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and so far - the rule of one family one house prevails—as it still
must largely do—the fall in the birth-rate would, other things
being equal, have reduced the average number of persons per
house.
As the estimated population for 1919 was 700,000 in excess
of that of the last census, it would only require (apart for replacement
of defective houses) a net addition of 140,000 houses for the
whole period 1911-1919 to maintain the standard of 1911 —that is,
if the new census shows the present population estimate to be
fairly correct.
If we reverse the process, and accept the estimated population
for Acton of the Registrar-General as correct, we may endeavour
to calculate the deficiency in the number of houses in the
district.
At the 1911 census there were 9,445 inhabited and occupied
houses in the district and 490 unoccupied houses. Between April
1st, 1911, and July, 1914, 442 new dwelling houses were erected
and occupied. Most of the 490 houses empty in 1911 are now
occupied; so that roughly accommodation for an additional
5,500 persons has been provided. This would leave 1,200 persons
unaccommodated, or a shortage of about 200 houses.
The houses that are being erected under the Council's Housing
Scheme are not comparable to the older houses in the district.
As far as accommodation is concerned, they are more comparable
to tenements. At the census in 1911, there were 12,965 tenements,
with an average number of 4.5 persons, compared with 6 per
house.
In last year's Report it was stated the Surveyor estimated
that 1,700 new houses were required to meet the immediate needs
of the district. The discrepancy between this latter figure and the
Registrar-General's estimate of the population is not so great as
it appears on the surface. Conditions have changed since the
Surveyor's estimate was made. The depression in the engineering
trade has had an effect upon the demands for housing in the district.
In the Surveyor's estimate, provision was made for the developments
which were about to take place within the area.
In view of all these circumstances, it is fortunate that a
census is due, but the preliminary figures of the census will not
be published in time to be utilised in this Report. In the Memorandum
of the Ministry of Health it is urged that the preparation of
the Annual Report should be undertaken immediately after the
conclusion of the year to which it relates.
Births.
The birth-rate is higher than that of the previous year,
and is the highest birth-rate recorded since 1914. As far as the