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118
Milk (Mothers and Children) Orders, 1918-1919.—
Under these Orders the Council has continued to supply
milk to necessitous cases, each case being investigated,
especially as to the financial position, before a supply is
granted.
18,192 lbs. of dried milk and 1,477 quarts of raw milk
and '28 tins of Nestle's were distributed during the year.
The number of applications for free milk has averaged
47 per week during the year. The total expenditure during
the year was approximately £691.
The amount of dried milk distributed during the year
decreased by 4,784 lbs., raw milk increased by 247 quarts
and Nestle's by four tins. There was a decreased cost of
approximately £275.
The distribution of this free milk continues to be an
inestimable boon, and has, without doubt, contributed very
largely to the improved condition of the children
generally.
By this means the Public Health Department and the
Maternity and Infant Welfare Centres are able to keep in
close contact with these cases, and at the same time
mothers have been able to obtain a proper supply of milk
for their children which they could not have done otherwise.
The arrangements whereby the Infant Welfare Centres
are supplied with dried milk for distribution has been continued.
The mothers attend the Centre and obtain their
supplies on presenting an order issued from the Public
Health Department, thus encouraging the mothers to
attend the Centres where they can obtain advice both with
regard to themselves and their children.
Cod Liver Oil.—During the year arrangements were
made whereby mothers could obtain small quantities of cod
liver oil for their children. This was provided free to those
mothers who were receiving free milk under the Maternity
and Child Welfare Act.