A HOLIDAY BUREAU FOR THE POOR MIDDLE CLASS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Within a few weeks of writing these lines the daily papers will be liberally sprinkled with appeals for pecuniary assistance to send children of the poorer classes for a holiday. There are other children who require a little sympathy— the children of the poor middle-class professional man, who has much to do to keep the wolf from his door. For children of this class there is little hope of a holiday at the seaside, or in the country, unless the parent's pocket is pinched.
A holiday bureau where arrangements could be made to send Master Jones, of London, to spend a fortnight's holiday in August, at Christmas, or Easter, to Torquay or elsewhere in exchange for receiving Master Smith, of Torquay, for that period would prove a boon to many parents and children. It may appear strange to the town-sick Londoner, but it is nevertheless a fact that children living in the most beautiful of holiday resorts are charmed at the idea of visiting a great town.
Not only would such a scheme as I have suggested have its uses as a holiday, but the making of fresh acquaintances, and living among strangers, might prove as valuable as the holiday itself. The scheme might not be confined wholly to boys and girls yet at school or college, but satisfactory arrangements might be made for the older ones: The scheme could be worked at a very moderate expenditure. An unpaid secretary in every town, with, perhaps, a shilling, or at the most of half-a-crown for each application would cover it, and even leave a small profit.—I am, Sir, &e.,
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