Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Robert Grey , President of the Board , presided , and the Senior and Junior Vice-Presidents , Bros . James Brett , P . G . P ., and C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., occupied their respective seats .

The other brethren present were—Bros . S . Vallentine , Henry Garrod , David D . Mercer , George B . Chapman , VV . P . Brown , Georsre Read , Charles Dairy , L . C . Haslip , W . H . Perryman , ' W . Bywater , J . Bunker , R . Loveland Loveland , E . Shedd , VV . G . Lemon , George R . Langley , W . Hopekirk , George R . Atkinson , E .

C Mulvey , John Barnett , jun ., George Gardner , J . B . Warner , Charles E . Ward , C . N . MTntyre North , E . H . Dore , Harry Fincham , M . I . Emanuel , C . W . Baker , VV . M . Gill , J . Glover , B . Kauffmann , VV . Mackie , Harold Halliday , Henry E . Cockell , Henry R . Myers , Charles Fruen , H . Massey , G . M . E . Hamilton , C . H . Webb , Hy . Magee , Wm . Benton , I . A . Robinson , Fredk . Purgess ,

Thos . C Lazenby , Morris Evans , Wilfred J . Charles , Hy . Wright , J . M . Chapman , H . T . Bing , W . T . H . Mayer , S . H . Goldschmidt , W . Matthews , T . Drew Bear , J . G . Turner , W . F . Bull , VV . M . Esmond , Thos . Weeks , Richd . Pye , John G . Stevens , John Powdrell , L . W . Harvey , H . J . Wicks , W . A . Scurrah , T . Richardson , W . Adams , E . P . Minett , T . J . Dilley , J . F . Rumball . T . Bull , S . Hodgkinson , H . J . Lardner , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler .

The Board of Masters was first held , and the paper of business for Grand Lodge on June 4 th was submitted . At the Board of Benevolence the brethren first confirmed recommendations to the Grand Master made at the April meeting to the extent of ^ 290 . On the new list there were 33 candidates' names , who were

qualified from lodges in the London district and from lodges at Ilkeston , Cleckheaton , York , Brixham , Shoreham , Chichester , Willington Quay , Sutton Bridge , Devonport , Canada , Peterborough , Witham , Alexandria , Richmond , Hastings , Gloucester , Halifax , N . S ., Harrow Station , and Croydon . Six of the cases were deferred ,

one . case was dismissed , and one was withdrawn , the candidate having since the presentation of his petition been elected to the Benevolent Institution . The remainder were relieved with a total sum of ^ 555 . One case was recommended to Grand Lodge for ^ 100 and

one for £ 50 . There was one recommendation to the Grand Master for ^ 40 , four of . £ 30 each , and one of £ 25 . The remainder were six grants of ^ 20 each , one ° f £ 15 , seven of ^ 10 each , and three of ^ , ' 5 each . The Board sat nearly four hours .

Covent Garden Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1614.

COVENT GARDEN LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1614 .

ANNUAL SUPPER AND PRESENTATION TO BRO . G . REYNOLDS , SEC . . The annual supper of the members and friends of this lodge of instruction took place on Thursday , the ist inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly , when advantage was taken of the occasion to present Bro . George Reynolds ,

P . M . and Secretary of the mother lodge , Secretary of the Anglo-American Lodge , No . 2191 , and Secretary of the lodge of instruction , with a testimonial , in recognition of the valuable services rendered to the brethren during the last seven years . There were

present—Bros . j . B . Cumming , Treas . 2191 ; W . P . Walker , 19 S 7 and 1614 "; E . J . D . Bromley , J . Andrews , Egbert Roberts , P . M ., Prov . CO . Essex ; C L . Hoe ' en , 214 S ; F . M . Noakes , 214 S , Asst . Sec . ; E . J . D . Rymer , A . J . Bailey , J . Rowe , 2191 ; H . Vilain , 2191 ; A . Cogliati , W . Harbert , 19 S 7 ; J . Skinner , P . M . 53 S , D . C . 2191 ; J . B .

Grieve , P . M . 1351 ; C . G . Rotter , W . J . Thrussell , 1614 , 2191 ; F . Hansen , 2191 ; H . F . Dessen , 1614 , 2191 ; F . Kedge , W . M . 2191 ; T . C . Seary , Org . 19 S 7 ; C . O . Burgess , 2191 ; G . P . Bertini . 2191 ; J . Woodward , l . G . 1614 , and D . C . 2191 ; J . Chilcot , 1 G 24 ; T . A . Dickson , P . M . 1614 ; H . Luff , 1 G 24 ; G . Stacey , P . M .

1614 ; W . Barringer , 1614 ; J . Parker , Edward Mayo , 1732 ; N . A . Claridge , 2046 ; G . R . Hill , S 7 ; W . Harwood , 141 ; G . Coop , P . M . 141 , W . M . 1612 ; W . Chilcot , F . Lockett , G . Gilby , 2146 ; J . Menninger , •559 ! S . "Moss , 1681 ; James Hemming , I . P . M ., 12 S 7 ; VV . Hoggins , H . G . Walker , W . Walker , VV . M . elect

2146 ; S . Hewett , VV . M . 1614 ; W . W . Morgan , G . A . Bergholz , 2191 ; W . Ham , J . H . Warwick , 7 6 5 ; R . P . J . Laundy , Sec . 16 S 1 ; and many others . Bro . W . Brindley , P . M . 1604 , Preceptor , occupied the President ' s chair , and Bro . J . Greenway , J . W . 1310 , Deputy Preceptor the Vice-President ' s .

After ample justice had been done to an excellent supper , served under the personal superintendence of Bro . G . P . Bertini , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and received . Bro . Buxton proposed '' The Health of the President of the Evening . " He said all associated with the Covent

Garden Lodge of Instruction appreciated the care , zeal , and assuidity which Bro . Brindley brought to bear upon his duties , and it was a pleasure to the members to have him presiding over them on that interesting occasion . The PRESIDENT , in reply , said he could not claim

any merit in regard to speech-making , consequentl y he should not occupy much time . He felt more at home when he took his seat on the left of the W . M . for the time being at their weekly meetings . However , he fully appreciated the good wishes expressed

by Bro . Buxton , and trusted he mi ght continue his association with the lodge of instruction for many more years . The next toast was " The Health of the Vice-President , " proposed by Bro . KIRK , and duly acknowledged by Bro . GREENWAY .

Covent Garden Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1614.

The PRESIDENT next proposed the toast of the evening , " Our Guest , Bro . George Reynolds . " He said a few minutes since he ( Bro . Brindley ) felt a little nervous , but that nervousness he had now cast off . It would not be necessary for him to say much of Bro . George Reynolds , as it was admitted he was one of the

best , if not the best , Secretaries in London , and he brought the full force of his ability to bear upon the lodge of instruction . Under his watchful care the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction had achieved a high position , and that , he trusted , it would continue to hold . It was his great pleasure to present to Bro .

Reynolds , on behalf of the members , a handsome gold watch and chain ; he said handsome advisedly ; and he hoped it mig ht mark the flig ht of time in an agreeable and pleasant fashion for their deartriend . He had also something more for Bro . Reynolds—a testimonial on

vellum , the inscription on which would mark the esteem they one and all felt for him . That they desired he might hang up , and eventually hand down to his children as an heirloom . There was also something for Mrs . Reynolds , which he would leave their good brother to hand over to her . The President concluded his

remarks b y a graceful allusion to the sturdy qualities of their guest , qualities that had endeared him to them all . In reply , Bro . REYNOLDS said : Bro . Chairman , Vice-Chairman , and Brethren , —I hardly know what to say , or how to thank you , on behalf of my dear wife and myself for the very handsome testimonials which you

have so generously presented us with this evening . One often hears the old saying , " I shall never forget this , it is one of the happiest days of my life . " This is indeed to us a " red , " or rather I should say , ,: blue , " letter day , never to be forgotten . You have told _ me these handsome gifts are for what I have done as

Secretary to the Covent Garden Lods ; e of Instruction , forgetting what the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction has done for me ; it has taught and helped me to perform the duties of Secretary not only in this lodge of instruction but in other lodges also—viz ., the Covent Garden , or mother lodge , and the

Anglo-American—I know to the satisfaction of their respective Masters , officers , and brethren . There is one I should have liked to have seen present on this evening , that is Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . G . D ., and P . M . of the Anglo-American Lodge ; to him I am deeply indebted for many kind hints in keeping the Secretary ' s books

of a lodge . Since I have had the honour of being Secretary of this lodge of instruction —¦ seven years — the number of registered members has grown from 13 to 400 , and many brethren present , through the Preceptors , have received Masonic teaching not to be forgotten ; this has been proved by the

splendid manner in which they have performed their duties as officers in their different lodges . This handsome waich will always remind me of the happy and pleasant hours I have passed and still hope to pass with you . As the hands go round its face , whether at home or abroad , it will always bring to my remembrance

your smiling faces , and the way in which you have always helped me in my duties . Having said so much for myself , I will now , on behalf of my wife , thank you sincerely for the very useful present of the " Davenport " which you have given her . But I am afraid you will regret it . She possesses in her heart what all Masons

deepl y love—Charity ; and she is in sympathy with those who take an interest in the waifs and strays of this metropolis , so no doubt you may at some time receive a solicitation for a few pence for Dr . Barnardo ' s home from the " Davenport . " Again thanking all , not forgetting the members of the Covent Garden Lodge , and the Anglo-American Lodge , who are present , for

this proof of their good feeling for myself , and hoping that I may be spared many years to be yet more useful , I wish the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction , with the Preceptors and officers , every success , and before I sit down I particularly desire to thank the Committee for the individual labour they have bestowed in this matter .

The toast of The Stewards and Testimonial Committee " was next given , the former being responded to by Bro . C . O . BURGESS , and the latter by Bro . F . M . NOAKES , Hon . Sec . Several other toasts brought to a close one of the

most successful meetings the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction has ever had . The proceedings were enlivened with some excellent songs by Bros . E gbert Roberts , Bertini , Curtis D'Alton , Harbert , Chilcot , and others .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The Athletic Sports will take place on Saturday , the 31 st inst ., on the School field at Wood Green . The sports , which include an Old Boys' Race and an Invitation Race , will begin at two p . m ., and the distribution

of prizes will be made at 4 . 45 p . m . Afternoon tea will be served in the Assembl y Hall . By kind permission of Capt . Collins , R . N ., the band of the Royal Hospital School , Greenwich , will play a selection of music during the afternoon . The Chairman of the Sports' Committee is Bro . J . C ! ass . V .-P ., and the Treasurer is Bro .

G . Everett , V .-P . Brelhren who wish for tickets should apply either to Bro . F . Binckes , at Freemasons' Hall , or to Bro . the Rev . H . Hebb , Head Master . It should be noted that the annual visit of the Stewards , at the presentation of School prizes , will take place on July ist .

On Friday evening , at the Royal Institution , before a crowded audience , Bro . Sir John Lubbock delivered an interesting and learned address on " The Shape of Leaves , "

Fourth Annual Dinner Of The "Old Masonians" Association.

FOURTH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE "OLD MASONIANS" ASSOCIATION .

The Old Masonians Association held its fourth annual dinner at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 8 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . Chap ., the President for the year . The members present included Messrs . C . H . Uwins , Hen . Treas . ; R . H . Williams , Hon . Sec . ; R . S .

Chandler , Hon . Asst . Sec . ; W . Packer , Francjs , Scurr , Railing , Glass , Crew , Dyer , Johnson , Motion , Whiteley , Barnes , Gardner , ' , Piatt , Herring , and others , whilst the visitors present numbered Bros . F . Binckes , Jas . Terry , A . Barfield , Geo . Read , John Barnett , jun ., Rev . H . Hebb , and others .

After a substantial dinner , " The Queen " and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the Royal Familv " were the first toasts honoured . The CHAIRMAN then proposed what he characterised as the toast of the evening , " The ' Old Masonians ' Association , " and said that was why they had assembled

round that festive , and he hoped happy , board . They wished to drink success to the Association of which most of those present were members , and which he was sure was doing good and useful work , and which would do more if it were more largely extended . He believed in men sticking to their school and having a

good esprit de corps . Amongst men of Eton and Harrow there was always a bond at once , and there ought to be that feeling with respect to other large schools , such as the R . M . I , for Boys . When boys had been together and borne the heat of the day there was a certain something that bound them together , and

when they met in after life they experienced a feeling very different to that when greeting others . The moment they saw an old schoolfellow it brought back days gone by , which he thought ; were viewed by a brig hter pair of spectacles than when the events recalled occurred . Sometimes things at school were not pleasant

at the time , but they could afford to joke over them afterwards . He , therefore , held that it was an excellent thing to have a rallying point round which old boys could talk over old days . An Association such as the " Old Masonians , " which was formed for gathering together those who attended the same school , was an excellent

and a good thing , but it was founded for something more—to help those who might need a little assistance , for there was not one single soul who could say that at some time he might not be glad of that helping hand . They had all their ups and downs and there were times when they were glad of help

and of that little assistance which perhaps made all the difference in giving a man a start in life . It was one of the grand principles of Masonry to hold out the right hand of fellowship , and he was not one of those who would kick a man when down , but rather help him up , which was the great thing they

could all do . There might occur a time when they needed a little assistance , and it was for that that this Association was formed . There were social gatherings to keep up old associations and friendships , and he hailed most heartily and with great •pleasure the fact that such an Association was founded . The Secretary

had told him that the numbers were increasing . There were no members , but after all that was nothing to the number there ought to be , for the School had been going on for a great many years , and a large number had been educated , and one was almost tempted to say , in words which he used with all reverence , " Were

there not ten cleansed , but where are the nine ' r " He was g lad to see such an assembly that evening , and would most heartily propose " Success to the ' Old Masonians' Association , " which had done him the great honour of electing him President for the year . It had given him great pleasure to be present , and he hoped

that the Association would not suffer through any weak words in which he might have advocated its cause . The late Secretary , who had been a very energetic one , had been succeeded by one of whose success he would leave them to judge . He coupled with the toast the names of the 'Treasurer and Secretary .

Mr . C . H . UWINS , Hon . Treas ., said it was very difficult to follow such a pleasing and clever speaker as they had heard , but he had , no doubt , been included in the toast because , as a member of the Committee , there were two or three disagreeable little facts to be put before the meeting , and the Honorary Secretary

might have been a trifle nervous about the matter . The " Old Masonians" was started some four years ago , with one object—that of assisting those who had been educated at the School . That was their main object , and their fortnightly meetings , their Cinderellas , and their dinners were only to assist in that idea . The

reverend Chairman had referred to Eton and Harrow , but he could say openly that the R . M . I , for Boys sent boys into the world fitted to fill any post they might feel a liking for . He defied any man who had ueen educated at that School to be offered a post and say " No , I am not competent , " or , if so , it was his own fault . When

the Association was started with that one main object , they looked upon the Craft of Freemasons to help and assist them . They asked a small subscriptionmerel y 5 s . —from the members , and only is . if under 18 , which , he need hardly say , was not sufficient to maintain the society . The Committee felt it

their duty to use only the members' subscriptions for their amusements—he referred to the rent of the room for their meetings and other expenses—and they felt in honour bound not to apply any subscriptions received from Freemasons for that purpose , but to use it solely for the assistance of the members . It was hoped by the promoters that before they held their fourth annua !