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103
cent. of total deaths, compared with 3 0 last year. 12 were
under and 15 over five years. As I stated in my report last
year, many of these cases might, I believe, be certified by the
medical attendant after reference to the Coroner.
Inquests.
10. There were 39 Inquests held, compared with 43 last
year. 14 were of children under five years, and 25 of persons
over five : 7 referred to deaths in West Plumstead, and 32 to
deaths in East Plumstead. 12 deaths were attributed to
natural causes, and 27 to accidents or injuries, viz.: 8 suicides,
(1 cut throat, 3 hanging, 1 drowning, 1 shooting, 1 railway, 1
poisoning by pruasic acid); 3 children suffocated in bed with
parents; 4 children burnt by clothes catching fire, and 3
children scalded; 1 Hydrophobia from bite by a dog which
escaped; 1 Tetanus, after compound fracture of arm on football
field; 1 from fall while intoxicated; 2 from house taking fire;
the remainder from falls, drowning, &c.
Other causes of Death.
11. There were 39 deaths from cancer, compared with 37,
33 and 31 in the three preceding years; 13 were in West
Plumstead, and 26 in East, i.e., there was a higher percentage
in West Plumstead. There was 1 death from puerperal fever,
and 5 from labour and its sequelfe. There were 77 deaths
from premature birth and low vitality, 19 in West Plumstead,
and 58 in East.
12. There were 4 deaths from rheumatic fever, 1 in West
Plumstead, and 3 in East. The nurses of the District Nursing
Association, nursed, I find, 15 cases of rheumatism ; 10 in
West Plumstead, and 5 in East.