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with an especial incidence on the age period 5 —15. Two deaths
were reported in the case of those over 25. This is so exceptional
that suspicion might arise as to the correctness of the diagnosis, but
as one occurred in a fever hospital error is not likely.
Diphtheria, in spite of the especial efforts that are now made,
keeps up its evil pre-eminence, there being two more deaths than
last year, the age incidence being pretty much the same as last
year, the greatest fatality being in the ages 2-15.
Influenza was a little less than last year, but it is depressing
to say that it has of late years shown a tendency to become endemic,
with an occasional flare up, instead of, as formerly, appearing
occasionally in epidemic form, with only an occasional case in the
intervening years. The maximum fatality was, as previously, over
the age of 25.
From erysipelas there were three more deaths than last year,
and coincident with this there was an increase among the deaths
from other septic diseases. Meningitis, apart from the tuberculous
form, also has a larger record.
From all the forms of tuberculous disease there were 352
deaths, contrasted with almost the same (353) in last year.
Curiously enough, this resemblance is seen in all forms—phthisis,
273 against 274; tuberculous meningitis, 34 against 35; and all other
forms of this disease, 45 against 44.
Cancer unfortunately registers an increase from 318 to 343, but
the somewhat disquieting number of young persons that was
recorded in 1919 no longer exists.
The mortality from bronchitis is 10 higher than last year,
but this is to some extent compensated for by the marked drop
from 45 to 21 that took place in infants under one year, and
coincident with this slight increase there is a marked fall in pneumonia
(including broncho-pneumonia) from 348 to 269.
As well might be expected from the hot summer, there was a
marked increase in the diarrhœa class, there being 41 more deaths
but it speaks well that the increase is no greater. The age period
1-2 years had a heavier incidence, which also appeared later on in
life.
From cirrhosis of the liver there were 16 deaths, compared with
the five of the previous record; these five, however, were all in
persons over 24, and in the year under review there were 12
over the same age, an increase of seven, a fact which, perhaps, has
some bearing on the next condition on the list, i.e. alcoholism, in
which there is no numerical change.
The number of deaths and age incidence of fatal cases of heart
disease, mental disease, and old age shows little difference from last
year.