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27
it would seem that the figure of 26 per 1,000 births is now approaching
the figure which used to be aimed at as the irreducible minimum
and is the lowest Infantile Mortality Rate ever recorded for the
Borough.

Of the above number 27 were male and 24 female. Twentyfour
died in St. Alfege's Hospital, 14 in other hospitals and 13 at
home.
Infants dying before attaining the age of one month numbered
30, equivalent to 58.8 per cent of the total Infantile deaths; of this
number 23 died in the first week. As usual, the principal causes of
death were Prematurity and Congenital Malformation.
Deaths of Children Between 1 and 5 Years of Age.—The
number of deaths of children between the age of 1 and 2 years
was 6, and between 2 and 5 years—7, as com paved with 7 and 3
respectively for the previous year.
Maternal Mortality.—The number of deaths from Puerperal
Sepsis and other Maternal Causes was 4, which gives a Maternal
Death Rate of 2.03 per 1,000 total births. In the years 1946, 1945,
1944, 1943 and 1942, there were 2, 2, 1, 0, and 1 deaths respectively.
In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health,
investigations were carried out a view to the assessment of preventable
factors. It could not be said in any of the cases recorded that
neglect on the part of the patient, or lack of facilities during confinement,
were significant contributory factors.
Dental Clinic.—The Council's Dentist, Mr. G. F. Ferris,
L.D.S., R.C.S.(Eng.), attends at the Dental Clinic, Shooter's Hill
Road, twice weekly to deal with cases referred to him from the
Welfare Centres and Clinics.