Huddersfield and Holmfirth Examiner (09/Dec/1854) - Huddersfield Female Educational Institute

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors. If the article was published prior to 1 June 1957, then the text is likely in the Public Domain.

HUDDERSFIELD FEMALE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

The object of this institution is to afford to young females of this town and neighbourhood additional opportunities of mental improvement, by means of evening classes, a library, lectures, &c. It does not aim at giving instruction on religious subjects, thereby interfering with the Sunday schools at present in operation, where it can be more effectually and directly inculcated, but to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, history, and other branches of a sound moral and secular education.

The small payments made by the pupils not being nearly sufficient to meet the current expenses, and afford an adequate sum for the purchase of class-books, maps, &c., the payments of teachers, and the supply of the library, the committee take this opportunity of making an appeal to the friends of education for aid.

It is now several years since the institution was formed, and in reviewing its history from the period of its commencement to the present time, the committee are impressed with mingled feelings of gratitude and pleasure at the success which has remarked its progress. Originating in the desires of some who felt the want of a suitable education, and knew that many others like themselves might reap large advantages from such an institution, the idea of its formation was eagerly and zealously entertained by others who, not themselves absolutely requiring its assistance, perceived, or thought they perceived, the high and important ends it might be made, under a careful direction, the means of accomplishing. Sprung thus from the persons for whose especial good it is destined, and anxiously watched over by those who feel a zealous interest in its well-doing, it has been gradually and silently doing its work of imparting good, sound, useful moral instruction, and supplying its members with the means of instructing themselves by all kinds of useful reading. Each succeeding year has witnessed the extension of its machinery, and the enlargement of its sphere of usefulness; and it is most gratifying to he able to add, that it is in an eminent degree flourishing. The attention of the committee, as well as that of former committees, has hitherto been more directed to the proper working of the institute, and the careful management of its duties and affairs, then to its extension: but they now begin to perceive that it is becoming esteemed as an important institution, recognised by its members as an educational focus, well adapted to their wants and means. Nor is it possible to estimate the amount of eventual good which, during the period of its existence, the institution may have been instrumental in effecting. The institution is in a very thriving condition ; its present aspect promises well for its future prosperity. It has received two handsome donations this week, Sir Joseph Paxton, M.P., and John Cheetham, Esq. M.P., having each given £5 to its funds.