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135
gain the desired result. For instance, it is of no use serving
a notice on old and infirm persons to make and keep their
rooms clean. Instead it is best to find an obliging relative
or friend to do it, or else, failing this expedient, get the
machinery of the Poor Law into motion, and get the old
person removed to the Infirmary. It can quite well be
understood that many visits which are not strictly official
have to be made before matters are cleared up satisfactorily.
Or, take a further instance—a child appears to require
medical treatment, and the mother is provided with information
and instruction as to how best to obtain it (if too
poor to afford medical advice). The shiftless mothers require
numerous visits before they finally summon sufficient energy
to take the child and act on the advice given.
During the year there were several attendances at the
Police Court. The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty
to Children often requires assistance in giving evidence before
the Magistrate. The welfare of children usually makes it
advisable to do this.
During the latter months of the year we received numerous
complaints of overcrowding, owing to conditions caused by
the War and the scarcity of housing accommodation; this
overcrowding tending to increase immorality, alcoholism, and
consequent neglect of home and children. It is very difficult
to deal with the overcrowding owing to the lack of rooms to
be had, but sometimes readjustment of sleeping arrange
ments will modify the nuisance somewhat.
I also noticed an increase in the number of Scabies cases.
At the Cleansing Station we dealt with numerous cases (of
which some were adults living in affected houses). They