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25
[1907
In this table we see that there was a steady and persistent rise in the
death-rate from 1841-45 to 1866-70, when it was as high as 25'06, after which time
it steadily decreased until in 1901-05 it had fallen to 15-34, while at the present
date it is, as already stated, as low as 14-63 per 1,000. The steadiness of the
death-rate during the last three or four years has been remarkable, and it is
to be hoped that, like a barometer steady at " set fair," it indicates a favourable
outlook. The fall in the death-rate from 25-06 in the quinquennium 1866-70
to 14-63 is simply enormous, and means a saving in human lives which can be
best appreciated when it is stated that it amounts to 3,618 per annum in our
population of to-day. This is indeed something to have fought for and to be
proud of ; but it must not be forgotten that it has only been attained by steady,
diligent and persistent effort in various directions, not only by the late Vestry
and the more recent Borough Councils, but also by the London County
Council, as well as by educational influences, for it must be acknowledged that
each and all have had their effect in bringing about such a happy state of
affairs. It is very good, and because it is so, we must not rest upon our oars,
but rather labour steadily to keep our mortality at its present low figure. When
we recollect that the social status of the inhabitants of the population is declining,
it seems a difficult, if not almost an impossible task to achieve, but unless
the endeavour is made this end will not be attained. The transition stage that
Islington is, and has been for some time, undoubtedly passing through with
respect to the status of its population is a factor powerfully adverse to
the fulfilment of the hope that so low a death-rate as we enjoy at present
shall continue. Nevertheless the fight must be made, and the housing and the
food of the people must more than ever be looked after, and also the enormous
and unnecessary mortality among young children must be stopped, and the
health visitor must become, and indeed will become, despite the pessimism of
many people, a great influence for good in our midst by advising and teaching
the mothers of the poorer classes how to keep their little children healthy, and
their homes cleaner and brighter and more attractive, so that when the bread
winner returns at the end of his day, he may not be driven by dirt and gloom
and noisome smells, and crying children to the nearest public house, wherein
to spend his hard-earned wages on alcoholic drinks, which at once ruins his
body and pauperizes his home. The Sanitary Inspector has been the precursor
in the sanitary crusade. He has battled, and most successfully, with
the more difficult questions of house sanitation, and has, so to speak, cleansed
the Augean stables of the more foul pollutions, and he still has his work
to do in keeping the places that have been dealt with in a wholesome state.
He must, however, be followed sooner or later by the health visitor, who is
now recognised by thoughtful men and women who have studied this subject,
as his necessary complement, for her work will be to complete what he has