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43
WEST BATTERSEA.
The year under report was marked by a greater
number of deaths than its predecessor, consequently the
death rate is raised exactly 1.0 per 1,000, but though the
deaths have increased by 76 it is gratifying to observe
that the increase is in those classes of disease over which
we as sanitarians have little or no direct control; indeed,
in such diseases of the zymotic class, there is a decrease
of 17 as compared with those of the previous year.
Doubtless the stability of the low death-rate from this
class of disease for some years past indicates that the
improved sanitary arrangements are telling upon the
general health of the people, and is some recompense to
the Board for the great efforts constantly being put
forth and the expense incurred.
Those diseases of the preventative class which have
been most fatal, are Measles, Whooping-cough, and
Diarrhœa—no less than 196 under five years of age
being returned out of a total of 234. It would be well
if parents would take more care of their children whilst
suffering from the former disease, for in every case
Lung complication—to which they are at that time
particularly susceptible—is given as the cause of death.
Diarrhœa was not nearly so severe as in former years,
which may in some measure be accounted for by the
low temperature which prevailed during the summer
months, it attained its greatest fatality in the month of
August, and was almost entirely confined to young
children.