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118
A caretaker was put in charge for the time being, and directions
were given for the Medical Officer to receive applications on behalf of
the ladies Sub-Committee, so that the latter might consider the fee to
to be charged on the merits of each case.
Close touch was kept with the Ministry of Health who sanctioned
loans for altering and equipping the Home. The Ministry's Officials
came and inspected the building and expressed their approval.
A Rota of the ladies Sub-Committee was appointed to inspect the
Home—each couple to act for a month.' The visiting days decided upon
were Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m., and
the number of visitors in any one day to a patient was limited to two.
In July, 1921, the Council decided to accept payment of fees by
instalments, the same to be paid to Health Visitors at the Clinics;
here it may be mentioned that this policy was changed in the light of
experience, and fees are now paid before entering the Home. The
wards were named, " Louise " Ward, after H.R.H. Princess Louise ;
" Grace " Ward, after the Mayoress; and " Beatrice" Ward, after
the Chairman of the Committee. One of the first purchases was 12
sets of babies' clothing. It was agreed that applications from Deptford
expectant mothers should receive priority over those coming from
outside the Borough, an arrangement which holds good to-day.
It may be suggested by the reader that all this is historical and of
little interest, but it is well that a record should be made so that
future generations may look back with interest and respect upon the
memories of those who thought no detail too trivial, to the end that
the fullest possible provision might be made for womankind at a serious
crisis in their lives. The old records, the Minutes, are not without joy
to any with a sense of humour, thus the Cemetery Committee was
invited to " maintain the garden " at the rear of the Home. Can it be
wondered that the gentlemen comprising this Commitree, used as they
were to giving reverend and sympathetic attention to last obsequies,
should gravely ponder over a message from the recently-born Maternity
Committee ? Maintain the garden ! What could it mean ? The
Cemetery Committee sought enlightenment and were duly informed
that this maintaining the garden meant " keeping the garden in a
decent condition."
The Medical Officer was requested to report on the system of
rationing patients and staff in the Home.