CONS, EMMA (1838-1912), English philanthropist, was born in London on March 4, 1838. Through an acquaintance with Miss Octavia Hill she became interested in social work, and in particular in housing questions. She became known for her work in connection with Morley College and the Royal Victoria Hall, Waterloo Road, which is generally known as the "Old Vic." Miss Cons, whose social work in Lambeth had shown her the difficulty of providing decent amusement at a cheap rate, obtained an inter est in the Royal Victoria Hall in 1880. At one time a well-known theatre, it later degenerated into a disreputable haunt where only the lowest melodramas were played. It was then enlarged and improved, the sale of drink was forbidden, and programmes of music, drama and lectures were undertaken. In 1882 the wealthy manufacturer and philanthropist Samuel Morley began to take an interest in the Hall, and in 1884 joined the executive com mittee, contributing not only money but sympathy and practical business advice. The "Old Vic" attained high repute, and in 1889 concert performances of grand opera were started, a chorus being formed in 1896. Symphony concerts were given in 1905 and for several seasons. Emma Cons was elected to the first Lon don County Council (1888) and was chosen an alderman, but retired owing to difficulties raised as to the right of women to sit. She died at Hever, Kent, on July 24, 1912.
Her sister, Ellen Cons (1840-192o), was also closely associated with many philanthropic schemes, and was one of the governors of the "Old Vic." She died in London on June 25, 192o.