Collection RS1 - Hobart Maternal & Dorcas Society

The Hobart Maternal & Dorcas Society was formed in 1835 by a number of charitable ladies, firstly "to assist married women during the time of their confinement" and secondly "to extend relief to the poor, as funds admit, especially to children who may be in want of suitable clothing to attend the enfant, Sabbath or other schools". Boxes or bags were prepared containing clothing and blankets for the baby and mother, and soap and a bible. The bags were lent for a month, but food and other comforts were distributed as funds allowed. After the maternity Bonus Act of 1912 the Society more or less went into abeyance, except for special cases, and in 1949 it was finally wound up.
A brief history of the Society by W H Hudspeth was published in 1942 and is with the records. For more information see the digitised version at http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/129554