24 MARCH 1923, Page 38

A BOSTON HOME FOR MERCHANT APPRENTICES.

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In your issue of February 3rd I read a letter telling somewhat of the New York Club formed in the interests of the apprentices of the English Merchant Service. Some weeks ago the president of the Young Men's Christian Union of Boston, Massachusetts, was approached and asked if he would accord a welcome and hoapitality to the young apprentices of your Merchant Service when in Boston. A most warm Ind cordial response was received, and immediately our hostess room of the society was notified and everything done to welcome your young apprentices and make them feel at home

sad as members of the Young Men's Christian Union. • The hostess room is managed by a ladies' committee, and has at its head a lady, aided by a chairman of the ladies' com- mittee. Many happy hours are spent there by your appren- tices when off duty and on shore, and they are most courteous, well behaved and appreciative of the consideration they receive, and it is a pleasure to have them with us and make it homelike and pleasant for them. Their flag has been placed upon the wall of our hostess room beside our National and our State Flags.

The Young Men's Christian Union was formed many years ago in Boston by some of our most prominent citizens. It is non-sectarian, and every young man is welcome who cares to be a good citizen and worthy the respect of good, high- minded men. and women. The standards of right living are

high, and all our young men seem to appreciate and try to live up to the spirit and aim of the Union. Frequently your captains and officers visit us for a pleasant afternoon or even- ing among us when they are off duty. We are glad to be of this service to England.—I am, Sir, &c., 227 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.