... I am far too deeply impressed with what we owe to volunteers, far too anxious not to spoil the joy they have in going, even to lay any claim to their time. What they give I want them to give with full and willing hearts; and it is only they therefore who can decide what it shall be.... It is for each who knows the facts to decide whether she wishes to stay and share the work during the time when the strain is greatest.
I am extremely glad your courts have been going well.
HOUSING WORK IN MUNICH
June 10th, 1896.
To Miss Howitt.
My mother has handed on to me your interesting letter of May 29th, that I may answer the part relating to the Munich schemes. I am delighted to hear of the prospect of extension of such work. Those only who know Munich, its working people, customs, and laws, would know how far our plans would suit; and how far, and in what way, they ought to be modified. But I quite feel with you that some knowledge of them might be most useful to anyone in starting similar work, if only to show a way of proceeding, which would suggest alterations to suit Munich. If anyone came to London with the idea of such preparation, I would gladly show and tell them all I could, but it would have to be some definite time, when I saw my way to give them an opening for real work; and I am afraid that I should have to ask that whoever came should devote a minimum of three months to steady work. Nothing could be learnt under that time, and it is a great upsetting of work to arrange it for less.
My little book, “Homes of the London Poor,” was translated by the late Princess Alice, but I am not sure where it was published. The “Octavia Hill” Verein of Berlin might know.
October 26th, 1896.
To Sydney Cockerell.
I suppose you do not happen to know any gentleman likely to do for, and accept, our National Trust secretaryship? I fear we want a great deal, and give next to nothing. Of course, it might grow, but then it might not. The work would be delightful to one who cared for it: all the good results of the Commons and Footpaths work, with little or no fighting. On the contrary, calling on the generous and good people. But then we want interest in the cause, and accurate habits of business.... Our want comes about in this way: Our Com. Pres. Sec. has resigned, and we have been able to promote to his post our young secretary,[[125]] who has done such splendid work for our Kent and Surrey Footpath Committee and the National Trust, giving half his time to each. Now he will give all his time to commons, and gather under him our vigorous young committees with a real friendly relation and good grasp.... I wonder if you saw my letter about Tintagel in the papers. Last week we needed £84 to save that headland; to-day we need only £23, so I almost see it ours. Is it not delightful? I must set to work now about Alfreston,[[126]] a much more difficult problem, and hampered by mistakes and delays before we touched the matter. Still, into a safe state it must be got.