(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
An alarming drop in the birth rate of the Jewish population in the East End of London was observed during recent years, according to statistics compiled by Dr. Thomas, for 30 years health officer in Whitechapel. These figures were made available in connection with Health Week which started yesterday in Whitechapel, by the former Minister of Labor Gosling.
Until 1897, the birth rate among Jewish families in the East End of London was rarely below 40 per thousand. This rate continued until 1912. It has now dropped to 13 per thousand. One can no longer find large Jewish families in the East End of London. Possibly in no other part of London can one find such a marked decrease in the birth rate, Dr. Thomas stated. The Christian population in the same borough continues at a birth rate of 35 per thousand. The rate of mortality in Whitechapel has also decreased; particularly fewer cases of infant mortality are reported. The borough has among its residents 12,000 men and 8,000 women who are engaged in the needle industry.
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