A large amount of money has, from first to last, been distributed amongst the winning competitors, and a great many certificates of merit have been granted to those who, whilst failing to get a prize, obtained a certain percentage of marks. These certificates have been much valued and not a few have been found serviceable as testimonials to painstaking and ability, when girls have had to make their way in the world.
And not only have our readers received benefit themselves. Influenced, as the Editor knows them to have been, in the direction of true charity by the writings of some of our contributors, they have tried in their turn to be of service to others, and through the medium of The Girl’s Own Paper have done much useful work for the community.
They have, for example—at the suggestion of the Countess of Aberdeen,[3] who has ever taken great interest in the magazine, notwithstanding her high public and official positions—established a working girl’s home in London; also, they have re-established the Princess Louise Home for Girls, subscribing with touching readiness and liberality to each of these schemes in actual cash over a thousand pounds. They have besides made periodical grants of warm clothing for the poor, sent dolls in great numbers to brighten the dull hours of sick children in hospitals and in many other ways shown a good sisterly interest in those less happily circumstanced than themselves.
The Editor has been assisted in his labours by a band of very willing workers—authors, musical composers, and artists—whose names are familiar to all our readers. Many of these have been associated with him from the commencement of The Girl’s Own Paper up to the present time—faithful, industrious, enthusiastic helpers, eager to give of their best and thoroughly in sympathy with the young.
Some of our authors had already made their mark before they appeared in our pages; but others were unknown, and it is a great pleasure to the Editor to think that he has been the means of bringing into public notice not a few who are now universally acknowledged as writers of ability.
But whilst surrounded by a tried staff, the Editor has made it a rule to welcome contributions—indeed, to invite them—from every quarter. If the topic be suitable, the writer well informed, and the manner interesting, no manuscript ever goes away rejected from the door of the Editorial Office. Amongst our occasional contributors may be seen the names of a queen, several princesses, and leading members of the nobility, and a great many more who have distinguished themselves in various lines of activity connected with the life and work of women and girls.