View report page

18
An important feature in connection with the School
in 1914 was the recognition and appreciation by the
Government of the work of Schools for Mothers, shown
by the provision in the Budget of 1914-15 of funds to be
expended in grants in aid of infant welfare work; and in
accordance with this decision of the Government, the
Board of Education issued regulations for Schools for
Mothers. Under these, a School for Mothers is defined
as an educational institution providing training and
instruction to the mother in the care and management of
infants and little children. It is provided that the
imparting of such instruction may include systematic
classes, home visiting and infant consultations. The
provision of specific medical and surgical treatment, if
any, is to be only incidental. Provided that the
provision made by the institution is adequate and its
working efficient, grants may be paid at the rate of one
half of the approved expenditure, and the first grants
under the regulations were based on the expenditure
incurred during the twelve months ending 31st March,
1914. As the conditions laid down by the Board of
Education have always been complied with by the
Committee of Management, application was made to the
Board for a grant, and the sum of £194 was paid to the
School in respect of work done during the year which
ended 31st March, 1914.
Deaths of Illegitimate Children.
Of the 469 infants who died before attaining the age
of one year, 65 or 14 per cent, were illegitimate, the
mortality among them being in the proportion of 314
deaths per 1,000 births against 103 per 1,000 among
children born in wedlock.
Insurance of Infants.
Certificates under the Friendly Societies Act were
issued in respect of 304 children under the age of five
years, 47 per cent. of the children dying at this age
period being insured.