SIR, — I anticipated " Jotter's " answer to my remarks about central clubs when I said, " ' Jotter,' of course, only suggests this as a beginning, but I am of the opinion that it would also probably be the end . " Fr. Davey's letters seem to me to corroborate my assertion on this point.
" Jotter " suggests the foundation of a central club—Fr. Davey promptly answers: " It already exists." Ergo the problem is solved. All that now remains is for the Catholics of London to roll up in their thousands—and the result? Well, if not the death of many by suffocation, at least highly congested Catholic activity in Westminster and the great increase of distressed Catholic areas in the suburbs.
No doubt Fr. Davey would say with " Jotter " that he would welcome an many Catholic centres as possible—one or two, in fact, already exist—but in so far as such development takes place, so must Fr. Davey's hopes of raising that annual .f500 (unmet by members' subecriptions) diminish. We know how it is being obtained at present, vie., by appeals to the Catholic community at large, and like the good treasurer he fa, Fr. Davey profits by the present occasion to make yet another appeal. He tells us that plans for further improvement and development are in hand—this will surely demand still more funds and still wider appeals, in spite of the economies that may be effected. Fr. Davey acknowledges the difficulty of obtaining sufficient funds for present needs—with increased needs the difficulty will be even greater and the prospect of obtaining funds to start similar ventures so much the poorer. He probably has this in mind when he advocates what amounts to a go-slow policy for others, and this is what I mean when I say that the foundation of a central club as a beginning would also probably be the end. There is, of course, a general tendency In regard central clubs and organisations as the quickest end best solution of the difficulty RS these can, obviously, be more easily financed, equipped and managed. But while Such clubs, etc., may be highly successful as far as their interior working is concerned, they will only, even when filled to capacity, absorb a small percentage of those who ought to belong to youth organisations —thus leaving the main issue untouched. Surely the primary need is to rouse the Catholic conscience in this matter end to work for the general acceptance if the principle that Catholic youth Drganisations are vitally necessary. At present there is great divergence of opinion both among clergy and laity as to the necessity and value of such organisations, and even where the principle is accepted, there is too much instability and diversity of method.
" Sweeties."
The " Interval"
Sie,—May I suggest that the Interval Club, now in the fourteenth year of its existence, is at any rate the germ of the club "Jotter " dreams of. Situated conveniently in the West End, the Interval Club offers writing, rest and card rooms, darts, table tennis, etc., as well as catering at reasonable prices. The club is a most useful place for making rendezvous, writing or resting when visiting town. A strong Catholic spirit inspires its work and members are given opportunities for attending Retreats and other functions. The subscription is one guinea per year. Although mainly for members of the theatrical and allied professions, it has a "Box and Cox " membership. The professional members use the club mainly during the day-time, while in the late afternoon and evening it is rapidly becoming the home of the vocational guilds. This does not in the least inconvenience the club's original members. Six guilds have already made the Interval Club their headquarters for dinner or tea, followed by regular meetings or debates.
MOLLY BALVAIRD HEWETT, Hon. Secretary. The Interval Club, 23, Dean Street, W.I.