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birth is impending no attempt can be made to acquaint the prospective
mother with the'facilities that the Council are prepared to
place at her disposal. In many instances persuasion is necessary
to induce these women to have their babies under decent and sanitary
conditions. Notification of pregnancy was tried in 1915, and
failed; its repetition cannot be recommended.
A scheme was approved during the year for the appointment
of an Assistant Medical Officer, the appointment being made in
June of the present year. It is hoped that the pre-natal Clinic
will be re-established under the guidance of this officer.
Work Done by Health Visitors.
There were 886 births notified during the year, and 815 regis- .
tered. As many as 100 per cent, of the number of births notified
received a visit from the Health Visitors. Out of 886 cases, 358
were attended by a general practitioner, and 165 by midwives.
316 received assistance from the local branch of the Plaistow
Maternity Charity and 33 at the Municipal Hospital, Upney.

In 144 cases re-visits were necessary, the total number of
re-visits being 2,199. This figure includes visits paid to children
born in 1918. The reasons why further supervision was required
were : 101 first children, 5 twins, 2 poverty, 19 artificial feeding,