the Colony of Hong Kong at a fire or in any quarrel, fight, breach of the peace or otherwise howsoever, or within the Hong Kong, Canton or Macau waters'. The trust deed provided for the award of Belilios Stars for such acts of bravery. These are of two kinds: the bronze eight-pointed Star awarded for bravery at sea, and the five-pointed silver Star for bravery on land. The Official Trustee now administers the trust and makes the awards after submission to the Governor for his approval. A monetary award may also be made either in conjunction with the award of a Star or where no Star is awarded.
142. The number of awards made since the war remained un- changed at seventeen, thirteen bronze and four silver.
Lunacy
143. The Registrar General is very seldom called upon to act in the capacity of Official Solicitor in Lunacy, and no new cases arose during the year under review.
Explanatory
PART VIII
MARRIAGE REGISTRY
144. All marriages except non-Christian customary marriages are governed by the provisions of the Marriage Ordinance. Under this, after a notice of intended marriage has been exhibited at the Registry for fifteen clear days, a certificate is issued which enables the marriage to be celebrated at a licensed place of worship, or contracted as a civil marriage before a Deputy Registrar. Where he is satisfied that there are special circumstances justifying his doing so, the Registrar may issue the certificate at any time within the fifteen days. Under Section 11 the Governor may, when he sees fit, grant a special licence dis- pensing with notice altogether or with the certificate of the Registrar or with both. Such licences are given only in exceptional circumstances.
145. Notices of marriage are exhibited at the Registry where given and also at the principal Marriage Registry, to which records of all marriages under the Ordinance are sent for permanent retention.
146. The Marriage Ordinance does not apply to non-Christian customary marriages duly celebrated according to the personal law and religion of the parties. No records of such marriages are available, but
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