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higher than usual, and is to be attributed to the large
decrease in the number of births, and to an increase in
the number of deaths due to congenital defects.
Births.
These numbered 323, against 403 in 1914, giving a
birth-rate of 20.6 (on an estimated population of 15,735),
increased to 21.0 when allowing for absentees; this rate
is further increased to 24.4 if the Registrar-General's estimate
of 13,238 is used. The illegitimate births numbered
8, an increase of 7.6 above the average for the last five
years.
Infectious Diseases.
These numbered 96 against 105 for 1914. There
was a marked decrease in Scarlet Fever, but this was
counterbalanced by an increase in Diphtheria.
In concluding this Repprt, I wish to thank Mr. Albert
Harman, the Sanitary Inspector, for his assistance in the
preparation of the Statistics, and have pleasurle in expressing
to the Members of the Council my appreciation
of their unfailing courtesy and assistance during the past
year.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. A. Spreat,
Medical Officer of Health.