AnnualReport-1935

M 29

67. During the year 3,347,473 persons entered and 3,412,020 left the Colony, by steamer and by railway making a surplus of emigrants over immigrants by these routes of 64,547. Fuller details are as follows:

Arrived Departed River steamer 1,748,386 1,826,631 Railway 1,065,473 1,059,469 Ocean going steamers 533,614 525,920 Total 3,347,473 3,412,020

This does not represent the total movement between Hong Kong and the neighbouring provinces of China for there are many who arrive, and depart by coasting vessels, junks and sampans. It is estimated that on an average over 8,000 arrive and depart daily.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION

68. 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.

69. 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 increased throughout the Colony, more particularly in the New Territories.

70. Registration of births is however still far from complete and many births, especially of females, are never recorded.

71. In view of the increased numbers of births and deaths registered in the New Territories, it was decided from 1934 to calculate the birth and death rates on the population of the whole Colony and not to exclude the New Territories as heretofore.

72. 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.