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  • Nov. 13, 1875
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    Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 2 of 2
    Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1
    Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1
Page 12

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

in which it would be found that there was a voucher from every boy for every farthing of the total sum of £ 314 5 s . This was laid upon the table amidst the enthusiastic cheering of the entire meeting . ) He most urgently asked and wished the committee to examine these documents , and then see if he had not completely clcareel himself from the atrocious charges which hail been brought

against him ( renewed cheering ) . He had worked hard for the institution for fourteen years , and had during that time enjoyed the confidence of every committee of management , and never had there been the slightest charge brought against him as to his conduct , anil he repudiated with scorn the charge made in a public print that he had embezzled a sum of £ 141 15 s ., which ought to have been

received by the poor boys of their institution ( loud cheering ) . Bro . Jesse Turner said he could not help thinking that the soorter anything in the form of a charge was grappled with the better it would be for all parties . He might be told that every one was not acquainted with , he would not say the facts , but the statements in the pamphlet which had been placed before the world by two brethren , and it was

their duty to set the matters contained in this pamphlet at rest . According to the statements of it the I louse and Audit Committees were but mere puppets , and were moved to do anything by the Secretary . Now , as a member of the Audit Committee , he would not say such a charge was utterly and entirely false , but he would say such an assertion was a complete mistake ( a laugh ) . There was something

more to which Bro . Binckes had alluded in the remarks he had made , and in which , to some extent , his ( Bro . Turner ' s ) honour was impugned , and that was that he had connived at Bro . Binckes appropriating to himself a sum of money to which he was not entitled . Now that was another mistake . Then the matron of the institution was attacked , and an attempt was made to injure her fair fame , at the

time it being well known that she was not in a position to issue a counter pamphlet . If there was any charge to be made , why was it not brought forward , so that it might have been investigated , and if any improper performances had been gone through that it was not creditable to the institution should take place , why was not the charge brought forward , so that it might have

been inquired into and thoroughly investigated r As an individual he repelled it all as a foul slander , but he would ask them to appoint a committee , so as to give their accusers an opportunity of proving their charges if they could , but at the same time he did not believe that they could do so , and it would be found , after all , that it was but a " mockery , a delusion , anil a snare . " He moved .

" That a special committee be appointed to investigate the management and accounts of this institution , and report thereon to this committee . " Bro . Dosell seconded the motion . lie said that from his experience he knew there was a double check upon all the accounts , and during the last five or six years he had been on the committee he never found an error that was not

easily corrected , but as regarded the charge of their Secretary having embezzled £ 142 , that must be a matter for special investigation . The committee were to a certain extent bound up with Bro . Binckes , and they must set their character right before the public . Bro . Col . Ridgway said it appeared that two members of the committee were about to pass censure upon themselves ,

as charges of this sort had never been brought before the committee , but were merely charges floating in the air , and that reminded him of a saying , " Give a lie to the air , and in twelve months you will not catch it again . " I le felt they ought not to take up so much time with so atrocious a slander as that which had been promulgated by this pamphlet , and he would move as an amendment , " That

this General Committee have unqualified confidence in the business ability and honour of the Audit Committee , and in the unquestionable integrity of their Secretary . " It seemed to him that it was not so much a question about the £ 142 , as to endeavour to inculpate their Secretary , and hy throwing as much mud as possible in the hope that some of it might stick . ( Hear , hear . ) He could remember some

sixteen years ago , when this school was in a very different position to what it is at the present moment . At their annual festivals then £ 1500 or £ i 0 oo was looked upon as a very respectable sum , as they were then compelled to remain at a very respectful distance from , the pet charity of the Craft , which was the Girls' School ( hear , hear ); but when their present Secretary came all was changed , for

now they considercel £ 1500 as a mere Iri / le , and lookcel forward to something like £ 15 , 000 or £ 16 , 000 . Since Bro . Binckes had been their Secretary they had doubled and quadrupled their income , and in fact he had been the making of their institution for the benefit of those poor children who were there groupcel together . What the life subscribers had

done might be counted by tens anel hundreds , but what their Secretary had done could only be counted by thousands and tens of thousands , and it was to his zeal , ability , integrity , and honour that they were enabled to boast of the proud and useful position in which their institution stood at the present time . ( Cheers . ) He concluded by moving

his amendment . Bro . Rosenthal scconeled . Bro . C . Horsiey said he agreed in every syllable spoken by Bro . Ridgway , but he considered the conclusion to which he had come was contrary to the eloeiuence of his speech . It seemed to him that the Audit Committee might stand on the consciousness of their own rectitude , and that this committee were of the same opinion ; but were he one of

the Auditors he would press to the death the passing of the original resolution . For himself he might say that they were fully worthy of their confidence , but there was a vast body of Masons outside that- room , not only throughout the kingdom , but in India , Australia , and other parts of the world , where the virus of this poison had been disseminateel , and even that very week he had heard that not only the charges contained in the pamphlet would be proceeded with , but that graver charges of a criminal nature would

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

be prosecuted . He asked the Board if such statements were going broadcast over communities , and they had others watching with vigilance to take offence if there was the . least semblance of a ground for doing so , whether such charges ought not to be investigated . The vote of confidence which the Board was desirous to give ought to be such as Auditors would be glad to receive . If he was

an Auditor he would not receive such a vote of confidence as that Board could give , as it might be said that they were his friends , that they were only a unit , while in the world there were millions , and therefore he said that these charges should undergo a thorough investigation , so that they might get ritl of the vile calumnies which were thrown first at the head of their Secretary , and next at the governing

body at large ; and therefore he supported the original resolution . Bro . Head , as a member oftheAuditCommittee , claimed an investigation , for such charges ought not to be made against them without it being proved which was right . Bro . W . Winn said if the motion proposed by Bro . Ridgway was passed by 30 brethren then assembled , outside

there were millions , and such a resolution would not be satisfactory to West Y ' orkshire . He thought , however , that when the committee was appointed a professional accountant should also be appointed to assist them in the investigation of the accounts . For the honour of the Audit Committee and Bro . Binckes , he hoped there would be the fullest inquiry . He spoke feelingly when he said the

brethren of West lorkslnre were not satisfied with the accounts , but he hoped on investigation that every figure woulel be found correct . Bro . Binckes said that all the accounts were certified by the committee in gross , and were doubly checked ; but he published in detail particulars more fully than there was a necessity for , and it was simply in carrying out the details that these discrepancies had occurred . He woulel

ask any one who was conversant with accounts if clerical errors were not almost inseparable from published accounts . He courted the fullest investigation as to every shilling that had passed through his hands . As to the remark of Bro . Winn , with reference to the Province of West Yorkshire , he questioned if there were six brethren of that province who supported the views of the Deputy Prov . G . Master .

Bro . Ridgway withdrew his amendment , as he wished to sec an unanimous vote upon the question , but at the same time he had the utmost confidence in the honour of the committee that the accounts were correct , and his faith in the integrity of their Secretary was unshaken . The original motion of Bro . Jesse Turner was then put , and unanimously agreed to .

Bro . Col . Ridgway then moved , "That it be a special instruction to the committee to report specifically on the charge in page 20 , in the pamphlet now produced , as to whether there is any ground for the charges brought by Bro . Tew and Bro . Perrott , that £ 141 15 s ., or any part thereof , is not accounted for , as stated in the pamphlet . "

Bro . Horsiey seconded the motion , which was unanimously agreed to . The committee was named , and consists of the following brethren : —Bros . Col . Ridgway , Dwarber , Dicketts , Diaper and Motion . Bro . Winn moved " That the committee be empowered to call in the assistance of a professional accountant , to

assist them 111 the investigation of the accounts . " Bro . Moutrie seconded the motion , which was also put and agreed to . Bro . Col . Ridgway protested against the assumption of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in respect

to the government of the Boys' School , and said that it was entitled to no more weight than that of a single individual subscriber . A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman , and a meeting which had been all but unanimous throughout the whole of its proceedings was brought to a close .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The monthly meeting of this institution was held on Wednesday in the library , Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Lieut . Col . Creaton in the chair . There were also present Bros . S . Rawson , Benj . Head , Dr . Jabez Hogg , W . Stephens , R . W . Little , James Brett , Charles Lacey , C . A .

Cottebrune , Raynham W . Stewart , Joseph Smith , Hyde Pul-Ien , W . Hilton , Thos . Cubitt , J . G . Stevens , H . G . Warren , Thos . W . White , Joshua Nunn , F . Adlard , Col . Ridgway , J . Newton , " L . Stean , J . M . Stedall , H . Massey ( " Freemason " ) , James Terry , ( Secretary ) , and W . Lane .

A letter war- read from Lord Skelmersdale stating that the 9 th of February , 1876 , would suit him admirably , and he should be most happy to preside at the festival on that day . The Secretary announced the death of one annuitant

after having received £ 246 in annuities . Three candidates were placed on the list for next May . A discussion followed as to the receipt of some subscriptions from a brother whose relatives said he was insane , and the matter in the end was ordered to stand over . The committee then adjourned .

In compliance with a requisition , signed in conformity with the laws of this institution , a special general meeting of the Governors anil Subscribers was held on Wednesday afternoon , at Freemasons' Hall , to take into consideration a proposed alteration of clause 19 of the laws , and also any further proposition or motion which might be made to give effect to the same . The chair was occupied by Bro . Lieut . Col . Creaton , Vice-Patron , | who was supported by

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Bros . Benjamin Head , L . Stean , John Newton , Charles Lacey , John G . Stevens , Dr . Erasmus Wilson , J . A . Farnfield , Col . Alex . Ridgway , H . M . Levy , John S yl monds , H . Massey ( "Freemason" ) , James Terry , ( Secretary ) , and W . Lane . The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting , which appeared in the advertisement columns of

the " Freemason " last week , The Chairman explained the object of the meeting ; whereupon , Bro , John Symonds rose , and said he begged to move that the following words be added to Clause 10 : — " Every Steward at the anniversary festivals who shall procure donations or subscriptions to the extent of not less than £ to ,

in addition to his own donation , shall receive two additional votes at each election , and two further extra votes lor every aelditional sum of not less than £ 50 . " He supposed that he need not enter into any detail on this matter . The question was fully discussed when the alteration was made both in the Boys' and the Girls' Schools , and the alteration now proposed was the same , with the difference of

the number of votes , m accordance with the different practice of the different amount subscribed in this institution as compared with those . He might just mention that the main ' reason for the proposed alteration was this—that many brethren put their names down as Stewards , and subscribed £ 5 or £ 10 , and secured thus additional privileges as Stewards without giving themselves further

trouble in the matter , or adding another sixpence to the funds of the institution . Another brother perhaps would take no end of trouble : he would serve as Steward for an important province ; he would go about visiting various lodges ; he would incur great expense in postages and journeys ; and he would receive no higher privilege than the brother who

had given himself no trouble about the matter . Then it was thought that the brother who had taken so much trouble should have some reward in the shape of a few extra votes ; . and it was in order to carry out that view that this alteration was proposed . If the proposition was adopted , the laws of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution would be brought in harmeny with those of the Royal

Masonic Institution for Boys and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls ; and he thought that as far as regardeel the success of the festivals of the Benevolent Institution the Stewards should not be in a worse position than the Stewards of the Boys' and Girls' Schools . Bro . Benj . Head seconded the motion . * The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting ,

and it was carried unanimously . Bro . Symonds again rose , and said he would now move the remaining portion of the proposition contained in the requisition for this meeting , — " To expunge the following words : —If unaccompanied with a personal donation , but by means of his services , not less than £ 20 shall be paid to the funds , he shall be entitled to one additional vote for

every subsequent Stewardship . " That had not been found to work well in the other institutions , and it had consequently been expunged from their rules . The alteration made by expunging these words would likewise bring the laws of the Benevolent Institution equally in accorel with the rules of the other Masonic institutions . Bro . Head seconded the motion .

The Chairman having read the proposition , Bro . Jno . G . Stevens said he took it that it was a matter of course that these words should be expunged . They must come out if the first proposition was carried . The Chairman said that was perfectly correct . He took it for granted that they would have to come out ; that was why the motion was made .

Bro . Jno . G . Stevens thought so . If the law was to be properly made it must be done in this way . Bro . J . Symonds would suggest that the new law that they had adopted should follow between the 2 nd and 3 rd clause , as a clause by itself . Bro . James Terry : —Immediately after the words" served as Stewards . "

Bro . Symonds . —I have now vcry ' great pleasure in mov ing " That the thanks of this special general meeting be given to our worthy Bro . Lieut . Col .-Creaton , for attending here this day and presiding over us . " We have heard with great satisfaction of the additional honour that has been conferred upon him . He has been a faithful servant of Her Majesty for a long while , and I am quite sure

that the honour thus bestowed has been very well earned . I am sure that wc have every reason to be gratified with the kind attention our brother always gives to the affairs of this institution , as well as to the affairs of the other institutions connected with the Order . ( Hear hear . ) Bro . Benj . Head . —I have very great pleasure in seconding this motion . I have seconded the other motions of

Bro . Symonds to day ; but I second this one with even still more pleasure than I diet those . We have been associated together so long that I am quite pleased to congratulate our brother chairman on having attained the additional rank which has been conferred upon him by Her Majesty . The motion was put and carried unanimously . The Chairman . —Bro . Symonds , Bro . Head , and brethren ,

I thank you very sincerely for the compliment you have paid me ; and in reference to my promotion in military rank I do feel very much gratified , for this simple reason : I have not been pitchforked into that rank , I have served a quarter of a century ; and by having done so 1 feel that I have earned my title . Consequently , as I said , I fee ' very much gratified at it . As you have been kind enoug h to refer to it , I regard your doing so as a very great compliment . I thank you all , brethren , for your

kindness . Bro . James Terry . —We will report what we have done to day to the Board of Masters next Wednesday , and it will come before Grand Lodge this day three weeks . The ^ brcthren then separated .

“The Freemason: 1875-11-13, Page 12” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 12 May 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_13111875/page/12/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Article 1
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 1
Royal Arch. Article 4
Red Cross of Constantine. Article 4
Scotland. Article 4
CONSECRATION OF THE MORECAMBE LODGE, No. 1561. Article 5
CONSECRATION OF THE ELLIOT LODGE (No. 1567). Article 6
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 6
Reviews. Article 7
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Article 7
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN CONSTANTINOPLE. Article 7
TO OUR READERS. Article 8
TO ADVERTISERS. Article 8
Answers to Correspondents. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
OUR ROYAL GRAND MASTER'S VISIT TO INDIA. Article 8
NEW LODGES. Article 8
SEMPER EADEM. Article 8
MASONIC TRUTH. Article 9
JOTTINGS OF TRANSATLANTIC FREEMASONRY. Article 9
ALBÆ DIES. Article 9
Original Crrespondence. Article 10
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Article 11
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 12
CONSECRATION OF THE MOUNT EDGCUMBE LODGE, NO. 1554, AT CAMBORNE. Article 13
THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS, AND THE PROVINCE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Article 13
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Article 13
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 13
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

in which it would be found that there was a voucher from every boy for every farthing of the total sum of £ 314 5 s . This was laid upon the table amidst the enthusiastic cheering of the entire meeting . ) He most urgently asked and wished the committee to examine these documents , and then see if he had not completely clcareel himself from the atrocious charges which hail been brought

against him ( renewed cheering ) . He had worked hard for the institution for fourteen years , and had during that time enjoyed the confidence of every committee of management , and never had there been the slightest charge brought against him as to his conduct , anil he repudiated with scorn the charge made in a public print that he had embezzled a sum of £ 141 15 s ., which ought to have been

received by the poor boys of their institution ( loud cheering ) . Bro . Jesse Turner said he could not help thinking that the soorter anything in the form of a charge was grappled with the better it would be for all parties . He might be told that every one was not acquainted with , he would not say the facts , but the statements in the pamphlet which had been placed before the world by two brethren , and it was

their duty to set the matters contained in this pamphlet at rest . According to the statements of it the I louse and Audit Committees were but mere puppets , and were moved to do anything by the Secretary . Now , as a member of the Audit Committee , he would not say such a charge was utterly and entirely false , but he would say such an assertion was a complete mistake ( a laugh ) . There was something

more to which Bro . Binckes had alluded in the remarks he had made , and in which , to some extent , his ( Bro . Turner ' s ) honour was impugned , and that was that he had connived at Bro . Binckes appropriating to himself a sum of money to which he was not entitled . Now that was another mistake . Then the matron of the institution was attacked , and an attempt was made to injure her fair fame , at the

time it being well known that she was not in a position to issue a counter pamphlet . If there was any charge to be made , why was it not brought forward , so that it might have been investigated , and if any improper performances had been gone through that it was not creditable to the institution should take place , why was not the charge brought forward , so that it might have

been inquired into and thoroughly investigated r As an individual he repelled it all as a foul slander , but he would ask them to appoint a committee , so as to give their accusers an opportunity of proving their charges if they could , but at the same time he did not believe that they could do so , and it would be found , after all , that it was but a " mockery , a delusion , anil a snare . " He moved .

" That a special committee be appointed to investigate the management and accounts of this institution , and report thereon to this committee . " Bro . Dosell seconded the motion . lie said that from his experience he knew there was a double check upon all the accounts , and during the last five or six years he had been on the committee he never found an error that was not

easily corrected , but as regarded the charge of their Secretary having embezzled £ 142 , that must be a matter for special investigation . The committee were to a certain extent bound up with Bro . Binckes , and they must set their character right before the public . Bro . Col . Ridgway said it appeared that two members of the committee were about to pass censure upon themselves ,

as charges of this sort had never been brought before the committee , but were merely charges floating in the air , and that reminded him of a saying , " Give a lie to the air , and in twelve months you will not catch it again . " I le felt they ought not to take up so much time with so atrocious a slander as that which had been promulgated by this pamphlet , and he would move as an amendment , " That

this General Committee have unqualified confidence in the business ability and honour of the Audit Committee , and in the unquestionable integrity of their Secretary . " It seemed to him that it was not so much a question about the £ 142 , as to endeavour to inculpate their Secretary , and hy throwing as much mud as possible in the hope that some of it might stick . ( Hear , hear . ) He could remember some

sixteen years ago , when this school was in a very different position to what it is at the present moment . At their annual festivals then £ 1500 or £ i 0 oo was looked upon as a very respectable sum , as they were then compelled to remain at a very respectful distance from , the pet charity of the Craft , which was the Girls' School ( hear , hear ); but when their present Secretary came all was changed , for

now they considercel £ 1500 as a mere Iri / le , and lookcel forward to something like £ 15 , 000 or £ 16 , 000 . Since Bro . Binckes had been their Secretary they had doubled and quadrupled their income , and in fact he had been the making of their institution for the benefit of those poor children who were there groupcel together . What the life subscribers had

done might be counted by tens anel hundreds , but what their Secretary had done could only be counted by thousands and tens of thousands , and it was to his zeal , ability , integrity , and honour that they were enabled to boast of the proud and useful position in which their institution stood at the present time . ( Cheers . ) He concluded by moving

his amendment . Bro . Rosenthal scconeled . Bro . C . Horsiey said he agreed in every syllable spoken by Bro . Ridgway , but he considered the conclusion to which he had come was contrary to the eloeiuence of his speech . It seemed to him that the Audit Committee might stand on the consciousness of their own rectitude , and that this committee were of the same opinion ; but were he one of

the Auditors he would press to the death the passing of the original resolution . For himself he might say that they were fully worthy of their confidence , but there was a vast body of Masons outside that- room , not only throughout the kingdom , but in India , Australia , and other parts of the world , where the virus of this poison had been disseminateel , and even that very week he had heard that not only the charges contained in the pamphlet would be proceeded with , but that graver charges of a criminal nature would

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

be prosecuted . He asked the Board if such statements were going broadcast over communities , and they had others watching with vigilance to take offence if there was the . least semblance of a ground for doing so , whether such charges ought not to be investigated . The vote of confidence which the Board was desirous to give ought to be such as Auditors would be glad to receive . If he was

an Auditor he would not receive such a vote of confidence as that Board could give , as it might be said that they were his friends , that they were only a unit , while in the world there were millions , and therefore he said that these charges should undergo a thorough investigation , so that they might get ritl of the vile calumnies which were thrown first at the head of their Secretary , and next at the governing

body at large ; and therefore he supported the original resolution . Bro . Head , as a member oftheAuditCommittee , claimed an investigation , for such charges ought not to be made against them without it being proved which was right . Bro . W . Winn said if the motion proposed by Bro . Ridgway was passed by 30 brethren then assembled , outside

there were millions , and such a resolution would not be satisfactory to West Y ' orkshire . He thought , however , that when the committee was appointed a professional accountant should also be appointed to assist them in the investigation of the accounts . For the honour of the Audit Committee and Bro . Binckes , he hoped there would be the fullest inquiry . He spoke feelingly when he said the

brethren of West lorkslnre were not satisfied with the accounts , but he hoped on investigation that every figure woulel be found correct . Bro . Binckes said that all the accounts were certified by the committee in gross , and were doubly checked ; but he published in detail particulars more fully than there was a necessity for , and it was simply in carrying out the details that these discrepancies had occurred . He woulel

ask any one who was conversant with accounts if clerical errors were not almost inseparable from published accounts . He courted the fullest investigation as to every shilling that had passed through his hands . As to the remark of Bro . Winn , with reference to the Province of West Yorkshire , he questioned if there were six brethren of that province who supported the views of the Deputy Prov . G . Master .

Bro . Ridgway withdrew his amendment , as he wished to sec an unanimous vote upon the question , but at the same time he had the utmost confidence in the honour of the committee that the accounts were correct , and his faith in the integrity of their Secretary was unshaken . The original motion of Bro . Jesse Turner was then put , and unanimously agreed to .

Bro . Col . Ridgway then moved , "That it be a special instruction to the committee to report specifically on the charge in page 20 , in the pamphlet now produced , as to whether there is any ground for the charges brought by Bro . Tew and Bro . Perrott , that £ 141 15 s ., or any part thereof , is not accounted for , as stated in the pamphlet . "

Bro . Horsiey seconded the motion , which was unanimously agreed to . The committee was named , and consists of the following brethren : —Bros . Col . Ridgway , Dwarber , Dicketts , Diaper and Motion . Bro . Winn moved " That the committee be empowered to call in the assistance of a professional accountant , to

assist them 111 the investigation of the accounts . " Bro . Moutrie seconded the motion , which was also put and agreed to . Bro . Col . Ridgway protested against the assumption of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire in respect

to the government of the Boys' School , and said that it was entitled to no more weight than that of a single individual subscriber . A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman , and a meeting which had been all but unanimous throughout the whole of its proceedings was brought to a close .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The monthly meeting of this institution was held on Wednesday in the library , Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Lieut . Col . Creaton in the chair . There were also present Bros . S . Rawson , Benj . Head , Dr . Jabez Hogg , W . Stephens , R . W . Little , James Brett , Charles Lacey , C . A .

Cottebrune , Raynham W . Stewart , Joseph Smith , Hyde Pul-Ien , W . Hilton , Thos . Cubitt , J . G . Stevens , H . G . Warren , Thos . W . White , Joshua Nunn , F . Adlard , Col . Ridgway , J . Newton , " L . Stean , J . M . Stedall , H . Massey ( " Freemason " ) , James Terry , ( Secretary ) , and W . Lane .

A letter war- read from Lord Skelmersdale stating that the 9 th of February , 1876 , would suit him admirably , and he should be most happy to preside at the festival on that day . The Secretary announced the death of one annuitant

after having received £ 246 in annuities . Three candidates were placed on the list for next May . A discussion followed as to the receipt of some subscriptions from a brother whose relatives said he was insane , and the matter in the end was ordered to stand over . The committee then adjourned .

In compliance with a requisition , signed in conformity with the laws of this institution , a special general meeting of the Governors anil Subscribers was held on Wednesday afternoon , at Freemasons' Hall , to take into consideration a proposed alteration of clause 19 of the laws , and also any further proposition or motion which might be made to give effect to the same . The chair was occupied by Bro . Lieut . Col . Creaton , Vice-Patron , | who was supported by

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Bros . Benjamin Head , L . Stean , John Newton , Charles Lacey , John G . Stevens , Dr . Erasmus Wilson , J . A . Farnfield , Col . Alex . Ridgway , H . M . Levy , John S yl monds , H . Massey ( "Freemason" ) , James Terry , ( Secretary ) , and W . Lane . The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting , which appeared in the advertisement columns of

the " Freemason " last week , The Chairman explained the object of the meeting ; whereupon , Bro , John Symonds rose , and said he begged to move that the following words be added to Clause 10 : — " Every Steward at the anniversary festivals who shall procure donations or subscriptions to the extent of not less than £ to ,

in addition to his own donation , shall receive two additional votes at each election , and two further extra votes lor every aelditional sum of not less than £ 50 . " He supposed that he need not enter into any detail on this matter . The question was fully discussed when the alteration was made both in the Boys' and the Girls' Schools , and the alteration now proposed was the same , with the difference of

the number of votes , m accordance with the different practice of the different amount subscribed in this institution as compared with those . He might just mention that the main ' reason for the proposed alteration was this—that many brethren put their names down as Stewards , and subscribed £ 5 or £ 10 , and secured thus additional privileges as Stewards without giving themselves further

trouble in the matter , or adding another sixpence to the funds of the institution . Another brother perhaps would take no end of trouble : he would serve as Steward for an important province ; he would go about visiting various lodges ; he would incur great expense in postages and journeys ; and he would receive no higher privilege than the brother who

had given himself no trouble about the matter . Then it was thought that the brother who had taken so much trouble should have some reward in the shape of a few extra votes ; . and it was in order to carry out that view that this alteration was proposed . If the proposition was adopted , the laws of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution would be brought in harmeny with those of the Royal

Masonic Institution for Boys and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls ; and he thought that as far as regardeel the success of the festivals of the Benevolent Institution the Stewards should not be in a worse position than the Stewards of the Boys' and Girls' Schools . Bro . Benj . Head seconded the motion . * The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting ,

and it was carried unanimously . Bro . Symonds again rose , and said he would now move the remaining portion of the proposition contained in the requisition for this meeting , — " To expunge the following words : —If unaccompanied with a personal donation , but by means of his services , not less than £ 20 shall be paid to the funds , he shall be entitled to one additional vote for

every subsequent Stewardship . " That had not been found to work well in the other institutions , and it had consequently been expunged from their rules . The alteration made by expunging these words would likewise bring the laws of the Benevolent Institution equally in accorel with the rules of the other Masonic institutions . Bro . Head seconded the motion .

The Chairman having read the proposition , Bro . Jno . G . Stevens said he took it that it was a matter of course that these words should be expunged . They must come out if the first proposition was carried . The Chairman said that was perfectly correct . He took it for granted that they would have to come out ; that was why the motion was made .

Bro . Jno . G . Stevens thought so . If the law was to be properly made it must be done in this way . Bro . J . Symonds would suggest that the new law that they had adopted should follow between the 2 nd and 3 rd clause , as a clause by itself . Bro . James Terry : —Immediately after the words" served as Stewards . "

Bro . Symonds . —I have now vcry ' great pleasure in mov ing " That the thanks of this special general meeting be given to our worthy Bro . Lieut . Col .-Creaton , for attending here this day and presiding over us . " We have heard with great satisfaction of the additional honour that has been conferred upon him . He has been a faithful servant of Her Majesty for a long while , and I am quite sure

that the honour thus bestowed has been very well earned . I am sure that wc have every reason to be gratified with the kind attention our brother always gives to the affairs of this institution , as well as to the affairs of the other institutions connected with the Order . ( Hear hear . ) Bro . Benj . Head . —I have very great pleasure in seconding this motion . I have seconded the other motions of

Bro . Symonds to day ; but I second this one with even still more pleasure than I diet those . We have been associated together so long that I am quite pleased to congratulate our brother chairman on having attained the additional rank which has been conferred upon him by Her Majesty . The motion was put and carried unanimously . The Chairman . —Bro . Symonds , Bro . Head , and brethren ,

I thank you very sincerely for the compliment you have paid me ; and in reference to my promotion in military rank I do feel very much gratified , for this simple reason : I have not been pitchforked into that rank , I have served a quarter of a century ; and by having done so 1 feel that I have earned my title . Consequently , as I said , I fee ' very much gratified at it . As you have been kind enoug h to refer to it , I regard your doing so as a very great compliment . I thank you all , brethren , for your

kindness . Bro . James Terry . —We will report what we have done to day to the Board of Masters next Wednesday , and it will come before Grand Lodge this day three weeks . The ^ brcthren then separated .

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