THE NORTHERN COUNTIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17956, 5 December 1921, Page 10

THE NORTHERN COUNTIES.

AREA AND POPULATION. PROGRESS OF WHANGAREI. The nine counties of North Auckland comprise an area of 3,872,640 acres. In 1916 the improved area comprised 1,004,993 "acres. The area in grass was 776,369 acres. The average Northern holding is 230 acres. The stock carried gives a capacity on grass lands equal to. one and three-quarters sheep to the acre, allowing the modest estimate for cattle and horses as equal to four sheep. The population of the nine counties in 1916 wa,? 45,694; in 1920, 49,900. Since 1916 ax4Bady influx of Southern farmers, with newer methods, has added increased efficiency to tho systems of cultivation, and improved the quality and standards of stock breeding. The Whangaroi County has an area of 1000 square miles, with approximately 1300 miles of reading (all classes). The total capital vaue of the county this year is £4,500,000, as against £2,111,964 in 1917-1918. The white population of the county is 8977. The total indebtedness of the County Council in the shape of loans for road improvements is £62,033, which carries a liquidating sinking fund. Tbe County Council possesses land and buildings valued at £8000, in addition to £90OQ worth of road-making machinery. The receipts of the county from all souroes, for year ending March 31 last, totalled £56,032, and the expenditure under all headings amounted to £60,709, making a total turnover tor the year of £116,741. Nine ridings compose the county, each having one representative on the council. In 1912 the number of motor vehicles owned in the district totalled 3; to-day, 546 motor vehicles are registered in the county; and in addition 106 motorcycles. The office of the County Council is situated in the county town of Whangarei, at a distance of 115 miles by road from Auckland. The policy of the council is energetically progressive, and their determination to road and open up every possible area of the thousand square miles they control is inspired by a large and quickening vision of the production and prosperity that North Auckland is destined to enjoy.