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6
BIRTHS.
During the year 560 live births were registered, this
being 55 less than last year's total. The rate per 1,000
was 14.5 compared with an average of 14.6 for England
and Wales.
Of the total number 13 or 2.3 per cent, were
illegitimate.
DEATHS.
During the year 444 deaths were registered, being
92 more than in 1939.
Two hundred and sixteen deaths were registered in
the district and two hundred and twenty-eight in institutions
and other districts.
The death rate per 1,000 population was 12.6 compared
with the average of 14.3 for England and Wales.
This marked increase over the rate for recent years
is mainly accounted for by a larger number of deaths from
violence, respiratory tuberculosis, and bronchitis. Apart
from war conditions it is possible that exceptionally severe
weather conditions in the early part of the yea,r may have
influenced the death rate from respiratory conditions.
The infantile mortality rate was 43.7 per 1,000 live
births and compares with 55.0 for the average of England
and Wales.
Three deaths occurred in illegitimate children under
one year of age. The death rate among illegitimate children
in their first year remains unduly high.