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3. Of the total number of mental defectives known to the Local Authority:—
(a) Number who have given birth to children during 1931:—
(1) After marriage Nil
(2) While unmarried Nil
Males. Females.
(b) Number who have married during 1931 — 1 voluntary case
Training Centre.
During the year a general improvement in concentration and
behaviour has been noted among the mental defectives who have
attended the Training Centre. Their handwork has been remarkably
good and has a more finished appearance; the following are
a few of the articles made:—Sea-grass stools, glass based trays
with cane border, baskets, screens, fretwork cut-outs, rugs, raffia
weaving, drawn thread work, underwear, knitting and fancy
articles.
The younger children are responding to training and are beginning
to show pride in their personal appearance and care in the
rules of simple hygiene. Interest has been created in elementary
handicraft and it is hoped, that with patience, some good results
will be obtained at a later date.
Of interest and showing the result of training, Miss Fooks
informs me that one of the young men attending the centre in the
mornings has recently earned a certain amount of pocket money
by obtaining orders for cane work and making the articles at home.
The annual Xmas Party at which the children gave an entertainment
and exhibition of and sale of the articles was held. The
Mayor, Mayoress and some members of the Council attended and
were surprised at the manner in which these defectives had
responded to the teaching and training, given with infinite
patience, by Miss Fooks.