NEW LOW RECORDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1943, Page 2

NEW LOW RECORDS

IN BRITISH MORTALITY FIGURES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 23. The mortality figures in England and Wales reached new low records in 1942. Not only the maternal and infant mortality rate but also the proportion of still births and the death rates among males and females were the lowest ever recorded in England and Wales. The incidence of infectious diseases was remarkably low —probably the best on record. The number of nutritional surveys made in 1942 showed that there has been no general deterioration in the nutritional state of the population. Minor illness appears to have been no more prevalent than might be expected at this stage of a hard war. The total deaths in England and Wales in 1942, including non-civilian and those caused by enemy action, was 480,137, or 55,043 fewer than in 1941. The total live births at 654,039 was greater than 1941 by 66,811. The infant mortality rate of 49 a 1000 live births was the lowest on record, as was the still births rate of 33; a 1000 deaths. The increase in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhoea continues, though the rise has been less steep. The tuberculosis position is better than could reasonably have been expected two years ago. There was a distinct check in the war time increase in the death rate. Dpihtheria deaths fell from 2641 in 1941 to 1826, a new low record. Deaths from cancer numbered 70,409, continuing the steady rise noted for so many years.