THE CENSUS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1926, Page 4

THE CENSUS

A PROGRESS REPORT

WELLINGTON, April 28

Tbo initial returns of the 1926 census have been announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. 11. F. Bollard.

The returns show an . inereac of population in. one or two districts, and a decrease in other districts.

The population of the Wellington suburb of Johnsonville was 1013; in the 1 f*2o census it is shown to he 1188. Greytown has suffered a decrease in population of SO, and Featherston of 97

“Jt has been usual,” remarked Mr Bollard, “to publish preliminary returns of the census, and. by way of comparison, to show the figures of the preceding census. This course has been followed from time to time until the returns have been completed. Progress reports will lie published.”

A noteworthy passage in the Minister's remarks had application to the accuracy of the public in filling in their census papers, and to the assistance the Press had given in publishing explanations of the problems set citizens in declaring their affairs- for statistical purposes.

“There is no doubt,” aid Mr Bollard. "that the Press have risen magnificently to the occasion, and have very materially helped to rouse the attention of the people to it sense of their duty in supplying the particulars tequirod by the schedules. Iho Government .Statistician is also satisfied from personal observation, and his observation. is supported by information received from the enumerators of the various centres that the people themselves have generally shown a keen desire to comply with the requirements. Many have gone to a great deal ot trouble and have shown anxiety to do the right, thing." Mr Bollard added that: the loyal support of the newspapers throughout too Dominion in the huge task of taking the census, the high, sense ofcitizensliip shown by the people, and the splendid wav in which they responded to the requirements of the Department had gone a. long way in helping in the work entailed.