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DEATHS
The number of deaths registered during 1960 as belonging
to this District was 884 (357 males and 527 females), a decrease
of 43 compared with the previous year. Of this total 291 deaths
(69 males and 222 females) occurred in the mental hospitals. The
uncorrected death rate was 12.5, but the corrected death rate
which allows for the high proportion of deaths occurring in the
mental hospitals is 9.0 which compares with the rate of 11.5 for
England and Wales.
In order that a more accurate comparison can be made, the
records in respect of normal residents have been kept separate
from those of mental hospital patients and a full list of the causes
of deaths and the ages at which they occurred is given in Tables
III and IV.
The principal causes of death during 1960 are shown in the
following table:—

HEART AND CIRCULATORY DISEASE
Among the ordinary residents the death rate from heart and
circulatory disease was 3.27 compared with an average of 3.85
in the preceding five years.
CANCER
The number of deaths from malignant neoplasms in the
general population was 130. Twenty four of these, i.e. 18% were
due to malignant neoplasm (cancer) of the lung. This is to a large
extent a preventable condition as it has been shown to be associated
with prolonged and heavy cigarette smoking and, to a lesser extent,
atmospheric pollution.
Young people should be told of the serious risk associated
with cigarette smoking before they get the habit.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Seven deaths were due to this cause. Motor cycle and moped
drivers have become aware of the risk they run and the majority
of them wear crash helmets.
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