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welfare of expectant mothers and young babies. The records of the
ante-natal clinics fail to reveal any general deterioration in the
health of expectant mothers and the percentage of cases where midwives
have sought medical aid has not increased. Of the infant
deaths 63 per cent. occurred before the child reached the age of
one month. No significant change occurred in the maternal mortality
rate.
Mothers and children continue to take advantage of the
facilities for obtaining milk or dried milk free or at reduced cost
under the National Milk Scheme, This has not lessened the extent
of use of the facilities provided by the Council in regard to dried
milk and vitamin preparations. In addition to this vitamin preparations
supplied by the Government have been distributed at Infant
Welfare Centres. A further step in the work of safeguarding nutrition
has been the provision by the Council of two municipal restaurants.
It may be said that there has been little if any deterioration
in the general health of the population though some of the
matters referred to above will require close attention and observation.
Much work preliminary to the provision of day nurseries was
carried out during the year. The burden of work falling to the
Department is steadily increasing and it is due to the loyal cooperation
of the permanent and temporary staff that the load continues
to be carried.
I desire to express my thanks to the Chairmen and Members
of the Committees for their support and consideration and to my
colleagues in other departments for their ready co-operation.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
A. ANDERSON.
Medical Officer of Health.