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30
proposals for establishing a hostel in order that the position
might be more fully discussed at a subsequent meeting.
Unfortunately the flying bomb attacks prevented the meeting
of the conference taking place before the end of 1944.
On February 2nd, 1945, a conference of the interested local
authorities took place at Mitcham and discussed the Medical
Officer of Health's report. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining
suitable accommodation it was agreed by the conference that the
Merton and Wimbledon Moral Welfare Association should be
approached to ascertain whether the association would be prepared
to re-establish their Home in Gap Road, Wimbledon, if the
financial backing of the interested local authorities was obtained.
The Home at Gap Road had been badly damaged by enemy
action, but was capable of repair at a reasonable cost. Representatives
of the conference held various meetings with
representatives of the Merton and Wimbledon Moral Welfare
Association. Unfortunately the Gap Road premises could not be
repaired under a cost of works payment as the Wimbledon
Borough Council required the site for flats. The Welfare Association
could only expect a value payment based on the 1939
value, and therefore any attempt to purchase another suitable
building could involve them in a high capital expenditure which
they were not prepared to accept. It was felt that the representatives
of the local authorities would not be prepared to
recommend to their Councils any extensive capital expenditure,
and it was decided that the Welfare Association would endeavour
to find a suitable building to rent. Unfortunately, no further
progress could be reported by the end of the year.
Mitcham Moral Welfare Association was formed in March,
1946. Representatives of other interested local voluntary associations
were elected members of the Committee, and the Chairman
of the Public Health Committee, and the Chairman of the
Maternity and Child Welfare Committee were invited to join the
Committee.
A part-time social worker, Mrs. Tyerman, was appointed, and
the Borough Council made a grant of £70 per annum towards the
cost of her salary.