VITAL STATISTICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 104, 4 May 1937, Page 6

VITAL STATISTICS

WANGANUI RETURNS BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES SHOW DECREASE A decrease of eight births and a decrease of eleven marriages are revealed in the vital statistics for Wanganui for April, when compared with the returns for the corresponding month of 1936. Last year Easter fell in April, and as a consequence the number ot marriage licences issued was high. The figures for last month and for April of last wear are as follows:

Flying of Union Jack. The decoration of city buildings, private houses, and motor vehicles with Union Jacks in celebration of the Coronation has prompted a correspondent to ask whether it is proper for a private citizen to hoist the Union Jack. The same question was asked the British Government in the House of Lords in 1908, and replying on behalf of the Government, the Earl of Crewe stated that the Union Jack may be flown on land by every citizen in the Empire. That ruling remains unchanged, but subject to the comment that it is equally permissible and perhaps more fitting for New Zealand citizens to display the New Zealand Ensign. West Coast Farmers. A party ot West Coast farmers is expected at Wanganui this afternoon and after a 24.-hour stay in the city and district will leave for New Plymouth, Hamilton and Auckland in continuation of a North Island tour. Members of the party, most of whom are from Westport, Greymouth and other West Coast districts, will be entertained by the Wanganui Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and will visit farms and other points of interest during their brief stay. The party comprises about 95 people, mostly farmers and their wives. They wiii arrive by the New Plymouth express and are to leave again on the same train to-mor-row.

A Shooting Incident. Eacii shooting season brings forth many unrehearsed incidents and accidents, and this year one happened on a lake not 100 miles from Waveriey, the chief actors being a fat stocx buyer, a Moumahaki farmer and a Wanganui aquatic enthusiast. The two former ventured out on the lake looking for ducks in the raupo when the canoe, which was leaking, filled with water and capsized, throwing the occupants into about 10ft. of water. They managed to get bad: or. to the bottom of the upturned canov and were also joined by their Retriever dog. Their predicament was noticed by the Wanganui man, who found a flatty some distance away and rowed to their assistance. Taking them, and the dog, aboard, he towe\ the upturned canoe to the shore. The two unfortunates were in the water long enough to give a decided opinion that the temperature of Moumahaki lake water is at least one degree below that of the Blue Bath at Rotoru"

1937 1936 Births 33 41 Deaths 16 25 Marriage licences 23 34 Last month six marriages were performed by the registrar.