11 JANUARY 1908, Page 28

Toynbee Hall Report, 1906 - 7. (Toynbee Hall, Whitechapel. 6d.) —We cannot

do better than indicate some of the chief activities of Toynbee Hall. There are University Extension courses, evening classes and other educational opportunities, smoking debates, religious discussions, travel, and entertainment. Work among boys is a prominent part of the life. This work includes continuation schools, and the encouragement of games and gym- nastics, and is inspired throughout with a social feeling. The "Notes on the Unemployed Workmen Act" should be read with special attention. The difficulty, to put the case in a few words, is not want of employment—the man who is commonly at work being out of work for a time—it is permanent under-employment. "M.," who is taken as an example, applied to the Committee which carries out the Act. He was offered work at Fambridge. He declined the offer ; the wool sales were approaching, and he hoped to get work. He got eleven days and earned a little over four shillings a day. Then he applied again. This time he was offered work in a colony. He declined again ; he had had a day's

work the day before, and expected to have another very soon. What is to be done with this kind of man ? The intelligent commenli that the Toynbee workers are able to make on the situa- tion is not the least valuable of the services which they render to the community. That the institution merits a more liberal support need hardly be added.