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In the last of the three tables the numbers dying from each of the causes
mentioned in the second are arranged according to the age at which death
occurred, the periods shown being those indicated at the head of the columns.
Further statistical information regarding infantile mortality will be found in
the Local Government Board Table V. at page 74.
Several important points are brought out by these tables. In the first place
it will be noted that most of the deaths are of children under three months of
age, as many as 59 per cent, dying before completing the first quarter of the
first year. Further, over one-third (96) of the total 259, died within the first month
of life.
The outstanding causes of death were Immaturity, Diarrhceal Diseases, and
affections of the Respiratory Organs, to which causes over two-thirds of the total
deaths were traceable. Under the heading of "Immaturity" are included
Premature Birth, Wasting and Developmental Diseases; and the total number
of deaths due to these alone was 113. Respiratory diseases include bronchitis
and pneumonia which together caused 39 deaths. The number of infants who
died from diarrhceal diseases was 35, while 15 died of infectious diseases (measles,
whooping cough and diphtheria), and 13 of suffocation or overlying, 10 of these
being less than three months old. Considered as percentages it is found that
immaturity accounted for 43.6, respiratory diseases for 15, diarrhoea for 13.5 and
infectious diseases for 5.7 per cent.
Prevention of Infantile Mortality.
These being the chief causes of death, any action taken with the object of
reducing infantile mortality would of necessity have to be directed against them.
The points to be considered are: what action can be taken and whether or not it