BIRTH RATE SOARS

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20693, 31 December 1938, Page 8

BIRTH RATE SOARS

HIGHEST FOR YEARS

TREND IN HAMILTON INCREASE IN MARRIAGES Most favourable birth-rate for many years in Hamilton has been responsible for births for 1938 exceeding 600, a figure which is seldom attained in the borough. After several years’ decline 656 births were registered, which is one of the highest totals ever attained. With the exception of July and October every month saw the birth-rate increasing with the result that the annual returns are about 16 per cent better than 1937, which was one of the most favourable years for some time. August was the best month, 77 births being registered as compared with 60 the previous year, when also August had the highest birth-rate. Deaths during 1938 numbered 363, which is one of the highest totals recorded, a natural feature in view of the increasing population of the borough. Considerably more marriages in Hamilton than last year brought the total number of marriage licenses issued to 379 compared with 354 in 1937. Christmas brides seem to be the fa-shion, for more young couples were united in malrominy this month than during any other month in the year. Easter, which is usually con-

sidered a bride’s month, saw 42 marriage licenses issued in Hamilton. Following are the statistics for the year, with those for 1937 appearing in parentheses:

Birth Deaths Marriages Jan. ... 42 (37) 23 (17) 34 (19) Feb 52 (46) 1 9 (251 24 (27) Mar 56 (42) 36 (29) 26 (41 ) Apr 46 (43) 26 (24) 42 (33) May 76 (48). 31 (23) 32 (32) June ... 43 (41) 28 (32) 41 (37) July 50 (56) 34 (41 ) 17 (22) Aug. ... 77 (60) 42 (30) 27 (27) Sept. .. 52 (37) 36 (35) 26 (33) Oct .48 US) 35 (33) 30 (29) NOV. ... 72 (56) 25 (30) 31 (19) Dec 42 (51 ) 23 (30) 49 (37) Totals .. 656 (565) 363 (351) 379 (354)