MADAM. -‘A Berkshire Associate’ writes, that a girl was censured at the Winchester Conference for giving her premium to her mother, and that no one defended her. Let me state that mention of the fact was not heard at the table where the members of Council sat, and it is not mentioned in the notes of the report. If it had been heard there would have been some inquiry whether the mother was in any special need, ... continue reading

PICTURES IN THE KALENDAR Madam,- I have been reading the letters that the illustrations of the G.F.S. Kalendar have called forth, and thinking over art for the million. So far as I can see, we should keep in mind that our object is not to train our girls in appreciation of art or its history, but to speak to their intelligence, and still more to their hearts. What is simply stiff and archaic thus seems to me not ... continue reading

SERVANTS AND EVENING CLASSES Madam,- I think the subject has been mooted before, but perhaps a reminder is wanted to Associates, especially in towns, to come to an understanding with mistresses, especially those of the upper classes, as to what evening invitations may be sent to their servants. Evening entertainments and evening classes are most desirable for business girls, those living at home, and even those who have evenings out among domestic servants, but in a well-regulated ... continue reading

TIGHT LACING Madam,- It has struck me that Associates might do well to warn their Members against tight-lacing. Two instances have fallen in my way lately which convince me that, though ladies have, thanks to sense and to bicycles, grown more sensible, the fashion plates staring one in the face on every hoarding make young girls imagine that a wasp waist is a beauty. One, whom nature intended to be as plump as a partridge, screwed herself ... continue reading

A LETTER FROM MISS C. M. YONGE Madam,- May I inform Associates who have been very kind to a blind Member- Annie Nangate [sic] of Otterbourne- that she died on October 2nd, aged nineteen. She became blind from a brain disease at eleven years old, and had ever since been a very gentle and holy example to all around, and making herself much beloved in the family?[sic] With many thanks to those who kindly sent her presents ... continue reading

OUR MAGAZINES Madam,- Is not ‘Genista,’ in accordance with her signature, a little too humble in her estimation of the wants of Members? Girls of that age do not want simple ‘goody tales;’ they will find and read books that we think are quite beyond them. Most girls have passed their standards at school, and there have acquired knowledge enough to take an interest in subjects brought forward. It is much more wholesome for them ... continue reading

HONOUR! Madam,- I should like to ask associates to try to instil notions of Honour towards employers into their Members and Candidates. Instances come before me continually of persons deserted by their servants without notice. One invalid was left alone in the house till the milkman called for help; another lady, a most kind one, found, on the day of a dinner-party, two raw chickens in the kitchen and nothing else by way of preparation- the maids ... continue reading

THE G.F.S. READING UNION Madam,- I must protest against the unfortunate mis-statements in the paper on Longfellow, in the current number of Friendly Work. I am sure it will pain and distress hundreds of other Associates, and cause them to pause as to sending the paper among their readers. The writer has committed the old vulgar error of confounding Catholic with Roman Catholic. Our church was Catholic long before any power over it was assumed by, and weakly ... continue reading

A BLIND GIRL Dear Madam,- Would any Associate or Member, accustomed to cheer the blind, kindly get into communication with a Member, aged fourteen, a cottage child who is not in health for a blind school. She can knit, and read a little by Moon’s method, and has a mother and sister who can read letters to her. Her address is Annie Nargate [sic], Fergern Hill, Otterbourne, Winchester; but it might perhaps be best to write to ... continue reading

CHARACTER OF SERVANTS Dear Madam,- May I give a hint- one, perhaps often given to Associates, but still often disregarded. A great number of really excellent ladies, naturally disposed to support G.F.S., have become averse to it, because in many places recommendations of servants are not to be depended upon. It is a rule in some Dioceses that the new employer should always be put in communication with the former one, and this should never be omitted. ... continue reading

OUR MAGAZINES Dear Madam,- To please every one is avowedly impossible, V.C.’s complaint of the stories of foreign life in Friendly Leaves only convinces me that it would be well to amalgamate our two magazines, so as to afford scope for pleasing both those who can only take an interest in homely English life and those who have imagination enough to look beyond. I find my own village girls weary of a tale of ... continue reading

THE WOMEN’S REBELLION Dear Madam,- In the criticism of the Christmas number of the Monthly Packet, ‘The Women's Rebellion’ is said to be incorrect because parish priests are always secular clergy. What may have been the ecclesiastical arrangements I do not know, but the author, who well knows the north of Italy, has seen several parishes in charge of Capuchin friars; for instance Bordighiera. The incident really happened. I remain, &c., C.M. Yonge. ... continue reading

THE ADVERTISEMENTS IN OUR MAGAZINES Dear Madam,- I rejoiced at the demonstration against the advertisements inserted on loose sheets in our Magazines, as I have a strong aversion to them. I do not entirely share your correspondents’ condemnation of obtaining money by advertising on the wrapper. It seems to me a lawful means, and the rational use of advertisements is expedient. But a line should be drawn in the choice, especially as Members may fancy that ... continue reading