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Child Welfare. 15
ing out the dangers of infection and giving directions for immediate
self-disinfection after promiscuous sexual intercourse; at the 'same
time advising continence and sexual morality.
MOTHER AND CHILD WELFARE CENTRE.
A small number only of Ante-natal cases attended during the year;
it is still found very difficult to get into' touch with the expectant
mother. Babies under one year of age made 1,955 attendances, while
children over one year of age made 685 attendances.
The Centre was opened on 104 occasions, and the average
attendance at each session was 25.
A great deal of food (infant) has been sold at the Centre and, with
the increasing numbers on the register, voluntary help has been
accepted, so as to release the Health Visitors for their more professional
work.
The Child Welfare Centre has made strides and the work increased,
largely due to the provision of foods and dried milk at cost
price. I think that the time is approaching when the sale of foods,
etc., might be dispensed with, and the shop-keeping aspect of the
work eliminated.
"Health Week" was observed in the district with distinct success.
It included Lantern Lectures, School Essays, Addresses, Displays,
and Pound Days, and, with the exception of the lecture to mothers,
was well attended.
I think that "Health Week" should continue and should absorb
" Baby Week" and be made a really good show.
The present accommodation can only be considered temporary,
for, in several ways, it is very unsatisfactory.
Since the Milk (Mothers and Children) Orders of 1918 and 1919
have been in force, 145 families have been assisted in the purchase
of cows' milk, where the case has, after inquiry, been found to be a
necessitous one.
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTHERS AND
CHILDREN.
It is desirable that a. Maternity Home should be provided nearer
■home than in London, for the reception of women whose home circumstances
are unfavourable to the confinement taking place there.