6o CHILDREN OF THE EMPIRE I TO THE LAND OF THE MAPLE LEAF 6l questions. Miss Macpherson knows the potency of facts and has sufficient in her possession, and such a striking way of telling them, that her appeals are irresistible. . . . The appearance of the children proclaimed health, contentment, intelligence and industry - a striking contrast to what they were when admitted, as shown in a capital shilling photograph, containing twelve boys which may be obtained at the Refuge.7 also gives the feel of the highly charged religious atmosphere in which the whole operation was conducted.8 Now they stood in ranks ready to depart, their blue rough jackets, corduroy suits and strong boots, all made within the Refuge, the work of their own hands. All alike had scarlet comforters and Glengarry caps and a canvas bag across their shoulders containing a change of linen for the voyage, towels, tin can, bowl and mug, knife, fork and spoon, and one kind friend the last day before starting brought a hundred strong pocket knives. A Bible, a Pilgrim's Progress and a little case of stationery were provided for each, and while they stood thus, singing their last farewell, a dense crowd filled the street without, waiting for hours in the pouring rain. It was with difficulty that the police could keep the way clear for the lads to enter the vans, and as they came out most blessed was it to think that, altered as they were in outward appearance, that change in many of them was small compared to the change within - that with many old things had passed away; behold, all things had become new. The train left St Pancras at 8.30 pm and at one station where the train stopped at midnight a friend was waiting to give money for the expenses on the journey. At Derby the lads had a run on the platform to warm themselves and then gathered round their beloved leader, and in the dead of night the arches rang with their songs of praise. The boys followed Miss Macpherson in prayer, and in the carriages prayer was still continued by many till sleep overcame them. There is reason to believe that with two souls the answer to these petitions was given before the train reached Liverpool. The train arrived in Liverpool at 4 am and the boys immediately went on board the Peruvian. The poor lads had to wait several hours before they got any breakfast which was a trial of patience but restraining grace was so manifest throughout, one's heart was continually lifted up in praise and thanksgiving for this mercy as well as for countless others. George Kirkham's reference to the photograph is of particular interest, because among the names of the East End workers mentioned as present on that occasion was that of Thomas Barnardo, still a medical student at that time. Barnardo was later to become famous for the use he made of photographs for publicity and fund-raising purposes. He was to learn much else from Annie Macpherson besides the value of photography in promoting the cause of children, for he was again present at the Home of Industry when Annie gave a tea party to finalise her arrangements with the parents and friends of those boys she thought suitable for emigration. Barnardo was the first to arrive, 'enlivening the scene with boys from his wood-chopping brigade, boys well fitted to emigrate'. They were joined by Annie's own boys from the Revival Homes and after hymns and prayers a small printed form was read out by Mr Merry, Annie's brother-in-law, giving Miss Macpherson entire charge and responsibility for taking the children to Canada, which parents and friends were asked to sign. The forms had no legal validity, but Annie would not accept any child whose parent refused to sign the agreement. Annie had sent nine of her boys to Canada under the care of Christian men earlier in 1869, before Miss Rye had sailed with her party of girls because, as she said in her appeal for further funds, 'Here there is nothing for them but a criminal's life; there fresh air, plenty of food and work; providing them with work seems tojae-the secret of their temporal well-being.' Funds had been forthcoming. Mr Dixon, the emigration agent for Canada, to whom she had written, had assured her that there would be immediate employment for the children saying it was 'impossible to overstock the country with them' and Annie had had no difficulty in collecting her first party of a hundred boys. Miss Lowe accompanied this first party on the train as far as Liverpool and left a detailed description of the journey which The boys were probably too exhausted by this time to cause much trouble, but doubtless Annie Macpherson would have been capable of dealing with any who might prove awkward. She did manage to hold a service with some of the boys and Miss Lowe reported that the last sounds to be heard from the boys as the ship cast off was the boys singing the hymn 'Yes, we part, but not for ever'. Annie had her friend, Ellen Bilborough, with her on board, another remarkable woman who was to play an important role in Canada and about whom even the severest critics of the I 1