TIPS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I have read
with appreciation the article on " Tips," by " One of the New Poor," in the Spectator of March 20th, and although I have no exact knowledge of postmen's wages and policemen's wages, I am rather. suspicious of his figures of 90s. and 70s. and perhaps someone else will enlighten us on these points.. So far as porters' wages are concerned,
I do know that young or " lad " porters on the railways are paid, not 57s. a week, but something between 16s. and 35s., according to their age, while adult porters receive from 46s. to 50s., according to grade and according to whether the locality in which they work is rural, industrial, or metropolitan.
This information I give in no spirit of carping criticism, but in the interests of accuracy and truth, because I think that the number of people who are inclined to read pleasant little essays such as that on " Tips" is far greater than the number who feel disposed to study the leading articles on the railway wages question (vide. an earlier issue of the Spectator); and so, wrong impressions are formed. Indeed, seeing that your writer went so far as to quote actual figures,
I do think that he might have taken the trouble to verify them.—I am, Sir, &c:, H. STUART FISH.
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