The illustrated London news. Gynmasia and play-ground of the children of the Home and Colonial Infant School Society, Gray's-inn-lane ...
Lettering continues: "The May meetings. If some men were asked to designate the glory of England they would point to her victorious armies, her vast and still accumulating wealth, and the extent of her growing dominions; but others - the real benefactors of her immense family - would rather direct attention to her schools, her charities and her missions. These confer on her a moral and enduring lustre, which neither martial prowess, nor mercantile enterprise, nor political empire, have ever been able to impart. It is desirable that causes so great and worthy in themselves, so salutary in their results, and so essential to the best interests of the nation, should receive the strongest suppport the British press can render them. We have therefore resolved on giving their proceedings a place in our columns, and to continue, as occasion may require, to give their sacred labours the publicity which their paramount importance demands...[There follows more on the state of philanthropy in the country and then an article on the Baptist Irish Society (f. 1813). Then we arrive at:] The Home and Colonial Infant School Society. Monday May 1. Earl of Chichester in the chair. The friends of this admirable institution assembled in their schoolhouse in Gray's-inn-lane, and associated with the business of the day, an examination of the pupils and teachers, and an inspection of the domestic economy of the establishment. It was stated by the secretary that the society, which had only been established seven years, was instituted for the double purpose of training children to become teachers in schools, and for educating teachers themselves in the true principles of their "high vocation;" and that it is now the only one in England training masters and mistresses for infant schools. That about fifty teachers and three hundred children are at present under its charge, and that it proposes to extend its operations by the establishment or assistance of auxiliary institutions, and by the appointment of travelling inspectors to further the development of their principles in general schools. The Bishop of Norwich, in a short but able speech, commended the society to the patronage of the Government and the favour of the public, and very happily ridiculed the notion, that education apart from religion could be considered the education fitted for a moral being. An interesting Hindoo girl, named Rabee, was examined by the meeting, and exhibited great proficiency in various branches of knowledge. This child, on the completion of her education, is to be sent back to India, to become a teacher of religion and civilization to her benighted caste. At the conclusion of the meeting the children were admitted to the gymnasia and play-ground, and in a very few minutes gave the spectators good evidence that their physical education had not been neglected. The scene was altogether one of so cheering a character, that we have had it engraved as a model of good order and healthful recreation"
