The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-11-10
ROWTON HOUSES IN LONDON
A New Addition to the Poor Mems
Hotel

The Rowton houses. or poor mems ho-
tells, as they are sometimes called, are
serving useful purpose in helping to
solve the London housing problem. which
must sooner or later be grappled with ser
1ously by the local authorities, or, failing
them, by parliament. The idea originated
with Lord ECwton. nephew of the late
Lord Shaftesbury, who devoted his life to
the amelioration of the condition of the
London poor. The opening of the first of
these model lodging houses in Vauxhan in
1893 inaugurated a new departure in the
housing of men of slender means; and
the experiment was attended with such d
large measure of success as to justify the
promoters in erecting similar buildings
in other parts of London wherever suit
now five of these establishments. the
latest of them being opened in White
chapel about a fortnight ago. 1t has ac-
comm odation for Sl6 male dodgers, for
whose comfort and convenience every
thing has been done. Being primarily in
tended to provide a nights lodging for
poor men, special attention has been given
to the sleeping accommodation.
The upper floors are devoted to this pur-
pose. each floor being arranged precisely
the same system. A spacious corridor
runs down the center of each floor, and
compartments. Every ledger has his own
cubicle and every cubicle has it's separate
window. The beds are let at sixpence a
night, or 3s. Cd week Iodgers can go
TO bed any time after o'clock, but they
must be up in the morning not later than
O. Cheap meals are provided in the es-
with a large dining room, smoking
room, reading room and other accommo
datiOn There is also shop for the sale
of all kinds of food. cooked or uncooked
as well as temperance refreshments and
tobacco. The quality of the food is ex-
cellent and the prices trif1e lower than
those charged in the ordinary retail shops
outside.
The reading room is well stocked with
newspaper ma gaines and literature of
a Wholesome character; while chess,
draughts. dOrinoes and other games are
who are thus able to eniov all the adj
vantages of a good workinErnen-s club
without paying any subscription. 1t is not
surprising that the houses are Immensely
popular. and nearly ALWAYS full. Ail sorts
and conditions Of men are attracted
search of work to the respectable me-
chanic earning his e3 a week. who could
afford a house to himself. The movement
has been entirely successful, not only
from a social but from a financial point
Of view Lord Rowton originally invested
been turned into limited company The
profit on the first years working of the
Vauxhall house was 3 per cent on the car
tal invested. and the undertaking Is stun
able to paw a dividend of per cent per
annum The other three houses are sit
uated in Kings Cross road, Newington
Puts and Hammerspith. The building in
NewinctOn Butts faces n pretty open
snace formerly the churchyard of St
Nary's and Is now being enlarged to ac-
cornnodate over one thousand dodgers. 1t
it the intention of the directors to go on
of London sites can be obtained: and
there is A scherne under consideration FOR
tho erection of Rowton houses for women
The Scotsman