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inauguration of the Creche in Squires Lane, and the School
for Mothers in North Finchley, and I have instructed the
Health Visitor to do all in her power to interest young
mothers in these institutions.
The appended chart shows how the Infant Mortality
Rate has fluctuated in Finchley during the past 20 years.
The average Infant Mortality Rate in the 3 different Wards
during the years 1909, 1910, 1911 and 1912 was as follows:—
North Finchley 69.9 deaths per 1,000 births.
East Finchley 75.0 „ „ „ „
West Finchley 57.4 „ „ „ „
A little reflection upon what has been said as to the
causes of Infant Mortality will explain why these differences
exist.
To sum up I might say that in my opinion, you, as a
Sanitary Authority, have done, and are doing, everything
possible to reduce mortality among Infants, and I will go so
far as to state that I believe any further reduction in our
already low rate will only be effected by the education of
the parents and future parents, not only in Infant Care and
Management, but in the fundamental principles of cleanliness
and hygiene, thereby ensuring their co-operation in all
the efforts made to protect the babies. In this I look for
much help to the influence of the schools and of those excellent
institutions, Schools for Mothers and Creches, of which
we fortunately possess excellent examples in Finchley.