M 30-
70. The above does not represent the total movement between Hong Kong and the neighbouring provinces for there are many who arrive and depart by junk or sampan. It is estimated that on an average some 7,000 arrive and 7,000 depart daily.
BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION,
71. The Registration of Births and Deaths Ordinance has since 1911 applied to the whole territory under British jurisdiction but until 1932 no action was taken to enforce it in the New Territories where registration of both births and deaths had been the exception rather than the rule.
72. As a result of the better enforcement of the law and still more as a result of the introduction of a new Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, which did away with certain fees and penalties, the registration of births during 1934 has increased throughout the Colony, but more particularly in the New Territories where 3,564 births were registered (3,380 in 1933).
73. Registration of births is however still far from complete and many births, especially of females, are never recorded.
74. In view of the increased numbers of births registered in the New Territories, it was decided to calculate the birth and death rates for 1934 on the population of the whole Colony and not to exclude the New Territories as heretofore.
75. Death registration in the Colony being a necessary preliminary to a permit to bury, it may be taken for granted that practically all deaths are registered. Bodies found dumped or abandoned in the streets and open spaces, are taken to the Public Mortuaries where they are examined by the Medical Officer who fills in the necessary certificates which go through the Coroners' hands to the Registrar. All certificates of deaths are scrutinized by the Medical Officer of Health.
BIRTHS.
76. The following table shows the number of births registered during the last five years:
1930 1931 1932 1933 1934* Total Chinese 10,756 11,134 12,055 13,166 20,424 Non-Chinese 378 388 431 453 462 Total 12,443 13,597 15,362 20,886*Includes those from New Territories.