H.—23

1896. NEW ZEALAND.

THE ANNUAL SHEEP RETURNS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th APRIL, 1896.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

A.—Table showing Increase or Decrease in the Number of Sheep in each County throughout the Colony.

B.—Bettjrn showing (in Totals under Districts) — 1. The Districts into which the Colony is divided. 2. The Number of Sheepowners in each District. 3. The Number of Sheep upon which the Sheep-rate is collected. 4. The Amount of the Sheep-rate in each District.

C.—Statement showing Classification of Sheep.

D.—Beturn showing— 1. The Subdivisions of the Districts into which the Colony is divided. 2. The Number of Sheepowners owning under 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 Sheep, also owning 20,000 Sheep and upwards; also, Total Number of Owners of Sheep, and Total Number of Sheep, for the Year ended 30th April, 1896. 3. The Names and Besidences of Officers holding Appointments under the Stock Act.

E.—Eetuen of all Sheepowners, and Number of Sheep and Lambs, on 30th April, 1895, and 30th April, 1896; showing the County in which Owners reside and their Sheep are depastured, so far as the information is supplied in the Schedule " B " furnished by Sheepowners under section 47 of " The Stock Act, 1893." I—H. 23.