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parish, is or is not already crowded with houses is an entirely
different matter. The existence of 30 blocks of model
lodging-houses and artisans' dwellings, with 1,597 tenements,
has had no effect in reducing the competition for
small private dwelling-houses, or lowering their rents.
BIRTHS.
The number of births registered in the Parish during
the year was 3,090, which is 86 less than in 1897. The
boys numbered 1,544, and the girls 1,546. The total births
are 581 less than they were 23 years ago. The proportion
of the sexes has become reversed. In 1876 there were 110
males born to 100 females. The annual birth-rate was 35.1
per 1,000 of the estimated population. The London birthrate
was 29.5, being the lowest on record. For several
years the birth-rate has been steadily declining in the
country generally, as well as in London. The number of
children born in the first quarter of the year was 832; in
the second quarter 732; in the third quarter 770; and in
the last quarter 756. The excess of births over deaths was
1,319, but the increase of population is only estimated at
158. If the average birth-rate in London had prevailed in
our Parish there would have been 2,529 births instead of
3,090. We had therefore an excess of 561 infants. As
the death-rate of children under one year of age was 15.7
per cent., the mortality on 561 infants would be 88 additional
deaths, quite irrespective of any insanitary conditions,