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6
The Health Department is only one of several under
the control of the Council generally, but the work is
more especially regulated by definite rules framed by
the Local Government Board. The amount of work
carried out by the staff of this department cannot be
entirely set out by figures and statistics, much of it
consisting of advice given verbally and suggestions
made more or less unofficially. The Inspectors who
personally carry out the duties, are brought closely in
touch with the inhabitants of the district, and the
success of their work depends to a large extent on
friendly relations and tact. A Sanitary Inspector who
has once gained the confidence of the people with
whom he is brought into contact, is in a far better
position to deal with small details, affecting the public
health in a more effectual way, than a stranger
newly appointed. Fortunately no changes in the
permanent staff have to be recorded.
During the year the new Birth Act has been adopted
by your Council subject to the consent of the
Local Government Board. The result of the adoption of
this Act has been the appointment of a Health Visitor,
who commenced her duties in the early part of June,
and I may add that her work in the parish has been
so far a success. I append her Report:—
"Sir,
"I beg to report that during my first seven
" monts ending December 31st, 1908, as Health
"Visitor for Chiswick, 505 births have been
" registered, 343 homes haves been visited, and