250 
THE COEPS OF COMMISSIONAIRES. 
In October 1897 a new division of the corps was established at Cardiff, 
but, owing to tbe coal strike, it has not as yet made much progress. 
The organization of these 2,851 men is watched over by Sir Edward 
Walter, who exercises a close personal supervision over the work, not 
only of the London division, but of all the provincial divisions as well. 
Whether the financial prosperity of the corps as a whole is considered, 
or the arrangements made for the welfare of its individual members 
and the means for securing them provision for their old age, or the 
high tone and discipline which prevail among all ranks, or the 
testimony of employers of labour to the value of the institution, it is 
impossible not to be impressed by the perfection of its organization— 
the only wonder being that the corps is not very much larger than it 
is, considering the excellent results which have attended the founder's 
efforts. “ Sir Edward Walter," wrote the Chairman of the Executive 
Committee in the report for 1897, “ may well feel proud of the great 
success which has crowned his untiring energy and zeal, and the 
committee hope he may be able to continue for many years the good 
work that has proved so very beneficial to the deserving men of all 
branches of the Service." 
The success which the corps has gained is due to the fact that it is 
organized not on charitable lines, but on strict business principles. 
The greatest care is taken in selecting candidates, each case being 
submitted even from out-stations for the personal decision of the 
commanding officer. Candidates for admission to the Corps of Com¬ 
missionaires must have served in some branch of the Army or Navy, 
have sound health, be 5 ft. 7 in. in height, and possess a good 
character. Pensioners are required to pay the following fees on 
joining the corps, in addition to making an initial deposit of at least 
10s. in the Corps Savings Bank :— 
Caution money 
General Fund 
Sick Fund 
Convalescent hospital 
Total 
The monthly payments after 
employment are as follows :— 
Clothing 
General Fund 
Sick E Fund 
Convalescent Hospital 
£ s. d. 
1 0 0 
10 0 
5 0 
5 0 
2 0 0 
joining the corps for permanent 
s. d. 
5 6 
. . . 16 
in e 
2 
Total 
8 8 
