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114
51. Miss Middlebrooke reports as follows:—
The nature of the work for 1912 was similar to that of the
previous year, except in the increased number of outworkers
and verminous cases visited, and also the number of specially
dirty cases which were complained of and dealt with. A
great many of the latter were old men and women in receipt
of either Poor Law relief or Old Age pensions. Preferring
their freedom to the Workhouse, they are often too infirm
to keep their rooms and persons clean, especially when
friendless, and consequently dependent on strangers for
help. The weekly income is perhaps only barely sufficient
for rent and food, and provides very little margin to pay for
the services of anyone to clean for them.
The following are typical instances:—
(1) Mrs. M. in receipt of small income, occupied one room.
So helpless that she could not wash herself and had not
combed her hair for some weeks. The fireplace smoked
(because the chimney required sweeping) and made everything
black in the room, walls and ceiling included. A cupboard
was kept for the exclusive use of four cats, who were not
allowed outside. No dishes were washed after meal times,
but were deposited on the floor. The bed was never made,
nor the window opened. The landlady complained that she
would have cleaned the room but that Mrs. M. was always
abusive when an attempt was made to do so. As the old
lady was in a pitiable condition and totally friendless, and her
room so filthy, it was decided that she should be removed
to the Workhouse Infirmary, where she would be properly
cared for. This was done and the room thoroughly cleansed
and disinfected afterwards.