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8
Population
It is estimated that there has been little change in the population
or in its age structure in recent years.
Births
The birth rate was very slightly higher than that for the previous
year.
The number of illegitimate births was almost exactly the same as
in 1955.
Stillbirths
There was a very satisfactory fall in the number of stillbirths
not only from the high figure recorded in 1955 but to the very low
level of 1.3 per cent, of the total births.
This more than counterbalances the increase in neonatal mortality
referred to later.
Deaths
The standardized death rate for 1956 was 10 7 and remained therefore
well below the prevailing rate of 11 7 for the country generally
There was practically no change in the ages at which the deaths
occurred or in the causes of death from 1955
Maternal Mortality
There were no maternal deaths during the year
Infant Mortality
I am unhappy to report that for the third consecutive year the
infant mortality has been about 30 as against the national figure of
about 24. One half of the deaths were, however due to immaturity
during the first week of life and it may be that a high standard of
midwifery has resulted in more live births thus accounting for the low
stillbirth rate only however for such births to end in early death.
I must also report that there were 3 deaths among illegitimate
infants which correspond to a mortality rate of 61 The average rate
for the past five years was only 27