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72
accident or to injury and none of the deaths could be considered
avoidable.
Prematurity was again the chief cause of death in 16 cases,
whose average weight at birth was only 3 lb. 4 oz., while the progressive
reduction in all avoidable causes of infant deaths throws
into prominence the number due to this cause, and to congenital
malformations which this year were responsible for no less than
nine of the thirty-two deaths.
CARE OF PREMATURE INFANTS
The action suggested in Circular 20/44 (as amended by Circular
LHAL 1/49) has been carried out as far as possible and the
steps taken were detailed in the Report for 1944. During 1957,
79 live premature infants were born to residents of the Borough,
12 at home and 67 in hospitals and nursing homes.
Of the 12 born at home, five were transferred to hospital. Of
the remaining seven who were nursed entirely at home, all survived
the first 28 days of life.
CARE OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN
The action taken under Circular 2866/44 is fully set out
in the Report for that year.
Every possible step has, as in previous years, been taken to
ensure that the care of illegitimate children does not fall below
that given to children who are legitimate. The figures quoted
below give a comparison between illegitimate and legitimate rates.

MORAL WELFARE
The "Carville" Home, now at 43 West Avenue Road, E.17,
is administered by the Walthamstow Deanery Branch of the
Chelmsford Diocesan Moral Welfare Association. The home provides
accommodation for a total of 16 mothers and their babies and
has a high record of care and service.