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14
Physical Features.
In addition to this fine and permanent stretch of open spaces,
there are many large recreation grounds for polo, golf, football,
cricket, tennis, hockey, etc. There is also a large number of country
houses with extensive grounds attached.
The soil is gravelly over the London Clay, which latter outcrops
in the vicinity of Palewell Park. There is a gentle slope up from
the river to Richmond Park and Roehampton; surface water gets
away very quickly and the ground soon dries.
The district is growing rapidly and many new houses are being
erected, but at the same time the rural charms of the place are
not disappearing and probably never will. It would be difficult to
find any district so near London with more town facilities and more
country advantages.
The population has increased from 17,900 in 1901 to 32,000 in
1912, or nearly doubled itself. There are no occupations in the
district which could adversely influence the public health. The
majority of the male inhabitants are business and city men; a large
brewery employs many men, and several large laundries employ
many young women. A large number of men also are employed by
the London General Omnibus Company and by the London & South
Western Railway, also by contractors and builders. The Hospitals
supplying this district are the West London at Hammersmith and
the Richmond Hospital. The Workhouse Hospital is the Richmond
Infirmary, while for infectious diseases, the Council's Isolation
Hospital, containing over 40 beds, provides for infectious cases in
the district.
POOR LAW RELIEF DURING 1912.
240 orders were issued for Medical Attendance.
139 ,, „ „ Admission to Workhouse.
37 deaths occurred among Barnes and Mortlake cases in
the Workhouse.