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16
effectively with the questions of Infantile. Mortality, Necessitous
Children, and similar matters, the following points may prove
of service as a basis for discussion:—
1. As to the necessity for any action. The figures given
below, setting out the death rates at different ages, seem to
suggest, that although the rates prevailing in Bethnal Green
are not abnormally high when compared with boroughs and
districts of a similar character, the deaths of young children are
higher than they need be, and with a proper system of advisory
and educational effort, could be very considerably decreased.
2. The figures published by Dr. Bate, Medical Officer of
Health, show that during the past ten years the average death
rate per 1,000 of births was 148 under one year of age, and 20-5
per 1,000 children living between one year and five. The
detailed figures for the ten years areas follows:—
1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909
Under
1 year 168 153 155 141 157 151 157 188 131 128
Between
1 & 5 23-3 28-1 24-8 21-2 20-1 19-3 20-1 17-8 19-4 16-5
3. The first point that arises on these figures appears to
be that the death rate is unduly high and is capable of being
reduced.
4. The next points appear to be, what measures, if any,
can and should be taken ?
5. By whom should such measures be carried out?
In many Boroughs various voluntary Committees, Health
Societies, After-care Associations, etc., have been formed whose
province it is to supplement official action in many directions.
The activities of these societies have in several instances
resulted in most excellent work.
So far as Bethnal Green is concerned, some attempt was
made by Mr. Edmonds during his Mayoralty to form some such
Society for this Borough.