The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-04-12

OF what might be realised but with pa.
tsencs 70 approach the ideal gradually.
recognising Il - equally important TO keep
the tenants up 10 their duty. as herself
conscsentiousiy 10 carry out the duties
Q, the landlord whom she represents
Ihen, not only should = manager be
thus naturally endowed. but she must
realize the need of special training, and be
ready 70 sacrifice time TO obtain such
training For the work is more IKE a pro-
feasion. II hae so much tina. b technical
IN II. and Instruction n these technical
matters can only be obtained gradually
Moreover. Il can be obtained only tn the
houses. and. as IL would never do to let
them be experimental on by beginners.
the business must be well carried on all
the time the ladies are training. In order
not 10 bring about disaster so that |; liz
only after experience has been gained
that responsibility can he delegated. II
h somewha; like the difficulty of training
doctors without sacrificing patients To
help forward the training without risk
OF failure We have to a certain degree
arranged for subdivision az labor ard in
some parts % the work many can help
VINO are quite unable really 20 manage a
court and so extend the work. Sooner or
later. before the tiniest court could be
taken in hand, the manager must be really
trained fn the following matters:
H. thorough knowledge OF accounts
This I find rare among ladies Accuracy
In cash-hooks intelligent keeping Of ledg-
ers, bank accounts. depreciation accounts.
assets and liabilities, thorough familiar
itr with bookkeeping in Its special arpli-
cation 70 houses all this must be secured
C) As connected with tbs a knowledge
OF our most complicated system of rates
and taxes in London Is required The col
lectors In many districts are. regret TO
say. either ignorant or careless. Claims
rarely come In right. and require to be
checked by knowledge Of the various acts
OF parliament which regulate the amounts
chargeabie This. with a knowledge OF
the limits OF assessment, ts essential
"g> A knowledge Of what may call
finance is requisite unless owners are Yep-
resented by lawyers or men OF business
who manage this for them. The re-
equipment Of capital invested In leasehoids.
the accumulation of amounts needed to
meet claims for adaptations. must be
carefully seen to.
"a Again. legal questions arise a
slight IL thoroughly accurate knowledge OF
which often caves heavy loss, expense. or
delay. Such are the ordinary matters re-
iating to leases yearly tenancies. and it Is
quite essential always for the lady manag.
ing to know thoroughly the laws relating
to weekly tenancies. or she might easily
put herself and those she represents in
the wrong. with serious consequences
"f5o Again. some knowledge OF the
quality and price OF small repairs IL need
ed everywhere. the more capable the bet
ter. IT fs necessary to realize when re-
pairs are wanted FOR keeping up the fab
ric. when for sanitary reasons. what work
men to send for. approximately what they
should charge. In the case OF old houses
X one knows q little about building one
can often greatly improve the place by
suggesting where a window can be broken
out, in which wall damp-course Is need
ed, where an old staircase can be dis
pensed with. the space being thrown into
the rooms and access given elsewhere,
how hest wash-houae may be provided
and many other improvements win occur
TO those accustomed to think out such
problems.
't61 When new building has TO be
erected any one accustomed to manage
houses finds her detailed knowledge Of the
life OF the people most useful in suggest.
ingto architects the most convenient ar
engagements. The ready letting of rooms.
the whole comfort in them may depend or
details which easily escape those NOT &C.
cnstomed to notice what makes kitchen or
bedroom handy. or airy, or light or not
draughty.
Finally. may add that one needs a
certain quiet temper suitable for one whose
duty is management. Where q district
visitor has only persuasion to depend on. a.
manager has 10 decide: where a district
visitor must preach patience with a troub-
iesome neighhor, /, Is for a manager TO
decide whether the annoyance is sum-
cient FOR her 10 make a change among
tenants This is distinct responsibility.
and IL needs a great deal of observation
OF wise listening, of prudent attention 10
the reliable tenants. and readiness TO &C.
on their merest hint 0or the respectable
are very shy OF making compiaints), while
1t means also the just appraisement OF the
mere chatter. Also. the manager should
be always thinking what Will make the
house and people better. and yet be quite
Indifferent about mere popularity She
must be ready 10 do stern things. because
she sees beyond them TO the blessings they
will bring.
In fact whatever would make a lady
wise head of house will help TO make
her wise head OF houses