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The second was for fathers, who were asked to write to the Medical
Officer of Health stating why they liked their wives and children
to attend at the Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics, and for
suggestions of improvement there. For these competitions there
were 216 entries. It is pleasing to record that there was considerable
difficulty in determining who should be the prize winners, for
even those entries which did not obtain a prize showed, in most
cases, hygienic outlook and care. I have no hesitation in saying
that since these competitions have been commenced in Enfield,
there has been a steady improvement in the knowledge shown
by the competitors as to the hygienic clothing of children.
The letters received were extremely gratifying, especially
those from the fathers. They showed keen appreciation of the
benefits of the Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics and most of the
suggestions that were made were that additional clinics should
be held.
Except on the last day, that is, the 30th, the weather was
satisfactory and the distribution of the prizes took place in the
open. The prizes consisted of table cloths, pillow cases and spoons
engraved with a design similar to that of the seal of the Council.
The prizes were distributed by the following ladies:—
Mrs. Howard, member of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee.
Mrs. S. J. Dabbs, wife of the Clerk of the Council.
Mrs. Porter, formerly Chairman of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee.
Miss Ford, member of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee.
The mothers appreciated Baby Week and showed keen interest
in the entries that received prizes. A short time was devoted on
each afternoon to a brief explanation as to why certain garments
were awarded prizes and why others failed to be hygienically
sound.
CONVALESCENT TREATMENT.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee has no Convalescent
Homes nor Homes for Mothers and Babies under its
control, nor have any beds been reserved. Should it be found
by the Medical Officers at the centres that a mother or baby needs
convalescent treatment, they submit a report thereon to me.
The family circumstances are investigated and the matter reported
to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee.
During the year six children under the age of five years, and