View report page

the way, they are of opinion that the question is not incapable
of solution and is worthy of the earnest consideration of the
Borough Council.
They would suggest that a special Committee, either by
a Government department or the London County Council, be appointed
to consider the question thoroughly and systematically
and, if necessary, to take evidence upon the various points
from those who have made them a special study and from
those who have had practical experience in the working of
the various schemes for dealing with the unemployed during
the past and previous winters.
They would urge, however, that any scheme which may
be adopted should avoid the inadequate dole of work which
does nothing to keep up the efficiency of the workman and is
ineffectual in keeping him from coming upon the poor law.
They would also urge that due care should be taken not to
discourage thrift during the summer months when work is
plentiful by holding out hopes that provision will be made
during the winter. It would probably be necessary to put
such as painters, plumbers, bricklayers and similar tradesmen
who earn high wages in the summer on a different footing with
those whose earnings do not increase in the same proportion.
The Committee wish especially to thank the Honorary
Secretaries of the District Committees, who, by their unselfish
application to the work enabled them to carry out their scheme
of organisation. They also wish to tender their thanks to the
Borough Engineer, Mr. William Oxtoby, for his courtesy and
co-operation and to the Town Clerk, Mr. C. William Tagg, for
his invaluable advice and assistance throughout the whole
movement, and Mr. C. S. Stevens, Clerk to the Guardians, for
his able services.
A statement of income and expenditure is appended.
H. R. TAYLOR (Mayor), Chairman.
A. FOSTER (Chairman of Guardians), Vice-Chairman.
R. J. SOMERS, Hon. Sec.
Town Hall, Camberwell.
July, 1904,