Vol. VI No. 1 - Modernist Magazines Project

DOWN THE NILE
by a certain din, one also cannot help being aware of one or more
outstanding odours. Pride of place must be given to the butchers'
shops, which for certain reasons show a partiality for disposing of
strong smelling meat. That smell catches one by the throat, and woe
betide the person who is not capable of stomaching these pungent
odours. Then the fried-fish shop with its greasy smell being exhaled
together with the hissing vapour. It seems to permeate the atmosphere
for quite a distance, doubtless whetting the appetites of many a fish
and chip lover.
The brewery is not far away, and from there comes wafted the
rich, thickly smelling odour of malted hops. It does not overpower
one, but acts as a gentle suggestion of far away pleasures yet to be
tasted. The sweet factory, however, is never consistent with its odours.
One day there may be a fine flavour of candy on the breeze. Another
day the attractive marzipan may be sent abroad. Often too, there
is a sickly, sugary smell, as if that day was the day for making inferior
sweetmeats. Sometimes the odours are mingled, suggesting that the
orders for assorted goods are being carried through.
Like its more famous namesake, the Nile bears through its busy
thoroughfare all types and conditions of humanity. One class obviously
predominates, that which receives the least reward for its services
to Society. But Life goes on, and the poor manage to live and despite
all reasons to the contrary, reproduce themselves in large numbers.
Making ends meet is their standing problem, and were that problem
gradually to disappear, it is probable that the character of Nile Street
would fundamentally change.
The poverty stricken aspect of the dilapidated dwelling places, the
jostling small general stores, the tatters of the children, would all
vanish. Perhaps many items of interest that make up the character
of the street would be submerged in the vortex of change. One cannot
regret the passing of such spots of darkness in a great city, and not
be moved by its degrading effect on the people living in its midst.
Our contributor is a member of the Bermondsey Bookshop. His article
we think, displays keen powers of observation and a lively sense of the
humanities.
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