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46
Measles.—Undoubtedly one of the chief causes of the improvement in
the Infant Mortality figures was the absence of a measles epidemic, no deaths
from this disease being recorded in any age group in 1935, as against 26 in
children under one in 1934. It is most unlikely, therefore, that the low level
of infant mortality can be maintained next year as the biennial measles
epidemic will take its 'toll' not only in deaths from measles itself, but also
from the many accompanying complications such as pneumonia and gastroenteritis.
Pneumonia.— Deaths from pneumonia numbered 14, being 38 less than
last year. This again is undoubtedly attributable to the absence of measles
during the year.
Diarrhoea.—Deaths from Infective Diarrhoea decreased by one-third,
totalling 31 compared with 47 last year. These deaths were not more numerous
in summer than at any other time of the year, the months of June, July and
August being particularly free, whilst March, April, May and December
showed the most deaths.
Other Causes of Death.—Deaths from Congenital Malformations and
Premature Births were 48 in 1935 compared with 59 in 1934.
Infant Welfare Centres.
The attendances at the Infant Welfare Centres continue to be good and
there is no doubt the younger mothers are gradually putting into practice as a
routine measure many principles of baby-craft which were only accepted
with doubt and criticism by their mothers. More and more, the correct
principles of infant feeding and management are being passed down from the
younger grandmothers to their married daughters, so that we may hope
that much of what is at present spade work in teaching will be absorbed
automatically by the mothers of the future in their process of growing up.
" Old Wives' tales" will disappear and correct principles will take their
place. The grandmother and her influence will then cease to be looked upon
as a danger.
It will be many years, however, before knowledge becomes so general
that individual teaching at Infant Welfare Centres can be dispensed with, for,
unfortunately, there are still many mothers who rely for direction solely on
their instincts of well-meant but ignorant kindness towards their babies.