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Two children were sent away for training. Clothes are now
supplied at several Convalescent Homes. Eighty-seven children
were away at the end of 1931.
(6) Inspector Francis, of the South-West Essex Branch of the
N.S.P.C.C., contributes the following statistics and notes relating
to the work done during 1931:—
No. of
Cases. Nature of Offence, etc. How dealt with.
176 Neglect 93 Warned and Advised 174
Advice sought 49 Prosecuted and
Ill-treatment 24 ted 2
Various 10
"Supervision visits totalled 605, involving 219 boys and 207
girls, including 63 pre-school children. Three cases were referred
to Brookfield Hospital, and are now quite normal. The Society
has had to prosecute in 2 cases, the parents being convicted with
loss of the custody of the children, who are now progressing
satisfactorily.
"Some parents are finding great difficulty in providing boots
and clothes for their children. Thanks are due to the Education
Authority for the provision of boots, but the Society would welcome
all articles of clothing at its local office, 12, Eastfield Road."
(c) Central Boot Fund Committee.—The Honorary Secretary,
Mr. A.J. Blackhall, has very kindly sent the following account of
the work of the Boot Fund during 1931:—
"The year 1931, so far as the Central Boot Fund Committee was
concerned, was rather a memorable one, inasmuch as the allocation
of boots was withheld after the Whitsun holidays owing to the
serious financial position of the Fund caused by the great distress
in the Town and the consequent heavy demands made for boots.
"The distribution was recommenced on the 1st October, 1931.
"In spite of this suspension, however, 600 pairs of boots were
distributed during the 8 months, at a cost of practically £230.
"During the year, the Committee accepted new Contracts from
local firms for the supply of footwear and also decided to allow
parents the choice of shoes in respect of applications on behalf of
girls."