BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

36
The Habitations experienced some modifications.
The numbers of
officers increased to approximate the executive body serving the London
headquarters.
The individuals charged with overseeing the operations
of local associations generally included a Ruling Councillor, an
Honorary Secretary, and several Executive Council members. Dames 1 fees
at the local level were set at the same rate as Knights', one crown for
compounded entrance and annual dues or two shillings and sixpence for
yearly membership renewal.
No charge was made by the Central Office
toward the admittance of Esquires into Habitations,48
although modest
sums were obtained for diplomas and badges.
Fees were also levied by
local associations for their own use.
Typically the annual payment was
set at a half-crown for Knights and Dames and ranged between one pence
and a shilling for Esquires.
The cost of purchasing a Warrant to
establish a Habitation was set at four crowns.
All members were, in
theory, to be equal,49
although Knights and Dames generally occupied
the executive positions at the local level and the London Council
appears to have been entirely composed of Knights.
The actual
power of the League resided almost exclusively with
the body of Ruling Council members.
They set policy, directed the
procedures to be followed by rank and file Habitations, regulated the
admission of members, issued Warrants, and promoted national
League
functions.
Three trustees appointed for life served as ex officio
48 ibid.
49 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 22
March 1883.