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on increasing in the same ratio as we did during the last intercensal
period, which is generally conceded amongst those on the
spot, and who are therefore the better able to judge to be an
erroneous assumption in our case. It is most difficult, however,
to form an accurate estimate, and every year that elapses after the
census year increases the difficulty. From a statistical point of
view a quinquennial census is much to be desired.
BIRTHS.
Three thousand and seventy-one births were registered during
the year. Of these, 1,611 were males and 1,460 females, giving
a birth-rate of 25.3. The birth-rate for England and Wales was
26.5, and 27 0 for the 76 great towns. Our birth-rate for 1907
was 26.6, and for 1906 was 30.9, but in 1906, I am of opinion that
the population was underestimated, and therefore led to a somewhat
higher rate than that to which we were strictly entitled. The
number of illegitimate births was 46. These are included in the
totals.
DEATHS.
One thousand one hundred and eighty-five deaths occurred
during the year, of which 573 were those of males and 612 those of
females. Our death-rate therefore was 9'8. In 1907 it was 10.6,
and in 1906 it was 12.2, but in the latter case the difference in the
estimate of population has again to be considered.
The death-rate for England and Wales for 1908 was 14.7, and
for the 76 great towns 14.9.