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3
[1919
BIRTHS.
There were 6,278 births registered, of which 3,322 were boys, and 2,956
girls. Of this number, however, 557 were born of mothers living in Islington,
although they were confined in Lying-in Institutions, and in other homes
situated outside the borough. The annual birth rate was equal to 18.30 per
1,000 of the population as compared with a mean birth rate of 18.40 in the
preceding ten years.
It is a noticeable fact that each succeeding quarter during the last year
shows an increase of births over the preceding one, and of course the birth rate
presents a corresponding rise. Thus in the several quarters of the year the
birth rates were as follows:—First quarter, 14.19 per 1,000 inhabitants; second
quarter, 15.17; third, 17.10; and then a large increase of more than 9 per
thousand in the fourth quarter, when the birth rate was 26.16.
There has recently, as everyone is aware, been a very great discussion on
and inquiry into the decline of the birth rate of the country; but if the present
increase continues, and it shows no sign of a decline in Islington, for the rate
which was 26.16 in the fourth quarter rose to 33.04 in the first quarter of the
current year, and so far as can be seen there is no sign of a decline up to the
present moment; consequently, it is to be feared that the birth rate will go on
increasing.
Recent inquiries by a Special Committee into the causes of the decline
of the birth rate of the country have clearly shown that such decline was due
in a great part to the adoption of various kinds of preventive measures by
parents.
Various people hold different views as to whether this is good or bad for
the nation, but there can be no doubt of this fact, that parents whose income
is not sufficient to feed, clothe and rear their family amidst healthy conditions
should not bring children into the world to be dragged up in poverty and
miser, and in dwellings which are far from wholesome and healthy.
It is not proposed to discuss this matter now, for to do so would occupy
too much time; and indeed might easily fill a large volume; but if any person
is anxious to study this subject, it would be well to read the two volumes
issued by the National Birth Rate Commission, 1918-1920, and published by
Chapman & Hall, entitled "The Declining Birth Rate"and" Problems of
Population and Parenthood."
The subsequent table gives particulars of the births in Islington, London
and the great towns during the several quarters of the year, where it will be
noticed that the birth rate of the Borough was identical with that of