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of the controlling colleges of both physicians and surgeons have followed on
the interest which the Corporation took in the profession at the instance of members
of the early Guilds.
My apology for referring to these matters, if any be necessary, is briefly to
direct attention to what would appear to me to be the unfortunate effect of any
interference with the autonomy of the Corporation which might cripple its initiative,
or subordinate its authority. Whatever developments result in public health
administration in London, and such are undoubtedly necessary, I am satisfied
that the City may advantageously be left as a separate authority subject only to the
controlling power of the Ministry of Health. Tradition demands it, and respect
for past services justifies it, but apart from these perhaps sentimental reasons,
the practical effect of a small, powerful independent body existing alongside of
the larger body and possessed of concurrent powers and equal liberty of action,
can hardly fail to be of advantage in the future. To justify such freedom the
Corporation will require to continue to take the most active interest in all public
health work, and to consider, and if necessary, define and express its own opinions
on matters of general policy.
area.
The City of London Registration District comprises an area of 675.2 acres
(excluding tidal water and foreshore), or 1.051 square miles, equal to a square of
1.0252 miles to a side.
The area of "Registration London" is 74,817 acres (excluding tidal water and
foreshore), or 116.9 square miles, equal to a square of 10.81 miles to a side.
density (1919).
City of London, Registration District, at night 20.5 persons to an acre.
during the day 559.7
Registration London, at night 51.4 ,, ,,
* This figure refers only to persons " actively engaged in the City during the daytime," and is based upon
a Census taken in May, 1911.
annual rateable value.
The rateable value of property within the administrative county of London
(excluding the City) was £39,739,171 on 6th April, 1919—whilst on the same date
the corresponding rateable value of property in the City of London was £5,812,728,
or about one-eighth of the whole County.
population.

These figures represent the population on the nights of the 1st April, 1901,
and 3rd April, 1911.
For Registration, Parliamentary and Municipal purposes the boundaries of the
Citv are co-terminous.