§ 36. Studies. The department shall, in so far as available
appropriations will permit, study and collect information in relation to

(a) the number and conditions of persons who lack or are threatened
with the deprivation of the necessaries of life, or seek, or are
receiving public assistance or care and all matters pertaining thereto,
including the causes thereof and advise measures for their relief, and
also for the relief of those in receipt of aid from private charity;

(b) unemployment, poverty, economic distress and other problems of
social welfare generally as may be useful in the discharge of its duties
or contribute to the promotion of social and economic security;

(c) the number of recipients of aid in, and the receipts and
expenditures of, each public welfare district;

(d) dependency and local conditions relative thereto;

(e) such other matters in respect to public and private charities as
it may deem advisable;
and shall publish such information as it deems of public concern and
which may be of value in the performance of its duties.