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Comparing the 14 deaths of infants under 12 months old and
the 196 births, it appears that there were 71 such deaths to each
1,000 births, or, in other words, of every 14 children born one
died without seeing the anniversary of its birth.
This shows a remarkable decrease on the figures for 1896
which were 113 per 1,000, and on the average for the previous 10
years, which was also 113 per 1,000. However, there is still room
for improvement, since the deaths of some of these infants might
have been prevented.
The admissions of Harrow Paupers to the Hendon Workhouse
in 1897 were 47, and the deaths 2. There were 2 deaths from
Zymotic diseases, viz., Scarlet Fever 1, Typhoid Fever 1, or at the
rate or .22 per 1,000. There were 3 deaths from Diarrhoea, and
7 deaths from Phthisis.
There were certified during the 12 months 21 cases of Scarlet
Fever, 7 cases of Diphtheria, 6 cases of Typhoid Fever, and 2
cases of Erysipelas. The malignant character of the fatal case of
Scarlet Fever may be attributed to the insanitary condition of the
house where it occurred. The existence of such a place constitutes
a general danger to the Public Health.
The fatal case of Typhoid Fever occurred in Hodsdon's Cottages.
Here there was no skilled nursing, which in this disease is
all-important.
DECLINE OF DEATH-RATE.
Once again I am able to report a diminished death-rate. This
arises in two ways—a lessened infantile mortality, and a small
number of deaths from zymotic diseases.
The infantile death-rate is still needlessly high, and measures
should be taken to diminish it.
In 1896, in the Hampton Wick District, there were 52 births
without a death under 1 year of age.
Is there any reason why Harrow should not have a like record !
As cases of Measles are not notifiable in the district, I am unaware
of their existence until deaths are registered.
In Friern Barnet, after a trial of notification for Measles
during two years, it has been continued. This disease is so