week .

GRAND I ^ ODGE OF M M ASTER M ASONS . — The Offices of the Grand Alark Lodge have been removed from No . 2 to No . SA , Red Lion-square . ROSICRUCIAN SOCIETY . —The Quarterl y Communication of the Aletropolitan ColIege ~ wilI'be held at the Freemasons' Tavern , on Thursday next , the 7 th inst ., at 5 . 30 . It will be preceded by a meeting of the High

Council at 3 . ^ 0 . The Fifteen Sections will be worked at the United Strength Lodge of Instruction , Prince Alfred , Crowndale-road , on Wednesday next . Bro . James Kew , P . AI . 179 , Preceptor . The installation of the VV . M . of the Trinity Lodge , No . 1734 took place on Wednesday , the lGth inst .

, , tit the Golden Lion Hotel , Rayleigh . On Tuesday evening the members of thc joint Midland and North-Eastern Circuits entertained Bro . Justice Cave at dinner in the Inner Temple Hall ( the use of which had been specially granted for the purpose ) , in order to celebrate the learned judge ' s recent elevation to the Bench . The chair was occupied by Air . Alfred Wills , O . C .

Bro . H . R . H . Prince I ^ eojjold has graciousl y consented to lay the foundation stone of the City and Guilds of London Technical College , Finsbury . THE COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR , DIARY , \ vri POCKET-BOOK FOR 1 SS 1 . Second Edition . ( London : 1 -forge Kenning , 19 S , Fleet-street . ) The Craft will , we feel sure , hasten to obtain this second edition , as it is a matter of

urgency . For the benefit of " outsiders , " wc will take just one tile off thc lodge . " He ( the publisher ) has given in the Cosmo' for 18 S 0-S 1 thc actual days of meetings of lodges and chapters , Sic , in all cases where returns have heen received , instead of , as formcily , contenting himself with specifying thc normal day of the monthly meeting . This willhe thinks

cnange , , prove to be a great ennvenienre to many wl o habitually use the ' Cosmo . ' " Ami with this mouthful of information as to the Alasonic value oi ils pages , the lodge is closed , and wc leave the Alasonic world from the Entered Apprentice with the Lodge of Instruction before him , up to-the highest Degree with this manual in hand . —Metropolitan , March 12 .

Masonic Tidings.

Bro . Dr . . Spark , the borough Organist at I . eeds , who was announced to give an organ recital in the Victoria Hall on Tuesday afternoon , and play a selection of Russian music , apropos of the late Czar ' s death , received an anonymous letter , warning him that if he did " evil would come to him . " In consequence great police precautions were taken , but the performance passed off without anything

unusual occurring . Bro . Henry Irving has commissioned Mr . G . H . Boughton , A . R . A ., to paint a portrait of Aliss Ellen Terry as she appears at the Lyceum in "The Cup . " Bro . Captain Bedford Pim , R . N ., presided at the thirteenth annual meeting of the London and Westminster Working Alcn ' s Association on Thursday evening

week . The negroes have established an Independent African Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Alasons of the U . S . of N . America . They have also established an African Grand Encampment of Knights Templar . The reason for this is said to be owing to the disfavour with which they are received into many existing chapters and encampments .

The Prince of Wales was on Tuesday last reelected commodore of the Royal Thames Yacht Club . Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon and Lad } ' Carnarvon are expected to arrive at ITighcIere Castle , from Aladeira , next Tuesday week . The charity fund attached to the Westbourne Lodge of Instruction , No . 733 , completed its first

anniversary on Saturday last . During Us brief existence , Bro . E . Arrowsmith , the Hon . Sec , has been enabled from the one shilling per week collected from each member , to pay to the several institutions the noble sum of £ 137 9 s . Other lodges would do well to emulate so good an example . Bro . Joseph Lavender , of 26 , Bedford-row , has taken into partnership Mr . Robert Dixon , who has been his

pupil for twenty years . I 3 ro , Thomas Ijenskin , of thc Castle and Falcon Hotel , Aldersgate-street , is about to become the proprietor of Limmer ' s Hotel , Bond-street . Both ot these hotels are associated with memories of the far-off past . Limmer's has recently been rebuilt and enlarged , and furnished in a very refined style . The house has one of the finest

banqueting halls in London . It is rather curious that two such old-established hotels should become linked together under one management . Bro . George Dawson will be installed VV . M . of the Caxton Lodge , No . 1 S 53 , at Freemasons' Hall , on Alonday next . Bro . Major George Singleton Tudor was on

Alonday , the 21 st ult ., installed Provincial Grand Alaster of Staffordshire in the presence of a large assemblage of the brethren . The Deputy Grand AIaster the Earl of Lathom performed the ceremony . Bro . Sir John Bennett will , at the next meeting of the Corporation , move for a gift of , ( , ' , 000 to the buildfund of thc City and Guilds Institute .

Bro . General Sir Frederick Roberts embarked at Cape Town on Wednesday for England , on board the Union Company's steamer Trojan . Bro . Fx-Sheriff Woollolon and Mrs . VVooIIoton have returned to their residence , Nuffield , Surrey , after nearly four months' slay at Bournemouth . Bro . VVoolloton ' s health has been greatly benefited by the quiet and

change . We arc glad to hear that Bro . S ir John Bennett , who has been indisposed for a few day s , is now able to fulfil his engagements . Bro . Edward Lloyd , proprietor of The Daily Chronicle and Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper , has been elected a member of the Reform Club .

MOORE AND BURGESS MINSTRELS . — Bro . G . VV . Aloore , the popular comedian of this troupe , took his annual benefit on Thursday last , in the great St . James ' s Hall . There were two performances—afternoon and evening—and besides the ordinary minstrel company a long list of dramatic and musical artistes appeared , the least among whom , it is no disrespect to say , were Bro . Uffner ' s " Midgets , " with their friendly comjianions Aliss

Jennie Quigley and Commodore Foot . BRO . SIR MICHAEL COSTA . —An announcement has appeared in an evening contemporary to the effect that the world of music was to be enriched by an orchestral composition from the pen of Bro . Sir Alichael Costa , with a view to its first performance at the opening of the bazaar , to be held in June next , in the Dukeof Wellington ' s

Riding School , on behalf of St . John ' s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin . We aic concerned to hear that this announcement , so far as it assumes to be a matter of certainty , is premature , ancl that , seeing that it is contingent upon several circumstances , as of health and other engagements , the work in question is to be regarded as a tiling rather to be hoped for than to be absolutely counted upon .

LUMLEY LODGE , NO . 1 893 , L INCOLNSHIRE . — This lodge will ( D . V . ) he consecrated on Thursday , the 21 st inst ., by the R . W . P . G . M . for Lincolnshire , Bro . W | H . Smyth , of Elkington Hall , near Louth . The W . M . designate is Bro . H . J . Seels , jun ., of Wainlleet , at the present time holding the office of I . P . M . of the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 426 , holding its meetings at Spilsby ,

Lincolnshire , lheplace of meetingof the Lumley Lodge will be at the estate offices of Lord Scarborough , in the pretty little town of Skegness , where his lordship is , we understand , an extensive landholder , antl has during the jiast few ycars made great improvements at an immense outlay of money , including several handsome buildings , the town being mapped out with regular districts with commodious

streets , & c . A considerable portion of the old sea wall ( consirurted of sand . ) has been rejilaced by stone , forming a delightful promenade . To these have been added public gardens ant ) a cricket and bicycle ground , said to he the finest in England . A branch line of thc G . N . l-. ailw .-iv from

l- ' tisby brings Skegness into easy communication with the Midland Counties , antl with the inhabitants of Nottingham especially it is a favourite seaside resort . As a summer lodge it will juobably supply a want much felt in Lincolnshire , in which province it will stand twenty-first on the roll .

Masonic Tidings.

Bro . Sir Michael Shaw -Stewart ' s yacht , the Cavalier , left Falmouth last week for A'larseilles , where her owner and his party will embark for a cruise in tin Alcditerranean . The total amount of subscriptions to the Johr Hervey Memorial Fund up to March 31 st amounted tc £ 329 2 S . Gd . RE-OPENING OF EXETER HALL . —Thc

inauguration of this public building , in its new form ancl with the alterations and improvements , tool * place on Wednesday evening last , and was participated in by an immense sympathetic assemblage . Having long had a somewhat precarious tenure of existence , it has lately passed into the hands of an organization—the Young Men ' s Christian Association—having ramifications in all parts of the globe ,

and exerting an influence which , centring in the parent society in the metropolis , extends to the most distant colonies of the British Empire . Of pecuniary aid there has been from first to last a supply highly encouraging to the projectors of the re-organisation and the committee who have had the superintendence of the work . The purchase money of the building , , £ " 25 , 000 , having been provided by five munificent donations of £ 5000 each , the donors being

Bro . J . D . Allcroft , Air . R . C . L . Bevan , Alessrs . T . A . and E . AL Denny , Mr . Samuel Alorley , ALP ., and Mr . George Williams , £ 23 , 000 more was required to make the -necessary alterations and improvements , and this also has , it appears , been subscribed within about £ 5000 . The large hall remains the same in outline , but it has been to a considerable extent redecorated , and it presents an aspect suitable alike for public meetings and for oratorio concerts . INAUGURATION DINNER TO BRO . F . TRILLAT . .

—An inauguration dinner was given at the Ship Restaurant , Charing Cross , S . W ., by a few friends representing the creme de la create of the culinary art in London to their esteemed Craftsman , the new proprietor , Bro . Francis Trillat . The menu was modest , but of a most recherche description , as may be well imagined , considering that it was submitted to some fifty of the most competent critics of

the day , represented by the chefs ot the first Royal and Ducal houses of the realm ; each service was manipulated with that perfection and degree of finish rarely to be met with , except under similar circumstances—indeed , culinary art must have exhausted itself in this very evident exhibition of science and skill ; the wines , perfectly in harmony with the other delicacies , were of celebrated brands and

mature age . Bro . F . Gendre most ably presided at this or liqrie " assemblage . On the removal of the cloth , he requested that each glass should be charged to the brim , as he was about to propose the first toast of the evening , which , whether by British subjects or aliens on these hospitable shores , was always loyally associated with the ceremonies of this kind . It was that of " Her Alajesty the Oueen and the

Royal Family . " The toast was responded to enthusiastically ( loud exclamations for the Prince of Wales ) . Alonsieur TURPIN proposed "A la France , and Prosperity to the Societe Culinaire Francaise , " which was received with unbounded applause . Upon all rising , the Chairman intoned" The Marseillaise , " and was immediately joined by everyone present . Alonsieur Gournel responded

in an elegant and impressive manner . The Chairman then jiroposed , and was supplemented by Alonsieur Cabuset and Alonsieur Leon Paul , "Success and Prosperity to the Worthy Host , " Bro . Francis Trillat , a gentleman who had reached the highest perfection in his profession , at the same time winning golden opinions from his numerous friends and associates , as verified by all present . The toast

was received with loud cheers . Monsieur lournir in his extraordinary tenor voice , sang " Praises to the Vin Francais" in a most humorous manner , and met with general applause . Bro . Francis Trillat ably responded at length , and trusted that with assiduity in his business he woultl no doubt eventually obtain the distinguished patronage usually bestowed by connoisseurs on merit and ability . Alonsieur Desabrix next proposed "The Continuance of the Excellent Relations existing between France and England ,

may the two Countries be ever United , and be animated with the best of sentiments towards each other . " Bro . Thomas Bull , Vice-Chairman , proposed that of "The Chairman , Bro . Francois Gendre , " who was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends , and who had taken on himself the difficult responsibilty of organising that very pleasant gathering , with , it was acknowledged , most deserved success . The toast was warmly received , and the meeting then terminated .

General Tidings.

General Tidings .

METROPOLITAN AND CITY POLICE ORPHANAGE , - —The eleventh annual ball in aid of the funds of this institution will take place under distinguished patronage at the Cannon-street Hotel on Wednesday , April 27 th . A loving cup , twenty-five inches in height , ancl in the style of the sixteenth century , has been given with an address to Sir R . Gilpin , Bart ., on the completion of his eightieth year . The formal presentation was made by Lord C . Russell .

The name of Lord Aberdare is mentioned as a possible candidate for the Chairmanship of the London School Board . ft is slated that the Coal and Corn and Finance Committee will recommend that a grant of £ 100 be given lo the building fund of St . Saviour's , Brixton , of which the Rev . G . B . Concanon is the vicar . Air . J . D . Allcroft has given / . * 50 o to the same cause .

THE CENSUS . —APRIL 4 , I S 31 . Ah ! Postumus , truly the " anni fugaces " Glide by , and , old friend , we no longer are young ; A new generation brings fair and fresh faces—The wrinkles now show on the girls that we sung . In vain 'gainst attacks of old age doctors fence us , Though bravely we combat its aches and its nains .

I he Registrar General comes with his Census , To show us we ' re nothing but fossil remains . The young folks to-day proudly put tlown their ages , I lie future is theirs to enjoy and explore ; We ' ve written our record anil turned tlown the pages ,

_ I ' or gootl or for evil , ' tis there evermore . V e | one consolation may still recompense us . ' "ough Henniker shows us lhat time travels fast , VVeve lived and have loved—laughed and wept , and the Census Must leave us at least the indelible Past . — Punch .