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30
tion of Births Acts, 441, or 81 per cent., were actually brought
to the centre. Of these 441, 81 per cent, attended during the
first year, 35 per cent, during the second year, 17 per cent, during
the third, and 8 per cent, during the fourth. It will be noticed
that a sharp drop in the attendances occurs after the age of 3
years. Recent investigations have shown that considerable
defects are found to exist in children of this age; defects which
in many instances lead to permanent disability if not promptly
dealt with. Attempts are being made to call up for medical
examination as many children at the age of 3 years as can conveniently
be accommodated at the centres. I am indebted to
Miss Knox, one of the Voluntary Workers at the Highgate
Centre, for the careful analysis of attendances noted above.
Details of the work done in connection with maternity and
child welfare work will be found in Table H, page 4'2.
The Voluntary Workers attached to each Centre have given
me all possible assistance, and I wish to record my deep appretion,
not only of their help to me personally, but also of their
untiring efforts on behalf of the mothers and babies. The
workers have raised considerable sums of money, which have
been spent mainly on the provision of massage, convalescent
home treatment and dental treatment. The actual figures are
as follows:—
Massage 61
Dental treatment 30
Sent to convalescent homes 43
Holidays 9
Surgical instruments 7
Spectacles 1
The Fathers' Committee at Brook Road Centre have again
subscribed liberally to the voluntary funds.
Supply of milk.—During the year 223 cases have received
milk free or at less than cost price. The sum so expended
amounted to £88 0s.lld. In another 20 instances the application
for milk was not granted.
Jessie Muir."