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73
14 died. Impairment of the vision in both eyes occurred in 1 case and of one eye
only in 3 cases, whilst in 6 instances the result could not be ascertained owing to the
removal of the patients. 65 cases received in-patient hospital treatment at St.
Margaret's Hospital.
There were 131 cases of pemphigus reported during the year.
In past years classes have been arranged for the instruction of midwives, and
were well attended. In 1924 and 1925 classes both for general midwifery subjects and
only ante-natal work were held.
Lying-in
homes.
In pursuance of Section 18 of the London County Council General Powers Act
of 1921 the Council has made by-laws prescribing the registers to be kept and the
entries to be made therein. Receipts must also be given for payments made
and such receipts must contain certain particulars. Any death of a patient or
child must be notified to the Council within 24 hours. These by-laws are being
carried out by the keepers of lying-in homes, and are of assistance to the Council
in dealing with any complaint that may be made with regard to the home.

It is estimated that the total number of cases that can be received per annum
is about 37,000 or 43 per cent. of the total births.

Of these:—
(а) 133 were maintained by certified midwives.
(b) 144 were maintained by persons not midwives.
(c) 99 were mixed homes.
(d) 9 claimed exemption in 1925.
(e) 9 have been cancelled since 1915.
(f) 312 were cancelled voluntarily.
(g) 11 were refused registration.
The work of registration and inspection is carried out by 4 assistant medical
officers as part of their duties under the Midwives Acts. The sanitary inspection is
carried out by sanitary officers of the department; thus no special staff has been allocated
exclusively to the work. Several other local authorities have obtained similar
powers to the London County Council owing to the tendency, when London alone
had powers, for homes of an undesirable character to be moved from London into
adjoining counties to avoid inspection. Since 1915 the undesirable home has
gradually disappeared in London, while the standard of efficiency in other homes
has improved, particularly in the case of those used by persons of small means.
The powers of the Council under the Children Act, 1908 (Part 1), with regard
to infant life protection are fully indicated in the Annual Report for 1921. The
work of inspection is carried out by 14 visitors and two male inspectors. Nurse
infants who are being kept under specified unsatisfactory conditions, may under
powers given by the Act be removed to a place of safety—i.e., in London to Poor Law
institutions. During 1925, 3 nurse infants were removed, as compared with 7 in
the previous year. The Act permits the Council to grant whole or partial exemption
Children
Act, 1908.