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The ever present poverty and the large number of drinking
mothers were the two most distressing elements of the Health Visitor's work.
The former produced ill-nourished mothers, the latter idle, careless or
indifferent ones. Both factors are to be reckoned with in the struggle against
infantile mortality.
At the end of two years, the Health Visitor was re-appointed for a similar
period. The Committee who controlled her actions and supervised her w ork,
thought fit to change her district. In my opinion, however, it is only when
she has become thoroughly well known to the inhabitants, suspicion allayed,
and her motives appreciated, that such an officer can be of real benefit to the
mothers in teaching them the proper management of infants, and thus tending
to lower the high infantile mortality of the district.
Old Age.
198 deaths were due to old age. This corresponds to a death-rate of .64
per 1,000 of the population.
47 occurred in the Limehouse District, or at the rate of .80 per
1,000.
22 occurred in the St. George's District, or at the rate of .43 per
1,000.
94 occurred in the Mile End District, or at the rate of .81 per
1,000.
35 occurred in the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of .43 per
1,000.
Alcoholism.
The number of deaths due to Alcoholism and Cirrhosis of the Liver was
64, or 32 less than in the preceding year.
19 occurred in the Limehouse District, or at the rate of .32 per
1.ooo.
5 occurred in the St George's District, or at the rate of 09 per
1,000.
19 occurred in the Mile End District, or at the rate of 16 per
1,000.
21 occurred in the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of .26 per
1,000.