A HANDBOOK FOR HELPERS. By M. W. MOGGRIDGE, MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE, AND HON. SEC. OF THE ST. JAMES'S AND SOHO COMMITTEE, OF THE CHARITY ORGANISATION SOCIETY. "Pauperibus dives, sibi pauper." ROMAN INSCRIPTION. LIBRARY LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 1882. ΤΟ C. S. LOCH, SECRETARY OF THE CHARITY ORGANISATION SOCIETY, TO WHOSE WISDOM AND EXAMPLE I OWE MORE THAN I CAN SAY, E Dedicate ANYTHING IN THIS VOLUME THAT MAY BE WORTHY OF HIS ACCEPTANCE. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. CHARITABLE Work suffers for want of unity in method. When attempts are made to concentrate the resources of charity in any place, it often happens that the workers adopt such methods as commend themselves to their minds, and lose power for want of the experience which has been won elsewhere. The records of charitable work are sometimes in part unintelligible, because the methods of one Committee or Society are not similar to those of others, and therefore the fruit of common experience cannot be stored for common use. In this volume the attempt is made to show why method in charitable work is desirable, and what methods are approved by the best experience. The working of a charitable Committee is described in detail; the duties of Secretary and Charity Agent are explained and illustrated; and the mode of handling a case is fully stated. To cite two points only, the expediency of charitable loans and the manner of making them are set out at some length; and the possibility of providing pensions permanently, but faultlessly, for persons unable to maintain themselves is argued. It is believed that information of value to all charitable workers, not readily accessible elsewhere, has been here collected in a small compass and handy form. PREFACE. THE Reader has settled himself in the chair of judgment, arranged his gown and wig, and placed the black cap ready to hand; and thus proceeds to examine the Author at the bar. Reader. You are charged with the capital offence of producing an unnecessary book. Before examining the chief witness, I wish to ask you a few questions. First, have you any accomplices? Author. I have not. It is true that if your verdict should be in my favour much of the credit should go to others. I make no claim to originality; and am merely describing the method of the Society to which I belong, as I understand it. I have had the advantage of seeing the work and hearing the opinions of my colleagues, and have given the results to the best of my ability. But I have no authority to say that any one but myself is responsible for anything in this book, except when quoted. Reader. I observe that you give two Forms, in an Appendix. I presume these are not your own invention ? Author.-No. The Forms are those used by most Committees of the London Charity Organisation |