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7
full seriousness of this problem has not yet been grasped
by the people. One very serious fact in the study of this
subject is that the increase of population is due to the
proportionately larger number of births amongst the
poorer sections of the community, who of course have
not the means of training and rearing their children
satisfactorily.
DEATHS.
The number of deaths, including those of residents
dying outside the district, during 1908 was 92. This is
3 less than the total for 1907. The Death-rate therefore
works out at 7.8 per 1000 living, which is extremely
satisfactory, and the lowest we have yet had to record.
Twelve persons died at the age of 75 and over. Six died
over 80 years of age. One venerable dame died in
December at the advanced age of 107. Four infants
died in September from Zymotic Diarrhœa.
There were 24 deaths in the March quarter
17 „ June
„ 26 „ September „
„ 25 „ December „
Distribution of Deaths according to age :—
Under 1 year 27
Over 1 year and under 5 8
Over 5 years and under 15 1
Over 15 „ 25 4
Over 25 „ 65 27
65 years and over 25
Deaths specified as to cause —
Whooping Cough 2
Epidemic Influenza 5
Diarrhoea 5
Enteritis 2
Phthisis (Pulmonary Consumption) 9
Other Tubercular Diseases 4
Cancer (Malignant Disease) 7
Bronchitis
Pneumonia 14
Alcoholism 1
Premature Birth 4
Heart Diseases 8
Accidents 2
All other Causes 29
Since 1870 the General Death-rate has dropped
from 22 to 15 per 1000. The General Birth-rate dropped
in the same period from 35 to 27.