A similar investigation, summarised in the "Toynbee Record" for February, 1905, gives the result of two voluntary investigations in the months of November and December, 1904, conducted at Whitechapel casual ward. Of 250 men only 15 admitted marriage, 56 per cent. were between 30 and 50 years of age, 20 per cent. had been in the Army. Dockers and labourers were numerous, but other occupations were represented by quite a few members apiece. There was only one tailor. The investigators "were surprised at the thoroughly decent appearance of a large proportion of the men."[22]
Okehampton found (winter 1904-5) that "a large proportion of tramps were discharged soldiers from the Army, 25 or 30 per cent."[23] At a conference on vagrancy in Manchester (winter 1904-5), attended by masters, matrons, relieving officers, and guardians, similar reports were given, and a unanimous resolution was passed in favour of fresh legislation, while the failure of the present system and its result as _manufacturing_ vagrants was freely acknowledged. With regard to the growth of vagrancy as a result of bad trade, the following investigation may be of value. It will illustrate also the _irregularity_ of treatment, and the natural tendency of wanderers to go where the treatment is less harsh.
It is self-evident that large increases in vagrancy in consecutive years cannot possibly be due to a _normal increase_ in vagrancy, but _must_ be due to extraordinary pressure forcing individuals into it. Thus the relation of vagrancy to unemployment is amply demonstrated. (See note 19.)
_Investigation into 54 Unions in Eastern Division by Lynn Guardians._--43 replies; 4 had no vagrants; 37 show a striking increase for September, 1904. September, 1903, 2,859 vagrants; September, 1904, 4,082; increase, 1,223. Decrease in 6 unions.
In 16. Oakum picking, Remainder. Sawing wood, 4 lbs. unbeaten, 8 lbs. beaten stone breaking, or working oakum. on the land.
_Dietary:_ 8 oz. of bread and water ... Breakfast. 8 oz. bread, 1-1/2 oz. cheese ... Dinner. 8 oz. bread and water ... Supper.
_Smallburgh._--Task, 12 cwt. granite. September, 1903, none; September, 1904, 9. _This task is considered remedial, as by it the number of vagrants was reduced from 173 (January to November, 1903) to 52 (1904)._