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11
Social Conditions and Chief Occupations of the Population.
Deptford, although in parts inhabited by persons financially comfortably
situated, is essentially an industrial and working-class borough.
Unemployment and under employment is common and the standard of
life for many is, consequently, far below that which one would like to
see. The housing shortage necessitates many of the inhabitants living
under badly-Overcrowded conditions and, even where overcrowding
does not exist, the unavoidable practice of letting, to iwo or more
families, houses originally constructed for only one family creates great
hardships to the occupiers. Incidentally, it causes still further deterioration
of property already far from being in a structurally good
condition.
Education facilities in respect of elementary, secondary and technical
education are well provided, while the Borough Council has made a
valuable contribution in establishing a Central and Branch Library,
and arranging for the opening of another Branch Library.
Swimming pools with chlorination plants to ensure cleanliness of
the water, slipper baths and washhouses are maintained by the Borough
Council and are largely used.
The chief industries are those associated with the metal trade, stone
and slate works, paper works, tarpaulin making, spinning and sackmaking.