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8
character. We were practically free from the latter
disease in epidemic form. In my opinion, an important
factor in producing this graduated reduction of
infantile mortality is the result of work and teaching
done through the agency of the " Ealing Ladies'
Health Society," which for several years now has
performed invaluable work not only by help in kind in
cases of poverty affecting infants' nutrition, but by instructing
large numbers of mothers as to the proper
care and treatment of their offspring, especially in the
matter of feeding and rearing. I have been fully cognisant,
from the formation of the Society, of the
valuable work it has so unostentatiously carried on,
and I have watched with interest the valuable results
accruing from it. With a falling birth rate, it is our
duty to check and counteract by all means in our power
a waste of infant life, and I feel convinced that by
some such plan and method as this voluntary Society
adopts, the principal remedy exist. I have reason to
believe that, owing to unavoidable circumstances, the
work of this Society in the near future is likely to be
seriously curtailed, or even abandoned, for want of
sufficient financial support, and this with serious consequences,
I fear, in the matter of prevention of infantile
mortality. I feel, therefore, it is my responsible
and proper course to bring forward for your
serious consideration the question of the appointment
of a " female health visitor," who would largely devote
herself to the duties connected with the care and upbringing
of infants and very young children. I mentioned
in my last Annual Report that I foresaw the
time was approaching when I should feel it my duty
to bring this subject before you, and I likewise stated,
" that such appointments have been made, or are about
to be made, in adjoining districts "—which has proved
to be the fact. I am, therefore, more convinced that
it is advisable this Council should give a favourable
consideration to my proposal. It is to be desired that
the voluntary Society may still be able to supplement
the work of an official visitor by help in kind, at least,
as at present, in necessitous cases, but I believe that