H.—23a.

1902. NKW ZEALAND.

INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY ON THE 30th APRIL, 1902.

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

Department of Agriculture (Live-stock Branch), Sir,— Wellington, 17th July, 1902. I have the honour to furnish a statement of the approximate number of sheep in the colony on the 30th April, 1902. I have, &c, John D. Eitohib, The Hon. the Minister for Agriculture. Chief Inspector of Stock.

Approximate Number of Sheep in the Colony on the 30th April, 1902.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,5i5 copies), SI os. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.'—l9o2.

Price 3d.]

Number of Sheep. District. Increase. Decrease. 1901.* 1902. Auckland 880,377 868,929 11,448 Napier 4,534,638 4,651,074 116,436 Wellington-West Coast 4,803,930 4,758,980 44,950 Marlborough-Nelson 933,088 954,509 21,421 Oanterbury-Kaikoura 5,103,055 5,115,285 12,230 Otago ... 3,978,011 3,953,245 24,766 Total 20,233,099 20,302,022 150,087 81,164 Increasi t, North Island 60,038 Increase i, South Island 8,885 'otal increase 68,923 * Complete returns.