The Sun.
London, England, 1867-02-28 00:00:00

F. ovident Clerks' Benevolent Fund.

The Nth annual meeting of the members of this fund•
was held last evening at the London Tavern. J. A.Smith
Esq., M.P., the treasurer, presided.

The report, which was read by Mr. W. T. Linford, the
secretary, was as follows:
" The board of directors have the pleasure to present to
the members and friends of the fund their 26th annual
report. The income of the past year was : —From sub-
scriptions and donations, £1,564 15s. 6d. ; interest on in-
vestments, £1,386 Os. 41. Total, £2,950 los. 10d. Net
proceeds of dinner in London, held on the 2d May, 1866,
£3,211 12s. sd. Together, £6,192 83. 33. The results of
the dinner last year, held under the presidency of R. W.
Crawford, Esq., M.P., were, as the above shows, of th
most gratifying character ; and the board desire to
tender their best thanks to that gentleman, and
also to those members by whose individual exertions
t heir hands were so greatly strengthened on that occ tsion.
Pursuant t..) the resolution of the annu.il general meeting
of February 28, 1866, eight annuitants were elected on the
31st of May last, viz. :-2 clerks, and 6 widows of clerks,
whose collective annuities amounted to £lBO per annum;
and there are now 16 clerks and 69 widows of clerks on the
fund, who are in receipt in the aggregate of £l, 650 per annum.
Two annuitants have died during the year, and the directors
recommend that 12 additional annuitants be elected. A re-
solution to this effect will be submitted to the meeting.
The sum of £l9O 4s. has been distributed in gratuities
during the past year to members, their widows, and orphan
children. The commercial convulsions of 1866 and the
amalgamation of firms have slightly affected the income
of the fund. The directors, however, hope that when it is
seen year by year, the loss will be met by an increased
exertion on the part of the members, to bring this deserv-
ing institution before the notice of the benevolent."
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report,
said he was quite sure the meeting wculd join with him in
congratulations at the favourable" situation of the fund,
and the encouragement it held out to all to persevere in the
laudable endeavours of nursing it up to a still greater
prosperity. It was difficult for him on that occasion to do
more than to repeat the words he had year after year
addressed to them ; but there were two points which pre-
sented facts so peculiar that he could not refrain from making
a slight allusion to them. The first Was very remarkable—it
,was the extraordinary econonwhich was exercised in
the management and administration of the fund. He found
from a statement their excellent secretary had drawn up
for him that their receipts for the year 1866 amounted to
£6,200, and that the whole of the expenses for that period,
incluJing £2OO for printing, postage, advertisements, Ste.
was under £4oo—(hear, hear) - leaving 93 per cent. of the
gross income available for the purposes of the fund. This
was a result unequalled, he was sure, by any other similar
institution in the kingdom. That credit might be claimed
for such a prosperous state of affairs was beyond dispute,
but it must be borne in mind that this prosperous state of
affairs could not have been attained without the most
active exertions of the directors of the fund. It was the
great object of their fund that few amongst those who ap-
plied for its benefits should be disappointed—(hear, hear)

Land it was with the greatest satisfaction that ho found
so few candidates had applied in vain. The other fact was
that whilst in many schools and institutions the admis-
sions obtained by applicants amounted in many cases to
not one in four, and some not one in ten, in the Provident
Clerks' Benevolent Fund five out of every six applicants on
the books of the fund had received life annuities, the
value of which when granted varied from £lOO to £5OO
each. He thought he scarcely need do more than mention
those two facts to illustrate the importance of their in-
stitution, and to encourage those connected with it to work
energetically for its increased prosperity. As he advanced
in years he watched with great interest the changes in
public opinion, and he found there was an increased appre-
ciation of frugality, integrity, and forethought, and there
was an increased desire amongst those who had the power
to assist and relieve those who deserved it. (Hear, hear.) Not-
withstanding their present prosperous state, it was a matter
of regret to him that more had not been dene, and why their
fund should owe so little to those clerks who had held high
and responsible situations, was unaccountable. (Hear,
hear.) Why they did not come forward and liberally sup-
port a fund with such claims upon them as the Provident
Clerks' Benevolent Fund he could not understand —(hear,
hear)—and as long as Providence spared his life he should
always maintain as a fact that their fund yielded to
none in London in its claims for sympathy and support.
(Hear, hear.) He felt certain, although he might net live
to see it, that some day the Benevolent Fund would occupy
aleading position amongst the most estimable societies of the
laud, worthy of the great and deserving class for whom it was
founded. All he could do on that occasion was to ask them
to adopt the report that had been read to them, to ask
them to thank Providence for the results of the past, and
to put their shoulders to the wheel, and to do more in
that gratifying line of duty which that society chalked out
for them. (Loud sheers.)
The report was received and adopted with acclamation.
Mr. JONES (Chairman of the Provident Clerks' Life As-
surance Society), who was very warmly received, said
it gave him very great pleasure to move the first resolu-

tion, viz., that for the election 'of annuitants especially,
as the number was so largo on the present occas:on.
They had increased in numbers over former years,
and the great reward of their exertions last year was the
pleasing circumstance that they were enabled to elect 12
more annuitants on their fund. The dinner given last
year had resulted in a great success, and they wore all
deeply indebted to Mr. Crawford—(loud cheers)—for the
manner in which ho presided on the occasion. Ho could
not let that opportunity pass without expressing the feel-
ing of the Board to that gentleman, and also to those
members who had so successfully exerted themselves on
the occasion— (hear, hear) —as four-fifths of the whole
amount collected was the gratifying result of theirlabours.
He could not help feeling a regret and disappointment
that so many of the superior clerks still refused to givu a
guinea to so good a fund vs this. (Hear, hear.) lie felt cer-
tain that if they could be induced to attend their meetings

it would not only open their hearts hut their purses, too.
(Hear, hear.) Since the fund had been iu existence, they
had granted no less than 2,100 loans to members for
£10,200, the losses from which did not exceed 1} per cent.
(" Hear, hear," front the chairman.) They had given
away in gratuities £3,300, as they never refused relief, and
they had paid £15,520 to annuitants, and now they pro-
posed to increase that amount by about £240 per annum.
(Hear.) This was some of the good work they had dons—
(hear, hear)—without taking into account the assistance
they had given to members who, through temporary and
unforeseen circumstances, had been unable for a time to
meet the payment of their premiums. They had had in all
155 applicants for annuities, of which they had already
granted and they were now about to add 12 more,
ic
c i woulda 2r5
d d.
leave only 18 out of the 155 remaining.
(Year, hia
If they could show him another institution
h
one so much he should be glad to see it.
INwhich
(Hear, hear.) He had much satisfaction in moving a reso-
lution to the effect that, on the 30th of May, or such other
day as the directors think fit, 12 additional annuitants be
elected to the fund.

Mr. DAWSON said it gave him great pleasure in second-
ing such a resolution.
The resolution Was carried unanimously.
Mr. FRY made some suggestions as to as alteration in
the mode of voting, and

The SECRETARY said the same suggestions had been
made at the Board, but hitherto there had been a difficulty
in carrying them out.
Mr. JEPPs said it was his privilege to move the next
resulutiou, which was, " That the best thanks of the meet-
ing be given to the treasurer and trustees for the interest
they take in the fund." On many occasions votes of this
descriptiin were submitted to meetings as mere matters of
form, but with them it was really the expression of deep
thankfulness for the interest their treasurer and trustees
took in everything selating to the success of the fund.
(Hear, hear.) They were all gentlemen occupying the
highest position in the city of London, and to have them
connectedwith such a fund as the Provident Clerks' was
an honour he was suro they all appreciated as it deserved.
Mr. COLEMAN seconded the motion, and said it gave him
the greatest pleasure to endorse every word which had just
fallen from Mr. Jepps.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN said he thanked them for himself, and
also on behalf of the trustees. To have trustees occupy-
ing such a high and honourable position reflected credit on
every person connected with the Fund. (Hear, hear.) It
was a clear proof that these trustees felt they were well
able to take care of themselves, or some of them would
have been present that. eftning. Their absence he
looked upon as a proof that they were entirely satis-
fied with the progress the society was making.
In looking back through a long series of years he could
not find one act with which he was so gratified as his

being connected with a society in which he and all
that he loved fait so deeply interested. (Loud cheers.)
He thanked Mr. Jepps for the manner he had referred to

him; awl, in return, he could only say that Mr. Jepps had

more than fulfilled the high expectations he had formed of
his abilities, and that he (Mr. Jopps) could rest wholly

satisfied that he had ably, faithfully, and religiously played
hie part in life, and that ho had secured the respect and
regard of all who knew him. (Hear, hear.)
A member named TUCKER complained that he had not
been admitted, as a matter of right, to apply for au annuity
at the last election. Ho, however, requested that the na-
ture of his application might not be disclosed.
The SECRETARY replied that this request rendered it
impossible for him to state the reasons for the refusal, but
without Mr. Tucker's permission ho had no wish to make
them public. He could only say that the case certainly
did,not come within the rules ; and the directors, however
unwillingly, wore unanimously of opinion it could not be
admitte 1. If every member, irroapective of his need, could
insist on becoming a candidate, there was no occasion for
the supervision of the board. (Cheers.)

Mr. PILCHER moved a vote of thanks to the medical
officers for their gratuitous services during the year.
Mr. ASHTON seconded the motion, which was put to tho
meeting and carried unanimously.
Mr. FRY moved, and Mr. DYER seconded, a vote of

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE—This Day.

DERBY RACES.-THIS DAY.)

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPII.

DERIVENT STAKES.
The Derwent Plate of 30 sore, added to a Handicap of 5
sovs each; winners of any race after Feb. 14 (at ten
a.m.) 71b extra ; one mile.
Vice Versa
Knight of Downe 2
Anchorite 3
Three ran.
GREAT MIDLAND STEEPLECHASE.
The Great Midland Steeple Chase Handicap of 15 sovs
each, 10 ft, with 100 added; winners of any steeple
chase after Feb. 14 (at 10 a.m.) once 81b, twice or more
121 b extra ; the second to save his stake ; about three
miles and a half ; 24 subs.
Chimney Sweep
Jack of Trumps
Genevive 3
Seven ran.

HURDLE RACE.
The Hurdle Race Plato of 50 sovs, added to a Handicap
of 5 sovs each, 2ft (to the fund); winners of any
hurdle race or ateep!eohaso after'Feb. 14 (at 10 a.m.) 71b
extra. Two miles, over eight hurdles.
Nukuheva
Queen of Trumps 2
Lord Burleigh 3

Four ran.
HARRINGTON PLATE.

Tho Harrington Plate of 50 sovs, added to a Sweepstakes
of 5 sovs each, for two year olds ; colts, Bst 101 b ; fillies
and geldings, Bst 71b ; winners ones, 41b ; twice, 71b
extra. Half a mile straight.
Pyrenees 1
Eau do Vie 2
Substance

Won by a neck. Eight ran.
INNKEEPERS' PLATE.

The Innkeeprs' Plato of 50 soya (Handicap); winnors o
any handicap after Feb. 14 (at ten a.m.) 71b extra ; six
furlongs.
Landlord
Queen of Trumps 2
I'antaloon .. 3

Won by a neck. Eight ran.

BETTING ON THE COURSE.
LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.
100 to 12 agst Shakspeare (taken)
100 to 6 agst Dermot Asthore (taken)
TWO THOUSAND.
4to 1 agst Plaudit (offered)
11 to 2 agst Julius (taken)
DERBY.
17 to 2 agst D'Estournel (taken)
9 to 1 agst The Rake (taken)
100 to 8 agst Dragon (taken)

VICTORIA CLUB BETTING.—This DAY.
LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.
9to 1 agst Shakespeare (taken)
100 to 7 agst Dermot Asthore (taken and offered)
100 to 6 agst Columbia (taken and offered)
25 to 1 agst Burney (offered)
25 to 1 agst The Doctor (offered)
25 to 1 agst King Arthur (taken)
1000 to 40 agst Astrolabe (taken)
25 to 1 agst Shangarry (taken)
1000 to 30 agst Little Frank (taken)
33 to 1 agst Cortolvin (taken and offered)
33 to 1 agst Banker (offered)
40 to 1 agst Ibex (taken)
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
100 to 6 agst Clarice (offered—take 20 to 1)
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS.
4to 1 agst Plaudit (taken)
sto 1 ngst Julius (offered—take 6to 1)
11 to 1 eget Hermit (offered)
120 J to 100 Aga Vauban (taken)
25 to 1 agst Van Aruburgh (taken)

DERBY.
100 to 12 agst D'Estournel (offered)
9 io 1 agst The Rake (offered)
100 to 7 agst Hermit (offered-1000 to 60 wanted)
25 to 1 agst Julius (offered) take 1000 to 35

HORSES STRUCK OUT OF THEIR ENGAGE-

MENTS.

Jan. 29, at 0.5 p.m., The Mug's Daughter, out of the
Chester Cup.
Feb. 18, at 4.30 p.m., The Duke, out of Lincoln Handi-
cap.
Feb. 23, at 1.30 p.m., William Tell, out of Ivor Handi-
cap, at West Drayton.
Feb. 25, at 9 a.m., lifeanwood and Phantom, out of the
Hurdle Race, and Steeplechase, at Derby.
Feb. 25, at 9 a.m., 31.eanwood, out of Grand National, at
Liverpool.
Feb. 25, at 9 a.m., Edgbaston, out of Nottingham
Handicap.
Feb. 25, at 9 a.m., Gans Ladra and Grey Stocking, out
of Derby Engagements.
Feb. '25, at 9 a.m., Sinking Fund, out of Grand Na-
tional at Liverpool.
Feb. 25, after 6 p.m., Queen of Trumps, out of Notting-
ham engagements.
Feb. 27, at 9 a.m., Billingbear and Rhodomontade, outof
Grand National, at Liverpool.
Feb. 27, a.m., Brigand, out of Derby Hurdle Race.
Fob. 28, at 11.30 a.m., Arlescott, out- of all handicaps
to date.

FORFEIT LlsT.—The forfeits of the following horses
have been paid :—Brigand (to qualify), Zara, and Elastic.
Daddy's forfeit at Margate, 1866, should not have been
published, as it was paid to the Clerk of the Course ;
and Turco's forfeit at Lichfield, 1865, was erroneously
published.
STEEPLECHA9E FORFEIT LIST.—The forfeits of the fol-
lowing horses have been paid:—Robber and Wilverley
(to qualify).
COLOURS OF RIDERS.—Mr. J. H. Brooks (altered to)
White body, scarlet crosses, black and white quartered
cap.

CROXTON PARK MEETING.
FRIDAY, lawn 29.
Weights for the Granby Handicap. About one mile and

a half.

Age st lb
John Davis 6 12 0
Sultan ... a 11 8
Beadle 6 11 8
Kangaroo ... ,‘4 5 11 2
Sealskin ... 4 11 2
Special ... ... 4 10 10
Lucifer ... 4 10 8
Belmont ;.. ...410 8
WanderingMiastrel 6 10 6
Brimstone... ... 4 10 6
Flatcatcher ... 4 10 6
Berth) ... 4 10 4
Steamboat... 410 2
Conundrum 4 10 2
Panacea ... ... 410 2

Afie at lb
Arken side... a 9 12
Claverhouse 4 9 11
Retribution ... 4 9 11
„Nimble 4 9, 8
Royal Tartan 4 9 7
Mrs. Allan... ... 4 9 2
Black Prince, by
Voltigeur 4 9 2
Clarice ... 3 9 2
Slap Bang ... 3 8 11
Charles 11.... ... 3 8 9
Ailesbury ... 3 8 8
Anchorite ... ... 3 8 8
Rebecca ... 3 8 8
C by Bohinoor out
of Topsail ... 3 8 8
Lady Lincoln ... 3 8 8
Jup. Two miles.

Nemo ... 6 10 0
The Drone 4 10 0
Weights for the
Age st lb Ago st lb
Lecturer .... ... 4 12 0 Conundrum ... 4 10 2
Sultan ... 5 11. 10 Arkensi de ... 5 10 0
&ladle ... 611 81Claverhouse ... 4 912
Sealskin ... ... 411 6 Nimble ... ... 4 9 9
Lucifer ... ... 410 9 Royal Tartan ... 49 8
Belmont ... 4 10 9 Black Prince, by
Wandering Minstrel 610 7 Voltigeur ... 4 9 3
Flatcatcher ... 4 10 7 Red Shoes 3 9 0
Bertie 4 10 5 Miss Alice 3 8 11
Steamboat ... 410 3 Lady Lincoln ... 3 8 8
The Drone ... 410 2 Rebecca ... 3 8 8
Weights published Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. Forfeits to be
declared at noon on the sth of March.

Two MONSTRE SWEEPS OVER THE LIVERPOOL GRAND
NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, drawn Monday, March 4th,
1867. 10,000 members at is each, and 3,000 members at
2s. 6d. each. Address, HARRY WILSON, Turf Herald Office,
Hull. Commissions executed on all races.

W. HOPKINS and JOHN Almon (member of Tattersall's,
Victoria, and other Clubs) Execute Commissions on all
=as throughout the year. Address-33, °MENDEN-
STREET, HAYMARKET. _

Mr. GRORGE 'BBB, Commission Agent, 125, Queen's-
crescent, Haverstock-hill. Commissions executed from
10s. upwards. Post-office Orders to be made payable at
the Haverstock-hill Branch. Price Lists sent on receipt of
a stamped envelope. Mr. W. has Lists posted daily at the
Arches, near Farringdon-street, and in George-yard ; also
through his Agents, Mr. F. Butler, near Meux's Brewery ;
and at Mr. Roberts', Tobacconist, 19, Seymour-street,
Euston-square. Evenings after 7 at Mr. C. Durham's,
Freemasons' Arms, Long-acre, near Drury-lane ; and at
Mr. Roberts' as above.