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116
have inflamed or discharging eyes. One of the cases was subsequently notified
as suffering from Opthalmia Neonatorum.
The Council has adopted the suggestion of the Minister of Health that
they should refrain from exercising their power of recovery of the fee of (he
Medical Practitioner under Section 14 (4) of the Midwives Act, 1918, in this
class of case.
Sterile Outfits.
In December, 1930, the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee made
provision for arrangements in this district for supplying midwives with sterile
outfits for their patients. In any case where it is shown that the person is
unable to afford the outfit it is supplied at a reduced cost, or free of charge.
128 outfits were supplied in 1936—125 at full cost and 3 free of charge.
In addition, all patients attended by the district midwife, who is employed
by the Council, are provided with an outfit, the cost of which is included in
the fee for her services.
Supply of Milk to Expectant and Nursing Mothers and for
Infants.
Under the Regulations of the Ministry of Health, during 1936,
280 families were supplied with cows' milk free, and 110 with dried
milk.
A total of 23,269 quarts of cows' milk and 2,010 lbs. of dried
milk were given free under the Regulations to 76 nursing mothers,
27 expectant mothers and 438 infants.
In 1935, 330 families were supplied free with cows' milk, 117
with dried milk and 4 with condensed milk.
Infant Welfare Centres.
The Infant Welfare Centres have, as in previous years, been
carried on very economically owing to the assistance which ladies
in the town have voluntarily given. 86 ladies were engaged in
the work at the end of December, 1936. At the Ilford Lane Centre
one of the ladies has carried on a clothing club since 1921, to which
mothers could contribute small sums weekly and withdraw the