MASONIC BENEVOLENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 182, 3 August 1871, Page 3

MASONIC BENEVOLENCE.

In April last, the quarterly gznerai Court of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys was held at Freemasons' Hall, London. Ou that occasion, Bro. Parkinson, V.P., P.M. 181, made a remarkable speech. The following extract is well worthy the attention of members of the fraternity in the colonies :—": — " Speaking; always in round numbers, some forty thousand pounds are spent in Freemasonry every year in London alone, and with the exception of an independent sum of some seven thousand pounds which London contributes to the Masonic charities, what have we to show for this vast amount ? ' Leather and prunella.' Y"es, brethren, Masouic millinery absorbs more money than Masonic charity. Ribbons and white leather, medals and laces, jewels, collars, aprons, silvering, gilding, and show, represent a far larger expenditure than we bestow upon either the succour of the orphan or the relief of the distressed. During the past twelve months, more than six thousand certificates were issued by the Grand Lodge of England ; as a necessary consequence, more than six thousand aprons were bought ; more than seveu thousand pounds were spent in this one item of Masonic adornment, and this by the new blood brought into the Craft in a single year ! It is unnecessary to multiply statistics. We all know that the two hundred Freemasons' lodges which flourish in London represent a be ivy outlay; and we all know the direction in which that outlay goes. I would not have it diminiabed. I do not wish for on© moment that any of the items I ha\ r o quoted should be reduced. In all ages and among all civilised people, the value of symbolism aud the importance of emblems have been insisted on and felt. The insignia, the orders, and adornments of Freemasoury are the outward and visible signs of the solemn mysteries and great principles we unite together to preserve and to hand down unsullied to our successors. Experience proves the effieaey of our emblems in fostering emulation, and in making precept practice ; and lam prepared to defend them as logically justifiable, wi«e, and sound, should they ever be assailed. It may be asked, howe er, if our aymbolism has qui'e kept jr.a.-e with out* prosperity, and if, in particular, it has baea adzp^d to our enlarged capacity foe charily?"