684 
THE FIELD. 
THE METROPOLIS. 
THE CLOCK AND WATCH MAKERS’ ASYLUM, 
FOR AGED AND DECAYED MEMBERS IN 
EVERY BRANCH OF THE TRADE. 
It will bo remembered that not long •ince a meeting of the 
Superintending Committee, with tho Committee of Manage* 
»nent, was held at the London Coffee IIouho, Ludgutc Hill. 
Present:— T. S. Duncoml'o, K>q.,M.l\, Thomas Challls, Esq , 
Aid., M.P., Valentine Knight, Esq., J. Lund, Esq., Chas. 
Prodsham, Esq., James Puscall. Esq.,J. Grant, E<q., Messrs. 
Connell, G. Curley, Cragg, Blundell, Davis, Holliday, King, 
G. Moore, Joslali Mooro, Meredith, Ovoran, Win. Howlands, 
S. Smith, Shepherd, nnd David Tuylor. At. this meeting 
Mr. W. Howlands was unanimously culled to the chair. That 
gentleman stated that tho object of calling the present meeting 
w.is, in the first place, to put the members of the Superin- 
tending Committee In possession of wliut hud already been 
done; and next, to ask their sanction to the nomination of 
gentlemen to fill certain offices, ns it must bn evident, that 
without tho existence of those offices no uppcul could be made 
to tho trade or tho public, nor could the ordinary business of 
tho institution be carried on. The Secretary had prepared n 
report, which, with tho permission of tho meeting, lie would 
call upon him to read. The Secretary then reud tho following 
report : — 
“It must bo gratifying to the present meeting to learn, that 
the endeavours taken to ascertain the feeling of tho trudo as to 
tho propriety and possibility of erecting an usylum for the 
aged unci decayed members of tho trade, have met with tho 
warmest success; and it is with much pleasure the gontlcmen 
who formed themselves into a provisional committee, nnd un- 
dertook to cunvuss the trudo, now moot to report the result of 
their labours, communicate tho ideas they huvo formed upon 
the subject, and seek tho nilvico of the present meeting us a 
guide for their future operations. 
. “ In tho first pluce, the committee have to oxpross their ac* 
knowledgments to tlioso gontlomcu they have culled upon 
for tlm very courteous reception given them. Tlw task of 
canvassing is in a grout degree an onorous one, requiring 
much forbearance, and often accompanied by circumstances 
of unpleasantness. Tho present duly bus boon rendered one 
of extreme pleusuro by the complimentary reception uniformly 
given. Upwards of 200 gentlemen huvo been waited upon, 
and the kindness of euch was as sincere as it was graceful. 
And if it wore possible that tho present efforts could prove 
abortive, the remembrance of tho good feeling dlspluyod, tho 
sympathies expressed, and tho civilities mutually exchanged, 
would amply repay for ull the lubour undergone. But tho 
committee of management Inivo no such gloomy apprehension 
as a failure. Tho good-fellowship exhibited by all is u sure 
prognostic of success ; urn] llio work thus coramoncod in unity 
and good understanding must bo tho sure precursor of tho 
efficient aid that -will follow, und conduct it to a triumphant 
issue. 
“ There is one clrcuinBtanco to which tho commltloo must 
alludo in justico to their own feelings und respect to tho 
memory of him who has very recently pussod from this to 
another stato of existence. The first gentloman wuited upon 
was t he late Mr. Vulliamy. The Interview wus of tho most 
pleasing description, lie puid the most earnest attention to 
our application, and signified Ids inteutfon to aid us to tho 
best of his ability ; and on n subsequent occasion, when 
waited upon to solicit his nnino as ono of your superintending 
committee, though bowed down with — as it proved to bo — 
a mortal attack, lie readily ussonted to our request, und ex- 
pressed n hope that bo might bo spared to witness tbo consum- 
mation of our endeavours. That was not granted. In about 
comforts, it is a doubtful charity that would limit the supply 
to the lowest point tbo frame can bear. And while care and 
judgment should be exercised to prevent tho idle and impo- 
sing from taking advantage of the benefits, the impotent 
and stricken should find a sufficient shelter in tho time of 
their decay. 
“Tho moans for supporting tho institution will be made 
as universal as its benefits. It will bo called * Tho Clock and 
Watch Makers’ Asylum,’ and from the various branches of 
tho clock und watch trade the main support must depend. 
Large extraneous assistance will be required at the outset ; 
but when tho building is completed, the revenue for the sup- 
port of its objects will no doubt be easily gathered from the 
members of tho trade. It Is proposed that an annual subscrip- 
tion of five shillings shall give one vote. 120 votes will sup- 
port a recipient. Very little calculation will prove, that If all 
the trado wore to subscribe, elections would not bo required ; 
every deserving ca&o would find immediato relief, and the un- 
seemliness of ugo and sickness, pining in sorrow and noglcct, 
would bo almost unknown to your trade. These, however, 
with tho minor details, must bo the subject for a future meeting. 
In the interim a code of regulations will bo drawn out, and 
you will bo again called together to revise nnd sanction them. 
“ Tho next object of your committee will bo to call a public 
meeting, und obtain an efficient chairman. Many names have 
been suggested ; but, to tho prbsont time, no direct application 
lias boon mado, and they beg to close their first report by 
asking the opinions of this meeting as to the most dcsirublo 
person that may honour us by presiding at our first public 
meeting, and bogging their assistance and influence in obtain- 
ing tho object of your selection. ’’ 
Tho secretary then read tho following nnmos: — 
Vice-Presidents. — T. S. Duncombo, Esq., M.P.; 
Thomas Chullis, Esq,, Alderman, M.P. 
Trusters. — Thomas Challls, Esq., Alderman, M.P. ; 
William Connell, Esq.; Charles Prodsham, Esq. ; Thomas 
Porthouse, Esq. 
Treasurer. — Willium Howlands, Esq. 
Auditors. — G. Carley, Esq.; J. Cragg, Esq.; G. Moore, 
Esq. ; David Taylor, Esq. 
Secretary. — Mr. William Blackburn, Clarendon-cham- 
bers, Hand-court, Bedford-row. 
It wuh moved by Charles Prodslmm, Esq., seconded by J. 
Lund, Esq., and curried unanimously — 
“ That tho report now read, with the list of officers rocom- 
mendod, bo received and adopted, and entered on tho minutes 
of transactions.” 
Thomas Sllngsby Duncombe, Esq., M.P., 6aid, the report 
having been carried, it was now for him to express his ac- 
knowledgments to this meeting for the high honour they hud 
conferred upon him, by numing him as their first vice-pre- 
sident. lie could ussurc tho meeting that if he had done any- 
thing that called forth tholr approbation, lie had only per- 
formed tliut which ho was at all times most anxious to do — 
give his beid attention und assistance to such noble objects as 
that for which they lmd now assembled. It would not be 
possible for him to attend all their committee meetings; his 
parliamentary duties would hinder him from that pleasure, 
nor did lie presume to suppose his prcsunce could add to the zeal 
nml efficiency which bo saw displayed among the members of 
tho committee, but nevertheless ho promised them bis cordial 
co-operation. On occasions ofu public meeting, or whoro bis 
services would be considered nccessury, lie would feul obliged 
by the secretary giving him as long a notice os lie possibly 
could, that lie might muke evory arrangement to place himself 
ut their service. 
Alderman Cliulis, M.I*., must congratulate tho meeting on 
tbo vory rapid mid sutisfuctory progress tliut bud been made 
48 hours after that interview life bud passed away ; but ho has siuce he hud tho lust interview with some of tho members 
loft behind tho remembrnneo of fervid hopes, which we trust j whom lie saw present. That part of the report which alluded 
may pi ove t he happy prestige of our ultiinuto success. to tbo working portion of the trade contributing so materially 
“ l lie task of cunvassing being thus far so extremely satis- to its support, ho considered to bo highly satisfactory ; indeed 
factory, and the superintending committee composed of unmeet ho thought it would prove the greatest strength of the insti- 
tlie most prominent that could bo desired, another duty pre- 
sented ilsolf to your committeo of management, which was 
to make a selection of mimes to fill the ordinary (Julies 
of government, and submit them to this meeting previous 
to their being nominated for election ut tho general 
meeting. Though they may nut term this a difficult 
task, yet it was not without much consideration thoy de- 
termined upon the names which uro now submitted to you. 
It would Imvo been u great difficulty if the compliment of 
office had been expected in return for zeal and talents dis- 
played In the undertaking; but tho feeling has boon, 4 In 
honour preferring ono another.’ And in presenting tho fol- 
lowing names thoy trust they huvo cast disparagement upon 
no ono. It is, however, satisfactory to know, that tho whole 
question of offices is open to review by tills meeting. It was 
the duty of tho committeo of mnnagomont to recommend 
certain namos; it i» in the provinco of the present mooting to 
mako such modifications us thoy may deem essential, and 
none will submit themselves more cheerfully to your decision 
than the gentlemen whose names are before you. 
“The committee of management feel reluctant to place 
names on the list of vice-presidents, which for obvious reasons 
may with more propriety be introduced at (lie general meet- 
ing ; but Mr. Duncombe und Mr. Alderman Challls (the 
members for the borough of Finsbury) huvo given their 
valuable assistance and their judicious advice on every occasion 
when waited upon, that the committee tuko the earliest op- 
portunity of expressing the acknowledgment of tholr services 
by placing their names as vice-presidents, and will leave to 
the general mooting the grateful task of adding to the list tho 
names of gentlemen, without whose count, nance nnd concur- 
rence this attempt to erect an usylum, might have proved a 
matter of uncertainty if not of impossibility. 
“ Many questions have been put, nnd much anxiety exhi- 
bited, as to the benefits to be conferred by this Institution 
when established. Your committee have given much consi- 
deration to the subject, but it is manifest that to a certain 
extent the benefit must depend upon the resources obtained. 
Hie amount of relief contemplated is— residence, fuel, light, 
with an allowance of not less than £20 per annum The 
intention is to make this asylum, as far as such u design can 
be made practicable, an efficient homo for the aged and de- 
cayed recipient— a retreat for the days of old o<*e and 
infirmities, and a medium for the enjoyment of calm and 
quietness at the period when the frame is no longer fitted for 
toil, arid the mind asks a while for reflection before lulling 
Hseif to its last repose. Our existing institutions fail to do 
this. Tne small amount they bestow, though no doubt 
highly acceptable to those whose faculties uro not entirely 
prostrate, and who can udd to the amount by their slight ex- 
ertion, is comparatively nothing to such us lmve no oilier 
means of sub*istenco than the supply of their wunts by the 
precarious charity of others. At the time too when sinking 
nature requires more than usual support and additional 
greatest strength 
tution. Large amounts might bo obtained on extraordinary 
occasions, but its permanent success would depend upon the 
working men feeling it wus something belonging to them, and 
which it was us much their interest as their duty to nourish and 
protect. Ho thanked them very sincerely for the honour 
they had done him, and the remark of his honourable col- 
league he must apply to himself; the committee had only 
to point out in what manner lie could bo useful to them, aud 
they might rely upon his servicos. 
J. Lund, Esq , quite agreed with the observations which 
fell from Aldermun Chullis, respecting the support to bo ob- 
tained from tho working portion of the trado ; but there was 
another portion of tho report to which he would beg to call 
attention, which oskod largo assistance from the wealthy 
before tho asy lum could be established. The working portion 
wete not In n position to purchase land and orect an asylum, 
und it was with the view to assist them in those endeavours 
Hint ho had attondod tho present meeting. The support 
which the labouring class would give to the undertaking would 
no doubt bo highly creditable to their economy nnd fore- 
thought ; but that did not relieve the more wealthy from 
doing their best to encourage and promote the desired object. 
To do unto others as you would bo done unto, was the great 
law oi Christian duty; nnd that would bo motive enough to 
u*sist uud relievo the industrious but decayed poor of our 
trado, us wo should certainly desire the same assistunco if we 
were in their stead. But in the present iustunce we wore 
called upon to do more. To the lubour and toil of the work- 
man the manufacturers wore much indebted. It was right to 
acknowledge their claims, ami assist them to raise a building 
as u home, into which they might quiotly and comfortably retire 
when tholr energies were exhausted, nnd their skill purulyzed by 
the Intense application of some branches of the trade. He had 
the greatest confidence in the gentlemen who formed the com- 
mittee of management ; he thought to tho preseut tiino they 
had conducted tho business most admirably. He would con- 
clude by moving : — “ That it be referred back to the commit- 
tee of munageinent to continue their operations in the manner 
they may deem expedient for carrying out the intentions con- 
tained in the report, and also to make a farther report when 
they shall be prepared so to do.” 
Valentine Knight, Esq., seconded tlie proposition ; which 
was put from tho chnir, nnd carried unanimously. 
A aleutinc Knight, Esq., then proposed a vote of thanks 
to the chairman, upon whom ho passod a very high eulogium, 
und said, the fuct of Mr. W. Howland’s taking 60 prominent a 
part in tho mutter was nn earnest of its ultimate success. 
Mr. E. J. Thompson seconded the proposition, which was 
carried by acclamation. 
Tho chairman returned thanks, and the meeting ad- 
journed. 
In regard to this praiseworthy “ Clock and Watch Makers’ 
Asylum,’ we havo the ploasuro to subjoin the following cir- 
cular, which has only yet been privately circulated: — 
Superintending Committee. — Messrs. F. B. Adams 
and Sons, St. Jobn’s-squaro; Messrs. Aubert and Kluftenber- 
ger, Regent-street; Messrs. Barraud and Lund, Cornhill ; 
Messrs. Brockbank and Atkins, Cowper's-court; John Carter, 
Esq., Alderman, Cornhill ; Thomas Challis, Esq., Alderman, 
M.P., Eufield ; Thomas Cotlerell, Esq., Eaton-square ; R. Ed- 
ward Dent, Esq., Cockspur-street ; Charles Frodsham, Esq., 
Strand; J. Fenn, Esq., Newgate-street ; J. Grant, Esq., 
London-wall ; J. Grohe, Esq., 2, Wigmore-street; Messrs. 
Howell and James, Regent-street; Messrs. Harvey and Co., 
Regent-street ; William Johnson, Esq., Strand ; Valentine 
Knight, Esq., Regcnt’s-park ; R. II. Kennedy, Esq., Aider- 
man, Nottiug-hill ; Robert McCabe. Esq., Cornhill ; James 
Pascal I, Esq., Pentonville ; Messrs. Parkinson and Frodsham, 
Change-alley; A. I-L Reynolds, Esq., II iglmm-court, Wood- 
ford, Essex ; B. L. Vulliamy, Esq., Pall-mall. 
Committee op Management. — Mr. Wm. Rowlands, 
Smith-street, Treasurer; Mr. Blundell, Red Lion-street; 
Mr. J. Bounctt, Chcapside ; Mr. W. Connell, 83, Clieapside; 
Mr. G. Carley. St. John's -equaro; Mr. J. Cragg, Northamp- 
ton -S|uare; Mr. D. Clarke, Goswoll-road; Mr. W. Carter, 
President-street, East; Mr. Davis, Claremout-square ; Mr. 
C. B. Holliday, Upper Cliarles-street ; Mr. King, Upper 
Charics-street ; Mr. G. Moore, I'ercival-street ; Mr. Jo>iab 
Mooro, Clerkonwcll-close ; Mr. Meredith, Goswell-road ; Mr. 
Overan, Upper Cliarles-street ; Mr. Porthouse, Northumpton- 
squarc ; Mr. S. Smith, King-street; Mr. C. Scott, Ely-place ; 
Mr. J. Shepherd, President-street ; Mr. David Taylor, North- 
ampton-square; Mr. E. J. Thompson, Percival-street ; Mr. 
Walker, Princes-street, Soho. 
Secretary. — Mr. William Blackburn, Clarendon-cham- 
bers, Hand-court, Bedford-row. 
In presenting the first list of donations to the asylum fund, 
the committeo have to express their acknowledgments to 
those gentlemen who have genorously responded to their 
appeal, and to claim the forbeurancc of such members of the 
trade as have not yet been waited upon. If the exertions of 
the committee could keep pace with their desires, every mein- 
bor of the trado would have bad un opportunity given him to 
record Ills name and munificence ; but it must bo well known 
to every man in business, that in matters like this much time 
is occupied in detail ; arrangements have to be made and car- 
ried out, in which much depends upon gentlemen whoso daily 
avocutions will grant them but a limited time. Tho mem- 
bers of the committee, therefore, have a double boon to ask 
of tho trade — first, to excuse any apparent delay or neglect in 
not having been waited upon earlier ; and next — which will 
assist them very materially — to forward their names (either 
by post or otherwise) to a member of the commiltee, whose 
names and addresses arc here appended, with such amount as 
they may be pleased to bestow themselves, or can induco 
their friends to give, in support of an object which has the 
sanction of the trade, und recommends itself to the sympathies 
of all who acknowledge the duty of affording succour ami sup- 
port to infirmity, age, and adversity. 
Aftor much consideration the committeo have arrived at 
the conclusion, that they will require the sum of £4,000 or 
£5,000 to carry out in an efficient manner the object contem- 
plated — viz., Tho purchase of freehold land, and erecting 20 
houses. This may appear a large outlay for such a purpose, but 
reflection will prove it is not so. If the aggregate unnual 
amount paid as rent for lodgings by twenty pensioners belong- 
ing to your institution be considered, it will be found to equal 
the common interest of the above sum if invested. If so, then 
your institutions, out of the annuities granted to your pen- 
sioners, are now paying tho interest of so much money for 
crowded, ill-ventilated, and consequently unhealthy lodgings. 
By erecting the asylum, the trade will be iu possession of free- 
hold laud, which is at all times valuable ; and they will have 
the satisfaction of feeling that those of their pensioners who 
otherwise would be compelled to spend the greater portion of 
their slender means in paying the rout of an incommodious 
lodging, have been provided with wholesome, airy, and clieev- 
ful dwellings, without any drain upon those resources which 
should bo left them to provide such comforts as their age and 
infirmities demand. This institution therefore is deserving 
of your serious consideration on the ground of comfort and 
economy. 
It will be perceived by the annexed list, that the amount 
already obtained falls very much short of tho sum required. 
A great deal remains to bo done, and the committee most stre- 
nuously urge upon the members of the trade, that they make 
exertion to place themselves in tho position which is due 
to them. L"t them reflect, that an opportunity is now 
given to consummate the object which lias been so long 
desired. If thoy allow tho present uttempt to fail through 
luck of energy on their part, or the niggardliness of the 
means required for its support, years must elapse before 
a similar effort can be made. And what person, who is now 
in the enjoyment of all tliut heart can wish, dare assure him- 
self that lie may not at a future time bo glad to claim tho 
shelter which this asylum is intended to afford ? If so, then 
the knowledge of having contributed towards it in the day of 
prosperity, will soften tho pang of adversity; and should lie 
never require its aid, then the contributions bo has bestowed 
will still remain the offerings of a grateful heart, for “ where 
much has been given, much will be required.” ' 
The clock and watch trade has many claims upon tho public 
sympathy. The manufacturer and the merchant deposit their 
wealth with confidence in tho holds of a ship, and consign it 
to the mariner, who cheerfully quits the shore, and embarks 
with it on the world of waters, trusting to the faithful me- 
chanician) of his chronometer to guide him to the desired 
haven. The artizan who is engaged in manufacturing tho 
chronometer is reduced to prematuro decay by tbo intense 
strain upon the vision and the delicate manipulation his 
occupation requires. With no greater amount of remunera- 
tion than is awarded to the operative in most other trades, 
ho is earlier rendered incapable of earning his daily bread ; 
and he lias therefore claims upon the merchant, manufacturer, 
mariner, for whose benefit his faculties buve been exerted and 
eventually im pared. 
The invention of the regulator, or, as it is sometimes desfgn- 
nated, the astronomical clock, has been of essential service to 
the science of astronomy ; and what engagement made cither 
in busiuess or the every day concerns of life could bo kept, if 
it were not for those truthful recorders of time — the clock and 
watch ? Competition is as keen in this as in any other trade ; 
mid tbo operative clock or watch maker toiling in secluded 
inanity is suddenly arrested by corporeal inability, and driven 
to seek support for the remainder of his days either to the 
Union of his parish, or by a scanty supply from the alms of 
others. It is on behalf of such objects the public are called 
upon to afford assistance. The trade are endeavouring to 
raise a fund to erect au asylum, which will do much to miti- 
gato the privations of indigence and decay ; but the resources 
of the trade are not sufficient for the outlay, and they have 
