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8
Another view of the need which exists may be
gained from the Guardians' expenditure on outdoor
relief for the year ended the 30th September, 1928,
which was £212,650 (including £121,341 on relief of
unemployment).
The low wage standards prevailing among the
inhabitants of the Borough are indicated by an
investigation made of the financial circumstances of
mothers attending the Welfare Centre for the first
time during a fortnight in January, 1929, which
revealed the fact that among the 74 mothers
32 (or 43.2 per cent.) were so poor that they
would have been entitled to a free milk
grant under the Council's scale ;
16 (or 21.6 per cent.) would have been entitled
to a half-price milk grant ;
Of the remaining 26 (or 35.1 per cent.), nineteen
were the wives of workmen earning from
40s. Od. to 70s. Od. per week, and seven
were the wives of small shopkeepers.
If the present "living wage" for a family of five
be taken as approximately £4 0s. Od. per week, it is
clear that the great majority of the residents are far
below this standard.
These facts need to be borne in mind in considering
the facts as to vital statistics, etc., given later in this
report.
PUBLIC HEALTH EXPENDITURE.
The exceedingly small cost of the local Public
Health services is shown by the latest available
figures for the financial year 1927-8, when the nett
expenditure of the Public Health Committee was
£15,911, or 2s. 8d. per head of the population, and
equivalent to a rate of 5.6d. in the £1. The New York
State Department of Health has a striking statement
on its envelopes : "Public Health is purchasable.
Within natural limitations any community can