DR. BARNADO’S HOMES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 106, 26 June 1911, Page 2

DR. BARNADO’S HOMES.

(To the Editor, “.Stratford Post.'’) Sir, —The Council of Dr. Baruavdo's Homes, find it necessary to ask tiie public to assist them in coining to a somewhat difficult decision. Since tho'death of Dr. Banmrdo live years ago, tlie sympathy of the innumerable friends and admirers of his work lias enabled us, not only to cany on this work, but even to extend it in accordance with his known desire. We have hitherto followed with the utmost strictness his unalterable rule, that no destitute child shall bo refused admission; no votes, no influence, no .credentials have ever boon required for. admission to Dr. Barnardo’s Homes. A child’s destitution, for which it can in no case be itself responsible, has always been tire only tost. , ; . Now wo are faced with .this difficulty. Up to the middle of last year the income of the Homes was increasing, as it has always increased, in almost exact, proportion ,to the increase in the number of destitute children who had to ho provided for. Then there was a sudden fall, and at the end of the year there was a deficiency of over £38,000. It is not necessary to go into the reasons for this being so—they are beyond our control and they liavo affected other charities in the country, in many cases to an oven greater degree. • . The same tiring is continuing during the present year. Our income would he considered enormous, but it is insufficient to support the 9-100 children who are now in tho Homes. We have practically no endowments, and for permanent relief we must either reduce our expenses or increase- our income. . • , t Are we tA do the former? We have endeavoured to maintain Dr. Barnardo’s tradition of strict economy in everything except the proper plain food' clothing ,education, and personal training of the children themselves. There are no high salaries to be cut down, no excessive staff to he reduced—wo can economise in children only. This is the question which we have to decide at once. Because we have no endowments, and because the Homes depend entirely on tho country’s daily appreciation of Dr. Baruardo's work, tne matter is urgent; but in six months wo could bring our expenditure within our present income, by abandoning tho rule which Dr. BarnarJo followed for all his life, and which he has left for his successors to follow and maintain. Is it worth it? Looked at merely as a matter of pounds, shillings, and ponce, the thousand destitute children who woulct lie refused admission would, if admitted, bo worth to the country in the future many thousands ,of pounds as -honest, hard-working citizens. If left destitute, who can say how much they will cost? Destitute men and women have seldom much future hefoye them—they often have a very extensive past. destitute children have no past—of their own making—-and their future is almost a certainty, of an honourable, independent life,, if they are given the opportunity, .Ayhich they, can seldom make for themselves, and which the workhouse does} not adequately provide. It is I .a 'good investment to give it to them, and by 1 every -carton of human conduct it is also air’-abso-lute duty. v; p ■ Mi We ask the public to decide Tor. us, and to decide quickly. If thby are in any doubt, will they come and sec for tnemselves ?~T am, etc., SOMERSET,. President. Head Office of tho Homes, 18 to 26, Stepney Causeway, London, E., ■May, lull.