NBWTA Report 1904-059
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114 115 “friends.” She came to London, and lived in one of the most fashion- able gay houses for some months, when a “ gentleman ” of high position “kept her in a flat” for five years ; he then grew tired of his toy, and cast her off for some one younger. She then returned to the gay house, finding the same landlady in charge, who had grown rich by her ill-gotten gains. The landlady was pleased to see her return, and they, spent the evening together talking about the women and girls who had passed through the house during the past five years. The elder woman and this girl counted about 200.“ Where are they now?” asked the girl. ‘““T don’t know where reply. they all are, but I can tell you of some,” was the suicide ; 13 Then together they recalled the names of as many as they could remember ; 10 were still on the streets; 11 had committed were in lunatic asylums ; about 49 had died, some were in hospital, and the landlady did not know what had become of the others. Thus out of about 200 known to the landlady, all under 30 years of age, at least 73 were either dead or in an asylum, and this in the course of five years. As we do our work, and lose sight of some year after year, we cannot but ask, “‘ Where are they now?” We want more Homes, more workers, more friends to stand by us, more who will try, not only to sweep the vice out of our country, but who will also try to bring back to paths of purity those for whom Christ died, who long to be able to do right, but have no strength of character to stand alone, and have not yet ' learned to trust Him who is able to save to the uttermost. é During the past year I have helped rg cases for B.W.T.A. workers and friends. It has given me much pleasure to be able to take eight of these into Beacon House; the others were advised to seek help in other ways. I am glad to say the advice given was taken, either by the worker direct or the girls. There is a growing necessity of speaking at Mothers’ Meetings and ‘‘Y” Branches, also to bring before our young people the beauty of living a high and pure life, without dragging before the public the real depths of sin they can descend to. We want to put the ideal life before our young people and to do away with all filthy literature of the day. I have during the year spoken at nine Mothers’ Meetings, five “Y” Branches, and seven Guilds. The correspondence has been numerous, and each letter has been answered and all cases taken an interest in. I should be grateful to all our friends who could possibly give drawing-room meetings, or promise to help in some way by taking up a case and thoroughly investigating. The cases sent to me, in most instances, have not been investigated, rg the weak will remain the tools of the cowards, who either tempt them by their money or by the promise of marriage, betray them, and then leave them to their miserable fate, to suffer alone, and to bear the brand of the outcast. We are often asked what becomes of these miserable girls when their youth and beauty have gone, and they are reaping what they have sown in body and mind. I can tell where some go, and can vouch for the truth of a statement made to me by one whose awakening to the facts led her to seek a better life. A daughter of a well-known merchant in the provinces, who had been surrounded by luxury all her life, but also surrounded by drink on her mother’s side and by immorality on her father’s side, and had no idea of purity of life, was ruined when quite young by one of her father’s the friends writing and stating the girl is sincere, would I give her a trial? I am anxious to help each girl and woman as she comes, but if our friends who are eager to help will try, as far as possible, to find out if they have passed through any other home, it makes it much easier to help the girl in the best way. Or, in writing letters, please state age, also name of girl, and whether inebriate or fallen. It saves much un- necessary correspondence, and also helps any worker to understand the case she has to deal with. i should like here to thank all the friends who have so kindly acknowledged the help given, and want them to feel in future I am still ready and willing to do what I can, either by speaking at meetings, helping girls, or advising to the best of my ability. SISTER REPORT OF MARGARET, COFFEE-ROOMS, STALLS, AND CARTS DEPARTMENT. A circular was sent to the Branches re this Department in Febru- ary, Which has elicited many interesting replies—not all of them quite satisfactory, perhaps,—but encouraging, because it has awakened into life, and in many cases activity, dormant feelings of real practical work for Temperance which might be done with a little effort. The first response to the circular was given from the Tottenham Branch, which has in connection with it a coffee-stall which has been in existence for twenty-seven years, and which has been and is “most successful Bt so much so that it has. provided £1,000 towards the building of the White Ribbon Restaurant, and also a Girls’ Club. Rotherham Branch reports a coffee-stall in work for two years (now nearly self-supporting), used on market days and at the football field. Bury St. Edmunds reports that the workmen of two foundries are supplied with hot coffee on their way to work, at 5-30 a.m., by B.W.T.A. members. Cambridge Branch had a coffee-stall when the drainage ‘scheme was carried out, and the town filled with navvies, which the men appreciated. Bradford intended having a tent during the races. The Scottish Temperance Union reports that all its Branches go in largely for refreshment tents at shows, &c. The Edinburgh one goes about at night. Norwood contemplates starting one. Birmingham has tried one for the use of ’bus drivers and guards, but it was not a success, and was sent to Gibraltar, where it is doing excellent service. Maidenhead tried to place a cart by the river, but permission could not be gained. Garstang Branch opened a cart last |