The annual Report of Sir George Newman, Chief Medi; Cal
Officer of the Ministry of Health, is as -usual full' Of interest. It' points out that the population 'is being main- tained partly by the excess 'of births over deaths, and partly by- the declining "death-rate ; but it is probable that the death-rate has reached almost its lowest point, and owing to a change in the age distribution of the population; it may be expected to show soon a slight up; ward tendency. That will not - necessarily imply- any decline in national health. Between 1871 and 1880 the birth-rate per thousand was 35, but is new only 16. Between 1871 and 1880 the death-rate per thousand was 21, but is now only 12. Between 1871 and 1880 the infant death-rate was 149,.but is now only 70. Sir George is not satisfied, hoWever, with the death-rate during the first month Of life. One wonders what would have happened. if the with had continued at the old rate 'simultaneously with the marked decline in the death-rate.
*
Previous page
