It was resolved unanimously that the next year's Conference be held at Hull. The HON. SECRETARY (Mr Arthur T. Longbotham) said that he regretted to have to adhere to his resolution expressed to the Conference last year, that he must resign the position of Hon. Secretary. He had held office for six years, and had pleasure in nominating a successor, Mr Helmsley (Clerk of the North Bierley Board). Mr Helmsley was thereupon elected. On the Central Conference, Mr Bentham and Mr Fitton were elected, with the addition of Mr Feldman (Hull) in place of the Rev. G. E. Aspinall, who resigned through pressure of work. Mr BEAUMONT moved, and Mr FITTON Seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Hon. Secretary, who briefly thanked the members, and received an enthusiastic "send-off.” A vote of thanks was accorded to the Guardians of Knares borough and their officers for their kindness in inviting the delegates to attend there. As the members were about to separate, Mr BEDFORD, of Barnsley, who is known as "The Ambulance King," urged the members to equip and maintain efficient ambulance services in their various Unions. A vote of thanks to the President brought the proceedings to a close. 449 South-Eastern and Metropolitan District. REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL POOR LAW CONFERENCE FOR THE SOUTH-EASTERN AND METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (COMPRISING THE COUNTIES OF LONDON, KENT, SUSSEX, SURREY, BERKS, AND HANTS), HELD AT THE ROYAL UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION, WHITEHALL, LONDON, S.W., ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, 7TH AND 8TH DECEMBER 1899. President. SIR ROBERT GIFFEN, K.C.B., F.R.S., &c. VISITORS. Local Government Board. Fleming, Baldwyn. Chapman, Miss. Members of Central Committee of Poor Law Conferences. Casson, Mrs. Bury, Rev. W. Lloyd Baker, G. E. Baines, J. A., C.S.I. The following Unions were not represented at the Conference :- Wokingham. HANTS.-Alnesford, Alton, Andover, Catherington, Christchurch, Duxford, Fareham, Fordingbridge, Havant, Hursley, Isle of Wight, Lymington, New Forest, Ringwood, Romsey, and Stockbridge. KENT.-Blean, *Bromley, Bridge, Canterbury, Cranbrook, Dartford, Eastry, Hollingbourne, Hoo, Isle of Thanet, Milton, Romney Marsh, Sevenoaks, Sheppey, Tenterden, and Tonbridge. LONDON. - Bethnal Green, Camberwell, Chelsea, Fulham, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Islington, St George's, St Giles', St Marylebone, *St Pancras, Westminster, and Woolwich. SURREY.-Dorking, Guildford, Hambledon, and Reigate. SUSSEX.-Battle, Brighton, *Cuckfield, Chichester, East Grinstead, Hailsham, Lewes, Midhurst, Newhaven, Petworth, Rye, Ticehurst, Uckfield, Westbourne, and Westhampnett. Note. The three Unions marked with an asterisk paid for the admission of representatives to the Conference, although they do not seem to have been actually represented at it. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED. 1. LABOUR HOMES IN RELATION TO POOR LAW ADMINISTRATION, BY Mr NOEL BUXTON, Guardian of the Poor, Whitechapel Union 2. THE FAILURE OF THE CASUAL WARD, BY MR JESSE 3. THE POOR LAW IN RELATION TO THE AGED POOR, BY MR PAGE 493 517 |