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34
ing the population of this Parish from many others.
Of the 12,000 women above twenty years of age,
nearly 5000 have no occupation, 3800 being wives,
and another 1000 being dependent on others for
their support. On the other hand the male population
seems very actively engaged, as we have only
240 persons returning themselves as unemployed or
dependent on others. The wealth of the population
is at once seen by the fact that more than a ninth
of the whole population is employed in domestic
service. This includes 3000 maid servants and
1200 men servants. Amongst the men are 1730
tailors, and amongst the women 485 engaged in the
same occupation, making altogether a population
of 2265; thus indicating that a fifteenth of the
whole population is engaged in this business. Of
the boot and shoemakers, 763 are men and 450
are women. Amongst the women there are 766
milliners and dressmakers, 310 shirtmakers, and
340 laundresses.
It will be seen from these facts how large a
portion of the inhabitants of St. James's, Westminster,
are engaged in sedentary or indoor
occupations. This, perhaps, will throw some light
on the statement I made last year, that in
proportion to its population our Parish suffered
more from consumption than any other in London.
This disease is mainly produced by want of fresh
air, and is especially engendered in overcrowded
dwellings and ill-ventilated shops and work-rooms.