INFANT MORTALITY.
(To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sta,—The Medical Officer of the Local Government Board in his most interesting recent Report tells tie that the death-rate during the first five years of life in rural districts is 125 per thousand births. In small towns it rises to 166 per thousand, and in our big cities to the high figure of 188. Comparing London districts, we find that the most fortunate is Hampstead, with 112 deaths per thousand, and Shoreditch is the worst with 241, or more than double. Now it is for Shoreditch that I make this appeal. We have a School for Mothers in the heart of Hoxton, and are about to open a creche next door, both institutions being unquestionably of great value in the district, and thoroughly approved of by the Local Authority. They are managed by a highly representative Committee of local workers, and it is only a lack of money that prevents the work from spreading in proportion to the needs of the district. We require money urgently, but any gifts, however small, would be most acceptable; and for the crèche, furniture of all kinds is wanted, such as a horseshoe table, and set of low chairs, basket cots, stretchers and rugs, blankets, towels, clothes for infants and toddlers, linoleum for the floors, pictures for the walls, &c. The premises for the School for Mothers and creche are fortunate in possessing a garden—an unusual luxury in Hoxton—but to make this a really ideal playing-ground money is also necessary, as to start with a shelter is required so that the older children can sleep out of doors. If any of your readers would send me even the smallest item from this list it would be a real help to this work among Shoreditch babies and young children, and I shall be delighted to arrange for any one who is interested in the scheme to inspect the premises. Gifts of money should be sent direct to the Hon. Treasurer, Viscountess Grimston, at St. Germains, St. Albans, Herts, and all gifts of furniture should be addressed to me at 53 Brunswick Place,
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