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Overcrowding was prevalent in 1901, and it was most difficult to abate it on
account of the dearth of empty houses. It was almost impossible to have a house
without paying a premium which was called "key money." In 1904, the number
of empty houses became abnormal, and the number was on the increase until 1908, as
is seen by the following figures which the Borough Treasurer has supplied me with—
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1904, the number was 1,073.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1906, the number was 1,670.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1907, the number was 2,865.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1908, the number was 2,944.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1909, the number was 2,729.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1910, the number was 2,529.
In the quarter ended March 31st, 1911, the number was 2,408.
It is therefore apparent that there is an improvement in this direction, and a
large number of families who went into the suburbs to live a few years ago, have
recently returned to live in the district.
Births.
The total number of births registered during the year was 8,464, or 703
less than in the preceding year. They consisted of 4,367 males and 4,097 females.
1,807 belonged to the Limehouse District, or at the rate of 33.6 per 1,000
of the population.
1,570 belonged to St. George-in-the-East, or at the rate of 33.3 per 1,000
of the population.
3,366 belonged to Mile End Old Town, or at the rate of 30.2 per 1,000
of the population.
1,721 belonged to the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of 25.5 per 1,000
of the population.
The birth-rate throughout the whole Borough was 30.2 per 1,000 of the population,
while that for the whole of London was 24.8 per 1,000.
The number of births is lower than in the preceding year, and calculating the
birth-rate by corrected figures obtained at the last census, the birth-rate in 1911 is
the lowest on record,
For the first time, the birth-rate of the Limehouse District is higher than that
of St. George's. The birth-rate of the former has remained fairly constant during
the last 11 years, while that of St. George's has varied from 44.1 per 1,000 in 1902,
when it reached its maximum, to 33.3 in 1911. It has been gradually declining and
was 25 per cent. less in 1911 than in 1901.