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Deaths registered in 1963 numbered 1,114 (16.55 per 1,000) compared with 1,135 (16.67 per 1,000)
in 1962. The rate of 16.55 when standardized by the comparability factor gives a figure of 12.25;
the rates for the County of London and for England and Wales were 13.1 and 12.2 respectively.
The principal causes of death continued to be diseases of the heart and circulatory system, which
accounted for 42 per cent. of the total; malignant diseases 18 per cent.; and respiratory diseases,
including tuberculosis, 13 per cent. Deaths from lung cancer, compared with the previous year,
rose from 42 to 53. Nine deaths were attributed to influenza. Seventy per cent. of the deaths registered
were of persons aged 65 and over, whilst 23 per cent. were between 45 and 64 years.
Accidental Deaths.
During the year, 24 residents died from accidents of all kinds, two less than last year. Motor vehicle
accidents accounted for seven deaths as compared with six in 1962.
Road Accidents.
The St. Marylebone Road Safety Committee, which was set up in 1946 to advise the Council as to
the activities which should be undertaken locally in an effort to secure a reduction in the number of
accidents occurring on the roads, consists of members of the Council and representatives of outside
organisations with interests in this field of local government activity.
In April, 1961, the Council appointed a Road Safety Officer whose duties include acting as a liaison
between the Council and local organisations. The close personal contacts which have been established
are valuable in ensuring that the road safety message is fully brought home to those to whom
particular propaganda is directed. Three matters which receive special attention are: (i) active
participation in the National Proficiency Scheme for Child Cyclists, which is particularly commended
by the Minister of Transport; (ii) the arrangement of visits by school children, youth clubs and other
local organisations to RoSPA House, to which the Borough Council contributes £594 per annum;
(iii) regular visits to Old People's Clubs.
The number of local road accidents, reported as 949, was less than in the previous year (956) and
there were 3 deaths as against 6 in 1962. There were 133 (136) serious injuries and 1,021 (1,092)
slight injuries. The figures in brackets relate to 1962, and a summary of the 1963 accidents is given
in Table 4, page 32.
Births.
The total of live births registered during the year was 776 (380 males; 396 females), giving a live
birth rate of 11.53 per 1,000 of population, equivalent to a standardized rate of 8.76, the comparable
figure for the County of London being 17.2 and for England and Wales 18.2.
Illegitimate live births numbered 80 (40 males; 40 females), representing 10.31 per cent. of the total
live births, compared with 14.1 per cent. for the County of London.
Stillbirths totalled 10, representing a rate of 12.72 per 1,000 total births, compared with 16.6 for
the County of London and 18.1 for England and Wales.
Infant Mortality.
Deaths of infants under one year totalled 14 (10 legitimate; 4 illegitimate), giving a rate of 18.04
per 1,000 live births, as compared with 22.22 in 1962. The rate for England and Wales is 21.6 per
1,000 and 21.0 for the County of London.
Details showing causes of death according to age group and sex are given in Table 2, page 30.
Of the 14 infant deaths, 12 were under four weeks old, giving a neo-natal mortality rate of 15.46
per 1,000 live births, as compared with 15.69 in 1962. The neo-natal mortality rate for England and
Wales was 15.1, and for the County of London 15.2. The early neo-natal mortality rate (deaths
under one week per 1,000 total live births) was 12.89 (England and Wales 13.4; County of London
13.0) and the peri-natal mortality rate (stillbirths and deaths under one week combined per 1,000
total live and stillbirths) was 25.45 (England and Wales 30.8); County of London 29.8).
Maternal Mortality.
One maternal death was reported during the year. This was of a married woman aged 30 years
who died in hospital, the cause of death being given as obstetric shock from pregnancy.
Weather.
The following summary of the weather during 1963, and Table 3, page 31, are based upon
information supplied by the Meteorological Office:—