CO129-272 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [5-9] — Page 470

to suit local requirements.

This measure contains, however, few entirely novel provisions which appear to require special mention.

Subsection (b) of section 7 has been framed with the object of obtaining particulars of birth, so far as they can be ascertained, in cases where children are admitted to public or charitable religious institutions.

Sub-sections (e) and (f) of section 11 are intended to prevent the removal or burial of dead bodies except under properly recognized authority.

Subsection (a) of section 12 alters the previous local law as to the legal obligations of ministers of religion. By section 11 of Ordinance 7 of 1872 the minister was liable to a fine if he did not, within a certain number of days after performing the burial service, give notice to the Registrar General of cases in which no certificate or order for burial had been delivered to him. Subsection (a) of section 12, however, renders the minister liable to punishment if he performs any funeral service in cases where no proper authority for burial has been delivered to him.

Subsection (d) (iv) of section 12 is intended to secure the correct and uniform classification of diseases in the death returns, and subsection (e) of the same section confers upon the Registrar General power to invoke the assistance of the Colonial Surgeon in cases where he is not satisfied as to the correctness of the reported cause of death.

St. John Str. E. Pollock,
Acting Attorney General.

Sept.