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19
DAY NURSERY.
This is situated in Fore Street; the charge is 9d. per day or 3s. 6d. per
week.
The Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. E. Beer, in his report for the year 1925,
states:—
"The work of the Day Nursery continues, and further appreciation of its
usefulness has been shown by the increased attendances, which numbered
6,649, an increases of 1,101 over the previous year.
"It is gratifying to note that, in spite of the large amount of sickness in
the district, the health of the children attending the Nursery has been excellent,
and the Institution has remained open for the whole of the year, with the
exception of the usual holiday periods.
"The instruction in Mothercraft to girls from the Council schools has been
continued by the Matron, and a larger number than last year, namely,
180 girls, have attended. The girls show great interest in the work, which
appeals to them, and they are very keen to learn.
"The extension of the Day Nursery, foreshadowed in the last report, has
been completed, and in addition to the two extra bedrooms, a large recreation
room at the farther end of the grounds has been provided, which enables the
children to be grouped according to age, and the work of the Nursery more
efficiently carried on. In this new room a piano (lent by a lady interested in
the Nursery) has been installed, making it possible for the nurse to give the
children Musical Drill, which adds considerably to the cheerfulness both of the
children and the probationers.
"The scheme for taking resident children has proved a boon in several
cases. Forty-three weekly payments of 10s. Od. have been made for various
children, amongst whom were four sent and paid for by the Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee of the Council, the children staying on an average
three weeks each.
"It is felt that, as it gradually becomes more widely known, mothers who
are incapacitated by illness and have to go away to hospital for treatment, or
for confinement, or for convalescence, can place their younger children at the
Day Nursery for the small fee of 10s. Od. per week and have no anxiety about