13 MAY 1916, Page 12

CHILDREN ' S COUNTRY HOLIDAYS FUND.

[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] Sui,—The heavy toll of life taken by the war has taught us with greater force than ever to guard the future by caring for the children of the present. As Chairman of the London County Council, which has in its elementary schools over three-quarters of a million children, may I put in a special plea for the children of London ? By most

of us our summer holiday is considered a matter of course, and almost essential to our health. We can afford, then, to spare a thought for the thousands of elementary-school children whose only escape from London and from their own stuffy, crowded quarters is the fortnight in the country organized by the Children's Country Holidays Fund. As a result of war-time difficulties, numbers have been drastically reduced, but it is hoped that about sixteen thousand of the most ailing, flagging children may be sent away to gather -fresh stores of health in the country. In no case is a child sent for less than a fortnight. I understand that not only is the Fund in need of donations, but also of voluntary workers in various parts of London. In some districts the work has come to a complete standstill for lack of sufficient volun- teers to carry it on, while in other parts a handfuLof people are gallantly doing double duty. Brief though the holiday is, its effects are in many cases nothing short of marvellous, and must be reckoned as of no small importance in any health-giving schemes. Donations and offers of help should be sent to the Secretary of the Fund, or to myself, at 18 Buckingham Street, Strand, W.C.—I am,. Sir, &c.,

A. F. BUXTON, Chairman of the London County Council.