Sir John Kirk

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1870: The Princess of Wales' Dinner

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In 1870, John Kirk, already the Secretary of the Ragged School Union, attended the Princess of Wales' Dinner, held to draw attention to the impoverished of London.

An account of this dinner was published in "A Looker On in London", written by Mary H. Krout and published in 1899. The complete publication can be found at The Victorian Dictionary --an invaluable and fascinating web-site compiled by Lee Jackson, whose assistance and advice has been most helpful.

Victorian London - Publications - Social Investigation/Journalism - A Looker-On in London, by Mary H. Krout, 1899 - Chapter 25 - The Princess of Wales' Dinner

CHAPTER XXV

THE PRINCESS OF WALES' DINNER

THE Princess of Wales, who, it is said had never been very actively interested in philanthropic or charitable enterprises, proposed that one feature of the Jubilee celebration should be a dinner given in various quarters of London to the mendicant poor. All sorts of dire evils were prophesied - the gathering of beggars and criminals from all parts of the kingdom; the great difficulties with which the police would have to contend, their endurance and intelligence already taxed to the utmost with the greatly increased difficulties of their duties throughout Jubilee week. Then it was urged that it would he a foolish expenditure of money - a dinner that would be eaten in a few moments, the cost of which would furnish the poor with supplies of necessaries that would last them many days. Various plans, however, were presented, amended and altered, until the anticipated difficulties were successfully overcome and no apprehension of failure remained. Instead of one great dinner, it was wisely decided that there should be many; each under the management of some well organized society accustomed to dealing with the poor; especially with those in the East End, although the charity was not to be confined to that district. Seven hundred were fed in Central Hall, Holborn; 400 at Clerkenwell road; 1,000 at Northampton Institute; 1,000 at St. Martin's Town Hall; 1,000 at Assembly Hall, Mile End road; 6,000 were feasted at dinners held in Spitalfields; 10,000 in the mission and parish schools of Islington; 600 indigent blind at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars road. In West Ham, the rule was varied, and, instead of a dinner 10,000 were each given a half crown, which bought bread, meat and vegetables that the recipients were able to take home and share with their families.

In many places the tables were spread and the guests were painstakingly served; in others, each man and woman was handed a paper bag containing bread, meat, cheese and fruit. But the benefaction was not confined to adults; children were included in the feast and they were certainly the most deserving, because they were helpless and unaccountable for their ignorance, poverty and misery. With other great undertakings, the Ragged School Union had consented to provide for 1,000 crippled children, as their part in the expenditure of what was called "the Princess of Wales Jubilee Fund." The children most needy and deserving had been carefully looked out by the district visitors attached to the Union; alphabetical lists prepared, giving the name and residence of each one of the fortunate thousand. Upon the teachers and visitors also devolved, in many instances, the duty of seeing to it that the little cripples were clean and properly clad. For this reason, when they appeared at the dinner, they did not seem half so miserable and neglected as might have been expected; very few were ragged, for the clothes given them had been carefully mended, and even those who suffered most keenly were, for the moment, gladdened and comforted.

Through the courtesy of the Lord Mayor, Sir Faudel Philips, and Mr. John Kirk, the Secretary of the Ragged School Union, I received a card to the dinner given the crippled children in Queen's Hall, People's Palace, Mile End road. The card was quite formal and artistic, the border and vignette portrait of the Queen in gold, with gold and scarlet lettering.

The morning was oppressively hot, the sun blazing in a cloudless sky, and the long journey by the underground railway, in an atmosphere stifling with smoke and gas, was like a descent into the Inferno. I had anticipated some difficulty in making my way through unsavory and ill- smelling crowds, which it might reasonably be expected would assemble in Mile End road. But the poor cannot indulge too frequently in holidays, and shops were open, people were occupied as usual, and there was nowhere any indication that any unusual event was pending. Many of the decorations of Tuesday still remained; flags, portraits, and loyal mottoes and paper flowers, gaudy and profuse.

Approaching the People's Palace the cripples began to appear; first, a stout, panting woman in a heavy black woolen dress climbed up the steps of the tram, carrying with difficulty a little girl of ten; she held the card of admission in one coarse rough hand, the nails black and broken, and the other the child kissed repeatedly in her delight; two girls, rather larger than this child, on heavy, awkward crutches, were helped in at the next crossing, with three at the next, until the seats were full; all were bound to the banquet.

At the entrance of the palace there was some excitement, though still no crowd; but two detachments of police were drawn up in line on either side of the gate, and an officer on horseback rode to and fro, keeping the wide road free of traffic. Then great vans rolled up, one after another, and out of these, children, big and little, sad and gay, laughing and sighing, were tenderly lifted; others were wheeled in ugly perambulators of wood or wicker, such as are used by the poor, and from these also the little guests were carried through the entrance and the wagons pushed to one side.

The guests who had been permitted to look on were asked to sit upon the platform, but, being unaware of this. I went up into the gallery, which encircled three sides of the great hall. From there the view was excellent, and I sat amongst the people, the mothers and relatives of the children, and listened to their conversation which proved to be deeply interesting.

At one end of the hall a large carpeted platform was hung with crimson cloth and decorated with plants; to the left, doors opened into a conservatory, or winter garden, which extended the entire length of the building. Twenty tables had been spread in the main body of the hall, each capable of seating fifty children, twenty-five on each side. These tables were divided into groups intersected at right angles by an aisle through which the helpers passed to and fro; the tables were covered with a white cloth and decorated with flowers, and at each place was a knife, fork and spoon, an orange and glass of bright yellow lemonade. The waiters who had volunteered their services wore a white band around the right arm by which they might be distinguished, and the officers of the school a purple ribbon lettered in gold. Both young men and young women served as waiters, the latter bright eyed and rosy cheeked, in white caps and aprons.

As the children arrived they were at once assigned their places at the table, some of them carried in the arms of men; one poor tired, feeble looking woman brought a little girl of eleven who had lost a foot. The maimed child had a face of angelic sweetness and beauty which was partially hidden by a vail of fair, silken hair. Three could not be removed from their wheeled chairs and sat in them throughout the dinner; there were poor, thin wasted bodies, deformed and crooked legs, shapeless feet, hunchbacks; and one wan face looked up from a hideous protruding breast ;a child of twelve held in her lap a limp little form, with a pretty face, a tangle of soft curly brown hair, and brown eyes that followed hungrily the kind, sisterly hands that ceaselessly ministered to its comfort; it was a tiny infant, apparently, deaf and dumb and with no power of lifting its head. Beside me sat a woman in a shabby black gown, who had with her a bright little boy of four, well and neatly dressed; evidently all that she could scrape together had been spent on the child. The mother talked to me, very timidly at first, and then more readily and with less embarrassment. The little girl with the imbecile child had her especial sympathy, and she said, "That pore little girl takes care of 'im all the time; she don't never go nowheres without 'im. She taikes 'im to the cripples' school. E doesn't know anythink at all, but the little girl's as kind. 'E looks loike a babby, but e's five years old."

The attendants and nurses were kind and watchful and wonderfully efficient - two virtues that are not always found, combined; the poor little people were spoken to very gently and their suffering bodies were carried very tenderly. One of the most sympathetic and cheerful of the helpers was a high dignitary with a purple ribbon around his sleeve, and as usually happens, his subordinates readily followed his example.

At the head of each group of tables, cards had been posted with large white letters on a red ground, "A," "B," "C," "D," and so on ; and side tables were heaped with hot plates, immense smoking joints and basins of steaming potatoes with gravy, over which presided a ruddy-faced cook. It was understood that this was not to be the usual mission-school tea; the food was substantial and there was plenty of it. The menu consisted of bread, roast beef, with two vegetables, jelly, pastry, lemonade and an orange for each child. For this one dinner 600 pounds of the best beef had been furnished, half a ton of potatoes, bushels of tarts, gallons of jam and marmalade, 2,000 apples and 3,400 oranges.

There were many vacant places - children who, at the last moment it was found, were unable to come; but even these were not forgotten; their dinner was sent to them. The bread was passed first, and laid upon the cloth; if the children were hungry they knew how to wait patiently, and not one touched the thick slice until the signal to begin was given. Even after the first were seated, relays of guests kept arriving, carried in their parents' arms, swinging in on their crutches, tottering and reeling in torturing braces; a child of seven walked painfully between two black-gowned nurses; a little boy bent and twisted with some cruel spinal ailment, rested his white cheek against his mother's bosom, tranquil and contented, and, for the time, happy. It was the most pathetic sight I had ever witnessed, and none but a heart of stone could have looked upon it unmoved. There was not a child in that great multitude who was not racked with pain, and there was not one that did not bear its suffering submissively and uncomplainingly. They had been disciplined in poverty's stern school of endurance and they had acquired the fortitude of heroism. With the first note of the organ voluntary Lord Compton, now the Marquis of Northampton, the chairman of the Ragged School Union, and his assistants hastened from the platform to the door, to welcome some mysterious visitors of whose arrival only they had been notified. Two lines were formed, the staff, the teachers and nurses on either hand; and then, after a moment's delay the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Victoria, Prince and Princess Charles of Denmark, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, entered the hall. This explained the police detail. The royal visit had been kept a secret, and the children were quite taken by surprise and of course they were delighted. Such a cheer as they gave! for they recognized the royal visitors immediately. The most demonstrative were two lads who stood upon their chairs, as did all who could accomplish such a feat; one was in his shirt sleeves which was very much soiled, the other wore a man's overcoat that touched his heels and he held his battered cap under one arm; they were the only noticeably untidy children present.

As they entered the hall the Prince and Princess of Wales looked about them in wonderment; their first expression was one of smiling amiability, but as they observed the suffering, distorted and stunted little figures more closely they were moved with profound sympathy.

The Princess of Wales was very charming; she wore a pretty gown of white and lilac, with lilac gloves and bonnet, and she must have appeared quite like the Princess of their ideal to the imaginative children. The Princesses, her daughters, were also in pretty, simple summer toilettes.

The Lord Mayor, Sir Faudel Phillips, who received the Jubilee honor of a baronetcy, wore the great jeweled badge of his office and the purple ribbon across his breast; the Lady Mayoress was in deep mourning.

When the Royal party had ascended the platform "God Save the Queen" was sung standing-or at least by those who were able to stand; then two little girls, in the neat blue uniform of the school, stepped forward and presented the Princess of Wales and the Lady Mayoress each with a bouquet. As the Princess stooped to receive the flowers with her usual gracious smile, one of the little maids was so overcome with emotion or timidity that she burst into tears, and the kind Princess comforted her with a few, gentle reassuring words. Behind me stood a haggard, melancholy woman and as she saw the weeping child, she wiped away the tears of sympathy that streamed down her hollow cheek. A brief speech was made by Lord Compton, who dwelt upon the interest that the Prince and Prificess of Wales had manifested in all good works; he referred to the Royal Hospital Fund of which the Prince of Wales was a liberal patron, and the Jubilee Dinner Fund which the Princess of Wales had instituted and which would enable the poor of London to feast as they had never feasted before; making the day one long to be remembered. The Prince of Wales replied, his agreeable, well-modulated voice, with its distinct enunciation being clearly audible in every part of the hall, and the children listened with the most profound attention. He said, addressing the chairman:

"The Princess begs me to thank you for your very kind words. As you are well aware the Princess is most anxious to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee by some act of philanthropy on her part, and she thought that by giving a feast in the poorest parts of the metropolis, it might make a remembrance in the days to come. We are glad to come here to see the members of the Ragged School Union. We are glad to see so many bright faces, though some are sick and hungry. It has given us great pleasure to come here to take part in this great ceremony; and before the children sit down I will call for three cheers for the Queen." The Prince, himself, gave the signal, waving his hat as he stepped a little closer to the front of the platform and the cheers were given with a will. Then he smiled good-humoredly and said:

"Now begin."

Knives and forks were seized, the plates were set before the children heaped with smoking beef and vegetables. There was no display of greed or hurry, hungry as most of the children must have been; considering who and what they were, their good behavior was remarkable.

The speech-making over, the Royal party descended the platform and walked about amongst the children. The Prince of Wales escorted by Lord Compton paused at the first table, patted one child on the head asked some amused question about the lemonade and then drank from the glass that was handed to him to inspect. This delighted the children beyond words, and they laughed and applauded rapturously - laughter in which His Royal Highness joined very heartily. The Prince of Wales is said to be one of the greatest connoisseurs of wine in Europe and if the democratic beverage proved unpalatable, he drank it and made no sign. Presently he approached the child who was holding the imbecile baby; his face grew grave, and he paused beside her chair and spoke to her kindly and seriously, and the little mother looked up at him fearlessly and honestly, too simple or careworn to feel awed or abashed.

In the meantime, the Princess with her daughters, the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were also walking about; and her Royal Highness frequently paused here, and there, speaking a word of encouragement and approval, neither patronizing nor indifferent, but touched, as any warm-hearted woman must have been, by that sight of suffering childhood.

There were two aspects in the meeting of these extremes - royalty born to the purple and these representatives of the East End poor. On the one hand, the simple and unassuming demeanor of the royal visitors, their unaffected simplicity and kindness explained the profound loyalty of the common people toward their rulers. In the manner of the Prince of Wales, whose hereditary place and honors were secure, there was nothing of the political aspirant bidding for the support of a constituency, nor was there the coldness and superciliousness, and the plainly indicated impatience to take his leave as soon as possible,~ which may be seen, on occasion, among the nouveau riche who play at philanthropy in my own democratic country. On the other hand, there was something fine in the self- respecting dignity with which both the mothers and children who were addressed received the attention of the Prince and Princess. As they passed out of the hall some elegantly dressed women of the middle class made the lowest obeisance; but the humbler women in their serge gowns stood erect, and looked royalty straight in the face; and answered the questions addressed to them respectfully, but without hesitation or confusion, and with an independence that does not flourish always in the atmosphere of Mayfair or Belgravia. I had seen ladies of high degree almost kneel in the dust, and Americans even surpassing these high-born toadies in the excess of their self-abasement. But these poor women, their hands hardened by toil, forgot the rank and title of their future King and Queen and recognized only the man, the woman, the friend.

When the Royal party had departed the serious business of the day - eating the dinner - was begun in earnest. The plates were speedily emptied, but here and there was a nervous, highly-wrought child too much overcome by all the excitement, or too ill to eat; and before such the food remained untouched.

At the close grace was said, the doxology was sung, and when the plates were removed a programme of music and calisthenics was given by the pupils of the school, for the entertainment of the children, the, gymnasts being strong, active and well-trained girls.

Altogether, the Jubilee dinners, both at the People's Palace and throughout London, were most successful, and, had the day brought nothing more than a happy respite, a few brief hours of pleasure and satisfaction to those thousand crippled children, it must have more than repaid the men and women who had expended the Princess of Wales' Fund with such wisdom and impartiality.

1907: John Kirk Receives His Knighthood

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On Thursday May 23rd, 1907, at the behest of many including the Mayor of London, John Kirk received a knighthood from King Edward VII to commemorate his 40 years of service to the underprivileged classes. He knew nothing of this honour, thinking he was only being invited to meet with the King at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Ragged School Union.

His response to this honour was as follows:

(reprinted from pp. 117 - 119 of "Sir John Kirk: His Life Story"; written by David Williamson and published by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. in 1922)

"When, at the end of 1906, I learned that a testimonial was on foot, I endeavoured to hinder its progress, but was overborne. When asked, in connection therewith, what would give me the greatest pleasure, I admit expressing the though that if His Majesty would honour the Ragged School Union by giving an audience to my unworthy self I should deem that to be the crowning incident of my life. The fact that this favour had already been accorded to General Booth, and also to Prebendary Carlisle, of the Church Army, prompted the suggestion.

Six months later I learned that, through the kind agency of friends who had approached the King, His Majesty would command my attendance at Buckingham Palace on his return from the Mediterranean. Subsequently, the visit was fixed for Thursday, May 23, 1907, at midday, and I received a note from the Marquis of Northampton, President of the Ragged School Union, saying that he had been requested by His Majesty to accompany me to the Palace and introduce me.

I am only a plain man, and, though I had had the honour of an introduction to His Majesty when as Prince of Wales he attended a Diamond Jubilee dinner at the People's Palace, I confess to a quickened beating of the heart when we were ushered into the King's presence. But King Edward has a gracious manner which put me entirely at ease as he shook hands with me, said he remembered the Queen's Hall of the People's Palace very well, inquired as to the operations of the Society, and then amazed me by saying he wished to make me a knight.

Had the room opened with an earthquake shock, I should not have been more astonished. My first impulse was to refuse this proffered distinction courteously but firmly. This seemed rather to amuse His Majesty who turned to the Marquis. Our President urged me to accept the honour, and His Majesty added that he conferred it at the special request of the Prime Minister, then Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. There was no interval for consideration and, with the chief though that the honour to myself would be regarded as a compliment to the Society to which I have devoted so many years, as also to my fellow-workers amongst the little ones, I consented.

Touching a bell, the King spoke to an equerry. A sword was brought, I was commanded to kneel, and, lightly touching my shoulders, he said 'Rise, Sir John!' Then he cordially shook my hand, said he hoped Lady Kirk would be pleased, and in a few more minutes the never-to-be-forgotten interview ended."

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The honours continued on the 24th when a special testimonial was held in Sir John's honour (an event that had been scheduled independently of the knighthood and had to be rescheduled due to the King's honour). In a speech given on the 24th, Mr. W. J. Orsman, the secretary of the committee formed to oversee this event, shows Sir John's efforts were not limited to London; his influence was felt by people around the globe.

(reprinted from pp. 184 - 187 of "Sir John Kirk: The Children's Friend "; written by John Stuart and published by S. W. Partridge and Co. in 1907)

"My Lord Mayor, My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, -

The most remarkable feature of this Testimonial is its spontaneity. It has been in no sense manufactured, nor has any sort of pressure -moral or otherwise- been exerted to induce the flow of contributions which results in the substantial cheque to be handed to Sir John Kirk this afternoon.

Last autumn the R.S.U. Council found that isolated attempts were being made to show the regard of friends for their leader and co-worker; but the Council thought it better that one united effort should be made. And because I and my dear friend have been associated in good works for more than forty years, I had the honour of being asked to become the Honorary Secretary of this movement. It has proved -if a little arduous- one of the most delightful experiences of my life. From the very first interview with the Lord Mayor -whose help throughout has been so sympathetic and unstinted -down to this crowning demonstration, even I accustomed as I am to the affectionate regard bestowed upon our Secretary -even I have been amazed at the imensity of esteem revealed by the thousands of communicaions I have received, many of which are mounted in this album. Even before any public appeal was made, letters and cheques arrived from some whose names are unknown to me.

Since then, they have streaed in from every district of London, from almost every county in England, rom remote villages in Wales, from North Britain, and from Ireland, from many friends in the West Indies and South Africa. Some have arrived from France and Germany; one lady in Moscow sent £20; Sir Victor Drummond, just before his death, sent £5 from Munich -all proving that distance is no barrier to continued interest in our Secretary's work. The amounts sent have been as various as the givers. We have not sought large sums, and were as glad of 'sixpence from a Ragged School teacher,' or scholar, sent anonymously, as of the cheques that came to hand.

The last counterfoil on my receipt books shows the number 2050, accounting for as many donations. But nearly a hundred of these represent groups of subscribers. Sixty or seventy of the affiliated Missions of the R.S.U. sent remittances through their secretaries, and thus the great army of their voluntary teachers, recruited mainly from the humbler classes, were able to tender their modest shillings. The Ladies' Auxiliary of the R.S.U., and the Guild of the Good Samaritan, also combined their gifts.

It would take hours to read the encouraging words of my correspondents. The burden of many was a wish that their gifts could have been more commensurate with their feelings of affection. One says: 'I have always regarded Mr. Kirk as something far beyond an official.' Our friend, the Hon. Lionel Ashley, son of the good Earl of Shaftesbury, wrote: ' The value of his work is beyond words.' We have also received a cablegram from 'Uncle Harry' of hte Adelaide Observer, conveying the congratulations of 13, 000 members of the Sunbeam Society, of South Australia; and a letter, just to hand, encloses a substantial donation. Clergymen of many denominations, politicians, social reformers, and business men have accompanied their gifts with the most generous tributes of admiration.

Archdeacon Sinclair intended being here to-day, but is out of town. The Rev. F. B. Meyer is in Rome; Pastor Thomas Spurgeon is ill; Dr. Clifford thinks it most fitting to recognise the 'wise, laborious, self-sacrificing, and devoted services' of our friend; Dr. Oswald Dykes speaks of 'his long and self-denying labours.' Rev. C. H. Kelly writes that 'Mr. Kirk has rendered valuable services to the rescue and training of the childrern'; Dr. J. B. Paton says: 'His abounding and devoted services on behalf of the poorest children of our country have always commanded my grateful admiration.' We are reminded of one of Mr. Kirk's most appreciative friends in Mr. W. Burdett-Coutts' remark: 'I am quite sure that the Baroness, if she could speak, would add her voice in the same sense, and use her efforts in the same direction.'

It has also been gratifying to receive a warmly-written letter from Mr. Emanuel Barnett, of Aldgate, who calls attention to our friend's thoughtful treatment of Jewish children. He sends a donation 'in honour of a gentleman whose humanity and philanthropy know no creed.'

By his gracious courtesy in receiving Mr. Kirk yesterda at Buckingham Palace, and by the distinguised honour which he has paid to our Secretary, and through him to the whole world of philanthropy, the King in a very real sense participates in to-day's auspicious event, and H.R.H. the Princess Christian, who sent a letter of cordial symathy at the inauguration of this movement, would have been present here but for an important engagement. Lord Kinnaird, my oldest colleague on the R.S.U. Council, is in Scotland, filling the onerous duties of his new post as Lord High Commissioner. The thoughts of one venerable clergyman are with us this afternoon -the Rev. Peter Lilly, of Collaton, in Devon, with whom John Kirk spent part of his boyhood. His eighty years forbade the long journey to town.

It is four months since the meeting which set the Testimonial on foot was held in the Lord Mayor's parlour. Repeatedly since then the Committee has met at the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor making time, amid his man duties, to preside. The Committee, guided by numerous suggestions of subscribers, felt that the wisest disposition of the Fund was to hand over practically the entire amount. After defraying the cost of the oil paintings by Mr. William Rainey, R.I. and gifts to Mrs. Kirk, we are able to write a cheque for £2000. Perhaps I may add that all the printing and postage expenses of the Fund have been defrayed by the Ragged School Union.

I think, too, we may reagrd ourselves as fortunate that, having four years ago begun a biography of Mr. Kirk, our friend, Mr. John Stuart -one of the most active members of our Committee- was able to complete it at Easter. We congratulate Messrs. S. W. Partridge & Co. on its production, and are all glad, not only that Princess Christian allowed the book to be dedicated to Her Royal Highness, but that this week His Majesty the King has graciously accepted a copy from the author.

I should like, also, to pay tribute to our friend Mr. H. E. Montague, who has illumiated the Address in album form con amore; and to thank Mr. A. H. Ward, the Accountant of the R.S.U., for the ceaseless and intelligent assistance he has rendered to the Testimonial Committee.

I am sure I voice the feelings of my colleagues on the R.S.U. Council, and ideed the sentiments of all present here, when I say that this tribute we ay is not merely gratitude for the past, but a sense of favours to come, and that we all cordially desire for our Secretary long years of active service and suggestive counsel.

For myself, who have worked so long and so closely with my dear friend, John Kirk, I can only say, in conclusion, that it is an intense joy to me to have piloted the barque of this recognition of his beneficent career into the magnificent haven of the demonstration of to-day."

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Sir John also presented a speech, thanking everyone for their high esteem. Careful reading uncovers a delightfully dry and self-deprecating wit.

(reprinted from pp. 187 - 189 of "Sir John Kirk: The Children's Friend "; written by John Stuart and published by S. W. Partridge and Co. in 1907)

"My Lord Mayor, My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, -

It was a severe ordeal yesterday to stand before His Majesty the King and to hear his kindly, gracious words of appreciation. It was still more trying to kneel before him, and to feel the ominous tap of the knightly sword. But I do not know whether my present task of endeavouring to express my sense of indebtedness to you all is not even more difficult. To be the central figure of this influential gathering, to hear so many words of praise, and to be the recipient of such generous tokens of affection and regard, is a signal honour of which I feel most unworthy, and which I feel powerless to acknowledge in fitting and adequate terms. But the fact that I am surrounded by friends who will sympathise with me, and not expect the impossible, is a source of inspiration and help. I pity the man who could stand here as I do and not be moved to his inmost depths, and in need of the greatest self-control over his emotions.

It is cheering to me to know that this National Testimonial is not a salve for wounded feelings, nor of the nature of restitution for past neglect (for I hae ever had a most indulgent and considerate Council), nor is it -as I am glad to be assured- a gentle hint that the time has come for me to make room for a better man. No, I am not retiring; but hope, by God's goodness, to be able to work on in the cause of the dear children for at least some years to come; though, with a record of sixty years of life behind, it is obvious that the allotted time cannot be indefinitely prolonged.

May I say that the alue of your all too generous recognition is greatly enhanced by associating my dear wife with the Testimonial? She is in every way worthy. For many years she was most active as Honorary Superintendent of what is now known as the Barefoot Mission of the Ragged School Union, and always passively helping by allowing me to be free for outside service. It has been well said that a man must ask his wife's permission to succeed in life, and good it is, as in my case, where the wife is the true helpmeet of the husband.

But in all humility and sincerity would I say, 'God be praised! for from Him alone cometh every good and perfect gift.' As Lord Shaftesbury said on a similar occasion in the Guildhall -'What hast thou thou didst not receive?' I should be a traitor to my deepest convictions if I did not thus at the outset ackowledge the good hand of God which has been with and upon me all through life, and I would bear my humble testimony to the faithfulness of His declaration that 'Them that honour Me I will honour.'

Need I say how much I feel the kindness of His Majesty the King in so graciously signalising the beneficent work of the R.S.U. by granting an audience to its President and its Secretary yesterday, and, to my very great surprise, conferring honours on me which I cannot even yet fully realise? Never in his wildest dreams did the orphan lad, who forty-four years ago changed omnibuses at the corner of Princess Street opposite, on coming to London, think such distinction would be his, or such a gathering would ever be possible in this historic hall. I rejoice that there is present to-day the dear friend, Mrs. Savage, who gave me my first motherly greeting that memorable July day in 1863.

I must add how greatly I appreciate your personal kindness, Lord Northampton, though you are much too generous in estimating my humble labours in a cause you have so much at heart, as the honoured President of the R.S.U., a position Lord Shaftesbury declared he would rather occupy than be President of the Royal Academy.

To you, my Lord Mayor, I feel that I owe a debt I can never repay. We are all glad to remember you as the Children's Lord Mayor, and it was quite in keeping with the fitness of things that the R.S.U. should be thus publicly honoured by the City during your year of office.

To Mr. Pearson and his great work with Pearson's Fresh Air Fund, by means of which nearly two million children have enjoyed a day's holiday in the country, I owe more than I can say. I have yet to learn all that the success of this Testimonial owes to his enthusiasm and generosity.

I thank also Mr. H. E. Montague for the beautiful Album, a work of art which I shall cherish as the clever production of a friend and co-worker.

To my old firend Mr. Orsman -who has acted as Honorary Secretary of the Fund, with the voluntary assistance of Mr. John Stuart and my loyal lieutenant, Mr. A. H. Ward- I tender my grateful acknowledgments. My wife and I will value the Portrait, the Clock, the Address, and the substantial cheque very much indeed, and they will all serve to remind us of the most important event in our lives, if such a reminder were necessary, and they will be cherished, I hope, by our children for years to come.

Above all we shall prize the kindly messages, the expressions of affection and esteem from all sides and from friends all over the world. Time would fail me to mention a tithe of the names, but I mus make one or two further references. It was perhaps to be expected that the members of the Office Staff would desire some share in this Testimonial -and the workers and children of our Schools, Cripple Parlours, Holiday Homes, and the Local Committees.

May I say how kind the Press has been about the whole affair? and that I thus publicly acknowledge, and with a grateful heart, the share it has had in the success of to-day.

Above all, I do not forget that underlying the whole effort there has been the consciousness that I represent, however unworthily, a Christ-like movement which has been and stiill is of enormous benefit to the whole community. The Ragged School Union is practically a living monument of the life and work of the late Lord Shaftesbury, and to have his honoured son present with us is on the lines of historic continuity.

To the Society may be traced the genesis of Free Education -of the system of Emigration, the great Industrial School system, the origin of Shoeblack Brigades, of Mother's Meetings, of Children's Breakfasts and Dinners, to say nothing of 'Days in the Country,' 'Fortnightly Holidays,' etc.

I would plead, in conclusion, earnestly for the young life of the leisured classes to give themselves more fully to the uplifting of their less favoured brothers and sisters. The call of the times is for the service of all who love their country and their God, and who desire to see the feet of the poor children placed firmly upon the 'nonslipping steps' of industry, sobriety, and God-fearing citizenship. To borrow a figure from our Tube stations, who will be the 'lift-man,' in Christ's Name, to raise thousands more of the poor children of our cities into the more ample space, the higher life, and the fresh air and sunshine of God's favour and love?"

1907: Newspaper Accounts

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The following newspaper articles were written in response to Sir John's Kirk's knighthood.

From:
The Daily Graphic: Saturday May 25th, 1907

An Honour to the Ragged School Union

The knighthood conferred yesterday upon Mr. John Kirk is an honour earned by forty years' work in connection with an organisation which has rescued thousands of bos and girls from lives of misery and crime. It could not have been better won. Sir John was only sixteen when he began to give his life to furthering the well-being of the children of the slums. Legislation has done much to better the lives of submerged children since the earlier years of Sir John's connection with the union. Yet the work of the organisation has consistently extended under the direction of its secretary, and is written to-day in the thousands of lives that it has sought out, befriended, and uplifted. The honour done to Sir John Kirk is one that will bring him the warmest congratulations from every side, and it is, moreover, a mark -if mark were needed- of the deep interest taken by the King in the Ragged School Union's noble work.

Sir John Kirk
The King and Ragged Schools
An Intersting Audience

Mr. John Kirk, the secretary of the Ragged School Union, celebrated the fortieth year of his work in that capacity yesterday, and received the honour of an audience with the King at Buckingham Palace and was then and there knighted.

Lord Northampton and Mr. Kirk arrived at the Palace at eleven o'clock, and the interview lasted for about half an hour. His Majesty heartily congratulated Mr. Kirk on the magnificent results of his efforts in connection with the institution, and convrsed at length with him respecting the progress of the work. The King expressed the warmest sympathy and good wishes. At the conclusion of the interview His Majesty conferred the honour of knighthood upon Mr. Kirk.

The new knight, in a statement regarding his interview with the King, said:

'Following on a previous letter that His Majesty wished to personally congratulate me I had an intimation a few days ago from our president, Lord Northampton, that he was commanded to introduce me to the King at Buckingham Palace just before eleven o'clock yesterday morning. I called accordingly at Lennox Gardens this morning, when a hansom cab brought us to Buckingham Palace just before eleven o'clock. We were shown into a waiting-room, where we stayed for some minutes, when presently we were led ustairs into what was evidently a sort of business working room. We were then ushered into the presence of the King, who was standing to receive us. He shook hands heartily, making us feel quite at ease, and at once expressed his appreciation of the wreat work of the Ragged School Union. He well remembered, he said, how much interested both he and the Queen were at the dinner given to the crippled children ten years ago in the Queen's Hall of the People's Palace, where he met me. He was also aware of what was being done to-morrow in the way of the national testimonial, and he heartily congratulated me on my forty years' service. He was very much interested in the work of the society, and said he knew what an influence it had been among thousands of children, and to show his appreciation of what had been done and to signalise my forty years' continuous service he wished to make me a knight. He added that it was also the particular wish of the Prime Minister that this honour should be conferred, I manifested some reluctance, but was urged by Lord Northampton that the favour and kindness should be accepted, whereupon His Majesty rang a bell, called for a sword and bade me kneel down. I then felt a distinct tap on each shoulder and was bidden to rise as 'Sir John Kirk,' receiving a hearty grip of the hand and His Majesty's warmest congratulations. He also desired his congratulations to be given to Lady Kirk, and we then quietly retired, with His Majesty's good wishes for my future service.'

In an interview subsequently with a Press representative Sir John Kirk said, ' I certainly should not have taken the honour if I had known of it beforehand. I had not the slightest idea that His Majesty would confer so great an honour upon me. I hae found out since that Lord Northampton did know of it, but he kept it secret. It is an indication of the tendency of the age to recognise the work of those who strive for the social well-being of the masses. Until this testimonial was being raised I never imagined I had so many friends in the world; but during the last few weeks I have received hundreds of letters from people I had never heard of, all writing in a ost flattering and friendly way, and I am led to understand that the monetary part of the testimonial amounts to over £2000. I particularly wish to emphasise that I am not retiring from my work, as has been stated in some papers. I am simply celebrating the fortieth year of my labours, and this audience with His Majesty and the testimonial to-morrow are recognitions of those forty years' work.

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From:
The Times: Saturday May 25th, 1907

Ragged School Union
Presentation To Sir John Kirk

At the Mansion-House yesterday afternoon, Sir John Kirk was presented with his portrait in oils, a cheque for £2000, and an illuminated address, in recognition of his long and valuable services in connexion with the Ragged School Union. The LORD MAYOR (Alderman Sir William Treloar) presided, and among those on the platform were Lord Northampton (president of the Ragged School Union), Lord Frederick FitzRoy, the Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Sir G. Faudel Phillips, Mr. Evan Spicer, L.C.C., Mr. Sheriff Dunn, Canon Horsley, the Rev. J. Scott Lidgett, Mr. Raymond Blathwayt, Mr. C. Arthur Pearson, Sir J. Tyler, Professor Garvie, Dr. Garnett, Mr. J.R. Diggle, Mr. F. A. Bevan, and Mr. F. Warman. The Egytian-hall, in which the proceedings took place, was crowded with the workers and supporters of the movement.

Mr. W. J. Orsman (hon. secretary of the committee), in the course of a statement, said that the most remarkable feature of the testimonial was its spontaneity. It had been in no sense manufactured, nor had any sort of pressure -moral or other- been exerted to obtain contributions. Accustomed, as he was, to the affectionate regard bestowed upon their secretary, he had been amazed at the immensity of the esteem revealed by the thousands of communications which he had received. Even before any puplic appeal was made, letters and cheques arrived from some whose names were unknown to him, and they had since streamed in from almost every county in England, from remote villages in Wales, from North Britain, from Ireland, and from many friends abroad. The last counterfoil on his receipt-book showed the number 2,030, accounting for as many donations, but nearly 100 of these represented groups of subscribers. By his gracious courtesy in receiving Mr. Kirk at Buckingham Palace, and by the distinguished honour which he had paid to their secretary, and through him to the whole world of philanthropy, the King in a very real sense participated in that day's auspicious event (cheers); and Princess Christian, who sent a letter of cordial sympathy at the inauguration of this movement, would have been present but for an important engagement. (Cheers.)

The LORD MAYOR then read a telegram from the Council of the Sunday School Union, representing 240,000 Sunday school teachers and 2,500,000 Sunday scholars, sincerely congratulating Sir John Kirk upon the recognition of the great services he has rendered to poor and afflicted children. A telegram of congratulation was also announced from the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.

LORD NORTHAMPTON, in making the presentation, said that they were anxious to do honour to Sir John Kirk, because they felt that his life had been spent in Christian activity, and especially because, for the longest part of his life, he had devoted himself wholeheartedly and unselfishly to the service of the poorest and the suffering children of this great city. (Cheers.) He had always faithfully discharged his duty, and his work, done with a modesty which he (the speaker) had never et with in any other person, had received its reward, against his own inclination no doubt, but to the intense pleasure of his friends, at the hands of his Majesty. (Cheers.) It was no secret now that, even at the eleventh hour, their friend tried to evade the honour that was to be conferred upon him. It had wisely been settled that there should be beside him one person who was perfectly determined that he should not evade that honour (laughter); and he was glad to believe that, when the honour was accepted at last, it was accepted because he felt that it was not only a distinction given to a man worthy of it, but also an honour to all engaged in religious and philanthropic work. He wished to assure their friend John Kirk -for they would always remember him as John Kirk without the 'Sir'- and also Lady Kirk (cheers), who had been a splendid help to her husband, of their deepest affection for them both, and of their recognition of the strenuous and self-denying service which they had rendered during so many years. (Cheers.) He then formally made the presentation, and referring to the cheque for £2000, said Sir John Kirk could accept this not as a gift of money, but as a gift of love from thousands of his co-workers and friends. (Cheers.) They knew that they were not saying good-bye to him by any means. (Hear, hear.) His Majesty, with the tact which he always showed, when Mr. Kirk said that he felt he could not accept the honour of knighthood, replied that it would be an additional impetus to the good work which he had been doing and would, perhaps, enable him to do even more in the future than he had done in the past. (Cheers.) They all thanked their secretary from their hearts for wat he had done, and they wished him the best blessngs that God could bestow upon him and his wife and family.

The portrait, which has been painted in oils by Mr. William Rainey, R.I., is to be hung in the council-room of the Ragged School Union at 32, John-street. The address, which has been designed and illuminated by Mr. H. E. Montague, consists of four folio leaves mounted on thick board. Among the illustrations are Kegworth Church (Sir John being a native of the village of Kegworth), Arthur's Holiday Home at Bognor, Sir John Kirk at his desk, and portraits of the late Lord Shaftesbury, the late Baroness Burdett-Coutts, Lord Northampton, and the Lord Mayor. The signatures of the members of the testimonial committee are also attached.

The LADY MAYORESS, at the request of the Rev. J. Reid Howatt, next presented Lady Kirk with a replica of the portrait of Sir John and a drawing-room clock, with Westminster chimes.

SIR JOHN KIRK, who was received with loud cheers on rising to reply, first reaad some congratulatory messages which he had received while in the hall, including a post-card from Italy 'with sincere congratulations from an old Garibaldian volunteer.' Continuing, he expressed his thanks for their kind recognition of his work, and said that the value of that recognition was greatly enhanced by the fact that his wife was associated with him in the testimonial. Need he say how much he felt the kindness of his Majesty in so graciously signalizing the beneficent work of the Ragged School Union by granting an audience to its president and secretary, and, to his very great surprise, conferring an honour on himself which he could not even yet fully realize? (Cheers.) Never in his wildest dreams did the orphan lad who, 44 years ago, changed omnibuses at the corner of Princess-street, opposite the Mansion-house, on coing to London, think that such a distinction would be his, or that such a gathering would ever be possible in that historic hall. He rejoiced that there was present the dear friend who gave him his first motherly greeting on that memorable July day, in 1863, in the person of Mrs. Savage. To the Lord Mayor he felt he owed a debt that he could never repay. They were all glad to remember him as the children's Lord Mayor, and it was quite in keeping with the fitness of things that the Ragged School Union should be thus publicly honoured by the City during Sir William Treloar's year of office. (Cheers.) The Ragged School Union was practically a living monument of the life and work of the late Lord Shaftesbury, and to have his son present with them on that occasion was on the lines of historic continuity. The society won the adhesion of the late Queen Victoria, whose birthday was that day being celebrated throughout the Empire. Having given a résumé of what the society had accomplished, he said that the success of the past must stimulate them to future endeavour. The continued needs of the child could not be too often urged upon public attention, and he pleaded earnestly for the young people of the leisured classes to give themselves more fully to the uplifting of their less-favoured brothers and sisters. (Cheers.)

On the motion of the HON. EVELYN ASHLEY, seconded by Mr. F. A. BEVAN, and supported by Mr. C. ARTHUR PEARSON, all of whom testified to the good work done by Sir John Kirk on behalf of poor children, a vote of thanks was passed to the Lord Mayor for his constant kindness to the promoters of the testimonial.

-------------------------

The following formal announcement appears in last night's Gazette: - 'Whitehall, May 23, 1907. The King was pleased, this day, to receive Mr. John Kirk, secretary of the Ragged School Union, in audience at Buckingham Palace, and to confer upon him the honour of knighthood in recognition of his 40 years' continuous service in the cause of the union.'

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From:
The Daily News: Saturday May 25th, 1907
(Some of the article is illegible)

Sir John Kirk
The Poor Children's Friend Knighted
King's Kind Words

Mr. John Kirk, secretary of the Ragged School Union, received the honour of knighthood yesterday at the hands of the King.

Except to two or three people, this outcomee of Mr. Kirk's visit to his Majesty at Buckingham Palace -in response to an invitation that the King wished to congratulate him personally upon the attainment of his fortieth year of his official connection with the work of the Union- came as a complete surprise. Those who knew what was about to happen included Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and Lord Northampton, the president of the Ragged School Union.

It was Lord Northampton who presented Mr. Kirk to the King yesterday -he had been presented previously, when the King was the Prince of Wales. Mr. Kirk told the story to a representative of 'The Daily News.'

'According to arrangement,' he said, 'I called this morning at Lennox-gardens to meet Lord Northampton. A hansom brought me to Buckingham Palace just before 11 o'clock. We were shown into a waiting room, where we stayed for some minutes. Presently we were led upstairs to what was evidently a sort of business-working room. Then we were ushered to the presence of the King.

His Majesty was standing to receive us. He shook hands heartily, making us feel quite at ease, and at once expressed his appreciation of the great work of the Ragged School Union.'

'What did he say to you personally?' asked "The Daily News" representative. Sir John Kirk hesitated, modestly. 'Well, of course, it was really the work,' he replied. 'But he remarked, "I remember meeting you quite well, Mr. Kirk. It was at the dinner to Cripple Children held at the Queen's Hall of the People's Palace ten years ago; and I remember how much interested the Queen and I were in seeing the happiness of those poor cripples. I have heard from time to time of your work in the interval, and of your efforts for the children.'

Royal Congratulations

The King went on to say that he knew what was going on in the City with XXXXXXX presenting me with a national testimonial, and he heartily congratulated me upon my forty years' service.

1907 : Knighted

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At the behest of On Thursday May 23rd, 1907, John Kirk received his knighthood from King Edward VII to commemorate his 40 years of service to the Ragged School Union.

His response to this honour was as follows:

(reprinted from "Sir John Kirk: His Life Story"; written by David Williamson and published by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. in 1922)

"When, at the end of 1906, I learned that a testimonial was on foot, I endeavoured to hinder its progress, but was overborne. When asked, in connection therewith, what would give me the greatest pleasure, I admit expressing the though that if His Majesty would honour the Ragged School Union by giving an audience to my unworthy self I should deem that to be the crowning incident of my life. The fact that this favour had already been accorded to General Booth, and also to Prebendary Carlisle, of the Church Army, prompted the suggestion.

Six months later I learned that, through the kind agency of friends who had approached the King, His Majesty would command my attendance at Buckingham Palace on his return from the Mediterranean. Subsequently, the visit was fixed for Thursday, May 23, 1907, at midday, and I received a note from the Marquis of Northampton, President of the Ragged School Union, saying that he had been requested by His Majesty to accompany me to the Palace and introduce me.

I am only a plain man, and, though I had had the honour of an introduction to His Majesty when as Prince of Wales he attended a Diamond Jubilee dinner at the People's Palace, I confess to a quickened beating of the heart when we were ushered into the King's presence. But King Edward has a gracious manner which put me entirely at ease as he shook hands with me, said he remembered the Queen's Hall of the People's Palace very well, inquired as to the operations of the Society, and then amazed me by saying he wished to make me a knight.

Had the room opened with an earthquake shock, I should not have been more astonished. My first impulse was to refuse this proffered distinction courteously but firmly. This seemed rather to amuse His Majesty who turned to the Marquis. Our President urged me to accept the honour, and His Majesty added that he conferred it at the special request of the Prime Minister, then Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. There was no interval for consideration and, with the chief though that the honour to myself would be regarded as a compliment to the Society to which I have devoted so many years, as also to my fellow-workers amongst the little ones, I consented.

Touching a bell, the King spoke to an equerry. A sword was brought, I was commanded to kneel, and, lightly touching my shoulders, he said 'Rise, Sir John!' Then he cordially shook my hand, said he hoped Lady Kirk would be pleased, and in a few more minutes the never-to-be-forgotten interview ended."

1912: First Hamilton, Ontario Visit

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In 1912, Sir John visited Hamilton, Ontario as part of a world-wide tour to draw attention to the work being done on behalf of impoverished children.

The following newpaper articles have been faithfully reproduced from the archives of the central branch of the Burlington Public Library.

The Hamilton Spectator is still published daily.

From:

The Hamilton Spectator: Saturday January 20, 1912

Noted Man
Sir John Kirk Will Address Members of Canadian Club

Sir John Kirk, J.P., director and secretary of Shaftesbury Society, London, England, will be in the city on Monday and address the Canadian Club and luncheon in the Waldorf at 6 o'clock. The distinguished visitor is making a tour of the world in the interests of civic social service and children's work and is being used to advantage by Canadian clubs wherever he visits. Word has just come from Victoria, B.C., that he addressed the Canadian Club there on "The Children's Asset to the Nation," and gave a most powerful and illuminating address on the subject.

After the Canadian Club luncheon there will be an informal reception to Sir John Kirk. In the Y.M.C.A. parlor, when those who were interested in the recent Christmas contribution to the society through the Hamilton New Year's dinner fund and other leading citizens will have an opportunity of meeting Sir John.

*****************************************************

From:

The Hamilton Spectator: Monday January 22, 1912

Distinguished Visitor
Sir John Kirk Will Speak to Canadian Club To-Night

A telegram was received from Toronto this morning that Sir John Kirk, secretary and director of the Shaftesbury Society, London, England, would come from Toronto this afternoon, in company with J. J. Kelso, the eminent specialist in children's work and social service and known all over Canada. Mr. Kelso is directing Sir John Kirk's movements in Toronto and he leaves to-night for Montreal.

At 6 o'clock Sir John will meet the Canadian club at luncheon at the Waldorf hotel and address the members on the subject of "The Child as an Asset to the Nation." The address is highly spoken of and with Sir John's long experience of forty years in children's work in London, England. The address will be a great inspiration to all citizens who believe strongly in the fundamental principle of adequate educational training of children to make them good citizens. The distinguished visitor has a unique personality, is a refreshing and a forceful speaker and will deliver a message that will long be remembered by the citizens of Hamilton.

At this short notice members of the club and men interested are urged to hear Sir John, as this will be the last chance probably for many years.

*****************************************************

From:

The Hamilton Spectator: Tuesday January 23, 1912

The Great Asset Of This Nation
Masterly Address By Sir John Kirk, Philanthropist
Educating and Caring For the Child Emphasized
Canadian Club Enjoyed an Intellectual Treat

The Canadian club of Hamilton, at its luncheon held at the Waldorf hotel last night, was greatly honored in having as the principal speaker Sir John Kirk, secretary and director of the Shaftesbury society, London, Eng., when he delivered a brilliant and inspiring address on the subject of The Child as an Asset to the Nation.

Although the notices were late in being sent out to the members of the club, yet there was a splendid attendance, the fame of Sir John as a speaker having preceded hm, and naturally there were many who took the opportunity of listening to the distinguished visitor.

Forty years of experience in children's work in the world's greatest metropolis had fitted sir John to speak as an authority on the fundamental principles of child training and development. Apart from this he is a clever humorist, refreshingly versatile, and has a personality which carries conviction. His address last night was thoroughly appreciated by the large audience and at the close of the address the members expressed their pleasure in no uncertain way.

Hugh Hennessy, president of the club, occupied the chair, and after full justice had been done to the good things provided by Host Gardner, he called upon Sir John Kirk to address the meeting. As he arose to speak, Sir John was accorded a very hearty reception, and after the applause had subsided he began his address. In part he said:

"Hearing that you were all called to this meeting on short notice, I feel highly complimented at seeing such a large attendance. I have already had the pleasure of meeting other Canadian clubs in the west, but I take special interest in Hamilton, of whose generosity I heard from my friend A. J. Brace, in sending a sum of money for the purpose of dining a number of the poor children of London. It was an added pleasure for me to call on Mr. Brace and thank him personally for such a token of good-will and interest.

"As most of you are aware, I am on a world's tour, as it was thought by my friends in London that I needed a change and rest, and I can assure you that my trip around the world has been a revelation to me. I never before realized what it meant to go around the British empire, upon which the sun never sets (applause), and the fact that for the past seven months I have been under the British flag is sufficient proof of the immense nation of which we are so proud to belong, and a trip such as ine has been entirely readjusts one's previous ideas of what it really was, and when I get back to England I shall endeavour to influence some of my friends to take the same trip.

"The last public function I attended before leaving England was the entertainment given to the children of London at the Crystal palace by their majesties the King and Queen, in honor of the coronation. At that function the King wanted to impress upon the minds of the children two things. One was that through seeing the great historical pageant which was held they would gain some idea of what had helped to make England and also thay they could get some idea of the vastness of the British empire. The overseas dominions, I will not say colonies --(laughter)-- had their representative buildings there, and it was a striking lesson in history for the children. The desire of the King was fulfilled. I am sure that those young members of a great race were destined to do as great things in the future, as had been done in the past.

"On my tour I have been greatly impressed with all the wonders I have seen, and am amazed at the marked evelopment which has taken place throughout the empire. Bt at the same time I have asked, "What are you doing with your children?" the true wealth of a nation. I am here to say to-day that the child has come into his own as never before. Victor Kelso at the head of the movement century would see the full emergence of the child, and the twentieth century the full emergence of the woman. I will not dwell on the twentieth century subject to-night. (Laughter.)

"One of the greatest steps towards progress is free education for children, and there is a solicitude shown for the neglected child as never obtained before. I am pleased to see that the government of Canada has seen fit to place such a man as J. J. Kelso at the head of the movement for caring for neglected children.. Youo will admit in general that the child is of value to a nation, and this is the message I would like to emphasize to-night, that we cannot do too much for the children.

"We have discovered that children must be given a chance at the start, and if the attention were given them that a farmer gives his stock, the world would be better for it to-day; a child cannot be too particular in the choice of his parents. (Laughter.)

"During the past few years there has been marvelous changes, and unless you get good stock you can't hope that a change of environment will make good citizens. It is of the utmost importance that the child at the outset be given a chance for development. And there is another factor which we should not forget: we cannot be too particular of our motherhood; by honoring the motherhood we can teach them how better to look after their babes, put in a word for a better home life, and thus bring about better results. Home, Sweet, Home is a beautiful thing. What a grerat deal we owe to home life! At the present time there seems to be something creeping into the home life which tends to bring a cleaverage. Children must have all the comforts and hallowed influence possible, which will mold their future life. It is now recognized that every child should have a chance, and thus we should do our utmost to safeguard home conditions; if home life is conserved, something will have been done for the future life of the child.

"A great deal has been accomplished for society in London in alleviating the conditions of sorded child life in that great city: sixty thousand poor children are being fed every day, thiry thousand pairs of boots have been provided poor children this winter, thus enabling them to go to school in comfort and receive the education they are entitled to. Another good thing is that they are given free medical inspection, and are taken out periodically into God's fresh air. When parents see others doing something for their children, it occasionaly acts as a stimulant to them to take more interest themselves. That is being recognized more and more. Another good trend upwards was the change in the laws regarding children. Three years ago a law was passed in England, called the children's act, containing no fewer than 103 clauses covering all departments of child life. I am thankful that the law is protecting children, in the matter of child labor, prohibiting children from going into public houses, and the establishment of juvenile courts, which is giving a touch of humanity to prison life.

"Gentlemen, we cannot afford to hae children uneducated; good results have come from free education, and it is now recognized throughout the empire that is it the birth-right of the child - he has a right to be educated, and a great deal is being done to provide that education. Of course, it means paying school rates, but what is that compared with the rates they would otherwise have to pay, such as imtepe-rates and de-gene-rates, which are very important lessons in regard to the child?

"We have also learned that a child has a right to play. I hope you have all learned the lesson that the child has that right; it is natural for a child to want to play, and we should give them all the time they want for that purpose. And above all - I hope you will pardon me for bringing this this into my address - above all there should be a religious spirit among everything that a child is brought into contact with. The Bible is the basis of everything that constitutes the best wealth of a nation, and I hope that whatever is done we shall regard the child as our best effort, and seek to impart a religious spirit into every movement on their behalf: the memories that will remain with them throughout life will then be hallowed.

"Finally, if we are to justly value the child we must ask for more personal service on his behalf. Lord Shaftesbury might have risen to the highest pinnacle of power in England had he wished, but he preferred to remain with and give his life's service to the children. We want a human, loving, sympathetic touch to help the young to reach their proper place in life, and if all our cities look after its youth in this way, the great problem will, to a great extent, be solved. Municipalities should give their assistance in checking the evils which are likely to attract the youth, and all agencies should join hands when seeking to apply their efforts. They should have sympathetic co-operation if they are to grasp the fact that 'the child is the nation's best asset.'"

As Sir John concluded he was enthusiastically applauded, and President Hennessy then called upon J. J. Kelso to move a vote of thanks to the distinguished speaker. In doing so, Mr. Kelso said he had always admired the work of Sir John Kirk, who had been in this country twenty-one years ago, and since then had accomplished a marvelous work. Sir John had got the inspiration for his great work in Canada. He wished to give them a thought to carry away with them: that there was not a child that night in Hamilton who was destitute and barefooted, and he hoped it would always be so.

The Rev. Alfred Hall, of Durban, South Africa, was called upon to second the motion, and in a brief talk he eulogized the great work which Sir John Kirk was engaged in, and said how glad he was that his majesty the King had recognized it also and had conferred the honor of knighthood upon him.

1920: Second Hamilton, Ontario Visit

2005-07-31T17:23:00.000-04:00

In 1920, Sir John visited Hamilton, Ontario a second time, accompanied by Lady Kirk. The following newspaper articles have been faithfully reproduced from the archives of the central branch of the Hamilton Public Library System.

The Hamilton Spectator is still published daily. The Hamilton Herald ceased publication.

From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Friday May 21st, 1920

Sir John Kirk
Director of Shaftesbury Fund Coming Here

Mrs. Albert Pain, secretary-treasurer of the Shaftesbury dinner fund, has just heard from Sir John Kirk, general director of the Shaftesbury society, that he and Lady Kirk are in Montreal and will be in Hamilton for a day or so next week, as he wishes personally to express his gratitude for all kindness shown him and the society by the people of Hamilton.

Sir John will, according to plans being laid, be a guest of the Canadian club on Thursday evening.

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From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Monday May 31st, 1920

Benefactor of Poor Children is City's Guest
Sir John Kirk, Shaftesbury's Head, a Visitor
Expresses Appreciation of Hamilton's Kindness
Urges Support of the the Girl Guides' Movement

Sir John Kirk, for over fifty years the ruling spirit of the ragged urchins’ school in the poor district of London, England, arrived in the city at 10:30 this morning, accompanied by Lady Kirk. The fresh-looking and vigourous champion of the needy and crippled kiddies, who looks much younger than the 73 years which he will have reached next week in Chicago, was met at the station by his worship he mayor; J. B. Hanna, president of the Canadian club; C. R. McCullough, George C. Martin, Sir John Gibson, Sheriff Middleton, Albert and Mrs. Pain, the latter of who is one of the most energetic local members of the Shaftesbury committee, which annually contributes to the dinner for these children, and Mrs. Albert Pain, jun. An informal reception was held at the station, after which the mayor and other friends escorted the distinguished visitors to the Royal Connaught hotel.

Sir John told the Spectator that his visit to Canada and the United States later, was not, strictly speaking, in the interests of the work to which he has devoted over a half century of effort.

“Primarily, it is a family affair,” he stated. “We have hostages which bind us to this part of the world –three married daughters, one of whom lives in Montreal, one in New York, and one in Chicago. Every so often they demand that father and mother come up to see them.”

GRATEFUL FOR KINDNESSES

Sir John also intimated that he would take the opportunities which offered to return thanks for many past kindnesses, and to speak a word in season for his beloved urchins. In his years of work for them, he declared that he had found that the appeal of the helpless little ones was basic –that it transcended all matters of class, creed or race.

In view of his advancing years, and rest well earned, Sir John has now been made treasurer, instead of continuing as secretary of the Ragged Urchins’ school.

HERE NINE YEARS AGO

Nine years ago he visited Hamilton, at that time speaking before the Canadian club here. While in Toronto yesterday, he spoke at several churches telling of the work among the destitute, the deformed, and the maimed. He recalled with pleasure his association with J. J. Kelso, whose guest he was while in Toronto.

ADVOCATES GIRL GUIDES

Sir John made reference to his talk to the Girl Guides in that city yesterday –a movement with which he is intensely in sympathy. He urged the development here and throughout the Dominion, declaring that it was one of the best of activities to engage the minds and energies of growing girls.

“Get them into it! If you don’t, they’ll slop all over into other things, and waste much good energy. It is the best movement in which any girl can take an interest.”

This afternoon Sir John will be entertained by J. P. Bell, one of the Shaftesbury committee in this city, and among the pleasures in store for the noted Englishman and his wife is a drive through the beauty spots of Hamilton and vicinity.

LOVE FOR KIDDIES

Among the activities in which Sir John Kirk has taken a leading part –and all of them have had as their objects the bettering of the conditions of the children of the submerged tenth, and the amelioration of their sufferings—has been the organizing of various open-air funds. In 1873 he became assistant secretary of the Shaftesbury society. He is a Fellow of the Royal Chartered Institute of Secretaries, has contributed articles to many periodicals, and has traveled extensively. His interests in child cripples, and in children generally, has been the motive power of all his work.

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From:
The Hamilton Herald: Monday May 31st, 1920

Sir John Kirk And His Lady Visitors Here
Will Be In City For A Few Days Meeting Old Friends
A Great Heart
He Has For Years Worked For The Waifs Of London

Hamilton, which has given so generously for many years to the fund of the Shaftesbury Ragged union of London, England, is singularly honored today. On the 10:28 C.P.R. train from Toronto this morning he leader of the great philanthropic work, Sir John Kirk, arrived at the T. H. & B. station with Lady Kirk, to spend four or five days with friends here. The distinguished visitors were met by Mrs. Albert Pain, who has long been in charge of Hamilton’s share of the work. Albert Pain, Sir John Gibson, Sheriff Middleton, J. B. Hanna, representing the Canadian club; C. R. McCullough, Mayer Booker and others.

Sir John, who is in this country visiting friends and relatives, came this morning from Toronto, where he occupied the pulpit last nigh at St. James Square Presbyterian church, and also addressed the Toronto girl guides at their Empire day services at the Metropolitan Methodist church. Sir John is a member of the headquarters council of the boy scouts and girl guides in England.

Sir John and Lady Kirk will view Hamilton and vicinity this afternoon in motors as the guests of J. P. Bell, who is also giving a tea in honor of them at his home, “Chedoke,” following the motor trip. It is understood that Sir John will address the local Kiwanians tomorrow. They intend to proceed to Chicago on Friday.

Speaking to representatives of the press at the station in connection with the work of the Shaftesbury Ragged union, which was founded by the late earl of Shaftesbury, and to which Sir John has devoted fifty years of his seventy-odd years, Sir John said: “In our work of caring for the street waifs of London we have accomplished our great aim, that no child need ever go without a breakfast or other meal. We have reached a standard that we never hoped to attain. We have been helped tremendously by the generous response from this country, and nowhere has the response been more gratifying than in Hamilton. That the work be still carried on was very necessary, more so even than before the war.”

Through Mrs. Pain, who looks after local collections, Hamilton provides at Christmas each year a dinner at which a thousand or more little waifs of the London streets are fed.

That London’s kiddies should have a man of Sir John’s stamp for a “daddy” must indeed fill them with joy, quite as much as with gratitude for the work he is doing for them. To meet Sir John even for a few moments is certainly a pleasure. His years devoted to works of kindliness show themselves in him, so much so that every inch of his sturdy, not much over five-foot English frame, right up to his bearded face and twinkling eyes, seem to radiate friendliness and kindliness. He is an English gentleman who instils instantly in one a love for him and his work. And Lady Kirk is just as beneficent in appearance as is Sir John.

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From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Tuesday June 1st, 1920

Awards Are Presented To School Cadets
Three Medals Won By Capt. G. T. Wilson
Fine Showing Is Made In Drill
Collegiate Cadets Reviewed By Col. Huggins

Looking fit and trim, the collegiate cadet corps was reviewed by Lieut.-Col. S. J. Huggins, of Toronto and Colonel Books, in the armories last night, and were pronounced to be a finer body of youths than any cadet corps that had been reviewed in the armories heretofore. Numbering 160 in strength, the corps, under the command of Corps Commander G. R. Allan, presented a striking spectacle of military precision to the crowd of spectators that assembled to witness the review. The 13^th Regimental band supplied the music and the march past was executed in a manner which drew forth favorable comment from Colonel Huggins. An exhibition of signaling was given by the signaling corps, in which speed and deftness gained by long practice and careful training were displayed. The gymnasium class provided an interesting series of “stunts” upon the gym horse, performing numerous exercises requiring great agility without a single failure How a machine gun is prepared for action was demonstrated by the machine gun corps, who brought their two guns into position for firing within a few minutes after the order was given, and performed all their duties with the quick military precision that marked all the work done by the cades. A sword drill, in which the various thrusts and feints were made simultaneously, following the leadership of the instructor, Captain Cornelius, proved to be one of the most interesting features of the evening. Physical drills, also under Captain Cornelius’ leadership, were executed with great regularity, none of the youths failing to keep in perfect time with the leader.

MEDALS PRESENTED

Medals were presented to the winners in the Dominion marksmanship competition by Lieut.-Col. Huggins. Captain G. F. Wilson was the winner of a gold, silver and a bronze medal, and the three trophies were pinned upon his breast by Col. Huggins. Captain Irwin Francis was awarded a silver medal, and Lieutenant Crawford also a silver medal.

Sir John Kirke and J. P. Bell presented sashes to 12 cadets for proficiency in general work. Those to receive the sashes were Corps Commander G. R. Allan, Captain I. R. Francis, Lieut. Harry Hannon, Sergeant-Major James Wagner, Sergeant A. E. Hogarth, Sergeant Jas. Holman, Corp. Batzold, Corp R. Thompson, Bugler Gordon Robinson, Privates Victor Pickard, Rose Lymburner, J. Orr, Honorable mention, Corporal Gerald Hay and Private Kelvey.

Before the corps was dismissed, Colonel Huggins addressed the boys shortly, complimenting them upon their fine appearance, and urging them to carry on the work that they had done during the year. Their training was such that they would grow up to be good, strong-bodied, clean-minded citizens, he said.

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From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Wednesday June 2nd, 1920 - First Edition

Enjoying Visit
Sir John and Lady Kirk Are Pleased With Hamilton

Sir John and Lady Kirk, who will be in Hamilton until Friday morning, are greatly enjoying their visit, and have expressed themselves as quite charmed with the beauty of the city and the hospitality of its people. Yesterday afternoon they were the guests of Albert and Mrs. Pain, and with their host and hostess motored to Dundurn, where they inspected the museum and the points of interest in the castle. Harry Marshall, superintendent of parks, presented Lady Kirk with a beautiful bouquet as a souvenir of the occasion. Wabasso Park was next visited, and a call was made at the beach home of Walter Woods, the president of the local Shaftesbury Society. The party also paid a isit to the home of an old Shaftesbury boy who came to Canada in 1875, and who is now a respected citizen of Hamilton. The home of Miss Charlotte Unsworth, a very old and very kind friend of the Shaftesbury society was also visited.

This morning Sir John visited the Children’s home at the Delta. He was the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Pain this afternoon, and was driven to the mountain hospital, the Sanatorium and other places of interest. To-morrow he will visit the various children’s homes, in which he is greatly interested; and at dinner to-morrow evening Sir John and Lady Kirk will be the guests of Sir John and Lady Gibson. To-morrow afternoon a public reception will be tendered the distinguished visitors in the city hall.

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From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Wednesday June 2nd, 1920 - Second Edition

Public Reception
Sir John and Lady Kirk Will Be Officially Welcomed

A public reception in the city council chamber, on Thursday afternoon, at 3 o’clock, was arranged to-day for Sir John and Lady Kirk.

“Sir John’s name is a household word in the homeland,” said the mayor this morning. “He has carried on for forty years the work for the poor, commenced by the Hon. Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury and his whole life has been spent in the service of others. Sir John would like, particularly, to meet the workers of the city. It is hoped there will be a large turn-out to extend a warm welcome to him. Sir John wishes to express to the people of Hamilton his appreciation of the assistance they have given him in the work he is doing among the orphans of London.”

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From:
The Hamilton Herald: Wednesday June 2nd, 1920

PHOTO (NOT REPRODUCED)

Sir John Kirk, London, Eng.,
Who has spent fifty years in reclaiming waifs from the gutters and making good men and women out of them. He is one of London’s best known philanthropists. He is now spending a few days in Hamilton.

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From:
The Hamilton Spectator: Friday June 4th, 1920

Civic Reception
Tendered At City Hall To Sir John and Lady Kirk

Yesterday afternoon in the council chambers of the city hall, an informal reception was held in honor of Sir John and Lady Kirk, who left town this morning for Chicago, where they will visit a married daughter. Owing to the fact that the reception had been hastily arranged, the attendance to greet the well-known visitor ad his wife was not so large as had been expected, and for this the mayor expressed regret.

In bidding the guests welcome, his worship recalled his visit to the old land, and a pilgrimage to Westminster abbey, where he had viewed the tomb where rests that Earl Shaftesbury, who founded the society of which Sir John Kirk has been for over half a century the director, and of which he is now treasurer. “Love” and “Service” were words inscribed on the tomb; and these were the words which had animated the activities of the civic guest of yesterday afternoon. Since the demise of the head of the society, Sir John had carried on his work in a manner most admirable.

In reply Sir John Kirk took occasion to voice his thanks for kindnesses received from organizations and private citizens here, whence he would carry away happy memories. He took the tribute and kindnesses extended to himself and Lady Kirk as representatives of the work for little children, which enjoyed the respect and esteem of all. In this work Hamilton had a share, for the money sent from this city had gone toward treats for the little ones at Christmas time. To Mrs. A. Pain, for her indefatigable energy and unfailing interest in furthering the work of the local society, Sir John gave thanks. In a brief outline of the work which he had been connected with for nearly sixty years, Sir John told of the 7, 800 crippled children whose lives were made happier and brighter, and he gave an account of the institutions in which work was carried on for them. In addition, the uplift movement, materially and spirituality, was affecting the lives of many more thousands of the children of the submerged portion of the community. Odd cases of homelessness were dealt with also; although the society sought, wherever possible, to keep homes together, and leave the children with their parents. Nurseries, schools for mothers, baby welfare centers, seaside homes, homes for mothers and babies, for unmarried mothers with their burden of fatherless little ones, teachers’ rests, and boys’ camps –all these and others were among the institutions in connection with Sir John’s work.

At the conclusion of Sir John’s address an informal reception was held, when all present had the opportunity of a handshake with Sir John and Lady Kirk.

Albert and Mrs. Pain were the local representatives of the Shaftesbury society present.

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From:
The Hamilton Herald: Friday June 4th, 1920

Helping Needy
John Kirk Told Of Shaftesbury Society's Work

There was a very small gathering in the council chamber of the city hall yesterday afternoon to meet Sir John, treasurer of the Shaftesbury society of London,

Eng.

, and Lady Kirk. But what was lacking in numbers, Mayor Booker explained, was made up in the interest of the few present. Among the interested gathering were Controllers ???, Davis and O’Heir.

Sir John outlined the work of the Shaftesbury society during the past 76 years. The work had een largely among some 40, 000 of London’s poorer children. The attitude of the public towards these unfortunates had been greatly changed b the society’s work. Education had been given to the crippled ones, even to a teacher being supplied for one of the large children’s hospitals, babies’ welfare, open air schools, homes for unmarried mothers, boys’ cams, nurses and other agents were supported for the purpose of carrying on the work.