The Optimist & the Pessimist by George Belcher, WW1

The Small One: They seem to think the war will be over very soon now, Mrs Arris
The Ohter: I shouldn't be surprised, Mrs. Green; twenty-five shillings a week and me usband away. I always said it was too good to last.
A humorous comment on the separation allowance, awarded to wives of serving soldiers during the First World War. For many, the income was more than they were used to and there was widespread criticism that working class women spent their allowance on drink

Allowance Belcher Classes Income Optimist Pessimist Pubs Separation

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