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81
I was very happy the other day, when called upon to show our cripples to the
efficer of an organisation interested in these children, to find myself asked at the
end of the inspection, " But where are your real cripples ? "
It nevertheless docs obtain that in a very small minority of cases, owing to
prejudice, we are not able to obtain the results we quite reasonably expect. I am
verv "lad indeed to be able to tell you that these cases form a very small minority.
69. ARTIFICIAL SUNLIGHT CLINIC.
The treatment of infants and children under five years of age at the Artificial
Sunlight Clinic was continued during 1932. Cases are referred by the medical
officers in charge of the Infant Welfare Clinics, and the children attending are kept
under constant medical supervision during their course of treatment.
The majority of the children referred for treatment were suffering from early
rickets and malnutrition. In addition, cases were referred for the following
conditions—chilblains, prematurity, general debility and anaemia.
In all, 108 children received treatment during 1932. One session per week was
devoted to these cases, and 1,016 treatments were given.
70. BATHS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS.
During the year, free baths at the Public Baths have been continued for
expectant mothers who have no facilities for bathing at home, and who cannot
afford to pay the usual charge for the use of the Public Baths.
There were eight baths granted free of charge during 1932.
71. MEALS TO EXPECTANT AND NURSING MOTHERS.
Advantage has been taken during 1932 of this provision under the Act.
The total number of dinners supplied to mothers was 428 and in addition, 372
meals were supplied to children. The nutrition of the mother during pregnancy
and in the lying-in period has a very important bearing on the well-being of the
infant, and it is at these times that necessitous mothers are particularly encouraged
avail themselves of the Council's scheme.
It is obvious that this service is not being used to the extent that one would
wish.
May I call your attention to my comprehensive remarks on this question in
my last Annual Report ?