The Masonic Mirror.

increased by the lettings of the hall ; these receipts are subject to certain deductions for repairs , meetings of Grand Lodge and of committees , leaving a present net rental of about - £ 800 per annum . In considering this it must be borne in mind that the tenants pay all rates and taxes , excepting property tax . It may be observed that the members of the society pay back to their tenants , for the banquets of private Lodges , and for their festivals , a sum of £ 5000 per annum , from which sum it is reasonable to suppose that the tenants derive a fair profit . There are

meeting in London 124 Lodges aud 2 S Chapters ; of the former 38 , ancl of the latter S , hold their meetings in the tavern , leaving 86 Lodges and 20 Chapters who find their accommodation elsewhere . "These are the main facts which the Board desire to submit in order to a duo consideration , whether it will be practicable for the society to take into its own hands the entire management of such portion of the property as may be requisite for the use of its members . The ultimate decision of this question , and the means

by which , if to be effected , it may be best carried out , rest , of course , with the Grand Lodge . At the present time the Board have sought for no authority to proceed further than iu that which they expressly desire to be understood is a preliminary inquiry . They have asked for a vote of £ 300 , to he used partly in defraying the expense of the plans necessary under any circumstances , and chiefly —if it be found practicable hereafter to carry out such a scheme as they contemplate—to euable them , under the sanction of Grand Lodge , to submit such

scheme to general competition , ancl thus , by having a well-considered and matured plan at first , to avoid unnecessary outlay , and to ensure that whatever expense is incurred , shall be done as part ancl parcel of a progress towards the future accomplishment of a building , which shall be perfectly adapted in its -internal arrangements to the wants of the Brethren , aud in its external appearance ho ornate in design and creditable to the Order . " It is to be further considered , if any great alterations should be proposed , that they can only be carried out upon the expiratiou of the present lease , which has

now three and a half years to run—and it is reasonable to expect that during that time a further surplus of at least £ 6 , 000 will be accumulated , which , with the sum now in baud , would leave at the disposal of the society an amount of ( say ) £ 12 , 500 ; and the Board suggest that it would be most undesirable to entertain any scheme which would involve a greater outlay at any one time than the funds will be equal to meet immediately on its completion . The period which must elapse affords ample time for consideration ; the board arc desirous of avoiding any step which might have the effect of plunging the society into unnecessary

expensethey desire to proceed with the utmost caution in the matter committed to themand to this end they invite from all Lodges , and from' all individual Masons , assistance aud co-operation . " It will be apparent to all , that for some part of the outlay to be incurred no pecuniary return cau be expected ; by this the board refer to the expense which may he incurred in providing accommodation for the executive . The Craft , however , may fairly expect it to be shown , that for the chief part of the sums to

he expended , or rent to be surrendered , there will be an adequate revenue . From any outlay which is for the benefit of the Craft generally , there can be no return looked for , except in the increased comfort and accommodation afforded ; whilst for any outlay which is for the benefit of a special class of Brethren , the society would have a right to expect an adequate return . The library , besides possessing standard works upon those subjects with which Freemasonry is especially allied , should also be provided with the literature of the day , ancl the cost of so providing

it should be no burden to the funds of the society ; as the coffee room and other rooms of a similar character would not be available to the great majority of the Craft , they should therefore be made remunerative to the Grand Lodge , by those who derive especial advantage from their use . There are several ways in which this can be effected , the details of which will be for future consideration . "The Board feel that it is hardly necessary to point out that if , with a due regard to financial results , it shall be found possible to devote Freemasons' Hall solely and exclusively to Masonic purposes , that such a result could not fail to elevate the character of Masonry iu this country , and place the Grand Lodge of England—