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Article OPENING OF THE NEW MASONIC HALL AT SHEFFIELD. ← Page 3 of 3 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
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Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
\ V [ ervis , W . M . 139 ; J . Ridal , W . M . 29 6 ; S B- Ellis , W . M . 1239 ; B . Saville , W . M . 904 ; W . feudwine , W . M . 681 ; W . T . Beanland , \ V . M- 14 62 ; most of the P . M . ' s of the Sheffield lodges , and many other distinguished brethren .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
r \ Ve elo net hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving rrheop inions expressed by our correspondents , but we -wish , in ? spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . 1
THE SURREY MASONIC HALL . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Pear Sir and Brother , — On the walls of the metropolis , and in thc advertising columns of our newspapers , may at this moment be read the following- announcement , viz : " To bc sold by Auction , by order of the Mortgagees , t he well-built
and very important public building known as the ' Surrey Masonic Hall . '" Can this be read by any of the numerous members of our Craft in the South Metropolitan district without a twinge of conscience for non-assistance to . abodyof men who have done thtir lesl in the interests of Freemasonry , and have worked heartily and thoroughly against adverse
circumstances to carry out an undertaking which it is admitted on all sides was not only a need , but of the greatest importance in promoting the " morale" of the Order by disassociating the practice of its ritual from the influence of tavern accommodation ? I cannot now stay to compute the number of brethren within the district , but feel assured that it is sufficiently large to warrant the
assertion that a contribution averaging amongst them the value of our smallest golden coin would have sufficed to prevent so deplorable a circumstance as the offer to public competition of thc handsome building the promoters have erected . In the report of the ceremony of laying thc foundation or , as it was termed , the memorial stone , in May , 1 S 74 ,
I find the statement that for so long a period as ten years previously strenuous endeavours had been made to secure such a building . The first association lormed for that purpose under the style of " The Masonic Hall Company" was registered under thc Joint Stock Companies Acts , 18 5 6-7 by twenty four brethren , the capital being stated at , £ 15003 , in shares
of £ 1 each , and I well remember that its early expectations were bright , although at that time the number of South Metropolitan Freemasons bore no adequate proportion to the present number and theanticipations of the later Com - pany . The enthusiasm it evoked however soon died out , and subsequent attempts proved also fruitless . Not daunted , although probably disheartened , several of the
"twentyfour" still kept the project afloat , and waited thc better opportunity , which came at last , and in 1872 the two remaining of the original promoters obtained the adhesion of other brethren and with their assistance the present Company was formed . The Capital was fixed at £ 3000 only , in 600 shares of £$ each , and it was , I think , not unreasonably assumed that from amongst the many members of the
Older surrounding the locality chosen for the Hall so small a share list would be speedily filled . The Directors laboured assiduously to interest both lodges and individual brethren , and their project met with universal approval and promises of support in all directions ; but the failure cf former attempts had great influence in causing that support to be witheld until assurance in the shape of
" bricks and mortar " was given . Then there would be no hesitation ! 77 ie « shares should be taken and cheerful assistance given I So , by the munificent aid afforded by two or three of the directors , the site was selected , a portion of the building was erected , and the memorial stone laid by the Prov . Grand Master on the 29 th May , 1874 , with great eclat , and still further approval and
promises . And then began a time of trial for the directors , Having committed themselves to the building of the hall tliey must needs go on , and the usual result of monetary complications ensued . Differences of opinion arose among the directors as to this , that , and the other plan of carrying out the project to completion in the face of difficulties occasioned by thc non-fulfilment of the promises , so
apparently earnestly made . Again the liberality of individual members of the board , the architect , and the builder himself , prevented the " Surrey Masonic Hall " remaining a carcase to this day , and at last the " substantially built public building of handsome elevation " was completed . But where were all the promised shareholders ; where the assurances of support ? It was never intended or announced
• hat the company should be a purely commercial speculation , or pay its shareholders more than a merely nominal dividend . It was built more than principally for the uses ° ' Freemasonry , and thc income from such use was to nave covered cost and annual expenditure . It will be a standing disgrace to the fraternity if the hall ever becomes anything but a Masonic Hall" It is there ! " is the
con-. solatory reflection of many who hp . velost time and money in the endeavour to raise it , and now it should be for others " Keep it devoted to its oiiginal purpose . It 'as been a hard task for those who have con" eclctl themselves with this and former attempts , n « they have seen their associations gradually dissolved 1 J ....... . iui biie .,, a ^ eyLiaeieiua ^ eaeeuaiij uiee ^ uevLU
ti , r " ' rcmova '> and other circumstances , until now e directory of the Company does not contain the name any one of the originators of the building . Anel it is „ Wy personal knowledge that those who now form thc botl ° - Pany" haVC been Cf l ' y "" selfish in respect of Ihe " r " an < 1 money as were tne ' predecessors . Surely 5 J , Craft , " or that portion most nearly interested in the their " ° f such useful P remises < should now take Part in the work and save the building for its original
Original Correspondence.
purposes . How that can be done at this critical moment I must confess myself unable to suggest ; but , nevertheless , something should be attempted , if possible , to prevent so great a scandal to our Order as would be evidenced by an inability to keep what it has cost so much to obtain . In another week , aye , even after a few days , it may be too late to do anything . In a great dilemma
even little hopes give much encouragement , and a suggestion which at another time might appear ridiculous may be now worth some consideration . I venture to make one , and although perhaps no good may come of it , who knows what it might lead to ? This will be read I hope by many on Saturday , the 28 th inst . The auction is fixed for Tuesday the 31 st . On Monday , the 30 th , at six in
the evening , let all those who think some sort of consultation might not be altogether unproductive , meet at the Hall itself , and see the outcome . It is a very impromptu summons , but Freemasons will be there to meet Freemasons , and them only . It is but right that the general boely should know how very unselfishly individuals have acted in the general interest , and although I have no present connection with them , I can " a tale unfold" so
creditable to the directors of the Company that in common fairness it should be heard . And if they can be supported and the building saved to the purpose for which it was dedicated there are many Craftsmen who will rejoice equally with Yours very truly and fraternally , P . M ., P . Z . Clapham , July 23 rd , 1877 .
^ . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am a Freemason of the old school , of that period when Masonry was a bond of friendship , when brothers acted by rule , and our lodges were focuses for the exchange of fraternal love . To what are we to attribute the decadence of this bond
of union ? I say that Masonry is not what it was . Do you require proof ? Then go to the Surrey Masonic Hall , that beautiful structure of which all South London , whether Masons or otherwise , ought to feel proud . It is now plastered over with large bills announcing that the mortgagee has foreclosed , and the Hall is to be sold by auction .
Is not this sufficient to make a Mason blush ? What arc the shareholders about that they thus allow their property to be sacrificed , their honour tarnished , and an esteemed brother ruined for having placed too much confidence in the brethren .
Let a meeting at once be called of the shareholders , and the conduct of the Directors and their Secretary be severely censured ; kt a new board be formed , to which not one of the present managers should be elected , and with a new secretary the builders' claim could soon be paid with honour , and thc Hall continue to be a
success . Yours fraternally , AN EX-DIRECTOR
MASONIC LOTTERIES . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read with great inteiest the correspondence in the Freemason relative to " Masonic Charities . " Whilst approving the laudable effort of Bro . Constable , I must admit that I think the system recently adopted by
our lodge , if more generally known and practised , would tend more to increase the sympathy of the Craft , and encourage the brethren in systematic benevolence , than the strictly "Masonic Lottery , " to which exception is being taken , besides perhaps , satisfying the " conscience clause " of those who object—seeing that all subscribers arc expected , eventually , to pay for what they receive .
I enclose a copy of our rules and regulations , for publication herewith—if you deem them of sufficient importance—which you will observe , provide for brethren becoming Life Governors or Life Subscribers to any , or all of the Masonic Charities , either at once , or by small contributions , according as circumstances or inclination may permit .
I am pleased that the movement is so far successful with us , as to allow of first ballot being taken at our next Lodge meeting on the 31 st inst . _ , Yours fraternally , " 448 . " Rules and Regulationsfor the Government of the Benevolent Fund in connection with Saint James ' s Lodge , No . 448 . 1 . The object of this fund shall be primarily—to
increase the number of life-subscribers and life- governors of the Masonic Charities , and the moneys shall at all times be kept separate and distinct from the regular lodge funds , and be solely and strictly confined to purposes of Masonic benevolence , either of a local character , or . in connection with the general charities of the Order . 3 . The fund shall consist of subscriptions of one shilling
and upwards per month , payable in advance , annually , half-yearly , quarterly , or monthly , at the option of each brother contributing . 3 . The management of the fund shall be in the hands of a committee of six subscribing brethren , to be elected annually , by the contributing members , at the same regular lodge meeting as the Worshipful Master of the
ensuing year . The first committee shall be appointed forthwith , on those rules being approved by the brethren in open lodge . The committee shall present an annual report ( o the members , shewing the state of "the fund , and number ot lifc-subscriberships or life-governorships
obtained , 1 rid s jch annual report shall be sent to the brethren , along vv . e .. i elie regular balance sheet ci the lodge . 4 . When and so often as the sum in the Treasurer ' s hands shall amount to five pounds five shillings , over and above working expenses , a ballot shall be taken for a life-subscribership at the ensuin ( meeting ' , of which
Original Correspondence.
due notice shall be given in the regular lodge summons . The successful subscriber shall have the privilege of selecting the particular Charity to which the donation is to bc made , and the Treasurer of the fund , or the loelge member of the Provincial Charity Committee , shall forthwith forward the same , in such brother ' s name , to the Secretary or Treasurer of the Charity selected .
c . Whenever and so often as any brother shall have paid to the fund the sum of five pounds five shillings without drawing successfully , he shall be entitled to a nomination as life-subscriber or life-governor , as the case may be , when the fund reaches the requisite amount ; and if several brethren shall become entitled to a nomination at one and the same time , the priority of their respective
claims shall bc decided by ballet . 6 . Any brother ceasing to contiibutc to the fund , shall thenceforth have no control over the money he has already subscribed , but the same shall be at the disposal of the committee . 7 . If any brother should become entitled by ballot to a life-subscribership , or life-governorship , and cease to
subscribe to the fund previous to his having paid in contributions the requisite amount of five pounds five shillings , or ten pounds ten shillings , as the case may be , he shall be solicited to pay up the balance at once ; and in the event of the money not being obtainable from him , the matter shall be dealt with by the committee , as the nature of the case mav require .
8 . Should any matter or question arise for which these rules do not provide , the same shall be decided by a majority of the contributors present at any regular lodge meeting . 0 . The members are empowered to frame any new rule which they may deem needful for the" well-being of the fund ; but no new rule shall become effective , nor an old rule abrogated , until such proposed new rule , or such
abrogation of any existing rule , shall have been submitted to the consideration and decision of the subscribers at two several lodge meetings , and at every such meeting the matter proposed shall have been severally determined upon anel sanctioned by the majority of the contributors prcscn t thereat . The foregoing rules were approved and adopted by the brethren in open lodge , this 29 th day of May , 1877 .
C . T . RHODES , W . M ., Treasurer , pro . tcm ., who will be glad to receive the names and contributions of all brethren who may feel disposed to confirm and redeem the promises made by them at their initiation .
CHARITY ORGANISATION REFORM . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I do not seek to re-open this question in its entirety , but simply to call attention to one point connected with it . I think Bro . Simpson has expressed a hope , in accordance with the Editor and other correspondents , that
more attention shall be paid by the committees of the Instit tution to the original cases . As I was one of the few present on Thursday last , I can bear testimony to the anxiety and carefulness exhibited by all in dealing with thc petitions for admission . If the same scrutiny be exercised by the General Committee , I , for one , cannot see th- ? need or possibility of any reform in that respect . I do not agree with
the result of the Quarterly Court deliberations , in one case especially , but I yet feel bound to express my admiration of their evident desire to do justice to all concerned . One fact , I think , became patent to all , that more power must be given to the Quarterly Court to deal with all the cases of petition for admission , as an ultimate court of appeal , as the apparent want of any such power has resulted in
placing on the Institutions list a case , ( I say it in all kindness to the poor orphan boy ') , which ought never to have goton the list , and may lead to many and grave abuses , if it be not at onca dealt with , and rectified . Even on Thursday , when two cases were withdrawn , they were withdrawn apparently by resolution of the General Committee , thoughannounced to the Quarterly Court , and in future , I for one , think that
the Quarterly Court should have power to reject or affirm any recommendation of the General Committee . I should not have troubled you with this , but as I always like to give "justice where justice is due , " I think it right to defend the General Committee and the Quarterly Court of the Boys' School from the popular allegation and the hasty assertion that they do not consider the
cases carefully . The truth is , as one correspondent has well said , the greatest abuses are committed , not by the committees or officials , but by those erood brethren , who in defiance of the laws of the school carry cases on to the list which ought , neither legally or morally , to be there at all . I am , yours fraternally , A LIFE GOVERNOR OF THE BOYS' SCHOOL .
GIRLS' SCHOOL ELECTION . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir anil Brother , — Sometimes you kindly allow a brother to draw attention in your columns to an exceptionally deserving case ; such a favour I ask at your hands , in order that I may point out that of Mona Beatrice Hennet .
Her father was well-to-do , but through no fault of his own sank into poverty ; this and illness , ( repeated rupture of bloodvessels on the lungs ) have prevented his supporting his six children ; the mother ( from a fearful affliction ) has been able to do nothing ; and I therefore ask the subscribers who may remain unpledged to render a real
service to this distressed family . The case is strongly recommended by the following brethren : —Bros . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somerset , Redgate , Bridgwater , L . G . ; E . Turner Payne , P . G . D . England , P . G . Treas . Somerset , Bath , V . P . ; Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . G . S . W . Somerset , Brislington ; J . L . Stothert , P . P . G . S . W
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Sheffield.
\ V [ ervis , W . M . 139 ; J . Ridal , W . M . 29 6 ; S B- Ellis , W . M . 1239 ; B . Saville , W . M . 904 ; W . feudwine , W . M . 681 ; W . T . Beanland , \ V . M- 14 62 ; most of the P . M . ' s of the Sheffield lodges , and many other distinguished brethren .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
r \ Ve elo net hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving rrheop inions expressed by our correspondents , but we -wish , in ? spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . 1
THE SURREY MASONIC HALL . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Pear Sir and Brother , — On the walls of the metropolis , and in thc advertising columns of our newspapers , may at this moment be read the following- announcement , viz : " To bc sold by Auction , by order of the Mortgagees , t he well-built
and very important public building known as the ' Surrey Masonic Hall . '" Can this be read by any of the numerous members of our Craft in the South Metropolitan district without a twinge of conscience for non-assistance to . abodyof men who have done thtir lesl in the interests of Freemasonry , and have worked heartily and thoroughly against adverse
circumstances to carry out an undertaking which it is admitted on all sides was not only a need , but of the greatest importance in promoting the " morale" of the Order by disassociating the practice of its ritual from the influence of tavern accommodation ? I cannot now stay to compute the number of brethren within the district , but feel assured that it is sufficiently large to warrant the
assertion that a contribution averaging amongst them the value of our smallest golden coin would have sufficed to prevent so deplorable a circumstance as the offer to public competition of thc handsome building the promoters have erected . In the report of the ceremony of laying thc foundation or , as it was termed , the memorial stone , in May , 1 S 74 ,
I find the statement that for so long a period as ten years previously strenuous endeavours had been made to secure such a building . The first association lormed for that purpose under the style of " The Masonic Hall Company" was registered under thc Joint Stock Companies Acts , 18 5 6-7 by twenty four brethren , the capital being stated at , £ 15003 , in shares
of £ 1 each , and I well remember that its early expectations were bright , although at that time the number of South Metropolitan Freemasons bore no adequate proportion to the present number and theanticipations of the later Com - pany . The enthusiasm it evoked however soon died out , and subsequent attempts proved also fruitless . Not daunted , although probably disheartened , several of the
"twentyfour" still kept the project afloat , and waited thc better opportunity , which came at last , and in 1872 the two remaining of the original promoters obtained the adhesion of other brethren and with their assistance the present Company was formed . The Capital was fixed at £ 3000 only , in 600 shares of £$ each , and it was , I think , not unreasonably assumed that from amongst the many members of the
Older surrounding the locality chosen for the Hall so small a share list would be speedily filled . The Directors laboured assiduously to interest both lodges and individual brethren , and their project met with universal approval and promises of support in all directions ; but the failure cf former attempts had great influence in causing that support to be witheld until assurance in the shape of
" bricks and mortar " was given . Then there would be no hesitation ! 77 ie « shares should be taken and cheerful assistance given I So , by the munificent aid afforded by two or three of the directors , the site was selected , a portion of the building was erected , and the memorial stone laid by the Prov . Grand Master on the 29 th May , 1874 , with great eclat , and still further approval and
promises . And then began a time of trial for the directors , Having committed themselves to the building of the hall tliey must needs go on , and the usual result of monetary complications ensued . Differences of opinion arose among the directors as to this , that , and the other plan of carrying out the project to completion in the face of difficulties occasioned by thc non-fulfilment of the promises , so
apparently earnestly made . Again the liberality of individual members of the board , the architect , and the builder himself , prevented the " Surrey Masonic Hall " remaining a carcase to this day , and at last the " substantially built public building of handsome elevation " was completed . But where were all the promised shareholders ; where the assurances of support ? It was never intended or announced
• hat the company should be a purely commercial speculation , or pay its shareholders more than a merely nominal dividend . It was built more than principally for the uses ° ' Freemasonry , and thc income from such use was to nave covered cost and annual expenditure . It will be a standing disgrace to the fraternity if the hall ever becomes anything but a Masonic Hall" It is there ! " is the
con-. solatory reflection of many who hp . velost time and money in the endeavour to raise it , and now it should be for others " Keep it devoted to its oiiginal purpose . It 'as been a hard task for those who have con" eclctl themselves with this and former attempts , n « they have seen their associations gradually dissolved 1 J ....... . iui biie .,, a ^ eyLiaeieiua ^ eaeeuaiij uiee ^ uevLU
ti , r " ' rcmova '> and other circumstances , until now e directory of the Company does not contain the name any one of the originators of the building . Anel it is „ Wy personal knowledge that those who now form thc botl ° - Pany" haVC been Cf l ' y "" selfish in respect of Ihe " r " an < 1 money as were tne ' predecessors . Surely 5 J , Craft , " or that portion most nearly interested in the their " ° f such useful P remises < should now take Part in the work and save the building for its original
Original Correspondence.
purposes . How that can be done at this critical moment I must confess myself unable to suggest ; but , nevertheless , something should be attempted , if possible , to prevent so great a scandal to our Order as would be evidenced by an inability to keep what it has cost so much to obtain . In another week , aye , even after a few days , it may be too late to do anything . In a great dilemma
even little hopes give much encouragement , and a suggestion which at another time might appear ridiculous may be now worth some consideration . I venture to make one , and although perhaps no good may come of it , who knows what it might lead to ? This will be read I hope by many on Saturday , the 28 th inst . The auction is fixed for Tuesday the 31 st . On Monday , the 30 th , at six in
the evening , let all those who think some sort of consultation might not be altogether unproductive , meet at the Hall itself , and see the outcome . It is a very impromptu summons , but Freemasons will be there to meet Freemasons , and them only . It is but right that the general boely should know how very unselfishly individuals have acted in the general interest , and although I have no present connection with them , I can " a tale unfold" so
creditable to the directors of the Company that in common fairness it should be heard . And if they can be supported and the building saved to the purpose for which it was dedicated there are many Craftsmen who will rejoice equally with Yours very truly and fraternally , P . M ., P . Z . Clapham , July 23 rd , 1877 .
^ . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am a Freemason of the old school , of that period when Masonry was a bond of friendship , when brothers acted by rule , and our lodges were focuses for the exchange of fraternal love . To what are we to attribute the decadence of this bond
of union ? I say that Masonry is not what it was . Do you require proof ? Then go to the Surrey Masonic Hall , that beautiful structure of which all South London , whether Masons or otherwise , ought to feel proud . It is now plastered over with large bills announcing that the mortgagee has foreclosed , and the Hall is to be sold by auction .
Is not this sufficient to make a Mason blush ? What arc the shareholders about that they thus allow their property to be sacrificed , their honour tarnished , and an esteemed brother ruined for having placed too much confidence in the brethren .
Let a meeting at once be called of the shareholders , and the conduct of the Directors and their Secretary be severely censured ; kt a new board be formed , to which not one of the present managers should be elected , and with a new secretary the builders' claim could soon be paid with honour , and thc Hall continue to be a
success . Yours fraternally , AN EX-DIRECTOR
MASONIC LOTTERIES . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read with great inteiest the correspondence in the Freemason relative to " Masonic Charities . " Whilst approving the laudable effort of Bro . Constable , I must admit that I think the system recently adopted by
our lodge , if more generally known and practised , would tend more to increase the sympathy of the Craft , and encourage the brethren in systematic benevolence , than the strictly "Masonic Lottery , " to which exception is being taken , besides perhaps , satisfying the " conscience clause " of those who object—seeing that all subscribers arc expected , eventually , to pay for what they receive .
I enclose a copy of our rules and regulations , for publication herewith—if you deem them of sufficient importance—which you will observe , provide for brethren becoming Life Governors or Life Subscribers to any , or all of the Masonic Charities , either at once , or by small contributions , according as circumstances or inclination may permit .
I am pleased that the movement is so far successful with us , as to allow of first ballot being taken at our next Lodge meeting on the 31 st inst . _ , Yours fraternally , " 448 . " Rules and Regulationsfor the Government of the Benevolent Fund in connection with Saint James ' s Lodge , No . 448 . 1 . The object of this fund shall be primarily—to
increase the number of life-subscribers and life- governors of the Masonic Charities , and the moneys shall at all times be kept separate and distinct from the regular lodge funds , and be solely and strictly confined to purposes of Masonic benevolence , either of a local character , or . in connection with the general charities of the Order . 3 . The fund shall consist of subscriptions of one shilling
and upwards per month , payable in advance , annually , half-yearly , quarterly , or monthly , at the option of each brother contributing . 3 . The management of the fund shall be in the hands of a committee of six subscribing brethren , to be elected annually , by the contributing members , at the same regular lodge meeting as the Worshipful Master of the
ensuing year . The first committee shall be appointed forthwith , on those rules being approved by the brethren in open lodge . The committee shall present an annual report ( o the members , shewing the state of "the fund , and number ot lifc-subscriberships or life-governorships
obtained , 1 rid s jch annual report shall be sent to the brethren , along vv . e .. i elie regular balance sheet ci the lodge . 4 . When and so often as the sum in the Treasurer ' s hands shall amount to five pounds five shillings , over and above working expenses , a ballot shall be taken for a life-subscribership at the ensuin ( meeting ' , of which
Original Correspondence.
due notice shall be given in the regular lodge summons . The successful subscriber shall have the privilege of selecting the particular Charity to which the donation is to bc made , and the Treasurer of the fund , or the loelge member of the Provincial Charity Committee , shall forthwith forward the same , in such brother ' s name , to the Secretary or Treasurer of the Charity selected .
c . Whenever and so often as any brother shall have paid to the fund the sum of five pounds five shillings without drawing successfully , he shall be entitled to a nomination as life-subscriber or life-governor , as the case may be , when the fund reaches the requisite amount ; and if several brethren shall become entitled to a nomination at one and the same time , the priority of their respective
claims shall bc decided by ballet . 6 . Any brother ceasing to contiibutc to the fund , shall thenceforth have no control over the money he has already subscribed , but the same shall be at the disposal of the committee . 7 . If any brother should become entitled by ballot to a life-subscribership , or life-governorship , and cease to
subscribe to the fund previous to his having paid in contributions the requisite amount of five pounds five shillings , or ten pounds ten shillings , as the case may be , he shall be solicited to pay up the balance at once ; and in the event of the money not being obtainable from him , the matter shall be dealt with by the committee , as the nature of the case mav require .
8 . Should any matter or question arise for which these rules do not provide , the same shall be decided by a majority of the contributors present at any regular lodge meeting . 0 . The members are empowered to frame any new rule which they may deem needful for the" well-being of the fund ; but no new rule shall become effective , nor an old rule abrogated , until such proposed new rule , or such
abrogation of any existing rule , shall have been submitted to the consideration and decision of the subscribers at two several lodge meetings , and at every such meeting the matter proposed shall have been severally determined upon anel sanctioned by the majority of the contributors prcscn t thereat . The foregoing rules were approved and adopted by the brethren in open lodge , this 29 th day of May , 1877 .
C . T . RHODES , W . M ., Treasurer , pro . tcm ., who will be glad to receive the names and contributions of all brethren who may feel disposed to confirm and redeem the promises made by them at their initiation .
CHARITY ORGANISATION REFORM . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I do not seek to re-open this question in its entirety , but simply to call attention to one point connected with it . I think Bro . Simpson has expressed a hope , in accordance with the Editor and other correspondents , that
more attention shall be paid by the committees of the Instit tution to the original cases . As I was one of the few present on Thursday last , I can bear testimony to the anxiety and carefulness exhibited by all in dealing with thc petitions for admission . If the same scrutiny be exercised by the General Committee , I , for one , cannot see th- ? need or possibility of any reform in that respect . I do not agree with
the result of the Quarterly Court deliberations , in one case especially , but I yet feel bound to express my admiration of their evident desire to do justice to all concerned . One fact , I think , became patent to all , that more power must be given to the Quarterly Court to deal with all the cases of petition for admission , as an ultimate court of appeal , as the apparent want of any such power has resulted in
placing on the Institutions list a case , ( I say it in all kindness to the poor orphan boy ') , which ought never to have goton the list , and may lead to many and grave abuses , if it be not at onca dealt with , and rectified . Even on Thursday , when two cases were withdrawn , they were withdrawn apparently by resolution of the General Committee , thoughannounced to the Quarterly Court , and in future , I for one , think that
the Quarterly Court should have power to reject or affirm any recommendation of the General Committee . I should not have troubled you with this , but as I always like to give "justice where justice is due , " I think it right to defend the General Committee and the Quarterly Court of the Boys' School from the popular allegation and the hasty assertion that they do not consider the
cases carefully . The truth is , as one correspondent has well said , the greatest abuses are committed , not by the committees or officials , but by those erood brethren , who in defiance of the laws of the school carry cases on to the list which ought , neither legally or morally , to be there at all . I am , yours fraternally , A LIFE GOVERNOR OF THE BOYS' SCHOOL .
GIRLS' SCHOOL ELECTION . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir anil Brother , — Sometimes you kindly allow a brother to draw attention in your columns to an exceptionally deserving case ; such a favour I ask at your hands , in order that I may point out that of Mona Beatrice Hennet .
Her father was well-to-do , but through no fault of his own sank into poverty ; this and illness , ( repeated rupture of bloodvessels on the lungs ) have prevented his supporting his six children ; the mother ( from a fearful affliction ) has been able to do nothing ; and I therefore ask the subscribers who may remain unpledged to render a real
service to this distressed family . The case is strongly recommended by the following brethren : —Bros . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somerset , Redgate , Bridgwater , L . G . ; E . Turner Payne , P . G . D . England , P . G . Treas . Somerset , Bath , V . P . ; Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . G . S . W . Somerset , Brislington ; J . L . Stothert , P . P . G . S . W