THE CENSUS RETURNS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 May 1901, Page 3

THE CENSUS RETURNS.

(per pbess association.)

Wellington, May 10. A feature of the disclosures made by the preliminary consus returns is the way in which tho North Island has beaten the South Island in the rate of increase of population. If it had not been for the gold dredging industry the South Island would not have maintained even the 5 per cant, increase that it has done. Such was the opinion expressed by a prominent public officer to-day. He said that the developement of the dairying industry and sheep-farming was drawing people, from the South to the North Island. New Zealand he added, could never expect to count for much in the world's market as a grain exporting country, but as a producer of meat, butter and cheese it would continue to grow in importance. With reference to the doubts which have been cast upon the accuracy of the census returns in some districts, it may be mentioned that in cases where checks have been made the result has been that the re. turns as published have been confirmed. It is also considered by tho authorities that close agreement of the figures given in the preliminary return with the estimates made by reckoning the statistics of births and deaths and arrivals and departures is additional confirmation of the correctness of tho returns just issued."