The Benevolent Institution.

advances in years it becomes a difficult matter to prevent the thought from growing upon us , as to what is in store for us in our own old age . It is not that we become less considerate for the boys and girls , or that we grow selfish ,

or more inclined to look after our own interests , but the feeling cannot be overlooked that the case may in a few years be our own , and how shall we then feel ? It is impossible for any of us to require the help of either of

the Schools , so far as we are personally concerned , and equally impossible to say which among us at the present moment may , a few years hence , be most in need of the annuity of the Benevolent Institution .

It is a pity to have to even mention self in such a connection , but surely old age and infirmity robbed of the common necessaries of life is more awful to contemplate than the possible fate of infants of to-day who , in the course

of a few years , may have to seek a home in one or other of the Charitable Institutions of the Craft . The country is year by year taking more and more responsibility upon itself in regard to the younger generation , and may safely be

left to take a share in any provision as regards them , but old age pensions are at present but a vision of the future , and until that vision is realised there will always be a special claim for consideration on behalf of the aged .

The cry of the hour is for more Stewards for the coming Festival of the Benevolent Institution , not in the hope of securing any great amount to hoard up , but solely to provide the promised annuities for the year , and in

adding our voice to the appeal we feel we can urge the plea in all sincerity , well aware that the cause is good , that the money is well spent , and that the need is great . We should like to know that these lines have been the

means of inducing some of our friends to do more than they intended during this year , and although the actual knowledge may be denied us , we none the less hope that the list of Stewards will be increased during the coming week , as a direct outcome of these observations .

Coming to actual figures in connection with the work of the Institution , we heartily record the fact that at the present time there are 200 Aged Masons each in receipt of the handsome pension of / 40 per annum , and

The Benevolent Institution.

245 old Widows enjoying the annuity of £ 32 each , while thirty other ¦ old ladies are paid one half their late husband ' s annuity , in accordanca with the rules of the Fund : so that we see that this one matter of

payment of existing annuities alone absorbs a very large amount year by year , the total being no less than £ 16 , 384 , while last year ' s income from invested Funds was little over a fourth of that total . The

difference has to be met year by year—and in addition there are the current expenses of Management , & c . — and for this the special appeal in connection with the Annual Festivals is made . This year ' s celebration is

fixed for Tuesday , 22 nd prox ., on which occasion the Rt . Hon . the Earl of Jersey , G . C . M . G ., Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire will preside , and will , we

trust , be well supported by Brethren of his own Province , and representatives of every other division of English Masonry .

We ma } ' point to one other item worthy of the most serious consideration ; despite the large number of Annuitants already on the list the roll of eligible and worthy old people is by no means exhausted , as

evidenced by the fact that there are already 117 Candidates on the list qualified for the benefits of the Institution , but unhappily shut out for the time for want of funds .

As we have said , the need is great , and the opportunity of rendering help is before the Craft . If any of our readers are in a position to assist we hope they will cheerfully do so .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

TH E Board held its last meeting for the year on Wednesday evening , 22 nd ult ., Bro . J . H . Matthews presiding . Bro . Mercer S . V . P ., and Bro . C . J . R . Tijou , for Bro . C . A . Cottebrune J . V . P ., took the two Vice-Presidents' chairs .

Out of forty-five cases on the new list one was deferred , and one dismissed . One petitioner had died . The Board gave to the other forty-two cases a total sum of / g 8 o . This

amount was composed of individual grants of £ 50 , £ 40 , £ 30 , £ 20 , £ 15 , £ 10 , and £ 5 each ; two of the first , six of the second , seven of the third , sixteen of the fourth , three of the fifth , five of the sixth , and three of the seventh .

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EoyalMasonicInstitutionforGirls. Offices5Freemasons'Hall,GreatQueenStreet,London,W.C, Chief Patroness—HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN . Grand Patron and President— -H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES , K . G ., & c , M . W . G . M . Grand Patroness— -H . R . H . THE PRINCESS OF WALES . Bankers—LONDON & WESTMINSTER DANK LTD . ( BLOOMSBURY BRANCH ) , HIGH HOLBORN , W . C-1911 Girln haVe been provided vOith Education , Clothing , and Maintenance , the full number of Girls now ? receiving its benefits being 267 . The 110 th Anniversary Festival will take place on 18 th May next , under the distinguished Presidency of ALDERIV 1 AN SIR REGINALD HANSON , BART ., M . P ., LL . D ., P . G . W ., Patron and Treasurer of the Institution . The najfrses of Brethren Milling to serVe as Stewards are earnestly solicited . E . R . "W . HEDGES , Secretary , 5 FREEMASONS' HALL , LONDON , W . C .