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33
of the grave risks attending weaning in the hottest summer
months.
Combative Measures.—In 1905 we were permitted to
obtain from the registrars a list of births registered in the
district. From these lists a selection of homes is made, to which
is sent a pamphlet dealing with infant management and rearing.
Unfortunately, the existing law permits the registration to be
made at any time within 42 days, so that a pernicious system of
feeding may have been adopted and continued for weeks before
we are actually aware of the birth. Your Council made a special
representation to the Local Government Board in regard to this
subject, pointing out the benefits that would accrue if the period
of registration were considerably curtailed. A Government Bill
has since been framed to provide for the early notification of
births. The Bill suggests that the notification of a birth shall
be sent by the father if he is actually residing in the house
where the birth takes place, or in his absence, by any person
attending upon the mother at the time, to the Medical Officer of
Health of the district, within 48 hours of such birth. This
information shall apply to stillborn children as well as to children
born alive.
If such a measure is adopted by Parliament it will greatly
assist sanitary authorities in their endeavour to reduce infant
mortality. It would be necessary to have the assistance of
Health Visitors to follow up these notifications and to instruct
parents residing in the poorer districts as to the general principles
of feeding and rearing infants.
I suggest that as our women inspectors are prohibited
from carrying out such work, your Council should consider the
advisability of at once securing the services of Voluntary Health
Visitors. The information already set out in regard to infant
mortality fully justifies your consideration of this suggestion.