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Article THE RECENT EXTENSION OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 2 Article THE RECENT EXTENSION OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Recent Extension Of The Girls' School.
THE RECENT EXTENSION OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
AT the General Committee Meeting of the Eoyal Masonic Institution for Girls , held on the llth ult ., the
purchase of Lyncombe House was again brought forward , and we have reason to believe tbatthe subject will be referred to in the future . The brethren who throughout the controversy have endeavoured to show that the purchase was undesirable , for the many reasons which have from time to
time been referred to in our columns , have submitted a farther case to counsel , and on one point alone , even if not on the whole , the opinion of Mr . Locock Webb , the gentleman whose advice was sought for , deserves the fullest consideration . We will not trouble ourselves here with a
long resume of the whole case , as the facts are doubtless in the memory of our readers , suffice it to say , that in the latter part of last year a proposition was brought forward to expend a sum of £ 6 , 500 in the purchase of a house and grounds adjoining the Girls' School at Batfcersea Eise . On
its being pointed out that a technicality , as regarded the calling of the meeting , had not been complied with , the proceedings were recommenced , in order that the necessary notices as required by the laws of the Institution might be given . In due course the grant was agreed to by a
majority of those present at the meeting when the necessary votes were put for consideration . We have before referred to the way in which the whole matter was carried through , and the apparent desire that was shown to complete the purchase before it was possible for the general
body of the subscribers even to be made aware of the proposition , but as the laws of the Institution were complied with , or sufficiently so to prevent the proposal being upset , except after a long legal discussion , we can but again point out the need there is for some alteration in the laws of our
Institutions which shall secure to every subscriber a knowledge , or at least a notice , of any proposed expenditure of funds for a purpose other than he or she may deem desirable , and which in the opinion of many is far from
what was intended when their subscriptions were added to the funds of the Institution . This is not the first question which has been brought forward lately to show the great inequalit y which exists in the advantages accruing to a Provincial subscriber to one or other of the Charities as
compared with those residing or having business in or near the Metropolis , and from the growing spirit of dissatisfaction evinced in some Provincial centres on these subjects we think it would be policy to make full inquiry whether it would not be desirable to alter the laws so as to allow of
proxy voting becoming the rule , rather than as it now is the exception—at least on questions the settlement of which involves items of importance to the whole body of the subscribers . Doubtless this point will be brought forward at some time or other ; but as it is unlikely we shall hear
much about it until some material grievance has arisen , it may be thought we are wrong in referring to it here . Still we urge that it would be far better to discuss the matter now , when no cause for serious complaint exists , than wait until a breach has been made which in itself would prove a
serious obstacle either to speedy or an amicable settlement . The opinion to which we now wish more particularly to refer was given , as already stated , by Mr . Locock Webb , Q . C , in answer to a case submitted on behalf of several subscribers to the Girls' School by their solicitor . Ihe proposition reads thus : — As some of tho subscribers , although opposed to the scheme , are
The Recent Extension Of The Girls' School.
averse to Chancery proceedings , on various grounds , can any other course be suggested by which thia and other misapplications of the Funds can be prevented ? It should he taken into consideration that tho decision in this case may possibly affect tho other two Institutions . In reply , Mr . Webb
says—I am satisfied that those on whose behalf I ara consulted have adopted a wise decision in following the advice I previously gave , to avoid litigation . They may , I think , rest content with having been instrumental in working some real benefit to the Institution , and the
only advice I can now give them is to pursue the same object by attending the General Courts and Committees of which they are mem . bers , and using their utmost efforts to induce their co-subscribers to adhere strictly to the laws of the Institution , especially in the following particulars : —
1 . Not to permit any of the Stock vested in the trustees to bo applied in or towards the purchase of any house or land , but to insist that the whole of such Stock should be held by the trustees , and applied only in aid , so far as may be necessary , of the yearly subscriptions , in maintaining , clothing , and educating the children .
2 . To insist that the surplus ( if any ) of tho yearly subscriptions , after providing for such maintenance , clothing , and education , should from time to time be invested in Stock , in the names of tho trustees , to be applied in like manner . 3 . To increase the assets standing to the credit of
"theSustentation , Improving , and Building Fund " account , by such an amount of fresh voluntary subscriptions to that fund specifically , as will be sufficient to provide for the purchase of Lyncombe House , and for the necessary improvements and maintenance of the lands and buildings for the time being belonging to the Institution .
It may thus be seen that Mr . Webb ' s opinion still is that the spending of the general funds of the Institution in the purchase of either buildings or grounds is illegal , but as it is the . wish of all concerned to avoid anything like litigation , wo will expunge the word illegal , and now simply
treat the matter on the basis of its desirability or otherwise . In the first place it must of course be admitted that there are numerous supporters , if not perhaps a large majority of the subscribers to the Masonic Institutions , who approve of tbe purchase of large premises , and who would
on the very first opportunity purchase other pieces of ground , or erect additions to the existing buildings , but at the same time there are many who most strongly oppose such a course , and we maintain that the minority , be ifc ever so small , have as much a right to be considered as a
strong majority , especially when it is remembered that the object in view is one of charity , in the form of a fund supported entirely by voluntary contributions , and thereby the more likely to be affected if a section withdraw themselves from the roll of helpers . The time has now arrived ,
as we have on previous occasions pointed out , when the extension of premises shonld be stopped . Very much more good could be done by establishing , if ifc were found that the funds were sufficient , a system of half-yearly grants to be distributed among the unsuccessful candidates , in some
way which might be settled hereafter , but the idea seems to be—We will do the whole thing or nothing , and as a consequence we periodically have to refer to a very long list of unsuccessful candidates , to many of whom a grant of £ 710 s or £ 10 for the half-year would be of material assistance .
This is the view entertained by many who were in opposition to the recent proposal to lay out a further sum of £ 6 , 500 on the purchase of additional accommodation at Battcrsea ; however , they failed to secure support sufficient to maintain their point , and are now , we trust , as hard at
work as ever they were in the interests of the School . The subject does not , however , rest here , the mere fact of this grant having been obtained in the face of a protest from what is to-day a minority may lead the majority to suppose they may repeat the operation with impunity , and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Recent Extension Of The Girls' School.
THE RECENT EXTENSION OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
AT the General Committee Meeting of the Eoyal Masonic Institution for Girls , held on the llth ult ., the
purchase of Lyncombe House was again brought forward , and we have reason to believe tbatthe subject will be referred to in the future . The brethren who throughout the controversy have endeavoured to show that the purchase was undesirable , for the many reasons which have from time to
time been referred to in our columns , have submitted a farther case to counsel , and on one point alone , even if not on the whole , the opinion of Mr . Locock Webb , the gentleman whose advice was sought for , deserves the fullest consideration . We will not trouble ourselves here with a
long resume of the whole case , as the facts are doubtless in the memory of our readers , suffice it to say , that in the latter part of last year a proposition was brought forward to expend a sum of £ 6 , 500 in the purchase of a house and grounds adjoining the Girls' School at Batfcersea Eise . On
its being pointed out that a technicality , as regarded the calling of the meeting , had not been complied with , the proceedings were recommenced , in order that the necessary notices as required by the laws of the Institution might be given . In due course the grant was agreed to by a
majority of those present at the meeting when the necessary votes were put for consideration . We have before referred to the way in which the whole matter was carried through , and the apparent desire that was shown to complete the purchase before it was possible for the general
body of the subscribers even to be made aware of the proposition , but as the laws of the Institution were complied with , or sufficiently so to prevent the proposal being upset , except after a long legal discussion , we can but again point out the need there is for some alteration in the laws of our
Institutions which shall secure to every subscriber a knowledge , or at least a notice , of any proposed expenditure of funds for a purpose other than he or she may deem desirable , and which in the opinion of many is far from
what was intended when their subscriptions were added to the funds of the Institution . This is not the first question which has been brought forward lately to show the great inequalit y which exists in the advantages accruing to a Provincial subscriber to one or other of the Charities as
compared with those residing or having business in or near the Metropolis , and from the growing spirit of dissatisfaction evinced in some Provincial centres on these subjects we think it would be policy to make full inquiry whether it would not be desirable to alter the laws so as to allow of
proxy voting becoming the rule , rather than as it now is the exception—at least on questions the settlement of which involves items of importance to the whole body of the subscribers . Doubtless this point will be brought forward at some time or other ; but as it is unlikely we shall hear
much about it until some material grievance has arisen , it may be thought we are wrong in referring to it here . Still we urge that it would be far better to discuss the matter now , when no cause for serious complaint exists , than wait until a breach has been made which in itself would prove a
serious obstacle either to speedy or an amicable settlement . The opinion to which we now wish more particularly to refer was given , as already stated , by Mr . Locock Webb , Q . C , in answer to a case submitted on behalf of several subscribers to the Girls' School by their solicitor . Ihe proposition reads thus : — As some of tho subscribers , although opposed to the scheme , are
The Recent Extension Of The Girls' School.
averse to Chancery proceedings , on various grounds , can any other course be suggested by which thia and other misapplications of the Funds can be prevented ? It should he taken into consideration that tho decision in this case may possibly affect tho other two Institutions . In reply , Mr . Webb
says—I am satisfied that those on whose behalf I ara consulted have adopted a wise decision in following the advice I previously gave , to avoid litigation . They may , I think , rest content with having been instrumental in working some real benefit to the Institution , and the
only advice I can now give them is to pursue the same object by attending the General Courts and Committees of which they are mem . bers , and using their utmost efforts to induce their co-subscribers to adhere strictly to the laws of the Institution , especially in the following particulars : —
1 . Not to permit any of the Stock vested in the trustees to bo applied in or towards the purchase of any house or land , but to insist that the whole of such Stock should be held by the trustees , and applied only in aid , so far as may be necessary , of the yearly subscriptions , in maintaining , clothing , and educating the children .
2 . To insist that the surplus ( if any ) of tho yearly subscriptions , after providing for such maintenance , clothing , and education , should from time to time be invested in Stock , in the names of tho trustees , to be applied in like manner . 3 . To increase the assets standing to the credit of
"theSustentation , Improving , and Building Fund " account , by such an amount of fresh voluntary subscriptions to that fund specifically , as will be sufficient to provide for the purchase of Lyncombe House , and for the necessary improvements and maintenance of the lands and buildings for the time being belonging to the Institution .
It may thus be seen that Mr . Webb ' s opinion still is that the spending of the general funds of the Institution in the purchase of either buildings or grounds is illegal , but as it is the . wish of all concerned to avoid anything like litigation , wo will expunge the word illegal , and now simply
treat the matter on the basis of its desirability or otherwise . In the first place it must of course be admitted that there are numerous supporters , if not perhaps a large majority of the subscribers to the Masonic Institutions , who approve of tbe purchase of large premises , and who would
on the very first opportunity purchase other pieces of ground , or erect additions to the existing buildings , but at the same time there are many who most strongly oppose such a course , and we maintain that the minority , be ifc ever so small , have as much a right to be considered as a
strong majority , especially when it is remembered that the object in view is one of charity , in the form of a fund supported entirely by voluntary contributions , and thereby the more likely to be affected if a section withdraw themselves from the roll of helpers . The time has now arrived ,
as we have on previous occasions pointed out , when the extension of premises shonld be stopped . Very much more good could be done by establishing , if ifc were found that the funds were sufficient , a system of half-yearly grants to be distributed among the unsuccessful candidates , in some
way which might be settled hereafter , but the idea seems to be—We will do the whole thing or nothing , and as a consequence we periodically have to refer to a very long list of unsuccessful candidates , to many of whom a grant of £ 710 s or £ 10 for the half-year would be of material assistance .
This is the view entertained by many who were in opposition to the recent proposal to lay out a further sum of £ 6 , 500 on the purchase of additional accommodation at Battcrsea ; however , they failed to secure support sufficient to maintain their point , and are now , we trust , as hard at
work as ever they were in the interests of the School . The subject does not , however , rest here , the mere fact of this grant having been obtained in the face of a protest from what is to-day a minority may lead the majority to suppose they may repeat the operation with impunity , and