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Article THE ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ADJOURNED QUARTERLY COURT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 2 Article ADJOURNED QUARTERLY COURT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund.
would , of course , bo wrong if the resources of tho brethren were at present taxed to the uttermost ; but who will say thafc tho £ 40 , 000 , now raised annually for the Charities , great though it may appear in the eyes of some , is anything like the amount the Craft can and ought
to subscribe in support of those who , from causes of unforeseen calamity or distress , are obliged to make claims on their friends . It is too well known thafc this amount is subscribed by a small minority to •warrant any brother stating that no new supporters can bo
found . Time alone can prove whether the establishment of the Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund will affect tho Charities now existing . We feel sure that additional supporters will be secured for all alike in consequence of the advocacy of tho cause of charity by the projectors of
this Fund , and that it will prove a valuable adjunct , not only by reason of the aid it will give to the pupils , but also in making more widely known the actual requirement for donations from each and every Lodge . We are very pleased to see that the Warwickshire resolution contains a
promise to give further support to the two Schools , and we hope it will be acted up to , but the condition on which it is offered renders ifc impossible under existing circumstances . It must be known to the brethren of Warwickshire thafc the Committees of our two Schools are fettered
by the laws of their respective Institutions in the matter of the aid they can render to pupils when they complete their course of training . The desire of the Provincial Grand Master—Lord Lei gh—is to establish scholarships , and it must be patent to everyone that these cannot be
attempted in connection with the existing Institutions , unless great alterations are made in the rules . It would be asking too much to expect either of the existing Committees to take under their charge this branch of Masonic Charity , and as , therefore , it would be imperative to create
a new committee , we think there should be no two opinions on the advisability of making the work entirely distinct from that at present carried out . While fchere are numerous brethren who support the project , ifc cannot be denied that there are some who strenuously oppose it ,
and were the necessary alterations to be made to enable a parfc of the funds of the two Schools being diverted from their present channels , ifc might be found that these would withdraw their support from the main head , and thus a direct injury could be proved . We would
ask the brethren who passed , the resolution at Warwick to fully consider this matter , and if later on they see that they have asked somewhat too much from the Schools they will take an early opportunity of remedying the error . We tender to onr Warwickshire brethren our heartiest
thanks for the trouble they have taken in connection with the Fund we have so intimately associated ourselves with , and hope ere long to have the gratification of seeing their names enrolled on the list of supporters . We are sure
their views would receive full consideration at the hands of the Committee of the Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund , and that each may help the other by immediate and hearty co-operation .
Adjourned Quarterly Court Of The Girls' School.
ADJOURNED QUARTERLY COURT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
THE Quarterly Court of tho Governors and Subscribers of tbo Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , which had been adjourned on tho 10 th inst ., was held at the Freemasons' Hall , under tho presidency of Lienb .-Coh John Creaton Grand Treasurer . Tho chairman said he thought it would be unnecessary for him to tako up their time by again explaining tho grounds why it had been
proposed by the committee to purchase Lyncombo House and grounds . The principal reason , he might say was , that twenty-five additional children could be provided for . Since tho last meeting , counsels' opinion had been taken on the subject , and he called upon the Secretary to read tho opinion which had been given by Mr . H . Davey , Q . C , and Mr . Hollis . The Secretary read tho opinion , which is to the following effect : —
" 1 . We are of opinion thafc tho Trustees of the General Fund ( as representing this voluntary Institution ) can hold land in trust for tho Institution , but that all such land must be vested in their names for the general purposes thereof . ( Seo Law VII . ) " 2 . Assuming thafc all the formalities prescribed by tho Laws
with reference to an expenditure exceeding £ 500 are dul y complied with , wo are of opinion that it is not ultra vires to apply the snm of £ 6 , 500 out of the General Fund for tho ^ purchase of tho land and premises of Mr . Evill , for tho purpose of converting and applying the same to the use of the Institntion . •" 3 . We think that the Special Court of tho 3 rd January 1880 was duly coavened , under Laws XXXI ., and XXXIV ., and that tho
Adjourned Quarterly Court Of The Girls' School.
objects for which such a Court was held woro valid accordingly . Wo soo no reason for supposing that tho mooting was otherwise than legally held . Tho minutes of tho proceedings at such meeting can , in our opinion , be validly confirmed at tho adjourned General Court to bo held ou tho 21 th inst .
" Signed HORACE DAVEY , GKOUGE HOLLIS . Lincoln's Inn , 21 th January 1880 . " Col . Burdett moved that tho minutes of tho mooting of tho 3 rd of January be confirmed .
Bro . Edward Cox rose to order , no was not awaro that proceedings of a former part of a meeting could bo confirmed at au adjourned meeting . Tho Chairman explained thafc tho meeting was merely called to confirm tho minutes of tho Special Court of tho 3 rd inst . Tbo last
Quarterly Court was adjonrnod for that purpose , and that counsels opinion shonld bo obtained , and his co-Trustees consulted . Bro . E . Cox asked if ifc was possible to confirm the minutes of a meeting which was not yot conclnded ? Tho Chairman pointed out this was part of the Quarterly Court , at which tho minutes of the Special Court could bo confirmed or
otherwise . Col . Burdett said ho made the motion principally on tho ground that it was of great importance that tho land in question should bo acquired by tho Institution . Though £ 6 , 500 was a high prico , ho thought tho possession of the property would bo a fair equivalent to tho Institution . It had been rumoured that Lyncombo House
might bo taken for a . boys' school , ancl if so they would have to run up a high wall , and loso an entrance to tho main road . Tho wholo matter had boon most carefully considered , and ho thought thero would be no doubt that tho purchase would bo perfectly legal . Ifc appeared to him they would be placed in a very awkward predicament if they allowed this opportunity of acquiring so eligible a property
to slip through their fingers . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart seconded tho motion . Ho thought ifc was of the utmost importance to tho Institution to obtain tho land , and could see no reason againsfc ifc , except tho ground of expense . Ifc appeared to him that it would be the wiser ^ course to pay a little more than the land was really worth rather than run the risk of
having their property spoiled . If they converted Lyncombe House into a preparatory school for the education of twonty-fivo additional children , they would be increasing tho benefits of tho Institution . In his opinion thero could bo no object in the opposition to the purohase , except envy and malice . ( Oh , oh . ) Bro . James Mason asked if thero wero any vacancies in the School ?
The Chairman said thoro were none at present , unless they decided to admib more . He might say , that if tho minutes wero confirmed he proposed to give notice of a motion to increase the number received into the School , at the next Quarterly Court . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . E . Cox , though having tho interests of the School afc heart , felt compelled to oppose the motion , and moved as an amendment : —
" That it is not desirable , at the present time , to increase the grounds and premises of this Institntion . " He had no hostile feeling to any of the Committees of the Institntion , but he did nofc believe it was necessary to increase tho premises , and if they mado the proposed purchase they wonld increase them at an exorbitant price . He did not agree with Bro . Thompson , that they should rush into the
Chancery Division , because , if they did so , he thought they would find themselves in a position of serious difficulty . Ho thought that the Committee ought to have applied to the General Court for its sanction to purchase land , if ifc was necessary thafc moro land should be acquired , and thafc the Building Committee had been guilty of an irregularity , in recommending the purchase , as that was a question to
be decided by tho subscribers . Ho had previously told thorn thafc the house was of much less value than the Committee imagined . Mr . Evill had himself stated that its actual value was tho gross annual rental of £ 100 . Tho Chairman interrupting said—Mr . Evill writo to Mr . Harrup to the effect that the value was £ 130 .
Bro . E . Cox then read tho following letter which he had received from Mr . Harrup on tho 27 th December last : — "Dear Sir and Brother , —! must ask yon to forgive my apparent negligence and discourtesy in not replying to your letter asking for information respecting Lyncombe House . That property belongs to ono who is a very valued friend of mine , and as I gathered from tho tono of your
letter that you wero inclined to endeavour to upsofc an arrangement I know hacl been entered into for the purchase of his property , I felt that in common fairness I ought to know how far his interests might ; bo affected . Having seen him , and knowing now tho exact state of the case , and having also his permission , I freely give you the information you wish . Lyncombo House is rated Gross 120 , Rateable £ 100 .
This is of course only tho residential value . If the house and grounds were laid for building , as I havo good reason to believe thoy aro , thoy would realise a great deal more , and . if tho prico that has been offered is correct , I should think that tho Court have been able to get the property at a cheaper rate than they acquired other land in the rear . Although only a subscriber to tho Schools of a small amount , I , like
you , tako a groat interest in their welfare , and should be sorry to see the Funds at all wasted ; bufc if all is to bo dono that I hear , I think thafc the Executivo has acted wisely . I can only further add that tho assessment is of five years standing , and would iu all probability have been increased at the next revision . " Now , assuming on a fair increase that the annual value of tho property for the next five years
would be £ 140 , what would be tho annual value of property rented at £ 140 a-year ? It had been stated thafc Mr . Evill had recently spent £ 720 in structural decorations of tho house , and this did nofc look as though ho intended pulling down or altering it . Any new buildings must bo erected at tho back , and they could not be of a greater value than £ 40 ' per annum . It had been suggested thafc tho house might bo turned into a public-house , or into a boys' school ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund.
would , of course , bo wrong if the resources of tho brethren were at present taxed to the uttermost ; but who will say thafc tho £ 40 , 000 , now raised annually for the Charities , great though it may appear in the eyes of some , is anything like the amount the Craft can and ought
to subscribe in support of those who , from causes of unforeseen calamity or distress , are obliged to make claims on their friends . It is too well known thafc this amount is subscribed by a small minority to •warrant any brother stating that no new supporters can bo
found . Time alone can prove whether the establishment of the Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund will affect tho Charities now existing . We feel sure that additional supporters will be secured for all alike in consequence of the advocacy of tho cause of charity by the projectors of
this Fund , and that it will prove a valuable adjunct , not only by reason of the aid it will give to the pupils , but also in making more widely known the actual requirement for donations from each and every Lodge . We are very pleased to see that the Warwickshire resolution contains a
promise to give further support to the two Schools , and we hope it will be acted up to , but the condition on which it is offered renders ifc impossible under existing circumstances . It must be known to the brethren of Warwickshire thafc the Committees of our two Schools are fettered
by the laws of their respective Institutions in the matter of the aid they can render to pupils when they complete their course of training . The desire of the Provincial Grand Master—Lord Lei gh—is to establish scholarships , and it must be patent to everyone that these cannot be
attempted in connection with the existing Institutions , unless great alterations are made in the rules . It would be asking too much to expect either of the existing Committees to take under their charge this branch of Masonic Charity , and as , therefore , it would be imperative to create
a new committee , we think there should be no two opinions on the advisability of making the work entirely distinct from that at present carried out . While fchere are numerous brethren who support the project , ifc cannot be denied that there are some who strenuously oppose it ,
and were the necessary alterations to be made to enable a parfc of the funds of the two Schools being diverted from their present channels , ifc might be found that these would withdraw their support from the main head , and thus a direct injury could be proved . We would
ask the brethren who passed , the resolution at Warwick to fully consider this matter , and if later on they see that they have asked somewhat too much from the Schools they will take an early opportunity of remedying the error . We tender to onr Warwickshire brethren our heartiest
thanks for the trouble they have taken in connection with the Fund we have so intimately associated ourselves with , and hope ere long to have the gratification of seeing their names enrolled on the list of supporters . We are sure
their views would receive full consideration at the hands of the Committee of the Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund , and that each may help the other by immediate and hearty co-operation .
Adjourned Quarterly Court Of The Girls' School.
ADJOURNED QUARTERLY COURT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
THE Quarterly Court of tho Governors and Subscribers of tbo Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , which had been adjourned on tho 10 th inst ., was held at the Freemasons' Hall , under tho presidency of Lienb .-Coh John Creaton Grand Treasurer . Tho chairman said he thought it would be unnecessary for him to tako up their time by again explaining tho grounds why it had been
proposed by the committee to purchase Lyncombo House and grounds . The principal reason , he might say was , that twenty-five additional children could be provided for . Since tho last meeting , counsels' opinion had been taken on the subject , and he called upon the Secretary to read tho opinion which had been given by Mr . H . Davey , Q . C , and Mr . Hollis . The Secretary read tho opinion , which is to the following effect : —
" 1 . We are of opinion thafc tho Trustees of the General Fund ( as representing this voluntary Institution ) can hold land in trust for tho Institution , but that all such land must be vested in their names for the general purposes thereof . ( Seo Law VII . ) " 2 . Assuming thafc all the formalities prescribed by tho Laws
with reference to an expenditure exceeding £ 500 are dul y complied with , wo are of opinion that it is not ultra vires to apply the snm of £ 6 , 500 out of the General Fund for tho ^ purchase of tho land and premises of Mr . Evill , for tho purpose of converting and applying the same to the use of the Institntion . •" 3 . We think that the Special Court of tho 3 rd January 1880 was duly coavened , under Laws XXXI ., and XXXIV ., and that tho
Adjourned Quarterly Court Of The Girls' School.
objects for which such a Court was held woro valid accordingly . Wo soo no reason for supposing that tho mooting was otherwise than legally held . Tho minutes of tho proceedings at such meeting can , in our opinion , be validly confirmed at tho adjourned General Court to bo held ou tho 21 th inst .
" Signed HORACE DAVEY , GKOUGE HOLLIS . Lincoln's Inn , 21 th January 1880 . " Col . Burdett moved that tho minutes of tho mooting of tho 3 rd of January be confirmed .
Bro . Edward Cox rose to order , no was not awaro that proceedings of a former part of a meeting could bo confirmed at au adjourned meeting . Tho Chairman explained thafc tho meeting was merely called to confirm tho minutes of tho Special Court of tho 3 rd inst . Tbo last
Quarterly Court was adjonrnod for that purpose , and that counsels opinion shonld bo obtained , and his co-Trustees consulted . Bro . E . Cox asked if ifc was possible to confirm the minutes of a meeting which was not yot conclnded ? Tho Chairman pointed out this was part of the Quarterly Court , at which tho minutes of the Special Court could bo confirmed or
otherwise . Col . Burdett said ho made the motion principally on tho ground that it was of great importance that tho land in question should bo acquired by tho Institution . Though £ 6 , 500 was a high prico , ho thought tho possession of the property would bo a fair equivalent to tho Institution . It had been rumoured that Lyncombo House
might bo taken for a . boys' school , ancl if so they would have to run up a high wall , and loso an entrance to tho main road . Tho wholo matter had boon most carefully considered , and ho thought thero would be no doubt that tho purchase would bo perfectly legal . Ifc appeared to him they would be placed in a very awkward predicament if they allowed this opportunity of acquiring so eligible a property
to slip through their fingers . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart seconded tho motion . Ho thought ifc was of the utmost importance to tho Institution to obtain tho land , and could see no reason againsfc ifc , except tho ground of expense . Ifc appeared to him that it would be the wiser ^ course to pay a little more than the land was really worth rather than run the risk of
having their property spoiled . If they converted Lyncombe House into a preparatory school for the education of twonty-fivo additional children , they would be increasing tho benefits of tho Institution . In his opinion thero could bo no object in the opposition to the purohase , except envy and malice . ( Oh , oh . ) Bro . James Mason asked if thero wero any vacancies in the School ?
The Chairman said thoro were none at present , unless they decided to admib more . He might say , that if tho minutes wero confirmed he proposed to give notice of a motion to increase the number received into the School , at the next Quarterly Court . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . E . Cox , though having tho interests of the School afc heart , felt compelled to oppose the motion , and moved as an amendment : —
" That it is not desirable , at the present time , to increase the grounds and premises of this Institntion . " He had no hostile feeling to any of the Committees of the Institntion , but he did nofc believe it was necessary to increase tho premises , and if they mado the proposed purchase they wonld increase them at an exorbitant price . He did not agree with Bro . Thompson , that they should rush into the
Chancery Division , because , if they did so , he thought they would find themselves in a position of serious difficulty . Ho thought that the Committee ought to have applied to the General Court for its sanction to purchase land , if ifc was necessary thafc moro land should be acquired , and thafc the Building Committee had been guilty of an irregularity , in recommending the purchase , as that was a question to
be decided by tho subscribers . Ho had previously told thorn thafc the house was of much less value than the Committee imagined . Mr . Evill had himself stated that its actual value was tho gross annual rental of £ 100 . Tho Chairman interrupting said—Mr . Evill writo to Mr . Harrup to the effect that the value was £ 130 .
Bro . E . Cox then read tho following letter which he had received from Mr . Harrup on tho 27 th December last : — "Dear Sir and Brother , —! must ask yon to forgive my apparent negligence and discourtesy in not replying to your letter asking for information respecting Lyncombe House . That property belongs to ono who is a very valued friend of mine , and as I gathered from tho tono of your
letter that you wero inclined to endeavour to upsofc an arrangement I know hacl been entered into for the purchase of his property , I felt that in common fairness I ought to know how far his interests might ; bo affected . Having seen him , and knowing now tho exact state of the case , and having also his permission , I freely give you the information you wish . Lyncombo House is rated Gross 120 , Rateable £ 100 .
This is of course only tho residential value . If the house and grounds were laid for building , as I havo good reason to believe thoy aro , thoy would realise a great deal more , and . if tho prico that has been offered is correct , I should think that tho Court have been able to get the property at a cheaper rate than they acquired other land in the rear . Although only a subscriber to tho Schools of a small amount , I , like
you , tako a groat interest in their welfare , and should be sorry to see the Funds at all wasted ; bufc if all is to bo dono that I hear , I think thafc the Executivo has acted wisely . I can only further add that tho assessment is of five years standing , and would iu all probability have been increased at the next revision . " Now , assuming on a fair increase that the annual value of tho property for the next five years
would be £ 140 , what would be tho annual value of property rented at £ 140 a-year ? It had been stated thafc Mr . Evill had recently spent £ 720 in structural decorations of tho house , and this did nofc look as though ho intended pulling down or altering it . Any new buildings must bo erected at tho back , and they could not be of a greater value than £ 40 ' per annum . It had been suggested thafc tho house might bo turned into a public-house , or into a boys' school ,