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273
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
Polony 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 219 out of 1,074 applicants
obtained about ten 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.
Volunteers
The Committee has not availed itself of the services of
additional voluntary workers.
Preliminary
Investigation.
The Committee had referred to them before investigation all
cases where there appeared to be a technical disqualification,
and if the applicant did not comply
with the regulations issued by the Local Government Board no
further action was taken. Applications from single men and
married men without families were not investigated unless the
application was for Emigration. All other applications were fully
investigated.
ALEX. GLEGG, PERCIVAL REES,
Chairman. Vice-Chairman.