362 
The late Thomas Aveling. 
calism, and that I do object to." In this way, various social 
and political subjects were ventilated, and as a result his work- 
men abandoned such communistic doctrines as compulsory sub- 
division of land, and other visionary ideas. Everybody was 
free to attend these meetings, and sometimes farmers and farm- 
labourers took part in the discussions. Mr. Aveling, in fact, 
devoted a great deal of time, and spared no expense " to let 
a little daylight" into his workpeople, and it is impossible to 
estimate the amount of good that he did in this way alone. It 
is almost needless to say that he was roundly abused by the 
" unco' gnid " for what he did in this direction, and some 
people tried to hold him responsible for all the ideas which 
were broached during these discussions. I cannot recall any 
verbatim statement of his on this result of his endeavours, but 
all he said doubtless amounted to, " It pleases them, and it 
doesn't hurt me." 
The domestic comfort of his men he regarded as very impor- 
tant ; and as an illustration of the value which he placed upon 
it, I may mention that he erected a large and comfortable 
mess-room, fitted with cooking-stoves and other means and 
appliances. Here he had a man to look after and keep hot the 
food that was brought there for the men's meals. This may 
seem a small matter on paper, but it made a vast difference 
every day in the comfort of the men, and therefore of their 
capacity for work. This room was always at the disposal of 
the " Foresters " or any other club which desired to use it for 
meetings ; — " anything rather than let them go to a public- 
house." 
Mr. Crosskill states that " amongst his favourite recreations 
were listening to good music and playing at chess. Before he 
became a Member of Council, and actively engaged in the 
Showyard management, he delighted in a quiet game at the 
back of his shed ; and even of late years he would, if possible, 
snatch an hour for that purpose from his numerous avocations. 
I well remember the astonishment of two of his colleagues, who 
had known him only as an active and vigorous worker, coming 
unexpectedly upon him thus occupied, one afternoon during the 
Carlisle Show. On his yachting expeditions there was, of 
course, plenty of time and opportunity, and a travelling chess- 
board was an indispensable portion of his equipment." 
His greatest enjoyment, indeed, was yachting, and he took as 
active a part in the management of the Royal Victoria, the 
Royal Cinque Ports, and other Yacht Clubs of which he was 
a member, as he did in the business of those Societies con- 
nected with the more serious occupations of his life. Several 
years ago he possessed a small six-ton cutter, which he called 
