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The Infantile Mortality of 128.36 compares with
117.64 in 1903, 140.75 in 1902 and 131.29 in 1901.
Eighty-five of the deaths occurred in children under
5 years of age, this being a mortality of 273 per cent. of
the total number of deaths registered.
Although the death rate of 13.4 is not as good as it
was in 1903, yet at the same time it is a very low and
satisfactory figure. The Infantile Mortality is not as good,
and it is difficult, too. to see what steps can be taken here
to reduce it. The sanitary condition of the premises is of
course important, and this part of our duty we are carrying
out, and I believe improving, by the house-to-house
inspection and the remedying of all defects, but the most
practical step would be to educate the mothers in the
proper dieting and care of their infants. No doubt the
appointment of a Special Visitor would be invaluable, but
in our district such work is at present only possible to be
carried out by the District Visitors attached to the
various religious denominations, and I would appeal to
these ladies and gentlemen to make this study their
especial duty, and to do their best to help on the education
of the public in this matter. The deaths of children under
5 years of age remain about the same.
ZYMOTIC DEATH RATE.
During the year, 24 deaths have been referred to the
following Zymotic diseases:—
Measles 2
Diphtheria 6
Scarlet Fever —
Influenza 2
Whooping Cough 13
Enteric Fever 1
24