The “Sights” of London.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 23, 7 December 1910, Page 37

The “Sights” of London.

Some of us out here were bom in the Old Country, and know and remember i,t well; others amongst us have had their trip or trips Home, and have memories stored with gay and pleasant reminiscences. More still hope to go someday, or dream of the delights of such a visit, and to each and all of us the sights of London glitter attractively. We think of the theatres, the restaurants, the .shops, the luxury, and we forget the other “sights.” It would be well if we remembered them sometimes. It would increase our gratitude for certain advantages we enjoy; it would lessen our desire or home-sickness for the sparkle and splendour of “town,” as most of us still think of London. Such has often lately ibeen the thought of the expatriated and ofttimes London hungry compiler of these columns when, in the task of going through the weekly files of English newspapers which arrive every Monday, he comes across dozens upon dozens of such items as this:—

FAMILY OF ELEVEN. TWELVE SHILLINGS A WEEK FOR RENT AND FOOD. Rachel Algar, twenty, a laundresspacker and sorter, was charged at West Hani with stealing linen from her employer’s premises. The police, it appeared, visited the girl’s home at 49, Grange-road, Plaistow, and found twenty pawntickets. When charged at the police station, she said: “I have been driven to it. lam getting only 8/- a week, and I have to give all that to my mother. There are nine others beside me.” Algar: The pawntickets belong to my mother. The Clerk: How many are there at home beside you? Algar: Ten, sir. My youngest sister earns 4/- a week. Anybody else earning money ? —No, sir. Is your stepfather in work?—No, sir; he has done only about five weeks’ work this year, and we have to pay 6/6 a week rent.