View report page

80 mortality in childhood.
were higher last year than in 1912, but except at ages 3.6 months (nearly 39 per cent. increase),
none of the increases were large. In comparison with the averages, the group 3-6 months was
the only one with an increased rate (21 per cent. increase).

As already intimated, there were considerable increases in the mortality among males from
the "Diarrhœal Diseases" and "Other Causes" (which latter include the respiratory diseases).
The former group of diseases gave rise to a mortality 25 per cent. higher than the average,
although the latter includes the year 1911 when diarrhoea was exceptionally prevalent. The
lower rates from "Common Infectious Diseases" and "Developmental Diseases" may be
described as very satisfactory. To set off against such reductions there were increases in the
mortality among females from those two groups of causes, which are the only two of the female
rates with increases. The increase in mortality from "Developmental Diseases" is somewhat
remarkable, as females are usually less liable to death from such causes than are males.

Hopeless Births.— This term has been introduced to designate births which are registered at
the same time as, or subsequently to, the deaths of the children. Last year 80 such instances were
noted in the local returns, as compared with 88 in 1912 and 101 in 1911. Last year's total
included three deaths (one male and two females) of non-resident children. In Table 44 will be
found an analysis of the causes of death in the instances noted last year, together with a
comparison of the various totals for the two years 1912 and 1913. It will be noticed that the
number of these births in females was the same in the two years, the reduction (8) being
exclusively among males, and, further, was due to the reduction in the number of deaths due to
the "Developmental Diseases" (upper section of the Table). Nearly one-half of the 80 cases
were noted in the first quarter of the year.
Seven of the deaths were recorded in institutions, viz., 3 each at the Workhouse and
Infirmary, and 1 at St. Mary's Hospital. Seven of the children were illegitimate, and 8 of the 80
were the products of twin births, including 3 complete twins and 2 who were one of twins.
Inquests were held with reference to 7 of the deaths.
The 4 deaths from "Congenital Defects" comprised 2 from congenital malformation of the
heart, and 1 each of the spine and digestive organs. The deaths during the first twenty-four
hours of life were distributed as here set out.