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266
Wandsworth, the week's work being from Monday morning to
Friday night. The rate of wages was 6d. per hour.
The men sent to the Working Colonies receive 6d. per week
Family allowance.
in addition to their board and lodging, a weekly
allowance being made to the family on the following
scale:—ios. to the wife, 2s. for the first child under 14, 1s. 6d.
for the second child under 14, and 1s. for each other child under
14 years; but in no case was 17s. 6d. to be exceeded. The allowances
are paid at the homes of the men on Tuesdays. The men
are allowed a furlough at the end of each month, their fares being
paid for them.
Volunteers.
The Committee has not availed itself of the services of
additional voluntary workers.
Effect of the
provision of
work.
The effect produced upon those who obtained work, through
the medium of the Distress Committee, varied
according to the character of the applicant. In the
case of those anxious to work and keep their homes together it
was noticeable that after a week's wages, when nourishing food
had been obtained, they gradually improved in efficiency.
Advantages of
Colony work.
Colony work has the advantage of fresh air and healthy surroundings,
and of removing men from many local
temptations. For various reasons, a number of
applicants have declined to leave their homes for any period, preferring
to wait for local employment.
Experience in
Administering
the Act.
In administering the Act, the Committee found reason to
believe that a false impression was created amongst
the unemployed, who, after having had the enquiry
forms filled up and having received visits from the Investigators
as to the correctness of the statements, felt that work was certain.
As only 214 out of 961 applicants obtained about seven weeks'
work, the disappointed balance lost confidence in the usefulness
of the Act, and to some extent also in those administering it.
The impression that work was coming also slackened their efforts
to obtain employment elsewhere.
Methods of
Payment.
The Committee are of opinion that the best method of paying
allowances is that at present in force, viz., at the
homes of the men, where assistance and advice can