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to appear and it is almost certain that the death-rate at all ages
will increase. This feature has not, as yet, made itself felt on our
death rate because of the great improvement which has occurred
in the general health of the people and especially in the improved
infantile mortality.
There is a vast difference between facts and values, and the
importance of these figures lies in the value attached to them and
their interpretation. Sensational and alarming articles have
appeared in the Press, but most of the writers forget that they are
not dealing with mechanical figures alone, and there is a biological
factor concerned in the problem. Although we may not contribute
to the views recently expressed in the Press, the figures should convey
to all local administrators a hint as to the lines of future development.
Another set of figures may be mentioned which will gain
added importance from the Mid wives' Bill, which has recently
been introduced in the House of Commons. Under this Bill, it
is proposed to set up a salaried Midwifery Service in all districts,
and in this district it appears as if this will mean a Municipal
service. The present proposals, as they affect Acton, would make
the Middlesex County Council the local authority for the purposes
of the Act. It is probable that the authorities at the Middlesex
Guildhall will not be fully acquainted with the course of events
and the trend of opinion here, and if proposals are made, irrespective
of recent phenomena, some mistakes will be made. For
instance, in addition to the fewer number of births, the percentage
of confinements taking place in the home is falling at a very fast
rate. In 1925, 909 births out of a total of 1047 or nearly 87% took
place in the homes of the mothers. Last year, only 407 births occupied
in the district, or less than half of the total births. We have on
several occasions pointed out that the tendency to enter an institution
for the confinement is growing stronger in this district
from year to year. As the factors operating in this direction have
in recent reports been fully commented on, it is unnecessary to
deal with them again, but so far the same influences which have
hitherto affected the increase in institutional confinements, seem
still to be in operation.
DEATHS.
417 deaths were registered in the district; of these 41 did
not belong to Acton, and were transferred to other districts.
328 deaths of Acton residents occurred outside the area,
and have been included in our returns. The total number of deaths