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I.—VITAL STATISTICS
Population.
The populations of the Borough of Bermondsey and its registration
sub-districts, as enumerated in the Census of 1901 and 1911,
and the estimate of the year under report, are as follows : —
Estimated to
1901. 1911. June 30th,1914.
Bermondsey 82,483 81,959 81,781
Rotherhithe 38,460 35 ,247 34,134
St. Olave 9,817 8,697 8,298
Borough 130,760 125,903 124,213
As the Census is taken in April, it is usual to calculate the
various rates on the mean population, which is assumed to be that
existing at the end of June or the middle of the year under report.
To arrive at this it is therefore necessary to estimate for a further
three months, which in Bermondsey is assumed to be a decrease.
The decrease is partly due to the increased facilities of transit,
leading to a tendency on the part of the population of this, as well
as other central boroughs, to seek residence further out. This
is an object to be desired, since it is beneficial alike to those going
and those remaining, for only in this way can sufficient space be
provided round houses and overcrowding on large areas be avoided.
If the demand for slum property ceased it would soon lead to its
abolition. Another cause of decrease is the replacement of small
house property by factories and warehouses as soon as the leases fall
in. This cause is slow but steady and will gradually displace the
population towards the periphery of the metropolis.
Births.
The total number of births registered in the Borough for the 52
weeks ended January 2nd, 1915, was 3,757, consisting of 1,909