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Our Institutions.

OUR INSTITUTIONS .

ON Saturday last the General Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys held their first meeting

for the New Year , tinder tho presidency of Bro . Raynham W . Stewart P . G . Deacon . Amongst those also present were Bros . R . Berridge , A . Williams , 0 . F . Matier , J . L .

Mather , W . Maple , F . Adlard , J . Mason , L . Ruf , C . H . Webb , W . Roebuck , A . E . Gladwell , F . Richardson , H . Massey , H . Hacker , Rev . R . Morris Head Master , H . B . Marshall G . Treasurer , G . P . Gillard , W . A . Scurrah , H . Venn , W . H . Saunders , J . M . Stedwell , and F . Binckes

Secretary . The salary of the Organist of the School Avas , on the recommendation of the House Committee , increased from £ 25 to £ 30 per annum . Brother W . Roebuck gave notice , on behalf of the House Committee , that at tho

Quarterly Court on Monday he would move that Law 52 should be altered , making the age of a candidate for admission to the School at Avhich a petition can be presented six years , and the age at Avhich an elected applicant can

be admitted seven years , instead of seven and eight years as at present . This recommendation was made in view of the intended opening of the Preparatory School in the autumn of this year . Oat of ten boys whose petitions

were received , nine were placed on the list of candidates for the April election . The sum of £ 40 Avas granted to an ex-pupil who is studying for the Church , and £ 10 to a pupil who has just left the School . The extra salaries of

the Secretary , and Clerk in the Office , voted in consequence of the extra labour entailed by the work of the Preparatory School , were agreed to be continued for another twelve months . To fill the vacant office of Trustee , caused

by the death of Col . Creaton P . G . Treasurer , the Secretary ( Bro . Binckes ) announced that Bros . Parkinson and Roebuck were eligible , and would esteem it an honour if the choice of the brethren fell upon either of them . It Avas announced that for the 25 vacancies Avhich would have to

be filled at tho April Election there were 47 candidates . Bro . W . H . Saunders referred to the circular issued by Bro . Binckes—a copy of Avhich , and a leading article referring to it , appeared in the last issue of the FREEMASON '

CHRONICLE—relative to the need of timely aid to the Preparatory School , by the constant and steady annual subscriptions of Lodges . The suggestion met with his entire approval , and he trusted it would be actively and practically

supported by all the Lodges and Chapters under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England . This hope was endorsed by tho members of the Committee , and the proceedings closed with the customary vote of thanks to tho Chairman .

On Monday evening , the annual "Twelfth Night " Entertainment to the pupils who remain in the Girls ' School at Battersea-risc during the Christmas vacation took place , under the most successful and happy auspices .

Bro . Robert Grey , the Chairman on the rota , presided , and a large number of ladies and gentlemen availed themselves of the opportunity of being present at the festive gathering . At five o ' olock tho company partook of tea toge thei' ,

Miss Janvood , Matron of the Institution , gracing the head of the table , supported by Miss Shepherd , as Vice-President . Subsequently , Herr Adalbert Frikell gave some admirable feats of legerdemain , which afforded

infinite amusement to young and old ; the intervals betAveen the entertainment the pupils enployed in dancing , the music being supplied by Mr . Arthur Lock . Twelfth cakes and other refreshments were then liberally dispensed

amongst the children , and a variety of amusements Avei-e provided by the brethren present . More dancing followed , and the pleasures of the evening Avere maintained with

unabated zest up to a seasonable hour , the entertainment being voted one of the most successful and enjoyable that had ever taken place at the Girls' School . Before separating Herr Frikell made a present to each of the pupils ,

Our Institutions.

an act of kindly consideration , which was supplemented by Bro . Alderman Savory , Avho gave each a new shilling : The littlo ones entered most heartily into tho amusements provided for their delectation , and were loud in their expressions of appreciation at the treat afforded them .

As usual , on the first Wednesday in the New Year , the Benevolent Institution at Croydon Avas the scene of quiet and happy enjoyment on Wednesday last , on which occasion the annual entertainment was given to the " Old Folks . "

During the afternoon a goodly company of ladies and brethren proceeded to Croydon from toAvn , and on their arrival at the Institution Avere heartily welcomed by Bro .

Jas . Terry , the genial and indefatigable Secretary , when hearty wishes for a " Happy New Year " were interchanged . With their accustomed liberality Bro . Edgar BoAvyer

P . G . S . B . and Mrs . BoAvyer provided a plentiful supply of tea and tobacco for the annuitants , and it is hardly necessary to say their repeated acts of generosity Avere most thankfully acknoAvledged and appreciated . At 2 o ' clock the old people were entertained at dinner in the large hall , the menu consisted " of all the luxuries of the season , "

including turkeys and roast beef , ham , foAvls , & c , which had been contributed by many generous friends and well-wishers of the Institution . These gifts had been supplemented by five guineas from East Lancashire , tAvo guineas from the Abbey

Lodge , Avhile other presents from various Lodges enabled the House Committee to place a most sumptuous repast upon the board . The hall was , as usual , prettily embellished with seasonable decorations , and Avhen filled by the happy and

contented " family " presented an air of cosy luxury and enjoyment . The chair Avas occupied by Bro . Dr . Strong ( Hon . Surgeon of the Institution ) , Avho was assisted in ministering to the enjoyment of the party by Bros . Terry ,

T . Cubitt , Raynham W . StoAvart , and other brethren , who acted most assiduously as voluntary waiters . The repast was served in a style Avhich won for Miss Norris , the Matron , the deserved encomiums of all present , and as the

day was the eve of the attainment of his majority by Prince Albert Victor , champagne was added to the wine list . After dinner had been agreeably and amply discussed , Dr ,

Strong said it was not usual to make lengthy set speeches on these occasions , but this Avas a special one , from the fact that since they last met they had lost their

old and respected Warden , Bro . James Norris , who had been a resident in the Institution upAvards of tAventy-two years . He referred to the late Bro . Norris ' s loving care and considerate kindness for his fellow annuitants , and the assistance he had ever rendered to the Committee , and

requested that the late Warden's memory should be drunk to in solemn silence . After this the loyal toasts were honoured , followed by the "Founders of the Feast , " in connection Avith which Dr . Strong alluded to the kindness

of the brethren AVIIO had provided the entertainment , and had moreover come doAvn to assist in carrying out the amusements , and to enhance the pleasures of the guests . Amongst so many generous supporters it was almost

invidious to select any one in particular to respond to the toast , but he would ask Bro . Edgar BoAvyer , Avho was always ready to lend a helping hand , to say a few words on his own behalf and that of his co-workers , who he hoped

would all live long to continue in the excellent and generous work in Avhich they had been so long engaged . The toast having been most cordially received , Bro . E . Bowyer briefly responded , and in the course of his remarks said it

was the pleasure and interest , as well as the duty , of all to do what they could to contribute to the enjoyment and happiness of the annuitants whom they had undertaken to protect . During the past year they had , unfortunately ,

lost some of their patrons , bnt no doubt their places would be supplied by others equally kind . In giving " Success to the Benevolent Institution , " he expressed a hope that

the coming Festival might be a success , and that Brother Terry ' s indefatigable efforts to that end might be brilliantly rewarded .

jJro . Terry , in reply , expressed regret at tho absence of Bros . Binckea , Hedges , and others , who had been unavoidably prevented from attending - . He referred to the active support which Bro . Edgar Bo-vyor and others had rendered to tho Benevolent Institution—not

to iho detriment of the other Charities , hut in preference to them . They wore- proud of the success of all three Institutions , but there we-o some who were peculiarly attached to one or other , to the

exclusion ofthei-pst . A considerable portion of success had happily attended this Institution during the past year . Tho highest amount yet known in its history was announced the other day , — £ 19 , 500