In a letter under the heading A Wife's Complaint, Mrs A. Deller, of High Town Road, revealed how her promised allowances when her husband enlisted had been severely cut. She wrote:
Will you kindly spare a small space in The Luton News for a soldier's wife who feels she is not being treated in a fair way? Six months ago, when the call for recruits went forth, I am proud to say that my husband, as an old soldier, heard and answered that call on September 10th at a recruiting meeting held at the Corporation Depot in the presence of some of the ratepayers' representatives.
The promise was made to all who enlisted that their wives should receive seven shillings per week, also one shilling each child. That means 9s per week for me, as I have two children, but to my surprise I received that amount for only three weeks. Since then it has been 5s per week, but now I feel quite disgusted to receive the paltry sum of 2s per week, which I feel, although I am a poor working woman, I will not go to the Town Hall for, as I consider it an insult to be treated so during the absence of a good husband.
May I say that one councillor accompanied the Corporation employees to the Corn Exchange, and on the way he told them not to worry about their wives and families - they should be well looked after. What a promise! So soon forgotten.
I am told it is because I have got an increase from the Government (which I have not received yet). Is it right for the Government to give soldiers' wives as extra allowance because of the extra cost in living, and employers reap the benefit?
I know it is ratepayers' money. I say let the ratepayers decide whether we should have the allowances continued or not. But I feel sure thay would be willing we receive it.
It is, to say the least, very mean of those responsible for this great blunder. I would like to know if other employees of the Corporation in higher positions have had their allowances reduced who have answered their country's call.
Thanking you if you can make room for this letter in the columns of the News, and so bring our case before the townspeople in the hope that someone will do a man's part and fight for us as wives to get our rights in the absence of our husbands.
MRS A. DELLER,
122 High Town Road,
Luton.
In a footnote, the Editor of The Luton News wrote: "We have made inquiries into the matter. It is stated that no actual amount was mentioned in any promise, but the income of wives was made up to the amount at which it stood before the husbands went away, less the amount of keep of the husband.
The amount was lessened because of the increase in separation allowance, and a woman with two children would be receiving 21s per week from the Government. The amount from the Corporation was reduced to two shillings, and the wife would thus receive 23s, and have not husband to keep. Before the war the average earnings of these men would be about 25s.
If it is found that the wife has not yet received the extra Government allowance, the Corporation will doubtless do its duty in the matter.
[The Luton News, March 18th, 1915]