CH.V.] SICK POOR. 181 



a week, and by the donations of individuals. From the 

 25th of November, 1832, to the 24th of November, 1833 



s. d. 



The Penny subscriptions produced . 75 4 3 

 Donations 11 17 



87 1 3 



About half the funds of the Society are distributed by 

 the Sisters of Charity. In the case even of contagious 

 sickness, it is surprising to see the willingness of the poor to 

 attend ; they are willing to go in the way of infection ; and, 

 as a way of providing in case of sickness, the wives and 

 daughters are frequently sent out to beg, as it is quite out 

 of the power of the labouring class to make provision in 

 health for the hour of sickness. 



There exists in the parish a society, by contributing to 

 which, members who fall sick are provided for ; it is called 

 " St. Mary's Mortality Society," and consists of tradesmen 

 and labourers, who, in case of constant employment, might 

 be able to subscribe ; but not more than half the labourers 

 have regular employment, so that many fall off from the 

 society, being unable to pay the subscription. 



It was considered by those examined, that if food, 

 fuel, etc. were given to the sick poor, it would tend to 

 promote idleness and improvidence. This statement is 

 confirmed by the following fact : when blankets were 

 given out before the cholera, they were in many instances 

 pledged; many were marked, and found at the pawn- 

 brokers. 



The labourer's sickness always leads to the destitution of 

 his family, and it is highly probable renders him reckless. 



