BIRTHS INCREASE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21605, 6 January 1945, Page 4

BIRTHS INCREASE

GISBORNE STATISTICS marriages' also up Births in Gisborne during the past 12 months show the most substantial difference of any of the vital statistics for 1944 when compared with those of former years. Deaths show a decrease and marriages are up on those of the past two years. Since the peak in births was attained in 1940. Oil. a steady decline took place in the birth-rate unti. in 1943 the total was 475, over 130 less than 1940. An increase was shown last year, the total reaching 525. 50 more than the preceding year. During 1943 the highest level of any war year was reached in the matter of deaths and. compared with that year, the 212 deaths recorded last year numbered only la fewer. In 1942 die figure was 213. Marriages during 1944 show a decided increase on those of the previous two years. Last year 220 marriages wore registered. In 1943 the total was 197. and in 1942 there were 172 marriages. Last year’s total equalled that of 1941. which was considered a low figure when compared vvil.li previous years. The December figures did not actually follow the trend as indicated in the year’s aggregate in the matter of births, but the remaining figures adhered 1o those of the major total in exact detail. Figures recorded at Gisborne during December, together with the yearly totals of 1944. 1943 and 1942. are tabulated below: — DECEMBER

A feature of the December figures last year is the increase of marriages v/hen compared with the figures of the previous two years.

1942 1943 1944 Births 40 39 35 Deaths 18 22 13 Marriage notices .. 10 10 22 Marr.’s by registrar 4 5 4 ANNUAL TOTALS Births 496 475 525 Deaths 213 227 212 Marriage notices .. 136 152 180 Marr.’s by registrar 36 45 ■ 40