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31
very large proportion of infant deaths were due to diseases
resulting from errors in feeding. I am of opinion much more
might be done to reduce infant mortality if our actions were not
restricted by technical obstructions by other authorities. The
women sanitary inspectors might visit the homes in poorer
districts and advise young and often ignorant mothers in
relation to simple rules for the successful feeding and rearing
of their young. Unfortunately, some time ago when such a
scheme was proposed, the London County Council pointed out
that such work did not come within the scope of the women
sanitary inspectors, and if they were so employed the moiety of
their salary would be disallowed. The duties of the women
sanitary inspectors, as sanctioned by the Local Government
Board, are as follows:—
(1) The routine inspection of work-shops, work-places
and laundries where females are employed.
(2) The inspection of homes of female outworkers.
(3) The examination of sanitary conveniences used by
females at railway stations, restaurants, underground, &c.
(4) Special investigations in poor districts as to cause of
infant mortality.
(5) Investigations in regard to homes where female cases
of phthisis are known to exist, giving information as to
precautious to be taken 10 prevent the spread of such
disease to others.
(6) Visiting homes where deaths from phthisis have
occurred, and at which cases of infectious disease have
been notified.
(7) Visiting schools from which notifications have been
received from teachers of the absence of scholars in consequence
of the existence of notifiable and non-notifiable