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18
The mortality from scarlet fever as augmented very considerably—to
just twice that of 1857, and one-third more than that of 1858.
It is to be hoped that this declining ratio will be preserved. But
the overcrowding is eminently effective in favouring the spread and
fatality of this disease. The same remark applies to Hooping Cough.
It is evident, however, from a glance at the table, that a low
temperature has also considerable influence over the mortality from
Hooping Cough.
The total number of deaths occurring in children, was
628; a less number than in either of the two first years, yet
amounting to nearly half the mortality. This reduction could
hardly have been expected, considering that in addition to the
unfavourable influences already alluded to, the " strike" was in
existence, and caused considerable distress in the district. An unfortunate
occurrence of this kind ensures suffering to the children.
The mother has to work, the house and the family have to be
neglected, and privation has to be endured, which is sure to
increase mortality.
It will be seen by reference to the general table of mortality
at the end of this report, that the total number of deaths from
violence, comprising those from accident or negligence, murder and
suicide, was less than the preceding year, being 31 against 37.
At the same time, five infants were murdered, whilst one only in
1858. Nine were accidentally suffocated, and two died from burns.
The murder of infants is not only on the increase in this district,
but throughout the metropolis.
There is considerable carelessness among the poor in
regard to fire. Every year, many children are burnt, and often
disfigured for life. This might be prevented in a large number of
tbe cases, by the use of a fireguard, which costs about sixpence.
Sixteen deaths occurred in the House of Correction, and
three in the House of Detention; two of them in the latter arising
from suicide. These are not so numerous as in 1858, when there
were 22 in the Houso of Correction, and three in the House of
Detention—two of these also arising from suicide.
It is evident that the main efforts to keep the mortality
within due bounds, must be directed to that of children under five
years of age.
If we add the number of deaths occurring at that period,
628, to that of the deaths at and above 60, of which we can hardly
complain, 268, making a total of 896, the remaining mortality
is not considerable.
In my former report I have so fully detailed the points to be
attended to, with a view to keeping the mortality within due limits,
that I need only allude to them briefly here. There is no reason
why children should have Small pox, Measles, or Scarlet Fever,
or any other infectious diseases. Hence, independently of the sepa