The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-12-03

include stillbirths.
 (Note)-Records of births and deaths not all filled at the town clerks office.
 The latest U. s. cenuus popula- tion figure (101,799) was employed in acquiring the death rate and birth rate. The death rate this year is slightly lower than that of last year, the figures being, 9.3 for 1892 and 9.S for 1881. The birth rate for 1882 is 14.7 compared to 15.4 for, the preceding year. It will be noted that the total number of births for 1882 was 1,503. or 60 less than last year. The infant mortal ity rate shows a decrease of 19.0 for 1882. The infant mortality rate for 1892 is 51.1 compared to 71.O for 1881.
 Popular Health Instruction
 The education of the general public along health lines is pro- gressing nicely and much credit must be given to the local press for its remarkable assistance in conveying necessary and important information to every inhabitant or our city. Members of our nursing staff also devoted as much time as possible along these lines and dis tributed hundreds of pamphlets on health matters. Through education, the general public not only knows what to do when disease stalks put also concerning what preventive steps to take in an emergency.
 Recommendations
 The efforts of this department to provide facilities to safeguard the the health of Waterbury generally, have, unintentionally, played havoc with the practice of local doctors is directed to the ever patronage at our clinics. Many families Tn Q position to con- suit private physicians have taken of the free adive and at tho clinics without considering or realizing the grave injustice done our practicing physi- clans. marily, for in the education Of the public in all matter pertaining to health. They are operated, secon- darily, for the purpose Of adminls- tering medical aid to those in circumstances ana therefore unable to obtain such help elsewhere. The clinisc are not designed to interfere with the prac- tice of our local doctors.
 It has been recommended that be arranged between the members of the health board and committee of the Waterbury Medical association so that some suitable method could be decided upon to correct the present unsat- condition. It might be ad- yisablen to close one or more Of the clinics in order to rectify the mat ter. No objection should be raised to such procedure so long as the clinics are able to ad- in a thoroughly efficient manner, to the needs of those who find it utterly impossible to go elsewhere for treatment. It has al- ways been out intention that every nctivity which tends to promote public health should be given first C Many medical lec- lures now given in the clinics could ,;e conveyed to the parents through printed pamphlets distributed by the nurses to children attending school.
 Another recommendation. which, also made last year. involves the supervision of tuber- culosis cases in this city. For some time this work has been capably by the Anti-Tuber- culosis league, but in my opinion. our department should have more personal contact in handling this particular branch of public health work.
 also wish to recommend that m ordinance be drafted covering the licensing of fish markets. meat and restaurants for which l nominal fee might be asked. The prdina: on milk licenses" should also be amended to include meat markets, restaurants, baker, es. drug stroes and all other stores. These suggested changes in the or- linance would not only add a lit- lie revenue to the city finances but would al'-w the milk and food in- ,pector, to keep better check on such places.
 Conclusion
 May take this opportunity to express my thanks to the commits ,ioners of public health for their ldvice and assistance and to the city officials. social agen- ,ies, our local newspapers and all others who cooperated with this during the past year. The employees are also commended or their faithful and efficient serv- ce. -
 Respectfully submitted.
 E. J. GODFREY. M. D.
 Health Officer.