View report page

56
Chairman's Report.
It is an exceedingly pleasant experience to all those who are connected
with the Hackney Day Nursery, either in an administrative or an advisory
capacity to look back to the time when the Nursery was founded. A consideration
of the progress which has been made, as well as of the work which
has been and is being done, shows a most remarkable record of achievement.
It was evidently a happy augury for those responsible for the original
idea that Lady Amherst of Hackney consented to be the President of the
organisation, and that she so kindly and generously retains her interest. But
this, in fact, is one of the most striking attributes which the Nursery possesses
—the power to attract and to retain the services of those most eminently
suited to maintain its ideals.
The excellent committee is stable in its personnel, and it would be
impossible to find a body more devoted to the aims which it serves or more
unanimous in its enthusiasm. Their names are recorded elsewhere, but our
Treasurer, Mrs. C. H. Brown, and our Secretary, Mrs. R. Izzard, are certainly
an inspiration to those associated with them. The death of Mrs. Mortlock in
October deprived the Committee of the services of a Member whose loss is
deeply felt. An invitation which was extended to H. J. Whitehead, Esq.,
of the Rotary Club of Hackney, was most kindly accepted, and as a member
of an Association which is always ready to do all that it can in such a worthy
cause, as well as for his own personal ability, he is doubly welcome.
It is perhaps unnecessary to remark that without the co-operation of a
loyal Matron and Staff it would not have been possible to accomplish what
has been done. However, in the Matron, Miss Newbegin, and her Staff, there
is a perfect combination which is obviously keenly interested in every detail
and with a deep appreciation of the purposes of the Nursery.
It is in the same strain of grateful acknowledgment that I record the
services of Dr. Turtle. His visits are an absolute necessity and it is impossible
to imagine what might happen if our Honorary Medical Adviser were to decide
to retire. The importance of proper medical attendance and supervision cannot
be overestimated and his influence and good work will be acknowledged as long
as the Nursery exists. Also in this connection the constant advice and
careful investigation by Dr. Dart of the details which come within his official
sphere in his position as Borough Medical Officer of Health are very keenly
appreciated. There are many problems apart from periodical fumigation
which are taken to Dr. Dart for a solution which is always most readily
forthcoming. Here also must be recorded the untiring devotion and service
of those voluntary workers who spend so much time assisting in the Nursery
work, and this year I would specially mention the names of Mrs. Fotheringham
and Mrs. W. White.
Having dealt as far as is possible here with the executive side of the Nursery,
it is a pleasant duty to mention some of the principal sources from which its
support is forthcoming. It was most specially gratifying to receive such
practical assistance from and to observe the genuine interest shown by His
Worship the Mayor of Hackney, Alderman H. E. Goodrich, J.P., L.C.C.,
and the Mayoress, Mrs. Goodrich; we had the pleasure of a visit from them
for the purpose of inspection, and also they presided on the occasion of our
outstandingly successful Pound Day. With their most kind help to look back
on, we hope we may look forward to receiving similar assistance from the
Mayors and Mayoresses of Hackney for many years to come. It is also the
unanimous wish of the Committee that specially grateful thanks should be