The Boys' School.

from the Committee as to tho general management , as well as on the progress of tbe pupils from the Eev . C . J . Dyer , M . A ., late one of H . M ' s . Diocesan Inspectors of Schools . The latter is the especial point on Avhich I desire now to make a few observations , in great hope of thereby conferring a benefit on another important Institution equally with our own more immediate

association . The word late informs me that the examination is not one of an official character , but is made rather for the satisfaction of the supporters and governors of the schools , than with a view to any ulterior direct advantage to be derived from it by the boys themselves , beyond that stimulus which must necessarily arise from wholesome emulation and the bestowal of suitable prizes on

the most meritorious . Within the last few years a great movement has been taking place in the same direction in two parrallel lines ; the one line marked by efforts to raise the status of the teacher and to secure his

competency ; the other , to prove the value and extent of the instruction given , by a system of examinations conducted by authorised bodies , and to make this available for the advantage of those , who , being brought under its influence , are successful in proving their capabilities , by giving certificates , which will , in future life , serve as passports to situations of honour and trust , thereby

opening prospects of a bright career to many who would otherwise possess no such credentials , and be able to entertain no such hopes . I presume that under present arrangements , in our schools , merit is entirely relative , aud that the standard is by no means fixed . The plan which I propose would do away with this difficulty , inasmuch as each boy examined is tested by a certain scale ,

i irrespective of Avhat may be ths condition of his companions , and is certificated accordingly . There appears to be no good reason why the youths in the Freemasons ' School , should not reap the advantage of these opportunities , and why the Craft should not embrace the occasion to show to the outer world what is being done for the orphans of those who have belonged to " it . There are

now three Institutions which have adopted an organization with the objects to which allusion has been made , viz ., the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge , and the Eoyal College of Preceptors in Loudon , ivhich latter , some years ago , took the initiative in measures for the examination of the pupils iu schools , in addition to that of teachers .

I confess that- from various causes my sympathyis given to the latter body , which , being under Eoyal charter , is fully authorised to carry out this as well as the other portions of the vieAvs with which it was established . The services of its examiners may perhaps be called into requisition for the Freemasons' Schools , more appropriately than those of the examiners appointed by the Universities

because its head quarters are in London , and , therefore they are more accessible and may be obtained with greater facility . That the powers and competency of this Institution arc fully recognised in professional circles , may be shoivn by the following extract from the published report presented to the general meeting of the College of Preceptors by the Council , on Januarv 10 th , 1863 .

"In connexion with the pupils' examination , the Council has to report that a memorial has recently been presented to the Judges , who are empowered by the act of Parliament to regulate the examination of young lrion preparing to enter the legal profession , praying them to recognize the first-class certificates of the College , as exempting the holders from the necessity of passing the preliminary general examination held by the Incorporated Law Society , and the Council sees little reason to doubt that

a favourable answer to this memorial will shortly be received . " "Note—Since tho date of the meeting , this anticipation has been realized , the Judges having unanimously acceded to the prayer of the memorial . Asa similar recognition has already been obtained from the General Medical Council , the holders of the College first-class certificates are now exempted from the necessity for passing the preliminary general examinations held by the various Medical Corporations of the United Kingdom , as well as that under the control of the Judges . "

The Boys' School.

"The College examiners concluded an examination in genera knowledge for the Eoyal College of Surgeons , which took place on the 17 th and 18 th of December , and at which upwards of 100 candidates presented themselves . This was the second examination of the kind in the year 1862 , and it is anticipated that a still larger number of candidates will be examined during the present year . " "The Council has lately received an application from the

Board of Managers of the London Orphan Asylum , the object of which is to ascertain whether the Council would be willing to undertake the examination of the large and important schools belonging to that institution ; and it is probable that this responsible duty will be undertaken by the college examiners . The Council connot but regard this as an additional proof of the growing confidence of the general public administration of the College , and of the increasing value attached to its system of

examinations . Nothing can better mark the existing confidence in the Eoyal College of Preceptors , than the measures adopted in reference to it by the Eoyal College of Surgeons , and by those who regulate admission to the legal profession . It may be well to observe , that the certificates alluded to in this extract are those ordinarily awarded by the College to such as have passed satisfactorily among the pupils in

public or private schools , which have called in the aid of the College examiners , and that these documents may be quite as useful for other purposes , in bearing evidence of a certain amount of merit , of a kind specified in them , on tbe part of those by whom they are obtained . The course adopted by the malingers of the London Orphan Asylum establishes a precedent for the adoption of the same

measure by tlie Directors of the Freemasons' Schools , and may bo confidently recommended , as likely to secure greater efficiency , to give our orphan pupils a definite object to aim at in their studies , and still further promote thoir future welfare on the termination of their education when thrown ou ther own resources ; to call public attention to the work accomplished in our schools ; and at the

same time to extend the sphere of usefulness and the influence of the College of Preceptors . If you think my suggestion worth anything , you may , perhaps , enlarge upon it when opportunity offers , and to enable you to do this more fully , 1 enclose a copy of a series of articles I have just put in circulation upon the whole question , with special reference to the College . For further information

I refer you and your readers to its Secretary , John Eobsou , Esq ., B . A ., who may be found at the Institution . 42 , Queen-square , Bloomsbury , London . Yours faithfully and fraternally , HENEY HOPKINS , P . M ., No . 51 , Jersey , March 14 th , 1863 . P . Prov . G . S . W ., & c .

Freemasons' Magazine Company.

FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE COMPANY .

TO THE EDITOR OE THE EREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEBOB . SIR AND BROTHER . — -Masonic increase and amelioration would , in my judgment , suffer much delay and injury by the discontinuance of your publication . The Craft in the metropolis ought to know what is done by the brethren in the provinces , aud the Craft in the provinces

Avhat is done by tho brethren in the metropolis . This at present , is effected almost entirely by THE PREEKASOXS ' MAGAZIXE . Besides , it is only by this Journal that the Masons of England became acquainted with the proceedings of Masons of other countries . Take for instance France and Germany : there are probably not half-adozen English Masons to whom the Monde Maconn ' uiueor

Bie Bauhiitte is sent . I heartily wish success to the contemplated Company . You may insert my name in the list of Patrons , if you think it can in any Avay be useful . Yours fraternally , CHARLES PURTOX COOI-EH , Q . C . L . L . D . P . Prov . G . M for Kent . Chateau Framoas , 10 th March , 1863 .