13 MARCH 1936, Page 21

THE YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION [To the Editor of Tim SPECTATOR.]

Stn.—With reference to the grant of £1,000 made from the King's Jubilee Fund to the Youth Hostels Association. it should be pointed out that the Association competes with many cottagers and small country boarding houses in the. provision of aceommodation, while its Wardens sell food to members for their own individual profit. It does not serve the young and needy only, but all who care to apply.

Many donors to the Fund will consider that to subsidise competition with an interest which is too unorganised to make, effective protest is contrary to its intention.—Yours faithfully, D.

Avenue House, Lode Lane, Solihull, Birmingham.