LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MONEYLENDERS,—A SUGGESTION.
[To THE EDITOE OF THE "SPECTATOR.]
SIE,—As the question of legislation in regard to money- lenders is being discussed in your columns, may I be allowed' to make a suggestion which has been forced upon me by many years' experience as a guardian and trustee ? Most guardians have probably been brought face to face with the difficulty of controlling the expenditure of a lad who is nearly of age, and "has prospects," if he be of an extravagant character. If funds be withheld from him he simply goes to the money- lenders and draws on his prospective estate. Shylock lends at his own risk, but, as everybody knows, he has many methods of making the debt almost as binding as if he had the law on his side.
My suggestion is that it should be made an indictable offence to lend money to a minor without the written consent of his parent or guardian. There may be obstacles in the way of carrying it out of which I am not aware, but I am convinced that if some such measure were enacted it would render invaluable and much-needed assistance to many who are endeavouring to perform a thankless office, often with very inadequate powers. Will you kindly allow this matter to be discussed in your columns, and confer a favour on your
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