View report page

10
an increase upon the previous 3 years, and is exceeded by
only one year (1870) in the series. Croup, Metria and
Fevers were also somewhat above the average.

Non-Zymotic Diseases.—The fatality from diseases of
the respiratory organs is the great feature of the annual
mortality. No less than 891 deaths were ascribed to lung
diseases, not including Phthisis, which is placed among
Tubercular diseases, and which must constitute nearly
two-thirds of the deaths under that sub-class. Probably,
at least 1,200 deaths, or more than a third of the entire
mortality of the district, is due to diseases of the Lung.
This heavy loss of life was, no doubt, due to the intense
cold of the winter, both at the beginning and end of the
year ; and to the amount of rain which prevailed during
the entire year. Diseases of the Tubercular class did not
exceed the average, and it is probable that deaths from
Phthisis were not in excess. The mortality was due to
what might be called the accidental forms of lung disease,
Bronchitis—Congestion—Pneumonia, &c.
There is nothing specially noteworthy regarding any
other sub-class.
Mortality According to Age.—As we had to remark
last year, the increase of late years has been confined to
the extremes of life; especially amongst children from 1