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arrangements at the earliest possible moment. The temporary health
visitor began her duties in December, when over 30 cases were being
reported each week.
Barlow's Gift.—A sum of money was bequeathed by Jonathan Barlow
in 1881 to the vestry of St. George and adjoining vestries for the maintenance
of public conveniences. The City Council, since its formation,
has administered the fund, the income of which amounts to £33
per annum. According to a proviso in the will, the Council may apply
the money to any other benevolent or useful purpose in the said parishes.
It was decided, therefore, in May, 1929, to dedicate the income for a
period ending 31st March, 1930, to purposes of Maternity and Child
Welfare for which expenditure out of the rates could not properly be
applied.
There are many needs directly affecting health among those who
attend the Welfare Centres, and the assistance from this fund has proved
a very great boon. Articles such as the following have been bought and
lent, or contributions made towards their purchase: rubber bandages,
hernia belts, steam kettles, breast pumps, bedding, etc. The total sum
of £31 2s. 6d. has been expended.
Maternal Mortality: Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.—It may
be remembered that last year a regrettably heavy mortality was
recorded. In 1929, however, only 5 deaths occurred in pregnant women
compared with 17 in 1928.
In accordance with the request of the Ministry of Health, Maternal
Mortality Committee reports on the circumstances of these cases were
forwarded to the Ministry.
The following is a summary of the results of inquiries:—
Aged 32. Died in infirmary from results of self-procured miscarriage—inquest.
Aged 28. Died in isolation hospital. Confinement took place in a maternity
hospital. Confinement was 2 weeks overdue, child being abnormally large.
Considerable laceration followed instrumental delivery. General infection
supervened ending in general septicaemia and broncho-pneumonia.
Aged 24. Died in infirmary. Persistent vomiting of pregnancy for which she
had attended regularly at the ante-natal clinic of a large maternity hospital.
Condition on admission warranted artificial delivery. Infant died after
five days. Patient developed puerperal mania and hypostatic pneumonia.
Aged 25. Died in infirmary. Septic infection followed miscarriage.
Aged 26. Died in hospital. Normal first pregnancy, no instrumental
interference. Infected possibly from other case in same ward. Puerperal
septicaemia.