POPULATION INCREASE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30827, 12 August 1965, Page 5

POPULATION INCREASE

Decline In Figures The increase in the New Zealand population for the quarter ended on June 30 was the lowest since 1943, according to figures produced by the Department of Statistics. The increase between March 31 and June 30 this year was only 262, bringing the total population to 2,640,379. In the same quarter last year the increase was 3616, and in 1963 it was 4630.

Figures for full years to the end of June also show a clear trend towards a smaller increment. In 1963, the increase was 52,567: in 1964 it was 56,370; and this year it was 45,976. The natural increase (excess of births over deaths) for the June quarter, 1965, was 8800 being lower than that of 9150 in the corresponding quarter of 1964, owing to births dropping from 15,300 to 14,350 and with an offsetting factor of deaths also dropping from 6150 to 5550. Natural increase figures for June years have been: 1965, 38,700; 1964, 40,600; and 1963, 41.800. Greater numbers of New Zealanders leaving for overseas travel and working holidays have also lowered the net gain to the population by migration and movement of the armed forces. Departures exceeded arrivals by 8500 for the latest quarter, compared with 5500 in the June quarter, 1964. Net migration gains for June years have been. 1965, 7300: 1964, 15,800; and 1963, 10.800.

Of the total population of 2,640,379, 1,325,719 are males and 1,314,660 are females.