"HOW OLD ARE YOU?”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3184, 1 April 1911, Page 9

"HOW OLD ARE YOU?”

AWKWARD CENSUS QUESTION. It is pointed out by the Commonwealth statistician, Mr G. H. Knibbs, that an examination of past censuses shows that statements regarding age leave much to be desired. The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr O’Mally) is therefore anxious that the first census of the Commonwealth should show a distinct improvement iu regard to this feature, seeing that the various tables are necessarily vitiated and reduced in value by errors of statement in regard to age. Not only does misstatement give a false number corresponding to the various ages of the people of the Commonwealth, hut makes it impossible to compare the population of a given age with the deaths at- particular ages. Unfortunately, the trouble does not end here. Nearly every important sociological inquiry is normously reduced in value by this kind of carelessness. It is probable in many cases that errors in statement- of age are unintentional, hut this is not always the case. It should he known that tlie ages are required for no other purpose than mere abstract numerical tabulation, and, provided that no misstatement is made, the age of persons can never he divulged. Some idea of the importance of giving exact ages may be gathered from the fact- that in the. results of the forthcoming census it is proposed to tabulate the following particulars according to age. viz.:—1, occupation; 2, conjugal condition; 3, lengh of residence; 4, number of children horn to husbands and wives up to particular ages; 5, education and schooling; 6, race: and 7. birthplace. All these tables would he impaired unless the ages are correct. It will he seen at once that the number to he provided for in respect of education. in respect of military training, in respect of pensions ,and so on, can he accurately deduced only if correctstatements are made.