Notices of Meetings, etc. WREXHAM. THE Second Annual Meeting was held August 4th, in the Town Hall. The Rev. G. Cunliffe, Vicar, in the chair; the Report, read by the Secretary, stated, the average number of boys in daily attendance is 41, most of whom attend church and school on the Sunday. The school in Pontuttle has been twice visited by the Rev. L. Jones, the Government Inspector, who, upon each occasion, expressed great satisfaction at the progress made by the scholars, but strongly recommended that larger premises should be taken, both on account of the health and more efficient working of the school. Independent of other advantages derived from the school, it is obvious that it has already had great effect upon the parents, as may be seen in the cleanly appearance of the children on Sundays. Although the Committee have not yet been able to establish a Girls' School, they have made arrangements for the instruction of many girls at the Tenters' School, (the Committee paying their weekly pence,) and the number of such girls now in attendance is upwards of 50. They are of course taught plain sewing and the ordinary branches of an elementary education. The number of boys at tending the Day School in Pontuttle renders it necessary, as suggested by the Government Inspector, that larger premises and greater accommodation should be obtained; and the Committee rely with confidence on the liberality of the Subscribers and all others residing in Wrexham and the neighbourhood, to enable them to procure a convenient building, by which the operations of the school may be carried on under one roof, by having separate rooms for the boys and girls. The advantages of such a building would be manifold, inasmuch as the Night School could be carried on in the same building; and a Mothers' Meeting established for the purpose of teaching reading, sewing, and other domestic duties. The Committee have already endeavoured to carry the beneficial influences of the school into the homes of the children by employing the master to visit their parents, in company with the Scripture Reader, in an evening, who makes it his duty to inquire into the conduct of his scholars, and takes an interest in the well-being of the family. The account showed a balance of £7. 158, 111⁄2d. in the hands of the Treasurer. A question was raised as to the best means of instruction after the boys had done their day's work. It was finally agreed, that the boys should be compelled to stay three evenings in the week at the Depôt for instruction for one hour, from 7 to 8, there being also an Adult Class carried on two evenings in the week to which they may have the privilege of attending. Each boy to pay 2d. per week for his instruction, and to purchase his own copy-books. One of the three evenings (Tuesday) being the evening when the boys are addressed by one of the Members of Committee. These payments to go to the benefit of the Society. The instruction should be given by some kind friend gratuitously on these three evenings. The following Resolutions were unanimously adopted : "That this Meeting desires to co-operate with the Founders of the Ragged School Shoe-black Society, Whitechapel, for the Eastern part of the Metropolis."' "That the following be the conditions on which boys from the various Ragged Schools be admitted as candidates for employment: Retained by 0 3 10 028 0 0 11 £0 19 10 Boys' Bank. £0 4 10 0 2 9 0 0 11 £1 0 11 "1st.-All boys to be recommended must have been, either one month in a Ragged School, if a Dormitory or Refuge is attached, and they are inmates of those places at the time of applica tion;-or, one month in regular attendance at their School;-or, two or three months' attendance at Evening School, if off and on. "2nd.-To bring a note of recommendation from the Superintendent or Managers of the School to which the boy belongs, and to be delivered by the boy in person, at the Depôt in Colchester Street, any day in the week, at half-past five o'clock, addressed to the Secretary 3rd.-Boys' names to be entered in a book kept for that purpose, and to be taken on in rotation. The Secretary was requested to have the Resolutions of the Meeting printed, and to forward them to the several Ragged Schools in the Eastern parts of the Metropolis. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, who, in his usual kind way, replied. After singing the Doxology, the Meeting separated, Papers, Original and Selerted. REFORMATORY AND PREVENTIVE INSTITUTION, 19, NEW ROAD, ST. PANCRAS. Ir has often been our pleasing duty to sketch, for the information of our readers, the rise, progress, and results of efforts that have for their object the amelioration of the condition of the poor, physical, social, and moral. In doing so our own hearts have been warmed and spirits quickened; our hopes have been buoyed, our faith strengthened, and our labours abundantly rewarded. Who that has tracked the bold and mighty river from its insignificant rise to its magnificent estuary, has not been personally benefited by the exercise? In his passage, his views became enlarged as the ample flood was widening and deepening. His gratitude was called forth as he noted down the beautifying and fertilising effects of the river upon the country through which it passed. His admiration was excited in ascertaining that by the river forming a highway for shipping from all parts of the world, a foundation was laid for civilization, industry, wealth, and refinement. He reflects and pictures to himself the desolation that would succeed throughout the river's entire track, if its waters were dried up, or turned off into other channels. Ah! if only temporarily. The simile we have drawn from nature holds good, we think, if applied to the intellectual, moral, and religious efforts of individuals and societies. The last half century gives us many examples of noble efforts for benefiting mankind. Our grandfathers-yea, the fathers of some of us— were contemporary with the philanthropic Raikes and Lancaster, and well remember the time when there was neither Sunday nor Day School available for England's poor. The former gave to the British churches the heaven-born thought of employing a portion of the Lord's-day for the religious instruction of neglected youth. We cannot stay to note the rapid strides by which that movement advanced; suffice it for the present to record upon our pages the gratifying summary furnished us by Horace Mann, Esq., in his Educational Census for 1851. "There were at the time of the census, 23,514 Sunday Schools in England and Wales, having enrolled upon their books 2,407,642 scholars, taught by 318,135 teachers. On the census Sunday, 1,817,499 at least* of these scholars actually attended at their schools. Joseph Lancaster, with twenty-five shillings, fitted up a room in which he might commence a cheap school for those who had but little with which to pay for education. One hundred pupils were soon admitted, some shirtless and many shoeless. The numbers largely increased without a corresponding increase of pecuniary resources, for he *This number attended at one time; that is, only the number present at one particular portion of the day was returned. In some schools this portion would be the morning; but generally it would be the afternoon. Those scholars, therefore, who attended only the portion of the day for which the return was not made are not included in this number; and for which a considerable addition should be made in order to obtain the total number who attended at any part of the census Sunday. NO. LXXII.-VOL. VI. Ꮓ soon found that strictly to enforce the school fee, and the shutting of the school door against many of his scholars, were synonymous. Having no means to pay ushers, he was compelled to employ one pupil in teaching another; and as the number of his scholars increased, he found it necessary to digest a plan of conducting his school, which should be a guide to his juvenile teachers, and render their duties systematic and regular. Thus originated, from unpremeditated causes, a system which has been pre-eminently successful in educating the masses lying at the base of British society. According to the census already referred to, we learn that 200,000 children are even now enjoying the advantages, in a more matured form, started by the philanthropic and self-denying Lancaster. The REFORMATORY AND PREVENTIVE INSTITUTION, NEW ROAD, furnishes another instance of the indefatigable efforts of an individual resulting, by degrees, in the formation of an important Institution. We have just returned from visiting it, and upon our minds are the fresh and pleasing impressions of its varied occupations, and satisfactory results of its different departments. Here we found 34 inmates, varying in age from nine to twenty-two years, all usefully and beneficially employed in the different workshops. The difficulty hitherto has been, and to a great extent still is, to find employment for the class admitted into such Institutions, which would prove both suitable and remunerative. Here, however, is an effort being made to solve the problem, and it is due to those who have undertaken it, to say they are sanguine as to the result. This is the second year of the Institution; it is, therefore, only in its infancy; but during its short existence upwards of fifty youths and young men have been benefited by it. Of this number 34 are still inmates; and of the remaining 18 who had left, we were informed that 2 had entered the navy, 3 had joined the army, 5 were employed in different trades, 1 restored to his friends, 1 transferred to another institution, 1 employed as a servant, 2 are hucksters, 1 seeking another situation, and 2 suspended. On inquiring as to their general character, previous to entering the Institution, we were referred to the admission-book to form our own opinion. From this book we extract the following, as furnishing a fair pecimen of the whole. For obvious reasons we omit the names: No. 8.-Age 20. Parents both living; very respectable hard-working people. Has been to sea several voyages; once to Australia, where he left his ship and worked at the Burra Burra Mines. Since his return home he has led a very dissipated and vicious life; was charged with robbing the apartments of a lodger in his father's house, but avoided punishment by compromise; by nature a morose and desperate character. After some weeks of kind treatment he became more docile, worked well at the business as a carpenter, made several useful articles for Lady B- who took a great interest in his welfare. "No. 15.-Age 16. Parents both dead. Convicted three times, last time for three months for passing bad money. "No. 17.-Age 15. Father and mother both living; has been convicted four times, the last for attempting to pick pockets. Sent to Tothill Fields Prison for six months, from thence brought to this Institution. "No. 26.-Age 12. Father and mother both died about two years ago, during which period he has been sleeping on door-steps and in stables, etc. Never been known to commit any dishonest action, although surrounded by so many evil companions; had been partially employed by the keeper of a coal-shed. "No. 32.-Age 15. Father and mother both dead, been an orphan two years. Convicted and imprisoned three times-stealing two copper tea-kettles, six weeks; an overcoat, one month; pocket handkerchief, fourteen days: placed in probation, fourteen days, fulfilled satisfactorily. Can read but very indifferently. "No. 36.-Age 27. A native of Nottingham. Parents dead; has received a good education; has been ten years at sea serving as captain's steward. By the persecution of a tyrannical captain was driven to intemperate habits; deserted the ship, was taken prisoner at St. Helena; sent home, punished; obtained another situation as steward; was again sent adrift by the former captain sending his character to the captain he was under; left his ship again, having robbed the captain; got clear away. Came to London and joined the swell mob; twice convicted; very desirous to reclaim his life on probation, fourteen days. "No. 48.-Age 19. Mother only living; has been convicted three times; has only been out of prison a few days at Clerkenwell, where he was confined for twelve months for picking pockets. Admitted by personal application." The admission of the above, with others, has had the effect of breaking up gangs of robbers, well known in the north-west part of London. The captain of one of these gangs having thus lost all his tools, was himself compelled to seek honest employment for a living. The means employed for the reformation of such characters appear simple and natural, as well as pleasing and effective. The total number of inmates was divided according to their occupation: 10 were in the blacksmith's shop, 8 in the carpenter's, 7 in the turner's, 8 were shoeblacks, and 1 occupied in the kitchen. We examined the work done by the smiths, carpenters, and turners, and are of opinion that it would bear comparison with a very large proportion of similar goods, turned out of hand by those who had spent seven years in acquiring a knowledge of their craft. The smiths have three forges, and are capable of manufacturing kitchen-ranges, register, and other fire-grates; metal bedsteads; hanging bells; repairing locks, fitting keys, and the various branches of the iron trade. The carpenters, in addition to the usual work in wood, such as shop-fronts, building, etc., had tried their hands at cabinet-making, and have completed a variety of articles of household furniture, among which we noticed a handsome chest of mahogany drawers, made for one of the noble patrons of the Institution. The turners' work displayed much skill and taste; pianoforte legs, spiral supports, toys, etc., were among the articles produced. Our readers, as well as the Managers of Schools and Refuges, would do well to aid this effort, by giving their orders to this Institution for what they require in either of the above trades. 66 In this busy hive, time is well husbanded. The inmates rise at six o'clock, (winter season,) dormitories arranged and ventilated. By halfpast six each inmate has entered the office, and signed his name in the Appearance Book." Those who have not signed by that time forfeit threepence. Leave of absence is then allowed for out-door exercise for one hour. At half-past seven all are present for domestic worship. Breakfast over, work begins at half-past eight and goes on till twelve. One hour for dinner and rest. Work resumed at one o'clock, and closes for the day at half-past five. Tea and ablutions over, all meet in class for secular instruction for two hours. Domestic worship at nine, and retiring to rest at half-past nine, completes the labours of the day. On Sundays, the whole attend church morning and evening, and a Bibleclass in the afternoon. Such an effort, and so admirably conducted, must require, and well deserves, liberal support. Three masters and one assistant are employed, beside the Hon. Governor, who nobly devotes about six hours daily to this work. The salaries amount to £325. The rent and taxes £140. The profits of the trades rather more than pay for the support of the inmates, so that the two items as above must be met by the benevolence of the public. For preparing the premises and furnishing a small stock and capital for business purposes, £1,000 has been required. The Committee of the Ragged School Union voted £150. The Privy Council gave £118. Other sums have been generously given by individuals. £500, however, is still wanted, and a friend has kindly offered £100 provided the £500 be raised by the 1st of January. The public is indebted for the origin of this Institution to one individual the present Hon. Governor. He was a teacher in the Philips' Gardens Ragged School, where he became acquainted with different members of the gangs already referred to, and who would open their hearts to him in terms like these,-" Oh, Sir! we see the wretchedness of the life we lead, but cannot help ourselves. We have no character, and none will employ us. We are forced to herd with the vilest of the vile, who jeer and abuse us for attending your school. We cannot stand it, and must leave off coming to you, if you cannot help us to live honestly. But oh, Sir! only give us a chance, and see if we disappoint you." Such appeals from such youths could not but make a deep impression upon the mind of a sympathizing and Christian teacher. The response was natural-"I'll try and find out what can be done for you." Efforts were made to gain admission for them to Refuges then in existence, and in some cases with advantage; but the supply seemed too large to be disposed of in any other way than by the formation of a fresh Institution. Attempts were made with some success to form one upon a small scale in connexion with the Philips' Gardens Ragged School, from which the youths were mostly drafted. The limits, however, were soon found to be too contracted, and shop after shop has been added to the original, till the establishment has taken its present form, including, as we have already described, separate premises for carpenters, smiths, and turners, besides a shop for the sale of goods; tailors and shoemakers' shops, dormitories, school-room, kitchen, etc. How far, and with what success, all these important objects are carried out, can be only ascertained by a personal inspection of each department. We have no hesitation in drawing the conclusion that the most indifferent and sceptical, after such a visit, would be convinced of the advantages of such a plan, as opposed to the laissez faire system, which dozes and sleeps, while crime grows rank and rampant, and only awakes to apply the criminal law, at an enormous expense to the nation. The Times," in touching upon the cost of crime, says : "We believe it is no exaggeration to say, that every London pickpocket sent to Holloway prison costs the pay of a curate a gentleman who has had a university education, and whose office is the most dignified that man can aspire to. We are spending the revenue of a state in mere punishment, or rather revenge; for what is punishment but revenge when it leaves our foe worse than it found him? It has been ascertained that individuals have cost the country several thousand pounds in their repeated prosecutions and punishments; and thousands of houseless wretches, of all ages, cannot wander about the streets without an amount of depredation that must tell seriously on the profits of trade and the cost of living. In fact, there is nothing so expensive as crime. It is the leak in the ship, which may seem a small matter, but spoils the whole cargo, compels delays, overtaxes the strength of the crew, and throws everything out of course and trim. It is the order of Providence, and a wise order, that crime should be costly, for it is our duty to prevent it, and its exist |