Increased Allowances, 2nd July 1918

More letters on the ability of servicemen's dependants to survive on Separation Allowances appeared on 2nd July 1918.

“INCREASED ALLOWANCES.

“I agree with “Fair Play," and say let those work who are able and help the country by doing so. Just look at the money some women are earning to-day and asking for more. Look at their finery and dress also. And another poor soul who cannot work gets nothing. A certain class have never been as well off in their lives, and do not want this terrible war to end as long as they reap a good benefit. But the poor soldier's wife, who is not able to work, gets no more. These matters should be studied, and let who earn good money help the people that cannot work. — SOLDIER'S WIFE WHO CANNOT WORK.

“Where are the "Tommies” wives who are making their fortunes on munitions? My wife is working at a very large munition place for 25s. per six days, just enough to keep me in food now the powers that be have cut wounded Tommies' rations down. If the Government will pay my wife to live and keep the nippers respectively on, she will be delighted to stop and look after them and let “Fair Play” have all the munition making to herself. When working as a collier I had a few quid at my back, but we are always ready now for Monday at the post-office. If my wife draws £3 a week for herself and two children we shall just be back our pre-war wage. — GUNNER.

“If the Government can allow 12s. 6d. for rent, coal, and gas, as a correspondent suggests, no wonder things are dear. When my grandfather and his comrades went to war their wives were left to shift for themselves This is proof that soldiers' wives are much better off in these days. Many a working woman does not get much more than that. — ANOTHER FAIR PLAY.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 2nd July 1918.