ABSTRACT
The first annual report of the Association for providing Lodgings for Soldiers' Wives and Families at Aldershott has just been issued. The object of the association is to provide lodgings at a cheaper rate than they could be obtained by the ordinary means, and, owing to the high rents at Aldershott, it may be considered most valuable for the benefit of the married soldier. When the former report was issued only 40 lodgings were available in that part of Aldershott called North-lane, or New-town, but in January the committee took three houses in Albert-street, West-end, at a rent of 65l. per annum, including rates, repairs, &c., by which 17 lodgings were added to the others, with the rents at the low figure of 1s. 10d. to 2s. 2d. per week for each room, partly furnished. Ninety-nine soldiers’ wives and 72 children have been benefitted by the lodgings since these were opened, and all the tenants continue to express their satisfaction with the quarters provided for them. There is a rule most rigidly adhered to by the committee, which excludes from the benefits of the association the wives of soldiers married without leave, but if a sufficient number of women married with leave do not apply for the lodgings then those married without leave who can obtain recommendations from their commanding officer are admitted.
