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The births in 1871, with a population less by 56,390 than that in 1901, exceeded those in
the latter year by 202. Proportionally to population the births in 1901 (at the 1871 rate) should
have been more by 1,996 than the number registered.
The decline in the births and birth-rate during the decennium 1891-1900 was concurrent
with a decrease in the average marriage-rate (17.8) of 0.6 per 1,000, as compared
with the rate (18.4) in 1871-80. The marriages, however, were 2,723 more than in the
earlier decennial period: but marriages have become relatively less fruitful; so that whilst the
births in 1871-80 were in the proportion of 3.3 to each marriage, the proportion fell to 2.3 in the
ten years 1891-1900.
What has happened in Kensington is happening everywhere: the birth-rate has so fallen
that the census of 1901 revealed an enormous "shortage" of children to total population, as
compared with the proportion in 1881.*
It would seem safe to predict that the progressive decline in the birth-rate will continue—
a prospect to be deplored in the interests of the Nation and the Empire.
Obviously, if the decline in the birth-rate cannot be arrested, to compensate for the diminution
in the number of children born, every possible means should be employed to safeguard infantile
life: in other words, if the birth-rate cannot be raised no effort should be spared to bring about
a decrease in the infantile death-rate.†
With a view to effort in this direction, I thought it desirable to make inquiry into the
circumstances connected with the deaths of infants in the Borough, and at the commencement of
the year I was authorised by the Public Health Committee to employ the services of the Lady
Inspectors in the delicate duty of interviewing bereaved mothers, with the view of ascertaining to
what extent the mortality might be regarded as due to causes of a more or less preventable
character. In due course I received a report framed upon lines designed to elicit a maximum of
practical information: I now submit a summary of the facts ascertained.
* Mr. Thomas A. Welton writing in The Times (September 8th, 1902) on the " English birth-rate," states that " the most
important fact revealed " by inquiry into the Census results, so far published, is "the relatively small increase in children
under fifteen." Comparing 1901 with 1881, he states that the number of children in 1901 would have been 2,092,000 greater
had the ratio of 1881 been maintained." He states, however, that the total figures worked out in relation to the number of
wives, which he gives for 1881 and 1891, would show a shortage, in 1901, compared with 1881, of about 1,579,000 children,
which he thinks a truer figure than 2,092,000 ; " but whichever way the matter is regarded, a difference of a million and a half
of children is an enormous fact." The "short number of children" in London, in 1901, compared with 1881, is given as
187,500