PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.

Patea Mail, 28 December 1881, Page 3

PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.

A bulky bine book of nearly 300 pages, styled “ N.Z. Statistics for 1880,” is one of those 11 poems in figures ” which Sir Charles Dilke alludes to so appreciatively in “ Greater Britain.” In it the material growth of our young nation is graphically depicted for those who can understand the registrargeneral’s art. In 1853 our total trade, exports and imports, was less than a million sterling. Now it is about 13 millions. Gold first appears among the exports in 1857. That was only 23 years ago. The amount produced increased until in 1867 it reached nearly three millions; and then declined until (as at present) it average about l£ millions. In 1853, one million pounds of wool were exported ; in 1880, sixtysix millions. When we remember that even now our population only just touches half-a-million, it will be seen that these figures are very large.

When we lock on different institutions the same rapid growth is seen. In 1868 we first get our postal revenue stated. It amounted to £6,000, and is now £213,000, or about 35 times greater. In the same year (1858) the saving banks held about £7,000. This increased to £91,000 in 1866, and the next year Post Office Banks were opened. The amount of deposits then rapidly, and now is over a tnillion. The record of telegraph lines begins in 1866, and the revenue in that year was £9,000. It is now £IOO,OOO. Railways make their appearance in 1878, when 145 miles were open. There are now 1,288 miles.

The volume before us would be much more useful if published earlier. It is a summary for 1880, and to delay it until December 1881 is to rob it of much of its interest and render it of little value to merchants. But in the beginning the Registrar-General says that the Government Printer wouldn’t print his tables while Parliament was sitting, and seems to think that makes it all right. We don’t agree. It seems to us that these tables, which are excessively expensive to construct, ought to be put through with despatch, and, if possible, ready about February. Why not ? Next as to price. The charge for the volume is 15s. This is a very great mistake. Nobody over thinks of buying a copy. If it were 2s 6d a few might be sold, but as it is anybody who wants one either goes without or procures it surreptitiously from some friend. We should like very much to see a report on the way the Government Printer’s accounts are kept. On what possible system of book-keeping can the same article be sold to the few, and given to the many ? The remark applies to plans of land for sale as well as to volumes of statistics. The above remarks are put together hastily and as space allows we will from time to time place before our readers the more striking x'esults arrived at by the compilers of these statistics.