THE STATISTICAL CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7525, 15 April 1890, Page 6

THE STATISTICAL CONFERENCE.

CENSUS CLASSIFICATION.

[PEBSS ASSOCt-TIQK TSL-OBU-W.] WELLINGTON, April 14.

Mr Yon Dadelzen, Deputy BegistrarGeneral. has just returned from Hobart, where he represented New Zealand at the Statistical Conference. The sittings were spread over two weeks, and some important work was done. A uniform census schedule was drawn up, leaving eacU colony at liberty to add special columns for its own needs. The recommendations of the English Registrar-General were attended to, and the system of classification altered. Formerly there was no distinction between employer and employed; both were returned under their trade heading. Now the Commercial class pure and simple will be separated from the industrial figures which have hitherto been unduly swelled at tbe expense of the former. Laborers formerly nnder the heading indefinite will now take their proper rank. Some other changes have been made which the Conference hope will simplify the system. In the occupation column of schedule, employers will have to mark themselves E and wage earners W. The Conference also discussed the best methods of arranging the census returns, with the result that what is known as the card system will probably come into force. The next census is expected to be taken about April 3rd.