LONDON SLUMS.
CONDITION OF CHILDREN. STRIKING IMPROVEMENT. INCREASED BETTING. "What surprised me immensely was the definite improvement I noticed in the condition of the slum kiddies of London. They appeared to be well fed, clothed and clean," said the Rev. F. D. Hart, vicar of Warkworth, who returned by the Maunganui this morning after spending six months in England. Asked to what he attributed the change, Mr. Hart said he had not time to make full inquiries. It was no doubt partly due to the "dole," which removed to some extent the result of unemployment. The local governing authorities were also responsible to some extent. Whatever the cause, the improvement in the children's condition was outstanding. Mr. Hart said he noticed that betting was very much on the increase, even amongst women. It had a tremendous hold on the working classes and had replaced the public-house trade to some extent. All the time he was in England he had only seen one man who he could say was definitely drunk. The people were getting more out into the open. Hiking was most popular, and road transport, being cheaper than rail, was enticing thousands into the country. "The Church is more alive than many are led to believe," said Mr. Hart. "There is certainly no need for pessimism in regard to its work or the work of the young people." In referring to education, he said much improvement was being shown by a new system of grouping by ages. One school would take children between certain an-es only, and so on progressively. The teachers he had spoken to thought a "•reat deal of the scheme and gave the opinion that specialising in this way gave the teachers, and the children as well, a better chance.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 259, 1 November 1932, Page 5
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294LONDON SLUMS. Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 259, 1 November 1932, Page 5
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