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From the above table it will be seen that since tbe adoption of the Notification
of Births Act in March, 1908, the infantile mortality of the Borough has been less
than that for London.
Eight of the 80 infants that died under one year of age were known to be
illegitimate children. A newly-born infant with injury to skull found on vacant
land was also probably illegitimate.
Of the 80 deaths of infants during the year the Lady Sanitary Inspector
was able to obtain further details respecting 72. Of the remaining 8 cases, 2 had
removed, 1 was above class visited, 4 were foreigners, and in the remaining one
the mother could not be found at home.
Of the 72 deaths respecting which further details were obtained, 19,
principally cases of premature birth, died before taking food; only 23 were breast
fed, and 30 artificially fed. In 8 of these the mothers worked in factory or
workshop, 5 were engaged in charing or other work outside the home, and 8
were in domestic service. There were only 7 deaths from diarrhœal diseases.
Only 2 of these took place in the third or summer quarter, 3 occurring in the
last two months of the year. Of the 80 deaths 40 were from prenatal causes and
38 from postnatal causes, and 2 doubtful.
The principal causes of death of these 80 children under one year of age
are given in Table IV. of the Appendix.
PREVENTION OF INFANTILE MORTALITY.
(1) Care and Feeding of Infants.
In previous Annual Reports I have given details respecting visits and
inquiries made by the Lady Sanitary Inspector with a view to improving the
health of infants and diminishing the infantile mortality in the Borough. If
thought desirable, instructions are given respecting the care and feeding of the
child and a leaflet left. Babies that are not thriving are periodically weighed.
Notices are also served for any sanitary defects found.
I am glad to report that additional means for the promotion of the above
objects were inaugurated during the year by the opening of the Passmore
Edwards Settlement School for Mothers. Details respecting this are given in
Section (4).
During the year 530 first visits were made. In 41 cases for various reasons
enquiries could not be carried out. In the remaining 497 cases, 5 children did
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