The Ninth General Meeting. 



5 



The company then adjourned to the Abbey, where nearly an 

 hour was spent under Mr. Freeman's guidance, in examining its 

 principal features, both within and without. The remainder of the 

 time was occupied in an inspection of the ancient House, now 

 occupied by Mr. Jennings. 



At five o'clock, a party not numbering less than a hundred ladies 

 and gentlemen, sat down to dinner at the King's Arms Hotel, 

 where excellent provision had been made for their entertainment 

 by the landlord, Mr. Jones. 



Grace was said before and after dinner by the Eev. Canon Jackson. 



After dinner, a few toasts were given, the first being the Queen, 

 the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family ; which was 

 followed by that of the Bishop and Clergy of the Dioceses of 

 Salisbury, and Gloucester and Bristol. The latter toast was 

 coupled with the name of the Rev. C. G. Cotes. 



The Chairman next proposed the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, 

 with the names of Major Nelson Goddard, Captain Meredith, and 

 Captain Perry Keene. 



The Lord Lieutenant of the County, and the Corporation of 

 Malmesbury, having been duly honoured, Sir John Awdry pro- 

 posed the health of the President, the Rt. Hon. Sotheron Estcourt, 

 M.P., to which the Chairman responded. 



Mr. Matcham proposed the health of the General Secretaries, 

 the Rev. Canon Jackson and the Rev. A. 0. Smith, who severally 

 acknowledged the compliment. 



The Rev. A. C. Smith proposed the health of the Local Secre- 

 taries, Mr. Harris and Mr. Forrester, both of whom also replied. 



At seven o'clock, a Conversazione was held in the Town -Hall, 

 which was attended by most of the principal inhabitants of the 

 town and neighbourhood, the Countess of Suffolk and the Ladies 

 Howard being among the company, and by a large number of 

 visitors from a distance. 



The Rev. Canon Jackson F.S.A., then read a paper on "the 

 History of Malmesbury," which will appear in the Magazine. 



At the close of the reading, a hearty vote of thanks was, on the 

 motion of the Chairman, accorded to the Rev. gentleman. 



