BEGGARS’ INCOMES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2199, 1 October 1907, Page 1

BEGGARS’ INCOMES.

DIARY OF A TYPICAL DAY’S AYORK.

“It is probable that the average beggar earns more than the a vena go working man.” This statement, made at the annual meeting of the London Mendicity Society, is amply borne out by the records of London police courts.

Every year between 2000 and 3000 of tlie most incorrigible beggars in London pass through Alarlborough Street Police Court. Most of them are in possession of money when arrested. One recently brought in had £4 7s in a belt and a sovereign, a shilling, and some coppers in liis pocket. Bangor Street, Nothing Dale, is now tlie chief home of the professional “cadgers” of London. Here they get a “doss” for fourpence, arid from this haven they go each morning to their day’s “work.” Each has his district, which ho traverses daily, following liis own chosen “lay,” The man who “.throws a fit,” with a piece of soap in his mouth, chooses a quiet suburban street, where police are far apart. The “girdlers,” whining a sacred song, haunt the long streets of middle-class houses like Clapham and Catmden Town.

Here is the diary of a typical London beggar, compiled from facts supplied by the mendicity officers : 8.30 a .in.—Breakfast: Kipper, penny loaf, screw of tea, and a farthing’s worth of milk.

9.0 a.in.—Smoke and read paper. Bind up foot and look as if lame. Cut hoot to take bandaged foot. 9.30 a .mi. —Leave Bangor Street for Bromptoii. Pass mendicity officer on tho way; tell him, “Going to work.”

10.0 a.m. —Begin work at Kensington. Twopence to go awliy. 12.0 noon —“AVorked” two squares, four streets. Call myself a streetsweeper, foot injured by motor omnibus. AYife and children at home. Account so far: le in silver, lOd in coppers, half loaf of bread, cold breakfast sausages,

12.30.—Working cabs and carriages outside shops in Brampton road. AYarned off by commissionaire. Lady says: “Poor man, bo’s lame!” and gives sixpence. Little girl with lady gives penny.

2 p.m. —Dinner. 4.30 p.m.—Raining. Outside shops getting wet, with shoe laces in niy hand. Eiglitpence in coppers. 'Business had. 5 u.m. —Tea.

7 p.m.—“Found” crust of brelid in gutter as lady and gentleman were getting into carriage. Got in their way. Half a crown. 8 p.in.—Home iu Bangor Street. Total for day, 5s 9d.