[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") Sin,—" Upon Mr. Rowntree's
computation, the smallest sum which will maintain the mere physical efficiency of a moderate family is 21s. 8d. per week" (Spectator, January 4th) In 1S30 the wages of carpenters and masons in Devonshire villages were 12s. a week, with cider, say is. 6d. House-rent was low, scald-milk cheap, fuel was cheap, and there would be a garden or allotment probably, but wheat was double its present price; nevertheless, healthy ,families were reared and are doing well in the world ; the sons are most of them in their fathers' trades, with 20s. a week if still in Devonshire, or much more if in London or Brighton, The sons who remain in Devon have generally bought two cottages and turned them into one, often with a piece of land adjoin- ing. As " tradesmen " they do not occupy so high a position in village society as tenant farmers, but they are quite as comfortable. From this it seems evident that moderate families have been maintained in efficiency, even when bread was double HS present price, on far less than 21s. 8d. a week. Labourers get along on 15s. a week ; but many mechanics save
a geod deal out of 20s. a week.—I am, Sir, 8sc., G.
Previous page
