View report page

162
ditions which caused their deaths have permanently marred
the health of a far greater number of living children. It is
obviously, therefore, of the utmost importance to prevent
this wholesale spoiling of lives, and the need of providing
adequate instruction on this subject of infant care is being
more and more recognised in all parts of the country.
In a great many places classes are being held in the
elementary schools for the older girls. In some cases the
practical work in connection with them is carried out at
neighbouring Creches or Baby Welcomes. In others instruction
is given on a do'l. The scope of the work varies somewhat
in different schools, but the course lincludes instruction
on washing, feeding, clothing and carrying an infant, making
baby clothes and the elements of sick nursing. The courses
are given either by the teachers or health visitors, or in a
few cases by medical practitioners.
In our own district an excellent class is conducted by
Miss Webster, the Head Teacher, at Chamberlayne Wood
Road Girls' School. Girls over 14 are taught thoroughly the
methodical washing and dressing of a young baby. Dolls
are used, of the size and weight of a month old baby. The
class consists of eight to ten girls, and the children
thoroughly enjoy the work. The improvement in method
and speed after a few lessons is marked. I examined this
class again this year with Dr. T. E. Smurthwaite, and am
amply satisfied with the excellent work that is being done in
connection with this subject at this school. An extension of
this work to other schools would undoubtedly be of considerable
value in the reduction of infantile mortality rates in the
future.
Mother Craft Schools.—Classes for mothers and
expectant mothers are being held in many districts, usually
in connection with a "Babies' Welcome" or "Infant