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Since August, 1920, Dried Milk has been distributed under
the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, and, as will be seen
from the following table, there is a decrease in the amount
supplied during P..27 as compared with the four previous years:
Year 1920— 18,247 packets : 8 tons 3 cwts.
1921— 73,872 do. 33 tons
1922—127,934 do. .57 .tons 2 cwts.
1923—221,114 do. 98 tons 14 cwts.
1924—237,963 do. 106 tons 4^ cwts.
1925—222,410 do. 99 tons 5 cwts. 90 lbs.
1926—222,776 do. 99 tons 9 cwts. 8 lbs.
1927—206,015 do. 91 tons 19 cwts. 47 lbs.
The Milk Powder is received in bulk from the Contractors in
hermetically sealed canisters, and only the estimated quantity is
packed daily in order to ensure, as far as possible, the Milk being
fresh when supplied to applicants, although it will keep perfectly
good for a long period if stored in a cool, dry place. This latter
direction s clearly printed on the outside of the carton.
The supplies delivered by the Contractors during the year
have been tested at intervals, both chemically and bacteriologically,
and found to be satisfactory, nor has any inconvenience
been experienced as a result of weather conditions and trade
disturbances.
Circular 185 of the Ministry of Health ss carefully followed,
and the number of persons who endeavoured to obtain Dried
Milk by false pretences during the year was almost negligible.
Home Helps.
"Home Helps" is the name given to women who are employed
by the Council to assist in the homes during the lying-in
period of certain necessitous women. These "helps'' are specially
selected and approved by the Health Visitors as being suitable
for the work. A lisit of such available women is kept at the
Town Hall, the person concerned being entitled to see this list
as an aid to the selection of a suitable Home Help. The work of
these women is closely supervised by the Health Visitor, and only
those people from homes clean and free from infectious disease
are allowed to come to the lying-in patient. The Health Visitor
also visits the house several times during the stay of the Home
Help in the house, in order to see that she performs her duties,
and also to give any advice needed. The duties of these women
are briefly set out in the following form, a copy of which is
handed to each one on her accepting duty. The object of the
quick return of the int'mation of the commencement of duties is
in order that the Health Visitor may at once get into touch with
(he case, for obviously the expectant mother sends first for her
doctor, midwife, or Home Help, and it might be many days
before the Health Visitor got to know that the birth had occurred.
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