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17
The largest number of births occurred in Margravine
and Munster Wards, 522 births taking place in each,
but Margravine Ward had the highest birth-rate (i.e.,
the number of births in the year per 1,000 of the population).
In addition to this distinction Margravine Ward
had the second lowest infantile mortality.
Town Ward also showed a good record as it had
the second highest birth rate and the lowest infantile
mortality.
Baron's Court recorded the lowest birth-rate, nevertheless
its infantile mortality was only a little below
the average for the Borough.
Lillie Ward had the highest infantile mortality with
Walham Ward as a close second.
Mortality among Young Infants and Still Births.
Although the birth-rate and mortality rate among
infants under one year have gradually fallen for many
years, the mortality among very young infants and the
number of still births have not diminished to the same
extent.
During the three years 1925 to 1927 it is somewhat
striking that 74 deaths of infants under four weeks have
occurred each year and the number of still births has
remained almost stationary since 1923, averaging 65 each
year. It is stated on high authority that with better
pre-natal care and better care during delivery, the
numbers of still births and neo-natal deaths (deaths of
newly born infants) would be reduced by 40 to 50
per cent.
The causation of these deaths has received a good
deal of attention of late. Any of the conditions mentioned
as causing maternal mortality (vide page 18) may also
pre-dispose to still birth or death of the new born infant.
According to recent investigations in America, about
40 per cent, of infant deaths were stated to be due to