The Rev. J. A. Hatchard would go farther in the matter than Mr. Rock; and, like “A Friend” would like the room to be supplied with the means of amusement as well as those of instruction. Dating his letter from France the reverend gentleman says – “I am much pleased to find that the subject of a club and reading-room for working-men in Hastings is thought desirable. If I am not mistaken, I invited attention to this same subject a year or two since. Mr. Rock’s proposal is an admirable one. Perhaps there may be difficulties in commencing on the scale proposed by Mr. Rock, but I hope that the suggestion of “A Friend” will be acted upon at once... I, for one, shall be most happy to contribute towards the opening of a well-lighted, and comfortable room, supplied with newspapers, books, chess, draughts, dominoes, solitaire, for the amusement and instruction of the labouring classes. If, a contribution of a few pounds and one or two of the games enumerated will help to start this useful institution, it will give me great pleasure to promise them. I am returning to St. Leonards in a few weeks. For the present a letter addressed to me, Hotel Bristol, Place Vendome, Paris, will find yours faithfully, J. A. Hatchard”
W. D. Lucas-Shadwell, Esq., who was also from home, wrote – “I am much pleased to hear that there is some intention of establishing a reading-room for working-men. In order to lose no more time, as well as to test its probability of success, I would suggest that it be set on foot as soon as possible on a limited scale. With this object in view, I shall most gladly contribute two guineas towards the expenses of the current year, and will undertake to furnish such popular periodicals as the British Workman, Sunday-at-Home and Illustrated Times, during the remainder of the winter season, on condition that a room be opened for the purpose in a convenient situation before Christmas. I am &c. W. D. Lucas-Shadwell” Tunbridge Wells, Nov 14, 1860.
Another Correspondent wrote as follows:- “Fully believing in the desirability of inducing our labouring population to frequent a reading-room in preference to a public-house, I cannot persuade myself that our respected townsman, Mr. Rock, is going the right way to accomplish his object... One difficulty is that any room built with a view to suit all the working population must be a compromise in point of locality, and thus be far from the homes of the majority. Another is in the sturdy independence of the class appealed to, and their jealousy of control and restraint after working hours. My own plan would be to go to no expense about the building; hire a house in a working-man’s neighborhood; fit it up comfortably as a coffee-house; let it on fair terms to a man of good character, who would supply a good article at a fair price; and as part of the fittings include a well-selected library, and provide -
