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21
the average rate was 163, and in the period 1901-1911 153.2, giving
a fall of 10 per 1,000, an improvement which, in all probability, is
directly due to the marked diminution in the number of infants born
to each mother. A smaller family naturally means that the home
circumstances are improved, and the health and strength of the
mother are more able to meet the demands made upon them.
Compared with the previous experienoe- of the district, the
past year can be looked upon as a very favourable one. Out of
the 116, 21 lived 7 days or less, and 50, or nearly half, died before
the end of the first four weeks. These are deaths which cannot be
attributed to the environment influencing the child as an independent
unit, but must be attributed to some casual agent in the
mother herself. Although only four deaths were attributed to
syphilis, the consequences of immorality in its various forms must
account for a much larger number.

The rates correspond fairly well with the averages for the
previous five years, and what was said on that occasion is equally
applicable now.
The chief causes of death were:—Atrophy and Wasting, 24;
Premature Births, 23; Congenital Malformation, 4; Bronchitis, 4,
Pneumonia, 10; Whooping Cough, 1.
(2) Other Age Periods).
The age distribution of the deaths show some peculiarities.
Thus there is a marked increase in those dying from 1 to 5 years :
86, as against 27 for the previous year, the main causes being:—