H.—23a.

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY ON THE 30th APRIL, 1900.

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

Department of Agriculture (Live-stock Branch), Sir,— Wellington, 4th July, 1900. I have the honour to furnish a statement of the approximate number of sheep in the colony on the 30th April, 1900. I have, &c, John D. Bitchie, The Hon. the Minister for Agriculture. Chief Inspector of Stock.

Approximate Number of Sheep in the Colony on the 30th April, 1900.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation nor. given; printing (1,875 copies), 18s. 6d.

By Authority John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—.l9oo. Price 3d.]

Number of Sheep. 1S99. 1900. i Decrease. Increase. Auckland District 923,967 901,445 22,522 Napier District ... 4,542,310 4,612,636 70,326 Wellington-West Coast District 4,487,122 4,478,311 8,811 Marlborough-Nelson District 872,218 895,217 22,999 Canterbury-Kaikoura District 4,807,404 4,739,506 67,898 Otago District ... 3,715,485 3,720,231 4,746 19,348,506 1,348,506 19,347,346 99,231 98,071 Less increase 98,071 ' Total decrease, 1900 1,160 Increase, North Island ... 38,993 Decrease, South Island ... 40,153