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29
Following my recommendation in 1903 a Lady Inspector and Health
Visitor was appointed, who, in addition to other work, gave lectures on
the care and feeding of the baby at all the "Mothers' Meetings," and
one or more similar lectures in the form of object lessons to the senior
girls at all our schools.
The Local Government Board has now the power to declare that the
Notification of Births Act shall be in force wherever it deems necessary,
but so far we have not been so honoured.
With a rate of 1008 the reasons for its adoption are not so obvious,
and, as time goes on, the necessity may become even less by the strict
administration of existing statutes.
Looking at Table IX., following page 30. it will be seen that 69 deaths
from Prematurity and Congenital Defects, and 37 deaths from Inanition
and Debility, or 75 per cent. of the total deaths under one month, were
due to causes antecedent to birth, and would hardly be influenced by
any action taken under the Act.
Of the total deaths, 351, or nearly 28 per cent., occurred within the
first year of life, and half of these occurred within the first two months.
The following table shows the Infantile Mortality rate and other
associated data for the various Wards:—