NEW ZEALAND STATISTICS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3042, 31 March 1917, Page 15

NEW ZEALAND STATISTICS

Sir,—The statistics of the Dominion for eaoh year have been published for 1 , many years past, in,four volumes in the following year, later volume of the four appearing a few months' after the former. - From inquiries made from the Government Printer, several publio libraries, and several booksellers, I find that the fourth volume of the 1915 statistics js not yet published. I am aware that the chief of the Statistical Department has for many mbnths been_ busier than usual, due to the necessities of the local military situation, but that is ■ neither excuse nor reason for delay of.-.many, months, in the issue of, the most important' work published .'Tjy the. The preparation.-'of volumes involves but little of original research or work requiring.'any speoial-..skill. The 'statistics, are'mainly, a compilation of. returns supplied; readyby' Government Departments/and ' various publio and private'bnsTness firms, generally ' in aa'proscribed by Aot of Parliament or the regulations of ■ tho Department issuing the return.

. The iiifoi'mation contained is of mo3t profound interest and valuo to hundreds of students and thinkers' both outside'as well as in New Zealand. Such people do much to mould our national character and thought.- From the statistics .much can b'a learnt about tho war.'.and its effects, and it is of urgent importance that these matters should be learnt "wbilo the war ; s in progress, and not when it is over. We want as much common sense, even wisdom, as\possible.to;ruide us as we go along, rather, than aftor th© event. The' statistic!) of a nation are an oxact and

highly crystallised reflex 'pf :■..:. every phase of a nation's growth/ decadence, or activities in everv foi.tr., 'lviiether political, industrial, financial, literary, scientific, or otherwise.--!'ten, • cus., H. 11. THOMPSON. Featherston M.C., /" ' March 12, 1917. j '