Historical information

These scales may have been used by the Maternal Infant Welfare Centre sister at Mt Beauty during regular check ups of babies to make sure that the babies were gaining weight and therefore healthy.

Significance

During the 1950's, Mt Beauty's population was rapidly increasing due to the post war baby boom and because the work force was young having moved into the area because of the opportunity for work on the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.
Letter dated 2nd July 1994 thanking the CWA, Tawonga Branch for their donation of the baby scales that were used by the baby Health Centre.

Physical description

White cast metal rectangular base with rectangular box attached in centre. The box has a curved top and a round face at the front. The face is covered with clear glass protecting the black marks which measure pounds and ounces. The numbers face the outside of the circumference. A black metal pointer rotates from the centre. At the top of the box in the centre a metal rod protrudes with a rectangular steel base on top and 4 screws for the container to hold the baby. The rod is attached to a spring and moves up and down moving the pointer.

Inscriptions & markings

Face of scales "Hughes" / Baby Weigher / No. 48B"
"To weigh 20lb by 1 oz / British Made"
"Salter" written above its logo
Numbers are written facing outside.