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9
now than at the date of the last census. I put this hypothetically,
because it is by no means certain that such is actually the case; and
certainly not to the extent which is generally supposed. At the
date of the last census a large number of houses, which have since
been pulled down, were untenanted, and it is unquestionable that
the depopulation of the District has not been proportionate to the
demolition of the dwellings—especially of the poorer classes. To
meet tho demand for house accommodation every available apartment
has been let and occupied, and in many instances two or
more families are found occupying the same room. The opinion
that the population has not diminished to any great extent is
further supported by the fact that in the year 1861 the excess of
births over deaths was 256, while in 1862 it amounted to 309—
that is to say the births have diminished by about 1-13, and the
deaths by about 1-6. Thus it appears that the decrease in the
number of deaths is more than double the decrease in the number
of births, and this is an unquestionable test of health and general
prosperity.
Another interesting indication of the satisfactory sanitary condition
of the District is furnished by a comparison of the ages of
those who died last year, with those of the year preceding. During
last year there was a decrease of 128 deaths of persons under 20
years of age; and a total decrease of 168 of persons under 60 years
of age. In the same period there was an increase of 20 persons who
died between the ages of 60 and 100. The records of the District
Registrars supply some interesting instances of longevity. One
person died at the advanced age of 100 years, having been born a
fortnight before King George IV. Of the remaining 24 who lived
to the age of 80 and upwards 5 were nonagenarians, and of those
whose ages range from 60 to 80 the majority had passed the age
of 70 years.
In assuming the death rate to be a sound basis upon which
to estimate the health of a District, it would be unfair to leave out
of consideration differences of locality. St. Saviour's, being a water
side District, registers more deaths from accidental causes than
others not so situated.
During the past year as many as 10 persons were found
drowned and brought into the District for the Coroner's Inquisition.
This circumstance legitimately affects any calculation or
comparison of numbers. Of 44 persons whose deaths were due to
accident or violence, 16 children were burnt to death, thus it is to
be feared in too many instances affording a melancholy proof of
the want of prudence and foresight, if not of positive and criminal
parental neglect.
Small pox was fatal in two cases. This low mortality would
appear to call for no other observation than an expression of thankfulness
that a disease so loathsome should be so rare a visitant.
Although it may be considered somewhat irregular, in a Report
for last year to anticipate the results of the present, yet as it is