View report page

548
Miss Reeves, the Superintendent Health Visitor, reports as
follows:
"With a reduced birth-rate, I have to report considerable
increase in the work as a whole.
"The number of primary visits paid were 138 greater than in
1923, while the secondary visits show an increase of 448.
"These home visits are of the greatest importance, are greatly
valued, and result in many children being brought up on proper
lines from an early age.
''In most cases the primary visit takes place on the eleventh
day after the birth; in others it is deferred until the infant is about
two weeks old.
"The two Child Welfare Centres show a small increase in the
number of attendances of infants and children; and this with a
reduced number on the Registers, which is probably accounted for
by the smaller number of births.
"Considering the bad weather experienced, the attendances
have been very satisfactory—it being remembered that mothers
are advised not to take delicate infants out when winds are keen.
On such days it is found that many mothers come, without their
infants, to report progress and to receive advice, etc. These attendances
are registered among the attendances of mothers, and represent
a good deal of work of a fruitful nature.
"During the spring the Centres suffered a severe loss by the
death of Dr. J. Sherwood New, their Medical Officer. During
something like eleven years Dr. New gave the mothers the benefit
of his advice for their children, and much of the success of the work
was due to his enthusiasm and interest.
"Milton Road Centre is very much in need of increased space,
and, when crowded, suffers much from the heat from the Washhouses
beneath. It is greatly hoped that the Council will enlarge
the Weighing Room and provide a Stockroom before very long.
"The Milk Order has been of great benefit to our poorer infants
and children, and is a boon especially during the present time of