View report page

28
the most rudimentary principles essential for the feeding and
rearing of their children. In many cases the houses were in an
uncleanly condition." In eleven cases the children were
illegitimate. Proper means of storing food is rarely provided in
the houses in the poorer parts of the Borough, and, when present,
not infrequently remains unused.
Other Zymotic Diseases.— Of the 29 total deaths
under one year six were due to Measles, or, more correctly, to its
complications Pneumonia or Bronchitis. Whooping Cough was
responsible for 23 deaths, and Influenza one.
Convulsions.— Under this heading 26 deaths were
recorded, compared with 24 in 1903 and 51 in 1902. It is
satisfactory to note that the term "Convulsions" appears less
frequently upon the Register. Its use is undesirable, as it only
implies a symptom and not the actual disease causing death. In
several instances an addition has been made upon the certificate
showing that the convulsions were due to digestive troubles.
Circulatory Diseases.— Five cases were recorded, due to
developmental malformations of the heart.
Respiratory Diseases.— Of the 73 deaths, 23 were
recorded as Bronchitis, 37 Pneumonia, and 10 other affections of
the respiratory organs. Their seasonal distribution was as
follows:— 26 occurred in the first quarter of the year, 15 in the
second, 9 in the third, and 28 in the fourth. There is reason to
believe that several of these deaths were due to pneumonia
supervening upon malnutrition, due to unsuccessful artificial
feeding.
Enteritis, Gastro Enteritis, and other Digestive
Diseases.— The deaths which are credited to this group were
due generally to improper feeding. Of the 81 registered deaths,
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines accounted for 10.
Of the remaining 71 Wasting accounted for seven. Malnutrition