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"School for Mothers and Infant Welfare" by a voluntary scheme, and under
the management of a "Board of Control." At a meeting on 9th April the
report of a Committee furnishing the first lines of action was approved. Then
the Council began to take an interest in the project, as shown by their loan of
the Town Hall on the 6th May for a whist drive, and a public meeting on the
17th June. On this latter occasion, Mrs. H. B. Irving, one of the founders of
the St. Pancas School for Mothers, and a poor-law guardian, delivered a
memorable speech, which thrilled every one present by its dramatic delivery
and exhibition of a deep knowledge of the subject.
On the nth May the Council (against the recommendation of the Sanitary
Committee) gave permission for the Junior Woman Inspector (temporary) to
devote two afternoons a week to the school which opened its doors for the first
time on Tuesday, June 22nd.
Dr. Rachel Mackenzie was appointed medical adviser and she attends
every other Tuesday for two hours.
How successful the School has been, can be best judged by reading the
first " Annual Report" for the nine months ending 31st March, 1916, in which
it is reported that—" there are now 136 infants on our books ; 108 have attended
for advice on diet and clothing from Dr. Mackenzie; 22 mothers are in the
needlework class; 32 mothers attend the health talks by Mrs. Benjafield (a
certified midwife) and by the Council's Woman Health Visitor (now Miss
Shiner); 200 visits have been paid to the homes." These visits encourage
attendance regularly at the Centre, and are supplementary to the ordinary
visits of the Council's officials ; in this respect Mrs. Beer, of Winchmore
Hill, has been an early and persistent helper, whose services are much
appreciated.
Councillor Sydney J. Sanders, Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, is the
Chairman of the Board of Control, Mrs. Benjafield, 29, Church Street, Lower
Edmonton, is Honorary Secretary, and Mrs. Sanders is the Treasurer. The
M.O.H. is a member ot the Board.
As Medical Officer of Health here for ten years I can testify to the great
scope there is for this work in Edmonton. The efforts of the 11 ladies and 4
gentlemen who form the Board of Control have been already resultant of good,
and the Centre only requires time to be better known, when the Board will
have to consider the possibility of extending its privileges (gradually, and as
funds permit) from children under one year of age up to those under five years,
when they will come under the observation of myself and my colleague, the
School Medical Inspector.
The Centre is open from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday at
the Charles Lamb Institute, Church Street, where capital accommodation has
been afforded at a nominal cost by the kindness of the Rev. Prebendary Sanders.