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87
From these particulars it will be seen that 56 per cent, of the
cases had a history of phthisis in the family or associates. The
returns are, of course, too few from which to draw much conclusion.
ALCOHOLISM.
During 1902 twenty-seven deaths were directly attributed to
alcoholism and delirium tremens. Of these 7 were women.
These figures do not, of course, represent more than a small
proportion of the mortality really caused by alcoholism. It is
more than likely, that most, if not all of the deaths of infants
attributed to being "laid upon" in bed, are really caused
indirectly by alcoholism. During 1902 there were, as already
pointed out, 30 deaths so caused. Fifteen of these deaths
were of female children. Cirrhosis of the liver, a condition due,
as a rule, to alcoholic excess, caused the death of 21 persons,
13 of whom were women. Hence it may be said that 78 deaths
were probably due to alcoholic excess.

Of the 27 deaths due directly to alcoholism, 21 occurred
between the ages of 40 and 60, only one occurred under 30.
There can be no doubt that a large number of other deaths
during the year were caused indirectly, or accelerated, by alcoholic
excesses.
It may be of interest to place on record the number of public
houses and beer shops in the Borough in 1902. In 99 houses
notices of dilution, under the Food and Drugs Acts, are exhibited,
with the view of protecting the vendor in case of prosecution for
selling adulterated spirits.