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WARTIME NURSERIES.
Representations were received from the Ministry of Labour and
National Service and the Ministry of Health stating it was
desirable to set up Day Nursery facilities in order to assist women
who were desirous of undertaking war work but were prevented from
doing so owing to family ties. As a temporary arrangement four
of the First Aid Posts functioning under the Civil Defence Scheme
were utilised for this purpose, a dozen children being accommodated
at each Post. A fee of l/- is charged for each child per day.
After protracted negotiation as to suitable sites and many
difficulties encountered in obtaining necessary staff the following
permanent Day Nurseries were established:-
1. Rachael McMillan Nursery School, Deptford Church Street,
S.E. 8. Opened 20th July 1942. Accommodation for 40
children under 2 years and 65 between the ages of 2 and
5 years.
2. Conley Street, East Greenwich, S.E. 10. Opened 30th
September, 1942, accommodation for 10 under 2 years and
30 between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
3. 154 Shooters Hill Road, S.E. 3. (late Blackheath and
Charlton Cottage Hospital) opened 21st December 1942
accommodation for 48 children from 2 to 5 years of age.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
From springtime onwards many complaints were received regarding
nuisances caused by mosquitoes breeding in static water tanks.
In all cases where it was found necessary the tanks were emptied,
thoroughly scoured out and treated with special oils and insecticides.
In addition to the many duties arising out of war time
conditions disinfestation is undertaken at premises requisitioned
by the Council for storage of furniture from bombed houses.
Disinfestation has also been carried out at the various
Public Air Raid Shelters and Warden Posts in the Borough.
The following brief summaries serve to show the work carried
out by the Sanitary Inspectors and Disinfecting Staff during the
year:-