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5
or declining electorate almost certainly indicates a fall or much
larger fall in total population ; it is not safe to assume that there
is a decline in the population whilst there is an increasing electorate.
The number of parliamentary electors in Acton has been as
follows:—
1931 47,865
1932 48,126
1933 48,245
These figures do not indicate that there is a fall in population ;
possibly the increase at the present time is a very small one.
Similarly an examination of the number of houses erected
points to the same conclusion. The following table gives the number
of houses erected in the last 3 years :—
1930-31 449
1931-32 257
1932-33 188
It is true that populations cannot be regarded as changing in simple
relationship with the changes in the numbers of dwellings available.
The decline in the size of families is a feature which has been noted
in the Census records of almost every area in the country; and no
estimate of population movement could be regarded as valid which,
while taking account of the occupants of new dwellings, ignored the
equally important, if less tangible, decline that is taking place in
the population of the older houses. In spite of this fact a comparison
of the number of houses built in the inter-censal period and
since the 1931 Census, justifies the assumption that there is still
a slight increase in the population of the district.
The number of inhabited houses at the end of 1933 according
to the Rate Books was 16,060.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE DISTRICT.
It will be more convenient to discuss the social conditions of
the district when the complete Census returns have been published.
It is doubtful if these returns will disclose the gradual but
constant changes which are taking place in the social conditions,
but it is obvious that the sub-letting of the larger houses which
has been taking place, must result in changes which have already
taken place and which will still proceed in the near future.
AMBULANCE FACILITIES.
The ambulance facilities are similar to those described in
previous reports.