CONGRATULATED BY QUEEN MARY

Southland Times, Issue 23438, 19 February 1938, Page 17

CONGRATULATED BY QUEEN MARY

ECONOMICAL WOMAN A woman of 39 who keeps 11 children and an unemployed husband on £2 8/- a week has been congratulated by Queen Mary. She is Mrs Pledger, of Manor Park, London, who is known among her friends and neighbours as “Mrs Twin,” because she has brought five sets of twins into the world since her marriage 20 years ago. Her family of 11 are the survivors of 16 children. She sent a photograph of the youngest set, now six months old, to Queen Mary, and was delighted to receive a letter signed by Lady Cynthia Colville, saying: “They are certainly splendidlooking children and reflect the greatest credit on your care—five sets of twins must mean a big responsibility—and her Majesty congratulates you on the trouble and self-denial which must have gone to the up-bringing of a family, of 11 children. “The Queen sends you many good wishes for the welfare of your family.” Lady Cynthia added: “Being a twin myself, I was naturally interested.” Here is Mrs Pledger’s budget: — Potatoes: 51b a day. Green vegetables: 41b a day. Milk: Free from the clinic for the babies, tinned milk for the others. Lighting: 4d a day. Laundry: 1/6, as she cannot do it all herself. Coal: 2/6. ■ Rent: £1 1/6.

Insurance: 1/6. “Couples who are afraid of having children are robbing themselves of a lot of pleasure,” is Mrs Pledger’s opinion.