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the shelter of the Workhouse. This alone should induce H.M.
Government to continue the Act until such time as the question of
unemployment is permanently dealt with. It is now impossible to
realize the condition of things that would be created in London if
no organised system of registration of this class of labour existed
The inadequacy of the amount of work provided has again been the
drawback, notwithstanding the fact that the Council of this Borough
provided work for 291 men, in addition to that obtained through the
agency of the Central Body, and my Committee are of opinion that
some inducement should be held out to the Borough Councils to put
up schemes of work.
The necessity for the provision of work of a useful nature during
the slack time of the year is shown in the willingness of the men to
accept almost any conditions and rates of pay sooner than be
walking about idle.
London Work in Parks, &c. The provision of this, inadequate
though it has been, is more attractive to the men as they do not
have to leave their homes, and the casual workers in the building
and mineral water trades are able to keep in touch with their employers,
and when there is work about they soon get to hear of it
and are able to leave the work which has been provided for them.
This is shown by the large number that have left and are reported as
" Found Work," viz., about 10 per cent, of these put to work.
Farm Colony Work. This is attractive to a better class of men,
although the pay is small. They appreciate the discipline, regular
food, and general surroundings of a country life. The drawback is the
want of something to follow the sixteen weeks' training. A number
of men would only be too glad of the chance to settle in the country,
and until a greater effort is made in this direction, all the good that
accrues, morally and physically, will be wasted. The sixteen weeks
allowed is, at the same time, quite insufficient to train a man for
country work. At least two years would be required to fit a man to
become an efficient farm labourer.
Emigration. Opinions differ very considerably on this point,
and there is no doubt but that the best men are well able to hold
their own in this country. If they wish to emigrate they do so at
their own expense. The class that require assistance are those that
have got left behind in the struggle for existence, but feel that with
a fresh start and under different conditions, they may yet come out
on top or somewhere near. As regards single men, with no trade
in their hands, this is undoubtedly the best thing for them.
Women's Work. This is a boon to widows who have been left
with young children, and would be more so, if openings could only be
found for them after their sixteen weeks' training. To come in closer
touch with the Labour Exchange would perhaps be an advantage.
In conclusion the Camberwell Distress Committee desire most
strongly to urge upon His Majesty's Government the great and