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on are set out, and the Registrar-General has calculated that, had the
birth-rate been the same in 1904 as it was in 1871, the births registered
in London in 1904 would have amounted to 166,000 instead of the
129,335 actually recorded. As London continues to increase in
population it is evident that the deficit must be made up of immigrants
from the country or abroad. It is satisfactory to note that the public
mind is beginning to take an interest in the question, and that efforts
are being made in various directions to check the great waste of
child-life which has gone on without much diminution during the last
50 years.
During 1904 it was deemed advisable to revise the relations between
the Medical Officer of Health and the Sanitary Inspectors, and the
Council decided that, in order that the former should be in closer touch
with the work of the latter, they should be under his direct control and
supervision. This entailed the abolition of the office of the Chief
Sanitary Inspector. A Code of Regulations (a copy of which is
appended to the Report) was drawn up, and during the remainder of
the year these have been brought into force.
Certain alterations have taken place in the Inspectorial Staff during
the year. Mr. Thomas G. Dee, one of the Food Inspectors, was transferred
at his request to a District Inspectorship, his place being filled by
Mr. William Williams, who had held a similar position in Bermondsey.
Mr. A. L. Ware was appointed a District Inspector to succeed
Mr. J. W. Kirk, transferred to the Highways Department as Assistant
Superintendent, and two Women Inspectors (Miss M. Carey and Miss
C. W. Byrne) were added to the staff, which now includes 8 District
Inspectors, 2 Inspectors for carrying out the Food and Drugs Acts,
supervision of street markets, and prevention of smoke, and 2 Women
Inspectors, whose duties are—
(1) Inspection of workshops where women are employed.
(2) Inspection of outworkers' premises, and laundries.
(3) Inspection of houses on the register as let in lodgings
(tenement houses).
(4) To visit houses of consumptive patients to see that proper
precautions are being carried out.
(5) To make inquiries with regard to cases of measles, whooping-
cough, and deaths of children from diarrhœa and improper
feeding; and to give instruction in the feeding and care of
infants.
(6) Such other duties as the Medical Officer may define.
I am glad to be able to add that, in my opinion, the new system has
been productive of good.