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6
SECTION I.
NATURAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA.
(a) Physical features, area and general character—
The Urban District of Chiswick is situated due West
of London, in the County of Middlesex, adjoining the
Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith, and adjacent to the
Borough of Acton and the Urban District of Brentford. With
the exception of its northern boundary and small portions of
its eastern and western boundaries, the district is bounded
by the River Thames, and really lies in a large bend or loop
of the River. The Urban District of Barnes and the Borough
of Richmond, in the County of Surrey, are on the opposite
banks of the Thames.
Chiswick has a total area of 1,338 acres, of which 92
acres are covered by water. Situated as it is in the valley of
the Thames, it is naturally somewhat flat and low-lying, the
highest point above sea-level being 36 feet. Nevertheless,
the district may be said to be a healthy one, and taken over
a number of years, the Annual Death Rate compares very
favourably with other suburbs of the Metropolis, and the
country generally. With regard to the amenity of the district,
the Council have always kept in view the necessity of "Open
Spaces" as a means of contributing to, and preserving the
health of its congested population. Actually 66 acres are
available to the Public at the present time, and these open
spaces are not only well placed throughout the area, but are
artistically laid out and maintained; while the necessary
facilities for sport, such as cricket, tennis, football, bowls,
etc., have not been lost sight of. At the time of writing, the
Council are laying out as pleasure grounds, an area of
approximately 20 acres, situated in that part of the district,
known as the Riverside Lands—the property of the Council.
Fronting the River on these lands is a very fine promenade
of nearly 2,000 feet in length and 200 feet in width, laid out
in Terraces, with Bandstand and Public Sanitary Conveniences
for both sexes in the centre. Shelters and seats are
also provided. Thirty acres of these Riverside hands have
been let to the Civil Service Sports Association, and five
acres to Messrs. Fuller, Smith & Turner, for sports purposes.
The Council are to be congratulated on its Riverside Lands