Extracts from General and Vital Statistics for the Rural District of Buntingford
A Lower Birth Rate
We have received a copy of the annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Buntingford District, showing general and vital statistics for 1926.
The vital statistics do not show much variation from those of the previous year.
The birth rate is a shade lower, but about the average for Rural Districts. So also is the death rate, but in comparing these with many larger districts the age at death should be borne in mind - no less than 39 of the 56 deaths were of persons over 65 years of age.
The infant deaths numbered 4 as compared with 2 in 1925, but this number is not excessive. We note that the death rate from consumption is lower, and satisfactory. The death rate from cancer has risen, and is somewhat high.
The area of the district is shown as over 28 thousand acres, and the population at the last census 4,926.
The rateable value is £35,214, and the represented by a penny rate is as small as £94.
The birth rate last year was 15.0 per 1000 population, and the death rate 11.6 per thousand of population. The total number of births was 72, and deaths 56.
Of the number of deaths, 39 were persons over 65 years of age and upwards, viz., five between 65 and 70, eighteen between 70 and 80, fifteen between 80 and 90, and one over 90.
It is a coincidence that of the 56 deaths 28 were men and 28 were women. Of the 9 who died of cancer, 5 were men and 4 women; and of heath disease 9 men and 1 woman.
Pneumonia claimed 2 victims - 1 male and 1 female.
Sanitary Inspection
During the year the Sanitary Inspector inspected 271 dwelling houses and served 58 informal notices. Five houses were erected, and four connected to the town water mains.
Milk Supply
There has been a better supply generally of milk in the district than for some years.
The cowsheds and dairies registered in the district number 53. There are 9 registered slaughter-houses and 6 bake-houses.
Infectious Disease
Except for those of tuberculosis, the only notification received during the year was one case of scarlet fever. This was at a home for children, and the patient was removed to the Isolation Hospital.
Altogether 14 notifications of tuberculosis were received. Of those, 10 were pulmonary (5 males and 5 females) and four were non-pulmonary (3 males and 1 female).
Of the pulmonary cases, 2 died during the year. Three others received sanatorium treatment. Of the non-pulmonary cases one received sanatorium treatment. None died. During the year 2 deaths were certified as due to tuberculosis. These were the two mentioned above.
The report will no doubt give general satisfaction throughout the district.