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Class 1. Zymotic (epidemic, endemic, contagious) constitutes
as usual by far the greater portion of the
causes of death, forming nearly one fourth of the whole.
The next most fatal class in the table is that of diseases of
the Brain and Nervous System, but, as has been explained
in previous reports, it becomes necessary, in consequence
of the undue augmentation of this class of diseases by the
mortality of the Surrey County Lunatic Asylum, to
eliminate such class from a consideration of the causation
of mortality proper to this Parish. Diseases of the organs
of respiration come next in order of fatality, forming
upwards of 14 per cent, and then the Tubercular class,
which includes Consumption, forming 12½ per cent. Consumption
alone, which was as usual the most fatal of any
single disease, formed over 10 per cent., which is considerably
above the average. Diseases of the Heart
and Diseases of the Digestive organs formed 5 per
cent. respectively. The other classes do not present
any deviation from their usual average requiring comment.
Upwards of 19 per cent of all deaths occurred to children
under the first year of age; 34 per cent. to children under
5 years of age; and upwards of 40 per cent. occurred under
20 years. Eighteen deaths are registered as the result of
old age, but no less than 53 took place above the age of
70; viz., from 70—75 twenty-four ; from 75—80 sixteen;
from 80—85 five; and from 85—90 eight.
An examination of the deaths in relation to social position,
shews that upwards of 81 per cent. of all deaths
occurred amongst the labouring classes, and of the deaths
from epidemic diseases, upwards of 84 per cent. took place
amongst them.
The unusually large number of 36 inquests were held
during the year. Twelve deaths resulted from violence, 6
of which were accidental, 5 suicidal, and 1 homicidal. In
8 instances, the cause of death was not certified by
medical testimony, The absence of such testimony, it