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increase of population in the 6½ years which have elapsed since
the census was taken amounted to 12,512 in Catford, 6,009 in
Lewisham Park, 3,817 in Sydenham, 2,230 in Forest Hill and
2,223 in Brockley.
By the courtesy and assistance of Mr. E. H. Oxenham,
we have been able to obtain from the Rating Department an
accurate return as to the actual number of houses in each Ward
known to be occupied in September, 1907. These figures
multiplied by the average number of persons per house obtained
at the census 1901, give a far more accurate estimate than that
based upon the assumption that the population of the district
increases each year in the same ratio as it did in the last
intercensal period. Taking the number of ascertained occupied
houses, and using the factors referred to, we obtained an
estimated population in September, 1907, of 156,932.
For statistical purposes, however, it is necessary to have
the estimated population to the middle of the year, which is
calculated as 155.800. When we consider, however, that in
comparing the vital statistics of one district with another, the
calculations must all be made upon a common basis we are
bound to take the Registrar-General's estimate of 152,532, in
order to compare fairly the vital statistics of Lewisham with the
other Metropolitan Boroughs, the County of London, and other
cities and towns.
All vital statistics for the Borough as a whole in this
report, therefore, are calculated upon the Registrar-General's
figure. In some tables, however, we have been able to show
comparative figures calculated upon the new estimated
population. It is more particularly in relation to the Wards of
the Borough thac the new figures have been most useful, as it
has been possible to obtain a lar more accurate comparison in
regard to their populations.