View report page

Since August, 1920, Dried Milk has been distributed under
the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme.
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.
1928—218,312 do. 974 tons.
The Milk Powder is received in bulk from the Contractors in
hermetically sealed canisters, and only the estimated quantity is
packed daily 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 lis clearly printed on the outside of the carton.
The supplies delivered by the Contractors during the year
have bfeen tested at intervals, both chemically and bacteriologically,
and found to be satisfactory.
Circular 185 of the Ministry of Health is 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 list 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 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 ito come to the lying-in patient. The Health Visitor
visits the house several times during the lying-in period, in order
to see that the "Home Help" performs her duties, and also to
give any necessary advice. 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 intimation of the commencement of duties is
in order that ithe Health Visitor may at once get into touch with
the case, for obviously the expectant mother sends first for her
doctor, midwife, and Home Help, and it might be many days
before the Health Visitor learnt of the birth.
114