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that, the mothers understood and properly carried out
the instructions given them. They were visited daily
while ill and, when necessary, more than once a day;
and I am happy to say that seven of them recovered.
The one that died had heart disease in addition to the
diarrhoea, and would probably not have lived in any
case. One which caused a good deal of anxiety was a
twin, and very weak and delicate. Eventually he went
into hospital for seven weeks, and on his discharge he
was very much better.
Employed Mothers.
Two hundred and sixty five of the mothers called
upon were found to have been employed before confinement,
and though quite a number were hoping not to
have to resume their work, eventually most of them
would do so. The reason almost invariably given
for the mothers earning money at all is that there is
nothing coming in for household expenses, or that the
income is inadequate for the purpose. A larger number
of the mothers of young children have been interviewed
during this year than in any previous one, but there is
no reason to depart from the conclusion before arrived
at with regard to the number of mothers who are
industrially employed, as will be seen from the following
table:—