(Northumberland), 32.2; Featherstone (Yorks.), 17.1; Normanton (Yorks), 13.5; Skelmersdale (Lancashire), 16.8.

Mr Robertson added: 'It will be seen from the Tables that a very much larger proportion of our mining population live in two and three-roomed tenements than is the case elsewhere. . . . Thus, even in England and Wales, where the housing conditions are acknowledged to be better than Scotland, one in every ten persons was living under conditions of overcrowding; but in certain mining villages of Durham this was true of four out of every ten persons.'-(Coal Industry Commission, Vol. I., p. 346.)

The Chairman: 'With regard to housing, I suppose in Northumberland and Durham practically all the houses are provided by the coal companies?

Mr W. Straker (President, Northumberland Miners' Association): 'I should say 75 per cent. I am making a rough guess.

The Chairman: 'Is there an obligation on the part of colliery companies to provide houses there?'

Mr W. Straker: 'No, it is only a custom.'-(Coal Industry Commission, Vol. I., p. 8576-77.)

Medical Officer's report on Holytown mine and houses :— 'Holytown mine, 438 employed. 107 two-apartment houses, one story, brick-built. No damp-proof course, no garden-ground. Scullieries used as washhouses, no boilers, 36 pail privies, 18 open ashpits.'-(Coal Industry Commission, Vol. I., p. 347).

Longriggend (Lanarkshire).-'The mine-owners' houses number 241 and are described in five groups, as follows: 20 houses of one apartment, 58 houses of two apartments, single story, brick-built, erected 30 years ago, no damp-proof course, plastered brick. Internal surface of walls damp. No wash-houses, no coal cellars. Four open privy middens, six open ashpits in front of the houses at a distance of from 15 to 20 feet. Action has been taken by medical officer with regard to insanitary condition of houses.'(Coal Industry Commission, Vol. I., p. 347.)

Miners' Houses in Wigan (Lancashire).-'In regard to

the insanitary conditions of the houses, the conveniences are totally inadequate to the number of houses; in many instances two or three families use the same convenience, and, as this is usually a pail, it is both unhealthy and disagreeable. There are also some houses where the conveniences are so close to the back-door that a single step will take you right into the convenience, and the stench, especially in the summer, can be more easily imagined than described. There are a large number of "back to back" houses with no water supply, no washboilers, and from which all ashes and refuse have to be carried a considerable distance.'-(Evidence of Mrs Hart, Coal Industry Commission, Vol. II., p. 1016.)

GLASGOW: W. COLLINS SONS AND CO. LTD

Messrs COLLINS will always be glad to send particulars regularly to readers who will supply their names and addresses

'A strong, skilfully told tale.'-Times.

'Well sustained from beginning to end, and the pathetic figure of Rachel makes a strong appeal to the reader.'-Daily Telegraph.

Admirably characteristic of its writer's great and undimmed qualities, and one which brings the tale of her achievement to a worthy and congruous close.'Westminster Gazette.

'Perhaps the simplest Mrs Ward ever wrote, and on that account one of the best.'-Morning Post.

THE TALL VILLA

By Lucas Malet

Author of Sir Richard Calmady, Deadham Hard, etc. 7s. 6d. net

'Close on an impeccable novel. The characters are beautifully balanced the style is admirable—

excellently written.'-Times.

'Takes rank with the finest. It is exquisitely told, and is probably Lucas Malet's greatest achievement related with a delicate and subtle charm there is no resisting.'-Pall Mall Gazette.

'Told with a subtlety of suggestion which makes it curiously arresting told with beautiful art.'—

Scotsman.

'A haunting little tale of a ghostly visitation told with exquisite delicacy and restraint

told

a gem.'-Daily Chronicle.

superbly

AN IMPERFECT MOTHER
By J. D. Beresford

Author of God's Counterpoint, Jacob Stahl, etc.
THIRD IMPRESSION. 7s. 6d. net

'A highly entertaining example of pure intellect which, for my own part, I enjoyed amazingly.'—Punch.

'Takes his reader in the delicate but firm grip proper to an accomplished novelist entering into his subject with two of the most delightful opening chapters he has ever written Mr Beresford at his best.'-Westminster Gazette.