Registrar-Generals-Department-Annual-report-1961-1962 — Page 41

registered during the years 1945-46 to 1961-62, and Table XXX the 1961-62 numbers in each age group by sexes. The highest numbers are in the 10-14 age group showing that post-registrations are often required for school purposes.

Re-registration of Births and Deaths

93. The Births Registration (Special Registrars) Ordinance (Cap. 175), and the Deaths Registration (Special Registers) Ordinance (Cap. 176), provide for the re-registration of births and deaths recorded in registers destroyed or lost during the Japanese occupation. 249 births were re-registered during the year. Altogether 4,927 births and 64 deaths. have now been re-registered under these two Ordinances.

Prosecutions

94. As a result of information given to the Police by the Registry twelve prosecutions were undertaken, mostly in respect of false declara- tions made in relation to births. Eight of the accused were convicted, and fines up to $400 were imposed.

Adoptions

95. An Adopted Children Register is maintained at the General Register Office under the Adoption Ordinance, 1956. During the year 202 adoptions were registered, bringing to 577 the total number of adoptions registered since the first entry was made on 22nd July 1957 up to 31st March 1962. Table XXXI shows the relationship of adopters to children adopted under the Adoption Ordinance during 1957 to 1961, distinguishing sex and age. It will be seen from this that in the cases of joint adopters and sole female adopters the adopters fall mainly into the category of no stated relationship. In the case of sole male adopters, however, the father is usually the adopter.

Compilation of Vital Statistics

96. The Births and Deaths Registry is responsible for the compila- tion of vital statistics for the Colony. The Hollerith system is used for compiling statistics of mortality, and information is recorded by means of punched cards, covering the age, sex, marital status, nationality, occupation, place of death of the deceased, and also the cause of death, whether the body was sent to a mortuary, and the registration number of the attending doctor. In relation to these statistics close liaison with the Medical and Health Department and the Statistical Branch of the Commerce and Industry Department is maintained.

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