MEDICAL CONGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 255, 21 October 1908, Page 3

MEDICAL CONGRESS.

Till-: ISiUTII-BATE. Melbourne, October 20. Professor Allen, in his president ?al address to Hi.- Medical Congress, said the fall hi the birth-rate had been deplorable. Speaking generally, the fall was not noticed so much in the 'highest or the lowest ranks of society but was strongly marked in the middle classes. Australasian statistics reflected only too faithfully this widespread tendency, though since 11103 the tide had appeared to be slowly turning. As far as'this downward movement represented increased responsibility on the part of parents some extenuation might be pleaded, but so far as it implied unwilli ingness to accept responsibility it only received unqualified condemnation. In the saving of child life, lie continued, a more cheery talc was to be told. He rejoiced at the progress of legislation in Australia iu the interests of' infants. Hut, lie said, much still required to be done. In late years there had been a great reduction in the death rate from tuberculosis.