Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

THE CHORAL FESTIVAL of the Tonic-Sol-Fa Association was held at the Crystal Palace on Saturday last , the number of certificated singers who took part in the performances being labout 5000 . A splendid programme h ) d been arranged , and everything passed off successfully . H . R . H . THE PRINCESS OF WALES and the Princesses Victoria and Maud , Ihe Duke and Duchess of York , Princes Christian and Charles of Denmark , honoured the Royal Opera House , Covent Garden , with their presence on Saturday evening last , and witnessed a performance of "Romeo and Juliette . "

IT HAS NOW been definitely arranged that the Princess Maud of Wales and Prince Charles of Denmark , after their marriage on the 22 nd inst ., shall proceej to Sandringham from St . Pancras , and will not go through the City , An intimation to this effect has been forwarded to Bro . Lord Mayor Sir W . Wilkin .

THE DIRECTORS of Harrod ' s Stores , Limited , have declared an interim dividend on the ordinary shares in respect of the half-year ending 30 th June , last , at the rate of 10 per cent , per annum . Dividend warrants will be posted on the 25 th of July to all shareholders whose names are on the company ' s register on the nth inst . AMONG THOSE PRESENT at the second garden party given by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs . Benson at Lambeth Palace , on Saturday last , were the United States Ambassador , the Duke of Hamilton , the Karl and Countess of Carysfort , Bro . Earl and Countess Amherst , the Countess of Kintore , and Viscountess Wolseley .

PRINCE CHRISTIAN and Prirce Chailes of Denmark , attended by Lieutenant Lewald , arrived at Marlborough House on Saturday morning last on a visit to the Prince and Princess of Wales . Their Royal Highnesses were received at Victoria by the Hon . H . Storor , Groom-in-Waiting to H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , who will be attached to their Royal Highnesses during their visit to England .

THE MARCHIONESS OF LONDONDERRY held a Council of the Irish Industries ' Association at Londonderry House on Saturday afternoon last , among those present being the Marchioness of Dufferin , Countess Cadogan , the Countess of Mayo , the Countess of Bective , Bro . Lord and Lady Arthur Hill , Lady Betty Balfour , Lady Cremorne , the Hon . Lady Ridley , Lady Crawley , and many others . The report was rather more satisfactory than usual .

BY HER MAJESTY ' S COMMAND , a number of the Burmese workmen and workwemen frcm the Crystal Palace visited Windsor Castle on Saturday last accompanied by Mr . Henry Gillman and Mr . and Mrs . Robert Fowler . The Queen , when inspecting them , nude many kine'ly irquiiies respecting them , to which Mr . Fowler replied . The Biahmins , the Buddhist Nun , and a little girl were introduced to her Majesty and the Duke and Duchess of York .

THE DUKE OF YORK , who is Honorary Colonel of the regiment , inspected the 3 rd Mic'clescx Artillery at the Wellington Barrackson Saturday afternoon last . His Royal Highness , who wore the uniform of the 3 rd Middlesex , was accompanied by Bro . Lord Methuen , commanding the Heme District , End when the inspection was over , expressed his satisfaction with the regiment , ar . d the manner in which they had gone through the various movements . The Duchess of York and Prince Christian of Denrraik were present in an open carriage , and witnessed Ihe proceedings .

H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WAI F . S , Grard Prior of the Order cf St . John of Jerusalem in Enelar . d , accompanied by the Duke of York , Sub-Prior , the Duke of " Connaught , the Duke of Cambridge , and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein , conferred ' at Mailborough House on Tuesday afternoon , several medals and certificates of honour , which had been awarded by the Chapter for acts of gallantry in saving life on land at imminent personal risk . Among those present were Bro . Lord Lech , Sir Hubert Parrott ( Serretary ) , Bro . Sir Albert Woods , Viscount Knutsford , Bro . General Sir George Willis , Bio . Sir Thomas Sutherland , and the Earl of Ranfenley .

H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES , who was accompanied by the Princess and their daughter , the Princess Victoria of Wales , visited Limpsfield on Saturday last , for the purpose of opening the Convalescent Home in connection with Charing Cross Hospital , which has been erected at the cost of Bro . J . Passmore Edwards . There was a large gathering of spectators , who gave the Royal party an enthusiastic welcome , while among the notabilities present at the function were Bro . Lord and Lady WantageLord

, and Lady de Lisle , the Bishop of Southwark , Bro . and Mrs . Passmore Edwards , Bros . J . B . Martin , M . P ., Sir Henry Irving , and E . Terry , and Mr . G . J . Drummond , who contributed 41000 towards the purchase of the site . An address was read by Bro . Martin , and acknowledged by his Royal Highness , who afterwards inspected the build ! ing . The home will accommodate 20 men , 20 women , and 10 children , and is sp ' cndidly situated on high ground .

CARE OF OUR AGED SEAMEN . —Admiral Sir F . Leopold McClintock , K . C . B ., F . R . S ., was again unanimously elected Chairman , and Capt . David Mainland , F . R G . S ., was elected Vice-Chairman of the Committee of Management of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen's Institution on the Sth instant , at 5 S , Fenchurch-street , E . C . General satisfaction was expressed at the progress the institution was making , the receipts each month showing an appreciable increase on the corresponding month of last year . This institution , established in 1 S 67 to " give a home or a pension to the

merchant seamen when old , destitute , and helpless , " has admitted to its home , situated on a beautiful Kentish hill , at Belvedere , 4 G 7 inmates , and has given a pension of £ 12 a year to 7 S 6 others at their own homes throughout the United Kingdom ; these benefits are enjoyed , on an average , seven years , and so eagerly are they sought after , that there are now 2 C 0 approved applicants on the books , men who are between 65 and 8 s of

years age , and who have weathered the storms and dangers of the sea for periods of from 21 to 64 years . It is sad to contemplate that , unless these aged and distressed public servants are successful in obtaining the benefits of this Charity , there is no other similar door open to them . They deserve well of their countrymen , and should not be allowed to end their days in biting poverty and actual want . Mr . J . Bailey Walker , the Secretary , will gladly give further information .

THE QUEEN ' S Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Monday was a great function . Between 3000 and 4000 guests were invited , and the gardens , which cover some 40 acres , showed a maivellous wealth of colour , but of a subdued character . Among those present were their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales , who graciously received her Majesty's guests , the Princesses Victoria and Maud of Wales , the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelilz , the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and their daughters , the Processes Margaret and PatriciaPiir . ce and Princess

, Christian of Schleswig-Holstein and the Princess Victoria , Prince Christian Video and Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein , and Duke Ernest Gunther of Schleswig-Holstein , the Duchess of Albany and Princess Elizabeth cf Waldeck-Pyrmont , attended by Bro . Sir Robert and Lady Collins ; the Duke and Duchessof Yoik ; Princess Louise , Duchess of Fife , and Bro . the Duke of Fife ; the Princess Ftedericaof Hanover , the Duke of Cambridge , the Dule ar . d Duchess cf Teck , the Princes Christian and Charles of Denmark , Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar , any many others . Bros . Lord A . Hill and the

Earl of Lathom , the Earl of Pembroke , and other officers of the State and Household were in attendance on the Prince and Princess of Wales , and among the general and diplomatic circles were nearly all the Foreign Ministers , Brns . Lord Halsbury and Htrschell , Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , and the Marquis of Salisbury . The bands of the Grenadier Guards and the Royal Horse Guards and the string band of the Royal Artillery were stationed at different points in the garden and played choice selections of music , while refreshments were served in large marquees , which had been erected for the purpose . The whole scene was of the most charming character imaginable .

V . BENOIST , 36 , Piccadilly , W .-Barqucts , Dinners , Suppeis , and Receptions seived in Ihe most unique style . Menus and estimates on application . Also French Comestibles of every descripticn . Sole Cati rer to the celebrated Grafton Galleries The best lecale in the West End for holding Private Parties , Balls , & c . Telephone ! No . 3 , 919 . Telegrams , Goui met , London . —[ ADVT . ]

THE TROCADERO RESTAURANT will srcitly be cpencd by Messrs . J . Lyons and Co ., Limited , alter a krglhcrcd , pciicd cf preparation . livery effort is being mide to make this the hjndsrcmest ard rr . cst perfectly-equipped dining palace in Eurcpe , and the arrangements for Mascrjc rr . ettirgs will be made a special feature . Applicatiens respecting bookings should be made as esily as possible to the proprietors , I . Lyens and Co ., Limited , Cadby Hall , Kensington , whete all inquiries should be addresed — lADYT . l

Masonic And General Tidings.

THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF ANCASTER entertained a party at dinner , on Thurs . day evening , at their residence in Belgrave-square . Lady Ancaster held a reception later . BRO . BARON DE BUSH , on the nomination of Bro . Past Master Fuller , seconded by Bro . Matthew R . Webb , has been unanimously elected on the Court of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers' Company .

THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF J ERSEY welcomed at Osterley Park , on Thursday , about 600 boys and girls of the Nation il Refuge for Homeless and Destitute Children , of which his lordship has been president since the death of the " Good " Lord Shaftesbury . T . R . H . THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES , Princesses Victoria and Maud of Wales , Prince Charles of Denmark and Prince Christian of Denmark , and suite witnessed the performance of " Manon " at the Royal Opera House , Covent Garden , on Thursday evening .

THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE was present at the annual inspection on Saturday last of the Feltham Industrial School , which is under the control of the London County Council , and distributed the prizes . His Royal Highness complimented the boys on the excellence of their drill , and afterwards gave them some excellent advice as to the manner in which they should conduct themselves in order to win the regard of their superiors .

WE ARE INFORMED that a site , valued at 4500 taels , lias recently been acquired at Shanghai for the erection af the Missions to Seamen Church , Institute , and agent ' s residence , at a further cost of 10 , 000 taels . We further learn that two-thirds ot the site has been given to the British Chaplain , the Rev . H . C . Hodges , bv Bro . Cornelius Thome , P . Dist . G . M . North China , the father of the Moira Lodge , No . 92 , and 1000 taels towaids the remaining portion by Messrs . Jardine , Matheson , and Co .

A CABIN CANDLESTICK , weighing only four ounces , and said to have belonged to Oliver Cromwell , and used by Lord Nelson for sealing dispatches , was knocked down at Christie ' s for £ 76 ; an old eaithenware jug , the one in which the great admiral was served with grog each night by his steward , fetched £ S $ ; a small plain cream jug , the roughly mended foot of which was broken off by Lord N els in stepping on the jug , and was soldered on by his armourer , i tS ; and an octagjnal-shaped basket , 1 G 93 , £ fJo iSs .

THE HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY were inspected at their head-qmrters in Finsbury , on Saturday last , by Bro . Major-General Lord Methuen , there being present a large assemblage of spectators , among whom were Colonel Walker and the officers and members of the Massachusetts Honourable Artillery Company . The Earl of Denbigh was in command , and there was on the ground the horse and field batteries , as well as the infantry , to the number of about 300 , the inspection being confined to the latter .

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK honoured the Earl and Countess of Powis by their company at dinner at their house in Berkeley-square on Thursday . Bro . the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire , Bro . the Earl and Countess Cadogan , Bro . the Earl and Countess Carrington , Bro . the Earl and Countess of Yarborough , the Earl of Ilchester , Lady Mary Lygon and the Hon . Derek Keppel ( in waiting ) , the Hon . Mrs . G . N . Curzon , Sir Edgar and Lady Helen Vincent , and Sir Charles Hall were among the guests invited to meet their Royal Highnesses . The Countess of Powis afterwards had an evening party .

OK THE CRICKET MATCHES that were brought to a conclusion on Saturday last , were the Eton and Harrow , which terminated in a draw in favour of the former , Eton having made 3 S 6 runs in her one innings , and Harrow 21 S and 255 with two wickets still to fall . For Eton , H . C Pilkington and B . ] . T . Bosanquet scored 101 and 120 respectively , and R . Lubbock 5 ( 1 ; while for Harrow , R . F . Vibart made 42 and 35 , E ' . B . T . Studd 5 and 50 , W . K . A . Rattigan ig and 72 , and H . J . Wyld So and o . The Australians beat the Players on the Essex County Ground at Leyton , in an innings and 137 runs , the scores being Australians 454 , Players 197 and 120 . Sussex beat Surrey by 43 runs after a hard fight , while Notts defeated Yorkshire by four wickets .

A COLLECTION OF DRAWINGS by old masters , belonging to the late Lord Leighton and of engravings after his own works , was put up to auction , and some remarkable prices were realised . The principal items submitted at Christie's were : Study of Boyish Figures in various attitudes , in red chalk , by Andrea' del Sarto , £ 450 ; sketches of Figures and Ornaments , in ink and chalk , by Leonardo da Vinci , £ 220 ; studies of two Male Figures , in red chalk , £ g S ; "A Lady in a Mantilla , " bv _ A . Watteau , £ 100 16 s . j four sketches for Figures in the Last Judgment , by Michael An ? elb Buonarotti , £ 60 j study of a Child in his Cradle , in black chalk , by Rembrandt , f . M ) " Landscape , with Village Surrounded by Trees , " by Rembrandt , £ 43 ; "The Music Party , " by Guilio Campagnola , £ i \ . The total realised £ 1631 .

THE HANS CRESCENT HOTEL COMPANY , LIMITED , will be before the public in the course of a few days , and this is another instance of a big business coming into the hands of those who are fortunate enough to secure allotments . The Hans Place Hotel , which adopts under the company ' s control the new and more appropriate title of " The Hans Crescent Hotel , " seeing that it is situated in Hans-crescent , and in the very centre as it were of fashionable London , was only opened some two months ago , and has scarcely had a suite of rooms unoccupied since . The particular feature of this hotel ,

which evidently commends it to the traveller , as well as the temporary resident , in the Metropolis of the world , is that it is a family hotel , inasmuch as one may live there in a flat just as though the apartments were in any of the Belgravian mansions . Everything is contained in the one suite of rooms . A minute from one ' s drawing-room will lead to the conservatories and winter garden , the smoking-room , billiard-room , and so forth , so that the club man and family man can be equally happy . There will undoubtedly be a strong demand for the shares of the Hans Crescent Hotel Company .

THE BRITISH HOMES INVESTMENT CORPORATION , LIMITED . The directors of this Corporation have succeeded in establishing an institution which in future history must play a conspicuous part in the improvementof the fortunes of the community at large , and its marvellous progress made in so comparatively brief a period conclusively proves that the concern is constituted on a highly acceptabie basis , for already its membership has extended to every town and village in the United King dom . British Hermesthe official publication of the Corporation—a brightchattyand

well-, , , edited magazine—teems with reports of meetings held here , there , and everywhere , and the proceedings are characterised by deep fervour and enthusiasm , and there is a ring of harmony and sincerity in the lone assumed by the speakers , most of whom disp lay much intelligence and declamatory power . The fete of the outside staff recently held at the Crystal Palace , forming a grand musterof representatives , shareholders , certificate holders , and friends of the Corporation was an event which will not be early forgotten , where seme 200 ladies and gentlemen joined in the festivities . The remarks of the various

speakers at that brilliant function carried conviction , and many were impressed by them and felt more than ever the excellent future prospects in store for them by their allegiance to this young but vigorous institution . Ar . d who can fail to be buoyant and happy under such circumstances , when within a brief period—only five years—the tenant becomes , so to speak , his own landlord , and is removed far and away from the thraldom of a shelter under another man ' s roof . There is a great deal of noise about landlordism and independence , but alas for the improvidence rampant everywhere , there is'om

parativtly little effort made to secure emancipation from this state of existence , and the crowds of misguided folks continue to indulge their profitless indulgences and ignore the chancescf a suitable provision for the autumn of their lives , electing to continue gratifying their tastes and passions in the present , and courting misery and want at the time when the cunning of the hand is lost and the faculties are on the wane . It is to be hoped that the facilities offered to such people by the British Homes investment Corporation may largely arrest this sorry state of things , and , judging by the enthusiasm and

vivacity which appear to characterise the words and acts of the officials , it may reasonably be assumed that a deep missionary element prevails , and that this institution may safely be esteemed philanthropic , as well as promoting beneficial thrift and economy , amongst those whom they would seek * o win . Mr . M . Gregory , the founder of tlj e scheme , appears to have been exceedingly happy in his conception , tor it has not only won round him an enormous army of appreciative adherents and a popular control , but on all sides the critics have been unprecedented ^ mild ; in short , they have set theit

imprimatur to a widely-disseminated verdict cf approval . The constitution of '" establishment is based on sound materials , the trustees for certificate-holders being »"' Alderman N . W . Hubbard , L . C . C ., and Mr . Charles Comins , C . A ., and the director )' , of whom Mr . T ., . Neville Stack , F . S . S ., is Chairman , include well-known names 01 gentlemen long identified with social improvement and public work . The head oflfce 'J at ico , London Wall and 3 , Circus-place , E . C , where all particulars will be real" ? furnished to applicants ,