London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Walthamstow 1904

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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Excluding those births registered at the Workhouse, the birth-rate for the various wards was for the year, and for the previous years, as follows:—

St. James St.High St.Hoe St.Wood St.Northern.
1904. 33-337.27.28.140.6
1903. 31-639.129.2427.4538.l1
1902. 33-2236.6529.4530.39.55
1901. 33-35.728.28.439.8

The similarity of the rates in 1904 and 1901 for the various wards is
very striking, and makes one feel that the estimated populations are
fairly correct.
The St. James Street and Wood Street Wards have practically the
same rates as in the census year; Hoe Street is much nearer the figure
attained then than in subsequent years; High Street is *7 less than in
1901, and the Northern Ward is -8 more than in that year.
Apparently the birth-rate varies with the character of the population;
the lower the rate, the more well to do the people; the higher the rate,
the poorer the people.
Noting the declining birth-rate throughout the country for years—
1904 the lowest on record— one is inclined to speculate as to its cause.
One thing is certain that, with a declining birth-rate and a people
said to be physically deteriorating, sanitary authorities have before them
a great task if the country and its people are to hold their own.
High Street had 19, and Hoe Street 29 fewer births than in 1903;
St. James Street had 46, Wood Street 20, and the Northern Ward 114
more births than in the previous year.
DEATHS AND DEATH RATES.
WHOLE DISTRICT.
During the year 1,175 deaths were registered as occurring in this
district. Thirteen were of non-residents and are excluded, a copy of
each death return being sent to its proper authority; 141 deaths
registered at the Workhouse and Infirmary, 24 at the Sanatorium, and
B