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from these figures. It is obvious, however, that there is still
a need for earlier diagnosis and the reference to the family
Doctor of any suspicious symptoms, this being the only way to a
cure if the diagnosis is confirmed} or to peace of mind if false
alarm has been caused.
Violence.
Violence, including Suicide, was the third highest
cause of death in the District during 1944, with no less than 68
deaths so classified. The Death Rate from this cause was 135
per 100,000 of population, compared with 42, 40, 75, 118 and 49
in the preceding war years.
The chief cause of death was, of course, enemy action,
50 local residents being killed in this way in 1944. Of these
3 died indirectly through enemy action, 9 from ordinary bombing,
36 from V.l attack and 2 owing to a V.2.
Only 4 deaths resulted from road accidents
(3 pedestrian and 1 cyclist), compared with 4, 2, 4, 4 and 8 in
the preceding war years.
The Death Rate from Suicide continued to decline,
the rate from 4 deaths attributed to this cause being 8 per
100,000 compared with 9, 10, 17, 11 and 14 in the 5 preceding
years.
Maternal Mortality.
There were 2 deaths associated with childbirth during
1944, the Maternal Mortality Rate being 2.21 per thousand total
births as compared with 1.07, 1.10 and 1.68 in the preceding 3
years. The corresponding rates for England and Wales were 1.93,
2.29, 2.01 and 2.23. After several years during which the local
Rate was below the average it is not surprising that a rise should
occur, especially when one extra death can affect the percentage
so greatly. It is no less regrettable that these Deaths should
have occurred, particularly as it could reasonably have been hoped.
that both deaths would have been avoided, considering the actual
causes.
Infantile Mortality.
The number of deaths occurring in children under one
year of age was 28, as compared with 32 last year. Only 5 of
these deaths occurred among female babies. One of the deaths was
in an illegitimate child.
The Infantile Mortality Rate was thus 33 per thousand
registered births, which is the lowest rate experienced in this
District for 10 years. Last year it was 36, while in the three
preceding years it was 45, 52 and 37. The low rate is all the
more commendable after 5 years of war.
The Infantile Mortality Rate for England and wales in
1938 was the lowest experienced to date, viz. 46 compared with
49, 49 and 59 for the preceding 3 years.
The neo-natal mortality rate (i.e. deaths in the first
month per thousand live births) was only 18, this being the
lowest rate noted locally and a tribute to the midwifery ???
and care of very young babies in the District. In the last 3
years this rate was 23, 31 and 36.
There was a welcome reduction in the number of deaths
from all the chief causes except Whooping Cough, which caused the
deaths of two children. This and other infections caused one
third of the deaths under 1 year, hence there is good hope of
improvement by greater care being taken to avoid infection at an
early age, especially from the commoner diseases, including the
"common cold".