DRIFT TO THE NORTH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1632, 2 November 1916, Page 2

DRIFT TO THE NORTH.

WHAT CFiXSI’B RETURNS snow. •Judging from the returns already received by (he Government Statistician as to the result of the recent census, there has been a decided shrinkage in (he population of the South Island since the last i|uinoueunial stocktaking was registered. So far some places in the South Island have not only not shown a normal increase, but have exhibited an actual decrease. Typical increases in the North Island were as follow: —Devonport, 824; To Kuiti, 7lti; Dargaville, 48:1; Wairoa, 43G;

Kawhia Town DislviH, 12; Hobson County, 151; Olamalea County, 05; Kawhia County (apart from town district), 10!). ’flic decreases apply to the South island, viz.: Oamaru, 11; Temuka, 105; Arrowlown, !)!); (Queenstown, oil; Winton, 22: Creymoulh, (iO!l; lirunner, 40!); Akaroa County, 278; Akaroa Borough, 82; Riverton, 00; Palmerston South, 40; Waihenio County, 201; I.awrcncc, 74. The figures received up to the present, therefore, show a perceptible decrease of poulation in the South island, and an increase in the North Island. No figures for the lower part of the North Island tire yet available, but it is singular to note that all the local governing' districts in the northern portion of the North Island show an increase, while similarly-situated districts in the South Island and the west coast of the South Island show a decre-

As to the effect that this movement of population may have on tho Parliamentary representation of the two Islands, it is impossible at present to predict, but the indications are that the Auckland district may easily gain two seats at (lie expense of the South Island and the. West Coast. The movement of population brought about by the enlistment of men ou active service will not, speaking broadly, affect, the allotment of the quota necessary to make up the various Parliamentary electorates. As near as possible those who have gone into earn]) will he allotted to their respeclive districts, on the basis of a certificate issued by the Minister of Defence to the Representation Commissioners.