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14
in nearly all civilised countries, and is greater in reality than
would appear on the surface ; for it must be remembered that
pari passu with this declining birth-rate is a declining death-rate.
Returns of all Births (with addresses of mothers) that occur in
Lambeth are now obtained from the District Registrars, and this
information is of great use in connection with the Borough
Council's endeavours to lessen the high mortality amongst infants
(under 1 year of age), by distributing amongst the mothers
and others responsible, pamphlets dealing with the proper
management and feeding of infants. The time allowed for birth
registration is 42 days, and the Council approved during 1906 of
this time being reduced to 21 days (as in Scotland).
THE MARRIAGE-RATE.
The number of Marriages registered in the Borough of
Lambeth during the year 1906 was 2489 as compared with 2525
during 1905, and a yearly average of 2338 in the old Parish of
Lambeth for the 10 years 1891-1900.
The marriage-rate for Lambeth Borough during 1906 is
therefore, 15.8 per 1000 inhabitants, as compared with 16.3 for
London.
Tables B and C show the number of marriages and the
marriage-rates for the last ten years in the old Parish of
Lambeth, and it will again be noticed that the marriage-rate has
been gradually, but persistently, falling during that period (as
also during the previous decennium). Marriage statistics are of
little value.
THE DEATH-RATE.
The total number of deaths registered in the Borough of
Lambeth, during the year 1906, was 5028 as compared with
4896 during 1905, and a yearly average of 5716.7 in the old
Parish of Lambeth for the 10 years 1891-1903. Of the total
5028 deaths, 2610 were males and 2418 females, showing an
excess of 192 males.