Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C H B *

Subjects:

Hospitals, War, Pollution, Engineering, Government, Museums, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Crossness Pumping Station

    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing an old sailor with a wooden leg walking on crutches and reading a broadsheet announcing the sale of Greenwich Hospital. Reports on the second reading of the 'Greenwich Hospital Reform Bill', and criticizes the fact that 'the poor Merchant Seamen [...] have been for years made to contribute their sixpence towards the Hospital, but are excluded from any benefit thereof'. Later notes that Prince Edward voted for the 'Third Reading of the Bill for the Utilisation of Sewage', a move which Punch suggests was prompted by his opening of the 'great drainage works' at Crossness. Notes a debate on 'Civil Service Estimates', which sparked discussion of the South Kensington Museum.