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28
[1908
DEATHS.
In 1908 there were 4,679 deaths registered in the Borough, of which
2,348 were those of males, and 2,331 of females.
Death-rate—These 4,679 deaths were equal to a mortality of 13.15
in every 1,000 persons living in the Borough, while the death-rate among
men was 13.88, and among females 12.48.
Contrast with previous records. — It is, indeed, very gratifying
to be able to record such a low death-rate in so large, so mixed, and
so congested a population; for it proclaims loudly that the general sanitary
state of the district must be generally good. Were it not so, there would
not be such a good tale to tell, even though as was most certainly the case,
the meteorological conditions were most favourable to the preservation of
human life, and especially to life during its first year.
The death-rate of 13.15 per 1,000 is the lowest recorded in the Borough
since civil registration was enforced in 1841, as the figures in Table Y, in
Appendix, will prove.
Coming down the years, there is no death-rate in this return which
even approaches that of last year until 1903 is reached, when it was 14 27
per 1,000, since which year it has been low, but never within
1.25 of the rate of 1908. This may not seem much of a difference
between death-rates, but when translated into figures it means
436 lives. How great the saving of lives was, when comparison is made with
those periods in which the death-rates were higher, may be learned from the
fact that if the death-rate had been the same as in the decennial period
1841-5 there would have been 673 more deaths recorded last year; if the same
as in 1851-60 748 more; if the same as in 1861-70 860 more; if the same
as in 1871-80 712 more; if the same as in 1881-90 649 more; and if the same
as in 1891-1900 618 more deaths. These facts ought to be pondered on,
and they are indeed worthy of serious thought, because they show what
battalions of human beings are being saved year after year by steady
sanitary administration, and in a lesser degree by education, among the
classes, although not so much among the working classes as one could wish
or suppose, notwithstanding the rate-aided or rate-supported schools. There
is no question that the better conditions which prevail among the working
classes have worked for good with them, for higher wages have enabled