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dying in consequence of childbirth. These rates compare favourably
with those for England and Wales, as does the Infant Mortality
Rate which is very slightly higher than the previous year.
The Birth Rate is higher than the previous year but is lower
than that for England and Wales.
When we look at the causes of death it is noticed that there
is a slight decrease in the number of deaths from Cancer, including
a reduction from 58 to 51 deaths from Cancer of the Lungs, but
caution in assessing the significance of one year's figures is required.
On the other hand there was a slight increase in the number
of deaths from heart disease.
It is difficult to know whether propaganda in regard to Home
Accidents is having effect, but there was a significant decrease in
numbers of fatal home accidents during the year. On the other
hand, in spite of large-scale propaganda, there was an increase in
the number of fatal road accidents, and although road accidents
may not strictly be considered a public health matter, I feel impelled
to repeat my impression that much could be achieved by
eliminating haste, selfishness, impatience and downright bad
manners on the part of all categories of road users.
In conclusion I would like to express my appreciation of the
services of the staff of the Health Department during the year.
William D. Hyde,
Medical Officer of Health.