Wales. One of the most memorable of these, the pattern
and parent of many local exhibitions of similar kind, was the
Reformatory Exhibition held in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in
1865. It was to exhibit the productions of various schools connected
with the Reformatory and Refuge Union. The articles were the veritable
manufacture of poor boys and girls of the lowest classes, many of them
utterly destitute and hopeless as to any usefulness in life, until
rescued and taught various industries, by the efforts of Christian and
philanthropic men.

The good and venerated Lord Shaftesbury was the President of the Union,
of which the Prince of Wales had gladly allowed himself to be named
Patron. In an address read by Lord Shaftesbury, it was stated that the
objects exhibited were contributed by workers in above two hundred
separate institutions in London and other great towns. An invitation had
been sent out for contributions from foreign schools of the same class,
and this was responded to by articles being sent from almost every part
of Europe, and some from Africa and America. Hence the title of
international could be fairly given to the show. The representatives of
several foreign governments were present on the occasion. The opening of
the meeting by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the sacred choral music
performed by about one thousand children from the Reformatory and Refuge
Schools, showed that moral and religious training was associated with
the industrial work of the Union.

To the address of Lord Shaftesbury, the Prince replied as follows:--

"Your Grace, your Excellencies, my Lords, Ladies and
Gentlemen,--I have gladly taken a part in the proceedings of
this day, and complied with your request that I should attend,
as patron of this society, with the greatest satisfaction. The
benevolent purpose of this Exhibition cannot fail to be followed
by deserved success, and claims the co-operation of every one
who has the interests of the industrious poor at heart, and who
desires to forward the object which the Reformatory and Refuge
Union has in view--namely, industrial and moral training. The
Committee do me justice in believing that I cordially sympathize
in the welcome this society offers to those representatives of
foreign countries who have responded to the invitation they have
received by their presence and contributions. In doing so they
have borne t