View report page

32
During 1937 there has been no change in the methods adopted in relation to
the supply of milk to mothers and children. Up to 31st March, 1938, the amount
expended was £920, as against £784 lis. l0d. in the year ended 31st March, 1937.
The actual number of cases dealt with was 388, and the number of orders issued
2,059, varying slightly from those for 1936, when the cases numbered 352 and the
orders 2,190.
The number of instances in which the supply was granted absolutely free, having
regard to the total number of cases and circumstances generally, though comparatively
small, was approximately the same as in 1936. The amount contributed
in individual cases varies considerably, but from the very beginning what the amount
should be has always been very carefully assessed, the size of the family and the
family earnings and circumstances being taken into consideration. In every case
formal application is required to be made by the individual whether recommended
by the medical officer of a consultation or seeking assistance personally.
Following receipt of the application, enquiries are made by the health visitors
and on their report and the information provided in the application, assessment is
made by the Medical Officer of Health.
The period for which the grant is made varies, but is usually four weeks, and
at the end of this period the case is again considered and alterations made in the
amount ordered, and a contribution charged if necessary.
The system, it may be said, has worked with absolute smoothness and has
done a very great deal of good. Here and there an individual not quite deserving
may have received assistance, but on the whole the efforts of the officers and of
Councillor Mrs. Davis, who has given most valuable help as representative of the
Maternity and Child Welfare Committee, to make a just assessment have been
helped rather than hindered.
Day Nurseries.
(a) Number of day nurseries: (i) provided by the Council, nil; (ii)
vided by voluntary associations, 3.
(b) Number of places for children under 5 years of age in the nurseries:
(i) provided by the Council, nil; (ii) provided by voluntary associations,
93.
(c) Total number of attendances of children at these nurseries during the
year, 16,302.
The situation of the three day nurseries in the Borough, together with details
of the attendances for the year, are shown in Table 17.