LOWER DEATH RATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21297, 26 September 1932, Page 11

LOWER DEATH RATE

FIGHT AGAINST DISEASE TYPHOID FEVER CASES MORTALITY GREATLY REDUCED Last year there were approximately 150 fewer deaths in New Zealand than in 1930, although the. population of the Dominion had increased by about 20,000, according to the annual report of the Director of Public Hygiene, Dr. T. McKibbin. This reduction is accounted for mainly by a lowered infantile mortality, and in respect of older persons a lower rate from chest diseases and from all forms of tuberculosis, whereas there was an increased rate from influenza, accident and suicide, s

"An outstanding feature noteworthy over many years is that the death rates from the common infectious diseases appear to show a steady and definite reduction," states the report. ''The greatest cxamplo is typhoid fever. A five-year average taken 50 years ago gave a mortality more than 40 times that for the five years ending in 1931. We still experience epidemics of scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles and whooping-cough, but these epidemics give an annual death rate very much lower than that experienced in former epidemics, while in the intiy-vening non-epidemic years the sporadic cases have assunred a milder type and give a reduced death rate.

"Tuberculosis also displays this very markedly over a 50-year period, the death rate per 10,000 of mean population in 1881 having been 13.8, compared with 4.27 in 1931, a threefold reductiop. In the last six years the death rate from this disease per 10,000 of mean population has been reduced from 5.37 to 4.27.

"As is well known, the infantile death rate of New Zealand (made up of infant deaths from all causes) has been very greatly reduced, and during recent years infants under one month of age are sharing in the lessened mortality. "These reductions are so- great and so sustained that one is forced to the conclusion that good environment (to use a comprehensive term which includes measures taken to improve diet and hygiene) is steadily removing these diseases. This same tendency in lesser degree is noticeable in the vital satistics of closely-populated England, and is coincident in both countries with improving nutritional and hygienic conditions, including welfare measures directed mainly to those in special need of guidance or protection. "The Dominion is now unfortunately experiencing a period of want and poverty and, pending necessary adjustments, there will be some overcrowding of persons in dwellings. Doubtless this will in some measuro mar our vital statistics, but such effect is not yet noticeable."