Social work in Australia and London

THE

UNIVERSITY

SOCIAL WORK

IN

AUSTRALIA AND LONDON.

The following are notes of a talk by WILLIAM GREY, Esquire, of the Deni-
son Club, London, to a few students of Social Science in the Johns Hopkins
University, January 12, 1889. — EDITOR.*

THE " EXCELSIOR CLASSES" IN AUSTRALIA.

About five or six years ago, Mr. William Groom, a young workman in a
silk-hat factory in Melbourne used to observe with great distress the large
number of boys who were drinking in the saloons of the city, especially on
Saturday nights. The sight at last troubled him so much that he resolved
to attempt some method of diminishing the evil : so one evening he accosted
a group of boys in a saloon, and asked them whether they really found any
enjoyment in that mode of spending time. They answered that perhaps
after all there was not much fun in it. Mr. Groom then invited them to
come next Saturday evening to his lodgings, and said that he would try to
furnish them with better amusement. Some of the boys came, and Mr.
Groom, though feeling awkward and embarrassed, did his best to entertain
them with games, reading, and a little personal talk. By degrees his unique
power of influencing boys became manifest ; numbers began to gather round
him, and his work became known to a few persons of wealth and position,
who, recognizing Mr. Groom's peculiar gifts, agreed to guarantee a sufficient
sum annually to enable him to devote his whole time to the work among
the boys.

It may be mentioned in passing that Mr. Groom's most enthusiastic sup-
porter is a young artist, belonging to a family of high standing and influence
in Victoria, who is himself carrying on an interesting and valuable work in
the Melbourne Hospital. Owing to impaired vision, he is #ble to work at
his profession only during the morning hours. He therefore devotes three
afternoons in the week to visiting the patients in the surgical wards of the
Hospital — those in the medical wards have comparatively little superfluous
energy — reading and talking to them, keeping them supplied with books,
and teaching them netting, macrame work, and the construction of picture-

* It is proposed to issue from time to time (in connection with the Johns Hopkins Uni-
versity Studies in Historical and Political Science) brief Notes on current topics of interest.
Municipal Government in England, a report of an interview with ALBERT SHAW, Ph. D.,
was issued in January, 1889.

2 Sociological Notes. [10

frames and a variety of other artistic and useful objects. The various mate-
rials required he brings at each visit. In this way the wearisome hours of
the patients are lightened, some useful minor industries are learned, and
the sale of the products gives the patients in many cases a substantial sum
of money to make a fresh start when they are discharged from the Hospital.

To return to Mr. Groom's special work. When he was enabled to give
his whole time to it, the movement spread rapidly. Six or seven large
classes, each consisting of several hundreds of boys, were formed in various
parts of the city. Mr. Groom's earnest endeavor throughout was to estab-
lish them on a self-governing and self-supporting basis, and to avoid all
showy display of the work for the sake of obtaining "patronage" and con-
tributions. The weekly meetings of the classes are held primarily for the
sake of mutual entertainment. A large room is either lent or rented, and a
varied performance takes place — songs, recitations, an occasional farce, and
a few words of advice, admonition, or encouragement from the leader of the
class. The chairman of the meeting is elected by the boys, as also are the
Secretary, Treasurer, and door-keepers. Mr. Groom, when he is present, is
always elected as leader. The small dues of the class, usually about six cents,
are collected weekly. In connection with the classes too are penny banks,
and lending libraries. A remarkable work has been carried on by some
of the bigger boys, who were formerly leaders in mischief and outrage
among the vicious "larrikins" who nightly haunt the streets of the Aus-
tralian cities, and cause sore perplexity to those who study social problems
in those colonies. A few of these reclaimed " hoodlums" sally forth together
on Saturday nights, go from one saloon to another, and if they see boys
drinking there, bid them come out and join them. The boys instinctively
obey their former leaders, meekly follow them, and are brought within the
circle of influence of the Excelsior Classes.

From Melbourne the movement has already spread to Sydney. A young
clerk in one of the Government offices of New South Wales, whilst on a
visit to Melbourne, heard of Mr. Groom's work, and was so deeply impressed
by what he saw of it that he determined to devote his evenings to a similar
work in his own city. An admirable class is now organized in the midst of
a very poor district.

It was at Sydney that I first came into contact with the work. I well
remember the striking character of the scene. Passing between two vigi-
lant boy door-keepers, I entered a large, bare schoolroom, lighted with flam-
ing gas-jets. More than a hundred boys of all sorts and sizes — many ragged
and with bare feet, were sitting, absolutely quiet and orderly, with eager,
intelligent faces, listening to a few words from their elected leader or
" Critic," as he is here styled, the Government clerk whom I have men-
tioned. The Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, each adorned with a
broad crimson scarf, as of some knightly order, were at their posts. Then
the entertainment began, consisting almost entirely of recitations and songs,
chosen by the boys themselves. No trace of anything coarse or low appeared ;

11] Sociological Notes. 3

the tendency, oddly enough, was to pieces of a profoundly melancholy and
sentimental order. The choruses of the more lively songs were taken up
by the whole body of boys with an energy which seemed almost great
enough to break the windows and blow off the roof. But throughout the
meeting the order and discipline maintained for themselves by these rough
street boys was simply perfect. After the entertainment was over, the
Treasurer collected the weekly dues, and then the business of a Penny Bank
was transacted. I left the meeting, feeling that I had seen the finest sight
in all Australia.

Some weeks later I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Groom himself at
his little house near Melbourne. At this time he was in a very shattered
state of health, and only just recovering from the effects of a terrible rail-
road accident. He had been compelled for six months to withdraw entirely
from the supervision of the Excelsior Classes, but he was still able to attend
to a deeply interesting branch of his work at home — the rescue of boys of
the most depraved and degraded class, whom he had found lying about the
wharves at night, or had intercepted on their discharge from prison.

He showed me in his back garden a low, long barrack of six little cham-
bers, separated from each other by solid walls, so that no communication
should be possible by night among the inmates. Each room was simply but
prettily furnished : on the wall hung an illuminated and framed copy of
the Lord's Prayer ; and in another frame a stanza of some hymn or poem,
intended to meet the special need of the occupant of the room. During the
day the boys are sent to the public school — the rest of their time is filled up
with work of various kinds — carpentry, digging, gardening, and household
duties. They take their meals with Mr. and Mrs. Groom, and thus learn
decent manners at table. Mr. Groom has gone with great care and thor-
oughness into the subject of the various forms of vice to which these poor
boys are specially prone, and uses every effort to ascertain and apply the
surest and most appropriate remedies and preventives. When the boys
have been thoroughly reclaimed, they are drafted off to places in the country.
The demand for the boys is far greater than Mr. Groom can supply.

This is a department of his work which Mr. Groom guards with the great-
est care from ostentatious publicity, rightly deeming that the subject is far
too grave and awful to be made a matter of advertising and promiscuous
patronage. The necessary funds are, I believe, supplied by a few attached
friends, and by a single large business firm. It is by no means easy — experto
credite — for others to obtain the privilege of contributing to the work.

It was exceedingly interesting to observe the effect upon the Excelsior
Classes of Mr. Groom's disablement. Four or five of the classes, it must be
confessed, had at the time of my visit lapsed into a state of suspended ani-
mation, although there was every reason to hope that they would revive at
Mr. Groom's touch. One class which I visited was still in operation, but it
was evidently on the point of breaking down. The temporary leader, a
good and really heroic young fellow, was evidently not quite fitted for his

4 Sociological Notes. [12

post. On the evening of my visit the meeting was a very large one, and a
number of turbulent youths had made their way in. The leader, as I could
tell from my former scholastic experience, was at fault in every appeal
which he made to the audience, and naturally excited some derision. How-
ever, the performance was creditably gone through, in spite of some inter-
ruptions. I was struck by the genuine courtesy of the boys, who, although
I was the only visitor present in the unruly assembly, never by word or act
made my position in the slightest degree uncomfortable, although consider-
able ingenuity was shewn in worrying their " leader." I was not surprised
to learn that the subsequent meeting broke up in confusion, and the class
was suspended.

In the next class which I visited, all was cheering and hopeful. About
a hundred boys, with many of their friends and relations, were present in a
cheerful, well-lighted schoolroom. An admirable entertainment was pro-
vided— songs, recitations, a short farce, and, if I remember rightly, some
gymnastic exercises. A few wholesome words were addressed to the boys
by their elected leader, a young, fresh-looking boy, who is employed as a
clerk in a business house. Although the class had for six months been
deprived of Mr. Groom's supervision, the order and discipline of the meeting
left nothing to be desired — the genial "bonhomie" and courtesy of the boys
deeply impressed me. I remained for some time after the meeting, talking
with the boys, and examining their library and savings bank : my favorable
impression was continually deepened. Here, I thought, was a sight even
grander than I had witnessed in Sydney, as proving what democratic gov-
ernment, free from all suspicion of being qualified, may do amongst boys.

Some further details of this interesting work may be derived from " The
Excelsior " — a monthly paper which was, and not improbably is still, pub-
lished for the classes. Mr. Groom himself is always pleased to communi-
cate with persons who are genuinely and practically interested in this and
similar work. Address W. Groom, care of Edw. a Beckett, Brighton, Mel-
bourne, Australia.

HOME RULE IN EAST LONDON.

A year or two ago " Home Eule " was introduced in the government of a
club of rough Irish boys in the east end of London, with eminently satis-
factory results, whereas the previous attempts at autocratic government had
resulted in dismal failure. The boys elected their own Chairman, Secre-
tary, and " chuckers-out," who promptly expelled disorderly members.
The experiment is detailed, if I remember rightly, in one of the numbers
of " Eastward Ho !" a monthly London magazine, during the year 1886.
But full particulars could doubtless be obtained from T. H. Nunn, or any
other of the older residents at Toynbee Hall. Whitechapel, London, E.

13] Sociological Notes.

RECOLLECTIONS OF WORK AMONGST THE POOR
OF LONDON.*

Six years of work in a West Indian College had necessitated a long period
of rest, and for a year after ray return to London I did little else than
become thoroughly acquainted with the topography and antiquities of that
city. After this, I began to look out out for a sphere of work which would
not involve late hours or much confinement in doors. About this time the
needs of East London were attracting much public attention. I took an
opportunity of spending a day or two with the Rector of one of the best-
managed parishes in that district, and discussing matters with one of the
most energetic mission clergy. Although neither of my friends exactly
liked the Charity Organization Society, they agreed that some work in con-
nection therewith would probably best meet my requirements. I was myself
attracted to the Society both by its unpopularity, which appeared to be in a
great measure due to its scientific methods, and by the fact that I had for
years past acted in unconscious conformity with its principles. Accordingly,
I devoted nearly a year to work with the committee of the West-End district
in which I lived, attending the meetings almost daily, and hearing the dis-
cussion of cases. This committee was famous for its close adherence to the
abstract principles of political economy, as expounded by the laissez-faire
school. Every case was admirably discussed, but the applicants for aid
never appeared before the committee. The personal work was done by the
paid agent. The "personnel" of the committee was impaired by the pres-
ence of a few West-End loafers, who flattered themselves that they were active
philanthropists, whilst in reality they did nothing but sit round the table
and interrupt the serious discussion with their pointless comments. I believe
that the experience gained in this committee was of real service in famil-
iarizing me with principles and details, but at last I felt that I must come
into contact, not with mere "cases," but with living men and women. I
talked the matter over with Mr. Loch, the Chief Secretary of the Society,
and he recommended me to join another committee, which was at work
in the heart of the East End. I remember the thrill of interest which
I felt when, at the first meeting which I attended, after the discus-
sion of the case, the actual personages were ushered into the room — a
mother and a little boy. The latter had been sent by the committee to a
country home, and had behaved badly there. The chairman spoke a few
words of reproof, the boy cried, and the mother promised that he should
behave better in future. Similarly, as every case came up, the man,
woman, or child appeared, and was questioned by the chairman or other
members of the committee. I do not say that the methods of this committee

* Sanitary Aid. — Particulars in "Charity Organization Review" for circa January,
1886, under the title "Leavts from the Summer Diary of an East-End Almoner."

6 Sociological Notes. [14

in the matter just named, or in its frequent disregard in practice of the
laissez-faire principle, were free from objection : but the contact with real
flesh and blood at least heightened the dramatic interest of the work, and
brought the workers themselves nearer to the facts.

Before long, I was requested to become an Almoner of the Society for
the Relief of Distress — a small association which directly administers
relief in tolerably close co-operation with the Charity Organization So-
ciety. A small district of about 600 houses, with a population of 4,500, was
allotted to me, and I was instructed to work in harmony with all existing
agencies, and to become as far as possible acquainted with the inhabitants.
The district contained two very bad streets, and two streets inhabited chiefly
by fairly well-to-do people — shopkeepers, business men, parish officials, and
others. The remaining ten or twelve streets consisted of small houses occu-
pied by two or more families of the decent laboring class. The only person
of leisure and independent means was a clergyman of culture and refine-
ment, who had retired from active duty, and had chosen East London as a
place of residence, which he found more agreeable than any other. He had
taken a house on one of the main thoroughfares, had furnished it with
exquisite taste, and had surrounded himself with beautiful objects — books,
pictures, and curiosities. He lived in great comfort, kept open house for
workers among the poor, was always ready to take clerical duty for an over-
worked brother-clergyman, started a reading-club at his house for the study
and discussion of the most remarkable new books, served as a Poor-Law
Guardian for the district, was Chairman of the local Charity Organization
Committee, and in every way performed the part of a good citizen. Thus,
whilst he strenuously maintained that he was simply pursuing his own
gratification, he really performed better and sounder work for his fellow-
men than many an individual and Association which is kept more before the
eyes of the world.

Another unpretending worker, outside the limits of my own district, may
be here mentioned. A young Oxford graduate in theological honors had
determined to devote himself to the study of medicine at the London Hos-
pital. In order to be near his work, he bought a picturesque little old house
on Stepney Green, put it into perfect sanitary condition — he used to exhibit
to visitors, with honest pride, his beautiful system of drainage— and made
it beautiful within. Then his charming old mother came to keep house for
him, and the house became a centre of genial and graceful hospitality. My
friend threw himself with great ardor into the work of Sanitary Aid — an
Association for the purpose of enforcing the sanitary laws of the metropolis
had recently been formed — and I became infected with a portion of his
zeal. AVe used to sally forth into some of the neighboring streets, and per-
form a little amateur inspection of nuisances there : then, when I had
become acquainted with the details of the work, I determined to apply my
recently acquired knowledge within my own district.

The time was favorable ; the hot summer weather was coming on, and an

15] Sociological Notes. 7

epidemic of small-pox was advancing across the continent, and threatening
England, so that the poor people were alive to the danger of insanitary
conditions, and ready to welcome any advice in the matter. I had already
become acquainted with the church workers of my district, and I learned
that the Scripture Reader, an interesting old gentleman who had been long
working there, was anxious to make a fresh and complete list of the inhab-
itants. He readily agreed to allow me to accompany him in his rounds,
and our work lasted for three or four afternoons in every week during the
entire summer. As we came to each house, the old gentleman knocked at
the door, took down the names of the inmates, and gently turned the con-
versation to the subject of drains. He quickly received permission to pass
through the house into the back yard, and I followed him. Then my work
began. I carefully tested the points where inspection was necessary, in
spite of the odors, which were in some cases remarkably full-bodied ; and
if there was any sanitary defect, I requested the tenant to point it out to the
landlord when he made his next weekly call for the rent. The tenant
would promise to do so. I called again next week, heard what the landlord
had said or done, and, if the defect was not remedied, I called week after
week with fresh suggestions, until something was done, or until it became
evident that the landlord was absolutely recalcitrant. In the latter case I
brought the matter under the notice of the District Inspector of Nuisances
— a legal order was served, the landlord quickly came to his senses, and the
nuisance was abated. In this manner, after three or four months every
house had been visited, a tolerably intimate knowledge of the district and its
inhabitants had been acquired, and almost all the glaring sanitary defects
had been remedied. Apart from the occasional physical discomfort, the
work was exceedingly pleasant and interesting ; the people were courteous
and kindly ; even in the very worst streets, no one ever asked for alms ; a
practical knowledge was acquired as to " how the poor live," and much
valuable material was accumulated for future Charity Organization work.
Many a pleasant friendship was formed on the basis of common hostility to
an evil odor; and the natural and pleasing relations thus formed were
intensified by the common enjoyment of a day's parochial excursion to the
sea-side.

THE MANSION HOUSE FUND.*

The winter came, and with it a cry in some parts of London of " want of
employment," " exceptional distress," and the like. In an evil hour, the
Lord Mayor assented to the establishment of a "Mansion House Fund,"
for the relief of the unemployed. Money came in quickly at first, then the

*The Mansion House Fund.— See "Report of the Committee on Exceptional Distress,"
published for the London C. O. S. by Messrs. Cassell ; price Gd.— an exceedingly valuable
document.

8 Sociological Notes. [16

supply slackened. A mob of self-styled unemployed assembled in Trafalgar
Square. The criminal classes profited by the occasion, created a small riot,
and broke windows in the West End. Then the money poured in to the
Mansion House Fund by floods. The public clamored for the immediate
distribution of the relief; no organizations adequate to the task existed ;
committees were hastily formed — some good, many bad and indifferent. In
some parts of London the Almoners, with charming impartiality, would go
through a street, leaving half-a-crown at every house. The offices of the
relief-committees were besieged by angry crowds, demanding relief as a
right. Policemen had to be posted outside the doors. After two or three
days of service as Chairman of an East-End Committee, one of our workers
broke down completely, and had to take to his bed. I had been feeling
unwell and overstrained before the administration of the fund burst upon
us, so I at once took a few days' holiday by the sea-side, and then returned
to work. I declined however to undertake more than the actual visiting
and distribution of relief, and that chiefly in another Almoner's district. I
well remember my first vis-it to the committee-room. A gentleman from
the West-End, whom I had known for some time as a quiet, if not sluggish
member of our Charity Organization Committee, had been appointed Chair-
man of the local Mansion House Fund Relief Committee, and under the
stress of circumstances had disclosed remarkable administrative ability.
Here I found him, assisted by an admirable lady-worker, calmly and rap-
idly transacting the business of the office, serene and unmoved amidst the
interruptions of weeping women and blasphemous men. I used to attend
the office daily, in order to receive instructions, visit the homes of appli-
cants, and distribute tickets for food. My duties took me into some of the
worst parts of East London. No inconvenience was experienced. Every
one was civil enough, but I felt oppressed by the hopelessness and useless-
ness of the task. Especially saddening was it to visit houses in my own
district, and to observe how the mere fact of my being a bearer of relief
altered the relations of the more destitute people towards me. I could no
longer meet them in frank and natural intercourse : their whole attitude
was changed for the worse ; it had become reserved and cringing; the moral
fibre had become relaxed. I will pass lightly over those evil days. The
sums which were placed at my own discretion as Almoner, I endeavored to
disburse in large amounts to most carefully investigated and selected cases
— in this way, I judged, the least evil would result. A month after the
fund had come to an end, I made a rigorous enquiry into its results within
my district, visiting every person who had received relief, and closely ques-
tioning the shopkeepers on whom orders for food had been issued. It must
be remembered that in this part of the East-End the Relief Committee had
been unusually strict and careful. The conclusions at which 1 arrived were,
that out of about 100 cases relieved, only about five or six cases of positive
abuse of the charity had occurred. In about one-third of the cases relieved
some material good seemed to have been done : in the remainder, the con-

17] Sociological Notes. 9

dition of the people was worse, or no better, than when the fund was started.
And alas! who can estimate the moral harm which the mere application
for relief involves ? It is said, and I believe with entire correctness, that
when any one brings himself to ask for alms, he is never the same man
again.

In the extremely carefully chosen cases where material relief was given
in the ordinary course of the work of our Charity Organization Committee,
I often saw this process of moral degradation going on.

Yet the incidental advantages of the Mansion House Fund must not be
overlooked. These were, the accumulation of a mass of information con-
cerning pauper families ; the enrolment of fresh workers among the poor ;
the introduction into the Relief Committees of working men, who from
actual experience became convinced of the soundness of the principles on
which organized charity is based ; and the increased co-operation which
resulted between the clergy and the Charity Organization Society.

During the succeeding summer, I worked hard to organize within my
district a local Relief Committee which should include the agents of the
various religious bodies, and several picked working men. A body would
then exist which, in the event of the calamity of another Mansion House
Fund, could at once take up the work, and could at all times serve as a
Board of Reference, to deal with cases of distress within the district. A con-
siderable advance had been made in this direction — the various church-
workers had arranged to furnish weekly lists of the relief-tickets distributed
by them, and there was a good prospect of their distributing all relief in
future only upon the advice of the committee. The difficulties between
"Church" and "Dissent" were being smoothed over; the working-men
were chosen. But before the committee was fully organized, the strain
imposed by the work of that last terrible winter began to manifest its after-
effects. Clearly I must discontinue the work for awhile. In the midst of
my perplexity and difficulty, an unexpected communication from New
Zealand directed my course thither ; and so, under the auspices of my dear
and honored kinsman, Sir George Grey, I was able to observe the political
and social development of the Anglo-Saxon race, both there and in Aus-
tralia, under brighter and happier conditions than those which prevail in
England. An extended survey of the great American republic has formed
a grand and fitting climax, affording manifold interest for the present, and
inspiring hopefulness for the future.

VAGRANT ALMSGIVEBS.

Next to the Mansion House Fund, the most fruitful source of moral injury
to the poor lay, as far as my experience went, in the doings of " Vagrant
Almsgivers." I have heard of a whole court in a poor district, where long
and partially successful efforts to raise the condition of the inhabitants had
been made by lady rent-collectors, being thrown back into a state of squalor

10 Sociological Notes. [18

and destitution through the action of a single stranger, a "charitable" lady
who had found out the place in the course of some "slumming" expeditions,
and had distributed shillings broadcast. The inhabitants soon learned that
rags and filth were the conditions which would attract this kind of alms-
giving, and they hastened to qualify themselves for the receipt of aid.

Two instances, which may perhaps possess some interest, came under my
own notice.

In the course of my sanitary visiting I found a boy lying on a dirty bed,
slowly dying from the effects of terrible sores and ulcers. A nurse from
one of the local missions used to attend him as frequently as she could, but
her visits were discouraged by the boy's sister, a sulky-looking girl with a
baby. The father, a rather bluff, jovial-looking man, was civil enough when
I called ; he gave me to understand that he was too poor to provide better
for the boy — that the nurse was violent in temper and meddlesome — that
no one else took an interest in his case. I began to make enquiries with a
view to sending the boy to a sea-side home ; but as my investigations went
on, the case began to assume a dark complexion. I came across four or five
different people who were giving assistance, each of whom believed that he
or she was the only person who knew of it. It appeared that the father
was making a very fair income ; that terribly grave stories were told about
his moral character ; that the boy was purposely kept in a miserable and
filthy condition in order to attract alms ; and so forth. I at last became
convinced that strong measures were required ; and I had just begun to
make arrangements with the District Medical Officer and others to have
the house visited, the boy sent to the Parish Infirmary, and the father
prosecuted, when I heard that the boy had been suddenly removed.

A good bishop was preaching in the neighboring church — not, however,
in the same parish. The rector took the bishop to see the boy, saying that
the case was a pitiable one, and entirely unassisted from any source. The
bishop immediately had the boy removed to a home for sick children, where
he soon died. In a sense, the matter ended in the happiest way ; yet it was
clear that justice was, not done, and that the father's responsibility should
have been practically brought home to him. Immediately after hearing of
the boy's removal I posted off to the house of the bishop (fighting my way
for a mile or so against a snow storm, as I remember) who expressed great
surprise on hearing that the case was known to any one besides himself
and the clergyman who had informed him.

Another exemplification of the trouble which may be caused by the inter-
vention of inadequately-informed persons was the following. Application
for aid had been made to our Charity Organization Committee by a man
living in the worst street within my district. It was ascertained that the
man bore a bad character with the police ; that he had been in prison for
cruelty to his wife, and so forth. It seemed clear to the Committee that
the case was not a suitable one for the relief requested (a loan to purchase

19] Sociological Notes. 11

stock), and the application was dismissed. I had visited the house, and
thought that the man looked like a remarkably "tough customer."

A week or two later, a daily London newspaper, anxious to get up a fresh
sensation, appointed a " special commissioner" to visit East London and
paint in lurid colors the sufferings of the " unemployed." He happened to
honor my district with a visit, and discovered my murderous-looking ac-
quaintance, who detailed to him the cruel treatment which he had received
from the Charity Organization Society. The Commissioner swallowed the
whole story, and a harrowing tale appeared next day in the newspaper.
Sympathy was immediately aroused — twenty pounds or more reached the
Commissioner for the benefit of the poor persecuted man ; elegant carriages
drove up to the man's house, and gushing old women of both sexes left half-
crowns and half-sovereigns there. A week or two afterwards the District
Visitor mentioned to me that she had been to see the man's wife, and had
seen the man himself; that he had put on a melancholy face, and had hinted
broadly that a food-ticket would be acceptable; that when she asked
whether he had purchased stock with the money he had received, he
answered no — that the amount had not been large — that there had been
rent to pay, &c., &c. It seemed to be clear enough that the man had had
a grand time for about a fortnight, and that within that period the public
houses had profited to the extent of twenty or thirty pounds.

THE DENISON

The origin of the Denison Club may be traced to some informal gather-
ings which took place on one evening in the week in the Council Chamber
of the Charity Organization Society. Here a small body of men, consisting
chiefly of the paid workers of the Society, and a few volunteer workers,
used to assemble for general conversation and incidental discussion of social
questions. After a time, we began to meet at dinner in a neighboring
hotel, and had a general talk afterwards. When Toynbee Hall was estab-
lished, we arranged to meet there once a week, dine, and have a regular
discussion afterwards. But it was found that the comparative remoteness
of Toynbee Hall, and other causes, tended to make this arrangement unde-
sirable, and within a year it was thought best that we should have quarters
of our own. A room was accordingly taken in the upper part of the house
where the Charity Organization Society has its central office : it was agreed
that ladies should be admitted as members of the Club, and meetings were
held weekly, in which a paper was read, followed by discussion. Some
social subject was always chosen. The Club has flourished and increased,
and new and larger quarters in the same house have been taken. The Club
aims at securing pleasant intercourse amongst persons interested in social
questions, and at affording opportunities for exhaustive discussion of such
questions. Persons from abroad who have like interests have been wel-

12 Sociological Notes. [20

corned, and have contributed much valuable matter at the meetings. Many
masters of their special subjects have read papers, or have taken part in the
talks. The name "Denison" was chosen to perpetuate the memory of
Edward Denison, M. P., the wise and far-seeing pioneer of sound personal
work among the poor of East London.

Particulars concerning the Club may no doubt be obtained from the Sec-
retary, E. C. Price, 15 Buckingham St., Strand, London, W. C.

PUBLISHER'S NOTICE.

Single copies of these "Notes," will be sold at 5 cents. Subscribers to the
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A detailed prospectus of the "Studies" will be sent on application. The
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Account of the Work of Toynbee Hall in East London, by PHILIP LYTTELTON
GKLL, M. A., Chairman of the Council. Also an Account of the Neighborhood
Guild in New York, by CHARLES B. STOVER. A. B. 50 cents. January, 1889.

II-III. The Establishment of Municipal Government in San Francisco. By
BERNARD MOSES, Ph. D., Professor of History and Politics in the University of
California. 50 cents. February and March.

IV. The City Government of New Orleans. By JUDGE WILLIAM W. HOWE.
25 cents. April.

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No. 2, February, 1889.

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