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188
Of the applicants applying in 1909-10:—
361 applied once previously. 169 applied twice previously.
54 „ thrice „ 29 ,, four times „
Of the applicants given work in 1909-10:—
107 were given work through the Central Body once previously.
40 „ „ „ „ twice „
4 „ „ „ „ thrice „
Number of applicants who have been in receipt of Poor Law
Relief during the qualifying period of twelve months—47.
Number of applicants given work who have been in receipt
of Poor Law Relief during the qualifying period of twelve
months—5.
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 369 out of 1,424 applicants
obtained work, the disappointed balance lost confidence in
the usefulness of the Act, and to some extent also in those