vine
blessing on the ultimate success of this undertaking. The
attention that has been paid to the details of the building and
to the comforts and wellbeing of the children it is destined to
shelter, I may say, without presumption, merits this success.
And if, as you have stated, 'that which is worth doing at all is
worth doing well,' be a truth requiring any corroboration, I
have only to point to this structure for the most unanswerable
argument in its support. It only remains for me to thank you, my
lords and gentlemen, for the kind expressions you have used with
reference to the part I have taken in this day's proceedings."

Prayer was then offered by the Bishop of Winchester, and a thanksgiving
hymn sung. The ladies present then came forward with their collection
purses, and amusement was caused by the hugeness of the heap of
offerings that rose before the Prince, exceeding even the large sum
presented when the foundation stone was laid. On this occasion upwards
of one thousand ladies presented the charitable gifts, and above L5000
in money or subscriptions proved to be the gratifying result. Prayer and
thanksgiving were again offered, and the Prince, amid much enthusiasm,
declared the Asylum open.

The schools, first established in 1853, had been formerly conducted in
three separate houses at New Cross, under many disadvantages. The
building inaugurated by the Prince of Wales is one of the most
commodious and beautiful structures possessed by any charity. Its
imposing appearance and picturesque site must have been admired by many
travellers on the Brighton and South Coast Railway, near Caterham
Junction. The prosperity of the Institution has been in keeping with its
auspicious beginning.

MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.

_June 28th, 1866._

The object of the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum is sufficiently
indicated by its name. Founded in 1817, the institution had for nearly
fifty years been carried on with success. Upwards of 800 children had
found shelter and training, but this number represents a very small
proportion of the orphans left destitute through the calamities of which
merchant seamen are constantly in peril. This asylum was at first
located in the parish of St. George's-in-the-East, and subsequently
removed to the Borough Road, where the first stone of a new building
was, in 1861, laid by the Prince Consort. The building was opened by
Earl Russel