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this is equal to an annual birth rate of 13.0 per 1,000 population, as
compared with 14.6 in 1948 and 17.0 in 1947. The rate of 17.6 in 1946
was the highest birth rate experienced in this District, but it is fast decreasing
to the pre-war average rate.
The birth rate for England and Wales was 16.7 in 1949, 17.9 in
1948 and 20.5 in 1947.
Illegitimacy.—In 1949, of the births registered, 21 were illegitimate
(10 males and 11 females), this being nine less than in the preceding year.
The post-war decrease in the percentage of illegitimate births has thus
brought this percentage well below the pre-war average.
Stillbirths.—The number of stillbirths registered during 1949 was
20, (11 males and 9 females), as compared with 16, 31 and 40 in the
preceding 3 years. Two of the stillbirths occurred in respect of illegitimate
children. The local stillbirth rate was thus 0.33 per thousand of population,
compared with 0.25, 0.49 and 0.49 in the three preceding years.
The stillbirth rate for England and Wales was 0.39 in 1949.
DEATHS.
The number of deaths registered during 1949 as belonging to this
District was 622, (306 males and 316 females), as compared with 545 in
1948, and 672 in 1947.
These numbers exclude deaths which, although occurring within
the District belonged to other districts, but include deaths of residents
who died outside the District, and also non-residents dying in the District
who have previously had no permanent place of abode. The latter
group has increased of recent years, being 35 in 1949, 24 in 1948 and
32 in 1947.
It will be seen from the table of vital statistics that the crude death
rate for the year was equal to 9.1 per thousand of population, as compared
with 8.7 in 1948.
The age and sex distribution of the population of this District not
being typical of that of the country as a whole, a correction is necessary.
Using the comparability factor again supplied by the Registrar General
after an interval of 11 years it is found that the corrected death rate is
8.5.
The crude death rate for England and Wales similarly fell from
12.0 in 1947 to 10.8 in 1948, but rose slightly to 11.7 in 1949.