The Masonic Charities At Home And Abroad.

their efforts to bring this valuable institution into active operation . ' The cordial co-operation of the various lodges in the city has been secured , and the committee trust that the appeal to the fraternity at large ,

will be as heartily responded to so as to enable this institution to rank with kindred associations and lighten the sorrows of those Avho may become recipients of its bounty . "A form of subscription is annexed , and the

committee hope not only to receive your own contribution , but also that of as many friends as may be favourable to the institution .

" CHARLES TOBY , " Chairman of Committee . " "April 25 th , 1867 . " At a meeting held in August , 1866 , the following rules and regulations were adopted , and have

since been acted upon : — 1 . The object of the Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Eund is to assist aged and distressed worthy brethren of the ancient aud honourable Order of

Freemasonry , ancl to afford relief to their AVidows and orphans . 2 . The Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Fund shall be supported by annual subscriptions and voluntary contributions , and boxes for the

reception of donations shall be placed in such chapters and lodges as may be disposed to receive them . 3 . Lodges desirous of participating in the privileges of this fund shall pay a subscription of not less than 1 s . quarterly for each of their contributing members .

4 . The institution shall be managed by a committee consisting of the Worshipful Master and Immediate Past Master of each lodge subscribing to the fund , and two members ( Master Masons ) elected by each of such lodges .

5 . The committee shall meet for general purposes at eight precisely on the evening of the last Wednesday in the months of January , April , July , and October . 6 . At the quarterly meeting in January in each

year , the committee shall elect from their number , a chairman , treasurer , and honorary secretary AVIIO shall be the trustees of the fund j and in the event of any vacancy occurring in either of these offices , the committee shall have power to fill up such

vacancy . 6 . Five of the members of committee shall form a quorum at any meeting , general or special ;

and , at all meetings the chairman shall have a deliberative , and in case of equality arising , a casting vote . 7 . The committee shall be at liberty to take into consideration all applications for relief , the

same being made in accordance with the regulations hereinafter mentioned , and thereupon to afford such relief from the funds of the institution

as they may deem expedient ; the committee shall also be empoAvered to order payment of all current and incidental expenses ,, and to invest the surplus funds at interest . In cases of emergency the treasurer shall be empowered to make an advance

to an applicant of a sum not exceeding 20 s ., on the written recommendation of three members of the committee , or not exceeding 5 s . on his own responsibility . 9 . The committee may appoint sub-committees

for specific purposes , and with plainly expressed powers—two-thirds of the members of such subcommittees shall form a quorum , and at every meeting their chairman shall have a deliberative , and on equality arising , a casting vote .

10 . The secretary shall ' convene a special meeting of the committee on requisition to him in writing signed by three of its members , or by seven annual subscribers to the fund of not less than 10 s ., or donors of not less than three

guineas each ; the requisition to state distinctly the object of such meeting , due notice of Avhich shall be given in writing to each member of the committee , and no business shall be transacted thereat , but that for which such meeting was convened .

11 . The committee shall have the entire conduct , supervision , and ] control of the affairs , and conduct of the institution in all its departments or branches , with full powers to provide and act as may be expedient and beneficial in any case of

emergency , doubt , or difficulty , not specifically provided for or adverted to in these rules . 12 . The committee shall be at liberty from time to time to alter and amend the rules and regulations of this institution in such manner as

they may deem desirable , provided that at least one week's notice be given in writing to each Member of the committee of such proposed alteration or amendment .

13 . The treasurer shall receive from the secretary the periodical or other subscriptions or donations given or subscribed for the use of this institution , and shall pay the same into the Hobart