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Middx ., in responding tothe toast of "The Prov . G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said the only motive the Grand Officers was to promote as far as possible the interest of the Craft and the advantage and happiness of the brethren generally . Their reward was the kindly greetings they met with in all lodges , which were as cordial in the

Bedford Lodge as in other lodges . The Grand Officers fully appreciated this kindness , and always gave their best thanks for it . Bro . Soper , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . M ., " informing the brethren that Bro . Cubitt was the father of the lodge . He could not say too much about him , though Bro . Cubitt had been out of the position of VV . M . for 24 years . Those brethren who knew him longer than he ( Bro . Soper )

were as ready to welcome him as he was . They knew from reputation that when he was Master Bro . Cubitt did his work well and properly , and from that time to the present he had never deserted the lodge ; but stuck to it like a leech . Thebrethren knew he thoroughly deserved that the toast should be drunk heartily . The W . M ., who , on rising , was received with loud

and long continued applause , said in acknowledgment of the toast that he felt quite overcome with the warm response the brethren had given to those flattering remarks which emanated from the I . P . M . Upon the present occasion he felt a little nervous , and was afraid his lips would fail to give utterance to his heart ' s emotions . True , he had been associated with the Bedford Lodge for

upwards of 30 years , and it was also true that the brethren had paid him a very great compliment , which he duly app reciated , by electing him W . M . for the Jubilee year of her Most Gracious Majesty . He trusted the lodge would pay the respect that was due to her Most Gracious Majesty . No endeavour to perform his allotted task to the best of his ability would be wanting ; but the brethren must take

into consideration that after having been on the shelf for 24 years he might be found wanting in that fluency which a W . M . should possess in the performance of the ceremonies . He knew , however , that he could appeal with confidence to the P . M . ' s for support . The VVorshipful Master next proposed " The Visitors . " and remarked that he felt proud of having the privilege of introducing his son to the members of the Bedford Lodge .

He had desired to introduce him to Freemasonry in that lodge , but he was sure the brethren would not feel slighted because he was initiated in another lodge—the St . Botolph ' s , the W . M . of which , Bro . Saillard , was now present . While welcoming Bro . Saillard he hoped that he would not spoil his ( Bro . Cubitt's ") son . Bro . Saillard said he had enjoyed the hospitality of that Iodge on many occasions , and he was sure all the other visitors , as well as himself , had spent a very pleasant

evening . Bro . Thomas Cubitt , jun ., said he hardly felt as a visitor with his father in the chair . He was very proud to be present in a lodge of which he had heard so much , and in which his father was so highly respected , and which thoroughly represented his own feelings . If he had not joined the St . Botolph's Lodge he should have joined the Bedford . He hoped to have the pleasure of enjoying the

hospitality of that lodge again , not only during his father ' s term of office , but also on many other occasions . Bro . Wallon , P . M . 1780 , also replied . Bro . Frederick Morgan , P . M . 1155 , in the course of his '* observations , said it had given him great pleasure to see the excellent working of the I . P . M . installing the W . M ., and although he was not present when Bro . Soper did the

passings he was glad to hear that that ceremony was performed equally as well . Bro . Dakers , W . M . 166 9 , Past Dist . G . Treas . South Australia , was sure from the very able and feeling speech - in which the W . M . thanked the brethren for drinking his health that there was a year of good office for the Bedford Lodge . All the visitors wished the W . M . a pleasant and

prosperous year of office , and not only might he be spared for his year , but for many years to come for the comfort of his family and the benefit of the Bedford Lodge . It reflected great credit on the lodge that as far back as 1857 Bro . Cubitt entered it . Thirty years was a long time for a Mason to belong to one lodge . In the vicissitudes of this life people passed from one part of the world to another ,

but when that happened to a Mason he should not lose sight of the Craft , but should join a Iodge in the place to which he went . The present W . M . occupied a unique position , having been initiated thirty years ago , and having become Master of the lodge a second time after thirty years . It was a matter for congratulation . . The toast of "The P . M . 's" followed , and the

Worshiptul Master , in giving it , remarked that the I . P . M . had performed his duties most ably . Although necessarily the ? fi ! emony ° * ' nsta " ' on was that day curtailed , because he ( the W . M . ) was a P . M ., he nevertheless very much thanked tiro . Soper for performing the ceremony . The P . M . ' s were X \ i \ " rea <^ y a ' " times to render assistance to the W . M . should he require it Perhaps the old hinges had

. become a little rusty and wanted oiling , and he might have to call upon the P . M . ' s for aid , and he knew if he had to do so the assistance would be given . . Bro . Soper , I . P . M ., said he should feel most happy to Rive any assistance he could . He did not think that a ¦ '" aster after he had passed the chair should retire from his ¦ 1 , - — * .. » - » 11— uou ^ oos ' . u Luc t / iiau suuuiu i _ -iic iium iii _

i fu' Some , however , did so ; but that vvas not the case " > the Bedford Lodge , for there were now 14 P . M . ' s of it . . * "at was a great credit to the lodge , a Bros . Briggs , Treas . ; Liddall , Sec ; Walton , and ' •id \ 1 P lied » and tIle other toasts were then given , •na the brethren separated , after spending a delightful . " -vening .

. DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —This old and te 0 l ' rishln g'odge , which so successfully celebrated its cenary last year , started on its second hundred years' existence on Friday , the 14 th inst ., when the installation * * * : £ " £ was he'd at Anderton ' s Hotel . There was a very ge attendance of members and brethren to witness H IP .

^ omniencement of this new era , the total number present p- £ ° * 170 . The chair was occupied by Bro . Harry N . Rr- , A •»and -amongst the members present were Cre ^ fr ' ^' W' H' J' ChaPman * J * i Gec " * g Sn rett ' - M ., Treas . ; T . Morris , Sec ; R . Harvey , W S" /* £ ' LG *; J * E Spurrell , D . C ; J . Billing . •P M ' , *' ' C * Riechelmann , Org . ; R . Pierrepoint , ¦ \ V i \ j W * J * F ^ guson , P . M . ; J . G . Walford , P . M . ; P V 1 * dunstan , P . M . ; E . White , P . M . ; J . Buscall , .. - , , lvl * J W . Herbage , P . M .: and A . B . Spink , P . M . The

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visitors included Bros . Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; J , Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; J , M . Hodder , P . M . 217 ; C . 'Cruikshanks , P . M . and Sec . 1777 ; G . H . Finch , W . M . 2005 , P . P . G . D . Essex ; J . T . Hume , S . D . 144 ; J . Pain , P . M . 1339 ; E . Storr , P . M , 167 ; J . Hill , W . M . 165 S ; J . D . Smith , P . M . 165 S ; W , M . Stiles , P . M . 1507 ; VV . Westley , J . W . 186 ; J . Oldis ,

I . P . M . 1288 ; W . A . Scurrah , Prov . G . S . of VV . Middx ., I . P . M . 2048 ; B . Simner , P . D . G . W . ; B . Burmah , P . M . 1406 ; H . Stunt , W . M . 1641 ; H . Stiles , P . M . 1507 ; J . P . Allen , S . W . 1056 ; G . N . Turner , P . M . 72 ; S . Ayres , P . M . 742 ; A . Holmes , P . M . 548 ; VV . H . Boys , P . M . 165 S ; R . J . Taylor , P . M . 144 ; J . T . Salmon , W . M . 919 ; H . Dickey , S . W . 1744 ; H . Potter , W . M .

1347 ; W . Williams , J . VV . 2005 ; E . Lowther , P . M . 1307 ; J . E . Shand , P . M . 1563 ; and W . W . Lee , 1897 . The lodge having been formally opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and the Auditors ' report , showing a substantial balance , was received and adopted . Bros . Hallatt and Alger were raised to the Degree of M . M ., after which the lodge vvas called off for

refreshment . On resuming labour , Bro . A . Simner was presented as W . M . elect , and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed , he was duly installed into the chair by Bro . H . N . Price , I . P . M . Bro . Simner , W . M ., then appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Chapman , S . W . ; Harvey , J . W . ; Geo . Everett , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Morris , Sec . ;

Salmon , S . D . ; Spurrell , J . D . ; Billinghurst , I . G . ; Goodfellow , D . C . ; Hewetson , W . S . ; and VValkley Tyler . Bro . H . N . Price , the Installing Master , who performed the ceremony throughout in a very able manner , then delivered the usual addresses in a style that deservedly elicited hearty commendations from all present . The VV . M . then gave a convincing proof of his knowledge of the ritual by initiating Mr . D . St . V . McPherson in an impressive

manner . Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., then said he had been requested to discharge a very pleasant duty . The past year had been one of considerable importance , for their lodge had completed its existence of 100 years , a fact of which they were very proud . It vvas not every brother who vvas fortunate enough to be W . M . during such a year . Some of them

had been born too soon for such an honour , others not early enough ; but there vvas a brother who vvas born at the right time , was enabled to go through the various offices at the right time , and vvas therefore the occupant of the chair at the right time . The members desired to mark this event in a particular way by presenting Bro . Price , I . P . M ., with a memento of this most important event . It had fallen to

him ( Bro . Ferguson ) to present to their I . P . M . a token of the good fellowship and kind feeling vvith which he was regarded by the lodge . It consisted of a watch and chain , bearing the inscription : " Presented to Bro . Harry Nelson Price , to mark the close of the first centenary of the Domatic Lodge , No . 177 , and as a memento of the uniform courtesy and kindness which has characterised him as W .

Master during his successful year of office . " It afforded him considerable pleasure to present it to Bro . Price , and he trusted that every time he looked at it he would think of the pleasant year of office he had just completed , and of the kind feelings he had aroused . He hoped the I . P . M . would wear it for many , many years , and , while it served to remind him of the kind feelings of the members , it would

also serve to remind him of the kind feelings he owed to the lodge ; and when in the course of time it was handed down to another generation , it would still serve to mark the obligation the members of the Domatic Lodge owed to their I . P . M . Bro . Harry Nelson Price , I . P . M ., said he could scarcely find words to thank them for the great kindness they had

shown him . It had been a very important year in the history of the lodge , and during that time he had been well supported by every member . He had not words to thank them , for he had scarcely deserved all the kindness he had received during his happy year of office . IE he had given satisfaction he vvas satisfied , and he should consider the rewards they had given him as marking their appreciation .

It would cement his feelings to that Iodge , of which he should continue a member as long as he lived . He hoped he would be spared for many years to wear their present , and that the same feelings of love and affection would exist between them . It was proposed by Bro . G . Everett , P . M ., Treas . . , and carried unanimously , that the sum of 25 guineas be taken

from the lodge funds and placed on the list of the W . M . for the Girls' School . This sum is annually voted to one of the Institutions , and this year the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls is the fortunate recipient . Bro . Simner , W . M ., in thanking the brethren for the vote , said that as the forthcoming year would be the first year of the second centenary of the Iodge , he desired to

make a special effort on behalf of the Charities . To carry out this idea , if the members would subscribe 100 guineas , he would undertake to find another 100 guineas , thus making the total of his list forthe Girls' School 200 guineas . Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., next gave a notice of motion that at the next meeting he would move that a Committee be formed to consider what steps ought to be taken to

commemorate the Jubilee of her Majesty's reign . On the motion of Bro . White , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the I . P . M . for the excellent manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to a sumptuous banquet . After dessert the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and were interspersed with some excellent music , capitally rendered by Madame Riechelmann , Miss E . M . Foxcraft , and Messrs . Stanley Owens and Dyved Levvys , Bro . Riechelmann , Org ., presiding in a very efficient manner at the pianoforte .

In proposing the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " the Worshipful Master said that the present time vvas one of joy and rejoicing . A Jubilee of the character they were about to celebrate was a theme on which no poet could write commensurate vvith its greatness . He asked all present to drink to loyalty to the throne , and devotion to

the Craft . " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " was next given by the Worshipful Master , who remarked that the good qualities of H . R . H . were well known , and every brother present would acknowledge that he was a worthy and diligent Mason , and a thorough English gentleman . " The Grand Officers " was then proposed , the Worship-

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ful Master observing that when the history of Masonry came to be written , it would then be shown what the Craft owed to that body . He regretted that Bro . Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., had been obliged to leave , but they had a good representative left in Bro . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., whom he would call upon to respond . Bro . C A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., in reply , said that Bro .

Bowyer , who had unfortunately been obliged to leave , had deputed him to return thanks for the entertainment he had received and for the admirable working he had heard . On his own behalf it afforded him a great deal of pleasure to respond , for few present would remember that on that day 30 years ago he had the honour of sitting on the ri ght of the chair as a joining member of the lodge . He was

introduced by a particular friend of his , Bro . James Brett , and remained a member for many years , when circumstances compelled him to resign . In visiting a lodge to which a brother had formerly belonged , it necessarily awakened a kindly feeling towards that lodge and that is what he felt that evening . When Bro . Morris asked him to visit them he did not know how well he should be

received , but whatever Iodge he went into he was always treated with the utmost kindness . He congratulated them on the way in which the work was cariied out , for it proved to him that their lodge—which had now been established over 100 years—would continue to maintain its proud position and would continue its prosperous career . Bro . H . N . Price , I . P . M ., said the W . M . had permitted

him to take the gavel again , and he assured the brethren that he did so vvith considerable pleasure , for it was for the purpose of proposing the next toast , "The Health of their W . M . " He had already said much about their W . M ., and they were well aware of the goodheartedness and kindness invariably shown by that brother . They had also seen him initiate a gentleman who vvas an old friend of his ,

and he ( the I . P . M . ) was certain that , by the manner in which Bro . Simner performed that ceremony , it vvas a good augury for the forthcoming year . They would find their W . M . one of the happiest and best of brethren , and when he retired he would do so vvith the love and esteem of every brother of the lodge . He asked them to drink vvith all cordiality to the good health and long life of their

W . M . Bro . Abel Simner , W . M ., in returning thanks , said that it vvas a veiy difficult task for a man to talk about himself , and he should therefore ask them to excuse him if he was brief in his remarks . He heartily thanked the I . P . M . for the kind expressions he had used respecting him , and the brethren for the hearty reception given the toast . He had

always taken a very great interest in the lodge , and should continue to do all he possibly could for its benefit . He trusted that his officers would give him the same amount of sympathy usually shown to the W . M . ' s in that lodge , and that the Past Masters would also afford him their support , so that at the end of the year he should be able to give a good account of his work . As mentioned in the

lodge , he wished to represent the Charities , and should be glad to receive any guineas the brethren had to spare . It vvas his intention to make the total of his list 200 guineas , and he vvas quite prepared to find 100 guineas if they would contribute a similar amount . The present year was the first of their second centenary , and also the Jubilee year of her Majesty , and he wished therefore to collect a

sum adequate to the importance of the time . Their I . P . M . vvas very proud of being W . M . during the centenary year , but he had the proud privilege of being the W . M . in the Jubilee year , which he considered far better , for a Jubilee Festival of a Sovereign was a far less frequent occurrence , and therefore the honour was far greater . He sincerely thanked the brethren for the cordiality vvith which they had

received the toast of his health , and trusted that the kind wishes expressed towards him would be realised . In proposing "The Initiate , " the W . M . remarked that there was a quotation from Shakespeare on the menu respecting this toast , which was " Our hearts of brother ' s temper do receive you in with all kind love , good thought , and reverence . " That sentiment fully bore out the

welcome an initiate received when he entered Masonry . Every man that came into Freemasonry entered a new world in the midst of an old , and the more he knew of the ritual the better be would be enabled to fulfil the injunction" Man , know thyself . " By doing that he would become a better brother , a better citizen , and a better friend . Bro . McPherson tendered his sincere thanks for the kind

manner in which the toast had been given and received , and said he was proud of the position he occupied . He thanked them for the distinction conferred upon him , which vvas the result of an ambition of many years , for his father was a Mason . The Worshipful Master then gave "The Visitors . " They had already been told that they were welcome , and

they were aware that one of the principal features of that lodge was to practise hospitality . Bro . Lord George Hamilton had written to say he regretted he could not be present , but they had a very large and distinguished number of visitors present—about 84—amongst whom were Bros . James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I . ; E . Storr , P . M . 16 7 ; J . Hill , W . M . 165 S ; and E . Lowther , P . M . 1307 ; whom

he would ask to respond . Bro . James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., in response , said that the W . M . in his remarks had referred to the fact that there were about 84 visitors present , and had been kind enough to associate the names of four brethren to reply . On behalf , therefore , of twenty-one of the visiting brethren he begged to return thanks , leaving the rest in the hands

of the other three brethren , who would no doubt respond in a | more able and eloquent manner than he vvas able to c * o . At that meeting they recognised the important fact that the lodge was commencing a new era . Twelve months ago they celebrated the centenary of its existence , when Bro . Price commenced his successful year of office . The 100 years had closed and the 101 st commenced , and he

ventured to say , from the conciseness , aptness , and terseness of the W . M . ' s remarks there vvas something to be learned , for he had defined a new path by the brevity vvith which he had proposed the various toasts . The visitors had been pleased vvith their reception , and also to see No . 177 maintaining its proud position . Knowing full well that in days gone by it included Grand Officers amongst its

members , he hoped that the eyes of the M . W . G . M . would be opened to that lodge , and that the W . M ., a . P . M ., or some other brother would be selected for office in Grand Lodge , and that at the next installation meeting he should have the pleasure of hearing a member of the Domatic Lodge respond for "The Grand Officers . " That lodge had attained a high distinction , and , whatever the world