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epidemic in the first half of the year. The few deaths due to
Diphtheria is gratifying. In this respect it may be stated that the
response to the propaganda carried on at the Welfare Centres in
the Borough for Immunisation of the toddler against Diphtheria,
is satisfactory on the whole, although there is still considerable
prejudice and ignorance in regard to this question.
During 1936, 427 children were immunised against Diphtheria
at the Council's Clinics, making a total of 2,637 children of all
ages up to 14 years who have been thus treated since the Council
inaugurated the Scheme in February, 1934. Each child received a
subsequent appointment for the Schick Test three months after
completion of the treatment.
Maternal Mortality.
There were eight deaths in 1936 amongst West Ham residents,
which were directly attributable to diseases of pregnancy
or to complications of childbirth, giving a maternal mortality rate
of 1.8 as compared with the rate of 3.65 for the country as a
whole. Of the total deaths, 3 were due to Sepsis and 5 resulted
from other causes.

During February, 1936, an exhaustive enquiry was made
into the Maternity Services as a whole in West Ham by Medical
Officers from the Ministry of Health. West Ham was selected by
these Officers as one of the areas having an average low maternal
mortality rate over a period of years. The results of this investigation
have been published recently in the form of a report from
the Ministry of Health—"Report on an Investigation into
Maternal Mortality." The report of the investigation in so far
as W est Ham is concerned is quoted herewith:—
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