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78
memorandum, but I suggested that it would be highly desirable
to extend the work that was being carried out.
As a result the Committee requested me to submit a further
report on the question of the appointment of additional
Health Visitors.
This Report was submitted to the Committee in November,
and contained a recommendation for increasing the
number of Health Visitors.
In this connection I laid particular stress on the importance
of ante-natal visiting which, at the present time it is
not possible to carry out efficiently.
An examination of the records will show that over 50 per
cent, of infant deaths occur in the first month of life, and of
that number approximately 60 per cent, died in the first
week.
It is, therefore, apparent that the two questions of maternal
mortality and infantile mortality must be dealt with as one
problem.
Notification c.f pregnancy so that steps may be taken to
advise expectant mothers, would very materially reduce both
the maternal and infantile mortality of the first month and
this would be reflected by an improvement in the later
months.
The Committee, in view of the possibility of some drastic
changes in the medical services in the country following the
decision of the Koyal Commission on National Health Insurance
now sitting and its effect on maternity and child welfare,
did not consider the time opportune to make any recommendation
for the appointment of additional staff for
Maternity and Child Welfare purposes.
Milk (Mothers and Children) Order, 1918-1919.—Under
these orders the Council has continued to supply milk to
necessitous cases, each case being investigated, especially as
to the financial position, before a supply is granted.
The number of applications for free milk has averaged
1') per week during the year. The total expenditure during
the year was approximately £275. The distribution of milk
has entailed no increase of the administrative staff or additional
expense to the Council.
The distribution of this free milk has been an inestimable
boon, and has, without doubt, contributed very largely to the
improved condition of the children generally.
By this means the Public Health Department and the
Maternity and Infant Welfare Centres are able to keep in
close contact with these cases, and at the same time mothers