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POPULATION.
It may be pretty safely prophesied that the population of the
Borough, during the decade just closed, has declined, and especially in
the last two or three years. First and foremost since the last Census is
the extraordinary exodus of persons of every degree from the central
districts to the suburbs. This movement has been a highly necessary
and beneficial one, and has relieved the serious condition of overcrowding
which existed before the electrification of the tramways. Other
causes have been at work, such as the clearance of debased areas. It is
only necessary to niention the vast clearance scheme of the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners in Walworth, extending over twenty three or more acres.
The London County Council's schemes of Webber Row and Kings Bench
Walk, all of which areas at the present time are only partially occupied.
There is also the commencing migration of the residents from the Tabard
Street area which was represented in the latter part of 1909, and which
is still under consideration. Further, on every hand, warehouses and
factories are encroaching on the residential parts of the districts. With
all these changes, however, we have still many spots in the Borough
needing the greatest sanitary supervision. Individual blocks of dwellings
and houses unfit for human habitation have been proceeded against in
the year under consideration, under the Town Planning Act. I am told
by persons who are acquainted with life in Southwark that the sanitary
condition of the Borough, especially in regard to personal and house
cleanliness, has improved during the last ten years. I am glad to have
independent testimony of any benefit. It is only fair to the Council and
the Borough Engineer to note the improvement in the lighting and paving
of the streets, the better collection of house dust and cleanliness of the
streets, with many other matters increasing the comfort of the
inhabitants.
More attention has been given to imported foods and to foods
brought into the district from the country. The Council has a special
inspector for the work.