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13
Social Position of the Deceased.— Nothing of importance
is to be noted with regard to the class division of the
mortality statistics. The proportions were as follow:—
Nobility and Gentry 2.5 per cent.
Professional Class 6.2 „
Middle Class 18.2 „
Industrial Class 73.1 „
100.0
Sickness, &c., among the Union Poor.— All that is to
be said on this subject may be seen by a glance at Table V.
in the Appendix. Of the 2673 cases, 107, or 4 per cent.,
were fatal. This shows a reduction upon the mortality of
the last six years among the poor.
Inquests, &c.— During the past year 140 inquests
were held. The verdicts were as follow:—
I. Accidental 65
II. Natural 60
III. Suicidal 9
IV. Manslaughter 1
V. Doubtful 5
140
The proportion of inquests to the total mortality is
nearly 5 per cent. No less than 47 deaths—twice the
number recorded last year—were registered as uncertified.
Now if the Register of Deaths were a mere chronicle
of the causes of death we would look upon this as highly
unsatisfactory; but when we remember that that register
forms one of the very strongest barriers to crime, we cannot
but regard this as tending to diminish to an alarming
extent its protective value. Over none of these 47 deaths
was an inquest held, the Coroner, it is presumed, for
reasons of his own, judging a public inquiry unnecessary.
We believe that were the Coroner obliged to hold an
inquiry over every case of unattested death, such cases