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5
what extent the process is still going on it is difficult to
estimate, but it is possible that the next census will reveal a
still higher average number of persons to each house.
On the other hand, the percentage of empties is higher at
the present time than in 1901. Between July 1st, 1908, and
June 30th, 1909, 187 new dwelling houses were completed
and occupied. An average of 62 persons per house would
represent 1159 inhabitants. The estimated population for
1908 was 55,000, and the estimate for 1909 has been placed at
56,000 inhabitants.
Nearly nine years have now elapsed since the official
census was made, and the further we are removed in time
from that census until the next, the more inexact our estimates
become, and the less reliable are all vital statistics. It has
been repeatedly urged that a more frequent enumeration
should be made, and it is hoped that the Census Act of 1910
will provide for a quinquennial census.
A quinquennial census appears especially necessary for
places like Acton. When the census of 1911 has been made, it
will be assumed that the increase since 1901 has been uniformly
distributed throughout the 10 years, and the vital statistics for
the intervening years will be based upon such an estimate.
How incorrect that estimate will be is manifest when we
consider that during the earlier 5 years the average yearly
number of new houses erected and occupied was nearly 450,
whilst during the later 5 years the number will probably not
amount to one-half that total.
BIRTHS.
Number 1480
Rate per 1,000 26.4
Rate per 1,000 in England and Wales 25.6
Rate per 1,000 in 76 large towns 25.7
Rate per 1,000 in 143 smaller towns 24.8