Lodge Support For The Benevolent.

LODGE SUPPORT FOR THE BENEVOLENT .

ONE hardly needs much better proof of the interest taken in the Masonic Charitable Institutions than that supplied by the various propositions brought before the Craft from time to time , with

the object of altering the rules of one or other of those great Charities . Notwithstanding the care and attention devoted to the preparation of the codes in years gone by it is a matter of common

occurrence for some change to be called for , and it is a subject for congratulation in this connection that most of the changes are made for the purpose

of extending the scope or usefulness of the Funds , or are rendered necessary in order to legalise some more liberal application of existing regulations than has hitherto prevailed .

Such is the case at the present time , when a proposition is before the Craft for a Special General Meeting of the Governors and Subscribers of the Eoyal

Masonic Benevolent Institution , to take into consideration a proposed addition to the Laws , so as to enable Lodges and Chapters to qualify as Vice-Patrons and

Patrons . It will be at once evident this proposed addition

would not be necessary but for an increase of interest on the part of Lodges and Chapters in this estimable Fund , that works so well to relieve the wants and necessities of our Aged Brethren and their Widows ,

for it may be reasonably inferred that the present Laws on this point , which worked well for so long , were ample for the requirements of the times , and

are now found to fall short of supplying existing needs because Lodges and Chapters do more than they formerly did in support of the Charities .

As m Freemasonry we recognise that the labourer is worthy of his hire , so we must recognise that a Lodge or other Masonic body spending liberally from

its funds on behalf of the Institutions is worthy of recognition in some such way as shall make their devotion apparent to all who care to known of it , and we anticipate that as soon as the new rule is agreed

to , and endorsed by Grand Lodge , more than one Lodge that has already done something for the Fund will look round and see what more is required of them in order to win the title of honour—for such is the designation rightly applicable to that of Patron or

Vice-Patron of either of our Institutions . It will be a surprise to many to know that this addition to the Laws is necessary , but as the matter Stands at present there is no " titular" provision made for Lodges or other bodies who contribute more

than fifty guineas to this particular Fund of Masonic Benevolence . In cases where that amount is given

Lodge Support For The Benevolent.

either in one sum , or in sums of not less than five guineas each , the Master or First Principal for the time being enjoys the rank of Vice-President , but

there does not appear to be anything beyond . We are happy to say this distinction does not go far enough , manv Lodges having given far more than

fifty guineas , or , being fully determined to exceed that limit , are zealously working in that direction . This , then , is the reason for the proposed alteration , which

is to be considered at a special meeting on the 14 th inst ., and we think it is reasonable to expect that the suggestion will be at once agreed on . as likely to

promote the prosperity of the Institution concerned , at the same time giving the Lodges or other contributing bodies some tangible recognition for their kindly aid .

Entertainment At The Girls School.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE GIRLS SCHOOL .

BEOTHEE Horace Banks , the well-known lecturer , gave his popular dioramic lecture , entitled "My Tour through America , " at the Eoyal Masonic Institution for Girls , Battersea , on the 19 th ult ., and it gave the greatest possible delight to the audience . The " Clapham Observer , " referring to the performance .

doubts whether any more interesting and enjoyable entertainment is now before the public , as Bro . Banks describes his visit to the principal cities of America in an unconventional and most effective humorous style ; while the views are simply of the highest excellence in

every respect . Bro . Willie Wright was the right man in the right place as pianist , and Mrs . Banks , as a singer , is splendid in " Banks and braes of Scotland . " Bros . Folkard and W . W . Lee gave some splendid songs , and Mr . Leonard Greaves skilfully manipulated the beautiful statuary and dioramic combinations .

West Lancashire Charities.

WEST LANCASHIRE CHARITIES .

ON the 19 th ult . the annual meeting of the Hamer Benevolent Institution was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , Liverpool , Brother J . Pemberton P . P . G . D . C . in the chair . In the renort . the Sficrotarv

( Bro . J . E . Bottomley ) stated that though the Institution , founded for such a laudable purpose—the assistance of aged and reduced members—was in a fairly prosperous condition , the fixrifinriitnrfi waa fast nvArtn . Wncr f . ViA

income , which this year has amounted to £ 500 , while the probable expenditure would be over £ 400 . He expressed a hope that this fact would cause increased efforts on the part of all the Lodges to support so deserving a charity . The following Officers were elected on the Committee : j

. Bros , onn . remDerton Jf . Jf . < jr .. U . u ., K . Bradley P . M . 249 , Philip Armstrong P . M . 724 , E . Tunnicliffe W . M . 1182 , Hignett P . M . 1393 , Molloy P . M . 1675 , Johnson P . M . 1756 , J . C . Eobinson P . M . 249 , Woolfenden P . M . 2405 , Latham P . M . 594 , J . H . Evans P . M . 724 . Bros .

T . J . Jarman P . M . 1325 Treasurer , and J . E . Bottomley Secretary , were re-elected , as were also the Honorary Medical Officers—Bros . Drs . J . Kellett Smith , Liverpool ,