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41
But while the scope of the activities of Sanitary Authorities in
the matter of the declining birthrate is very limited, the conservation of
the lives and health of the children who are born, is one with which we
are able in a large measure to take vigorous action. Hampstead has
for years been keenly alive to the value of ante-natal work as well as to
the importance of infant welfare, and the Maternity and Child "Welfare
Act, 1918, found us fully prepared to exercise the powers which it
conferred upon us. Section 1 of the Act, which is as follows, is
capable of wide interpretation:—
"Any local Authority within the meaning of the Notification of
Births Act, 1907, may make such arrangements as may be
sanctioned by the Local Government Board for attending
to the health of expectant mothers and nursing mothers
and of children who have not attained the age of five years
and are not being educated in schools recognised by the
Board of Education; provided that nothing in this Act shall
authorise the establishment by any local Authority of a
general domiciliary service by medical practitioners."
The Borough Council having determined to exercise their powers
under the Act, a Committee consisting of seven members of the Council
and of two persons interested in Maternity and Child Welfare, not
members of the Council, was appointed. Of this Committee, Mr.
Councillor C. J. MacFadden, M.D., was elected Chairman, and its
activities will be further noted in succeeding Annual Reports
But while every endeavour is being made by this and other
Sanitary Authorities, and by societies and individuals who realise the
great importance of the work, the fact cannot be ignored that our
educational and other efforts will always fall short of success, unless we
are assured of the co-operation of the mother. "One good mother is
worth a hundred schoolmasters." and the sound advice offered by
the Health Officers is of little avail unless actively supported by the
mother. It is obvious, therefore, that the education of the mother is a
very important factor in this matter. Samuel Smiles truthfully wrote
many years ago, "The physical health of the rising generation is
entrusted to woman by Providence ; and it is in the physical nature
that the moral and mental nature lies enshrined. It is only by acting
in accordance with the natural laws, which, before she can follow,