• MODERN MOVEMENT IN SOCIAL WORK.
[To ezta EDITOR or TR/ " SrEcrATon.") Sin,—Just as about sixty years ago a new conscience began to arise concerning the evil of slavery, so now a new consciousness is arising on the subject of commercial vice and prostitution, and with that consciousness not only a hope but an inner conviction that it, as slavery did, could also pass away. The difference between those who in the past have worked for " fallen " women, and many who are to-day fighting the evil, lies in their attitude on the subject. Hitherto the evil has been regarded as inevitable. The younger generation who are fighting it have a larger hope, for the conviction of the inevitableness of this evil holds no paralysing sway over them. The Committee of Social Investiga- tion and Reform is a new Society for helping girls who have " fallen." New Societies can experiment; they are able to follow new lines of thought, when wisdom points in these directions. It is not that the work I write of is large or impressive, but that the Committee are working upon new principles, which have perhaps their root in more normal aspects of the social problem than " rescue work " has possibly had hitherto, that matters.
Those who wish to lead a new life and have a fresh chance are put either in a small hostel or are hoarded out in suitable families. Instead of being massed together in great numbers as a class by themselves, they are either accepted as one in a normal family or put into one of the small hostels. Underlying this method is a great principle—namely, that these women must no longer be necessarily treated as a class. Here at once is an element which helps their self-respect and puts within them new hope.
The work they are given to do is neither heavy nor monotonous, nor is it drudgery; and here perhaps is the special feature that makes this endeavour different from rescue work hitherto. Instead of laundry and other monotonous tasks which are often provided for those who are to be reclaimed, a strangely beautiful work is immediately within their reach. To go over the hand-weaving industry is a revelation of the beauty of colour and the charm of the texture of a fabric. I think I have seldom so realized the compelling beauty and softness of materials as when I saw them recently at the hand-weaving industry. Here in an unimpressive little house in one of the crowded thoroughfares of London are the unostentatious work- rooms, managed by the Committee of Social Investigation and Reform, of which Lord Henry Cavendish Bentinck is President. The girls sit at their looms, ancient, old-fashioned looms—indeed I believe the very models of which the ancient Indian Sagas sang of old—weaving beautiful silks, and into these silks weaving beautiful patterns. They choose their own colours very largely, and make their own designs. Thus immediately something is drawn out of them that makes for beauty, and develops their creative sense. It is this atmosphere that helps. Here at this beautiful hand-weaving industry you may sit quite comfortably on the small seat with the girl and speak to her of the colours and the fascination of her work. There is a sense of comradeship, the past is forgotten, and, unless at her own request, never referred to. Does the result warrant a belief that the principles of this new work are the right ones? Figures sometimes speak. In the three years during which this industry has existed only three girls who have been in the hostel have returned to a life on the streets. The rest have continued in a new path, and have been transformed into useful citizens.
It is for this successful new work that I plead for financial aid. It could be enlarged to almost any extent, but the Society is in terrible need of funds. Tho hand-weaving industry could be enlarged; artistic upholstery, dressmaking, embroidery, &e., could be taught, if funds would come in to initiate extension. Gradually the work can be made self-supporting; but let it ever be remembered that the whole thing exists for the sake of the girls, and, though run on business lines, cannot altogether be guided by the ordinary business principles which would ensure large Profits. Should a girl be refractory, it is impossible immediately to dismiss her. Three thousand pounds a year is needed for this work. The following objects definitely need immediate support. The industry requires during the war, while raw material is at abnormal prices, fifty-four donators of £5 each to help it to go on, and employ a larger number of girls. Forty-five donations of £10 each are needed for the hostel during their apprenticeship. Never was it more necessary for England to make a moral and spiritual effort than now. War accentuates the very evils this Society exists to combat to a terrible degree. It is the daily prayer of many that out of the present horror and chaos England may arise a purer and a better nation. To have a share in the achievement of this high aim we ask for sympathy and support. Donations may be sent to me, or to Miss H. Downs (Hon. Sec.), at 5 Sloane Court, S.W.—I am, Sir, &c.,
E. Pwrox-Tanseavue., Member Executive Ccenmittee for Social Investigation and Reform.
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