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previous years. Fifteen of the uncertified deaths were under
5, and 17 over 5 years of age. Nine of the cases under 5 years
were registered as convulsions or supposed convulsions. Now,
as almost any morbid condition in a young child may give rise
to convulsions, we have practically no light whatever on the
cause of death in these cases.
We may take for granted that there were no suspicious circumstances
connected with the deaths, or an inquest would
have been held, but something more than this is wanted for
the purposes of preventive medicine.
14. In consequence of the remarks in my last annual report
on the high rate of uncertified deaths, the Health Committee
communicated with the Coroner for the district, and also with
the County Council. The Council pointed out that they had
advocated legislation on the lines recommended by the
select committee of Parliament on death certification. The
principal recommendation from the point of view I am now
considering is that medical investigators should be appointed
to assist the coroners, who would enquire into all cases where
no medical certificate was forthcoming. This is a reform
which in my opinion is most needful.
15. There were 38 inquests, compared with 39,35 and 38
in the three preceding years. Seven were on persons under
5 years, and 31 on persons over 5. Of the infants, two were
foundlings, who died of want of proper attention at birth; one
was accidentally suffocated at birth, and one aged 15 days was
suffocated in bed with her mother.
Of those over 5, two were suicides, viz., a man of 63, who
cut his throat, suffering from mental derangement, and a beerhouse
keeper of 54 who hanged himself. Two were run over