DOWN AND OUTS [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
Sta,—Mr. Benney in his recent articles on " down-and-outs " does not give us any constructive solution. Has he any suggestion to offer, for instance, on the better co-ordination ? Since 1931, the Founders of the London Federation of Societies working for the Homeless (for the co-ordinating of voluntary and official efforts) have made several attempts to co-ordinate to better value for the recipient, the free food which is daily and nightly given in London, but efforts have failed owing to some of the donors persisting in their individual ventures. Is he quite sure Miss Baxter is on " the Square " every night ?
Most Londoners should know by now that the L.C.C. Welfare Office acts as a clearing-house for London's destitute, and is able to pass on all who apply to the most suitable home or hostel which - ca-operates when possible. Many of the " down-and-outs " are difficult to help, but it is an indictment against our society to say they are " unhelpable." They may need almost infinite tolerance and individual patience to assist them to make the requisite effort.
As recently as a week or so ago, Mr. George Lansbury stated in the House of Commons, that in his opinion—which I think is now shared by many others—the introduction of Labour Camps would be the best way of enabling the younger men, at least, to learn to " pull their weight." Many would certainly not " pull " even 5o per cent. to begin with, but that is no reason why they should not be given the opportunity of pulling a small percentage which they could gradually increase.—Yours sincerely, 53 Millbank, S.W. 1. AGNES PERRY.
Previous page
