The Social Work of the Salvation ArmyLamb, Edwin Gifford
History
The Social Work of the Salvation Army
Lamb, Edwin Gifford
Poor; Salvation Army; Social history
The best example of an industrial colony is the one at Hadleigh, about
thirty miles from London, England. This colony has an area of about
3,000 acres. One thousand acres is almost useless now; and when taken by
the Army in 1890, the whole consisted of almost worthless land, some of
which, as a result of constant labor and fertilization, has been
transformed into reasonably good land. A great draw-back and a great
expense has been the lack of water, now partially supplied by two
artesian wells, the cheaper of which cost over $20,000.00.[15] The
population varies from 300 to 700.[16] In 1898, 775 men were admitted to
the colony. Out of this number, 193 left after a short residence before
they could be influenced for good; 47 were discharged as incorrigible,
and 309 graduated, obtaining situations or being restored to their
friends.[17] There are three classes received at the colony:
1. Those sent by the Army agencies.
2. Those sent by poor law authorities who pay from 5s. to 10s. per week
for periods of from three to twelve months for their maintenance.
3. Special cases sent by philanthropic societies, or by relatives or
others.[18]
Another division is made into four classes, thus:
1. Those coming and passing off in a month, not being regular colonists.
2. Those averaging nine months on the colony, and called colonists.
3. Picked men from the second class, who are made employees.
4. Employees hired in the neighborhood for specific purposes.[19]
The proportion of each, according to either specification, is such a
variable quantity that nothing can be determined satisfactorily.
According to one officer's statement, about one in every five is
considered an employee.[20] In the winter of 1903-4, 209 men were sent
to Hadleigh and supported there by a special fund, called "The Mansion
House Fund for the Relief of the London Unemployed."[21] Out of the
class sent by the Army agencies to the colony, a certain number are sent
out as emigrants to Canada. For instance, in 1905, 41 were sent out, and
in 1906, 58. The party of 58 was composed of five Irishmen, one
Welshman, three Scotchmen, and forty-nine Englishmen. These men go to
work on different farms in Canada, and some sent out in previous years
now have homesteads there. In the colony there are five departments,
viz.: the market garden, the brick-making department, the dairy
department together with the piggery, the poultry department, and the
Inebriate's Home. There is also a store which has an income of $1,000.00
a month. The market garden is one of the best industries, most of the
produce being sold in the town of Southend, four miles distant. In the
busy season, as many as 100 workers are found in this department. There
are four large conservatories, especially for tomatoes and flowers. A
good many potatoes are raised, and there is a good deal of land in
berries and orchard. There are three brick-yards with the latest
improved kilns and machinery.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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