is almost wholly due to the granting of additional licenses for dispensaries conducted for the treatment of tuberculosis or for the dental care of school children. During the ten years which have elapsed since the State Board of Charities granted its first licenses to special dispensaries for the treatment of tuberculosis, such dispensaries have been organized and are in operation in 18 cities of the State and in two of these, New York and Buffalo, several clinics are maintained by the public authorities. In addition, a number of the general dispensaries maintain tuberculosis clinics as a part of their work. In this connection special mention should be made of the organization in New York City known as the Association of Tuberculosis Clinics which includes both those maintained by the City Department of Health and certain private clinics so arranged and organized that the city is divided into districts, the residents of which must receive treatment at a designated dispensary located in that district. In Buffalo, a somewhat similar district organization under the control of the City Department of Health has recently been organized. The State Board of Charities recognizes the great importance of dispensary work from the public health standpoint and is also impressed by the difficulty in framing its rules governing dispensaries so that they shall be applicable to large dispensaries as well as to small ones and to special clinics confining their work to some one phase of dispensary practice. With this in mind the Committee on Medical Charities has already begun to secure information looking toward a revision of its existing rules established pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 55 of the Consolidated Laws. SOME EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF CHARITABLE WORK. THE FORTY-FOURTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CHARITIES AND CORRECTION. The Forty-fourth National Conference of Charities and Correction held its annual session in Pittsburg, Pa., June 6-13, 1917. The President of the Conference was Mr. Frederic Almy, Secretary of the Charity Organization Society of Buffalo, N. Y. The President discussed in his address "The Conquest of Poverty." Social problems of the war were given a very large place in the proceedings of the Conference. They were not only the subject of attention by a special committee but were discussed in almost every one of the other committees. State programs for child welfare, for mental hygiene, community programs, social insurance and rural social problems were also some of the important questions discussed at this Conference. It was decided to change the name of the Conference to the National Conference on Social Work. To many it seemed a pity that the change should be made, as the original purpose of the Conference was to bring together those who were engaged in charitable and correctional activities and the name of the Conference had become associated with those particular lines of social endeavor. Mr. Robert A. Woods, of Boston, was selected for the Presidency of the Conference for the present year. The Forty-fifth Conference will be held in Kansas City. THE EIGHTEENTH NEW YORK STATE CONFERENCE OF CHARITIES AND CORRECTION. The Eighteenth New York State Conference of Charities and Correction held its sessions at Binghamton November 13-15, 1917. Dr. Lee K. Frankel, of New York City, presided over the deliberations of the Conference and although a large number of the men and women of our State who usually attend have been drafted into the service of the nation, there was nevertheless a good attendance. The address of the President was entitled "Lest We Forget" and treated in a very comprehensive and helpful manner the social problems arising as a result of the war conditions. Delinquency, industrial and vocational training, treatment of the mentally defective and social diseases and their relation to war times were among the subjects that were discussed at this Conference. Charles H. Johnson, of Albany, was elected the President for the coming year and Rochester selected as the next place of meeting. THE EIGHTH NEW YORK CITY CONFERENCE OF CHARITIES AND CORRECTION. The Eighth New York City Conference of Charities and Correction held its sessions in New York City on May 22-24, 1917. Some of the sessions were held at the New York Juvenile Asylum at Dobbs Ferry. Mr. Leopold Plaut, of New York City, was President of the Conference. Hon. Edmond J. Butler, of New York City, was selected for that position for the coming year. THE FIFTH CAPITAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF CHARITIES AND CORRECTION. The Fifth Capital District Conference of Charities and Correction was held at its customary meeting place in Albany, March 27-28, 1917. This Conference has served a very useful purpose in bringing together the individuals interested in the charitable and correctional institutions of what is known as the Capital District. Many of these persons would not have time to attend the State or national conferences. In addition the discussion of local problems has made the gathering serve a a very useful purpose. The President of the Conference was Mr. William H. Hollister, Jr., of Troy. For the present year Rev. William R. Charles, of Albany, has been selected President. CONFERENCE OF COUNTY BOARDS OF CHILD WELFARE. The members of the County Boards of Child Welfare, feeling that their work was of such importance that it would be of considerable assistance to them to meet for consultation, arranged for a Conference in Utica January 31, 1917. The sessions were limited to one day. Mr. Ward B. Edwards, Chairman of the Oneida County Board of Child Welfare, was selected for the Presidency, and it was the opinion of those who were present that the meeting should be held annually. THE FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR. The annual convention of County Superintendents of the Poor was held at Plattsburgh June 26 and 27, 1917. Mr. Henry D. Nottingham, Superintendent of the Poor of Onondaga county, was President of the Conference. Mr. C. A. Stone, Superintendent of the Poor of Oswego county, will be the next president. All of which is respectfully submitted, |