33185
C345o
ON WORKING MEN'S COLLEGES.
BY DAVID CHADWICK,

F.S.S.

Reprinted from the Transactions of the National Association for the Promotion
Social Science, 1859.

of

THE establishment of Working Men's Colleges presents a new phase
JL in the means afforded to the working classes of improving their
education and acquiring knowledge. The classes in mechanics' institutions are mostly attended by youths under the age of 16 years. It
has generally been found that young men and adults Lave a strong
objection to attend classes for instruction along with youths, and
hence mechanics' institutions have, in some measure, failed to effect
one of the main objects of their original promoters. The perception
of this defect in mechanics' and other similar institutions, has given
rise to Working Men's Colleges, with the view of providing for persons
above the age of 16 years the means of self-culture, and of improving,
by systematic study, the imperfect education which they may have
received in their youth.
A Working Men's College also offers the opportunity of including
a more extensive range of studies than is usual in mechanics' and
other similar institutions. The subjects generally taught in Working
Men's Colleges include, besides the usual elementary branches of
education, classes for the study of languages, political and social
economy, mechanical and architectural drawing, mathematics, as
applied to mechanics, hydrostatics, and astronomy; physiology,
geology^ botany, logic, elocution, and book-keeping; and, in some
instances, the college arrangements include a reading-room and
library, a Bible class, an essay and discussion society, and a common
halL This wide range of subjects for study, and this intimate relationship between teachers and students, and a conviction of the
practical usefulness of such efforts, have induced many persons of
superior education and skill in teaching to offer their gratuitous
iservices as teachers of classes in Working Men's Colleges. The
importance and value of such efforts, it is presumed, no one will disjpute. The question then to be considered is :—What is the best
'mode of establishing, and of working and managing, such institutions ?
) In considering this question, it is proposed to glance briefly at the
.constitution and management of some of the colleges now established,
viz, : —
The Sheffield People's College, established, Aug. n t h , 1842.
„ London Working Men's College „
Oct., 1854.
5 Cambridge
„
„
Oct., 1854.
,, Halifax
„
„
March, 1856.
„
„
Jan., 18570
r> Ancoats (Manchester)
Manchester
„
„
Dec, 1857.
n
„ Wolverhampton
„
„
Oct., 1857.
',.. Salford
„
„
May, T858.

2

Working Men's Colleges.

The People's College at Sheffield, established in 1842, by the Rev.
R. S. Bayley, an Independent minister, was the first example of the
name of 'College' being used for adult classes specially intended for
working people. Morning classes were established from half-past
six to half-past seven o'clock, and evening classes from half-past seven
to half-past nine o'clock. Men and women were admitted to the
same classes, and the greatest decorum and regularity were maintained.
The charge made to each student was gd. per week, and no donations
were ever solicited. The classes were continued, with varying success,
for six years, until Mr. Bayley's removal from Sheffield to London in
September, 1848, soon after which time the number of young men
students was reduced to 16. These 16 young men subsequently
made a vigorous attempt to re-animate the institution, and by
individual exertions, and division of labour amongst those able to
teach, they succeeded in reviving the institution, and very considerably extending its means of usefulness. The classes for the
study of the subjects formerly taught, also the same system of government were, as far as possible, continued ; and the age of pupils was,
as previously, limited to 16 years and upwards. A plain and practical code of laws and regulations for the future government of the
institution was adopted ; the executive power being vested in a
committee of 12 members, chosen from the students, Mr. Thomas
Rowbotham being appointed the first president. I t was determined
to adhere to the principle of making the institution not only self- !
governing, but self-supporting. A public meeting was held in October, '
1848, and the objects and mode of government of the college being j
thus made known, the vigorous efforts of the committee were ;
crowned with extraordinary success. Within one month after this j
public meeting nearly 200 students entered the various classes, and J
it was found requisite to establish a system of teaching by monitors, /
and to adopt other regulations applicable to the increased number of \
classes. Mr. Rowbotham states that, ' After 10 years' experience;
(from 1849 to 1859), there has not been'a single occurrence to callj
in question, in the remotest degree, the discipline of the institution,!
or the decorum practised by the students towards one another.' Thtf*
average attendance of students has been about 150, from October to
March, and about 70 from March to October, in each year ; of which!
number about one-fifth (20 per cent.) have been females.
j
The charges are 6d. per month, (with is. per quarter)—or 6s. per
year in advance.
;
There are 30 teachers who give their services gratuitously. Thef
teachers for French and German are paid. About 40 classes are helc{
weekly/
The establishment of the London Working Men's College in'
October, 1854, by the Rev. F. D. Maurice, assisted by a council off
teachers, comprising nearly 30 barristers, clergymen, and other proj.
fessional men, the majority of whom had obtained honours at th%
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, was the principal means of * It has been found necessary to omit several statistical tables relating to th^
and other Colleges, from want of space. — E D .

By David Chadivick, F.S.S.

8

calling public attention to the means of usefulness offered by these
institutions. I n the address and prospectus of the London Working
Men's College, issued in September, 1854, by the Rev. ¥. D.
Maurice, the founder, he says :—
'The working men of England are trying, from various motives,
and in various ways, to educate themselves. Some of them hope that
their class may obtain greater influence in the legislature. They
desire that it should qualify itself for that position by the study of
laws and of history. Some of them think that there are many maxims
of morality current among us which tend to divide and to degrade them.
They wish to find out the true principle which binds men together, and
shows them what objects they are to live for. Some are impressed
strongly with the mischiefs that come to them from their ignorance
of the causes which produce disease, and of the best means of securing
health. Some wish to understand better the machinery with which
they are working. Some feel what a blessing it would be to them if
they could use their voices in singing and their hands in drawing.
Some are puzzled with a number of doubts about the world within
them and without them, which they dare not stifle, and through
which they long to see their way.
'Our college, consists of a principal, a council of teachers, and
students.
' The government and management of the affairs of the college is
vested in the principal and council of teachers, with a casting vote in
the principal.
' In case of a vacancy, the principal is elected by the council of
teachers, and teachers are elected by the couxicil of teachers and the
principal.
'Any working man above sixteen years of age who can read and write,
and knows the first four rules of arithmetic, is eligible as a student.
' The college is established especially for manual workers, but we
shall refuse no one who is not ashamed to be called a working man, to
whatever class he may belong. Possibly very plain gowns may be
provided to be worn in classes, both by teachers and scholars, as a
sign that they all belong to the same society, and for the convenience
of men coming in from their work.
* The entrance fee to the college for each student will be 25. 6d. The
exact fee for each course will be stated in the programme published
before each term, and will vary from 25. 6d. to 55. a term. The Sunday lessons will be free.' A library is in course of formation.
The number of students in the London Working Men's College at
Christmas, 1857, and Christmas, 1858, and their several occupations,
were as follows :—
Term ending Christmas, 1857 :—Operatives engaged in trades, 119;
clerks, porters, warehousemen, &c, 151 ; total, 270.
Total number of pupils attending the college classes, 270; attending
preparatory classes, 39 ; number of classes, 16.
There have been 10 classes for women, at which the attendance has
varied from 29 to 79 during each term.
Annual examinations are held, and certificates for competency
awarded.

4

Working Men's Colleges.

The establishment in January, 1859, of an interesting and valuable
monthly publication, called the ( Working Men's College Magazine,'*
under the editorship of one of the council of the London Working
Men's College, has done much good in communicating information in
regard to the working of the colleges, and has created a sympathy
and bond of union between all such Institutions.
The Working Men's College in Halifax was established in March,
1856, Mr. Edward Akroyd being Principal, and the Rev. C. R.
Holmes, M. A., the President. I t is governed by a council of teachers,
aided by a visiting committee of practical men, with two members
chosen by the senior pupils. The charges are is. 6d. per quarter for
the general course, and is. 6d. extra for chemistry, and 6s. extra for
French. The college is divided into two divisions. To the junior
division pupils ;are admitted at 13 years old : to the senior division at
18 years old. There is a library of 4000 volumes, and a readingroom, and a recreation ground, with cricketing apparatus, &c, and
there are frequent social gatherings. Women's classes are held in a
separate building, and consist of two divisions, one from 13 to 16
years old, and the other from 16 years and upwards. The average
number of pupils attending the women's classes during the year ending
Easter, 1859, was 63. Besides classes for reading, writing, and arithmetic, there are also classes for singing, with 24 pupils ; cooking, 25
pupils; and sewing, 65 pupils. The total number on the books was 1 1 5 :
the ages being from 13 to 16 years, 4 1 ; from 16 to 18, 3 8 ; above
18 years of age, 36. Social meetings of the members and friends
are held occasionally. The total number on the books at Easter, 1859,
was 171. The average weekly attendance was 118. The average
evening attendance, 72.
The number of students in the various classes at Easter, 1859, was
as follows—viz.,
Seniors.

Arithmetic and Algebra . .
Reading, Writing, Grammar,
and Composition. . . .
English History
. . . .
Geography
French
Chemistry
Yocal Music
Theology

Juniors.

Total.

50

90

140

62
12
16
5
8
12
—

46
30
30
11
15
18
—•

108
42
46
16
23
30
9

Total

414

No better proof need be adduced of the efficiency of this college, than
the fact, that at the Society of Arts' examinations, in 1858, 16 certificates were awarded to its pupils. I t must, however, be added, that
in this college the system of gratuitous teaching does not prevail, as Mr.
Akroyd has hitherto liberally paid the salaries of the various teachers.
The Ancoats Working Men's College (Manchester) was established
* Published by Macmillan and Co., 23, Henrietta-street, Covent Garden, London.—Price 2d., monthly.

By David Chadwick, F.S.S.

5

and opened on the 27th of January, 1857, mainly through the influence and exertions of the Rev. Canon Richson, the rector of St.
Andrew's Church, Ancoats, who kindly placed the large and commodious schoolroom in Tame-street at the service of the Rev. Mr.
Allen, Mr. Henry Duffey, a mill operative, and Mr. N. Underwood,
the chief promoters of the institution. Students of the age of 15 years
and upwards are admitted. The fees payable are 25. per month to all
the classes of the college ; or to the elementary classes only, 15. per
month. The drawing class is \d. per month extra, and the subscriptions of members of the college to the gymnastic section, 6s. per
annum. Non-members of the college are admitted to this section at
Ss. 6d. per annum. I t has the use of a large field at a rental of
61. per annum, and provides the means of playing at cricket, skittles,
quoits, and football. This section has been found very valuable in
keeping the members together during the summer vacation. The
course of instruction in tha classes is divided into three terms, of
about twelve weeks each, during the year. The summer vacation
extends from Whitsuntide to the first week in October.
The
management is vested in the committee, consisting of the teachers of
the various classes, and the president, two vice-presidents, and the
treasurer of the college. There are sixteen teachers, who give their
services gratuitously, of which number one-half are working men,
who teach the elementary classes.
The number of students during the first term, from January 27th,
1857, ^ 0 ^ a y> I ^ 5 ^ was 382, their ages being from 15 to 40 years.
Cheir occupations were as follow :—
Employed at machine and engine works . . .
86
Mill or factory operatives
36
I n shops and offices
51
Building trades
,
18
Dye-works, print-works, stonemasons, labourers,
weavers, packers, and 1 policeman . . . . 158
Not specified
33
382

The following statement shows the average attendance of the students at the various classes in the first and last term of the college.
Average attendance Average attendance
iirst term, ending
May, 1857.

Elementary classes . .
Mathematical classes .
Latin class
Drawing classes . . .
Gymnastic section . .
French
Phonetic shorthand . .

last term, ending
June, 1859.

100

53

18

19

10

2

24

16
40

—
—
—

• •

5
12

J
*52
47
This college has hitherto been in every respect self-supporting.

6

Working Men's

Colleges.

The Manchester Working Men's College was established in December, 1857, mainly through the influence of Professor Greenwood,
who is the Principal of the College, Mr. Oliver Heywood being
President, and Mr. J. H. Nodal, the Secretary. The classes are held
in the rooms of the Manchester Mechanics' Institution. By way of
compensation for rent and gas, the members of the Mechanics'
Institution are admitted free of entrance fee and at one-half the
usual class tee. No persons are admitted students of the college
who are less than fifteen years old. The subscriptions and fees are :
entrance, 25. 6d., and a fee of 2s. each class per term. There are
three terms each year. Each term consists of about ten weeks.
Soirees and social meetings are held occasionally. Examinations are
held annually. The college is managed by a council, consisting of
the teachers (all of whom give their services gratuitously), together
with a number of other gentlemen selected from the donors and subscribers to its funds. This college is an example of a large amount of
good being accomplished at a small pecuniary expense, by using the
class-rooms of the Mechanics' Institution.
The Working Men's College in Wolverhampton, of which the Earl
of Dartmouth is the President, and Mr. J. N. Langley, the honorary
secretary, was originated by a few earnest working men, and opened
in October, 1857. During the first year, the average number of
students each term was about 60. Thirteen classes were opened; the
minimum age of admission is sixteen years. The charges are, entrance
fee, 25. 6d.} and 2s. per class per term. A library of 200 volumes has
been obtained. Nearly all the teachers give their services gratuitously.
The receipts and expenditure during the year were : fees, donations,
&c, 110L 14s. Sd., expenditure, gil. 55. During the second year,
ending September, 1859, there were three terms of ten weeks each,
the number of pupils in the classes were, first term, 58, second term, 71,
third term, 60. The total receipts for fees during the year was 30/f. 10s.
The council of the college consists of the teachers and donors, who fill
up vacancies. No classes for women have yet been established.
The Salford Working Men's College, of which Mr. E. K Langworthy
is President, and Mr. George Parry, honorary secretary, was established
in June, 1858, and as it is in some respects remarkable as the result of
an expressed wish on the part of working men to avail themselves of
the privileges which such an institution would afford, the relation of
its origin may, it is hoped, produce similar efforts in other towns.
A t a lecture in the Salford Mechanics' Institution in April, 1858,
at which the writer presided, he called the attention of the working
men then present to the Working Men's Colleges established at Sheffield, London, and Manchester, and expressed his belief that competent gratuitous teachers could be found if 100 working men specified
their desire to have such a college established. The meeting decided
at once to consider the subject, and subsequently held two meetings,
and appointed a provisional committee of 32 working men to mature
the scheme. Upwards of 100 members soon enrolled their names
as willing to become students, and the draft of a constitution submitted for their consideration by the writer was agreed to. A meet-

By David Chadwick, F,S,S.

7

ing was then held, of gentlemen willing to assist by pecuniary donations, or as gratuitous teachers, at which the Mayor of Salford (Mr.
Wm. Harvey) presided: the proceedings of the "Working Men's
Committee were read, and the constitution of the proposed college
was approved of and adopted. Thirteen gentlemen offered their
' services as teachers, and donations to the amount of nearly 100I. were
promised to defray the cost of the requisite desks, fittings, and classbooks. I t was then agreed with the directors of the Salford Mechanics' Institution to hire as quarterly tenants such class-rooms as they
could spare, and to pay them at the rate of is. per student per
quarter, for rent, coals, gas, and cleaning, and to guarantee to pay for
not less that ioo pupils, or a minimum of §1. per quarter. A n inaugural soiree, at which Mr. E. K. Lang worthy presided, was held in
the Town Hall on the 28th June, 1858, at which representatives
from the London, Manchester, and Ancoats Working Men's Colleges
attended, and aided the project by an expression of their sympathy
and approval. One hundred and eighty students entered the college
during the first two months.
The following is a copy of the constitution of the Salford Working
Men's College :—
1. l That the objects of the Salford Working Men's College be to enable working men to improve their education and acquire knowledge.
2. < That the property of the college be vested in twelve trustees.
3. ' That the management of the college be entrusted to a general
council, consisting of the trustees, a president, six vice-presidents, a
treasurer, and an honorary secretary, together with the unpaid teacher
or teachers of each class, and of representatives to be elected by the
students of each class, in the following proportions, viz. :—one representative to each class of ten, and not exceeding twenty students;
two representatives to each class of twenty-one students; and one
additional representative for each additional twenty students.
4. ' That the members of the council, to be elected by the classes,
shall be chosen yearly, by the students of each class, at the first
regular meeting of such class after the annual meeting in February,
and that the person ortoie of the persons so elected by each class,
shall act as secretary ,0f the class, and that each class shall have
power to fill up anySK?ancy occurring in the council by the removal
of its representative's ^
5. f That each studenfHmall pay a general subscription of is. 6d.
per term of three months, and an additional fee of at least 6d. per
term per class, and that persons of the age of sixteen years and upwards shall be eligible to join the college.
6. ' That an annual meeting of the members be held in the first
week of February each year, at which the council shall present a
report of the receipts and expenditure of the college, and of its general
progress and position. A t such annual meeting, a president, six vicepresidents, a treasurer, and an honorary secretary for the ensuing
year shall be appointed.
7. ' That the arrangement of classes, the appointment of teachers,
and the entire management of the business of the college, be entrusted

8

Working

Men*s

Colleges.

to the general council, and the committees and sub-committees to be
appointed by them,
8. ' That an examination be held once in each year, and that those
students who have passed two years in the class, who shall satisfy the
examination in not less than three subjects, shall be entitled " Associates" of the college, out of whom a number not exceeding five shall
be elected members of the council.'
The principal new feature in this constitution consists in allowing
each class to be represented in the general council, thus affording an
immediate means of reporting any suggestion or irregularity, of giving
vigour and energy to the general government, and of securing unity
and good feeling in every department of the college.
The number of members of the college during the first term, from
June to September, was 190; the second term, from September to
December, 170; during the third term, 172; and the fourth term,
ending June 30, 1859, I ^ 5 The following is a statement of the number of students entered in
the various classes, and their average attendance during the second
term :—
Number in
class.

Algebra, geometry . . . .
Practical arithmetic . . . .
Latin
French
Grammar and composition
.
Elocution
Writing and book-keeping
.
Mechanical drawing
Chemistry
Geology and natural history .
Rudimentary classes

. .
. .
.
. .
. .

.

attendance.

14
35
16
32
37
26
45
14
15
24
34

9
22
12

26
28
20

27
10
20

199
I t is an interesting fact that, in three cases, students have been
appointed assistant-teachers in the classes.
Of the 170 members during the second term, the following is an
analysis of their trades and occupations ;—
Warehousemen, clerks, and packers
Printers, bookbinders, and engravers
Draughtsmen and pattern makers
Millwrights and mechanics
Carpenters and painters
Shoemakers and tailors
Mill hands and labourers .
Miscellaneous occupations .

No.
84
12

8
18
5
6
9
28
170

By

David

Chadwick,

F.S.S.

9

A s t a t e m e n t of t h e receipts and e x p e n d i t u r e of t h e Salford W o r k ing Men's College for t h e six m o n t h s ended December 3 1 , 1858, was
duly published, a n d as i t affords a good example of t h e proper mode
of exhibiting t h e receipts a n d expenditure of working men's colleges,
or mechanics' institutions, i t is appended on page 10.
A s t h e excellent public library, reading-room, a n d museum a t Peel
P a r k are open free t o t h e public, a n d a r e w i t h i n a q u a r t e r of a mile
of t h e college, i t was determined n o t t o a t t e m p t t o add any of these
branches t o t h e college. T h e directors of t h e Salford Mechanics'
I n s t i t u t i o n , t h o u g h a t first n o t greatly disposed t o anticipate a successful result from t h e operations of t h e college, became, after six
months' observation and experience of t h e practical usefulness of t h e
college classes, so convinced of t h e i r efficiency a n d capability for perm a n e n t success, as t o agree t o a proposition t o transfer t h e entire
building t o the„council of t h e college, a n d to relinquish their functions
as directors of t h e Mechanics' I n s t i t u t i o n . A subscription was opened
w i t h t h e view of raising 650^. t o free t h e institution from mortgage
debt, a n d all other liabilities. This desirable object has been effected,
a n d t h e council of t h e W o r k i n g Men's College have t a k e n possession
of t h e building, a n d incorporated t h e classes of t h e mechanics' instit u t i o n w i t h t h e W o r k i n g Men's College.
B y t h i s h a p p y union t h e college h a s acquired for t h e use of i t s
members a small library of 1500 volumes, a n d a.convenient building,
which cost i n i t s erection, i n 1855, about 2000?. exclusive of 495 yards
of freehold land, which was presented, free of expense, b y t h e President, M r . E. P . L a n g w o r t h y . S i x of t h e directors of t h e Mechanics'
I n s t i t u t i o n were added t o t h e council of t h e W o r k i n g Men's College,
with t h e special object of securing t h e i r services i n t h e m a n a g e m e n t
of t h e day a n d evening classes of t h e institution, t h e whole of which
are intended t o be continued along w i t h t h e classes of t h e W o r k i n g
Men's College. T h e n u m b e r of students a t t e n d i n g t h e various classes
of t h e j o i n t institution, now called only t h e W o r k i n g Men's College,
for t h e q u a r t e r ending J u n e 3 0 , 1859, was as f o l l o w s : —
BOYS'DAY SCHOOLS
.
GIRLS' DAY SCHOOLS .
PREPARATORY CLASSES.

,,
,,

„
,,

„
,,

,,
„

COLLEGE CLASSES

,,
„

,,
„

No. of Pupils
No. ditto
NO. of Members

81
33
95

No. of Boys'Evening Classes . . . .
No. of Pupils attending such classes each
week
No. of Girls'Evening classes . . . .
No. of Pupils attending such classes each
week
.

.

No. of Members of the College .

.

.

5
99
5
39

.165

No. of Classes meeting weekly . . . . 12
No. of Students attending such classes
each week
194

Total number receiving instruction in various classes every week .

446

I n glancing a t t h e proceedings of t h e various W o r k i n g Men's Colleges which have been established, i t is interesting t o observe how far
t h e constitution of each college h a s been fashioned according t o t h e
views of t h e i r promoters, a n d t h e supposed r e q u i r e m e n t s of their re-

Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure, by the Treasurer, on Account of the Salford Working Men's
College, from June i, 1858, to December 31, 1858.
EXPENDITUBE.

RECEIPTS.

By Furniture and Apparatus
Books for Classes
Imperial Dictionary

To Donations*
£100
College Fees, ist Term, 190, at is. 6d. £14 5 o
Ditto
-2nd „
170, at is. 6d. 12 15 o
Class Fees, ist
Ditto
2nd

310, at 6d.
287, at 6d.

1 10
4 2 6
35
27
20
17
13

27

Printing, Stationery, &c
Tea Party and Soire'e Expenses
Rent, Coal, Gas, and Cleaning
Drawing Instruments

7 15
7 3
£ 1 4 18

Less French Class, 32, at 6d., re- )
ceived by Teacher
j
Books sold
Tea Party and Soire'e .Receipts
Drawing Instruments sold

£25 17
£31

o 16
14 2 6
28 13 10
12 12 6
11 19 8

£194 10

By Balance in Treasurer's hands
DAYID CHADWICK, Treasure

6

4
1
5
10
2

£i39 I 3i
55 9
£194 10

6

Salford, January 6th, 1859, Audited and found correct,
J. N. POCKLINGTON, {
^.
J O H N F E E D . MAY,
) manors.

Statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the Salford Working Mens College, December 31, 1858.
ASSETS.

To Cash in Treasurer's hands
Furniture and Apparatus, and Books in hand
Owing by Students for Drawing Instruments

,

• <£55 9 ^J25 o o
1 3 o
£ 8 1 12

2J

LIABILITIES.

Tradesmen's Accounts Owing
Balance of Assets
DAVID CHADWICK, Treasurer.

* A List of these Donations was printed with the Report of the Inaugural Soire'e, held on the 28th June, 1858.

£9 o
72 12
£ 8 1 12

24

By David Chadivick, F.S.S.

11

spectrve districts. But as the main features in the efficient management
of a Working Men's College may he considered as common to all, it
may be useful, in this brief and friendly review, to record a few practical suggestions, which may be of use in the formation and management of such institutions:—
i. To establish a Working Men's College, the things required are
rooms to meet in, materials to teach with, and teachers willing and
competent to instruct. With these means and appliances, it may be
safely predicted that students will be readily found in every town
who will gladly avail themselves of the opportunities thus afforded.
2. A commodious Sunday-school or day-school may be obtained,
and the classes commenced without much outlay. The Working
Men's College at Ancoats (Manchester) is very efficiently conducted
in a Sunday-school, the rector of the parish being the president of the
college; and the Manchester Working Men's College is held in the
rooms of the Mechanics' Institution.
3. In forming a Working Men's College, it is desirable, at the commencement, to frame the outline of a constitution for its government,
which may at any future time be modified, as occasion requires. If
this be omitted, it may cause some trouble and dissatisfaction.
4. I t has been found by experience that the system of government
in a W orking Men's College, which gives to the students above eighteen
years of age a voice in the management of its affairs, along with the
teachers and other officers of the college, is best fitted to secure energetic and united action and successful results. This principle has
been found to work well in the Sheffield People's College, and in the
Salford Working Men's College, and it is recommended as worthy of
adoption in the other colleges now in existence, as well as in those
which may in future be established.
5. It is suggested that the subscription of membership should be
fixed as low as possible, and that an additional subscription be charged
for each class. Excepting only the cost of buildings, furniture, and
fittings, all colleges should be entirely self-supporting.
6. The annual reports should contain, beside a general review of
the proceedings of the college, a statement of the numbers entered
and attending each class, with their occupations and ages, if possible,
and a separate report from the teacher of each class.
7. I t is very desirable to encourage and promote the holding of
frequent tea meetings and social parties, at which the teachers of the
various classes should take an active part, so as to render them both
interesting and instructive; and where the "work-people enjoy the
Saturday half-holiday, it will be found very agreeable to arrange short
excursions into the country, which the teachers of the geology, chemistry, and natural-history classes may render additionally attractive.
8. Wherever practicable, women's classes should be established.
The experience of these classes at the People's College, Sheffield, is
very encouraging.
In Salford, a lady, the wife of one of the honorary teachers, most
efficiently and satisfactorily taught the elocution class, consisting of
upwards of 20 men, from T8 to 50 years of age, for four months,

12

Working Men's Colleges.

during the interval arising from the removal from town of the regular
teacher and the appointment of his successor.
9. Lectures either weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, should be delivered by the teachers and friends of the college during the winter
months, on the evening of Saturday, or some other clay, so as not t>
interfere with any of the classes.,
10. A common hall and reading-room should, if possible, be provided, where the students can have coffee, &c, at a reasonable rate.
In conclusion, it is hoped that the suggestions now made, in this
fragmentary contribution to our experience in the establishment
and successful management of Working Men's Colleges, may lessen
the difficulties, and in some degree afford encouragement to the efforts
of those who may be induced to aid in the dissemination of the blessings of education amongst the classes who have hitherto been unable
to acquire these inestimable privileges.

THE EM>.

Savill and Edwards, Printers, Cbandos-stfeetj Co vent Gfardefai