SOUTH ISLAND POPULATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1930, Page 2

SOUTH ISLAND POPULATION

NATURAL INCREASE,

DRIFT TO THE NORTH SLACKENING.

WELLINGTON, February 4

Discussing the local movements of population in New Zealand the Government Statistician ventures to suggest that what has for years been called “the drift to the north, may have slackened, and the tide turned in the other direction.

The total increase in poulation during the year ended March 31 last (excluding Maoris)was 10,475 in the North Island equal to 1.21 per cent. The South Island increase of 5,804, was equal to 1.11 per cent. “As the excess of births over deaths in the North Island was 10,064 and in the South Island--5206,” remarks the Government Statistician, “the gain in population over and above the natural increase in the South Island has exceeded that of the North, and may possibly mean the turning point of the pronounced northward drift which has occurred in recent years.” A detailed survey of the grouping of New Zealand’s population produced some illuminating results. Lower Hutt Borough increased its population over 70 per cent in the last four years, ami it is found that during the past year the population growth was most marked in Wellington and immediate areas. Auckland urban area, the greatest population aggregation of the Deminion, is credited with considerable growth, and the official report points out that the two suburban boroughs of Mount Albert and Mount Eden have practically reached the minimum population prescribed for a city. The borough population of Invercargill and Palmerston North also are close to the official minimum which entitles them to become cities. In Christchurch and

•n»dm, growth has been noticeable in rather greater degree in the city areas than in the suburbs.