Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contradiction.
been most praiseworthy in efforts to promote the Avelfare of our Schools , and forgctfulncss of any defects Avhich , small at first , haA'e HOAV led to such momentous issues , may be permitted then ; and then AVO may be sure the natural impulses of the true Freemason Avill protect individual brethren from vindictivenoss .
One Avord more ; Ave hear , an jia ^ ant , that the Matron and Steward have received notice of dismissal , and are amongst the first victims ( deservedly or undeservedly ) , of the late enquiry . We may be very wrong in our judgment , but Ave think , ahvays presuming Ave have been correctly
informed , that it would have been better taste on the part of those Avho have given such notice , if they had Avaited until they had ascertained the wishes of the Special Court , which may possibly have very enlarged vieAvs on the subject of dismissal . If delinquents are to be made
examples of , those Avho have the meting out of punishment should begin at the head , and let men and women Avhose duty it may be " not to reason A \ diy " be the latest to feel the effects of the bad management now under
consideration . A week or tAvo more of the same managers and servants cannot add much , if anything , to the intolerable injury already done to this and the kindred Masonic Institutions .
Charity.
CHARITY .
( COMMUNICATED . ) | ^^ LEASANT reading 1 indeed is the report of the Philbrick I IP J Committee on the administration of the Boys' School , for 1 iHH those wno practice the cardinal virtue <; charity " in edu-ImliffiH eating and supporting sons of those brethren unable to do so themselves ! Those responsible for-a , state of affairs which has caused so sAveeping a condemnation of the administration in its
various branches and almost all connected therewith , must feel anything but happy in their minds in digesting it . A resolution was recently passed ordering a copy of the report to be sent to all the Governors of the Institution : IIOAV this has been complied Avith is host knoAvn to those entrusted with the task , but it is certain that even to-day . 22 nd May . all Life Governors have
not received one ! We Avould ask is this part and parcel of the system of neglect , < fcc ., Avhich appears to have characterised the Avhole official machinery connected Avith the Charity . We are informed that a Special G eneral Court to consider the report is to bo convened for Friday , the 31 st inst . In respect to the Boys' School , noAvhere can wc find any printed laAvs , but believe them to be identical Avith those of the Girls' School—Xo . 31 of
Avhich reads thus : — " A special General Court shall bo called by the Secretary at any time being not less than ten days from tho delivery to him of a requisition in Avriting of thc President , Treasurer , a Trustee , three Vice-Patrons or Vice-Presidents , or nine Subscribers , or by a resolution of thc General Committee , and the time at which such Court is
to be held , and thc business to bo transacted , shall be specified in such requisition or resolution , six days' notice of such Court being given by advertisement in three at least of the daily papers , notice also being sent to every Provincial Grand Secretary . Such Special Court has the poAver to adjourn , but no new matter can be introduced . "
This seems vague , as it only states " daily papers' : is it meant to be read " London daily papers . ' " if so , they might be specified , as it would be absolutely impossible to plough through the mass of daily literature which appears , in search of such information , and many Avorthy brethren Avilling and wishful to attend Avithout such specification would be deprived of their privilege . Such a meeting
ought to be thoroughly advertised so as to afford all interested the opportunity of attending . As evidence of the interest evinced by other than Masonic Journals in this matter of crying moment , Ave reproduce the following from the ( Ilobe of the Kith inst .: — " The report of the committee of investigation into the management of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys has already been
published , in synoptic form , in these columns . But it is desirable that some further attention should be drawn to this subject , Avhich affects several institutions of kindred foundation , and other large public charities administered by corporate bodies . The report to Avhich Ave allude is , to use the mildest term , unsatisfactory . It speaks of friction and antagonism in the administrative
departments . It speaks of deficiencies in the important matters of health and cleanliness ; of too small playgrounds ; of too long hours of study ; of a dcadness and want of activity among the boys ; of Avant of proper access to the school library ; of an unsuitable style of clothing ; of an insufficient supply of green vegetables in the diet ; of an excessive expenditure upon meat , in consequence of Avaste in
cooking ; of an inadequate system of book-keeping , and so on . We have rarely seen any report upon an important educational establishment which was more condemnatory of the general system of management . The names of the commissioners signing the report are sufficient evidence of their capability and impartiality , and Ave have no choice but to accept their verdict . Now what Ave would
ask , in the interest of the large and influential body of people subscribing to these Masonic charities , is—What may ice not expect , if similar enquiries iverc made into olh-r Masonic institutions , such as the Institution for Girls , and that for Old Men and Women ? ' Thereis a general tendency in large public charities to icaste thc ample funds at their disposal , and the sooner these matters are ¦ inquired into , and the institutions placed under a practical and economical
Charity.
system o / administration , the better jor the credit of the benevolent Society ' . " The italics being ours , we would draw particular attention to thc query in tho concluding lines . Another paper ( the City Press ' ) thus alludes to the matter : — " The revelations respecting the Masonic Boys ' School made by the Committee of Investigation are simply startling .
Lavish subscriptions are made , but neither in buildings , in food , clothing , or management , is reasonable value attained . Tho classrooms are so small and dark , and the gas fittings so high , that shortsightedness is double the average , and the boys are spiritless and listless , without energy even in their games . One of the rooms available for class-rooms is occupied by dogs , the property of the house
steAvard . The bread is sour , the food generally served in hap-hazard fashion . The accounts are irregularly kept , ' and those published are misleading . ' The cost of maintenance is £ 50 10 s . per head as against £ 21 ) 14 s . ( id . at the Commercial Travellers' School . Altogether there seems great need of reform if not revolution , and as the report is signed \> y such well knoAvn men as Mr . Philbrick
Q . C ., Mr . J . D . Allcroft , Alderman Sir R . Hanson , and Mr . S . Pope . Q . V ., there can be no doubt that its statements are Avithout exaggeration . " Whilst still another ( The Topical Times ) asks very tersely "What the Life Governors of the Boys' Masonic School think of the report of the Special Committee ? If the Girls' School Avill not bear a little looking into /"
At the moment of Avriting , a neAvspaper devoted to Finance ( The Financial Times ) prints a long leader Avith the apropos heading , "A Muddled Charity , " dealing Avith the matter at length , and promising to "deal Avith the items in these curiously audited accounts seriatim in the course of a feAV days . " It is , therefore , very palpaple if the mal-administration of the
Boys' School causes such strictures as the above to be passed in " popular" journals , that the days of suppression and hole-andcorner dealings are at an end . It may be urged that matters relating to the Craft and its Charities are of such a nature as to be aboA'e outside criticism , and'that comment thereon is intrusive ; but Ave maintain that a scandal ( we can call it nothing else ) such as in
shown by the Committee ' s report , is a matter of grave general public interest , especially as it may be the means of unearthing abuses Avhich exist in other charities . For the moment Ave refrain from criticising and enlarging on much of the terse and straightforward statements in the Report , contenting ourselves Avith remarking that those Avho are responsible
for the necessary notice convening the forthcoming meeting will do well to give such publicity to its announcement as to avoid any reflection ( and Ave hear even UOAV grumblings in this direction ) that might be made as to its being , in everyday parlance , a delusion and a nnare . We Avill resume this subject next AA'eek , and , meamvlule
DEATH OF R . W . BRO . BRIGADIER-GENERAL ALEXANDER W . ADAIR , P . PROV . GRAND MASTER FOR SOMERSETSHIRE . —Profound regret was felt throughout Somerset on Friday last , 17 th inst ., Avhen the mcloncholy neAvs Avas received from Bath that Brigadier-General Adair had succumbed to tho illness from Avhich he had been suffering during the past Aveek . The deceased gentleman was
greatly beloved by all classes in thc county . In the service he Avas known as a brave soldier , a faithful comrade , and an honourable gentleman ; in his own immediate district as a kind and genial neighbour , ready at any time to lend a helping hand in any good cause ; and among his brethren in Freemasonry lie was beloved for his true Masonic virtues , for his devotion to the cause and for the
undeviating earnestness Avith Avhich he endeavoured to give effect in his daily life to the principles of the Craft . In every relation of life Brigadier-General Adair Avas respected and esteemed . He was a firm disciplinarian as a soldier , but his comrades liked him tho better for it . Ho was ahvays consistent , and his consistency Avan understood . He served his county in the distinguished office of
High Sheriff , and in Masonry we believe he had held every office , from the humble position of Steward in the Craft Degree to the honoured position of an Officer of Grand Lodge . As Ruler of the Craft in Somerset he is remembered as one of the most popular Provincial Grand Masters the county has ever knoAvn , and it must have been a very pressing engagement indeed Avhich Avould prevent
him from being present at any local Masonic function . So recently as Wednesday last a letter was read from him in lodge expressing regret that he Avas unable to attend to his duties as Immediate Past Master of 2 G 1 , and hopes that he might soon be able to resume his Masonic duties . It Avas not , hoAvever , to be . He has passed the veil . His work is done , and he has built up in the hearts of all
A \ ho kneAv him " a monument more lasting than brass , and more sublime than the regal elevation of pyramids , Avhich neither thc Avasting sliOAver , the unavailing north Avind , or an immeasurable succession of years and the flight of seasons shall be able to demolish . " This is indeed true Masonry and true life . —Somerset Count g Gazette .
LOUGHBOROUGH LODGE OF INSTRUCTION . —On Monday , 20 th inst ., at the Gauden Hotel , Clapham Station . Present : Bros . W . W . Westley , Preceptor ; Folkard , W . M . ; Mitchell , S . W . ; Harvey , J . W . ; Andrews , sec . ; Beavan , S . D . ; Ellson , J . D . ; Donaldson , I . G . ; Livitt , Russell , Steele , F . Hill , Cochrane , Smith , Colin an , W . Hill , J . P . Wright . C . Woods . Poole , Windsor , Spencer , kc . The lodge
Avas opened m the first , second and third degrees , and the ceremony of raising Avas rehearsed . The lodge Avas resumed to the first degree and the first and third sections Avere worked by Bro . AndreAvs , and the second section by Bro . Donaldson , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Mitchell , S . W ., Avas elected W . M . for Monday next , and appointed his officers in rotation .
impress the above on " those whom it may concern , as no matter hoAv the wires may be pulled , the report will have to be met , and the way it is met Avill be certainly fully dwelt upon in journals having a far greater circulation than all the masonic papers put together .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contradiction.
been most praiseworthy in efforts to promote the Avelfare of our Schools , and forgctfulncss of any defects Avhich , small at first , haA'e HOAV led to such momentous issues , may be permitted then ; and then AVO may be sure the natural impulses of the true Freemason Avill protect individual brethren from vindictivenoss .
One Avord more ; Ave hear , an jia ^ ant , that the Matron and Steward have received notice of dismissal , and are amongst the first victims ( deservedly or undeservedly ) , of the late enquiry . We may be very wrong in our judgment , but Ave think , ahvays presuming Ave have been correctly
informed , that it would have been better taste on the part of those Avho have given such notice , if they had Avaited until they had ascertained the wishes of the Special Court , which may possibly have very enlarged vieAvs on the subject of dismissal . If delinquents are to be made
examples of , those Avho have the meting out of punishment should begin at the head , and let men and women Avhose duty it may be " not to reason A \ diy " be the latest to feel the effects of the bad management now under
consideration . A week or tAvo more of the same managers and servants cannot add much , if anything , to the intolerable injury already done to this and the kindred Masonic Institutions .
Charity.
CHARITY .
( COMMUNICATED . ) | ^^ LEASANT reading 1 indeed is the report of the Philbrick I IP J Committee on the administration of the Boys' School , for 1 iHH those wno practice the cardinal virtue <; charity " in edu-ImliffiH eating and supporting sons of those brethren unable to do so themselves ! Those responsible for-a , state of affairs which has caused so sAveeping a condemnation of the administration in its
various branches and almost all connected therewith , must feel anything but happy in their minds in digesting it . A resolution was recently passed ordering a copy of the report to be sent to all the Governors of the Institution : IIOAV this has been complied Avith is host knoAvn to those entrusted with the task , but it is certain that even to-day . 22 nd May . all Life Governors have
not received one ! We Avould ask is this part and parcel of the system of neglect , < fcc ., Avhich appears to have characterised the Avhole official machinery connected Avith the Charity . We are informed that a Special G eneral Court to consider the report is to bo convened for Friday , the 31 st inst . In respect to the Boys' School , noAvhere can wc find any printed laAvs , but believe them to be identical Avith those of the Girls' School—Xo . 31 of
Avhich reads thus : — " A special General Court shall bo called by the Secretary at any time being not less than ten days from tho delivery to him of a requisition in Avriting of thc President , Treasurer , a Trustee , three Vice-Patrons or Vice-Presidents , or nine Subscribers , or by a resolution of thc General Committee , and the time at which such Court is
to be held , and thc business to bo transacted , shall be specified in such requisition or resolution , six days' notice of such Court being given by advertisement in three at least of the daily papers , notice also being sent to every Provincial Grand Secretary . Such Special Court has the poAver to adjourn , but no new matter can be introduced . "
This seems vague , as it only states " daily papers' : is it meant to be read " London daily papers . ' " if so , they might be specified , as it would be absolutely impossible to plough through the mass of daily literature which appears , in search of such information , and many Avorthy brethren Avilling and wishful to attend Avithout such specification would be deprived of their privilege . Such a meeting
ought to be thoroughly advertised so as to afford all interested the opportunity of attending . As evidence of the interest evinced by other than Masonic Journals in this matter of crying moment , Ave reproduce the following from the ( Ilobe of the Kith inst .: — " The report of the committee of investigation into the management of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys has already been
published , in synoptic form , in these columns . But it is desirable that some further attention should be drawn to this subject , Avhich affects several institutions of kindred foundation , and other large public charities administered by corporate bodies . The report to Avhich Ave allude is , to use the mildest term , unsatisfactory . It speaks of friction and antagonism in the administrative
departments . It speaks of deficiencies in the important matters of health and cleanliness ; of too small playgrounds ; of too long hours of study ; of a dcadness and want of activity among the boys ; of Avant of proper access to the school library ; of an unsuitable style of clothing ; of an insufficient supply of green vegetables in the diet ; of an excessive expenditure upon meat , in consequence of Avaste in
cooking ; of an inadequate system of book-keeping , and so on . We have rarely seen any report upon an important educational establishment which was more condemnatory of the general system of management . The names of the commissioners signing the report are sufficient evidence of their capability and impartiality , and Ave have no choice but to accept their verdict . Now what Ave would
ask , in the interest of the large and influential body of people subscribing to these Masonic charities , is—What may ice not expect , if similar enquiries iverc made into olh-r Masonic institutions , such as the Institution for Girls , and that for Old Men and Women ? ' Thereis a general tendency in large public charities to icaste thc ample funds at their disposal , and the sooner these matters are ¦ inquired into , and the institutions placed under a practical and economical
Charity.
system o / administration , the better jor the credit of the benevolent Society ' . " The italics being ours , we would draw particular attention to thc query in tho concluding lines . Another paper ( the City Press ' ) thus alludes to the matter : — " The revelations respecting the Masonic Boys ' School made by the Committee of Investigation are simply startling .
Lavish subscriptions are made , but neither in buildings , in food , clothing , or management , is reasonable value attained . Tho classrooms are so small and dark , and the gas fittings so high , that shortsightedness is double the average , and the boys are spiritless and listless , without energy even in their games . One of the rooms available for class-rooms is occupied by dogs , the property of the house
steAvard . The bread is sour , the food generally served in hap-hazard fashion . The accounts are irregularly kept , ' and those published are misleading . ' The cost of maintenance is £ 50 10 s . per head as against £ 21 ) 14 s . ( id . at the Commercial Travellers' School . Altogether there seems great need of reform if not revolution , and as the report is signed \> y such well knoAvn men as Mr . Philbrick
Q . C ., Mr . J . D . Allcroft , Alderman Sir R . Hanson , and Mr . S . Pope . Q . V ., there can be no doubt that its statements are Avithout exaggeration . " Whilst still another ( The Topical Times ) asks very tersely "What the Life Governors of the Boys' Masonic School think of the report of the Special Committee ? If the Girls' School Avill not bear a little looking into /"
At the moment of Avriting , a neAvspaper devoted to Finance ( The Financial Times ) prints a long leader Avith the apropos heading , "A Muddled Charity , " dealing Avith the matter at length , and promising to "deal Avith the items in these curiously audited accounts seriatim in the course of a feAV days . " It is , therefore , very palpaple if the mal-administration of the
Boys' School causes such strictures as the above to be passed in " popular" journals , that the days of suppression and hole-andcorner dealings are at an end . It may be urged that matters relating to the Craft and its Charities are of such a nature as to be aboA'e outside criticism , and'that comment thereon is intrusive ; but Ave maintain that a scandal ( we can call it nothing else ) such as in
shown by the Committee ' s report , is a matter of grave general public interest , especially as it may be the means of unearthing abuses Avhich exist in other charities . For the moment Ave refrain from criticising and enlarging on much of the terse and straightforward statements in the Report , contenting ourselves Avith remarking that those Avho are responsible
for the necessary notice convening the forthcoming meeting will do well to give such publicity to its announcement as to avoid any reflection ( and Ave hear even UOAV grumblings in this direction ) that might be made as to its being , in everyday parlance , a delusion and a nnare . We Avill resume this subject next AA'eek , and , meamvlule
DEATH OF R . W . BRO . BRIGADIER-GENERAL ALEXANDER W . ADAIR , P . PROV . GRAND MASTER FOR SOMERSETSHIRE . —Profound regret was felt throughout Somerset on Friday last , 17 th inst ., Avhen the mcloncholy neAvs Avas received from Bath that Brigadier-General Adair had succumbed to tho illness from Avhich he had been suffering during the past Aveek . The deceased gentleman was
greatly beloved by all classes in thc county . In the service he Avas known as a brave soldier , a faithful comrade , and an honourable gentleman ; in his own immediate district as a kind and genial neighbour , ready at any time to lend a helping hand in any good cause ; and among his brethren in Freemasonry lie was beloved for his true Masonic virtues , for his devotion to the cause and for the
undeviating earnestness Avith Avhich he endeavoured to give effect in his daily life to the principles of the Craft . In every relation of life Brigadier-General Adair Avas respected and esteemed . He was a firm disciplinarian as a soldier , but his comrades liked him tho better for it . Ho was ahvays consistent , and his consistency Avan understood . He served his county in the distinguished office of
High Sheriff , and in Masonry we believe he had held every office , from the humble position of Steward in the Craft Degree to the honoured position of an Officer of Grand Lodge . As Ruler of the Craft in Somerset he is remembered as one of the most popular Provincial Grand Masters the county has ever knoAvn , and it must have been a very pressing engagement indeed Avhich Avould prevent
him from being present at any local Masonic function . So recently as Wednesday last a letter was read from him in lodge expressing regret that he Avas unable to attend to his duties as Immediate Past Master of 2 G 1 , and hopes that he might soon be able to resume his Masonic duties . It Avas not , hoAvever , to be . He has passed the veil . His work is done , and he has built up in the hearts of all
A \ ho kneAv him " a monument more lasting than brass , and more sublime than the regal elevation of pyramids , Avhich neither thc Avasting sliOAver , the unavailing north Avind , or an immeasurable succession of years and the flight of seasons shall be able to demolish . " This is indeed true Masonry and true life . —Somerset Count g Gazette .
LOUGHBOROUGH LODGE OF INSTRUCTION . —On Monday , 20 th inst ., at the Gauden Hotel , Clapham Station . Present : Bros . W . W . Westley , Preceptor ; Folkard , W . M . ; Mitchell , S . W . ; Harvey , J . W . ; Andrews , sec . ; Beavan , S . D . ; Ellson , J . D . ; Donaldson , I . G . ; Livitt , Russell , Steele , F . Hill , Cochrane , Smith , Colin an , W . Hill , J . P . Wright . C . Woods . Poole , Windsor , Spencer , kc . The lodge
Avas opened m the first , second and third degrees , and the ceremony of raising Avas rehearsed . The lodge Avas resumed to the first degree and the first and third sections Avere worked by Bro . AndreAvs , and the second section by Bro . Donaldson , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Mitchell , S . W ., Avas elected W . M . for Monday next , and appointed his officers in rotation .
impress the above on " those whom it may concern , as no matter hoAv the wires may be pulled , the report will have to be met , and the way it is met Avill be certainly fully dwelt upon in journals having a far greater circulation than all the masonic papers put together .