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14
RAINFALL.
I am indebted to Mr. James Batten, J.P., of the High
Field, Bickley, for the following particulars of the local
rainfall:
Inches. Inches.
January .59 July .39
February .95 August .84
March 1.49 September .32
April 1.06 October 2.96
May 2.92 November 3.22
June 1.07 December 2.36
Total local rainfall 18.17 inches.
Total Greenwich rainfall 18.85 inches.
HOUSE ACCOMMODATION.
During the year 278 plans of new houses, not including
additions, were approved. This is an immense increase over
any previous year, and shows the rapidity with which the
population is increasing, indeed it appears probable that when
the time arrives for the next census to be taken, it will be
found that the calculations of the increase of population, have
erred on the side of under estimation.
House accommodation for the working classes is
decidely inadequate in our district. Not only are the cottages
deficient in number, but the rentals are so high that it is not
uncommon for a working man to be obliged to pay away a
a quarter of his earnings in house-rent. With land at its
present high price, it appears impossible for labourers to live
within easy reach of their work, and in the future they will
have to seek further afield for cottages within their means.