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"D"—deaths certified as "diarrhœa."
" E "— „ "enteritis," "gastro- enteritis," etc., etc.
As regards age, few deaths occur during the first
month of life, the actual figures for the whole Parish
from diarrhœa and enteritis together, distinguishing
the sexes, being as follow :—
Ages at
death.
Total under
(Months)
0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-
1 year.
Males
3, 5, 11, 7, 8, 10, 5, 7, 10, 6, 6, 5
83
Females
—, 6, 9, 10, 9, 2, 3, 9, 4, 3, 2, -
57
Much has been written in earlier reports as to the
causes of the heavy mortality from diarrhoea. It
will suffice on this occasion to state that the prime
causes are (a) improper feeding; (b) improper treatment
of the milk so commonly given to the children;
(c) dirty conditions outside and inside the home, in the
feeding utensils, and in the person. It is believed
that the only action likely to lead to any material
improvement is the appointment of a special officer to
give the necessary time and attention to the removal
of these causes. Without doubt education of young
girls in the subjects of home hygiene and infant rearing,
would do much to reduce the mortality—after a