106 adoptions were registered, 16 less than in 1964-65. These new regis- trations brought to 1,099 the total number of adoptions registered since the first entry was made on 22nd July 1957 up to 31st March 1966. Table XXXVIII shows the relationship of adopters to the 1,079 children adopted under the Adoption Ordinance up to 31st December 1965, distinguishing sex and age. It will be seen from this that nearly twice as many female children were adopted as male, the totals being 705 and 374 respectively. 352 of the children adopted were under two years old, 87 two years old, and 163 three and four years old. Thus 602 or more than half of the 1,079 children adopted were under five years old when adopted. The remaining 477 were distributed among the age groups thus, 5-9 277, 10-14 150, and 15-20 50. In the cases of joint adopters and sole female adopters the adopters fall mainly into the category of no stated relationship. In the case of sole male adopters, however, the father is usually the adopter.
Compilation of Vital Statistics
170. The Births and Deaths Registry is responsible for the compila- tion of vital statistics for the Colony. The Hollerith system is used for compiling statistics of mortality, and information is recorded by means of punched cards, covering the age, sex, marital status, nationality, occupation, place of death of the deceased, and also the cause of death, whether the body was sent to a mortuary, and the registration number of the attending doctor. In relation to these statistics close liaison with the Medical and Health Department and the Statistical Branch of the Commerce and Industry Department is maintained.
Fees
171. The fees collected during the year amounted to $339,747. Particulars are given in Table XXXIX.
Land Office
PART X
NEW LEGISLATION
172. The Land Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 1965 amended the principal Ordinance by providing that memorials prepared in the Land Office might be verified by the certificate of the Land Officer instead of by oath before a Justice of the Peace or by the certificate of a Solicitor.
173. The Charities (Land Acquisition) (Amendment) Ordinance 1965 clarified the principal Ordinance by providing that no licence is required
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