Charity Stewards.

according to circumstances , the great portion of which is voted to the funds of the Institution . As my only anxiety is for a thorough ventilation of this subject , in order that it may be perfectly understood , and the duties and responsibilities of Stewards accurately ascertained , I subjoin a copy of the " receipts and disbursements " in connection with a Festival of the Boys' School , on which I leave "A Country P . M . " to comment , if he thinks fit to do so .

RECEIPTS . £ s . d . SO Stewards' deposit at £ 5 400 0 0 155 dinner tickets at 21 s 162 15 0

£ 562 15 0 DISBURSEMENTS . Freemasons ' Tavern Co . ( Limited ) ... 3 M 7 6-Music 26 5 0 Printing 31 16 11 Advertising 11 11 0

¦ Stewards ' rosettes 17 17 0 Extra gallery accommodation for ladies 15 10 0 Hon . See ' s disbursements , including assistance , postages , & c 12 5 1 Eau de Cologne for ladies 3 0 0

465 12 6 Surplus 97 2 6 562 15 0 Of the surplus £ 63 was voted to the " Building ITund" of the Institution , the balance being apportioned as the Stewards present at the final meeting of the

Board in their discretion thought fit to determinenothing , be it observed , however , was expended m refreshment . But I must not forget , in my desire to lay these matters fully and openl y before those who most legitimately seek for informationto answer the direct

, qnestions put by your correspondent . The deposit which each Steward is called upon to pay towards the "Festival Fund" is expected to be paid _ by him "out of his own pocket , " and has nothing whatever to do with any other duty or labour he may undertake—or with any donations he may

contribute or collect—and in this I do not think there is any "injustice towards the Stewards individually , " or that it is in any way " likely to operate most injuriously to the best interests of the Charity . " It must be borne in mind that each Steward who at the time of his stewardship contributes not less than ten guineasreceives an additional vote in virtue

, of his deposit , so that justice is done to the Steward , inasmuch as he really receives for two guineas what he would otherwise have to acquire at an outlay of five guineas . The inequality between metropolitan ; and provincial brethren is just one of those accidents for which I hardly see a remeduntil ive succeed in

y annihilating distance , and in bringing all together on one spot . I am bound to say that I have never heard this plea put forth by provincial brethren as a reason for declining the office of Steward , and I do not think a " Country P . M . " himself would urge it . "Whether or not I have succeeded in this letter in

removing scruples , solving doubts , and in offering satisfactory explanations , is a question for others to determine . From a not inconsiderable experience of the system under Avhich our Festivals are conducted , I feel sure there is but small ground for cavil or objection . That under that system the office of Steward is a popular oneis proved by the annually

, increasing number of those who volunteer to accept the office , it being the fact that in some lodges there is actually severe competition for the honour . That , on the other hand , there may be a much larger number Avho Avould accept the office if it was attended solely with honourand not accompanied with

respon-, sibilities , I am not prepared to deny . Deeply desirous as I am to see our Charities more Avidely and more extensively supported—believing that every properly qualified Mason is able to do something towards their maintenance , I yet do not Avish to see the proceedings in connection with these ornaments of our

Order reduced to a level Avith those of mere benefit societies , in which category Masonry never was , and , I hope , never will be , included . The effect of my reply to your former correspondent ¦ " Beta" has been to open communications between

the excellent brother writing under that signature and myself , with consequences , I trust , satisfactory to him , and , as I have substantial reasons for knowing , highly favourable to the interests of this Institution . I hope the same result will attend this reply to a " Country P . M ., " AVIIO is evidently actuated by a kindly and generous feeliug , Avith the wish aud desire

to aid in the good and glorious work of Masonic charity . I thank him for his communication , and cannot but feel grateful to you for placing so much of your valuable space at the disposal of those ministering in behalf of the members of " the household of faith , " who , from adversity of whatever kind ,

require help anil encouragement at the hands of their more prosperous brethren . In these letters I must be understood as speaking solely for myself , not ivishing to bind others to sentiments or opinions of . Avhich —for all I know to the contrary—they may Avholly disapprove .

I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally , FREDERICK BINCKES , Secretary Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . London , February 12 th , 1 S 66 .

TO THE EDITOR OF TIIE FEEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC HIItKOE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I had already prepared a letter to you on the subject of our Masonic Charities , when I have beeu somewhat anticipated by the letter of " A Country P . M" in your last issue . This , I doubt not , Avill call forth a reply from Bro . Binckes , but in endorsing most fully your correspondent ' s

letter I should like to ask a few questions and add my testimony to his , how much I consider the Charities suffer from the present arrangement . Having seen several brethren Avearing the Charity jewel , I Avould ask how that is obtained ? what services a brother is supposed to have given to the Craft ? and

Avhether it is necessary he should have served as Steward to all the Charities ? I am anxious to do my duty as a Ma 3 on , and to become in turn a life governor of them all ; but like , I have no doubt , many other brethren , my heart is