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Deaths - The number of deaths recorded in 1951 is
556 compared with 491 for 1950. This makes a Death
Rate of 13.93 for 1951 compared with 11.73 for 1950.
The excess of births over deaths was 18 compared
with 128 for the previous year. This reflects to
some extent the fact that whereas the older people
stay in their existing homes for the remainder of
their lives, many of the younger, child producing
population, are being rehoused elsewhere outside the
Borough.
The number of deaths of infants under 1 year of
age in 1951 is 14, which gives an Infant Mortality
Rate, per 1,000 live births of 24.39 compared with
19 infant deaths and a rate of 30.69 for 1950.
The Causes of Death - The main conditions causing
death as recorded in the table for 1951 are Heart
Disease - 173; Cancer - 80; and Vascular Lesions
of the Nervous System - 68.
Housing - The insistent need for additional
housing accommodation continues to be a problem
occupying much energy and attention of the Council.
During the year under review a contribution to the
public health was made by the completion of sixty one
housing units, 80% of which had to be constructed
outside the Borough.
As each year passes the need mentioned in my last
Report for modified housing for elderly people who
can maintain themselves in comparative independence
increases in urgency.
I wish to record my appreciation of the help given me
by my colleagues in all departments and especially of the
public health department.
In particular I must make mention of Mr. H.T. Perry,
O.B.E., Chief Sanitary Inspector. This Report deals with
the year 1951, which is the last full year of Mr. Perry's
service, and by the time it is published Mr. Perry will
have entered his retirement.
He is to be congratulated on completing an unusually
long period of thirty-four years service with the Corporation
during which time many and far reaching changes affecting the
public health of Kingston have taken place.
With our thanks to him for the part he has played in
this we add our good wishes that he enjoy a long and happy
retirement.
I respectfully acknowledge the support and
encouragement of the Chairman and Members of the Public
Health Committee and the Worshipful the Mayor, Members and
Aldermen of the Council.
I have tbs honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J.W. STARKEY.
Medical Officer of Health.