“In this book we are presented with a sketch of the life and labours—labours which have been attended with a large measure of success—of one of the most devoted of living philanthropists.”—Scotsman.
“A fine biography, which every one should read in order to understand the noble character of a man who must be pronounced a great benefactor.”—Free Press.
Price 3s. 6d., cloth boards, with Illustrations.
OUR CANAL POPULATION:
a cry from the boat cabins, with remedy.
New Edition, with Supplement.
By GEORGE SMITH, F.S.A., Coalville, Leicester.
“A little book called ‘Our Canal Population,’ lately published and written by Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, furnishes the most incredible details of what is going on on our silent highways.”—Morning Advertiser.
“The notorious state of ‘Our Canal Population,’ the women and children who live on barges, and in whose condition Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, has awakened public interest, is described as ‘revolting and intolerable.’ If only a part of the statements made were true it would be enough to make the ears of them that hear it tingle for pity and shame.”—Daily News.
“Although the statements made by Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, in ‘Our Canal Population,’ were doubtless, in some instances, open to the charge of exaggeration, in the main they were largely correct. Mr. Smith has earned the thanks of the community in this philanthropic object, as he previously earned our thanks for his efforts to ameliorate the condition of children in the brick-yards.”—Standard.
“Canal Boats.—On the 1st inst. came into operation an Act (the 40 and 41 Vic., c. 60) which is calculated to do much good. Hitherto ‘Our Canal Population’ were left pretty much to themselves. They were considered outside the pale of local and educational authorities. They were permitted to live in their boats as they pleased, and to bring up their children without any interference from school authorities. Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, whose efforts on behalf of the children employed in brick-fields were attended with such beneficial results, turned his attention to ‘Our Canal Population,’ and the credit likely to be won by the passing of the Act of last Session will be mainly his.”—The Times.
“Mr. George Smith, of Coalville, who has done so much for the well-being of ‘Our Canal Population,’ is now busied in attempts to ameliorate the condition of juvenile Gipsies.”—Daily Telegraph.