Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.

to join the Onler . Sir Dan ' el had always been cireful to make an equal distribution of appointments in Berks and Bucks , so that one pait cf the province could not complain of any preference being shown to the other , and he was confident that no appointment made hael given greater satisfaction to the brethren generall / than that of his

successor , Bro . Robert Bradley . ( Applause . ) He was glad the collar which he wore for some years had fallen upon the shoulders of one well able to sustain the work , one who was always to the fore in any- good work connected with Masonry . ( Applause . ) Bro . Bradley ' s time was very valuable , holding as he did several important offiees , but still he gladly gave up a large poition of it to the duties

of his office , and he felt sure Bro . Biadley ' s appointment would prove to the advantage , not only of Masonry in general but to this Provincial Giand Lodge in partuula-( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Biggs again expressed his warmest thanks to Sir Daniel and thc brethren , and concluded with the hope that the Great Architect of the Universe would continue to prosper all the lodges , and every member

composing them . The Provincial Grand Lodge was closed shortly afterwards , and the biethreu aeljourned to a banquet , served in the Council Chamber . The tables were adorned with b : autiful flowers , arranged in the form of Mrisemic devices , libeiahy supplied by Bro . Dick Radclyffe , Provincial Grand Stewaid , and ihe

banquet was admirably provided by Mr . Pilgrim , of the Queen ' s Hotel . The Provincial Grand Master presided , and letters of apology for non-attendance vvere n ad from the Deputy Piovincial Grand Master ( thc Ven . Archdeacon Cust ) , Lord Harry Thynne , M . P ., and others . The usual Masonic toasts were given from the chair ,

and Bro . Tombs , G . D ., P . G . S . for Wilts , responded on behalf of thc Grand Officers of England . Bro . Trtndall , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Provincial Grand Master , " and the toast having been drunk with great enthusiasm , Sir Daniel responded , and proposed "The Health of the Deputy Grand Master , the Past D . P . G . Masters , and the Past Grand Officers , " for whom Bro .

Hodges , P . P . G . S . W ., returned thanks . Bro . Stephens , P . G . I reasurcr , gave "Thc He-alth ofthe Visiting Biethreu , " fer whom Bro . Bruton r plied . Bro . the Rev . C . 11 . Honey proposed "Thc Masonic Charities , " refening with pleasure to the tact of the different lodges in the province having last year contributed £ 700 to thc Masonic Charities . He coupled with the toast

the name of Bro . 'lory , Secretary to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , who , iu the course of an able speech , said that last night witnessed the completion of what might be calleel the Masonic year as regards the Charitable Institutions of the Order . At the festival held thc followir . g sums have been laisd , viz ., £ 14 , 300 for thc Benevolent Institution , £ 12 , 200 for the Girls' School , and £ 10 , 500

for the Boys' tchool , cr in round numbets nearly £ 37 , , Which was in excess of any amount contiibutcd in any one year . Still he hoped that btfoie the year had expired there would havc been contributed for the three Institutions a total sum of something like £ 44 , 000 . ( Cheers . ) He referred to the marked success achieved by the pupils at beth the Gills' and the Boys '

Schools , in the Oxford and Cambridge local examinations , and alluding to the Benevolent Institution , said that the annuities granted this year to aged Freemasons and widows of Freemasons—the amount of each voted to thc former being £ 40 , and lo the latter £ 30—represented a total of £ 10 , 700 , which was a great work for one Institution to accomplish . ( Cheers . ) He concluded wilh an earnest

appeal on behalf of the Charitable Institutions of the Order . The P . G . Master proposed "The Health of Bro . Trendell , " thanking him on behalf of the brethren for the very handsome reception he had given tt . em lhat day . ( Cheers . ) gJBrc . Trendell asrrureel the brethren that if they felt half the pleasure in visiting him that he had experienced in

elite ] taining them , he was more than repaid for anything that he had done . ( Cheers . ) " The Health of the Prov . Grand Officers appointed that day " was then drunk , and Bro . Blandy Jenkins , P . G . S . W ., returned thanks . The P . G . Master then proposed " The Health of the W . M ., Officers , and Brethren of the Abbey Lodge , "

thanking them for the manner in vvhich they had received the Prov . Graml Officers that day . Bro . Shepherd responded . The P . G . Master then gave "The Health of the P . G . Treasurer , Bro . Stephens , and the P . G . Secretary , Bro . lt . Bradley , " who severally re ; urned thanks . The I ' . G . Master then proposed "The Health of the P . G . Stewards . ' '*) ' . upling with it the name of Bro . Dick

Hade . ) iff , a .-: U i . ankmg linn for his floral contribution and also ferr tis spirited efforts on behalf of the Masonic Chariiif . ' . Bro . Radclyffe rcpliei . ' , after which the Tylct's toast was given , and the company rose . During the evening an excellent selection of songs and glees were rendered by Bros . Rowley , Shepherd , Plumridge , and Clarke .

Festival Of The Domatic Lodge. No. 177.

FESTIVAL OF THE DOMATIC LODGE . NO . 177 .

This famous old lodge held its summer festival on Friday , the 27 th ult ., and , fortunately for thc members and their friends , there was on that day a great improvement in the weather . The scene fixed upon for the festivities was

beautiful Richmond , ai / d the hostelrie where tbe banquet was provided was the renowned Star and Garter , where , it is needless to add , this portion of the entertainment , under the management of Bro . Hunt , was all that could be desired . One good result of the backward season is tbat the itliage in the paik has now all the fresh beauty of

Festival Of The Domatic Lodge. No. 177.

springtime , and many of the visitors who came early employed their time in taking pleasant walks or drives about the park and neighbour ! old . Theie was a larger gathering than had been anticipated , one bundled and twenty-one sitting down to the banquet , at which Brr . Edward White , VV . M . of the lodge , presided . Among those present were Mrs . White , Mr . and Mrs .

George Everett , Mr . G . L . Everett and Miss Fisher , Mr . W . K . Everett and Miss Della Everett , Mi's Alice Tidd , Capt . Jaques and Mrs . Jaques , Mr . and Mis . G . J . Hugall . Mr . and Mis . John Kent . Mr . and Mrs . J . H . Foulger , Mr . and Mrs . J . Jones , Mrs . S . Jones , Mr . W . Bose , Mr . R . Rose and Miss Brinlaw , Mr . T . Morris , Mr . and Mrs . C . G . Hill and Miss Hill , Mr . and Mrs . Spink and Miss Young ,

Mr . Buscall , Mr . Herbage , Mr . T . W . Armstrong , Mr . J . Abrams , Mr . A . R . Abrams , Mr . W . M . Foxcroft , Mr . D . J . Gray , Mr . and Mrs . R . Bennett , Mr . W . Miller and friend , Mr . R . W . Crar . e , Mr . H . Ralph , Mrs . Ralph and Mr . Richards , Mr . and Mrs . Robt . Turner , Mr . C . A . Smith , Mr . Fergusson , Mr . F . C Mouflet , and Mr . J . H . Owen . The Stewards on thc occasion were Bros . Buscall ,

I . P . M . ; Spink , S . W . ; Harris , J . W . ; G . Everett , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Morris , Sec ; McLean , S . D . ; Herbage , J . D . ; Kent , I . G . ; Foxcroft , D . C ; Pierpoint , W . S . ; A . Scard , Ralph , J . Jones , G . J . Potter , and E . Sano . At the conclusion of the banquet , the Chairman said that he had one or two toasts to propose , but he should make his rcmaiks as brief as possible , in order that those

present might the sooner proceed to other amusements . Thc first toast was that which was always welcomed by the loyal body of Freemasons , viz ., "The Queen and the Craft . " This toast having been duly honoured , thc Chairman proposed " I he Health of thp Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest cf the Royal Family , " the Ptincc of Wales being , as they were aware , the M . W . G . M . of

Freemasons , and two tf his brothers also occupying high positions in the Craft . It is needless to say that this toast was heaitily responded to . Bro . Buscall : Ladies and gentlemen , I have a very important toast to propose ; it refers to no less than " The VV . M . " When tbe brethren of thc Domatic Lodge decided to have a summer festival many of them exerted

themsehes to make it a success , but none more so than the W . M . I am sure that you will agree with mc that we have had a very pleasant day , and for that we are indebted to our VV . M . I , therefore , ask you to be upstanding , and join with me in drinking his health . The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , I feel highly flattered . We have had so little sunshine during the last

few elay s that we have hail many doubts whether we should be able to make this meeting a success . Fortunately it has turned out to be a fine day , and wc are honoured by a much larger company than we expected . 1 have felt some difficulty in tegard to this festival , and was anxious it should succeed . As Master of an old lodge of high position , which I felt was somewhat on its trial to-day , 1

have been anxious , as upon our success on this occasion may depend whether we shall continue summer banquets or not . I am now truly pleased that it has turned out a success . I am glad to see so many happy faces round me , and I thank you for the honour which you have done me in drinking my health . The Chairman next proposed " The Health of the

Visitors , " which was responded to by Mr . C . A . Smith . This was followed by "Thc Health of the Stewaids anel Officers of the Lodge , " which was acknowledged by Bro . Spink , S . W ., and Bro . Kent , I . G ., the latter of whom tried to persuade the ladies that when their husbands were out later than usual at Masonic meetings the time had been occupied in debating what they could do to please

their wives , and that festivals of this kind were some oi the things decided upon for the purpose . The Chairman ; Gentlemen , the last tcast that I have the pleasure to propose is one that will meet with unanimous approval . It is " The Health of thc Ladies . " I feel some difficulty in dealing with it , especially after my friend ' s speech . I am glad to see that so many of my

friends have brought more than one , and bave thus added the greater lustre to our festival . I shall couple with this toast the name ef my esteemed Bro . George Everett , P . M . and Treasurer of the Domatic Lodge . Bro . Everett : Worshipful Master and gentlemen , I feel very much flattered and honoured at having the privilege of responding to this very important toast , which I

consider the toast e f the evening . You know the song says that when a lady ' s in the case all other things give place-, and I , therefore , think this the most important toast . But to thank you on behalf ol the ladies I must speak as a lady , * ' Worshipful Master , we thank the gei tlemen for the very kind things they have said of us , but , with our characteristic modesty , we desire them to understand that

they have said no moie than we deseive . We know that they could not have got on without us , as we know what lost , forlorn creatures they are if they have not us to guide them on their way , and , therefore , I say that the way they have spoken is handsome , it is r . ot less than we deserve . " Some ladies that I am acquainted with have been trying to enlighten themselves as to the secrets of

Freemasonry—I believe they tiled to form a lodge for themselves ; but when they heard that " We meet like spirits in the land of dreams , And speak not but by signs , " their natural communicativeness by word of mouth upset all their calculations , and the scheme for feminine Freemasonry fell to the ground . My friend has told the ladies

that when their husbands are out at their lodges late at night they are consulting what they can do to please their wives . Well , in a sense , he is right , because wc know that what we do in lodge ought to please our wives , and would please them if they knew what it is . But that is the secret , anil they must not know it . But they may know , and do know , that Freemasonry does a great deal of good , and that three of the grandest Charities in thc country , the

Festival Of The Domatic Lodge. No. 177.

Boys' School , the Girls' School , and the Benevolent Insti . tution , have been founded by Freemason . " , who continue t 0 support them in a manner that is an enduring honour to Freemasonry . After an interval spent in the pretry grounds of the hotel the company returned to the banquet-room , which had , in the meantime , been chared , when dancing was commenced and was kept up with great spirit for some time .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The summer entertainment to the old peoile at the Benevolent Institution at Croydon took place on Tuesday evening . The company who attended included the names of the following brethren and ladies : —Charles G . HiU P . M ., n 66 ; John Constable , Vice-Patron ; Charles John

Perceval , jun . ; James E . Terry ; George Knill ; Mrs . Terry Miss Terry ; W * . Hick * , P . M . 483 , 77 ; C J . Hicks ; CM . Finch ; Annie Collins ; E . H . Bowy er ; Mrs . Bowyer ; Edwin G . Legge , I . P . M . 1196 , Treasurer 1607 ; Mrs . Legge ; Francis Brcucr ; Mrs . Brcuer ; Miss Breucr ; Miss e \ . M . Terry ; John Newton ; Robcit I-I . Halford ; Mrs . Halford ; Thomas Cuhilt ; Raynham W . Stewait ;

Lena Hill ; Anne Stephens ; James Terry ; Miss Constable ; E . E . Gold ; William Stephens ; Mrs . Newton ; J . J . Berry ; G . S . Becknell ; Mrs . Hill ; Chains John Pciceval , jun . ; G . Wild Verry ; Mrs . G . Ford ; Mrs . Constable ; Dr . H . J . Strong ; Mrs . Strong ; W . W . Morgan ; Augustus Trewinnard ; and Mrs . T rcwinnard , and II . Massey ( Frcemas-m ) .

Before paitakmg of tea thc visitors went round the buildings and called in on the old ladies aad brethren , and spent a considerable time with them in cheerful conversation . When tea was over the visits were renewed , anil the gardens , which were in beautiful order , notwithstanding thc long succession of bad weather , were inspected . At seven o ' clock the annuitants were summoned to the hall .

where the Royal Criterion Hanel Bell Ringers gave their admirable entertainment on 120 silver-toned bells . It is almost needless to say that these peifoimances . vcre highly appreciated , and gave general satisfae tion . MissTery and Miss Constable also added some vecal and instiumcntal selections , and in their performances merited the greatest praise . The proceedings were interspersed with the

rcrving of an abundance of refreshments , in serving which the visitors exhibited the most earnest desire to conduce to the comfoits of the old people . Befoie separating votes of thanks were passed to the Royal Criterion Hand Bell Ringers , to Mrs . Terry , to the Supreme Comuil , who annually contribute iaigely to this entertainment , to Brers . J . G . Stevens , T . J . Barnes , nnd I . J . Bcrrv for the

magnificent flag , which floars on a flagstaff at the Instituiion , on which flag is inscribed the name of thc Institution . Bro . Berry returned thanks for this last vote . Bro . Terry expressed the great pleasure he felt at being able to contribute to the enjoymei . t of the annuitants , and also added that he was much indebted for what he had

done to the great assistance he deiived from the Supreme Council . Capt . Philips and other brethren , who earnesly desired to promote the cause of Masonic charity . The party having bid all the inmates of the Institution , a hearty good night , returned to town in special saloon carriages provided by thc South Eastern Railway .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

A cricket match was played on the College House Ground , on Wednesday the 14 th May , in wretched weather—play being stopped several times—between the M . C . C . and College House , which resulted in an easy win r— . 1 . - xt : _ 1 1 ... . __ . _ nr _ / -. 1 1 forthe Masonic boys b to 29 Gardner and

y 137 ; Mr . Donoven playing the highest scores for the M . C . C . of 47 and 3 8 runs respectively . A match was played on the 17 th May , on the School ground , between the M . C . C . and the Grocers' Company , when victory visited the M . C . C . by 21 runs , the scores

being—M . C . C . 59 , Grocers' Company 38 ; Hanson anel Sargeant making the highest figures of 24 and 19 . In the return match , M . C . C . v Grocer ' s Company , played at the Alexandra Palace , the Grocer ' s Company were , defeated a second time , the match resulting as follows

M . C . C . 74 ; Grocer ' s Company , 32 . The return match M . C . C . v College House , took place on the 23 rd ult ., at the College House Ground , when the Masonic team succeeded in beating their opponents by an innings and 23 runs . Scores : M . C . C . 53 ; College Houso 15-15 , total 30 .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The Prince of Wales has appointed the r / th inst ., as the day on which His Royal Highness will lay the foundation stone of the new building now being elected as an extension of the Hospital for Consumption , at Brompton . Lord Roseberry , President of the Greek Committee , has accepted an invitation to attend a meeting at Manchester on the 22 nd inst .

Bro . T . Brassey , M . P ., has placed books to the value of £ 4000 , in the Claremont Institute Fi ' Library at Hastings , of which building he is the owner . MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic Songs , set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . l hilp ° '

M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volute bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post-free 1 ' ° ™ the office of this paper on receipt of stamp * or post-ofW order value 3 s . » d , — -Advt .