The Other Eden (1922)

From the October 1922 issue of the Socialist Standard

“The historic mansion known as York House, Twickenham, is being offered for sale by private treaty. . . .  Lady Ratan Tata now finds it larger than her requirements, and hence it is in the market. The estate contains eight acres of grounds, surrounded by a high brick wall, with rose garden, Japanese garden, and lawns and terraces by the river. The grounds boast a cascade lit by electric light and ornamented by groups of marble statuary. Opposite to the terrace and boathouse is the east end of Eel Pie Island, which is part of the Property. "—Star.

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Newport, Monmouth, Trades Council has conducted an enquiry into local housing conditions.

“One case of which it has cognisance is that of a widow whose husband was killed in the war. The only sleeping accommodation she can find is in the same room with two youths, aged 17 and 16 respectively, who are not related to her."—Daily Herald.

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“Accompanied by her husband the Princess (Mary) spent a long time inspecting the new hunt kennels at Hope Hall, where there is excellent stabling for 32 horses and accommodation for upwards of 60 couples of hounds.”—Daily Chronicle.

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"Another case is that of a house in Shaftesbury Street, where four families occupy five rooms. One of the mothers was recently confined, and had five children in her only room. She is now housing a terrier, because during her confinement she was attacked by rats.”—Daily Herald.

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‘‘Lord and Lady Cable have arrived at Evian-les-Bains for the cure, after a delightful tour in Normandy, where they visited many beauty spots and places of historic interest. . . . When her health permits, Lady Cable entertains at 44, Grosvenor Square, and at her beautiful place in Devon.”—Daily Chronicle.

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"A young man named Mullin, charged at Manchester with stealing coal from the Midland Railway Company’s sidings at Belle Vue, said that his father was in hospital, his mother ill at home, and he and his two sisters were out of work. There was only fifteen shillings a week coming into the house.

"The Magistrate: But you were here two years ago for a similar offence, and let off with a caution. You must have known that if you came here again you probably would have to go to prison.

"Mullin (in tears) : I did know it, but I could not bear to see how things were going at home, with no fire and hardly any food.

"A police officer said that Mullin’s story was true. The case was adjourned for three months to see if Mullin would keep a promise to enlist.”—Westminster Gazette.

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Well, fellow-workers, WHAT ABOUT IT?