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22
In 1899, before the formation of the Borough Council, the late Limehouse
District Board of Works resolved to appoint a Health Visitor to instruct mothers
in the proper care of infants, and thus endeavour to reduce the high infantile
mortality in the district, provided the Local Government Board paid half her
salary. The Local Government Board, while sympathising with the objects of
the District Board, could not sanction the payment of a portion of her salary.
The project therefore fell through.
In October, 1902, a sub-committee of the Public Health Committee presented
a report which was adopted by the full Committee, and submitted to the
Council on November 12th, 1902. The Public Health Committee recommended
that two Female Health Visitors be appointed for a period of two years at a salary
of £100 per annum. Their duties were to include visiting the homes of the poor,
and give advice upon matters of home hygiene, viz. : the proper feeding and
clothing of infants. The Health Visitors were to visit houses in districts where
Diarrhoea, Measles, Whooping Cough, &c., were prevalent, and give instructions as
to the necessity and proper care of the sick, and to act generally under the Medical
Officer of Health. The recommendation of the Public Health Committee was
rejected by the Council by 29 votes to 17.
The matter was taken up by a society outside the Council, and a lady was
appointed for five years, her services being paid for by a private individual. This
Health Visitor worked for three years in that part of the Borough known as
"Limehouse Fields," where the infantile mortality is, and has been for many
years, abnormally high. Unfortunately, when she had become well known in the
area, and her services were appreciated, she was transferred to another part of the
Borough.
On October 24th, 1906, a letter was received from the Secretary of the Legal
Committee of the Women's Industrial Council, asking for the appointment of a
Female Sanitary Inspector. The communication was referred to the Public Health
Committee, which deferred its consideration for twelve months.
On March 13th, 1907, a deputation from the Stepney Visitors Association came
before the Council, urging the appointment of a Female Sanitary Inspector. The
subject was referred to the Public Health Committee. I was instructed to obtain
information from other Metropolitan Borough Councils on the matter, and the
replies were submitted to a sub-committee. After carefully considering the
experience of other Borough Councils, the sub-committee arrived at the conclusion
that a Woman Sanitary Inspector and Health Visitor should be appointed for a
period of twelve months. The report of the sub-committee was rejected by the
full Committee, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to take no action