Eviction Scene in London.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1892, Page 3 (Supplement)

Eviction Scene in London.

130 People Homeless.

A sad scene was witnessed in Leather-lane, Holborn, in December last, which presented a striking contrast to the general wealth and luxurious preparations for Christmastide. During the day there had been going on a number of evictions from some old and dilapidated buildings known as the ' Irish Barrackß.' The rents have for some time been collected by a person named Joneg, but none of the tenants seem to know who the real landlord is. Some time ago the buildings were condemned as unfib for human habitation, and the tenants of the various rooms had notice to quib. As they did nob go, bhe representatives of the authorities wenb aboub ben o'clock a.m. wibh a body of men, and proceeded to evict the unfortunate families. Many begged hard nob to be turned into the streets, so dark and thick with fog, as they could nob see where to go. Their entreaties were of no avail, and the scanty furniture, bogether wibh bhe bedding of forty-eight poor families, was pub into the street. The end of Leather-lane was completely blocked with the outthrown goods, aad men and women were crying and wringing their hands, apparently in helpless despair. Many of the little children, too, were crying bitterly* with the cold, as they eat or lay on the bundles that formed their bode. Several coke fires were ligbbed and kepb burning by the subscriptions of some of the tradespeople round, and there was a body of police to prevent disturbance. There were strong expressions of indignation at such a day being chosen, which added the bitterness of cold and starvation to the unfortunate circumstances. There were about 130 men, women, and children altogether, ! and late at night ft large &tsSP«Fw9ri**til| ! intheotreob,'