Few things during the past week have given the nation,
as a whole, more pleasure than the accounts of the Prince of Wales's visit to North Lambeth on Monday. A great deal of the London property of the Duchy of Cornwall is situated in Kennington. With marked good sense, the Prince of Wales during his visit discussed many aspects of the housing question, at a kind of Informal conference, at which delegates from the Lambeth Central Labour Party were present. That is excellent. Nothing could be more harmful, or more untrue, than a belief that the Prince is indifferent to the housing conditions on hlir own estates, or worse still, is afraid to discuss matters with those primarily concerned, or to meet their leaders and advisors. In the list of things talked over with the Prince there arc proofs of no small discernment and discretion on his part. While he agreed absolutely to the demand that the Trade Union wages clause should be inserted in building contracts (herein only following the universal practice amongst public bodies), he wisely only promised " consideration " for such doubtful demands as the establishment of a Duchy of Cornwall Works Department. Such Departments may be all very well when first founded, and when there is a great deal of initial enthusiasm, but they are very apt to become sleepy, inadequate, and extravagant, especi- ally when the man at the top, the man who must give the final word, is in the position of the Prince of Wales ; that is to say, is sure to have his mind occupied with a dozen other matters of prime importance. A sound proviso was the Prince's promise to visit privately the derelict sites and houses on the estate.
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