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the expenses for the year ending March, 1916, especially urged on my Council
the importance of frequent and regular home-visiting to mothers before and
after their confinement, and that the children should be supervised up to
five years of age. On December 17th and 18th Dr. J. H. Hutchison visited
Edmonton with reference to the measles epidemic, but also to impress on
the Council the necessity of arranging for supervising the welfare of mothers
and young children. On the latter date he met the Chairman of the Council
and the Chairman of the Sanitary Committee.
As Medical Officer of Health here for eleven years, I can testify to the
great scope there is for this work in Edmonton, The efforts of the ladies
and gentlemen who form the Board of Control have been resultant of much
good.
The second Annual Report, for the year ending March 31st, 1917, shows—
(1) That there is much need of such an institution; (2) that the place is much
appreciated by the mothers of Edmonton; indeed, in January, 1917, the age
was extended to two years, and in February the Medical Adviser began to
attend once a week instead of fortnightly.
HEALTH VISITING BY UNTRAINED VOLUNTARY
WORKERS.
The following short address I delivered at the Edmonton School for
Mothers:—
The proper frame of mind for beginners is a humble one. One that
realises" I am not a medical officer of health, nor doctor, nor a professional
(woman) sanitary inspector and health visitor, nor a midwife, nor a professional
nurse, but within the limited sphere of action permitted to an
amateur, I am eager and willing to assist in maintaining and improving
the public health and the efforts of those mentioned."
I congratulate you that it is within your power to be an influence for
good in reforming the bad habits of the people. At the same time, you, in
particular, can secure the progress and extended use of the School for Mothers.
The observations I have the privilege of making to those ladies of the
Board of Control, who have kindly volunteered to visit the homes are (as you
will see) made with the purpose of enabling you to avoid the difficulties that
beginners might encounter, and indeed often unthinkingly create for themselves.
It is most important that you should not recommend to mothers any