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At Langdon Hill there is a unique opportunity with the land
surrounding the Institution to organize a scheme. I do not
propose to outline a scheme here in detail, but rather to place
roughly the lines that could be taken. 1 suggest that two small
hostels could be built to accommodate eight to ten of either sex.
These hostels to be occupied by cases suitably selected after a
suitable period of treatment, where they can be trained in work
to develop the existing site.
The boys can be occupied in gardening, where fruit and
vegetables of all kinds can be produced for the entire requirements
not only of the Institution but also for Dagenham Sanatorium. In
addition to this there is also room for poultry, and the question of
providing milk for the Sanatorium is worthy of consideration.
The girls can be trained in domestic work with the eventual
idea of taking their place on the Staff of the Institution as vacancies
occur. They can also be employed in sewing and repairing
clothing, etc.
In the elaboration of most schemes the expense involved is
often underrated. Here the capital expenditure can be extremely
moderate, and with suitable selection of cases should make the
running of the Institution more economical.
As regards Staff, we have already an experienced gardener
capable of teaching and supervising the boys, though no doubt
it would be necessary to have some help to organize poultry
farming. I consider with the present staff we have sufficient to
supervise the girls.
The fruits of the scheme cannot be felt for some years, until
the children arc old enough to take their full share in work, but
the time will come when they can be proud to leave the Institution
to make way for others, to compete in the outerworld, or get
employment in another Institution, instead of having the misfortune
to eke out their existence on public funds.
With a scheme such as this under every public authority I
believe it would be eventually possible to provide almost the entire
staff for their adult Sanatoria.
The following was the rainfall for the past three years in
inches:—
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1931 .99 1.37 — 4.08 2.57 . 88'3.33 4.48 .91 — 1.87 .38
1932 1.15 — 1.03,1.52 3.51 .26 2.98 1.35 1.48 3.90 .52 .26
1933 1.07 .69 .69 .45 .72 1.84 .63 —2.10 .94 .47 .42
Staff.
Nursing. Matron
2 Sisters.
7 Probationers.
Domestic. 8
Male. 1 Head Gardener and Caretaker.
1 Motor Driver.
1 Handyman and Porter.
2 Assistant Gardeners.
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