PP/17/3/1/24 - [Letter, Philip and Kathy Harben to Jack and Molly Pritchard, 25/11/39]

PP/17/3/1/24

Item

[Letter, Philip and Kathy Harben to Jack and Molly Pritchard, 25/11/39]

1939

4 leaves Letters (typescript)

Pritchard, Molly

Lawn Road Flats -- Rents

Harben, Philip.
Pritchard, Mollyrecipient

The Harbens reply to Jack Pritchard's letter [PP/17/3/1/23] by claiming they are at cross-purposes. Jack Pritchard's attitude is "how much ought the Isobar to give us" while the Harbens' is "can the Isobar possibly be kept alive, and if so, how?" The Harbens rely so heavily on their income from the Isobar that they fear anything that might divert it. This fear, claims Harben, explains their unco-operative attitude over certain matters. Harben thinks they and the Pritchards should pool their resources and work together rather than send "unfriendly" letters as Pritchard has done. The Harbens see the time to divide the spoils when there are spoils to divide. When the time comes, the Harbens will remember the Pritchards' huge contribution in the first place. Taking each of Pritchard's points in turn, the Harbens disagree over charging rent for flat 32 and over not charging Jack Pritchard for his food, but agree over the need for a minimum standard of service and avoiding typing in the club. The Harbens believe they have given "two years of loyal, hardworking and cheap service" and their loyalty is being tested.