The Surgical Aid Society.

The Surgical Aid Society .

IT is' one of the proud traditions of Freemasonry that a deaf ear is never turned to the cry of suffering humanity , but that , as means and opportunity offer , that cry is heeded and the suffering relieved . Amongst the many agencies existing for the relief of bodily affliction , it would perhaps be hard to find one more worthy of support than

the Surgical Aid Society , which , by supplying surgical appliances of every kind to the poor , upon the recommendation of subscribers and the certificate of a surgeon , seeks to meet the need as fully and widely as possible , whilst carefully guarding against imposition . Some idea of the extent of the

work may be gleaned from the fact that the average weekly number of patients relieved by the Society is now over 3 80 , and that during last year alone no less than 32 , 264 appliances were supplied , making a total of 429 , 26 5 during the 41 years of the Society ' s existence . These comprise artificial . legs

and arms , spinal supports , leg instruments , trusses , belts , crutches , spectacles , & c , so that all kinds of deformities and disabilities are provided for . In short , this Society , whilst reducing the possibility of abuse to a minimum , yet seeks to afford the maximum of timely relief to the afflicted , and so far as possible to enable the lame to walk , the deaf to hear , the blind to see , the sad to rejoice , and the erstwhile helpless

THE SECRETARY , MR . RICHARD C TRESIDDER . to rise to their wonted independence , thus transforming poor cripples into useful and able members of the community , earning their own livelihood and in many instances supporting their wives and families in comfort . A very large proportion

The Surgical Aid Society.

of the patients are examined at the London offices by the Society ' s surgeons , and the simpler appliances are fitted on the premises by qualified attendants . The growth of the demands necessitated , some five years ago , considerable extension of the premises , which are now admirably adapted

ONE OF THE "FITTING ROOMS , " WITH ANTE-ROOM IN BACKGROUND . for their work . An annual subscription of one guinea or a life subscription of ten guineas , will entitle the donor to four " letters" of recommendation per annum , and thus

enable him to assist directly in this excellent and benilicent cause . The Secretary , Mr . R . C . Tresidder , Salisbury Square , Fleet Street , will gladly furnish any information desired , and will be pleased to receive donations and subscriptions .

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The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire had a record attendance in the Temple at Freemasons' Hall on the 12 th July . The proceedings were of exceptional interest , the principal feature being the presentation of an address to the Right Hon . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., Dep . Grand Master , and the R . W . Prov . Grand Master of the province . There were

a great number of Grand Officers present , including Bros , the Earl of Malmesbury , Sir Edward Letchworth , Col . R . Townley Caldwell , J . T . Morland , C . E . Keyser , C . F . Matier , Dr . Armitage , Dr . Sansom , Major Woodall , and many others . After the interesting proceedings had terminated ,

Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was served in the large hall of the Freemasons' Tavern , at which the Provincial Grand Master presided .

Robert Burns As A Freemason.

Robert Burns as a Freemason .

THE true history of the connection of the Poet Burns with Freemasonry will probably continue to be a matter for controversy between the Masonic historian and those who are ready to accept , without investigation , every legend that has been woven around his name by his

admiring countrymen ; but that he was a member of the Order and took part in its gatherings , in which the social and convivial side was probably not the least conspicuous , is beyond all doubt . The annual communication of Lodge Cannongate Kilwinning , Edinburgh , in honour of its poet laureate has become an institution , and the recent celebration , held within St . John ' s

Chapel , presided over by Bro . A . A . Murray , was a marked success . According to custom , the oration was delivered from the Burns' chair . The speaker was Bro . Philip Sulley , P . M ., of Cupar , who , in proposing " The Immortal Memory

of Robert Burns , " said it was but natural to dwell on the links that bound him to our fraternity . As his Masonic history had been fully recorded by the historians of this and other lodges , it sufficed to say that he was a keen Mason , a regular attender , a hard worker , within the length of his cable tow . But was his work confined to attending meetings , filling offices , writing minutes , and taking part in the social after-