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Infant Mortality.
43
houses with smaller rentals. In this connection it must be emphasized
that adequate accommodation should be provided for food
storage in every house. Much effort is expended in supervising the
storage and preparation of food before it reaches the consumer,
yet, in very many cases, no facilities exist for its proper storage in
the home of the consumer.
The Inspectors spent much time during the summer in securing
the prompt removal of collections of material which would act as
a breeding-ground for flies, which are so important in the causation
of epidemic diarrhoea. With the same object in view, much could
be done by securing a more frequent removal of house refuse ; in
many of the smaller houses with a back yard of small size, the
dustbin is a potential danger to child life during the summer
months. It is to be hoped that, with a refuse destructor erected,
the Council will see that a more frequent removal of house refuse
is undertaken before next summer. Much benefit would also
accrue if the Byelaws were so amended as to secure the removal
twice weekly of all stable-manure, especially during the summer
months.
Another important factor in the causation of infant mortality
is in that class including premature birth, congenital causes, etc.
These deaths are for the most part due to ante-natal causes, which
are in some cases capable of removal, and something could be done
if the older girls received some instruction in the hygiene of Sex.
The Supervision of Midwives under the Midwives' Act rests
with the Surrey County Council, who employ a female Inspector to
carry out the inspections. It is certain that the work under this
Act could be more appropriately dealt with by a local officer, who
would be able, if the Notification of Births Act were in force,
to divide her time between the allied duties, and could do much to
reduce infant mortality by visiting and guiding the mothers in
rearing their children.