New Plymouth, 3rd December, 1847. Sir, In obedience to your Instructions that I should take the Statistics for the present year, I herewith beg to enclose the same, as also a copy of those taken in 1846 which will shew an increase in the Population of 20 males and 24 females making a total of 44. Fifty one persons have left the settlement during the year viz - 37 males and 14 females, of which number 39 were Adults; there has been 68 Births and 11 deaths within the period. The return of Cultivations will shew a decrease of 72 1/2 Acres of wheat and 4 1/4 Acres of barley whilst the increase being, of oats 34 Acres, Potatoes 34 3/4, Turnips 22, Grass 111 1/4 Rye 2, and Hops 1 making as per margin an excess of Land cropped in 1847 of 12 1/2 Acres. In this return the Gardens are not not included which amounts to 45 Acres. There are about two hundred and twenty seven Householders and Colliers in the settlement. The total number of Acres cleared and laid down for fallow is Eighty five. The great increase in Horned Cattle and Sheep, the former 205 and the latter 317 may be accounted for by the arrival of the "Comet" from Sydney with a supply, as also the cattle lately brought overland from the South - Pigs have decreased in number 117 while Goats have increased 81. Not having received from the Revd.Mr.Turton the number of Marriages solemnized by him I am unable to fill up the same in the return. I am, Sir, Your most obt. and humble servant, M. Medland, Policeman. D. McLean, Esq., Inspector of Police. Increase. Oats 34 Potatoes 34 ¾ Turnips 22 Grass 111 ¼ Rye 2 Hops 1 ___ 205 Decrease. Wheat 72¼ Barley 4½ ___ 76½ ___ Excess 128½.