In the crowded parts of Central London the figures stand still higher; 6s.

is said to be a moderate price for a single room.[6] Mr.Marchant Williams, an Inspector of Schools for the London School Board, finds that 86 per cent.

of the dwellers in certain poor districts of London pay more than one-fifth of their income in rent; 46 per cent.

paying from one-half to one-quarter; 42 per cent.

paying from one-quarter to one-fifth; and only 12 per cent.
paying less than one-fifth of their weekly wage.[7] The poor from their circumstances cannot pay wholesale prices for their shelter, but must buy at high retail prices by the week; they are forced to live near their work (workmen's trains are for the aristocracy of labour), and thus compete keenly for rooms in the centres of industry; more important still, the value of central ground for factories, shops, and ware-houses raises to famine price the habitable premises.