LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[Letters of the length of one of our leading paragraphs arc often more rend, and therefore more effective, than those which fill treble the space.] -- VILLAGE INSTITUTES AS WAR MEMORIALS.
(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."1 SIR, —My letter in your issue of December Elst last brought me from all parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland a sheaf of inquiries fruits readers in districts where proposals were on foot, or in contemplation, for adopting a Village Institute as the local War Memorial. To each of such inquirers—some fifty-seven in number—I hero forwarded full particulars, including the ground-plan and elevation, of the building described in my previous communication and referred to by Sir George Forrest in his letter in your last issue. To ouch guidance—the outcome of such practical experience as I have had in this field-1 may perhaps be allowed to add a few hints which, as I gather from their letters to me, some of your readers may fmd useful, particularly iu overcoming the initial difficulty of ways and means.
Co-operation and gifts in kind are capable of effecting a large reduction in the cost of these buildings. Experience shows that it is usually easier to secure such gifts than douatious of money. .A. gift of the building atone or roofing slate (by a looal quarry-owner), of the lime (from a local lime-kiln), some or all of the timber (provided that it be well seasoned), of bricks, tiles, Sic., to say nothing of the voluntary services of an architect, clerk of the works, or solicitor, soon bring down the cost of a building, and, as you very truly point out in your footnote to Lady Barrington's letter, the Village Institute is much more likely to he appreciated when widespread interest is taken in its erection and management. Owners of teams or of motor-lorries can also hats: considerably by doing some free cartage; tradesmen by securing goods at cost price. The site should also, if possible, be cleared and otherwise prepared for the contractor by voluntary helpers, among whom I should expect to find some Boy Scouts willing to make themselves use- ful. Lu fact, nothing should be included iu the builder's con- tract which can be either secured as a gift or obtained on easier terms than the contractor is likely to have to pay for the mane article. Obviously all this postulates that the builder should, if possible, be a 11.1,31 who will also enter into the matter from other than mercenary motives.
Those who feel that, while the cost of builang remains so high, they 'cannot venture beyond temporary buildings would do well to direct a request to the Secretary, Lauds and Build- ings Reconstruction Committee, 6 St. James's Square. Lon- don, S.W. I, for a copy of Circular 1051 (Board of Education!, and to inquire whether a military building (of a size suited to their requirements) is likely to be on sale in their• neighbour- hood. Suitable furniture (chairs, tables, cupboards, dm.) will, for some time to come probably, be purchasable more cheaply from H.M. Office of Works, Whitehall, London. S.W. 1, thou in the ordinary way.
Finally, may I enter a plea that, whilst studying economy, the building which is "to commemorate the dead by serving the living," together with its surroundings, should be made as beautiful in character as circumstances will allow? It should at least -help to make the village or town in which it is situate more lovely, not more ugly. This, unhappily, is not always the case with the memorials set up in our midst.
I cannot now undertake further correspondence on the sub-
ject.-2 am, Sir, Isc., ALFRED T. DAVIEs. 'Wore, Club, Pall Malt, S.W. I.
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