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103
Handicraft Class. This has continued its good work during the
year, and Dr. Donnelly has kindly supplied me with the following notes
upon its present position and possible future extension:—
The Handicraft Class continued throughout the year, and,
though the membership has changed considerably, some patients
giving up attendance, and others obtaining employment, still an
accession of new cases kept the attendances more regular and up
to a better level. A few constant attenders have acquired much
skill in some crafts as the Instructress points out in her report.
Arrangements have been made to hold, early in 1930, in a
hall in the City, and in conjunction with other boroughs that have
started Handicraft Classes, an exhibition of work. It is hoped
in this way to sell some of the work already completed and get
publicity and further orders.
Patients are allowed to retain the difference, or greater part
thereof, between the cost of the materials and the selling price,
so that even though a living is not made from the work done, at
least a useful supplement to the patients' means of existence is
earned. The beneficial effects of this on the mind of a patient
who is unfit for work, or unable to get a suitable occupation, is
undoubted. In consequence, his bodily condition benefits and he
is assisted towards the arrest of his disease.
So far, as was pointed out in last year's report, we have been
confined to the non-pulmonary case, or the pulmonary case with
no germs present in the expectoration. The question of making
use of the vacant plot at the rear of the Health Centre has been
under consideration for some time. It has now been decided to
erect here a workroom hut where the Handicraft Class can carry
on its work, and patients can come at any time the Centre is open
and proceed with their handicraft in suitable surroundings with
all necessary appliances to hand. If arrangements can be made
as to the teacher, the pulmonary case with tubercle germs in the
sputum could also be instructed. As the percentage of "unfitfor-work"
is highest amongst these, and the depressing effects
of the disease most marked on them, such occupation should give
them added assistance in their prolonged struggle to overcome
their disease, and give them mental comfort even though fighting
a losing battle.