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Tuberculosis Dispensaries. 59
service men attending the Dispensaries. Six cases were referred
to these organisations and granted assistance by them. The
number of cases referred to the Public Assistance Committee has
increased.
The Secretary is able to assist and advise patients in regard
to their Health and Unemployment Insurance. In several cases
where benefit was not payable because the contributions were
in arrears, these were cleared off by grants from the Voluntary
Fund which enabled the patients to draw benefit.
In special cases assistance in the payment of rent is granted
in order to tide over a period of distress. When it is found that the
patient's illness is the cause of the non-payment of rent, the
debt is settled in order to enable the patient to receive proper
treatment.
Handicraft Class.—Several years ago the Committee
organised a Handicraft Class, where persons suffering from Tuberculosis
who have already received Institutional treatment are
able to learn certain branches of handicraft, and to make articles
which they can sell.
The value of Handicraft in the treatment of Tuberculosis
has been recognised for a considerable time, as it enables patients
to do something useful and gives them an occupation when they
are unable to enter the ordinary labour market.
The Class is maintained out of the Committee's fund. It
meets once a week, and is in charge of Miss Wright, who is a trained
insti'uctress in the crafts taught. These include the making of
articles in leather, pewter, parchment and embroidery, painting
on glass, knitting, etc. After deducting the cost of materials the
profit on a particular article made at the Class goes to the patient
who has made it. The Class is much appreciated by the patients,
who attend as regularly as their health will allow.
The Wandsworth Care Committee held a successful Sale
at the Town Hall in October, when the opening ceremony was
performed by His Worship the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor
John Keall, J.P., M.P.S.