The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-13 00:00:00

PROVIDENT CLERKS' ASSOCIATION'.

On Wednesday evening a meeting of the members of
'the benevolent department of this insautioa was held
at the London Tavern, Dishopsgate-street ; T. Hankey,
E3ci., M.P., in the chair.
The SECRETARY (Mr. W. Linford) read the following
report arid balance-sheet:—
" The Board-of Management beg to submit to the mem-
bers and friends of this fund their sixteenth annual report.
The income for the year 1856 has been as follows :
Donations, 3101. 55."•, 315 old subscribers, 4161. 15s. 6d. ;
49 new. ditto; 601. 1.4; 4 life ditto, 421.; subscriptions
from assurers—viz., 2,234 at 55., 5581. 10.4 79 at 10s.,
391. 108.;- 2 at 10s. 6d., 11. ls.; 13 at 205., 131.; into-
rest, dividends, Szc., 6714 128. Stl.; total, 2,143/. 10. s. 2d.
The above stun exhibits an fncrease of 1611. ISa. 3d. upon
the income of the preceding year ; while, on the other
band, the expenditure has been somewhat augmented by
the endeavours of the board to bring this valuable institu-
tion more fully before the notice of the public, and by
the increasing expenses attendant upon the election
of annuitants. On the 30th May last, in pursu-
ance of a resolution of the precaling, annual general
meeting five additional annuitants were elected,
One clerk to an annuity of 251. ; four widows to annuities
of 151. each. Two annuitants have died during the year,
and the number at present on the null is 46, for a total
annual sum of 815/. The board now recommend that
additional annuities, not exceeding 751., ho granted. A
resolution in accordance with the ahave will ho submitted
to the meeting. The gratuities awarded to deserving and
necessitous members dririnf„, the year amount to 146'. 10s.
The applications for loans continue to be extremely nume-
rous; 118 loans, for an aggregate sum of 2,303/. lOs , have
been granted during the past twelvemonths, snaking a
total of more than 25,0001. advanced in this manner
since the system of granting loans has been in operation.
The present capital of the film' (which has been increased
since the last report by 6121. 13s. 61.), now amounts to
16,08 U. 6s. 2d. Although this result doubtless presents
some reason for congratulation ; and although much good
has certainly been effected, the board cannot but feel some
regret that after a period of 16 years an institution possess-
ing such peculiar claims to sympathy and support in a
great commercial community, should not h aye received them
in a. far greater degree, both from the body it was origi-
nally intended to benefit, and also from the general public.
The board, however, though somewhat disappointed by the
result o ftheir past efforts, cannot but believe that, among
a class possessing, as the clerks of this country must, a
high degree of education and intelligence, the value and
importance of such an institution as tho Provident Clerks'
Benevolent Fund will in time be, as it deserves, fully ap-
preciated. In making the recomraen lation which they
have done for the election of additional annuitants, the
board feel they have gone as far as prudence will permit;
they fear, however, that the amount will be inadequate to
meet the cases likely to be brought forward. They there-
fore beg to urge most strongly upon the present members
the desirability of making the institution known as widely
as possible, and they call upon the clerks as a body
to examine for themselves the principles upon which
it is founded, and the benefits which it confers.
While thus appealing to the clerks, the board cannot, how-
ever, but feel that they have good ground for seeking also
the aid of the principals, to whom the welfare of their
clerks must ever be a subject of deep importance. The
board, therefore, trust, by bringing this fund fully before
the notice of the commercial public, many of whom have
not yet contributed to its aid, probably from the fact of
being unacquainted with its distinctive features, that an
amount of support may be secured which will speedily en-
able them to meet the case of every deserving applicant.
The balance-sheet has been duly audited, and can be ob-
tained by any member of the fund on application.
(Signed) " THOMSON HA NKEY,

Chairman."

The CHAIRMAN said—Gentlemen, you have heard the
report read, and the statement of accounts, as well as
the balance-sheet of the association, which has been
some time in the hands of every member, and I really do
not think that they require any particular remark from
inn to recommend them to your approval and adoption.
(Elear, hear.) It is now 16 years since this association
was first started, and, as the report states, it his not, per-
haps, made so much progress as the managers desired.
It had not, confess, made quite so much progress es I
could have hoped—(hear, hear)—but at the same time
I cannot say that I think arty one is justified in a--
serting that it has made no considerable progress, be-
cause, when we remember that from the funds of this
institution very nearly 50 persons who have been brought
up under similar circumstances to those who formed it
have been relieved—(bear, hear)—it must be a source
of grat;fieation to us that we have effected so much
good. (Hear, hear.) I do not think it can be otherwise
than to a considerable degree satisfactory also to those
merchants, bankers, and others who in the first instance
by their contributions started the formation of this in-
stitution ; but it undoubtedly would have been more so
if the institution were now conferring greater benefits.
I can only attribute this state of things to want of time
and I hardly believe that those who really consider the
subject and its great advantages can fell otherwise than
disposed to support it. (Hear, hear.) I can wcli under-
stand that there are great difficulties in the way of giv-
ing that support to the institution which those who are
perhaps in easier circumstances of life would gladly see
it receive. I have been too long connected with those
in the position of clerks in London not to be aware of
the great difficulties with which they have constantly to
contend. (Applause.) It is impossible for me to forget
it from day to day in the discharge of my duties at the
Bank of England, and if I were possibly inclined to do
so, the position which I hold as an Income-tax Commis-
sioner would prevent it, from my having to sit day by
day to hear those heart-rending appeals and statements
that are made by many of the members of that class,
who are interested in such an institution as this.
(Hear, hear.) It is impossible for any one possessed of
that information not only not to commiserate but to be
able to appreciate fully the difficulties with which this class
has ,to contend, and undcubtedly they have had far
greater difficulties to contend with during the last three
or four years than during an average of 20 years pre-
ceding. (Hear, hear.) At one period there appeared
to be a constant diminution in the price of almost every
article of food, but during the last four or five years
there has been a continual rise in the price of every ne-
cessary of life, whilst I feel satisfied that the remunera-
tion paid to clerks has not received that addition—l
Will not say that ought to be made to it—but

which the alt-red circumstances has appeared to render
necessary. (Applause.) Ido not make these remarks
in a spirit of grarnbliog towards the employers of labour
of all kinds, because it is a difficult question to enter
on, nor will I now presume to enter on such a discus-
sion, but I only ailnde to it to show that there are
causes in operation which have a tendency to diminish
that portion of a prudent man's income that allows him
to lay by for old age, or immediate pressing wants, or
to dev,ite to objects of charity to assisl, his less fortunate
fellow-la'iourer. (Hear, hear.) These causes have no-
fortenadely been in operation for a considerable period,
and I confess that I• do not see any great pros-
Peet of their immediate amelioration ; but at the
same tim3 I do not think that en that account
that au institution like this should be regarded
otherwise ilian with- deep-interest. -Those who are in
employment, whilst feeling that their salaries are not in-
creased in•proportioa to their expenditure, should bear
in mind tint there are vast numbers of their fellow-clerks
and labourers who araunable to obtain employment, and
are suffering from causes over which they have no con
tool, and that it is the duty, and should be considered a
privilege by those whom God has blessed with compara-
tivelyeasyurcuenstauces, toextend towards them not only
their sympathy, but substantial assistance. (Hear, hear.)
This inetitntion has not been formed on any rigid scale
Of econonly,z7byt on the broad principle of benevolence,
by trying to induce those who have the means of doing.
so of becoming members, and by their small contribu
.tions meet cases cif severe, distress and suffering of every
kind. Elam taining that -feeling, as all appear to do, I
hope that notwithstanding the difficulties you have to
contend with it will go:on and prosper. Tne time may
come when we may Fee a change for the better, and then
no doubt it would gladden the hearts of all to know
that, even in a time of adversity, means had been found
pithwhich to increase the number of annuitants. It
if .wlL4such - feelings that -I 'venture again to • re-
gonliteild--AbriPilielitratiells-40 :your .warns d: eordisi
support, and I trust that it will receive that increased
support that the managers will be able to increase the
annuitants—remembering-that an increase of annuitants
does. not occasion a proportionate increased charge
against the institution, the present machinery beibg
capable of carrying out the objects of the institution
threefold without additional expense. (Hear, hear.)
Having ventured to make those remarks, I leave the
matter in your hands, trusting that you will feel with
me that the institution is deserving of support, and that
you will continue to support it. (Hear, hear) I now
move "that time report and balance sheet now read be
received and adopted, and that the same be printed
and circulated at the discretion of the board." (Hear,
hear.)

Mr. PIKE, a member, seconded the motion with feel-
ings of pbanre, and congratulated them on the suc-
ces=sful and prosperous etate of the affairs of the

. .
institution in both departments. (Hear, hear.)
He appeared there as the representative of a
number of memhers to express his and their satisfaction
at the gratifying state of their affairs. (Hear, hear.)
One of the most valuable features of this department
was the annuiti-s paid to widows and to decayed mem-
bers, and it had been a subject of great regret for years
past to him and his friends that the benefit of this de-
partment could not be Extended so as to avoid all un-
certainty as regarded the result of the elections. To at-
tain that object he suggested that the present mode of
election should be done away with and left to the board,
by which the expenses of the May meeting would be
saved, great inconvenience to members got rid of, and a
great saving of expense, trouble, and anxiety to the can-
didates, as well as disappointment at not succeeding.
At the end of this year, after they had divided their bo-
nuses, he thought it was a favourable time for their al-
locating one-half of the profits, instead of one-tenth, to
the benevolent fund. By getting rid of the elections at
least 511. a-year would be saved, which would be suffi-
cient to provide for three annuitants. He also thought
that a portion of the balance, 6751., might be withdrawn
to meet the current demands of the annuitants.

Mr. WARWICK said that however much they must have
regretted the absence of Mr. Abel Smith, his absence
that night had been ably supplied by the hon. gentleman
then in the chair. (Hear.) From the remarki of the
chairman he g'eaned that there was a kind• feeling en-
tertained by him towards that body of men who sup-
p Tted this institution, and every one who had
heard his remarks must have been touched with their
truth, and which indicated to his mind that the hon.
gentleman must have entered with real sympathy into
the reel position of the clerks not only of London but
of the whole country—(applause)—and that he had
placed his views in relation to them before the meet-
ing, in a manner for which they were much indebted
to him. (Haar, hear.) The report stated that the
benevolent department was not supprted to the extent
it should he, aid its pros isious warranted. That was
_

to be lamented ; but he did not know vihethcr it was
to be at.rihuted to the fault of the present subscribers
or of that body of clerks who were unconnected with
them ; but he hoped soon to find a change. in that
respect for the better. He saw an item of
3001. in the balance-sheet, as donations to the
society. There was; no doubt, an excellent spirit
dictated the donors of that amount, but he doubted not
that circumstances had the effect of deterring many from
j lining the association, believing thereby that, it became
a charity ; end however much the class of clerks as a
body miW,t have to struggle against distreis, they
did not like to have recourse to mere charitable
institutions for assistance. He of jected to the changes
that had been proposed, and although the members, no
doubt, Lit every confidence in the manager, he thought
it was o' jt.ctionable giving them the exclusive selection
of annuitant% and that were they t 3 do so they would
lose half the number of their subscribers, because many
who subAetibed liked t have a voice in the election of
candidates. (Hear, hear.) He objected to any change
being made in respect to the allocation of the bonuses,
and in the amount of the balance carried forward. The
report just read indicated the steady and certain deve-
lopment of those great principles 01 co-operation upon
which the association was mainly and entirely esta-
(Chters.)

The Chairman at this stage of the proceedings was
compelled to Lave, and his place was filled by Air. R.
H. Jones.

Mr. MINTON was averse to the changes proposed by
Mr. Pike, as being likely to damage the progress of the
association. He differed from Mr. Warwick that their
acceptance of donations kept subscribers away, and re-
marked that he should like to see a much larger sum
every year in the balance-sheet under the head of dona-
tions, and urged on the directors and members to in-
crease it all they could, and offered his services to ac-
complish that desirable object. He suggested their
having a dinn.r or ball like other benevolent societies as
a means of increasirg their income.
Mr. PARR was of opinion that an advantageous change
might be made with reference to the election of annui-
tants, and the sum raised from 151. to 201. He wished
also to see a larger amount for donations annually in
their list, and c9uld scarcely be:ieve that clerks abstained
from joining the association from the charitable charac-
ter it gave it, when in reality it was a charitable institu-
tion. He thought the members of the institution might
be increased by altering the form in which the advertise-
ments were couched. By it the public were led to be-
lieve it was a class association, into which none but
clerks were admitted, whereas it was for the benefit of all
trades and professions. lie hoped soon to see this
society have schools and asylums in connection with it,
as many class societies had.
Mr. HATTON called the attention of the meeting to the
necessity of the directors making application to the
16,000 Government clerks in London to become mem- ,
bers of the association. He was opposed to their re-
ducing their bonuses, because large bonuses were a great
temptation to persons to join associations. He was not
disposed to place the election of annuitants in the hands
of the directors—though he did not doubt their in-
tegrity.
Mr. LLOYD, after regretting Mr. Hankey's absence,
suggested that it was advisable that the directors should
bring as many of the trustees as possible to the meeting,
in order that they might see and hear how the associa-
tion was progressing. He was much gratified to find
that the funded property produced almost sufficient with
which to pay the annuitants. He had always considered
that the only legitimate course to be adopted was to
bring the amount of the annuities within the interest of
their funded property. He considered they had much
cause for congratulation. He approved of the present
Ilan of election, for it induced many persons to become
members to be able to vote.
Mr. REYNOLDS was averse to placing the elections in
the hands of a board of directors, and the proposed divi-
sion of the profits. He wished t 3 see a larger number
of subscribers.
The CHAIRMLN said that the directors bad distributed
10,000 circulars amongst the clerks at the Government
offices, as well as personally canvassed, and what the
result may turn out remained yet to be seen. A dif-
nx,istas to money matters
ferenceof owpiitahionthaeppaeassroedciatotioe
connected and he considered it
I much better for the meeting to rely on the directors in
oarrying on the affairs of the association. After 16
years' operations, he congratulated the members on their
position, and that the principles with which they warted
remaimel intact to this hour. (Cheers.) With regard
to their increasing the amount of the annuities, that
would be a question for discussion when they met to re-
vise the rules. He then alluded to the pleasing fact
that one of their members had returned a donation
made to him with interest, and remarked that, when
that gentleman joined the association, there was
eery
(probabilityear,
bear.) Nothing
that he would
wouldnev e r
grievqeu itsihriem(And as
he f
i
stancelet.
would
for
election
lda his brotheroi annuitantsdirec to r directors)
tobe
greater
placed dis-
comfiture
in thea
eertinit w
hands
than
of the board. (Hear, hear.) It had been
suggested on more than one occasion, but he bad always
set his face against it, because it would be placing them
in a most unfortunate position. He was for leaving as
little as possible to the discretion of the board. (Hear,
hear.)
The report WAS then put to the meeting and carried
unanimously.
Mr. WELOII, in proposing the next resolution, raving
reference to the annuities, said that he had great plea-
sure in submitting it to the meeting, the only regret he
felt being at its limited extent. Having taken a ware
interest in the association from its commencement,
certainly did regret that they were not in a po.s.it. (fromin
t°
grant a larger amount for distribution—still be tea