3 OCTOBER 1925, Page 3

The system of vouchers in the place of cash relief

has been in force in West Ham for a week without more friction than might be expected. Recipients who are not also receiving the " dole " complain that they have no money for rent, gas, insurance, &e. On Tuesday the Guardians had an interview with the Minister of Health. There was probably plain speaking on both sides, but the satisfactory result was that the Guardians have fresh proposals for a settlement to lay before their next meeting. One point which was probably raised at the interview was the participation by West Ham in the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund. The Metropolitan Boroughs, rich and poor, share to some extent the total burden of relief through the Metropolitan area as now defined. Though we feel that the "Great Wen" is already too great, we think that there is a good deal to be said for West Ham being included for the purpose of sharing relief.