THE SLUM PROBLEM
. [To the Editor of the. SPECTATOR.] - SIR,—I have followed with interest the correspondence which has appeared in the Spectator with reference to Captain Townroe's new book, The Slum Problem.- With the subject- matter of the controversy between him and Mrs. Barclay- I am not concerned in this letter. My -justification for inter- vening is that, as Secretary. of the Garden Cities and Town Planning Association, I have had the duty of assisting in matters of formation and registration of practically all the Public Utility Societies which are engaged on " recondition- ing" work and Public Utility. Societies in general. About 250 have passed through the offices of the Association, and are 114:;:ed to us in various ways.
Being in the centre of the movement, I am naturally a little concerned with the unfortunate -controversy which has arisen out of certain paragraphs in Captain Townroe's book. I was one of the first to read the book, and I-certainly did not place the same interpretation as Mrs. Barclay upon the " offending " section, obviously written after a study of the relevant facts. Perhaps-that was because I -have -known Captain Townroe for many years and have seen his good work for Housing. As a member of the COurreit of the Garden Cities and Town Planning Association, he haS given consistent and valued -support to the Public Utility - Societies movement, and his - journeys to and lectures in all parts of the country have given help and stimulus to-those-engaged in the movement.
Mrs. Barclay and Miss Perry, who -are- also members of my Associtition; have,-on their part, attempted an e*Perimerit in dealing with' shims, and haVe 'achieved wonderful results.
Their wiiik has inspired 'Others to do' MY. purpeie, therefore; is net In enter into the 'dispute, but te:Enaphasiie the misfortune that will occur if the correspondenee is pursued and undue prominence is given to a paragraph in the book which has- been given an interpretation not intended, I am- certain, by the author. --- Moreover, two such strong forces for housing betterment must he working in harmony—and such I- believe to be their desire.—I am, Sir, &c., A. T. Puce, Secretary. Garden Cities and Town Planning Association. 3 Gray's Inn Place, WE. I.
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