Case 542

F. is the eldest of 4 children whose father deserted them more than 2 years ago. Nothing is known of his whereabouts. The Mother was confined in the Mildenhall Workhouse shortly after her husband left her. She has since been endeavouring to maintain herself and her children, receiving 2/- a week and 2 st. of flour from the Parish. Her earnings average perhaps 1s/- a week. The care f her young family prevents her from undertaking any regular work. Her father (the child's grandfather) is unable to render any material help as he is partially incapacitated from work by a paralytic stroke. F. bears a good character at school. She is very small for her age, owing to weakness of the joints in infancy. She is a child who would, we are sure, improve under good training & with nourishing food.