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54
facts. Their gravity, their vicious influences, are not lightened
by sterile discussions about the attributes of the civic conscience,
or by academic disquisitions on the expediency of collective effort.
It is not enough to have noble ideals and high aspirations. It is
necessary to put these ideals to the test of practice, and to see
the welcome results develop in consonance with reasonable
expectations.
The mother first wants food, suitable clothing, and relief from
her task, not advice or excessive and officious inspection. When she
has been clothed and fed, she will be fit and willing to learn and
ready to take advice. As the nourishment of the mother improves,
the baby gains health and strength.
in a previous report it has been suggested that the establishment
of creches and of dinner centres would help to this end.
'i his work might be well undertaken by voluntary societies in
association with the municipal officers.
CANCER.
In 1913, death was accredited to Cancer in 93 persons, of whom
45 were males, and 48 females. The death rate was 1 098 per
1,000. The deaths in previous years from 1901 upward were 72,
72, 92, 79, 65, 84, 86, 87, 88, 79, 81 and 86 respectively. The
following tables show the deaths distributed according to sex and
age:-