VAGROM MEN [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Srn,—Vagrancy is a blot on civilization and to diminish it, particularly amongst 'the young tramps, praiseworthy. At Gray House, Bieester, 'this is the kind of thing that is being done to alleviate the problem. (I'm not so sure that it isn't the road to the solution).
A young tramp who is recommended by a Workhouse Master or other responsible .person presents himself at Gray House. He must be under twenty-one and reasonably fit. Immediately, he takes his place with the others who eventu- ally will number fifty. He has a good bed in a dormitory, and washing arrangements are as fine as many a college can claim. ' Soon after 7 a.m. the boys prepare for the routine of the day : some to a carpenter's bench under a capable man, some to making breeze blocks for fuel out of the clinkers from the furnace, some for gardening or work in the house. A lad's aptitude for any special trade is noted and encouraged. There are about two acres of ground on which Mr. Gray will train boys in land work. He hopes to make hedgers and ditchers out of some of his willing learners. These first three months will necessarily retard progress.
Assisted by his helpers Mr. Gray is attempting to train, detain and give a sense of self-respect to a youth so long as he is willing to do his share. As I walked around the grounds one could feel that such practical leadership as obtains here is just what a youth who is a victim of the present depression wants. In peace as in war, leadership of the right kind is needed, and the founder of Gray House is splendidly leading in the sculpture of young life temporarily astray.—I am, Sir,
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