Eighty years have passed since the foundation of the Shaftesbury Society and Ragged School Union, one of the most notable of Christian child welfare philanthropies. The name of the illustrious seventh Earl of Shaftesbury will always be associated with this great enterprise. Mr. Williamson's vivid record of the evolution and present position of this famous institution is an admirably designed and effectively executed work, and forms a worthy volume of celebration and thanksgiving. The Council have been wise in issuing it in popular form, generously illustrated, and at a price which is within the all. reach of Every Christian worker engaged in religious and social endeavours and those who seek to serve poor, crippled, unhappy and all necessitous children should read this fascinating and soul-stirring history of glorious, God-blessed adventure. The present and ninth Earl of Shaftesbury fittingly provides the Foreword. The book is more than a history of the birth and growth and an account of the present position and work of the Shaftesbury Society. It is a tribute to the Founder and all those brave and wise souls who have shared in a divinely dedicated service. And this wonderful little volume beyond all this throws light on domestic, social, industrial, economic, religious and national conditions existing in England during the greater part of the nineteenth century. It is indeed an amazing epitome of much of outstanding importance in the development of religious and philanthropic thought and life during the greater part of the past century. Although the author has been compelled to condense, he has succeeded in pre

PERIODICALS.

senting a work which has the charm and grace of a continuous story, and if we mistake not, many taking up this volume will read it from cover to cover before they let it leave their hands. We venture to reproduce Mr. Williamson's concluding paragraph: "Eighty years of glorious philanthropy call for gratitude to God and to all who have served the cause of the children. Some of the leaders have passed to their reward, honoured by the nation and loved by their colleagues. To-day their successors 'carry on,' inspired by the achievements of the past and determined to abate not a jot of energy and self-sacrifice in the task to which they have been called. Will not some young and gifted lives hear this call to service and respond in the same spirit of consecration that animated Lord Shaftesbury and all who have sought to redeem the lives of poor children? As Maeterlinck writes,There is but one thing that never can turn into suffering, and that is the good we have done.' Mr. John Oxenham contributes to the volume an appropriate Te Deum, of which we venture to reproduce one

verse:

"We thank Thee Lord!

For all child lives redeemed from pain and care, For all the light brought into shadowed homes, For all who through the darkness of despair Have learned that still on earth

Thy kingdom comes."

America To-day and To-morrow: A Tribute of Friendship.' By Alderman Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield, Bart., Lord Mayor of London, 1915-16. Pp. ix + 304. London: Hodder and Stoughton. 1924. Price 7s. 6d. net.

Sir Charles Wakefield is not only a great citizen and leader in commerce, but he is also a patron of the arts and sciences, a generous benefactor of philanthropic and educational institutions, and a true friend and supporter of world-wide enterprises making for goodwill among men and health and

happiness among the children of men. His Statesmanlike vision, organizing powers and unstinted generosity have enabled this notable Englishman to accomplish much for Anglo-American friendship. The present handsome volume is in great measure a record of the visit of the British Sulgrave Delegation, of which Sir Charles Wakefield was leader, to New York, Washington, Pittsburgh and various other centres in the United States. Sir Charles Wakefield provided striking evidence of his friendship by presenting busts of Burke, Pitt and Bryce to the American people. But in addition to the record of speeches and hospitable proceedings and many interesting topical and other illustrations, the volume contains a fine study by the author of relationships existing between America and England, an estimate of the late President Wilson's aims and work for the world in connection with the evolution of the League of Nations, a sympathetic appreciation of Walter H. Page, “A Great War-time Ambassador," a striking word-picture of Ford of motor-car fame, and the spirit, meaning and influence on the future of industry of Fordism. There is also a suggestive special chapter on "Impressions and Some Personalities." Sir Charles Wakefield's personal services in cementing friendship between the great Englishspeaking nations have been manifold and invaluable, and his beautiful book, which will be read with pleasure and profit by Americans and Britishers, will go still further to strengthen the bonds already forged and to intensify existing sympathy on both sides of the Atlantic for all movements making for peace. and prosperity on the earth.

furnishing and management, and personal health, dress and pleasure. It has a comprehensive outlook, and provides articles, pictures, notes, and even advertisements that are interesting and informing.

66

Journal of School Hygiene and Physical Education. Editor and Manager, Mrs. E. Adair Impey. 'Cropthorne," King's Norton, Birmingham; Hon. Medical Editor, Dr. James Kerr, Yew Tree Cottage, Edwardes Square, W.8. Published by Hudson and Son, Edmund Street and Livery Street, Birmingham. Price 1s. 8d. Annual subscription, 5s.

This practical magazine is only issued three times a year. The Spring number contains many articles of interest to School Medical Officers: "Fatigue-A Test of Efficiency in School Children," "The Application of Educational Gymnastics to the Treatment of Scoliosis," "The Problem of the Difficult Child," "Physical Competitions in Christiania High Schools," "The Junglegym,” "Growing Health Children." There is also a lengthy dissertation which seeks to show that operatic dancing technique is of more value to growing girls than Swedish Free-standing Gymnastics; a collection of opinions on The Harmonious Development of Man; and a memorandum on Standards of Vision for Scholarship Candidates. The journal is issued under the direction of a Board of Advisers, and all responsible for its production are to be congratulated.

well-known authorities on Rome and Reunion, The Work of C.O.P.E.C., Hopes for Reunion in Australia, Social Work of the Swiss Churches, The Recovery of Public Worship and Agnostics and Communists. There are a number of admirable signed reviews, including a Study of Dr. Alexander Whyte's Life. The editor contributes a fine article on Dr. Sayce's "Reminiscences." Sir Henry Lunn's quarterly is unique, and has at once Won a permanent place amongst the foremost of our authoritative and indispensable quarterlies.

NOTES.

"The Children of the Unskilled," by E. Llewelyn Lewis, M.A., Ph.D., published by P. S. King & Son., Ltd., Orchard House, 2 and 4, Great Smith Street, Westminster, S. W. (price 5s. net), is the substance of a thesis which gained for the author the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Glasgow. The work is an economic and social study, based on a scientifically conducted inquiry carried out in order to determine accurate data regarding the supply of skilled labour which in the future might be expected to be forthcoming from the ranks of the children of unskilled, untrained workmen. The book deals with the economic conditions determining the prospects of the unskilled and the physical conditions, psychology and social relations of the unskilled. Dr. Lewis has carried out his inquiry with precision, sympathy and sound judgment, and his conclusions merit unprejudiced consideration. He holds that "a change in the economic system in the direction of better organization would affect the social relationship that is seen to play so important a part, and would be the means, in conjunction with the changes that would be brought about by the concurrent application of a sound educational system, directed to enable this class to rise to a higher status of living, to break down barriers and distinctions set up between classes, and thus facilitate the way to bring within reach of all the children in this class the opportunities they need to become skilled." We urge all students of child

welfare problems to study this suggestive dissertation.

"A Round of Tales," selected by N. Henry and H. A. Treble, published by Mr. Humphrey Milford for the Oxford University Press (price 25. net), is an excellent collection of thirteen stories which will interest all lovers of good literature, and may be specially commended as a particularly desirable reader for school purposes. A proper idea of the volume can best be indicated by an enumeration of its contents: "The Belated Travellers," by Washington Irving; "Story of the Camel Driver," by Frederick Marryatt; "Feathertop: A Moralized Legend,' by Nathaniel Hawthorne; "The Gold Brig," by Edgar Allen Poe; "The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton," by Charles Dickens; "The King of the Golden River," by John Ruskin; "The Lady or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton; "Who Was my Quiet Friend?" by Francis Bret Harte; "The Revenue Officer's Story," by Isabella Harwood; A Tradition of Eighteen Hundred and Four," Four," by Thomas Hardy; "The Riddle of

Countess Runa," by Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins; "The Singular Aventure of a Small Free-Trader," by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch; and "Ancient Lights," by Algernon Blackwood. The volume of 192 pages is clearly printed on good paper and artistically bound in cloth, and it is good to see, handle and read. We want editors and publishers to provide us with further "rounds" of equal merit and attractiveness.

"Children's Rhymes of Travel," by Marjorie Wilson, published by Basil Blackwell, 49, Broad Street, Oxford (price 3s. 6d. net), is a dainty little volume of short poems printed in large type, dealing mainly with child interests and intended for little folk. Several have already appeared in Mr. Arthur Mee's unique My Magazine. There are verses referring to Gibraltar, Port Said, Suez Canal, Aden, Bombay, Singapore, Penang, Colombo and Messina, and others which recall the scenes of the East, as well as a few which depict the charms of England. Children who have lived in India and the East will delight in this collection of poetic pictures.

GRAMOPHONES AND GRAMO

PHONE RECORDS.

re

Gramophones and Gramophone Records, like most other things lating to human affairs, can be roughly classified as good, bad and indifferent. The Gramophone has now been granted a permanent place among educational appliances, and it is essential that a reliable, durable and, if possible, inexpensive gramophone should be available in all schools, play centres, camps, and wherever young life is developing. The firm of J. E. Hough, Ltd., Edison Bell Works, 62, Glengall Road, S. E.15, are providing an excellent series of Gramophones suitable for every kind of educational and recreational services under the general designation of the EDISON BELL DISCAPHONES. We desire to direct special attention to the excellent portable forms to which the general name of EDISON BELL HANDEPHON has been given. These are light in weight, convenient in size, and give admirable results. The Patent Tone Arm comes automatically into position when the lid of the case is opened. The Corona King Sound Box is of first-class construction, and produces a loud, clear, musical volume of tone, giving most pleasing results with all good records. All parts are of the best British workmanship. The cabinets are of oak, and are provided with strap, handle and lock. The prices of the different Handephons range from £4 10S. to £5 10s. We have tried the £5 10S. model with various records, and can testify to its general efficiency and the first-class musical results obtained. certainly compares most favourably with many much more expensive instruments. Messrs. J. E. Hough, Ltd., have also favoured us with copies of some of their latest Winner Records." These are of standard size with a record on each side of the disc, and the price is only 2s. 6d. They are undoubtedly the finest record at the price ever pro

It

duced. The catalogue of the Winner Records is extensive, and supplements are issued at frequent intervals. Among the latest editions is a fine series of reproductions performed by the Pontypool Silver Band, and including Overture by Suppe, "Morning, Noon and night," selections by Rimmer of "Recollections of Wales," the "Indian Love Lyrics," and two of the beautiful "Songs of the Hebrides" from the Kennedy Fraser famous cycle of Gaelic songs effectively interpreted by Mr. Dan Jones. Messrs. J. E. Hough produce a particularly high-grade form of Gramophone Record under the general of designation the "Violet Face" Records. They are issued in two groups: The Green Label (prices, 12 in., 5s. 6d.; 10 in., 3s. 6d.), and the Violet Label (prices 12 in., 45. 6d.; 10 in., 3s.). In Supplement L (List 207) to the General Catalogue particulars are given of some of the most recent additions to the series. We have tested a number of these and cannot speak too highly of them. The reproduction of the Overture to Ambrose Thomas' opera "Mignon," as played by the Royal Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Dan Godfrey, is perfect. Several of Gustav Holst's captivating productions as revealed by the Band of H.M. Scots Guards are now available, and are delightfully recorded. The Records of Mr. John Dunn's violin presentations of Bach's "Aria on the G String" and Wieniawski's "Obertass Mazurka" are really wonderful in their truth and beauty. Reference must also be made to the fine records of selections from Gounod's "Faust" as performed by the Philip Lewis Palladium Octette. We should like to commend specially the Ivor perfect reproductions of Mr. Foster's sympathetic renderings of the splendid old-time songs, "The Admiral's Broom" and "The Deathless Army," and also Mr. Norman Williams' inimitable presentation of Handel's

classical productions, "Hear me ye winds and waves" from Scipio and "Love that's true will live for ever from Berenice. All these four stirring songs have a fine orchestral accom paniment. This all too brief enumeration of new Records will, we trust, be sufficient to direct our readers to fresh and praiseworthy sources of pleasure and inspiration and materials for both recreation and education. To get the best results with the Velvet Face and Winner Records, and indeed with all other records, the Edison Bell Chromic Needles should be used. These are available in two forms, the Loud-Tone and Sympathetic. Messrs. J. E. Hough are realizing the importance of providing ""uncut" versions of the world's musical masterpieces. Among Edison Bell records now available in complete form are Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony," Liszt's "Piano Concerto in E. Flat," and Beethoven's "String Quartette No. 1." We learn that Sir Edward Elgar's great work, the "Dream of Gerontius," is about to be issued in a series of records which will provide practically a complete rendering of full orchestra, grand organ, chorus and solo parts; this is a notable achievement and a worthy tribute to the genius of one of England's greatest musical com

posers.

"ROVERING."

The Religious Tract Society has rendered notable service for many years to British boys and girls in all parts of the world by the issue of The Boy's Own Paper and the Girl's Own Paper. And now under the title of Rovering a new weekly has been added to the admirable R. T.S. Series. We warmly congratulate Mr. A. L. Haydon, the Editor, and his colleagues and Committee on the splendid start which has been made. Rovering will appeal to adolescent boys and young fellows on the threshold of manhood. It should also be wel

A. L. HAYDON,

Editor of the Boy's Own Paper and Rovering.

able weekly to the notice of parents, teachers, masters, club leaders, and all who are working for the development of British manhood on sane, sanitary, serviceable lines. A specimen copy may be obtained on sending a postcard with full name and address to the publishers at 4, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.4. The price of Rovering is 2d. weekly.