ndred years is one proof that it is a good one,
and we have every reason to be grateful to those who, from the
commencement up to the present time, have given their energy and
their labours to keep going so thoroughly Masonic an
Institution.

"As you are aware, the Institution was founded by the Chevalier
Ruspini. King George IV. and King William IV. were patrons,
besides many members of the Royal Family, and Her Majesty the
Queen is patroness now. The school at first contained only
fifteen children; it now contains 243, and they are educated up
to a high religious standard, combined with education of a
general character, including music. Particular attention is
paid to needlework and cooking and domestic duties. Only a few
days ago I was present here and saw the girls go through their
marching exercise, and I never saw anything more satisfactory.
There are many commanding officers who would be proud to see
their men march and go through their exercise as we saw them
performed. I may state the system was established by Miss Davis,
who was appointed head governess in 1861, and I am glad to think
that at this moment she retains her post. She has been eminently
successful, as is manifest by the Cambridge Local, College of
Preceptors, and the Science and Art Examinations. It is also
satisfactory to notice that, with the exception of Miss Davis,
every member of the staff has been educated at the Institution.
The Head Governess of the Female Masonic School at Dublin and
the Head Governess of the British Orphan Asylum were educated at
our school, and during a period of eighty-four years there have
been but two matrons, one of whom held the appointment over
fifty-two years.

"As you are aware, the object we have in view in meeting here
to-night is to make important additions to the present
buildings, and provide accommodation for an increased number of
children. These additions will cost at least L20,000. In 1838,
on the occasion of the jubilee of the Institution, L1000 was
subscribed at the annual festival, and in 1871, when I had the
honour of presiding, as much as L5200 was collected. But I have
now an announcement to make which I think will interest you
beyond measure, and that is that I have received the assurance
of the Secretary that we have obtained at this centenary