The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-21 00:00:00

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and West India Docks, yet the tut was, unfortunately,
that scarcely one of the young men employed in these was
aware that the Provident Clerks' Mutual Benefit Association
was in existence. If the report read that evening 'were
placed is their hands, he would venture confidently to as-
sert that a considerable addition would be found in the year
1847, as compared with the bygone 1846. As regarded .the
establishment with which he was himself connected, he had
explained the principles of this society, because he was ,1,::
terested in it, and the result had been that some of his fe
low-clerks had been induced to join it, and all
arose simply frum some facts detailed in the first Instance by
a person connected with the institution. What held good in
the case of two or three would equally follow in the case of
three hundred, and thus the institution, as well as the clerks,
would be benefited. He trusted that all matters of a personal
character would be kept within the precincts of the board-
room, and not be made the subject of public animadversion ;
for they might rest assured that the course adopted that even-
ing was pregnant with mischief to the sysociation. He was
rejoi. ed to meet so many present, and he hoped yet further
to re;oice when he should see more from the east end present.
He therefore called upon the board to lend its assistance in
the object he had adverted to. The speaker concluded by
moving the adoption of the report.
Mr. LOWNE, of Norwich, seconded the resoluth.n
Mr. GILKES begged, before the resolution ww. put, that the
etl.,retary would give a l:rief outline of the receipts, the expen-
diture, and the balance for the last year.—(Laughter, and
cries of " It has been already read.")
The CIIAIKMAN suggested that it might save time, if the
financial statement were handed to Mr. Gilkes, and if he
found any complicated matter in the document, he (the
Chairman) would be most happy to explain it.
A DittEcron said, that if Mr. Gilkes would apply at the
office at any time, he would find any and every information
he desired.
Another DIRECTOIL—The books were open for him at any
time he might choose to call.
The CHAlRMAN.—Gentiernerl, the resolution, that the re-
port be received and adopted, has been moved and sec.onded.
It has been moved is a speech of singular usefulness and
discretion by a gentleman on my left, whom I have tike
honour of seeing this night for the first time. Gentlemen,
believe me, I require no prompting or pressing in putting
the resolution, because I am most anxious that it should
meet your unanimous approval, but I am compelled to hesi-
tate for a moment while I offer to your notice
one observation. I will only trespass on your patience
thus far, that if when the question is put, and it should be
carried, the question as between Mr. Thomas and the board

of management drops.—(Cheers.) I think it fair to give
that notice now, so that if any further observations are to be
made we may hear them, rather than stop them after the
report shall have b_•en received, but I think, at the same
time, that you w►ll be doinw wisely and well in putting an
end at once to this discussion by adopting the motion of Mr,-
Coleman. lam sure (and lam permitted to express my
individual opinion), that in all tie charges brought against
the board there is nothing to interest you °Le way or an-
other. The only single point that can by any ingenuity be
twisted into anything like interest is that which regards the
conduct of your secretary. That point has been denied, moul
it is with you to say what faith you place i❑ that denial.—
(Loud cheers.) I will say not one word more; I cannot pre-
tend to decide on the respective merits of the question,
but I may be allowed to suggest that these differences
and discussions do nothing but mischief. I congratulate you
on the present satisfactory state of the institution, and
beg to propose ;that the report be received and adopted.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN said, that as this was a most important
vote he begged the meeting clearly to understand that by
their rules they were required to have the sanction of three-
fourths of the members assembled. To avoid discussions

afterwards, he would, therefore, ask if any gentleman in the
room doubted that three-fourths of the meeting had agreed
to receive the report.
No answer having been returned, the resolution Has de-
clared carried.

Mr. SAWTELL then rose to move " That Mr. John Clark,
Mr. Charles Lloyd, and Mr. John White Welch, be re-
elected managers; and that Mr. Alexander Dawson and
Mr. James Lintott be elected members of the association."
Mr. JORDAN seconded the resolution, which w-s carried.
Mr. R. H. JONES begged to propose the usual vote of
thanks to the trustees. Thomas I.3aring, Esq., M.P., Thom.
son Hanker, Esq., W. G. Prescott, Esq , Baron R ,thschild,
and J. A. Smith, Esq., M.P., fur their joint a,sistance and
support.
The resolution was seconded by Mr. H. TARRANT.
The CHAlRMAN—Gentlemen I have I,l4gaed you so very
lately, that I might say but few words now, but I think it
due to the other gentlemen who are associated with me in
your vote of thanks, to assure you all of the deep interest
which they take in the prosperity of the Provident Clerks'
Institution. With regard to myself I need say nothing more
than that I hope to be always able to assist in extending the
usefulness of this institution, which I consider one of the most
beneficial in the metropolis—useful alike to the employers
and the employed. I may not have another opportunity
of informing you that another association is about to be
brought before the public, which shall have my zealous and
cordial support. It is this: an attempt is to be made in the
city of London to establish a means of education for the
chilrdren of clerks, a matter which I consider of not
a lesser importance than the institution which
provides for the support of the clerks themselves.
It will soon be made public, and I hope it will receive that
support from the clerks of London which will prove to their
employers they are not unworthy of the benefits which are
offered to them.—(Cheers.) With regard to this institution,
of which I witnessed the birth and struggles of its early
days, and with which I have rejoiced in its successes in after
times, I can only say t hat I look forward with increased hopes
to increased prosperity under the auspices of those at our
board. These gentlemen have my fullest confidence—l hope
they have yours.—(Cheers.) I think the present aspect of
this meeting maysatisfy them that this is the case.—(Cheers.)
I hope that Mr. Thomas, even though he may have joined a
rival establishment, will still look back with a feeling of
complacency- to the period when he assisted in our exertions,
and that he will view with sati,faction the continued success
of our association. I feel that when some time has passed
this difference will be forgotten, and we shall look back upon
Mr. timixx mai, n. 11th \privilege, some
years before,to to
the
boppoarrodosfe that some
grantedgseornntmeerefomr their
lin
indefatigable
remuneration
and zealous exertions to promote the interests of the society,

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