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22
Comparing the years 1903-4 with 1909-10, it is seen that
in the latter period there were fewer deaths at each of the
nine age periods under fifty-five, with two exceptions. At
all the periods over fifty-five there were more deaths in
1909-10 than in 1903-4. As the population has increased,
an increase at most age periods was to be expected. Owing
to the fall of the birth rate, the population under five years
has probably slightly decreased, but not enough to invalidate
the conclusion that there has been a remarkable saving of
life at all ages under fifty-five.
It is also seen that whereas in 1909-10 there were fewer
deaths from respiratory diseases than in 1903-4, there were
more from diseases of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys,
viz., the diseases belonging specially to advanced ages.
Table 4 shows that there was a decrease of deaths in 1910
compared with 1909, under most heads. Two diseases have
been added to this Table, viz., Aneurism and Appendicitis.
The former will be referred to under Syphilis (see paragraph
93).
Appendicitis has come into prominence of late years and is
probably increasing. If so, the cause of such increase is to
be looked for probably under the habits of civilisation, and
especially those connected with diet. Constipation, excessive
meat eating, and irritation by such substances as metal from
flour mill rollers have all been suggested as a probable cause.
There were only three deaths from this cause in 1910, but
these represent a number of persons who were ill, and
recovered with or without operation.
It appears then that more persons are surmounting the
perils of childhood, and the diseases which affect early adult