VITAL STATISTICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21934, 18 October 1934, Page 14

VITAL STATISTICS

FIGURES FOR PAST YEAR THE MARRIAGE INCREASE INTERESTING COMPARISONS Some interesting facts are revealed in the annual report on vital statistics ! for 1933, prepared in the Census and Statistics Office. Wellington. It is stated that although the birth-rate reached the lowest level on record with a figure of 16.59 per 1000 of population, the rate of decline maintained during the previous years slowed up considerably, which was to he expected from the fact that the 'marriage rate was comparatively well maintained in 1932. A comparison of the ages of parents in 1912 and 1933 shows that the percentages of both fathers and mothers under the nge of 30 have increased substantially since the earlier year. Dealing with marriages in 1933 the report states that the total of 10,510 represented an increase of 614, or 6 per cent over the previous year. In view of the continuance of the adverse economic conditions of the past few years, this increase in considered to be remarkable. It is possibly an indication of some slight improvement in financial prospects, while the figures are thought to reflect, to some extent, the effect of the Unemployment Board's building subsidy scheme, whereby many couples who had been postponing marriage on account of economic conditions have taken advantage of the opportunity t)f securing a home at an exceptionally low cost. This is suggested by the fact thai; the greatest increases took place during the last few months of the year, following the inauguration of tho subsidy i«cheme. Of the persons married, 11 per cent were under 21, 64 per cent between 21 and under 30, 17 per cent between 30 and 40 and 8 per cent over 40. There were four bridegrooms between 17 and IS and JSB between 18 and 19, while three brides were between 14 artd 15, seven between 15 and 16 and 73 between 16 and 17. Commenting on the death-rate of 7.98 per 1000 of population, which is also a new low record, it is stated that most deaths occurred in July, August, September and October in that order, and the fewest in February, March and January. The infant mortality rate is reported to have increased slightly from 31.22 deaths- at ages under one year per 1000 live births in 1932 to 31.64 in 1933. A comparative table shows that the greatest success, in combating the infant mortality probleia has been attained between" the ages of one and 12 months. During the last 10 years the death-Tate for this jrroup has been cut almost in half, from 16.28 per 1000 to 8.83.- MucL less success has attended the efforts directed toward reducing the mortality at ages under one month, however, the death-rates in 1924 and 1933 respectively being 23.95 and 22.81.