THE POOR, PENNY POSTAGE, AND PUBLIC KITCHENS. TO THE EDITOR
OF THE SPECTATOR.
14th November 1844
Sin—Allow me through your medium to suggest, as one of the thousands of poor to whom the reduction of postage has conveyed comfort and olace which was before denied, the opportunity for such to contribute their mite by a Penny
• Subscription to the Testimonial intended for the author of the boon. If I am not mistaken, the amount, great or small, would carry with it a feeling of be- nevolent satisfaction to the heart of the receiver, not less gratifying than the largest contributions of wealthy individuals. I would also avail myself of the same opportunity, both to express my gra- titude as one of a class for whom increasing sympathy is showing itself, and to point out from experience a mode by which, at a small expense, the sick and invalid poor might be materially benefited without lowering their independence : the establishment in populous districts of "Sick Kitchens "—that is, places where suitable drinks, broths, jellies, &c. could be obtained of the best quality at a trifling cost, as well as a number of wholesome and tempting varieties, which an experienced pupil of Dr. KITCHENER would never be at a loss to supply. When to the prevalent evils of confined space, few utensils, and small smoky fires, (if any,) are added the still larger amount of ignorance " how to make the best of it," no one conversant with the realities could doubt the usefulness of such establishments under proper arrangement ; and you may be assured it is from much experience, which better times afforded me, that I propose the plan to those who have the power to carry it out. 1 am aware of the necessity for checks, and various obstacles to be contended with ; and should you, Sir, deem the hint worth a place in your paper, 1 will transmit to your care the obser- vations I have been able to make, for the use of any one disposed to further the object.
[Both of our correspondent's hints merit attention. Good victualling, how- ever, and some kind of public cookery, we believe, form ulterior points in the project for providing the poor with better dwellings.—En.]
Previous page
