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In July, 1934, a special report on infantile mortality in the Borough, prepared by the Medical
Officer of Health, in co-operation with Drs. R. Cove-Smith and E. Dorothy Fenwick, two of the
Medical Officers of the Welfare Centres, was presented to the Council. This report contained the
results of investigations made into the causes of 163 deaths of infants under the age of 12 months which
occurred during the year 1933. The investigations involved, according to the varying circumstances,
a survey of the home of the deceased infant, interrogation of the parents, a consultation with the
doctor in attendance on the infant and a scrutiny of the post-mortem examination records.
Whilst a great deal of valuable information was obtained, no definite solution of the infantile
mortality problem emerged from the investigations. Certain important suggestions for the improvement
of the welfare services and for the removal of conditions possibly detrimental to infant life were,
however, brought forward by the medical investigators. Some of these suggestions have already
received, and others are receiving, the attention of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
During the year 9 deaths, attributable to childbirth, occurred among the women residents of the
Borough. Of these, 6 were due to puerperal sepsis and 3 to other puerperal causes. All of the deaths
occurred in institutions.
The 9 deaths were equivalent to a mortality rate of 4.57 per 1,000 total (live and still) births.
In the following table this rate is compared with the rates for London and England and Wales
Corresponding rates for the four previous years are also given.
England and Wales. London. Paddington.
1934 4.41 2.70 4.57
1933 4.32 3.55 5.00
1932 4.04 2.89 2.94
1931 3.94 3.68 4.62
1930 4.22 3.21 2.70

INQUESTS.
During 1934, 129 inquests were held on residents of the Borough, and 88 deaths were registered
after the issue of certificates by the Coroner under powers conferred by the Coroners (Amendment)
Act, 1926.