THE " HELPERS OF THE POOR, " BRISTOL. [To THE EDITOR OF
THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Some years ago, you kindly allowed us to make known through your columns our need of fresh workers at the "House of Help" in Trinity Street, Bristol, of which at the present time I have the pleasure of being President. It was Mr. Wilson, Head-Master of Clifton College, who on that
occasion wrote to you, and I now venture to renew his appeal.
The following short extract from our annual report explains as briefly as possible the nature of the help we seek :— " The Council desire to meet with a few more ladies who would devote themselves to the work, at least temporarily, and reside in the Home, which is superintended by one of their own number. They are expected to provide for their own board and some incidental expenses, the charge to each being L40 per annum, or Ll a week for any shorter period."
Four or five ladies thus reside together at the Home, devoting
themselves to the work, which is of very varied kind, including .classes for sewing and cooking, mothers' meetings, working parties, clothing clubs—and generally "personal service" among the poor. The basis of the Society is distinctly and avowedly religious, though not connected with any one sect or party. "It is hoped," so runs another sentence of our charter, "that this Society will afford scope for associated and systematic work to many who are precluded from joining Sisterhoods or other Associations which presuppose strict unity in dogma besides the simple recognition of our brotherhood in Christ."
I can testify, from my own personal experience, to the 'excellent work that is being done by the Society, and to the good-fellowship and happiness that exist among the resident workers. We feel sure that there must be many ladies interested in our objects and with a vocation for them, who would be glad to know of such an institution in which they might find at least a temporary home.
Any further information would be at once supplied by our Secretary, Miss Edwards, at the House of Help, 20 Trinity Street, College Green, Bristol.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ALFRED AINGER, CaD0/1 of Bristol.
2 Upper Terrace, Hampstead, January 7th.
P.S.—I may add that our former appeal through the Spectator resulted in obtaining a new lady-inmate, who proved a valuable addition to our number.
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