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179
and much of the advice given to the mothers would have been
useless. Sixty-five mothers were helped out of this fund during
the year. These were nearly all soldiers' and sailors' wives. After
the birth of a baby there is generally a lapse of some weeks before
the additional weekly allowance is obtained, and it is during this
time that it is sometimes necessary to allow the mother or baby
milk.
"The civil cases helped were chiefly those where the father was
away from work on account of illness, and the mother was therefore
not able for a time to buy sufficient nourishment for herself and
her baby."
WORK AT THE CHILD WELFARE CENTRE.
"During the year 343 children were brought to be weighed
and for advice, and their total visits numbered 1,790. This branch
of the work is still growing; on some of the Thursday afternoons
last year over 40 children attended. We are much indebted to
Miss Sandeman, who gave her help on these afternoons throughout
the year.
"The number of attendances at the Mothers' Sewing Class
was 423. This class is held on Tuesday afternoons, and during the
year nearly 260 garments were made.
"As I mentioned in last year's report, most mothers are obliged
to bring with them all their children under school age. This is
a considerable hindrance to the sewing, and a tax upon our limited
space. We are still hoping to be able to have the children minded
in another room for the afternoon; were this possible we could
arrange sometimes for a short, simple lecture bearing upon health,
to be given to the mothers during a part of the afternoon.
"Miss Baxter's help at this Sewing Class has been most valuable.
She has superintended all the cutting out, and has entirely
made many garments for mothers and children who have been
unable—generally through illness—to attend.