View report page

14
District than I ever knew, having been only 107 per 1,000
births, against an average for the preceding 10 years of 130,
and of 141 (in 1889) for all London, against an average of 155
in the preceding 10 years. The reduction even on
the low rates prevailing in the district previously was
greater than for all London. The proportion of deaths
at the same age.period to total deaths was equally
satisfactory, having been 213, against the decennial average of
240 and of 273 for the year 1880. In these respects the figures
for 1889 compare favourably with any period since 1851, when
there were proportionately fewer poor than there are now,
and, consequently, there should have been a lower rate of
mortality amongst the newly.born. As infants pass the
greater part of their time indoors, I think these figures speak
eloquently as to the improved sanitary state of the distriot.
The low death.rate amongst infants was, however, greatly
influenced by the weather, as there was a considerable reduction
in the number of deaths amongst them from inflammatory
diseases of the lungs and from diarrhsea, as compared with
many former years.