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when one observes with what intelligence their records, case
and note books are kept. Their bags and appliances are invariably
in excellent condition, whilst they are up-to-date in
their methods and comply with all The regulations of the
Central Midwives Board. Especially does this apply to those
engaged in the work of the South Wimbledon District Nursing
Association.
Of the second class, which consists of six women whose
ages range from 55 to 70 years, but little can be said. They
are generally clean and keep their accoutrements in good
order, but their books are not kept so well as one would wish,
although this is done to the best of their ability. I have frequently
had to warn and instruct these women as to the use of
the clinical thermometer, and one case came under my notice
during the year in which the life of a patient who died from
accidental hemorrhage at child-birth would probably have
been saved had the Midwife intelligently used the clinical
thermometer, noted the results, and sent for medical aid much
sooner.
One, however, is glad to record that the passing of the
Midwives Act, 1902, has resulted in attracting a more capable
class of women into the work, especially in an Urban District
such as Wimbledon, and I have no doubt that this desirable
tendency will further increase in the immediate future.
In confirmation of this fact, I would mention that in
1905, when my first report on the Act was made, only 23.9 per
cent. of the Midwives were hospital trained, the remainder
being what one would only term "handy women," whilst at
the present time no fewer than 62.5 per cent. of those on the
Roll are fully qualified. These women are a public asset.
My remarks on this all-important subject would be incomplete
without a word of commendation of the teaching of Dr.
Mary Rocke, who for some years has given a course of instruction
at the Technical Institute, Gladstone Road, under the
auspices of the Surrey County Council and the Wimbledon
Borough Council; and of Dr. Beatrice McGregor and the
Health Visitor (Miss Measures) in connection with the excellent
work being carried out by the Mothers' and Babies' Welcome
Society at Wandle Park House.
The influence of such teaching is difficult to estimate, but
it is certain that much good is arising therefrom.
Notification of Births Act, 1907.—At a meeting of the
Council on February 3rd last it was resolved to adopt this
Act, and the Local Government Board gave its consent. The
Board stated that it "would regard the scheme for employing
the Wimbledon Mothers' and Babies' Welcome Society's Nurse
under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health as a
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