15 DECEMBER 1883, Page 14

THE POOR-LAW IN THE EAST OF LONDON.

LTO THE EDITOR OP TEE " SPECTATOR."]

SIR, at may not be generally known to your readers that in. some of the poorest of our East London parishes—Whitechapel„ Stepney, and St. George's-in-the-East—out-door relief is no- longer given. It was scarcely to be expected that so thorough a measure of Poor-law reform could be carried out without. entailing some injustice towards those whom age and misfor- tune had brought to the threshold of the workhouse, but who,. by their character and antecedents, would be sadly out of place- within its walls. For the relief of these, the Tower Hamlets Pension Committee was formed, some six years ago, and now helps to support ninety-one old men and women, whose char- acter and homes are exceptionally good, and whose relatives are- doing all they can to assist. The pensions are distributed by lady almoners, and their friendship and sympathy are as highly- valued as the material aid they bring. The expenses of man- agement are borne by the Committee, all contributions going direct to the poor. Funds are urgently needed to provide for- the coming year. I venture to think that those who are seek- ing the opportunity of sharing their Christmas joys with their- less fortunate brethren, could not do better than help to bring a little sunshine into the declining years of those whose life has- been one long day of patient toil. Contributions may be sent. to A. G. Crowder, Esq., 65 Portland Place, W.; or to Miss Townsend, St. Jude's School House, Commercial Street, E.,. from whom reports and all information may be obtained.—

I am, Sir, &c., C. W. FREDIA.NTLE.. The Royal Mint, E., December 10th.