The Sun.
London, England, 1853-10-26 00:00:00

BUILDERS' BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION

Last evening the sixth anniversary of this excellent
nstitution was celebrated by a dinner at the London
Tavern, Bishopsgate-street. The objects of this institu-
tion are to afford relief and grant pensions to aged and
decayed members of the building trade. The chair was
filled by Peter Rolt, Esq., M.P. for Greenwich. Among
the gentlemen present we observed Mr. J. Higgs, Mr.
G. Spencer, Mr. Jay, Mr. Jelf, Mr. Myers, Mr. Sewell,
Mr. Bond, Mr. Dunning, Mr. Tyerman, Mr. Potter,
Mr. Forrest, Mr. Peters, Mr. Smith, Mr. Newsom, and
several other gentlemen largely connected with the
building trade. There were also present gentlemen as
representatives from the establishments of Mr. Peto,
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Cubitt, Mr. Grissell, Mr. Locke, and
Mr. Todd.
Grace having been sung and the cloth removed,
The CHAIRMAN rose and said he needed not to preface
the toast he was about to give in a company like the
present. He would therefore give them "The Queen."
The toast was drunk amid loud applause.
The other loyal and constitutional toasts having been
given and responded to,
The CHAIRMAN rose to propose the toast of the even-
ing—" Prosperity to the Builders' Benevolent Institu-
tion ;" and in doing so stated that he should make no
apology for claiming their attention for a short period,
because the object for which they were all assembled was
to endeavour to enlarge the funds of the Builders'
Benevolent Institution. They had met that even-
ing in that noble hall to celebrate the sixth
anniversary of this excellent institution—an institution
well deserving the utmost support. Every gentleman
present must be aware of the many noble charities that
adorned this great and wealthy land ; indeed, there was
not a country in the world so renowned for the many
glorious charities which shed a lustre on the name of
England. Among those charities and benevolent insti-
tutions there was none that deserved more highly the
cordial support of every gentleman than the one for
which he had the honour of appealing. He would not
dilate at length upon the benefits conferred by this in-
stitution, because they were well and honourably known
to all present ; but he might be permitted to state that
there were at the present time 22 male and female reci-
pients of their bounty. That was not a smaller number,
considering that their institution had only been in existence
six years, and he therefore called upon them to most
strenuously support the directors in their praiseworthy
endeavours to augment the numbers that now had the
happiness to receive its bountiful assistance. He
need not to remind those now in affluence, that they
might, by accident or disease, be brought, like those for
whom he was now appealing, to need the assistance of
of an institution like this, and all who now subscribed
would be amply repaid by the knowledge that they were
conferring support and shelter upon those who, unfor-
tunately, were, through no fault of their own, unable to
help themselves. He would not detain them any longer,
for there were others far more able than himself to set
before them the benefits and blessings of this institution.
But of this he was sure, .that none could wish to see the
means of this charity more, much more extended,
than himself. The hon. gentleman concluded a very
eloquent speech by making a most energetic appeal
on behalf of the funds of the institution, and resumed
his seat amid loud cheers, by proposing " Prosperity
to the Builders' Benevolent Institution."
The toast was drunk amid great enthusiasm.
The SECRETARY then read the list of subscriptions,
among which were the names of the Chairman for 50
guineas; Mr. Cubitt, M.P., 10 guineas ; Mr. Gurney,
10 guineas ; Mr. H. Lee, 211., and a great many others
for like amounts. The aggregate amount of the sub
scriptions was 5001.

The CEIAMIAN then gave the health of Mr. G. Bird,
treasurer of the institution, and in doing so passed a
high eulogium upon that gentleman for the noble exer-
tions he had made on behalf of the interests of the in-
stitution.

Mr. BIRD responded in a neat speech, and stated that
if sufficient funds were placed at the disposal of the
directors, they would have the happiness to elect the
. _

whole of the unsuccessful candidates at the last election
to participate in the benefits of this noble institution

before Christmas.

A number of other toasts followed, among which
were "The President," "The Patrons of the Institu-

,
tion," "The Press," &c., all of which were most ably
responded to.

The musical arrangements were admirable. The
vocalists consisted of Mr. Allen, Mr. Day, Mr. Distin,
Miss Rose, and Mrs. Distin. It is nearly superfluous

;o remark that the dinner was served in a style that re-

fle9ted the utmost credit on the proprietors of the Lon-
don Tavern. We must also compliment Mr. Higgs,
who officiated as toastmaster in capital style.