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11
Sickness and Mortality among the Union Poor.—
The important details in regard to this subject will be
found in Table V., Appendix. The rate of mortality is
nearly 5.0 per cent.
Inquests.— The Inquests held during the year
numbered 151, viz:— 81 in Battersea; 29 in
Wandsworth; 17 in Clapham, and 12 each in
Streatham and Putney. The Verdicts may be
grouped as follows:—
I. Accident 56
II. Natural 65
III. Suicide 21
IV. Unknown 6
V. Murder and Manslaughter 3
This constitutes 4.2 per cent. of the total deaths.
Uncertified Deaths, &c.—This very unsatisfactory
class of deaths numbered 78; viz.: 54 in Battersea,* 12 in
Clapham, 7 in Streatham, 3 in Wandsworth, and 2 in
Putney. In many cases the deaths are referred to the
Coroner and certified by his direction, but in others the
body is buried without any inquiry as to the cause of
death (sec Summary for Battersea East, page 22). This
is surely a serious evasion of the Registration Act, and a
danger to life, especially of illegitimate children.
Sanitation.—A Summary of the Sanitary operations
of the District will be found in Table VI., Appendix.
There is no comment necessary upon the information
there given.
*In Battersea 12 of these certificates, however, were given by a qualified medical
practitioner, whose name was temporarily removed from the Medical Register, owing
to a change of abode without notice to the Registrar of the Medical Council.