CENSUS QUESTIONS

Shannon News, 6 July 1926, Page 1

CENSUS QUESTIONS

THERE MIGHT EASILY BE MORE. SOME SUGGESTED QUERIES, OF QUITE A PERSONAL NATURE. Someone is forever reminding us that one half of the,world doesn't know how the other half lives, plays and works, says a writer in the Auckland Star. This state of affairs has existed for long enough; it is high time that steps were taken to give us some information regarding that "other half." And the only man who can collect and broadcast that information effectively is the Government statistician. By the simple expedient, of placing a few more questions on the census schedules the figure fiend in Wellington would be in a position' to make a month or so of computation. The idea has great possibilities. Of course, the addition of a few more questions would mean that we should, have to pore over the schedules for another fifteen minutes or so, some rude things would possibly be said to the sub-enumerator when they called, and the Government statistician would have to increase his staff by at least 50 per cent but few of us would object to these little worries so long as we could feel sure that a score or more of personal details abouit the mass of the people would be made available for our- edification and entertainment. Bald Mm. How many bald men are there, in New Zealand? Think how interesting it would be to know that exactly Whait is the average age of going bald ? How many men have been successful in treatment baldness with patent cures? To what do they attribute their baldness—bowlers—or what? Of course it would, bo embarrassing to have to fill in a line under trie heading "State if deformed. If so, in what respect." But if such a question were required, we' should, at least know how many of New Zealand's million and a quarter people were cripples. As to a few question anent the wearing of spectacles might provide interesting information. What is the average age when spectacles become necessary? How many school children have eiive' eyesight. Then there is the matter of teeth. A few questions are suggested to the statistician: Have you got false teeth? Upper, lower or both? Have you ever losft them when bathing? What is the value of the gold In your teeth? About Personal Characteristics. Then, it would be diverting to know something concerning the personal characteristics of Maorilanders as a whole. People might be asked to state the colour of their eyes, of their hair, and their complexion. A simple question regarding height chest, waist, neck, arm and leg measurements would provide facts on which we should be able to arrive at a decision on the value of physical drill in the schools, and the effect of territorial training on the youth or the country. Perhaps the Public Health Department might welcome information on these lines —Are you weak or strong? How many hours do you sleep? Do you sleep soundly? Do you feel rested on rising? How many meais daily? State of appetite? Condition of digestion? Have you ever exercised —what kind? What is your weight? How oftn do you see a doctor? No doubt the Government statistician imagined tha!t he had covered the whole range of conjugal possibilities when he provied that one should state whether married, never married, widowed, divorced or legally separated. But what of the sinUe? Why not ask unmarried girls: Are you engaged? How many times have you been engaged? Did you always give the ring back? If engaged, are you serious this time? How many young men have kissed you? State number of boxes of chocolates, gloves and silk stockings reI ceived from male admirers during the year? And there could be a few queries for bachelors on these lines: Are you single through choice or necessity? How many times have you popped the question? How much do you spend in entertaining lady friends? Do you darn your own socks? Facts as to Culture. People interested in culture and the arts generally would call the name of the Government Statistician blessed if he were to ascertain the number of people who imagined thalt they appreciated good music, pictures and literature. An indication as to the degree to which New Zealanders have developed their musical tastes might be obtained by some straightforward questions such as, "Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Have you a gramophone?"