Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1898. Our Population.

Manawatu Herald, 8 March 1898, Page 2

Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1898. Our Population.

As we avo continually being told that the colony is progressing we can only hope that in time those who keep on repeating Ibis parrot cry will take the trouble to consult the able statistics that are annually prepared* and then a conclusion differently to their assertions must be come to. To any country the unfortunate decrease in the birth rate is a national calamity, and one which a real Statesman would follow up until he found a means whereby suoh a course could be properly changed, but it is not only in the birthrate that we are descending for the statistics chow that in every ailment that afflicts man, our population appears to more seriously suffer from now than they did some years ago, not in actual numbers, for that would be so owing to the increase in our population, but in the difference in the percentages. The last Census disclosed the fact that, on the 12-:h April, 1890, close upon 10 persons in every 1000 were suffering from sickness or accident, and besides these there were 7 89 or nearly 8 persons in every 1000 who were either affected with blindness, or deafand dumb, lunatic, idiot, or epileptic t In 1896 there were 202 perpons deaf and dumb, "equal to 2.86 persons per 10,000 against 2.65 in 1891. At the pams Census it was found that there were 844 persons blind, and the number blind in 1891 was 274 ; in 1891 the proportion was 4.87 per 10.000 and in 1896 it had risen to 4 90. Unfortunately we have 2,198 persons who are lunatics and this number equals 81.13 per 10,000 person?, whereas in 1896 it was 27.82 ; leaving out Victoria, it is unsatisfactory to find that in no other colony is the proportions of lunatics to the rest of the population so great as ifc is in this colony. Again, the number of idiots in 1896 was 144 as against 128 in 1891. though, barring Western Australia, New Zealand has fewer idiots than any other of the colonies. The Census gives un 9.06 ag the proportion of 10.000 of epileptics as against 736 in 1891. Yet again do we find that the number of persons | suffering from paralysis has increased from 14.72 to .15.86, and a3 a still I oue further item in a very black list we are informed that the cripplpd and deformed persons in 1891 eqnallfd 15 64 per 10,000 whilst in 1896 it had risen to 1742. Wi> have shown that in every respect we appear to be getting into a very bad way, by having an increasing deathrate and a decreasing birth-rate, ond a very perceptible increase in the number of por3on3 with all manner of diseases which afflict the mind, body ar.d estate. These facts are j gather* d every five year 3at a great expense and havo been so ordered that politicians could accurately guage the state of the public body, yet; these are so little considered is apparent by ihe statements made by persons set in authority over us, that we are progressing by 4I leaps and bounds," the question arises, 11 Where to ?"

Messrs Abraham & Williama hold a stock sale at Otaki to-morrow' and one at Palmerston on Thursday. To-morrow the members of the Borough Counoil and members of the Horowhenna County Council and residents travel by tram to Sanson to morrow to interview the •he Vanawatu County Counoil about the Winkino Bridge The tram leaves at 12 30 p.m. The s.s. Moutoa was unfortunate enough to strike a snag on Saturday, which haa made an ugly gap in her side. It is expected that it will be repaired by now. Mr Port's house on tb.3 Awahou Block Pohangina, was burnt by the bush fires last Wednesday. The s.s. Kennedy is expected to arrive here on Saturday next from Greymouth with coal, and will probably leave the day after with 1000 sheep for Titirangi. The following extraordinary story of the vagaries of a bullet is told by an Indian correspondent. A sepoy of the 36th Sikhs, when retiring from the Saran Sir Pass on the 9th, said he felt something hit his rifle, but seeing no mark thought he was mistaken. On reaching camp, when he came to clean his rifle, he found a bullet had actually entered the muzzle and penetrated about nine inches down the barrel, a seemingly impossible thing, but for all that, true. It was luoky, says a correspondent of the Times of India, that he had no occasion to fire his rifle again on his way home, or it would of course have burst. According to the Southland Times, a farm on the Wairuna estate (adjoining Pomahaka Downs), in grass, ana fenced, was sold last week for £2 14? per acre, and a farm of 250 acres on the Clyde vale estate on the other side of Pomahaka, partly in grass, and feDoed, for £1 15s per acre. This, remarks an exchange, seems cheaper than Pomahaka Downs in tussocks at £3 7s 6d per acre. Certainly the most effective medicine in the world is Sanders and Son's Eucalypti Extract. Test its eminently powerful effect in Coughs, Colds, Influenza ; the relief instantaneous. In serious cases and accidents of all kinds, be they wounds, burns, scaldings, bruises, sprains, it is the safest remedy — no swellings — no inflammation. Like surprising effects produced in Croup, Diphtheria, Bronchitis. Inflammation of the Lungs, Swellings, <fee, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Disease of the Kidneys and Urinary Organs. In use at all hospitals and medical clinics ; patronised by His Majesty the King of Italy ; crowned with medal and diploma at International Exhibition, Amsterdam. Trust in this approved article and eject all others.— [apvt.J

To The Deai- and thope troubled with Noise 3in the Head or other Aural Troubles. Dr Nicholson), of JjotJdon, the world famed Aural Specialist and inventor of Artificial Ear Drums, has jus', issued the 100 th edition of his illustrated and descriptive book on Deafness and Aural Troubles. This book may ba had from Mr Colin Campbell, 160, Adelaide Road, Welliugtou, N.Z. Mr Campbell was cured of hi" deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and takes pleasure in spreading the news of the great specialist in New Zealand. A little boook on the cure of Rheumatism Corpulence, Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same author may be had from Mr Campbell, also freei The famous Victory Sewing Machine is the latest and most perfect of Sewing Machines. It is adapted for household and work-room use, and is capable of performing the most artistic, fancy-work. The prices vary from six guineas, and any of tho machines can be purchased on the easiest of time payments from the New Zealand Clothing Factory, the local agency. McKee and Gamble, Photo-Engravers, and Lithographers, Wellington. Send for quotation.