New Year's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

NEW YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The annual entertainment given at thc opening of the New Year to the annuitants of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution residing in the Institution ' s Building at Crovdon , took place on the 2 nd inst ., when a large party of

brethren and ladies attended to assist in providing amusement for their old friends . The South Eastern Railway Company attached two saloon carriages to the 12 . 57 P- - train from Charing Cross , by which the party were conveyed to Croydon , where they wcre received and heartily greeted on their arrival at the Institution by Bros . Terry , Mason , Recknell , and some other brethren

who had been busy all the morning supervising the general arrangements . The building as usual looked bright and cheerful , and the residents healthy and happy . The visitors who arc already well known to all the old people renewed their acquaintance , and exchanged those friendly greetings which have now for 10 years passed between them . The customary presents which are always

given were first distributed by Bro . Terry , viz ., half-pound of tea and a bottle of whiskey to each male and female , with the addition in the case of the men of half-pound of tobacco . Besides these gifts , which are purchased from the subscriptions of the brethren and ladies who had been in thc habit of providing the fund to defray the expenses of the entertainment , Bro . and Mrs . Edgar Bowyer had

further presents for thc old ladies and brethren , which they delivered before the dinner was partaken of . The dining hall and approaches were tastefully decorated and there was an air of the greatest comfort and hospitality in all the surroundings . The visitors who attended were Mr . Daniel , Mrs . Daniel , Mrs . Gibson , Miss Gorton , Miss Jessie Terrv . Bro . 1 . Hastinirs Miller , Miss Miller , XV . Chicken ,

Miss Chicken , Bro . C . A . Pritchard , Bro . VV . H . Wallington , Mrs . Wallington , thc Misses Wallington , Bro . Chas . VV . Smith , Mrs . VV . Smith , Miss Smith , Bro . Robt . H . Halford , Mrs . Halford , Bro . C . F . Matier , Mrs . Matier , Miss Matier , Mrs . Culmcr , Miss Constable , Bro . Thos . Cubitt , Bro . E . Davies , Mr . Ernest R . Davies , Mr . Chas . McLock , Bro . J . Newton , Mrs . Newton , Bro . G . P . Festa ,

Madame Festa , Hro . R . P . Forge , Mrs . l * orge , Bro . E . B . Tate , Uro . H . Massey , Mrs . Massey , Miss A . R . Massey , Mrs . Terry , thc Misses Terry , Bro . H . M . Mason , Mrs . Pritchard , Ilro . Charles Webber , Mrs . Webber , Bro . Dr . Strong ( Hon . Surgeon to thc Institution ) , Bro . Edgar Howvcr , Mrs . Bowyer , Mr . and Miss Bowyer , Bro . Charles Daniel , Mrs . C . VV . Smyth , Mrs .

M . E . II . Mayhew , Bro . ' 1 hos . Slater , Bro . James E . Terry , and Mr . Puplctt . During the evening thc following telegram was received from Manchester where an entertainment similiar to that at Croydon was being given to the East Lancashire annuitants by thc brethren of thc province : " From Nicholl , Stubbs , and Hooper , Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , to

lames Terry , Freemasons' Institution , Croydon . East Lancashire annuitants and friends now here , very earnest in enjoyment , and very sincere in reciprocating congratulations with the residents and friends in Croydon . " The proceedings of the day commenced with a sumptuous dinner , which was presided over by Dr . and Alderman Slronu . Honorary Surgeon of the Institution , who for the

last 23 years has been untiring in his efforts on behalf of thc health and happiness of the old people of the Institution , in which he has been ably supported by Mrs . Strong and daughters . Bros . Terry and . nomas Cubitt took thc vice-chairs , and the other brethren devoted their time to attending to the requirements of those for whom the feast was prepared , and seeing that there was nothing omitted

which could conduce to their enjoyment . 10 follow thc dinner through all its details is unnecessary ; sufficient bc it to say that it was thoroughly enjoyed , and gave entire satisfaction to all who partook of it . One face , however , was missing at the tabic , that of Bro . James Norris , the Warden of the Institution , now in his ninety-fifth year , and claimed by the Institution to be thc oldest Mason in the

kingdom . Bro . Norris was also absent from thc table last year , his health being , as now , infirm ; but he was , nevertheless , in his apartments , and later in the day held a sort of levee in the tea-room , and witnessed the dramatic entertainment given in the evening . Thc dinner had been admirably prepared under thc superintendence of his daughter , Miss Norris , the matron , and was acknowledged

b y both visitors and annu . tants to reflect great credit on her skill and management . Thc toasts which follow these New Year entertainments arc always few , and on thc present occasion thc usual rule was not departed from . Dr . STRONU gave first thc toast of "Thc Queen , " and secondly " The Founders of the Feast , " remarking , in iriving the latter , that the entcttainment was now thc tenth

of its kind , and was due to many kind friends who now rallied round thc Institution . To them he wished the heartiest thanks to bc rendered for their kindness in not forgetting the old people , and in enabling them to have these enjoyable gatherings . Bro . EDGAR BOWYER , G . Std . Br ., who was called upon to reply , said that thc other founders of the feast agreed with him in thinking that whatever they could do to lighten

thc care of , or afford one ray of pleasure to , their less fortunate brethren or sisters , it was their bounden duty to do , and they felt it a great privilege to do it . They all thought it their duty to follow thc precept " Bear yc one another ' s burdens , and so fulfil thc law of Christ . Bro . T . HASTINGS MILLER proposed "The Health of the Chairman , " whose services on behalf of thc Institution all

thc subscribers appreciated , as well as thc residents , land who they hoped would bc long spared to preside over these annual gatherings . Dr . STRONG , in reply , said he had been connected with the Institution 23 years—ever since he first came to Croydon , He had received many proofs of the brethren ' s thanks and of the Committee ' s kindness and sincerity of attachment . It was by the kindness of the Committee that he had presided for ten years at these New Year dinners ;

but , while he should bc pleased to preside for the ncxt ten years , he could hardly expect to be present at a recurrence of these decennial periods . Dr . STRONG next proposed "The"' Warden , Bro . James Norris , " to hear which toast Miss Norris was introduced and took a seat on the immediate right of Dr . Strong . The Doctor said he was very sorry Bro . Norris could not be present , but it was not surprising when they considered that his health last year was such that it was a

New Year's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

question whether the dinner would bc held at all . They all felt most grateful that he had been spared to them for another year . The Institution might get as good a Warden , but never a better . His efforts had been wielded on behalf of the residents , and they had been ably seconded by his daughter thc matron . There were many proofs of their kindness and affection , and the way Miss Norris endeared herself to the hearts of the residents was patent to no one more than Bro . Terry and himself , who had many

opportunities of seeing and judging . Miss Norris took a deep interest in her work . He himself could testify to the ability and amiability and pleasure which she brought to bear upon all her work . When they considered the way in which they had dined that day , and that that dinner had been prepared under her superintendence amidst the performance of all her other duties , they must congratulate themselves that they had so able a person to assist thc Committee and the Secretary in thc management of the affairs of the Institution .

Bro . ROBT . H . HALFORD responded on behalf of Miss Norris . Thc company then separated , and the brethren who had attended to the old people at thc dinner table dined together . Dr . STRONG proposed "The Health of Bro . Terry , " always active , energetic , earnest in the business of the Institution . Only the day before there appeared in thc

papers a paragraph of the result of Masonic benevolence in 1 SS 3 , from which it appeared that the Boys' School occupied the first place on thc list , the Benevolent Institution second , and the Girls' School third ; the Boys' School receiving more than £ 24 , 000 in the year was due to exceptional circumstances . Great exertions and great energy had been used to put the Boys' School in the position which thc Benevolent Institution had occupied on

many occasions , the first on the list . I'or thc old people they could not have a preparatory school , but no one could deny that Bro . Terry could not be surpassed in his ability to look after thc aged . His thoughts night and day were what could he do for thc Institution . _ The last thing at night before he went to sleep he was thinking of something for the Institution for the first thing in the morning , what should he do to get a Steward to increase the funds .

What he had done already he ( Dr . Strong ) could testify to . The building . was not half its present size when Bro . Terry first became connected with it ; the paper was dropping from thc walls ; it was a dingy looking place . If anyone wanted to know what Bro . Terry had done he would point to the present building and say " Si monumentum qu .-cris , ciicumspice . " He had exerted himself to produce greater happiness and union among the residents , and he had

succeeded , aided by the House Committee . No one had seen greater changes in this respect than he ( Dr . Strong ) had . The design of Freemasons was thc being happy and communicating happiness , and no one had fulfilled this design more than Bro . Terry . The brethren and widows were always pleased to sec him coming amongst them . In another institution with which he ( Dr . Strong ) was connected , where thc Governor occupied the

same position as thc House Committee of this Institution , there was nothing like the same amount of comfort , good feeling , and bonhomie . Only that morning he had a specimen of how thc inmates of that institution looked with envy at thc annuitants of the Masonic Benevolent Institution . An inmate of the other institution was under the belief that tea and tobacco and whiskey were given to thc residents at Croydon every week , and was only sorry

he had not been a I'recmason . Bro . Terry having produced the great happiness and comfort of the residents at the Benevolent Institution at Croydon , was worthy of all thc praise that could bc bestowed upon him , and of all the success at thc ensuing festival which hard work and energy could bring . Bro . Terry , in responding , said it was a very proud position which his Institution occupied as given in thc morninc *

papers of thc day before ; it was a proud position for this reason—that , notwithstanding the great exertions on behalf of thc Boys' School last ( year , thc Benevolent Institution attained the highest figure ever attained by it in one year . Although it was £ 6000 below thc Boys' , it was , like Mahomet's cofiin , midway between the Boys' and the Girls ' , for it was about £ 6000 above the latter . The Boys' School had totalled £ 1400 or £ 1500 more than was announced at its

festival , the Ucncvolcnt Institution had totalled nearly £ 1780 more than was announced ; but the Girls' had only just reached it . This , he thought , was an answer to those who asked " Where arc thc Secretaries of the three Institutions ? " One of thc most active , Bro . Binckes , had got £ 24 , 600 for his Institution ; he ( Bro . Terry ) had £ 18 , 500 ; and thc Secretary of the Girls' School had £ 12 , 600 . He thought those figures were quite an answer to the question

" Is it or is it not worth while for the Secretaries to go abroad to know personally their friends . '" If all thc Secretaries had stopped in their olliccs £ 56 , 000 would not have been the total for 1 S 83 . When heor Bro . Binckes went intoa town it was known that they were there in thc cause of charity . With respect to the change at this Institution it struck him ten years ago that the old folks should be brought more together and made of one family . Bv thc kindness of the

House Committee thc inmates of the Institution met every week in that room thc Committee were now assembled in , and had concerts or played a game of cards . VVhen he first knew the Institution it was a fact that when it was known thc Committee wcre coming down all thc residents shut their doors ; but now the doors could not bc opened wide enough to admit them . He must thank the friends who contributed to the entertainment . Two of the turkeys

had been given by Bro . Bowyer . The ham was the gift of Bro . Hastings Miller ; the ladies had j ' oined in giving something ; and there was scarcely a brother in the room who had not used his influence in his lodge in obtaining a contribution to the feast . Dr . Strong had given thc Euddings . VVhen he was so ably supported he must e indeed ungrateful if he did not do his best to make thc Institution flourish . After a further reference to thc Girls' School , Bro . Terrv said thc Grand Treasurer .

Bro . J . D . Allcroft , would take the chairat the ncxt festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution on the 26 th February , and hoped the brethren would be successful . For the next election there were 130 candidates and 17 vacancies . Instead of realising £ 13 , 000 , he was quite prepared for a drop of £ 3000 , even if he reached live figures , and this through thc advantages held out by thc Boys' School . The Benevolent Institution was paying £ 12 , 800 in annuities , which was no inconsiderable an amount , and he hoped the brethren would rally round him to enable him to do it . . Other toasts were afterwards given .

New Year's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

In the evening an entertainment was given by thc Pickwick Histrionic Club , assisted by Bro . G . S . Graham , as follows : Pianofore Selection , by Bro . G . S . Graham ; a domestic drama , in two acts , by H . T . Craven , Esq ., entitled "The Chimney Corner ; " followed by a selection of ballads and songs by Bro . Graham ; and concluding

with a comedietta , entitled " A Cup of Tea . " Several votes of thanks were afterwards passed , and after the visitors had shaken hands with all the residents as they left for their apartments , the ladies and brethren returned to town by train , having spent a most delightful evening .

Entertainment To The "Old Folks" Of East Lancashire.

ENTERTAINMENT TO THE "OLD FOLKS" OF EAST LANCASHIRE .

On VVednesday , the 2 nd inst ., the annual pleasant spectacle in connection with thc East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution was enjoyed by a select few well-known brethren , who , with their wives and daughters , assembled on thc occasion in fh ,.

Freemasons' Hall , Manchester . The dinner was announced for 5 . 30 , and before that time some old members of thc Craft and widows arrived , and seated themselves at the table , at the right and left of Bro . Wm . Nicholl , who presided , and who was supported by Bro . T . J . Hooper , P . P . G . T ., as vice-chairman . Amongst those who also sat down

to dinner with the old folks were Bros . G . P . Brockbank P . P . G . J . D ., G . Stwd . Scotland ; Bro . Wm . Stubbs and Mrs . Jaffrey ; Bro . John Bladon , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . D . of C . ; Bro . T . II . and Mrs . Glendinning ; Bro . Frank A . and Miss Huet ; Bros . J . Howarth Clarke , P . M . 317 ; A . H . Teffcrics , S . VV . 1161 ; J . XV . P . Salmon , P . M . 163 , P . P . G . D . of C . j D . A . Murray , 204 ; Forrest , Rumsey , Ballard , and R . R . Lisenden .

A capital dinner , prepared b y Mrs . Phillips , and well served by her husband , Bro . Phillips , assisted by his staff of waiters , was much enjoyed by all present . During dinner a telegram was received from Bro . Terry , the highly esteemed Secretary to thc Royal Masonic Institution for Aged and Decayed Freemasons at Croydon , stating that a number of the inmates and annuitants of that Institution

were at that moment being entertained within its walls , and that they desired through Bro . Terry to express to the annuitants of the East Lancashire Institution hearty good wishes for their enjoyment that evening , and for a happy new year . After readinir the telegram aloud , Bro . Wm . Nicholl despatched a reply , thanking Bro . Terry and the annuitants at Croydon lor their kind wishes , which were

thoioughly reciprocated by all ptcsent . After dinner thc toasts of " 1 he Queen " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " wcre proposed and responded to , and Bro . John Bladon gave a song , and Bros . Forrest , Ballard , Rumsey , and Murray did their utmost to amuse the old people with some admirabl y rendered recitations , Bro . R . R . Lisenden performing his celebrated imitations on the English concertina , also adding a song , whilst Miss Huet

performed a pianoforte solo with great taste . Liter in thc evening Bros . Forrest , Ballard , Rumsey , and Murray ( who arc members of thc Athcnit-um Dramatic Society ) performed very cleverly a farce entitled " The Artful Dodge . " The various efforts made to amuse thc gcod old folks seemed to bc highly appreciated by them . Altogether the entertainment was a success , and shortly after nine o ' clock the annuitants took their dnparturc from the building , to live , we hope , through a happy new year .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of this Institution met on the 5 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Grand Standard Bearer , in the chair . The other brethren who attended wetc Uro . F . Adlard , C . F . Matier , J . L . Mather , C . Belton , H . B . Marshall , C . C , Alfred Williams , R . Tyricli , A . E . Gladwell , J . Moon , E . P . Gillard , Don . M . Dewar , C . H . Webb , C . S . Lane , Rev . R . MorrisD . D .

, , Head Master ; VV . II . Saunders , H . Venn , F . Binckes , Sec ; and 11 . Massey , ( Freemason ) . After thc reading and confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting , and the reading of the minutes of the House Committee of the 21 st ult . for information , Bro . Binckes repotted thc purchase of £ 1 , 000 four per cent . India Stock , on 2 Sth ult ., for £ 1033 15 s . It was therefore

resolved to purchase £ 1 , 500 stock , making a total of £ 13 , 500 invested on account of the Preparatory School Special Building Fund . It was also resolved to purchase i , 5- ° , stock for the General Fund . Five pctitii ns were examined and the same number of boys placed on the list nf candidates for the election ncxt A pril . Grants of £ 5 each were made for outfits to two former pupils of the

Institution . ' 1 he number of candidates for next election were declared to bc 54 , and the vacancies 23 . The following notices of motion for thc Quarterly Court next Monday wcre then received -. By Bro . C . II . WEBB , L . G ., & c . : ist . " That the resolution of the Quarterly Court in April last be rescinded , so far as it relates to the

candidate , F . A . Herring . " 2 nd . " That F . A . Herring bc ineligible for the benefits of this Institution ( except by purchase ) , and that his election in October last be declared void . " 3 rd . Subject to the above being carried , "That thc highest unsuccessful candidates at the election in October last be declared dnlv rlrrtrd . "

4 th . " That the General Committee have power to place to the credit of every accepted fatherless candidate , at each election , any number of votes not exceeding thc number the father was entitled to at thc time of his death , multi p lied by the number of years he had been so qualified . " By Bro . C . F . MATIER , V . P .: "To add to the Law adopted at thc Ouarterlv Court

in October last , approving thc new qualification of ' Patron , ^ ' a Lady—or a Lewis being a Minorcontributing one hundred guineas , in one or more payments of not less five guineas each , shall be a Patron with eighty votes at all elections of Boys . " "A lodge , chapter , or society shall enjoy the like privileges on completion of the payment , under similar rnndilinns . nf fnnr \ , „ r , AmA rr . d-. mmm 111 — t iiuiuivu luiliuns

.. „ ...., „ . wu . . ^ . By Bro . R . VV . STEWART : b "That thc word ' Friday ' be substituted in the 2 nd line of Law 36 for the word ' Saturday . ' " A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .