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percentage of English, Scotch, and Irish in Canada has
declined from 21 per cent, of the population to 19 per cent.
The cause of these conditions is not climatic. French
Canadians average 9.2 children per marriage—other Canadian
born women 2.5 children per marriage. And it is not racial,
for French women in France average 1.5 children against the
British 1.9 per marriage.
In Australia and New Zealand the birth rates are very
low, but the infantile mortality rate is much lower than in
England. Another reason for an increase in physical
improvement is that the territorial army scheme is now
coming into work. The military authorities are enthusiastic
—the only difficulty will be to find the men. These Acts will
all have far reaching effects upon the people of this country,
but in addition to the necessity for providing the men for the
defence of our country, you as a sanitary authority will be
asked to help by giving such sanitary advice and assistance,
through your officials as local authorities can give in a more
efficient and more economical way than would be possible for
a central staff. We know the sanitary conditions of our
districts. We know where soldiers can best be quartered,
where they can best obtain water and the necessary supplies,
and what steps are needful to prevent military movements
from interfering unduly with sanitation, and becoming an
additional menace to the inhabitants in event of invasion.
The officials are only too anxious to give their assistance,
and it remains for you to offer such facilities as the military
authorities may ask of you.
The sanitary committee has recommended the adoption
of the notification of Births' Act, 1897.
In connection with infant feeding special cards have been
issued through medical men, nurses, etc., of which specimens
are here given.
Borough of Kingston.upon.Thames.
TO PARENTS DESIRING HEALTHY CHILDREN.
Read also the card on the Feeding and Management of
Babies.
TO MOTHERS.
Before the child is born care must be taken. Regular
habits for meals, walking exercise, &c. Avoid over.eating,
indigestible foods, and alcohol. Make proper preparations
for the ' little stranger.' You can subscribe to a maternity