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13
SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
The Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich comprises three
districts, viz., Greenwich, Charlton and Kidbrooke, and St. Nicholas,
Deptford, all of which are now united into one civil parish.
The altitude varies from a few feet below high-water mark on
the marshes, up to 249 feet above sea level on the Shooter's Hill
Road by the Borough boundary.
The industries and sources of employment in the Borough are
to be found in close proximity to the River Thames which forms
the Borough boundary on the north side. Chief among these are
large Cable and Engineering Works, Gasworks, Soap and Candle
Works, L.C.C. Generating Station and Tramway Car Repair Depot,
The London Power Company's Works, Glass Bottle Works, Linoleum
Manufacturing Works, Merryweathers' Works (Fire Engines), Cement
and Stone Works, Asbestos Works, etc.
POPULATION.
In accordance with the usual custom, the Registrar General
has submitted his estimate of the resident population of the Borough
computed at mid year, 1933. The figure returned is 97,830, which
shows a decrease of 3,094 persons since the census of 1931. Having
regard to the fact that Greenwich was one of the few Metropolitan
Boroughs with an increase in population during the last decennial
period, it is difficult to appreciate this comparatively large decrease
in such a short time. The number of houses built since the census
was taken, up to mid year, 1933, is 559, and taking the modest
estimate of three occupants per house, would give 1,677 persons, to
which can be added the natural increase of population, i.e., births
over deaths during this period which is 701, giving a total increase
of 2,378. Against this there is, of course, the outward movement of
population to be taken into account. From information available it
can be assumed that approximately 1,300 persons have been accommodated
on L.C.C. Estates or have removed elsewhere. In addition
to this the removal of the Greenwich Hospital School to Holbrook,
Suffolk, would account for a further 900, thus giving a migration
total of 2,200. On the above assumption it will be seen that the
Greenwich population has varied very little since the census of 1931.
However, as it is desired to maintain comparability in Annual
Reports, I have based the statistics in this Report on the Registrar