SAILING SHIPS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Probably many of your readers regret the passing of our old sailing ships, and wish that something could be done to preserve a few typical examples for future generations. They will, therefore be interested to learn that one of the famous round-bottomed clippers of Whitstable has just been saved from the shipbreakers' hands and a splendid new use found for her. This stout old ship, which was for many years engaged in the West Indian fruit trade, has been moored off Charing Cross Pier as the London Club House of the Friend Ship Fellowship " for young adventurers."
The object of this organization is to encourage a love of ships and of the sea as well as of travel and good feeling among the young people of the nations. By giving children a chance to learn more about the inhabitants of other countries and the particular problems of each, and also making it possible for a large number to go abroad who would not otherwise have an opportunity, we hope to produce a generation with real international feeling.
Although the Friend Ship Fellowship was founded less than a year ago, we now have nearly fity thousand members from all parts of the world, including as far-away places as China and the South Sea Islands. By next summer, we hope to have several holiday centres on the water-ways of a number of European countries, where children will be able to meet the young people of other nations.--I am, Sir, &c., RUTH KNOWLES. Ramhurst Manor, Tonbridge.
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