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accorded to Miss Weston and to all her helpers from the Star Laundry Co.,
Ltd., who have rendered such enormously valuable aid to the Nursery on
our " Pound Day."
Now for some names which are indissolubly connected with this Nursery.
The Rotary Club of Hackney have been mentioned above, and the names
of the Clapton Tradesmen's Association and the Michaelmas Players are
ever to be remembered for their charitable enterprises: details of their assistance
may be found further on. Also we are anticipating a handsome donation
as the result of a dance held under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce,
under the genial Presidency of Mr. C. H. Brown, assisted by the indefatigable
Secretary, Mr. A. Hardwick. The Scholars of Lady Holies School again
rendered material aid by means of their Christmas Carol Party, a very
enjoyable occasion, and very substantial was the outcome of the Children's
Welfare Flag Day. Many sellers of flags took part in this well-known method
of raising money, but it cannot be over-emphasised that there can never be
too many helpers.
The South Hackney Parochial Charities have rendered very appreciable
assistance. Indeed, this report may easily develop into an account of all
those whose interest has been evidenced throughout the year. However, as
it is no part of a general report to deal with such matters, and, in fact, the
task is one, however pleasant, which must be left to the Honorary Auditors,
Messrs. Button, Stevens and Witty. Their labours entitle them to a special
word of gratitude, for their undertaking is no sinecure, as the Financial
Report shows.
It remains to record various improvements in the facilities now possessed.
A new boiler has been fitted and big improvements have been made in the
bathing facilities. The construction of an awning in the garden is a really
handsome addition which enables our proteges to have as full a ration
of fresh air as possible under favourable climatic conditions. New fire
extinguishers have been installed in various positions in accordance with
the expert advice given by a Fire-Inspector, who was kind enough to spend
much time considering the existing arrangements and suggesting additions
and alterations for the sake of perfect security.
It would be possible to continue at greater length, but those who are
interested will refer to the following pages in the knowledge that there will
be found the many necessary omissions from this report, which must close
with a sincere hope that interest will continue to be shown by his Worship
the Mayor and the Mayoress, the Aldermen and the Councillors of the Hackney
Borough Council, whose valuable support is such an encouragement to the
many others who know and realise the importance of the work of the Hackney
Day Nursery.
Matron's Report.
Once again the Hackney Day Nursery has had a busy year. During
1936, the Nursery was open 227 days. There have been 6,315 attendances,
of which 2,053 were children under two years of age, and 4,262 of toddlers
from two to five years. This shows a very good average indeed, especially
when one takes into consideration the fact that there has been so much illness
during the year, partly due, no doubt, to the lack of sunshine.
The new baths which have been provided during the summer in the
Toddlers' bathroom have proved to be a great help. It is now possible to
bath the toddlers more quickly and easily. The additional wash-hand basin
provided for the staff has also been very much appreciated.