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231
A comparison of the causes of Infantile Mortality in 1917 with
those of the preceding year shows an increase during last year in the
deaths from Measles, Whooping-cough and Premature Birth ; and a
decrease in those from Wasting and Debility.
THE INFANT CARE WORK.
Miss Reeve reports as follows :—
" During the year 659 infants were visited in their homes. These
visits were followed by 1,987 re-visits, making a total of 2,646.
" The Milk Fund has been of great service throughout the year ;
without it we should have had a larger number of babies hand fed,
and much of the advice given to the mothers would have been
useless. Seventy mothers were helped out of this fund during
the year. These were nearly all soldiers' and sailors' wives.
WORK AT THE CHILD WELFARE CENTRE.
" During the year 352 children were brought to be weighed
and for advice, and their total visits numbered 1,664. This branch
of the work is still growing ; on some of the Thursday afternoons
last year over 40 children attended. We are much indebted to
Miss Sandeman, who gave her help on these afternoons throughout
the year.
" The number of attendances at the Mothers' Sewing Class
was 500. This class is held on Tuesday afternoons, and during the
year 383 garments were made.
" Miss Baxter's help at this Sewing Class has been most valuable.
She has superintended all the cutting out, and has entirely
made many garments for mothers and children who have been
unable—generally through illness—to attend.
"We are also indebted to Mrs. Price and Miss Bray, who
arrange to give the mothers tea on these afternoons."