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The birth-rate for England and Wales is 26.3. With
the exception of France this is the lowest recorded in any
other European country. That of Russia is 48.7, Austria
36.4, Germany 35.2. This is very serious reading, and
must raise feelings of uneasiness and regret in the minds
of all patriotic inhabitants of this kingdom. Are we, as
a nation, drifting into the unnatural practices of some
Continental nations, thinking only of luxury and selfishness,
and neglecting our duty to the country and the State!
May the people of England awake to their duty in this
matter before it is too late. I should like to see the
Government showing its appreciation of those who do
their duty to the State in this matter, by giving a reduction
in taxation, say to all those with families of six and
upwards.
DEATHS.
The number of these registered in the district during
1907 was 78. The death-rate, therefore, calculated on
the estimated population and number of deaths in the
district is 6.8 per 1,000 living.
Unfortunately, there were a large number of deaths
of residents occurring outside the district, in Hospitals.
Asylums, and other Public Institutions. These total 17
in number, and must be added to the others in order to
arrive at the net't death-rate at all ages belonging to the
district. This increases the total number of deaths to 95,
producing a final nett death-rate of 8.3 per 1,000 living.
There is now much greater accuracy in furnishing the
number and particulars of outside deaths than formerly,
owing to the efforts of the Comity Medical Officer of
Health. This tends to increase the rate as compared with
those of previous years, but affords greater accuracy in
compiling the returns.
The total deaths exceed those of last year by 10.
Sixteen people died at the age of 70 and over. Four
were 80 years of age and one had reached the venerable
age of 88. There were also 2 fatal accidents, 1 suicide,
and 1 death from the rare disease, Tetanus. The deaths
from Cancer or Malignant Disease reached the comparatively
large number of 6. There have consequently been