[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sza,—Since the Spectator has
adopted Aberdare, we think yoii may be interested in the efforts which this Bureau is making to provide employment for the miners' womenfolk by developing the market for quilted bed coverlets, and giving training to suitable girls and women. At the outset we would explain that some nine months ago a representative of the Bureau when making local .investigations found that there existed amongst the women a traditional craft in quilting. This craft had been in existence for generations, and yet it was little known outside the areas in which it was carried on, the quilts having been 'used for the home and no attempt having been made to offer them to a wider public. The work was seen to be something unusual and of great beauty, and the Bureau sent down more suitable materials than could be obtained locally and gave. orders for a few quilts to be made. Over 2000 'WOrtliOf SaleW and orders haVe been effected to and we have thus been able to keep all quilters known tons in South Wales and Durham (about ninety) regularly employed; and now we 'are anxi6us form three' or four eXperiMehtal
training classes in South Wales. . . . . .
It is proposed that one of these classes shall be in Aberdare. Some local ladies have offered to give all the assistancethey can, but it is feared that the lackof funds necessary to enable a room to be -hired, a teacher engaged; &c., will act as a deterrent. We wonder,- therefore, if we may suggest that thil class should be 'taken under. the' wing of your readers _ . The Bureau is prepared to make a small per. capita -grant, but it will be insufficient to enable a class to run its course, while on the other hand we think that a few extra pounds would be sufficient for local needs.—I am, Sir, Sic.,
W. LITTLE, Director, 27 Bedford Square. Rural Industries Bureau. .
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