Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

A Special General Court of the Governors and subscribers of this Institution was held on Saturday last at Freemasons' Hall . The Court was held in compliance with a requisition signed by Lieut .-Colonel Creaton , Vice-Patron and Trustee , and its objtct was to receive the report of the Building Committee upon the new laundry ,

& c ., and , if approved , to authorise such further expenditure as might be deemed necessary . Lieut .-Colonel Creaton , P . G . D ., was called to the chair , and the other brethren present were Henry Browse , Raynham W . Stewart , A . H . Tattershalli Capt . John Wordsworth , Thos . J . Sabine , Major E . H . Finney , Thomas W . White , W . Hyde Pullen , Rev . J . M . Vaughan , H . Massey ( "

Freemason" ) , S . Rawson , John Symonds , W . F . C . Moutne , John Boyd , Z . D . Berry , F . Binckes , James Terry , Leopold Ruf , William Roebuck , J . G . Chancellor , Dr . Ramsay , and R . W . Little ( Secretary ) . The report of the Building Committee , which was read by Bro . Litile , shewed that the new laundry could not be built for the contract price of £ 1400 .

The Chairman said the brethren were quite aware of the position the Building Committee were in at the present moment . The sum of £ 14 ° ° « as formerly voted for the purpose of building the laundry j and it was now shown , after seeing the plans , the drawings , and the estimates , that it could not be completed for anything like that sum . When he told them that out of the sum of £ 1400 already

voted , £ 600 would go for engineering expenses , it would be evident that £ 1400 would not meet the requirements . He begged , therefore , to moie that another £ 1000 be voted for the purpose of carrying out the scheme to make thc laundry peifect . The motion having been seconded , Bro . Raynham W . Stewart , P . G . D ., after a short pause ,

said that this motion must really come upon the brethren by surprise , inasmuch as the question had been repeatedly discussed , not only before the General Committee , but the House Committee . The Committee had been also told by the Chairman himself , when the sum of £ 1400 was voted , that they were given a larger sum than would be required , and that the estimate was over rather than under

what the buildings would cost . He would ask whose fault was it that it was really under rather than over . Was it the fault cf the architect ? That gentleman had before him the plans that were put before the Committee , and be ought to be able to give a correct estimate . It was a very serious question . They knew that they must build a laundry , but they ought to have been so advised

as to the cost that a motion for an extra sum of money should not have to come upon them . He should say that a tender for the buildings should now be offered to public competition , and not to the brother who was engaged already on the alterationr . When a large sum of money like this was asked for the brethren should remember that they were bound by their duty to their subscribers , as

it was public money they had to spend , to get the lowest tender , and have the work done for the smallest sum of money they could . He would ask the chairman whether there had been any alterations in the plans . The Chairman : None . Bro . Riynham W . Stewart : Then how could this occur ? He would take the sense of the General Court

upon the subject . Thc Chairman said he thought Bro . Massa , the architect , could explain a good deal of the question away . The brethren were well aware that when he ( the Chairman ) came before them last for the £ 1400 it was on the faith of the architect giving that amount as the sum required , He believed the architect could explain the matter in such

a way as would be satisfactory to the court . With regard to one remark which had fallen from Bro . Stewart he might explain that there was one objection to asking for public tenders , and that was that it would be very undesirable to have two sets of builders on the premises at the » ame time , and also to throw over till May , when the present buildings were completed , thc proceeding with the

laundry . He thought , after going into this estimate , although Vie quite agreed with Bro . Stewart , it they got fresh tenders they would not get the woik done cheaper . Bro . Massa would now explain . Bro . Thomas Massa , the architect , said the estimate for the laundry was originally a portion of the very much larger estimate , and had the original scheme been

accepted , then there was very little doubt that tlie surplus on one building would have compensated for perhaps the deficiency in the other j but just when one building was done part of the scheme of these original estimates was Stuck to . The amount was put down for each of the two buildings when the estimates came to be made . They were made originally from preliminary drawings . They

were much the same as the others , but still they were preliminary . When the working drawings were made on the model of Bro . Fish ' s ( the builder's ) prices for the new buildings it came to more money . He went over it with Bro . Fish himself , and the estimate for the laundry was based upon Bro . Fish ' s actual model of prices for the new works , and , therefore , it could not be at all an excessive estimate .

That was the explanation he bad to offer . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart replied that he did not see that it was an explanation . Bro . Massa had said part of the scheme veas stuck tc . There was a . separate plan he always understood . When the new hall was done it was absolutely necessary that the new laundry should be made . The Chairman : But that laundry was included in the

charge . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart : To « ay that this estimate was based upon Bro . Fish ' s ideas and schedules of prices shewed that Bro . Massa knew nothing at all about it . The brqthren had no one to depend upon but their archi-

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tect . If a brother was asked to build a house , and he said it would cost about £ 1000 , and then afterwards he said it would cost £ 2400 because he had make a mistake in the builder ' s schedule of prices , what would be thought of him ? He ( Bro . Stewart ) did not think this was any clear statement to the brethren that Bro . Massa had gone on Bro . Fish ' s estimate of prices . The brethren had had

confidence in Bro . Massa when he said £ 1400 , and now he came to them and asked for an extra sum . He ( Bro . Raynham Stewart ) would now move as an amendment that before the sum of £ icoo was granted there should be a public tender for the works . He did not think the brethren ought to be simply told by the architect that he had got these prices from Bro . Fish . He would ,

therefore , move that tenders for thc works be publicly advertised for . Bro . Henry Browse , P . G . D ., said it was a question with him whether this should not have been done before . He had asked this question , and it was settled that it should not be done . It was decided that £ 1400 was the proper price , and it was given to Bro . Fisn .

The Chairman said he had explained that it was undesirable to have two builders on the premises at the same time , the two buildings having to go on simultaneously . Bro . Henry Browse continued that an extra £ 1000 upon an estimate of £ 1400 was so large a sum , and so out of all proportion to anything that could happen , or be contemplated , that he submitted before they came to the

Quarterly Court for it they should advertise for tenders . The obstacles of having two contractors were easily met . The present contractor must clear the ground by the 1 st of April . The form of specification could state that the contractor would have the clear ground given to him on the 1 st of April , when the present contractor must complete his work . He was of opinion now that they ought to

have done that before coming to the Court for this enormous increase . The difficulty of having the giound cleared was nothing whatever . It could not be done , for no man would go there and dig foundations in November . The Chairman : Bro . Fish told me he would do it next week . Bro . Henry Browse would withdraw the expression that

it could not be done . They were in a very sad dilemma . They should first of all obtain tenders for this work by public competition . They would not be bound to accept the lowest tender . They might say they would not be bound to accept the lowest or any other tender . It should be advertised , and he dared say they would find a man to do it . He concluded by seconding Bro . Raynham Stewart ' s

preposition . Bro , Z . D . Berry would support the original resolution . The difference in the time of j ear would make no difference , because Mr . Fish was already on the premises . He ( Bro . Berry ) had a contract last year at Lord ' s Cricket Ground , and he did his work . He would give this contract to Bro . Fish ; he did not think it was at all fair to Bro . Fish to

entertain Bro . Stewart ' s amendment for a moment . Bio . Thomas W . White , P . G . S .: No doubt . Bro . Massa might tell the brethren when Bro . Fish was to finish the building . Bro . Thomas Massa : I think it is April . Bro . Thomas W . White : I thought it was May . Then there was a strike clause in the contract .

Bro . H . A . Dubois would like to have some information from Bro . Massa as to whether the scheduled prices were high or low , and also whether in the case of the thing bring advertised for it would enhance the price if a new man came on the ground . Bro . Thomas Massa said it appeared to him that Bro . Fish ' s prices were moderate . All builders' prices were inconsistent j at least he had always found it so . Some

were very high ; some were very low ; but taken as an average , Bro . Fish ' s prices were moderate . Bro . Z . D . Berry : Bricks have gone up at least 12 s . a thousand sir . ee that contract was entered into . Bro . John Symonds , P . G . D .: Supposing it was put to tender , and six or eight houses offered , would Bro . Fish , who was already on the ground , consent to go for the work ?

Bro , Thomas Massa : Bro . F'lsh would no doubt tender . Bto . W . Roebuck thought that a public tender was the proper thing to have , as it was public money thc Committee had to deal with . The Chairman said that thc laundry was the most important thing required now . It had been long wanted ; il had been necessary to have it enlarged . For the last

three or four years the present laundry had not been sufficient for the number of children in thc Institution . It was really more necessary to be got on with than the hall . Bro . John Symonds was not sure that with a work of this kind it would be desirable to go to public tender . By selecting out of six or eight houses they might get the work done cheaper ; but he understood that Bro . Fish

would be willing to be one of those selected . It would then be rather strange not to let him ; he having the plant already on the ground , would be able to compete with those coming on the ground new . In a work of this kind he did not think a public tcndi r would be advantageous . If they selected their men they were bound to take the lowest tender . They were then on the right

side ; and it was Bro . Fish's fault if he did not get the contract . The Chairman observed that there was one thing he had omitted to tell the brethren . In the original tender the fittings were not included ; so that in any case , if that original tender had been carried out , there would have

been £ 600 worth of fittings . This made a wide difference . Bro , Henry Browse ( to Bro . Massa ) : Did you not include fittings ? Bro . Thomas Massa : No . Tbe Chairman : They are included now ot necessity . Bro , John Syirionds : ) 'htr > we are to understand that

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although the previous estimate did not include fittings the further £ 1000 would include them . ' Bro . Thomas Massa : It would include all . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart : The architect may make a mistake again . Bro . W . Roebuck supported Bro . Stewart ' s amendment and he did not aeree with Bro . Symonds as to the nn , '

dence of asking half-a-dozen houses to tender . This was ; public money they were trustees for . It was easy enough to find out whether a man was a responsible man . n they had not an architect they could place confidence in let them change him . If they were not disposed to give the contract to Bro . Fish , let them change him . If they were not disposed to give the contract to Bro . Fish , the

contract must go to public competi' . ion . Bro . Henry Browse said that on the occasion of the first tenders being put out there were eight competitors . Tho lowest was accepted . He withdrew , and when that was known the two next also repudiated . That brought theni to Bro . Fish , who was the fourth , and he accepted . The Chairman then put Bro . Raynham W . Stewart ' s

amendment , when there were found to be Fjr the amendment 11 Against ( i The amendment having been carried was put as a substantive motion and agreed to . The Chairman thereupon declared the business of the meeting closed ; but

Bro . John Symonds said he would like to know the exact position the brethren were in . This Court had not sanctioned any expenditure either for fittings or buildings . Would the contractors be prepared to put up everything for the money ? Bro . Raynham W . Stewart replied that thc tender would be for everything .

Bro . John Symonds : Would there be authority to spend another £ ( ioo , or would it be necessary to call a Special Court . 0 sanction that ? He moved that the committee be authorised to spend jC 6 oo beyond the £ 1400 . Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . S ., thought a point of order arose here . Thc meeting had been held , according to notice , " to receive the report of the Building Committee upon the new laundry , & c , and , if approved , to authorise such further

expenditure as may be deemed necessary . " It appeared to him that thc whole of the discussion had simply turned upon the question in what manner that expenditure should take place . The architect asked for another £ IOJO , to inelude everything . The question was , was that to be given to Bro . Fish cr was the work to be put up to open competition ? Surely that very resolution that the works should be advertised and tenders solicited carried the authorisation of that Couit to spend the money without any further

. Bro . Henry Browse observed that the original tender from Bro . Fish was £ 3900 , and that included not only the new laundry , but the alterations in the old laundry . £ 1400 was the estimated price of the new laundry . The works to be done included both , but the excess was in the £ 1400 for the new laundry . The resolution passed , as far as he

was concerned , was that the whole of the works should le executed by Bro . Fish , and not to advertise for tenders fur the new laundry alone-. They bad an excess of £ uco on the £ 2800 . He was quite sure that the Court did not understand that the works contemplated by Bro . Fish's estimate for £ 3900 were now to be competed for . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart explained that he onlv rose

to move an amendment upon the Chairman ' s proposal thai ail additional £ 1000 be paid . They had an estimate there for £ 3922 ; that was what he wanted a tender for . The Chairman : The £ 1400 for the old laundry is sufficient . I stick to the new laundry : the £ 1400 is not sufficient . ( To Bro . Massa ) Is that so ' : Is it sufficient ? Bro . Thomas Massa : Quite so .

Bro . John Symonds : I simply move " That the Building Committee be authorized to spend on the laundry £ 600 beyond the £ 1400 already authorised , " and I should like to add to that , " such additional expenditure will include Ihe fittings . " With reference to what has fallen from Bro . Binckes , thc question is what body is to accept the tenders . Bro . Binckes thinks if we authorise the Building

Committee to send out tenders it must follow that we must accept them , but unless this Court authorises the acceptance of tlie tenders I apprehend it is necessary to come to a Special General Court to accept them . Bro . Binckes : That is where I differ . The authorisation of the acceptance of tenders involves the authorisation of the expenditure of money without having to come to the Court .

Bro . John Symonds : I have never understood so anywhere . It is not so in the Corporation . Bro . Henry Browse : Surely it must include the expendi 1 ture of money . Bro . H . A . Dubois agreed with Bro . Binckes . The Chairman : We have got sufficient money for the conversion of thc old laundry . 'I hey had the power to

carry out the alterations of the old laundry ; and he would call upon the Secretary to read the minute concerning thai matter . Bro . Little having read the minute , Bro . Binckes again read the notice convening the present meeting . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart reminded the brethren that the chairman moved the irrsnt of i " iooo extraand his

( Bro . Stewart's ) amendment was upon that . Bro . John Symonds : My motion is " That the committee be authorised , if need be , to go to the further amou "' of £ fioo , such further amount to include fittings . " Bro . A . H . Tattershall seconded the motion , which was put and carried . Bio . Symond 3 then moveil a vote of thanks to the < : ^ i" ' , man , which , however much he always deserved it , he stil more deserved on this occasion , as he came there in g [ pain . Having met with an accident in riding , wli '