Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

THE SKINNERS' COMPANY has forwarded a donation of 10 guineas for the Children's Country Holidays' Fund , to the Hon . A . Lyttelton , io , Buckingham-street , Strand . THE ANNUAL FETE and prize distribution of the Female Orphan Asylum was held in the grounds of the Institution at Beddington on Saturday last . The Archbishop of

Canterbury presided , and the awards were presented by Mr ? . Benson . THE SHAHZADA visited the Biitish Museum on Monday evening , and was received by the Principal Librarian , Sir E . Maunde Thompson , and the principal officers . His Highness exhibited great curiosity while promenading the sculpture galleries , and subsequently inspected the reading room .

THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL of the Church Sunday School Choir took place at the Crystal Palace on Saturday last , when , notwithstanding the uncertain state of the weather , there was a very full attendance . The choir numbered some 5000 voices , and the precision of their singing was very remarkable . LORD AND LADY WIMBORNE entertained at dinner , at Wimborne House , Arlington-street , on Monday , a numerous party of guests , among whom were the Duke of Marlborough and Lady Lilian Spencer-Churchill , the Duchess of Abercorn and Lady Alexandra Hamilton , the Duchess of Roxburghe and Lady Margaret Innes-Ker , and Bro the Marquis and Marchioness of Zetland .

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the National Rifle Association at Bisley terminated on Saturday last with the contest for the Queen ' s Prize . After a very keen competition , in which Private Hayhurst , of Canada , and Private Boyd , of the 3 rd Lanark , tied , the tie was shot off , and victory remained with the former , who thus secured the prize of £ 250 , with the gold medal and gold badge awarded by the Association .

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK left London for Hatfield on Saturday last on a visit to the Prime Minister and the Marchioness of Salisbury . On Sunday H . R . H . the Princess of Wales and the Princesses Victoria and Maud visited the Duchess of Fife at Sheen House . The Duke of Sparta , having concluded his visible their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of VVales , has rejoined the Duchess at Frederickshof , Cronberg .

IT IS WITH very great pleasure that we bear testimony to the excellence of Mr , George Vickers ' s " blue black writing ink . " VVe have tried the sample which has been forwarded to us , and we have found it to be of good quality , the writing being clear and distinct and having the appearance of being likely to remain so . Those who may be desirous of trying it should address themselves to Mr . George Vickers , Wholesale Newsagent and Bookseller , Angel Court , 172 , Strand , W . C .

MANY SUNDERLAND FREEMASONS will learn with regret of the death of Bro . Alfred Gray , which occurred at his residence in Harold-street , Newcastle , on Thursday , the 1 Sth instant . The deceased was a Past Master of the Williamson Lodge , No . 949 , Monkwearmouth , and was a man of a quiet , pleasant , and genial disposition . A few years ago he received office in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham . As a superintendent marine engineer he possessed much ability and tact , and was esteemed , both as a man and a Mason .

Two IMPORTANT FIXTURES of Masonic interest to the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham have just been arranged . By the courtesy of the Secretary , Bro . R . Hudson , we understand that the Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at Jarrow , on Tuesday , the 24 th September , on the invitation of St . Bede's Lodge , No . 1119 . The Provincial Grand Chapter will be held at Sunderland Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 3 rd September , when it is hoped there will be a large gathering from the whole of the chapters of , the province . Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., will preside at both meetings .

THE NINTH HALF-YEARLY MEETING and distribution of prizes of the Kingsland P . S . A . was held at the large schoolroom in Sandringham-road , on Thursday evening , the 25 th inst ., when there were present about 1000 members and friends . Over 300 prizes were distributed . The Committee had provided a most enjoyable , vocal , and instrumental entertainment , in which the following took part—Madame Nellie Cope , Mrs . Miles , Messrs . Gibbs and Banton , and the Kingsland P . S . A . String Band ( 30 performers ) , under the direction of Mr . Barker . A vote of thanks to the various artistes brought to a close a very happy and successful meeting .

THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OFWAI . ES , accompanied by their daughters the Princesses Victoria and Maud , visited the Royal Free Hospital , Gray's Inn-road , on Monday afternoon for the purpose of opening the new front buildings which , with necessary improvements , have recently been erected at a cost of £ 30 , 000 . Their Royal Highnesses were received by Bro . the Earl of Lathom , Vice-President , and the

reception Committee of the Hospital , and having been conducted to the Milne Ward , which was very prettily decorated for the occasion , an address was read and graciously acknowledged by the Prince , who then in the name of the Princess declared the premises open . The Royal party subsequently visited the wafts , and on leaving were heartily cheered both by those present within the Hospital and the crowd outside .

THE SHAHZADA NASRULLA KHAN arrived at Windsor Castle on Saturday last to take leave of the Queen . His Highness was met at the railway station by one of the Queen's Equerries-in-waiting , and was conducted to the Castle under an escort of the 2 nd Life Guards . He was received at the Sovereign's Entrance by Prince Christian and Prince Henry of Battenberg , by whom he was introduced into the Queen ' s presence in

the Green Drawing Room . The Shahzada returned to London in the course of the afternoon . Bro . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., was in attendance as Secretary of State for India . The same day the natives from the India Exhibition were conveyed to the Castle in order that her Majesty might see them , and afterwards were conducted through some of the State Apartments .

MASONIC TROPHY . —There is at present on view in the window of Mr . Hart , watchmaker , the Inter-Masonic Trophy which was won by Corp . James H . Scott , Melrose , at the recent Darnley Rifle Meeting . The general form of the trophy is square , relieved at the centre of each side by a projecting Gothic arch , in front of which are placed four Scotch lions rampant , supporting shields engraved with Masonic emblems . At each of the corners stand lluted pillars , terminating in antique Gothic capitals , on which are placed full length models of notable characters taken from the " Lay of the

Last Minstrel . " Respectively they represent " Deloraine , " the " Lady of Buccleuch , " the " Monk , " and the " Minstrel . " Following out the general lines of Gothic Architecture of the 15 th centiry , the upper portion of the design has been supported on rounded arches , which tend to lighten the solid effect of a square base . In the spaces thus formed have been placed eight chased masks of individuals alluded to in the " Lay ot the Last Minstrel . " The central column of the trophy is an exact model of the Prentice Pillar in Roslin Chapel . It is enclosed in a Gothic canopy , which represents on each

of the four sides a peaked arch surmounted by a cross—a marked characteristic of that style of ornament—and supported by four pillars resting on the base . The capital of the central column is extended so as to form a plinth , which supports a figure of St . Andrew , the patron Saint of Scotland . The prevalence in many cathedrals and abbeys in this country of the style of ornament adopted , ar . d the faithfulness displayed in carrying it out , in the present design have given the trophy—viewed as a whole—rather an ecclesiastical appearance , while it lacks that solid and massive appearance which renders

its adoption so difficult for other than ecclesiastical purposes for which it was originally designed , and hitherto almost exclusively used . Many of the details of the trophy , such as the capitals of the pillars , the water spouts surmounting them , and the pierced railing enclosing the base of the central pillar , are reproductions on a small scale of similar ornaments in Melrose Abbey and l < oslin Chapel . The trophy rises to a height of nearly 30 inches , weighs 200 ounces of standarcl silver , and is placed upon an ebonised plinth . On one side of the latter is placed a shield , bearing the following inscription : " Inter-Masonic Shooting Trophy subscribed for by Lodges and Members of the Craft

in Scotland , to be competed for annually by representatives from Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of Scotland , " while on the sides of the base there is a caste in relief , the inscription : "Inter-Masonic Trophy , 1877 . Instituted in Lodge Caledonian , Edinburgh , No . 392 , K . Lee Bryrc , Chaiiman , R . Lumsden , Secretary and Tieasurer . " Seeing that several of the details of the Trophy are copies , on a smaller scale of similar ornaments on Melrose Abbey , that on it are carved models of the four leading characters in Sir Walter Scott , s " Lay of the Last Minstrel , " and that it was won by a "Scott , " a representative from the Masonic Lodge of Melrose , whose original dates from time immemorial , it is of special interest to the people of Borderland .

Masonic And General Tidings.

IT WAS the Misses Cotter , daughters of our worthy Bro . Hugh Cotter , who presented each of the residents at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution a ( Croydon with preserves , not Mrs . Scatter , as stated in our note of last week . WE REGRET TO HEAR that Bro . Sir John E . Gorst , Q . C , M . P ., has been pros , trated by a severe attack of gout , and has been compelled to cancel all his political and other engagements .

The well-known and much appreciated " Red Book , " corrected to 30 th June last , is just published . The despatch is most commendable . Bro . Hughan has kindly promisee ] an article on its contents for our next issue , which we feel assured will be a most welcoiri " contribution . BRO . THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF ST . ALBANS have left town for Bestwcod Park , Notts , where the marriage of their daughter , the Lady Moyra Beaucleik . with Mr . R . Cavendish , ronof the late Bro . Lord Edward Cavendish , will take placeon Wed . nesday , the 31 st inst .

IT HAS BEEN officially announced in the "Gazette that the Queen has been pleased to grant to Bro . Lord Carrington the dignities of a Viscount and an Earl " by the names , styles , and titles of Viscount Wendover , of Chepping Wycombe , in the County of Buckingham , and Earl Carrington . "

" THE PRUDE ' S PROGRESS , " Jerome K . Jerome ' s charming comedy , takes the place of "The Passport" at Terry ' s Theatre , and will continue its successful career on Monday , the 29 th inst ., with Miss Fanny Brough , Mr . Cyril Maude , Mr . Edward Righton and the original cast from the Comedy Theatre , which will shortly be required for Mr . Comyn Carr's new production .

THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER has appointed a Committee to consider and report on the question of repairs to Church property in the immense diocese south of the Thames , and the following laymen will act with five clergymen and the Suffragan Bishop , viz ., Messrs . P . A . Nairne , S . Bonnie , J . F . Field , Henry Lovegrove , Colonel Bolton , L . C . C ., N . Pott , and F . Sutton .

WE BEG TO ANNOUNCE that in consequence of the great increase in its business Jeyes ' Sanitary Compounds Company , Limited , has removed from 43 , Cannon-street , E . G ., to more commodious premises at 64 , Cannon-street . The Company has also opened abranch establishment at 213 to 215 Ingram-street , Glasgow , in order that it may be in a position to meet the ever-increasing demand in Scotland for its preparations . THE Q UEEN , accompanied by the Princess Louise Marchioness of Lome , and attended by her suite left Windsor Castle for Osborne on Monday morning shortly before 10 . 30 a . m ., travelling by the Great Western Line to Basingstoke , and thence by London and South Western to Gosport , where the Royal party at once proceeded to Portsmouth Harbour and crossed to East Cowes on the Royal yacht Alberta .

DEAN FARRAR was presented on Monday evening in the Jerusalem Chamber Westminster , with a testimonial from his late parishioners of St . Margaret ' s and other on his departure to take up his residence at Canterbury . The presentation was made by Mr . J . G . Talbot , M . P ., and among those present were the Master of Trinity College , Cambridge , the Speaker , the Chairman of Committees , and Bro . VV . Burdett-Coutts .

AT A MEETING of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire last month , it was decided to nominate Bro . W . 11 . Bailey ( London manager , Messrs . Bass , Ratdiff , and Gretton , Limited ) , in December next , for the Grand Treasurership of the Grand Lodge of England , and the Prov . Grand Master of Staffordshire , Bro . the Earl of Dartmouth , has consented to act as chairman of Bro . Bailey ' s Committee in the event of a contest arising .

FISHMONGERS' HALL has been placed at the disposal of Bro . Lord Norton , the Master , and the Wardens of the Shipwrights' Company for the purposes of a dinner to be held on Wednesday , the 7 th prox ., when the Duchess of Rutland , whose husband is a Past Master , will be presented with a handsome bust , which has been subscribed for b y the members of the Company in token of their appreciation of her services to the Company .

THE DEATH OV THE BISHOP OF WINCHESTER—which took place on the 25 th inst . —was the end to a long period of suffering . Never very strong , he had of late been reduced to limits that made his continued existence almost a marvel . Dr . Thorold was a great traveller and was supposed to have penetrated to more remote regions than any other occupant of the Episcopal Bench . His death vacates the office of prelate of the Order of the Garter .

MR . EDWIN H . EGERTON , C . B ., cousin of Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , was married to Madame Olga Katkof , widow of M . Katkof and daughter of the late Prince Nicholas Lobanoff , firstly in St . James ' s Church , Piccadilly , and afterwards in the Church of the Russian Embassy , Welbeck-strcet , on Monday morning , among those present being Bro . Christopher Sykes , Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton and the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos , and Bro . Sir Frederick and Lady Milner .

MASONIC CHARITY IN WEST LANCASHIRE . —A meetingof the Court of Governors of the Hamer Benevolent Institution was held in the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on the lyth inst ., Bro . J . Milner , P . M . 1756 , occupying the chair . Two annuities of £ 26 each were granted to two old brethren , and the sum of £ 20 was voted to assist another deserving member of the Craft . Several other petitions will be presented to the next court , and will doubtless receive the same generous consideration .

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK , who have been on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Connaught at Government House , Aldershot , witnessed some interesting military operations over the Fox Hills on Tuesday . They also visited the gymnasium and the balloon-shed , and in the evening were present at a small dinner party given in their honour . They returned to town the following day , and were visited by the Swedish and Norwegian Minister and Madame Akerman prior to their leaving London .

THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE , attended by the Headquarters Staff , visited Woolwich on Tuesday , and made his annual inspection of the troops in garrison . The inspection took place on the Common , the troops consisting of four batteries of Royal Artillery , four of Royal Horse Artillery , and six of Field Artillery , the Lincolnshire Regiment , the Royal Engineers , and the Army Service Corps , numbering about Gooo , with 1200 horse . After visiting the Herbert Hospital and lunching at the Royal Artillery mess , his Royal Highness returned to town .

ABOUT 300 CHILDREN belonging to the Netting Hill Branch ofthe Children Happy Evenings' Association , and drawn from the poorest slums in the neighbourhood of Latimer-road , were entertained in Osterley Park by Bro . the Earl and Countess of Jersey on Monday . After a substantial tea , the children took part in races organised by Lady Margaret and Lady Mary Villiers , and Bro . Lord and Lady Jersey bestowed on the winners a goodly number of prizes in the shape of cricket bats , dolls , paint boxes , & c . At the close of the day the children were sent home happy and contented with gifts of hats , cakes , cccoanuts , & c , & c .

AMONG THOSE PRESENT at the marriage of Mr . Frank Dugdale , second son ol Mr . James Dugdale , of Wroxall Abbey , with the Lady Eva Greville , Lady in Waiting to the Duchess of York , and sister of Bro . the Earl of Warwick , in St . Margaret ' s , Westminster , on Saturday last , were their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales , the Princesses Victoria and Maud , the Duke and Duchess of York , the Duke and Duchess of Teck , and Prir . ce Adolphus of Teck . The bride was given away by her brother , the Earl of Warwick . The relatives and friends were afterwards welcomed by the Countess Dowager of Warwick , at Warwick House .

I HE FIRST of a series of river Ictes , which have been organised by the Richmond Festivities Committee , took place on Wednesday , and proved a great success . Owing to the high wind , fewer boats took part in the procession than had been expected , but an immense crowd assembled for the purpose of witnessing the display , the banks between River Lane , Petersham , and Richmond Bridge being illuminated alter dark by Chinese lanterns , & c , while three separate displays of fireworks were provided . The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Teck were among the guests at Bro . Sir J . Whittaker Ellis ' s who viewed the spectacle .

1111 : MKSSAOI ; or I . ' i . At 1 : is always appreciated anil respected bv all true men , lor man ) ' "J , { hope the time is not far ilislunt when it may be univcrsallv adoplei ' l liv all nations . When ciimes In [ . ass , happiness ami prosperilv will lie Hie rule ami mil tin- exception . '" j ,. . meantime , Holloway ' s l'illsaiul Ointment have larirclv helpeil to make fon-iirn nation" """ stand Unit luiehshmcn delimit in alleviatinit pain ami siitlmiij , ' . These wonderful ren'fjf ' j have been l . lessei ! in many lands for Ihe relief they have allordcd anil the cures cllec'tcd . '" -, are specially adapted for all complaints allccting Hie liver , stomach and kidneys , anil a ' season no family should be without a supply .