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14
POPULATION.
The Registrar General's estimate of the total population of the
Urban District, mid year 1958, was 88,540 which shows an increase
of 750 over the figure for the previous year. The population figure
gives a density of 9-9 persons to the acre.
The natural increase of population, measured by excess of
births over deaths was 586.
This increase continues the healthy trend noted in previous
years, which is illustrated in the following figures showing the
growth of the population during the last decade.
Year. Population.
1949 73,850
1950 80,040
1951 85,150
1952 85,130
1953 85,290
1954 85,830
1955 86,870
1956 87,300
1957 87,790
1958 88,540
BIRTHS.
The birth rate for the year 1958, was 15.2 per 1,000 total
population, the adjusted rate for comparison with other areas
being 14.7.
The rate of 15.2 is 1.2 higher than that for 1957, but is lower
than the rate of 16.4 for England and Wales as a whole.
One thousand, three hundred and forty-two live births were
registered in the Urban District during the year, as against 1,227
in 1957.
The illegitimate birth rate was 40.9 per 1,000 live and still
births, there being 54 illegitimate live births, 32 of which were males
and 22 females.
Twenty-seven stillbirths were registered, giving a rate of 0.3
per 1,000 estimated total population and 19.72 per 1,000 live and
still births. Twelve of the stillbirths were males and 15 females.
DEATHS.
Seven hundred and fifty-six deaths appertaining to the Urban
District were registered during 1958, giving a Death rate of 8.5 per
1,000 total population. The adjusted rate for use when comparing
one area with another is 11 1. The rate for England and Wales
as a whole is 11.7.