THE LAURA STRICKLAND SCHEME FOR HELPING THE BLIND.
[TO THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."'
SIR,—I sincerely appreciate your kindness in allowing me to lay before your readers a brief explanation of the above, which was launched by Miss Laura Strickland, herself a blind lady, of 109 Clove Road, Forest Gate, E., and which has been successfully carried on by her sister and herself for upwards of three years. Daring that time it has filled an important niche among the organizations established to assist the blind. The formation of a music loan library, to which additions are being continually made, and free grants of music form part of the programme for ministering to the recreation of those who are less favoured than ourselves and enabling them to help themselves by earning their own livelihood. There has been a steady increase in the membership and a corresponding demand for copies of instrumental and vocal music. Owing to the national crisis, applications for the free grants pour in from many quarters, and in every case they have been acceded to. Numerous letters have come to hand from correspondents expressing gratitude for the facilities provided by the library in pursuing their profession and for the supply of a long-felt need. There is every reason to believe that the methods which this "scheme" adopts are com- mending themselves to the sympathy and judgment of large numbers who are eager to lighten the burden which presses so heavily upon the blind. The Committee are thoroughly satisfied as to the energy and enthusiasm with which Miss Strickland has devoted herself to this philanthropic enterprise, and they con- fidently hope that with added patronage and support this beneficent scheme will be carried to still further developments. An earnest appeal is made to those who may not have heard of this good work to lend a helping hand so that it may not suffer from lack of funds, and that the necessary means to maintain and extend its usefulness may still be forthcoming. Miss Strickland wishes it to be known that she will gladly offer her services to any soldiers or sailors who may unfortunately have lost their eight in the war, Subscriptions may be sent to her at the above address (reports will be forwarded to any who desire to see what has been already done), or to Dr. E. K. Houchin, Hon. Treasurer, 66 Cranbrook Road, Ilford.—I am, Sir, &c.,
A. J. PALMER,
Minister of Congregational Church, Stratford, and Member of West ham Edue.ktiou Committee amt lioard of Guardians,
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