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Under 5 years of age 3 deaths took place, giving an infantile
death-rate of 4 68 per 1000 per annum. The corresponding
rate for last year was 10.9. The 2 deaths at 65
years and upwards give a senile death-rate of 3 12. Last
year the senile death-rate was 4.6.
In viewing the vital statistics as a whole, that which
stands out most clearly, and rivits the attention most, is the
fact that practically one half of the annual deaths occurs in
children under 5 years, and that rather more than one-third
occurs in children under one year. 1 have pointed out before
that if a child gets over the first year of life, its chances of
living to manhood and womanhood are good, and if it gets
over 5 years its chances are still better. The first year, however,
is the most critical and important. It is very needful
that these facts should be borne in mind, and that everything
should be done that can be done, to reduce the present
infantile mortality. If the County Council would give a
course of lectures on the dietetics, clothing, and general
hygiene applicable to infants, it would be the means of
giving information to mothers, enabling them to bring up
their children in a more sensible way and thus prevent many
deaths.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACT.
This Act came into force in January, 1902. It requires
the Medical Officer to report specifically on its administration
in regard to Factories, Workshops and Workplaces. The
Inspector of Nuisances and I have visited these places in our
house to house inspection, and have ascertained that all requirements
in connection with them have been carried out.
There has been no addition to the number of such places
since my last report The sanitary condition, lighting and
ventilation of the Workshops and Workplaces—about the
only thing in our district—has been attended to and is
entirely satisfactory.