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7
Scheme, for when completed, it will most certainly contribute
to the pleasure and health of the residents.
Gunnersbury Park, situated on the North-Western
boundary of the district, has been purchased by the Boroughs
of Acton and Ealing for the purpose of converting it into an
Open Space for Public use. There is every possibility of
Brentford and Chiswick participating in this scheme if these
two districts amalgamate.
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew—in close
proximity with Chiswick—as also the excellent transport
facilities available, rendering such places as Richmond Park
and other country open spaces easy of access, are no mean
assets contributive to health and pleasure.
(b) Meteorological Conditions.
Observations as to the rainfall in the district have
been taken by the Council's Engineer, by means of an
automatic rain gauge. The records for the past three years
are available as set out below, and from this it will be seen
that the average rainfall is far from excessive:—
1923. 1924. 1925.
17.40 inches. 30.12 inches. 24.26 inches.
(c) Population.
The population of Chiswick in the year 1921, as
ascertained by the Census, was 40,938, while that estimated
by the Registrar General for the year 1925, to be used for
statistical purposes, is 40,460, thus showing a decrease. It
will be remembered, however, that the Census was taken in
the month of June, and it would appear from local information
available at that time, that considerable numbers of permanent
Chiswick residents were away on holiday at the time the
Census was taken. Consequently, the Census return of the
population was really much lower than the actual permanent
population, and as the Census return forms the basis for
subsequent yearly estimates, it naturally follows that the
estimate of the Registrar General for the year 1925 is probably
much lower than the actual population. From local information
and records available, I should estimate the present
population as being in the neighbourhood of 45,000.
The Registrar .General's figures have, of course, been
used for the calculation of all statistical rates in this Report.