CHILD LIFE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19007, 7 May 1924, Page 10

CHILD LIFE.

FRANCE ENDEAVOURS TO SAVE. “If the French birth-rate is small, French efforts to prevent infant mortality are well-organised and most efficient,” says the Manchester Guardian. “In addition to her measures of modern science, which serve as a model for many countries, a device is now being suggested by some medical men of France which is but a revival of a medieval custom. It does not seem very likely that it will be actually adopted in these times, but it is interesting to recall what efforts were made in other times to save infant life. A revolving receptacle used to be placed outside the door of orphanage and foundling hospitals, in which an undesired infant could be placed ' without the bearer being seen. This arraugement was begun in the twelfth century by Guy de Montpellier, who founded au order under Innocent 111. for the special care of little children. The system was largely adopted, and Rousseau disposed thus of his own children, in consequence of his principles. Napoleon I. favoured the plan, and in 269 such receptacles 33,000 children were found annually. During the nineteenth century the custom fell away. Not only in France, however, but throughout Europe in the Middle Ages children could be handed to the care of convents. A special bell at their door to be used in this connection was common. When it was rung, a basket was lowered from a window above, in which the infant was placed. It was then dr-.wn up.

Both these are Chinese shapes. Us® crepe de chene for that at the left; combine it with figured silk marocaine for the blouse to the right. One and a half yards in all will make either ol these. ❖ ♦ ♦ ❖ Fabrics. In Paris, Rodier'a colour scheme) far spring: fabrics are wonderful. Chiffon velvet has its own life thii season. Lanvin (Paris) trims a nu brown crepe de chine tailleur wit) skunk collar and ettffs. and the initial) are embroidered on the waistcoat it red and silver. —‘•Eve.’’ 9 =