24 JANUARY 1941, Page 13

"BILLET SNATCHERS"

SIR,—I think it is time that someone should take up the cudgels on behalf of the billet-snatchers referred to in The Spectator. Many of these so-called " drones " have been turned out of their houses by the Military, Government or Local Authorities, only, in many cases, to see their vill empty. Those considered too old to serve the State have been told very plainly that they should move from the danger areas, and thus lessen the difficulty of providing food and shelter. They have found the greatest difficulty in obtaining refuge elsewhere, even though they are obliged to pay more than first-rate prices for less than third-rate accommodation. Perhaps, after all, the bees are kinder to their drones!—Yours, &c.,