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5
The deaths, tabulated in the usual Forms, as required
by the Local Government Board, are to be
found at the end of this Report.
Diseases of the respiratory organs (exclusive of
phthisis) caused 80 deaths, an increase of 27 on the
previous year.
Diseases of the circulatory organs resulted in 40
deaths, showing an increase of two on that of the
preceding year.
Phthisis and Tuberculosis.
34 deaths were registered from this disease, an
increase of three on the year 1897.
Quoting from the "Harben Lectures," Sir
Thorne Thorne, states "That there is abundant
statistical evidence at any rate since 1857, when civil
registration of deaths was instituted of a general and
progressive reduction in the mortality from all forms
of tuberculosis, and at all ages with one very important
exception." The exception he referred to being
that of children under a year, who are specially liable
to a form of this disease known as tabes mesenterica.
The reduction in the mortality from tuberculosis
generally, has partly resulted from improved social
conditions, such as ventilation of houses and factories,
also demolition of insanitary dwellings. Dampness
of sites which is a frequent cause of this form of
disease has been considerably reduced since the construction
of sewers and drains.
On the other hand, the explanation of the increase
in tabes mesenterica is doubtless due to the bacillus
which is frequently found in the milk supply. Cows