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111
The explanation is quite simple—the amount of money
left to provide food is considerably greater in the slums
than that which remains after paying increased rents
of the better housing accommodation.
This shows that the provision of food is even more
important than the provision of good environmental surroundings.
Much has been written and said on this subject, and
one is led to speculate as to how the housewife has
managed to feed her family on her diminished net income.
The capacity of housewives for economical working
varies enormously. It has been said by some observers
that the housewife knows best how to lay out the money
she has economically, and other observers have stated
that she is appallingly ignorant on the subject and very
wasteful.
My experience shows that both may be right. Some
mothers are extraordinarily thrifty, make the utmost use
of every farthing, and buy food that gives good nutritional
value.
I set out a budget of one of these where the sum of
nineteen shillings and threepence remains for the housewife
to feed herself, husband and three children.
On the other hand some mothers buy cooked or tinned
foods, which are very dear, and sausages, which though
savoury and make an easy meal, have very little food
value.
One mother was giving her baby of 14 months tinned
salmon, as she " could not afford anything else." It is
true this woman was of low mental standard.
Another mother, receiving money from the Labour
Exchange, was found to be buying English meat. Whilst
this is very patriotic of those who can afford it, it is bad
management for those who cannot.
Others buy new bread notwithstanding the fact that
bread left over can be bought cheaper in the early