ST. MARY'S CONVALESCENT HOME, BIRCHINGTON- ON-SEA.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Sia,—This institution was founded in 1888 for the accommoda- tion of women of the poorer classes who require rest and recuperation by the sea, in a bracing climate, after illness or hospital treatment. So much demand was made for admission that in 1912 the Home was enlarged, and arrangements were made for the reception of mothers and their newly born infants, a feature which has proved a great success. The under-mentioned hospitals have permanent beds at St. Mary's:—
The London Hospital, The Charing Cross Hospital, The Metropolitan Hospital, The Samaritan Society, Gravesend, Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, The City of London Maternity Hospital.
The Home is, to a certain extent, self-supporting, as, in addition to the payments made by hospitals and other per- manent lessees of beds, each private patient is charged the sum of 15s. a week, which represents about three-quarters ef the actual cost of her maintenance. In order to be within the means of poor people, this fee is deliberately kept as low as possible, the yearly income of St. Mary's being little in excess of the expenditure. It is now found necessary to renew the boiler and the whole of the hot-water heating sYsico throughout. The plant, having been in constant use since 1888, is now, after thirty-two years' service, completely worn out, and though carefully nursed can no longer do its duty.
Owing to the approach of winter it is manifestly impossible to postpone this undertaking, which is essential to the health anti comfort of the patients. In view of the foregoing remarks It is considered reasonable that a special appeal should be made In order to raise the £350 required to carry out this work of Imperative necessity. Contributions towards this sum will be thankfully received by Tire Hog. LADY FREMANTLE, 10 Draycott
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