THE COTTAGE QUESTION.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Yonr excellent article in the Spectator of November 4th on the cottage question asks,—" Is it wholly out of the ques- tion that a labourer's cottage should be built for 2100 ? " I venture to say it is quite possible, provided two are built together. I have just erected a pair on Shelland Green, near Stowmarket, in Suffolk. I have attempted to retain all the old-fashioned features of the houses which lie near. The material is red brick, and the outside plasterwork artistically ornamented in patterns in the style dear to lovers of East Anglia. The windows are diamond panes in leaden sockets, and all of them open. The accommodation is, in the larger house of the two a good parlour 15 ft. by 14 ft.; a kitchen, with copper fitted, and baking oven, besides range complete ; larder and storehouse, and back door. Above, three bedrooms, two with fireplace ; and staircase and landing to itself, and not open- ing into any room. In the smaller house : parlour and kitchen as before ; but two bedrooms only, both with grates. These I built in the most substantial fashion for 2200, complete, architect's fee and supervision being included. When some friends of mine last harvest thanksgiving went over the houses, the verdict was that they were fit for any one to live in ; and they have been, from the side of substantial work, passed by the Board of Agriculture. The smaller house has been taken at a rental of 24 4s. a year, including small garden; and the other (which I am at present keeping for my own use) should make at least 25 108., which works out (allowing for repairs) at quite a fair percentage on 2200, as things go now. I see no justification for mixing up business and charity. By all means let a wealthy landowner build free houses for his tenantry if he likes ; but it is absurd for the ordinary man first to squander money on ugly and often inconvenient cottages, and then grumble because he cannot get a return of more than 14 or 2 per cent. on his outlay. I shall be pleased to show the plans to any one who may be interested in this problem of supplying our working people with bright and comfortable houses, in which the tenant shall not complain of his rent, and the landlord need not grumble at his percentage.—I am, Sir, &c.,
F. W. BUSSELL, D.D. Oxon., Vice-Principal of Brasenose College; and Chaplain of Shelland Donative.
Brasenose Culler's, Oxford, Xovember 11th.
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