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The largest number of deaths was due to measles, to which 39 were ascribed.
This figure compares very favourably with that for 1911, viz., 64. Whooping cough
was responsible for 15 and scarlet fever for 11.
The figures for the other diseases will be found in Table III (p. 106) and in
dealing with the individual infectious diseases, some comment will be made with
regard to each.
Phthisis and Other Tubercular Diseases.
The diseases included under this heading are phthisis, tubercular meningitis,
general tuberculosis, tabes mesenterica, and all conditions due to the germ of
consumption.
The total deaths numbered 184, 29 less than in 1911, but 13 more than in 1910,
when the total was 169, and the smallest since 1905.
Of the 184, no fewer than 149 were due to phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis or
consumption of the lungs). This figure though large is considerably smaller than
that for 1911, when 172 deaths were certified to be due to this condition. In 1910,
the total was 133.
Of the total number of deaths registered (1,635), the percentage due to
phthisis was 8'5. The age periods at which the deaths occurred were : 2-5 years, 1
(0'6 per cent.); 5-15, 4 (2'6 per cent.); 15-25, 14 (9"3 per cent.); 25-45, 73 (49 per
cent.); 45-65, 50 (33 per cent.); 65 and over, 7 (4'6 per cent.). Below the age of
2 years no deaths were certified as having occurred.
The fact that the majority of the deaths occurred between the ages of 25 and 45
is noteworthy. It is largely because of its tendency to destroy men and women
when they are in their prime that consumption is regarded so seriously and that such
active measures in the direction of prevention are being taken.
Further reference is made to this subject in the section relating to phthisis.
The following table is interesting as it shows that the steady fall in the number
of deaths from tubercular diseases which commenced in 1905 and which was
interrupted by a slight rise in 1911, has again been resumed. Having regard to the
special measures which have been adopted to combat these diseases, there is every
reason to suppose that it will be continued.