THE POPULATION OF THE COLONY.

Evening Star, Issue 12868, 18 July 1906, Page 6

THE POPULATION OF THE COLONY.

HOW IT AFFECTS REPRESENTATION. THE SOUTH. ISLAND LOSES TWO MEMBERS. [Special to the Stak.] WELLINGTON, July 18. The increase of the population in the period 1886 to 1906 is interesting. The increase for the whole colony for the census period 1886-91 was 48,090; percentage for the five years, 8.3; annual, 1.26. 1896 : Numerical increase, 76,751; quinquennial percentage, 12.25; annual, 2.45. 1901: Numerical, 69,385; quinquennial percentage, 15; annual, 3. The last census year is clearly the annus mirabflis of the present list. Had the other three periods shown the same increase—namely, 15 per cent. —the aggregate of the population would have been 1,011.416.

How the change will affect the representation it. will not be possible to estimate for a few days, but according to present appearance it looks as if the present equal division of power between the Islands (thirty-eight to thirty-eight) will give place to forty to thirty-six, the South transferring two members- to the North. There is a fraction of a third member on each side, but as the larger part belongs to the South the Northern desire for three new members will not be gratified.

The population of the four centres you have had published. The official practice is not so wide as that in the newspapers, which take in large radii from their point of view. The figures work out thus :—Auckland, 89,000; Christchurch, 76,000; Wellington, 73,000; Dunedin, 60,500. In this calculation Auckland includes Howick, Orakei. Tamaki West, Mount Wellington, Avondale, Northcote, and Takapuna. ° The Christchurch area takes in Greater Christchnrch, Spreydon, Halswell. Riccarton, Avon, Heathcote, Sumner, Woolston, New Brighton, and Lyttelton. Wellington embraces Melrose. Onslow, Karori, Miramar, Eastbourno, Hutt, and Petone.

Dunedin takes count of the Citv, Caversham, South Dunedin, Maori Hill, Mornmgton. North-east Valley, Roslyn, St. Kilda, West Harbor, Anderson Bay. Peninsula County, and Port Chalmers.