HBH 1890 July 14 NZ Marriage Statistics MARRIAGES. From the Government statistics for 1889 we gather a few particulars relating to marriages, which have been decreasing in number for the past few years. During last year 3632 couples were united in the bonds of wedlock, and it appears from the ages of the contracting parties that the favourite period for men to marry is between 25 and 30 years of age, and for the women between 20 and 25 years a peculiarity on the part of engaged couples to consult the fates in particular months. April, May, and June are far and away the most popular Months, the lowest number of weddings taking place in July, August and September. Of the total number of marriages 706 were performed by registrars, and those interested in the divorce question may be glad to learn that during last year seven divorce men and five divorced women were married. Only ten marriages between members of the Maori races are recorded, a great falling off as compared with other years. There were seven girls under 16 married, and four women between 65 and 70. One Female of that period married a husband between 21 and 25 years of age. Six men of upwards of 70 years of age were married. The youngest wife of those was between 30 and 35, and the eldest between 60 and 65. There were seven lads married between the ages of 18 and 19, and seventeen from 19 to 20. The greatest numbers of marriages were solemnized by Church of England ministers. (840). Then followed in order-Presbyterians of New Zealand (510) Presbyterians of Otago and Southland (462) Wesleyans (405) Roman Catholics (378) Primitive Methodists (93) Baptists (67) Congregationalists (48) Methodist Free Church (47).