years old when adopted. The remaining 679 were distributed among the age groups as follows, 5-9 347, 10-14 212, and 15-20 120. 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.
182. A comparison of the statistics for the last five years (1964-68) with those for the five years before that (1959-63) reveals, in addition to the trends noted in paragraph 181, that:
(1) the majority of adopters in both periods were joint adopters, and (2) although there was a decrease in the number of adoptions in the second period, there was an increase in the number of persons adopting children of their own or children otherwise related to them, as follows:
Adopted Children
With Relation-
Without
Relation-
ship
ship
First 5 years (1.1.59-31.12.63)
122
608
Last 5 years (1.1.64-31.12.68)
189
413
Compilation of Vital Statistics
183. The Births and Deaths Registry is responsible for the com- pilation of vital statistics for the Colony. The Hollerith system is used for compiling statistics of mortality, and information is recorded by means of punch cards covering 16 separate items. During the year, the system was expanded to cover information relating to births, and 17 additional clerks were assigned for the collection of information as to the characteristics of birth events and parents. This information, now available as from 1st January 1969, is recorded in separate statis- tical forms and coding sheets for card punching and data processing by computer. The birth statistical data collected cover 25 separate items. The Department maintains close liaison in this work with the Medical and Health Department, the Census and Statistics Department and the Organizational Surveys Unit of the Secretariat.
Fees
184. The fees collected during the year amounted to $309,500. Particulars are given in Table XLIV.
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