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59
PUTNEY AND ROEHAMPTON.
Population.—If we regard the rate of increase in the
population of this rapidly growing Sub.district, as the
same as that which prevailed previous to the census of
1881 the inhabitants numbered at 14,068 in the middle
of the year 1883. From an intimate knowledge of the
neighbourhood I am convinced that this is an under estimate
of the population, and that a sudden and very large increase
took place during the past year and a half. This was dependent
to a certain extent upon the influx of labourers and
mechanics with their families engaged in the construction of
the new bridge, and the improvements it has necessitated.
Probably fifteen thousand is an appropriate figure at which to
represent our population. The recent increase also has been
largely amongst the lowest class of labourers, receiving low
wages and consequently living on poor diet. Amongst these
and their families the mortality must necessarily be greater.
Births and birth.rate.—A decrease has occurred in the
birth.rate during 1883. The number of births registered was
349 as against 361 in 1882 and 340 in 1881. Of these 186
were of males, and 163 of females, the males as usual in this
sub.district preponderating. The birth.rate was 24.7. This
low birth.rate is in accordance with the lowness of the birthrate
of London generally (33.6).
Deaths and death.rate.—During the year 1883, 241 deaths
were registered in the sub.district, of which 122 were of males