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12
SUICIDES IN THE BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON
In previous years Councillors have expressed their concern at
the high number of deaths from suicide which occur each year in the
Borough. An attempt has been made in the following tables to
analyse these figures. Nevertheless it must at once be pointed out
that, although a period of five years has been taken, the population
under review is small and the figures therefore are subject to considerable
variation.
The points of interest which would appear to emerge
include:—
1. Over the five years nearly twice as many males as females
died by suicide.
2. Only 43 per cent. of the females committing suicide were
married (cf. 54 per cent. of females over 15 years are married).
3. The age group 25-44 years was responsible for no less than
73 deaths by suicide over the five years.
4. Coal gas poisoning was by far the most common means of
suicide.
5. The wards responsible for most of the suicides were Lancaster
Gate, Maida Vale and Hyde Park, whilst in reverse Queen's
Park, Town and Readings were least affected.
In this context alone it is encouraging to report the passing
of the Mental Health Act, 1959, which is " to make fresh provision
with respect to the treatment and care of mentally disordered
persons."

The marital state of males is not shown on the RegistrarGeneral's
returns.