Rowland ALSTON [3825]

  General Notes:

416. June 1868. Alston Rowland. b. 14 Oct. 1857; br of 407, 441, 526, and 1150, f of 6798, 7450, and 7787, br-in-law 2658 (Wilfred Powell); m Alice Maud, est d of Geo Thompson Powell of Rotherwood, Sydenham Hill, (see 2781). Address: 96 West Hill Sydenham SE26, and 20 Eastcheap, EC3. q.
Dulwich College Register NZSOG.

The Times 28 March 1916 pg 9 col E
Tea and the Budget
To the Editor of The Times
Sir, the duty payments on tea have been very heavy indeed during February, and from the first of that month up to last Friday, March 25, amounted to L3,682,303 on 73,646,060 llb. The total consumption in the British Isles during 1915 was 317,324,744lbs. against 317,685,077lbs. in 1914 or rather more than one million per day bar Sundays, so it will be seen how much of this is anticipate three of a further increase in the duty, although it is not taken into account that it is the only trade which has had two increases during the war viz: November 1914 from 5d to 8d, and September 1915 from 8d to 1s.
Being firmly convinced that the government will listen to the representations of the trade; and impose no further duty in the coming budget in April, I have appealed to dealers and retailers to abstain from clearing more than their immediate requirements and would ask you to allow me to induce the public also, without whose cooperation the result would be disappointing, to limit their purchases, are most wise course as he is a perishable article. At these times when the transport of the country is fearfully congested, it is incumbent upon all to do their best to limit their requirements in everything as much as possible, and was in stew that the legitimate wants of the community may be possible of consummation.
Yours faithfully
Rowland Alston
20 Eastcheap EC March 27
In the Times 7 May 1917 pg 5 col E is a further long letter on the subject of tea

The Times 24 January 1917 pg 13 col C
The War Loan
Sir, it is the wish of every Briton that the new War loan shall be a great success, and the conviction in general that all will do their quota to achieve this result. If however the success is to be complete there is to my mind one way in which this can be attained viz: that the banks shall mollify or extend their usual terms for repayment of loans, as I am certain that this is hindering many from using the facilities which they offer. I think I am right in saying that an ordinary secured loan is for a period of three months and is then either renewed or liquidated at the option of the bank, and although it is generally understood that is not intended in these wartime is to enforce the liquidation, yet the possibility still exists and is deterrent. If the banks will con jointly state the terms on which they will finance they are approved clients say:
1. 5% margin to be paid by the borrower, and if through any unforeseen event this would not cover any deficiency then cash to be paid or further security lodged.
2. Balance to be found by the bank at 1% under the bank rate with a minimum of five per cent, script being held as security.
3. These terms to last for the duration of the war, or, it is still, for one of a half years after declaration of peace.
The response would be colossal, and might be reckoned not only in millions but in tens of millions. If, however the banks will not con jointly do this I would very strongly urge each and all to consult their bankers, when I feel sure they will find that they will grant individually what they will not state publicly.
Yours faithfully
Rowland Alston
20 Eastcheap E C
January 23.

In the Times 13 Feb 1917 pg 9 col E is a further long letter on the subject of finance

Rowland wrote further to the Times in 1923 &4 on the subject of Tea and Income Tax reform - not transcribed.

Rowland and Alice Maud Alston were 1st Class passengers on the Johan De Witt of the Nederland Royal Mail Line departing 18 Mar 1926 to Algiers, the voyage terminated at Batavia Java. Their last address in England was given as 96 West Hill Sydenham SE26. Roland gave his occupation as Company Director he was aged 68, Alice was aged 66, both gave their Country of permanent residence as England
Ref UK Outward Passenger Lists

Alston Rowland of 20 Eastcheap London and of 96 West Hill Sydenham Kent died 3 April 1927 at 96 West Hill. Probate London 30 May 1927 two Alice Maud Alston widow George Gordon Powell solicitor and Cedric Rowland Alston Esq. Effects £34,285 6s 9d
National Probate Calendar.

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 8 Apr 1861, 30 Bishopsgate St St Helen MDX. Rowland is recorded as a son aged 2 born St Johns Wood MDX

2. Census: England, 2 Apr 1871, Claireville Camberwell St Giles SRY. Rowland is described as a son aged 13 born St Johns Wood

3. Census: England, 5 Apr 1891, Wandsworth LND. Rowland is described as head of house married aged 35 a tea merchant born London.

4. Census: England, 2 Apr 1911, Dulwich Camberwell LND. Rowland is described as head of house married aged 53 director of a Public Company in the Tea Trade an employer born St Johns Wood MDX

Rowland married Alice Maud POWELL [3826] [MRIN: 1321], daughter of George Thompson POWELL [3827] and Alice Maria DUKE [34159], 2 Qtr 1889 in Reg Lewisham LND. (Alice Maud POWELL [3826] was born about 1866 in Croydon SRY, baptised on 27 Sep 1866 in Christchurch West Croydon SRY, died on 24 Oct 1957 and was buried on 31 Oct 1957 in Elmers End Cemetery KEN.)