165,343 INCREASE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 208, 30 May 1936, Page 10

165,343 INCREASE

Dominion’s Population Now 1,573,482 DRIFT TO THE NORTH Provisional Census Returns Returns to hand for the census taken on March 24 are uow sufficiently complete to disclose the total population then recorded. The results are provisional, being subject to correction on final check, but it is unlikely that amendments of a serious nature will be required. The figures, which are inclusive of Maoris, relate to New Zealand proper, that is, they do not coyer the Dominion’s island dependencies, namely, the Cook Islands, Niue Island. Tnl-010 ii Tclnrwle. nnrl

The total population was 1.573,482, representing an increase of 165,343, or 11.74 per cent, on the 1926 census figures. The details are as follow:

The rate of growth of the population during the decade which elapsed between the 1926 and 1936 censuses is the lowest recorded for any decade in the history of New Zealand. It represents a heavy decline on the rate of growth recorded during the five years between the censuses of 1921 and 1926. when the population increased by 136.475, equal to 10.73 per cent, of the 192 J total. The North Island now contains 64.68 per cent, of New Zealand's population, and the South Island 35.32 per cent. Corresponding percentages in 1926 were 63.39 and 36.61 respectively. (Graph on Page 8.) SEATS IN HOUSE South Island May Lose Two With a revision of the electoral boundaries In the near future it seems likely that the South Island will lose at least two of its seats in the House of Representatives to the North Island. Of the 76 European members in the present Parliament the North Island is represented by 47 and the South Island by 29, but a redistribution on the basis of the preliminary census figures published above would give the North Island 49 seats and the South Island 27. Whatever adjustments of representation are made it seems that many people will find themselves in a new electorate at the next general election. As shown by the voting figures at last year's general election, the six smallest electorates iji the South Island from a population point of view are Chalmers, Waitaki, Awarua, Clutha, Buller and Wallace, while the six largest electorates in the North Island are Hutt, Wellington Suburbs, ’Wellington East, Parnell, Palmerston North and Grey Lynn. It therefore seems certain that one of the new North Island seats must come to Wellington. Appointment of Commissioners. It will be the duty of the Government after the census figureis are completed to appoint two statutory commissions to consider the representation of New Zealand at the next election. The total population of the Dominion is ascertained ; to this number is added as the country quota a further total equivalent to 2S per eent. of the rural population. The nominal population thus derived is divided by the number of European seats in Parliament, 76, and the resulting figure is- the quota for ench electorate. - , The number of seats allocated to each island is then determined and the commissions, one for the North and one for the South Island, sit to consider the adjustment of boundaries. In rural areas, the commission may depart from the quota for each electorate by 1250, but the "swing” in urban areas must not be more than 250. In redrawing the boundaries, the commission is guided hy certain considerations such as community of interest and geographical convenience. The allocation of seats is bated on the whole population and not merely that part of it which has the vote. Dominance of North.

The gradual dominance of the North Island in population extends back several years. It was so marked even as recently as 1927, when the last revision of electoral boundar’es took place, that the South Island lost one seat,_ and the North gained correspondingly. The Ashburton and Ellesmere districts were merged to form Mid-Canterbury, and Auckland gained the new seat of Auckland Suburbs The whole basis of the revision is to secure equality of voting strength in the electorates, and ns there have been considerable changes in lhe distribution of population I ‘nice the last revision, it seems proper to presume that, important changes in the constitution of the electorates will have to follow. The representation commissioners are required to meet three months after the figures have been communicated to them. The alterations will not come into operation until the next general election, which will be held at the end of 1938 if the Government reinstates triennial Parliaments.

North Island ♦South Island Popilia- ’ tion. 1936 census. 1,017,706 555,716 Increase 1926-38 as pars'unierlcal courage Increase, 1926-36. 125.087 40,256 of 1026 totals. 14.01 7.81 Total for New Zealand 1,573,482 165,343 11.74 •Including Chatham and Stewart Islands.