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69
inquests.
Cirrhosis of the Liver.—Nineteen deaths (9 of males and 10 of females) were ascribed to
various forms of cirrhosis, as compared with a like number (8 males, 11 females) in 1912 and 15
(8 males, 7 females) in 1911. The mortality (013) was 0.03 above the average, the highest rate
(0'31) being recorded in Hyde Park Ward.
The principal form of cirrhosis of the liver is that due to alcohol, to which form 15 deaths
were due last year, 5 of males and 10 of females. In 1912 there were 16 deaths, equally divided
between the sexes, and in 1911, 13 (7 of males and 6 of females).
Suicides.—There were 20 deaths from suicide during the year, 13 of males and 7 of females.
The mortality was 0.14 last year, as compared with 0.09 in 1912 and an average of 0.11. The
highest rate recorded last year was observed in Church Ward, but the highest average (0.18) is
that of Hyde Park Ward.
INQUESTS.
Two hundred and forty-four (244) inquests were held locally during the past year, as
compared with 215 in 1912. Last year's total is the highest since the formation of the Borough
in 1901. Among the 244 deaths inquired into there were 77 of non-residents. Outside the
Borough 27 deaths of residents formed the subjects of inquests, 12 within the Metropolis and 15
in other parts of England and Wales. The corrected total of inquests on deaths of residents
was 194 (122 as to deaths of males and 72 of females), as compared with 152 (86 on males and
66 on females) in 1912. The 194 deaths were equal to 9.8 of all deaths of residents, the percentage
in 1912 having been 8.6, and during the period 1908-12, 8 4. Increases have to be noted
in the case of males in all forms of "findings" except "Misadventure." (See Table 42, page 70.)
In the case of females increases were recorded last year under all headings.
A summary of the principal forms of violence, &c., brought to light by the inquiries is
appended. Traffic accidents (not found by the juries as due to "accidental causes" in every
case) were the causes of the largest number of deaths (21), motor traffic (of all forms) accounting
for 13, railways for 4, horse traffic for 3, and tramways for 1. There were only 3 deaths
ascribed to suffocation of infants in bed with the parents, but the deaths of 8 other infants
were inquired into.
Deaths through Misadventure (12).
4 of the deaths entered as due to diseases ; 8 due to violence (surgical narcosis, 3; falls, 3 ;
traffic, 2).
Accidental Deaths (50).
Accidents, trifling and contributory only, 8 (deaths entered to primary diseases).
Want of care and attention at birth, 1.
Deaths due solely to accidents, 41.
Agencies:—
Traffic, 17 (14 males, 3 females); overlaid in bed (infants), 3; poisoning, 1.
"Falls," 16 (8 males, 8 females); burns, 3; horse-kick, 1.
"Open" (8) (5 of infants).
Lack of attention at birth, 2; traffic, 1; status lymphaticus, 1.
Suffocation (various forms), 3; injury at birth, 1.
Murder (4).
New-born infants, 2 ; adult women, 2.
Suicide (20).
By poison, 8 (coal-gas, 3 : cyanide of potassium, 2; hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid,
narcotic poisoning, 1 each).
By firearms, 3; by cut throat, 2 ; by drowning, 2; by jumping from window (train), 2.
By hanging, under motor 'bus, scissors, 1 each.
Neglect (11).
All deaths entered to diseases, alcohol being returned as the primary cause in 6 instances.
The deaths included one of an infant (æt. 8 months) from diarrhoea.