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97
Tents, Vans, and Sheds.
47. During the year, 27 tents, vans, and sheds, were
inspected (26 in 1908), and the bye-laws enforced.
Infants' Milk Depôt.
48. Full particulars as to the establishment, objects, mode
of working, and apparatus, of the Infants' Milk Depot, have
been given in three previous Reports, the first one being
separately printed in 1906, and the second and third forming
part of the Annual Reports of 1907 and 1908.
332 infants were supplied with milk in 1909, compared with
313 in 1907, and 368 in 1908.
The actual number of children being fed at one time averaged
110, varying for the most part between 115 and 90.
Duration of Feeding. 175 children discontinuing the milk
in 1909, had been on the Depot for more than one month,
and only 50 were on less than one month. 94 had the milk for
over six months. The average duration of feeding has been
estimated at five months. This indicates that for the most part
mothers obtain the milk, not as a temporary fancy, but from
a conviction of its utility which is confirmed by trial; for the
Depot milk costs parents slightly more than ordinary fresh
milk and preserved milk, if given in proper quantity and
quality, and considerably more if condensed milk is given in
insufficient quantity.
The table (see below) of reasons for discontinuing the milk,
shows why the duration of feeding was curtailed in most cases.
Only 57, or one-fourth of the total discontinuing, did so on
account of the baby having reached an age not to need the
milk. 38 mothers left the Borough, 19 gave up the milk on