rates as recipients of
parish relief.

"The first stone of this Asylum was laid by my grand uncle, the
Duke of Sussex, and forty-three houses were then erected. Up to
the year 1835 lodging only was provided; but the Board of
Management then originated a fund which enabled them to maintain
the inmates as well. A weekly allowance in money and coals was
granted to these poor people.

"In the year 1849 the applicants had become so numerous that it
was determined to erect an additional building. The first stone
of that building was laid by my lamented father, who again
performed a similar service when it was found necessary,
nineteen years ago, to enlarge still further this Asylum. In the
year 1866 my brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, laid the foundation
stone of another wing.

"In the year 1863 I had the pleasure of becoming the Patron of
this Society, although in sad circumstances, in succession to
my father. I had great satisfaction also in assisting in the
ceremony of unveiling the statue which has been erected to the
memory of my father in the grounds of the Asylum. I believe I am
correct in stating that the institution now consists of about
170 separate habitations. The number of inmates is about 210,
who receive, the married couples, 10_s._, and the others, 8_s._
per week, besides coals, medical assistance, &c. The annual
expenses are very large, as they amount to upwards of L8000, and
as for the greater amount of that expenditure the Asylum is
dependent upon voluntary contributions, the Governors are most
anxious to collect now a sum which may be added to their capital
in order that they may feel that they have more certain sources
of income. I feel sure you will aid them, and I call upon you
once more to give most liberally all that is in your power to
give, and to show that you are anxious by pecuniary means as
well as by your presence here this evening to benefit the
institution. I will not weary you with any more words, because
no doubt at many other dinners the main facts of the case have
been brought before your notice. I will only say that it has
given me the greatest pleasure to take the chair this evening. I
thank you again for the cordial support which you have been kind
enough to give me, and I feel that now again I may call upon you
once more to do