THE RESULT OF OUR HOLIDAYS NEEDLEWORK COMPETITION.

In some respects the result of this competition has been satisfactory. The competitors carefully observed the rules, the sewing was in many cases most excellent, the neatness and finish conspicuous. Many of the articles were made so well that we felt quite proud to think our girls could turn out such good work.

The care as to details pleased us very much, for that was given in all but a few exceptions. It was so nice to see how firmly buttons were sewn on, button-holes made so well, and seams carefully overcast or pinked, raw edges protected by tidy button-hole stitches. Then, too, we were glad to note, that although intended for the very poor, the workers had not fallen into the common error of selecting ugly materials for their articles. Very few of the stuffs used were anything but suitable, serviceable, and pretty rather than not, the way in which the blouses especially were made being quite satisfactory.

There were a few carelessly made articles where bad sewing, most inappropriate trimming—eminently one overall with extremely common imitation fur, the cotton back of which was visible and very untidy—disqualified for prizes or even honourable mention.

We were much disappointed to find that there were only two flannel petticoats sent in, and no serge underskirts at all! Certainly the younger members of our readers have not shown much interest in the competition. The two petticoats sent were so good that the first prize was divided between them.

There were not nearly as many competitors altogether as we hoped for, and that was the unsatisfactory part, for really our belief in our girls' desire to help the poor was very deeply rooted. We also hoped that more would have been spurred on by the chance of a prize to send in some article.

For Girls Under Fourteen.

Flannel Petticoat.

First prize, one guinea, divided between—

Marion Wilson Rankin, Shirgarton, North Mount Vernon, Glasgow, and

Eleanor Dorothy Pimm, Linholme, 40, George Road, Edgbaston.

For Girls Over Fourteen.

Child's Overall.

First prize of one guinea—

Anna Mörner, Tonstorp, Sweden.

The second prize of half-a-guinea is divided between—

Mabel Weller, North Shields, and

Leila Mary Bowen, Ludlow.

For Girls Over Eighteen.

Girl's Blouse.

First prize of one guinea—

Miss Clara L. Wiles, Cambridge.

Second prize of half-a-guinea—

Miss Urqhuhart, Glasgow.

So many of the blouses merited special commendation that we give a list of—

Honourable Mention.

Rose Baiden, Daisy Clarke, E. Morris, Eleanor Groves, Winifred Hopton, Eva Davenport, Janet Lamb, A. M. Deacon, Ida A. Browne, Nellie Cannon, Emily White, Mabel Barr, Carrie M. Anthony, Margaret Beckett, Alice M. Hewitt, E. M. Corke, Alethea Bate.