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7
I am at present unable to offer any explanation of this. The
age and sex distribution of the Beckton and North Woolwich
Ward may be more favourable to a high death-rate, but this
cannot be the sole explanation.
The Death-rate of the Beckton and North Woolwich Ward
is also remarkable from another point of view. The number of
cases of Infectious Disease notified in proportion to population
was the lowest in the Borough, and yet the death-rate from the
seven principal zymotic diseases was the highest, in fact, was more
than twice as great as that of the Borough as a whole.
This also is difficult to explain. It is impossible to assume
that the type of disease was in every case more severe. Is the
physique and condition of the population worse in this Ward than
in any other, or is there more poverty and want of food, and
therefore lowered resistance to disease? These questions are
important, and will receive my attention, for if this marked
difference is maintained in future years, it merits investigation.
UNCERTIFIED DEATHS.
Only 3 were recorded during the year, as compared with 6
in 1904.
The following causes of death were given by the Registrars :
Chronic Bronchitis Female, 70 years.
Consumption Female, 31 years.
Epilepsy Male, 18 years.
This reduced number is satisfactory, though I am of opinion
there should be no uncertified deaths. If a medical certificate
cannot be obtained an inquest should be held, otherwise there is
certainly a risk, sooner or later, of a case of homicide escaping
detection.
INFANTILE MORTALITY.
This is measured by the proportion of deaths under one year
of age to 1000 births.