THE CITY’S PROGRESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 120, 22 April 1936, Page 8

THE CITY’S PROGRESS.

Palmerston North’s steady progress in the decade since the last census was taken is confirmed by the latest figures available. There was evidence of it annually from the Government Statistician’s returns and from building figures issued by the municipal authorities. A population of 22,191 is an increase of more than 4000 on the 1920 calculation, and no other provincial centre is perhaps likely, to approach this gratifyingincrease. Invercargill, for example, showed a total population 8018 ahead of the 1926 figures, and at 21,889 it falls short of Palmerston North’s by 802. Wanganui is in the unfortunate position of several towns in showing a decreased number of residents,, and though it is the fifth city of the Dominion its right to this title is being seriously challenged by Palmerston North, which is now less than 1000 behind the riverside city. . The latter, however, now takes in places some distance from the heart of the main business area, and in this respect is distinguished from Palmerston North whose people are centralised within the original boundaries. On this basis Palmerston North’s progress is the more impressive of the two places, and its elevation to the. position of sixth city of the Dominion is the natural corollary to its expansion in recent years. That it will eventually become the chief city outside of the four main ones is everywhere recognised, and the only question is how long this will take. With progressive administration and efficiency in municipal enterprise this should be accomplished in the near future.