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58
In the absence of an accurate estimation of the population,
I have given, in round numbers, 30,000 as an
approximate calculation of our population at the middle
of 1876. I have already noticed the chief points regarding
the Zymotic class of diseases in the table.
Non-Zymotic Diseases.—During the past year diseases
of this class are rather under the average, though their
relative proportions remain very much the same as usual.
Tubercular diseases are rather more numerous relatively
than diseases of the Respiratory Organs. The number of
Unspecified Diseases is decidedly above the average. But
the notable point in the list is the high mortality from
causes grouped under the title of Premature Births, &c.
This leads me to notice prominently the
Infant Mortality.—No less than 84 children under 5
years, of whom 7 0 were under 1 year, died from Premature
Birth, Low Vitality, Malformation, &c., and 155 children,
more than half of whom were under 1 year, from other
causes.
In all, 239 children, only 23 less than one-half of
the total mortality of the district, died during the past
year. This number is less by 30 than in 1875, and more
by a like number than in 1874. I have in former reports
expressed my regret at such a large infant mortality, and
endeavoured to point out many of its preventable causes.
Senile Mortality is also large, but, unlike the last,
this is a matter of congratulation and encouragement.
From Old Age 37 deaths occurred, 24 of which were of
persons above 80, and 4 above 90, one of whom would
next year have been a centenarian. From other causes 5
died upwards of 80, and 96 between 60 and 80.
Sickness and Mortality among the Poor.-From Table
V. in the Appendix it will be seen that a very large
number of cases of sickness were attended during the past
year, namely 1005. An important item in this total was
the 98 cases of Small Pox already mentioned. The cases