The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3184, 1 April 1911, Page 6

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1911.

An event of considerable importance, the taking of the census, Counting which, as everybody knows, of the comes round only once People. every five years, will engage the attention of the residents of New Zealand to-morrow night. Besides being a record of the numbers of the people dwelling in these Islands, the information which is icquired for statistical will, in many other ways, lie of the utmost value. The heads of many households may find the work of filling up the return no easy task. The schedule is a very comprehensive affair upon this occasion. It would, of course, be futile to offer suggestions as to how the return could he made less cumbersome. Householders have no option but to supply the information which is desired, and it- will materially assist the officials if delay is not allowed to occur. It is pleasing to anticipate that the census will show a substantial increase in regard to the general population. When the first enumeration of the people then residing in this country was taken, over a half century ago, it shewed a total of European residents of only 59,413. What will the forthcoming census reveal ? Some idea may be gained by a glance at the figures- for the two previous censuses. In 1901 the population, exclusive of Natives, came to 772,719 persons, of whom 2857 were Chinese and 2407 half-castes, living amongst and Europeans. The Maori population at that time was given as 43,143. Here it may be noted that, as far as could be ascertained, the number of Natives in 4891 was believed to be 31,993. whilst in 1896 only 39,854 could be -accounted for. The complete total of European and Native population ten years ago came to 815,862 persons, u lien the latest- census was taken five years Inter, in 1906, the European population of New Zealand and its possessions -totalled 888,578, of whom 2570 were Chinese and 2578 were half-castes living amongst and as Europeans. In April 1906 the Native population was reckoned at* 47,731. r io these totals must be added the population of the islands in the Pacific which had been annexed in the interim, viz., 12,340 persons. This gave a complete total of 948,649 persons, which was a material gain, when compared with the aggregate five years before. During the past two years New Zealand has not been so fortunate as formerly as regards the total accessions to her population, -as the result of the excess of arrivals over' departures. Still, it can be taken for granted, if the estimates which have been made from time to. time are anything like accurate, that the total population has reached the first milestone of one -million souls. No doubt considerable interest will centre in what must- prove an ever continuing struggle for supremacy between the four chief centres. Under the present system of boundaries Auckland will, of course, again command the coveted honor with a good deal to spare. Of course the question of boundaries is a very burning one, and it is a remarkable fact that- no one, not even theblip charge of the Department>". li'as>*<?ver been able to explain upon vliait basis t-lie existing boundaries have -to be fixed. Greater interest will, however, possibly be taken, in the contest for the honor of the fifth most important town in the Dominion. There are three aspirants for" tins distinction, and the- rivalry is extremely keen. When the census was taken in 1906 it was of interest to note that the figures icsulted: Palmerston North 10,239, Wanganui 8175, and Invereargi 1 7299. Upon paper the honor should fall to Invercargill, which has, since the latest census, absorbed all her fairly populous suburbs, with the exception of a portion of South Invercargill. The Year Book for 1910 delei a res that- the- -total population of “Greater Invercargill” had then reached 12,430. It is difficult to say whether Palmerston North or Wanganui will fill sixth place. The population of Palmerston North has increased somewhat- rapidly of late, and, it- is believed, approximates 12,000. As regards Wanganui, however, it is to be remembered that to that town have of late been added Aramoho, Dmietown, and iSit. Johns, but East Wanganui and Gonville are not yet included.

Counting of the People.

Turning! to the Hast Coast it- may bo said that -the -now figures -will be awaited wit!i the greatest- interest’ as evidencing the marked growth of this important town. For instance, one lias only to recall: the population statistics in respect- of tho census in 1901 and 1906. It will be remembered that the population of Gisborne ten years ago was 2737, whilst- the number given in addition as being on shipboard was 58. By the time 1906 had come round, however, the- population of this town had advanced' t*,o- 5664, exclusive- of 23 residing on the night of the census on shipboard. As far as the pending census is concerned, there .is every reason for believing, that- it will be. found that-

another highly satisfactory advance m numbers has taken plaice, / sue i the case it will just be a further indication of what the people in tins distrrt have every right to be convinced viz-, that Gisborne is destined to, ere long, fill the proud position of the prmcipatawn along the extensive East Coast. That such will be the case may be gauged from the fact that, while the population of Napier in 1901 was 8777, with 278 on shipboard, it had by 1906 increased only to 9454, with 27. on board ship. We would, in conclusion, again emphasise the necessity for promptness and accuracy in filling in the census papers, for if this be done it wi.l save the officials a good deal of time ant trouble.