THE SERVANTS' HOME AND HOMES FOR THE PEOPLE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1164, 1 December 1863, Page 5

THE SERVANTS' HOME AND HOMES FOR THE PEOPLE.

TO THE EDITOR OF TJIE LYTTELTON TIMES Sir,—lt is with no small anxiety that I look at the present state of things, mixed as it is with doubt and hope. From the information your paper conveyed on Thursday, it leads one to hope, ere long, we shall have abodes where our industrious population can reside in comfort; the want of such has been our crying-evil, and it is much more so now than ever. The originator of the scheme deserves the thanks of the public, because it will not only add to the comfort of the working classes, but will improve their morals, which will benefit all classes. In referring to the police report of the same date, I see the Immigration officer was obliged to seek aid in ejecting people from the barracks. Every one must allow that this is right—the barracks were never intended for any lengthened period of abode; but, still it seems hard to turn people into the streets without knowing where to go. This brings me to a leading article in your paper concerning Miss Rye; that lady is now absent from us, and cannot answer for herself. Ido not for a moment intend to be her champion, but I do not see anything in the extract to warrant her alleged ingratitude to her hospitbale entertainers. Miss Rye had an idea, she travelled for it, worked for it, and supported it no doubt as far as she was able ; not as a "miserable sham," but as a fond hope of which she gave proof by the substantial sum she collected and left in the hands of a Committee,'to see properly used for the class intended. I can quite fall in with Miss Rye's fears when she found so much lukewarmness, so opposite to her devotedness, to so good a cause : all admit that some such a scheme as she proposed is necessary, but are not willing to work with her to define the right one. I trust those who form the Committee, will not delay to make known to the public the steps they have taken towards providing the Servants' Home, just now so much needed. By inserting this you will oblige Your obedient servant, G. ORAM. Nov. 27, 1863.