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in keeping with recent trends, although it is alarming
to find, year after year, that diseases of the heart
and circulatory system produce an increasing number of
deaths in what might be termed the group of middle-aged
males. One cannot say that any factors applicable to
Friern Barnet have come to light which have either
caused or contributed to this cause of death. Indeed,
it cannot be said that there are any local conditions
peculiar to Friern Barnet which represent a health
hazard of any real significance.

As already noted, only one infant death was
reported during the year. This is, of course, extremely
satisfactory, and marks what must surely be a record.
Two points must, however, be carefully borne in mind.
First, as I have already indicated, figures relating to
only one year can be most misleading. Second, no matter
how satisfactory the infant mortality rate for Friern
Barnet may be, each death will continue to be scrutinised
with the most meticulous care, in an effort to eliminate
those preventable causes of death which give rise to
fatalities within the first few days or even the first
few hours of life. I need scarcely say that infant
life protection comes within the province of the Middlesex
County Council. I know, however, how interested the
Urban District Council is in all matters appertaining
to health, and therefore felt that the Council would wish
this topic to be included in my report.
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