If the scheme of nomination be much more carefully thought out, and provided for, it would meet my great difficulty about the authority. Is this possible?
I hear all round of the impossibility of County Councillors doing the work entrusted to them; of the duties devolving necessarily on officials; and of their being put on committees, other than those for which they have aptitude and experience.
The Minor Committees are those that really do the work, face to face with the poor; and I see no provision that they shall be composed of the right people.
I have not seen what Dr. Downes is drafting, yet; and I do not know how far I may agree with it, but I would willingly come into line with you all if I could; and, so far as the Authority is concerned, this of the nomination is my difficulty.
I can’t see my way about the “Abnormal” scheme of National Work; nor to accept what seems to me an extension of out-relief. I am ready not to vote for its abolition. I am glad that the out-relief given should be far more wisely supervised; that we should have country workhouses with space for real work (called Labour Colonies if the world likes); but, when it comes to money grants for the able-bodied men outside any institution, and without disfranchisement, because they are thought respectable, we seem to be extending out-relief so as to trench on what can only be done by Charity. But these are points which will come up soon on Part VI.
The other point arises only on Part IX.; and something will, I conclude, go to the Government before it is before us; and I feel, with Dr. Downes, that any dissent, that any of us are compelled to express, must be expressed by them.
POOR LAW COMMISSION
This letter, written after Octavia’s death to her sister by the Chairman of the Poor Law Commission, is inserted here as bearing on that Commission.
1912.
To Miss F. Hill from Lord George Hamilton.