View report page

35
splendid area of model artizan dwellings, chamber-workshops,
and workmen's dining-halls could be provided upon
a basis which would combine a 3 per cent. dividend with an
enlightened philanthropy.
It would certainly be desirable to provide lodgings, or
chamber-workshops, under proper sanitary regulations, for
such workers as are connected with the great shops and
warehouses of St. James's. But the development of new
suburban villages—such as those of the Artizans' Dwellings
Company at Queen's Park, Harrow Road; and at Noel Park,
Wood Green—together with cheap trains and trams, will
provide more health and comfort for the working classes
than any possible block-dwellings upon costly sites in
Central London. In the event of opening up this district
by a new street, a question would arise as to the large
site of the old brewery in Broad Street, Golden Square.
It is obvious that a brewery is out of place in St. James's,
in as much as it defiles the atmosphere, and burdens
crowded streets of great importance with a vast amount
of heavy traffic.
The encumbering of large and valuable areas in the
centre of London by old workhouses, where the aged and
infirm poor are cooped up under miserable surroundings;
and by breweries and other coarse factories, is becoming a
question of large metropolitan importance. These are
cases to which an equitable Parliamentary persuasion
should be applied. Moreover, in breweries and some
other factories, the highest quality of production cannot be
obtained except in a pure atmosphere and in newly-planned
aseptic buildings furnished with modern plant.
I have the honour to remain,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES EDMUNDS,
26, Manchester Square.