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Ophthalmia Neonatorum.—The number of cases of this disease notified during the year was
37, giving a case rate of 13.4 per 1,000 registered births. A private doctor attended at the confinement
in 16 cases, a midwife in 17 and the remaining 4 cases were born in hospital. Treatment was obtained
at a hospital in 8 cases, at the Municipal Clinics in 15 cases, at a voluntary clinic in 1 case and by a
private doctor at home in 13 cases. Complete recovery with unimpaired vision occurred in 34 cases,
in one case one eye was permanently injured, while two cases were still under treatment at the end of
the year.
During the year the Health Authority took out summonses against two persons for failure to
notify under the Public Health (Ophthalmia Neonatorum) Regulations, 1914. In one case—a doctor—
the summons was dismissed, but in the other case—a midwife—the defendant was fined £20. Subsequently
this midwife was struck off the roll.
School for Mothers at Clinic 1.—The year as a whole may be considered satisfactory.
There has been a total attendance of 2,953 mothers and 3,034 children. The average attendance
of mothers per session was 12.56.
These figures for the attendance of mothers show an increase of 643 on the total and 3.0 on
the average attendances compared with the previous year. The children who attended with their
mothers shewed a very satisfactory standard of clothing and personal hygiene.
Thirty expectant mothers availed themselves of the opportunities afforded them of learning
how to make baby outfits and other necessary things.
Bathing demonstrations have been given on various occasions, the mothers kindly lending
their babies.
An exhibition was held on the 16th, 17th and 18th of December, for the purpose of showing
the different garments made by the mothers. Over 80 garments were exhibited. There was also a
dietary and a bathing section. Both were highly appreciated. A talk was given on each of the days
of the exhibition as follows:— "Household Hints" by Miss Holman, Meals Supervisor; "Care of
the Teeth," by Mr. Jennings, Dental Officer; and "Health Talks" by Dr. Skene, Chairman of the
Health Committee. Many scholars from the Council schools put in an appearance, and were undoubtedly
very much interested in the lectures and Exhibition.
School for Mothers at Clinic 2.—The total attendance at this school for mothers, with
3 sessions weekly, apart from school holidays, were 708 mothers and 425 children, giving an average
per session of 6.1 mothers and 3.6 children.
The classes have been continued on the same lines and under the same conditions as in 1924
Insufficient room seriously hinders the work.
At Clinic 2, 858 mothers attended medical consultations on 5,161 occasions, yet the accommodation
for the Mothercraft Class is only sufficient for 6 mothers and the Nursery for 6 children.
There is evidence that class instruction in Infant Care and Management and Home and Social
Hygiene is popular with and useful to the mothers, and it is suggested that a valuable opportunity
for health propaganda at this Clinic is not being utilised.
School for Mothers at Lower Place.—For the second year in succession Mothercraft
Classes have been held in the Medical Inspection Centre, where, as reported in 1924, the attendances
have outgrown the accommodation. With 1 session weekly the attendances of mothers amounted
to 413 and of children 353, giving an average per session of 9.8 mothers and 8.4 children.
Good mothering and improved home conditions are urgently needed in this district. The
mothers are interested in the classes, and if facilities for teaching were available the need to a large
extent would be met.
The children and prams are cared for in the lobby, 14¼ ft. X 13½ ft., which is badly lighted,
ill-ventilated and cold and where the space does not permit the children to run about.
The premises do not answer the purpose for which they are required.
Subjects of Health Talks. The Health Talks given by members of the Health Staff at
the foregoing Schools for Mothers included talks on the following subjects:—
(1) Composition of Air.
Respiration.
(2) Effects of impure air.
Colds.
Bronchitis.
Effects of pure fresh air.
(3) Ventilation.
Arrangement of bedroom.
Draughts.
(4) Sunlight—Health giving properties.
Nature's disinfector.
(5) Visible dirt.
Invisible dirt.
Method of cleansing room to get rid of both.