A Good Scheme.

Manawatu Herald, 20 April 1899, Page 3

A Good Scheme.

An English paper contains particulars of one of the most extraordinary schemes of the present day, which is about to be inaugurated at Oxford. It is a charming idea, but as to its ultimate success, time alone will prove. It appears that two young American students, coming from the land where John Ruskin is more admired than even in England, are to organise this ideal movement for the culture of working men. These gentlemen, Mr W. Vroomay and Mr C. A. Baird, both Americans, but students of Oxford University, have leased St Ebbs, a beautiful old place built in 1649 by Sir Matthew Hale, with a garden, greenhouse, and workshop. The new college is to be called Ruskin Hall. It will accommodate forty men, and certain students will get their board free by working four hours a day as servants, having the rest of their time for study. All the sciences that relate to politices will be taught by volunteers from the ranks of the University. The tuition fees will be only £6 a year, or 10s a month, and 10s a week will be the full charge for board, lodging, and laundry. It is a wonderful sign of the reality of an Anglo-American alliance of sympathy that this splendid idea should be actually put into execution by American admirers of Ruskin. There will be no " isms," no party, no

creed. Ladies are coming over also to take part. The Backworth Club, composed of American and English women, will teach the students singing, and show them the historical monuments of the city, and will seek to soften and refine their manners and their natures. The scheme on paper is attractive enough, and no doubt the full complement of students will be attained. The future progress of this novel establishment will be watched with considerable interest. — Truth.