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37
gate. The number of cases in other parts of the District
averages 8 per annum. It is not to be expected that her
services will be applied for to any extent other than in
Southgate, as there are midwives practising privately in
the other localities, and it is a long way to send to Southgate,
where she must reside, from other parts of the District.
Maternity and infant Welfare Centres.—A Maternity
Committee was first established by the Council in
June, 1917, composed of two representatives of the
Council and four ladies, representing Winchmore Hill,
Palmers Green, New Southgate, and Southgate. One
Centre was opened at New Southgate, meeting monthly
under the charge of Dr. Louisa Westlake. It was soon
found that fortnightly meetings were necessary, and in June,
1918, a second Centre was opened at Old Southgate, meeting
fortnightly. At the end of the year, fortnightly Centres
were also opened at Winchmore Hill and Bowes Park, so
that now, with a Centre in each of the four localities, a
Centre is within easy reach of every resident. During 1918
the Maternity and Child Welfare Act was passed, and, in
accordance with that Act, the Committee was reconstituted,
and now consists of ten members of the Council, four ladies
and one ex-Councillor. It was also found necessary, during
1919, owing to the increase of numbers attending, to have
weekly meetings of the Centres at New Southgate, Winchmore
Hill, and Bowes Park.
In February, 1918, the Milk (Mothers and Children)
Order was issued, and under its powers, the Committee
make grants of milk, free of cost, or at half price, to various
expectant and nursing mothers and infants.
Under this Order 95 mothers have received milk either
free or at half-price, and marked benefit to the children
has resulted. The amount of milk granted amounted to
2,538 gallons. In considering the applications for milk,
the following scale of income (prepared in the first instance
bv the Ministry of Pensions) has been adopted:—

and so on, reckoning 6s. for each additional child.