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"Any relaxation of the general rule at present obtaining, which
requires, as a condition of relief to able-bodied male persons, on
the ground of their being out of employment, the acceptance of
an order for admission to the Workhouse, or the performance of
an adequate task of work as a labour test, would be most
disastrous, as tending directly to restore the condition of things
which, before the reform of the poor laws, destroyed the independence
of the labouring classes, and increased the poor rate until
it became an almost insupportable burden.
"It is not desirable that the working classes should be
familiarised with poor law relief, and if once the honourable
sentiment which now leads them to avoid it is broken down, it is
probable that recourse will be had to this provision on the
slightest occasion.
"The Local Government Board have no doubt that the powers
which the Guardians possess are fully sufficient to enable them to
deal with ordinary pauperism, and to meet the demand for relief
from the classes who usually seek it.
"What is required in the endeavour to relieve artisans and
others who have hitherto avoided poor law assistance, and who
are temporarily deprived of employment, is :—
"1. Work which will not involve the stigma of pauperism ;
"2. Work which all can perform, whatever may have been
their previous avocations;
"3. Work which does not compete with that of other
labourers at present in employment; and
"Lastly, work which is not likely to interfere with the resumption
of regular employment in their own trades by
these who seek it.
"The Board have no power to enforce the adoption of any
particular proposals, and the object of this circular is to bring
the subject generally under the notice of Boards of Guardians
and other local authorities.