fo the Editor of the "Norru-Cuina Datty News.
Sim,—In view of Dean Walker's letter to you under the heading of British Women's Club," in which he suggests there are women "in Shanghai, who have knowledge about these clubs and could say whether they are self-supporting," I have been asked to sen Yan outline of the history of Helen May Institute' for Women in Hongkong."
I doubt, however, that it will be of much use because Hongkong was fortunate in having the largo and handsome building put up as a gift from Sir Ellis Kadoorie and cne or two wealthy Chinese residents of the Colony in honour of Lady May whose name the building was to bear. Sir Ellis Kadoorie also furnished it throughout and privately guaranteed any deficit on the first year's working. With this great load of financial responsibility taken off their hands a ladies' committee started the work, and each year's accounts have shown a good credit balance. Some 10 bedrooms are in constan'
se, occupied by women earning their living as teachers, nurses, office assistants, ete.: who do not. like the greater publicity of hotel-lifo and prefer the quiet of a more private home. One or two rooms are kept ready for women passing en voute to other blazes who often have to wait over at Hong-song longer than they had been to expect. To these the In-te is especially a boon. day-rooms are used in return for a nominal fee, by such societies as, the 'Mothers' Union," Benevolent Society, Sketch Club, V.A.D. and missionary societies,. during the hours that they are not required by members.
far as I know the member-keeps pretty steadily round about.
00. The annual fee. is $10. Concerts, hire of rooms, ments, boarders' fees, "ete., bringing something. The membership includes women from all sections of the community and the agement provides some return for the subscription of each mem-} her if she wishes to avail herself of it. The well-equipped dressing: rooms are made good use of by members living at a distance: there is an admirable library: popular lectures are kindly given by qual Iccturers: courses of study physical drill: concerts, musical teas, ete.: so that no one is asked to join as a charity, some return being provided for those willing to take it.
Having been away from Hongkong for two years I am relying largely upon memory for the foregoing statements as I find I have practically no written data at hand. But I called at the Institute during a short visit to the Colony last month and it seemed in a flourishing condition.
Tam, ete, Shanghai, Feb. 17.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.