THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE
Stg,—The spirit of voluntary service—so precious because it builds character, thereby blessing both giver and recipient—is in peril. As an artist I naturally have great opportunities to judge character; translating it to canvas is part of my work. I can say that those characters are the finest which belong to people who always manage to dedicate part of their lives (no matter hciw busy they may be in earning a living) to some sort of voluntary service. State schemes, admirable though they may be in their intent, threaten to sweep away this spontaneous spirit. The present position of the non-profit-making Friendly Societies, and of the voluntary hospitals is an indication of other things to come unless individuals and voluntail organisations—the smallest to the largest—can speak with a united voice to Parliament, people and Press; and speak soon. Accordingly I am one of those, in various walks of life, who are sponsoring a Council for the Encouragement of Voluntary Effort. If individuals or organisations will write to me I shall be happy to send fuller details of what is envisaged.—Yours faithfully,
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