rights as well. Before the last war, however, it became notice- able that greater use of the provisions of the Ordinance was being made by the Chinese population. This tendency has gathered momentum in the postwar years as the advantages of registration under modern conditions are becoming more and more understood and appreciated. The rapid increase in the number of such marriages may be seen from the figures given in Table VII, and there is every indication that the figures will continue to increase.
Marriages Registered
21. The total number of marriages registered in 1955/56 was 4,953, 1,238 (33%) more than the previous year's record total of 3,715. Of the 4,953 marriages, 4,598 were between Chinese parties, and 4,330 took place in the attractively decorated Marriage Room in the Marriage Registry. The remaining 623 marriages were celebrated at licensed places of worship of various denominations.
Fees
22. The fees collected totalled $59,089, over $20,000 more than the previous year's figure. The higher total was mainly due to the greater number of marriages registered, but also partly to increases in certain minor fees. Particulars are given in Table VI.
Comparison with Previous Years
23. Table VII shows the numbers of marriages registered, the numbers of marriages between parties of Chinese race, the numbers of marriages performed at the Marriage Registry, and the amounts of fees collected, for each year since the war, with for comparison the average figures for the five years 1935/39.
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