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an order that was better observed in the breach than the observance. I never felt that these ladies were really in earnest, and events proved the correctness of my surmise, for I came into conflict with the Baroness in charge when she came round collecting cards to make quite a substantial deficiency. When I remonstrated that our voluntary labours were to make economy possible and keep expenses within practicable limits, she rather rudely retorted that Australians used the Club at the low prevailing charge, but my reply was that they would be the last to do so, if they knew that the terms asked necessitated a subscription list from the voluntary workers.
It did not surprise any of us that soon a change of management was effected.
A very delightful innovation for all war workers was a Service held at the historical St. Martins in the Field, the church where Nell Gwynne was buried, and so centrally situated near Trafalgar Square. The King's Chaplain, the Rev. Edgar Sheppard arranged that on each Sunday afternoon there should be a musical service with an address not lasting more than ten minutes. Always one of the famous Guards bands played. It was a great sight to see a crowded congregation, the hale and the weak. Nurses in charge of patients, attendants in charge of the blind. Motor cars bringing the lame all to enjoy the wonderful music, and the ten minutes address, though short were always impressive. These services were discontinued when summer time came and workers were able to enjoy the beauties of the country, and the fascinating Thames with its ever changing crowd.
Among the experiences of Winter was a visit I paid to the slums arranged by Sir John Kirk, that noted philanthropist who has given a life's work to the cause of the poor. I remember his speaking in Melbourne years ago, and was impressed by his saying that "Children should be very careful in the choice of their parents". It was through the influence of Mr. Howard Begbie, the writer and novelist, that the arrangement was made for me, he too, as is well known has devoted all his talent to the cause of the poor.