AUSTRALASIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3023, 21 October 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALASIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. Received October 20, 9.43 a.m. MELBOURNE. October 20. Pnfessor Allen, in his presidential address at the M°dical Congress, said the fall of the birthrate had been deplorable. Speaking generally, the fall had hoc been noted so much in retjard to the highest or the lowest rinks of society, but was strongly ir.aiked in regard to the middle classes. Australasian statistics reflected, only too faithfully this widespread tendency, though since 1903 the tiJe appeared to be slowly turning. As far as this downward movement r-epivten-ted increased responsibility on the part of parents, some exteiuation might be pleaded, but so far as it implied unwillagness to accept responsibility, it only Reserved unq mlified condemnation. In connection with the saving of child life, aaid the professor, a more cheery tale was to be told. rejoiced at the progress in in regard to legislation for infant.*, but added that much more, required to be done. In late years there had been a great reduction in the death- rate from tuberculosis.