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undergone substantial increases too: Dyserth (23.6%; 270 persons), Meliden (33.8%; 230 persons), Rhuddlan (24.2%; 300 persons). Flint continued to grow due to Courtauld's, and the Borough Council co- operated in the erection of several rows of terraced houses to attract skilled workers from other parts of the country. The population of Flint increased by 21.5% (1,357 persons). Notable increases also occurred at Hope of 19% (658 persons), which may be attributed to the prosperity of coal mining in the parish and adjacent parts of Denbighshire, and the opening of a new colliery. Holywell and Mold had increases of 11.4% and 10.3% respectively, which was slightly above the estimated natural increase rates. Decreasing accessibility to the coastal-growth points and the Denbighshire coalfield generally compared closely with decreasing population-growth rates of the local authority areas, e.g., Holywell Rural 7.3%, Brynford 4.7%, Bodfari 0.8%. The main decreases (apart from Bodelwyddan where the departure of a large proportion of the soldiers resulted in a recorded decline of 41.6%) were Caerwys 13%, Nannerch 15.9%, Treuddyn 8.8%, Cwm 4.5%, Higher Kinnerton 4.1%, Llanfynydd 3.8%. These were the remoter parishes furthest away from the prospering coastal areas and the Denbighshire coalfield. Buckley U.D. only increased by 2.6%, a result of the decline in coal mining and the brick industry. Age and Sex Structure The depression does not appear to have had much effect on the age and sex structure of the population of the local authority areas. There was a female pre- dominance in all areas except Buckley U.D. and Hawarden U.D. In Hawarden there were more males in each decennial age group until the 70s. In Buckley the male predominance ends in the 40 to 49 group. The greatest differences in the sex ratios occur in the 20 to 29 age group; 13% more males in Buckley, 25% more in Hawarden, although in Hawarden there is also a large difference (14% more males than females) in the 10 to 19 age group. In Holywell U.D., Mold U.D., and Rhyl U.D., females predominate in all decennial age groups. In Prestatyn there are more males only in the under-ten year olds. Female predominance in the 20 to 59 age groups in Prestatyn and Rhyl could be a result of the employment available in the service industries. The age structures show generally a lower than expected number under ten years old, possibly the result of a reduced birth rate in the previous decade. The rural districts show a relatively low proportion in the over 70 years age group. In Rhyl there was an influx of females for work, while in Prestatyn there appeared to be immigration in all age groups which became relatively greater with increasing age up to the 80 year olds age group obviously immigration for retirement as well as work and the greater longevity of the female population is very evident.