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2
The birth rate remains stationary, but the population, as computed
by the Registrar-General, has again fallen by 3,900 persons.
The death rate of 13.1 per 1,000 persons is a slight increase on that
of the previous year, which was 12.4. The chief causes were Heart
Diseases, 549 deaths; Cancer, 309 deaths; Pneumonia, 161 deaths;
Tuberculosis, 135 deaths; all of which, with the exception of Tuberculosis,
show an increase on the previous year.
Infant deaths numbered 134, giving an Infant Mortality rate of
59 per 1,000 births, the lowest recorded since 1930. The late for 1935
was 66 per 1,000 births.
The Maternal Mortality rate of 1.7 per 1,000 births (live and still)
is a distinct improvement on previous years and extremely encouraging.
The same rate for the country as a whole is 3.8. Whilst the Council
may congratulate themselves on this result, they must, nevertheless,
still press on and spare nothing to improve the lot of the expectant mother,
and the conditions under which she is confined, in an endeavour to make
maternal deaths calamities of the past.
Infectious Diseases, with the exception of Measles, were comparatively
few.
It is gratifying to note that the ' 'Measles scheme,'' put into operation
each "Measle year," is having the desired effect, and that the mortality
of young children from this disease is slowly but surely lieing reduced.
It is hoped that, before long, a similar scheme will be in operation
in regard to cases of Whooping Cough, and that similar results will
be obtained.
Once again I desire to place on record my appreciation of the good
will shown to me by the Chairmen and Members of the Committees on
which I serve, and also of the ever willing advice and assistance rendered
to me by the Chief Officers of the Council and by every member of my
Staff.
I am,
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
W. STOTT.