LTO TIER EDITOR OF T118 "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—The subject to which your correspondent " Foozler " draws attention has been a matter for grave thought during the last twenty years to all interested in education.
It would be a hard thing to prevent small boys up to the age of fourteen from earning as caddies something towards their upkeep, but there is no doubt that from fourteen to eighteen years of age they should absolutely be barred from carrying. At present they earn their few shillings easily enough, the possibility of graduating for championships dazzles them, with the result that it is extremely difficult in many villages situated within hail of any frequented links to get any boys to learn a trade at all. In old days, when money prizes were few and far between, the temptations were small. As soon as boys emerged, therefore, from the parish school they began the trade at which they were to earn their living. Caddying was left for smaller boys and old men. Now the rage for golf, the rush from the South during the season to famous links, the tips given by wealthy and indiscreet learners, the big money prizes offered to professional golfers, all tempt the youth from the carpenter's, the blacksmith's, the farm, or the shop to a looser and apparently easier life. Ultimately, a percentage swell the ranks of the ne'er-do-weels.
It is more than a pity. It is a matter for real concern. To Scotsmen especially it appeals gravely. For they see in it all another stimulus towards national weakness. Already the Highlands are denuded of the labouring peasantry in favour of a population of keepers, gillies, stalkers, guides, buskers of hooks and boatmen, retainers and hangers-on of the wealthy, their only trade to touch their caps and hold out their hands. Are the Low- lands to follow? Fortunately, in Scotland there are not so many men of leisure and wealth as to debauch the whole population, but there are enough, and earnest men have frequently uttered a warning in the last twenty years.
It is extremely difficult to suggest any means of stopping the evil, but some agreement might be arrived at between the principal clubs of the kingdom to prevent any caddies between fourteen and eighteen years of age carrying. Certain clubs have been appealed to ere now by the local School Boards and have refused to listen to any remonstrance. Were the leading clubs to unite something might be done. Otherwise golf may have to be added to the list of sports which are rather a curse than a blessing to the nation. '
It is ridiculous to think of small boys earning three shillings a day, as they easily may in the season, and spending it on sweets and cigarettes, as many do, while processions are marching to Hyde Park and demanding work.
Glasgow.
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