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instruction in the preparation of infant foods, e.g., sterilisation
and dilution of milk, artificial foods, barley and albumen
water, and so on.
A simple syllabus and classes should be arranged, instruction
being given by a suitably qualified teacher.
It is not incorrect to say that at the end of the course
the majority of the girls would have a wider knowledge of
infant care than some of the mothers in charge of infants
at present.
In some towns wider practical teaching is given by
allowing some of the older girls to attend the Day Nurseries
where further instruction is possible.
In Willesden, an excellent class is conducted by Miss
Webster, the Head Teacher, at Chamberlayne Wood Road
Girls' School. Girls over fourteen 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. An extension
of this work to yet other schools would be of considerable
value in the reduction of infantile mortality in the future.
Venereal Diseases.
This matter of educating the public to searc for disease
and have it cured quickly has been especially prominent of
late in respect of the recommendations of the Royal Commission
relative to Venereal Diseases. There is no special
mystery about these diseases, and in connection with the
campaign for their control and eradication it may be well
for me to set out clearly the important facts which should
be in the possession of every member of the public.
Venereal Diseases include Syphilis—also known as the
Pox or the Bad Disorder ; Gonorrhoea—also called the Clap;