THE NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEAR-BOOK 1917


Table of Contents

PREFACE.

WITH this number the Year-book has now reached its twenty-sixth year of issue. As in the case of the 1915 and 1916 numbers the publication of the book has again been unavoidably delayed, mainly owing to the abnormal demands made upon the Statistical Office by circumstances arising out of the war.

The present number is somewhat more bulky than its predecessor of 1916, though still considerably smaller than previous issues. The additional space as compared with the 1916 book is mainly taken up with a section presenting the results of the census of industrial manufacture taken for the year ended 31st March, 1916, and with a special article by Mr. J. W. Butcher, Chief Compiler of the Census and Statistics Office, dealing with the subject of Cancer Mortality in New Zealand. The section on Prices has been remodelled and extended to some extent, but otherwise the book is on the same lines as its immediate predecessors.

The Year-book presents the latest available annual statistics (to the end of the calendar year 1916 or the financial year 1916-17), which are supplemented by a considerable number of diagrams, with a view to rendering comparisons and progress in certain respects more readily apparent.

Later information (monthly or three monthly) than is given in the Year-book will be found in summarized form in the “Monthly Abstract of Statistics" issued from this office, while full and complete annual statistics are published in the “Statistics of New Zealand" (four volumes).

MALCOLM FRASER,

Government Statistician.

Census and Statistics Office,

Wellington, 16th February, 1918.

Chapter 1. SECTION I.—DESCRIPTIVE AND OFFICIAL.

Table of Contents

BOUNDARIES AND AREA.

THE Dominion of New Zealand consists of three main islands, with several groups of smaller islands lying at some distance from the principal group. The main islands, known as the North, the South, and Stewart Islands, have a coast-line 4,330 miles in length: North Island, 2,200 miles; South Island, 2,000 miles; and Stewart Island, 130 miles. Other islands included within the Dominion are the Chatham, Auckland. Campbell, Snares, Antipodes, Bounty, and Kermadee Islands. The Cook Group of islands and certain neighbouring islands were included in the Dominion by proclamation of the 10th June, 1901.

The total area of the Dominion proper (i.e., excluding the islands annexed in 1901) is 66,292,232 acres or 103,581 square miles. The land area of the Cook Group is about 150 square miles, and of the other islands annexed in 1901 about 130 square miles. Full information as to boundaries and area, together with descriptive matter relating to the physical features of the various portions of the Dominion, will be found in the 1913 issue of this book.

GEOLOGY.

The geologic structure of New Zealand, so far as it has yet been determined is, owing to its complexity, difficult to summarize. For a fuller account than can be given here the reader is referred to the article in the 1914 Year-book, pages 943-47, and to the various works on geology mentioned therein.

The oldest fossiliferous rocks are the Ordovician argillites ("slates") of North-west Nelson and Preservation Inlet. At Baton River Silurian fossils, at Reefton Devonian fossils, and in the limestone near Nelson Carboniferous or Permo-Carboniferous fossils, show that these systems are all represented in the Paléozoic sequence. Included in it are marble, sandstone, shale, greywacke, quartzite, schist, and gneiss. The auriferous lodes of the South Island are almost always found cutting through rocks of Paléozoic age.

1—Ybk.

Rocks belonging to the Mesozoic periods occur over a large area in both islands. The Trias-Jura system of greywacke and argillite forms the main mountain-ranges, but contains few workable mineral deposits. It is fossiliferous in only a few localities, and cannot be easily subdivided.

While all these foregoing rocks were being deposited the New Zealand area was probably the foreshore of a great continent, but after the Trias-Jura sediments were deposited far-reaching changes, involving the breaking-up and disappearance of the continental land, took place. The New Zealand area was necessarily involved in these earth-movements, and as the result the existing strata were folded, broken, and raised above sea-level. After extensive denudation of its surface had taken place New Zealand was again, probably several times, depressed and elevated either in whole or in part. During the periods of subsidence Cretaceous and Tertiary strata were laid down. These contain all the workable coal-seams of the Dominion.

Pleistocene and Recent deposits are well represented by fluviatile, glacial, marine, and wind-blown material.

Plutonic rocks of various types, but mainly granitic, occupy a large area in the western parts of the South Island and occur also in North Auckland. Volcanic rocks, chiefly of Tertiary age, are found in scattered areas throughout the eastern part of the South Island and occur extensively in the North Island, where volcanic activity still continues on a small scale.

RIVERS.

The rivers of New Zealand were fully discussed in the 1914 issue of this book in an article (pages 948-56) supplied by R. Speight, Esq., M.Sc., F.G.S., Curator of the Canterbury Museum. Considerations of space in the present book prevent more than a list of the more important rivers being given. These are as follows, the lengths shown being in most cases only approximate. Very few of these rivers are navigable by vessels of any size.

North Island.

 Miles.
Flowing into the Pacific Ocean— 
  Piako60
  Waihou or Thames90
  Rangitaiki95
  Whakatane60
  Waiapu55
  Waipaoa50
  Wairoa50
  Mohaka80
  Ngaururoro85
  Tukituki65
Flowing into Cook Strait— 
  Ruamahanga70
  Hutt35
  Otaki30
  Manawatu (tributaries: Pohangina and Tiraumea)100
  Rangitikei115
  Turakina65
  Wangaehu85
  Wanganui (tributaries: Ohura, Tangarakau, and Manganui-te-ao)140
  Waitotara50
  Patea65
Flowing into Tasman Sea— 
  Waitara (tributary: Maunganui)65
  Mokau75
  Waikato (tributary: Waipa)220
  Wairoa95
  Hokianga40

South Island

  Flowing into Cook Strait—Miles.
  Aorere45
  Takaka45
  Motueka75
  Wai-iti30
  Pelorus40
  Wairau (tributary: Waihopai)105
  Awatere70
Flowing into the Pacific Ocean— 
  Clarence (tributary: Acheron)125
  Conway30
  Waiau (tributary.: Hope)110
  Hurunui90
  Waipara40
  Ashley55
  Waimakariri (tributaries: Bealey, Poulter, Esk, and Broken River)93
  Selwyn55
  Rakaia (tributaries: Mathias, Wilberforce, Acheron, and Cameron)95
  Ashburton67
  Rangitata75
  Opihi50
  Pareora35
  Waihao45
  Waitaki (tributaries: Tasman, Tekapo, Ohau, Ahuriri, and Hakataramea)135
  Kakanui40
  Shag45
  Taieri125
  Clutha (tributaries: Kawarau, Makarora, Hunter, Manuherikia, and Pomahaka)210
Flowing South into Foveaux Strait—Miles.
  Mataura120
  Oreti105
  Aparima65
  Waiau (tributaries: Mararoa, Clinton, and Monowai)115
Flowing into the Tasman Sea— 
  Cleddau and Arthur20
  Hollyford50
  Cascade40
  Arawata45
  Haast (tributary: Landsborough)60
  Karangarua30
  Fox25
  Waiho20
  Wataroa35
  Wanganui35
  Waitaha25
  Hokitika (tributary: Kokatahi)40
  Arahura35
  Teramakau (tributaries Otira and Taipo)45
  Grey (tributaries: Ahaura, Arnold, and Mawhera-iti)75
  Buller (tributaries: Matakitaki, Maruia, and Inangahua)105
  Mokihinui30
  Karamea45
  Heaphy25

LAKES.

In a further article in the 1915 issue of the Year-book Mr. Speight dealt at length with the lakes of the Dominion. A summary of the statistics of the chief lakes of New Zealand is here given:—

Lake.Length, in Miles.Greatest Breadth, in Miles.Area, in Square Miles.Drainage Area, in Square Miles.Approximate Volume of Discharge, in Cubic Feet per Second.Height above Sea-level, in Feet.Greatest Depth, in Feet.
    North Island.
Taupo25172389955,0001,211534
Rotorua7 1/263215842091584
Rotoiti10 3/42 1/41426500913230
Tarawera6 1/26 1/21575 1,032285
Waikaremoana126 1/4211287722,015846
Wairarapa104271,250   
Lake.Length, in Miles.Greatest Breadth, in Miles.Area, in Square Miles.Drainage Area, in Square Miles.Approximate Volume of Discharge, in Cubic Feet per Second.Height above Sea-level, in Feet.Greatest Depth, in Feet.
    South Island.
Rotoiti522 3/486 1,997228
Rotoroa72 1/28146 1,470 
Brunner5416145 280357
Kanieri51 3/4811 422646
Coleridge1131870 1,667680
Tekapo124325805,0002,323 
Pukaki105315156,0001,588 
Ohau103234245,0001,720 
Hawea205485185,7001,062 
Wanaka30475960 922 
Wakatipu5231121,16213,0001,0161,242
Te Anau3361321,32012,660694906
Manapouri12656416 5961,458
Monowai1211251700600 
Hauroko203251951,800611 
Poteriteri17217162 96 
Waihola4 1/21 1/83 1/32,200 (Tidal) 
Ellesmere1610107 1/2745 (Tidal) 

FLORA.

In the 1913 issue of the Year-book (pages 32 to 34) appears a short account of the Flora of New Zealand, supplied by Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S. The article covers briefly the various points of interest in connection with the flora of the main Islands, and deals also with that of the outlying islands.

FAUNA.

For information re the fauna of New Zealand the reader is referred to the article by James Drummond, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., appearing on pages 957 to 961 of the Year-book for 1914. The article, though brief, contains a fairly comprehensive account of the Dominion's fauna.

HISTORY AND CONSTITUTION.

The 1915 issue of this book contains considerable information concerning the history and constitution of New Zealand, with lists of successive occupants of important offices. Particulars as to present occupants only are given in the following pages.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND.

30th June, 1917.

The designation of “Governor,” hitherto borne by His Majesty's Representative in New Zealand, has now been altered to “Governor-General.” The Earl of Liverpool, who had held office as Governor since 19th December, 1912, was sworn in as the first Governor-General on 28th June, 1917.

Liverpool, His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Fifth Earl of Liverpool. Born 27th May, 1870; succeeded 1907. Educated at Eton and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Formerly Major in the Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own), and subsequently Major of its 6th Battalion. Sometime an A.D.C. to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Earl Cadogan, K.G.), and Staff Captain, Dublin District. Is a J.P. for Kesteven and Lindsey Divisions of Lincolnshire, and Lieut.-Colonel 8th Battalion London Regiment (the Post Office Rifles). Served in South Africa, 1901-2 (Queen's Medal with three clasps). Was State Steward and Chamberlain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (the Earl of Aberdeen, K.T., G.C.M.G.), 1906-8. Comptroller of His Majesty's Household, 1909-12. Appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Dominion of New Zealand, 1912. Appointed Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand, 1917; M.V.O., 4th Class, 1900; K.C.M.G., 1912; G.C.M.G., 1914; P.C., 1917.

Seat: Hartsholme Hall, Lincoln.

London residence: 44 Grosvenor Gardens, S.W.

Residences: Government House, Wellington; Government House, Auckland.

Private Secretary: Gavin M. Hamilton, Esq.

Official Secretary: A. Cecil Day, Esq.

Aides-de-Camp: Captain J. Gage Williams, 19th Hussars; Honorary Lieutenant H. G. Helmore.

Extra Aide-de-Camp: Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Boscawen.

Honorary Aides-de-Camp: Colonel R. J. Collins, C.M.G., J.S.O., V.D.; Colonel (temp. Major-General) Sir A. H. Russell, K.C.M.G.; Colonel R. Logan, C.B.; Colonel V. S. Smyth; Colonel J. C. Nichols, V.D.; Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, V.D.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 1917.

The Executive Council now consists of:—

His Excellency the GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Right Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C., Prime Minister, Minister of Lands, Minister of Labour, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Commissioner of State Forests, and Minister in Charge of Land for Settlements, Valuation, Scenery Preservation, and Electoral Departments.

Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., P.C., K.C.M.G., Minister of Finance, Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister in Charge of Land and Income Tax, State Advances, Public Trust, and Government Life Insurance Departments.

Hon. Sir James Allen, K.C.B., Minister of Defence and Minister in Charge of War Pensions.

Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister of Railways and Native Minister.

Hon. A. L. Herdman, Attorney-General, Minister in Charge of Police, Crown Law (including Drafting), and Discharged Soldiers Information Departments.

Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Public Works and Minister in Charge of Roads Department.

Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, Minister of Marine, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister in Charge of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, Mental Hospitals, Printing and Stationery, High Commissioner's, Audit, Museum, Registrar-General's, and Laboratory Departments.

Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister of Customs, and Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, Pensions, Advertising, and National Provident Fund Departments.

Hon. Sir F. H. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., K.C., Minister of Immigration and Leader of the Legislative Council.

Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines, Minister in Charge of Legislative, Public Buildings, Inspection of Machinery, State Fire and Accident Insurance, and Tourist and Health Resorts Departments.

Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, and Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies.

Hon. Dr. M. Pomare, Member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race, Minister of the Cook Islands, and in Charge of Maori Councils.

Clerk of the Executive Council—James Frank Andrews, I.S.O.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND (30TH JUNE, 1917).

Speaker—Hon. C. J. JOHNSTON.

Chairman of Committees—Hon. W. C. F. CARNCROSS.

Name.Provincial District.Date of Appointment.
* Life members.
Aitken, Hon. John Guthrie WoodWellington14 July, 1914.
Baillie, Hon. William Douglas HallMarlborough8 March, 1861.*
Barr, Hon. JohnCanterbury22 January, 1914.
Bell, Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon, K.C.M.G.Wellington10 July, 1912.
Bowen, Hon. Sir Charles Christopher, K.C.M.G.Canterbury20 January, 1891.*
Buchanan, Hon. Sir Walter, Kt. Bach.Wellington23 June, 1915.
Carncross, Hon. Walter Charles FrederickTaranaki18 March, 1917.
Carson, Hon. GilbertWellington14 July, 1914.
Collins, Hon. William EdwardWellington14 July, 1914.
Earnshaw, Hon. WilliamWellington26 June, 1913.
Fisher, Hon. JohnAuckland14 July, 1914.
Hall-Jones, Hon. Sir William, K.C.M.G.Wellington7 October, 1913.
Hardy, Hon. Charles Albert CreeryCanterbury26 June, 1913.
Harris, Hon. BenjaminAuckland3 February, 1911.
Johnston, Hon. Charles JohnWellington23 January, 1891.*
MacGibbon, Hon. ThomasOtago14 July, 1914.
MacGregor, Hon. JohnOtago14 July, 1914.
Maginnity, Hon. Andrew ThomasNelson14 July, 1914.
Miller, Hon. Sir Henry John, Kt. Bach.Otago8 July, 1865.*
Moore, Hon. RichardCanterbury14 July, 1914.
Morgan, Hon. WilliamHawke's Bay14 July, 1914.
Ormond, Hon. John DaviesHawke's Bay20 January, 1891.*
Paul, Hon. John ThomasOtago22 January, 1914.
Samuel, Hon. OliverTaranaki14 July, 1914.
Simpson, Hon. Robert KirkpatrickWellington14 July, 1914.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (30TH JUNE, 1917) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Speaker—Hon. Sir FREDERIC WILLIAM LANG, Kt. Bach.

Chairman of Committees—ALEXANDER SCOTT MALCOLM.

NameElectoral DistrictDate of Election.
* Returned unopposed. Writs returnable April 17th, 1917.
For European Electorates  
Allen, Hon. Sir James, K.C.B.Bruce10 December, 1914.
Anderson, George JamesMataura
Anstey, JohnWaitaki
Bollard, Richard FrancisRaglan
Brown, John VigorNapier
Buddo, Hon. DavidKaiapoi
Buick, DavidPalmerston
Carroll, Hon. Sir James, K.C.M.G.Gisborne
Coates, Joseph GordonKaipara
Colvin, JamesBuller
Craigie, JamesTimaru
Dickie, William JamesSelwyn
Dickson, James McCollChalmers
Dickson, James SamuelParnell
Ell, Henry GeorgeChristchurch South
Field, Thomas Andrew HemmingNelson
Field, William HughesOtaki
Findlay, Hon. Sir John George, K.C.M.G.Hawke's Bay8 March, 1917.
Fletcher, RobertWellington Central10 December, 1914.
Forbes, George WilliamHurunui
Fraser, Hon. WilliamWakatipu
Glover, Albert EdwardAuckland Central
Guthrie, David HenryOroua
Hanan, Hon. Josiah AlfredInvercargill
Harris, AlexanderWaitemata
Herdman, Hon. Alexander LawrenceWellington North
Herries, Hon. William HerbertTauranga
Hindmarsh, Alfred HumphreyWellington South
Hine, John BirdStratford
Hornsby, John Thomas MarryatWairarapa
Hudson, Richard PhineasMotueka
Hunter, GeorgeWaipawa
Isitt, Leonard MonkChristchurch North
Jennings, William ThomasTaumarunui15 June, 1915.
Lang, Hon. Sir Frederic WilliamManukau10 December, 1914.
Lee, Ernest PageOamaru
McCallum, RichardWairau
McCombs, JamesLyttelton
MacDonald, Hon. William Donald StuartBay of Plenty
Malcolm, Alexander ScottClutha
Mander, FrancisMarsden
Massey, Right Hon. William Ferguson, P.C.Franklin
Myers, Hon. Arthur MielzinerAuckland East
Newman, Alfred KingcomeWellington East
Newman, EdwardRangitikei
Nosworthy, WilliamAshburton
Okey, Henry James HobbsTaranaki 
Parr, Christopher James, C.M.G.Eden10 December, 1914.
Payne, JohnGrey Lynn
Pearce, George VaterPatea
Poland, HughOhinemuri
Poole, Charles HenryAuckland West
Reed, Vernon HerbertBay of Islands
Rhodes, Hon. Robert HeatonEllesmere10 December, 1914.
Rhodes, Thomas WilliamThames
Russell, Hon. George WarrenAvon
Scott, RobertOtago Central
Seddon, Thomas Edward YoudWestland
Sidey, Thomas KayDunedin South
Smith, George HaroldPahiatua17 August, 1916.
Smith, Robert WilliamWaimarino10 December, 1914.
Statham, Charles ErnestDunedin Central3 February, 1915.
Stewart, William DownieDunedin West10 December, 1914.
Sykes, George RobertMasterton
Talbot, Charles JohnTemuka
Thacker, Henry Thomas JoyntChristchurch East
Thomson, John CharlesWallace
Veitch, William AndrewWanganui
Walker, AndrewDunedin North
Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, Bart., P.C., K.C.M.G.Awarua
Webb, Patrick CharlesGrey
Wilford, Thomas MasonHutt
Wilkinson, Charles AndersonEgmont
Witty, GeorgeRiccarton
Wright, Robert AlexanderWellington Suburbs and Country Districts
Young, James AlexanderWaikato
For Maori Electorates.  
Tau HenareNorthern Maori11 December, 1914.
Ngata, Hon. Apirana TurupaEastern Maori
Pomare, Hon. MauiWestern Maori
Parata, TaareSouthern Maori

AGENTS-GENERAL AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Isaac Earl Featherston, Esq., appointed Agent-General under the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, by Warrant dated 5th April, 1871. Appointment to date from 25th March, 1871. (Gazette, 1871, page 155.)

(Note.—Sir W. Tyrone Power was appointed on 20th June, 1876, by the Crown Agents as temporary Agent-General on the death of Dr. Featherston.)

Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., appointed Agent-General under the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, by Warrant dated 19th September, 1876. Appointment to date from 9th September, 1876, vice I. E. Featherston, deceased (Gazette 1876, page 721.)

Sir Francis Dillon Bell, appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1878, by Warrant dated 7th December, 1880, vice Sir Julius Vogel, resigned. (Gazette, 1881, page 311.)

Westby Brook Perceval, Esq., appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1891, by Warrant dated 25th September, 1891, vice Sir F. D. Bell. (Gazette, 1891, page 1071.)

The Hon. William Pember Reeves, appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1891, by Warrant dated 23rd December, 1895, vice Sir W. B. Perceval. (Gazette, 1896, page 50.) Appointed High Commissioner under the High Commissioner Act, 1904, by Warrant dated 14th June, 1905. (Gazette, 1905, page 1509.) Reappointed High Commissioner as from 14th June, 1908. (Gazette, 1909, page 1921.)

The Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., appointed High Commissioner from 1st December, 1908, vice Hon. W. P. Reeves. Assumed office 18th January, 1909. (Gazette, 1909, page 27.) Appointment extended to 31st December, 1911. (Gazette, 1911, page 2720.) Appointment further extended to 31st March, 1912. (Gazette, 1912, page 45.) Appointment further extended to 31st May, 1912. (Gazette, 1912, page 1227.)

Charles Frederick Wray Palliser, appointed High Commissioner from 1st June, 1912, for one month. Reappointed from 1st July, 1912, and again reappointed from 1st August, 1912.

The Hon. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, appointed High Commissioner from 23rd August, 1912, for a term of three years. (Gazette, 1912, page 2612.) Assumed office 9th October, 1912. Reappointed from 22nd August, 1915. (Gazette, 1915, page 2283.)

THE COLONIAL OFFICE.

(Downing Street, London, S.W.)

Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies—Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., M.P.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary—A. D. Steel Maitland, M.P.

Permanent Under-Secretary—Sir George Vandeleur Fiddes, K.C.M.G., C.B.

Assistant Under-Secretaries—Sir H. W. Just, K.C.M.G., C.B.; H. J. Read, M.A., C.B., C.M.G.; H. C. M. Lambert, B.A., C.B. (acting); and G. E. A. Grindle, M.A., C.M.G. (acting).

CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

(City Office, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.; Stock Transfer Office, 1 Tokenhouse Buildings, E.C.; Shipping Office, 13 Great St. Helens, E.C.; Packing Store, Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth Hill, E.C.; Colonial Stamp Department, 8 Errol Street, Bunhill Row, E.C.)

Crown Agents—Sir Reginald L. Antrobus. K.C.M.G., C.B.; Major Sir Maurice Alexander Cameron, K.C.M.G., late R.E.; and Sir William Hepworth Mercer, K.C.M.G.

TRADE COMMISSIONERS.

H.M. Trade Commissioners.

New Zealand—R. W. Dalton, P.O. Box 369, 11 Grey Street, Wellington (telegraphic address, “Advantage"). Australia—G. T. Milne, Commerce House, Flinders Street, Melbourne (telegraphic address, “Combrit"), and 81 Pitt Street, Sydney (telegraphic address, “Combritto"). Canada and Newfoundland—G. Hamilton Wickes, 3 Beaver Hall Square, Montreal (telegraphic address, “Britcom"). South Africa—W. G. Wickham, P.O. Box 1346, Norwich Union Buildings, St George's Street, Cape Town, (telegraphic address, “Austere”).

Imperial Trade Correspondents.

A. J. Denniston, Auckland; W. T. Monkman, Dunedin.

Trade Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada.

W. A. Beddoe, Auckland.

FOREIGN CONSULS.

CONSULS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES RESIDING IN, OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER, NEW ZEALAND, 30TH JUNE, 1917.

Argentine Republic.—Vice-Consul: Henry Hampton Rayward, Wellington.

Belgium.—Consul-General for Australasia and Fiji: F. Huylebroeck, Melbourne. Consul (with jurisdiction over New Zealand): M. Matteeuw, Sydney. Consul-General (with jurisdiction over the Provincial Districts of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington): Hon. Charles John Johnston, Wellington. Vice-Consul: G. F. Johnston, Wellington. Consul (with jurisdiction over the Districts of Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland): Joseph James Kinsey, Christchurch. Consuls: Alexander Manual Ferguson, Auckland; George Lyon Denniston, Dunedin.

Brazil.—Vice-Consul: A. H. Miles, Wellington.

Chile.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand: William Brown, Sydney. Consuls: E. A. Craig, Auckland; J. Montgomery, Christchurch. Honorary Consuls: Albert Martin, M.D., Wellington; J. A. Roberts, Dunedin.

China.—Consul: Kwei Chih, Wellington. Acting Consul: Yue Henry Jackson, Wellington.

Denmark.—Consul-General for Australia and New Zealand: Otto Wadsted, San Francisco. Consul (for North Island): Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Wellington (Principal Consulate). Consul (for South Island): Henry Bylove Sorensen, Christchurch. Vice-Consuls: Paul Maximilian Hansen, Auckland: William Edward Perry, Hokitika; Odin Henry Möller, Dunedin; Michael Myers, Wellington.

France.—Vice-Consuls: Leon Hippeau, Auckland; Percival Clay Neill, Dunedin. Consular Agents: George Humphreys, Christchurch; James Macintosh, Wellington.

Greece.—Vice-Consul (for New Zealand); Joseph Frank Dyer, Wellington.

Honduras.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand; Frederic Walsh, Sydney.

Italy.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: Cavaliere Emilio Eles, Mellbourne. Consular Agents: Joseph Wallace, Christchurch; Loonard Owen Howard Tripp, Wellington; John Roberts, C.M.G., Dunedin; Geraldo Perotti, Greymouth; Giovanni (J. H.) Pagni, Auckland.

Japan.—Consul-General: S. Shimizu, Sydney. Consul: Thomas Young, Wellington.

Liberia.—Consul: Charles Louisson, Christchurch. Acting-Consul: Trevor Noel Holmden, Wellington.

Mexico.—Consul: John William Hall, Auckland.

Netherlands.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: W. L. Bosschart, Melbourne. Vice-Consul de Carriere, attached to Consulate-General, P.E. Teppema, Melbourne. Consul (with jurisdiction over New Zealand and the Islands belonging thereto): Hon. Charles John Johnston, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: George Ritchie, Dunedin; M. Copeland, Auckland: Walter Goring Johnston, Wellington; G. Van der Velden, Christchurch.

Norway.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and the adjacent islands: Arne Scheel, Melbourne. Consul: Alex. W. Newton, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Sigurd Bentzon, Melbourne: Robert Millar, Auckland; George Jameson, Christchurch; Mathias Erickson Wiig, Invercargill; John Hayes Enright, Westport; John Scott, Timaru; William Fraser Edmond, Dunedin (Honorary).

Paraguay.—Consul: A. E. Kernot, Wellington.

Peru.—Consul-General (with jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand): J. Maitland Paxton, Sydney. Consul: G. H. Baker, Auckland.

Portugal.—Consuls: John Duncan, Wellington; David L. Nathan, Auckland.

Vice-Consuls: Arthur Donald Stuart Duncan, Wellington; Charles William Rattray, Dunedin.

Russia.—Consul-General for the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Dominion of New Zealand: A. N. d'Abaza, Melbourne. Vice-Consuls: Ultan Francis McCabe, Wellington; James Paterson, Auckland.

Spain.—Consul-in-Chief (with jurisdiction over Australia and New Zealand): Senor Don Jaime Montero y de Madrazo, Melbourne. Vice-Consul (with jurisdiction throughout New Zealand): William Henry Dillon Bell, Wellington.

Sweden.—Consul: Arthur Edward Pearce, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Sidney Jacob Nathan, Auckland; Albert Kaye, Christchurch.

Switzerland.—Consul: Georges A. Streiff, Auckland.

United States of America.—Consul-General (for New Zealand and its dependencies): Alfred A. Winslow, Auckland. Vice-Consul-General: Leonard A. Bachelder Auckland. Consular Agents: John Henry Stringer, Christchurch; Arthur Edward Whyte, Wellington; Frederick Orlando Bridgeman, Dunedin.

Uruguay.—Acting Consul: William John Prouse, Wellington.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

There is no State Church in the Dominion, nor is State aid given to any form of religion. Government in the early days set aside certain lands as endowments for various religious bodies, but nothing of the kind has been done for many years past.

The principal churches, with the names, &c., of the present heads or officers, and the places and times of holding the annual or periodical assemblies or meetings, are as follows:—

Church of the Province of New Zealand, commonly called the Church of England.

For church purposes, the Dominion is divided into six dioceses—viz., Auckland, Waiapu, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The General Synod meets every third year in each diocese in rotation. Representatives attend from each diocese, and also from the diocese of Melanesia. President, the Primate (Bishop of Dunedin). The Diocesan Synods meet once a year, under the presidency of the Bishop of the diocese. At last meeting of the General Synod a standing committee of General Synod was set up, to be called the Provincial Standing Committee, which is to meet in Wellington once a year.

The names, &c., of the Bishops of the Church of England are as follows:—

  • The Most Rev. Samuel Tarratt Nevill, D.D., Dunedin; consecrated 1871 (Primate).

  • The Right Rev. Alfred Walter Averill, D.D., Auckland; consecrated 1910; translated 1914.

  • The Right Rev. William Walmsley Sedgwick, B.A., Waiapu; consecrated 1914.

  • The Right Rev. Thomas Henry Sprott, D.D., Wellington; consecrated 1911.

  • The Right Rev. William Charles Sadlier, B.D., Nelson; consecrated 1912.

  • The Right Rev. Churchill Julius, D.D., Christchurch; consecrated 1890.

  • The Right Rev. Cecil John Wood, D.D., Melanesia; consecrated 1912

Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.

This Church contains eighteen presbyteries, with 246 congregations and 128 home mission stations. Foreign mission work is carried on in the New Hebrides, China, and India, while the Maoris and local Chinese are also ministered to. The adult Church membership last year was 42,007, and the total revenue £155,839. The General Assembly is the supreme court, the Rev. R. M. Ryburn, M.A., Invercargill, being the present Moderator; the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, Wellington, the Moderator-designate; the Rev. J. H. MacKenzie. Kelburn Parade, Wellington, the Clerk; and the Rev. W. J. Comrie, Presbyterian Church Offices, Wellington, the Treasurer. The Theological College is in Dunedin, with the Rev. Michael Watt, M.A., D.D., William Hewitson, B.A., and John Dickie, M.A., as Professors. The Rev. James Gibb. D.D., Wellington, is Convener of Home Missions, and the Rev. Alexander Don Secretary for Foreign Missions. Homes for orphan children are open in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The denominational organ is The Outlook, Mr. A. H. Grinling, Dunedin, being editor. The next meeting of General Assembly is appointed for 20th November, 1917, in First Church, Dunedin.

Roman Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Wellington, established in 1848, was in 1887 created an archdiocese and the metropolitan see. There are three suffragan dioceses—Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. A retreat is held annually in each of the four dioceses, at the end of which a synod is held, presided over by the bishop or archbishop, and at which all his clergy attend.

In January, 1899, the first Provincial Council of New Zealand was held in Wellington, under the presidency of the metropolitan, and attended by all the suffragan bishops, and a number of priests elected specially in each diocese as representatives of the whole Catholic clergy in the Dominion. The decrees of this Council were approved by Rome in April, 1900, were published on 1st January, 1901, and are now binding in every diocese in the Dominion.

The Most Rev. Francis Redwood, S.M., D.D., consecrated in 1874, is Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand, and the Most Rev. Thomas O'Shea has been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop. The following are the bishops:—

  • Auckland: The Right Rev. Henry W. Cleary, D.D.; consecrated 1910.

  • Christchurch: The Right Rev. Matthew Brodie; consecrated, 1916.

  • Dunedin: The Right Rev. Michael Verdon, D.D.; consecrated 1896.

Methodist Church of New Zealand.

The Officers of the Church for 1917 are as follows: President of the Conference, Rev. W. A. Sinclair, New Plymouth; Vice-President, Mr. John Veale, Auckland; Secretary, Rev. E. Drake, Wellington; President-elect for 1918, Rev. T. A. Joughin, Timaru; Connexional Secretary, Rev. Samuel Lawry, Christchurch; Secretary for Foreign Missions, Rev. G. T. Marshall, Mount Eden; Secretary for Home Missions, Rev. T. G. Brooke, Mount Eden.

The affairs of the Church are administered by ten District Synods, which meet annually. The Chairmen are appointed by Conference.

The next Conference will be held in Dunedin, opening during the last week in February, 1918.

Baptist Union of New Zealand.

President, Rev. J. K. Archer, Wellington; Vice-President, Rev. W. S. Rollings, Brooklyn, Wellington; Secretary, Rev. R. S. Gray, Dunedin; Treasurer, Mr. W. Lambourne, Ponsonby; Missionary Secretary, Rev. J. K. Archer, Wellington; Missionary Treasurer, Mr. C. Cathie, Wellington. The Union comprises fifty-six churches, forty-six preaching-stations, 5,838 members, and a constituency of 25,000. The denominational organ is the New Zealand Baptist; Editor, Rev. J. J. North, Christchurch. The Foreign Missionary Society, with an income last year of £3,625, has a thoroughly equipped hospital and dispensaries, employs a doctor, two missionaries, six zenana ladies, and forty-six Native helpers. The sphere of operations is in North Tipperah, East Bengal, with a population of 1,200,000.

Congregational Union of New Zealand.

The annual meetings are held during the month of March, at such place as may be determined by vote of Council. Chairman for 1917: Rev. W. M. Grant, Port Chalmers; Secretary, Rev. Archibald E. Hunt, Wellington; Treasurer, Mr. Frank Meadowcroft, Wellington; Registrar, Rev. E. A. Bridger, Auckland; headquarters and seat of executive, Wellington. In 1918 the meeting of the Council will be held in Christchurch. The Committee of the Union meets in Wellington on the last Monday in each month.

Hebrews.

Ministers: Rev. S. A. Goldstein and Rev. S. Katz, Auckland; Rev. H. Van Staveren and Rev. C. Pitkowsky, Wellington; Rev. A. Diamond, Dunedin. Annual meetings of the general congregations are usually held at these places during the month of Elul (about the end of August).

Church of Christ.

The next Conference of the Dominion Associated Churches of Christ will be held in Christchurch at a time to be decided by the Dominion Executive. Statistics submitted to last Conference, held at Wellington, Easter, 1916, were as follows: Churches, 50; membership, 3,346; Bible school scholars, 3,311; teachers, 339.

Dominion Executive: President, Mr. Ralph Gebbie, B.A., 81 Williamson Avenue, Auckland; Vice-President, Mr. Herbert Langford, 19 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch; Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. Will J. Mason, 181 Canal Reserve, Bromley, Christchurch.

A combined Conference of the Auckland and Middle Districts is held annually in Wellington and Auckland alternately. The Southern District has a separate Conference, meeting in various towns of the South Island. All the District Conferences meet at Easter.

Salvation Army

The annual congress of the Salvation Army is held in the month of April in each year.

The principal officers of the Salvation Army in New Zealand are: Territorial Commander, Commissioner H. C. Hodder; Chief Secretary, Lieut.-Colonel J. McInnes; Secretary for Field Affairs, Major H. B. Colledge; Property Secretary, Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Bray; Trade Secretary. Brigadier A. Kirk; National Young People's Secretary, Brigadier W. J. Hoare; Chief Accountant, Major W. P. Page; Divisional Commanders, Brigadier A. B. Carmichael, Auckland, Brigadier J. Toomer, Palmerston North, Brigadier W. Gist, Wellington, Major E. Newby, Christchurch, Major A. E. Colvin, Dunedin; Principal of Training College, Wellington, Brigadier W. Gist. Among the social institutions maintained by the Salvation Army are: Rescue Homes at St. Albans, Caversham, Parnell, and South Wellington; Young Women's Industrial Home at Anderson's Bay; Maternity Homes at each of the four chief centres; Samaritan Homes at Gisborne and Napier; Boys' Homes at Island Bay, Eltham, Russell, and Temuka; Girls' Homes at Middlemarch, Auckland, and South Wellington; Prison Gate Brigade Homes at Epsom and Addington; and Inebriates' Homes at Pakatoa and Rotoroa.

LIST OF HONOURS HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE DOMINION.

Baronet.

Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, 1911.

Privy Councillors (P.C.).

Massey, Right Hon. William Ferguson, 1913.

Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, 1907.

Knights Commanders of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.).

Allen, Hon. Sir James, 1917.

Godley, Lieut.-General Sir Alexander John, K.C.M.G., 1916.

Companions of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.).

Chaytor, Brigadier-General E. W. C., C.M.G., 1915.

Cradock, Lieut.-Colonel M., 1900.

Davies, Major-General R. H., 1900.

Findlay, Lieut.-Colonel J., D.S.O., 1915.

Johnston, Brigadier-General F. E., 1915.

Logan, Colonel R., 1917.

Newall, Colonel S., 1900.

Porter, Colonel T. W., 1902.

Richardson, Brigadier-General G. S., C.M.G., 1917.

Robin, Major-General Sir A. W., K.C.M.G., 1900.

Russell, Major-General Sir A. H., K.C.M.G., 1916.

Knights Commanders of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.).

Bell, Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon, 1915.

Bowen, Sir Charles Christopher, 1913.

Carroll, Hon. Sir James, 1911.

Findlay, Hon. Sir John George, K.C., LL.D., 1911.

Godley, Lieut.-General Sir Alexander John, K.C.B., 1914.

Hall-Jones, Hon. Sir William, 1910.

Mackenzie, Hon. Sir Thomas, 1916.

Mills, Sir James, 1909.

Perceval, Sir Westby Brook, 1894.

Robin, Major-General Sir Alfred William, C.B., 1916.

Russell, Major-General Sir A. H., C.B., 1915.

Stout, Hon. Sir Robert, 1886.

Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, Bart., P.C., 1901.

Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.).

Adams, Colonel N. P., 1917.

Alderman, Lieut.-Colonel W. W., 1916.

Begg, Colonel C. M., 1915.

Braithwaite, Brigadier-General W. G., D.S.O., 1916.

Charters, Lieut.-Colonel A. B., 1916.

Chaytor, Brigadier-General E. W. C., C.B., 1916.

Collins, Colonel R. J., I.S.O., V.D., 1911.

Collins, Colonel the Hon. W. E., 1917.

Esson, Colonel J. J., 1916.

Fenwick, Lieut.-Colonel P. C., 1916.

Fitchett, Frederick, M.A., LL.D., 1911.

Fitzherbert, Lieut.-Colonel N., 1917.

Gudgeon, Lieut.-Colonel W. E., 1890.

Hogben, George, M.A., F.G.S., 1915.

Hughes, Lieut.-Colonel J. G., D.S.O., 1916.

Hutchen, Lieut.-Colonel J. W., 1917.

Jowsey, Colonel T., 1900.

King, Dr. F. Truby, 1917.

Luke, J. P., 1917.

Luxford, Rev. J. A., 1916.

Mackesy, Lieut.-Colonel C. E. R., D.S.O., 1917.

Meldrum, Lieut.-Colonel W., D.S.O., 1916.

Otterson, Henry, 1913.

Parkes, Colonel W. H., 1916.

Parr, C. J., 1914.

Plugge, Lieut.-Colonel A., 1915.

Potter, Colonel H. R., 1917.

Roberts, John, 1891.

Richardson, Brigadier-General G. S., C.B., 1915.

Smith, Lieut.-Colonel G. S., D.S.O., 1917.

Standish, Lieut.-Colonel I. T., D.S.O., 1917.

Stowe, Leonard, 1912.

Symon, Lieut.-Colonel F., 1916.

Young, Lieut.-Colonel R., D.S.O., 1915

Knights Bachelor (Kt. Bach.).

Bowen, Hon. Sir Charles Christopher, 1910.

Buchanan, Hon. Sir Walter, 1912.

Denniston, Hon. Sir John Edward, 1917.

Kennaway, Sir Walter, 1909.

Lang, Hon. Sir Frederic William, 1916.

Miller, Hon. Sir Henry John, 1901.

Prendergast, Hon. Sir James, 1881.

Wilson, Sir James G., 1915.

Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).

Acton-Adams, Major P. M., 1917.

Austen, Lieut.-Colonel W. S., 1916.

Avery, Major H. E., 1916.

Bartlett, Major E., 1902.

Beck, Captain W. T., 1915.

Buck, Major P. H., 1917.

Cook, Lieut.-Colonel C. F. D., 1917.

Critchley-Salmonson, Captain A. C. B., 1915.

Cunningham, Lieut.-Colonel W. H., 1916.

Daltry, Major H. J., 1917.

Duigan, Major J. E., 1917.

Edwards, Captain Brevet-Major H. M., 1917.

Falla, Lieut.-Colonel N. S., 1916.

Findlay, Lieut.-Colonel J., C.B., 1916.

Finn, Captain B. S., 1915.

Gardner, Lieut.-Colonel M. M., 1917.

Grigor, Lieut.-Colonel R. R., 1916.

Hamilton, Lieut.-Colonel N. C., 1916.

Hart, Lieut.-Colonel H. E., 1915.

Herbert, Lieut.-Colonel A. H., 1917.

Hickey, Major D. A., 1902.

Hughes, Lieut.-Colonel J. G., C.M.G., 1900.

Hurst, Major H. C., 1916.

Hutton, Major G. F., 1916.

King, Lieut.-Colonel G. A., 1916.

Knyvett, Major F. B., 1917.

Lampen, Major F. H., 1916.

Mackesy, Lieut.-Colonel C. E. R., C.M.G., 1916.

Major, Colonel C. T., 1900.

Meldrum, Lieut.-Colonel W., C.M.G., 1916.

Melvill, Colonel C. W., 1916.

Murray, Lieut. - Colonel D. N. W., 1916.

McGilp, Major C., 1916.

McKenzie, Lieut.-Colonel A. G., 1916.

O'Neill, Lieut.-Colonel E. J., 1915.

Polson, Major D., 1900.

Pow, Major J., 1916.

Powles, Lieut.-Colonel C. G., 1916.

Roache, Lieut.-Colonel J. G., 1917.

Rogers, Captain V., 1917.

Saunders, Major J. L., 1917.

Saxby, Major C. G., 1916.

Smith, Lieut.-Colonel G. S., C.M.G., 1915.

Smythe, Major R. B., 1916.

Standish, Lieut.-Colonel I. T., C.M.G., 1915.

Starnes, Captain F., 1916.

Stevenson, Captain R., 1902.

Stewart, Lieut.-Colonel A. E., T.D., 1916.

Stewart, Lieut.-Colonel H., M.C., 1917.

Stout, Major T. D. M., 1917.

Studholme, Major J., 1916.

Sykes, Lieut.-Colonel F. B., 1915.

Symon, Lieut.-Colonel F., 1917.

Todd, Captain T. J. M., 1900.

Turnbull, Major W. McG., 1915.

Waite, Major F., 1915.

Walker, Captain G. H., 1901.

Whyte, Major J. H., 1915.

Wyman, Major R., 1910.

Young, Lieut.-Colonel R., C.M.G., 1915.

Companion, Imperial Service Order (I.S.O.).

Andrews, James Frank, 1913.

Blow, Horatio John Hooper, 1911.

Collins, Colonel R. J., V.D., 1909.

Cullen, John, 1916.

Heywood, James B., 1905.

Kensington, W. C., 1909.

Mackenzie, James, 1915.

Morris, W. R., 1917.

Robertson, Donald, 1912.

Ronayne, Thomas, 1914.

Strauchon, John, 1912.

Tregear, Edward, 1911.

Victoria Cross.

Bassett, Sergeant C. R. G., 1915.

Hardham, Captain W. J., 1901.

New Zealand Cross.

Biddle, Benjamin, 1869.

Hill, George, 1869.

Lingard William, 1869.

Mace, Francis Joseph, 1869.

Mair, Gilbert, 1870.

Northcroft, Henry William, 1910.*

Preece, George Augustus, 1869.

Roberts, John Mackintosh, 1869.

Wrigg, Harry Charles William, 1898.

Military Cross (1915-17).

Acland, Major L. G. D.

Avey, Captain G. A.

Barrowclough, Captain H. E.

Bishop, Major W. G. A.

Blackett, Major G. R.

Blair, Major D. B.

Bongard, 2nd Lieutenant J. R.

Bowler, Lieutenant D. C.

Brathwaite, 2nd Lieutenant J. L.

Bremner, Captain D. E.

Butler, Lieutenant the Hon. R. T. R. P.

Carmichael, 2nd Lieutenant L. S.

Chilcott, 2nd Lieutenant C. W.

Closey, Lieutenant S. J. E.

Collyns, Lieutenant G. S.

Cooper, 2nd Lieutenant A. C.

Cowles, Major J. R.

Dittmer, Lieutenant G.

Dobson, Captain D.

Dore, Rev. P.

Dove, Captain W. W.

Eastwood, Captain T. R.

Ellis, Lieutenant P. J.

Falconer, Captain A. S.

Farr, Captain T.

Galloway, 2nd Lieutenant M. S.

Garland, 2nd Lieutenant H. G. de F.

Gray, 2nd Lieutenant W. A.

Greene, Chaplain A.

Guthrie, Major R. N.

Guthrie, 2nd Lieutenant S. G.

Hally, 2nd Lieutenant C.

Hargest, Major J.

Harper, Captain R. P.

Harrison, 2nd Lieutenant.

Henderson, Major P. B.

Herrick, Lieutenant A. D.

Holland, Captain G. S.

Horwood, Captain A. E.

Houchen, Rev. C.

Hubbard, Captain A. C.

Inglis, Captain L. M.

Jardine, Captain L. H.

Johnson, Captain W. H.

Johnstone, 2nd Lieutenant.

Kettle, Captain D.

Knox, R. J.

Leeming, Major C. V.

McDonald, 2nd Lieutenant S. G.

McKinnon, Captain H. E.

Macky, Lieutenant N. L.

McPherson, Lieutenant R.

* For service rendered in 1866.

† For service rendered in 1867.

McQuarrie, Major R. S.

McQueen, 2nd Lieutenant J. A.

Martin, 2nd Lieutenant A. L.

Mathias, Lieutenant G.

Mawson, Lieutenant J. B.

Merton, Captain J. L. C.

Mewett, Captain J. E. H.

Miles, Captain R.

Mollison, 2nd Lieutenant B.

Morgan, Captain F. H. E.

Morpeth, Captain R. N.

Oakey, Captain A. N.

Orbell, Captain R. G. S.

Palmer, W.

Potvine, Lieutenant H. A.

Prior, Captain N. H.

Purdy, Captain R. G.

Richards, Rev. F. R.

Richardson, Major H. McK. W.

Richmond, Major J. M.

Riddiford, Lieutenant R. E. W.

Rose, Major J. M.

Sandham, Captain G. Saxon, Lieutenant K. R. J.

Seddon, 2nd Lieutenant S. T.

Senior, Lieutenant C. H. A.

Shera, Major L. M.

Short, Captain A. V.

Simmonds, Lieutenant W. H.

Stainton, Lieutenant W. H.

Stallard, Lieutenant F. J. W.

Stewart, Lieut.-Colonel H., D.S.O.

Stewart, Captain J. G.

Stilwell, 2nd Lieutenant W. F.

Stitt, Captain A. D.

Stocker, 2nd Lieutenant V.

Thoms, Major N. W. B. B.

Tracey, Lieutenant W. F.

Turnbull, Captain F. K.

Turner, Captain F. M.

Turu Hiroti, Captain.

Twisleton, Captain F. M.

Walker, Lieutenant M. R.

Wallingford, Major J. A.

White, Captain H. H.

Widdowson, Lieutenant S. H. W.

Williams, 2nd Lieutenant E. G.

Wood, Major F. A.

Wray, Major W. G.

Wrightson, Captain R. W.

Royal Red Cross, 1st Class.

Cameron, Matron M. M.

Price, Matron F.

Thurston, Matron-in-Chief M.

Tombe, Matron A.

Williamson Miss J. M. N. (1900).

Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class.

Buckley, Sister A.

Davies, Staff Nurse K.

Early, Miss M. A.

Gilmer, Sister J. M. R.

Hodges, Staff Nurse E.

McBeth, Miss M.

Nixon, Matron E.

Speedy, Sister F. H.

Wilkie, Sister M. H.

Wilson, Matron F.

Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.).

(a.) Members of New Zealand Contingents in South Africa, 1899-02.

Baigent, Private Ivanhoe.

Black, Staff Sergeant-major G. C.

Burr, Sergeant-major W. T.

Cassidy, Sergeant W.

Fletcher, Major W. H.

Free, Private A.

Kent, Sergeant W.

Langham, Sergeant-major J.

Lockett, Sergeant-major E. B.

Pickett, Sergeant-major M.

Rouse, Farrier-Sergeant G.

Wade, Private H. B.

White, Sergeant-major H.

(b.) Members of New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Europe, 1915-17.

Abbey, Sergeant A. W.

Anderson, Corporal H.

Armstrong, Sergeant L. J.

Atkins, Sergeant-major A: A.

Barker, Corporal C. R.

Barlow, Private H.

Barr, Private K. D.

Bates, Sergeant G.

Beauchamp, Q.M.S. H. R. H. (W.O.).

Bellamy, Sergeant H.

Bennett, Sergeant P. H. G.

Boate, Sergeant-major P. C.

Bremner, Sergeant O. H.

Brown, Corporal A. W.

Brown, Sergeant C.

Brown, Lance-Corporal W. G.

Campbell, Sergeant J.

Cardno, Corporal J. P.

Caselberg, Sapper A. L.

Clark, Private N.

Comrie, Corporal J.

Crawford-Watson, Private L.

Dickey, Rifleman A.

Dignan, Sergeant B. L.

Douglas, Rifleman W. T.

Edwards, 2nd Lieutenant C. J. K.

Findlay, Private A. J.

Francis, Sergeant J. H.

Gair, Sergeant C.

Graham, Q.M. Sergeant L. S. L. L.

Harper, Lieutenant (temp. Capt.) R. P., M.C.

Henderson, 2nd Lieutenant A. G.

Henry, Sergeant W. J.

Hill, Battery Sergeant-major J. F.

Hodges, Sapper E. A.

Holder, Sergeant F. N.

Hunter, Sergeant V. G.

Ibbotson, Lieutenant W.

Inglis, Q.M. Sergeant D. C.

Jenkins, Sergeant F.

Lepper, Corporal R.

Little, Sergeant J.

McCormick, Q.M. Sergeant A. L.

McLennan, Sergeant A.

McLeod, Lance-Corporal R. C.

McQueen, Corporal W.

Mahoney, Private F.

Marks, Rifleman R.

Mitchell, 2nd Lieutenant F.

Moor, Sergeant-major F. W.

Nimmo, Rifleman T.

O'Connor, Trooper D. J.

O'Connor, Private F.

Paranihi Tau, Private.

Potter, Q.M. Sergeant R. C.

Reid, 2nd Lieutenant W. J.

Rhind, Corporal H.

Ricketts, Regt. Sergeant-major W.

Riddett, Battery Sergeant-major J. J.

Robinson, Sergeant S.

Rodger, 2nd Lieutenant W. J.

Salmon, Lieutenant C. W.

Samson, Rifleman W. B.

Saunders, 2nd Lieutenant C. W.

Scarfe, Lance-Corporal E. R.

Scrimshaw, 2nd Corporal E. G.

Skinner, Corporal H. D.

Smith, Private A.

Spencer, Private H.

Steedman, Corporal A. B.

Stockdill, Sergeant T.

Struthers, Sergeant H.

Syme, Corporal G.

Taplin, Sergeant J. H.

Tavender, Sergeant B. N.

Taylor, Sergeant J. A.

Tempany, Private G. A.

Thompson, Corporal P.

Tilsley, 2nd Lieutenant R.

Travis, Sergeant R. C.

Tunley, Warrant Officer F. C.

Vickery, Company Sergeant-major E. M.

Watson, Corporal K. W.

Wilson, Company Sergeant-major C. M.

Wimms, Corporal J.

Winter, Private J. H.

Military Medals.

Name and Rank.

Adams, Driver T.

Adsett, Private G.

Aitken, Private S. A.

Allan, Sergeant E. F.

Allpress, Lance–Corporal A. E.

Anderson, Sergeant C.

Andrews, Sergeant W. T.

Angel, Sergeant R.

Angus, Private J. N.

Arthur-Worsop, Sergeant A. C.

Ashwin, Private L. F.

Atkinson, Sergeant P. H.

Atkinson, Corporal T.

Barber, Sergeant A. F.

Bassett. Lance-Corporal E.

Bell, Company Sergeant-major T.

Bell, Corporal W. D.

Bennett, Sergeant W. R.

Bennie, Corporal Fitter A. H.

Biggar, Sergeant T.

Blackman, Sergeant A. R.

Blackwell, Sergeant R. M.

Bond, Corporal R. J.

Booth, Sergeant G. R.

Brady, Sergeant A. T.

Brash, Private A. D.

Bright, Private W. G.

Brightwell, Private F.

Brill, Private F. A.

Brister, Sergeant S. G.

Brothers, 2nd Lieutenant W. F.

Brown, Sergeant E. B.

Brown, Private J.

Brown, Bombardier W. J.

Brown, Lance-Corporal W. S.

Burrows, Private J. K. H.

Burton, Lance-Corporal O. E.

Butler, Rifleman W. H.

Calamo, Sergeant P. E.

Caldwell, Company Sergeant-major R. T.

Campbell, Rifleman E. H.

Campbell, Sergeant F.

Campbell, Rifleman W. C.

Campion, Lance-Corporal D. A.

Carruthers, Private W.

Carter, Corporal C. R.

Chambers, Rifleman W. D.

Church, Lance-Corporal R. A.

Ciochetto, Sergeant C. V.

Clague, Lance-Corporal J.

Clancy, 2nd Lieutenant W. S.

Clarke, 2nd Lieutenant M.

Clarke, Private N.

Clarke, Sergeant S. B.

Coles, Private T.

Clearwater, Private J. T.

Connell, Private C. W.

Cooke, Corporal W. B.

Cordell, Corporal T. A.

Cosbrook, Sergeant A. J.

Crawford, 2nd Lieutenant E. H.

Currey, Corporal A. A.

Curry, Private D. W.

Cuthbertson, Sergeant W. J.

Dartnall, Sergeant C. A.

Davidson, Sergeant D.

Davie, Sergeant H. P. C.

Dibble, Corporal S. T.

Dickinson, Private L. R.

Dickson, Lance-Corporal N.

Dredge, Sergeant G. M. L.

Durrant, Farrier-Corporal C. G.

Durward, Driver P.

Duthie, Corporal E. D.

Eastgate, Lance-Corporal H. S.

Edwards, Private C.

Ellen, Sergeant H.

Ellis, Sergeant R. F.

Entwistle, Driver C.

Fairbrother, Lance-Corporal R. E.

Farrell, Corporal E.

Fitzgerald, Corporal N. E.

Fleming, Gunner R. I.

Fletcher, Sergeant F. N.

Flutey, Sergeant R. H.

Foote, 2nd Lieutenant H. A.

Ford, Private M.

Fox, Sergeant E. V.

Fraser, Sergeant J. R.

Gibson, Private L. V.

Gilmore, Sergeant W. B.

Gilshnan, Sergeant S. E.

Golding, Private S.

Gordon, Trooper J.

Gordon, Sergeant P. A.

Gordon, Corporal W. E.

Gouldern, Sergeant H. H.

Gowers, Rifleman H.

Gray, Sergeant R. N.

Gray, Lance-Corporal W. A.

Green, Corporal C. H.

Green, Corporal H. V.

Greenwood, Sergeant J.

Gridley, Sergeant A. J.

Hadley, Gunner P. R.

Halpin, Lance-Corporal L. J.

Hanson, Lance-Corporal S. F.

Hardy, Corporal J. H.

Harris, Private F. C.

Harris, Private J.

Hartman, Sergeant B.

Harty, Sergeant L. P.

Harwood, Corporal J. R. B.

Henderson, Lance-Corporal R. A.

Henley, Sergeant N. G.

Hewitt, Private G.

Hicks, Sergeant F. T.

Hicks, 2nd Lieutenant W. J.

Higginson, Sergeant N. L.

Hilliard, Private J.

Hollywood, Lance-Corporal J. E.

Horn, Corporal R. H.

Horwell, Corporal W. W.

Hough, Private R.

Howlett, Sergeant D.

Howie, Corporal W. D.

Hughes, Trumpeter O.

Ingpen, Lance-Corporal N. L.

Jeffrey, Private R.

Jefferis, Corporal R. S. C.

Johnson, Private A. R.

Johnson, Private H. A.

Johnson, Corporal H. R.

Johnson, Private J.

Joll, Private H. L.

Jones, Gunner W. A.

Kennedy, Bombardier F.

Keys, Rifleman J.

Keys, 2nd Corporal P. L.

Kingham, Sapper W. J.

Knight, 2nd Corporal R. S.

Kuhtz, Corporal J. R. H.

Lamb, Private J. B.

Lauder, Corporal A.

Lay, Sergeant J. G.

Le Compte, Corporal H. E.

Lee, Sergeant A.

Lepper, Sergeant C. B.

Lepper, Lance-Corporal J.

Lewin, Sergeant C.

Linklater, Lance-Corporal H.

Lloyd. Gunner, J. C. H.

Lock, Sergeant S. G. S.

Lymer, Private E.

Macdonald, Corporal M.

Macguire, Lance-Corporal T. F.

Mackrell, Sergeant H. H.

Mains. Sergeant C. E.

Manning, Lance-Corporal J.

Martin, Sergeant J.

Mason, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. J.

Michaels, Corporal L. G.

Middlemiss, Private W. P.

Millar, Gunner W.

Mitchell, Corporal G. G. M.

Mole, Bombardier H. P.

Molloy, Corporal T. J.

Moore, Sergeant G. V. T.

Moore, Lieutenant J. J.

Moore, Corporal W. A.

Morgan, Lance-Corporal T. T.

Moritzson, Quartermaster-Sergeant L.

Mulligan, Sergeant A. S.

Murray, Corporal J. W.

Murray, Sergeant W. J.

Myers, Lance-Corporal R.

McBeath, Private C.

McCarthy, Private J.

McCaw, Corporal W. T.

McConnell, Gunner G.

McKean, Sergeant W.

McKendry, Private J.

McLachlan, Corporal L. D.

McManus, Corporal C.

McMaster, Sergeant A. A.

McQueen, Company Sergeant-major (W. O.) A. A.

McQuillan, Corporal J.

McQuillan, Sapper P.

Needs, Private R. A.

Nicholas, Sergeant L. R.

Nicholson, Rifleman N. A.

O'Brien, Private J. W.

Oldham, Corporal W. A.

Orr, Private N.

Osborne, Private S. K.

Osmers, Bombardier H. H.

Otene, Corporal R.

Page, Private H.

Paine, Sergeant W.

Parsons, Private T. W.

Pattison, Corporal H. J.

Pearce, Sergeant P. G.

Pearcy, Private G. H.

Perkins, Quartermaster-Sergeant H. A.

Phelan, Rifleman E. M.

Philson, Lance-Corporal G. H.

Pinkham, Sapper W. G. F.

Porter, Private C. W.

Pratt, Sapper R. J.

Prendergast, Corporal P.

Price, Sergeant A. B.

Prime, Gunner E. I.

Purdie, Sergeant C. L.

Quinn, Rifleman J. P.

Ratcliffe, Private F.

Ralston, Corporal W.

Rawhiti, Private H.

Raxworthy, Sapper C. H.

Reston, Corporal R. A.

Rice, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant S. D.

Riddell, 2nd Corporal W. J.

Rigby, Bombardier K. R.

Roach, 2nd Lieutenant G. H.

Robinson, Driver K. J.

Rogers, 2nd Lieutenant J.

Ross, Company Sergt. major (W. O.) D.

Ross, Corporal J. D.

Rossiter, Sergeant C.

Rotoatara, 2nd Lieutenant T.

Ruans, Private A. T.

Rusden, Sergeant G. C.

Ryan, Lance-Corporal F. L.

Ryan, Private J. A.

Samson, Corporal C. O.

Savingy, Bombardier P.

Sciascia, Sergeant C.

Scott, Quartermaster-Sergeant D. C.

Scrimgeour, Lance-Corporal A.

Sharp, Corporal S. R.

Shaw, Sergeant W. R.

Sheerin, Trooper H.

Shirley, Sergeant V. W.

Sidney, Corporal T. P.

Simmers, Sergeant R.

Simmers, Sergeant W. W.

Smith, Sergeant E.

Stacey, Private E. E.

Steel, Sergeant R. W.

Strachan, Corporal D. H.

Sutton, Gunner F. J.

Thomson, Lance-Corporal A. F.

Torrens, Private W. J.

Trembath, Gunner W.

Tribe, Private L. R.

Vial, 2nd Lieutenant A. H.

Vincent, Lance-Corporal J.

Voyle, Company Sergeant-major J. W.

Warren, Lance-Corporal N.

Webley, Private K. G.

Welch, Sergeant H. C.

Whalley, Private G.

White, Rifleman A. E.

Whitehouse, Private C. H.

Williamson, Sergeant G. A.

Williamson, Sergeant G.

Wilson, Lance-Corporal A.

Wilson, Sergeant C. G.

Wilson, Sapper C. G.

Wilson, Sergeant H. F.

Wilson, Corporal H. G.

Wood, Lieutenant R.

Woodhall, Quartermaster-Sergeant J.

Woodhead, Sergeant G.

Wright, Corporal A. A.

Wright, Corporal J. D.

Wright, Private R. F.

Youle, Corporal H.

Yorke, Corporal C. D.

Bar to Military Medal.

Cooke, Corporal W. B.

Kennedy, Sergeant F.

Rawhiti, Private H.

Simmers, Sergeant R.

Meritorious Service Medal.

Beattie, Sergeant J. N.

Briscoe, Lance-Corporal A.

Burdekin, Staff Sergeant C. B.

Cooper, Staff Sergeant-major F. S.

Galbraith, Staff Sergeant D.

Goulding, Private R. T.

Holz, Sergeant H. A.

Little, Corporal G. C.

Menzies, Sergeant G. B.

Self, Regimental Sergeant-major J. C.

Seymour, Sapper G.

Simmons, Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant W. H.

Thompson, Regimental Sergeant-major A. S.

Waugh, Gunner H.

FOREIGN DECORATIONS.

FRENCH.

Legion of Honour (Croix d'Officer).

Johnston, Brig. General G. N, D.S.O.

Legion of Honour (Croix de Chevalier).

Livesay, Lieut.-Colonel R. O'H., D. S. O.

Richardson, Brigadier-General G. S.,

C.B., C.M.G.

Whitehorne, Major H. S.

Young, Lieut. Colonel R., C.M.G., D.S.O.

Croix de Guerre.

Cosbrook, Sergeant A. J.

Newman, Captain C. N.

Powell, Sergeant J.

Rose, Major J. M., M.C.

Stanley, Lance-Corporal G.

Stewart, Lieut.-Colonel H., D.S.O., M.C.

Medaille Militaire.

Boate, Sergeant-major P. C.

Simpkins, Sergeant J.

Trott, Lance-Corporal —.

RUSSIAN.

Order of St. Stanilaus, 3rd Class (with Swords).

Cunningham, Lieut.-Colonel W. H., D.S.O.

Cross of St. George, 3rd Class.

Martin, Lance-Corporal H. A.

Medal of St. George, 2nd Class.

Brister, Sergeant S. G.

Simmers, Sergeant R.

Medal of St. George, 3rd Class.

Carter, Trooper A.

Medal of St. George, 4th Class..

Alexander, Trooper F. J.

SERBIAN.

Order of White Eagle, 2nd Class (with Swords).

Godley, Lieut.-General Sir A. J., K.C.B., K.C.M.G.

Order of White Eagle, 3rd Class (with Swords).

Braithwaite, Brigadier-General W. G., C.M.G., D.S.O.

Chaytor, Brigadier-General E. W. C., C.B., C.M.G.

Order of White Eagle, 4th Class (with Swords).

Meldrum, Lieut.-Colonel W., C.M.G., D.S.O.

Pridham, Lieut.-Colonel G. R.

Order of White Eagle, 5th Class (with Swords).

Herbert, Captain Hon. A. N. H. M.

Mabin, Major F. B.

Rhodes, Captain A. T. G.

Wainohu, Rev. H. W.

Wilder, Captain A. S.

Order of Karageorge, 3rd Class (with Swords).

Johnston, Brigadier-General F. E., C.B.

Order of Karageorge, 4th Class (with Swords).

Mitchell, Lieut.-Colonel G.

Cross of Karageorge, 1st Class (with Swords).

Birkett, Lance-Corporal W. A.

Gardiner, Sergeant G.

Cross of Karageorge, 2nd Class (with Swords).

Conlan, Sergeant F. J.

Moore, Lieutenant J. J.

Gold Medal.

Duffill, Private G.

East, Private A.

Pederson, Private E.

Scrimgeour, Trooper A. R.

Souter, Private W. J.

Silver Medal.

Boocock, Private J. M.

Champnay, Private N. D.

Edmonds, Trooper L. W.

Holmes, Private P. D.

Noakes, Private E. L.

White, Private W. C.

ITALIAN.

Silver Medal.

Walker, Lieutenant M. R.

Bronze Medal.

Wells, Sergeant C. M.

Benny, Private H.

Martin, Corporal F. R.

Patterson, Private S. J.

MONTENEGRIN.

Order of Danilo, 2nd Class.

Russell, Major-General Sir A. H., K.C.M.G., C.B.

Order of Danilo, 4th Class.

Barclay, Major G.

Order of Danilo, 5th Class.

Urquhart, Captain M.

Queen's Scarf.

(One of four knitted by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria for presentation to selected members of Colonial Contingents in South Africa.)

Coutts, Captain Henry Donald, 1900.

Persons allowed to retain the Title of “Honourable” within His Majesty's Dominions.

By despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 30th October, 1856, the Governor was apprised that the title of “Honourable” was conferred on members of the Legislative Council and on the Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand.

By despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 15th June, 1893, it was announced that the title of “Honourable,” appertaining to Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils in colonies possessing Responsible Government, whether confined to duration of office or continued for life, was approved by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, for use and recognition throughout her dominions, either during office or for life, as the case might be.

By further despatch of 10th March, 1894, the Secretary of State announced that he was prepared in future to submit for the approval of the Sovereign the recommendation of the Governor of any colony having Responsible Government that the President of the Legislative Council or the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly may, on quitting office after three years' service in their respective offices, be permitted to retain the title of “Honourable.”

Besides the members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the following ex-Ministers are allowed, as such, to retain the title of “Honourable": Buddo, David, 1912; Carroll, Sir James, K.C.M.G., 1912; Findlay, Sir John George, K.C., LL.D., K.C.M.G., 1911; Fowlds, G., 1911; Hall-Jones, Sir William, K.C.M.G., 1908; Hislop, Thomas W., 1891; McKenzie, Roderick, 1912; Mackenzie, Sir Thomas, 1912; Mills, Charles H., 1906; Mitchelson, Edwin, 1891; Ngata, Apirana Turupa, 1912; Oliver, Richard, 1884; Reeves, William P., 1896; Rhodes, R. H., 1915; Stout, Hon. Sir Robert, K.C.M.G., 1887; Thompson, Thomas, 1900; Tole, Joseph A., 1888.

By another despatch of 14th November, 1896, the Secretary of State requested to be informed if the Government of New Zealand desired that members of the Legislative Council in this Dominion should on retirement or resignation, after a continuous service in such Council of not less than ten years, be eligible for recommendation by the Governor for Royal permission to retain the title of “Honourable.”

Judges of Supreme Court.

By despatch of 29th August, 1877, it was announced that retired Judges of the Supreme Court may be allowed the privilege of bearing the title of “Honourable” for life, within the Dominion. This title is now held by Sir James Prendergast.

By despatch of 22nd December, 1911, it was announced that the title of “Honourable” was conferred on the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

By an Act passed during the year 1912 and intituled the Public Service Act, 1912, the Public Service of New Zealand was placed under the direct and sole control of a Commissioner and two Assistant Commissioners, who were appointed in the first place for a term of seven years, are responsible only to Parliament, and can be dismissed from office only for misbehaviour or incompetence.

The Act became operative on the 1st April, 1913, and applies to all members of the Public Service with the exception of the Controller and Auditor-General, officers of the Railway Department, members of the Police and Defence Forces, Judges and Magistrates, officers of the House, certain officers of the Legislative Departments, and persons paid only by fees or commission, as well as any officer to whom the Governor in Council declares the Act shall not apply.

The powers vested in the Commissioner are very wide. They include the inspection of offices, the appointment, promotion, transfer, and dismissal of officers, and the framing of regulations.

An entrance examination is provided for youths desirous of entering the service, and efficiency and educational tests for promotion have been established.

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, Inspectors appointed by Education Boards, and in office on the 1st January, 1915, are deemed to be Inspectors of the Education Department as if they had been appointed under the Public Service Act, and will in future come under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. Under the same Act the Commissioner is empowered to appoint to the Clerical Division of the Public Service any person who on the 1st January, 1915, was permanently employed by any Education Board for more than twenty hours a week in clerical work.

CLASSIFICATION.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 17 of the Act, a classification of all officers to whom the Act applied was immediately proceeded with by the Commissioner on his assuming control. The provisional list for Departments other than the Post and Telegraph Department was gazetted on the 20th August, 1913.

The Post and Telegraph Department had been working under a classification system for some years, and the list for this Department for 1913–14 was published separately on the 14th October, 1913.

The classified staff on the following dates was,—

Departments other than Post and Telegraph.

As at 31st March,Number.Salaries.
£
19134,641874,437
19145,095953,343
19155,6091,097,230
19165,9931,156,306

Post and Telegraph Department.

As at 31st March,Number.Salaries.
£
19135,372708,105
19145,633761.365
19155,958824,242
19166,440830,767

The total increase in the number of officers between 31st March, 1915, and 31st March, 1916, was 925. New appointments included 158 temporary officers made permanent, and in addition 564 temporary officers were in employment in place of officers (1.319) absent with the Expeditionary Forces. The balance of assistance necessary was provided by the appointment of cadets, &c., who are included n the total of 12,443 shown as employed on the 31st March, 1916. The actual increase in working-staff was only 12.

APPEAL BOARD.

An officer dissatisfied with any decision of the Commissioner with regard to (1) grade, (2) classification of the work performed by or assigned to him, or (3) salary or promotion, has the right of appeal, notice of which must be lodged with the Commissioner within thirty days. All appeals are dealt with by a Board consisting of three members, two of these appointed by the Governor, and the third elected by the officers of that branch of the service to which the appellant belongs. The decision of the Appeal Board on all matters brought before it is final.

Chapter 2. SECTION II.—CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY

THE information given in this section deals only with the year 1916. For a fuller account of the climate and meteorology of New Zealand, giving records of past years, the reader is referred to the article in the 1915 issue of the Year-book, contributed by D. C. Bates, Esq., Dominion Meteorologist, by whom the matter here published has also been supplied.

NEW ZEALAND RAINFALL FOR THE YEAR, 1916.

The records show a slight deficiency in the total year's rainfall as compared with the average in the Wellington District and over the whole of the South Island, with the exception of the Nelson Province. Nelson, Hawke's Bay, and New Plymouth districts experienced only a small amount above the mean, but the Auckland Province had substantially more than the usual amount.

Following are brief monthly summaries of the weather and the principal atmospheric systems which were in evidence:—

January.—Over the country generally very warm weather was experienced, with an absence of high winds. The rainfall was nearly everywhere below the average, the greatest deficiency being in the east coast districts of the South Island. North of Auckland there was an excessive precipitation, which was accounted for by the passage of a depression to the northward, between the 24th and the end of the month. Three westerly “lows” passed in the south —viz., on the 1st, 12th, and 26th—and these were responsible for rain in various districts.

February.—The rainfall for February was above the average in parts of North Canterbury and Otago districts, but below in nearly all other parts of the Dominion. The most conspicuous disturbance was a cyclone whose centre passed down the west coast of the North Island and in the neighbourhood of Cook Strait on the night of the 4th, causing general heavy rains. Several other atmospheric depressions were in evidence, but were centred too far away to have an appreciable effect, or the effect was neutralized by the nearness of other “lows,” and they were accountable only for local showers and thunderstorms. As a rule, fair, warm, and at times sultry, conditions prevailed, with an absence of strong winds.

March.—The outstanding feature of the month of March was the continuous exceedingly warm weather between the 1st and the 20th. On the night of the 20th widespread thunderstorms, accompanied with heavy rain, were experienced on account of the passage of a double-centred depression over the South Island. The winds changed to southerly generally on the 22nd, causing cooler conditions, an appreciable change which continued to the close of the month. The total rainfall was above the average in the northernmost and southern-most districts, and also in portions of the west coast of the South Island, but in most other parts of the Dominion it was below the mean.

April.—During the month of April atmospheric pressure was chiefly anti-cyclonic, this type prevailing between the 1st and 7th, the 10th and 13th, and the 19th and 28th. In consequence the weather generally was fine and calm, with mild days and cool nights. Unsettled conditions were experienced on the 7th and 8th, with the passage of a small depression in the south. Between the 14th and 17th a more intense westerly held sway, and this was followed by an extra tropical cyclone, the centre of which passed over the North Island during the night of the 17th. Heavy rain fell on the 14th over the South Island, and general rains were reported on the 15th. On the 29th and again on the 30th, when the centre of a disturbance passed in the vicinity of Cook Strait, heavy rain was recorded, and caused floods in some of the rivers in the northern districts. Most of the northern districts of the North Island and the whole of the western coast had more than the average rainfall, while the remaining portions of the Dominion recorded slightly below or about the average.

May.—There were at least two definite periods of unsettled weather during May—viz., between the 10th and 15th, and between the 25th and 31st. In the former period very heavy rain and floods were experienced in the northern and east coast districts of the North Island, which were due to an unusually intense subtropical low-pressure system. The most notable record was that for Pakihiroa, which shows that between the 10th and 15th 27.69 in. of rain fell, 11.02 in. falling on the 12th, and a total of 34.11 in. was returned for the month. On the 25th high atmospheric pressure ruled, but there was evidence of a cyclonic disturbance to the north-west. On the 27th, the centre of the latter was located between Cape Maria van Diemen and Norfolk Island, and by the 29th the Dominion was enveloped in the system. About these dates high easterly and south-easterly winds prevailed, and the last week was very wet and cold generally. With the exception of these two periods the weather proved fair and mild. The greater part of the Dominion had more than the normal rainfall.

June.—With the exception of a small westerly depression which passed in the south, and brought some heavy rain in the west coast and southernmost districts on the 5th, an anticyclone ruled during the first half of the month. Observers in various parts of the Dominion reported mild, springlike weather during this period. After the 17th the barometer fell steadily, and a succession of low-pressure systems passed over the country until the 26th, accounting for very unsettled and wet weather. On the 27th and 28th a small anticyclone prevailed, but this was quickly followed by a disturbance passing somewhat south of Cook Strait on the 29th, when general rain fell. Precipitation was considerably above the average in the southern half of the South Island and in parts of Hawke's Bay and Auckland districts, but elsewhere it was below.

July.—The weather during July was extremely mild for a winter month, really cold conditions only being experienced during the last four days. However, dull skies were much in evidence, and the total rainfall was generally above the average, except on the west coast of the North Island and about Foveaux Strait. An atmospheric depression passing in the north was responsible for heavy rain on the 14th and 15th, while the heaviest day's rainfall in the South Island occurred chiefly between the 20th and 23rd, during the passage of an Antarctic disturbance.

August.—During August very unsettled, and at times stormy, weather prevailed. The total rainfall and the number of wet days were nearly everywhere above the average. Between the 1st and 4th an intense cyclone passed in the north, causing very heavy rain and floods in the northern and east coast districts of the North Island. Stormy conditions were also experienced between the 20th and 23rd during the passage of an extensive and intense westerly area of low pressure in the south. The barometer rose considerably above normal on the 24th, but fell again on the 28th and 29th with the approach of a rapidly moving westerly “low,” which passed in the south in the early hours of the 30th. Some strong winds prevailed about this time, but the rainfall was not excessive. Other smaller disturbances were also in evidence. Three anticyclones passed over the country, but these were all of short duration—viz., between the 10th and 12th, 15th and 17th, and 25th and 28th. Fair weather prevailed about these dates.

September.—The weather during September was, on the whole, mild and spring-like, and, except in the southernmost districts, precipitation was everywhere below the average. There were three noteworthy atmospheric depressions accounting for short periods of disturbed weather, and these may be briefly described. Although an anticyclone ruled in the north between the 1st and the 11th, relatively low pressure was in evidence during this period in the southern districts, and on the 6th and 7th this depression intensified considerably over the South Island, being responsible for somewhat boisterous conditions in and southward of Cook Strait. Some heavy rainfalls occurred about this time in Westland and Otago. Bluff recorded 5.57 in. for twenty-four hours up to 9 a.m. on the 7th, and some of the rivers in Otago rose to flood-level. Between the 13th and 15th the passage of an intense Antarctic low-pressure area caused very stormy weather, heavy westerly gales prevailing on the 13th, changing to south-westerly on the 14th. Considerable rain fell, and on the 15th snow was also reported in various districts in the south and inland on the higher levels in the North Island. The third unsettled period—viz., between the 26th and the end of the month, was the result of a disturbance located on the Tasman Sea, the centre of which passed down the west coast on the 28th and 29th. Dull skies and much mist and fog were experienced, with rain in scattered districts, but in Taranaki heavy rain fell on the two latter days. A week of very fine weather was experienced from the 18th to the 25th when a decided anticyclone held sway, which, on the 21st, was remarkable for a central isobar of nearly 30.8 in. about Cook Strait.

October.—Very changeable weather characterized the month of October. Over the North Island and in the northernmost districts of the South the total rainfall was everywhere above the average, but nearly all parts of the south recorded a deficiency. Showers were frequent during the month, but about the 10th and the 21st some heavy downpours occurred in and northward of Cook Strait. About the former date a disturbance passed in the south, and this was followed by one in the north, which ruled until the 12th. The most notable atmospheric depression was a cyclone of subtropical origin, the centre of which apparently passed down the west coast of the North Island and through Cook Strait on the 21st.

November.—November proved a very unsettled month, and, except in the Hawke's Bay and Canterbury districts, the aggregate rainfall was everywhere above the average. North Auckland, Taranaki, and Nelson experienced excessive rainfalls on several days, and an unusual number of wetdays. The west coast of the South Island also had many wet days, but the falls were not particularly heavy except in the higher country. Central Otago reported excellent rains during the latter half of the month, while precipitation in Hawke's Bay and Canterbury was of a showery nature only. Some very interesting data is disclosed in the returns, of which the following are particularly notable: The total month's rainfall at Auckland was 7.74 in., which is the highest November fall recorded for that city. At Wekaweka (south of Hokianga Harbour) on the 8th 8.05 in. of rain fell, while the month's total was 18.68 in. Okoke, Taranaki, recorded 10.94 in. on the 8th, and a total for the month of 21.96 in.; while Upper Mangorei on the 7th had 6.32 in. and on the 8th 6.72 in., with a total of 25.22 in. for the month. At Bainham, on the Aorere River, Nelson, 37.40 in. fell during the month. On the 6th, 7th, and 8th 6.27 in., 11.24 in., and 1.78 in. fell respectively. The heavy rainfall about this time caused serious floods in many of the rivers in Nelson and Marlborough. Endeavour Inlet recorded 11.2 in. on the 8th, the observer stating that the rate of fall averaged between 0.55 in. and 0.72 in. per hour throughout the day. Although the rainfall in Canterbury was small, isolated stations received some good falls accompanying local thunderstorms. At Coalgate on the 16th, during a severe thunderstorm, 1.44 in. fell in half an hour, between 12.30 and 1 p.m. Otira, Westland, had an aggregate for the month of 30.03 in. The most intense storm during the month was one which passed on the 27th. The barometer fell as low as 28.85 at the Bluff, but although the conditions were particularly boisterous, especially in and southward of Cook Strait, the storm was not responsible for much rainfall, and the heaviest and most widespread falls were the result of a similar disturbance, but of less intensity, which ruled between the 6th and 10th. A subtropical depression passing between the 11th and 14th also accounted for heavy downpours in the northernmost districts.

December.—An excessive rainfall was experienced during December in the northernmost districts, while all other parts of the Dominion had a total fall less than the average, and quite a number of stations in the vicinity of Cook Strait recorded a total absence of rainfall. Anticyclonic conditions were the most prevalent, accounting for a considerable amount of fair and bright weather. A fast-moving and rather intense disturbance passed in the south on the 15th, but was responsible for rain only in the West Coast and southernmost districts of the South Island, and heavy westerly gales in parts southward of Cook Strait. Between the 20th and 23rd a subtropical depression was in evidence in the north, and during this period heavy rain fell in the Auckland Province. Auckland City reported 4.51 in. on the 20th.

The following table shows the difference, above or below the mean, for each month in the year:—

NORTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1916.

Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

 Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
+   3.946.11  8.07 6.555.853.39
Av.3.142.704.783.874.664.265.363.963.854.103.683.35
2.361.583.70  3.694.49 3.43   

Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

 Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.

+ Above the average.

− Below the average.

+10.2   17.1  20.0 17.916.0 
Av.9.48.111.912.914.515.516.514.015.114.913.911.5
 6.911.19.5 13.415.6 11.2  7.5

SOUTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1916.

Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

 Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.

+ Above the average.

− Below the average.

+ 3.09 3.404.72 4.013.32    
Av.3.872.673.693.323.384.093.883.153.883.983.544.00
2.36 3.45  3.09  2.742.263.110.90

Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

 Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
+ 12.212.3 12.7  13.9    
Av.12.68.612.212.412.013.813.312.514.214.614.213.6
10.2  9.6 12.412.5 9.511.613.04.6

METEOROLOGY.

Temperature, Rainfall, Atmospheric Pressure, and Wind throughout New Zealand, as observed at Ten Stations, for the Year 1916.

The observations were taken at 9 a.m.

Stations.Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Winds.
Highest.Lowest.Mean Max. Temp.Mean Min. Temp.Mean Temp. for Month.Wet Days.Fall.
  °Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
Auckland (lat. 36° 50' S.; long. 174° 50' 4” E. alt. 125 ft.)—January78.053.071.859.365.5152.0429.98NE, SW.
February80.056.076.762.769.280.5129.95NE.
March78.055.073.362.367.8113.7830.04NE.
April71.047.067.655.961.7125.8830.13NE, SW.
May69.046.063.154.158.6195.0130.03SE, SW.
June67.041.061.951.556.7196.3030.09NE, W.
July65.040.558.348.953.6238.2130.07NE, W.
August63.043.058.448.153.2269.6229.93W.
September69.041.060.750.055.3162.6830.19SW, W.
October68.046.063.252.858.0216.0030.01E, W.
November74.046.067.256.361.7227.7430.00NE, SW.
December77.053.071.960.066.0108.5930.04NE, W.
Greenmeadows (Napier), (lat. 39° 32' S.; long. 176° 53' E.; alt. 14 ft.)—January90.047.580.357.969.160.81 NW, SW.
February93.050.083.561.372.440.44 NW.
March87.045.078.159.668.883.1430.065W.
April80.043.071.152.161.653.0330.106W.
May73.540.563.050.056.5166.7430.037S.
June69.032.059.142.350.762.8130.116W, SW.
July65.035.557.745.251.483.0230.123S, W.
August66.536.558.043.050.598.2829.884W, S.
September73.037.065.046.055.571.6330.143W, S.
October76.544.565.850.658.2102.9530.007W, S.
November79.542.571.354.262.7111.5129.936NW.
December90.049.076.258.667.482.3330.097SE.
Palmerston North (lat. 40° 21' S.; long. 175° 37' E.; alt. 103 ft.)—January85.037.071.252.261.771.85 W, E.
February83.045.077.156.466.780.56 W, E.
March86.542.575.956.366.161.37 E, W.
April74.033.067.047.757.392.32 W, E.
May69.037.062.348.355.3112.39 E.
June65.028.058.439.749.1113.49 E, W.
July60.029.055.741.048.3132.60 E.
August65.531.556.041.348.6174.02 E, W.
September69.031.060.043.751.8122.47 W, E.
October71.035.562.847.855.3121.69 E, W.
November77.034.066.250.858.5134.84 W.
December81.040.072.753.663.130.47 W, E.
Wellington (lat. 41° 16' S.; long. 174° 46' E.; alt. 8 ft.)—January85.047.870.257.263.770.5829.976N, S.
February78.646.472.661.266.961.8529.942N.
March80.447.872.559.466.071.4230.036S, N.
April70.240.264.953.559.2123.6930.070N.
May67.838.460.249.554.9173.5830.039N, S.
June62.035.457.648.052.8101.3330.077N, S.
July62.033.453.944.349.1176.4230.102S, N.
August59.135.054.643.649.1174.3529.882N, S.
September63.536.558.246.752.5112.9230.107N, S.
October68.036.959.647.853.7175.2329.977N, S.
November73.540.564.253.558.8155.9829.878N.
December79.544.270.356.463.3NilNil30.077S, N.
Nelson (lat. 41° 16' 17” S.; long. 173° 18' 46” E.; alt. 34 ft.)—January84.047.073.956.865.461.16 N, SW.
February85.050.077.259.368.231.66 NW, NE.
March81.046.073.059.266.1102.63 NW, N, SW.
April74.038.068.250.459.365.06 NE, SE, SW.
May70.038.062.047.054.5107.11 S.
June64.035.057.944.651.292.49 SE, NE.
July60.035.055.143.149.1117.90 SE.
August60.032.053.641.847.7153.10 SE, NW.
September68.034.060.742.551.671.31SW, NW. 
October70.040.064.047.755.8153.33 NW, NE.
November74.039.067.752.560.1179.17 NE.
December85.046.076.455.966.110.03 NE.

2—Ybk.

Stations.Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Winds.
Highest.Lowest.Mean Max. Temp.Mean Min. Temp.Mean Temp. for Month.Wet Days.Fall.
  °Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
Hokitika (lat. 42° 41' 30” S.; long. 170° 49' E.; alt. 12 ft.)—January79.039.066.152.859.4127.8129.975SW, W.
February74.046.568.855.061.9136.2929.942SW.
March75.543.569.457.063.21610.9630.005SE, E.
April67.038.062.748.055.41313.5230.070E, N.E
May62.533.558.243.350.7179.0130.027E.
June62.034.057.642.350.0156.0030.025E.
July60.031.055.138.446.71310.0230.051E.
August59.533.554.040.047.02211.2729.867E, NE.
September60.030.056.641.248.9167.2030.132SW, NE.
October67.536.060.546.153.31610.3429.957SW, NE.
November71.040.564.051.057.52113.1129.831S, NW.
December73.042.567.751.859.742.0430.072SW, W.
Christchurch (lat. 43° 31' 50” S.; long. 172° 38' 9” E.; alt. 25 ft.)—January87.538.870.851.661.291.3629.914SW, NE.
February88.947.271.956.063.9133.5929.855NE, SW.
March86.239.469.054.861.9171.5429.991NE, SW.
April78.931.364.144.954.5121.6830.004NE, SW.
May70.531.656.541.849.2194.7730.28NE, SW.
June66.926.354.741.147.9131.8930.002SW, NE.
July67.428.951.537.444.4163.5530.081SW, NE.
August62.327.751.937.444.6132.6429.851SW, NE.
September72.330.661.039.650.3111.5736.012NE, SW.
October71.732.160.644.252.490.8429.936NE, SW.
November79.634.067.649.958.7120.4929.788NE, SW.
December91.542.874.054.364.120.6530.24NE, E.
Waimate (lat. 44° 44' S.; long. 171° E.; alt. 360 ft.)—January87.036.070.549.760.191.15 N, E.
February92.045.069.653.061.3151.43 E, N.
March84.042.066.451.558.9112.51 N.
April76.035.063.846.054.952.66 E.
May70.028.055.638.146.882.70 E.
June70.028.052.837.845.3124.29 SW,
July62.028.050.633.942.2132.05 SW.
August60.030.051.336.443.8121.45 SW.
September73.033.060.238.749.450.60 N, NW.
October72.031.059.241.550.3120.85 N.
November81.037.064.446.755.5141.68 NE, N.
December84.039.071.551.461.470.72 NE.
Dunedin (lat. 45° 52' S.; long. 170° 31' E.; alt. 300 ft.).—January83.040.066.249.057.6131.0029.861NE, SW.
February84.040.069.051.8132.1729.851 SW. NE.
March84.040.065.751.958.892.2429.946NE, N.
April80.038.064.046.555.2131.2529.963SW, NE.
May72.035.056.042.549.3112.2229.983NE. NW, SW.
June68.030.054.241.747.985.5829.947N, NE, SW
July61.031.049.836.643.2102.5930.032SW, N.
August63.031.050.839.245.0133.9629.799SW, NE.
September76.032.059.841.350.581.7329.932NE, SW.
October70.036.059.143.451.2101.4329.914SW, NE.
November76.038.063.147.655.3122.8129.691SW, NE.
December84.043.069.251.760.471.8229.855SW, S.
Invercargill (lat. 46° 25, S.; long. 168° 21' E.; alt. 18 ft.)—January82.037.065.547.756.6134.39 SW, W.
February81.038.067.750.258.9214.69 W, SW.
March82.034.069.049.059.0135.33 SW, W.
April79.032.062.243.853.0152.83 SW, NE.
May65.025.055.136.745.9144.13 E, NE.
June63.022.052.037.844.9173.07 E, NE.
July63.023.049.533.041.2162.45 E, NE.
August63.026.050.934.542.7142.85 E, SW, SE.
September67.031.056.340.548.4176.29 NE.
October75.030.059.740.950.3172.23 SW, W.
November74.036.062.545.353.9174.75 SW, W.
December82.036.067.948.858.381.36 SW, W.

Comparative Table: Year 1916.

Stations.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Winds.
Highest, and Date.Lowest, and Date.Mean Max. Temp. for Year.Mean Min. Temp. for Year.Mean Temp. for Year.Days on which Rain fell.Total Fall.
 °Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
Auckland80.0 Feb. 1140.5 July 3066.155.160.620266.3630.04NE, SW.
Greenmeadows (Napier)93.0 Feb. 332.0 June 2869.151.760.49836.6930.051W. S.
Palmerston N.86.5 March 728.0 June 365.448.256.812228.07 E, W.
Wellington85.0 Jun. 3033.4 July 2963.251.857.513637.3530.013N, S.
Nelson85.0 Feb. 2 and Dec. 25, 26, 2732.0 Aug. 2465.850.058.011044.95 NE, SE.
Hokitika79.0 Jan. 3030.0 Sept. 1561.747.254.5178107.5629.996E, SW.
Christchurch91.5 Dec. 1126.3 June 362.846.154.414624.5729.957NE, SW.
Waimate92.0 Feb. 2028.0 May 8, June 3, July 4 and 2861.343.752.512322.09 N, E.
Dunedin84.0 Feb. 2, Mar. 5, and Dec. 930.0 June 260.645.352.912728.8029.898SW, NE.
Invercargill82.0 Jan. 19, Mar 6 and 12, Dec. 2422.0 June 2 and 359.842.351.118244.37 SW, E.

Chapter 3. SECTION III. — POPULATION.

POPULATION OF THE DOMINION.

THE population of the Dominion at the census of 15th October, 1916, was found to be 1,099,449 persons, an increase of 90,981 since the census of 1911. The total shown does not include Maoris or residents of the Cook and other Pacific islands annexed in 1901. The Maori population at the census of 1916 was 49,776, while the annexed islands had at the same date a population of 12,797.

The details of the population are as follows:—

 Males.Females.Total.

* Includes 3,529 half-castes living as Maoris.

† Includes 112 soldiers in camp in New Zealand.

Population of the Dominion (excluding Maoris and residents of Cook and other Pacific islands)551.775547,6741,099,449
Maori population*25,93123,84049,771
Morioris at Chatham Islands235
Population of Cook and other annexed Pacific islands†6,5536,24412,797
Totals584,261577,7611,162,022

The increase of population at successive census periods has been,—

Date of Enumeration.Population.Numerical Increase.Centesimal Increase.
December 185859,413  
“ 186199,02139,60866.67
“ 1864172,15873,13773.86
“ 1867218, 66846,51027.01
February, 1871256,39337,72517.25
March, 1874299,51443,12116.82
“ 1878414,412114,89838.36
April, 1881489,93375.52118.22
March, 1886578,48288,54918.07
April, 1891626,65848,1768.33
“ 1896703,36076,70212.24
March, 1901772,71969,3599.86
April, 1906888,578115,85914.99
“ 19111,008,468119,89013.49
October, 19161,099,44990,98190.2

Intercensal estimates of population are made from the records of births and deaths and the returns of migration. These estimates, especially of late years, are found to be remarkably near the truth, as will be seen from the following table, showing the estimated population as at 30th September, 1916, and at 31st March in each of the preceding seven census years compared with the population as ascertained by the census in the same years. The comparatively large difference in 1916 is due in part to the difficulty experienced in keeping a reliable record of arrivals and departures since the outbreak of the war.

Year.Estimated Population, 31st March.Census Population.Difference.
1831488,649489,9331,284
1886585,844578,4827,362
1891631,898626,6585,240
1896701,383703,3601,977
1901775,123772,7192,404
1906889,971888,5781,393
19111,006,7611,008,4681,707
19161,092,5021,099,4496,947

The Cook Islands are not included in any of the statistics of New Zealand quoted throughout this book. Figures re Maoris are included in the general details in a few cases—i.e., imports and exports, savings-bank deposits, &e — but in other cases are either not taken into account or are shown separately. In cases where Maoris are included they swell totals to a much less extent per head than the European population. The figures given below therefore do not include Maoris and residents of Cook Islands, information concerning whom is given at the end of this section.

The estimated population, excluding Maoris, &c., at the end of each of the past ten years, and the numerical and centesimal increase during each year, are given in the following table. The mean population for each of the ten years is also shown. For 1916 the census population has been taken as the mean, on account of the peculiar circumstances and the fact that the population was slightly higher at the beginning and end of the year than at any other period.

Year.Estimated Population at End of Year.Increase during Year.Mean Population for Year.
Males.Females.Totals.Numerical.Per Cent.

* Decrease.

† Census population. Decrease.

1907492,649436,835929,48420,7582.28919,105
1908510,329450,313960,64231,1583.35945,063
1909520,406462,520982,92622,2842.32971,784
1910529,998474,3881,004,38621,4602.18992,802
1911539,729485,6771,025,40621,0202.091,014,896
1912553,212499,4151,052,62727,2212.651,039,016
1913569,109515,5531,084,66232,0353041,068,644
1914568,161527,8331,095,99411,3321.041,090,328
1915563,963538,8311,102,7946,8000.621,099,394
1916549,895550,6681,100,563–2,231*–0.19*1,099,449†

The smallness of the increase in 1914 and 1915, and the actual decrease in 1916, are due in great part to the war, immigration being considerably restricted, while the emigration figures were swelled by the departure of troops for the front. Figures of emigration quoted later on in this section do not include members of Expeditionary Forces.

The population of New Zealand has shown a continuous though not a regular increase in each year since 1855, the first year in which accurate records of births and deaths were obtained and used in conjunction with the returns of immigration and emigration. The greatest increase in any year was in 1874, when 32,118 assisted immigrants were brought into the country in accordance with the immigration and public-works policy of the Government. The next greatest increase of population was in 1863, following the discovery of gold in Otago. The accompanying logarithmic diagram gives a good indication of the progress of population in the Dominion, and is further interesting as showing the gradual tendency towards an equalization of the sexes. The loss of men in the last three years, due to the departure of troops, has actually brought the female population at 31st December, 1916, slightly ahead of the male.

The increase of female population has been greater than that of males in each year since and including 1909. The year 1914 saw the first actual decrease of male population, a result wholly attributable to the departure of troops. The decrease was repeated in 1915 and again in 1916. In 1864 and again in 1888 the increase of males was less than 1,000, due in each case to an excess of emigration over immigration. The annual increase of female population has never fallen below 3,000 in any year since 1860.

NATURAL INCREASE.

The natural increase of population is shown in the following table:—

Natural Increase of Population, 1907–16.

Year.Excess of Births over Deaths.Natural Increase per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Males.Females.Total.
19077,0807,94815,02816.35
19088,0458,85216,89717.88
19098,2569,30917,56518.07
19107,8388,50716,34516.46
19117,9378,88316,82010.58
19128,6229,07218,29417.61
19138,5669,25017,81616.67
19148,5499,64118,19016.68
19158,6499,23617,68516.27
19168,5239,39017,91316.29

The average rate of natural increase for the above period was 16.89 per 1,000.

Fuller discussion of natural increase will be found in the Vital Statistics Section of this book.

EXTERNAL MIGRATION.

The number of persons arriving in and departing from New Zealand is compiled from the records of the Customs Department, and the departures from the Dominion are checked by special returns furnished by the pursers of passenger-steamers, so that where persons who did not book their passages have been omitted, the necessary additions can be made. The pursers' returns also serve to prevent the occasional omission of the full number of persons leaving by any one vessel, which sometimes happened prior to the introduction of this check.

The total number of arrivals and departures during the past ten years, distinguishing the sexes and the number of those under and over twelve years of age, is given in the table following. The figures for the last three years do not include members of Expeditionary Forces.

Arrivals and Departures, 1907–16.

Year.Over 12 Years of Age.Under 12 Years of Age.Total
Males.Females.Males.Females.
ARRIVALS.
190721,26611,0801,9621,80036,108
190926,66413,2692,6782,35944,970
190921,76312,4802,3022,10538,650
191020,16111,8321,9741,80235,769
191122,88113,9532,4522,10341,389
191224,02615,4422,7492,44344,660
191322,87215,8013,0192,89644,588
191420,36013,0202,1662,10037,646
191512,9939,5891,4941,47525,551
191610,6578,4061,3021,43421,799
DEPARTURES.
190717,9689,8231,3421,24530,378
190818,3649,7791,3431,22330,709
190920,77210,3731,4721,31433,931
191019,03210,6291,4191,28132,361
191121,73012,1901,8091,46037,189
191220,15112,2781,7631,54135,733
191317,18810,5181,3721,29130,369
191418,46011,2271,5651,25432,506
191512,2288,2511,09090722,476
191610,7178,2731,21595821,163

The monthly figures for 1916 are as follows:—

Month.Arrivals.Departures.Excess of Arrivals.Excess of Departures.
January2,8771,7841,093 
February2,8842,606278 
March1,5051,868 363
April1,6842,592 908
May1,5212,190 669
June1,5361,825 289
July1,4521,539 87
August1,2491,449 200
September1,0911,192 101
October1,8181,370448 
November1,9531,199754 
December2,2291,549680 
    Totals21,79921,163636 

Some two-thirds of the oversea arrivals come from Australia, while five-sixths of the departures are booked for the Commonwealth. The numbers of departures for Australian ports are, however, inflated by the inclusion of many persons who sail from New Zealand for Australia to make that country a starting-point for further travel, and who may or may not return by the same route. The real destination and original place of departure when returning are not ascertained in these cases.

ARRIVALS FROM AND DEPARTURES TO VARIOUS COUNTRIES, 1907–16.

Year.Arrivals.
FromTotal Arrivals.
United Kingdom.Australian Commonwealth.Fiji.Other British Possessions.Foreign Countries.
19077,44926,91675346352736,108
190811,34831,76971042871544,970
190911,18425,54858455777738,050
19109,36724,50258135196835,769
191111,37926,9096249961,48141,389
191212,91228,5227671,3051,15444,660
191314,70726,7645481,4201,14944.588
19148,57925,9676481,2671,18537,646
19153,53119,4996558621,00425,551
19163,39415,3216976261,76121,799
Year.Departures.
ToTotal Departures.
United Kingdom.Australian Commonwealth.Fiji.Other British Possessions.Foreign Countries.
19072,44625,84858565984030,378
19082,63526,46858460941330,709
19092,67628,99566366393433,931
19102,50927,1007026941,35632,361
19112,75530,9186908441,97637,189
19122,60530.1415808461,56135,733
19132,04924,9614791,0171,26330,369
19142,57426,6939398711,42932,506
19152,06317,7936598211,14022,476
19162,60816,3904207121,03321,163

PERMITS AND PASSPORTS.

PERMITS TO LEAVE NEW ZEALAND.

The War Regulations of 15th November, 1915, as amended from time to time, prescribe that no person over the age of fifteen years shall leave New Zealand for any place beyond the seas save in pursuance of a written permit issued to him by the Minister or Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, or some other authorized person.

The only persons exempted from the necessity for obtaining permits are those who—

  1. Leave New Zealand on the King's Service:

  2. Leave New Zealand as bona fide members of the crew of any ship:

  3. Arrive in and leave New Zealand in the course of the same voyage of any ship other than a ship arriving from a port in the Commonwealth of Australia.

With regard to crews of ships, the regulations of the 24th July, 1916, as amended, provide that “No male person over the age of fifteen years shall be shipped as a member of the crew of an oversea vessel unless he produces to the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine—

  • “ (a.) A certificate of discharge in New Zealand from an oversea vessel within the immediately preceding twelve months, or discharge for at least twelve months' service in vessels in the coasting trade of New Zealand, or such other discharges as the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine may deem satisfactory; or

  • “ (b.) A permit to leave New Zealand issued under the War Regulations of the 15th day of November, 1915, and still in force.”

Alien enemies desiring to leave New Zealand must, in addition to a permit under these regulations, obtain the consent of the Minister of Defence under clause 8 of the War Regulations of the 19th July, 1915.

The owner, charterer, or master of every ship is bound to take all reasonable care not to carry out of New Zealand any person whose departure from New Zealand would be a breach of the regulations.

There are permit agents of the Department of Internal Affairs (which administers the regulations) at various ports in New Zealand: At Auckland and Dunedin, Registrar of Births; Christchurch, Government Tourist Agent; Oamaru and Hokitika, Chief Postmaster; Dargaville, Postmaster; Bluff, Customs officer; Whangarei, Thames, Gisborne, Napier, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Blenheim, Timaru, Invercargill, Greymouth, Westport, and Nelson, the Collector of Customs. These officers are authorized to issue permits, but applications from men of military age and any doubtful cases are referred to the Head Office, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

PASSPORTS.

The amendments made in November, 1915, to the Defence of the Realm Regulations of the Imperial Government, providing that no person shall enter or leave the United Kingdom without a passport, have led to a greatly increased number being issued in New Zealand.

As far back as the 1st February, 1915, it was provided that no person should leave the United Kingdom for France or Belgium without a passport, and under the Aliens Restriction Amendment Orders aliens entering or leaving the United Kingdom were required to be in possession of passports granted by their own Governments.

Thus, in the United Kingdom the passport fulfils a double function. In the first place it is practically a permit to enter the United Kingdom; and, in the second place, as regards all aliens and British subjects going to France and Belgium, it is a permit to leave the United Kingdom. In this latter aspect it corresponds to the New Zealand permit issued under the War Regulations.

New Zealand is primarily concerned, however, with the first phase, and it is because passports are necessary to enable passengers to enter the United Kingdom that there has been such an overwhelming increase in the number issued in New Zealand during the past two years.

A person leaving New Zealand for the United Kingdom must, therefore, have in his possession (1) a permit under the War Regulations to enable him to depart from the Dominion; (2) a passport to enable him to land at the end of his journey.

Applications for passports must be on the prescribed form, and accompanied by a fee of 10s. and two photographs, 3 in. by 2 in., of the applicant, certified to on the back thereof by some person of standing who recommends the issue of the passport.

Where separate passports are required for children under the age of sixteen years, application must be made on a special form. Forms of application are obtainable from the Department of Internal Affairs.

As inquiry is necessary in every case before His Excellency can be advised to sign a passport, applications must be received by the Department of Internal Affairs at least fourteen days before the passport is required.

Between 1st November, 1915, and 31st March, 1916, passports were issued to the number of 870. During the twelve months ended 31st March, 1917, the number issued was 1,499, as against an average of about a dozen in an ordinary year.

PERMISSION TO ENTER NEW ZEALAND.

Under the War Regulations of the 21st August, 1916, no person over the age of 15 years may land in New Zealand unless in possession of a passport or some other document satisfactorily establishing his or her nationality or identity.

In the case of a person coming from a foreign country the passport must have been issued or viséd by the British Ambassador or a British Consul in that country, and in the case of a person coming from any part of the British Dominions the issue or visé must have been by some public official duly authorized in that behalf.

Certain exceptions are made with respect to persons coming to New Zealand from Australia, the Cook Islands, and Samoa. In their case the only requirement is the possession of a permit to visit New Zealand granted by the Department of External Affairs of the Commonwealth, a Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, or the Administrator of Samoa, as the case may be. A person resident in New Zealand returning to the Dominion on a return ticket issued to him here or in possession of a New Zealand permit to visit Australia is also exempted. The regulations further do not apply to a British subject arriving in New Zealand as the master or a member of the crew of the vessel in which he arrives.

The Minister of Internal Affairs or any person authorized by him is given power to grant exemptions from the requirements of the regulation.

Special provision is made with regard to aliens being the masters or members of crews of ships arriving in New Zealand. They are prohibited from landing unless in the possession of passports or other documents establishing their nationality or identity, but the Collector of Customs may grant temporary permission to land for such purposes and subject to such conditions as the Collector thinks fit. The presence among the crew of an alien not possessing a passport, &c., must be notified to the Collector of Customs, and that alien must leave the Dominion with the vessel. Nothing in this particular regulation applies to any master or member of the crew whose home is in New Zealand.

The War Regulations of 26th February, 1917, provide that no male over the age of fifteen years shall land in the Dominion without making a declaration in the specified form setting forth particulars as to name, age, birthplace, nationality, occupation, &c. The following persons are exempted from making this declaration:—

  1. Persons returning to New Zealand from Australia on permits issued in New Zealand;

  2. Persons returning to New Zealand on return tickets issued in New Zealand;

  3. Members of the naval or military forces of any of His Majesty's Allies or any part of the British Dominions entering New Zealand on duty;

  4. Any person arriving in New Zealand as the master or a member of the crew of the vessel in which he arrives.

A person who in his declaration states his intention of not becoming permanently resident in New Zealand cannot be granted a permit to leave the Dominion except within three months after the date of his arrival or within such extended time as the Minister of Internal Affairs, on application in writing made before the expiry of the said period of three months, may allow.

ASSISTED IMMIGRATION.

In the 1915 issue of the Year-book particulars were given as to State assistance to desirable immigrants. Space is not available for the publication of this information in the present issue.

The restrictions caused by war conditions are responsible for the small number of assisted immigrants in the last two years.

The following table illustrates the proceedings of the last decade:—

Year ended 31st March.Immigrants assisted.Capital possessed by Assisted Immigrants.Net Government Expenditure on Immigration
  ££
19083,10470,0569,131
19094,95396,05515,077
19102,67234,68817,002
19112,62437,7359,441
19123,30024,08811,681
19133,92832,00614,694
19145,06439,70133,914
19152,98616,31333,220
19161,1032,56410,010
19176381,4076,533

Under the immigration policy in force between 1871 and 1891 the following persons were assisted:—

Year.Immigrants.Year.Immigrants.Year.Immigrants.
187130318786,61818851,072
18724,736187910,3111886917
18738,75418802,68918871,286
187432,11818811031888485
187520,3701882726188991
18769,67718835,9021890144
18775,34418843,888189144

No immigrants were assisted between 1892 and 1903 (inclusive).

IMMIGRATION RESTRICTION.

The Immigration Restriction Act prohibits the landing of lunatics or idiots, persons suffering from a dangerous or loathsome contagious disease, certain convicted criminals, and any person other than of British birth who fails to write out and sign in any European language a prescribed form of application. Shipwrecked persons are excepted. The Act does not apply to officers and crews of any mercantile vessels, provided they are not discharged in New Zealand, and are on board the vessel when she clears outward. There are other exemptions under the Act, including His Majesty's land and sea forces, and the officers and crew of any ship of war of any Government, and certain persons may be specially exempted by the Minister of Internal Affairs. Heavy penalties may be incurred for breaches of this law. Regulations under the Act were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 26th November, 1908.

The law of the Commonwealth of Australia, with a view to the restriction of Asiatic immigration, prohibits the landing of any person who, when asked to do so by a public officer, fails to write out from dictation and sign a passage of fifty words in any prescribed language. An Act having a similar purpose was passed by the Parliament of New Zealand in 1907, requiring that any Chinese proposing to land in the Dominion shall be able to read a printed passage of not less than one hundred words of the English language. This measure became law on the 23rd October, 1908, and is now incorporated in the Immigration Restriction Act, 1908.

RACE ALIENS.

Persons of other than European descent are classified in the immigration returns as “race aliens.” Immigrants of this class have since 1908 been required to pass an education test before admission to the Dominion.

For two years this test was the chief factor of a reduction in the number of alien immigrants, but the third and succeeding years showed totals almost unprecedentedly high. The figures for 1915 were low, and were even exceeded by the departures, while the total for 1916 was swelled by the inclusion of soldiers from the French Pacific islands.

Birthplace.Year.
1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
British Possessions
    India2024157801903251332571392
    Pacific islands11122924514881028
    Other 313043143478 
      Total, British Possessions216620913221538021527231120
Foreign Countries
    China255538171209546348325511265327
    Syria332231292019931
    Asia Minor46124482  2
    Japan33714917131326
    Pacific islands27101872524466537
    Other1 221147124 
      Total, foreign countries293589233235589423374551893 
      Total, “Race Aliens”3146554423678048035898233221,013

Of the race aliens arriving in New Zealand, a large proportion are Chinese, most of whom, however, have been formerly resident in the Dominion. Hindus and other natives of India are also of late years arriving in considerable numbers.

Since July, 1914, records of departures of race aliens have been kept, and these show that a total of 524 race aliens left the Dominion during 1916, comprising natives of the following countries: China, 216; India, 39; Japan, 12; British Pacific islands, 6; Foreign Pacific islands, 296. There are indications that a large proportion of the Hindus arriving in the Dominion are coolies in transit to the Pacific islands, the departures in 1915 and 1916 totalling 107 as against 105 arrivals.

THE CHINESE.

At the census of 1881, the year in which taxation was first imposed on Chinese landing in New Zealand, the Chinese population numbered 5,004 persons, which fell to 4,542 in 1884, and further to 3,711 in 1896. During the period 1881-96 the poll-tax was £10 per head, and this seemed sufficient for the purpose of preventing a large influx of the Chinese. During the years 1894 and 1895, however, the arrivals shown by the Customs returns were found to be somewhat greater than the departures, and in 1896 an Act was passed raising the poll-tax on Chinese immigrants to £100 per head and limiting the number of Chinese passengers that may be carried by vessels to New Zealand to one for every 200 tons burthen. According to the census of 1901 the Chinese population was 2,857, and in 1906 it was 2,570, while at the census of 1911 the total was 2,630, of whom 88 were females. The decrease still continues, deaths exceeding births, and the departures usually being more than the arrivals, though the records for 1916 show a substantial excess of immigration over emigration.

NATURALIZATION.

When any alien residing in New Zealand desires to be naturalized he may present to the Governor a memorial signed and verified by a statutory declaration setting forth—

His name, age, birthplace, residence, and occupation:

The length of his residence in New Zealand, and his desire to settle therein;

A request that letters of naturalization may be granted to him.

Every memorial must have written upon it or attached to it a certificate signed by some Magistrate or Justice to the effect that the applicant is known to the person certifying and is of good repute. On taking the oath of allegiance he shall enjoy within New Zealand all the rights and capacities that a natural-born subject of the United Kingdom can enjoy or transmit, excepting such rights (if any) as are specially excepted in the letters of naturalization granted to him.

Any person who has been previously naturalized in the United Kingdom, or any British possession, may obtain letters of naturalization in New Zealand upon presentation of his certificate or letters to the Governor, with satisfactory evidence of his bona fides.

An alien woman married to a natural-born or naturalized British subject shall be deemed to be herself naturalized. Where the father (or the mother, being a widow) has become naturalized in New Zealand, every child of such father or mother who during minority resides with such parent shall also be deemed to be naturalized.

Every alien resident in New Zealand may inherit or otherwise acquire, hold, and dispose of every description of property in the same manner as if he were a natural-born British subject, but may not become the owner of any ship, or of a share in any ship, registered in New Zealand. Any person born in foreign territory whose mother is a natural-born British subject shall be capable of acquiring property in New Zealand by purchase, or under a will or intestacy.

No fee is payable for naturalization except in the case of Chinese, who are charged £1.

Letters of naturalization have not been granted since the outbreak of war in 1914.

The number of natives of each country naturalized during the twenty years 1895-1914 is shown in the next table.

Natives of—Persons.
  Austria-Hungary1,529
  Germany1,159
  Denmark676
  Sweden671
  Norway455
  Russia346
  Italy231
  Switzerland186
  France159
  Syria147
  China146
  United States of America144
  Netherlands61
  Greece61
  Portugal and Possessions60
  Belgium40
  Spain16
  Japan11
  Turkey11
  Other countries52
      Total6,161

BIRTHPLACES OF THE PEOPLE.

The table following shows the birthplaces of the population, exclusive of Maoris, for 1911 and four preceding census years. The total number of British-born has increased during the period by 63 per cent., while the number of foreign born has remained stationary. Persons born in New Zealand have increased 92 per cent. The Commonwealth of Australia is represented by 50,029 persons, a large increase since 1891. Against this there were 31,868 persons, natives of New Zealand, residing in the Commonwealth in 1911, as compared with 25,788 in 1901. Persons born in the United Kingdom numbered 218,834 in 1891 and 228,684 in 1911. The results of the census of 1916 are not yet available as regards birthplaces, age-constitution, &c., of the population.

Birthplace.Number in each Census Year.
1891.1896.1901.1906.1911.
 Persons.PersonsPersons.Persons.Persons.
New Zealand366,716441,661516,106606,247702,779
Commonwealth of Australia15,94321,63126,99147,25650,029
England117,070116,541111,964116,560133,811
Wales2,2142,1481,7652,1442,206
Scotland51,91650,43547,85847,76751,709
Ireland47,63446,03743,52442,46040,958
Other British possessions3,7033,9014,2734,5605,234
    Total British605,196682,354752,481866,994986,726
Austria-Hungary5648811,8742,2122,131
German Empire4,6634,5954,2174,1744,015
Denmark2,0532,1252,1202,2772,262
Chinese Empire4,4703,7192,9022,6022,611
Other foreign countries7,4007,7607,4808,6028,552
    Total foreign19,15019,08018,59319,86719,571
At sea1,2951,3221,2031,2451,392
Not stated1,017604442472779
    Totals626,658703.360772,719888,5781,008,468

The population of foreign origin shows a small increase since 1891, while the native-born portion becomes rapidly greater. The next table shows the proportionate strength of the different nationalities represented in the Dominion:—

Birthplace.Proportion of each Nationality in—
1891.1896.1901.1906.1911.
 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
New Zealand58.6162.8566.8368.2669.74
Commonwealth of Australia2.553.083.495.324.97
England18.7116.5814.5013.3013.28
Wales0.350.310.220.240.22
Scotland8.307.186.205.385.13
Ireland7.616.555.644.784.06
Other British possessions0.590.550.550.510.52
    Total British96.7297.1097.4397.6297.92
Austria-Hungary0.090.130.240.250.21
German Empire0.750.650.550.470.40
Denmark0.330.300.270.260.22
Chinese Empire0.710.530.380.290.26
Other foreign countries1.191.100.970.970.85
    Total foreign3.072.712.412.241.94
At sea0.210.190.160.140.14
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

AGES OF THE PEOPLE.

The number of persons at each year of age is ascertained from the census household schedules. In the following tables these numbers have been condensed in customary groups, and the information disclosed at the census of 1911 is compared with that for two previous censuses. Maoris are not included.

Age-groups.Number.
1891.1901.1911.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females
Under 5 years42,25940,94544,32442,48259,97557,934
5 years and under 10 years43,49442,58643,31442,42253,84452,163
10 “ 15 “40,75540,32943,10042,12546,42144,992
15 “ 20 “32,57932,65842,45642,35844,79843,660
20 “ 25 “28,33729,80541,19641,96049,69246,124
25 “ 30 “23,70422,37635,30733,23354,69447,520
30 “ 35 “22,02117,89029,69427,27249,41042,714
35 “ 40 “20,51315,10624,30121,21739,45833,437
40 “ 45 “17,75513,43621,58917,34731,19827,259
45 “ 50 “17,02811,83219,13413,99724,21420,696
50 “ 55 “16,7709,92215,41311,99120,29016,573
55 “ 60 “10,9456,15013,7119,96316,68612,609
60 “ 65 “7,6854,46812,8038,01712,81610,225
65 “ 70 “3,9232,56410,1606,02810,9358,707
70 “ 75 “2,5041,8775,3483,2368,6916,030
75, 80 “1,1919362,2851,6795,2123,260
80 and over7186291,4251,1922,7352,130
Unspecified minors303624155942
” adults666236408193782483
All ages332,877293,781405,992366,727531,910476,558

A calculation of the proportion per cent. at each age-group to the total of males and females shows the effect of a declining birth-rate on the ages under 15, the proportion of males at these ages being 30.19 per cent. in 1911 against 38.08 per cent. in 1891, and of females 32.58 per cent. against 42.20 per cent. respectively.

Of the males, those 15-24 years formed 18.35 per cent. of the total in 1891, and 17.79 per cent. in the later year. At the ages 15-64 the proportions were 59.42 per cent. and 64.62 per cent. in 1891 and 1911 respectively. From 65 years upwards the proportions increased from 2.50 per cent. to 5.19 per cent. during the period under review.

Females at ages 15-44 increased in proportion to the total from 44.73 per cent. in 1891 to 50.56 per cent. in 1911. At 45 years and over there was 13.07 per cent. in 1891 and 16.86 per cent. in 1911 of the number of this sex.

Age-groups.Proportion per Cent. of Males.Proportion per Cent. of Females.
1891.1901.1911.1891.1901.1911.
 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Under 5 years12.7210.9311.2913.9511.5912.16
5 years and under 10 years13.0910.6810.1514.5111.5710.96
10 “ 15 “12.2710.628.7513.7411.499.46
15 “ 20 “9.8210.478.4311.1211.569.18
20 “ 25 “8.5310.169.3610.1611.459.68
25 “ 30 “7.148.7110.307.629.079.98
30 “ 35 “6.637.329.306.107.448.97
35 “ 40 “6.185.997.435.155.797.02
40 “ 45 “5.345.325.874.584.735.73
45 “ 50 “5.134.724.564.033.824.35
50 “ 55 “5.053.803.823.383.273.48
55 “ 60 “3.293.383.142.102.722.65
60 “ 65 “2.313.162.411.522.192.15
65 “ 70 “1.182.512.060.871.651.83
70 “ 75 “0.751.321.640.640.881.27
75 “ 80 “0.360.560.980.320.460.69
80 and over0.210.350.510.210.320.44
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The declining proportions at the earlier ages 0-19 years may be ascribed to a falling birth-rate, while the increase at the higher ages is due to the advanced age of the then mostly adult immigrants introduced during the early stages of settlement. These form the greater portion of the groups 60 years and over, numbering 70,741 persons in 1911, only 3,862 of these being New-Zealand-born. The latter element in the population is assuming larger proportions each year, while the influence of the numbers recruited from abroad on the age-constitution is gradually waning.

The distribution of population at the census of 1911 (exclusive of Maoris) between the North and South Islands is shown according to age-groups in the following table:—

Island.Under 55 and under 2020 and under 3535 and under 5050 and under 6565 and over.Unspecified.Totals.
North66,888160,015165,117100,19048,18322,457879563,729
South50,997125,793124,95176,03040,98525,235486444,477
Totals117,885285,808290,068176,22089,16847,6921,3651,008,206

PROPORTIONS OF THE SEXES.

The following table is interesting as showing the gradual equalization of the sexes, the number of females to 1,000 males having risen from 622 in 1861 to 903 in 1901. The proportion was slightly lower in 1906 and 1911, but has risen to 993 in 1916, mainly on account of the absence of so many men at the war.

Census Year.Males.Females.Females to 1,000 Males.
186161,06237,959622
1871150,356106,037705
1881269,605220,328817
1891332,877293,781883
1901405,992366,727903
1906471,008417,570887
1911531,910476,558896
1916551.775547,674993

CONJUGAL CONDITION, RELIGION, ETC.

In the 1913 and 1914 issues of this book are given tables and short articles dealing with various characteristics of the population as ascertained at the census of 1911 and former censuses—viz., conjugal condition, religion, infirmity, and occupation. Lack of space prevents their being given in this issue.

DENSITY OF POPULATION.

The increase in the density of population and dwellings at successive censuses is illustrated in the table following. The average number of persons to an inhabited dwelling is also shown.

Census Year.Number of Persons to a Square Mile.*Number of Inhabited Dwellings to a Square Mile.Number of Persons to an Inhabited Dwelling.

* Excluding Maoris.

† Not available.

18610.9440.2144.42
18712.4560.5484.48
18814.6930.9175.12
18916.0241.1915.06
19017.4271.5274.86
19068.5411.7734.82
19119.6902.0704.68
191610.644

The number of persons (excluding Maoris) to a square mile in each provincial district at the last eight censuses is as follows:—

Provincial District.Area in Square Miles.Persons to a Square Mile.
1881.1886.1891.1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
Note.—Certain uninhabited outlying islands (area 283 square miles) are not included in this table.
Auckland25,3643.925.145.256.056.948.3310.4312.17
Taranaki3,7323.984.825.918.3510.1411.6313.8214.99
Hawke's Bay4,2414.105.796.728.038.359.9611.4512.80
Wellington10,8075.687.179.0411.2813.0816.6418.4221.48
Marlborough4,2252.202.633.022.953.153.403.783.93
Nelson10,8752.402.783.203.293.493.914.463.98
Westland4,8813.083.263.252.962.973.013.223.18
Canterbury13,8588.118.779.289.8210.3411.5012.5213.12
Otago—
  Otago portion13,9577.708.158.328.608.989.169.529.42
  Southland portion11,3582.343.123.263.874.214.675.175.25
    Totals103,2884.745.606.076.817.488.609.7610.64

The density of population in various countries is shown in a table in the 1915 issue of this book. The figures relate in nearly every case to the year 1911, in which year a census was taken throughout the British Empire and in several other countries. Considerations of space prevent the table being repeated in this issue.

POPULATION IN PRINCIPAL DIVISIONS.

NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS.

The principal natural divisions in New Zealand are the North, South, and Stewart Islands. These contain nearly the whole population of European descent, the Cook and other annexed islands being inhabited almost solely by coloured Natives.

In 1858 the North Island had a larger population than the South, this position being reversed at the succeeding enumerations until 1901, in which year the North Island was found to have slightly the larger total, a position which it has since considerably improved upon. The Maori war which broke out in 1860 retarded settlement in the North, while a large area of land reserved for the Maoris was until quite recently a serious hindrance to the development of this portion of the Dominion. The construction of railways, roads, and bridges is now giving access to larger areas of new lands, which are being offered for selection in blocks intended for close settlement, and are quickly occupied. The South Island was practically free from Maori troubles, and settlement was more rapid, though much of the land was disposed of in large. The discovery of gold in Otago in 1861 and on the West Coast in 1864 attracted to these localities considerable numbers of miners.

In 1870 a policy of vigorous construction of railways and other developmental public works and of assistance to immigrants was inaugurated, resulting in a large increase to the population, including nearly ninety thousand Government immigrants introduced between 1873 and 1879.

The population of the two Islands at successive censuses is given in the table following, together with the percentage that each island bears to the total.

Population of the North and South Islands, 1858-1916.

Census Year.Population (excluding Maoris).Proportions per Cent.
North Island.South Island.*Total.North Island.South Island.*
* Including Stewart Island and Chatham Islands.
185834,09425,31959,41357.3842.62
186141,64157,38099,02142.0557.95
186465,263106,895172,15837.9162.09
186779,913138,755218,66836.5563.45
187196,875159,518256,39337.7862.22
1874111,934187,580299,51437.3762.63
1878158,208256,204414,41238.1861.82
1881193,047296,886489,93339.4060.60
1886250,482328,000578,48243.3056.70
1891281,474345,184626,65844.9255.08
1896340,638362,722703,36048.4351.57
1901390,579382,140772,71950.5449.45
1906476,737411,841888,57853.6546.35
1911563,733444,7351,008,46855.9044.10
1916651,072448,3771,099,44959.2240.78

The figures for 1916 are not quite fair to the South Island. All the military and internment camps are in the North Island, and many of the soldiers, &c., in these on census night belonged to the South Island. The presence of the camps in the North Island has had the further effect of temporarily attracting people from the other island for business purposes, or to be near soldier friends and relatives. The troops abroad on census night (42,666 in number) may be regarded as having come from the two islands in proportions approximately relative to population.

PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

The populations of the various provincial districts as disclosed by the census of 15th October, 1916, are as follows:—

Provincial District.Males.Females.Totals.
Auckland155,298153,468308,766
Taranaki28,77527,15055,925
Hawke's Bay27,19427,07354,267
Wellington119,572112,542232,114
Marlborough8,5068,10216,608
Nelson22,41520,83643,251
Westland8,0887,41415,502
Canterbury88,08593,784181,869
Otago-
  Otago portion63,54667,972131,518
  Southland portion30,29629,33359,629
    Totals for the Dominion551,775547,6741,099,449

COUNTIES.

The counties contain what is understood to be the rural population, but this is not strictly correct, as some of the towns not municipalized and forming part of counties have considerable populations. On the other hand, the population of a few of the smaller boroughs might be classed as rural, as will be noticed further on. A list of counties and their populations (exclusive of interior boroughs) at the census of 1916 is given.

Population of Counties on 15th October, 1916.

CountyPopulation.
Akaroa1,982
Akitio1,416
Amuri1,836
Ashburton13,136
Ashley728
Awakino702
Awatere1,542
Bay of Islands3,600
Bruce4,763
Buller5,773
Castlepoint621
Chatham Islands219
Cheviot1,224
Clifton2,156
Clutha6,901
Collingwood1,253
Cook8,145
Coromandel2,256
Dannevirke4,538
East Taupo515
Eden18,204
Egmont3,264
Eketahuna2,312
Ellesmere3,441
Eltham3,393
Eyre1,806
Featherston5,119
Fiord17
Franklin9,397
Geraldine5,194
Great Barrier245
Grey5,510
Halswell1,628
Hawera4,599
Hawke's Bay11,467
Heathcote4,212
Hobson4,217
Hokianga3,596
Horowhenua6,926
Hutt6,397
Inangahua4,130
Kaikoura1,906
Kairanga4,124
Kaitieke3,597
Kawhia991
Kiwitea2,585
Kowai1,914
Lake1,749
Levels5,100
Mackenzie2,868
Makara3,862
Malvern2,757
Manawatu4,521
Mangonui3,562
Maniototo2,527
Manukau6,799
Marlborough6,915
Masterton3,746
Matamata3,903
Mauriceville771
Mount Herbert405
Murchison1,251
Ohinemuri4,661
Ohura2,382
Opotiki1,881
Oroua3,304
Otamatea3,647
Oxford1,756
Pahiatua3,110
Paparua4,716
Patangata2,080
Patea3,759
Peninsula1,793
Piako5,013
Pohangina1,581
Raglan4,027
Rangiora2,747
Rangitikei8,953
Rodney4,043
Rotorua1,400
Selwyn1,423
Sounds1,201
Southland25,661
Springs1,785
Stewart Island349
Stratford5,152
Taieri5,662
Takaka1,858
Taranaki7,100
Tauranga3,947
Tawera847
Thames4,690
Tuapeka5,123
Vincent3,930
Waiapu2,075
Waihemo1,446
Waikato8,099
Waikohu3,013
Waikouaiti4,094
Waimairi11,914
Waimarino3,502
Waimate6,984
Waimate West2,635
Waimea9,334
Waipa6,864
Waipara2,058
Waipawa3,084
Waipukurau667
Wairarapa South2,744
Wairewa1,036
Wairoa2,332
Waitaki9,694
Waitemata9,354
Waitomo5,181
Waitotara5,842
Wallace9,432
Wanganui3,397
Weber420
Westland4,087
West Taupo2,351
Whakatane2,954
Whangamomona1,387
Whangarei8,870
Whangaroa776
Woodville1,819

The next table shows the distribution of the population in counties and boroughs at each quinquennial census since 1881.

Census Year.Counties.Boroughs.Percentage.
Counties.Boroughs.Shipboard &c.
1881291,238194,98159.4439.800.76
1886327,328245,61256.5842.460.96
1891352,097270,34356.1843.140.68
1896391,735307,29455.6943.690.62
1901417,596350,20254.0445.320.64
1906458,797424,61451.6347.790.58
1911496,779505,59849.2650.140.60
1916501,259585,30645.5953.241.17

BOROUGHS.

Prior to the year 1900 there was no statutory limitation to the number of inhabitants necessary to constitute a borough, and consequently many small centres, the residents being mainly engaged in rural occupations, became municipalities. The Municipal Corporations Act now imposes a limit as to area, and provides that no new borough may be constituted unless the proposed area contains at least 1,000 inhabitants.

The name of each borough, with the number of inhabitants as at the census of 1916 is given in the next table.

Population of Boroughs on 15th October, 1916.

Borough.Population.
*Town constituted under special Act.
Akaroa540
Alexandra679
Arrowtown307
Ashburton2,808
Auckland (City)64,951
Balclutha1,409
Birkenhead2,116
Blenheim3,822
Brunner598
Cambridge1,507
Campbelltown823
Carterton1,614
Christchurch (City)54,925
Cromwell549
Dannevirke3,336
Dargaville1,776
Devonport7,613
Dunedin (City)55,256
Eastbourne952
Eketahuna754
Eltham1,711
Feilding3,438
Foxton1,772
Frankton1,861
Geraldine869
Gisborne9,174
Gore3,551
Green Island1,841
Greymouth4,863
Greytown1,186
Hamilton5,677
Hampden364
Hastings7,918
Hawera3,375
Hokitika2,091
Inglewood1,199
Invercargill14,154
Invercargill South1,712
Kaiapoi1,560
Kaitangata1,681
Karori1,647
Kumara623
Lawrence837
Levin1,630
Lower Hutt4,893
Lyttelton3,766
Marton1,650
Masterton5,894
Mataura1,129
Milton1,317
Miramar2,158
Mosgiel1,719
Motueka1,475
Mount Albert9,654
Mount Eden12,555
Napier12,704
Naseby276
Nelson (City)8,774
New Brighton2,310
Newmarket2,863
New Plymouth8,704
Northcote1,651
Oamaru5,140
Ohakune1,371
Onehunga5,913
Onslow2,191
Opotiki1,073
Otahuhu2,328
Paeroa1,376
Pahiatua1,300
Palmerston752
Palmerston North12,829
Patea1,010
Petone7,115
Picton1,121
Port Chalmers2,615
Pukekohe1,533
Queenstown657
Rangiora1,808
Riccarton2,890
Richmond872
Riverton837
Ross491
Rotorua*2,845
Roxburgh449
Runanga1,411
Spreydon4,289
St. Kilda5,520
Stratford2,713
Sumner2,287
Taihape1,927
Takapuna2,756
Tapanui322
Taumarunui1,875
Tauranga1,685
Te Aroha1,452
Te Awamutu1,064
Te Kuiti1,982
Temuka1,633
Thames3,273
Timaru12,238
Waihi4,774
Waikouaiti611
Waimate1,867
Waipawa1,100
Waipukurau1,167
Wairoa1,530
Waitara1,422
Wanganui14,380
Wellington (City)73,305
West Harbour1,631
Westport4,067
Whangarei3,294
Winton586
Woodville1,078
Woolston3,990

METROPOLITAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS.

For various purposes (vital statistics, &c.) metropolitan areas have been created at each of the four chief centres, and suburban areas at nine of the more important secondary centres. Each area includes, in addition to the central borough and suburban boroughs, a considerable non-municipalized area adjacent to and contingent on the centre.

An objection to the old system of publishing statistics for the municipal areas only was that these were constantly being extended or otherwise altered, and no proper comparison could be made between one period and another, and no satisfactory record kept of the social condition and progress of the community. The creation of fairly extensive areas fixed for a long period will remove these disabilities.

Population figures as at the census of 1916 are as follows:—

POPULATION OF METROPOLITAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS, CENSUS, 1916.

Metropolitan Areas.

Auckland.
 Population.
Auckland City64,951
  Birkenhead Borough2,116
  Northcote Borough1,651
  Takapuna Borough2,756
  Devonport Borough7,613
  Newmarket Borough2,863
  Mount Eden Borough12,555
  Mount Albert Borough9,654
  Onehunga Borough5,913
  Otahuhu Borough2,328
  New Lynn Town District1,041
  Ellerslie Town District1,363
  Remainder of metropolitan area18,908
    Total133,712
Wellington.
Wellington City73,305
  Miramar Borough2,158
  Karori Borough1,647
  Onslow Borough2,191
  Petone Borough7,115
  Lower Hutt Borough4,893
  Eastbourne Borough952
  Johnsonville Town District886
  Remainder of metropolitan area2,088
    Total95,235
Christchurch.
 Population.
Christchurch City54,925
  Riccarton Borough2,890
  Spreydon Borough4,289
  Woolston Borough3,990
  New Brighton Borough2,310
  Sumner Borough2,287
  Lyttelton Borough3,766
  Remainder of metropolitan area18,276
    Total92,733
Dunedin.
Dunedin City55,256
  St. Kilda Borough5,520
  Green Island Borough1,841
  West Harbour Borough1,631
  Port Chalmers Borough2,615
  Remainder of metropolitan area1,853
    Total68,716

Suburban Areas.

Gisborne.Population.
Gisborne Borough9,174
  Mangapapa Town District1,140
  Remainder of suburban area2,346
    Total12,660
Napier.
Napier Borough12,704
  Taradale Town District1,012
  Remainder of suburban area1,415
    Total15,131
New Plymouth.Population.
New Plymouth Borough8,704
  Remainder of suburban area1,091
    Total9,795
Wanganui.
Wanganui Borough14,380
  Gonville Town District2,693
  Castlecliff Town District734
  Remainder of suburban area1,710
    Total19,517
Palmerston North.
 Population.
Palmerston North Borough12,829
  Remainder of suburban area1,177
    Total14,006
Nelson.
Nelson City8,774
  Remainder of suburban area1,188
    Total9,962
Grey Valley Boroughs.
Greymouth Borough4,863
  Runanga Borough1,411
  Brunner Borough598
  Remainder of suburban area1,501
    Total8,373
Timaru.
 Population.
Timaru Borough12,238
  Remainder of suburban area1,478
    Total13,716
Invercargill.
Invercargill Borough14,154
  South Invercargill Borough1,712
  Remainder of suburban area1,996
    Total17,862

TOWN DISTRICTS.

The several stages in the growth of a New Zealand town may be marked thus: The village, taxed by the parent county, and dependent upon the latter for all public works; then the legally constituted town district, still subordinate to the county in some matters, its affairs administered by a Board presided over by a Chairman. When its population exceeds 500 the town district may become independent of the county and control the whole of its revenues. When the population reaches 1,000 full municipal powers may be obtained, with the dignity of a Council presided over by a Mayor, and finally, if the number of inhabitants should reach 20,000 or over, the title of “city” may be assumed, although the constitution remains unaltered. The name of each town district and its population at the census of 1916 are as follows:—

(a.) Town Districts not forming Parts of Counties.

Town District.Population.
Bull's483
Castlecliff734
Ellerslie1,363
Featherston1,159
Gonville2,693
Hampstead1,579
Havelock North870
Helensville837
Hikurangi775
Hunterville555
Huntly1,535
Johnsonville886
Lumsden530
Manaia606
Mangapapa1,140
Mangaweka390
Manunui813
Martinborough725
Morrinsville934
New Lynn1,041
Ngaruawahia755
Otaki806
Otautau696
Papakura641
Pleasant Point482
Raetihi508
Rangataua410
Taradale1,012
Te Puke565
Tinwald1,075
Upper Hutt1,399
Waiuku641
Warkworth624
Waverley623
Whakatane900
Wyndham647

(b.) Town Districts forming Parts of Counties.

Town District.Population.
Amberley325
Clinton413
Edendale363
Halcombe282
Havelock290
Kamo363
Kaponga397
Kawakawa327
Kawhia169
Kihikihi277
Kohukohu403
Leamington438
Lethbridge234
Manurewa430
Mercer329
Normanby368
Norsewood213
Ohaupo259
Onerahi325
Opunake459
Ormondville317
Otane333
Otorohanga367
Outram348
Raglan217
Rongotea267
Southbridge369
Takaka370
Tuakau390

No fewer than ten of the “independent” town districts have sufficient population to enable them to be constituted boroughs, while on the other hand the census has disclosed four as having fallen below the 500 mark. None of the town districts still under county jurisdiction have a population of over 500.

ADJACENT ISLANDS.

Adjacent to the main Islands are many smaller islands, some of which are of considerable area, and are under cultivation; others are but islets used as sites for lighthouses, while others again are barren and unfitted for human habitation. The Chatham Islands and Great Barrier Island have been constituted counties, and their populations are shown in the list of counties already given. The name and population of each of the inhabited islands as at the census of 1916 are shown in the following table:—

Islands.Population.
* Excluding internment camp.
Mokohinau8
Kawau23
Motuketekete2
Moturekareka1
Little Barrier3
Motuhora5
Waiheke193
Pakihi2
Ponui21
Rakino6
Motutapu20
Motuihi*6
Rangitoto6
Brown's5
Rotoroa125
Pakatoa43
Tiritiri13
Slipper2
Cuvier7
Mercury4
Matakana7
Motiti6
Somes*7
Mana1
Kapiti3
The Brothers3
D'Urville87
Stephen's11
Quarantine56
Dog12
Centre9
Total697

Since 1901 the boundaries of New Zealand have been extended to include the Cook and certain other Pacific islands, the population of which is shown elsewhere in this section.

MAORI AND HALF-CASTE POPULATION.

A census of the Maori population is taken every five years, the information being obtained by the collectors either directly or through the chief or head of the tribe or hapu. The name, sex, and age, so far as can be ascertained, of each Maori are entered; but, owing to the nomadic habits of the race and lack of definite knowledge in some particulars, it has been a difficult task in the past. The results of the past six enumerations are as follows:—

Census Year.Males.Females.Total.
189122,86119,13241,993
189621,67318,18139,854
190123,11220,03143,143
190625,53822,19347,731
191126,47523,36949,844
191625,93323,84349,776

The slight decrease in 1916 as compared with 1911 is more than compensated for by the number of Maoris at the front.

The number of half-castes living as members of Maori tribes is given in the next table for six census periods. The number of half-castes living as Europeans at the census of 1916 is not yet available, but figures are given for preceding enumerations. Those under the first heading are already included among Maoris in the preceding table, the others being classed among the European population. It is a matter of some difficulty to ascertain the number of half-castes living as Maoris. There has been no definite rule to guide collectors in deciding when a half-caste should be classified as living as a Maori—indeed, it might be said that all the half-castes and a large proportion of the Maoris in the South Island live in European fashion. They mostly have separate holdings of land and separate homes, and have adopted the habits of the Europeans. At the census of 1916 the old method of enumerating the South Island Maoris was discarded, the same methods and forms being utilized as for the European population.

HALF-CASTES.

Census Year.Half-castesTotal.
Living as Members of Maori Tribes.Living as and among Europeans.
* Not yet available.
18912,6812,1844,865
18963,5032,2595,762
19013,1332,4065,539
19063,9382,5786,516
19114,1812,8797,060
19163,529**

POPULATION OF COOK AND OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDS INCLUDED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DOMINION.

During the year 1901 the boundaries of the Dominion were extended to include the Cook Group and certain other of the South Pacific islands. No record of the population of these islands was then obtainable, but at each subsequent census an account of the number and birthplaces of the inhabitants was taken. The figures for the censuses of 1906, 1911, and 1916, are as follows:—

Census Year.Males.Females.Total.
19066,2246,11612,340
19116,4496,14912,598
19166,5536,24412,797

The Cook Islands have contributed a small native contingent for the front, and the increase in the population shown above is therefore all the more gratifying.

Chapter 4. SECTION IV.—VITAL STATISTICS.

Table of Contents

SUBSECTION A.—BIRTHS.

INTRODUCTORY.

REGISTRATION.

REGISTRATION of births in New Zealand dates as far back as 1847, in which year was passed a Registration Ordinance which made provision for a record of births and deaths being kept by the State. Under this ordinance many registrations were effected, some of births as far back as 1840. Compulsory registration did not, however, come into force until 1855.

The earlier Registration Acts and their amendments provided for very little information being given in the case of births, the register containing merely date and place of birth, name and sex of child, names of father and mother, and occupation of father. In 1875, however, a new Registration Act was passed, under which information was recorded as to ages and birthplaces of parents. A recent amendment to the Act provides for sexes and ages of previous issue of the marriage being given.

The law as to registration of births is now embodied in the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1908, and the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Acts, 1912 and 1915. The provisions generally as to registration are that a birth may be registered within sixty-two days without fee. After sixty-two days and within six months a birth is registrable only after solemn declaration made before the Registrar by the parent or some person present at birth, and on payment of a late fee of 5s., which may, however, be remitted at the discretion of the Registrar-General. When six months have elapsed a birth cannot be registered except within a month after conviction of one of the responsible parties for neglect. But an information for such neglect must be laid within two years of date of birth. Registration of still-births was not compulsory until the 1st March, 1913, on which date the Amendment Act of 1912 came into force.

NOTIFICATION.

The Infant Life Protection Act of 1907 provided for notification of births, in addition to registration, the time allowed for notification being seventy-two hours (since reduced to forty-eight hours) if in a city or borough, and twenty-one days in every other case. Further information concerning infant-life protection is given in the subsection dealing with deaths.

REGISTRATION OF MAORI BIRTHS.

In the successive Registration Acts special provision was made for exemption from the necessity of registration in the case of births and deaths of Maoris, though registration could be effected if desired. Section 20 of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1912, however, empowered the Governor in Council to make regulations providing for the registration of births and deaths of Maoris either throughout the whole Dominion or in such districts as might be determined. Regulations were made accordingly, and were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 27th March, 1913, page 946. The number of Registrars of Maori births and deaths in the Dominion is 193, 176 of these being in the North Island, where the great majority of the Maori population is located. Every Native settlement of any size is within easy reach of one of these Registrars. Maori registrations are entered in a separate register, and the numbers of births given below do not include those of Maoris, which are dealt with towards the end of this subsection.

REGISTRATION OF ADOPTED CHILDREN.

Section 8 of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1915, contains provision for the registration of adopted children. The Clerk of the Court by which any adoption order is made is required to furnish to the Registrar-General particulars of the order, including the full name and place of birth of the child, as well as the full names and addresses of both the natural and the adopting parents. If the child's birth has been registered in New Zealand, a note of the adoption order is made on it. In any case a new entry is made on the prescribed form in the register of births.

NUMBERS AND RATES.

The number of births registered during 1916 was 28,509, or 25.94 per 1,000 of mean population. The number is 659 in excess of that for the year 1915, an increase of 2.37 per cent., while the rate is higher by 0.61 per thousand. The births registered in a year numbered 19,846 in 1884, and, after falling to 17,876 in 1892, have risen to the number first stated above.

The number of male children born during 1916 was 14,669, and of female children 13,840.

The following table shows the number of births registered, the birth-rate calculated on the total population, and comparison with the average rate for 1882-86 taken as 100. There was a steady decrease from 1886 until 1899, in which year the lowest rate was recorded. From 1899 there was a fairly regular increase until 1908, when the rate stood at 27.45 per 1,000. Each of the next three years showed a fall in the rate, which in 1911 was only 25.97 per 1,000, rising, however, in the following year to 26.48, but falling to 25.33 in 1915, the second lowest rate ever recorded.

BIRTHS, NUMBERS AND RATES.

Year.Total Number of Births registered.Birth-rate.Year.Total Number of Births registered.Birth-rate.
Per 1,000 of Population.Compared with Rate in 1882-86, taken as 100.Per 1,000 of Population.Compared with Rate in 1882-86, taken as 100.
* Average of 5 years.
1882-8619,410*35.40100190220,65525.8973
188719,13532.0991190321,82926.6175
188818,90231.2288190422,76626.9476
188918,45730.0785190523,68227.2277
189018,27829.4483190624,25227.0876
189118,27329.0182190725,09427.3077
189217,87627.8379190825,94027.4577
189318,18727.5078190926,52427.2977
189418,52827.2877191025,98426.1774
189518,54626.7876191126,35425.9773
189618,61226.3374191227,50826.4875
189718,73725.9673191327,93526.1474
189818,95525.7473191428,33825.9973
189918,83525.1271191527,85025.3372
190019,54625.6072191628,50925.9473
190120,49126.3474    

The decline of the birth-rate in New Zealand has been partially compensated for by a decrease in the death-rate. Nevertheless, the rate of natural increase of population has fallen from 31.19 per 1,000 of mean population in 1870 to 16.27 per 1,000 in 1915, and 16.30 per 1,000 in 1916. The following table shows the fall in all three rates:—

Period.Annual Rates per 1,000 living.
Births.Deaths.Natural Increase.
1871-187539.8812.6727.21
1876-188041.2111.8029.41
1881-188536.3610.9525.41
1886-189031.159.8521.30
1891-189527.6810.1517.53
1896-190025.759.5516.20
1901-190526.609.9116.69
1906-191027.069.7517.31
1911-191525.989.2216.76
191625.949.6416.30

In spite of the fact that the birth-rate in New Zealand is low compared with other countries, yet so low is the Dominion's death-rate that New Zealand has, so far as is known, the fourth highest rate of natural increase among countries keeping records of births and deaths. The rates of natural increase in various countries are as follows:—

RATES OF NATURAL INCREASE OF POPULATION.

Country.Quinquennium.Rate per 1,000.Country.Quinquennium.Rate per 1,000.
Bulgaria1907-1117.7Finland1910-1412.3
Roumania1910-1417.4Norway1911-1512.0
Australian Common-wealth1912-1617.0Ontario1910-1511.1
   Austria1908-1210.7
New Zealand1912-1616.3Scotland1911-159.7
Russia (European)1905-0916.1England and Wales1911-159.3
Hungary1908-1215.8Sweden1911-159.1
Jamaica1911-1514.9Spain1910-148.9
The Netherlands1911-1514.9Switzerland1911-158.4
Serbia1908-1213.6Chile1910-148.4
Japan1909-1313.1Belgium1908-127.8
Denmark1911-1512.9Ceylon1911-156.4
German Empire1909-1312.8Ireland1911-155.9
Italy1910-1412.8France1910-140.0

The diagram which follows shows the rates of births and deaths and of natural increase per 1,000 of mean population each year from 1855 to 1916. The marriage-rate is also shown.

The birth-rate is seen to have fallen rapidly and continuously from 1880 to 1899, and to have reached its limit in the latter year. The diagram is supplemented by another containing curves illustrative of the logarithmic increases in population and in the yearly number of births registered, which is instructive as showing how the latter has failed to keep pace with the former. The logarithmic graph, of course, shows a much smaller divergence between the two curves than would a diagram representative of the actual figures.

That fertility among women in New Zealand has decreased, from whatever causes, further facts will tend to show. Taking the number of married women in New Zealand at what may be considered the child-bearing ages (i.e., from 15 to 45 years, inclusive) as shown by each census since 1878, and for the same years the number of legitimate births (excluding plural) registered, the birth-rate per 1,000 married women of the above-stated ages is easily found, and is shown to be steadily declining. In 1878 the rate was 337 per 1,000, in 1896 it had fallen to 252, in 1901 to 244, in 1906 to 228, and in 1911 to 209; or, in other words, in 1878 one in every three of the married women between the ages specified gave birth to a child, while in 1911 the rate was only one in nearly five. The figures for each census year are given below.

BIRTH-RATES (LEGITIMATE) PER 1,000 MARRIED WOMEN AT CHILD-BEARING AGES FOR EACH CENSUS YEAR, 1878 to 1911.

Year (Census).Number of Married Women between 15 and 45 Years of Age.Proportion per Cent. of Married Women in the Female Population aged 15 to 45 Years.Number of Legitimate Births (Confinements).Birth-rate per 1,000 Married Women of from 15 to 45 Years of Age.
187850,99563.5017,196337.2
188157,45859.7618,003313.3
188662,70453.1918,532295.5
189163,16548.1217,455276.3
189669,80744.1217,596252.1
190179,40643.3019,355243.8
190698,21146.1522,352227.6
1911119,35549.5924,972209.2

Another table is given, showing for a period of thirty years the numbers of married women at quinquennial groups of age belonging to the full term 15 to 45 years, with the proportions that those numbers bear to every 100 married women living at 15-45. These proportions are found to have diminished appreciably at the earlier ages, 15-20 and 20-25; but the effect of this lesser number of wives at the earlier ages in reducing the birth-rate would not be serious. It is, however, undoubtedly a fact that to have a growing proportion of wives at the earlier productive ages is the best position, but it is not the one which obtains at present in New Zealand.

MARRIED WOMEN UNDER 45 YEARS OF AGE.—NUMBERS AND PROPORTIONS PER CENT., IN AGE-GROUPS.

Age-groups.Married Women under 45, excluding Chinese.
Numbers.Proportions per Cent.
1881.1891.1901.1911.1881.1891.1901.1911.
15-201,2337507779682.141.190.980.81
20-258,9968,86210,05312,82915.6614.0312.6610.75
25-3013,13314,54017,92327,76222.8623.0222.5723.26
30-3512,65614,57619,61730,99222.0323.0824.7025.96
35-4011,81112,95916,85425,46620.5520.5121.2321.34
40-459,62911,47814,18221,33816.7618.1717.8617.88
Totals57,45863,16579,406119,355100.00100.00100.00100.00

In April, 1906, New Zealand had 102,745 children living under the age of five years, an increase of 15,939, or 18.36 per cent., on the figures for 1901; and in April, 1911, the number was 117,909, an increase of 15,164, or 14.76 per cent., on 1906; although the population at all ages increased in the quinquennium by only 13.49 per cent. Between 1891 and 1896 the increase was only 455, or 0.55 per cent., while between 1886 and 1891 the children living under five years actually decreased in number by 3,624, the increase of population of all ages (8.33 per cent.) being less than between 1891 and 1896 (12.24 per cent.), 1896 and 1901 (9.86 per cent.), or 1901 and 1906 (14.99 per cent.). The number of children under one year to the total population at all ages, and the proportion per 1,000, according to the results of six censuses, were,—

 Total Population (all Ages).Children under One Year.Children under One Year per 1,000 of Population.
Census 1886578,48218,35531.73
” 1891626,65816,44326.24
” 1896703,36017,07024.27
” 1901772.71918,38123.79
” 1906888,57822,28925.08
” 19111,008,46824,34024.14

Thus, in 1886, with a population of 578,482 persons, there were 18,355 children under one year, against 24,340 children of that age in 1911, with a population of 1,008,468 persons.

The births registered in 1885 were 19,693, against 25,984 in 1910. The birth-rate fell from 34.35 per 1,000 of the population in 1885 to 26.17 in 1910.

Deducting 1,760, the number of deaths of children under one year registered in 1910, from 25,984, the number of births for that year, leaves 24,224, or within 116 of the living children under one year at the time of the last census.

BIRTHS AND BIRTH-RATES OF THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES.

Up to and including 1912 all births occurring in the four chief centres were treated as belonging to the centres themselves, and counted in the numbers of births on which the rates for the centres were compiled. Owing chiefly to the fact that many women living in country districts go to the cities to enter public or private maternity homes, it was found that the birth-rates for the centres were usually well above the rate for the whole Dominion. For years subsequent to 1912 information as to domicile of parents was obtained, and the births allocated accordingly, the result being that many births which in former years would have been included in the municipalized area were excluded, the rates being reduced accordingly. No proper comparison is therefore possible as between 1913 and previous years, the apparent decrease in 1913, as compared with 1912, being due not to any actual falling-off in numbers, but to the alteration in system referred to. The figures for 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916 are, of course, quite comparable with one another

The total number of births registered as belonging to the four chief cities and their suburban boroughs in 1916, was 7,544, as against a total of 7,209 for the previous year The birth-rates last year were,—

 Birth-rates per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Auckland City23.26 
” and seven suburban boroughs 23.35
Wellington City24.08 
” and four suburban boroughs 24.30
Christchurch City23.32 
” and five suburban boroughs 23.54
Dunedin City23.09 
” and three suburban boroughs 23.32

By the inclusion of the suburban boroughs the rate is raised slightly in the case of all four centres. It will be observed that whether inclusive or exclusive of suburbs, Wellington had a rate of nearly one per thousand in excess of the other three centres, the rates for which lie remarkably close together. The birth-rate for the Dominion last year was 25.94 per thousand, so that each of the four centres is below the average.

The rates for five years, 1912 to 1916, are given below. As stated above, however, the year 1912 cannot properly be compared with the last four years.

 Births per 1,000 of Population.
 1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland (including suburbs)29.6625.9324.7823.1323.35
Wellington “27.4924.6725.3824.1924.30
Christchurch “28.2924.3122.2222.1923.54
Dunedin “27.1322.5321.7020.7323.32

BIRTH-RATES OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

For twenty years prior to 1885 the New Zealand birth-rate was higher than that of the Australian Commonwealth. In 1885 the Commonwealth rate gained the ascendancy, and this position it held till 1903, in which year occurred the lowest rate in the history of the country. The New Zealand rate had already reached its lowest level in 1899. These years marked the starting-point of a moderate rise in the birth-rate of each country. The prevailing decline recommenced in the Dominion in 1909, with the result that for 1909 and subsequent years the rate is lower than that of Australia.

The movement over the last ten years is as follows:—

BIRTH-RATES PER 1,000 OF POPULATION.

State.1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Queensland26.7926.7927.2927.3327.6529.6730.2429.4629.3527.64
New South Wales27.3426.9927.4027.8328.7529.8628.8628.9628.3327.99
Victoria25.5925.0725.0124.5124.8426.3925.8225.4524.5524.32
South Australia25.0525.8125.9126.5026.8928.6529.0829.3326.8127.30
Western Australia30.1830.0828.8727.9928.2128.8329.3628.4527.9727.21
Tasmania28.6329.9528.9129.2528.5730.5330.0330.3329.3228.47
Aust. Commonwealth26.7626.5926.6926.7327.2128.6528.2528.0527.2526.78
New Zealand27.3027.4527.2926.1725.9726.4826.1425.9925.3325.94

The information contained in the following table is extracted from the Seventy-third Annual Report of the Registrar-General for England.

LEGITIMATE-BIRTH RATES.

Country.Proportion of Legitimate Births per 1,000 Wives aged 15-45 Years.Increase (+) or Decrease (-) per Cent. in Fertility during 20 Years.
Approximate Periods.
1880-2.1890-2.1900-2.
Australasia    
  New Zealand322.1277.5243.2-24.5
  Queensland329.0320.6252.8-23.2
  New South Wales337.8298.5234.3-30.6
  Victoria299.2297.8226.8-24.2
  South Australia326.5307.5235.0-28.0
  Western Australia323.9338.8246.4-23.9
  Tasmania 311.0256.4 
European Countries    
  England and Wales286.0263.8235.5-17.7
  Scotland311.5296.4271.8-12.7
  Ireland282.9287.6289.4+ 2.3
  The Netherlands347.5338.8314.6- 9.5
  Norway314.5306.8302.8- 3.7
  German Empire310.2300.9284.2- 8.4
  Prussia312.6307.6290.4- 7.1
  Austria281.4292.4283.7+ 0.8
  Italy276.2 269.4- 2.5
  Sweden293.0280.0269.0- 8.2
  Switzerland284.1274.0265.9- 6.4
  Denmark287.1278.1259.1- 9.8
  Spain257.7263.9258.7+ 0.4
  Belgium312.7285.1250.7-19.8
  France196.2173.5157.5-19.7

The next table shows the declining birth-rate and the marriage-rate in the United Kingdom.

BIRTH AND MARRIAGE RATES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

  Births.Marriages.
Year.Mean Population.Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
188636,313,5821,145,57731.5241,1806.6
189137,802,4401,148,25930.4275,9707.3
189639,599,0721,152,14429.0296,0897.5
190141,538,2111,162,97528.0313,3517.5
190643,361,0771,170,62227.0325,8427.5
191145,324,4251,104,74624.4330,2607.3
191546,089,2491,024,37822.2421,3119.1

The birth-rates for ten years in Great Britain and Ireland, and certain countries of the European Continent, are also given. The decline is steady and continuous, except in the case of Roumania, where the rate is very high.

BIRTH-RATES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, 1905 TO 1914.

Country.Number of Births per 1,000 of Mean Population.
1905.1906.1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.
Roumania38.339.941.140.341.139.242.343.442.142.5
Hungary36.336.536.736.937.735.735.036.3  
Spain35.234.033.634.033.533.131.232.630.429.8
Italy32.732.131.733.732.733.331.532.431.731.1
Austria33.935.034.033.733.432.531.431.3  
German Empire32.933.132.332.131.029.828.628.327.5 
Netherlands30.830.430.029.729.128.627.828.128.128.2
Denmark28.428.528.228.528.227.526.726.725.625.6
Scotland28.628.627.728.127.326.225.625.925.526.1
Norway27.426.726.426.326.326.125.925.625.325.2
Switzerland26.926.926.226.425.525.024.224.123.1 
England and Wales27.327.226.526.725.825.124.323.924.123.8
Sweden25.725.725.525.725.624.724.023.823.122.9
Ireland23.423.523.223.323.423.323.223.022.822.6
Belgium26.125.725.324.923.723.722.922.6  
France20.620.619.720.119.519.618.719.019.018.0

SEXES OF CHILDREN BORN.

An examination of the figures shows that with the exception of one year there has always been a preponderance of males in the number of children born in New Zealand. The proportions are usually shown by stating the number of births of male children to every 1,000 female births. This number has been as high as 1,113 (in 1859) and as low as 991 (in 1860).

But little significance can be attached to any figures prior to 1870, on account of the comparatively small number of births. The period preceding 1870 exhibits violent fluctuations in the proportion of males, which tend to disappear as the total of births grows larger. The extreme range since 1870 has been from 1,016 male to 1,000 female births in 1878, to 1,078 in 1875 and 1,073 in 1915.

The number of births and their sex-proportion for twenty years are given below.

Year.Number of Births ofProportion of Births of Males to every 1,000 Females.Year.Number of Births ofProportion of Births of Males to every 1,000 Females.
18979,6009,1371,051190712,83512,2591,047
18989,6159,3401,029190813,36912,5711,063
18999,7249,1111,067190913,50213,0221,037
190010,1079,4391,071191013,44212,5421,072
190110,47110,0201,045191113,53212.8221,055
190210,65310,0021,065191213,99613,5121,036
190311,21710,6121,057191314,43313,5021,069
190411,76211,0041,069191414,53513,8031,053
190512,10911,5731,046191514,41513,4351,073
190612,39711,8551,046191614,66913,8401,060

The gradual increase in the proportion of males born is illustrated by taking the average ratios of the ten years in the decennial period indicated

Period.Male Births to 1,000 Females.
1856-18651,062
1866-18751,043
1876-18851,045
1886-18951,045
1896-19051,054
1906-19151,055

The English Registrar-General's report for 1915 contains some interesting figures as to the influence of the war on the sex-proportions in births, and it is seen that the proportion of male to female births in England and Wales is considerably higher in the period (commencing in June quarter 1915) affected by the war than in preceding years. In New Zealand, where the numbers dealt with are much smaller and where there is considerable fluctuation in the sex-proportions, there is nothing in the figures for the war period taken as a whole to indicate Nature's supposed influence in restoring the sex-proportions of the population when disturbed by war. Indeed the figures for the first quarter of 1917 show an abnormally small excess of male over female births.

The figures for England and Wales for each quarter of 1915 and 1916, and of New Zealand for the first half of 1917 as well, are as shown below. Index numbers expressing the figures for each quarter as a ratio of the proportions for the period 1910-14 are also given.

SEX-PROPORTIONS AT BIRTHS FOR WAR PERIOD.

 England and Wales.New Zealand.
Quarter endedMale Births per 1,000 Females.Index Number compared with 1910-14 (1,038 taken as = 1,000.)Male Births per 1.000 Females.Index Number compared with 1910-14 (1,057 taken as = 1,000).
31st March, 19151,0329941,0741,016
30th June, 19151,0431,0051,0901,031
30th September, 19151,0441,0061,0601,003
31st December, 19151,0441,0061,0681,010
31st March, 19161,0501,0121,0671,009
30th June, 19161,0511,0131,055998
30th September, 19161,0451,0071,039983
31st December, 19161,0501,0121,0801,022
31st March, 19171,007953  
30th June, 19171,049992  

The sex-proportions of illegitimate births are generally supposed to be more nearly equal than those of legitimate births. Little weight can be given to New Zealand figures by reason of the small numbers represented. The average for the ten years 1906-15 was 1,054 males to 1,000 females, or very nearly identical with that for all births, but this figure covers a range of from 949 to 1,201. The proportion in 1916 was only 926 males per 1,000 females.

PLURAL BIRTHS.

There were 323 cases of twin births (646 children) and 1 case of triplets registered in 1916. The number of children born was 28,509; the number of mothers was 28,184: thus, on an average, one mother in every 87 gave birth to twins, against 91 in 1915, 79 in 1914, and 87 in 1913.

The number of cases of plural births and the proportion per 1,000 of the total cases of births during the past five years was,—

Year.Total Births.Total Cases.Cases of Twins.Cases of Triplets.Plural Cases per 1,000 of Total Cases.
191227,50827,173329312.22
191327,93527,619314111.41
191428,33827,976350612.73
191527,85027,546302111.00
191628,50928,184323111.50

The following table shows the sexes in individual cases of twin births, for the last five years:—

Year.Total Cases.Both Males.Both Females.Opposite Sexes.
1912329114106109
191331410886120
1914350105116129
19153029388121
19163239998126

During the five years 1912-16 there were 12 cases of triplets. In 3 cases all the children were males, in 2 cases all were females, in 2 cases there were two males and one female, and in each of the remaining five two of the three children were females.

AGES OF PARENTS, DURATION OF MARRIAGE, AND PREVIOUS ISSUE.

Information as to the relative ages of parents of legitimate children whose births were registered in 1916 is shown in the following table:—

RELATIVE AGES OF PARENTS.

Age of Mother, in Years.Age of Father, in Years.
Under 21.21 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 55.55 and under 65.65 and over.Not stated.Totals.

* Includes thirty-three cases where plural births would have been registered had not one child been still-born.

†Includes one case of triplets, and three cases where triplets would have been registered had not one child been still-born.

(a.) Single Births.
15 and under 16 1         1
16 “ 175111       8
17 “ 186291652      58
18 “ 191555431541    1134
19 “ 20301421272512511   343
20 “ 211817723273145     519
21 “ 25219242,1831,035307752044  4,573
25 “ 3052762,9233,0821,34036610324141 8,134
30 “ 35 296822,7422,1798922737129516,903
35 “ 40 21005361,7581,224577169696 4,441
40 “ 45 1667204528404173666 1,455
45 “ 46   161534218  85
46 “ 47   11725104  48
47 “ 48     166 2 15
48 “ 49      432  9
49 “ 50       1   1
50 “ 51        1  1
Totals1001,6376,3137,5835,8273,1191,44748319720226,728*
(b.) Plural Births.
18 and under 19            
19 “ 20  1        1
20 “ 21 13        4
21 “ 25 523741     40
25 “ 30 2294010111   84
30 “ 35  437311162   91
35 “ 40   636231221  80
40 “ 45    197    17
46 “ 47            
Totals 8609082452651  317†
Grand totals1001,6456,3737,6735,9093,1641,47348819820227,045

Information as to the previous issue of the parents is now required in connection with the registration of births. Tables are given showing information as to number of previous issue in conjunction with (1) age of mother, and (2) duration of marriage.

LEGITIMATE BIRTHS REGISTERED, 1916.

(a.) Age of Mother and Number of Previous Issue.

Age of Mother.Number of Previous Issue.Totals.
Not Stated.0123456 and under 1010 and under 1515 and over.
* This number represents 26,728 single cases, 316 plural cases, and 1 case of triplets.
15 and under 16 1        1
16 “ 17 8        8
17 “ 18 562       58
18 “ 19 11618       134
19 “ 20 2815661     344
20 “ 21 35714125      523
21 “ 25 2,5011,3755231643695  4,613
25 “ 3022,6742,3451,5888934411651091 8,218
30 “ 3511,2141,5011,4431,03478448251421 6,994
35 “ 40245159467968357952790210224,521
40 “ 45 10110517017315316645514271,472
45 “ 46 536101352715185
46 “ 47 3544361310 48
47 “ 48     2 85 15
48 “ 49     2232 9
49 “ 50           
50 “ 51        1 1
51 “ 52        1 1
Totals57,7686,1454,4442,9622,0131,3622,0363001027,045*

(b.) Duration of Marriage and Number of Previous Issue.

Duration of Marriage, in Years.Number of Previous Issue.Totals.
Not Stated.0123456 and under 1010 and under 1515 and over.
* This number represents 26,728 single cases, 316 plural cases, and 1 case of triplets
Under 1 3,87822       3,900
1 and under 2 2,21777614      3,007
2 “ 3 7462,00917661    2,938
3 “ 4 3421,263713511    2,370
4 “ 5 20278188723220    2,122
5 “ 61110440689387764   1,707
6 “ 7 662605184781453410  1,511
7 “ 82551903834283056213  1,438
8 “ 9 3613630033227811359  1,254
9 “ 10 348421626425418871  1,111
10 “ 1526215144063473271289324 3,650
15 “ 20 18289513517820579511911,574
20 “ 25 23131518411821326412
25 and over  2  531325351
Totals57,7686,1454,4442,9622,0131,3622,0363001027,045*

In these two tables plural births are included, twins counting as only one birth. Another table is appended, giving in more detail the duration of the marriage in cases where less than one year had elapsed before the birth of the first child. Illegitimate births are also shown.

FIRST ISSUE AND ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS, 1916.

Age of Mother, in Years.Duration of Marriage, in Months.Total Legitimate First Births within One Year after Marriage.
Illegitimate Births.Under 3.3 and under 6.6 and under 7.7 and under 8.8 and under 9.9 and under 10.10 and under 11.11 and under 12.
Under 21389102206875237756143663
21 and under 253271122631431211563002551741,524
25 “ 302164912865571052922522001,148
30 “ 3511324412323329810472417
35 “ 40614108913232018105
40 “ 452823 4 42318
45 and over1     1 23
Not stated4         
Totals1,3392936513262663437936945123,878

ILLEGITIMACY.

The births of 1,146 children (551 males; 595 females) were illegitimate: thus 40 in every 1,000 children registered were born out of wedlock, against 41 in 1915, 46 in 1914, and 42 in 1913.

The ages of the mothers of the illegitimate children registered during the year are as shown below. It will be seen that of the 1,139 mothers, 389 or 34 per cent. were under 21 years of age.

ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN, 1916.—AGES OF MOTHERS.

Age.Single Cases.Plural Cases.Age.Single Cases.Plural Cases.Age.Single Cases.Plural Cases.
Years.  Years.  Years.  
131 2548 378 
142 2656 3816 
1592744 396  
1613 283114015 
1756 2936 415 
1885 3032 425 
19108 3128 432 
2011323217 441 
2196233161461 
2297 3419 Not stated4 
2366 3510    
246513621 Totals1,1327

The proportion of illegitimate births per 1,000 unmarried women —i.e., spinsters and widows—at the reproductive ages, covering a period of twenty years, is shown.

Year.Unmarried Women aged 15-45 Years.Illegitimate Births.Illegitimate-birth Rate per 1,000 Unmarried Women.
189168,9906389.25
189689,7228349.30
1901105,4209378.89
1906116,5061,1329.72
1911116,7261,0789.24

The rates of illegitimacy in Australasia are quoted. The average rate for New Zealand for the ten years (4.40 per 100 of all births) compares favourably with that of the Commonwealth (5.75 per 100).

PROPORTION OF ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS IN EVERY 100 BIRTHS.

Year.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia.Western Australia.Tasmania.New Zealand.
19067.687.045.583.994.785.784.67
19077.686.925.624.103.865.784.61
19087.546.805.774.444.355.244.26
19097.056.445.944.183.955.454.61
19106.396.285.604.324.135.334.47
19116.226.145.964.214.475.334.09
19126.145.645.724.714.394.784.28
19136.225.356.034.184.405.184.23
19145.775.295.563.874.225.904.59
19155.364.975.744.004.245.324.14

These figures show the proportion of illegitimate births to every 100 births for New Zealand to be fairly steady during the period.

As a further comparison the rates of the United Kingdom may be quoted—viz., England (1915), 4.45 per 100 births; Scotland (1913), 7.09; and Ireland (1914), 2.98.

THE LEGITIMATION ACT.

An important Act was passed in 1894 and re-enacted in 1908, intituled the Legitimation Act, which makes provision for the legitimation of children born before marriage on the subsequent intermarriage of their parents. Under this Act any child born out of wedlock, whose parents afterwards intermarry, is deemed to be legitimized by such marriage on the birth being registered in the manner prescribed by the Act. For legitimation purposes Registrars must register a birth when called upon to do so by any person claiming to be the father of an illegitimate child; but such person is required to make a solemn declaration that he is the father, and that at the time of the birth there existed no legal impediment to his marriage with the mother of the child. He has also to produce the evidence of his marriage. It will thus be seen that registration becomes the test of legitimacy. The following is the number of legitimations in each year, and the total to 1916, since the Act came into force:—

Number of Children legitimized.
Year.Previously registered.Not Previously registered.Total.
18949211
1895551368
1896451156
1897341448
1898322759
1899281341
1900303262
1901281947
1902554196
1903412465
1904444387
1905483684
19067352125
19077539114
19088435119
19096762129
19107546121
19117646122
19128651137
19138972161
19149966165
191510067167
191619091281
Totals1,4639022,365

The large increase in the number of legitimation entries in 1916 as compared with preceding years is no doubt due entirely to the continued duration of the war and the passing of the Military Service Act. The prospect of a prolonged absence abroad, and the uncertainty as to whether one will ever return, have naturally caused many a Reservist to make proper provision for his illegitimate issue.

STILL-BIRTHS.

The registration of still - births has been made compulsory in New Zealand as from the 1st March, 1913. During the ten months ended the 31st December, 1913, 467 still-births were registered; the number for 1914 was 679, for 1915, 728, and for 1916, 682. Still-births are not included either as births or as deaths in the various numbers and rates shown in this subsection and that relating to deaths.

In the 682 still-births registered in 1916 are included 7 cases of twins, 33 cases where one child of twins was still-born, and 3 cases where one child of triplets was still-born.

STILL-BIRTHS, 1916.—AGES OF PARENTS.

Age of Mother, in Years.Age of Father, in Years.Illegitimate Cases.Totals.
Under 21.21 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 65.65 and over.Not Stated.
* This number represents 668 single cases and 7 plural cases.
15 and under 16          22
16 “ 17          11
17 “ 18    1     67
18 “ 19161       614
19 “ 20 33       17
20 “ 21 6222     416
21 “ 25 21331910     891
25 “ 30 764543344   3169
30 “ 35 31759381852  1143
35 “ 40 25175846234  2157
40 “ 45  12921186   57
45 “ 46      12   3
46 “ 47      41   5
47 “ 48       2 1 3
48 “ 49            
    Totals148126153151895517 134675*

MAORI BIRTHS.

The number of births of Maoris registered during 1916, under the provisions of section 20 of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1912, was 1,020 (529 males, 491 females). Only 11 Maori births were registered under the main Act.

COOK ISLANDS AND NIUE.

Regulations under the Cook Islands Act, 1915, providing for compulsory registration of births and deaths in the Cook Islands and Niue from the 1st July, 1916, were gazetted on the 29th June, 1916.

In the case of a birth a month is allowed in which to furnish the following particulars to a Registrar: the place and date of birth; the Christian name and sex of the child; the names and residence of both father and mother, and also (if Natives) whether of full blood, or quarter-, half-, or three-quarter caste. A clause provides for the registering of any birth that took place between the 31st December, 1899, and the 1st July, 1916.

Particulars required of deaths are much the same as in New Zealand proper, but the onus of registering is thrown on the occupier of the house where the death took place or on any person present at the time of death. If the deceased in his or her last illness was attended by a medical practitioner a medical certificate must be supplied to the Registrar. Any person conducting a burial or a religious service thereat must notify the nearest Registrar in writing within one week.

Duplicates of all entries are kept by the Registrars of the High Court at Rarotonga and Niue respectively. A fine not exceeding £5 is imposed on persons supplying false information. No fees are payable for registration.

According to the report of the Cook Islands Department for 1916, the following are the figures of births which occurred in 1916:—

BIRTHS IN COOK ISLANDS, 1916.

Islands.No. of Births.
* Excluding Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro (no returns).
Rarotonga127
Aitutaki69
Mangaia43
Penrhyn3
Manihiki (six months)8
Islands.No. of Births.
Rakahanga (six months)5
Atiu29
Niue82
Total*366

SUBSECTION B.—MARRIAGES.

INTRODUCTORY.

MARRIAGE may be solemnized in New Zealand only on the authority of a Registrar's certificate, either by a person whose name is on the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act, or before a Registrar or Deputy Registrar of Marriages duly appointed. No marriage can be legally solemnized before 8 o'clock in the forenoon or after 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Notice of intended marriage must be given to the Registrar of the district within which the marriage is to be solemnized, and the party giving notice must have resided for three full days in the district. If the parties dwell in different districts, notice must be given to and a certificate obtained from the Registrar of each district.* In the case of a person under twenty-one not being a widow or widower, the consent of parent or guardian is necessary before the Registrar's certificate can be issued.

The system of notice and certificate has obtained in New Zealand since 1855. By this system it is ensured not only that marriages are in order, but that no legally solemnized marriage escapes registration. Officiating ministers and Registrars are required to send to the Registrar-General returns of all marriages solemnized; and as the returns come in they are checked off with the entries in the Registrars' lists of notices received and certificates issued. In case of the non-arrival of a marriage return corresponding to any entry in the list of notices, inquiries are made as to whether solemnization has been effected. Inquiries are made similarly in respect of any marriage for which return is received, but for which there is no corresponding return of notice and certificate.

The marriage of a man with his deceased wife's sister was legalized in New Zealand in the year 1881, and the marriage of a woman with her deceased's husband's brother in 1901. Both Acts are retrospective, including in their provisions marriages solemnized before as well as those contracted after the statutes were passed, and declaring all such marriages to be valid, and the issue born thereof to be deemed born in lawful wedlock.

NUMBERS AND RATES.

In the following table are shown the numbers and rates in each year since 1887. A column is added showing the index number for each year as compared with the average of the five years 1882-86, taken as 100.

Note

* An amendment to the Marriage Act passed in 1915 dispenses with the necessity of a second certificate where the bridegroom is a member of an Expeditionary Force under the Expeditionary Forces Act, 1915.

The marriage-rate for the period under review shows a general upward tendency, having been above 8 per 1,000 in each year since and including 1902, with the exception of the year 1916 referred to below. Reference to the diagram on page 65 will show that the marriage-rate was at its lowest in the period 1885 to 1895, and that the rate in the early years of registration was considerably in excess of that in even the best of recent years.

Marriages: Number and Rate.

Year.Total Number of Marriages registered.  
Marriage-rate.
* Average for five years.
1882-863,663*6.68100
18873,5635.9789
18883,6175.9789
18893,6325.9389
18903,7976.1292
18913,8056.0490
18924,0026.2393
18934,1156.2293
18944,1786.1592
18954,1105.9489
18964,8436.85103
18974,9286.83102
18985,0916.91103
18995,4617.28109
19005,8607.67115
19016,0957.83117
19026,3948.01120
19036,7488.23123
19046,9838.26124
19057,2008.28124
19067,5928.48127
19078,1928.91133
19088,3398.82132
19098,0948.33125
19108,2368.30124
19118,8258.70130
19129,1498.81132
19138,8138.25124
19149,2808.51127
191510,0289.12137
19168,2137.47112

The marriages for 1916 show a decrease of 1,815 on the figures for the previous year, the number solemnized in 1916 being 8,213, as against 10,028 in 1915. The rate per 1,000 of the mean population was 9.12 in 1915 and only 7.47 in 1916. The number solemnized in 1915 is the highest yet recorded in any year, and the rate for the year has not been exceeded since 1868. The rate for 1916, however, is the lowest since 1899.

The large number of marriages in 1915 included many that in the ordinary course of events would have been celebrated in 1916, but were hastened by the operation of the National Registration Act, and the desire of many men to be shown in the register as married men and to obtain certain anticipated advantages or escape certain obligations. The year 1916 was robbed of these “hastened” marriages, and the rate for 1916 was still further adversely affected by the introduction of a system of compulsory military service, which takes into account only marriages solemnized before May, 1915. Again, the constantly lessening proportion of men of marriageable age in the country has had a further effect on the marriage-rate for 1916.

MARRIAGES IN EACH QUARTER, 1907-16.

Year.March Quarter.June Quarter.September Quarter.December Quarter.
19072,0302,2631,8002,099
19081,9742,4321,8542,079
19091,9142,2901,7632,127
19102,1582,1181,8422,118
19111,9432,6001,9672,315
19121,9302,7052,0782,436
19132,3392,4141,8132,247
19142,2192,6252,1812,255
19151,9842,7282,2473,069
19162,2142,3931,7731,833
Decennial average2,0702,4571,9322,260

It will be seen that in each of the years 1907-1914, with the exception of 1910 (in which Easter fell in March), more marriages were solemnized in the second quarter than in any of the others, the excess of this quarter over the fourth quarter ranging from 163 in 1909 to 370 in 1014. In 1915, on the contrary, there was an excess of 341 in favour of December quarter in spite of the fact that the figures for June quarter were higher than in any previous year. The year 1916 again shows a substantial excess for June quarter, and, in addition, shows a decidedly low total for December (and to a less extent September) quarter as compared with the corresponding quarter of previous years.

The marriage-rate, measured by the total population, does not show the true position when, as in the case of New Zealand, the age constitution of the people fluctuates considerably. A more satisfactory standard is found in the number of persons of marriageable age, defined as meaning the unmarried and widowed of males aged twenty years and upwards and of females aged fifteen years and upwards. The rates are given for six census years in the following table. Similar information for 1916 is not yet available, but it will undoubtedly be found that the proportion of unmarried men in the population has fallen enormously since 1911.

Year of Census.Proportion of Unmarried per 1,000 of TotalProportion of Marriages per 1,000 of the
Males.Females.Marriageable Men.Marriageable Women.Marriageable Persons.Total Population.
1886235.0238.247.3254.5625.365.99
1891238.2268.547.7847.9723.946.04
1896258.8308.950.1447.0024.266.85
1901275.5331.854.1149.7825.937.83
1906294.3328.254.3654.9327.728.48
1911286.5314.957.6058.3828.998.70

RATES OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

A comparison of the marriage-rate for each State of the Australian Commonwealth with New Zealand for the last ten years is given. For the Commonwealth the rate in 1916 was 8.21 per 1,000 of mean population, as against 9.14 in 1915.

Marriages per 1,000 of Mean Population in Australia and New Zealand.

Year.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia (Proper).Western Australia.Tasmania.New Zealand
19077.567.897.818.298.277.638.91
19087.248.037.538.187.807.648.82
19097.978.157.488.387.597.858.33
19108.068.767.989.177.777.828.30
19118.419.248.349.818.447.768.70
19128.919.608.659.628.377.868.81
19138.679.028.139.408.198.278.25
19148.739.378.319.118.227.788.51
19158.939.689.009.028.018.029.12
19167.618.678.068.297.517.237.47

The average rate for New Zealand in recent years is higher than the rate for most of the European countries given in the table following.

Marriages per 1,000 of Mean Population in European Countries.

Country.Quinquennial Period.Rate.
Bulgaria1907-119.3
Roumania1910-149.2
Hungary1908-128.9
Servia1908-128.7
Russia1905-098.4
England and Wales1911-158.2
Belgium1908-127.9
German Empire1908-127.8
Italy1910-147.5
Austria1908-127.5
France1910-147.2
Netherlands1911-157.1
Denmark1911-157.1
Scotland1911-157.1
Spain1910-146.9
Norway1911-156.3
Finland1910-145.9
Sweden1911-155.9
Switzerland1911-155.4
Ireland1911-155.3

CONDITION OF CONTRACTING PARTIES.

The table which follows gives information as to the conjugal condition of persons married in each of the past ten years, divorced men and women being classed as bachelors and spinsters.

Year.Marriages contracted betweenNumber of Divorced Persons married (included previously).Total Marriages registered.
Bachelors and Spinsters.Bachelors and Widows.Widowers and Spinsters.Widowers and Widows.
19066,925265286116987,592
19077,4992313351271288,192
19087,6222543441191298,339
19097,3752303571321528,094
19107,4403063421481508,236
19118,0362583651661658,825
19128,3502534131332049,149
19138,0342743701352188,813
19148,6722763981342049,280
19159,12433739417322710,028
19167,3233294081532308,213

The figures for 1916 are given herewith in more detail as to conjugal condition of bride and bridegroom immediately prior to the marriage.

Condition of Brides.Condition of Bridegrooms.
SpinstersDivorced Women.Widows.Total.
Bachelors7,1381023167,556
Divorced Men73101396
Widowers38622153561
Total7,5971344828,213

Included amongst widows in 1916 are eleven married women, and amongst the widowers two men, who elected to go through the form of marriage with other persons under the protection of the provisions of section 224, subsection (5), of the Crimes Act, which reads, “No one commits bigamy by going through a form of marriage if he or she has been continually absent from his or her wife or husband for seven years then last past, and is not proved to have known that his wife or her husband was alive at any time during those seven years.”

AGES OF PERSONS MARRIED.

Of the persons married in 1916, 161 bridegrooms and 1,270 brides were under twenty-one years of age. Of the bridegrooms, six were between seventeen and eighteen, while fifteen were between eighteen and nineteen. Of the brides, six were between fifteen and sixteen, and thirty-five between sixteen and seventeen years of age. A table is given showing relative ages of bridegrooms and brides in groups of years.

Ages of Persons married, 1916.

Age of Bride, in Years.Age of Bridegroom, in Years.Total Bridegrooms.
Under 21.21 and under 2525 and under 3030 and under 3535 and under 4040 and under 4545 and over.
Under 219955511  161
21 and under 255551,0162823471 1,895
25 “ 304441,15797120945622,834
30 “ 35120481567316982481,614
35 “ 40351262321971534710800
40 “ 45113271100915421380
45 and over6233768106104185529
Total brides1,2702,8902,1659255012362268,213

The following are the proportions of men and women married at each of certain age-periods to every 100 marriages in the years 1896, 1906, and 1916:—

Age. in Years.1896.1906.1916.
M.F.M.F.M.F.
Under 211.9619.511.6515.861.9615.46
21 and under 2526.1440.6423.6437.9923.0735.19
25 “ 3038.4725.9039.4928.7034.5126.36
30 “ 4024.0410.2227.0313.7529.3917.36
40 “ 505.802.665.362.717.214.11
50 “ 602.310.911.720.692.411.10
60 “ 701.050.140.790.251.080.37
70 and upwards0.230.020.320.050.370.05
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The next table, showing similar information concerning bridegrooms during the past five years, gives some indication of the effect of the war on the male population of the age-group 25 to 30, which in recent years has contributed about three-eighths of the total bridegrooms. In each of the four years, 1912-1915 inclusive, this group remained fairly steady between the 37 and 38 per cent. mark, but in 1916 the percentage fell to 34 1/2. In each of the four groups above age 40 the percentage for the year 1916 shows a substantial increase on that of the four preceding years.

Percentages of Bridegrooms at Various Age-groups, 1912-16.

Age, in Years.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Under 211.881.802.102.081.96
21 and under 2522.6322.0422.0423.3323.07
25 “ 3037.7437.7537.3437.4334.51
30 “ 4029.5429.6328.9928.2229.39
40 “ 505.455.847.045.847.21
50 “ 601.861.841.611.952.41
60 “ 700.650.740.730.881.08
70 and upwards0 250.360.150.270.37
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The decrease in the proportion of men at the ages at which marriages are usually solemnized is still further exemplified in the following statement, giving average age of bridegrooms and brides over a series of years. The average age of bridegrooms in 1916 was seven months more than in 1915 or 1914.

Mean Age at Marriage.

Year.Mean Age of Bridegrooms.Mean Age of Brides.
189729.6225.21
189829.9525.30
189929.8625.48
190029.9125.29
190129.7225.54
190229.8925.63
190329.8925.84
190429.6025.44
190529.6525.75
190629.7625.97
190729.8326.07
190829.8626.11
190930.1126.40
191029.9126.32
191130.1226.48
191229.9526.39
191330.1526.42
191430.0926.69
191530.0326.56
191630.6426.77

The average age of bridegrooms has remained fairly constant during the period, with a gradual tendency to increase in latter years, but there is a fairly consistent increase in the average age of the brides. In England the mean age of those whose ages were stated was (in the year 1914) 29.12 years for men and 26.84 years for women. Thus the average age at marriage in New Zealand would appear to be higher for men, but slightly lower for women, than in England. The average age of all spinsters married in New Zealand in 1916 was 25.73 years.

The foregoing figures give the average age at marriage, but these do not correspond with the popular age, if the age at which the most marriages were celebrated may be so termed.

The tables for 1916 show that more marriages of men took place at the age of twenty-six than at any other age, while age twenty-one shows the largest number in the case of the females. If the marriages of spinsters be considered, age twenty-one is still the most popular for females.

MARRIAGES OF MINORS.

Of every 1,000 men married in 1916, 20 were under twenty-one years of age, while 155 in every 1,000 brides were under twenty-one. The proportion of bridegrooms under twenty-one is much less in New Zealand than in England, where in 1915 the proportion was 39 per 1,000 of bridegrooms of specified age. On the other hand, brides in New Zealand include more minors per 1,000 than in England, there being 145 minors in every 1,000 brides whose ages are given in the English records, as against 155 in New Zealand. In this respect it is worthy of note that in the Dominion ages of all parties married are obtainable, either from the marriage register itself or, in cases where the age is signified in the register by such words as “full” or “minor,” by reference to the Registrar's return of certificates issued.

A table is given showing the number of bridegrooms and brides under and over the age of twenty-one during each of the past ten years, together with the percentages of minors included in the totals of grooms and brides.

Bridegrooms and Brides under and over Twenty-one, 1907-16.

Year.Bridegrooms.Brides.Minors, per 100 Marriages.
Adults.Minors.Adults.Minors.Bridegrooms.Brides.
9078,0611316,8961,2961.6015.82
19088,1621777,0011,3382.1216.05
19097,9511436,7851,3091.7616.17
19108,0801566,9751,2611.9515.70
19118,6531727,4991,3261.9515.02
19128,9471727,6881,4611.8815.97
19138,6541597,4191,3941.8015.82
19149,0851957,8421,4382.1015.50
19159,8192098,5161,5122.0815.07
19168,0521616,9431,2701.9615.46

Registrars of Marriages are prohibited by law from issuing certificates for the marriage of minors without the consent of the parents or lawful guardians if there be any in New Zealand. If a declaration is made in any case that there is no such parent or lawful guardian resident in the Dominion, then a certificate may be issued after the expiration of fourteen days following the date on which the notice of intended marriage was given.

The ages at which persons may contract binding marriages are the same as in England—twelve years for females and fourteen for males. Marriage may be contracted at earlier ages than those stated, but would be voidable at the discretion of either of the parties upon reaching the age of twelve or fourteen, as the case may be, and without the necessity of proceedings in Court.

Although in New Zealand the age at which girls may legally marry is as above, nevertheless, by the criminal law, to unlawfully carnally know a girl under the age of sixteen years is now a punishable offence. The age of consent was raised from fifteen to sixteen by statute passed in 1906.

MARRIAGE REGISTER SIGNED BY MARK.

Of the men married in 1916, three or 0.37 in every 1,000, and of the women two or 0.24 per 1,000, signed the register by mark.

The illiteracy of the people, as measured by the proportion of persons who affix marks instead of signatures to the marriage register, has greatly decreased of late, having fallen since 1881 from 32.04 per 1,000 to 0.37 per 1,000 among men, and from 57.98 per 1,000 to 0.24 per 1,000 among women. This is shown by the following table:—

Persons in every 1,000 married who signed by Mark.

—–1881.1891.1901.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Male32.0413.934.591.130.661.250.750.700.37
Female57.9816.826.232.382.302.501.511.000.24

It has been found that in a large proportion of these cases mark signatures were affixed to the register by Maori wives of European husbands, or by Chinese or other foreigners.

MARRIAGES BY MINISTERS OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

Of the 8,213 marriages registered in 1916, Church of England clergymen officiated at 2,113, Presbyterians at 2,083, Methodists at 860, and Roman Catholic at 987, while 1,729 marriages were celebrated before Registrars.

The following table shows the proportions of marriages by ministers of the principal denominations in the past five years:—

Denomination.Percentage of Marriages.
1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Church of England25.9925.0226.2826.7625.73
Presbyterians26.4826.8826.0725.8425.36
Methodists13.4312.5712.3011.8310.47
Roman Catholics10.9011.7311.0711.1812.02
Other denominations6.226.245.515.835.37
Before Registrars16.9817.5618.7718.5621.05
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The above figures must not be taken as a true indication of the religions of the parties married, as it does not necessarily follow that both parties are members of the Church whose officiating minister performed the ceremony, and persons married before Registrars may belong, in greater or lesser proportion, to any of the denominations.

MAORI MARRIAGES.

In cases where both parties to a marriage are of the Native race there is no necessity under the Marriage Act to comply with the provisions of that Act, though the parties are at liberty to take advantage thereof. Considerable inconvenience, however, has been found to exist on account of the non-registration of Maori marriages, and a section was inserted in the Native Land Act, 1909, whereby it was laid down that Maori marriages must be celebrated either under the provisions of the Marriage Act or in the presence of a registered officiating minister, but without complying with the other requirements of the Act. Ministers solemnizing the latter class of marriages must send returns to the Registrar-General.

Returns of 181 marriages in which both parties were of the Native race were received during the year 1916. Of these 9 were in accordance with the provisions of the Marriage Act. Maori marriages are not included in the numbers shown elsewhere in this subsection, nor are they taken into account in the computation of marriage-rates.

MARRIAGES IN COOK ISLANDS.

According to the report of the Cook Islands Department for 1916, the following are the figures of marriages solemnized in the Cook Islands during 1916:—

Marriages in Cook Islands, 1916.

Island.No. of Marriages.
* Excluding Manihiki, Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro (no returns).
Rarotonga50
Aitutaki15
Mangaia5
Fenrhyn2
Rakahanga (six months)2
Atiu6
Niue63
Total143

NUMBER OF OFFICIATING MINISTERS.

The number of names on the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act is (June, 1917) 1,575, and the denominations to which they belong are shown hereunder:—

Denomination.No.
Specified in statute— 
  Church of England449
  Presbyterian Church of New Zealand333
  Methodist Church of New Zealand282
  Roman Catholic Church257
  Congregational Independents28
  Baptists49
  Lutheran Church9
  Hebrew Congregations5
Not specified in statute— 
  Church of Christ28
  Salvation Army82
  Catholic Apostolic Church4
  Unitarians3
  Brethren1
  Seventh Day Adventists5
  Free Methodist Church of New Zealand1
  Latter-day Saints3
  Church of the Seven Rules of Jehovah12
  Ringatu Church10
  Others14
      Total1,575

The Ringatu Church and the Church of the Seven Rules of Jehovah are Maori denominations.

SUBSECTION C.—DEATHS.

COMPULSORY registration of deaths was instituted in New Zealand in 1855. As in the case of births, a system of non-compulsory registration had obtained since 1848.

Until the year 1876 the only information provided for in the death-registration entry was as to date, place, and cause of death, and name, sex, age, and occupation of deceased. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1875, required information to be recorded as regards parentage, conjugal condition, and issue of deceased. Particulars re burial had also to be entered, as well as more detailed information regarding cause of death. Subsequent amendments to the Act have made it requisite to give additional information concerning issue, and, in the case of married males, age of widow.

Every death occurring in New Zealand should be registered within three days after the day of the death if in a city or borough, or seven days in any other case. There is a penalty up to £10 for neglect, the undertaker in charge of the funeral being by the Amendment Act of 1912 made solely responsible for registration. Prior to 1913 the undertaker was primarily looked to for registration, but, in addition, the occupier of the house and every other person present at death were also responsible parties.

The law does not impose any limit of time after which a death may not be registered as it does in the case of a birth. It is not necessary to register the death of any still-born child.

Any person burying, or permitting, or taking part in the burial of the body of any deceased person without a certificate of cause of death signed by a duly registered medical practitioner, a Coroner's order to bury the body, or a Registrar's certificate of registration of the death, renders himself liable to a fine of £10.

NUMBERS AND RATES.

The deaths registered in 1916 were 10,596, representing a rate of 9.64 per 1,000 of mean population. The number is the highest registered in any year, but the rate has frequently been exceeded, even in recent years. The lowest rate, 8.87 per 1,000, was recorded in 1912.

The following table shows the number of deaths, and the death-rate per 1,000 of the living population; also a comparison with the average rate for 1882-86:—

Year.Total Number of Deaths.Death-rate.
Per 1,000 of Population.Compared with Rate in 1882-86, taken as 100
*Average for five years.
1882-865,944*10.84100
18876,13710.2995
18885,7089.4387
18895,7729.4487
18905,9949.6689
18916,51810.3595
18926,45910.0693
18936,76710.2394
18946,91810.1994
18956,8639.9191
18966,4329.1084
18976,5959.1484
18987,2449.8491
18997,68010.2494
19007,2009.4387
19017,6349.8190
19028,37510.5097
19038,52810.4096
19048,0879.5788
19058,0619.2786
19068,3399.3186
190710,06610.95101
19089,0439.5788
19098,9599.2285
19109,6399.7189
19119,5349.3987
19129,2148.8782
191310,1199.4787
191410,1489.3186
19159,9659.0684
191610,5969.6489

The death-rates of males and females for the last ten years are shown separately in the next table, also the number of male deaths to every 100 female deaths, and the death-rate of males expressed as an index-number of the female rate, taking the latter as equal to 100.

Year.Deaths per 1,000 of the Total Population.Male Deaths to every 100 Female Deaths.Male Rate expressed as Index Number of Female Rate (= 100).
Males.Females.Total.
190711.819.9810.95133118
190810.628.389.57143127
190910.188.149.22141125
191010.678.639.71139124
191110.468.219.39142127
19129.837.798.87140126
191310.468.389.47138125
191410.537.989.31144132
191510.197.879.06137129
191611.148.139.64138138

The agreement between the figures in the last two columns for the year 1916 is due to the fact that the departure of large numbers of troops to the war has left the Dominion with almost equal numbers of males and females.

For the purpose of considering the mortality in New Zealand more closely than can be done by means of crude death-rates, it is desirable to ascertain the rates at different age-periods of the population.

DEATH-RATES PER 1,000 LIVING AT VARIOUS AGE-PERIODS.

Ages, in Years.Averages, 1907-11.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.Increase or Decrease 1907-11 to 1916.
       Per Cent.
Under 520.4914.3916.7415.0114.2715.49-32.28
5 and under 101.921.621.481.761.862.61+31.26
10 “ 151.501.331.381.191.471.59+6.00
15 “ 202.272.112.181.951.832.35+3.52
20 “ 253.412.772.832.783.193.16-7.91
25 “ 354.433.483.923.603.793.91-13.30
35 “ 456.175.766.276.185.816.67+8.10
45 “ 559.999.1310.2510.219.4010.24+2.50
55 “ 6519.0518.9619.8219.8420.0819.22+0.89
65 “ 7545.7346.0944.3947.7141.8540.22-13.70
75 and upwards138.46130.02136.00138.31134.83142.75+3.10
All ages9.778.879.479.319.069.641.35

Besides advantages of climate New Zealand possesses a population younger in age constitution than that of most other countries, conditions favourable to a low rate of mortality. Another table is given comparing death-rates at eighteen age-periods for 1914 with those of England and Wales. Here the extremely low rate of mortality in New Zealand among children under five years of age is remarkable, and the difference at some of the groups at the more advanced ages is considerable. The New Zealand rate for males is higher than that for females at all groups excepting 5–10, 20–25, and 25–30, while for England and Wales the male rate is lower than that for females at 10–15 years, and is higher in every other instance. It may be noted that in only one instance is the Dominion rate higher than the corresponding rate in England and Wales. This occurs in the male death-rate for the age period 85 years and over.

DEATH-RATE PER 1,000 PERSONS LIVING, ACCORDING TO SEX. FOR THE YEAR 1914, COMPARED WITH ENGLAND AND WALES.

Ages, in Years.New Zealand.England and Wales.
Males.Females.Males.Females.
Under 516.913.138.131.7
5 and under 101.81.83.43.3
10 “ 151.81.12.02.2
15 “ 202.11.83.02.7
20 “ 252.82.83.83.1
25 “ 303.13.34.43.6
30 “ 354.23.95.64.4
35 “ 405.95.57.45.8
40 “ 457.95.59.87.7
45 “ 509.97.613.010.0
50 “ 5513.110.518.714.2
55 “ 6018.215.726.119.3
60 “ 6526.719.238.329.1
65 “ 7038.831.153.340.7
70 “ 7569.756.885.268.3
75 “ 8096.295.2124.8106.9
80 “ 85209.4154.7180.1156.9
85 and upwards319.0213.1278.4.254.6
All ages10.58.015.013.1

Ages at Death.

The deaths occurring during 1916 are tabulated below in single ages up to five years, and thereafter in groups, showing males and females separately:—

Ages.Males.Females.Total.Ages.Males.Females.Total.
Months.   Years.   
Under 143433677040–45262195457
1–31318121245–50278181459
3–61379122850–55300187487
6–1212810823655–60312213525
Years.   60–65373238611
1–214511626165-70415296711
2–3805913970–75510340850
3–4745813275–80597363960
4–547378480–85453265718
5–1016614731385–90201152353
10–15917316490–95345791
15–201379823595–10081725
20–251601413011001 1
25–301752013761011 1
30–35231185416102 11
35–40265214479    
    Totals6,1464,45010,596

The average age at death of persons of either sex, in each of the ten years 1907–16, was as follows:—

 Males.Females.
190740.43 years.36.66 years.
190842.50 “39.14 “
190942.76 “38.78 “
191044.47 “42.25 “
191146.17 “42.37 “
 Males.Females.
191247.19 years.44.91 years.
191346.26 “43.04 “
191446.97 “44.27 “
191547.24 “44.71 “
191646.06 “44.01 “

The year 1916 shows a considerably lower average age than the years immediately preceding the male average especially being low. The comparatively high death-rate among children is responsible.

Expectation of Life.

The 1915 issue of the “Year-Book” contained results of a mortality investigation undertaken from the results of the last five censuses in conjunction with the records of deaths. Considerations of space prevent the results being repeated in this volume, but a table follows showing the expectation of life in New Zealand, based on the experience of the quinquennium 1906–10.

EXPECTATION OF LIFE OR AVERAGE AFTER LIFE TIME IN NEW ZEALAND AT EACH YEAR OF AGE.

Age.Males.Females.
Years.Years.Years.
059.16561.764
163.12564.816
262.83664.503
362.16863.843
461.40763.053
560.58162.211
659.72461.350
758.84960.465
857.95959.576
957.05758.072
1056.14457.754
1155.22556.834
1254.30655.913
1353.38854.994
1452.47454.079
1551.57053.172
1650.67752.273
1749.79551.385
1848.92350.505
1948.05849.634
2047.20048.770
2146.34847.914
2245.50247.067
2344.65946.226
2443.81945.391
2542.97944.562
2642.13743.740
2741.29642.922
2840.45442.107
2939.61441.292
3038.77540.477
3137.93739.659
3237.10138.841
3336.26838.023
3435.43937.207
3534.61436.396
3633.79435.588
3732.97834.784
3832.16633.981
3931.35333.177
4030.54032.368
4129.72631.555
4228.91330.739
4328.10329.923
4427.30029.107
4526.50728.294
4625.72527.485
4724.95226.680
4824.18825.880
4923.42925.085
5022.67224.295
5121.91923.511
5221.17022.734
5320.42821.963
5419.69521.200
5518.97220.443
5618.26219.694
5717.56218.953
5816.87218.220
5916.18817.494
6015.50816.774
6114.83116.061
6214.16115.357
6313.50214.666
6412.85713.990
6512.22913.331
6611.61812.689
6711.02612.067
6810.45511.463
699.90710.878
709.38310.311
718.8849.762
728.4079.231
737.9538.722
747.5198.237
757.1027.777
766.7037.341
776.3216.929
785.9586.539
795.6156.168
805.2945.815
814.9955.478
824.7165.156
834.4534.848
844.2014.552
853.9544.262
863.7093.976
873.4673.697
883.2333.428
893.0013.165
902.7652.900
912.5232.632
922.2802.366
932.0462.113
941.8251.876
951.6131.650
961.4091.436
971.2141.232
981.0301.042
990.8640.871
1000.7200.723
1010.5990.600

Death-rates of Various Countries.

A table is given showing the death-rates of the Australian States and Commonwealth and of New Zealand in each of the past ten years.

DEATH-RATES OF AUSTRALASIA PER 1,000 OF MEAN POPULATION, 1907–16.

Country.1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Queensland10.3110.269.709.7110.6510.9610.399.9711.0010.98
New South Wales10.6310.209.899.8910.3710.8610.8910.1110.4810.67
Victoria11.8612.7111.4511.4911.4512.2311.1111.5911.1011.71
South Australia (proper)10.1610.149.7410.099.8210.2810.8210.7110.6711.69
Western Australia11.4711.1710.2710.1110.1911.069.349.419.289.80
Tasmania10 8111.369.6811.1010.1310.7310.879.6710.1110.38
Commonwealth10.9911.0710.3310.4310.6611.2310.8710.5110.6611.04
New Zealand10.959.579.229.719.398.879.479.319.069.64

New Zealand has a lower death-rate than any of the Australian States, which again have considerably lower rates than other countries. A diagram is given on the opposite page showing the death-rates of England, Australia, and New Zealand, in each year since 1887. The rates of England and Australia show a considerable fall throughout the period, but are in no year lower than the New Zealand rate.

The death-rates of certain of the principal European and other countries are also given.

DEATH-RATES PER 1,000 OF MEAN POPULATION.

Country.Average of Five Years, 1909-13.Year 1914.

* Registration Area.

†1908-12.

‡1912. 1913.

Denmark13.012.6
Ontario13.111.8
Netherlands13.312.4
Norway13.413.5
Sweden13.913.8
England and Wales14.014.0
United States*14.313.6
Switzerland15.113.8
Scotland15.415.5
Belgium15.7†14.8‡
German Empire16.315.0?
Finland16.415.6
Ireland16.916.3
France18.319.6
Italy20.017.9
Austria21.8†20.5‡
Jamaica22.721.4
Spain22.922.1
Serbia23.6.†21.1‡
Hungary24.6†23.3‡
Roumania25.323.8
Chile30.627.8
Ceylon30.832.2

Standardization of Death-rates.

Perfect accuracy in comparing one country with another can be attained only by the use of what is termed an “index of mortality.” The proportions of the living vary in regard to the different age-groups, and the ordinary death-rate—which is calculated on the population as a whole—does not afford a true means of judging of the relative healthiness of the places compared. But by taking a population like that of Sweden, and applying the percentage at each age-group to the death-rates, a standard of health or index of mortality can be arrived at. This has been done for New Zealand, in accordance with a resolution of the Statistical Conference held at Hobart in 1902, and the result is expressed in tabular form.

INDEX OF MORTALITY IN NEW ZEALAND FOR 1916.

Ages, in Years.Estimated Mean Population.Number of Deaths.Death-rate per 1,000.Percentage of Population of Sweden, 1890 (Standard).Index of Mortality in New Zealand per 1,000.
Under 127,4871,44652.612.551.34
1 and under 20428,5121,3283.1039.801.23
20 and under 40376,1161,5724.1826.961.13
40 and under 60187,4461,92810.2919.231.98
60 and upwards79,8884,32254.1011.466.20
Totals1,099,44910,5969.64100.0011.88

A comparison of the crude and the standardized death-rates in each year since 1870 follows next. To facilitate comparison a third column has been inserted, showing by how much the index or standardized rate exceeds the crude rate. Owing to the fact that the age-constitution of this country, although becoming older, is younger than that of Sweden in 1890, the index or standardized rate is invariably higher than the crude rate.

DEATH-RATES—CRUDE AND STANDARDIZED, 1870–1916.

Year.Crude (actual) Death-rate.Standardized Rate.Difference between Rates.
187011.1312.961.83
187110.1412.392.25
187211.3913.442.05
187312.6715.642.97
187412.9814.811.83
187515.9218.662.74
187612.6615.012.35
187711.4713.932.46
187810.9614.013.05
187912.4615.553.09
188011.4613.892.43
188111.1313.702.57
188211.1914.543.35
188311.4514.803.35
188410.3913.242.85
188510.7613.833.07
188610.5413.693.15
188710.2913.483.19
18889.4313.423.99
18899.4412.252.81
18909.6612.793.13
189110.3513.973.62
189210.0613.613.55
189310.2313.383.15
189410.1913.172.98
18959.9112.712.80
18969.1011.742.64
18979.1412.102.96
18989.8413.293.45
189910.2412.462.22
19009.4311.742.31
19019.8112.332.52
190210.5013.012.51
190310.4012.882.48
19049.5712.042.47
19059.2711.852.58
19069.3111.552.24
190710.9513.352.40
19089.5711.672.10
19099.2211.302.08
19109.7112.042.33
19119.3911.832.44
19128.8711.272.40
19139.4711.922.45
19149.3111.852.54
19159.0611.382.32
19169.6411.882.24

Of the five age-groups into which the population and deaths are divided for the purposes of ascertaining the standardized death-rates, it is interesting to note that in the group age 60 and upwards an increase in the rate has been continuous from 1870.

In each of the other four age-groups a steady decline is almost as pronounced. The diagram following shows clearly the trend of the rates. Since the estimated age - constitution of the Dominion is of absolute accuracy only in census years, the graphs have been constructed showing moving quinquennial averages instead of single years. This tends to reduce violent fluctuations while preserving the general movement of the curve.

It should be noted that there is no comparability between the curves of the various groups or the rates they represent, other than as to the relative effect of the respective groups on the standardized rate of the Dominion.

The New Zealand rates may be compared with those of the Australian States standardized by the same system.

STANDARDIZED DEATH-RATES, 1906–15.

Country.1906.1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.
New Zealand11.5513.3511.6711.3012.0411.8311.2711.9211.8511.38
Queensland13.2014.6014.5613.8012.4413.5713.9113.2512.7014.30
New South Wales13.4414.3113.8813.4412.3613.2313.6313.6112.7213.24
Victoria15.0514.4015.2413.7414.1114.2314.9413.5014.1113.54
South Australia13.9413.3313.1512.5712.3912.1812.7613.2513.0313.09
Western Australia16.5115.6615.8015.0713.3113.4714.5512.5812.5612.79
Tasmania14.8714.8715.3413.1413.5912.9713.6913.5412.1113.04
Commonwealth13.9413.9714.1013.1513.1713.5514.0813.4713.1813.44

Occupations of Deceased Males, 1916.

The occupation of males who died during 1916, arranged according to the census classification, are shown in the following table. Further details may be obtained from Volume 1 of “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand,” 1916.

Occupation.Age, in Years.Total.
Under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 45.45 and under 65.65 and over.
Professional55212281102362
Domestic112244742126
Commercial1421124163188510
Engaged in transport and communication1317108130124392
Engaged in manufacturing107102134206459
Engaged in building and construction457389136307
Other industrial workers2417142172310665
Agricultural and pastoral33131753447501,315
Working in mines and quarries 12648164239
Other primary producers 717102458
Independent means, &c.   22166188
Dependent relatives1,4642   1,466
Dependent on public or private support2 1137
Undefined or unknown 61922552
 1,5701609331,2632,2206,146

Deaths and Death-rates of Four Chief Centres.

The total number of deaths registered for the four chief centres in the year 1916 was 3,275—viz., 2,734 in the cities and 541 in the suburban boroughs.

By including the suburbs the death-rate for last year is lowered at all of the four centres. The rates for the year are,—

 Death-rates per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Auckland City11.10 
” and seven suburban boroughs 9.58
Wellington City9.73 
” and four suburban boroughs 9.45
Christchurch City11.23 
” and five suburban boroughs 10.84
Dunedin City12.36 
” and three suburban boroughs 11.72

The death-rates for the cities, including suburban boroughs, for five years are as below:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population.
 1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland9.7310.619.429.059.58
Wellington9.139.0810.479.719.45
Christchurch10.3410.159.589.0110.84
Dunedin10.4311.0310.2211.0311.72

Wellington has proportionately fewer old people than the other three centres, and this explains largely its lower average death-rate. Dunedin, on the other hand, has a higher proportion of old people in its population than Auckland or Christchurch, and has consequently the highest death-rate of all four centres, notwithstanding its low rate of infantile mortality. In the five years, 1912–16, deaths of persons aged 65 or over in the four centres, including suburban boroughs, were:—

 1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland271306312325331
Wellington195192214192220
Christchurch241262245269296
Dunedin302296288308320

If the number of deaths of infants under one year be excluded, the mortality among the rest of the population is found to have been for 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916 in the following ratio to the 1,000 living:—

 1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland (including suburbs)8.748.197.398.39
Wellington7.798.598.198.06
Christchurch8.828.257.809.28
Dunedin9.599.259.5310.70

The infantile mortality rates (deaths of children under one year of age to every 100 births) are as below. Caution must be exercised in comparing the last four years with previous years owing to alterations in system (vide subsection dealing with births). The rates per 100 births are,—

 1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland (including suburbs)8.085.767.175.92
Wellington6.028.266.286.51
Christchurch6.356.825.426.67
Dunedin7.345.437.235.47

Again, the percentage of deaths of children under 5 to the total number of deaths in 1916 was—in Auckland, 20.44; in Wellington, 23.75; in Christchurch, 19.58; in Dunedin, 14.87.

Excluding suburbs, and dealing with the deaths at all ages in the four cities or central boroughs only, the rates for 1916 are found to be higher than those for the previous year in all cases except that of Wellington. The figures for five years are given:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population.
 1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)11.6511.4910.439.9911.10
Wellington “9.439.3010.7310.029.73
Christchurch “10.6310.4010.029.5811.23
Dunedin “11.5711.9811.0011.5812.36

Omitting the deaths of infants under one year, and calculating the rate on the population of one year of age and upwards, only Wellington shows a lower rate in 1916 than in 1915. The mean of the rates for five years are also given:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population, excluding Infants under One Year of Age.
 1914.1915.1916.Mean of Five Years.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)9.148.389.609.30
Wellington “8.728.738.268.34
Christchurch “8.648.539.879.03
Dunedin “10.0010.2311.2910.57

VITAL STATISTICS OF CHIEF CITIES, COMPARED WITH AUSTRALIAN CAPITALS, YEAR 1915.

The death-rates of the four chief centres compare very favourably with those of the capital cities of the various Australian States. The following table shows the numbers and rates of births and deaths for the year 1915. Rates for Perth are not available.

Cities (including Suburbs).Estimated Mean Population.Births.Deaths.Excess of Births over Deaths.
Total Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.Total Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
* Ten-mile radius.
Sydney757,75020,87127.548,18910.8112,682
Melbourne679,00017,73226.118,57412.639,158
Adelaide207,4466,04629.142,83713.683,209
Brisbane*157,9755,61435.542,12913.483,485
Hobart39,5271,39135.1958414.77807
Auckland104,3472,41423.139449.051,470
Wellington73,7351,78424.197169.711,068
Christchurch73,9441,64122.196669.01975
Dunedin66,0931,37020.7372911.03641

The low birth-rates of the New Zealand cities as compared with the Australian capitals is largely due to the difference in system of allocation of births.

ORPHANHOOD.

The table following shows the number of living issue (male, female, and total) left by married men whose deaths were registered during the ten years 1907–16, the information being given according to age of father and of issue. It will be seen that during the period under review 23,059 fathers left issue to the number of 112,269, an average of 4.87. There were also 3,765 married men who died without living issue.

NUMBER AND AGES OF ISSUE LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, 1907–16.

Age of Issue, in Years.Number of Issue left by Fathers dying within the Age-groups shown at Head of Column.
20 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and under 50.50 and under 60.60 and under 65.65 and under 70.70 and under 80.80 and over.Totals
Males.
052129533063  273
15316910330671 369
273234129498113 507
3412151687811741525
4302171868413951545
5122372048316159 576
6122041951001616121556
752002141212027131601
821562561503416121627
911312271383722182576
1011212451914318264649
11 932132204539312643
12 672712207146253703
13 422402397953407700
14 392532898095455806
15 2020226710162619722
16 22208321102848412833
17 5204331148109939899
18 5182340150no10611910
19 3138393193151140191,037
20 2151369195164170141,065
21 and over 53533,8194,3856,55817,1829,13541,437
Unspecified1367152243147189430221,263
Total male issue2952,3834,5478,1055,9067,81718,5109,25956,822
Females.
0541177123411 271
18618210744833 433
243226147711062 505
344220161611234 505
4282231687312118 523
51621419896121383560
619188202108141493557
77171208142242210 584
831422251513124201597
941432481624033132645
10 1202651823833235666
11 942261964733282626
12 752402336349436709
13 552242407850415693
14 342162538761554710
15 302082788774555737
16 1621131711985768832
17 12182323150103979876
18 51723261491161149891
19 1159389178145123231,018
20 112737717014213016963
21 and over 23753,8104,3186,51316,5598,80340,380
unspecified768140191172167407141,166
Total female issue3112,3394,4808,0465,8237,70117,8298,91855,417
Age of Issue, in Years.Number of Issue left by Fathers dying within the Age-groups shown at Head of Column.
20 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and under 50.50 and under 60.60 and under 65.65 and under 70.70 and under 80.80 and over.Totals
Both Sexes.
0106246124531041 544
11393512107414104 802
211646027612018175 1,012
3854353291392310811,030
45844035415725201311,068
52845140217928281731,136
63139239720830302141,113
71237142226344492311,185
8529848130165403221,224
9527447530077553141,221
10124151037381514991,315
11 18743941692725941,269
12 142511453134956891,412
13 9746447915710381121,393
14 7346954216715610091,516
15 50410545188136116141,459
16 38419638221169160201,665
17 17386654298212190181,775
18 11354666299232220201,801
19 4297782371296263422,055
20 3278746365306300302,028
21 and over 77287,6298,70313,07133,74117,93881,817
Unspecified20134292434319356837362,429
Grand totals604,7229,02716,15111,72915,51836,33918,177112,269
Total male deaths3,5034,4704,5185,5623,3904,44310,5415,40741,834
Married men who died—         
(a) Without living issue1834494975182814149524713,765
(b) Leaving issue3721,7912,4033,3472,1922,7896,6583,50723, 509

Several tables dealing with orphanhood are given in full in the annual volume of “Statistics of the Dominionn of New Zealand,” Three of these showing the number of issue under 14, under 16, and under 21 years of age left by married men whose deaths were registered during 1916 are summarized and given below.

ISSUE UNDER AGE 14 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1916.

Age at Death, in Years.Married Men who died leaving Number of Issue under 14 Years of Age shown at Head of Column.Total Number of Married Men who died leaving Issue under Age 14.
1234567 and over.
20 and under 2542     6
25 ” 30221173   43
30 ” 35411617421 81
35 ” 4042311813561116
40 ” 4529343015955127
45 ” 50343211171555119
50 ” 55382218114 194
55 ” 60281211631162
60 ” 653511621  55
65 ” 7015722   26
70 ” 75752 1  15
75 ” 8011     2
80 and over2      2
Totals29818412273401813748

ISSUE UNDER AGE 16 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1916.

Age at Death, in Years.Married Men who died leaving Number of Issue under 16 Years of Age shown at Head of Column.Total Number of Married Men who died leaving Issue under Age 16.
1234567 and over.
20 and under 2542     6
25 ” 30221173   43
30 ” 35411617421 81
35 ” 4038331814661116
40 ” 45283033151466132
45 ” 503334161311147128
50 ” 5537311816722113
55 ” 60371771151280
60 ” 6547171122  79
65 ” 702011332  39
70 ” 751353 1  22
75 ” 807 1    8
80 and over41     5
Totals33120813481503018852

ISSUE UNDER AGE 21 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1916.

Age at Death, in Years.Married Men who died leaving Number of Issue under 21 Years of Age, shown at Head of Column.Total Number of Married Men who died leaving Issue under Age 21.
1234567 and over.
20 and under 2542     6
25 ” 30221173   43
30 ” 35411617421 81
35 ” 4037302114761116
40 ” 45233234191498139
45 ” 5019313018121417141
50 ” 553438241815810147
55 ” 6039371917856131
60 ” 6555442812421146
65 ” 70472279 2693
70 ” 752711742 152
75 ” 80228411  36
80 and over7321   13
Totals3772852001206547501,144

WIDOWS LEFT BY MARRIED MEN.

Of the 3,067 married men or widowers whose deaths were registered in 1916, 706 were shown to have been widowers, and 2,321 to have left widows, while in the remaining 40 cases there was no information given as to whether the deceased left a widow. Of the married men leaving widows 2,017 had living issue also at time of death, and 304 had no living issue. In 616 cases widowers left issue and in 90 cases no issue. In 20 of the 40 cases where no information was given as to whether a widow was left there was living issue.

A table is given showing the relative ages of married men who died in 1916, and of their widows:—

DEATHS, 1916.—AGES OF MARRIED MEN WHO DIED, AND OF THEIR WIDOWS.

Age of Widow, in Years.Age of Deceased, in Years.
20 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and under 50.50 and under 60.60 and under 70.70 and under 8080 and under 90.90 and upwardsTotals.
181       1
192       2
20 and under 25209      29
25 ” 30275283    90
30 ” 3589233721  143
35 ” 40 518934532 184
40 ” 4511810759156  206
45 ” 50 1719236113 214
50 ” 55  1410882272 233
55 ” 60   61134469 250
60 ” 65   101249423 251
65 ” 70   365141242235
70 ” 75  1 9105481164
75 ” 80   1 64573125
80 ” 85     733343
85 ” 90     28212
90 and upwards       11
Ages not specified41016161740314138
Totals63233339394489547240161,321

INFANTILE MORTALITY.

Subjoined is a classified statement of the deaths of infants under one year during 1916, with the ratio of the deaths in each class to the 1,000 births during the year:—

Sex.Under 1 Month.1 and under 3 Months.3 and under 6 Months.6 and under 12 Months.Total under 12 Months.
NUMBER OF DEATHS.
Male434131137128830
Female3368191108616
DEATHS PER 1,000 BIRTHS.
Male29.588.939.348.7356.58
Female24.285.856.587.8044.51

Fifty-seven out of every thousand male children born, and forty-five of every thousand females, are found to have died before attaining the age of one year. The mortality was thus one in eighteen of male children and one in twenty-three of females.

It will be seen from the figures that the chances of living during the first year of age are greater for female than for male infants. Thus, in proportion to the number of children of each sex born in 1916, there were during the year—

100 deaths of males to 82 deaths of females under 1 month of age;
100 ” 66 ” from 1 to 3 months of age;
100 ” 70 ” from 3 to 6 months of age;
100 ” 89 ” from 6 to 12 months of age;
100 ” 79 ” under 12 months OF age.

Dealing with the results for ten years, the deaths of infants under one year are in the large proportion of 77 per cent. of the total deaths under five Infantile paralysis and diphtheria in 1916 caused a higher mortality than usual at ages 1 to 4 inclusive, while having little effect on the rate for infants in their first year, the result being that infants under 1 contributed only 70 per cent. of the total deaths under 5.

DEATHS OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS AND PROPORTION TO DEATHS AT ALL AGES.

Year.Deaths of Children under 5 Years of Age.Total Deaths at all Ages.Deaths under 5 Years: Per Cent. of Mortality at all Ages.
Under 1 Year.1 Year and under 2 Years.2 Years and under 3 Years.3 Years and under 4 Years.4 Years and under 5 Years.Total under 5 Years.
19072,22835016594492,88610,06628.67
19081,76123110388452,2289,04324.64
19091,63424211575442,1108,95923.55
19101,7602539576542,2389,63923.22
19111,48420612299691,9809,53420.77
19121,4091579345461,7509,21418.99
19131,65322310465542,09910,11920.74
19141,45619911880631,91610,14818.88
19151,39420412565801,8639,96518.75
19161,446261139132842,06210,59619.46
Average of ten years}1,62223311882592,1149,72821.73

DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR, AND PROPORTION TO BIRTHS.

Year.Deaths of Infants under 1 Year of Age.Total Births registered.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year to every 1,000 Births.
Under 1 Month1 Month and under 3 Months.3 Months and under 6 Months.6 Months and under 12 Months.Total under 12 Months.
19077634465005192,22825,09488.79
19088102423473621,76125,94067.89
19097942852582971,63426,52461.60
19107862983333431,76025,98467.73
19117512172342821,48426,35456.31
19128271881922021,40927,50851.22
19138302832383021,65327,93559.17
19148182411922051,45628,33851.38
19158151951752091,39427,85050.05
19167702122282361,44628,50950.70
Average of ten years7962612702951,62227,00460.06

RATES OF INFANTILE MORTALITY IN NEW ZEALAND AND FOUR CHIEF CENTRES (DEATHS UNDER 1 YEAR OF AGE PER 1,000 BIRTHS), EACH YEAR 1907–16.

Year.New Zealand.Auckland and Suburban Boroughs.Wellington and Suburban Boroughs.Christchurch and Suburban Boroughs.Dunedin and Suburban Boroughs.
190788.7997.19117.80126.1695.36
190867.8981.8781.6767.8274.54
190961.6061.8584.2162.7848.52
191067.7379.0284.5969.4079.08
191156.3163.0273.3662.9043.42
191251.2256.9561.3260.0338.11
191359.1780.8160.2363.4973.42
191451.3857.6282.5768.1554.28
191550.0571.6757.1754.2472.26
191650.7059.2165.1366.7154.74

Although 16,225 infants under one year were lost to the Dominion by death during the ten years 1907–16, and, including these, 21,137 children under five, the next table shows more satisfactory results for New Zealand than for the Australian Commonwealth and its principal States in the matter of the preservation of infant life.

DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OF AGE TO EVERY 1,000 BIRTHS.

Year.New Zealand.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia.Australian Commonwealth.
191156.3165.3669.4668.7060.6068.49
191251.2271.7371.0074.4861.6871.74
191359.1763.3577.7870.5369.8372.21
191451.3863.8769.7278.2976.0271.47
191550.0563.9768.1368.8467.3067.52
Means of five years53.6365.6671.2272.1767.0970.29

Graphs follow showing the rates of infantile mortality (male and female) since 1870. The male and female birth-rates are also shown. The tendency for variations in the rates of the two sexes to occur simultaneously is very noticeable.

The principal causes of mortality in children under one year for New Zealand are given, with the numbers of deaths for five years from such causes. Premature birth stands first in order of importance, congenital debility next, followed by diarrhœa and enteritis. Here it is seen how much mortality is attributed to these causes according to the medical certificates.

DEATHS OF CHILDREN UNDER ONE YEAR.—CAUSES, 1912–16.

Causes.Number of Deaths from each Cause.Percentage of Total.
1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Whooping-cough6875350630.435.263.643.584.36
Convulsions51715155743.624.293.503.955.12
Bronchitis and pneumonia1261571151271238.949.507.909.118.50
Diarrhœa and enteritis17821416311516412.6312.9511.198.2511.34
Malformations11789981321088.305.386.739.477.47
Premature birth39841842039738128.2525.2928.8528.4826.35
Congenital Debility25429624621121518.0317.9116.9015.1414.87
Other causes27932131030731819.8019.4221.2922.0221.99
Totals1,4091,6531,4561,3941,446100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION.

It is unlawful for any person to take charge of an infant under the age of six years, for the purpose of nursing or maintaining it apart from its parents or guardians, for a longer period than seven consecutive days, unless such person is licensed as a foster-patent.

Provision is made by law for the granting and revocation of licenses, and for the method of payment of maintenance-money. No payment is to be made to or received by a foster-parent except in pursuance of an agreement approved by the Secretary for Education, and if default be made in payment under the agreement the amount due, or part thereof, may be paid by the Secretary, and shall be recoverable as a debt due to the Crown. When and so long as any money so recoverable remains unpaid, the Secretary shall have and may exercise the powers of a guardian until the child attains the age of fifteen years. Provision is also made for the inspection of foster-homes, and in case of the removal or death of foster-children. The Act applies to any adopted infant in the same manner and to the same extent as if no such adoption had taken place. The Department of Education is the authority by whom the Act is administered.

The New Zealand Legislature in 1907 introduced provisions for early notification of birth, allowing seventy-two hours after birth if in a city or borough, or twenty-one days in any other case. The time allowed for notification in the case of a birth in a city or borough has now been reduced to forty-eight hours.

CAUSES OF DEATH.

The classification of causes of death was made in 1908 for the first time in New Zealand according to the Bertillon Index of Diseases. This system has been adopted by the Commonwealth of Australia and the principal European and American countries. It is highly desirable for comparative purposes that uniformity of statistical method should obtain when possible.

The Bertillon system differs materially from that formerly in use, and comparisons of certain causes of mortality between years prior and subsequent to 1908 are impossible owing to changes in the classification. This applies more particularly to diseases of the digestive, nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems. There are however, certain principal causes of death which are unaffected and retain their comparative value, such as cancer, tubercular diseases, typhoid fever, whooping-cough, measles, influenza, scarlet fever, diabetes, appendicitis, liver and puerperal diseases, suicide, and old age.

A comparison of the causes of deaths in 1915 and 1916 arranged according to an abridged classification, the percentage of each group to the total deaths, and the proportion per 10,000 persons living, is given in the following table:—

Class.Number of Deaths.Proportion to Total Deaths.Proportion per 10,000 living.
1915.1916.1915.1916.1915.1916.
  Per Cent.Per Cent.   
I. General diseases2,5662,73325.7525.7923.3424.86
II. Diseases of the nervous system and of the organs of special sense9841,2359.8711.658.9511.23
III. Diseases of the circulatory system1,4641,60814.6915.1813.3214.62
IV Diseases of the respiratory system9638879.668.378.768.07
V. Diseases of the digestive system7668387.697.916.977.62
VI. Diseases of the genito-urinary system and annexa4724814.744.544.294.37
VII. Puerperal condition1311671.311.581.191.52
VIII. Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue66500.660.470.600.45
IX. Diseases of the organs of locomotion23340.230.320.210.31
X. Malformations1531271.541.201.391.16
XI. Infancy7006987.026.596.376.35
XII. Old-age7938837.968.337.218.03
XIII. Violence7367427.397.006.696.75
XIV. Ill-defined causes1481131.491.071.351.03
Totals9,96510,596100.00100.0090.6496.37

The next table shows the number of deaths from certain principal causes for the five years 1912–16, and the proportion per 10,000 of the population.

Cause.Number of Deaths.Proportion per 10,000 of Mean Population.
1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Typhoid fever46604852370.440.560.440.470.34
Measles15263364930.140.240.300.580.85
Scarlet fever7112244520.070.100.200.400.47
Whooping-cough101287480980.101.200.680.730.89
Diphtheria466178991630.440.570.720.901.48
Influenza655663110730.630.520.581.000.66
Pulmonary tuberculosis5676565765625915.466.145.285.115.38
Other forms of tuberculosis1491561521311411.431.461.391.191.28
Cancer8128569049009097.828.018.298.198.27
Diabetes1471501521481541.411.401.401.351.40
Exophthalmic goitre40193131270.390.180.280.280.25
Anæmia, Chlorosis53647669990.510.600.700.630.90
Meningitis1361271401381691.311.191.281.261.54
Infantile paralysis22931230.020.020.080.031.12
Apoplexy, cerebral hæmorrhage3894124414034783.753.864.053.684.35
Epilepsy69545149510.660.510.470.450.46
Convulsions of children under 5 years of age579362771050.550.870.570.700.95
Organic heart-disease1,2711,2271,3011,1441,26912.2311.4811.9310.4111.54
Arterio-sclerosis748910679870.710.830.970.720.79
Embolism, thrombosis806310152750.770.590.930.470.68
Bronchitis2382812622832402.292.632.402.572.18
Broncho-pneumonia1141541391361271.101.441.281.241.15
Pneumonia2973363213003202.863.152.942.732.91
Gastritis48294737370.460.270.430.340.34
Diarrhœa and enteritis2713442652443022.613.222.432.222.75
Appendicitis and typhlitis72918694900.690.850.790.860.82
Hernia, intestinal obstruction74106111861160.710.991.020.781.05
Cirrhosis of liver48474451530.460.440.400.460.48
Simple peritonitis65615342370.620.570.490.380.34
Nephritis, Bright's disease2703172612673042.602.962.392.432.76
Cystitis40314528510.380.290.410.250.46
Diseases and accidents of puerperal condition1001001181311670.960.941.081.191.52
Malformations130971131531271.250.911.041.391.15
Congenital debility2563012522172222.462.822.311.972.02
Premature birth3984184203973813.833.913.853.613.47
Senility7068098127938836.807.577.457.218.03
Violence (1) suicide1241481371131471.191.381.261.031.34
(2) accident, &c.5146396476235954.955.985.935.675.41
Other causes1,4141,5001,5951,7351,60313.6214.0414.6315.7614.59
Totals9,21410,11910,1489,96510,59688.6894.6993.0790.6496.37

TUBERCULOSIS.

Deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis numbered 591, or 5.38 per 10,000 of the population, against 562 deaths or 5.11 per 10,000 in 1915. The average for the past ten years was 602, or 5.91 per 10,000.

Year.Deaths from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.Rate per 10,000
19076126.66
19086637.02
19096246.42
19105825.86
19115845.75
19125675.46
19136566.14
19145765.28
19155625.11
19165915.38

For 1907, the number and rate refer only to those deaths definitely certified to as being due to phthisis or tuberculosis of the lungs. For later years miliary tuberculosis and tuberculosis, not otherwise defined, are also included.

The following table gives information as to age and length of residence in the Dominion of the 591 persons certified to as having died from pulmonary tuberculosis in 1916.

Reference to the table will show that 386 persons known to have been born in the Dominion died during 1916 from phthisis, and 93 persons born elsewhere but resident in New Zealand for fifteen years or over succumbed to the disease.

DEATHS FROM PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS, 1916.

Length of Residence in the Dominion.Age at Death, in Years.
Under 55 and under 10.10 and under 15.15 and under 25.25 and under 35.35 and under 45.45 and under 55.55 and under 65.65 and under 75.75 and upwards.Total.
Males.           
Under 1 month   2      2
1 month and under 6    2 2   4
6 months ” 12    1     1
1 year ” 2           
years ” 3    3     3
3 ” “ 4    211   4
4 ” “ 5    62    8
5 ” “ 10   13921  16
10 ” “ 15    4111 1 17
15 ” “ 20   22411  10
20 ” “ 25   2213   8
25 years and upwards    2611137342
Not known or not stated    46233119
Born in Dominion6 23306549213 179
Totals6233796894421114313
Females.           
Under 1 month           
1 month and under 6     1    1
6 months ” 12    11    2
1 year ” 2      11  2
2 years ” 3    31    4
3 ” “ 4    2     2
4 ” “ 5    6     6
5 ” “ 10 1 132    7
10 ” “ 15   2122   7
15 ” “ 20   11 2   4
20 ” “ 25    1     1
25 years and upwards    4810 6 28
Not known or not stated   11221  7
Born in Dominion3 2608741103 1207
Totals312651105827561278
Totals of both sexes9351022061477126175591

The mortality from all forms of tuberculosis decreased from 9.31 per 10,000 of the population in 1907 to 6.74 in 1916. The percentage of total deaths from all causes decreased from 8.50 to 7.00 in the ten years.

DEATHS AND DEATH-RATES FROM TTUBERCULOSIS AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL DEATHS, 1907–16.

Year.Mean Population.Number of Deaths from Tubercular Diseases.Rate per 10,000.Percentage of Total Deaths from all Causes.
1907919,1058569.318.50
1908945,0638398.879.28
1909971,7848008.238.93
1910992,8027317.367.58
19111,611,8937387.277.74
19121,080,0167166.897.77
19131,068,6448127.608.02
19141,090,3287286.677.17
19151,099,3946936.306.95
19161,099,4497426.747.00

AGES OF PERSONS WHO DIED FROM TUBERCULAR DISEASES, 1916.

Ages.MalesFemales.Total.
Under 5 years262349
5 years and under 1014620
10 ” 1591221
15 ” 20153247
20 ” 25343973
25 ” 304871119
30 ” 356351114
35 ” 40534093
40 ” 45383371
45 ” 50291342
50 years and under 55191433
55 ” 6011920
60 ” 6512315
65 ” 7010515
70 ” 75213
75 ” 80 22
80 and upwards5 5
Total deaths388354742

The New Zealand rate of deaths from tubercular diseases, as well as those of the Australian States, compares very favourably with those of England, Scotland, and Ireland, which have, however, also decreased considerably of late years.

DEATH-RATES FROM TUBERCULOSIS AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL DEATHS, 1914.

 Death-rates (per 1,000) from Tuberculosis.Percentage of Total Deaths.
England and Wale1.369.73
Scotland (1913)1.7010.96
Ireland2.0712.74
Queensland0.504.98
New South Wales0.727.12
Victoria0.847.25
South Australia0.777.15
Western Australia0.788.25
Tasmania0.586.00
New Zealand0.677.17

CANCER.

There were 909 deaths assigned to this cause in 1916, a proportion of 8.27 per 10,000 persons. The number is the highest yet recorded in any year, being 5 more than in 1914 and 9 more than in 1915, but the rate is slightly lower than in 1914. The average number and rate for the five years 1911–15 were 856 and 8.06 respectively. Deaths of males during 1916 numbered 480 and of females 429. The death-rate from cancer is now greater than that from tubercular diseases, and its increasing tendency is a matter of grave concern.

The diagram following illustrates on the one hand the increase in the cancer death-rate and on the other the decrease in the rate of deaths from tuberculosis.

NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO DIED FROM CANCER, THE PROPORTION PER 10,000 PERSONS LIVING, AND THE PERCENTAGE OF ALL DEATHS, 1907–16.

Year.Deaths from Cancer.Total Deaths, all Causes.Deaths from Cancer per 10,000 of Living Persons.Deaths from Cancer per 100 of All Deaths.
190767410,0667.336.70
19086579,0436.957.27
19097118,9597.327.94
19107429,6397.477.70
19118099,5347.978.49
19128129,2147.828.81
191385610,1198.018.46
191490410,1488.298.91
19159009,9658.199.03
191690910,5968.278.50

The proportion of deaths from cancer to the 1,000 persons living in some of the principal countries of the world as shown below leads to the conclusion that there is a general tendency to increase. The rate for England and Wales for 1915 (1.12 per 1,000) is the highest yet recorded in that country.

CANCER DEATH-RATES PER 1,000 LIVING IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES.

Country.Average of 5 Years, 1896-1900.Average of 5 Years, 1906-10.Increase per Cent. during 10 Years.Rate for Last Year ascertainable.
* Decrease.
    Year.Rate.
New Zealand0.590.7222.0319160.83
Commonwealth of Australia0.580.7020.6919150.75
England and Wales0.800.9417.5019151.12
Scotland0.771.0029.8719151.11
Ireland0.580.7936.2119150.88
German Empire0.660.8427.2719130.91
Austria0.690.7813.0419120.81
Italy0.510.6425.4919140.67
Norway0.860.9712.7919141.02
Denmark0.450.5420.0019140.58
Netherlands0.921.0311.9619151.09
Switzerland1.271.26*0.7919151.28

The part of the body most commonly affected is the stomach. Among females the generative and mammary organs are frequently the seat of the disease. Full details of location are published in Vol. 1 of the “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand,” 1916.

CANCER: SEAT OF DISEASE, 1916.

Seat of Disease.Males.Females.Total.
Buccal cavity39746
Stomach and liver202134336
Peritoneum, intestines, rectum8468152
Female genital organs 8383
Breast 6161
Skin11920
Other organs or organs not specified14467211
Totals480429909

Eighty-nine per cent, of the deaths were at the ages 45 years and upwards, and 61 per cent at the ages 60 years and upwards.

AGES OF PERSONS WHO DIED FROM CANCER, 1916.

Ages.M.F.Total.
Under 5 years
5 years and under 10
10 ” 151 1
15 ” 20213
20 ” 254 4
25 ” 30123
30 ” 35279
35 ” 40131932
40 ” 45182644
45 years and under 50313364
50 ” 554957106
55 ” 60434992
60 ” 656956125
65 ” 707362135
70 ” 758147128
75 ” 80553691
80 years and upwards383472
Totals480429909

A diagram given in last year's issue of the Year-book and here repeated shows very clearly how cancer is practically confined to the period of life after age 45. On the other hand tuberculosis appears to be fairly evenly divided among the various age-groups. The diagram is based on the statistics of the ten years 1906–15.

PUERPERAL ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES.

The deaths certified to these causes in 1916 numbered 167 as against 131 in 1915. Included in the number in 1916 were: Accidents of pregnancy, 27; puerperal hæmorrhage, 20; other accidents of labour, 26; puerperal septicæmia, 60; puerperal albuminuria and convulsions, 24; puerperal embolism, 5; undefined (following childbirth), 5. The number of deaths to every 1,000 confinements (where children were born alive) for each of ten years is shown.

Year.Deaths of Mothers to every 1,000 Confinements.
19074.62
19084.64
19095.14
19104.55
19114.38
19123.73
19133.62
19144.22
19154.76
19165.99

The higher rate of puerperal accidents and diseases shown for 1916 as compared with preceding years is largely, perhaps wholly, accounted for by the fact that for this year in all cases possible where a woman of child-bearing age was shown as having died of septicæmia, peritonitis, convulsions, &c., steps were taken to ascertain whether the disease was puerperal.

DEATHS FROM VIOLENCE.

The deaths from external violence, apart from suicide, numbered 595 in 1916—males 494, females 101, the total being lower than the average of the quinquennium 1912–16, which was 604. The rate per 10,000 living was 4.95 in 1912, 5.98 in 1913, 5.93 in 1914, 5.67 in 1915, and 5.41 in 1916. The various forms of violent deaths (excluding suicides) in 1916 are shown in the following table:—

VIOLENT DEATHS (EXCLUDING SUICIDE), 1916.

Cause of Death.M.F.Total.
Accidents—
  Poisoning10515
  Conflagration10515
  Burns, scalds161228
  Asphyxia181129
  Drowning14230172
  Shot20121
  Cutting or piercing instruments2 2
  Falls39443
  Mines and quarries25 25
  Machinery6 6
  Crushing, vehicles, railways, land-slides, &c.12514139
  Injuries by animals9312
  Electrocuted1 1
  Fractures (cause not shown)24832
Homicide—
  By firearms325
  By cutting or piercing instruments3 3
  By other means224
Starvation1 1
Exposure1 1
Effects of heat1 1
Other external violence36440
Totals494101595

SUICIDES.

The suicidal deaths in 1916 were 147—males 119 and females 28. The rate per 10,000 living was 1.34 in 1916, against an average of 1.22 for the preceding five years. The following table shows the means of self-destruction employed:—

SUICIDES, 1916.

Mode of Death.M.F.Total.
Hanging or strangulation38442
Firearms24 24
Cutting or piercing instruments30535
Poison91019
Drowning8614
Asphyxia123
Other modes9110
Total suicides11928147

MAORI DEATHS.

The following table shows the numbers of Maoris registered under section 20 of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1912, since its coming into force. The numbers registered under the main Act are also given.

Year.Under Section 20 of Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1912.Under Main Act.
Males.Females.Totals.Totals.
* Not shown separately.
1913**41261
191438234172342
191542436278631
191643232976147

These deaths are not included in the numbers quoted elsewhere in this subsection.

DEATHS IN COOK ISLANDS.

As explained in the Births subsection of this book, a system of compulsory registration of deaths is now ruling in the Cook Islands.

The following figures of deaths are extracted from the annual report of the Cook Islands Department. Figures for Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro are not available.

DEATHS IN COOK ISLANDS, 1916.

Islands.No. of Deaths.Islands.No. of Deaths.
* Excluding Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro (no returns).
Rarotonga113Rakahanga (six months)8
Aitutaki50Atiu22
Mangaia41Niue128
Penrhyn4  
Manihiki (six months)13Total*379

SUBSECTION D.—MORBIDITY.

DEATH-RATES are of great value as indicating the relative healthiness of different countries, or for different years. The statistics of causes of registered deaths are of further use as showing the incidence of fatal diseases or accidents, and as indicating in a general way the relative rise or fall of diseases over a series of years. For instance, the fall in the incidence of tuberculosis and the increase in cancer (discussed in Subsection C of this section) can be readily traced from the records of deaths attributed to these causes in different years.

In comparisons of healthiness based on death-rates, however, the effect of the advance of medical science in recent years is not taken into account. It is common knowledge that many diseases regarded a few decades ago as incurable now give a fair percentage of recoveries. Similarly the death-rates in epidemics are now much lower than formerly, owing partly to the steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease, partly to the necessity of early notification in most countries, and partly to increased medical knowledge. Again, many diseases seldom or never result fatally.

Of recent years much attention has been devoted in different countries to the possibility or otherwise of obtaining reliable statistics of sickness. In certain of the American States an attempt has been made to obtain from medical men returns of all patients dealt with, giving the nature and duration of illness. In Russia, also, there has been inaugurated a system of notification of cases of sickness.

In New Zealand certain infectious diseases are notifiable, but beyond this the only record of sickness other than fatal is that ascertainable from the returns of discharges from public hospitals. In the absence of full statistics of sickness, however, the information obtained from the two sources mentioned is of considerable use, and gives a fair indication of the prevalence of the more important diseases.

NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

The diseases declared to be infectious diseases within the meaning of the Public Health Act, and consequently notifiable, are,—

* Including cerebro-spinal fever, cerebral typhus, petechial fever, malignant purpuric fever.

† Including milk-fever, sapræmia, acute sepsis, septicæmia.

Enteric fever.Beriberi.
Typhus fever.Tuberculosis.
Smallpox.Cerebro-spinal meningitis.*
Scarlet fever, scarlatina.Poliomyelitis.
Diphtheria.Hydatids.
Cholera.Puerperal fever.†
Plague.Ophthalmia neonatorum.
Leprosy.Trachoma.
Septicæmia.Bilharziosis.
Actinomycosis 

During the year 1916 a total of 9,779 cases of infectious disease were notified to the Public Health Department, scarlet fever taking first place with 4,278. The figures are as follows:—

Disease.Health District.Totals.
Auckland.Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, and Marlborough.Canterbury and Westland.Otago and Southland.
Enteric fever5362312910806
Scarlet fever1,2591,0731,5733734,278
Diphtheria5621,3513011622,376
Ophthalmia neonatorum656 17
Septicæmia (including puerperal)66563418174
Tuberculosis303186249212950
Infantile paralysis54638265251,018
Cerebro-spinal meningitis42681411135
Hydatids2712425
Totals3,3223,3592,2838159.779

Diphtheria appears to be much less prevalent in Otago than in the more northern portions of the Dominion, and enteric fever is practically confined to the North Island. It is interesting to note the seasonal incidence of the various notifiable infectious diseases. A table has been compiled showing the number of cases reported during each month of 1916:—

Month.Enteric Fever.Scarlet Fever.Diphtheria.Ophthalmia Neonatorum.Septicæmia (including Puerperal).Tuberculosis.Infantile Paralysis.Cerebro-spinal Meningitis.Hydatids.
January61146994763119181
February77443116 1080319201
March69178190 1610532095
April863591881125816793
May105303279 18704453
June66262280 1061195 
July46445252 1867981
August4026922851680591
September68633210424109416
October77271211 10874302
November57523169115814112
December5444615421889410 
Totals8064,2782,376171749501,01813525

A serious outbreak of the much-discussed infantile paralysis or acute anterior poliomyelitis occurred in the early part of 1916, the North Island being the scene of its principal activities. This is not the first outbreak of the disease in New Zealand, a similar, but less serious epidemic having visited the South Island two years earlier, and isolated cases having been reported from time to time during recent years.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS: ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES.

The total admissions to public hospitals in New Zealand during 1916 numbered 37,834. There were 2,739 patients in hospital at the beginning of the year, the total cases dealt with during the year being thus 40,573, equal to 369 per 10,000 of mean population, including Maoris. The total number of persons treated is somewhat less than the number of cases, each admission being counted a separate case.

Of the 40,573 cases, 24,244 were discharged as recovered, including a number of tuberculosis cases in which the patient was described as able to work or as having had the disease arrested. In 9,289 cases the patient was discharged relieved, and in 1,313 cases as unrelieved. Deaths in hospital numbered 2,739, or 6.75 per cent. of cases dealt with. The number of deaths in hospital is equal to nearly 24 per cent. of the total deaths registered in 1916, including Maoris. The figures of admissions, discharges, and deaths for each of the public hospitals of the Dominion, other than St. Helens Maternity Homes, are given in the table following, together with the numbers of patients in hospital at the beginning and end of the year. There are 63 public general hospitals, 4 fever or infectious-diseases hospitals, and 5 sanatoria for consumptives.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—ADMISSIONS, DISCHARGES, ETC., 1916.

Hospital.Patients remaining on 1st January, 1916.Admissions during 1916Discharges during 1916.Deaths in Hospital during 1916.Patients remaining on 31st December, 1916.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.
Mangonui111069251613
Bay of Islands413910323278
Hokianga18259235831615
Northern Wairoa11257181568203
Whangarei335113738844732
Auckland3195,2183,4121,24595411374
Waikato1061,4611,10221226108119
Cambridge Sanatorium53156616661264
Taumarunui72432001521122
Waihi3041127411542325
Thames3486459321374837
Coromandel6684024 64
Mercury Bay134277 1 
Waiapu447325 68
Cook741,000722188137774
Wairoa81561043411510
Napier1501,34697919544122156
Waipawa2436228257111818
Dannevirke223022352892428
Taranaki461,02283596115868
Stratford82421586711212
Hawera223902846852431
Patea9169140171515
Wanganui761,2128282403783100
Taihape619014034 1012
Palmerston North701,099871133486750
Pahiatua71681044411412
Masterton24510272188153227
Hospital.Patients remaining on 1st January, 1916.Admissions during 1916.Discharges during 1916.Deaths in Hospital during 1916.Patients remaining on 31st December, 1916.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.
South Wairarapa355745156112129
Wellington3304,6582,5831,63096327352
Otaki3159115207137
Otaki Sanatorium1872412011 18
Wairau2755448024113828
Havelock 50349223
Picton8186161181102
Nelson58643411127375571
Buller212832142513133
Reefton321721153921929
Waiuta Nurses' Home 4439 131
Denniston144366  3
Grey River6542623087485373
Westland332451653833141
Otira 171241  
Kumara324324111831
Totara1015521116
Kaikoura1382113311
Christchurch2093,5171,8911,046294260235
Lyttelton Casualty Ward 20119   
Bottle Lake Fever Hospital257957473201634
Cashmere Hills Sanatorium598350214364
Coronation Hospital for Consumptives3852118131543
Akaroa1115421 
Ashburton2335026454102421
Timaru64654357243104860
Timaru Infectious Diseases112233    
Waimate142552043041219
Oamaru152692082991721
Palmerston Sanatorium44119405223345
Port Chalmers327181011 
Logan Pt. Fever Hospital6535221 4
Dunedin2283,3611,0511,773242300223
Tuapeka5694417544
Kaitangata134332   
Tapanui15830206 3
Maniototo78158112107
Dunstan5613793134
Cromwell8875427752
Wakatipu45819224611
Gore191991502871716
Southland741,069722217477681
Kew Infectious Diseases39376  218
Wallace and Fiord172722093761918
Totals2,73937,83424,2449,2891,3132,7392,988

AGES OF PATIENTS.

The ages of patients discharged from or dying in public hospitals during 1915 and 1916 are as shown in the following summary:—

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—AGES OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED OR DYING.

Ages of Patients, in Years.1915.1916.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Under 51,6241,1212,7452,1541,5743,728
5 and under 101,6071,2492,8562,1061,7673,873
10 ” 151,1638782,0411,4741,2132,687
15 ” 254,0832,5136,5964,3572,8967,253
25 ” 354,0073,0237,0304,3603,2877,647
35 ” 452,7071,8874,5942,9442,0374,981
45 ” 551,6129102,5221,8161,0182,834
55 ” 651,2295271,7561,3635391,902
65 and over1,7685132,2811,9735742,547
Unspecified110391497360133
Totals19,91012,66032,57022,62014,96537,585

SUMMARY OF DISEASES, ETC.

The Bertillon system of classification of diseases and causes of death divides such into fourteen well-defined classes, which are further subdivided into 189 orders. The table following shows that Class I, “General diseases,” is first on the list as regards both discharges and deaths. Diseases of the digestive system come next in point of numbers, but the death-rate is low. Violence comes third on the list, and here again the death-rate is low, owing to the preponderance of simple fractures, cuts, bruises, &c.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES, 1916.

Class.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.Males.Females.
I. General diseases6,2341,9944605343695,4564,135
II. Diseases of the nervous system and of the organs of special sense9151,209249191941,6421,016
III. Diseases of the circulatory system1,30157746158711,632521
IV. Diseases of the respiratory system2,563936531891042,3261,519
V. Diseases of the digestive system4,9711,0591111991173,8192,638
VI. Diseases of the genitourinary system and annexa1,90782888115629212,079
VII. Puerperal condition9221217 43 1,093
VIII. Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue1,0543831725121,033458
IX. Diseases of the organs of locomotion592419281812757312
X. Malformations27956109830062
XI. Diseases of early infancy5025628197058
XII. Old age25171801163433690
XIII. External violence3,0331,16184128313,777660
XIV. Ill-defined causes398350743419551324
Totals24,2449,2891,3131,74499522,62014,695

More detailed information concerning certain of the principal diseases and groups of diseases is given in the following pages. The “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand" (Volume I) contain detailed information for each hospital.

EPIDEMIC GENERAL DISEASES.

The first diseases in the Bertillon classification are the “General diseases,” the first nineteen orders of which cover epidemic diseases. The principal epidemic general diseases dealt with in public hospitals are scarlet fever and diphtheria. There are four special hospitals for the treatment of these and similar infectious diseases, all situated in the South Island. Several hospitals have fever wings attached.

A table of the epidemic general diseases dealt with in public hospitals during 1916 is given. The figures in this and following tables throughout this subsection deal with the discharges and deaths only, and not with patients remaining in hospital at the end of the year, who will be included in the figures for 1917 or such other year of discharge or death.

EPIDEMIC GENERAL DISEASES, 1916.

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Typhoid fever45058153817422156
Mediterranean fever..1......1..
Malaria5..7....12..
Measles2601071319784
Scarlet fever2,03683510168411,264
Whooping-cough1412....51021
Diphtheria1,4563155150752841
Croup74..2186
Influenza349276 128697
Dysentery66311419013
Leprosy..11....2..
Erysipelas7751315433
Chicken-pox61......52
Maori-pox1........1..
Varicella2........11
Rotheln2........2..
German measles91......10..
Filiariasis....1....1..
Totals4,74010079109952,6935,213

The rate of mortality over the whole group was very low, being 2.58 per cent. Diphtheria caused more deaths than typhoid fever, and considerably more than scarlet fever.

TUBERCULOSIS.

Tuberculosis occupies eight orders in the classification of diseases, but is usually divided into two groups—viz., pulmonary tuberculosis and other forms of tuberculosis. In the following table an attempt has been made to show in detail the part of the body affected. Pulmonary tuberculosis, with which is included tuberculosis (undefined) and acute miliary tuberculosis, comprises 68.24 per cent. of the total of 1,543 cases of tubercular diseases, and 74.30 per cent of the deaths.

TUBERCULOSIS CASES IN HOSPITALS, 1916.

Form of Tuberculosis.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Believed.Unrelieved.Males.FemalesMales.Females
Tuberculosis of lungs21049413813774669384
Tuberculosis of brain..1..1..2..
Tubercular meningitis12..20192220
Abdominal tuberculosis9346842635
Tuberculosis of spine1111 117
Spinal caries11341 136
Pott's disease29......83
Lumbar abscess32......32
Psoas abscess55..1..101
Tuberculosis of thigh12......21
“ hip13557415525
“ knee63312 2022
“ ankle25......52
“ shoulder..1......1..
“ elbow..1......1..
“ wrist..2......3..
“ hand1........1..
“ foot24......24
“ bones571....85
“ kidney11041..133
“glands3032..2 4129
Tubercular adenitis781..189
Tuberculosis of bladder....3....21
Tuberculosis of genital organs1417..1 293
Tubercular abscess84......48
“ sinus2411145
“ ulcer2........11
Lupus..2......11
Disseminated tuberculosis..1..3141
Totals332759168182102964579

Five sanatoria for the treatment of tuberculosis cases are situated in suitable districts throughout the Dominion. The classification in use at these institutions is somewhat different to that of general hospitals as regards condition of patients on discharge. The actual classifications in use at the various sanatoria are,—

Cambridge: Much improved; improved; stationary.

Otaki: Able to work; relieved; unrelieved.

Cashmere Hills and Coronation Hospital, Christchurch: Disease arrested; much improved; improved; not improved.

Palmerston: Apparently cured; disease arrested; improved; unimproved.

The figures of recoveries given above include the first-mentioned class in each case (the first two for Palmerston). The last-mentioned corresponds to “unrelieved" in each case, and all other classifications rank as “relieved.”

VENEREAL DISEASES.

The total number of discharges and deaths in which the disease was definitely shown to be venereal was 247, including 16 deaths. Syphilis was the disease assigned in 218 cases, and various forms of gonococcic infection in the remaining 129 cases. There is reason to believe that the totals given do not include all such cases dealt with in the public hospitals, incomplete classification on the return cards being probably responsible for a number of venereal cases being placed elsewhere in the tabulation. Again, the Medical Superintendent of a hospital, in stating the disease for which a patient is treated, is concerned not with the cause of the complaint, but rather with the actual facts of the case as they appear before him, so that most cases of diseases of syphilitic origin in which, for the time being at least, the venereal disease has ceased to be of primary importance are returned under the heading of the disease for which the patient is treated.

CANCER.

Of recent years cancer has come into great prominence amongst causes of death, now ranking in New Zealand second only to heart-disease in point of number of deaths. Information as to deaths and death-rates from cancer is given in Subsection C of this section.

The total number of deaths in public hospitals in 1916 where cancer was assigned as the cause was 261 (males 169, females 92). In addition 153 patients treated for cancer were discharged as recovered, 169 as relieved, and 136 as unrelieved. Very few of the recoveries were in cases of internal cancer, and but a small proportion of the deaths in cases of surface cancer. It is noticeable that with but seven exceptions cancer of the mouth and its annexa was confined to males. A table is given showing the seat of the disease in all cases of discharge or death during 1916. In 73 cases the location cannot be given on account of the disease being returned merely as “cancer." In a number of other similar cases the nature of the operation was the only means of enabling the seat of the disease to be allocated.

CANCER CASES.—DISCHARGES FROM AND DEATHS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, 1916.

Seat of Disease.Discharges.Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females
Males.FemalesMales.FemalesMales.Females
Mouth1 1   1 
Jaw3 113 5 
Lip333911 2 
Tongue61111015 
Cheek  1   1 
Tonsils    2 2 
Pharynx  1   2 
œsophagus.  2 1 51
Stomach21126157419
Pylorus1 221  1
Liver  3352108
Peritonæum     2  
Omentum   1    
Bowels  112142
Intestines      2 
Cæcum  1  13 
Colon  11  33
Sigmoid 1311  4
Rectum 263101116
Ileum      1 
Anus 1      
Mesentery      1 
Uterus 11 7 7 10
Neck of uterus 7 4 6 2
Ovary   1   1
Female genital organ (not specified)   1   3
Breast 33 23 4 8
Ear31  2   
Nose1   1 1 
Eye (rodent ulcer)1       
Face32211332
Rodent ulcer (undefined)63321 22
Epithelioma (undefined)4 3111  
Brain  3     
Eye (carcinoma)   1    
Parotid  1   21
Neck21624131
Glands of neck1 4 2 21
Throat  11  22
Lung  1 1 31
Chest    2 1 
Mediastinum      1 
Scapula  1   1 
Clavicle       1
Axilla  211   
Hand232   1 
Spine    1   
Pelvis    1   
Larynx 11   61
Endocardium      1 
Abdomen   13 1 
Pancreas      33
Kidney    1 1 
Bladder  1 1283
Prostate1 1 3 7 
Male genital organs1 2   1 
Femur    1   
Leg1   1   
Foot 11     
Melanotic carcinoma  1 1   
Glands (other than neck)5  32 12
Not specified22513871915
Totals79748683904616992

OTHER GENERAL DISEASES.

The principal of the remaining general diseases are as follows:—

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females
Non-puerperal septicæmia26673130247123
Tetanus32 9113
Non-malignant tumours129473410776
Acute rheumatism280223108315206
Chronic rheumatism and gout6331013416
Diabetes63910264140
Exophthalmic goitre434391139
Leucæmia134677
Anæmia and chlorosis32566183874
Alcoholism177113112127448

Diabetes, exophthalmic goitre, leucæmia, and pernicious anæmia are usually fatal, and if occurring in conjunction with practically any other disease must take precedence as the cause of death. Only 7 recoveries are recorded in the case of pernicious anæmia, the remaining 24 being due to other forms of anæmia. Sixteen of the 18 deaths from anæmia are due to the pernicious type of the disease.

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

The diseases of the nervous system, following the Bertillon classification, are as follows:—

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females
Abscess of brain 1 34 
Meningitis33151677640
Locomotor ataxia12373322
Other diseases of the spinal cord2512462478374225
Apoplexy, cerebral hæmorrhage7253566031
Paralysis without specified cause2492203211652
Other forms of mental alienation124210668383
Epilepsy16791968931
Convulsions911121310
Convulsions of infants2013 41918
Chorea32161 2128
Neuralgia, neuritis182179214220166
Other nervous diseases841812420156153
Totals6719232272811,263839

This class shows a fairly high death-rate over the whole group, the rate, however, being greatly reduced by the inclusion of such minor complaints as neuralgia and neurasthenia, which represent a fair proportion of the total cases dealt with. Among the discharges it is noticed that the number of cases returned as recovered is considerably less than those classified as relieved or unrelieved.

The diseases included under “Other diseases of the spinal cord" are as follows. The outbreak of infantile paralysis early in the year is seen to have been responsible for the great majority of the cases.

 Discharges.Deaths.
Spinal sclerosis32
Myelitis24
Infantile paralysis46257
Poliomyelitis449
Polioencephalitis 1
Progressive muscular atrophy1 
Paralysis agitans11
Tumour of spinal cord1 
Disseminated sclerosis72
Spinal paralysis 1
Hæmorrhage of spinal cord 1
Totals52178

The large percentage of mental cases shown as unrelieved is due to the inclusion of a number of such cases being admitted to hospital for observation. It is not usual for mental patients to be treated in hospital for any length of time. Many mental patients are transferred from the public general hospitals to the mental hospitals.

Neurasthenia was the complaint in 216 of the 309 cases shown above for “Other nervous diseases." Cerebral tumours accounted for 14 of the 20 deaths.

DISEASES OF THE EYES.

Eye troubles were responsible for admission to hospital in no fewer than 530 of the cases discharged from hospital during 1916. There were only 3 deaths from these causes. A summary of the various diseases of the eyes dealt with may be of interest.

DISEASES OF THE EYES.—DISCHARGES FROM HOSPITAL, 1916.

Disease.Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Deaths.Total.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Foreign body in eye828     162
Strabismus71158    1219
Keratitis451051   1510
Glaucoma429101   1412
Iritis2352072   4512
Corneal ulcer2582421   5010
Cataract17124424841 7040
Conjunctivitis1811157  1 3418
Pterygium3 41    71
Other diseases (including undefined)3527502154 19053
Totals144831898518821353177

Injuries to the eyes, other than those due to the presence of some foreign body, are included in the “accident" class. There were 139 cases of injury to the eyes in 1916.

DISEASES OF THE EARS.

Diseases of the ears dealt with in hospital appear to be much fewer than eye-diseases. The total number in 1916 was 171, including otitis media 94, and otorrhœa 12. Only 2 deaths were recorded.

DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.

Organic diseases of the heart are the most important in this class. The deaths of 97 males and 45 females in hospital were due to heart-disease, while the returns show that 35 patients treated for various forms of organic heart-disease were discharged as recovered, 271 as relieved, and 20 as unrelieved. Three hundred and seventy-eight patients were treated for varicose veins, 131 for varicose ulcers, 436 for varicocele, 212 for hæmorrhoids, and 29 for phlebitis, only 3 deaths resulting. Diseases of the glands and other diseases of the lymphatic system were returned in 235 cases, of which one was fatal.

Diseases of the circulatory system do not occupy a very prominent position in the statistics of hospital cases. Evidently in a high proportion of the large number of deaths registered in which heart-disease is assigned as the cause, the general state of health has not been such as to cause admission to hospital.

TONSILS AND ADENOIDS.

In the classification of diseases adenoids rank as a disease of the respiratory system, while treatment of the tonsils is included under the digestive system. As, however, many children are admitted to hospital for the removal of tonsils and adenoids at the same time, it is well to discuss these two complaints together.

During 1916, adenoids alone was the cause shown in 293 cases, tonsils alone in 494 cases, while in 1,019 cases the treatment was for both tonsils and adenoids. Only 2 deaths were recorded. The medical inspection of school-children is responsible for the admission of a large proportion of these cases to public hospitals.

BRONCHITIS AND PNEUMONIA

Bronchitis, broncho-pneumonia, and pneumonia represent a big proportion of the non-tuberculous diseases of the respiratory system. The figures for hospitals for 1916 are,—

Discharges.Deaths.Totals.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.
Acute bronchitis256133239296134
Chronic bronchitis734 134014
Broncho-pneumonia1341814010885
Pneumonia450517131437202
Totals84723610223881435

OTHER RESPIRATORY DISEASES.

Diseases of the respiratory system, not already enumerated, include,—

Disease.Cases. 
* Other than adenoids.
Pleurisy315 
Empyema80 
Goitre86 
Thyroid disease42 
Laryngitis53 
Diseases of nose and nasal fossæ*379 
Asthma133 
Hæmoptysis14 
Hydatids of lungs17 
Other diseases98 
Total1217 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.

The principal diseases of the stomach were as follows:—

Disease.Cases.
Gastritis464
Ulcer of stomach169
Dyspepsia44
Hæmatemesis24
Gastric catarrh19
Other diseases173
Total893

Diseases of the œsophagus, numbering 22, are not included.

Ulcer of the stomach was fatal in 19 cases, gastritis in 20, hæmatemesis in 2, and other diseases in 5.

DIARRHœA AND ENTERITIS.

The total cases of diarrhœa and enteritis included in the returns were 540, including 61 deaths. Forty-seven of the deaths were of children under two years of age.

APPENDICITIS.

Appendicitis ranks high among hospital cases, but the death-rate is exceedingly low. During 1916 only 58 deaths occurred out of a total of 2,109 cases dealt with, representing a percentage of 2.75. Of the discharges, 1,845 were returned as recoveries, 194 as relieved, and 12 as unrelieved. The males dealt with numbered 1,094, and females 1,015.

HERNIA, INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.

Hernia cases included in the returns of discharges and deaths for 1916 numbered 988, including only 16 deaths. Included in the total are 453 shown as inguinal hernia, 26 as umbilical hernia, 23 as femoral hernia, 51 as ventral hernia, and 435 as hernia undefined. Intussusception cases numbered 30, and intestinal obstruction (so defined) 93 cases, of which 36 were fatal.

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

Non-cancerous diseases of the liver were responsible for 43 deaths in hospital during 1916. Discharges of patients treated for liver-diseases numbered 334. Of the total discharges and deaths, 142 cases were attributed to gall-stones (including 113 females), 31 to cirrhosis, 67 to jaundice, 51 to cholecystitis, and 61 to hydatids.

DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM.

Diseases of the kidneys and other portions of the urinary system numbered 1,083; details are given in the following table:—

DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM.

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.
Acute nephritis69583328676
Bright's disease7184112713
Chronic nephritis3171162512
Uræmia21118157
Albuminuria67  76
Pyelitis48291 2355
Hæmaturia1511211910
Movable kidney14101 124
Pyelonephritis33 244
Pyonephrosis23 546
Hydronephrosis62  35
Abscess of kidney77 2115
Other kidney diseases724162414
Renal colic1414 1209
Renal stone131223219
Stone in bladder or urethra63  72
Nephrolithiasis 2 121
Retention of urine4637468211
Cystitis64596258767
Other diseases of bladder1516 22112
Stricture of urethra55571410413
Enlargement of prostate4748925129 
Totals44943836160722361

DISEASES OF THE GENITAL ORGANS.

Non-venereal diseases of the male genital organs numbered 199, including orchitis 58, and hydrocele 97. No deaths in hospital were due to these causes.

Diseases of the female genital organs, other than cancer or those diseases shown to be venereal or puerperal, are an important group in hospital cases, though the death-rate is exceedingly low. The total cases passing through public hospitals in 1916 were 1,599, including only 17 deaths. The list is shown on the next page.

DISEASES OF FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS.

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.
Uterine hæmorrhage5927  86
Uterine tumour912064121
Prolapse of uterus1152361145
Retroflexion of uterus128  20
Retroversion of uterus25420111286
Anteflexion of uterus11  2
Endometritis129321 162
Metritis352  37
Parametritis2  2 
Dysmenorrhœa25171 43
Leucorrhœa1271 20
Menopause 1  1
Pelvic cellulitis68  14
Pelvic abscess175 123
Pelvic inflammation915  24
Other diseases of uterus21380104307
Ovarian cysts1041784133
Salpingitis862731117
Other diseases43111156
Totals1,21332148171,599

The above figures do not include 119 cases of diseases of the female breast (mastitis 30, tumour 38, abscess 49, and Paget's disease 2).

PUERPERAL CONDITION.

A total of 1,093 cases come under the heading of puerperal. This number includes 203 cases of normal childbirth dealt with at public general hospitals, but does not cover maternity cases in St. Helens Hospitals.

PUERPERAL ACCIDENTS, ETC.

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.
Miscarriage19714 3214
Abortion28728 5320
Ectopic gestation479 359
Other accidents of pregnancy50163170
Normal labour1802021203
Puerperal hæmorrhage17   17
Ruptured perinæum3431 38
Other accidents of labour53171576
Puerperal septicæmia323 1954
Puerperal albuminuria228 535
Puerperal phlebitis and phlegmasia21  3
Puerperal mania12 14
Totals9221217431,093

SKIN-DISEASES.

The principal diseases of the skin and annexa were as follows:—

Disease.Cases.
Abscess448
Ulcers213
Eczema148
Cellulitis136
Sinus85
Ingrown nail56
Carbuncle42
Scabies34
Gangrene30
Dermatitis28
Whitlow27
Herpes26
Furuncle17
Boils15
Other186
Total1,491

Deaths numbered 37, including 9 from cellulitis, 5 from abscess, and 14 from gangrene.

DISEASES OF BONES, ETC.

Non-tuberculous diseases of the bones and of the organs of locomotion numbered 1,069, including 30 deaths. Twenty-one of the deaths were due to osteomyelitis. The principal diseases in this class, following the order of the classification, were,—

Disease.Cases.
Caries3
Necrosis85
Osteomyelitis120
Periostitis51
Osteitis18
Mastoiditis118
Sinusitis9
Antrum disease23
Other diseases of bones50
Arthritis70
Synovitis124
Other diseases of joints75
Amputations (cause not shown)19
Bursitis60
Talipes33
Lumbago51
Muscular rheumatism7
Other diseases of organs of locomotion153
Total1,069

MALFORMATIONS.

Male infants to the number of 226 were discharged from hospital after treatment for phimosis. Other malformations were,—

 Cases.
Cleft palate26
Nævus27
Hare-lip11
Hydrocephalus6
Spina bifida4
Hypospadias3
Others59
Total136

Seventeen deaths were recorded, 3 each from spina bifidia and cleft palates, 4 from hydrocephalus, and 7 from “others.”

EARLY INFANCY.

Forty-seven deaths are recorded as having been due to diseases of early infancy. The chief items in this class are marasmus (29 deaths) and premature birth (9 deaths). The total discharges and deaths amounted to only 128, thus the deaths amounted to the high percentage of 36.75 to the total cases treated.

OLD AGE.

Hospital returns show a total of 116 male deaths and 34 female deaths from old age during 1916. In addition 25 old people treated for senility were discharged recovered, 171 relieved, and 80 unrelieved. These totals include the returns of five hospitals which are also old people's homes.

VIOLENCE.

The principal headings included in this class are fractures and injuries in regard to which no specified cause is shown. In death-registrations the cause of death is asked for, and in cases of deaths resulting from fractures and other injuries the actual cause is obtained. The Medical Superintendents are, however, concerned not with causes but with natures of injuries, and the returns, in the great majority of cases, are classed under the headings “fractures" and “injuries,” which in death statistics would be regarded as somewhat indefinite, but which in morbidity statistics are invaluable on account of the fact that the part of the body affected is given in most of the cases. Fractures and injuries are dealt with in detail further on.

Four suicidal deaths in hospital were returned in 1916, and 24 of the patients discharged were admitted for treatment for self-inflicted injuries. A number of cases of lysol poisoning included among accidental poisoning may have been attempts at suicide.

Accidental poisoning, including cases not shown to be suicidal, was returned in 104 cases, including 88 of ptomaine poisoning. Two hundred and nineteen cases of burns, 323 of accidental shooting, 344 of injuries by cutting or piercing instruments, 1 by fall, and 120 by crushing are also shown. Thirteen persons were treated for effects of heat, 2 for effects of excessive cold, 1 for electrocution, 12 for injuries inflicted by animals, 4 for injuries due to explosions, and 8 for foreign body in larynx or pharynx. The total deaths in hospitals during the year from causes coming under the heading of “Violence" were 159 out of a total of 4,437 cases.

FRACTURES, DISLOCATIONS, ETC.

The part of the body affected in the 1,469 cases of fractures referred to above is shown in full in the next table:—

Fractures.Cases.
Fracture of skull97
Fracture of jaw35
Fracture of nose3
Dislocated neck1
Fracture of clavicle57
Dislocation of shoulder48
Fracture of scapula4
Fracture of humerus102
Dislocation of elbow46
Fracture of radius20
Fracture of ulna12
Fracture of arm73
Dislocation of wrist15
Colles fracture36
Fractured metacarpal8
Dislocation of fingers12
Fracture of spine8
Fracture of sternum1
Fracture of ribs96
Fracture of pelvis16
Dislocation of hip16
Fracture of thigh17
Fracture of femur143
Fracture of patella10
Dislocation of knee8
Dislocation of semi-lunar cartilage36
Fracture of tibia123
Fracture of fibula34
Fracture of leg163
Pott's fracture54
Sprained ankle76
Dislocation of foot5
Fracture of metatarses8
Dislocation of toe8
Fracture, undefined72
Total1,469

The total shown includes 71 deaths, 38 of which were due to fracture of the skull.

INJURIES DUE TO UNDEFINED CAUSE.

A list is given showing the part of the body affected in those cases of accidental injuries, other than fractures, in which the cause is not shown on the patients' discharge-cards. Only 39 deaths are included, 11 of which were due to injuries to the head or brain. The indefinite designation “injury" or “wound" was returned in 175 cases.

Location.Cases.
Head and brain256
Scalp86
Eye139
Face87
Neck, &c.21
Shoulder43
Arm69
Elbow15
Wrist21
Hand86
Fingers91
Spine22
Back83
Ribs and chest44
Kidneys15
Liver6
Abdomen27
Groin2
Hip42
Thigh34
Knee108
Leg13
Bladder3
Pelvis5
Buttock4
Ankle33
Foot96
Toes24
Tendon5
Undefined175
Total1,776

Chapter 5. SECTION V.—PUBLIC HEALTH, HOSPITALS, ETC.

SUBSECTION A.—PUBLIC HEALTH.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACT.

THE Public Health Act, 1900, repealed eight amending and allied Acts dating from 1876 to 1900. The Public Health Act, 1900, with amendments in 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1907, in the general consolidation of the New Zealand Statutes, now forms the Public Health Act, 1908. This consists of four parts.

Part I provides for the constitution of a Department of Public Health under the control of a Minister of the Crown, called the Minister of Public Health, and also enables the Dominion to be divided up into health districts, each health district being placed under a District Health Officer, who must possess special knowledge of sanitary and bacteriological science. These officers, and such inspectors and other officers who may be appointed by the Governor, are under the control of and responsible to the Chief Health Officer.

Part II deals with sanitation and the prevention of infectious diseases. The initial clauses under this part are more particularly designed to be made use of in the case of an outbreak of any dangerous infectious disease. These diseases have been declared to be plague, smallpox, leprosy, and cholera. The subsequent sections of this part deal with the notification and prevention of the spread of infectious diseases. By the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Act, 1910, the Hospital Boards throughout the Dominion are made the local authorities under this Act for all matters relating to infectious diseases. Notification of the latter is required to be made to the Hospital Board and the District Health Officer.

Under “Sanitation" the abatement of nuisances; the prevention of pollution of watercourses, the control of offensive trades, the removal or repairing of insanitary buildings, and other similar matters are dealt with; and the functions of the District Health Officer and the Inspectors in regard thereto are laid down. Generally speaking, in addition to his duties under the Public Health Act, the District Health Officer acts in the advisory capacity of a medical officer of health to the several municipalities and other local governing bodies in his district.

Part III deals with quarantine, and Part IV with vaccination, both of which are referred to below.

DIPLOMAS IN PUBLIC HEALTH.

The New Zealand University Amendment Act, 1912, confers on the Senate of the New Zealand University the power to grant diplomas in public health, and to make regulations for the examination of candidates for such diplomas.

QUARANTINE.

The quarantine laws are administered by the officers of the Department of Public Health, under authority of the Public Health Act, 1908. The Act provides for the proclamation of infected places in or beyond the Dominion, and every ship arriving at a New Zealand port from or after having touched at an infected place is liable to quarantine, and this liability extends to every person on board such ship. No persons or goods are allowed to be landed from an infected ship except at the appointed quarantine-ground, and any restrictions that may be deemed necessary to prevent the spread of infection may be enforced by the Health Officers. Heavy fines may be inflicted for any breach of these laws.

A medical practitioner may be appointed to take charge of passengers and crew of a ship liable to quarantine, and the owners or agents of the ship are liable for the cost of such attendance. It is the duty of the owners or agents of the ship to supply the passengers with such wholesome provisions and medicines as the medical man in charge directs or requires. All expenses incurred in connection with the disinfection or destruction of infected goods are a charge against the ship.

Regulations under the Act direct the manner in which the ship and the quarantine quarters must be disinfected, and the precautions to be taken by those on board the ship. Suspected ships are liable to the same precautions as those infected, and healthy ships—i.e., those on board which there has been no case of infectious disease though they have sailed from or touched at an infected port, or have communicated with an infected ship—are liable to fumigation if directed by the Health Officer, and the method of mooring is set out.

No vessel may be admitted to pratique between the hours of sunset and sunrise unless under exceptional circumstances.

VACCINATION.

The procedure under the law as to vaccination is as follows: The Registrar of Births issues a notice when a birth is registered, with forms for certificate as to the result of vaccination attached. Vaccination is compulsory, if exemption is not secured in four months from date of birth. But everything is subject to the provisions of the “exemption clause,” which is the main feature, and governs the rest. Any parent or custodian who has conscientious objections—believing that vaccination would be injurious to the child's health—can apply for a certificate of exemption to a Magistrate or to a Registrar of Births; and, when the child's parent or guardian is resident outside of a borough, the application may be made to and certificate granted by a Justice of the Peace.

When no exemption certificate is obtained, the law allows the parent twelve months from date of birth in which to vaccinate, and a similar period from date of taking charge of child in case of a custodian There are penalties for not vaccinating, but one conviction for neglecting to vaccinate a child removes liability until the child is four years of age.

In 1899 the proportion of successful vaccinations of children under one year of age to the total births was 17.94 per cent. In 1901 the proportion fell to 9.68 per cent., but rose in 1903 to 25.50 on account of a slight outbreak of smallpox. The rate per 100 births then fell year by year until in 1912 it reached only 1.26, the vaccinations of children under one year of age numbering 347, and the total vaccinations for the year being 545, exclusive of Maoris.

An outbreak of smallpox occurred in the latter half of 1913, principally among the Maoris of the Auckland District, this resulting in an unprecedented number of vaccinations. The total successful vaccinations for the year were approximately 139,250, of which 132,800 were in the North Island. These figures include adults and children, Europeans and Maoris, it being impossible to obtain complete figures as to race and age of those vaccinated.

Forty-six thousand five hundred and nineteen exemption certificates were issued from the 13th October, 1900, to the end of the year 1913. Of these only 3,502 belong to the year 1913, as against 7,270 in the preceding year.

No information is available as to vaccinations and exemptions during 1914, 1915, and 1916.

REGISTRATION OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.

Under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1914, is constituted the Medical Board of New Zealand, consisting of the Inspector-General of Hospitals and six other registered medical practitioners, who are appointed to the Board by the Governor-General, the term of appointment being a three-yearly one. The Board elects its own Chairman annually, the Inspector-General of Hospitals at present occupying the position.

The Board deals with all applications for registration under the Act, which enacts that every person shall be entitled to registration who satisfies the Board that he is a graduate in medicine and surgery of the University of New Zealand; or registered on the register kept in accordance with the provisions of the Acts regulating the registration of medical practitioners in the United Kingdom, or eligible for registration on such last-mentioned register; or the holder of a foreign diploma, approved by the Board, and granted by any university or institution other than the University of New Zealand or than a university or institution situated in the United Kingdom, after a course of not less than five years' study of the subjects pertaining to a medical and surgical degree or license. The Board may, however, refuse to approve any diploma unless it appears that New Zealand graduates are without further examination entitled to registration in the country granting the diploma.

No person is entitled to be registered if he has been at any time convicted of any offence punishable by imprisonment with hard labour for a term of two years or upwards, or is otherwise not of good fame or character. Applicants who are refused registration have the right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

Application for registration should be made in the first place to the Registrar of Births and Deaths at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Dunedin. One month's notice of intended application must be given, and such notice advertised once in the New Zealand Gazette and also in a newspaper circulating near the residence of the applicant. Residence in New Zealand is therefore essential before notice can be given.

The fee for registration is £3 3s., payable on deposit of evidence of qualification.

A table is appended showing the additions to and removals from the Medical Register during the last three years, with the numbers on the register on the 1st January and 31st December of each year.

MEDICAL REGISTER.—ADDITIONS AND REMOVALS.

1914.1915.1916.
Number on register on 1st January1,2401,268948
Number added during year by registration412837
Number added during year by restoration  5
Number removed during year on evidence of death13810
Number removed during year by direction of Medical Board—
  Letter not delivered and returned to Registrar-General 30918
  Ceased to practise 20 
  Reported dead 11 
    Number on register on 31st December1,268948962

REGISTRATION OF DENTISTS.

Application for registration as a dentist should be made to the Registrar-General, Wellington, accompanied by a fee of £1.

Every adult person is entitled to be registered as a dentist in New Zealand who is the holder of a degree in dental surgery of the University of New Zealand, or a certificate of proficiency in dentistry obtained from the Senate of the University, or is registered or entitled to be registered as a dentist in the United Kingdom, or is the holder of such degree in dentistry granted in a British possession or a foreign country as may be recognized by the Senate of the New Zealand University. Evidence of good character is required in every case.

A table is appended showing the additions to and removals from the Dentists' Register during the years 1914, 1915, and 1916, with the numbers on the register on the 1st January and 31st December of each year.

DENTISTS' REGISTER.—ADDITIONS AND REMOVALS.

— —1914.1915.1916.
Number on register on 1st January771769767
Number added during year by registration123
Number removed during year on evidence of death343
Number on register on 31st December769767767

SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS.

In order to make better provision for the sale of food and drugs in a pure state, the Sale of Food and Drugs Act was passed by the Legislature, and came into operation on the 1st January, 1908. This Act forms part of and is to be read together with the Public Health Act, 1908.

The Act is administered by the officers of the Public Health Department, and provides for the analysis, by public analysts, of any article of food or drink, or of any drug, which may be sold, offered for sale, or exposed for sale, and for the inspection of any place where there is any food or drug intended for sale. If any such article be proved to be unfit for human consumption, or likely to cause injury to health if consumed, heavy penalties may be inflicted on the person or persons responsible.

Stringent measures are provided for the prevention of adulteration of food, drink, or drugs, and for the inspection of places where such things are manufactured or packed. The selling of light-weight bread is an offence under the Act, as is also the taking back of bread after it has been in the possession of the purchaser for more than an hour.

Any person may, on payment of the prescribed fee, together with the cost of the sample, require any authorized officer to purchase a sample of any food or drug and submit the same for analysis.

Regulations under the Act were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 20th February, 1908, 17th September, 1908, 13th January, 1910, 17th February, 1910, and 6th October, 1910. Standards for the control of the purity of foodstuffs and of drugs, on the lines recommended by the Australian Inter-State Conference, were gazetted as a complete set of regulations on 6th March, 1913.

During the year 1916, 203 charges under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act were dealt with in the Magistrates' Courts, resulting in 155 convictions. Fines were imposed in 130 cases, in one case the convicted person was imprisoned, and in the remaining 24 cases the defendant was convicted and discharged. Seventy of the convictions were for selling adulterated milk, 16 for other offences in connection with the sale of milk, 34 for selling light-weight bread, and 14 for selling light-weight butter.

During the year 1916, 1,802 analyses were made by the Department's analysts, 1,473 being milk samples. Samples of bread to the number of 2,281 were weighed and 157 of these were found to be short-weighted. The total fines and costs where legal proceedings resulted from sampling or weighing amounted to over £650 for the year.

QUACKERY PREVENTION ACT, 1908.

Section 2 of this Act enacts that every person commits an offence who publishes or causes to be published any statement which is intended by the defendant or any other person to promote the sale of any article as a medicine, preparation, or appliance for the prevention, alleviation, or cure of any human ailment or physical defect, and which is false in any material particular relating to the ingredients, composition, structure, nature, or operation of that article, or to the effects which have followed or may follow the use thereof.

The penalty inflicted is a fine not exceeding £100 in the case of first conviction and not exceeding £200 for every subsequent conviction. This Act has provided the means of effectually stopping the exploitation of the public by means of medicines or treatment alleged to cure all and sundry complaints and ailments.

REGISTRATION OF PLUMBERS.

The Plumbers Registration Act, passed during the session of 1912 provided for the setting - up of a Board, to be called the Plumbers' Board of New Zealand. This Board consists of five members—viz., the Chief Health Officer or his deputy, who shall be chairman; the Inspector General of Schools; a city or borough engineer nominated by the cities and boroughs which have a population of over 5,000 inhabitants, and appointed by the Governor-General; a master plumber and a journeyman plumber elected by their respective associations.

The functions of the Board are to decided what persons may be registered under the Act, in what districts sanitary plumbing shall be performed only by registered plumbers, and what shall be the scope of the examinations to be held in the future as a part of the process of securing registration.

The main principle underlying the Act is that of securing trained and certificated sanitary plumbers, and that such registered plumbers shall not be required to pay any license fee or pass any examination under any local authorities controlling sanitary-plumbing works.

At the examination held under the Act in September, 1916, 72 candidates presented themselves, the results being as follow: 12 qualified in the theoretical part, 8 in the practical part, and 29 qualified or completed in both parts of the examination and were duly granted registration. In addition 10 other plumbers were admitted to registration during the year under other provisions of the Act. The total of names entered in the register to date is 1,218.

SUBSECTION B. — HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

EXPENDITURE ON HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID.

Expenditure on hospitals and charitable aid has risen from £199,463 in 1895-96 to £631,504 in 1915-16. The expenditure per head of mean population has increased in the same time from 5s. 8¾d. to 11s. 5 ¾. The figures for each of the past twenty years are given in the following table:—

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE-AID EXPENDITURE, 1896-97 to 1915-16.

Year ended 31st March.Mean Population.Hospital and Charitable Aid and other Expenditure.Expenditure per Head of Mean Population.
  £s. d.
1897710,418186,0475 2 ¾
1898724,681181,7735 0
1899739,193198,8235 4 ½
1900752,644185,8604 11 ¼
1901765,668197,4085 1 ¾
1902781,356212,2155 5
1903802,419231,1855 9
1904826,902243,0005 10 ½
1905851,964259,6166 1
1906877,469270,7106 2
1907901,920288,8086 4 ½
1908925,727315,1976 10
1909945,063359,9417 7 ¼
1910977,906375,0757 8
1911997,974416,3848 4 ¼
19121,019,984482,6459 5 ½
19131,046,624500,4429 6 ¾
19141,075,788579,60610 9 ¼
19151,095,206578,83810 6 ¾
19161,100,496631,50411 5½

Capital expenditure is included, and this being variable would cause some slight fluctuation in the rate per head of the population.

The figures of expenditure for the years ended 31st March, 1915 and 1916 are given herewith in greater detail:—

Head of Expenditure.Year ended 31st March.
1915.1916.
££ 
Hospital maintenance283,893324,949
Charitable aid—
  Indoor relief74,08184,269
  Outdoor relief37,41340,349
Administration24,26628,239
New buildings and additions117,983106,689
Other expenses41,20247,009
Totals578,838631,504

The total receipts for 1915-16 (£627,105) include only £99,324 on account of patients. Receipts from the State amounted to £249,440 and from local authorities £208,901. The receipts for the years 1914-15 and 1915-16 are as follows:—

Source of Receipts.Year ended 31st March.
1915.1916.
££ 
From Government217,152249,440
From local authorities189,886208,901
Voluntary contributions25,22728,496
Payments on account of persons relieved89,59299,324
From other sources38,60140,944
 560,458627,105

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

The number of public general hospitals at 31st March, 1916, was 63. In addition there were four infectious-diseases hospitals and five sanatoria for consumptives.

Information as to the number of public general hospitals and their staff and accommodation is given for each of the past five years.

Number ofYear ended 31st March.
1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Institutions6063636363
Medical staff (stipendiary)848688100115
Nursing staff—
  Trained nurses246252300281260
  Probationers479570578647764
Domestic staff532550576623675
Beds3,0573,1763,2923,5313,832

Further particulars concerning the public general hospitals of the Dominion for the years ended the 31st March, 1915 and 1916, are given in the next table.

——Year ended 31st March.
1915.1916.
Average number of patients per diem2,3642,616
Number of patients under treatment31,36636,477
Deaths2,2102,384
Individual average day's stay2824
Average number of occupied bed to each of nursing staff2.62.6
Average annual cost of maintenance per occupied bed£1094£115.0
Number of out-patients attended during year15,44218,108

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

State charitable institutions are administered by combined Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, who also distribute outdoor relief. Most of the aged needy are provided with old-age pensions of £26 per annum, but many of these old people prefer to enter a public home, where they are cared for better and at less cost than could be possible with individuals. In these cases the pension is received by the officers of the Board as payment for the maintenance of the pensioner, but a proportion is handed over to the latter to be expended as he or she may choose.

The average cost of maintenance and administration per occupied bed of the old people's homes under the control of Hospital Boards for the year 1915-16 was £37 6s.; the average number of inmates daily 1,231; the number of beds available being 1,500.

PRIVATE HOSPITALS.

The Private Hospitals Act, which came into force on the 1st January, 1907, is now embodied in the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909, which provides for the licensing, management, and inspection of private hospitals. All such institutions must be licensed, and every application for a license must be accompanied by a statement giving full description of the house proposed to be used, number of patients, and class of cases proposed to be received. The licensee shall state whether it is in respect of a lying-in private hospital or a surgical and medical private hospital, or if for both classes of cases, and no private hospital may be used for any purpose other than that in respect of which the license is granted and purposes reasonably incidental thereto.

For every private hospital there must be a resident manager, either the licensee or some person appointed by the licensee, and in every case the manager must be a legally qualified medical practitioner or a registered nurse in the case of a surgical and medical hospital, or a registered midwife in the case of a lying-in hospital, or a registered nurse and midwife, or a registered nurse having as resident assistant a registered midwife, in the case of a hospital licensed for both purposes. No license shall be granted in respect of a house not previously licensed until such house and annexed buildings have been approved by the Inspector-General of Hospitals, and no addition shall be made to any private hospital until it has been so approved. No license shall be granted until the character and fitness of the applicant have been proved satisfactory, and the license must be renewed on the 1st January of each year.

In every private hospital there must be kept a register of patients showing particulars as to name, age, abode, and date of reception of each patient, date when such patient left, or in the event of death the date thereof, name of medical practitioner attending, and such other details as may be prescribed. Inquiry may be made at any time as to the management and conduct of any such private hospital, and if such inquiry prove unsatisfactory the license may be revoked, and no new license shall be granted to the person whose license is so revoked, for a period of five years.

Provision is made for the visitation and inspection of private hospitals in the same manner as for public institutions of the like nature.

The Governor-General may from time to time make such regulations as are necessary for carrying the Act into effect, and substantial penalties are provided for breaches of its provisions.

MATERNITY HOSPITALS.

There are five State maternity hospitals now open for the use of the public, and a property has been acquired at Invercargill which is shortly to be opened as a St. Helens Hospital in that district. The St. Helens Hospital at Wellington was opened in June, 1905, and a new and up-to-date building in July, 1912; that at Dunedin in October, 1905; that at Auckland in June, 1906; that at Christchurch in April, 1907; and that at Gisborne in November, 1915. This last hospital, established by the Cook County Women's Guild, was taken over by the State at the request of that Guild. During the year ended 31st March, 1917, a total of 1,071 confinements took place in the five hospitals named, and 523 confinements were attended by the institution nurses outside these hospitals, as compared with 798 and 563 confinements respectively (not including Gisborne) during the previous twelve months. These institutions are a development of the policy begun by legislation in 1901, when the Nurses Registration Act was passed, followed in 1904 by the Midwives Act, the latter providing that after a certain date only those midwives who were duly registered would be qualified to practise on their own account.

Tables are given showing information as to births and deaths in each institution during the year ended 31st March, 1917, and the totals for each of the past five years. Births in cases dealt with outside St. Helens Hospitals by the nurses attached to the institutions are also shown.

ST. HELENS HOSPITALS. 1916-17.

City.Confinements in Institution.Confinements attended outside.
Births.Deaths of Mothers.Deaths of Infants.
    Births.
Auckland22325241
Gisborne130 2 
Wellington29717106
Christchurch24549108
Dunedin1761568
Totals1,071828523

ST. HELENS HOSPITALS, 1912-13 to 1916-17.

City.Confinements in Institution.Confinements attended outside.
Births.Deaths of Mothers.Deaths of Infants.
     Births.
1913920417454
1914803511495
1915794620410
191679826563
19171,071828528

The expenditure of the five St. Helens Maternity Hospitals for the year ended 31st March, 1917, was as follows:—

Head of Expenditure.Auckland.Gisborne.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.
 £££££
Maintenance1,4591,1821,9141,5981,337
Capital 380 1,000 
Totals1,4591,5621,9142,5981,337

There is a maternity hospital attached to the Medical School at Dunedin, which also serves as a training-school for medical students and midwives.

Charitable maternity homes are established at Auckland, Otahuhu, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill for the reception of unfortunate girls. The Salvation Army have similar institutions at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

REGISTRATION OF NURSES AND MIDWIVES.

The Nurses Registration Act provides that every person who has attained the age of twenty-three years and is certified as having had three years' training as a nurse in a recognized general hospital, together with systematic instruction in theoretical and practical nursing from the medical officer and the matron of that hospital, and who passes the prescribed examination, is entitled to registration. During the year ended 31st March, 1917, there were 196 candidates for the final examination in medical and surgical nursing, and 166 passed. There are now 2,091 nurses on the register.

On 31st March, 1917, 38 nurses were registered from overseas, the number of registered midwives was 1,497. Of these, 842 are trained and certificated, the remainder having satisfied the Registrar that at the date of the passing of the Act they had been for at least three years in bona fide practice as midwives, and that they bear a good character.

ORPHANAGES AND OTHER CHILDREN'S HOMES.

Exclusive of industrial schools there are so far as is known some thirty-five institutions that may be described as orphanages or children's homes. The Education Act provides for the inspection of all orphanages and cognate institutions by Inspectors of the Education Department, with a view to securing that as regards education of the children and general management these organizations are acting consistently with the laws governing the education, care, and upbringing of children who are maintained in kindred institutions.

Under the control of the Education Department come also the various institutions for deaf and dumb, blind, or mentally defective children. These are dealt with in the section of this book dealing with Education.

SUBSECTION C.—MENTAL HOSPITALS.

There are seven public mental hospitals in the Dominion, maintained wholly or in part out of the public revenue. There is also one private hospital, licensed by the Governor for the reception of the mentally afflicted.

Information concerning the law dealing with the treatment of mental defectives is given in the 1914 issue of this book.

PATIENTS UNDER TREATMENT.

The number of patients at the end of 1916 was 4,375, consisting of 2,555 males and 1,820 females. These numbers include, Maoris, of whom there are 22 male and 16 female patients.

The patients on the register at the end of the year 1916 were distributed as shown below (Maoris are included):—

Mental Hospital.Males.Females.Total.
Auckland6263781,004
Tokanui10049149
Porirua574395969
Nelson82108190
Hokitika19664260
Christchurch320354674
Dunedin (Seacliff and Waitati)567415982
Ashburn Hall (private mental hospital)212445
Absent on probation6933102
Totals2,5551,8204,375

The number of patients remaining at the close of each of the past five years, and the proportion per 10,000 of the population, excluding Maoris, are shown in the following table:—

NUMBER REMAINING (excluding MAORIS), 1912-16.

Year.Number remaining at Close of Year.Proportion per 10,000 of Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
19122,2431.6283,87140.5532.2936.77
19132,3011,6243,92538.4131.4036.19
19142,3891,6954,08442.0532.6037.26
19152,4281,7404,16843.0531.5037.79
19162,5331,8044,33746.0632.7639.41
Means of five years2,3791,6984,07742.0232.2537.48

Both the total number remaining and the proportion of population, shown by last year's figures, are the highest ever recorded. Almost every year shows an increase on the preceding one. In thirty years the proportion of patients per 10,000 of population has increased from 27.71 (or 1 in 361) to 39.41 (or 1 in 254).

The total number of patients under oversight, care, or control during 1916 was 5,135 (males 3,016, females 2,119), as against 4,991 in 1915. The average number resident in mental hospitals was 4,094 in 1915 and 4,251 in 1916.

ADMISSIONS.

The total admissions to mental hospitals during the year 1916 were 879 (518 males and 361 females), this number not including 56 transfers from one institution to another. The causes of insanity as assigned on admission are given below, distinguishing each hospital.

Causes.Auckland.Christchurch.Dunedin.Hokitika.Nelson.Porirua.Tokanui.Ashburn Hall.Total.
Heredity374342616 5104
Congenital4419181415  101
Previous attack152328 35  74
Puberty and adolescence81010 122  51
Climacteric4110 28 126
Senility4020207523 3118
Pregnancy 1   1  2
Puerperal state4 6 3   13
Lactation31   1  5
Mental stress, sudden112    15
“ prolonged244142 13 259
Privation     1  1
Solitude33  1   7
Sexual excess1       1
Alcohol224143427  74
Syphilis1158 118 144
Toxæmia3       3
Traumatic6 11 1  9
Organic brain-disease  11    2
Epilepsy1088  4 131
Apoplexy4    2  6
Arterio-sclerosis3    4  7
Sunstroke1       1
Chorea1       1
Cancer     1  1
Cardiac disease     1  1
Graves' disease     2  2
Phthisis     2  2
Ill health510   1  16
Unknown826 1 73  108
Not insane4       4
   Totals, excluding transfers2621401741830241 14879
Transfers649202311156
   Grand totals26814418338322441115935

FIRST ADMISSIONS.

Of the 879 persons admitted to mental hospitals during 1916, those admitted for the first time to any mental hospital in New Zealand numbered 737 (males, 449; females, 288), and those readmitted 142 (males, 69; females, 73).

Excluding the Native race the number of first admissions and the rate per 10,000 of population for each of the past five years were as follows:—

FIRST ADMISSIONS AND RATE PER 10,000 of MEAN POPULATION, 1912-16.

Year.Number of First Admissions.Proportion per 10,000 of Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
19123902876777.145.836.52
19133872616486.905.146.06
19144302937237.565.626.63
19153762696456.875.106.01
19164362837197.905.176.54
Means of five years4042786827.275.376.35

The figures for 1916 represent one first admission for every 1,529 persons in the Dominion.

VOLUNTARY INMATES.

Persons labouring under mental defect, but capable of understanding the meaning of the procedure, may seek admission to a mental hospital as voluntary boarders. At the beginning of 1916 there were 26 boarders in residence (12 males, 14 females), and during the year 48 (18 males, 30 females) were admitted. If a voluntary boarder should after admission show mental defect sufficiently pronounced and sustained to render it improper to classify him any longer as such, application for a reception order is made to a Magistrate. During the year 1916, 9 (5 males, 4 females) were transferred from the voluntary to the ordinary register, and 3 died, while 35 (13 males, 22 females) were discharged, leaving 27 resident at the end of the year.

AGES OF INMATES.

A summary is attached showing the ages of patients in mental hospitals at the close of 1916.

AGES OF INMATES, 31st DECEMBER, 1916.

Age, in Years.Males.Females.Total.
1 to 5 44
5 ” 108311
10 ” 15282856
15 ” 20343165
20 ” 30285194479
30 ” 40590362952
40 ” 50576418994
50 ” 60456384840
60 to 70327234561
70 ” 80170114284
80 and upwards402363
Unknown412566
Totals2,5551,8204,375

MAORIS ADMITTED AND REMAINING.

The number of Maoris admitted as patients to the mental hospitals is small. These and the number remaining at the close of each of the past five years are shown in the following table:—

MAORIS ADMITTED AND REMAINING, 1912-16.

Year.Admitted.Remaining at Close of Year.
Males.Females.Males.Females.
19121253012
191395318
1914101198
19151182012
19161572216

DISCHARGES AND DEATHS.

Dealing with patients of all races, the next table gives the average number resident, those who were discharged as recovered, and those who died, during the period 1912-16:—

Year.Average Number Resident.Discharged as recovered.Died.
Number.Per Cent. of Average Number Resident.Number.Per Cent. of Average Number Resident.
19123,6973258.792807.57
19133,8493378.763077.98
19143,9503699.342817.11
19154,0943598.772846.94
19164,2513317.792896.80
Means of five years3,9683448.692887.28

With regard to the deaths in 1916, 84 were due to senile decay, representing 29 per cent. of the total deaths for the year. Tuberculosis, organic brain-disease, and general paralysis of the insane make up a further 36 per cent.

DEATHS IN MENTAL HOSPITALS, 1916.

Cause of Death.Auckland.Christchurch.Dunedin.Hokitika.Nelson.Porirua.Tokanui.Ashburn Hall.Totals.
Tuberculosis9361112  32
Cancer  6  11 8
Other general diseases 11 22  6
General paralysis of the insane7491 12  33
Organic brain disease191092    40
Epilepsy243222  15
Other diseases of the nervous system5 4 17 219
Diseases of the respiratory system125145  18
Diseases of the circulatory system725313 122
Diseases of the digestive system 1 1 1  3
Diseases of the genito-urinary system21      3
Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue1   1   2
Old age232324319 184
External causes1       1
Ill-defined causes3       3
Totals80517214135414289

A table is added showing for all admissions since 1876 the percentages of patients discharged (as recovered, relieved, and not improved, separately), dying, and remaining.

—–Males.Females.Both Sexes.
Discharged—   
  Recovered37.2943.4539.78
  Relieved7.459.278.18
  Not improved9.389.799.55
Died31.0921.0227.02
Remaining at end of 191614.7916.4715.47
 100.00100.00100.00

PRIVATE MENTAL HOSPITAL.

A license may be granted to enable a private mental hospital to receive patients for treatment. Stringent conditions are attached to the issue of such licenses, which may be revoked at any time. The Inspector-General bas wide powers in the regulation and control of private institutions, which are placed practically on the same footing as public mental hospitals in regard to inspection and other matters.

There is only one licensed private institution in the Dominion, that at Wakari, near Dunedin, established in 1882. Particulars of admissions, discharges, deaths, and patients remaining, for the last five years, are as follows. These figures are included in the tables given above.

PRIVATE MENTAL HOSPITAL (included in previous figures).

Year.Admissions.Discharges.Deaths.Patients remaining at End of Year.
19121916145
19132216744
19141310245
1915812140
1916155446

ACCOMMODATION.

At the end of the year 1916 the public mental hospitals of the Dominion had accommodation for 4,075 patients, the cubic content of the dormitories and sleeping-rooms being well over three millions of cubic feet. Details of accommodation are as follows:—

Institution.Number of Patients for whom there is Accommodation.
Single Rooms.Dormitories.Totals.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Auckland16194402265563359
Christchurch5262278323330385
Seacliff148112292233440345
Waitati171133385049
Hokitika40171624520262
Nelson9149010199115
Porirua8964444277533341
Tokanui2391304015349
Totals5393831,8311,3222,3701,705

At Ashburn Hall, Wakari, there are, according to the latest information available, seventy-seven rooms, each for one person only, with an aggregate cubic content of 77,461 ft.

EXPENDITURE, etc.

The total expenditure on maintenance of mental hospitals (not including the cost of new buildings and additions), and receipts from patients and for sale of produce, &c., during the past five years, were as follows:—

Year.Total Expenditure.Receipts from Patients, Sale of Produce, &c.Net Expenditure.
 £££
1911125,22740,84084,387
1912143,00641,865101,141
1913150,11147,228102,883
1914165,09546,787118,308
1915178,37351,786126,587
1916197,66360,745136,918

The total net expenditure out of the Public Works Fund for buildings and equipment from 1st July, 1877, to 31st March, 1917, was £832,121.

Farms are conducted in connection with the various mental hospitals, the inmates themselves doing most of the labour. During 1916, sales of produce brought in £8,639, while the value of produce grown on the farms and consumed in the institutions was estimated at £16,644. Expenses in connection with the farms amounted to £16,688, so that the year's working shows a credit balance of £8,595.

Chapter 6. SECTION VI.—EDUCATION.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION.

In the following tables an attempt has been made to analyse the public expenditure on the various branches of education. The first table shows the total amount expended both from the Public Account and out of income from endowments during the years ended 31st March, 1916 and 1917. The figures are given to the nearest £1,000.

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEARS 1915-16 and 1916-17.

(Figures given in every case to the nearest £1,000.)

Branch of Education.1915-16.1916-17.
Out of Public Funds.Out of Income from Reserves.*Total for all Items from all Public Sources.Out of Public Funds.*Secondary and University Reserves Revenue.Total for all Items from all Public Sources.
* Including expenditure out of income from primary-education reserves.
 ££££££
Primary (including Native schools and training colleges)1,150,000123,0001,273,0001,318,000 1,318,000
Secondary (including secondary schools, technical high schools, and secondary departments of district high schools)143,00054,000197,000159,00054,000213,000
Continuation and technical51,0002,00053,00058,000 58,000
Higher (including university and higher technical)54,00030,00084,00061,00024,00085,000
 1,398,000209,0001,607,0001,596,00078,0001,674,000
Industrial schools44,0002,00046,00050,000 50,000
Other special schools (deaf and blind, and home for backward children)26,000 26,00021,000 21,000
Superannuation and miscellaneous25,000 25,00027,000 27,000
Totals1,493,000211,0001,704,0001,694,00078,0001,772,000

The amounts expended per head of population, including Maoris, but excluding residents of the Cook and other Pacific islands, were as follows:—

Branch of Education.1915-16.1916-17.
Out of Public Funds.Out of Income from Reserves.*Total.Out of Public Funds.*Secondary and University Reserves Revenue.Total.
* Including expenditure out of income from primary-education reserves.
 s. d.s. d.s. d.s. d.s. d.s. d.
Primary (including Native schools and training colleges)19 92 221 1122 11 22 11
Secondary (including secondary departments of district high schools)2 50 113 42 90 113 8
Continuation and technical0 11 0 111 0 1 0
Higher (including university and higher technical)0 110 61 51 10 51 6
 24 03 727 727 91 429 1
Industrial schools0 9 0 90 10 0 10
Special schools (deaf, blind, &c.)0 6 0 60 4 0 4
Superannuation and miscellaneous0 5 0 50 6 0 6
Totals25 83 729 329 51 430 9

The cost of primary education increased from £1,273,000 in 1915-16 to £1,318,000 in 1916-17; the cost per head of population rose from 21s. 11d. to 22s. 11d. Secondary education increased in cost from £197,000 to £213,000. The total cost of education showed an increase for the year of £68,000, or 1s. 6d. per head of the population. The total expenditure on education per head of population in the United States of America is approximately £1 12s. 7d.

The following table shows the total amount expended on education out of the public funds only, and the amount per head of population for 1898-99 and 1903-4, and for the last seven years:—

Year.Amount expended out of Public Funds.Expenditure per Head of Population out of Public Funds.
* Income from primary-education reserves included
 £s. d.
1898-99519,00013 4
1903-4679,00015 6
1910-111,083,00020 8
1911-121,133,00021 5
1912-131,237,00022 5
1913-141,301,00023 0
1914-151,378,00024 1
1915-161,493,00025 8
1916-171,694,000*29 5*

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

The central Department of Education, with a Cabinet Minister at its head, manages directly the Native schools and special schools, and administers the Education Act. For the purposes of primary education the Dominion is divided into nine education districts, each of which is presided over by an Education Board, and these in turn are divided into smaller districts, in each of which a School Committee elected by the householders has authority. The School Committees of each education district elect the Education Board, and are subject to its general control. The Board receives from the Department and disburses the money voted by the General Assembly for the purposes of instruction, and appoints the teachers, subject to the condition of consultation with the Committee of the school district.

Regulations governing the examination, classification, and grading of teachers, prescribing the accounts to be kept by Boards and Committees and by Managers of Technical Schools, defining standards and examination subjects, and covering other matters set forth in clause 161 of the Education Act, 1914, may be made by the Governor-General in Council. A General Council of Education created by the Act reports to the Minister upon educational methods or developments deemed worthy of introduction into the Dominion and upon such matters as bear upon the provision of further facilities for education, whether local or general.

Education at the public schools is free and purely secular. Attendance at a registered school is obligatory upon all children between the ages of seven and fourteen, except when special exemptions are granted. The Inspectors who visit the schools are officers of the Education Department.

The programme of primary instruction provided by the Act includes English, arithmetic, geography, history and civics, drawing and handwork (including needlework), nature-study and elementary science, physical instruction, moral instruction and health, and singing.

MEDICAL INSPECTION AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

Physical exercises based on the syllabus of the Board of Education, England, are practised in all public schools under the supervision of a staff of physical instructors. Corrective classes are also held with good results for children with physical deformities.

A staff of Medical Inspectors medically examine public-school children, notifying parents when medical or dental treatment is required. At the routine examinations in 1916 8,845 children were medically examined and 1,846 special cases dealt with; in addition a large number of children came under the notice of the Medical Inspectors for whom records were not compiled. The proportion of children who receive medical or dental attention on the recommendation of the Medical Inspectors varies, according to locality, from 30 to 65 per cent. of the number notified as suffering from defects. Lectures to parents and teachers on matters pertaining to the health of children are freely given by Medical Inspectors, and circulars giving valuable hints to parents on health topics are widely distributed. A scheme for the dental treatment of school-children, especially in country districts, is under consideration.

CONVEYANCE OF SCHOLARS.

Free passes on the railway to the nearest public or private school are granted to children living near to the railway-line but out of reach of a primary school; and the same privilege is enjoyed by pupils having to travel to attend secondary schools, district high schools, and technical high schools, and also by free-place holders travelling to attend technical schools or classes other than technical high schools. The amount paid in railway fares on this account in 1916-17 was £16,804.

Education Boards are also authorized to make provision, when necessary, for the conveyance of pupils to primary schools by road or water. In the case of a child being compelled to live away from home to attend school, provision is made for a boarding-allowance of 2s. 6d. a week. The total amount paid to Education Boards in 1916-17 for conveyance by road and water and for board of children was £9,899.

MANUAL INSTRUCTION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Classes for elementary handwork exist in 1,898 primary schools, or 81 per cent. of the total, and in 61 per cent. manual instruction is imparted. The Education Boards received during 1916 by way of capitation on account of classes the sum of £37,356, and special grants in aid of equipment or buildings totalled £1,472. The expenditure during the same period was £42,827, the chief items being: Salaries, £21,693; working-expenses and administration, £17,675; and buildings and equipment, £3,548.

In the lower standards hand-and-eye training is given through the media of constructive work in paper and cardboard, modelling in plasticine, and design and colour work with crayons or water-colours. In the higher standards these are supplemented where practicable by various forms of manual training, such as woodwork, ironwork, cookery, laundry-work, dressmaking, and various branches of elementary science, including agriculture and dairy-work. Woodwork and cookery are taught mainly on the centre system, there being now nearly ninety well-equipped buildings for instruction in these subjects. In the larger centres these take the form of special manual-training schools; elsewhere suitable accommodation is provided in the local technical school, secondary school, or district high school, as the case may be. The cost to the Government of the conveyance of pupils to manual-training centres during 1916-17 was £6,335.

During the year 1916 657 classes (an increase of 70) for wood or iron work, and 1,001 classes (an increase of 72) for domestic subjects (cookery, laundry-work, and dressmaking, associated in most cases with suitable instruction in home science) were held. The instruction is for the most part given by special teachers, stationary and itinerant, seventy-three in number (woodwork 34, domestic subjects 39). Increased attention continues to be given to subjects bearing on the home, and the teaching staff now includes a number of well-qualified teachers, many of whom as holders of home-science bursaries have completed their course for the diploma or the degree of home science at the Otago University.

The number of classes for elementary agriculture in 1916 was 1,446, an increase of 64. The instruction, which includes observational and experimental work in connection with school gardens and plots (combined in certain districts with elementary dairy-work), is supervised by eighteen specially qualified itinerant instructors. About 370 approved classes for various branches of elementary science (physics or chemistry) were held during the year, and most of these were for pupils of the secondary departments of district high schools. The number of approved classes for swimming and life-saving continues to increase slowly. During the year 260 approved classes were held, as compared with 257 for the previous year.

Special courses bearing on rural life, with in the case of girls a domestic trend, were carried on during the year in connection with the secondary departments of 63 per cent. of the district high schools (sixty in number). Capitation at the rate of £6 4s. for each pupil complying with the conditions was earned by the schools taking the course. The total amount earned on account of rural courses was £7,794.

CLASS-BOOKS AND SCHOOL AND CLASS LIBRARIES.

A capitation grant at the rate of 3d. per head on the average attendance is paid to Boards for the purpose of supplying schools with supplementary continuous readers in sufficient numbers for class-reading in P to S6 inclusive, and also for the free supply of class-books in necessitous cases or in cases where a newly entered pupil has already purchased elsewhere class-books different from those in use in the school. After provision has been made for the supply of such books, the balance of the grant, if any, is spent on approved books suitable for individual reading in school or at home.

Further, to encourage school libraries, provision has been made for the payment of subsidies of £1 for £1 on moneys raised by voluntary contributions for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, or increasing the utility of school libraries that contain books suitable for individual reading in school or at home. In addition to this departmental subsidy a subsidy is payable by the Education Board under section 37 of the Education Act, but in this case the Board is not required to pay a sum exceeding 3d. for each child in average attendance at a school, or exceeding £5 for any one school.

The books purchased are to be suitable for individual reading in school or at home, and are to be approved by the Senior Inspector.

“SCHOOL JOURNAL.”

An illustrated paper, called the School Journal, is published monthly by the Education Department, for free circulation among pupils attending public primary schools, and for sale at moderate prices to private schools. The Journal is issued in three parts, each part being adapted to the educational attainments of pupils in two of the classes S1 to S6. In addition to reading-matter of a general character, the Journal contains special articles dealing with current events in history, geographical discovery, and other topics of outstanding interest, while special numbers treat of Empire Day and Arbour Day observance, with their importance and significance. Pupils highly appreciate the School Journal, and its educational value is recognized by teachers and parents. In many schools it is displacing the miscellaneous readers at one time so generally in use. Of the November issue of 1916, the number of copies printed was—Part I, 58,100; Part II, 55,450; Part III, 44,450.

SCHOOL STATISTICS TO 31st DECEMBER, 1916.

The number of scholars and students as in 1916 is shown in the following summary. Pupils of private schools not inspected by the Education Department are excluded:—

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS AND STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE DURING 1916.

Primary education— 
  Public schools181,670
  Native village and Native mission schools5,324
  Registered private primary schools17,260
  Lower departments of secondary schools466
  Special schools579
 205,299
Secondary education— 
  Secondary schools7,052
  Secondary departments of district high schools2,386
  Technical high schools2,105
  Maori secondary schools457
  Private secondary schools1,004
 13,004
  Technical and continuation (excluding technical high schools)17,586
Higher education— 
  University colleges (including training-college students)1,985
  Lincoln Agricultural College42
 2,027
Total under instruction237,916

This is an increase of 3,606 on the number under instruction during the previous year.

The public primary schools numbered 2,355 in 1916, against 2,338 in 1915. The number of registered private primary schools was 186. The number of aided or endowed colleges, grammar and high schools in operation was 33. The number of private schools from which returns were received by the Government Statistician was 305, a decrease of 5. There were also 13 industrial schools, State and private, as well as State schools for the deaf and for backward children, and a school for the blind, subsidized by the State.

The number of primary and secondary schools established for the education of the Native or Maori race was 131.

PUBLIC (STATE) SCHOOLS.

Compared with 1915 there was in 1916 an increase of 2,657 in the number of pupils belonging to the public schools at the end of the year, and the average attendance shows an increase of 64 for the whole year.

SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARS, 1878 to 1916.

Year.Number of Schools.Pupils at End of Year.Mean of Average Weekly Roll.Average Attendance, Whole Year.Average Attendance as Percentage of Weekly Roll.
187874865,040 48,773 
188397192,47690,85969,83876.9
18881,158112,685113,63690,10879.3
18931,375124,686125,692100,32179.8
18981,655131,621133,782111,63683.4
19031,786133,568134,748113,04783.9
19081,998147,428145,974127,16087.1
19132,255172,168169,530151,24289.2
19142,301178,509175,570158,13490.1
19152,338183,214181,229163,09290.0
19162,355185,884184,056163,15688.6

The percentage increase in the average attendance is noticeably small, having fallen from 3.6 in 1914 to 3.1 in 1915, and further to 0.04 in 1916. As a rule the increase in the average attendance is slightly smaller than the increase in the average weekly roll number, but in 1916 the figures were 2,827 and 64 respectively, showing a marked difference. The result is that the average attendance when taken as a percentage of the average weekly roll has fallen to 88.6—the lowest figure reached for six years. The irregular attendance is attributed to numerous and severe epidemics.

AGE AND SEX OF PUPILS.

The following table shows the age and sex of the pupils on the rolls of the public schools of the Dominion at the end of 1916, and the percentage of the roll for each age:—

AGE AND SEX OF PUPILS, DECEMBER, 1916.

Age in Years.Boys.Girls.Total.Percentages for Five Years.
    1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
57,7536,94514,6987.98.08.07.87.9
610,3079,44119,74810.910.610.910.810.6
711,10110,50021,60111.911.811.511.711.6
811,32010,39621,71611.911.811.711.411.7
910,77410,08920,86311.211.711.411.411.2
1010,6539,96820,62110.810.911.311.211.1
1110,3889,72920,11710.710.510.510.910.8
1210,1449,32519,46910.210.29.910.010.5
138,2937,45215,7458.28.48.68.58.5
144,2593,7718,0304.34.34.44.54.3
 94,99287,616182,60898.098.298.298.298.2
15 and over1,6751,6013,2762.01.81.81.81.8
Totals96,66789,217185,884100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

Of the children in the public schools, 53 per cent. are under ten, and 47 per cent. are over that age. The proportion remains stationary.

PUBLIC-SCHOOL TEACHERS.

The number of teachers in the public schools, exclusive of those employed in the secondary departments of district high schools, is shown for a number of years. The figures are as in December of the years given.

Year.Adults.Pupil-teachers.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
* Excluding probationers
18787074541,161181332450
18839056561,561159571730
18881,0398871,926219694913
18931,1071,0962,2032388251,063
18981,2341,3702,6042298311,060
19031,2701,7262,996147552699
19081,3312,0213,352161476637
19131,6032,6594,262142*474*616*
19141,6282,8204,448139*470*609*
19151,5913,0774,668141*485*626*
19161,5013,2094,710137*519*656*

The total number of teachers, including probationers, in 1916 was 5,781 (1,702 males, 4,079 females), and the average number of pupils per teacher was 32. For the schools above Grade I having only one teacher—that is, schools with 21 to 35 children in average attendance — the average number of children per teacher was 25. Taking all schools with two or more teachers, it is found that the average number of pupils per adult teacher, reckoning two pupil-teachers as equivalent to one adult, was 37.

Omitting schools with less than 21 pupils the ratio of adult men teachers to adult women teachers in 1916 was 100 to 194. The proportion of men to women in charge of schools with 1 to 20 scholars was 100 to 386 in 1916. If all public schools and all adult teachers are included, it is found that the ratio of adult men teachers to adult women teachers was 100 to 193 in 1915, and 100 to 214 in 1916.

The ratio of male pupil-teachers to female pupil-teachers was 100 to 344 in 1915, and 100 to 379 in 1916.

The average salaries paid to teachers in 1916, including house allowance or value of residence and excluding war bonus, were: Male head teachers, £302; female head teachers, £244; male assistants, £245; female assistants, £144; sole male teachers, £167; sole female teachers, £136.

Information as to the Teachers' Superannuation Fund will be found in the section of this book dealing with Pensions, Superannuation, &c.

TRAINING OF TEACHERS.

Training colleges are situated in the four principal centres of the Dominion, and are open to four classes of students, as follows: Division A, ex-pupil-teachers, ex-probationers, or ex-trainees of recognized kindergarten schools; Division B, other students who have passed Matriculation or obtained a higher leaving-certificate; Division C, University graduates admitted for one year; and Division D, teachers entering on short-period studentships. The numbers of students in attendance during the last quarter of 1916 under the various divisions were—Division A, 381; Division B, 44; Division C, 9; and Division D, 8; the total being 442, as compared with 390 for the previous year. The figures do not include male students absent with the Expeditionary Forces. The total provision is for 125 students at each centre. Towards this number, out of the total reported, Auckland contributed in 1916 114; Wellington, 102; Christchurch, 110; and Dunedin, 116.

The management of the training colleges is entrusted to the local Education Boards, subject to general regulations which include certain reservations for the approval of the Minister of Education. All students are required to attend lectures in at least one subject other than education at the University college, to which the principal of the training college is in each case also attached as the University college lecturer on education.

The ordinary course of training is for two years, so that when the training colleges have their full complement of students (125 in each case) the number of students annually completing their training and passing into the schools will be about 250. There is also provision for a one-year course which under certain conditions may be taken by University students or matriculated students who have completed a two-years course at an agricultural college or a school of home science recognized by the University of New Zealand. In addition, there are short-period studentships, of not less than three months' or more than one year's duration, for the benefit of teachers who have already been employed in teaching and are deemed worthy of further training in professional work, the allowances payable to such students being the same as those payable to students under Division B.

For students in training allowances are provided. A student who has completed a pupil-teacher's course receives an allowance of £40 a year, with a further allowance of £25 if obliged to live away from home to attend a training college. Those who have not been pupil-teachers receive an allowance of £20 a year, together with a boarding-allowance of £25 where necessary. In all cases free instruction at the University college classes approved by the principal is also given.

For the teaching practice of students the normal practising schools forming part of the training college in each case are available, and opportunities of observation are now extended so as to embrace specially selected teachers and classes in neighbouring schools. Provision is made for the inclusion in each normal school of—(a) a main school, organized as a “mixed school"; and (b) such “model schools" as may be approved by the Minister, each model school being of one of the following types: (i) A rural public school under a sole teacher; (ii) a junior school under one teacher with not more than 45 children of classes P to S2 on the roll; (iii) a class representing the secondary department of a district high school; (iv) a class for backward children; (v) a junior kindergarten. The total number of children on the roll of a normal school (excluding the kindergarten) must not exceed 750.

The amount paid to Education Boards during 1916-17 for the training of teachers was £50,027, made up as follows:—

Training college— 
  Salaries of staff (two-fifths charged to public-school salaries)£ 13,268
  Students' allowances and University fees27,541
  Special instruction1,307
  Buildings, sites, and equipment942
Total£43,058
Other training— 
  Grants for special instruction in certificate subjects, including science, agriculture, and handwork, of£
  teachers other than training-college students1,595
  Railway fares of teachers and instructors5,375
Total£6,969
Grand total£50,027

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS.

The total income for the various Education Boards for the year 1916 was £1,369,828, including £30,293 from local sources and £1,339,535 by way of Government grants. The latter amount includes in the case of each education district a sum sufficient to pay the salaries of teachers and pupil-teachers, a capitation grant to cover the cost of administration, grants for the incidental expenses of schools, school and class libraries, manual and technical instruction, maintenance of training colleges, scholarships, and maintenance and rebuilding of school buildings, and new school buildings, sites, and furniture.

The receipts and expenditure of the Education Boards, numbering ten altogether in 1916, are tabulated below, with further particulars:—

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS, 1916.

Receipts.

From Government,—£s.d.£s.d.
      General account43,218166   
      Teachers' salaries and allowances904,819129   
      School and class salaries29589   
      Conveyance and board of school-children8,996105   
      Incidental expenses of schools50,2891210   
      Subsidies for public-school purposes1,465102   
      Training of teachers44,31215   
      District high schools and scholarships34,17322   
      Manual instruction42,73965   
      Technical instruction60,13430   
      Buildings, sites, house allowance149,09083   
    1,339,534 8
From local sources   30,293 9
           Total   £1,369,827185

Expenditure.

Staff salaries, office expenses, &c.34,035510
Teachers' salaries and allowances905,42511
School and class libraries624150
Conveyance and board of school-children10,8471310
Incidental expenses of schools56,529129
Out of subsidies and contributions for public-school purposes2,634157
Training of teachers46,06136
District high schools and scholarships35,37373
Manual instruction39,76935
Technical instruction60,73355
Buildings, sites, house allowance146,429610
Miscellaneous4,12645
Total£1,342,5891411
    Net balance at beginning of year 191676,52722
    Net balance at end of year 1916103,76558

PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS.

There were 305 private schools at the end of 1916, a decrease of 5 on the number in 1915: 29 were for boys, 52 for girls, and 224 for children of both sexes. The number of pupils attending them was 23,412—namely, 9,791 boys and 13,621 girls, not counting 223 Maoris (106 boys and 117 girls). The number of European pupils at these schools was greater than in 1915 by 1,073. Of the private schools, 170 were Roman Catholic, with an attendance of 17,266 pupils, a decrease of 2 schools, but an increase of 1,374 pupils as compared with 1915.

The following table gives, for the past ten years, the number of private schools and of European scholars attending them, the number of Roman Catholic schools and pupils being also shown separately:—

Year.Number of Private Schools.Pupils.Included in Previous Numbers.
Boys.Girls.Totals.Roman Catholic Schools.Pupils at Roman Catholic Schools.
19073027,51010,57818,08815212,650
19083077,65310,71418,36714912,538
19093067,59710,33317,93015012,611
19103188,03610,94518,98115613,161
19113268,31011,55819,86815813,941
19123108,80111,43720,23815614,476
19133049,14611,96921,11515514,837
19143219,64112,43922,08018016,471
19153109,55512,78422,33917215,892
19163059,79113,62123,41217017,266

The distribution of the private schools in the various provincial districts is shown on the next page.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, 1916.—SUMMARY BY PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

Provincial Districts.Number of Schools.Number of Teachers.Number of Scholars (exclusive of Maoris).Daily Average Attendance.
Boys.Girls.Mixed.Total.Male.Female.Total.Male.Female.Total.Male.Female.Total.
* Exclusive of 223 Maoris (106 boys, 117 girls).
Auckland6105268292312602,6323,6416,2732,3433,2665,609
Taranaki131317239414886101,098442548990
Hawke's Bay261220779865329181,4504828421,324
Wellington9144972412062472,4142,9795,3932,1202,7294,849
Marlborough1 56 1818168188356144168312
Nelson 1121313738391477868357430787
Westland12101333033445478923402440842
Canterbury694156181671851,6212,3794,0001,4332,1503,583
Otago portion Southland portion26233161201267901,5462,3366881,3442,032
Otago117932528310405715269348617
Totals29522243051109521,0629,79113,62123,412*8,68012,26520,945

Denominational schools, such as Roman Catholic and Anglican, are included in the above as private schools. Particulars for the Roman Catholic schools in December, 1916, are as under:—

SUMMARY OF ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

Provincial Districts.Number of Schools.Number of Teachers.Number of Scholars (exclusive of Maoris).Daily Average Attendance.
Boys.Girls.Mixed.Total.Male.Female.Total.Male.Female.Total.Male.Female.Total.
Auckland313236141341482,0042,5224,5261,8082,2444,052
Taranaki 1910 2929425519944384469853
Hawke's Bay1271032629411549960374495869
Wellington552333231091321,7972,1053,9021,6201,9093,529
Marlborough1 45 1717163183346139163302
Nelson 189 2727336398734308361669
Westland12101333033445478923402440842
Canterbury332127983921,1501,4622,6121,0351,3262,361
Otago portion Southland portion221519566716499851,6345758541,429
Otago116832326302383685263330593
Totals1718135170605446047,6829,58417,2666,9088,59115,499

Any private school may apply to be registered under the Education Act, 1914. At the end of 1916 the number of registered private primary schools was 186. The total roll number was 17,260, and the average attendance 15,199.

The roll number of the seventeen registered private secondary schools in 1916 was 1,004.

SCHOOLS FOR NATIVES.

The number of Native village schools in operation at the end of 1916 was 118. In addition, there were thirteen private schools at which education for Maori boys and girls is provided. Of these ten are maintained from the incomes arising out of lands held in trust for educational purposes by various denominational bodies; the others are supported by private resources.

As required by law, instruction in all Native schools is given through the medium of the English language only. The subjects of the school course are English, arithmetic, drawing and handwork, nature-study and geography, health and moral instruction and civics, singing, and physical drill.

In a number of schools instruction in woodwork and in elementary agriculture is given, and the girls are taught practical dressmaking and plain cookery. In the majority of schools some form or other of elementary handwork is taken with success.

At one or other of the ten boarding-schools—Otaki, St. Stephen's (Auckland), To Auto, Waerengaahika, and Hikurangi for boys, and Hukarere, St. Joseph's (Napier), Queen Victoria (Auckland), Turakina, and Te Waipounamu Schools for girls—the Government provides a number of free places, tenable for two years, for children of predominantly Maori race who pass the higher standards at the Maori village schools. At the end of the year the number of pupils on the rolls of these schools was 457. Of the pupils in attendance 43 boys and 58 girls were holders of free places.

Senior free places for boys take the form of industrial scholarships, enabling the holders to be apprenticed to suitable trades—carpentry, black-smithing, engineering, or farming. These scholarships have not been of late eagerly sought after, the boys finding that they can secure higher wages in other ways, and no scholarships were held in 1910. The senior free places offered to girls take the form of nursing-scholarships. Four girls are training or about to begin their training as nurses in public hospitals under the scheme.

On the rolls of the 118 village schools at the 31st December, 1916, there were 5,132 children (including 572 Europeans), as against 5,191 at the end of 1915. The average attendance for the year was 4,504, the percentage of regularity being 86.8, and the average weekly roll number was 5,190. The total number of pupils on the rolls of the Native mission schools was 120, and on those of the secondary schools 457. At the end of the year, therefore, the total roll number of all the Native schools inspected by officers of the Education Department was 5,709, the average weekly roll being 5,789, and the gross average attendance, 5,054.

Besides the children of the Maori race who are receiving instruction in the Native schools there is a still larger number attending public schools; so that the total number of primary pupils of Maori race (including those in the mission schools) is 9,308, made up as follows:—

Attending Government Native schools4,560
  " public schools4,628
  " mission schools120
 9.308

Of the children on the rolls of the Native schools in December, 1916, 85.1 per cent were Maoris speaking Maori in their homes, 3.8 per cent were Maoris speaking English, and 11.1 per cent were Europeans. In connection with this classification it is to be noted that the term “Maori" applies only to children who are by birth full Maori, three-quarter Maori or half-caste, and excludes children who are three-quarter European.

The total net expenditure on Native schools during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, was £41,792. Included in this is the sum of £32,334 expended on teachers' salaries, £2,687 expended on new buildings and additions, £1,294 on maintenance of buildings, repairs, &c., and £2,465 on secondary education.

The staffs of the village schools included seventy-nine masters, thirty-seven mistresses in charge, and 131 assistants. The average salary of the head teachers was £182 19s. 7d., of the 123 female assistants £80 2s. 1d., and of the eight male assistants £65 12s. 6d.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

The special-schools section of the work of the Education Department includes—(1) the care of destitute, uncontrollable, or delinquent children committed to receiving-homes or industrial schools, and all juvenile offenders transferred from gaols to industrial schools; (2) the education and care of deaf, blind, or feeble-minded children over the age of six years; (3) the supervision of all children under the age of six years who are (a) maintained apart from their parents or guardians, (b) adopted with premium.

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.

At the 31st December, 1916, there were nine institutions officially known as industrial schools, directly under the control of the Education Department. Of these, three are devoted to the training of girls and three to the training of boys. The remaining three are receiving-homes which deal with children (boys and girls) who are fit to be boarded out in country homes, or who, if over the age of fourteen years, are capable of taking situations. There are also thirty-six industrial schools under private control to which children may be committed under the Industrial Schools Act, and which are subject to inspection by the Education Department.

The number of children brought for the first time under the operation of the Industrial Schools Act during 1916 was 436; the number whose names were written off during the year was 317, and the total roll number at the end of the year was 3,284. Of these 1,970 were boys and 1,314 girls.

The children are classified as follows:—

In residence— 
        In Government industrial schools other than reformatories472
        In reformatories (boys)142
              " (girls)40
 654
        In private industrial schools355
Total1009
Boarded out— 
        From Government schools (including receiving-homes)1,076
        From private industrial schools6
Total1,082
Placed out in situations570
With friends on probation387
In private institutions, hospitals, absent without leave, in prison, &c.236
Grand total3,284

The net expenditure for the last financial year, exclusive of capital charges for additional buildings, works, &c., was £41,304, showing a decrease of £644 on that of the preceding year, although 515 more children were actually maintained, the numbers being 2,655 and 2,140 respectively.

The contributions from parents under orders of Court, agreements, &c., amounted to £12,297, being at the rate of £4 12s. 8d. per head of those maintained. This is an increase of 3s. 7d. per head over the rate of the preceding year.

Included in the total sum recovered (£25,680) is an amount of £13,383 paid by Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards for the maintenance of 836 children committed to industrial schools on account of indigency. In addition 169 inmates of private industrial schools were maintained at the expense of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. As these latter schools make their claims direct against the Boards the figures are not included in the totals given above.

INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION.

The purpose of this system is to provide supervision and protection for infants boarded out by their parents or guardians in circumstances that might lead to their neglect or ill-treatment. Unless licensed as a foster-parent, no person in consideration of any payment or reward may receive or take charge of an infant for the purpose of nursing or maintaining it apart from its parents or guardians for longer than seven consecutive days. “Infant" means a child under six years of age. Besides the district agents, duly appointed officers who are qualified nurses have full power to inspect the licensed homes. If necessary the Education Department may take over the maintenance of a child, recovering the cost from the parents or guardians, and the foster-parent's license may be revoked, the children in the home being otherwise provided for as the Minister may direct. Payment of a premium on the adoption of a child brings the case within the provisions of the Act.

The number of homes licensed at the end of 1916 was 1,054, and the total number of children in them during the year was 1,250, a decrease of 190 for the year. Of this total the number of infants under one year was 365. Seventeen children died, being 1.36 per cent of those in the homes. Of that number, nine died in foster homes and eight in hospitals or nursing-homes to which they had been removed for treatment, so that the deaths in foster-homes represented 0.72 per cent only of the total number dealt with.

The expenditure in connection with infant-life protection for the year ended 31st March, 1917, was £1,350; for the preceding year the amount was £1,476.

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.

The Education Department maintains a school for deaf children at Sumner, the numbers belonging to the institution at the end of 1915 and 1916 being 99 and 98 respectively.

The following classes of deaf children are admitted to the institution, mental soundness being in all cases a necessity:—

  1. Children born deaf, or who have lost their hearing before learning to speak.

  2. Children who can hear a little, but are too deaf to be taught in an ordinary school.

  3. Children who have lost their hearing after having learned to speak.

The method of instruction used is the oral method, in favour of which there is a vast predominance of expert opinion.

The necessity for sending deaf children to be properly treated at as early an age as possible is imperative, since the process of educating the deaf must be slower and more arduous than in the case of normal children. In addition to the ordinary school-work the girl pupils receive instruction in general domestic work, cooking, laundry-work, dressmaking, and dancing; while the boys are taught woodwork and gardening.

A feature of this institution is the successful work carried on in the garden and on the farm, provision being thus made for a plentiful supply of milk, vegetables, and fruit all the year round. Notwithstanding the dry season intensive cultivation of the sandy soil has been carried out under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture, and very fine specimens of such products as lucerne, marrows, mangels, carrots, &c., the product of the school-farm, have been exhibited by that Department at the Dunedin, Timaru, and Ashburton agricultural and pastoral shows.

The gross expenditure on the school for the financial year 1916-17 was £6,165, and the recoveries were £1,888, leaving a net expenditure of £4,277.

JUBILEE INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND, AUCKLAND.

This institution is governed by a Board of Trustees, four of whom are appointed by the Government, and the remaining five elected by the subscribers to the funds of the institute. As the institute comes within the scope of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, subsidy at the rate of 24s. in the pound is payable by the State on voluntary subscriptions received by the Board, and 10s. in the pound on the value of bequests. The amount of such subsidy paid to the Board during its last financial year was £1,815. The State contributed £810 towards the cost of training 33 pupils. The amount recovered from parents and Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards was £538.

Provision is made at the Institute for the education and training of adults as well as children, although the Education Department is chiefly interested in the latter. In addition to the ordinary school subjects kindergarten classes are held, and instruction is also given in music, swimming, typewriting and shorthand, sewing, knitting, beadwork, &c. Technical work and manual training forms an important part of the curriculum. The boys and men receive instruction in woodwork and in several trades, such as piano-tuning, mat and basket making, &c., while the girls are taught household duties, which will be of great, benefit to them when they return to their homes after completing their education in the day school.

EDUCATION AND CARE OF THE FEEBLE-MINDED.

During the year 1916 full publicity was given to the compulsory clauses in the Education Act dealing with the education and training of feeble-minded or epileptic children between the ages of six and twenty-one years. As a result of a systematic canvass information regarding over six hundred cases was obtained. About three hundred and fifty of these were boys and two hundred and fifty girls.

The inmates of schools for feeble-minded children are given a very simple course of instruction suited to their limited intelligence. Instruction is largely of a manual character, since these children are able to advance only very slightly in the arts of reading, writing, and counting. The object of the instruction is to quicken the intelligence and dexterity of the children, so that later on they may be able to take part in some simple occupation and be able to some extent to help to support themselves and to find some interest in occupations suitable to their limited capacities.

To meet the growing demands a school for feeble-minded girls was established during the year at Richmond, near Nelson. So far forty-eight girls have been admitted there, but accommodation is provided for about thirty more, and a selection is now being made of other applicants for admission. As two of the institutions at present utilized for industrial-school purposes (at Auckland and Caversham) will be vacated during the course of the ensuing year it is proposed to convert them into special schools for girls; these two schools together will accommodate about ninety girls. In the meantime no ambititious programme of training the girls has been entered upon at Richmond. More attention has been given to the building-up of the children physically and of making their lives reasonably happy in their new surroundings—a liberal diet, plenty of exercise, and an occasional trip to the seaside are having a marked effect on the physical condition of the children. A teacher is attached to the staff, and a certain amount of kindergarten work is carried out. It is proposed to obtain the services of at least two lady teachers who have had special experience in the training of feeble-minded girls, and to establish one of the institutions referred to above for the training of the younger and more improvable girls. As the girls become proficient in some craft, such as matmaking, sewing, &c., or are fairly capable at domestic or laundry work or gardening, they can be transferred to one of the other schools, where it will not be necessary to employ an expert staff.

With regard to boys, the extended building programme at the special school at Otekaike has now been completed, and there is now provision for the accommodation of some two hundred cases. Workshops have been provided, and technical instruction in carpentry, bootmaking, mat-weaving, basketmaking, boxmaking, &c., will be carried out. A thoroughly equipped day-school has also been provided, and under the direction of an expert teacher progress in the training of the boys is now possible. Nearly one hundred boys have been admitted, and as the cases now under review are examined they will be drafted on to Otekaike until the full complement of the school is reached. There were sixty-seven boys in residence at Otekaike during 1916, two boarded out, and ten absent temporarily with friends, making a total of seventy-nine. The gross expenditure on the schools at Richmond and Otekaike for the year 1916-17 was £15,195, the recoveries were £1,448, and the net expenditure therefore £13,747.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

The Education Act provides for public instruction in such subjects of art, science, and technology as are set forth in regulations. Classes recognized under the Act are eligible for grants in aid of necessary buildings, equipment, and material, for capitation, and for subsidies of £1 for £1 on voluntary contributions. Free technical education is also provided for. Persons complying with the conditions prescribed by the regulations are entitled to hold junior free places at technical schools or classes. These free places are tenable for two years, and may be continued under certain conditions for three years more as senior free places. Holders of senior free places are required to take up definite courses of technical instruction.

The controlling authorities of classes for technical instruction are Education Boards, governing bodies of secondary schools and University colleges, and, in the case of certain classes in existence prior to 1904, the managers of those classes.

The Auckland University College and the Otago University have each established a School of Mines, providing for courses for the University degree of B.Sc. or for the associateship in mining and metallurgy. The Canterbury College has an endowed School of Engineering and Technical Science, providing for courses for the University degree of B.Sc. in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, or for the associateship in engineering.

There are also several Schools of Mines, located in districts in which mining is actively carried on. Particulars relating to these will be found in the Mining Section of this book.

The Otago University has a home-science department, at which thirty-six students were in attendance in 1916.

The Canterbury Agricultural College has an endowment of about 77,800 acres of land, of the rental value of about £2,800 per annum, and possesses extensive buildings and an experimental farm of a very complete character. The institution offers an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the science and practice of agriculture. Two years' residence at the college is accepted by the University of New Zealand as part of the curriculum qualifying for the degree of B.Sc. in agriculture. The college accommodated forty-two students in 1916.

Recognized classes for commercial subjects, subsidized by the Government, are held at each of the four University colleges.

TECHNICAL CLASSES OTHER THAN CLASSES AT TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS.

Classes were held at 151 centres during 1916. The number of the classes and of individual students in attendance was as follows:—

Status.Number of Classes.Number of Students.
 1915.1916.1915.1916.
(a) Conducted by Education or High School Boards1,0161,01610,61610,169
(b) Conducted by Technical School Boards or by Managers6366366,8556,699
(c) Conducted by University Colleges165165776718
Totals1,8171,81718,24717,586

Capitation payments for the year totalled £34,771 (including £9,599 on account of free technical education), being at the rate of £2 per student. The rates of capitation vary from 2d. to 8d. an hour, according to the stage and nature of the instruction. These rates are increased by one half in the case of classes in remote centres. An additional 3d. an hour up to £5 a year is paid in the case of students holding free places.

In addition to classes for higher commercial work at each of the four University colleges full courses of instruction, both elementary and advanced, are provided at all of the larger technical schools.

Classes for mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering are well supported. The number of recognized classes in operation during 1916 was 195. As regards mechanical engineering, ten technical schools, including those in the four chief centres, are provided with well-equipped workshops, and offer fairly full courses, both elementary and advanced. Courses of university-rank in each of the three branches of engineering are provided at the School of Engineering in connection with Canterbury College.

During 1910, 346 classes for domestic subjects were in existence. The special courses in home science and domestic arts at the Otago University continue to meet with satisfactory support. Of the thirty-six students who attended during the year twenty-one held State bursaries, having signified their intention to qualify as teachers of domestic subjects. Fourteen students who have completed their courses are now engaged in teaching in various parts of the Dominion. With a view to affording special facilities for training in housecraft a hostel has been established in connection with the University.

Classes bearing on rural pursuits were held at seventy-eight centres during the year, and were attended by 1,626 students. The subjects dealt with at these classes included agriculture, dairy-work, wool sorting and classing, shearing, horticulture, and orchard-work. The fact that the farmers willingly contribute to the funds of the classes is one indication of the value placed upon them.

The number of students in 1915 and 1916 taking group courses of instruction occupying not less than four hours a week and eighty hours a year was as follows:—

Course of Instruction.Number of Students.
 1915.1916.
Elementary and higher commercial, and general courses for public examinations2,6823,055
Domestic855711
Industrial1,4171,480
Pure and applied art684671
Totals5,6385,917

Regulations requiring the attendance of young persons between the ages of fourteen and seventeen who are not otherwise receiving a suitable education, or who are not specially exempted from attendance, were in operation in 1916 in ten school districts in Auckland, in three in Wanganui and Taranaki respectively, and in one in Hawke's Bay. The classes established under these regulations were attended by 1,219 students, of whom 654 were males.

In the following table are given the number and sex of pupils receiving free education under the regulations for free places:—

1915.1916.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Junior free pupils—      
    First year8505011,3518205961,416
    Second year549358907534418952
Senior free pupils—      
    First year447348795433354787
    Second year305262567310273583
    Third year162109271175147322
Totals2,3131,5783,8912,2721,7884,060

Nearly 25 per cent. of the total number of students in attendance at classes held free places as above. The total number of junior free pupils was 2,368, an increase of 110, and of senior free pupils 1,692, an increase of 59. Over 50 per cent of the students who entered technical classes as first-year junior free pupils in 1915 continued to attend in 1916. Of the total number of senior free pupils in their first year over 35 per cent had previously completed two years at technical classes as junior free pupils. The remaining 65 per cent had previously attended technical high schools, secondary schools, or district high schools. In addition to students holding Government free places, 310 students held scholarships or free places provided locally.

The following technical schools had roll numbers of 500 and over, exclusive of the technical high schools carried on in connection with some of them:—

School.Roll Number.
1915.1916.
Auckland Technical College1,4511,329
Christchurch Technical College1,1561,225
Wellington Technical College1,1631,207
Dunedin Technical College1,2771,204
Wanganui Technical College984814
Palmerston North Technical School566673
Dunedin School of Art535560

TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS.

These schools (eight in number) are of secondary grade, and provide industrial, domestic, agricultural, commercial, and art courses. The number of pupils in attendance was as follows: Auckland, 508; Wanganui, 250; Wellington, 285; Napier, 111; Westport, 29; Christchurch, 376; Dunedin, 315; and Invercargill, 231. The total roll number was 2,105, an increase of 150 over that of the preceding year. The schools appear to meet the needs of a number of young people who would not otherwise proceed to secondary schools. The courses of instruction taken up by pupils wore as follows:—

 Males.Females.Totals.
Industrial480 480
Commercial and general3388311,169
Domestic 301301
Agricultural153 153
Art2 2
Totals9731,1322,105

Capitation payments on account of technical high schools during 1916 totalled £23,295, being at the rate of £11.93 in the case of free pupils, and £6.97 in the case of other pupils.

The following table classifies the free pupils at technical high schools:—

1915.1916.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Junior free pupils —      
  First year5015051,0065185771,095
  Second year267266533280320600
Senior free pupils—      
  First year6012118170109179
  Second year152641112839
  Third year178 22
Totals8449251,769S701,0361,915

Of the total number of pupils in attendance 91 per cent were receiving free education under the regulations for free places. Junior free places were held by 1,695 pupils, and senior free places by 220 pupils. Over 50 per cent. of the junior free pupils who entered in 1915 continued to attend in 1916, while about 22 per cent, of the pupils who completed the second year of their junior free places in 1915 qualified for and were admitted to senior free places in 1916.

EXPENDITURE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

The following is a summary of the expenditure by the State on technical instruction during the year ended the 31st March, 1917:—

 ££
Capitation 64,856
Subsidies on voluntary contributions4,206 
Home science bursaries1,180 
Grants in aid of material for class use3,187 
  8,573
Grants for buildings and equipment 6,614
Conveyance of instructors, students, and free pupils 3,386
Examinations 449
Inspectors' salaries and travelling-expenses 1,226
  85,104
Less recoveries (examination fees, &c.) 173
  £84,931

SECONDARY EDUCATION.

Secondary education is carried on at secondary schools, district high schools, technical high schools, Maori secondary schools, and private secondary schools.

The number of secondary schools in operation during 1916 was thirty-three.

The number of district high schools was sixty, technical high schools eight, and Maori secondary schools ten. In addition there were seventeen private secondary schools registered under the Education Act, 1914.

The total number of pupils attending the thirty-three secondary schools for the last terms of 1915 and 1916 respectively were as follows:—

 1915.1916
 Boys.Girls.Total.Boys.Girls.Total.
Roll (exclusive of lower departments)3,7482,7406,4884,0253,0277,052
Number in lower departments273144417296170466
Total4,0212,8846,9054,3213,1977,518
Number of boarders (included above)9091471,0569632461,209

In the same years these schools were staffed as follows:—

 19151916
 M.F.Total.M.F.Total.
Regular staff174126300175148323
Part-time teachers444286414586

The average number of pupils per teacher (excluding part-time teachers) was thus 22.

The average number of pupils on the roll of the secondary departments of district high schools in the year 1916 was 2,386.

Besides the head teachers, who generally take some part in the secondary instruction, there were employed in 1916 in the secondary departments of district high schools 96 special assistants—28 men and 68 women. The average number of pupils per teacher was 23.

The total numbers on the roll of technical high schools at any time during the years 1915 and 1916 were as follows:—

 1915.1916.
Boys937973
Girls1,0181,132
Totals1,9552,105

The following was the average roll of pupils in secondary schools for Maoris (all of whom were boarders) for the respective years:—

 1915.1916.
Boys204239
Girls217218
Totals421457

Summarizing all these figures, and excluding pupils in the lower departments of secondary schools, we obtain the following statement of the numbers receiving some form or other of secondary instruction during the years 1915 and 1916 (as nearly as can be ascertained):—

 1915.1916.
Secondary schools6,4887,052
District high schools2,4022,386
Technical high schools1,9552,105
Maori secondary schools421457
Private secondary schools9921,004
Totals12,25813,004

Based on the estimated population of New Zealand as at the end of 1916 the proportions of persons receiving some form of day secondary education is 113 per 10,000 of population, as compared with 105 for the previous year.

FREE SECONDARY EDUCATION.

Free places are divided into two classes—junior and senior—both being tenable at secondary schools and districts high schools, or, under somewhat different conditions, at technical schools.

Generally speaking, junior free places are tenable for two years, with a possible extension in certain cases to three years. In the case of their being held at district high schools they are tenable to the age of seventeen. The means of qualification are—

For entrance to secondary schools and district high schools—(a) Special examinations for Junior National Scholarships, (b) the certificate of proficiency.

  1. For entrance to technical high schools the means of qualification named in (1), or the certificate of competency in S6, with a special endorsement of merit in handwork and elementary science, which for the purposes of technical schools is deemed to be equivalent to a certificate of proficiency.

  2. For entrance to technical classes other than technical high schools the means of qualification named in (1) or (2), or, under special conditions applicable to industrial courses only, a recommendation by the Inspector of Schools if a pupil is over fourteen years and has been in regular attendance at a public school up to a date not more than six months prior to the date of admission to the technical classes.

The special examination for junior free places hitherto serving as an additional means of qualification for junior free places is not longer to be held, the scholarship examination serving the purpose.

Senior free places are tenable at secondary schools, district high schools, and technical high schools up to the age of nineteen, and at technical classes other than technical high schools for three or in some cases four years. The means of qualification for senior free places are the Intermediate or other equivalent examinations, or the recommendation of the Principal or Director of the school or classes attended based on the school records and examination results, or the recommendation of an Inspector of Secondary Schools, or in the case of district high schools of the senior Inspector of the district, or in part on such a recommendation and in part on the results of a special examination.

In accordance with amended regulations it will be compulsory in future for every girl during the tenure of her junior free place to receive instruction in home science, and for every boy attending the secondary department of a district high school (of not more than seventy pupils) to receive instruction in agriculture and dairy science.

The following are some of the figures for 1915 and 1916 in regard to free places in secondary schools:—

 1915.1916.
Number of secondary schools giving free tuition3131
Roll number of these schools6,0336,585
Number of free-place holders at end of year5,5935,826
Average number of free-place holders during year5,6246,045
Free-place holders as a percentage of roll number93 per cent.92 per cent.
Total annual payment by Government for free places£71,075£74,380
Cost to Government per free pupil£12 12s. 5d.£12 6s. 10d.

In order to arrive at the total number of pupils in New Zealand receiving free secondary instruction it will be necessary, however, to include also 88 holders of scholarships or exhibitions carrying free instruction not otherwise enumerated, which are granted by the secondary schools included above or by endowed secondary schools not coming under the conditions for free places, 1,938 free-place holders at district high schools, 101 Maori pupils receiving free education in Maori secondary schools, and 1,915 holders of free places in technical high schools. Consequently, there were approximately 10,132 pupils receiving free secondary education in the Dominion, exclusive of those holders of free places in technical schools (mostly evening students), who, while not taking full-day courses, were nevertheless receiving free education of secondary grade.

The following table gives a summary of the various secondary free places at the end of the year for which payment was made by Government:—

Free Places in December, 1915 and 1916.

 1915.1916.
(i.) Secondary Schools—Boys.Girls.Total.Boys.Girls.Total.
    (a.) Junior free pupils2,1971,8584,0552,2832,0134,296
    (b.) Senior free pupils8387001,538S187121,530
Totals3,0352,5585,5933,1012,7255,826
(ii.) District high schools—      
    (a.) Junior free pupils)}   {8739091,782
    (b.) Senior free pupils9561,0121,96880121201
Totals9561,0121,9689531,0301,983
(iii.) Maori secondary schools4052924358101
(iv.) Technical high schools—      
     (a.) Junior free pupils7687711,5397988971,695
    (b.) Senior free pupils7015423081139220
Totals8449251,7698791,0301,915
Grand totals4,8754,5479,4224,9764,8499,825

SCHOLARSHIPS HELD AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

These scholarships are of four kinds,—

  1. National Scholarships:

  2. Education Board Scholarships;

  3. Foundation (or Governors') Scholarships, given by the governing bodies of secondary schools;

  4. Private, scholarships, endowed by private owners.

National Scholarships.

Junior and Senior National Scholarships in the proportion of 9 to 5 are awarded on the results of annual examinations, the junior examination being of a standard somewhat higher than that of the certificate of proficiency, and the senior examination being of a standard comparable with the standard of the Public Service Entrance Examination. Scholarships are awarded to all candidates reaching a certain standard, the standard of award being determined so as approximately to provide one scholarship for every 500 children in attendance in all public schools. In the case of pupils from sole-teacher schools—i.e., schools with an average attendance of under 36—the standard of award is made 10 per cent. lower than in the case of pupils from larger schools.

At the examinations held in 1916 252 candidates qualified for Junior National Scholarships (as against 204 in the previous year), of which number 19 were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and 58, or 19 per cent., were pupils of secondary schools. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 112, of which number 8 (as compared with 3 for the previous year) qualified on the alternative programme provided specially to suit the needs of those taking a rural or domestic course.

Junior and Senior National Scholarships are tenable at secondary schools and district high schools, each for three years, provided that the total tenure of the two scholarships in the case of one person must not exceed five years. In addition to tuition fees, the holder receives £5 per annum if a junior scholar, or £10 per annum if a senior scholar, with a further sum of £35 per annum in each case if obliged to live away from home.

The following figures indicate the number and the value of scholarships current in December, 1915, and December, 1916, respectively, the figures for 1915 representing only Junior National Scholarships awarded under earlier conditions:—

Number of scholarship-holders—1915.1916.
Boys91252
Girls51130
Totals142382
Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total)76143
Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included)412
Number held at secondary schools120334
Number held at district high schools2248
Total annual rate of payment£3,772£7,748

Education Board Scholarships.

The Education Board Scholarships now current will, in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, gradually be entirely replaced by Junior and Senior National Scholarships. In 1916 there were current 316 Education Board Scholarships of a total annual value of £5,605.

Foundation (or Governors') Scholarships.

These are of two kinds, those afforded by the Governors of secondary schools not granting free places under the Act, and those offered as additional scholarships by the Governors of schools providing free places.

Private Scholarships.

These are derived from funds provided by private donors at certain schools, by bequest or otherwise. The number of foundation and private scholarships in the last term of 1916 was 145. Of the holders, fifty-four were also Government free pupils under the regulations. The total annual value of the scholarships in cash was £1,048. In addition, free tuition was given by the schools to holders of foundation and private scholarships to the value of £1,097, the value of the Government free places already mentioned not being included in this amount.

SECONDARY-SCHOOL CERTIFICATES.

Three classes of certificates may be issued to free-place holders taking a secondary course of instruction. The intermediate certificate may be granted to junior-free-place holders who have satisfactorily completed under certain conditions a two-years course at a secondary school, district high school, or technical high school, and who in general are qualified in attainment to receive a senior free place. The lower leaving-certificate may be issued to pupils who have satisfactorily completed a three-years course of secondary instruction, including not less than one year of a senior course in which the standard of work is sufficiently advanced in character to meet the requirements of the examination for a teacher's certificate of Class D, or of the Matriculation Examination. Likewise the higher leaving-certificate may be granted to pupils having satisfactorily completed at least a four-years course of secondary instruction and having satisfied the requirements of the lower leaving-certificate, and, in addition, having completed to good advantage and under certain conditions a further secondary course of not less than one year.

FINANCES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

The income of secondary schools is derived from the following sources:—

  1. Rents from the special reserves allocated to them by statute:

  2. Statutory grants, given in lieu of special reserves:

  3. Interest upon moneys derived from the sale of reserves, and invested in accordance with the Education Reserves Act:

  4. Income from the secondary-school reserves controlled by the Land Boards, divided among the secondary schools in the several land districts in proportion to the number of pupils in average attendance, lower departments excluded:

  5. Government payments—(a) Statutory capitation upon free pupils under the Act; (b) subsidies on voluntary contributions; (c) capitation for manual instruction classes:

  6. Special Government grants for buildings and apparatus:

  7. Tuition fees of pupils:

  8. Boarding fees of pupils:

  9. Miscellaneous sources, such as interest on moneys (other than those obtained by the sale of reserves), donations, and special endowments (for scholarships, prizes, &c.), rent of premises, loans raised, &c.

The revenue derived from the sources (i) to (iv) is the income derived from endowments, and the “net annual income derived from endowments" is the average of this revenue for the three preceding years, less the expenditure upon the endowments and investments, upon buildings approved by the Minister, and less mortgage and other charges.

The following is a summary of the receipts and expenditure of all secondary schools (excluding Wanganui Collegiate and Christ's College Grammar Schools) for the year 1916:—

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 1916.

Receipts.£
Endowments— 
  Sales and mortgage-money repaid568
  Lauds vested in High School Boards38,845
  Secondary-education reserves9,146
  Interest on moneys invested730
Government grants— 
  Grants for buildings, sites, rent, apparatus, &c.9,097
  Capitation for free places and subsidies89,041
  Capitation and subsidies for manual instruction1,962
School fees11,390
Boarding-school Account20,993
Loans, transfers from Capital Account, interest, &c.34,016
Technical Classes Account2,365
Refunds and sundries4,461
 £ 222,614
Expenditure.£
Teachers' salaries and allowances84,460
Incidental expenses— 
  Office expenses and salaries (excluding endowments)3,342
  Printing, stationery, and advertising2,559
  Cleaning, heating, and lighting6,767
  Examinations, prizes, games1,511
Material and other incidentals1,467
Interest, repayment of mortgages, and investments6,881
Manual instruction (excluding buildings)1,186
Boarding-school Account17,587
Land, buildings, furniture, insurance, rates, &c.62,561
Endowments (including proportion of office expenses)5,855
Technical Classes Account2,545
Scholarships, advances to pupils, and miscellaneous5,676
 £202,397

Taking into account the assets and liabilities of the various Boards, it appears that the total debit balance at the end of 1916 was £15,463, nine Boards having debit and seventeen having credit balances. The debit balances are for the most part due to loans required for the erection of necessary buildings. The following is a summary of the monetary assets and liabilities at the end of the year:—

Monetary Assets.£Liabilities.£
Bank balances31,330Overdrafts9,921
Other assets34,021Other liabilities70,893
Total£65,351Total£80,814
  Debit balance£15,463

The figures below indicate the position with regard to the income and expenditure on account of free-place holders in secondary schools:—

 1915.1916.
Total number of pupils, excluding lower departments (roll number beginning of first term)6,5957,075
Total net income from endowments£7,172£8,608
Net income from endowments per head£1.09£1.217
Approximate annual rate of capitation£12.82£12.304
Total available net income per free pupil for salaries and incidental expenses£13.90£13.521
Total expenditure on salaries of staff£75,038£81,999
“ incidental expenses£10,526£14,921
“ staff salaries, and incidental expenses£85,564£96,920
Expenditure per head on staff salaries£11.38£11.56
“ on incidental expenses£1.60£2.11
Total expenditure per head on staff salaries, and incidental expenses£12.98£13.67

The last figure given shows as nearly as may be the actual cost of maintenance per annum for each pupil, exclusive of those in the lower departments.

LOWER DEPARTMENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

The Education Act provides that pupils who have not obtained a certificate of competency in the subjects of Standard V or a higher standard of the public-school syllabus may be admitted to a lower department of a secondary school if they are taught in a separate building or class-room, and if no part of the actual cost of their instruction is met out of the endowments of the secondary school or out of any moneys granted by the Government. There were lower departments in fourteen secondary schools during 1916; the total number of pupils in those departments was 466; the total expenditure on salaries of teachers was £2,721; the total amount of fees received on their account was £3,482.

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

The following table gives particulars of the attendance, staff, and salaries at district high schools in 1916:—

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS: ATTENDANCE, STAFFS, SALARIES, ETC., IN SECONDARY DEPARTMENTS, 1916.

Education District.Number of Schools.Average Attendance, 1916.Number of Assistant Teachers.Average Number of Pupils per Teacher.Statutory Annual Rate at End of Year.
M.F.Total.
       £
Auckland102855712243,091
Taranaki3180257261,403 ½
Wanganui6139347201,790
Hawke's Bay3169347241,560
Wellington930531215203,680
Nelson4120 55241,170
Canterbury16706101929246,880
Otago929721214213,382
Total602,2012868962322,956 ½

As might be expected, a scrutiny of the subjects taken by pupils of the secondary departments of district high schools reveals the fact that subjects of immediate practical benefit have an important place in the curriculum. For instance, only 46 per cent. of the pupils learn Latin, and 17 per cent. French. On the other hand, 59 per cent. of the boys and 37 per cent. of the girls receive instruction in agriculture or agricultural science, 25 per cent. of the pupils learn dairy science, 33 per cent. take commercial work, 48 per cent. of the boys learn woodwork, and 56 per cent. of the girls receive instruction in one or both of the subjects needlecraft and cookery. The various branches of science receive adequate attention; chemistry and physics are taken by 57 per cent. of the pupils, botany by 37 per cent., elementary science of common life by 29 per cent., and domestic science (so definitely designated) by 15 per cent. of the girls.

Rural courses were, in 1916, in operation at thirty-eight district high schools, and were taken by 1,210 pupils. The course for boys is not intended to fit them for carrying on agricultural and pastoral pursuits, but is intended to give them a knowledge of the scientific principles upon which the successful practice of these pursuits depends. Similarly, the course for girls is intended to fit them for the work which they, as members of families engaged in such pursuits, may have to perform or superintend. In most instances it has been found possible not only to provide reasonably full courses with a distinct bias towards rural and domestic pursuits, but also to secure adequate opportunities for pupils preparing for the various public examinations. A special payment of £5 10s. per annum is paid to the Education Boards on account of each pupil in the secondary department of a district high school taking an approved rural course.

HIGHER EDUCATION.

The affairs of the University of New Zealand are controlled by three Courts—the Senate, the Board of Studies, and the General Court of Convocation. The Senate has the entire management of and superintendence over the affairs, concerns, and property of the University, and, subject to certain provisions relating to the Board of Studies, has power to alter all statutes and regulations. The Board of Studies has power to make recommendations to the Senate as to the appointment of examiners, and as to degrees, diplomas, scholarships, prizes, courses of study, and examinations. The chief function of the General Court of Convocation is to discuss matters relating to the University, and to declare its opinion on any such matter.

The University of New Zealand has power to confer degrees, but is not itself a teaching body, undergraduates for the most part keeping their terms at one or other of the four affiliated institutions—Otago University. Canterbury College, Auckland University College, and Victoria University College.

The revenue of the University is derived mainly from a statutory Government grant of £3,000 per annum, from fees, and from interest on investments.

Auckland University College and Victoria University College each receive an annual statutory grant of £9,000, while Canterbury College receives £2,000 and Otago University £5,000. The two latter institutions are endowed with reserves of land. In addition a certain proportion of the income from the National Endowment Fund for the purposes of education is paid directly to the four affiliated institutions. In 1916 the sum paid to each out of the fund amounted to £1,433. There is also now provision for the payment under regulations of a Government subsidy on voluntary contributions to the funds of the institutions affiliated to the University of New Zealand.

The total amount paid by the Government on account of the University of New Zealand and the affiliated colleges for the year 1916-17 was £54,453.

There were in 1916 1,890 students actually in attendance at the four University colleges, a decrease of 46 on the number for the previous year. Of these, 78 were graduates, 1,252 undergraduates, and 560 unmatriculated students. In addition to the students mentioned above, there were 95 students attached to the various University colleges, but exempt from lectures-that is, they were prevented by distance or by the necessity of earning their living from attending lectures at the college, but were allowed to keep terms, except in certain science and professional subjects, by passing the annual college examination

FREE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION.

University scholarships may be divided into three broad classes- (1) Entrance scholarships, (2) scholarships awarded during the degree course, (3) post-graduate scholarships.

University entrance scholarships are awarded annually on the results of the University Junior Scholarship Examination, which is held at the same time as the Matriculation Examination. They are known as (a) University Junior Scholarships, (b) University National Scholarships, (c) Taranaki Scholarships.

The University Junior Scholarships (ten of which were gained in 1916) are of the value of £20 per annum plus tuition fees, and are tenable for three years. In the case of holders. living away from home a further sum of £30 per annum is allowed. The University National Scholarships are of equal monetary value, the number gained in 1916 being twenty. Taranaki Scholarships are of the annual value of £60, and the Senate may at discretion extend the tenure from three to four years. There are also some thirty or forty local and privately endowed scholarships awarded on the results of the same entrance examination.

Scholarships awarded during the degree course are the Senior University and John Tinline Scholarships. These are tenable by candidates sitting for their final examination for B.A. or B.Sc., and may therefore be regarded in a sense as post-graduate. The various colleges have also private scholarships for which their own students may compete.

The chief scholarships awarded at the end of the University course are the Rhodes Scholarship, the 1851 Exhibition Scholarship, the Medical Travelling Scholarship, and the National Research Scholarships. The first three are all tenable abroad. The Research Scholarships are each of the value of £ per annum, with laboratory fees and expenses.

So far fifteen Rhodes Scholarships have been granted, of which five have been gained by students of Auckland University College, four by students of Otago University, four by students of Victoria University College, and two by students of Canterbury College.

Of the eighteen Research Scholarships awarded up to the present five were in active operation in 1916. The subjects of research undertaken have been in each case closely connected with some New Zealand industry, or with some industry which, though not yet undertaken in this Dominion, may at an early date be an industry of importance in New Zealand

University bursaries are awarded under the University Amendment Act, 1914, on the credit pass in the University Junior Scholarship Examination or on a higher leaving-certificate qualification, and entitle the holders to the payment of tuition and examination fees (not exceeding £ per annum) during a three (or possibly four) years' course at a University college or school of agriculture recognized by the University. The number of University bursaries held in 1916 was 260, of which number 51 completed the three years' tenure of their bursaries.

Educational bursaries are awarded under the Education Act, 1914, and any matriculated student is entitled to one who—

  1. Has within the six months immediately preceding completed his term of service as a pupil-teacher or probationer in some education district in accordance with regulations and to the satisfaction of the Education Board and of the Senior Inspector of that district, and declares his intention of entering a recognized training college on the completion on the tenure of his bursary; or

  2. Has satisfactorily completed his course of training at a recognized training college and gained a trained-teacher's certificate : or

  3. Has otherwise gained a teacher's certificate of a class not lower than Class C.

Those bursaries are tenable for three years, with possibly two yearly extensions, at a University college or recognized school of agriculture. The classes taken must be such as to form part of a course in arts, science, or agriculture, and proof of satisfactory progress must be given.

The number of educational bursaries held in 1916 was fifty-five, of which number eight completed the three years' tenure of their bursaries. In addition fourteen holders of bursaries were absent on military service.

Domestic Science Bursaries tenable at the Otago University may be awarded under the regulations for technical instruction. Applicants for the bursaries must have been resident in the Dominion for not less than twelve months, and must have–

  1. Passed the Matriculation Examination or some other examination approved for the purpose; or

  2. Obtained at least a partial pass in the examination for the Class D teachers' certificate; or

  3. Gained a higher leaving-certificate or, in the case of pupil-teachers or probationers, a lower leaving-certificate.

Applicants are required to make a declaration that they will on completion of their course engage in teaching for not less than three years. The term of a bursary is two (or possibly three) years. The bursar receives £20 per annum, together with the fees for the course for the degree or the diploma in home science and domestic arts, and, if obliged to live away from home, an allowance of £30 per annum. Bursaries of this kind were awarded to ten students in 1916.

Towards the end of the year 1916 arrangements were made for the granting of agricultural bursaries to qualified candidates in order to enable them to obtain the necessary practical training for positions as teachers or agricultural instructors, as officers of the Department of Agriculture, or as farmers. After completion of their training the bursars will be under a legal obligation to serve for a term of three years in one or other of these capacities. Bursaries will be tenable at an experimental farm or other approved institution for two years, with a possible extension to a third year. The qualification for a bursary will be Matriculation or a higher or lower leaving-certificate, and the bursars will, if possible, be required to have received agricultural instruction during their secondary-school course. The proposed payment to bursars is £20 per annum, with free tuition and, if the bursar is obliged to live away from home, a lodging-allowance of £30 per annum. The bursaries will be first awarded in 1917.

The Workers' Educational Association.

In the distribution to University colleges of the moneys received by the University from the National Endowment Fund in 1916, £300 was allocated in each case for the establishment and maintenance of the Workers' Educational Association tutorial or University extension classes. Branches of this association have been established in six of the larger towns, and tutorial classes in such subjects as economics, history, industrial law, English, electricity, debating, and chairmanship, conducted in some cases by University-college professors or lecturers, are in operation for the better education of working men and women.

ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS.

Annual examinations are conducted by the Education Department for the various purposes of Junior and Senior National Scholarships, junior and senior free places in secondary schools, district high schools, and technical schools, and teachers' certificates. Also, by arrangement with the Public Service Commissioner, examinations are held for admission to and promotion in the Public Service.

The following table shows collectively, in comparison with the preceding year, the number who entered for the various examinations above enumerated, the number present, and the number of absentees:—

 1915-16.1916-17.
Number who entered10,97811,858
Number who actually sat for examination9,45310,894
Number of absentees1,525964

The number of candidates for the various examinations in 1916-17 who actually presented themselves in the examination-room is given below :-

Junior National and junior free places4,403
Public Service Entrance, Senior National Scholarships, and Intermediate3,839
Teachers D and C1,941
Public Service Senior653
Typists' Examination50
Kindergarten Certificate Examination5
London University Examinations1
Froebel Union Examination2
Total10,894

All eligible candidates from public or registered private schools who reached the respective standards of qualification fixed in accordance with the Act 62.5 per cent. for juniors and 65 per cent. for seniors-received National Scholarships from the Education Boards of their districts. In the case of junior scholarship candidates from one-teacher schools the standard of qualification was fixed at its lowest limit allowable by regulation-viz., 10 per cent. below the ordinary standard.

The cost of conducting the examinations was as follows:-

Total expenses, including cost of additional clerical services temporarily employed, but omitting other salaries£ 5,947
  Less recoveries—
  Fees paid by candidates for teachers' certificates and others£ 2,300 
Paid by Public Service Commissioner for expense of conducting Public Service, examinations, the fees for which were credited to him—
    Public Service Entrance892 
    Public Service Senior7993,991
Net expenditure £1,956

GRANTS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

A grant of £2,000 was distributed among public libraries in country districts in 1917, the number of libraries participating being 236, and the subsidies paid ranging from £8 12s. 4d. to £15 19s. Id., according to the income of the libraries from subscriptions and donations. The grant must be expended in the purchase of books for the library, a certain proportion of the books purchased being of educational value.

Chapter 7. SECTION VII.—DEFENCE.

EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.

The remodelling of the New Zealand defence system, outlined in the 1915 and preceding issues of the Year-book, placed the Dominion in a position to act at once on the outbreak of war in August, 1914. Before the end of the month a New Zealand Force, in conjunction with vessels of the British and Australian navies, had taken possession of German Samoa, which still remains occupied by New Zealand troops and governed by a New Zealand Administrator on behalf of the Home Government.

An Expeditionary Force of infantry, mounted infantry, and artillery, with all necessary details, was also despatched early to take part in the war in Europe. After some months' training in Egypt, during which a portion of the Force took part in the first fight for the Suez Canal, the New Zealand troops assisted in the landing and subsequent fighting on Gallipoli, being eventually transferred to the western front.

The original infantry force has now been quadrupled, and additional artillery has also been furnished. During the three years the war has lasted the Dominion has kept up a constant, regular, and sufficient stream of reinforcements, so that the force in the field has been kept at full strength, in spite of its participation in some of the severest fighting of the war.

Until the latter part of 1916 the reinforcements were maintained entirely by voluntary enlistments. On account, however, of the prolonged nature of the struggle and the necessity of there being no hitch or delay in the sending of reinforcement drafts, Parliament deemed it advisable in the session of 1916 to pass legislation providing for compulsory military service

NATIONAL REGISTRATION.

A year earlier a system of compulsory registration of men between the ages of seventeen and sixty had been adopted. Information concerning the National Registration Act, 1915, with a specimen form showing the particulars required in respect of all males of the ages stated, is given in the summary of legislation of the 1915 session included in the 1916 Year-book, and some tabular information concerning the results of the registration appears in the same book.

MILITARY SERVICE ACT.

The Military Service Act, passed on the 1st August, 1916, provided for the introduction of a system of compulsory service of men, between the ages of twenty and forty-six, for the purpose of supplying the necessary quotas for reinforcement drafts.

THE RESERVE.

Under the Act all male natural-born British subjects of the ages stated were formed into a reserve called the Expeditionary Force Reserve, the only exceptions being-

  1. Members of an Expeditionary Force raised under the Expeditionary Force Act, 1915;

  2. Men who have been discharged in consequence of disablement or ill health from the Expeditionary Force, or from any other portion of His Majesty's Forces, after service beyond the seas during the present war in that Force or with such Forces;

  3. Men undergoing a sentence of imprisonment for a term not less than one year, or in confinement as of unsound mind; and

  4. Natives within the meaning of the Native Land Act, 1909.

The Reserve is divided into two divisions, First and Second. The First Division consists of—

  1. Unmarried men:

  2. Married men whose marriage took place subsequently to 1st May, 1915, except such as have a child under sixteen years of age by a previous marriage;

  3. Widowers with no children under sixteen years of age;

  4. Men whose marriage has been dissolved, or who are judicially separated from their wives by decree of judicial separation, separation order, or otherwise, and who have no children under sixteen years of age.

The Second Division consists of all other Reservists, and has recently been divided into six classes, as referred to further on in this section.

ENROLMENT OF RESERVE.

The Governor-General was empowered by the Act to proclaim the enrolment of the Reserve, the First Division to be proclaimed before the Second. In accordance with this the enrolment of the First Division was proclaimed on the 1st September, 1916, and that of the Second Division on the following day.

Immediately the enrolment had been proclaimed it was the duty of the Government Statistician to prepare a register of the Reserve, and for this purpose he was authorized to utilize the National Register compiled under the National Registration Act and any other available source of information.

Any Reservist who had not already enrolled by registering under the National Registration Act was required to enrol within fourteen days of the Proclamation governing the division of the Reserve to which he belonged, the penalty for non-compliance being imprisonment for a term of not more than three months or a fine not exceeding £50. A Reservist failing to enrol also renders himself liable to be called up forthwith for service with the Expeditionary Force.

Enrolment is required of men reaching the age of twenty and of men between the ages of twenty and forty-six arriving in the Dominion at any time while the Act remains in force. All changes of address must also be notified by Reservists within fourteen days.

The machinery of the Post Office is availed of to give every facility to Reservists to comply with their obligations under the Act. Postmasters are supplied with the necessary forms, and are instructed to furnish to the public any information desired and any assistance required in connection with the filling-in of the forms.

The volume of business during the first half of September, 1916, was enormous, the form most in demand being that of application for the certificate of enrolment, which is issued on request to any enrolled Reservist, the Government Statistician's certificate being accepted as proof of registration. Over 180,000 applications were received in the course of two or three weeks, together with some 30,000 notifications of change, of address and 500 enrolment cards. Notifications, applications, and enrolment cards are still received in steady volume, the notifications of change of address bearing remarkable testimony to the roving propensities of the population.

THE CALLING-UP.

The selection of men to fill shortages in the reinforcement drafts is done by ballot, reference to which is given in detail below. A Reservist drawn in the ballot becomes automatically a member of the Expeditionary Force on the day following the gazetting of his name, subject to his passing the medical test and to any appeal made on his behalf being disallowed. He has the right of appeal on any of the following grounds:—

  1. That when called up he was not a member of the Reserve;

  2. That when called up from any division or class of the Reserve he was a member of some other division or class the calling-up of which had not been authorized by the Minister of Defence under the Act;

  3. That by reason of his occupation his calling-up for military service is contrary to the public interest;

  4. That by reason of his domestic circumstances or for any other reason his calling-up for military service will be a cause of undue hardship to himself or others;

  5. That he was on the 4th August, 1914, and has since continuously been, a member of a religious body the tenets and doctrines of which declare the bearing of arms and the performance of any combatant service to be contrary to Divine revelation, and also that according to his own conscientious religious belief the bearing of arms and the performance of any combatant service is unlawful by reason of being contrary to Divine revelation.

Appeals, which must be lodged within ten days of the gazetting of the list of men drawn in the ballot, are heard and adjudicated on by one of the several Military Service Boards constituted under the Act. For appeals on grounds (c), (d), and (e) the Board must act in accordance with any regulations which may be made by the Governor-General in Council in the matter. Failing any such regulations an appeal under paragraph (d) is to be allowed if the appellant is a sole surviving son of military age, one (at least) of whose brothers has lost his life while serving in His Majesty's Forces during the war. An appeal under paragraph (e) cannot be allowed unless the appellant agrees to perform such non-combatant service, including service in the Medical Corps or Army Service Corps, as may be required of him. The right of appeal extends also to the employer of a Reservist.

Power is given in the Act for the constitution, if found necessary or advisable, of a Final Appeal Board, to hear and determine appeals from the decisions of the Military Service Boards, or to adjudicate on matters referred to it by the Military Service Boards.

In granting an appeal made on any grounds other than that the appellant was not a member of the Reserve, a Board cannot, either temporarily or permanently, order the removal of the appellant from the Reserve for the purpose of avoiding future ballots. The only removals allowed in respect of those legitimately in the Reserve are in the case of men who on being medically examined after being drawn in the ballot are found to be permanently medically unfit for active service beyond the seas. In such cases the Commandant of the Forces may do one of the following:—

  1. Discharge him from the Expeditionary Force and from the Reserve; or

  2. Discharge him from the Expeditionary Force, in which case he shall be deemed to be retransferred to the division or class of the Reserve from which he was called up; or

  3. Exempt him from foreign service, in which case he shall remain a member of the Expeditionary Force liable for military service in New Zealand in such capacity as the Commandant from time to time thinks fit.

Under section 35 of the Act any or all of two or more brothers fit for military service and belonging to the First Division of the Reserve may be called up for service without being given the benefit of the ballot, but with right of appeal on the same grounds as those drawn in the ballot.

For the purposes of the medical examination of men called up a number of Medical Boards have been constituted, each consisting of three medical officers, all selected from outside the military district for which they are to act. To further ensure that the examination will be absolutely impartial, it is laid down by regulation that the name, identity, or residence of the recruit must not be disclosed to members of the Board dealing with him.

The Medical Board places the recruit in one of six classes, as follows :-

A. Fit for active service beyond the seas.

B1. Fit for active service beyond the seas if he undergoes special medical surgical, or dental treatment (after operation in camp or public hospital).

B2. Fit for active service beyond the seas if he undergoes specified medical, surgical, or dental treatment (after recovery at home).

C1. Likely to become fit for service beyond the seas after special training.

C2. Permanently unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand in connection with or for the purpose of the present war.

D. Permanently unfit either for active service beyond the seas or for any service in New Zealand in connection with or for the purpose of the present war.

THE BALLOT.

Under the Act the ballot may be taken either for the Dominion as a whole or for particular recruiting districts, and in the latter case the selection may be done either separately or concurrently. For the first ten ballots the concurrent district scheme was adopted, but as the First Division became depleted, and as the Second Division was divided into classes as explained below, it was deemed expedient to take future ballots for the Dominion as a whole. Under the district scheme the country was divided into twenty-one recruiting districts, and the First Division of the Reserve into a corresponding number of district registers. The original district registers were not filed separately, the whole of the Division running in alphabetical order for the Dominion, and the district to which a Reservist belonged being denoted by a distinctive figure. For the purposes of the ballot, which is carried through by the Government Statistician in the presence of a Magistrate, the cards composing the division are arranged in boxes containing equal numbers of cards, including a proportion of blanks, the latter being inserted to allow of replacement by cards for new Reservists without a rearrangement being necessary. Similarly cards withdrawn are replaced by blanks. For district ballots all cards not belonging to the district or districts for which the ballot is being made were regarded as blanks. The cards used in the ballots are the original cards furnished by the Reservists themselves.

Two drums of marbles are used-namely, the drawer-drum, containing as many marbles as there are drawers in the division, and the card-drum, containing as many marbles as there are cards in a drawer. The marbles are numbered in the one case to correspond with the numbers marked on the drawers, and in the other run consecutively from 1 onwards. All the marbles in the drawer-drum are first withdrawn one by one to determine the order in which the drawers are to be taken should the ballot or part of it not be required over the whole of the drawers. The drawers are arranged on tables in the order in which they are drawn, being reversed so that the backs of the cards are towards the attendants, who are thus not in a position to see the names of individuals. The card-drum is then revolved and one marble is withdrawn. The number is called and recorded, and the attendants must then take the card corresponding to such number and turn it upright in its place in the drawer, with the number of the recruiting district showing under the district scheme, but without the name of the Reservist being visible either from front or from back. For the first ten ballots the next step was for the Magistrate to remove all upturned cards bearing the number of the recruiting district or districts for which the ballot was being taken, first satisfying himself in such cases as he thought fit that the proper card had been turned up, these processes being repeated until the cards for the whole of the Reservists required for the respective district or districts had been withdrawn. The Magistrate certifies to the list of men drawn in the ballot and forwards the list to the Minister of Defence, who thereupon publishes it in the Gazette and such other manner as is considered advisable. A copy of the Gazette containing the list must be exhibited at all post-offices.

FIRST DIVISION BALLOTS.

The first ballot was commenced on the 16th November, 1916, and completed on the 18th November. The shortage of recruits for the current reinforcement draft was 1,380, and 4,140 First Division Reservists were drawn, being in the proportion of three Reservists to one vacancy. As many of the Reservists had already been rejected as unfit under the system of voluntary enlistment, and as the percentage of single men likely to pass the medical test had been considerably reduced by the enlistment of fit men to date, this proportion was considered to be not too high, after allowing also for appeals. As a matter of fact it was found advisable to increase it later on.

The dates of the various ballots for the First Division, which has now become exhausted, and the number of Reservists drawn in each, are as given in the table following. The number of First Division Reservists at the commencement of the first ballot was 84,986, and the number remaining at the count taken as soon as possible after the conclusion of the respective ballots is as given in the last column. The Reserve was augmented from time to time by new Reservists, and reduced by voluntary enlistments and deaths and by Reservists reaching the age of forty-six.

No. of Ballot.Date (1916-17).Number of Reservists drawn.Reservists remaining after Ballot.
Date.Number.
1November 18-204,140November 2978,834
2December 11-133,000December 1874,528
3January 8-93,636January 1270,179
4February 5-66,867February 759,952
5March 5-64,503March 755,419
6April 114,812April 1248,664
7May 1-28,530May 339,620
8May 29-308,545June 630,695
9June 26-278,117June 3022,373
10August 21-2415,000August 317,545.

An amendment to the Military Service Act, passed in September, 1917, provided that, where the number remaining in any division or class of the Reserve is not more than the number required to be called up on account of current shortages, the ballot may be dispensed with. This provision was taken advantage of for the first time on the 25th September, 1917, when the whole of the Reservists remaining in the First Division, some 8,404, were automatically called up without the formality of a ballot being gone through.

CLASSIFICATION OF SECOND DIVISION.

The Military Service Act, while classifying the Reserve into the First and Second Divisions, provides for either division being subdivided into classes. No subdivision was made in the case of the First Division, but the Second Division has been divided into six classes according to number of children, irrespective of age, as follows : Class A, no children; Class B, 1 child; Class C, 2 children; Class D, 3 children; Class E, 4 children; Class F, 5 children and over.

The children whom a Reservist is entitled to count for the purposes of his classification are the following: (1) His own legitimate children of any age; (2) his illegitimate children if he has married their mother before the 1st day of May, 1915; (3) children legally adopted by him before the 1st day of May, 1915; (4) his step-children if he married their mother before the 1st day of May, 1915; (5) a son who has died during the present war while a member of any of His Majesty's Military or Naval Forces engaged in that war. He is not entitled, however, to count any child who has been legally adopted by any other person, and a Reservist who fails to provide adequate maintenance for his children is placed in Class A and regarded for the purposes of the Act as having no children.

The classification of the Second Division was notified on the 4th July, 1917, and on the same day an Order in Council was made requiring every Reservist who had not already done so to notify the Government Statistician by the 21st July of the names of his children, together with information as to the date and place of birth of each. Any future change in the number of children is to be notified within ten days.

Printed forms for the notification of the necessary particulars were made available at all post-offices, and any necessary assistance given the Reservists in connection with the filling-in of the forms. From the information received the various Reservists are now (September, 1917) being classified in readiness for the first ballot, which is to be taken late in October or early in November, in respect of Class A Reservists.

A Reservist automatically transfers from one class to another as authentic notification is received of alterations in the number of his children. The recruiting districts having been abolished, all Second Division ballots will be for the Dominion as a whole.

PENALTIES.

The penalties under the Military Service Act for evasion of his obligations on the part of a Reservist are numerous and severe, and have a most deterrent effect. The law has made it very advisable for employers to see that Reservists in their employ are enrolled, as the penalty for employing a non-enrolled Reservist is a fine of from £20 to £100. Similarly a deserter must not be employed on pain of a fine of from £50 to £100.

EXTENSION OF ACT TO MAORIS, ETC.

Regulations have now been gazetted extending the provisions of the Military Service Act to Maoris and residents of the Cook and other Pacific Islands annexed in 1901.

TERRITORIAL FORCES.

Although the principal energies of the Dominion's military authorities during the past three years have been in the direction of training, equipping, and despatching reinforcements for the Expeditionary Forces, the Territorial Force has not been neglected, training on the identical lines of the British Army being carried out.

Owing to the large numbers of men of Territorial age who have joined the Expeditionary Forces and their reinforcements the Territorial Force has fallen somewhat below full strength. At the 30th April, 1917, the Territorial Force numbered 22,174, and the total strength of the New Zealand Defence Forces, exclusive of Expeditionary Forces and reinforcements in training or on the way to Europe, was 59,981, made up as follows:—

Territorial Force22,174
Senior Cadets29,832
Rifle Clubs7,975
Total59,981

The strength of the Territorial Force at the end of each of the last six military years was as follows:—

1911-1222,614
1912-1323,804
1913-1425,902
1914-1529,447
1915-1626,839
1916-1722,174

The strength of the Volunteer Force at the end of the year 1909-10 was 14,249.

The total number of registrations for military training since the inception of the scheme of universal service up to the 30th April, 1917, is as follows:—

District.Territorials.Senior Cadets.Total.
Auckland10,44220,06730,509
Wellington9,77324,45234,225
Canterbury7,55321,00128,554
Otago6,79414,20420,998
 34,56279,724114,286

TRAINING OF OFFICERS.

Under an arrangement with the Australian Government, New Zealand sends ten cadets every year to the Australian Military College at Duntroon. This College, erected in pursuance of the recommendations of the late Lord Kitchener, was opened in 1911, the first examination being held in February of that year.

The College has a staff of twenty-two, and contains barracks for 150 cadets. It is equipped with class-rooms, physical and chemical laboratories, library, riding-school, gymnasium, &c. The total number of cadets in training on the 3Ist March, 1916, was 125. The number of New Zealand cadets at the College at present is twenty-nine, the full quota of ten having joined this year.

Entrance to the College is by competitive examination, the requirements being set out fully below. No fees are charged the cadets for maintenance and instruction, the expenses of the New Zealand representatives (£200 each per annum) being borne by the New Zealand Government. Each cadet receives 5s. 6d. per diem to cover expenses of uniform, books, instruments, messing, washing, &c. The course is a four-years one, and in the normal course of events is followed by a tour of duty in England or India, the New Zealand officers subsequently returning to take up positions in a permanent capacity in the Dominion's Defence Forces.

To be eligible for admission to the College as a cadet a candidate must-

  1. Be free from any disease or from any physical defect likely to render him unfit for military service;

  2. Be unmarried;

  3. Be a natural-born British subject who has resided in New Zealand, or whose parents or guardians have resided in New Zealand, for one year immediately preceding the date of the entrance examination;

  4. Be substantially of European origin or descent;

  5. Be not less than sixteen nor more than nineteen years of age at the 1st March of the year in which he would join the College.

Any youth eligible as above is entitled to apply to the officer commanding the district wherein he resides to have his name entered on the list of candidates for the examination. The application is to be accompanied by a certificate of age and character, and by a promise on the part of the candidate that if appointed a cadet he will engage to serve in the permanent Military Forces of the Dominion for twelve years unless previously discharged or released. A signed statement by the parent or guardian of the candidate must also be furnished signifying his consent in the matter and his intention that the candidate shall adopt the military service as his profession in life The competitive examination consists of part of the Matriculation Examination of the University of New Zealand, and a candidate may sit at any centre at which the Matriculation Examination is hold, the entrance fee being £3 3s.

A pass must be obtained in five compulsory and two optional subjects, the compulsory subjects being English, elementary mathematics, history, geography, and general knowledge, and the optional ones mathematics, chemistry, physics, and French or German.

The College year consists of two terms, the autumn term lasting from about the 12th March to the 15th July, and the spring term from the 21st July to the 10th December. Before the commencement of the autumn term a four-weeks camp is held.

The subjects forming the course of studies at the College are,—

Military Departments: Strategy, military history, and geography; tactics; military engineering and mechanical drawing; map-reading and surveying; artillery; military law and administration; drills of all arms, musketry, physical training, signalling, riding, and driving.

Civil Departments: Mathematics; physics; chemistry; English; French and German; geometrical drawing and solid geometry; sanitation, hygiene, and first aid; manual training.

DOMINION RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The Dominion Rifle Association was formed to encourage the members of the New Zealand Defence Forces to become efficient in the use of the rifle and to promote rifle shooting generally as a necessary element for the defence of the Empire. It was established in 1879, the annual rifle meetings prior to that date having been conducted and controlled by the military authorities. For some years after its formation its movements from year to year were peripatetic, but it is now definitely fixed at Trentham, near Wellington, where a range accommodation of seventy-five targets with all necessary equipment and suitable buildings have been made available for the rifle championship meetings, which are conducted annually under the control of the Dominion Rifle Association. The following is a statement of entries and prize-money (exclusive of trophies) for the five years 1910 to 1914. No meeting has been held since the outbreak of the war:—

 Number of Competitors.Entry Fees.Prize-money.
  ££
19105681,7041,702
19115831,9271,931
19123101,1541,524
19133511,2691,609
19143471,2201,520

The Association receives an annual grant from the State. Railway passes are granted to Territorials and members of Rifle Clubs up to a distance of 100 miles to attend rifle-shooting competitions.

NAVAL DEFENCE.

By the Australian Defence Act, 1887, provision was made for the payment by New Zealand of a proportional part of the cost of the establishment and maintenance of a British Naval Force to be employed for the protection of trade in Australasian waters. Under this Act a sum of approximately £20,000 per annum was paid by New Zealand to the Imperial Government.

In 1903, consequent on the passing of the Australian and New Zealand Naval Defence Act, the annual contribution payable by New Zealand was raised to “a sum not exceeding £40,000.”

By the Naval Subsidy Act, 1908, the contribution of the Dominion was again increased, this time to a sum of £100,000 payable annually for ten years from the 12th May, 1909.

The year 1909 was an important one in the history of the Dominion. At what was generally regarded as a critical period for the whole Empire New Zealand presented a battle-cruiser to the Home Government. Full information concerning this vessel and her visit to New Zealand in 1913 appears in the 1913 issue of this book (pages 932-941).

In the same year an Imperial Defence Conference met at London, and an agreement was arrived at for the establishing of a Pacific Fleet, to consist of three units, in the East Indies, Australia, and the China seas. Under this agreement it was arranged that the Dominion's gift ship should be the flagship of the China unit, and that seven vessels of this unit were to be stationed in peace-time in New Zealand waters, the ships to be manned as far as possible by New Zealand officers and men.

Subsequent events made it necessary to revise the arrangement entered into, and the “New Zealand" was stationed by consent in English waters. Instead of the seven vessels of the China unit of the Pacific Fleet which it had been intended to place in New Zealand waters, only a few small vessels of the former Australasian Squadron had their headquarters transferred to the Dominion.

The Naval Defence Act, 1913, provides for the establishment of a New Zealand Naval Force, to be raised and maintained by voluntary enlistment only, enlistment being for a prescribed period of not less than two years. In time of war the Naval Force (including vessels acquired for defence purposes) is to be at the disposal of the British Government. The establishment of a New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve is also provided for under the Act. The third-class cruiser ” Philomel ” was lent by the English Admiralty to the New Zealand Government to serve as a training-ship for the forming of a nucleus of the Naval Force.

TRAINING-SHIP “AMOKURA.”

The “Amokura,” formerly H.M.S. “Sparrow,” is maintained by the New Zealand Marine Department as a training-ship for fitting boys for service in either the Navy or the mercantile marine.

Besides making voyages on the coast for training purposes the vessel visits the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty, and Kermadec Islands to search for castaways, and to examine and, when necessary, to replenish the provision-depots which are maintained on those islands.

Boys who are taken on board must be between the ages of thirteen and a half and fifteen years, and when applying for admission they are required to produce a certificate of birth, a medical certificate, a certificate of having passed the Fourth Standard of education, and two certificates of character, one of which must be from either a Justice of the Peace or a minister of religion. After they join the ship they are on probation for one week, and if found suitable are then finally enrolled. They are required to remain on the ship for two years or such less period as is found necessary for their proper training, on completion of which they are required to serve at least six months on another vessel conditional on the Department being able to make suitable arrangements. So far there has been no difficulty in getting employment for the boys on other vessels. Most of them have taken employment in the merchant service, but some have joined the Navy.

The training given on board is primarily to fit the boys to be seamen, but it and the instruction which is given to them at technical-school classes, which they attend when the vessel is in Wellington Harbour during the winter months, enable those who desire to do so to qualify themselves to become officers, and some of them have, since leaving the ” Amokura,” passed the necessary examinations for officers' certificates. Their service on the ” Amokura" is allowed to count as half-time up to twelve months as qualifying service for examination for second officers' certificates.

Under an arrangement made with the Union Steamship Company four of the best boys are taken each year on the company's steamer ” Aparima ” to be trained as officers. No premium is charged for those boys.

Whilst the boys are on the ” Amokura ” they receive a small payment, and are allowed five weeks' holidays during the year, three weeks in the summer and two weeks in the winter. The Department pays their passages and fares to and from their homes when they go on holiday leave, and also when they first join the ship.

The vessel has accommodation for sixty boys, and, since she started as a training-ship in 1907, 318 boys have been trained on her, exclusive of those now on board. Of the boys who have served on the vessel 105 have joined the forces for the front since the war began-a very large percentage, considering that many of the other boys are not of military age.

Chapter 8. SECTION VIII.—LAW AND CRIME.

CIVIL CASES.

THE ordinary civil jurisdiction of Magistrates' Courts is limited generally to claims not exceeding £100, but extended jurisdiction is exercised by some Magistrates, the limit being £200. Justices of the Peace may hear and decide civil cases when the sum in dispute does not exceed £20. The number of plaints issued, cases tried, amount sued for, and amount for which judgment was recorded in the lower Courts during the ten years 1907-16 is shown in the following table:—

Cases entered.Cases tried.
Year.Number.Total Amount claimed.Number.Total Amount sued for.Total Amount for which for judgment entered.
* Information not available.
190742,561429,37924,435*232,306
190842,877529,27127,578*282,932
190952,456597,83129,782*326,040
191055,225562,11529,698*293,326
191153,394557,15834,627*296,629
191257,079592,94336,815420,073331,020
191361,759670,92539,086427,484366,981
191462,471706,95339,233455,197398,760
191560,170695,62537,632446,979383,532
191649,806639,92231,064395,779339,847

These figures show a marked increase in recent years in both the number of litigants and the amount sued for. It would appear that the practice of using the Courts as media for the collection of small debts is growing. For instance, the number of cases tried in Magistrates' Courts in 1900 was 19,816, the aggregate sum sued for being £286,719. Although the population of the Dominion has increased from 1900 to 1915 by little more than 25 per cent, the number cases tried represents an increase of nearly 100 per cent, in the fifteen years. There was, however, a considerable decrease in the number tried in 1916 as compared with 1915, the figure for 1916 (31,064) being the lowest recorded since 1910.

The number of actions commenced, cases tried, and judgments entered, together with the total amount for which judgments were recorded, in the Supreme Court of New Zealand during each of the ten years 1907-16 were as follows:—

SUPREME COURT : CIVIL JURISDICTION.

Year.Number of Actions commenced.Cases tried.Judgments recorded.
With Jury.Without Jury.Number.Amount.
*Including also District Courts, now abolished.
1907*70357197177£47,872
1908*8497024322573,687
1909*8706722226791,638
19105695221119383,427
19117297617021184,822
191275564233235102,657
19137887524328479,610
19147929525128191,286
19156975025324168,555
19166734819325478,877

COURT OF APPEAL.

Under the provisions of the Judicature Amendment Act, 1913, the Court of Appeal now consists of two divisions, each composed of five Judges of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice and the two senior Judges being members of both divisions. The two divisions sit separately, but the Governor-General in Council may authorize them to sit together for the purpose of determining any appeal deemed to be of special difficulty or importance.

The Chief Justice or, in his absence, the senior Judge presides. The decision of the Court must be in accordance with the opinion of a majority of the Judges present. Certain proceedings may by order of the Supreme Court be removed to the Court of Appeal. The decision of the Court of Appeal is final as regards the tribunals of New Zealand, but the Court may, in civil proceedings, give leave to either party to appeal to the Privy Council. In criminal cases any party aggrieved by the judgment of the Supreme Court, or any conviction or order removed into such Court, or on appeal against any such order may appeal to the Court of Appeal. The number of cases brought before this Court and the judgments thereon for the past ten years will be seen in the following table:—

Year.Crown Criminal Cases.Civil.
Number.Convictions affirmed.Appeals.Cases removed.
Number.Allowed.Number.Judgments for Plaintiffs.Judgments for Defendants.
190766167752
1908951561384
1909741671596
19108817101165
191111524817115
19126420420118
19138518420136
19144413516132
19154314714113
191641166633

BANKRUPTCY.

Under the Bankruptcy Act, 1908-a consolidation of the then existing laws-a person may seek the protection of the Bankruptcy Court by filing a petition with a declaration of insolvency, or one or more creditors may petition the Court to have a debtor declared insolvent. The Dominion is divided into four districts for administrative purposes, each district being in charge of a State officer styled the Official Assignee, who is assisted by deputies stationed at the principal business centres. The number of transactions in bankruptcy during the past ten years was as follows:—

Year.Petitions by Debtors.Adjudications on Petitions by Creditors.Cases in which Composition accepted.Orders of Immediate Discharge granted.Cases in which Orders of Discharge were suspended.
190730248110731
190835452410534
190941259112224
191032964413514
191128163112314
19122783428813
191329647110812
191432269 6111
191525044 5518
191626737 6321

Private assignments and compositions are not registered, and particulars respecting this class of insolvency are not procurable.

The following table shows the total number of petitions, the amount of the unsecured assets, the amount of debts proved, and the amount paid in dividends and preferential claims for the years 1907-16:—

Year.Number of Petitions in Bankruptcy.Debtors' Statements of Assets, excluding Amounts secured to Creditors.Amounts realized by Official Assignees.Amount of Debts proved.Amounts paid in Dividends and Preferential Claims.
££££
190735077,69859,849158,66342,459
1908406200,44767,018199,06947,800
1909471204,18771,351259,01744,110
1910393127,63479,100176,00147,796
191134488,59240,009133,51728,757
191231264,39839,965120,32526,825
1913343155,58242,735228,82925,812
1914391174,41064,153199,25133,910
191529492,87663,310153,92642,374
1916304123,44156,416172,77429,223

Of the bankruptcies in 1916: in 9 cases the liabilities were under £50; in 27, from £50 to £100; in 97, from £100 to £250; in 70, from £250 to £500; in 67, from £500 to £1,000; in 22, from £1,000 to £2,000; and in 11, from £2,000 to £5,000. In one case no information is available.

A table showing the occupations of the bankrupts in 1916 is published in full in the volume of Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand, and is summarized here.

OCCUPATIONS OF BANKRUPTS, 1916.

Class.Employers.Working on Own Account.Working for Wages.Totals.
Professional 516
Domestic179228
Commercial31271876
Transport and communication46818
Industrial402951120
Agricultural, pastoral, and mining8251144
Indefinite11911
Not stated   1
Totals101102100304

DIVORCE.

During the year 1916 289 petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed, this number including 9 petitions for nullity of marriage. In 192 of these cases a decree nisi was granted, 81 of these being made absolute during the year. In addition, decrees nisi were granted in respect of 55 petitions filed in previous years, 32 of these being made absolute before the end of the year, and 85 decrees nisi of previous years became absolute. The total number of decrees nisi for the year was thus 247, which includes 1 decree for nullity of marriage. Four petitions for judicial separation were also filed during 1916.

A table is given showing the age of the petitioner (so far as known) and the duration of marriage in all cases of petitions for dissolution filed in 1916. It will be seen that in 172 of the 289 cases information as to age was not disclosed in the returns.

HUSBANDS' PETITIONS.

Duration of Marriage, in Years.Age of Petitioner, in Years.Totals.
20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 65.65 and over.Unspecified.
Under 1   1    12
1 and under 21       12
2 ” 312       3
3 ” 41       45
4 ” 5 1      67
5 ” 10146221 22947
10 ” 15  17111 1627
15 ” 20   2322 1524
20 ” 30   123  713
30 ” 40      2 24
40 and over       1 1
Totals46813875381135

WIVES' PETITIONS.

Duration of Marriage, in Years.Age of Petitioner, in Years.Totals.
20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 65.65 and over.Unspecified.
Under 1        22
1 and under 2          
2 ” 3        33
3 ” 411      13
4 ” 5        11
5 ” 102762    3148
10 ” 15 174    2234
15 ” 20  398 1 1334
20 ” 30   2411 1422
30 ” 40      2 24
40 and over      1 23
Totals3916171215 91154
Grand totals, all petitions7152430208103172289

A table is also given showing the grounds of petitions, in combination with particulars as to number of living issue. Columns are added showing for the various grounds the sex of the petitioner.

Grounds.Petitioner.Number of Cases in which Number of Living Issue wasTotal Number of Cases.
Husband.Wife.0123456 or over.
* “Nullity" cases.
Adultery (alone)8849422926187213137
Adultery, bigamy, and desertion1      1 1
Adultery and desertion4764    111
Adultery, desertion, and drunkenness 2  1   12
Adultery and drunkenness1      1 1
Bigamy*212   1  3
Cruelty (alone) 1  1    1
Desertion (alone)36753636197625111
Desertion and drunkenness1 1      1
Desertion, drunkenness, and cruelty 1  1    1
Drunkenness (alone) 32  1   3
Drunkenness and cruelty 621 1 116
Drunkenness, cruelty, and failure to maintain 1  1    1
Drunkenness and failure to maintain 21    1 2
Insanity11  1  1 2
Physical defect*246      6
Totals1351549870502714921289

In seven cases the number of living issue was six, in three cases seven, in six cases eight, in three cases nine, and in two cases ten or over.

It is found that in 253 of the cases the parties were married in New Zealand, and that in 210 cases the marriage had been solemnized by a clergyman, and in the remaining 79 cases (27 per cent.) by a Registrar of Marriages or other civil official. Civil marriages constituted 20 per cent. of those solemnized in New Zealand in 1916.

Figures showing the operations of the Divorce Court during each of the past ten years are as follows:—

Year.Divorce.Judicial Separation granted.Nullity of Marriage.Restitution of Conjugal Rights.
Petitions.Decrees.Petitions.Decrees.Petitions.Decree.
19071921471323021
1908207171321119
1909219163 3221
1910200154276  
1911226161 21  
1912274222244  
1913260223 53  
1914290234 11  
1915249221 73  
1916280246 91  

The divorces in New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand during each of the twenty years ending with 1915 are as under. The figures for New South Wales and Victoria appearing in the table are taken from official publications of those States.

Year.New South Wales.Victoria.New Zealand.
189623410636
189724611733
18982298731
189920510546
19002179385
190120883101
190223910990
1903183101124
190421614099
1905182136114
1906157123125
1907148134147
1908206151171
1909287138163
1910257140154
1911206211161
1912343247222
1913313234223
1914295241234
1915346215221

POLICE.

On the 31st March, 1917, the strength of the Police Force in New Zealand was 898 of all ranks, being a decrease of 18 during the year. The total is made up as follows: 5 superintendents, 7 inspectors, 8 sub inspectors, 27 senior sergeants, 81 sergeants, 734 constables. 4 chief detectives, 18 detective-sergeants, and 14 detectives. There were also 4 police surgeons, 4 matrons, 11 district constables, and 7 Native constables.

The following table shows the number of stations and of police in each Police District:—

Police District.No. of Stations.No. of Police.
Auckland53178
Hamilton3765
Napier2964
Wanganui3984
Wellington41164
Greymouth2342
Christchurch46140
Dunedin39106
Invercargill2140

In addition to the above 7 are attached to headquarters, 5 are on retiring-leave, 1 has been lent to the Cook Islands Administration, and 2 (Army Reservists) are on indefinite leave.

The proportion of police to population is 1 to every 1,280 persons, and the expenditure (exclusive of the cost of buildings) on the whole Police Force for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, was 4s. 3d. per head of population.

The following table shows the growth of the Police Force since 1878, prior to which each province had its own Police Force, and reliable data are not available:—

Year ended March.Officers.Non-commissioned Officers.Detectives.Constables.Total.Police to Population (including Maoris).Cost per Inhabitant.
18782590143294581 to 944 
18852065173724741 to 1,2933/0 ¾
18901266134034941 to 1,3462/10 ¾
1895751134164871 to 1,4952/6 ¾
19001156204995861 to 1,3592/10 ¾
19051265255536551 to 1,3752/10 ¼
19101686346397751 to 1,3303/3 ½
191619104367579161 to 1,2584/2 ¾
191720108367348981 to 1,2804/3

The proportion of police to population is much lower in New Zealand than in any of the Australian States, and the cost of police per inhabitant is, as might be expected, also lower in New Zealand than in the Commonwealth. If, however, the proportion of police to population were the same in each of the Australian States as in New Zealand, the cost per inhabitant would be higher in the Dominion than in any of the States.

POLICE, NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA, 1916-17.

State.Proportion of Police to Population.Cost of Police per Inhabitant.Index Number.*
* Showing relative cost per inhabitant were proportions of police to population the same in each State. New Zealand = 100.
  s. d. 
New Zealand1 to 1,2804 3100
Queensland1 to 6148 3 ¾94
New South Wales1 to 7336 5 ½87
Victoria1 to 8064 11 ¾74
South Australia1 to 7756 4 ¼91
Western Australia1 to 6268 5 ½97
Tasmania1 to 8614 9 ¼75

CRIMINAL CASES BEFORE MAGISTRATES.

CHARGES.

The total number of charges brought before Magistrates in 1916, and number of convictions obtained, are shown in the following table:—

How brought before Magistrate.Arrested or summoned.Convicted.
Total Offences, including Multiple Charges.Distinct Arrests or Summonses, excluding Multiple Charges.Total Summary Convictions, including Multiple Charges.Distinct Summary Convictions, excluding Multiple Charges.
By arrest17,99415,02116,37314,043
By summons24,56321,80319,08617,250
Totals42,55736,82435,45931,293

If the Maoris be excluded the number of charges in 1916 is found to have been 41,060, a decrease of 4,445 upon the number for 1915; and the proportion per 1,000 of population 37.35 as against 41.39.

Persons charged with lunacy and committed to mental hospitals have been excluded from the calculations for this and previous years shown.

The figures, both numerical and proportional, covering the last three decades, are subjoined:—

Charges before Magistrates.

Year.Number.Proportion per 1,000 of Mean Population.
188522,29738.89
188818,37030.35
189116,71426.54
189416,82024.76
189719,39026.87
190024,08431.54
190228,07635.19
190430,93436.60
190530,74135.33
190632,86636.70
190736,85240.09
190836,28638.40
190936,90237.97
191038,20738.48
191138,09537.54
191242,39440.80
191346,84743.84
191449,37145.28
191545,50541.39
191641,06037.35

SUMMARY CONVICTIONS.

The summary convictions in 1916 numbered 35,459, including 1,263 Maoris. In addition 433 persons (30 of whom were Maoris) were committed for sentence, and 499 (27 of whom were Maoris) were committed for trial at the Supreme Courts, the commitments representing a net increase of 4 (3 of whom were Maoris) on the number for 1915.

Dealing with the summary convictions for all offences, the figures for 1907 and onward (excluding the Maoris) are:—

Year.Offences against the Person.Offences against Property.Other Offences.Totals.
Total Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.Total Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.
19077520.822,1792.3827,52529.9430,45633.14
19087330.782,5312.6827,03628.6030,30032.06
19097720.792,2282.3027,69728.5030,69731.59
19106550.662,0802.0929,24529.4731,98032.22
19116540.642,1462.1129,23928.8132,03931.56
19125950.572,4072.3231,98430.7834,98633.67
19136460.602,8522.6735,25032.9938,74836.26
19147260.672,7402.5136,94433.8840,41037.06
19156280.572,5792.3535,01231.8538,21934.76
19166180.562,3602.1531,21828.3934,19631.10

In dealing with the summary convictions in the Magistrates' Courts in the above table each offence is reckoned as a distinct person. The total number is from time to time swelled by the inclusion of breaches of statutes, the provisions of which give rise to fresh offences against the public welfare not strictly criminal, so that comparisons with past years are adversely affected. As a case in point may be mentioned the fact that the convictions in 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916 include 4,819, 4,071, 1,954, and 1,724 respectively for breaches of the Defence Act, as against 1,924 in 1912 and only 12 in 1911. The numbers of prosecutions under this Act were 28 in 1911, 3,187 in 1912, 7.030 in 1913, 6,321 in 1914, 3,136 in 1915, and 2,478 in 1916.

The total of summary convictions for offences against the person excluding Maoris was 618 for the year 1916, which is 10 less than that for 1915 (628). Of the 618 summary convictions in 1916 the greater number were on account of common (546) and aggravated 5) assaults, and there were 54 for attempt to commit suicide.

Of offences against property theft (not otherwise described) is the most common, showing 1,599 summary convictions during 1916. There were besides 10 for specific kinds of theft, and 57 for housebreaking. Obtaining money and goods under false pretences caused 152 summary convictions, and wilful damage to property 517. These are the principal items only.

Under the heading “Other Offences" (those relating to good order included) drunkenness comes first with 10,449 summary convictions, of which 751 were in respect of females. Prohibition orders numbered 1,973, including 154 made against women. The subject of drunkenness is specially dealt with under a separate heading.

Further offences against good order include 5,312 summary convictions simply defined as for “breach of by-laws,” 762 for obscene, threatening, or abusive language, 855 for indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct, and 185 for assaulting or resisting the police. Under “Vagrancy" there were 751 summary convictions, including 168 against women. The chief items only are referred to above.

CONVICTIONS OF PERSONS ARRESTED.

Information in connection with charges brought before Magistrates is now obtained on cards, and it is possible to give particulars in regard to the ages and birthplaces of persons arrested. Ages and birthplaces in summons cases are not obtainable.

From the following table it will be seen that of the total convictions of persons arrested (15,932) the distinct arrests amounted to 13,694, the difference being accounted for by multiple charges against the same person. If distinct persons only are taken this total is further reduced to 10,426, representing 9.48 for every 1,000 of the mean population. Convictions of Maoris are not included.

ARRESTS ONLY.

Offences againstTotal Convictions, including Multiple Charges.Distinct Convictions, excluding Multiple Charges.Distinct Persons convicted, most Serious Offence recorded.Proportion of Distinct Persons convicted, per 1,000 of Mean Population.
The person3283042710.25
Property1,4951,0499390.85
Good order12,90411,6988,6757.89
Other offences1,2056435410.49
Total15,93213,69410,426 19.48

Of the 10,426 distinct persons arrested and convicted during 1916, no fewer than 8,675 were for offences against good order, and o these 7,649 were for drunkenness (including 134 drunk and disorderly, 16 habituals, and 27 prohibition orders); 280 for indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct; 178 for using obscene, threatening, or abusive language; 518 for vagrancy; 45 for assaulting, resisting, or obstructing the police; 32 for soliciting prostitution; 28 for keeping brothels; 143 for offences relating to gambling; and 20 for other offences against good order.

Of the 271 distinct persons arrested and convicted during 1916 of offences against the person, 246 were for common assault; and of the 939 distinct persons arrested and convicted of offences against property, 773 were for theft of various classes, 73 for fraud and false pretences, and 139 for wilful damage.

OFFENCES, BIRTHPLACES, AND AGES.

The next three tables gives the offences and ages, offences and birth-places, and birthplaces and ages of the distinct persons (excluding Maoris) arrested and convicted during 1916.

OFFENCES AND AGES (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
The person740498887271
Property228123137213238939
Good order714238162,2695,0968,675
Other offences1496990122111541
Totals4556551,0922,6925,53210,426

OFFENCES AND BIRTHPLACES (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Offences againstNew Zealand.England and Wales.Scotland.Ireland.Australia.Elsewhere.*Totals.
The person130457212741271
Property54015837458079939
Good order3,0701,8261,0271,2105979458,675
Other offences23513618292994541
Totals3,9752,1651,0891,3057331,15910,426

BIRTHPLACES AND AGES (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Birthplace.Under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
New Zealand4073945511,3341,2893 975
England and Wales171121924881,3562,165
Scotland219662177851,089
Ireland314582291,0011,305
Australia204297231343733
Elsewhere*6741281937581,159
Totals4556551,0922,6925,53210,426

The offences and ages of the distinct New-Zealand-born (excluding Maoris) arrested and convicted during 1916 are shown in the following table:—

OFFENCES AND AGES.—NEW-ZEALAND-BORN (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
* Including unspecified.
The person531304519130
Property209847311064540
Good order532694241,1381,1863,070
Other offences14010244120235
Totals4073945511,3341,2893,975

The offences and sentences for convictions in arrest and summons cases (including multiple charges) are shown below.

Offences againstConvicted and discharged or ordered to come up for SentenceFined.Imprisoned.Other.Total Convictions.
* Including 74 released under the First Offenders' Probation Act, 498 committed to industrial schools, 64 whipped, 35 bound over, and 3,404 against whom an order was made.
The person1453439535618
Property9446094753322,360
Good order4,88712,3012,0832,20821,479
Other offences1,3436,0648321,5009,739
Totals7,31919,3173,4854,075*34,196

JUVENILE OFFENDERS.

Included in the figures of total charges and convictions for the year 1916 are a number dealing with offences committed by juvenile offenders—i.e., persons under or apparently under the age of sixteen. A summary of these cases is given, showing for the various classes of offences the number of charges, dismissals, committals to Supreme Court, and summary convictions.

JUVENILE OFFENDERS, 1916.

Class of Offence.Charges.Dismissed or discharged.Committed for Sentence or Trial.Summary Convictions.
Against the person386 32
Against property1,0664155646
Against good order23288 144
Other35138 313
Totals1,68754751,135

Another table is given showing the punishments meted out in cases where a summary conviction was recorded in 1916. Of the 1,135 convictions, in 296 cases the offender was discharged, and in 173 ordered to come up for sentence. Magistrates are adopting the latter course in an increasing number of cases, the intention being that it rests largely with the offender himself whether any further steps will be taken. In very few cases does the future conduct of the convicted person render it necessary for him to be brought before the Magistrate again for sentence. In other words, the recording of a conviction and the ordering of the prisoner to come up for sentence when called upon has usually the effect of deterring him from further crime, and is probably more efficacious than a definite punishment would be.

CONVICTIONS OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS, 1916.

Class of Offence.

Punishment.Against the Person.Against Property.Against Good Order.Other.Totals.
Released on probation 7  7
Convicted and discharged102057110296
Convicted and ordered to come up for sentence31441610173
Committed to industrial school41601274439
Fined12344616108
Imprisoned 2  2
Whipped3544465
Bound over 1  1
Order made 386 44
Total summary convictions326451443141,135

CRIMINAL CASES IN SUPREME COURTS.

Where a Magistrate, after the preliminary hearing of an information, proposes to commit any accused person for trial for an indictable offence not punishable by death, the accused may plead guilty and be then sent to the Supreme Court for sentence without further trial. Such cases represent a considerable proportion of the total cases dealt with in Supreme Courts. In 1916 the total was 604, and this included 234 cases sent from Magistrates' Courts for sentence. Maoris are included in these numbers.

Of 346 indictments and informations (excluding Maoris) 203 resulted in convictions being recorded. The figures are given in the next table.

INDICTMENTS, ETC., IN SUPREME COURTS, 1916.

Class of Offence.Indictments and Informations.How disposed of.
Awaiting trial.Not prosecuted or no Bill.Acquittals.Convictions.
Against the person1441115082
Against property149 124988
Forgery and against the currency22 2218
Other31151015
Totals346230111203

The total indictments and informations against Maoris (not included in the above figures) were 24, resulting in 11 convictions.

Dealing now with distinct persons, it is found that the total indicted during the year was 339, including 23 Maoris; of these 193 were convicted, including 10 Maoris. The distinct persons sent up from Magistrates' Courts for sentence numbered 208, inclusive of 18 Maoris.

A summary is given showing the distinct persons indicted and convicted during the year 1916, classified according to offence. Those sentenced during the year after committal from a Magistrate's Court for sentence are also given.

SUPREME COURTS, 1916.—DISTINCT PERSONS (EXCLUDING MAORIS).

Class of Offence.Number indicted.Number convicted.Number sent from Magistrates' Courts for Sentence.*
*Not included in preceding columns.
Against the person1357625
Against property13680124
Forgery and against the currency161235
Other29156
Totals316183190

First, dealing with distinct persons actually convicted in Supreme Courts, it is found that all but 4 of the 76 persons (excluding Maoris) convicted for offences against the person were males. Assault, with or without robbery, caused the convictions of 20 persons, while robbery with violence was the offence in 3 cases; 20 persons were convicted for indecent assault on females, 12 for rape and carnal knowledge of young girls (including attempts), and 6 for indecent assault on males. For murder 1 person, and for manslaughter 2 persons were convicted.

Persons convicted for offences against property were 4 more than those found guilty in respect of offences against the person, amounting to 80, of whom 6 were females. Theft of various forms, including robbery and burglary, was responsible for the convictions of 68 of the 80 persons, while 6 of the remainder were convicted for receiving stolen property, 4 for fraud and false pretences, and 2 for arson.

Under the heading “Forgery and Offences against the Currency" 12 persons were convicted (5 for forgery alone, and 7 for forgery and uttering).

The offences committed by the 190 persons who were sentenced in the Supreme Court during the year 1916, after committal from a Magistrate's Court for sentence, included 25 against the person, made up as follows Assault, 2; robbery with violence, 1; attempting to procure miscarriage, 1; concealment of birth, 1; carnally knowing girl under sixteen, 4; rape and attempts thereat, 3; indecent assault, 8; bigamy, 5. Dealing with the 124 persons sent for sentence on account of offences against property it is found that in 197 cases the offence was theft of some description.

Thirty-five persons were sentenced for forgery, combined in some cases with uttering, theft, or false pretences. False declaration (3) and perjury (3) were the offences of the six persons shown under “Other Offences.”

During the ten years 1907-16 the number of persons (excluding Maoris) convicted and sentenced in the Supreme and District Courts, and of those who, on pleading guilty in the lower Courts, were committed to the Supreme Court for sentence, were as follows:—

SUPREME COURTS.—PERSONS CONVICTED, ETC., 1907-16.

Year.Offences against the Person.Offences against Property.Forgery and Offences against the Currency.Other Offences.Total Convictions.Number committed for Sentence included in previous Columns.
* Including also District Courts, now abolished.
1907*1042605234450148
1908*1212904842501232
1909*1172708245514256
1910893015434478243
1911882453436403185
19121052254421395185
19131231944421382171
1914902585747452192
1915952335232412212
19161012044721373190

PUNISHMENTS.

The distinct persons convicted in the Supreme Court in 1916 numbered 193, including 10 Maoris. To this number should be added the 208 persons (including 18 Maoris) sent from Magistrates' Courts for sentence, thus bringing the total to 401. Particulars of sentences are appended.

SENTENCES OF CRIMINALS IN SUPREME COURTS, 1916.

Sentence.Excluding Maoris.Including Maoris.
Imprisonment (only) with or without hard labour153163
Imprisonment and declared habitual criminal2121
Declared habitual criminal (only)11
Imprisonment and reformative detention1214
Reformative detention (only)6676
Fined1415
Released on probation6769
Ordered to come up for sentence3942
 373401

DRUNKENNESS.

The number of convictions for breaches of the licensing laws by publicans and for selling liquor without a license during the past five years was as shown in the following statement. Offences by Maoris are not included.

 Convictions for
Year.Breaches of Licensing Laws by Publicans.Selling Liquor without a License.
1912164108
191317478
191478108
1915171142
1916223102

The charges against publicans include selling liquor after hours or on Sundays, failing to admit the police promptly, allowing drunkenness on premises, supplying prohibited or intoxicated persons, failing to keep light burning in front of premises, &c.

The number of convictions (exclusive of Maoris, 296 of whom were convicted of drunkenness during the year—291 males and 5 females) for drunkenness and drunkenness with disorderly conduct recorded during 1916 was 9,937 against males and 765 against females. The following table shows the number of convictions for drunkenness recorded, and the proportion per 1,000 of the mean population of each sex, excluding Maoris, during the past ten years:—

CONVICTIONS FOR DRUNKENNESS (EXCLUSIVE OF MAORIS), 1907-16.

Year.Convictions recorded against.Per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
19079,37481210,18619.241.8811.08
19089,89271710,60919.731.6211.23
19099,94275510,69719.291.6811.01
191010,80880511,61320.581.7211.70
191110,55984111,40019.741.7511.23
191210,68884311,53119.561.7111.10
191310,81578311,59819.271.5410.85
191412,1331,01213,14521.341.9412.06
191512,01095212,96221.221.7811.79
19169,93776510,70218.011.409.73

If the Maoris are included the total convictions for drunkenness during 1916 will amount to 10,998 (10,228 males and 770 females). Of these, 10,582 (9,830 males and 752 females) were arrested, while 416 (398 males and 18 females) were brought before the Magistrate by summons. The following table shows the birthplaces and ages of all persons (including Maoris) arrested and convicted for drunkenness during the year. Birthplaces and ages in summons cases are not obtainable.

BIRTHPLACES AND AGES OF PERSONS CONVICTED FOR DRUNKENNESS (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Birthplace.Under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and under 60.60 and over and unspecified.Totals.
New Zealand       
    Maoris23543418023224
    Others262524181,2281,3771033,404
Australia3216023133845698
England and Wales2591385051,2014162,321
Scotland114552437152851,313
Ireland216652498524771,661
Other European 296211822982520
Asia 571424757
Africa 1277421
America 10613658112
Other (including unspecified) 27819215251
Totals364448632,6574,9071,67510,582

Among the New-Zealand-born population of European descent there is evidence of less drunkenness than among persons who have come from abroad. At the census of 1911, out of the total population of New Zealand of 20 years of age or over, 53.96 per cent. were found to have been born in the Dominion; while of the convictions for drunkenness of all persons over 20 years of age (excluding Maoris) New-Zealand-born Europeans comprised in 1916 only 32.72 per cent.

Repeated charges against the same person are included in the totals shown above, and dealing with arrests only (males, 9,610; females, 748: total, 10,358), but excluding Maoris, it is found that the number of distinct persons convicted of this offence was 7,424 ((6,999 males and 425 females), or 71.67 per cent. of the total “arrest" convictions (excluding Maoris) for drunkenness.

The total convictions (exclusive of those of Maoris) for all offences (arrests only) in 1916 were 15,932, but the distinct convictions amounted to only 13,694, the former total including 2,238 convictions for multiple charges against the same person. Of the latter 1,260 were in conjunction with arrests for drunkenness. Details of the offences are given in the following table:—

OFFENCES FOR WHICH CONVICTIONS WERE ENTERED AGAINST PERSONS ARRESTED (AND CONVICTED) AT THE SAME TIME FOR DRUNKENNESS.

Convicted of Drunkenness andNumber of Maoris.Number, excluding Maoris.Total.
M.F.M.F.
Offences against the person—
    Assault (common)8 43152
    Assault (aggravated)  1 1
Offences against property—
    Theft and attempts at1 35339
    Fraud and false pretences  1 1
    Wilful damage1 83892
Offences against good order—
    Assaulting, resisting, or obstructing police6 83190
    Indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct5 1371143
    Obscene, threatening, or abusive language5 26718290
    Vagrancy  523385
    Breaches of by-laws  17 17
    Other offences against good order  527
Offences not included above—
    Breach of Licensing Act (by others than publicans)13126740321
    Other offences  20 20
Total convictions for other offences against persons arrested (and convicted) at the same time for drunkenness4011,0101071,158
Number of prohibition orders against persons convicted at the same time of drunkenness14 12023157
Total5411,1301301,315
Number of convictions for drunkenness (alone) of persons arrested22049,61074810,582
Total convictions for drunkenness of persons arrested274511,74087812,897
Number of distinct persons arrested (and convicted) for drunkenness19626,9994257,622
Number of convictions for drunkenness in summons cases (not included above)71132717416

Any person who has been three times convicted for drunkenness within the nine months immediately preceding any conviction for drunkenness may be declared an habitual drunkard. A Magistrate may, in addition to or in lieu of a penalty, commit an habitual drunkard to any institution authorized by the Governor-General to receive and detain such persons for any period not being less than twelve months. The law makes provision in respect of the discharge of inmates, their good conduct, discipline, and punishment for offences during detention, and for the proper inspection of such institutions.

A calculation of the amount of alcoholic liquor consumed per head of mean population during the past five years is given below.

CONSUMPTION OF BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS PER HEAD OF MEAN Population.

 Including Maoris.Excluding Maoris.
 Beer.Wine.Spirits.Beer.Wine.Spirits
 Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal.
19119.2050.1340.7459.6570.1410.781
19129.2610.1410.7939.7050.1480.831
19139.2090.1320.7779.6390.1380.813
19149.3400.1370.7789.7670.1440.814
19159.4550.1420.8189.8830.1480.856

The quantity of each kind of alcoholic liquor used in the Dominion during the same period was as follows:—

 Beer for Consumption. Gals.Wine for Consumption. Gals.Spirits for Consumption. Gals.
19119,800,610143,138792,794
191210,083,482153,611863,797
191310,300,416147,137869,124
191410,649,090156,513887,116
191510,865,764163,244940,611

The annual consumption per head of population for the years 1908-12 is given in the following table for New Zealand (excluding Maoris) and certain other countries. The figures for the other countries are from returns prepared by the British Board of Trade.

TABLE SHOWING CONSUMPTION OF BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES, 1908-12. (GALLONS PER HEAD OF POPULATION.)

Country.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.
Beer.
New Zealand10.29.79.7979.7
Australia11.311.111.812.413.2
United Kingdom26.926.226.427.326.8
Canada5.95.96.26.87.3
United States16.915.916.517.216.6
Germany23.121.721.723.422.3
France8.17.98.69.98.8
Wine.
New Zealand0.160.140.150.140.15
Australia0.921.090.841.090.93
United Kingdom0.260.260.280.250.25
Canada0.090.110.120.120.14
United States0.480.560.540.560.48
Germany1.410.970.681.391.03
France36.5032.8019.1029.3037.00
Spirits.
New Zealand0.800.740.770.780.83
Australia0.710.790.800.850.86
United Kingdom0.860.700.650.680.67
Canada0.880.910.981.061.15
United States1.010.961.041.071.05
Germany1.471.611.081.171.12
France1.331.331.381.561.49

CRIME AMONGST MAORIS.

The number of convictions of Maoris brought before Magistrates' Courts for the past ten years is shown in the following table:—

SUMMARY CONVICTIONS OF MAORIS (MAGISTRATES' COURTS), 1907-16.

Year.Offences.
Against the Person.Against Property.Against Good Order.Other Offences.Total.
Drunkenness.Other.
1907218016710473445
19082810220014775552
1909348114011881454
1910286716713657455
191142123322314189990
1912441263203513641,205
19134523294332243937
1914511913353304061,313
1915691874224053731,456
1916441522963933781,263

These numbers apply only to the Maoris residing in the main Islands of the Dominion. Prior to 1911 statistics of crime were compiled from returns of criminal business brought before Magistrates furnished by Clerks of Courts, on which the numbers of offences by Maoris included in the return were to be marked, but since 1911 a card for each offence has been obtained. The figures for the past six years can be relied on as correct, and from the number of convictions in those years it would appear that the figures for previous years are understated. Clerks of Courts would probably have omitted to mark on the returns the Maori cases in some instances. There has also been an increase in the police stationed in Maori districts.

Distinct Maoris convicted after arrest in 1916 numbered 315 (8 females). The ages of these are given in the following table in combination with information as to class of offence:—

AGES AND OFFENCES OF DISTINCT MAORIS CONVICTED (ARRESTS ONLY), 1916.

Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.Unspecified.Totals.
The person 10557 27
Property2912966163
Good order1354140929218
Other offences151   7
Totals3162565110510315

The number of Maoris convicted in the higher Courts exhibits the extent of serious crime amongst the Native race. Those who were sentenced in the Supreme Court after pleading guilty in the lower Court have been included.

Year.Maoris convicted or sentenced in Supreme Court forTotal.
Offences against the Person.Offences against Property.Forgery and Offences against the Currency.Miscellaneous Offences.
19125217 33
19135145327
19144159331
191510171 28
19166136328

Eighteen of the number for 1916 had been sent up from the Magistrates' Courts for sentence.

PRISONS AND PRISONERS.

The following table gives for the year 1916 the prison accommodation, the number of prisoners received, the number in prison at end of year, and the daily average in confinement:—

Name of Prison.Number for whom there is Accommodation.Number received during Year.Number in Confinement at End of Year.Daily Average in Confinement.
Auckland3531,210220229.94
Waipa3318 24.05
Kaingaroa64565836.00
Waikeria100829071.50
New Plymouth58652936.86
Roto-aira53434549.23
Napier741941525.81
Wellington2251,365166189.33
Addington441413939.49
Lyttelton1785165385.82
Paparua51814132.43
Invercargill961089888.23
Minor prisons1771,0543634.08
Totals1,5064,933890942.77

The total number of prisoners received in the different gaols during the year 1916 was 4,933 (males 4,428, females 505), as compared with 5,848 (males 5,228, females 620) in 1915, counting each admission as a distinct person.

Omitting those received by transfer from another prison, 677 (males 623, females 54), the debtors and lunatics received, 123 (males 122, female 1), the duplicate receptions of the same prisoner on the same charge, 59 (males 55, females 4), and 3 prisoners of war (males), it is found that the total receptions for criminal offences during 1916 were 4,176 (males 3,724, females 452). In this total are included 46 persons (males 44, females 2) on remand or awaiting sentence from the previous year. The following table shows how the prisoners received were disposed of, classified according to ages: the number of distinct convicted prisoners being 2,481, including 77 Maoris:—

Age, in Years.Total Receptions (excluding Duplicates) for Criminal Offences.Handed to Police for Trial elsewhere, and not returned to Prison.Acquitted or discharged.On Remand, awaiting Trial or Sentence at End of Year.Number of Prisoners convicted and sentenced for Criminal Offences.Number of Distinct Convicted Prisoners received during Year 1916.
Summary.Indictments.Excluding Maoris.Maoris.
* Includes 46 on remand or awaiting trial from previous year.
Under 2121448282815511915
21 and under 25249353031384315222
25 ” 3050082718289502808
30 ” 3554648778363503258
35 ” 4061452818436373697
40 ” 45518456711373222856
45 ” 5047538605338342954
50 ” 5535327391272142033
55 ” 60269172222271167 
60 ” 65182825114171113
65 and over197232551395981
Totals4,117*423525542,7973182,40477

The number of persons in gaol (including Maoris) at the end of each of the past ten years, and the proportion per 10,000 of population as at the 31st December, is given in the next table:—

PRISONERS IN GAOL (31st DECEMBER).

Year.Number of Prisoners.Proportion per 10,000 of Population.
Undergoing Sentence.On Remand and awaiting Trial.Total.Undergoing Sentence.Total in Confinement.
1907791568478.098.67
1908815648798.088.72
1909877729498.519.21
1910843388818.018.38
1911802718737.468.12
1912821458667.457.86
1913834859197.358.10
1914981641,0458.569.12
1915941579988.539.05
1916836548907.608.09

A separate card for each admission is furnished for every gaol. Such cards as show convictions are arranged alphabetically according to name of prisoner, and where several are found referring to the same person all but one are thrown out; then the number of cards retained equals the actual number of distinct convicted prisoners received in the various gaols during the year. In 1916 this number (excluding Maoris) was 2,404, a decrease of 520 on the number in 1915, These figures do not include children committed to the industrial schools simply on the ground that they are neglected or destitute.

In classifying the offences a prisoner convicted of more than one offence during the year is reckoned once only, under the heading of the principal offence—e.g., a prisoner convicted three times of drunkenness, twice of vagrancy, and once of theft is counted only once, under the heading “offences against property,” theft being the principal offence. Debtors and lunatics received into gaol are omitted.

The following tables show the number of distinct persons (exclusive of Maoris) received into prison after conviction during 1916, classified according to birthplaces and offences, ages and offences, and ages and previous convictions:—

BIRTHPLACES AND OFFENCES OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS (EXCLUDING MAORIS) RECEIVED INTO GAOL DURING 1916.

Birthplace.Nature of Offence.Totals.
Against the Person.Against Property.Drunkenness.Other Offences.
New Zealand71261188406926
Australian States15604589209
England and Wales29109146276560
Scotland8198983199
Ireland72989128253
Other British possessions16112139
China62 1725
Other countries11405185187
At sea11136
Totals1495276201,1082,404

AGES AND OFFENCES OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS (EXCLUDING MAORIS) RECEIVED INTO PRISON DURING 1916.

Age, in Years.Offences against the Person.Theft and other Offences against Property.Offences not included previously.Totals.
Sexual Offences.Assaults.Other.Vagrancy.Drunkenness.Other.
Under 2174 7713 18119
21 and under 2561125461657152
25 ” 30612679374694280
30 ” 358162824855114325
35 ” 40883854996120369
40 ” 4557151408299285
45 ” 50882493210789295
50 ” 5524224247968203
55 ” 60 3 11356256167
60 ” 653219254130111
65 and over2 626362898 
Totals5575195273356207732,404

AGES AND PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS (EXCLUDING MAORIS) RECEIVED INTO PRISON DURING 1916.

Age, in Years.Not previously convicted.Previous Convictions.Total Distinct Convicted Prisoners.
Once.Twice.Three Times.Four Times.Over Four Times.Total.
Under 2177201182142119
21 and under 2510719971945152
25 ” 3014138287957139280
30 ” 351383825171493187325
35 ” 4013350281811129236369
40 ” 451033415712114182285
45 ” 501153816156105180295
50 ” 557016178686133203
55 ” 605613910970111167
60 ” 6538117244973111
65 and over2714742447198
Totals1,005291172103767571,3992,404

The next table gives the offences and gravest previous offences of the distinct persons received into prison after conviction during 1916:—

OFFENCES AND GRAVEST PREVIOUS OFFENCES OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS, 1916.

Offences.Gravest Previous Offences.
Against the Person.Theft and other Offences against Property.Offences not included previously.Total.
Sexual Offences.Assaults.Other.Vagrancy.Drunkenness.Other.
Against the person—
    Sexual offences1711011122
    Assaults 11 15111341
    Other 2 1  25
Against property217423321631314
Offences not included above—
    Vagrancy2192851041937268
    Drunkenness 232754415476374
    Other1386962946159375
Totals6117155152002273191,399

The number of distinct persons (exclusive of Maoris) imprisoned after conviction in each of the past twenty years, counting one offence only when the same person was imprisoned more than once, with the proportion per 10,000 persons living, is added.

DISTINCT PERSONS IMPRISONED AFTER CONVICTION.

Year.Prisoners.Proportion per 10,000 of Mean Population.
18971,88425.84
18981,98226.92
18992,12528.33
19002,11627.71
19012,34530.14
19022,39630.03
19032,84234.65
19042,89634.27
19052,79632.14
19062,96633.12
19073,09133.63
19083,00931.84
19093,15932.51
19103,24232.66
19112,87728.35
19123,02329.09
19133,22930.22
19143,38631.05
19152,92426.51
19162,40421.87

It must be understood that the actual number of imprisonments was much in excess of the figures given, as many persons were several times imprisoned, either for offences differing in kind or for repetitions of the same offence. Thus, persons returned as imprisoned for larceny underwent other imprisonments for drunkenness, &c. Some returned as convicted of drunkenness were several times in gaol during the year for the same offence or for another, such as assault, riotous or indecent conduct, &c. Often there were several charges preferred against the same person at the one time, of which the most serious followed by conviction has been selected.

NEW-ZEALAND-BORN PRISONERS.

While the New-Zealand-born formed at the census of 1911 70 per cent. of the whole population (excluding Maoris), they contributed in 1916 only 38.52 per cent. of the prisoners received in gaol. Of the New-Zealand-born population, however, a large number are under fifteen years of age, a period of life at which there are very few prisoners, and therefore another comparison is necessary. It is found that the New-Zealand-born over fifteen years formed 47 per cent. of the total population above that age; but, as before stated, New-Zealanders constituted only 38.52 per cent. of the total number received in gaols.

The number of New-Zealand-born distinct prisoners (excluding Maoris) received for the year 1916—926 persons—is 245 less than the number for 1915. Of the number received in 1916, 69 were under twenty years, of age. As before stated, the plan adopted in preparing the foregoing tables is to count each prisoner once only, and to exclude all who are not convicted prisoners, besides dealing only with the number received during the year, instead of with the full number in gaol, which would, of course, include those brought forward from the previous year. The comparative results for a series of years given by this method are held to be more valuable than those brought out by one which includes prisoners merely awaiting trial, and continual repetitions of the same individuals.

The ages of New-Zealand-born distinct convicted prisoners (excluding Maoris) are given in the following table for the past ten years:—

DISTINCT NEW-ZEALAND-BORN CONVICTED PRISONERS RECEIVED INTO PRISON, 1907-16.

Year.Under 15.15 and under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.Totals.
1907384204246300132969
1908675207227330140985
19092701892643512201,096
19102782082843822101,164
19114621712063772031,023
19122962042224022081,134
19132881822034492301,154
19142791632474743151,280
1915 631372064553101,171
1916 6998140333286926

FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT.

One hundred and twenty-five persons were placed on probation in the year 1916, as against 93 in 1915 and 87 in 1914. Of those 21 were discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licenses.

The following table gives the ages and terms of probation of offenders dealt with under the provisions of the Act during the year 1916:—

Age.Term of Probation.Totals.
Under One Year.One Year and under Two Years.Two Years and under Three Years.Three Years and over.
10 and under 15 1  1
15 ” 2051817747
20 ” 25 821121
25 ” 30163313
30 ” 402118526
40 ” 50152210
50 ” 60 4 37
60 and over     
Totals9533231125

The amount ordered by the various Courts to be paid towards the cost of prosecutions during the year 1916 was £287 10s. 1d., of which £228 8s. 6d. was actually paid.

HABITUAL CRIMINALS AND REFORMATIVE DETENTION.

The following table shows the distinct convicted prisoners (excluding Maoris) received in prison during 1916 after being sentenced to reformative treatment or having been declared habitual criminals, classified according to sentences:—

Original Sentence.Sentenced to Reformative Treatment for a Period ofDeclared Habitual Criminals.Totals.
Under Two Years.Two and under Five Years.Five Years and over.
Reformative treatment only30635 98
Under 1 year1312 530
1 year and under 2 81716
2 years and under 3   66
3 ” 4   22
4 ” 5   11
5 ” 7  123
7 ” 10   11
10 ” 12   11
Totals4383725158

TREE-PLANTING BY PRISONERS.

Until December, 1916, there were two tree-planting prison-camps established—viz., Kaingaroa and Waipa, both in the North Island—but in December the area reserved for tree-planting purposes at Waipa was fully planted, and that camp was therefore closed. A considerable amount of planting, clearing, fencing, and other work was carried out during the year. The total area planted in trees since the inauguration of the system in 1901 is 13,106 acres, and the total number of trees planted is 36,539,800. The labour-value of the work is assessed at £57,621.

PRISONS BOARD.

For the purposes of the Crimes Amendment Act of 1910 there is constituted a Prisons Board of not less than three nor more than seven members, one of whom must be a Judge of the Supreme Court, who is ex officio President. The members of the Board are appointed by the Governor-General in Council for a period of three years, and may be reappointed. The Board meets at such times as the President determines, and, subject to the provisions of the Act and regulations, may determine its own procedure.

It is the duty of the Board to make inquiry from time to time whether there is reasonable cause for belief that any habitual criminal undergoing sentence or reformative detention is sufficiently reformed to be released on probation or discharged, or for granting discharge to any person who has been released on probation; and to make recommendations as to the release or discharge of any habitual criminal, habitual offender, or person under sentence of reformative detention, and as to the conditions which may be imposed on any such release or probation. The Board is required to take into consideration the case of every habitual criminal, &c., at least once a year, and to make a report to the Minister of Justice annually as to the operations of the Board, numbers dealt with, and the operation and effect of the Act.

The total number of cases considered during 1916 was 424, of which 102 concerned habitual criminals and 322 prisoners undergoing reformative detention. Several of the cases were those of persons who came more than once before the Board, the total number of distinct cases being 344, of which 77 were habitual criminals and 267 reformative detention prisoners.

Thirty-one habitual criminals were recommended for release on probation, of which number 29 were actually released during the year. Two men favourably considered during 1915 were also released in 1916. The number of prisoners undergoing reformative detention who were recommended for release on probation was 117, and 102 were so released during the year. Two prisoners serving sentences of reformative detention were recommended for discharge. Two habitual criminals who had been released on probation were discharged during the year on the recommendation of the Board, and 4 persons with sentences of reformative detention who had been released on probation were recommended for discharge and were so discharged.

Of the 102 persons undergoing reformative detention who were released on probation 30 satisfactorily completed their terms during the year, 13 were returned to prison for fresh offences or for failing to observe the conditions of their release, 2 were discharged from probation, 1 died, and 1 was committed to the Rotoroa Inebriates' Home, leaving 55 still on probation at the end of the year.

Six of the 31 habitual criminals released on probation were returned to prison during the year for fresh offences or for failing to comply with the terms of their release, and 2 died.

INQUESTS.

The number of bodies on which inquests were held in 1916 was 1,408, including 31 Maoris. In 1,096 cases the bodies were of males, and in 312 of females.

The verdicts given at the inquests held in 1916 may be classified as under:—

Nature of Verdict.Inquests on Persons.
 Males.Females.Totals.
Accident43184515
Disease and natural causes536197733
Homicide7310
Legal execution   
Suicide12228150
 1,0963121,408

Of the accidental deaths drowning is the most common form. The verdicts show that 173 deaths were due to this cause, giving a percentage of 33.59 on the accidental deaths from all causes.

The inquests on suicidal deaths in 1916 show an increase on the number for the previous year. The figures for each of the last ten years were:—

Year.Inquests on Suicides.
 Males.Females.Totals.
1907947101
19088715102
19099422116
19109016106
191110925134
191211115126
191311833151
191411627143
191511212124
191612228150

FIRE INQUESTS.

In case of fire causing the destruction of any building, ship, or merchandise, or any stack of grain, pulse, or hay, or any growing crop, a Coroner may hold an inquiry into the cause of such fire, the procedure being similar to that of inquests into cause of death.

The inquests on fires held during 1916 numbered 15. In 2 cases the verdict was incendiarism, in 1 case there was an open verdict, in 1 case the verdict returned was “accidental,” and in the remaining 11 cases no evidence was forthcoming.

GAMING AND LOTTERIES.

A short summary of the provisions of the Gaming Act appears on pages 328 and 329 of the 1915 Year-book.

The number of charges laid in the Magistrates' Courts for breaches of the gaming laws, and the manner in which such charges were disposed of, are shown for five years in the table following. Maoris are not included.

Year.Number of Charges.Discharged or dismissed.Convictions recorded.
191240385318
191321867151
191434691255
191521754163
191628660226

THE TOTALIZATOR.

The Minister of Internal Affairs may, on the application of any racing club, grant to such racing club a license to use the totalizator or wagering-machine at horse-race meetings held under the control or management of such club, subject to the following conditions:—

The license shall be revocable at any time the Minister thinks fit to determine the same. No more than three totalizators shall be used by the club at any one time, and none outside the race-grounds within the control of the club. The machine must be under the care and management of some competent person appointed by the club, and under the direct supervision of the stewards.

Every license shall be issued in respect of a single race meeting, and shall specify the number of days on which the totalizator may be used at that meeting. The aggregate number of days on which the totalizator may be used by racing clubs in any one year was fixed in 1910 at 250, and the number of days for any one race meeting must not exceed four.

By a short amendment to the Gaming Act passed in 1914 authority was given for the Minister of Internal Affairs to grant in a year not more than thirty-one additional totalizator licenses to clubs not holding such licenses. The additional licenses were to be allocated as follows:—

To racing clubs, not more than15
To hunt clubs, ”8
To trotting clubs, ”8

Beginning with the racing season, 1917-18, a reduction of the number of days racing in each season has been imposed, such reduction to continue during the currency of the war. The number of days on which the totalizator way be used in any one year has been reduced by ninety-four days (racing days, seventy-four; trotting days, twenty).

A race meeting at which the totalizator is authorized to be used on four days shall not extend over a longer period than eight consecutive days; meetings at which the totalizator is authorized to be used on three days shall not extend over a period of six consecutive days; and a race meeting at which the totalizator is authorized to be used for two days shall not extend over a longer period than four consecutive days; and on expiry of any such maximum period the license to use the totalizator shall lapse: Provided that when at any race meeting a racing club is compelled by inclement weather or any extraordinary circumstances to postpone any racing to a later day, it is lawful for the club to extend that race meeting over such longer period as is rendered necessary.

Racing clubs must not accept any totalizator investments by telegram or telephone, and no investment may be received otherwise than in money, bank-notes, or cheque before or at the time of investment. No investment shall be received from any person under the age of twenty-one years, and any member, agent, or servant of a racing club who permits or authorizes to be received an investment on the totalizator made by any person under twenty-one years is guilty of an offence, and is liable to a fine not exceeding £100; and any person who falsely represents himself as being of the age of twenty-one or upwards is liable to a fine not exceeding £50. The publication of dividends (except on the racecourse) is prohibited, and racing tips and the “double" totalizator are abolished. The totalizator must be closed not later than the time advertised for the starting of a race.

Information as to totalizator licenses issued, amount of investment by the public, and amount paid to the Treasury as percentage of investments is given in the portion of this book dealing with taxation.

Chapter 9. SECTION IX.—REPRESENTATION AND ELECTORAL.

Table of Contents

FULL information concerning the system of representation in force in New Zealand and of the Electoral Law of the Dominion is given in the 1915 issue of the Year-book together with details of the voting at the General Election of 1914.

Two short Acts were passed in 1916 modifying the Legislature Act and the Legislative Council Act respectively.

The Parliamentary Elections Postponement Act prolongs the duration of the present Parliament to four years, unless the General Assembly is sooner dissolved by the Governor-General pursuant to section 44 of the Constitution Act. This Act also directs that in computing population for the rearrangement for the boundaries of electoral districts Representation Commissioners are to take into account the number of members of the Expeditionary Force absent from New Zealand on census night.

The Legislative Council Amendment Act postpones for four years (until the 1st January, 1920) the operation of the Legislative Council Act, 1914. Persons appointed to the Council between the 5th November, 1914, and the 1st January, 1920, will vacate their seats on the latter date.

RECENT BY-ELECTIONS.

Pahiatua.

A by-election was held in the Pahiatua Electoral District on the 17th August last, to fill the vacancy rendered through the death of Mr. J. H. Escott on the 28th July, 1916. Three candidates were nominated and the voting resulted in the election of Mr. G. H. Smith. The votes polled were as follows:—

Smith, George Harold1,519
Ross, Robert Beatson1,440
McFarlane, George Dickson238
      Total number of valid votes polled3,197
      Total number of votes rejected as informal23
Number of electors on the roll5,227

Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands seat was rendered vacant early in 1917 by the resignation of the sitting member, Mr. W. Stewart.

Writs for a by-election were issued, returnable on the 17th March, but polling was rendered unnecessary through Mr. V. H Reed being returned unopposed.

Hawke's Bay.

A by-election was held in the Hawke's Bay Electoral District on the 8th March, 1917, to fill the vacancy rendered through the death of the Hon. Dr. McNab on the 3rd February, 1917.

Three candidates were nominated, and the voting resulted in the election of Sir John Findlay. The votes polled were as follows:—

Findlay, John George2,641
Simson, Horace Ian2,175
Fraser, Alfred Le Vavaseur11
      Total number of valid votes polled4,827
      Total number of votes rejected as informal40
Number of electors on the roll8,194

Chapter 10. SECTION X.—LICENSES, LOCAL OPTION, ETC.

LICENSES AND LICENSED HOUSES.

DURING the year ended the 31st March, 1916, 1,871 licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors were granted. Of these, 1,198 were publicans' and accommodation licenses, 45 New Zealand wine, 56 packet, 156 wholesale, and 415 conditional licenses. The fees paid amounted to £42,978, and formed part of the revenue of the local governing bodies of the districts in which the licenses were issued. Particulars are given in the following table:—

NUMBER OF LICENSES GRANTED DURING THE YEAR 1915–16, AND THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID TO LOCAL BODIES THEREFOR.

Licenses.In Counties.In Boroughs.In Town Districts.Total.
Publicans' licenses375598431,016
Accommodation licenses182 1183
      Total licensed houses557598441,199
New Zealand wine licenses369 45
Packet licenses848 56
Wholesale licenses141411156
Conditional licenses2471662415
      Total licenses granted862962471,871
Amount of license fees paid to local bodies£12,400£28,936£1,642£42,978

The number of publicans' and accommodation licenses granted in counties, boroughs, and independent town districts during each of the past ten years is here given, together with the total amount of fees paid for all licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor:—

Tear ended 31st March.Counties.Boroughs.Town Districts.Total.Total Fees.
     £
1907710628291,36748,865
1908704630301,36448,775
1909695635341,36449,017
1910643580341,25744,900
1911630582361,24843,843
1912617590281,23542,572
1913594592321,21842,456
1914578698421,21842,283
1915564596471,20741,769
1916557598441,19942,978

The average number of persons to each licensed house in counties, boroughs, and independent town districts respectively for 1915–16 is next shown:—

 Number of Licenced Houses*Estimated Population.Number of Persons to each Licensed House.
I.e., houses holding publicans' or accommodation licenses.
Counties557482,600867
Boroughs598593,013993
Town districts4427,128617
Totals1,1991,102,741920

The average number of persons to a licensed house increased from 895 in 1913–14 to 911 in 1914–15 and 920 in 1915–16.

The annual fees payable for licenses are,—

(1.) For a publican's license—£
    (a.) Within the limits of a borough or town district40
    (b.) Outside the aforesaid limits25
(2.) For a New Zealand wine license1
(3.) For an accommodation license, a sum to be determined by the Licensing Committee, not exceeding20
(4.) For a packet license— 
    (a.) For a vessel exceeding 50 tons register10
    (b.) For a vessel not exceeding 50 tons register5
(5.) For a wholesale license20
(6.) For a conditional license, according to duration of license, a sum not exceeding30

The approximate capital value of the licensed houses in the counties for the year ended 31st March, 1916, was stated at £709,365, in certain of the boroughs at £1,464,734, and in the town districts at £111,009. There was, besides, an annual value of £125,758 for other licensed houses in the boroughs, which, capitalized at 6 per cent., would represent £2,096,967. The capital value of all licensed houses may therefore be put down at £4,382,075.

BREACHES OF LICENSING LAWS.

During 1916 there were 223 convictions (189 of males, 34 of females) against publicans and 2,149 convictions (1,975 of males and 174 of females) against others for breaches of the licensing laws.

SLY-GROG SELLING.

There were 155 charges of selling liquor without a license (including storing liquor for sale) investigated in 1916 in the Magistrates' Courts with the following results: 23 were discharged for want of prosecution or want of evidence, 30 dismissed on the merits, and 102 convicted.

The fines imposed on sly-grog sellers during 1916 amounted to £2,249, as against £2,715 in 1915.

LICENSING LAW.

Full information concerning the licensing law of New Zealand, with details of the local option and national prohibition polls of 1914, is given in the 1915 issue of this book.

ANTI-TREATING REGULATIONS.

Regulations under the War Regulations Act which were made by Order in Council of 21st August, 1916, and came into force on the 28th of the same month are expected to have a far-reaching effect on the liquor trade, being designed with a view to preventing the excessive consumption of liquor.

Under these regulations, commonly referred to as the “Anti-shouting" regulations, treating is made an offence. The term “treating" includes the following acts:—

  1. The act of any person who directly or indirectly—

    1. Pays, or undertakes or offers to pay; or

    2. Gives or lends, or offers or undertakes to give or lend money with which to pay—for any intoxicating liquor sold or to be sold on licensed premises for consumption on or about those premises by any person other than the person first mentioned:

  2. The act of any person who purchases intoxicating liquor on licensed premises, and invites or permits any other person to consume that liquor on or about those premises:

  3. The act of any person who on licensed premises purchases or offers to purchase intoxicating liquor with intent that it shall be consumed on or about those premises by any other person:

  4. Any other act done by any person with intent that any other person shall consume on or about licensed premises any intoxicating liquor other than liquor purchased and paid for by the consumer with his own money. (Money lent or given to him elsewhere with intent that it shall be spent in the purchase of intoxicating liquor, is, for the purposes of these regulations, deemed not to be his own money.)

It is not only the person who treats another who commits an offence; the person treated and the licensee, or his servant, who knowingly permits treating, are also offenders under the regulations. A bar attendant, other than a member of the licensee's family, who is convicted of an offence of this nature is disqualified for six months from employment on licensed premises.

The regulations do not apply to liquor consumed as part of a substantial meal after mid-day nor to treating by boarders or other persons bona fide resident on the premises. Constables have full powers of entry and search under the regulations.

WOMEN ON LICENSED PREMISES.

To prevent the congregation of undesirable women on licensed premises during the evening hours, it is made an offence for women other than the licensee, a member of the licensee's family, or a servant of the licensee, to be or remain in the bar of any licensed premises or to loiter about the entrance thereof.

CANCELLATION OF LICENSE.

Further regulations affecting the liquor trade came into operation on the 9th October, 1916. Under these a license may be cancelled by the Licensing Committee for any of the following shortcomings on the part of the licensee:—

  1. A breach of the Licensing Act or of any regulations (including those referred to above) made under section three of the War Regulations Act relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor, or for a breach of the conditions of the license.

  2. Permitting the premises to be frequented by disorderly or disreputable persons.

  3. Failure to conduct the premises in an orderly manner.

  4. Not being a fit and proper person to hold a license.

SALE OF LIQUOR RESTRICTION.

The Sale of Liquor Restriction Act, 1917, which comes to force on 1st December, 1917, makes it illegal for licensed premises to be open between the hours of 6 in the evening and 9 in the morning. The Act is a war measure, and is to remain in force until six months after the close of the war.

Chapter 11. SECTION XI.—LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.

FOR purposes of local government New Zealand is divided into counties and boroughs, the counties being, for administrative purposes, in some cases subdivided into road and town districts. Certain of the latter, having a population of over five hundred, possess powers independent of county control.

Counties are constituted by special Act, but two or more existing counties may, by Proclamation, be united to form one county. Boroughs are constituted by Proclamation, and must possess a population of not less than one thousand, but must not exceed in area more than nine square miles, nor must any point be distant farther than six miles from another. Any locality not exceeding two square miles in area, outside a borough, and wherein there are not less than fifty householders, may be proclaimed a town district. A road district may comprise any portion of the area of the county within which it lies, and may be created by special order of the Council of such county. Harbour Boards are formed by special Act, and in some cases possess rating-powers over areas already included within counties and boroughs. Special districts, with limited powers, may be constituted for specific purposes such as river protection, drainage, water-supply, &c., within the areas wherein such servicés are required.

Although the boroughs, of which there were 115 on the 31st March, 1916, lie geographically within the counties, yet by the law they are not considered as part of them. On the 31st March, 1916, the counties numbered 125. The number is increased from time to time as need is found by the subdivision of existing districts. In the year 1878 there were only 63 counties. There were 126 road districts (one without a Board) in existence in March, 1916, and 64 town districts. One of these latter is the special Town District of Rotorua, the affairs of which are administered by officers of the General Government, and another the Native Township of Otorohanga. Besides the above there were 40 river protective districts (excluding Inch-Clutha, in Bruce County, which is also a road district), 3 city and suburban drainage districts (Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland), 8 water-supply districts (5 without Boards), 49 land drainage districts under the Land Drainage Act (4 without Boards), and 2 tramway districts. The Harbour Boards numbered 36, excluding Coromandel, Kawhia, Tokomaru Bay, Port Robinson, Kaikoura, Fortrose, and Half-moon Bay, for which the County Councils of Coromandel, Kawhia, Waiapu, Cheviot, Kaikoura, Southland, and Stewart Island act as the Harbour Boards; also New River and Port Molynoux, for which the Invercargill Borough Council and the Clutha River Board act as Harbour Boards.

RECEIPTS.

Local governing bodies levied rates in the financial year 1915–16 to the amount of £2,355,155, of which £1,607–764 consisted of general rates, and £747,391 special and separate rates. The sum of £85,370 was raised by licenses, and £101,695 by other taxes, making £2,542,220 altogether, which sum is equivalent to £2 6s. 2d. per head of the mean European population. In the year 1914–15 the local taxation was £2 3s. 4d. per head, or 2s. 10d. less than in 1915–16.

Revenue derived from rates increased from £1,151,219 in 1905–6 to £2,355,155 in 1915–16. Revenue from Government has increased in the same period from £169,010 to £262,083. Receipts other than “revenue" were £1,326,597 in 1905–6, and £2,469,275 in 1915–16; but these figures vary from year to year according to circumstances, such as large operations by way of construction of works, for which money has to be specially raised.

The receipts of local governing bodies, divided into the various groups shown above, are given for each of the past ten years.

Financial Year.Revenue fromReceipts not Revenue.Total Receipts.
Rates.Licenses, Fees, Rents, and other Sources.Government.Total Revenue.
 ££££££
1906–71,233,0491,386,459192,9322,812,4401,227,4734,039,913
1907–81,356,2571,548,479202,1863,106,9221,410,9944,517,916
1908–91,390,6981,710,712223,4103,324,8201,440,7464,765,566
1909–101,526,3071,738,410195,6243,460,3412,362,1715,822,512
1910–111,592,6011,941,655230,0703,764,3261,776,9585,541,284
1911–121,677,8772,075,126223,8083,976,8112,425,2586,402,069
1912–131,799,2992,306,424225,2624,330,9852,383,1236,714,108
1913–142,005,6382,484,893234,2194,724,7502,411,5757,136,325
1914–152,140,0862,622,221239,0765,001,3832,595,7067,597,089
1915–162,355,1552,705,562262,0835,322,8002,469,2757,792,075

The figures given in this and following tables are for the year ended 31st March, except in the case of certain Harbour Boards whose own financial year is taken in each case. The financial year of the Wellington Harbour Board ends on the 30th September (six months before the usual financial year); for the Coromandel, Fortrose, Half-moon Bay and Horseshoe Bay, Westport, Kaikoura, Kawhia, New River, Port Molyneux, Riverton, Tokomaru Bay, and Whangateau-Omaha Harbour Boards the year ends on the 31st March, but in all other cases the Harbour Board year ends on the 31st December, or three months previous to the financial year.

A summary of receipts for the year 1915–16 is given below. The total revenue of the local bodies for the financial year was £5,322,800, and they further received a sum of £2,469,275 which could not properly be termed “revenue,” making altogether a grand total of receipts amounting to £7,792,075 The rates formed 44.25 per cent. of the revenue proper; licenses, rents, and other sources yielded 50.75 per cent.; and 4.92 per cent. was granted by the General Government. Payments by County Councils to Road Boards constitute the remaining 0.08 per cent.

While the revenue proper of the counties amounted to £1,195,897, of which £909,275 was raised by way of rates, the Road Boards' revenue was only £124,374, of which £95,888 represented the result of their rating. The boroughs had the far larger revenue of £2,716,877, including £1,149,061 of rates, and their receipts under the heading of licenses, rents, and other sources amounted to the considerable sum of £1,525,030.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS, 1915–16.

Revenue fromReceipts not Revenue.Total Receipts.
Rates.Licenses, Rents, &c.Government.County.
 ££££££
Counties909,27596,489190,133 477,3681,673,265
Boroughs1,149,0611,525,03042,786 1,251,1373,968,014
Town districts41,90420,4554,001 47,877114,237
Native township63615941 1,7412,577
Road districts95,8888,18216,1754,12960,998185,372
River districts13,0486,9881,446 12,76034,242
Land drainage districts20,238968172 15,70937,087
Water-supply districts4,5443,151  5918,286
Tramway districts4,717150,035  192154,944
City and suburban drainage districts80,5984,332250 143,670228,850
Harbour districts35,246885,6447,079 457,2321,385,201
Totals2,355,1552,701,433262,0834,1292,469,2757,792,075

RATES.

As stated above, rates contributed in 1915–16 the sum of £2,355,155 to the revenue of local governing bodies. General rates levied brought in £1,607,764, and special and separate rates £747,391. Of the latter, £560,264 was received by boroughs, and £112,493 by counties. The whole of the rates in harbour and tramway districts were general rates, while all those collected by the Boards of water-supply districts came under the heading of “special and separate.”

General rates bring in a little more than two-thirds of the total revenue from rates.

RATES LEVIED BY LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES, 1906–7 to 1915–16.

Financial Year.General.Special and Separate.Total.
 £££
1906–7889,712343,3371,233,049
1907–8949,139407,1181,356,257
1908–9970,225420,4731,390,698
1909–101,058,447467,8601,526,307
1910–111,118,112474,4891,592,601
1911–121,156,718521,1591,677,877
1912–131,252,717546,5821,799,299
1913–141,359,776645,8622,005,638
1914–151,484,591655,4952,140,0S6
1915–161,607,764747,3912,355,155

Separate rates are of two classes—"general" and “particular." General separate rates are levied for the construction, maintenance, &c., of any public work, for the acquisition of land or buildings, or for engaging in any under-taking for the benefit of whole or part of a local district. Particular separaterates are levied in respect of water-supply, lighting, sanitation, and of library. Special rates are those levied as security for the repayment loans.

Full particulars concerning the rating-powers of local bodies is given in the 1914 issue of the Year-book, together with information concerning the system of rating on unimproved value. Local districts in which a poll on the question of rating on unimproved value has been taken since the 31st March, 1914, are as shown below. The result of all polls to that date are given on pages 876–79 of the Year-book for 1914.

Local District.Date of Poll.Result of Poll.Votes recorded.
For.AgainstInformal.
* For rescission.
Christchurch City*4 Mar., 1915Rating on U.V. remains1,9142,086 
Ellerslie Town District8 Mar., 1916Carried175251
Featherston County16 Feb., 19153151642
Huntly Town District20 Oct., 1915301 
Mangapapa Town District13 Oct., 1915Rejected10916414
Mataura Borough*3 Nov., 1915Rescission carried1361292
Onehunga Borough9 Mar., 1915Carried5633917
Otautau Town District*8 Mar., 1916Rescission carried40331
Otorohanga Native Township30 Oct., 1914Carried435 
Raglan Town District15 Nov., 19165419 
Westport Borough25 Apr., 191746734530
Whakatane Town District21 Sept., 1915Rejected701051
Whangarei County11 Nov., 1914Carried73623622

LICENSES, TOLLS, RENTS, ETC.

Rates are not the only form of local taxation. Local authorities derive a certain amount of revenue from publicans' licenses, auctioneers' and hawkers' licenses, abattoir fees, dog-taxes, pound-taxes, tolls, &c. Sources of revenue not classed as taxation are—Rents; fines and penalties; market dues; sales of material; sale of light and power from gasworks and electric-supply works; tramway receipts; interest on deposits; wharf dues, &c.

RECEIPTS FROM GENERAL GOVERNMENT.

Revenue received from the Government comprise—Rates on Crown and Native lands; timber and flax royalties; goldfields revenue and gold duty; fees and fines; subsidy on rates; one-third of receipts from lands sold on deferred payment and from perpetual leases; one-fourth of rents from small grazing-runs; other. In addition there are special grants from the General Government for various local works of a public or semi-public character. These are not considered revenue, and are included with “Receipts not revenue.”

A further class of receipts from Government is provided by loans under the various Loans to Local Bodies' Acts and from the New Zealand State Advances Office.

A statement of all receipts by controlling bodies of local districts from the Government during the financial year 1915–16 is given in the next table.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS FROM GOVERNMENT.—TABLE SHOWING UNDER SEPARATE HEADS THE AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT BY THE LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN THE DOMINION DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1915–16.

Counties.Boroughs.Town Boards.Road Boards.River Boards (excluding Inch-Cluths., also Road Board).Land Drainage Boards.Harbour Boards.City and Suburban Drainage Boards.Native Township Boards.Totals.
 ££££££££££
Rates on Crown and Native lands442,162 123 172   2,501
One-third receipts from land sold on deferred payment and from perpetual lease41,1082801301,236     42,754
One-fourth of rents from small grazing-runs5,7631 368     6,132
Timber and flax royalties8,096  91     8,187
Goldfields revenue and gold duty18,63513,589191     32,316
Subsidies on rates114,92823,2563,75413,699    41155,678
Fees and fines7201,64159112   250 2,782
Other receipts8391,857574551,446 7,079  11,733
  Total Revenue Account190,13342,7864,00116,1751,4461727,07925041262,083
Loans from Government under Loans to Local Bodies Acts and from New Zealand State Advances Office146,207258,3474,0039,1006,1256,94015,000 1,000446,722
Grants for special works, &c.195,7223,5821,55410,6412,5063,735250  217,990
  Total receipts from Government532,062304,7159,55835,91610,07710,84722,3292501,041926,795

EXPENDITURE.

The expenditure of local governing bodies during each of the past twenty years is as follows:—

Financial Year.Expenditure. £
1896–971,636,716
1897–981,733,016
1898–991,778,574
1899–19001,960,073
1900–12,250,572
1901–22,528,092
1902–32,867,506
1903–43,230,712
1904–53,497,321
1905–63,601,506
1906–73,897,515
1907–84,491,113
1908–94,800,711
1909–104,898,482
1910–115,360,261
1911–126,074,372
1912–136,537,769
1913–146,796,314
1914–156,806,567
1915–166,920,736

The expenditure of the various classes of local governing bodies during 1915–16 is shown in more detail.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—EXPENDITURE, 1915–16.

Public Works.Hospitals and Charitable Aid.Management.Interest on Loans and Overdraft.Other.Total.
* Included in Public Works.
 ££££££
Counties1,071,893110,842135,600125,59663,7021,507,633
Boroughs2,565,11079,335179,048576,45390,6163,490,562
Town districts81,0203,02111,04613,1041,053109,244
Native township2,49828121198422,887
Road districts149,2035,49616,88812,1383,940187,665
River districts20,045 4,3794,99653229,952
Land drainage districts27,050 3,2756,9588237,365
Water-supply districts6,649 1,5241,3404409,953
Tramway districts88,483 *32,47430,270151,227
City and suburban drainage districts76,930 7,96962,53524147,458
Harbour districts671,708 35,560357,391182,1311,246,790
Totals4,760,589198,722395,4101,193,183372,8326,920.736

It is seen that during the year the total expenditure was £6,920,736, of which £4,760,589 was expended on public works and £1,193,183 on debt charges. The item “management expenses" does not rank very high in the aggregate, though the table following shows that in some classes of local bodies the expenses of management account for a fair percentage of the revenue:—

Local Districts.Management Expenses as Percentage of
Revenue.Total Receipts.Expenditure.
 £££
Counties11.348.108.99
Boroughs6.594.515.13
Town districts16.649.6710.11
Native township14.474.704.19
Road districts13.589.119.00
River districts20.3812.7514.62
Land drainage districts15.328.838.76
Water-supply districts19.8118.3915.31
City and suburban drainage districts9.363.485.40
Harbour districts3.832.572.85
          All districts7.435.075.71

The table following gives, in respect of boroughs only, the expenditure out of loan-money during the past ten years, classified under various heads:—

EXPENDITURE OUT OF LOANS.—BOROUGHS ONLY, 1906–7 TO 1915–16.

Year ended 31st March.Streets, Footways, and Bridges.Drainage and Sanitation.Waterworks.Tramways.Abattoirs, Slaughterhouses and Pounds.Lighting and Power Services.Other Public Works.Management, Interest, and Sundries.Total.
 £££££££££
190763,79074,651210,567118,6966,135122,23639,71915,338651,132
190891,68859,921165,664137,18814,505244,12644,24325,957783,292
1909111,295111,336150,59243,33623,671139,50216,68617,849614,267
191087,819129,994160,6628115,120106,45244,78610,098555,012
1911113,216132,037143,71752,1951,922138,40953,15322,841658,490
1912149,057206,393246,485114,6533,626137,59998,17614,651970,640
1913182,251205,373169,44761,22415,596134,873103,98516,433889,182
1914244,619131,547129,60147,4273,074199,75758,36820,491834,884
1915153,20968,06170,30628,8895,463201,65158,98225,098611,659
1916175,24898,36686,86445,3903,860235,07178,39817,818741,015

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.

The assets and liabilities of local governing bodies at the end of the financial year 1915–16 are as shown in the table following. The figures shown in the column “other assets" are taken from the respective balance-sheets, but are far from complete. In quite a number of cases no assets whatever are shown, while in the majority of the others nothing is included for the reserves held. These totals can only be taken as a very approximate indication of the property held in addition to the actual cash assets.

Assets.Liabilities.
Cash Assets.Other Assets (as estimated in Published Balance sheets).Loans (excluding Government Loans, other than those from the State Advances Office).Liabilities other than the Loans included in preceding Column (Bank Overdrafts, Outstanding Accounts, &c.).
 ££££
Counties515,391451,714421,349334,833
Boroughs2,320,57012,965,75510,840,7381,045,097
Town district45,635149,343215,76815,353
Native township1,0153,1701,0007
Road districts65,21280,380115,55034,811
River districts17,48844,98229,31217,068
Land-drainage districts19,1023,38915,8402,727
City and suburban drainage districts222,374537,2111,390,00025,606
Tramway districts25,803676,073610,20018,825
Water-supply districts4,17126,92013,0002,570
Harbour districts1,537,9623,754,5197,014,390339,829
Totals4,774,72323,693,45620,667,1471,836,726

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES.

The indebtedness of local governing bodies on account of outstanding loans has increased in the twenty years 1895–96 to 1915–16 from £6,737,578 to £20,754,168, exclusive of moneys borrowed from Government, which represented a further indebtedness of £4,030,161 at the end of March, 1916 (Roads and Bridges Construction Act, the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and the Loans to Local Bodies Act. £1,349,916, and loans from the New Zealand State Advances Office, £2,680,245).

The outstanding loans of local bodies at the end of each of the past twenty years are as shown in the following table:—

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES, 1896–97 TO 1915–16.

Financial Year.Outstanding Loans (excluding Government Loans).Government Loans to Local Bodies.Total Gross Indebtedness at End of Year.
Outstanding Debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act.Loans from New Zealand State Advances Office outstanding on 31st March.Net Indebtedness in February of each Year under Local Bodies' Loans Acts (including Debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, converted).
 £££££
1896–976,793,3981,077 709,2827,503,757
1897–986,834,361712 742,5307,577,603
1898–996,963,254347 789,6187,753,219
1899–19007,057,350  810,1927,867,542
1900–17,563,069  902,7698,465,838
1901–27,839,695  1,046,6458,886,340
1902–38,217,196  1,266,0029,483,198
1903–48,898,910  1,401,75210,300,662
1904–510,018,242  1,526,35310,644,595
1905–610,718,051  1,580,49412,298,545
1906–711,616,048  1,647,27313,263,321
1907–812,532,334  1,691,08314,223,417
1908–913,303,622  1,839,01715,142,639
1909–1014,937,685  1,925,60616,863,291
1910–1115,727,613 404,1632,025,66317,157,439
1911–1216,590,877 1,186,6111,948,85219,726,340
1912–1317,483,332 1,711,7971,761,40920,958,538
1913–1418,923,482 2,007,7971,631,96522,563,244
1914–1519,454,475 2,312,7541,482,21223,249,441
1915–1620,754,168 2,680,2451,349,91624,784,329

A further table is given showing the amount of the debt raised in New Zealand and elsewhere, other than loans from the General Government. Columns are added showing the interest payable, and the average rate of interest per cent. It will be noticed that the amount of outstanding loans shown to have been raised in New Zealand was only a small percentage of the total at the end of the first of the twenty financial years shown, but increased gradually at first, and rapidly later, till at the end of the year 1912–13 it was nearly £3,000,000 in excess of the amount raised abroad. During 1913–14, however, the New Zealand amount decreased slightly. while the loans raised abroad showed a large increase. In 1914–15 and 1915–16 there were decreases in the amounts raised abroad and increases in the amounts raised in New Zealand, making a difference between the two amounts for the two years (in favour of New Zealand) of nearly £5,000,000 at 31st March, 1916.

INDEBTEDNESS AND INTEREST CHARGES.

Financial Year.Raised in New Zealand.Raised Abroad.Total Indebtedness.Interest.Average Rate per Cent.
 £££££
1896–971,336,6985,456,7006,793,398363,3525.35
1897–981,343,1615,491,2006,834,361363,5695.32
1898–991,478,1545,485,1006,963,254363,9155.23
1899–19001,579,0505,478,3007,057,350367,0195.20
1900–12,052,2695,510,8007,563,069385,9595.10
1901–22,287,5955,552,1007,839,695396,4605.06
1902–32,880,5965,336,6008,217,196409,2384.91
1903–43,369,4105,529,5008,898,910439,8794.94
1904–53,479,6425,638,60010,018,242487,1454.86
1905–65,250,5515,467,50010,718,051515,1884.81
1906–76,145,5485,470,50011,616,048548,3874.72
1907–87,246,8345,285,50012,532,334587,5644.69
1908–97,785,9225,517,70013,303,622616,3304.63
1909–107,967,3856,970,30014,937,685684,6304.58
1910–118,254,3137,473,30015,727,613715,2894.55
1911–129,574,5277,016,35016,590,877748,8054.51
1912–1310,134,7827,348,55017,483,332787,8274.51
1913–1410,106,0828,817,40018,923,482855,0634.52
1914–1510,998,7758,455,70019,454,475870,9924.48
1915–1612,793,5437,960,62520,754,168948,5114.57

The average rate of interest shows a steady fall throughout the period, with, however, a check in the last year. The loans outstanding, other than Government loans, at the end of the financial year 1915–16 are shown below, classified according to various rates of interest:—

Rate of Interest: Per Cent.Raised in New Zealand.Raised Abroad.Total.
 £££
Nil25.000 25,000
½6,500 6,500
3 ½1,500 1,500
3 ¾60,000 60,000
4 ¼3,175,8102,358,5005,534,310
4 ¼1,709,730326,1002,035,830
4 ⅜37,000 37,000
4 ½4,007,4602,161,4506,168,910
4 ¾404,040 404,040
52,728,4772,379,7005,108,177
5 ⅛75,000 75,000
5 ¼102,3938,175110,568
5 ½100,5801,100101,6S0
5 ¾600 600
6359,453725,6001,085,053
Totals12,793,5437,960,62520,754,168

The total indebtedness at the end of 1915–16, excluding loans from the State Advances Office and the inscribed debt under the Loans to Local Bodies Acts (the latter including stock exchanged for debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act), was £20,754,168, as shown above. Against this were sinking funds amounting to £1,931,272, leaving the net indebtedness, other than to the State, £18,822,896. The annual charge for interest was £948,511 and for sinking fund £147,895. The net indebtedness to the State Advances Office was £2,559,640, representing loans originally amounting to £2,680,245. The instalments of principal and interest on this amounted to an annual charge of £138,022.

The debt under the Loans to Local Bodies Acts, including inscribed stock exchanged for debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, was £1,349,916 at the end of the year. This debt is decreasing yearly, and will be extinguished in course of time. The amount outstanding is repayable by annual instalments of £105,012, representing 4 ½ per cent. on £900,419, 4 per cent. on £104,444, and 3 ½ per cent. on £1,723,311, the amount inscribed to the 1st February, 1916. Repayments on the amount inscribed would be £3,660,130, including interest. The actual repayments have been £1,791,735, leaving £1,868,395 still to be paid by way of interest and sinking fund on a present indebtedness of £1,349,916.

Full information concerning the law governing local bodies' loans is given in the 1914 issue of this book. The section of this book dealing with State aid to settlers and workers contains information regarding State advances to local authorities.

Detailed tables showing the statistics of individual local bodies will be found in Vol. IV of Statistics of New Zealand.

Chapter 12. SECTION XII.—VALUATION OF LAND.

THE system of separately assessing the value of the land itself and the value of the buildings and improvements effected thereon was first put into-practice in New Zealand for the purposes of State taxation on the passing of the Land-tax Act, 1878, under which a tax was levied on land-values, the impost being ½d. in the pound on the capital value of real estate, less the assessed value of the improvements.

The Land-tax Act, 1878, was superseded by the Property-tax Act, 1879, which provided for the levy of a uniform tax of 1d. in the pound on the capital value of all property—real and personal—above the amount of £500 in value.

The Property-tax Act, 1879, was in its turn superseded by the Land and Income Assessment Act, 1891. Under this enactment a land-tax was imposed on land and mortgages of land, with an exemption of improvements on land up to £3,000. An exemption from income-tax was also allowed on all incomes derived from land and mortgages of land.

Two years later, under the provisions of the Land and Income Assessment Act Amendment Act, 1893, all improvements on land were entirely exempted.

An endeavour to extend the principle of general exclusion of improvements to local taxation resulted in the passing of the Rating on Unimproved Value Act, 1896, which gave local authorities the option of deciding that equivalent rates on the unimproved values of lands in their jurisdiction should be substituted for the rates levied on the full capital values, or on the annual values.

The valuing of land up to the year 1896 was not conducted on a uniform basis. Each State Department and each local authority worked quite independently, and employed as valuers whom it thought fit. The Land-tax Department periodically employed a small army of temporary valuers when it required a new valuation of lands for taxation purposes, and each local authority had its own particular method of making up its roll for the levying of rates. Estimates of values arrived at by various authorities varied to a dangerous degree. Some values were very high, being based on speculative prices, while many were extremely low. Frequently the same property had several values assigned to it.

In order to overcome as far as possible the obvious defects of the old system, it was decided to establish a new system of valuation, by which all valuations required by State Departments—whether for loan, taxation, or other purposes—and by local authorities that rate on the capital or unimproved value, should be made by valuers employed by the State at fixed salaries and responsible to the Government alone.

The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896, was in due course introduced and passed. This Act provided for the setting-up of a separate Department of State charged with the duty of estimating the values of real estate in the Dominion for taxation and other purposes of the General Government and for local rating purposes.

Having regard to the want of knowledge on the part of the public respecting the provisions of the Valuation of Land Act, and to the initiatory difficulties which had to be overcome in making valuations from information which, although not entirely new, was yet defective by reason of the unevenness of the old land-values, it may be affirmed that the objects of the Act have been fairly attained with comparatively little friction. Of course, inaccuracies and mistakes have occurred, and will occur, but these are inevitable in any system of valuation. They will, however, diminish gradually. Each successive revision of values furnishes a safer basis for a further advance towards greater accuracy in values at a greatly reduced cost.

The whole of the existing law relating to the valuation of land in New Zealand is contained in the Valuation of Land Act, 1908 (which is a consolidation of the Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896, and the Acts amending the same), the Valuation of Land Amendment Act, 1908, and the Valuation of Land Amendment Act, 1912, and the regulations made under these Acts.

Full information concerning the working of the Act is given in the 1914 issue of this book (pages 896-910).

CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES OF LAND IN NEW ZEALAND.

General valuations of land for the whole of New Zealand were made periodically up to the year 1897-98. Since that year no general valuations for the whole Dominion have been made, but portions have been revalued from time to time. The figures in the following table showing valuations over a number of years therefore represent general valuations up to 1897 only, while for subsequent years the figures have been revised to include the latest valuations of small divisions.

CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES, 1878-1916.

Year.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Year.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
 ££ ££
187899,566,67962,573,8681907236,644,536149,682,689
1882101,000,000 1908253,440,172161,324,763
1885113,270,649 1909271,516,022172,759,948
1888111,137,71475,497,3791910277,630,083175,289,861
1891122,225,02975,832,4651911293,117,065184,062,798
1897138,591,34784,401,2441912315,503,213199,184,261
1902154,816,13294,847,7271913340,559,728212,963,468
1904182,796,241112,629,4121914365,342,237228,493,376
1905197,684,475122,937,1261915371,076,683230,705,147
1906218,422,552137,168,6481916389,164,729241,322,255

Information as to capital and unimproved values in the North and South Islands is given in the following table, which well illustrates the great strides the North Island has made as compared with the South.

CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES, NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS.

Year.North Island.South Island.
Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
 ££££
187834,262,47920,323,84065,304,20042,250,028
1882    
188548,699,698 64,570,951 
188849,607,87332,088,91361,529,84143,408,466
189157,441,11534,340,50064,783,91441,447,395
189771,680,952 66,910,395 
190283,439,97449,622,88771,376,15845,224,840
1904101,924,87761,855,05380,871,36450,774,359
1905110,810,38467,834,58786,874,09155,102,539
1906124,751,91477,784,34093,670,63859,384,208
1907137,998,39587,469,01098,646,14162,213,679
1908149,783,91495,005,640103,656,25866,319,123
1909160,917,161101,907,555110,598,86170,852,393
1910165,014,036103,790,934112,616,04771,498,927
1911175,485,540109,366,048117,631,52574,696,750
1912193,506,090121,776,349121,997,12377,407,912
1913210,202,824130,380,779130,266,90482,582,689
1914224,992,419139,315,611140,349,81889,177,765
1915229,544,455141,280,845141,532,22889,424,302
1916243,418,253149,812,085145,746,47691,510,170

The next table shows the capital value of land with improvements and the unimproved value of land in counties, boroughs, and independent town districts in New Zealand from 1878 to 1916.

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES, COUNTIES, BOROUGHS, AND INDEPENDENT TOWN DISTRICTS IN NEW ZEALAND, 1878-1916.

Year.Counties.Boroughs and Town Districts.
Number.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Number.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).

* Boroughs.

† Town districts.

  ££ ££
18786372,608,16348,212,2906126,958,51614,361,578
18887676,340,57757,201,8878534,797,13718,295,992
18917885,818,16757,880,2339036,406,86217,907,662
18978195,710,266613,732,5169842,881,08120,668,728
190289106,550,77271,747,75810248,265,36023,099,969
190495121,966,15282,513,63010060,830,08930,115,782
190596131,929,07890,440,27510165,755,39732,496,851
190697144,003,15899,236,46210474,419,39437,932,086
190798152,695,969106,373,461*106 †1883,948,56743,309,228
1903102162,289,950114,301,726*109 †2391,150,22247,023,037
1909107175,601,263123,339,350*110 †2495,914,75949,420,598
1910111177,701,619124,560,720*107 †2399,928,46450,729,141
1911118185,042,337129,990,593*110 †26108,074,72854,072,205
1912123198,114,138138,813,886*113 †26117,389,07560,370,375
1913124218,282,038152,273,929*115 †25122,277,69060,689,539
1914125229,851,005159,846,169*116 †34135,491,23268,647,207
1915125231,965,443160,920,558*116 †36139,111,24069,784,589
1916125243,053,202168,578.265*115 †36146,111,52772,743,990

Similar information for North and South Islands is given in the following table:—

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES, COUNTIES, BOROUGHS, AND INDEPENDENT TOWN DISTRICTS IN NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS, 1878-1916.

Year.Counties.Boroughs and Town Districts.
Number.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Number.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).

* Boroughs.

† Town districts.

(a.) North Island.
  ££ ££
18783124,255,18014,434,7621310,007,2995,889,078
18884332,752,00222,907,9392916,855,8719,180,974
18914539,256,81824,716,5983218,184,2979,623,902
18974748,438,97729,346,4973623,243,97512,474,262
19025556,543,53535,344,7383826,896,43914,278,149
19045966,968,04642,476,6213934,956,83119,378,432
19056072,301,28946,620,5524138,509,09521,214,035
19066179,532,18052,044,2764445,219,73425,740,064
19076286,208,88957,764,425*46 †1351,789,50629,704,585
19086693,347,35263,088,267*49 †1756,436,56231,917,373
190969100,530,23468,177,049*50 †1859,514,72133,730,506
191070103,042,63669,217,402*51 †1761,971,40034,573,532
191171107,734,51172,375,111*54 †2067,751,02936,990,937
191272117,194,75178,630,607*56 †2076,311,33943,145,742
191372131,042,43987,417,493*58 †1979,250,38542,963,286
191473136,238,46990,417,715*59 †2888,753,95048,897,896
191573137,956,74591,275,960*59 †3091,587,71050,004,885
191673146,242,11897,379,015*30 †3097,176,13552,433,070
(b.) South Island.
18783248,352,98333,777,5284816,951,2178,472,500
18883343,588,57534,293,4485617,941,2669,115,018
18913346,561,34933,163,6355818,222,5658,283,760
18973447,273,28934,386,0196219,637,1068,194,466
19023450,007,23736,403,0206421,368,9218,821,820
19043654,998,10640,037,0096125,873,25810,737,350
19053659,627,78943,819,7236027,246,30211,282,816
19063664,470,97847,192,1866029,199,66012,192,022
19073666,487,08048,609,036*60 †532,159,06113,604,643
19083668,942,59851,213,459*60 †634,713,66015,105,664
19093875,071,02955,162,301*60 †636,400,03815,690,092
19104174,658,98355,343,318*56 †637,957,06416,155,609
19114777,307,82657,615,482*56 †640,323,69917,081,268
19125180,919,38760,183,279*57 †641,077,73617,224,633
19135287,239,59964,856,436*57 †643,027,30517,726,253
19145293,612,53669,428,454*57 †646,737,28219,749,311
19155294,008,69869,644,598*57 †647,523,53019,779,704
19165296,811,08471,199,250*55 †648,935,39220.310,920

The total valuations are given for counties and boroughs, and for town districts not forming parts of counties. The particulars for component parts of counties, being road districts, town districts forming parts of counties and portions of outlying country, will be found in Volume IV of Statistics of New Zealand.

COUNTIES.

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL VALUE OF LAND WITH IMPROVEMENTS (AND DISTINGUISHING THE UNIMPROVED VALUE OF LAND) FOR ALL LANDS AND FOR RATEABLE PROPERTIES IN EACH COUNTY IN NEW ZEALAND, aS AT THE 1ST APRIL, 1916, WITH THE AREA, POPULATION, NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS ON VALUATION ROLL, AND THE YEAR IN WHICH THE VALUES WERE LAST REVISED.

County.Area in Square Miles (including Interior Boroughs, &c.).Estimated Population, 1st April, 1916.Number of Assessments on Valuation Roll.Gross Values.System of Rating.Rateable Values.Values last revised as at 1st April, in*
Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of land (included in previous Column).

* In cases where more than one year is shown in this column the revision of the county was carried out in sections, certain ridings, road districts, or town districts being revised in the years stated.

† Counties Act not wholly in force.

          
    ££ ££ 
Mangonui8753,1151,619866,202523,197U.V.739,387422,2341916
Whangaroa200778547141,42990,370C.V.123,84975,2631912
Bay of Islands8483,1573,0141,046,252726,924879,933579,4991912
Hokianga9333,0502,813996,626741,194U.V.727,557484,2071911
Whangarei8947,4304,0852,003,2181,142,2271,922,5921,075,4661912, 1914
Hobson6264,2931,6991,247,787778,3831,187,998732,7471913
Otamatea4433,7381,805998,985614,321C.V.957,052580,0601912
Rodney4933,7301,6801,018,512610,412986,924586,0271912
Waitemata6306,3453,7202,600,3721,798,4782,490,8661,711,4071912, '13, '14, '16
Eden3013,3376,0055,186,3783,193,7054,764,0332,953,8991911, '13, '16
Manukau1975,0022,0562,789,2381,920,693C.V.2,716,2341,882,6301911, '12, '13, '14
Franklin6207,7793,9602,831,9651,764,0712,775,2101,732,8371911, '12, '13, '14, '16
Great Barrier108417201134,417108,839U.V.129,455104,1821914
Islands—         
    Little Barrier, Waiheke, &c. 264327,038212,080Nil265,273172,7001913 
Waikato6136,2201,7372,718,3531,875,237C.V.2,609,3201,797,5461912
Raglan8553,4162,3463,165,6802,072,024U.V.3,116,2092,035,9331916
Waipa2844,9692,1883,011,2832,023,037C.V.2,940,9581,997,7321913
Kawhia3511,026826562,449365,658U.V.532,135338,2071913
Awakino416709522953,672553,376895,540499,6291916
Waitomo1,1154,2242,7482,244,2751,485,994C.V.2,141,2201,396,2201913, 1916
Ohura5271,7789741,014,597661,923U.V.933,679585,7001913
Coromandel4403,0101,585431,975279,027C.V.364,399228,7831913
Thames4984,5632,188818,404531,335U.V.753,216477,3501913, 1916
Ohinemuri4974,9072,1901,246,042864,414C.V.1,103,333751,1451913
Tauranga6512,6922,3421,238,327810,072U.V.1,125,836709,2221912
Piako4043,7601,2821,532,479936,1321,482,838904,4891911, 1913
Matamata9423,4621,1731,516,469964,513C.V.1,409,477869,1411911, 1916
Rotorua9951,3541,095609,762473,919481,908378,4271912
Whakatane1,5501,2431,5091,339,511951,5141,180,403805,9791913, 1916
Opotiki1,5091,6611,1731,260,857797,939U.V.1,142,114684,3251913
East Taupo2,470619936414,920249,126Nil287,176127,1171914
West Taupo1,4381,1651,2091,975,6651,437,0981,643,0401,169,5571916
Islands—         
    Mayor and Motiti   5,7003,6162,2621,0181897
Waiapu1,1021,9859712,724,5031,665,308C.V.2,528,3991,516,6591913
Waikohu8963,2689452,626,5191,582,783U.V.2,539,0921,500,2991912
Cook1,0886,0783,3277,497,6005,108,271C.V.7,434,8485,070,7461912, '13, '14, '16
Wairoa1,8872,0911,5603,006,4271,900,6882,894,4701,806,4181913
Hawke's Bay1,9858,9173,9007,698,3665,929,1287,623,1385,892,6901911, '12, '13, '14
Waipawa4403,3261,2712,944,8362,087,565U.V.2,902,7232,059,5341916
Waipukurau85588257721,645534,790718,062532,6421916
Dannevirke4145,1231,5943,214,7612,117,0773,184,4982,098,5481916
Woodville1542,0568171,479,9161,023,9531,468,0921,016,8611914
Patangata7182,1188743,412,7622,698,268C.V.3,388,5272,681,9931909, 1912
Weber108575200483,764279,898U.V.481,275279,1781909
Clifton6152,5151,3491,007,940568,706C.V.971,470535,8551911
Taranaki3868,7393,0122,256,3111,264,3382,217,6341,246,5561912, 1913
Egmont1973,7341,6051,930,1081,037,4191,867,1041,005,6831914
Stratford3916,1151,6532,085,0841,218,762U.V.2,043,9761,189,0051909
Whangamomona3781,960621513,875292,876U.V.465,891247,0191909
Waimate West752,1394991,415,8381,121,518C.V.1,411,9511,120,4861913
Hawera1954,3821,5802,570,3911,928,2452,544,9741,913,6521910, 1913
Eltham2013,9888871,997,00311,357,5511,971,0281,342,9241914
Patea6263,3791,5333,595,6752,394,9803,513,0692,329,1601915
Waitotara4472,5839812,672,9691,823,6052,617,0831,774,3721914, 1916
Waimarino9452,3011,5411,442,4001,017,056U.V.1,265,366844,4521913
Wanganui6274,2031,4402,753,0271,745,696C.V.2,704,7821,707,7521913, 1916
Rangitikei1,1448,7323,0945,785,3933,761,2515,740,0813,732,7161908, '09, '12, '14
Kiwitea3363,1481,4962,015,7491,351,9351,990,5941,335,2841910, 1911
Pohangina2952,0349861,221,019810,5661,184,326778,9631911 
Kaitieke5751,700787907,046740,351U.V.673,691508,5061912
Manawatu2675,0501,5382,379,0071,694,473C.V.2,357,3251,686,2091911, 1912
Oroua2134,0611,4912,011,0851,477,1141,999,3761,473,6821909, 1913
Kairanga1904,3901,1453,002,4962,189,142U.V.2,957,2932,177,1021912
Horowhenua4996,0172,4423,543,3232,531,894C.V.3,388,4212,439,8731913, 1914
Islands—         
    Kapiti, Mana, and Somes  1717,98413,378Nil10,4849,3781898
Chatham Islands375267201287,577196,417Nil282,221195,8531915
Pahiatua3013,3552,2411,737,1711,042,255U.V.1,706,4571,020,5711907
Akitio3261,4046911,186,523608,9451,170,652600,3221914
Castlepoint239621167840,620543,347C.V.837,515542,7851913
Ekotahuna3242,4511,1741,253,854716,789U.V.1,233,463701,7261908, 1910
Mauriceville136952441546,937309,439C.V.525,555291,9151914
Masterton5863,3951,2982,843,2951,875,0092,817,3831,859,1811909, 1910
Wairarapa South4522,6971,0322,172,1431,355,444U.V.2,139,2241,336,8131913
Featherston9612,5261,0023,309,5702,299,7113,236,6232,238,1591912
Hutt4614,5342,5262,124,8931,298,905C.V.1,872,9681,191,7891913, 1914
Makara1012,8909671,043,451499,738920, 108480,8021916
Collingwood7191,450878253,503152,560U.V.209,086115,5591909
Takaka4542,170781435,446201,482383,480155,7321909
Waimea1,66210,3583,8532,843,2241,623,822C.V.2,741,3251,570,6421909, 1916
Sounds4731,276867792,901478,875Nil756,365445,1171914
Marlborough1,9317,1972,6153,193,5392,424,6673,085,4492,342,1591909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914
Awatere1,2671,6995181,608,5541,252,841U.V.1,594,4101,245,3931913
Kaikoura7032,0347491,230,791908,199C.V.1,199,296902,0501913
Buller1,8187,7803,0621,411,257729,156U.V.1,001,244406,4561913, 1916
Murchison1,6401,182862775,109468,413464,020169,3961916
Inangahua7415,2331,718582,967293,189385,333118,4641912
Grey1,4525,6972,450974,965632,400C.V.568,365285,3481912
Westland4,4203,8553,2171,050,868760,942589,929327,5461914
Cheviot3221,6086611,475,0191,185,531U.V.1,463,4711,179,6331913
Amuri2,3622,0066151,985,4811,628,896C.V.1,949,5631,601,0061911, 1912
Waipara9012,0797133,156,4742,698,8193,139,5892,690,8391914
Ashley311750348856,937708,095817,332672,4001916
Kowai1602,1999111,191,390938,9381,175,915934,8421914
Oxford3241,975932866,870687,155827,964655,5871912
Rangiora953,0541,1681,377,3031,063,8051,361,8001,058,2961913, 1914
Eyre1751,9807131,161,324957,8021,155,512955,7751914
Wainairi7410,3864,5892,997,6811,723,8302,533,4521,456,8311909, 1911
Paparua1364,3271,4981,685,1731,196,2201,640,7351,183,3381909, 1910
Malvern2483,6581,2861,932,8771,531,5851,890,8551,514,4011914
Tawera9321,313326344,861270,433332,258266,5541907, 1909, 1910
Heathcote214,3951,9201,204,724651,0371,142,844632,3221909, 1916
Halswell422,007423719,105544,446689,235534,9811910, 1912
Selwyn9771,3405671,161,783957,443C.V.1,137,469944,4891908
Springs892,0006161,050,945827,6051,007,687824,3721913
Ellesmere1833,9891,1982,228,6421,817,2712,201,9961,812,1911906, 1911
Mount Herbert59490175383,227304,582375,762302,1021909
Wairewa165944496891,210739,832877,820729,0421909
Akaroa1632,3878051,513,4271,203,6821,501,8071,200,3171909
Ashburton2,54211,0974,0398,657,2507,110,0548,584,8647,078,3711906, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1914
Geraldine9495,8772,2782,928,1712,346,6552,900,7252,330,7821911, 1912
Levels2735,1852,0403,042,4682,435,2153,024,4862,430,7651914
Mackenzie2,5372,5151,0962,109,7631,661,2262,064,4901,649,5331911, 1912, 1913
Waimate1,3437,2312,5005,388,1824,392,932U.V.5,326,8164,360,9541913, 1914
Waitaki2,33310,6433,7734,116,8423,175,306C.V.3,925,2423,038,2351909
Maniototo1,2392,8971,755929,115644,824904,185634,1621912, 1913
Waihemo3361,784807575,015416,013569,629414,8401908
Waikouaiti3184,5702,028881,874508,689758,755491,8561908
Peninsula372,0601,462559,646313,691525,833309,3321908, 1911
Taieri9306,7202,7791,710,2681,209,091C.V.1,677,0631,203,9291906, 1907, 1909
Tuapeka1,3656,2032,6191,908,4141,358,6031,850,6161,335,3891911, 1912
Bruce5035,2412,2481,352,960955,2531,334,616949,3971906, '07, '08, '09
Clutha9467,8763,2742,495,5191,594,0142,422,2631,555,1371908, '13, '14, '16
Islands—         
    Quarantine and Goat   3,454900Nil   
Vincent2,6843,9061,896954,026636,108C.V.881,334589,2731914
Lake3,7122,0101,389552,979406,079C.V.511,267373,1621914,1916
Fiord3,0594690144,340137,560Nil15,89815,1181897
Wallace3,6969,8283,9003,508,0752,448,215C.V.3,315,8662,280,8081912, 1913, 1914
Southland3,75427,31810,14511,187,0437,545,252U.V.11,005,9057,444,6621911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1916
Stewart Island665355295166,646129,720C.V.40,27717,5311904
Islands—         
    Antipodes, &c.  713,88013,880Nil12,00512,0051897

BOROUGHS.

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL VALUE OF LAND WITH IMPROVEMENTS (AND DISTINGUISHING THE UNIMPROVED VALUE OF LAND) FOR ALL LANDS AND FOR RATEABLE PROPERTIES IN EACH BOROUGH IN NEW ZEALAND, AS AT THE 1ST APRIL, 1916, WITH THE AREA, POPULATION, NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS ON VALUATION ROLL, AND THE YEAR IN WHICH THE VALUES WERE LAST REVISED.

Roll No.Borough.Area in Acres.Estimated Population, 1st April, 1916.Number of Assessments on Valuation Roll.Gross Values.System of Rating.Rateable Values.Values last revised as at 1st April, in
Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
     ££ ££ 
1/1Whangarei2,0382,765869645,929342,516U.V.603,924322,3661911
41cDargaville2,7881,357893397,845232,455378,515226,2901915
55Birkenhead3,1142,282724609,140321,685592,000310,8251914
56Devonport7457,8631,9341,556,658654,2081,249,930515,4771911
56, 63, 65, 93, 94, 102Auckland6,16768,82016,17723,212,99613,647,764A.V.20,375,04111,770,9041912 1913 1914
64Newmarket1802,819774683,459371,694656,074352,6991914
66Onehunga1,3394,9311,7301,054,580518,477U.V.993,505487,3171914
90Northcote1,2001,791532333,238184,103A.V.322,573176,6531913
96Mount Albert2,4379,5103,4531,636,993800,405C.V.1,589,528773,2401914
99Mount Eden1,42212,0103,1872,387,9701,013,020A.V.2,216,780970,8551916
88ATakapuna2,7753,0232,2541,122,426752,159C.V.1,093,4065691914
140Hamilton2,2764,1621,7791,721,7801,110,660U.V.1,537,3109,3351914
141Cambridge1,0831,719623444,295257,430A.V.392,515229,5651914
158AFrankton9261,307530377,136249,105U.V.360,989237,3081912
163Te Awamutu1,5201,351314304,320180,171C.V.285,115168,7911913
166Thames2,6804,075954436,200183,550A.V.368,445157,4701914
167Tauranga8751,508687286,957143,732259,755129,8491912
176BPaeroa 1,370650193,27684,843174,85375,8151913
177BWaihi3,1305,3501,691423,598150,063392,480140,7701908
187Te Aroha9501,523401275,040122,295229,35594,3551916
129APukekohe3,5101,414533380,611215,446C.V.362,036207,6461912
230Te Kuiti2,1431,488738402,063194,276U.V.373,212179,3821913
201ATaumarunui1,9251,392579303,745159,487270,735137,3321914
117Otahuhu1,4082,100726490,975272,235458,960254,6201916
199Opotiki7701,047438254,702153,006231,654139,1761913
2/1Gisborne2,31010,0962,2752,659,7641,424,9062,449,3751,304,1691912
22Wairoa1,5621,213752404,621236,328376,754225,2631916
25, 33ANapier1,16012,2302,7813,143,4421,604,9052,896,4641,505,1911914; 1916
26Hastings2,6017,0893,8552,586,2051,522,5392,498,7781,470,9571916
27Dannevirke1,2703,6861,192792,019382,062735,170362,1651911
28Woodville1,2401,2741,041100,43059,614136,86853,0251913
41Waipawa4,8101,184534262,472142,124248,650135,6821914
44AWaipukurau1,0461,141471221,700133,298209,291128,8451908
61New Plymouth4,0887,6253,1702,215,7391,330,896A.V.1,991,7561,191,2261914
62Hawera7503,2661,126697,345323,348U.V.663,417310,4131912
63Patea1,4301,063390144,06857,430A.V.128,81053,5921914
70Waitara1,5401,661748223,95784,318C.V.214,36280,6131910
74Inglewood7031,456514194,18887,342175,37776,2181914
91Stratford1,9203,0871,882549,601241,410U.V.517,323223,2011912
97AEltham1,5902,079641404,952193,450C.V.387,715186,1701914
116,120AWanganui4,94413,9553,8453,139,3591,913,611A.V.2,865,1651,741,4861911
117Marton1,4231,692815346,130144,670U.V.327,268136,6231913
118HOhakune3,2241,359491113,33143,301101,77334,8171912
125ATaihape1,2301,907584338,574173,508C.V.295,953149,2361914
3/1Feilding2,4503,5791,251839,854431,595U.V.781,943394,7491916
2Palmerston North1,59512,2063,8093,069,1891,655,3232,876,1341,557,1071914
3Foxton1,2401,852604273,254115,902246,986101,2181916
4Onslow2,0002,0061,199545,344209,455520,491258,1661914
5Karori2,2401,6201,332525,912315,151486,534288,2511913
WELLINGTON          
4AOnslow portion  486344,140204,328319, 778182,9171913
5AKarori portion  872507,358220,751437,528201,6411913
7City portion9,65067,23011,58517,731,6519,646,24516,126,9089,501,8541914
8Kilbirnie portion         
9Island Bay portion  7,5493,373,3461,485,6393,267,7761,424,4981913
10Ohiro Portion         
24ALevin1,3301,7891,024307,200148,006C.V.283,383133,8181914
29Pahiatua7201,335570236,361101,223U.V.225,98398,7191906
30Masterton2,3505,5601,8401,291,036572,8851,172,930537,3431907
31Carterton1,9201,528762290,824118,648C.V.270,764111,7231908
32Greytown3,9071,033464200,77484,353A.V.185,60182,6141911
33Lower Hutt3,2554,6493,1241,441,419851,671U.V.1,366,355798,0601911
34Petone1,0607,1072,0991,435,664683,4201,307,335600,7091911
42BEketahuna960808448154,05368,435141,55563,7451912
64AEastbourne1,3801,060786193,185102,149184,26395,9041914
66Miramar2,2541,8511,822838,982484,198756,730428,0411914
67Richmond2,300817247147,07076,276C.V.140,28273,5931910
68Nelson4,9668,5652,5411,754,756847,748A.V.1,626,551790,8871914
69Picton9201,475825295,856154,218U.V.262,414132,2351909
70Blenheim1,6133,9251,628953,046476,052U.V.887,533442,1061914
77Motueka5,9601,516426197,93589,699C.V.190,09387,6631909
98Westport7605,5071,340755,032384,842U.V.638,657308,7571910
99Greymouth2,1305,6121,590838,971270,596716,885228,0411911
100Brunner5,6701,02852471,18812,107A.V.20,7379,2451898
101Kumara84268145934,0066,052C.V.23,8633,9871904
102Hokitika2,0002,2381,110247,22981,267U.V.202,34665,1671907
103Ross3,95557234023,6945,972C.V.19,2064,8521909
115ARunanga1,1011,59041059,92820,012U.V.47,73111,8721912
4/1Rangiora1,0401,939682321,802130,352298,997123,8371914
2Kaiapoi1,0201,927602187,24859,398A.V.171,11355,4781907
 CHRISTCHURCH         
25  St. Albans Ward  4,3642,494,455924,265U.V.2,447,945906,9901914
26-30  Central Ward5,92359,1153,9847,781,6504,036,1126,879,9883,689,4691914
31  Sydenham Ward  3,6242,077,113747,0431,865,021618,1571914
32, 32A  Linwood Ward  2,6701,271,711436,0591,237,951424,9091914
33Woolston1,2763,8571,180498,709173,096473,739166,5861908
34New Brighton1,5002,1581,829387,389168,340373,174162,4701913
35Sumner4,8762,1791,301561,002273,615528,837260,8051913
36Lyttelton2,0144,396921977,167272,452A.V.404,232162,8421908
37Akaroa228667190113,61144,529C.V.94,36037,9361911
39kRiccarton5663,121920551,530180,203U.V.502,200162,4131909
48, 48ASpreydon1,2954,0351,616603,805235,380588,850230,6951914
63Ashburton6802,883964479,978204,705A.V.428,877176,8891905
64Timaru2,33013,1753,3042,363,9391,141,0362,213,4291,067,6711908
78Geraldine7181,015384132,02743,745C.V.118,60738,6691912
80, 80ATemuka9451,870741247,07567,356212,01857,276109
89Waimate6491,893640314,22199,121U.V.281,18891,7051910
5/2Oamaru1,1115,5011,538870,373291,676A.V.775,645260,9241910
3Hampden64037139328,8319,682C.V.24,5558,1021907
23Naseby11332018420,9482,578A.V.13,8931,9131912
24Palmerston90085646290,80424,376C.V.78,62222,3021913
25Waikouaiti1,95275460276,58427,97768,54926,6951908
44Port Chalmers4852,313529353,241117,682A.V.277,721101,4971907
45West Harbour1,6701,766864211,10074,398U.V.201,20571,1731907
DUNEDIN          
46  Valley Ward  653,738212,067A.V.622,836202,3101907 
48  Roslyn Ward  1,017,362348,081991,272330,7461908 
50, 51  Leith Ward  10,7353,353,3391,440,2002,870,3041,227,9251909
52, 53  Central Ward14,57057,591 4,104,9211,765,6553,602,2691,529,7051909
54, 55  Caversham Ward   1,639,312454,0331,477,321403,3531907
47  Maori Hill Ward  694436,752186,005366,772154,8901914
49  Mornington Ward  1,350610,784190,936590,099184,8961907
64A  Bay Ward  698334,872134,329325,447131,6441911
56St. Kilda4635,5281,647892,150306,770U.V.849,075290,4851913
65Green Island7801,981676239,05662,075A.V.229,38159,9351909
66Mosgiel9671,768668265,70595,540U.V.243,00591,5801916
67Roxburgh40048122037,6655,959A.V.32,6154,8341912
68Lawrence640984553112,56430,38993,11525,4401905
69Tapanui12435914532,5209,09529,2508,5551909
70Milton2971,487431181,85356,221164,20352,9411907
71Balclutha5681,370501222,18382,598U.V.205,64876,0681911
72Kaitangata1,1581,725736108,64131,498A.V.97,69528,9881905
114Cromwell64061049944,74610,15438,5908,4161906
115Alexandra86079946154,15910,94348,1219,6181906
6/1Arrowtown39041018021,4893,34515,3922,8071905
2Queenstown92371126765,59514,56452,48112,2641905
20Gore1,3533,5431,448688,167275,637U.V.632,776248,6271911,1913
21Mataura1,5301,295447204,14574,888192,70970,2931912
22Winton160610232112,81038,495101,95135,2201916
27Invercargill2,58315,1104,7193,814,8341,725,9753,374,4121,499,9351916
28Invercargill South2.2801,777788266,851136,420259,030132,4901914
29Riverton7181,061521135,94744,840117,15842,1031913
30Campbelltown2,0001,946680266,81593,695247,95086,4601909

INDEPENDENT TOWN DISTRICTS.

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL VALUE OF LAND WITH IMPROVEMENTS (AND DISTINGUISHING THE UNIMPROVED VALUE OF LAND) FOR ALL LANDS AND FOR RATEABLE PROPERTIES IN EACH TOWN DISTRICT (OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF ANY COUNTY) IN NEW ZEALAND, AS AT THE 1ST APRIL, 1916, WITH THE POPULATION, NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS ON VALUATION ROLL, AND THE YEAR IN WHICH THE VALUES WERE LAST REVISED.

Roll No.Town District, independent of County (outside County Jurisdiction).Estimated Population 1st April, 1916.Number of Assessments on Valuation Roll.Gross Values.System of Rating.Rateable Values.Values last revised as at 1st April, in
Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
     ££ ££
½4AHikurangi71929168,57033,970U.V.65,52532,7251913
79bWarkworth72019483,67226,595C.V.77,15225,0151912
81Helensville691261113,58037,670103,86034,7451911
92BNew Lynn623268158,91582,840U.V.156,55580,9601912
105AEllerslie1,036422282,915138,490260,895128,4701916
109AWaiuku509202125,68365,925118,74363,8051914
125Papakura698288118,25968,354108,27460,8741912
143AHuntly1,550290174,23094,585166,71092,0651911
157Ngaruawahia561301132,78864,238112,20450,8541913
184bTe Puke593127100,70445,15591,07942,4151915
192Rotorua2,807706768,785470,087C.V.519,762285,8771911
1950Whakatane661245132,57562,939121,14556,0641913
2/16Mangapapa1,128555268,066122,706208,078114,6961913
32Taradale996297157,44493,772154,04993,0021908
38AHavelock North703278196,59891,397175,53888,1051912
94Manaia641402113,92551,611101,89747,3611916
111Waverley71125799,72042,751U.V.89,67539,3461912
U5aGonville1,833789542,300220,365509,437207,1401912
115BCastlecliff729464133,53958,151C.V.127,80954,1811913
154Mapamui60314950,21123,368A.V.45,95620,7351912
118FRaetihi51429689,41341,997U.V.77,76733,6581913
118JRamgataua97417134,7399,79327,9436,3521913
125bMangaweka59025957,09722,001C.V.50,03318,9361914
126Hunterville75227395,42437,32585,50833,3981914
136Bull's61017757,96123,788A.V.53,53922,7881908
3/25AOtaki767515198,398111,055C.V190,071107,6411913
52BMartinborough616451154,71553,549U.V.141,39951,8991914
54Featherston725335104,72632,34493,75930,6611909
59Johnsonville1,009677193,735104,795185,555100,3751914
02AUpper Hutt1,1011,166234,073128,232216,903123,4971914
4/71Hampstead1,608472167,64165,939C.V.156,48164,9991908
75Tinwald58024788,31645,3651183,48243,1551905
83Pleasant Point52923578,89736,5821169,70733,5171914
6/35Otautau842327128,46950,197U.V.118,89047,1321912
39ALumsden57538047,02412.03843,80411,1901914
52Wyndham715275111,04650,375A.V.98,68944,3751912

Chapter 13. SECTION XIII.—COMMERCE.

Table of Contents

SUBSECTION A. — TOTAL TRADE.

EARLY TRADE.

FROM the very earliest times New Zealand has inevitably been dependent upon foreign intercourse for its development and progress. The first European residents in New Zealand seem to have been the small party of sealers from Sydney who settled at Dusky Sound for ten months in 1792–93, and built there the first vessel made from local timber. The seals and whales of the South Seas seem to have attracted the first attention to the Islands as a convenient depot, and by 1800 there were established many little settlements where the blubber was tried out. In 1794 the timber trade was inaugurated by the visit of the “Fancy,” and the export of timber, mainly kahikatea (white-pine), rapidly grew to goodly proportions. The native flax (Phormium tenax) was also early recognized as a source of wealth, and a considerable export arose.

Thus, irregularly, the settlement of New Zealand went hand-in-hand with external trade, and was, indeed, promoted by the hope of commercial gain. The small community which grew up mainly in the northern peninsula was adventurous and lawless in the extreme. The early exports were all local products as enumerated above, with the gruesome addition of the tattooed Maori heads, while the imports were mainly muskets and powder.

The arrival of the New Zealand Company's expedition in 1840 stimulated the development of a more stable trade—wool had been exported to Hobart in 1839—and gradually the exports and imports of New Zealand took on their modern form. In 1852 the young colony was granted representative government, and from that date there is an accurate record of the external trade of the country. By 1856 full responsible or cabinet government was established.

By 1853 the export of flax had been practically ruined owing to increased competition from other sources, and the amount exported in that year was negligible. Timber, however, retained its place as a principal export, supplying 31 per cent. (£93,000) of the total exports; while wool had increased to £66,507 (22 per cent.); the value of grain exported was small, only £19,000 (6 per cent.); oil amounted to £22,000, and potatoes to £30,000. The total exports in 1853 were £303,282, and the total imports £597,827.

THE GROWTH OF TRADE, 1853–1916.

The following table shows the increase in the total trade since the year 1853:—

TOTAL TRADE, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND, 1853-1916.

Year.Total Value.Value per Head.
Total TradeImports.Exports.Total Trade.Imports.Exports.
££££ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d. 
1853901,110597,828303,28230 0 919 18 710 2 2
186310,510,0797,024,6743,485,40572 10 5,48 9 524 1 0
187312,075,0586,464,6875,610,37141 19 322 9 419 9 11
188315,070,0377,974,0387,095,99928 9 515 1 313 8 2
189315,896,8796,911,5158,985,36424 0 910 9 013 11 9
190327,799,05312,788,67515,010,37833 17 1015 11 1018 6 0
190428,040,04213,291,69414,748,34833 3 815 14 717 9 1
190528,484,80412,828,85715,655,94732 14 1014 14 1117 19 11
190633,306,54015,211,40318,095,13737 3 916 19 820 4 1
190737,371,81817,302,86120,068,95740 13 318 16 621 16 9
190833,788,77817,471,28416,317,49435 15 118 9 917 5 4
190935,336,71515,674,71919,661,99636 7 316 2 720 4 8
191039,231,79217,051,58322,180,20939 10 417 3 622 6 10
191138,574,36919,545,87919,028,49038 0 219 5 218 15 0
191242,747,15520,976,57421,770,58141 2 1020 3 920 19 1
191345,275,02422,288,30222,986,72242 7 320 17 121 10 2
191448,117,54321,856,09626,261,44744 2 820 0 1124 1 9
191553,477,74621,728,83431,748,91248 12 1019 15 228 17 8
191659,626,22026,339,28333,286,93754 4 823 19 230 5 6

The graph representing the external trade of New Zealand bears on its surface the economic history of the Dominion. A low and fluctuating level of trade was turned in 1860–63 into a rapidly increasing volume by the effect of the gold-discoveries which occurred in the early “sixties." Both imports and exports were stimulated, the former to feed and clothe an ever-increasing population, the latter by the export of gold.

Trade remained stationary till the expenditure of borrowed money brought the land-boom of the early “seventies." A great temporary increase of trade was succeeded by violent fluctuations and but slowly increasing trade, as the effects of the bubble were slowly worked off. It is significant that from 1873 till 1895 the world level of prices was falling continuously, and this factor contributed not a little to the depression of New Zealand. Little headway could be made against a falling price of wool and a decreasing production of gold, which were the main features of those twenty years.

But in 1895 world prices began to rise, and the effect is seen immediately in the upward shoot of the external trade. Only twice has this upward tendency been checked—in 1908, when the commercial crisis which was felt in the Old World a year previously affected New Zealand, and again in 1913 on the occasion of another depression of trade.

It must be remembered, however, that along with the great development in trade—or, rather, preceding it—went a steady increase in population. The growth of population has been continuous throughout the history of New Zealand, and increasing numbers have naturally caused a development of overseas trade. For a long period, however, the external trade, while increasing absolutely, was declining relatively, and therefore attention has been directed to the per capita trade of the Dominion.

The trade per head was fairly great in the early years, after 1853; but the amount was swelled by the relatively large imports which were necessary for the development of the young colony. The gold-discoveries raised the level both of imports and exports, and after 1870 the borrowing policy which was inaugurated greatly inflated trade, and especially imports. The highest level apart from the abnormal years of the early “sixties,” was reached in 1874, and the consequent reaction saw a continuously decreasing per capita trade both in imports and exports till 1895.

It is significant that the turning-point should have come in 1895, the year in which prices turned to rise all over the world. Since 1895 there has been a constant increase, save in the case of imports since the war broke out. Exports have in late years surpassed all previous records, except the abnormal level of the year 1863.

The logarithmic curve shows the ratio of increase, instead of the actual increment in each successive year, plotting the geometrical instead of the arithmetical increase. The curve represents the same figures as are plotted on the natural scale in the first graph considered.

By this method the relative increase is emphasized. As the amount of trade increases, a smaller percentage increase shows up as a great fluctuation in the natural scale; but the logarithmic scale is free from this defect. The relative increases are measured by vertical distances as shown in the scale.

The main feature of the graph therefore is its emphasis of the enormous increase of trade due to the gold-rushes. The threefold increase since 1898 is also well illustrated.

TOTAL TRADE, 1916 AND 1915.

 1916.1915.
 ££
Total trade59,626,22053,477,746
Imports26,339,28321,728,834
Exports33,286,93731,748,912

The total trade, which had been advancing so rapidly since 1895, and even more rapidly in recent years, showed another big increase in 1916, the figures for which eclipsed all previous records.

Both imports and exports showed increases when compared with the figures for the previous year.

BALANCE OF TRADE.

The relation between imports and exports is of the greatest importance to a young country like New Zealand. In the very earliest years of occupation by Europeans the exports of phormium, timber, and skins were greatly in excess of the few imports, mainly muskets and gunpowder, a fact which is explained partly by the temporary residence of the traders and more by the weaker bargaining-power of the Maori. With the settlement of the regular colony in 1840 there was evident an inflation of imports occasioned by the amount of capital the new colonists brought in for the development of the country. From 1853 to 1870 there was an excess of imports, which, however, was tending to decrease.

A temporary excess of exports was changed in the early “seventies" by another great increase of imports due to the borrowing policy inaugurated in that period. Except for a big decrease in 1880, imports continued to be greater than exports until 1886.

From that year onward there is a continued excess of exports, except for two bad years, 1908 and 1913. The divergence from 1886 to 1895 is most marked. Since 1895 the lines of imports and exports run almost parallel, as a reference to the smoothed curves given below will show; but fluctuations in exports always precede by a year similar fluctuations in imports.

The balance of trade is intimately bound up, in later years especially, with the large imports of capital which have been brought in to assist in the development of the country. This has already been made evident in discussing the balance of trade in early years. The excess of imports from 1853 to 1870, and again from 1872 to 1886, can definitely be traced to the importation of capital in those periods.

The excess of exports in later years consists mainly of profits, interest, and other charges on the debt of New Zealand, public, local, and private. Other items, such as remittances abroad and subsidies, also swell the balance of exports. The amount necessary in each year to pay the interest on the debt of New Zealand cannot be definitely stated, owing to the lack of data concerning the private investments in the Dominion.

The amount of interest payable on the public debt at the 31st March, 1916, was £4,186,437, but of this amount about one-sixth must be deducted for stock held in the Dominion (see section on “Public Finance"). Added to this there is the interest on local bodies' debts of 19 ½ millions, of which, however, less than 8 ½ millions was raised abroad, and the private debts of the Dominion, for which no statistics are available. It is evident that some five millions is needed each year to defray the charges on the various debts of New Zealand.

Against this outgoing must be set the amount of new importations of capital in the shape of loans. While the expenditure on interest is fairly constant from year to year, the amount raised by new loans varies, and these variations are a big factor in the fluctuations of the balance of trade. The following table shows the comparison of this balance with the increase in the public debt since 1866:—

COMPARISON OF BALANCE OF TRADE AND INCREASE OF PUBLIC DEBT.

Period.Annual Average.
Imports.*Exports.*Excess of Imports.*Excess of Exports.*Increase of Net Debt.*
* In millions of pounds.
 £££££
1866-705.014.530.48 0.69
1871-756.375.430.94 1.91
1876-807.436.021.41 2.24
1881-857.846.751.09 1.03
1886-906.308.09 1.791.02
1891-956.719.17 2.460.99
1896-19008.5611.01 2.451.26
1901-512.4114.39 1.982.22
1906-1016.5419.26 2.721.62
1911-1521.2824.36 3.085.33

If the effect of these new loans is eliminated the balance of trade will be seen to be much more stable than it appears when obscured by their inclusion. In the following table the amount of the increase of the public debt for the last twenty years has been deducted from the imports, so that the excess of exports is freed from this opposing factor.

—–Imports.*Increase of Debt.*Net Imports.*Exports.*Excess of Exports.*Interest on Debt.*†
Over Gross Imports.Over Net Imports.

* In thousands of pounds.

† For year ending 31st March following.

‡ Excess of gross imports over exports.

 £££££££
18967,1373,9803,1579,3212,1846,1641,739
18978,0554,5763,47910,0171,9626,5381,751
18988,2311,9756,25610,5182,2874,2621,787
18998,7409367,80411,9383,1984,1341,817
190010,6461,7178,92913,2462,6004,3171,876
190111,8183,3758,44312,8811,0634,4381,993
190211,3272,9338,39413,6452,3185,2512,072
190312,7891,62311,16615,0102,2213,8442,151
190413,2922,39010,90214,7481,4563,8462,244
190512,8292,27910,55015,6562 8275,1062,332
190615,2111,98813,22318,0952,8844,8722,401
190717,3032,27515,02820,0692,7665,0412,478
190817,4714,48512,98616,317–1,154‡3,3312,641
190915,6753,95211,72319,6623,9877,9392,782
191017,0526,18710,86522,1805,12811,3152,999
191119,5463,27616,27019,028–518‡2,7583,112
191220,9775,70715,27021,7717946,5013,326
191322,2884,69317,59522,9876995,3923,713
191421,8565,30616,55026,2614,4059,7113,731
191521,7299,57712,15231,74910,02019,5974,186

MOVEMENT OF SPECIE AND BULLION.

There is no Mint in New Zealand, while there is a fairly considerable production of gold bullion. Gold therefore ranks as an ordinary export of the Dominion, along with wool, frozen meat, and dairy-produce. In earlier days this export of gold was much more important than now, amounting in 1863 to 70 per cent. of the total exports, from which figure it shrank steadily to 6 per cent. in 1913. The outbreak of hostilities in 1914 restricted export, and the percentage dropped to 3 ½ for that year, but rose to 5 ⅓ in 1915, when large parcels were sent to the United States.

As all coin necessary for the commerce of the Dominion must be imported from abroad—silver from the United Kingdom and gold from Australia—the movement of specie affords a ready index of the state of trade. A bad year is reflected in an export of specie, while prosperous years show a steady inflow. A table is given showing imports and exports of specie during the past ten years.

VALUE OF SPECIE IMPORTED AND EXPORTED, 1907–16.

Year.Total Specie.Balance.
Imported.Exported.In.Out.
££££ 
1907763,1547,316755,838 
1908224,122242,289 18,167
1909857,25725,845831,412 
1910303,36027,736275,624 
1911763,27148,305714,966 
1912399,995258,955141,040 
1913634,670176,359458,311 
1914711,8697,522704,347 
19151,070,114318,090752,024 
19161,293,8805,8801,288,000 

The amount of gold bullion exported is shown in the following table:—

EXPORTS OF GOLD FROM NEW ZEALAND, 1907–16.

Year.Exports.Percentage of Total Exports.
To United Kingdom.To Australia.To other Countries.Total.
 ££££ 
1907899,9771,127,513 2,027,49010.10
19081,067,427937,372 2,004,79912.29
19091,124,525882,375 2,006,90010.21
1910996,081900,237 1,896,3188.55
1911379,5961,435,655 1,815,2519.54
1912394,425950,706 1,345,1316.18
1913353,7631,105,720161,459,4996.35
1914159,499735,81157895,3673.41
19155,060507,6591,181,8341,694,5535.34
1916134,827510,499553,8861,199,2126.01

COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.

It is customary to classify the trade of a country as “special" and “entrepôt,” according as it represents the exchange of domestic productions for imports for home consumption, or a mere transit trade. In many countries, such as Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom, the transit trade attains considerable importance, but New Zealand, owing to its geographical position, is precluded from developing in that direction. Her imports, except for a small forwarding trade to the Pacific Islands, are for her own consumption, and the great bulk of her exports are commodities of domestic production.

The following table gives the proportion of special trade for the last ten years:—

“SPECIAL" AND “ENTREPôT“ TRADE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Year.Trade (excluding Specie).Re-exports (included in two preceding columns).Percentage Re-exports.
Imports.Exports.Total.To ImportsTo Exports
 ££££  
190716,539,70720,061,64136,601,348278,5031.681.39
190817,247,16216,075,2053,322,367180,6751.051.12
190914,817,46219,636,15134,453,613173,2151.170.88
191016,748,22322,152,47338,900,696208,3101.240.94
191118,782,60818,980,18537,762,793198,2871.061.04
191220,576,57921,511,62642,088,205239,2211.161.11
191321,653,63222,810,36341,463,995232,4731.071.02
191421,144,22726,253,92547,398,152269,2081.271.03
191520,658,72031,430,82252,089,542392,6901.901.25
191625,045,40333,281,05758,326,460311,0301.240.93

Before comparisons may properly be made with the trade of other countries care must be taken to ensure that the statistics are comparable in their methods of compilation and definition. The value of imports in New Zealand is reckoned c.i.f., of exports f.o.b.; but in the United States and Canada the values of imports also are calculated f.o.b., and the difference, representing freight, insurance, and charges, amounts to about 10 per cent. of the total value. In New Zealand the values of imports are assessed at 10 per cent. more than the “fair market value" in the country whence imported at the time of such importation; but in the United Kingdom the values both of imports and exports are obtained by assessment at current market prices in the United Kingdom.

A comparison of the “special" trade of various countries is shown in the table given below, which is reproduced from the Commonwealth Official Yearbook, 1915, page 574. Such a comparison (which covers in each case the latest available year before the outbreak of the war) necessarily ignores many of the elements considered above, but gives a sufficiently accurate idea of the relative trade of the various countries. The figures for New Zealand relate to the calendar year 1914, those for the United Kingdom to the calendar year 1915, for Canada to the year ended 31st March, 1915, for the United States to the twelve months ended 30th June, 1914, for Australia to the year ended 30th June, 1915, and for Uruguay to the calendar year 1911. In all other cases the figures refer to the calendar year 1912.

“SPECIAL“ TRADE OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES, INCLUDING BULLION AND SPECIE.

Country.Trade.Trade per Inhabitant.
Imports.*Exports.*Total.*Imports.Exports.Total.
* In thousands of pounds.
 ££££ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
New Zealand21,57925,98547,56419 15 1023 16 843 12 6
United Kingdom704,959409,2371,164,19616 2 88 14 1024 17 6
Australia63,26158,123121,38412 6 611 15 824 12 2
Canada114,67384,139198,81213 19 810 5 324 4 11
United States of America391,780493,182884,9624 0 05 0 89 0 8
Argentine Republic84,18796,195180,38211 9 213 1 824 10 10
Austria - Hungary149,026121,345270,3712 19 42 8 45 7 8
Belgium210,211160,054370,26527 15 321 2 1048 18 1
Brazil63,42574,649138,0742 12 13 1 25 13 3
Denmark41,95433,94075,89414 19 814 2 527 2 1
France350,482281,495631,9778 16 97 1 1115 18 8
German Empire541,675447,392989,0678 3 96 15 314 9 0
Italy149,11397,536246,6494 5 22 15 87 0 10
Japan66,00757,972123,9791 5 31 2 22 7 5
Norway28,75618,14746,90311 15 97 8 1019 4 7
Portugal17,0357,86724,9023 0 101 8 24 9 0
Spain42,08941,82683,9152 2 92 2 64 5 3
Sweden44,09542,25786,3527 17 47 10 1015 8 2
Switzerland81,57755,629137,20621 6 714 10 1135 17 6
Uruguay9,3338,84018,1737 18 67 10 115 8 7

New Zealand is seen to head the list as regards exports of domestic produce, Belgium being a close second. For imports of articles entered for consumption in the country itself, which in the case of such countries as the United Kingdom, Belgium, &c., includes raw material imported for manufacturing purposes, New Zealand is led only by Belgium and Switzerland.

By themselves statistics of foreign trade are not a sure test of a country's prosperity, and they must always be interpreted with a knowledge of local conditions. An increase of imports may not be the result of increased purchasing-power, but may merely represent loans from another country, or even a failure of the home supply of certain commodities. Similarly, increased exports may mean greater productivity and increased purchasing-power, but they may also denote the payments on greatly increased liabilities.

In all countries the home trade is greatly in excess of the external trade, and in larger countries which are more self-contained a decrease in foreign trade may be due to development within the country itself. But New Zealand is far from self-contained, and from her position must attach a great importance to external trade. Under present conditions, only by export can a sufficient market be obtained for her rich resources, and only from abroad can be obtained the manufactures which are needed for common use. The development of the external trade since 1895 has been accompanied by increasing prosperity, and every advance in exports, followed in the next year by larger imports, represents an increase in the wealth of the Dominion.

SUBSECTION B.—EXPORTS.

METHOD OF RECORDING EXPORTS.

IN New Zealand the Department of H.M. Customs requires for every package exported a declared statement of the contents, value, and destination. Various measures are taken to safeguard the accuracy of these export entries, and the values especially are carefully checked by comparison with current prices. Since 1914 the statistics have been compiled in the Head Office of the Customs Department at Wellington instead of at the branch offices, and this centralization has given greater opportunity for a more complete system of checking.

In all cases exports are valued “free on board at the port of shipment." In many cases, however, the goods are not sold till arrival at their destination, and therefore values must be assessed in New Zealand with reference to current prices. It is possible, therefore, that an interim change in the markets of London may to some extent falsify the values given to exports.

No account is taken in the export values of “ships' stores" except where they are shipped “ex warehouse"—that is, from a bonded store under Customs control. The exports of New Zealand produce are separated from re-exports of foreign goods.

The ultimate destination of the goods is distinguished as far as is practicable; but it is impossible to discover what proportion of the exports is intended for home consumption in the country of destination. Goods for transhipment on a through bill of lading are, however, credited to the ultimate destination shown.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXPORT TRADE.

The following table gives particulars of the main exports from New Zealand during the last twenty years. Necessarily the table is only a summary, and fuller details will be found later in this subsection. In this table, however, the main commodities are shown separately, and the progress of the Dominion during the last two decades is strikingly illustrated.

The main feature of the table is the prominence given to the primary products of the soil. The extractive industries of New Zealand have always supplied the overwhelming bulk of the exports, and, though the proportion of the different classes has varied from time to time, there has never been any considerable or even noticeable export of manufactured goods.

Until 1914 the statistical tables included a heading “Manufactures,” which showed a considerable total value in each year, reaching £987,072 in 1913. Included in this group, however, was phormium, the value of which (excluding tow) was in 1913 £721,924; and, though the phormium is stripped and prepared in New Zealand, it leaves the Dominion as a raw fibre, which can hardly be termed a “manufacture." Similarly, leather in 1913 amounted to £31,945, and copra was also included in this heading. There are some genuine manufactures exported, such as ale and beer, cordage, soap, woollens, but their value is insignificant compared with the primary products.

Practically every item considered shows a great increase over the twenty years, and the total exports show a threefold increase in the period. This increase is practically continuous: there are two slight checks in 1901 and 1904, and more serious decreases in 1908 and 1911. The figures for 1916 constitute a record for export values.

EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.—PASTORAL PRODUCE.

Year.Wool.Frozen Meat.Butter.Cheese.Tallow.Skins, Hides and Pelts.Other Pastoral Produce.*
* The main items in this heading are bacon and hams, beef and pork (salted), live-stock, preserved meats, sausage-skins.
 £££££££
18974,443,1441,566,286402,605150,517259,964245,973163,822
18984,645,8041,698,750403,690135,776302,141323,701184,218
18994,324,6272,088,856571,799141,818311,649386,606184,381
19004,749,1962,123,881740,620229,111368,473363,787211,790
19013,699,1032,253,262822,406238,685351,710364,701238,550
19023,354,5632,718,7631,205,802163,539550,131473,699338,371
19034,041,2743,197,0431,318,067194,998517,871566,178239,532
19044,673,8262,793,5991,380,460185,486357,974498,121189,942
19055,381,3332,694,4321,408,557205,171347,888675,201208,939
19066,765,6552,877,0311,560,235341,002455,026894,518257,313
19077,657,2783,420,6641,615,345662,355560,9651,055,650273,447
19085,332,7813,188,5151,171,182783,419481,335767,692231,142
19096,305,8883,601,0931,639,3801,105,390648,4521,018,103316,959
19108,308,4103,850,7771,811,9751,195,373756,8411,129,041468,298
19116,491,7073,503,4061,576,9171,192,057607,257911,519467,695
19127,105,4833,909,5692,088,8091,680,393684,7391,091,871370,616
19138,057,6204,449,9332,061,6511,770,297663,0881,199,375317,181
19149,318,1145,863,0622,338,5762,564,125694,3481,317,593433,331
191510,387,8757,794,3952,700,6252,730,211780,8281,450,276690,398
191612,386.0747,271,3182,632,2933,514,310785,3391.667,679637,409

EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.—MINING AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.

Year.Wheat.Oats.Other Agricultural Produce.*Gold.Coal.Kauri-gum.Phormium Fibre and Tow.Timber.
* The main items in this heading are bran and sharps, chaff, flour, barley, beans and peas, maize, malt, hops, oatmeal, potatoes, and seeds.
 ££££££££
189714,703167,229313,243980,20469,595398,01031,111154,169
18982,46387,924320,2901,080,69150,381586,76775,146164,723
1899338,476286,102289,1001,513,18083,085607,919185,561196,749
1900351,494552,270326,8011,439,60298,136622,293333,802232,174
1901276,111922,301333,9741,753,784142,176446,114196,868294,699
190231,074666,664348,2481,951,426154,747450,223539,390208,005
190314,068453,702277,0752,037,832128,927631,102603,411240,713
1904126,035212,724220,4841,987,501139,898501,817714,147254,021
1905144,37499,664184,2422,093,936107,062501,444711,940318,895
19069,01576,981183,6462,270,904122,614522,486812,712304,941
19073264,656157,9852,027,490114,737579,888897,718311,862
1908344108,997156,3892,004,79985,846372,798420,520375,235
1909305,902453,314216,9542,006,900183,961552,698324,458337,740
1910216,65744,299220,5661,896,318259,562465,044480.519407,658
1911219,1969,211184,4081,815,251204,379395,707325,130439,353
191295,702483,756481,1471,345,131216,170401,305407,903490,508
191311,81629,252238,9081,459,499205,010549,100797.062319,055
19143,580165,930278,894895,367282,163497,444492,230422,550
1915128132,827541,3181,694,553329,731279,133610,059383,456
191617,83530,200135,6801,199,212326,553339,8821,078,632381,488

In the last twenty years the proportions of the principal exports have changed a good deal. Wool reached its maximum percentage, 47.9, in 1897, showed a tendency to decline till 1902, but has since partially regained its position. Frozen meat had over the whole period supplied just under 20 per cent. of the total exports, but the figures for 1915, owing to war demands, are a record.

The main feature of the period has been the great advance, relatively and absolutely, of dairy-produce, which has increased nearly fifteenfold—viz., from £411,882 to £6,146,603, or from 4 ½ to 18 ⅔ per cent. of the total. On the other hand, gold has decreased from 11 ⅓ to less than 3 ⅔ per cent. of the total. Both phormium and agricultural produce show fluctuating exports, the latter reaching its highest percentage in 1899–1901, the period of the South African War.

The relative importance of the main commodities is shown on the graph given below, plotted on a uniform basis.

In the following table the exports are classified under the main industries, according to a broad division, to illustrate the relative importance of the pastoral, agricultural, mining, forest, and other industries as far as the export trade is concerned. It must be remembered that the home trade may be relatively more important than the external trade to a particular industry.

The table indicates a tendency for the Dominion to rely more and more upon the pastoral industry for her main exports. The four main products of that industry—wool, frozen meat, butter, and cheese—provide an ever-increasing proportion of the total quantity of goods shipped overseas. On the other hand, the proportion of minerals tends to fall, through decreasing exports of gold, and agricultural exports fluctuate with a downward tendency. It would seem that New Zealand is restricting her agriculture to a level just sufficient to provide for her own needs in the matter of foodstuffs, and only in exceptionally good years is there a surplus available for export.

TABLE SHOWING PROPORTIONS OF EXPORTS SUPPLIED BY THE MAIN INDUSTRIES.

Exports.Percentage of Total Exports.
Pastoral.Mining.Agricultural.Forest.Other.Pastoral.MiningAgricultural.Forest.Other.
 £££££Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
18977,232,3311,080,943495,175564,539644,00572.210.84.95.66.5
18987,694,0801,174,543410,677761,370477,28573.211.23.97.24.5
18998,009,7361,644,101913,678817,743553,07767.113.87.76.84.6
19008,786,8581,590,2121,230,565863,144775,38266.312.09.36.55.9
19017,969,1971,969,9631,532,386754,457655,42161.915.311.95.95.0
19028,804,8682,183,2111,045,986670,962939,95064.516.07.74.96.9
190310,074,9632,265,604744,845885,2571,039,70967.115.15.05.96.9
190410,079,4082,251,108559,243769,1881,089,40168.315.33.85.27.4
190510,921,5212,329,858428,280891,4101,084,87869.814.92.75.76.9
190613,150,7802,555,551270,542841,1661,277,09872.614.11.54.67.2
190715,245,7042,344,903162,967904,4861,410,89776.011.70.84.57.0
190811,956,0662,279,520265,730758,1151,058,06373.314.01.64.66.5
190914,635,2652,378,775976,170905,930765,85674.412.15.04.63.9
191017,520,7152,344,348481,522889,603944,02179.010.62.24.04.2
191114,750,5582,165,137412,815843,310856,67077.511.42.24.44.5
191216,931,4801,660,2801,060,605900,6711,217,54577.87.64.94.15.6
191318,519,1451,791,777279,976874,1101,521,71480.67.81.23.86.6
191422,529,1491,263,553448,404927,4821,092,85985.84.81.73.54.2
191526,534,6082,149,217674,273674,5331,716,28183.66.82.12.15.4
191628,894,4221,661,650183,797734,0341,502,00487.65.00.62.24.6

The graph just given shows clearly the relative importance in the external trade of the main classes of exports. The most noticeable feature is the extremely high proportion of the exports supplied by the pastoral industries. The percentage supplied by this group was high in the late “nineties,” but in the early years of the new century fell relatively, owing mainly to increased exports of agricultural and mining produce. Since 1901, however, the percentage increased almost continuously till 1914, when it reached more than 85 per cent. of the total. Yet another record was attained in 1916, when the exports of pastoral products amounted to over 87 per cent. of the total.

On the whole, mining products are growing less important to New Zealand, mainly because of the overwhelming increase of the pastoral products. In later years especially this tendency to diminish is noticeable.

Agricultural exports show an abnormal increase from 1899 to 1903, the period which covers the South African War; but since then, their importance steadily declines. Their lowest level (0.6 per cent. of total exports) was reached in 1916. Forest products, too, though steady, show a relative downward tendency, and therefore the strip representing them tapers toward the latter years.

Measured by their value in money the experts of 1916 constitute a record, the total being nearly 5 per cent. in advance of the previous year's and more than double that of 1906. Wool is still the foremost line, and with £12,386,674 to its credit accounts for 37 per cent. of the Dominion's total sales abroad. Frozen meat now stands at £7,271,318—a decrease of slightly over £500,000 when compared with the figure for the previous year. Cheese has made an important advance, and hides and tallow have also reached a new level. In fact, all the pastoral products (except frozen meat and butter) show enhanced values which the relative drop in agricultural lines is not weighty enough to counterbalance. Kaurigum shows a slight improvement this year, the figure being 21.76 per cent. in advance of that for 1915.

The increased value is not in all cases an indication of increased output. The actual amount of wool exported in 1916 is 6 per cent. less than the quantity shipped in 1915, while the amount of frozen meat exported was over 7 per cent. short of the previous year's figure. In fact, only five (cheese, wheat, coal, kauri-gum, and phormium) of the items shown below exhibit rises in the quantity exported as compared with 1915. A fuller reference to the effect of price-changes upon most of these main items will be found further on in this subsection.

INCREASES OR DECREASES IN THE MAIN EXPORTS IN 1916.

Article.Value.Amount ofPercentage.
1916.1915.Increase.Decrease.Increase.Decrease.
 ££££Per Cent.Per Cent.
Wool12,386,07410,387,8751,998,199  19.24
Frozen meat7,271,3187,704,395 523,077 6.71
Butter2,632,2932,700,625 68,332 2.53
Cheese3,514,3102,730,211784,099  28.72
Tallow785,339780,8284,511  0.58
Skins, hides, and pelts1,744,1341,450,276293,858  20.26
Wheat17,83512817,707  13833.59
Oats30,200132,827 102,627 77.26
Gold1,199,2121,694,553 495,341 29.23
Coal326,553329,731 3,178 0.96
Kauri-gum339,882270,13360,749  21.76
Phormium1,078,632610,059468,573  76.81
Timber381,488383,616 2,128 0.55
Total exports33,286.93731,748,9121,538,025  4.84

In 1914 a new method of classification was adopted, and both imports and exports were divided into classes, which will in the future be adhered to in all statistical comparisons. The total exports of each class in 1916 are shown in the following table:—

EXPORTS BY CLASSES, 1916.

No.Class.Domestic Produce.Foreign Produce.
  ££
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)13,974,17014,850
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt232,39919,717
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic), and substances used in making up the same37413,011
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors1,67112,291
VTobacco, and preparations thereof 16,266
VILive animals110,32783
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured), not being foodstuffs14,065,8762,094
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres1,141,74114,611
IXAApparel43,7029,338
IXBTextiles13,37214,933
IXCManufactured fibres17,97410,077
XOils, fats, and waxes796,35410,582
XIPaints and varnishes2086,782
XIIStones and minerals used industrially679,7132,390
XIIISpecie 5,880
XIVAMetal (unmanufactured and partly manufactured) and ores1,357,7771,671
XIVBMetal manufactures, other than machinery and machines3,14715,583
XVMachinery and machines9,54415,345
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof (not including tires)5,896458
XVIBLeather and manufactures thereof, including substitutes35,4692,404
XVIIATimber381,488117
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures1,5841,178
XVIIIEarthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cement, and cement materials20,8121,761
XIXAPaper568529
XIXBStationery3,9785,068
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods33421,245
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments7,57010,049
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares13,23712,184
XXIIBManures2411,188
XXIIIMiscellaneous17,26869,345
 Parcels-post39,113 
 Total32,975,907311,030

It will be seen that the great bulk of the exports fall into two classes—I, which includes butter and cheese, frozen meat and fish; and VII, which includes wool, hides, skins, pelts, and hair. Mineral products fall under XII and XIVA, and timber under XVIIA; tallow is the main item in X, phormium, seeds, and fungus in VIII, while the main agricultural products are included in II.

The re-exports are clearly shown to be spread over various manufactured items, and, indeed, are mainly returned imports, since the genuine entrepôt trade is very small.

The principal items of export may conveniently be grouped under six definite heads, and for over forty years a decennial table has been published in the “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand" using this method of summary. Figures from 1907 to 1916 may be found in the “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand" for 1916, Vol. ii. A comparative statement is given below for the last five years, following the classification therein adopted.

Practically all the main commodities are homogeneous articles, and it is therefore possible to give the quantities exported. For some purposes quantities are preferable to values, since the latter contain the variable element of price.

QUANTITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE EXPORTED, 1912–16.

Articles.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
The mine—     
    Coal (tons)229,012211,749302,908323,992328,183
    Gold (oz.)343,163376,161227,954422,825292,620
    Silver (oz.)801,165975,616599,162957,541787,053
    Other minerals (tons)137227337244304
The fisheries—     
    Fish (cwt.)14,28412,03814,60117,69819,372
    Oysters (doz.)378,896361,225302,163283,735178,354
    Whalebone (lb.)11,9926,2723,024896896
    Whale-oil (gal.)28,295247,83144,61640,39722,740
The forest—     
    Fungus (cwt.)3,7902,3042,4552,8813,829
    Kauri-gum (tons)7,9088,7808,4734,5755,456
    Timber, sawn and hewn (sup. ft.)94,454,49163,469,10583,342,94976,797,16171,503,154
    Pastoral products—     
    Bacon and hams (cwt.)2,7361,0201,3893,4692,646
    Beef and pork, salted (cwt.)8,8226,8836,2013,8232,794
    Butter (cwt.)378,117372,258434,067420,144358,632
    Cheese (cwt.)577,070611,663863,776817,258949,416
    Hides and skins (number)313,563348,794412,822516,799510,936
    Live-stock—     
      Cattle (number)379273401386297
      Horses (number)2,0227382,9145,7382,453
      Sheep (number)6,47511,8038,0668,3967,241
      Pigs (number)510198293528367
Preserved meats (cwt.)43,49336,88536,33861,85165,582
Frozen meats (cwt.)2,573,2382,578,9633,229,9703,591,2603,326,045
Sausage-skins (cwt.)31,57630,80140,32244,70722,612
Rabbit-skins (number)8,937,0356,267,6084,512,1716,090,8725,896,410
Sheep-skins and pelts (number)7,920,9728,171,2758,525,6119,093,8508,335,570
Tallow (cwt.)470,900454,860490,300535,260449,440
Wool (lb.)188,361,790186,533,036220,472,898196,570,114185,506,859
     
Articles1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Agricultural products—     
    Bran and sharps (tons)4,2031,9944,7586,629619
    Chaff (tons)8441981,47127,032386
    Flour (tons)30720062173131
    Grain—     
      Barley (centals)112,9202,37427,31711,153429
      Beans and peas (centals)278,765203,999183,032121,16550,501
      Oats (centals)1,649,56895,707529,345273,06188,106
      Wheat (centals)303,12337,40110,24821641,287
    Hops (cwt.)2,4734,4473,4764,3364,358
    Oatmeal (tons)23212301811
    Potatoes (tons)19,9641,5561,74419,5721,724
    Seeds (grass and clover) (cwt)36.34435,58939,57213,9809,811
Miscellaneous—     
    Ale and beer (gal.)17,49014,18915,77423,02511,948
    Cordage (cwt.)8811,2822,94510,6546,508
    Leather (cwt.)6,5934,4505,1386,6783,499
    Phormium-fibre and tow (tons)18,64128,09223,92826,68532,252
    Soap (cwt.)6,1937,3506,4706,9739,748

The values of these principal commodities are tabulated in the following pages, and the statement of exports is rendered complete by the addition of miscellaneous groups and the provision of totals for each group and for all combined.

VALUE OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED, 1912–16.

Articles.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
The mine—     
 £££££
    Coal216,170205,010282,163329,731326,553
    Gold1,345,1311,459,499895,3671,694,5531,199,212
    Silver84,739103,86662,08593,58385,111
    Other minerals14,24023,40223,93829,35050,774
Totals.1,660,2801,791,7771,263,5532,149,2171,661,650
The fisheries—     
    Fish33,74623,72134,77837,16637,475
    Oysters2,9842,8132,3962,0571,340
    Whalebone3,1961,5371,243250280
    Whale-oil2,05218,4812,9103,0111,647
    Other22226,9593,3372,4121,751
Totals42,20073,51144,66444,89642,493
The forest—     
    Fungus8,4335,0556,7069,70912,227
    Kauri-gum401,305549,106497,444279,133339,882
    Timber, sawn and hewn490,508319,055422,705383,616381,488
    Other4252946272,075437
Totals900,671874,110927,482674,533734,034
Pastoral products—     
    Bacon and hams11,2824,9916,59715,71713,329
    Beef and pork, salted13,73011,22010,3187,2275,647
    Butter2,088,8092,061,6512,338,5742,700,6252,632,293
    Cheese1,680,3931,770,2972,564,1262,730,2113,511,310
    Hides and skins266,434312,265412,373573,767673,641
     
Live-stock—     
 £££££
    Cattle3,8103,5156,0567,3575,612
    Horses86,19838,04984,481154,48879,720
    Sheep21,74737,07130,70826,59423,089
    Pigs1,4745357261,9541,453
    Other1,3821,0509292,160453
Preserved milk and cream67135979120,38823,780
Preserved meats119,178108,995111,217223,666249,519
Frozen meats3,909,5694,449,9335,863,0627,794,3957,271,318
Sausage-skins91,68893,251139,452192,028196,785
Rabbit-skins118,23486,75648,38859,00476,405
Sheep-skins and pelts707,203800,354856,832826,507917,633
Tallow684,739663,088694,348780,828785,339
Wool7,105,4838,057,6209,318,11410,387,87512,386,074
Other19,45618,14542,06038,81938,022
Totals16,931,48018,519,14522,529,14926,534,60828,894,422
Agricultural products—     
    Bran and sharps19,6488,09719,58252,0513,702
    Chaff3,9241,1537,609154,5522,727
    Flour2,8611,6857012,6782,154
    Fruits5,13312,27023,03121,6037,493
    Grain and pulse—     
      Barley48,6219599,0905,318218
      Beans and peas112,13589,12491,07877,02238,545
      Oats483,75629,252165,930132,82730,200
      Wheat95,70211,8163,58012817,835
      Other1,398787333168723
    Hops21,34822,68021,81118,53617,632
    Oatmeal2,632184219336271
    Onions7,7444,1106,4197,4753,778
    Potatoes150,3037,4437,014135,55214,941
    Seeds (grass and clover)69,69460,49273,55142,31434,266
    Seeds (various)3,0983,7123,7857,4597,622
    Other32,60826,21214,67116,2541,690
Totals1,060,605279,976448,404674,273183,797
Miscellaneous (including manufactures)—     
    Ale and beer1,9101,3831,7433,2231,661
    Apparel2,1221,39711,87537,60636,589
    Cement11,61210,48310,66928,50318,711
    Cordage1,6442,5655,3322,57117,553
    Foods, Infants' and Invalids'13,59715,30139,09945,29737,890
    Leather38,45431,94540,90561,79535,143
    Phormium-fibre and tow407,903797,062492,230610,0591,078,632
    Soap8,2098,8827,9359,26012,393
    Sugar14,16111,1518,34724,66348,183
    Woollen-manufactures14,59911,21313,75518,59219,504
    Other163,629148,348139,226115,515153,252
Totals677,1691,039,371771,465965,3351,459,511
Total exports (domestic produce)21,272,40522,577,89025,934,71731,042,86232,975,907
Specie258,955176,3597,522318,0905,880
Re-exports239,221232,473269,208387,960305,150
Total exports21,770,58122,986,72220,261,44731,748,91233,286,937

DESTINATION OF NEW ZEALAND EXPORTS.

The first exports from New Zealand went naturally to the earlier-developed sister colony, and for a considerable time Australia had a monopoly of our trade. In 1865 70 per cent., and even in 1871 44 per cent., of the total exports went to Australia. But since the establishment of direct shipping lines with the United Kingdom the Mother-land has absorbed the bulk of New Zealand exports, and four-fifths of the total exports now go to the United Kingdom, This proportion has been maintained, with but slight variations, for the last forty years. The total amount sent to Australia fluctuates considerably from year to year, rising if the products of the Commonwealth are reduced by drought. On the whole it tends to rise, but not in the same ratio as the total exports from New Zealand, of which it constituted only 6.58 per cent. in 1916.

In 1916 exports to the United States exceeded those to Australia, being 7.49 per cent. of the total. Gold again contributed largely to the exports to that country, amounting in value to over £500,000. Canada follows the United States with 2.08 per cent. of the total exports.

The total for other countries is swollen in 1899–1902 by the abnormal diversion of trade caused by the South African War; but, apart from this period, shows a steady increase as New Zealand's trade with outside countries naturally develops. Ceylon, the South African Union, and Hong Kong within the Empire, and France, Belgium, and Uruguay among foreign countries are regular customers, though the war has dislocated their trade temporarily and given to Egypt an importance hitherto unknown. An interesting recent development is the growth of exports to Japan, which have risen from a modest £377 in 1911, £1,460 in 1912, and £2,901 in 1913, to £59,508 in 1914 and £137,464 in 1915. A slight check was, however, experienced in 1916, when the exports to Japan fell to £110,045.

United Kingdom.Australia.Canada.Pacific Islands.*United States.Germany.Other Countries.†Total.

* Includes Cook Islands prior to 1902.

† The principal other countries are Gibraltar, Ceylon, South African Union, Belgium, France, Japan, Uruguay.

 ££ £££££
18978,168,1231,323,7841,026117,365375,0965,46826,13110,016,993
18988,265,4991,475,1573,716108,315623,13317,24424,89110,517,955
18999,427,5151,708,0366,363133,896433,49928,027200,99911,938,335
190010,259,3421,858,582287183,641458,79624,186461,32713,246,161
19019,295,3751,993,8312,118157,594519,07910,470902,95712,881,424
19029,450,6482,684,3507,366159,214489,9649,389844,04613,644,977
190311,345,0752,233,9962,421160,133669,64917,584581,52015,010,378
190411,876,2731,817,62215,961166,767598,92123,931248,87314,748,348
190512,087,8182,294,97151,329170,210716,30138,958290,36015,855,947
190614,047,1762,882,52229,815188,755642,79254,952249,12518,095,137
190716,533,4932,221,26078,015186,839714,06366,489268,79820,068,957
190813,143,7802,103,16124,051203,581326,41540,191476,31516,317,494
190916,193,1881,918,115180,975258,164684,81077,969348,77519,661,996
191018,633,1182,010,751160,842296,244553,603205,931319,72022,180,209
191115,134,7432,515,168199,587324,306434,586170,493249,60719,028,490
191216,861,2562,848,664542,271338,621620,988254,703304,07821,770,581
191318,130,1602,315,747606,662295,032912,051337,448389,62222,986,722
191421,383,8911,928,410595,611326,0251,028,054456,163543,29326,261,447
191525,389,0302,548,605925,813499,0632,006,5074379,89031,748,912
191626,869,9882,191,545691,986368,0692,493,9875671,35733,286,937

Included in the exports to the United Kingdom, however, are considerable quantities of wool and similar commodities which are shipped to London merely as a convenient depot, and which are retransferred to the Continent or America. The following figures, taken from the Board of Trade statement Cd. 8357, will show the extent to which the United Kingdom serves as a distributing centre for our exports:—

IMPORTS INTO AND RE-EXPORTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Article.Imports from New Zealand.Re-exports.
1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.
* Re-exports greater than imports.
 ££££££££££
Butter1,495,2422,148,1921,351,2852,100,9582,693,808136,777267,900206,465193,27381,469
Cheese1,209,5491,882,8401,685,4722,432,1173,081,4652,7293,2723,86111,46225,773
Wheat280,822124,22723,2103,726 2,5601028537 
Oats15123,46641,818123,21639,13396*1,137313130151
Beef (fresh and frozen)372,424429,624393,429944,7592,176,621394 18526,28033,550
Mutton (fresh and frozen)3,926,7514,555,7864,965,3105,435,1287,669,9455,3365,4444,48285,50214,603
Sausage-skins144,914125,119167,565189,641129,686131,225122,699131,189169,879112,656
Kauri-gum537,412558,828593,729474,624292,257466,544475,999482,850333,633262,775
Hemp (dressed, undressed) and tow337,984395,222718,959437,807428,471272,363309,986553,480324,891262,297
Copra140,265133,206161,18342,70196,506115,610110,01281,32122,6907,215
Sheep-skins (undressed)599,247677,734641,853657,800825,202321,966396,805464,500475,380605,431
Rabbit-skins (undressed)76,547103,56192,14951,82741,25938,42621,75115,29913,4254,516
Tallow680,588724,303717,264774,124826,437143,584106,35078,645111,23931,528
Wool7,476,0117,701,3648,165,4088,628,36811,075,9271,563,5292,220,3971,829,1052,548,965845,098
Total17,850,06320,302,06220,338,05722,994,31930,407,5813,301,5984,208,2914,066,8154,442,7292,408,737

From this table it may be seen that the bulk of the re-exports consists of wool, which, to the value of nearly £2,000,000 annually, was redistributed in pre-war years from London to the manufacturing centres of Belgium, northern France, and Germany. This amounts to a big proportion of the Dominion's wool exports, averaging about 25 per cent.

Of late years there has evidently been an increasing tendency to re-export butter; but the highest value yet reached is £267,900. Practically all the cheese, wheat, oats, beef, and mutton is usually consumed in the United Kingdom itself, but war conditions appear to have caused a noticeable re-export of meat in 1914.

The bulk of the kauri-gum, three-fourths of the phormium, most of the copra, and three-fourths of the sheep-skins are re-exported,

The re-exports of rabbit-skins and of tallow, both of which were relatively heavy in the earlier years, show a distinct tendency to decrease. The total re-exports fluctuate about £4,000,000 annually.

It would seem, then, that on the average only about four-fifths of the exports from New Zealand to the United Kingdom are retained in that country, and the remaining fifth is distributed to Europe and America. Even deducting this re-export trade, the Mother-country may be said to retain two-thirds of the total exports from the Dominion. The following table must be read subject to the remarks made above:—

DESTINATION OF EXPORTS, 1897–1916.

Year.United Kingdom.British Colonies and Possessions.Foreign Countries.Total.
 ££££
18978,168,1231,380,502468,36810,016,993
18988,265,4991,532,511719,94510,517,955
18999,427,5151,850,239660,58111,938,335
190010,259,3422,332,780654,03913,246,161
19019,295,3752,907,412678,63712,881,424
19029,450,6483,577,815616,51413,644,977
190311,345,0752,821,608843,69515,010,378
190411,876,2732,088,691783,38414,748,348
190512,087,8182,591,802976,32715,655,947
190614,047,1763,141,327906,63418,095,137
190716,533,4932,559,631975,83320,068,957
190813,143,7802,414,521759,19316,317,494
190916,193,1882,449,6911,019,11719,661,996
191018,633,1182,468,1191,078,97222,180,209
191115,134,7432,966,952926,79519,028,490
191216,861,2563,641,2761,268,04921,770,581
191318,130,1603,135,9571,720,60522,986,722
191421,383,8912,724,9652,152,59126,261,447
191525,389,0303,694,4532,665,42931,748,912
101626,869,9883,122,1873,294,76233,286,937

The following table shows in more detail the exports for the five years ending with 1916, according to the countries of destination. The British possessions are stated first, according to geographical order, and then foreign countries in the same order.

DESTINATION OF EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND, 1912–16.

Country.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
* Till 1914 included in Samoa.
 £££££
United Kingdom16,861,25618,130,16021,383,89125,389,03026,869,988
  British Possessions.     
Europe—     
    Gibraltar19,16510,90716,4311 
    Malta 2 134
 19,16510,90916,431144
Asia—     
    Burma126117372
    Ceylon41,75443,67541,87757,40620,912
    Hong Kong7,9215,5457,1519,44212,329
    India1,6597291,5121,00032,203
    Straits Settlements42457691,40142,057
    Other Asiatic possessions159373422
 51,40650,00951,35769,356107,595
Africa—     
    Mauritius56341
    South African Union83,22961,65160,82611,3506,681
    Other African possessions12864481419
 83,36261,72160,87711,3686,701
America—     
    British West Indies226 5
    Canada542,271606,662595,611925,823691,986
    Other American possessions634523
 542,279606,667595,621925,S28692,014
 Pacific islands—    
    Australia2,848,6642,315,7471,928,4102,548,6052,191,545
    Fiji95,1348S,78967,557131,821116,496
    Other Pacific islands1,2661,1154,7127,4617,832
 2,945,0642,405,6512,000,6792,687,8872,315,873
Foreign Countries and Possessions.     
Europe—     
    Austria4,6472,8091,260  
    Belgium24,21818,52233,48411
    France94,382178,336227,0272,160303,288
    Germany254,703337,448456,16345
    Hungary 346  
    Italy5143229074033
    Netherlands1,6753,98674931
    Norway1125,2953592
    Sweden97873359929
    Other European countries1,6983,0281,2322,7963,906
 382,826570,482721,5025,015307,245
     
Asia—£££££
    China768124167204167
    Japan1,4602,90159,508137,464110,045
    Other Asiatic countries460523198173227
 2,6883,54859,873137,841110,439
    Africa—     
    Egypt5351,786120,415125,936
Other African countries14748866131
 15249151,852120,428125,937
    America—     
    Argentina4,9517,5328,4138,2604,012
    Brazil1,8071,2364,9696,5213,385
    United States of America620,988912,0511,028,0542,006,5072,493,987
    Uruguay9,74719,55423,83816,8713,390
    Other American countries2,6671,5833344,1532,338
 638,160941,9561,065,6082,012,3122,507,112
Pacific islands—     
    German Samoa64,53461,15859,938113,14371,781
    Hawaii2,4845,91112,26217,70212,7
    Society Islands68,14580,48772,03959,53754,652
    Tonga98,68241,74636,39354,93324,981
    Tutuila*  1,025300424
    Other foreign Pacific islands8,37614,82672,099114,16679,574
 242,221204,128253,756359,781244,029

In the following table exports have been grouped in accordance with the classification adopted by the British Board of Trade in many of its tables. As might be expected, the classification shows that raw material (other than foodstuffs) is the largest of the five divisions, food, drink, and tobacco coming next. Many of the most important items in this latter class are raw materials also, and the table is a further illustration of the fact that New Zealand is essentially a primary-producing country. Exports of manufactures in 1916 constituted only 3.56 per cent, of the total. A similar table given in the Imports subsection of this book shows that the reverse is the case in respect of imports—namely, a preponderance of manufactured goods received into the Dominion.

DESTINATION OF EXPORTS.

Countries.Food, Drink, and Tobacco.Raw Materials and Articles, mainly unmanufactured.Articles wholly or mainly Manufactured.Miscellaneous and Unclassified (including Parcels Post).Bullion and Specie.Total.
 ££££££
United Kingdom13,490,82412,308,573891,89945,279133,41326,869,988
  British Possessions.      
Europe—      
    Malta   4 4
Asia—      
    Aden   1 1
    British North Borneo Protectorate  713 20
    Burma  702 72
    Ceylon923 811619,89220,912
    Hong Kong2412,1596383 12,329
    India499 81242330,46932,203
    Straits Settlements9141,68825127 42,057
    Weihaiwei   1 1
Africa—      
    British East Africa Protectorate   7 7
    British West Africa   2 2
    Mauritius   1 1
    Nyasaland Protectorate   1 1
    South African Union5,778 532371 6,681
    Southern Rhodesia   9 9
America—      
    Bermuda   14 14
    British Guiana   3 3
    British West Indies   5 5
    Canada52,544635,4213,254767 691,986
    Newfoundland   6 6
Pacific Islands—      
    Australia345,5821,056,587193,00473,032523,3402,191,545
    British Solomon Islands Protectorate1,50710959810 2,224
    Fanning Island1,0522518935001,769
    Fiji44,85828,97332,1385,4975,030116,496
    Gilbert and Ellice Islands2,749 63 2,758
    Maiden Island57    57
    Minor British Pacific Islands69    69
    Norfolk Island872025830 395
    Papua3,304 310 3,317
    Pitcairn Island   1 1
Foreign Countries and Possessions.      
Europe—      
    Belgium   1 1
    Denmark   5252 
    France1,698299,1101,909571 303,288
    Germany   5 5
    Italy   33 33
    Netherlands   1 1
    Norway   2 2
    Portugal   6 6
    Russia 960 2 962
    Spain   1 1
    Sweden   9 9
    Switzerland  4862,398 2,884
    Turkey   1 1
Asia—      
    Asiatic Turkey   3 3
    China  11453 167
    Japan13108,6891,28063 110,045
    Java120    120
    Korea   1 1
    Malay States25  19 44
    Philippine Islands   2 2
    Siam   5 5
    Siberia   1 1
    Sumatra  492 51
Africa—££££££
    Algeria   1 1
    Egypt42,02626,3106,44451,156 125,936
America—      
    Argentina2,032 1,87456 4,012
    Bolivia   6 6
    Brazil3,385    3,385
    Chile72,293 8 2,308
    Peru   24 24
    United States of America150,5001,786,9936,39510,149536,9602,493,987
    Uruguay2,217 244929 3,390
Pacific Islands—      
    Bismarck Archipelago71    71
    German New Guinea28    28
    German Samoa45,4912,36823,706216 71,781
    German Solomon Islands   3 3
    Guam4,77941,1722,384  48,335
    Hawaii10,86486415938035012,617
    New Caledonia23,6101,0115902 25,213
    New Hebrides47721436 628
    Society Islands33,2503,14813,7834,471 54,652
    Tonga13,48673010,156609 24,981
    Tuamotu Archipelago61,962282  2,250
    Tutuila37841725 424
Antarctica288    288
Totals14,284,74916,359,1711,196,170198,8931,249,95433,286,937

PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, 1912–16.

Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

* Includes horse-hides.

† New headings, 1914.

10—Ybk.

   £££££
I1Butter1,726,6311,576,9121,925,2222,356,0512,464,709
 3Casein  1,0913,57710,214
 4Cheese1,664,8591,760,8142,551,7582,676,3963,488,222
 14Honey Meats, poultry and game—9363,4714,9935,9762,723
 19Beef, frozen318,509283,199979,6141,623,3802,118,906
 20Beef, salted1,403402,01827 
 24Kidneys, frozen11,34312,84819,73823,59518,175
 25Lamb, whole carcases, frozen1,925,7412,332,3692,482,2723,001,6912,437,097
 27Meat-extract5,3796,4388,2168,1119,412
 28Mutton, whole carcases, frozen1,512,2401,624,2752,107,0682,890,4672,529,905
 29Mutton, joints, frozen55,18631,72833,20273,03622,523
 30Pork, frozen1,0445,8481,8338,5762,229
 32Potted and preserved41,52238,19942,064166,506166,502
 34Rabbits, frozen in skins54,40374,51468,27091,84855,696
 36Sausage - casings and skins84,67185,624125,54695,88822,794
 37Veal, frozen7677528,70332,03425,974
 38Other kinds, frozen Milk and cream—8,6517,33712,74524,15439,452
 40Preserved, condensed., &c.24391314,15713,090
II Grain and pulse—     
  Unprepared—     
 78Barley37,00015,16542811
 79Beans and peas98,90679,69678,09549,09920,405
 81Oats137,427329141,5904,008 
 83Wheat Prepared or manufactured—94,95310,9652,910 17,486
 86Bran2,2931,5306,0415 
 101Hops10,7077,8452,0898,68811,321
 102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.11,9574,18812,332938
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed   2,1924,242
VII192Hair, not made up Hides, pelts, and skins, undressed—5,5314,8475,1266,1285,278
 193Calf2,47410,1855,6814,8828,327
 194Cattle929*14,577*52,856134,47370,154
 196Rabbit117,13385,58046,14040,41655,261
 198Sheep, with wool145,980182,228179,40877,36546,002
 199Sheep, without wool Wool—398,722410,853432,596652,901381,143
 204Greasy4,971,5355,706,0246,612,2266,829,8687,983,784
 205Scoured740,721772,819740,1481,100,7901,193,789
 206Sliped778,058770,257947,0231,582,5161,622,683
 207Washed18,28021,96625,03036,59263,623
VIII208Copra29,21320,49713,25481,45711,527
 216Phormium tenax290,633538,324291,701369,872527,298
 217Rags2,8873,6802,6372,0521,407
 218Tow23,47455,05926,22426,40960,594
 223Seeds, grass and clover33,80428,62220,63519,37024,052
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.4,0691,51110,70919,46135,066
X310Glycerine, unrefined2,0562,7891,6561,4433,302
 313Lard and refined animal fats n.o.e. Tallow—4,3412,3283,0612,7871,795
 340Mutton-stock and oleo-margarine87,85981,54396,050113,12399,084
 341Unrefined595,401580,973595,826662,931681,616
XII Coal—     
 357Bunker138,387143,413149,239196,249121,734
 358Cargo     
 360Kauri-gum114,640187,547148,37048,58568,347
XIVA Gold—     
 384Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet380,530344,547150,5191,031131,906
 385Concentrates, slimes, tailings, &c.14,37812,24410,4832,4123,017
 397Metals, scrap (except iron and steel), not being precious6,8774,3037,6059,48520,452
 400Scheelite3,6243,0464,34425,14049,070
 401Silver42,94155,45016,4726931,507
XVIA574Indiarubber, old Leather—2,4655,0721,7862754,639
 587Hide-leathers, crust or rough tanned, but undressed†35,13330,8695,8236,142198
 588Dressed†  6683,8514,623
 591Sheep-skins and lambskins n.o.e.†  4,74010,46664
 592Sole, pump, and skirt leather†  25,45037,13927,490
XVIIA Timber—     
 605Flitches, other† Sawn, n.o.e., rough—  16,63510,693390
 635Kauri†  5,4303,8353,037
 636New Zealand white-pine and kahikatea†  5,159828362
XXI733Surgical and dental instruments2,619104561,7127,789
XXII788Sugar of milk†   8403,831
 790Vanilla-beans†   1,5882,072
XXIII Vehicles: Motors for road traffic, and materials therefor—     
 895Materials and parts, viz., rubber tires, covers, and tubes†  2688722,669
 902Miscellaneous — Manufactured951983,6582,3852,692
  Parcels-post26,67133,35026,44919,57720,380

PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED TO OTHER COUNTRIES, 1912–16.

Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
* Includes horse-hides.
Gibraltar.
 £££££  
I19Beef, frozen13,8636,8366,626  
 28Mutton, frozen5,5024,0713,839  
Ceylon.
II81Grain and pulse—Oats2,9042,2522,488781845
XIVA401Silver38,60440,95139,26356,49219,892
Hong Kong.
VIII220Fungus7,5905,1516,3439,14011,57
South African union.
I1Butter66,36648,64151,3561,206 
 4Cheese8,6176,5695,9526,6485,433
VIII223Seeds (grass and clover)3,5551,763627  
Canada.
I1Butter246,011320,136291,849114,20625,186
 19Meats—Beef, frozen69353,8078,1083 
 36Sausage casings and skins8332253704,64721,690
II134Vegetables—Onions1,7901,4392,3121,2002,289
VII Hides, pelts, and skins— Undressed—     
 193    Calf30,65329,08130,01846,70835,162
 194    Cattle150,313*93,452*150,787279,361227,377
 198Sheep, with wool51,39733,29431,99452,23375,650
 199Sheep, without wool Wool—4,7764,0227,66612,25125,647
 204    Greasy4,3392,2998,87278,86087,181
 205    Scoured7519,1406,62215,9135,826
 206    Sliped36,03924,32231,98198,88893,492
 207    Washed 6861,0734821,711
VIII216Phormium tenax1,5331,0704,6775,63561,925
XII357Coals, bunker2,9421,7602,5993,3505,198
 360Kauri-gum3,3704,6182,1144,55014,591
Australia.
I1Butter16,369623,262200,125116,550
 4Cheese5,7072,0435,08644,57318,733
 9Fresh oysters2,9842,8132,3962,0321,340
 10Fish, fresh or preserved by cold process (other than oysters)20,07618,83521,74127,65329,623
 11Fish, preserved in tins or other airtight vessels11,7155,30913,17712,2008,566
 16Bacon811371414,1952,524
 21Hams6,4394881,0805,8775,558
 30Pork, frozen2,354 2,3649,00117,047
 32Meats, potted and preserved18,90010,24318,01512,03337,791
 36Sausage-casings and skins2,9932,4864,7918,0257,463
 40Milk and cream—Preserved, condensed, &c.121335613,8004,015
II54Foods for animals—Chaff Grain and pulse— Unprepared—2,622 3,742152,030 
 78    Barley47,9914363,5274,3331
 79    Beans and peas9,4536,2989,06621,83115,960
 81    Oats Prepared or manufactured—339,90522,42418,885125,1041,081
 86    Bran10,44614,66319,5929,553 
 101Hops10,15014,52919,5229,6616,016
 102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.1,65211,14326,94945,87037,502
 130Sugar, refined Vegetables— 2 2,5647,924
 134    Onions3,9571,6032,6624,49124
 135    Potatoes141,7972,8473,104125,5678,884
Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

* Includes “ordinary,” 1912–13.

† New heading, 1914.

‡ Includes horsehides, 1912–13.

IV154Brandy2311354281533,144
VI175Cattle for stud purposes* Horses—805241,6542,8271,500
 176    Ordinary†82,36735,83125,28420,91419,853
  For stud purposes—     
 177      Entires†  7,1863,1253,050
 178      Mares†  3,4832,0144,555
 183Sheep for breeding purposes*11,29224,67620,14516,99716,531
VII192Hair, not made up, other Hides, pelts, and skins— Undressed—2,4392,7622,5282,6682,071
 193      Calf10,5008,53810,09611,42623,047
 194      Cattle‡68,133138,720107,76690,560309,668
 196      Rabbit1,0891,1578224,0466,397
 198    Sheep, with wool1421,0063,6682,133571
 199    Sheep, without wool9,9038,26116,48719,51331,766
 201Horns, hoofs, and glue pieces1,2771,6251,7541,3731,577
  Wool—     
 204    Greasy15,39143,7358,61288,90233,730
 206    Sliped7029141,6193,1511,136
VIII216Phormium tenax52,331102,22296,672139,411163,402
 218Tow7,99810,0679,77111,91213,304
 223Seeds (grass and clover)31,08821,50054,83224,2237,199
 224Linseed14,8444,9144,0721,03418
 225Seeds, other3,2373,4094,53611,7148,590
IXA253Apparel: Hosiery9265741,76010,2787,113
IXB264Textiles: Blankets4855617851652,889
 288Rugs, woollen6,7026,1886,7955,5087,753
IXC Bags and sacks—     
 294    Corn1243,8211702,8232,367
 295    Jute and hessian, n.o.e.†  74,1262,818
 302Twine, binder7,6554,9651,53118,92115,154
X318Oil, whale1,69613,9472,9103,0001,647
XII357Coal, bunker45,2427,76925,86834,22241,661
 358Coal, cargo 24,20018,546306,848
 360Kauri-gum2,4873,9331,7205942,129
 367Pumice-sand3,9897,2725,2514,79011,805
XIVA379Bronze—Blocks, bars, &c. Gold—  2,995  
 384    Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet939,3421,085,422708,659489,904476,415
 385    Concentrates, slimes, tailings, &c.11,51421,32727,75717,73536,292
 397Metals, scrap (except iron and steel), not being precious1,1012,1432,5456871,245
 401Silver9261,8063,17136,29746,925
XV570Machinery and machines, n.o.e.  3,5336,2082,362
XVIA574Indiarubber, old3,6952,4121,907825579
XVIB591Leather—Sheep-skins and lamb-skins n.o.e.†  2,3141,2592,427
XVIIA Timber—     
 605    Flitches, other† Sawn, n.o.e., rough—  7,71212,7346,388
 632      Beechwood†  4,0589692,686
 635      Kauri†  89,23056,25478,958
 636      New Zealand Whitepine and kahikatea†  224,934223,435203,053
 638      Rimu or red-pine†  53,91560,94469,748
XVIII666Cement—Building, Portland, and other structural9,5074,4817,54223,93714,767
XIXB698Books, papers, music, printed, n.o.e.6,9365,8917,4 14,5752,551
Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
* New heading, 1914.
XX714Jewellery — Precious stones, unmounted   6317,634
XXIIA765Medicinal preparations— Drugs and druggists' sundries, n.o.e.5414741,7823,2325,467
 788Sugar of milk  3752212,300
XXIII870Blacking and boot-polish 1228112,714
 895Vehicles: motors, for road traffic, and materials therefor—     
      Cars, motor  2,2771,9124,763
      Rubber tires, covers, and tubes  4,1763,6374,898
 902Miscellaneous, manufactured21424016,87824,30332,185
  Parcels-post7,72712,75710,7037,8229,203
Fiji.
I1Butter5,6224,9924,6317,1567,238
 16 & 21.Bacon and hams2,4792,2182,7192,7972,529
 32Meats, potted and preserved17,15112,8258,05610,32111,734
II86Bran3,6612,5172,4954,8681,852
 130Sugar, refined7221203,3544,719
 135Potatoes3,5132,4572,2042,8954,350
VI176Horses, ordinary2,7981,1931,8691,8861,099
 182Sheep, ordinary1,8351,9731,1582,4312,330
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing1,6111,0831,109922186
X341Tallow, unrefined Coal— 5548402,0484,235
XII357    Bunker12,17813,1162,4706,77314,054
 358    Cargo  5,4643,3531,943
XIII375Silver (specie) Timber—10,5008,600 38,6805,000
XVIIA628    Sawn, n.o.e., dressed— Kauri*  2,0322,1512,215
 635    Sawn, n.o.e., rough— Kauri*  4,5485,78610,197
XVIII666Cement, building, Portland, and other structural1,8425,9392,8273,2632,895
XXI725Cinematograph, bioscope, and kinetoscope films   1,5002,663
Austria.
XII360Kauri-gum4,6112,617329  
Belgium.
VII204Wool, greasy18,60711,73527,637  
XII360Kauri-gum5,0885,1201,519  
France.
  Wool—     
VII204Greasy89,910173,961218,252 298,962
XII360Kauri-gum3,0373,9953,599430 
XIVA400Scheelite  3,5621,550 
Germany.
I3Casein9606,4526,703  
 36Sausage-skins1,2492,6407,619  
VII198Skins, sheep, with wool  2,736  
 204Wool, greasy206,359277,938396,793  
VIII223Seeds, grass and clover7651,6551,821  
XII360Kauri-gum32,96427,88021,193  
XIVA400Scheelite8,89316,13913,007  
Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

* Includes horse-hides, 1912–13.

† Includes cargo coal, 1912–13.

‡ German Samoa only in 1914, 1915, and 1916.

Japan.
   £££££
VII204Wool, greasy5562,64559,222135,108108,617
Argentina.
II67Apples1,0406,4637,8725,3521,882
 73Pears  180  
VI183Sheep for breeding2,593    
United States.
I1Butter18,96395,85744,77350026
 19Beef, frozen 33829,478901
 25Lamb, whole carcases, frozen 171,2141,757 
 28Mutton, whole carcases, frozen 623,038179 
 32Meats, potted and preserved 1,0542,4161303
 36Sausage casings and skins1,0181,71369983,468144,838
 37Veal, frozen  8,143654 
II79Beans and peas Hides, pelts, and skins— Undressed—2,5241,6922,6865,751685
VII193      Calf1,2132,1414,5233,171462
 194      Cattle*2,03214,98843,1691,280 
 196      Rabbit  1,0444,68714,745
 198    Sheep, with wool 6,83411,2777,93433,958
 199    Sheep, without wool Wool—96,265153,753168,4482,177322,891
 204    Greasy222,157228,693203,914388,562831,668
 205    Scoured27 4,29114,88052,078
 206    Sliped739 15,21611,0387,121
VIII216Phormium tenax31,72979,05762,15456,703249,065
 223Seeds, grass and clover3,0857,7421,9455054,954
XII357Coal, bunker†2,9462,97210,4044,96319,612
 360Kauri-gum232,566308,456316,200222,856253,316
XIVA384Gold—Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet  1,181,834536,960 
  Vehicles, motor, for road traffic, and materials therefor—     
XXIII895    Rubber tires, covers, and tubes  1523152,512
  Parcels-post1,1441,3532,8812,6223,167
Uruguay.
II67Apples1,1543,9418,9946,7331,956
 73Pears  62  
VI183Sheep for breeding4,3078,2876,3663,911914
VIII221Plants, trees, and shrubs1,0503,4324,182515 
Bismarck Archipelago.
XII358Coal, cargo1,9372,7512,594  
Samoa‡ (Navigator Islands).
I1Butter2,5262,6723,6114,3354,090
 20Beef, salted8,0798,2865,4065,6374,052
 32Meats, potted and preserved15,11711,96612,55812,55713,699
  Food for animals—     
II54Chaff5455364461,1792,369
 130Sugar, refined4,1664,3272,8763,5494,475
IXB278Textile piece-goods, n.o.e.8671,4952,2232,700
XXIII875Soap, common bar (yellow and blue mottled)1,6021,5251,9162,1404,226
Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

* Includes cargo coal, 1912–13.

† Including pears in 1913.

Hawaii (Sandwich Islands).
   £££££
I1Butter1,6902,5885,8899,5368,140
 19Beef, frozen142,6435,3492,206 
 40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c.  85892,026
Society Islands.
I1Butter7,9108,3086,6065,7544,805
 32Meats, potted and preserved11,62116,40314,6207,52111,813
 40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c. Sugar—2,4912,9824,2093,3715,186
II129    Raw7009621,5391,3452,872
 130    Refined3,7744,0773,5262,2492,964
VI174Cattle, ordinary1,4062,2653,4513,0242,228
XII357Coal, bunker*2,9932,7241,5433,2142,202
XXIII875Soap, common bar (yellow and blue mottled)5,2326,3935,1625,2917,010
Tonga (Friendly Islands).
I32Meats, potted and preserved11,8727,8858,8399,3563,602
II43Biscuits, ships' plain8,3203,2242,1483,066 
 130Sugar, refined6,0402,5841,7083,758 
Papua.
I32Meats, potted and preserved  2731,4282,160
Egypt.
I41Provisions, n.o.e.   323,465
II81Oats  1,383 27,466
V171Tobacco, manufactured   1,8284,343
VI176Horses, ordinary  46,24675,54851,100
XII357Coal, bunker   31,35526,307
Brazil.
II67Fresh apples† 1534,5495,8913,378
Straits Settlements.
  Coal—     
XII357    Bunker  6541,2994,577
 358    Cargo    37,111
India.
XIVA384Gold-Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet    16,926
 401Silver—Bar, ingot, and sheet    13,543
Switzerland.
  Parcels-post150366210232,398
Chile.
XII357Coal, bunker6291,4172654,0312,293
Guam.
  Coal—     
XII357    Bunker  3,44931,01431,023
 358    Cargo  55,3122,06510,149
New Caledonia.
II130Sugar, refined   8,09922,953

In order to give further detail concerning the destination of the main exports a number of tables are appended showing the details for five years for each of the principal articles:—

DESTINATION OF MAIN EXPORTS. 1912–16.

Country to which exported.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
WOOL.
 lb.lb.lb.lb.lb.
United Kingdom172,512,073168,153,780195,612,290183,011,230162,452,392
Canada908,772872,260906,8292,881,5662,508,349
Australia567,4761,292,548272,2691,579,063555,881
Belgium551,891308,551695,850  
France2,899,1144,254,5065,686,732 4,369,748
Germany5,786,8376,907,78610,305,579  
Japan20,41361,6381,821,9992,998,7912,182,035
United States of America5,104,6894,681,9675,014,7146,113,07313,438,854
Other countries10,525 154,636  
Totals188,361,790186,533,036220,472,898196,583,723185,507,259
FROZEN MEAT.
 Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom2,557,9182,525,7613,149,6243,582,6023,319,911
Canada92943,4478,663221 
Pacific islands2271,8333.7262,805467
Australia703138694,6035,667
Gibraltar13,1477,3717,088  
United States of America 26859,9181,025 
Other countries314 854 
Totals2,573,2382,578,6933,229,9733,591,2603,326,045
BUTTER.
United Kingdom316,857288,224361,381371,959336,412
South African Union10,8918,3188,941200 
Canada42,46156,14951,59918,8383,557
Pacific islands3,0522,9393,6073,7913,094
Australia1,8391156025,26915,566
United States of America3,01516,6167,917873
Other countries2162  
Totals378,117372,258434,067420,144358,632
CHEESE.
United Kingdom572,562608,933859,986803,917942,773
South African Union2,6452,0881,9171,9711,574
Pacific islands253189286278239
Australia1,5213911,48310,7294,682
Other countries8962104363148
Totals577,070611,663863,776817,258949,416
TALLOW.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom23,49722,72324,43726,59922,333
Pacific islands 193068127
Australia42129212
Other countries6 464 
Totals23,54522,74324,51526,76322,472
HIDES (HORSE AND CATTLE).
 Number.Number.Number.Number.Number.
United Kingdom6008,96231,68969,01332,084
Canada93,41060,19682,034150,758114,488
Australia51,13890,85370,63349,703151,624
United States of America1,5089,31828,709889 
Other countries14042,336  
Totals146,796169,333215,401270,363298,196
RABBIT-SKINS.
 Number.Number.Number.Number.Number.
United Kingdom8,850,5846,196,6394,278,5425,323,1764,819,597
Canada  43,43198,400 
Australia85,80168,86945,842255,241225,551
United States of America  140,006412,555851,132
Other countries6502,1004,3501,500130
Totals8,937,0356,267,6084,512,1716,090,8725,896,410
SHEEP-SKINS AND PELTS.
United Kingdom6,010,3516,213,5625,870,4388,375,6384,141,630
Canada256,016179,940183,105301,075440,138
Australia162,416109,182300,661374,333433,370
United States of America1,492,0051,667,2522,139,61442,8043,320,394
Other countries1841,33931,793 38
Totals7,920,9728,171,2758,525,6119,093,8508,335,570
SAUSAGE-SKINS.
 Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom29,20328,35635,37434,1206,511
Canada14252453222,295
Australia1,2351,1671,9381,6621,635
Germany4617572,394  
Russia422280408  
United States of America1061701538,60412,171
Other countries71910 1
Totals31,57630,80140,32244,70822,613
WHEAT.
 Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.
United Kingdom300,99235,0928,569 40,570
Pacific islands2,0402,2771,65820693
Australia9134 10624
Other countries  21  
Totals303,12337,40310,24821641,287
OATS.
United Kingdom462,4361,064450,1468,257 
Ceylon8,9727,0908,1011,6291,514
South African Union1,1141,487   
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)2,1412,5092,4972,8441,371
Australia1,165,84675,60963,358258,2022,393
Fiji3,7251,270330279278
Brazil370906442  
Uruguay1,7065,018890713 
Other countries3,2587543,5811,13782,550
Totals1,649,56895,707529,345273,06188,106
BEANS AND PEAS.
United Kingdom255,940186,508159,85179,91223,454
Canada1,3241,2771,174601,961
South African Union612367390 1
Australia17,58810,80715,72834,88824,042
Fiji100707022
France300120  498
United States of America2,8762,4345,1146,018711
Other countries252,416705285202
Totals278,765203,999183,032121,16550,871
POTATOES.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)487168212262190
Australia18,65987495818,1451,029
Fiji562389485418517
Argentine Republic30    
Brazil2241224595 
Other countries23446552
Totals19,9641,5561,74419,5751,738
SEEDS (GRASS AND CLOVER).
 Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom13,05915,33210,3926,5796,669
Canada45728725742460
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)1211265
South African Union1,108613198  
Australia19,27012,80226,7027,8092,212
Fiji33  3
Denmark17262   
Germany210922901  
Argentine Republic222   
United States of America2,0265,1501,1212421,475
Uruguay2541 1 
Other countries 345  2
Totals36,34435,58039,57215,08110,426
GOLD.
 Oz.Oz.Oz.Oz.Oz.
United Kingdom106,62099,46045,0441,41732,866
Australia236,543276,696182,896126,922127,345
Other countries 514294,498132,409
Totals343,163376,161227,954422,837292,620
COAL.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom137,922141,540139,943185,616115,682
Canada2,8601,7602,0503,3505,330
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)13,17716,98314,00912,9005,724
Australia56,58833,18550,33030,44451,972
Fiji12,54313,7819,98812,91517,391
Egypt   29,62125,246
Argentine Republic   1,400 
Chile5993,3002504,1401,815
United States of America3,6533,2009,5565,07217,999
Guam  75,33432,81740,705
Other countries1,670 1,4481,99349,811
Total229,012211,749302,908320,268331,675
KAURI-GUM.
United Kingdom2,4683,3903,3351,1721,516
Canada40627056237
Australia398019931
Belgium12312034  
Austria-Hungary15911214  
France3745425 
Germany1,053833373  
Italy15923  
Netherlands42608  
Russia25332115
Sweden351520  
United States of America3,8943,9954,5313,3123,649
Other countries1 1 8
Totals7,9088,7808,4734,5755,456
PHORMIUM-FIBRE.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom14,49520,99212,78415,36915,288
Canada51512552371,444
Australia2,4773,9413,9485,5384,722
United States of America1,6173,0562,7152,0766,219
Other countries152  1
Totals18,64128,09219,70223,22027,674
TIMBER (SAWN AND HEWN).
 Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.
United Kingdom2,120,340877,4382,851,0701,438,249340,490
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)807,176332,122632,402408,451309,054
Australia91,190,13162,052,40678,874,63373,811,32869,168,629
Fiji336,844192,240961,0801,173,8991,692,821
Other countries 14,89923,763360 
Totals94,454,49163,469,10583,342,94876,832,28771,510,994

RE-EXPORTS.

The forwarding trade of New Zealand has never at any time been of great significance, and the amount has only on four occasions (in 1907, 1914, 1915, and 1916) exceeded a quarter of a million sterling. The proportion fluctuates but slightly, and is usually about 1 per cent. of the total exports (excluding specie). These items of re-exports consist partly of foods returned from New Zealand either as unsuitable or as finished with, though the bulk of the total amount is made up by various classes of machinery, hardware, metal manufactures, motor-cars, and also items such as apparel, books, tobacco, and spirits.

There is, however, a genuine entrepôt trade with the islands of the Pacific, the amount of which is still comparatively small. Exports to Cook Islands, which are treated as part of the Dominion, are not included in the figures of either exports or re-exports.

The amounts for the last twenty years of the re-exports of New Zealand are shown in the table below:—

RE-EXPORTS OF BRITISH, FOREIGN, AND OTHER COLONIAL PRODUCE (EXCLUDING SPECIE).

 £
1897144,955
1898124,850
1899123,682
1900168,009
1901179,350
1902136,860
1903133,734
1904136,963
1905138,539
1906152,134
1907278,503
1908180,675
1909173,215
1910208,310
1911198,287
1912239,221
1913232,473
1914269,208
1915387,960
1916305,150

The destination of this re-export trade is shown in the following table for 1912-16:—

Country.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
 £££££
United Kingdom50,44841,44850,481122,37940,577
Australia106,40496,181136,308144,104144,406
Fiji11,01712,43011,54618,99124,480
Canada2,2773,4763,2602,3715,828
Germany4012,148753  
United States of America3,0554,2538,2844,48111,926
Tonga or Friendly Islands23,59011,90811,06618,24210,364
Samoa or Navigator Islands13,73915,82916,67326,05522,355
Tahiti or Society Islands23,46329,48322,77919,52314,665
Other countries4,82715,3178,05831,81430,549
Totals239,221232,473269,208387,960305,150

EFFECT OF PRICES ON NEW ZEALAND EXPORTS.

It is widely recognized that the price of wool and of the other principal exports has a vital bearing on the prosperity of New Zealand, and the following pages are an attempt to analyse the influence exerted upon the exports by these changes of prices. New Zealand has always been peculiarly dependent for her prosperity upon her external trade, and the early vicissitudes of the several settlements were caused in great part by the difficulty of finding an assured market for their products. After the gold-discoveries of the “sixties,” there was always a steady export of that metal; but the great development of sheep-farming caused the export of wool to outstrip and finally to overshadow gold. Before refrigeration these two commodities comprised the overwhelming bulk of New Zealand's exports—on the average from 90 to 95 per cent.

This was the position when, in the early “seventies,” the world level of prices began to fall, which it continued to do steadily till 1895. About this time the first alluvial deposits of gold began to work out, and exports constantly decreased. At the same time the price of wool fell lower and lower, so that the colony found both its great sources of wealth shrinking fast. An ambitious borrowing policy, followed by a period of land speculation, precipitated the country into the severest crisis it has yet experienced, and economic conditions became rapidly worse, till a long period of depression ended in the early “nineties" in a banking crisis.

All through this period the quantities of goods exported constantly increased. Refrigeration came in 1882, and frozen meat and dairy-produce added to the country's wealth. But the depressing influence of falling prices continually minimized the effect of the strenuous efforts at increased production, and the condition of the country remained unpromising.

The years 1895-96 saw a complete change, which can be ascribed only to two facts: the world level of prices began to rise, and the beneficial effects of refrigeration began to make themselves felt; so that from this period dates the prosperity of New Zealand. Under the stimulus of rising prices, which always benefit debtors and producers, exports have increased by leaps and bounds, as will be seen by a reference to the graphs in the subsection on “Total Trade." Following the increase of exports, there has been a great development of imports and of the home trade.

It is an economic axiom that rising prices tend to benefit producers, for the reason that all prices do not rise equally, and the main prices which lag behind the general level are the prices of the two biggest expenses of production — labour and capital. Hence the producer gets the benefit of rising prices for his produce, while his wages-bill and the interest on his borrowed capital do not increase so fast. It is the latter fact which is of value to New Zealand. The amount of interest which must be paid by New Zealand in each year (see subsection on “Total Trade") is paid by the export of domestic produce, and is represented by a continued excess of exports over imports. In times of rising prices fewer bales of wool and carcases of mutton need be shipped each year to discharge this obligation.

At the same time New Zealand derives an extra benefit from the fact that her exports are rising faster than the average level of prices. Investigations into prices, not only in New Zealand but also in the older countries, show that raw materials and foodstuffs rise much faster than other commodities, and this feature is especially marked in animal products. In New Zealand Dr. McIlraith has demonstrated that prices of exports constantly rise faster than prices of imports.

All these influences, which are the principal effects of rising prices, tend to stimulate and increase production; but their exact extent can never be separated from the other causes of increased productivity: all that may be measured is the apparent effect upon the exports as disclosed by changing values. From these data it is possible to ascertain with some accuracy what extra value has been added by the element of prices; but the important influences increasing productivity are not touched by this method.

METHOD OF ESTIMATING PRICE-CHANGES.

Practically all the main exports of New Zealand are primary products, either raw materials or foodstuffs. From their nature it is possible in nearly every case to obtain the quantities exported as well as the values. It is then an easy matter of computation to find what the value would have been, assessing the quantities for each year at the prices of a selected base year or period, and by comparison with the actual values recorded to estimate the effect of price-changes.

This method is used by the Board of Trade and by the Commonwealth Statistician, and it is very suitable for application to New Zealand. Of the total exports of New Zealand produce, 99 per cent, can, for the purpose of the present inquiry, he treated in this fashion, leaving only 1 per cent. to be calculated pro rata. In all the following computations gold is necessarily treated separately, since its price is fixed and cannot change.

VALUE AT PRICES OF 1901.

The first table given is based on the year 1901, and is useful for comparison with the similar figures published for Australia (Commonwealth Year-book for 1915, page 572).

NEW ZEALAND EXPORTS, SHOWING VALUES AS ACTUALLY RECORDED AND AS ASSESSED AT THE PRICES OF 1901.

Year.Exports (excluding Gold).Gold Bullion exported.Total Exports (Domestic Produce).Index Number of Export Values.
Recorded Value.Value at 1901 Prices.Recorded Value.Value at 1901 Prices.Excluding Gold.Total (Domestic Produce).
 £££££  
190110,936,67610,936,6761,753,78412,690,46012,690,46010001000
190211,547,17311,649,2941,951,42613,498,59913,00,720991992
190312,800,36011,805,8152,037,83214,838,19213,843,64710841072
190412,614,28610,797,3171,987,50114,601,78712,784,81811681142
190513,409,59410,471,1322,093,93615,503,53012,565,06812811234
190615,569,44211,384,1102,270,90417,840,34613,655,01413681306
190717,755,64812,508,9572,027,49019,783,13814,536,44714191361
190813,889,73111,366,1022,004,79915,894,53013,370,90112221189
190917,456,03614,356,4992,006,90019,462,93616,363,39912161189
191020,047,84515,043,3071,896,31821,944,16316,939,68513331295
191116,966,64712,968,5081,815,25118,781,89814,783,75913081270
191219,927,27414,821,9971,345,13121,272,40516,167,12813441316
191321,118,39114,483,2111,459,49922,577,89015,942,71014581416
191425,089,35017,072,531895,36725,984,71717,967,89814701446
191529,348,30916,902,8681,694,55331,042,86218,597,42117361669
191631,776,69515,831,8751,199,21232,975,90717,031,08720071936

In this table the base used is the same as that used in Australia; similar information is given in the “New Zealand Official Year-book" for 1914. pages 349-354, based on the year 1900, the base used by the Board of Trade.

The feature of the table is the constant rising tendency shown by the index number of export values, especially in recent years. This upward tendency is always retarded by the influence of gold, which does not change in price. In recent years, however, the influence of gold is becoming less, not only because the export is decreasing, but because other exports are increasing very greatly. The comparison of the recorded value with that assessed at the prices of 1901 shows how much New Zealand benefits from this factor of rising prices.

INDEX NUMBERS BASED ON PREVIOUS YEAR'S PRICES.

In order to show the effect of changes in price from year to year, and particularly in the latter years, it is interesting to construct a series of index numbers basing the figures for each year upon the prices of the previous year. In this way it is possible to compare succeeding years directly, instead of comparing each year with a given base. The method used is the same, except that the base is changed.

EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE FOR EACH YEAR, 1901-10, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES ASSESSED AT PRICES OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

Year.Exports (excluding Gold).Gold Bullion exported.Total Exports (Domestic Produce).Effect of Price-changes.Index Number of Export Values.
Recorded Value.Value at Prices of Previous Year.Recorded Value.Value at Prices of Previous Year.Gain.Loss.Excluding Gold.Total (Domestic Produce).
 £££££££  
190110,936,676 1,753,78412,690,460   10001000
190211,547,17311,649,2941,951,42613,498,59913,600,720 102,121991992
190312,800,36011,702,3222,037,83214,838,19213,740,1541,098,038 10941080
190412,614,28611,706,9041,987,50114,601,78713,694,405907,382 10781066
190513,409,59412,233,2112,093,93615,503,53014,327,1471,176,382 10961082
190615,569,44214,578,7762,270,90417,840,34616,849,680990,666 10681059
190717,755,64817,107,8352,027,49019,783,13819,135,325647,813 10381034
190813,889,73116,133,4392,004,79915,894,53018,138,238 2,243,708881876
190917,456,03617,544,0902,006,90019,462,93619,550,990 88,054995995
191020,047,84518,291,1981,896,31821,944,16320,187,5161,756,647 10961087
191116,966,64717,282,7411,815,25118,781,89819,097,992 316,094982983
191219,927,27419,391,5601,345,13121,272,40520,736,691535,714 10281026
191321,118,39119,471,7971,459,49922,577,89020,931,2961,646,594 10851079
191425,089,35024,893,953895,36725,984,71725,789,320195,397 10081008
191529,348,30924,840,0171,694,35331,042,86226,534,5704,503,562 11811170
191631,776,69527,488,7531,199,21232,975,90728,687,9654,287,942 11561149

The comparison of each year with the preceding year brings out the advantage gained by a rise in prices. The gain shown represents the surplus value added by rising prices to the exports of any year, and, similarly, the loss shows how falling prices penalize New Zealand. The figures for the crisis years 1908-9, and for 1911, are eloquent of what falling prices would mean for the Dominion. The gain due to the rise of prices in 1915 amounts to upwards of £4,500,000—an unprecedented figure—and, taking this into account, the further increase of £4,250,000 in 1916 is truly remarkable.

EXPORTS FOR YEARS ENDING 30TH JUNE.

It has been noticed repeatedly that the calendar year is a bad period for which to calculate exports of Now Zealand produce. These exports consist almost wholly of seasonal products, and the calendar year often splits the seasons. The largest export, wool, is sheared from the sheep in the early summer, and the wool-sales are held in December and January. Exports of any season's wool-clip are therefore divided between one year and the next in varying proportion. A favourable season or, as in 1914, a sudden demand may cause a great increase of exports in the December quarter, with the result that the March quarter of the next year shows low figures. The wool trade invariably bases its calculations on each season's clip, not on calendar years.

The same argument holds good in the case of butter and cheese, which are almost wholly exported in December and March quarters. It is desirable, therefore, to tabulate New Zealand exports for years ending in June instead of December, since this division does not split the seasonal production of any main commodity, and more truly shows the results of each season as compared with previous seasons.

The following table gives this information for the principal items of export during each of the last nine “ June “ years.

PRINCIPAL EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND FOR YEARS ENDING 30TH JUNE 1909 TO 1917 (INCLUSIVE).

Article.1908-9.1909-10.1910-11.1911-12.1912-13.1913-14.1914-15.1915-16.1916-17.
* The disclosure of export figures in connection with gold (specie and bullion) has been prohibited from 1st January, 1917.
The mine—£££££££££
  Coal108,011284,206185,578208,011252,790173,475380,170292,447249,106
  Gold1,944,6521,948,2121,898,9101,710,0211,232,7251,485,920438,2342,134,256*
  Silver182,637181,401144,288122,72582,01389,64357,311107,85189,651
Fisheries—         
  Fish23,32218,57825,17027,55535,09029,57532,45441,91430,785
The forest—         
  Kauri-gum466,050529,051456,353358,336462,604590,341315,038332,308330,433
  Timber (sawn and hewn)355,633343,805435,485474,483427,517372,380377,184387,370422,281
Pastoral products—         
  Beef, salted10,73420,69717,17614,25012,10012,4887,1975,3317,912
  Butter1,491,8371,712,6591,685,0331,891,2352,027,8222,197,6622,336,8622,805,1522,767,150
  Cheese977,3581,275,1481,093,7151,496,7301,914,2382,317,9702,277,5093,345,3143,982,089
  Hides189,328238,722194,602160,614253,334323,359412,236626,834343,858
  Live-stock63,817133,219236,030145,49081,08683,310235,265119,24554,265
  Meat, preserved115,272149,794146,223134,220112,413122,096134,567231,113268,323
          ” frozen3,775,9903,631,1223,875,3793,671,9484,315,4445,079,2285,737,0577,523,7886,953,944
  Sausage-skins77,27375,51773,10580,49193,343132,039165,527217,709212,110
  Skins, rabbit62,765115,429123,54772,911118,48290,35032,98156,07879,182
          ” sheep610,519738,741698,568648,600765,926880,660821,536887,0141,136,923
  Tallow625,235756,619658,962640,451660,224711,858704,797698,605767,313
  Wool5,965,2837,962,6697,164,8446,965,4168,217,6448,262,1539,907,67012,127,69710,628,359
Agricultural products—         
  Beans and peas32,66765,86974,34868,222116,81580,70472,60966,17240,804
  Oats250,486314,02426,948254,779253,41436,129258,08315,92228,839
  Wheat117,974257,786294,51590,96576,78014,25380121117,940
  Hops5,32319,07912,27628,04014,29324,10615,24918,47418,792
  Potatoes2,2433,4875,05913,152143,5486,05222,129130,3996,199
  Seeds, grass and clover46,502115,49078,38857,06764,04577,09247,80542,04343,331
Miscellaneous—         
  Leather37,80725,58425,77330,82432,03240,47445,23257,60823,894
  Phormium282,084441,377349,610320,637630,089600,048428,364778,9661,221,184
  Other New Zealand produce320,669369,990326,867461,460528,004483,533642,790712,192646,821
Totals18,141,47121,728,27520,306,75220,148,63322,923,81524,316,89825,907,26333,762,01330,371,488

EXPORT VALUES FROM 1890-91 TO 1916-17.

It was stated earlier in this chapter that the present period of price-movements began in 1895. Since that time the level of prices and exports has risen continuously, and this period is quite a distinct epoch in the economic history of New Zealand. A series of tables has accordingly been compiled to illustrate more definitely the effect of prices upon the exports, and therefore upon the prosperity of the Dominion, since 1890. The tables have been compiled throughout for June years.

The period 1890-99 has been chosen as the base in preference to any single year, since by obtaining the average of a period of years the effect of any temporary fluctuations, cannot vitiate the results. The base has been chosen at the beginning of the period to be considered in order that the benefit New Zealand has received from a constantly rising price-level might more easily be seen. The decade 1890-99 is a good base, showing as it does both falling and rising prices, and is a fair level from which to begin comparisons.

The rise in prices is reflected by the following table of index numbers of export values for the principal commodities and all exports:—

INDEX NUMBERS OF EXPORT VALUES OF THE PRINCIPAL EXPORTS FOR YEARS ENDING 30TH JUNE.

Year.Wool.Frozen Meat.Butter.Cheese.Total Exports
Excluding Gold.All (Domestic) Produce.
* Export figures for gold are not available
1890-9111581046892102310891081
1891-9211321034961109710771069
1892-93101810481100104010311028
1893-94101810311015105510191017
1894-95930989956980937943
1895-961011102797988910071006
1896-97979997974946983985
1897-989409241000956947952
1898-998759859981002928937
1899-190010069931041106510111010
1900-1814103310441136930938
1901-2604106711021055893907
1902-3737116511591272990991
1903-490212271074110810511044
1904-5111013541075108811581135
1905-6128413011167123312531215
1906-7135111001195137712931253
1907-8106312901203137011941165
1908-993212751245137111121099
1909-10120812301229130312351209
1910-11115513301222130312321206
1911-12110113381317140112241201
1912-13126414931348142713501325
1913-14123815281307145413491321
1914-15143718101372152615121499
1915-16194118911682174218081725
1916-1719891974191721131985*

The values of the main exports were higher in 1890-91 than in the middle of the decade 1890-99, and for five or six years the fall is well marked. It is hard from a scrutiny of the index numbers for each item to fix on the turning-point, but the average for all exports puts it in 1894-95, thus corroborating other investigations into this subject.

Since this time, though there have been a good many fluctuations, particularly in wool, the general tendency has been very decidedly upward. The index number for all exports shows that in 1914 the immediate gain from rising prices was as much as 50 per cent., exports being worth half as much again as they would have been at the average prices of 1890-99. The year ending June, 1916, shows still steeper curves, which continued in 1917, indicating an increase of nearly 100 per cent. The most serious set-back was in 1907-8 and 1908-9.

The course of wool-values has shown remarkable fluctuations. The seasons 1900-1, 1901-2, and 1902-3 show exceptionally low prices; and again in 1908-9 wool is responsible for lowering the value of exports. Like most other exports, wool has shown very much higher values during the last two seasons.

The index number for cheese for 1916-17 indicates that the export value per cwt. has more than doubled by comparison with the base period. Wool, butter, and frozen meat have also nearly reached the 2000 mark.

EXPORTS AT PRICES OF 1890-99.

Perhaps a better illustration of the effect of increased value will be found in the table given below, where the recorded values of exports are contrasted with values assessed on the basis of 1890-99 prices. Gold, which does not change in price, is necessarily calculated separately from the other commodities.

NEW ZEALAND EXPORTS FOR YEARS ENDING 30TH JUNE, SHOWING VALUES AS ACTUALLY RECORDED AND ASSESSED AT THE AVERAGE PRICES OF 1890-99.

Year.Exports (excluding Gold).Gold Bullion exported.Total Exports (Domestic Produce).Index Number of Export Values.
Recorded Value.Value at Prices of 1890-99.Recorded Value.Value at Prices of 1890-99.Excluding Gold.Total (Domestic Produce).
* Figures in connection with the expert of gold are not permitted to be disclosed.
 £££££  
1890-918,601,5257,891,864897,9189,499,4438,789,78210891081
1891-928,504,7387,894,711923,6639,428,4018,818,37410771069
1892-938,065,7827,821,133926,5568,992,3388,747,68910311028
1893-947,839,7837,690,658950,9468,790,7298,641,60410191017
1894-957,612,4308,128,360923,9318,536,3619,052,291937943
1895-968,062,4598,007,7541,117,9189,180,3779,125,67210071006
1896-978,265,4558,406,0011,076,5049,341,9599,482,505983985
1897-989,156,5519,664,411997,97810,154,52910,662,389947952
1898-999,248,4339,961,8651,303,67210,552,10511,265,537928937
1899-190011,759,06311,631,5731,457,54013,216,60313,089,11310111010
1900-110,853,16811,671,3691,589,63212,442,80013,261,001930938
1901-210,952,80612,261,2961,798,34512,751,15114,059,641893907
1902-312,863,84812,993,9192,039,79714,903,64515,033,716990991
1903-412,604,74011,991,8342,084,09514,688,83514,075,92910511044
1904-513,252,05511,440,3921,974,73915,226,79413,415,13111581135
1905-615,388,59512,280,6112,153,04717,541,64214,433,65812531215
1906-717,134,13413,251,7152,106,88919,241,02315,358,60412931253
1907-814,321,31611,996,9452,129,04216,450,35814,125,98711941165
1908-916,196,81914,568,4121,944,65218,141,47116,513,06411121099
1909-1019,780,06316,022,2221,948,21221,728,27517,970,43412351209
1910-1118,407,84214,938,7281,898,91020,306,75216,837,63812321206
1911-1218,438,61215,068,5591,710,02120,148,63316,778,58012241201
1912-1321,691,09016,066,6271,232,72522,923,81517,299,35213501325
1913-1422,830,97816,927,3831,485,92024,316,89818,413,30313491321
1914-1525,469,02916,842,014438,23425,907,28317,280,24815121499
1915-1631,627,75717,495,3302,134,25633,762,01319,629,58618081725
1916-1730,371,48815,303,688***1985*

The graph, which illustrates the effect of prices on export values, is very illuminating in its course. Since the period 1890-99 is the base, and during those years the relative levels have been equated, the lines naturally run together. It will be noticeable, however, that for the first years, while the quantity exported remained about stationary, the value fell owing to falling prices.

The rate of increase in the last twenty years is very high, though broken in 1907-8 and 1911-12. Both the quantity exported and its value show great increases. The dotted line which shows the quantities assessed at the uniform values of 1890-99 varies in the same direction as the recorded value, and it is significant that the greatest fluctuations are apparently due to variations in the quantity exported.

The effect of rising prices is measured by the constantly increasing divergence of the two lines: war has so greatly accelerated the divergence that, whereas in 1914 (i.e., fifteen years after the base period) our exports were worth half as much again, in 1916 they have risen to almost double what they would have been at the prices of 1890-99.

This divergence has been plotted separately by a curve showing the index numbers of export values, the scale for which is charted on the right-hand side of the graph. The index number for 1916-17 (excluding gold) was 1985.

Similarly, the following table and the graphs attached show the divergence for the four main exports—wool, frozen meat, butter, and cheese:—

EXPORTS OF WOOL, FROZEN MEAT, BUTTER, AND CHEESE FOR YEARS ENDING 30TH JUNE, SHOWING VALUES AS ACTUALLY RECORDED AND ASSESSED AT THE AVERAGE PRICES OF 1890-99.

Year.Wool.Frozen Meat.Butter.Cheese.
Recorded Value.Value at Average Prices, 1890-99.Recorded Value.Value at Average Prices, 1890-99.Recorded Value.Value at Average Prices, 1890-99.Recorded Value.Value at Average Prices, 1890-99.
 ££££££££
1890-914,216,4193,641,7681,188,6201,136,432128,306143,79695,86693,699
1891-924,229,6833,735,4611,140,5711,103,579198,363206,47891,67083,578
1892-934,072,3423,999,3291,067,7801,018,744208,909189,97895,90392,232
1893-944,353,4154,274,7111,054,5371,022,559303,951299,575106,280100,779
1894-954,028,6514,329,7691,322,8101,337,768231,700242,471160,061163,260
1895-964,393,5744,345,4491,276,2321,243,269250,885256,159121,993137,210
1896-974,357,2444,449,2301,340,1691,344,449357,187366,728151,298159,899
1897-984,732,5425,032,1621,691,5461,831,138404,049404,127136,146142,455
1898-994,241,9844,847,2711,776,8431,804,212451,269452,348127,209120,913
1899-19004,889,1014,859,8062,298,1402,315,097693,666666,625224,238210,638
1900-13,890,5734,781,0592,193,4942,122,519858,543822,599239,325210,630
1901-23,079,2715,094,4462,526,6612,367,9311,044,317947,782171,886162,912
1902-34,034,7125,475,2773,310,0732,840,9371,211,2231,045,407186,412146,500
1903-44,313,0184,779,7452,846,0822,318,9581,445,8141,345,834194,779175,808
1904-55,468,5664,927,2852,714,0262,003,7091,417,9841,319,133180,215165,619
1905-66,605,7905,144,5592,882,3872,215,6181,540,3271,319,385300,056243,318
1906-77,415,4865,487,4273,143,7642,858,9031,631,1741,365,022568,058412,533
1907-85,649,6365,314,7793,165,0482,453,0431,133,665942,588761,100555,439
1908-95,965,2836,397,4533,775,9902,961,1131,491,8371,198,433977,358712,921
1909-107,962,6696,594,2953,631,1222,952,0411,712,6591,393,6131,275,148978,653
1910-117,164,8446,202,3353,875,3792,914,5071,685,0331,378,4741,093,715839,158
1911-126,965,4166,328,1673,671,9482,743,4771,891,2351,435,8841,496,7301,068,174
1912-138,217,6446,503,5454,315,4442,890,4242,027,8221,504,3181,914,2381,341,035
1913-148,262,1536,673,8035,079,2283,323,4332,197,6621,681,9152,317,9701,594,670
1914-159,907,6706,893,4205,737,6573,169,7062,336,8621,702,8562,277,5091,492,725
1915-1612,127,6976,247,7187,476,6373,954,7442,805,1521,668,1573,345,3141,919,876
1916-1710,628,3595,342,6686,953,9443,481,3472,767,1501,443,4103,982,0891,881,560

EFFECT OF PRICES IN 1915 AND 1916.

The following tables show the effect of the increases in prices in 1916 as compared with 1915 upon the principal exports of New Zealand produce as shown by the declared export values. The eight commodities selected account for well over 80 per cent. of the total exports (in 1915 over £25,750,000 out of £31,000,000, and in 1916 over £28,500,000 out of £33,250,000). The yearly totals mentioned do not include gold.

In all except two (cheese and phormium fibre) of the main items quoted below the actual quantity exported shows a decrease on the figure for the previous year, and in the case of cheese and phormium fibre the value has increased by an amount which more than corresponds to the greater quantity exported. Wool shows a decreased quantity of 185,506,859 lb.—5.62 per cent. less, while the corresponding value (£12,386,074) is 19.24 per cent. above that for 1915. Fluctuations in prices have affected frozen meat on a much smaller scale, the figures being 7.39 per cent. less for quantity, and 6.71 per cent, less for value. This steadiness can no doubt be attributed to the requisitioning of supplies for the Imperial Government. Butter shows a decrease in quantity amounting to 14.64 per cent., but the value decreased only 2.53 per cent. The export of cheese in 1916 constituted a record, the quantity exported being 16.17 per cent. ahead of the figure for the previous year, and the value 28.72 per cent. more. Sheep-skins with and without wool show quantities decreased by 12.72 per cent. and 13.21 per cent. respectively; but the increase in value amounts to 11.83 per cent. in the case of sheep-skins with wool, and 10.86 per cent. in the case of sheep-skins without wool. Tallow shows a decrease in quantity amounting to 16.03 per cent. when compared with the figure for the previous year. Nevertheless, this somewhat large drop was overruled by increased prices, the value of exports being 0.58 in advance of the 1915 figure. Phormium fibre is the most interesting of these main items. To begin with, the 1916 export was a record, being the first time that the export of that item had reached £1,000,000. Again, although the actual quantity exported was only 19.18 per cent. in advance of the 1915 figure, the value was 75.24 per cent. more.

Item1915.1916.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value as recorded.Value at 1915 Prices.Increase.
  £ £££
Wool (lb.)196,570,11410,387,875185,506,85912,386,0749,803,2302,582,844
Frozen meat (cwt.)3,591,2607,794,3953,326,0457,271,3187,218,77852,540
Butter “420,1442,700,625358,6322,632,2932,305,235327,058
Cheese “817,2582,730,211949,4163,514,3103,171,711342,599
Skins (sheep, with wool) (lb.)3,532,301139,6653,082,838156,184121,89434,290
Skins (sheep, without wool) (lb.)24,974,045686,84221,676,131761,449596,142165,307
Tallow (ton)26,763780,82822,472785,339655,635129,704
Phormium fibre “23,220571,62127,6741,001,725681,268320,457
  25,792,062 28,508,69224,553,8933,954,799

A comparison of the first half-year of 1917 with the corresponding period of 1916 follows:—

Item.First Six Months, 1916.First Six Months, 1917.
Quantity.Value as declared.Quantity.Value as declared.Value on 1916 Basis.Increase.
  £ £££
Wool (lb.)141,760,5199,288,755115,284,9897,531,0407,553,965-22,925
Frozen meat (cwt.)1,618,2283,579,1011,358,3493,240,4613,004,316236,145
Butter “195,9731,349,161186,3901,484,0181,283,188200,830
Cheese “635,5892,237,917608,5332,705,6962,142,652563,044
Skins (sheep, with wool) (lb.)1,819,32789,79315,087610745-135
Skins (sheep, without wool) (lb.)14,766,711484,64111,131,046793,114365,319427,795
Tallow (ton)12,295421,7329,521403,706320,58177,125
Phormium fibre “12,107410,70812,214550,505414,338136,167
  17,861,808 16,709,15015,091,1041,018,046

It will be observed that in general there is a considerable shrinkage in quantities exported in 1917, the only exception being phormium fibre. The quantity of wool exported in 1916-17 was at an extremely low level, and the great enhancement of price obtained for this and other primary products of the Dominion should not be allowed to disguise the diminished productivity of the country which war has entailed. Satisfactory as it is from one point of view to note the phenomenal rise in value of the product of the Dominion, no sound conclusions can be based on a study of exports in terms of money alone, in disregard of the quantities given in exchange, for money is sharing the general instability of the times. This is strikingly shown by the figures in the last column of the foregoing table. The market price obtained for the half-years output of the seven leading lines specified is £1,618,046 above the 1916 rate, which in turn was nearly £3,000,000 above the rate for 1915.

EFFECT OF PRICES AT VARIOUS PERIODS.

The following tables further illustrate the effect of prices on the New Zealand exports. These tables have been compiled with various twelve-monthly periods as bases. The gain to New Zealand on the eleven principal items quoted amounts to nearly £15,000,000 for the two years ended 31st March, 1916 and 1917, when assessed on the values for the same items in the calendar year 1913.

ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE TWELVE-MONTHLY Periods ended 31ST MARCH, 1916 AND 1917, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED ON PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1913.

Item.Calendar Year 1913.Year ended 31st March, 1916.Year ended 31st March, 1917.Difference for Two Years.
Actual Value.Value at 1913 Prices.Actual Value.Value at 1913 Prices.
* The figures given for gold are for the calendar years 1914, 1915, and 1916 respectively. Figures re the export of gold have not been available since December, 1916.
 ££££££
Wool8,057,62011,709,2977,983,09910,572,7136,814,6537,544,258
Mutton (frozen)1,630,3322,907,5072,191,8192,535,1341,826,3341,424,488
Lamb (frozen)2,332,3722,903,1512,470,1112,157,1101,796,906793,244
Beef (frozen)347,3831,611,449968,8262,185,7631,301,3641,527,022
Butter2,061,6512,766,6522,206,6532,787,4871,970,4031,377,083
Cheese1,770,2973,033,4072,498,1133,100,1682,235,4931,399,969
Hides261,744527,624437,029517,170376,561231,204
Tallow663,088746,616730,700761,357601,948175,325
Phormium721,924692,475659,0911,078,746712,930399,200
Timber318,767368,694362,294420,116389,87636,640
Gold*1,495,4991,694,5531,694,5531,199,2121,199,212 
 19,660,67729,021,42522,202,28827,314,97619,225,68014,908,433

ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS 1915 AND 1916, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED AT PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1914.

Item.1914.1915.1916.Difference for Two Years.
Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.
 ££££££
Wool9,318,11410,387,8758,307,88112,386,0747,840,3026,625,766
Mutton (frozen)2,115,0802,893,1612,323,0992,529,9712,009,2651,090,768
Lamb (frozen)2,554,5173,004,0512,666,0962,437,1002,147,910627,139
Beef (frozen)1,029,5291,626,1571,272,3312,119,0571,662,589810,294
Butter2,338,5762,700,6252,263,5652,632,2931,932,1031,137,190
Cheese2,564,1252,730,2112,426,0363,514,3102,818,3481,000,137
Hides358,618506,189450,123605,668495,167166,567
Tallow694,348780,828758,019785,339636,483171,665
Phormium455,214571,621536,4971,001,725639,407397,442
Timber422,545383,616389,083381,477362,51413,496
Gold895,3071,694,5531,694,5531,199,2121,199,212 
 22,746,03327,278,887123,087,28329,592,22621,743,36012,040,464

ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE TWELVE-MONTHLY PERIODS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1916 AND 1917, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED ON PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1914.

Item.Calendar Year 1914.Year ended 31st March, 1916.Year ended 31st March, 1917.Difference for Two Years.
Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.
* The figures given for gold are for the calendar years 1914, 1915, and 1916 respectively. Figures re the export of gold have not been available since December, 1916.
 ££££££
Wool9,318,11411,769,2977,810,76010,572,7136,667,5387,863,712
Mutton (frozen)2,115,0802,907,5072,324,0372,535,1341,936,5041,182,100
Lamb (frozen)2,554,5172,903,1512,561,9652,157,1101,863,726634,570
Beef (frozen)1,029,5291,611,4491,261,1502,185,7631,694,025842,037
Butter2,338,5762,766,6522,146,6322,787,4871,916,8081,490,699
Cheese2,564,1253,033,4072,562,2193,100,1082,292,8601,278,496
Hides358,618527,624470,716517,170405,588168,490
Tallow694,348746,616709,841761,357584,765213,367
Phormium455,214692,475592,5731,078,746640,978537,670
Timber422,545368,694365,262420,116393,07030,478
Gold*895,3671,693,5531,694,5531,199,2121,199,212 
 22,746,03329,021,42522,499,70827,314,97619,595,07414,241,619

ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE TWELVE-MONTHLY PERIODS ENDING 31ST MARCH, 1916 AND 1917, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED AT PRICES RULING IN THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1915.

Item.Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1915.Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1916.Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1917.Difference for Two Years.
Actual Value.Value at 1915 Prices.Actual Value.Value at 1915 Prices.
* The figures given for gold are for the calendar years 1914, 1915, and 1916 respectively. Figures re the export of gold have not been available since December, 1916.
 ££££££
Wool10,461,77811,769,2978,421,60510,572,7137,188,9776,731,428
Mutton (frozen)2,113,7432,907,5072,524,7282,535,1342,103,730814,183
Lamb (frozen)2,579,3572,903,1512,653,1322,157,1101,930,047477,082
Beef (frozen)1,331,1301,611,4491,395,5272,185,7631,874,526527,169
Butter2,303,5392,766,6522,205,0792,787,4871,968,9971,380,063
Cheese2,389,1213,033,4072,597,8733,100,1682,324,7651,210,937
Hides393,245527,624488,910517,170421,264134,620
Tallow733,140746,616712,362761,357586,842208,769
Phormium381,907692,475567,7471,078,746614,124589,340
Timber419,578368,694372,546420,116400,90815,356
Gold*895,3671,694,5531,694,5531,199,2121,199,212 
 24,001,91129,021,42523,634,06227,314,97620,613,39212,088,947

EXPORTS FROM VARIOUS PORTS.

The following table shows the total values of the exports from each port of New Zealand, arranged in order of magnitude, in 1916. In order to eliminate any temporary fluctuation an annual average has been taken over five-yearly periods since 1896 and contrasted with the figures for 1916.

The principal alteration effected during the year was in Wellington's figure. Wellington during the year 1916 exported goods to the value of nearly £7,750,000—practically £800,000 ahead of 1915. Auckland, Wanganui, New Plymouth, and Dunedin show increases over 1915 amounting to £500,000, £400,000, £350,000, and £200,000 respectively. On the other hand Oamaru shows a decrease of £300,000. Minor increases or decreases are shown for other ports.

Slight differences have been made in the order of importance for 1916. New Plymouth is now ninth (eleventh in 1915), and Wanganui eighth (formerly tenth). Interchanging of places has been effected by Timaru and Patea; Gisborne and Invercargill; and Wairau, Nelson, and Oamaru; whilst Hokitika has supplanted Tauranga for last place.

EXPORTS FROM VARIOUS PORTS.

Port.Yearly Average of Quinquennial Periods.Year 1916.
1890–1900.1901–5.1906–10.1911–15.
* Included in New Plymouth.
 £££££
Wellington1,825,8952,612,8963,692,6695,684,8277,717,987
Auckland1,649,2382,334,3693,374,7894,031,4325,894,787
Lyttelton2,107,4492,431,5472,704,5213,153,7233,745,949
Napier950,614944,2931,674,6382,000,6572.629,279
Dunedin1,155,3871,488,9011,500,9521,619,3482,212,838
Invercargill700,580888,6371,173,8011,442,9962,175,949
Gisborne347,603512,749992,5541,373,1452,004,888
Wanganui337,319350,039409,526673,0351,540,447
New Plymouth351,452400,357554,135591,2121,236,312
Patea43,361230,195510,504738,6681,205,434
Timaru645,843876,5141,142,5241,273,1641,167,831
Waitara*99,329292,503366,326540,238
Greymouth239,553419,547376,185403,297353,459
Wairau (including) Picton133,786186,196285,991311,187237,981
Nelson60,16888,60194,608173,964166,470
Oamaru247,180239,419225,308259,294157,803
Kaipara112,311150,817138,023124,830100,602
Westport38,50175,76958,53359,07074,678
Tauranga137  5,64853,089
Hokitika52,14739,11332,13328,27731,803

EXPORTS TO COOK ISLANDS.

In 1901 a group of Pacific islands was annexed to New Zealand, and has since been administered by the Dominion. The islands are fertile and rich in tropical products, so that there is a growing trade between them and the Dominion proper. This trade is not regarded as external to New Zealand, but merely as interchange between different parts of the Dominion, and it is therefore not included in the account of the external trade. Separate returns are made of the transactions between the Dominion and its dependent islands, and these are summarized below.

TOTAL VALUE OF EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND to COOK AND OTHER ANNEXED ISLANDS SINCE 1901.

Year.Exports.Year.Exports.
 £ £
190121,849190940,204
190222,973191060,647
190327,965191156,131
190428,644191275,774
190529,098191372,046
190635,452191459,056
190738,288191555,459
190839,284191652,831

The principal items of export to the islands in 1916 are next shown.

EXPORTS TO COOK ISLANDS, 1916.

Class.Item.Article.Quantity.Value.
Produce of New Zealand.Other.Total.
    £££
I32Meats, potted aud preserved1,558 cwt.6,208 6,208
 41Provisions, n.o.e. 5386751,213
II43Biscuits, ships' plain2,372 cwt.4,308 4,308
 130Sugar, refined2,654 cwt.2,703 2,703
IXA234Apparel and ready - made clothing, n.o.e. 3691,2821,651
IXB278Cotton piece-goods, n.o.e.  2,0572,057
XII357Coal, bunker6,598 tons6,759 6,759
XVIIA635Timber, sawn, n.o.e., rough, kauri1,210,498 sup. ft.7,049 7,049
XXIII875Soap, common bar962 cwt.1,419 1,419

EXPORTS TO GERMAN SAMOA.

The occupation of German Samoa by New Zealand troops in August, 1914, has led to a large expansion of the Dominion's trade with those islands. This development arose in the first place from the necessity for sending stores, &c., from New Zealand for the troops, but there is evidence now of a genuine interchange of commodities between New Zealand and the settlers in the Group. Exports from the Dominion to German Samoa in 1916 were valued at £71,781, spread over the various classes as follows:—

Class.Value.
 £
I27,935
II13,751
III945
IV1,063
V1,797
VI165
VII3
VIII232
IX6,165
X3,367
XI438
XII613
XIII 
XIV3,552
XV540
XVI379
XVII1,978
XVIII1,079
XIX486
XX348
XXI99
XXII819
XXIII6,027
Total71, 781

Dealing with individual items, the principal are found to be,—

Item.Quantity.Value.
  £
Butter462 cwt.4,090
Bacon23,614 lb.1,090
Beef, salted2,007 cwt.4,052
Potted and preserved meat3,53213,699
Milk and cream (preserved, &c.)65,489 lb.1,749
Chaff342 tons2,369
Sugar, refined4,366 cwt.4,475
Cotton (textile piece-goods) 2,700
Kerosene18,672 gallons1,234
Common bar soap2,762 cwt,4, 226

SUBSECTION C.—IMPORTS.

METHOD OF RECORDING.

An exact and detailed account is kept of all imports of merchandise into New Zealand from overseas, and the Customs Department insists on full and accurate descriptions of all goods passing under its control. Entries must be passed and invoices presented for every package imported, and the quantities and values stated on the entries must be supported by declaration. The detailed nature of the tariff makes it essential that all goods should be described minutely under the tariff headings, and care is also taken to furnish statistical information concerning quantities. In the case of goods chargeable with specific duties, the quantities are ascertained by examination in support of the invoices; but where no duty is involved the invoiced quantities are accepted.

The import value taken is the c.i.f. or landed value in New Zealand, thus including freight into the Dominion. For free goods and goods liable to specific duties this landed value in New Zealand is insisted upon. But the landed value for ad valorem goods is defined as the fair market value of the goods when sold for home consumption in the principal markets of the country whence imported, and at the time when imported, plus 10 per cent.—i.e., the f.o.b. invoice value plus a uniform 10 per cent. to cover the cost of freight, &c. Fair market value is accepted as the whole-sale value less all the usual trade discounts, but including all special discounts. Since 1914 the ordinary cash discount has been allowed, and the value of casing or packing may also be deducted, if shown separately.

Passengers' baggage is omitted from the total of imports in each year, except where dutiable items are included. Personal luggage is exempt from duty upon declaration that the goods are personal property, not intended for sale, have been in use for twelve months, and do not exceed £100 in value.

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPORTS.

The earliest trade in New Zealand, as of most colonies, consisted more of exploitation and appropriation by visiting traders than of regular exchange. The whalers and sealers brought with them sufficient provisions to last their season, and they were never more than passing visitors to the Islands. The first genuine import trade sprang up when the Maoris became sensible of the great wealth to be won by bartering their flax for iron and other treasures of the white man. Each tribe became anxious to secure the services of a pakeha-Maori, a white resident trader, to aid them in their exchanges, and several of these men were adopted into the different tribes. At the same time small permanent settlements began to spring up in the North. A new element was introduced when the Maori adopted the musket in preference to the old hand weapons, for the possession of firearms became a necessary precaution against the danger of extermination. Intertribal warfare was conducted on an ever-increasing scale, and muskets were the most prized of all possessions, so that when the chief Hongi returned from his visit to England in 1821 he changed all his valuable presents into firearms as soon as he reached Sydney.

In 1830 the imports into New Zealand from Sydney, according to a return quoted by the late Dr. McNab ("Historical Records of New Zealand,” Vol. I), were made up of the following items:—

TOTAL QUANTITIES, DESCRIPTION, AND VALUE OF GOODS EXPORTED FROM SYDNEY TO NEW ZEALAND FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 14TH AUGUST, 1830.

Description.Quantity.Value.
  £ s. d.
Bread   203 ½ cwt.260 0 0
Bricks7,00010 5 0
Beer   730 gallons75 0 0
Cedar1,793 ft.33 0 0
Cheese   335 lb.14 0 0
Flour87,992 lb.787 0 0
Shingles24,97025 0 0
Cartouche boxes   14239 0 0
Corks    30 gross7 0 0
Earthen and glass ware Sundry packs75 0 0
Flints12,00018 0 0
Groceries Sundry packs44 0 0
Gunpowder11,052 lb.862 0 0
Hardware Sundry packs639 0 0
Muskets 2,1202,938 0 0
Rope     80 cwt.220 0 0
Salt    249 cwt.51 10 0
Tobacco-pipes     65 gross26 0 0
Salt provisions     87 cwt.200 0 0
Shot    836 lb.8 0 0
Water-casks    260 tons235 0 0
SlopsSundry packs458 0 0
Staves3,400300 0 0
Woollens1,426 yards104 0 0
Rice2,540 lb.21 0 0
Rum and whisky2,429 gallons424 0 0
Brandy and gin1,607 gallons300 0 0
Sugar7,149 lb.138 0 0
Tea1,696 lb.115 0 0
Tobacco5,062 lb.310 0 0
Horned cattle     210 0 0
Blankets    78 pairs76 0 0
Iron     8 tons152 0 0
Linen2,700 yards220 0 0
Cutlasses    5015 0 0
Leather, manufactured Sundry packs67 0 0
Wine     120 gallons18 0 0
Sundries not enumerated above 297 0 0
Total 9,591 15 0

However, with the incoming of the regular colonists, trade assumed its more modern form, and the import of firearms was quickly overshadowed by the more peaceful requirements of the settlers. It was not for many years that the Maori finally gave up the appeal to force in order to sustain his claims or his rights; but since the second Maori War in the “sixties” the Natives have settled more and more into European habits.

Permanent settlement in 1840 rendered necessary the continued and increasing import of clothing, metals, and manufactures to sustain the colonists and to develop the colony. For many years after the first landing imports were greatly in excess of exports, and this excess represents the import of capital which was necessary to put the young colony on a firm footing. Especially in the early years, New Zealand, while supplying foodstuffs from her own resources, has been dependent upon the outside world for a great proportion of the manufactures necessary for development, and also of the luxuries and amenities of modern life.

The gold rushes brought a huge increase of population and also of imports, and reference to the subsection on “Total trade” will show the effect of the stimulus given by the gold discoveries. In the later “sixties” imports were declining; but the borrowing policy pursued in the “seventies” resulted once more in an increase of imports for a time. Violent fluctuations succeed, with a general tendency to diminish until, in sympathy with the increased exports, the value of imports rapidly increases from 1895. The worst check was received in 1909, following the bad year of exports in 1908.

The nature of the imports has changed little from the time of the first settlement in New Zealand, though new commodities have naturally been introduced, the principal groups of commodities being clothing and textiles, metals and machinery, sugar, tea, alcoholic liquors, tobacco, paper and stationery, and motor vehicles. The proportions of these imports have changed little for many years, except that motor vehicles have increased very rapidly during the last decade.

The following table shows the total imports for New Zealand during the last decade:—

IMPORTS, 1907–16.

Year.Value.Value per Head.
Including Specie.Excluding Specie.Including Specie.Excluding Specie.
 £££ s. d.£ s. d.
190717,302,86116,539,70718 16 617 19 11
190817,471,28417,247,16218 9 918 5 0
190915,674,71914,817,46216 2 715 4 11
191017,051,58316,748,22317 3 616 17 5
191119,545,87918,782,60819 5 218 10 2
191220,976,57420,576,57920 3 919 16 1
191322,288,30221,653,63220 17 120 5 3
191421,856,09621,144,22720 0 1119 7 10
191521,728,83420,658,72019 15 218 15 10
191620,339,28325,045,40323 19 222 15 7

MAIN GROUPS OF IMPORTS.

The main groups of imports according to the classification followed in the “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand,” Volume II, are given below for the five years 1912–16. Owing to the very varied nature of the import trade, it is not possible to summarize it as satisfactorily as is possible with exports, and the classification is necessarily rough. The big totals for the general headings, such as “Other metals and manufactures,” indicate the difficulty of summarizing such varied articles.

MAIN GROUPS OF IMPORTS, 1912–16.

Group of Principal Articles imported.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

11—Ybk.

* Includes methylated and perfumed spirits, and spirits of wine.

 £££££
Apparel, including hats and caps1,331,8411,554,3611,438,8381,172,9981,675,782
Boots and shoes347,104411,955396,576409,987505,114
Drapery, haberdashery, linens, woollens, and other textiles2,378,4682,403,1782,382,9112,470,0363,703,338
Hosiery187,725209,846200,561211,962367,096
Silks103,93697,591140,261201,854293,101
Totals4,349,0744,676,9314,559,1474,466,8376,544,431
Iron and steel (pig, wrought, wire, &c., and galvanized)1,387,7581,510,6811,261,1591,206,6551,313,584
Railway and tramway plant205,593269,412164,198288,53694,842
Machinery989,7141,039,307967,568893,383948,858
Sewing and knitting machines64,24554,97143,94847,01350,789
Hardware and iron-mongery485,266472,137408,654309,754390,840
Tools and implements (including agricultural)397,816397,846373,215256,098318,355
Nails70,56058,27258,59261,829101,740
Other metals and metal manufactures720,730726,933834,710734,769947,421
Totals4,321,6824,529,5594,112,0443,798,0374,166,429
Sugar814,202812,528699,3071,069,096986,766
Tea320,289296,933430,001455,240386,316
Totals1,134,4911,109,4611,129,3081,524,3361,373,082
Beer62,71157,85462,29253,66844,775
Spirits*382,396398,225413,427405,628743,510
Wine86,47677,03479,32683,81785,183
Tobacco488,392466,159614,029533,876717,822
Totals1,019,975999,2721,169,0741,076,9891,591,290
Paper381,024377,494378,535386,996590,530
Printed books265,985248,668252,160233,058258,125
Stationery223,584232,960224,099198,590269,308
Totals870,593859,122854,794818,6441,117,963
Miscellaneous (specified articles)—     
  Arms, ammunition, and explosives236,098225,268173,994173,140149,267
  Automobiles, motorcars, and motorcycles, and materials for776,6501,021,6131,158,1431,037,0791,668,895
  Bags and sacks213,466233,799222,122254,174235,139
  Bicycles and tricycles27,88617,84314,30411,90021,895
  Bicycle and tricycle fittings148,065116,02041,04896,369105,431
  Candles30,82130,66540,21737,44036,009
  Canvas87,402103,06591,38471,74591,047
  Carpeting and drug-geting93,709100,984101,44278,327128,214
  Carts, carriages, and materials for94,05881,16192,78268,52547,273
  Cement41,75618,64919,7735,6671,374
  China, porcelain, earthenware, and parianware166,320193,799167,874109,135188,552
  Coal365,414466,286558,564344,495189,526
  Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares450,547442,614639,038680,122890,980
  Fancy goods and toys290,564294,005264,198212,840320,990
  Fish (potted and preserved)108,18590,54592,05887,73692,821
  Floorcloth and oil-cloth143,540145,17292,16581,079101,337
  Fruits (including fresh, preserved, bottled, and dried)433,508322,101375,358410,842458,417
  Furniture, cabinetware, and upholstery104,781110,49349,91431,15241,012
Glass and glassware202,950250,976178,895181,873218,664
Leather and leather manufactures212,698226,865211,102218,464295,697
Manures382,296377,422512,193476,584342,580
  Musical instruments and materials for172,013164,021150,453124,025157,188
  Seeds167,342148,277157,815327,290219,502
  Oil556,919570,062772,303793,6631,001,924
  Timber278,036504,931404,582305,685166,817
  Woolpacks and woolpockets63,05374,44977,05682,798101,909
Total miscellaneous (specified articles)5,848,0776,331,0856,658,7776,302,1497,272,466
Other imports (excluding specie)3,032,6873,148,2022,661,0832,671,7282,979,742
Total imports (excluding specie)20,576,57921,653,63221,144,22720,658,72025,045,403
Specie imported399,995634,670711,8691,070,1141,293,880
Total imports20,976,57422,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,283

As stated above, it is not possible to classify imports so completely as exports. There are two big groups of items, however, which are of dominating importance, and are, moreover, fairly homogeneous. The first, “Clothing and textiles,” comprises practically all woven articles; but the second, “Metals and machinery,” is not altogether complete, since there are many items in the “Miscellaneous” group which are metal manufactures. The other three groups are well defined, and the value imported in each is, on the whole, steady.

In the miscellaneous items the most noteworthy advance is that made by motor-cars and accessories: whereas prior to 1911 their value never exceeded £300,000 per annum, two years later it rose to over a million, and in 1916 amounted to £1,668,895.

The grand total of £26,339,283, over £4,600,000 more than in 1915, is very satisfactory, but it must be remembered that most (if not all) of this increase can be attributed to higher prices ruling. No systematic investigation into the effects of higher prices on imports is possible, but a consideration of a few items would serve to show the trend of price-levels in 1915 and 1916. For instance, if the 131,248 dozen pairs of boots (valued at £394,684) imported in 1916 were valued on 1915 prices, the sum would amount to only £360,823, a clear gain for 1916 of £33,861. Similarly, oils imported in 1916 would have been worth about £80,000 less if valued on 1915 prices, and paper nearly £150,000 less.

The increase in the last decade is shown by the following table, which, for each of the groups treated above, contrasts 1916 with 1906. A great increase will be evident in all the main items.

Years.Annual Imports from
United Kingdom.British Possessions.Foreign Countries.Totals.
United States.Germany.Others.
Note.—In the above table import figures for 1906 are as for countries of shipment; those for 1916 are as for countries of origin.
  ££££££
Textiles, boots and shoes, drapery and clothing19063,010,038187,54986,25921,21766,7573,371,820
 19165,149,589195,798347,6121,511849,9216,544,431
Iron and steel, machinery, hardware, tools, and other manufactures of iron and steel19062,399,435283,253435,14172,73963,7213,254,289
 19162,672,180495,893856,8701,369140,1174,166,429
Sugar and tea1906987614,3324,745 60,658680,722
 19161151,354,78613,826204,3351,373,082
Beer, wine, spirits, and tobacco1906397,903122,813170,06511,26333,237735,281
 19161,053,619242,939122,70126172,0051,591,290
Paper, books, and stationery1906408,005108,12047,69523,83210,686598,338
 1916737,562198,978125,73181154,8811,117,963
Miscellaneous articles19061,498,4411,191,204428,513154,996233,3883,501,542
 19162,128,2921,841,2102,481,6953,666817,6037,272,466
Specie190683,023820,210  5,000908,233
 1916281,8801,012,000   1,293,880
Total imports19069,003,2293,886,7871,405,781336,960578,64615,211,403
191613,313,5886,127,9154,358,8068,2042,530,77026,339,283

IMPORTS BY PORTS.

The subjoined table exhibits the value of the imports received at each port in New Zealand during 1916, together with average annual values for the four preceding quinquennial periods. On the year's working, thirteen ports show increases on the corresponding figures for 1915. Wellington shows a phenomenal increase of nearly £2,350,000, being now nearly £1,900,000 ahead of Auckland. On the five-year period 1911–15, however, the northern port shows a slight advantage. The figures for the year 1916 make no change in the relative positions of the various ports.

It will be observed that the number of ports participating in the direct importing trade of the Dominion is large. The four chief ports are far in advance of the rest, and amongst them the North shows a more rapid progress, so that now Lyttelton and Dunedin combined do not receive so much as either Wellington or Auckland. Fifth on the annual list stands Napier, this port having maintained the lead over Invercargill which it established in 1914.

The imports credited to each port consist of the goods actually landed over the wharf at that port, not, as in the case of exports, of the goods credited to the district in which they are produced. The figures given in the following table therefore represent the actual shipping import trade of each port, though from the central ports the goods are afterwards distributed over the country, either by rail or by coastal shipping.

IMPORTS BY PORTS.

Port.Yearly Average of Quinquennial Periods.1916.
1896–1900.1901–5.1906–10.1911–15.
* Parcels-post now included under the headings of the various ports.
 £££££
Wellington2,062,2093,554,5694,830,2856,132,0629,253,506
Auckland2,221,8443,136,5694,374,3646,340,6717,362,778
Lyttelton1,440,2002,051,8022,588,3253,211,1714,035,097
Dunedin1,764,7792,093,7202,401,5422,684,7183,118,928
Napier193,658237,922390,972551,726665,504
Invereargill219,556330,793476,774577,628542,273
Timaru116,277183,295289,525376,618311,457
Wanganui110,294161,212215,390275,121304,140
Gisborne34,77960,692128,220194,236212,505
Now Plymouth53,40286,287121,254179,943210,867
Nelson128,926133,967129,211143,965142,470
Greymouth44,49473,78398,552110,27682,418
Oamaru40,84558,51367,13290,69265,860
Wairau (including Picton)12,84121,68535,94154,38646,430
Westport25,75434,12652,20145,20635,000
Patea13,05519,34426,07029,16533,363
Hokitika12,72615,89916,82512,2536,555
Tauranga3,4152,6511,3496,9596,204
Kaipara4,4946,08010,4806,7023,928
Parcels post58,229147,863287,958**
Totals8,561,77712,410,77216,542,37021,279,13726,339,283

IMPORT AND CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF FOOD AND DRINK.

Information as to amount of certain principal articles of food and drink entered for home consumption on importation and ex warehouse is given in the tables which follow. The figures shown for beer include also beer manufactured in the Dominion on which excise duty was paid. In all other cases the articles specified are not produced (in the raw) in the Dominion, or, if so, only in very small quantities, so that the figures shown in the second of the tables practically represent the per capita consumption of the various commodities. Coffee-essence, of which £20,034 worth was entered for home consumption in 1916, is not included in the figures given for coffee.

TOTAL AMOUNTS ENTERED FOR HOME CONSUMPTION.

Article.Unit of Quantity.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Tealb.7,682,5727,070,4299,951,7749,150,1397,982,195
Coffee, raw and roasted311,942320,064337,976343,581375,337
Cocoa and chocolate*610,982597,656555,292774,880685,639
Cocoa-beans363,173504,215669,211574,9651,124,373
Rice4,745,2486,619,6489,808,4009,171,2328,042,944
Sago and tapioca2,695,7282,800,5603,487,4562,715,1042,928,800
Currants, dried3,429,779944,0533,366,5142,455,6741,571,282
Raisins7,051,0443,132,8274,913,6746,535,3636,253,293
Figs, dates, and prunes3,411,6292,976,0753,166,7683,851,5582,758,546
SugarCwt.1,256,5191,290,7521,013,7801,332,9161,249,096
Salt398,060477,720443,940448,900645,960
Spiceslb.610,429608,367758,187705,480717,457
Mustard253,866254,053239,500236,618332,365
Tobacco3,029,0763,024,5063,140,9263,086,3543,853,657
BeerGal.10,083,48210,300,41610,649,09010,865,76411,477,041
Wine153,611147,137150,513166,761175,855
Spirits863,797869,124877,173932,547769,964

AMOUNTS PER HEAD ENTERED FOR HOME CONSUMPTION.

Article.Unit of Quantity.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.Average of 5 Years.
* Not including chocolate confectionery.
(a.) Including Maoris.
Tealb.7.066.328.737.966.957.40
Coffee, raw and roasted0.290.290.300.300.330.30
Cocoa and chocolate*0.560.530.490.670.600.57
Cocoa-beans0.330.450.590.500.980.57
Rice7.115.928.607.987.007.32
Sago and tapioca2.482.503.062.362.552.59
Currants, dried3.150.842.952.131.372.09
Raisins6.482.804.315.685.444.94
Figs, dates, and prunes3.132.662.783.352.402.86
Sugar129.24129.2599.58129.81121.73121.92
Bait40.9447.8443.6048.7162.9547.81
Spices0.560.540.660.610.620.60
Mustard0.230.230.210.210.290.23
Tobacco2.782.702.762.683.352.85
BeerGal.9.269.219.349.469.999.45
Wine0.140.130.140.140.150.14
Spirits0.790.780.780.820.670.77
Article.Unit of Quantity.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.Average of 5 Years.
* Not including chocolate confectionery.
(b.) Excluding Maoris.
Tealb.7.396.629.138.327.267.74
Coffee, raw and roasted0.300.300.310.310.340.31
Cocoa and chocolate*0.590.560.510.700.620.60
Cocoabeans0.350.470.610.521.020.59
Rice7.456.199.008.347.327.66
Sago and tapioca2.592.623.202.472.662.71
Currants, dried3.300.883.092.231.432.19
Raisins6.792.934.515.945.695.17
Figs, dates, and prunes3.282.782.903.502.512.99
Sugar135.44135.28104.14134.42127.24127.30
Salt42.9150.0745.6045.7165.8050.02
Spices0.590.570.700.640.650.63
Mustard0.240.240.220.210.300.24
Tobacco2.922.832.892.803.512.99
BeerGal.9.709.649.779.8810.449.89
Wine0.150.140.140.150.160.15
Spirits0.830.810.800.850.700.80

Whilst the average consumption of the main items of food and drink is naturally very steady from year to year, the only figures showing uninterrupted increase are those for coffee and beer. Cocoa is evidently advancing in popular favour. The fluctuations in dried fruits are due to repeated wars in the part of the world from which they mainly come. The importation of sugar in 1915 more than redressed the balance of the previous year, when the Fiji season was a partial failure.

IMPORTS BY CLASSES.

In 1914 the statistics, both of imports and exports, were collected for the first time upon a new plan, a statistical classification being adopted, which assembles the items in well-defined classes, so that all similar commodities are grouped as far as may be. The advantages of a stereotyped classification of this kind over an alphabetical arrangement of items are obvious. In the preparation of the classes adopted, a good deal of weight has been attached to the recommendations of the Dominions Royal Commission which toured New Zealand in 1913. In a memorandum prepared for the Commission, Professor A. L. Bowley submitted a scheme for uniformity of statistical work within the Empire, and suggested that New Zealand statistics should follow as closely as possible the lines laid down by Australia. The advantages of similarity of treatment in Australia and New Zealand are apparent, and in the classification of imports and exports, as in other matters, the statistics of New Zealand are being made comparable with those of Australia as far as possible.

The main classes of imports in 1916 are presented below.

IMPORTS BY CLASSES, 1916.

No.Class.Value in 1916.
  £
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)179,574
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin and common salt2,285,960
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making up the same547,491
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors873,468
VTobacco and preparations thereof717,822
VILive animals23,970
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs42,686
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres537,337
IXAApparel2,878,323
IXBTextiles3,975,855
IXCManufactured fibres462,535
XOils, fats, and waxes1,088,659
XIPaints and varnishes230,700
XIIStones and minerals, used industrially225,754
XIIISpecie1,293,880
XIVAMetal unmanufactured, partially manufactured, and ores366,098
XIVBMetal manufactures, other than machinery and machines2,589,784
XVMachinery and machines1,186,903
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof (not including tires)47,551
XVIBLeather and manufactures thereof, including substitutes336,461
XVIIATimber166,817
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures106,173
XVIIIEarthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cements and cement materials413,496
XIXAPaper603,630
XIXBStationery514,410
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods440,963
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments276,192
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares890,980
XXIIBManures342,580
XXIIIMiscellaneous2,693,405
 Total26,339,283

From the above table it can be seen that New Zealand's largest group of imports in 1916 was that containing textiles (Class IXB). Exactly how much price-values have affected imports it is very hard to say, but it is safe to conclude that most (if not all) of the monetary increase in the import of textiles during the year 1916 can be attributed to higher prices. Class IXB imports in 1916 amounted to £3,975,855—nearly £1,440,000 more than in 1915—while the total for Group IX amounted to £7,316,713, or 27.78 per cent. of all imports.

Class II shows a decrease of nearly £95,000 when compared with the figure for the previous year. This drop is due entirely to the decrease in the sugar imported (amounting in value to nearly £100,000). Other items in this class have therefore shown a slight increase. The import of Class II goods amounted to £2,285,960 in 1916 and £2,379,120 in 1915.

Timber imported in 1916 was but little more in value than half that imported during 1915.

The scarcity of paper and consequent higher prices ruling account for the increases shown in Classes XIXA and XIXB (paper and stationery).

Classes XXI and XXIIA both show large increases, attributable to similar reasons to the higher values of imports of paper and stationery.

DIRECTION OF IMPORT TRADE.

The import trade of the Dominion, though spread over more countries than the export trade, is yet confined mainly to the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. In the days of the first settlement Australia was the source from which the young colony drew most of its supplies, and for a long period imports from Australia overshadowed imports from the United Kingdom. The proportion of imports from Australia has, however, tended to decrease steadily till from 60 per cent. in 1862 it has fallen to about 14 per cent. in recent years. It is noticeable, however, that in a year of low imports the proportion brought from Australia increases.

Most of the goods brought to New Zealand from overseas come from the United Kingdom, which in normal times supplies about 60 per cent. of the total imports. The proportion has fallen a good deal of recent years—in the “eighties” and “nineties” the figure was nearer 70 per cent. than 60 per cent. on the average.

The cause of this decline is to be found in the development of trade with other countries in quite recent years, particularly with Germany, the United States, Japan, and in a less degree with France, Belgium, Holland, and other European countries. The United States was sending goods to New Zealand practically from the foundation of the colony, and the share of the imports received from that country steadily increased, till in the first decade of the present century it was 11 or 12 per cent. But the adoption of Imperial preference seems to have caused a drop in the figure to about 7 per cent., though the proportion is steadily climbing up again, and has now almost reached its old level. Trade with Germany developed steadily during the decade preceding the outbreak of war.

India captured the New Zealand jute market in the early “eighties.” and since then there has been a regular import of corn-sacks, woolpacks, &c. In former times the colony imported its sugar from Mauritius, but after 1890 Fiji supplanted Mauritius, so that the imports from the Pacific islands are swelled to 4 per cent., while Mauritius practically disappears from the list of countries. Similarly the import of tea from China gave way about the same time to imports from Ceylon.

The present position is illustrated by the tables which follow. It will be seen that, while German trade has naturally ceased, and imports from Great Britain are only £557,000 more than in 1913, three of the remaining six countries have eclipsed all previous records. The figures for Canada, Ceylon, and Fiji show slight decreases over those for the previous year.

IMPORTS FROM PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES, 1897–1916.

Year.United Kingdom.Australia.Canada.India.Ceylon.Fiji.United States.Germany
 ££££££££
18975,392,7381,001,00360,925189,477114,147223,663628,044157,066
18985,148,8331,158,86571,491202,295113,813320,886800,411153,102
18995,526,6451,336,82863,250213,041116,833250,706775,309160,605
19006,504,4841,776,97841,165256,779123,333364,5101,061,873182,074
19016,885,8311,979,32042,178332,747134,742349,7061,415,267198,521
19026,851,4521,715,20553,374286,061125,891327,9721,318,937210,560
19037,512,6682,154,96668,329252,570138,959461,9881,441,358274,297
19047,982,3401,893,036113,485276,106172,759516,5391,527,915308,804
19057,795,2841,815,71796,119297,128179,809456,6291,438,501277,467
19069,003,2292,775,312157,088290,725189,288378,0501,405,781336,960
190710,278,0193,127,553215,232370,655220,102625,6441,425,596351,634
190810,441,8372,841,426268,259345,180210,675557,7091,643,937389,531
19099,287,7862,764,210198,334367,999230,499590,2141,166,063327,847
191010,498,7712,359,393261,402399,991248,476580,0841,399,737391,795
191111,787,3002,944,991283,410326,360275,672728,8061,682,129480,617
191212,499,7872,583,887394,249395,298289,008764,7902,049,618653,230
191313,312,1932,914,848452,519421,209275,350846,4932,107,990687,935
191411,985,9463,376,371479,140486,978394,444738,7512,282,966620,400
191511,141,0673,554,535797,816527,942408,6971,128,9592,600,2487,790
191613,869,4554,002,171757,286572,257366,7531,053,7543,969,9254,287

The next table gives greater detail and shows all the main countries which shipped goods to New Zealand, arranged in geographical order. A quinquennial comparison is made, so as to eliminate any temporary fluctuations.

IMPORTS FROM MAIN COUNTRIES, 1912–16.

Country.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
 £££££
British Possessions.     
United Kingdom12,499,78713,312,19311,985,94611,141,06713,869,455
Europe—     
  Gibraltar 21211
  Malta1852837427098
 1852857529199
Asia—     
  Burma11,79117,56929,02630,94444,916
  Ceylon289,008275,350394,444408,697366,753
  Hong Kong18,07214,74732,47227,80929,041
  India395,298421,209486,978527,942572,257
  Straits Settlements74,61068,48457,49043,32851,418
  Other Asiatic possessions48577945236189
 789,264798,1381,000,8711,038,7561,064,575
Africa—     
  South African Union13,7337,79633,2942,65471,300
  Other African possessions8,22510913,51314,119685
 21,9587,90546,74256,77371,985
America—     
  British West Indies1,1452,2116,5114,0696,192
  Canada, via East Coast394,249452,519380,340545,885440,171
  Canada, via West Coast 98,800251,931317,115 
  Newfoundland 149 692,029
Pacific Islands—     
  Australia2,583,8872,914,8483,376,3713,554,5354,002,171
  Fiji764,790846,493738,7511,128,9591,053,754
  Other Pacific islands18,00713,50815,3774,8025,915
 3,366,6843,774,8494,130,4994,688,2965,061,840
  Foreign Countries.     
Europe—     
  Austria15,35717,86311,228458259
  Belgium153,766203,526110,3913,5514,330
  Denmark11,41115,1699,80436,17541,671
  France150,024150,777147,877132,201113,352
  Germany653,230687,935620,4007,7904,287
  Greece37,32610,90725,04320,79331
  Hungary591489551  
  Italy49,92065,42555,31594,839103,486
  Netherlands91,23384,015127,03884,20570,860
  Norway41,08653,85067,77176,29162,467
  Portugal5,4405,5516,0084,8066,165
  Russia6,45413,1316,1981,2111,017
  Spain16,58814,92814,5189,95114,456
  Sweden90,03493,09379,81794,916102,760
  Switzerland76,35667,62367,82749,07172,160
  Turkey15,8167,92713,9742,846 
  Other European countries111 9 
 1,415,2431,492,2101,363,760619,104597,310
Asia—     
  Asiatic Turkey41,51217,21532,8055,9536,110
  China25,39624,44832,84735,53969,124
  Japan154,587151,106187,501304,322562,974
  Java136,90550,49057,41232,66040,622
  Philippine Islands19,48616,04020,01224,18731,270
  Sumatra 30,289135,843183,450109,240
  Other Asiatic countries7,5114,3774,0621,6694,203
 385,397293,965470,480587,780823,543
Africa—     
  Egypt1,8812,2341,7415,72443,634
  Other African countries4,74615639,00411,62023
 6,6272,39040,74517,34443,657
America—     
  Argentina433231,45281
  Brazil655124165145170
  Chile  11,258521
  Cuba13,0827,7804,3273,550
United States of America—     
    Via East Coast1,708,6481,715,3421,851,0461,693,3252,577,449
    Via West Coast340,970392,648431,920906,9231,392,476
  Other American countries2,773713141333,372
 2,053,0902,111,2702,291,2492,607,5633,977,619
Pacific Islands—     
  German Samoa2,2491,8238,04952,04519,317
  Hawaii262553671,0152,545
  New Caledonia7,0498,023312,1734,042
  Society Islands18,14614,30519,42329,18910,950
  Tonga14,51415,70812,12229,8534,145
  Tuamotu Archipelago  10045,57822,664
  Other Pacific islands5304145330
 42,22540,21840,078169,90663,693
Grand total20,976,57422,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,283

In 1914 a change was made in the system of compilation of trade statistics, and for the first time statistics of imports were obtained for countries of origin as well as countries of shipment. Before 1914 it was the practice to credit imports to the country from which the goods were shipped to the Dominion, and considerable care was taken to ensure that the original port of shipment was ascertained. But there was no means of discovering where the goods were actually made, and this was felt to be a great gap in the statistics. Arrangements were made accordingly, so that importers are now required to declare the country of origin as well as the country of shipment of all goods imported. The following table permits the study of imports both ways.

IMPORTS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN 1916.

Country.Imports according to
Country of Shipment.Country of Origin.
Value.Per Cent. of Total.Value.Per Cent. of Total.
 £ £ 
United Kingdom13,869,45552.6613,313,58850.55
British Possessions.    
Europe—    
  Gibraltar1 1 
  Malta98 443 
 99 444 
Asia—    
  Burma44,9160.1756,4890.21
  Ceylon366,7531.39380,8481.45
  Hong Kong29,0410.1115,5810.06
  India572,2572.17588,1962.23
  Straits Settlements51,4180.2053,1850.20
  Other Asiatic possessions190 16 
 1,064,5754.041,094,3154.15
Africa—    
  British West Africa429 1,5080.01
  Mauritius256 462 
  South African Union71,3000.27105,0000.40
  Other African possessions  1 
 71,9850.27106,9710.41
America—    
  British West Indies6,1920.0216,8090.06
  Canada via East Coast440,1711.67761,1052.89
  Canada via West Coast317,1151.20  
  Newfoundland2,0290.012,9070.01
  Other American possessions  25 
 765,5072.90780,8462.96
Pacific Islands—    
  Australia4,002,17115.203,079,17911.69
  Fiji1,053,7544.001,050,0253.99
  Gilbert and Ellice Islands5,7200.025,7200.02
  Other Pacific possessions195 10,4150.04
 5,061,84019.224,145,33915.74
Foreign Countries.    
Europe—    
  Austria259 686 
  Belgium4,3300.0219,6620.08
  Denmark41,6710.1647,9810.18
  France113,3520.43431,4261.64
  Germany4,2870.028,2040.03
  Greece31 4,2420.02
  Italy103,4860.39264,4681.00
  Luxemburg  157 
  Netherlands70,8600.27132,0000.30
  Norway62,4670.2470,3820.27
  Portugal6,1650.0219,6540.07
  Russia1,017 8,3710.03
  Spain14,4560.0534,2200.13
  Sweden102,7600.39118,8880.45
  Switzerland72,1600.28320,3141.22
  Turkey  540 
  Other European countries9 315 
 597,3102.271,481,5105.62
Asia—    
  Asiatic Turkey6,1100.0218,8150.07
  China69,1240.2696,8550.37
  Dutch Borneo2,8050.016,6360.03
  Japan562,9742.14616,9032.34
  Java40,6220.1642,7880.16
  Persia701 2,0750.01
  Philippine Islands31,2700.1232,5880.12
  Sarawak and Brunei  1,5180.01
  Sumatra109,2400.42107,9220.41
  Other Asiatic countries697 2,5980.01
 823,5433.13928,6983.53
Africa—    
  Egypt43,6340.1745,5370.18
  Madagascar9 100 
  Morocco 1,8570.01 
  Zanzibar7 896 
  Other African countries7 866 
 43,6570.1749,2560.19
America—    
  Alaska1,256 1,259 
  Brazil170 2,9760.01
  Chile521 2,5070.01
  Cuba3,5500.014,4210.02
  Guatemala675 1,5480.01
United States of America—    
  Via East Coast577,4499.79  
  Via West Coast1,392,4765.294,358,80616.55
Other American countries1,5220.010,0490.02
 3,977,61915.104,377,56616.62
Pacific Islands—    
  German Samoa19,3170.0818,6040.07
  Hawaii2,5450.012,5770.01
  New Caledonia4,0420.014,0420.01
  Society Islands10,9500.0410,9440.04
  Tonga4,1450.011,8700.01
  Tuamotu Archipelago22,6640.0922,6640.09
  Other Pacific islands30 49 
 63,6930.2460,7500.23
Grand total26,339,283100.0026,339,283100.00

Direct shipments from the United Kingdom, it will be seen, exceed by over half a million the imports of goods manufactured in that country. In view, however, of the considerable quantity of British goods that enter New Zealand by way of Australia it would not be correct to take that figure as measuring the re-export trade done by Great Britain in goods from abroad intended for the Dominion.

Australia acts as a re-exporting centre for a certain proportion of goods received from Ceylon and India, just as Hong Kong does for Chinese goods. The British West Indies still produce considerably more of the imports than they ship direct, but the 1916 figures for Canada are practically level. In the case of the United States, goods to the value of nearly £400,000 were imported indirectly in 1916.

The goods produced in European countries are often shipped via United Kingdom, and as was expected, the total produce of these countries in every instance greatly exceeds the value shipped direct from their ports. The most important country, France, affords a good illustration of the position. Asiatic countries generally show similar results; but Hong Kong and Australia take part of the entrepôCt trade. United States, too, seems to ship to New Zealand a fair quantity of goods made in Canada.

In the exports subsection of this book it has been shown that New Zealand is a primary producing country—i.e., her exports consist principally of raw materials. It was also pointed out that the largest proportion of imports was of manufactures. The following table, grouped in the same manner as the export table referred to, illustrates this statement. Of the total (£26,339,283) the United Kingdom supplied £13,313,588, or 50.55 per cent. Manufactured articles imported amounted to £19,027,156, of which the Mother-country supplied £11,030,796, or 57.97 per cent. The figures given refer to countries of origin.

Countries.Food, Drink, and Tobacco.Raw Materials, and Articles mainly unmanufactured.Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.Miscellaneous and Unclassified.Bullion and Specie.Total.
 ££££££
United Kingdom1,478,149342,85211,030,796179,412282,37913,313,588
British Possessions.      
Europe—      
  Gibraltar 1 1  
  Malta 443 443  
Asia—      
  Aden 11 11  
  Burma20,472 39,017 56,489 
  Ceylon375,0451,6114,192 380,848 
  Cyprus1 4 5 
  Hong Kong9,2769835,31111 15,581
  India46,60912,530526,0972,90 588,196
  Straits Settlements50,6551,686844 53,185 
Africa—      
  British East Africa Protectorate1    1
  British West Africa897 611 1,508 
  Mauritius462   462 
  South African Union52,57610,36141,907156 105,000
America—      
  Bermuda5   5 
  British Guiana20   20 
  British West Indies15,8221192056 16,809
  Canada65,11957,467631,4457,074 761,105
  Newfoundland 2,907 2,907  
Pacific Islands—      
  Australia616,390433,120980,11537,3461,012,2083,079,179
  British Solomon Islands 10 10  
  Protectorate     10
  Fiji1,049,7211111894 1,050,025
  Gilbert and Ellice Islands 5,720 5,720  
  New Zealand7401,0934,0094,378 10,220
  Norfolk Island90921 183 
  Papua  2 2 
Foreign Countries and Possessions.      
Europe—      
  Austria  686 686 
  Belgium769019,496 19,662 
  Bulgaria 206 206  
  Denmark1,29717811,74334,763 47,981
  France98,67811,665310,22110,862 431,426
  Germany211577,9351 8,204
  Greece3,241 1,001 4,242 
  Italy18,3832,187243,522376 264,468
  Luxemburg 157 157  
  Netherlands81,2223,05340,9750,750 132,000
  Norway24,9411,48743,804150 70,382
  Portugal13,8775,75225 19,654 
  Rumania 109 109  
  Russia49336,6751,614 8,371
  Spain15,53115,7742,88530 34,220
  Sweden511,28498,8158,784 118,888
  Switzerland50,125 269,1191,070 320,314
  Turkey 540540   
 ££££££
Asia—      
  Asiatic Turkey18,707 108 18,815 
  China27,89798667,656316 96,855
  Cochin China594 508 1,102 
  Dutch Borneo 6,636 6,636  
  Formosa19 70 89 
  Japan25,67928,931558,1294,164616,903 
  Java3,09139,129568 42,788 
  Malay States80 22 102 
  Minor Dutch East Indies225 1,080 1,305 
  Persia1,424 651 2,075 
  Philippine Islands4,01328,55718 32,588 
  Sarawak and Brunei 1,518 1,518  
  Sumatra 107,922 107,922  
Africa—      
  Abyssinia48   48 
  Anglo-Egyptian Sudan 278 278  
  Cameroons100   100 
  Canary Islands 1 56 57
  Egypt775 44,762 45,537 
  French Equatorial Africa187   187 
  French West Africa46   46 
  Madagascar552520 100 
  Madeira  150 150 
  Morocco1,53516306 1,857 
  Zanzibar876 20 896 
America—      
  Alaska1,259   1,259 
  Argentina2251,52521 1,771 
  Brazil2,06929032 2,976
  Chile 2,507 2,507  
  Colombia 748 748  
  Cuba4,3491656 4,421 
  Danish West Indies399   399 
  Ecuador779 324 1,103 
  French West Indies4 2 6 
  Guatemala1,548   1,548 
  Mexico6 11356 175
  Panama 17 17  
  Paraguay3 1 4 
  Peru 600 600  
  Santo Domingo364 364   
  Surinam 14 14  
  United States of America396,19365,4283,869,76927,416 4,358,806
  Uruguay59115665 839 
  Venezuela7 2 9 
Pacific Islands—      
  German Samoa16,1152,356133 18,604 
  Hawaii2,538 39 2,577 
  New Caledonia 4,042 4,042  
  New Hebrides47   47 
  Society Islands2,9263,4604,558 10,944 
  Tonga2971,536343 1,870
  Tuamotu Archipelago 22,664 22,664  
  Tutuila 2 2  
Totals4,604,2251,085,55919,027,156527,7561,294,58726,339,283

In order to give more detailed information concerning the trade of New Zealand with other countries the following tables have been compiled, giving the main items of import from all the principal countries with which New Zealand trades. The tables give a five-yearly comparison, and in order to do this it was necessary to take the value of goods shipped from each country, a value which does not necessarily agree with the amount produced in that country.

Account has been taken only of those items of a value of £5,000 or more, so that the tables are not made too complicated by the additions of great numbers of small items. The full details will be found in the “Statistics of New Zealand,” Volume II.

PRINCIPAL IMPORTS.

Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.

* New heading, 1914.

† Included under various headings.

‡ Heading altered in 1916.

United Kingdom.
 £££££  
I11Fish, preserved, in tins, &c.27,51025,96621,77311,12918,343
 40Milk and cream, preserved, &c.4,8146,55621,2837,0426,448
 41Provisions n.o.e.12,90017,12919,81517,80222,298
II44Biscuits, other5,5126,2116,1203,5174,166
 46Cocoa-butter, &c.13,43912,16916,01519,35535,469
  Chocolate confectionery—     
 48  In fancy packages40,85638,22843,86660,59990,295
 49 In plain trade packages9,65311,03412,07112,95810,464
 52Confectionery n.o.e.32,32937,38137,91029,89338,151
 58Foods for animals n.o.e.2,0103,0053,2976,0963,643
 61Currants2553791,86411,4272,467
 62Dates*  4,56018,05212,321
  Grain and pulse, prepared—     
 88  Maizena and cornflour14,75116,74316,83021,29129,470
 100  Unenumerated5,3696,5075,7045,9255,111
 102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.14,5159,8129,6099,88812,201
 103Jams, jellies, and preserves6,4497,1836,5464,1104,243
 107Mustard13,87014,07013,62013,22321,312
 108Nuts, edible—Almonds*  4,05916,95610,932
 112Oilmen's stores n.o.e.13,04816,05415,05612,74615,856
 117Sauces and chutneys Salt—11,34411,79310,8929,01511,692
 120  Rock37,48947,1702,4381,427674
 121  Table preparations37,48947,1701,9451,8083,427
 122  Other 39,54335,13726,475 
 137Vinegar5,6087,6628,7018,0517,146
III140Cocoa and chocolate25,44129,33530,62664,13359,793
 142Coffee-essence16,34318,39916,94711,40418,875
IV151Ale and beer, &c.60,20954,34859,50050,69142,756
  Spirits, beverages—     
 154  Brandy22,17524,73516,47012,07424,866
 155  Gin, geneva, and schnapps10,76611,70810,03513,88931,800
 156  Rum3,2303,6663,6564,2155,973
 158  Whisky275,183284,248283,239246,144495,425
  Spirits other than beverages—     
 160  Flavouring-essences9,20311,40310,7969,16516,125
 163Spirits, perfumed3,4735,3365,6515,9246,176
  Wine, fermented—     
 166  Sparkling13,67410,8275,9205,6026,873
 167  Still18,85018,59410,0409,44412,568
V168Cigarettes158,906169,909221,809183,108313,380
 169Cigars6,3237,4617,8177,3768,548
  Tobacco, manufactured—     
 171  Cut82,21866,87295,14891,457126,103
 172  Other  4,839831101
VI177Horses—Entires*  5,01510,950275
VIII209Cork, cut4,7034,5329,77813,78118,865
 211Engineers cotton-waste6,71710,8877,7849,2116,348
 222Rosin2,5321,5741,5953,9055,706
  Seeds—     
 223  Grass and clover39,40032,66535,444194,81089,301
 225  Other40,39638,93350,77970,20169,558
 227Starch10,3909,1489,1977,48413,303
 230Tanning materials, crude, other1,3316585,1198,67132,945
 233Yarns, other15,56819,22622,94134,11451,430
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.1,014,5121,184,8161,092,539862,8111,097,550
 235Apparel made to order9271,1786,4173,6373,535
  Boots and shoes—     
 236  Childrens', 0–620,18223,95020,25718,20232,086
 239  Goloshes, slippers, &c.13,74917,17218,66517,89918,196
 240  Grindery31,54330,95030,80325,89847,836
 243  Vamps, uppers, lace10,53210,71111,0306,81214,187
 244  Other270,301322,835310,102279,646275,861
 245Corsets*  11,14516,05621,897
 246Furs, and fur trimmings7,93213,83520,86416,26915,708
 247Gloves n.o.e.*  46,35651,43070,557
  Haberdashery—     
 248  Brace-elastic A brace-mounting1,7809213,3663,3215,829
 249  Buttons, tapes, &c.38,60949,43746,95138,56251,435
 250  Unenumerated1,78092116,93118,40126,373
 251Hats and caps87,212114,632119,916101,496101,012
 252Hatmakers' materials24,52722,58915,83720,90627,254
 253Hosiery183,265206,264192,990197,277296,513
 254Lace and laces n.o.e.46,60442,28744,59835,62737,050
  Millinery—     
 256  Other ornamental feathers8,55013,71312,6538,6746,486
 257Unenumerated83,36292,34489,52677,86183,076
 258Minor articles n.o.e. for making up apparel, &c.8,6279,9248,86312,83921,212
 259Ribbon and crape44,97842,50871,44472,99665,896
 260Tailors' trimmings75,98780,97169,35364,23682,544
 261Umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades5,7576,2045,8074,1864,492
 262Umbrellas, parasols, &c., materials for making8,63810,0686,2067,0428,726.
IXB263Articles n.o.e., partly or wholly made up from textiles23,63830,59930,43834,31445,136
 266Carpets, druggets, &c.88,94695,98195,81071,273119,089
 267Drapery n.o.e.353,295309,885251,412210,229273,911
 268Felt, sheathing6,7036,3146,18711,8508,380
 270Matting n.o.e. and mats7,3108,7387,9906,7299,225
 271Oilcloths, linoleum, and stair and oil baize*  89,18980,50699,038
 274Canvas, sailcloth, and unbleached double-warped duck78,30094,09182,91156,41868,754
 275Butter and cheese cloth6,5378,2787,60312,84418,047
 276Candle-wick5,4367,9846,3256,1059,492
 277Tubular woven cotton-cloth, for meat-wraps47,59443,17749,63457,95378,570
 278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.780,691831,504736,062870,8381,381,350
 279Hessians n.o.e. and scrim29,15742,11545,91723,50942,571
 280Leather-cloth9,2258,3547,2026,3909,145
 281Linen piece-goods50,55856,07341,80037,64937,140
 283Silks, satins, velvets, and plushes29,07636,13555,67379,685107,221
 285Waterproof cloth4,4436,3265,8504,8605,886
 286Woollen piece-goods n.o.e.319,567385,145345,091325,786826,278
 287Textile piece-goods n.o.e.218,936157,515139,452106,72538,780
  Rugs—     
 288  Woollen  11,4247,7208,461
 289  Other21,10625,04710,88013,07717,641
 290Sewing threads, silks, cotton, &c.73,41267,11567,14781,156109,547
 291Tents, tarpaulins, sails. &c.2,2166,9057,4773025,783
  Cordage and rope—     
IXC300  Iron and steel33,33942,70034,04725,01832,351
 301  Unenumerated15,24215,28011,92411,97517,007
 309Twine n.o.e.21,81529,51423,30731,60149,289
  Oils—£££££
X325  Mineral, lubricating10,80514,91615,55415,42819,744
 332  Vegetable, linseed87,64577,21139,20044,43445,752
 338Oils (not essential) in vessels containing less than 1 gallon5,7496,6926,0606,0525,778
 343Paraffin-wax684113,9573,8536,821
  Paints and colours—     
XI348  Ground in oil or turpentine80,46591,65383,21569,47382,848
 349  Ships' antifouling composition* 2,0822,4148,786 
 350  Other32,36033,74932,64130,82342,132
 351  Unenumerated13,14314,80212,46112,35516,727
 354Varnishes, lacquers, and gold-size16,86318,19815,23413,95115,721
XII371Stone, other, dressed or polished6,5427,2228,4035,7399,271
  Specie—     
XIII374  Gold  21,000  
 375  Silver101,52080,6556,900211,111264,445
  Iron and steel—     
XIVA388  Bar, bolt, and rod181,620248,087172,196135,499172,173
 391Pig43,92842,58738,67526,44817,648
 402Tin—ingots, pigs, bars, &c.9,86413,73515,4896,7574,594
 405Metal, unmanufactured, n.o.e.* 5,5586,2606,985 
XIVB408Bolts and nuts34,23540,92944,15534,76841,946
 410Brass, plate and sheet, plain*  3,59811,23417,682
 414Chains and chain cables17,99016,95513,25612,96415,880
 416Copper, plate and sheet, plain*  19,62920,82120,903
 417Cutlery*  35,29835,59226,965
 422Hardware, hollow-ware, and ironmongery n.o.e.386,119361,730273,709206,157247,540
  Iron and steel—     
 423  Angle and tee12,43616,7498,81612,73711,677
 424  Channel and girders*  37,76931,6048,172
 426  Hoop, black, n.o.e. 28,63220,83322,71845,793
    Plate and sheet—     
 430    Corrugated, galvanized279,424329,293249,101268,430180,451
 431    Plain black60,38187,46047,18650,63351,304
 432    Plain galvanized66,29371,69153,43053,51092,251
    Tubes, pipes, &c.—     
 433    Cast over 9 in. diam.  12,3012,957492
 434    Cast under 9 in. diam.  27,91615,08621,149
 435    Wrought over 6 in. diam.232,145252,8318,2357,250560
 436    Wrought under 6 in. diam.  162,804161,164153,626
  Lamps, &c.—     
 439  Gas-mantles*  6,1316,77416,819
 441  Other35,50637,09225,07520,24717,366
 443Lead, sheet*  10,1822,0312,395
  Meters—     
 447  Electricity, household supply*  9,6918,88311,564
 448  Gas, household supply*  17,92019,88213,689
 450  Water*  6,2448,9202,670
 455Nails, other35,94127,33120,93619,65715,135
 456Plate and platedware91,85592,86887,74941,69471,402
 458Printing materials—Type and materials n.o.e.9,77211,4617,9276,1285,629
  Railway and tramway plant—     
 461  Rails, &c.  104,156183,78918,910
 462  Wagons, cars, &c38,07666,4458,9432,6911,527
 463Other  34,70756,09651,663
XIVB464Refrigerating apparatus3,5645,0164,7265,97817,374
 465Rivets and washers10,35811,65510,17610,48515,927
 469Stoves and ranges, gas*  5,5882,8034,679
 472Tanks and cisterns19,04717,87517,08913,58916,592
 473Telephones and accessories*  11,79326,41216,391
 474Tinned sheets and plates, plain75,47377,85975,53681,907151,067
 476Tinware, other16,20015,38218,07421,53122,879
 481Spades, shovels, and forks9,53411,49511,7946,5639,415
 482Tools and implements, other74,52773,23154,84638,29643,389
  Wire—     
 484  Bare copper*  21,49523,53014,308
    Iron—     
 485    Fencing, barbed31,93722,64322,70713,153 
 486    Fencing, plain82,07757,27866,70440,16742,511
 487    Telegraphic and telephonic6,46510,6784,7478,5541,368
 488  N.o.e.*  5,4824,1056,392
 489  Netting64,24253,24556,18227,14813,212
 490  Wove, &c.*  3,5576,4854,407
 491  Other, plain5,5284,0139,9297,9084,976
  Metal manufactures, other—     
 494  Free79,63187,82415,92916,87931,816
 495  20 percent.170,017171,209115,14173,13094,167
  Machinery—     
XV511  Agricultural, other*  37,89830,71939,315
 517  Dairying—Cream-separators*  8,1397,1243,443
    Electrical—     
 524    Electric batteries and cells*  3,9374,5169,955
 525    Generators, motors and transformers, &c.  59,12243,42844,253
 526    Insulated cable and wire274,027308,131111,04590,032139,606
 527    Lamps, &c.  22,02123,76932,060
 528    Materials, &c.  6,0804,8027,083
 529    N.o.e.  65,07766,10776,168
    Engines—     
 531    Gas, &c., for motorcars149,126160,24363,01234,81495
 532    Gas, &c., other  67,75541,08940,076
 533    Portable and traction31,49820,67315,8042,1601,449
 535  Steam n.o.e., 1,000 i.h.p. and under  10,8098,24410,456
 536      Boilers for, over 500 i.h.p.29,6928,1065,725  
 537      Boilers for, 500 i.h.p. and under*  3,41613,3899,698
 538    Mining, unenumerated* 16,1879,1709,484 
 557    Printing — Printing machines and presses*  18,75018,14710,744
 559    Road rollers and graders*  7,1575,6975,641
 560  Sewing-machines15,31814,8826,59713,16030,362
 561    Tools — Engineers', machine and hand44,94745,32732,72416,82711,262
 562    Typewriters4,6205,7645,5044,3973,645
 567    Woollen-mill, unenumerated6,4689,8117,8763,3066,095
XV569      Unenumerated (5 per cent.)4,3935,6465,4933,7411,569
 570      N.o.e. (20 per cent.)70,41161,55267,37058,22250,854
 571      Materials for and parts of (dutiable)†6,0747594,8692,66624,018
 572      Materials for parts of (free)†14,17023,48827,15119,9197,366
XVIA573Indiarubber hose, tubing, and piping13,14311,28811,34411,48110,436
XVIB579Belting, other than leather26,24335,00626,86222,09138,153
  Leather—     
 585  Goat and kid skins*  7,6699,32818,556
 592  Sole, pump, and skirt leather*  38,2593,9035,411
 597Portmanteaux, trunks, and carpet-bags7,95312,6069,8404,0825,403
  Saddlery and harness—     
 598  Collar-check7,5459,65213,65212,56119,285
 600  Saddlers' ironmongery25,04525,07615,63411,43718,232
 602  N.o.e. (including whips)40,22624,79718,8897,59412,495
 603Unenumerated manufactures of leather2,8144,7034,7986,3127,506
  Furniture—     
XVIIB651  Materials for — Blind webbing and tape, &c.10,3898,1157,8405,95010,747
 653  Unenumerated17,22617,68710,3825,1254,123
 661Woodenware and turnery14,26514,20511,80712,3026,749
XVIII666n.o.e. Cement, building, Portland, and other structural41,04118,42919,2525,4071,183
 667China, porcelain, and parianware35,00939,01528,95721,98139,604
 669Earthenware n.o.e.101,062105,63775,27563,66293,672
  Glass—     
 671  Bottles, plain, empty28,24732,42125,39121,35412,029
 673  Crown, sheet and common window22,42222,85613,47624,46222,810
 674  Glassware n.o.e.12,44512,38512,03410,83212,489
 676  Mirrors and looking-glasses6,0278,1925,9713,9095,448
 678  Plate, other16,75422,29712,62516,25314,969
 679  Unenumerated*  6,4305,6015,605
 682Tiles n.o.e. — Flooring, wall, hearth, and garden*  10,7717,12913,330
XIXA685Paper bags n.o.e.12,3429,0658,9346,3048,215
 686Bookbinders' materials8,8187,3557,9486,6268,512
 689Cardboard boxes, materials for, other11,50513,9449,87713,38820,174
 692Paperhangings42,53640,17134,75022,41134,814
  Paper—     
 693  Printing114,464114,44699,99592,990165,334
 694  Wrapping6,8496,0305,9344,5765,465
 695  Writing55,16754,49749,33151,154110,432
XIXB697Artists' materials*  5,8876,2016,156
 698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.186,138170,792179,957162,824170,723
 699Calendars and showcards*  10,7108,6247,982
 703Handbills, circulars, &c.10,49010,95414,30311,30211,968
 704Inks, printing5,3485,5745,5484,8478,545
 706Stationery, manufactured53,95861,02150,04942,34949,089
 709Pictures, paintings, &c., n.o.e.6,2588,7736,7053,3034,690
 711Stationery n.o.e.62,11566,09058,26253,64789,792
XX712Fancy goods and toys166,540181,425118,00080,203112,222
 714Jewellery — Precious stones, cut, unmounted1915914,43515,65422,850
 715Jewellery, other4,3385,92652,31837,50150,511
 716Sporting, gaming, ant athletic requisites n.o.e.  31,65526,96312,993
  Timepieces—     
 717  Clocks5,6917,7926,2541,6772,430
 719  Watches11,26612,15645,33752,94118,320
 721Tobacco-pipes, cigarette-cases, &c.26,45023,51929,36629,20731,664
 725Cinematograph, &c., films*  13,46515,75924,050
XXI728Microscopes and telescopes*  9,1714,3694,214
  Photographic materials and goods—     
 729  Cameras and lenses6,0416.3038,3904,7834,305
 730  Sensitized surfaces, &c.15,34819,00619,77114,14726,102
  Instruments—     
 732  Scientific n.o.e.7,8376,7565,9894,2075,250
 733  Surgical and dental19,27121,08524,35821,08430,261
XXIIA741Tartaric acid5,4525,5263,77410,65318,665
 747Borax3,7494,1704,6463,2216,349
 750Chemicals and chemical preparations, n.o.e.4,3586,0234,8226,9479,967
 751Cream of tartar6,1861,7331,68519,50614,543
 752Cyanide of potassium and sodium37,11025,47440,27042,50344,152
 753Dyes6,2885,2413.95510,59128,380
 757Disinfectants13,48415,17714,50816,49125,327
 759Insecticides and treewashes n.o.e.1,3292,3396,4344,4868,053
 761Sheep-dip47,00351,99443,27031,07459,426
 765Medicinal preparations n.o.e.87,39299,164100,22288,080129,289
 768Oils, essential, other5,0685,9200,2987,2557,854
 772Perfumery — Toilet - preparations13,14918,36520,63823,88524,796
  Soda—     
 780    Ash6,4786,2556,6766,7468,239
 781    Bicarbonate and carbonate4,6297,1707,0835,56911,848
 782    Caustic10,51413,76613,2199,85518,221
 791Drugs, other (free)*  4,2837,0547,753
XXIIB798Basic slag and Thomas' phosphate*  67,81740,11321,359
 803Superphosphates*  48,95420,5801,444
  Arms, &c.—     
XXIII811  Accoutrements22,1181,8483,4609,1682,504
 815  Cartridges, shot, 10-24 bore27,33019,04524,92618,29019,450
 818  Detonators4,1614,9421,7076,8733,929
 822  Firearms for New Zealand Government (not ordnance stores)4224,4059,164375 
 824  Firearms, other8,3945,9308,6094,3273,041
 831  Gelignite*  46,41237,99636,589
 833  Lithofracteur, cordite, &c.44159,8101,4705,8313,381
 834  Ordnance stores74,60262,69213,65363511,762
 835  Powder, blasting18,95415,87217,04919,11413,042
 838A. and M.S.25,35128,81419,60822,32823,824
 839Asbestos, sheets, slates, and tiles*  19,65824,47719,450
 842Blue, laundry8,3596,2178.9999,85511,400
 847Brushes, brush ware and brooms42,56241,88236,94823,20727,864
 848Brushmakers' materials9,9058,44110,8047,29811,347
 849Candles23,75418,95823,80619,12924,138
XXIII850Combs, hair and toilet4,8983,5882,11102,9505,650
 853Educational apparatus7,8458,2515,6614,0786,648
  Instruments, musical—     
 859    Pianos74,15579,92661,32577,94890,747
 860    Pianolas, phonographs, &c.  9,4565,3208,004
 861    Records (pianolas, &c.)  7,9665,52711,921
 862    Other9,79512,9848,9809,6389,071
  Matches and vestas—     
 863    Wax10,33517,18422,25713,73516,150
 864    Wooden3,8987,3127,0137,3688,141
 867Engine-packing13,40913,43711,58711,65715,478
  Polishes—     
 870    Blacking5,7484,675,7233,0146,143
 871    Blacklead8,6536,5205,34310,2758,946
 872Metal polishes*  5,1694,3896,741
 873Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish6,0805,6643,9803,0008,779
  Soap—     
 876    Powder, &c.15,81713,07915,68916,99913,581
 877    Unenumerated18,41920,35823,70419,12533,399
 882Bicycles and tricycles27,43517,35413,76011,69020,827
 883    Rubber tires for*  14,32721,36022,786
 884    Other materials (free)‡  4,91212,2022,812
 885    N.o.e.‡  4,19013,68835,217
 886Motor bicycles and tricycles43,23849,28040,56533,84155,984
 887    Rubber tires, covers for*  28,90020,29119,988
 888    Other materials (free)‡  21,4651,66224
 889    Other‡  18,5691,0847,824
 Motor vehicles—      
 893    Bodies for60,05969,30766,61344,36470,237
 894    Chassis for196,080270,857281,551163,048102
 895    Materials for ‡ 108,846144,234144,234225,519
  Vehicles—     
 899    Axles, axle-arms, &c.20,33819,3439,5006,6317,683
 900    Springs, &c.19,51020,00821,62821,5599,910
 902Miscellaneous (manufactured)23,28125,12911,12614,95020,663
 903Miscellaneous (unmanufactured)8,5564,4934,0835,8122,413
  Parcels-post423,974364,191
Burma.
  Wax—     
X343Paraffin3,3533,5519,4688,13724,947
XXIII849Candles6,68811,46516,29718,18210,596
Ceylon.
II47Coconut, desiccated6,3064,5759,3477,1138,968
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed4,8876,2766,5716,81012,755
 149Tea, in bulk271,100258,476372,795388,742338,515
Hong Kong.
II103Jams, jellies, and preserves4,1523,7637,5164,3247,277
IXB283Other silks, satins, &c.8278783,2726,3579,948
India.
III143Coffee, raw1,9791,9343,2465,3945,084
 149Tea, in bulk23,29619,29424,67938,95228,739
IXB266Carpets and carpeting &c.7269131,7474,1106,344
  Bagging and sacking—     
 272Hessian and jute29,84732,28543,30743,07645,292
 279Hessians and scrim11,35212,96411,08018,60633,719
  Bags and sacks—     
IXC294    Corn-sacks174,434194,046183,170189,164177,366
 295    Jute and hessian n.o.e.15,71425,98730,59546,81749,740
 296    Woolpacks61,95574,21375,69181,444101,640
  Oils, vegetable—     
X329    Castor18,91117,80821,18327,86421,781
 332    Linseed4,4534,1577,0886,74916,759
XII358Coal—Cargo*  39,184  
 391Pig Iron3,7115,2892,7497,1669,336
XXIIB800Manures—Bonedust*  16,14029,04647,601
Straits Settlements.
II59Fruits—Bottled and preserved8,60911,3117,3239,96411,110
 119Sago and tapioca20,97217,32817,42216,52522,474
 124Spices n.o.e., unground11,4239,40014,26612,06715,067
XXIIB802Manures — Guano and rock phosphates*  13,2571,260 
Seychelles
XXIIB802Manures — Guano and rock phosphates*  13,29813,730 
South African Union.
II80Maize*  7237,158973
IV154Spirits — Beverages: brandy  4 34,627
 167Wine—Still5,5545,4375,3246,58911,015
V171Tobacco, cut, manufactured2492972,1925,4365,459
VIII229Tanning-bark3911,1062645,3755,936
XII358Coal—Cargo*  23,018  
 831Gelignite   13,2006,600
Canada.
111Fish, preserved47,60834,17336,54640,26743,742
II67Fruits, fresh—Apples7,26915,0226,8758,94611,963
 83Wheat 11139,153 
 87Flour, wheaten 3035931,5392223
VIII223Seeds, grass and clover9,5898,0219,69411,6376,657
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.13,87111,2896,7548,6058,898
 245Corsets*  7,1234,57112,357
XIVB388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, and rod1  16,59455,878
 418Fencing-staples6852,5662,5845,822
 436Iron pipes, wrought, under 6 in. diam.*  20,06380,23349,257
 455Nails, other*  4,41113,44248,943
  Iron wire, fencing—     
 485    Barbed1119825,2571,6873,853
 486    Plain5173,03513,2641,94828,710
 488    N.o.e.36  2,3386,874
  Machinery, agricultural—     
XV499    Drills and sowers2,0407,17915,0972,9622,019
 507    Reapers and binders14,12915,6212,1038,09713,324
 511    Parts of*  7,5045,7015,248
 587Hide leathers, undressed*  2,4319,0362,388
 592Sole leather, &c.*  2,7999,6189,146
 653Furniture, &c., n.o.e.*  4,4446,6384,982
XIXA692Paperhangings5,4565,3075,4435,0507,792
  Paper—     
 693    Printing91,951103,606122,889149,238119,046
 694    Wrapping, imprinted1021,6164,60612,5229,447
  Motor vehicles—     
XXIII893    Bodies for21,98927,99927,88638,375139,391
 894    Chassis for57,15281,54878,34698,306 
 895Motor-car materials and parts†2,2242,36891711,90558,265
 900Vehicles—Springs, &c.165727,4132,632828
Australia.
140Milk and cream, preserved, &c. 112677,8662,248
II52Confectionery, unenumerated2,2261,7082,5372,7619,104
  Fruits, dried—     
 61    Currants3,35958413,82646832,200
 65    Raisins8,5576,52617,92914,95551,989
  Fruits, fresh—     
 67    Apples*  7,8215724,161
 71    Lemons7,9187,3286,4585,0403,319
 72    Oranges*  10,54612,74011,624
 75    Other*  14,90920,53223,089
  Grain and pulse, unprepared—     
 78    Barley 1 926,434
 81    Oats7072603,3833,15143,023
 83    Wheat2772424,84123,28815,357
      Prepared—     
 87      Flour, wheaten18,17926,49997,4988,24660,051
 95      Pollard and sharps1,0103,7674,419 9,058
 96      Rice, dressed31,50529,76344,69543,31232,754
 97      Rice, undressed  1,9356112,248
 98      Rice-meal refuse6,8454,8067,64511,7009,263
 102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.5,8947,4038,8348,0079,746
 122Salt, other*  8,48725,56145,641
 130Sugar, refined10,02011,12216,6978,3958,928
 134Onions7,97312,32512,04310,57817,009
 135Potatoes18573653815,698
 149Tea, in bulk23,62217,00029,22524,45615,821
  Spirits — Beverages:4,1603,8457,31020,15816,750
IV158Whisky     
 164Spirits of wine8,4638,01210,35710,89011,135
 167Wine, still27,09824,32532,85632,28932,792
  Tobacco, manufactured—     
V171    Cut132,769119,02296,33391,68798,607
 172    Other  63,57255,61955,467
VI176Horses, ordinary*  7,0129,8347,628
 194Hides, cattle, undressed*  1,93620,53723,805
 198Hides, sheep, with wool*  4,95817,124434
VII204Wool, greasy8,1184,47720,6507,987 
VIII209Cork, cut1,2031,0412,1882,61751731
 221Plants, trees, and shrubs13,0049,55210,47212,43910,971
 223Seeds, grass and clover8,3597,3773,3256,10015,733
  Tanning material, crude—     
 229    Bark41,91428,79727,19528,02027,863
 230    Other2,3113,0583,8294,81710,899
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.16,69913,20715,88919,23815,859
 240Grindery8,9597,93813,88112,79517,743
 244Boots and shoes, other*  2,1477,21921,184
 251Hats and caps    5,029
 258Minor articles n.o.e, for making up apparel1721861171,1036,153
 263Articles n.o.e. partly or wholly made up from textiles4647035802,6708,336
 267Drapery n.o.e.8,3104,7814,6828,1086,526
 277Tubular woven, for meat-wraps5235531,1385,7709,635
IXB278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.21,19215,10419,03730,18530,656
 281Linen piece-goods4,1853,1481,5743,2845,356
 283Other silks, satins, &c.7,8873,6294,4014,6886,403
 286Woollen piece-goods n.o.e.8,6848,48911,21515,55811,423
 295Bags and sacks, jute and hessian*  4,27613,1215,094
 300Cordage and rope—Iron and steel3,7664,1722,8324,1667,514
X321Petroleum, crude, &c.4,1474,2103,5675,6322,819
  Oils—     
X325    Mineral, lubricating4,2596,61411,16910,06323,596
 332    Vegetable, linseed2921699317,015
 339Stearine7125023,16713,67316,567
XII358Coal—Cargo365,414466,286459,243338,131189,626
  Specie—     
XIII374    Gold290,000540,000653,000797,0001,023,000
 375    Silver1,230 27,10010,000 
XIVA381Copper—Angle, strip, tee, &c.13,63913,09813,26614,4625,632
 388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, and rod6,9846,1945,9878,62220,291
 391Pig iron1,8921,2214,36314,0356,494
 393Lead—Pig and bar29,05220,23621,45816,03319,690
 402Tin — Ingot, pig, bar, &c.32,85527,80727,89622,62227,850
XIVB410Brass—Plate and sheet, plain1593101,1404,93412,533
 422Hardware, hollow-ware, and ironmongery8,0249,72210,9759,37314,766
  Tubes, pipes, and fittings—     
 434   Cast, 9 in. and under in internal diameter*  8801,5645,428
 436   Wrought, under 6 in.*  5,39211,28915,081
 443Sheet lead17,85214,82517,69314,05414,933
 455Nails, other*  2444147,061
  Railway and tramway plant, n.o.e.—     
 461  Rails1,9471,3422,4293,3555,917
 463  Other 3653,8044,4798,082
  Tinned sheets and plates—     
 474   Plain1,2542,0531,0509,45215,864
 475  Tinsmiths' furniture533391383678,055
  Wire—     
 486  Fencing, plain369551,2586,596
 489   Netting1,1936403519,8718,568
  Metal manufactures, other—     
 494  Flee7,0387,5707,8068,3065,053
 495  20 per cent.13,69514,07914,51714,97926,806
  Machinery: Agricultural—     
 511  Other, and parts of Machines—5,5113,4114,8506,8435,522
XV522  Dairying, other*  12,83811,93922,046
    Electrical—     
 525    Generators, motors, and transformers*  4,3524,8017,144
 526    Insulated cable and wire*  9,18013,34117,277
 529    N.o.e.*  10,4717,7089,233
 532Engines—Gas, oil, and hot-air, other6,1854,3592,7252,6485,132
 560Sewing-machines3,2651,6434,6199,3639,294
 561Tools, engineers', &c., machine and hand8,7496,4517,60810,85911,124
 562Typewriters4,8197,5276,8423,7485,076
 570    Machines n.o.e. (20 per cent.)9,3266,16216,0658,79521,276
 572    Materials for and parts of (free)†5,4584,4405,5364,6004,962
  India rubber—     
XVIA573    Hose, tubing, &c.9,5919,73319,99719,72418,261
 575    Other (free)9,8787,6537,0458,5948,700
  Leather—     
XVIB580    Belt, harness, &c.*  5,1956,5604,493
 581    Calf-skins, whole*  2,9939,83012,350
 585    Goat and kid skins*  15,18815,83736,268
 587    Hide, undressed*  8016,146899
 588    Hide, dressed*  3,6106,7327,223
 589    Japanned and enamelled*  3,2647,7288,578
 592    Sole*  1,3978.542993
  Timber—     
    Logs, hewn—     
XVIIA613    Ironbark*  57,53256,38022,386
 614    Jarrah*  34,58821,310137
 617    Other*  16,52532,89313,850
 618  Logs, round—Ironbark*  20,33713,7219,455
 625  Palings, split6,4253,8545,1133.5933,191
  Sawn, n.o.e., rough—     
 633  Ironbark*  19,44515,2755,779
 634  Jarrah*  108,17061,02810,514
 639  Other*  46,16341,81011,714
XYIIB646Carriage materials—shafts, &c., in the rough7,8585,7989,1825,4213,782
 661Wooden ware and turnery, n.o.e.3,5214,4753,4763,5789,185
 671Glass and glassware—Bottles, plain, empty7,8995,6715,62619,88338,541
XIXA698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.69,93765,72760,07659,25765,359
XIXB703Handbills, circulars, programmes, &c.4,8145,1267,4827,3599,735
 706Stationery, manufactured, n.o.e.11,2928,7919,6017,8867,446
XX712Fancy goods and toys39,04731,1067,9455,0279,696
 714Jewellery—Precious stones, unmounted  42,57822,85135,044
XXI725Cinematograph, &c., films*  22,32128,15857,606
 730Sensitized surfaces, &c.5,3645,0257,5199,20011,453
 733Instruments, surgical and dental5,3184,0856,35314,4117,414
XXIIA740Acid, sulphuric5182,9648,7766,4726,645
 753Dyes4,4473,6824,4015,95312,189
 758Insecticides and tree-washes — Denatured red oils666012,7693,1835,243
  Liquefied and compressed gases—     
 762  Anhydrous ammonia4,5172,93110,30211,22919,783
 763other*  8,1029,79911,706
 765Medicinal preparations, n.o.e.55,73356,90479,00877,07985,772
 772Perfumery—Toilet preparations5,0296,1268,0789,65311,143
XXIIB792Ammonia, sulphate of*  7,31510,3285,423
 795Gypsum*  10,20313,7128,037
 799Blood and bone*  7,5125,2074,966
 800Bonedust*  38,30731,85612,512
 802Guano and rock phosphates*  5,87716,01921,289
 803Superphosphates*  25,428136,507121,229
XXIII848Brushmakers materials5,9011,1324,0093,5786,502
 860Pianolas, phonographs, &c.  5,9274,8445,384
 861Records for pianolas, &c.  7,4867,8237,673
 863Matches and vestas, wax15217  9,457
 876Soap-powder, dry, &c.*1,9581,9773,5496,7727,046
 877Soap n.o.e.31,73332,53537,56537,48139,732
 883Bicycles, rubber tires for33,31724,45114,05944,62538,363
 887Motor bicycles, rubber tires for29,85651,17127,0695,74210,290
  Motor vehicles—     
 893  Bodies for9877282,0693,4316,136
 894  Chassis for6,0152,6327,36810,7591,165
 895  Materials and parts for ‡98772861,36776,23374,561
 902Miscellaneous manufactures8,6206,0726,3569,3778,935
  Parcels-post52,99052,304
Fiji.
II68Fruits, fresh—Bananas*  81,03864,92586,796
 129Sugar, raw696,235778,066650,6301,043,480959,455
Malden Island.
XXIIB802Manures — Guano and rock phosphates*  15,1744,664 
Belgium.
II48Chocolate confectionery, in fancy packages9683,7256,998  
XV526Machinery, electric—Insulated cable and wire*  5,971  
  Glass—     
XVIII673  Crown, sheet, and common window19,46229,61016,688 2,025
 678  Plate, other11,01720,4908,168  
France.
IV154Spirits—Brandy11,80112,93323,75233,28435,647
 166Wine, sparkling12,94310,23813,29018,55110,612
VIII222Rosin1,9954,5343,8143,3875,419
 223Grass and clover seeds17138928,571977
IXB283Silk, satins, &c.3,3138,21610,100224403
X339Stearine5,9966,3526,864  
XVIII683Tiles—Glass or earthen, roofing*  17,420 3,902
XXIIA751Cream of tartar32,80917,35818,98741,24431,702
XIII894Motor vehicles, chassis for16,80713,29510,4032,746 
Germany.
VIII223Seeds—Grass and clover47,73731,16320,265  
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.7,3225,6508,51523846
IXB267Drapery n.o.e.9,7955,7185,956272219
XIVB422Hardware, hollow - ware, and ironmongery24,31628,92315,04314731
 486Iron wire, fencing, plain9,2785,8228,3321,604 
XV526Machinery, electric—Insulated cable and wire*  15,040  
XVIII667China, porcelain, and parianware10,34612,0556,9586833
  Glass and glassware—     
 671  Bottles, plain, empty21,56530,07917,867 1,591
 674  Glassware n.o.e.18,50415,92410,69952 
XIXA687Batter - paper, waxed paper, &c.4,8163,3475,341181144
XX712Fancy goods and toys51,54152,40427,471843379
XXIIA751Cream of tartar12,95920,13621,351  
 753Dyes4,3475,6455,32225 
XXIIB798Basic slag and Thomas phosphate  46,532225 
 803Superphosphates31,88945,86962,267885 
 805Kainit  7,996  
 807Sulphate of potash  16,936  
 808Manures, other  6,336  
XXIII839Asbestos—Sheets, plates, and tiles*   6,304 
 859Pianos63,57051,57131,661332 
 Motor-cars—      
 894  Chassis for2,8153,0985,413362 
 895  Materials for28,76067,35259,222  
  Parcels-post12,13311,566
Greece.
II61Fruits, dried—Currants31,4218,33521,66920,53931
Italy.
   ££££ 
II108Nuts—Almonds, shelled or unshelled13,24711,05813,3597,4595,104
IXA251Hats and caps7,18012,2307,10511,40511,908
XII304Marble, dressed5,7194,3023,9774,1995,188
XXIIA751Cream of tartar   19,03325,022
XXIII839Asbestos*  1225,6585,959
 895Vehicles, motor: Materials for†  2,6696,376 114,300
Netherlands.
II46Cocoa-butter4,5395,2478,192723643
III140Cocoa and chocolate34,00828,29225,20916,00711,893
IV155Spirits—Geneva, gin, and schnapps14,23917,33017,33930,81035,546
XV527Electrical lamps*  1,4916,7315,153
XXIIB803Manures — Superphosphates*  37,9258,322 
Norway.
I11Fish, preserved18,22917,97824,77128,09820,792
 231Wood-pulp*  4,3095,0781,463
XXIIA748Calcium carbide13,79324,36229,19825,78424,870
Spain.
VIII209Cork, cut10,17010,3156,5944,7579,611
Sweden.
VIII231Wood-pulp*  2,9344,8299,726
XIVB422Hardware, holloware, &c.1,2321,6001,8532,3625,909
 473Telephones and accessories*  16,90412,5401,127
XV517Machinery, dairying — Cream-separators*  20,30430,94437,806
XXIIA748Carbide of calcium5,9065,6807,3574,0274,398
XXIII838A. and M.S.2,1781,1397662,4728,677
Switzerland.
II48Chocolate confectionery in fancy packages56,29638,01050,44040,27116,126
IXB267Drapery, n.o.e.1,5641,5234,5386157,001
XX719Watches2,0221,8411,2623,51239,863
Asiatic Turkey.
  Fruits, dried—     
1162    Dates*  6,6603,3634,862
 65    Raisins*26,2219,81617,4141,588 
China.
IXA254Lace and laces n.o.e.781501,0001,3356,487
IXB283Silk piece-goods n.o.e.11,30112,23312,42119,57238,539
Japan.
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.9,83512,00313,41015,67155,910
 249Haberdashery—Buttons, tapes, &c.2,3861,8456,6207,82912,594
 251Hats and caps1,3591,8972,9823,98517,535
 253Hosiery168695411,03211,286
IXB267Drapery n.o.e.10,7319,09011,2949,75715,322
 270Matting n.o.e., and mats2,1152,0642,3153,2035,199
 274Canvas, sailcloth, &c.    6,435
 278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.10,43114,68312,82816,10463,494
 283Silks, satins, and velvets48,68435,41752,35290,062126,185
 289Rugs, other*  1,4653,27912,473
XII358Coal, cargo*  7,875  
XIVB422Hardware, holloware, &c.2825265325245,878
XV526Electrical—Insulated cable and wire*    8,853
XVIIA639Timber, rough - sawn, n.o.e.*  2,3698,90716,870
XVIII667China, porcelain, and Parian ware1,9461,1971,5212,48711,148
 669Earthenware n.o.e.8599171,3811,2547,509
 671Bottles, plain, empty*  1,91411,29810,795
 674Glassware n.o.e.104 1103,23221,513
 689Cardboard boxes—materials for, other1,2998651,5522,5906,006
XX712Fancy goods and toys8,9348,37311,95619,09238,410
XXIIB789Sulphur11,2259,905 7,0578,756
 803Manures — Superphosphates*  24,52651,95617,417
XXIII847Brushes, brushware, and brooms1,5792,8654,0304,8359,411
 864Matches, wooden   5,2754,839
Java.
II130Sugar, refined3291010,581105 
VIII214Kapok38,37747,99342,78527,85937,437
Philippine Islands.
VIII213Hemp16,3849,54913,84219,90327,476
Sumatra.
X319Oils, mineral—Benzine*  135,120173,740105,625
 324Kerosene   8,3102,349
Madagascar.
XXIIB802Manures—Guano and rock phosphates*  9,25511,458 
Portuguese East Africa
XII358Coal, cargo*  29,240  
Cuba.
V169Cigars  7,7804,3273,516
United States of America
I36Sausage casings and skins25,21123,01620,76616,61219,531
II46Cocoa-butter, &c.4491,0481,1993,80510,548
 52Confectionery n.o.e.3,9604,5915,7808,5835,998
 59Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup26,88325,49219,27527,17733,600
  Fruits, dried—     
 60    Apples and apricots*  8,98310,37210,560
 64    Prunes*  11,64818,59010,726
 65    Raisins67,66924,58225,29089,64090,102
  Fruits, fresh—     
 67    Apples*  14,62610,3399,369
 71    Lemons*  6674,4395,166
 72    Oranges* 9,30713,11714,602 
  Grain and pulse, unprepared—     
 78    Barley130  7,2351
 81    Oats   11,08016
  Grain and pulse, prepared or manufactured—     
 87    Flour, wheaten  58,292 121
 88    Maizena and cornflour6,3175,9508,2347,9116,022
II122Salt, other*  8,9775,9254,062
 125Sugar—Glucose8,1218,7079,75210,27013,402
V168Cigarettes8,8196,3076,8054,6292,971
  Tobacco, manufactured—     
 171    Cut76,33574,79946,19934,72538,301
 172    Other  40,36142,14919,062
VIII222Rosin8,80810,7935,3545,4863,377
 223Seeds—Grass and clover8,38016,29524,1977,96115,947
 230Tanning materials, other776623331,5086,525
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.27,04142,15428,23922,08939,711
 240Grindery n.o.e.9,4110,1988,6769,86918,060
 241Gum boots6,20110,1748,5959,2927,779
 244Boots, other5,6026,5558,0237,61826,219
 245Corsets*  17,20124,96227,987
 253Hosiery1,0051,0102,34012,16054,440
IXB274Canvas, sail-cloth, &c.4,9524,9974,88812,76112,699
 275Butter and cheese cloth3,5974,4034,0353,0990,094
 278Cotton piece-goods, n.o.e.22,41419,00131,71666,68398,574
 200Sewing silks and cottons, n.o.e.3,1985,3334,3963,2287,636
 311Axle - greases and other solid lubricants*  4,1512,9966,252
  Oils—     
    Mineral—     
X319    Benzine*  156,878158,027204,427
 320    Benzoline*  3,8602,1956,964
 323    Gasoline*  3,24312,33514,158
 324    Kerosene163,380105,851159,339175,802155,387
 325    Lubricating31,48930,58441,01431,94972,573
 326    Motor-spirit n.o.e.*  114,90951,729152,553
    Vegetable—     
 334    Turpentine18,75614,7266,43813,48915,706
 336    Other*  5,6646,38110,562
 338  Not essential, in vessels less than 1 gallon3,0713,8813,2344,1648,047
 343Wax, paraffin16,84215,54612,84012,68113,723
XI348Paints, ground in oil or turpentine2,0512,4615,71310,00522,107
 350Paints and colours, mixed ready for use10,8489,83112,21310,42017,530
 354Varnishes, lacquers, &c.3,9924,1954,2003,1185,509
XIVB410Brass, plate and sheet, plain*  2,10010,644888
 418Fencing-staples7,0676,80810,4207,12410,076
 422Hardware, hollow-ware, &c.60,69163,91961,65548,76080,951
 428Iron for pipes, spiral*   11,8462,774
 430Corrugated iron3,7243,6443,6537,39913,113
 432Plain, galvanized, Iron3,0464,3772,6787,3997,082
 436Iron and steel pipes— Wrought, 6 in. and under*  6,4342,3896,711
 441Lamps, other*  8,9377,44313,195
 455Nails, other28,67025,69122,73119,26814,282
 473Telephones and accessories therefor*  2,2673,8576,642
  Tinware—     
 474  Tinned sheets and plates, plain12273443,48314,772
  Took and implements—     
 477  Axes and hatchets9,7025,46710,8166,8053,906
 482  Other60,16962,25856,10042,21663,548
  Wire—     
 485  Fencing, barbed30,15015,14127,54318,90418,261
 486  Fencing, plain57,44837,10046,81647,21353,579
 188  N.o.e.80594882,93510,574
 490  Wove wire, expanded metal lathing, &c.  5,1203,1454,376
XIVB493Zinc, plain, sheet 196606,16616,892
 495Metal manufactures, other (20 per cent.)39,53943,67241,60628,17439,627
  Machinery—     
    Agricultural implements—     
XV499    Drills, &c.12,1858,9218,9205,8054,370
 505    Ploughs7,5737,3015,9274,6587,944
 507    Reapers, &c.17,4649,1338,5227,77611,321
 511    Other*  19,02010,01719,709
 514  Cash-registers9,52212,00111,56512,0446,826
    Electrical—     
 524    Electric batteries and cells*  2,5631,5816,468
 525    Generators, motors, &c.*  17,02024,27532,898
 526    Insulated cable-wire  1,0453,4086,088
 527    Lamps*  5,8946,3706,938
 529    N.o.e.*  22,00326,68649,135
 531  Gas, oil, and hot-air engines*  2,5099,996 
 532  Engines, gas, &c., other21,95923,72516,71913,89120,547
 533  Portable and traction engines1,2972,9438671,1799,524
 546  Locomotives1,4521,0752,90734,000 
 553  Mining, unenumerated*  3,39014,2994,817
 558  Printing—Typesetting and casting*  11,4144,1511,207
 560  Sewing-machines33,02524,83124,13521,9318,661
 561  Tools—Engineers, &c., machine and hand17,35317,13414,78512,13624,292
 562  Typewriters10,18810,49510,8217,71117,083
 570  N.o.e. (20 per cent.)15,84618,41816,56924,62826,047
 571  Materials for, &c., (dutiable)†709371,3002,31712,677
 572  Materials for, &c. (free)†5,0865,8427,6787,0813,817
  Leather—     
XVIB585  Goat and kid skins*  6,4748,74418,112
 589  Japanned and enamelled*  3,7903,08110,258
 592  Sole, pump and skirt*  98429,90430,661
  Timber, sawn n.o.e., rough—     
XVIIA637  Oregon pine*  45,19920,57418,544
 639  Other*  26,78414,91913,382
XVIIB053Furniture n.o.e.7,2858,6056,3621,0564,420
 655Handles for tools, other*  9,9707,33410,174
 657Mouldings and panels for picture-frames, &c.6,7507,2306,5271,9252,594
 661Woodenware n.o.e. Glass and glassware—15,62117,48410,1367,7347,535
XVIII671  Bottles, plain, empty2,5694,6453,53810,16013,846
 673  Glass, Grown, sheet and common29 114,18120,154
 674  Glassware n.o.e.6,6278,8115,9307,2047,209
 675  Glass jars, plain*  6,7805,8354,449
 678  Glass, plate, other 3 11,6588,392
XIXA087Butter-paper3422389,5279,914
 689Cardboard boxes, materials for, other4,8165,6335,53413,01017,376
 695Writing-paper, not less than “Demy”1,7711,4652,4731,35820,573
XIXB698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.7,6499,96911,41610,55815,487
 703Handbills, circulars, &c.2,3471,6522,6623,3846,936
 709Pictures, &c., n.o.e.2,3863,0483,9704,9085,846
 711Stationery n.o.e.5,4385,2405,0184,59613,510
XX712Fancy goods and toys14,68711,6526,29110,45821,529
  Timepieces—     
 717  Clocks10,91716,1539,64111,41615,131
 719  Watches2,7952,7154,6764,2168,859
XXI725Cinematograph, &c., films*  6952,77215,191
 728Microscopes and telescopes*  1,2602,68410,383
  Photographic materials, &c.—     
 729  Cameras1,8272,4772,3994,71010,310
 730  Sensitized surfaces2,5922,0211,2482,50114,981
 733Instruments, surgical and dental10,4957,47722,08922,74030,799
XXIIA751Cream of tartar  1,93417,0199,463
 765Medicinal preparations, &c., n.o.e.21,03720,55122,05715,70927,453
 772Perfumery — Toilet preparations6,35811,5668,8618,32525,988
XXIII814Cartridges, 25 calibre and under*  6,8899,75910,490
 824Firearms, other7,1246,4007,0169,42311,655
 838A. and M.S.1,8012,9501,5042,0466,991
 867Packing, engine3,1423,6403,5104,4506,558
 876Soap-powder, dry, &c.2,8833,8126,4557,4187,942
 877Soap n.o.e.10,14813,02014,71110,35920,006
 886Motor bicycles and tricycles*  2,10314,52344,483
 887  Rubber tires and tubes for*  3641,9946,796
  Motor vehicles—     
 893  Bodies for51,90357,05168,20456,665588,379
 894  Chassis for139,987146,237192,015186,8761,849
 895  Materials for‡18,88423,92324,69798,088327,145
 900Vehicles — Springs and other materials4,8412,6717,48410,3493,294
 902Miscellaneous manufactures11,76214,65910,46117,92727,706
  Parcels-post21,12322,666
Society Islands
II72Fresh fruit—Oranges*  8,4076,3622,842
VIII208Copra9942,4792,74415,3582,482
XXIIIA790Vanilla-beans5,3513,6876,3525,2193,117
Tonga (Friendly Islands).
VIII208Copra11,2423,20610,42229,1681,232
German Samoa.
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed 7463,6532,27316,061
Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
XXIIB802Guano and rock phosphates*   5,720 
Tuamotu Archipelago.
XXIIB802Guano and rock phosphates*   45,57822,664
Egypt.
XXIIB804Phosphates, other*    39,032
Denmark.
XXIII838A. and M.S.1,9013,7331,8946,37424,227

IMPORTS FROM COOK ISLANDS.

A small group of Pacific islands was annexed to the Dominion on the 11th June, 1901, and has since been administered as the “Cook and other annexed islands.” The following table shows the growth of the import trade from this group—previous figures are included with those for the other Pacific islands.

Year.Imports.Year.Imports.
 £ £
190232,163191090,039
190338,708191192,382
190445,5171912105,943
190544,1791913109,095
190663,477191494,620
190761,922191587,890
190867,483191663,702
190973,469  

The principal articles imported for the last five years are as follows:—

Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
  Fruits, fresh—£££££
II68    Bananas  37,44324,77015,049
 72    Oranges77,45782,22334,00528,32126,033
 74    Tomatoes, plums, &c.  5684,3597,541
 75    Other  1,3286,0401,114
  Nuts—     
 109    Coconuts6115701,502804565
 111    Other30732697  
 135Potatoes 819224143821
III143Coffee, raw1,8196385008701,337
VII202Pearlshell  566  
VIII208Copra16,66719,67313,14917,0517,560
 220Fungus150216157611,259
IXA251Hats and caps8361,2771,9792,073979
XIII374Specie—Gold  350500 
XXI725Cinematograph films  1,5242,418825

SUBSECTION D.—TARIFF AND REVENUE.

TARIFF DEVELOPMENT.

IT was natural that the tariff should early promise a means of obtaining a sure revenue for the colony, and the first Customs Ordinance was proclaimed in 1841 by the Governor, Captain Hobson, with the advice of the Legislative Council. This Ordinance, which repealed the New South Wales Ordinance then in force in these Islands, was the first of two long series of enactments dealing with Customs law and the tariff of Customs duties. The Customs law has been constantly revised and extended, Acts being passed in 1858, 1868, 1882, 1892, 1908, and revised, extended, and consolidated by the Customs Duties Act of 1914 and further extended by the Finance Acts of 1915 and 1917.

The first tariff, contained in the Ordinance of 1841, covered only a few items, and may be given in full as a type of all the early tariffs. It is noteworthy that, following the old mercantilist policy of colonial administration, preference was given to certain products of the Motherland. The full schedule of duties was as follows:—

 £s.d
Spirits or strong waters, not being the produce of the United Kingdom, of any British possession in America, or of New South Wales, or of Van Diemen's Land, per proof gallon050
Spirits or strong waters, the produce of United Kingdom, of any British possession in America, or of New South Wales, or of Van Diemen's Land040
Wine, for every hundred pounds' value1500
Tobacco, unmanufactured, per pound009
Tobacco, manufactured, except cigars and snuff, per pound010
Cigars and snuff, per pound020
Tea, sugar, flour, meal, wheat, rice, and other grain and pulse, for every hundred pounds' value500
On all other goods (except goods the produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom, or of New South Wales, or of Van Diemen's Land), for every hundred pounds' value1000

In 1844 alterations were made in the direction of increasing most of the duties, while the preference to the United Kingdom was dropped. A very interesting item was the duty of 30 per cent. imposed “On all guns or weapons of any description, or gunpowder, or any munition of war,” evidently imposed to check the growing import of firearms for the Maoris. The rate of duty on all unspecified goods, except personal baggage, living animals, and specie was 5 per cent.

In 1846 again preference was introduced by the imposition of a duty of 12 ½ per cent. on all foreign unspecified goods, while similar British goods paid only 10 per cent. At the same time there appears the germ of the later free list, five items—glass bottles, bullion, live animals, books, and seeds and bulbs—being proclaimed free of duty.

The tariff of 1851 was the first elaborate scale of duties, and is noticeable for the liberal use of ad valorem duties, mainly at the rate of 10 per cent., though cottons, woollens, &c., were charged by the yard, calico by the bolt, and trousers by the pair.

The first tariffs seem to have been purely for revenue purposes, and there is little protective design in them. The number of commodities chargeable with duty was few, and as time went on successive Governments continually raised the rates on these revenue-producing articles. There is a constant succession of increases in the duty levied on spirits, from the 4s. per gallon of the first tariff to the 18s. per gallon of 1917, and there are similar increases in tobacco, wines, beer, &c.—indeed, in all the high-duty goods. On the other hand, sugar and tea, which at first paid a duty of 5 per cent., by 1856 were paying much higher rates at ½d. per pound and 3d. per pound respectively. Two years later the duties had been raised to 1d. per pound and 4d. per pound, and in 1864 tea was charged 6d. per pound. These rates remained till in 1878 sugar was reduced again to ½d. per pound, and in 1907 made free, while the tariff of 1895 reduced the duty on tea to 4d., and that of 1900 to 2d., British tea being eventually placed on the free list by the tariff of 1903.

In 1856 the first Gold Duty Act was passed, empowering the Governor to collect an export duty on gold at the rate of 2s. 6d. per ounce. This rate was amended by various Acts; but in 1890 the Gold Duty Abolition Act was passed, and a system of rating in mining districts substituted for the export duty as far as the South Island was concerned. The Gold Duty Act, 1908, consolidated and repealed all previous enactments. An export duty was also imposed on timber by Acts of 1901 and 1903.

Excise duties were levied in 1881 on the manufacture of tobacco and perfumery in bond, and the amount of revenue derived from this source, though still small, has constantly increased. While sugar was liable to duty, excise was collected from the warehouses where sugar was refined; but since 1907 this revenue has disappeared. A duty was imposed on New Zealand beer in 1880, and this duty, though charged at a low rate, yields a considerable sum each year. There are no distilleries in the Dominion.

The first definite attempt at reciprocity was made in 1870, when the Colonial Reciprocity Act gave power to the Government to make reciprocal agreements with the Australian States, including Tasmania; but this Act failed to receive the Royal assent and consequently lapsed.

In 1895, however, the Customs Duties Reciprocity Act received the Royal assent, and ratified an agreement which had been tentatively proposed with South Australia, besides giving power to the Government to make further agreements with the other Australian States. In 1907 the New Zealand and South African Customs Treaty was negotiated, and there is a steady interchange of products under this agreement.

Imperial preference proper was introduced in New Zealand by the Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, 1903, which followed the lead given by Canada.

At first only a few items were covered by the extra duties levied upon goods of foreign origin; but the Tariff Act of 1907 extended this additional preferential duty to a great number of items.

The general tariff of 1864 comprised many items, but the duties were levied for revenue primarily, the rates were low and were mostly specific duties, even drapery being charged at per cubic foot. Amendments of the tariff, mostly small and affecting only a few items, followed rapidly in 1866, 1867, 1871, 1873; but in 1878 some sweeping changes were made, particularly the reduction of sugar from 1d. per pound to ½d., and similar reductions on many foodstuffs, while tools were also made free of duty. Another Act in 1879 added a few dutiable articles—in this case, however, chargeable with ad valorem duty; and the Act of 1881 was similar. All these changes were revised and consolidated in the Customs Duties Consolidation Act, 1882, which also extended the range of the tariff a good deal. The tariff of 1888 was distinguished by a more liberal use of ad valorem duties, the most usual rate being 20 per cent., as against 10 per cent. in the earliest years, while a primage duty was also levied.

With the year 1895 the tariff takes on its distinctive modern form, marked by the preponderance of ad valorem duties and a definitely protective intention. The scope of the tariff was greatly widened, so as to enumerate in detail a number of new items, and there were many reductions, principally of the duties on foodstuffs such as dried fruits and cocoa.

The process of subdivision and protection then begun was continued in 1900, when further steps were taken in the direction of a free breakfast table; and another notable remission was made, the duty on kerosene being abolished.

In 1907 the Customs tariff was completely revised and some important alterations made. Among articles placed upon the free list were: Sugar, molasses and treacle, currants, raisins, figs, dates, prunes, unground spices, mustard, maizena, cornflour, almonds and nuts (excepting walnuts), carbonate and bicarbonate of soda, tartaric acid, infants' foods, forfar, dowlas and flax-sheeting, vegetable oils, fencing staples and standards, sheet load; gas, electricity, and water meters; rubber and pneumatic tires for carriages. Children's boots Nos. 0–6 and tea in bulk were admitted free if of British manufacture or growth.

Increased rates of ordinary duty were imposed on certain articles, among which were: Flavouring essences n.o.e., medicinal preparations, drugs and druggists' sundries, candles, paraffin wax, hosiery, cash-registers, cartridges (shot), 10–24 bore, cartridge-cases, certain sizes of iron and fibre pipes, mouldings and panels.

Tea, the produce of British dominions, if in packages of 5 lb. in weight or over was admitted free: when put up in packages under 5 lb. there was a duty of 2d. per pound. The preferential duty on tea of foreign growth was 2d. per pound if in packages of 5 lb. in weight or over, and ⅖d. per pound if in packages of a less weight than 5 lb.

The Customs Duties Amendment Act, 1909, imposed a surtax of 1 per cent. on the amount of duty payable on tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes, and of 2 ½ per cent. on the amount of duty payable on all other dutiable goods. This surtax remained in operation until the 31st March, 1911.

The Customs revenue for 1916 was increased by the sum of £197,466 in consequence of the preferential tariff, but the exemption in favour of British-grown tea has resulted in a considerable loss of revenue. The duty collected on all tea imported in 1903 was £43,606, while in 1916 only £623 was received. Sugar and molasses, from which the duty has been removed, yielded an average annual revenue of £194,000 during the years 1903–7.

In 1915 again changes were made in the rates of duty levied on certain articles, in order to meet the extraordinary expenses of the war. The principal changes were: The duty was raised on spirits from 16s. to 17s. per gallon; gas and oil engines were made subject to 10 per cent., plus an additional preferential 10 per cent, if foreign, instead of being free and 20 per cent. preferential as before; electric motors, transformers, and lamps were charged 10 per cent. plus 10 per cent., instead of 10 per cent. plus 5 per cent.; and motor-cars were charged 10 per cent. plus 10 per cent. preferential surtax, whereas before the chassis was free and the body was liable to 20 per cent. duty. On the other hand, the 20 per cent. on bicycles was reduced to 10 per cent.

At the same time a primage duty of 1 per cent. was levied on all goods imported, with the exception of a few small classes of exempted articles. In addition, power was taken to gazette at any time an extra surtax of 50 per cent. on any goods which may be specified, when they are the produce or manufacture of any country now at war with His Majesty. Power was also taken to impose an excise duty on aerated waters, cordials, and other beverages, subject to a report by an officer of Customs to be appointed as a Commission to inquire into the advisability of controlling and regulating this manufacture.

The excise duties on spirituous tinctures, which formerly paid 12s. per gallon, were raised to 13s. per gallon, and finally (on 2nd August, 1917) to 14s. per gallon. The beer duty was altered so as to increase according to the specific gravity of the worts used, the rate being 3 ¾d. per gallon when the specific gravity does not exceed 1,047, and increasing by 1/16d. per gallon for every unit of specific gravity up to 1,055, and by ⅛d. thereafter. The specific gravity of distilled water at 60° F. is taken as 1,000, and the specific gravity of the worts determined in relation thereto. On 2nd August, 1917, the minimum rate of duty for beer was increased from 3 ¾d. to 4 ¾d. per gallon, and further (on 15th September, 1917) to 5 ¾d. with a maximum of 6d. per gallon.

On 2nd August, also, as part of the scheme of additional war taxation, further increases were made in the rates of duties to be levied on certain items of import. These increases were somewhat more accentuated in some cases by the Finance Act, 1917, which received the assent of the Governor-General on the 15th September of that year. The new scale of duties for these items is shown in the following table:—

Tariff Heading.Rate of Duty.
General.Preferential.
Fruits, preserved in juice or syrup25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Fruits, preserved in juice or syrup. fortified with alcohol to any extent exceeding 33 per cent. of proof spirit25 per cent. ad valorem, with an additional duty of 18s. the proof gallon of juice or syrup12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Cordials, bitters, and liqueurs, when exceeding the strength of 33 per cent. of proof spirit, but not exceeding the strength of proof18s. the liquid gallon. 
Cordials, bitters, and liqueurs, when exceeding the strength of proof18s. the proof gallon. 
Spirits, and spirituous mixtures, the strength of which can be ascertained by Sykes's hydrometer or other instrument18s. the proof gallon. 
    (No allowance beyond 16.5 underproof shall be made for spirits or spirituous mixtures of a less strength than 16.5 underproof.)18s. the proof gallon. 
Spirits, and spirituous mixtures, sweetened, not otherwise enumerated, when not exceeding the strength of proof18s. the liquid gallon. 
Spirits, and spirituous mixtures, sweetened, not otherwise enumerated, when exceeding the strength of proof18s. the liquid gallon. 
(Spirits, and spirituous mixtures, in bottles, or jars in cases, shall be charged as follows:—viz., two gallons and under as two gallons; over two gallons and not exceeding three as three gallons; over three gallons and not exceeding four as four gallons: and so on for any greater quantity contained in any case: provided that with the sanction of the Collector the foregoing restriction need not be applied to absolute alcohol, spirits of wine, spirits for scientific, medicinal, perfumery, or toilet purposes, or to trade samples.)  
Spirits, and spirituous mixtures, containing more than 33 per cent. of proof spirit, in combination with other ingredients, and although thereby coming under any other designation excepting medicinal preparations otherwise enumerated18s. the liquid gallon. 
Wine of any kind containing more than 40 per cent. of proof spirit18s. the liquid gallon. 
Wine, sparkling, containing not more than 40 per cent of proof spirit; the gallon, or for six reputed quart bottles, or the equivalent in bottles of a larger or smaller reputed quantity15s. the gallon. 
Essences, flavouring, containing more than 33 per cent. of proof spirit18s. the liquid gallon. 
Cigars, including the weight of every band, wrapper, or attachment, to any cigar12s. the pound. 
Snuff12s. the pound. 
Cigarettes, not exceeding in weight 2 ½ lb. per 1,00025s. 6d. the 1,000. 
Cigarettes not otherwise enumerated10s. 6d. the pound. 
Tea not otherwise enumerated5d. the pound2d. the pound.
Tea, in bulk—viz., in packages of 5 lb. or over net weight of tea3d. the pound2d. the pound.
All articles not otherwise enumerated, made of textile, felt, or other piece-goods, or of any combination of the same wholly or partly made up or manufactured, and not being apparel or clothing either wholly or partly made up20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Drapery not otherwise enumerated20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Flags20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Haberdashery not otherwise enumerated20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Lace, and laces, not otherwise enumerated20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Ribbons and crape, all kinds20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Rugs, woollen, cotton, opossum, or other20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Textile piece-goods not otherwise enumerated, including silks, satins, velvets, plushes, not otherwise enumerated, composed of pure silk, or of silk mixed with any other material, in the piece, and including also imitation silks, composed of any material or substance whatsoever20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Yarns, not otherwise enumerated20 per cent. ad valorem10 per cent. ad valorem.
Apparel, and ready-made clothing, not otherwise enumerated25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Feathers, ornamental (including ostrich); artificial flowers, leaves, and sprays25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Furs, and fur trimmings25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Hats of all kinds (including straw hats), also caps25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Hosiery not otherwise enumerated25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Millinery of all kinds, including trimmed hats, caps, and bonnets25 per cent. ad valorem12 ½ per cent. ad valorem.
Apparel made to the order, or measurement, of residents in New Zealand, and intended for the individual use of such residents, whether imported by the residents themselves or otherwise40 per cent. ad valorem20 per cent. ad valorem.
Apparel—viz, Volunteer clothing made to measurements sent from New Zealand40 per cent. ad valorem20 per cent. ad valorem.

Of the above items, that which most nearly concerns the people as a whole is tea. The previous rate for tea was (in bulk) free from British possessions, with a preferential surtax of 2d. per pound on the produce of foreign countries. Tea in packages of under 5 lb. was previously 2d. per pound, with a preferential rate of a further d.

The rates of duty levied by the tariff now in force are divided into two classes, specific and ad valorem. The specific class includes 18s. per gallon on spirits; 30s. per gallon on perfumed spirits; 12s. per pound on cigars and snuff; 25s. 6d. per 1,000, of 2 ½ lb. and under, on cigarettes; also 3s. 6d. per pound on manufactured and 2s. on unmanufactured tobacco. Sparkling wine is charged 15s. a gallon; Australian, 5s.; other kinds, 6s.; ale and beer, 2s. The duty on cocoa, chocolate, chicory, and roasted coffee, is 3d. per pound. Opium is charged 40s. per pound; but this article, in a form suitable for smoking, cannot now be legally imported. Ad valorem duties range from 5 to 40 per cent. on the value of the goods, 20 per cent. being the commonest rate.

In addition to the beer duty referred to above there are also excise duties of 1s. per pound on tobacco; 4s. per pound on cigars and snuff; 9d. per pound on medicinal preparations (with exceptions) containing more than 50 per cent. of proof spirit, which, if less than 50 per cent., would be free. Toilet preparations subject to 18s. per liquid gallon on importation are charged 14s. the liquid gallon, or when subject to 25 per cent. duty, 6s. per gallon. Other excise duties are 14s. per gallon on culinary and flavouring-essences, and 20s. on perfumed spirits. The excise duty on cigarettes made in New Zealand is now (from the 15th September, 1917) 5s. 6d. per pound on machine-made and 4s. per pound on hand-made cigarettes. All packages of manufactured tobacco must be labelled before leaving the manufactory, and it is necessary to obtain warrants to use cutting-machines for cutting duty-paid manufactured tobacco for sale (or to be used in the manufacture of cigarettes by hand), and to manufacture cigarettes by hand, under certain conditions.

CUSTOMS REVENUE.

In the earlier years of New Zealand's history the revenue derived from Customs and excise duties produced a greater proportion of the revenue than it does to-day. There has been a constant tendency for this proportion to decrease, and the table given below will show that, even in the last twenty years, this tendency has been very noticeable.

AMOUNT OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE REVENUE, EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL TAXATION AND TOTAL REVENUE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Year ending 31st March.Total Revenue.Total Taxation.Customs and Excise Duties.
Amount.Percentage of Total Revenue.Percentage of Total Taxation.
 £££Per Cent.Per Cent.
18985,079,2302,678,5762,007,43139.5274.93
18995,258,2282,707,0992,041,23138.8275.40
19005,699,6182,891,1262,187,85938.3975.67
19015,906,9163,042,8902,266,03238.3674.47
19026,152,8393,113,0792,291,34937.2473.61
19036,447,4353,277,9642,426,04337.6374.01
19047,130,1173,649,6012,698,04637.8473.93
19057,347,1973,754,3792,728,19337.1372.67
19067,650,0983,841,5962,795,54636.5472.77
19078,478,9574,264,5553,048,62235.9671.49
19089,063,9894,645,7543,217,53835.5069.26
19099,001,1854,377,7612,917,46232.4166.64
19109,238,9174,180,5162,786,49030.1665.63
191110,297,2734,837,3223,145,92930.5565.03
191211,061,1615,296,5903,398,14330.7264.16
191311,734,2765,606,8293,531,76130.1062.99
191412,229,6615,918,0343,553,78529.0660.05
191512,451,9455,880,8113,294,94326.4656.03
191614,510,1377,266,9663,524,06324.2948.49
191718,367,54710,549,6544,037,62821.9838.27

Though the Customs revenue has increased greatly, the table shows that other forms of taxation and other sources of revenue have increased still faster, so that the proportion of taxation and of revenue furnished by the Customs duties constantly decreases. This relative decrease has been due in part to the extension of the governmental services in the Dominion increasing the revenue apart from taxation, to the greater use of direct taxation, and to the remissions and reductions of duty which have been made from time to time. These reductions have been mainly in foodstuffs, so that the tariff has tended towards the ideal of a free breakfast table. The following tables bring out these reductions very clearly.

Of the total Customs duties collected in 1916, only £170,009 was derived from foods and non-alcoholic drinks. The amount is somewhat more than half that derived from this source in 1891, while the percentage to the total has decreased from 20.05 in 1891 to 4.75 in 1916. The tables hereunder show the amounts and percentages collected at intervals of five years, 1891–1911 and in each year since 1911 in respect of (1) foods and non-alcoholic drinks, (2) clothing and textiles, (3) alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and (4) all other articles. Excise duties on alcoholic liquors, tobacco, &c., are not included.

PRINCIPAL CLASSES OF IMPORTS FROM WHICH CUSTOMS REVENUE DERIVED.

Year.Amount of Duty derived fromTotal.
Foods and Non-alcoholic Drinks.Clothing and Textiles.Alcoholic Drinks and Tobacco.All other Articles.
 £££££
1891312,809276,072651,680320,1411,560,702
1896329,622322,947715,019400,2641,767,852
1901321,625434,112928,176512,8532,196,766
1906369,964610,8731,130,837787,4292,899,103
1911147,456682,7101,286,6011,048,8903,165,657
1912158,077708,8531,395,8371,072,9523,335,719
1913146,938790,8621,408,9771,078,6493,425,426
1914165,998822,3731,459,464906,7803,354,615
1915155,292727,8691,515,903745,2643,144,328
1916170,009985,3351,390,3221,036,2273,581,893

PERCENTAGE OF EACH CLASS TO THE TOTAL DUTY COLLECTED.

Year.Percentage of Total Duty collected on
Foods and Nonalcoholic Drinks.Clothing and Textiles.Alcoholic Drinks and Tobacco.All other Articles.
 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
189120.0517.6941.7520.51
189618.6418.2740.4522.64
190114.6419.7642.2523.35
190612.7621.0739.0127.16
19114.6621.5740.6433.13
19124.7421.2541.8432.17
19134.2923.0941.1331.49
19144.9524.5143.5127.03
19154.9423.1548.2123.70
19164.7527.5138.8128.93

The total taxation on imports in 1916 is £632,128 more than in 1915. Most of the items show decreases when compared with 1915, the bulk of the increase being represented by increases in ad valorem duties and war primage. Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff, and “other duties” both show slight increases.

The Customs and excise duties received during the last five years are shown in detail, in the table given below, which also shows the rate of revenue per head of mean population, inclusive and exclusive of Maoris, for each year considered.

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE REVENUE, 1912–16.

1912.1913.1914.19151916.

* Minus quantity.

† Parcels-post included under respective heads for these years

Customs Duties.£££££
Spirits693,366704,548712,446762,694665,182
Wine41,25139,198,41,79642,25834,950
Ale, beer, &c.29,63629,92229,28526,00522,932
Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff216,594229,278247,144258,494262,695
Tobacco420,080413,135425,455423,435401,598
Coffee, cocoa, &c.8,4628,1717,63610,2149,062
Opium4256182217
Other goods by weight217,785219,402218,451190,695195,974
ad valorem1,503,0001,559,6471,526,7741,315,6111,854,262
Other duties131,303141,526145,610114,901135,221
Parcels-post74,17580,547
Primage   46,576241,118
Surtax25*41*22 
Totals, Customs duties3,335,7193,425,4263,354,6163,190,8833,823,011
Excise Duties.     
Tinctures—New Zealand5,5006,2537,5047,8158,557
Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff — New-Zealand-manufactured310269298331399
Tobacco — New - Zealand - manufactured7466834885831,452
Beer—New Zealand122,339125,015129,453137,225189,671
Totals, excise duties128,895132,220137,743145,954200,079
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
Revenue from Customs duties per head of mean population (excluding Maoris)3 4 33 4 13 1 62 18 13 9 6
Ditto (including Maoris)3 1 33 1 32 18 102 15 63 6 6
Revenue from excise duties per head of mean population (excluding Maoris)0 2 5.80 2 5.70 2 6.30 2 7.90 3 7.7
Ditto (including Maoris)0 2 4.40 2 4.40 2 5.00 2 6.50 3 5.8

The increasing Customs revenue shown in the pre-war years suffered a check in 1914, followed by further diminution in 1915. This was due not to drink and tobacco, but to other goods, particularly those imported subject to ad valorem duties, which in 1915 fell off to £250,000 below 1913. The figure for 1916, however, shows a considerable increase over that for 1915.

The following table furnishes a general view of the ratio of Customs revenue to imports since 1895, which is taken as the base-year:—

CUSTOMS REVENUE COMPARED WITH IMPORT VALUES FROM 1895.

Year.Imports.Revenue.Percentage of Revenue on Total Imports.Index Numbers of Customs Revenue compared with Imports.
Value.Value per Head.Amount.Actual Value per Head.Value per Head at 1895 Ratio.
 ££ s. d.££ s. d.£ s. d.Per Cent. 
18956,400,1299 4 101,619,9702 6 92 6 925.311000
18967,137,32010 1 111,765,0732 9 112 11 124.73977
18978,055,22311 3 31,912,1612 13 02 16 623.74938
18988,230,60011 3 71,961,7262 13 32 16 723.83942
18998,739,63311 13 12,042,0022 14 52 19 023.36923
190010,646,09613 18 102,170,3542 16 103 6 420.39805
190111,817,91515 3 102,191,7982 16 43 16 1118.55733
190211,326,72314 3 112,285,0432 17 33 11 1020.17797
190312,788,67515 11 102,501,8963 1 03 18 1119.56773
190413,291,69415 14 72,650,1893 2 93 19 819.94788
190512,828,85714 14 112,652,6663 1 03 14 820.68817
190615,211,40316 19 82,899,1033 4 94 6 019.06753
190717,302,86118 16 63,079,4223 7 04 15 417.80703
190817,471,28418 9 92,903,0863 1 54 13 716.62656
190915,674,71916 2 72,653,6172 14 74 1 816.93669
191017,051,58317 3 62,954,9892 19 64 6 1117.33685
191119,545,87919 5 23,165,6573 2 54 9 216.20640
191220,976,57420 3 93,335,7193 4 35 2 215.90628
191322,288,30220 17 13,425,4263 4 15 5 715.37607
191421,856,09620 0 113,354,6163 1 65 1 615.35606
191521,728,83419 15 23,190,8832 18 15 0 114.68580
191626,339,28323 19 23,823,0113 9 66 1 414.51573

With slight interruptions in 1902, 1905, 1909, 1910, 1914, and 1915 the imports have increased annually in both total and per capita values, until in 1916 they were over four times as much as in 1895.

In the same period the Customs revenue has more than doubled, whilst the advance in population was only about 60 per cent. It is plain, therefore, as the respective columns show, that the Customs taxation per head has been increasing steadily in sympathy with the greater imports and in spite of a steady movement towards diminishing the relative duty payable.

In 1895 the proportion of revenue to the total imports was one-fourth; in 1916 it had fallen to one-seventh. The tariff of 1903 and the further changes made in 1907, together with the financial circumstances of 1908, may account for such interruptions as are noticeable in this generally steady diminution. Duty-free goods are clearly being imported more rapidly than those on which duty is levied, as may be seen by inspection of the last column and also the column showing value per head at 1895 ratio.

Apart from these temporary changes the ratio of the revenue to the imports steadily decreases, showing that the importation of duty-free goods increases at a faster rate than that of goods on which duty is levied. This tendency is very clearly revealed by the column showing the value per head at 1895 ratio, and again by the last column.

CUSTOMS REVENUE BY CLASSES OF IMPORTS, 1916.

Class.Items.Articles.Revenue collected.
General.Additional Preferential.Total.
   £££
I1–41Foodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)38,4472,49540,942
II42–137Foodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt107,5127,035114,547
III138–150Beverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making up same13,4761,04414,520
IV151–167Spirits and alcoholic liquors725,98940726,029
V168–173Tobacco and preparations thereof664,293 664,293
VI174–186Live animals111 111
VII187–207Animal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs46621487
VIII208–233Vegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres17,5382,27119,809
IXA234–262Apparel611,1264,604615,730
IXB263–291Textiles351,9751,536353,511
IXC292–309Manufactured fibres15,59150316,094
X310–344Oils, fats, and waxes58,6226,79165,413
XI345–355Paints and varnishes16,7321,10317,835
XII356–372Stones and minerals, used industrially4,263254,288
XIII373–375Specie   
XIVA376–405Metal unmanufactured, partially manufactured, and ores 1,0681,068
XIVB406–495Metal manufactures, other than machinery and machines174,44524,377198,822
XV496–572Machinery and machines70,65619,54490,200
XVIA573–576Indiarubber, and manufactures thereof (not including tires)8708716
XVIB577–603Leather, and manufactures thereof, including substitutes15,4691,27916,748
XVIIA604–641Timber15,665 15,665
XVIIB642–661Wood, cane, and wicker manufactures14,5602,54517,105
XVIII662–683Earthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cements and cement materials45,1575,60950,766
XIXA684–696Paper6,5212,1708,691
XIXB697–711Stationery45,7813,81649,597
XX712–722Jewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods74,58211,69886,280
XXI723–734Optical, surgical, and scientific instruments1,5493,3924,941
XXIIA735–791Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares71,63510,50582,140
XXIIB792–810Manures   
XXIII811–903Miscellaneous222,25883,287305,545
  Totals3,384,427197,4663,581,893

But slightly less than one-fourth of the total revenue collected during 1916 was furnished by spirits and alcoholic liquors (£726,029). Tobacco (£664,293) is next in importance, unless (as may very properly be done) the three divisions of Class IX are taken together. This group includes all items of clothing, drapery, hosiery, millinery, &c., and paid a total duty of £985,335, nearly £250,000 more than in 1915. Metal manufactures with £198,822 rank below the “miscellaneous” total, which covers several large items such as arms, brushware, candles, soap, and motor-cars, and comes next with £305,545 to its credit as a revenue-producing class. Vegetable foodstuffs is the only other class exceeding £100,000.

Two classes (manures and specie) are entirely duty-free, and a good number contribute very little to the revenue. The additional surtax on foreign goods by which New Zealand extends preference to British imports is levied mainly on the metals comprised in Classes XIVA and XV, and to a less degree on the miscellaneous class, and on fancy goods, drugs, vegetable foods, and earthenware. The total surtax, however, compared with the revenue derived from the general tariff, does not amount to a very large sum, and in 1916 was only 5 ½ per cent. of the total duties.

EXCISE DUTIES.

The main item from which excise revenue is derived is beer, which, however, pays only a few pence per gallon, as against the import duty of 2s. per gallon, so that the quantity of beer brewed in New Zealand is very much greater than the quantity imported. There are, besides, small but growing manufactures of tinctures, and of tobacco, which yield a certain amount of excise revenue. The following table illustrates the position and growth of these excisable manufactures for the last five years:—

EXCISE DUTIES. 1912–16.

Item.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
 £££££
Beer122,339125,015129,453137,225189,671
Culinary and flavouring essences, spirituous2,3862,4523,5143,4024,167
Medicinal preparations over 50 per cent. proof spirit2,3972,6692,9463,0972,915
Perfumed spirits6039459241,1171,439
Toilet preparations     
Toilet preparations spirituous11418712019936
Cigarettes made by hand     
Cigarettes made by hand manufactured by machinery  23  
Cigars and snuff310269275331399
Tobacco, manufactured7466834885831,452
Totals128,895132,220137,743145,954200,079

FREE AND DUTIABLE IMPORTS.

The next table gives the imports of free and dutiable goods arranged according to the statistical classification. The main features of the table are the overwhelming proportion of dutiable goods in the classes containing alcoholic liquors, tobacco, animal products, apparel, and the high proportion of free goods in non-alcoholic beverages (mainly tea), stones and minerals, (mainly coal), specie, raw metals, paper, and manures.

FREE AND DUTIABLE GOODS BY CLASSES, 1916.

No.Class.Value of Imports.Duty collected.Percentage of Total.
Free.Dutiable.Free.Dutiable.   
  £££Per Cent.Per Cent.
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)572179,00240,9420.3299.68
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt1,691,102594,858114,54773.9826.02
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making the same444,760102,64114,52081.2518.75
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors182873,280726,0290.0299.98
VTobacco and preparations thereof5717,817664,293 100.00
VILive animals6,41517,56111126.7673.24
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs39,6483,03848792.887.12
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres448,72088,61719,80983.5116.49
IXAApparel371,9832,506,340615,73012.9287.08
IXBTextiles2,172,3321,803,523353,51154.6445.36
IXCManufactured fibres382,56679,96916,09482.7117.29
XOils, fats, and waxes864,134224,52265,41379.3820.62
XIPaints and varnishes24,943205,75717,83510.8189.19
XIIStones and minerals, used industrially208,66017,0944,28892.437.57
XIIISpecie1,293,880  100.00 
XIVAMetal, unmanufactured ores360,8605,2381,06898.571.43
XIVB Metal manufactures, other than machinery1,413,6561,176,128198,82254.5945.41 
XVMachinery and machines664,220522,68390,20055.9644.04
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof43,9463,60571692.427.58
XVIBLeather, and manufactures thereof183,158153,30316,74854.4445.56
XVIIATimber56,608110,20915,66533.9366.07
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures36,36069,81317,10534.2565.75
XVIIIEarthenware, &c.186,477226,92950,76645.1154.89
XIXAPaper568,70934,9218,69194.215.79
XIXBStationery309,789204,62149,59760.2239.78
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods67,329373,63486,28015.2784.73
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments238,81637,3764,94186.4713.53
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares538,700352,28082,14060.4639.54
XXIIBManures342,580  100.00 
XXIIIMiscellaneous1,122,4091,570,996305,54541.6758.33
  14,083,51912,255,7643,581,89353.4746.53

By classifying the different rates of duty it will be found that even if specie is excluded, on the average a little over half the imports into New Zealand are duty-free, while the value of goods which are liable to specific duties is about' one-seventh. The most usual ad valorem rates are 20 per cent. and 25 per cent. The 15-per-cent. figures are composed mainly of the imports of boots, while the 30 - per - cent. figures consist of the value of goods which are liable to 20 per cent. general duty plus an additional preferential duty of 10 per cent. Goods liable to a duty of 10 per cent. show a steady and continuous increase for each of the years under review.

IMPORTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO RATE OF DUTY, 1912–16.

Rate of Duty.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
* Included under the various heads.
 £££££
Free (excluding specie)10,649,80111,274,50211,356,09211,819,56912,789,639
Specific duties2,916,5523,141,8083,208,5063,007,9813,742,150
Ad valorem duties—     
  5 per cent71,88864,45069,38058,32157,683
  10 per cent.148,786145,682126,793321,028583,390
  14 1½0 per cent.     
  15 per cent.327,632366,584360,722316,684303,043
  19 ⅖ per cent.1511812381173
  20 per cent.3,578,8823,518,6979,422,3823,035,2604,713,363
  22 ½ per cent.40,61448,77751,05941,29169,854
  24 per cent.65,03446,12271,17363,24051,875
  24 ¼ per cent. 17952269
  25 per cent.1,765,4562,030,1502,012,5021,730,8352,262,780
  30 per cent.734,509738,153664,592459,082649,149
  33 ¾ per cent.4,5874,8434,4673,9587,772
  37 ½ per cent.116,082131,661110,90393,102135,303
  40 per cent.1,2351,2096,6684,1193,862
 6,854,8567,096,3476,900,8436,116,0448,838,520
Parcels-post (various)435,594473,143***
Specie399,995634,670711,8691,070,1141,293,880
Totals20,976,57422,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,283

The value of boots imported is included under both specific and ad valorem duties: 1912, £280,224; 1913, £332,168; 1914, £321,214; 1915, £295,883; 1916, £324,906.

As already stated, general tariff revisions were made in 1895 and 1907. The table following shows for the years immediately preceding and following these changes and for 1916, the value of free and dutiable imports, the percentage admitted free of duty, and the duty per cent. on dutiable imports and on all merchandise imported.

1894.1896.1906.1908.1916.
* Including excise duties levied on certain imports manufactured in bond.
Merchandise—£££££
  Free1,871,7722,263,0915,476,9498,658,11112,789,639
  Dutiable4,118,4054,772,2888,826,2218,589,05112,255,764
  Imports (less specie)5,990,1777,035,37914,303,17017,247,16225,045,403
  Percentage of free merchandisePer Cent. 31.25Per Cent. 32.17Per Cent. 38.29Per Cent. 50.20Per Cent. 51.07
 Total net duty received*£ 1,572,467£ 1,767,852£ 2,903,131£ 2,907,151£ 3,823,011
Duty, per cent. of imports—Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
(a.) On dutiable imports38.1837.0432.8933.8531.19
(b.) On all merchandise26.2525.1320.3016.8615.26

The average rate levied on dutiable goods in 1916 was thus 5 per cent. lower than before the tariff revision of 1907, and the average on all merchandise shows a decrease of nearly 25 per cent. The proportion of imported merchandise free of duty amounted to 51.07 per cent. in 1916, the corresponding figure for 1915 being 57.20 per cent., and for 1906, 38.29 per cent.

TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA.

There has been a reciprocal arrangement with British South Africa since 1907, by which New Zealand admits certain goods, mainly wine and tobacco, at reduced rates of duty, in return for similar concessions granted by the South African Union. The following table shows the growth of trade since 1907:—

Year.Imports.Exports.
According to Country of Shipment.According to Country of Origin
* Not available
 £££
19071,067*63,717
19085,494*86,465
19096,221*121,931
19107,443*45,555
19119,936*43,755
191213,733*83,229
19137,796*61,651
191433,22998,43760,826
191542,65455,82611,279
191671,300105,0006,681

Prior to 1914 the figures for imports represent only the value of goods shipped from South Africa. In 1916 the value of imports produced there was £105,000. Very little of this trade, however, comes within the scope of the reciprocal treaty, as the following table will show:—

IMPORTS INTO NEW ZEALAND UNDER THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICAN RECIPROCAL TARIFF.

Class.Item.Article.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
NOTE.—Figures in the above table refer to country of shipment for 1912 and 1913, and country of origin for 1914, 1915, and 1916.
   £££££
I11Fish, in airtight vessels21140232162 
II80Maize  7238,376973
IV166Wine, sparkling    14
 167Wine, still5,8045,4375,4456,59411,015
V168Cigarettes  48116661
 171Tobacco, cut2772972,3415,4365,459
 172Tobacco, other  10218 
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing1 4352265
IXAOrnamental feathers—£££££ 
 256Ostrich n.o.e.101126462711687
IXB263Articles n.o.e. partly or wholly made up from textiles   14
 267Drapery n.o.e.  92237
 270Matting n.o.e. and mats  1 5
 283Piece-goods: Silks, &c.  123
 288Rugs, woollen   74
 289Rugs, other  22012
XIVB422Hardware, hollow-ware, &c.    1
 456Plate and platedware   121
XVIB602Saddlery and harness n.o.e.    6
XIXA703Handbills, circulars, &c.  216
XX712Fancy goods and toys  87760
 715Jewellery, other  4103
XXIII847Brushes, brushware, and brooms   24

PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

Though the preferential tariff of New Zealand covers a good number of items, the amount of revenue obtained from it is not of great importance. The following table shows the extent of the imports which are affected by preference, by giving the percentage of the total imports and of foreign imports so affected. It will be seen that the proportions increased after the tariff changes of 1903 and 1907, but show a tendency to decrease in normal years.

IMPORTS AFFECTED BY PREFERENTIAL SURTAX.

Year.Value of Imports.Imports on which Surtax was paidPercentage of
Total.British Empire.Foreign Countries.Total Imports.Foreign Imports.
 ££££Per Cent.Per Cent.
190312,788,67510,648,1422,140,5331,7520.0100.08
190413,291,69411,029,6942,262,000487,8673.6721.57
190512,828,85710,709,6422,119,215599,7644.6828.30
190615,211,40312,890,0162,321,387620,6004.0826.73
190717,302,86114,942,1832,360,678658,0273.9827.87
190817,471,28414,780,2762,691,008895,0075.1233.26
190915,674,71913,554,9622,119,757842,4075.3739.74
191017,051,58314,465,8242,585,7591,000,2675.8738.68
191119,545,87916,497,3403,048,5391,159,3425.9338.03
191220,976,57417,073,2723,903,3021,337,1826.3734.26
191322,288,30218,348,2493,940,0531,325,0575.9533.63
191421,856,09617,649,7844,206,3121,228,2075.6229.20
191521,728,83417,727,1374,001,6971,321,8536.0833.03
191626,339,28320,833,4615,506,8222,071,1757.8637.61

The system of recording imports was changed in 1914, and for that year statistics are given of the countries of origin as well as the countries of shipment, so that in future years it will be possible to get better comparisons of the value of goods produced each year in the various countries with which New Zealand trades. Previously the imports credited to any country were those shipped to New Zealand from that country, and it is evident that more foreign goods come into New Zealand than are shipped direct.

A list is attached of the principal items of import which are subject to the additional preferential tariff. Only the bigger items are included, and these are arranged in the statistical order followed elsewhere in this volume.

PRINCIPAL ITEMS PAYING PREFERENTIAL SURTAX, 1916.

Class.Item No.Item.Imports fromSurtax.
British Empire.Foreign Countries.Rate.Amount.
  ££ £ 
15Eggs in shell62,62710%262
 6Eggs desiccated, white and yolk 4,14310%283
 7Eggs liquid, white and yolk14,09710%380
 11Fish, preserved in tins, &c.55,52235,386Various826
 41Provisions n.o.e. Confectionery—26,9023,53210%357
II48  Chocolate in fancy packages58,76151,8754%1,696
 52  Unenumerated45,0099,411⅖d. lb.250
 58Foods for animals n.o.e.3,5592,46910%252
 59Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup12,17836,05112 ½%4,137
 101Hops3391,0523d. lb.388
III140Cocoa and chocolate48,84624,549⅗d. lb.191
 149Tea in bulk382,3953,1282d. lb.468
VIII209Cork, cut Boots and shoes—13,66322,76010%2,241
IXA239  Goloshes, overshoes, &c.22,2422,48411 ¼%283
 243  Vamps, uppers, and laces15,6215,21011 ¼%598
 244  Other296,12728,779Various3,637
IXB268Felt sheathing Piece-goods, cotton—8,4263,11610%312
 275  Butter and cheese cloth18,0566,09420%1,219
IXO301Cordage and rope n.o.e.18,7842,31110%235
X311Greases — Axle-greases and other solid lubricants2,8087,27410%672
 325Oils, mineral, lubricating Paints and colours—21,75594,6121 ⅕d. gall.5,763
XI348  Ground in oil82,94022,2356d. cwt.224
 350  Mixed, ready for use, other44,54718,5951s. cwt.290
 351  Unenumerated16,0573,59510%361
 354Varnishes, lacquers, and gold-size18,0085,7774 ⅘d. gall.207
XIVA388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, and rod246,5925,70020%1,068
XIVB420Hand fire-extinguishers1,7703,58010%355
 422Hardware, holloware, &c. Iron and steel—259,784100,68410%9,663
 423  Angle and tee15,6741,14920%230
 424  Channel and girders12,4061,10920%222
 426  Hoop, black, n.o.e.46,1441,52820%309
 430  Plate and sheet, corrugated and galvanized Tubes, pipes, &c.—180,45113,1134 ⅘d. cwt.202
 434  Cast, 9 in. and under, in internal diameter26,4711,02520%210
 436  Wrought, 6 in. and under214,9329,74320%1,605
 441Lamps (not electric), other17,88014,48110%1,454
 455Nails, other, including dog-spikes70,79715,162Is. cwt.987
 456Plate and plated ware72,4172,53610%248
 460Pumps, other4,2322,72310%271
XIVB461Railway and tramway plant—Rails22,7095,76020%1,136
 470Stoves and ranges, oil582,26610%226
 476Tinware, other24,7862,11912 ½%264
 490Wove-wire, expanded-metal, and electric-welded fencing5,7764,53210%451
 495Metal manufactures n.o.e. (20% ad val.)114,57849,68710%4,953
XV522Machinery—Dairying, other Electrical—22,4758,22810%300
 524    Electric batteries and cells10,4968,33010%495
 525    Generators, motors, and transformers46,27039,39010%3,809
 527    Lamps28,75417,772Various1,773
 529    N.o.e. Engines—80,81059,23310%3,212
 532    Gas, oil, and hot-air, other43,96124,43910%2,416
 533    Portable and traction2,8669,52410%928
 534    Steam n.o.e.(over 1,000 i.h.p.) 2,35510%235
 547  Mangles and clothes - washing-machines3,0682,64010%264
 553  Mining, unenumerated12,6258,24110%796
 569  Unenumerated (5% ad val.)—viz., rope and twine making, &c.2,9252,18310%221
 570  N.o.e. 20% ad val.69,07832,07310%3,212
 571  Materials for, and parts of (dutiable)25,31015,118Various1,402
XVIA573Indiarubber hose, tubing, piping29,1093,57120%708
XVIB579Belting, other than leather Portmanteaux, &c.—40,5742,84910%280
 596  Leather bags, under 10 in. long6,5623,14210%243
 597  Portmanteaux, trunks, and carpet-bags6,0052,36612 ½%296
 603Unenumerated manufactures leather8,8552,29410%235
XVIIB643Basketware and wickerware6412,71310%273
 652Picture and photograph frames and mounts4,2853,47410%348
 653Furniture n.o.e.11,1956,30412 ½%744
 661Woodenware and turnery n.o.e.16,84310,57910%1,055
XVIII667China, porcelain, and parianware39,83211,72210%1,166
 669Earthenware n.o.e.94,7958,85510%853
 674Glassware n.o.e.11,58933,64710%3,261
 676Mirrors and looking-glasses4,9121,99012 ½%249
XIXA685Paper bags n.o.e.5,5193,16312 ½%414
 693“    printing284,8087,99520%1,352
 694“    wrapping, unprinted14,2195,0292s. 6d cwt.372
XIXB699Calendars and show-cards10,1591,82912 ½%289
 703Handbills, circulars, &c.18,14810,902⅗d. lb.453
 704Inks, printing10,0963,02810%309
 706Stationery, manufactured, n.o.e.55,8085,17312 ½%593
 711“ n.o.e.90,35521,11310%2,020
XX712Fancy goods and toys107,43179,73910%7,756
 715Jewellery, other than precious stones (unmounted)50,2472,69210%271
 717Clocks57418,22610%1,838
 721Tobacco-pipes and smokers' requisites, &c. Photographic goods—15,22717,38110%1,679
XXI729  Cameras4,86712,24110%1,172
 730  Sensitized surfaces, &c.36,61316,76310%1,680
 731  N.o.e.2,2513,33710%327
XXIIA750Chemicals and chemical preparations n.o.e.11,0225,42310%528
 765Medicinal preparations, drugs and druggists' sundries n.o.e., &c.185,86862,25010%6,039
 772Perfumery: Toilet preparations28,11434,57012 ½%3,755
XXIII814Cartridges, -25 calibre and under23410,56010%1,056
 816Cartridges n.o.e.2512,82710%283
 824Firearms other4,04111,96610%1,172
 847Brushes, brushware, and brooms26,22117,79812 ½%2,228
 850Combs, hair and toilet Musical instruments—4,9631,96310%201
 857  Materials and parts for, other3,1112,03810%200
 859  Pianos90,4827,36510%705
 860  Pianolas, phonographs, and other mechanical instruments8,8308,01510%849
 861  Records for pianolas, &c.14,1315,92310%531
 862  Other Matches and vestas—7,8574,82210%482
 863  Wax22,5986,033Various777
 864  Wooden Polishes and dressings—8,2169,697Various1,803
 872  Brass and similar metal polishes7,2912,02410%205
 873  Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish9,7494,68210%462
 877Soap n.o.e.71,93121,69412 ½%2,512
 885Bicycles and tricycles, materials and parts, n.o.e.35,7322,35110%241
 886Motor-bicycles and tricycles Motor-bicycles, tricycles, &c.—55,98847,21010%4,809
 887Material and parts n.o.e. Vehicles: Motors for road traffic—7,7654,24010%424
 893Cars, buses, &c., bodies for205,231602,97910%59,899
 895Materials and parts for235,129476,05310%3,144
 898Vehicles: Perambulators and go-carts4,8313,52310%356

SUBSECTION E.—WAR MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE.

IN the four preceding subsections the effects of the war on the trade of New Zealand have been made apparent. Exports are shown to have increased in value, with, however, little or no increase in quantities. Imports have also increased, though this increase can be almost entirely attributed to increased prices. To a primary producing country like New Zealand these are the natural results of the outbreak of war and the continuance of hostilities, and do not excite any considerable comment.

Similarly, it is natural that an even greater proportion of the Dominion's exports should go to the United Kingdom than in former times.

The natural tendencies in the directions referred to have been aided to a greater or less extent by a series of war measures designed with a view to preventing trade with Germany and her allies, and to conserving for use within the British dominions all foodstuffs and other raw materials required for the proper and efficient conduct of the war. The principal war measures affecting trade are set out in the following pages.

ENEMY TRADING.

On the day following the outbreak of war a Proclamation of His Majesty the King formally warned British subjects against contributing to or participating or assisting in the floating of any loan raised on behalf of the Emperor of Germany, or advancing money or entering into any contract with the Kaiser or his Government, or otherwise aiding, abetting, or assisting them. This Proclamation was subsequently applied to Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

The Proclamation of the 5th August, usually referred to as the Trading with the Enemy Proclamation No. 1, was superseded by the Trading with the Enemy Proclamation No. 2, of the 9th September, which more fully sets out the law and policy with regard to trading with the enemy. The expression “enemy” was stated to mean any person or body of persons of whatever nationality resident or carrying on business in the enemy country, but not to include persons of enemy nationality who are neither resident nor carrying on business therein. By a later Proclamation the term was extended to include incorporated companies or bodies of persons, wherever incorporated, carrying on business in the enemy country.

Proclamation No. 2 contained a list of prohibitions, British subjects being warned by this and an amending Proclamation of the 8th October, 1914—

Not to pay any sum of money to or for the benefit of an enemy:

Not to compromise or give security for the payment of any debt or other sum of money with or for the benefit of an enemy:

Not to act on behalf of an enemy in drawing, accepting, paying, presenting for acceptance or payment, negotiating, or otherwise dealing with any negotiable instrument:

Not to accept, pay, or otherwise deal with any negotiable instrument which is held by or on behalf of an enemy (provided that this prohibition shall not be deemed to be infringed by any person who has no reasonable ground for believing that the instrument is held by or on behalf of an enemy):

Not to enter into any new transaction, or complete any transaction already entered into, with an enemy in any stocks, shares, or other securities:

Not to make or enter into any new marine, life, fire, or other policy or contract of insurance (including reinsurance) with or for the benefit of an enemy; nor to accept or give effect to any insurance of any risk arising under any policy or contract of insurance (including reinsurance) made or entered into with or for the benefit of an enemy before the outbreak of war; and in particular, as regards treaties or contracts of reinsurance current at the outbreak of war to which an enemy is a party or in which an enemy is interested, not to cede to the enemy or to accept from the enemy under any such treaty or contract any risk arising under any policy or contract of insurance (including reinsurance) made or entered into after the outbreak of war, or any share in any such risk:

Not directly or indirectly to supply to or for the use or benefit of, or obtain from, an enemy country or an enemy any goods, wares, or merchandise; nor directly or indirectly to supply to or for the use or benefit of, or obtain from, any person any goods, wares, or merchandise for or by way of transmission to or from an enemy country or an enemy; nor directly or indirectly to trade in or carry any goods, wares, or merchandise destined for or coming from an enemy country or an enemy:

Not to permit any British ship to leave for, enter, or communicate with any port or place in an enemy country:

Not to enter into any commercial, financial, or other contract or obligation with or for the benefit of an enemy:

Not to enter into any transactions with an enemy if and when they are prohibited by an Order in Council made and published on the recommendation of a Secretary of State (Order of the Governor or Governor-General in Council in case of overseas Dominions), even though they would otherwise be permitted by law or by this or any other Proclamation.

The Proclamation and its amendment provided that where an enemy has a local branch in British or Allied territory outside Europe transactions by or with such branch are not transactions by or with the enemy; this provision, however, not to extend to insurance business. Payments by or on account of enemies arising out of business transacted before the outbreak of war were not prohibited.

The Proclamations referred to had all the force of law in the Dominion, and supplementary to them a Trading with the Enemy Act, a short measure of some six sections, was passed on the 2nd November, 1914. This Act and its amendment of 1915 gave authority and specified procedure for prosecutions for offences in regard to trading with the enemy, and laid down penalties for comparatively minor offences without in any way affecting the force of the Royal Proclamations declaring certain acts to be treason.

The extension to Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria of the prohibition of trading has been noted above. A Royal Proclamation of the 16th February, 1915, brought within the scope of the prohibition all territory in hostile occupation (e.g., Belgium), and at the same time forbade inhabitants of territory in British occupation to trade with the enemy.

A further Royal Proclamation of the 25th June, 1915, gazetted in New Zealand on the 15th July, extended all previous Proclamations to apply to trading with persons or firms of enemy nationality in China, Siam, Persia, or Morocco. Liberia and Portuguese East Africa were added to this list of countries on the 10th November, 1915.

The prohibitions contained in the various Royal Proclamations referred to above do not apply to “anything which shall be expressly permitted by our license, or by the license given on our behalf by a Secretary of State, or the Board of Trade, whether such licenses be especially granted to individuals or be announced as applying to classes of persons.” The power to grant licenses may be exercised by the Governor-General in Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and by the Governor in other overseas possessions. In accordance with this power a general license permitting the payment of any fees necessary for obtaining the grant or renewal of patents, or the registration of designs or trademarks, or the renewal of such registration in an enemy country was given by Gazette notice of the 25th March, 1915. License was similarly given to pay any such fees on account of an enemy for similar matters in New Zealand.

PROHIBITION OF CORRESPONDENCE.

Regulations under the War Regulations Act, made by Order in Council of the 17th December, 1914, formally prohibited communication by letter, telegram, or otherwise, whether directly or indirectly, with any person or firm being or carrying on business in any enemy country. These regulations made it illegal to act as an intermediary in respect of such correspondence, and it was further forbidden to send out of or bring into New Zealand, other than through the Post Office, any letter or written matter that in the ordinary course of correspondence or business would have been transmitted through the Post Office. By the same regulations the Postmaster-General was given authority to forbid the forwarding or delivery by post or transmission by telegraph of postal packets and telegrams addressed to or intended for any person or firm supposed to be engaged in any business undertaking, correspondence, or communications injurious to the public safety or to the effective conduct of military or naval operations.

In accordance with this authority, notices have been published in the New Zealand Gazette from time to time forbidding correspondence with many persons and firms, mostly domiciled outside of New Zealand.

ENEMY FIRMS.

By an Order in Council of the 9th August, 1915, regulations were made under the War Regulations Act in respect of enemy firms doing business in New Zealand. Power was given the Attorney-General to prohibit such a firm from continuing to carry on business in the Dominion under a name, description, or representation calculated to mislead the public as to the persons interested in the business.

Any such prohibition practically means that the firm concerned must cease to carry on business, as by earlier regulations an alien enemy who is a member of a firm which changes its designation is deemed to have committed the offence of using a name other than that by which he was known at the date of the commencement of the war.

In order that a proper control might be exercised over enemies and enemy firms in the Dominion, regulations were made on the 3rd April, 1916, dealing with the question of enemy property. The Public Trustee was appointed Custodian of Enemy Property, and was empowered to obtain full information concerning any property in which an enemy or enemy company was interested in any way. All persons in possession of or managing or controlling any such property on the 16th April, 1916, were required to notify the fact, with full particulars, not later than the 1st May, and any persons subsequently acquiring possession, management, or control of enemy property must notify within fourteen days. All rents, dividends, interest, shares of profits, and other income owing or payable to an enemy is to be paid to the Public Trustee, who may also demand payment of other moneys owing to an enemy if he deems this course expedient in the public interest. Property or business may not be transferred from an enemy to another person without the consent of the Attorney-General, and in case of any such transfer the income or proceeds shall be deemed still payable to an enemy.

The second portion of these regulations dealt further with the question of trading with enemy firms domiciled outside of the actual enemy country. No trade could be done with a firm incorporated in or having its chief place of business in enemy territory and carrying on business elsewhere than in the British dominions, except in cases where business was carried on exclusively within the British dominions by a branch of such a firm. The Attorney-General was given power to declare persons and firms carrying on business either in New Zealand or elsewhere to be enemies in cases where such business is exclusively or substantially for the benefit or under the control of an alien enemy not resident in New Zealand, or of an enemy company, or is engaged in any business undertaking injurious to the interests of His Majesty in respect of the present war. He may also declare any alien enemy resident or carrying on business in New Zealand to be an enemy. Any such declaration prevents trade or other business dealings with the person or firm concerned.

By the same regulations it was laid down that no company in which an enemy is interested can be incorporated under the Companies Act or can commence operations in New Zealand, and an alien enemy may not carry on business in the Dominion unless domiciled or carrying on business before the 16th April, 1916.

Further restrictions were imposed on the activities of enemies resident in the Dominion by regulations made on the 2nd May, 1916, when alien enemies were forbidden to engage in foreign trade. Enemy shareholders in New Zealand companies were dealt with at some length, the Attorney-General being given power to order shares of such persons to be vested in the Public Trustee, and disposed of by sale, the proceeds being invested without the interest being payable to the enemy person concerned. A company incorporated in New Zealand might be declared an enemy company by the Attorney-General.

The control of enemy businesses had been placed in the hands of the Public Trustee by regulations gazetted early in the war. The regulations of the 3rd April, 1916, dealt also with this matter, and finally the powers of the Public Trustee as Controller of the business of any person, firm, or company declared to be an enemy were defined by regulations of the 11th May, 1916.

ENEMY CONTRACTS.

On the 28th July, 1915, Parliament passed an Act to provide for the cancellation of contracts with the enemy. Under this Act the Attorney-General may declare any contract made with an enemy, or in which an enemy is interested, to be an enemy contract. Any such declaration has the effect of nullifying the contract, without prejudice to any rights or liabilities in respect of part-performance. In accordance with this power the Attorney-General declared a contract between the New Zealand Casein Company and a German firm to be an enemy contract. Under this contract the company had been bound to supply all its output of casein up to the 31st May, 1916, to the German firm.

CONTRABAND OF WAR.

Lists of articles declared by Royal Proclamation to be contraband of war have been gazetted from time to time since the outbreak of the war. All lists prior to October, 1915, were consolidated in and superseded by one gazetted on the 20th October, 1915, in pursuance of Royal Proclamation of the 14th day of the same month. A few slight additions and alterations have been made by later Proclamation, and the list as correct to May, 1917, now reads as follows:—.

ABSOLUTE CONTRABAND.

Arms of all kinds, including arms for sporting purposes, and their component parts.

Implements and apparatus designed exclusively for the manufacture of munitions of war, or for the manufacture or repair of arms or of war material for use on land or sea.

Lathes, machines, and tools capable of being employed in the manufacture of munitions of war.

Emery, corundum (natural and artificial), alundum, and carborundum, in all forms.

Projectiles, charges, and cartridges of all kinds, and their component parts.

Waxes of all kinds.

Powder and explosives specially prepared for use in war.

Materials used in the manufacture of explosives, including nitric acid and nitrates of all kinds, sulphuric acid, fuming sulphuric acid (oleum), acetic acid and acetates, barium chlorate and perchlorate, calcium acetate, nitrate and carbide potassium salts and caustic potash, ammonium salts and ammonia liquor, caustic soda, sodium chlorate and perchlorate, mercury; benzol, toluol, xylol, solvent naphtha, phenol (carbolic acid), cresol, naphthalene, and their mixtures and derivatives; aniline and its derivatives, glycerine, acetones, and raw or finished material usable for their preparation; acetic ether, alcohols, including fusel oil and wood spirit and their derivatives and preparations; formic ether, sulphuric ether, sulphur, urea, cyanamide, celluloid.

Manganese dioxide, hydrochloric acid, bromine, phosphorus and its compounds, carbon disulphide, arsenic and its compounds, chlorine, phosgene (carbonyl chloride), sulphur dioxide, prussiate of soda, sodium cyanide, iodine and its compounds.

Capsicum and peppers

Gun-mountings, limber-boxes, limbers, military wagons, field-forges, and their component parts; articles of camp equipment and their component parts.

Barbed wire, and the implements for fixing and cutting the same.

Range-finders and their component parts, searchlights and their component parts.

Clothing and equipment of a distinctively military character.

Saddle, draught, and pack animals suitable or which may become suitable for use in war.

All kinds of harness of a distinctively military character.

Hides of cattle, buffaloes, and horses; skins of calves, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer; and leather (undressed or dressed) suitable for saddlery, harness, military boots, or military clothing; leather belting, hydraulic leather, and pump leather.

Tanning substances of all kinds, including quebracho wood and extracts for use in tanning.

Wool (raw, combed, or carded), wool-waste, wool tops and noils; woollen or worsted yarns, animal hair of all kinds, and tops, noils, and yarns of animal hair.

Raw cotton, linters, cotton-waste, cotton-yarns, cotton piece-goods, and other cotton-products capable of being used in the manufacture of explosives.

Flax, hemp, ramie, kapok.

Warships, including boats and their component parts of such a nature that they can only be used on a vessel of war.

Submarine sound-signalling apparatus.

Armour-plates.

Aircraft of all kinds, including aeroplanes, airships, balloons, and their component parts, together with accessories and articles suitable for use in connection with aircraft.

Motor vehicles of all kinds, and their component parts and accessories.

Tires for motor vehicles and for cycles, together with articles or materials especially adapted for use in the manufacture or repair of tires.

Mineral oils, including benzine and motor-spirit.

Resinous products, camphor and turpentine (oil and spirit), wood-tar, and wood-tar oil.

Rubber (including raw, waste, and reclaimed rubber, solutions and jellies containing rubber, or any other preparations containing rubber, balata, and guttapercha, and the following varieties of rubber—viz., Borneo, Guayule, Jelutong, Palembang, Pontianac, and all other substances containing caoutchouc), and goods made wholly or partly of rubber.

Rattans.

Lubricants.

The following metals: Tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, sodium, nickel, selenium, cobalt, haematite pig iron, manganese, electrolytic iron and steel containing tungsten or molybdenum.

Asbestos.

Aluminium and its alloys, alumina, and salts of aluminium.

Antimony, together with the sulphides and oxides of antimony.

Copper, unwrought and part wrought; copper wire; alloys and compounds of copper.

Lead.

Tin, chloride of tin, and tin-ore.

Ferro alloys, including ferro-tungsten, ferro-molybdenum, ferro-manganese, ferro-vanadium, and ferro-chrome.

The following ores: Tungsten ores, molybdenite, manganese-ore, nickel-ore, chrome or haematite iron-ore, iron-pyrites, copper-pyrites and other copper-ores, zinc-ore, lead-ore, arsenical ore, and bauxite.

Maps and plans of any place within the territory of any belligerent, or within the area of military operations, on a scale of four miles to one inch or any larger scale, and reproductions on any scale by photography or otherwise of such maps or plans.

Cork, including cork-dust.

Bones in any form, whole or crushed, and bone-ash.

Soap.

Vegetable fibres, and yarns made therefrom.

Gold, silver, and paper money, and all negotiable instruments and realizable securities.

Metallic chlorides, except chloride of sodium.

Metalloidic chlorides.

Halogen.

Compounds of carbon.

Starch.

Borax.

Boric acid and other boron compounds.

Sabadilla-seeds, and preparations therefrom.

Electric appliances adapted for use in war, and their component parts.

Asphalt, bitumen, pitch and tar.

Sensitized photographic films, plates, and paper.

Felspar.

Gold-beater's skin.

Talc.

Bamboo.

Insulating material, raw and manufactured.

Fatty acids.

Cadmium, cadmium alloys, and cadmium ore.

Albumen.

Diamonds suitable for industrial purposes.

Silk in all forms, and the manufactures thereof; silk cocoons, artificial silk, and the manufactures thereof.

Quillaia bark.

Zirconium, cerium, thorium, and all alloys and compounds thereof.

Zirconia and monazite sand.

Oxalic acid and oxalates.

Formic acid and formates.

Phenates.

Metallic sulphites and thiosulphates.

Soda lime and bleaching powder.

Platinum, osmium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, and the alloys and compounds of these metals.

Strontium salts and compounds thereof.

Sulphate of barium (barytes).

Bone-black.

CONDITIONAL CONTRABAND.

Foodstuffs.

Forage and feeding-stuffs for animals.

Oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels.

Animal, fish, and vegetable oils and fats other than those capable of use as lubricants, and not including essential oils.

Fuel (including charcoal), other than mineral oils.

Powder and explosives not specially prepared for use in war.

Horse-shoes and shoeing-materials.

Harness and saddlery.

The following articles, if suitable for use in war: Clothing, fabrics for clothing, skins and furs utilizable for clothing, boots and shoes.

Vehicles of all kinds, other than motor vehicles, available for use in war, and their component parts.

Railway materials, both fixed and rolling-stock, and materials for telegraphs, wireless telegraphs, and telephones.

Vessels, craft, and boats of all kinds; floating-docks and their component parts, parts of docks.

Field-glasses, telescopes, chronometers, and all kinds of nautical instruments.

Casein, bladders, guts, casings, and sausage-skins.

Sponges, raw and prepared.

Glue, gelatine, and substances used in the manufacture thereof.

Empty barrels and casks of all kinds and their component parts.

EXPORTS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED.

Under section 47 of the Customs Act, 1913, the Governor-General has power to issue Orders in Council prohibiting the exportation of any goods which in his opinion may, if exported, be used for any purpose of war.

Accordingly, on the 4th August, 1914, immediately on the outbreak of war, an Order in Council was issued prohibiting the export of coal from New Zealand. This was followed the next day by a Proclamation prohibiting the export of specie. On the 7th August a Royal Proclamation set forth the law and policy with regard to trading with the enemy, and this Proclamation was restated and extended on the 15th August, and again amended on the 15th September and 12th October. This Proclamation was extended to Austria-Hungary on the 15th September, and to Turkey on the 9th November. Section 24 of the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, passed on the 10th August, 1914, extended the powers given to the Governor-General under the Act of 1913, so that if it was necessary in the public interest to prohibit the exportation of any goods, such exportation might be prohibited by Order in Council.

Following the prohibitions of coal and specie came an Order in Council dated the 7th August, 1914, which forbade the export of the following articles, except to other parts of the Empire for naval or military use:—

Acetone; aeroplanes, airships, balloons of all kinds, and their component parts; animals (pack, saddle, and draught) suitable for use in war; arms (rifled) of all kinds, and their component parts; benzol; carbons required for searchlights; cartridges, charges, of all kinds, and their component parts; chrome and ferro-chrome; cloth, hempen; copper, ores or unwrought, all kinds; cotton suitable for use in the manufacture of explosives; cotton-wast; creosote; dimethylaniline; engines and lorries, internal combustion, capable of carrying a load of 25 cwt. and upwards, whole or in parts; fuel oil-shale; fulminate of mercury, gunpowder; nets (torpedo); nickel and ferro-nickel; oil (coal-tar); oil (olive); oil (blast-furnace); oil (mineral lubricating); petroleum (fuel-oil); petroleum (gas-oil); petroleum, spirit or motor-spirit (including shell-spirit); projectiles of all kinds, and their component parts; sacks (coal); silk cloth, silk braid, silk thread, suitable for cartridges; silk noils; surgical dressings and bandages; toluol; zinc.

On the next day a further Order in Council prohibited the export to all foreign ports in Europe and on the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, with the exception of those of France, Russia (except the Baltic ports), Spain, and Portugal, of the following goods:—

Aluminium; aluminium alloys; armour-plates; armour quality castings, and similar protective material; asbestos; cables (telegraph and telephone); camp equipment, articles thereof; cannon and other ordnance, and parts thereof; carbolic acid; carriages and mountings for cannon and other ordnance and for machine guns, and parts thereof; coal, steam, large; compasses and parts thereof (including fittings such as binnacles); cresol and nitro-cresol; engine and boiler packings; explosives of all kinds; fuel, unmanufactured; implements and apparatus designed exclusively for the manufacture of munitions of war, for the manufacture or repair of arms or of war material for use on land and sea; indiarubber sheet, vulcanized; manganese; mercury; mica; mineral jellies; mines and parts thereof; molybdenum; nitrate of ammonium; nitrate of potassium; nitrate of sodium; nitrate of toluol; nitric acid; picric acid and its components; range-finders and parts thereof; rope, steel, wire, and hawsers; saltpetre; sounding-machines and gear; steam-vessels, lighters, and barges, of all descriptions; sulphuric acid; swords, bayonets, and other arms (not being firearms and parts thereof); pin, pin plates; torpedo-tubes, torpedoes, and parts thereof; tungsten; vanadium; four-wheeled wagons capable of carrying 1 ton and over; two-wheeled carts capable of carrying 15 cwt. and over; harness and saddlery of all kinds; barbed wire; horse and pony shoes; material for telegraph, wireless telegraph, and telephones; field-glasses; telescopes; railway materials (both fixed and rolling-stock); men's marching and shooting boots; heliograph; portable forges; farriers', carpenters', wheelers', and saddlers' tools (transport service); glycerine; alcohol, as covering rectified spirits; uniform clothing and military equipment, accoutrements; walnut wood of scantling which could be made into rifle-butts and fore-ends.

On the 10th August, 1914, the export of flour and oatmeal, and of wheat, oats, and other cereals, was prohibited; but on the 13th oats, barley, linseed, beans, and peas were permitted to be exported to any part of the British dominions. On the 3rd November it was prohibited to export wool, except to the British Empire or the Allied countries, except by permission of the Minister of Customs, and the same Order in Council also prohibited the export to European ports, except those of the Allies, of the following goods:—

All foodstuffs for man and feeding-stuffs for animals, and all raw material for the same; aluminium; arms of all kinds, including arms for sporting purposes, and their distinctive component parts; articles of camp equipment, and their distinctive component parts; armour-plates; aeroplanes, airships, balloons, and aircraft of all kinds, and their component parts, together with accessories and articles recognizable as intended for use in connection with balloons and aircraft; barbed wire, and implements for fixing and cutting the same; chrome-ore; clothing and equipment of a distinctively military character; clothing, fabrics for clothing, and boots and shoes suitable for use in war; copper, unwrought; ferro-chrome; ferro-silica; field-glasses, telescopes, chronometers, and all kinds of nautical instruments; fuel, other mineral oils; lubricants; glycerine; gold and silver in coin and bullion; paper money; gun-mountings, limber-boxes, limbers, military wagons, field-forges, and their distinctive component parts; harness and saddlery; haematite iron-ore and haematite pig iron; hides of all kinds, dry or wet; pig-skins, raw or dressed; leather, undressed or dressed, suitable for saddlery; harness or military boots; horse-shoes and shoeing-materials; implements and apparatus designed exclusively for the manufacture of munitions of war, for the manufacture or repair of arms or war material for use on land and sea; iron-pyrites; lead (pig, sheet, or pipe); mineral oils and motor-spirit; motor vehicles of all kinds, and their component parts; motor-tires; nickel-ore and nickel; powder and explosives; projectiles, charges, and cartridges of all kinds, and their distinctive component parts; railway materials, both fixed and rolling-stock, and materials for telegraphs, wireless telegraphs, and telephones; range-finders, and their distinctive component parts; saddle, draught, and pack animals suitable for use in war; sulphur; sulphuric acid; vehicles of all kinds (other than motor vehicles) available for use in war, and their component parts; vessels, craft, and boats of all kinds; floating-docks, parts of docks, and their component parts; warships, including boats, and their distinctive component parts of such a nature that they can only be used on a vessel of war; woolled sheep-skins.

On the 14th December, 1914, hides and sheep-skins were subjected to the same regulations as wool; and on the 17th December, 1914, the export of forage—that is, grass, clover, or oaten hay, oaten chaff, and bran—except by permission of the Minister of Defence, was prohibited.

By regulations under the War Regulations Act gazetted on the 26th January, 1915, a statutory declaration showing ultimate destination of exports shipped to any place other than British territory was stipulated for. An exemption was made in the case of goods shipped to Tahiti.

On the 22nd February, 1915, the export of whale-oil other than to the United Kingdom and Australia was prohibited, and next day another Order in Council prohibited the export of frozen mutton or lamb, chilled or frozen beef, or tinned meat except to the United Kingdom, or in the case of other countries with the express permission of the Minister of Customs. A similar prohibition in the case of veal and rabbits was gazetted on the 8th March, 1915.

About this time (1st March) the purchase and export of meat was undertaken by the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Home Government. This matter is referred to at greater length later on in this subsection.

The export of vessels, boats, and craft of all kinds to any destination other than the United Kingdom or a British possession or protectorate was prohibited on the 8th March, except in cases where the consent of the Minister of Marine is first obtained. The purpose of this Order in Council was to prevent the transfer of British and colonial ships to foreign owners or foreign registers.

The export of oats, except with Ministerial consent, was prohibited on the 15th March, and on the 1st April an Order in Council was made revoking all former Orders in Council which prohibited export, and providing for a revised list of prohibitions and restrictions. Articles dealt with in these lists were placed in four categories according to the extent of the prohibition.

  1. To any destination, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs: Coal; flour; oatmeal; wheat; oats; forage (that is to say, grass, clover, or oaten-sheaf hay, oaten-sheaf chaff, and bran).

  2. To any destination other than the United Kingdom, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs: Frozen mutton and lamb; chilled and frozen beef or veal; rabbits; tinned meats.

  3. To any destination other than the United Kingdom and British possessions and protectorates, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs: Wool; hides, skeep-skins, calf-skins, pig-skins, pelts; barley, linseed, beans, peas; extract of meat; leather, dressed or undressed, suitable for saddlery, harness, military boots, or military clothing; scheelite; whale-oil; petroleum; rubber and goods made of rubber; copper, copper-ore, alloys of copper; graphite; woollen cloth suitable for uniform clothing; woollen yarns; woollen jerseys, jackets, gloves, socks, and men's woollen underwear of all kinds; blankets and horse-rugs; vessels, boats, and craft; all goods (not otherwise specifically referred to in any of the schedules to this Order in Council) which are for the time being contraband of war (whether absolute or conditional) under any Proclamation or Order in Council issued by His Majesty.

  4. To foreign ports in Europe or the Mediterranean and Black Seas other than those of France, Russia (except Baltic ports), Belgium, Spain, and Portugal: Bladders, casings and sausage-skins; kauri-gum and other resinous products; sulphur; flax (Phormium tenax); provisions and victuals which may be used as food for man; foodstuffs for animals; oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels; animal and vegetable oils and fats suitable for use in the manufacture of margarine; cakes and meals made from oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels; seeds, clover and grass; bags and sacks of all kinds; asbestos; copra.

By an Order in Council of the 23rd August, 1915, Italy was added to the list of countries in category (d) not included in the prohibition.

The whole of the items given above in category (a) with the exception of coal were transferred to category (c) by an Order in Council of the 22nd November, 1915.

Further prohibitions to any destination, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs, were made on the 3rd May and 21st June in respect of butter and potatoes. Both were revoked by Order in Council of the 11th September, 1915.

War regulations made by Order in Council of the 19th July, 1915, authorized Collectors of Customs, on receipt of a warrant or telegraphic instructions from a military authority, to refuse the clearance of a ship. Collectors were also given authority to refuse the clearance in cases where there was reason to suspect that articles whose export was prohibited or restricted were being shipped as stores with the intention of not being so used, but of being actually exported to other countries.

On the 29th July, 1915, the export of sheep and cattle, save with the consent of the Minister of Customs, was prohibited.

On the 2nd August, 1915, the export of scheelite was absolutely prohibited. Shortly afterwards, at the request of the Imperial Government,

13—Ybk.

all supplies of scheelite were requisitioned, and the whole of the ore produced is now shipped Home to the Imperial Supply Board.

Both export and import of uncut diamonds, except with the Minister's consent, were prohibited on the 22nd November, 1915, but a general permission to export or import was given shortly afterwards on the following conditions:—

  1. Not to be exported or imported otherwise than through the registered post:

  2. Not to be exported to or imported from any countries other than the United Kingdom or Australia:

  3. In case of export Collector of Customs to be applied to in writing at least three days prior to intended date of delivery to Post Office.

A general permission to import unset diamonds sent direct from France by registered post was given on the 3rd August, 1916.

All export to Holland was prohibited on the 6th December, 1915, except with the permission of the Minister of Customs. Similar prohibitions in the case of China and Siam followed on the 13th December, and Switzerland was added on the 1st March, 1916.

A notice in the Gazette of the 20th December, 1915, defined the procedure to be followed in connection with the export to the United States of hides and skins, other than woolled or haired sheep and goat skins, which still remain exportable only to the United Kingdom and British possessions or protectorates. Hides and skins other than those mentioned could only be exported (to the United States) to the British Consuls-General at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco for account of approved consignees.

On the 31st January, 1916, tallow was added to the list of articles whose export to any place other than the United Kingdom is prohibited unless with the consent of the Minister of Customs.

The exportation of hides weighing more than 45 1b. was prohibited on the 2nd February, 1916. Another Order in Council, of the 29th March, 1916, still further restricted trade in hides by permitting the export of hides weighing less than 45 lb. and calf-skins only to the United Kingdom and Australia.

Steps to conserve stocks of leather for manufacturing purposes within the Dominion were taken on the 15th February, 1916. Leather, dressed or undressed, suitable for saddlery, harness, military boots, or military clothing had been exportable only to British countries (except with the consent of the Minister of Customs) since the 1st April, 1916, but now leather of all kinds, dressed or undressed, and leather beltings, were declared to be non-exportable to any destination except with consent. Three days later, however, it was notified that leather or leather belting not suitable for military purposes or domestic consumption in New Zealand might be exported to the United Kingdom and British possessions.

The prohibition in the case of wool was extended on the 7th March, 1916, when, instead of British countries as hitherto, only the United Kingdom was left on the list of destinations to which export could be made without consent.

Copra and oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels were similarly on the 13th March declared exportable only to the United Kingdom, instead of to Britain and Allied countries as formerly.

The Order in Council of the 1st April, 1915, and all Orders in Council subsequent to that date dealing with the prohibition of export, were revoked on the 10th April, 1916, and a revised and consolidated list of prohibitions was issued. The category “Foreign ports in Europe, &c.,” was abolished, and a new one added—viz., “United Kingdom and Australia”—already brought in by the Order in Council of the 29th March referred to above. The various prohibitions under the new main Order in Council are as follows:—

  1. Any destination: Coal; sheep; cattle; scheelite; hides of 45 lb. weight or more; leather of all kinds, dressed or undressed; leather belting; unset diamonds.

  2. Any destination other than the United Kingdom: Frozen mutton and lamb; chilled and frozen beef and veal; rabbits; tinned meats; tallow; wool; woolled sheep-skins; copra; oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels.

  3. Any destination other than the United Kingdom and Australia: Hides less than 45lb. in weight; calf-skins.

  4. Any destination other than the United Kingdom and British possessions and protectorates: Sheep-skins (without wool), pig-skins, pelts; barley, linseed, beans, peas; flour; oatmeal; wheat; oats; forage (that is to say, oaten-sheaf hay, oaten-sheaf chaff, and bran); extracts of meat; whale-oil; petroleum; rubber and goods made of rubber; copper, copper-ore, alloys of copper; graphite; woollen cloth suitable for uniform clothing; woollen yarns; woollen jerseys, jackets, gloves, socks, and men's woollen underwear of all kinds; blankets and horse-rugs; vessels, boats, and craft; bladders, casings, and sausage-skins; kauri-gum and other resinous products; sulphur; flax (Phormium tenax); provisions and victuals which may be used as food for man; animal and vegetable oils and fats suitable for use in the manufacture of margarine; cakes and meals made from oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels; seeds, clover and grass; bags and sacks of all kinds; asbestos; pepper; capsicums; all goods (not otherwise specifically referred to in any of the foregoing schedules to this Order in Council) which are for the time being contraband of war (whether absolute or conditional) under any Proclamation or Order in Council issued by His Majesty.

For export of any of these items to countries other than those specified the consent of the Minister of Customs must first be obtained.

By Gazette notice of the 12th March, 1917, subsection (c) above was altered so that hides and calf-skins could not be exported to any destination except with the consent of the Minister.

The above Order in Council also declared that no exports of any kind, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs, can be made to any destination other than the following: The United Kingdom; British possessions and protectorates; France; Japan; United States of America; Argentine; Brazil; Uruguay; Pacific islands.

An Order in Council of the 11th May, 1916, prohibited the export of butter to any destination except with the consent of the Minister.

The export of sheep-skins (with or without wool), pig-skins, and pelts was further restricted on the 24th July, 1916, and these articles may now be sent only to the United Kingdom unless the consent of the Minister is first obtained. Platinum was added to these items on the 2nd September, 1916.

Scrap-iron may not now be exported (since the 9th August, 1916) to any destination without consent, and the same restriction was placed on the export of wattle-bark on the 2nd September, 1916.

On the 18th September, 1916, the embargo on the export of sheepskins (without wool), pig-skins, and pelts was removed so as to permit their exportation to the United Kingdom, or to “any part of His Majesty's Dominions.” A regulation of the same date, however, prohibited the export of rennet, save with the consent of the Minister of Customs.

By an Order in Council of the 13th October, 1916, butter and cheese are prohibited exports, unless they are manufactured at a factory in respect of which an export license has been issued. This is more fully discussed later on in this subsection.

The following cheeses were, however, permitted to be exported to the United Kingdom and British possessions from the 12th June, 1917:—

Stilton cheese.

Cheddar cheese (third grade).

Cheddar cheese (first or second grade) of less size than that known as “export cheese.”

Dairy cheese.

The Order in Council of the 10th April, 1916, was amended on the 18th November, 1916, by prohibiting the export of wool to any destination without the consent of the Minister.

By an Order in Council dated the 29th January, 1917, sheep-skins and pelts became prohibited exports without the consent of the Minister of Customs. Slight amendments to the scheme of purchase were made on the 24th April, 1917.

IMPORTS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED.

As shown in the subsection dealing with imports, the value of imports was less in 1914 than in 1913, and again less in 1915 than in 1914, in spite of the fact that prices were much higher in the war years than formerly. The falling-off of imports is directly attributable to the war, just as is the great increase in the total value of exports, but in a different way. All trade with Germany and other enemy countries has naturally ceased; neutral countries are busy supplying the increasing requirements of the belligerents; the United Kingdom has prohibited the export of many articles; there is a shortage of shipping; the population of the Dominion is stationary or actually decreasing, due to the despatch of men to the war and the falling-off of immigration; and, lastly, prohibitive prices and the general unsettled state of affairs are having their effect on the importation of such items as machinery, automobiles, &c.

New Zealand has done little in the matter of prohibiting or regulating imports, its principal efforts in this connection being in the direction of preventing enemy goods being imported through neutral countries.

By an Order in Council of the 26th January, 1915, it was laid down that for articles imported from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, or Italy a certificate of origin signed by a British Consul or Consular Agent in the country concerned must be furnished. Italy was subsequently removed from this list of countries.

Along with the Order in Council was published a notice exempting carbide of calcium, tar and pitch, strawboard, butter-paper, and manurial salts from the necessity of a certificate of origin. This exemption was subsequently cancelled.

Additional regulations with the same end in view were made on the 24th July, 28th August, and 13th October, 1916. By these it was made illegal for goods to be imported without a license (issued by the Comptroller of Customs) from any country other than the United Kingdom, British possessions, or territory in the occupation of British Forces, or from the United States, France, or Japan. If the Comptroller of Customs has reason to believe or suspect that goods imported are of enemy production or consignment he may refuse the issue of a license. The necessity of having this license was revoked by an Order in Council of the 20th November, 1916.

For goods imported from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and Switzerland a “certificate of origin and interest” is required. Such a certificate must be signed by a British consular officer in the country from which the goods are imported, and must be to the effect that it has been proved to the satisfaction of the certifying officer that the goods have not been produced in enemy territory, and that no enemy has any interest in the goods. A certificate of interest similarly must be furnished in the case of goods imported from other foreign countries, with the exception of France, Italy, Russia, Japan, Rumania, Portugal, China, Siam, the united States and French possessions in the South Pacific.

Power is given to Collectors of Customs to detain goods until the certificate referred to is produced or proof given that no certificate is required.

The prohibition of the import and export of uncut diamonds is referred to in the portion of this subsection dealing with the prohibition of exports. There have been a few other instances of prohibition of imports, reference to which follows.

By regulations made by Order in Council of the 20th September, 1915, under the War Regulations Act, firearms and ammunition were declared importable only in pursuance of a permit by a Superintendent or Inspector of Police, and the same provision extended to the sale and purchase of firearms and ammunition. Later, authority was given for a permit in respect of purchase and sale being signed by a sergeant of police or by a constable in charge of a country station.

On the 10th February, 1916, it was notified that the Imperial Government would not permit high-speed tools to be exported to any person in New Zealand except with the approval of the Dominion's Minister of Customs, and that on the part of the Minister approval would not be granted in cases where merchants desire to hold stocks for sale. The notice was cancelled on the 7th July, 1916, and another published to cover all small tools made from high-speed or carbon steel, including all cutting-tools and fittings which are not an integral part of a machine tool.

On the 22nd February, 1916, explosives containing more than 50 per cent. of nitro-glycerine were forbidden entry into the Dominion unless with the consent of the Minister of Customs acting on the recommendation of the Chief Inspector of Explosives.

The prohibition of the import of oxydonors, oxygenators, and oxypathors on the 29th March, 1916, does not come under the heading of war prohibitions.

The importation from Australia of the cream-of-tartar substitute known as klepalo was prohibited on the 16th August, 1916.

Soap (of foreign manufacture) was made a prohibited import on the 18th September, 1916, but on the 6th November an amendment was made so as to allow the import of soap from France to continue.

A general prohibition of import of all goods produced or manufactured in enemy territory was made and gazetted on the 26th September, 1916. Goods were of enemy origin if not less than 25 per cent. of the fair market value thereof originally came from or was produced in enemy territory. By an Order in Council of the 10th April, 1917, 25 per cent. was altered to 5 per cent.

SALE OF LITERATURE.

War Regulations made on the 11th October, 1915, gave the Minister of Defence power to prohibit the sale of any book or other publication containing matter the publication of which he deems injurious to the public interest. A person having a prohibited book in his possession must not allow it to be read or examined by any other person.

The following books had their sale prohibited by Gazette notice on the 29th November, 1915, in accordance with this authority: Jane's “Fighting Ships”; Jane's “The World's Warship”; Jane's “Warships at a Glance”; Jane's “Naval Recognition Book (British ships)” (all published by Sampson, Low, Marston, and Co., Limited); “Fleets of the World” (published by Eveleigh Nash); “The Naval Pocket-book” (published by Thacker and Co.).

A further list of prohibitions, gazetted on the 9th March, 1916, is as follows: The International Socialist Review; The Fatherland; Issues and Events; newspapers or other periodicals printed wholly or partly in the German language and published or purporting to be published in the United States of America.

The importation of the newspapers Direct Action and Solidarity, and all other printed matter published by the society known as the Industrial Workers of the World, had been prohibited by an Order in Council of the 20th September, 1915. This list was added to by an Order in Council of the 21st October, 1916, containing the following names of periodicals:—

Atlanta American, Atlanta Georgian, Boston American, Chicago American, Chicago Examiner, Los Angeles Examiner, Los Angeles Herald, Morgan Journal, New York American, New York Deutches Journal, New York Evening Journal, San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Sunday American, Sunday Georgian, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Hearst's Magazine, Motor Magazine, Motor Boating Magazine, Ross's Magazine, Bull (illustrated newspaper).

The newspaper known as The Gaelic American was prohibited on the 16th January, 1917, and by Gazette notice of the 16th March, 1917, The Masses and the magazine The Delineator were added.

UNITED KINGDOM PROHIBITIONS.

Closely allied with the question of the prohibition of exports from and imports into New Zealand is the prohibition of imports into and exports from the United Kingdom. From time to time schedules of articles so prohibited have been published in the New Zealand Gazette for the information of exporters and importers. The list of prohibited exports and imports (especially exports) have assumed large proportions, but New Zealand trade with the United Kingdom is not greatly affected thereby. The lists are too long to publish here, and the reader is referred to the volumes of the New Zealand Gazette.

REQUISITION OF VESSELS.

Especially in the early months of the war the diversion of vessels for use as transports or otherwise in connection with the war had a serious effect on trade. Many of the vessels required for the conveyance of Australian and New Zealand troops to the Front were vessels which had been specially provided with insulated space for the conveyance of butter and meat to the United Kingdom, and it was with difficulty that the demand for space was met and the Dominion's surplus output placed on the Home market.

As the war has progressed a regular system of transports has been arranged without interfering with trade requirements to any serious extent, but in order to ensure that there will be no delay in the despatch of reinforcement drafts through inability to obtain transports, the Minister of Defence has power, under regulations made by Order in Council of the 17th January, 1916, to requisition any vessel at a New Zealand port for use as a transport.

PUBLICATION OF SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Publication of shipping intelligence was prohibited by an Order in Council dated the 9th January, 1917. This regulation made it an offence to publish any information in respect of any ship whose journey lay wholly or partly north of the Equator. The regulation of the 9th January, 1917, was revoked on the 5th February, 1917, and another substituted, but the essential points remained the same.

SUPPLIES FOR IMPERIAL GOVRENMENT.

FROZEN MEAT.

Early in 1915 the Imperial Government took steps to secure for its troops and its civilian population the whole of New Zealand's supplies of mutton, lamb, and beef available for export. A request for the assistance of the New Zealand Government was received on the 17th February, and a fortnight later a system had been arranged and came into operation whereby there was to be no further private export of these items of frozen produce, but all future exports would be of meat purchased and shipped by the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Home Government.

Conferences were held with representatives of the freezing and shipping companies, and an agreement satisfactory to all concerned come to as to the scheme generally, the prices to be paid, the charges for storage, and the system of inspection and grading. The schedule of prices as fixed at the time and as revised from the 20th October is as follows:—

Description.Prices operating from 3rd March, 1915, to 19th October, 1916.Prices operating from 20th October, 1916.
 d.d.
Wethers, first quality, 72 1b. and under4 ½5 ⅜
    “ ” over 72 lb.4 ¼5 ⅛
    “ ” over 85 lb. and up to 98 lb. (subject to special approval of Inspector)44 ⅞
    “ second quality (including quarters and sides)4 ¼5 ⅛
Ewes, first quality, 72 lb. and under44 ⅞
  “ ” over 72 lb3 ¾4 ⅝
  “ second quality3 ¾4 ⅝
Lamb, specially prime and Canterbury quality, 42 lb. and under5 6/86 ½
  “ first quality, 42 lb. and under5 ½6 ⅜
  “ over 42 lb.5 ¼6 ⅛
  “ second quality (including quarters and sides)5 ¼6 ⅛
Beef, prime ox4 ¾5
  “ second and heifer4 ½4 ¾
  “ boning in quarters44 ¼
  “ cow, prime4 ½4 ¾
  “ cow, second44 ¼
  “ boneless55 ¼
(Odd hind quarters ¼ d. above and odd fore quarters ¼ d. below schedule prices.)  
Mutton, legs5 ½6 ⅜
  “ shoulders4 ½5 ⅜
  “ loins4 ½5 ⅜
  “ haunches5 

A condition applying to the prices fixed on the 20th October, 1916, was that they should operate for at least three months after the termination of the war, and that the storage rate previously paid should be reduced by 25 per cent. as from the 1st November, 1916.

Between the 3rd March, 1915, and the 30th June, 1917, 1,501,217 quarters of beef, 5,675,711 carcases of mutton, and 7,174,842 carcases of lamb had been shipped under the new scheme, the quantities shipped from the various ports being as shown in the table following. The value of the meat purchased to 30th June, 1917, was £17,391,003.

SHIPMENTS OF MEAT UNDER IMPERIAL PURCHASE SCHEME, 3RD MARCH, 1915, TO 30TH JUNE, 1917.

Port of Shipment.Quarters Beef.Carcases Mutton.Carcases Lamb.
Whangarei81,63214,5943,222
Auckland301,584107,181196,704
Tokomaru Bay20,096199,492109,423
Gisborne99,266637,481277,498
Napier117,281765,480494,962
Waitara152,995118,33285,765
New Plymouth5,30610,7092,355
Wanganui85,534234,219123,257
Wellington294,0111,701,5821,596,084
Totals, North Island1,157,7053,789,0702,889,270
Nelson7,44127,59543,796
Picton67,65296,644 
Lyttelton97,697736,4021,831,613
Timaru25,120400,3871,179,872
Oamaru 49,507132,797
Dunedin59,120253,737458,767
Bluff154,134351,361542,083
Totals, South Island343,5121,886,6414,285,572
Grand totals1,501,2175,675,7117,174,842

Practically the whole of the beef and mutton sent Home is used by the Army. The lamb is sold for consumption by the civil population.

CHEESE.

Towards the end of October, 1915, the New Zealand Government was asked by the imperial Government to requisition for Army purposes 15,000 tons of cheese at 7 ¼d. per pound f.o.b., to be delivered in monthly quantities, from October, 1915, to the end of May, 1916. Requisitions were accordingly made on a pro rata basis on the various cheese-factories, and the cheese was duly supplied.

In the 1916-17 season, again, the Imperial Government requisitioned on New Zealand for cheese, and on this occasion arrangements were made to purchase the whole of the output of cheese available for export, the prices fixed being 9 ½d. per pound f.o.b. for first-grade, and 9 ¼d. for second-grade. The Imperial Government also purchased all cheese shipped before the requisition came into force.

During the 1915-16 season 189,502 crates of cheese were shipped to the United Kingdom under the scheme of requisition, and for the 1916-17 season 375,562 crates had been shipped up to the 30th June, 1917, at which date 121,797 crates were in store awaiting shipment.

CONDENSED MILK.

Supplies of condensed milk have also been purchased in New Zealand during recent months by the Imperial Government. Between the 27th November, 1916, and the 31st March, 1917, the shipments made aggregated 19,998 cases, valued at £21,381.

SCHEELITE.

The demand for tungstic acid occasioned by the war drew the attention of the Imperial Government to New Zealand's small but useful supplies of scheelite, most of the output of which in years prior to the war had been forwarded to Germany. Accordingly on the 6th September, 1915, notice was given that all supplies were to be requisitioned by the Imperial Government. All persons having scheelite in their possession were required to notify the fact to the Mines Department, and all supplies since the date mentioned have been bought on behalf of the Imperial Government and shipped to London. The price fixed is £2 15s. per unit—i.e., per 1 per cent. tungstic trioxide.

Up to the 30th June, 1917, a total of 400 tons of ore was shipped to the United Kingdom on behalf of the Imperial Government. Payments totalling £75,969 were made to producers up to that date. The fillip given to the scheelite industry in New Zealand will be seen from the fact that at the time of the inauguration of the scheme only five recognized companies were in operation, but supplies are now furnished by no fewer than forty syndicates, companies, and private producers.

WOOL.

At the request of the Imperial Government, the Dominion Government made arrangements for the purchase of the 1916-17 wool-clip for war purposes. A proclamation requisitioning the whole of the season's clip was gazetted on the 21st December, 1916, and up to the 30th June, 1917, 482,704 bales had been valued, of which 287,039 bales had been shipped. Payments made to that date by the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Imperial Government aggregated £11,113,945, not including £1,014,414 paid to freezing companies on account of slipe wool, also purchased for the Home authorities.

The prices paid for the wool-clip were fixed at a 55-per-cent. advance on those ruling in 1913-14. The scale of qualities and values (plus 55 per cent.) is as follows:—

Description of Wool.Ranges of Values per Pound according to Quality.
Superior merino combingsFrom 12d.to 14 ½d.
Medium to good merino9 ¾d. “ 11 ½d.
Inferior merino8 ½d. “ 9 ½d.
Superior half-bred12d. “ 14d.
Medium to good half-bred9 ¾d. “ 12d.
Inferior half-bred9d. “ 10d.
Superior crossbred10 ½d. “ 12d.
Medium to good crossbred9d. “ 11d.
Inferior crossbred7 ¾d. “ 9d.
Lincoln and Leicester8 ¾d. “ 10 ½d.
Lambs, good11d. “ 13d.
Lambs, medium9d. “ 10 ¾d.

SKINS AND HIDES.

Further requisitions of the Imperial Government are in respect of sheep-skins (commencing January, 1917) and hides and calf-skins (March, 1917). The scale of prices in the case of sheep-skins is as follows:—

Skins.Merino.Half-bred.Fine Crossbred.Coarse Crossbred.
 d.d.d.d.
Three-quarter to full-woolled sound10 ½ - 11 ½13 - 1412 - 1311 ½ - 12 ½
          “ faulty          9 ½ - 10 ½11 ½ - 12 ½10 ½ - 1210 ½ - 11 ½
          ”          damaged8 ½ - 9 ½10 - 119 ¼ - 10 ¾9 ¼ - 10 ¾
Half-woolled sound8 ¾ - 9 ¾11 - 1210 ½ - 11 ½10 - 11 ½
        ”            faulty8 - 910 - 118 ½ - 108 ½ - 10
          ”            damaged7 ½ - 8 ½8 ½ - 9 ½7 - 8 ½7 - 8 ½
Short to quarter- wool led sound7 ½ - 8 ½9 ¼ - 10 ¾8 ½ - 10 ¾ 
          ”          faulty5 ½ - 6 ½7 - 8 ½7 - 8 ½7 - 8 ½
          ”          damaged5 ¼ - 6 ¼6 ½ - 7 ½6 - 7 ½5 ½ - 7
Shorn sound5 ¾ - 6 ¾8 - 98 ½ - 9 ½8 - 10
          ”          damaged—faulty3 - 43 - 64 - 74 - 7
Lamb-skins sound11 - 12 ½
          ”          damaged8 ½ - 11 ½
          ”          seedy4½ - 9

Hides and calf-skins are classified as shown below, the values ranging from ls. ld. per pound downwards.

Ox-hides— 70 lb. and over.
60 lb. to 69 lb.
53 lb. “ 59 lb.
45 lb. “ 52 lb.
33 lb. “ 44 lb.
Yearlings— 25 lb. “ 32 lb.
17 lb. “ 24 lb.
Cow-hides—49 lb. and over.
40 lb. to 48 lb.
33 lb. “ 39 lb.
Calves— 11 lb. to 16 lb.
6 lb. “ 10 lb.
5 lb. and Over

Chapter 14. SECTION XIV.—SHIPPING.

REGISTERED VESSELS.

THE number and tonnage of the registered vessels belonging to the several ports of registry in the Dominion on the 31st December, 1916 (distinguishing sailing-vessels and steamers), were as under:—

Ports.Sailing-vessels.Steam-vessels.
Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.
Auckland1328,0066,88120623,26312,273
Napier4266253293,7432,205
Wellington133,1612,8863911,4265,791
Nelson7189152142,7351,304
Lyttelton133,8053,707206,5333,081
Timaru17336901942488
Dunedin187,1326,9406974,92944,702
Invercargill2372344121,262598
Totals19023,66421,853390124,83370,442

Auckland is the port of registry of the majority of the vessels forming New Zealand's “mosquito” fleet, the average net tonnage of the 338 vessels on the Auckland register being only 57 tons. At Dunedin most of the vessels of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand are registered. Shortly after the outbreak of war, however, many of the principal vessels of this company were transferred to the London register, the large decrease in 1914 as compared with 1913, shown in the next table, being due to this cause.

Year.Sailing-vessels.Steam-vessels.
Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage
190732346,37343,967305150,62888,629
190831546,87444,366325181,525107,323
190926242,38440,163327188,230110,677
191025440,89438,631352192,637112,475
191124437,71035,651361196,374114,973
191224236,55834,308374208,887121,772
191322533,93131,619391220,186127,691
191419722,71420,984384135,83877,901
191519623,54621,762385126,54971,695
191619023,66421,853390124,83370,442

The tonnage of sailing-vessels on the register has decreased rapidly during recent years, though a slight improvement is shown for 1915 and 1916, due probably to the demand for vessels to replace those used for war purposes.

OVERSEA SHIPPING.

During the year 1916 a total of 574 vessels direct from oversea ports were entered inwards in the Dominion: this number is 64 less than the corresponding figure for 1915. The year 1912 saw a total entry of 677 vessels, but the following year's strike and then the war have told against subsequent progress. Vessels entered outwards numbered 666 in 1912, 635 in 1913, 657 in 1914, 649 in 1915, and 574 in 1916. It will be noticed that the total arrivals in the two years 1913 and 1914 were 1,291 and the departures 1,292, the figures of departures for 1914 being swelled by the inclusion of a number of vessels detained at ports of the Dominion at the end of 1913 on account of the strike and the consequent delay in loading.

The actual effects of the two disturbances on oversea shipping, however, cannot be accurately gauged. Of late years the number of vessels engaged in the oversea trade has not increased to any great extent; the tendency is rather for vessels of a larger size to be employed in the New Zealand trade, in order to cope with the growing imports and exports of the Dominion, and for the purposes of the passenger traffic. The number of vessels entered inwards and outwards in 1906 was 1,260 of an aggregate tonnage of 2,481,866 tons—an average of 1,970 tons. The 1,164 vessels in 1916 aggregated 2,940,110 tons, the average being 2,526 tons. Dealing with steamships only (856 in 1906 and 1,054 in 1916), the average tonnage is found to be 2,672 and 2,733 tons respectively. The number of sailing-vessels arriving and departing decreased from 414 in 1906 to 110 in 1916, the aggregate tonnage falling in the same time from 194,395 to 59,522 tons.

The number and tonnage of vessels entered and cleared during each of the last ten years, separating steam from sailing, are as shown in the following table:—

OVERSEA SHIPPING, 1907-16.

Year.Entered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tonnage.Vessels.Tonnage.
Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.
19074541911,164,55089,7164411741,144,55080,832
19084751831,269,04492,0034631931,231,193100,112
19094451601,186,39377,5424371591,172,47881,400
19104751341,317,28471,7474641241,299,08268,125
19114991221,417,94364,4354981261,402,10365,299
1912582951,619,41152,681572941,620,05748,573
1913563821,692,92946,056559761,658,45741,350
1914567791,676,84048,009582751,735,60146,380
1915581571,613,67927,746585641,604,05031,883
1916520541,418,99129,526534561,461,59729,996

NATIONALITY OF VESSELS.

Tables are given showing the number and tonnage of British, colonial, and foreign vessels entered and cleared in each of the ten years, 1907 to 1916.

VESSELS ENTERED AND CLEARED, 1907-16.

Year.British.Colonial.Foreign.Total.
Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.
Entered.
1907194636,456400548,9165168,8946451,254,266
1908193684,144419629,4284647,4756581,361,047
1909155587,235407633,8134342,8876051,263,935
1910186703,244385643,1283842,6596091,389,031
1911169707,573409727,9694346,8366211,482,378
1912153672,289462931,8116267,9926771,672,092
1913171765,943430905,0344468,0086451,738,985
1914191791,529398847,9105785,4106461,724,849
19153141,145,609290439,2923456,5246381,641,425
1916255998,388283388,9613661,1685741,448,517
Cleared.
1907185625,006383537,2344763,1426151,225,382
1908194682,357408594,8425454,1066561,331,305
1909152572,384406641,0553840,4395961,253,878
1910181688,143371637,5133641,5515881,367,207
1911169693,665412726,6554347,0826241,467,402
1912152680,774459930,6275557,2296661,668,630
1913171748,769420886,4404464,5986351,699,807
1914194826,358407867,1845688,4396571,781,981
19153171,138,873293437,3883959,6726491,635,933
19162591,027,088294400,6463763,8595901,491,593

British and colonial vessels have shown a steady rise in tonnage over the period under review, and the tonnage of foreign vessels has also risen in the last few years.

The nationality of the foreign-owned vessels entered inwards and cleared outwards in 1906 and 1916 is as follows:—

FOREIGN VESSELS, 1906 and 1916.

Nationality.1906.1916.
 Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons. 
American30114,35331116,0582233,0292233,028
Danish21,0231647    
French39,22439,22417621762
German33,83633,836    
Italian22,41522,415    
Japanese    815,787918,479
Norwegian2821,7032821,82946,86246,862
Swedish16851685    
Dutch    14,72814,728
Totals69153,23969154,6943661,1683763,859

DIRECTION OF OVERSEA SHIPPING.

Particulars of the number and net tonnage of vessels entered and cleared between New Zealand and various countries during the years 1906 and 1916 are given below:—

Country.1906.1910.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.
United Kingdom94396,65289363,58353287,45184438,548
Burma25,836      
India311,052  618,294  
Straits Settlements  188745,55034,774
South African Union42,97826,69514,025  
Canada510,140610,28723115,8301584,642
Falkland Islands    21,264  
Australia421608,611459726,342325651,549344684,966
Fiji2942,1462532,7253355,3013557,707
Gilbert and Ellice Islands    12,11812,118
Maiden Island44,3151860    
Norfolk Island2806280614031403
France1857  11,275  
Germany22,326      
Japan12,473  48,97512,347
Java12,788      
Sumatra    22,428  
Egypt    1754,192  
Portuguese East Africa1798      
Argentina1941   11,275 
Chile511.91249.897  510,124
United States America34111,9941859,30282221,0473151,377
Caroline Islands  21,358    
German Samoa116231,118  1245
“Guam”  11,39312,15447129,918
New Caledonia24.862132931,06045,970
Society Islands    118,898139,588
Surprise Island31,89921,931    
Tonga1320,1041320,641    
Tuamotu Archipelago    36,31737,205
Antarctica    13861386
Totals6291,243,6526311,238,2145741,448,5175901,491,593

OVERSEA SHIPPING.—TONNAGE AT VARIOUS PORTS.

The net tonnage of oversea shipping entered and cleared at the various ports during the years 1906 and 1916 is given in the next table. Vessels arriving from abroad are recorded at the first port of call, and those departing oversea are cleared at the port from which they finally sail:—

Port.1906.1916.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Auckland593,493383,046766,998444,432
Kaipara8,86349,9253,03521,011
Tauranga  558204
Gisborne3,7164,0257,507 
New Plymouth  5,749 
Waitara  20,842 
Wanganui1,9642,53612,7093,104
Wellington342,308425,526351,550807,817
Napier9,27312,4845,708475
Wairau (including Picton)6,49115,5826,620 
Nelson3,449 7,495 
Westport9,88036,8127,64314,749
Greymouth1,6603,3851,14028,366
Lyttelton65,00444,25559,72430,810
Timaru1,50618,4456,486 
Oamaru1,1924,8081,194 
Dunedin60,32198,36397,87587,970
Bluff134,532139,02285,68452,655
Totals1,243,6521,238,2141,448,5171,491,593

COASTWISE SHIPPING.

The extensive coast-line and numerous harbours of New Zealand facilitate travelling and the distribution of goods by sea. The total tonnage of coastwise shipping, as shown below, includes that of oversea vessels which, after entry at the first port of arrival, proceed to other ports within the Dominion for the purpose of delivering and loading cargo, each movement, until the final sailing, being recorded as coastwise shipping.

COASTWISE SHIPPING, 1907-16.

Year.Entered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tonnage.Vessels.Tonnage.
Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.
190720,7944,47910,981,579260,02820,6954,40210,913,497255,532
190821,2594,44811,825,857251,98321,1704,37911,795,607256,133
190920,9244,46711,706,700241,97420,9564,42511,730,052244,554
191022,2724,50011,839,244242,65222,2174,47811,848,680241,302
191123,0924,02412,060,227206,42723,0644,03312,026,951208,820
191223,6543,84312,451,499180,69823,6223,87012,457,316181,718
191321,9373,76411,332,143173,49421,9223,73311,330,078172,715
191423,0193,88012,217,206175,75723,0263,84612,154,108179,761
191521,8903,20410,918,580133,10221,9273,20210,899,058133,519
191621,2283,0929,919,576129,25321,1563,1319,713,698127,182

The decrease in 1913 as compared with 1912 is largely accounted for by the strike during the latter part of the year. Many coastal vessels were laid up for several weeks during the strike period. Coastwise shipping naturally reflects on a larger scale the effects of the war noticeable in oversea shipping. That this is so will be more readily understood if it be observed that the normal rate of progress from year to year is much greater in the overseas shipping. Despite the difference of ten years (during which there might be expected to be a large increase in shipping—commensurate with the Dominion's developments in other directions), there is a big drop shown in the coastwise shipping handled in 1916 as compared with 1906. Auckland alone of all the ports mentioned handled shipping to the extent that might have been expected. Whangarei shows an increase which puts it nearly double what it was in 1906. All other ports of any importance indicate decreases when compared with 1906.

In the next table is given information showing tonnage of vessels entered and cleared coastwise at each port in the years 1906 and 1916.

TONNAGE ENTERED AND CLEARED AT VARIOUS PORTS, 1906 and 1916.

Ports.1906.1916.
Tonnage entered.Tonnage cleared.Tonnage entered.Tonnage cleared. 
Auckland878,0931,061,9271,046,7131,256,700
Onehunga205,585204,618111,608111,370
Thames118,366111,799118,566119,525
Coromandel31,69531,22514,67114,527
Whitianga  16,40314,392
Whangaparapara  8,7428,639
Whangarei138,034136,659233,468228,510
Russell40,72640,72657,62049,698
Whangaroa44,58244,67649,89649,129
Mangonui26,42926,80630,78329,646
Hokianga23,14515,40920,30711,462
Herekino    
Whangape  1,293966
Kaipara51,68512,16325,5064,359
Tauranga37,91637,63655,32655,488
Gisborne616,442615,817518,801526,712
New Plymouth263,027263,027111,059116,379
Waitara75,00674,93161,52476,639
Patea15,39615,55321,03220,863
Wanganui125,226125,406161,946170,436
Foxton  18,64918,274
Wellington2,550,9352,494,0462,481,8012,016,097
Napier742,498737,853655,234660,376
Wairau22,34922,34915,91915,860
Picton383,288374,009288,482295,102
Nelson368,253374,312315,426322,140
Westport565,324536,120432,212424,872
Greymouth298,452296,093329,815302,899
Hokitika5,4055,4802,9412,926
Lyttelton1,889,5721,913,2721,574,2481,607,182
Timaru452,040434,613257,369267,234
Oamaru164,241160,625107,731109,037
Dunedin849,798808,138716,314722,322
Bluff345,739344,020187,397211,119
Chatham Islands2,5142,514  
Totals11,331,76111,321,82210,048,8299,840,880

PRINCIPAL PORTS.

Viewed from the standpoint of shipping handled in 1916, Wellington is the principal port of the Dominion, followed by Auckland and Lyttelton. Wellington and Lyttelton are the termini of the daily inter-island ferry service, and to this fact is due a large part of the coastwise shipping entered and cleared from these two ports. The table which follows summarizes the shipping of the principal ports of the Dominion for the year 1916. A comparison with the figures for 1915 brings out the fact that there was a total decrease in the total tonnage handled in all of the ports mentioned except Auckland. In the case of Auckland, the decrease in the overseas tonnage handled was more than counterbalanced by the increase in the tonnage of coastwise shipping.

Port.Overseas.Coastwise.Total.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Wellington351,550807.8172,481,8012,016,0975,657,265
Auckland766,998444,4321,046,7131,256,7003,514,843
Lyttelton59,72430.8101,574,2481,607,1823,271,964
Dunedin97,87587,970716,341722,3221,624,508
Napier5,708475655,234660,3761,321,793
Gisborne7,507 518,801526,7121,053,020
Westport7,64314,749432,212424,872879,476
Greymouth1,14028,366329,815302,899662,220
Nelson7.495 315,426322,140645.061
Wairau (including Picton)6,620 304,404310,962621,983
Bluff85,68452,655187,397211,119536,855
Timaru6,486 257,369267,234531,089

Information as to pilotage, port charges, wharfage rates, &c., at these and certain other ports of the Dominion is given in the 1914 issue of this book. Particulars concerning the graving-docks at Auckland (2), Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers (2), and the patent slips at Wellington and Lyttelton, will be found in the same issue.

LIGHTHOUSES.

The coast-line and harbours of New Zealand are fairly well provided with lighthouses, and more are being added from time to time. A list of the various lighthouses, with particulars as to the lights at each, is given.

LIGHTHOUSES.

Number of Light.Name of Lighthouse.Order of Apparatus.Fixed, Flashing, or Revolving.Interval of Revolution or Flash.Height, in Feet, above High Water.Colour of Light.Distance visible in Nautical Miles.Colour of Lighthouse.
1†*Cape Maria van Diemen1st order dioptricRevolving Fixed1 minute330White Red, to show over Columbia Reef25White.
2†*Cape Brett1st order dioptricGroup, 2 fl.30 seconds510White30 ½White.
3Maro Tiri (Chickens)Acetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Flashing¼ sec. fl., 3 1 ½ sec. ecl.48020
4Sugar Loaf Islet (Whangarei)Ditto2 sec. fl., 20 sec. ecl.6113 
5† Moko Hinou1st order dioptric10 seconds38527White.
6†Cuvier Island1st “Revolving30 seconds ½ sec. fl., 2 sec. ecl. 39027 
6aChannel IslandAcetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Flashing½ sec. fl., 10 sec. ecl.26020
7†*Tiritiri2nd order dioptricFixed 300White, with red arc over Flat Rock24Red.
8Bean RockUnwatchedFlashing1 sec. fl., 4 sec. ecl.50White, red, green10White.
9Rangitoto BeaconPintsch's patent gas-light (unwatched)Occulting5 seconds68White, showing 5 sec. flash and 5 sec. obscured12Red and white, vertical.
10Ponui Passage5th order dioptric (unwatched)Flashing⅓ sec. fl., 1 ⅔ sec. ecl.50White and red10White.
10a.Tauranga Harbour entranceAcetone acetylene gas (unwatched)⅓ sec. fl., 2 ⅔ sec. ecl.14White and red5Beacon.
11†*East Cape2nd order dioptric10 seconds362White flash26White.
 Tokomaru Bay Leading-lights Fixed 99,126Red and white10 
12Tuahine PointAcetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Occultingfl. 2 sec., ecl. 6 sec.53White13White.
13Gisborne Leading-lightsDioptric side-lightsFixed 60, 40White and Red5
14†Portland Island2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds300White24
  Fixed  Red, over Bull Rock  
15NapierAcetone acetylene gas(unwatched)Flashing1 ½ sec. fl., 8 ½ sec. ecl.160White19White.
16Napier Leading-lights Fixed 70,50White and red7
17*Castlepoint2nd order incand'ntGroup fl., 3 fl.45 seconds170White19 ½
18†*Cape Palliser2nd order dioptricGroup, 2 fl.30 seconds258White; interval of 3 sec. between flashes23
19*Pencarrow Hd.2nd “Fixed 322White25
20Wigham ben. lamp (unwatched) 32White and red10
21*Somes Island2nd order dioptric 95White, red, and green15 ½
22*Manawatu RiverOrdinary lamp 44White5Flagstaff white.
23Wanganui River6th order port light 658
24PateaAcetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Flashing0.3 sec. fl., 2.7 sec. ecl.130“12 
25†*Cape Egmont2nd order dioptricFixed 10316White.
26New Plymouth Leading-lights4th and 5th order port light 100,45Red16,10
27Waitara6th order port light 70White8Flagstaff white.
28†*Manukau3rd order dioptric 38527Brown.
 5th order port light 70White and green10White.
29†*Kaipara2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds278White23 ½Red.
30*Hokianga6th order portlight  1528White.
31*Nelson4th order port light (unwatched)Fixed 60White, with red arc13
32*French Pass6th order port light 12White and red, with white light on beacon8
 Okuri Point (building)Acetoneacetylene gas (unwatched)Occulting0 75 sec. fl., ecl. 3 sec.80White, with red arc over Beef Barrels6
33†*Stephens Island1st order dioptricGroup fl., 2 fl.30 seconds600White32 ½
34Jackson HeadPintsch's patent gaslight (unwatched)Occultingfl. 3 secs., ecl. 3 sec5510Concrete ben.
35Dieffenbach Point (Queen Charlotte Sound)Acetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Flashing0.3 sec., ecl. 2.7 sec.39White5White.
36†The Brothers2nd order dioptric10 seconds25823
  Fixed  Red, over Cook Rock  
36aKarori RockAcetone acetylene gas (unwatched)Flashing½ sec. fl., ecl. 3 ½ secs.65White, with red arcs13 ½Concrete tower
37Tory Channel Leading-lights5th order port lightFixed 86, 22White10White.
38*Wairau River6th “ 388Flagstaff.
39†*Cape Campbell2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute15518 ½White.
40*Godley Head2nd “Fixed 45029
41†*Akaroa Head2nd “Flashing10 seconds27023
42Timaru5th order portlightFixed 85Red and green10
43Jack's Point4th order dioptricOcculting10 seconds94White15 ½
44Oamaru5th “Flashing14 seconds12010Light stone
45†Moeraki3rd “Fixed 17019 ½White.
46†*Taiaroa Head3rd “ 196Red20 ½ 
47Otago Harbour Entrance, N. Mole LightWigham ben. light 29Green5
48†*Cape Saunders2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute210White21
49†*Nugget Point1st “Fixed 25022 ½
50†Waipapapa Point2nd “Flashing10 seconds70 “14 
51†*Dog Island1st order catadioptricRevolving30 “15018 ½White & black bands.
52†*Centre Island1st order dioptricFixed 265White, with red arcs23White.
53†*Puysegur Point1st “Flashing10 seconds180White20
54Hokitika5th “Fixed 12210
55Greymouth6th order portlight 628Flagstaff.
56†*Cape Foulwind2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds23822White.
57WestportDioptric masthead-ItFixed 508Flagstaff.
58*Karamea6th order port light 508
59†Kahurangi Point2nd order dioptric  110White, with red sector16White.
60†*Farewell Spit2nd “Revolvingminute97White, with red arc over Spit end16Upper part white & lower part red.

DEPôTS FOR SHIPWRECKED MARINERS.

Depôts of provisions and clothing for castaways are established on the following outlying islands:—

Kermadec Islands.—There are two depôts, each a small iron shed, fitted with spouting and a tank to catch water, and containing a supply of clothing, biscuits, medicines, tools, &c. One is in 30° 15' S., 178° 31' W., at Lava Cascade, about 1 ½ cables south-eastward of the northern point of Macaulay Island; the other is in 30° 35' S., 178° 36' W., on the southern side of Macdonald Cove (crater), on the N.W. side of Curtis Island.

Three Kings.—A provision depôt has been established on the largest island. It is situated on the narrow neck at the head of N.W. and S.E. bays, in latitude 34° 9' 11“ S., longitude 172° 9' 1“ E., 31 miles N. 52° W. of Cape Maria van Diemen Lighthouse. The house is painted white, and is plainly visible from S.E. bay. A finger-post is erected on the ridge overlooking the two bays, and is visible from the anchorage in each bay. A notice is nailed up inside the house giving instructions where to find water, and also how to attract the attention of the light-keepers at Cape Maria—namely, by making a fire on the hill to the west of the house—and that the light-keepers have been instructed to keep a constant look-out in that direction.

Snares Islands.—A depôt is established in 48° 0 ¾' S., 166° 35 ¾' E., in Boat Harbour, at the eastern end of N.E. Island, 120 miles by sea in a S.W. direction from Bluff Harbour.

Bounty Islands.—The depôt is a hut at an elevation of 120 ft., visible from the northward, and situated in 47° 42' S., 179° 3' E., southward of the western inlet of the principal island—the north-eastern—of the western group. It is 360 miles S. 72° E. from Port Chalmers.

Antipodes Islands.—The depôt is a hut at an elevation of 100 ft., visible from some distance north-eastward, and situated in 49° 40' S., 178° 50' E., 300 ft. from the landing-place, on the N.E. side of the large island, and half a mile westward of its east point. It is 460 miles S. 66° E. from Bluff Harbour.

Auckland Islands.—There are three depôts on the principal island: one, a square wooden house, in 50° 33 ¼' S., 166° 12' E., and a boat near the depôt, on the S. side of Erebus Cove, Port Ross, on the E. side and at the northern end of the island; the second is in 50° 44 ½' S., 166° 8' E., at the head of Norman Inlet (wrongly named “Musgrave Inlet” on charts), and not at the inlet named Norman Inlet, two miles and a half northward; the third, and a boat for shipwrecked people, is in 50° 50 ½' S., 166° 1' E., in the western arm of Camp Cove, Carnley Harbour, at the S. end of the island. A lifeboat has been placed on Enderby Island, the north-eastern of the group; another at the N.W. end of Adams Island, the southern of the group; one on Rose Island, immediately S.W. of Enderby Island; and one on Disappointment Island. Port Ross is 256 miles by sea in a S.S.W. direction from Bluff Harbour.

Campbell Island.—The depôt, indicated by a white staff and a boat, is in 52° 33 ½' S., 169° 6 ½' E., in Tucker Cove, at the head of S. or Perseverance Harbour, on the east side of the island. Perseverance Harbour is 354 miles by sea southward of Bluff Harbour.

Finger-posts to indicate the positions of the depôts are erected on all these islands. The Government steamer visits the Kermadec and Three Kings Islands once a year; and the other islands twice a year.

Chapter 15. SECTION XV.—RAILWAYS.

THE history and progress of railways in New Zealand was specially de scribed in the Year-book of 1894, as was also the line partly built by the New Zealand Midland Railway Company. An account of the line lately belonging to the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company was published in the Year-book for 1895.

In the year 1860 a contract was let for the construction of the first New Zealand railway. Up to the year 1870 there were only 46 miles of railway in operation. In that year the construction of railways came to be part of the public-works policy just then initiated, and the Railways Act of 1870 authorized certain lines to be made and surveys of others. In 1876 the abolition of the provinces placed the earlier-constructed railways in the hands of the General Government. At that time there were 718 miles open for traffic.

In December, 1908, the State acquired by purchase the railway between Wellington and Longburn, 84 miles in length, completed in 1886 by the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company. The entire railway system, with the exception of a few miles of private lines used for specific purposes. such as the carriage of coal, timber, or stone, is now owned and controlled by the State.

The State railway system of New Zealand comprised at the 31st March last 2,960 miles of line open for traffic, divided into nine distinct sections as follows:—

Section.Length.
 Miles.
North Island main line1,108
Whangarei74
Kaihu20
Gisborne44
South Island main line1,404
Westland157
Westport36
Nelson61
Picton56
Total2,960

The gauge is 3 ft. 6 in., and all lines have been uniformly constructed to that standard. For main lines the standard rail is 70 lb. per lineal yard; for branch lines 52 lb. to 56 lb. per lineal yard, with 88 miles of 40 lb. and 45 lb. per yard. Sleepers are of Australian hardwood (ironbark or jarrah), or of New Zealand totara or silver-pine.

ROLLING-STOCK.

Since 1901 all carriages and wagons required for use on the State railways have been manufactured in the railway workshops of the Dominion. The locomotives also are now all built in the Dominion, mostly in the railway workshops. A new passenger locomotive, Class AB, was brought into operation last year, and has been adopted as a standard type. This is a simple superheated tender-engine of the “Pacific” type—weight in working trim, 79 tons; tractive power, 20,000 lb. The AB locomotive is of sufficient power to be also easily adapted for use as a goods engine. The standard goods locomotive used is of the four-cylinder balanced compound type, weighs 94 tons, and has a tractive power of 29,840 lb. Standard carriages are 50 ft. in length, fitted with chair seats to accommodate forty-four passengers, and lighted by the Pintsch-gas system. All rolling-stock is fitted with the Westinghouse brake.

Information as to the rolling-stock in use on the State railways of Australia and New Zealand is given in the following table:—

ROLLING-STOCK, STATE RAILWAYS OF AUSTRALASIA.

State.Year endedLocomotives.Passenger Vehicles.Wagons and Brake-vans.
  No.No.No.
Queensland30th June, 191664076613,665
New South Wales“ “1,2111,62622,179
Victoria“ “8081,58419,778
South Australia“ “4706299,032
Western Australia“ “42440910,050
Tasmania“ 1915801751,727
New Zealand31st March, 19176071,48022,330

PASSENGERS AND GOODS.

The following statement shows the number of miles of Government railways open in the Dominion, the number of train-miles travelled and of passengers carried, and the tonnage of goods traffic for the past twenty years:—

Year ended 31st March.Length open (Miles).Train-mileage.Passengers.Season Tickets issued.Goods and Live-stock.*
* The equivalent tonnage for live-stock has been given.
     Tons.
18982,0553,666,4834,672,26448,6602,628,746
18992,0903,968,7084,955,55355,0272,744,441
19002,1044,187,8935,468,28463,3353,251,716
19012,2124,620,9716,243,59382,9213,461,331
19022,2355,066,3607,356,136100,7783,667,039
19032,2915,443,3337,575,390118,4313,918,261
19042,3285,685,3998,306,383129,9194,259,217
19052,3746,107,0798,514,112140,4534,185,468
19062,4076,413,5738,826,382147,9894,415,166
19072,4586,755,4549,600,786165,5044,824,563
19082,4747,051,2749,756,716185,1745,070,176
19092,6747,458,23610,457,144192,5475,135,408
19102,7177,889,16611,141,142199,3715,490,018
19112,7538,141,07511,200,613222,1045,803,674
19122,7988,371,68711,891,134236,9575,887,908
19132,8519,016,22413,123,879265,2596,246,128
19142,8549,319,26813,355,893287,0376,019,633
19152,9459,383,42013,565,772302,9126,453,472
19162,9609,356,52214,201,506330,6226,370,945
19172,9609,146,33114,173,115355,8326,239,172

The principal commodities carried on the State railways during each of the past twenty years were,—

Year ended 31st March.Wool.Timber.Grain.Minerals.Cattle.Sheep and Pigs.
* Information not available.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Number.Number.
1898103,055313,073427,4481,048,86844,9352,399,379
189997,396310,260420,0711,147,35355,8782,552,745
1900104,621334,677764,0331,218,69865,0632,559,836
190196,519380,803772,5711,366,24172,8682,463,250
1902101,878427,153813,3451,443,79283,4532,780,019
1903116,309436,008718,3761,604,426102,4613,883,177
1904101,316509,712820,4531,744,323107,4353,826,646
1905107,625493,327732,4801,806,360110,9243,490,752
1906116,086534,533772,2581,938,548119,3113,441,387
1907128,161567,835770,7062,135,446133,0314,776,223
1908120,593616,892739,5682,319,913150,7514,719,087
1909137,916582,860793,7932,342,048159,8845,329,115
1910151,051523,8451,044,4682,486,121176,4125,253,692
1911143,247627,1071,013,2982,655,250210,8486,071,670
1912141,607718,414949,5562,676,783207,5465,601,711
1913147,735695,0601,181,8992,760,983221,5955,524,935
1914155,709676,8581,050,3952,551,614254,2917,006,268
1915162,002621,9631,103,3522,988,028314,2197,086,461
1916154,633625,8661,061,9872,831,959371,5297,387,269
1917*579,428*2,787,523402,7697,269,544

COST OF CONSTRUCTION.

The total cost of construction of open lines up to the 31st March, 1917, was £35,378,664. The amount spent on lines in course of construction and not handed over to the Working Railways Department for traffic purposes was £2,808,509, making the total capital invested in State railways £38,187,173. The figures for each of the past five years are given.

CAPITAL INVESTED IN STATE RAILWAYS, 1912-18 to 1916-17.

1912-13.1913-14.1911-15.1915-16.1916-17.
 £££££
Lines open for traffic31,611,22032,355,08734,133,82534,857,88235,378,664
Lines under construction2,220,5632,625,4891,999,3302,477,1982,808,509
Totals33,831,78334,980,57636,133,15537,335,08038,187,173

REVENUE.

The railways of New Zealand have been looked upon more as adjuncts to the settlement of the country and the development of its natural resources than as an investment from which large profits should directly accrue. For many years a profit of 3 per cent. was regarded as sufficient, and any excess over this rate was followed by reductions in passenger charges or in freights. Consequent on the extension of settlement and the soundness of the Dominion's industries, a higher rate than 3 per cent. has been aimed at in recent years. The rate looked for in 1909-10 was 3 ¾ per cent., in 1910-11 4 per cent., followed in 1911–12 by a return to 3 ¾ per cent. These rates were obtained, as will be seen from the table following. The rates for 1913–14 and 1914–15 fell below expectations, result due in the earlier year to the extended strike which obtained during nearly three months of the year and to the outbreak of smallpox in the North Island, and in the later to the outbreak of the European War. In 1915-16 and 1916–17, however, there were considerable increases, bringing the revenue up to 4 ¾ per cent. and 5 ¼ per cent. respectively. These increases are largely due to the increased scale of fares, &c, now ruling.

The gross revenue from lines open for traffic during the financial year ended the 31st March, 1917, was £4,800,810, an increase of £252,454 on the amount realized for the previous year. The net revenue amounted to £1,873,946, equivalent to a return of 5.30 per cent. on the capital invested in lines open for traffic.

Information as to the revenue of the railways during each of the past twenty years is given in the following table:—

RAILWAY REVENUE, 1897-98 to 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Gross Revenue fromTotal Gross Revenue.Net RevenuePercentages of Net Revenue to Capital Cost.
Passenger-fares.Parcels, Luggage, and Mails.Goods and Live-stock.Rents and Miscellaneous.
 £££££££ s. d.
1898433,43060,872837,58944,1171,376,008518,8173 4 10
1699475,55366,418882,07745,6171,469,665539,9283 5 10
1900515,02068,488985,72354,6601,623,891571,5333 8 5
1901544,97672,7121,051,69457,8541,727,236599,3893 9 8
1902621,01979,5611,110,57563,4311,874,586622,3493 8 6
1903625,69887,2731,189,10171,9661,974,038630,6233 6 1
1901704,660110,1511,293,16972,6612,180,641741,9173 11 8
1905738,158115,0511,277,97678,0462,209,231716,3313 6 0
1906786,873142,6421,346,03874,1512,349,704728,4653 4 9
1907892,053151,9131,498,68681,9482,624,600812,1183 9 1
1908912,978176,8761,582,32889,7562,761,938812,1793 6 8
19091,011,658187,0401,630,704100,1242,929,526814,7113 2 7
19101,171,040192,5851,772,547113,6183,249,7901,080,3163 16 0
19111,223,412193,7891,961,078115,9033,494,1821,190,9104 1 3
19121,319,114203,3342,032,785121,2763,676,5091,210,6133 19 7
19131,461,873215,2092,157,686136,2343,971,0021,265,3934 0 9
19141,450,480236,7612,209,398146,6894,043,3281,163,0053 12 3
19151,482,382227,5212,249,399146,1554,105,4571,185,0023 10 7
19161,722,702236,7052,423,493165,4564,548,3561,637,4734 14 4
19171,873,048243,8322,498,862185,0684,800,8101,873,9465 5 11

The revenue from passenger-fares during the year 1916–17 represented an expenditure on railway travel of £1 12s. 7d. per head of mean population, including Maoris. The total revenue was equal to £4 3s. 7d. per capita.

A table is added showing information as to railway revenue in each of the Australian States for the year ended the 30th June, 1916. Figures for New Zealand for the year 1916–17 are also given.

REVENUE OF STATE RAILWAYS IN AUSTRALASIA, 1915–16.

State.Average Miles of Line worked.Train-miles run (,000 omitted).Gross Revenue. (.000 omitted.)Net Revenue.
Amount. (,000 omitted.)Per Train-mile.Per Cent. of Capital.
* Year ended 31st March, 1917.
   ££s.d. 
Queensland4,93911,5723,7451,0001 8 ¾2.88
New South Wales4,16921,5568,0062,3452 23.41
Victoria3,95513,8275,7051,5862 3 ½2.92
South Australia2,1855,6311,9664201 62.44
Western Australia3,3325,1492,0885772 2 ¾3.37
Tasmania5521,051348991 10 ¾2.07
Common wealth lines1,297953371-47-1 0-0.59
New Zealand*2,9609,1464,8011,8746 5 ¾5.30

EXPENDITURE.

Expenditure on State railways open for traffic during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, amounted to £2,926,864, or 60.97 per cent. of the gross revenue. The figures for each of the past twenty years are as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Expenditure.
 Amount.Per Cent. of Revenue.
 £ 
1898857,19162.30
1899929,73763.26
19001,052,35864.80
19011,127,84765.30
19021,252,23766.80
19031,343,41568.05
19041,438,72465.98
19051,492,90067.58
19061,621,23969.00
19071,812,48269.06
9081,949,75970.59
19092,114,81572.19
19102,169,47466.76
19112,303,27265.92
19122,465,89667.07
19132,705,60968.13
19142,880,32371.24
19152,920,45571.14
19162,910,88364.00
19172,926,86460.97

The expenditure under various heads for each of the past ten years has been as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Maintenance of Way.Locomotive Power.Carriages and Wagons.Traffic.Lake Wakatipu SteamersHead and Departmental Offices.Total.
 £££££££
1908638,560572,586160,818534,6345,37776,0821,949,759
1909656,154628,410165,850605,9405,05892,4452,114,815
1910620,008669,559163,833615,0335,13995,9022,169,474
1911693,445695,062180,221631,3805,02998,1352,303,272
1912735,546743,443209,039670,6315,997101,2402,465,896
1913765,860833,146226,146768,9366,619104,9022,705,609
1914763,207921,564232,745838,2227,046117,5392,880,323
1915738,550954,868228,145870,3926,085122,4152,920,455
1916740,349934,737225,908889,9916,377113,4612,910,883
1917720,840937,780238,808904,3186,602118,4562,926,864

The sum of the items for the first two years shown exceeds the total by amounts of £38,298 and £39,042 respectively, these being credit recoveries not allocated to the branches of expenditure to which they relate.

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

The number of men employed in operating the State railways at the 31st March, 1917, was 13,708. The staff is divided into two divisions—namely, the first or clerical division and the second or out-of-door division, and is further classed in four branches, as shown in the following table, which gives the number of employees in March of each of the past ten years:—

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES, 1907–8 to 1916-17.

As at 31st March.General.Traffic.Maintenance.Locomotive.Totals.
19083073,7254,1924,11412,338
19094603,8994,5443,60212,505
19106483,7583,8473,97112,224
19116713,8484,2284,13412,881
19126734,0644,3084,47813,523
19137184,4694,2404,78614,213
19146004,6763,9524,94814,176
19156324,7534,0655,16414,614
19166935,0413,9315,30314,968
19176754,7983,5864,64913,708

Railway employees are under a system of classification, first introduced in 1896, and revised at various times since then. In 1896 the minimum rate of pay for adult employees was 6s. per diem. The minimum has been raised from time to time, until at present no married man receives less than 9s. per diem.

Appeal Boards (one in each Island) have been constituted to hear and redress grievances of men dissatisfied with decisions respecting the with-holding of annual increments, promotion, loss of status, or breaches of discipline involving fines in excess of £2. Each Board consists of a Magistrate and two members of the Railway service elected by the members thereof. The Minister of Railways has the power of veto in respect of any decision of the Board.

A superannuation fund in connection with the Railway service was established in 1903. Full information concerning this is given in the section dealing with Pensions and Superannuation Funds.

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.

The history of railways in New Zealand has been one of comparative freedom from accidents of a serious nature. The most serious was the Rakaia accident of 1899, wherein four persons were killed and several injured. The Whangamarino accident of the 27th May, 1914, resulted in three persons being killed and others injured. A table is given dealing with railway accidents during each of the past ten years:—

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS, 1907-8 to 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.To Passengers.To Employees.To others.Fatal.Serious.Minor.Totals.
190820622272812629669
19092467325295688722
191014708192511705741
19112872236353748786
19121880622236817846
1913886839225888915
1914181,008252741,0201,051
191515973282879811,016
19162891927336935974
19172585222248867899

Of the persons meeting with fatal accidents in 1916-17, 5 were passengers, 9 employees, and 10 neither passengers nor employees. Of the non-fatal accidents, 47 were classified as train accidents, 159 as accidents on line (other than train-running), 111 as shunting accidents, 257 as accidents on wharves and in sheds, and 301 as accidents in railway workshops.

Chapter 16. SECTION XVI.—POSTAL AND TELEGRAPHIC.

INTRODUCTORY.

THE Post and Telegraph Department is really a “Service" rather than a “Department." By reason of its ramifications it has probably greater potentialities for usefulness to the public than any other organization, and in New Zealand very full use is made of it.

Around the money-order and savings-bank accounts as a nucleus there has been built up a system of accounting which receives from all the departments of the Post and Telegraph Service various revenues which are due to the Treasury, and, in addition to this, includes a vast amount of work for other Departments of the State.

In connection with the Post Office Savings-bank, information concerning which is given in the portion of this book dealing with banking, the Department receives interest-bearing deposits from the public, and invests the money received in liquid securities, not dealing in any way with land or actively participating in commercial ventures. In its money-order and postal-note business it issues drafts on places both within and beyond New Zealand, and pays drafts drawn on New Zealand either by its own agencies or by the agencies of foreign countries with which it has relations.

It receives amounts for credit of almost every Department in the Government service, and clears them from its central office in Wellington. In fact, it performs for the general public and the State various duties which, in quite another sphere of activity, are usually performed by a commercial bank. On account of the smallness of the majority of its transactions, the business, which bulks very large even from the “£ s. d." point of view, is very much larger from the standpoint of the number of transactions involved, which run into millions in each of the main divisions of the business.

A very large business is done both for the Public Trust Office and the State Advances Office in connection with the receipt and payment of moneys throughout the Dominion, amounting in the case of the former office to about £2,100,000, and in that of the latter to about £3,400,000, on each side of the account. Payments of all kinds, including advances on mortgages, are made upon vouchers prepared and certified in the Head Offices of these Departments, and transmitted to the Accountant's Office, General Post Office, for payment. On the other hand, lodgements are received at any money-order office in the Dominion of any moneys whatever that may be due to the Public Trustee or to the State Advances Office. A very large number of vouchers are paid on behalf of the Treasury. Last year these amounted in value to about £4,470,000. This system has been extended by making provision for the prompt payment through the Post Office of all claims against the General Government of sums of £5 and under, without pre-audit and without reference to the central authority. This is very much appreciated by small creditors, enabling them, as it does, to receive payment immediately after completion of the service.

In addition to the items mentioned where the Post Office acts as the agent or intermediary, there is a very considerable number of others, including such diverse matters as the collection of fees under the Arms Act, sale of fishing and game licenses, collection of Customs duty on parcels received from abroad, collection of goldfields revenue, collection of premiums for the Government Insurance Department, the payment of old-age, widows', and military pensions, Imperial pensions, and Public Servants' superannuation allowances, the collection of machinery fees, of amounts for the National Provident Fund, of fees in connection with the registration of births, deaths, and marriages, of valuation revenue, of land and income tax, orchard-tax, beer duty, workers' dwellings instalments, and industrial-schools receipts. All these entail special knowledge on the part of the officers dealing with them, and special classes of accounts. This is particularly the case in connection with the payment of both Imperial and old-age pensions, where the rules governing the payments are elaborate and intricate. There is probably no country in the world where the machinery of the Post Office is put to a greater or more varied use. Its system and methods are so flexible that there are practically no limits to the extension of its functions. This is exemplified by the use made of it since the outbreak of war. The Post Office pays the allotments of members of the Expeditionary Forces, war pensions, and separation allowances to dependants, and also arranges the payment of wages to wounded and sick soldiers not in camp. The number of payments for the year ended 31st March, 1917, was 405,255, for £2,164,780, and is increasing monthly as each reinforcement draft leaves the Dominion. Facilities have also been afforded to soldiers who do not wish to allot to dependants to deposit their deferred pay with the Post Office Savings-bank, special accounts being opened for each man taking advantage of this privilege.

When the New Zealand Government decided to float the £2,000,000 public-works loan in 1915 the Postal Department acted as the agent of the Treasury, and received applications and lodgements at all the 800 money-order offices throughout the Dominion. The debentures were subsequently delivered to investors through the same channel.

In connection with the flotation of the big war loans in 1916 and 1917 the Postal Department again aided the Treasury in the same manner as was done in 1915, and in addition undertook at the very shortest notice an entirely new scheme - viz., the sale of short-dated scrip, designated war-loan certificates. This paper was disposed of in two denominations—viz., £1 and £10 for 16s. and £8 respectively in the case of loans for five years, and for 13s. and £6 10s. in respect of investments for a period of ten years, the difference between the sale price and maturity value representing compound interest at 5 per cent, for five years. Considering the fact that the flotation was an entirely new departure, the sales may be regarded as highly satisfactory, a sum in the vicinity of £3,000,000 having been raised in this manner to date. In order to provide a repository for the safe keeping of war-loan certificates purchased by persons having no suitable accommodation, the Post Office further set up a system whereby it took custody, without charge, of all certificates tendered until the date of maturity. A very large proportion of the purchasers of the war-loan certificates took advantage of the facilities offered.

For the distribution and collection of the forms under the National Registration and Military Service Acts also the machinery of the Postal Department has been largely utilized. In the larger centres forms of registration under the National Registration Act were delivered and collected by a house-to-house canvass, and all post-offices had supplies of forms for the use of men required to register, and provided facilities for the filling-in of the forms. There was no house-to-house canvass in the case of the Military Service Act, but post-offices kept supplies of the various forms of enrolment, notification of change of address, and application - for - enrolment certificate, and Postal officials were authorized to give all assistance required in connection with the filling-in of the forms. The distribution of the certificates of enrolment was also made through post-offices.

A further extension of the activities of the Postal Department was made in connection with the population census of October, 1916, the distribution and collection of the householders' schedules being undertaken by the Department on behalf of the Census and Statistics Office. In addition special periodic censuses of stocks of coal, oil, tinplates, &c., have been collected by the Post and Telegraph Department on behalf of the Census and Statistics Office.

Apart from the advantages which are enjoyed by the public under the Post Office system of the collection and disbursement of public moneys, there is a very distinct benefit to the State, as the work is performed at a fractional part of the cost which would be incurred under other conditions.

An idea of the volume of business transacted for the other branches of the Public Service may be formed from the following figures in connection with the work performed for some the principal Departments for the year ended 31st December, 1916:-

Receipts.£
Advances to settlers981,512
Public Trust975,669
Beer duty12,523
Customs duty118,225
Government Life Insurance258,387
Income-tax783,743
Land-tax540,284
Machinery inspection11,594
National Provident Fund23,259
Public Service superannuation20,876
Registration of births3,225
Valuation revenue4,862
Fishing licenses1,548
Game licenses3,433
Payments.£
Advances to settlers733,988
Public Trust796,650
Pensions paid— 
  Imperial28,262
  Military46,431
  Miners6,970
  Old age481,300
  Widows37,559
  War134,906
  Public Service superannuation108,001
  National Provident Fund6,754

The total amount received by the Post Office from all sources was £49,219,183, and the total paid out £49,394,603.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.

The receipts and payments of the Post and Telegraph Department for the financial year 1916–17 are shown in the following table:-

RECEIPTS.

Item.Postal.Telegraph.Total.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
Postages913,458 9 8 1/2 913,458 9 8 1/2
Money-order and postal-note commission27,168 4 9 1/2 27,168 4 9 1/2
Money-order commission received from foreign offices819 8 7 819 8 7
Private box and bag fees15,985 7 4 15,985 7 4
Miscellaneous receipts7,361 12 9 1/2113,395 0 5120,756 13 2 1/2
Paid telegrams 413,853 12 0413,853 12 0
Telephone exchanges 317,275 4 9317,275 4 9
    Totals964,793 3 2 1/2844,523 17 21,809,317 0 4 1/2

PAYMENTS.

Item.Postal.Telegraph.Total.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
Salaries (classified officers)293,537 7 6403,794 5 9697,331 13 3
Salaries (country Postmasters and telephonists, and contributions to Railway Department)21,570 0 040,530 0 062,100 0 0
Conveyance of mails by sea68,786 8 1 68,786 8 1
Conveyance of inland mails103,827 12 8 103,827 12 8
Conveyance of mails by railway72,101 0 6 72,101 0 6
Money-order commission credited to foreign offices2,319 7 2 2,319 7 2
Maintenance of telegraph and telephone lines 108,173 10 5108,173 10 5
Miscellaneous127,450 10 9128,719 13 4256,170 4 1
    Totals689,592 6 8681,217 9 61,370,809 16 2
Balance of receipts over payments275,200 16 6.5163,306 7 8438,507 4 2.5
    Totals964,793 3 2 1/2844,523 17 21,809,317 0 4 1/2

POSTAL.

There were 2,379 post-offices in New Zealand at the end of 1916, a decrease of 23 during the year.

The table following gives information covering the past five years as to number of post-offices and numbers of articles posted and delivered. Letters and letter-cards, with the exception of 1916, show a steady increase while the number of parcels handled in 1916 shows a very large increase on the number for 1912.

POSTAL BUSINESS. 1912–16.

Year.Post offices open at End of Year.Articles posted and delivered.
Letters and Letter-cards.Post-cards.Books and Pattern-packets.Parcels.Newspapers
19122,350214,184,11911,252,52761,364,9173,359,39743,460,016
19132,383223,961,20010,462,89456,127,6844,275,83443,572,759
19142,396233,901,32010,585,04265,709,9085,055,14743,779,983
19152,402242,547,8599,242,79257,693,1305,724,57641,311,535
19162,379242,121,3618,133,69748,868,5376,085,10341,807,999

The average number of letters, &c., posted in the Dominion per head of the mean population in each of the past ten years is as shown in the next table.

ARTICLES POSTED PER HEAD OF MEAN POPULATION, 1907–16.

Year.Letters and Letter-cards.Post-cards.Books and Parcels.Newspapers.Totals.
190786.466.6323.8219.56136.47
190891.376.5826.4620.14144.55
190995.986.3226.2920.48149.07
191097.145.8330.0418.51151.52
191197.855.3531.2818.66153.14
1912102.065.0031.5218.89157.47
1913101.914.3628.1417.81152.22
1914105.014.5133.3718.15161.04
1915111.533.7731.4016.94163.64
1916109.543.2025.8017.20155.74

During recent years the Post Office has made very substantial extensions in the establishment of rural-mail deliveries. Many of these are performed by officers mounted on motor-cycles. By means of such deliveries it has been possible to give settlers living in the back country an efficient service.

PARCEL-POST.

The facilities afforded for the transmission of parcels through the Post Office to places within and without the Dominion have proved of much convenience to the public. The regulations admit of parcels up to 11 lb. in weight being sent to almost all the important countries of the world, and up to 28 lb. in weight for inland parcels for or from places served the whole way by railway or steamer.

The following table shows the number of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom, the Australian States, &c., in 1915 and 1916:-

CountryNumber of Parcels.
Received.Despatched.
 1915.1916.1915.1916.
United Kingdom and foreign countries via London115,639116,43234,51723,964
Queensland8379821,0931,034
New South Wales15,99018,4469,20912,814
Victoria8,5748,5253,8023,572
South Australia524566560487
Western Australia463438568496
Tasmania390418819711
Fiji2443111,1121,054
Tonga3141294344
Canada1,4991,864714785
United States of America14,99523,2362,0322,087
Uruguay  11466
Cape of Good Hope4848898374
Natal  309337
India1,0902,5004981,108
Ceylon566524357629
Straits Settlements1031177978
Hong Kong6941,048113154
N. Z. Expeditionary Force2,1282,51660,214251,164
Tahiti  260214
      Totals164,251178,853116,747301,172

The declared value of the parcels received from places outside the Dominion during 1916 was £668,377, on which the Customs duty amounted to £107,411.

The number and weight of parcels dealt with—i.e., the total posted plus the foreign received—from 1907 to 1916 are given below:-

Year.Number.Weight.
  lb.
1907801,9372,863,909
1908970,1533,367,116
19091,148,4713,903,227
19101,306,9324,533,770
19111,741,7366,037,050
19121,764,5345,998,602
19132,231,7337,783,252
19142,619,9959,561,599
19153,002,78811,792,760
19163,282,56413,521,485

Special house-to-house deliveries of parcels are in force in many of the principal towns

NEWSPAPERS.

There are (January, 1917) 242 publications on the register of newspapers for New Zealand. Of these, 62 are published daily, 29 three times a week, 27 twice a week, 69 once a week, 7 fortnightly, 2 four-weekly, and 46 monthly. The figures for each Postal District are as follows:-

Postal DistrictDaily.Three Times per Week.Twice per WeekWeekly.Fortnightly.Monthly.Total.

*Including 1 four-weekly.

Auckland636292955
Thames342   9
Gisborne2    13
Napier43 3 111
New Plymouth5221  10
Wanganui45    9
Wellington117110217*48
Blenheim111   3
Nelson1 12 26
Westport2  1  3
Greymouth4     4
Hokitika3     3
Christchurch61542927
Timaru33    6
Oamaru2     2
Dunedin2 41018*25
Invercargill3 59 118
    Totals62292769748242

MONEY-ORDERS AND POSTAL NOTES.

The number of offices open for the transaction of money-order business at the end of 1916 was 804.

During 1916 669,355 money-orders, for a total sum of £3,607,087, were issued at the various post-offices. The money-orders from places beyond New Zealand and payable in the Dominion numbered 46,582, for the amount of £178,865.

The number of offices open for the sale of postal notes at the end of 1916 was 1,021: 2,286,463 postal notes were sold, value £695,819. The notes paid numbered 2,266,075, value £682,018.

British postal orders issued in the Dominion during the year numbered 108,612, of a value amounting to £63,456. Those paid numbered 23,177, and represented £14,474.

ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

The first Government telegraph-lines in New Zealand were constructed by the provincial authorities.

The Canterbury Provincial Government opened a line between Christchurch and Lyttelton in the beginning of the year 1863. On the 12th February, 1864, the Southland Provincial Government opened a line between Invercargill and the Bluff. The General Government subsequently acquired both the above-named lines, and further established communication by wire between Dunedin and Invercargill, also Dunedin and Christchurch, on the 25th May, 1865.

Messrs. Driver and McLean, merchants, of Dunedin, erected a private line between Dunedin and Port Chalmers, which was opened to the public in 1861, and acquired by the General Government some time after the opening of through communication between Lyttelton, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Bluff, referred to above.

There were 13,896 miles of telegraph and interurban telephone line open at the end of March, 1917, carrying 50,302 miles of wire. There were 10,875,120 telegrams transmitted during the year; of these, the private and Press messages numbered 10,734,168, which, together with telephone exchange and other telegraph receipts, yielded a revenue of £844,524.

TELEPHONES.

There were 62 central telephone exchanges and 205 sub-exchanges on the 31st March, 1917. The number of connections, including extensions, increased from 58,976 in March, 1916, to 62,523 in March, 1917. The subscriptions to these exchanges during the financial year amounted to £317,275.

The capital expended on the equipment, &c., of the several telephone exchanges up to the 31st March, 1917, was £1,820,860.

At the 31st March, 1882, there were 116 direct connections to exchanges, the gross revenue from which was £613; in 1892 the connections numbered 3,083, with a gross revenue of £18,571; in 1902 the connections were 9,260, gross revenue £62,151; in 1912 the connections were 31,475, gross revenue £179,123; while at the 31st March, 1917, the connections had reached 52,986, with a gross revenue of £317,275.

The foregoing, which refers more particularly to telephone-exchange connections, indicates the extent to which public telephonic demands have increased, especially during the last fifteen years.

The telephone, moreover, has been largely availed of in extending rapid communication to outlying places which could not economically have been served by telegraph.

With the growth of the system there arose a demand for telephone facilities between centres of population, and that class of business in this Dominion, as in other countries, has necessitated the provision of a large number of circuits at considerable expenditure to meet requirements. For the year ended the 31st March, 1900, the number of bureau communications—i.e., public conversations by telephone paid for by fees—was 197,292, of a value of £5,482. These had reached 1,423,093 in number, of a value of £32,112, for the year ended the 31st March, 1909; and at the 31st March, 1917, the number had risen to 4,382,823 for the year then ended, and were of a value of £125,995. This class of business, it will be seen, has quadrupled itself in value in the short period of eight years.

The number of telephone exchanges in the Dominion in 1900, including central and sub-exchanges, was 40. In 1907 the number was 105, and last year 267.

The total miles of wire connected with exchanges in the Dominion in 1900 were 6,343; in 1907, 15,076; in 1916, 128,525; and in 1917, 142,469.

Originally the system was worked by single aerial wires, but these were replaced some years ago at the more important exchanges by aerial and subterranean lead-covered cables. The system of subterranean cables and metallic telephone circuits is being largely extended.

The telephone-exchange system in use is generally of the magneto type, branching multiple switchboards being installed in the principal exchanges. In three installations the common battery system is in operation. Automatic telephones have been introduced to some extent, and a contract is being executed for the installation of automatic exchanges at four of the principal cities and at five less important places.

By the “party" line system of telephone-exchange service several persons may share a common line. This has, on account of the considerable reduction in rental charges, been largely availed of, particularly by those whose premises are situated at a distance from the exchange.

The first coin-in-slot telephones erected in the Dominion were installed at Wellington on the 17th August, 1910. There are now 237 such instruments in use in the Dominion, 39 of these having been installed during the past year.

Legal provision was made in 1912 by which County Councils may borrow for the purpose of extending telephone-lines in rural districts, and power has been given to levy taxation to cover interest and the redemption of such loans.

The percentage of telephones to the population for the Dominion and for the four principal centres on the 31st March, 1917, was as follows:-

Dominion5.68
Auckland6.58
Christchurch6.66
Dunedin7.32
Wellington10.28

RADIO-TELEGRAPH.

The first wireless installation in New Zealand was placed in the tower of the General Post Office at Wellington in June, 1910, and experiments were carried out with different systems. Later on a “Telefunken" 2.5 k.w. set was installed, and a wireless-telegraph office opened for commercial work on the 26th July, 1911. On the 14th October, 1912, the G.P.O. Station was replaced by one of 2.5 k.w. upon Mount Wakefield, immediately behind the City of Wellington. Full details concerning this and other radio-telegraph stations, and of the history of radio-telegraphy in New Zealand, are given in the 1915 issue of the Year-book.

The radio business transacted by the New Zealand coast stations during the past five years was as follows:-

Year ended 31st March.Forwarded.Received.
Messages.Words.Value.Messages.Words.Value.

* Calendar year ended 31st December preceding.

† Not available.

   £  £
1913*9098,8033551,66514,705596
1914*1,40516,8185652,77627,8671,048
19152,41847,9981,0774,65664,2842,067
19163,07661,7592,2964,66671,2912,763
19173,01863,8723,0234,65173,149

The above table does not include free (service) messages.

The New Zealand coast stations are all reliably connected with the land-line systems. Complete arrangements exist for the prompt transmission of wireless telegrams over them, and for ensuring that distress-signals shall be immediately communicated to the proper authorities.

PACIFIC CABLE.

The cable opened for traffic between New Zealand and Australia and Fiji on the 9th April, 1902, was completed to Bamfield, Vancouver Island, on the 31st October following, and opened for international business on the 8th December, 1902.

The route is from Auckland to Vancouver, via Norfolk Island, Fiji, and Fanning Island. The Australian connection is at Norfolk Island. The deep-sea portion of the Vancouver – Fanning Island cable is stated to be the longest in the world. Following the opening of the cable a much faster service with America and Europe has resulted.

Direct communication between Auckland and Sydney was established on the 31st December, 1912, thus giving the Pacific Cable Board an alternative route to Australia.

Chapter 17. SECTION XVII.—LAND TENURE, SETTLEMENT, ETC.

SUBSECTION A.—CROWN LANDS.

ADMINISTRATION.

THE Crown lands are administered, under the authority of the Land Act, 1908, by the Minister of Lands at Wellington, his executive officer being the Under-Secretary of Lands, who is the permanent head of the Department of Lands and Survey. New Zealand is divided into ten land districts, each being under the local direction of a Commissioner of Crown Lands and a Land Board. The Commissioner's office is known as the principal land office, and in some of the larger districts there are one or more local land offices. It is with these land offices the selector has to transact all business, from the first consultation of the maps to the final receipt of the Crown title.

The names of the land districts and of the towns where the principal office of each is situated are as under:-

Land District.Principal Land Office situated at
AucklandAuckland.
TaranakiNew Plymouth.
Hawke's BayNapier.
WellingtonWellington.
NelsonNelson.
MarlboroughBlenheim.
WestlandHokitika.
CanterburyChristchurch.
OtagoDunedin.
SouthlandInvereargill.

Commissioners of Crown Lands are executive officers of the land districts, having large discretionary powers under the Act. Each is the Chairman of the Land Board of his district, and transacts all its routine business in the sale, letting, and occupation of Crown lands. The Commissioners deal with trespassers and intruders (persons and cattle), removing the former and prosecuting the owners of the latter; they recover all penalties, ascertain the boundaries of Crown lands, enforce all contracts for the disposition of Crown lands, recover rents and other moneys, deal with determinable contracts, prosecute and defend suits, and do whatever is necessary in the course of their duties. They are also Conservators of State Forests for their respective land districts.

LAND BOARD.

A Land Board consists of five members—viz., the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district (who is ex officio Chairman), three members nominated by the Governor-General, and one member elected by the Crown tenants of the district.

The Boards transact all business connected with the sale, letting, disposal, and occupation of Crown lands, and all matters connected with the management and control of the public lands in their hands. They are the sole judges of the fulfilment of conditions in leases and licenses, and they can declare them forfeit. All meetings are open to the Press and public, with certain limitations.

APPLICATIONS FOR LAND.

A selector may purchase for cash, or may select for occupation with right of purchase or for renewable lease, any area not exceeding 5,000 acres of third-class land, or its equivalent area of first- or second-class land, provided that such purchase or selection does not, with lands already held by the purchaser or selector, exceed 5,000 acres, computed as stated in the declaration. The annual rental payable for occupation-with-the-right-of-purchase selections is 5 per cent, on the cash price of the land, and for lands selected for renewable lease the annual rental is 4 per cent. on the cash price of the land.

Applications for unsurveyed lands are received up to the maximum area for contiguous lands only. Such applications must conform to a general scheme approved by the Land Board, and extend in every instance to the back lines, unless otherwise approved; and approval of all applications is subject to the right of the Crown to make reserves for public purposes, and to lay off roads. The cost of survey must be deposited with the application, but the Minister may, on the recommendation of the Land Board, dispense with such deposit.

CLASSIFICATION OF CROWN LANDS.

Crown lands are divided into the following classes:-

  1. Town and village lands the upset prices of which are, respectively, not less than £20 and £3 per acre. Such lands are sold by auction, or leased for ten or thirty-three years at a rent of 5 per cent, on the value of the land.

  2. Suburban lands, the upset price of which may not be less than £2 an acre. These lands are also sold by auction or leased as aforesaid.

  3. Rural lands, which may be disposed of at not less than £1 per acre for first-class, 10s. an acre for second-class, and 2s. 6d. per acre for third-class lands. Such lands may be sold or leased by auction, or sold or leased on application. No rural section may be larger than 666 acres in extent if first-class land, 2,000 acres if second-class land, or 5,000 acres if third-class land, whether offered by auction or application.

  4. Small grazing-runs, with a maximum area of 20,000 acres and a rent based on a minimum price of 10s. per acre.

  5. Pastoral runs, comprising (a) pastoral lands suitable exclusively for pasturage and not capable of being used with profit in areas of a carrying-capacity of less than 5,000 sheep; and (b) pastoral agricultural lands, with areas not exceeding 5,000 acres.

METHODS OF ACQUIRING CROWN LAND.

Crown land may be selected and occupied under the following tenures and systems:-

  1. Town, suburban, and village lands—

    1. For cash, by public auction;

    2. By lease for terms up to ten years;

    3. By renewable lease for thirty-three years.

  2. Rural land (unimproved), (under optional system)—

    1. For cash, by application;

    2. Occupation with right of purchase for twenty-five years;

    3. Renewable lease for sixty-six years.

  3. Village settlements—

    Under the three foregoing tenures of optional system.

  4. Improved-farm settlements (rural land)—

  5. Under special conditions, and either (a) on occupation-with-right-of-purchase license or (b) on renewable lease.

  6. Special settlements (rural land)—

  7. On renewable lease for sixty-six years and under special regulations.

  8. Land-for-settlement estates (improved rural and pastoral land)—

  9. Under renewable lease for thirty-three years, with limited right to acquire freehold.

  10. Pastoral land—

    1. By small-grazing-run lease for twenty-one years, with right of renewal;

    2. By pastoral license on terms up to twenty-one years.

  11. Land within mining districts—

    1. On pastoral licenses under special regulations;

    2. On occupation leases under special regulations.

  12. Miscellaneous—

    1. Temporary occupation on terms up to five years;

    2. Sale, or occupation, for special purposes;

    3. Outlying land.

CONDITIONS OF OCCUPATION AND LEASES.

Full particulars are given in the Crown Lands Guide, issued periodically and obtainable at any Land Office, as to the conditions of lease and occupation. A certain amount of improvements is required to be effected on rural land purchased for cash, or held under occupation-with-right-of-purchase or renewable-lease tenures, and residence is compulsory for certain periods on many Crown leaseholds. Rebate of rent is given in many cases when the half-yearly instalment of rent is paid within thirty days of its becoming due. Applications for mortgage, transfer, and sublease of a Crown leasehold have to be approved by the Land Board of the district in most cases.

DISPOSAL OF RESERVES ADMINISTERED BY LAND BOARDS.

National Endowments may be disposed of under renewable lease, small-grazing-run lease, or pastoral license. The freehold of the land cannot be acquired, but in other respects they are subject to the conditions of the Land Act.

Education Endowments are available for leasing under the Education Reserves Amendment Act, 1910, modifying the Education Reserves Act, 1908, which permits of a lease being granted under the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, as well as under the Land Act, 1908. The freehold of the land cannot be acquired.

Public Reserves not vested in trustees or a local authority may be leased under the Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Act, 1911, for terms of twenty-one years with right of renewal for a further term. The freehold of the land cannot be acquired.

LANDS OPENED FOR SELECTION.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, an area of 425,119 acres of land was offered for selection under the various tenures provided by the Land Act, Land for Settlements Act, and Education Reserves Acts. In addition, the Crown also dealt with an area of 2,709 acres comprised in endowment areas, the administration of which is carried out by the Department acting under special statutory authority.

Under the optional system an area of 32,110 acres was advertised, and was practically all selected.

Under renewable lease an area of 39,657 acres was offered, 9,374 acres being settlement land of which the lessees have the right to acquire the freehold, 26,344 acres national endowment, 2,543 acres ordinary Crown land supposed to contain metal or minerals, and 1,396 acres Cheviot Estate lands. The pastoral-run area comprised 311,803 acres, and small grazing-runs 12,033 acres.

In addition to the above a total area of 276,290 acres of Crown, settlement, national endowment, and Cheviot Estate lands, comprising 529 holdings, was set apart for selection by discharged soldiers under the ordinary tenures of the Land Act and the Land for Settlements Act, and the special tenures of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. Fuller particulars regarding these lands will be found at the end of this subsection.

The total selections during the year covered an area of 1,010,152 acres by 2,059 selectors. These figures include, however, 135 purchases of small town and suburban sections aggregating 181 acres offered for sale at auction. The ordinary Crown lands holdings represented 616,000 acres, land for settlements and Cheviot Estate 68,140 acres, national endowment 309,952 acres, and educational 16,057 acres.

SELECTIONS UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS.

Of the lands selected in 1916–17, 373,262 acres were selected on settlement conditions, representing 1,234 of the total of 2,059 selections referred to above. The area mentioned includes all lands sold for cash, or selected on the deferred-payment system, small grazing-runs, and leases under the following tenures: Renewable lease, occupation with right of purchase, mining districts land occupation leases, education endowment leases, and pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations.

The number of selections under settlement conditions during the past ten years is as follows:-

Year ended 31st March.Sold for Cash.Deferred-payment Licenses.Leases and Licenses (Ordinary Settlement).Small Grazing-runs.Totals.
1908407 1,175641,646
1909382 1,554101,946
1910381 1,357451,783
1911274 1,304221,600
1912409 1,281231,713
1913358 1,240101,608
1914312 1,29341,609
19152891899761,310
191631911884121,226
191731337868161,234

The acreage represented by the selections included in the foregoing table is as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Sold for Cash.Deferred-payment Licenses.Leases and Licenses (Ordinary Settlement).Small Grazing-runs.Totals.
190828,522 370,531226,757625,810
190942,194 464,70528,989535,888
19108,886 341,686298,494649,066
19119,547 292,260128,764430,571
19126,096 379,552144,617530,265
19134,640 348,75237,749391,141
19145,948 364,54314,691385,182
19155,74327258,31214,803278,885
19167,097486251,822150,514409,919
19175,414680231,477135,691373,262

Dealing with the figures for 1916–17 it is seen that, of the 1,234 selections under settlement conditions, 190 were under 1 acre in extent, and 436 between 1 acre and 50 acres. The classification is as follows:—

Size of Holdings.Sold for Cash.Deferred-payment Licenses.Leases and Licenses (Ordinary Settlement).Small Grazing-runs.Totals.
Acres.     
Under 11121662 190
1–5017819239 436
51–250201327 348
251–500 1132 133
501–1,000  69 69
Over 1,0001 411658
    Totals31137870161,234

CROWN LAND HELD OR MADE FREEHOLD.

The following table shows in a condensed form the area of Crown land held at 31st March, 1917, the yearly rental payable, and the area made freehold:—

Tenure.Total Number of Selectors.Total Area held.Total Yearly Rental or Instalment Payable.Total Area made Freehold.
Number of Purchasers.Area
  Acres£ Acres.
Cash lands    13,184,555
Deferred payment6631,34,56821,1739,7221,136,454
Perpetual lease49846,2851,9762,852827,071
Occupation with right of purchase5,7601,713,729123,9472,686738,184
Lease in perpetuity9,2961,952,453232,2771,818356,243
Renewable lease4,5141,414,955209,63610923,478
Agricultural lease16541231,475140,896
Tenure.Total Number of Selectors.Total Area held.Total Yearly Rental or Instalment Payable.Total Area made Freehold.
Number of Purchasers.Area
  Acres£ Acres.
Homestead   52580,453
Mining districts land occupation leases70724,0871,48421816
Pastoral licenses in mining district under special regulations907213,1685,252203,426
Small grazing-runs8712,620,30293,5902832,738
Pastoral runs66210,289,11377,831  
Miscellaneous leases and licenses5,9981,231,73036,219  
 29,89719,640,931803,408 16,524,314
Thermal - spring leases (Rotorua)3273,6532,115  
Education endowments—Primary3,188767,17077,563  
Secondary39038,4638,731  
    Totals3,578805,63386,294  
    Grand totals33,80220,450,217891,817 16,524,314
Other endowment lands840361,88417,866  

LAND AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION.

A statement of land open for selection or available for future settlement, as at 31st March, 1917, is next given. The greater part of the area shown as remaining for future disposal comprises rugged and mountainous country, suitable only for pastoral purposes in large areas.

LANDS AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SETTLEMENT.

District.Total Area open for Selection.Total Area remaining for Future Disposal, exclusive of Land shown in Preceding Column.
 Acres.Acres.
Auckland215,8981,205,717
Hawke's Bay24,526161,302
Taranaki18,745181,659
Wellington34,937175,258
Nelson105,2931,145,885
Marlborough18,19633,218
Westland502,603220,320
Canterbury12,500163,940
Otago13,144105,891
Southland30,724283,969
      Totals976,5663,677,159

SUBDIVISION OF LAND.

Much of the land legislation of recent years has been in the direction of preventing large areas of good land from being acquired or retained by a single individual. The land-for-settlements system of New Zealand, whereby the State purchases properties from private individuals for subdivision into small farms, has been fully dealt with in the 1915 and previous issues of the Year-book, and some statistics of the system are given a little farther on in this subsection. The Land Laws Amendment Acts of 1912 and 1913 went further in the direction of encouraging or compelling subdivision of land held in large areas.

Part III of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912, makes provision for agreements between the Minister of Lands and the owner in fee-simple of any land for the subdivision of that land and for the disposal by public tender of the allotments by way of sale or by way of lease with right of purchase. On the execution of any such agreement the Minister may advance the moneys required for rendering the land available for settlement, including the cost of subdivision and survey and the cost of the construction of roads and bridges. In the case of a sale the agreement may provide for the payment of the purchase-money by annual instalments extending over a period of from ten to twenty years, with interest on the amount for the time being unpaid not exceeding 5 per cent. per annum. In the case of a lease the term shall be for twenty-one years, and the lessee shall have the right at any time during the currency of the lease to purchase the allotment at a price to be named in the tender. The rent payable under the lease must not exceed 5 per cent. per annum of the price so named in the tender.

Section 49 provides for similar agreements between the Minister and the owners of Native freehold land in respect of the disposition by sale or lease of that land. In pursuance of such agreement a proportion (not exceeding one-third) of the proceeds may be paid over to the Native owners, and the balance is payable into a Native Land Trust Account to be invested upon trust for such Native owners.

In Part VI of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, provision is made whereby the Minister of Lands may at any time in writing notify an owner of land that such land or a portion thereof is required for purposes of settlement. The owner is thereupon required, within six months after such notice has been gazetted, to notify the Minister whether he elects (a) to himself subdivide and offer the land for sale in subdivisions, or (b) to enter into an agreement with the Minister under the provisions of Part III of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912 (as described in the preceding paragraph), or (c) that the land shall be taken compulsorily under the Land for Settlements Act.

If the owner elects to himself subdivide the land he is required, within three years, to subdivide, road, and offer the land for sale by public auction or private contract at reasonable upset prices and upon reasonable terms and conditions. If, on the other hand, he elects to enter into an agreement with the Minister, he must do so within six months of such election.

If the owner does not elect to do either of the above things, the land may at any time within five years be taken compulsorily on payment of compensation.

In Part VI of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, provision is made for compulsorily taking private land (not within a borough or town district) in cases where in the opinion of the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners such land has been acquired by way of aggregation, and where such aggregation is contrary to the public interest. Compensation for all land so taken is payable in the manner provided by the Public Works Act in respect of all land taken by the Crown for a public work.

The land taken in this manner is offered to the public under renewable lease (thirty-three years) at reasonable rentals and in suitable areas.

LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

The number of properties considered by the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners during the year ended 31st March, 1917, was 795, with an area of 984,788 acres. This represents an increase over the figures for the previous year, the figures for which were 150 properties, with an area of 277,549 acres. During the year 50,140 acres were purchased at a cost of £595,419. There is still a keen demand for all suitable lands. Further purchases have been made, and others are under negotiation. Land-values have recently exhibited a decidedly high tendency, with but little prospect of a decrease in the immediate future. The total area purchased up to the 31st March, 1917, is 1,006,158 acres, at a cost of £7,989,220.

A table is given showing for each land district the number and area of estates purchased to the 31st March, 1917, together with information as to purchase-money and incidental expenses.

SUMMARY OF ESTATES ACQUIRED UP TO THE 31ST MARCH, 1917.

Land District.Number.Area.Purchase-money.Incidental Expenses, Improvements, Roads, &c.
  Acres.££
Auckland39298,944646,44497,848
Hawke's Bay38240,5731,524,792109,015
Taranaki66,08598,9408,076
Wellington3985,660731,28778,492
Marlborough13216,187643,85956,597
Nelson327,29234,3754,998
Westland25,1258,3432,941
Canterbury117404,7002,718,178117,527
Otago47237,1011,218,159104,435
Southland1584,491364,84327,343
      Totals3191,606,1587,989,220607,272

The transfer of certain areas from Crown to settlement lands, and the adjustment of areas to account for ascertained surpluses or deficiencies, brings the total area to 1,780,081 acres at the 31st March, 1917. Of this. 98,678 acres have been sold for cash or made freehold, the total purchase-money being £332,238; and 21,102 acres are occupied by roads or by reserves unlet. At the 31st March, 1917, 5,562 selectors were holding a total of 1,544,206 acres, the annual rental for which amounts to £380,964; and the remaining 115,904 acres, of a yearly value of £15,774, were unlet. The figures for each land district are as follows:—

POSITION OF LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS AT THE 31ST MARCH, 1917.

Land District.Net Area acquired.Area occupied by Roads, &c.Area unlet.Area purchased for Cash or made Freehold.Lands occupied on Leasehold.
Area.Number of Selectors.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Number.
Auckland295,8676,69970,09161,958157,119879
Hawke's Bay239,1092,211311,465225,427697
Taranaki5,33161 6944,57675
Wellington85,71989012,8192,83169,179447
Nelson34,5017705,8915627,78439
Marlborough228,2262,6736,4803,982214,903469
Westland5,12599  5,02631
Canterbury557,5443,9755,6947,493540,3821,697
Otago237,6102,7747,0243,191224,621920
Southland91,0499507,9027,00875,189308
    Totals1,780,08121,102115,90498,6781,544,2065,562

The Land for Settlements Account at the 31st March, 1917, stands as under:—

Dr.£
Loans current7,716,487
Rents, &c., received4,159,339
Sales of settlement lands372,065
Sale of workers' dwellings19,658
Receipts under Land Act, section 1918,037
Receipts under Land Act, section 17759,701
Sale of Crown lands644,687
Interest on investments10,701
Recoveries285
Premium on loan117
Four-per-cent. stock created to cover expenses of raising loan349
 £12,991,426
Cr.£
Purchase-money7,989,220
Incidental expenses684,841
Interest3,349,293
Sinking fund581,333
Land Laws Amendment Act, section 63130,171
Balance256,568
 £12,991,426

LAND-SETTLEMENT FINANCE, ASSOCIATION.

No land-settlement finance associations were incorporated during the year ended 31st March, 1917. The total of forty-five since the 1st January, 1910, therefore remained unchanged. On 1st January, 1910, the Land Settlement Finance Act, which is described fully in the 1915 issue of this book, came into force. The total membership of the forty-five associations incorporated is 308 and land of an area of 42,885 acres has been purchased, the total purchase-money being £588,525.

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT.

The Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, was introduced with a view of settling on the land those soldiers who return from the front, and who are desirous of taking up farming in any of its branches. The Act provides for the disposal of lands to returned soldiers under two headings— viz., ” ordinary tenures “and" special tenures,” and the following is a short résumé of the procedure :-

In the first place the Governor-General sets apart by Proclamation an area of Crown or settlement land for selection by discharged soldiers only, and such land is disposed of under the" ordinary tenures ” of the Land Acts and the Land for Settlements Act–i.e., for cash, occupation with right of purchase, renewable lease, small - grazing - run lease, or pastoral license in mining districts under the former Act, and renewable lease under the latter Act. All the provisions of the said Acts apply to selectors of lands made under the" ordinary tenures,” except that the right to apply for lands so set apart is reserved to discharged soldiers only. The “ordinary-tenure" scheme was introduced with a view to affording able-bodied men, or men who have been slightly wounded, an opportunity of acquiring an area of land if they desire to take up farming.

Under “special tenures" land may be allotted by sale or lease as set out in regulations, and these tenures also allow of the settlement of men who have lost a limb or who have been seriously wounded, but who are still able to make a living on a small farm by means of fruit-farming, poultry-raising, dairying, &c. The Land Boards have wide powers in the matter of granting applications under the “special tenures,” and it is their duty to assist applicants as far as practicable in acquiring suitable allotments.

Financial assistance may also be given until such time as a return can be obtained from the land. Advances are given for fencing, clearing, draining, erection of buildings, and the purchase of implements, stock, trees, &c. Such advances are secured by way of mortgage in favour of the Crown.

In so far as the special tenure is concerned, therefore, the Government finds the land and finances the wounded soldiers until such time as they can reasonably obtain a return from the land.

Owing to the special privileges given under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, no transfer of any land acquired thereunder may be made for a period of ten years, except with the consent of the Land Board and the approval of the Minister of Lands.

An amendment passed in 1916 extends the operation of the Act to residents of New Zealand who have served with other Forces during the war, and provides for financial assistance being given to any discharged soldier who is the lessee or licensee of any land administered by a Land Board though not acquired under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. Land required for the purposes of the Act may now be taken compulsorily under the Public Works Act as well as being purchased under the Land for Settlements Act.

The following table shows the total area proclaimed under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915. Of the total area proclaimed, ordinary Crown lands amounted to 219,839 acres, Cheviot Estate to 3,453 acres, land for settlements to 81,810 acres, and national-endowment land to 32,859 acres:-

District.Under Section 3 of the Act. (Ordinary Tenures.)Under Section 4 of the Act. (Special Tenures.)Total Area proclaimed.
For the Year ended 31st March, 1917.Total to 31st March, 1917.For the Year ended 31st March, 1917.Total to 31st March, 1917.For the Year ended 31st March, 1917.Total to 31st March, 1917.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland6,8256,82536,46437,26143,28944,086
Hawke's Bay4,5614,5612,35460,5106,91565,071
Taranaki8,3408,340  8,3408,340
Wellington1,5911,59166,76367,46768,35469,058
Nelson11,44411,4443,7253,78615,16915,230
Marlborough  7,4527,9747,4527,974
Westland6,3576,3571491496,5066,506
Canterbury60,27360,2732,1742,21762,44762,490
Otago33,26333,26323,31923,31956,58256,582
Southland9289283081,6961,2362,624
    Totals133,582133,582142,708204,379276,290337,961

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, 522 applications were made under the provisions of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, and allotments were made in the case of 319 applicants. The following table shows the number of applications for land in each of the several land districts of the Dominion, and also the number of applications granted, together with the area of such grants:-

District.Applications.Allotments.
Number.Area.
   Acres.
Auckland1347210,882
Hawke's Bay1065717,778
Taranaki1773,120
Wellington17212434,068
Nelson1021,912
Marlborough1292,674
Westland1  
Canterbury321742,780
Otago231828,499
Southland15131,811
      Total522319143,524

An aggregate area of 390 acres (representing 4 allotments) was sold. The remaining 143,134 acres (315 allotments) were let under leases and licenses.

ACQUISITION OF LAND BY MEMBERS OF EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.

By section 24 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915, it is provided that any duly authorized agent of a member of a New Zealand Expeditionary Force may apply on behalf of that member for any land that may be open for application under either the Land Act, 1908, or the Land for Settlements Act, 1908, at any time while the said member is absent from New Zealand on military service. Such applicants, and also applicants who have at any time been members of a New Zealand Expeditionary Force, shall at any ballot be entitled to the same preference as that accorded to married men who have families dependent on them or single men who have been twice unsuccessful at a ballot, and the age limit of 21 years is abolished in the case of soldier applicants who have been engaged on military service beyond New Zealand.

Up to the 31st March forty soldiers had been granted a total area of 142,566 acres under the provisions of this section, the annual rental aggregating £4,112.

CONCESSIONS TO SOLDIER CROWN TENANTS.

By sections 23 and 24 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1915, and Part II of the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916, the Minister of Lands is empowered to grant exemption from rent to Crown tenants during their term of service and until six months after discharge. The Minister is also empowered to grant remission or postpone date of payment of interest falling due on account of balance of purchase-money due under licenses to acquire land on deferred payment from the Crown, and to postpone the due dates of instalments of principal, and extend the terms of such licenses for a period not exceeding three years.

Applications under both of these provisions are considered by the Land Board, which recommends what concession should be granted in each case, and the Minister then decides. The amount actually remitted up to the 31st March, 1917, was £8,092, whilst sixty lessees were granted postponements of rental aggregating £3,183 during the year ended 31st March, 1917.

SUBSECTION B.-NATIVE LANDS.

NATIVE lands and Native affairs generally are administered by the Native Department, with several subsidiary branches, the duties of each being as indicated below.

The Head Office conducts the general administration of the Department, deals with all matters to be brought before Cabinet, prepares Orders in Council, Proclamations, and parliamentary returns, and reports on petitions referred to the Government by the Native Affairs Committee of the House. The purchase of lands by the Native Land Purchase Board is also conducted through the Head Office.

The Native Land Court is the Court of Record of Titles, and deals, inter alia, with the partition and exchange of Native lands, succession, probate and letters of administration, consolidation of interests, incorporation of owners, and alienation.

The work of the Native Land Court is divided into seven Court districts, as follows:-

District.Location.
TokerauNorth Auckland.
Waikato-ManiapotoSouth Auckland.
WaiarikiBay of Plenty.
TairawhitiGisborne.
IkaroaWellington and Hawke's Bay.
AoteaWanganui and Taranaki.
South IslandSouth Island (office at Wellington).

Maori Land Boards, of which there are seven, all located in the North Island, are concerned with the confirmation and approval of alienations, the administration of Native lands by way of sale or lease, and the administration of estates as farms. The Boards also act as agents for beneficial owners, and receive and pay out rents and purchase-moneys.

The Registrars of the Native Land Courts are also the administrative officers of the Maori Land Boards of the various districts.

The boundaries of the Court and Maori Land Board Districts are coterminous.

Maori Councils elected for defined districts, and composed of Natives, supervise matters generally affecting the Maori settlements and kaingas, more particularly as regards sanitary arrangements.

The terms “partition" and “individualization" as applied to Native Land Court dealings are often confused. To individualize is to partition in severalty, and not merely to define relative interests, which may be done without further partition. To partition is to cut out certain interests in a block of land, and may not necessarily be for an individual. The term “customary land,” which is also sometimes misunderstood, is applied to land not yet clothed with a Native Land Court title. Customary land was formerly known as papatupu land.

All dealings with Native land are now determined by the provisions of the Native Land Act, 1909, which consolidated and repealed most of the numerous previous Acts, and came into force on the 31st March, 1910, and by the provisions of amending Acts passed in subsequent years. Full information concerning the Act and its amendments is given in the 1915 and previous issues of this book.

NATIVE LAND COURT.

Particulars of the business dealt with by the Native Land Court during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1917, are as follows:-

Number of sittings131
Number of cases notified20,414
Number of cases for which orders were made8,135
Number of cases dismissed3,429
Number of cases adjourned sine die8,856
Number of partitions made1,617
Area affected (acres)326,210
Number of investigations of title23
Area affected (acres)123,011
Number of succession orders made6,255
Number of other orders made2,203

MAORI LAND BOARDS.

A statement of the Native land vested in and administered by the various Maori Land Boards as at the 31st March, 1917, is given.

Board.Lands subject to the Native Land Act, 1909.Lands subject under Special Enactment.Totals.
Part XIV.Part XV.Part XVI.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres
Ikaroa16,3041,7427,83681826,700
Aotea14,345193,886 1,461209,692
Tairawhiti2,82554,337118,9771,139177,278
Waiariki18,71014,55286,6047,374127,240
Waikato-Maniapoto197,638538 1,654199,830
Tokerau74,95085,04038157,313217,684
    Totals324,772350,095213,79869,759958,424

During the year 11,261 acres were disposed of by lease and 20,179 acres by sale, as against 1,856 acres by lease and only 988 acres by sale in the previous year.

With regard to Native freehold land, the Boards during the year approved of 534 leases, comprising 92,303 acres, and confirmed 1,195 transfers (apart from sales to the Crown) affecting 137,382 acres of freehold land. The figures disclose a decrease of 63 leases and 7,538 acres over the previous year's totals in respect of land leased, and an increase of 76 transfers and 19,550 acres with regard to land sold.

NATIVE LAND PURCHASE.

The Native Land Purchase Board held eleven meetings during the year 1916–17, and dealt with a steadily increasing volume of work. During the year some 89 blocks, comprising 65,148 acres, were proclaimed Crown land. The actual purchases made during the year totalled an area of 143,528 acres, as compared with a total of 154,006 acres acquired during the previous period. In the Urewera Reserve an area of 56,741 acres was secured, making the Crown purchases in the Urewera total 182,236 acres as at the 31st March last.

Approximately 264,204 acres of Native land have been subject during the year to prohibitions against private alienation. Of this area a large portion was acquired during the preceding period, and 38,740 acres of the balance were purchased during the year. The remainder of the land still under prohibition is at present being negotiated for.

During the seven years which have elapsed since the coming into operation of the Native Land Act, 1909, the total sum expended upon the purchase of Native lands through the Native Land Purchase Board has amounted to £1,384,315 7s. 11d. The total area of Native land alienated by way of sale during the seven years is approximately 1,872,599 acres, and of this total an area of some 663,920 acres, or more than one-third of the whole, has been acquired on behalf of the Crown.

SUBSECTION C.-LAND TRANSFER AND DEEDS REGISTRATION.

PRIOR to 1870 conveyancing in New Zealand was based upon the English laws of real property as existing at the date of the constitution of the colony, varied in some important particulars by the Conveyancing Ordinance of 1842 and other colonial legislation, now embodied in the Property Law Act, 1908. Considerable areas of land in all parts of the Dominion are still held and dealt with under this system. Although provision is made for the registration of deeds affecting such land, registration is no guarantee of their validity, and a purchaser has to rely for the security of his title upon the skill and care of his legal adviser.

By the Land Transfer Act, 1870 the system of title by registration was introduced. This principle had long been in vogue in parts of central Europe, but was unknown in the British dominions until its introduction into the Australasian Colonies in 1856 by Sir Robert Torrens, after whom it is popularly known as the Torrens system. It was first introduced by him into South Australia, and was afterwards adopted by the other colonies. The title to land under this system is not affected by the execution of documents. Registration is the fundamental principle, and it is only on registration that any interest passes. The Land Transfer Department assumes all responsibility for the registration, and any person named in the register as taking an interest under a registered instrument acquires a practically indefeasible title.

DEEDS REGISTRATION.

Provision has existed since 1841 and is now contained in the Deeds Registration Act, 1908, for the registration of deeds and instruments affecting land which is not subject to the provisions of the Land Transfer Act. Registration is not essential to the validity of the instrument, but it is highly important as a record and to secure priority. The Act provides that every deed shall be void as against any person claiming for valuable consideration under any subsequent deed duly registered unless the earlier deed was registered before the subsequent one.

The Department is not responsible for the form or matter of the instruments registered beyond seeing that they are duly stamped and contain a sufficient description of the land to identify it.

Instruments are registered by being first entered in the “Book of Primary Entry,” from which the registration number is taken. Particulars are then inserted in the “Index Book" under the heading of the land affected, and they are then copied in extenso into the “Record Books.”

Provision is also made for the deposit of instruments in the Deeds Registry Office for safe custody and reference, and such deposit operates as a release from any covenant for production.

The Deeds Index and all recorded and deposited instruments are open to public inspection, and certified copies may be obtained on payment of the prescribed fees, which are given in full in the Year-book for 1914.

A table is given containing information concerning the registration of deeds during the year ended 31st March, 1917.

DEEDS REGISTRATION, 1916–17.

District.DeedsFees.
Unrecorded on 31st March, 1916.Received for Registration during the Year ended 31st March, 1917.Registered during the same Period.Unrecorded on 31st March, 1917.

* Includes Crown-grant fees, £166, and district-agency fees, £14.

 Number.Number.Number.Number.£
Auckland7226,4596,9482336,201
Taranaki1059759512554
Wellington1912,0912,241411,957
Hawke's Bay911,1971,209791,233
Poverty Bay175774 55
Nelson377597897675
Marlborough3731331040346
Canterbury211,2101,183481,173
Otago521,8351,857301,719
Southland 44941039417
Westland 4848 41
    Totals1,17815,01515,66452914,371*

LAND TRANSFER.

The land-transfer system in New Zealand originated, as stated above, with the Land Transfer Act, 1870. This was re-enacted with amendments as the Land Transfer Act, 1885, and this again gave place to the consolidated Land Transfer Act, 1908. Some amendments were effected by the Land Transfer Amendment Act, 1913, and the Act as amended has been re-enacted under the Statutes Compilation Act as the Land Transfer Act, 1915.

The land subject to the Land Transfer Act comprises all land alienated from the Crown since 1870, all land included in any order under the Native Land Acts vesting such land in any person in freehold tenure, and all land vested in any person in fee-simple by virtue of any Act of the General Assembly, besides land which has been brought under the Act on the application of the proprietors after investigation and acceptance of the title by the Department.

Full information concerning the land-transfer system is given in the 1914 and preceding issues of this book, together with the scale of fees payable under the Land Transfer Act.

The first of the tables which follow shows for the year 1916–17 the applications to bring land under the Land Transfer Act.

APPLICATIONS UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1916–17.

District.Town and Suburban.Country.
Number.Area.Value.Number.Area.Value.
  Acres.£ Acres.£
Auckland564393,0438915,185422,943
Taranaki101310,7322764,343
Wellington241689,948323,60390,728
Hawke's Bay488,64021,5639,842
Poverty Bay319,865   
Nelson525,75581,48423,071
Marlborough685,003109,11855,528
Canterbury503531,580624,597115,671
Otago23518,709141,50127,525
Southland3299053205,207
Westland1 20   
      Totals185133274,28522437,447754,858

Information as to applications during each of the past ten years is given in the next table.

APPLICATIONS UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Applications.
Number.Area.Value.
Town and Suburban.Country.
  Acres.Acres.£
190879738924,0281,693,271
19096175269,1571,061,537
191056537664,697821,306
19117053243,0541,229,990
191257133065,0281,078,124
1913656398108,9451,561,589
1914563156123,7121,361,042
1915478159105,1801,247,905
191642818564,9141,215,552
191740913337,4471,029,143

The following table shows the number of certificates issued for the past ten years. Included in the totals are those certificates issued in lieu of Crown grants, 1,940 being the number for 1916–17.

CERTIFICATES ISSUED, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Number.
190811,208
190910,570
19109,525
191111,645
191212,907
191313,075
191412,867
191511,074
191610,525
191710,350

Tables next follow showing transfers registered under the Land Transfer Act in each district during the year ended 31st March last, and in the whole Dominion for each of the past ten years.

TRANSFERS REGISTERED, 1916–17.

District.Town and SuburbanCountry.
Number.Area.Consideration-money.Number.Area.Consideration-money
  Acres.£ Acres.£
Auckland3,54274,98214,287,7483,136710,7713,198,295
Taranaki676381259,344760124,1961,272,892
Wellington3,5721,6561,670,6471,249468,1284,220,822
Hawke's Bay788680352,478467178,8831,459,542
Poverty Bay293138121,307272145,336717,646
Nelson24613062,09724956,516163,811
Marlborough1657921,74294133,700303,137
Canterbury2,588576950,1521,017384,3022,841,467
Otago1,144441444,351604293,724761,103
Southland580215130,768618171,1221,000,618
Westland783821,3264910,01327,538
    Totals13,67279,31618,321,9608,5152,676,69115,966,871

TRANSFERS REGISTERED, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Number.Area.Consideration-money.
Town and Suburban.Country.
  Acres.Acres.£
190821,7916,6782,939,49117,226,142
190919,0966,0001,925,21812,209,843
191017,2775,6231,457,3959,820,261
191122,1577,3941,958,70914,285,759
191224,2977,2982,391,00417,405,278
191324,4957,4712,516,82117,325,730
191423,9837,3332,206,26816,307,637
191521,3816,2062,129,97317,206,248
191622,3947,0732,414,00722,264,623
191722,18779,3162,676,69134,288,831

MORTGAGES.

One of the most notable differences between the present system of land-transfer and the former is in respect of the form of a mortgage. Under the old system the mortgagor conveyed the land to the mortgagee subject to a right to a reconveyance or “equity of redemption" on repayment of the money. Under the Act no transfer of the property takes place. but a charge only is created, the mortgagee being specially empowered to sell the land in the event of default being made in payment. A simple receipt by the mortgagee for the amount secured releases the land from the encumbrance. Provision is made, similar to that contained in the Property Law Act, for sale through the Registrar of the Supreme Court in the event of the mortgagee desiring to buy in the mortgaged land.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, mortgages to the number of 18,803, and representing an amount of £17,604,524, were registered under the Land Transfer Act. The figures for each land registration district were as follows:-

MORTGAGES REGISTERED UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1916–17.

District.Town and Suburban.Country.
Number.Area.Amount secured.Number.Area.Amount secured.
  Acres.£ Acres.£
Auckland2,4701,3401,095,9712,905784,8813,078,465
Taranaki448222180,0671,029308,5791,311,432
Wellington2,4941,1071,200,0681,583651,0413,004,161
Hawke's Bay629524297,540539261,1961,124,152
Poverty Bay316132167,250320280,471650,680
Nelson1918565,530277119,042177,183
Marlborough533920,459138208,503283,833
Canterbury1,687415736,3181,331493,0202,373,859
Otago782297295,213563366,274635,948
Southland347168144,001607228,426722,855
Westland451312,8494912,96230,690
    Totals9,4624,3424,215,2669,3413,714,39513,389,258

A table showing information for each of the past ten years is also given.

MORTGAGES REGISTERED UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Number.Area.Amount secured.
Town and Suburban.Country.
  Acres.Acres.£
190819,7955,3525,090,68215,637,486
190920,7155,9044,174,03614,650,466
191019,9555,3793,734,96213,611,123
191123,3976,0694,485,40216,896,484
191225,1278,0334,784,88319,128,732
191323,88310,9655,549,38518,643,708
191423,9885,6424,862,16318,080,701
191521,7955,3934,036,46416,378,727
191620,5454,8724,608,01418,428,772
191718,8034,3423,714,39517,604,524

In regard to mortgages under the Land Transfer Act, a table is added showing the total amount remaining secured by such mortgages on the 31st March, 1917.

LAND TRANSFER ACT.-MORTGAGES REMAINING ON 31ST MARCH, 1917.

District.Amount.
 £
Auckland22,723,816
Taranaki10,380,796
Wellington32,450,823
Hawke's Bay12,916,640
Poverty Bay4,210,555
Nelson2,238,936
Marlborough2,167,651
Canterbury24,474,336
Otago7,372,098
Southland8,257,105
Westland446,228
    Total127,638,984

The total, £127,638,984, represents a net increase of £6,947,586 during the year, the amount of mortgages paid off since 1st April, 1916, being £10,660,938 as against mortgages registered amounting to £17,608,524, shown above.

In addition to the mortgages under the Land Transfer Act, a considerable number are registered under the Deeds Registration Act. During the year ended the 31st March, 1917, the total mortgages registered were 22,418, representing £21,056,874, so that the registrations of mortgages under the Deeds Registration Act numbered 3,615, for an amount of £3,452,350.

The total amount represented by the mortgages on the register under the Land Transfer and Deeds Registration Acts on the 1st April, 1916, was £124,208,969. Those added during the year were for an amount of £21,056,874, and those discharged (17,916 in number), for £12,994,003, leaving the total at the 31st March, 1917, at £132,271,840, a net increase of £8,062,871 during the year.

It should be explained that the amounts quoted in respect of mortgages do not represent the true amounts of advances secured by deed. In cases where the property mortgaged is situated in more than one registration district the deed is registered for the full amount in each district, and thus there is some degree of duplication. On the other hand, mortgages are not all registered, those given in security for temporary loans, stock, and crop liens, bills of sale, and chattels transfers being not included in the figures.

The total amounts represented in the mortgages registered and paid off in each registration district during 1915-16 and 1916-17 were,—

District.1915-16.1916-17.
Mortgages registered.Mortgages discharged.Mortgages registered.Mortgages discharged.
 ££££
Auckland5,438,6962,310,6015,430,6212,600,699
Poverty Bay746,083537,829835,520508,142
Hawke's Bay2,294,2211,250,4941,766,0611,207,750
Taranaki1,558,263935,4981,597,162863,241
Wellington5,207,7713,464,6365,051,7863,274,197
Nelson417,152233,944364,942265,529
Marlborough755,820130,678449,978266,664
Canterbury3,710,1622,471,3593,432,6492,482,052
Otago1,218,012824,9681,102,845797,308
Southland1,040,902596,789980,641697,144
Westland76,21545,75344,66931,277
    Totals22,463,29712,802,54921,056,87412,994,003

A comparison of the monthly totals of mortgages registered for the years ended the 31st March, 1916 and 1917, is next given.

MORTGAGES REGISTERED EACH MONTH, 1915-16 and 1916-17.

Month.Number.Amount.
1915-16.1916-17.1915-16.1916-17.
   ££
April1,6511,5811,313,7341,449,975
May1,9552,0401,626,5871,920,733
June2,2261,969883,1481,930,926
July2,3702,2502,377,1962,180,769
August2,5872,2952,662,5362,273,961
September2,8571,9472,981,9681,979,868
October2,8552,0722,461,0961,934,073
November1,7861,9451,537,9301,618,162
December1,7731,6551,324,1661,494,551
January1,1391,300961,5441,117,113
February1,6671,5211,410,4221,334,585
March2,0111.8431,922,9701,822,158
    Totals24,87722.41822,463,29721,056,874

Classified according to the various rates of interest, the amounts in the mortgage-deeds registered during 1915-16 and 1916-17 were,—

Rate per Cent.1915-16.1916-17.
 ££
0501,217
3/4 850
1940150
21,6003,025
2 1/23,6593,400
2 9/102,327 
32,52710,365
3 1/35,040 
3 1/21,5606,477
3 3/4662469
490,03325,000
4 1/41,80090
4 1/3 525
4 1/2274,24983,562
4 3/42,80012,578
54,732,3623,443,095
5 1/4196,933101,088
5 1/32,500 
5 2/53,500 
5 49/120850 
5 1/27,010,8616,767,462
5 31/60500 
5 3/56,9002,875
5 3/4288,469380,504
5 5/6 5,000
65,828,8246,281,749
6 1/8 2,000
6 1/5 1,500
6 1/437,25465,976
6 1/2664,400835,743
6 3/424,1001,775
7777,404765,047
7 1/48,276 
7 2/5 500
7 1/278,750126,207
7 3/416,800450
8677,924599,875
8 1/4725 
8 1/3450 
8 1/225,41215,093
8 3/41,500 
957,46741,767
9 1/25002,140
9 3/4 150
10200,349166,443
11220 
123,9664,077
12 1/21,23750
15350350
2040071
25393 
30 44
33 1/3 60
40 50
Unspecified1,426,4741,298,025
  Totals22,463,29721,056,874

Comparison of the foregoing with the amounts at the various rates of interest in the mortgages registered during 1895-96 shows the lowering of the rates that has taken place:—

Year 1895-96. £ 
26, 285in small sums at less than 5 per cent.
833,226at from 5 per cent, to 5 1/4 per cent.
732,764at 5 1/2 per cent.
116,600at 5 3/4 per cent.
1,372,261at from 6 per cent. to 6 1/4 per cent.
371,890at from 6 1/2 per cent. to 6 3/4 per cent.
599,542at from 7 per cent. to 7 1/4 per cent.
111,651at 7 1/2 per cent.
382,348at 8 per cent.
173,416.in small sums at rates above 8 per cent.
853,801at rates not specified.
£5,573,790 

SUBSECTION D.—OCCUPATION AND OWNERSHIP OF LAND

OCCUPATION OF LAND.

THE area of land in occupation in 1917,* omitting holdings of less than 1 acre in extent and those within the boundaries of boroughs, was returned at 42,709,337 acres, or 1,447,144 acres in excess of the area for the year 1916. The number of holdings was 77,229 in 1916, and 79,439 in 1917.

The number of holdings returned at each of the past five collections is shown below, classified according to area:—

OCCUPIED LANDS.—HOLDINGS.

Area, in Acres.1907-8.1908-9.1911.1916.1917.*

* It should be noted that in the figures given for 1917 on this and the following pages it has been necessary to use 1916 figures for Waimea County owing to returns for portion thereof being still outstanding at date of going to press.

1 to 10 inclusive21,18621,92718,07515,45415,800
11 ” 50 “12,14712,36012,15112,74813,087
51 ” 100 “7,7607,7807,9489,1229,378
101 ” 200 “10,09810,20610,74612,15912,600
201 ” 320 “6,8276,8317,0837,9728,141
321 ” 640 “7,6027,8288,4669,5729,796
641 ” 1,000 “3,0113,2023,6113,8954,025
1,001 ” 5,000 “3,8164,0904,7805,2845,533
5,001 ” 10,000 “436458526517561
10,001 ” 20,000 “247235264277282
20,001 ” 50,000 “153151136165172
Over 50,000 acres8484906464
    Totals73,36775,15273,87677,22979,439

The holdings shown include Crown lands leased for pastoral purposes, amounting in 1917 to a total area of 11,800,764 acres.

Holdings of from 1 to 10 acres in extent appear to have decreased in number between 1908-9 and 1911 and again between 1911 and 1916, but it must be borne in mind that the 1916 and 1917 figures do not include boroughs. There is also to be remembered the fact that many holdings of 5 or 10 acres near population centres are cut up into building-sites, which, being almost invariably less than 1 acre in extent, are not included in subsequent collections.

Of a total of 79,439 holdings in 1917, 38,265, or 48.17 per cent., were from 1 to 100 acres in extent; 50,865, or 64.03 per cent., were from 1 to 200 acres; and 59,006, or 74.28 per cent., were from 1 to 320 acres in size. The total number over 320 acres was only 20,433, or 25.72 per cent. of the whole, thus indicating a considerable degree of moderately close settlement, although the area of the holdings over the 320-acres limit necessarily shows as very large in a table which includes the Crown pastoral leases.

The acreage of occupied holdings, including Crown pastoral leases, at each of the past five collections is shown in the next table, classified according to holdings of various areas.

OCCUPIED LANDS : ACREAGES.

Sizes of Holdings, in Acres.1907-8.1908-9.1911.1916.1917.*

* Exclusive of boroughs.

 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
1 to 10 inclusive86,87088,74981,39769,39071,941
11 ” 50 “340,498346,453335,056358,726,008
51 ” 100 “604,567611,622618,980708,228,316
101 ” 200 “1,533,0481,544,9631,628,6081,812,1961,873,106
201 ” 320 “1,764,9031,769,8751,818,0872,054,9172,093,169
321 ” 640 “3,491.7283,582,8223,872,8094,355,9854,464,145
641 ” 1,000 “2,425,0282,618,0082,931,7213,149,5983,246,670
1,001 ” 5,000 “7,677,6248,088,9319,388,12610,366,50410,907,027
5,001 ” 10,000 “2,994,8203,193,5713,525,5143,593,2663,919,239
10,001 ” 20,000 “3,365,1323,234,4803,751,3463,880,9273,986,255
20,001 ” 50,000 “4,870,7724,781,8014,157,7405,126,4705,413,820
Over 50,000 acres8,409,2988,343,0748,128,7425,785,9865,636,641
      Totals37,564,28838,204,34940,238,12641,262,19342,709,337

The number of occupied holdings in each land district and the total acreage of such holdings in 1917 are shown in the next table.

OCCUPIED HOLDINGS IN LAND DISTRICTS, 1917.

Land District.Number of Holdings.Area in Occupation.
  Acres.
Auckland22,9176,946,731
Hawke's Bay6,0844,563,083
Taranaki6,2271,701,397
Wellington10,8364,808,208
Nelson3,6061,227,311
Marlborough1,9742,555,383
Westland1,4031,707,698
Canterbury12,9328,130,677
Otago7,9547,907,672
Southland5,5063,161,177
      Totals79,43942,709,337

The occupied holdings of the North Island considerably outnumber those of the South Island, the numbers being—North Island, 46,064; South Island, 33,375. For the year 1916 the returns showed 44,250 holdings for the North Island, against 32,979 for the South.

AVERAGE AREAS OF HOLDINGS.

The number of holdings and the total and average areas of these is given below for each county in the Dominion for the 1917 collection of agricultural and pastoral statistics. The average area of holdings ranges from 14 acres in the closely settled Eden County to 9,013 acres in Fiord. The average for the Dominion was 538 acres, and of the 125 counties 45 were over and 80 under this average. The average area of holdings in the South Island is nearly double that for the North Island, being 740 acres as against 391 acres.

TABLE SHOWING THE AVERAGE AREAS OF HOLDINGS IN EACH COUNTY IN THE DOMINION.

County.Number of Holdings.Total Area occupied.Average Area of Holdings.
Land District of AucklandAcres.Acres.
Mangonui560285,637510.07
Whangaroa20171,548355.96
Bay of Islands788220,470287.40
Hokianga640249,116389.24
Whangarei1,499414,611276.59
Hobson595304,451511.68
Otamatea669235,867352.57
Rodney940256,083272.43
Waitemata2,266276,459122.00
Eden1,17716,46813.99
Great Barrier8844,218502.48
Manukau1,326153,348115.65
Franklin1,727276,916160.35
Waikato1,128278,965247.31
Raglan866430,630497.26
Waipa1,112163,423146.96
Kawhia20496,114471.15
Awakino154162,1991,053.24
Waitomo1,037504,163486.17
Coromandel521212,729408.31
Thames863162,794188.64
Ohinemuri787138,360175.81
Tauranga774223,025288.15
Piako878212,425241.94
Matamata674374,302555.34
Rotorua349178,220510.66
Whakatane305127,781418.95
Opotiki221266,3741,205.31
East Taupo125324,3152,594.52
West Taupo443279,719631.42
    Totals, Auckland22,9176,946,731303.13
Land District of Hawke's Bay.
Waiapu360490,1471,361.52
Waikohu374513,9491,374.20
Cook156632,926547.51
Wairoa406742,4521,828.70
Hawke's Bay1,6341,041,315637.28
Waipukurau13062,989484.53
Waipawa519266,447513.39
Woodville35183,460237.78
Dannevirke759242,730319.80
Patangata323419,5731,298.99
Weber7267,095931.88
    Totals, Hawke's Bay6,0844,563,083750.01
Land District of Taranaki.Acres.Acres.
Ohura496256,799517.74
Clifton412231,904562.87
Taranaki1,399188,589134.80
Egmont685126,005183.95
Stratford853188,830221.37
Whangamomona238159,444669.93
Waimate West37343,849117.56
Hawera680106,371156.43
Eltham500119,520239.04
Patea591280,086473.92
    Totals, Taranaki6,2271,701,397273.23
Land District of Wellington.
Waitotara526208,457396.31
Wanganui635321,549506.38
Waimarino384433,8631,129.85
Kaitieke390161,187413.30
Rangitikei1,362643,836472.71
Kiwitea418197,076471.47
Pohangina249109,224438.65
Kairanga767102,841134.08
Oroua575112,846196.25
Manawatu516123,311238.97
Horowhenua1,026228,185222.40
Pahiatua648166,464256.89
Akitio213202,919952.67
Castlepoint78156,125200.16
Eketahuna424190,495449.28
Mauriceville6420,515320.55
Masterton559308,468551.82
Wairarapa South480221,555461.57
Featherston429465,2481,084.49
Hutt771195,249253.24
Makara24356,836233.89
Chatham Islands79181,9592,303.28
    Totals, Wellington10,8364,808,208443.73
Land District of Nelson.
Collingwood231144,590625.93
Takaka35899,741278.61
Waimea (1916)1,782571,768320.86
Buller607116,521191.96
Murchison386233.009603.65
Inangahua24261,682254.88
    Totals, Nelson3,6061,227,311340.35
Land District of Marlborough. Acres.Acres.
Sounds257212,188825.63
Marlborough1,109928,058836.84
Awatere2471,001,7504,055.67
Kaikoura365413,3871,132.57
    Totals, Marlborough1,9782,555,3831,291.90
Land District of Westland.
Grey508410,284807.65
Westland8961,297,4141,448.01
    Totals, Westland1,4041,707,6981,216.31
Land District of Canterbury
Cheviot215186,481867.35
Amuri2761,244,5504,509.24
Waipara364531,9301,461.35
Ashley165353,2052,140.64
Oxford320162.996509.36
Kowai28997,786338.36
Rangiora48656,532116.32
Eyre31887,710275.81
Waimairi1,42227.60119.41
Paparua75770,75793.47
Malvern329143,699436.78
Tawera89376,9384,235.26
Heathcote44911,24325.04
Halswell26124,32893.21
Selwyn196445,9672,275.34
Springs32147,903149.23
Ellesmere540119,558221.40
Mount Herbert8132,704403.75
Wairewa20184,307419.44
Akaroa39599,002250.64
Ashburton1,9011,145,083602.36
Geraldine974408,263419.16
Levels831156,844188.74
Mackenzie4201,337,5443,184.63
Waimate1,332877,746658.97
    Totals, Canterbury12,9328,130,677628.73
Land District of Otago.
Waitaki1,6351,337,819818.24
Maniototo525818,4331,558.92
Waihemo304231,556761.70
Waikouaiti479169,009352.84
Peninsula24920,42582.03
Taieri846574,860679.50
Tuapeka864777,105899.43
Bruce850317,156373.12
Clutha1,159486,494419.75
Vincent5991,624,0682,711.30
Lake4491,550,7473,453.78
    Totals, Otago7,9597,907,672993.43
Land District of Southland.
Fiord218,0279,013.50
Wallace1,5431,143,594741.15
Southland3,8231,959,393512.53
Stewart Island13840,163291.04
    Totals, Southland5,5063,161,177574.13
    Totals, Dominion79,43942,709,337537.64

TENURE OF OCCUPIED LANDS.

The extent of land occupied as shown in the returns according to tenure is tabulated for each land district. The acreage in the fifth column of the statement is apparently short of the actual facts, judging from the figures shown in the table of “Crown Tenants,” as given in the report of the Lands Department. The difference lies in what has been returned for Crown pastoral leases to the agricultural-statistics collectors and the areas on which rent is paid given by the Lands Department.

OCCUPATION OF LAND : TENURE, 1917.

Land District.Total of Holdings.Freehold (occupied by Owner).Leased from Individuals or Public Bodies.Leased from Natives.Held from Crown under Different Tenures.Tenure not specified.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland6,946,7314,149,881402,251610,9011,778,2735,425
Hawke's Bay4,563,0832,486,887477,700668,253930,243 
Taranaki1,701,397791,240231,740149,196529,221 
Wellington4,808,2082,917,783614,920436,132839,373 
Nelson1,227,311584,20588,21216,068538,826 
Marlborough2,555,383788,37077,84933,7561,655,408 
Westland1,707,698146,17825,9845,4481,530,088 
Canterbury8,130,6773,004,791873,19911,4774,241,210 
Otago7,907,6721,532,154313,5467,0916,054,110771
Southland3,161,1771,326,158346,9024,4561,483,661 
  Totals42,709,33717,727,6473,452,3031,942,77819,580,4136,196

A big percentage of the area held from the Crown is represented by Crown pastoral leases. In 1891 the area of Crown pastoral leases, according to the returns of the Lands Department, was 11,915,580 acres, in 1911 11,001,333 acres, in 1916 10,642,507 acres, and in 1917 11,800,764 acres. The total area of land in occupation in the respective years was 31,867,505 acres, 40,238,126 acres, 41,262,193 acres, and 42,709,337 acres.

Lands occupied cannot be properly compared with the returns of Crown lands alienated or in process of alienation, for certain lands have passed into the hands of Europeans which were never made waste lands of the Crown. Similarly, occupation of land must not be confused with ownership, a good deal of land being held which is unused and unoccupied.

OWNERSHIP OF LAND.

From the tables following, which are compiled from the ownership entries in the valuation rolls of the Dominion, it will be seen that of the total area of New Zealand (sixty-six million acres) there was held as freehold on 31st March, 1910, more than nineteen and a half millions of acres of rural lands. The balance is in the hands of owners of urban lands, the Crown, Native owners, local bodies, church, education, friendly societies, and other public bodies. The number of freeholders of country lands (i.e., exclusive of those in boroughs and townships), with the area held, and the capital and unimproved values of same on 31st March, 1910, was as follows:—

Size of Holdings, in Acres.Number of Owners.Total Area.Capital Value.Unimproved Value.
  Acres.££
5 and under 32036,2343,457,55139,426,89026,224,383
320 ” 6405,3942,422,80318,177,89613,049,185
640 ” 1,0002,0631,618,60911,179,7938,087,573
1,000 ” 2,0001,7482,487,57114,967,92911,034,208
2,000 ” 5,0001,0063,966,19516,733,30712,612,376
5,000 ” 10,0003062,113,0819,214,7686,934,896
10,000 ” 20,0001211,661,3816,044,0684,665,446
20,000 ” 30,00028683,3681,984,9901,508,004
30,000 ” 40,0005175,001313,003232,999
40,000 ” 50,0006262,565331,727196,091
50,000 ” 100,00011727,156723,084565,858
100,000 ” 150,000    
150,000 and over    
    Totals46,92219,575,281119,097,45585,111,019

NUMBER OF FREEHOLDERS (EXCLUSIVE OF THOSE IN BOROUGHS OR TOWNSHIPS) WITH SIZES OF HOLDINGS.

Sizes of Holdings, in Acres.Number of Freeholders in
1883.1886.1889.1892.1902.1906.1910.
5 and under 32025,40728,52131,32432,21134,80035,20036,234
320 ” 6402,6952,9823,1893,5534,7355,1075,394
640 ” 1,0009311,0431,0351,1431,5801,8622,063
1,000 ” 2,0008169169069921,3691,5531,748
2,000 ” 5,0004655095075667758641,006
5,000 ” 10,000203220221208260278306
10,000 ” 20,000141151134148123129121
20,000 ” 30,00049435045404028
30,000 ” 40,0002331263021145
40,000 ” 50,000115139986
50,000 ” 100,00019251820181211
100,000 ” 150,00022242  
150,000 and over 227631
    Totals30,76434,45037,43238,93543,73545,06846,922

Prior to the year 1906 the areas of freehold lands under 10,000 acres were not classified, but it is possible to compare the areas above that quantity as held in 1889, 1906, and 1910. Still excluding lands in the hands of Native owners, local bodies, church, education, friendly societies, and other public bodies, the figures are,—

 1889.1906.1910.
Area, in Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
10,000 and under 20,0001,911,1541,817,5621,661,381
20,000 ” 30,0001,221,8291,002,816683,368
30,000 ” 40,000921,435474,822175,001
40,000 ” 50,000570,646353,100262,565
50,000 ” 75,000723,459490,507560,250
75,000 ” 100,000522.590342.493166,906
100,000 ” 150,000241,423  
150,000 and over1,389,664223,242 

It would appear from the above that there has been a reduction in the total held in areas of 10,000 acres and over of 2,797,658 acres during the period 1889 to 1906, and a further reduction of 1,195,071 acres during the period 1906 to 1910, or a total reduction of 3,992,729 acres between 1889 and 1910. The average area held by owners of 10,000 acres and upwards shows a steady decrease since 1889, as follows:—

 Average Area held.
YearAcres.
188930,009
189229,924
190228,312
190623,061
191020,523

Chapter 18. SECTION XVIII.—AGRICULTURE AND LIVE-STOCK.

SUBSECTION A.—AGRICULTURE.

COMMENCING with the 1915–16 season a complete system of collection of agricultural statistics has been inaugurated. Police officers were appointed Sub-enumerators for this purpose, and a personal canvass was carried out throughout the Dominion, all holdings comprising an area of 1 acre or over being visited with the exception of those situated within borough boundaries. Information regarding the live-stock within borough boundaries was collected in conjunction with the taking of the census in October, 1916, and as these figures will vary but little from year to year it is proposed to continue to use them as a factor in ascertaining the total live-stock in each county until another census is taken.

In the seasons previous to and inclusive of 1908–9 complete statistics were collected annually; in 1909–10 full statistics were not collected, but the area under the principal grain and root crops was ascertained, and an estimate made of the yields; for 1910–11 complete statistics were collected in conjunction with the census of 1911. In the four succeeding seasons returns were collected by post regarding the acreage and yield of the principal crops, the figures for these seasons should be taken as fairly reliable estimates only and, if anything, below the actual results.

For the past two seasons the figures have been given by land districts instead of provincial districts, which in reality no longer exist. The boundaries of the old provincial districts being to a great extent merely arbitrary lines, it was considered advisable to adopt land-district boundaries which follow the natural features of the country.

Full results of the annual collection of agricultural and pastoral statistics are gazetted as soon as the tabulation is completed, and are also published in Volume III of Statistics of New Zealand. Summarized results only can be given in most cases in this book. At date of going to press, returns for portions of Waimea County are still outstanding for 1916–17, and it has consequently been necessary to adopt the 1915–16 figures for that county where it occurs in the letterpress and tables following.

The total area of the Dominion (excluding the Cook and other Pacific islands annexed in 1901) is 66,292,232 acres, and of this 17,061,675 acres were in cultivation. The area in cultivation per inhabitant (including Maoris) of the Dominion is 14.85 acres as against 14.69 acres in 1916, and 15.37 acres in 1911.

The following table gives a summary of the area in cultivation and occupation for the season 1916–17:—

AREA IN CULTIVATION AND IN OCCUPATION, 1916–17.

Land District.In Grain and Pulse Crops.In Grasses, Clovers (for Hay or Seed), and Green and Root Crops.In Fallow.In Grasses and Clovers not cut for Hay or Seed.In Vineyards and Orchards.In Market Gardens, Nurseries, and Seed-gardens.In Private Gardens and Pleasure-grounds.In Plantation. (Not Native Bush.)Total Area in Cultivation.In Tussock or Native Grass, and Unimproved Land.Total Area in Occupation.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland28,975123,56232,0643,014,43610,1991,2879,61115,0083,235,1423,690,0626,925,204
Hawke's Bay21,39147,9741,4982,877,5122,8293634,7816,5952,962,9431,600,1404,563,083
Taranaki8,80361,4387421,199,818336492,2959221,274,403426,9941,701,397
Wellington35,66289,9402,4703,306,1671,8126897,5757,4383,451,7531,356,4554,808,208
Nelson16,42111,4491,308310,7207,8191711,2701,866351,024876,2871,227,311
Marlborough35,93716,372972351,0161,167511,5592,298409,3722,146,0112,555,383
Westland5722,84420128,06821385793,368135,6121,572,0861,707,698
Canterbury466,198321,21327,5821,821,4653,16596315,40124,0302,680,0175,450,6608,130,677
Otago149,398171,47417,1351,037,9074,7481536,2422,5781,389,6356,518,0377,907,672
Southland84,991154,4056,285919,449384404,2371,9831,171,7741,989,4033,161,177
    Totals848,3481,000,67190,07614,966,49832,6723,77453,55066,08617,061,67525,626,13542,687,810

PRINCIPAL CROPS.

The principal crops grown in New Zealand are wheat, oats, barley, turnips, potatoes, rye-grass, and cocksfoot. Considerable areas of peas are grown in Marlborough and Canterbury, and of maize in the Bay of Plenty district. A table showing the acreage under wheat, oats, barley, rye-grass, and cocksfoot (for threshing), and potatoes during the past ten seasons is given.

Season.Wheat.Oats.Barley.Rye-grass.Cocksfoot.Potatoes.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
1907–8193,031386,88536,17740,43528,73127,035
1908–9252,391406,90848,85350,12632,70529,919
1909–10311,000377,00041,50056,55029,50030,500
1910–11322,167302,82733,49146,70641,91829,023
1911–12215,528403,66831,64477,53538,29728,248
1912–13189,869386,78637,48663,03134,00723,480
1913–14166,774361,74132,02255,93625-93529,164
1914–15229,600287,56118,34750,53317,55121,887
1915–16329,207212,68830,20443,09513,29329,809
1916–17218,942177,33229,64879,22416,14726,169

Tables are also given showing the average and total yields of these crops during the same period.

AVERAGE YD PER ACRE.

Season.Wheat.Oats.Barley.Rye-grass.Cocksfoot.Potatoes.

* Of 20 lb.

 Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.*lb.Tons.
1907–828-8438.8232.1528.69144.375.28
1908–934.7546.4639.6732.53144.356.52
1909–1028.0037.0031.0033.00151.006.00
1910–1125.7333.4127.6825.00140.004.87
1931–1233.6948.7139.6528.36182.125.13
1912–1327.2835.1236.7523.15238.376.29
1913–1431.3740.7537.6519.64191.115.39
1914–1528.9439.7732.5321.03135.506.06
1915–1621.5935.9827.1518.45118.654.32
1916–1723.2230.2925.6014.57118.175.11

TOTAL YIELDS.

Season.Wheat.Oats.Barley.Rye-grass.Cocksfoot.Potatoes.
 Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.*lb.Tons.
1907–85,567,13915,021,8611,163,4061,160,4134,147,902142,990
1908–98,772,79018,906,7881,938,4521,630,6154,721,159195,206
1909–108,661,10013,804,0001,304,0001,894,6504,451,000180,509
1910–118,290,22110,118,917927,1121,167,6505,868,520141,510
1911–127,261,13819,662,6681,254,6842,198,8936,974,650144,912
1912–135,179,62613,583,9241,377,6101,458,9478,106,249147,689
1913–145,231,70014,740,9461,205,6281,098,8354,956,438157,194
1914–1544,33611,436,301596,8281,062,8102,378,160132,635
1915–167,108,3607,653,208820,174795,4151,577,285128,808
1916–175,083,2775,371,249758,9351,154,0841,908,038133,718

In addition to the crops shown, returns have been collected of the following, the acreage for 1916–17 being as shown:—

 Acreage, 1916–17.
Maize for threshing6,359
Peas and beans11,843
Red clover3,116
White clover1,350
Chewings fescue5,552
Turnips526,018
Mangolds9,100
Green fodder (including rape)218,218

WHEAT.

Wheat at one time ranked much higher in the list of staple products of New Zealand than it now does. In the “eighties" and “nineties" much more wheat was produced than could be consumed in the Dominion, and a heavy export trade grew up, the quantity exported in 1883 being 4,897,540 bushels, and in 1890 4,467,026 bushels. Of later years the country has been showing a decided tendency towards dairy-farming, and the relative importance of wheat has greatly declined. On only three occasions since 1900–namely, in 1909, 1910, and 1911—has the annual export of wheat reached 1,000,000 bushels. In some years the export has been practically nil. It is very seldom, however, that the country's production is insufficient for its own requirements, though in 1898 imports amounted to 60,860 bushels and exports to only 10,090 bushels. In 1914 again the production was insufficient to meet requirements, and considerable importations had to be made, some of this at the expense of the State, and similar circumstances arose in connection with the past season.

A table is given showing the area under wheat for threshing in each year since 1874.

AREA UNDER WHEAT, 1874 TO 1916.

Year.Acres.
1874105,673
187590,804
1876141,614
1877243,406
1878264,861
1879270,198
1880324,949
1881365,715
1882390,818
1883377,706
1884270,043
1885173,891
1886253,025
1887357,359
1888362,153
Year.Acres.
1889335,861
1890301,460
1891402,273
1892381,245
1893242,737
1894148,575
1895245,441
1896258,608
1897315,801
1898399,034
1899269,749
1900208,084
1901167,474
1902195,255
Year.Acres.
1903230,959
1904258,896
1905222,183
1906206,185
1907193,031
1908252,391
1909311,000
1910322,167
1911215,528
1912189,869
1913166,774
1914229,600
1915329,207
1916218,942

WHEAT CROP OF AUSTRALASIA, 1916–17.

The following shows the area in wheat, and the yield (total and per acre), in each State of the Commonwealth of Australia and in New Zealand for the season 1916–17.

State.Wheat Crop.
 Acres.Bushels.Bushels per Acre.
Queensland227,7782,463,14110.82
New South Wales (including Federal Territory)3,521,33136,743,50010.43
Victoria3,125,69251,162,43816.37
South Australia2,765,38343,830,97215.85
Western Australia1,567,60716,103,22010.27
Tasmania27,789348,33012.53
    Totals for Commonwealth11,235,580150,651,60113.41
    New Zealand218,9425,083,27723.22
    Grand totals11,454,522155,734,87813.59

The yield per acre in Australia is never very high as compared with New Zealand, as the table following will show; but the smallness of the yield in 1914–15 is abnormal, being only the one-hundredth part of a bushel in excess of that of 1902–3, the “great drought" year. The average yield per acre in the Commonwealth and in the Dominion during that period is as follows:—

 Average Yield per Acre.
Harvest ofAustralia. Bushels.New Zealand. Bushels.
19027.5424.76
19032.4038.37
190413.3234.26
19058.7035.36
190611.1930.60
190711.1027.18
19088.2928.84
190911.8934.75
191013.7328.00
191112.9025.73
19129.6433.69
191312.5327.28
191411.1331.37
19152.4128.94
191614.3421.59
191713.4123.22

WORLD'S WHEAT CROP.

From figures published in the “Year-book of Agricultural Statistics,” compiled by the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome, it is possible to estimate approximately the total wheat crop of the world for 1913 (Northern Hemisphere) and 1913–14 (Southern Hemisphere). All of the principal wheat-growing countries of the world are included, but in a few cases figures for 1913 or 1913–14 are not available, and the latest year for which statistics have been published is taken. The total production of the world for the season may be set down as approximately twelve-hundred millions of quintals (of 220.40 lb.). The principal countries contributing to this total are,—

Country.Quintals (of 220.46 lb.).
Russia279,683,266
United States207,761,501
India100,111,111
France86,919,050
Canada63,064,099
Austria-Hungary62.017,333
Italy58,452,000
Germany46,559,560
Turkey (Europe and Asia)44,811,672
Argentine Republic31,000,000
Spain30,590,794
Australasia29,549,998
Roumania22,913,340
Bulgaria16,500,000
United Kingdom15,430,207
Egypt10,458,000
Algeria10,028,504
Japan6,860,339
Serbia4,167,194
Belgium4,019,505
Chile3,262,000
Portugal3,224,971
Sweden2,539,180
Tunis2,220,000

OATS.

The extent of land returned as having been sown for grain in 1916–17 was 177,332 acres, as against 212,688 acres in the preceding year. The area of land in oats for chaff, hay, or ensilage in 1916–17 was 357,393 acres.

The yield per acre was in 1916 35.98 bushels, and in 1917 30.29 bushels, and the quantity of grain produced was 7,653,208 bushels and 5,371,249 bushels for the respective years.

EXPORT OF OATS.

New Zealand has no regular export of oats, and in some years bas practically no surplus available for export. The quantity exported in 1891 and succeeding years was as follows:—

Year.Export of Oats. Bushels.
18914,052,414
18923,830,444
18941.963,288
18962,247,053
1898816,210
19005,818,648
190110,514,924
19034,956,330
19042,693,417
19051,076,916
1906734,997
190736,693
1908972,896
19095,133,473
1910444,586
191172,826
19124,123,920
1913239,268
19141,323,362
1915682,652
1916220,265

OAT CROP OF AUSTRALIA, 1915–16.

The oat crop for 1915–16 in the States of the Commonwealth of Australia was as follows:—

 Acres.Bushels.Bushels per Acre.
Queensland3392,4547.24
New South Wales58,4491,344,13823.00
Federal Capital Territory971,56016.08
Victoria353,9329,328,89426.36
South Australia126,5292,134,37416.87
Western Australia104,0861,538,09214.78
Tasmania78,2122,189,46727.99
  Totals for Commonwealth721,64416,538,97922.92

BARLEY.

The area under barley for the season 1916–17 was 29,648 acres, the crop amounting to 758,935 bushels, an average of 25.60 bushels per acre. In 1915–16 the area under barley was 30,204 acres, and the yield 820,174 bushels, or 27.15 bushels per acre.

MAIZE.

The returns for 1916–17 show that there were 6,359 acres sown for grain, being a decrease of 1,727 acres from the area for the previous season (8,086 acres). The yield in 1917 was 274,332 bushels of corn, an average of 43.14 bushels per acre, and in 1916 340,372 bushels, an average of 42.09 bushels per acre. Maize is grown only in the North Island, with the exception of a few acres. In 1916–17 the Land District of Auckland had 3,316 acres; Hawke's Bay, 2,990 acres; Taranaki, 13 acres; Wellington, 26 acres; and Nelson, 7 acres.

PEAS AND BEANS.

The area under peas and beans for threshing in the season 1916–17 was 11,843 acres, yielding 242,066 bushels. The area under these crops in 1915–16 was 9,209 acres.

New Zealand has a considerable export of peas and beans, the figures for the past ten years being,—

EXPORT OF PEAS AND BEANS.

Year.Bushels.
1907120,905
190890,751
1909181,517
1910198,527
1911332,227
1912464,609
1913339,998
1914305,053
1915201,942
191684,168

POTATOES.

The area under potatoes in 1916–17 was 26,169 acres, yielding a return of 133,718 tons, or at a rate of 5.11 tons per acre, against 29,809 acres in 1915–16 and 128,808 tons (or 4.32 tons per acre).

These figures do not include areas of less than one-quarter acre, so that a considerable quantity of potatoes grown for private use has not been taken into account.

The following table shows the average yield per acre of potatoes in each of the Australian States and in New Zealand 1910–11 to 1914–15. Later figures for Australia are not available:—

AVERAGE YIELD PER ACRE OF POTATOES, 1910–11 to 1914–15.

State.1910–11.1911–12.1912–13.1913–14.1914–15.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Queensland1.881.701.861.641.91
New South Wales2.721.742.692.761.34
Victoria2.602.504.022372.89
South Australia3.063.063.853.052.36
Western Australia3.273.442.623.403.08
Tasmania2672.852.952.612.50
Federal Territory 1.831.351.471.88
Commonwealth2.642.313.252.532.41
New Zealand4.875.136.295.396.06

TURNIPS AND MANGOLDS.

Turnips form a most important crop in a sheep-breeding country such as New Zealand, and in 1916–17 the area under this crop was 526,018 acres, while there were 9,100 acres of mangolds.

The figures for these crops for 1915–10 were 572,138 acres and 13,046 acres respectively.

HOPS.

There were 648 acres under hops in 1915–16, 641 acres of this area being in the Nelson Land District. The total produce amounted to 879,050 lb.

Previous to this year information re hops was not obtained since 1910–11, when the area was 653 acres.

TOBACCO.

Previous to 1916 the official statistics of the growing of tobacco were not collected since 1895. In 1889, 34 acres were being cultivated; in 1890, 25 acres; in 1891, 16 acres; in 1892, 6 acres; in 1893, 4 acres; in 1894, 4 acres; in 1895, 5 acres; while in 1916 and again in 1917, 100 acres were returned as under this crop. Experiments have proved that parts of New Zealand are well adapted to the growing of tobacco, the Hawke's Bay District being specially suitable.

PHORMIUM TENAX.

Large areas in various parts of New Zealand are covered with Phormium tenax, the fibre of which is largely used for rope-making, &c. At the census of 1916 there were seventy-six mills in operation, employing 1,257 hands. The export of fibre and tow during each of the past ten years was as follows:—

PHORMIUM EXPORTED, 1907–16.

Year.Fibre. Tons.Tow. Tons.
190728,5476,885
190817,4033,846
190914,3182,974
191020,6454,501
191117,3663,283
191218,6413,388
191328,0926,299
191419,7024,226
191523,2203,465
191627,6744,578

GARDENS AND PLANTATIONS.

In 1916–17 there were 3,272 acres in market gardens, 502 acres in nurseries and seed-gardens, and 53,554 acres in private gardens and pleasure-grounds. The area in plantations (not virgin bush) was 66,086 acres.

ORCHARDS AND THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

The area in orchard in 1916–17 (exclusive of that within borough boundaries) was 32,358 acres. In 1915–16 there were 31,733 acres, exclusive of boroughs, while orchards within boroughs aggregated 2,443 acres.

The following table gives particulars by land districts of areas for private use and for commercial purposes:—

AREA IN ORCHARD, 1916–17.

As previously stated, returns for Waimea County, the principal fruitgrowing county in the Dominion, are not yet complete for 1916–17, and 1915–16 figures have consequently had to be adopted for that county.

Land District.For Private Use only.For Commercial Purposes.Total Area in Orchard.
Not bearing.Bearing.
Auckland3,6732,9513,38410,008
Hawke's Bay5938601,3242,777
Taranaki2781048336
Wellington1,0442794821,805
Nelson2953,7293,7617,785
Marlborough4345791531,166
Westland775977213
Canterbury1,6006958553,150
Otago5992,2301,9064,735
Southland364613383
    Dominion8,95711,39812,00332,358

The apparent decrease in area under commercial orchards in some districts as compared with the previous year is accounted for by the fact that at the 1916 collection a number of orchards were returned under this heading in cases where only a very small quantity of fruit was disposed of privately. This year sub-enumerators were instructed to return under this heading only such orchards as disposed of fruit to the value of £50 in normal seasons, or if not in bearing would be calculated to produce a similar quantity when in bearing.

Large areas are continually being planted in fruit-trees, especially in the Nelson Land District, where tracts of land which until recently bore nothing but stunted manuka, and were looked upon as practically useless, have now been proved to be eminently suitable for growing fruit, particularly apples.

A good market exists locally for choice clean fruit, but as the large areas recently planted come into bearing growers will have to look to outside markets to take the surplus, and it is hoped that the export of fruit will become in time one of the largest in the Dominion.

The Agricultural Department assists orchardists by supplying information on fruitgrowing generally, and as to the most up-to-date methods to adopt for the control of diseases and insect pests, pruning, &c. Practical demonstrations of pruning, spraying, and the grading and packing of fruit are given regularly by the Orchard Instructors attached to the Department.

Co-operative fruit-testing plots are established in various parts of the Dominion. These plots are for the purpose of—

  1. Ascertaining which varieties of fruit are best adapted to particular districts:

  2. Demonstrating various methods of pruning:

  3. Conducting modified manurial experiments.

Extensive experiments have been carried out in the growing of tomatoes and the control of diseases affecting them, many thousands of pounds having been lost through failure of the tomato crops grown under glass during the last few years. The results of these experiments have proved of great value, and have enabled growers to adopt successful methods for the production of large and profitable crops.

The total acreage in vineyards outside of borough boundaries is 594 acres. The growing of outdoor grapes is chiefly confined to the districts situated between the North Cape and Hawke's Bay. The greater portion of the crop is used for wine-making, but a considerable quantity of outdoor-grown grapes is sold for table use.

Copies of full plans and specifications of a cool store capable of holding 4,000 cases of fruit have been prepared by the Department of Agriculture, and are supplied free on application.

The canning of fruit is also another important feature of the fruit industry. Plans and specifications for the building and equipment of a factory capable of turning out 4,000 cans per day are also available, free of charge, for those contemplating the erection of a factory.

State aid to the fruit-preserving industry is provided for by the Fruit-preserving Industry Act, 1913, whereby not more than £25,000 may be raised in any year for the purpose of making advances for the establishment of cold stores for fruit and of fruit-canning works and otherwise for the assistance of the fruitgrowing industry. The advances during the financial year 1914–15 totalled £10,000.

The Orchard Tax Act, 1916, provides for the levying of a tax of ls. per acre on commercial orchards (with a minimum of 2s. 6d.), the proceeds to be paid over to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation (Limited), and to be expended in aid of the fruitgrowing industry. This Act is to remain in force until 1921.

GRASSES AND CLOVERS FOR SEED.

The area under rye-grass for seed in the season 1916–17 was 79,224 acres, yielding 1,154,084 bushels of 20 lb., or a rate of 14.57 bushels per acre.

In cocksfoot there were 16,147 acres, which yielded 1,908,038 lb., or an average of 118.17 lb. per acre. The area in the previous season was 13,294 acres, and the total yield 1,577,285 lb., the average yield per acre being 118.65 lb. The area returned by farmers as being under cocksfoot is decreasing rapidly in recent years, having been 41,918 acres in 1910–11. Much of the waste land of the Dominion is laid down in cocksfoot, including a large proportion of the land enclosed with the State railway-lines. Much of this is harvested, but no record of the amount obtained from this source is kept.

PASTURE GRASSES.

New Zealand is essentially suited for grazing purposes. Wherever there is light and moisture English grasses thrive when the natural bush and fern are cleared off—in fact, the white clover gradually overcomes the fern; and, from the mildness of the winter season, there are few places where there is not some growth, even in the coldest months of the year. In all parts of the Dominion stock live, although in varying condition, without other food than such as they can pick up. Sown-grass land, as might be expected, heads the list of cultivations.

At the beginning of the year 1917 there were 14,979,899 acres under artificial grasses, an increase of 245,010 acres over the area in 1916.

Seeds for sowing pasture lands are used much as in Great Britain, the following being a common mixture: Perennial rye-grass, 25 lb. to 30 lb. per acre; cocksfoot, 2 lb.; alsike, 2 lb.; timothy, 3 lb.; cowgrass, 2 lb.; red clover, 2 lb.; white clover, 2 lb.; rape, 1 lb.: total, 39 lb. to 44 lb. per acre. Pastures are renewed at intervals of from four to eight years, according to the nature of the land.

The following shows the acreage in sown grasses in each State of Australia and in New Zealand for the 1914–15 season:—

 Acres.

*114–15 figures not available.

Queensland290,147
New South Wales1,278,883
Victoria1,202,130
South Australia24,974
Western Australia8,025
Tasmania647,602
Federal Territory70
New Zealand (1915–16)*14,734,889

It will be observed that the acreage of land under sown grasses is far greater in New Zealand than in the whole of Australia and Tasmania. When compared in size with the States of Australia, New Zealand is not large—about one-thirtieth of their total area—but in respect of grazing capabilities the relative importance of this country is much greater. Australia is generally unsuitable, owing to conditions of climate, for the growth of English grasses, and the amount of feed produced by the natural grasses throughout the year is very much less per acre than is obtained from the sown-grass lands in New Zealand; indeed, it may be said that the average productiveness of grass land is about nine times as great here as in Australia, or, in other words, that land in New Zealand covered with English grasses may be considered equal for grazing purposes to an area of Australian land about nine times as great.

In addition to the artificially sown pastures, the returns for 1916–17 show that 16,182,933 acres in tussock or native grass belonged to the occupied holdings, and were available for stock-feeding by the sheep-farmers and cattle-farmers.

SUBSECTION B.—LIVE-STOCK.

A COMPARATIVE table is presented showing the increase in live-stock since the year 1858. The figures are taken from the census as far as 1891 and for 1911, but for 1895–96 and following years up to 1910 the results of the enumeration made annually by the Department of Agriculture have been made use of. No enumeration was taken from 1911 to 1915, except as regards sheep.

Year.Horses.Asses and Mules.Cattle.Sheep.Goats.Pigs.Poultry.

* Not enumerated.

185814,9121221 137,2041,523,32411,79740,734*
186128,275153193,2852,761,38312,19143,270236,098
186449,409339249,7604,937,27312,00561,276378,414
186765,715323312,8358,418,57911,964115,104676,065
187181,028397436,5929,700,62912,434151,460872,174
187499,859267494,91711,704,85314,276123,9211,058,198
1878137,768241578,43013,069,33814,243207,3371,323,542
1881161,736362698,63712,985,08511,223200,0831,566,114
1886187,332297853,35816,564,59510,220277,9011,679,021
1891211,040348831,83118,128,1869,055308,8121,790,070
1895–96237,4184261,047,90119,826,604*239,778*
1896–97249,8134341,138,06719,138,493*209,834*
1897–98252,8343931,209,16519,687,954*186,027*
1898–99258,1155341,203,02419,673,725*193,512*
1899–00261,9314591,222,13919,348,506*249,751*
1900–1266,2454801,256,68019,355,195*250,975*
1901–2279,6724061,361,78420,233,099*224,024*
1902–3286,9554641,460,66320,342,727*193,740*
1903–4298,7144681,593,54718,954,553*226,591*
1904–5314,3224481,736,85018,280,806*255,320*
1905–6326,5374291,810,93619,130,875*249,727*
1906–7342,6084511,851,75020,108,471*242,2733,191,604
1907–8352,8324251,816,29920,983,772*241,128*
1908–9363,2595191,773,32622,449,053*245,092*
1909***23,480,707***
1910***24,269,620***
1911404,2844042,020,17123,996,126*348,7548,693,187
1912***23,750,153***
1913***24,191,810***
1914***24,798,763***
1915***24,901,421***
1916371,3312462,417,49124,788,15017,601297,501*
1917373,6703202,574,28825,270,38618,019283,962*

The following diagram will give an idea of the large increase in the number of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs since 1858:—

Explanation of Graph.—The base of each small rectangle represents an interval of one year, and the vertical height the number of animals, as follows: Sheep, one million; cattle, one hundred thousand; horses and pigs, each fifty thousand.

TABLE SHOWING FOR EACH COUNTY THE NUMBER OF LIVE-STOCK AS AT 31ST JANUARY, 1917.

County.Horses.Asses and Mules.Dairy Cows.Total Cattle (including figures in previous Column).Number of Sheep shorn, 1916-17.Number of Lambs tailed, 1916-17.Sheep (including Lambs) as at 30th April, 1916.Pigs.Goats.
Angora.Other.

* 1916 figures.

LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.
Mangonui2,096 5,83919,72638,36715,65647,6702,1826229
Whangaroa493 1,2324,39012,7435,82015,11346349215
Bay of Islands3,502106,10029,22469,86630,49287,3052,248385152
Hokianga2,70027,93034,44358,14622,81378,5772,2661517
Whangarei5,687618,32464,17395,92238,60785,5434,134331186
Hobson2,40319,18534,47887,83234,777106,0292,079219
Otamatea2,86948,60134,657177,96037,71972,9322,9693496
Rodney2,92316,87927,15483,17530,12981,6271,54779258
Waitemata3,956169,17224,37047,99119,80655,7362,996419583
Eden4,60673,7558,230298492,8622,8011136
Great Barrier102 2225247,3052,9728,13550129
Manukau3,762613,32828,39062,10026,53657,4263,18936777
Franklin6,554125,14754,13947,93926,59256,82310,334220205
Waikato6,373323,47255,37057,63829,91868,8347,5407152
Raglan4,656 7,02849,608224,16299,316191,1673,183130985
Waipa5,037 18,31343,41437,22925,29437,9036,46687293
Kawhia774 1,3536,06841,24015,10950,7434632524
Awakino1,017 99413,08884,84127,964101,184497  
Waitomo5,688312,70952,733167,05872,658175,7755,813273113
Coromandel1,000 2,2398,17938,91515,33838,743595605
Thames2,039 8,38726,6107,0762,4084,5413,459 7
Ohinemuri2,686110,39427,27111,4954,7757,9404,52549169
Tauranga4,205 9,32538,15718,1408,32022,4183,27795
Piako4,425120,36748,42552,67830,38646,3946,4211467
Matamata4,218 13,70939,92249,80528,58335,6513,4663027
Rotorua1,57722,3709,8578,2946,22624,6001,176 2
Whakatane1,99625,59921,95131,40410,47155,1491,256 8
Opotiki1,608 3,03011,937114,82970,399163,9611,212110
East Taupo1,26912303,98735,30714,8286,0709464 
West Taupo2,675 5,48125,56534,39016,33833,3292,762121
  Totals92,89667260,714846,0401,704,145770,2991,820,18090,3152,7033,860
LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY.
Waiapu4,27093,18542,398600,035301,475756,3502,01532248
Waikohu3,48161,45443,589582,649283,348685,5947371004
Cook8,510126,47270,756885,584422,8431,088,5503,173  
Wairoa4,71421,67632,419667,957250,892755,5901,135251
Hawke's Bay8,058346,85654,4891,066,051454,3951,178,6193,0651771,047
Waipukurau744 8004,418101,65252,899118,548178 1
Waipawa2,666 3,85221,794370,191184,167427,8531,21662
Woodville1,270 0,09314,91294,65851,28797,4811,678 2
Dannevirke2,813110,84532,163298,241170,017321,2012,53644
Patangata2,791 1,89743,330638,034285,836651,809307216124
Weber353 1995,186105,53935,085135,62145  
  Totals39,6706443,329365,4545,411,1912,492,2446,217,21616,0855601,433
LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.
Ohura1,852 2,97522,554162,98564,254169,40093760 
Clifton2,105 7,60425,992103,80837,80695,7802,96451,420
Taranaki5,419 29,11059,99943,04827,32237,3729,7661052,216
Egmont2,649120,60840,52410,1573,46614,0924,597203
Stratford3,233 24,30046,248119,29345,064121,9578,61228327
Whangamomona800 1,4089,580108,70739,674119,4853826518
Waimate West1,627114,80924,2161,5671941,6075,6542211
Hawera2,657 21,22537,18575,79233,93981,0867,354118
Eltham2,139 19,37034,55071,64529,37165,4446,366958
Patea3,448112,77236,379285,289105,131273,5314,07561
  Totals25,9292154,181387,227982,291386,221979,75450,7073214,072
LAND DISTRICT OF WELLINGTON.
Waitotara2,55897,13521,570,216,08191,921228,7021,7731218
Wanganui3,2615,49930,622534,280217,300595,4001,30393  
Waimarino2,06912,85310,712290,840109,632284,5421,066 5
Kaitieke1,13922,16410,176125,84752,239128,8291,0425 
Rangitikei7,913512,88162,781845,408458,921958,2765,066638
Kiwitea2,307124,98923,122295,670165,118326,1441,843 33
Pohangina1,343 2 3,06511,497150,01593,824167,6151,07763
Kairanga5,252712,61631,629111,19263,802122,0274,271226
Oroua2,711 7,51816,844160,497106,152165,6842,468115
Manawatu2,786 14,20731,72789,22765,703125,1845,028627
Horowhenua3,460 13,50337,278139,43259,296145,2525,8971214
Pahiatua2,016 10,51730,831195,227105,432227,0643,29427
Akitio1,289 99917,747259,252107,799282,533221  
Castlepoint818 66313,812181,29484,368191,441899 
Eketahuna1,804 7,15821,770205,883118,346106,6241,770171
Mauriceville134 5392,06930,67319,34371,620195  
Masterton3,32213,51229,967378,774209,420546,995979  
Wairarapa South2,35767,72626,029196,975113,036192,7372,9754121
Featherston3,380297,88945,577419,173208,655458,7302,55615
Hutt2,07165,62913,517126,48659,060148,5012,79620117
Makara1,64922,7685,14868,74026,73376,0181,63148
Chatham Islands833 2051,08172,61127,70372,56568332 
  Totals52,47271134,035501,5065,092,7772,563,8095,622,54347,408807215
LAND DISTRICT OF NELSON
Collingwood414 2,0416,35315,2656,80617,939762 1
Takaka806 2,5966,24051,36924,10755,4291,8593867
Waimea*5,359 *5,593*14,612*279,024*123,742321,263*2,831*422*949
Buller1,052 3,93710,0396,2582,8614,8401,60615984
Murchison693 1,7568,61044,94716,96147,3551,252317
Inangahua556101,7884,68910,9174,59012,078856100140
  Totals8,8801017,71150,543407,780179,067458,9049,1667221,258
LAND DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH.
Sounds466 1,6314,757154,87268,241191,4222,68475125
Marlborough3,792 6,33914,097320,051121,757362,8803,258708439
Awatere1,760 7766,790290,595114,500289,82741611
Kaikoura1,300 1,8374,660184,17582,209204,032749340
  Totals7,318 10,58330,304949,693386,7071,048,1617,107787605
LAND DISTRICT OF WESTLAND.
Grey1,296 4,31814,03625,98812,06326,7641,45737101
Westland1,958 5,15723,07230,34615,09334,6721,496 16
  Totals3,254 9,47537,10856,33427,15661,4362,95337117
LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY.
Cheviot1,280 7714,094162,68595,960186,907302 15
Amuri2,387 7767,288331,493145,789398,972316 7
Waipara2,706 1,0433,805350,192192,895383,375464  
Ashley1,173 4232,031115,85852,014112,208175  
Oxford1,613 1,1662,77481,62346,904109,237604  
Kowai1,636311,5333,34360,93039,65985,754846  
Rangiora2,416112,6005,80538,57725,60744,6801,616614
Eyre1,958 1,7893,34852,42536,64052,9651,591 5
Waimairi2,348 3,6105,3424,5412,0217,1952,175321
Paparua2,700 2,2543,85935,18911,81033,0162,283 9
Malvern2,382 1,2163,049119,91463,417134,9641,023  
Tawera632 4781,30095,65736,88797,660346  
Heathcote2,112 1,2302,0029,8402.80711,52574017
Halswell1,08012,0293,64815,8317,48217,0991,025216
Selwyn1,534 7632,448167,21692,278210,35744473
Springs1,429712,1053,99425,98015,72430,3611,81712
Ellesmere3,400 4,1938,49670,01845,90573,8185,5931721
Mount Herbert371 8263,00839,67429,34245,8281821101
Wairewa719 1,8807,53373,22355,50976,962683 6
Akaroa1,253 5,78021,40982,11751,91797,4361,585611
Ashburton12,75756,32814,809681,813410,523825,1414,933114
Geraldine5,763154,29511,538239,549140,390,299,2872,984 13
Levels4,706 3,0697,023129,70579,652148,5801,386 4
Mackenzie3,100121,4065,212418,745191,373443,15464659 
Waimate8,38075,00414,695469,053258,948514,9483,098 3
  Totals69,8357956,567151,8533,880,8572,136,4534,441,42936,917268180
LAND DISTRICT OF OTAGO.
Waitaki7,964128,67720,064487,318231,710544,4812,90925 
Maniototo2,851111,6054,594293,345116,034296,544215  
Waihemo1,427 1,5303,211106,49847,574126,424353  
Waikouaiti1,85714,5379,39676,25937,29482,3331,619  
Peninsula817 3,0915,0744,7762,6484,512441 1
Taieri6,490 7,93322,230205,15278,802231,6412,54025
Tuapeka4,641 2,83310,803404,997174,203449,9371,160 1
Bruce5,441 5,06113,794185,46796,250241,0811,76711
Clutha6,826 7,75622,112309,153167,144376,6821,741  
Vincent2,80711,4904,954293,407102,955290,33993921
Lake1,529 1,3635,739213,21065,751252,01158432
  Totals42,6502545,876121,9712,579,5821,120,3652,895,98514,2683311
LAND DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.
Fiord          
Wallace7,338 9,74029,929396,495193,604488,7452,183714
Southland23,359234,812102,0831,006,853502,9861,231,9826,821 6
Stewart Island69 892703,0471,2514,0513221
  Totals30,766244,641132,2821,406,395697,8411,724,7789,036921
  Totals for Dominion373,670320777,1122,574,28822,471,04510,760,16225,270,386283,9626,24711,772

Interesting information as to the average number of horses, cattle, and sheep per 1,000 acres in each county is given in the following statement. A good indication of the relative closeness of settlement and of the degree to which the lands in the various counties are being utilized for pastoral purposes is also afforded by the maps accompanying this section.

AVERAGE NUMBERS OF HORSES, CATTLE, AND SHEEP PER 1,000 ACRES IN EACH COUNTY (EXCLUDING INTERIOR BOROUGHS).

County.Total Area occupied.Horses (as at 31st January, 1917).Cattle (as at 31st January, 1917).Dairy Cows (as at 31st January, 1917), (included in “Cattle" in previous Columns).Sheep (as at 30th April, 1917).
Total Number.Average Number per 1,000 Acres.Total Number.Average Number per 1,000 Acres.Total Number.Average Number per 1,000 Acres.Total Number (including Lambs).Average Number per 1,000 Acres.

* 1916 figures.

 Acres. Land District of Auckland.    
Mangonui285,6372,0907.3419,72669.065,83920.4447,670100.89
Whangaroa71,5484930.894,39061.301,23217.2215,113211.23
Bay of Islands226,4703,50215.4629,224129.046,10026.9487,305385.50
Hokianga249,1162,70010.8434,443138.267,93031.8378,577315.42
Whangarei414,6115,40313.0363,786153.8518,14343.7685,543206.32
Hobson304,4512,3527.7334,172112.249,16930.12106,029348.26
Otamatea235,8672,86912.1034,657146.938,60136.4772,932309.21
Rodney256,0832,92311.4127,154106.046,87926.8681,627318.75
Waitemata276,4593,55012.8423,68185.668,78131.7655,736201.61
Eden16,4681,48089.876,902419.123,061185.882,862173.79
Great Barrier44,2181022.3152411.852225.028,135183.97
Manukau153,3483,59023.4128,153183.5913,19886.0757,426374.48
Franklin276,9166,18822.3552,557189.7924,28087.6856,823205.20
Waikato278,9656,03021.6255,037197.2923,26983.4168,834246.75
Raglan430,6304,65610.8149,608115.207,02816.32191,107443.92
Waipa163,4234,77829.2443,011263.1918,129110.9337,903231.93
Kawhia96,1147748.056,06863.131,35314.0850,743527.95
Awakino162,1991,0176.2713,08880.699946.13101,184623.83
Wa tomo504,1635,49610.9052,550104.2312,63125.05175,775348.65
Coromandel212,7291,0004.708,17938.452,23910.5338,743182.12
Thames162,7941,85311.3826,570163.218,36051.354,54127.89
Ohinemuri138,3602,24616.2326,587192.1610,05272.657,94057.39
Tauranga223,0254,04118.1237,930170.079,16741.1022,418100.52
Piako212,4254,27420.1248,117226.5120,20695.1246,394218.40
Matamata374,3024,21811.2739,922106.0613,70936.6335,65195.25
Rotorua178,2201,2557.049,72354.562,28412.8224,600138.03
Whakatane127,7811,99615.6221,951171.795,59943.8255,149431.59
Opotiki266,3741,4425.4111,77144.192,93111.00163,961615.53
East Taupo324,3151,2693.913,98712.292300.716,07018.72
West Taupo279,7192.5389.0725,11789.795,37519.2233,329119.15
    Totals6,946,73186,13112.40838,585120.72256,99136.991,820,180262.02
Land District of Hawke's Bay.
Waiapu490,1474,2708.7142,39886.503,1856.50756,3501,543.11
Waikohu513,9493,4816.7743,58984.811,4542.83685,5941,333.97
Cook632,9267,99712.6370,631111.596,39510.101,088,5501,561.87
Wairoa742,4524,4185.9532,09243.221,4441.94755,5901,017.70
Hawke's Bay1,041,3157,2246.9454,02051.886,5866.321,178,6191,131.86
Waipukurau62,9896249.914,23167.1770511.19118,5481,882.04
Waipawa266,4472,4969.3721,40780.33,76114.12427,8531,605.77
Woodville83,4601,17514.0814,692176.045,94271.2097,4811,168.00
Dannevirke242,7302,64310.8931,986131.7810,72744.19321,2011,323.29
Patangata419,5732,7916.6543,330103.271,8974.50651,8091,553.51
Weber67,0953535.265,18677.291992.97135,6212,021.33
Land District of Taranaki.
Ohura256,7991,8527.2122,55487.832,97811.58169,400659.66
Clifton231,9042,1059.0825,992112.087,60432.7995,780413.02
Taranaki188,5894,75125.1958,851312.0628,411150.6537,372198.16
Egmont126,0052,64921.0240,524321.6120,608163.5514,092111.84
Stratford188,8303,04516.1345,902243.0924,065127.44121,957645.86
Whangamomona159,4448005.029,58060.081,4088.83119,485749.39
Waimate West43,8491,62737.1024,216552.2614,809337.731,60736.65
Hawera106,3712,56924.1537,014347.9721,109198.4581,086762.29
Eltham119,5201,97716.5433,859283.2918,908158.2065,444547.56
Patea280,0863,31011.8236,201129.2512,69745.33273,531976.60
    Totals1,701,39724,68514.51334,693196.72152,59489.69979,754575.85
Land District of Wellington.
Waitotara208,4571,9649.4219,67694.396,32430.34228,7021,097.12
Wanganui321,5493,26110.1430,62295.235,49917.10595,4601,851.85
Waimarino433,8631,9584.5116,20537.352.6176.03284,542655.83
Kaitieke161,1871,1397.0710,17663.132,16413.43128,829799.25
Rangitikei643,8367,61711.8362,48697.0512,69310.71958,2761,488.39
Kiwitea197,0762,30711.7123,122117.334,98925.32326,1441,654.91
Pohingina109,2241,34312.3011,497105.263,06528.06167,6151,534.60
Kairanga102,8412,54224.7230,577297.3211,904115.75122,0271,186.56
Oroua112,8462,39821.2516,376145.127,18363.65165,6841,468.23
Manawatu123,3112,71622.0331,459255.1214,055113.98125,1841,015.19
Horowhenua228,1853,27014.3336,902161.7213,26758.14145,252636.55
Pahiatua166,4641,92911.5930,751184.7310,47462.92227,0641,364.04
Akitio202,9191,2896.3517,74787.469994.92282,5331,392.34
Castlepoint156,1258185.2413,81288.476634.25191,4412,262.03
Eketahuna190,4951,7038.9421,582113.297,04736.99106,624559.72
Mauriceville20,5151346.532,069100.8553926.2771,6203,491.11
Masterton308,4682,9709.6329,67396.193,32310.77546,9951,773.26
Wairarapa South221,5552,1619.7525,633115.707,44233.59192,737869.93
Featherston465,2483.2026.8844,93296.587.43015.97458,730985.99
Hutt195,2491,6748.5712,85065.815,17626.51148,501760.57
Makara56,83662210.944,04971.241,91433.6876,0181,337.18
Chatham Islands181,9598334.521,0815.942051.1072,565398.80
    Totals4,808,20847,8509.95493,277102.59128,97226.825,622,5431,169.36
Land District of Nelson.
Collingwood144,5904142.866,35343.942,04114.1217,939124.07
Takaka99,7418068.086,24062.562,59626.0355,429555.73
Waimea571,768*4,369*7.64*13,130*22.90*4,677*8.18*321,263561.88
Buller116,5219758.379,90485.003,89833.454,84041.54
Murchison233,0096932.978,61036.951,7567.5447,355203.23
Inangahua61,6825569.014,68976.021,78828.9912,078195.81
    Totals1,227,3117,8136.3748,92639.8616,75613.65458,904373.91
Land District of Marlborough.
Sounds212,1884252.004,65621.941,5847.47191,422902.13
Marlborough928,0583,5563.8313,73914.806,1016.57362,880391.01
Awatere1,001,7501,7601.766,7906.787760.77289,827289.32
Kaikoura413,3871,3003.144,66011.271,8374.44204.032493.56
    Totals2,555,3837,0412.7629,84511.6810,2984.031,048,101410.18
Land District of Westland.
Grey410,2841,0112.4613,59633.144,10210.0026,76465.23
Westland1,297,4141,7411.3422,53217.374,8943.7734,67226.72
    Totals1,707,6982,7521.6136,12821.168,9965.2761,43635.98
Land District of Canterbury
Cheviot186,4811.2806.864,09421.957714.13186,9071,002.28
Amuri1,244,5502,3871.927,2885.867760.62398,972320.58
Waipara531,9302,7065.093,8057.151,0431.96383,375720.72
Ashley353,2051,1733.322,0315.754231.20112,208317.69
Oxford162,9961,6139.902,77417.021,1667.15109,237670.18
Kowai97,7861,63616.733,34334.191,53315.6885,754876.96
Rangiora56,5322,23039.455,654100.012,48844.0144,680790.35
Eyre87,7101,84120.993.24837.031,73319.7652,965603.87
Waimairi27,6012,31083.695,278191.223,580129.717,195260.68
Paparua70,7572,70038.163,85954.542,25431.8633,016466.61
Malvern143,6992,38216.583.04921.221,2168.46134,964939.21
Tawera376,9386321.681,3003.454781.2797,660259.09
Heathcote11,24370862.971.290114.7477308.7511.5251,025.08
Halswell24,32891937.783,506144.111,93479.5017.099702.85
Selwyn445,9671,5343.442,4485.497631.71210.357471.69
Springs47,9031,42929.833,99483.382,10543.9430,361633.80
Ellesmere119,5583,40028.448,49671.064.19335.0773,818617.42
Mount Herbert32,70437111.343,00891.9882625.2645,8281,401.30
Wairewa84,3077198.537,53389.351,88022.3076,962912.88
Akaroa99,0021,20612.1821,348215.635,73257.9097,436984.18
Ashburton1,145,08312,57210.9814,73012.866,2865.49825,141720.59
Geraldine408,2635,52213.5311,37927.874,20510.30299,287733.07
Levels156,8444,25927.156,87343.822,95618.85148,580947.31
Mackenzie1,337,5443,1002.325,2123.901,4061.05443,154331.32
Waimate877,7468,2819.4314,61316.654,9565.65514,948586.67
    Totals8,130,67766,9108.23150,15318.4755.4766.824,441,429546.26
Land District of Otago.
Waitaki1,337,8197,7155.7719,77314.788.5086.36544,481406.99
Maniototo818,4332.7953.424,5405.551,5781.93296,544362.33
Waihemo231,5561,3305.743,10013.391,4586.30126.424545.98
Waikouaiti169,0091.69210.018,98653.174,29125.3982,333487.15
Peninsula20,42581740.005,074248.423,091151.334,512220.91
Taieri574,8604,4447.7319,94634.706,52511.35231,641402.95
Tuapeka777,1054,4515.7310,58813.622,7283.51449,937578.99
Bruce317,1565.11416.1213,33542.054.82315.21241,081760.13
Clutha486,4946,70613.7821,99545.217.67915.78376,682774.28
Vincent1,624,0682,7301.684,9213031,4620.90290,339178.77
Lake1,550,7471,4310.925,6603.651,3180.86252,011162.51
    Totals7,907,67239,2254.96117,91814.9143,4615.502,895,985366.22
Land District of Southland.
Fiord18,027        
Wallace1,143,5947,2666.3529,79126.059,6708.46488,745427.38
Southland1,959.39322,57011.52100,68551.3934,03817.371,231,982628.76
Stewart Island40,163691.722706.72892.224,051100.86
    Totals3,161,17729,9059.46130,74641.3643,79713.851,724,778545.61
Totals for Dominion42,709,337349,7848.192,543,83359.56759,63617.7925,270,380591.67

LIVE-STOCK IN AUSTRALASIA.

The following table gives the number of the principal kinds of livestock in Australasia for the year 1916:—

State.Sheep.Cattle.Horses.Pigs.
New South Wales32,498,0462,400,104718,232280,869
Victoria12,576,5871,175,098514,403254,436
Queensland15,524,2934,765,657697,517129,733
South Australia3,800,000212,000275,00070,000
Western Australia5,501,046865,497169,47890,850
Tasmania1,702,579179,36042,62053,033
Northern Territory47,520420,36221,674500
Federal Territory102,6835,6661,310289
  Totals for Commonwealth71,752,75410,023,7442,440,234879,710
  New Zealand24,788,1502,417,491371,331297,501

SHEEP.

The Dominion is eminently suited for sheep-breeding, practically every description of sheep finding a favourable local habitat. In the hilly and down country of the South Island the merino has been bred for very many years, and was the original sheep depastured. In fact, the merino ewe furnished the foundation of the crossbred stock which has made Canterbury mutton famous on British meat-markets. In the early days of the Canterbury meat trade the English Leicester of the original type was the favourite ram for putting to the merino ewe. Of later years the Lincoln has been largely employed to cross with the merino, and black-faced rams have been further employed to put to the crossbred ewes. In the North Island the Romney sheep, which suits the rather moist climate of this portion of the Dominion, has become the most popular sheep; it is also increasing in numbers in the South Island. The Lincoln and Border-Leicester are also favoured in both Islands, while the Southdown is displacing other breeds for fat-lamb production throughout the Dominion. The Leicesters, mainly the English variety, are still the most popular British breed in the South.

From the table following it will be seen that the flocks of the North Island increased from 5,285,907 sheep in the year 1886 to 10,009,731 in 1906 and 13,880,799 in 1916, or at the rate of 89-37 per cent. in the first twenty years of the period and of 38-67 per cent. between 1906 and 1916; 1917 shows an increase of 4-94 per cent. over the preceding year.

The number of sheep in the South Island has fluctuated considerably, the greatest number occurring in 1914, which, however, shows an increase of but 17.74 per cent. since 1886. In 1917 there are fewer than there has been previously since 1907.

Year.North Island.South Island.Total.
18865,285,9079,888,35615,174,263
190811,632,20110,816,85222,449,053
190912,193,21111,287,49623,480,707
191012,917,66211,351,95824,269,620
191112,814,35311,181,77323,996,126
191212,618,08911,132,06423,750,153
191313,145,44511,046,36524,191,810
191413,155,95811,642,80524,798,763
191513,315,91611,585,50524,901,421
191613,880,79910,907,35124,788,150
191714,567,12810,703,25825,270,386

There was an increase of 4,286,614 in the total number of sheep between 1907 and 1917, representing a rate of 20.43 per cent. in the ten years, while the increase during the past year amounts to 1.98 per cent.

In the table given above the Chatham Islands are included in the South Island, as they form portion of the Canterbury-Kaikoura Sheep District. In dealing with land districts, however, they are included with Wellington.

Of the land districts, Hawke's Bay had most sheep in 1917, Wellington came next, and Canterbury occupied the third place. The particulars given below show that in five of the ten land districts the figures for 1917 show increases on those of 1916 amounting in the aggregate to 705,289, decreases in Nelson, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, however, reducing the net increase to 482,236.

Land District.No. of Sheep in 1916.No. of Sheep in 1917.Increase.Decrease.
Auckland1,705,0661,820,180115,114 
Hawke's Bay5,790,6296,217,216426,587 
Taranaki977,049979,7542,705 
Wellington5,475,7405,622,543146,803 
Nelson475,159458,904 16,255
Marlborough1,034,0811,048,16114,080 
Westland63,35461,436 1,918
Canterbury4,493,1884,441,429 51,759
Otago3,024,1212,895,985 128,136
Southland1,749,7631,724,778 24,985
    Totals24,788,15025,270,386482,236 

The number of breeding-ewes and the total number of sheep in each county on the 30th April, 1917, are detailed in the next table.

TABLE SHOWING FOR EACH COUNTY THE NUMBER OF BREEDING-EWES AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SHEEP ON THE 30TH APRIL, 1917.

Sheep, April, 1917.
County.Total (including Lambs).Breeding ewes (included in previous Column).
Mangonui47,67024,228
Whangaroa15,1138,384
Bay of Islands87,30548,708
Hokianga78,57745,425
Whangarei85,54343,664
Hobson106,02954,267
Otamatea72,93236,873
Rodney81,62741,489
Waitemata55,73630,695
Eden2,862340
Great Barrier Island8,1354,470
Manukau57,42628,855
Franklin56,82332,298
Waikato68,83435,027
Raglan191,167103,055
Waipa37,90322,394
Kawhia50,74333,290
Awakino101,18443,057
Waitomo175,775110,348
Coromandel38,74321,417
Thames4,5412,549
Ohinemuri7,9404,285
Tauranga22,41814,940
Piako46,39426,823
Matamata35,65115,778
Rotorua24,60014,662
Whakatane55,14931,452
Opotiki163,96176,994
East Taupo6,0703,253
West Taupo33,32916,150
  Totals Auckland L.D.1,820,180975,170
Waiapu756,350404,622
Waikohu685,594358,864
Cook1,088,550552,036
Wairoa755,590345,838
Hawke's Bay1,178,619574,480
Waipukurau118,54860,498
Waipawa427,853213,212
Woodville97,48152,810
Dannevirke321,201176,665
Patangata651,809345,427
Weber135,62155,448
  Totals Hawke's Bay L.D.6,217,2163,139,900
Ohura169,40081,173
Clifton95,78048,965
Taranaki37,37218,183
Egmont14,0925,778
Stratford121,95756,812
Whangamomona119,48560,652
Waimate West1,6071,062
Hawera81,08638,752
Eltham65,44430,061
Patea273,531129,057
  Totals Taranaki L.D.979,754470,495
Waitotara228,702110,679
Wanganui595,460263,898
Waimarino284,542132,369
Kaitieke128,82967,565
Rangitikei958,276473,189
Kiwitea326,144181,609
Pohangina167,61597,103
Kairanga122,02767,005
Oroua165,684102,714
Manawatu125,18474,111
Horowhenua145,25274,035
Pahiatua227,064126,456
Akitio282,533133,650
Castlepoint191,44195,101
Eketahuna106,62469,665
Mauriceville71,62047,740
Masterton546,995295,751
Wairarapa South192,737115,831
Featherston458,730239,041
Hutt148,50181,246
Makara76,01841,095
Chatham Islands72,56533,575
  Totals Wellington L.D.5,622,5432,923,428
Collingwood17,9398,304
Takaka55,42932,737
Waimea321,263179,647
Buller4,8402,485
Murchison47,35523,296
Inangahua12,0785,903
  Totals Nelson L.D.458,904252,372
Sounds191,422101,461
Marlborough362,880179,173
Awatere289,827151,001
Kaikoura204,032112,673
  Totals Marlborough L.D.1,048,161544,308
Grey26,76414,662
Westland34,67217,669
  Totals Westland L.D.61,43632,331
Cheviot186,907117,012
Amuri398,972204,846
Waipara383,375235,985
Ashley112,20861,360
Oxford109,23765,974
Kowai85,75452,493
Rangiora44,68028,835
Eyre52,96535,290
Waimairi7,1954,813
Paparua33,01617,380
Malvern134,96477,199
Tawera97,66047,590
Heathcote11,5254,972
Halswell17,0998,784
Selwyn210,357117,743
Springs30,36116,939
Ellesmere73,81846,568
Mount Herbert45,82834,697
Wairewa76,90252,882
Akaroa97,43661,493
Ashburton825,141477,872
Geraldine299,287176,421
Levels148,58094,868
Mackenzie443,154246,271
Waimate514,948308,835
  Totals Canterbury L.D.4,441,4292,597,122
Waitaki544,481322,871
Maniototo296,544152,612
Waihemo126,42471,545
Waikouaiti82,33349,257
Peninsula4,5123,387
Taieri231,641105,425
Tuapeka449,937201,147
Brace241,081114,445
Clutha376,682186,229
Vincent290,339150,040
Lake252,011105,804
  Totals Otago L.D.2,895,9851,462,762
Wallace488,745252,816
Southland1,231,982607,295
Stewart Island4,0512,170
  Totals Southland L.D.1,724,778862,281
  Totals for Dominion25,270,38613,260,169

NUMBER OF FLOCKS, 1901, 1906, 1911, 1916, AND 1917.

Size of Flocks.1901.1906.1911.1916.1917.
Under 50011,70011,79311,46311,81811,812
500 and under 1,0003,0593,4314,3664,9115,071
1,000 ” 2,5002,1892,5583,7034,3444,279
2,500 ” 5,0006887821,1301,2991,375
5,000 ” 10,000397394540566629
10,000 ” 20,000189213216202176
20,000 and upwards13894754138
    Totals18,36019,26521,49323,18123,380

The average size of the flocks is found to have been 1,081 sheep in 1896, 1,044 in 1906, 1,116 in 1911, 1,069 in 1916, and 1,081 in 1917.

The number of the different classes composing the flocks in April, 1917, was as follows:—

North Island.South Island.Total in Dominion.
Stud sheep (entered in Flock-book)—   
  Merino10017,08717,187
  Lincoln36,2983,78540,083
  Romney84,87132,607117,478
  Border Leicester2,58133,41135,992
  English Leicester1,03023,33724,367
  Shropshire6803,4294,109
  Southdown16,6099,78426,393
  Other breeds4,13921,91826,057
      Totals146,308145,358291,666
North Island.South Island.Total in Dominion.
Sheep of a distinctive breed, but not entered in Flock-book—   
  Merino62,5761,000.9151,063,491
  Lincoln526,74759,196585,943
  Romney2,738,728963,9133,702,641
  Border Leicester36,798274,609311 407
  English Leicester15,518157,628173,146
  Shropshire9,53612,84422,380
  Southdown40,7859,23450,019
  Other breeds68,156606,315674,471
        Totals3,498,8443,084,6546,583,498
Flock sheep—   
  Crossbreds and others not otherwise enumerated10,921,9767,473,24618,395,222
        Grand totals14,567,12810,703,25825,270,386

CONSUMPTION AND EXPORT OF MUTTON AND LAMB.

Figures showing sheep and lambs slaughtered for food purposes during each of the last ten years, together with the exports of frozen mutton and lamb, are given in the tables following.

SHEEP.

Year ended 31st March.Sheep slaughtered for Food Purposes.Frozen Mutton exported.
Number.Weight.Number of Carcases, including Pieces at 60 lb. to a Sheep.Weight.
  Cwt. Cwt.
19082,381,2641,275,6771,841,332906,425
19092,830,4531,516,3141,866,531927,429
19102,793,8781,496,7201,775,090883,361
19113,372,1501,806,5092,193,6651,068,881
19123,189,5271,708,6751,867,828912,926
19133,306,5881,771,3862,208,3301,092,692
19144,019,8312,153,5702,557,6391,271,935
19153,999,4602,139,8892,522,4481,244,399
19164,018,5782,152,8092,939,6111,498,843
19173,601,2841,929,2592,409,8991,228,696
  Total for 10 years33,513,01317,950,80822,182,37311,035,587

LAMBS.

Year ended 31st March.Lambs slaughtered for Food Purposes.Frozen Lamb exported.
Number.Weight.Number of Carcases.Wright.
  Cwt. Cwt.
19082,862,067919,9502,732,792837,141
19093,332,2181,071,0702,629,817873,061
19103,675,6761,181,4673,356,7021,049,113
19114,044,9531,301,0563,839.9221,167,980
19123,192,1081,026,0343,093,091932,835
19133,505,9861,126,9242,956,249901,146
19144,338,1801,394,4153,854,3481,186,638
19154,471,8611,597,0933,692,0031,120,682
19164,091,0851,314,9913,750,5901,152,736
19173,431,9431,103,1252,797,290838,569
  Totals for 10 years36,946,07712,036,12532,702,80410,059,901

In addition to the figures of slaughterings given above there are the killings by farmers for their own use. During the 1916-17 season farmers killed 602,108 sheep and 52,673 lambs for food, and on the basis of these figures it is estimated that about 5,500,000 sheep, representing a weight of 330,000,000 lb., and 500,000 lambs, of a weight of 18,000,0001b., were killed by farmers for local consumption during the ten years shown. This gives a total of approximately 1,350,000,000 lb., equal to an average annual consumption per head of population, including Maoris, of over 120 lb.

The following table, extracted from the last available annual report of the Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company (Limited), shows that New Zealand supplies larger quantities of frozen mutton and lamb to the United Kingdom than do either Australia or South America:—

Year.Imports of Frozen Mutton and Lamb into United Kingdom from
New Zealand.Australia.South America.
 Carcases.Carcases.Carcases.
19064,147,8341,732,3282,919,240
19074,796,7552,337,9613,015,229
19084,234,5121,831,2453,585,786
19095,035,0942,678,7393,352,898
19105,407,4704,219,0123,353,726
19115,223,7833,611,0514,125,350
19125,495,2512,883,5053,630,378
19135,672,3434,442,2012,820,011
19146,180,9243,721,0992,884,832
19156,494,1973,582,9112,111,596

SHEEP IN AUSTRALASIA.

The number of sheep in the several States of the Commonwealth of Australia and in New Zealand for the years 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915, and 1916 was as follows:—

 1900.1905.1910.1915.1916.

* Including Northern Territory.

† Figures for April following.

Queensland10,339,18512,535,23120,331,83815,950,15415,524,293
New South Wales40,020,50639,506,76445,560,96932,874,35932,498,046
Victoria10,841,79011,455,11512,882,66510,545,63212,576,587
South Australia*5,283,2476,339,5426,324,7173,744,7473,847,520
Western Australia2,434,3113,120,7035,158,5164,831,7275,501,046
Tasmania1,683,9561,583,5611,788,3101,624,4501,702,579
Federal Territory   134,679102,683
New Zealand19,355,19519,130,87523,996,12624,788,15025,270,386
Total, Australasia89,958,19093,671,791116,043,14194,493,89897,023,140

SHEEP FLOCKS OF THE WORLD.

According to figures published in the Year-book of the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome, the total number of sheep in countries from which statistics could be obtained, comprising practically all the sheep-raising countries of the world, was (in 1914) 546,834,000. The principal countries contributing towards this total were,—

Country.No. of Sheep.
Australia85,057,402
Argentina83,546,000
Russia57,255,196
United States of America52,838,748
South African Union35,710,843
British India31,233,065
United Kingdom27,886,095
Turkey27,094,678
Uruguay26,286,296
New Zealand24,798,763
Spain15,829,954
France14,559,586
Austria-Hungary12,337,542
Italy11,162,926
Bulgaria8,632,388
Algeria8,338,023
Germany5,803,445
Chile4,567,194
Serbia3,818,997
Portugal3,072,988

WOOL.

Wool is the most important product of New Zealand. The annual value of the export is over a third of the value of the total exports of the Dominion, the figures for 1915 and 1916 being,—

 1915. £1916. £
Wool10,387,87512,386,074
Total exports of New Zealand produce31,042,86232,975,907

The quantity of wool exported in 1916 was 185,506,859 lb., a decrease of 11,063,255 lb. as compared with the quantity exported in the previous year. The annual production of wool for the last twenty years, taking the exports for the twelve months immediately preceding the commencement of shearing, and adding thereto the quantity used in the Dominion for manufacturing purposes, is shown in the next table, but no addition has been made for wool on sheep-skins exported, nor for loss in scouring and washing.

Year ended 30th September.Quantity exported.Quantity purchased by Local Mills.Total.
 lb.lb.lb.
1897134,410,9553,298,469137,709,424
1898150,401,3993,763,831154,165,230
1899143,644,2034,258,505147,902,708
1900144,829,5153,223,392148,052,907
1901143,064,7894,629,924147,694,713
1902155,652,5634,203,312159,855,875
1903160,919,6935,294,652166,214,345
1904141,031,6995,191,451146,223,150
1905146,889,7673,651,343150,541,110
1906152,765,2324,372,472157,137,704
1907164,006,5794,116,722168,123,301
1908163,930,7224,779,198168,709,920
1909187,619,1815,202,821192,822,002
1910194,472,9345,642,113200,115,047
1911184,854,1496,048,164190,902,313
1912189,553,7236,284,114195,837,837
1913195,353,5336,823,545202,177,078
1914196,499,8966,846,960203,346,856
1915208,908,1186,628,019215,536,137
1916200,119,0168,772,467208,891,483

The following summary is interesting as showing the various classes of wool purchased by the New Zealand mills. Greasy wool represents over 95 per cent. of the total. Over half of the wool used at mills is shown to be crossbred, slightly more than one-third half-bred, and slightly less than one-sixth merino.

CLASS OF WOOL PURCHASED BY WOOLLEN-MILLS, 1915-16.

Merino.Half-bred.Crossbred.Totals.
 lb.lb.lb.lb.
Greasy1,205,4892,813,1254,329,7898,348,403
Washed 28,69610,98339,679
Scoured142,08926,61653,729222,434
Sliped21,280108,14732,524161,951
    Totals1,368,8582,976,5844,427,0258,772,467

The percentages of greasy, scoured, and washed wool to the total quantities exported during the last ten years are,—

Year.Greasy. Per Cent.Scoured and sliped. Per Cent.Washed. Per Cent.
190783.5915.870.54
190881.6017.351.05
190982.4017.090.51
191083.4816.270.25
191180.6319.160.21
191280.9618.770.27
191383.2816.430.29
191483.4516.280.27
191578.6221.090.29
191679.2720.240.49

The following diagram shows the increase in the weight of wool exported since 1882, also the great expansion of the frozen-meat trade in the same period:—

According to information contained in “Pyne and Co's. Annual Review,” Australasian wool exports for eleven months ended 31st May, 1917, amounted to 1,554,779 bales, a decrease of 376,954 bales from the quantity exported during the corresponding period 1915-16.

The shipments from each State were as follows:—

 Bales.
New South Wales538,971
Victoria254,368
Queensland211,518
South Australia101,369
West Australia49,526
Tasmania16,049
  Commonwealth1,171,801
  New Zealand382,978
Australasia1,554,779

The total shipments from New Zealand during the twelve months ended 30th June, 1917, amounted to 442,889 bales, and the average value was £24 per bale.

CATTLE.

Most of the leading breeds of the cattle of Great Britain are represented in the Dominion by herds bred on sound lines, though the beef-breeds of later years are not making much headway owing to the advance taking place in dairying operations. There are still very many fine Shorthorn herds of the beef type, while Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford cattle are also bred. There are herd-books for each of these breeds.

The breeding of dairy cattle has made considerable progress in recent years. A special Jersey herd-book has been in existence for some time, and herd-book societies are now well established for the Holstein, Ayrshire, and milking Shorthorn breeds as well. The various societies have heartily co-operated in a scheme for establishing registers of merit in connection with purebred dairy cattle, giving a great fillip to the breeding of purebred dairy stock. The ordinary dairy-farmer will be able in future to secure a bull of undoubted milking quality. He will be thus encouraged to use purebred bulls and thereby to assist materially in raising the standard of the dairy stock of the country. The farmer will further support the breeding of purebred stock by reason of the fact that he is now coming to appreciate the value of herd-testing work, and thus, knowing the really profitable cows in his herd, will be anxious to secure a bull which will enable them to perpetuate their good qualities.

An important factor responsible for the improved position of dairy cattle in New Zealand is the milking-machine, which is making the farmer more independent of hired labour. The farms generally are on a fairly large scale, but with the increasing price of land there is a gradual tendency towards smaller farms and the keeping of fewer but better cows. Also, there is a growing realization of the necessity of a more liberal system of feeding, particularly in the direction of growing special fodder crops to maintain the milk-flow at all seasons of the year. Generally, dairy-farming in New Zealand is being conducted on a sound and profitable basis, and the outlook for the industry is most encouraging.

A policy which has been partly responsible for placing the breeding of dairy cattle on up-to-date principles has been the establishment of purebred herds at three of the State experimental farms, and there breeding them according to an exact record of performance. High-priced stock have been imported in order that the foundation herds at the farms may be of the best quality. The milk of all the cattle is daily weighed and periodically tested, official check tests being conducted by experts of the Dairy Division of the Agriculture Department. The yearling bulls from these State milk-record herds command high values. The appreciation of the farming community for this officially tested stock has been chiefly responsible for the gratifying manner in which private breeders of pedigree stock have participated in the official register - of - merit scheme of the Department and the herd-book societies. In the season of 1910-11 the Department established a model herd-testing association in the Wairarapa district, carrying out the work of testing and of recording results free of all charge to the farmers taking part. This had the effect of creating at once wide interest in the important herd-testing movement, and the following season model associations were established in several leading dairying districts. This was intended not only to demonstrate the value of herd-testing when properly conducted and with full comparative records published at the end of the season, but also to encourage farmers to establish co-operative testing associations on their own account. The object was achieved, and many associations are now in operation.

The total number of cattle in the Dominion at the enumeration of 1917 was 2,574,288, as against 2,417,491 in 1916. The comparative figures for the two years, according to the classification in use, are as follows:—

Dairy cattle—19161917.
  Bulls of all ages34,83235,008
  Cows and heifers over two years old750,323777,112
Other cattle—  
  Bulls of all ages16,02614,976
  Cows and heifers over two years old402,162432,115
  Heifers under two years old498,735522,603
  Steers over two years old360,315390,056
  Steers under two years old355,098402,418
      Totals2,417,4912,574,288

Details for 1917 for each land district are given in the next table.

SUMMARY OF LAND DISTRICTS.

Land District.Dairy Cattle.Other Cattle.Total Cattle.
Bulls of all Ages.Cows and Heifers over Two Years Old.Total Dairy Cattle.Bulls of all Ages.Cows and Heifers over Two Years Old.Heifers under Two Years Old.Steers over Two Years Old.Steers under Two Years Old.Total other Cattle.
In Milk.Dry.
Auckland12,354228,64632,068273,0683,364104,476179,698127,666157,768572,972846,040
Hawke's Bay1,61736,7686,56144,9464,305124,81064,12972,56854,696320,508365,454
Taranaki6,311143,97510,206160,49284930,56679,39123,35142,578176,735337,227
Wellington5,904117,52816,507139,9394,226107,26489,01595,03166,031361,567501,506
    Totals, North Island26,186526,91765,342618,44512,744367,116412,233318,616321,0731,431,7822,050,227
Nelson95215,1812,53018,6631855,73711,4445,9468,56831,88050,543
Marlborough6219,2041,37911,204913,5306,9183,7034,85819,10030,304
Westland3907,4352,0409,8652327,1417,2696,5216,08027,24337,108
Canterbury2,63448,1878,38059,20148018,77831,85420,83320,70792,652151,853
Otago2,21137,1418,73548,08754213,58924,90117,21217,64073,884121,971
Southland2,01439,7804,86146,65570216,22427,98417,22523,49285,627132,282
    Totals, South Island8,822156,92827,925193,6752,23264,999110,37071,44081,345330,386524,061
Totals, Dominion35,008683,84593,267812,12014,976432,115522,603390,056402,4181,762,1682,574,288

The greater proportion of the large increase in cattle appears in the Auckland, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington Land Districts, the figures for each district being as follows:—

Land District.Increase.Decrease.
Auckland71,178 
Hawke's Bay44,924 
Taranaki7,631 
Wellington24,521 
Nelson1,297 
Marlborough657 
Westland682 
Canterbury1,953 
Otago 1,029
Southland4,983 
Total increase156,797 

Out of a total of 2,574,288 cattle, the North Island is shown to have had 2,050,227, or 80 per cent., while the South Island had 524,061, or 20 per cent. The dairy cows and the heifers intended for dairying in the North Island numbered 592,259, or 76 per cent., and in the South Island 184,853, or 24 per cent.

CONSUMPTION OF BEEF.

The following table shows the number and weight of cattle slaughtered for food purposes in each of the past ten years, together with the weight of beef exported:—

Year ended 31st March.Cattle slaughtered for Food Purposes.Weight of Beef exported.
Number.Weight.
  Cwt.Cwt.
1908202,4731,446,236354,147
1909273,2691,951,921373,390
1910300,8002,148,571478,930
1911286,2562,044,686500,022
1912237,6961,697,829210,629
1913259,9351,856,679260,880
1914299,4092,139,529325,593
1915347,3532,481,093716,289
1916369,6472,640,336750,938
1917385,1292,750,9211,008,689
  Totals for 10 years2,961,96721,157,8014,979,507

DAIRY-PRODUCE.

The Dairy Industry Act, 1908, a consolidation of previous legislation, provides for the appointment of inspectors of dairy stock and factories or other places used for the manufacture of dairy-produce, and power is given to condemn or forbid their use, if necessary. The sale of unwholesome milk or other dairy-produce is prohibited, and provision is made for the inspection, grading, and shipping of all such produce exported. Provision is made for the framing of regulations for the registration of dairies, licensing of persons carrying on the manufacture or sale of the produce, registration of trade-marks or brands, and for inspection and grading. A fine not exceeding £50 may be inflicted for any offence under this part of the Act.

Authority is given for State advances to dairy companies, on the security of their assets, for the purposes of acquiring land or of erecting buildings and machinery for carrying on the manufacture of dairy-produce. Loans are repayable by equal half-yearly instalments within fifteen years, and bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum.

The Act also provides for the registration of co-operative dairy companies, and shareholders are protected in the event of certain contingencies.

A short amending Act was passed in 1915, but does not affect the main points of the measure as summarized.

The census of industrial manufacture showed that during the year ended 31st March, 1916, 603,470 cwt. of butter was produced by butter-factories in the Dominion. The quantity exported during this period amounted to 398,440 cwt., which leaves for local consumption 205,030 cwt. This figure, without taking into consideration the small quantity of butter made privately on farms, approximates very nearly to a consumption of 20 lb. per head of population (including Maoris) which has formerly been used in computing the estimated local consumption.

Returns from cheese-factories give the quantity manufactured during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1916, as 805,103 cwt.

The number of butter and cheese factories in each district as in April, 1917, with the previous season's output for export, is next shown. The districts shown do not in all cases correspond exactly with the land districts of the same name.

District.Number of Factories.Skimming-stations.Forwarded for Export, 1916–17.Number of Suppliers.
Butter.Cheese.Butter.Cheese.Butter.Cheese.
    Tons.Tons.  
Auckland56585313,4756,6919,2381,021
Hawke's Bay122410780 1/23,3411,315739
Taranaki40104794,460 1/220,542 1/21,9552,477
Wellington2265352,3718,2812,5381,491
Nelson753330383535124
Marlborough47 135816353278
Westland63418717831945
Canterbury101827726 1/21,1791,890368
Otago and Southland710823456 1/27,9672,5912,853
    Totals, 191716439223422,92249,378 1/220,7349,396
    Totals, 1916173381332    
Totals, 1915167330345    
Totals, 1914181293374    
Totals, 1913174276409    
Totals, 1912172224427    
Totals, 1911185218431    
Totals, 1910189194417    
Totals, 1909193152419    
Totals, 1908196147438    

In addition to the above, in April, 1917, there were 19 private dairies for butter and 22 for cheese, also 42 packing-houses.

The total export of butter and cheese in the past twenty years, and the total quantity of each commodity sent to the United Kingdom, are tabulated:—

Year.Total Export of Butter.Butter exported to the United Kingdom.Total Export of Cheese.Cheese exported to the United Kingdom.
 Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
189799,00279,84977,68367,681
189896,80180,81468,71141,412
1899136,086121,50269,44040,901
1900172,583165,871102,84981,908
1901201,591170,903104,29474,510
1902253,998170,20774,74650,325
1903285,106249,01674,78064,661
1904314,360299,17184,52682,046
1905305,722282,27588,56285,653
1906320,225306,739131,206129,321
1907328,441314,081236,833234,517
1908229,971211,242280,798276,212
1909321,108301,693400,607398,619
1910356,535345,400451,915449,167
1911302,387283,505439,174435,616
1912378,117316,857577,070572,562
1913372,258288,224611,663608,933
1914434,067361,881863,776859,986
1915420,144371,959817,258803,917
1916358,632336,412949,416942,773

Exports of butter to countries other than the United Kingdom in 1916 include 15,566 cwt. to Australia and 3,557 cwt. to Canada.

Australia took 4,682 cwt. of cheese and the South African Union 1,574 cwt.

The quantities of butter and cheese exported continued about equal till the close of the year 1895. During the period 1896–1907 butter assumed the lead, reaching its maximum of comparative importance in 1903, in which year the export was nearly four times that of cheese. A remarkable rise then took place in the cheese exports, and the increase in the exports continued so rapidly that 1916 saw the quantity of cheese practically treble that of butter.

HORSES.

The number of horses is shown for seven census years:—

Census Years.Number of Horses.Numerical Increase.Increase per Cent.

* Decrease.

1886187,382  
1891211,04023,65812.63
1896237,41826,37812.50
1901266,24528,82712.14
1906326,53760,29222.65
1911404,28477,74723.81
1916371,331-32,953*-8.15*

A detailed table by land districts is given below, from which it will be seen that Auckland has the most horses, Canterbury being second.

SUMMARY OF TOTALS.

Land District.Stallions for Stud.Geldings over Two Years Old.Mares over Two Years Old.Colts and Fillies under Two Years Old.Other Horses.Total Horses.
Auckland55938,86438,3639,0786,03292,896
Hawke's Bay26116,15216,1814,0023,07439,670
Taranaki15710,91111,8882,32464925,929
Wellington33620,94123,3264,5823,28752,472
Nelson763,7224,0236783818,880
Marlborough483,1013,2415843447,318
Westland231,2251,4592782693,254
Canterbury33429,24328,8537,5193,88669,835
Otago26416,55917,6714,7663,39042,650
Southland9712,52713,2043,7111,22730,766
    Totals2,155153,245158,20937,52222,539373,670

In addition there were 320 asses and mules in 1917 as against 230 in 1916, an increase of 90.

PIGS AND GOATS.

The following table shows the number of pigs and goats in the Dominion in 1917. Figs have decreased from 292,115 to 283,962 since 1916. Angora goats have decreased from 6,558 to 6,247 during the same period. Other goats increased by 863 during the year.

Land District.Pigs.Goats.
Boars of all Ages for Stud.Sows of all Ages for Breeding.Other Pigs.Total Pigs.Angora.OtherTotal Goats.
Auckland2,67512.85274,78890,3152,7033,8606,563
Hawke's Bay4092,21213,46416,0855601,4331,993
Taranaki1,3356,11743,25550,7073214,0724,393
Wellington1,2206,65839,53047,4088072151,022
Nelson2351,2687,6639,1667221,2581,980
Marlborough1388406,1297,1077876051,392
Westland914922,3702,95337117154
Canterbury7634,45431,70036,917268180443
Otago3501,56312,35514,268331144
Southland2351,0707,7319,03692130
    Totals7,45137,526238,985283,9626,24711,77218,019

During the ten years ended the 31st March, 1917, 1,804,959 pigs were slaughtered in New Zealand for food purposes, the weight of pork, bacon, and hams being 2,095,042 cwt. Little of this was exported, and it is estimated that 96.5 per cent. was consumed in the Dominion. Figures showing the slaughter for each of the ten years are given:—

Year ended 31st March.Number of Pigs.Weight of Pork, Bacon, and Hams.
  Cwt.
1908108,498125,935
1909139,810162,279
1910113,491131,731
1911163,307189,553
1912232,091269,391
1913192,407223,330
1914191,797222,622
1915241,683280,525
1916219,041254,244
1917202,834235,432

POULTRY.

The number of poultry in New Zealand at the time of the 1911 census was ascertained to be 3,693,137, which is an increase of 501,533 on the number for the year 1906, this last being 3,191,604.

The figures for 1906 and 1911 in respect of each class of poultry were as under:—

 1906.1911.
Fowls2,784,2693,215,031
Ducks281,999329,230
Turkeys77,10197,933
Geese44,30045,389
Other poultry3,9355,554

Fifty-two ostriches have been included in the number of “Other Poultry" in 1906 and 29 in 1911.

The poultry owned in the North Island numbered 1,926,283, and in the South Island 1,765,674, the remaining 1,180 belonging to the Chatham Islands.

BEE-FARMING.

Bees were first introduced into New Zealand in 1839, and after early vicissitudes bee-farming has steadily increased. The census returns of 1911 show that there were 11,011 persons keeping bees in the Dominion, the number of colonies being 71,605. Honey exported during 1916 amounted to 144,029 lb., valued at £2,787.

The Department of Agriculture maintains four apiary instructors and inspectors who give practical instruction in management, preparation of products for market, &c. The grading of honey for export is now compulsory.

Regulations have recently been gazetted under the Apiaries Amendment Act, 1913, requiring all beekeepers to make application to the Director of the Horticultural Division, Department of Agriculture, for registration of their apiaries. Re-registration is to be effected in 1920, and every third year thereafter. In the case of apiaries being established or transferred from one beekeeper to another application for registration of such establishment, or transfer, must be made within twenty-one days thereof.

Chapter 19. SECTION XIX.—AFFORESTATION.

NEW ZEALAND possesses a large variety of trees in its native forests, there being no fewer than eighty-six different species known to botanists. The majority of these are, unfortunately, useless for commercial purposes to any great extent, through various causes, and, as a matter of fact, the following trees are practically the staple supply of the timber trade: Kauri, totara, rimu (red-pine), kahikatea (white-pine), matai (black-pine). The puriri and rata and the various birches (or beeches, as they should be properly designated) are the only other trees which are used to any extent for general purposes.

All the indigenous trees suitable for conversion into marketable timber are slow of growth, and the fact that the young trees require a considerable amount of shade also militates against attempts to renew the indigenous trees on a large scale for future commercial purposes, and the steps taken in regard to New Zealand trees are rather in the direction of conserving the existing supply as far as practicable while allowing saw-milling to proceed under conditions that will ensure the greatest possible use being made of the timber.

Various steps have, however, been taken to provide for future requirements by planting areas of suitable trees not indigenous to the country.

One of the earlier methods of inducing the planting of suitable trees was by means of “land grants"—a settler being given a free grant of Crown land if he planted a certain portion of his freehold land in suitable trees. In Canterbury, where the system came into force in the early “seventies,” as much as 2 acres of Crown lands for 1 acre put down in plantation was sometimes granted, and every inducement was offered to the settlers to put down part of their farms in plantations. Several large plantations may be seen in North Canterbury that were established by means of this method, and settlers are now, in many instances, getting good returns for their timber, the Pinus insignis trees being cut down for their timber, which is used extensively for outbuildings, and even in a few cases for the construction of dwellings. As, however, the system referred to did not meet the growing needs of the country, it was discontinued, and it came to pass that the methods of State afforestation that had proved so successful in older countries eventually came to be adopted in New Zealand.

As a first step, three experimental plantations of various trees, aggregating about 15 acres, were started by the Government on the Kaingaroa Plains, between Taupo and Rotorua. Another plantation of 15 acres was started at Tarukenga, on the Rotorua Railway line, and another of 6 acres at Mamaku, not far away. These latter plantations were for the purpose of providing timber for railway requirements. Part of the Rotorua Town Belt was also planted.

Encouraged by the success of these preliminary experiments, a Forestry Branch of the Department of Lands was started in 1896, and three nurseries were established—two at Tapanui and Eweburn in the Otago District of the South Island, and the other at Whakarewarewa, near Rotorua, in the North Island. The idea was conceived that, coincident with railway-extension one or two central nurseries in each Island were sufficient for the growth of nursery stock, which could be distributed at various places in the district, according as circumstances warranted the extension of the system. Later on another nursery was formed at Hanmer, in the Canterbury District (South Island). The establishment of nurseries in certain other localities was also undertaken, but from various causes these nurseries have been discontinued.

Up to and including the financial year 1915–16 the expenditure on State afforestation was provided out of the rents and royalties received from State forest reserves, supplemented latterly by an annual contribution from the Consolidated Fund. A new departure was made in 1916–17, when provision was made in the Finance Act (section 50) enabling the Minister of Finance to borrow £50,000 for forestry purposes, and during the year £10,000 was raised and placed to the credit of the State Forests Account. Before this provision was made the sum of £4,250 was obtained out of the Consolidated Fund to meet expenditure which had been incurred prior to the passing of the Finance Act. A sum of £2,478 was also received from sales of thinnings, &c., from plantations, sales of sheep, wool, &c., the last-mentioned item being a result of the policy adopted of grazing sheep on fire-breaks in certain plantations in the South Island, a policy which has, moreover, had the effect of keeping the grass down and saving expenditure on ploughing.

A statement showing receipts and expenditure during the year is appended.

STATE FORESTS ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£
Balance brought forward at commencement of year3,209
Rents, royalties, and fees from State forest reserves10,404
Proceeds from nurseries and plantations—£ 
  Thinnings830 
  Trees and seeds sold to farmers524 
  Sales of sheep, wool, &c1,055 
  Miscellaneous grazing-fees68 
  — 2,477
Transfer from Land and Survey vote4,250
Debentures issued under section 50, Finance Act, 191610,000
  £30,340
Expenditure.££
Salaries, wages, and supplies, &c., charged to nurseries and plantations27,045 
Sundry expenses —  
  Travelling-expenses, postages, &c.111 
  — 27,156
Management expenses of State forests654
Balance at 31st March, 19172,530
  £30,340

Owing to the youth of the plantations, and the immaturity of the timber therein, but little return has yet been derived from them, but it is hoped that in a few years' time a small revenue may be received, which will increase as larger thinnings are available for disposal. A fair market has been found for thinnings from the larch plantations at Rotorua, and small thinnings from the South Island plantations have been satisfactorily disposed of. These thinnings are utilized partly as mine-props and partly as firewood, as well as for fencing purposes.

On the 31st March, 1917, there were nearly seventeen and a half million trees in the four nurseries of the Forestry Branch of the Department of Lands, and nearly six million trees had been sent out during the preceding twelve months. A total area of 29,992 acres had been planted with sixty-seven and a half million trees in State plantations, the addition for the year being 2,764 acres. The expenditure for the year 1916–17 included £8,737 on the nurseries and £18,125 on the plantations.

Summaries of the operations in nurseries and plantations to the 31st March, 1917, are given.

OPERATIONS IN NURSERIES FROM 1896 TO 1917.

Name of Nursery.Total Expenditure.Estimated Number of Trees raised.Output of Trees.
Supervision and Clerical.Permanent Works.Tree-growing.Total.To Plantations.To outside Places.

* Nursery now closed.

 ££££   
Rotorua4,64110,65649,93765,23458,799,45452,251,9651,345,459
Tapanui3,6895,09824,19632,98323,835,53913,998,253956,138
Ranfurly2,3103,10412,63318,0477,450,0374,746,810356,247
Hanmer Springs1,7533,08211,93116,76616,968,9429,368,073521,654
Starborough*4232,7576,0769,2563,059,6101,965,0951,094,515
Knrow*2052,0058603,070172,460 172,460
      Totals13,02126,702105,633145,356110,286,04282,330,1964,446,473

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS IN PLANTATIONS, 1896–1917.

Name of Plantation.Trees.Total Expenditure.Total Area plantedCost per Acre planted.
Number received from Nursery.Number raised from Seed sown in situ.Number used to replace Losses.Total Number in Plantations

* Data not available.

† Experimental.

  North Island.    £Acres.£ s. d.
Whakarewarewa20,254,521109,7253,651,79016,712,45662,2827,9544 19 2
Waiotapu23,497,48583,1214,865,96718,714,63949,3177,1664 14 10
Kaingaroa Plains7,780,125 854,7756,925,35014,2453,8392 11 0
Puhipuhi2,954,049 1,954,0491,000,00012,0681,2005 2 0
  South Island.       
Conical Hills10,645,876 1,414,0809,231,79631,3713,486 1/24 14 9
Pukerau663,165  663,1652,7734463 0 11
Dusky Hill3,026,397 845,5602,180,83714,59684510 5 8
Greenvale    468  
Waitahuna42,025 11,50030,525237117 10 9
Gimmerburn936,235 783,339152,8962,6851735 19 0
Naseby3,679,400 421,0013,258,39910,9431,2824 9 2
Hanmer Springs9,123,443 1,391,2597,737,18425,7103,033 1/44 18 1
Balmoral222,605  222,6052,043108 1/44 12 4
Tekapo48,000  48,000173294 18 7
Dumgree1,679,765 1,110,125596,64012,405209*
Galloway†6,930 3,0503,880682 
Omarama†4,390  4,390562 
Raincliff   50,0001,105206 
Totals84,564,411192,84617,306,49567,505,762242,60529,992 1/2 

TREE-PLANTING BY FARMERS.

The Annual Report on State Nurseries and Plantations for the year 1915–16 contains the following reference to State assistance to farmers in connection with tree-planting:—

The Government's proposal to assist farmers in tree-planting was authorized by section 69 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1915, and the sum of £1,000 was voted by Parliament to cover expenses in connection with raising and supplying the trees. Price-lists, application-forms, and regulations governing the matter have been issued for general information. Though the scheme was not put into operation until late in the season, 285,539 trees were distributed to 128 applicants, from whom £535 17s. 6d. was received to cover the cost of raising the trees and delivering them to the nearest railway-station. When the advantages of the scheme become fully known it is expected that a very large number of farmers will apply for trees. In addition to the great value on farms of shelter plantations, the increasing scarcity and enhanced prices of fencing and firewood timber are every year making it more necessary for farmers to plant trees to produce these requisites.

It is not, of course, expected that the planting of trees by farmers for farm purposes will add appreciably to the supply of timber that will be required for building and construction purposes. This supply, if we are not to be dependent on foreign countries, must be provided by the State, and possibly to some extent by public bodies, who may find it an advantage to grow timber-trees on water-catchment areas.

The number of applications from farmers in 1916 was so large that the stock of available trees became exhausted, and many applications had to be declined as a consequence. The total number of trees disposed of to farmers during the year was 310,967.

SUPPLIES OF FOREST TIMBER.

The following extract from the Annual Report of the Forestry Branch of the Lands Department for the year 1916–17 shows how rapidly the indigenous timber forests of New Zealand are disappearing:—

Without a survey it is impossible to give the area of land carrying commercial forest, nor, except in the case of kauri, can more than a guess be made of the amount of the various milling-timbers that our forests contain. Kauri is our most valuable milling-timber, but if the present annual rate (52,000,000 ft.) of cutting is continued our supply will not last more than seven years.

The largest output of timber is from the Auckland Land District, but it is estimated that at the past rate of conversion the present stand of all timbers in that district will not last twenty years. In the Taranaki and Hawke's Bay Districts there are only a few small areas of milling forests left, whilst in the Wellington Land District the milling forest, which is confined to the Waimarino, will last a little more than a decade.

In the South Island there is no milling forest left in the Canterbury Land District; in Nelson and Marlborough the area is very small; in the Otago District the milling forest produces scarcely enough timber for the present local consumption; in Southland there is still a fair area of milling forest, but the Commissioner of Crown Lands estimates that the red-pine will be exhausted in about twenty-eight years, and the white-pine in about sixteen years. This estimate does not, however, allow for the largely increased demands on Southland forests that will be the result of the exhaustion of the supplies in other districts. Black-pine and totara are not plentiful, but occur sporadically in the forest. Beech is plentiful, but, being what is technically termed a hard wood, it cannot fully take the place of soft woods. The largest forest of commercial timber is now in Westland, but the Commissioner for that district estimates that the milling-timbers (rimu and white-pine) will at the present rate of cutting last only about twenty years.

The great expansion that has occurred in recent years in the dairy and fruit industries, together with the great demand that there has been in Australia for our white-pine, has caused heavy cuttings to be made of this timber. The forests of pure white-pine that used to exist on the extensive swamp lands of the Auckland District have almost gone, and the time is close at hand when the white-pine scattered in our mixed-timber forests will be insufficient to supply the demand.

Puriri and silver-pine, both so valuable for railway-sleepers, have almost gone, and their place is now being taken by imported Australian hardwoods, or ferro-concrete. Except in the case of hardwoods, the exhaustion of the supply of one kind of timber usually results in an increased use of other supplies of an inferior timber, or in the importation of a foreign timber technically as useful but generally more expensive.

CONSUMPTION OF TIMBER.

During the year ended 31st March, 1916, New Zealand timber-mills handled logs containing an aggregate of 308,568,278 superficial feet. The various timbers represented were,—

 Sup. ft.

* Not indigenous.

Kauri49,707,738
Rimu (red-pine)131,776,211
Kahikatea (white-pine)85,225,182
Matai (black-pine)11,200,203
Totara10,951,038
Beech5,710,060
Tawa623,342
Taraire490,077
Puriri50,000
Rata31,300
Silver-pine18,000
Pukatea3,300
Yellow-pine2,400
Pinus insignis*25,000
Undefined12,754,427
      Total308,568,278

The figures given in the next table show that the mi of the Auckland Provincial District dealt with almost exactly half of the total.

Provincial District.Sup. ft.
Auckland153,519,599
Taranaki5,756,073
Hawke's Bay5,197,800
Wellington44,023,020
Marlborough2,498,715
Nelson5,768,111
Westland62,532,986
Canterbury 
Otago4,455,499
Southland24,816,475
      Total308,568,278

Chapter 20. SECTION XX.—FISHERIES.

UP to the present time New Zealand's fisheries can scarcely be said to have attained to national importance. With a few exceptions, the fishing-grounds so far worked have been those within easy reach of the principal centres. Beyond them is an immense extent of grounds, a few sections of which have been partly prospected, but of the greater part practically nothing is known regarding the value and extent of its fish-supply.

The 1914 issue of this book contains a short summary of the various fishing-grounds worked, giving information as to the kinds of fish caught in the different sections. A short résumé of experimental trawling operations, which show that the waters round the coast of the Dominion are well stocked with fish, is also given, and in the 1915 and 1916 issues reference is made to the visit of the Canadian Commissioner of Fisheries and his recommendations for the better utilization of New Zealand's fish-applies.

MARINE FISH-HATCHERY.

A site for a marine fish-hatchery was selected at Purakanui, Otago, in 1900, but this being found unsuitable for its intended purpose, another site was chosen at Portobello, in Otago Harbour. The erection of the hatchery was carried out by a Board set up to superintend the work of the hatchery, funds being provided by the State, and grants being made by the Otago Institute, the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, and a number of acclimatization societies. The State makes an annual grant towards the maintenance of the hatchery, the buildings and equipment of which have also been added to from time to time.

Experiments have been carried out with a view to introducing English food-fishes to New Zealand waters, and these have been very successful as regards the three species dealt with so far—viz., lobsters, edible crabs, and turbot. Much valuable work has also been done in the direction of hatching the spawn of various indigenous fishes and in making a study of their life habits.

OYSTER-PICKING.

The principal oyster-beds round the coast of New Zealand are those situated in Foveaux Strait, between South and Stewart Islands, and the rock-oyster beds on the east and west coasts of the Auckland peninsula. The Foveaux Strait beds are very extensive, and are considered to be inexhaustible. An official prospecting cruise was carried out in respect of these beds in 1904, resulting in a number of new beds being discovered and reliable information being ascertained concerning the areas and qualities of the various beds.

During the 1916 season 29,209 sacks of oysters, valued at £14,628, were picked from the Foveaux Strait beds. Of these, 2,727 sacks, containing 175,330 dozen oysters, valued at £1,320, were exported to Australia. The export for the year was affected by the reduction of the steamer traffic to Melbourne.

The rock-oyster beds of Auckland were worked for many years under a variety of systems, including the leasing of the beds to individuals and the licensing of pickers to take oysters on payment of a fee, but owing to stripping of the beds close seasons had frequently to be proclaimed. For some years an export duty of 6d. per hundredweight was payable on all North Island oysters exported, and in 1899 the export of rock-oysters and also of mangrove-oysters was absolutely prohibited. A further step towards conserving the beds was taken in 1908, when the picking of rock-oysters from the North Island beds was undertaken by the State, private picking being prohibited. A table is given showing the quantity and value of oysters picked and sold by the State each year since the inception of the new system; also the cost of picking and selling, this item including interest and depreciation on the cost of the oil-launches used by the Inspectors. It will be seen that a profit accrues to the State, and the scheme has, moreover, resulted in the conservation of the beds.

Season.Oysters sold.Prices realized.Cost of picking and selling.
NOTE.—The beds were kept closed during 1910.
 Sacks.££
190811,0056,9395,705
1909   
19114,7823,0132,447
19127,7285,2124,065
19139,0696,1684,798
19148,3615,7524,087
19159,3966,7155,475
19168,1725,6934,282

Most of the rock-oysters are marketed in Auckland, the price per sack charged there last season being 13s. 6d. Parcels of five dozen are sold at 1s., and parcels of sixteen dozen at 3s.

Mangrove-oysters grow on the mangrove-trees in the northern part of Auckland, but there is no market for them in New Zealand. As stated above, the export of mangrove and rock oysters has been prohibited for some years past. An inspection of the beds during 1915 showed that the quantities of these oysters were not nearly so great as was thought.

Various attempts were made about fifteen years ago to form artificial oyster-beds, but none of these met with success. A further attempt to plant rock-oysters in Cook Strait has been made recently, and, so far as can be seen at present, this has resulted successfully. A planting of Foveaux Strait oysters is shortly to be made in Cook Strait and near Lyttelton.

WHALING.

In the earlier part of the nineteenth century New Zealand was the centre of an important whale-fishery, many whaling-stations being established in the North of Auckland and in Cook and Foveaux Straits. The industry gradually declined in importance until at present only two or three stations remain. At Whangamumu, North Auckland, a whaling-steamer, fitted with the most modern appliances for killing and handling whales, has been placed in commission, and a very serviceable whaling plant has been established. The whales caught in this locality are mostly of the hump-back variety. Twenty-five whales were taken last season, yielding 100 tons of oil and 20 tons of bonedust, of a total value of £2,120. Whaling operations are also carried on from Kaikoura and Tory Channel, in Marlborough. The value of the product of the Marlborough whale-fisheries in 1916 (200 tons of oil) was put down at £3,800, the number of whales caught being fifty-seven.

An attempt to revive the whaling industry on a large scale was made some few years ago, and a fleet of vessels was sent out from Norway, but their operations did not meet with the success anticipated.

SEALS.

A close season for seals existed in New Zealand from the end of August, 1894, until 1913, but owing to poaching, which it was found impossible to stop, the seals did not increase to any great extent. It was proposed a few years ago to grant licenses for the right to take seals, one of the conditions of which was that a royalty should be paid on each skin. Tenders were invited for the licenses, but none were received. It has not been possible to ascertain the number of skins taken, but 1,377, valued at £1,664, were exported from the Dominion during 1916.

INLAND FISHERIES.

As early as 1867 attempts were made to introduce English brown trout into New Zealand. The first attempt was not successful, but from ova imported in the two following years and hatched at Opoho the bulk of the trout now inhabiting the streams and lakes of the Dominion have descended. In later years Loch Leven and Scottish brown trout were introduced, as also rainbow trout, perch, carp, and tench.

Beginning in 1874, various attempts were made to introduce salmon into New Zealand. Up to 1889 ova of Atlantic salmon to the number of 474,000 had been imported and the fry liberated in the Aparima River, but no salmon have been caught in that river. Similarly, quinnat-salmon fry were liberated in the Waitaki River about 1878 and in various subsequent years, but up to 1900 none of the fish had been caught. Beginning with 1901, several more shipments of quinnat-ova were imported, and at length, in 1905, several specimens of this fish were taken in the Waitaki River, as well as in Oamaru Bay. Every season since 1905 the quinnat salmon have returned to the Waitaki in increasing numbers, and they are now firmly established as an adjunct to the Dominion's fresh-water fisheries. Last season 1,106,000 quinnat-ova were collected—866,000 at Hakataramea, and 240,000 from the Dobson River. Of these 25,000 were supplied to the Tasmanian Government, 1,000,000 were used to stock the Hokitika River, and 81,000 were hatched out at Hakataramea. Four hundred fish were taken by anglers in the Waitaki River, and a similar number in the Rangitata; the average weights of the fish being 16 lb. and 17 lb. for the respective rivers. The fish have now extended along the east coast as far as the Waiau River in the North and the Taieri in the South. Attempts will be made shortly to introduce them to the Wairau and Clutha Rivers.

Ova of the sock-eye or blue-back salmon were imported in 1902, and specimens of this fish were caught in 1907. Further efforts to introduce the Atlantic salmon in the Waiau River (Southland) have also been made in recent years, but at present it is impossible to say whether these have met with success.

Several shipments of whitefish-ova have been made since 1898, the fry being liberated in Lakes Kanieri and Tekapo. Reports as to the fish having been seen are received from time to time, but so far as is known none have yet been caught.

Trout from Lakes Taupo and Rotorua are now marketed, principally in Auckland, by the Government. During the 1916–17 season 42,995 trout, of a total weight of over 35 tons and a value of £1,442, were sold to the public.

MUNICIPAL FISH-MARKETS.

Municipal fish-markets have been established at Wellington and Auckland with a view to bringing the fisherman and the public into closer contact, and enabling the former to dispose of his catch at a figure which ensures a good return to himself and is reasonable from the point of view of the public.

AUCKLAND.

The Auckland Fish-market premises include receiving and cleaning sheds, seven smoke-houses, refrigerating-chambers, store-rooms, &c.

The staff at the wholesale market comprises a manager, two smokers. and eighteen cleaners. The market is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and a night staff attends to the receiving and smoking of fish for the next day's business. A retail business is carried on at premises in Queen Street, where a foreman, three salesmen, and an oyster-opener are employed.

There are two trawlers engaged. The following figures show the approximate business for last year:—

Quantity sold.Price.
Wholesale.Retail.
  s. d.s. d.
Schnapper6,622 bundles4 0 per bundle5 0 per bundle.
Flounder (large)1,283 doz.4 6 per doz.5 6 per doz.
“ (small)1,802 “1 6 “2 6 “
Mullet (Auckland)717 “6 0 “7 6 “
(Kaipara)108 “1 6 “3 0 “
Trevalli23 “1 6 “2 6 “
Gurnard180 “0 9 “1 6 “
Cod2,815 lb.0 4 1/2 per lb.1 0 per lb.
Trout19,283 “0 4 1/2 “0 6 “
Crayfish206 doz.18 0 per doz.25 0 per doz.
Cockles88 bags4 0 per bag6 0 per bag.
Shrimps165 lb.1 0 per lb.2 0 per lb.
Piper2.540 doz.0 4 per doz.0 6 per doz.
Dabs158 “1 6 “2 6 “
Kingfish25 only0 2 1/2 per lb.0 4 per lb.
Herrings17 eases10 0 per case12 6 per case.
Hapuku7,561 lb.0 3 1/3 per lb.0 6 per lb.
Whitebait.1,020 “1 0 “1 3 “

Schnapper and mixed fish, 14,873 baskets. Average, 100 lb.

The sales at the wholesale market totalled £7,378 12s. 10d. for the year, while the business at the retail shop amounted to £4,974 14s. 4d.

WELLINGTON.

For several years the Municipal Fish-market was conducted by the City Corporation in a building situated on Jervois Quay, near the waterfront. The building has now been let for a term under conditions enabling the Corporation to control the retail sales by arranging that prices shall not exceed the following scale:—

 d
Hapuku (Groper)4 per lb.
Hake5 “
Warehou.3 “
Flat fish7 “
Blue cod (smoked)8 “
Schnapper3 “
Kingfish4 “
Gurnard3 “
Tarakihi3 “
Moki3 “
Butterfish (according to size)6 to 1s. 6d. each.
Crayfish (according to size)3 to 1s. each.
Oysters4 per doz.

The building is open on Saturdays from 6.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on other week-days from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

FISHING-BOATS LICENSED.

The registration and licensing of fishing-boats and of boats engaged in taking oysters was made compulsory in July, 1904. A table is appended showing the number licensed at the various ports of the Dominon in each of the past five years.

FISHING-BOATS LICENSED, 1912–16.

Port.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Auckland2703411 389216284
Blenheim946127
Bluff8786817066
Chatham Islands   1420
Dunedin8088919492
Gisborne1415281717
Greymouth99968
Hokianga1418152627
Hokitika3  12
Invercargill3634424442
Kaiapoi   40 
Kaipara4343425435
Karamea   3 
Kawhia   5 
Lyttelton204221261174158
Mangonui 13   
Napier6857516568
Nelson5470837269
New Plymouth2018202123
Oamaru3231283432
Picton2136322622
Rangiora   14 
Russell5555677547
Southbridge   11 
Tauranga Thames2420324113
Timaru4141576048
Wanganui97131715
Wellington4651707384
Westport1416161818
      Totals1,1791,2971,4591,3301,220

The total number of fishing-boats registered during 1916 was 1,301.

STATISTICS OF FISHERIES.

Provision exists in the Fisheries Act, 1908, whereby owners of boats and fish-curers may be required to make returns to the Marine Department in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed by the Governor-General in Council, but advantage of this provision has not yet been taken to enable information to be collected as to quantity of fish caught.

A table has been compiled by the Chief Inspector of Fisheries showing the various kinds of fish caught, and the approximate quantity and value of fish landed at the different fishing-ports for the year ended the 31st March, 1917. The figures are as follows:—

Port.Kinds of Fish caught.Total Weight.Total Value.

* Also crayfish as follows: Russell, 700 sacks; Napier, 300 sacks; Westport, 300 sacks; Akaroa, 500 sacks.

† Not available and not included in total.

  Cwt.£
RussellMullet, schnapper, crayfish, kahawai, kingfish, garfish, tarakihi2,800*2,800
HokiangaMullet, schnapper, kahawai, hapuku642600
WhangareiMullet, schnapper, hapuku, flounder1,4001,000
KaiparaMullet, schnapper, flounder4,8002,750
AucklandSchnapper, flounder, trevalli, tarakihi, moki, gurnard, triggerfish68,58017,842
ThamesFlounder, schnapper
TaurangaSchnapper, kahawai, trevalli668600
GisborneSchnapper, flounder, sole, gurnard, kingfish
NapierGurnard, blue cod, red cod, mullet, flounder, sole, butterfish, horse-mackerel, schnapper, hapuku, moki, trumpeter, ling, barracouta, kingfish, trevalli, warehou, crayfish15,423*14,260
New PlymouthSchnapper, gurnard, kahawai, hapuku, herring, crayfish, whitebait3,0402,360
WanganuiSchnapper, blue cod, hapuku, flounder, mullet, kahawai1,6101,942
FoxtonFlounder, schnapper, whitebait390480
WellingtonHapuku, hake, schnapper, tarakihi, kahawai, trumpeter, blue cod, red cod, flounder, sole, warehou16,00015,000
PictonBlue cod, flounder, butterfish2,2002,053
BlenheimSole, tarakihi, red cod, ling, flounder, moki, turbot, brill, crayfish, whitebait8331,031
NelsonFlounder, sole, hapuku, butterfish, schnapper, moki, warehou
WestportHapuku, schnapper, blue cod, kahawai, sole, herring, flounder, whitebait, crayfish645*1,220
GreymouthSole, flounder, hapuku, schnapper, red cod, ling, herring164344
HokitikaWhitebait, herring, groper, cod, kahawai, ling, flounder, sole, schnapper, elephant-fish4,141997
KaikouraHapuku, trumpeter, moki, ling, blue cod, sole, flounder5,8404,390
RangioraWhitebait, flounder, herring191615
KaiapoiWhitebait, flounder, herring, kahawai153426
New BrightonWhitebait13150
SouthbridgeFlounder, red cod200120
LytteltonGroper, ling, red cod, conger-eel, flounder, sole, trevalli, herring, garfish, butterfish, moki13,46012,562
AkaroaGroper, blue cod, red cod, trevalli, moki, butterfish, flounder, sole, ling, crayfish2,300*1,995
TimaruGroper, sole, brill, barracouta, kingfish, gurnard, ling, red cod3,0202,911
OamaruGroper, red cod, moki, blue cod, barracouta, warehou6,8603,209
Dunedin and Port ChalmersGroper, trumpeter, mullet, garfish, bream, kingfish, ling, blue cod, red cod, barracouta, moki, tarakihi, trevalli52,98042,148
InvercargillBlue cod, groper, trout1,4432,127
BluffBlue cod, groper, trout, flounder, trevalli11,40115,923
Stewart IslandBlue cod, groper, butterfish, moki4,8385,990
Chatham IslandsBlue cod, hapuku10,4846,189
    Totals 236,419164,034

In addition the produce of the oyster-fisheries was valued at £20,108, and of the whale-fisheries at £5,920.

A further table is reproduced from the Annual Report of the Marine Department showing the number of steam trawlers, oil-engine trawlers, and other vessels employed in line and net fishing, with the number of fishermen employed, and approximately the total number of persons engaged in the fishing industry at each port for the year ended the 31st March, 1917.

Name of Port.Steam Trawlers.Oil-engine Trawlers.Line- and Net-fishing Vessels.Number of Fishermen employed.Persons employed in various Ways in connection with the Industry.Total Number of Persons employed.
Russell  479050140
Hokianga  2548 48
Whangarei1 622 22
Kaipara  2330232
Auckland5 153331300631
Thames  2550 50
Tauranga  1530 30
Gisborne1 1015 15
Napier9 651189127
New Plymouth  18361046
Wanganui 1821 21
Foxton  1420 20
Wellington2 89170160330
Picton  812 12
Blenheim 51112214
Nelson  5820 20
Westport181531013
Greymouth 3912 12
Hokitika  110012112
Kaikoura 31530 30
Rangiora  1516 16
Kaiapoi and Styx  4345 45
New Brighton  99 9
Southbridge  1414 14
Lyttelton and Sumner 51527431
Akaroa2 1313 13
Timaru181330838
Oamaru  1320 20
Dunedin and Port Chalmers347516274236
Invercargill  4610025125
Blurt4467130 130
Stewart Island  3261364
Chatham Islands  1557 57
    Grand totals29419851,8546692,523

Included in New Zealand produce exported during the past five years were—

Item.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
 £££££
Fish33,74623,72134,77837,16637,475
Oysters2,9842,8132,3962,0571,340
Whalebone3,1961,5371,243250280
Whale-oil2,05218,4812,9103,0111,647
Ambergris 26,800920  
Other products of fisheries2221592,4172,4121,751
    Totals42,20073,51144,66444,89642,493

The value of fish imported in 1916 was £92,821.

Chapter 21. SECTION XXI.—MINING.

THE natural mineral resources of New Zealand are considerable, and have exercised in the past a most important influence on the development and progress of the Dominion. Gold to the value of £85,847,675 was exported up to the 31st December, 1916, the value of the export for the year 1916 having been £1,199,212. The yield of silver to the end of 1916 amounted to £2,181,493 in value, the value of that exported in 1916 being £85,111.

Of other minerals, the value of the output to the same date amounts to £42,398,546, of which kauri-gum has yielded £17,876,022, and coal £23,901,022.

The quantities and values of precious metals and minerals obtained during the year 1916, and the total value of all mining produce since 1853, are,—

 1916.Total value since 1853.
 OZ.££
Gold292,6201,199,21285,847,675
Silver787,05385,1112,181,493
 1,079,6731,284,32388,029,168
 Tons.  
Copper-ore  19,209
Chrome-ore  38,002
Antimony-ore  54,941
Manganese-ore  61,905
Hæmatite-ore  469
Scheelite-ore26649,070201,550
Sulphur (crude)  13,239
Mixed minerals7,33514,614224,877
Coal2,257,1351,291,02923,901,096
Kauri-gum5,456339,88217,876,022
Shale  7,236
  £2,978,918£130,427,714

In the case of gold and silver and certain of the other minerals mentioned the figures refer to the export.

The total value of the mineral production of Australia and New Zealand to the end of the year 1914 is shown in the following table:—

State.Gold.Silver and Lead.Copper.Tin.Coal.Other Minerals.Totals.

* Inclusive of kauri-gum, £17.257,007.

 £££££££
New S'th Wales60,627,55168,007,13612,657,50610,016,03176,595,82421,130,466249,034,514
Victoria295,306,164223,549218,590794,5943,026,429481,700300,051,026
Queensland77,406,2722,418,41713,727,2258,630,5706,197,2942,355,856110,785,634
South Australia975,191340,78328,653,025  1,680,76531,649,764
N'th'n Territory2,089,69577,592334,748369,624 51,5472,923,206
W'st'n Australia120,117,923863,7081,293,0391,171,0761,371,73390,616124,908,097
Tasmania7,660,6336,674,97011,128,68612,763,885626,183238,16039,092,617
New Zealand82,953,9102,000,79919,209 21,358,02017,762,381*124,074,319
    Totals647,137,34180,606,95468,032,02833,745,780109,155,48343,791,491*982,469,077

GOLD-MINING.

Gold-mining operations in New Zealand are divided into three branches, viz. : (1) Quartz-mining, (2) alluvial mining, and (3) dredging.

The statement following shows for the year 1916 the value of the bullion-production and dividends declared by gold-mines, also the number of persons ordinarily employed, and the number of mines and dredges working:—

Production of Bullion (including Silver).Dividends paid. (By Registered Companies only.)Number of Persons ordinarily employed.Number of Working Mines, Dredges, and Claims.
 ££  
Quartz-mining944,188185,0652,43591
Dredging125,3179,91539245
Alluvial mining123,49213,109787232
      Totals, 19161,192,997208,0893,614368

As regards dredging, the bullion-production is from forty-five dredges, but the dividends given are from only ten of these, the property of registered companies. The profits of privately owned dredges and mines are unobtainable.

The number of alluvial claims is 232, but the dividends are ascertainable only from those few that are the property of registered companies.

QUARTZ-MINING.

The most important gold-mining operations in New Zealand consist in the working of quartz lodes and the extraction of the precious metals therefrom by means of stamp and tube mills and by cyanidation. Quartz-mining is conducted in the North Island in the Ohinemuri, Thames, and Coromandel Counties. The mountain-ranges and hills of andesite and other volcanic rocks which form the Hauraki Goldfields are intersected by lodes impregnated with gold and silver. In the South Island the most important quartz-mining operations are prosecuted in the Reefton and Blackwater districts, also in the Wakamarina Valley (Marlborough). In Otago, where formerly gold-quartz mining was profitably carried on, the only operations are in connection with the working of quartz-mines in which scheelite is associated with gold.

The following is a statement showing the tons of ore treated, the value of bullion produced, and the amount of dividends paid by quartz-mining companies in each of the inspection districts during the years 1915 and 1916:—

Inspection District.Statute Tons of Ore-treated.Value of Bullion.Dividends paid. (By Registered Companies only.)
1915.1916.1915.1916.1915.1916.
   ££££
Northern (North Island)330,199318,456796,685759,809210,016158,566
West Coast (of South Island)161,161121,066231,150183,14027,24926,499
Southern (Otago and Southland)3,2692,8402,6891,239  
    Totals484,629442,3621,030,5241944,188237,265185,065

ALLUVIAL-GOLD MINING.

Alluvial gold is found chiefly on the west coast of the South Island and in Otago, where mining operations have been conducted over an area of 17,000 square miles. On the West Coast the auriferous alluvium originated from the weathering and denudation of the gold-bearing lodes during countless ages. The rich leads or defined placers of auriferous wash are the result of concentration. The first transportation of auriferous gravel from the mountains was by streams, and following this the glaciers carried much material from the interior seawards. During the advance and retreat of these glaciers immense masses of drift were deposited all over the low lands and even high up on the lower hills. Since glacial times the rivers have continued the movement of auriferous gravel from the interior to the sea. In Otago the conditions are different—the alluvial gold rests in the hollows of the denuded surface of the schistose rocks, from which it has most probably been derived.

The method of working these deposits depends on the depth of the superincumbent strata and the elevation at which they occur; for if there is ample fall and a good supply of water hydraulic sluicing has been generally adopted; but where the material is mainly or partly below water-level, and is comparatively free from hard boulders or hard matrix, hydraulic sluicing and elevating or dredging is employed. The production in 1916 was valued at £123,492, as against £153,360 in 1915. The approximate value of gold won by alluvial mining in New Zealand up to the end of 1916 is set down at £46,000,000.

GOLD-DREDGING.

This system of gold - mining, which originated in New Zealand, is generally employed upon rivers and streams and at places where the sluicing method may not be advantageously applied owing to absence of water-supply or to excessive water in the deposits. Gold-dredging is rapidly declining in importance, the number of productive dredges having decreased from 167 during 1906 to forty-five during 1916. On the west coast of the South Island seven dredges were in commission in 1916, while in Otago and Southland the fleet consisted of thirty-eight dredges.

The greatest weekly output by a New Zealand gold-dredge was attained by the "Lady Ranfurly" during six days ended the 4th November, 1904, when operating on the River Molyneux (Clutha), 1,273 oz. of gold being obtained. This dredge was owned by the Electric Gold-dredging Company, which at the end of 1914 had produced by dredging gold to the value of £227,233, of which £130,643 was distributed as dividends.

The following table shows the result of dredge - mining operations in New Zealand during the past ten years:—

Year.Total Number of Dredges working.Value of Production.Average Production per Dredge.Dividend-paying Dredges owned by Registered Companies.Number of Persons employed.
Number.Dividends.
  ££ £ 
1907128419,6343,2786589,7071,150
1908123373,8183,0394775,8001,013
1909111327,6762,9523756,788893
1910104315,2373,0313551,918838
191193297,9003,2033145,318775
191287257,3332,9582838,841694
191374195,8482,6461118,750621
191464191,1122,9861623,080491
191552164,6053,1652126,333427
191645125,3172,785109,915392

GOLD-PRODUCTION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

The gold-yield of Australia and New Zealand (in fine ounces) during the years 1900, 1905, 1910, and 1914 was as follows:—

 1900.1905.1910.1914.

* Including Northern Territory.

 Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.
Queensland676,026592,622441,402249,468
New South Wales252,116274,267188,857124,507
Victoria760,319747,163570,363413,218
South Australia*19,41818,08611,7038,790
Western Australia1,414,3121,955,3171,470,6331,232,977
Tasmania74,44573,54037,04826,243
New Zealand338,912492,954446,431210,787
    Totals3,535,5484,153,9493,166,4372,265,990

The value is as follows: 1900, £15,018,040; 1905, £17,644,846; 1910. £13,450,158; 1914, £9,625,306.

Even allowing for the effects of the war in 1914, it is evident that the annual output for Australia and New Zealand is decreasing fast and continuously. The output for each of the ten years 1905–14 was,—

Year.Fine Ounces.
19054,153,949
19063,979,222
19073,659,039
19083,546,285
19093,439,818
19103,166,437
19112,911,409
19122,642,604
19132,551,028
19142,265,990

GOLD-PRODUCTION OF THE WORLD.

The following figures showing the world's gold-production are taken from the Statistical Abstract of the United States:—

World's Gold-production, 1896–1915.

Year.Fine Ounces.
18969,783,914
189711,420,068
189813,877,806
189914,837,775
190012,315,135
190112,625,527
190214,354,680
190315,852,620
190416,804,372
190518,396,451
190619,471,080
190719,977,260
190821,422,244
190921,965,111
191022,022,180
191122,348,313
191222,549,335
191322,249,596
191421,240,416
191522,758,808

SILVER.

Nearly the whole of the silver-production of New Zealand, amounting in value at the end of 1916 to £2,181,493, was obtained from the refinement of bullion from the quartz-mines, principally from those of the Hauraki Goldfield, where the two precious metals are found alloyed as an electrum, the ratio of the two metals in the alloy varying greatly No other silver-mining operations have been carried out profitably in this country.

TUNGSTEN-ORE.

Scheelite, one of the principal ores of tungsten, is mine7d at the gold-scheelite-quartz mines near Glenorchy, Paradise, Macrae's, Mount Highlay, Stoneburn, and Barewood, Otago; also at Wakamarina Valley, Marlborough; at which places milling and concentrating plants have been installed.

The quantity of tungsten-ore exported during 1916 amounted to 266 tons, valued at £49,070, as compared with 194 tons, valued at £27,784, in 1915.

The following statement shows the quantity and value of scheelite exported since the year 1899:—

Year.Quantity exportedValue.
 Tons.£
1899322,788
1900542,635
1901283
1902391,200
1903421,439
190417791
1905281,848
1906553,407
190713715,486
1908686,055
1909584,263
191014315,070
191113811,853
191213513,347
191322122,933
191420421,498
191519427,784
191626649,070
    Totals1,833201,550

The quantity of tungsten-ore mined during 1916 was 285 tons (value £47,374) as the result of treating 19,360 tons of scheelite-bearing quartz, from which gold to the value of £7,651 was also obtained.

There has been considerable activity in mining and prospecting for tungsten-ore in the form of scheelite, due to the commandeering of all British supplies by the Imperial Government at a fixed import price of £2 15s. per 1 per cent. of tungstic acid in the shipment, c.i.f. London or Liverpool, being an increase of about 80 per cent. above the average price for several years previous to the war.

The principal operations have been carried out in the locality of Glenorchy, where the lodes occur in the mica-schist of Mount Judah in the Richardson Range, which flanks the lake to the eastward. The area over which these lodes occur and mining operations are in progress is considerable, extending from the Junction Mine, a few miles to the east of Glenorchy, at an altitude of about 3,500 ft. above Lake Wakatipu, northward about twelve miles to Mount Albert Mine, near Paradise, on the Dart River. At numerous points in this distance scheelite-quartz lodes have been found at altitudes varying up to 5,000 ft. above the lake. All the lodes developed belong to the class of replacement fissure lodes in which a zone of country rock lying between two more or less parallel fissures has become crushed and contorted by wall-movement, and more or less silicified and partially replaced by quartz and calcite containing scheelite and a little gold.

The scheelite-bearing quartz in the Glenorchy district occurs in the form of irregular lenses in the crushed mica-schist that forms the country, these lenses being connected by a ramification of small quartz veins of irregular course. From the form of the ore-body and connecting veins as exposed in the mine workings the contents appear to be derived from ascending solutions. The scheelite occurs in irregular veins not exceeding 20 ft. in length, and is generally associated with calcite, which the miners regard as a favourable indication. So far as mining operations have extended, the lenses of ore have been found to occur with a certain regularity. Driving in the lode through barren matter, in the form of crushed and contorted country rock containing feeble and irregular veinlets of quartz, is therefore carried on with confidence that a lens of ore is being approached.

The known ore-deposits are, however, too small and intermittent to warrant any large undertaking for their exploitation, and the present scale of operations by small and economically managed mines is to be commended.

The principal operator in scheelite in the Lake Wakatipu district is the Glenorchy Scheelite Company, a Dunedin concern. This company has three mines—viz., Glenorchy, Junction, and Mount Alfred Mines—in addition to employing numerous working-parties obtaining ore from among the ranges. At the Grenorchy Mine the lode is inclined about 30° east. Eight levels have been driven rom the outcrop, the vertical height between the top level and the bottom level being about 240 ft.; the longest level is about 850 ft. Owing to the slight inclination of the lode the ore and rock is lowered from the stopes by jigs, as in the bords of a coal-mine. The lode varies considerably in thickness up to 10 ft.

At the Junction Mine, situated at a considerably higher level than the Glenorchy Mine, and 2,500 ft. above the lake, the lode is also inclined at about 30°. Three levels are being driven to the southward; stoping is also in progress. The lode averages about 4 ft. in width.

The newly opened Mount Alfred Mine, near Paradise, has been considerably prospected on the surface, and by three levels in a lode varying up to 6 ft. in thickness having an inclination of about 45° with strike south-south-west. This mine being situated in the western bank of the River Dart, and the lowest level being only a few feet above the river-bed, pumping and winding machinery will be necessary for deeper development; and there is every indication that the ore-bodies will be found to continue to deeper levels.

IRON SANDS AND ORES.

Almost every known variety of iron-ore has been discovered in New Zealand. At Parapara, near Nelson, immense quantities of limonite ore occur on the surface of the ground. Another deposit, about 60 ft. thick, is that on the west side of Mount Peel. This ore contains 56 per cent. of metallic iron, and is said to have been traced a distance of three miles, beyond which point it is reported to swell out to as much as a mile in width. A deposit of limonite and glauconite occurs on the western slope of Mount Royal, Otago. It contains about 37 per cent. of the metal, and owing to its accessible position close to a railway this deposit is of importance.

Samples of outcrop ore taken from the Parapara deposit some years ago were found to contain 51.38 per cent. of metallic iron. By means of prospecting-drives during 1913 more definite information concerning the ore was obtained, and the samples analysed showed the percentage of metallic iron to be 45.02. A comparison of the surface ore and ore taken from the drives is given:—.

 Outcrop Ore: Average of 28 Samples. Per Cent.Ore from Drives: Average of 15 Samples. Per Cent.
Silica9.5616.42
Alumina3.365.39
Ferric oxide71.2564.32
Ferrous oxide1.94 
Manganous oxide0.650.71
Lime0.51 
Magnesia0.100.16
Titanium-oxide0.630.49
Phosphoric anhydride0.350.31
Sulphuric anhydride0.210.18
Carbon-dioxide0.100.46
Alkalies0.08
Water, and loss on ignition11.8411.56
 100.58100.00
Equivalents.  
Metallic iron51.3845.02
Phosphorus0.150.13
Sulphur0.080.075

17—Ybk.

The Parapara deposit occurs about a mile south-west of the Parapara River. It is estimated that the main deposit contains nearly 64,000,000 tons of ore, but in the absence of any system of prospecting this estimate must not be regarded as in any way conclusive. There is a large deposit of nearly pure crystalline limestone on the banks of the Parapara River which would be valuable as a flux for use in blast furnaces.

In the form of sand, the chief deposits are on the seashore of the west coast of both islands, the best known being that near New Plymouth. The Taranaki ironsand has been the subject of many experiments to determine the best method of smelting it. A variety of articles have been manufactured from the product of the sand and submitted to experts, who have expressed a favourable opinion as to quality.

Successful experiments (resulting in the production of 70 tons of pig iron) in the treatment of Taranaki ironsand have been carried out at Moturoa. The process adopted is as follows: The sand is taken from the beach and passed through a dryer, whence it passes through a magnetic separator which recovers about 90 per cent. ironsand. Bituminous coal from the Grey coal-field, containing on an average 0.25 per cent. sulphur, is ground to extreme fineness and mixed with three times its weight of ironsand. A little binding-solution is added preparatory to the mixture being compressed into eggettes and converted into ferro-coke in ovens, smelting in a blast furnace being the final stage.

The following is an analysis of the pig iron produced: Iron, 94.6 per cent.; graphitic carbon, 2.8; combined carbon, 0.46; silicon, 0.9; manganese, 0.42; phosphorus, 0.5; sulphur, 0.04; titanium, 0.28.

A company, called the New Zealand Iron-ore Smelting and Manufacturing Company (Limited), has been formed to manufacture pig iron. A blast-furnace plant and accessories, also sufficient ovens for the manufacture of ferro-coke are being erected at Moturoa.

By the Iron and Steel Industries Act, 1914, provision was made for the payment of bounties at the rate of 12s. per ton on pig iron and £1 4s. per ton on puddled bar iron and steel respectively, to cover a period of three years, and with a proviso that the total sum payable as bounty shall not exceed £150,000. Regulations have since been gazetted prescribing the minimum quantity, also the standard quality of the bounty goods.

COPPER.

Ores of copper are found in New Zealand in no fewer than thirty-two localities, but during the past fifty years attempts at their successful exploitation have been unprofitable, the total recorded copper-production at the end of 1916 amounting in value to only £19,209. Prior to the inauguration of systematic records there was a considerable production from mines on Great Barrier and Kawau Islands.

Copper-mines have been worked on Kawau and Great Barrier Islands in the Hauraki Gulf, and on the Dun Mountain, near Nelson. Underground prospecting has been carried on near Kaeo, Whangaroa; at Maharahara, near Woodville; and at Mount Radiant, near Karamea; but no conclusive results have been obtained.

At Maharahara a strong siliceous hæmatite lode in the Ruahine Range carries small but rich bunches of chalcopyrite. At Mount Radiant strong quartz lodes in porphyritic granite country carry small bunches of chalcopyrite moderately high in copper, but very low in gold and silver contents; molybdenite is also present.

On the Dun Mountain, near Nelson, several copper-bearing minerals occur in much-shattered serpentine rocks, and in small and scattered lenses, which are inconsiderable in both horizontal and vertical extension.

MANGANESE-ORE.

Manganese-ore has been found at Otau, Wairoa, Bay of Islands, Purua Bay, Mangapai, Otonga, Waiheke Island, and Taieri Mouth. Many years ago a considerable amount of manganese-ore was mined at Tikiora, near Bay of Islands. At a later period operations were carried on at Waiheke Island, distant about twelve miles from Auckland. On that island manganese-ore may be traced for several miles, where it occurs in massive but bunchy form and of excellent quality, bulk analyses returning 56.5 per cent. metallic manganese. Some thousands of tons have been exported, but it is supposed that fluctuating prices prevented expansion of this industry. The total quantity of manganese-ore exported to the end of 1916 amounted to 19,364 1/2 tons, value £61,905.

Manganese-ore is used for the generation of chlorine, for bleaching purposes, also for calico-printing. The value of the common ore ranged, before the war, from £3 to £4 per ton f.o.b. The market price is now considerably higher, but freight charges rendered the profitable working of this ore almost impracticable.

CINNABAR.

This, the only valuable ore of quicksilver, occurs at Ohaeawai, near Lake Omapere, Bay of Islands, associated with large masses of pyrite, and is now being deposited from hot solutions brought up by thermal springs. An attempt was made some years ago by an English syndicate to work these deposits, but the large volume of sulphuretted hydrogen gas and intense heat of the ground led to the abandonment of operations. Recently cinnabar-ore of good grade has been discovered in the Puhipuhi district, North Auckland, and it is hoped that one or more successful mines will be developed. At present the best prospects appear to be in the ground held by the Whangarei Cinnabar Company.

Cinnabar mining operations have also been carried out, but unsuccessfully, at Mackaytown, near Karangahake, and at Waitahuna, Tuapeka County.

TIN.

Cassiterite in the form of “stream-tin” occurs near Port Pegasus, Stewart Island, where it has been worked to some extent. “Lode-tin” has been found in the same locality, and is now being prospected. Small quantities of cassiterite have also been detected in the stream-gravels of the Reefton, Greymouth, and Westport districts. Among other localities in which traces of tin occur are Wet Jacket Arm (Otago) and Campbell Island.

SULPHUR.

Native sulphur in sufficient quantity to be profitably worked is known to occur only in the thermal districts of the North Island, near Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and at White Island. With the exception of the small lake deposit on White Island, all the known native sulphur in payable quantity occurs in the form of pockets in pumice, or sinter around fumaroles or thermal springs (from which it has been sublimed in crystalline form), and as black sulphur. The fumarolic deposits, although of high grade generally, are inextensive when compared with those of massive form in seams or in veins as extensively worked in Japan, Sicily, and North America.

Prior to 1898 there was no separate record kept of the quantity of native sulphur exported, this being included under the heading of “mixed minerals” in the official statistics, but the quantity was not large. The following quantities have since been exported.

 Tons.Value. £
18981,7654,097
18991,2273,483
19001,6924,824
1901143360
1902100475

Since 1902 the small quantity of sulphur produced has been used at chemical works in the Dominion. Owing to the nature of the deposits and to transport difficulties it is unlikely that sulphur can be exported at a price to compete with the supplies of the above-mentioned countries.

The following is a description of the most important of the native sulphur-deposits:—

White Island.—On this island sulphur-mining operations have been attempted on two occasions. During 1885 an Auckland firm bought the island, and shipped 600 or 700 tons of native sulphur to Sydney; the company also erected a small treatment plant at Auckland, but the venture was not a financial success. The island after passing through various hands came in 1912 into the possession of a company called the New Zealand Sulphur Company, which installed a refining plant consisting of a boiler for producing superheated steam, and three cast-iron retorts each of 4 tons capacity; a small wharf was also constructed. The crater lake was drained by a ditch to enable the layers of sulphur thereunder to be worked; and while the lake-bed was draining, quarrying operations by the use of explosives were commenced on small veins or pockets of native sulphur in the crater-walls near the eastern shore of the island. A small quantity of sulphur was refined and filled into casks ready for shipment. These operations were in progress when, on or about the 11th September, 1914, a violent eruption of the great active thermal crater occurred; and all the eleven employees of the company, the treatment plant, huts, and wharf were hurled out to sea. The lake-bed and the site of the works were buried under from 10 ft. to 15 ft. of mud and boulders ejected during the eruption. A now vent was formed in the lake-bed, and it is stated that activity therefrom is much greater than from the former “blowhole” now buried in debris from the crater-walls. Large blocks of sulphur from under the lake-bed hurled up during the formation of the new vent, and now lying on the surface, show the seam of sulphur under the lake to be fully 6 ft. thick; its area, however, is unknown.

The quantity of sulphur in sight on other parts of the island is not more than a few thousand tons. The cost of transport from the island would be considerable, and the dangers from sulphur-gases and further eruptions render the island absolutely unfit for the employment of men. The following are analyses by the Dominion Analyst of samples taken in 1916:—

 Sulphur. Per Cent.Moisture lost at 100° C. Per Cent.
Average grade from lake-bed77.900.81
High grade from company's open cut90.310.56
High grade from fumaroles near crater-walls75.7713.10
Refined brimstone from company's casks99.590.23

Tauhara North.—Upon Subdivision 1, Tauhara North, Block 16, Tatua Survey District, owned by Maoris, and distant about nine miles northeast of Taupo by a fairly good road, the most extensive of the Dominion's known sulphur-deposits occurs. Immediately to the north of Lake Rotokawa is a considerable area containing hot springs, around which many pockets of rich sulphur outcrop, which may safely be estimated to contain several thousands of tons of high-grade sulphur. Additional pockets would certainly be proved by prospecting under the loose pumice surface. This deposit has never been worked; the cost of transport to a shipping port would be considerable.

Samples of crude sulphur taken in 1916 were analysed by the Dominion Analyst, with the following results:—

 Sulphur. Per Cent.Moisture lost at 100° C. Per Cent.
Average grade89.290.83
High grade95.503.22
High grade crystalline (hard)97.190.38
Black (hard)73.801.04

Tikitere.—About eleven miles north-east by road from Rotorua are situated upon Native land the pools of boiling mud and springs of Tikitere, familiar to tourists. In proximity thereto pockets of yellow and black fumarolic sulphur outcrop, of which a few hundred tons may be easily obtained without injury to the sights which attract a considerable number of visitors annually. No sulphur has ever been removed from Tikitere, with the exception of a few tons exported several years ago.

The following are analyses of crude sulphur collected at Tikitere in 1916:—

 Sulphur. Per Cent.Moisture lost at 100° C. Per Cent.
Average grade71.764.14
High grade84.330.91
Highest grade91.231.34
Black69.410.74

Whale Island.—A few years ago sulphur-mining operations were commenced on a small scale at Whale Island, off Whakatane. A small refining plant was installed at Tauranga, but the operations did not prove a financial success, owing principally to the limited quantity of sulphur and the occurence of hot springs, which hindered mining operations.

Te Tarata.—About twelve miles by road north-east of Rotorua, on No. 3 Block, Whakapoungakau, a hot lake and a number of hot springs known as Te Tarata are situated. From this locality during 1902, and a few years prior thereto, about 5,000 tons of crude sulphur, averaging about 67 per cent. sulphur, was mined and loaded into drays by the Maori owners, for about £1 per ton. This ore was punted on the lake to Rotorua, and carted thence to Rotorua Railway-station. Some of this was sold for exportation to Sydney for about 11d. per unit on trucks at Rotorua. By these operations nearly the whole of the sulphur in sight was removed. In all probability there remains a moderate supply of sulphur under the hot lake, but to drain this a tunnel of considerable length would be necessary, and without prospecting this is not warranted.

The following is an analysis of crude sulphur from Te Tarata: Sulphur, 71.30 per cent.; moisture, 3.13 per cent.

Rotorua.—The Department of Tourist and Health Resorts during 1916 granted to the New Zealand Drug Company a three-years lease of Section 3 of the Sanatorium Reserve, situated near the Postmaster Bath at the extreme southern shore of the lake. A royalty of 15s. per ton is required for all crude sulphur removed. Prior to 1916 this company removed 3,204 ton of native sulphur from pockets in the sinter on the lake-shore, and this was refined at the company's works at Auckland. For this sulphur a royalty amounting to £801, being at the rate of 5s. per ton, was paid to the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts.

During August last, after the lease was obtained, the company recommenced operations, and at the end of the year had obtained 466 tons of crude sulphur from their lease. A sample of fragments of crude sulphur, obtained from this lease in 1916, upon analysis was found to contain—sulphur 77.37 per cent. and moisture 2.26 per cent.

In August last the price of roll sulphur on the London market was approximately £13 per ton. Thereafter the price began to rise, and in March roll sulphur was quoted at £28 per ton, flowers of sulphur at £29 per ton.

COAL.

Coal, varying in grade from anthracite to lignite, occurs in many parts of New Zealand. In proportion to the present yearly consumption of somewhat under 2,500,000 tons (10 to 15 per cent. of which is imported) the supply may be considered relatively large, but in comparison with probable future needs it is decidedly small. It is likely, indeed, that the proved coal resources of the Dominion will be practically exhausted within a hundred years.

The following is an approximate estimate of the proved and probable coal in New Zealand:—

Class of Coal.Proved.Probable.Possible.
 Imperial Tons.Imperial Tons. 
AnthraciteVery littleVery littleSmall.
Bituminous269,000,000450,000,000Moderate.
Semi-bituminous114,000,000341,000,000Moderate.
Brown234,500,000728,000,000Large.
Lignite278,500,000839,000,000Large.
      Totals896,000,0002,358,000,000Large.

From this estimate the production to date (44,090,171 tons) and the coal lost by being left in pillars, through fires, &c. has to be deducted. No individual coal-seam has yet been traced for more than a few miles in any direction. The variations in thickness are extraordinary. There are many instances of seams of 10 ft. to 20 ft. thick thinning to 1 ft. or 2 ft. in distances of a quarter of a mile or less. The following instances of thick seams may be mentioned: In the Waikato district (Auckland), 50 ft. to 60 ft. of brown coal; in the Buller-Mokihinui district (Nelson), 53 ft. of bituminous coal; in the Kaitangata district (Otago), 30 ft. or more of brown coal; at Coal Creek, near Roxburgh, Central Otago, 80 ft. (or, according to Professor Park, 100 ft.) of lignite; at Nightcaps (Southland), 36 ft. of brown coal in three bands.

In New Zealand the difficulties in settling the relative ages of the principal coalfields are such that for many years the subject has been a controversial one. The known facts may be summarized as follows: In south-east Otago (Waikawa, Catlin's River) and in Southland (Hokonui Hills) small seams of coal occur in Jurassic rocks, but in no case is a workable seam known to be present. The chief coal-bearing rocks are probably of early Tertiary age, but late Cretaceous coal-seams almost certainly occur. There are also considerable quantities of lignite of Miocene, Pliocene, and possibly even Pleistocene age.

The following is a table showing the output of coal from each coal-field:—

Name of Coalfield.Output during 1916.Total Output to End of 1916.
 Tons.Tons.
North Auckland126,5063,512,634
Waikato (including Mokau)359,6084,560,665
Nelson26,147308,671
Buller714,01514,401,071
Inangahua11,402264,509
Grey544,0718,710,458
Canterbury19,465718,597
Otago281,5528,853,137
Southland174,3692,760,429
      Totals2,257,13544,090,171

The following statement shows the tons of coal and shale raised, persons employed, lives lost, &c., from 1897 to 1916:—

Year.Output of Mineral.Persons employed.Tons of Mineral raised per Person employed Underground.Tons of Mineral raised per Life lost.Persons employed per Life lost.Lives lost per Thousand Persons employed.Number of Lives lost.

* All the principal collieries were rendered idle by the strike during November and December.

† Year of Ralph's (Huntly) explosion.

1897840,7131,912609210,1784782.094
1898907,0332,003627907,0332,0030.491
1899975,2342,153609325,0787171.393
19001,093,9902,460593273,4976151.624
19011,239,6862,754600413,2289181.093
19021,365,0402,885655682,5201,4430.692
19031,420,2292,852665355,0577131.404
19041,537,8383,288609384,4598221.214
19051,585,7563,269651264,2935461.836
19061,729,5363,692687288,2566151.626
19071,831,0093,910662152,5843263.0712.
19081,860,9753,894641372,1957781.285
19091,911,2474,191633273,0355991.797
19102,197,3624,599634137,3352833.5516
19112,066,0734,290706147,5773063.2614
19122,177,6154,328681241,9753552.089
1913*1,888,0054,250590314,6677081.386
1914†2,275,6144,73463946,4419610.3549
19152,208,6244,156711245,4034622.169
19162,257,1353,988750376,1896651.506

STATE COAL-MINES.

The State Coal-mines Act of 1901 provided for the acquisition and working of State coal-mines in New Zealand under the direct control of the Minister of Mines.

In pursuance of such authority two mines were acquired—viz., the Point Elizabeth Mine, situated on the Grey Coalfield, and distant about five miles from Greymouth, and the Westport-Cardiff Mine (subsequently renamed the Seddonville Mine), situated on the Buller Coalfield, and distant by Government railway about twenty-nine miles from Westport. The coal produced from the coalfields in which these two mines are situated is of bituminous class, and is recognized as a superior coal for general purposes. In 1902 the Point Elizabeth Mine, included within a lease of about 4,840 acres, was taken over by the State from the Greymouth - Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company. The sum of £21,000 was paid by the Government to this company for the partly constructed line of railway from the mine to Greymouth, and the line was subsequently completed with funds set apart for State coal-mine purposes; but it was transferred to the Railway Department subsequently on payment of £65,548 (including the above sum of £21,000), being the total cost of purchase and completion, in addition to which interest thereon, amounting to £1,363, was also refunded.

During the construction of this branch line of railway a new mine (the Point Elizabeth No. 1 State Colliery) was laid down near Runanga, the output stage being reached in 1904, and coal of uniformly superior quality has been produced ever since; but this mine will probably be worked out within two years. As a State colliery this mine had produced up to the end of December, 1916, 2,136,306 tons of coal.

In 1900 the Westport-Cardiff lease was also determined by the Government. Acting upon a favourable report in 1901 by the Government mining experts, the property was prospected and subsequently developed as the Seddonville State Colliery, the output stage being reached in November, 1908. For nearly eleven years the colliery was worked continuously, but owing to the exhaustion of marketable coal it was finally closed during May, 1914. The total output under State control amounted to 542,527 tons.

In addition to the mines mentioned, as the result of a favourable expert report, dated 1907, a new mine, known as the Point Elizabeth Liverpool State Colliery was laid down towards the head of Seven-mile Creek, to the north-east of the No. 1 State Colliery, and connected there-with by an extension of the Government railway about three miles in length. The line has been carried through extremely rough and broken country The equipment of this mine is of considerable magnitude; the coal-storage bin (capacity, 4,000 tons) and screening arrangements are constructed upon the most modern design. The self-acting endless-rope system of haulage installed upon the incline connecting the mines with the new branch railway to Greymouth has been designed to transport an output of 2,000 tons per day. Two separate sections of bord-and-pillar workings are now being developed. No. 1 mine is situated at the upper terminus of the surface haulage incline, a distance of two miles from the coal-storage bin and branch railway, and 1,735 ft. above sea-level; and Rewanui mine immediately above the coal-storage bin and branch railway terminus, the latter being about 800 ft. above sea-level. The coal-seams, of which there are several, are of exceptional quality for steam, gas-production, and coke-manufacture.

At Liverpool colliery the output stage was reached during 1913, and at the end of 1916, 326,615 tons of coal had been produced. A valuable seam of superior bituminous coal, averaging 17 ft. in thickness and since named the Morgan seam, was discovered by boring at this colliery in 1914; a workable area of about 100 acres has since been proved by diamond drilling.

The output from the State collieries during 1916 was 277,845 tons, of which 140,917 tons was produced from the Point Elizabeth Colliery, and 136,928 tons from the Liverpool Colliery. The output from the two collieries exceeded that of the previous year by 30,645 tons. The State coal business during the year ended the 31st March last resulted in a profit of £18,521, as compared with a profit of £2,515 during the previous year. The average price realized for State coal during the twelve months was 19s. 4.76d. per ton, as compared with 16s. 8.71d. per ton for the preceding year.

WORLD'S COAL-PRODUCTION.

According to the figures published in the Statistical Abstract of the United States the world's coal-production in the five years 1910 to 1914 was as shown below. The quantity is stated in short tons (of 2,000 lb.).

 Short Tons.
19101,141,600,000
19111,309,600,000
19121,377,000,000
19131,478,000,000
19141,346,000,000

A table in the Statistical Abstract issued by the United Kingdom Board of Trade places the total production in 1912 at 1,244,700,000 metric tons (of 2,204 lb.). The principal contributors to this total are,—

 1,000 Metric Tons.

*1911 figures.

† Estimated.

United States484,997
United Kingdom264,670
Germany255,810
Austria-Hungary52,522
France41,308
Russia26,423*
Belgium22,972
Japan19,640
India14,947
China13,190†
Canada13,170
Australia11,921

Included in the totals for Germany and Austria-Hungary are 80,935,000 and 35,422,000 tons of lignite respectively. The figures for United States and France also include a small proportion of lignite.

PETROLEUM.

Drilling operations in search of petroleum in payable quantity, which have for a number of years been in progress in the Dominion, have not resulted in any additional supplies being tapped during the past two years. The Taranaki Oil-wells (Limited) towards the latter part of 1915 furnished evidence that 1,000,000 gallons of marketable crude oil had been produced from its wells at Moturoa, Taranaki, during a period of about eight years, and in consequence was awarded the Government bonus offered for the production of the first million gallons of crude oil by any party. The total bonus gained by this company amounts to £10,000.

The following analyses are from crude oil from this company's wells. Nos. 2 and 3, at Moturoa:—

 No. 2 Well. Per Cent.No. 3 Well. Per Cent.
Water0.15 
Benzene (distilling below 150° C.)0.855.6
Burning-oil (distilling between 150° and 300° C.)30.0037.2
Lubricating-oil (distilling between 300° and 400° C.)48.0035.2
Paraffin (distilling between 300° and 400° C.)21.0022.0
Pitch or coke  
Loss  
 100.00100.0

Drilling is also carried on by various other companies in Taranaki, but the operations have not been very successful.

During 1916 operations in search of petroleum have been confined almost entirely to Taranaki. No new wells were commenced during the year and no development of importance occurred.

The Taranaki Oil-wells (Limited) was principally engaged in recasing No. 2 well to a depth of 3,045 ft. with 8 in. pipe. The other wells of this company remain in the same condition as last year; the production of oil therefrom has somewhat declined. The Taranaki Oil Lands Acquisition and Development Company (Limited) during 1916 deepened its Blenheim well to a depth of 5020 ft. A small flow of petroleum occurs at about 2,200 ft. It is stated by this company that 15,300 gallons of crude oil was produced from the Blenheim well during 1916.

The Consolidated Oilfields, Huiroa bore, attained a depth of 4,921 ft., when the casing became detached and operations ceased. Gas and traces of oil have been encountered at various depths. The bore is cased with 6 in. pipe throughout.

In addition to the Government bonuses which have for some years been offered for the production of crude petroleum and refined oil, provision was made in the Appropriation Act, 1914, for a loan or loans of a sum not exceeding in the aggregate £9,000 for the purpose of encouraging the production and refinement of mineral oil in New Zealand. A considerable portion of this amount has since been lent for oil-prospecting operations.

KAURI-GUM.

This product is the solidified turpentine of the kauri, and is a true resin, the name “kauri-gum” being a misnomer.

Kauri-resin has, next to gold, contributed more to the revenue of New Zealand than any of the minerals.

Kauri-resin formerly occurred in great abundance, and is still found in considerable quantity in the northern parts of the Auckland Provincial District from the North Cape to middle Waikato, over an approximate area of nearly half a million acres nearly all of which is the property of the Crown. It is dug up alike on the driest fernhills and in the deepest swamps. A large quantity is also obtained from the forks of living trees, but this is considered of inferior quality, and fetches a lower price. In the fossil state kauri-resin occurs in smaller or larger lumps, from the size of a walnut to that of a man's head. Pieces have been found weighing upwards of 100 lb. When scraped the best specimens are of light colour; transparent or nearly transparent specimens fetch very high prices from collectors; occasionally specimens are found with leaves, seeds, or small insects enclosed. When obtained from swamps the resin is very dark-coloured, or even almost black, and fetches a low price. Waikato resin is the darkest of all. The great bulk of this resin is used in the manufacture of oil varnishes, and in countries where varnish of high quality is used it holds the chief place in the market. It is also used considerably in linoleum-manufacture, but for this purpose of recent years it has been replaced to some extent in American manufactories by a cheaper substitute, china-wood oil, the high price ruling for turpentine and other oils used with kauri-resin in linoleum-manufacture being to a certain extent the cause of such competition.

The following are the grades on the London market, arranged in the order of value: Pale amber: ordinary three-quarter-scraped; brown fair half-and three-quarter-scraped; half-scraped; fair half-scraped; and pickings.

The gum-digger's equipment is of a simple character: a light pointed iron rod fixed in a convenient handle is used to test the ground; the gum is dug out with a spade. Many diggers, notably Austrians from Dalmatia and Croatia, who are the most numerous on the fields, do not use a spear, but dig the ground over completely, sometimes to a depth of 10 ft.

During recent years it has been found that in places the remains of buried kauri forests exist above one another, and this has added considerably to the life of the kauri-gum industry.

During 1916 the quantity of kauri-gum exported amounted to 5,456 tons, value £339,882, as compared with 4,575 tons, value £279,133 during 1915. The total value of kauri-gum exported to the end of the year 1916 amounted to £17,876,022.

The European market for this fossil resin—used in the manufacture of varnish and linoleum—being greatly restricted by the present war, new but smaller markets have been obtained. The Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1914, providing for State purchase of gum from diggers and the disposal of the gum, has served a useful purpose in enabling the industry to keep going in spite of the disorganization occasioned by the war.

During the year the distillation of kauri-gum oil from peat in North Auckland was renewed after a lapse of years. The peat yeilds from 20 to 30 gallons of oil per ton. About 25 per cent. of the product is stated to resemble petrol, and it is being used to propel motor-cars and launches.

PHOSPHATE ROCK.

At Clarendon and Milburn, Otago, considerable deposits of phosphate rock were discovered in 1902, and have since been actively worked. A thin bed of phosphatic rock has recently been identified at Kaikoura and Amuri Bluff in Marlborough. A similar bed occurs near Port Robinson. Phosphatic nodules are found in the Kaikorai Valley (near Dunedin), at Weka Pass (North Canterbury), and elsewhere. A limestone containing 10.6 per cent. of tricalcic phosphate occurs in the neighbourhood of Onewhero, Waikato district. Other districts where phosphatic material of good quality, though, so far as known, not in commercial quantity, is found, are Amberley, Dipton, Oamaru, Waimate, Wangapeka, Clarence Valley, Tutira Block (Mangaharuru Survey District, Hawke's Bay), and Whangarei.

Phosphatic minerals, the most common of which is the hydrous iron phosphate, vivianite, have been discovered in numerous other localities besides those mentioned above, but commercially these occurrences are of little importance.

During 1916 the only operations carried out in connection with the quarrying of phosphate were at Clarendon, Otago, where a production of 7,600 tons was attained for the year. A Clarendon company has produced 102,472 tons, for the fifteen years ended 31st March, 1916. The known quantity of phosphate of commercial value in the Dominion appears small.

GREENSTONE.

The mineral nephrite, the “pounamu” of the Maori, more popularly known as one of the varieties of “greenstone,” whenever observed in situ, occurs as rounded segregations in talc or talc-serpentine rocks. These segregations vary up to 2 ft. or even more in lateral dimension. As a rule they average less than 1 ft. in width. So far as known, the mineral has only been found in its original locus in the Griffin Range, Turiwhate Survey District, North Westland.

Pounamu is a deep-green semi-transparent mineral with dark opaque patches. With the wearing-away of the enclosing matrix the segregations are freed as rounded masses, and were once transported by the Arahura, Taramakau, and other glaciers, and are now found as boulders in the glacial debris along the lower streams of the Arahura and Taramakau Valleys. From boulders all greenstone ornaments have hitherto been manufactured.

The mineral known to the Maori as “tangiwai” is sometimes considered as a variety of pounamu. It is in reality bowenite, a hard variety of serpentine, but is much softer than nephrite. It is found in the form of boulders at Big Bay and Martin's Bay, and in situ at Anita Bay, Milford Sound.

Prices in New Zealand for rough greenstone range between 9d. and 2s. 6d. per pound, varying with the quality. The purchase of rough blocks is speculative, as when the block is cut up the quality may be found to be entirely different to anticipation.

BUILDING AND ORNAMENTAL STONES.

New Zealand possesses a great variety of handsome and durable building-stones scattered throughout both Islands. In Auckland there is basalt, andesite, porphyrite, and quartz biotite-diorite, known in the building trade as Coromandel “granite,” a hard, coarsely crystalline rock capable of taking a fine polish. Besides these rocks are the Whangarei limestone and Raglan stone, the former an excellent building-stone, the latter a good freestone. Taranaki has the hornblende andesites of New Plymouth and Mount Egmont, and Wellington the andesites of Ruapehu.

In Nelson there is the granite of Tata Island and Tonga Bay and the marble and crystalline limestones of the Pikikiruna (Riwaka) Range. Marble of fine quality from a quarry on the last-named range is now being used for the new Parliamentary Buildings at Wellington. West Nelson and Westland are well provided with granites and limestones of good quality, well adapted for building purposes; and in the Griffin Range, North Westland, there is found an abundance of finely coloured serpentine, unsurpassed as a decorative stone. Building-stone is scarce in Marlborough, but Canterbury is well supplied, having an abundance of Lyttelton bluestone (andesite) and Mount Somers stone, a limestone of exceptional quality. In Otago there is an abundance of excellent building-stone, ranging from the well-known Oamaru stone to the granite, gneiss, and limestones of Fiordland, all close to deep water. In Southland there is the so-called Ruapuke “granite,” the norite of the Bluff, and the granites of Stewart Island.

The principal buildings in New Zealand have been constructed in stone from local quarries.

The following is a list of building-stone which attracted a considerable amount of attention when exhibited in the Mines Department Court of the Auckland Exhibition, 1913-14, and at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, 1915, where it was awarded a gold medal in open competition:—

Class of Stone.Locality.Owners of Quarry or LandPrincipal Buildings erected thereof.
Quartz biotite-dioriteCoromandelNew Zealand Granite Company, AucklandParliament House, Wellington; Post-office, Auckland.
GraniteTonga BayJ. and A. Wilson, WellingtonPost-office, Wellington.
Granite (so-called)RuatunaJ. G. Coates, Esq., MatakoneNot yet developed.
Trachyte (so-called)DruryW. Parkinson, Auckland
DittoPukekaroroTrachyte Stone Company, Auckland
AndesiteSumner  
BasaltMount EdenGovernment of New ZealandHis Majesty's Prison, Auckland; Churches, &c.
AndesiteChrist-churchCashmere Estate, ChristchurchAnglican Cathedral, Christ-church: Bank of New Zealand.
BasaltTimaru  
AndesiteNew PlymouthGovernment of New ZealandHis Majesty's Prison, New Plymouth.
 Ruapaki  
Fossil limestoneWhangarei Heads  
LimestoneMt. SomersMessrs. Blackburn and Smith, ChristchurchBanks of Australia and Australasia, Christchurch.
Limestone, pink  
” “T”OamaruTeschemaker Estate, OamaruMany important buildings, including town halls, churches, and banks in New Zealand and Australia.
” “K” H. S. Bingham and Co., Dunedin
MarbleSandy Bay, NelsonNew Zealand Marble and Cement Company, Palmerston NorthQuarries newly developed. This marble is being used for the exterior of the New Zealand Houses of Parliament.
SerpentineGriffin Range, WestlandNew Zealand Greenstone (Limited), Greymouth 
Porphyritic graniteKumara, WestlandGovernment of New ZealandUndeveloped.

During 1916 the output of crude stone from the above quarries amounted to 1,331,003 tons. This was the product of 283 quarries employing 1,648 hands.

The quarrying industry of the Dominion is increasing in magnitude rapidly, and promises to become of considerable importance, this being due to the great variety and excellence of our building-stone and to the quantity, high quality, and general distribution of limestone for agriculture and cement-manufacture.

MINING ACCIDENTS.

AT METAL MINES.

The following is a summary of persons killed or seriously injured in metalliferous mines during the seven years 1910-16:—

Table showing Number of Deaths from Accidents at Metal Mines during the Years 1910-16.

Cause of Accident.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Explosion21   2 
Fall of ground1215342
In shafts5 13113
Miscellaneous—Underground  2  2 
” On surface32 2213
About dredges4 1   1
      Total killed1555106109
Number of employees8,1217,4005,2394,9414,4704,2053,713
” persons killed per 1,000 employed1.840.670.952.021.342.382.42

During the past ten years the proportion of fatal accidents at metal mines per 1,000 persons employed has averaged 1.60.

AT COAL-MINES.

The following is a summary of coal-mining accidents during 1916, with their causes:—

Fatal Accidents.Serious Non-fatal Accidents.
Number of Separate Fatal Accidents.Number of Deaths.Number of Separate Non-fatal Accidents.Number of Persons injured, including those injured by Accidents which proved Fatal to their Companions.
Explosions of fire-damp    
Falls in mine5578
Explosives    
Haulage  22
Miscellaneous—    
  Underground  44
  On surface1122
    Totals661516

The number of deaths was in the proportion of 1.50 per 1,000 persons employed, or one death per 376,189 tons of coal produced and per 665 persons employed. This compares favourably with other countries where mining is also safeguarded by law.

STATE AID TO MINING.

SUBSIDIZED PROSPECTING.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, seventeen approved prospecting parties were granted subsidies amounting to £6,506 13s. 4d., of which £5,353 13s. 4d. was expended during that period. Upon these subsidized operations and those subsidized previously twenty-two parties employing sixty-seven persons were during 1916 engaged in prospecting. The results as yet attained have been unimportant.

LOANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MINES.

Since 1905, when statutory provision was made for advances by way of loans for mining development, six companies have been assisted by grants of loans aggregating £35,225, of which £33,573 has been paid by the State as the mining operations have proceeded and in accordance with the conditions upon which such loans were granted. It cannot be stated that there is any evidence that the mining industry has benefited by these loans, and no company so assisted has paid a dividend.

SUBSIDIZED ROADS ON GOLDFIELDS.

The opening-up by roads of remote or inaccessible mining fields still continues; and when the rugged character of many of these fields is taken into consideration it will be found that the mining industry is now well served as regards roads and bridges. Mining being generally the pioneer for agriculture, the roads constructed in some of the older mining fields are more used by farmers than by miners.

The expenditure on roads and tracks by subsidies and direct grants during the financial year ended the 31st March, 1917, amounted to £17,098 6s. 3d.

GOVERNMENT WATER-RACES.

The Waimea-Kumara and Mount Ida water-races, which render possible hydraulic mining in the Kumara district, Westland, and the Naseby district, Central Otago, supplied seventy miners with water for sluicing during 1916, by which gold to the value of about £14,683 was obtained. The average earnings per mine for the past year, after deducting the sum paid for Government water, amounted to £170 and from this must be deducted all expenditure on plant, rent, &c.

For the year ended 31st March, 1917, the sum received for water sold amounted to £2,609 and the expenditure on the upkeep of the races amounted to £3,462.

The capital expenditure upon these races exceeds £250,000; and as the expenditure in maintenance has for some years exceeded the cash received for water sold, no interest on capital or depreciation has been provided.

GOVERNMENT PROSPECTING-DRILLS.

Three diamond drills of Schram-Harker type, with a boring-capacity of 2,500 ft., 1,500 ft., and 500 ft. respectively, one diamond drill of Sullivan CN type, capacity 800 ft., also three Keystone traction placer drills of 350 ft. capacity, are lent out by the Government to mining companies and local bodies free of charge. The borrowers have, however, to keep the machines in good order, and pay all expenses and wages in connection therewith, including those of the Government Superintendent of the drill.

During the year Government drills were used by sixteen hirers, and much useful exploration was carried out.

SCHOOLS OF MINES.

There are Government subsidized schools of mines at Coromandel, Thames, Waihi, Karangahake, Huntly, Westport, and Reefton.

For the year ended 31st March, 1917 the expenditure by the Mines Department on schools of mines amounted to £3,793. The total expenditures of these schools, exclusive of subsidies paid to the University of Otago School of Mines, amounted on the 31st March, 1917, to £70,390. At the annual Government examinations at these schools no student competed for any of the six scholarships offered annually by the Government.

BOARD OF EXAMINERS.

Examinations are held by the Boards of Examiners annually of candidates for certificates as first- and second-class mine-managers, battery-superintendents, and dredgemasters under the Mining Act, 1908, and for certificates as first- and second-class mine-managers, underviewers, and firemen and deputies under the Coal-mines Act, 1908. No candidate is permitted to present himself for examination unless he holds an authority from the Secretary to the Board of Examiners stating that his certificates of service comply with the Acts and regulations, and have been accepted by the Board.

COAL-MINERS' RELIEF FUND.

As required by the Coal-mines Act, 1908, the owner of every coal-mine contributes 1/2d. per ton on all coal sold, for the relief of coal-miners who may be injured whilst working, and for the relief of families of coal-miners who may be killed or injured. The proceeds of this levy are administered partly by the Public Trustee, under the above title, and partly by miners' medical associations, under the title of “Sick and Accident Fund.”

The following is a statement of the accounts of that part of the fund administered by the Public Trustee during the last two financial years:—

 Year ended 31st March, 1916. £Year ended 31st March, 1917. £
Contributions1,9661,980
Allowances on account or accidents, &c.1,5261,427
      Balance7,3038,172

PROVISION FOR PERSONS TOTALLY INCAPACITATED BY MINER'S PHTHISIS.

By the passing of the Miner's Phthisis Act, 1915, the Gold-miners' Relief Fund was abolished; and provision is now made in the new Act for a pension of £1 per week being paid to a married man or a widower with young children, and 15s. per week to a single man who is or becomes totally incapacitated for work owing to miner's phthisis contracted while working as a miner in New Zealand. In addition to this, the widow of any pensioner under the Act who dies from that disease is entitled to a pension of 12s. 6d. per week for two years. Funeral expenses to the extent of £20 are also provided for. A duty of 3d. per ounce on all gold exported is reserved for these pensions, and the Act is administered by the Commissioner under the Pensions Act, 1913.

Chapter 22. SECTION XXII.—WATER-POWER.

ALTHOUGH abundant water-power is available throughout New Zealand, comparatively little use had been made of it before 1900, but during the last ten or fifteen years the development has been very extensive, and promises to be still more extensive in the early future. The Public Works Act of 1908 vests the sole right to use the water-power of the Dominion in His Majesty, subject to any existing rights, and gives the Government the right to develop such power, or to delegate such power to any local authority, or, outside a mining district, to any person or company, subject to conditions. Advantage has been taken of this in several cases, the right in the case of local authorities being issued free of royalty, and in the case of private individuals developing water-power for electrical distribution subject to a royalty of 1/20d. per unit generated.

POWER IN USE.

The following table shows the actual horse-power in use in the various districts at the 31st March, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, and 1917:—

 1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Including Nelson North.

† Excluding Nelson North, now included in Marlborough.

Auckland6,55113.64012,93312,15315,206
Hawke's Bay96 93555 1/2
Taranaki1,8912.7822,8532,9683,122
Wellington270389663711713
Marlborough245202174291*127 ¼*
Nelson1,151680640583†554 ½†
Westland1,7943,6623,5953,5793,609
Canterbury1,2821,1679,6829,6429,040 1/2
Otago7,61210,61710,55510,73510,789
Southland2,0211,8171,9121,9211,925
    Totals22,91334,95643,01642,61845,141 3/4

The following table gives the analysis of the purposes for which this water-power was employed as on the 31st March, 1917:—

WATER-POWER IN USE ON THE 31st MARCH, 1917.

District.Mining.Electric Supply.Flax-mills.Sawmills.Four-mills.DairyingConstruction-works.Freezing-works.Paper-mills.Miscellaneous.Totals.
Auckland2,0573,3821010 309010 845,673
Auckland South 9,410120  3    9,533
Hawke's Bay   15 12   28 ½55 ½
Taranaki 1,986203030890 14 1463,122
Wellington Nth 45250  3    505
Wellington 35 ½ 45 47 ½   80208
Marlborough Nelson North16 ¾ 26 58    26 ½127 ¼
Nelson South279 ½158654     44 ½554 ½
Westland1,1731,7452737  600  273,609
Canterbury 8,593 ½50 14915   1078,914 ½
Canterbury Sth. 3230 54    10126
Otago7310,06320 6629   53810,789
Southland11525 ½462945  1,20045014 ½1,925
    Totals3,714 ½35,882 ½4052204021,035 ½6901,2244501,10645,141 ¾

The following table gives details of the chief installations from which power is distributed for public supply. Of the sixteen stations mentioned, ten are operated by local authorities, two by the State, three by private companies, and one by a private individual.

Locality.Supply Authority.Power installed.Distance transmitted: Miles.Voltage of Transmission.
H.P.K.W.

* Lake Coleridge works.

† Waipori works.

Canterbury*State6,0004,5006566,000
Dunedin†City Council9,0006,0003235,000
RotoruaState380200136,600
HaweraElectric Light Company400250125,000
StratfordElectric Supply Company1509022,000
New PlymouthBorough Council1,02068056,600
Inglewood20012033,200
Patea20012043,000
Te Aroha25515033,000
Ohakune16012012,400
Tauranga2131601811,000
Akaroa45201220
Taihape1331002460
MangawekaTown Board473532,400
BrightwaterPrivate individual534042,500
ReeftonElectric Supply Company80601230

WAIPORI POWER-SUPPLY.

The Lake Coleridge works are referred to below. Of the others, the only one of any size is the power-station of the Dunedin City Council on the Waipori River, thirty-two miles from the city. This plant was started in 1907 with two units of 1,000 kilowatts (1,340 h.p.) each. Two more similar units were added in 1910, and two more were installed in 1913, which brings the total capacity up to 6,000 kilowatts (8,000 h.p.). The retail rates charged range from 5d. to Id. per unit for lighting, and from 2d. to 1/2d. per unit for power purposes.

The output for the year 1916-17 was as follows:—

 Units sold: Number.Average Price per Unit. d.
Private lighting2,059,0763.51
Public lighting372,9220.74
Power and heating7,533,3070.77
Tramways2,632,3920.72
Total supply12,597,6971.34

The total outlay to the 31st March, 1917, was £482,988, including distribution; the total revenue for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, £70,370; and the total expenditure, including interest, sinking fund, depreciation, and renewal funds, £55,436, leaving a net profit of £14,934. The number of consumers supplied was 6,704, and the capacity of the motors connected to the mains 8.261 h.p. in addition to the tramway and lighting loads. The total connected capacity at the 31st March, 1917, was 15,326 kilowatts.

STATE AID TO WATER-POWER.

LAKE COLERIDGE WORKS.

The Aid to Water-power Works Act of 1910 empowered the State to establish hydro-electric-supply installations, and the first is now in operation at Lake Coleridge, in the Southern Alps, seventy miles west of Christchurch. This plant has been designed for a total capacity of 12,000 kilowatts (16,000 h.p.), but natural features of the lake and adjacent rivers allow of a very large extension of the supply up to 58,000 h.p. The transmission-line is constructed in duplicate by separate routes to Christchurch, thus ensuring continuity of supply, each line having a capacity of 7,500 kw. The present plant capacity is 8,000 h.p., but further plant of 4,000 h.p. capacity is now on order for extensions. The population to be served is over 110,000, and a large demand for power is being made. Contracts have already been made or are pending for the bulk supply to the Christchurch City Council and some fifteen other local bodies for retail distribution, the Christchurch Tramway Board, and the power-supply to the large meat-freezing works and dairy factories, tanneries, flour-mills, woollen-mills, and other factories and industries of Canterbury. The contract entered into with the Christchurch City Council provides for a charge for the first 300 kilowatts (400 h.p.) of £8 13s. 4d. per annum per kilowatt of maximum load (equivalent to £6 10s. per horse-power), and all over 300 kilowatts at £5 per annum per kilowatt of maximum load (equivalent to £3 15s. per horse-power). This enables the Council to retail it to the public for lighting at 5d. per unit, flat rate, or 6d. per unit for forty hours of maximum demand and 1d. per unit thereafter, and at 1 1/2d. per unit for power in small units, and special rates ranging from 1/6d. per unit for special contracts. It is estimated that a capital expenditure of about £375,000 will be required to complete the 16,000 h.p. development at Lake Coleridge, completing the present design.

OTHER WORKS.

A large and comprehensive scheme is now under consideration for the supply of electrical energy in the North Island, with the object of making it generally available, as far as possible, to all the towns and districts throughout the Island, and it is anticipated that advantage will be taken of the facilities offered to work the railways by electricity, and to promote a system of light railways throughout the country districts now suffering from lack of communication because of the difficulty of obtaining stone for surfacing the roads.

WATER-POWER FOR MINING PURPOSES.

Water-power is extensively used for hydraulic mining in New Zealand, and to a smaller extent for hydro-electric transmissions and for water-motors installed to drive mining machinery.

During 1916 water was used for sluicing auriferous alluvium at 232 claims, employing 787 persons, in Otago and Southland, and on the West Coast. The quantity of water utilized claim ranges up to about 40 cubic feet per second. Most of the sources of water-supply are privately owned, but on the West Coast and in Central Otago the Government has constructed, and now maintains, very extensive water-races for the use of miners.

On the West Coast the Waimea-Kumara Government water-races, in length about forty-five miles, have a capacity of 220 cubic feet per second. The cost of construction has been approximately £250,000, and the value of the gold obtained by use of the water is about £1,400,000. In Central Otago the Mount Ida Government water-races, in length about twenty-two miles, have a capacity of 5! cubic feet per second; the cost of these races to the Government has been about £80,000. The water is generally sold from Government races at a charge of 2 1/2d. per cubic foot per hour. Of recent years the cash received for water sold has been less than the cost of upkeep of the races. Power from water-motors is used in the Reefton district at the Progress Mines for milling and ore-reduction, and in Central Otago on three gold-dredges.

There are three hydro-electric mining transmissions. On the Waikato River the Waihi Gold-mining Company has installed a 9,000 h.p. plant at Horahora Falls, near Cambridge, a distance of fifty miles from the mines, and reduction-works at Waihi and Waikino. The transmission pressure is 50,000 volts. The power is used for winding, air-compressors, reduction-works, lighting, and other purposes. The company has the right to supply local authorities en route with power for public distribution.

At Kanieri Forks, near Hokitika, there is a hydro-electric-power station, formerly the property of Ross. Goldfields (Limited), but recently purchased by the Kanieri Forks Power Company. The water-supply is carried by races from Lake Kanieri, and from the Pelton wheels at the power-house 675 h.p. is obtainable. Electric power is being transmitted about five miles to the claim of the Brighton Terrace Gold-mining Company near Rimu, where 460 h.p. is utilized for pumping water from the Hokitika River to the claim for sluicing purposes. The transmission pressure is 24,000 volts.

From the Fraser River, near Alexandra, Otago, water is taken by the Earnscleugh Gold-mining Company for hydro-electric power for its two gold-dredges, 300 electrical horse-power being utilized.

UNDEVELOPED POWER.

In addition to the developed power in New Zealand there is a practically unlimited amount of undeveloped power. A table in the 1914 issue of this book gave particulars concerning the more important available water-powers over 1,000 horse-power, showing also the nearest market consisting of a city or an actual or potential port. A considerable number of these are suitable for general industrial development, but the largest ones, as a rule being in the unsettled portions of the South Island and near the deep-water sounds, are particularly suitable for utilization in connection with electro-chemical or electro-metallurgical industries.

Chapter 23. SECTION XXIII.—MANUFACTORIES AND WORKS.

As on previous occasions, a census of manufactories and works has been taken in conjunction with the population census of 1916, and the summarized results are given in the following pages with comparative figures for previous censuses. It should be mentioned, to avoid misunderstanding, that the statistics do not purport to include all “factories” registered under the Factories Act, the figures showing the results of returns collected only from manufactories and works employing over two hands. In a number of cases where work was carried on by the same manufacturer in separate buildings a considerable distance from one another, each building would be registered as a distinct “factory,” but only one census return might be furnished. For instance, in the case of a butter-factory with, say, a dozen or more creameries separating and supplying cream, each creamery would be registered as a separate “factory,” but the particulars for all might be included in one census return. Certain industries also which are registered as factories (bakers, blacksmiths, &c.) do not furnish returns for census purposes. The collection of 1916 followed as closely as possible the lines of previous census collections.

The first statement given shows at a glance the principal points of comparison between the 1916 and 1911 censuses. The operations of the Government Printing Office and the Railway Workshops are excluded.

MANUFACTORIES AND WORKS, 1910-11 AND 1915-16.

 1910-11. Number.1915-16. Number.Increase. Number.

*Decrease.

Number of establishments*4,4024,670268
Hands employed—   
  Males42,26743,9701,703
  Females13,96713,853—114*
      Totals56,23457,8231,589
Wages paid—£££
  To males4,865,4265,868,7881,003,362
  To females706,844785,71678,872
      Totals£5,572,270£6,654,504£1,082,234
 H.p.H.p.H.p.
Horse-power100,587146,05145,464
Cost of materials used or operated on20,810,21131,317,96910,507,758
Value of all manufactures or produce (including repairs)£ 31,729,002£ 45,454,184£ 13,725,182
Total approximate value of—   
  Land3,890,9214,536,614645,693
  Buildings5,174,8906,814,1411,639,251
  Machinery and plant7,665,54810,600,8212,935,273
      Totals£16,731,359£21,951,576£5,220,217

NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS.

The number of establishments continues to show an increase, in keeping with the growing population of the Dominion. The figures for each of the last five censuses are as follows:—

18962,459
19013,680
19064,186
19114,402
19164,670

In reference to the large increase shown between 1896 and 1901 it should be explained that in 1901 a number of industries not included at previous censuses were enumerated for the first time. These were—tailoring, dressmaking and millinery, shirtmaking, and monumental masonry. These industries had in 1901 a total of 517 establishments, employing 5,121 hands and giving an aggregate output valued at £711,984. New industries have been added from time to time at later enumerations, notably electric tramways, electric-current supply, and electrical engineering.

LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES.

Of the 4,670 establishments returned in 1916, 2,691 were situated in the North Island, 1,236 of these being in the Auckland Provincial District. Reference to the following summary will show that while the total increase for the Dominion between 1911 and 1916 was 268, Auckland alone showed an increase of 302. Five of the ten provincial districts are seen to have decreased as regards number of establishments in operation.

Provincial District.1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
Auckland5737528859341,236
Taranaki128267247253246
Hawke's Bay147160214251256
Wellington396707846982953
Marlborough5061619557
Nelson154198236214156
Westland4778112107105
Canterbury448648696724776
Otago516809889549579
Southland293306
    Totals2,4593.6804,1864,4024,670

Details of the number of establishments connected with the various industries are next given for each provincial district for 1916.

INDUSTRIES IN PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS, 1916.

Class.Number of Industries in Provincial Districts.Total Number of Industries.
Auckland.Taranaki.Hawke's BayWellington.Marlborough.Nelson.Westland.Canterbury.Otago.Southland.
Animal food—           
  Meat freezing and preserving works1124711159445
  Ham- and bacon-curing establishments4323   510128
  Fish curing and preserving works8 2   211 14
  Butter and cheese factories646121697105322950348
Condensed-milk factories   1    124
Vegetable food—           
  Grain-mills41 522 2215253
  Biscuit-factories5  1 1 22112
  Fruit-preserving and jam-making works7 11 3 12116
  Sugar - boiling and confectionery works8 15   34122
  Sugar-refining works1         1
  Baking-powder factories5  1   1  7
Drinks, narcotics, and stimulants—           
  Breweries5251124697455
Malthouses3 12 2136 18
  Colonial-wine making  1     1 2
  Aerated-water factories3710932 7723117143
  Coffee and spice works   2 1 34111
  Tobacco and cigarette works   2      2
  Sauce, pickle, and vinegar factories5 15 1143 20
Animal matters (not otherwise classed)—           
  Soap and candle works4 15   53 18
  Glue-factories1      1  2
  Sausage-casing factories3 15   43 16
  Boiling-down and manure works8136 1 105 34
Working in wood—           
  Cooperages and packing-case factories5425 1 12121
  Sawmills, sash and door factories7412194963231201831292
  Woodware and turnery factories264325 1 92373
Vegetable produce for fodder—           
  Grain-crushing establishments3 14   12 11
  Seed-dressing establishments  1 2  58622
Paper-manufacture—           
  Paper-mills1       113
  Paper bag and box factories6  1    4112
Gasworks12371223294256
Electric light and supply works11645 3 71542
Electric tramways2 12   1219
Processes relating to stone, clay, glass, &c—           
  Lime and cement works5 11 2  7 16
  Stone crushing and cutting12     1 7 20
  Asphalt-works2  1      3
  Brick, tile, and pottery works172816131138574
  Monumental masonry41 4 2 62221
  Glass-bevelling and lead-lights6  3     113
  Electroplating-works2  5   1  8
  Pumice-works1         1
  Concrete-block and fibrous-plaster works12 12   52 22
Metals, other than gold or silver—           
  Pinned - plate and sheet - metal works354930 2311129115
  Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.8  5   25222
  Engineering-works45363325322194142
  Electrical-engineering works63     21214
  Range-making works3 1    33 10
  Wirework-factories2 3    32111
  Fencing-standard making    2  1115
Precious metals—           
  Jewellery-making and watch-repairing13 620 32189273
  Books and publications—           
   Printing and bookbinding offices80131358395363316266
  Musical instruments—           
Musical-instrument factories1  1   11 4
Ornaments, minor art products—           
  Picture-frame makers6 28   11 128
  Basket and perambulator factories4 110   25 22
Equipment for sports and games—           
  Billiard-table works1  2   1  4
Designs, medals, type, and dies—           
  Engraving and stamp-making3  2   1  6
Ammunition and explosives—           
  Ammunition, explosives, and firework makers3    1 1  5
  Machines, tools, and implements—           
  Agricultural-machinery works2 12 1 53316
  Brush and broom factories711    12 12
Carriages and vehicles—           
  Coachbuilding works862416461103574921313
  Motor and cycle works123844226612311172
Harness, saddlery, and leatherware—           
  Saddlery and harness factories48121022331311011151
  Leather-goods makers2  4   33 12
Tanning, fellmongery, and wool-scouring establishments10567 3 195459
Ships, boats, and their equipment—           
  Ship- and boat-building yards21 121  33 31
  Sail, tent, and oilskin factories1123712194141
  Furniture—           
  Furniture and cabinet making87201060257352110257
  Blind-making3      11 5
  Mattress-factories7  9   21 19
  Rug and mat making1  3   21 7
Chemicals and by-products—           
  Varnish and paint factories3       1 4
  Ink-factories1         1
  Starch-factories1 1    12 5
  Chemical-works6114   57 24
  Sheep-dip works  1    1  2
  Match-factories   1    1 2
  Boot-polish factories3  1      4
Textile fabrics—           
  Woollen-mills1 11   34 10
  Flock-mills1  1   11 4
Dress—           
  Tailoring establishments145322598101610726424496
  Dressmaking and millinery establishments6662279363745228339
  Boot and shoe factories6141137 3 28148166
  Clothing and waterproof factories201 24   2016283
  Hosiery-factories1  2   33110
Umbrella-factories2 11  1   5
Fibrous materials—           
  Rope and twine works1  2   32210
  Bag and sack works       31 4
  Flax-mills272 1646228976
Returns not included in above61 5   1  13
    Totals1236246256953571561057765793064670

AGES OF INDUSTRIES.

The next table shows, according to industries, the number of works established during each of the last six years and for various periods of years prior to 1910.

Industry.Number established inTotal.
Prior to 1860.1860-9.1870-9.1880-9.1890-9.1900-4.1905-9.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.Not stated.
Meat-freezing12181166211 14145
Bacon-curing 3 277112 12 228
Fish-curing 1  152  211 114
Butter and cheese 14207848581921261882225348
Condensed milk    1 1   1  14
Grain-mills6513754     111153
Biscuits441  111      12
Fruit-preserving11 22131 1 3 116
Confectionery11 43331   3 322
Sugar-refining   1          1
Baking-powder 1131      1  7
Brewing4111087331  2  655
Malting325 111      518
Colonial wine    1      1  2
Aerated water210121512272013443327143
Coffee and spice 4132        111
Tobacco and cigarettes  1   1       2
Sauce, pickle, and vinegar1 1442    411220
Soap and candle 2245  2   1 218
Glue   2          2
Sausage-casings   182 1 2   216
Boiling-down and manures 64317311 21 534
Cooperages and packing-cases 1264 4 1 1  221
Sawmills35222735395314111816101227292
Woodware and turnery 2363917675331873
Grain-crushing  13 3  1    311
Grass-seed dressing  23253  1   622
Paper-mills  3           3
Paper bag and box1 22 22  1   212
Gasworks 515356112231  356
Electric light and supply   4258321682142
Electric tramways  11  1  12  39
Stone-crushing  14122  32 2320
Lime and cement  31122      716
Asphalt     1    11  3
Brick, tile, and pottery251010121110    121174
Monumental masonry 244154 1     21
Glass-works1   2241 12   13
Electroplating   1 22 1   118
Pumice-works    1         1
Concrete and fibrous plaster  1 13722 222 22
Tinned - plate and sheet - metal works357171618221253 412115
Iron and brass  124245112   22
Engineering-works311171117171976791314142
Electrical engineering    1161 2111 14
Range-making1 2221      1110
Wire-working    225     1111
Printing729422748203098797419266
Musical instruments   111      1 4
Picture-frames1134336421    28
Baskets and perambulators  2210212   1 222
Billiard-tables 1  11 1     4 
Engraving and stamp-making   12 1  1 16  
Ammunition and explosives 1 21    1   5 
Agricultural machinery 1212511 1   216
Brush and broom  214 31   1  12
Coach-building51627515329281588113257313
Motor and cycle works 1 5281138662112102212172
Saddlery and harness14112825142863132223151
Leather   11 61 11  112
Tanning and fellmongery 55181428   13 359
Ship and boat building2153344 22 11331
Sail, tent, and oilskin2553951 1  23541
Furniture and cabinetmaking38152236264611101615121126257
Binds   3  2       5
Mattress-factories   25441  11 119
Rug and mat   3211       7
Paint and varnish   12 1       4
Ink-factories   1          1
Starch 2111        5 
Chemical-works1221543  1 12224
Sheep-dip   1        1 2
Match-factories    2         2
Polishes    211       4
Woollen-mills 3511       10  
Flock-mills  2 2         4
Tailoring4121837646110226162536272147496
Dressmaking516184232245921171416182631339
Boot and shoe25192022192626486621166
Hosiery-factories   3212      210
Umbrella-factories   11 21      5
Clothing3127128153135661183
Rope and twine  3 3 1 1  2  10
Bag and sack    1 3       4
Flax-mills  23612221128976  
Jewellery 26141281211412973 
Miscellaneous 121312 212  318
Totals732043495106835247481861501972151591824904,670

CHARACTER OF ORGANIZATION.

Of the total number of industries (4,670) in operation at the census of 1916, 2,222 were under individual ownership. Public registered companies owned 445 of these works, or 9.50 per cent. of the whole, while the value of the manufactures or products of these 445 amounted to £21,623,870, or 47.57 per cent. of the total output. A summary is given showing figures for the various works as classified according to character of organization.

TABLE SHOWING CHARACTER OF ORGANIZATION OF MANUFACTORIES AND WORKS.

Character of Organization.Number of Works.Hands employed.Power.Cost of Materials used or operated upon.Value of Manufactures or Products.
Number.Wages.Number using.Horse power.
   £  ££
Individual2,22211,6701,220,1031,23012,4133,135,2215,371,479
Firm or limited partnership1,0428,728954,7711,02211,9762,054,2223,881,718
Public registered company44520,0812,356,4752,07058,26016,332,21921,623,870
Private registered company59513,7521,609,9301,03818,7753,884,0616,833,220
Co-operative and miscellaneous3663,592513,22568144,6175,912,2467,743,897
      Total4,67057,8236,654,5046,041146,04131,317,96945,454,184

CAPITAL OF REGISTERED COMPANIES.

The two following tables give information as to capital of (1) private registered companies and (2) public registered companies :—

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL OF PRIVATE REGISTERED COMPANIES.

Industry.Number of Private Companies.(a.) Amount of Subscribed Capital, including all Classes all Classes of Shares.(b.) Amount of Paid-up Capital.(c.) Amount of Loan capital—i.e., Debentures and Fixed Loan.(d.) Amount of Paid-up Shares issued to Vendors, included in (b).
  ££££
Ham and bacon curing585,00083,05126,75045,900
Butter and cheese factories1450,72640,87810,8505,000
Grain-mills8131,500116,5007,21755,000
Breweries9387,006381,106100,00058,380
Malthouses540,00040,0008,1769,500
Aerated-water factories961,55056,0009,03925,000
Sauce, pickle, and vinegar works850,75050,1003,3529,250
Soap and candle works647,50037,9254,50022,050
Boiling-down works4144,850124,8501,000350
Cooperages6167,913157,50434,00027,338
Sawmilling72859,616764,83092,564233,555
Woodware and joinery12189,692174,24516,87524,189
Grass-seed dressing424,00024,000 6,000
Brick, tile, and pottery works886,62577,97519,11518,000
Glass-bevelling and lead-lights513,69512,695 3,050
Iron and brass foundries627,72426,1241,08114,650
Tinned - plate and sheet-metal works1391,82990,8298,50040,619
Engineering-works40419,008400,59419,73181,925
Electrical engineering421,15020,95020020,000
Printing-offices66660,292562,29946,933203,258
Agricultural machinery7152,590105,07444,000 
Coachbuilding1244,10041,380 9,000
Motor and cycle works2095,50087,0836,13451,750
Saddlery and harness works972,26763,2372,76319,829
Tanneries and fellmongery works13116,35292,07111,41952,003
Furniture-factories27106,10091,45020,27024,325
Woollen-mills4266,666209,9996,700100,000
Tailoring establishments2287,21975,84411,03515,819
Dressmaking and millinery4443,05042,7501,0326,500
Boot and shoe factories16152,713111,5439,40956,900
Clothing and waterproof factories18103,56096,8901,12423,000
Flax-milling8143,000121,00010,80011,600
Rope and twine works427,05526,55511,42011,600
Industries not included above74606,545570,22253,975237,961
Industries less than four of one kind13173,930137,49299,03538,540
      Totals5955,751,0735,115,045699,0591,561,841

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL OF PUBLIC REGISTERED COMPANIES.

Industry.Number of Public Companies.(a.) Amount of Subscribed Capital, including all Classes of Shares.(b.) Amount of Paid-up Capital.(c.) Amount of Loan Capital—i.e., Debentures and Fixed Loan.(d.) Amount of Paid-up Shares issued to
  ££££
Meat-freezing342,392,7801,887,977385,847190,150
Ham and bacon curing4125,11995,975 10,000
Butter and cheese factories27176,965143,0213,9053,369
Grain-mills10252,190228,00617,75057,500
Biscuit-factories7105,234103,16240,80220,007
Fruit-preserving566,90062,8955,321,560
Breweries9697,656107,4515,00066,801
Malthouses5123,000122,000 12,750
Aerated-water factories948,70136,1125,0008,796
Coffee and spice works431,00027,000 11,000
Boiling-down works14365,066292,70117,83040,200
Sawmilling291,421,331978,004125,585171,120
Woodware and joinery773,67443,8694,93911,935
Grass-seed dressing838,00034,0003,000 
Gasworks241,564,1861,362,996260,55023,856
Electric light and supply7151,965147,83733,6504,337
Lime and cement works7349,240317,74041,00032,900
Brick, tile, and pottery works11148,129143,75327,84925,500
Tinned-plate and sheet-metal works751,00748,757 18,000
Engineering-works10340,676325,78167,34563,130
Printing-offices27768,810654,308109,592109,960
Agricultural machinery466,35861,8501,30024,000
Saddlery and harness works484,00082,00012,00016,000
Tanneries and fellmongery works586,22256,22285,000 
Sail, tent, and oilskin making511,45010,025  
Furniture-factories1257,79553,0459,52929,786
Mattress-making511,48110,5961,0009,248
Woollen-mills6652,777560,74863,08780,000
Tailoring establishments529,00027,0004,50016,000
Dressmaking and millinery3166,67061,1396,10032,250
Boot and shoe factories9188,341174,4764,27720,819
Clothing and waterproof factories728,00028,000 10,000
Rope and twine works442,83542,6958,00035,250
Industries not included above654,620,4553,923,576558,899181,495
Industries, less than four of one kind18205,469178,13512,10329,622
      Totals44515,442,48212,432,8521,920,7391,387,341

VALUE OF PROPERTY AND PLANT.

The approximate value of the land utilized as factory premises shows a further satisfactory rise for the quinquennium. The value of the buildings and of the machinery and plant shows a much greater rate of increase, the increased utilization of machinery being a gratifying feature of the returns.

The figures for each of the past five censuses are:—

Year.Land.Buildings.Machinery.Total.
 ££££
18961,063,9891,743,0732,988,9555,796,017
19011,980,4282,575,6793,852,4578,408,564
19063,264,8623,851,9025,392,52212,509,286
19113,980,9215,174,8907,665,54816,71,359
19164,536,6146,814,14110,600,82121,951,576

HANDS EMPLOYED.

The most remarkable feature of the statistics of employees for 1916 is the fact that at the 31st March, 1916, eighteen months after the outbreak of war and only eight months before the taking of the first ballot under the Military Service Act, the number of female employees was actually less than at the corresponding date in 1911. It is evident that women and girls, the utilization of whose services in ever-increasing proportion has been necessitated by the war, have been drawn to the clerical branches of employment rather than to the industrial. Probably this trend towards clerical work had been going on for some years previously.

While male hands decreased from 44,946 in 1906 to 42,267 in 1911, female hands increased in the same time from 11,413 to 13,967. Between 1911 and 1916, however, male hands increased by 1,703 while female hands decreased by 114, the net increase being 1,589, representing a rate of 2.83 per cent as against a corresponding rate of increase of 6.09 per cent in the number of establishments.

The number of hands employed in the principal industries at each of the last five censuses is as shown below. The industries are ranged in the order of their importance as reckoned by the number of employees in 1916.

Industry1895-96.1900-1.1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
Meat freezing and preserving works2,0372,2823,2604,0955,982
Sawmills, sash and door factories4,0596,8129,1116,8775,870
Clothing and boot and shoe factories    5,831
Printing and bookbinding establishment (excluding Government Printing Office)2,3513,1343,8984,2224,202.
Dressmaking and millinery 2,8883,0394,1283,645
Tailoring establishments 1,6212,9974,2253,132
Iron and brass foundries, machinists, engineering (excluding Government Railway Workshops)1,6423,3973,7063,7472,783
Electric tramways    1,954
Woollen-mills1,4161,6931,5491,4101,897
Furniture and cabinetmaking works4961,3101,5281,6891,821
Butter and cheese factories5761,1881,4841,5041,814
Coachbuilding8071,1851,4651,4391,393
Flax-mills6471,6984,0761,2441,257
Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring establishments1,6291,9631,3361,3721,187
Biscuit-factories425667587381920
Brick, tile, and pottery works4558381,254966855
Breweries and malthouses560827821848822
Woodware and turnery factories8115630430781
Agricultural-machinery factories581586793646756
Motor and cycle works125395452315649
Gasworks295572954757598
Saddlery and harness factories266652544594587
Lime and cement works79184280456550
Aerated-water factories347452586570505
Tinned-plate and sheet-metal works289337473414475
Sugar-boiling and confectionery69305571729463
Ship- and boat-building yards108211237589402
Cooperages and packing-cases76138116171390
Grain-mills419515540424388
Boiling-down works    351
Sugar-refining160256228338297
Fruit-preserving and jam-making works193172311289278
Jewellery    247
Soap and candle works190232238252244
Sausage-casing factories5698151174239
Sail, tent, and oilskin factories143231163224236
Range-making works 193230271235
Rope and twine works150192195190235
Electric light and supply 52118170223
Chemical-works114 17898213
Ham and bacon curing123196224201199
Sauce, pickle, and vinegar factories74151219143168
Brush and broom factories92128154133165
Ammunition and explosives9010513085162
Paper bag and box factories8681100240152
Paper-mills8498116100146
Match-factories121183206188136
Hosiery-factories133282374527127
Mattress-factories155553128123
Basket and perambulator factories76118148157114
Glass-bevelling and lead-lights691484100
Condensed-milk factories1033585694
Concrete and fibrous-plaster works   6686
Fish curing and preserving works751371065979
Bag and sack factories226364574
Baking-powder factories1929256868
Coffee and spice works119781206662
Leather-goods makers132243961
Pumice-works2028122055
Wirework-factories   6453
Glue-factories    52
Picture-frame makers 22343748
Seed-dressing establishments7609211046
Billiard-table works27253541
Umbrella-factories   6137
Grain-crushing establishments2122661973735
Electroplate works    29
Starch-factories2732252425
Blind-making4551353422
Flock-mills    21
Woo rug and mat making    21
Boot-polish factories    19
Varnish and paint    19
Engraving and stamp-making    15
Musical-instrument factories    12

WAGES PAID.

As might be expected in a time of increasing prosperity, with the resultant increases in prices and wages, the total and average wages paid to employees in 1915-16 were considerably higher than in 1910-11. The figures for each of the past five census years are as given in the following Statement. In connection with these it should be noted that whereas the employees are returned as at the end of the year, the wages shown are those paid throughout the year, whether to the same or to a greater or less number of employees. Further, the wages are not entirely those of adults, but cover all employees, including boys and girls, the averages being lowered considerably on this account.

EMPLOYEES AND WAGES.

Census Year.Males.Females.
Number.Total Wages.Average Yearly Earnings.Number.Total Wages.Average Yearly Earnings.
  ££ s. d. ££ s. d.
189622,9861,776,07677 5 44,403131,51629 17 5
190136,2922,72,19381 17 1110,555330,45431 6 2
190644,9463,979,59388 10 1011,413478,02641 17 8
191142,2674,865,426115 1 313,967706,84450 12 2
191643,9705,868,788133 9 613,853785,71656 14 4

MOTIVE POWER EMPLOYED.

The following table, showing for provincial districts, the number of engines, &c., driven by the various kinds of motive power, will be of interest. When compared with the census of 1911 a large increase is apparent in the figures for electricity, as well as in the total number of engines and the amount of horse-power.

TABLE SHOWING MOTIVE POWER EMPLOYED IN PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

Provincial District.Number of Works.Motive Power employed; Number of Engines, &c., driven byAmount of Horse-power.
Steam.Water.Gas.Oil.Horse.Hand.Electricity.Total.
Auckland1,2365533724380 27121,62754,237
Taranaki246339861718  995595,326
Hawke's Bay2561263541631762795,668
Wellington9533551122241 15891,21931,587
Marlborough5731183  14571,400
Nelson1509393112  351804,135
Westland1051128181  31422,649
Canterbury7762292212327  47187219,949
Otago579206525921 344478512,372
Southland30618773420  733218,718
  Totals, 1915-164,6702,231236809239372,5166,041146,041
  Totals, 1910-114,4022,2212308722314611,1634,782100,587

VALUE OF OUTPUT

The value of output for the year 1915–16 was returned at £45,454,184, being an increase of £13,725,182 on the total for 1910–11 (£31,729,002). Reference to the individual tables for principal industries given at the end of this section will show that this enormous increase is due almost entirely to higher prices now ruling, quantities of the various articles produced by different industries showing in the main but little advance on the results for 1910–11.

As pointed out on previous occasions, a certain amount of duplication is unavoidable in arriving at the total value of output of the manufacturing industries of a country. To take timber as an example, it will be seen that the rough sawn timber is treated as the output of the bush sawmill, and on being sent to the resawing and planing mill becomes included in the value of materials used, the prepared timber being again included at its full value in the output totals. Leather is valued in the tanning returns and some part of it again in the boot and sandlery returns, while the value of cloth produced by woollen-mills and utilized by clothing-factories is also necessarily twice included.

For comparison between one census and another, however, the figures are quite correct. And in cases such as those mentioned, where values are twice counted, the cost of materials used is similarly overstated, so that it is quite proper to deduct the cost of materials from the value of output to arrive at what may be called the net value of the manufacture (£14,136,215 for 1915–16). To arrive at an approximate estimate as to profits it is necessary to deduct from this the amount expended on wages (£6,654,504), as well as interest and depreciation on £21,951,576 invested in land, buildings, machinery, and plant, together with taxes, insurance, and other incidental expenses.

The succeeding statement shows the most important industries in operation in 1915–16, ranged in order of the values of their output for 1915–16, and compared with the results obtained for the years 1910–11, 1905–06, 1900–01, and 1895–96.

TOTAL VALUE OF ALL MANUFACTURES OR PRODUCE, INCLUDING REPAIRS.

Industry.1895–96.1900–01.1905–06.1910–11.1915–16.
 £££££
Meat freezing and preserving works1,652,2753,834,8914,928,5457,422,18712,613,571
Butter and cheese factories501,2741,535,1502,581,6393,919,1847,524,904
Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring establishments1,237,2521,888,1071,836,3102,036,7702,755,283
Grain-mills874,656682,8841,058,6861,248,0011,985,914
Sawmills, sash and door factories898,8071,268,6892,128,7662,699,8881,898,526
Clothing and boot and shoe factories649,414897,299848,3771,126,9981,709,689
Printing establishments (not including Government Printing Office)389,124704,2851,067,8271,377,9261,697,381
Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c., (not including Government Railway Workshops)302,815870,864813,5631,125,6401,008,367
Tailoring establishments 301,350578,416936,237828,840
Breweries and malthouses418,830659,298645,637787,532807,631
Gasworks199,025290,567386,920623,209804,414
Electric tramways   548,842750,893
Woollen-mills302,423359,382397,348377,713717,638
Furniture and cabinetmaking factories85,327241,024328,185497,681578,560
Dressmaking and millinery establishments 312,436331,268575,059568,475
Ham-and bacon-curing establishments86,022159,564253,937371,621524,929
Coachbuilding works148,969216,677294,818396,012487,824
Flax-mills32,546203,492557,808284,399470,774
Biscuit-factories118,979197,989225,476168,122445,747
Boiling-down works    423,988
Electric light and supply works 23,23482,030124,951305,875
Tinned-plate and sheetmetal works63,72398,587127,150160,854300,387
Soap and candle works152,298158,649178,556268,635277,053
Agricultural-machinery factories102,054138,094199,741222,040266,256
Lime and cement works15,88145,142107,675184,686264,667
Saddlery and harness factories63,735147,626140,813220,364259,507
Aerated-water factories98,609151,811189,561250,571256,957
Woodware and turnery factories18,27637,552110,22512,602243,652
Brick, tile, and pottery factories66,140122,230216,550235,220233,904
Cooperages19,23337,52138,12473,807193,090
Motor and cycle works18,81765,04775,99192,141189,482
Sugar-boiling and confectionery works33,23588,580138,635259,498169,478
Rope and twine works52,40087,863100,753104,325161,447
Grass-seed dressing establishments 241,239270,028275,693153,926
Fruit-preserving and jam-making factories36,10858,09298,032135,506152,888
Condensed-milk factories    145,848
Sausage-casing factories13,47230,67437,04565,278135,833
Ship- and boat-building yards25,23345,81166,572143,019130,870
Chemical-works75,32064,83495,39049,866127,010
Baking-powder factories10,15318,16316,35246,954122,593
Jewellery and watch repairing    98,078
Sail, tent, and oilskin factories30,16644,85445,32192,24997,990
Ammunition and explosives    97,409
Bag and sack factories   50,87192,901
Range-making works 53,30764,27182,60083,766
Sauce, pickle, and vinegar factories13,41738,08256,32662,72678,527
Mattress-factories1,85016,29617,89246,91569,496
Brush and broom factories23,36321,13136,34533,30364,538
Hosiery-factories9,35731,26567,588140,44262,828
Fish curing and preserving works10,29225,17328,10929,00262,530
Paper bag and box factories7,69814,21711,94162,05146,944
Coffee and spice works74,33945,62860,75832,26145,095
Grain-crushing establishments78,497169,313139,06048,39842,543
Glass-bevelling and lead-lights  5,12326,32741,441
Leather-goods makers 5,48312,06416,58530,759
Basket and perambulator factories11,92017,94234,10340,02530,040
Concrete and fibrous-plaster works   16,90728,751
Wirework-factories   31,99128,095
Picture-frame making 5,77116,29614,13521,635
Billiard-table factories  10,41720,16520,155
Flock-mills    19,430
Starch-factories    18,749
Umbrella-factories   22,88517,248
Boot-polish factories    16,891
Varnish and paint factories  6,73216,26013,187

DETAILS OF INDUSTRIES.

Certain particulars relating to the various industries for the year 1915-16 are given in the following table, which shows the industries arranged in classes according to their nature. Where there are fewer than four establishments in any industry the amount of wages, cost of materials operated on, and value of output, property, and plant, is omitted so as not to allow of details of individual establishments being identified.

Fuller details of the principal industries are given after this table.

DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES.

Nature of Industries.Total Number of Industries.Number of Hands employed.Wages paid.Amount of Power employed (Horsepower).Cost of all Materials used or operated upon during 1915–16Value of all Manufactures or Produce for the year 1915–16.*Approximate Value of Land (excluding Crown), Buildings, Machinery, and Plant.
Males.FemalesTotal.Males.Females.Total.

* For fuller particulars respecting the industries see special tables in this section and in census volume.

† Value of output, wages, &c., not shown where the number of establishments is so small that particulars might be identified.

Animal food—    £££ £££
  Meat freezing and preserving works455,932505,982767,3692,954770,32328,76710,554,90512,613,5712,631,142
  Ham-and bacon-curing works28198119932,3649032,454974405,799524,929130,005
  Fish curing and preserving works147637911,3423711,3791248,96762,53028,991
  Butter and cheese factories3481,744701,814252,4733,487255,96012,7946,168,9077,524,9041,175,671
  Condensed-milk factories480149410,1781,03111,2099695,064145,84849,937
Vegetable food—           
  Grain-mills533721638858,84280259,6443,7501,833,2491,985,914397,720
  Biscuit-factories1249742392054,18820,31074,498553259,417445,747182,087
  Fruit-preserving and jam-making works1617510327815,9104,68420,594284115,761152,88867,318
  Sugar-boiling and confectionery works2218527846318,17513,45531,630298109,954169,47873,148
  Sugar-refining works†1297 297   1,517   
  Baking-powder factories74919684,2099435,1525492,768122,59318,457
Drinks, narcotics, and stimulants—           
  Breweries557305735119,202548119,7501,810325,804635,488523,776
  Malthouses1887 8714,102 14,102109146,627172,14375,009
  Colonial-wine making28 8   3   
  Aerated-water factories1434921350562,54473063,27455469,165256,957229,470
  Coffee and spice works113626623,7651,5245,28912234,91945,09528,266
  Tobacco and cigarette works†2336   7   
  Sauce, pickle, and vinegar making201046416812,2583,49915,75724951,34178,52763,646
Animal matters (not otherwise classed)—           
  Soap and candle works182162824429,6011,47931,080404191,832277,05373,598
  Glue-factories†2361652   225   
  Sausage-casing factories16239 23928,985 28,9851186,065135,83316,974
  Boiling-down and manure works34350135135,7693935,8081,154273,096423,988251,939
Working in wood—           
  Cooperages and packing-case factories21388239050,08020850,288963107,612193,090346,951
  Sawmills, sash and door factories2925,870 5,870678,028 678,02816,816996,4841,898,5262,329,454
  Woodware and turnery factories73781 78179,446 79,4461,567122,094243,652170,731
Vegetable produce for fodder—           
  Grain-crushing establishments1135 353,477 3,47717433,12842,54315,660
  Seed-dressing establishments2246 464,543 4,543297123,241153,92659,135
Paper-manufacture—           
  Paper-mills†310739146   1,041   
  Paper bag and box factories1254981526,8604,85111,71110121,44746,94431,843
Gasworks56592659895,67274196,413 244,346804,4141,382,077
Electric light and supply works42219422330,72725730,98433,459256,124305,875852,475
Electric tramways91,954 1,954315,946 315,946 363,853750,8931,775,241
Processes relating to stone, clay, glass, &c.—           
  Stone crushing and cutting plants20172 17224,514 24,514697 44,01461,491
  Lime and cement works16550 55065,558 65,5586,854113,276264,667327,753
  Brick, tile, and pottery works74855 855109,449 109,4493,263 233,904350,206
  Asphalt-works†328 28   39   
  Monumental-masonry works2194 9413,656 13,65614914,01244,84926,775
  Lead-light making and glass-bevelling1398210011,90311412,0177718,27941,44121,022
  Electroplating-works8272292,8961413,037381,8759,01413,167
  Pumice-works†155 55   280   
  Concrete and fibrous - plaster works2286 8611,895 11,8951912,62728,75123,542
Nature of Industries.Total Number of Industries.Number of Hands employed.Wages paid.Amount of Power employed (Horsepower).Cost of all Materials used or operated upon during 1915–16Value of all Manufactures or Produce for the year 1915–16.*Approximate Value of Land (excluding Crown), Buildings, Machinery, and Plant.
Males.FemalesTotal.Males.Females.Total.

* For fuller particulars respecting the industries see special tables in this section and in census volume.

† Particulars in reference to the Government Printing Office and the Government Railway Workshops are not included in the table.

‡ Value of output, wages, &c., not shown where the number of establishments is so small that particulars might be identified.

Metals, other than gold or silver—   £££ £££ 
  Tinned-plate and sheet-metal works115475 47578,995 78,995458157,853300,387193,186
  Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.22270 27040,586 40,58668453,608124,87165,607
  Engineering-works†1422,478352,513311,1522,652313,8043,322361,480883,496668,431
  Electrical-engineering works14892918,045828,12724411,95125,74514,257
  Range-making works10235 23529,985 29,98530629,30983,77674,493
  Wirework-factories1153 536,251 6,2514913,48228,09517,055
  Fencing-standard making58 8520 520184,5795,4244,315
Precious metals—           
  Jewellery-making and watch-repairing732351224730,90571031,6155341,46698,07984,608
Books and publications—           
  Printing and bookbinding offices†2663,2929104,202544,62747,855592,4824,240432,7121,697,8311,601,078
  Musical-instrument factories412 121,328 1,328146542,6664,086
Ornaments, minor art products—           
  Picture-frame makers28417484,9423135,2551210,55821,63521,367
  Basket and perambulator factories22951911410,3521,04811,400 12,53030,04017,588
Equipment for sports and games—           
  Billiard-table works441 416,547 6,547619,93720,15514,444
Designs, medals, type, and dies—           
  Engraving and stamp-making6141151,720521,772638765,5237,133
Ammunition and explosives—           
  Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks makers5431191628,7367,98516,72111045,07397,40935,114
Machines, tools, and implements—           
  Agricultural machinery works16756 75699,491 99,49162108,307260,256140,866
  Brush and broom factories121164916511,5822,38913,97123629,31064,53831,081
Carriages and vehicles—           
  Coach-building works3131,38941,393163,856156164,0121.618186,249487,824371,358
Motor and cycle works1726321764955,21994556,16456265,742189,482284,225
Harness, saddlery, and leather-ware—           
  Saddlery and harness factories1515196858766,6894,24570,93456141,455259,507156,690
  Leather-goods makers123922615,2111,4246,635618,19330,75913,160
Tanneries, fellmongery, and wool-scouring591,187 1,187146,532 146,5321,8902,215,4172,755,283470,549
Ships, boats, and their equipment—           
  Ship-and boat-building yards31402 40256,514 56,51436247,308130,87090,022
  Sail, tent, and oilskin factories4110712923613,5787,21820,7966260,61197,99044,083
Furniture—           
  Furniture and cabinetmaking2571,727941,821267,6725,386273,0581,853253,054578,560403,853
  Blind-making51111229451,2362,181173,3197,6966,461
  Mattress-factories1987361239,4901,66811,15814345,57769,49631,650
  Rug and mat making7138211,2965861,882144,5468,6115,602
Chemicals and by-products—           
  Ink-factories‡15 5       
  Starch-factories5196252,4642692,733809,52518,7496,116
  Chemical-works2410810521312,7894,67217,46116669,903127,01072,276
  Paint and varnish works4154192,6221652,787897,82413,18710,845
  Sheep-dip works2415  10    
  Match-factories213123136  143    
  Boot-polish factories4514196525741,226810,05116,8914,541
Textile fabrics—           
  Woollen-mills107511,1461,897107,75379,983187,7363,080411,632717,638427,984
  Floor-mills4165211,9382782,21614010,08219,4303,326
Nature of Industries.Total Number of Industries.Number of Hands employed.Wages paid.Amount of Power employed (Horsepower).Cost of all Materials used or operated upon during 1915–16Value of all Manufactures or Produce for the year 1915–16.*Approximate Value of Land (excluding Crown), Buildings, Machinery, and Plant.
Males.FemalesTotal.Males.Females.Total.

* For fuller particulars respecting the industries see special tables this section and in census volume.

Dress—    £££ £££
  Tailoring establishments4961,1232,0093,132167,538126,621294,15958333,446828,840564,744
  Dressmaking and millinery339913,5543,64513,519191,986205,505136267,855568,472363,060
  Boot and shoe factories1661,4558022,257192,38246,449238,831831441,292801,572295,024
  Hosiery-factories10111161272,1066,7728,8794340,93862,82816,916
  Umbrella-factories51324372,1691,2233,392411,07317,2486,385
  Clothing and waterproof factories835343,0403,57472,491163,811236,302488560,380908,117218,917
Fibrous materials—           
  Rope and twine factories10226923526,18637026,5561,08499,620161,44773,258
  Bag and sack works41757742,0702,0784,14810468,33992,9017,450
  Flax-mills761,25341,257164,081179164,2603,316174,573470,774442,164
Value of industries of which less than four of any one sort are shown in the returns    75,83912,09387,932 1,163,1491,348,269704,060
Returns not included in the above13285333,4973183,8158621,09328,71857,471
    Totals, census 1915-164,67043,97013,85357,8235,868,788785,7166,654,504146,04131,317,96945,454,18421,951,576
    Totals, census 1910-114,40242,26713,96756,2344,865,426706,8445,572,270100,58720,810.21131,729,00216,731,359
    Totals, census 1905-064,18644,94611,41356,3593,979,593478,0264,457,61960,33513,163,69223,444,23512,509,286

REMARKS ON PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES.

MEAT FREEZING AND PRESERVING WORKS, WITH BOILING-DOWN.

The war has given a greatly increased fillip to this growing industry, which has for many years past held the premier position as regards value of output. The figures given below speak for themselves, but attention may be drawn to (1) the enormous increase in the value of output, £13,037,559 in 1915–16 as against £5,884,939 in 1910–11; (2) the greatly enhanced values of all classes of frozen meat; (3) the expansion of the beef killing and freezing branch of the industry; and (4) the increase in the utilization of all parts of the animal, as evidenced by a comparison of the quantity of manures produced in 1915–16 compared with previous years.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 566479
  Hands employed 3,2604,0956,333
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£283,916459,650806,131
  Horse-powerH.p.9,62516,89729,921
Approximate value of—    
  Land£126,174196,327253,225
  Buildings£732,802845,1591,583,642
  Machinery and plant£644,631774,9441,046,214
Frozen sheep—    
  CarcasesNo.1,355,9342,000,1312,854,424
  Value£1,023,3851,337,4072,983,561
Frozen lambs—    
  CarcasesNo.2,258,2113,858,0034,147,421
  Value£1,407,7612,260,8443,271,278
Frozen mutton and lamb pieces—    
  QuantityCwt.15,59841,45222,442
  Value£23,21049,80752,205
Frozen beef—    
  QuantityCwt.160,133461,8521,027,035
  Value£154,988520,7342,229,171
Frozen rabbits—    
  QuantityNo.2,632,8742,830,0762,716,211
  Value£60,32960,52380,164
Preserved meats—    
  QuantityCwt.44,45352,52796,054
  Value£88,719140,610270,736
Tallow—    
  QuantityTons13,91019,26724,967
  Value£316,532561,261848,407
Bonedust—    
  QuantityTons5,8706,3566,121
  Value£28,85939,17441,672
Other manures—    
  QuantityTons6,4104,84574,576
  Value£28,34931,473321,472
Neatsfoot and trotter oil—    
  QuantityGal.32,93844,80485,026
  Value£3,8794,42022,858
Bones, horns, hoofs, &c.—    
  QuantityTons24044154
  Value£1,2761,2771,753
Other products—Value£62,790877,7292,914,282
Total value of output£3,200,0775,884,93913,037,559

HAM AND BACON CURING.

This is one of several industries which show a decrease in the number of works but a considerable increase in value of output and in other respects. There appears to have been for some reason a falling-off in the quantity of bacon and hams in 1915 as compared with 1910, though more pigs were dealt with. The output of lard, however, shows a substantial increase

* Not shown separately.

Number of 1905-6.1910-11.1910-16.
  Works 524228
  Hands employed 224201199
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£22,22227,05532,454
  Horse-powerH.p.532678974
Approximate value of—    
  Land£21,09818,34227,884
  Buildings£35,13051,81466,058
  Machinery and plant£22,73833,11036,063
Pigs dealt with—    
  Number *109,423122,006
  Value£186,375274,060372,793
Value of other material used£*11,29433,000
Hams and bacon—QuantityCwt.67,822132,007101,580
Lard—Quantitylb.364,896370,533787,001
Total value of output£253,937371,621524,929

FISH CURING AND PRESERVING.

Only fourteen fish curing and preserving works were returned in 1916, as against twenty in 1911, but there was a considerable increase in the value of fish cured and tinned. The figures for 1915 were £34,541 for fish cured. and £27,483 for fish canned, the corresponding totals for 1910 being £22,599 and £5,929 respectively. The total value of all products of the establishments rose from £29,002 to £62,530. The fish-canning industry is apparently beginning to make some headway.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 212014
  Hands employed 1065979
Approximate value of—    
  Land£5,5556,0176,308
  Buildings£7,1557,0698,598
  Machinery and plant£7,6627,63814,085
Fish cured—Value£11,85922,59934,541
Fish canned—Value£2,7365,92927,483
Value of other products£13,514474506
Total value of output£28,10929,00262,530

BUTTER AND CHEESE FACTORIES.

Comparison of the results shown by the returns collected at the census of 1906 with that of 1901 showed great development, and a similar development between 1905 and 1910 was shown by the census of 1911. Enormous further expansion of the industry is shown by the results of the last census. The number of factories increased by only ten during the five years, but the value of the output in 1915 rose to £3,605,720 over the amount for 1910. The figures are £7,524,904 for 1915, and £3,919,184 for 1910.

The produce of factory-made butter for 1910 was set down at 541,851 cwt., and for 1915 at 603,470 cwt., while cheese made increased from 474,111 cwt. to 603,470 cwt. in the same period. While butter shows an increase of nearly one-third during the ten years 1905–15, the output of cheese was more than five times as great in 1915 as in 1905.

By far the greater number of butter and cheese factories are in the North Island. Taranaki, formerly the “butter” province of New Zealand, now goes in mainly for cheese-production. Auckland turned out in 1915 more than half the total output of butter for the Dominion, but as a cheese-producer was exceeded by Taranaki, Wellington, and Otago. Wellington is the second largest producer both of butter and of cheese.

The money invested for purposes of this industry in land, buildings, machinery, and plant has largely increased. Full particulars are given in the subjoined table:—

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16
  Factories 264338348
  Hands employed 1,4841,5041,814
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£131,123170,065255,960
  Horse-powerH.p.3,7595,99512,794
Approximate value of—    
  Land£56,008110,360101,930
  Buildings£215,178381,308525,003
  Machinery and plant£345,080462,454548,738
Value of materials used£2,062,2153,304,9936,168,907
Butter produced—    
  QuantityCwt.462,666541,851603,470
  Value£2,195,6812,685,1034,344,372
Cheese produced—    
  QuantityCwt.150,061474,111805,103
  Value£362,6841,199,6773,088,949
Value of other produce£23,27434,40491,583
Total value of all produce£2,581,6393,919,1847,524,904

Some further interesting details collected in 1911 and 1916 are as follows:—

Number of separators— 1910-11.1915-16.
  At home 2,41811,079
  At butter-factories 850770
Butter-fat separated—   
  At homelb.5,643,26024,521,298
  At butter-factorieslb.44,054,55829,706,410
Milk received by cheese-factorieslb.523,321,631886,373,030
Fat receivedlb.20,824,44030,927,108

Home separating is seen to have made enormous strides during the five years.

GRAIN-MILLS.

The result of the inquiry regarding this industry is to show that so far as it relates to number of mills and hands employed there has been a decrease during the past five years. There has, however, been an increase as regards value of materials operated on, and of output. The flour produced in 1915 was given as 107,242 tons, as against 105,939 tons in 1910, an increase of only 1,303 tons, but the value of flour in 1915 was nearly two-thirds greater than in 1910. The value of the output of all kinds, which includes meal, was returned for 1915 as £1,976,914, and for 1910 as £1,248,001.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Mills 776653
  Hands employed 540424382
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£57,33550,98458,885
  Horse-powerH.p.3,1883,6243,638
Approximate value of—    
  Land£71,87081,51368,014
  Buildings£160,799153,668146,199
  Machinery and plant£178,889172,539177,107
Wheat used—QuantityBush.4,352,5445,165,7635,101,102
Total grain—Value£835,4771,040,7621,826,009
Flour producedTons95,528105,939107,242
Oatmeal producedTons7,2476,7585,602
Other products—Value£144,188192,502287,380
Total value of output£1,058,6861,248,0011,976,914

BISCUIT-FACTORIES.

This industry shows a decided advance on the figures of five years ago in all respects. Biscuits-factories are still few in number, but they employ a comparatively large number of hands, and their output is not insignificant. Included in the output for 1915, however, is a considerable amount of confectionery, probably as much in value as the output shown further on for confectionery-works.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 12912
  Hands employed 587381920
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£33,88130,09274,498
  Horse-powerH.p.389448553
Approximate value of    
  Land£26,13114,00029,981
  Buildings£42,44029,78057,371
  Machinery and plant£52,79546,19494,735
  Value of materials used£110,39698,460259,417
Biscuits made—    
  QuantityTons4,1335,6675,863
  Value£178,646158,253223,957
Other products—Value£46,8309,869221,790
Total value of all manufactures£225,476168,122445,747

CONFECTIONERY AND SUGAR-BOILING WORKS.

This industry appears to have declined considerably during the five years 1910 to 1915. There were 33 works in the former year, and only 22 in the latter, a decrease of 11. The value of the manufactured articles which, for the year 1905 reached the sum of £138,635, was returned for 1910 as £259,498, but for 1915 as only £169,478. Besides the output included in these returns a certain amount of confectionery is included in “other products” in the biscuit-factory table. The confectionery and sugar-boiling works used 3,836 tons of sugar, valued at £55,488, during the year 1910, together with other materials valued at £88,343, but in 1915 only 2,023 tons of sugar (£39,426) and £70,528 worth of other materials.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 363322
  Hands employed 571729463
Amount of wages paid£29,41047,72241.630
Approximate value of—    
  Land£22,84027,30014,262
  Buildings£26,65451,31123,851
  Machinery and plant£34,25862,46335,035
Sugar used—    
  QuantityTons2,3503,8362,023
  Value£44,70355,48839,426
Other materials used—Value£44,25288,34370,528
Total value of output£138,635259,498169,478

FRUIT-PRESERVING AND JAM-MAKING

Only 16 factories were returned in 1916 as against 22 in 1911 and 24 in 1906, but the value of the works has increased considerably, as have also the output and the wages-bill. It is noticeable that while jam-making shows a substantial rise in volume, fruit-preserving has fallen away.

* Not shown separately.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 242216
  Hands employed 311289278
  Amount of wages paid£12,20316,72720,594
Approximate value of—    
  Land£10,82811,17912,410
  Buildings£20,02123,29730,504
  Machinery and plant£11,46820,98524,404
Fruit usedTons*2,1731,572
Value of—    
  Fruit used£*32,82846,577
  Sugar and other ingredients£*57,42069,184
  Fruit bottled or preserved£9,53722,8718,843
Jams and jellies made—    
  QuantityCwt.46,39649,66163,101
  Value£83,52088,281126,720
Other preserves—Value£4,97524,35417,325
Total value of output£98,032135,506152,888

BREWERIES.

The number of breweries in the Dominion shown in the census returns for 1916 was somewhat fewer than that returned five years previously, but the quantity of beer manufactured was considerably greater.

While in the year 1910, 9,582,790 gallons of ale were brewed, the output for 1915 amounted to 10,493,129 gallons, being an increase of nearly 1,000,000 gallons in the five-year period. In addition, 489,972 gallons of stout, valued at £29,058, and other products of the value of £6,608 were produced in 1910, and 756,219 gallons of stout (£42,880) and other products valued at £6,407 in 1915. The value of the total output in 1910 amounted to £634,759, and in 1915 to £635,488.

The quantities of beer on which excise duty was paid were—for 1915, 10,605,714 gallons, and for 1910 9,399,440 gallons. These quantities are in close agreement with those returned at the corresponding censuses as manufactured.

The imported beer entered at the Customs for home consumption increased in quantity only from 218,270 gallons in 1905 to 271,590 gallons in 1910 and decreased again to 260,050 gallons in 1915, which shows that the colonial-made beer has practically displaced the beer brought from abroad.

* Apparently understated.

† Not shown separately.

‡ Included in total brewings.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Breweries 720055
  Hands employed 731741735
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£92,308109,544119,750
  Horse-powerH.p.7031,3781,810
Approximate value of—    
  Land£82,590130,932104,454
  Buildings£156,541208,543218,237
  Machinery and plant£95,800159,882201,085
Malt usedBush.447,065547,139554,092
Hops usedCwt.5,1555,9925,621
Sugar usedCwt.15,518*32,75932,343
Ale brewedGal.7,634,3629,582,79010,493,129
Stout brewedGal.489,972756,219
Ale bottled‡Doz. qts.588,955626,325
Stout bottled‡Doz. qts168,035235,532
Value of output£572,579634,759635,488

MALTHOUSES.

The number of malthouses returned in 1916 was 18, as against 28 in 1911 and 22 in 1906. The output more than doubled between 1905 and 1910, the figures for the respective years being £73,058 and £152,773, while in 1915 a further increase to £172,143 was recorded, in spite of the decrease in the number of malthouses. The increase in value of output between 1910 and 1915, however, is due entirely to a rise in price, the malt produced in 1915 amounting to 489,574 bushels as against 509,391 bushels in 1910.

* Not available.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Malthouses 222818
  Hands employed 9010787
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£8,67313,77714,102
  Horse-powerH.p.59114109
Approximate value of—    
  Land£15,61821,71519,421
  Buildings£49,05067,51344,100
  Machinery and plant£10,13924,94211,488
Barley usedBush.*519,815503,773
Malt producedBush.*509,391489,574
Value of output£73,058152,773172,143

AERATED-WATER AND CORDIAL FACTORIES.

This industry appears to be unique in that the value of output has increased between the years 1910-11 and 1915-16 at a much lower rate than the quantity. There is, however, reason to believe that the quantities were understated at the earlier census. The value of manufactures increased from £250,571 in 1910 to only £256,957 in 1915, while on the other hand, large increases in quantity of output returned are recorded. In 1915, 2,564,074 dozen of aerated waters, 90,306 dozen of cordials, and 296,603 dozen of hop-beer were produced, the corresponding figures for 1910 being 1,780,163 dozen, 36,399 dozen, and 95,400 dozen respectively.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 123124143
  Hands employed 586570505
Amount of wages paid£49,61762,93763,274
Approximate value of—    
  Land£57,08371,73759,791
  Buildings£52,12862,90471,245
  Machinery and plant£57,25966,32498,434
Aerated waters—QuantityDoz.2,220,1741,780,1632,564,074
Cordials—QuantityDoz.37,94536,39990,306
Hop-beer—QuantityDoz.106,60795,400296,613
Total value of all manufactures£189,561250,571256,957

SAUCE, PICKLE, AND VINEGAR MAKING.

This industry employed 104 males and 64 females in 1906, the numbers for 1911 being 80 and 63 respectively. Sauces and pickles with other condiments and vinegar were manufactured to the value of £78,527 in 1915, an increase of £15,801 over the amount made five years before.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 272320
  Hands employed 219143168
Amount of wages paid£11,16310,08415,757
Approximate value of—    
  Land£14,48311,17616,979
  Buildings£22,84216,99529,653
  Machinery and plant£7,6576,58017,004
Value of materials used£31,46638,84651,341
Total value of all manufactures£56,32662,72678,527

The output in 1915-16 included 53,868 dozen pints of pickles (valued at £18,209), 152,004 dozen pints sauces (£32,772), and 471,500 gallons of vinegar (£19,146). Vegetables used totalled 2,344,503 lb., valued at £12,510, and, in addition, 284,938 lb. of spices, valued at £6,731, and acid, of a value of £8,706, were used.

SOAP AND CANDLE WORKS.

The value of manufactures of all kinds at these works reached the sum of £268,635 in 1910 and £277,053 in 1915. The soap made in 1915 was 8,240 tons, or 631 tons more than that produced five years previously. The making of candles, however, decreased, according to the returns, the output for 1910 being 3,520,205 lb., valued at £75,047, and for 1915 3,111,462 lb., valued at £65,689. The industry appears to be just holding its own.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 192018
  Hands employed 238252244
Amount of wages paid£21,85328,39031,080
Approximate value of—    
  Land£9,44716,45918,977
  Buildings£27,53344,56221,458
  Machinery and plant£31,58631,58833,163
Soap manufactured—    
  QuantityTons5,7917,6098,240
  Value£107,012149,970186,177
Candles manufactured—    
  Quantitylb.1,930,5443,520,2053,111,462
  Value£48,38575,04765,689
Other manufactures—Value£23,15951,80225,187
Total value of all manufactures£178,556268,635277,053

Included in “Other manufactures” in 1915 were soda crystals (1,872 tons, valued at £9,636) and glycerine (65 tons, £2,781.)

COOPERAGES.

These numbered 21 in 1916, as against 20 in 1911 and 22 in 1906. The manufacture of casks would appear to have doubled somewhat during the last five years, judging from the comparison given below. Kegs went up by nearly 200 per cent, between 1905 and 1910, but relapsed badly in the next five years. Butter-boxes also show a decided increase, while cheese cases and crates manufactured in 1915 numbered 463,789, against 184,343 in 1910, and only 10,645 in 1905.

The total value of the manufacture of all kinds increased by well over 100 per cent, during the last five years. This industry appears to cater almost entirely for the dairy factories.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 222021
  Hands employed 116171390
Amount of wages paid£9,50314,99150,288
Approximate value of—    
  Land£10,2839,91543,718
  Buildings£7,2009,104139,409
  Machinery and plant£9,25314,862163,824
Manufactures—    
  KegsNo.11,29732,0282,104
  CasksNo.37,93636,85972,243
  Butter-boxesNo.212,776512,414719,378
  Cheese cases and cratesNo.10,645184,343463,789
Total value of all manufactures£38,12473,807193,090

SAWMILLS, AND SASH AND DOOR FACTORIES.

The great development of this industry between 1901 and 1906 was not maintained at a similar rate during the five years preceding the census of 1911, though the value of the total output showed an increase of £571,122, the figures for 1910 being £2,699,888, as against £2,128,766 for 1905. Most of this increase, however, was due to higher prices, as there were decreases in the quantities of sawn timber and of mouldings in 1910, which were not compensated for by an increase in the quantity of flooring and skirting.

As might have been expected, the census of 1916 showed an all-round decrease in the activities of the sawmilling industry, but it is impossible to say whether this is due entirely to war conditions, or whether the industry is declining on account of the approaching exhaustion of the Dominion's timber reserves.

The value of the output for the mills is far greater in the Auckland Provincial District than in any other, the order being as follows:—

 Value of Output of Sawmills
1910.1915.

* Including Southland, £159,044 in 1910 and £146,850 in 1915.

Auckland1,194,953838,701
Wellington558,573343,612
Westland173,670210,407
Otago*230,594199,945
Canterbury127,761105,327
Hawke's Bay122,04181,816
Nelson103,69156,296
Taranaki94,61346,904
Marlborough93,99215,518
    Totals£2,699,8881,898,526

Some further comparative figures for the last three censuses are given below. The details obtained in 1916 in respect of employees and wages were in somewhat different form to those ascertained at preceding inquiries, and cannot be properly compared with them. The number of employees in the mills themselves in 1916 was 3,473, with an annual wages-sheet of £465,013. In addition, 2,397 men were employed in the bush on contract work and otherwise, their wages totalling £213,015. A further £253,958 over and above wages was also expended on contracts.

* Not comparable (see letterpress).

† Not shown separately.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Mills 444534292
  Hands employed 9,1116,877*
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£834,927774,402*
  Horse-powerH.p.13,27819,48416,816
Approximate value of    
  Land£373,313340,968311,427
  Buildings£181,899283,122190,453
  Machinery and plant£649,631826,4361,458,468
  Tramways£356,102369,106
Sawn timber—    
  QuantityFt.336,470,930296,033,017251,097,312
  Value£1,442,9501,725,8271,330,831
Posts, rails, &c.—Value£12,29756,77812,659
Resawing, planed, flooring, skirting, &c.—    
  QuantityFt.51,588,81256,770,53741,752,156
  Value£517,954435,986397,313
Moulding—    
  QuantityFt.12,148,47410,896,1344,057,358
  Value£56,02780,05622,890
Doors and sashes—Value£99,538150,30249,599
Joinery, undescribed£250,93985,234
Total value of all manufactures£2,128,7662,699,8881,898,526

GASWORKS.

The operations of the gasworks in the Dominion for the year 1915 still show such expansion as must he considered highly satisfactory, and this notwithstanding the increased use of electricity in substitution for gas.

There were 56 gasworks at the time of the census of 1916, employing 598 hands, as against 48 with 757 hands in 1911. The quantity of gas generated in 1915 shows a big increase on the figures for 1910, being 2,776,461,583 cubic feet, as compared with 2,074,566,794 cubic feet. The output of coke and tar also increased considerably during the five years.

* Not shown.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 384856
  Hands employed 954757598
Amount of wages paid£113,78593,15096,413
Approximate value of—    
  Land£132,188151,101157,127
  Buildings£135,919174,858194,046
  Machinery and plant£1,107,134753,4281,030,904
  Quantity of coal usedTons*161,162214,425
  Value of coal used£134,474176,306244,346

Some further particulars ascertained in 1911 and 1916 are as follows:—

  1910-11.1915-16.
Gas made—QuantityC. ft.2,074,566,7942,776,461,583
Gas sold—   
  QuantityC. ft.1,881,867,9192,424,909,290
  Value£500,299644,558
Coke sold—   
  QuantityTons58,96065,723
  Value£60,71876,412
Tar sold—   
  QuantityGal.1,643,7651,957,142
  Value£30,57543,711
Other receipts£31,61739,733
Total receipts£623,200804,414
Total expenditure£494,297642,358

The following figures showing the purposes for which the gas was utilized may also be of interest in spite of the large proportion included in the undefined class:—

 1910-11.1915-16.
Cubic Feet.Cubic Feet.
Street lighting67,288,55985,529,879
General lighting228,348,935636,941,925
Heating and cooking126,380,810182,974,070
Motive power62,296,50055,446,725
Undefined1,397,553,1151,464,016,691
      Total1,881,867,9192,424,909,290

Under the heading “general lighting” in 1915 there were 41,171 consumers, and a further 60,028 in the “undefined” section, making a total of 101,199 consumers of gas for lighting purposes. Street lamps to the number of 7,701 were served. Gas-stoves numbered 24,027, gas-fires 6,320, and gas engines 954. The horse-power of the latter aggregated 4,030 h.p.

ELECTRIC CURRENT.

The number of works returned at the census of 1916 was 42, as against only 14 in 1911. The hands employed increased from 170 to 223, and the amount of wages paid from £23,969 to £30,984. The units generated during 1910 aggregated 18,392,733, and the units sold 12,419,940. The corresponding figures for 1915 were units generated 37,456,763; units sold 26,779,314. The total revenué for 1910 amounted to £124,951, and for 1915 £305,875. The alternating-current system was in operation in 12 cases and the direct system in 30.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 131442
  Hands employed 118170223
Amount of—    
  Wage paid£17,62723,96930,984
  Horse-powerH.p.6,02916,78033,459
Approximate value of—    
  Land£48,24583,032130,378
  Buildings£51,22286,983151,792
  Machinery and plant£223,961234,666570,305

Full details concerning this industry are not available for 1905-6, but comparisons between 1910-11 and 1915-16 in respect of the items given below show the increasing use that is being made of electricity in the Dominion for various purposes.

 1910-11.1915-16.
Units sold.Revenue. £Units sold.Revenue. £

* Figures for 1910-11 incomplete. The total units sold were returned at 12,419,940.

Street lighting808,16711,4811,574,82722,966
General lighting2,963,96788,3838,257,608174,162
Heating and cooking46,903554632,9646,878
Motive power6,294,56816,52916,313,91589,354
    Totals10,113,605*116,94726,779,314293,360

In 1915-16, 61 are-lamps and 8,384 incandescent lamps were in use; consumers under the “general lighting” heading numbered 22,031, with a total of 654,941 incandescent lamps, and 30 are lamps. “Heating and cooking” consumers numbered 4,485, and 1,490 electric motors of a total of 19,733 h.p. were served.

ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS.

In 1916 the number of electric tramways in operation was 9, 7 of these being municipally owned. These employed 1,954 hands, and had 432 motorcars and 74 trailers in use. The car-miles run during the year were 10,797,384, and the passengers carried totalled 109,538,171. The lines open consisted of 142 miles of single track and 55 miles of double track.

During the year 25,412,079 units were generated, 1,607,965 units being sold for other purposes. The revenue for the year was £750,893, and the expenditure £679,799, including sinking-fund payments, depreciation, interest, &c. Capital outlay to the end of the year amounted to £1,972,424.

LIME AND CEMENT WORKS.

Although fewer works were in operation in 1916 than in 1906 or 1911, a decided increase in number of hands and in value of out at is recorded. This industry, though not yet of large dimensions, shows steady progress.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 20.1716
  Hands employed 280456550
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£34,24953,93465,558
  Horse-powerH.p.1,1753,5866,854
Approximate value of—    
  Land£17,56545,28932,242
  Buildings£23,53943,65054,274
  Machinery and plant£75,642166,675241,237
Value of materials used£36,25180,882113,276
Total value of manufactures£107,675184,686264,667

BRICK, TILE, AND POTTERY WORKS.

These works employed 855 hands in 1916, against 966 in 1911, and the number of building-bricks made decreased from 62,735,239 to 48,383,234 in the quinquennium. There were also firebricks made to the number of 998,090 in 1915, and 877,028 in 1910. The value of bricks of all kinds made in 1910 was £131,594 and in 1915 £118,778. The value of pottery made, including drainpipes, rose from £92,125 to £115,126, while the total value of all the manufactures fell from £235,220 to £233,904. This industry appears to be on the decline.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 1259474
  Hands employed 1,254966855
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£99,246112,328109,449
  Horse-powerH.p.1,4963,0393,263
Approximate value of—    
  Land£96,00197,890107,815
  Buildings£83,367103,501127,286
  Machinery and plant£94,463124,899115,105
Bricks manufactured—    
  CommonNo.69,785,91162,735,23948,383,234
  FireNo.774,281877,028998,090
  Total value£150,200131,594118,778
Value of pottery manufactured£52,19392,125115,126
Total value of all manufactures£216,550235,220233,904

TINWARE-FACTORIES.

Considerable development is observed in respect of this industry. The value of the manufacture rose from £98,587 in 1900 to £127,150 in 1905, to £160,584 in 1910 and to £300,387 in 1915. In 1895 the value of the goods was only £63,723. The number of hands increased from 414 to 475 between 1910 and 1915.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 5465115
  Hands employed 473414475
Amount of wages paid£36,46740,49378,995
Approximate value of—    
  Land£36,79239,07277,568
  Buildings£23,65738,56462,729
  Machinery and plant£19,82120,95352,889
Value of materials used£68,80276,942157,853
Total value of manufactures and repairs£127,150160,584300,387

IRON AND BRASS FOUNDRIES.

Twenty-two works were in operation in 1916, employing 270 hands. No comparison with former years is possible, owing to boilermaking-works having been included in this class up to and including 1911. Figures for the 1916 census are as follows:—

Number of—  
  Works 22
  Hands employed 270
Amount of—  
  Wages paid£40,586
  Horse-powerH.p.684
Approximate value of—  
  Land 25,190
  Buildings£16,699
  Machinery and plant£23,718
Value of materials used or operated on£53,608
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£124,871

ENGINEERING-WORKS.

Here again no proper comparison can be made with preceding census years, on account of an alteration in the classification.

Number of—  
  Works 142
  Hands employed 2,513
Amount of—  
  Wages paid£313,804
  Horse-powerH.p.3,322
Approximate value of—  
  Land£228,808
  Buildings£158,932
  Machinery and plant£280,691
Value of materials used£361,480
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£883,496

Particulars in reference to the Government Railway Workshops are not included, figures for 1915-16 not being obtainable.

PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING ESTABLISHMENTS.

It is necessary to remark previously to considering the figures given that, for the sake of obtaining true comparisons, particulars relating to the Government Printing Office have been omitted. To arrive at the full measure of the printing and bookbinding industry as in 1915-16, 565 hands should be added, with £110,653 value of output.

The number of establishments (other than the Government Printing Office) increased from 241 in 1911 to 266 in 1916, but the number of hands employed decreased from 4,222 to 4,202. Female hands increased from 660 in 1906 to 789 in 1911, and 910 in 1916. The linotypes used in 1911 numbered 216, and the monolines in operation were 26, while in 1916 the number of linotypes returned was 292, and of monolines 13. The value of output increased in the five years from £1,377,926 to £1,697,831.

  1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
Number of works 239241266
Hands employed—    
  MalesNo.3,2383,4333,292
  FemalesNo.660789910
Wages paid—    
  Males£374,872454,812544,627
  Females£25,94035,43447,855
Approximate value of land, buildings, machinery, and plant£920,0221,302,4971,601,078
Value of all manufactures£1,067,8271,377,9261,697,831
Value of materials used£272,857314,763432,712

During 1915, 23,615,551 lb. of paper for newspapers and 4,411,368 lb for job-printing were used, these quantities being nearly double the corresponding totals for 1910 (12,280,789 lb. and 2,331,341 lb. respectively).

AGRICULTURAL-IMPLEMENT FACTORIES.

The total value of all manufactures, including repairs, increased from £222,040 in 1910 to £266,256 in 1915. The number of works decreased from 19 to 16, but the hands employed increased by 110.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 291916
  Hands employed 793646756
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£79,04281,02699,491
  Horse-powerH.p.419426629
Approximate value of—    
  Land£27,87842,91443,173
  Buildings£30,79130,00636,993
  Machinery and plant£36,79845,71160,700
Value of all materials used£91,04381,237108,307
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£199,741222,040266,256

Repairs in 1915 represented only £22,075 of the total shown for value of manufactures, including repairs.

COACHBUILDING.

The value of the manufactures and repairs rose from £396,012 in 1910 to £487,824 in 1915, an increase of £91,812, or at a rate of 23 per cent. The number of works returned in 1916 was 313, as against only 180 in 1911, but it would appear that a large proportion of the factories in 1916 were only small establishments. The number of hands employed actually shows a decrease.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 183180313
  Hands employed 1,4651,4391,393
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£116,204149,806164,01
  Horse-powerH.p.3956571,018
Approximate value of—    
  Land£116,916142,414184,485
  Buildings£97,238127,754132,888
  Machinery and plant£37,56350,80653,985
Value of materials used£122,384156,829186,249
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£294,818396,012487,824

MOTOR AND CYCLE WORKS.

The number of motor and cycle works returned in 1916 was 172, as against only 71 in 1911, the increase being due to the rapid spread of repairing garages throughout the country. The value of manufactures, including repairs, rose from £92,141 for the year 1910 to £189,482 for 1915, or at a rate of 106 per cent. The value of land, buildings, machinery, and plant was also much higher in 1916 than in 1911.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 9771172
  Hands employed 452315649
Amount of wages paid£30,83130,36656,164
Approximate value of—    
  Land£38,02071,266133,464
  Buildings£33,66458,244118,323
  Machinery and plant£11,98215,36732,438
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£75,99192,141189,482

SADDLERY AND HARNESS WORKS.

This industry continues to show steady expansion, though the value of output is still insignificant.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 106117151
  Hands employed 544594587
Amount of wages paid£42,21362,48270,934
Approximate value of—    
  Land£65,03876,91384,431
  Buildings£36,55454,99559,459
  Machinery and plant£7,08211,06612,800
Value of materials used£72,662114,993141,455
Total value of manufactures (including repairs)£140,813220,364259,507

The value of output for 1915-16 was made up as follows: Harness, £81,792; saddles, £44,147; horse-collars, £14,469; other products (including repairs), £119,099.

TANNING, FELLMONGERING, AND WOOL-SCOURING.

Although the number of works decreased from 79 to 59 during the five years 1906-11, the value of manufactures and products was £718,513 more in 1915 than in 1910. Hands employed decreased by 185.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 997959
  Hands employed 1,3361,3721,187
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£102,506136,875146,532
  Horse-powerH.p.9801,9271,890
Approximate value of—    
  Land£48,38646,30564,118
  Buildings£80,380124,894226,526
  Machinery and plant£53,91690,257179,905
Value of materials used£1,261,0261,788,7722,215,417
Total value of manufactures and produce£1,836,3102,036,7702,755,283

Further particulars ascertained in 1911 and 1916 are as follows:—

  1910-11.1915-16.
 Quantity.Value. £Quantity.Value. £ 
Materials operated on—     
  Sheep-skinsNo.4,440,392683,1704,340,8111,080,349
Greasy woollb.19,386,969609,94513,112,883608,272
Hides, pelts, &c.No.2,835,289398,1731,021,786426,428
Bark used—     
  New ZealandTons6264,3834152,214
  OtherTons2,54425,6973,30834,334
Other materials used  67,404 63,820
Output—     
  Scoured and sliped woollb.25,281,9981,159,82025,084,4661,747,946
  PeltsNo.1,155,488105,3051,789,237162,607
  Leatherlb.4,762,803326,4715,681,228503,890
  Basilslb.236,82514,285371,60232,094
  Pickled peltsNo.2,944,360204,3941,298,377135,797
  Other products  226,495 172,949

SHIP AND BOAT BUILDING.

This industry is small but useful, catering mainly for the fishing industry, and most of the output being boats, launches, &c. Only four vessels of over 50 tons were built during 1915-16, as against 8 in 1910-11.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Establishments 302931
  Hands employed 237589402
Amount of wages paid£20,88969,41556,514
Total value of manufactures and repairs£66,572143,019130,870
Number of vessels built 334310237

SAIL, TENT, AND OILSKIN MAKING.

In 1911 there were 34 establishments employing 224 hands, and in 1916 41 establishments and 236 hands. The annual production is still less than £100,000 in value.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 293441
  Hands employed 163224236
Amount of wages paid£11,20518,28720,796
Sails manufacturedNo.4891,505369
Tents and flies manufacturedNo.6,04815,92115,119
Oilskins manufacturedNo.15,92031,77329,779
Horse and cow covers manufacturedNo.11,34515,29221,574
Total value of all manufactures£45,32192,24997,990

FURNITURE-FACTORIES.

In this branch of industrial work a substantial increase took place during the five years' operations. The value of the output, which was £497,681 in 1910, rose to £578,560 in 1915. There were 1,821 hands employed in 1916, being an increase of 132 on the number for 1911.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Factories 172207257
  Hands employed 1,5281,6891,821
Amount of wages paid£134,584178,042273,058
Approximate value of—    
  Land£98,966134,279170,313
  Buildings£99,373138,039154,522
  Machinery and plant£41,03655,36479,018
Value of materials used£157,484215,031253,054
Total value of manufactures£328,185497,681578,560

WOOLLEN-MILLS.

There were 10 woollen-mills in operation in the Dominion in 1915-16, employing 1,897 persons—751 males and 1,146 females. These factories therefore provide more occupation for women and girls than for the male sex

The value of manufactures shown for 1915 is nearly double that for 1910. The increase in value, however, was not accompanied by a correspondingly great increase in quantity, being mainly due to the higher prices ruling.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16
  Works 101010
  Hands employed 1,5491,4101,897
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£105,036137,161187,736
  Horse-powerH.p.1,9452,6413.080
Approximate value of—    
  Land£9,0037,69410,549
  Buildings£110,297100,941161,205
  Machinery and plant£188,459180,454256,230
Scoured wool used—    
  Quantitylb.3,835,0643,092,7774,096,048
  Value£167,291214,387354,688
Output—    
  TweedYards1,300,4711,160,6861,256,847
  FlannelYards1,368,2681,140,7941,353,088
  BlanketsPairs59,57267,201111,452
  Rugs and shawlsNo.23,78049,07325,467
  Yarnlb.259,067260,397183,125
  Total value£397,348377,713717,638

CLOTHING AND WATERPROOF FACTORIES.

This industry employs 3,574 hands, and is therefore of considerable importance in the matter of labour, especially that of the female sex, of whom 3,040 are employed.

The value of all manufactures for the year 1915 was returned at £908,117, and for 1910 £507,125, the increase for the quinquennium being £400,992, or at the rate of 80 per cent. This industry owes part at least of its present prosperity to the demand for uniforms, &c., for troops.

  1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
Number of works 236983
Number of hands employed—    
  Males 375477534
  Females 1,5392,4703,040
Amount of wages paid—    
  Males£38,04552,95772,491
  Females£67,516116,695163,811
Approximate value of—    
  Land£32,98563,03673,241
  Buildings£42,49392,285110,122
  Machinery and plant£15,16339,16035,554
Output—    
  SuitsNo.101,113196,825608,570
  ShirtsDoz.45,23994,249127,426
  Caps and hatsDoz.5,89523,86165,885
  Other garmentsNo.35,265356,190106,236
  Total value£308,943507,125908,117

HOSIERY-FACTORIES.

At the census of 1916 returns were obtained from 10 hosiery-factories, employing 11 males and 116 females, as against 14 factories and 49 male and 478 female hands in 1911. The value of the output amounted to only £62,828, against £140,442 in 1910.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 101410
  Hands employed 374527127
Amount of wages paid£21,96036,7028,879
Approximate value of—    
  Land£4,2484,0773,615
  Buildings£5,51332,0675,455
  Machinery and plant£26,93656,0157,846
Total value of all manufactures£67,588140,44262,828

BOOT AND SHOE FACTORIES.

The total value of all manufactures as brought out is £801,572 for 1915, an increase of £181,699. The volume of output, however, shows a slight decrease during the five years on the figures for 1910. The number of factories in 1916 was considerably more than double that for 1911, due to the inclusion of many small shops employing only two or three hands and not greatly affecting the total value of output.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 7274166
Number of hands employed—    
  Males 1,5181,3591,455
  Females 688713802
Amount of wages paid—    
  Males£142,826154,244192,382
  Females£28,66943,54946,449
Approximate value of—    
  Land£46,40961,60299,614
  Buildings£50,17074,75198,642
  Machinery and plant£57,41290,70496,768
Manufactures— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Boots and shoesPair1,081,6441,324,4771,332,929
  SlippersPair89,37868,04058,560
  Shoe-ettesPair20,00098,64479,997
  UppersPair38,41017,4647,400
  LeggingsPair1,4682,279425
  Total value£501,065619,873801,572

A gratifying feature of the figures for 1915-16 is the increased use that is being made of New Zealand leather, as indicated by the following comparative statement:—

New Zealand leather— 1910-11.1915-16.
  Purchased by measurementFt.1,331,2741,636,882
  Purchased by weightlb.2,267,0602,587,382
  Total value£190,336309,282
  Imported leather—   
  Purchased by measurementFt.1,771,1931,015,869
  Purchased by weightlb.135,298172,354
  Total value£86,85475,456

FLAX-MILLS.

This industry is one of ups and downs. It was in the lowest depths of depression at the time of the census of 1896, only 52 mills being in operation, and the hands employed numbering only 484 men and 163 boys. Returns for 1901 showed a revival in the mills to 101 in operation, with 1,519 men and 179 boys; while in 1906 there were 240 mills, with a total of 4,076 employees. The census returns for 1911, however, showed only 81 mills in operation during April of that year, with 1,244 persons employed thereat. In 1916 the industry was in a comparatively good condition again, as although only 76 mills were in operation, the output, thanks mainly to the higher prices ruling, was valued at £470,774, against £284,399 in 1910-11.

The most important particulars given in the returns are tabulated below:—

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 2408176
  Hands employed 4,0761,2441,257
Amount of—    
  Wages paid£227,646143,895164,260
  Horse-powerH.p.3,0872,5163,316
Approximate value of—    
  Land£192,471236,306307,669
  Buildings£43,75131,19748,426
  Machinery and plant£119,61875,13586,069
Raw material used—    
  QuantityTons199,171126,034155,629
  Value£185,89473,835174,573
Fibre dressed—    
  QuantityTons22,12815,13017,696
  Value£544,070270,530447,909
Tow produced—    
  QuantityTons2,4392,3962,423
  Value£13,73813,86922,865
  Total value of output£557,808284,399470,774

ROPE AND TWINE WORKS.

The number of these works increased from 8 in 1911 to 10 in 1916, and the number of hands employed also increased somewhat. The output shows a considerable increase as regards both quantity and value. As to materials used, phormium comes by far the first, 5,215 tons being utilized in 1915, against only 215 tons of manila.

Number of— 1905-6.1910-11.1915-16.
  Works 10810
  Hands employed 195190235
Materials used—    
  Phormium—    
    QuantityTons1,5685,2675,215
    Value£35,16544,04075,074
  Manila—    
    QuantityTons363558215
    Value£16,52414,46911,642
Total value of all manufactures£100,753104,325161,647

The manufactures in 1915 included 1,749 tons of rope, 1,601 tons of twine, and 248 tons of other products.

Chapter 24. SECTION XXIV.—INDUSTRIAL.

Issues of this book for some few years prior to 1915 contain a schedule of the Acts in force coming within the definition of “labour laws,” together with those statutes now repealed and incorporated in existing laws. Detailed references to the principal labour laws are also given. Considerations of space prevent the repetition of the descriptive letterpress in this issue of the Year-book.

ARBITRATION COURT AND CONCILIATION COUNCILS.

The business dealt with by the Arbitration Court and Conciliation Councils during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, may be summarized as follows:—

 Number of Cases.
Industrial agreements63
Recommendations of Conciliation Councils159
Awards of Arbitration Court168

The following is the number of cases brought before Magistrates during the year ended the 31st March, 1917:—

Cause.Number of Cases.
Enforcement of awards194

Of these 194 cases, 191 were conducted by the Labour Department and 3 by industrial unions.

COUNCILS OF CONCILIATION.

The table following shows the work performed by Commissioners and Councils of Conciliation during the year ended the 31st March, 1917:—

Industrial Disputes dealt with by Conciliation Commissioners and Councils.

Industrial District.Total.
Northern and Taranaki.Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland.Canterbury, and Otago and Southland.
Number of industrial agreements arrived at—    
    Through Councils 123
    Through Commissioners74213
Number of recommendations fully accepted and forwarded to Court to be made into awards224148111
Number of recommendations substantially accepted and forwarded to Court to be made into awards11101132
Number of disputes in which no recommendation was made781631
    Totals476479190

The above table shows that, out of 190 disputes dealt with by them, 159 (or 80 per cent.) were settled or substantially settled by the Commissioners and Councils of Conciliation.

DECISIONS OF ARBITRATION COURT OF SPECIAL INTEREST.

Certain decisions of special interest made by the Arbitration Court during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, are briefly referred to in the following terms in the Annual Report of the Labour Department:—

In April the Court, in a memorandum to the Northern Builders' Labourers' award, laid down the course it intended to adopt in fixing wages to meet the increased cost of living. The Court found that a reasonable living-wage at that time was 1s. 3d. per hour in the case of hourly wages, and at least £2 12s. per week in the case of weekly servants. The necessary increase was given in the form of a war bonus, and the Court recommended that all employers grant a similar bonus of, say, 10 per cent. (Book of Awards, Vol. xvii, p. 130.)

Provision was made in the Christchurch District Painters and Decorators' award for the training of apprentices at a school of art. (Book of Awards, Vol. xvii, p. 944.)

The Court of Appeal, on a case stated by the Court of Arbitration, laid it down in the case of Magner v. Gohns (Book of Awards, Vol. xvii, p. 1006) that the Court of Arbitration has no power to provide in an award for “compulsory unionism.” It is competent for the Court to provide for preference to unionists, but the Court cannot compel any person to join a union.

In the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers' case (Book of Awards, Vol. xvii, p. 1295) the Court laid down the important principle that an industrial union or industrial association may validly consist only of workers engaged in the one industry or in related industries.

INDUSTRIAL UNIONS.

Returns of the number and membership of industrial unions of employers and workers are compiled for the calendar year, and the following table shows the numbers of industrial unions, together with the numbers of members, in the various industrial districts of the Dominion on the 31st December, 1916:—

Industrial District.Employers.Workers.
Unions.Membership.Unions.Membership.
Northern (Auckland)391,2449819,301
Taranaki612513469
Wellington327459327,889
Marlborough1445279
Nelson1107297
Westland444182,848
Canterbury272,458609,287
Otago and Southland318848411,018
    Totals1415,55437871,388

Unions of employers remain the same, but the membership has decreased 164 as compared with last year, while the number of workers' unions has decreased by eleven, and the total membership has increased by 3,727.

The number under each heading on the 31st December of each year from 1907 to 1916 inclusive is shown in the following table:—

NUMBER AND MEMBERSHIP OF UNIONS, 1907-16.

Year.Employers.Workers.
Unions.Membership.Unions.Membership.
19071213,63031045,614
19081223,91832549,347
19091203,70230854,513
19101184,26230857,091
19111184,25130755,629
19121234,41032260,622
19131344,70037271,544
19141495,81940373,991
19151415,71838967,661
19161415,55437871,388

FACTORIES.

The number of registered factories in the Dominion on the 31st March, 1917, was 12,455, employees thereat numbering 78,188. These figures show a decrease on those for the previous year amounting to 759 in the number of factories and 4,823 in the number of workers. The following table shows the number of factories and employees in the Dominion for the past five years:—

Year.Number of Factories.Number of Workers.Year.Number of Factories.Number of Workers.
1912-1313,37586,5981915-1613,21483,011
1913-1413,46987,5171916-1712,45578,188
1914-1513,93788,812   

ACCIDENTS IN FACTORIES.

A table is given showing the number of accidents in factories during the past five years. The increase in the number of accidents in 1916-17, when compared with 1915-16, is attributed to the greater number of inexperienced hands employed.

ACCIDENTS IN FACTORIES, 1912-13—1916-17.

Year.Slight.Moderate.Serious.Fatal.Total.
1912-1383784328961
1913-148791655281,104
1914-15747171463967
1915-168371606531,065
1916-179381448451,171

INDUSTRIAL DISTURBANCES.

During the year there were a number of industrial disturbances of a minor character and a few of somewhat greater magnitude.

Petone Woollen-mills.—Proceedings were taken in this case (referred to in last years issue of this book), with the result that the union was fined £50 and the secretary of the union £10 for instigating an unlawful strike.

S.s. “Maori.”—Proceedings were taken in this case (referred to in last year's issue of this book) against fifteen of the men concerned, who were each fined £2 and costs. An appeal against the judgment of the Magistrate was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration.

Drivers.—The drivers of Auckland, dissatisfied with the minimum rate of wages (£2 16s, and £2 12s.) allowed by the award of the Court of Arbitration, gave notice of their intention to strike, and the trouble very quickly spread throughout the Dominion. A conference, presided over by the Acting Minister of Labour, failed to come to an agreement, and the settlement of the dispute was left to Cabinet, which granted an increase by way of a bonus on the minimum rate of wages fixed by the award.

Waterside Workers.—The waterside workers throughout the Dominion, dissatisfied with their conditions of employment, decided to work no overtime between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. Various other matters were in dispute, but serious developments were averted by an agreement with the employers.

Miners.—The binns-boys engaged at the Blackball Mine demanded increased remuneration for short shifts, and on the demand being refused all the miners ceased work for a short time. Proceedings are now being taken.

Freezing-workers. — The chamber hands at Southdown, Westfield, and Horotiu, failing to agree with their employers for improved conditions of employment, ceased work. As the workers were not bound by an award or industrial agreement under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act the matter was referred by the Acting Minister of Labour to a Labour Disputes Committee under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. The workers agreed to return to work after being out ten days, and also to accept the decision of the Committee as binding. Proceedings were taken against the workers who took part in the strike, and penalties were imposed in a number of cases. Additional interest is lent to this case by the fact that it is the first case arising under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, 1913.

SHOPS AND OFFICES ACT.

A detailed reference to the Shops and Offices Act was made in the 1914 and previous issues of this book. During the year 1916-17 there were 152 prosecutions under the Act. Convictions were obtained in 148 of these.

SCAFFOLDING INSPECTION ACT.

Eight hundred and eighty-eight notices of intention to erect scaffolding were received by the Department of Labour during the year ended the 31st March, 1917. Sixty-seven accidents were reported under the Act. Of this number 8 were fatal, the remaining 59 being of minor character. Eight prosecutions were made under the provisions of the Act, resulting in convictions in each case.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, 37 cases were dealt with under this Act as compared with 52 during the previous year.

FOOTWEAR REGULATION ACT.

The Footwear Regulation Act, 1913, provides that—

No person shall manufacture for sale, or sell, offer, or expose for sale, or have in his possession for sale, any boots or shoes the soles of which consist wholly or partly of leather, or any imitation of leather, or of any material having the appearance of leather, unless

  1. The soles thereof are of leather without admixture or addition other than of materials used for filling spaces, shanks, or rubber outsoles, or, in the case of ladies' fancy or evening footwear, of heels of wood or celluloid; or

  2. A statement of the material or materials composing the soles thereof is conspicuously and legibly stamped upon or impressed into the outer surface of the sole of each boot or shoe.

During 1916-17 Court proceedings were instituted in seven cases of breaches of the above regulations, and in all seven fines were imposed. The sum imposed in fines amounted to £27 5s.

CO-OPERATIVE PUBLIC WORKS.

The co-operative system of carrying out public works as applied to railway and road formation was adopted by the Government in 1891, and is still continued. During the period 1891 to 1912 the principal works of this class undertaken by the State were carried out almost entirely by this means. The system worked very well, but latterly altered conditions and the attitude of a section of the workmen rendered it advisable to reintroduce to some extent the direct contract system, and both systems of carrying out work are now in force.

The co-operative contract system is somewhat as follows: When a length of railway or road is to be constructed on the co-operative principle the formation-work is divided into sections the size of which depends upon the difficulty of the work. Plans and a simple specification of the work are prepared, also an estimate of the cost, based on the rate of wages ruling in the district for similar work. The work, at a price reckoned at so much per unit of quantity or measurement, is offered to a party of men, who, if they accept, become the contractors. The work done by the men is measured periodically, and full payment made to the party, who divide the money amongst themselves according to the time worked by each workman. The engineer in charge of the work has a certain amount of discretion and control in respect of the character of the men employed, the progress of the work, hours of labour, &c.

The constitution of the party is left very much to the men themselves, and they have power, subject to approval of the engineer, to ballot out any member who proves himself undesirable or inefficient. The Department supplies the men with materials, explosives, &c., at cost price.

When the work is let by direct contract tenders are publicly invited, but the sections of work included in each contract are more extensive than under the co-operative system, yet not too large to enable parties of working contractors to tender.

The number of labourers and artisans employed under the co-operative system during each month of the year ended the 31st March, 1917, was as follows:—

MonthRoads.Railways.Other Works.Total.
April,19161,2341,3889423,564
May,19161,1231,3388533,314
June,19161,0771,2537463,076
July,19161,0211,2996422,962
August,19169411,2455632,749
September,19168491,1675922,608
October,19168511,2026442,697
November,19168651,2015712,637
December,19168471,2005832,630
January,19178771,1575152,549
February,19179191,1835032,605
March,19179771,2384732,688

The (monthly) average number of men employed in each year since 1891-92 was as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Roads.Railways, Buildings, &c.Total.
1892261527788
18932808421,122
18949331,0151,948
18951,1039622,065
18961,5727642,336
18971,4598542,313
18981,5528902,442
18991,6131,1942,807
19001,8251,2433,068
19011,8202,0903,910
19021,8942,6734,567
19031,3191,7333,052
19041,4932,3053,798
19051,4072,1193,526
19063,4402,3455,785
19072,3934,6147,007
19082,1323,0005,132
19093,4824,0317,513
19101,7623,9295,691
19111,9203,4505,370
19123,1283,4186,546
19132,7303,0985,828
19141,9641,9443,908
19152,4942,2344,728
19161,8633,3455,208
19179651,8752,840

LABOUR DEPARTMENT.—EMPLOYMENT BRANCHES.

MEN'S BRANCHES.

The total number of men for whom employment has been found by the Department of Labour up to the end of March, 1917, is as given in the following statement, which also shows the number of persons dependent upon the men assisted:—

Year ended 31st March.Men.Dependants.

*10 months only.

1892*2,5934,729
18933,8747,802
18943,3417,942
18953,0308,883
18962,8718,424
18971,7184,719
18982,0354,928
18992,1154,759
19002,1474,471
19013,1245,432
19021,8302,747
19033,7045,934
19042,8603,085
19053,1303,425
19066,7127,351
19077,3934,187
19086,3054,408
190910,3917,510
19108,50610,164
19117,1028,454
19125,7354,233
19135,8485,122
19145,6454,295
19157,5158,342
19165,9788,097
19172,9663,518
 118,468152,961

Of the 118,468 men assisted to 31st March, 1917, 41,881 were married men and 76,587 single men or widowers. Private employment was found for 54,082, while the remaining 64,386 went to works of various kinds for the General Government.

WOMEN'S BRANCHES.

In each of the four chief centres of population—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin—women's employment branches of the Labour Department were established in June, 1908. In January, 1909, a branch was opened at Nelson, and in October, 1910, a branch was established at Masterton. Each branch is in charge of an experienced female officer, and every assistance is given, free of charge, to women seeking employment. During the year ended the 31st March, 1917, work was found for 1,957 women; making a total of 20,205 women assisted since the initiation of the system. In most cases the employment is domestic service.

Chapter 25. SECTION XXV.—STATE AID TO SETTLERS AND WORKERS.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS.

THE Advances to Settlers Office was established by an Act passed in 1894. An administrative officer called the Superintendent was appointed early in the following year, and a Board set up to advise and co-operate with the Superintendent. Advances can be granted only with the consent of the Board.

The capital fund was limited to £3,000,000, which was to be raised within two years after the passing of the Act, at an annual rate of interest not higher than 4 per cent. The first issue of £1,500,000 realized £94 8s. 9d. per £100 stock. The minimum advance was fixed at £25, and the maximum at £2,500, repayable in thirty-six years and a half by half-yearly instalments of 3 per cent, on the amount borrowed.

The legislation has been amended at different times, and is now embodied in the State Advances Act, 1913. It authorizes the borrowing of moneys for the purpose of lending to settlers, workers, and local authorities. Each year there may be borrowed for advances to settlers £1,500,000, to workers £750,000, and to local authorities £1,000,000.

Full information concerning the system of advances is given in the 1914 issue of the Year-book, and more summarized information in the 1915 issue.

From the inception of the scheme of advances to settlers in 1894, applications have been received to the number of 61,097 for loans totalling £24,913,493. The Advances Board authorized loans of £17,358,830 to 46,954 applicants, the total actual payments to 31st March, 1917, being £16,945,010, of which £8,909,196 has been repaid in respect of principal. A table is given showing the business to date and for each of the last ten years.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS, 1907-8 TO 1916-17.

Year ended 31st MarchApplications received.Loans authorized.Amount advanced.Amount repaid.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
  £ £££
19083,1831,668,1352,9551,355,4501,197,416568,655
19094,4712,050,2523,0781,202,9951,493,836559,163
19104,1311,539,1503,2011,038,3401,095,120545,528
19114,9572,122,7493,5711,282,8801,204,310726,714
19125,3552,593,0844,6102,191,3002,174,0851,018,286
19133,1871,164,2252,114749,590850,300693,511
19143,6041,400,2482,390878,855973,005700,253
19153,8701,826,2652,100749,040997,040737,477
19162,507982,8002,022746,630814,555713,177
19171,619660,9751,412515,270588,055643,751
  Totals to 31st March, 191761,09724,913,49346,95417,358,83016,945,0108,909,196

Not all the advances to settlers are made by the Advances to Settlers Branch of the State Advances Office. Part of the business shown in the above table relates to the Public Debt Sinking Funds Branch and the Advances Office Sinking Fund Branch. The advances to settlers authorized by these three branches during 1916-17 are as follows:—

 Advances authorized.
Branch.Number.Amount. £
Advances to Settlers1,125358,730
Public Debt Sinking Funds  
Advances Office Sinking Fund287156,540
      Totals1,412£515,270

The advances authorized in each provincial district during the year, and the total to 31st March, 1917, are next shown:—

Provincial District.Advances authorized, 1916-17.Total Advances authorized to 31st March, 1917.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
  £ £
Auckland639219,13015,6095,332,038
Taranaki7238,0105,1822,405,109
Hawke's Bay5725,3502,271740,770
Wellington302113,14011,0054,319,573
Marlborough2710,0851,220509,855
Nelson206,800856266,995
Westland217,245890231,665
Canterbury14646,5754,4021,482,920
Otago—    
  Otago portion6624,4452,440939,855
  Southland portion6224,4903,0791,130,050
      Totals1,412515,27046,95417,358,830

Dealing now only with the operations of the Advances to Settlers Branch, it is seen that during the year 1916-17 the advances authorized numbered 1,125, representing a total amount of £358,730. The number of borrowers and the sums actually advanced during the year, classified according to amount, were,—

Category.Number of Advances.Amount advanced.
Not exceeding £500921299,735
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £1,00012285,850
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £2,0002943,270
      Totals1,072£428,855

The nature of the security upon which these advances were made was as follows:—

Security.Number of Advances.Amount advanced.
  £
Freehold649242,435
Leasehold418182,990
Freehold and leasehold combined53,430
      Totals1,072£428,855

The advances outstanding, classified according to amount, are as follows:—

Category.Number of Advances.Amount outstanding.
  £
Not exceeding £50015,0813,228,155
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £1,0003,1232,218,225
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £2,0001,3221,819,168
Exceeding £2,000, but not exceeding £3,000193489,575
      Totals19,719£7,755,123

The nature of the security for the total amount of advances outstanding on the 31st March, 1917, was,—

Security.Number of Advances.Amount outstanding.
  £
Freehold12,0665,530,507
Leasehold7,3782,045,963
Freehold and leasehold combined275178,653
      Totals19,719£7,755,123

The average freehold advance is £458, the average leasehold advance £277, and the average of advances secured on both freehold and leasehold combined £650. Corresponding figures for the year ended the 31st March, 1916, are freehold, £465; leasehold, £284; and combined freehold and leasehold, £604.

The number and amounts of current advances on rural and urban and suburban land are,—

 Number.Amount. £
On rural land12,4355,070,414
On urban and suburban land7,2842,684,709
      Totals19,719£7,755,123

The average rural advance is £408, and the average urban and suburban advance is £369.

The gross profits for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, were £51,383, and the cost of management £10,276, being 0.11 per cent., or 2s. 3d. per £100 on the capital employed. The net profits amounted to £40,716.

The liabilities and assets at the 31st March, 1917, of the Settlers Branch of the State Advances Office were,—

Liabilities.
 £s.d.
Sundry loans9,295,942102
Temporary advances from Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch392,00000
Temporary advances from Advances Office Sinking Fund Account155,00000
Advances Suspense Account10,97069
Fire Loss Suspense Account691190
Suspense Account2,83775
Reserve Fund50,00000
Interest payable on loans, accrued but not due48,35454
Interest payable on deposits, accrued but not due7137
Profit and Loss Account384,407121
£10,340,211144
Assets.
 £s.d.
Investment Account less total repayments7,743,035510
Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal12,088110
Total principal owing by mortgagors at 31st March, 19177,755,12378
Mortgage instalments overdue—interest30,15851
Interest on mortgages, accrued but not due85,53826
Temporary advances to Workers Branch250,00000
Temporary Advances to Local Authorities Branch50,00000
Temporary investments1,246,40542
Interest on temporary investments, accrued but not due24,754167
Loan Charges Account32,46987
Insurance Premiums Account43855
Office Furniture and Equipment Account1,28320
Sinking Funds—Public Trustee302,904139
Advances Office Sinking Fund Account401,135133
Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch3,947100
Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 1917156,05354
 £10,340,211144

ADVANCES TO WORKERS.

The total of the advances to workers up to the 31st March, 1917 (including moneys repaid and again advanced), was £3,347,395.

The applications received for loans during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, numbered 734, the aggregate amount required being £266,740. Advances authorized numbered 658, representing a total amount of £210,995. The advances actually granted during the year numbered 605, for an aggregate of £214,965. The tenures upon which these loans were made were,—

Tenure.Number of Loans.Aggregate Amount. £
Freehold594212,310
Leasehold112,655
      Totals605£214,965

The total number of loans and the aggregate amount authorized in each provincial district from the inception of the system to the 31st March, 1917, are as follows:—

Provincial District.Number of Applications.Amount of Advances authorized.
  £
Auckland3,6811,061,680
Taranaki380104,720
Hawke's Bay789225,070
Wellington3,044915,605
Marlborough383110,480
Nelson21853,860
Westland19341,930
Canterbury2,858866,985
Otago—  
  Otago portion900252,450
  Southland portion422110,575
      Totals12,8683,743,355

The total amount advanced to the end of the financial year was £3,347,395, and the net amount outstanding at the same date was £2,650,419, secured upon the following tenures:—

Tenure.Number of Loans outstanding.Aggregate Amount outstanding.
Freehold8,9022,542,115
Leasehold569108,304
      Totals9,471£2,650,419

The following table gives particulars of the transactions for each of the past ten years and the total transactions since the passing of the Government Advances to Workers Act on the 29th October, 1906:—

ADVANCES TO WORKERS, 1907-8 TO 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Applications received.Loans authorized.Amount advanced.Amount repaid.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
  £ £££
19081,150308,6901,072268,430203,9786,312
19091,784472,9891,220307,495298,18418,792
19102,028550,6511,854470,425362,35326,295
19112,125660,8921,521473,530407,76047,925
19122,223750,7721,900612,910543,84078,853
19131,805574,4931,254397,175449,26084,771
19141,599528,2401,200339,200272,86080,933
19151,492462,0651,129337,690313,025110,110
19161,079383,365953297,630275,680115,535
1917734266,740658210,995214,965127,450
Total to 31st March, 191716,1795,001,81712,8683,743,3553,347,395696,976

The financial position of the Advances to Workers Branch of the State Advances Office as on the 31st March, 1917, is shown in the following table:—

ADVANCES TO WORKERS BRANCH: LIABILITIES AND ASSETS, 31st MARCH, 1917.

Liabilities.
 £s.d.
Sundry loans2,496,7041811
Temporary loan from Settlers Branch250,00000
Interest payable on loans, accrued but not due20,3041410
Advances Suspense Account7,32000
Fire Loss Suspense Account83000
Suspense Account1,041100
Reserve Fund, being net profits transferred16,77000
 £2,792,97139
Assets.
Investment Account—£s.d.
  Less total repayments2,643,62262
  Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal6,79712
  Total principal owing by mortgagors at 31st March, 19172,650,41974
Mortgage instalments overdue—interest12,206166
Interest on mortgages, accrued but not due30,68921
Loan Charges Account40,00000
Insurance Premiums Account20025
Sinking Funds—   
  Advances Office Sinking Fund Account41,44628
  Public Trustee2,715179
  Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch1,822100
  Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 191713,47150
 £2,792,97139

ADVANCES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

During the seven years which have elapsed since the system of State advances to local authorities was initiated, 1,311 applications under this head have been received for loans totalling £5,699,349. Loans authorized, 894 in number, have aggregated £2,882,554, of which £2,624,250 has been actually advanced. Repayments to 31st March, 1917, have totalled £163,429, leaving an indebtedness of £2,460,821 in respect of principal moneys. Figures for each of the seven years and to date are as follows:—

ADVANCES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES, 1910-11 TO 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Applications provisionally approved.Loans authorized.Amount advanced.Amount repaid.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
  £ £££
19114293,572,585193947,770405,1951,172
19122571,184,1332271,047,484790,4858,010
191393136,51387181,795494,13520,781
1914167166,1657284,970259,43029,600
191577222,07048254,430237,28529,800
1916170263,858164238,970285,41035,192
1917118154,025103127,135152,31038,874
    Totals to 31st March, 19171,3115,699,3498942,882,5542,624,250163,429

As in the case of advances to settlers, advances to local authorities are made from three distinct sources—viz., the funds of the Advances to Local Authorities Branch of the State Advances Office, the Public Debt Sinking Funds, and the Advances Office Sinking Fund. Of the £152,310 advanced in 1916-17 as shown above, only £25,175 came from the Local Authorities Branch, the Advances Office Sinking Fund contributing £9,900, and the Public Debt Sinking Funds £117,235. Of the amount outstanding at 31st March, the Public Debt Sinking Funds claimed £459,021, and the Advances Office Sinking Fund £44,087.

A statement of the liabilities and assets of the Local Authorities Branch as at the 31st March, 1917, is appended.

Liabilities.£s.d.
Sundry loans2,775,52900
Money received from Treasury in accordance with section 72, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 19133,890180
Temporary loans from Settlers Branch50,00000
Interest on loan - moneys, accrued but not due36,52272
Suspense Account1,1801111
 £2,867,122171
Assets.£s.d.
Investment Account, less total repayments—Local bodies2,125,71862
  Section 70, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 191345,410140
Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal—Local bodies2,057179
  Section 70, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1913111195
  Total balance of principal owing on mortgages2,173,298174
Interest on mortgages—Local bodies—Overdue at 31st March, 19174,88483
  Accrued but not due at 31st March, 191718,981144
  Section 70—Overdue at 31st March, 191732013
  Accrued but not due at 31st March, 191744002
Loan Charges Account39,11350
Temporary investments390,188123
Interest accrued but not due on temporary investments6,94315
Sinking Funds—Public Trustee48,46105
Advances Office Sinking Fund Account84,2601510
Public Debt Sinking Funds Branch4,05200
Profit and Loss Account55,88011 
Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 191740,29899
 £2,867,122171

WORKERS' DWELLINGS.

The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905, made provision for the erection by the State of workers' dwellings on Crown or settlement lands set apart for that purpose. It was laid down that the cost of construction must not exceed £300, and the dwellings were to be disposed of to workers on a weekly tenancy or by way of lease for a period of fifty years, with right of renewal. The rent fixed by the Act was to be at the rate of 5 per cent, on the capital value of the dwellings, plus insurance and rates. Provision was also made for a worker to acquire the freehold of the dwelling in one of three ways—viz., by a cash payment after a twenty-five years lease; by monthly payments over periods of thirty-two or forty-one years; or by taking out a life-insurance policy (with the State Office) covering a term of twenty-five, thirty-two, or forty-one years, the policy-moneys to be paid to the State on maturity.

By an amendment passed shortly after the principal Act certain lands reserved for defence purposes were set aside as sites for workers' dwellings, and the maximum cost of construction was raised to £350 in the case of a wooden dwelling, or £400 for a dwelling of brick, stone, or concrete.

A worker was defined in the Act of 1905 as one who is landless and whose earnings do not exceed £156 per annum. The maximum of annual earnings was increased in 1906 to £200, but in 1910 a new Workers' Dwellings Act was passed which fixed the maximum at £175.

The Act of 1910 contained other important alterations in the law relating to workers' dwellings. The maximum capital value was set down at £600, and a new system of disposal of the dwellings was instituted. Dwellings could be let on a weekly or monthly tenancy at a rental of 6 per cent., plus rates and insurance, or leased for a term of twenty-one years, with right of renewal. In cases where the worker desired to acquire the freehold, he could do so on the instalment system—viz., by weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments for a period of 25 1/2 years, instalments being calculated at 7 per cent. (5 per cent. on account of interest and 2 per cent, on account of principal). An initial deposit of £10 was payable, and the purchaser could reduce the term of 25 1/2 years by at any time paying off the principal the sum of £7 or any multiple thereof.

In 1914 a further amendment was passed for the purpose of facilitating the administration of the Act. In lieu of the Boards formerly constituted in the various land districts, a Central Board has been constituted in Wellington, with District Boards in the various centres where agencies of the Department of Labour are established.

The maximum capital value of a worker's dwelling was by the amendment extended from £600 to £750. This extension has been necessitated mainly by the fact that workers' dwellings are now being erected on rural allotments of about 5 acres, with a maximum unimproved value of land of £250: this allows £500 for the cost of any buildings erected.

Instead of the first instalment of £10 being required when application for a dwelling is made, only £1 is now necessary in the first instance, and the remaining £9 is called for as soon as it is decided to erect a dwelling for the applicant. Provision has also been made, in the case of a concrete or brick dwelling, to extend the period for the repayment of the principal from 25 1/2 to 36 1/2 years.

The number of dwellings erected under the original Act was 126, and up to the 31st March, 1917, 492 had been erected under the Act of 1910, while 11 were in course of construction, making a total of 630, including one dwelling purchased after erection. The following table sets out the information:—

District.Erected under Act of 1905.Erected under Act of 1910.In Course of Erection on 31st March, 1917.Total.
To 31st March, 1916.During Year ended 31st March, 1917.

* Including one dwelling purchased after erection.

Auckland3583  118
Wellington405320* 113*
Christchurch312710 68
Dunedin2065 31
Frankton Junction 63 9
Whakatane  3 3
Ngaruawahia 6  6
Tauranga 6  6
Te Puke 7  7
Te Awamutu   66
Tolaga Bay 8  8
Gisborne 14  14
Napier 61 7
Hastings 86 14
Patea 10  10
Hawera 4 59
Manaia 2  2
Wanganui 19  19
Marton  4 4
Palmerston North 125 17
Masterton (town) 12  12
Masterton (rural) 112 13
Carterton (2 rural)  5 5
Picton 5  5
Blenheim (rural) 5  5
Nelson 62 8
Westport 12  12
Greymouth 14  14
Ashburton 6  6
Temuka 9  9
Timaru 19  19
Fairlie (rural) 7  7
Willowbridge (rural) 13  13
Waimate 6  6
Oamaru 9  9
Invercargill 16  16
    Totals12642766*11630*

The whole of the 126 dwellings erected under the 1905 Act were leased or let after their erection to applicants for same, but most of these have since the passing of the 1910 Act been disposed of under the instalment-purchase system provided in the latter Act. The whole of the dwellings erected under the 1910 Act were built for applicant purchasers.

The number of workers' dwellings erected during the year 1916 was 65. Of this number 37 were in course of erection on the 31st March, 1916. Owing to the largely increased cost of building-material and the difficulty experienced in obtaining tenders at a reasonable figure, it was found necessary to considerably curtail the programme laid clown at the beginning of the year; in many instances the tenders received were so high as to be quite prohibitive, and it was deemed unwise in the interests of the applicants themselves to accept them and erect the dwellings. Whereas two or three years ago a four-roomed dwelling in wood cost about £360 and a five-roomed dwelling about £450, the cost of similar houses at the present time would be about £460 and £560 respectively; consequently only 28 dwellings were erected instead of 100, as arranged for in the original programme. Since the 31st March, 1917 (in addition to 11 houses in course of erection at that date), arrangements have been made for the erection of 12 more dwellings, 3 at Petone, 3 at Masterton, 4 at New Plymouth, and 2 at Patea.

The total instalments payable during the year ended 31st March, 1917, were £21,822. The total amount received from tenants during the year, including arrears, was £22,060, arrears outstanding at the end of March totalling £1,014, a reduction of £238 during the year. A considerable part of the arrears is usually paid off early in April.

Chapter 26. SECTION XXVI.—PENSIONS, SUPERANNUATION, ETC.

OLD-AGE PENSIONS.

The law relating to old-age, military, and widows' pensions is contained in the Pensions Act, 1913, a consolidation of previous enactments, and in the Pensions Amendment Act, 1914. The history of legislation dealing with old-age pensions is given in previous issues of this book.

The qualifications for the old-age pension are briefly as follows:—

  1. The applicant, if a male, must have reached the age of sixty-five, or, if a female, must have reached the age of sixty.

    NOTE.—The pension age has been reduced to fifty-five for women and to sixty for men where the applicant is the parent of two or more children under fourteen years of age for the maintenance of whom he (or she) is responsible. The pension payable in such cases may be any sum up to £13 per annum, in addition to the ordinary pension payable as set out hereunder.

  2. The applicant must have resided continuously in Now Zealand for the past twenty-five years.

    NOTE.—Continuous residence is not interrupted by absences not exceeding two years. An additional six months' period of absence is allowed for every additional year's residence in excess of the twenty-five years immediately preceding the date of application, provided that the applicant has resided in New Zealand during the twelve months immediately preceding the said date of application. In the case of a seaman continuous residence is not interrupted by absences on board a ship registered in New Zealand, provided the applicant establishes the fact that his homo is in New Zealand.

  3. The applicant must not during the past twelve years have been imprisoned for four months or on four occasions for an offence punishable by twelve months' imprisonment.

  4. The applicant must not during the past twenty-five years have been imprisoned for five years for any offence.

  5. The applicant must not during the past twelve years have deserted his wife (or husband as the case may be) and children.

  6. The applicant must have lived a sober and reputable life during the past year.

  7. The yearly income of the applicant, if single, must not reach £60, and, if married, £100.

  8. The net value of accumulated property must not be £260 or over.

  9. The applicant must not have deprived himself or herself of property or income to qualify for a pension.

All residents of New Zealand who fulfil the necessary conditions are eligible for the old-age pension, with the exception of—

  1. Maoris who receive votes other than pensions out of the grant appropriated by the Civil List Act, 1908.

  2. Aliens.

  3. Naturalized subjects who have not been naturalized one year.

  4. Chinese or other Asiatics, whether naturalized or not, and whether British subjects by birth or not.

The term “ alien” is deemed not to include a woman who ceased to be a British subject by reason of marriage with an alien who is since deceased, or from whom she is legally separated.

All applications for pensions are referred to a Stipendiary Magistrate for determination. The Magistrate, who is required to hear each case in chambers, has power to dispense with the personal attendance of the applicant if he is satisfied that the documentary evidence in support of the claim is sufficient to establish it.

The Magistrate intimates his decision to the Commissioner of Pensions, who, if the pension is allowed, issues a pension-certificate for the amount granted, without which no payment can be made.

The term of a pension is for twelve months only, and an application for renewal is required to be made each year. The first of twelve monthly instalments is paid on the first day of the month following the granting of the pension by the Magistrate. Payment is made through the Post Office.

The original Act of 1898 provided for a pension of £18 per annum, or 6s. 11d. per week. This amount was, however, increased to £26 per annum (i.e., 10s. a week or £2 3s. 4d. a month) by the Amendment Act of 1905.

The full pension of £26 is reducible by—

  1. £1 for every complete £1 of income over £34.

  2. £1 for every complete £10 of net accumulated property.

  3. £1 for every year or part of a year by which the age of the applicant is less than sixty-five years.

The income of a married applicant for pension purposes is considered to be half of the joint incomes of husband and wife. The joint incomes of a married couple must not exceed, with pension added, the sum of £100.

Income includes free board and lodging up to £26 per annum, but does not include—

  1. Sick allowance or funeral benefits paid by a friendly society.

  2. Relief by way of charity, or gifts from relatives, up to £52 in any year.

  3. Pensions granted under the War Pensions Act, 1915.

  4. Capital expended for the benefit of the applicant, or the wife or husband of the applicant.

  5. Property received on the intestacy, or under the will, of a deceased husband or wife.

The income chargeable is that received during the twelve months preceding the date of application, the Magistrate having power to exempt all personal earnings earned at a rate not exceeding £2 a week, provided it is shown to his satisfaction that owing to loss of employment or any other cause such earnings have ceased.

Net accumulated property is the capital value of all real and personal property owned by an applicant, other than life-assurance policies and annuities, or other life interests in the capital sum of which the applicant has no interest beyond the income derived therefrom, less the following deductions:—

  1. The amount of mortgage existing on the property.

  2. £340 from the home, including furniture and personal effects.

  3. £50 from any other property.

The net accumulated property of a husband or wife for pension purposes is half of the total net accumulated properties of both.

The pension is not affected by any increase in the value of property used exclusively as a home, which is taken at the valuation obtaining at the date of the original grant of the pension.

Provision is made for including transferred property, or property disposed of by will by the husband or wife of an applicant, in the computation of the pension.

To ascertain whether a pensioner is entitled to a renewal of his pension he is required each year, shortly before the expiry of the certificate held by him, to furnish a statement of his income during the past year and also of his property. On receipt of this statement the Registrar proceeds to verify the contents, and then submits it to the Magistrate, who investigates it in the same manner as an original claim, the pensioner being required to attend at the discretion of the Magistrate. The decision of the Magistrate is notified to the Commissioner, who issues a fresh. pension-certificate for the amount for which the pension is renewed, and authorizes payment for another twelve months.

If a person is physically unfit to draw his pension in person he may apply to the Commissioner to have an agent appointed to collect instalments. Any authority issued to such an agent holds good only for the pension-certificate for any one year, but it may be renewed each year when the pension itself is renewed.

A pension granted to a person maintained in a charitable institution is paid to the governing body of the institution on production of an authority signed by the local Registrar. A fresh authority is required each month in cases of this nature.

When any person to whom a pension has already been granted is committed to a mental hospital, the instalments of such pension are payable to the superintendent of the institution. An inmate of a mental hospital, however, cannot lodge an original claim for a pension.

The pension, being for the personal support of the pensioner, is absolutely inalienable, whether by way of assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy, or otherwise howsoever.

No payment is made of an instalment which falls due while a pensioner is in gaol or out of New Zealand.

On the death of a pensioner the portion of the instalment accruing to date of death, together with any unpaid instalment then payable, may be paid if applied to defray funeral expenses, or, in the case of a pensioner in a charitable institution, towards cost of maintenance.

If the Commissioner has reason to believe that any pension has been improperly obtained he may suspend payment and cause an inquiry to be held before a Magistrate, who has full power to act.

If during the currency of a pension-certificate a pensioner, or the wife or husband of a pensioner, becomes possessed of property or income in excess of the amount allowed by law, the Commissioner may apply to the Magistrate to have the pension cancelled or varied. A Magistrate has power on his own initiative to review any previous decision and to cancel or amend any pension-certificate.

Any person who by a wilfully false statement obtains or attempts to obtain a pension to which he is not entitled is liable to six months' imprisonment, or to a fine of £50, as also is any person who aids or abets such person.

It is an offence to receive money in consideration of the procuring of a pension for any person; and it is also an offence to refuse to answer any question concerning an applicant or any statement contained in an application, the penalty being a fine not exceeding £10 in each case.

Where it has been found that a pensioner has been overpaid, and the Magistrate is of opinion that such overpayment was obtained by fraud, the pensioner is liable, in addition to imprisonment, to a penalty of double the amount paid in excess.

If on the death of a pensioner, or the wife or husband of a pensioner, it is found that either of them was possessed of property in excess of the amount allowed by law in respect to the amount of pension granted, double the amount of pension so overpaid may be recovered from the estate.

If a pensioner i convicted of drunkenness or of any offence punishable by imprisonment for one month or more, or misspends, wastes, or lessens his estate, the Commissioner is empowered to pay the instalments of pension to an agent for the benefit of the pensioner, or to suspend the pension for such period as he deems fit.

Any person otherwise qualified to receive a pension who owns property on which he resides, and which does not permit of the granting of a full pension, may qualify for the full pension by transferring the said property to the Public Trustee. The pensioner is permitted to reside on the property rent-free during his lifetime, but he must pay all rates and charges thereon. If a husband and wife, both being pensioners, are living together, and one dies, the survivor is permitted to continue to reside on the property. On the death of both pensioner and survivor, or where the pensioner is no longer entitled to a pension, the Public Trustee shall sell the property, and, after deducting from the proceeds of the sale the amount of pension paid as a consequence of the transfer of the property, together with his commission and interest at the rate of 4 per cent., shall pay the balance to the person or persons entitled thereto. Provision is made for a pensioner, or survivor, or next-of-kin paying such amounts as aforesaid at any time, with a view to obtaining a retransfer of the property and obviating a sale.

The number of old-age pensions in force on the 31st March, 1917, was 19,697, a decrease of 107 on the figure for the previous year. The annual liability was £480,559, being an average of £24 8s. per pension. The total payment in respect of old-age pensions during the year was £480.230. The number in force at the end of each year since the institution of the system, the total amount paid during each year, and the annual cost per head of population are as follows:—

At 31st March,Pensioners.Amount.Cost per Head of Population.
  £s.d.
18997,4433,12401
190011,285157,34241
190112,405197,29251
190212,776207,46853
190312,481210,14052
190411,926203,164410
190511,770195,47546
190612,582254,36758
190713,257314,184610
190813,569325,199611
190914,396336,760611
191015,320362,49674
191116,020383,39377
191216,649406,256710
191316,509415,761710
191418,050416,77677
191519,352460,81485
101619,804479,33989
191719,697480,23089

The total payments to the 31st March, 1917, aggregated £5,809,580.

WIDOWS' PENSIONS.

The Widows' Pensions Act, 1911, came into operation on the 1st January, 1912. The scope of this Act was widened by an Amendment Act passed in 1912, further amendments being embodied in the Act of 1913 consolidating the law relating to old-age, widows', and military pensions.

Applicants for widows' pensions must be British subjects of good character, and applications require to be lodged with the local Registrar of Pensions, and to be investigated by a Magistrate, who alone has power to grant pensions. The term “widow” includes a woman whose husband is detained in a mental hospital.

The maximum pension payable is £12 per annum to a widow with one child under fourteen years of age, with £6 per annum added for each additional child under fourteen. The term “child” includes a stepchild or a child legally adopted during the lifetime of the husband of the applicant.

For children born before the arrival of their parents in New Zealand ten years' residence is required. A child born out of New Zealand during the temporary absence of its mother, however, is not debarred from the benefits of the Act.

The foregoing rates of pension are subject to a deduction of £1 for every £1 of the annual income of the widow and her children under fourteen in excess of £30. Such annual income, however, does not include personal earnings which do not exceed £100.

Property which produces no income, or an income of less than 5 per cent, of its value, is deemed to produce an income of at least 5 per cent. of such value, and such amount is included in the computation of the annual income.

Property does not include furniture and personal effects, nor property used as a home up to £340 in value. The pension is not affected by any increase in the valuation of the home, which is charged at the valuation obtaining at the date of the original granting of the pension.

The Act does not apply to aliens, or to Chinese or other Asiatics. Similarly to old-age pensions, all payments are made through the Post Office. In practically every other respect the same conditions as apply to an old-age pension apply to a widow's pension.

Provision is also made for continuance of the pension, after the death of a widow, to the guardian of her children.

The number of pensions in force under this head on the 31st March, 1917, was 2,024 the annual value of these being £39,386. The gross payments during the year were £38,016.

The figures for each year since the institution of the system of widows' pensions are as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Number at End of Year.Annual Value. £Annual Payments. £

* Two months.

191278814,8631,963*
19131,31324,76822,114
19141,54029,32027,077
19151,78834,97531,619
19161,89037,04236,357
19172,02439,38638,016

MILITARY PENSIONS (MAORI WAR).

The Military Pensions Act, 1912, was enacted to provide for payment of an annual pension of £36 to veterans of the Maori War who have been awarded the New Zealand War Medal for active service in such war. This Act is now embodied in the Pensions Act of 1913 above referred to, which consolidates the law relating to old-age, widows', and military pensions.

The qualifications of an applicant for this pension are as follows:—

  1. He must have resided in New Zealand for the ten years immediately preceding the date of his application.

  2. He must not have been imprisoned during the same period for any offence punishable by imprisonment for two years.

  3. He must not during the same period have deserted or failed to provide for his wife and children.

  4. He must be of good character and sober habits.

Unlike the old-age and widows' pensions, which require to be determined by a Stipendiary Magistrate, the military pension is obtained by applying direct to the Commissioner of Pensions at Wellington.

The number of pensions in force on the 31st March, 1917, was 1,232, representing an annual value of £44,352, The payments on account of military pensions during the year aggregated £45,674. The figures for each year since the Act of 1912 came into force are,—

Year ended 31st March.Number at End of Year.Annual Value. £Annual Payments. £
191356819,0263,681
19141,24044,64029,447
19151,38849,96847,616
19161,32347,62348,273
19171,23244,35245,674

WAR PENSIONS.

The War Pensions Act, 1915, amended in 1916 and 1917, provides for the payment of pensions on the conditions hereinafter set out:—

  1. To disabled members of the New Zealand Forces.

  2. To dependants of disabled, deceased, or missing members of the New Zealand Forces.

“Member of the Forces” may include—

  1. A member of any New Zealand Expeditionary Force raised for service beyond New Zealand in the present war.

  2. A member of any New Zealand Naval Force raised for service beyond New Zealand in the present war.

  3. A member of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service who, while domiciled in New Zealand, has served beyond New Zealand in the present war and was in the pay of the New Zealand Government.

  4. A member of the New Zealand Defence or Naval Forces temporarily attached to any other portion of His Majesty's Forces who has served beyond New Zealand in the present war and was in receipt of pay from the Imperial Government.

  5. Any person, not being a member of any New Zealand Expeditionary or Naval Force, who, while domiciled in New Zealand, has served beyond New Zealand in the present war and was in receipt of pay from the New Zealand Government.

  6. Any person, not being a member of any New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who has been engaged on active military service in any capacity in New Zealand in connection with the present war.

A “dependant” may be wife, child, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather, stepmother, grandchild, brother, sister, or mother-in-law, and, except wife or child, must have been wholly or in part dependent upon a member of the Forces at any time during the twelve months immediately preceding the date on which the said member joined the Forces.

A “dependant” may, however, include a father or mother who was not actually dependent during the said twelve months, but is without adequate means of support.

A “child” means a person under the age of sixteen years, being a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or illegitimate child of a member of the Forces, or a child legally adopted by such member before he became a member of the Forces.

The death or disablement of any member of the Forces must be due to wounds, injuries, or disease contracted in the course of employment on military service in connection with the present war.

Death or disablement may have taken place in New Zealand or after departure from New Zealand.

The pension may, however, be refused to a disabled applicant if any wilful misconduct contributed to the disablement.

Forms of application, which may be obtained direct from the Commissioner of Pensions at Wellington, or from any Registrar of Pensions, must be lodged, when completed, with the Registrar of Pensions in the district in which the applicant resides. It is important that this requirement be attended to, as otherwise the claim is likely to be delayed.

There are three forms of application—one for a disabled member, one for the wife of a disabled soldier or the widow of a deceased soldier, and one for any other dependant.

Claims should be lodged by disabled members of the Forces and their wives within six months after the termination of appointment or date of discharge, and, in the case of death, by any dependant within six months after the date of the notification of such death.

All claims are forwarded to the Commissioner of Pensions at Wellington and recorded by him.

Where the applicant is the wife of a Native member of the Forces, married according to Maori custom, a certificate relating to such marriage must be supplied by a Judge, Commissioner, or Registrar of the Native Land Court. This should, if possible, be sent in with the application.

The amount of pension payable is determined by the War Pensions Board, located in Wellington

In deciding any claim by a disabled soldier the Board is required to take into account only the extent to which the applicant is incapacitated. The receipt of income or the possession of any property is not a test of eligibility for pension.

The Board may, when satisfied that a disabled member requires the services of an attendant, increase the pension by £1 a week.

In regard to claims by dependants, the Board is required to inquire into the property and income from all sources of the applicant.

In the case of disablement the pension dates from the termination of the appointment or from the date of discharge, or, if the claim is not lodged within the time allowed by law, from such date as the Board may decide.

In the case of death the pension dates from the date of death, and, where a member is missing, from the date on which he was so reported, unless the claim has not been lodged in accordance with law, when the Board may decide upon any other date. Where an allotment of pay has been continued to the applicant after date of casualty, the pension dates from the date to which such allotment has been paid.

Should a missing member eventually be reported as living, power is given to withdraw the pension, and, if necessary, to adjust matters by deduction from the accumulated pay of the member.

Should the circumstances of any pensioner or applicant for pension alter, the Board may review its determination, except that the permanent pension granted to a soldier for disablement cannot be reduced on account of any change in earning capacity.

Any pension may be cancelled by the Board on the conviction of the pensioner for any offence punishable by imprisonment for three months or upwards. The Act provides for a fine of £100 or twelve months' imprisonment for attempted fraud.

The applicant is informed of the Board's decision by the Commissioner of Pensions.

Where the wife or children are receiving pensions, any other dependant (such as father or mother) may not receive more than three-fourths of the amount payable to the wife.

Where there is no wife or child, any other dependant may receive the full amount payable to a wife, but not more than the actual amount received during the year preceding the date on which the disabled, deceased, or missing member joined the Forces.

The pension payable to a widowed mother of a deceased or disabled soldier who was her sole support is the same as that payable to the widow or wife of the soldier.

Power is given to the Board to grant a pension to any person not necessarily a relative who satisfies the Board that material loss has been sustained by the death or disablement of a soldier, and who has not adequate means of support.

To a disabled member of the Forces the maximum amount of pension payable ranges from £2 a week for a private to £3 5s. a week for a general; to the wife of a disabled member of the Forces, from £1 a week for the wife of a private to £1 12s. 6d. a week for the wife of a general; to the widow of a deceased or missing member, from £1 10s. a week in the case of a private to £3 10s. a week in the case of a general, with an additional 10s. a week if there are children in receipt of a pension.

The maximum for any child under sixteen years of age, whether in respect of death or disablement, is 10s. a week. The Board may continue the pension to a female child until the age of seventeen years, and to any infirm child for a longer period. An orphan child may be granted a pension of 15s. a week.

A pension granted to the widow of a soldier ceases on her remarriage, as also does the pension of any female dependant; but the Board may grant to the widow in that event any amount up to two years' pension as a gratuity.

Capitalized sums in lieu of pensions may be granted at the discretion of the Board.

Power is given under the Act to the Minister to continue voluntary allotments of pay after the date on which the member of the Forces dies, or is reported missing, until such time as the Board determines the rights of the person receiving such pay to a pension.

The wife and children may receive a pension payable in respect of the death of a member of the Forces at any time within seven years of the receipt of any wounds or injury, or the commencement of disease.

When a pension is granted a pension-certificate is issued to the applicant, which must be produced before payment can be made by the paying-officer.

Pensions are paid by monthly instalments at the post-office nearest to the residence of the pensioner, and on the first of the month.

Instalments may be collected on any day between the twenty-third of month preceding the due date and the first of the month following the due date. If not so collected, and the authority has been returned by the Post Office; application may be made for the amount to the local Registrar of Pensions or Postmaster, or to the Commissioner at Wellington.

If a pensioner is unable to collect the instalments in person on account of disablement, age, or infirmity, an agent may be appointed on application being made direct to the Commissioner or through the local Registrar or Postmaster.

Pensions may be granted and paid to a member of the Forces, or to the father, mother, wife, or children of any such member, but not to any other dependant while resident outside of New Zealand.

Special provisions embodied in the 1917 Amendment Act are as follows:—

If the War Pensions Board is satisfied that the amount of pension paid to a disabled member of the Forces, together with any pension paid to his wife, children, or other dependants, and the average amount of which he is deemed to be capable of earning is not sufficient to enable the member to live according to the standard of comfort enjoyed before the war, the Board may grant a supplementary pension up to £1 a week, provided that the total pension payable in respect of his disablement shall not exceed £5 a week.

If for the purpose of undergoing medical treatment a partially disabled soldier in receipt of pension is required to live away from home, the War Pensions Board may increase the pensions payable to himself and his dependants to the maximum pensions payable for total disablement or to the amount which would be payable under the preceding paragraph, which-ever is the greater.

If a partially disabled soldier in receipt of pension is in regular employment and it is necessary that he should continue to receive medical treatment, the War Pensions Board may grant him a special allowance not exceeding £1 a week in consideration of any loss of wages and any expense that he may be put to in connection with such treatment.

If the War Pensions Board is satisfied that the amount receivable by the widow of a member of the Forces and her children is not sufficient to enable them to maintain themselves in accordance with the standard of comfort enjoyed before the war, the Board may grant a supplementary pension not exceeding 15s. a week, provided that the total amount payable does not exceed £4 a week.

Where a bona fide resident of New Zealand, who was a member of His Majesty's Naval or Military Reserve Forces or enlisted in New Zealand for service in the Imperial Forces, is in receipt of a war pension from the Imperial Government which is not equal to the pension payable under the New Zealand Acts, the War Pensions Board may increase such pension to the amount that would be payable if the said resident was a member of the New Zealand Forces. Similarly, the pension payable to any dependant of such soldier may be increased up to the level of the New Zealand rates.

The wife of a soldier married within two years after her husbands discharge from the Forces is entitled to claim a pension in the case of total disablement or of partial disablement where the soldier is incapacitated for full employment. Marriages outside of New Zealand are not recognized after disablement without proof of engagement before the husband's departure from New Zealand.

The pensions payable are set out in detail in the following schedules:—

RATES OF PENSION IN CASE OF DEATH.

Rank or Rating.Weekly Pension.
To the Wife without Children.To Wife with Children.To each Child.
Private, bombardier, lance-corporal, trooper, gunner, driver, sapper, trumpeter, bugler£s.d.£s.d.s.
Able seaman and equivalent ratings110020010
Corporal111021010
Farrier, shoeing-smith, saddler, or fitter (If bombardier, lance-corporal, gunner, or private)
Lance-sergeant (not paid as such)
Leading seaman and equivalent ratings
Sergeant, farrier-corporal, shoeing-smith corporal, saddler-corporal, corporal-fitter, farrier-sergeant, saddler-sergeant, armourer-sergeant, sergeant-fitter112022010
Lance-sergeant (paid as such)
Petty officer and equivalent ratings
Squadron, battery, or company sergeant-major, quartermaster-sergeant, colour-sergeant, staff sergeant, pay-clerk114024010
Chief petty officer and equivalent ratings
Regimental sergeant-major, regimental quartermaster-sergeant115025*010
Warrant officer and equivalent ranks (Navy)
2nd lieutenant, lieutenant (Army)250215010
Commissioned warrant officer and equivalent ranks; sub-lieutenant and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Captain (Army)210030010
Lieutenant under eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Major217037010
Lieutenant of eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Lieutenant-colonel360316010
Captain under three years' seniority and equivalent ranks; commanders and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Colonel380318010
Captain of three years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Brigadier-general, major-general310040010
Commodores, first and second class; rear-admiral and other equivalent ranks
Rank or Rating.Maximum Weekly Pension.
To the Member.To the Wife.To each child.
Private, bombardier, lance - corporal, trooper, gunner, driver, sapper, trumpeter, bugler£
2
s.
0
d.
0
£
1
s.
0
d
0
s.
10
Able seaman and equivalent ratings
Corporal20010010
Farrier, shoeing-smith, saddler, or fitter (If bombardier, lance-corporal, gunner, or private)
Lance-sergeant (not paid as such)
Leading seaman and equivalent ratings
Sergeant, farrier-corporal, shoeing-smith corporal, saddler-corporal, corporal-fitter, farrier-sergeant, saddler-sergeant, armourer-sergeant, sergeant-fitter20010010
Lance-sergeant (paid as such)
Petty officer and equivalent ratings
Squadron, battery, or company sergeant-major, quartermaster-sergeant, colour-sergeant, staff sergeant, pay-clerk20010010
Chief petty officer and equivalent ratings
Regimental sergeant-major, regimental quartermaster-sergeant20010010
Warrant officer and equivalent ranks (Navy)
2nd lieutenant, lieutenant (Army)22611310
Commissioned warrant officer and equivalent ranks; sub-lieutenant and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Captain (Army)25012610
Lieutenant under eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Major212016010
Lieutenant of eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Lieutenant-colonel310110610
Captain under three years' seniority and equivalent ranks; superiors (Navy)
Colonel330111610
Captain of three years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Brigadier-general, major-general350112610
Commodores, first and second class; rear-admiral and other equivalent ranks

The gross annual value of all pensions granted to 31st March, 1917, amounted to £342,195, representing an average annual pension of £52. Of the total annual value, temporary pensions to soldiers amounted to £185,420. Permanent soldiers' pensions represented an annual value of £53,087.

Details for the years ended 31st March, 1916 and 1917, are shown in the following table:—

Class of Pension.Totals to 31st March, 1916.Totals to 31st March, 1917.
Number.Annual Value.Average Pension.Number.Annual Value.Average Pension.

* Including the pensions of 186 children.

† Including the pension of 686 children.

‡ Including the pensions of 332 children.

  £££££
Soldiers (permanent and upwards of twelve months27414,314521,00353,08752
Widows11810,563*8943442,916†98
Other dependants46013,813301,64147,87229
Soldiers (temporary)36217,798493,194185,42058
Dependants (temporary)   25812,900‡50
      Totals1,21456,488466,530342,19552

Taking the 1.018 children into account, the average annual pension would be reduced from £52 to £45.

Information as to all claims lodged, and the result of such claims, is given in the following table:—

Result of Claim.To 31st March, 1916.To 31st March, 1917.
Soldiers.Dependants.Soldiers.Dependants.
Pensions granted (permanent and upwards of twelve months)2745781,0032,075
Temporary pensions granted352103,194258
Claims declined8446437250
Claims on hand8847122115
      Totals7986814,7562,698

Information as to number and rate of war pensions in force at 31st March, 1917, is given in the following table:—

TABLE SHOWING: THE NUMBER OF WAR PENSIONS IN FORCE AT EACH RATE ON 31ST MARCH, 1917.

Rate (nearest £1).Soldiers (Permanent and upwards of Twelve Months).Soldiers (Temporary).Wives and Parents on Account of Disablement.On Account of Death.
Widows (including Children's Pensions).Parents and other Dependants.
£     
252   1 
232-234   3 
221   2 
211-217   2 
201   1 
195-197     
132-184   6 
174-178   7 
162-169   5 
153-156   12 
143-149   20 
130-136   15 
123-128   35 
11721251
114   4 
110 2   
109   3 
106   5 
104112553 
97 1013 
94   2 
91702595  
89   10 
87   12 
84  10622
78125321454
75   3 
71 222 
70   22 
67   6 
6555126158516
58  1 5
52 27670520297
48   11
452326 9
3910316011 187
38    187
37    1
34    1
32417 16
30    3
2618247555 1,211
24  1  
202   11
19852 65
18    5
15    3
131112 19
12 and under2   9
  Totals8452,0831744001,667

SUPERANNUATION FUNDS.

The question of providing pensions for the public and semi-public servants of the Dominion on their retirement has received a good deal of attention in recent years. The schemes now in force embrace the State Railways (1903), Public Service (1908) including Police (1899), and Teachers (1906), while the various local bodies are empowered to establish schemes under the Local Authorities Superannuation Act, 1908.

PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION FUND.

The Public Service Superannuation Act, 1907, now embodied in the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Act, 1908, which with its amendments includes all branches of the Public Service except the Railway Department and so much of the Education Department as is included in Part IX of the Education Act, 1908 (mainly Inspectors and teachers of public schools), came into force on the 1st January, 1908. The scheme, although optional on the part of public servants permanently employed at that date, is compulsory on all persons appointed thereafter.

The principal benefits are—

  1. A pension for every year of service equal to one-sixtieth of the average annual salary for the last three years, payable (a) after forty years' service, or (b) at age sixty-five, or (c) on retirement owing to ill health. The maximum pension is not to exceed two-thirds of the salary, or, in the case of entrants after the 24th December, 1909, £300 per annum.

  2. A pension of *18£ per annum to the widow of a contributor or pensioner during widowhood, and £13 per annum for each child under the age of fourteen.

Females may. retire after thirty years' service or at the age of fifty-five, while the retiring age may be reduced in certain cases for both males and females. Special pensions may be given in the case of a member of the Police Force for injuries received on duty.

The contributions vary with the age on joining the fund: For ages under thirty they are 5 per cent. of the salary; ages thirty and under thirty-five, 6 per cent.; thirty-five and under forty, 7 per cent.; forty and under forty-five, 8 per cent.; forty-five and under fifty, 9 per cent.; fifty and over, 10 per cent.

On the 31st December, 1916, there were 13,313 contributors paying £141,844 per annum into the fund. The pensioners at the same date numbered 1,233, and were entitled to £88,392 per annum, made up as follows:—

 Number.Pension.
Retired for age or length of service59171,225
Retired for ill health1158,705
Police injured on duty4413
Widows2504,500
Children2733,549
 1,233£88,392

The following table contains particulars of the public servants who were contributing to the fund at the end of the year 1916, grouped according to their respective rates of contribution:—

Rate per Cent. of Contribution as provided by the Act.Number.Annual Salary.Annual Contributions.
Male.Female.Total.
    ££
57,7631,0768,8391,210,46360,523
61,3701531,523325,56719,534
71,009971,106257,21318,005
871179790199,97815,998
955934593165,36114,883
1043824462129,0912,901
    Totals11,8501,46313,3132,287,591141,844

The revenue and expenditure for the year ended 31st December, 1916, were as follows:—

Revenue.£
Amount of fund at beginning of year775,953
Members' contributions— 
  Under section 29 (ordinary)140,120
  Transfers from other superannuation funds481
Government contribution48,000
Interest42,314
Fines, &c.200
 £1,007,068
Expenditure.£
Retiring-allowances— 
  To members77,089
  To widows and children7,703
Contributions returned— 
  Under section 46, Amendment Act (left service)13,919
  Under section 42 or 43 (death)4,328
  Under section 32 (ee)1,479
  Under section 32 (e)428
  Under section 32 (f)1,859
  Under section 38 (retirement)636
  Transfers to other superannuation funds (section 48)742
Expenses— 
  Salaries775
  Office expenses282
  Public Trustee's charges1,058
  Election Expenses4
  Post Office charges50
  Medical fees48
  Advertising78
  Board members' travelling-expenses22
  Amount of fund at end of year896,568
   £1,007,068

The assets and liabilities of the fund as at 31st December last are set out in the following statement:—

BALANCE-SHEET AT THE 31st DECEMBER, 1936.

Liabilities.£
Fund as per Revenue Account896,568
Retiring and other allowances due, in course of payment— 
  Members1,343
  Widows and children140
Refunds of contributions due, in course of payment— 
  Under section 46, Amendment Act (left service)1,024
  Under section 42 or 43 (death)1,314
  Under section 32 (ee)337
  Transfers to other funds due, in course of payment (section 48)2
Expenses due, in course of payment— 
  Salaries459
  Office expenses13
  Medical fees8
  Post Office charges50
  Public Trustee's charges638
Valuation fees due to Valuation Department39
Unclaimed Account (contributions, &c.)417
Contributions paid in advance and in error2,286
 £904,638
Assets.£
Amount invested by the Board834,341
Contributions due, in course of transmission— 
  Under section 29 (ordinary)4,236
  Transfers from other superannuation funds1
Interest due and accrued14,224
Bank balance15,078
Balance in hand of Postal Department20,832
Balance in hands of Public Trustee15,946
 £904,638

An amendment of the law under which the fund is administered was passed during the session of 1912, abolishing the provision for reduction or postponement of allowances to widows and children in cases where compensation is paid under the Workers' Compensation Act for the death of a contributor by accident.

The Government Actuary, in his report on the actuarial examination of the fund for the first triennium, recommended that the State subsidy be increased from £23,000 to £48,000 per annum during the succeeding triennium. By the amending Act mentioned above parliamentary sanction was given to the increased payment as from the 1st January, 1913. The increase in the subsidy was necessitated through officers retiring, with service for which they had paid no contributions, the basis of the scheme being that the State should pay for these pensions except in so far as they wore provided for by the members' contributions.

The Actuary's report on the second triennium, covering the period from the 1st January, 1911, to the 31st December, 1913, sets out the position of the fund at the end of 1913, and gives an estimate of the pensions falling due during 1914, 1915, and 1916. The estimated amounts of the pensions for the three years are set down as £66,664, £74,665, and £83,058 respectively. If the amounts provided by contributions are deducted, the State subsidies required on this basis would be £60,163, £66,286, and £72,516. The Actuary advised that, in addition to the annual subsidy of £48,000 hitherto paid, further subsidies of £12,000, £18,000, and £25,000 would be necessary in 1914, 1915, and 1916, or an average of £18,000 for the three years. The subsidies paid to the fund so far have in reality been old payments in a new guise, taking the place of compensation for loss of office and gratuities; for, while the State's total contribution to the fund for the six years ended the 31st December, 1913, was £156,500, the compensation the pensioners would have been entitled to if they had not accepted pensions was £149,554. This sum is computed only to the date these pensioners joined the fund, whereas if there had been no fund there would have been further compensation from that date to the date of retirement, bringing the sum in excess of the actual subsidy.

The report, of the Superannuation Board for the year 1916 shows that up to the end of that year the total amount saved to the Consolidated Fund since the initiation of the superannuation scheme has been £215,209, the State subsidies to the fund aggregating £300,500, or £85,291 in excess of the actual saving referred to, which is reckoned only to the date the contributors joined the fund.

There has also been a great saving in gratuities to widows and children of public servants, for while these amounted to £26,210 for the five years prior to the establishment of the fund, for the next succeeding five years they amounted to only £6,065, or a decrease of over £20,000.

The Police Provident Fund, which was established on the 1st December, 1899, under the Police Provident Act, 1899, was merged in the Public Service Superannuation Fund on the 1st April, 1910, and members of the Police Force contributing at that date now pay the same contributions and receive the same benefits (plus the special allowance if injured on duty) as other members of the Public Service.

TEACHERS' SUPERANNUATION FUND

The Teachers' Superannuation Fund was established by the Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1905, which came into operation on the 1st January, 1906. Under this scheme the pensions were computed at 1/60th of the total salary received during the years of contribution and 1/120th of the total salary received doling service between the 1st January, 1878, and the 1st January, 1906, with a minimum pension of £52 per annum.

The benefits were brought into line with those of the Public Service by the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment. Act, 1908, and with a few exceptions all the contributors accepted the new benefits.

There are a few slight differences between the Public Service and the Teachers' Funds, the chief being that (1) the service of the teachers need not be continuous; (2) no pensions are payable on retirement for ill health unless the service exceeds fifteen years; and (3) in the case of reduction of status owing to age or infirmity, there is no provision that the pension must be computed on the higher salary as in the Public Service Fund.

Education service to which the Act applies is defined as service in any capacity for not less than twenty hours a week—

  1. Under an Education Board; or

  2. Under the governing body of a secondary school; or

  3. Under the managers of associated classes under Part VII of the Education Act, 1908; or

  4. Under the Education Department in the case of Inspectors of Schools or of Inspectors, managers, or visiting officers of industrial schools, or of teachers of any schools under the control of that Department.

Under the provisions of the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1912, those persons who were in the service of the Education Department on the 1st January, 1906, and who were still in the service, could elect, on or before the 30th June, 1913, to become contributors to the fund, contributions being payable as from the 1st January, 1906. This provision was taken advantage of by 156 persons.

Provision was also made whereby those persons employed in the University colleges at the date of the coming into operation of the Act (7th November, 1912) could elect, on or before the 30th June, 1913, to become contributors to the fund, and in these cases such contributors would be entitled to count back service. Forty-six persons joined the fund under this provision. All persons first permanently employed under the University of New Zealand and the University colleges after the date of the passing of the Amendment Act must become contributors to the fund.

It was also provided that the Government contribution to the fund as from the 1st January, 1913, should be increased from £7,000 to £17,000 per annum.

On the 31st December, 1916, there were 4,653 contributors, the annual contributions amounting to £56,208.

The pensions were 611, representing a charge of £44,666 per annum, made up of—

 Number.Amount of Pension. £
Retired for age or length of service38136,283
Retired for ill health745,907
Widows871,579
Children69897
 611£44,666
20—Ybk.  

The revenue and expenditure for the year ended the 31st December, 1916, were as follows:—

Expenditure.£
Funds at beginning of year340,583
Contributions of members56,038
Government subsidy17,000
Interest— 
  Ordinary-Public Trustee15,080
  Bonus—Public Trustee1,386
  On arrears of contributions255
Contributions transferred from other funds722
 £431,064
Revenue.£
Retiring and other allowances42,002
Contributions refunded— 
  On voluntary retirement4,682
  On death of contributor1,915
  On lapse of membership594
Contributions transferred to other funds212
Administration expenses— 
  Clerical assistance250
  Travelling-expenses of Board members93
  Medical examination fees24
  Commission112
  Office expenses23
Funds at end of year381,158
 £431,064

The balance-sheet of the Teachers' Superannuation Fund as at the 31st December, 1916, reads as follows:—

Liabilities.£
Fund as per Revenue Account381,158
Retiring and other allowances due— 
  In course of payment8
  Unpaid346
Refunds of contributions on death of contributor — Unpaid877
Administration expenses — 
  Office expenses unpaid23
Unclaimed contributions494
Suspense account (including contributions overpaid, &c.)63
 £382,969
Assets.£
Amount held by Public Trustee373,591
Contributions of members— 
  In transit5,119
  Outstanding3,292
Interest accrued on arrears of contributions— 
  In transit3
  Outstanding794
Refunds of contributions paid in advance — On voluntary retirement135
Recoveries due in course of payment35
 £382,969

The Government Actuary, in his report containing the results of an actuarial examination of the fund for the triennium 1911-13, estimated that the amounts required for pensions during the next three years would be—1914, £33,309; 1915, £38,111; 1916, £42,958. Contributions paid by those benefiting would provide only a small proportion of the cost, leaving the State to contribute balances of £29,137, £32,896, and £36,600 in the respective years. The Actuary reported that, in addition to the annual subsidy of £17,000 at present being paid, further subsidies of £12,000 in 1914, £16,000 in 1915, and £20,000 in 1916 would be required. As in the case of the Public Service scheme, the amount of pension purchased by the contributions is very small, but the proportion to the total is already increasing. Most of the pensions in either scheme are for long periods of service, with, of course, only short periods of contribution.

GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS SUPERANNUATION FUND.

The Government Railways Superannuation Fund was established on the 1st January, 1903, by the Government Railways Superannuation Fund Act, 1902, now embodied in the Government Railways Act, 1908.

The pension is here also 1/60th of the annual rate of pay for every year of service, but the retiring age is sixty for both males and females, instead of ages sixty-five and fifty-five respectively as in the Public Service. The only other differences of importance are that the annual allowances to widows and children are paid only on the death of contributors before retiring on a pension, and that the pension is computed on the last salary except where the contributor has served in a lower grade within the previous five years, in which case the average for seven years is taken.

The contributions originally were: For ages not exceeding thirty when the first contribution became payable, 3 per cent.; ages thirty and under thirty-five, 4 per cent.; thirty-five and under forty, 5 per cent.; forty and under forty-five, 6 per cent.; forty-five and under fifty, 7 per cent.; fifty and over, 10 per cent.

These contributions are still payable by members who joined the scheme prior to the 1st January, 1908, but for those who joined subsequently the contributions are the same as are payable under the Public Service scheme.

The number of contributors on the 31st March, 1917, was 11,887, and at that date there were 1,536 persons on the fund, drawing annual allowances amounting to £93,853.

The revenue and expenditure for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, were—

Revenue.£
Balance brought forward on 1st April, 1916362,810
Members' contributions81,773
Members' contributions on account of casual service1,210
Fines350
Government contribution25,000
Interest received (with bonus)17,081
Donation, H.E. the Governor-General20
 £488,244
Expenditure. 
Retiring-allowances to—£
  Members81,897
  Widows and children7,961
Payments under section 86 (c)365
Payments under section 82 (6)323
Contributions refunded19,583
Fines refunded2
Travelling-expenses of members of Board42
Contributions transferred to Public Service Superannuation Fund213
Public Trust Office charges273
Amount of Fund at close of year377,585
 £488,244

The balance-sheet of the fund as at the 31st March, 1917, was—

Liabilities,£
Fund as per Revenue Account above377,585
Life allowances not paid875
Widows' allowances not paid479
Contributions due to be refunded not paid403
 £379,342
Assets.£
In hands of Public Trustee367,714
Contributions and fines in transit6,459
Arrears of contributions due by members in respect to casual service5,169
 £379,342

LOCAL AUTHORITIES SUPERANNUATION.

The Local Authorities Superannuation Act, 1908, which came into force on the 10th October, 1908, applies to Borough Councils, County Councils. Town Boards, Road Boards, Harbour Boards, Charitable Aid Boards, Tramway Companies, or any body possessing rating powers over any district.

The benefits and contributions are the Same as in the Public Service Fund. Under the Act of 1908 a contributor's service prior to joining the fund was not counted for pension purposes. By an amendment passed in 1912, however, local authorities wore empowered, when establishing superannuation funds, to grant in respect of prior service an additional retiring-allowance not exceeding 1/60th of the annual salary for each year of such prior service.

So far as can be ascertained, only three local authorities have so far initiated superannuation schemes under the authority of the statute—namely, Wellington Harbour Board, Auckland Harbour Board, and Buller County Council. The subsidies payable by the respective local authorities are as follows:—

Wellington Harbour Board: 65 per cent. of the members' contributions, equivalent to 5 per cent. of the salaries.

Auckland Harbour Board: 60 per cent. of the members' contributions, equivalent to 4 per cent. of the salaries.

Buller County Council: 80 per cent. of the members' contributions, equivalent to 7 per cent. of the salaries.

Payments to the various funds during each of the three years ended 1915 are as follows:—

Local Authority.Year.Payment to Fund by
  Employees.Local Authority.
  £s.d.£s.d.
Wellington Harbour Board19132,4501591,592196
 19143,62317112,353112
 19153,595992,33716
Auckland Harbour Board1913319119191150
 19146941324161511
 1915713167428511
Buller County Council19138122323
 1914166105124142
 1915172184149169

NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND.

The National Provident Fund was established by Act in 1910, and came into operation on the 1st March, 1911. The fund is administered by a Board composed of the Hon. the Minister of Finance as Chairman and four members appointed by the Governor-General, one of whom is the Superintendent of the fund.

The main object of the scheme is to provide for annuities in old age. This is supplemented by benefits for the protection of the family from birth to old age.

The system is open to any person between the ages of sixteen and forty-five years residing in New Zealand, and whose average income during the three years prior to joining has not exceeded £250 per annum. There is no medical examination on entry, and the method of joining is extremely simple, the applicant having merely to fill in a form at a postal money-order office and pay a first weekly contribution. The benefits are as follows:—

  1. After twelve months in the fund a payment not exceeding £6 for medical attendance on the birth of a contributor's child or children.

  2. After five years in the fund an allowance, after three months' incapacity for work, of 7s. 6d. per week for each child of a contributor under fourteen years of age.

  3. A weekly pension at age sixty of 10s., 20s., 30s., or 40s., according to the scale of contributions.

  4. After five years in the fund an allowance, on the death of a contributor, of 7s. 6d. per week for each child until fourteen years of age, and 7s. 6d. for the widow so long as any child is under fourteen years of age.

The maternity allowance is payable only if the combined income of a contributor and wife or husband does not exceed £200 per annum at the time of claim, but this limitation does not debar from the other benefits. The incapacity allowance is not payable where the incapacity is due to the serious misconduct of the contributor, and the amount is not to exceed the pecuniary loss which, in the opinion of the Board, the contributor has probably suffered during incapacity. Further, the income of a contributor during incapacity, independent of the fund, is not to exceed the rate of £4 per week.

The contributions range from 9d. per week at age seventeen, 1s. at age twenty-two, 1s. 3d. at twenty-five, and so on to age forty-five, for the 10s. pension, the rate being two, three, or four times as much if a higher pension is applied for. A contributor may increase or decrease his pension after entry. The pension does not affect rights to the old-age pension.

The contributions are payable in weekly sums at any postal money-order office; but, as any number of contributions may be paid at one time, contributors have the choice of paying weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, or at irregular intervals.

In the event of a contributor leaving the fund or dying, all contributions (less any benefits received) are returnable. If a contributor dies before the first five years are completed his representatives receive the contributions he has paid, less anything he received during lifetime by way of maternity benefit. Should he die after ago sixty, before receiving in benefits a sum equal to the contributions paid in during his lifetime, the difference is returnable to his representatives; and, further, if the allowances paid for widow and children do not exhaust the contributions, his representatives are entitled to the residue. If a contributor dies before sixty, leaving a widow and no children, all the contributions are returnable, less benefits paid out.

The latitude allowed for arrears is very wide, and covers a period of eighteen months, but after six months a fine equal to one-eighth of the contributions is to be paid. If a contributor is drawing the incapacity allowance he pays no contributions during that period.

Moneys payable out of the fund cannot be assigned in any way, nor, on the death of a contributor, be assets to pay his debts or liabilities.

The benefits under the Act are guaranteed by the State, which subsidizes the contributions to the extent of one-fourth of the amount paid into the fund. The amount of Government subsidy in respect of contributions received during 1915 was £5,927.

An important extension of the fund was authorized by the amending Act of 1914 whereby the employees of local authorities, companies, firms, and employers generally could be enrolled in the fund for superannuation purposes.

The result of the fund's operations up to the end of the sixth year is indicated in the following table:—

At End of—Number of Contributors.Annual Rate of Contribution payable.Amount of Fund.
  ££
19115503,1721,826
19122,66011,72710,038
19135,79122,71929,327
19146,85826,52053,718
19158,10131,87583,000
19169,84738,664122,361

Information as to contributors to the fund from the date of its inception to the 31st December last is shown in the next table.

CONTRIBUTORS TO NATIONAL PROVIDENT fUND TO END OF 1916.

Number of Contributors.Annual Contributions.
Class I. Pension Rate, 10s.Class II. Pension Rate. 20s.Class III. Pension Kate, 30s.Class IV. Pension Rate, 40s.Aggregate.
 M.F.T.M.F.T.M.F.T.M.F.T.M.F.T.£
Total entered119788961287413461921538147211682331424713704112314827 
Total transferred from other classes244925311010120155202422639326419 
 122229051312714562021658162261882571627314097114915246 
Total discontinued41463214467348524004645069216346023784980 
Total transferred to other classes105811321510225345393934239326419 
 425132945805636262580989101410549954045399 
Total contributors on books at 31st December, 1916797157685478931401033821799156121689102745984738,4664

The benefits paid out of the fund for the year ended the 31st December, 1916, amounted to only £3,776, which sum represents maternity grants paid to 634 contributors.

The Revenue Account of the fund for the year ended 31st December, 1916, 13 as follows:—

REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1916.

Revenue.£
Amount of fund at beginning of year83,000
Contributions31,543
Interest3,860
Fines261
Benefits refunded by deduction333
Government contribution under section 258,113
Refund of maternity claims by the State3,776
Refunds unclaimed412
 £131,298
Expenditure.£
Maternity claims (section 18)3,776
Refund of contributions on lapse, reduction, and withdrawal (sections 10, 11, 12, and 13)4,195
Death: Refund of contributions (section 15)966
Amount of fund at end of year122,361
 £131,298

The balance-sheet of the fund as at the end of the year 1916 is also given:—

BALANCE-SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1916.

Liabilities.£

* Included in Revenue Account.

Fund as per Revenue Account122,361
Claims due and in course of payment*— 
  Maternity430
  Death432
Refunds in suspense3,628
Deposits on incomplete applications to join fund9
Contributions prepaid1,854
Suspense account9
 £128,723
Assets.£
Invested with Public Trustee110,250
Balance with Post Office1,524
Contributions outstanding or in course of transmission*— 
  (a.) Contributions due but not overdue5,958
  (b.) Contributions overdue1,182
Government subsidy due under section 25*8,113
Refund due in respect of maternity claims*641
Fines due148
One-half contributions of members of Expeditionary Forces due by the State*907
 £128,723

The first actuarial examination of the National Provident Fund was made as at 31st December, 1913, when the number of contributors was 5,791, representing a total of 6,664 pensions of 10s. per week. The valuation balance-sheet disclosed the following position:—

Value of liability for—Liabilities.£
    Pensions 201,640
    Orphans' benefit 37,419
    Widows' benefit 17,237
    Incapacity allowance 13,766
    Return of contributions on death18,164
    Return of contributions on withdrawal42,195
 £330421
Assets.£
Amount of the fund at 31st December, 191329,327
Value of contributions payable (assumed half a year after due date)242,554
Value of State subsidy of one-fourth (assumed to be received a year later than the above)58,306
    Debit balance234
 £330,421

The assets and liabilities are seen to be virtually equal, the debit balance being insignificant. The Actuary accordingly reported that no supplementary sum was required to be paid into the fund by the Government during the next three years.

The amounts required to provide maternity allowances are voted by Parliament annually, and these allowances were regarded as outside the actuarial aspects of the scheme.

Chapter 27. SECTION XXVII.—BANKING

BANKS OF ISSUE.

THE Banking Act, 1908, consolidates the law of New Zealand relating to the general business of banking in the Dominion. The Act provides that the incorporation of banks by Royal Charter shall be as effectual within New Zealand as Acts of the General Assembly. The number of directors is prescribed, and authority given to any bank to increase its capital on a resolution of the shareholders. Transfers of shares on which there is any liability must be approved by the directors or their duly appointed attorney or attorneys. Every bank trading in the Dominion is required to furnish quarterly statements of its business, for publication in the Gazette. A sworn copy of an entry in the books of a bank shall in all legal proceedings be evidence of such entry, and a bank is not required in any legal proceedings to which it is not a party to produce its books before a Court, unless ordered by a Judge for special cause. Provision is made for bank holidays, and for the destruction of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, or promissory notes after the expiration of ten years from the date or due date of such documents.

Part II of the Bills of Exchange Act, 1908, consolidates the law relating to cheques on a bank.

The Companies Act, 1908, with the exception of Part IX (as to companies incorporated outside New Zealand), and also of the provisions relating to branch registers, does not apply to companies formed within and carrying on business within the Dominion, but the whole Act applies to companies incorporated outside the Dominion.

There are six banks of issue trading in New Zealand, two of these institutions, the Bank of Now Zealand and the National Bank of New Zealand, being incorporated by special Acts of the General Assembly of the Dominion. The Bank of New Zealand has branches in London, Australia, Fiji, and Samoa, while its branches and agencies within the Dominion number 200. The other five banks have between them 215 establishments within the Dominion, making a total of 415, or an average of one bank to every 2,652 inhabitants, excluding Maoris.

CAPITAL AND RESERVE FUNDS.

The paid-up capital of the above banks, their reserve funds, and the rate and amount of their last dividend as on the 31st December, 1916, were as follows:—

Bank.Paid-up Capital.Rate per Cent. per Annum of Last Dividend and Bonus.Amount of Last Half-yearly Dividend and Bonus.Reserve Fund.
Bank of New Zealand—£Per Cent.££
  4-per-cent. stock guaranteed by New Zealand Government529,988 236,5072,118,605
  “A” preference shares issued to the Crown (Act of 1903)500,00010
  “B” preference shares issued to the Crown (Act of 1913)250,00015
Ordinary shares1,000,00012 and bonus of 3 per cent.
Union Bank of Australia (Limited)2,000,00010 and bonus of 4 per cent.140,0002,171,374
Bank of New South Wales3,705,32010180,1332,725,000
Bank of Australasia2,000,00014 and bonus of 12s. per share170,0002,931,750
National Bank of New Zealand (Limited)750,00012 and bonus of 1 per cent.52,500798,609
Commercial Bank of Australia (Limited)—    
  Ordinary96,659   
  Preference2,117,3504 (preference only)42,3479,408

DEVELOPMENT OF BANKING.

The development of banking in New Zealand since the year 1857 has been very great. Taking for each year the average of the four quarters' returns made up by the banks of issue, the figures for 1857, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, and each of the past five years are,—

Year.Deposits.Advances.Assets.Liabilities.
 ££££
1857343,316 419,860432,494
18703,127,7694,547,2176,315,3543,819,670
18808,538,93511,300,40414,220,2759,550,177
189012,368,61014,096,44617,735,25913,356,598
190015,570,61012,084,74417,314,53516,964,582
191024,968,76119,772,65626,398,92726,742,081
191225,622,08324,268,63431,196,40027,508,348
191325,733,18724,005,03830,708,93227,591,099
191427,640,50725,222,12732,502,31229,808,349
191531,433,65324,590,17133,209,48434,448,272
191637,757,91726,989,64437,015,48641,977,619

In 1880 the deposits of these banks were £18 per head of the mean population; in 1890 they wore £19.92 per head; in 1900 they were £20.39; in 1910, £25.15; and in 1911, £26.37. In 1912, however, the average fell to £24.66, and in 1913 (the strike year) a further fall is recorded; the rate per head being £24.08. The years 1914 and 1915 show a recovery, the rates being £25.35 and £25.59 respectively, while for 1910 the rate has jumped to £34.34. The ratio of advances to deposits, which was 132.34 per cent. in 1880, reached its maximum in 1883, when it stood at 173.35 per cent. The proportion since that year fell, till in 1903 it was only 75.96 per cent. The 1916 rate is the lowest ever experienced, and that of 1915 the third lowest.

In 1886 the average amount of advances made by the banks was £15,853,420, equal to £27.23 per head of the mean population. The advances gradually declined in amount and proportion to population until 1891, when they were in value £11,549,145, or £18.34 per head. In 1897 advances stood at £10,892,111, or £15.09 per head, which is the lowest average since the year 1872. There was then a continuous rise both in amounts of advances and in rates per head of population until 1908, for which year the figures were £22,495,576, or £23.80 per head. After 1908 the amounts fluctuated, but the tendency was still to rise. The total amount for 1916—£26,989,644—is the highest yet reached in spite of the fact pointed out above that the ratio of advances to deposits is the lowest on record. The rate per head in 1916 (£24.55) has, however, been often exceeded, that of 1878—£30.53—being so far the high-water mark. The largest amount of discounts in any year was £6,061,959 in 1879, a rate of £13.53 per head. In the previous year had occurred the highest rate—£14.22 per head. From 1879 there was a fall, year by year, until 1896, when the sum was £1,756,791, or £2.49 per head, since when the ratio has fluctuated between £2.45 and £1.34 per head, the last eight years showing the lowest figures, the rate per head being less than £2 in each of the eight. Both amount and rate are lower for 1915 and 1916 than in any previous year.

LIABILITIES.

The liabilities of the banks of issue for the last ten years are shown in the table following, the figures given referring to New Zealand business only. The liabilities shown represent the average of the four quarters of the year, with the exception that in the figures for 1912 only the last quarter is taken in respect of the Commercial Bank of Australia, as this institution did not commence operations in the Dominion until fairly late in that year.

Year.Notes in Circulation.Bills in Circulation.Balances due to other Banks.Deposits.Total Liabilities.
 £££££
19071,644,64597,72774,86523,517,11125,334,348
19081,615,10993,30081,74121,821,75323,611,903
19091,577,55893,58260,56521,996,62123,728,326
19101,626,09493,60353,62224,968,76126,742,080
19111,677,842113,58269,25726,765,12228,625,803
19121,714,667111,87759,72125,622,08327,508,348
19131,674,333108,51875,06125,733,18727,591,099
19141,998,38696,01273,44427,640,50729,808,349
19152,846,277105,75962,58031,433,65334,448,272
19164,049,52796,46873,70737,757,91741,977,619

ASSETS.

The average assets, as shown below, for the periods corresponding to 4those above include Colonial Government securities, which in 1916 amounted to £2,077,726.

Year.Coin and Bullion.Notes and Bills discounted.Debts due, exclusive of Bad Debts.All other Assets.Total Assets.
 £££££
19074,836,7182,014,84816,499,1973,233,47626,584,239
19084,840,9422,235,20918,937,5993,084,81729,098,567
19094,947,0961,928,17817,149,8542,912,13726,937,265
19105,035,7641,741,98416,698,0152,923,16426,398,927
19111,195,3331,792,26119,467,4672,978,55329,433,614
19125,338,2951,847,01621,062,1012,948,98831,196,400
19135,204,2661,951,66520,950,6332,602,36830,708,932
19145,712,7511,843,21722,407,0292,539,31532,502,312
19156,781,0061,471,80822,167,1622,789,50633,209,483
19167,393,9171,484,35623,427,5624,709,65137,015,486

DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES.

The total amount of deposits, the amount per head of population, the total advances, and the ratio of advances to deposits, taking the average of the four quarters for each of the past ten years, are as follows:—

Year.Deposits.Advances.
Total Amount.Per Head of Population.Total Amount.Ratio to Deposits.
 ££s.d.£Per Cent.
190723,517,11125111019,838,79984.35
190821,821,7532311022,495,576103.08
190921,996,6212210220,386,36792.68
191024,968,761253019,772,65679.19
191126,765,122267522,601,86384.45
191225,622,0832413224,268,63494.72
191325,733,187241724,005,03893.28
191427,640,507257025,222,12791.25
191531,433,65325111024,590,17178.23
191637,757,9173461026,989,64471.48

Deposits per head of population in banks of issue in each of the Australian States during the past five years are shown. Figures for New Zealand are also given by way of comparison.

DEPOSITS PER HEAD IN BANKS OF ISSUE IN AUSTRALASIA, 1912-16.

State.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Queensland321303313361411391623791
New South Wales34155311493418103681042190
Victoria35111346103754371864206
South Australia271410271828172261903163
Western Australia23922061122126237225118
Tasmania211711261502800281253097
Northern Territory221682617103678419145109
  Total Commonwealth3215103161344735683955
New Zealand241322417257025111034610

The graphs in the following diagram show the amounts of liabilities, assets, and deposits of banks of issue in New Zealand each year from 1857 to 1916:—

ISSUE OF NOTES.

The Banking Act, 1908, deals with the issue of notes generally. The Governor-General may empower any bank to issue and circulate notes, subject to the provisions and restrictions contained in the charter or letters patent under which such bank is incorporated; all such notes to be payable in gold only at the office of the bank at the place of issue, and to be a first charge on all assets of the bank.

The private Acts of the Bank of New Zealand and the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited) contain the following clause: “That the total amount of promissory notes payable on demand, issued and in circulation within the Dominion, shall not at any time exceed the amount of coin, bullion, and public securities which shall for the time being be held by the same corporation within the Dominion; nor shall the proportion of coin be less than one-third part of the amount of the coin, bullion, and public securities so held by the said corporation within the Dominion.”

On the 5th August, 1914, an amendment to the Banking Act was passed empowering the Governor-General in Council, from time to time, to make a Proclamation declaring “that the notes payable on demand by any bank therein named, and then issued or thereafter to be issued or reissued within New Zealand under any lawful authority in that behalf, shall during the period limited by the Proclamation be everywhere within New Zealand a good and legal tender of money to the amount therein expressed to be payable.” Conditions governing the issue of such Proclamation are laid down, and the bank may be required to give adequate security that it will redeem the notes in gold on the expiration of the period covered by the Proclamation. Provision is also made for payment by the State Treasury in case of default by the bank. During the period any such Proclamation is in force, gold must not be exported except with the consent of the Minister of Finance, and any gold exported or attempted to be exported in breach of this provision is to be forfeited.

Immediately on the passing of the amendment referred to, Great Britain being then at war with Germany, a Proclamation was gazetted declaring notes of all six banks of issue doing business in New Zealand to be legal tender from the 6th August to the 6th September, 1914. Further extensions for short periods were made from time to time, until the and of 1917, when the notes of the six banks were declared legal tender until 31st December, 1922.

POST OFFICE SAVINGS-BANK.

In connection with the Post Office in New Zealand a savings-bank is conducted. The minimum deposit receivable, except in certain specified cases, is 1s., and no interest is given on any sum less than £1 or in excess of £1,000. Prior to the 1st January, 1914, the maximum amount on which interest was payable was £600. Interest on sums up to £300 must not exceed 5 per cent. per annum, and on sums between £300 and £1,000 4 per cent. is the maximum allowable.

The number of post-offices open for the transaction of savings-bank business at the end of 1916 was 786.

There were 84,883 new accounts opened in 1916, and 55,846 accounts were closed during the year. The total number of open accounts at the end of 1916 was 538,072, or one in every 2.05 of the population, excluding Maoris.

The deposits received during the year amounted to £15,576,408, and the withdrawals to £12,957,420, the excess of deposits over withdrawals having thus been £2,618,988. The total sum standing at credit of all accounts on the 31st December, 1916, was £25,603,209, which gave an average of £47 11s. 7d. to the credit of each open account. Information for each of the past ten years is given.

POST OFFICE SAVINGS-BANK.

Year.Number of Depositors at End of Year.Total Amount of Deposits during Year.Total Amount of Withdrawals during Year.Excess of Deposits over Withdrawals.Total Amount to Credit of Depositors at End of Year.
  ££££
1907319,7739,351,6648,125,1231,226,54111,523,231
1908342,0779,674,0759,417,820256,25512,159,294
1909359,7149,611,1209,499,320111,80012,666,898
1910380,58510,708,9399,695,5151,013,42414,104,990
1911405,56611,627,36810,662,046965,32215,543,187
1912432,19911,725,18311,449,711275,47216,330,257
1913458,59411,286,70211,041,454245,24817,131,414
1914483,26211,904,32310,603,0181,301,30519,048,029
1915509,08513,706,05711,294,9742,411,08322,166,338
1916538,07215,576,40812,957,4202,618,98825,603,209

The Post Office Savings-bank commenced operations on the 1st February, 1867, and the progress of the establishment since that date is shown below in graphical representation, the curves representing number of open accounts, total amount to credit, and average amount to credit respectively.

The number of open accounts (as on the 31st December) for five years, classified according to amounts at credit, is as follows:—

Amount.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
Not exceeding £20311,389329,669347,464356,968369,769
Exceeding £20 and up to £5043,95247,38747,72255,18657,216
” £50 “ £10029,60231,19633,35436,04739,715
” £100 “ £20024,19526,10927,49929,75934,498
” £200 “ £30010,83211,40612,01113,55515,443
” £300 “ £4005,6675,9896,7077,3468,690
” £400 “ £5002,8503,1073,5343,8914,775
” £500 “ £6002,0201,9862,2392,6383,149
” £600 “1,6921,7452,7323,6954,817
    Totals432,199458,594483,262509,085538,072

Accounts above the £600 mark in 1916 included 1,865 between £600 and £700, 987 between £700 and £800, 625 between £800 and £900, 481 between £900 and £1,000, and 859 over £1,000.

The securities standing in the name of the Postmaster-General on account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st December, 1916, represented a nominal value of £25,196,028. Most of this fund is invested in securities of the New Zealand General Government. A summary of the investments is as follows:—

 £s.d.
In New Zealand Government securities24,102,988111
In local bodies' securities1,021,65000
In other securities71,38901
    Total£25,196,027112

PRIVATE SAVINGS-BANKS.

There are five savings-banks not connected with the Post Office. The total amount deposited in them during the year ended the 31st March, 1917, was £1,631,065, of which the deposits by Maoris comprised £380. The withdrawals reached the sum of £1,374,114, or £256,951 less than the deposits. The total amount to the credit of the depositors at the 31st March, 1917, was £2,412,465, of which sum £386 belonged to Maoris. Figures for ten years are as follows:—

PRIVATE SAVINGS-BANKS. 1907-16.

Year.Number of Depositors at End of Year.Total Amount of Deposits during Year.Total Amount of Withdrawals during Year.Excess of Deposits over Withdrawals.Total Amount to Credit of Depositors at End of Year.

The minus sign (—) represents excess of withdrawals over deposits.

* Fifteen months ended 31st March following.

† Twelve months ended 31st March following.

  ££££
190744,6491,036,568993,84142,7271,301,832
190846,8681,124,5101,121,2853,2251,352,972
190949,0561,168,7351,169,654— 9191,398,512
191051,5341,338,3361,269,97368,3631,515,525
191154,0361,420,3211,337,58682,7351,651,275
1912*71,7281,824,6061,833,390– 8,7841,713,283
1913†74,1201,478,3091,461,51016,7991,792,108
1914†75,9411,358,8761,340,76018,1161,876,725
1915†78,0241,449,9381,327,364122,5742,072,602
1916†81,9001,631,0651,374,114256,9512,412,465

SAVINGS-BANKS DEPOSITS IN AUSTRALASIA.

The deposits in the savings-banks of the Commonwealth on the 31st March, 1917, and of New Zealand on the 31st December, 1916 (Poet Office), and on the 31st March, 1917 (private), are shown in the table following. The Australian figures are taken from the Monthly Summary of Australian Statistics issued by the Commonwealth Statistician. In calculating the deposits per head of population in New Zealand Maoris were omitted from the population, although the total amount on deposit includes deposits by them. The amount deposited by Maoris is very small in proportion to the number of Maoris in the Dominion. Their inclusion would lower the rate per head to £24 7s. 1d.

State.Number of Depositors.Amount on Deposit at End of Year.Average Amount per Depositor at End of Year.Deposits to Credit per Head of Population.
  ££s.d.£s.d.
New South Wales855,94938,359,4834416520129
Victoria856,56629,457,857347102110
Queensland273,66313,833,5905011020133
South Australia312,64610,460,99233932447
Western Australia163,6155,480,8723310017150
Tasmania89,6202,620,09829471323
  Total, Commonwealth2,552,059100,212,892395520111
New Zealand619,97228,015,67445392591

SUMMARY OF ALL DEPOSITS.

If the total deposits in the banks of issue at the end of the year be assumed to be equal to the average deposits for the four quarters of the year, then it may be affirmed that, exclusive of Government moneys, the deposits in the said banks of issue and in the two classes of savings-banks amounted at the end of 1916 to £65,773,591, representing an average of £59 15s. 3d. per head of population, or including Maoris £57 3s. 5d. per head. In addition, there are the deposits with the building societies, referred to further on in this book, and it is known that there were also deposits with financial companies of which no particulars have been collected.

Chapter 28. SECTION XXVIII.—INSURANCE.

LIFE ASSURANCE.

AT the close of the year 1916 the following life-assurance offices were represented in New Zealand:—

The Australian Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society (Limited).

The Australian Mutual Provident Society.

The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society (Limited).

The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.

The Mutual Life and Citizens' Assurance Company (Limited).

The National Mutual Life Association of Australasia (Limited).

The New York Life Insurance Company.

The Norwich Union Life Insurance Company.

The Provident Life Assurance Company.

The Yorkshire Insurance Company.

The Life Insurance Department of the New Zealand Government.

The New Zealand Government and the Provident are the only purely New Zealand institutions, five of the societies having their head offices in Australia, two in England, and two in the United States of America.

The Provident Life Assurance Company and four of the Australian offices transact both ordinary life and industrial business. Several of the companies, including the New Zealand Government Office, have branches for assurance against accident.

The following table shows the total ordinary life-assurance business in force in the Dominion at the end of each of the ten years from 1907 to 1916:—

ORDINARY LIFE ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS, 1907-16.

Year.Number of Policies in Force, including Annuities.Amount insured.Annuities per Annum.Annual Premium Income, including Annuities.
  £££
1907122,92430,207,13471,291970,216
1908127,72131,447,10132,7591,005,984
1909133,55832,629,73434,3691,040,303
1910137,51433,816,73634,6861,073,010
1911143,65235,323,74237,0091,116,772
1912150,07937,162,91845,9751,164,699
1913153,65438,566,68844,6361,199,047
1914156,21839,654,78446,9391,229,398
1915160,56840,967,14739,1121,274,667
1916164,24542,153,41438,2791,330,855

Similar information to the above is given respecting the industrial business of the companies operating in New Zealand.

INDUSTRIAL ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS, 1907-16.

Year.Number of Policies in Force, including Annuities.Amount insured.Annuities per Annum.Annual Premium Income, including Annuities.
  £££
190743,8891,053,874 59,258
190849,4351,188,92088869,822
190956,2691,366,985 81,999
191064,1191,608,7931696,394
191172,1941,887,11116113,421
191280,4192,158,273 130,691
191387,6032,422,161 148,928
191493,4882,598,905 163,164
191599,7402,811,255 181,533
1916109,6673,180,011 206,495

The number of ordinary life policies in force in 1906 was 118,265, so that the increase in number during the ton years was 38.88 per cent., while in the industrial business the number of policies increased by 170.03 per cent. in the period, the number in force in 1906 having been 40,613. Taking both classes of life assurance together, the policies increased in number by 72.40 per cent. in the decennium, as compared with an increase in the total population of 21.11 per cent. during the same period. A statement of the income and outgo of all the companies operating in the Dominion further illustrates the large increase in the business for the ten years.

ORDINARY LIFE ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS.—INCOME AND OUTGO.

Year.Receipts and Expenditure.Expenses of Management.
Total Receipts, excluding Transfers.Total Expenditure, excluding Transfers.Excess of Receipts.Total.Proportion to Premium Receipts.Proportion to Total Receipts.
 ££££Per Cent.Per Cent.
19071,427,033866,789560,244160,80816.8411.27
19081,488,975933,066555,909167,18816.7711.23
19091,556,282970,808585,474172,32516.8311.07
19101,717,820961,198756,622166,36715.789.68
19111,679,5761,100,297579,279177,07816.0610.54
19121,756,1831,127,743628,440184,10815.9010.48
19131,794,3531,101,013693,340182,66615.4110.18
19141,911,4461,311,661599,785179,26114.809.38
19151,922,4851,397,434525,051176,71514.059.19
19162,016,6071,558,320458,287174,68313.208.66

The general expense rate, which in 1910 fell for the first time below 10 per cent., shows throughout the ten years the general decrease which might be expected to accompany the growing volume of the business, and in the premium-expense rate there is even a more marked decline, the rate having decreased from 18.02 per cent. in 1906 to 13.20 per cent. in 1916. Results under similar headings are given in the next table for industrial assurance.

INDUSTRIAL ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS.—INCOME AND OUTGO.

Year.Receipts and Expenditure.Expenses of Management.
Total Receipts, excluding Transfers.Total Expenditure, excluding Transfers.Excess of Receipts.Total.Proportion to Premium Receipts.Proportion to Total Receipts.
 ££££Per Cent.Per Cent.
190755,46137,37918,08228,90354.2152.11
190877,89446,73431,16034,45556.2844.23
190976,76355,18521,57840,12155.5752.26
191093,97160,87133,10043,55451.6246.35
1911107,23870,22437,01452,50851.8848.96
1912126,89779,50547,39259,35749-4246.78
1913145,283103,58741,69662,27745.2242.87
1914158,97494,55364,42165,51343.0541.21
1915177,31993,97383,34666,04139.2237.24
1916200,903109,45291,45171,77837.7935.72

This class of business has only recently attained any magnitude in the Dominion. The expense rate is exceedingly high, as is common with industrial assurance.

LIABILITIES AND ASSETS.

The New Zealand liabilities of all the institutions in respect of their ordinary life business at the end of 1916 were as follows:—

 £
Life assurance and annuity funds14,886,183
Depreciation, reserve, and other special funds210,004
Other liabilities450,477
    Total£15,546,664

At the same date the liabilities of the industrial branch of the Provident Life Assurance Company and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society were,—

 £
Capital21,000
Funds113,642
Other liabilities4,545
      Total£139,187

The three other companies transacting both ordinary life and industrial assurance business did not show separate returns for their industrial branches.

The assets balance the liabilities in every case, and are stated as follows:—

 Ordinary Assurance. £Industrial Assurance. £
Mortgages on property7,997,61622,991
Loans on policies2,255,9631,575
Government securities2,153,4536,300
Other investments1,432,45061,564
Cash271,6013,782
Other assets1,435,58142,975

STATE LIFE INSURANCE.

The Life Insurance Department of the New Zealand Government had at the end of 1916 policies in force to the number of 53,208, including 387 annuities. The total sum assured is £12,874,754, to which should be added ?reversionary bonuses amounting to £1,384,618, making the total business £14,259,372. The policies in force represent an annual premium income of £383,948.

The total income for 1916 was £634,167, of which £378,844 was premium income, £10,767 annuity purchase-money, and £244,556 interest (less land and income tax).

During the year 836 policies became void by the deaths of policyholders, the claims amounting to £225,295; and 650 policies matured for £163,592. The total sum which has been paid in respect of claims by death and survival since the foundation of the Department forty-seven years ago has amounted to £6,115,554.

The total assurance, annuity, and endowment funds, apart from a special investment reserve of £189,121, now stand at £5,202,898.

On the 31st December, 1916, the total assets amounted to £5,481,732, and were invested as shown in the following statement, which also gives the distribution of the assets at the end of the previous year for purposes of comparison:—

Class of Investment.At 31st December, 1915.At 31st December, 1916.
Amount.Percentage of Total Assets.Amount.Percentage of Total Assets.
 £ £ 
Mortgages on freehold property3,312,41361.93,227,79658.9
Loans on policies832,30115.6809,53314.8
Government securities685,90012.8855,90015.6
Local bodies' debentures204,0193.8210,4873.8
Landed and house property134,9632.5134,9302.5
Miscellaneous assets125,1082.3131,8822.4
Cash in hand and on current account55,8341.1111,2042.0
      Total5,350,538100.05,481,732100.0

A detailed statement of the liabilities and assets as at 31st December, 1916, is also given.

BALANCE-SHEET OF THE GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1916.

Liabilities.£
Total Assurance, Annuity, and Endowment Funds (as per Revenue Account)5,202,898
Claims admitted, proofs not yet completed76,447
Annuities200
Commission48
Medical fees252
Premium and other deposits12,231
Fire Insurance moneys in suspense535
Investment Fluctuation Reserve189,121
 £5,481,732
Assets.£
Loans on policies 809,533
Government securities—£ 
  Consolidated stock625,900 
  Debentures issued under the District Hallways Purchasing Act 1885 Extension and Amendment Act, 188640,000 
  Debentures issued under the authority of the Finance Act, 191540,000 
  War Bonds issued under the authority of the Finance Act, 1916150,000 
  855,900
Municipal Corporation debentures117,423
County securities9,736
Harbour Board debentures37,300
Town Board debentures25,450
Road Board debentures18,500
Drainage Board debentures2,077
Landed and house property133,121
Landed and house property (leasehold)1,810
Mortgages on property3,227,795
Properties acquired by foreclosure2,848
Overdue premiums on policies in force5,800 
Outstanding premiums due but not overdue41,670 
  47,470
Overdue interest1,933 
Outstanding interest due but not overdue10,390 
Interest accrued but not due66,944 
  79,267
Agents' balances2,158
Sundry accounts owing140
Cash in hand and on current account111,204
  £5,481,732

The triennial valuation of the liabilities was made as for the 31st December, 1914. After adding a further sum of £75,458 to the Investment Fluctuation Reserve, there remained a surplus of £222,065, of which £213,008 was divided among the policyholders by way of bonus, and the balance of £9,057 carried forward. As on former occasions, the surplus divided was allotted as a compound reversionary bonus on the sum assured and bonuses in force, thus giving bonuses increasing with the duration of the policies to those policyholders who had not surrendered their previous bonuses. The bonuses allotted range from 21s. to 33s. per cent. per annum on the sum assured.

The cash surplus divided, £213,008, represents additions to the policies payable at death or on maturity of £338,760. Since the inception of the Department in 1870 £1,811,385 in cash has been distributed by way of bonus, the corresponding addition to the sums assured being £3,246,289.

The progress of the Department during the last three years, when compared with the three previous trienniums in respect of total business in force, is as follows:—

Triennium.Number of Policies.Sums assured.Reversionary Bonuses.Annual Premiums.
  £££
1903-0545,13710,468,316954,751319,221
1906-0847,03310,955,7491,068,950331,830
1909-1149,37611,514,6571,168,620348,285
1912-1452,27312,550,4651,246,610370,882

The new business undertaken during the same periods also shows an increase in each succeeding triennium.

NEW BUSINESS OF TRIENNIUM.

Triennium.Number of Policies.Sums assured.Annual Premiums.
  ££
1903-059,5262,112,92770,428
1906-089,7392,261,76772,803
1909-1110,4762,487,47277,477
1912-1411,7213,197,69489,715

ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

At the close of the year 1916 there were thirty insurance officer doing accident business in the Dominion. Returns of receipts and expenditure have been submitted by each office, and the figures are given in the next table. The table relates only to the accident business transacted by the various offices within the Dominion.

Office.Receipts.Expenditure.
Premiums.Other Receipts.Total.Claims paid.Other Payments.Total.
 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Alliance4,44930   4,449301,19219111,752252,94524
Atlas3,690187   3,6901871,0851081,727672,812173
British Dominion568128   568128  560139560139 
Colonial Mutual3,160133718253,8781581,169101,1781982,34808
Commercial Union16,06987   16,069878,4701416,2324814,702189
Farmers' Co-operative1,097183   1,0971837011204620111,1631211
Guardian5,473511   5,4735111,97610113,1521915,129100
Liverpool and London and Globe7,69069   7,690692,9321253,3931146,32639
London and Lancashire7,3701592711397,642961,0931353,317504,410185
Mutual Life and Citizens14,53182   14,531824,791825,89814410,696126
National17,409511   17,4095118,7411236,2674915,008170
New Zealand66,96459   66,9645935,14215423,5261858,668170
North British and Mercantile50362   503625010650313855442
Northern3,69029408004,098291,990281,6761203,666148
Norwich and London13,065523250013,390525,325035,7198011,04483
Ocean26,77146   26,7714615,63131112,1142227,74561
Phœnix2,977410   2,9774108731031,232402,105143
Provident Life454178155647032181123158150134073
Queensland9,1971911400009,59719114,1641013,4491877,61488
Royal11,76986   11,769865,054364,4461129,500148
Royal Exchange12,06870   12,0687013,9951025,0911699,087611
Sawmillers' Mutual2,153104213002,3661041,476129667082,143135
South British51,074164   51,07416430,9515017,1987248,149122
Standard23,403100   23,40310012,37916810,31018922,690155
Sun954112   954112811055315056260
Union5,1731710   5,17317101,5481371,1567112,70516 
United2,988128   2,9881281,3641391,4951712,8601010
Victoria8,99662   8,996623,615343,6115117,22693
Yorkshire3,16062   3,160621,706199541092,660126
Insurance Department of New Zealand Government22,350423,7086726,05810910,698926,07317116,77263
      Totals349,22913116,05983355,28922168,320109133,884510302,204167

STATE ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

The Accident Branch of the Government Insurance Department was opened in 1901. General accident business is undertaken, but the branch was opened more especially with a view to relieve employers of labour of the liability imposed upon them by the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900, particulars of which are given in the 1915 issue of this book.

The Department's policies cover the full liability of an employer to his workmen under the Workers' Compensation Act, and the liability under common law to the extent of £500 per man.

Personal-accident policies are also issued securing amounts for accidental death and permanent total or partial disablement, and weekly allowances during temporary disablement.

The premium income and claims of the Accident Branch since the commencement of business have been as follows:—

Year.Gross Premium Income.Claims.

* From 7th June to 31st December.

 ££
1901*11,8562,428
190214,1007,364
190324,38113,230
190423,76812,105
190523,97011,242
190620,81513,720
190721,47711,288
190820,89811,926
190926,33712,805
191021,36412,522
191120,75610,497
191223,51312,016
191323,67711,492
191422,2849,633
191523,4669,092
191622,37810,698

The funds, assets, and liabilities of the Government Insurance Department belonging to its Accident Insurance Branch are kept separate and distinct from the main life-insurance business, and powers are vested in the Governor-General to make regulations in regard to tables fixing rates of premium and other details for the conduct of the Accident Insurance Branch.

The funds at the end of 1916 amounted to £19,989, an increase of £9,287 during the year, while the Reserve Fund, constituted under section 20 of the Government Accident Insurance Act, 1908, amounted to £62,596. The total assets at the end of the year amounted to £105,260.

The assets and liabilities on the 31st December, 1915, were as follows:—

Liabilities.£
Accident Funds as per Revenue Account19,989
Claims admitted (proofs not yet completed)9,500
Commission75
Premium and other deposits43
Reserve for unearned premiums10,057
Investment Fluctuation Reserve3,000
Reserve Fund constituted under section 20 of the Government Accident Insurance Act, 190862,596
 £105,260
Assets.£
Debentures issued under authority of the Finance Act, 191510,000
War Bonds issued under authority of the Finance Act, 19167,500
Mortgages on property77,741
Overdue interest£78 
Outstanding interest due but not overdue£244 
Interest accrued but not due£1,081 
  1,403
Agents' balances358
Sundry accounts owing461
Cash in hand and on current account7,797
  £105,260

FIRE INSURANCE.

At the end of the 3rear 1916 twenty-seven companies and four associations, besides the New Zealand State Fire Insurance Office, were carrying on the business of fire insurance in the Dominion, seven of the companies, as well as all four of the associations, being New Zealand institutions. The full list is as follows:—

COMPANIES.

  • Alliance Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Atlas Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Australian Alliance Assurance Company.

  • British Dominions General Insurance Company (Limited).

  • Commercial Union Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Excess Insurance Company (Limited).

  • Farmers Co-operative Fire and Marine Insurance Association of New Zealand (Limited).

  • Guardian Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company (Limited).

  • London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company (Limited).

  • National Insurance Company of New Zealand (Limited).

  • New Zealand Insurance Company (Limited).

  • North British and Mercantile Insurance Company.

  • Northern Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society (Limited).

  • Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation (Limited).

  • Phoenix Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Queensland Insurance Company (Limited).

  • Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation of London.

  • Royal Insurance Company (Limited).

  • South British Insurance Company (Limited).

  • Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand (Limited).

  • State Fire Insurance Office.

  • Sun Insurance Office.

  • Union Assurance Society (Limited).

  • United Insurance Company (Limited).

  • Victoria Assurance Company (Limited).

  • Yorkshire Insurance Company (Limited).

ASSOCIATIONS.

  • Hawke's Bay Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association.

  • Otago Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association.

  • Taranaki Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association.

  • Wellington Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association.

STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

In the year 1903 an Act was passed “to establish a State Fire Insurance Office and to make other provisions for the insurance and protection of insurable property in New Zealand against loss or damage by fire.” This Act came into operation on 4th January, 1905. when the State Fire Insurance Office opened for public business.

As a consequence of the operations of the State Fire Office, the rates on trade risks and the like have been reduced by 10 per cent., and those on dwellings, offices, and similar risks by 331/3 per cent.

The premium income, after deducting premiums on reinsurances during the ten years 1907-16, was as follows:—

Year.Amount of Premium Income. £
190723,195
190826,657
190933,281
191040,552
191147,745
191254,380
191359,418
191464,646
191571,166
191677,609

The premium rates have remained unaltered during the above years. Debentures to the amount of £2,000 were raised under the authority of the Act governing the Office, but have now been redeemed. The Office has the sum of £68,196 invested in Government securities, and has accumulated funds amounting to £155,959.

The net profits for the year 1916, after appropriating a sum of £2,577 to reserve for unearned increments and £1,000 to a special Investments Fluctuation Reserve, were £35,697, as against £25,653 for 1915. The total accumulated profit at the 31st December, 1916, amounted to £121,915.

The loss-ratio of 2822 per cent. for the year is remarkably low, and may be regarded as quite abnormal. It is just over 10 per cent. lower than the lowest previously experienced, and not much (if any) above half the average normal loss-ratio for the whole fire-insurance business of the Dominion.

The total cover (new and renewals) issued during the year amounted to the large sum of over £19,000,000.

The total assets of the office at the close of 1916 amounted to £166,880, the increase for the year being £40,463.

Investments, including £30,000 on fixed deposits, amounted to £126,786 on the 31st December, 1916. Since that date £25,000 has been invested in New Zealand Government 4 1/2-per-cont. war bonds, and it is hoped that a further sum will lie available for the same purpose at an early date.

In view of the present strong financial position of the Office the State Fire Insurance Board has determined, under the provisions of the State Fire Insurance Amendment Act, 1912, to grant as early as possible a bonus to policy-holders on premiums paid. The sum of £8,000 out of last year's profits has been set aside for this purpose, and to cover costs of making the assessment.

The balance-sheet of the State Fire Insurance Office as at 31st December. 1916, is appended:—

Liabilities.££
Capital authorized by the State Fire In-Insurance Act, 1908100,000 
Less not raised100,000 
Reserve Fund 86,218
Investment Fluctuation Reserve Fund3,000
Reserve for unearned premiums31,043
Premiums and other deposits484
Outstanding fire losses 1,708
Other amounts owing by the Office— 
  Reinsurance premiums due£
7,188
 
  Commission1,219 
  Rent167 
  Printing, stationery and advertising21 
  Postages and sundry charges135 
  8,730
Fire-insurance funds, as per Revenue Accunt35,697
  £166,880
Assets. £
Government debentures and Consols68,196
Mortgages on property2,600
Fixed deposits and at short call30,000
Freehold land and buildings25,990
Interest accrued but not due1,150
Rent accrued but not due 
Cash in bank of Now Zealand at Wellington or in transit to Wellington33,430
Imprest Account balances— 
  Head Office265 
  Auckland74 
  Christchurch122 
  Dunedin48 
  Palmerston North56 
  New Plymouth79 
  644
  £166,880

FOREIGN INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Every foreign company—i.e., a company registered or established out of New Zealand, and including a local company whose chief office is situated out of the Dominion—which proposes to commence in New Zealand the business of life insurance, whether conjointly or not with any other class of business, must deposit with the Public Trustee a sum of not less than £5,000 nor more than £50,000 in cash or approved securities. The amount of deposit is calculated on the total amount assured by current policies at the rate of £5,000 deposit, for every £100,000 assured until the maximum deposit is reached.

A foreign company proposing to carry on fire and marine insurance business in the Dominion must first obtain from the Public Trustee a certificate in the form prescribed authorizing the company to transact its business for a period of twelve months from the date of the certificate. The certificate is renewable annually, provided the Public Trustee is satisfied that the company is financially sound.

Accident insurance or insurance business of any class not previously mentioned may be transacted in New Zealand by a foreign company, provided the company deposit with the Public Trustee the sum of £10,000 in cash or approved securities. If the company carries on a life-assurance business as well as accident insurance the last-mentioned deposit must be made in addition to that described in the first paragraph.

All cash deposited with the Public Trustee as deposit shall bear interest, which is payable to the company making the deposit.

Chapter 29. SECTION XXIX.—PUBLIC FINANCE.

SUBSECTION A.—REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

THE various Acts relating to the custody and administration of the public moneys and securities are now consolidated in the Public Revenues Act, 1908. All public moneys, excepting those payable to or received by the Post Office, the Government Insurance Office, the Public Trust Office, the Commissioners of the Public Debt Sinking Funds, the New Zealand State Advances Office, the State Fire Insurance Office, and the deposits under the New Zealand Consols Act, are paid into one account at the bank called the “Public Account,” and are carried to one or other of the following accounts or funds in the books of the Treasury:—

  1. The Consolidated Fund.

  2. The Public Works Fund.

  3. Separate accounts or funds created under any special Act.

The main Consolidated Fund Account records the ordinary public revenue and expenditure. There are certain subsidiary accounts to this fund which come under the third head in the above category. The Public Works Fund Account contains receipts from loans or aids from the Consolidated Fund and the expenditure on public works, immigration, or special services legally chargeable to that account.

The financial year commences on the 1st day of April and ends on the 31st day of March. The revenue of any financial year is the money received into the Public Account at the bank at Wellington within the year; the expenditure is the money paid at the Treasury within the year, and the money paid by imprestees of which accounts are received at the Treasury within the year. Imprests not accounted for at the end of a financial year are included in the accounts of the following year.

At the end of each financial year the Appropriation Acts lapse, but the Minister of Finance is authorized for a period of three months from the commencement of the next financial year to pay money in respect of any service, provided the amount does not exceed the unexpended balance voted for that purpose in the previous year, together with an amount equal to one-fourth of such vote.

The usual practice is for Parliament to meet at the end of June in each year, and vote supplies from month to month until the estimated expenditure for the year has been approved and the annual Appropriation Act is passed.

AUDIT OF EXPENDITURE.

In the audit of expenditure both the pre-audit and post-audit systems are in operation. Pre-audit is applied to vouchers in respect of payments on account of salaries of new appointees, temporary officers, and officers claiming more than one month's salary at any time; interest, loan transactions, and return of deposits; on account of unauthorized expenditure; or chargeable against the accounts of local bodies. Post-audit is applied to all other payments.

Vouchers must be certified as correct by the proper officer, and forwarded by him to the Head of his Department for approval. Vouchers subject to pre-audit are then forwarded to the Audit Office, and on being found correct are sent on to the Treasury to be entered on requisitions for payment. Vouchers subject to post-audit are transmitted by the Head of the Department direct to the Treasury. Payment is made by the Treasury, and the claim is afterwards submitted for audit.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.

The total revenue and expenditure of the Consolidated Fund Account for the financial years ended the 31st March, 1908 to 1917, is shown in the following table, together with the excess of revenue for each year and the amount of such excess transferred to the Public Works Fund in the succeeding year:—

Year ended 31st March.Revenue.Expenditure.Excess of Revenue over Expenditure.Amount o Excess transferred to the Public Works Fund.
 ££££
19089,063,9898,213,965850,024800,000
19099,001,9868,785,513216,473800,000
19109,238,9178,990,922247,995 
191110,297,2739,343,106954,167800,000
191211,061,16110,340,368720,793500,000
191311,734,27111,082,038652,233750,000
191412,229,66111,825,864403,797675,000
191512,451,94512,379,80372,142350,000
191614,507,53012,493,1072,014,423 
191718,355,19414,058,7704,296,424 
      Totals, 10 years1117,941,927107,513,45610,428,4714,675,000

To the amount of excess revenue for the ten years must be added the sum of £717,825 brought forward from the financial year ended the 31st March, 1907, and an amount of £14,960, representing sinking funds set free (£2,607 in 1915-16 and £12,353 in 1916-17), making a total of £11,161,256. Deducting the total amount transferred to the Public Works Fund, and a sum of £11,400 for redemption of debentures (in 1913-14), there remains a balance of £6,474,854 which has been carried forward to the current year's account. Of this large balance £3,917,731 is invested in London in Imperial Government securities as a special reserve to meet any possible sudden demands resulting from the war.

The total amount of excess revenue transferred to the Public Works Fund during the twenty-six financial years ended the 31st March, 1917, was £10,305,000.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE.

An analysis of the revenue received during each of ten financial years is made in the next table.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE. 1907-8 TO 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Revenue derived fromTotal Revenue
Taxation.Services.Crown Lands.Other Sources.
 £££££
19084,645,7543,793,356289,603335,2769,063,989
19094,377,7614,047,034222,857354,3349,001,986
19104,180,5164,420,096269,730368,5759,238,917
19114,837,3224,743,056310,894406,00110,297,273
19125,296,5904,987,088311,156466,32711,061,161
19135,606,8295,379,966313,923433,55311,734,271
19145,918,0345,551,913262,846496,86812,229,661
19155,880,8115,706,929318,393545,81212,451,945
19167,266,9666,423,452311,969505,14314,507,530
191710,549,6546,885,422301,758618,36018,355,194
Totals, 10 years58,560,23751,938,3122,903,1294,530,249117,941,927

Revenue under the head of “Taxation” includes Customs and excise duties, land-tax, income-tax, death duties, a tax on bank-note issue, and totalizator-taxes. Revenue from “Services” consists of Railway, Post, Telegraph, and Telephone receipts, and certain fees paid in return for special services. Revenue from “Crown Lands” includes proceeds of sales up to and including 1912—13, but not for subsequent years. The other items in Crown Lands Revenue are rents and national-endowment net revenue. The amounts shown under “Other Sources” include miscellaneous revenue and sundry amounts recovered in respect of expenditure of previous years.

The revenue for 1915-16 is more than two millions of pounds in excess of the previous highest figure, the increase being due mainly to increased taxation as set out in the next subsection, but partly also to increased charges for certain public services, notably railway fares and postal and telegraphic charges. The total revenue for 1916-17, again, is nearly four millions of pounds greater than for 1915-16.

The total revenue per head of population, and the amounts per bead derived from taxation and from other sources, during the past ten years are shown in the following table:—

REVENUE PER HEAD OF POPULATION. 1907-8 to 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Revenue per Head derived fromTotal Revenue per Head.
Taxation.Other Sources.
 £s.d.£s.d£s.d.
1908504415691510
19094111141709811
19104565359811
1911416115951064
191253105131101611
191357251711143
1914510051741174
19155756001175
1916612161171338
191791111720161311

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—EXPENDITURE.

Expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund is grouped under two main headings by the Treasury, “Permanent” and “Annual.” Permanent appropriations, as the name implies, are those fixed by special Acts of the Legislature. Annual appropriations are voted each year by resolution of Parliament, and include the cost of the business undertakings of the State. In the following table this grouping has not been adopted, as it is considered more desirable to show the growth of the main items of expenditure during the last ten financial years:—

Year ended 31st March.Amount expended onTotal Expenditure.
Working Railways.Post and Telegraph.Education.Interest, &c., on Public Debt.Other Expenses.
 ££££££
19081,963,428707,146843,3112,187,4192,512,6618,213,965
19092,120,987806,293874,8182,258,3652,725,0508,785,513
19102,168,189855,862936,8752,397,4622,632,5348,990,922
19112,270,851911,529984,8542,458,4522,717,4209,343,106
19122,467,718986,5271,072,9922,656,3443,156,78710,340,368
19132,817,1411,066,9221,148,8972,717,0133,332,06511,082,038
19143,004,1811,170,8831,206,6782,887,9813,556,14111,825,864
19152,881,0871,245,2241,288,7953,071,4483,893,24912,379,803
19162,964,0061,294,7121,441,3983,190,7983,602,19312,493,107
19172,871,9771,368,4901,525,1064,032,8854,260,31214,058,770
Totals, 10 years25,529,56510,413,58811,323,72427,858,16732,388,412107,513,456

The “Other Expenses” group includes old-age pensions, which amounted to £330,802 in 1907-8 and to £478,876 in 1916-17. The charges of the public debt are found to have absorbed 24.28 per cent. of the revenue in 1907-8 (excluding amounts received by alienation of Crown lands) and 21.97 per cent. in 1916-17.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1916-17.

The total receipts of the Consolidated Fund for the financial year 1916-17, including a balance of £2,166,077 brought forward from the previous year and an amount of £12,353 representing sinking funds set free, were £20,533,624, and the total expenditure for the same period was £14,058,770, leaving the large balance of £6,474,854 to carry forward.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—RECEIPTS, 1916-17.

From taxation—££
    Customs3,849,675 
    Excise187,953 
    Land-tax713,118 
    Income-tax4,262,126 
    Death duties570,040 
    Bank-note-issue tax114,822 
    Totalizator tax251,436 
    Other taxes600,484 
    10,549,654 
From services—££
    Railways4,836,275 
    Postal964,793 
    Telegraph527,249 
    Telephone317,275 
    Other services239,830 
  6,885,422
Land revenue—  
    Rents, Crown lands215,787 
    Net revenue from national - endowment lands (1915-16)85,971 
  301,758
Miscellaneous 618,360
        Total £18,355,194

Taxation represented 57.48 per cent. of the total revenue for the year 1916.17, and services contributed 37.51 per cent. For the last financial year preceding the war (1913-14) the proportions were 48.39 per cent. and 45.40 per cent. respectively.

The amount shown as net revenue from national-endowment lands represents the money received from that source during the previous financial year. The method adopted is to place the amount received under this head each year to a separate account, and, after deducting necessary expenses, to transfer the balance to the Consolidated Fund Account. Of this balance 70 per cent. is expended on education, and 30 per cent. on old-age pensions.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—EXPENDITURE, 1916-17.

Charges of the public debt (excluding interest and sinking fund charges paid out of separate accounts)££
4,032,885
Pensions and allowances—  
  Old-age pensions478,876 
  Widows' pensions37,919 
  Military pensions225,809 
  Miners' pensions5,368 
  Civil pensions and allowances36,451 
  Civil Service, Railway, and Teachers' Superannuation Funds90,000 
  874,423
Payment to local bodies—  
  Subsidies156,215 
  Endowments revenue79,266 
  Under the Land Act52,033 
  Other payments555 
  288,069
Public instruction—  
  Elementary946,870 
  Secondary and higher151,525 
  Manual and technical75,893 
  Training of teachers47,073 
  Native schools36,176 
  Industrial schools38,086 
  School buildings119,504 
  Departmental and miscellaneous49,799 
  National-endowment revenue not included above60,180 
  1,525,106
  21—Ybk.  
Judicial and legal—££
  Administration of justice136,496 
  Police244,673 
  Prisons59,669 
  440,838
Railways working-expenses 2,871,977
Postal and Telegraph services 1,368,490
Defence (including naval defence) 474,922
Other expenditure—  
  Departmental1,767,591 
  War bonus to Public Servants386,185 
  Miscellaneous28,284 
  2,182,060
      Total £14,058,770

A comparison of the revenue of the Consolidated Fund for the year 1916-17 with that of the previous year, the percentage of each item to the totals and the increase or decrease, as the case may be, are given in the table following.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE FOR 1916-17, COMPARED WITH 1915-16.

Head of Revenue.Revenue of Consolidated Fund.Increase for 1916-17.
1916-17.Per Cent. of Total.1916-16.Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Per Cent.

* Decrease.

Taxation—£ £ £ 
  Customs and excise4,037,62822.003,524,06324.29513,56514.57
  Land713,1183.881,048,3567.23–335,238*-31.98*
  Income4,262,12623.221,392,1199.592,870,007206.16
  Death duties570,0403.11610,3504.21–40,310*-6.60*
  Other taxes966,7425.27692,0784.77274,66439.69
Services—      
  Railways4,836,27526.354,484,33730.91351,9387.85
  Postal964,7935.25858,5835.92106,21012.37
  Telegraph527,2492.87549,6273.79–22,378*-4.07*
  Telephone317,2751.73287,5471.9829,72810.34
  Other services239,8301.31243,3581.68–3,528*–1.45*
  Land revenue301,7581.64311,9692.15-10,211*–3.27*
  Miscellaneous618,3603.37505,1433.48113,21722.41
  Totals18,355,194100.0014,507,530100.003,847,68426.52

The expenditure of the Consolidated Fund Account for the last two financial years is presented in the next table in similar form to the above.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—EXPENDITURE FOR 1916-17, COMPARED WITH 1915-16.

Head of Expenditure.Expenditure of Consolidated Fund.Increase for 1916-17.
1916-17.Per Cent. of Total.1915-16.Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Per Cent.

* Decrease.

 £ £ £ 
Charges of the public debt4,032,88528.693,190,79825.54842,08726.39
Pensions and allowances874,4236.22703,5435.63170,88024.29
Payment to local bodies288,0692.05290,1792.32–2,110*-0.73*
Public instruction1,525,10610.851,441,39811.5483,7085.81
Judicial and legal440,8383.13442,9993.55–2,161*–0.49*
Railways working-expenses2,871,97720.432,964,00623.73–92,029*–3.10*
Postal and Telegraph services1,368,4909.731,294,71210.3673,7785.70
Defence (including naval)474,9223.38458,4123.6716,5103.60
Other expenditure2,182,06015.521,707,06013.66475,00027.83
    Totals14,058,770100.0012,493,107100.001,565,66312.53

PUBLIC WORKS FUND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.

The receipts of this account consist mainly of the proceeds of loans raised for the construction of public works. From time to time the fund has been aided by substantial transfers of surplus revenue from the Consolidated Fund Account. The receipts for the last ton years are shown in the next table.

PUBLIC WORKS FUND.—RECEIPTS, TEN YEARS.

Year ended 31st March.Amounts received.Total Receipts.
From Loans.Transfers from Consolidated Fund.Other Sources.
 ££££
19081,029,600800,00016,4541,846,054
19092,813,790800,00014,4803,628,270
19102,091,090 2,6072,093,697
19112,590,140800,0006,5083,396,648
1912744,307500,00012,1491,256,456
19132,420,685750,000130,0443,300,729
19142,763,884675,00039,8673,478,751
19151,857,742350,00016,7492,224,491
19163,166,830 20,3243,187,154
19171,095,000 10,8371,105,837

Included in amounts received from “Other Sources” in 1912-13 is the sum of £25,000 which was formerly held in the Deposit Account for the purchase of permanent-way material; also £86,970, receipts under section 16 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1912. Tins column for 1913.14 includes a further amount of £21,890 under the Act mentioned.

During the year 1908-9 the Wellington-Manawatu Railway was taken over by the State, and a loan of £1,000,000 was raised for that purpose. In addition to the amounts shown above, the sum of £6,630,000 was transferred during the years 1891-92 to 1906-7 from the Consolidated Fund Account to the Public Works Fund. The next table shows the expenditure at intervals of five years from 1884-85 to 1904-5, and for each of the last ten financial years upon services winch are charged to the fund. As will be seen further on, the whole of what may be termed public works are not included in this account.

EXPENDITURE ON SERVICES PROVIDED FOR BY THE PUBLIC WORKS FUND.

Year ended 31st March.Immigration.Railways.Roads.Development of Mining.Telegraph Extension.Public Buildings.Lighthouses, &c.Other Services.Totals.
 £££££££££
188557,148663,063317,0438,02925,799117,36134,033114,2511,336,727
1890867289,57284,12628416,34635,4739,43446,362482,464
1895101247,545164,8335,86519,22954,1903,1459,578504,486
1900385417,937285,53221,81526,771115,4279,026116,330993,223
19056,482811,994230,0126,25879,298116,6785,99097,4461,354,158
19089,1311,272,828331,1078,632155,491226,0356,86399,7972,109,882
190915,0772,278,327481,97632,859163,033285,52119,21787,8853,363,895
191017,0021,279,807367,23018,598123,422276,94916,683116,7062,216,397
19119,4411,184,083270,64810,845111,868325,6138,427137,7662,058,691
191211,68111,178,969430,64721,245147,692349,65512,576187,9152,340,380
191314,6941,179,554376,07810,644251,375445,14216,785254,6462,548,918
191433,9141,144,756382,0974,889392,648369,6009,059423,8352,760,798
191533,2191,156,073514,7982,384288,395417,00017,131308,3642,737,364
191610,0101,205,287424,6376,602249,554335,77413,673387,6752,583,212
19176,533816,983219,7944,592203,311251,4313,768239,1011,775,513

The receipts and expenditure of the fund during the financial year ended 31st March, 1917, were as under:—

PUBLIC WORKS FUND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1916-17.

Receipts—££
  Balance, 31st March, 1916 1,387,901
  Debentures issued under Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1914500,000 
  Debentures issued under the Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 1914240,000 
  Debentures issued under the Aid to Water-power Works Act, 191055,000 
  Debentures issued under section 49 of Finance Act, 1916 (Telegraph Extension)300,000 
  1,095,000
  Recoveries on account of expenditure of previous years5,712 
  Receipts under the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 19103,492 
  Receipts in connection with the Ellesmere and Forsyth Reclamation and Akaroa Railway Trust Account1,633 
  10,837
      Total £2,493,738
Expenditure—££
  Railways846,983 
  Roads219,794 
  Public buildings251,431 
  Telegraph extension203,311 
  Contingent defence9,741 
  Immigration6,533 
  Development of mining4,592 
  Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour defences3,768 
  Tourist and health resorts1,094 
  Lands improvementCr.2,731
  Development of water-power49,031 
  Irrigation and water-supply20,794 
  Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement13,907 
  Plant, material, and stores9,778 
  Departmental137,452 
  Charges and expenses of raising and renewing general public-works loans35 
  1,775,513
  Balance, 31st March, 1917 718,225
      Total £2,493,738

The expenditure on roads out of the Public Works Fund does not comprise all of the moneys spent under that head by the General Government. Between 1896-97 and 1910-11 the sum of £469,236 was expended on construction of roads to open up Crown lands out of the moneys raised for loans to local bodies.

Further expenditure on the construction of roads to open up Crown lands includes amounts of £45,690 in 1910-11, £49,739 in 1911-12, £47,951 in 1912-13, £63,245 in 1913-14, £92,975 in 1914-15, £47,974 in 1915-16, and £24,730 in 1916-17. During the four years 1910-11 to 1913-14 these payments were made from a separate account entitled the Opening-up Crown Lands for Settlement Account. This account was abolished during 1914-15, and the balance transferred to the Land for Settlements Account, out of which the amounts shown above for 1914-15 and succeeding years were paid.

Roads to open national-endowment lands are paid for out of the National Endowment Account, the amount paid in 1916-17 being £6,787.

The roading of lands purchased for closer settlement is made a charge upon the Land for Settlements Account, and is included in the value upon which the rentals of those lands are based. The reclamation by drainage and opening up by means of roads of an area of the Hauraki Plains is provided for out of moneys borrowed for that purpose and shown in a separate account.

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OR FUNDS.

The accounts included under this heading in some cases comprise revenue of different kinds mixed up with loan-money, while others are merely records of transactions which of their nature cannot be considered as properly belonging to the Public Account. Among the former may be counted the State Forests and State Coal-mines Accounts, and among the latter the accounts of local bodies, which consist of revenue collected on behalf of and paid over to local authorities, and the Deposit Accounts, consisting partly of moneys held in trust and partly of moneys held in suspense for various reasons. The transactions of these accounts or funds are shown in the tables following:—

TREASURY BILLS ACCOUNT.

Dr.£Cr.£
Treasury Bills issued during year600,000Treasury Bills renewed during year600,000
      Total£600,000      Total£600,000

STATE FORESTS ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Rents from lands set apart12,882Expenses of nurseries, tree-planting and forest conservation27,810
Debentures issued10,000  
Contribution from Consolidated Fund4,250  
      Total£27,132      Total£27,810

STATE COAL-MINES ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Proceeds of sale of coal290,177Working-expenses and development248,373
  Interest on debentures8,639
      Total£290,177      Total£257,012

SCENERY PRESERVATION ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Rents121Scenery preservation1,771
Debentures issued5,000  
      Total£5,121      Total£1,771

NAVAL DEFENCE ACT ACCOUNT.

Receipts.Expenditure.
Nil.Nil.

LOCAL BODIES ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Revenue received on account of local bodies— Revenue paid over to local bodies— 
  Fees, fines, &c.6,110  Fees, fines, &c.6,316
  Endowments of land, &c.3,871  Endowments of land, &c.1,930
  Goldfields revenue14,240  Goldfields revenue15,532
  Gold duty11,910  Gold duty12,942
Counties separate account133Counties separate account138
Advance Account— Advance Account— 
  Amounts repaid by local bodies20,049  Sundry payments made on behalf of local bodies20,587
      Total£56,313      Total£57,445

This account deals with revenue collected for and paid over to local authorities, also sundry payments made on behalf of such authorities and refunded by them.

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Lodgments23,652,927Withdrawals22,071,949
    Total£23,652,927    Total£22,071,949

This account consists of moneys to be applied to specific purposes under various Acts, collections on behalf of local institutions, and miscellaneous items in suspense. The purchase of supplies by the Imperial Government was responsible for the greater portion, of the receipts and expenditure of the account in 1910-17, as is evidenced by the following figures:—

Item.Receipts. £Expenditure. £
Wool-supply10,100,0009,376,807
Meat-supply7,795,0007,655,180
Cheese-supply2,236,1041,803,558
Scheelite-supply45,79345,141
Condensed-milk21,94221,773
Jam-supply977 
      Totals£20,199,916£18,902,459

CHEVIOT ESTATE ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Rents from land17,195Interest on loans8,866
Sales4  
Interest on securities2,184  
    Total£19,383    Total£8,866

LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACCOUNT.

The operations of this account during each of the five financial years ended 31st March, 1913-17, and the total transactions to the latter date, are shown in the table following:—

Head.Year ended 31et March.Total to 31st March, 1917.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Receipts—££££££
  Loans raised34,000306,588136,07860,000300,0006,714,578
  Advances made by State Advances Office399,497163,878   1,003,875
  Sale of lands3,603139,566293,867345,598267,7141,050,348
  Rents, &c.323,242342,278312,827337,288340,0774,226,129
  Total receipts760,342952,310742,772742,886907,79112,994,930
Expenditure—      
  Land purchases428,045560,497356,686100,506595,4197,989,224
  Transfer to Opening up Crown Lands for Settlement Account 34,17151,00045,000 130,171
  Interest on loans243,625266,205287,225288,728267,0733,349,293
  Payment to sinking fund66,85748,91041,93741,87138,153581,333
  Incidental expenses36,98325,90236,14226,51424,924688,341
  Total expenditure775,510935,685772,990502,619925,569112,738,362

The whole of the annual contributions to the sinking fund were formerly paid to the Public Trustee for investment. By section 26 of the State Advances Act, 1913, however, it was provided that future contributions should be paid to the Public Trustee only in respect of loans not obtained from any Department of the Public Service. For loans from the State Advances and other Departments the sinking fund contributions are to be paid to the Consolidated Fund in terms of the Public Debt Extinction Act, 1910.

For some years there was a special account for the opening-up of Crown lands for settlement. This has now been abolished, and the money in the account transferred to the Land for Settlements Account. The money is still to be devoted to the same purposes, and is kept in a separate subsidiary account. The operations of the new account for the year 1916-17 are,—

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Revenue under section 63 of Land Laws Amendment Act, 191315,386Roads to open up lands for settlement24,730
  Interest7,981
    Total£15,386    Total£32,711

NATIVE LAND SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Debentures issued279,500Expenditure under the Act264,618
Amount received for surveys24,565Native - land - purchase expenses2,090
Land-sales3,162Interest53,573
Rents, &c.25,408Charges and expenses of raising loans6
Repayment of advances by Maori Land Boards2,231  
    Total£334,866    Total£320,287

CONVERSION ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
4-per-cent. inscribed stock issued for conversion of debentures303Scrip and Debentures converted into 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock— 
    Amount converted300
    Premiums3
  Rent and office expenses445
    Total£303    Total£748

WAR EXPENSES ACCOUNT.

This account, called into existence by the war, has now assumed immense proportions, the expenditure from it for the financial year ended 31st March, 1917, being slightly greater than that of the Consolidated Fund. Apart from voluntary contributions to the fund in the early months of the war, the expenditure has been met entirely by loans aggregating 26f millions of pounds, much of which has been raised in the Dominion.

The account is made the medium for remittances between soldiers and their relatives, but these do not greatly affect the totals on either side of the ledger. The operations of the account since its creation in 1914-15 are given in the following statement. There was a credit balance of £4,562,762 at 31st March, 1917.

Head.Year ended 31st MarchTotal to 31st March, 1917.
1915.1916.1917.
Receipts—££££
  Loans raised2,300,0006,659,50617,812,89026,7725,396
  Contributions towards War Expenses Fund159,1376,7805,405171,322
  Remittances to and from soldiers 1,21484,248100,462
  Pay Warrants Account 19,400 19,400
    Totals2,459,1376,701,90017,902,54327,063,580
Expenditure—    
  War expenditure2,151,8365,712,89214,139,95622,004,684
  Relief expenditure20,00072,500129,245221,745
  Remittances to and from soldiers 3,32246,88950,211
  Pay Warrants Account 19,344519,349
  Expenses of raising loans 129,50675,323204,829
    Totals2,171,8365,937,56414,391,41822,500,818

HAURAKI PLAINS SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT.

An Act of the General Assembly, passed in 1908, authorizes the construction of works necessary for the drainage, reclamation, and opening up for settlement of a block of swampy land, part of the Hauraki Plains. The Act provides for borrowing the funds required to carry out the work, and lays down that the future revenues of the land recovered shall be applied to the repayment of the moneys so raised. The transactions for each of the last five years and the total to date are given in the following table:—

Head.Year ended 31st March,Total to 31st March, 1917.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Receipts—££££££
  Land sales, leases, &c.6,8658,13510,44911,54019,63167,294
  Transfers from Local Bodies Account     31,000
  Advances made by New Zealand State Advances Office15,00010,000   95,000
  Transfer from State Advances Office  771  771
  Debentures issued 5,0009,00011,000 25,000
    Totals21,86523,13520,22022,54019,631219,065
Expenditure—      
  Reclamation, drainage, and road-construction22,69518,99316,60914,33413,937187,224
  Payment of principal and interest3,9132,4753,7913,9974,46922,141
    Totals26,60821,46820,40018,33118,4061209,365

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT ACCOUNT.

Under the Land Act, 1908, the net revenues from certain areas of Crown lands are applied to educational purposes and to payment of old-age pensions in the proportion of 70 per cent. and 30 per cent. in each case respectively. From the gross revenue is deducted any expenditure which may be incurred in the construction of roads, and also any sums which by law have been appropriated to local authorities out of the rents. The transactions during the year ended 31st March, 1917, were,—

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Rents, &c.111,391Construction of roads6,787
  Payments under the Act91,938
    Total£111,391    Total£98,725

WORKERS' DWELLINGS ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Sale of dwellings under section 16 of Act15,759Nil. 
    Total£15,759    TotalNil.

MINING ADVANCES ACCOUNT.

This account has now been separated from the State Advances Account proper (section 4 of the Mining Amendment Act, 1913). The operations of the account for the year 1916-17 are shown.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Interest on advances1,102Advances to mining companies150
Repayments of principal6,550Payment to 8inking Fund100
  Interest848
    Total£7,652    Total£1,098

RRANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Receipts under the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 191016Expenditure under the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 191018,208
Debentures issued17,000Interest3,356
  Expenses of raising loans1
  Refund of rates111
    Total£17,016    Total£21,676

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND ACT 1903 ACCOUNT.

Dr.£Cr.£
Investment Account875,000Preference shares of the Bank of New Zealand875,000
    Total£875,000    Total£875,000

Shares representing £375,000 were added to this account during the year 1914—15 in accordance with section 6 of the Bank of New Zealand Act, 1913.

RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT.

Dr.£Cr.£
Investment Account800,000Securities800,000
    Total£800,000    Total£800,000

NEW ZEALAND CONSOLS ACCOUNT.

Dr.£Cr.£
Cash in Deposit Account107Cash in Deposit Account107
Investment Account475,885Investment Account475,885
    Total£475,992    Total£475,992

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY ACCOUNT.

The Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, authorizes the Minister of Lands to act as agent for the disposal of kauri-gum on behalf of the gum-diggers, thus affording a measure of relief for the industry during the war period. The Minister may advance to diggers up to one-half of the estimated value of the gum, the balance, loss deductions for insurance, storage, &c., being paid over when the Minister sells the gum.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Debentures issued15,000Expenditure under the Act17,405
Sale of gum10,889  
    Total£25,889    Total£17,405

SWAMP LAND DRAINAGE ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Debentures issued11,000Drainage of swamp lands6,565
    Total£11,000    Total£6,565

FRUIT-PRESERVING INDUSTRY ADVANCES ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Debentures issued6,500Advances14,500
Repayment of principal and interest1,256  
    Total£7,756    Total£14,500

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT.

Receipts.£Expenditure.£
Debentures issued35,000Advances30,168
Repayment of principal and interest1,413Expenditure under section 9 of Act398
  Expenses of raising loans1
    Total£36,413    Total£30,567

STATEMENT OF BALANCES ON 31ST MARCH, 1917.

The cash balances and investments of the foregoing accounts, as on 31st March, 1917, are shown in the following table:—

Account.Cash.Investments.Total
Cr.£££
Consolidated Fund (ordinary revenue)2,557,1233,917,7316,474,854
State Forests2,530 2,530
State Coal-mines68,125 68,125
Scenery-preservation4,347 4,347
Naval Defence118 118
Local Bodies9,970 9,970
Deposit Accounts2,034,3001,316,5153,350,815
Public Works Fund (proper)321,525200,000521,525
Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 191429,884 29,884
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement2,69760,00062,697
Aid to Water-power Works7,430 7,430
Telegraph Extension96,689 96,689
Cheviot Estate48,52160,000108,521
Land for Settlements111,568145,000256,568
Land for Settlements (opening up Crown lands for settlement)639 639
Native-land Settlement32,462 32,462
Conversion Account8,103 8,103
War Expenses2,284,3032,278,4594,562,762
Hauraki Plains Settlement9,699 9,699
National Endowment100,493 100,493
Workers' Dwellings46,477 46,477
Mining Advances7,080 7,080
Rangitaiki Land Drainage1,176 1,176
Bank of New Zealand (preference shares)875000875,000
Reserve Fund 800,000800,000
New Zealand Consols107475,885475,992
Kauri-gum Industry11,178 11,178
Swamp Drainage4,435 4,435
Fruit-preserving Industry Advances882 882
Discharged Soldiers Settlement6,846 6,846
    Totals7,808,70710,128,59017,937,297

The State Advances Account, which is administered directly by the Advances Board, is not included in the above statement, nor is the Loans Redemption Account. In addition there are the funds of the Government Life Insurance Department, the State Fire Insurance Department, and the Public Trust Office, which are administered by the Departments concerned. Reference to the working of these Departments will be found elsewhere in this book.

SUBSECTION B.—TAXATION.

TOTAL TAXATION.

ALL revenue collected by means of taxation is applied to general purposes. Customs duties on imported goods, excise duties on beer, and also on a few minor items, constitute the indirect taxation, land and income taxes, death duties, a tax on bank-note issues, duty on cheques and receipts for payments being the main source of revenue by direct taxation. Particulars of the collections during the past ton years, under the main headings, are shown in the following table:—

Year ended 31st March.Amount of Taxation derived fromTotal.
Customs and Excise Duties.Land-tax.Income-tax.Death Duties.Other Taxes.
 ££££££
19083,217,538537,846304,905246,032339,4334,645,754
19092,917,462604,901321,044260,238274,1164,377,761
19102,786,490642,270316,835192,014242,9074,180,516
19113,145,929628,723407,235323,783331,6524,837,322
19123,398,143647,015448,935361,186441,3115,296,590
19133,531,761728,636462,994458,265425,1735,606,829
19143,553,785767,451554,271613,751428,7765,918,034
19153,294,943799,641540,318796,232449,6775,880,811
19163,524,0631,048,3561,392,119610,350692,0787,266,966
19174,037,628713,1184,262,120570,040966,74210,549,654

The percentage under each heading to the total amount collected for each year is as under:—

Year ended 31st March.Proportion per Cent. derived from
Customs and Excise Duties.Land-tax.Income-tax.Death Duties.Other Direct Taxes.
 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
190869.2611.586.565.297.31
190966.6413.827.335.956.26
191065.6315.137.464.527.26
191165.0313008426.696.86
191264.1612.218.486.828.33
191362.9913.008.268.177.58
191460.0512.979.3710.377.24
1915560313609.1913.547.64
191648.4914.4319.168.409.52
191738.276.7640.405.409.17

Some remarkable alterations in percentages are noticed during the last two years, due to the war taxation referred to in detail below.

TAXATION PER HEAD.

The revenue from taxation per head of mean population during the past ten years is shown in the next table.

REVENUE FROM TAXATION PER HEAD OF MEAN POPULATION. 1907-8 TO 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Including Maoris.Excluding Maoris.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.
19084 15 55 0 4
19094 7 54 11 11
19104 1 64 5 6
19114 12 44 16 11
19124 19 05 3 10
19135 2 35 7 2
19145 5 25 10 0
19155 2 95 7 5
19166 6 46 12 1
19179 3 79 11 11

WAR TAXATION.

As was inevitable with a war of the magnitude of that in which New Zealand is now engaged, additional taxation has had to be imposed to meet deficiencies and to provide interest and sinking-fund payments on the new and rapidly mounting indebtedness incurred on account of the extraordinary expenditure of the war.

During the session of 1914 no war taxation was imposed, but in each of the three succeeding sessions legislation has been passed providing for heavier taxation. Apart also from increases, the incidence of the war taxation has, been modified in the sessions of 1916 and 1917 in accordance with the dictates of experience, the aim of the Legislature having been to place the taxation in such a way as to make the direct effect as little oppressive as possible on those least able to bear additional burdens, and to remove inequalities and anomalies as these were seen to exist.

Naturally income has borne the brunt of the increased taxation, as being best able to do so on account of the higher profits made during the war period, and also because of the ease of collection, and of the existence of the necessary machinery. It should be noted that the minimum for exemption has not been reduced.

1915 SESSION.

The war taxation imposed in 1915 covered a fairly wide range. An additional 33⅓ per cent. was added to the former rates of income-tax, and the incidence of this branch of taxation was extended to cover incomes derived from land and mortgages of land, which were formerly assessed for land-tax but not for income-tax. Under the new rates land-tax was still payable on mortgages, but whatever was paid as land-tax was to be deducted from the amount of income-tax payable. The intention was that the increased taxation would fall on those making increased profits from the sale of wool, meat, and dairy-produce. The land-tax on mortgages was increased from 3/4d. to Id. in the pound on the capital value, and the graduated land-tax was increased by 50 per cent.

Additional Customs duties were placed on a number of items of import, including spirits, wines, and flavouring-essences; bicycles, motorcycles. carriages, &c., and their fittings; and electric machinery, gas-oil-, and hot-air engines, &c. A primage duty of 1 per cent, of the value of goods imported (with certain exceptions) was also imposed.

In place of the former system of assessing and collecting beer duty a new system was brought in, with a new scale of fees. The duty was to be calculated according to the specific gravity of the worts used in the production of the beer. For a specific gravity not exceeding 1,047 (reckoned in relation to water at 60° Fahrenheit, taken as 1,000) the duty was fixed at 3 3/4d. per gallon; the rate was increased by 1/16d. for every unit above 1,047 but not exceeding 1,055, and by 1/8d. for every unit above 1,055. The graduated scale was introduced partly with a view to encouraging the brewing of light beer. The former duty was a uniform one of 3d. per gallon.

Numerous new and additional stamp duties were also imposed. Contracts for the sale of land were made chargeable with the same duty as if they were actual conveyances. Mortgages and transfers of mortgages, formerly exempt from stamp duty, were made dutiable to the extent of 5s. for every £100 or part of £100, and 10s. became payable on the discharge of a mortgage. The duty on a deed of assignment became £3 instead of £2 10s. as formerly; the duty on receipts, cheques, bills of exchange, and promissory notes was increased from Id. to 2d.; and the general schedule of stamp duties was revised, and many duties were increased by amounts representing 3d. in the shilling, 6d. in the half-crown, Is. in 5s., and 2s. 6d. in 10s. on the former rates. The tax on the bank-note issue was increased from 10s. to 15s. per £100. One per cent, of stakes won in respect of horse-racing was made payable to the Commissioner of Stamps, and a tax of 6d. was imposed on totalizator dividends in addition to the former percentage payable on totalizator investments and gate receipts.

Various amendments were made to the Deaths Duties Act, not, however, in the direction of imposing extra taxation in the aggregate, but involving only alterations in respect of exemptions.

In addition to the war taxation referred to, the charges for certain public services were increased with a view to counteracting the effect of anticipated deficiencies in revenue. The scale of ordinary passenger fares was increased by 1d. in the shilling, and second-class excursion fares were raised to approximately 1 1/3d. per mile return, as against 1d. under the former scale. An additional charge of 2d. was placed on every ticket for excursion fares, whether first or second class. An increase of 10s. was made in all rates chargeable on goods, parcels, luggage, horses, &c., and on charges in respect of railway wharves and Lake Wakatipu steamers. Postage charges were increased by 1/2d. on all articles posted, with the exception of newspapers and of letters, &c., addressed to countries the rates of postage to which are the maximum rates chargeable under the International Postal Convention. The minimum charge for telegrams was fixed at 8d. (formerly 6d.), and an extra 2d. was made payable on all telegrams, and as an additional inland charge on cablegrams.

1916 SESSION.

The principal item in the additional war taxation of the 1916 session was the imposition of an excess-profits duty of 45 per cent. on excess income in the year 1915-16 as compared with the “standard” income, this tax being additional to the ordinary and special income-tax payable. Standard income might be taken at the option of the taxpayer as—

  1. The average income of the three years ended 31st March, 1914, 1913, and 1912:

  2. The average income of any two of these three years:

  3. The income of any one of the three years:

  4. Seven-and-a-half per cent. of the capital employed at 1st April, 1915, in the production of income, plus such additional amount, not exceeding £600, as the Commissioner of Taxes deems just and reasonable as remuneration of the personal exertion of the taxpayer.

It was laid down that where, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Taxes, standard income could not be arrived at in any of the first three ways mentioned it must be ascertained in the fourth way. Increases and deductions equal to 7 1/2 per cent, of the difference were provided for in cases where the capital for the income year was greater or less than that employed in the production of the standard income. Losses in the three years ended 31st March, 1915, and cases of hardship of certain specified classes, were to be taken into account. The excess-profits duty was not payable on salaries and wages, nor on incomes of less than £300. The tax charged was not to be more than the amount by which the assessable income exceeded £300.

In addition to the excess-profits duty all incomes (with the usual exemptions) were subjected to further taxation, an extra 6d. in the pound over and above the rates imposed in 1915 being placed on assessable incomes up to £900, and an extra 1s. on incomes above £900.

The tax on mortgages of land was definitely converted from land-tax to income-tax.

Further slight increases in certain stamp duties were also made in 1916.

1917 SESSION.

The excess-profits duty levied in 1916 was not reimposed in 1917, experience having brought to light almost insuperable difficulties in ascertaining exactly the actual profits resulting from the war. The tax was also found to be inequitable in its operation, and in its place was substituted a comprehensive system of progressive land and income tax, with a special war-tax on incomes. Details of the new system, with the rates of duty payable, are given farther on in this subsection.

Customs duties were again increased in 1917 in respect of certain items, which are given in detail in the section of this book dealing with trade. The general rate of beer duty imposed in 1915 was increased from 3 ¾d. to 5 ¾d. in cases where the specific gravity does not exceed 1,047, with an additional 1/16d. for every extra unit up to and including 1,051. Additional rates of excise duty were also imposed on tobacco manufactured in New Zealand. Gold held by banks on behalf of the Imperial Government was made chargeable with the usual gold duty on receipt of the purchase-money instead of on export, perhaps many months afterwards, as had been the case. This alteration in respect to gold duty is to remain in force only until six months after the end of the war.

A new form of tax imposed in 1917 is the amusements-tax, payable on payments for admission to entertainments, with certain specified exceptions. “Entertainment” is defined as “any exhibition, performance, amusement, game, or sport to which persons are admitted for payment.” No duty is payable where the charge for admission is not more than 6d. The rates of duty are as follow :—

Payment for Admission (exclusive of Amount of Tax).Tax payable.
 d.
Exceeding 6d. but not exceeding 2s. 6d.1
Exceeding 2s. 6d. but not exceeding 5s.2
Exceeding 5s. but not exceeding 7s. 6d.3
Exceeding 7s. 6d. but not exceeding 12s. 6d.6
Exceeding 12s. 6d.— 
    For the first 12s. 6d.12
    For every additional 10s. or part of 10s.12

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TAXATION.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, the sum of £3,849,675 was collected, after deduction of drawbacks, for duty on imported goods, and £187,953 for excise duties, a total of £4,037,628. The amount of revenue derived from these sources for each of the past ten years is shown below.

Year ended 31st March.Customs Duties.Excise Duties.Total.
 £££
19083,103,565113,9733,217,538
19092,801,248116,2142,917,462
19102,671,121115,3692,786,490
19113,027,829118,1003,145,929
19123,279,012119,1313,398,143
19133,407,538124,2233,531,761
19143,426,744127,0413,553,785
19153,167,283127,6603,294,943
19163,366,171157,8923,524,063
19173,849,675187,9534,037,628

The revenue from Customs and excise duties in 1906-7 was £3,048,622, and the increase for the ten years is £989,006 or 32.44 per cent. In the ten calendar years corresponding to the same period the value of imports increased from £15,211,403 to £26,339,283, or at the rate of 73.15 per cent. Generally speaking, in spite of slight increases in Customs and excise duties referred to above as part of the war taxation, the average rate of duty has not increased during the ten years, the increases of 1915 scarcely counteracting the remissions and decreases of 1907. The increase in the total duties collected is thus entirely due to the increased prosperity of the country as reflected by its trade. The decrease in imports in 1914 as compared with 1913, it will be seen, brought a corresponding decrease in Customs duties collected, but the additional imposts referred to above have made their impression on the Customs taxation figures of 1915-16, in spite of a further fall in the total value of imports for 1915.

For a fuller discussion of Customs taxation than can be given here the reader is referred to the section of this book dealing with Commerce.

LAND AND INCOME TAX.

Except in regard to minor details the system of land and income taxation in force in 1915 had remained unaltered for many years. Probably the only noteworthy point was the gradual hardening-up of the graduated land-tax, designed to prevent aggregation of land and to compel the cutting-up of large estates rather than to secure additional revenue.

The war taxation of 1915, however, not only included increased rates of 33 1/3 per cent. in the case of income-tax, 1/4d. in the pound in the case of land-tax payable on mortgages, and 50 per cent. in the case of graduated land-tax, but also involved an important change of principle. Among the incomes formerly exempt from income-tax are those derived directly from land, but income-tax is now payable on such incomes, including those derived from mortgages of land. In the case of mortgages, however, the income-tax is reduced by such amount as has been paid for land-tax, provided such amount does not exceed the total amount of income-tax.

With the exception of the abolition of the land-tax on mortgages and the substitution of an income-tax in its place, the principles of land-tax assessment were not altered in 1916, nor were the rates increased, but an entirely new scheme, the excess-profits tax (described above), was brought into operation in respect of income-tax, the 1915 system remaining also, with increased rates, for ordinary income-tax.

The excess-profits tax being found inequitable and otherwise unsatisfactory, a system of progressive land and income tax, with a special war-tax on incomes, was adopted in 1917.

Land-tax is assessed on the unimproved value of the land after allowing certain exemptions as set out below. As the law now stands an owner of land the unimproved value of which does not exceed £1,500 is allowed an exemption of £500, and where the unimproved value lies between £1,500 and £2,500 there is a similar exemption, diminished, however, by £1 for every £2 over the £1,500 mark, so that no exemption is allowable when the £2,500 is reached. Where the land is subject to a registered mortgage an alternate scale of deductions is provided—viz., £1,500 in cases where the unimproved value does not exceed £3,000, and the same amount diminished by £1 for every £2 above £3,000 when the unimproved value lies between £3,000 and £6,000. Where the capital value of the mortgage is less than the amount of deduction provided. such capital value is to be deducted instead. In lieu of the exemptions mentioned the Commissioner of Taxes has discretionary powers to grant relief in certain specified cases of hardship. Subject to deductions provided, lessees and life tenants are liable to tax. and joint owners are to be assessed jointly as regards the land held in conjunction, and also severally in respect of each owner's interest in such land and any other land. This also applies to the shareholders in a company owning land.

The progressive land-tax, now substituted for the former double system of ordinary and graduated tax, ranges from 1d. to 7d. in the pound. The 1d. rate applies in cases where the unimproved value on which tax is payable does not exceed £1,000. and the rate is increased by 1/32,000 of a penny for every pound in excess of £1,000, up to the maximum of 7d. These rates are increased for the year 1917-18 by 50 per cent., the minimum rate for the year being thus 1 1/2d. and the maximum 10 1/2d. A further 50 per cent. increase on the total rates is imposed in the case of absentees, including shareholders in companies, but not the companies themselves.

Income-tax is payable on the full incomes of registered companies and of absentees, and in other cases on incomes in excess of £300 per annum. Formerly a deduction of £300 was made from the income in all cases (except for companies and absentees when computing the amount, of tax payable, but the full deduction is now made only when the income does not exceed £600. Between £600 and £900 the exemption is reduced by £1 for every £2 above £600, and no exemption at all is allowed for incomes above £900. Certain specified incomes are wholly exempt from taxation, and a further £25 is deductible from assessable income for each child under sixteen years of age. Sundry other deductions are also provided.

The rates of progressive income-tax for the year 1917-18 range from 6d. to 3s. in the case of persons and firms, and from 1s. to 3s. for companies. The 6d. rate for persons and firms applies where the taxable income is not more than £400, and the 1s. rate for companies where the taxable income does not exceed £1,600, the rates being increased by 1/200 part of a penny for every additional pound until the maximum tax of 3s. in the pound is reached. Income derived by holders of company debentures from such debentures bears a uniform tax of 1s., plus a special war-tax of 1s. 6d.

The special war-tax also applies to assessable income in excess of £300 of all other income-tax payers. For incomes up to £400 the rate of special war-tax is 9d. in the pound, and this is increased by 3/400 of a penny for every additional pound of income, but so as not to exceed 4s. 6d. in the pound. The maximum total rate of income-tax is thus 7s. 6d. in the pound.

A new feature of the land and income taxation laws of the Dominion is the provision in the Finance Act, 1917, for additional taxation to the extent of 50 per cent. of the amount of land and income tax (exclusive of excess-profits duty) payable for the year 1916-17 in cases where the taxpayer has not contributed to the war-loan in proportion to his income. The Act made it the duty of every taxpayer whose taxable income for the year ended 31st March, 1916, exceeded £700 to subscribe to the war loan of 1917-18, on notice being served by the Commissioner of Taxes, an amount equal to three times the amount of land and income tax payable for the year 1916-17.

The income-tax for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, amounted to £4,262,125, and the land-tax to £713,118. The number of income-tax payers was 30,230, as against only 20,072 in the preceding year. Land-tax payers numbered 35,859, as against 45,409 in 1915-16.

The total number of land- and income-tax payers for each of the past ten years was.—

NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS.

Year ended 31st March.Land-tax.Income-tax.
190828,99110,420
190930,85510,839
191033,16211,175
191133,51611,303
191235,27312,207
191338,23213,167
191440,88914,277
191544,27013,967
191645,40920,072
191735,85930,230

The revenue derived from land-tax (ordinary, graduated, and absentee) and income-tax during each of the past ten years is as shown below.

LAND AND INCOME TAX, 1907-8 to 1916-17.

Year ended 31st March.Land-tax.Income-tax.
Ordinary.Graduated.Absentee.

*Included in preceding column.

 ££££
1908346,166186,0005,680304,905
1909389,844209,2485,809321,044
1910417,668220,0444,558316,835
1911416,426209,4932,804407,235
1912439,398205,1142,503448,935
1913475,281251,2752,080462,994
1914506,407258,1352,909554,271
1915547,959249,1932,489540,318
1916696,930351,426*1,392,119
1917347,913365,205*4,262,125

The effect of the increased rates in 1915-16 and 1916-17 is seen. Land-tax collected during 1915-16 is 30 per cent. above that of 1914-15, while income-tax is £300,000 more than the combined totals of 1913-14 and 1914-15. The fall in the amount of land-tax in 1916-17 is due to the alteration in system referred to above, whereby income derived from mortgages of land now bears income-tax instead of land-tax as formerly.

DEATH DUTIES.

ESTATE DUTY.

Under the Death Duties Act, 1909, an estate duty is levied upon the final balance of all property of a deceased person which is situated in New Zealand at his death in excess of the value of 500. In the case of any estate the final balance of which does not exceed 10,000, any interest acquired by the wife of the deceased up to the value of 5,000 is exempt from estate duty, but the rate of duty on the whole estate must be determined before the deduction is made. The following is the scale of duties :—

Net Value of Estate. £  £Rate of Duty. Per Cent.
500 to 1,0001
1,000 “ 2,0002
2,000 “ 3,0002 1/2
3,000 “ 4,0003
4,000 “ 5,0003 1/3
5,000 “ 6,0003 2/3
6,000 “ 7,0004
7,000 “ 8,0004 1/3
8,000 to 9,0004 2/3
9,000 “ 10,0005
10,000 “ 12,0005 1/3
12,000 “ 14,0005 2/3
14,000 “ 16,0006
16,000 “ 18,0006 1/3
18,000 “ 20,0006 2/3
20,000 “ 25,0007

On estates exceeding £25,000 the rate of duty progresses by one-third of 1 per cent. for each successive £5,000, but the maximum rate must not exceed 15 per cent.

SUCCESSION DUTY.

Succession duty is payable by any person who acquires a beneficial interest in the estate of a deceased person either by will or by intestacy, according to the following scale :—

 Per Cent.
Wife of deceased2
Husband2
Child, grandchild, or other descendant2
Relatives in degree not more remote than fourth5
Others10

No duty is payable by the wife of deceased where the succession does not exceed £20,000, nor by a child, grandchild, or other descendant where the amount is not more than £5,000. Where duty is payable it is levied on the full amount of the succession, but must not be greater than the amount by which the succession exceeds £20,000 or £5,000, as the case may be.

In all other cases duty is not payable in respect of any succession the value of which does not exceed £200, and the duty payable on any succession in excess of that sum is not to be greater than the amount by which the succession exceeds £200.

Excepting in the case of wife, or of children, grandchildren, or other descendants, if the value of the succession exceeds £20,000 any such excess is charged with double the rate of the ordinary duty. Charitable trusts are exempt from succession duty.

The wife or lineal descendant of a soldier who has met his death on account of the war is allowed an exemption to the extent of £5,000, in addition to the exemptions mentioned above, duty to be payable on the residue only. A lineal ancestor is also exempt up to £5,000, but in this case, where the succession exceeds £5,000, the duty is payable on the full amount, but must not be more than the amount by which the succession exceeds £5,000.

GIFT DUTY.

A gift means any disposition of property which is made otherwise than by will, whether with or without an instrument in writing, without fully adequate consideration in money or its equivalent. The duty payable is as follows :—

  1. On a gift which together with the value of all other gifts made at the same time, or within twelve months previously or subsequently by the same donor to the same or any other beneficiary, otherwise than by way of a charitable trust, does not exceed the value of £1,000, no duty shall be charged.

  2. On gifts exceeding the value of £1,000, 5 per cent. Antenuptial marriage settlements and charitable gifts are exempt from duty.

REVENUE FROM DEATH DUTIES.

Death duties are due and payable to the Commissioner of Stamps within six months from the death of the deceased, and gift duties at the time the gift is made.

The revenue received from death duties during each of the past ten years was,—

Year ended 31st March.Amount. £
1908246,032
1909260,238
1910192,014
1911323,783
1912361,186
1913458,265
1914613,751
1915796,232
1916610,350
1917570,040

TOTALIZATOR-TAX.

Full information concerning the law as to the use of the totalizator in New Zealand is given in the section of this book dealing with Law and Crime. The Government tax on totalizator investments is 2 1/2 per cent. of the gross amount passed through the machines. Prior to the 1st March, 1910, the percentage was 1 1/2.

A tax of 1 per cent. has from the 1st November, 1915, been imposed on the total value of all stakes, and 6d. in the pound or part of a pound on totalizator dividends, in addition to the tax on totalizator investments.

The following table shows for each of the last twenty years the number of totalizator licenses issued, the amount of investments by the public, and the amount paid to the Treasury as a percentage of such investments. The amounts shown as “ Percentage paid to Treasury” represent the amounts paid in respect of the race meetings held during the year as shown, but do not in all cases coincide with the amount of totalizator revenue received during the financial year, for the reason that the percentage in respect of race meetings held late in March may not be paid to the Treasury until after the end of the financial year :—

Financial Year.Number of Totalizator Licenses issued for Meetings held during Financial Year.Days.Percentage paid to Treasury.Total Amount invested by the Public.
   ££
1897-9815526813,297886,567
1898-9914425013,695912,969
1899-190015427815,9831,065,580
1900-115327817,5411,168,732
1901-216530919,0401,275,813
1902-314827619,7341,274,102
1903-415128220,4861,357,263
1904-515629421,5711,437,431
1905-615829822,8981,555,638
1906-715930327,6511,837,095
1907-815229229,9961,999,757
1908-915730727,9641,834,333
1909-1016732329,6452,030,426
1910-1114428748,3381,933,534
1911-1214226472,1842,887,371
1912-1314826586,0953,600,465
1913-1412623192,2603,690,390
1914-15141255110,7334,429,320
1915-16180285119,3794,775,120
1916-17171279127,3875,095,480

In addition to the amount shown above as percentage paid to the Treasury in 1916-17, the sum of £114,647 was received as dividend duty and £3,749 as tax on stakes.

The racing year ends on the 31st July, and the position as regards the last six years is better shown in the next table, which gives figures for July years. Information as to gate-money, licenses, &c., is also given. Figures for racing prior to 1911-12 are not obtainable.

Racing Year.Number of Totalizator Licenses issued.Days.Amount invested on Totalizator by the Public.Amount of Gate-money, Licenses, &c.Amounts paid to Treasury.
As Tax on Investments.From Gate-money, Licenses, &c.
   ££££
1911-121382502,898,59690,92172,4652,273
1912-131382503,538,188102,68688,4552,567
1913-141382504,188,594123,932104,7143,099
1914-151512624,450,331129,388111,2583,235
1915-161752814,796,515133,700119,9133,343
1916-171632805,040,594128,868126,0153,222

LOCAL TAXATION.

Local governing authorities have power, under various Acts of the Legislature, to impose taxes for general or special purposes as set out in another section of this book. The amount of revenue collected for local purposes during ten years is shown below.

Year ended 31st March.Local Revenue derived fromTotal.
General Rates.Special and Separate Rates.Licenses and other Taxes.
 ££££
1907889,711343,337105,4881,338,536
1908949,139407,119110,3401,466,598
1909970,225420,473111,1951,501,893
19101,058,447467,860108,4701,634,777
19111,118,112474,489108,2341,700,835
19121,156,718521,159113,1061,790,983
19131,252,717546,582169,4681,968,767
19141,359,776645,862181,8962,187,534
19151,484,430655,495185,5692,325,494
19161,607,764747,391187,0652,542,220

Of recent years there has been great activity in local enterprise, the necessary funds being provided partly out of general rates, but mainly by borrowing, interest on loans and payments to sinking funds being secured in most cases by special rates. The increase in the amount of general rates collected during the ten years 1905-6 to 1915-16 was £790,321 or 97 per cent., special and separate rates increased by £413,614 or 124 per cent., and total rates by £1,203,935 or 105 per cent. Licenses and other taxes show an increase for the ten years of £80,160 or 75 per cent.

A table is given setting out in greater detail the taxation by local authorities during the year ended the 31st March, 1916.

REVENUE FROM LOCAL TAXATION, 1915-16.

Local Bodies.Rates.Licenses.Other Taxes.Total.
General.Special and Separate.
 £££££
Counties796,782112,49318,36622,505950,146
Boroughs588,797560,26461,90675,6041,286,571
Town Boards27,42314,4814,5101,61048,024
Native Township Board425211 133769
Road Boards83,51112,3775691,19397,650
River Boards9,6893,359  13,048
Land Drainage Boards13,4426,796  20,238
Harbour Boards35,246   35,246
City and Suburban Drainage Boards47,90532,693965081,257
Tramway Boards 4,717  4,717
Water-supply Boards4,544 10 4,554
  Totals1,607,764747,39185,370101,6952,542,220

SUBSECTION C.—PUBLIC DEBT.

INTRODUCTORY.

EARLY in the history of the settlement of New Zealand the necessity for financial assistance to open up the forest-clad rugged country was made apparent. In the year 1856 the first Loan Act was passed by the General Assembly, and under that authority £500,000 was raised. In addition to the requirements for necessary initial public works, the opposition to settlement by the Maoris, resulting in active hostilities, compelled considerable borrowing. At the conclusion of the Maori War the work of road and railway construction was mainly carried on under the administration of Provincial Councils, who exercised control over expenditure within their respective districts, the General Government being responsible for undertakings of a national character. Under this system of divided responsibility no general and comprehensive scheme of public works could be carried out.

Up to the end of the year 1870 the General Government had borrowed £4,543,316, while the debt of the Provincial Councils amounted to £3,298,575. In that year the General Government brought forward a public works and immigration policy, by which it was proposed to raise a loan of ten millions for the construction of main trunk railways, roads, and other public works of importance to the country as a whole, as well as for the promotion of settlement on a large scale, the expenditure to be spread over a period of ten years. This policy was accepted by the Legislature, and embodied in the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870. The necessity for local railways and other works soon caused the original proposals to be exceeded, and to a far greater amount than was at first contemplated. Broadly stated, the system of opening up the lands in advance of settlement was adopted, the State retaining the ownership and control of facilities for transport and communication.

In 1892 the General Government began the repurchase of lands already alienated. The money required for this purpose has been borrowed, but the rentals obtained by the leasing of the lands are sufficient for the payment of interest and sinking fund on the amount raised. In 1894 the Advances to Settlers Act was passed, authorizing the raising of loans for advances on the security of real estate. This was followed by the Advances to Workers Act in 1906. A considerable amount has been borrowed for these purposes, but both interest and sinking funds are derived from the special revenues, and thus are not a charge upon the Consolidated Fund. In order to assist local governing bodies to obtain money at low rates of interest the General Government has borrowed over six millions. Under this scheme the advances are repaid to the State by instalments.

The money composing the debt has been borrowed on the security of the public revenues. No portion of the public estate is pledged for payment of either principal or interest.

The Minister of Finance may raise loans when authorized by Parliament so to do, by the issue of debentures, or scrip, or stock, in New Zealand or elsewhere at his discretion, and may prescribe the mode and conditions of repayment of loans, the rates of interest (not exceeding the maximum rate fixed by the authorizing Act), and the times and places of the payment of principal and interest respectively. Power is given to convert debentures or scrip into consolidated stock, and the Minister may specify the terms of conversion at the time when a loan is raised, or arrange that terms shall be subsequently agreed upon. For the purpose of paying off or renewing at maturity any debenture, scrip, or other security, new debentures or other securities may be issued and disposed of if necessary. Authority also exists for the conversion of loan-money which has not yet matured.

INDEBTEDNESS—GROSS, NET, AND PER HEAD.

The gross and net indebtedness of the General Government, the amount of sinking fund accrued, and the rate of indebtedness per head of population, for each of the past twenty years, is given in the following table:—

As at 31st March.Estimated or Census Population.Amount of Debentures and Stock in Circulation.Gross Indebtedness per Head of European Population.Amount of Sinking Fund accrued.Net Indebtedness.Net Indebtedness per Head of European Population.
  ££ s. d.£££ s. d
1898731,71344,963,42461 9 0881,90344,081,52160 4 11
1899746,67346,938,00662 17 3857,27946,080,72761 14 4
1900758,61647,874,45263 2 2944,37546,930,07761 17 3
1901772,71949,591,24564 3 71,033,49448,557,75162 16 10
1902789,99452,966,44767 0 111,128,81651,837,63165 12 4
1903814,84255,899,01968 12 01,357,73954,541,28066 18 8
1904838,95457,522,21568 11 41,500,68756,021,52866 15 6
1905864,97159,912,00069 5 41,650,71858,261,28267 7 2
1906889,96862,191,04069 17 71,661,51960,529,52168 0 3
1907913,87364,179,04070 4 72,042,06862,136,97267 19 10
1908937,53766,453,89770 17 61,268,36165,185,53669 10 6
1909968,31370,938,53473 5 21,479,22469,459,31071 14 8
1910987,48174,890,64575 16 101,503,22573,387,42074 6 4
19111,008,46881,078,12280 7 111,754,48679,323,63678 13 2
19121,031,50084,353,91381 15 72,160,60382,193,31079 13 8
19131,061,74890,060,76384 16 52,603,64287,457,12182 7 5
19141,089,82799,730,42791 10 23,063,99291,689,83584 2 8
19151,100,586100,059,91090 18 43,178,05596,644,45587 16 3
19161,100,406109,637,39799 12 83,679,964105,957,43396 5 9
19171,101,166129,836,105117 18 24,263,590125,572,515114 0 9

The gross indebtedness at the 31st March, 1914, includes the sum of £4,976,600 raised at the end of the year 1913-14 for redemption of debentures falling due early in 1914-15; and the sum of £237,400 raised on the 30th March, 1915, for redemptions on the 1st April, 1915, is included in the figure for 1914-15. The net indebtedness does not include these amounts.

In issues of the Year-book prior to 1912, in addition to the customary deduction made for sinking funds accrued, the gross debt was further reduced for the years 1903 to 1911 by taking off the amount of Government securities in which the New Zealand Consols deposits are invested. as well as the value of the preference shares held by the Government in the Bank of New Zealand, which was £500,000 up to 1914, but has now been increased by the sum of £375,000, representing 4 per cent, inscribed stock created and issued to the bank under the authority of section 6 of the Bank of New Zealand Act, 1913. For the years 1908 to 1911, the cost-price of securities (£800,000) purchased for a reserve to meet any unexpected financial contingency was also similarly deducted from the gross debt. In 1912, however, the Government decided that as these items are not strictly sinking funds proper they should not be included in official statements of the Dominion's sinking funds, and they are now accordingly omitted. In order that the above table may show a proper comparison of the growth of the accrued sinking fund, the total net indebtedness, and the net indebtedness per head of population, the last three columns have been recast for the years 1903 to 1911, the figures for all the years shown being thus put on the same basis.

In regard to the investments of New Zealand Consols deposits in Government securities, it may be stated that the amounts so invested during the ten years 1907-8 to 1916-17 were as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Amount. £
1908360,575
1909377,765
1910308,840
1911335,240
1912347,180
1913348,960
1914348,960
1915425,485
1916475,885
1917475,885

These sums represent the amount of the public debt held by the New Zealand Government itself for those years.

ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC DEBT EXPENDITURE.

In considering the indebtedness of a country it is important to know whether the money borrowed has been utilized for productive or for unproductive purposes. New Zealand's public debt expenditure is usually divided into four classes, as follows :—

  1. Directly reproductive undertakings.

  2. Investments.

  3. Indirectly productive public utilities.

  4. Unproductive.

Much of the money borrowed is obtained for specific purposes and can be accurately placed in one or other of the four classes shown. On the other hand, however, general public-works loans are obtained to cover the cost of a number of undertakings ranging from railways (directly productive) to public buildings (unproductive). As the Public Works Fund receives from time to time transfers from the Consolidated Fund, and as no distinction is made between expenditure out of revenue and expenditure out of loan, it is necessary to allocate the loan-money over the various items according to the total expenditure on each. The result is accurate enough for practical purposes.

The indebtedness as at 31st March, 1917, allocated to its various items in the four classes referred to is shown in the following statement. The figures for the last financial year are also given.

ALLOCATION OF LOANS.

 Increase during 1916-17. £Total Indebtedness at 31st March, 1917. £
Directly reproductive undertakings,—  
  Railways509,39431,116,944
  Telegraphs and telephones300,0002,997,320
  Lighthouses and harbours1,635642,182
  Tourist and health resorts475180,965
  State forests10,00010,000
  State coal-mines 227,601
  Water-power development55,000367,920
    Totals876,50435,542,932
Investments—  
  Advances to Settlers72,119*9,283,196
  Advances to Workers13,416*2,494,347
  Advances to Local Authorities 2,775,528
  Mining Advances 26,500
  Kauri-gum industry advances15,00047,000
  Fruit-preserving industry advances6,50024,900
  Land for settlements298,3097,629,523
  Discharged soldiers settlement35,00036,000
  Native-land settlement279,5001,680,031
  Opening up lands for settlement 347,911
  Hauraki Plains settlement 120,000
  Rangitaiki drainage17,00098,000
  Purchase of Native Lands 2,715,217
  Loans to Local Bodies 3,507,000
  Investment of New Zealand Consols 475,992
  Bank of New Zealand shares 875,000
  Reserve Fund securities 800,000
    Totals565,77432,936,145

* Decrease.

Indirectly productive,—  
  Roads and bridges95,3569,004,606
  Lands improvement 
Irrigation and water-supply6,963
  Swamp drainage11,00011,000
  Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement 100,000
  Development of mining1,992908,694
  Immigration2,8342,557,558
    Totals118,14512,581,858
 Increase during 1916-17. £Total Indebtedness at 31st March, 1917. £

* Decrease.

Unproductive,—  
  Public buildings109,0827,236,742
  Scenery preservation5,00089,000
  Maori War 2,357,000
  Defence36,327*3,742,118
  War of 1914-1718,566,02826,725,534
  Deficiencies in revenue, charges and expenses of raising loans, provincial liabilities, &c.5,498*8,624,776
    Totals18,638,28548,775,170
    Grand totals£20,198,708£129,836,105

In considering the increase of the public debt the financial year 1890-91 has been generally selected as the basis of comparison, because that year marks the beginning of a period during which the functions of the State have been widely extended, most notably as regards financial assistance to settlers, workers, and local bodies, the repurchase of alienated lands, the working of coal mines, and the establishment of State fire and accident insurance offices. In every department these new activities, as well as the old, have been directly successful, while the indirect benefits, though admittedly great, are incapable of measurement. A considerable portion of the annual interest on the debt, although paid out of the Consolidated Fund, does not fall upon the whole taxpaying community, the revenue derived from several of the more important undertakings being sufficient to meet the interest on the money borrowed in respect of them.

The increase of the gross public debt since the 31st March, 1891, amounts to £91,005,755. Excluding war expenditure, referred to later, the largest item in the increase is £9,283,196 raised for advances to settlers, with which should be classed advances to workers (£2,494,347), and to local authorities (£2,775,528). These three items, as well as a number of smaller ones, represent investments by the Government bearing interest and lent on continually improving security, the principal being repaid by instalments. Other considerable items which may be considered as interest-bearing investments are those under the heads “Land for settlements,” “Native-land purchases,” “Lands improvement,” “New Zealand Consols,” “Bank of New Zealand shares,” and “Reserve Fund securities.”

The advent of the war has created a second point of demarcation in the Dominion's loan expenditure. The great demands for money for war purposes have compelled a postponement of all but urgently necessary public works and the temporary cessation of borrowings for advances to settlers, workers, and local authorities. The following statement sets out the indebtedness for the various purposes, (1) as at 31st March, 1891, (2) between 31st March, 1891, and 31st March, 1914, and (3) since 31st March, 1914:—

EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC DEBT.

Up to 31st March, 1891.From 31st March, 1891, to 31st March, 1914.Since 31st March, 1914.

* Decrease.

Directly reproductive undertakings,—£££
  Railways14,580,00013,841,3042,695,640
  Telegraphs and telephones769,0001,439,884788,436
  Lighthouses and harbours484,000128,97129,211
  Tourist and health resorts 168,99511,970
  State coal-mines 225,0002,601
  State forests  10,000
  Development of water-power 218,920149,000
    Totals15,833,00016,023,0743,686,858
Investments,—   
  Advances to settlers 8,677,325605,871
  Advances to workers 2,536,927*42,580
  Advances to local authorities 2,568,067207,461
  Land for settlements 7,230,093399,430
  Discharged soldiers settlement  36,000
  Opening up lands for settlement 251,91196,000
  Native-land settlement 929,600750,431
  Guaranteed mining advances 15,00011,500
  Kauri-gum industry advances  47,000
  Fruit-preserving industry advances  24,900
  Hauraki Plains settlement 100,00020,000
  Rangitaiki drainage 45,00053,000
  Purchase of Native lands1,546,0001,169,217 
  Loans to local bodies325,0003,182,000 
  Investment of New Zealand Consols 475,992 
  Bank of New Zealand shares 500,000375,000
  Reserve Fund securities 800,000 
    Totals1,871,00028,481,1322,584,013
Indirectly productive,—   
  Roads, bridges, and land-improvement5,106,0002,869,3341,029,272
  Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement 100,000 
  Swamp drainage 11,000 
  Immigration2,459,00062,87835,680
  Development of mining571,000325,99211,702
    Totals8,136,0003,358,2041,087,654
Unproductive,—   
  Public buildings1,800,0004,643,556793,186
  Maori War2,357,000  
  War of 1914-17  26,725,534
  Defence1,638,0002,032,01122,107
  Scenery-preservation 74,00015,000
  Deficiencies in revenue, charges, and expenses of raising loans, provincial liabilities, and miscellaneous7,195,3501,261,500167,926
    Totals12,990,3508,061,06727,723,753
  Grand totals38,830,35055,923,47735,082,278

The tremendous, though necessary increase in unproductive expenditure during the three war years is more clearly illustrated in the following table, showing the percentages of the various classes to the total for each of the three periods. Even now in spite of an indebtedness of £26,725,534 for war purposes, the unproductive expenditure is, proportionately to the total, not much greater than in 1891. The large loan authorized for the current financial year will, however, increase the proportion of unproductive expenditure considerably further.

Class.Percentage of Indebtedness.
Prior to 31st March, 1891.Between 31st March, 1891 and 1914.As at 31st March, 1914.Since 31st March, 1914.As at 31st March, 1917.
(a.) Reproductive expenditure40.7828.6533.6210.5127.37
(b.) Investments4.8250.9332.037.3725.37
(c.) Indirectly productive expenditure20.956.0112.133.109.69
(d.) Unproductive expenditure33.4514.4122.2279.0237.57
    Totals100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The directly interest-earning portion of the debt amounts to 52.74 per cent. of the total debt, and is represented by assets which are of much greater value than the amount of borrowed money spent upon them, a considerable amount of surplus ordinary revenue having been expended from time to time on railways and other public services, as well as other moneys of the nature of special receipts.

CHARACTER OF STOCK.

The whole of the public debt as stated in the foregoing tables comprises inscribed stocks and debentures with varying periods of currency. Treasury bills issued in anticipation of revenue have not been included in the total. The following table shows the relative increase of the different classes of securities during the past ten financial years:—

Year ended 31st March.Inscribed Stock.Debentures.Total.Treasury Bills outstanding (not included in preceding Columns).
 ££££
190848,869,40517,584,49266,453,897400,000
190950,109,25720,829,27770,938,534250,000
191051,364,86823,525,77774,890,645100,000
191154,832,57026,245,55281,078,122 
191255,626,23528,727,67884,353,913 
191359,960,10530,100,65890,060,763 
191466,076,25033,654,17799,730,427 
191568,008,38932,051,521100,059,910 
191668,689,63040,947,767109,637,397 
191768,689,93561,146,170129,836,105 

FLOTATION OF LOANS.

Until comparatively recent years the large proportion of the productive power of the Dominion diverted to the construction of railways, roads, &c., and engaged in the preparation of land for farming, necessitated the borrowing of capital from abroad; but of late the accumulation of savings, chiefly of small sums deposited in the savings-banks, has enabled the Government to raise considerable amounts from time to time locally. The large war loans of 1916 were raised entirely in the Dominion, and a similar course is being followed with the still larger loan of 1917.

Between the 31st March, 1907, and the corresponding date in 1917, the amount raised in London increased from 51 1/2 to 84 millions, while that raised in New Zealand increased from 9 1/2 to 42 1/2 millions. The amount raised in Australia is negligible. The following table shows the amount raised in London, Australia, and New Zealand for each of the past ten years:—

PUBLIC DEBT, WHERE RAISED.

Year ended 31st March.Inscribed Stock.Debentures.Total.
London.New Zealand.London.Australia.New Zealand.
 ££££££
190848,390,956478,4492,767,7143,554,70011,262,07866,453,897
190949,630,684478,5735,000,4143,869,80011,959,06370,938,534
191050,954,744410,1246,778,9144,113,98512,632,87874,890,645
191154,370,404462,1667,851,4144,213,98514,180,15381,078,122
191255,152,124474,1118,852,7504,213,98515,660,94384,353,913
191359,484,214475,8919,445,2504,213,98516,441,42390,060,763
191465,600,259475,99113,024,0504,286,80016,343,32799,730,427
191567,532,398475,9918,877,6033,979,00019,194,918100,059,910
191668,213,639475,99113,251,1093,520,65024,176,008109,637,397
191768,213,943475,99215,663,8753,385,65042,096,645129,836,105

The percentage of the total debt raised in each of the markets in 1906-7 and 1916-17 was,—

Market.1906-7. Per Cent.1916-17. Per Cent.
London80.3864.60
New Zealand14.8132.79
Australia4.812.61
 100.00100.00

DATES OF MATURITY OF LOANS.

A summary of the loans outstanding on the 31st March, 1917, showing the amounts falling due in each financial year, is given.

Due Date: Year ending 31st March.Amount. £

* Overdue.

19152,500*
1917100,000*
19184,531,777
19191,705,865
19203,767,945
192110,105,457
19226,194,890
1923737,650
19242,124,300
1925552,992
1926383,410
192756,400
193030,100,403
19316,236,490
193617,730
1937475,115
19383,000
194017,568,932
1941307,700
19424,269,700
194617,074,121
19485,395,000
19491,423,600
19501,106,500
196310,884,628
Unspecified4,710,000
    Total£129,836,105

The amounts that have matured or will mature during the current financial year, with their due dates, are as follows:—

Due Date.£

* Overdue.

1914, July 152,500*
1917, February 1100,000*
” April 139,500
” June 175,000
” “ 3017,000
” July 125,000
” August 1800,000
” October 23750,000
” “ 31939,766
Due Date.£
1917, December 1128,000
” “ 16300,000
” “ 28168,421
1918, January 1173,090
” March 1416,000
” “ 31700,000
Total£4,634,277

Section 106 of the Finance Act, 1915, empowers the Minister of Finance, with the consent of the holder of any security issued under the New Zealand Loans Act, 1908, to cancel such security and issue in lieu thereof debentures for an equivalent amount and with a currency of not more than twenty-five years, notwithstanding that the security may not have matured.

Up to 31st March, 1917, this provision for conversion had been taken advantage of in respect of loan money totalling £2,133,000, of which £1,632,000 was converted during the financial year 1916-17.

INTEREST.

Of the total amount of public debt outstanding at the end of March, 1917 nine millions bore interest at the rate of 5 per cent. or over, twenty-two millions at 4 1/2 per cent., and sixty-and-a-half millions at 4 per cent. Only £37,779,819, or 29.10 per cent. of the total bore interest at, a lower rate than 4 per cent., as against 48.39 per cent. of the total at 31st March, 1914. The following are the rates of interest payable on the whole public debt:—

Rates of Interest.Amount at each Rate. £
5 3/4 per cent.710,000
5 per cent.8,520,000
4 1/2 per cent.22,048,796
4 1/4 per cent.34,100
4 per cent.60,640,890
3 3/4 per cent.4,459,866
3 1/2 per cent.24,573,723
3 per cent.9,746,230
Overdue102,500
    Total£129,836,105

The total amount of interest payable to bondholders on the full amount of the public debt, excluding £102,500 shown as overdue, is £5,168,318, which gives an average rate of £3 19s. 8d. per £100. On the total public debt outstanding on the 31st March, 1891, the average interest charge was £4 10s. 3d. per £100. During the period 1890-91 to 1916-17, therefore, the average rate is found to have declined by 10s. 7d. per £100. There was, however, an increase of 5s. 3d. per £100 in 1916-17 as compared with 1913-14.

The foregoing refers to interest payable to bondholders only, and has nothing to do with sinking-fund requirements, which are included in the whole annual charge of the public debt.

The actual payments during the past twenty years for interest and sinking fund out of the Consolidated Fund are shown in the following table, together with the rate per head of population and the percentage of ordinary and territorial revenue absorbed by the public-debt charges:—

Year ended 31st March.Amounts actually paid for Interest and Sinking Fund out of the Consolidated Fund.Rate per Bead of Mean Population.Percentage of Revenue absorbed by Public-debt Charges.
Public Debt.Treasury Bills.Total.
Interest.Sinking Fund.Total.Interest.
 ££££££s.d. 
18981,668,69743,3801,712,07729,3361,741,41328134.28
18991,689,74944,6511,734,40033,0681,767,468271033.61
19001,674,61846,0731,720,69128,703l,749,39426631.07
19011,671,55246,3641,717,91627,7001,745,61625629.83
19021,722,81947,7241,770,54333,3961,803,93926229.80
19031,817,70150,4641,868,16532,8141,900,97927529.77
19041,875,37653,4081,928,78429,1791,957,96327427.89
19051,914,29654,9331,969,22924,5001,993,729261027.38
19062,006,53756,1672,062,70424,5002,087,20427727.52
19072,048,99097,3512,146,34125,7512,172,09228225.86
19082,085,01881,8422,166,86020,55912,187,41927324.15
19092,149,73991,4382,241.17717,1882,258,36527525.09
19102,282,18295,1242,377,30620,1562,397,46229025.95
19112,381,00054,1042,435,10423,3482,458,45229323.87
19122,446,493198,3882,644,88111,4592,656,340212124.02
191312,506,025202,7572,708,7828,2312,717,0132111123.15
19142,649,796221,7262,871,51216,4682,887,980213823.61
19152,788,513247,5703,036,08335,3653,071,448216124.67
19162,888,533257,0363,145,56945,2293,190,798218021.99
19173,701,040326,9244,027,9644,9214,032,885313421.97

The above amounts shown as interest and sinking fund do not comprise the whole of the interest and sinking fund paid in respect of moneys raised by way of loans. For loans raised for the purposes of State advances to settlers, workers, local authorities, &c., and under the Land for Settlements Acts, the interest, although made a charge upon the Consolidated Fund, is recovered from the receipts derived from the leasing of the lands or from instalments paid by borrowers. Other loan-money coming within the same category is that raised for State coal-mines, Native-land settlement, the purchase of the Chevio Estate, the Rangitaiki land drainage, the Hauraki Plains settlement, and the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement.

The amount of interest charged and recovered during last year in respect of the loan-money raised for the purposes stated was £907,055. The details are as follows:—

 £
Land for settlements (including opening up Crown lands for settlement)274,886
Advances to settlers347,190
Advances to workers98,532
Advances to local authorities103,196
Mining advances848
State coal-mines8,639
Native land settlement53,573
Cheviot Estate8,866
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement3,500
Rangitaiki land drainage3,356
Hauraki Plains settlement4,469
 £907,055

Such interest does not become a burden upon the taxpayer, and consequently is not included in the figures upon which the rate per head of mean population is calculated.

The amount actually paid for interest and sinking fund out of the Consolidated Fund during 1916-17 was £842,087 more than that for the previous year, and the rate of charge per head of population shows an increase of 15s. 4d.

SINKING FUNDS.

From time to time in the earlier financial history of the Dominion sinking funds were created in respect of various loans. These loans have now all been paid oil with the exception of an item of £2,500, which matured on the 15th July, 1914, as part of a loan of £266,300 raised under the New Zealand Loan Act, 1863, but which has not yet been paid off. A sinking fund of £2,607 which covered this loan was credited to the Consolidated Fund during 1915-16, and £2,500 of this is hold to meet the debentures when presented.

More recently provision was made for sinking funds for the repayment of loans raised for local bodies and for war and defence loans. A inking fund was also provided for in the case of the loans raised under the Naval Defence Act, 1909. All of these funds are invested with the Public Trustee.

Another class of sinking fund which has come into existence in later years may more correctly be termed an “internal reserve fund,” because the accumulations are immediately converted into capital, although kept apart in the accounts. Part of the surplus revenue of the various accounts of the State Advances Department, equal to 1 per cent. of the loan liabilities at the end of each financial year, is sot apart as a sinking fund.

The whole of the public debt for which no special sinking fund exists has now been provided for by the Public Debt Extinction Act, 1910, referred to in detail below.

On the 31st March, 1917, the accrued sinking funds amounted to £4,263,590, made up as follows:—

New Zealand Loan Act, 18632,500
Government loans to local bodies799,601
War and defence loans192,691
War loans (1914-17)103,507
Naval Defence Act, 1909428,268
State advances loans961,594
Land for settlements706,458
Native-land settlement11,977
Guaranteed mining advances648
Hauraki Plains settlement2,176
Opening up Crown lands for settlement.3,417
Rangitaiki land drainage904
Public Debt Extinction Act, 19101,049,849
 £4,263,590

PUBLIC DEBT EXTINCTION.

A scheme making provision to repay the existing public debt, with application to future borrowings, was embodied in the Public Debt Extinction Act, 1910. This Act provides for the setting-apart each year, on the certificate of the Controller and Auditor-General, out of the Consolidated Fund an amount equal to the sum which, if invested at compound interest at 4 per cent. per annum for seventy-five years, would repay the whole of the public debt as at the preceding 31st March. In this manner, for every loan raised in the future an additional proportional amount will be contributed to the fund to enable such new loan to be extinguished at the expiry of seventy-five years from the date of issue.

After the 31st March, 1915, the interest, instead of being calculated at 4 per cent., is to be the actual average net interest earned by the funds invested under the Act during the previous three years.

The annual payment will be increased—(a) for every new loan, by an amount needed to extinguish it in seventy-five years; (b) in case the fund at any time fails to earn 4 per cent., by an amount which will supply the deficiency.

The fund is administered by a Board constituted under the Act, and must be invested in loans to settlers, to workers, and to local authorities. It is expressly forbidden to invest any of the moneys in New Zealand Government securities. If at any time the funds cannot be invested as above stated the Board may purchase at or below par, and cancel, any New Zealand Government stock or debentures charged upon the consolidated revenue. In order to preserve the continuity of the fund it is provided that in the event of any stock or debentures being redeemed before the expiry of the seventy-five years there shall be paid annually out of the Consolidated Fund into the Sinking Fund Account a sum sufficient to compensate for the loss of earnings of the money so expended. There is also a provision that if the earnings of the fund should fall below 4 per cent. any deficiency must be made good out of the Consolidated Fund Account.

The most prominent features of the scheme are, (1) the mode of investment. which is intended to prevent any improper use being made of the accumulations. (2) the provision for preserving the continuity of the fund by the adjustment of the annual contributions, and (3) the automatic action of the fund whereby the total debt existing at any given date will be extinguished in seventy-five years from such date.

No further payments are to be made to the Public Trustee on account of the sinking funds of the war and defence and local bodies' loans, but the accumulated capital of these funds remains invested with him as at the date of the passing of the Act, the interest being paid by him to the Consolidated Fund each year.

The contributions to the fund to the 31st March, 1917, amounted to £948,375, interest, &c., bringing the amount at credit of the fund to £1,049,849. The payments to the fund in each of the six years which have elapsed since the passing of the Act were,—

Year ended 31st March,£
1912144,885
1913149,343
1914151,572
1915169,404
1910161,870
1917171,301

The amount required to be set aside during the financial year 1917-18 is £155,038.

The decrease in the amount set aside in 1915-16, as compared with 1914—15, is due to the fact that in terms of section 10 of the Act the interest used in the calculation for 1915-16 was taken as the actual average net rate of interest earned during the preceding three years (£4 4s. 3d. per cent.), as against 4 per cent. in previous years. The decrease in the amount to be set aside in 1917-18 as compared with the amount set aside in 1916-7 is due to the higher rate of interest ruling. The average net rate for the three years ended on 3lst March, 1917, has been ascertained to be £4 8s. 2 2/3d. per cent., and this rate was used in the computation of the amount due to be set aside in 1917-18.

The sum of £167,546 was at the 31st March last invested in mortgages to settlers and £459,021 to local authorities. The former amount bears interest at 5 per cent., reducible to 4 1/2 per cent. if instalments are paid within fourteen days of due date. Of the £459,021 advanced to local authorities, part bears interest at 4 1/8 per cent., and the balance at 4 1/2 per cent.

PRICES OF NEW ZEALAND STOCK.

The highest and lowest London prices for the New Zealand 4, 3£, and 3 per cent. stock, taken over a range of twenty years, are quoted,—

QUOTATIONS, NEW ZEALAND STOCK.

 4-per-cents. (1943-63.)4-per-cents. (1929.)3 1/2-per-cents. (1940.)3-per-cents. (1945.)
Year.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.
1897  117112 3/8111104 3/410299 1/2
1898  116 7/8108109 7/8103101 1/296 1/2
1899  116 1/2105 1/210910299 1/294 1/4
1900  113 1/4109106 3/4103 3/898 1/295 1/4
1901  115 3/8110 3/4109 3/4104 1/899 1/293 1/8
1902  113 1/4109109 1/2102 1/89793 5/8
1903  110 1/8105104 3/499 1/29688
1904  107 1/2104 1/2101 1/296 3/49086 1/4
1905  110 1/4105 1/4100 1/897 5/889 7/889 1/2
1906  110 3/4104 5/8102 1/298 3/891 1/487 1/4
1907  108 3/4103 1/41019889 3/484
1908  109 5/8105 1/810198 1/490 1/285 3/4
1909  108 3/8104 3/499 3/497 3/888 3/885 5/8
1910  106 3/41039994 1/488 3/884 3/4
1911  106 3/4102 1/898 1/295 1/487 3/885
1912  10510097 3/490 3/887 3/479 1/2
191310196 3/8102 1/295 1/291 7/887 3/480 3/476 1/4
1914100 3/896 1/4103 1/89892 3/48783 1/277
191597 1/29599 1/89587 1/283 1/477 3/476
191695 1/8779583 3/483 3/8697662

PUBLIC DEBT OF AUSTRALASIA.

The following figures show the gross and net public debt of each State of the Australian Commonwealth and of the Commonwealth itself on the 30th June, 1916, and of New Zealand on the 31st March, 1916:—

State.Gross Indebtedness.Accrued Sinking Funds.Net Indebtedness.Indebtedness per Head.
Gross.Net.

* Information not available.

 ££££s.d.£s.d.
New South Wales130,514,018474,178130,039,8407051170010
Victoria76,775,0321,757,79175,017,241541215375
Queensland58,732,843258,89658,473,947541215375
South Australia37,993,2891,318,50036,674,7898712584115
Western Australia39,889,6764,528,43235,361,24412615011277
Tasmania13,908,913838,37213,070,54170816630
Total, Australian States357,813,7719,176,169348,637,602721967120
Commonwealth101,252,949**20130*
Total Commonwealth and States459,066,720**93126*
New Zealand109,637,3973,679,964105,957,433991289659

New Zealand has a greater per capita debt than any of the Australian States, with the exception of Western Australia. The gross indebtedness of the Dominion is £6 per head greater than that of Australia, but if full information as to the net indebtedness of the commonwealth were available, it would probably be found that the net debt per head in New Zealand approximates more closely to that of Australia than is indicated by the figures of gross indebtedness.

Chapter 30. SECTION XXX.—PRICES AND WAGES.

RETAIL PRICES, 1916.

THE investigation of price-changes was undertaken by the Statistical Office of New Zealand early in 1914. Retail prices were collected and tabulated for each year since 1891, and the results of the inquiry, together with a full discussion of the method adopted, were published in the “Report on the Cost of Living in New Zealand, 1891-1914.”

A summary of this publication was given in the Year-book for 1915, but space precludes its repetition in this volume. The following pages dealing with retail prices are divided into three divisions, the first dealing with average prices during 1916, the second with index numbers of prices for that year, and the third division covering a general survey of price movements from 1891 to 1916.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES.

The following tables give the average retail prices of the commodities considered in the following pages, for the year 1916:—

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES IN 1916.

Town.Bread.Flour.Oatmeal.Rice.Sago.Tapioca.Tea.
 Per 2 1b. loaf. d.Per 25 1b. bag. d.Per 1b. d.Per lb. d.Per 1b. d.Per 1b. d.Per 1b. d.
Auckland4.5449.882.992.373.2030419.75
Wellington4.5051.132.852.043.473.4020.33
Christchurch4.2146.342.632.513.353.331914
Dunedin4.2143.672.472.493173.1620.38
Whangarei5.0051.673.152.843.693.6921.60
Hamilton5.0253.513.113.003.673.7018.92
Rotorua4.4655.853.152.993.733.7521.03
Waihi5.0052.532.992.813.473.4721.56
Gisborne4.7551.292.852.693.423.4021.26
Napier4.9649.633.002.993.523.5022.00
Dannevirke5.0051.633.012.713.353.2322.58
New Plymouth4.7547.882.762.193.213.2319.72
Wanganui4.0848.782.712.503.373.4620.75
Taihape4.8351.503.203.003.583.5822.17
Palmerston North4.6447.812.962.583.583.5820.41
Masterton4.5454.403.173.003.473.4722.80
Blenheim4.5052.132.813.003.673.0720.17
Nelson4.5052.883.912.993.503.5220.83
Greymouth4.1353.152.943.024.024.0220.21
Ashburton4.4648.692.772.503.313.3119.33
Timaru4.5048.252.822.543.213.2119.46
Oamaru41948.752.722.603.833.8320.00
Alexandra44252.252.952.984.174.1722.17
Gore41351.803.083.053.683.6620.07
Invereargill3.7948.562.712.502.922.9221.00
Town.Coffee.Cocoa.Sugar.Salt.Pepper.Jam.Honey.
 Per lb.1/2 lb. tin.Per 56lb. bag.Per lb.Per 1/4 lb.Per lb.Per lb.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland19.589.33139.530.945.425.717.55
Wellington19.6511.67151.371.105.615.727.96
Christchurch19.8411.73150.680.994.526.467.20
Dunedin19.7610.87149.430.964.526.337.39
Whangarei19.6111.86144.331.074.916.077.86
Hamilton17.2811.42152.331.355.396.557.70
Rotorua19.4212.07165.441.375.426.537.98
Waihi20.1411.56144.001.004.965.617.75
Gisborne21.0811.63143.531.055.436.027.49
Napier21.7011.71143.541.015.736.116.97
Dannevirke22.5011.50160.681.005025.757.50
New Plymouth19.7111.10137.251.004.545.797.48
Wanganui20.7511.00143.540.985.225.637.33
Taihape22.0011.67147.101.085.506.173.79
Palmerston North21.5010.64150.921.005.316.477.52
Masterton20.4111.36162.441035.516.027.95
Blenheim21.4211.58153.001.006.006.006.50
Nelson20.4611.29155.981415.346.007.52
Greymouth20.4212.00151.001.366.005.947.59
Ashburton21.1111.67154.001.004.895.835.89
Timaru20.5912.00144.131.005.005.677.30
Oamaru20.1311.63150.151.065.696.008.13
Alexandra24.1311.83172.551.506.046139.25
Gore21.3211.451.54.051.235.106.518.08
Invercargill20.4211.63146.851.274.755.817.69
Town.Golden Syrup.Treacle.Raisins.Currants.Apricots.Peaches.Pears.
 2 lb. tin.2 lb. tin.Per lb.Per lb.2 1/2 lb. tin.2 1/2 lb. tin.2 1/2 lb. tin.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland5.755.006.156.4810.9410.9611.84
Wellington6.006.006.256.5211.4311.4311.57
Christchurch6.546.526.956.1611.9511.6312.23
Dunedin6.005.096.175.9411.5211.4312.22
Whangarei6.125.626.646.7812.0412.1912.88
Hamilton6.836.336.786.7911.5311.861219
Rotorua6.956.637.527.4012.4412.5913.78
Waihi6.005.696.676.7211.9511.9512.50
Gisborne6.676.006.426.4011.9011.8712.38
Napier7.426.446.886.6212.0012.0012.96
Dannevirke7.176.006.276.3911.7512.0012.21
New Plymouth6.006.045.7360210.1310.0910.92
Wanganui6.086.006.277.1711.2211.5013.00
Taihape7.006.006.176.8311.5911.6713.17
Palmerston North6.956.006.756.3312.1112.2512.22
Masterton6.816.326.106.5512.0512.0512.55
Blenheim6.926.547.216.1312.0012.0012.00
Nelson7.507.006.386.7111.9212.1712.92
Greymouth7.276.487.357.1011.2911.2911.63
Ashburton6.586.086.685.8612.0012.0012.67
Timaru6.675.755.486.2111.5011.5012.38
Oamaru7.006.007.547.0412.0012.0012.00
Alexandra7.926.947.087.3112.0812.0813.25
Gore7.036.157.756.6011.9311.9312.10
Invercargill0.505.965.716.1311.4611.2912.08
Town.Prunes (dried).Apricots (dried).Potatoes.Onions.Salmon.Herrings.Starch.
 Per lb.Per lb.Per 14b.Per lb.Per 1 lb. tin.Per 1 lb. tin.Per lb.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland5.429.7117.751.4711.6310.237.21
Wellington5.909.5119.991.6613.7910.61717
Christ church5.9710.2115.721.5214.089.207.46
Dunedin5.899.2514.931.2513.3611.986.32
Whangarei6.1710.7118.931.7312.4910.797.24
Hamilton5.9110.2519.211.6010.4610.397.28
Rotorua6.8011.2420.302.1013.3511.377.58
Waihi6.0110.2218.841.6212.0811.156.86
Gisborne6.4210.9418.732.1212.9010.396.61
Napier7.0710.8318.502.1815.1911.136.81
Dannevirke6.2610.0617.531.6112.0810.836.71
New Plymouth5.279.1317.171.5610.2510.376.58
Wanganui6.1010.7515.971.3311.4312.030.83
Taihape6.2510.9218.831.4411.5012.836.33
Palmerston North6.439.7215.612.1511.9412.066.81
Masterton6.689.9019.241.7212.6311.057.26
Blenheim7.0010.7518.001.5612.0011.007.50
Nelson6.2910.3817.901.7312.4611.50713
Greymouth6.2310.2818.481.6912.2110.257.69
Ashburton6.3610.3616.251.1113.679.687.14
Timaru5.8810.2915.761.2514.599.507.00
Oamaru6.2110.8816.671.4712.8810.506.79
Alexandra8.5613.7519.691.9315.2913.508.58
Gore7.8211.3713.941.6815.0812.158.02
Invercargill6.2910.0015.411.2713.1311.086.13
Town.Blue.Soap.Tobacco.Milk.Butter (Factory)Cheese.Eggs.
 Per lb.Per bar (36 to cwt)Per lb.Per quart.Per lb.Per lb.per doz.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland9.567.8369.024.7518.8211.7720.46
Wellington9.8910.2672.625.2518.4211.3623.38
Christchurch10.119.6871.004.5818.7711.2818.35
Dunedin9.5611.0769.884.3818.9211.5119.25
Whangarei10.309.3768.224.0018.8211.7415.10
Hamilton10.8111.2869.754.2518.9212.0920.42
Rotorua10.999.8772.084.2918.5312.0824.11
Waihi10.289.4770.884.4218.3211.3620.44
Gisborne11.2110.6171.614.8318.6612.2821.46
Napier10.719.8471.514.0018.4211.0822.02
Dannevirke9.4610.6371.004.0018.6510.5019.71
New Plymouth9.609.7169.884.0817.5410.0419.92
Wanganui9.959.7070.674.7517.4211.1720.97
Taihape10.2510.9277.004.9217.9212.0022.50
Palmerston North10.0610.1370.834.1717.6110.6421.08
Masterton9.828.8376.424.0018.2510.5820.30
Blenheim11.5911.2574.004.5018.1711.0017.58
Nelson10.299.5970.635.0018.5311.9219.09
Greymouth11.839.1971.794.0418.4611.6723.31
Ashburton10.5610.1470.004.9218.6711.0614.81
Timaru9.299.9369.084.8418.4211.0417.13
Oamaru11.6711.2472.284.8419.0811.2916.46
Alexandra11.8313.3872.505.0019.6712.0819.34
Gore11.2910.2972.634.7519.5811.2716.03
Invercargill9.7110.3270.504.4218.5911.4218.29
Town.Bacon (8h'ld'r)Bacon (middle-cut).Ham.Beef (sirloin).Beef (brisket)Beef 9prime ribs).Beef (rump steak).Beef (top side).
 Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland8.9314.2413.988.534.477.2411.677.33
Wellington9.6215.2114.488.074.516.5310.216.22
Christchurch9.6413.8213.388.335.767.5410.107.66
Dunedin12.9614.4314.427.715.256.649.997.92
?Whangarei10.4814.9214.368.254.927.2511.007.38
Hamilton9.0814.3915.487.635.136.6310.006.63
Rotorua10.7914.0014.338.174.957.0011.206.14
Waihi9.9413.2513.428.336.337.3311.338.33
Gisborne10.6514.8414.108.888.087.8811.888.35
Napier8.2514.1512.098.006.217.0411.217.08
Dannevirke11.9814.6513.558.005.907.159.087.19
New Plymouth8.4711.1510.018.175.467.0810.177.21
Wanganui9.9313.4513.587.856.776.969.757.35
Taihape11.0813.7512.428.086.217.089.757.50
Palmerston North10.2914.2214.478.346.597.3410.287.79
Masterton9.8114.7914.008.145.717.069.817.08
Blenheim9.7514.2113.966.926.426.927.926.42
Nelson10.2515.2114.177.505.796.388.506.38
Greymouth11.4614.1614.138.216.587.389.467.96
Ashburton13.0713.7813.208.256.637.0011.009.00
Timaru12.1914.0413.548.566.147.6410.308.44
Oamaru13.8313.8313.638.966.257.7110.179.00
Alexandra13.7115.0214.607.086.007.009.008.00
Gore14.0614.1914.558.006.377.0010.978.95
Invercargill14.0914.0914.098.006.677.0011.00900
Town.Beef (Stewing Steak).Beef (Corned Bound).Beef (Corned Roll).Beef (Corned Brisket)Mutton (Leg).Mutton (Sh'ld'r)Mutton (Loin).Mutton (Neck).
 Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.Per lb.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland7.357.676.834.467.216.217.155.60
Wellington6.757.055.955.206.755.656.384.34
Christchurch7.667.947.347.576.665.676.324.24
Dunedin6.928.007.005.186.405.186.214.98
Whangarei7.507.507.004.657.256.256.755.50
Hamilton5.256.636.136.137.006.257.006.00
Rotorua7.836.206.205.147.206.176.206.14
Waihi7.337.336.385.838.337.338.336.33
Gisborne8.797.887.887.887.136.137.134.08
Napier7.297.887.636.216.635.386.174.38
Dannevirke6.217.217.065.907.176.157.176.19
New Plymouth6.717.216.756.638.177.087.255.67
Wanganui7.367.156.676.467.606.427.256.02
Taihape7.596.886.716.797.506.507.506.00
Palmerston North7.747.347.346.997.346.347.366.07
Masterton6.897.086.255.797.216.047.385.30
Blenheim6.426.426.426.425.875.236.024.85
Nelson5.506.336.386.096.255.295.884.34
Greymouth7.007.837.596.588.297.048.046.42
Ashburton7.008.007.506.507.006.006.005.00
Timaru6.618.377.587.106.425.436.034.37
Oamaru8.469.008.006.217.085.926.925.88
Alexandra7.007.086.756.006.755.500.505.71
Gore8.009.008.006.437.506.497.006.46
Invercargill8.008.007.006.347.506.836.836.00
TownMutton (Chops).Pork (Leg).Pork (Loin).Pork (Belly).Pork (Chops).Tripe.Saus'ges (Pork).Saus'ges (Beef).
Auckland8.208.338.899.0010.007.397.006.00
Wellington7.128.508.828.839.755.737.704.98
Christchurch6.658.849.058.999.896.286.604.19
Dunedin6.449.189.369.429.677.175.604.38
Whangarei7.758.509.009.0010.507.008.006.50
Hamilton8.007.387.387.258.507.008.006.00
Rotorua8.177.897.897.898.337118.176.00
Waihi8.338.338.338.338.796.298.547.33
Gisborne8.179.009.009.0010.007.798.135.97
Napier7.049.509.549.509.540.408.386.00
Dannevirke8.137.797.797.798.006.007.636.00
New Plymouth8.178.418.418.418.416.008.295.21
Wanganui7.888.778.778.779.256.138.256.00
Taihape6.088.008.008.008.006.509.426.00
Palmerston North8.277.958.818.869.456.367.396.00
Masterton7.008.178.178.178.516.087.175.59
Blenheim6.137.337.387.387.926.506.174.17
Nelson6.297.677.337.678.216.086.545.50
Grey mouth8.258.638.638.639.006.588.086.04
Ashburton8.008.258.258.259.007.007.256.25
Timaru6.928.788.788.618.898.007.905.61
Oamaru7.008.798.798.799.047.259.426.00
Alexandra6.507.007.007007.006.337.006.00
Gore8.003.458.458.429.318.068.256.00
Invercargill7.898.088.478.649.087.546.447.70

HOUSE-RENT IN 1916.

Town.3 Rooms or under.4 Rooms.5 Rooms.6 Rooms.7 Rooms.8 Rooms.6 Rooms and over.
 d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland89.10134.77180.30209.99252.42286.27377.06
Wellington134.79182.94226.53281.05346.52391.30583.23
Christchurch88.24130.89180.32212.82254.36277.92349.80
Dunedin89.90136.14174.40227.77259.60302.71373.40
Whangarei93.75130.69157.26182.10227.25204.00276.00
Hamilton111.63137.16168.75216.81267.00320.00330.00
Rotorua105.94149.50184.06222.84255.0027.000375.00
Waihi55.5091.50117.50150.00172.50186.00330.00
Gisborne107.90157.34191.49225.02252.21308.80336.75
Napier98.14130.27171.31205.63173.28242.00339.00
Dannevirke63.0094.42121.14163.61196.00228.00285.50
New Plymouth106.00141.33187.96222.53266.20283.16305.00
Wanganui85.88125.20168.86205.06242.25267.50325.25
Taihape150.00182.25220.67261.00300.00  
Palmerston North103.39138.82172.79205.19248.18272.28374.50
Masterton73.20114.13142.75180.30211.50275.50281.25
Blenheim67.50114.32150.42169.91190.67203.00303.00
Nelson96.00139.58186.85195.24216.00248.25264.42
Greymouth60.84106.79126.29159.08196.93213.00264.00
Ashburton73.29112.64159.74162.30231.65271.50330.00
Timaru88.72119.40173.14224.72256.07260.00339.50
Oamaru59.77116.66167.28214.09261.00256.50285.00
Alexandra66.0090.75118.50141.00147.00  
Gore68.8299.46136.33165.05201.28221.00277.50
Invercargill87.00131.65163.59195.21222.58243.00254.00

COST OF LIVING IN TWENTY-FIVE CENTRES IN 1916.

The price quotations on which the preceding figures are based, and upon which index numbers are regularly calculated, arc collected each month in twenty five towns of the Dominion, which were selected as being representative of New Zealand as a whole. These twenty five towns are distributed over both Islands from Whangarei in the North to Invercargill in the South, and represent coastal and inland districts and large and small centres. Returns of prices are collected by the local Inspector of Factories from representative retailers, and index numbers are computed in the Census and Statistics Office, Wellington.

The average prices for each town, together with index numbers, are published each month in the “Monthly Abstract of Statistics.”

The index numbers given below as quarterly are based on the average prices of the three months in the quarter, so that they differ materially from the prices current at the end of the quarters.

In order to make the index numbers for these towns comparable in every respect, and also comparable with the index numbers given for the four chief centres since 1907, the same base has been retained—viz., the average annual aggregate expenditure in the four chief centres in the five years 1909–13.

The following tables are comparable both horizontally and vertically, since each column has the same base. Horizontally they show variations in time, vertically variations according to locality.

In comparing different quarters, consideration must be given to the influence of seasonal fluctuations in price and consumption of some commodities, including such important articles as milk, butter, potatoes, eggs.

It will be noted that the commodities considered are almost exclusively articles of food, divided into three groups—groceries, dairy-produce, and meat. Figures regarding house-rents are also given.

While consideration of these items does not by any means cover the whole field of household expenditure, the results shown afford a reliable indication of the general course of food prices and rentals in this country. Information is also given regarding the movement of the prices of fuel and lighting.

The only remaining important item entering into the cost of living is expenditure on clothing. No statistical record, however, can be obtained in connection with expenditure under this heading, on account of the varied and changing qualities and fashions of clothing sold.

Changes in clothing-prices do not affect the cost of living generally to any considerable extent, since the cost of actual clothing necessities represents only a small proportion of the total expenditure, and expenditure on clothing is, in fact, largely dependent on the surplus income loft after the needs for food and housing have boon satisfied.

It may therefore be claimed that the following figures regarding expenditure on food and clothing afford a reliable indication of the variation in the cost of living.

GROUP I.—GROCERIES.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.

Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1916 and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1916 and of 1915 for Twenty five Representative Towns in New Zealand.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)

Town.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1915.
Auckland116711691200124811961172
Wellington123112431272133112691227
Christchurch122411461179124011971188
Dunedin121211521171123111921219
Whangarei125712561287134112851239
Hamilton125012651315136312981242
Rotorua130312931317136613201302
Waihi124212531290129912711236
Gisborne123812351287134612771264
Napier125712631295135712931328
Dannevirke127112871298136913061270
New Plymouth121812031188122412081186
Wanganui115711401170123911771159
Taihape133312771262136413091395
Palmerston North122112201221129512391204
Masterton128712751283134312971315
Blenheim126712601274129312741274
Nelson122712371260132212621227
Greymouth121411991235129012351223
Ashburton127511781201122112191175
Timaru121911561184123111981158
Oamaru125611681189129512271230
Alexandra138412791342141513551243
Gore122211861205125412171242
Invercargill114611131152125411661191
Dominion weighted average120911841212127012191206

The weighted average index number for the Dominion shows a slight increase of 13 points in 1916 over the average for the previous year. Of the four chief centres, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch show increases, while the index number for Dunedin has declined. With the exceptions of Napier, Taihape, Masterton, Blenheim, Oamaru, Gore, and Invercargill, all the smaller centres have experienced increases in grocery-prices. It. should be pointed out, however, that movements as between succeeding quarters are by no means uniform. The effect of seasonal fluctuations in prices of such commodities as potatoes and onions renders it necessary that comparisons should be made either between corresponding quarters of the two years or between the average of the four quarters as given in the above table.

GROUP II.—DAIRY-PRODUCE.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.

Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1916 and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1916 and of 1915 for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909—13 = 1000.)

Town.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1915.
Auckland121013341313129612881140
Wellington121214661402131813501196
Christchurch115712671295128312511133
Dunedin117913191290126312631146
Whangarei117812601218120312151142
Hamilton117713091306122212541136
Rotorua120613301289123712911236
Waihi115713321256119112341176
Gisborne122813701322131313081192
Napier115412181220121812031169
Dannevirke117312361203119812031149
New Plymouth108511641142115711371082
Wanganui113713091269127112471180
Taihape117813671314129312881246
Palmerston North115013091202116912081094
Masterton116212411215120212051128
Blenheim113512981288119612291203
Nelson126713541313129513071230
Greymouth117412931263122212381166
Ashburton121713051264127812661128
Timaru119713181296125712671127
Oamaru122713951314120312851178
Alexandra130913861366133313491256
Gore118513511324131712941128
Invercargill118113121256125712521168
Dominion weighted average118713301304127612741154

The index numbers for the dairy-produce group again show substantial increases over the previous year. The Dominion weighted index number advanced during 1916 by 120 points, and the increase was shared by all centres without exception.

This group is subject to much greater seasonal influences than are the groceries or meat groups. The fluctuation in prices of milk and butter, in accordance with the supply at different periods of the year, invariably brings about a high index number in the June quarter, to be followed by a fall in the September quarter's figures.

Wellington and Alexandra show the highest prices of dairy-produce, while the least expensive are New Plymouth. Napier, and Dannevirke.

Of the four chief centres, Wellington figures record the greatest increase over 1915, while Dunedin prices have advanced the least.

GROUP III.—MEAT.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.

Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1916 for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1916 and of 1915 for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.

(Base: Average annual aggregate expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Town.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1915.Average of Four Quarters, 1915.
Auckland139014111422143014131293
Wellington126212651274129412741205
Christchurch129212851299137413131191
Dunedin126312521292132412831197
Whangarei131013101493149514021289
Hamilton127112711271135612921272
Rotorua135713571358144713801284
Waihi142814271491161714911220
Gisborne135914771476156714701208
Napier128113031391137813381219
Dannevirke132713151342141113491220
New Plymouth137213821383148714001336
Wanganui133213351394151513941180
Taihape134013421418151014031206
Palmerston North136214141461146614261260
Masterton130013081332137713291217
Blenheim111711141217126011771086
Nelson113611771181119711731139
Greymouth139314351182154314631429
Ashburton137813781379140613851284
Timaru130912971355136413311240
Oamaru143814351471147714551313
Alexandra122212451316132612771222
Gore146914721477148014751385
Invercargill145114531460145714551332
Dominion weighted average132113301353138913481235

This group shows a greater increase over the base period (1909-13) than either of the other two food groups, while the increase over 1915 is only a few points less than the advance of 120 points in the dairy-produce group.

Of the four chief centres Auckland has much the highest number, being 100 points in advance of Christchurch, and approximately 150 points higher than Wellington and Dunedin. Prices in the three latter centres are considerably lower than the average for the Dominion as a whole.

The largest increase over 1915, as between the chief towns, has taken place in Christchurch, the lowest increase being shown by Wellington. Waihi meat prices were the highest in the Dominion, Nelson prices being the lowest, the difference between the index numbers of the two towns on the average of the four quarters of 1916 amounting to over 300 points.

THREE FOOD GROUPS.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.

Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1916 and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1916 and for 1915 for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.

(Base: Average annual aggregate expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Town.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1915.
Auckland125312901302132112921206
Wellington123713021303131512891212
Christchurch123212221247129812501175
Dunedin122212251240127012391193
Whangarei125712751341136113091234
Hamilton124112771296132812861227
Rotorua129913231324136613281277
Waihi128613311351139213401221
Gisborne127713491359141413501228
Napier124112661311133212881254
Dannevirke126912851291134312971225
New Plymouth123912551244129812591216
Wanganui121212461269134012671172
Taihape129913201327139713361296
Palmerston North125313071299132412961198
Masterton126212781284131912861239
Blenheim118512191258125912301193
Nelson120512441245127312421198
Greymouth126613011325136013131280
Ashburton129712761276129712871202
Timaru124512411268128212591178
Oamaru131113121314133613181246
Alexandra131112921339136513271284
Gore129813221325134513231271
Invercargill125812751281132412851234
Dominion weighted average124212681275131412751205

It will be remembered that the Dominion weighted average for Group I shows an increase of 10 points over 1915, while Groups II and III have increased 120 points and 113 points respectively. The three groups in combination show an increase in the Dominion weighted average of 70 points. At the end of 1916 Blenheim was the cheapest town for foodstuffs, while Gisborne was the dearest.

GROUP IV.—RENT.

The data for rent is not collected monthly, as is the information with reference to retail prices, but is received half-yearly in February and August from the same towns as are dealt with above. Rent figures quoted for any quarter of the year are therefore the figures obtained at the previous half-yearly inquiry.

Changes in rents are relatively infrequent, and it is neither necessary nor advisable to attempt to measure movements over short periods, from the fact that leases, infrequent changes of residence, and the difficulty of departing from customary rents all tend to make the movement of the general level of rents comparatively slow.

Commencing with August, 1916, a new system of collection of information with regard to rentals has been instituted, persons or firms collecting rents being required to state the actual number of houses of each class (according to the number of rooms) for which rents are collected, and the aggregate rent receivable from such houses. Previously, house agents were asked to state what was in their opinion the predominating rent for each class of house, and while the information thus obtained was approximately correct, it did not possess the mathematical exactness of the new system.

The figures for each of the towns according to returns collected under the old system in February, 1916, and under the new system in August. 1916, are given, together with similar information for the previous year.

HOUSE-RENT.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.

Index Numbers for 1915 and 1916 for House-rent in Twenty-five Towns of New Zealand.

(Base: Average annual aggregate expenditure four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Town.February, 1915.August, 1915.February, 1916.August, 1916.*Average for year 1916.

* System changed.

Auckland920963925976951
Wellington12741292131112181265
Christchurch930928911854883
Dunedin957984922880901
Whangarei817851811829820
Hamilton832853882905893
Rotorua914957972913942
Waihi598606612541576
Gisborne962943939988963
Napier983839839912875
Dannevirke656685694692693
New Plymouth88311021052912982
Wanganui850850850950900
Taihape864974974984979
Palmerston North877856921882901
Masterton743745753862807
Blenheim748759846685765
Nelson94610161058819938
Greymouth753718713728720
Ashburton818734799791795
Timaru8228408S1869875
Oamaru788839867726796
Alexandra486480480477478
Gore700694094691692
Invercargill1000937905766835
Dominion weighted average965965964912938

As was anticipated, the new system brought about a reduction in the index number for rent for the second half-year of 1916 as compared with the first half of that year. A number of towns show increases, notably Auckland, Wanganui, and Gisborne, but those are outweighed by large decreases shown in other centres, with the result that the Dominion weighted index number fell from 964 in February to 912 in August. It must be emphasized, however, that this fall in the index number was probably entirely brought about by the change in system. There is no conclusive evidence to show that there has been any actual decrease in rents, and indications point to the conclusion that rents over the Dominion as a whole remained at about the same level throughout the year.

Under the old method, whereby figures were based on the opinions of house agents, small fluctuations were either not disclosed at all or were magnified. There was an undoubted tendency to base statements on the rentals at which houses had recently been let or relet, thus ignoring the great majority of existing rentals.

As a result of the adoption of the new method, information was received in August, 1916, as to the actual rentals of 11,447 houses, and on such information reliable figures can be compiled from year to year. For the reason, however, that no comparison can properly be made between the February and August figures, or between rent figures for 1916 and previous years, the table usually compiled to show the combined index numbers for the three food groups and rent has been omitted. No accurate comparison could be made between 1916 and previous periods if rent figures were combined with those for the food groups, and accordingly the food prices alone must be used as an indication of the increase in the cost of living.

Although the cost of housing represents a substantial proportion of the household expenditure, any variation in rentals does not affect more than a small proportion of the population, and a reliable indication of the increase in cost of living can therefore be obtained by neglecting consideration of rentals which, as previously mentioned, show little movement over comparatively short periods. It must be mentioned, however, that in the total expenditure of the average household the steadiness of housing-costs has the effect of reducing the influence of the movement of food-prices. In other words, when only a portion of the budget shows a fluctuation, the effect over the whole budget is not so great as an inspection of the variations in food-prices alone would lead one to believe.

Moreover, no absolute comparison as to costs of living between different towns is afforded by consideration confined solely to food-prices. The difference between the level of rents in, say, Wellington and Alexandra, or even between Wellington and Auckland, is of such importance as to completely change the relative positions of various towns when rent is taken into consideration together with food-prices.

Notwithstanding these disadvantages, however, food-prices must be used for the year 1916 at least as the sole available and reliable means of arriving at an estimate of the variation in the cost of living during that year. For later periods the comparability of rent figures will again be established, and that item of the cost of living can again be used in conjunction with food-costs.

PURCHASING-POWER OF MONEY, 1916.

The following table is included simply as an illustration of the different levels of prices in each of the twenty-five towns considered. Similar figures may easily be compiled for the various quarters by working from the index numbers and equating 1000 to 20s. The purchasing-power of money in the average of the five years 1909-13 in the four centres is taken as the base and equated to 20s., the indices being worked out proportionately. The amounts displayed in the table may be compared vertically but not horizontally, since the various groups have different bases.

AMOUNT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE, IN TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS, IN 1916, WHAT WOULD HAVE COST 20s. IN THE AVERAGE OF THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1909-13.

Town.Group I. Groceries.Group II. Dairy-produce.Group III. Meat.Groups I-III, Food Groups.House-rent.*

* Based on average of figures for February and August.

Note.—Figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally.

 s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
Auckland23112592832510190
Wellington254 1/2270255 3/42591253 1/4
Christchurch2311 1/4250 1/4263250177 3/4
Dunedin2310253258249 1/4180 1/4
Whangarei258 1/2243 1/2280 1/2262 1/4164 3/4
Hamilton2511 1/22512510258 3/41710 1/4
Rotorua264 3/4259 3/4277 1/4266 3/41810
Waihi255248 1/42910269 1/2116 1/4
Gisborne256 1/2262294 3/4270193
Napier2510 1/4240 3/4269259176
Dannevirke261 1/2240 3/42611 3/42511 1/41310 1/4
New Plymouth242229281 1/4252 1/4197 3/4
Wanganui236 1/22411 1/42710 1/2254180
Taihape262 1/4259280 3/4268 3/4197
Palmerston North249 1/4242286 1/42511180 1/4
Masterton2511 1/4241 1/4267258 3/4161 3/4
Blenheim255 3/4247236 1/2247 1/4153 3/4
Nelson253261 3/4235 1/22410189
Greymouth248 1/2249293263144 3/4
Ashburton248 1/2249293263144 3/4
Timaru2311 1/2254267 1/2252 1/41716
Oamaru246 1/2258 1/2291 1/4264 1/41511
Alexandra271 1/42611 3/4256 1/2266 1/296 3/4
Gore2442510 1/2296265 1/21310
Invercargill233 3/4250 1/2291 1/4258 1/2168 1/2
Dominion weighted average244 1/2255 3/42611 1/2256189

COST-OF-LIVING THERMOMETER, 1916.

To see at a glance the positions occupied by the various towns in order of “cost of living,” a diagram is given in the form of what may be called “cost-of-living” thermometers, whereon each town is shown opposite a point corresponding to its index number in the table referring to expenditure on the three food groups, for the four quarters of 1916. The thermometers not only show the relative positions of the towns from the point of view of higher or lower “cost of living,” but also give a good indication of the increases or decreases in any town throughout the year.

DOMINION INDEX NUMBERS, 1916.

To obtain a general estimate of the course of prices for the whole Dominion it has been necessary to obtain a weighted average of the index numbers for each town. It is obvious that it would not be strictly correct to obtain a simple average of the prices in Alexandra, with a population of less than 700, and in Auckland, with a population of over 134,000. Prices in each town have therefore been weighted in accordance with the number of people concerned, and a composite index number has been obtained, which, though artificial, represents the average level of retail prices in the Dominion.

The twenty-five towns considered have a total population of approximately half that of New Zealand, and they are therefore fully representative of the Dominion. The four chief centres, which include a third of the Dominion's population, account for about 70 per cent. of the population of the twenty-five towns; so that their influence in the Dominion index number is naturally predominating. This, however, is justifiable, since the chief centres not only comprise a great part of the people of the Dominion, but also set the standard which is generally followed throughout the country.

The Dominion-weighted index number obtained is shown in the table below:—

First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1910.Third Quarter 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of four Quarters, 1916.Average of four Quarters 1915.
Groceries120911841212127012191206
Dairy-produce118713301304127612741154
Meat132113301353138913481235
Three food groups124212681275131412751205
House-rent964964912912938965

A comparison between the 3rearly figures for 1916 and 1915, as shown in the last two columns, affords a clear indication of the extent to which prices have moved. As previously mentioned, the greatest advance during 1916 is shown by the dairy-produce group, while meat-prices have also risen considerably. Grocery-prices, however, have shown little movement. With regard to rent, it should again be pointed out that no comparison can be correctly made between the average for 1916 and that for 1915, or between the first and second half-years of 1916. The comparison between the 1915 figures and those for the first two quarters of 1916 is, however, valid, since those index numbers were compiled under a uniform system. If will be noted that no appreciable movement in rents is there indicated.

An inspection of the quarterly figures discloses the substantial seasonal fluctuations in prices of dairy produce and groceries, and the steady increase throughout the year in prices of meat.

Taking the three food groups together the seasonal movements are less marked and the increase is fairly steady and continuous, being greatest as between the third and fourth quarters of the year.

The following table gives a comparison between price-levels during 1916 in the four chief centres and in the twenty-one smaller towns from which information is collected:—

Group.Weighted Average of Four Chief Centres.Weighted Average of Twenty-one Smaller Centres.Difference in Index Numbers.
Groceries12111238+ 27
Dairy-produce12871244− 43
Meat13331384+ 51
Three food groups12721286+ 14
House-rent993809− 184

These figures indicate that there is no very considerable difference between the general level of food-prices in the four chief towns and in the average of the twenty-one smaller centres, higher grocery and meat prices in the small towns being offset by lower prices for dairy-produce. House accommodation, however, as may be expected, is considerably cheaper in the country towns than in the more closely populated cities.

WAR INCREASES IN FOOD-PRICES.

Until April, 1917, detailed information with reference to war increases in prices was published each month in the Journal of the Department of Labour. Since that date, however, these figures have been given in the “Monthly Abstract of Statistics” published by the Census and Statistics Office. For full details, reference should accordingly be made to those publications, which give the latest available information on the subject. It is advisable, however, to shortly indicate here the advance in prices in 1916 over those ruling at the outbreak of war.

TABLE SHOWING THE PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE IN FOOD-PRICES RULING DURING 1916 OVER PRICES RULING ON 31ST. JULY, 1914.

Group.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter. 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Year, 1916.
Index Number.Percentage Increase.*Index Number.Percentage Increase.*Index Number.Percentage Increase.*Index Number.Percentage Increase.*Index Number.Percentage Increase.*

* Over July, 1914.

Groceries (Index Number, July, 1914: 1033.)120917.04118414.62121217.33126122.07121617.71
Dairy-produce (Index Number, July, 1914: 1057.)118712.30133025.83130423.37127620.72127420.53
Meat (Index Number July, 1914: 1126.)132117.32133018.12135320.16138923.36134819.72
Three food Groups (Index Number. July, 1914: 1070.)124216.07126818.50127519.22131422.80127519.22

It will be seen that, over the average for the year, food-prices show an increase since the outbreak of war of nearly 20 per cent., while the increases of the various groups show no very considerable differences beyond those indicated by the quarterly figures recording seasonal fluctuations.

RETAIL PRICE MOVEMENTS, 1891-1916.

The following general survey of the course of retail prices over a number of years has been brought up to date by the inclusion of the figures for 1916:—

GROUP I.—GROCERIES.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
19071060101697910101016
190810241017971985999
19091007985927972973
19101036101796410391014
1911981989934968968
19121050101398610391022
19131064102996410361023
191410411122105510851076
191511721227121012191207
191611961269119711921214

The outstanding feature illustrated by these graphs is, of course, the substantial advance in prices since the outbreak of war. The year 1916, however, saw a slight decline in prices in Christchurch and Dunedin as compared with the previous year.

The close relation between prices in the four chief centres is clearly illustrated by the sympathetic movement of the graph-lines.

The items grouped under the heading “Groceries” are varied in nature, and may be treated in three subgroups as under:—

Group 1A.—Groceries, excluding bread, Hour, oatmeal, potatoes, onions, and sugar.

Group 1B.—Bread, flour, oatmeal, potatoes, and onions.

Group 1C.—Sugar.

The fundamental distinction is that the items comprising Group 1A are almost wholly imported from overseas, while those in the second are almost wholly produced and consumed in the country. Sugar is not strictly a product of New Zealand, the raw material being imported and refined in the Dominion, but it is such an important commodity that it has been deemed advisable to treat it separately. The prices of the first two subgroups follow quite different courses, as may be seen from the following table and graph. It is evident that the five home products not only fluctuate more. but have risen considerably during the period covered. A cyclical movement may also be traced in the prices of the five home products.

ANNUAL AND QUINQUENNIAL INDEX NUMBERS OF RETAIL PRICES OF THE GROUPS 1A (GENERAL GROCERIES) AND 1B (BREAD, FLOUR, OATMEAL, POTATOES, AND ONIONS), AVERAGED OVER THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

Year.Annual Index Numbers.Quinquennial Index Numbers.
General Groceries.Bread, Flour, Oatmeal, Potatoes, and Onions.General Groceries.Bread, Flour, Oatmeal, Potatoes, and Onions.
19071014100910041037
19081000102910021033
19099869819961002
191099010539941005
191199293710001000
19121002102710151023
19131029100110331083
19141063109810511159
191510781355  
191611011314  

The price of sugar has been greatly influenced by the Customs tariff, and the effect of this influence is especially noticeable after the adoption of the new tariff of 1907. In that year prices immediately dropped in all the four centres, owing to the removal of the last 1/2d. per pound duty on this commodity. Since 1910, however, prices have risen considerably, so that the index number for 1916 stands higher than at any other time in the preceding ten years.

INDEX NUMBERS SHOWING THE VARIATIONS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF SUGAR IN THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES OF NEW ZEALAND, 1907-16.

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190710191009109110651046
1908851944974870910
1909881913961883910
19109469871003974978
19119419651045972981
191210451029111510781092
19131117980107110941065
19149831055114510251052
191511911211129012281230
191612081310130412941279

GROUP II.—DAIRY-PRODUCE.

The prices of commodities included in the dairy-produce group have shown an almost continuous increase since 1891—an increase which during the war period has been considerably accelerated. The year 1916 has disclosed a greater and more rapid movement than took place in any previous year for which prices are recorded.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres
1907902961973984955
1908993105799110381020
1909974975912972958
1910965996920997970
191198610189481021993
1912998107699210521029
191310281124100310441050
191410261117101010641054
191511401196113311461154
191612881350125112631288

GROUP III.—MEAT.

The index numbers for the moat group disclose no exceptional movement beyond the increase brought about by war conditions. Auckland continues to maintain its position considerably in advance of the other three centres, while Dunedin prices have gradually risen to approximately the same levels as shown by Wellington and Christchurch.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
1907108310301013831989
190860649731031817971
190910841026984824980
191010471029980851977
191110521034995900995
19121033102410349151001
19131104113910279171047
191412661116112111271158
191512931205119111901220
191614131274131312831321

GROUP IV.—HOUSE-RENT.

The following cable brings into prominence the high level of weekly rentals in Wellington as compared with the other three centres. Between 1907 and 1911 rents were comparatively steady, a slight increase in Auckland being balanced by decreases in Wellington and Christchurch. From 1911 onward, however, the average of the four centres shows an upward tendency.

As previously explained, the figures for 1916 are not fully comparable with those for earlier years.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.

*Not fully comparable with previous years (see page 689).

19078851206976884988
19089011208949899989
19099141186937899984
19109331165926907988
19119481167917911986
1912102011729149221007
1913103212549249331086
1914103212729479401048
191594212839299261020
1916*95112658839011000

The great increase in house-rent in each of the four centres is unmistakably represented in the graph given on the following page. How far this increase in rent represents the improvement in the style of houses better building, more conveniences, greater ornament, and how far it represents an increase of site-values due to increasing population it is impossible to determine.

Auckland and Wellington, it is interesting to notice, have shown the greatest and most continuous increases in rent; and these are the towns which have increased most in population. Dunedin, which has increased least in population, shows the steadiest movement of rent, while Christchurch seems to have had & boom in 1906, and falling rents thereafter till 1912.

Explanation of Graph.—The base of each small square represents a year's interval, and the vertical height differences of 25 in the index numbers.

NOTES.—System of collection changed in 1916 (see page 689).

GROUP V.—FUEL AND LIGHT.

Considerable difficulties arc met with in any attempt to follow accurately the course of prices in this group. It has, in fact, been impossible to settle on any list of commodities which were used during the period under review in anything approaching comparable proportions in the four chief centres. The comparative usages of electric light, gas, kerosene, and candles vary greatly even between the four centres. Coal, too, presents a difficulty for comparative purposes in the several different classes of coal commonly used in the different towns.

However, a small group of seven items—coal, coke, firewood, kerosene, gas for lighting, electricity for lighting, and candles—has been considered, and prices in the four chief centres have been collected for as many past years as possible. Complete index numbers for this group have been compiled since 1907, and are set out in the following table:—

INDEX NUMBERS OF COSTS OF FUEL AND LIGHTING (GROUP V) FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Average annual aggregate expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

YearAuckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190784011101063887975
190887911101053908988
190989910971079896993
191089810541075896981
191189910531074893980
19121919109111179201012
1913928110111509601035
1914971116011749051052
1915991115511729641071
191611001202125210721156

Over the average of the four centres a considerable advance in the index numbers of this group has been noticeable since 1911. This movement is common to all four cities, and was particularly rapid as between 1915 and 1916, when the general index number increased by 85 points.

Among the commodities considered in the fuel and light group, coal is by far the most important, and changes in its price are therefore worthy of special consideration.

It is possible to gain complete data of coal-prices throughout the whole period, and these are shown in the table and graph below. Though coal is largely used all over the Dominion, the varieties of coal in different localities vary greatly. Following the method used throughout this investigation, the retail prices considered have been the predominant or most frequent prices of the quality or grade most, usually sold. It will be very noticeable that Auckland and Dunedin prices of coal are considerably lower than those of Christchurch and Wellington, and this is due to the use of local brown coals—Waikato in Auckland, and Kaitangata and Green Island in Dunedin.

INDEX NUMBERS OF RETAIL PRICES OF COAL IN THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES OF NEW ZEALAND, 1907-16.

(Base: Average annual aggregate expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13=1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190783711251039837960
190889411251039837974
190992311031096837930
191092310391096837974
191192310391096837974
1912952108911548731017
1913966109611979231046
19141039121212128651082
19151042118812129521099
191611651203128910841185

FOOD GROUPS AND RENT, 1906-15.

Index Numbers for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and for Average of Four Centres for each Year, 1906—15.

(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
1906978108510059331000
19079751084984919991
19089811086978924992
19099831069941913977
19109891081947943990
19119841071942939984
1912102710859699701013
1913105511529689731037
191410831177102110351079
191511051240108110901129

As previously explained, it is not possible to compile figures for 1916 incorporating rent figures with those of the food groups to show a correct comparison between that year and previous years, since an alteration was made in 1916 in the system of collecting information with reference to weekly rents.

Comparisons between the years shown on the above table (1906-15) are, however, quite valid.

SUMMARY OF INDEX NUMBERS.

INDEX NUMBERS OF RETAIL PRICES OF ALL GROUPS OF COMMODITIES IN THE AVERAGE OF THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1907-16.

(Base: Annual average aggregate expenditure, four chief centres, 1909-13 = 1000.)

Year.Group I: Groceries.Group II: Dairy-products.Group III: Meat.Groups I-III: Food Groups.Group IV: House-rent.Group V: Fuel and Light.

* Rent figures for 1910 not fully comparable with those for previous years.

19071016955989993988975
19089991020971994989988
1909973958980972984993
19101014970977991988981
1911968993995983986980
1912102210291001101710071012
1913102310501047103710361035
1914107610541158109810481052
1915120111541222119710201071
1916*121412881321126810001156

The following table, which is based on the average of the index numbers of the four chief centres as set out in the preceding table, gives an indication (in money figures) of the extent to which prices have risen during the period 1907-16. The table shows the amount necessary, on the average, to purchase the same quantity of foodstuffs, house accommodation, and fuel and light as would have cost 20s. on the average in the four chief centres during the base period 1909-13.

YearGroup I: Groceries.Group II: Dairy-products.Group III: Meat.Groups I-II1: Food Groups.Group IV: House-rent.Group V: Fuel and Lighting.

NOTE.—These figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally.

 s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
19071911 1/2191 1/4199 1/4198 1/2199196
19081911 3/4184 3/41951910 1/2199 1/4199
1909195 1/2192197 1/4195 3/4198 1/41910 1/4
1910203 1/41810 3/4196 1/2199 3/4199197 1/2
1911194 1/41910 1/41910 3/4198198 3/4197 1/4
1912205 1/4207200 1/4204201 3/4203
1913205 1/42102011 1/4209208 3/4208 1/2
1914216 1/42112322111 1/22011 1/2210 1/2
1915240 1/4231245 1/42311 1/4204 3/4215
1916243 1/4259265254 1/4200231 1/2

The general increase in prices has materially reduced the purchasing-power of the sovereign, as is shown by the following table, which sets out the relative “worth” in terms of commodities (but stated for convenience in terms of money) represented by a sovereign during the years 1907-16. The average “worth” in the years 1909-13 has been taken as a base and equated at 20s. The figures throughout arc based on the average prices of the four chief centres.

Year.Group I: Groceries.Group II: Dairy-products.Group III: Meat.Groups I-II1: Food Groups.Group IV: House-rent.Group V: Fuel and Lighting.

NOTE.—These figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally.

 s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
1907200 1/22011 1/4202 3/4203 3/4203206
1908200 1/4197 1/4207 1/4201 1/2202 3/4203
1909206 3/42010 1/2205207204201 3/4
1910198 3/4207 1/2205 3/4202 1/2203204 3/4
1911208201 3/4201 1/4204 1/2203 1/2205
1912196 3/4195 1/41911 3/41981910 1/4199 1/4
1913196 1/2190 1/2191 1/4193 1/2193 3/4194
19141871811 3/4173 1/4182 1/2191190
1915167 3/4174164 1/2167 3/4197 1/4188
1916165 3/4156 1/2151 1/2159 1/4200173 1/2

In the consideration of this table, care must be taken that the figures are given their correct significance. In short, they represent—in money figures—the worth (or purchasing-power) of a sovereign expended in purchasing the commodities shown at the heads of the columns.

Another fact which must be noted is that the figures shown in this table will not rise or fall to equal extents with any movements shown in the index number, and the percentage rise or fall will not be the same both in this table and in the table of index numbers.

This may be explained by pointing out that an index number of 1333 would represent in the above table approximately 15s., 1000 being equal to 20s. In that case prices arc 33 1/3 per cent. higher than previously; or, in other words, the sovereign will purchase only 75 per cent. of the amount of goods for which it could have been exchanged in the “base” period. It will accordingly be seen that the index number will reach 2000 before the purchasing-power of money has fallen another 5s.—i.e., from 15s. to 10s.—and would move as high as 4000 before the purchasing-power of the sovereign fell to 5s. On the other hand, a falling index number will move relatively less rapidly than would the corresponding figure indicating the purchasing-power of the sovereign.

WEEKLY BUDGETS.

TABLE SHOWING THE COMPARATIVE COSTS OF AN ASSUMED WEEKLY HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN FOODSTUFFS, AND THE RENT OF A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE, 1891-1916.

(Based on the average of the four chief centres.)

Commodity.Quantity.Average Cost, 1891.Average Cost, 1896.Average Cost, 1901.Average Cost, 1906.Average Cost, 1911.Average Cost, 1916.

The minus sign (-) signifies a decrease.

Groceries— £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
  Bread7 2 lb.0110 1/2018 1/4019 1/2019 3/40111026 1/2
  Flour3 lb.005004 1/4003 1/2004004006
  Oatmeal1 lb.001 1/2001 1/2001 1/2001 3/4002002 3/4
  Rice1 lb.003002 1/2002 1/2002 1/4002 1/2002 1/2
  Tea1/2 lb.010 1/20011 3/40010 1/2009 3/40090010
  Cocoa1/8 lb.005005 1/4005005005005 1/2
  Sugar3 lb.008 1/2007 1/4007 1/2007 1/4006009
  Jam2 lb.0010009 3/400100010009 1/2010 1/4
  Raisins1/2 lb.004 1/2003003 1/2003003003 1/4
  Potatoes14 lb.007008 1/4009017 1/40010 1/2015 1/4
    Total Increase per cent. over 1891 067 1/2061 3/4062 1/2070062 1/2083
     -7.23-6.295.66-6.2921.53
Dairy-produce—                   
  Milk7 pts.0011 1/20011 1/20011 1/2010011014 1/2
  Butter3 lb.0280210032 1/2033 1/4037 1/2048 1/4
  Cheese1/4 lb.002001 3/4002002002002 3/4
  Bacon1 lb.009008 1/40080090010012 1/2
  Totals Increase per cent. over 1891 046 1/2047 1/2050052 1/4058 1/2076
     1.8310.0914.2225.6965.14
Meat—                   
  Beef—                   
    Sirloin3 lb.014014 1/2015 1/2016 3/4017020 1/2
    Stewing-steak2 lb.009009 3/4009009 1/20010012
    Corned roll1 lb.004004004004 1/2004 1/2006 3/2
    Sausages2 lb.007 1/2007 1/4007 1/2007 1/2008009 3/4
  Mutton—                   
    Leg3 lb.010 1/2010 1/2012013 1/4014 1/2018 1/4
    Shoulder2 lb.006 1/2007 1/4007 1/2008 1/2008 1/20011 1/2
    Chops2 lb.009 1/20010 1/40010 1/20011010012 1/4
    Totals Increase per cent. over 1891 055057 1/20510063066 1/2085
     3.857.6915.3820.7755.38
Rent4 rooms071108901010012501240123 3/4
Increase per cent. over 1891    10.5336.8456.8455.7855.53
    Totals of budget Increase per cent. over 1891 1311151 3/41710 1/211010 1/41103 1/21165 3/4
     5.1416.5529.0126.6752.53

The above assumed weekly budget has been drawn up mainly with the object of setting out the percentage increases in prices of those commodities which may be classed as absolute necessities, bulking largely in the regimen of families of small income. It is not intended that this should be taken as an estimate of the amount of food required properly to sustain a family, and there are without doubt a considerable number of commodities in common use which have not been included above. The foods shown in the budget, however, may be said to be indispensable, and it is for the purpose of showing the increase in the cost of such commodities that the budget is published.

WHOLESALE PRICES, 1916.

For the year 1916 no very considerable amount of information is available as to wholesale prices in New Zealand. For future years, however, it is hoped that a complete record of wholesale-price movements will be available, since a regular system of collection of such information has recently been instituted by the Census and Statistics Office.

LIVE-STOCK, ETC.

The following table, which has been compiled from returns furnished by live-stock auctioneers and dealers, gives the average wholesale prices of live-stock, hides, skins, tallow, and wool in the Otago District during the four quarters of 1916:—

WHOLESALE PRICES OF LIVE-STOCK, HIDES, SKINS, TALLOW, AND WOOL IN OTAGO DISTRICT DURING 1916.

Item.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.

* No quotations available.

  Horses (each).£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Draught, heavy320030003566391003440
Draught, light2513625662466291002640
Express horse17136160014136161001646
Remount and good harness1613615661466141001540
Light hack and harness1000100096610009166
Ponies, 14 to 142 hands*****
  Cattle (each).               
Fat—               
  Bullocks, prime, heavy190019002300220020150
  Bullocks, medium1566150017136171001676
  Bullocks, light12166130014661410013136
  Cows, good140014001766161001590
  Cows, light10061066111361110010190
Stores—               
  Bullocks, 2 years51505166713681006190
  Bullocks, 3 years83681009186111509120
  Cows, fresh, forward716671368669100866
  Cows, others516656661006100610
Young—               
  Heifers, yearling28626631631502180
  Heifers, weaner300000310041003100
  Steers, yearling31621664665003186
  Steers, weaner311631364150550466
  Vealers26621502166450310
Dairy—               
  Best, close to profit136612136131661410013116
  Good, close to profit10661013611100121001150
  Inferior, close to profit736710080081007160
  Good, backward calves60071009009007176
  Ordinary, backward calves413651006100800636
  Springing heifers66673681369007160
  Good herd bulls1515015100181162010017116
  Sheep (each).               
  Fat—               
  Wethers, extra prime113611662262501196
  Wethers, prime190110611762001146
  Wethers, light1301561116I170196
  Ewes, prime196113611862301160
  Ewes, medium12616011101160190
  Ewes, aged and light0176116130106130
  Lambs, extra prime13611161110176186
  Lambs, prime106166160136140
  Lambs, average weights0176116120120110
  Lambs, light0146018610001960180
Store—               
  Wethers, forward and 6 tooth1101561961140176
  Wethers, light01861301601110146
  Wethers, 2-tooth01661061501100130
  Ewes, 2-tooth11016011361150190
  Ewes, 4 and 6 tooth130170116611601106
  Ewes, full sound mouth01701061801100140
  Ewes, failing mouth012001461101480180
    Pigs (each).               
Fat—               
  Choppers50041505505126530
  Heavy baconers47645041004150496
  Light baconers315031504004503190
  Heavy porkers386336313031503100
  Light porkers01902156300350300
Store—               
  Large1100111611562001150
  Medium10614011001146176
  Small013601661401100110
  Weaners086012601961300160
    Skins (per lb.).               
  Fine crossbred and half-bred010 1/2010 1/4010 3/4011 1/4010 3/4
  Crossbred, medium to coarse010 1/4010010 1/4010 3/4010 1/4
  Crossbred, short to half-wool0010 1/20010 1/20010 3/40010 1/20010 1/2
Dead and damaged008 3/4009009 1/4009 1/4009
Damp, salted and green (each)080080**080
Lamb (per lb.)0011 3/40011 3/4010 1/2*010
Rabbit*****
Hare009 3/4***009 3/4
Opossum*****
    Hides (per lb.).               
Ox, heavy0011 3/4011 1/2012 1/2012011 1/2
Ox, medium0010 1/2010010 1/2010 3/4010
Ox, light009 3/40011 1/20011 1/20011 3/40011 1/4
Cow, heavy00100011 1/40011 1/40011 1/40011
Cow, medium009 3/400110010 1/40010 3/40 10 1/2
Cow, light009 1/2008006008007 1/4
Bulls006 1/2008006008007 1/4
Yearlings009 3/40011 1/4001100100010 1/2
Calves0011 1/4010 1/4011 1/4010 1/2010 1/4
    Tallow (per cwt.).               
In casks1661146115611801136
In tins12618011101120186
Wool, Greasy (per lb.)               
Merino, medium to good011 3/4012 1/4012013 1/2012 1/2
Merino, inferior010010 1/2010 1/2011 1/4011 1/4
Half-bred, medium to good014 3/4015015015015
Half-bred, inferior012 3/4013012012 1/4012 1/2
Crossbred, medium to good014 3/4015015015015
Crossbred, inferior and coarse012 3/4013 1/4012012 1/2012 3/4
Lambs013***013

EXPORT PRICES OF MUTTON.

The following were the average export prices of mutton (per pound) in the Canterbury District during the four quarters of 1916:—

Item.First Quarter, 1916.Second Quarter, 1916.Third Quarter, 1916.Fourth Quarter, 1916.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
 d.d.d.d.d.
Prime Iambs up to 42 lb.6 1/127 3/48 1/88 1/47 3/4
Prime wethers up to 72 lb.4 5/85 1/266 1/85 5/8
Prime ewes up to 72 lb.4 1/355 5/85 5/85 1/8

It will be noticed that a steady increase in prices took place over the four quarters of the year.

MEAT.

From information furnished by the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London it has been found possible to compile a table of wholesale prices of New Zealand meat in the London market, which, in the absence of complete and reliable statistics of wholesale meat prices in New Zealand, is published here as indicating the considerable advances in prices in 1916 as compared with those of the previous year.

LONDON PRICES OF NEW ZEALAND MEAT.

Month.Lamb, per lb.Mutton, per lb.Beef, per lb. (Hindquarters*).
1915.1916.1915.1916.1915.1916.

* Fore quarters average d. per lb. less than hindquarters.

 d.d.d.d.d.d.
January7 1/167 9/165 9/167 1/26 3/86 1/8
February7 3/485 7/87 5/86 9/166 1/2
March7 7/88 5/1667 11/166 1/26 1/2
April7 15/168 3/46 3/167 7/86 5/87
May7 11/168 15/166 3/168 7/16 7 1/4
June8 3/89 1/27 3/168 5/8 7 3/4
July8 1/49 1/27 3/168 5/87 1/26 3/8
August8 1/89 1/26 15/168 5/87 1/25 5/8
September8 1/89 1/27 3/88 5/8 5 7/8
October8 1/89 1/27 3/88 3/8 7 3/16
November7 9/169 1/27 3/88 3/8 7 1/8
December7 7/169 1/2 8 3/86 1/27 9/16

BUTTER AND CHEESE.

For butter and cheese prices also recourse has been had to the periodic reports of the High Commissioner, giving prices of the principal New Zealand commodities on the London market. The wholesale prices of New Zealand butter and cheese in London are given for each month of 1915 and 1916 in the next table.

LONDON PRICES OF NEW ZEALAND BUTTER AND CHEESE.

MonthButter, per Cwt.Cheese, per Cwt.
1915.19161915.1916.

* Commandeered by Imperial Government.

 s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
January13901480870969
February13501546880963
March139016299301006
April135016309301043
May142016709401133
June141016939701079
July  1689830916
August  1783750970
September  19037601049
October  19867661110
November162020268301136
December15602119910*

The following chart indicates the level of wholesale pieces of New Zealand butter on the London market, week by week, since September, 1913. Unfortunately the information is not quite complete, partly on account of the fact that on various occasions no quotations for New Zealand butter were available.

It will be readily seen that prices in each succeeding year have been generally in advance of the previous year's quotations, although the increase has been by no means steady. Prices during 1916-17 were considerably higher than in 1910-16, and during February and March, 1917, reached the exceptional level of between 220 and 230 shillings per cwt.

WHEAT, FLOUR, BRAN, AND POLLARD.

The following table shows the variations of the prices of wheat, flour, and the by-products bran and pollard during 1916. The prices quoted have been obtained from leading firms in Christchurch, Timaru, and Oamaru.

Month.Wheat, per Bushel.Flour, per Ton.
Christchurch.Timaru.Oamaru.Christchurch.Timaru.Oamaru.

* No quotations.

 s.d.s.d.s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
January575751112123121661226
February5252531270121291240
March48484101233123011186
April45474111223121611146
May4546481223120611116
June4446481189111561186
July48475211143111601186
August4846501114911901186
September4115052*111791186
October5341150*121011106
November5651058135012431270
December646163143614501366
Month.Bran, per Bushel.Pollard, per Bushel.
Christchurch.Timaru.Oamaru.Christchurch.Timaru.Oamaru.
 s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
January011 1/201101118 1/217 1/214
February011 1/20110101817 1/214 1/2
March0909010 1/213 1/212 1/212 1/2
April08 1/20808 1/21211 1/211
May09 1/209 1/209 1/20914141
June010 1/2011010161613 1/2
July1009 1/2010 1/214 1/213 1/213
August0110908 1/214 1/213 1/213
September*0808 1/2*1212
October01007 1/208 1/2*1212
November09 1/20808 1/2141212
December01107 1/20914 1/212 1/213

PURCHASE OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS BY THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.

In March, 1915, the Imperial Government requisition of frozen beef, mutton, and lamb came into operation. Since that time the New Zealand output of various other commodities has also been purchased by the British Government. The business connected with the purchase and export of these products has been handled by the Imperial Government Supplies Department, and it is from the report of that Department that the following figure are taken.

FROZEN MEAT.

The following prices for frozen meat were agreed upon and were paid as from the dates shown at the head of the columns:—

Description.Prices operating from 20th October, 1916.Prices operating from 3rd March, 1915, to 19th October, 1916.
 Per lb.Per lb.
 d.d.
Wethers, first quality, 72 lb. and under5 3/84 1/2
Wethers, first quality, over 72 lb. and up to 85 lb.5 1/84 1/4
Wethers, first quality, over 85 lb. and up to 98 lb. (subject to special approval by Inspector)4 7/84
Wethers, second quality5 1/84 1/4
Ewes, first quality, 72 lb. and under4 7/84
Ewes, first quality, over 72 lb. and up to 85 lb.4 5/83 3/4
Ewes, second quality4 5/83 3/4
Lamb, specially prime and Canterbury quality, 42 lb. and under6 1/25 5/8
Lamb, first quality, 42 lb. and under6 3/85 1/2
Lamb, first quality, over 42 lb.6 1/85 1/4
Lamb, second quality6 1/85 1/4
Beef, prime ox54 3/4
Beef, second and heifer4 3/44 1/2
Beef, boning in quarters4 1/44
Beef, cow, prime4 1/44 1/2
Beef, cow, second4 1/44
Beef, boneless5 1/45
Mutton, legs6 3/85 1/2
Mutton, shoulders5 3/84 1/2
Mutton, loins5 3/84 1/2
Mutton, haunches5 3/84 1/2
  5

A condition applying to the prices fixed on the 20th October. 1916, was that they should operate for at least three months after the termination of the war, and that the storage rate previously paid should be reduced by 25 per cent. as from the 1st November, 1916.

CHEESE.

During the 1915-16 season the Dominion Government, acting for the Imperial Government, requisitioned about one-third of the cheese produced in New Zealand, on a basis of 7 1/4d. per pound f.o.b. This purchase was concluded on the 1st October, 1916.

The whole output of cheese available for export for the 1916-17 season was later purchased at the price offered by the Imperial Government—viz., 9 1/2d. per pound f.o.b. for first-grade and 9 1/4d. per pound f.o.b. for second-grade cheese. This scheme came into operation on the 16th January, 1917.

SCHEELITE.

In September, 1915, the output of scheelite-ore was requisitioned. The price paid was on a basis of £2 15s. per unit of tungstic acid disclosed by assays made in the United Kingdom, with a reduction if the assay fell below 65 units per ton of ore. This agreement expired on the 31st December, 1916, but was extended to the 31st August, 1917.

WOOL.

The whole of the output of wool for the 1916-17 season was requisitioned by Proclamation on the 21st December, 1916, at prices 55 per cent. in advance of the average prices realized for the season 1913-14.

Wool was examined, classified, and valued by expert valuers prior to shipment, and payment was made on the following scales plus 55 per cent.:—

Description of Wool.Range of Prices per lb. according to Quality.
Superior merino combings12 -14 1/2
Medium to good merino9 3/4 - 11 1/2
Inferior merino8 1/2 - 9 1/2
Superior half-bred12 - 14
Medium to good half-bred9 3/4 - 12
Inferior half-bred9 -10
Superior crossbred10 1/2 - 12
Medium to good crossbred9 - 11
Inferior crossbred7 3/4 - 9
Lincoln and Leicester8 3/4 - 10 1/2
Lambs, good11 - 13
Lambs, medium9 - 10 3/4

The above were taken as the average returns for wool sold in the sale-rooms of the Dominion during the season 1913-14.

SKINS AND HIDES.

In January, 1917, the purchase of skins for the Imperial Government was proceeded with, on the following scale of prices:—

Skins.Merino.Half-bred.Fine Crossbred.Coarse Crossbred.
Three-quarter to full-woolled—d.d.d.d.
  Sound10 1/2-11 1/213 - 1412 - 1311 1/2-12 1/2
  Faulty9 1/2-10 1/211 1/2-12 1/210 1/2-1110 1/2-11 1/2
  Damaged8 1/2-9 1/210-119 1/4-10 3/49 1/4-10 3/4
Half-woolled—    
  Sound8 3/4 - 9 3/411 - 1210 1/2-11 1/210 - 11 1/2
  Faulty5 1/2 - 6 1/27 - 8 1/27 - 8 1/27 - 8 1/2
  Damaged5 1/4-6 1/46 1/2 - 7 1/26 - 7 1/25 1/2 - 7
Short to quarter-woolled—    
  Sound7 1/2-8 1/29 1/4-10 3/49 1/4-10 3/48 1/2-10 3/4
  Faulty5 1/2-6 1/27 - 8 1/27 - 8 1/27 - 8 1/2
  Damaged5 1/4 - 6 1/46 1/2 - 7 1/26 - 7 1/25 1/2 - 7
Shorn—    
  Sound5 3/4 - 6 3/48 - 98 1/2 - 9 1/28 - 10
  Damaged—faulty3 - 43 - 64 - 74 - 7
Lamb-skins—    
  Sound11 - 12 1/2
  Damaged8 1/2-11 1/2
  Seedy4 1/2-9

Since March, 1917, hides have been purchased, prices being fixed as under:—

 Per
s.
lb.
d.
Ox-hides, first quality, over 45 lb. up to freezing companies' best standard11
Others, first quality10
Ox-hides, second quality011 1/2
Cow-hides, first quality, up to freezing companies' best standard10
Others, first quality011
Cow-hides, second quality010 1/2
Bull-hides, good quality09
All other grades and qualities, including cut and slippy hides, to be fixed at relative valuations.  

Provision was made for local tanners' requirements to be met by granting them permits to purchase at the scheduled rates.

Hides supplied to the Australian and Canadian Governments under approval of the New Zealand Government are invoiced at the values as set out above, plus 1 1/2 per cent. to cover expenses of valuation.

BOARD OF TRADE.

Under the provisions of the Cost of Living Act, 1915, a Board of Trade, consisting of three members, was set up in March, 1916. The Board is empowered—

  • To investigate and report to the Governor upon any case in which it is alleged that there has been an infringement of any of the provisions of the Commercial Trusts Act, 1910;

  • To inquire into and report to the Governor upon matters affecting the cost of living, or upon any other question referred to it by the Governor relating to the supply, demand, or price of commodities;

  • To inquire into and report to the Governor upon any complaint that the price of any class of goods is unreasonably high;

  • To consider, inquire into, and report upon any question relating to the trade, commerce, or business of New Zealand which may be referred to it by the Governor;

  • To institute inquiries in reference to markets for goods produced or manufactured in New Zealand, to report the result of such inquiries to the Governor, and to make recommendations to the Governor in regard to trade with other countries;

  • To make recommendations to the Governor for legislation in relation to matters referred to it for consideration; and

  • Generally to advise the Governor as to how the trade, industries, and commerce of New Zealand can be best encouraged, developed, and protected.

WHEAT, FLOUR, ETO.

The activities of the Board were first directed towards inquiring into the question of supplies and prices of commodities in common use. Wheat, flour, and bread were first dealt with, and after extensive inquiries had been made, and conferences held between the Board and wheat - growers, millers, and merchants, it was eventually agreed that prices for the 1910—17 wheat crop should be fixed as follows:—

SCALE OF MAXIMUM PRICES FOR WHEAT PER BUSHEL.

NOTE.—These prices are f.o.b. nearest port.

Wheat sold for delivery in February, March, or April, 1917:—s.d.
  Pearl and Velvet59
  Hunters58
  Tuscan57
Wheat sold for delivery in May, 1917:—  
  Pearl and Velvet59 1/2
  Hunters58 1/2
  Tuscan57 1/2
Wheat sold for delivery in June, 1917:—  
  Pearl and Velvet510 1/2
  Hunters59
  Tuscan58
Wheat sold for delivery in July, 1917:—  
  Pearl and Velvet510 1/2
  Hunters59 1/2
  Tuscan58 1/2
Wheat sold for delivery later than July, 1917:—  
  Pearl and Velvet511
  Hunters510
  Tuscan59

A guarantee was given to the growers that 5s. 10d. would be the price fixed for the next season's crop.

The maximum price of flour, f.o.b. nearest port, when such port is Lyttelton, Timaru, or Oamaru, was fixed at £15 per ton. When the nearest port is a port other than those above mentioned, an addition, to represent sea freight from Lyttelton, is allowed.

Under similar conditions, prices of bran and pollard were fixed at £4 and £6 respectively; but by an Order in Council gazetted on the 14th May, 1917, these prices were altered to £3 10s. for bran and £6 15s. for pollard.

BUTTER.

In consequence of the high prices ruling in Great Britain for New Zealand's primary products, local prices rose in sympathy, and the retail prices of butter advanced as high as 1s. 8d. and 1s. 9d. per pound in September, 1916, with a prospect of even greater increases to follow.

The Board accordingly made inquiries into the butter question, and found that even at the high prices prevailing in New Zealand the suppliers of the local market were at a disadvantage compared with the factories producing for export. It was therefore realized that in justice to themselves the factories producing for the local trade would be compelled either (1) to bring the local price on a parity with the f.o.b. price, (2) to enter the export trade, or (3) go out of business, as their supplies would be diverted to the export and cheese factories which were able to pay a higher price for butter-fat.

In order to retain local retail prices in the vicinity of 1s. 7d. per pound the Board brought forward a scheme which was, briefly stated, to tax exports of butter, and to use the amount of tax collected in this way to compensate factories supplying the local market. The tax was fixed at 3/4 d. per pound, subject to alteration, and maximum prices of butter in New Zealand were fixed by Order in Council gazetted on the 13th October, 1916. The scheme was in operation until the 31st August, 1917, when it was abandoned.

MEAT.

Meat was another important commodity which engaged the attention of the Board during 1916. It was generally found, however, that retail prices, though high, were reasonable, being based on the wholesale prices, which, in return, were based on Imperial Government purchase prices.

In Auckland, however, retail prices wore considered to be higher than was justifiable, with the result that two Government meat depots were opened in that city, delivery being eliminated, and bedrock prices being charged. Butchers in all centres have been granted the privilege of drawing necessary supplies from Imperial stores. It is claimed that the Board's action has tended towards the steadying of retail prices throughout the Dominion.

SUGAR.

The Board was successful in June, 1916, in arriving at an arrangement with the Sugar Company whereby the company would supply the New Zealand market at a price of £21 per ton, No. 1A., f.o.b. Auckland, until the 30th June, 1917. This price is quite reasonable, being much below prices ruling in Australia, Great Britain, or the United States, even after duty is taken into consideration.

The company also agreed to do everything possible to ensure an equal distribution over the Dominion.

MILK.

In regard to Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, the Board found the retail price of milk to be reasonable, but in Wellington, after inquiry, it was decided that the maximum wholesale price should be fixed at 10 1/2d. per gallon. This was done in January, 1917, when the retail price was 5d. per quart. In March winter prices were fixed at 1s. 0 1/2d. per gallon wholesale, and 5 1/2d. per quart retail.

GENERAL.

Among a number of matters which were the subject of investigation by the Board there may be mentioned:—

  1. The Dominion supplies and prices of fish.

  2. Prices of petrol and kerosene, and the possibility of control by “rings” or trusts.

  3. Coal: Investigations as to infringements of Commercial Trusts Act, 1910, and questions relating to prices at Auckland, New Plymouth, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

  4. Rent: Investigations made at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and New Plymouth, where rents were found to be reasonable.

The Board has also entered upon an inquiry into post-war trade with enemy countries, but no report, on the subject is yet available.

In the course of the Board's annual report, issued in September, 1917, the following reasons are suggested for the increased prices in New Zealand since the outbreak of war:—

  1. The enormous demand for New Zealand primary products oversea.

  2. High inward and coastal freights owing to shortage of shipping.

  3. Shortage of all supplies in countries affected by the war, owing mainly to men being diverted from the productive industries to the fighting-line and munition-works, necessitating many factories that in prewar times were engaged in the production of articles of commerce giving up their ordinary work entirely and devoting their whole time to the production of war materials.

  4. Shortage of labour in New Zealand tending to decreased production.

  5. Depreciation in the value of labour owing to the best men having joined the Expeditionary Forces.

The report discusses the increase in the value of the Dominion's exports, and claims that probably 90 per cent. of the population has benefited to some extent by the prevalence of war prices, even after allowing for depreciation in the purchasing-power of the sovereign.

The Board reports that it is unable to find a remedy for the present high cost of living, but claims that its activities have checked the tendency towards increasing prices where no necessity exists therefor.

WAGES.

It is a matter for regret that no comprehensive information is available as to the rates of wages or earnings of the working population of the Dominion. It is hoped that this branch of the statistical work of the country will be comprehensively undertaken within the next twelve months.

In the course of a special inquiry made in September, 1917, however, a general review of wages and earnings during the war period was made, and a synopsis of the information collected is given below.

Rates of wages in July, 1914, and in July, 1917, were extracted from awards of the Arbitration Court and from registered industrial agreements covering most of the leading industries and trades of the Dominion. Most of the awards, however, cover different classes and grades of labour, with varying wage-rates, and the figures given below are therefore intended to show, as nearly as can be ascertained, the increase in wage-rates over all occupations in the trade or industry in question.

Increases paid as war bonuses have in each case been included, since they arc of the nature of temporary increments to cease at certain fixed periods after the termination of the war.

In arriving at the general percentage increase (shown by these figures as 15.62 per cent.) each trade or occupation has been “weighted” in accordance with the number of employees concerned.

APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN WAGE-RATES, JULY, 1914, TO JULY, 1917.

Occupations.Percentage Increase.

Weighted average of above occupations, 15.62 per cent.

Bakers10.0
Bootmakers—Female13.5
Bootmakers—Male12.5
Bricklayers Butchers—General hands17.0
Butchers—Salesmen, shopmen7.7
Carpenters Coachworkers11.0
Coal-miners18.0
Drivers20.0
EngineersNil.
Fellmongers, &c.11.0
Flour-mill employees15.4
Freezing-workers10.3
Furniture-makers9.0
Grocers' Assistants15.0
Painters9.0
Printing machinists7.7
Seamen, &c.33.0
Shearers37.5
Slaughtermen9.0
Storemen (mercantile)10.0
Tailoresses7.5
Timber-workers16.6
Waterside workers25.0
Woollen-mill employees13.0

In the compilation of the preceding table it has been noticed that there has been a tendency towards higher increases in the low-paid trades than in those occupations which were already well paid. High percentage increases are also shown in the industries essential to the carrying-on of the war, and in which conditions apparently prevailed which made possible the payment of larger increases than were granted in trades detrimentally affected by war.

The increase in wages, however, does not adequately represent the increase in earnings. Enlistments in the Forces and the demand for labour for war work have so affected the labour market that, employment is much more regular than previously, while a considerable amount of overtime is being worked in various industries. This has undoubtedly had the effect of increasing earnings to a greater extent than that shown by wages-rates. Another influence which has benefited certain classes of workers has been the drawing into skilled or semi-skilled employment of men who were previously working at lower-paid trades, and, in fact, the general scarcity-demand for labour has tended towards raising wage-rates themselves above those fixed by awards of the Court.

A valuable indication of the extent to which earnings have increased during the war period is afforded by official figures furnished to the Census and Statistics Office by local governing bodies. The statement given below has been compiled from those returns for the years ending the 31st March, 1915, 1916, and 1917, and covers the earnings of employees the great majority of whom are unskilled. Unfortunately, information for earlier years is not available.

RATES OF EARNINGS OF UNSKILLED LABOUR AS SHOWN BY RETURNS OF LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES FOR YEARS ENDING 31ST MARCH, 1915. 1916, AND 1917.

Year ending 31st MarchPermanent Employees.Casual Employees.Totals.
Number of Employees.Amount Paid in Wages.Average Annual Earnings per Employee.Number of Employees.Amount Paid in Wages.Average Annual Earnings per Employee.Number of Employees.Amount Paid in Wages.Average Annual Earnings per Employee.

* Figures for 1917 are based on returns of four most important local bodies only. Complete information for the Dominion is not yet available.

  ££s.d. ££s.d. ££s.d.
19156,522982,9881501005,455707,29512910011,9771,690,28314100
19166,198966,710156004,643672,8801450010,8411,639,59015100
1917*1,350219,940163001,157183,039158002,507402,979160100

Percentage increase in average annual earnings, 1915.17: Permanent employees, 8.3; casual employees, 22.0; permanent and casual, 13.8

The average annual earnings for both permanent and casual employees for 1914.15 was £141. Two years later (1916-17) the average had risen to £160 10s., an increase of 13.8 per cent.

Chapter 31. SECTION XXXI—MISCELLANEOUS.

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

THE 1914 issue of this book contains a fairly detailed account of the Public Trust Office, dealing with its constitution, the powers and duties of the Public Trustee, and the various classes of business undertaken by the Office.

The Office is designed mainly to afford, at low rates of commission, a secure and convenient recourse in every case where a person residing either in New Zealand or abroad, and desiring to form a trust or appoint an agent or attorney in the Dominion, may he in doubt or difficulty as to the choice of a trustee, executor, agent, or attorney. The Office is also designed to relieve those who may he appointed trustees of property in the Dominion, or who, after having accepted the trusts of such property, may, for various reasons, be unwilling or unable to undertake or continue the administration.

The constitution of the Office was altered in 1917, when two Assistant Public Trusteeships were created by the Public Trust Office Amendment Act. The Assistants have, subject to the control of the Public Trustee, all the powers, duties, and functions of the Public Trustee himself. The Public Trust Office Board now consists of the Trustee and his two Assistants, the Trustee being Chairman and possessing the advantage of a casting-vote when only one of the Assistants is present at the Board meeting, and a right of reference to the Minister of Finance in the event of his dissent from any determination of the full Board. The former Public Trust Office Board, now called the Public Trust Office Investment Board, retains the control of the investment of moneys in the common fund of the Office or otherwise in the hands of the Public Trustee and available for investment, but has no other functions. The Investment Board consists of the Minister of Finance, the Public Trustee and the Assistant Public Trustees, the Government Insurance Commissioner, the Valuer-General, and the Superintendent of the State Advances Office. Only one of the three members of the Public Trust Office Board may vote at a meeting of the Investment Board, and the same rule holds in the ease of any other Board or authority of which the Public Trustee is a statutory member.

The Public Trust Office has been in operation since 1873. At the end of that year the number of estates administered by the Office was 257, of a total value of £17,500; by the 31st March, 1890, the number had risen to 1,678, of a value of £1,240,097; and at the 31st March, 1916, was 8,734, of a value of £8,217,500. The figures for each year up to 1915-16 are as given in the table following. No information is available for 1916-17.

Calendar Year ended 31st December.Number.Value.Financial Year ended 31st March.Number.Value.
  £  £
187325717,50018952,0861,562,269
187429328,93018962,2361,806,953
187534742,16318972,3341,898,163
187641259,72018982,4131,950,314
187757567,67518992,4912,110,316
187862773,94019002,6672,192,594
187971396,31519012,8982,326,954
1880770117,98019023,0492,467,614
1881836150,75019033,3142,706,785
1882911204,54519043,4703,152,882
18831,024317,68019053,6853,577,355
18841,082392,31519063,9774,009,992
18851,190457,62019074,2764,590,157
18861,293576,01019084,7184,065,989
18871,304715,86019094,9464,644,795
18881,483954,67519105,4665,184,840
18891,5611,130,96019115,9665,477,675
18901,6781,240,09719126,4565,951,231
18911,8251,252,62519137,2256,782,532
18921,9121,284,74519147,5387,288,447
18932,0221,450,91819158,0267,942,158
   19168,7348,217,500

Up to 1893 the end of the Public Trust Office year was reckoned as the 31st December, but since then the end of the financial year has been adopted.

The above table does not include the following classes of accounts and funds: Investment agencies; sinking funds; pension funds; Maori Land Board funds; funds under the Land Settlement Finance Act, 1909; Office funds; miscellaneous funds; miscellaneous Native accounts; Office premises, furniture, &c.

The following was the total number of estates, accounts, &c., in the Public Trust Office on the 31st March, 1912 to 1916:—

Class.Number of Estates and Accounts.
On 31st March, 1912.On 31st March, 1913.On 31st March, 1914.On 31st March, 1915.On 31st March, 1916.
Wills and trusts2,2172,4552,9213,3543,945
Investment agencies 221284394472
Intestates' estates1,7471,8281,7471,8181,971
Mental patients' estates1,5201,9531,8771,9001,880
Convicts' estates1217191513
Native reserves9494 9494
West Coast settlement reserves460480460460460
Unclaimed lands and property406418420385366
Sinking funds190242408506582
Pension funds68111211
Land Settlement Finance Act, 19092235384445
Miscellaneous2099105154120
Miscellaneous Native accounts 666839893934
    Totals6,6948,4989,22310,02910,898

The value of these estates and accounts was as shown in the new table:—

Class.Value of Estates and Accounts.
On 31st March, 1912.On 31st March, 1913.On 31st March, 1914.On 31st March, 1915.On 31st March, 1916.
 £££££
Wills and trusts3,619,7534,366,4504,771,8555,271,6165,418,994
Investment agencies 162,362199,984250,064356,643
Intestates' estates457,366474,072590,456698,674787,183
Mental patients' estates462,149524,095509,442570,561602,023
Convicts' estates4,2958,4506,4857,23917,231
Native reserves430,000430,000430,000430,000430,000
West Coast settlement reserves940,000940,000940,000940,000940,000
Miscellaneous Native accounts171,074213,027233,449248,075255,053
Unclaimed lands and property37,66839,46540,20924,06822.069
Sinking funds1,991,4512,300,6032,408,3372,508,5742,597,242
Pension funds812,976997,2841,208,8251,442,772820,334
Land Settlement Finance Act, 1909245,493465,516501,493566,046556,539
Maori Land Board funds79,76575,347117,850185,134272,732
Miscellaneous funds93,22594,963118,935198,359234,299
Office funds84,59594,604120,125151,161192,463
Office premises, furniture, Ac.64,14982,07385,43888,59395,939
    Totals9,493,95911,268,31112,282,88313,580,93613,598,744

The only information available for the year ended 31st March, 1917, is as to the total number and value of estates, accounts, &c. The number was 13,632 and the value £10,065,583.

The capital funds of the Public Trust Office invested amounted, on the 31st March, 1917, to £7,651,979. The investments are as follows:—

 £
New Zealand Government securities431 834
Land Settlement Finance Act Debentures76,249
Local bodies' debentures919,396
Mortgages of real estates5,924,807
Freehold property and furniture96 114
Advances to estates and accounts202,937
Fixed deposits042
 £7,651,979

The net profits of the Office during each of the past ten years are shown,—

Year ended 31st March.Net Profits.
19089,640
190910,850
191011,738
191111,241
191225,919
191327,551
191429,222
191532,508
191646,108
191758,862

BUILDING SOCIETIES.

There were 112 registered building societies in operation during the financial year 1916-17. Of these, 76 were terminable societies and 36 were permanent.

The dates upon which these societies close their accounts vary considerably within the year, but the figures given below may be taken as corresponding to the periods stated. The liabilities and assets of all the societies at the close of each of the past five financial years were as follow:—

LIABILITIES OF BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETIES, 1912-13 to 1916-17.

Year.To Shareholders (including Reserve Funds and Undivided Profits).Deposits.To Bankers and other Creditors.Total Liabilities.
 ££££
1912-132,105,837540,768132,5442,779,149
1913-142,151,098612,170105,4762,868,744
1914-152,205,326644,230111,6212,961,177
1915-162,290,473674,512126,1603,091,145
1916-172,277,072725,469138,3993,140,940

ASSETS OF BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETIES, 1912-13 to 1916-17.

Year.Advances on Mortgage.Other Investments.Cash in Hand and on Deposit.Total Assets.
 ££££
1912-132,614,84963,825100,4752,779,149
1913-142,715,77167,73985,2342,868,744
1914-152,772,56975,066113,5422,961,177
1915-162,893,95687,577109,6123,091,145
1916-172,927,85989,904123,1773,140,940

JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES.

During the year ended 31st December, 1916, 258 joint-stock companies were registered, with a total nominal capital of £4,072,803, including 162 private companies, with a nominal capital of £1,167,253.

The following table gives the total number of companies and the aggregate nominal capital registered during each of the five years 1912-10:—

JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES REGISTERED, 1912-16.

Year.Number of Companies registered.Aggregate Nominal Capital.
  £
19123163,591,362
19132826,658,722
19142264,987,526
19153044,431,830
19162584,072,803

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies received returns for the year 1916 from 727 lodges, courts, tents, &c., having a membership at the end of the year of 70,360. The number of members of these 727 lodges, &c., at the beginning of the year was 73,027. A decrease in membership of 2,667 is thus recorded, largely the result of the enlisting in the Expeditionary Force of many young men who would otherwise have become members.

The total value of the assets of these societies was £1,954,940, of which the value of the sick and funeral benefit funds was £1,782,635.

The receipts during the year on account of the Sick and Funeral Funds amounted to £257,989, and the expenditure to £172,375, of which the sick-pay to members reached the sum of £75,677. In addition to the sick-pay, the sum of £68,089 was paid out of the Medical and Management Expenses Fund for attendance given and medicine supplied to the members and their families.

The total membership and funds of the 727 lodges, courts, &c., and of the various orders at 31st December, 1916, was,—

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS, 1916

Name of Order.Number of Members.Total Worth of Funds
  £
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, M.U.21,992842,466
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of New Zealand6,686134,596
National Independent Order of Odd Fellows4235,808
British United Order of Odd Fellow1403,651
Ancient Order of Foresters15,663443,725
Ancient Order of Shepherds501,233
United Ancient Order of Druids16,085303,084
Independence Order of Rechabites3,94691,151
Sons and Daughters of Temperance62423,343
Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society3,30245,447
Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia87125,833
Eden Temperance Benefit Friendly Society382,704
Fountain of Friendship Lodge, Auckland54031,599
Totals70,3601,954,940

The next table shows the progress of the friendly societies of New Zealand during ten years:—

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS, 1907-16.

Year.Number of Lodges tabulated.Numbers of Members.Total Funds.Average Capital.
   ££ s. d
190751656,8171,118,21719 3 7
190850558,5171,123,88619 4 1
190956764,4281,266,29719 13 1
191060968,0061,367,28220 2 1
191165871,7711,441,35320 1 8
191266473,2431,553,33921 4 2
191368173,6911,643,17722 6 0
191471774,0741,744,45623 11 0
191572873,0271,852,35525 7 4
191672770,3601,954,94027 15 8

The value of the various funds and the way in which they are invested will be seen by reference to the following table. The funds include those of the central bodies:—

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—FUNDS AND ASSETS ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1916.

Funds.Assets.
 £ £
Sick and Funeral Funds1,727,583Investments at interest1,651,856
Surplus Appropriation Funds, &c.55,052Value of land and buildings199,417
Management Funds, goods, &c.91,605Cash not bearing interest Value of goods61,622
Widow and Orphans' Funds15,235Other assets24,971
Distress, Benevolent Funds, &c.65,465Owing by Management Fund2,955
    Total1,954,940    Total1,954,940

Interest-bearing investments form 84 per cent. of the total assets. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds during the year 1916 was £82,141, the average rate of interest earned being 5.00 per cent., as compared with 5.12 in 1915.

Particulars are given of the number of members, the amount of accumulated capital, and the average capital per member of the friendly societies in the States of Australasia arranged in order of membership. These figures are as at the 31st December, 1915.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN AUSTRALASIA.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS.

State.Number of Lodges.Number of Members.Amount of Funds.Capital per Member.
   ££ s. d.
New South Wales1,880178,7051,876,82710 10 1
Victoria1,533157,7502,775,78717 11 11
New Zealand72873,0271,852,35525 7 4
South Australia57465,8011,226,09018 12 8
Queensland56352,082797,96915 6 5
Tasmania20722,881247,42010 16 3
Western Australia29119,339251,74113 0 4

Section 101 of the Friendly Societies Act, 1909, provides that no member of a friendly society shall lose or forfeit any interest he may have in any such society or suffer any fine for non-attendance at meetings occasioned by the performance of his military duties. The departure of many members to the front thus threw a heavy burden upon the societies, especially since the Act did not permit rules to be adopted dealing with the matter as widely as became necessary. In November, 1914, a short Act was passed enabling rules to be registered providing for the postponement or waiver of payment of contributions by (a) any member who was or thereafter became a member of the Defence Forces of New Zealand on active service, or (b) any other member during any period of unemployment occasioned by the present war. The Government also undertook to subsidize the reinsurance of death benefits of soldier members on active service to the extent of paying one-half of the premiums. The subsidy was granted to societies whether they reinsured this benefit with outside insurance companies or carried the risk on their own Funeral Funds. On this account the sum of £11,867 was paid to the various friendly societies as the State's share of the liability under this system up to the 30th September, 1916.

As the number of members on active service rapidly increased and the liability assumed correspondingly augmented proportions, the Government decided to establish a Departmental Reinsurance Fund. This fund began operations as from the 1st October, 1916, being administered by a Board consisting of the Hon. the Minister of Finance, the Hon. the Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies, and the Registrar. The premium rate to be charged is fixed by the Board on consideration of reports from the Actuary as required from time to time. The societies pay into the fund one-half of the premium rate which had been so fixed, the State finding the remaining moiety. In the case of any profit at the close of the war the surplus is to be distributed pro rata amongst the participating societies and the Government; while, on the other hand, should the premium rate prove insufficient and a deficiency be shown, a levy pro rata will be struck for the proportion due from all parties to the scheme. This reinsurance method has been adopted by practically the whole of the societies of the Dominion. Up to the 31st March, 1917, there were 5,488 members insured in the fund, representing cover equal to £200,424.

A scheme for the extension of State benefits to members of friendly societies, on special terms, was embodied in the Finance Act, 1916 (Part IX). The objects of this Part of the Act are,—

  1. To enlarge the administration of maternity assistance by extending its operations to members of provident organizations:

  2. To extend the State's propaganda for the establishment of a contributory system of provision for old age:

  3. To enable friendly societies to secure a provision in old age for their members at specially low rates and at the same time relieve their funds in respect of aged-sickness liability.

The conditions of “approval” of friendly societies for participation in these benefits were by the Act to be determined by the National Provident Fund Board. In adopting terms of “approval” the Board was to a certain extent bound by the financial obligations the Act itself imposed, as it was clear that only societies whose funds were established on actuarial principles would be able to conform to requirements. The well-known affiliated societies, such as the Odd Fellows, Foresters, Druids, Rechabites, &c., had no difficulty in satisfying the Board in this respect. In the case of societies which were unable to hold their annual meetings before the end of the year the Board was empowered to grant “provisional approval” to extend only to the time of the first annual meeting at which the “model” rules could be made by the society for registration. Most of the societies were able to obtain “provisional approval” in time for the coming into operation of the Act—1st January, 1917—and thus at once secure for their members the maternity allowance. In those societies whose organization did not permit of “approval” by that date steps were taken to become approved as soon afterwards as possible. By the 1st July, 1916, every actuarially valued society in the Dominion had become either “approved” or “provisionally approved.”

Private Wealth.

Issues of the Year-book up to 1908 contained estimates of the private wealth of the Dominion based on the assumption that the wealth of the living is proportionately equal to that left by the dead. In making these estimates no consideration was taken of the ages of the deceased or of the age-constitution of the living. This was seen to be a serious defect, as the younger (and more numerous) section of the population do not possess the same amount of accumulated wealth as those at the more advanced ages. Accordingly, the old system of estimating the private wealth of the community was abandoned, and steps were taken for the adoption of a better method by ascertaining the ages of deceased persons leaving estates.

In lieu of obtaining merely the total amounts of estates certified for stamp duty, arrangements were made for obtaining the name and date of death of each deceased person whose estate was dealt with by the Stamp Office. Where it is possible, the age also is now supplied; in other cases it is ascertained by reference to the death registers. By a system of cards, tables have now been prepared for the nine years 1908–16, giving for quinquennial age-groups the number and value of estates, the average wealth per person dying, and the total estimated private wealth. From the following table compiled from the estates and deaths of the nine years it will be seen that the estimated private wealth of the Dominion amounted on 31st December, 1916, to £333,709,763, or an average of £303 per head of population, excluding Maoris. Estates left by Maoris are excluded from the calculation.

The average wealth of persons of twenty years of age and over (practically the adult population) is found to be £469.

ESTIMATED PRIVATE WEALTH, 1916.

Age, in Years.Number of Estates certified (1908-16).Total Amount including Allowance for Unrecorded Estates.Number of Deaths registered (1908-1916).Average Wealth per Person dying.Estimated Population 31st Dec., 1916.Estimated Private Wealth.
  £ £ £
Under 5232,35518,2510.1290133,33617,200
5 and under 10121,7861,8490.9659119,878115,790
10 “ 15203,9831,2223.2594103,376336,944
15 “ 208320,4961,79711.405794,9331,082,777
20 “ 25442285,5402,714105.210094,2739,918,462
25 “ 30666459,1283,386135.9598105,52814,347,566
30 “ 35894819,0583,608227.009497,90322,224,901
35 “ 401,0691,061,8993,816278.275480,45922,389,760
40 “ 451,1041,628,4743,425475.466965,27931,038,004
45 “ 501,3862,883,8273,596801.954150,78540,727,239
50 “ 551,4933,496,7263,856906.827341,68837,803,816
55 “ 601,8985,914,0324,4271,335.900633,12944,257,051
60 “ 652,2415,716,2634,9951,144.397026,05529,817,264
65 “ 702,81310,749,8186,6221,623.349122,21236,057,830
70 “ 753,33810,901,5657,8641,386.262116,64723,077,105
75 “ 802,95310,342,8777,5531,369.37349,58113,119,967
80 “ 851,9266,160,5745,0861,211.99573,9384,772,839
85 “ 908224,037,0852,3241,737.12781,2132,107,136
90 “ 952241,005,2107331,371.3643294403,181
95 and over50332,2631961,695.20415694,931
    Totals23,45765,822,95987,317753.83901,100,563333,709,763

The table well illustrates the defect of the old system. The average value of estates of persons under twenty years of age, who comprise 40 per cent. of the living population, is only a little over £1, while at the group 75 to 80 the average is £1,369 and at 85 to 90, £1,737.

The number of estates dealt with during the nine years 1908–16 is equal to only about 27 per cent. of the deaths registered during that period; and as most persons leave some estate, however small, it is necessary to make an allowance for estates which have not passed through the Stamp Office. In this connection it should be noted that estates below £200 in value are exempt from stamp and succession duty, though in many cases estates of a lower value than £200 are dealt with, being passed for probate and for the granting of letters of administration. The allowance made for unrecorded estates in the calculations shown above is 10 per cent., which is probably somewhere near the mark. Comparatively little estate is disposed of before death by settlement or deed of gift, and on such as is so disposed of gift duty is payable.

It should be noted that the estimate is that of the private wealth in the Dominion, whether owned by residents of the Dominion or by others, and does not, moreover, include estates belonging to New-Zealanders but situated in other countries.

A table is given showing the number of estates finally passed during 1915 and 1916, classified according to amount. Estates of Maoris are included.

Amount.Number of Estates.Aggregate Net Value.
1915.1916.1915.1916.
£ £  ££
Under 5001,1501,338261,653320,880
500 and under 1,000561609407,480431,464
1,000 2,000482527674,353750,599
2,000 3,000195222471,761541,158
3,000 4,000133130460,069449,460
4,000 5,0006278274,779347,047
5,000 7,500101108615,066653,061
7,500 10,0006662574,967526,910
10,000 15,0005064615,604791,860
15,000 20,0003328576,735466,553
20,000 and over61583,787,9842,587,531
    Totals2,8943,2248,720,4517,866,523

Incomes.

In the 1915 issue of the book some interesting figures as to incomes of taxpayers for the year 1914–15 and certain earlier years were published. Similar information for the years 1915–16 and 1916–17 has not been compiled.

Public Property, Native Property, and Production.

No later statements than those published in the 1915 issue of this book have been compiled in respect of the value of public and Native property in the Dominion, nor of the total value of the production of the Dominion.

Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks.

The present Act dealing with these subjects was passed in 1911 and came into force on the 1st July, 1912. An amending Act passed in 1914 enables the Governor-General in Council to order the avoidance or suspension of patents or trade-marks of subjects of a State at war with His Majesty. No applications by such enemy subjects are accepted or patents issued; but a special license permits the payment of renewal fees. Extension of time for filing documents or paying fees may be granted to any person who has been prevented from doing so by circumstances arising from the present war.

By an Order in Council of the 21st December, 1916, power was given the Registrar to prohibit the publication of any invention or design the publication of which in his opinion would not be of advantage owing to the exigencies of the present war. He could also prohibit application being made in any neutral or enemy country, and no application could be made in an allied country or any part of His Majesty's Dominions without the permission of such person as the Minister of Defence might appoint.

It was further provided that no application could be lodged for the grant of a patent or the registration of a design in any foreign country or within the British Dominions unless notice of intention so to do, accompanied by a provisional specification or specimen, has been deposited, nor until the expiration of one month after notice had been received. If during this period the Registrar is satisfied that, on account of the war, publication should be withheld, he may take similar action to that outlined above. Amended regulations provided that, in certain cases, with the permission of the Registrar, application for registration could nevertheless be made before the expiration of one month.

Patents.

Application for a patent may be made by any number of persons, providing that one of them is the true inventor of the invention, manufacture, or process for which the patent is applied. An application must contain a declaration to the above effect, and must be accompanied by a specification, either complete or provisional. In the former case a fee of £1 is payable, in the latter one of 10s. A complete specification must be left within nine months of the date of application, and if it is not accepted within a year of such date the application is void.

Should a specification be accepted, the acceptance is advertised and the particulars are open to public inspection. Notice of opposition may be given within two months of the advertisement. From the Registrar's decision in such circumstances there is an appeal to the Supreme Court.

A fee of £2 is charged on the scaling of a patent. Except in special cases, a patent must be sealed within fifteen months after the date of application.

The date of a patent is the date of application, and the rights exist for fourteen years. An extension of seven (in very exceptional cases, fourteen) years may be obtained, the procedure being by petition to the Supreme Court.

After a patent has been in existence for three years any party interested may petition the Court, alleging that the reasonable requirements of the public in respect of the patent are not being satisfied. If such statement be proved, then compulsory licenses to manufacture may be issued or the patent may be revoked.

Only persons registered as such may practise as patent agents or attorneys. Applicants for registration are examined, and, if successful, are registered, the registration being subject to an annual fee of one guinea.

There were 1,261 applications for letters patent during 1916, 38 short of the number received in 1915; 784 were left with provisional specifications and 479 with complete specifications; while 220 complete specifications were lodged in respect of applications with which provisional specifications had been previously filed, making a total of 1,483 specifications, as compared with 1,553 for 1915, and 1,773 (the greatest number for any year) in 1913.

The total number of applications received up to the 31st December, 1916, was 38.319, and the patents in force in New Zealand at that date numbered 4,471.

The following table shows for the years 1905–14 the number of applications and specifications received, the patents sealed, and those patents kept alive by payment of renewal fees. For part of the table later figures cannot be given, as the time for proceeding further with the applications has not yet expired, but the total number of applications in 1915 was 1,299, and in 1916, 1,261.

Patents, 1905–14.

Year.Applications. received.Complete Specifications received.Patents sealed.Applications lapsed or refused.
19051,601878676925
19061,7459627271,018
19071,618925725893
19081,527876679848
19091,705936735970
19101,8311,0228441,050
19111,740996865935
19121,7371,075842895
19131,7759917711,004
19141,574876696878

In the next table are shown the various countries residents of which applied for patents in New Zealand during the year 1916. Owing to applications being received from joint applicants resident in different countries, also from applicants giving two addresses, the figures total more than the actual number of applications received.

Applications for Patents in New Zealand, 1916.

Country.Number.Country.Number.
New Zealand882Sweden2
Australia187Switzerland2
Great Britain110Italy2
Canada6Holland2
United States96Belgium1
Denmark6Brazil1
Norway2Spain1

Reciprocal protection has been established with Great Britain (see Gazette, 1890, p. 566) and with the Commonwealth of Australia (see Gazette, 1905, p. 663). New Zealand is also a party to the International Convention, the number of applications received under the Convention in 1916 being 71, as compared with 75 in 1915.

Designs and Trade-marks.

Any person claiming to be the proprietor of a new and original design may, upon payment of a fee of 5s., apply to have such design registered. If registered, the design is copyright for a term of five years. Two extensions of five years each may be had on application and payment of prescribed fees.

Registered designs are not open to public inspection.

One hundred and thirteen applications were received in 1916, the corresponding figure for 1915 being 89. This form of protection is intended chiefly for use in manufacturing countries, and is not gaining in favour, although the number for 1916 constitutes a record.

A trade-mark must be registered in respect of particular goods or classes of goods. Section 64 of the Patents, &c., Act, 1911, sets forth the essentials of a registrable trade-mark. The procedure for obtaining registration is largely the same as that for obtaining a patent. A fee of 10s. is payable on application, and one of £1 on registration.

Registration is effective for a period of fourteen years; but, on payment of prescribed fees, may be renewed for like periods indefinitely. No action for infringement can be taken in respect of an unregistered trade-mark.

All assignments and transmissions of a registered trade-mark must be entered on the register. Such trade-marks, in general, pass only with the goodwill of the business concerned.

The table below, which covers the period 1897 to 1916, shows for each year the number of applications for registration of designs and trademarks:—

Designs and Trade-marks.—Applications for Registration, 1897–1916.

Year.Designs.Trademarks.Year.Designs.Trademarks.
189713361190757684
189810343190879685
189912328190951703
190015348191046818
190118379191121861
190228412191244779
190326447191365787
190424592191455687
190554607191589565
1906367021916113666

The total number of applications during 1916 in respect of trade-marks was 666, and the fees received totalled £1,191.

Of the 666 applications, 220 were made by residents of New Zealand, 204 came from Great Britain, 123 from the United States, and 93 from Australia.

One application was received and granted for the suspension of registration of a trade-mark of enemy proprietary.

General.

The total applications during 1916 in respect of patents, designs, and trade-marks numbered 2,040, as compared with 1,953 in the previous year. The revenue, £7,108, fell short of that for 1915 by £384, while the expenditure amounted to £2,835.

Inspection of Machinery.

The Inspection of Machinery Act makes provision for the inspection of all steam boilers and digesters, hydraulic, electric, and other lifts, and of any prime mover such as gas, oil, and air engines used to drive machinery on land, also of machinery used on vessels afloat that are not self-propelled.

It also provides for the issue of certificates to those who pass the prescribed examination for land engineers and engine-drivers in charge of boilers and machinery, for winding-engine drivers for mining purposes, for drivers employed on locomotives working on railway-lines not under the control of the Government Working Railways Department, and for the drivers of traction-engines on roads. Certificates are also issued to electric-tram drivers as provided by the Tramways Amendment Act, 1910. The issue of these certificates is controlled by a Board of Examiners set up by the Act, the Chairman being the Chief Inspector of Machinery.

During the year ended 31st March, 1917, the following certificates were issued:—

Boiler certificates6,957 
Machinery certificates12,405 
  19,362
Extra first-class engineers' certificates1 
First-class stationary-engine drivers' certificates49 
Second-class stationary-engine drivers' certificates154 
Locomotive and traction-engine drivers' certificates141 
Winding-engine drivers' certificates2 
Electric-tram drivers' certificates115 
  462
  19,824

National Efficiency Board.

The National Efficiency Board was constituted on the 27th February, 1917, with the following purposes in view:—

  1. To enable the Government to make provision for the organization and development of industries, for the enforcement of public and private economy, and generally for increasing national efficiency; and

  2. To determine what further legislation (if any) it is necessary or expedient to pass with reference to the matters aforesaid or any of them.

On the 5th March, 1917, each member, of whom there are five, was given the power of a Commissioner under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. This gave each the power to summon any person to give sworn evidence before him, and to require any papers upon any subject of inquiry to be produced.

The duties of the Board were specifically laid down as follows:—

  1. To inquire as to what industries or occupations in New Zealand may be properly regarded as wholly or in part essential or as not essential for the public welfare:

  2. To inquire as to what restrictions, modifications, or extensions should be adopted in or in connection with any such industry or occupation so as to secure greater economy and efficiency therein:

  3. To inquire as to the classes and quantity of labour necessary for the maintenance and regulation of any industry or occupation, whether essential for the public welfare or not:

  4. To inquire as to the classes and quantity of labour available for the maintenance and regulation of any such industry or occupation, and as to how, in respect of essential industries and occupations, such labour may best be obtained, due regard being had to the interests of other established industries and occupations:

  5. To inquire as to the advisability of employing women in suitable industries or occupations; as to the extent to which it is practicable or desirable to employ women in lieu of men; and as to what extent women are available for employment in such industries or occupations:

    1. With reference to the men employed in essential industries or occupations, or in any essential industry or occupation, to ascertain from time to time what proportion of such men is liable for military service, and what proportion is not so liable; with reference to the men who are liable for military service, to ascertain from time to time, so far as possible, the number of men who are medically unfit for military service, the number of men who have been exempted on appeal to a Military Service Board, and the number still liable for service, distinguishing in the last case between men in the First Division and men in the Second Division of the Reserve:

    2. To ascertain so far as possible the number and class of men employed in partially essential or non-essential industries, and not liable for military service, who may be available (if required) for transfer to any essential industry or occupation:

  6. To inquire as to the best methods to be adopted for the employment in essential industries or occupations, or otherwise, of persons of military age who are unfit for military service:

  7. To inquire as to the advisability and best methods of organizing the labour available for essential or other industries or occupations in New Zealand or in any part thereof, with a view to securing the highest efficiency with economy:

  8. To inquire as to the use or as to the advisability of using any class of machinery, tools, or appliances in any particular industry or industries, with a view to efficient and economic production:

  9. To inquire as to any restriction, either organized or otherwise, that may be alleged to exist, to the detriment of the public welfare, in any trade, service, industry, or occupation:

  10. With respect to industries where the raw materials used therein are wholly or in substantial part produced in New Zealand, to inquire as to the best methods to be adopted for the production and preparation of such raw materials; and with respect to any raw materials not indigenous to New Zealand, to inquire as to the best methods for the treatment of such materials in New Zealand:

  11. To inquire generally as to any matters relating to or for promoting efficiency of production:

  12. To inquire as to the statistics of New Zealand and other countries with respect to the condition of employment (including hours of labour and rates of wages), and with respect to the output and production in connection with any industry or industries:

  13. To inquire as to the desirability of limiting or prohibiting the exportation of any materials:

  14. To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or prohibiting the manufacture, import, transport, sale, or use of any article that is not essential to the public welfare:

  15. To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping the execution of public works, whether under the control of the Government or of any local authority:

  16. To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping any form of public transit not essential to the public welfare:

  17. To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping any form of amusement not essential to the public welfare:

  18. To inquire as to any rules or regulations made by any employers or association of employers, or any workers or association of workers, with a view to ascertaining whether such rules or regulations, in so far as they affect any trade, industry, or occupation, place any restriction detrimental to the public welfare upon efficient and economical production:

  19. To inquire as to the necessity or advisability and the best methods of carrying on or disposing of the farms or other businesses of men engaged in military service:

  20. To inquire as to the advisability of adopting improved methods for the instruction and technical training of workers with a view to securing more efficient service, and generally as to the necessity for further technical education and for scientific research with respect to the maintenance, development, or establishment of industries:

    24—Ybk.

  21. To inquire as to the advisability of establishing new industries in New Zealand, or of developing existing industries, whether during or after the war:

  22. To inquire as to the best methods of insuring the employment in suitable capacities of returned soldiers:

  23. To inquire as to the necessity or otherwise of modifying or suspending any of the provisions of any award of the Court of Arbitration, or of any industrial agreement, or of any rules of a trade-union or other association, so as to permit of returned soldiers who may be partially disabled being suitably employed and remunerated:

  24. To inquire as to what measures may be necessary or advisable with a view to promote thrift and to discourage luxury:

  25. Generally, and without restricting any of the special powers conferred by the foregoing provisions, to inquire as to the advisability of the exercise of any powers conferred on the Governor-General, or the Governor-General in Council, or on any Minister of the Crown, by the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914, and its amendments, or by the War Regulations Act, 1914, and its amendments, or by any other Act passed or that may be hereafter passed having reference to the war or to conditions created thereby:

  26. In pursuance of any such inquiry from time to time to report to and advise the Government as to any of the matters aforesaid or in any way related thereto.

It will be seen that the establishment of the Board was therefore a direct outcome of the depletion of man-power (principally through the war) in connection with the various industries. Many of the Board's recommendations are, however, of a more thorough and permanent character than might be expected, under the circumstances.

Organization of the Board and Methods adopted.

In order to facilitate operations the Board divided the Dominion into four districts, these districts coinciding with the four military districts. A Commissioner was appointed for each district, and all reports, &c., were submitted to the Chairman in Wellington. Monthly meetings were held in that centre.

Probably the greatest assistance rendered by the Board has been in the matter of management or disposal of farms and businesses of members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. The system whereby this is rendered possible includes twenty-seven Trustee Boards in the Auckland District, thirty-nine in the Wellington District, forty Trustee Boards and sixty-one Boards of Advice in Canterbury District, and 127 Trustee Boards in Otago District. In addition to these there are Commercial and Professional Committees of Advice in each of the four districts. The organization of the Board was also utilized by Military Service Boards, and by the Soldiers' Financial Assistance Board.

The work performed by the National Efficiency Board is of a varied and extensive character. The following is a review of the most important recommendations, &c.

Classification of Industries.

The National Efficiency Board has thoroughly investigated the various industries and occupations in connection with their relative importance. The Board divides occupations into four classes—namely, (1) most essential, (2) essential, (3) partially essential, and (4) non-essential. The following is a detailed list of the classification decided upon by the Board:—

  1. Most essential.—Agriculture; cattle-raising; coal-mining; creameries; cheese-factories; dairying; dairy factories; doctors; hydro-electric power stations; engineering, marine; fisheries, deep-sea; flour-milling; freezing-works; iron-rolling; Magistrate, Stipendiary; medical students; railways; scheelite-mining; sheep-raising; shipping; ship-repairs; threshing-mills.

  2. Essential.—Agricultural-implement makers; ammunition-manufacturing; analytical chemists; assayer, metallurgical; bacon-factory; bakeries; banking; blacksmithing, rural; boarding department of hotels; boardinghouses; boiler-repairing; boot-manufacturing; brass-finishing, for dairy machinery; butchering; chaff-cutting; chemists, manufacturing; chemists, pharmaceutical; clothing-manufacturing; coachbuilding, rural; condensed-milk manufacturing; coppersmithing, industrial; dentists; electric - power stations; educational institutions; engineering, mechanical; farriers, fellmongering; firebrick-making; fruit-preserving; fruit-growing; gardening, commercial; gas-manufacturing; glue and gelatine manufacturing; gold-mining; hosiery-manufacturing; jam-making and fruit-preserving; lightering; manure-manufacturing, including lime for agriculture; meat-preserving; milk-distribution; newspapers; nurseries (fruit, shelter, and timber trees); pipes, sanitary (clay) making; poultry-farming; pumice-insulation manufacturing; railway workshops; rope and twine making; saddle and harness making; sausage-skin making; seed-dressing; shipbuilding; sugar-refining; tanning; tinsmithing for dairying; tinsmithing for meat-works; veterinary surgeon, certificated; well-boring; woollen-mills; wool-scouring; wool-valuing; yeast, compressed, manufacturing.

  3. Partially essential.—Accountants, chartered; agents, agricultural implements; agents, Customhouse; agents, forwarding; agents, labour; agents, stock and station; apiarists, commercial; architects; auctioneering, stock; baby-carriage and perambulator manufacturing; bag-making; baking-powder manufacturing; barrister and solicitor; bicycle making and repairing; biscuit-manufacturing; blacksmithing, engineering; blue, starch, and soda making; boat-building; boiler-making, structural; bookbinding; bookselling; boot-making, jobbing; boot and shoe dealing; bonnet and cap making; brass-finishing, general; bricklaying; brick, pottery, and clay works; bridge and wharf building; brush-making; building and contracting; building-requisites, dealing; cardboard-box making; carpentering; casein-factories; clothing, retailing; coachbuilding, industrial; chemical-works; chimney-sweeping; coppersmithing, domestic; civil engineering; coal and wood merchants; cooperage; currying; druggist, wholesale; electric wiring and installation; engineering, directing; engineering, consulting; engineering, mining; fish-curing; fish-distribution; flax-milling; foundries; game and poultry dealing; gas-distribution; gas-fitting; general carriers; glass and china dealing; greengrocer and fruiterer; grocer, and tea-dealing; hat-manufacturing; hatter and mercer; hide and skin dealing; honey - manufacturing, commercial; importer, merchant; insurance companies; ironmongering; journalism; kauri-gum production; leather-belting manufacturing; leather and grindery merchant; legging-manufacturing; lime and cement works; live-stock dealing; locksmithing; match-factory; merchant; meat-distribution; motor-repairing for commercial purposes; nail-making; oyster-dealing; paper-bag making; paper-making; paint and varnish making; plant and seed selling; plastering; plumbing; printing; produce-merchant; quarrying; range-making; sail and tent making; sawmilling; ship-chandler; shirt and blouse manufacturing; soap and candle making; soft-goods, wholesale; spectacle and instrument making; stationer, manufacturing; stationer, retailing; stone, gravel, and sand dealing; stonemasons, building; storekeeping, general; surveying; tailoring; tinsmithing, general; tarpaulin-making; timber-felling for milling; timber-merchant; tramways; typewriting-machines, repairing; undertaker, funerals; wholesale grocers; woodwork factories for buildings.

  4. Non-essential.—Aerated-water manufacturing; agents, advertising; agents, book and tract; agents, commission; agents, financial; agents, house; agents, land; agents, machinery; agents, manufacturers'; agents, motor; agents, sewing-machine; agents, soft-goods; agents, tea; agents, timber; art and photographic requisites importing; artists; asphalting; athletes, professional; auctioneering, general; billiard-saloons; billiard-table making; biograph operators; blind-making; brokers, land; brokers, stock and share; brokers, tea; brewing; bushfelling, pastoral; cabinetmaking; catering; clothes, second-hand dealing; coach-trimming, coachbuilding; pleasure vehicles; coppersmithing; art-work; condiment-making; confectionery-importing; cycle importing and dealing; drapery business; dyeing and cleaning industry; electroplating; engraving; fancy-goods dealing; florist; french-polishing; furniture-dealing; furniture-making; hairdressing; hawking; hop-growing; horse-dealing; horse-racing; hotels; bar-keeping; jewellers; jewellers, goldsmith and silver-smith; kapoc-manufacturing; laundries; lead-light working; livery-stables; malting; motor repairing for pleasure purposes; motor-dealing; motor-garages; musical-instrument selling; news agency; nurseries, flowers and ornamental shrubs; oil-boring; pastry-dealers and confectioners; painting and decorating; patent agency; pawnbrokers; photographing; phrenologist; physical-culture instructing; pianoforte-tuning; picture-dealing; picture-frame making; registering-instruments trade; sculptor; sewing-machine dealing; sharebroking; sporting-requisites dealing; stonemasons, monumental; sugar-boiling; taxidermist, business; theatrical, business; tobacco-dealing; umbrella-making; upholstering; vocalists and musicians; wicker-working; wood-turning; wine, beer, and spirit vending; wine-making.

The Board recommended that a National Register of persons employed in the various trades, industries, &c., be made.

Trade-unions.

The Board recommended that no attempt be made to destroy the main principles of the various trade-unions. In the opinion of the Board industrial legislation should be altered in the following particulars:—

  1. The suspension of all apprenticeship clauses which in any way limit the employment of boys or girls.

  2. The suspension of all clauses in awards which place any restrictions upon the employment of unskilled persons.

  3. The suspension of all clauses in awards which prevent the employment of women in any capacity.

  4. The suspension of all trade-union rules, agreements, or trade customs which in any way restrict the employment of any person, male or female.

  5. To make provision so that any person may be employed in any trade, industry, or occupation for the performance of any work he or she may be capable of undertaking; but provided always that no substitute labour may be employed in such trade, industry, or occupation if there are available members of the union connected with the trade who are capable and willing to undertake the work.

  6. To create a special Board in each military district, to be known as the Wages Adjustment Board. The constitution of this Board should be a Stipendiary Magistrate as chairman, a representative nominated by the workers' section of the Advisory Council of Labour, and a representative nominated by the employers' section of the Advisory Council of Employers and appointed by the Government, together with one member appointed by the employers affected, and one member appointed by the workers affected. The services of this Board to be available at the request of any union of workers or individual worker, or union of employers or individual employer, in all cases where any disagreement arises as to conditions of employment, wages to be paid, &c., in regard to substituted labour.

Farming.

As previously intimated, the most important work of the Board has been in the matter of making provision for the management or disposal of soldiers' farms. After exhaustive inquiry the Board was in the position to make a number of recommendations in connection with this important industry. Advances to farmer-soldiers was one of the recommendations. Others were in connection with retaining the last male worker on farms, accommodation for married men, and the use of machine tractors and other mechanical aids.

Other Industries.

All industries were reviewed in connection with their classification as essential, &c. Special recommendations were made in connection with coal and other mining, kauri-gum digging, the honey industry, and butter-boxes and white-pine industry.

Amusements.

The Government was advised, through the Board, that greater efficiency would be obtained during the war by the curtailment of racing. Employees in picture-shows were classed as non-essential.

Liquor Trade and Importation of Luxuries.

By direction of the Government a special report was made in connection with the liquor trade. The Board recognized that the absolute prohibition of the manufacture, importation, &c., of liquor should be left to the voice of the people. The importation of many goods, classified by the Board as luxuries, was recommended to be absolutely prohibited for the duration of the war.

“Substitution” or “Dilution” of Labour in Various Industries.

The whole question of employment of female labour was exhaustively considered by the Board. A detailed publication issued by the British War Office, concerning the employment of female labour in certain branches of industry, was submitted to the Government. The complete list is too long to be included here.

Other Investigations.

Daylight-saving was one of the questions considered by the Board. The Board recommended that the time in New Zealand be advanced half an hour, thus making it exactly twelve hours ahead of Greenwich mean time. Many other suggestions were made, including the curtailment of holidays in Government Departments, and technical instruction in the various industries.

Registration of Aliens.

The Registration of Aliens Act, passed in 1917, provided for the registration of all persons of the age of fifteen or over who are not British subjects either by birth or by naturalization in New Zealand. The Government Statistician is charged with the duty of compiling and keeping the register, but the actual registration is effected by Registration Officers (mostly police officers) throughout the Dominion. Every alien not less than fifteen years of age is required to make application for registration to a Registration Officer, and is required to supply the following particulars concerning himself or herself:—

  1. Name in full:

  2. Nationality, and, if nationality is not the nationality of origin, nationality of origin:

  3. Place of birth:

  4. Age, and date of birth:

  5. Whether married, single, widower, widow, or divorced:

  6. If married, the name, age, nationality of origin, and place of abode of wife or husband:

  7. If married, a widower, a widow or divorced, number, names, and ages of children (if any):

  8. Occupation:

  9. Date of arrival in New Zealand:

  10. Place of abode and postal address:

  11. Whether permanently resident in New Zealand:

  12. If not permanently resident in New Zealand, place of permanent residence, and date of projected departure from New Zealand:

  13. Such other particulars as may from time to time be prescribed by regulations under the Act.

Upon receipt of an application for registration the Registration Officer issues a certificate of registration and forwards the application in duplicate to the Superintendent of Police for the district, who files one copy and sends the other on to the Commissioner of Police for transmission to the Government Statistician. Registered aliens are required to notify change of address on pain of a penalty not exceeding £20. Failure to register involves a fine on conviction not exceeding £50.

Chapter 32. SECTION XXXII.—OUTLYING ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

MOST of the statistical information given elsewhere in this book relates only to the three principal islands of the Dominion, with their adjacent islands and islets. There are, however, a number of outlying islands included within the boundaries of the Dominion, and brief descriptions of these are now given.

The outlying group of the CHATHAM ISLANDS, lying between the parallels of 43° 30' and 44° 30' south latitude, and the meridians of 175° 40' and 177° 15' west longitude, 480 statute miles east-south-east from Wellington, and 536 miles eastward of Lyttelton, consists of two principal islands and several unimportant islets. They were discovered by Lieutenant Broughton and named by him in honour of the Earl of Chatham. The largest island (Chatham Island) contains about 222,490 acres, of which an irregularly shaped lake or lagoon absorbs 45,960 acres. About one-quarter of the surface of the land is covered with forest, the rest with fern or grass. The hills nowhere rise to a great height. Pitt Island is the next in size; the area is 15,330 acres. The greater portion of both islands is used for grazing sheep, the only other industry carried on to any extent being fishing. The islands are connected with the mainland by wireless telegraph, and there is also steamship communication at fairly regular intervals. The population at the census of 1916 consisted of 219 Europeans and 258 Maoris.

The KERMADEC GROUP of islands is situated between 29° 10' and 31° 30' south latitude, and between 177° 45' and 179° west longitude. They are named the Raoul or Sunday Island, Macaulay Island, Curtis Islands, and L'Espérance or French Rock. The principal island, Sunday, is 600 miles distant from Auckland, and lies a little more than half-way to Tonga, but 100 miles to the eastward of the direct steam route to that place. It is 300 miles eastward of the steam route to Fiji, and 150 miles westward of the steam route from Auckland to Rarotonga. Macaulay Island (named after the father of Lord Macaulay) and Curtis Islands were discovered in May, 1788, by Lieutenant Watts, in the “Penrhyn,” a transport ship. The remainder of the group was discovered in 1793, by Admiral Bruni d'Entrecasteaux. The Admiral gave the name of “Kermadec” to the whole group of islands, after the captain of his consort ship “L'Espérance,” and the name of the Admiral's ship, “La Recherché,” was given to the largest island. The name so given was not continued, but that of “Raoul” has taken its place, which would appear to have been given after the sailing-master of the “La Recherché,” whose name was Joseph Raoul. The name of “Sunday” may have become attached to the island from the fact that it was discovered on a Sunday. The islands are volcanic, and in two of them signs of activity are still to be seen. The rainfall is plentiful, but not excessive. The climate is mild and equable, and slightly warmer than the north of New Zealand. The following are the areas of the islands and islets of the group: Sunday Island, 7,200 acres; Herald group of islets, 85 acres; Macaulay Island, 764 acres; Curtis Islands. 128 acres and 19 acres; L'Espérance, 12 acres: total, 8,208 acres. Sunday Island is twenty miles in circumference, roughly triangular in shape, and at the highest point 1,723 ft. above the sea-level. It is rugged and broken over a very large extent of its surface, and, except in a few places, covered with forest. The soil everywhere on the island is very rich, being formed by the decomposition of a dark-coloured pumiceous tuff and a black andesitic lava, with which is closely mixed a fine vegetable mould. The great luxuriance and richness of the vegetation bear witness to the excellence of the soil, which is everywhere—except where destroyed by eruptions, and on the steep cliffs—the same rich loam. Want of water is one of the drawbacks. Three of the four lakes on the island are fresh, but so difficult of approach as to be practically useless. Various attempts at settlement have been made from time to time, but the islands are now uninhabited.

The AUCKLAND ISLANDS were discovered on 18th August, 1806, by Captain Abraham Bristow, in the ship “Ocean.” The discoverer named the group after Lord Auckland, again visited the islands in 1807, and then took formal possession of them. They lie about 290 miles south of Bluff Harbour, their accepted position being given as latitude 50° 32' south, and longitude 166° 13' east. They have several good harbours. Port Ross, at the north end of the principal island, was described by the eminent French commander D'Urville as one of the best harbours of refuge in the known world. At the southern end of the island there is a through passage extending from the east to the west coast. It has been variously named Adams Strait and Carnley Harbour, and forms a splendid sheet of water. The largest of the islands is about 27 miles long by about 15 miles broad, and is very mountainous, the highest part being about 2,000 ft. above the sea. The New Zealand Government maintains at this island a depôt of provisions and clothing for the use of shipwrecked mariners.

The ANTIPODES, an isolated group, consisting of several detached rocky islands lying nearly north and south over a space of four to five miles; accepted position, 49° 11' 15'' south, and longitude 178° 43' east.

The BOUNTY ISLANDS, a little cluster of islets, thirteen in number and without verdure, discovered in 1788 by Captain Bligh, R.N., of H.M.S. “Bounty.” Position verified by observation, 47° 43' south, longitude 179° 0 1/2' east.

CAMPBELL ISLAND was discovered in 1810 by Frederick Hazelburgh, master of the brig “Perseverance,” owned by Mr. Robert Campbell, of Sydney. It is mountainous, and of a circumference of about thirty miles. There are several good harbours.

The COOK ISLANDS, with others now included within the extended boundaries of the Dominion, are as under:—

RAROTONGA: A magnificent island, rising to a height of 3,000 ft., clothed to the tops of the mountains with splendid vegetation. It has abundant streams, considerable tracts of sloping land, and rich alluvial valleys. The two harbours are poor.

MANGAIA, the south-easternmost of the Cook Group, is of volcanic origin and about thirty miles in circumference. The productions, which are numerous and cheap, are obtained by assiduous labour.

ATIU resembles Mangaia in appearance and extent. It is a mere bank of coral, 10 ft. or 12 ft. high, steep and rugged, except where there are small sandy beaches and some clefts, where the ascent is gradual.

AITUTAKI presents a most fruitful appearance, its shores being bordered by flat land, on which are innumerable coconut and other trees, the higher ground being beautifully interspersed with lawns. It is eighteen miles in circuit.

MAUKE or Parry Island is a low-lying island; it is about two miles in diameter; well wooded, and inhabited.

MITIARO is a low-lying island, from three to four miles long and one mile wide.

HERVEY ISLANDS: This group consists of two islands, surrounded by a reef, which is about 10 1/2 miles in circumference.

NIUE, or Savage Island, lying east of the Friendly Islands, is a coral island, thirty-six miles in circumference, rising to a height of 200 ft. It has the usual tropical productions.

PALMERSTON ISLAND, lying about 500 miles east of Niue and about 220 from the nearest island of the Cook Group (Aitutaki), is remarkable as the “San Pablo” of Magellan, the first island discovered in the South Sea. It has no harbour. The soil is fairly fertile, and there is some good hardwood timber.

MANAHIKI, lying about 400 miles eastward of Danger Island, is an atoll, about thirty miles in circumference, valuable from the extent of the coconut groves. The interior lagoon contains a vast deposit of pearl-sheli.

PENRHYN ISLAND (Tongareva) lies about 300 miles north-east of Manahiki. It is one of the most famous pearl-islands in the Pacific, and there is a splendid harbour, a lagoon with two entrances, fit for ships of any size.

RAKAANGA is an atoll, three miles in length and of equal breadth.

DANGER ISLAND (Pukapuka): Next to the 10th parallel, but rather north of the latitude of the Navigators, and east of them are a number of small atolls. Of these, the nearest to the Samoan Group—about 500 miles—is Danger Island, bearing north-west of Suwarrow about 250 miles.

SUWARROW ISLAND has one of the best harbours in the Pacific. It lies about 500 miles east of Apia, the capital of German Samoa (now in British possession). It is a coral atoll, of a triangular form, fifty miles in circumference, the reef having an average width of half a mile across, enclosing a land-locked lagoon twelve miles by eight, which forms an excellent harbour. The entrance is half a mile wide, and the accommodation permits of ships riding in safety in all weathers, with depths of from three to thirty fathoms. It is out of the track of hurricanes, uninhabited, but capable by its fertility of supporting a small population. As a depôt for the collection of trade from the various islands it should in time be very valuable.

Islands annexed in 1901.

The Pacific islands annexed to New Zealand in pursuance of resolutions passed by the House of Representatives in September and October, 1900, were Rarotonga, Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mitiaro, Hervey Islands, Palmerston, Niue, Danger, Rakaanga, Manahiki, Penrhyn, and Suwarrow (see above); Takutea and Nassau, not mentioned in the resolutions, also lie within the boundary-lines prescribed by the Imperial Order in Council and the New Zealand Proclamation dealing with the annexation.

Constitution and Laws.

The Constitution and laws of the Cook Islands and Niue have been remodelled by the Cook Islands Act of 1915.

The system of government prior to annexation consisted of various Arikis' Courts and Native Councils, loosely united by a Federal Parliament. Acts passed in 1901 and 1904 changed the names to “Federal Council” and “Island Councils.” The Arikis' Courts in all islands in which there was a European Resident Agent were abolished, and the constitution of the Island Councils altered, the Resident Agent and Arikis being ex officio members, while the remainder of the nine were elected by the adult Natives.

The Act of 1915 establishes the office of Secretary for the Cook Islands. Subject to the control of the Minister, this officer is to be responsible for the administration of the islands.

Island Councils are to be continued or established, as the case may be, in Rarotonga and Niue, and in any other islands which the Governor-General in Council decides upon. These Councils may consist either wholly or partly of ex officio, elected, or nominated members. The number of members, their qualifications, tenure of office, and remuneration are subject to alteration at any time by regulations made by the Governor-General in Council. Generally European officials and Arikis or Native chiefs will be Councillors ex officio, and nominated members will hold office during the pleasure of the Governor-General or for a fixed period not exceeding five years. Women are eligible both as members and as electors of Island Councils.

Each Council is empowered to make laws for the good government of the island, with the proviso that such laws must not be repugnant to Acts of the New Zealand Parliament or regulations made thereunder. The maximum penalties imposed by the Ordinance of an Island Council must not exceed three months' imprisonment or a fine of £50. The Council has no power to deal with Customs duties, to borrow money, to establish Courts of justice, or to appropriate expenditure of revenue other than that raised under authority of their Ordinance. No Ordinance has effect until it has received the assent of the Resident Commissioner or the Governor-General. The Governor-General may, by notice in the Gazette, disallow any Ordinance within one year after the Commissioner has given his assent.

Laws are enforced through the High Court, which has all jurisdiction, civil or criminal, necessary for the administration of justice. Judges and Commissioners of the High Court are appointed by the Governor-General; the Chief Judge to reside at Rarotonga, a second at Niue. A Commissioner may, with some exceptions, exercise the full powers and functions of a Judge, but rules of Court may allow appeal from his decision to that of a Judge.

A judgment obtained in a civil proceeding in the High Court may be enforced in the Supreme Court of New Zealand. From any decision in the former Court an appeal lies to the Supreme Court in the Dominion.

The manufacture or importation of intoxicating liquor is prohibited absolutely, except that the Resident Commissioner may import liquor for sale or for public purposes. Liquor imported through the Commissioner must not find its way into the hands of a Native. Attempts are made by the Natives to evade the law by illicitly manufacturing “bush-beer,” an offence which the Administration is endeavouring to check.

Population and Vital Statistics.

At the census of 1916 the population of the Cook and other islands annexed in 1901 was found to be 12,797. Fuller information is given in the portion of this book dealing with Population. A system of compulsory registration of births, deaths, and marriages is now in force in the islands (see Vital Statistics section), and records of arrivals and departures are kept.

Education.

The educational requirements of the islands up to the present time have been largely met by missionary effort. The London Missionary Society has a number of village schools in the various islands, while the Roman Catholic Mission and the Seventh-day Adventists also maintain schools, though to a less extent.

The education provided in this manner is necessarily inadequate, and a system is being inaugurated by which schools will be established on the lines of the Native schools in New Zealand.

In Niue the Tufukia School has been established for some time. At this institution the New Zealand syllabus has been adopted with gratifying results. Special interest is shown in the technical branch, and additional technical classes are given after school hours. The leading pupils are being trained with a view to taking charge of village schools which it is hoped may soon be established in other districts of Niue. At 31st December, 1916, this school had a roll number of 172 (118 boys and 54 girls), with a teaching staff of two Europeans and six Natives.

Means have been provided by the New Zealand Government for starting three schools at Rarotonga. Two of these, at Arorangi and Ngatangiia, have already been opened, the roll numbers at the end of 1916 being 148 and 184 respectively.

The Araura School at Aitutaki, formerly carried on as a boarding-school by the London Missionary Society, assisted by contributions from the parents of the pupils, has been taken over by the Education Department. The number of pupils in this institution, which provides a more advanced teaching than the village schools, was 270 at the end of 1916.

A small Government school was opened in Palmerston Island in 1916, and schools will be established in due course in each of the other islands of the group. The London Missionary Society is carrying on schools in the outlying islands in the meantime.

Regulations which came into force on 1st January, 1917, make it compulsory for all children between seven and fourteen years of age to attend school, if living within three miles of a public school.

Land.

Various restrictions are placed on the alienation of land by Natives, They may not alienate their holdings by way of freehold or by way of security, nor may customary land be dealt with in any such manner. No will of any Native is of effect as regards his interest in land, nor may a lease be granted for a term of more than sixty years.

Considerable areas have been leased, especially in Rarotonga, to European settlers. It is recognized that the prosperity of the islands depends in great measure upon the settlement of the spare lands by a good class of white planters. It is hoped that before long additional areas in many islands will be available.

Difficulties have been experienced in obtaining leases from the Natives. largely owing to the insecurity of title. The old Land Titles Court has now been replaced by a Native Land Court, whose functions are to deal with the titles, partitioning, succession, and numerous other matters affecting land. The irregularity in sitting of the former Court caused great inconvenience; in hundreds of cases progress was at a standstill until titles could be properly investigated.

An important obstacle in the path of Native settlement of the land is the lack of roads. Much of the accessible banana land is being worked out, but the Natives are reluctant to move farther inland to the richer soils owing to greater difficulty in transport. The maintenance and construction of roads and bridges was formerly carried out by the Natives under a corvée system, but has now been taken over by the Administration.

Any person desirous of settling in the islands should have a capital equal to at least £10 for each acre he purposes taking up. The coconut-palm takes from eight to ten years to reach bearing-point, and during that time the planter must maintain himself by growing bananas or securing some outside employment. When the palms are in full bearing, however, the annual value of the crop may be estimated at not less than £6 per acre, and this may be regarded as a practically assured income for sixty years or more.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

Cook and Northern Islands.—For the financial year ended the 31st March, 1917, the revenue of the Cook Islands, not including the balance from the previous year, was £9,710, and the expenditure £8,586. There is now a credit balance of £2,808. The following is a comparative statement of revenue and expenditure for the past ten years:—

Year.Revenue. £Expenditure. £
1907–86,3496,190
1908–97,1465,718
1909–107,6568,230
1910–118,2678,047
1911–128,9249,430
1912–139,42011,508
1913–1411,72310,194
1914–1510,11810,617
1915–167,6739,081
1916–179,7108,586

The principal items in the revenue for 1916–17 were: Customs duties, £5,716; fruit-export tax, £932; and postage-stamps, £711.

Niue.—The revenue of Niue for the year ended the 31st March, 1917 (excluding balance from previous year), was £2.068, this sum including a contribution of £208 by the New Zealand Government for medical services. The expenditure was £1,747. The total funds to the credit of the Niue Government on the 31st March amounted to £1,048.

TRADE.

Cook and Northern Islands.—The value of exports for the year 1916 was £68,146; while the imports amounted to £58,478. The principal items exported were as follows:—

 £
Bananas, 42,979 cases, 405 kits13,060
Coconuts, 260,680 number1,235
Coffee, 51,2001b.1,280
Copra, 1,121 tons28,328
Kumeras and taro, 3,657 cases1,174
Oranges, 93,686 cases16,350
Pearl-shell450
Pineapples, 3,214 cases320
Tomatoes, 35,523 cases5,778

The export of bananas and oranges shows a considerable decrease as compared with 1914 and 1915, but tomatoes show a large increase, the export in the last three years being: 1914, 1,201 cases; 1915, 13,119 cases; 1916, 35,523 cases. Tomatoes are grown during the winter and early spring, and are placed on the New Zealand market during the “off” season, thus fetching good prices.

Trade with New Zealand fell off considerably in 1916 as compared with 1915. The United States appears to be coming into prominence, though her trade with the islands is still insignificant. The following shows the countries to which the exports were sent:—

 £
New Zealand38,647
United States17,621
United Kingdom9,958
Tahiti1,920
      Total£68,146

The amount of the imports is made up as follows:—

Imports from—£
  New Zealand43,557
  United States8,241
  United Kingdom3,787
  Tahiti1,569
  Australia958
  Sweden260
  Tonga60
Imports from—£
  Canada35
  Fanning Island8
  Japan2
  South Africa1
  Total£58,478

Niue.—The exports for 1916 amounted to £3,379, and the imports to £9,512. The principal items of export were,—

 £
Fungus, 63,246 lb.1,297
Copra, 87 tons1,196
Hats, 1,278 dozen600

Of the total imports, New Zealand contributed goods to the value of £8,934, and Australia £449. The whole of the exports went to New Zealand.

Chapter 33. SECTION XXXIII.—STATISTICAL VIEW OF FIFTY YEARS PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND, 1867–1916.

I.—POPULATION.

Year.Population (exclusive of Maoris and for Annexed Pacific Islands) on 31st December.Births.Deaths.Marriages.
Males.Females.Totals.

NOTE.—Maori population excluded from above was 49,776 in 1916, and that of Cook and other Islands 12.797 persons.

1867131,92986,739218,6688,9182,7022,050
1868134,62191,997226,6189,3912,6622,085
1869140,11297,137237,2499,7182,7211,931
1870145,732102,668248,40010,2772,7031,851
1871156,431110,555266,98610,5922,6421,864
1872162,404117,156279,56010,7953,1921,873
1873170,406125,540295,94611,2223,6452,276
1874194,349147,511341,86012,8444,1612,828
1875213,294162,562375,85614,4385,7123,209
1876.225,580173,495399,07516,1684,9043,196
1877227,681180,937408,61816,8564,6853,114
1878240,627191,892432,51917,7704,6453,377
1879257,894205,835463,72918,0705,5833,352
1880268,364216,500484,86419,3415,4373,181
1881274,986225,924500,91018,7325,4913,277
1882283,303234,404517,70719,0095,7013,600
1883294,665246,212540,87719,2026,0613,612
1884306,667257,637564,30419,8465,7403,800
1885312,125263,101575,22619,6936,0813,813
1886317,646271,740589,38619,2996,1353,488
1887324,558278,803603,36119,1356,1373,563
1888324,948282,432607,38018,9025,7083,617
1889328,588287,464616,05218,4575,7723,632
1890332,557292,951625,50818,2785,9943,797
1891336,174297,884634,05818,2736,5183,805
1892345,146305,287650,43317,8766,4594,002
1893357,635314,630672,26518,1876,7674,115
1894363,763322,365686,12818,5286,9184,178
1895369,725328,981698,70618,5466,8634,110
1896376,987337,175714,16218,6126,4324,843
1897384,703344,353729,05618,7376,5954,928
1898392,124351,339743,46318,9557,2445,091
1899398,679357,826756,50518,8357,6805,461
1900403,628364,650768,27819,5467,2005,860
1901414,223373,434787,65720,4917,6346,095
1902425,908382,021807,92920,6558,3756,394
1903439,674392,831832,50521,8298,5286,748
1904453,992403,547857,53922,7668,0876,983
1905467,366415,096882,46223,6828,0617,200
1906481,651427,075908,72624,2528,3397,592
1907492,649436,835929,48425,09410,0668,192
1908510,329450,313960,64225,9409,0438,339
1909520,406462,520982,92626,5248,9598,094
1910529,928472,7511,002,67925,9849,6398,236
1911539,729485,6771,025,40626,3549,5348,825
1912553,212499,4151,052,62727,5089,2149,149
1913569,109515,5531,084,66227,93510,1198,813
1914568,161527,8331,095,99428,33810,1489,280
1915563,963538,8311,102,79427,8509,96510,028
1916549,895550,6681,100,56328,50910,5968,213

II.—PRODUCTION.

Year.Occupied and Cultivated Holdings over One Acre in Extent.Land (including Sown Grasses) under Cultivation.Live-stock.Coal-mines, Output from.
Horses.Horned Cattle.Sheep.Pigs.
 Number.Acres.    Tons.
1867 676,90965,715312,8358,418,579115,104Prior to 1878, 709.931
1868      
186911,932783,435    
187013,476997,477    
187110,2111,140,27981,028436,5929,700,629151,460
187214,8741,226,222    
187315,3041,416,933    
187415,8831,651,71299,859494,91711,704,853123,921
187516,0921,943,653    
187617,2502,377,402    
187718,7502,940,711     
187820,5193,523,277137,768578,43013,069,338207,337162,218
187921,0543,982,866    231,218
188023,1294,506,889    299,923
188124,1474,768,192161,736698,63712,985,085200,083337,262
188226,2985,189,104    378,272
188327,3525,651,255    421,764
188428,5876,072,949    480,831
188529,8146,550,399    511,063
188631,7636,668,920187,382853,35816,564,595277,901534,353
188733,3326,845,177    558,620
188834,7437,284,752    613,895
188935,7477,670,167    586,445
189038,1788,015,426    637,397
189138,0838,462,495211,040788,91917,865,423222,553668,794
189241,2248,893,225  18,570,752 673,315
189342,7689,713,745  19,380,369 691,548
189445,29010,063,051 885,30520,230,829 719,546
189546,67610,128,076 964,03419,826,604 726,654
1896 10,698,869237,4181,047,90119,138,493239,778792,851
189758,94011,550,075249,8131,138,06719,687,954209,834840,713
189860,75911,444,563252,8341,209,16519,673,725186,027907,033
189961,63911,984,606258,1151,203,02419,348,506193,512975,234
190062,48512,474,511261,9311,222,13919,355,195249,7511,093,990
190162,78612,636,035266,2451,256,68020,233,099250,9751,227,638
190263,98213,083,971279,6721,361,78420,342,727224,0241,362,702
190365,03413,357,700286,9551,460,66318,954,553193,7401,420,193
190466,09213,504,004298,7141,593,54718,280,806226,5911,537,838
190568,68013,868,074314,3221,736,85019,130,875255,3201,585,756
190669,94214,114,925326,5371,810,93620,108,471249,7271,729,536
190772,33814,382,787342,6081,851,75020,983,772242,2731,831,009
190873,36714,884,617352,8321,816,29922,449,053241,1281,860,975
190975,15215,566,308363,2591,773,32623,480,707245,0921,911,247
1910    24,269,620 2,197,362
191173,87616,154,218404,2842,020,17123,996,126348,7542,066,073
1912    23,750,153 2,177,615
1913    24,191,810 1,888,005
1914    24,798,763 2,275,593
1915    24,901,421 2,208,624
191677,22916,984,174371,3312,417,49124,788,150297,5012,257,135

III.—TRADE.

Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Wool.Grain.Frozen Meat.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.
 lb.£Centals.£Cwt.£
186727,152,9661,580,60890,83426,986  
186828,875,1631,516,548277,708114,125  
186927,765,6361,371,230233,83096,441  
187037,039,7631,703,944431,050141,135  
187137,793,7341,606,144483,170164,087  
187241,886,9972,537,919520,265178,886  
187341,535,1852,702,471343,442136,832  
187446,848,7352,834,695660,796291,112  
187554,401,5403,398,155629,634231,458  
187659,853,4543,395,8161,030,430338,792  
187764,481,3243,658,938714,536277,429  
187859,270,2563,292,8071,195,850508,981  
187962,220,8103,126,4391,903,917661,134  
188066,860,1503,169,3002,907,934906,228  
188159,415,9402,909,7603,158,121996,044  
188265,322,7073,118,5542,414,992924,13715,24419,339
188368,149,4303,014,2113,752,3651,308,74287,975118,328
188481,139,0283,267,5272,775,853766,862254,069345,090
188586,507,4313,205,2752,158,604513,937296,473373,857
188690,853,7443,072,9711,689,899463,597346,055427,193
188788,824,3823,321,0741,818,298443,815402,107455,870
188883,225,7333,115,0082,530,321668,900552,298628,800
1889102,227,3543,976,3753,084,485985,447556,822783,374
1890102,817,0774,150,5994,327,7531,030,415898,8941,087,617
1891106,187,1144,129,6862,683,592676,3681,000,3071,194,724
1892118,180,9124,313,3073,196,141818,982869,6001,033,377
1893109,719,6843,774,7382,518,091585,015903,8361,085,167
1894144,295,1544,827,0161,057,708226,4871,025,2431,194,545
1895116,015,1703,662,1311,011,052215,9711,134,0971,262,711
1896129,151,6244,391,8481,288,950346,9021,103,3621,251,993
1897135,835,1174,443,144805,213235,9481,407,9211,566,286
1898149,385,8154,645,804445,355136,3951,551,7731,698,750
1899147,169,4974,324,6273,439,606721,8171,865,8272,088,856
1900140,706,4864,749,1964,485,1551,034,0141,844,8312,123,881
1901146,820,0793,699,1035,880,6501,285,8111,857,5472,253,262
1902160,419,0233,354,5632,466,324786,5482,138,5572,718,763
1903155,128,3814,041,2742,210,721533,8652,378,6503,197,043
1904144,647,3764,673,8261,719,308392,3461,912,9792,793,599
1905139,912,7375,381,3331,149,368294,5741,690,6842,694,432
1906154,384,5686,765,655449,104139,4742,025,5072,877,031
1907171,635,5957,657,278123,36653,2052,354,8083,420,664
1908162,518,4815,332,781469,119143,2232,120,3033,188,515
1909189,683,7036,305,8883,123,111823,1492,572,6043,601,093
1910204,368,9578,308,4101,097,952319,0732,654,1963,850,777
1911169,424,8116,491,7071,033,170330,1862,250,5653,503,406
1912188,361,7907,105,4832,348,673741,6002,573,2383,909,569
1913186,533,0368,057,620341,981131,9382,578,6934,449,933
1914220,472,8989,318,114750,904270,0113,229,9695,863,062
1915196,570,11410,387,875405,865215,4633,591,2687,794,395
1916185,506,85912,386,074180,58686,9853,326,0457,271,318
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Butter.Cheese.Phormium Fibre.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.
 Cwt.£Cwt.£Tons.£
186738192903621264,256
18681385323351,2405348,137
18692,70514,6792,3318,0402,02845,245
18703,43512,9952,7359,3275,471132,578
18714,34212,4261,6194,0234,24890,611
18721,6294,4621,3624,3793,98599,405
18737222,3421,9936,6256,454143,799
18743571,1681,3264,4082,03837,690
18751046604421,86263911,742
18768713,9108853,48889718,285
18775,20623,4584,99916,7131,05318,826
18783,10612,1113,0199,36862210,666
18793391,6311726284457,874
18802,7178,3507171,98389415,617
18812,4268,4963,0566,1121,30826,285
188211,26452,0883,55310,1802,04041,955
18838,86942,0202,5196,8922,01336,761
188415,76666,59310,34225,0741,52523,475
188524,923102,38715,24535,7421,06316,316
188623,175105,53716,42945,6571,11215,922
188717,01854,92123,91354,5621,57825,094
188829,995118,25236,68278,9184,04275,269
188937,955146,84026,55867,10517,084361,182
189034,816122,70140,45184,98621,158381,789
189139,430150,25839,77086,67515,809281,514
189253,930227,16241,49391,04212,793214,542
189358,149254,64546,20199,62612,587219,375
189460,771251,28055,655115,2034,67766,256
189557,964227,60176,743150,9091,80621,040
189671,353281,71671,372130,1662,96832,985
189799,002402,60577,683150,5172,76930,674
189896,801403,69068,711135,7764,85074,556
1899136,086571,79969,440141,81810,371184,411
1900172,583740,620102,849229,11115,906332,182
1901201,591882,406104,294238,68510,171195,728
1902253,9981,205,80274,746163,53920,852534,031
1903285,1061,318,06774,780194,99822,652595,684
1904314,3601,380,46084,526185,48626,936710,281
1905305,7221,408,55788,562205,17127,877696,467
1906320,2251,560,235131,206341,00227,779776,106
1907328,4411,615,345236,833662,35528,547832,068
1908229,9711,171,182280,798783,41917,403396,288
1909321,1081,639,380400,6071,105,39014,318306,973
1910356,5351,811,975451,9151,195,37320,645448,414
1911302,3871,576,917439,1741,192,05717,366300,209
1912378,1172,088,809577,0701,680,39318,641376,264
1913372,2582,061,651611,6631,770,29728,092721,924
1914434,0672,338,576863,7762,564,12519,702455,214
1915420,1442,700,625817,2582,730,21123,220571,621
1916358,6322,632,293949,4163,514,31027,6741,001,725
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Gold.Gum (Kauri).Provisions, Tallow, Timber, &c.Total New Zealand Produce Exported.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Value.
 Oz.£Tons.£££
1867686,7532,700,2752,68577,49189,2944,479,464
1868637,4742,504,3262,69072,49351,3614,268,762
1869614,2812,362,9952,850111,30780,1974,090,134
1870544,8802,157,5854,391175,074212,0444,544,682
1871730,0292,787,5205,054167,958338,3355,171,104
1872445,3701,730,9924,811154,167396,9765,107,186
1873505,3371,987,4252,83385,816412,6605,477,970
1874376,3881,505,3312,56879,986397,7535,152,143
1875355,3221,407,7703,230138,523285,6745,475,844
1876318,3671,268,5592,888109,234350,8175,488,901
1877366,9551,476,3123,632118,348468,6936,058,717
1878311,4371,244,1903,445132,975573,5215,784,619
1879284,1001,134,6413,228147,535483,5735,563,455
1880303,2151,220,2634,725242,817537,7426,102,300
1881250,683996,8675,460253,778564,9085,762,250
1882230,893921,6645,533260,369905,1146,253,350
1883222,899892,4456,518336,6061,099,2396,855,244
1884246,392988,9536,393342,1511,116,7616,942,486
1885222,732890,0565,876299,7621,154,5796,591,911
1886235,578939,6484,920257,6531,058,5046,386,682
1887187,938747,8786,790362,4341,085,4336,551,081
1888229,608914,3098,482380,9331,274,7397,255,128
1889197,492785,4907,519329,5901,606,6059,042,008
1890187,641751,3607,438378,5631,440,7319,428,761
1891251,1611,007,1728,388437,0561,436,6419,400,094
1892237,393951,9638,705517,6781,197,8159,365,868
1893227,502915,9218,317510,7751,112,1818,557,443
1894221,614887,8658,338404,5671,111,9299,085,148
1895293,4931,162,1817,425418,7661,268,8438,390,153
1896263,6941,041,4287,126431,3231,268,9759,177,336
1897251,647980,2046,641398,0101,388,8799,596,267
1898280,1751,080,6919,905586,7671,562,55910,324,988
1899389,5701,513,18011,116607,9191,645,31311,799,740
1900373,6141,439,60210,159622,2931,784,35013,055,249
1901455,5581,753,7847,541446,1141,935,56712,690,460
1902507,8521,951,4267,430450,2232,333,70413,498,599
1903533,3142,037,8329,357631,1022,288,32714,838,192
1904520,3231,987,5019,203501,8171,976,47114,601,787
1905520,4852,093,93610,883561,4442,167,61615,503,530
1906563,8432,270,9049,154522,4862,587,45317,840,346
1907508,2102,027,4908,708579,8882,934,84519,783,138
1908506,3812,004,7995,530372,7982,501,52515,894,530
1909506,3712,006,9008,250552,6983,112,46519,462,936
1910478,2861,896,3188,693465,0443,648,77921,944,163
1911454,8371,815,2517,587395,7073,176,45818,781,898
1912343,1631,345,1317,908401,3053,623,85121,272,405
1913376,1611,459,4998,780549,1063,375,92222,577,890
1914227,954895,3678,473497,4443,782,80425,984,717
1915422,8251,694,5534,575279,1334,668,98631,042,862
1916292,6201,199,2125,456339,8824,544,10832,975,907
Year.Total Exports.Imports.Total Trade.
Total.From United Kingdom.From Australia.From United States.
 ££££££
18674,644,6785,344,6072,779,4632,182,99592,5909,989,285
18684,429,1984,985,7482,299,6892,261,485117,3269,414,946
18694,224,8604,976,1262,458,5792,106,85969,1099,200,986
18704,822,7564,639,0152,685,7361,655,08660,4979,461,771
18715,282,0844,078,1931,808,6361,969,91459,3459,360,277
18725,190,6655,142,9512,685,1602,097,50890,65710,333,616
18735,610,3716,464,687,3,781,1302,198,849143,27312,075,058
18745,251,2698,221,8125,481,0362,076,626191,53913,373,081
18755,828,6278,029,1725,103,6102,355,988213,49213,857,799
18765,673,4656,905,1714,451,2691,942,590192,28712,578,636
18776,327,4726,973,4184,115+5442,288,253269,65613,300,890
18786,015,7008,755,6635,333,1702,393,863432,57214,771,363
18796,743,1268,374,5855,302,8232,197,452438,39914,117,711
18806,352,6926,162,0113,479,2171,930,408238,01112,514,703
18816,060,8667,457,0454,530,3161,952,767343,64513,517,911
18826,658,0088,609,2705,553,3241,863,865463,49315,267,278
18837,095,9997,974,0385,241,8471,576,183419,25015,070,037
18847,091,6677,663,8884,934,4931,635,762348,55714,299,860
18856,819,9397,479,9215,227,5511,254,908401,53214,299,860
18866,672,7916,759,0134,481,1011,317,376337,32213,431,804
18876,866,1696,245,5154,173,4971,030,094298,73613,111,684
18887,767,3255,941,9003,725,6241,218,593323,06913,709,225
18899,341,8646,308,8634,138,0771,107,132342,43615,650,727
18909,811,7206,260,5254,221,2701,087,593355,39516,072,245
18919,566,3976,503,8494,369,6331,013,549361,79516,070,246
18929,534,8516,943,0564,767,3691,112,099381,62716,477,907
18938,985,3646,911,5154,481,9551,411,465379,37815,896,879
18949,231,0476,788,0203,949,7701,740,965394,69116,019,067
18958,550,2246,400,1293,992,3591,261,125394,23314,950,353
18969,321,1057,137,3204,714,4761,090,374492,84016,458,425
189710,016,9938,055,2235,310,6751,001,003628,04418,072,216
189810,517,9558,230,6005,148,8331,158,865800,41118,748,555
189911,938,3358,739,6335,526,6451,336,828775,30920,677,968
190013,246,16110,646,0966,504,4841,776,9781,061,87323,892,257
190112,881,42411,817,9156,885,8311,979,3201,415,26024,699,339
190213,644,97711,326,7236,851,4521,715,2951,318,93724,971,700
190315,010,37812,788,6757,512,6682,154,9661,441,35827,799,053
190414,748,34813,291,6947,982,3401,893,0361,527,91528,040,042
190515,655,94712,828,8577,795,2841,815,7171,438,50128,484,804
190618,095,13715,211,4039,003,2292,775,3121,405,78133,306,540
190720,068,95717,302,86110,278,0193,127,5531,425,59637,371,818
190816,317,49417,471,28410,441,8372,841,4261,643,93733,788,778
190919,661,99615,674,7199,287,7862,764,2101,166,06335,336,715
191022,180,20917,051,58310,498,7712,359,3931,399,73739,231,792
191119,028,49019,545,87911,787,3002,944,9911,682,12938,574,369
191221,770,58120,976,57412,499,7872,583,8872,049,61842,747,155
191322,986,72222,288,30213,312,1932,914,8482,107,99045,275,024
191426,261,44721,856,09511,985,9463,376,3712,282,96648,117,542
191531,748,91221,728,83411,141,0673,554,5352,600,24853,477,746
191633,286,93726,339,28313,869,4554,002,1713,969,92559,626,220

IV.—TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION.

Year.Oversea Shipping.
Inwards.Outwards.Registered Vessels belonging to New Zealand.
Vessels.Tonnage.Vessels.Tonnage.Gross Tonnage.
1867944309,568950308,16923,240
1868851277,105873287,71024,539
1869764250,731771247,76425,990
1870756273,151766265,40726,743
1871729274,643709265,61827,107
1872775300,302743285,36623,963
1873739289,297704281,84730,035
1874856399,296822385,53338,935
1875926416,727940417,82042,025
1876878393,180866393,33444,401
1877812388,568848400,60942,479
1878926456,490886428,49346,965
1879894473,940908475,75264,457
1880730395,675786424,04166,316
1881765420,134762413,48772,387
1882795461,285769438,55176,196
1883805494,926851507,56584,903
1884852529,188872534,24292,696
1885786519,700780513,00095,887
1886725502,572707488,33194,196
1887653489,754675493,58394,027
1888683526,435701531,47886,132
1889781602,634762593,25287,411
1890744662,769745649,70598,907
1891737618,515744625,807102,068
1892686675,223689656,100101,156
1893617615,604635642,466100,388
1894609631,100614631,25099,588
1895611672,951597648,946100,988
1896589614,097592627,659105,553
1897600686,899587675,333119,713
1898620765,255622765,793126,113
1899609811,183604807,866129,583
1900616854,632613825,275137,767
19016881,063,2746911,075,906143,183
19026381,089,1796111,048,770147,822
19036171,102,0646081,113,165150,909
19046291,154,5696201,144,764157,334
19056271,139,4106271,141,552170,957
19066291,243,6526311,238,214180,124
19076451,254,2666151,225,382197,001
19086581,361,0476561,331,305228,399
19096051,263,9355961,253,878230,614
19106091,389,0315881,367,207233,531
19116211,482,3786241,467,402234,084
19126771,672,0926661,668,630245,445
19136451,738,9856351,699,807254,117
19146461,724,8496571,781,981168,552
19156381,641,4256491,635,933150,095
19165741,448,5175901,491,593148,497
Year.Government Railways. (Figures to 31st March following.)Electric Telegraph. (From 1895, figures for 31st March following.
Miles open for Traffic.Miles under Construction.Railway Receipts.Miles of Line.Number of Messages.Cash and Cash Values, including Telephones.
   £  £
1867   71487,43614,295
1868   1,471134,64726,224
1869   1,611173,74632,649
1870   1,887238,19527,422
1871   2,015369,08537,203
1872   2,312491,20544,669
1873145434 2,389637,94155,195
187420962121,1982,632844,30162,322
187554246472,0733,156993,32374,420
1876718427469,0513,1701,100,59980,841
18771,052251569,8983,3071,182,95585,580
18781,089142758,0963,4341,260,32492,433
18791,171284762,5723,5121,448,943112,351
18801,288192836,0773,7581,304,712100,023
18811,333187892,0263,8241,438,772101,566
18821,371171953,3473,9741,570,189102,378
18831,404224961,3044,0741,599,400102,958
18841,4791581,045,7124,2641,654,305101,482
18851,6131791,047,4184,4631,774,273112,778
18861,721171998,7684,5461,836,266115,666
18871,753169994,8434,6461,835,394116,211
18881,777163997,6154,7901,765,860104,116
18891,8091761,095,5694,8741,802,987106,462
18901,8421321,121,7015,0601,961,161110,697
18911,8691701,115,4325,3491,968,264117,634
18921,8861881,181,5225,4791,904,143103,813
18931,9481481,172,7925,5132,069,791112,466
18941,9931271,150,8515,8232,046,839136,062
18952,0141141,183,0416,2452,124,211148,955
18962,0181241,286,1586,2852,520,769152,752
18972,055921,376,0086,4842,696,233160,725
18982,0901131,469,6656,7362,960,738170,794
18992,1041111,623,8916,9103,469,631192,376
19002,2122081,727,2367,2493,898,128222,305
19012,2352121,874,5867,4694,167,981234,984
19022,2911941,974,0387,7494,559,304248,934
19032,3281752,180,6417,7794,965,197261,941
19042,3741732,209,2317,9445,159,745270,660
19052,4072222,349,7048,3555,640,219298,079
19062,4582082,624,6008,9536,396,332325,007
19072,4742552,761,9389,6567,042,923348,749
19082,6741882,929,52610,4047,425,693374,174
19092,7171843,249,79010,9017,846,890399,361
19102,7531923,494,18211,3168,360,647438,989
19112,7982053,676,50911,8059,063,133479,289
19122,8511923,971,00212,5089,944,272528,119
19132,8542234,043,32813,04410,694,032579,816
19142,9452114,105,45713,43410,827,968665,938
19152,9602434,548,35613,68410,836,751846,259
19162,9602434,800,81013,89610,875,120855,298

V.—FINANCE.

Year.Banks of Issue. (Average of Four Quarters.)Savings-banks (Post Office and private).Post Office Money-orders issued.
Deposits.Assets.Liabilities.Number of Depositors.Balance to credit at End of Year.Number.Amount.
 £££ £ £
18672,904,5945,947,1603,737,6956,579156,85524,473115,610
18683,102,7275,734,7453,838,2208,121243,61525,854118,211
18693,174,8316,231,4163,863,00610,103320,38328,427127,218
18703,127,7696,315,3543,819,67012,137388,80431,864140,454
18713,334,6725,871,8883,988,40014,275454,96636,291157,397
18723,919,8385,429,7474,628,81917,289597,00244,660191,009
18734,713,8067,267,7205,538,03021,807812,14452,351219,258
18745,564,4349,954,2166,490,50427,215943,75362,712263,164
18755,967,20510,987,1786,987,31830,310897,32673,027293,481
18766,238,47111,776,0707,221,39932,577905,14680,255310,268
18777,185,10612,992,1048,152,23035,709964,43090,672334,973
18788,960,36915,393,63010,031,00939,9261,043,204101,017368,255
18798,021,07316,054,2959,057,46342,679990,337117,999428,673
18808,538,93514,220,2759,550,17747,4621,148,992135,648465,405
18819,069,37714,863,64510,083,18861,0541,549,515135,556452,182
18828,945,34617,162,23410,015,27368,3581,832,047148,162499,368
18838,659,47717,794,7619,706,70073,5461,784,631172,556541,133
18849,643,21418,442,13910,691,59979,5141,926,759186,052572,666
188510,083,29618,811,56711,130,24485,7692,142,560188,622581,395
188610,579,71119,041,82711,603,19491,2962,133,861155,680547,755
188711,031,61418,799,84711,995,49597,4962,407,776159,579555,744
188811,155,77818,709,44412,108,353103,0462,691,693162,387555,996
188911,528,42417,652,91512,486,717110,5662,858,644172,076589,545
189012,368,61017,735,25913,356,598118,3443,137,023176,427602,077
189112,796,09816,814,51813,820,458126,8863,406,949195,239651,990
189213,587,06217,558,16814,623,335135,8273,580,544199,438694,847
189314,433,77718,255,53415,489,633147,1993,966,849210,957750,929
189413,927,21717,746,42114,930,791154,4054,066,504222,678776,783
189513,544,41518,159,78114,491,627163,5134,620,696243,497812,604
189614,490,82716,900,19915,520,431175,1735,065,864269,566902,160
189714,290,51217,276,77115,380,2481187,9545,520,080293,659970,831
189814,143,22917,013,40415,299,058199,4645,746,887318,3701,029,241
189914,591,22317,190,43315,834,858213,1726,128,297344,6641,118,808
190015,570,61017,314,53516,964,582228,8836,665,344369,8341,214,853
190116,034,84818,422,27417,490,035245,0247,268,103405,9671,286,508
190217,231,76718,999,18018,701,063261,9487,876,877367,2071,277,059
190319,011,11419,913,54620,563,879280,0118,432,958396,3121,416,224
190419,074,96020,893,09620,643,359297,5698,839,307407,7831,476,887
190520,545,60121,770,52522,144,166316,3769,773,954417,4411,541,712
190622,422,24323,829,93324,143,008341,11411,170,025439,0201,686,232
190723,517,11126,584,23925,334,348364,42212,825,063441,4871,773,591
190821,821,75329,098,56723,611,903388,94513,512,266488,0842,050,684
190921,996,62126,937,26523,728,326408,77014,065,410538,7402,307,593
191024,968,76126,398,92726,742,081432,11915,620,515569,6572,457,523
191126,765,12229,433,61428,625,803459,60217,194,461607,7642,759,393
191225,622,08330,196,40027,508,348503,92718,043,540666,4253,231,350
191325,733,18730,708,93227,59,099532,68218,923,522690,7453,357,774
191427,640,50732,502,31229,808,349559,20320,924,754691,5183,427,505
191531,433,65333,209,48334,448,270587,10924,238,966664,8603,471,818
191637,757,91737,015,48641,977,619619,97228,015,674669,3553,607,087
Year.Insurances in Force in the Government Life Insurance Department at End of Year.Old-age Pensions, 31st March of following Year.Friendly Societies from which Returns received.Public Trust Office.
No. of Policies.Sums Assured and Bonuses.No. of Pensions in Force.Amount represented.No. of Lodges, &c.No. of Members.Number of Estates.Value of Estates.

* From here figures are for year ended 31st March following.

† Information not available.

  £ £   £
1867        
1868        
1869        
18705930,250      
1871454200,611      
18721,689625,421      
18732,634995,986    25717,500
18743,9531,453,496    29328,930
18754,9891,836,859    34742,163
18766,1532,282,129  898,56041259,720
18777,1492,716,907  888,82857567,675
18788,7113,251,220  1109,75962773,940
187910,2233,726,330  13813,16571396,315
188011,6564,171,504  17914,484770117,980
188112,4114,471,182  27218,634836150,750
188215,8925,273,164  27318,700911204,545
188319,9175,992,111  27518,8481,024317,680
188421,0036,224,571  28121,1441,082392,315
188523,2186,552,242  30222,7941,190457,620
188624,7157,053,276  29021,6791,293576,010
188725,4397,136,944  34724,9281,304715,860
188826,1687,362,488  35324,9381,483954,675
188927,2187,600,537  36526,0131,5611,130,960
189028,1027,807,792  35726,3791,6781,240,097
189129,2268,390,803  36427,3721,8251,252,625
189230,3168,580,817  37928,7541,9121,284,745
189331,7098,821,255  37229,7632,0221,450,918
189432,9079,232,543  36929,9632,086*1,562,269*
189533,9689,345,229  37630,9052,2361,806,953
189634,7729,415,693  39231,8252,3341,898,163
189736,1749,857,010  38832,6702,4131,950,314
189837,84810,124,2277,443128,08241035,5012,4912,110,316
189939,36610,341,70211,285193,71843338,2022,6672,192,594
190040,36810,639,97812,405211,96544340,2572,8982,326,954
190141,29110,627,26312,776217,19244541,2363,0492,467,614
190242,40611,024,73412,481211,59546243,4083,3142,706,785
190343,11611,111,80711,926200,91546545,2553,4703,152,882
190444,19411,261,08011,770199,08147947,3023,6853,577,355
190545,13711,725,97712,582313,01850151,1033,9774,009,992
190645,98111,851,49113,257326,08450053,7594,2764,590,157
190746,94511,980,12313,569333,34051656,8174,7184,065,989
190847,03312,024,69914,396353,34350558,5174,9464,644,795
190948,01612,447,74815,320374,69956764,4285,4665,184,840
191048,93212,586,79816,020403,02060968,0065,9665,477,675
191149,37612,683,27716,649416,53065871,7716,4565,951,233
191250,45813,271,69916,509412,40866473,2437,2256,782,532
191351,34313,539,46718,050447,76568173,6917,5387,288,447
191452,27313,797,07519,352475,97071774,0748,0267,942,158
191552,95014,220,94519,804484,23272873,0278,7348,217,500
191653,20814,259,37219,697480,55972770,360

VI.—EDUCATION.

Year.Scholars at Primary Schools.*Scholars at Secondary or High Schools.†Scholars at Private Schools.New Zealand University Graduates (Direct Degrees).

* Excluding children attending Native Schools and Industrial Schools. The numbers for 1916 were 5.132 and 1,009 respectively.

† Including in later years secondary pupils attending Technical High Schools (2,105 in 1916).

NOTE.—Statistics of schools and scholars not being complete for years prior to 1874, no figures are entered for those years.

1867    
1868    
1869    
1870    
1871    
1872    
1873    
187438,215 8,237 
187545,562 7,316 
187651,9646549,357 
187756,2397169,992 
187865,0408689,206 
187975,5561,41710,234 
188082,4011,63111,238 
188183,5601,8199,987 
188287,1791,89910,002 
188392,4762,38411,255 
188497,2382,64212,203 
1885102,4072,65911,989103
1886106,3282,35812,497117
1887110,9192,24213,417145
1888112,6852,12013,893168
1889115,4562,14713,458199
1890117,9122,11713,626230
1891119,5232,20514,142279
1892122,6202,26214,456323
1893124,6902,25114,922366
1894127,3002,45414,627410
1895129,8562,52514,659464
1896131,0372,61413,947501
1897132,1972,70914,447546
1898131,6212,70614,782603
1899131,3152,72315,295641
1900130,7242,79215,555699
1901131,3512,89915,344757
1902132,2623,07215,624814
1903133,5683,72215,609869
1904135,4754,03816,378929
1905137,6234,06016,639992
1906139,3024,27017,1311,083
1907141,0714,19618,0881,157
1908147,4286,32718,3671,252
1909152,4167,06317,9301,327
1910156,3247,97018,9811,424
1911161,6486,80619,8681,515
1912166,2647,35720,2381,631
1913172,1687,81821,1151,758
1914178,5098,25722,0801,880
1915183,2148,86022,3392,002
1916185,8849,43823,4122,108

Chapter 34. SECTION XXXIV.—CENSUS STATISTICS OF AGES.

THE compilation of the results of the census of 15th October, 1916, has proceeded far enough to enable the following summarized figures of ages (which in view of the war are of special interest) to be included in this issue of the Year-book. Maoris and residents of the Cook and other annexed Pacific islands are not included in the various tables. The first table shows the population of either sex at each year of age.

NUMBERS AT EACH YEAR OF AGE, CENSUS 1916.

Age Last Birthday.Males.Females.Total.Age Last Birthday.Males.Females.Total.
013,87213,14927,021436,7716,16612,937
112,61211,97924,591446,8346,07612,910
213,86713,50027,367456,9026,19213,094
313,63813,07626,714467,7596,11513,874
413,33113,03126,362476,4215,08911,510
512,83912,38125,220486,4275,54211,969
612,72412,10324,827495,4844,80710,291
712,53712,45224,989506,0095,71711,726
812,34712,07424,421514,3153,5527,867
911,89311,46823,361525,0784,1909,268
1011,73211,55423,286534,3993,8038,202
1111,49711,04622,543544,2263,8218,047
1211,48411,01822,502553,9703,3547,324
1310,55410,21120,765564,2763,6697,945
1410,2659,86420,129573,4192,8836,302
159,8579,78219,639583,7403,0186,758
169,8009,43019,230593,3022,7086,010
179,1078,95818,065604,1583,4207,578
188,6989,14217,840612,8792,1225,001
197,5509,08016,630623,2762,3635,639
206,6089,35415,962632,9962,3715,367
215,5699,15114,720642,8062,3005,106
225,7399,31315,052652,8862,3655,251
236,1809,53815,718662,5342,0634,597
246,3239,40315,726672,0611,7853,846
256,8059,55616,361682,0171,8443,861
267,8029,81417,616691,7061,5353,241
277,8999,50017,399702,0311,8013,832
288,95310,13519,088711,4351,1372,572
298,5599,55218,111721,7191,4513,170
309,54310,57020,113731,5751,2832,858
318,3888,86217,250741,5591,1832,742
329,7589,83919,597751,5311,1592,690
339,1218,99818,119761,5161,1492,665
349,3569,14618,502771,1128541,966
359,5039,25418,757781,0727511,823
3610,1719,82819,999798065971,403
378,5718,32316,894808526291,481
389,3538,87518,22881562360922
398,5408,03116,57182604384988
408,6388,72317,36183454318772
417,0215,98613,00784419296715
427,4946,91514,40985304226530
8625119144294121527
871521392919581119
88119902099601117
89896815797448
906655121984610
9129386799224
922326491005611
931325381051 1

The population at specified ages totals 1,098,183, and in addition there were 1,266 whose ages were not specified in the census schedules. The following summary shows for each sex the total population at specified ages, the number with age unspecified, and the grand total:—

Males.Females.Total.
Totals specified ages551,084547,0991,098,183
Unspecified—   
  Apparently under 215460114
  Apparently 21 or over6375151,152
    Grand totals551,775547,6741,099,449

The next table gives a comparison, by quinquennial groups of ages, between the results shown by the censuses of 1911 and 1916. As was to be expected, the figures for 1916 disclose a large decrease in the number of men of military age.

In the two remaining tables figures for 1916 are given by sexes and age-groups for each provincial district and for each of the four metropolitan and nine suburban areas which, as mentioned on page 56 of this book, have been created for purposes of population and vital statistics, &c. It will be noted that the figures of total population of the metropolitan and suburban areas given on pages 37 and 38 disagree in most cases with those published here, the apparent discrepancy being due to the population on shipboard in the respective areas on census night having been excluded in the one case and included in the other.

Attention may be drawn to the fact that although the thirteen areas selected are the largest centres of population, and in addition to the central city or borough include in each case any suburban boroughs and a greater or less non-municipalized residential area, the total population of the thirteen is only 47 per cent. of the grand total for the Dominion. In this respect New Zealand compares very favourably with the Australian States, whose respective capital cities, including suburbs, have a large percentage of the population of the entire State, ranging from 20 per cent. in the case of Hobart (Tasmania) to 47 per cent. in Melbourne (Victoria). as against Wellington's 9 per cent.

AGES 1911 AND 1916.—COMPARISON BY AGE GROUPS.

1911.1916.Increase 1911 to 1916.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.

* Decrease.

Under 5 years59,97557,934117,90967,32064,735132,0557,3456,80114,146
5 years and under 10 years53,84452,163106,00762,34060,478122,8188,4968,31516,811
10 years and under 15 years46,42144,99291,41355,53253,693109,2259,1118,70117,812
15 “ 20 “44,79843,66088,45845,01246,39291,4042142,7322,946
20 “ 25 “49,69246,12495,81630,41946,75977,178-19,278*635-18,638*
25 “ 30 “54,69447,520102,21440,01848,55788,575-14,676*1,037-13,639*
30 “ 35 “49,41042,71492,12446,16647,41593,581-3,244*4,7011,457
35 “ 40 “39,45833,43772,89546,13844,31190,4496,68010,87417,554
40 “ 45 “31,19827,25958,45736,75833,86670,6245,5606,60712,167
45 “ 50 “24,21420,69644,91032,99327,74560,7388,7797,04915,828
50 “ 55 “20,29016,57336,86324,02721,08345,1103,7374,5108,247
55 “ 60 “16,68612,60929,29518,70715,63234,3392,0213,0235,044
60 “ 65 “12,81610,22523,04116,11512,57628,6913,2992,3515,650
65 “ 70 “10,9358,70719,64211,2049,59220,7962698851,154
70 “ 75 “8,6916,03014,7218,3196,85515,174-372*825453
75 “ 80 “5,2123,2608,4726,0374,51010,5478251,2502,075
80 “ 85 “2,0381,4453,4832,8911,9874,8788535421,395
85 and over6976851,3821,0889132,001391228619
      Total specified531,069476,0331,007,102551,084547,0991,098,18320,01571,06691,081
      Unspecified8415251,3666915751,266-150*50-100*
      Total population531,910476,5581,008,468551,775547,6741,099,44919,86571,11690,981

POPULATION BY AGE GROUPS.—PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

Under 55 and under 10.10 and under 15.15 and under 2020 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 55.55 and under 60.60 and under 65.65 and under 70.70 and under 75.75 and under 80.80 and over.Unspecified.Total.
Males.
Provincial District.
Auckland19,37117,47515,58412,4757,72411,16113,12713,11710,6089,7707,1595,3654,3442,9712,1251,539939203155,057
Taranaki3,9423,5423,1912,5151,4492,0872,4062,3091,7831,6511,0428207034903272451422328,663
Hawke's Bay3,5203,1622,7582,0441,3361,9432,3382,2411,7971,6331,2389847985683932601651627,194
Wellington13,44212,61410,8649,1155,7508,4419,7749,8577,7086,7475,0493,7893,1272,0331,351859530171111,221
Marlborough1,0851,016859666404537642678529488394306263187135767388,346
Nelson3,0922,9462,6711,9991,2311,7502,0562,1181,7001,4851,0298596734894063332444725,128
Westland846865715480301452562649552434302209205160187208186227,335
Canterbury10,5139,8748,9437,2584,2235,8006,8947,0365,5915,0463,6673,0152,8422,0391,6021,1327189286,285
Otago7,4697,1446,6445,5263,0873,8994,7234,9464,2113,8882,8562,3112,1661,6451,3081,0627497563,709
Southland4,0403,7023,3022,5871,5442,0152,3582,3201,7621,6281,2031,0189736174853272331930,133
Military and internment camps  13473,3701,9331,2868675172238831215   158,704
 67,32062,34055,53245,01230,41940,01846,16646,13836,75832,99324,02718,70716,11511,2048,3196,0373,079691551,775
Females.
Provincial District.
Auckland18,73316,94215,41413,05512,91313,52213,39012,3739,4427,7925,8344,2293,4112,5441,7801,145773175153,407
Taranaki3,7453,3603,0052,4412,2772,3992,1732,0161,5011,1529156775203902561551152027,117
Hawke's Bay3,2813,0802,7102,3342,3152,5622,3862,2101,6071,3039837275454232761871261827,073
Wellington13,18412,13710,4059,21110,20310,85910,4789,5267,0925,5744,1513,0842,4761,7661,135710424141112,550
Marlborough1,07197577270466565765662442839628023116613692454157,944
Nelson2,9872,7752,3871,9081,8271,7401,8931,7851,3801,1278807124944182771751212622,912
Westland8108837105665165445145684142972251591461361258647106,756
Canterbury10,1719,6668,6377,7477,8188,0838,0007,6995,9314,8863,8342,7722,3621,8441,4519625699292,524
Otago7,0146,9306,5535,7325,7715,7485,6355,4174,4373,8552,9202,2091,8331,4651,1338215447468,091
Southland3,7393,7303,1002,6942,4542,4372,2842,0861,6331,3631,0618326234703302241441429,214
Military and internment camps     6671         20
 64,73560,47853,69346,39246,75948,55747,41544,31133,86627,74521,08315,63212,5769,5926,8554,5102,900575547,674
Both Sexes
Provincial District.
Auckland38,10434,41730,90825,53020,63724,68326,51725,49020,05017,56212,9939,5947,7555,5153,9052,6841,712378308,524
Taranaki7,6876,9026,1964,9563,7264,4864,5794,3253,2842,8031,9571,4971,2238805833962574355,780
Hawke's Bay6,8016,2425,4684,3783,6514,5054,7244,4513,4042,9362,2211,7111,3439916694472913454,207
Wellington26,62624,75121,26918,32615,95319,30020,25219,38314,80012,3219,2006,8735,6033,7992,4861,569954312223,777
Marlborough2,1561,9911,6311,3701,0691,1941,2981,3029578846745374293232271211141316,290
Nelson6,0795,7215,0583,9073,0583,4903,9493,9033,0802,6121,9091,5711,1679076835083657348,040
Westland1,6561,7481,4251,0468179961,0761,2179667315273683512963122942333214,001
Canterbury20,68419,54017,58015,00512,04113,88314,89414,73511,5229,9327,5015,7875,2043,8833,0532,0941,287184178,800
Otago14,48314,07413,19711,2588,8589,64710,35810,3038,6487,7435,7764,5203,9993,1102,4411,8831,293149131,800
Southland7,7797,4326,4025,2813,9984,4524,6424,4063,3952,9912,2641,8501,5961,0878155513733359,347
Military and internment camps  13473,3701,9391,2928745182238831215   158,724
 132,055122,818109,22591,40477,17888,57593,58190,44970,62460,73845,11034,33928,69120,79615,17410,5476,8791,2661,099,449

POPULATION BY AGE GROUPS.—METROPOLITAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS.

Under 5.5 and under 10.10 and under 15.15 and under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 35.35 and under 40.40 and under 45.45 and under 50.50 and under 55.55 and under 60.60 and under 65.65 and under 70.70 and under 75.75 and under 80.80 and over.Unspecified.Total.

NOTE.—The above figures include persons on shipboard in the respective areas on census night.

Males
Metropolitan Areas.
Auckland7,1686,7496,5435,1853,0024,4535,2895,1554,2924,0402,9312,2621,8991,3239777544766162,559
Wellington5,2424,8244,0633,7252,5583,8104,3774,2923,2942,8582,1081,6131,2658364923332058045,975
Christchurch5,1164,7484,5893,4652,1452,8423,4943,6472,8292,4721,8671,5171,4049827695613665242,865
Dunedin3,6773,5703,3392,6711,5611,9642,4142,4172,0971,8571,4051,1301,0757665564483282731,302
Suburban Areas.                   
Gisborne92375861839026349757549743035724719916810360342546,148
Napier963849710510392546703630501417288261208136103785167,343
New Plymouth56356752140019331235736831127018115115310788724324,659
Wanganui1,1801,1101,081831391617733756622558397296245177128826559,274
Palmerston North81681966752533046856757644738127519719013594584136,589
Nelson52454557948220123830132026226921317412610686616554,557
Grey Valley Bor'ghs5305454433172052813533693132491531219670767263144,270
Timaru853778703541227394472510399317237200221156130814836,270
Invercargil1,1181,058957738406555650637500434332246263143125937748,336
Total metropolitan and suburban areas28,67326,92024,81319,77111,87416,97720,28520,17416,29714,47910,6348,3677,3135,0403,6842,7271,853266240,147
Remainder of Dominion38,64735,42030,71925,24118,54523,04125,88125,96420,46118,51413,39310,3408,8026,1644,6353,3102,126425311,628
Total for Dominion67,32062,34055,53245,01230,41940,01846,16646,13836,75832,99324,02718,70716,11511,2048,3196,0373,979691551,775
Females.
Metropolitan Areas.
Auckland7,2196,5976,5436,2276,3366,5676,3725,9294,6443,9793,1372,3361,9481,5281,0646634607371,622
Wellington5,0604,7264,0873,9555,0235,2705,0684,5383,3122,6151,9991,5521,2398255293231989950,418
Christchurch4,7534,874,4084,0964,3274,5074,4864,3523,3912,7762,2201,6281,3951,1108615943546350,197
Dunedin3,4943,4313,3543,2373,3893,3393,2443,0432,4492,2131,6681,3121,1137966434513145437,544
Suburban Areas.
Gisborne8747326085016186706314934093182211711209244321966,559
Napier91080572466868381377368850236629225218415097644148,010
New Plymouth52949449748647644039839331126623917215211578424535,136
Wanganui1,1531,1021,0049119049209538426845263882942091571108240610,285
Palmerston North864818691654683708671595424344257208177125102632767,417
Nelson540511521489465390407410341344282218139136876846115,405
GreyValley Bor'ghs496531474363355335359353268185144968071513223114,227
Timaru828756736638640671709648441372287218175147110643687,484
Invercargill1,0441,0339059098468357857155824553853182321791261037349,520
Total metropolitan and suburban areas27,76426,41224,55223,13424,74525,46524,85622,99917,75814,75911,5198,7757,1635,4313,9022,5811,676348273,839
Remainder of Dominion36,97134,06629,14123,25822,01423,09222,55921,31216,10812,9869,5646,8575,4134,1612,9531,9291,224227273,835
Total for Dominion64,73560,47853,69346,39246,75948,55747,41544,31133,86627,74521,08315,63212,5769,5926,8554,5102,900575547,674
Both Sexes.
Metropolitan Areas.
Auckland14,38713,34613,08611,4129,33811,02011,66111,0848,9368,0196,0684,5983,8472,8512,0411,417936134134,181
Wellington10,3029,5508,1507,6807,5819,0809,4458,8306,6065,4734,1073,1652,5041,6611,02165640317996,393
Christchurch9,8699,6248,9977,5616,4727,3497,9807,9996,2205,2484,0873,1452,7992,0921,6301,15572011593,062
Dunedin7,1717,0016,6935,9084,9505,3035,6585,4604,5464,0703,0732,4422,1881,5621,1998996428168,846
Suburban Areas.                   
Gisborne1,7971,4901,2268918811,1671,20699083967546837028819510466441012,707
Napier1,8731,6541,4341,1691,0751,3591,4761,3181,003783580513392286200142921015,309
New Plymouth1,0921,0611,0188866697527557616225364203233052221661148859,795
Wanganui2,3332,2122,0851,7421,2951,5371,6861,5981,3061,0847855904543342381641051119,559
Palmerston North1,6801,6371,3581,1791,0131,1761,2381,17187172553240536726019612168914,006
Nelson1,0641,0561,100971666628708730603613495392265242173129111169,962
GreyValley Bor'ghs1,0261,07691768056061671272258143429721717614112710486258,497
Timaru1,6811,5341,4391,1798671,0651,1811,158840689524418396303240145841113,754
Invercargill2,1622,0911,8621,6471,2521,3901,4351,3521,082889717564495322251196150817,865
Total metropolitan and suburban areas56,43753,33249,36542,90536,61942,44245,14143,17334,05529,23822,15317,14214,47610,4717,5865,3083,529614513,986
Remainder of Dominion75,61869,48659,86048,49940,55946,13348,44047,27636,56931,50022,05717,19714,21510,3257,5885,2393,350652585,463
Total for Dominion132,055122,818109,22591,40477,17888,57593,58190,44970,62460,73845,11034,33928,69120,79615,17410,5476,8791,2661,099,449

Chapter 35. SECTION XXXV.—SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION.

Table of Contents

SESSION OF 1916.

DURING the session of 1916 only “War Legislation” and such general legislation as was deemed to be of particular importance or urgency was passed. In all, only eighteen “public and general” Acts were passed. There were also thirteen “local” Acts and one “private” Act. Of the “public and general” Acts the most important were the following: Finance, Military Service, War Legislation Amendment, War Pensions Amendment, War Regulations Amendment (all relating directly or indirectly to the war or to war conditions); and the Land and Income Tax Act (the only Act of importance passed during the session and not having reference to the war). The following is a brief statement in detail of the more important features of the year's legislation:—

1916, No. 1.—The War Pensions Amendment Act, 1916.—Sections 3 and 4 re-enact (in effect) the provisions of section 2 of the Defence Amendment Act, 1915. By virtue of these provisions the scheme of the War Pensions Act is extended so as to apply to members of the Expeditionary Force while still in camps of training in New Zealand, and to men engaged on military duties in New Zealand, in connection with the war, but who are not members of the Expeditionary Force.

Section 7 makes special provision with respect to pensions to the parents of a deceased member of the Forces. It provides, inter alia, that a pension to the widowed mother of a member of the Forces shall in no case be less than would be granted in the same circumstances if the applicant were the wife or widow of the member. It further provides that pensions may be granted to the parents of a member of the Forces, even although that member may not have contributed to their support, if the parents satisfy the War Pensions Board that they have not adequate means of support. Section 13 of the principal Act (which made similar though less generous provision) is repealed.

Section 8 extends the provision of the principal Act as to the payment of pensions out of New Zealand. It permits of pensions being so paid to the member himself, or to his father, mother, wife, or children.

Section 9 debars the War Pensions Board, in computing the amount of pension payable to any member of the Forces or to his wife and children, from taking into account any property or income of the applicant. In the case of other applicants the amount of the pension, within the limits prescribed by the Act, is in each case determined by the necessity of the applicant.

Section 11 increased from 5s. to 7s. 6d. a week the rate of pension payable to the children of a member of the Forces. (This rate has been further increased to 10s. a week by the War Pensions Amendment Act, 1917.)

Section 12 makes provision for the extension, by Order in Council, of the scheme of war pensions to men employed on transports carrying New Zealand troops, and to their dependants.

Section 13 authorizes the War Pensions Board to grant pensions, in respect of the death or disablement of a member of the Forces, to persons (not being dependants within the meaning of the Act) who satisfy the Board that they have not adequate means of support, and that, by reason of the death or disablement of the member, they have suffered material loss of income or property.

Section 15 enables the War Pensions Board to refuse a pension to any person of notoriously bad character who may be otherwise entitled to claim a pension. Refusal to grant a pension based on such grounds is subject to appeal to a Stipendiary Magistrate.

1916, No. 3.—The Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1916.—This Act extended until the 31st August, 1917, the enactments specified in the First Schedule thereto. By the Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1917, these enactments are further extended to the 31st August, 1918. The Acts extended all relate to matters arising out of the war (e.g., the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, the Mortgages Extension Acts, the Trading with the Enemy Act, &c.)

1916, No. 4.—The Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Amendment Act, 1910. — Section 3 extends the provisions of the principal Act so as to permit of the grant of land to persons who, having been bona fide residents in New Zealand before the commencement of the war, have served in some portion of His Majesty's Forces other than the New Zealand Forces.

Section 4 extends the provisions of the principal Act, as to the rendering of financial assistance, so as to permit of such assistance being afforded to discharged soldiers being ordinary Crown tenants.

Section 5 enables the Government to acquire land compulsorily (under the Public Works Act) for the purpose of the settlement of discharged soldiers.

Sections 6 and 7 increase the borrowing-powers of the Government for the purposes of the principal Act. Section 6 provides for a sum of £500,000 to be available for the purchase or other acquisition of land; and section 8 provides for an increase from £50,000 to £100,000 of the moneys available for the expenses of the administration of the principal Act.

1916, No. 5:—The Land and Income Tax Act, 1916.—This Act is the only Act of general importance passed during the session and not having reference to the war or to conditions arising out of the war. It repeals the Land and Income Tax Act, 1908, and its several amendments, and re-enacts them, in substance, with necessary amendments. The form of the law has been completely recast. The Act is divided into Parts, as follows: Part I, Administration; Part II, Returns and Assessments; Part III, Objections to Assessments; Part IV, Valuation of Land; Part V, Ordinary Land-tax; Part VI, Graduated Land-tax; Part VII, Land-tax on Native Land; Part VIII, Income-tax; Part IX, Agents; Part X, Recovery of Tax; Part XI, Penalties; and Part XII, General. The titles of the several Parts are in themselves sufficiently descriptive of the general nature of the contents. A knowledge of the details of the system can be acquired only by reference to the Act, and any effort to summarize here would only prove misleading and ineffective. It is to be noted, however, that an important alteration of the scheme has been effected by subsequent legislation (the Finance Act of 1917). By this Act the two forms of land-tax — viz., ordinary land-tax and graduated land-tax—have been abolished, and in lieu thereof there has been established one system of land-tax to be assessed on a graduated scale. The Act of 1917 also makes certain alterations with respect to the incidence of income-tax.

1916, No. 7.—The Finance Act, 1916.—This Act is divided into nine Parts, as follows: Part I, Land-tax and Income-tax; Part II, Excess-profits Duty; Part III, Public Revenues; Part IV, Banking and Loans; Part V, Aid to Public Works and other Public Purposes; Part VI, Stamp Duty; Part VII, Public Trust Office; Part VIII, Post Office Savings-bank Deposits; Part IX, Social Insurance.

Part I determined the rates of land-tax (ordinary and graduated) and of income-tax for the financial year commencing on the 1st April, 1916. Special rates of tax (by way of war-tax) were also imposed in respect of both land and incomes.

Part II imposed by way of income-tax a special tax known as “excess-profits duty.” This tax was imposed only for the year commencing 1st April, 1916, and was computed by reference to the income of the taxpayer derived during the preceding financial year. The rate of tax was fixed at 45 per centum of the excess of the income for that year over the taxpayer's “standard” income.

The term “standard income” means, at the election of the taxpayer,—

  1. The average yearly assessable income for the three years ended on the 31st March, 1914, or for any two of those years; or

  2. The assessable income for any one of those years; or

  3. A sum equal to 7 1/2 per cent. of the amount of capital employed by the taxpayer in the production of his income as on the 1st April, 1915, together with an amount to be determined by the Commissioner of Taxes (not exceeding £600 in any case) as remuneration for the personal exertion of the taxpayer during the income year.

Excess-profits duty was not chargeable in respect of salaries or wages, or in respect of incomes less than £300.

The excess-profits duty-tax has not been reimposed with respect to the current financial year (i.e., the year commencing on the 1st April, 1917.)

Part III (Public Revenues) made provision for a “war loan” of £16,000,000. In order to encourage investment in New Zealand by persons of small means the system was initiated of selling “war-loan certificates.” These certificates were disposed of through the Post Office. They were issued at a discount for nominal values of £1 and £10 respectively. On production of a war-lean certificate, at the expiration of five years from the date of issue, the bearer is entitled to receive the full nominal value thereof.

Section 41 provides for the issue of Government debentures in payment of the purchase-money or compensation payable in respect of lands that may be acquired by the Crown.

Section 42 empowers the Minister of Finance to agree to pay more than the prescribed maximum rate of interest, if moneys which he is authorized to borrow cannot be obtained at the prescribed rate.

Part IV (Banking and Loans) makes provision for regulations governing the business of banking in New Zealand, and the investment of moneys.

Part V authorizes a loan of £1,000,000 for telegraph extension and other public works; also a sum of £50,000 for afforestation purposes.

Part VI makes various provisions of minor importance with respect to stamp duties. Exemptions from stamp duty are provided in cases of—(a) Powers of attorney from members of the Expeditionary Force; (b) receipts given by trustees of war funds in respect of moneys paid to any such fund; (c) transfers or conveyances of property for the benefit of a war fund.

Parts VII and VIII relate respectively to matters of minor importance connected with the Public Trust Office and the Post-office Savings-bank.

Part IX (Social Insurance) extends the scheme of the National Provident Fund (including maternity allowances and annuities) in favour of members of approved friendly societies. The National Provident Fund Board is empowered to approve any friendly society for the purposes of the cheme if it is satisfied that the rules of the society permit of the payment to members of the benefits provided. Provision is made for an annual payment out of the Consolidated Fund into the National Provident Fund of an amount equal to one-half of the total contributions paid into the fund for the year by approved friendly societies.

1916, No. 8.—The Military Service Act, 1916.—This is probably the most important Act passed during the session, and introduces conscription as the method of raising the New Zealand quota of troops for service abroad in the present war. The Act establishes an “Expeditionary Force Reserve,” consisting, with certain specified exceptions, of all natural-born British subjects of military age for the time being resident in New Zealand. “Military age” is defined as “any age not less than twenty years and less than forty-six years. The Reserve is divided into two classes known respectively as the First Division and the Second Division. The First Division includes all Reservists who on the passing of the Act were—(a) Unmarried men; or (b) men married subsequently to the 1st May, 1915; (c) widowers (with no children under sixteen years of age); or (d) men who are divorced or judicially separated from their wives, and have no children under sixteen years of age. All other Reservists belong to the Second Division.

Provision is made for selection from the Reserve, by ballot, of the men who may be from time to time required for service with the Expeditionary Force. No men in the Second Division are to be called up for service until the First Division is exhausted. Provision is also made for the subdivision of the Reserve into groups by reference to recruiting districts, and for the selection of men from any one or more districts to the exclusion of others. (As a matter of fact this is the scheme that has been adopted in respect to the selection of men from the First Division, but not with respect to selections from the Second Division.)

Every person called up for service under the Act has a right of appeal to a special Board (known as a Military Service Board) on any of the following grounds, viz.:—

  1. That when called up he was not a Reservist; or

  2. That when called up from any division or class of the Reserve he was a member of another division or class not authorized to be called up; or

  3. That, by reason of his occupation, his calling-up is contrary to the public interest; or

  4. That, by reason of domestic or other circumstances, his calling-up would be a cause of undue hardship to himself or others; or

  5. That the bearing of arms is contrary to his religious belief, and to the tenets and doctrines of the religious body to which he belongs.

Machinery provisions are enacted for the effective carrying-out of the Act, and penalties provided for breaches of its provisions by Reservists and others.

Any person called up for service with the Expeditionary Force who remains in New Zealand after the unit to which he is attached has left New Zealand is deemed guilty of desertion, and liable under the Army Act accordingly. In addition to the penalties provided for in the Army Act, desertion is constituted an indictable offence, punishable by imprisonment with hard labour for not more than five years. No person, however, is to be twice punished for one offence.

1916, No. 9.—The War Regulations Amendment Act, 1916.—This Act extends the powers of the Governor-General in Council, to make war regulations for all or any of the following purposes:—

  1. For the suppression, restriction, or control of enemy trade;

  2. For dealing with enemy property;

  3. For the delegation of his powers and functions, by any attorney or other agent, while out of New Zealand;

  4. Empowering minors, being members of the Expeditionary Force, to execute valid powers of attorney;

  5. For other purposes with respect to the exercise of powers of attorney given by members of the Expeditionary Force, and for the execution of instruments out of New Zealand by such members;

  6. For regulating and restricting the sale of liquor to women, for prohibiting the practice of treating, for the suppression of prostitution, and for the proper conduct of licensed premises; and

  7. For the maintenance of industries essential for the public welfare.

By section 6 the War Regulations Act, 1914, and its amendments are extended to the Cook Islands. Regulations made under those Acts are not, however, applicable to the Cook Islands, except so far as expressly extended thereto.

By section 7 the duration of the principal Act and its amendments and all regulations thereunder, unless they are sooner repealed or revoked, is expressed to be for the duration of the war and for one year thereafter.

1916, No. 10.—The Cinematograph-film Censorship Act, 1916, provides for the appointment of a censor, or of censors, of cinematograph-films. No such film is to be exhibited unless and until it has been submitted to and approved by a censor. The approval of the censor is not to be given to any film depicting any matter that is against public order and decency, or the exhibition of which is, in the opinion of the censor, undesirable in the public interest. Any person who exhibits a film in contravention of the Act is liable to a fine of £50, and the film may be declared forfeited to the Crown.

1916, No. 11.—The Orchard-tax Act, 1916.—This Act provides for the imposition of a tax on the occupiers of orchards, computed at the rate of 1s. an acre. The proceeds of the tax may be paid to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation (Limited), to be expended in furtherance of the interests of fruitgrowers in New Zealand. The term “orchard” means any land used for the growing of fruit-trees and the production of fruit for sale.

1916, No. 12.—The Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1916.—This Act makes various amendments of minor importance in the Native land law, and also provides for the settlement of certain claims with respect to specific areas of Native land. Sections 10 to 14 contain provision for the setting-apart of blocks of Native land for the settlement thereon of discharged Maori soldiers.

1916, No. 13.—The War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916.—This Act is a miscellany of enactments relating wholly to war conditions.

Part I is, with modifications, a re-enactment of the provisions for the restriction of rent contained in the Imperial Act intituled the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915. The purpose of the Act is to prevent any increase being made in the rent of dwelling-houses above pre-war rates, except in cases where the landlord has expended moneys on the structural alteration of the dwelling or where the rates and taxes payable in respect of the dwelling have been increased. So long as a tenant observes the terms of his tenancy his landlord cannot recover possession of the dwelling unless he requires it for his own occupation, or for the occupation of a person employed by him, or unless he has sold the property and the purchaser requires it for his own occupation or that of an employee. Where, however, the annual pre-war rent is not equal to at least 8 per centum of the capital value of the dwelling-house, the landlord is entitled to increase the rent, but so as not to exceed 8 per cent. of that value.

By later legislation (the War Legislation Act, 1917) the administration of the Act is placed in the hands of the Labour Department, and Inspectors of Factories are empowered to conduct proceedings on behalf of tenants.

Part II (Land Laws Amendment) confers certain privileges with respect to members of the Expeditionary Force who are tenants of Crown lands, or are applicants for such land.

Part III (Education Act Amendment) makes special provision for the appointment of temporary teachers and the staffing of public schools during the continuance of the war.

Part IV restores certain superannuation rights to members of the Government Service who resigned their appointments in order to volunteer for service with the Expeditionary Force.

Section 18 provides for the compilation by the Registrar-General of a register of persons who, being ordinarily resident in New Zealand, have died out of New Zealand while on service in connection with the war. In proof of the death of any person the Registrar-General is authorized to accept a certificate to that effect under the hand of an authorized officer of the Defence Forces.

Section 19 enables dairy companies to carry on certain cognate industries without first obtaining an alteration of their memorandum or articles of association.

Section 22 protects the electoral rights of members of Parliament who may be absent from New Zealand with the Expeditionary Force.

Section 28 protects the rights of apprentices whose apprenticeship may be interrupted by military service.

Section 32 provides for the appointment of temporary police officers to serve during the period of the war, and for twelve months thereafter.

Section 33 enables the Governor-General to prohibit the use, for purposes of trade or business, of any word connected with the war, if such a use of the word would be offensive to public sentiment. Under this authority the use of the word “Anzac” for such purposes has been prohibited.

Section 34 provides, with respect to “soldiers' wills” under section 11 of the Wills Act (Imperial), that, if any such will is sufficient to dispose of personal property, it shall be sufficient to dispose of real estate also. The section is made retrospective, so as to apply to soldiers' wills made since the commencement of the war and to the estates of soldiers who have died at any time since that date.

Section 41 empowers the Minister of Defence to cancel any contract entered into for the supply to the Crown of any goods, wares, or merchandize required in connection with the war, if (a) any goods, wares, or merchandize delivered under the contract are not in accordance with its terms, and (b) the contractor, in failing to supply such goods, wares, or merchandize in accordance with the terms of the contract, has wilfully committed a breach thereof.

1916, No. 14.—The Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1916.—This Act contains no provisions of general importance. Many of its provisions are properly the subject-matter of local Acts.

1916, No. 15.—The Parliamentary Elections Postponement Act, 1916.—This Act extends the duration of the present Parliament by one year.

1916, No. 16.—The Factories Amendment Act, 1916.—This Act requires the occupiers of factories, on demand being made in that behalf by an Inspector of Factories, to provide heating appliances sufficient for the comfort of persons employed in the factory.

1916, No. 17.—The Legislative Council Amendment Act, 1916.—This Act postpones until the 1st January, 1920, the coming into operation of the Legislative Council Act, 1914 (providing for an elective Legislative Council).

1916, No. 18.—The Appropriation Act, 1916.—In addition to the usual provisions for the appropriation of supplies for the financial year, this Act contains provision for preventing the practice of unfair competition by importers into New Zealand of wheat and flour. Section 32 empowers the Governor-General, by Order in Council, if he is satisfied that competition on unfair lines is being carried on, to increase the rates of duty payable on the importation of wheat and flour, but so as not to exceed the rates of duty payable on the importation of wheat and flour into Australia, as on the 8th August, 1916 (the date of the passing of the Appropriation Act).

Chapter 36. SPECIAL ARTICLE.

CANCER MORTALITY IN NEW ZEALAND.

J. W. Butcherd, Chief Compiler, Census and Statistics Office, Wellington

INTRODUCTORY.

THE increase of cancer throughout the civilized world as evidenced by official mortality statistics has attracted attention, not to say alarm, in recent years, and many interesting and informative works on the subject have appeared from leading statisticians and medical authorities. In common with other countries, New Zealand has participated in the increase, but it is only in the last few years—in fact, practically only since cancer displaced tuberculosis for the second rung on the ladder of causes of death—that cancer has come into prominence as a subject for discussion in the Dominion.

So far as the writer is aware, no attempt has been made hitherto to collate the statistical information in existence bearing on the subject of cancer mortality in the Dominion, and until this has been done no complete discussion of the subject is possible as regards New Zealand. The death registers since 1875 contain very complete information concerning deceased persons, as will be seen from a perusal of the schedule of headings published at the conclusion of this article, and for an investigator who had the time and opportunity they would yield a vast amount of valuable matter.

Practically the only other source of information is the annual volume of Statistics published formerly by the Registrar-General's Office and latterly by the Census and Statistics Office, and it is mainly from this source that the statistics appearing in this article have been compiled.

Unfortunately, no statistics of causes of death were published prior to 1872, and for many years afterwards the only information (in itself not insignificant) published as to causes of death is that showing for the principal diseases the number of deaths by sexes and by five-yearly groups of ages, with the total deaths for each provincial district. Since 1899 similar information has been made available as to general location in the human system, with fuller details of location in 1915 and 1916. The number of deaths from cancer in each registration district of the Dominion is also published for each year from 1903 onwards, and a table published annually since 1913, and showing number and ages of issue left by married men who died from various diseases, contains one line for cancer.

The present article has been compiled solely with a view to presenting some of the available statistical facts in a handy form for general information, and for reference by any who may be dealing with the subject of cancer in some of its other aspects. Lack of time has prevented certain matters being gone into so fully as could have been wished, but it is hoped that the article may nevertheless be of some little use in the consideration of the cancer problem.

NUMBERS AND RATES.

During the forty-five years ending with. 1916 New Zealand has lost 18,109 people by cancer, this number being equal to one-fourth the present-day population of Wellington City, and nearly 4,000 greater than that of Wanganui, our largest borough.

The number and the crude rate per 10,000 of mean population for each year from 1872 onwards are as shown, males and females separately, in the following table. Maoris are not included either in this table or elsewhere throughout this article, except in the portion giving some details concerning cancer cases dealt with in public hospitals and in the small piece dealing with the Maori deaths of the last two years.

DEATHS FROM CANCER—NUMBERS AND CRUDE RATES.

Year.Number.Rate per 10,000.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
18722827551.762.372.01
18733346791.983.792.75
18742532571.372.341.79
18753734711.822.191.98
187639661051.783.922.71
18773443771.502.431.91
18785538932.352.042.21
187950681182.013.422.63
188062711332.363.362.80
188161721332.253.252.70
188278691472.793.002.89
188378801582.703.332.99
188498931913.263.693.46
188587901772.813.463.11
1886116982143.693.673.68
18871271112383.964.033.99
18881361272634.194.534.34
18891441162604.414.074.25
18901561392954.724.794.75
18911541412954.614.774.68
18921731343075.084.444.78
18931881443325.354.655.02
18942401684086.655.276.01
18952081753835.675.375.53
18962051843895.495.525.50
18972101853955.515.435.47
18982632084716.775.986.40
18992711974686.855.566.24
19002461844306.125.095.63
19012652505156.486.776.62
19022962405367.056.356.72
19033252575827.516.637.10
19043232485717.236.236.76
19053132535666.796.186.51
19063372866237.106.796.96
19073613136747.417.257.33
19083632946577.246.636.95
19093833287117.437.197.32
19103993437427.607.337.47
19114483618098.387.527.97
19124183948127.658.007.82
19134464108567.958.088.01
19145103949048.977.558.29
19154604409008.138.258.19
19164804299098.707.838.27

Judged by the crude rate alone the increase in the death-rate is seen to be enormous, the average rate for the last five years being three and three-fifth times that of the first five. The increase has been steady and practically continuous, though in many cases considerable fluctuations between individual years are apparent. These, however, disappear in the quinquennial moving graph, which is for this reason a better means of illustrating the progressive increase of cancer in the Dominion.

But there has been such a great alteration in the age-constitution of the Dominion as to render unsafe any comparison based on crude rates, even in respect of the general death-rate of the country. More particularly is this the case with cancer, which as a cause of death is practically confined to the period of life after age forty-five; and as the proportion of the population above that age in recent years is much higher than in the “seventies” and “ eighties,” and is, indeed, increasing at each successive census, it is quite unfair to argue from crude rates, which favour earlier years at the expense of later. The question of alteration of sex-proportion also enters into the matter. To enable a true idea of the increase of cancer to be arrived at, therefore, a standardization has been attempted, and the results, given below in tabular and graphical form, show that the increase while still formidable, is considerably less than is indicated by the crude rates.

For the purpose of the standardization of the rates the age and sex constitution disclosed at the census of 1911 has been taken as the basis, this census being preferable to that of 1916, on account of the age and sex constitution of the latter period having been seriously disturbed by the departure of troops for the front. The system of standardization adopted was similar to that used in arriving at the international index of mortality, but was more detailed. The population and deaths of each year of the period were divided, each sex separately, into five-yearly groups of ages (with one group only for ages eighty and over), and the rates for the various groups ascertained and weighted according to the percentage which the respective age-groups bore to the total population at the census of 1911. As in the case of the International Index, the standardized rates are affected by changes in the age-constitution at death, but the effect of any such changes does not impair the accuracy of the rates when shown to the nearest whole number per 100,000 of population.

The diagram probably shows more plainly than the figures themselves the difference between the crude and standardized rates, and the convergence of the one to the other as the population elements more closely approach the standard. The quinquennial moving graph has again been adopted with a view to giving a more accurate view of the progression by eliminating temporary fluctuations.

CANCER.—CRUDE AND STANDARDIZED DEATH-RATES, EACH YEAR 1872–1916, PER 100,000 OF MEAN POPULATION.

Year.Crude Rate.Standardized Rate.
18722038
18732752
18741832
18752036
18762754
18771937
18782240
18792649
18802850
18812745
18823051
18833049
18S43550
18853146
18863755
18874061
18884369
18894258
18904762
18914763
18924863
18935066
18946069
18955565
18965564
18975566
189864IV
18996266
19005661
19016672
19026772
19037177
19046869
19056566
19067071
19077380
19086972
19097373
19107574
19118080
19127878
19138080
19148383
19158280
19168376

A noticeable point about the diagram is the fall of the standardized rate below the crude in the last two groups of years. This would be even more noticeable in graphs showing the standardized and crude rates for single years, as will be seen from a study of the rates in the table. The explanation lies in the fact that the age-constitution has been seriously disturbed in 1915 and 1916 on account of the departure of so many thousands of young men for the seat of war.

As cancer is essentially a disease of later life, it follows that the departure of a considerable proportion of the male population of the practically immune ages has the double effect of increasing the crude rate (by leaving a smaller population on which to assess the rate, but without exercising any effect on the number of deaths) and of creating a divergence between the crude and standardized rates. The standardized rates for 1915 and 1916 are lower than the average rates of the four preceding years, while the crude rates are somewhat higher. The female rate is, of course, not affected, and the effect of the war conditions is only about half as apparent on the total rates as on the male rates.

The position as regards the males is well indicated by the accompanying diagram, wherein the curves denoting the quinquennial moving averages of the crude and standardized rates from 1903 to 1914 are seen to lie closely together with a gradual approach towards uniformity, which is sharply departed from in 1915 and 1916.

AGE-DISTRIBUTION.

Dividing the forty-five years for which statistics are available into nine quinquennial groups we get the following summaries of ages of those who have died of cancer:—

e in Years.1872-76.1877-81.1882-86.1887-91.1892-96.1897-1901.1902-6.1907-11.1912-16.Totals.
Males.
Under 54358462132469
5 and under 10  334463427
10 “ 151  14412720
15 “ 2011445895946
20 “ 251738761061058
25 “ 3045877517132288
30 “ 35610106915112428119
35 “ 40101412212923393454236
40 “ 45252742464442516883428
45 “ 50214672698287102100135714
50 “ 552138821081651041521821971,049
55 “ 602031621181772171732102571,265
60 “ 651824611211902312792903211,535
65 “ 70132543921312152913393491,498
70 “ 7512152459881582663433811,346
75 “ 803818315389115224253794
80 and over 681515417098180433
Unspecified22       4
    Totals1622624577171,0141,2551,5941,9542,3149,729
Females.
Under 5253243613745
5 and under 10  114223316
10 “ 15  211324215
15 “ 201 1 155 518
20 “ 2521 45875638
25 “ 30109310811252116113
30 “ 35101516272720293449227
35 “ 40212230423546588179414
40 “ 45264359617084101119133696
45 “ 5029417771101136116147210928
50 “ 551837691051321281381752101,012
55 “ 603640471011411531751882621,143
60 “ 65173245711131441832222331,060
65 “ 7019243367701231932283011,058
70 “ 7571522385071133180245761
75 “ 80381323286173140180529
80 and over2 91015263879126305
Unspecified2        2
    Totals2052924306348051,0241,2841,6392,0678,380

These numbers are instructive as showing that there has been a steady and fairly rapid upward movement in the age-distribution at death. In the first of the nine five-yearly periods the greatest number of deaths occurred at ages 40 to 60, while in the last ages 60 to 75 predominate. It is, however, unsafe to base any discussion on mere numbers, which are influenced by alterations in the age-constitution of the population; so we turn to the following tables giving the average annual rates of deaths for the various age-groups in the same quinquennial periods as shown above. The rates quoted are per 10,000 of mean population at the respective age-groups.

CANCER DEATH-RATES BY AGE-GROUPS.

Age in Years.1872-76.1877-81.1882-86.1887-91.1892-96.1897-1901.1902-6.1907-11.1912-16.Totals.
Males.
Under 50.300.160.230.370.180.270.080.450.750.31
5 and under 10  0.140.140.180.190.270.120.140.13
10 “ 150.11  0.050.190.190.040.090.280.11
15 “ 200.190.120.300.250.270.380.410.220.380.28
20 “ 250.180.690.250.590.450.310.440.240.500.40
25 “ 300.490.450.660.580.510.290.770.490.790.56
30 “ 350.541.000.900.530.781.110.621.051.090.85
35 “ 401.141.311.172.062.671.932.761.822.522.04
40 “ 453.502.864.194.914.533.994.414.814.914.23
45 “ 505.107.268.547.829.629.459.948.5710.008.48
50 “ 557.279.0013.6313.7819.9413.1317.6518.4017.8114.51
55 “ 6012.4913.8118.7924.5027.1530.9324.7526.5228.7523.08
60 “ 6516.4514.5526.4436.2740.3339.0844.0845.2045.4834.21
65 “ 7023.3329.5033.5951.4349.4549.7852.7560.0160.4445.59
70 “ 7529.6029.4332.7354.4159.5269.7079.0582.1784.2957.88
75 “ 8023.1629.7349.9957.9565.3883.6873.8698.3889.5163.52
80 and over28.5771.2532.9044.7033.3663.6781.7478.98116.1661.26
Females.
Under 50.120.260.140.100.190.140.240.470.230.21
5 and under 10  0.060.050.190.090.090.120.100.08
10 “ 15  0.130.050.050.140.100.180.080.08
15 “ 200.21 0.07 0.050.240.23 0.210.11
20 “ 250.370.12 0.280.310.410.320.220.240.25
25 “ 301.631.170.330.920.600.693.280.910.631.13
30 “ 351.812.202.053.122.681.601.911.752.122.14
35 “ 404.803.434.255.614.104.584.615.214.174.53
40 “ 458.528.739.449.079.8010.2310.359.648.839.40
45 “ 5015.1712.6416.5912.4616.2420.0514.6915.2818.2115.70
50 “ 5511.6516.4921.0323.6424.1321.5121.2722.5822.5120.53
55 “ 6035.9730.0724.5937.8636.9332.3233.0231.2237.6033.29
60 “ 6522.9630.0730.5735.8240.4139.0141.0244.4040.9536.13
65 “ 7051.9439.4636.7454.8644.9149.5254.9454.7863.6650.09
70 “ 7527.2939.5538.4748.3647.6350.3967.3765.5870.9250.62
75 “ 8024.9740.5044.9554.4747.0878.5671.3995.8397.9461.74
80 and over61.90 56.4242.4739.0947.6853.0180.43103.4453.83

At first glance the rates appear to upset the conclusions arrived at from the tables of numbers, and to explain the change in the position of the maxima as being due merely to alterations in the age-constitution. Taking, for instance, the male group for ages 40 to 45 in the quinquennial period 1872–76 we find that the number of deaths (25), which is the greatest for any age-group in that period, represents a rate of only 3.50 per 10,000 of male population of those ages, as against a rate of 29.60 per 10,000 at the age-group 70 to 75. With a few exceptions, due probably to the small numbers dealt with, it is found throughout the period that the higher the age-group the higher the death-rate. But a closer examination of the rates reveals an important fact—namely, that the increases in the death-rates at the higher ages are much greater than at the middle ages; or, in other words, that death from cancer is on the average now occurring later in life than formerly. To illustrate this more clearly the nine five-yearly periods have been combined into three fifteen-yearly periods and the percentage increases of the second period over the first, and the third over the first and second, are shown for the various age-groups and for each sex in the following statement. The huge increases shown for one or two of the earlier age-groups can be ignored on account of the infinitesimal numbers concerned.

Age-group.Male Rate.Female Rate.
Increase. 1887-1901 over 1872-86.Increase. 1902-16 over 1887-1901.Increase. 1902-16 over 1872-86.Increase. 1887-1901 over 1872-86.Increase. 1902-16 over 1887-1901.Increase. 1902-16 over 1872-86.

* Decrease.

 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Under 5175987—18*12182
5 and under 102406260450—0*400
10 “ 15250 25010050200
15 “ 20501370113667
20 “ 2522—13*5106—21*62
25 “ 30—13*4828—29*11855
30 “ 35 141422—22*— 4*
35 “ 404775714— 2*12
40 “ 45275349— 1*8
45 “ 502963610— 1*9
50 “ 5557158041— 3*35
55 “ 6083— 3*7718— 5*12
60 “ 6510116135381051
65 “ 707415100171635
70 “ 7510034168383993
75 “ 80101261546347140
80 and over795108983100

Here it is seen that among males, while the age-groups 40 to 45 and 45 to 50 show increases of 34 and 36 per cent. respectively between the average annual rates for the periods 1872–86 and 1902–16, the groups from 60 to 65 and onwards all show increases of over 100 per* cent. in the rates. The female rates of increase are lower, but here also the increases are seen to be much higher at the higher ages. In passing, attention may be drawn to the fact that the increase between the second and the third of the fifteen-yearly periods is in general much lower than between the first and second, the exception for both males and females being the group “80 and over” which shows enormously increased rates in the third period as compared with the second.

Graphs showing the rates from cancer at each age-group in the three periods are next given. Besides further demonstrating the conclusions arrived at from a comparison of the tabular rates, these also show very clearly that cancer is essentially a disease of later life.

From the figures of deaths at each age-group the following table of average ages at death in each of the three fifteen-yearly periods has been compiled. The averages can only be given as approximately correct, but they are quite comparable with one another, and the conclusion that the average age at death from cancer has increased by ten years among males and seven years among females is sound, though it should be noted that the increases are in part due to alterations in the age-constitution of the population.

 Average Age at Death.
Period.Males.Females.
 Years.Years.
1872-18865352
1887-19015955
1902-19166359

These figures are further instructive as showing that the average age at death from cancer is now considerably higher for males than for females.

SEX DISTRIBUTION.

Apart from the great increase in cancer as disclosed by the first of the diagrams accompanying this article, probably the most remarkable point about the diagram is the demonstration of the fact that the death-rate of female from cancer has increased at a much lower rate than that of males. The average rates for males for the first ten years covered by this investigation were 1.92 per 10,000 males living, and for the last ten years 7.95 per 10,000, the corresponding rates for females being 2.91 and 7.56. In other words, the average rate among females was 52 per cent. higher than among males in the period 1872-81, but 5 per cent. lower in the period 1907-16.

During the first twenty years of the period the male rate exceeded the female on only three occasions — namely, in 1878, 1886, and 1889; but during the last twenty-five years the male rate has been exceeded by the female on only five occasions—in 1896, 1901, 1912, 1913, and 1915.

Dividing the forty-five years from 1872 to 1916 into nine five-yearly groups we get the following figures:—

Quinquennial Period.Average Male Rate.Average Female Rate.Sex in which Excess occurs.Excess in Rates.Excess per Cent
1872-18761.742.92F.1.1868
1877-18812.092.90F.0.8139
1882-18863.053.43F.0.3812
1887-18914.384.44F.0.061
1892-18965.655.05M.0.6012
1897-19016.355.77M.0.5810
1902-19067.146.44M.0.7011
1907-19117.617.18M.0.436
1912-19168.287.19M.0.243

These figures show that while a female excess steadily gave way to a deficit, the male excess after remaining practically fixed for three quinquennia has in the last ten years shown a tendency to fall. The period 1872-1916 may therefore be roughly, divided into three distinct periods as follows:—

  • 1872-1891—Excess in female rate—steadily falling.

  • 1892-1906—Excess in male rate—stationary.

  • 1907-1916—Excess in male rate—steadily falling.

Now, the history of the birth-rate in New Zealand can also be divided into three distinct periods. Up to 1875 the birth-rate was high (40 per 1,000) and showed no tendency to fall; but beginning with 1877 a rapid fall commenced, which reached its limit in 1899 (25 per 1,000); since 1900 the rate has risen slightly, but has remained practically stationary.

It has been proved beyond doubt by an investigation undertaken by the Registrar-General of England and Wales that the death-rate from cancer of the womb is much higher among married women than among single women of the cancer ages, and the inference is that child-bearing is one of the prime causes of this class of cancer, which in New Zealand was responsible in the nine years 1908-16 for 19 per cent. of the total deaths of females from cancer, and in earlier years for probably a much higher percentage.

A corollary inference is that a continued fall in the birth-rate brings with it, other things being equal, a fall in the frequency of cancer of the womb, and this inference appears to be justified by the figures quoted above.

Any factor affecting the death-rate from cancer of the womb must also, though to a less extent, affect the total cancer death-rate of females, and in consequence disturb the balance between the rates of the two sexes.

Allowing for the obvious fact that the effect of alterations in the birth-rate is not fully felt for some years, it seems perfectly reasonable to argue that the considerably higher rate among females than among males in the earliest years of which we have any record is in part a reflex of the high birth-rates ruling in the earliest years of the colony's history; that the fall in the female excess follows naturally, and at a reasonable distance, the steady and rapid fall in the birth-rate; that the practically stationary male excess for some years is due to the birth-rate having reached a new level; and, finally, that the decrease in the male excess during recent years is due to a slight increase in the birth-rate in the years immediately following 1899, combined with the great improvements that have taken place during recent years in the care of women at childbirth.

* One case, that of a child of six months, was missed from the published statistics, which show twenty-seven females.

In order to test the validity of the conclusion that the fall in the birth-rate has been responsible for some counteracting effect on the increase in the female death-rate from cancer, an examination of the cancer deaths registered in 1872 was made, through the courtesy of the Registrar-General. It was found that out of twenty-eight* deaths of females from cancer, of which six were undefined as to location, no fewer than ten were due to cancer of the womb. This represents 36 per cent. of the total—or, if the undefined cases are excluded, 45 1/2 per cent.—as against 19 per cent. of the total and 19 1/2 per cent. of the defined cases in 1916. These figures for 1872 are based on very small numbers, and the percentages mentioned cannot be accepted as entirely representative of the figures of early years, but they give a fair indication that cancer of the genital organs was higher in the “seventies” than now, in proportion to the total deaths from cancer.

While it would appear from the foregoing that the decrease in the birth-rate and its consequent effect on the frequency of cancer of the womb has had an appreciable effect on the female death-rate from cancer and the relativity of the rates of the two sexes, it would appear that there is at least one other factor to be considered, and that is the growth of medical science combined with better ability to diagnose cancer nowadays. The subject is dealt with in a later portion of this article, and will not be discussed here beyond a mention of the probability that in a period when cancer was not so well known a proportion of cases of the more remote cancer of the stomach, which is twice as frequent in males as in females, would be overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed, while the more apparent cancer of the breast and genital organs would be less liable to escape observation.

The possibility that the trend of the rates for the two sexes is due to differences in the course and extent of the alterations in the age-constitution of the two sexes has not been overlooked, but a study of the figures of ages disclosed by successive censuses shows that the age-constitution of the two sexes has progressed in almost parallel lines.

Another possible explanation has also been considered — namely, the possibly increased use of tobacco, which, as shown elsewhere in this article, is a causative or contributory factor in cancer of the buccal cavity, which is fairly common among males but rare among females. Little if any increase in the use of tobacco is apparent, however, the annual consumption per head of male population having been about 4 lb. or 5 lb. throughout the period 1872-1916, with little increase in later years.

Possibly, however, the increased amount of tobacco consumed in the form of cigarettes may have some bearing on the subject. The Customs returns for the “seventies” do not mention cigarettes, and in 1880 only 6,446 lb. were imported, as against 979,515 lb. imported and an unknown quantity manufactured in the country in 1916. It may be mentioned that no deaths of cancer of the mouth were recorded for males in 1872 (there was one female case), and that the number in 1916 was thirty-nine. No great significance can, however, be attached to this, on account of the very few deaths from cancer of all classes in 1872, but the fact is mentioned for what it may be worth.

A point worthy of note in comparing the death-rates of the two sexes is that the incidence of cancer is heavier among females than among males between the ages of 25 and 60, but considerably lighter thereafter. This is demonstrated by the annexed diagram, which is based on the average rates for the various age-groups for the fifteen years 1902-16. The effect is to make the average age at death four years more for males than for females, the figures for the period being 63 years for males and 59 years for females.

LOCATION IN HUMAN SYSTEM.

The Bertillon classification of diseases which was adopted in New Zealand in 1908 divides cancer of males into five groups, and of females into seven, according to location in the human system, as follows:—

Both Sexes.—Buccal cavity; stomach and liver; peritoneum, intestines, and rectum; skin; other organs, or organs not specified.

Females.—Genital organs; breast.

The figures of location for each of the nine years ending with 1916 are as given in the following statement. Certain details of location are available for the period 1900 to 1907, but these are not fully comparable with those published for later years, and are accordingly not included.

MALES.

Year.Buccal Cavity.Stomach and Liver.Peritoneum, &c.Skin.Other and Unspecified Organs.Totals.
190837170551190363
190941168638103383
191035160618135399
1911431958710113448
191244192588116418
191333185859134446
191458240695138510
1915472086612127460
1916392028411144480
    Totals3771,720628821,1003,907

FEMALES.

Year.Buccal Cavity.Stomach and Liver.Peritoneum, &c.Genital Organs.Breast.Skin.Other and Unspecified Organs.Total.
19084102435331259294
1909491547346357328
1910695546840278343
1911498556442498365
19123136505850790394
19133126667763372410
19144125538153474394
191551307194561371440
19167134688361967429
    Totals401,037514651442476663,397

It will be seen that in the locations common to both sexes males have a considerable preponderance of the total deaths, a preponderance which is, however, somewhat reduced in the rates per 100,000 of mean population, which are as follows:—

 Males.Females.
Buccal cavity81
Stomach and liver3523
Peritoneum, intestines, and rectum1312
Skin21
Other and unspecified organs2315

Although some writers have expressed doubts on the point, there is a general consensus of opinion among medical and statistical authorities that smoking is at least a contributory cause of cancer of the mouth, lips, &c., and the evidence available for New Zealand for the nine years 1908-16 supports this.

The average adult male New-Zealander smokes and the average New Zealand woman does not, and this difference in the habits of the two sexes is one of the only two factors that can be advanced to explain the great discrepancy between the numbers of deaths of males and females from cancer of the buccal cavity. The other factor is the greater care taken by women generally in the matter of keeping the teeth, &c., in a clean and healthy condition. During the nine years 1908-16 only 40 females died of this class of cancer as against 377 males, while during the preceding five years 89 women and 463 men died of cancer of the buccal cavity, throat, and neck.

In cancer of the stomach and liver also the male numbers and rates are much higher than the female, and here again it appears that a predominantly male habit—viz., drinking—is responsible for part at least of the excess. Alcohol is known to detrimentally affect the stomach and liver by producing gastritis, ulceration, cirrhosis, &c., which are generally regarded as potential forerunners to cancer.

The rates for the two sexes are nearly equal for cancer of the peritoneum, intestines, and rectum, which fact in itself further suggests that there are grounds for regarding the abuse of tobacco and alcohol as an important factor in cancer of the buccal cavity and of the stomach and liver.

The excess of males over females in the numbers and rates of death from cancer of the skin is not a very important matter on account of the small number of cases. Probably rougher work, continual shaving, &c., on the part of men, and closer attention to and better care of the skin on the part of women, have something to do with the matter.

Leaving alone for the time being the classes of cancer peculiar to women, we find that as in the case of cancer of the buccal cavity and the stomach the rate of deaths of cancer of “other and unspecified organs” is much greater among men than among women. Unfortunately, only two years' figures of detailed location are available, but these are sufficient to indicate that a considerable portion of the male excess is on account of cancer of the urinary system. In 1915, 24 males died of cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, as against only 5 females; in 1916 the corresponding figures were 39 males and 7 females. Cancer of the neck throat, and lungs is also much higher among males than among females, the figures for 1915 being—males, 43; females, 9; and for 1916—males, 33; females, 16. Cases in which the location was undefined were, in 1915—males, 19; females, 16; and in 1916—males, 28; females, 18.

Unlike most other classes of cancer, for which comparable statistics are available only for nine years, statistics of cancer of the female genital organs and breast date back to the year 1900. The deaths from these two classes in each of the last seventeen years are as follows:—

Year.Genital Organs.Breast.Year.Genital Organs.Breast.
1900541719097246
1901553819106840
1902443319116442
1903483319125850
1904582519137763
1905493819148153
1906683819159456
1907734819168361
19085331   
   Totals1,099712

One important aspect of these figures is dealt with under a separate heading below. Otherwise the figures call for little comment.

UTERINE AND MAMMARY CANCER AS AFFECTED BY CONJUGAL CONDITION.

Reference has already been made to the fact that an investigation undertaken by the Registrar-General of England covering the deaths of that country for the period 1911-13 disclosed that the death-rate from cancer of the uterus is much higher among married women than among single. This result was in accordance with the general opinion of statisticians and medical men, but in another respect the investigation gave results contrary to anticipations, in that it showed that single women are more liable than married women to cancer of the ovaries and breast.

No official statistics on the point are available for New Zealand, but an examination of the deaths in 1916 gives results which, though of little use in themselves on account of the very small number of cases considered, are nevertheless a further indication of the truths arrived at in England. Of eighty-three deaths from cancer of the female genital organs (including cancer of the ovaries, which has not been treated separately) only two were of single women, while out of sixty-one women who died of cancer of the breast seven were unmarried.

At the census of 1911 there were four married women to one single woman between the ages of 30 and 45, nine to one between 45 and 60, and twenty to one at 60 and over. If we divide the deaths into these three groups of ages and weight the numbers of deaths of single women by the multipliers shown we get the following results:—

Age-group.Genital Organs.Breast.
Married.Single.Married.Single.
30-45201 x 4 = 462 x 4 = 8.
45-60271 x 9 = 9203 x 9 = 27.
60 and over33Nil282 x 20 = 40.

These figures show, in their small way, similar results to those ascertained in England—viz., that the rate is greater in married women for cancer of the uterus, and for single women in cancer of the breast. If conjugal condition only were the test we should expect that in a country with a rising marriage-rate, as in New Zealand, cancer of the uterus would increase at a greater rate than cancer of the breast. This is not the case, however, the increase in the marriage-rate being accompanied by a fall in the birth-rate, which appears to be a better index. Unfortunately, we have no published statistics of location prior to 1900, but the figures for the past seventeen years, though not too reliable as being based on small numbers, support the contention that a falling birth-rate tends to lower the rate for cancer of the uterus and to increase that for cancer of the breast. Omitting the year 1900, which showed an abnormally small number of cases of cancer of the breast, and dividing the next sixteen years into two groups of eight, we get the following results, which, while showing an increase of 7 per cent. for cancer of the uterus, show the much greater increase of 17 per cent. for cancer of the breast:—

 1901-8.1909-16.Increase per Cent.
Genital organs—   
    Number of deaths44859733
    Rate per annum per 10,000 of female population1.391.497
Breast—   
    Number of deaths28441145
    Rate per annum per 10,000 of female population0.881.0317
    Breast cases per 100 cases of genital organs63699

The fact that cancer of the genital organs shows a slight increase is probably explainable by (1) the unavoidable inclusion of ovarian cancer, which is adversely affected by a fall in the birth-rate as in the case of cancer of the breast; (2) alterations in the age-constitution; and (3) other factors dealt with later on, which tend towards a general increase in the cancer rate.

As mentioned elsewhere, figures of location were specially extracted for the year 1872, and it was found that in ten out of twenty-eight deaths of females the location was the uterus; and this fact, though small in itself, is a little additional evidence that cancer of the womb tends to fall with a falling birth-rate. The further fact that in the seventeen years ended with 1916 there were two deaths from cancer of the breast to every three of cancer of the genital organs, whereas in 1872 the proportion was two to five (there having been four deaths from cancer of the breast in the year), also, so far as it goes, supports the theory that a fall in the birth-rate increases the frequency of cancer of the breast.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.

One of the points to which a good deal of attention has been directed in recent years is the question as to the effect on cancer frequency of such matters as rainfall, temperature, topography, &c. The subject however, is so involved on account of the combination of factors that nothing very definite has yet been ascertained, though a good deal of evidence has been adduced in support of various theories. Most of this evidence is inconclusive and more or less unconvincing, the investigators having in many cases overlooked all factors other than the particular one they have been dealing with. As an example of the futility of taking only one factor into account we may refer to the earlier portion of this article which shows the great effect differences in the age-constitution have on the crude death-rates. If we were considering the question of altitude, for instance, and found that a town 1,000 ft. above sea-level had a cancer death-rate of 80 per 100,000, while another only a few feet above sea-level had a rate of only 70, it would be quite premature and erroneous to argue from this alone that altitude had anything to do with the matter. Apart from the important factor of age-constitution, consideration must also be given to quite an array of other matters, such as character, habits, occupation, and nationality of the inhabitants, rainfall, sunshine, temperature, and environment generally.

Nothing short of a cancer census, or an investigation which could take all these factors into account, would give definite results, and neither time nor opportunity has been available for any such thorough investigation in connection with the preparation of this article. From the published statistics of numbers of deaths from cancer in each provincial district during the last forty-five years, however, a certain amount of information is derivable, and is placed on record as affording some little evidence on the question of geographical distribution of cancer in New Zealand.

The number of cancer deaths in each provincial district during the forty-five years is as given in the following statement, which groups the period into nine quinquennia, and shows males and females separately:—

DEATHS FROM CANCER IN EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT, BY QUINQUEN PERIODS, 1872-1916.

Provincial District.1872-76.1877-81.1882-86.1887-91.1892-96.1897-1901.1902-6.1907-11.1912-16.

* Including Southland.

Males.
Auckland5860100151200253330428576
Taranaki5717183149648393
Hawke's Bay66224353526294139
Wellington9205291167202292364412
Marlborough197161824183332
Nelson111518314671887894
Westland92122446056717260
Canterbury284472113165220276352409
Otago*3680147210274328393450499
  Total males1632624577171,0141,2551,5941,9542,314
Females.
Auckland566076151175204254388505
Taranaki55.14171638475887
Hawke's Bay23102124385379108
Wellington21334492140168254300409
Marlborough4388814213025
Nelson182320283747564759
Westland61417201823282343
Canterbury477198106160228262345405
Otago*4680143201227264309369426
  Total females2052924306448051,0241,2841,6392,067
Both Sexes.
Auckland1141201763023754575848161,081
Taranaki101231354787111141180
Hawke's Bay8932647790115173247
Wellington305396183307370546664821
Marlborough51215242638396357
Nelson2938385983118144125153
Westland1535396478799995103
Canterbury75115170219325448538697814
Otago*82160290411501592702819925
  Grand totals3685548871,3611,8192,2792,8783,5934,381

Mere numbers, of course, afford no basis of comparison, and crude rates are untrustworthy, as they do not take into account differences in the age-constitution and sex-constitution. It has therefore not been considered necessary to calculate the rates for the full period, but to limit this part of the inquiry to the ten years 1904-13, which are regarded as most suitable on account of the fact that the two quinquennia into which the period divides have for their central years the two census years 1906 and 1911.

The crude rates for each provincial district for these two quinquennia are as follows, male and female rates being given separately:—

CRUDE CANCER DEATH-RATES OF EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT PER 10,000 OF POPULATION—MALES, FEMALES, AND BOTH SEXES.

Provincial District.1904-8.1909-13.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Auckland5.986.076.026.827.287.03
Taranaki5.776.055.906.624.795.82
Hawke's Bay6.306.196.258.627.738.24
Wellington6.376.566.467.687.057.38
Marlborough7.068.087.527.096.356.88
Nelson6.934.815.976.015.865.98
Westland14.635.5610.6315.609.4412.73
Canterbury7.547.637.588.208.658.43
Otago9.247.288.309.369.229.31

Judged by the crude rates, Westland appears to be easily the least healthy of the provincial districts from the point of view of cancer, having in the period 1909-13 a rate one-third higher than Otago, which comes second, followed by Canterbury. Taranaki, Nelson, and Auckland, in that order, have the lowest rates in both quinquennial periods, while Wellington compares very favourably with Canterbury and Otago.

It is known, however, that there is a considerable diversity between the age-constitution of the North and South Islands, and also between individual provincial districts. For many years past there has been a steady flow of population from South to North, and it is the young people who have so migrated. Thus there has been a rapid increase in the proportion of old people in the South Island, while the natural tendency in this direction has been retarded in the North by the influx of young men and women from the South.

In the light of this and of the fact that the three provincial districts with the highest cancer death-rates are the three farthest south, it is quite useless to attempt any discussion as to relative cancer frequency on the crude rates. Westland, however, has such a high crude rate that one would think it must inevitably be the worst cancer province even allowing for the factor of age. That this is not altogether the case will be shown. Westland is unique among the provincial districts in that she has more people over the age of 60 than between the ages of 45 and 60, while Wellington has only half as many in the older group as in the younger. Again, more than one-fifth of Westland's population is over 45 years of age, as against one-sixth in Wellington and Auckland.

The system of standardization employed for the Dominion cannot be utilized for the provincial districts on account of the deaths not having been divided into age-groups in the latter case. A new method accordingly had to be improvised. The population and cancer deaths of the Dominion for each of the two periods with which we are dealing were divided into six groups—viz., males and females separately at ages under 45, 45 to 60, and 60 and over—and rates for the Dominion ascertained for each group. Then the rates for the various groups were weighted by the population of each provincial district for the corresponding groups and a figure arrived at representing the numbers of deaths from cancer to which the respective provincial districts would be entitled on the basis of the Dominion death-rate. For want of a better term this number may be referred to as the “standard” number of deaths. As an example of the method used, the steps in the calculation of the “standard” deaths for Auckland Provincial District for the average of the period 1909-13 are shown below:—

ASCERTAINMENT OF “STANDARD” DEATHS FROM CANCER FOR AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL DISTRICT, AVERAGE OF PERIOD, 1909-13.

Group.Population of Dominion.Annual Average Deaths for Domination.Annual Death-rates for Dominion per 100,000 of Population.Population of Auckland Provincial District.“Standard” Deaths for Auckland Provincial District.Actual Recorded Deaths for Auckland Provincial District.
Males—      
  Under 45429,4904110114,83811.48 
  45 and under 6061,19010917816,67829.69 
  60 and over40,3892696659,92465.99 
Females—      
  Under 45395,8036115102,39015.36 
  45 and under 6049,87811623312,75329.71 
  60 and over30,3521916287,51947.22 
  Totals1,007,102787 264,102199.00186

The result of this calculation is to show that on the basis of the figures for the Dominion, Auckland Province was entitled to 199 cancer deaths, after allowing for the factor of age, but recorded only 186. The figures for each provincial district for the quinquennial periods 1904-8 and 1909-13 are as follows:—

Provincial District.1904-8.1909-13.
“Standard” Deaths.*Actual Deaths.Excess (+) or Deficit (-) of Actual Deaths.“Standard” Deaths.*Actual Deaths.Excess (+) or Deficit (-) of Actual Deaths.

* For explanation see letterpress ante.

Auckland147127-20199186-13
Taranaki2526+13430-4
Hawke's Bay2726-13640+4
Wellington104116+12137147+10
Marlborough1011+11211-1
Nelson3325-83929-10
Westland1616 1620+4
Canterbury117121+4146146 
Otago143150+7168178+10

In several respects this table disagrees with that of the crude rates. In the first of the two periods Westland had no more deaths than were to be expected from the age and sex distribution of her population, and in the second period had an average annual excess of four only. On account of the small numbers concerned, however, this excess of four represents a percentage of 25 for the five-yearly period, or 12 1/2 per cent. for the decennium, and thus leaves Westland somewhat in the lead. It is surprising to find that Wellington, which shows fairly well on the crude rates, has the largest numerical excess in both periods, and the second-largest excess per cent.; while Canterbury, the third highest on the crude rates, has practically no excess when the age-constitution is taken into account. Nelson is found to have 25 per cent. less deaths than her proper share of the Dominion's total, and Auckland 10 per cent. less; and it is evident that for some reason these two provinces are healthier than the rest of the Dominion as regards frequency of cancer.

It may be objected that the numbers are too small to allow of the conclusions arrived at being accepted as final; but it should be remembered that the figures are averages of five- and ten-yearly periods, and that the two districts which give the most favourable results from a comparison of the recorded and “standard” numbers, and two of the three that give the least favourable, do so in both quinquennial periods. Moreover, a similar state of affairs is disclosed when the two sexes are taken separately. The figures for the two sexes are as shown in the following statement, and represent the averages of the ten years 1904-13:—

Provincial District.Males.Females.Both Sexes.
“Standard”Actual.Excess (+) or Deficit (-).“Standard”Actual.Excess (+) or Deficit (-).“Standard”Actual.Excess (+) or Deficit (-).
Auckland187164-23159149-10346313-33
Taranaki3132+12824-45956-3
Hawke's Bay3437+32929 6366+3
Wellington128142+14113121+8241263+22
Marlborough1312-1910+12222 
Nelson4432-122822-67254-18
Westland2126+51110-13236+4
Canterbury136135-1127132+5263267+4
Otago169179+10142149+7311328+17

The accompanying “thermometers” show the relative positions of the various provinces as regards the fatal incidence of cancer when differences in the age-constitution have been eliminated. The position of each province on the thermometer is determined by the percentage of its recorded cancer deaths above or below the “standard,” which is indicated by zero.

It is beyond the scope of this work and the ability of the writer to delve into considerations of the causes of the relative frequency of cancer in various provinces, but it may be pointed out that Auckland occupies the northern half of the North Island, and Nelson is the most northerly provincial district in the South Island. Auckland lies nearest the Equator and has a warm climate, plenty of sunshine, and a moderate rainfall. Nelson is noted for its sunshine, having long since earned the sobriquet of “Sunny Nelson,” and has a mild climate and a moderate rainfall. Westland, a long narrow strip lying between the Southern Alps and the sea, has a very moist but not a cold climate. Wellington has a moderate rainfall and a fairly equable climate. The part bordering on Cook Strait, which contains the greater portion of the population of the province, is liable both to the moissure-laden northerly and the cold southerly wind. Otago has a greater range of temperature than any other province and has a comparatively small rainfall. Each of the nine provincial districts has a liberal amount of coast-line, and in every case the bulk of the population is within a few miles of the coast.

Westland is essentially a mining and timber-milling district; Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough principally agricultural in the closer-settled portions; while Nelson is mainly a mining and mixed farming (including fruitgrowing) district. Auckland and Taranaki are mainly dairying districts, with a certain amount of mining and timber-milling in the former. Hawke's Bay is a sheep-farming district, and Wellington is fairly evenly divided between agricultural, dairy, and sheep farming. Six of the nine provinces have approximately half of their population situated in towns of over five thousand inhabitants, the exceptions being Taranaki (one-sixth), Nelson (one-fifth), and Marlborough (largest town, 3,800). The population is densest in Wellington and Taranaki, and least dense in Marlborough, Westland, and Nelson. Canterbury has a population of predominantly English origin, and Otago of predominantly Scotch origin, though in the Southland portion of Otago the Irish race is strongly represented, as also in Westland and the west coast district of Nelson. The North Island is mainly inhabited by New-Zealand-born people of English or mixed English, Scotch, and Irish descent. Wellington and Auckland are probably the most cosmopolitan provincial districts.

To those who favour the theory that alcohol is a cause of cancer the figures for Westland afford a certain amount of evidence. One hears of the “good old days” down the Coast—the days of the gold boom, when liquor as well as money is said to have flowed freely; and to this day Westland has a much higher proportion of publichouses than the general average of the Dominion. In 1916 the counties of Grey and Westland, with their interior boroughs, had a total of 128 licensed houses for a population of 19,674, being one licensed house for every 154 inhabitants, as compared with one for 920 in the Dominion as a whole. The fact that after making due allowance for age-constitution the high rate is only among the males, and the female rate is below the Dominion average, is a further item of evidence in support of the alcohol theory. Eight out of fourteen male deaths from cancer in Westland in 1916 were due to cancer of the stomach, a percentage of 57 as against a Dominion percentage of 43; but the numbers are so small as to be of little value, and as a matter of fact the percentage was higher in Marlborough and nearly as high in Taranaki.

CANCER AMONG THE MAORIS.

The statistics given and discussed hitherto relate to the population exclusive of Maoris, no system of registration of Maori deaths having been in force before the last two or three years. This lack of registration and consequent lack of statistical information prevents any comparison being made between the European and Maori rates over a series of years.

Coloured races are generally considered to be much less liable to cancer than the white races, and though there is not a great deal of statistical information on the subject, medical experience in America, Asia, and Africa is that cancer is comparatively rare among the native races.

In order to get some idea as to how the Maori race stands in this respect an examination of the Maori death registers of 1915 and 1916 was made, and this goes to show that cancer is rare as a cause of death among the Maori people, though unfortunately tuberculosis and typhoid are not. In the two years 1915 and 1916 only eleven deaths were recorded as being due to cancer, representing a crude rate of only 1.10 per 10,000 per annum, as against a corresponding rate of 8.23 among the European population. The proportion of Maori deaths for which the cause is not shown in the registers is considerably higher than in the European registration, and the number and rate quoted may be understated a little, but there is sufficient evidence on which to conclude that cancer is much rarer among Maoris than among Europeans.

Of the eleven deaths, six were of males and five of females. The ages ranged from 50 to 81 for males and 53 to 74 for females. Three of the males died of cancer of the liver and one of cancer of the colon; one female of cancer of the stomach and one of cancer of the breast; in the remaining five cases the location was not indicated.

HOSPITAL CASES.

Fairly detailed statistics of cancer cases in public hospitals are now published in the Statistics of New Zealand (Volume I), and little reference to them will be made here. It may be as well, however, to summarize the statistical information available. The number of discharges from and deaths in public hospitals of patients treated for cancer during the three years 1914, 1915, and 1916 was 2,115, this number including 743 deaths, or 35 per cent. of the total. In the hospital returns discharges are divided into three classes—recovered, relieved, and unrelieved; and it is gratifying to note that during the three years 488 persons were discharged as recovered. It is quite possible that in some cases the recovery was temporary rather than permanent, and it may be stated in this connection that one case at least has been noticed where a patient discharged as recovered in one year died of cancer in the following year; but there is good reason to believe that in a high proportion of cases the recovery is permanent. The figures of discharges and deaths for the three years are as follows:—

CANCER CASES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—DISCHARGES AND DEATHS.

1914.1915.1916.Totals for Three Years.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Discharged—       
  Recovered7568106867974488
  Relieved12270101798683541
  Unrelieved663161499046343
Died173851329216992743
    Totals4362544003064242952,115

The proportion of recoveries and of deaths varies with the location of the disease in the system. Cancer of the three purely external classes—buccal cavity, breast, and skin—shows a comparatively high percentage of recoveries, while the percentage of recoveries when the location is the stomach or intestines is exceedingly low and the death-rate high. Cancer of the womb gives fairly satisfactory results with almost equal numbers of recoveries and deaths. The proportion of recoveries in cancer cases is higher among females than among males, and the proportion of deaths correspondingly lower, this being due to the fact that external or semi-external cancer is more common among females and internal cancer among males. The classes “relieved” and “unrelieved” do not call for much comment, the descriptions, especially the former, being rather vague, and giving little indication as to final result, though probably the great majority of the “unrelieved” cases are hopeless. The figures of discharges and deaths during the three years 1914 to 1916 for each of the seven headings of the international classification are given in the first of the two following tables, and the percentage of recoveries and deaths for each class in the second:—

CANCER CASES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—RECOVERIES, ETC., BY LOCATION AND SEX, 1914-16.

Location.Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Died.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Buccal cavity12911866402541
Stomach and liver1446430623016762
Peritoneum, &c.119463228147338
Female genital organs 57 45 37 58
Breast 97 55 11 21
Skin47173512168219
Other and undefined59337852712415980
    Totals260228309232217126474269

CANCER CASES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—PERCENTAGE OF RECOVERIES AND DEATHS, BY LOCATION AND SEX. 1914-16.

Location.Males.Females.Both Sexes.
Recoveries.Deaths.Recoveries.Deaths.Recoveries.Deaths.
 Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Buccal cavity41.7517.4855.005.0042.5516.72
Stomach and liver4.5654.403.1749.214.1652.89
Peritoneum, &c.6.9646.209.6840.867.9744.23
Female genital organs  28.9329.4428.9329.44
Breast  52.7211.4152.7211.41
Skin39.4917.6536.9619.5738.7918.18
Other and undefined16.0843.3217.4642.3316.5542.99
    Totals20.6337.6226.6731.4623.0735.13

A point that is stressed by medical men in connection with cancer is that the question of life or death is dependent on the stage at which the disease is discovered and steps taken to remove it. Early discovery has probably much more to do with the comparatively high proportion of recoveries in cases of external cancer than has the relative ease and safety of operation. There are no official statistics available for New Zealand as to duration of illness in cancer cases, but an examination of the hospital returns of 1916 shows that out of 261 cases resulting in death, in 130, or almost exactly half of the total, the patient had been in hospital less than one month, and in 39 cases less than one week. No information is disclosed as to previous treatment outside the hospital, but it is evident that in a large majority of hospital cases which result fatally the patient was already in a hopeless condition when admitted to hospital.

FACTORS IN THE INCREASE OF CANCER.

We have seen how alterations in the age and sex constitution of the population have had their effect in increasing the cancer death-rate of the Dominion—an effect which can be accurately gauged by means of standardized rates. There are other and important factors whose effect cannot be so definitely arrived at but is nevertheless very real. A consideration of these factors leads to the conclusion that an increase in the cancer death-rate decade after decade is only what might have been expected in the past, and may be expected in the future unless more efficacious means of dealing with the disease are devised.

In some respects it is not altogether a matter for regret that our statistics of deaths from cancer do not go back into the “fifties” and “forties,” as the farther back we go the less reliability can we place on the recorded figures. There can be little doubt that even up to the “seventies” and “eighties” the deaths from cancer were considerably understated, and that each succeeding decade has seen a greater proportion of the deaths due to cancer correctly assigned to that disease. The explanation of this is threefold.

In the earlier years of settlement of a new country deaths have a tendency to be classified into two main divisions, “violent” and “natural,” due partly to the large percentage which comes under the former heading as a result of drowning, bush accidents, &c., which take such a heavy toll of the pioneer. The earlier death registers of New Zealand contain a considerable proportion of such entries as “accident,” “natural causes,” &c., and the fact that in a given year, say, 100 deaths are set down as due to cancer can only be taken as proof that not less than 100 persons died of cancer. Matters were placed on a better footing by the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1875, but it was many years afterwards before “natural causes” and other indefinite terms were finally discontinued.

Then, as the country has grown older, fewer and fewer of her citizen have died without medical attention. With our present-day facilities of travel and communication it is almost impossible that any sufferer from cancer should endure weeks and months of illness without receiving constant and regular medical attention, but it is quite conceivable that in many cases of death in earlier years in districts remote from the larger settlements where medical attention could not be obtained, or if obtained at all was of such a nature as to allow of only a cursory examination, the disease was actually cancer, but would not be so diagnosed.

But probably the greatest factor in the understatement of cancer deaths in earlier years (and this with all due respect to the medical profession of a past generation) lay in the comparative lack of knowledge of cancer, and the consequent inability to recognize it in some of its less apparent manifestations. There is good reason to believe that in the days before it gradually became customary to look behind the symptoms of persistent diarrhœa and indigestion, in accordance with the dictates of experience, many cases of cancer of the stomach were allocated to non-malignant diseases of the digestive system. There has been a decided downward tendency in deaths from diarrhœa, indigestion, &c., of persons in later life during recent years, which seems to indicate that wider knowledge resulting in more correct diagnoses is responsible largely for the increases in the recorded figures of cancer of the stomach, ulcer of the stomach, intestinal obstruction, and appendicitis. This is, however, not a matter for a layman to discuss at length, but it may be as well in passing to again refer to the fact that the increase in the cancer death-rate since 1872 is much smaller among females than among males, another fact which seems to support the theory that the spread of medical knowledge has had something to do with the increase in the recorded cancer rate. Females are much less prone to cancer of the stomach and liver than males, while cancer of the breast and of the genital organs (which during the seventeen years ending with 1916 represented exactly one-third of the total deaths of females from cancer) is comparatively easily recognized. Hence in the earlier years (perhaps even now) there would be a greater probability of cancer being correctly diagnosed in the case of a female than in a male.

A fourth factor in the understatement of cancer deaths in earlier years, it is somewhat surprising to find, is statistical inaccuracy or difference in the system of classifying. The published figures for 1872 show that fifty-five persons died of cancer in that year, but an examination of the registers proves the correct number, on the recorded causes, to have been fifty-eight, one case of malignant tumour and two cases of malignant disease of the intestines not having been classed as cancer, as they would nowadays.

Apart, however, from any understatements in earlier years, and from changes in the age-constitution, which can account for only part of the increase experienced in the cancer death-rate, there are good reasons for the increase, and even for the entertaining of the opinion that the high cancer mortality, far from being a curse to humanity, is really a healthy sign, in that it is the manifestation of the progress that has been made in the science of medicine and sanitation.

New Zealand has been noticeably successful in reducing her rate of infantile mortality, and a certain measure of success has attended the efforts made in recent years to cope with tuberculosis. The judicious handling of infectious and epidemic diseases, and the legislative safeguards against unnecessary occupational risks, have further increased every person's prospect of reaching middle life. But by an unalterable law of nature a man must die in due course, and if he survives the years of childhood and reaches middle life without having fallen a victim to accident, epidemic disease, tuberculosis, or some other cause, he finds his selection of diseases in his older age considerably limited, being practically confined, indeed, to heart-disease in some form or other, apoplexy, cancer, and old age. If we could eliminate or reduce cancer, this would have no effect on the death-rate after the first few years, and little immediate effect even, as the average death from cancer occurs after age 60, when only a few more years of life would have been left in any case. The main point of difference between cancer and the other principal causes of death in later life lies in the more painful nature and prolonged agony of the illness preceding death, and although this is a very real matter to the individual it is of little moment from a national point of view.

CANCER AND TUBERCULOSIS.

Although the death-rate from cancer is on the increase, and is now substantially higher than that of tuberculosis, which is apparently on the decrease, it is nevertheless true that cancer does not yet and will not for many years afford proper grounds for the same national concern that tuberculosis does. A consideration of certain aspects of the two diseases brings to light several points all in favour of cancer.

In the first place, the fall in the death-rate from tuberculosis is not so great as would appear from the statistical records. We have seen how the crude cancer rates for earlier years give a fictitious presentation of the facts on account of cancer being a disease of later life and the population having had an age-constitution favourable to a low cancer death-rate. This same matter of age-constitution, however, has the opposite effect on the rate for tuberculosis, which is spread over all age-periods but exacts the heaviest mortality before middle life. Were the tuberculosis death-rates standardized in the same way as has been done with the cancer rates in connection with this article, the fall during the forty-five years would be found to be considerably less than would appear from the crude rates.

Then there appears to have been some overstatement of tuberculosis deaths in earlier years. Quite a number of the deaths under the general heading of “tuberculosis” in the “seventies” and later were shown under the subheading of “hydrocephalus.” This may be merely due to a difference of terms, the statistical heading “hydrocephalus” of those days covering the same deaths as the present-day “tuberculous meningitis,” but it is more than likely that a number of deaths from congenital hydrocephalus (now classed among the malformations) and simple meningitis or hydrocephalus (now diseases of nervous system) were included as tuberculosis. Whether or no, the fact remains that the hydrocephalus deaths of the earlier years contained a high proportion of young children, and that pulmonary tuberculosis, although the class to which preventive measures have been more particularly applied, shows a much lower fall in rate than tuberculosis as a whole.

A fair test as to the relative severity of the two diseases, from a national point of view at least, is found in the comparison of the aggregate years of life they rob the nation of. During the fifteen years ended with 1916 cancer caused the deaths of 5,862 males and 4,990 females, and tuberculosis of 6,103 males and 5,324 females. But whereas the average age at death from cancer was 63 years for males and 59 for females, the averages in the case of tuberculosis were 34 and 29 respectively. If the biblical “three score years and ten” is taken as the natural term of life, it is found that during the fifteen years cancer cost the nation 96,000 years of human life and tuberculosis 438,000.

Apart from other considerations is the question of provision for future generations, and in this respect it is found that the average married man who died from cancer in the four years 1913-16, leaving any issue at all, left behind him five sons or daughters, while the corresponding man on the tuberculosis side left only three. The total issue left by married men who died from cancer during the four years was 6,160, of whom 4,641, or 75 per cent., were over 21 years of age. Married men who died from tuberculosis left a total issue of only 1,646, of whom only 511, or 31 per cent., were over 21; and, in spite of the large discrepancy in the total numbers of issue, the number of orphans under the age of 14 left by men who died from cancer was less than those left by men dying from tuberculosis—707 against 821. The relative liability to disease and early death, moreover, would be less in the issue of the former than of the latter.

This brings us to another important point—namely, that while tuberculosis often leaves an hereditary predisposition to the disease in future generations—there is no proof and little evidence that this is so in the case of cancer. Similarly, while tuberculosis largely owes its spread to contagion, there is no reason to believe that cancer does.

In connection with the fall in the tuberculosis rate and the increase of the cancer rate it is interesting to note from the accompanying diagram that the total death-rate from the two diseases in combination shows little alteration throughout the period of forty-five years for which statistics are available. This is quite natural, the fall in tuberculosis as a representative and principal disease of early life involving, as already pointed out, a higher mortality from cancer and other diseases of later life, especially when crude rates only are dealt with. The fact that the effect of a fall in the tuberculosis rate of one decade is only fully felt on the cancer rate of some two or three decades later does not affect the matter at all, since the probability is that the fall in tuberculosis and the increase in cancer, apparent throughout the full period for which we have statistical information, date back many years previously.

The diagram is based on the quinquennial moving averages of the crude rates of tuberculosis and cancer deaths for the period 1872-1916, and the form in which it is given has been adopted with a view to showing clearly the very slight alterations in the aggregate rates for the two diseases over the period, as well as the much greater number of deaths from tuberculosis in the period as a whole.

DEATH REGISTRATION SCHEDULE.

As indicated in the introductory portion of this article, the schedule in use in New Zealand for the registration of deaths provides for very complete information concerning the deceased and the manner of his death. Some of the information is required purely for statistical purposes, and part of that obtained for identification purposes provides good statistical matter. Many of the items, however, are not tabulated for individual diseases. The full list of headings in the registration schedule is as follows:—

When died; where died; name and surname of deceased; rank, profession, or occupation; sex; age; cause of death; duration of last illness; medical attendant by whom cause of death certified; when medical attendant last saw deceased (i.e., before death); name and surname of father of deceased; name and surname of mother; maiden surname of mother; rank or profession of father; when body buried; where buried; name of minister officiating at burial (or names of witnesses); religion of minister; where deceased was born; how long in New Zealand; if deceased was married—where married, at what age married, to whom married, age of widow, if living; ages of living issue (if any), each sex separately.

Appendix A. APPENDICES.

(a.) PRINCIPAL EVENTS.

DATES OF CERTAIN PRINCIPAL EVENTS DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.

[NOTE.—Dates of principal events prior to August, 1914, are given in issues of the Year-book for 1915 and previous years.]

1914.Aug. 5.His Excellency the Governor publicly notified that war had been declared between Great Britain and Germany.
 Aug. 15.New Zealand Advance Expeditionary Force left Wellington.
 Aug. 29.New Zealand Advance Expeditionary Force landed at Apia, Samoa, unopposed.
 Sept. 12.Huntly coal-mine explosion, whereby 43 lives were lost.
 Oct. 16.New Zealand Main Expeditionary Force left Wellington.
1915.April 25.Australian and New Zealand Infantry effected a landing on Gallipoli.
 Aug. 12.National Cabinet formed.
 Dec. 19.Australian and New Zealand troops evacuated Gallipoli.
1916.April —.New Zealand Division transferred to Western front.
 Aug. 1.Military Service Act passed providing for compulsory enrolment of men for war service.
 Aug. 24.Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, and Right Hon. Sir. J. G. Ward, Minister of Finance, left for London to confer with Imperial authorities on war matters.
 Sept. 15.New Zealand Division distinguished itself at Flers
 Oct. 15.Census of New Zealand taken.
 Nov. 16.First ballot under Military Service Act.
1917.June 7.Messines Village captured by New Zealand troops.
 June 25.Right Hon. W. F. Massey and Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, returned from visit to London.
 June 28.Earl of Liverpool sworn in as first Governor-General of New Zealand.
 Oct. 4-12.New Zealand Division took prominent part in operations north-east of Ypres.

(b.) BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WORKS ON NEW ZEALAND.

The following list contains the names of some of the principal works dealing with New Zealand, but it does not purport to be a complete list of all the important works on the Dominion. The year of publication is given in each case, and the list is arranged as far as possible in chronological order of issue.

  • 1807. New Zealand. By Dr. Savage. London—J. Murray.

  • 1817. Voyage to New Zealand. By John L. Nicholas. London—Black.

  • 1823. Journal of Ten Months' Residence in New Zealand. By Captain Cruise. London—Longmans.

  • 1830. The New-Zealanders (Library of Entertaining Knowledge). London—Chas. Knight.

  • 1832. Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand. By Augustus Earle. London—Longmans.

  • 1836. Two Visits to New Zealand. By Dr. Marshall. London—Nisbet and Co.

  • 1840. Manners and Customs of the New-Zealanders. By J. S. Polack. London—Madden and Co.

  • 1843. Travels in New Zealand. By E. D effenbach. London—Murray.

  • 1855. Te-Ika-a-Maui, or New Zealand and its Inhabitants. By Rev. Richard Taylor. London—Wertheim and Macintosh.

  • 1856. Traditions and Superstitions of the New-Zealanders. By Edward Shortland. London—Longmans.

  • 1859. Story of New Zealand. By Dr. Thompson. London—John Murray.

  • 1863. Old New Zealand. By Judge Maning. Auckland—Creighton and Scales.

  • 1874. Life of Henry Williams. By Hugh Carleton. Auckland—Upton.

  • 1879. Reminiscences of the War in New Zealand. By T. W. Gudgeon. London—Sampson Low.

  • 1879. George Augustus Selwyn. By Rev. H. W. Tucker. London—W. W. Gardner.

  • 1890. Early History of New Zealand. By R. A. Sherrin and J. H. Wallace. (Brett's Historical Series.) Auckland—Brett.

  • 1893. Captain Cook's Journal during his First Voyage round the World. Edited by Captain W. J. L. Wharton, R.N. London—Elliot Stock.

  • 1895. History of New Zealand. By G. W. Rusden. Melbourne—Melville, Mullen, and Slade.

  • 1896. The Art Workmanship of the Maori Race in New Zealand. By Augustus Hamilton. Dunedin—Fergusson and Mitchell.

  • 1896. Journal of Sir Joseph Banks. Edited by Sir Joseph D. Hooker. London—Macmillan and Co.

  • 1898. Abel Janszoon Tasman's Journal of His Discovery of Van Diemen's Land and New Zealand in 1642, &c. By J. E. Heeres. Amsterdam—F. Mueller and Co.

  • 1898. The Long White Cloud, Aotearoa. By W. P. Reeves. London—Horace Marshall and Sons.

  • 1898. New Zealand (Story of the Empire Series). By W. P. Reeves. London—Marshall and Sons.

  • 1900. Old Marlborough. By T. L. Buick. Palmerston North—Hart and Keeling.

  • 1902. State Experiments in Australia and New Zealand. By W. P. Reeves. London—Grant Richards.

  • 1903. Old Manawatu. By T. L. Buick. Palmerston North—Buick and Young.

  • 1905. The Maori Race. By E. Tregear. Wanganui—A. D. Willis.

  • 1905. The Animals of New Zealand. An Account of the Colony's Air-breathing Vertebrates. By Captain F. W. Hutton and James Drummond. Third Edition, 1907. Christchurch—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1907. The Plants of New Zealand. By R. M. Laing and E. W. Blackwell. Second and Revised Edition. Christchurch—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1907. Our Feathered Immigrants. Evidence for and against Introduced Birds in New Zealand, together with Notes on Native Avifauna. Illustrated. By J. Drummond. Wellington—Government Printer.

  • 1908. New Zealand. By F. W. Wright and W. P. Reeves. London—Black.

  • 1908. New Zealand. (Romance of Empire Series.) By Reginald Horsley. London—T. C. and E. C. Jack.

  • 1908. Adventures in New Zealand. By E. J. Wakefield. New Edition. Wellington—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1908. Historical Records of New Zealand. Vol. i (1770-1839). By Robert McNab. Wellington—Government Printer. (Another volume is in preparation.)

  • 1909. New Zealand in Evolution, Industrial, Economic, and Political. By G. H. Scholefield, with an introduction by W. P. Reeves. London—T. F. Unwin.

  • 1909. Murihiku. A History of the South Island of New Zealand and the Islands Adjacent and Lving to the South, from 1642 to 1835. By Robert McNab. Wellington—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1910. The Maoris of New Zealand. By J. Cowan. Wellington—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1910. The Geology of New Zealand. By James Park. Christchurch—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1910. New Zealand Plants and their Story. By L. Cockayne, Ph.D., F.L.S. Wellington—Government Printer.

  • 1911. Hawaiki: The Original Home of the Maori. By S. Percy Smith. Third Edition. Christchurch—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1911. The Course of Prices in New Zealand. By James W. McIlwraith, LL.B. Litt.D. Wellington—Government Printer.

  • 1911. State Socialism in New Zealand. By J. E. Le Rossignol and W. Downie Stewart. London—G. G. Harrop and Co.

  • 1911. New Zealand. By the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., LL.D., and J. Logan Stout, LL.B. Cambridge—University Press.

  • 1913. The Lore of the Whare Wananga. Third Volume of Memoirs of Polynesian Society. On Maori Religion, Myths, Cosmogony, &c.

  • 1914. The Constitutional History and Law of New Zealand. By J. Hight, Litt.D., and H. D. Bamford, LL.D. Christchurch—Whitcombe and Tombs (Limited).

  • 1915. Report on the Cost of Living in New Zealand, 1891-1914. By Malcolm Fraser, Government Statistician. Wellington—Government Printer.

(c.) LIST OF ARTICLES ON SPECIAL SUBJECTS APPEARING IN PREVIOUS ISSUES OF THE YEAR-BOOK.

Article onAppeared for the Last or Only Time in Year-book of
YearPage
Acclimatization1894430
Agriculture in New Zealand (by M. Murphy, F.L.S.)1912809
Building-stones1892194
Chatham Islands, the1900531
Cheviot Estate, the1895264
Christchurch to West Coast, journey from1899548
Coal-deposits of New Zealand, the1900479
Cook Islands, the laws of1902573
Co-operative system of constructing public works1894234
Exotic trees in Canterbury1904569
External trade of New Zealand, the1915858
Fauna of New Zealand1914957
Forest trees and the timber industry1899470
Frozen-meat trade, the1894311
Geology of New Zealand1914943
Gold-dredging industry, the1899509
Government Training-ship “Amokura”1913942
Hanmer Thermal Springs1905631
Hemp industry, the1900477
H.M.S. “New Zealand”1913932
Kauri-gum1900489
Labour in New Zealand1894362
Lakes of New Zealand, the1915963
Land- and Income-tax Assessment1913884
Laws of England and New Zealand, difference between1896281
Maori, ancient, his amusements, games, &c.1907707
” ancient, his clothing1908734
” chant (tangi)1907711
” colour-sense of the1905637
” marriage customs1906638
” mythology1900536
” neolithic, the1902578
” religion1901530
” sociology1903641
” songs1908739
Marlborough Sounds, the1901517
Midland Railway, the1894386
Mineral Waters of New Zealand1913896
Moa, heir of the1899517
Mount Cook, a night on1900525
” district, the1899554
” its glaciers, and the Hermitage1898552
Mount Sefton, ascent of1900519
New Zealand Contingents for South Africa1900449
” International Exhibition1907701
Otago lakes, the1901523
Patents, designs, and trade-marks1893350
Pumice-stone deposits of New Zealand1900486
Railways in New Zealand, their history and progress1894377
Rivers of New Zealand1914948
Scenic wonderland, a1898565
Sheep, crossbreeding of1894308
Sheep-farming1894302
Shipping Companies—  
  New Zealand Shipping Company1895392
  Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company1895393
  Union Company of New Zealand1895389
Southern Alps, the1894474
State farms1894243
Sydney Pageant, the1901527
Thermal Springs District1905614
Timber-trees of the world1903605
Tokaanu to Raetihi1899539
Tree-planting1906611
Tuhoeland1899546
Varieties of soil1892193
Waihi Gold-mining Company1897432
Waikato district and through to Wanganui1899520
Waiouru to Mangaonoho1899543
Wanganui River, up the, to Tokaanu1900509
Wattle-growing in the Auckland Provincial District1897430
Wellington-Manawatu Railway, the1895381
West Coast Sounds, the1894472
White Island, a day on1906637

DETAILED GENERAL INDEX.

A.

Absolute Contraband, 379.
Absolute Decrees in Divorce, 201.
Accident Insurance, 631.
Government Office, 633.
Accidental Deaths, 115, 224.
Accidents, 115, 133, 224.
In Factories, 577.
Mining, 527.
Railway, 412,
Acclimatization of Fishes, 501.
Accommodation Licenses, 229.
Acreage and Yield of Crops, 457.
Adenoids: Hospital Cases, 128.
Adjacent Islands, Population of, 59.
Administration of Land Laws, 424.
Admissions to Hospitals, 119.
Admissions to Mental Hospitals, 147.
Adopted Children, Registration of, 63.
Advances by Banks, 620.
Advances, Kauri-gum Industry, 523.
Advances to Local Authorities, 586.
Advances to Settlers, 582.
Advances to Workers, 585.
Aerated-water and Cordial Factories, 561.
Afforestation, 494-498.
After Lifetime, Average, 91.
Age, Mean, at Death, 91.
Age, Mean, at Marriage, 84.
Agents-General, Successive, 8.
Ages, 49.
At Death, 91.
Of Industries, 540.
Of Inmates of Hospitals, 121.
Of Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 148.
Of Issue left, 100.
Of Parents, 73.
Of Parties in Divorce Cases, 201.
Of Persons arrested and convicted, 207.
Of Persons married, 83.
Of Prisoners, 219.
Of Public-school Pupils, 158.
Of Widows, 103.
Aggregation of Land, 430.
Agricultural College, Lincoln, 171.
Agricultural-implement Factories, 568.
Agricultural Produce exported, 273.
Agriculture, 455-465.
Aid, State—
To Dairy Industry, 486.
To Local Authorities, 586.
To Mining, 528, 650.
To Settlers, 582.
To Tree-planting, 496.
To Water-power, 533.
To Workers, 585.
Aitutaki, Island of, 745.
Alcoholic Liquors, Consumption of, 215, 326.
Alienation of Land, 428.
Alienation of Native Lands, 438.
Alien Immigrants, 46.
Aliens, Naturalized, 47.
Aliens, Registration of, 742.
Allocation of Public Debt and of Increase, 667.
Alluvial Gold-mining, 509.
“Amokura” Training-ship, 196.
Anglican Church, 11.
Angora Goats, 492.
Animals, Domestic, 466-493.
Antipodes Islands, 744.
Anti-treating Regulations, 231.
Apiculture, 493.
Appeal Board, Public Service, 25.
Appeal Court, 199.
Appendicitis Cases in Hospitals, 129.
Applicants for Crown Land, 425.
Arbitration Court, 575.
Area of New Zealand, 1.
Area under Cultivation, 456.
Arrested Persons convicted, 207.
Arrivals, 40.
Race Aliens, 45.
Articles on Special Subjects in Previous Issues, 812.
Assembly, General, 6.
Asses and Mules, 492.
Assessment of Land and Income Tax, 658.
Assets of Banks, 619.
Assisted Immigrants, 44.
Assurance, Life, 626.
Atiu, Island of, 745.
Atmospheric Pressure, 33.
Auckland Fish-market, 502.
Auckland Islands, 744.
Audit of Expenditure, 637.
Australasia—
Birth-rates of, 69.
Standardized, 97.
Death-rates of, 93.
Standardized, 97.
Debt of, 678.
Deposits in Banks of Issue in, 620.
Friendly Societies in, 728.
Gold-production of, 510.
Illegitimacy Rates of, 76.
Index of Mortality of, 97.
Infantile Mortality Rates, 105.
Live-stock in, 477.
Marriage-rates of, 82.
Mineral Production of, 507.
Oat-crop of, 460.
Potato-crop of, 461.
Railway Revenue of, 411.
Railway Rolling-stock in, 408.
Savings-banks Deposits in, 625.
Sheep in, 483.
Sown Grasses in, 465.
Standardized Death-rates, 97.
Vital Statistics of Capitals, 99.
Wool shipped from, 485.
Wheat-crop of, 458.
Automatic Telephones, 422.

B.

Balance of Trade, 266.
Balances of Accounts, 652.
Ballot, Military Service, 191.
Banking, 617-625.
Bank-notes, Issue of, 621.
Tax on, 653.
Bank of New Zealand Account, 650.
Bankruptcy, 200.
Banks of Issue, 617–622.
Banks, Saving—
Post Office, 622.
Private, 624.
Baptist Union, 13.
Barley, 460.
Barometer-readings, 33.
Battle-cruiser “ New Zealand,” 196.
Bay of Islands By-election, 227.
Beans and Peas, 461.
Export of, 296, 461.
Bee-farming, 493.
Beef consumed and exported, 489.
Beer, Consumption of, 215, 326.
Beer Duty, 358, 655, 656.
Bertillon Classification of Causes of Death, 108, 121, 791 Bibliography, 810.
Birthplaces, 48.
Of Persons arrested and convicted, 207.
Of Prisoners, 219.
Births, 62–78.
Illegitimate, 75.
Notification of, 62.
Plural, 72.
Premature, 132.
Sexes of, 70.
Still, 77.
Biscuit-factories, 558.
Blind, Jubilee Institute for, 168.
Board of Trade, 717.
Boat Building Industry, 570.
Boats, Fishing, licensed, 503.
Boiling-down Works, 555.
Bones, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 132.
Bookbinding Establishments, 567.
Boot and Shoe Factories, 572.
Boroughs—
Finances of, 235.
Population of, 55.
Receipts from Government, 237.
Value of Land and Improvements, 246,254.
Boundaries and Area of Dominion, 1. Bounty Islands, 744.
Bran, Wholesale Prices, 714.
Brass Foundries, 567.
Bread, Regulations re Sale of, 139.
Breeding-ewes, 479 Breweries, 559.
Brick, Tile, and Pottery Works, 566.
Brides and Grooms—
Ages of, 83.
Condition of, 82.
Mark Signatures of, 86.
Bronchitis Cases in Hospitals, 128.
Broncho-pneumonia Cases in Hospitals, 128.
Building Societies, 725.
Building-stones, 525.
Bullion, Movement of, 269.
Bursaries, 183.
Home Science, 171, 183.
Butter—
Export of, 273, 295, 304, 308, 491.
Export Tax on, 718.
Factories, 490, 556.
Production and Consumption of, 490.
Wholesale Prices, 712.
By-elections, 227.

C.

Cable, Pacific, 423.
Cadets, Senior, 194.
Calling - up of Expeditionary Force Reserve, 189.
Campbell Island, 744.
Canadian Trade Commissioner, 10.
Cancellation of License, 231.
Cancer, 111, 124.
Special article on, 776–809.
Candle-works, 561.
Canterbury Agricultural College, 171.
Capital of Banks of Issue, 617.
Capital of Registered Companies, 542.
Capital Value of Land, 244–253.
Cash Lands, 427.
Cassiterite, 515.
Castaways, Depots for, 406.
Cattle, 486.
Slaughtered for Food, 489.
Causes of Death, 108–115.
Causes of Insanity, 147.
Cement-works, 566.
Census (see Population section).
Census Statistics of Ages, 761.
Cereals, 457.
Certificates, Secondary School, 179.
Character of Organization of Manufactories and Works, 541.
Character of Stock, 671.
Charges before Magistrates, 205.
Charitable Aid, Expenditure on, 140.
Charitable Institutions, 143.
Chatham Islands, 743.
Cheese—
Exported, 273, 295, 304, 308, 491.
Factories, 490, 556.
Produced and consumed, 490.
Requisitioned, 393, 715.
Wholesale Prices, 712.
Cheviot Estate Account, 647
Chief Centres—
Births and Birth-rates, 68.
Deaths and Death-rates, 97.
Infantile Mortality, 105.
Population, 57.
Vital Statistics, Comparison with Australian Capitals, 99.
Childbirth, Deaths in, 114.
Childbirth: Hospital Cases, 131.
Children born, Sexes of, 70.
Children to a Marriage, 74.
Children's Homes, 145.
Chinese in New Zealand, 46.
Church of Christ, 13.
Church of England, 11.
Cinnabar, 515.
Circulatory System, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 128.
Cities—
Births and Birth-rates, 68.
Deaths and Death-rates, 97.
Infantile Mortality, 105.
Population, 57.
Vital Statistics, Comparison with Australian Capitals. 99.
Civil Law Cases, 198.
Civil Marriages, 86.
Class-books, School, 156.
Classification of Lands, 425.
Classification of Second Division, 192.
Classification, Public Service, 24.
Climate and Meteorology, 26–35.
Clothing Factories, 571.
Clover-seeds, 297, 464.
Coachbuilding, 568.
Coal exported, 297.
Coal, Retail Prices of, 704.
Coal-miners' Relief Fund, 529.
Coal-mines Account, 646.
Coal-mining, 518.
Accidents, 527.
Coastwise Shipping, 400.
Cocksfoot, 464.
Coin-in-slot Telephones, 422.
Coleridge, Lake, Water-power, 533.
Colleges, University, 182.
Colonial Office, the, 9.
Colonies, Crown Agents for, 9.
Commerce, 261–395.
Companies, Registered, Capital of, 726.
Compulsory Training, 187.
Concessions to Soldier Crown Tenants, 435.
Conciliation Councils, 575.
Condensed Milk, requisition of, 393.
Conditional Contraband, 381.
Confectionery Works, 558.
Confinement Cases in Hospitals, 131.
Confinement, Deaths in, 114.
Congregational Union, 13.
Conjugal Condition, 51.
Of Parties Marrying, 82.
Consolidated Fund, 638–643.
Consols Account, 651.
Constitution and Laws of Islands annexed in 1901, 746.
Constitution of New Zealand, 4.
Consuls, Foreign, 10.
Construction of Railways, Cost of, 409 Consumption, 326.
Of Alcoholic Liquors, 215, 326.
Of Beef, 489.
Of Butter and Cheese, 490.
Of Mutton and Lamb, 481.
Of Pork, $c., 492.
Of Timber, 498.
Contraband of War, 379.
Contracts with Enemy, 379.
Conversion Account, 648.
Conveyance of Children to School, 155.
Convictions—
For Drunkenness, 213.
In Superior Courts, 210.
Of Juveniles,209.
Of Maoris, 216.
Of Persons arrested, 207.
Summary, 205.
Cook and other Pacific Islands, 743–749.
Births, 78.
Deaths, 116.
Marriages, 87.
Population, 61
Trade, 315, 354, 749.
Co-operative Public Works, 579.
Cooperages, 562.
Copper, 514.
Cordial-factories, 561.
Corn-crops, Acreage and Yield of, 457.
Correspondence, Prohibition of, 377.
Cost of Living, 684–694.
Act, 717.
Council, Executive, 5.
Council, Legislative, 6.
Counties—
Finances of, 235.
Live-stock in, 467.
Population of, 54.
Receipts from Government, 237.
Sheep in, 479.
Value! of Land and Improvements in, 246–253.
Courts—
Appeal, 199.
Arbitration, 575.
Bankruptcy, 200.
Divorce, 201.
Magistrates', 198, 205.
Native Land, 436.
Supreme, 199, 210.
Cow-testing, 486.
Creameries, 490.
Crime, Law and, 198–226.
Criminal Cases, 205–217.
Criminals, Habitual, 223.
Croatian Kauri-gum Diggers, 524.
Crops, Principal, 457.
Crown Agents for the Colonies, 9.
Crown Lands, 424–435.
Cultivation, Area in, 456.
Customs Revenue, 362.
Customs Tariff, 355–362.
Customs Taxation, 355, 657.
Cycle-works, 569.

D.

Dairy Industry, 486.
Dairy-produce, 489.
Export of, 274, 491.
Grading of, 489.
Retail Prices, 681, 686, 699.
Wholesale Prices, 712.
Dalmatian Kauri-gum Diggers, 524.
Danger Island, 745.
Dates of Maturity of Loans, 672.
Dates of Principal Events, 810.
Deaf, School for the, 168.
Death Duties, 661.
Deaths, 88–116.
In Hospitals, 119.
In Mental Hospitals, 149.
Debentures, 671.
Debt of Local Bodies, 240.
Debt, Public, 665–678.
Deceased Husband's Brother, Marriage with, 79.
Deceased Wife's Sister, Marriage with, 79.
Decisions of Arbitration Court, 576.
Decrees in Divorce, 201.
Deeds Registration, 439.
Defence, 187–197.
Naval Defence Account, 646.
War Expenditure, 648.
Deferred-payment Lands, 427.
Denominational Schools, 162.
Density of Population, 51.
Dentists, Registration of. 138.
Departures, 40.
Deposit Accounts, 647.
Deposits in Banks, 620, 625.
Depots for Shipwrecked Mariners, 406.
Designs, 734.
Destination of Exports, 281.
Destination of Main Exports 295.
Detention, Reformative, 222.
Development of Tariff (Customs), 355.
Development of Trade, 262.
Export, 272.
Import, 318.
Diamond Drills, 529.
Diarrhœa Cases in Hospitals, 129.
Differential Tariff, 371.
Diplomas in Public Health, 135.
Direction of Import Trade, 329.
Direction of Oversea Shipping, 399.
Discharged Soldiers Settlement, 433.
Account, 651.
Diseases, Notification of Infectious, 117.
Diseases, Principal, Deaths from, 109.
Diseases treated in Public Hospitals, 121.
Dissolution of Marriages, 201.
Distribution of Wealth, 730.
District High Schools, 181.
Divorce, 201.
Domestic Produce exported, 273.
Domestic Servants granted Reduced Passages, 44.
Dominion Rifle Association, 195.
Drainage Boards, Finances of, 235
Dredging, Gold-, 509.
Drowning, Deaths by, 115, 224.
Drugs, Sale of, 139.
Drunkenness, 212.
Ducks, 493.
Dunedin Medical School, 145.
Duntroon Military College, 194.
Duration of Marriage and Number of Issue, 74.
Dutiable Imports, 367.
Duties, Customs and Excise, 355, 657.
Duties, Death, 661.
Dwellings, Workers', 588.
Account, 650

E.

Early Trade, 261.
Ears, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 128.
Ecclesiastical, 11.
Education, 152–186.
Education, Islands annexed in 1901, 747.
Educational Association, Workers', 185.
Educational Endowments, 426.
Education Board—
Receipts and Expenditure of, 161.
Scholarships, 178.
Effect of Prices on Exports, 299, 311.
Egg-production, 493.
Electoral, 227-228.
Electric—
Current, 565.
Telegraph, 420.
Tramways, 565.
Emigration, 40.
Employees, Railway, 412.
Employment Branches of Labour Department, 580.
Endowments, Educational, 426.
Endowments, National, 426.
Account, 650.
Enemy Contracts, 379.
Enemy Firms, 377.
Enemy Trading, 375.
Engineering, School of, 170.
Engineering-works, 567.
Enrolment of Expeditionary Force Reserve, 188.
Enteritis Cases in Hospitals, 129.
Entrepôt Trade, 270, 298.
Epidemic General Diseases, 122.
Estate Duty, 661.
Estates acquired for Settlement, 431.
Estates passed for Probate, 731.
Estimated Population, 37.
Ewes, Breeding, 479.
Examinations, Annual Education, 185.
Examiners under Coal - mines and Mining Acts, Boards of, 529.
Excess Profits Taxation, 656.
Excise Duties, 355, 367.
Taxation by means of, 657.
Executive Council, 5.
Expectation of Life, 91.
Expeditionary Forces, 187.
Acquisition of Land by Members, 435.
Expenditure of Public Debt, 670.
Expenditure, Revenue and, 637–652.
Exports, 272–317.
By Classes, 278.
Prohibited, 382.
Extension of Military Service Act to Maoris, 193.
External Migration, 39.
Extinction of Public Debt, 676.
Eyes, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 127.

F.

Factories, 535–574.
Accidents in, 577.
Butter and Cheese, 490, 556.
Registered, 577.
Farmers, Reduced Passages for, 44.
Farmers, Tree-planting by, 497.
Fathers, Ages of, 73.
Fauna, 4.
Feeble-minded, School for, 169.
Fellmongeries, 569.
Female Genital Organs, Diseases of, Hospital Cases, 131.
Fibre, Phormium, 273, 298, 462.
Fifty Years' Progress, 750–760.
Finance, Public, 637–678.
Fire Inquests, 225.
Fire Insurance, 634.
State, 634.
Firms, Enemy, 377.
First Issue of Marriage, 75.
First Offenders' Probation, 222.
Fish-curing and Preserving Works, 556.
Fish exported, 506.
Fisheries, 499–506.
Fish-hatcheries, 499, 501.
Fishing-boats licensed, 503.
Fish-markets, Municipal, 502.
Flax (Phormium Tenax), 462.
Mills, 573.
Floating Debt, 672.
Flocks of Sheep, 480.
Flora, 4.
Flotation of Loans, 671.
Flour, Prices fixed, 717.
Flour, Wholesale Prices, 714.
Food and Drugs, Sale of, 139.
Food Groups and Rent: Index Numbers, 685–694, 704–708.
Footwear Regulation Act, 579.
Foreign Consuls, 10.
Foreign Insurance Companies, 636.
Foreigners naturalized, 47.
Forest Products exported, 275.
Forestry, 494.
Forests Account, State, 646.
Foundation Scholarships, 178.
Foveaux Straits Oysters, 499.
Fowls, 493.
Fractures : Hospital Cases, 133.
Free and Dutiable Imports, 367.
Freeholders, Number of, 454.
Freehold Tenure, 428.
Free Secondary Education, 175.
Free University Education, 183.
Freezing-works, 555.
Friendly Societies, 726.
Frozen Meat exported, 273, 295, 304, 308.
Frozen Meat requisitioned, 392, 715.
Fruit Industry, the, 462.
Fruit-preserving and Jam-making, 559.
Fruit-preserving Industry Advances Account, 651.
Fuel and Light: Retail Prices, 703.
Furniture-factories, 571.
Future Settlement, Land for, 429.

G.

Gaming and Lotteries, 225.
Gaols, Prisoners in, 218.
Gardens and Plantations, Acreage in, 462.
Gasworks, 564.
Gauge, Railway, 407.
Geese, 493.
General Assembly, the, 6.
Genital Organs, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 130.
Geology of New Zealand, 1.
German Samoa, Exports to, 316.
Germany, Imports from, 348.
Gift Duty, 662.
Goats, 492.
Gold-dredging, 509.
Gold, Export Duty on, 356.
Gold exported, 269, 273, 297.
Goldfields, Subsidized Roads on, 528.
Gold-mining, 508.
Goods carried on Railways, 408.
Government Insurance Offices, 629, 633, 634.
Government Schools, Attendance at, 157.
Government Statistician, 188.
Government Valuation of Land, $c., 244–253.
Governor-General, 4.
Grading of Dairy-produce, 489.
Graduated Land-tax, 659.
Grain-mills, 557.
Grapes, 464.
Grass Lands, Acreage of, 465.
Grass-seed, 297, 464.
Grazing-runs, Small, 425, 427.
Greasy Wool exported, 484.
Greenstone, 525.
Groceries : Index Numbers, 685–695.
Gross Indebtedness, 665.
Grounds for Divorce, 202.
Growth of Population, 37.
Growth of Trade, 262.

H.

Habitual Criminals, 222.
Habitual Drunkards, 215.
Half-castes, 60.
Ham and Bacon Curing Works, 556.
Hands employed in factories, 544.
Harbour Boards, Finances of, 235.
Harness-works, 569.
Hauraki Plains Settlement Account, 649.
Hawke's Bay By-election, 228.
Health, Public, 135–140.
Heart-disease Cases in Hospitals, 128.
Hebrew Church, 13.
Hernia : Hospital Cases, 129.
Hervey Islands, 745.
Hides exported, 295.
High Commissioners, Successive, 9.
High Schools, 174.
District, 181.
Technical, 173.
Hindu Immigrants, 46.
History, 4.
H.M.S. “ New Zealand,” 196.
H.M.S. “ Philomel,” 196.
Holdings, Occupied, 447.
Home Produce exported, 273.
Value affected by Prices, 299.
Home-science Bursaries, 171, 183.
Homes, Children's, 145.
Honey, 493.
“Honourable,” Holders of Title of, 23.
Honours held, 14.
Hops, 461.
Horses, 491.
Hosiery-factories, 572.
Hospitals, 116–134, 140–145.
Maternity, 144.
Mental, 146–151.
Private, 143.
Public, 116–134, 140.
St. Helens, 144.
House of Representatives, Members of, 7.
House-rent, 683, 689, 701.

I.

Illegitimate Births, 75.
Immigration, 40.
Assisted, 44.
Restriction, 45.
Imperial Government Purchases, 392, 714.
Imperial Trade Correspondents, 10.
Implement (Agricultural) Factories, 568.
Imports, 318–354.
According to Rate of Duty, 369.
By Classes, 327.
Free and Dutiable, 367.
Prohibited or restricted, 388.
Improvement of Land selected, 426.
Incomes, 731.
Income-tax, 658.
Payers, 660.
Increase in Public Debt, 667.
Increase of Population, 37.
Indebtedness of Local Bodies, 240.
Indebtedness, Public, 665–678.
Index Numbers, Cost of Living, 685–693.
Index Numbers of Export Values, 301, 304.
Index of Mortality, 95.
Industrial, 575–579.
Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration, 575.
Industrial Disputes dealt with, 575, 578.
Industrial Life Assurance, 627.
Industrial Manufacture, 535.
Industrial Schools, 166.
Industrial Unions registered, 576.
Industries, 535–574.
Infancy, Diseases of, 107, 132.
Infantile Mortality, 103.
Infant-life Protection, 62, 107, 167.
Infectious Diseases, Notification of, 117.
Infectious Diseases, Prevention of, 136.
Influenza: Hospital Cases, 122.
Inland Fisheries, 501.
Inmates of Gaols, 217.
Inmates of Hospitals, 119.
Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 146.
Inquests, 224.
Fire, 225.
Insanity, 146–151.
Inscribed Stock, 671.
Insolvency, 200.
Inspection of Machinery, 735.
Institute for the Blind, 168.
Instruction, Public, 154.
Insurance, 626–636.
Interest on Debt of Local Bodies, 242.
Interest on Public Debt, 672.
Inter-urban Telephones, 421.
Intestinal Obstruction: Hospital Cases, 129.
Investments on Totalizator, 225.
Tax on, 662.
Iron and Brass Foundries, 567.
Iron and Steel Industries Act, 514.
Ironsands and Ores, 513.
Islands, Adjacent, Population of, 59.
Islands, Outlying, 43–749.
Issue Born to Marriage, 73.
Issue of Bank-notes, 621.
Issue of Deceased Males, 100.
Under 14 Years of Age, 101.
Under 16 Years of Age, 102.
Under 21 Years of Age, 102.

J.

Jam-making Works, 559.
Joint-stock Companies, 725.
Journal, School, 156.
Jubilee Institute for the Blind, 168.
Judges, Supreme Court, entitled “ Honourable,” 24.
Judicial Separation, 203.
Juvenile Offenders, 209.

K.

Kauri-gum, 523.
Exported, 297.
Industry Account, 651.
Kermadec Islands, 743.

L.

Labour Department: Employment Branches, 580.
Lake Coleridge Works, 533.
Lakes, 3.
Lamb, Consumption and Export of, 481.
Land and Income Tax, 658–660.
Land Boards, 424.
Maori, 437.
Land Districts, 424.
Land Drainage Boards, Finances of, 235.
Land for Settlements, 431.
Account, 647.
Land, Government Valuation of, 244–253.
Land, Grass–sown, 465.
Land: Islands annexed in 1901, 748.
Land Laws Amendment Act, (1912), 430.
Land, Occupation and Ownership of, 447–454.
Land Offices, 424.
Land Purchase Commissioners, 431.
Land Settlement Finance Associations, 432.
Land tax, 658.
Land Tenure and Settlement, 424–454.
Land Transfer and Deeds Registration, 439–446.
Land, Valuation of, 244–260.
Law and Crime, 198–226.
Lease, Renewable, 427.
Legislation of 1916 Session, 768–775.
Legislation, War, 768.
Legislative Council, Members of, 6.
Legitimate–birth Rates, 69.
Legitimation Act, 76.
Letters posted, 418.
Liabilities of Banks, 619.
Libraries, School, 156.
Licensed Houses, 229.
Licenses and Local Option, 229–232
Licenses, Fishing–boat, 503.
Licenses, Publicans', 229.
Licensing Laws, 230.
Breaches of, 212, 230.
Life Assurance, 626.
State, 629.
Life, Expectation of, 91.
Light, Fuel and, Index Numbers, 703.
Lighthouses, 402.
Lime and Cement Works, 566.
Lincoln Agricultural College, 171
Liquor Trade, War Regulations affecting, 231.
Literature, Sale of, 390.
Liver, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 129.
Liverpool, Earl of, 4.
Live–stock, 466–493.
Prices, 709.
Living, Cost of, 684–694.
Loan Expenditure of Boroughs, 239.
Loans, Allocation of, 668.
Loans, Dates of Maturity of, 672.
Loans, Flotation of, 671.
Loans of Local Bodies, 241.
Local Bodies, 233–243.
Account, 646.
Advances to, 586.
Superannuation, 612.
Taxation by, 663.
Local Mills, Wool used at, 484.
Local Option, 229.
Local Taxation, 663.
Location of Industries, 536.
Lot System, Military Service Act, 190.
Lotteries, Gaming and, 225.
Lower Departments of Secondary Schools, 181.
Lunacy, 146–151.

M.

Machinery Inspection, 735.
Magellan's Discoveries, 745.
Magistrates' Courts—
Civil Cases, 198.
Criminal Cases, 205.
Mail–services, 418.
Main Groups of Imports, 321.
Maize, 460.
Male and Female Death–rates, 90.
Malformations: Hospital Cases, 132.
Malthouses, 560.
Manahiki Island, 745.
Mangaia Island, 744.
Manganese–ore, 515.
Mangolds, 461.
Mangrove Oysters, 499.
Manual Education, 155.
Manufactories and Works, 535–574.
Maori Councils, 436.
Maori Land Boards, 437.
Maori Lands 436.
Maoris, 60.
Births of, 78.
Law re Registration, 62.
Children attending Schools, 165.
Crime amongst, 216.
Deaths of, 116.
Half–castes, 60.
In Mental Hospitals, 149.
Marriages of, 87.
Population, 60.
Schools for, 165.
Wars with, 52, 596.
Marine Fish–hatchery, 499.
Mariners, Shipwrecked, Depots for, 406.
Mark Signatures of Persons married, 86.
Market–gardens, 462.
Marriages, 79–87.
Dissolution of, 201.
Maternity Allowances, 613.
Maternity Hospitals, 144.
Maturity of Loans, Dates of, 672.
Mauke Island, 745.
Measures affecting Trade, 375–395.
Meat—
Export of, 273, 295, 304, 308.
Fixed, 719.
Freezing and Preserving Works, 555.
Fixed, 719.
Requisition of, 392.
Fixed, 719.
Retail Prices, 682, 687, 700.
Fixed, 719.
Wholesale Prices, 712.
Medical Inspection of School–children, 154.
Medical Practitioners, Registration of, 137.
Medicine, School of, Dunedin, 145.
Members of House of Representatives, 7.
Members of Legislative Council, 6.
Memorabilia, 810.
Mental Defectives, 146.
Mental Hospitals, 146–151.
Mercantile Marine, Training of Boys for, 197.
Metal Mines, Accidents at, 527.
Meteorology, 33–35.
Methodist Church, 12.
Metropolitan and Suburban Areas—
Ages of Population, 766.
Population, 56, 766.
Midwives, Registration of, 145.
Migration, External, 39.
Military Forces, 186–197.
Military Pensions, 596.
Military Service Act, 187, 416.
Extension to Maoris, 193.
Reserve, 188.
Milk, Prices fixed, 719.
Milking–machines, 486.
Milk–testing, 487.
Mills, Wool used at, 484.
Minerals, Export of, 507.
Mines and Minerals, 507–530.
Mining, 507–530.
Produce exported, 273.
Mining Act, Board of Examiners under, 529.
Mining Advances, 528.
Account, 650.
Mining Districts Land Occupation Leases, 427.
Ministers of each Denomination, 87.
Marriages by, 86.
Minors, Marriages of, 85.
Mitiaro Island, 745.
Money–orders issued and paid, 420.
Money, Purchasing–power of, 690.
Morbidity, 117–134.
Mortality, Index of, 95.
Mortality, Infantile, 103.
Mortality Investigation, 91.
Mortgages, 442–446.
Mothers, Ages of, 73.
In Illegitimate Cases, 75.
Motive–power in Factories, 546.
Motor and Cycle Works, 569.
Movement of Specie and Bullion, 269.
Mules, 492.
Municipal Fish–markets, 502.
Mutton consumed and exported, 481.
Mutton, Export Prices of, 711.

N.

Nassau Island, 745.
National Efficiency Board, 736–742.
National Endowment Account, 650.
National Endowments, 426.
National Ministry, 5.
National Provident Fund, 612–616.
National Registration, 187, 416.
National Scholarships, 177.
Nationality of Vessels, 397.
Native Grasses, 465.
Native Land Act (1909), 437.
Marriages under Section 191 (1) (b), 87.
Native Land Court, 437.
Native Land Purchase Board, 438.
Native Lands, 436–438.
Native Land Settlement Account, 648.
Native Schools, 165.
Natural Increase of Population, 39, 65.
Naturalization, 47.
Naval Defence, 196.
Account, 646.
Nervous System, Diseases of, treated in Hospitals, 126.
Net Indebtedness, 665–667.
Newspapers—
Posted, 418.
Registered, 420.
New–Zealand–born—
Crime amongst, 208.
Drunkenness amongst, 213.
Prisoners, 222.
“New Zealand,” H.M.S., 196.
New Zealand Produce exported, 273.
New Zealand University, 182.
Nisi Decrees in Divorce, 201.
Niue, Island of, 745.
Trade of, 749.
Nomination for Reduced Passages, 44.
Note–issue of Banks, 621.
Tax on, 653.
Notification of Births, 62, 107.
Notification of Infectious Diseases, 117.
Nullity of Marriage, 201.
Nurseries, 462.
State, 496.
Nurses, Registration of, 145.

O.

Oats, 460.
Exported, 296, 460.
Obstruction, Intestinal: Hospital Cases, 129.
Occupation, Area of Land in, 456.
Occupation of Land, 447.
Occupation with Right of Purchase, 427.
Occupations—
Of Bankrupts, 201.
Of Deceased Males, 97.
Offences by Juveniles, 209.
Offences of Convicted Persons, 207.
Offences of Prisoners, 220.
Office, Colonial, 9.
Officers, Training of, 194.
Official Assignees, 200.
Official Section, 1–25.
Officiating Ministers, 87.
Oilskin–making Works, 570.
Old Age, Deaths from, in Hospitals, 132.
Old–age Pensions, 591–595.
Opening up Crown Lands for Settlement Account, 648.
Optional System of selecting Land, 426 Orchards, 462.
Organic Heart–disease: Hospital Cases, 128.
Ornamental Stones, 525.
Orphanages, 145.
Orphanhood, 100.
Ostriches, 493.
Otekaike Special School, 170.
Outlying Islands, 743–749.
Depots for Castaways on, 406.
Oversea Shipping, 397.
Overseas Forces, 187.
Ownership of Land, 453.
Oyster–picking, 499.

P.

Pacific Cable, 423.
Pacific Islands Annexed in 1901, 745.
Pahiatua By–election, 227.
Palmerston Island, 745.
Parapara Iron–ore Deposit, 513.
Parcel–post, 418.
Parents, Ages of, 73.
Parliament, Members of, 7.
Passages at Reduced Rates for Immigrants, 44.
Passengers, Railway, 408.
Passports, 42.
Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts, 427.
Pastoral Produce exported, 273.
Pastoral Runs, 425.
Pasture Grasses, 464.
Patents, Designs, and Trade–marks, 732.
Patients in Mental Hospitals, 146.
Patients in Public Hospitals, 119.
Peas and Beans, 461.
Export of, 296, 461.
Pelts, Export of, 296.
Penalties under Military Service Act, 193.
Penrhyn Island, 745.
Pensions, 591–604.
Military (Maori War), 596.
Old–age, 591–595.
War, 597–604
Widows', 595.
Permission to enter New Zealand, 43.
Permits and Passports, 41.
Petroleum, 522.
“Philomel,” H.M.S., 197.
Phormium Tenax, 462.
Fibre exported, 273, 298, 312, 462.
Phosphate Rock, 524.
Phthisis, 109, 122.
Miner's, 530.
Physical Instruction, 154.
Pickle making, 561.
Pig–iron Manufacture, 513.
Pigs, 492.
Plantations, 462.
State, 494.
Plumbers Registration Act, 140.
Plural Births, 72.
Ages of Parents, 73.
Pneumonia Cases in Hospitals, 128.
Police, 203.
Policies, Life–assurance, 627.
Pollard, Wholesale Prices, 714.
Population, 36–61.
Population and Vital Statistics of Cook Islands, 747.
Pork consumed, 492.
Portobello Marine Fish–hatchery, 499, Ports—
Exports, 314.
Imports, 325.
Shipping, 399–402.
Postal and Telegraphic, 414–423.
Postal Notes, 420.
Post Office Savings–bank, 622.
Postponement of Rent of Crown Tenants, 426.
Potatoes, 297, 461.
Pottery–works, 566.
Poultry–farming, 493.
Pounamu, 525.
Power in Factories, 546.
Power, Water, 531–534.
Preferential Tariff. 371.
Premature Births, 132.
Presbyterian Church, 12.
Preservation of Scenery Account, 646.
Previous Issue of Parents, 73.
Prices, 679–722.
Effect on Exports, 299, 311.
Of Fish, 502.
Of Stock, 677.
Primage Duty, 358.
Principal Countries of Import, 330.
Principal Exports, 288.
Principal Events, Dates of, 810.
Principal Imports, 337.
Printing and Bookbinding Establishments, 567.
Prisoners, 217–223.
New–Zealand–born, 221.
Tree–planting by, 223.
Prisons, 217–223.
Prisons Board, 223.
Private Hospitals, 143.
Private Savings–banks, 624.
Private Scholarships, 178.
Private Schools, 162.
Private Wealth, 730.
Probate, Estates passed for, 731.
Probation Act, First Offenders', 222.
Profits, Excess, Taxation on, 656.
Progress, Fifty Years', 750–760.
Prohibited Correspondence, 377.
Prohibited Exports, 382.
Prohibited Imports, 388.
Property and Plant of Factories, 543.
Prospecting Drills, 529.
Protection of Infant Life, 63, 107, 167.
Provident Fund, National, 612–616.
Provincial Districts—
Ages, 764.
Industries in, 536.
Population, 53, 764.
Public Debt, 665–678.
Extinction Fund, 676.
Public Finance, 637–678.
Public Health, 135–140.
Diplomas in, 135.
Public Hospitals—
Admissions and Discharges, 119.
Ages of Patients, 121.
Diseases treated in, 121.
Finances, 140.
Public Instruction, 154.
Public Property, 732.
Public Reserves, 426.
Public Service, 24.
Appeal Board, 25.
Classification, 24.
Examinations, 185.
Superannuation, 605.
Public Trust Office, 723.
Public Works Co-operative System, 579.
Public Works Fund, 643–645.
Publicans' Licenses, 229.
Publication of Shipping Intelligence, 391.
Puerperal Accidents and Diseases, 114, 131.
Pukapuka Island, 745.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 108, 122.
Punishments by Courts, 209, 212.
Pupils at Public Schools, 157.
Purchase of Estates by Government, 431.
Purchase of Native Lands, 438.
Purchase of Products by Imperial Government, 714.
Purchasing–power of Money, 690.

Q.

Quackery Prevention Act, 139.
Quarantine, 136.
Quartz–mining, 508.
Quinnat Salmon, 501.
Quotations, New Zealand Stock, 677.

R.

Rabbit–skins, Export of, 296.
Race Aliens, 45.
Race Meetings, 225.
Tax on Stakes and Investments, 663.
Radio–telegraph, 422.
Railways, 407–413.
Superannuation Fund, 611.
Rainfall, 26.
Rakaanga Island, 745.
Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account, 650.
Rarotonga Island, 744.
Rateable Value of Land, 244–253.
Rates collected by Local Bodies, 235.
Rebate of Rent to Crown Tenants, 426.
Reciprocity, 356.
With South Africa, 370.
Reduced Passages for Immigrants, 44.
Re-exports, 270, 298.
Reformative Detention, 222.
Registered Companies, Capital of, 542.
Registered Factories, 577.
Registered Vessels, 396.
Registrars, Marriages before, 86.
Registration—
National, 187.
Of Adopted Children, 63.
Of Aliens, 742.
Of Births, 62.
Of Deaths, 88.
Of Deeds, 439.
Of Dentists, 138.
Of Marriages, 79.
Of Medical Practitioners, 137.
Of Nurses and Midwives, 145.
Of Plumbers, 140.
Under Defence Act, 194.
Under Military Service Act, 188.
Under National Registration Act, 187.
Regulations, War, 231, 375–395.
Reinforcements, 187–193.
Relief Fund, Coal–miners', 529.
Religious Denominations, 11.
Marriages by Ministers of, 86.
Ministers on Marriage List, 87.
Renewable Leases, 427.
Rents, House-, 619, 683, 689.
Rents, Rebate of, for Crown Tenants, 426.
Representation, 227.
Requisitions for War Purposes—
Cheese, 393, 715.
Condensed Milk, 393.
Meat, 392, 715.
Scheelite, 394, 512, 715.
Skins and Hides, 394, 716.
Vessels, 391.
Wool, 394, 716.
Reserve, Expeditionary Force, 188.
Reserve Fund Account, 651.
Reserve Funds of Banks, 617.
Reserve, Military Service, 188.
Reserves administered by Land Boards, 426.
Residence of Crown Tenants, 426.
Respiratory Diseases: Cases in Hospitals, 129.
Restriction, Immigration, 45.
Restrictions on Trade, 375–395.
Retail Prices, 679–708.
Retail Price Movements, 695–703.
Retired Judges of Supreme Court, 24.
Revenue and Expenditure, 637–652.
Cook Islands, 748.
Revenue, Customs, 362.
Revenue, Public, 637–652.
Revenue, Railway, 409.
Rifle Association, 195.
Rifle Clubs, 194.
River Boards, Finances of, 235.
Rivers, 2.
Road Boards, Finances of, 235.
Roads, Expenditure on, 645.
Roads on Goldfields, Subsidized, 528.
Rock Oysters, 499.
Roll of M.L.C.s, 6.
Roll of M.P.s, 7.
Rolling–stock, 407.
Roman Catholic Church, 12.
Roman Catholic Schools, 162.
Root Crops, 461.
Rope and Twine Works, 574.
Runs, Pastoral, 425.
Runs, Small grazing, 425, 427.
Rural Telephones, 422.
Rye–grass, 464.

S.

Saddlery and Harness Works, 569.
Sail-, Tent-, and Oilskin–making Works, 570.
St. Helen's Hospitals, 144.
Sale of Food and Drugs, 139.
Sale of Liquor Restriction, 232.
Sale of Literature, 390.
Salmon, Acclimatization of, 501.
Salvation Army, 14.
Maternity Homes, 145.
Samoa (German), Exports to, 316.
Sanatoria, 123.
Sanitation, 135.
San Pablo Island, 745.
Sash and Door Factories, 562.
Sauce, Pickle, and Vinegar Making, 561.
Sausage–skins exported, 296.
Savage or Niue Island, 745.
Trade of, 749.
Savings–banks, 622–625.
Sawmills, 562.
Scaffolding Inspection Act, 578.
Scenery Preservation Account, 646.
Scheelite, 511.
Requisition for War Purposes, 394, 512, 715.
Scholarships, 177, 183.
School Journal, 156.
School Libraries and Class-books, 156. Schools, 152–186.
Of Mines, 170, 529.
Scoured Wool exported, 484. Seals, 501.
Second Division, Classification of, 192
Secondary Education, 174.
Free, 175.
Technical, 173.
Seeds, Grass and Clover, Exported, 297.
Selections of Land, 247.
Senility, Deaths from, 132.
Senior, Cadets, 194.
Sentences of Criminals, 209, 212.
Settlement Conditions, Selections under, 427.
Settlements, Land for, 431.
Account, 647.
Settlers, Advances to, 582.
Sexes—
Of Children born, 70.
Of Issue of Deceased Males, 100.
Of Public-school Children, 159.
Proportions, 51.
Sheep, 477.
Sheep–skins and Pelts exported, 296.
Ship–and Boat–building Industry, 570.
Shipping, 396–406.
Shipping Intelligence, Publication of, 391.
Ships, Requisition of, for Transports, 391.
Shipwrecked Mariners, Depots for, 406.
Shoe–factories, 572.
Shops and Offices Act, 578.
Shrinking Sovereign, the, 707.
Signatures, Mark, of Persons married, 86.
Silver, Production of, 511.
Sinking Funds, 674.
Skimming–stations, 490.
Skins–diseases treated in Hospitals, 132.
Skins and Hides, Requisition of, 394, 716.
Slaughter of Animals for Food—
Cattle, 489.
Pigs, 492.
Sheep and Lambs, 481.
Sleeping–accommodation at Mental Hospitals, 150.
Sliped Wool exported, 484.
Sly–grog Selling, 230.
Small Grazing–runs, 425, 427.
Smallpox Epidemic (1913), 137.
Soap and Candle Works, 561.
Soldiers, 187.
Acquisition of Land by, 434.
Soldiers (Discharged) Settlement, 433.
Account, 651.
South Africa, Reciprocity with, 370.
Sovereign, the Shrinking, 707.
Sown Grasses, Extent of, 465.
Special Schools, 166.
Special Trade, 270.
Specie, Movement of, 269.
Spirits, Consumption of, 215, 326.
Standardized Death–rates, 95.
State Advances, 582–587.
State Afforestation, 494.
State Aid—
To Dairy Industry, 486.
To Kauri–gum Industry, 524, 651.
To Local Authorities, 586.
To Mining, 528, 650.
To Settlers, 582.
To Tree–planting, 497.
To Water–power, 533.
To Workers, 585.
State Coal–mines, 520.
Account, 646.
State Fire Insurance, 634.
State Forests Account, 646.
State Instruction, 154.
State Insurance—
Accident, 633.
Fire, 634.
Life, 629.
State Schools, 158.
Statement of Balances, 652.
Statistical View of Fifty Years' Progress, 750–760.
Statistics of Fisheries, 504.
Still–births, 77.
Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts—
Civil Cases, 198.
Criminal Cases, 205.
Stock, Character of, 671.
Stock, Live-, 466–493.
Stock, Quotations for, 678.
Stomach, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 129.
Stones, Building and Ornamental, 525.
Strikes, 578.
Subdivision of Land, 430.
Subsidized Prospecting, 528.
Subsidized Roads on Goldfields, 528.
Suburban Areas—
Ages, 766.
Population, 56, 766.
Succession Duty, 661.
Sugar–boiling Works, 558.
Sugar imported and consumed, 326.
Sugar Prices fixed, 719.
Sugar: Index Numbers of Prices, 697.
Suicide, 115, 224.
Sulphur, 516.
Summary Convictions, 205.
Summary of Index Numbers, 706.
Summary of Legislation, 1916, 768–775.
Summary School for Deaf, 168.
Superannuation, 605–612.
Supplies for Imperial Government, 392.
Supplies of Forest Timber, 497.
Supreme Court—
Civil Cases, 198.
Criminal Cases, 210.
Judges entitled “Honourable,” 24.
Surtax, 358.
Preferential, 371.
Suwarrow Island, 745.
Swamp Land Drainage Account, 651.
Syphilis Cases in Hospitals, 124.

T.

Takutea Island, 745.
Tallow exported, 295.
Tangiwai, 525.
Tanning–works, 569.
Taranaki Ironsand, 514.
Tariff, Customs, 355–362.
Development, 355.
Preferential, 371.
Tax, Land and Income, 658–660.
Tax on Totalizator Investments, 663.
Taxation, 653–664.
Taxpayers, Number of, 660.
Teachers, Public–school, 159.
Superannuation Fund, 608.
Training of, 160.
Tea imported and consumed, 326.
Technical Education, 170.
Technical High Schools, 173.
Telegraphic and Postal, 414–423.
Telephones, 421.
Temperature, 32.
Tent–making Works, 570.
Tenure of Occupied Lands, 452.
Territorial Forces, 193.
Thermometer, Cost of Living, 691.
Three Food Groups, Retail Prices of, 688.
Timber—
Consumption of, 498.
Export of, 298.
Plantations, 494.
Supplies of, 497.
Tin, 515.
Tinware–factories, 566.
Tobacco–culture, 462.
Tobacco imported and consumed, 326.
Customs and Excise Revenue from, 364.
Tomato–culture, 463.
In Cook Islands, 749.
Tongareva Island, 745.
Tonnage of Vessels entered and cleared, 397.
Tonsils: Hospital Cases, 128.
Torrens System, 439.
Totalizator, 225.
Taxation, 662.
Total Taxation, 653.
Total Trade, 261–271.
Town Districts—
Finances of, 235.
Population of, 58.
Receipts from Government, 237.
Value of Land and Improvements, 259.
Trade, 261–395.
Board of, 717.
Commissioners, 9.
Cook Islands, 749.
Correspondents, Imperial, 10.
Trade–marks, 732.
Training of Defence Forces, 193.
Training of Officers, 194.
Train–miles run, 408.
Tramway Boards, Finances of, 235.
Tramways, Electric, 565.
Transfer, Land, 439–446.
Transit Trade, 270.
Treasury Bills Account, 646.
Treating prohibited, 231.
Tree–planting, 494.
By Farmers, 497.
By Prisoners, 223.
Trout, Acclimatization of, 501.
Tuberculosis, 109, 122, 806.
Tungsten, 511.
Turnips, 461.
Twine–works, 574.
Twins and Triplets born, 72.
Ages of Parents, 73.
Typhlitis Cases in Hospitals, 129.

U.

Undesirables on Licensed Premises, 231.
Undeveloped Water–power, 534.
Unimproved Value of Land, 244–253.
Rating on, 236.
Unions registered, 576.
United Kingdom Trade Restrictions, 391.
University of New Zealand, 182.
Scholarships and Bursaries, 183.
Urewera Reserve, 438.
Urinary System, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 130.

V.

Vaccination, 136.
Valuation of Land, 244–253.
Value of Exports affected by Prices, 301.
Value of Output of Factories, 547.
Venereal Diseases, Hospital Cases, 124.
Vessels entered and cleared, 398.
Nationality of, 397.
Vessels registered, 396.
Vessels, Requisition of, 391.
Vinegar–making, 561.
Vineyards, 464.
Violence, Deaths from, 115.
Hospital Cases, 133.
Vital Statistics, 62–134.
Voluntary Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 148.

W.

Wages, 720–722.
Wages paid to Factory Employees, 545.
Waipori Power–supply, 532.
Wakari Private Mental Hospital, 150.
War, 187.
Contraband of, 379.
Expenses Account, 648.
Honours, 14.
Increases in Food–prices, 694.
Legislation, 768.
Loans, 415.
Measures affecting Trade, 375–395.
Pensions, 597–604.
Regulations, 375–395.
Taxation, 654–657.
Washed Wool exported, 483.
Water–power, 531–534.
Waterproof Factories, 571.
Water–races, 528.
Water–supply Boards, Finances of, 235.
Wealth, Private, 730.
Weather, 26.
Weekly Budgets, 708.
Weekly Rents, 688, 702.
Wellington Fish–market, 503.
Whaling, 500.
Wheat, 458.
Export of, 296.
Prices, 714, 717.
Whitefish–ova imported, 502.
White Island Sulphur, 516.
Wholesale Prices, 709–722.
Widows left by Married Men, 102.
Widows' Pensions, 595.
Wind, 33.
Wine, Consumption of, 215, 326.
Wireless Telegraphy, 422.
Women, Deaths of, in Childbirth, 114.
Women on Licensed Premises, 231.
Women's Branch, Labour Department, 581.
Wool, 483.
Exported, 273, 295, 304, 308, 483.
Requisition of, 394, 716.
Used at Local Mills, 484.
Woollen–mills, 571.
Wool used at, 484.
Wool–scouring Works, 569.
Workers, Advances to, 585.
Workers' Compensation Act, 579.
Workers' Dwellings, 588.
Account, 650.
Workers' Educational Association, 185.
World's Coal–production, 522.
World's Gold–production, 511.
World's Sheep–flocks, 483.
World's Wheat–crop, 459.
Wounded Soldiers, Land for, 433.

Y.

Yields of Crops, 457.
By Authority: MARCUS F. MARKS, Government Printer, Wellington.