English Gilds *

are evidently meant , as the devices of the workmen would have simply been strikes . In any case , however , the combinations of the tailors seemed to have been but transitory , and not to have led to the formation of lasting Trade Unions . At least , during the entira eig hteenth century we hear no more of

combinations of journeymen , and not even the Sth George III ., c . 17 , makes mention of them . The trade of framework-knitting was not yet established in the Sth Elizabeth . But in the year 1663 Charles II . incorporated " several persons , by

the name of Master , Warden , Assistants , and Society , of the Art and Mystery of Framework-knitters of the Cities of London and Westminster , the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales , for ever , with power to exercise their jurisdiction throughout

England and Wales ; and from time to time to make bye-laws for the regulation of the said business of framework knitting , and to punish persons who should offend against such bye-laws . " By Section 33 of the Charter the Master was directed to

" enforce the statute of the 6 th Elizabeth , c . 4 , or any other statute as respects apprentices and the occupations of tho trade . " ( To be continued )

Our Masonic Charities.

OUR MASONIC CHARITIES .

EOYAL MASOSIC INSTITUTION TOR BOYS . ( Continued from page 230 . ) As questions have arisen from to time relative to the cost of boys in the school , tho Committee think it right to say a few words on that subject .

The cost per head of the boys in the schoolabout which questions have from time to time arisen —during tho three years in which the present system has existed , including office expenses , rates and taxes and all expenditure was , in 1 S 67 , £ 47 10 s . 4 d . ; in

1867 , £ 45 13 s . 5 d ., showing a gradual , if small , reduction , which may be further continued as the number of boys may be increased . No doubt this seems at first si ght a large amount but on analysis it is susceptible of satisfactory

explanation . The Freemasons' Boys' School is made up of different classes of society , and requires , therefore , a higher standard alike in clothing , food , and education , than is given to the orphans of merel y eleemosynary institutions , or boys of any one particular class . It

must always be borne in mind that the object of this i nstitution is , by eliminating from its administration all trace of " Charit y" in the cold signification of the word , to elevate the moral tone of the pupils , and to give them tho same educational advantages they

Avould have enjoyed had the lives of their parents been sjiared , thus fitting them for the social positions they were , in all human probability , destined to fill . And this must always be kexit in view when the cost of the education given in this school is considered , or compared with that of other schools .

As regards the educational and general position of the school , the Committee have reason to believe that the cleanliness and good order of the pupils , their cheerfulness and propriety of demeanour , and the arrangements for their comfort and convenience

have won the approval of all who have visited the Institution , and that their progress in ' educational attainments has kept pace with the other improvements .

Of the two only candidates sent up to the Oxford Middle Class examination , June 1867 , both obtained a first-class in honours , and of the six candidates sent up to the Cambridge Examition for the same object in December 1867 , one obtained third class honours and two received certificates . Of four sent xxp

to the Oxford Examination in June , 1868 , one succeeded ; of the six candidates for tho Cambridgo Examination in December , 1868 , one passed in firstclass honours , one in third-class , and one obtained a certificate ; of three candidates entered for the

Oxford Examination in June , 1861 , one passed in secondclass honours , and one in third-class . Nineteen candidates were entered for the Cambridge Examination in December , 1869 , one of whom gained second-class and one third-class honours , the whole

of the remainder entitling themselves to certificates . To obviate objections occasionally urged by advocates of different views on the all important subject

of education—to meet fairly tlie different talents and acquirements of varying individuals—and to provide suitably for the respective positions which the pupils may be expected to occupy on leaving the Institution , the school has been divided into two sections— -classical and commercial . B y this means eminence in

either department is within the reach of all , according to the extent of intellectual attainments , or to tho occupation to which each is _ destined , or may be expected to fill . Tho education comprises a sound English

commercial education , with the addition of French , and in the upper division the classics and advanced mathematics . Drawing , under competent tuition , was introduced in 1861 , not so much as an accomplishment but as a most valuable assistance in after life , many

opportunities of employment being open to those possessing a knowledge of this art which would bo denied to them without such qualification . There is every reason to believe that the advantages