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in 1917, and the birth-rate was 16.7 per 1,000 of the
estimated total population, being the lowest yet recorded,
and 7.1 per 1,000 below the average rate of the preceding
five years.
Illegitimacy.—The decrease in the births was
entirely confined to legitimate children who numbered
2,446 against 2,747 in 1917, while the illegitimates were
225 against 224.
The proportion of illegitimates, viz., 8.4 per cent. of the
total births, was the highest recorded in the borough.
Deaths.—During 1918 the deaths of 1,704 civilians
were registered, of whom 186 did not reside in Fulham,
and 973 inhabitants died outside the borough chiefly in
various public institutions. There were thus 2,491
deaths of persons, 1,178 males and 1,313 females, having
their usual residence in Fulham, representing a deathrate
of 17.4 per 1,000 of the estimated civilian population.
This is the highest death-rate recorded since 1900 and
was accounted for by the two influenza epidemics which
are subsequently dealt with.
The death-rate of the County of London was 19.2 and
in the Metropolitan Boroughs the rates ranged from 13.4
in Hampstead to 24.3 in Shoreditch.
Excess of Births over Deaths.—The natural increase
of the population by the excess of births over
deaths was only 181 compared with 1,536, 1,772 and 977
in the three preceding years, while in the County of
London the deaths outnumbered the births by 4,952,
being the first time in records going back nearly 100
years, the deaths have exceeded the births.
Seasonal Mortality.—The mortality in the four
quarters of the year was as under :—
Deaths. Death-rate.
First quarter 520 14.5
Second quarter 483 13.5
Third quarter 431 12.1
Fourth quarter 1057 29.6