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13
It is a matter of considerable importance that during the next Census
Year, viz., 1911, when the Imperial Night Census will be taken, the
Corporation should follow the course adopted in the years 1866, 1881 and
1891, and have an enumeration made of the persons actively engaged in the
City during the daytime. The City is frequently alluded to by those who
desire to belittle its importance as one square mile only, with a decreasing
and insignificant population.
In this connection the following observations contained in the Report of
your Committee, on the occasion of the taking of the Day Census in 1866,
may be quoted :—
"The Imperial Census taken decennially under the authority of
"Parliament, affords no indication whatever of the actual population of
"the City, and every recurring Census only leads further astray in this
"respect. That Census is gathered for the sake of convenience while
"the population is sleeping, and affords in almost every other district a
"fair indication of the actual number of the inhabitants ; but owing to
"the peculiar and exceptional nature of the City population, and the
"circumstances of those who there carry on their business, it so happens
"that the Census taken by the Imperial Government omits from
enumeration in the City the very class of persons whose trade, wealth,
"and enterprise make the City what in fact it is—the greatest, most
"crowded, and wealthiest commercial emporium to be foupd in the
" world."
As your adviser in sanitary matters, I will go even further than this in
advocating a Day Census.
No one can fail to be impressed by the apparently ceaseless stream of
persons, morning and evening, flowing and ebbing, to and from the precincts
of the City like a human tide. When it is remembered that the Corporation
as a Sanitary Authority are responsible for the hygienic environment of this
multitude during their daily sojourn within the area under their charge, it
will be seen that in comparing the value of their administration with other
places—where the conditions are entirely different—it is essential that the
number of persons for whose well.being during their working hours the
Corporation takes such an active interest, should be officially ascertained.
The matter is now referred to, as should the Corporation entertain the
suggestion here made as to taking a Day Census in 1911, the consideration of
the matter should not be deferred, as considerable time is required to make
the necessary arrangements lor carrying out the undertaking in a reliable and
tactful manner.
I may add that the cost of taking the last Day Census in the City
was £1,350.