The Deeded Work of the Guardians. By W. G. Lewis.
(Published by the Author at 100 South Hill Park, Hampstead. 2s. 6d.)— Mr. Lewis, who is the Secretary of the Central Committee of Poor Law Conferences, has written this instructive pamphlet in reply to the proposal of a Committee, appointed by Dr. Addison, that the Boards of Guardians should be abolished and their duties transferred to the County and Borough Councils. Sir William Chance in a Preface disputes the theory that there is a "popular prejudice" against the Guardians, who have performed a useful public service for many years. The author contends very forcibly that the administration of Poor Relief or "Public Assistance" is far better done by the unpaid representatives of the ratepayers, specially elected for the purpose, than it is likely to be done by the paid officials of Councils burdened with many other duties. We may pay too high a price for a deceptive simplification of local administrative machinery.
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