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78
deaths from Violence. There is a decided increase of the
mortality amongst the very old. Ten persons, of whom 8
were females, died over 80, the oldest (a female) being 88.
Social Position.—As usual in this District the mortality
amongst the Industrial Class is largely exceeded by
that of the other classes combined. Causes of death,
implying hardship or exposure, are rather more common,
of course, among the lower class, such as Respiratory
disease, Epidemic diseases, Premature Birth, Violence,
&c. ; while Old Age, Brain, and diseases of the Digestive
Organs are more common among the better classes.
Sickness and Mortality among the Union Poor.—It
is very remarkable that during the year only two cases
—(see Table V. in Appendix)—of any infectious disease,
were reported among the poor of the parish. When we
consider their chances of infection, &c., this seems very
surprising. Both those cases were of Small Pox.
Inquests, Uncertified Deaths, &c.—There were nine
inquests held during the year. The verdicts may be
grouped as follow:—
I. Accidental (1) Asphyxia,4 ; (2) Drowning, 2;
(3) Wounding, 1; (4) Fracture of Skull, 1.
II. Natural Spasm of Glottis, 1.
Most of these inquests, however, were held over the
bodies of children. Suffocation from overlying is the most
frequent cause of this destruction of infantile life, and
that, notwithstanding the many simple safeguards against
such accidents.
One death was registered "convulsions," without
being certified, and without an inquest. Surely the
temptations and opportunities for crime are great enough
without leaving a door of escape open from its