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42
''In Walthamstow there are:—
61 patients under Statutory Supervision;
2 on licence from Certified Institutions;
2 under Orders of Guardianship; and
176 children and young adults under friendly supervision.
"The two occupation Centres for defectives held at The Settlement.
Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, have continued to meet the
need of a considerable number of defectives. Particulars are as
follows:—
"Children and Elder Girls.—Mornings: Supervisor, Mrs. Louis.
Twenty-six children of various grades and ages have attended.
The parents of children who have been excluded from the Special
School because of unsuitable grade to be with the other children
are encouraged to send them to the Centre—the defective is then
no longer solitary at home and resentful, perhaps, that he is
different from his brothers and sisters, but is once again a member
of a community in which he has his place; his mother is relieved
for a few hours from caring for him and is then able to get on with
her work, and the defective is taught physical control and such
handwork as he can accomplish, working in stages from very simple
beginnings. All the children enjoy the physical work and music
which is a large part of their daily programme. Although allowance
must be made for imperfect work, we aim at producing saleable
articles whenever possible.
"Summer Outing.—On Thursday, 30th June, a party of 17
children were taken to Epping Forest. The picnic began by lunch
at the Centre when the morning session was over. The 'cream' of
the outing was boating on the lake.
"Christmas Party.—In December a most enjoyable party was
arranged by the Walthamstow Committee, when each child received
a gift. Thanks are due to those who made the party a success.
"Boys' Handicrafts Class.—Afternoons: Supervisor. Miss Carter.
Twenty-two boys have attended during the year. About 12 boys
form the nucleus of the class, and attend regularly; others get
into work temporarily but return with manly 'airs' whenever
unemployed; sometimes they rely on the Supervisor to find them
fresh jobs.
"The chief occupations are woodwork, brushmaking and matmaking.
Orders are eagerly sought and gladly received, but as
articles are completed rather slowly indulgence has to be asked.
The boys receive half the profit as pocket money (in calculating