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Southland Times, Issue 860, 6 December 1867, Page 2

Taking the Census is looked upon as a work of considerable importance, involving much labor and demanding great accuracy. It is the chief basis by which the progress of a country, social and material, can be estimated, and supplies the data from which legislative representation is equalised, and the actual wealth and importance of a province or district ascertained. In order to secure full and authentic information the Census Act has been made particularly stringent. The form that will be left at each house in the Colony up to the 19th inst. is most elaborate, requiring study from all that have to fill them up to ensure correctness. It is therefore much to be desired that careful attention should be given to the subject, and every facility afforded the sub-enumerators to enable them to make their returns as complete as possible. The directions on the Census paper are clear and lucid, yet it may be desirable to draw attention to a few of the items of the information required. Under the head " religious " the name of the particular denomination should be carefully written. The words Protestant or Catholic is not a sufficient answer to the query. It should be Church of England, Eoman Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational, Baptist, Wesleyan, as the case may be. The agricultural and live stock returns should be made as accurate as possible. It is also necessary to be thoroughly understood that the papers must be filled up on the night of the 19fch inst., and that anyone to whom a paper is delivered neglecting to do this is liable to a heavy penalty. An abstract of the clause number 9 of the " Census Act," is embodied in the census but in order that our readers may more completely understand it we give the clause in full. It is as follows : — " The several enumerators and sub-enumerators are hereby authorised and required to make all such enquiries of all persons whatsoever, respecting those persons themselves, and all other persons, with refereace to all such matters and particulars as may be necessary for filling up the said forms, and every person who shall wilfully j refuse, or without lawful excuse neglect I to fill up the said forms to the best of his I knowledge and belief, or to sign and deliver the same as herein required, or. who shall wilfully refuse or neglect to answer, or shall wilfully and untrulyanswer any such inquiries as aforsaid, or who shall wilfully make, sign, or deliver, or caused to be made, signed, or delivered any false return of all or any of the | matters or particulars aforsaid, or who shall obstruct auy person in the performance of any duties imposed on him by or under the authority of this Act, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding twenty pounds."

The benefits likely to accrue to this Province from a correct census return are numerous. For some time past it lias been the habit of politicians and Journalists to speak of Southland as an impoverished and pauper province. Our representatives have not been allowed to take the position in the Assembly which the steady progress of industry that is yftsplayed entitles them to occupy. We have no hesitation in affirming that this Province, although placed under financial difliculties, has rapidly progressed — that in proportion to its area and population, more has been accomplished in the way of steady advancement than in any other province during the interval, since the last census was taken, three years ago. | At the present time, when the battle of ! Centralism versus Provincialism is i becoming daily stronger, it is most J desirable that the ligitimate claims of those provinces that seek the abolition of the costly provincial system should be acknowledged to the fullest extent. "We have no misgiving that if the census is properlr taken, Southland will attain a much more important position. than she at present occupies. It should' be the aim and object of every householder," if possible, to bring about a consummation so much to be desired.