A HOSTEL FOR GIRLS.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR"] SIR,—At this time, when so much interest has been aroused in the housing of the working classes, and so many of the dangers to which girls are exposed have been brought to light, it is hoped that the following scheme may commend itself to your readers : A tenement house has been taken in Bermondsey with the idea of letting furnished and unfur- nished rooms to girls working in the factories in the neighbourhood; at a rent -varying from 2s. to 4e. a week. A housekeeper will be there to superintend and to care for the girls if they are ill, but each lodger will be responsible for the cleaning of her own room, and for any cooking she may require, except the midday meal, which, if desired, will be cooked for her. On the ground floor there is to be a sitting- room, where the girls can receive their friends. Restrictions will be few, as the girls for whom it is intended are accustomed to independence, but they will, of course, have to be in at a reasonable hour at night. It is hoped that such a hostel may be a real home to the girls and prepare them for homes of their own in the future. Although, if successful, the scheme will be self-supporting, donations are urgently needed to meet the cost of alterations and furnishing. The house will accommodate from eighteen to twenty girls, and it is for this that we venture to appeal to all those who are interested in the welfare of factory girls. The object of the hostel has the very warm approval of the Bishop of the Diocese, and be earnestly hopes that the scheme may be well supported. Donations will be gratefully received by the honorary secretary, Miss Bates, 29 Hyde Park Square, W., who will gladly supply any further information.—We are, Sir, Stc.,
VICTORIA BUXTON.
ANNE MACNAGHTEN. HENRY LEWIS.
Rector and Rural Dean of Bermondsey.
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