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The birth-rate, i.e., the number of births per 1,000 of the population,
was 23.7, and is 3.5 per 1,000 below the average for the
previous ten years. This is the lowest birth-rate previously recorded
in Battersea. The birth-rate in Battersea, in common with the
rest of the country, has been steadily declining during the past two
decades. As has been pointed out in previous Annual Reports,
this is a matter for serious concern, and it is clear that before very
many years have passed will be reflected in a decline of the population.
The natural increase of population (i.e., excess of births
over deaths), which, owing to the decreasing death-rate, is still
being maintained, must at length become affected.
The causes responsible for the decline in the birth-rate are largely
the indifference and reluctance on the part of the more prosperous
classes of the community to incur the responsibilities and sacrifices
incidental to motherhood. There is, unfortunately, evidence
pointing to the fact that this example is being followed by the
artizan and labouring classes, and to those who, like myself, believe
that a high birth-rate is a most important national asset, the outlook
is not very promising.