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39
what happens: The child is obviously unwell, and has a slight rash.
The mother thinks it has measles, gives it saffron and brandy and
keeps it warm. In a few days the child feels better, and on regaining
its normal spirits is noisy und troublesome in the house.
Whereupon the mother thinks perhaps it was not measles after all,
but only a cold, and the child is allowed then to return to school. It
is alleged too by the mothers that the Attendance Officers tell them
that measles is not a serious complaint; that the children are better
in warm, light, airy school rooms than in their own stuffy homes;
and that they must send the children to school as soon as possible.
Thus encouraged they do send them back—much too soon.
One other matter calls for remark. The cards of "Advice to
Mothers" have been widely distributed, They are usually received
with some remark as to their usefulness, and of appreciation that
such things are. But I have not yet in many cases found the cards
in evidence at a subsequent visit. They are sometimes handed on
to a relative or friend; sometimes put away so carefully that when
wanted they cannot be found; and on two occasions I know that
they fell into the hands of the children of the family. But as at the
time that they are given, attention is directed to the most important
points, they no doubt help to impress these on the mother's mind.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully
A. K. HARRIS.
DEATHS OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
The deaths of young children aged less than five
years numbered 829, and form 39.1 per cent, of the
deaths from all causes; this is equivalent to a rate of
49.9 Per thousand calculated upon the estimated
population of young children.