View report page

iv.
and to re-distribute them to the various sub-districts in proportion
to the number of deaths already ascribed to them.
This will act with some little unfairness towards Dulwich,
since the previous address of a person removed from that
division is more likely to be known than that of some one,
say, from parts of No. 1 Ward, but the fewness of such deaths
will make no appreciable difference.

It will be noticed that there has been a steady decline
in the death rate since 1899, but the remarkable lowness in
the past year must be accounted for by the climatic conditions
which prevailed rather than to the measures taken to improve
the public health, and which give results of a more permanent
character.
The temperature during the first three months of the
year was considerably above the average, the excess amounting
in February to 5.5 degrees; while the temperature of the
summer months was below the average. The excessive rainfall
is so fresh in the minds of every one that it needs no
further mention. All these factors played a considerable part
in the reduction of the mortality. The mild winter and the low
temperature of the summer helped the old and the young,
while the excessive rainfall, by constant flushing of the drains
and wastes, helped in the raising of the general standard of
health.