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CANCER.
Before closing my remarks with regard to the prevalence
and control of Infectious disease, I wish to draw
attention to the fact that, in conformity with other parts
of the Country, cases of Cancer appear to be on the increase;
in fact, the number of deaths, namely 38, occurring
from this disease within the Council's Area, during
the year was larger than that of any other single disease.
Maternity and Child Welfare.
The Council have continued to carry on this work as
in previous years, 388 Births were notified and notifications
of 13 still births were received. No Child Welfare
Centre has been established, although at the end of
the year this question was under discussion. Ante-natal
clinics were opened in two of the Wards, but the attendances
have been very disappointing; consequently it
has been decided to discontinue the same. I am of opinion,
however, that if the Ante-natal Clinics could be run in
conjunction with Child Welfare Centres they would
be successful.
The need for the same can be realised when it is
found that during the last three years no less than 40 per
cent of the deaths of children under one year of age have
been due to some morbid condition of the mother before
confinement.
It is with a view to reducing this mortality that I am
anxious to see the Ante-natal and Child Welfare Clinics
established in this District.
Home visitation has again been given special attention,
and during the year the Health Visitors paid 5,183
visits to the homes of children.
As previously, first visits have been made as soon as
possible after the tenth day following the birth, and subsequent
visits every two months.
Additional visits have been paid in such cases as
thought desirable or necessary.
During the year assistance has been given to necessitous
cases in the shape of providing fresh or dried milk
as follows:—
(1) Children under 3 years.
(2) In certain cases children up to 5
years of age.
(3) Expectant Mothers.
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