Review o*" Revieta. 1/8/0^. 



SOCIAL SERVICE. 



Dear Mr. Judkins, — 



As a reader of ■ The Review of Reviews," and one 

 who has been deeply interested in its progress since 

 \ou were appointed Editor, I desire to compliment 

 you upon tli€ advance which it has made in every- 

 way since your connection with it, culminating, at 

 the ps\chological moment, in the bold action of re- 

 ducing' the price to sixpence. This was a proper 

 thing and a necessary thing for you to do, for it 

 will enable you to influence a larger section of the 

 communit)-, and we in Australia have reached a stage 

 in OUT affairs when it is needful that every man who 

 has the welfare of his fellows at heart, and who has 

 the gift of speech, should speak with no uncertain 

 tongue, and speak to as man\ people as he possibly 

 can. You are fortunate in having an influential 

 organ through which to voice your views, and in 

 having an Editor-in-Chief in England who has been 

 for years, in the old countr)-, fighting for exactly the 

 same elevation of national and individual ideals as 

 you are striving after out here. It must be a plea- 

 sure to any thinking man, even if he holds views 

 diverse from yours, to know that there are among us 

 men unworldly enough to set up a high ideal such 

 as that outlined in your July issue, and strong and 

 brave enough to sta'te it publicly, and say, " I will 

 endeavour to live up to it and do my best to help 

 others live up to it." 



You have done a wise thing in asking for sugges- 

 tions for a working basis in this direction. Might I 

 suggest that : — 



(i) Men, and women too, who are willing to as- 

 sist, write to you offering their services in the 

 district in which they live as members and 

 officers of such an organisation. In appoint- 

 ing officers, preference should be given, as 

 far as possible, to young people. The young 

 are often crowded out; the experienced can 

 alwavs advise and help, and in this matter 

 there should be no room for heart-burnings. 

 (2) Periodical re-unions should be held. In every 

 district, however scattered or small the popu- 

 lation, there is a church or hall which could 



be used. The movement is unsectarian, and 

 those interested in the building would be 

 sympathetic. 



(3) By daily life, thought, conduct and conversa- 



tion, members should endeavou*. always to 

 elevate their ideals and lead others in the 

 same path. Their life should be permeated 

 - with the idea of ser\'ice. 



(4) Their own habits of life and thought being 



cleanly and free from sympathy with the 

 vices which you deplore, it should be a car- 

 dinal principle with members that those who 

 represent them in local, State and Federal 

 matters should be of the same complexion. 



It is difficult to find a title for such an organisation, 

 comprehensive, easily understood, and free from any 

 suggestion of cant. The movement is to be one of 

 service — as distinct from mere personal integrity — 

 and this idea should be shown in the title. "The 

 Service League," or "The Federation of Service,' 

 as alternative titles, appear to me short enough, 

 comprehensive, dignified and free from the least sug- 

 gestion of sectarian or religious domination. The 

 name, however, is an important matter, and doubt- 

 less some of your other readers will have views "ii 

 the matter. 



There should be a great future before such an 

 organisation as this, but one thing is certain, viz., 

 that the churches, us chinches, should keep out of 

 it : the membership must not be narrowed down to 

 faith in " The Apostles' Creed " or any other creed. 

 All willing to help their fellow-men to a brighter, 

 purer and better way of life should be welcome, 

 whether they accept that which we all reverence be- 

 cause our mothers believed it, or whether they have 

 no belief at all. 



Trusting that this movement, with '• The Review 

 of Reviews ' as its head and fount, may flourish 

 exceedingly, and do much good in years to come. 



I am, \ours very sincerely, 



Reader. 



Will readers write freelv offering any suggestions as to the most eft'ective w ay of securing the co- 

 operntion of every man and woman who is desirous of pushmg social letorm.— Editor. 



