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6
VITAL STATISTICS.
Tables of figures showing the chief features of the vital
statistics of the Borough of Hornsey will be found at the end
of this report. The various rates for previous years have been
revised on the newly and accurately estimated population for
these years. A few of the outstanding facts of interest call for
mention here.
Population.—The actual census population was 87,691. This
is considerably less than had been anticipated; indeed, the estimated
mid-year population for 1921, based on the returns furnished
under the scheme for the rationing of food, was 98,107.
The corrected mid-year population of the Borough and other
corrected vital statistics for the last twenty years are shown
in Table A.
I do not think that the census, taken as it was at the end
of a week in the month of June, gives a true estimate of our
population, for the reason that the "week-end habit" is fairly
established, and doubtless many people were week-ending at
the time the census was taken. It is, however, the official estimate
of our present population, and as such it must be accepted
and used as basis for the calculation of our death and other rates.
If I am right in my conclusion we may expect to find an apparent
increase of birth-rate, marriage and death rates until the next
census.
Birth-rate.—The birth-rate, that is to say, the number of
births per thousand persons, is less than it was in 1920 but higher
than it was during the years of war. During the year under
review the birth-rate was 15.9 per thousand population. It is
a matter for debate whether a high birth-rate is good or bad for
a district or for a nation; but it is undeniably a terrible waste
of life and energy for a high birth-rate to be accompanied by
many deaths of infants. I am pleased to say that in Hornsey
our rate of infant mortality is remarkably low.
The infant mortality rate was 51 per 1,000 births. This is
a very low rate, and the lowest but one on record. It indicates
that children are born of healthy parents, that confinements are
carefully conducted, and that the babies are well eared-for by