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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
[ We take this from the Bradford Observer , kindly forwarded to us by Bro . H . Smith , P . G . S . for West Yorkshire . ] On Wednesday , 4 th inst ., the annual meeting of the West Yorkshire Freemasons was held at the Church Institute , Bradford , under the banner of the Pentalpha
Lodge , No . 974 , when about 200 brethren of the province assembled . The customary salutations having been heartilyaccorded to the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , Sir H . Edwards , Bart ., and to the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . T . W . Tew . The Rig ht Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , in reply , said : Brethren of West Yorkshire , we have assembled by
the generous invitation of the Rev . R . W . Loosemore , W . M ., and the officers and members of the Pentalpha Lodge , No . 974 , for our annual meeting , in the centre of one of ' the greatest industries cf the North of England . Amongst the marvellous towns of the West Riding of Yorkshire Bradford has a remarkable commercial history as interesting as either that of Sheffield , Leeds , Batley , or
Dewsbury . Certainly with these the town in which we meet to-day has had a development equally rapid , and in a very brief period of time its inhabitants have done as , much as those of any other town in the province to increase the wealth of tile nation . In 1811 Bradford had a population i . f 77 67 , in 1 S 71 of 146 , 000 , and this population has unquestionably conferred a boon even upon the
world at large . Development has succeeded to development ; improvement has been made upon improvement , until to-day its commercial importance and magnificence are concurrent with the gigantic prosperity of its trade and the tastes of the times . La us hope that the present suspension cf the intense activity of its pursutits is due not to a diplomatic posipom nient of painful eventualities
m the East , hut to the simple awaiting the commencement of a settled basis of nff . ' . irs , and ihat Bradford will stait again on a course e . f development as brilliant in the future as in the past ( applause ) . As is recorded in its history since 1811 , Freemasonry in Bradford has developed with its commercial developments . Under two previous Chairmen of our Charity Committee—Bro . Manoah
Rhodes and Bro . Thomas Hill , names brilliant in Yorkshire Freemasonry ( applause)—a policy of Masonic prosperity and success has been built up , which has placed the Freemasonry of West Yorkshire on an influential footing , unsurpassed by any other province in the Grand Lodge of England . Pentalpha Lodge is an offspring of the famous Lodge of Hope , No . 302 , and it has striven to
emulate in charitable deeds the efforts of its munificent parent . The Pentalpha was established in 186 3 ; in 1864 it was consecrated by Bro . Bentley Shaw , and has now sixty active members . Since its establishment up to this day it has liberally contributed to our charities . We thank Pentalpha for this day's invitation , for its support of our institutions , and Bradford for its fraternal welcome accorded
to the Provincial Grand Lodge . Called myself by out Royal Grand Master to the government of this great province , I have now to observe that this day ' s ceremonial closes another year of mj occupancy of this chair , and the commencement of another period of its tenancy . Therefore , in accoidance with a practice of my illustrious predecessors , I shall trespass upon your attention with some comments
upon the mure prominent features of interest to ttic Craft in this province during the past year . Without flattery to the province , 1 may venture to say this , perhaps , is the only province in England containing a like number of lodges ¦—sixty-three—of which it could be said that every lodge has marie its annual returns fur the past year , and thus enables me to put before you its position in the Ciaft .
The income from quarterage fees has been £ 357 ( is . Od ., an . I ive have a b il . mce in hand of £ 921 2 s . 3 d . to the credit of next year . But the balance for charitable purposes will be at least six times the amount . I shall bc able to say more on that subject at our July meeting . Tbe number of active members returned for this province is 3065 . During the past year the lodges have enrolled 250
new members . Filty-three members have died , and in someoi them valuable charitable votes have lapsed , thus increasing the difficulties of the Charity Committee with regaul to voting powers . Let me earnestly impress upon Worshipful Masters and Treasurers the importance that subscriptions should be applied for and paid at the commencement of each year instead of at the end of the year .
and thus the list of arrears would probably bc reduced to insignificant proportions , and many excellent but negligent brethren would be retained on the muster-roll of this province . I have made a written communication to Lord Carnarvon that one of the Masonic lifeboats fin commemoration of the Prince of Wales's safe return from India ) should be placed on the Yorkshire coast , and have pressed
the special claim of Robin Hood ' s Bay upon the attention of his lordship , and am glad to inform this Provincial Grand Lodge that , assisted by the co-operaticn of North and East Yorkshire , the Pro Grand Master has said the application shall have the fullest consideration of himself and the committee ( applause ) . I cannot allow the retiring Provincial Grand Officers to vacate their chairs
without expressing to them ihe obligations of the province for their zealous and able services . To the Mayor of Wakefield and to the Provincial Grand Junior Warden my sentiments towards them are those of unbounded gratitude for the time and ability they devoted in the performance of their executive responsibilities . In the nomination of officers to fill their places I feel myself confronted
with the grave and difficult task cf selection of a few from a band ot brethren of exalted merit , and to entrust these few new officers with the practical administration of the government of this province for the ensuing twelve months , viz ., to carry out the duties of a well-organised Provincial Grand Lodge , whose ruling and guiding principles alone are framed and directed on the written as well
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
as the unwritten laws of the Craft , and which all thoughtful and patriotic Provincial Grand Officers regard as of supreme importance . Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the discrimination of this .--election , I feel sure you will one and all recognise the justice ofthe claims of the brethren it is my duty to appoint to office , and that you will give them loyal and hearty Masonic support , and
obey faithfully our Prov . Grand Lodge bye-laws , accepting my prerogative and resting your approval in accordance with my own upon the sure and solid foundation of that beneficent self-government the superstructure of which has been built up by the letter and spirit of fidelity to the Book of Constitutions . ( Hear , hear . ) I call , therefore , upon the old and new officers to unite with the brethren in unselfish
efforts to secure , as heretofore , to our province , under the blessing of the Great Architect ofthe Universe , the faithful development of justice , piety , and virtue , and the practice of a l . beral charity , the principles upon which Freemasonry is founded , that we may exhibit to the outride world that amongst us we fervently decree : — "That all things may beorderei and settled upon the best and surest foundation ;
that peace and happiness , truth and justice , religion and piety , may be established amongst us for all generations . ' ( Loud applause . ) After the usual preliminary routine business had been gone through , the officers for the ensuing year were invested as follow : — I . Booth , 61 Prov . S . G . W .
J Hurst , jun ., 337 Prov . J . G . W . Rev . R . Old field , 275 Prov . G . Chap . Rev . H . J . Day , 1513 Prov . G . Chap . R . I . Critchley , 20 S Prov . G , Treas . ( . G . Hutchinson , 1034 Prov . G . Reg . I-I . Smith , 387 Prov . G . Sec . J . F . Moss , 296 Prov . S . G . D .
S . Summerscales , 2 G 5 Prov . J . G . D . | . Simpson , 910 Prov . G . S . of W . T . Cillmson , 139 Prov . G . D . C . George Haigh , 149 Prov . G . A . D . C . E . Walshaw , 448 Prov . G . S . B . W . Glover , 1221 Prov . G . Org . W . Schofield , 290 Prov . G . Purs .
T . E . Yates , 750 Prov . G . A . Purs . J . C . Malcolm , 304 ; T . Ruddock , 27 C ; C . D . Mason , 303 ; A . H . Kirk , 208 ; T . M . Tindall , 1239 > W . B . Alderson , 49 8 ' ..... Prov . G . Stwds .
Lee , 290 Prov . G . Tyler J . Sneard , 208 Prov . G . A . Tyler The report of the Charity Committee was then read and received , and the lodge was closed . The July meeting will be held at Sheffield , and will take part in opening the new Masonic Hall there .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The General Committee of subscribers to the Masonic Boys' School met on Saturday last , in the Board-room , Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Benj . Head in the chair . Among the other brethren who attended were Bros . Geo . Murray , A . H . Lilley , S . Rosenthal , John Boyd , Herbert Dicketts ,
W . A . Barrett , John W . Dcnnison , Frederic Davison , C . F . Matier , Geo . Angold , H . Browse , G . M . E . Snow , A . Durrant , Capt . N . G . Philips , Col . J . Somcrville-Bumey , James Booker , Hyde Pullen , H . Massey ( Freemason ) , Jesse Turner , Robt . B . Webster , W . F . C . Moutiie , D . Clarke , Rev . Dr . Merris ( Head Master ) , J . G . Chancellor , Charles Horsley . 'W . Pass , Geo . J . Palmer , JE . J . Mclntyre , Grand
Registrar ; Henry W . Hunt , F . Adlard , and F . Binckes ( Secretary ) . Afttr the reading of the various minutes , same outfits were granted to boys who after leaving the School had obtained situations . The report of the head master of the School was read to the brethren , and from it the information was given that twenty-eight boys from the School attended the Oxford and Cambridge local examinations ,
and out of this number only two failed . Fourteen passed with honours , and twelve obtained certificates . This is the greatest success that has ever attended the examinations of boys from this Institution , and the brethren expressed their great pleasure at the result . Bro . Binckes then read the following report of the House Committee on the subject of providing accommodation at the School for a larger number of boys than are at present maintained there :
The House Committee , to whom , by resolution of the Quarterly General Court of Monday , 15 th January , 18 77 , it was referred , " To consider the entire question of increased accommodation at the Institution-ac Wood Green , and to report , through the General Committee , to a Quarterly General or Special General Court , " submit as follows . —
1 hey have carefully considered various suggested plans for the contemplated enlargement , and are unanimously of opinion that the best and most feasible is that which provides for the removal of the present laundry and drying ground , and for the erection on the site thereof of a spacious dining hall 100 by 30 feet , extending from east to west , to which access may readily be obtained both
through the present west ( kitchen ) corridor , and by means of the existing covered way from the school and classroom in the main building . One prominent advantage of the locality of the dining hall is its propinquity to the kitchen , which it is believed , by the annexation of the scullery adjoining , will be amply sufficient for the cooking
and supplies requisite for the fullest number of boys the increased premises would be capable of accommodating . Scullery room would be found by a re-adjustment of the present store-room and offices . The new block of buildings would cover an area of no by 55 feet , and would comprise three floors . It would start in a line from the eastern end of the new dining-
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
hall and extend northwards . On the ground floor would be commodious class-roomsfour in number , with assistant master ' s sitting-room lavatory , map-room , and other requisite provisions , with convenient exit to closets , urinals , etc . The second and third floors would contain six dorinu tories , each for twenty bovs , assistant master ' s bed-room ,
assistant matron's bed-room , and servants' bed-rooms , isolated , and with separate staircase . The number of boys thus provided for is 120 , in addition to the 184 in the main building . The cost is estimated at about £ 22 , 000 , or , perhaps , it may be more safely stated at £ 23 , 000 . In recommendation ' of this scheme , which may
bethought by some to be more expensive than is absolutely required by present exigencies , it may be stated that to provide lor a smaller number say 70 boys , would reduce the cost only £ 3000 . The ques : ion of annual maintenance of so large an addition to the present estab ishment has not been lost sight of by the Committee , it is one which deserves
most serious consideration , and at the first blush would seem to present insupeiable difficulties ; inasmuch as if the whole 1 20 boys were admitted as soon as the building was ready for their reception ' , the annual ordinary expenditure could hardly be estimated at less than £ 12 , 000 , and mig ht possibly exceed that amount ; to say nothing ot the sum required for " special
expenditure , " which varies from year to year ,- the average probably being about £ icoo . It must be remembered , however , that heavy and continuous as are the demands upon the resources of the institution , there happily does not exist the necessity at present for the admission of extra boys to anything like the extent of those provided for , nor is it contemplated
that such will be the case for some years to come . I he Committee are of opinion that an addition of Co boys would lai ly meet the wants of the present generation , as it is not considered { advisable , or for the interests , of the Institution , that every boy qualified as a candidate under the laws of the Institution should as a matter of course be admitted , or , indeed , that election of
candidates sho-oAtl be jendered top easy , and indifference and carelessness in selection be thus fostered and encouraged . The immense and rapid increase in the numerical strength of the Order is an admitteJ fact , as is also its advance in material prosperity , while the largely augmented contributions in suppurt of our institutions are matter of
heartfelt congratulation . The considerations arising o \ it of this favourable condition of affairs are not without weight wiih the Committe , but they cannot forget the arduous duties of the last 16 years in connection with this Institution , and how much has been done by the Craft at large in assisting them in bringing it to Its present position .
The crucial question with the Committee is —Is the Masonic body prepared to find the means to carry out the proposed extension : In the absence of a favourable response the Committee do not feel justified in undertaking so serious a responsibility within so comparatively briet a period of the release of the Institution from a burden of debt , its invested
capital being only £ 3000 , which on no account can they consent to be utilised for the object under consideration . The Committee therefore conclude : 1 . They recognise fully the legitimacy of the demands for further accommodation . 2 . They have ascertained the feasibility of carrying out the extension .
3 . The issue—Shall such extension bc proceeded with : —they leave entirely to the decision of the fraternity . The Committee , before closing this report , desire to add one word on a suggestion published with reference to a " Preparatory School . " They express no opinion as to the advisability of making provision for the sons of Freemasons at an age earlier than at which they can now be
icceived , 8 years , contenting themselves with staling that the suggested scheme , if adopted , would enable the pupils from 8 to 12 to be accommodated in the new building , the elder boys , from 12 to 16 , being retained in the present building . The advantages of this arrangement , both educaiional and disciplinary , the Committee feel will be so apparent as to render unnecessary any enlargement thereon .
Bro . George Snow then rose to move "That this repoit bc not submitted to the Quarterly Court on Monday next . " He said that if the report was adopted , and the brethren resolved to carry out the scheme for enlargement mentioned in the report , every child admitted to the Institution would cost £ 200 . What would any of the brethren say to a family of seven children costing £ 7
a year ? It was something preposterous . The London Orphan Asylum formerly accommodated 500 children , and . when their school at Clapton was sold to the Metropolitan Asylums Board it fetched £ 35 , 000 . The Masonic brethren were now asked to expend £ 22 , 000 for the accommodation of 100 children . What did the brethren say to going on w / th this continual expense ? Let them
advertise for competitive drawings , ami let them say in the advertisements that they wished for accommodation 1 " tbeir schools fur 100 more children , and required drawings' ) designs , and plans of a building for that purpose ; also that they would not bind themselves to accept any p lans , but would give a premium of £ 30 for the best , £ 30 f °
the second , and £ 10 for the thud . He ventured to say that they would get plans for what they wanted , which would show that the building could be erected , not at this enormous cost , but at the rate of 5 d . per cubic ioo ' - > each child . The Institution was going in for g lorious results no doubt . There was a large amount of Masonry afloat at the present moment , and there were a g " , number of Masonic brethren at the present morrent see" -
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .
[ We take this from the Bradford Observer , kindly forwarded to us by Bro . H . Smith , P . G . S . for West Yorkshire . ] On Wednesday , 4 th inst ., the annual meeting of the West Yorkshire Freemasons was held at the Church Institute , Bradford , under the banner of the Pentalpha
Lodge , No . 974 , when about 200 brethren of the province assembled . The customary salutations having been heartilyaccorded to the Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , Sir H . Edwards , Bart ., and to the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . T . W . Tew . The Rig ht Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , in reply , said : Brethren of West Yorkshire , we have assembled by
the generous invitation of the Rev . R . W . Loosemore , W . M ., and the officers and members of the Pentalpha Lodge , No . 974 , for our annual meeting , in the centre of one of ' the greatest industries cf the North of England . Amongst the marvellous towns of the West Riding of Yorkshire Bradford has a remarkable commercial history as interesting as either that of Sheffield , Leeds , Batley , or
Dewsbury . Certainly with these the town in which we meet to-day has had a development equally rapid , and in a very brief period of time its inhabitants have done as , much as those of any other town in the province to increase the wealth of tile nation . In 1811 Bradford had a population i . f 77 67 , in 1 S 71 of 146 , 000 , and this population has unquestionably conferred a boon even upon the
world at large . Development has succeeded to development ; improvement has been made upon improvement , until to-day its commercial importance and magnificence are concurrent with the gigantic prosperity of its trade and the tastes of the times . La us hope that the present suspension cf the intense activity of its pursutits is due not to a diplomatic posipom nient of painful eventualities
m the East , hut to the simple awaiting the commencement of a settled basis of nff . ' . irs , and ihat Bradford will stait again on a course e . f development as brilliant in the future as in the past ( applause ) . As is recorded in its history since 1811 , Freemasonry in Bradford has developed with its commercial developments . Under two previous Chairmen of our Charity Committee—Bro . Manoah
Rhodes and Bro . Thomas Hill , names brilliant in Yorkshire Freemasonry ( applause)—a policy of Masonic prosperity and success has been built up , which has placed the Freemasonry of West Yorkshire on an influential footing , unsurpassed by any other province in the Grand Lodge of England . Pentalpha Lodge is an offspring of the famous Lodge of Hope , No . 302 , and it has striven to
emulate in charitable deeds the efforts of its munificent parent . The Pentalpha was established in 186 3 ; in 1864 it was consecrated by Bro . Bentley Shaw , and has now sixty active members . Since its establishment up to this day it has liberally contributed to our charities . We thank Pentalpha for this day's invitation , for its support of our institutions , and Bradford for its fraternal welcome accorded
to the Provincial Grand Lodge . Called myself by out Royal Grand Master to the government of this great province , I have now to observe that this day ' s ceremonial closes another year of mj occupancy of this chair , and the commencement of another period of its tenancy . Therefore , in accoidance with a practice of my illustrious predecessors , I shall trespass upon your attention with some comments
upon the mure prominent features of interest to ttic Craft in this province during the past year . Without flattery to the province , 1 may venture to say this , perhaps , is the only province in England containing a like number of lodges ¦—sixty-three—of which it could be said that every lodge has marie its annual returns fur the past year , and thus enables me to put before you its position in the Ciaft .
The income from quarterage fees has been £ 357 ( is . Od ., an . I ive have a b il . mce in hand of £ 921 2 s . 3 d . to the credit of next year . But the balance for charitable purposes will be at least six times the amount . I shall bc able to say more on that subject at our July meeting . Tbe number of active members returned for this province is 3065 . During the past year the lodges have enrolled 250
new members . Filty-three members have died , and in someoi them valuable charitable votes have lapsed , thus increasing the difficulties of the Charity Committee with regaul to voting powers . Let me earnestly impress upon Worshipful Masters and Treasurers the importance that subscriptions should be applied for and paid at the commencement of each year instead of at the end of the year .
and thus the list of arrears would probably bc reduced to insignificant proportions , and many excellent but negligent brethren would be retained on the muster-roll of this province . I have made a written communication to Lord Carnarvon that one of the Masonic lifeboats fin commemoration of the Prince of Wales's safe return from India ) should be placed on the Yorkshire coast , and have pressed
the special claim of Robin Hood ' s Bay upon the attention of his lordship , and am glad to inform this Provincial Grand Lodge that , assisted by the co-operaticn of North and East Yorkshire , the Pro Grand Master has said the application shall have the fullest consideration of himself and the committee ( applause ) . I cannot allow the retiring Provincial Grand Officers to vacate their chairs
without expressing to them ihe obligations of the province for their zealous and able services . To the Mayor of Wakefield and to the Provincial Grand Junior Warden my sentiments towards them are those of unbounded gratitude for the time and ability they devoted in the performance of their executive responsibilities . In the nomination of officers to fill their places I feel myself confronted
with the grave and difficult task cf selection of a few from a band ot brethren of exalted merit , and to entrust these few new officers with the practical administration of the government of this province for the ensuing twelve months , viz ., to carry out the duties of a well-organised Provincial Grand Lodge , whose ruling and guiding principles alone are framed and directed on the written as well
Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.
as the unwritten laws of the Craft , and which all thoughtful and patriotic Provincial Grand Officers regard as of supreme importance . Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the discrimination of this .--election , I feel sure you will one and all recognise the justice ofthe claims of the brethren it is my duty to appoint to office , and that you will give them loyal and hearty Masonic support , and
obey faithfully our Prov . Grand Lodge bye-laws , accepting my prerogative and resting your approval in accordance with my own upon the sure and solid foundation of that beneficent self-government the superstructure of which has been built up by the letter and spirit of fidelity to the Book of Constitutions . ( Hear , hear . ) I call , therefore , upon the old and new officers to unite with the brethren in unselfish
efforts to secure , as heretofore , to our province , under the blessing of the Great Architect ofthe Universe , the faithful development of justice , piety , and virtue , and the practice of a l . beral charity , the principles upon which Freemasonry is founded , that we may exhibit to the outride world that amongst us we fervently decree : — "That all things may beorderei and settled upon the best and surest foundation ;
that peace and happiness , truth and justice , religion and piety , may be established amongst us for all generations . ' ( Loud applause . ) After the usual preliminary routine business had been gone through , the officers for the ensuing year were invested as follow : — I . Booth , 61 Prov . S . G . W .
J Hurst , jun ., 337 Prov . J . G . W . Rev . R . Old field , 275 Prov . G . Chap . Rev . H . J . Day , 1513 Prov . G . Chap . R . I . Critchley , 20 S Prov . G , Treas . ( . G . Hutchinson , 1034 Prov . G . Reg . I-I . Smith , 387 Prov . G . Sec . J . F . Moss , 296 Prov . S . G . D .
S . Summerscales , 2 G 5 Prov . J . G . D . | . Simpson , 910 Prov . G . S . of W . T . Cillmson , 139 Prov . G . D . C . George Haigh , 149 Prov . G . A . D . C . E . Walshaw , 448 Prov . G . S . B . W . Glover , 1221 Prov . G . Org . W . Schofield , 290 Prov . G . Purs .
T . E . Yates , 750 Prov . G . A . Purs . J . C . Malcolm , 304 ; T . Ruddock , 27 C ; C . D . Mason , 303 ; A . H . Kirk , 208 ; T . M . Tindall , 1239 > W . B . Alderson , 49 8 ' ..... Prov . G . Stwds .
Lee , 290 Prov . G . Tyler J . Sneard , 208 Prov . G . A . Tyler The report of the Charity Committee was then read and received , and the lodge was closed . The July meeting will be held at Sheffield , and will take part in opening the new Masonic Hall there .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The General Committee of subscribers to the Masonic Boys' School met on Saturday last , in the Board-room , Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Benj . Head in the chair . Among the other brethren who attended were Bros . Geo . Murray , A . H . Lilley , S . Rosenthal , John Boyd , Herbert Dicketts ,
W . A . Barrett , John W . Dcnnison , Frederic Davison , C . F . Matier , Geo . Angold , H . Browse , G . M . E . Snow , A . Durrant , Capt . N . G . Philips , Col . J . Somcrville-Bumey , James Booker , Hyde Pullen , H . Massey ( Freemason ) , Jesse Turner , Robt . B . Webster , W . F . C . Moutiie , D . Clarke , Rev . Dr . Merris ( Head Master ) , J . G . Chancellor , Charles Horsley . 'W . Pass , Geo . J . Palmer , JE . J . Mclntyre , Grand
Registrar ; Henry W . Hunt , F . Adlard , and F . Binckes ( Secretary ) . Afttr the reading of the various minutes , same outfits were granted to boys who after leaving the School had obtained situations . The report of the head master of the School was read to the brethren , and from it the information was given that twenty-eight boys from the School attended the Oxford and Cambridge local examinations ,
and out of this number only two failed . Fourteen passed with honours , and twelve obtained certificates . This is the greatest success that has ever attended the examinations of boys from this Institution , and the brethren expressed their great pleasure at the result . Bro . Binckes then read the following report of the House Committee on the subject of providing accommodation at the School for a larger number of boys than are at present maintained there :
The House Committee , to whom , by resolution of the Quarterly General Court of Monday , 15 th January , 18 77 , it was referred , " To consider the entire question of increased accommodation at the Institution-ac Wood Green , and to report , through the General Committee , to a Quarterly General or Special General Court , " submit as follows . —
1 hey have carefully considered various suggested plans for the contemplated enlargement , and are unanimously of opinion that the best and most feasible is that which provides for the removal of the present laundry and drying ground , and for the erection on the site thereof of a spacious dining hall 100 by 30 feet , extending from east to west , to which access may readily be obtained both
through the present west ( kitchen ) corridor , and by means of the existing covered way from the school and classroom in the main building . One prominent advantage of the locality of the dining hall is its propinquity to the kitchen , which it is believed , by the annexation of the scullery adjoining , will be amply sufficient for the cooking
and supplies requisite for the fullest number of boys the increased premises would be capable of accommodating . Scullery room would be found by a re-adjustment of the present store-room and offices . The new block of buildings would cover an area of no by 55 feet , and would comprise three floors . It would start in a line from the eastern end of the new dining-
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
hall and extend northwards . On the ground floor would be commodious class-roomsfour in number , with assistant master ' s sitting-room lavatory , map-room , and other requisite provisions , with convenient exit to closets , urinals , etc . The second and third floors would contain six dorinu tories , each for twenty bovs , assistant master ' s bed-room ,
assistant matron's bed-room , and servants' bed-rooms , isolated , and with separate staircase . The number of boys thus provided for is 120 , in addition to the 184 in the main building . The cost is estimated at about £ 22 , 000 , or , perhaps , it may be more safely stated at £ 23 , 000 . In recommendation ' of this scheme , which may
bethought by some to be more expensive than is absolutely required by present exigencies , it may be stated that to provide lor a smaller number say 70 boys , would reduce the cost only £ 3000 . The ques : ion of annual maintenance of so large an addition to the present estab ishment has not been lost sight of by the Committee , it is one which deserves
most serious consideration , and at the first blush would seem to present insupeiable difficulties ; inasmuch as if the whole 1 20 boys were admitted as soon as the building was ready for their reception ' , the annual ordinary expenditure could hardly be estimated at less than £ 12 , 000 , and mig ht possibly exceed that amount ; to say nothing ot the sum required for " special
expenditure , " which varies from year to year ,- the average probably being about £ icoo . It must be remembered , however , that heavy and continuous as are the demands upon the resources of the institution , there happily does not exist the necessity at present for the admission of extra boys to anything like the extent of those provided for , nor is it contemplated
that such will be the case for some years to come . I he Committee are of opinion that an addition of Co boys would lai ly meet the wants of the present generation , as it is not considered { advisable , or for the interests , of the Institution , that every boy qualified as a candidate under the laws of the Institution should as a matter of course be admitted , or , indeed , that election of
candidates sho-oAtl be jendered top easy , and indifference and carelessness in selection be thus fostered and encouraged . The immense and rapid increase in the numerical strength of the Order is an admitteJ fact , as is also its advance in material prosperity , while the largely augmented contributions in suppurt of our institutions are matter of
heartfelt congratulation . The considerations arising o \ it of this favourable condition of affairs are not without weight wiih the Committe , but they cannot forget the arduous duties of the last 16 years in connection with this Institution , and how much has been done by the Craft at large in assisting them in bringing it to Its present position .
The crucial question with the Committee is —Is the Masonic body prepared to find the means to carry out the proposed extension : In the absence of a favourable response the Committee do not feel justified in undertaking so serious a responsibility within so comparatively briet a period of the release of the Institution from a burden of debt , its invested
capital being only £ 3000 , which on no account can they consent to be utilised for the object under consideration . The Committee therefore conclude : 1 . They recognise fully the legitimacy of the demands for further accommodation . 2 . They have ascertained the feasibility of carrying out the extension .
3 . The issue—Shall such extension bc proceeded with : —they leave entirely to the decision of the fraternity . The Committee , before closing this report , desire to add one word on a suggestion published with reference to a " Preparatory School . " They express no opinion as to the advisability of making provision for the sons of Freemasons at an age earlier than at which they can now be
icceived , 8 years , contenting themselves with staling that the suggested scheme , if adopted , would enable the pupils from 8 to 12 to be accommodated in the new building , the elder boys , from 12 to 16 , being retained in the present building . The advantages of this arrangement , both educaiional and disciplinary , the Committee feel will be so apparent as to render unnecessary any enlargement thereon .
Bro . George Snow then rose to move "That this repoit bc not submitted to the Quarterly Court on Monday next . " He said that if the report was adopted , and the brethren resolved to carry out the scheme for enlargement mentioned in the report , every child admitted to the Institution would cost £ 200 . What would any of the brethren say to a family of seven children costing £ 7
a year ? It was something preposterous . The London Orphan Asylum formerly accommodated 500 children , and . when their school at Clapton was sold to the Metropolitan Asylums Board it fetched £ 35 , 000 . The Masonic brethren were now asked to expend £ 22 , 000 for the accommodation of 100 children . What did the brethren say to going on w / th this continual expense ? Let them
advertise for competitive drawings , ami let them say in the advertisements that they wished for accommodation 1 " tbeir schools fur 100 more children , and required drawings' ) designs , and plans of a building for that purpose ; also that they would not bind themselves to accept any p lans , but would give a premium of £ 30 for the best , £ 30 f °
the second , and £ 10 for the thud . He ventured to say that they would get plans for what they wanted , which would show that the building could be erected , not at this enormous cost , but at the rate of 5 d . per cubic ioo ' - > each child . The Institution was going in for g lorious results no doubt . There was a large amount of Masonry afloat at the present moment , and there were a g " , number of Masonic brethren at the present morrent see" -