Royal Masonic Institution For Boys, Wood Green.

sible for the benefit of the Institution . Before I sit down , as a proof of my estimation of the worth of this Institution , allow me to propose to you as a toast , " The prosperity , progress , aud continued usefulness of the Lewises ofthe Order . " The toast was drank with cheers . ¦ The Chairman : Aud now , brethren , before we part I have one more , anel only one more , toast for your consideration ; and that is one that I must entreat the forbearance of my friends for

attempting , inasmuch as I am conscious that I have not the ability for one instant to elo justice to it . When this the last toast is drank , my friends you can go to your amusements and to the pleasures of the evening , which I heme and trust will be iu every way conducive to your happiness . I saiel to-day , while addressing you in another part of this Institution , that there was , pre-eminontly , " the right man in the right place . " It

lias long been my privilege to be acquainted with the brother whose health I am about to propose for your consideration and acceptance , and I am quite sure that those who remain and listen to what I have to say will bear with me out when I affirm that I know no man connected with our Order -who could by any possibility have exerted himself more actively , and devoted more time , attention and earnestness for the interest of this Institution than the brother whose health I have the privilege to propose to you has done . There was a time when 1 looked around me in despair of ever being able to find a man whose industry , talent anel zeal would leal to such an increase of the

funds of this Institution , as would enable its managers adequately to develope its benefits . At length the man was found , the piesent Secretary of the Institution , Bro . Frederick Binckes . Before the last Annual Festival I met in Piccadilly a brother , who I am ashamed to say does not take tho interest in the Craft that he ought to take , anel who saiel to me , " Do you know what they are talking about this Masonic Institution for Boys ?" " No , " I replied , " I do not . " " Why , " rejoined he , " they say

that they want something like £ 10 , 000 to do what is necessary to be done ! Do not you wish they may get it ? " I answered " Yes , I know now to what you refer . They want more than that , and they will get it . It Bro . Binckes is at the helm you may depend upon it that he will not elrive the ship on shore . " My prediction was quite true as you , brethren are now aware , Bro . Binckes on that occasion , in conjunction with the House Committee , did not drive the ship on shore ; but he went to sea

and brought home a cargo , the value of which was £ 12 , 000 , which was applied to the reeluction of the debt ou this Institution . Well , now , my friends , we want something like £ 9 , 000 more , to complete the abolition of that liability , and Bro . Binckes will , with those who stand by him , produce that sum between now and next March . That is a man whom you ought to do honour to ; he is a brother whom we all admire , and therefore I again ask you to join with me iu drinking his health , " Long life and prosperity to him . " The toast was drank with three times three cheers aud one cheer more .

The Secretary ( who upon rising was received with loud applause ) said : Brethren , Chairman , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —The occasion and the exigencies of time demand that I should be as brief as possible in replying to the toast you have so kindly drank . Believe me that from the bottom of my heart I appreciate the manner and friendly expressions of feeling which have just been made in reference to myself by tho Chairman , although 1 am at the same time conscious that I cannot adequatel l

y repy to them . In the discharge of the duties of the office I feel it au honour to fill , I have had occasion frequently to trouble my brethren with appeals for assistance , and have been reluctantly compelled to a renewed appeal in connexion with this day ' s proceedings . My justification is , that I have felt that the interests of the institution have iu some extent been entrusted to me , and I have always determined , that so far as health , strength , and abilit

y would serve me , those interests should not suffer in my keeping . Without appeals , without constant efforts , how could such results as those witnessed bore be achieved ? To quote my friend . Dr . Goodwin , I might have taken salary in one hand aud work in the other , weighed the one against the other and been content with the labour thereby required from me ; but , if I hael we should not be have wish

as we are . I no or intention to indul ge in one egotistical assertion , and if I allude to work that has been done , and venture to arrogate to myself some small share of the credit , it is for the purpose of allowing myself the opportunity of repelling with indignation the unfraternal and unfair remarks and insinuations which have iieen usedand indulged iu by some from whom better things might

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys, Wood Green.

have been expected . Let the Craft at large judge between them and me as to the manner in which I have at least endeavoured to discharge my duties during the last seven years . But to persuc a more grateful theme , I hope that those who are here for the first time to-day will give au account to others of what they have seen , that so the ranks of our supporters may from year to year bo recruited , It is a source of groat satisfaction to witness such a enormous assemblage of friends , especially to welcome so

large a number of ladies , whose sympathies it is always my wish anel endeavour to enlist . In tho work all but brought to a successful issue it has been my gocel fortune to be associateel with a boely of brethren zealous and generous , to whom this institution is largely indebted . Valuable , however , as has been their aid , it weighs but as a feather in the balance when compared with that which may be efl ' ecteel through the influence and co-operation of the ladiesanel I elo most earnestl

, y plead with them for that help nono others can so effectually rentier . That help is needed not on account of any " wasteful or extravagant" expenditure ( as some have thought proper to characterise our outlay ) , but because we have not spared expenditure to produce that efficiency to which such gratifying testimouv has been borne to-dav . I miffht compare the present

state of this institution with the past , but 1 elo not know that it would profit much to occupy your time in doing so . Its present position in every respect—finance alone excepted—is a matter for hearty congratulation , but I believe it is only in its infancy . I look forward with confidence to a large extension of the benefits of this institution , and rely with equal confidence on the supply of the means necessary for such extension . Bro . C . J . Morgan : I am sure we can bear testimony to the

truth of what Bro . Binckes has said about the Boys' School , and in connection with its interests I wish to direct particular attention to the announcement made by the rev . chairman of his intention to preach a sermon in aid of the funds of the School , on Sunday , the 25 th inst . An opportunity will then be afforded of paying our duty to God , manifesting our admiration of our Oreler , and of the Institution connected with it so worthy in every way of our supportand at the same to evince to the

, outer world that Masonry is not simply a benefit society or feeding-club , as some love to describe it . I hope all our brethren and sisters here—if so I may describe the ladieswill be present to support Bro . Cox in bis laudable effort to assist the Institution .

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

BEDEOED LODGE ( NO 157 ) . —The members of this lodge held their summer banquet , at Bro . Wm . Holland ' s Hotel , North Woolwich , on Friday the 16 th inst ., under the able presidency of Bro . S . Mellis , W . M . The members present were : Lavender , P . M . ; Jones , P . M . ; Cubitt , P . M . ; Hill , P . M . ; Robinson , Walker , Foster , Tullett , Hills , W . Holland , Drew , Howland , Eades , and others whose names we were not able to ascertain . The visitors present wore : Bros . Wahley andT . Beard . The members present

sat down to an excellent banquet served by tho worthy host , which gave the greatest satisfaction . The cloth having been removed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . The brethren were then shown over the grounds adjoining the hotel by Bro . W . Hollanel , who exerted himself to the utmost to make each and every one truly happy—and we are happy to say that he succeeded—it being the general remark that " this was the place to spend a happy day . " We may-

remark to those lodges , who have not yet held their summer banquet that we can with much pleasure recommend them to the North Woolwich Hotel and gardens , where they will be received with that urbanity aud courtesy so truly characteristic in Bro . W . Holland .

MIDDLESEX . UXBRIDGE . —Poyal Union Lodge ( So- 382 ) . —A meeting of this old lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , ou Monday , the 19 th inst ., at half-past three o ' clock , Bro . G . Feiirenbach , the AV . M ., in the chair , supported by Bros . W . IT . Coulter , S . W . ; J . Jaerain , J . W . ; J . W . Claisen , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Coombs , P . M . Hon . Sec ; R . Lonsdale , S . D . ; B . IT . Swallow ,

as J . D . ; W . J . Cloake , I . G . ; J . Sacjui , Org . ; T . A . Adams , P . G . Purst . ; J . Weeelou , P . M . ; F . J . Wirtzfield , P . M . ; C . Horsley , E . C . Woodward , J . Woodward , Capt . Freeman , Booker , Blockley , Holliday , & c . The minutes of last meeting were