Registrar-Generals-Department-Annual-report-1971-1972 — Page 55

Lunacy

150. The Registrar General is very seldom called upon to act in the capacity of Official Solicitor in Lunacy, and was called upon to act in only one new case during the year.

Explanatory

PART VIII

MARRIAGE REGISTRY

151. All marriages except non-Christian customary marriages are governed by the provisions of the Marriage Ordinance. Under this, after a notice of intended marriage has been exhibited at the Registry for fifteen clear days, a certificate is issued which enables the marriage to be celebrated at a licensed place of worship, or contracted as a civil marriage before a Deputy Registrar. Where he is satisfied that there are special circumstances justifying his doing so, the Registrar may issue the certificate at any time within the fifteen days. Under section 11 the Governor may, when he sees fit, grant a special licence dispensing with notice altogether or with the certificate of the Registrar or with both. Such licences are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

152. Notices of marriage are exhibited at the Registry where given and also at the principal Marriage Registry, to which records of all marriages under the Ordinance are sent for permanent retention.

153. The Marriage Ordinance does not apply to non-Christian customary marriages duly celebrated in accordance with the personal law and religion of the parties. No such marriage may, however, be celebrated in Hong Kong since 7th October 1971, which was the day appointed by the Governor under the Marriage Reform Ordinance. This Ordinance provides for the post-registration of Chinese customary and modern marriages as defined in the Ordinance, and for the dissolution of such marriages. The Ordinance also makes provision for related matters such as 'kim tiu' marriage and concubinage. During the year, 443 post- registrations of marriage were effected under the Marriage Reform Ordinance.

154. The principal Marriage Registry is located in the City Hall. In addition there are 'full-time' registries in the urban areas at Causeway Bay, Western District, Shau Kei Wan, Aberdeen, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

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