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8
BIRTHS.
During the year 1,064 births-545 males and 519 females—were
registered in Hampstead, as compared with 799 registered in the
previous year Of the 1,064 births, 43 males and 49 females—were
of children who could not be deemed to belong to Hampstead. In
addition, 184 births of children—93 males and 91 females —whose
mothers were Hampstead residents, occurred outside the Borough in
Lying-in Institutions, &c.
The nett number of births belonging to Hampstead was therefore
1,156—595 males and 561 females—as compared with 895 in 1918,
and being an increase of no less than 261.

The rate of 12 6 is the lowest recorded for Hampstead since Civil
Registration began, with the exception of the rate of 11.1 in 1918.
This may not appear clear in view of the fact that the number of
births increased by no less than 261; but against this increase of births
must be put the large increase in population which took place between
1918 and 1919, this being no less than 11,216.
The subject of the decline in the birth-rate is one of great
importance, and calls for serious consideration. The highest birthrate
recorded in Hampstead was in the year 1878, when the rate was
24.5. Since then the rate has steadily declined. Throughout England
and Wales there has also been marked reduction of the birth-rate, but
the Hampstead figures show a greater proportionate decline.
It behoves the nation, and indeed, the Empire, to realise that one
of the real bases of riches lies finally in the stock of healthy children,