There is a Mr. G. M. Hicks- somewhere in Bloomsbury,
who, we take it, is about as sensible, kindly, and practical a philanthro- pist as exists in England. This gentleman and his wife have organized iu Woburn Buildings, Clare Market, a daily dinner for sick children, who are provided in a pleasant room with a full and healthy meal. About twenty-five children, all ricketty, or cripples, or more or less ill, are here fed at twelve o'clock- on good food, under the careful supervision of a matron, and amid pleasant sights and sounds. The effect on the children, half of whom are perishing for want of nourishment, is said to be extra- ordinary, and the entire cost of the place is under 2371. a year. One poor lad, says the Builder, had at first to be carried in a cripple, then hobbled in on irons, and now walks in, sickly but independent, the cure being mainly due to the food. Whatever else is doubtful, feeding sick children properly in a lightsome room, while a box plays musical tunes, can by no possibility be dubious, and Mr. Hicks deserves, though he does not want, credit for a thought of which Christ would have approved.
Previous page
