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amounted to 94. Of these, 66 were thriving; unsatisfactory,
9; died, 3; visits unnecessary, 3; left the district,
visited, but not seen or not reported on, or not traced, 13.
The work of the League would be greatly facilitated,
and rendered still more successful by the appointment of
a Trained Health Visitor, whom the voluntary helpers
could assist, and I recommend that this be done.
EARLY NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS.
The Bill for the Early Notification of Births introduced
into Parliament last Session has now become law,
and, whilst the object is excellent, it contains some
clauses which have excited a great deal of controversy
which will doubtless lead to its amendment. Mr. Dudman,
the Registrar of Births for Marylebone, has issued a
circular letter pointing out the danger of the duplication
of the work by calling on the parents and others to notify
the births to the Medical Officer, and also to give information
to the Registrar. He fears that this will interfere
with the more perfect registration of births, as the parent,
having notified the birth, is likely to consider that he is
exempt from the duty of registering. An amendment
compelling all births to be registered within 36 hours would
avoid this danger, and information should be promptly
sent by the Registrar to' the Medical Officer of Health of
the district. The majority of the medical profession also
feel that it is unjust to compel them to perform a duty
to the State (under penalty) which involves the disclosure
of professional secrets, and is unremunerated. I recommend
that steps be taken to bring about this much-needed
reform.
INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES.
Fifty-three cases of infectious disease were certified
during the year (as compared with 32 in 1906). They
are as follows:—Scarlet Fever, 30; Diphtheria, 6;
Erysipelas, 8; Enteric, 5 ; Puerperal, 4.
There were 3 deaths during the year from Scarlet
Fever, and 3 from Puerperal Fever.
There were no deaths from Enteric (Typhoid) Fever,
or Diphtheria.