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The number of children born in Bermondsey is nearly 1,000
less than the number born in 1905, i.e., eleven years ago. This
reduction is partly due to the decrease of the population which
has been taking place since 1891, and partly due to the fall in
the birth-rate, which is taking place in all civilised countries.
The rate although a good deal lower is still high compared with
the rest of the country.
Marriages.
The total number of marriages in the Borough in 1916 was
1,215, being 499 below the number for 1915, and 81 above the
average for the last 10 years. Various more or less plausible
reasons were given for the remarkable increase in the number of
marriages in 1915, but why these should not be operative in 1916
is difficult to explain.
War conditions are notoriously uncertain, so having stated
the facts we had best leave the inferences for future investigation.
In Table III. of Appendix will be found further particulars
as to sub-districts. The figures have been supplied by the Superintendent
Registrar. This makes a marriage rate of 10 per 1,000
of the total population compared with a marriage rate calculated
on the same population of 14 of last year, 1915.
Deaths.
In Table IV. of Appendix will be found the Local Government
Board tables dealing with deaths in the Borough. The
extended table of causes of death initiated in 1904 has been
omitted this year from the Appendix.
The total number of deaths registered in the Borough for the
year ended December 30th, 1916, was 1,507, which is 546 less
than in 1915, and 324 less than the average for the last 10 years.
When this figure is corrected by exclusion of deaths of nonparishioners
occurring in the district, and the inclusion of deaths
of parshioners occurring outside the district, the number is raised
to 1,960. This is 554 less than in 1915, and 370 less than the
average for the last 10 years.