POPULATION OF NELSON

Press, Volume C, Issue 29517, 19 May 1961, Page 17

POPULATION OF NELSON

12.9 Per Cent. Increase

The population of Nelson city has increased by 12.9 per cent., from 21,228 in 1956 to 23,959 this year, according to the latest .figures for the 1961 New Zealand census, compiled by the Government Statistician (Mr J. V. T Baker). This is the first city population to become available in the census. Decreases in population in the Westport and Runanga boroughs further emphasise the decline on the West Coast of the South Island, says Mr Baker. Several counties in the latest list show decreases, with Wairewa recording a decrease of 129 per cent, for its 1956 population of 915. The population of Eyre county shows an increase of 15.9 per cent. The latest list is preliminary, and is subject to possible amendment when a complete check of the schedules has been carried out. All figures of county populations include the populations of county towns, but not those of cities, boroughs or town districts within the county boundaries.

Conntiei No. Change P.C. Sounds 857 in pop. diff. -9 9 Marlborough 7.955 334 4.4 Cheviot 1.533 «7 4.6 Waimea 14.101 590 44 Eyre Akaroa 1.8S5 259 15.9 1.823 -139 —7.1 Wairewa .. 797 —118 —12.9 Ashburton 11.599 377 34 Geraldtue .. 6.148 —163 —31 Levels 5 728 511 98 Waimate .. «.05» —340 —5.3 Cities and Boroughs PIcton 2.320 241 11 6 Nelson (city) 23,859 2731 129 Westport .. 5.483 —59 -1.1 Runanga .. 1.734 -110 -6.0 Ashburton 11.604 1361 13 3 Waimate .. 3.308 KI 6.5 County Town Akaroa 630 No comp. fig.