Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-02-04 00:00:00

of teachers to the ex

vent that this is but

from the truly Christian zeal of

Is this case, that the actual number of teachers engaged
in the ragged scho&s last year, is really smaller than
during the preceding one, a circumstance which is occu-
pying the anxious consideration of your committee.

They are anxious to state prominently in their report
this falling off, in the hope that it may attract the notice
of some who may feel themselves constrained to act in
this truly Christian work, and thus help to make up the
deficiency ; and in calling attention to it they would also
xpress TPA only their heartfelt thanks but their
isif the noble conduct of those whose self-denial
Lem to consecrate even more of their time than
previously, and to bestow more than former labour on the
hallowed work of teaching the little outcast children of
this town. Aware that the reward such untiring labourers

ek is far higher than any which man can bestow, the
would nevertheless desire thus publicly to
tender to them their warm acknowledgements for services
the fruits of which are simply incalculable.

C 3 mmi

"In drawing attention io the six new schools which
have been opened during last year, your committee have
reason to believe that, indirectly at least, the Ragged-
school Union has had some influence in their establisli-
ment. In the advice sought and obtained from the
superintendent, which his large experience qualifies him
to give ; in the promises of pecuniary aid, if need be,
from the funds of the society, and in other ways, your
committee believe that encouragement has been given
without which some of the new schools of this year and
many of those formed in previous years might not have
had existence:

"But new schools are still imperatively called for in
many districts of the town, and more_.especially is there
an urgent necessity for one or more infant schools
conducted on a similar plan to that of Thomas-street
Infant School, which has now become so crowded, that
applications for admission within the last few weeks have
had to be refused. In that school, besides instruction
during the day, a plain, wholesome dinner is provided,
and the opportunity is thus afforded to many widowed
mothers of g

)ing to work as charwomen and otherwise,
whilst they have the comfort of knowing that their
little children in their absence are enjoying the shelter
and receiving the other benefits which the school affords,
and safe from the evil influences which the streets in
the neighbourhood of their homes but too often present.

"Yoiir committee hay
saying that the lapse of

again the high gratification of
another year has brought with

proofs of the advantages attending the
king of the humble schools which are connected with

your 800

"In former reports reference has been repeatedly made

to the superintendent's journal; but so deeply interest-_
ing do its contents continue to be, so affecting are
many of the incidents it recounts, and so frequent
are the cases in which the ragged schools step in to
rescue from what would appear otherwise to be cer-
tain ruin, that your committee cannot refrain from
once more alluding to the subject, and expressing their
high appreciation of the truly missionary labours of Mr.
Gillespie, who often receives a still more touching
acknowledgment of their value in the glistening eye of
the widow, as she bears testimony to the improved con-
duct and growing intelligence of her fatherless children;
in the affections manifested towards him, in numerous
instances, by the children themselves ; aud, above all, by
the grateful remembrance of :the benefits derived from
these lowly schools expressed to him, in after years, from
former pupils now earning an honest livelihood. .

on hand, from which, however, it must not be inferred
that there is not an urgent necessity for the continued
and increased liberality of the supporters of the society.

end of the year had it not been that the Toseeth-park
Industrial School for girls, having obtained a grant from
the_ Committee of Council on Education, was not only

its year to dispense with the usual annual grant
of £2O made to them by your committee, but they returned
one for a similar sum made the preceding year. Owing,
however, to a material alteration in the minutes of the
council, the grants made to industrial ragged-schools are
now so much reduced that your committee think it not
impropablo that claims on their funds will henceforth be
made with a 'continuance of the aid formerly received
from Government would have rendered unnecessary.
This circumstance, combined with expected applications
for grants from new quarters, justifies your committee in
appealing to the subscribers and the public to enable
them, by increased liberality, to promote the good cause
in which they are engaged.
"Ere quitting this subject, your committee think it
right to observe that several of the older schools, which
at one time derived aid from your funds, are now self-
supportin4. These schools, nevertheless, appear to have
pleasure in maintaining their former connection with
your society, appealing krequently (more especially to the
superintendent) for advice, and welcoming his visits and
those of any of the committee. It is only due to these
schools that this fact should be remarked on, and it is
also deservinc, of notice as showing that the longer ragged
schools are established the more do they commend them-
selves to private support by the experience of the benefits
effected through their instrumentality.

" Reference is made in a preceeding paragraph to the
reduced amount of aid conferred on ragged industrial
schools by the Council of Education. The ' capitation'
allowance of 50s. previously granted for every child has
been reduced to os., and the contribution towards the
salaries of teachers has also been seriously diminished.
Notwithstanding strenuous efforts on the part of many
friends of ragged schools to recover the amount of support
previously extended to them, the Council of Education
so Tar not seen it their duty to accede to the re-

presentations on the subject.
," Xour committee have reason to believe that one
• difficulty which the council of education have, is the fear
•they entertain of ragged schools by degrees ceasing to he
,confined to the class for which they are intended, and
thus interfering with the national and other schools of a
higher grade, where fees are required. from the pupils.
This apprehension, your committee believe, ordinary care
ox.the part of the inspectors would render nugatory ; for,
though they admit the liability of all schools so to lapse,
they . can affirm, from the experience of the 36 schools
in connection with their society, that, by the care
exercised by the managers, and by the visits of the com-
mittee and superintendent of the Ragged School Union,
not only is this undesirable tendency checked, but that
such is ,-the socially improving. influence of the ragged
schools, that every year nearly 200 children previously
attending.-ragged schools, pass on voluntarily to those of
a higher eiass, where fees are required. Your committee
think that :this fact, which they are able to prove, should
carry with it considerable weigiA, and is entitled to con-
sideration."

treasuver's report was read, by which it appeareil
that the union commenced, in 1858, with a balance
of £3 Bs. The amount of donations
ring the year, was £l2O 25., leaving,
ices, a sum of £27 15s. 4d. in•the
hands of the treasurar.

nr, ainst the tree?

after paying all (

in doing so. dwelt upon the gr
The Chairman moved the adoeapttiplgorf the report,
esswhich and,
ragged
Fehools had made in this town,
many of which x
schools,
no support from the union. Oat of about .si
ere
were
o it
f received
only twelve received a grant from the union. 'ln
tas e bo,orlhe average
s receiving
number
s ppt
of from
cchheurrsc
connected
ande these schools was 400, and if they only calculated three
nctedeoullietch-
persons on the committee of each, it would give the large
number of 550 persons who took an active interest in the
Ragged School cause in this town, and that all within 2.
very few years. The Union, however, gave their assis-
tance in many regpeets, and also gave donations when
called upon.
Mr. Martin seconded the adoption of the report, and
alluded to the assistance which was given to the whole
46 schools by. the co-operation of their superintendent,
who visited them and gave his advice, and saw that all
was conducted properly.
The Report was adopted,
On the motion of Major 'Oreig, a vote of tl

s
passed to the Chairman, who reinrned thanks, aal
and the was
meeting separated.