Consecration Of The Plucknett Chapter, No. 1708.

The Consecrating Principals were Comps . E . Letchworth , G . S . E . ; G . O . Smith , G . Org ., as H . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chaplain , as J ; F . Richardson , P . A . G . D . C , as D . C ; and J . Stephens , P . G . Std . Br ., as S . N . - Founders—Comps . A . W . Thorburn Steer , W . J . Bitho , S . A . Graddage , W . J . Boyc-a , VV . J . J-ines , J . Grisdale , C . E . Everett , T . H . Palmer , Ii . Apelt , G . J . Austin , W . Lewis , J . E . Overed , and C . A . Batho .

The visitors were—Comps . J . J . Thomas , P . G . S . B . ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Vincent , P . A . G . D . C . ; D . Cory Wright , 357 ; J . H . Moggridge , S . N . 1321 ; J . Brittain , P . Z . 13 S 5 W . Baddeley , S . N . 1385 ; R . G . Young , 2416 ; W . Curry , 2353 ; H . Sadler , G . Janitor ; G . S . Collins , 1677 ; Egbert Roberts , P . M . 1623 ; W . Wright , P . Z . 1602 ; C . Strong , 2182 ; Selwyn Davies , 1623 ; C . Woodrow ; W . W . Lee , I . P . Z . 1524 ; and others .

After the opening of the chapter , the GRAND SCRIBE E ., addressing the companions , explained that they had assembled for the purpose of constituting and consecrating a new Royal Arch chapter , which would hereafter bear the name of the Plucknett Chapter . It was in connection with a lodge which was consecrated some 20 years since and had had a very successful career . He could only hope that that chapter might have before

it a career worthy ot the lodge and of the worthy and distinguished name it bears—that of a respected colleague of his own , whose name was better known in years gone by than it was at the present moment . Bro . Plucknett was for many years Treasurer of the Boys' School , and was now the sole survivor of the Committee which had under its charge the rebuilding of Freemasons' Hall . He hoped the chapter would have before it a career worthy of that name .

An oration was delivered by Comp . the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , and the chapter was solemnly dedicated and constituted . Comp . G . J . Austin was installed as M . E . Z ., * Comp . W . Lewis , P . Z .

1385 , P . P . A . G . S . Herts , as H . ; and Comp . E . Apelt , P . Z . 1385 . P . A . G . S . Herts , as J . The following officers were invested * . Comps . J . C . Hayes , P . Z ., acting I . P . Z . ; W . J . Batho , Treas . ; J . E . Overed , S . E . ; A . A . Yeatman , S . N . , * W . J . Janes , P . Soj .: S . A . Graddage , ntA . S . ; J . Grisdale , and A . S . ; H . T . Palmer , D . C . ; W . J . Boyce and C . A . Batho , Stwds . ; and W . B . Edgeley , Janitor . On the proposition of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., a cordial vote of thanks was given to the Consecrating Officers , and they were unanimously elected honorary members .

The G . S . E . tendered his warmest thanks for the compliment paid himself and colleagues , He felt that some apology was due for the lame manner in which he took his part in the ceremonies , but he was far from well , and was only present through a sense of duty . He wished the chapter a very prosperous career . The G . S . E . was presented with a jewel as a souvenir of the occasion , and relumed thanks for the gift .

The by-laws were adopted , and several brethren from the Plucknett Lodge were proposed for exaltation , after which the chapter was closed . The banquet which followed was choice and well-served , and reflected the highest credit on all concerned . In giving the first toast , " The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry , " the M . E . Z . referred to the recent Jubilee festivities and to the expressions of loyalty called forth at home and in the Colonies .

"The Prince of Wales , M . E . G . Z ., " was next given , after which " The Grand Officers " was proposed by the M . E . Z . He said the Grand Officers discharged their duties with zeal and ability , and the companions knew their own duty was to submit with cheerfulness to lawfully constituted authority . Bro . J . J . THOMAS , P . G . S . B ., returned sincere thanks for the toast . The dis'inguished noblemen at the head of the Order were always ready to

do all they could for the interests of the Order , either in Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter . The same might be also said of all the other Grand Officers . On his own behalf he thanked them for their kind reception and congratulated Comp . Austin on being the first M . E . Z . of this chapter . The Grand Officers joined in wishing the M . E . Z , a successful year of office and hearty success to the new chapter .

The M . E Z . then proposed "The Consecrating Offi : ers , " and said the companions had had practical experience of the subject matter of the toast . They were extremely sorry the Grand Scribe E . had been obliged to leave through indisposition , but they had two Grand Officers left of good quality . The founders were indebted to the Consecrating Officers for the way in which the chapter had been consecrated , the beautiful ceremony being admirably rendered , and would make a lasting impression upon their minds .

Comp . J . STEPHENS , P . G . S . B ., said it was very kind of the M E . Z . to have proposed , and the companions to have received , the toast so heartily . He could not but express his great regret that their esteemed G . S . E . had been obliged to leave through indisposition . He had heard the G . S . E , render the ceremonies on many occasions , but it was evident when hu commenc : d that day that he was not in the state of health they would wish ,

He was , therefore , forced to leave them , and it was the earnest hope of all present that it was only temporary and of a passing nature . Comp . Letchworth had held his position for some few years , and he ventured to think that not only in regard to Freemasonry , but in any sphere of li ' e , it would be impossible to find one who had so endeared himself to the hearts of all with whom he

was associated . The Grand Scribe I *; , was the acme of kindness and gentleness on every occasion , and the founders who had seen him in reference to lhe foundation of that chapter had doubtless been received in the most kindly fashion . The G . D . C ., Bro . Richardson , was thoroughly an fait with the work , and there was no companion living who had been associated as Director of Ceremonies at more consecrations . Speaking for himself , he was in a very proud and honourable position , as

that was the first chapter with which he had been assodated as a Consecrating Officer . He was dtlightcd beyond measure , and should watch the growth of the Plucknett Chapter and look forward hopefully to a very successful career for it . He thanked them for electing the Consecrating Officers hon . members , and trusted they would be able lo give them an occasional call . A duty devolved upon him—as they had no I . P . Z . — which was lo propose " The Health of the M E . Z . " He had not had the honour and pleasure of knowing the Most Excellent Z . very long ,

Consecration Of The Plucknett Chapter, No. 1708.

but in the transactions they had had together he had found him in every way a very business-like and straightforward man , and this must have b ; eri patent to all the P . Zs . who had seen the masterly manner in which Comp . Austin had grasped the position of M . E . Z . From the manner in which their M . E . Z . had conducted the affairs that night and had presided over them , there was no doubt the founders had

been wise in their judgment and selection in having the right man in the right place . He ( Comp . Stephens ) rejoiced in taking part in starting this chapter when he saw such hungry individuals for work as Comps . W . J . Batho , Treas ., and Apelt , J . There was the nucleus for a successful chapter , and whilst the same unity prevailed it would progress and be one of which they would all be proud . ' He asked them to drink " The Health of the M E Z . "

Comp . C . J . AUSTIN , M . E . Z ., replying , said that Providence had ever been kind to him as evidenced that evening in having so able and esteemed a companion as Comp . Stephens to propose the toast of his health . He thanked Comp . Stephens most heartily for the kind wishes expressed towards himself and the chapter . He also thanked the founders for having placed him in that exalted position . He had had had very little to do in the initial stages and had no idea there was a possibility of his

occupying the chair of M . E . Z . He expressed the opinion that he would rather have taken a subordinate position and work up , but was told the matter was already settled . It was such a great compliment that he could not refuse , but accepted in the same kind manner in which it was given . He always made up his mind that in whatever office he held the work should be done properly , and he should be sorry to see the chair of that chapter disgraced by bad work . He hoped they would have a name and a reputation for good woik , as they had in the lodge .

In proposing " The H . and J ., " the M . E . Z . said that Comp . Apelt , H ., gave up a vast amount of time and trouble to bring about the success of the chapter . He felt more confidence as M . E . Z . in having such eminent Masons to support him . The H . and J . were two great Masonic pillars , and he hoped that in that unity they would represent stability .

Comp . W . LEWIS , P . Z ., H ., said he hoped to prove a worthy H ., and a faithful and zealous companion of the chapter . He felt very much ths high honour placed upon him in electing him H ., and , although he had passed through the chair of M . E . Z . in two chapters , no effort would be wanting to

advance the integrity , welfare , and general prosperity of the chapter . Comp . E . Ai'ELT , P . Z ., J ., also returned thanks and said they could be proud of the number of workers in their chapter . He belonged to the same chapter as the H ., where Comp . Lewis had done splendid work and had exalted many who were present on this occasion .

" The Visitors " and " The Officers were heartily honoured before the Janitor ' s toast closed a successful evening . The musical arrangements were in the able hands of Coup . W . Wri g ht , P . Z . 1602 , who was assisted by Comps . Chas . Strong , Selwyn Djtvies , and Egbert Roberts , P . Z .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The July Quarterly Court of the Governors of and Subscribes to this Institution was held on the 9 th instant at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., Patron and Trustee of the Institution , in the chair . There were also present Bros . C . E . Keyser , E . Margretts , H . A . Tobias , John Glass , A . C . Spaull , H . Massey , T . W . Whitmarsh , C . H . Webb , J . J . Thomas , S . J . Attenborough , C . Pulman , George Corbie , O . Philippe , and J . M . McLeod , Secretary . Bro . RICHARD EVE

moved—( a ) . That Law 85 , " applicable to Boys Maintained and Educated out of the Institution , " be revised to read as follows : " The Board of Management may , with the approval of the Council , pay towards the education and maintenance of each such hoy any sum in their discretion not exceeding £ 30 per annum until he has attained the age of 15 years and continues entitled to the benefits of the Institution .

" Sons of Jewish parents may be educated out of the Institution if their guardians so desire . " He said that the revision was for the purpose of meeting the case of Jewish children elected on the Institutions . It was generally known that the Jewish brethren did not desire that Jewish boys should be educated in the Institution , and the object now sought was that the Board of Management should be enabled to give a larger sum than they could give under the existing law for education

out of the School . The Board felt that the Jewish brethren ought not to be deprived of having a reasonable sum for their children ' s education , and power was now asked to give as much as . G 30 per annum up to the age of 15 years . The subject had been before the Board of Management and the Council at different times . If the alteration was passed , fhe Boys' Institution would be placed in the same

position as the Girls' , which had similar laws with reference to Jewish children . Bro . H . A . TOBIAS seconded the motion , being one of the Jewish brethren . He opposed the motion before becauss he thought the law as submitted was not full enough ; it simply gave the Council the right to assist Jewish children , and did not include others . That struck him as not fair . Now that it embraced all children of every denomination he supported it .

Bro . J GLASS quite agreed with the object of the alteration , but it must not be forgotten that the law as it stood was limited to tzo . That was , of course , passed with the object that the management of the Institution might keep the boys in the School . What he was afraid of was that the maximum amount would be granted in all cases , and tha ' . practically C 30 . would be substituted for JE 20 without reservation , becausj persons of other denominations than Jews would say

why should not their children have the A 30 a year . They might belong to the Peculiar People . It was with them quite as muoh a matter of conscience that their children should be brought up with the same opportunities as the parents . There was no reason why the Council should not give , £ 30 a year . They must not shut their eyes to thc fact that they had a considerable numb 2 r of boys outside , and it might entail the expenditure of a considerable sum .

Bro . A . C . SPAULL said he expressly told the Board of Minagement that , in considering this course , the Committee had fully gone into all the circumstances . They did not intend that those words " not exceeding ^ 30 " should mean that £ 30 should be given . It was to be not excc 2 ding £ 30 , and the Comnittee wis to determine how much a boy should have , whether of the Jewish or of any other denomination .

Bro . C . H . WEBU quite agreed with Bro . Glass , and thought if the power was given to go as high as ^ 30 , that sum would b 2 granted in every case . Bro . PHILIITK said the alteration of the law was to meet the exceptional case of Jewish children , and £ 20 per annum was quite insufficient . As far as he understood the feeling of the Board of Management , their view was that the grant for outside education was given only in those cases where the children ' s capacity and