INFLUX OF POPULATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12480, 26 January 1904, Page 4

INFLUX OF POPULATION.

As the great need of the colony is population, it is satisfactory to learn that there is a steady and increasing influx of newcomers, attracted hither by the many advantages which New Zealand possesses for settlement. One has only tp scan the passenger lists of the various steamers from outside ports to realise what a large passenger traffic is being carried on, and though it is true that at this particular season of the year a good deal of this traffic is due to the number of tourists who annually visit the colony, the statistics of arrivals and departures show a substantial gain to our permanent population. The excess of arrivals over departures last year was no less than 11.275, as against 7992 in 1902. Of this number, nearly 10,000 came from Australia, and the balance from the United Kingdom. The influx from the Commonwealth still continues, every boat arriving from Sydney and Melbourne bringing a large contingent of intending settlers and artisans in quest of employment. For suitable men accustomed to country workthere is an unsatisfied demand, while for those desirous of going on the land, and possessed of sufficient capital and experience, there are abundant opportunities awaiting them, which would be vastly increased were the land ballot system improved. It is evident that New Zealand is attracting widespread attention, and that as its character and resources become better known to those at a distance, the flow of immigration tends to grow in volume.