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lodge was closed , when the brethren adjourned to the banquet-room , and sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Messrs . Wood and Romain . The post-prandial proceedings were commenced by the usual loyal and Masonic toasts proposed from the chair . Bro . Fountaine , P . M ., acting I . P . M ., in the absence of Bro . Hunt , I . P . M ., then , in a few well-chosen words ,

proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and congratulated him on the manner he had performed the ceremony of initiation for the first time . The W . M . replied , thanking the brethren for the way in which his name had been received , and promised to do his utmost to keep up the reputation of this old lodge .

The other toasts were duly honoured , that of "The Visitors" being responded to by Bros . Spiller , P . M ., Fish , and Langdon , all of whom expressed the pleasure they had in visiting the lodge . During the evening an entertainment was given by a " troupe of minstrels , " 15 in number , which was greatly appreciated by the brethren .

DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —This lodge held its annual meeting on Friday , the 14 th inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . Being the night of election , a large number of brethren were present including Bros . H . T . Chapman , W . M . ; R . Harvey , S . W . ; N . Salmon , J . W . ; T . Morris , Sec ; J . E . Spurrell , S . D . ; T . 8 . GoodlellowT . D . ; R . Hewetson , l . G . ; Ernest Smith ,

, D . C . ; A . Piper , Stwd . ; Walford , P . M . ; Ferguson , P . M . ; Buscall , P . M . ; White , P . M . ; Spink , P . M . ; McLean , P . M . ; Pierpoint , P . M . ; and others . Visitors Bros . W . Purnell , P . M . 103 , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . M . 167 , P . G . D . ; W . M . Stiles , W . M . 1732 ; A . Dickey , P . M . 1744 ; J . Hayter , 2030 ; F . Spurgin , 1305 ; P . Wolter , J . W . 1791 ; W . R . Burnett , 1901 ; 1 '

Cleverley , 1928 ; W . Vogt , 55 ; A . Trow , 1614 ; A . W . Thompson , 1185 ; D . Norris , 16 S 1 ; H . Parkin , 1305 ; Shaw , 1185 ; W . Levasoir , 172 ; j . F . Mayor , 1707 ; and H . Sprake , 2192 . After the usual preliminaries Bros . Higgs , Smith , and Attilio were raised to the Degree of M . M . in an admirable manner by the W . M ., ably supported by his officers . The

ballot was then taken for Messrs . W . H . Baker and J . Simpson , and proving unanimous , they were regularly initiated into Freemasonry . The lodge then proceeded to elect a W . M . for the ensuing year , which was unanimous in favour of Bro . Richard Harvey , S . W . Bro . George Everett , P . M ., was unanimously re-elected Treasurer , a post which the W . M . reminded the brethren he had filled

for many years to the advantage of the lodge and the comfort of its members . Bros . J . Barnett , jun ., Ball , Bareham , Hobbs , and J . Stephens , P . M ., were elected Auditors , and Bro . Waikley was re-elected Tyler . Letters of regret for absence were read from Bro . George Everett , P . M ., on account of severe illness , Bro . A . Simner , I . P . M ., in consequence of an accident , and Bro . H . Price , P . M .,

through a domestic affliction , and to whom it was decided that a letter of condolence should be sent . Applications were received from two distressed brothers soliciting some temporary relief , which were responded to by a grant of five guineas and two guineas respectively . The usual P . M . ' s jewel was voted to the W . M . for the very efficient and courteous manner in which he had discharged his

duties during the past year . The lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned to banquet . The usual loyal toasts were given by the W . M ., after which Bro . W . J . Ferguson , P . M . ( acting as I . P . M . ) , gave "The Health of the Worshipful Master , " congratulating him on the very satisfactory manner in which he had presided over the lodge , and promising him a warm welcome to the band of Past Masters that he would shortly

join . The W . M . replied in feeling terms , and concluded by proposing " The Health of the W . M . elect , " which was ably responded to by Bro . R . Harvey , S . W . The toast of the evening ( as so expressed by the W . M . ) was then given , viz ., that of "The Initiates . " Bros . W . H . Baker and J . Simpson replied , expressing their thanks for being admitted into Freemasonry and into so old and

important a lodge , and hoping that some day they might attain the high position now occupied by the W . M . The W . M . proposed " The Health of the Past Masters , " including the Treasurer , though unfortunately absent , adding that , however well a brother might discharge his duties for him , the lodge seemed incomplete unless they had his genial presence amongst them .

Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., in replying on behalf of the P . M ' s ., alluded to the great regret felt by Bro . Everett in being unable to be present , as evidenced by the fact that although he could not write he had dictated several letters in regard to the evening ' s arrangements , so anxious was he for the comfort of the brethren . Speaking for himself , he ( Bro . Ferguson ) said : As you are no doubt aware , I had the

honour of nominating Bro . Everett for the office of Grand Treasurer . I regret 1 did not do it in the eloquent terms the subject deserved , but as 1 understood no set speech would be permitted I was rather unprepared . I was , however , at least able to read such a record of Masonic services as to fully entitle him to aspire to that honourable and dignified position , and as to his fitness for the post , I can

conscientiously affirm , after a knowledge of twenty-five years of his Masonic and private life , that one more worthy to be the recipient of the collar of Grand Treasurer is not to be found in the ranks of Freemasonry . From the first list published of his suporters I find that 748 brethren hold the same opinion , and that this number will be much increased as time goes on is certain , for I already hold ten

new names to be added , which I have obtained this evening . For the kind expressions of the W . M . in proposing this toast and their acceptance by the brethren I beg to thank you most sincerely . Bros . Walford , Buscall , White , Spink , McLean , and Pierpoint also returned thanks . Bro . E . White , P . M ., proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " pointing out the advantages of brethren visiting

lodges , and assuring those who had honoured them that day by their presence that the lodge was pleased to receive them , and that no greater kindness could be shown the old Domatic Lodge than to see a goodly array of visitors . He begged to couple the toast with the names of Bros . W . A . Scurrah , W . M . Stiles , and F . Spurgin . Bro . W . A . Scurrah , in returning thanks for the enthusiasm with which the toast had been received , desired to express his pleasure in seeing the admirable manner in which the business of the lodge was conducted , and with

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reference to the remarks of Bro . Ferguson , he himself could testify to the long services rendered to Freemasonry by Bro . Geo . Everett . Bro . Everett was well known to a very large number of the brethren and respected by the whole of them , and his energy in promoting the principles of Freemasonry was widely known . Having always found him an honourable and upright man and Mason , he would

give him his utmost support in the forthcoming election for Grand Treasurer . Bro . W . M . Stiles , in reply , thanked the brethren for the manner in which the toast of the visitors had been proposed and accepted , and added that Bro . Ferguson might express his regret for not having nominated his candidate for the Grand Treasurership in an effctive manner . Those ,

however , who were present were perhaps best able to judge , and they were of a different opinion . Bro . Everett ' s qualifications for that office did not require much explanation , the record of his services to Freemasonry being quite sufficient . He thanked again the W . M . and brethren . Bro . F . Spurgin also returned thanks , and remarked how Freemasonry brought friends together , as that evening he

had been enabled to renew a friendship formed many years ago in his native town . The toast of " The Secretary and Officers" was then given , and responded to by Bros . T . Morris , Sec . ; N . Salmon , J . W . ; and Ernest Smith , D . of C . A few songs were interspersed between the toasts and responses , and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close with the Tyler ' s toast .

WALDECK LODGE ( No . 1969 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on the nth inst ., when Bro . Ernest Quitmann was installed as W . M . by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , and the following brethren were invested as officers : Bros . E . Hollandt , I . P . M . ; E . C . Valys , S . W . ; Max Lindler , J . W . ; Julius Ouitmann , P . M ., Treas . ; E . Schott , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Schiiiler , S . D . ; J . B . Hollam , J . D . ; C . D . Seiffert , l . G . ; G . Hokly , D . C . ; and Waikley , Tyler .

IPSWICH .- —St . Luke ' s Lodge ( No . 225 ) . —The annual festival of St . John and installation of W . M . for the ensuing year of this old established lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Soane-street , on Wednesday , the 12 th December , when a very large number of brethren and visitors assembled to do honour to the W . M . elect , Bro . Serjeant John Morley , the S . W . of the lodge . The

brethren present were : Bros . E . S . Scrivener , W . M . ; S . T . Morley , S . W ., W . M . elect ; J . T . Noble , I . P . M . ; J . L . Brook , P . P . G . S . B . ; Geo . Abbott , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Suffolk ; J . Talbot , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; J . Napier , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., Sec ; G . P . Price , S . D . ; Rev . T . Maude , J . D . ; A . W . Cook , P . M ., Dir . of Cers . ; W . J . Whiteheadl . G . ; T . Turner , Stwd . ; E . Garwood , P . M . ;

, C . Byford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . A . Pettit , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst . ; and Geo . Gould , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . F . A . Bales , W . M . 376 ; R . Tidbury , W . M . 114 ; J . White , W . M . 959 , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . W . B . King , P . M . 376 and 225 ; J . Chamberlin , P . M . 1445 ; A . R . Trew , P . M . 959 ; B . H . Hurst , Org . 1224 ; H . Parkin , 697 ; H . Chowns , 1349 ; E . Haiden , P . M . 817 and 910 , P . P . S . G . D .

Essex ; A . P . Rivolta , 1224 ; A . Raphael , P . M . 959 ; H . E . Leach , 376 ; Geo . Turner , 959 ; E . C . Martin , H . K . Jaggs , J . Scringer , W . Leathers , W . H . Cook , G . F . Read , W . J . Leggett , T . J . Blumfield , T . Scott , and others . The lodge was opened at 6 . 30 p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . E . S . Scrivener , assisted by his officers , Bro . S . J . Morley , S . W ., and Geo . Abbott , J . W . The minutes of last lodge

meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Bro . T . Scott , Kilwinning Lodge , Glasgow , as a joining member , which proved unanimous . The W . M . then requested Bro . G . Abbott , P . M ., to take the chair , and proceed with the installation of the W . M . elect . The Installing Master then proceeded to place the worthy Bro . S . J . Morley , S . W ., in the chair of King Solomon ,

which ceremony was performed in a very able and impressive manner . The Board of Installed Masters being closed , the Installing Master , in presenting the warrant and charter of Constitutions to the W . M ., stated in the name of the brethren of his lodge he was sure no brother was more worthy of holding that warrant , and no brother would more jealously guard its honour than he would . The W . M .

then invested his officers , to each giving some kind words of encouragement and advice . The brethren invested were Bros . G . P . Price , S . W . ; Rev . T . Maude , J . W . ; J . Talbot , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Napier , P . M ., Sec ; W . J . Whitehead , S . D . ; J . Stringer , J . D . ; Geo . Abbott , P . M ., Dir . of Cers . ; W . H . Cook , l . G . ; T . Turner , Stwd . ; and G . Gould , Tyler .

Letters of congratulation were received from Bros . Rev . C . J . Martyn , Dep . P . G . M . Suffolk , Sir Charles Dalrymple . M . P ., Lord Elcho , M . P ., Boughton , W . M ., 2291 ; Rev . R . N . Sanderson . P . G . Chap . Eng ., and others , with apologies from those brethren for non-attendance , with good wishes to the W . M ., and a ( prosperous year of office . The lodge was then closed .

The brethren then adjourned to banquet , which was served by Bro . Jas . Hardwick , of the Queen Street Restaurant , in his usual first class style . The tables were very prettily and tastefully adorned with flowers and plants arranged by the lady friends of the brethren , including the VV . M . 's wife , Mrs . A . W . Cook , Mrs . Brook , Miss Brook , and others .

The W . M . gave the first toast , "TheOueen and the Craft , " likewise "The Grand Master , H . RTH . the Prince of Wales , " both of which were duly honoured , as they always are at every Masonic meeting . The W . M . next gave "The Pro G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " which

met with a most cordial response from the brethren , with a good fire , led by the Director of Ceremonies . The W . M . then entrusted his gavel to Bro . Garwood . P . M ., who is the oldest P . M . of St . Luke ' s Lodge , and was initiated in the lodge , and has been nearly 50 years a Mason .

Bro . Garwood , in giving the toast of "The Prov . G . Master , Bro . Lord Henniker , the Dep . Prov . G . Master , Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn , and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers , Present and Past , of the Province , " said he had every reason to believe , from what he had seen personally

and heard , that no province possessed a more genial Grand Master , or a better Mason , than Lord Henniker ; as for the Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Martyn , he was not only loved and revered in his own province , but was respected and admired for his good works by the whole of the Masonic

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body in England . In speaking of the Prov . G . Officers , Present and Past , they were all good men and true , always ready to do their duty in assisting to carry out the great work of Freemasonry . The toast was acknowledged and replied to by Bro . Brook , P . P . G . S . B ., for the Present , and Bros . Talbot and Napier for the Past Officers , each vieing with one another

in acknowledgments as representing the Prov . Grand Officers . The W . M . then gave the next toast , that of "The Installing Master , " and , in thanking Bro . Geo . Abbott , P . M ., for installing him , referred to his good services to St . Luke's Lodge , not only as Installing Master , when required , but ever ready to assist the younger brethren in

the proper working of the ritual in the several Degrees . Bro . Abbott , in thanking the W . M . for his kindly and brotherly expressions , said for what he had done for the lodge in the past the good feeling evinced towards him by the brethren had amply repaid him , and he should endeavour to retain their good opinion in the future . Bro . Scrivener , I . P . M ., then proposed the next toast ,

that of " The W . M ., " and said no brother more deserved the honour of being W . M . of the lodge than Bro . Morley ; his strict attention to his duties throughout the minor offices , his general courtesy , and amiable manners , had endeared him to all his brethren . The toast was received with enthusiasm . Bro . Morley , W . M ., in replying to the toast , said he had

always , since the time he became a Mason , wished to rise to the honourable position of W . M . of the lodge . At the same time , his desire from the first was to rise to that position by merit . He had passed through the various offices of the lodge , and now occupied the chair by the unanimous vote of the Past Masters and brethren , and he would , as far as lay in his power , endorse that vote by

maintaining the true dignity of the lodge , and in carrying out the duties of Master to the credit of the Craft and satisfaction of the brethren . Bro . Napier , P . M ., gave ; the next toast , viz ., " The I . P . M ., Bro . E . S . Scrivener , " and congratulated him on having passed through a very successful year of office , and complimented him for his wise discretion in keeping

his Past Masters round him by distributing a good share of the work amongst them . Bro . Scrivener , I . P . M ., replied to the toast , and thanked Bro . Napier and the brethren for their kind expressions towards him , also for their assistance during the past year . The next toast was " The Charities , " given by Bro . C . Byford , P . M ., commending those noble Institutions to the

kind consideration of the brethren . Bro . Geo . Abbott replied to the toast , and stated he had during the present year served as Steward for the Old Men ' s and Women ' s Benevolent Institution , and had taken up £ 57 ios . to that Institution , upwards of £ 40 of which was subscribed by the members of his ( St . Luke's ) lodge ; the rest was kindly given him by Bro . Martyn ,

Bro . Grimwade , and other good friends of the cause . Bro . Abbott , in speaking of those noble Institutions , said they ought to be the Alpha and Omega of Freemasonry , the first to be remembered , and the last to be forgotten , and commended them to the brethren , exhorting them to do all that laid in their power to assist in the noble work , and , as an encouragement to other lodges , stated that St .

Luke's Lodge , besides holding a large number of votes vested in the hands of the W . M . and his officers , also possessed a Charity scheme , by which about 30 of its members would , in due course of time , become Life-Governors of the various Institutions . Bro . Noble , P . M ., gave the next toast , that of "The Visitors , " and stated the lodge was delighted at all times

to welcome them . The toast was replied to by Bros . White , W . M . 959 ; Bales , W . M . 37 6 ; Tidbury , W . M . 114 ; and Bro . E . Haiden , P . M . 817 and 910 , P . P . S . G . D . Essex , who , inthanking the W . M . and brethren for their courtesy shown to him , said he had been a Mason a great number of years , and had visited a number of lodges where good

working was performed , but was bound to say he had never seen or heard the installation ceremony more correctly and admirably given than he had seen it worked that night . It was a credit to the lodge and also to the Craft in general . The W . M . then gave " The Past Masters and Officers of the Lodge , " paying each a compliment , and asking theic kind assistance during his year of office .

Bro . Cook , P . M ., replied tor the Past Masters , assuring the W . M . the Past Masters would do all in their power to assist him in carrying out the duties both by their presence and advice . Bro . Price , S . W ., and Bro . Maude , J . W ., replied for the officers of the lodge , Bro . Price remarking that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to help the W . M ., who was an old and valued friend of his . The J . W . also replied in suitable terms .

Several good songs were sung during the evening by Bros . Talbot , Raphael , Geo . Turner , Stringer , Tidbury , Abbott , and others , whilst a capital recitation was given by Bro . White , also an admirable flute solo by Mr . G . F . Abbott , son of Bro . G . Abbott , P . M . The accompaniments to each were well played by Bro . Hurst , 1224 . The Tyler ' s toast brought a most successful and happy meeting to a close . ———

CHELTENHAM . —Royal Union Lodge ( No . 246 ) . —The ordinary meeting of this lodge on Wednesday , the 19 th inst ., was the last of the second year as W . M . of Bio . K . V . Vassar-Smith , who was appointed , in June last , Deputy Grand Master of the province ( Gloucestershire ) , and it was marked by an unusually large attendance . Among those present were Bros , the Right Hon . Sir

Michael E . Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . G . M . ; Baron de Ferrieres , P . G . D ., acting I . P . M . ; Rev . Dr . Kynaston , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Walker , M . A ., P . P . S . G . W . j J . B . Winterbotham , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec ; Rev . Chris . V . Childe , P . P . G . R . Berks and Oxon ; Col . N . B . Thoyts ( Mayor of Cheltenham ); and several VV . M . ' s and leading members of the province . Bro . Frank Fenncr , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the

ensuing year . A vote of thanks was placed upon the minutes to Bro . Norman for the presentation to the lodge at his own cost of a sketch of its history , of which a bound copy had been sent to each member . Another incident of the proceedings was the authorisation given to the Treasurer to draw a cheque for £ 126 to purchase one-sixth share in the hall in which the lodge meetings are held . The hall was erected early in the century for Masonic purposes , to which it has been consistently devoted .