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increase in the proportion of women of child-bearing age.
For this reason the birth rate cannot be properly compared
with past years. Whilst the birth rate was higher than
the previous twelve months the actual number of births was
229 less.
The infantile mortality rate for the year was 51, an
increase on last year's figure (43), but still considerably
lower than for any previous year. The figure for the
whole of London was 50, and for England and Wales 55.
There were no deaths during the year from puerperal
causes. This is the first time that it has been possible to
record that no maternal deaths have occurred during the
whole of the twelve months, and a high tribute must be paid
to the various units comprised in the Maternity Services of
the Borough (Ante-natal clinics, doctors, midwives and
hospitals), which are now equal to any in the country.
On the outbreak of war responsibility for the Civil
Defence Casualty Services was placed upon the Public
Health Department. First Aid Posts and Gas Cleansing
Stations had to be set up—Stretcher Parties organised and
trained—mortuaries established—arrangements made for
the decontamination of foodstuffs and a hundred-and-one
other jobs connected with the war effort had to be undertaken
under extremely difficult conditions. Many of the
staff were transferred to those other duties, and as a result
the routine work of the department was disrupted. Nevertheless
the essential health services were maintained.
Early in 1940 no intensive air attacks had been made on
London, and mothers started to drift back with their
children from the evacuation areas. The infant welfare
clinics and the ante-natal clinics which had been closed at
the commencement of hostilities were re-opened, and by
the end of the year more sessions were being held than
in the years prior to the war. Attendances at these clinics
were well maintained even during the latter part of the year
when air raids were of nightly occurrence. In all 604
sessions were held at the Tnfant Welfare Centres, with an