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19
CENSUS RETURNS.
A comparison of the Census figures for 1901 and 1911 reveals
the fact that the average age of the population is increasing. The
percentage of children under 5 years of age is practically the same at
both periods. There are, however, 3 2 °/o fewer inhabitants of
Tottenham between 5 and 25 years of age.
Although the population as a whole has increased by 34,715, it
has not increased in the same proportion for the various age groups
as obtained at the 1901 census. There has been a declention in that
group or series of groups from 5 to 25, which return the smallest
mortality. What are the precise causes for the redistribution it would
be difficult to say, but I make one or two suggestions.
It will be noticed that the proportion of those living up to
5 years of age has undergone no alteration. But it has been recorded
for several years that there has been a reduction in the birth rate.
To maintain the proportion at its level of 1901, the birth rate of 1911
ought to have been equal to the birth rate of 1901. But it was not.
I suggest that the Notification of Births Act has been effectual, through
the efforts of the various agencies working under its provisions, to
stay the ravages of infant mortality. Fewer comparatively are born, but
more proportionately are saved. During the school age, 5 to 15, there is a
reduction to the amount of 14 %. There has been a saving of infant
life up to this point. Many of those whose lives have been saved,
have not escaped the weakening influence of disease, and when they
are removed from the home to a different environment, their weakness
finds them out. From 15 to 25 migration to find suitable employment
would account for the disturbance of the age distribution. There is
not sufficient number and diversity of kinds of employment in Tottenham
to attract the youths.
From that period onwards the population becomes more stable,
and the fact that a larger number are living to old age is due in
some measure to the improved and improving housing conditions. The
vitality of the nation, however, depends upon its youth, and no effort
should be spared to conserve the life and health of the young.