D.—B

1875.

NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION STATEMENT. (In Committee of Supply, October 8, 1875.) BY THE MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, THE HONORABLE MAJOR ATKINSON.

Mr. O'Rokke, — I may state that it is a matter of very considerable regret to me that the statement on so important a subject as the general condition of immigration should have been delayed to so late a period of the session ; but the truth is that the circumstances of the session have been rather too much for me in this respect. The very important questions which this House has had to consider occupied so very much attention and time that I found it impossible to avail myself of an earlier opportunity. The Immigration and Public Works scheme, for the first two years or so, as honorable gentlemen will recollect, was not productive of any very large number of immigrants arriving in the colony. The total number of immigrants, however, that' have arrived up to the present time is very considerable, the numbers during each year being as follows :— Souls. Adults. Immigrants landed to June 30, 1872 ... ... ... 693 equal to 613 1873 6,810 „ 5,827 1874 17,513 „ 14,310 1875 30,043 „ 24,758^ Sept. 30, „ 6,253 „ 5,238| Total to September 30, 1875 ... ... ... 61,322 „ 50,747 These have been distributed among the various provinces in the following way:— Souls. Adults. Auckland ... ... ... ... ...• 8,783 = 7,326 Taranaki ... ... ... ... ... 1,495 1,193 Hawke'sßay ... ... ... ... ... 4,886 3,961 Wellington 9,397 7,640 Mnrlborougk ... ... ... ... ... 686 609 Nelson ... ... ... ... ... 1,211 1,003 Westland ... ... ...• ... ... 617 525 Canterbury ... ... ... ... ... 16,263 13,474 Otago ... ... ... ... ... 17,984 15,016 Total ... ... ... ... 61,322 = 50,747 They may be classified thus :— 9,887 Married men, including widowers. 9,898 Married women, including widows. 13,923 Single men, twelve years and upwards. 9,698 Single women, twelve years and upwards. 15,287 Children, under twelve years. 2,629 Infants, under one year. 61,322 Souls. 1_ T) 8