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10
VITAL STATISTICS.
Population.
My estimate of the population in the middle of the year
was 14,197. It is somewhat a relief that the actual numeration
is to take place in March, 1911, and the Census will give
use more exact figures with which to base our returns. It
is so important for a better basis to be available, that a five.
yearly count should be instituted in place of the decennial,
because however carefully the rules regarding the estimate
of population are followed, there is substantial room for error.
On the one hand, whilst an over.estimate gives a false sense of
security, an under.estimate gives the District an unjust reputation.
For the purposes of calculation I have again taken the
number of houses in occupation; and for this I am again
indebted to your Rate Collector, Mr. Downing, and his.
Assistant, Mr. Greig; and multiplied by a factor obtained
by a partial census in each area.
I gave reasons last year why age periods influenced
statistics, and in my opinion Merton is fairly comparable with
the uncorrected rates of the 142 smaller towns, specially of the
suburban towns, of the Registrar General.s return. People
of the young adult class congregate in these places.
Generally speaking, the population is suburban in
character, and there are no industries liable to affect public
health. House accommodation is ample, and the average
number of inhabitants per house is estimated at 5 in West
Barnes, 5.6 in Bushey Mead, 5.1 in Merton Park, and 5 in
Abbey Ward.
The majority of the houses are let on weekly tenancies,
with probably the average rental prevailing in that class of
London suburban property.