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STATISTICS
The population figure shows a further small increase to 69,330 being the highest
since 1957 when the Registrar-General's mid-year estimate was 69,380.
The live birth rate per 1,000 population of 16.2 for 1962 and 16.0 for 1963 were
the highest since 1947 and are consistent with the provisional figure for England and
Wales for 1963 of 18.2, also the highest since 1947.
The provisional figure of 20.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births for England and
Wales was the lowest ever recorded in this country. The figure for Finchley was
16.3. Unfortunately, however, the highly significant perinatal mortality rate has risen
this year to 23.1 but it is some consolation that the figure is below the provisional
figure of 29.3 for the country as a whole. The fact that this rate has been falling in
England and Wales over past years has caused some satisfaction, but when it is related
to that of other countries with comparable living standards there is little cause for
satisfaction. In one list of 18 countries, only five had worse rates than England and
Wales. Reports(1) published recently will, I believe, be largely instrumental in
bringing about the much needed improvement in the maternity services.
The increase in the total number of deaths was largely due to a rise in the number
of deaths caused by coronary heart disease 192 (168 in 1962), cancer of the lung 45
(36 in 1962) and pneumonia 66 (47 in 1962). The increase in the number of deaths
ascribed to coronary heart disease and lung cancer follows the national trend. It seems
to be the price we have to pay for our modern civilization and like many another price
subject to inflation. The prolonged severe wintry conditions of the beginning of the year
may have had some influence on the increased number of deaths from pneumonia.
Perhaps another sorry reflection on our civilization, our affluent society, is the
increase in the number of deaths by suicide. This subject, I am glad to say, is receiving
more and more attention in the way of investigation and prevention by both statutory
and voluntary agencies.
The number of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents was 5 compared to 8 in 1962.
This figure, supplied by the Registrar-General, refers to Finchley residents only regardless
of place of death, and therefore does not agree with the figure of 7 provided by
the Road Safety Organiser.
Contrary to the national trend, road accidents and casualties in Finchley decreased
in 1963 despite the increased intensity of motor vehicle traffic. The figures of 412
road accidents and 540 casualties represent a reduction of approximately 6% and
2% respectively on the 1962 figures.
It is pleasing to report a continued reduction in the number of casualites in the
motor cyclist group and the considerable decrease in the number of school children
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