2 JULY 1921, Page 32

We have received an interesting pamphlet by Miss M. 0.

Valentine relating the history of The Dundee Social Union and Grey Lodge Settlement, which deserves the attention of readers in those towns where no such admirable institution exists. The Dundee Social Union was founded in 1888 by a number of citizens of all classes and creeds who desired "to promote the well-being" of the townsfolk. The Union first took up the housing question, acted as a model landlord for some insanitary dwellings that were bought and put into repair, and stirred up the somewhat apathetic local authority to improve the sanitation of the poorer quarters. Then the Union took up the work of organizing clubs for adults and children. In 1904 it held an elaborate inquiry into the conditions of life in Dundee, and, finding that infant mortality was excecsive, it sent voluntary workers to visit poor mothers and gradually established infant clinics. In recent years the Union has done much for crippled children, and has provided a permanent holiday home for other poor children. The Grey Lodge Settlement is used for training persons in social work, in connexion with St. Andrews Univer. sity. There is unlimited scope for similar societies in many other towns. Men and women of goodwill cannot employ their leisure to better purpose.