View report page

192
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 425 out of 1,756 applicants obtained 9
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
additonal 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.