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Our day nurseries hitherto have been regarded as models of efficiency
and economy, but with the falling attendance and continuance of the overhead
costs, it is difficult to see how they can be run on an economic basis.
The question of closure of one or more nurseries will have to be considered,
for whilst it is agreed the necessity for this service still remains,
yet it must be conceded sufficient provision can be made in two of
the nurseries to meet this need.
Admission to the nurseries under the Council's regulations requires
proof of medico social stress in a household which can be relieved only
by the mother going out to work. So that each case is judged on its
merits and it cannot be said the 'good neighbour' policy is being unduly
laboured and the ratepayers generally, asked to shoulder a burden which
rightly should be born by individuals. The easement of medico social
stress In a household by ordered action of the local authority, is today
the hallmark of a civilised community, and East Ham must not yield her
place to the fore, in the march of cultural progress,
ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN (Circular 2866)
The Council do not employ a social worker for the purpose of the
above Circular.
These duties are undertaken by the Superintendent Health Visitor,
and close co-operation is maintained with the Children's Officer.
CARE OF UNMARRIED MOTHERS.
During the year the Council was responsible for the maintenance of
3 unmarried mothers in homes of the Chelmsford Diocesan Moral Welfare
Association.
NURSERY AND CHILD-MINDERS REGULATION ACT, 1948
There were no daily minders provided by the Council at the 31st
December, 1952 and there were no premises or daily minders registered under
the above Act at 31/12/52
The Authority were not paying any fees to daily minders under section
22 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, at 31st December, 1952.
REGISTRATION OF NURSING HOMES
Under Sections 187 to 194 of the Public Health Act, 1936, there were
no homes registered during the year 1952, and there were no homes on the
register at the end of the year 1952.
MATERNITY HOSPITALS

ALDERSBROOK MATERNITY HOSPITAL
There is little doubt of the continued need for the retention of