The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-10-21 00:00:00

CORR ESPON PENCE.

We wish it to be distinctly understood that by inserting
letters in this eoltann,Pre do not therehy identify ourselres
with the opinions of our Correspondents.

To Me Editor of the " Obscrrer."

Dr an SlK,—The scheme put forth by the South Staf-
fordshire Association for the advancement of educati in
amongst the young men of this district, a report of
appeared in your last week's paper, does not appear
to me calculated to effect its object. If young men who
have had some previous years' training in our grammar
schools are the persons sought to compose the intended
classes, then I can understand the practical use of the
scheme to a considerable extent. Although I should
doubt in my own mind the wisdom of those who could
sanction such an outlay af funds upon a class, who are
evidently in a position, if so disposed, to help themselves,
to the exclusion of an equally deserving and more flume.
roue body of young men who ought to have a greater
demand upon their charity and assistance. if, on the
other hand it be the intention of its promoters to benefit
the young men who attend our reading rooms and asso-
ciations generally, I think the present scheme quite
inapplicable. Every one who has been brought into con-
tact with the young men who compose the majority in
our local essociatiuns, must be well aware that the pre-
sent scheme must be considerably modified before it can
be of any practical value. In the first place, to expect
young men in offices, apprentices, shopkeepers' assistants,
and others in similar occupations, to pay fees of 10s per
subject per term, besides an outlay of Ws or 150 for
books, in addition to the sacrifice of their leisure hours
is more than can be expeeted from those whose pecuniary
means are limited, and whose hours of recreation are 160
few. In addition to this, it must be borne in mind that
similar classes are either already, or could be established,
if required, in connection with our local associatiens,
without any charge whatever. And in the next place tug
intellectual status of these young men, far the greater
part, is not sufficiently advanced to commence the study
of those subjects which the scheme contemplates. It is
evident to every one who has conducted classes in local
associations, that the great want of the present day is an
improved machinery of an attractive character to develope
and carry on that education, which was for the most part
begun in the primary schools of the district. If the
South Staffordshire Association could therefore be in-
duced to abolish the entrance fees, and, as an equivalent,
solicit local subscriptions in lieu thereof, and modify the
present scheme by introducing classes of a more elemen-
tary character, to enable those who feel their deficiencies
to perfect their knowledge in the elementary subjects,
it would not only be possible, but probable, that many of
the young men of our town and neighbourhood, would,
under the increased facilities allorded, enter the elemen-
tary lists with a view to perfect themselves at a subse-
quent period in the higher subjects contemplated by the
scheme.

Yours truly,
H. NEWNAN.

?rintca snit limbed by the So,e ProptietOr. SIMEON
FIELD. at An. Offices. 92. High-street, Stoorbri ..•
:he County of Worcester: to which place all letters and
EoMiutimesta.afls mast be addressed.
Saturday. October 21, ICI.