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41
[1906
present prevails. Presuming that the death-rates were the same among the
males and the females as those which obtained in 1906, namely 15.8i among
males and 13.53 among females, then the number of deaths that would have
been registered would have been 2,583 males instead of 2,593, and 2,466 females
instead of 2,457, which were actually registered, making a total of 5,049 instead
of 5,050 actually registered, a difference of only one death. Consequently it
is apparent that the change in the casting of the sexes did not make any
material difference in the general mortality. When, however, the variation of
the ages of the population is considered then the effect is more substantial, for
it is found that the male deaths would have numbered only 2,527 instead of
2,593, the actual number, and the female only 2,440 instead of 2,457, the
actual number.
Deaths that would
have occurred if the
age distribution of the
Actual Deaths Population had remained
in 1906. as in 1891. Difference.
Males - - 2,593 - 2,527 - 66
Females - 2,457 - 2,440 - 17
Total - 5,050 - 4,967 - 83
Thus the change in the age distribution has unfavourably affected the
mortality returns by 83, which although a comparatively small number in so
large a population, yet is of importance when it is recollected that the deathrate
of the borough has steadily diminished despite the facts that the change
in the age incidence as well as in the position in the social scale of its
inhabitants are working against it, and is an additional proof, if any were
wanted, that the administration of the health affairs of the borough have had
an enormous effect in reducing the death-rate. The unfavourable effect of the
change in the age incidences has possibly been even greater than has been
stated, because it must not be forgotten that it is now six years since
the census was taken, that at that time the change was in process, and
consequently that there has been a greater variation in 1906 than has been
indicated.
The actual changes at each period of life produced by the alteration of the
age incidence of the population is seen in the following table :—