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15
the South-West Ward at Besson Street and one in the South Ward at
Lewisham High Road (carried out in January, 1919). Other work
undertaken by the Committee during the year was the provision of
medical and nursing assistance to women in necessitous circumstances;
the free supply of milk to nursing and expectant mothers in necessitous
circumstances and the supply of dried milk at cost price to nursing
mothers.
Expectant mothers were seen at the Welfare Centres, but as it is
not desirable to carry on ante-natal work during the progress of an
Infant Consultation Session, the Committee having very properly
decided to establish a Central Ante-natal Clinic which will meet weekly
at the Napier Street Centre (since established).
During the year the question of appointing a full-time medical
officer to carry out the provisions of the Act was discussed as likely to
lead to more efficient service and better supervision. The matter is
still under consideration.

Milk was supplied gratuitously to 60 nursing mothers in necessitous
circumstances, the average quantity supplied being one-and-a-half pints
per day for an average period of seven weeks.
In ten instances the Council authorised the payment of medical and
nursing fees after due investigation had been made. In four cases the
assistance was refused, the Committee being of opinion that the
circumstances did not warrant relief.
NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS ACT.
The number of births notified under the Act was 2,010, notifications
being received as follows:—258 from doctors; 890 from midwives;
766 from parents; 96 from other persons. Eighty-three parents were
warned in respect of their failure to comply with the Act.