The Census Enumerator's Story "Well Mr Watkins", said the Reverend Morgan, "this is the last house in Wind Street".
"That's right", sighed Mr Watkins, "it is number 43 on my list, the Chemist shop isn't it?"
"You will have no trouble understanding Mr Alewood he's from England like yourself", chuckled the Reverend. He had been greatly amused that Mr Watkins had found it difficult to understand several of the residents of Wind Street that they had already visited.
The reverend gentleman held the door of the chemist shop so that his companion could enter. Mr Edwin Alewood stood behind the counter. "Good afternoon, Reverend", he smiled, "what can I do for you?"
"This is Mr John Watkins the Census Enumerator", said Reverend Morgan. "He would like some information from you".
"Has it been ten years since the last census?" asked Mr Alewood. "It seems as though it were only yesterday . Hang on a moment, I'll call the wife". He left the room and shouted up the dark staircase, "Jane, come and meet the Census Enumerator".
"Census what?" yelled Mrs Alewood as she descended the stairs and entered the shop. "Oh! I do apologise", she blushed as she saw the two official looking gentlemen standing by the counter.
"The Census Enumerator", explained Reverend Morgan, "is employed by the government to collect details of all the people living in Britain on a specific night. Tonight is that night and Mr Watkins has come to take details of all the people who will be staying here".
"That's perfectly correct" said Mr Watkins as he took some printed forms from is bag and prepared to write. "Can you confirm that this is 66, Wind Street?"
"It is indeed", said Mr Alewood.
"Are you the head of the household?" enquired Mr Watkins.
"Yes" was the reply, "Edwin Alewood, Chemist and Druggist".
"Obviously you are married. How old are you?"
"Fifty exactly", pulling his shoulders back and thrusting out his chest.
"Where were you born?"
"London", said Alewood proudly, "County of Middlesex".
"Yes, I am aware of that", Watkins said irritably. It had been a long day. "And Mrs Alewood's full name?" he added, still addressing Mr Alewood.
"Jane Alewood", interrupted Mrs Alewood rather cross that the question had not been directed at her.
"And your age?" asked Watkins more quietly than usual.
"I'm 37, married and I was born in Swansea, Glamorgan", listed Mrs Alewood without waiting to be asked.
