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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY, ON THE 30th APRIL, 1891.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Head Office, Live Stock Department, Sir, — Wellington, 2nd September, 1891. I have the honour to furnish a statement of the approximate number of sheep in the colony on the 30th April, 1891. John D. Ritchie, The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Chief Inspector of Stock.

Approximate Number of Sheep in the Colony on the 30th April, 1891.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation (not given); printing 1,400 (copies), £1.

By Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price 3d.}

Number of Sheep. Increase. Decrease. 1890. 1891. i_ Auckland District 484,023 602,600 118,577 Napier District ... 3,559,119 3,635,240 76,121 Wellington-West Coast District 2,545,204 2,917,680 372,476 Marlborough-Nelson District 727,095 770,803 43,708 Canterbury-Kaikoura District 4,888,263 4,853,528 34,735 Otago District 3,912,409 3,969,841 57,432 16,116,113 16,749,692 668,314 34,735 Less decrease 34,735 Approximate : increase, 1891 633,579 Increase, Nori th Island 567,174 Increase, Soul ;h Island 66,405 633,579