The Sun.
London, England, 1865-11-29 00:00:00

Improved Houses for Working Men.

Last night a public meeting was held in the Lam-
beth Baths for the purpose of considering the means
of erecting improved and cheaper dwellings for
working men, rendered necessary by the great
demolition now going on in London, and the great
increase of rent.
The chair vi as occupied by Mr. G. M. MußPnr,
who, as is well known, has shown himself much -
• interested in promoting the true interests of the
working men, and in introducing the subject read a
letter from the Earl of Shaftesbury, in which he
stated that the matter was one of vital importance,
and had for many years occupied his attention.
He considered that of all earthly things good
dwellings were most important to the comfort,
honour,
decency, prosperity, and elevation of his
labouring brethren, and he added that he
would heartily co-operate iu anything con-
ducive to their interests. A letter was also
read from Mr. D. Roger,g approving of the move-
ment proposed to be made in this direction. The
chairman also read a statement, which was largely
circulated in the room, which, after showing the
great necessity for providing increased accommoda-
tion for working men, and pointing out the enor-
mous power they possessed by combination to sup..
ply that accommodation for themselves, proceeded to
state that it was proposed that the working men
should combine to form a company protected by the
Limited Liability Acts, to be called " The London
House Improvement Company (Limited)," some of
the shares in which should be payable by periodical
instalment, in the same way as contributions to an
ordinary benefit or building society and also that
there be another class of shares, to be paid up by
calls much more rapidly, which would probably be
taken up by those friends of such movements
who had more wealth at command. Plans had been
prepared by Mr. S. Sharp, architect, containing many
improvements upon- tire'most suceessfilritiodel
dwellings, more economical in cost of erection, and
avoiding many objections made to those buildings
It was suggested that for a few years (say to the
completion of the payments on the instalment
shares), they should invest their profits, over and
above five per cent., in the erection of additional
buildings, and borrow upon the security of their
property to the amount of one-half of its value, also
for the purpose of erecting additional buildings.
Calculations were subjoined, showing that by these
means, at the end of the eighth year, after five per
cent. had been regularly paid on the amount paid
up, a considerable increase of dividend might be
safely reckoned upon, while the number of houses
would be more than doubled. Working men taking
shares in the company would have the right of pre-
ference if they wished to occupy the houses of the
company, and might apply their dividends to the
reduction of their rent, receive them in cash, or
allow them to accumulate until they had sufficient,
when they wished to retire from their labours, to
purchase a home in the suburbs, the erection of
which would form a future branch of the company's
operations. A plan was exhibited to the meeting,
describing the nature of the buildings which the
proposed company should erect. The buildings
were to be in separate blocks, each containing two
shops and eight dwelling-houses ; the shops to have
two back rooms attached. The building to be in
flats, each of which was to contain a living room,
14 feet square, two bedrooms, and a scullery, with
all conveniences, while in the attics it was proposed
to nave washhouses and drying rooms, as well as
rooms for those who work at home.

Mr. ROBINSON moved the following resolution,
which was seconded by Mr. SHARP :—" That im-
mediate steps are necessary to be taken for the supply
of improved and cheaper dwellings for the labour..
ing classes, and that one effectual means of doing
so will be by the co-operation of working men
themselves."

This resolution was supported by Mr. F. F.
WHITEIIURST, who expressed his opinion that the
Government would advance money for the improve-
ment of the dwellings of the labouring classes,
provided it could obtain a good security for its
repayment.

After a few observations from Mr. IVARN, sug-
gesting that all metropolitan railways should be
compelled to take sufficient land on each side of
their line to enable houses suitable for the working
classes to be erected,
The resolution was carried unanimously,
Resolutions were also agreed to, approving of the
foundation of a limited company, with the object of
improving the dwellings of the working men, such
company to be supported by the working men them-
selves and their friends, and for the formation of a
committee ; and the proceedings terminated with a
vote of thanks to the chairman.