Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Festival Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
might feel rather a grudge towards his Royal Highness tho Princr- of Wales , inasmuch as by his patrouage of the sister Institution ho had left the poor Boys this year in the cold . But however that might be , they could not forget , and did not wish to forget , the services which his Royal Highness in past years had rendered to the
Institution , nor all that he had done for Masonry generally during the time he had reigned over the Craft . They might be permitted to hope that ten years hence , wheu the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys celebrated its Centenary , his Royal Highness wonld perform for them the same offices as he had performed for the Girls' School ,
and with the same happy results . With tho toa 3 t was coupled the health of tho Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England . It having been honoured , Bro . Col . Edward C . Malet de Carteret , Provincial Grand Master Jersey rose : Might he ask attention for a very short time for the
toast he was about to propose . It was a personal one . They would agree with him that all were deeply indebted to the Chairman , the E . W . Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire , for attending on the occasion , and for the able manner in which he had presided . His other occupations wore multifarious and important , and , therefore ,
they should be all tho more grateful lor his appearance that evening . He was known as a good sportsmau , and a good man of business ; he had lately been appointed Chairman of a Committee of the House of Commons , which was a proof of confidence in his ability , and he trusted he might be successful in the duties of that Committee ,
and be as successful in excluding cowans and intruders from the House of Commons as they were in Freemasonry . He felt he had said enough to induce them to honour the toast , which was that of the Chairman of the day . Lord Ebrington , in proposing Prosperity to the Royal Masonic
Institution for Boys , said : I may say I was struck by the very different situation in which the Masonic Charities stand at the present moment to almost everything else of the kind in the country . The years of depression through which we have passed lately—which I hope are getting to the end—have told their tale in almost every
quarter . I believe that in the London hospitals alone upwards of 200 beds have been obliged to be closed for want of funds ; but while other Institutions have been affected in this way the Masonic Charities , I believe , have held their own and have made progress with all these disadvantages . I believe that the receipts of tho Masonic
Charities for the last five or ten years will compare very favourably with those of any other Charity in the kingdom . I think this says a great deal for the hold that Freemasonry has upon the people of England , and for the hold that Freemasons have on the tenets of their Order . Now , with regard to this particular Institution we all know
that a great part of its success and prosperity is due to the energies and exertions of the Secretary and Treasurer , and I think that they have the sympathy of all of us in the anonymous attacks which have lately been made on the management of the Institution . I cannot say that I have seen those attacks myself , although I have heard of
them , and if I had seeu them I should not have attached much importance to statements which the authors were afraid or ashamed to put their names to . But I havo seen within the last day or two another statement , signed by a responsible member of the Craft , which draws comparisons between the expenditure of the Bjys '
School and the expenditure in other schools of a similar character . Well , that statement , of the merits of which I know nothing , shows that the Boys' School is in almost every item a somewhat more expensive Institution than its fellovv 3 , aud I must say that it appears to me as an outsider that it would be for the interest
of the Institution that that statement should be explained and accounted for . I have little doubt that that can be done , though I feel bound to add the report which has been put in our hands is not of much assistance in that direction . I cannot pretend to any very great knowledge of figures , or to any very great experience of
schools , but I do know a little about agriculture , and I havo gone through farming accounts of my own , aud the farming accounts as submitted iu the report before us do not throw much light upon the system pursued at the Boys' School , nor on the profits of the farm thereof . I observe there is nothing on tho debit side for either
rent , rates or taxes ; that the hay appears to make itself , and the animals are looked after for the ridiculously small sum of a farthing per head per week , and it includes apparently milking and butter making . Aud apart from this there is another item in the accounts which perhaps is more easily explained than that of farming . I
observe that the expenses of the Festival last year amounted to a sum which would maintain five boys in the Institution , and to something like 2 £ - per cent , on the total amount realised by the Festival . It strikes mo it would bo a very good thing if the expense of collecting was reduced . I do not ssvit is possiblo but it would be a
very good thing indeed if we could havo two or more boys in the school , and keep them out of the expenses of the festival . I am glad , indeed , to hear , and I had it on good authority , that the managers of the Institution have determined to institute an independent inquiry into the charges which Live been preferred against them . I havo
little donbt that tho results of that inquiry will be satisfactory to all interested iu tho Institution . But in the House of Commons wo have got tired of ottiml assurances that all is right . I am nor , going to talk politics ; you need not be afraid ; but I do say that oiiicial assurances— -that all is right—are somewhat at a
discount in another part of this country—and other Institutions in this country—and , therefore , I rejoice to see the statement that there is to be an independent inquiry which will lead , I have little doubt , to the refutation of the injurious statements against tho reputation cf tho Institution , and tho resnlt of tho inquiry will
be to restore confidence iu it among all Freemasons in every part of Eugland . Now , I hope in making these remarks I shall not be thought to have exceeded my
duty as Chairman this evening . It would havo been easy enough and pleasanter to havo buttered everything freely all round , hut I do not think that indiscriminate praise is any assistance to au Institution . I have spoken with ; v sincere desire to benelit tho
The Festival Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
Masonic Institution for Boys , and although my comments on the report may havo boon sum > what critical , yet for the Institution itself , so far ns my experience of it goes , I havo nothing but praise . I wont down there the other day ou my own account and looked at it , if I may sny so , unofficially . A couple of boys , picked out at
random I know , wore told oil to do mo the honours of tho School , two very nice boys , well spoken , well dressed , and clean , taking an interest in their School , au interest which from what I could see of the promises and of tho system was thoroughly deserved . I deeply regret that the illness of Bro . Plnnckett prevents my coupling his name
with this toast as Treasurer of the Institution , but his place will bo ably filled by the Secretary of the Institution , aud in conclusion I give you Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the health of the Secretary , Bro . Binckes . Bro . Binckes replied . I think I may fairly state that this occasion may
be correctly described as one of innovation . It is the first occasion in my long experience that a Masonic Festival has been held in this hall , where tho ladies and brethren have sat down at the same table to enjoy themselves , as I trust they havo done this evening , and the ladies havo hud tho satisfaction of assisting in the cause of one of
our greatest Institutions instead of being relegated to tho cold comforts of the gallery . Thirteen years ago in the history of our Institution we made an alteration which I then thought would give satisfaction , and although our numbers this evening are unfortunately reduced I sincerely hopo and trust that what has been done topromoto your
comfort has not altoorether been done in vain . Another innovation is that in my long experience the Secretary has never been called upon until to-night to reply to the toast of Prosperity to the Institution , and I deplore that the duty has devolved upon mo , because it is occasioned by the illness , unfortunately , of one whom wo esteem ,
regard , and respect , and whose services for a long number of years have been cheerfully given in support of the Institution in which he occupies the position of Treasurer . I refer to Bro . George Pluoknetfc . Wo have listened to him with satisfaction for years , and I shall convey to him your sympathetic regret that he has been deprived of the
pleasure of discharging tho duty to-day , which he has hitherto done with pleasure to himself and satisfaction to yon . Another innovation by which these proceedings are characterised is that for the first time we have had allusions , very properly made , by onr distinguished Chairman , and one who brings a very keen
discernmont and a spirit of inquiry that will commend itself to every one associated with the management of the Institution . Let me assure yon that those to whom allusion has been made are deeply indebted to him for the reference he has made to a slanderons and malicious circular which has been extensively circulated ,
and which makes grave charges against the Institution . Take it from me , and I stand here in the presence of several members of the House Committee , we not only do not shirk inquiry , —but are about to take steps to invite an impartial , honest , and dispassionate investigation . Before I make allusion to certain remarks which
have fallen from our Chairman with reference to certain departments of our Institution , will you bear with ma if I say I am surrounded by friends who realise their obligations as Masons . What is their desire with reference to the Masonic Institutions ? Comparisons are made with other Institutions , but before I direct your attention to various
differences , let me ask you is it your desire as friends of the Masonic Institutions , or not , that they should bo conducted on a scale commensurate with paupeviam ? I have always understood that everything in the cold name of charity should be eliminated from our Institutions , aud that tho occupants should
have every comfort , the best of clothing and the be 3 t of food , and that with no niggard hand ; while in illness they should have the best possible advice , without calculating what might be saved per head and as a cousequenco of that saving lose by death or disablement a portion of those entrusted to our care . The Staffordshire
brother who has made a comparison bet . veen the cost at onr Institution aud at other Institutions particularly draws attention to the fact that the expenditure at the London Orphan Asylum was increased on account of a severe outbreak of illness , but he does not do ns the justice to say that in our School there has also been an
increase of expenditure on account of ill-health , as for three months in the antumu of last year we had an attack of scarlet-fever , which we met with no niggard hand . Although there were 51 cases , of tho most malignant character , we did not lose a boy . But to save those valuable lives we spent £ 100 . I can go further
and say with reference to expenditure that we are more liberal with our allowance of clothing and food , and another item forgotten is rates and taxes . As other Institutions are remote from London , their rateable value is nothing compared to onrs . Now como to tho Agricultural Account . There is no mystery
in it , it is all profit . The expenditure on the tarm is included iu wages , so that it is all net profit . AU charges are under tho head of wages , and the milk and butter is just so much profit and thcr 3 i .-i the simple explanation . With reference to our Festival , our chairman must bo under a misapprehension . Our
Festival does not cost ono shilling iu excess of tho Stewards fund , and out of the surplus of that fund during the period of my unr : m : coi & ful administration alono th . sre lias boon given s . inri £ 600 to tho Institution . What tho large expenditure moans is for a meeting similar to < yhat tho noble lord saw I ist Saturday , vvhon we think it is
our duty to extend an invitation to tho Stewards , and to the friends of tho b . ; ys to come down to see the distribution of prizes . As they come down wo cannot do less than administer a littlo of our well known hospitality . I mu ^ t say a word with reference to this anonymous circular . There is nothing so calculated to destroy
in individual ' s reputation or tho reputation of au organisation as ¦ or any one to sib down , and recklessly put statements into print ind then widely circulate thos-J statements , all tho while shrinking
from tho responsibility of supporting them , or h ivi : ig tin courage to aopend his signature to what he issues . I coaid sit down toni"ho and against tho House of Commons or any distinguished body iu the country make out a list of charges which shall havo sjaio
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Festival Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
might feel rather a grudge towards his Royal Highness tho Princr- of Wales , inasmuch as by his patrouage of the sister Institution ho had left the poor Boys this year in the cold . But however that might be , they could not forget , and did not wish to forget , the services which his Royal Highness in past years had rendered to the
Institution , nor all that he had done for Masonry generally during the time he had reigned over the Craft . They might be permitted to hope that ten years hence , wheu the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys celebrated its Centenary , his Royal Highness wonld perform for them the same offices as he had performed for the Girls' School ,
and with the same happy results . With tho toa 3 t was coupled the health of tho Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England . It having been honoured , Bro . Col . Edward C . Malet de Carteret , Provincial Grand Master Jersey rose : Might he ask attention for a very short time for the
toast he was about to propose . It was a personal one . They would agree with him that all were deeply indebted to the Chairman , the E . W . Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire , for attending on the occasion , and for the able manner in which he had presided . His other occupations wore multifarious and important , and , therefore ,
they should be all tho more grateful lor his appearance that evening . He was known as a good sportsmau , and a good man of business ; he had lately been appointed Chairman of a Committee of the House of Commons , which was a proof of confidence in his ability , and he trusted he might be successful in the duties of that Committee ,
and be as successful in excluding cowans and intruders from the House of Commons as they were in Freemasonry . He felt he had said enough to induce them to honour the toast , which was that of the Chairman of the day . Lord Ebrington , in proposing Prosperity to the Royal Masonic
Institution for Boys , said : I may say I was struck by the very different situation in which the Masonic Charities stand at the present moment to almost everything else of the kind in the country . The years of depression through which we have passed lately—which I hope are getting to the end—have told their tale in almost every
quarter . I believe that in the London hospitals alone upwards of 200 beds have been obliged to be closed for want of funds ; but while other Institutions have been affected in this way the Masonic Charities , I believe , have held their own and have made progress with all these disadvantages . I believe that the receipts of tho Masonic
Charities for the last five or ten years will compare very favourably with those of any other Charity in the kingdom . I think this says a great deal for the hold that Freemasonry has upon the people of England , and for the hold that Freemasons have on the tenets of their Order . Now , with regard to this particular Institution we all know
that a great part of its success and prosperity is due to the energies and exertions of the Secretary and Treasurer , and I think that they have the sympathy of all of us in the anonymous attacks which have lately been made on the management of the Institution . I cannot say that I have seen those attacks myself , although I have heard of
them , and if I had seeu them I should not have attached much importance to statements which the authors were afraid or ashamed to put their names to . But I havo seen within the last day or two another statement , signed by a responsible member of the Craft , which draws comparisons between the expenditure of the Bjys '
School and the expenditure in other schools of a similar character . Well , that statement , of the merits of which I know nothing , shows that the Boys' School is in almost every item a somewhat more expensive Institution than its fellovv 3 , aud I must say that it appears to me as an outsider that it would be for the interest
of the Institution that that statement should be explained and accounted for . I have little doubt that that can be done , though I feel bound to add the report which has been put in our hands is not of much assistance in that direction . I cannot pretend to any very great knowledge of figures , or to any very great experience of
schools , but I do know a little about agriculture , and I havo gone through farming accounts of my own , aud the farming accounts as submitted iu the report before us do not throw much light upon the system pursued at the Boys' School , nor on the profits of the farm thereof . I observe there is nothing on tho debit side for either
rent , rates or taxes ; that the hay appears to make itself , and the animals are looked after for the ridiculously small sum of a farthing per head per week , and it includes apparently milking and butter making . Aud apart from this there is another item in the accounts which perhaps is more easily explained than that of farming . I
observe that the expenses of the Festival last year amounted to a sum which would maintain five boys in the Institution , and to something like 2 £ - per cent , on the total amount realised by the Festival . It strikes mo it would bo a very good thing if the expense of collecting was reduced . I do not ssvit is possiblo but it would be a
very good thing indeed if we could havo two or more boys in the school , and keep them out of the expenses of the festival . I am glad , indeed , to hear , and I had it on good authority , that the managers of the Institution have determined to institute an independent inquiry into the charges which Live been preferred against them . I havo
little donbt that tho results of that inquiry will be satisfactory to all interested iu tho Institution . But in the House of Commons wo have got tired of ottiml assurances that all is right . I am nor , going to talk politics ; you need not be afraid ; but I do say that oiiicial assurances— -that all is right—are somewhat at a
discount in another part of this country—and other Institutions in this country—and , therefore , I rejoice to see the statement that there is to be an independent inquiry which will lead , I have little doubt , to the refutation of the injurious statements against tho reputation cf tho Institution , and tho resnlt of tho inquiry will
be to restore confidence iu it among all Freemasons in every part of Eugland . Now , I hope in making these remarks I shall not be thought to have exceeded my
duty as Chairman this evening . It would havo been easy enough and pleasanter to havo buttered everything freely all round , hut I do not think that indiscriminate praise is any assistance to au Institution . I have spoken with ; v sincere desire to benelit tho
The Festival Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
Masonic Institution for Boys , and although my comments on the report may havo boon sum > what critical , yet for the Institution itself , so far ns my experience of it goes , I havo nothing but praise . I wont down there the other day ou my own account and looked at it , if I may sny so , unofficially . A couple of boys , picked out at
random I know , wore told oil to do mo the honours of tho School , two very nice boys , well spoken , well dressed , and clean , taking an interest in their School , au interest which from what I could see of the promises and of tho system was thoroughly deserved . I deeply regret that the illness of Bro . Plnnckett prevents my coupling his name
with this toast as Treasurer of the Institution , but his place will bo ably filled by the Secretary of the Institution , aud in conclusion I give you Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the health of the Secretary , Bro . Binckes . Bro . Binckes replied . I think I may fairly state that this occasion may
be correctly described as one of innovation . It is the first occasion in my long experience that a Masonic Festival has been held in this hall , where tho ladies and brethren have sat down at the same table to enjoy themselves , as I trust they havo done this evening , and the ladies havo hud tho satisfaction of assisting in the cause of one of
our greatest Institutions instead of being relegated to tho cold comforts of the gallery . Thirteen years ago in the history of our Institution we made an alteration which I then thought would give satisfaction , and although our numbers this evening are unfortunately reduced I sincerely hopo and trust that what has been done topromoto your
comfort has not altoorether been done in vain . Another innovation is that in my long experience the Secretary has never been called upon until to-night to reply to the toast of Prosperity to the Institution , and I deplore that the duty has devolved upon mo , because it is occasioned by the illness , unfortunately , of one whom wo esteem ,
regard , and respect , and whose services for a long number of years have been cheerfully given in support of the Institution in which he occupies the position of Treasurer . I refer to Bro . George Pluoknetfc . Wo have listened to him with satisfaction for years , and I shall convey to him your sympathetic regret that he has been deprived of the
pleasure of discharging tho duty to-day , which he has hitherto done with pleasure to himself and satisfaction to yon . Another innovation by which these proceedings are characterised is that for the first time we have had allusions , very properly made , by onr distinguished Chairman , and one who brings a very keen
discernmont and a spirit of inquiry that will commend itself to every one associated with the management of the Institution . Let me assure yon that those to whom allusion has been made are deeply indebted to him for the reference he has made to a slanderons and malicious circular which has been extensively circulated ,
and which makes grave charges against the Institution . Take it from me , and I stand here in the presence of several members of the House Committee , we not only do not shirk inquiry , —but are about to take steps to invite an impartial , honest , and dispassionate investigation . Before I make allusion to certain remarks which
have fallen from our Chairman with reference to certain departments of our Institution , will you bear with ma if I say I am surrounded by friends who realise their obligations as Masons . What is their desire with reference to the Masonic Institutions ? Comparisons are made with other Institutions , but before I direct your attention to various
differences , let me ask you is it your desire as friends of the Masonic Institutions , or not , that they should bo conducted on a scale commensurate with paupeviam ? I have always understood that everything in the cold name of charity should be eliminated from our Institutions , aud that tho occupants should
have every comfort , the best of clothing and the be 3 t of food , and that with no niggard hand ; while in illness they should have the best possible advice , without calculating what might be saved per head and as a cousequenco of that saving lose by death or disablement a portion of those entrusted to our care . The Staffordshire
brother who has made a comparison bet . veen the cost at onr Institution aud at other Institutions particularly draws attention to the fact that the expenditure at the London Orphan Asylum was increased on account of a severe outbreak of illness , but he does not do ns the justice to say that in our School there has also been an
increase of expenditure on account of ill-health , as for three months in the antumu of last year we had an attack of scarlet-fever , which we met with no niggard hand . Although there were 51 cases , of tho most malignant character , we did not lose a boy . But to save those valuable lives we spent £ 100 . I can go further
and say with reference to expenditure that we are more liberal with our allowance of clothing and food , and another item forgotten is rates and taxes . As other Institutions are remote from London , their rateable value is nothing compared to onrs . Now como to tho Agricultural Account . There is no mystery
in it , it is all profit . The expenditure on the tarm is included iu wages , so that it is all net profit . AU charges are under tho head of wages , and the milk and butter is just so much profit and thcr 3 i .-i the simple explanation . With reference to our Festival , our chairman must bo under a misapprehension . Our
Festival does not cost ono shilling iu excess of tho Stewards fund , and out of the surplus of that fund during the period of my unr : m : coi & ful administration alono th . sre lias boon given s . inri £ 600 to tho Institution . What tho large expenditure moans is for a meeting similar to < yhat tho noble lord saw I ist Saturday , vvhon we think it is
our duty to extend an invitation to tho Stewards , and to the friends of tho b . ; ys to come down to see the distribution of prizes . As they come down wo cannot do less than administer a littlo of our well known hospitality . I mu ^ t say a word with reference to this anonymous circular . There is nothing so calculated to destroy
in individual ' s reputation or tho reputation of au organisation as ¦ or any one to sib down , and recklessly put statements into print ind then widely circulate thos-J statements , all tho while shrinking
from tho responsibility of supporting them , or h ivi : ig tin courage to aopend his signature to what he issues . I coaid sit down toni"ho and against tho House of Commons or any distinguished body iu the country make out a list of charges which shall havo sjaio