THE NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEAR-BOOK, 1918.


Table of Contents

PREFACE.

THE publication of this, the twenty-seventh number of the Yearbook, has been considerably delayed, largely on account of the late session of Parliament in 1918 and the consequent delay in the release of a considerable amount of information usually included in the book.

The present issue is compiled along the lines followed in recent past numbers. Where possible in the time available, various sections have been extended and remodelled as appeared necessary.

The statistical information given in the following pages has generally been brought up to the end of the year 1917 or the financial year 1917–18, and, with a few exceptions, presents the latest available annual figures. With some slight alterations in form the usual diagrams have been included in the book.

More recent information (for monthly or quarterly periods) than is given in the Year-book will be found in summarized form in the “Monthly Abstract of Statistics” issued from this Office. Detailed annual statistics are published in the “Statistics of New Zealand” (four volumes). The detailed tables for the Census of 1916 are published separately in parts, of which ten have been issued to date.

                                                                                                                   MALCOLM FRASER,
                                                                                                                                  Government Statistician.

Census and Statistics Office,
                 Wellington, 27th March, 1919.

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 Kermadec 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 Palæozoic 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 Palæozoic age.

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 Maunganui-te-ao)140
 Waitotara50
 Patea65
 Flowing into Tasman Sea—
 Waitara (tributary: Maunga-nui)65
 Mokau75
 Waikato (tributary: Waipa)220
 Wairoa95
 Hokianga40
SOUTH ISLAND.
 Miles.
Flowing into Cook Strait— 
 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—
 Mataura120
 Oreti105
 Aparima65
 Waiau (tributaries: Mararoa, Clinton, and Monowai)115
Flowing into the Tasman Sea—
 Cleddau and Arthur20
 Hollyford50
 Cascade40
 Arawata45
 Haast (tributary: Lands-borough)60
 Karangarua30
 Fox25
 Waiho20
 Wataroa35
 Wanganui35
 Waitaha25
 Hokitika (tributary: Kokatabi)40
 Arahura35
 Taramakau (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 ½63215842091584
Rotoiti10 ¾2 ¼1426500913230
Tarawera6 ½6 ½1575..     1,032285
Waikaremoana126 ½211287722,015846
Wairarapa104271,250..     ..     ..     
  South Island.
Rotoiti522 ¾86..     1,997228
Rotoroa72 ½8146..     1,470..     
Brunner5416145..     280357
Kanieri51 ¾811..     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 ½1 ⅛3 ¼2,200..     (Tidal)..     
Ellesmere1610107 ½745..     (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, 1918.

The designation of “ Governor,” formerly borne by His Majesty's Representative in New Zealand, was altered in 1917 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 Dav. Esq.

Aides-de-Camp: Captain J. Gage Williams, 19th Hussars; Honorary Lieutenant H. G. Helmore; Lieutenant H. G. de F. Garland, M.C., Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry; Lieutenant E. W. J. Millton, 13th North Canterbury and Westland Regiment.

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

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

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 1918.

The Executive Council now consists of:—

His Excellency the GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

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

Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., P.O., K.C.M.G., Minister of Finance, Post-master-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. Sir W. Eraser, Kt. Bach., Minister of Public Works and Minister in Charge of Roads Department.

Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, Minister in Charge of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, Mental Hospitals, Printing and Stationery, High Commissioner's, Audit, Museum, Registrar-General's, Census and Statistics, 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., Attorney-General, 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 Education and Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies.

Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister of Justice, Minister of Marine, and Minister of Stamp Duties.

Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, Minister in Charge of Land for Settlements and Scenery Preservation.

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., J.P.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND (30TH JUNE, 1918).

Speaker— (Vacant).

Chairman of Committees—Hon. W. &c. F. CARNCROSS.
Name.Provincial District.Date of Appointment.
* Life member.
Aitken, Hon. John Guthrie WoodWellington14 July, 1914.
Alison, Hon. Ewen WilliamAuckland7 May, 1918.
Baillie, Hon. William Douglas HallMarlborough8 March, 1861.*
Barr, Hon. JohnCanterbury22 January, 1914.
Bell, Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon, K.C.M.G., K.C.Wellington10 July, 1912.
Buchanan, Hon. Sir Walter, Kt. Bach.Wellington23 June, 1915.
Carncross, Hon. Walter Charles FrederickTaranaki17 March, 1917.
Carson, Hon. GilbertWellington14 July, 1914.
Collins, Colonel Hon. William Edward. C.M.G.Wellington14 July, 1914.
Earnshaw, Hon. WilliamWellington26 June, 1913.
Fisher, Hon. JohnAuckland14 July, 1914.
Fleming, Hon. David ThomasOtago7 May, 1918.
Fraser, Hon. Alfred Levavasour DurellHawke's Bay7 May, 1918.
Garland, Hon. George JosephAuckland7 May, 1918.
Geddis, Hon. William JohnWellington7 May, 1918.
Gow, Hon. James BurmanAuckland7 May, 1918.
Grimmond, Hon. JosephWestland7 May, 1918.
Hall-Jones, Hon. Sir William, K.C.M.G.Wellington7 October, 1913.
Hardy, Hon. Charles Albert CreeryCanterbury26 June, 1913.
Harris, Major Hon. BenjaminAuckland15 February, 1918.
Hawke, Hon. Archibald FotheringhamOtago7 May, 1918.
Izard, Hon. Charles HaywardWellington7 May, 1918.
Jones, Hon. GeorgeOtago7 May, 1918.
Louisson, Hon. CharlesCanterbury7 May, 1918.
MacGibbon, Hon. ThomasOtago14 July, 1914.
MacGregor, Hon. JohnOtago14 July, 1914.
Michel, Hon. Henry LeslieWestland7 May, 1918.
Moore, Hon. RichardCanterbury14 July, 1914.
Patuki, Hon. John TopiOtago7 May, 1918.
Paul, Hon. John ThomasOtago22 January, 1914.
Samuel, Hon. OliverTaranaki14 July, 1914.
Simpson, Hon. Robert KirkpatrickWellington14 July, 1914.
Sinclair, Hon. Sir John Robert, Kt. Bach.Otago7 May, 1918.
Stewart, Hon. WilliamAuckland7 May, 1918.
Te Heuheu Tukino, Hon.Wellington7 May, 1918.
Thomson, Hon. George MalcolmOtago7 May, 1918.
Triggs, Hon. William HenryCanterbury7 May, 1918.
Wigram, Hon. Henry FrancisCanterbury7 May, 1918.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (30TH JUNE, 1918) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

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

Chairman of Committees—ALEXANDER SCOTT MALCOLM.
Name.Electoral District.Date of Election.
For European Electorates.
Allen, Hon. Sir James, K.C.B.Bruce10 December, 1914.
Anderson, George JamesMataura10 December, 1914.
Anstey, JohnWaitaki10 December, 1914.
Bollard, Richard FrancisRaglan10 December, 1914.
Brown, John VigorNapier10 December, 1914.
Buddo, Hon. DavidKaiapoi10 December, 1914.
Buick, DavidPalmerston10 December, 1914.
Carroll, Hon. Sir James, K.C.M.G.Gisborne10 December, 1914.
Coates, Joseph GordonKaipara10 December, 1914.
Colvin, JamesBuller10 December, 1914.
Craigie, JamesTimaru10 December, 1914.
Dickie, William JamesSelwyn10 December, 1914.
Dickson, James McCollChalmers10 December, 1914.
Dickson, James SamuelParnell10 December, 1914.
Ell, Henry GeorgeChristchurch South10 December, 1914.
Field, Thomas Andrew HemmingNelson10 December, 1914.
Field, William HughesOtaki10 December, 1914.
Findlay, Hon. Sir John George, K.C.M.G.Hawke's Bay8 March, 1917.
Fletcher, RobertWellington Central10 December, 1914.
Forbes, George WilliamHurunui10 December, 1914.
Fraser, Hon. Sir William, Kt. BachWakatipu10 December, 1914.
Glover, Albert EdwardAuckland Central10 December, 1914.
Guthrie, Hon. David HenryOroua10 December, 1914.
Hanan, Hon. Josiah AlfredInvercargill10 December, 1914.
Harris, AlexanderWaitemata10 December, 1914.
Herries, Hon. William HerbertTauranga10 December, 1914.
Hindmarsh, Alfred HumphreyWellington South10 December, 1914.
Hine, John BirdStratford10 December, 1914.
Holland, Henry EdmundGrey29 May, 1918.
Hornsby, John Thomas MarryatWairarapa10 December, 1914.
Hudson, Richard PhineasMotueka10 December, 1914.
Hunter, GeorgeWaipawa10 December, 1914.
Isitt, Leonard MonkChristchurch North10 December, 1914.
Jennings, William ThomasTaumarunui15 June, 1915.
Lang, Hon. Sir Frederic William, Kt. Bach.Manukau10 December, 1914.
Lee, Ernest PageOamaru10 December, 1914.
Luke, John Pearce, C.M.G.Wellington North28 February, 1918.
McCallum, RichardWairau10 December, 1914.
McCombs, JamesLyttelton10 December, 1914.
MacDonald, Hon. William Donald StuartBay of Plenty10 December, 1914.
Malcolm, Alexander ScottClutha10 December, 1914.
Mander, FrancisMarsden10 December, 1914.
Massey, Right Hon. William Ferguson, P.C.Franklin10 December, 1914.
Myers, Hon. Arthur MielzinerAuckland East10 December, 1914.
Newman, Alfred KingcomeWellington East10 December, 1914.
Newman, EdwardRangitikei10 December, 1914.
Nosworthy, WilliamAshburton10 December, 1914.
Okey, Henry James HobbsTaranaki10 December, 1914.
Parr, Christopher James, C.M.G.Eden10 December, 1914.
Payne, JohnGrey Lynn10 December, 1914.
Pearce, George VaterPatea10 December, 1914.
Poland, HughOhinemuri10 December, 1914.
Poole, Charles HenryAuckland West10 December, 1914.
Reed, Vernon HerbertBay of Islands10 December, 1914.
Rhodes, Hon. Robert HeatonEllesmere10 December, 1914.
Rhodes, Thomas WilliamThames10 December, 1914.
Russell, Hon. George WarrenAvon10 December, 1914.
Scott, RobertOtago Central10 December, 1914.
Seddon, Thomas Edward YoudWestland10 December, 1914.
Sidey, Thomas KayDunedin South10 December, 1914.
Smith, George HaroldPahiatua17 August, 1916.
Smith, Robert WilliamWaimarino10 December, 1914.
Statham, Charles ErnestDunedin Central3 February, 1915.
Stewart, William DownieDunedin West10 December, 1914.
Sykes, George RobertMasterton10 December, 1914.
Talbot, Charles JohnTemuka10 December, 1914.
Thacker, Henry Thomas JoyntChristchurch East10 December, 1914.
Thomson, John CharlesWallace10 December, 1914.
Veitch, William AndrewWanganui10 December, 1914.
Walker, AndrewDunedin North10 December, 1914.
Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, Bart., P.O., K.C.M.G.Awarua10 December, 1914.
Wilford, Hon. Thomas MasonHutt10 December, 1914.
Wilkinson, Charles AndersonEgmont10 December, 1914.
Witty, GeorgeRiccarton10 December, 1914.
Wright, Robert AlexanderWellington Suburbs and Country District10 December, 1914.
Young, James AlexanderWaikato10 December, 1914.
  For Maori Electorates.
Tau HenareNorthern Maori11 December, 1914.
Ngata, Hon. Apirana TurupaEastern Maori11 December, 1914.
Pomare, Hon. MauiWestern Maori11 December, 1914.
Uru, John Hopere WharewitiSouthern Maori21 February, 1918.
* Returned unopposed. Writs returnable 17th April, 1917.

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, 1908, 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.) Offices: Strand, London, W.C.

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 Royal Exchange, Sydney (telegraphic address, “ Combritto”). Canada and Newfoundland—C. Hamilton Wickes, 363 Beaver Hall, 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, 1918.

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

Belgium.—Consul (with jurisdiction over New Zealand): I. Watteeuw, M.M.F., Sydney. Consul-General (with jurisdiction over the Provincial Districts of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington): (Vacant). 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. Vice-Consul: Cyril R. J. Ward, Christchurch.

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 Consul: J. A. Roberts, Dunedin.

China.—Consul: Lin Shih Yuan, 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: Robert Millar, Auckland (acting): 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 Emillo Eles, Melbourne. Consular Agents: Joseph Wallace, Christchurch; Leonard 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): (Vacant). 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: Finn Koren, Melbourne. Consul: Alex. W. Newton, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Sigurd Bentzon, Melbourne; Robert Millar, Auckland; George Jameson, Christchurch; Mathias Ericksen 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.

Spain—Consul-in-Chief (with jurisdiction over Australia and New Zealand): Senor Don Jaime Montero y de Madrazo, Melbourne.

Sweden.—Acting-Consul: Walter Isaac Nathan, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Albert Kaye, Christchurch; Charles I. Nathan, Auckland.

Switzerland.—Honorary Consul: Walter John Pugh, 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, M.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 247 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 42,167, and the total revenue £162,086. The General Assembly is the supreme court, the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, Wellington, being the present Moderator; the Rev. W. Gray Dixon, M.A., 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, Christ-church, and Dunedin. The denominational organ is The Outlook, Mr. A. H. Grinling, Dunedin, being editor. The next meeting of General Assembly is appointed for 19th November, 1918, in St. Paul's Church, Christchurch.

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 1918 are as follows: President of the Conference, Rev. T. A. Joughin, Timaru; Vice-President, Mr. Edwin Dixon, Hawera; Secretary, Rev. E. Drake, Wellington; President-elect for 1919, Rev. H. E. Bellhouse, Auckland; Connexional Secretary, Rev. Samuel Lawry, Christchurch; Secretary for Foreign Missions, Rev. G. T. Marshall, Morningside, Auckland; Secretary for Home Missions, Rev. T. G. Brook, 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 Christchurch, opening during the last week in February, 1919.

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 annual income 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 1918: Rev. Alfred Hodge, Napier; Secretary, Rev. Archibald E. Hunt, Wellington; Treasurer, Mr. Frank Meadowcroft, Wellington; Registrar, Rev. A. H. Wallace, Dunedin; headquarters and seat of executive, Wellington. In 1919 the meeting of the Council will be held in Auckland. 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 were as follows: Churches, 50; membership, 3,360; 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, 497 Madras Street, 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), Staff Captain D. A. Gunn (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; Workmen's Homes at Auckland and Wellington; and Inebriates' Homes at Pakatoa and Rotoroa.

LIST OF HONOURS HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE DOMINION.

Baronet.

Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, P.C., K.C.M.G., 1911.

Privy Councillors (P.G.).

Massey, Right Hon. William Ferguson, 1913.

Ward, Right Hon. Sir Joseph George, Bart., K.C.M.G., 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.

Russell, Major-General Sir Andrew Hamilton, K.C.M.G., 1917.

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

Begg, Colonel &c. M., C.M.G., 1917.

Chaytor, Brigadier-General Sir E. W. C., K.C.M.G., 1900.

Cradock, Lieut.-Colonel M., C.M.G., 1900.

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

Henderson, Surgeon-General R. S. F., 1917.

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.

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

Bell, Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon, 1915.

Carroll, Hon. Sir James, 1911.

Chaytor, Brigadier-General Sir E. W. C., C.B., 1918.

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., K.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.).

Acland, Lieut.-Colonel H. T. D., 1917.

Adams, Colonel N. P., 1917.

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

Barnett, Lieut.-Colonel L. E., 1918.

Begg, Colonel &c. M., C.B., 1918.

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

Charters, Lieut.-Colonel A. B., D.S.O., 1916.

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

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

Dawson, Major T. H., 1917.

Esson, Colonel J. J., 1916.

Falla, Lieut.-Colonel N. S., D.S.O., 1917.

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

Ferguson, Dr. Henry Lindo, 1918.

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

Fitzherbert, Lieut.-Colonel N., 1917.

Francis, Major N., 1918.

Gibbon, Colonel &c. M., 1917.

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

Hall, Lieut.-Colonel G. T., 1917.

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.

Macdonald, Colonel Clarence R., 1918.

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

Meldrum, Brigadier-General W., D.S.O., 1916.

Mill, Lieut.-Colonel T., M.B., 1917.

Myers, Lieut.-Colonel B., M.D., 1917.

Otterson, Henry, 1913.

Parkes, Colonel W. H., M.D., 1916.

Plugge, Lieut.-Colonel A., 1915.

Potter, Colonel H. R., C.B., 1917.

Powles, Lieut.-Colonel &c. G., D.S.O., 1918.

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

Richardson, Josephus H., 1918.

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., D.S.O., 1916.

Wyllie, Lieut.-Colonel D. S., 1917.

Young, Lieut.-Colonel R., D.S.O., 1916.

Knights Bachelor (Kt. Bach.).

Buchanan, Hon. Sir Walter, 1912.

Denniston, Hon. Sir John Edward, 1917.

Fraser, Hon. Sir William, 1918.

Johnston, Hon. Sir Charles John, 1918.

Kennaway, Sir Walter, 1909.

Lang, Hon. Sir Frederic William, 1916.

Prendergast, Hon. Sir James, 1881.

Salmond, Sir John W., 1918.

Sinclair, Hon. Sir John Robert, 1918.

Wilson, Sir James G., 1915.

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

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

Allen, Lieut.-Colonel R. C., 1917.

Allen, Lieut.-Colonel S. S., 1917.

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

Avery, Major H. E., 1916.

Bartlett, Major E., 1902.

Beck, Captain W. T., 1915.

Blair, Lieut.-Colonel D. B., M.C., 1917.

Buck, Major P. H., 1917.

Burgess, Major W. L. H.

Cameron, Major F., M.B., 1917.

Charters, Lieut.-Colonel A. B., C.M.G., 1917.

Cockerell, 2nd Lieutenant A. R., 1917.

Colquhoun, Lieut.-Colonel D., 1917.

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

Daltry, Major H. J., 1917.

Digby-Smith, Major A., 1917.

Duigan, Major J. E., 1917.

Edwards, Major H. M., 1917.

Ennis, Major W. O., 1917.

Evans, Major &c. H. D., 1917.

Falla, Lieut.-Colonel N. S., C.M.G., 1916.

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

Finn, Major B. S., 1915.

Gard'ner, Lieut.-Colonel H. C., 1917.

Gibbs, Major D. J., 1917.

Glendining, Lieut.-Colonel H. C., 1917.

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

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

Hardie, Major R. D., 1917.

Hart, Brigadier-General H., 1915.

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

Hickey, Major D. A., 1902.

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

Hulbert, Major E. J., 1917.

Hurst, Major H. C., 1916.

Hutton, Lieut.-Colonel G. F., 1916.

Johnston, Brigadier-General G. N., 1916.

Lampen, Major F. H., 1916.

MacCormick, Major K., 1917.

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

McCarroll, Lieut.-Colonel J. N., 1917.

McCrae, Major J., 1917.

McGavin, Colonel D. J., 1917.

McGilp, Major C., 1916.

McKenzie, Major A. G., 1916.

Major, Colonel F. B., 1900.

Meldrum, Brigadier-General W., C.M.G., 1916.

Melvill, Brigadier-General &c. W., 1916.

Mitchell, Lieut.-Colonel G., 1917.

Murchison, Major D. S., 1917.

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

Newman, Major &c. N., 1917.

Newton, Lieut.-Colonel &c. T. H., M.D., 1917.

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

Polson, Major D., 1900.

Pow, Lieut.-Colonel J., 1916.

Powles, Lieut.-Colonel &c. G., C.M.G., 1916.

Puttick, Major E., 1917.

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

Richardson, Major H. M. W., M.C., 1917.

Richmond, Major J. M., M.C., 1917.

Row, Lieut.-Colonel R. A., 1917.

Saunders, Major J. L., 1917.

Saxby, Lieut.-Colonel &c. G., 1916.

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

Smythe, Major R. B., 1016.

Somerville, Major J. A., 1917.

Stafford, Major J., 1917.

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

Starnes, Major F., 1916.

Stevenson, Captain R., 1902.

Stewart, Colonel A. E., 1916.

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

Stitt, Major A. D., M.C., 1917.

Stout, Major T. D. M, 1917.

Studholme, Major J., 1916.

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

Symon, Lieut.-Colonel F., C.M.G., 1917.

Temperley, Major A. C., 1917.

Thorns, Major N. W. B. B., M.C., 1917.

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

Turnbull, Major W. McG., 1915.

Vickerman, Captain H., 1917.

Waite, Major F., 1915.

Walker, Captain G. H., 1901.

Weston, Lieut.-Colonel &c. H., 1917.

Whyte, Lieut.-Colonel J. H., 1915.

Wickens, Major R. C., 1917.

Wyman, Major R., 1916.

Young, Brigadier-General R., C.M.G., 1915.

Bar to Distinguished Service Order.

McCarroll, Lieut.-Colonel J. N., 1918.

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

Whyte, Lieut.-Colonel J. H., 1917.

Companions, 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.

Holmes, Robert W., 1918.

Kensington, W. C., 1909.

Mackenzie, James, 1915.

Morris, W. R., 1917.

Robertson, Donald, 1912.

Ronayne, Thomas, 1914.

Strauchon, John, 1912.

Tregear, Edward, 1911.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

DAMES GRAND CROSS (G.B.E.).

Liverpool, Her Excellency the Countess of.

COMMANDERS (C.B.E.).

Luke, Mrs. Jacobina.

Massey, Mrs. Christina Allen.

Nolan, Robert H.

Smith, Colonel Hon. G. J.

Tate, Colonel R. W.

Ward, Lady Theresa Dorothea.

Wilson, Mrs. A. E.

OFFICERS (O.B.E.).

Boyle, Mrs. Fanny.

Carroll, Lady Heni Materoa.

Clark, James John.

Coates, Miss Lavinia.

Duthie, David Whamond.

Gunson, Mrs. Jessie.

Gunson, James Henry.

Holland, Mrs. Jane.

Holland, Henry.

Lowry, Mrs. Helen.

MacDonald, Rev. Angus (Chaplain, 4th Class).

McKibbon, Major T.

McPherson, Captain J.

Pomare, Mrs. Miria Woodbine.

Rhodes, Arthur Edgar Gravenor.

Roberts, Lieut.-Colonel A. F.

Rutherford, Mrs. Eva Lydia.

Stewart, Miss Mary Downie.

Watson, Major J. T.

Wigram, Mrs. Agnes Vernon.

Williams, Miss Hilda.

MEMBERS (M.B.E.).

Bell, Miss V. C.

Bissland, Mrs. Emma.

Burgess, Mrs. Ann.

Burt, Miss Jean.

Coradine, Mrs. Sarah Ann.

Crawford, Mrs. Harriette Sophia.

Donaldson, George Lester.

Ellis, John William.

Fenton, Miss Edith.

Forrester, Mrs. Elizabeth.

Gibbons, Hope.

Goodchild, Mrs. A. V.

Guinness, Mrs. Florence.

Harding, Mrs. Margaret.

Hawke, Mrs. Leah Lucy.

Herbert, Miss A. M.

Jack, Douglas William.

Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Mary Hawkins.

Larner, Victor John.

Leaver, Mrs. Kate Rose.

Levinge, Dr. Edward George.

Manning, Arthur Edward,

McLean, Miss Isobel.

Moorhouse, Colonel William H. S.

Nash, Mrs. Elizabeth Lily.

Ngata, Mrs. Arihia Kane.

Pearce, Miss A. I.

Perry, George Albert.

Robertson, Herbert James Duncan.

Rolleston, Mrs. Iris Brenda.

Sherratt, Mrs. Alice Georgina.

Simpson, Mrs. Jean.

Snodgrass, William Wallace.

Spedding, Miss Bella.

Stead, William.

Stewart, Mrs. E. W.

Stuckey, Miss E. E.

Thompson, Maurice.

Thomson, Miss Patricia Clay.

Treleaven, Charles John.

Varney, Arthur.

Watson, Miss I. C.

Webster, Miss Georgina.

Victoria Cross (V.C.).

Andrew, Sergeant L. W., 1917.

Bassett, 2nd Lieutenant &c. R. G., 1915.

Frickleton, Sergeant D. F., 1917.

Hardham, Captain W. J., 1901.

Nicholas, Private H. J., 1918.

New Zealand Cross.

Biddle, Benjamin, 1869.

Hill, George, 1869.

Lingard, William, 1869.

Mace, Francis Joseph, 1869.

Mair, Gilbert, 1870.

Northcroft, Henry William, 1910.*

* For service rendered in 1866.

Preece, George Augustus, 1869.

Roberts, John Mackintosh, 1869.

Wrigg, Harry Charles William, 1898.

For service rendered in 1867.

Military Cross (M.C.), the War of 1914–18.

Abbott, Captain W. N.

Abernethy, 2nd Lieutenant R. C.

Acland, Major L. G. D.

Addison, Captain A. S.

Aitken, Major W.

Aitken, 2nd Lieutenant W. P.

Anderson, Captain F. H.

Andrews, Lieutenant R. E.

Annabell, Captain N.

Armstrong, Captain D. C.

Ashby, Lieutenant P. C.

Avey, Captain G. A.

Barrowclough, Captain H. E.

Barton, Captain J. M.

Bassett, 2nd Lieutenant L. W.

Baxter, Lieutenant R. H.

Beasley, 2nd Lieutenant S. C.

Beetham, Lieutenant R. F.

Bennett, 2nd Lieutenant R. E.

Bibby, 2nd Lieutenant R. E.

Bishop, Captain W. G. A.

Black, Lieutenant R. J.

Blackett, Major G. R.

Blair, Lieut.-Colonel D. B., D.S.O.

Bongard, 2nd Lieutenant A.

Bongard, 2nd Lieutenant J. R.

Borrie, Captain W. G.

Boswell, 2nd Lieutenant C.

Boyd, Captain J. R.

Brathwaite, 2nd Lieutenant J. L.

Bremner, Captain D. E.

Brewster, Captain R. C.

Bridgeman, 2nd Lieutenant G.

Bristol, Lieutenant I. A.

Brooker, Captain S. W. B.

Brown, Lieutenant T.

Bruce, Captain D.

Butler, 2nd Lieutenant Hon. R. T. R. P.

Carmichael, Lieutenant L. S.

Catchpole, 2nd Lieutenant J. H.

Chaytor, Captain L. C.

Chilcott, Captain &c. W.

Clark, Rev. H. (Chaplain, 4th Class).

Closey, Captain S. J. E.

Collyns, Lieutenant G. S.

Connor, Captain J.

Cornwall, 2nd Lieutenant P. C.

Craven, Lieutenant L. A.

Crawford, Captain J. G.

Dailey, Major G. C.

Dallinger, Lieutenant J. T.

Dansey, Captain H. D.

Davidson, Major &c. J. H.

Dean, Captain A. G.

Devereaux, Major G. do B.

Dittmer, Captain G.

Dixon, 2nd Lieutenant L. M.

Dobson, Major D.

Dore, Rev. P. (Chaplain, 4th Class).

Dove, Captain W. W.

Duigan, Lieutenant D. F.

Dunn, Captain R. W.

Earl, Lieutenant F. J. R.

Eastwood, Major T. R.

Ellis, Captain P. J.

Esquilant, 2nd Lieutenant A. E.

Evans, Captain J.

Falconer, Captain A. S.

Farquhar, 2nd Lieutenant A.

Farr, Major T.

Fawcett, Captain E. J.

Flanagan, 2nd Lieutenant J.

Foley, Lieutenant W. B.

Free, Captain &c. W.

Freed, Lieutenant E. V.

Galloway, Lieutenant M. S.

Gardner, Lieutenant J. E. L.

Garland, Lieutenant H. G. de F.

Geddes, Lieutenant W. McK.

Gillespie, Lieutenant. &c. T

Gillies, Lieutenant T. S.

Glasse, 2nd Lieutenant A. O.

Goldstein, Captain H. M,

Gordon, Captain K. F.

Goulding, 2nd Lieutenant F.

Gow, 2nd Lieutenant G. V.

Gray, 2nd Lieutenant &c. A.

Gray, Captain G. H.

Gray, 2nd Lieutenant R. N.

Gray, Lieutenant W. A.

Gray, Captain W. P.

Greene, A. (Chaplain, 3rd Class), (Salvation Army).

Greenish, Captain P. E.

Guthrie, Major R. N.

Guthrie, Lieutenant S. G.

Halliwell, 2nd Lieutenant R. S.

Harding, Major E. A.

Hargest, Major J.

Harper, Captain R. P., D.C.M.

Harrison, Lieutenant C.

Harrison, 2nd Lieutenant W. G.

Henderson, Major P. B.

Hines, Lieutenant J. H.

Hiroti, Captain Turn.

Holland, Captain G. H.

Holmes, 2nd Lieutenant &c. H.

Houchen, Rey. &c. (Chaplain, 4th Class).

Hume, Captain G. H.

Hunter, Lieutenant A. &c. C.

Inglis, Captain L. M.

Ingram, Lieutenant C.

Jardine, Lieut.-Colonel L. H.

Jeffery, Captain J. G.

Johns, Captain F. N.

Johnson, Major W. H.

Johnston, Lieutenant H.

Johnstone, Lieutenant A. B.

Jones, Major M. H. R.

Keesing, Lieutenant H. M.

Kellaway, Lieutenant G. T.

Kemp, Captain F. W.

Kennedy, Lieutenant D.

Kettle, Major D.

King, Lieutenant T. L. R.

Knight, Captain &c. L.

Knox, Company Sergeant-major (W.O.) R. J.

Lang, Captain W. R.

Leaf, Captain H.

Leeming, Major &c. V.

Levien, Lieutenant E.

Lewer, 2nd Lieutenant E. E.

Little, 2nd Lieutenant N. F.

Lumsden, Captain F. W.

Lyon, Lieutenant G.

McAdam, 2nd Lieutenant H. M.

McAuley, 2nd Lieutenant D.

McClure, 2nd Lieutenant &c. B.

McDonald, Lieutenant S. G.

McDowell, Captain A. L.

McGhie, Captain J.

McGregor, Lieutenant E. J.

McHugh, Captain H. D.

McIsaac, Lieutenant A. R.

McKenzie, 2nd Lieutenant &c. R.

McKenzie, 2nd Lieutenant F. E.

McKenzie, Captain H. C.

McKinnon, Captain H. E.

Macky, Lieutenant N. L.

McLean, Lieutenant J. C.

McLean, Rev. W. (Chaplain, 4th Class).

McLean, Captain W. H.

McLeod, Captain B.

McNeill, Captain A. G.

McPherson, Captain R.

McQuarrie, Major R. S.

Manning, Lieutenant L. I.

Manson, Lieutenant A. J. M.

Martin, Lieutenant A. L.

Massey, Lieutenant F. G.

Mawson, Lieutenant J. B.

Melles, Lieutenant A. G.

Merton, Captain J. L. C.

Metcalfe, Captain L. W.

Mewett, Captain J. E. H.

Miles, Major R.

Milne, Lieutenant M. C.

Mitchell, Captain R. F.

Molloy, Captain C H.

Morison, Captain B. H.

Moritzson, 2nd Lieutenant L.

Morgan, Captain F. H. E.

Morpeth, Captain R. N.

Murchison, Lieutenant D. B.

Natusch, Lieutenant S.

Nelson, Captain A. D.

Nelson, 2nd Lieutenant R.

Nicol, 2nd Lieutenant R. K.

Norman, Captain E. G.

Oakey, Captain A. N.

Orbell, Captain R. G. S.

Paisley, 2nd Lieutenant A. D.

Palmer, Squadron Sergeant-major W.

Palmes, Lieutenant B.

Park, 2nd Lieutenant G. R.

Parkinson, Lieutenant L.

Parr, Rev. S. (Chaplain, 4th Class).

Picot, 2nd Lieutenant E. H.

Pierce, Lieutenant &c. J.

Porritt, Lieutenant A. E.

Potvine, Lieutenant H. A.

Prior, Captain N. H.

Rawlings, Lieutenant &c. R.

Reeves, Lieutenant E. F.

Rhind, Captain S. D.

Richards, Rev. F. R. (Chaplain, 3rd Class).

Richardson, Major H. M. W.

Richmond, Major J. M., D.S.O.

Riddiford, Captain R. E. W.

Rickleton, 2nd Lieutenant J. G.

Rogers, Captain S. D.

Rohloff, Captain F. R.

Rose, Major J. M.

Russell, Lieutenant G. V.

Rutherford, Captain T. W. L.

Sandham, Captain G.

Saxon, Captain K. R. J.

Scott, 2nd Lieutenant K.

Scott, Captain L. M.

Seaward, 2nd Lieutenant &c. F.

Seddon, Captain S. T.

Selby, Captain E. F.

Senior, Captain &c. H. A.

Senior, 2nd Lieutenant S. E.

Serpell, Captain S. L.

Sharp, Captain E. H.

Shera, Major L. M.

Short, Major A. V.

Sim, Lieutenant T. M.

Simmonds, Captain H.

Speight, 2nd Lieutenant H. E.

Stainton, Captain W. H.

Stallard, Lieutenant F. J. W.

Stewart, Captain J. G.

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

Stilwell, Lieutenant W. F.

Stitt, Major A. D., D.S.O.

Stocker, 2nd Lieutenant V.

Swan, Lieutenant G.

Taylor, 2nd Lieutenant &c. H.

Taylor, Captain L. J.

Thorns, Major N. W. B. B., D.S.O.

Tracey, Major W. F.

Tuck, 2nd Lieutenant G. A.

Turnbull, Major F. K.

Turner, Captain F. M.

Urquhart, Captain M.

Varnham, Captain F. S.

Wainscott, 2nd Lieutenant A. G.

Wallingford, Major J. A.

Walker, 2nd Lieutenant D. J. B.

Walker, Captain M. R.

Walker, Captain W. H.

Ward, 2nd Lieutenant T. L.

Watson, Captain W.

Watt, Captain M. McP.

Wells, Lieutenant E. R.

White, Lieutenant A. T.

Whitmore, Captain F. N.

Whyte, Captain H. H.

Widdowson, Captain W. H. S.

Wigley, Lieutenant A. J.

Wilder, Major A. S.

Wilkes, Captain T. M.

Williams, Lieutenant E. G.

Williams, Captain O. W.

Winchester, Captain E. A.

Wilson, 2nd Lieutenant F. W.

Wilson, Captain N. R.

Wood, Major P. A.

Wood, Lieutenant R., M.M.

Worley, 2nd Lieutenant R.

Wray, Major W. G.

Wrightson, Captain R. W.

Ziesler, 2nd Lieutenant E.

Bar to Military Cross.

McKinnon, Captain H. E.

Park, 2nd Lieutenant G. R.

Royal Red Cross (1st Class) (R.R.C).

Brooke, Matron E., 1917.

Cameron, Matron M. M., 1916.

Maclean, Matron-in-Chief H., 1917.

Price, Matron F., 1916.

Thurston, Matron-in-Chief M., 1917

Tombe, Matron A., 1916.

Williamson, Miss J. M. N., 1900.

Royal Red Cross (2nd Class) (A.R.R.C).

Anderson, Matron &c. B., 1917.

Beswick, Sister M. B., 1917.

Bicknell, Matron J., 1917.

Billingtbn, Sister F. M., 1917.

Bird, Sister L. M., 1917.

Brandon, Sister L., 1917.

Brookes, Sister B., 1917.

Buckley, Sister A., 1916.

Chalmer, Sister M., 1917.

Davis, Staff Nurse K., 1917.

Early, Staff Nurse M. A., 1917.

Gilmer, Sister J. McR., 1917.

Grigor, Sister M., 1917.

Hargest, Sister M. H., 1917.

Hodges, Sister E., 1917.

Looney, Staff Nurse M. F., 1917.

Metherell, Sister G. M., 1917.

McBeth, Staff Nurse M., 1917.

McGann, Staff Nurse S. J., 1917.

McLean, Sister V. MoK., 1916.

McNie, Matron L. A., 1917.

McRae, Matron I. M., 1917.

Nixon, Matron E., 1917.

Pengelly, Sister E., 1917.

Popplewell, Sister E., 1917.

Scott, Sister I., 1917.

Speedy, Sister F. H., 1916.

Trumble, Staff Nurse L. M., 1917

White, Sister W. E., 1917.

Wilkin, Sister E. L., 1917.

Willis, Matron I. G., 1917.

Wilson, Matron F., 1917.

Wright, Sister K. E., 1917.

Distinguished-conduct Medal (D.C.M.).

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

Baigent, Private I.

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 the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the War of 1914–18.

Abbey, Sergeant A. W.

Alexander, Corporal S. &c. S.

Anderson, Sergeant H.

Armstrong, Trooper L. J.

Atkins, Sergeant A. A.

Bailey, Sergeant-major A.

Barker, Private &c. R.

Barlow, Private H.

Barr, Private K. D.

Barr, Sergeant J. A.

Bates, Sergeant G.

Beauchamp, Company Sergeant-major H. R. H.

Beck, Sergeant T. J.

Bellamy, Sergeant H.

Bennett, 2nd Lieutenant P. H. G.

Blundell, Sergeant E. K.

Boate, Sergeant-major P. C.

Boles, 2nd Lieutenant G. H.

Boreham, Private H.

Bowman, Private N. D.

Bremner, 2nd Lieutenant 0. H.

Brown, 2nd Lieutenant A. W.

Brown, Sergeant C.

Brown, Private W. G.

Bunbury, Company Sergeant-major T. A.

Burns, Lance-Corporal K. B.

Butler, Sapper M.

Cardno, Sergeant J. F.

Caselberg, Sapper A. L.

Chadwick, Sergeant J.

Comrie, Private J.

Corkill, Sergeant R.

Coley, Sergeant A. K.

Clark, Driver N.

Crawford-Watson, Private L.

Creed, Sergeant W. H. P.

Cruickshank, Private V.

Cusack, Sergeant J.

Davis, Company Sergeant-major H. F.

Davy, Sergeant V. R.

De Lautour, Corporal A. G.

Densem, Lance-Corporal J.

Devery, Sergeant &c. N.

Dickey, Rifleman A.

Dignam, 2nd Lieutenant B. L.

Donaldson, Private T. D. S.

Douglas, Lance-Corporal W. T.

Draper, Corporal B.

Driver, Gunner A. S.

Dunthorne, Private A.

Eisenhurst, Sergeant-major H.

Emmerson, Sergeant S. L.

Evans, Sergeant W. D.

Findlay, Private A. J.

Fisher, Sergeant G.

Foot, Sergeant S. C.

Fothergill, Company Sergeant-major J. C.

Gair, 2nd Lieutenant C.

Gapes, Sergeant A.

Goldingham, Sergeant K. A.

Gordon, Company Sergeant-major T. J.

Greig, Sergeant F.

Gustafson, Regimental Sergeant-major W. A.

Guy, Sergeant I. D.

Graham, Quartermaster-Sergeant L. S. L. L.

Haddow, Regimental- Sergeant - major R. W.

Hansen, Private J.

Hardy, Corporal F. H.

Harper, Captain R. P., M.C.

Hayton, Lance-Corporal G.

Henderson, Captain A. G.

Henry, Staff Sergeant W. J.

Hewitt, Lance-Corporal G.

Hibbs, Company Sergeant-major A. L.

Hill, Sergeant J. F.

Hodges, Sapper E. A.

Holder, Sergeant F. N.

Hunter, Sergeant V. G.

Ibbotson, Sergeant-major W.

Inglis, Bombardier D. C.

Jacobs, Sergeant E. &c. H.

Jenkins, 2nd Lieutenant F.

Johnson, Private H. A.

Jones, Sergeant G. J.

Karika, Sergeant P. J.

Kenna, Company Sergeant-major T.

Kennedy, Sergeant-major E. J.

Keogh, Private J. L.

Latimer, Sergeant R. T.

Lee, Private J. A.

Lepper, Corporal R.

Little, Sergeant J.

Lloyd, Sergeant D. P.

Lloyd, Sergeant L. J.

McCall, Sergeant J. J.

McConachy, Sergeant W.

McCormick, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. L.

McCreanor, Sergeant J.

Macdonald, Private A.

McKean, Company Sergeant-major W.

McKenzie, Corporal K.

McLennan, Private A.

McLeod, Private R. C.

McQueen, Bombardier W.

Magee, Sergeant L. P.

Mahoney, Private F.

Mahoney, Corporal W. F.

Malone, Sergeant M. P.

Managh, Sergeant S. W.

Marks, Rifleman R.

Martin, 2nd Lieutenant A.

Menzies, Sergeant &c. E.

Mitchell, Lieutenant F.

Moor, Lieutenant F. W.

Muir, Corporal H. J.

Mulligan, Staff Sergeant-major A. S.

Murphy, Private D.

Nimmo, Rifleman T.

Norris, Lance-Corporal J. R.

O'Brien, Sergeant J. H.

O'Brien, 2nd Lieutenant M. J.

O'Connor, Trooper D. J.

O'Connor, Private F. O.

Ohlson, Sergeant A. W. M.

Olds, Private J.

Page, Sergeant H.

Paranihi, Private Tau.

Paterson, Corporal A.

Pennefather, Sergeant S. S.

Pinkham, Lance-Corporal G. W. F.

Potter, Sergeant R. C.

Price, Sergeant H. W.

Reid, Lieutenant W. J.

Rhind, Corporal H.

Ricketts, 2nd Lieutenant W.

Riddett, Sergeant-major J. J.

Ritchie, Lance-Corporal L. R.

Rodger, Lieutenant W. J.

Ryan, Private J. E.

Sail, Private H. L.

Salmon, Captain &c. W.

Saunders, Lieutenant &c. W.

Scarfe, Lance-Corporal E. R.

Scrimshaw, 2nd Corporal E. G.

Sheppard, Company Sergeant-major F. W. H.

Skinner, Corporal H. D.

Smith, Private A.

Smith, Company Sergeant-major W. E.

Speakman, Private J.

Spencer, Corporal H.

Spriggs, Company Sergeant-major &c. A.

Steedman, Lance-Corporal A. B.

Sterritt, Sergeant D.

Stichbury, Regimental Sergeant.-major W. S.

Stockdill, 2nd Lieutenant F.

Stringer, Sergeant J. M.

Struthers, Sergeant H.

Taplin, Sergeant J. H.

Tavender, Sergeant B. N.

Taylor, Sergeant J. A.

Tempany, Private G. A.

Thomson, Bombardier J. P.

Tilsley, Sergeant R.

Travis, Private R. C.

Tunley, Sergeant F. C.

Vesty, Private M.

Vickery, Company Sergeant-major E. M.

Vincent, Sergeant J.

Voyle, Company Sergeant-major J. W.

Wade, Driver S.

Walker, Sergeant W. R.

Watson, Corporal K. W.

Ward, Sergeant M.

White, Sergeant &c. N.

White, Private F.

Williams, Corporal &c. J.

Williamson, Sergeant W. J.

Wilson, Private &c. M.

Wilson, Private J. H.

Wimms, Lance-Corporal J.

Winter, Trooper J. H:

Bar to Distinguished-conduct Medal.

Anderson, Sergeant H.

Foot, Sergeant S. C.

Military Medal (M M.), the War of 1914–18.

Abbott, Private R. M. V.

Adams, Bombardier T.

Adams, Lance-Corporal J.

Adsett, Private G.

Aitken, Corporal H. D.

Alexander, Private J.

Alexander, Bombardier J.

Alexander, Private R.

Allan, Sergeant E. F.

Allan, Sergeant H.

Allan, Sergeant L. F.

Allen, Sergeant J. E.

Allen, Trooper W.

Allom, Private W. H.

Allpress, Sergeant A.

Amos, Lance-Corporal P.

Anderson, Corporal A. D.

Anderson, Sergeant C.

Anderson, Sergeant J. A.

Anderson, Corporal J. H.

Anderson, Lance-Corporal W. F.

Andrews, Private E. E.

Andrews, Sergeant W. T.

Angel, 2nd Lieutenant R.

Angell, Private J.

Angus, Private J. N.

Angus, Sergeant R.

Annand, Private D. B.

Apa, Private J.

Armour, Trooper H.

Arthur, Lance-Corporal E. W.

Arthur-Worsop, Sergeant A. C.

Ashwin, Private L. F.

Ashworth, Lance-Corporal A.

Atkinson, Sergeant P. H.

Atkinson, Corporal T.

Atkinson, Lance-Corporal V.

Austin, Private A. T. W.

Austin, Sergeant J. J.

Backholm, Rifleman J.

Baigent, Lance-Corporal J. T.

Baille, Private F. W.

Baker, Lance-Corporal G. H.

Baker, Sergeant G. B.

Ballantyne, Lance-Corporal J. McK.

Balle, Sergeant J. T.

Barber, Sergeant F.

Barclay, Sergeant W.

Bargh, Corporal W.

Barker, Driver W. W.

Barnett, Sergeant R. T.

Barrow, Sapper J. D.

Bathurst, Sergeant H. C.

Baxter, Bombardier J. N.

Beaton, Bombardier A.

Beaufort, Private F. E.

Beckingham, Lance-Corporal J. E.

Beeby, Private &c. W.

Belk, Sapper R. W.

Bell, Corporal W. D.

Bell, 2nd Lieutenant T.

Bellamy, Private H.

Bellerby, Lance-Corporal M.

Belton, Gunner L. D.

Bennett, Sergeant W. R.

Bennetto, Sergeant T. J.

Bennie, Corporal-Fitter A. H.

Bergamini, Driver G.

Berghan, Rifleman A. J.

Biddick, Private J. H.

Biehre, Corporal H. M.

Biggar, Private T.

Bigham, Sergeant H.

Billing, Sergeant E. A.

Birnie, Sergeant W.

Birtles, Sergeant J. A.

Bishop, Private J.

Black, Lance-Corporal H. L.

Blackburn, Private P.

Blackman, 2nd Lieutenant A. R.

Blackwell, Gunner &c. M.

Blackwell, Sergeant R. M.

Blake, Sergeant H. J.

Blenkinsopp, Rifleman J.

Blyth, Sergeant L. M.

Boles, Sergeant J. H.

Booth, Corporal G. R.

Borlase, Lance-Sergeant W.

Bowater, Sergeant A. G.

Bower, Private H. R.

Bowers, Lance-Corporal W. G.

Bowles, Sergeant W. B.

Boyce, Lance-Sergeant T.

Bradley, Private A.

Brady, Sergeant A. T.

Brake, Bombardier R. I.

Brash, Private A. D.

Brewer, Private J. H.

Brien, Sergeant W. S.

Brierly, Corporal W.

Bright, Private W. G.

Brightwell, Private F.

Brister, Sergeant S. G.

Brokenshire, Sapper A. T.

Bromell, Lance-Corporal M. C.

Brothers, Sergeant W. F.

Brown, Private G. A.

Brown, Sergeant E. B.

Brown, Private J.

Brown, Private T.

Brown, Private T.

Brown, Sergeant W. J.

Brown, Gunner W. J.

Brown, Private W. S.

Brown, Gunner W.

Browne, Sergeant &c. T.

Browning, Sapper &c. A.

Bruce, Private F.

Bryant, Driver L. M.

Buchanan, Bombardier L. H.

Bullen, Private P.

Bullick, Private T.

Bullock, Sapper L. E.

Burke, Private J. A.

Burnley, Corporal L. A. G.

Burrowes, Private J. K. H.

Burt, Farrier-Sergeant O. &c. H.

Burton, Lance-Corporal O. E.

Bushill, Sapper A.

Butler, Private. W. J.

Butler, Private W. H.

Butterworth, Trooper S.

Byrne, Lance-Corporal, H. J.

Calame, 2nd Lieutenant P. E.

Calderwodd, Corporal J. H.

Caldwell, Sergeant R. T.

Cameron, Lance-Corporal A.

Campbell, Rifleman E. H.

Campbell, Sergeant F.

Campbell, Private K.

Campbell, Rifleman W. C.

Campbell, Lance-Corporal A. K.

Campion, Sergeant D. A.

Canty, Sergeant J. V.

Capon, Private M.

Carr, Lance-Corporal &c. H.

Carruthers, Private W.

Carter, 2nd Lieutenant &c. R.

Carter, Sergeant F. D.

Carver, Private S. F.

Cashmore, Sergeant F. R.

Castles, Gunner J. V.

Chambers, Lance-Corporal C.

Chambers, Rifleman W. V.

Chandler, Private G.

Chapman, Lance-Corporal W. C.

Chappell, Sergeant F. E.

Cheaseman, Rifleman J. H.

Chirnside, Private T.

Church, Private R. A.

Ciochetto, 2nd Lieutenant V. C.

Clancy, Sergeant W. S.

Claque, Sergeant J.

Clark, Lance-Corporal F. A.

Clark, Private J. W.

Clark, Sapper H. G.

Clark, Private N.

Clark, 2nd Lieutenant M.

Clarke, Sergeant S. B.

Clayson, Private J. W.

Clearwater, Sergeant J. T.

Cleland, Private T. B.

Clemens, Private R.

Clinker, Rifleman H. S.

Cody, Quartermaster-Sergeant J. F.

Coe, Sergeant A. H.

Cole, Sergeant K. McI.

Coleman, Corporal E. J.

Coles, Private T.

Coley, Driver J. B.

Collin, Private B. A.

Collins, Lance-Corporal, W. J.

Columbus, Private L. H.

Connell, Private &c. W.

Conway, Private A.

Cook, Bombardier A. C.

Cooke, Private H.

Cooke, Private W. B.

Cooksley, Sergeant B. V.

Coombes, Private A. N.

Coombes, Private J. A.

Coote, Sergeant J. C.

Cordell, Corporal T. A.

Corry, Private W. A.

Cosbrook, Sergeant A. J.

Coughey, Private J.

Coulam, Sergeant F.

Couling, 2nd Lieutenant J.

Cowrie, Lance-Corporal G. M.

Cox, Lance-Corporal W. E. B.

Crago-Clark, Corporal A.

Crawford, 2nd Lieutenant E. H.

Crawford, Private T. H.

Crawley, Sergeant D. J.

Crawshay, Private V. G.

Creed, Private S. G.

Creighton, Private M.

Croker, Private B. W.

Crowe, Private G. P.

Cruickshank, Sergeant A.

Cupples, Private &c. L.

Cuthbertson, Corporal G. I.

Cuthbertson, Sergeant W. J.

Curran, Sergeant T. M. J.

Currey, Corporal A. A.

Curry, Private D. W.

Danby, Lance-Corporal A. W.

Dartnell, 2nd Lieutenant &c. A.

Davey, Trooper A.

Davidson, Sergeant D.

Davie, Sergeant-major H. P. C.

Davis, Sergeant &c. H.

Davis, Private O. O.

Dean, Sergeant H.

De Luen, Corporal F.

Denize, Private H. V.

Denne, Corporal A. E.

Dent, Sergeant I.

Dewar, Lance-Corporal O. B.

Diack, Private A.

Dibble, Corporal S. T.

Dickason, Rifleman A. E.

Dickinson, Corporal L. R.

Dickson, Private N.

Dixon, Sergeant W. B.

Dobbyn, Sapper A. J.

Dobson, Bombardier T.

Dockery, Bombardier A. E.

Dolman, Private W.

Donaldson, Sapper M.

Donovan, Private &c. A.

Douglas, Private A. McF.

Douglas, Lance-Corporal N. L.

Douglas, Rifleman W. T.

Downey, Private S. G.

Downie, Private H. C.

Downs, Sergeant W.

Doyle, Private A. R.

Dredge, Sergeant G. M. L.

Dron, Private T.

Duggan, Corporal J. W.

Duncan, Sergeant &c. M.

Durrant, Farrier-Corporal &c. G.

Durward, Driver P.

Duston, Sergeant H. McK.

Duthie, Corporal E. D.

Eagle, Sergeant F.

Eastgate, Lance-Corporal H. S.

Easton, Lance-Corporal M. G.

Easton, Sergeant W. B.

Edmonds, Driver A. E.

Edward, Private E. E.

Edwards, Private C.

Ellen, 2nd Lieutenant H.

Elliott, Sergeant A. C.

Elliott, Lance-Sergeant W. &c. D.

Ellis, 2nd Lieutenant R. F.

Elsom, Sergeant &c. H.

Entwistle, Driver C.

Erikson, Lance-Corporal A.

Evans, Corporal O.

Everett, Gunner R. E.

Everett, Private P.

Everitt, Rifleman A.

Faithful, Private W. H.

Fake, Lance-Corporal H.

Falla, Private H. T.

Fargie, Trooper W. G.

Farnsworth, Corporal E. E.

Farrell, 2nd Lieutenant E.

Farrington, Driver M. C.

Fernandez, Corporal J.

Ferguson, Corporal &c. C.

Ferguson, Trooper H.

Finnerty, Private J.

Fitzgerald, Sergeant N. E.

Fleming, Gunner R. I.

Fletcher, Sergeant F. N.

Flett, Lance-Corporal A.

Flutey, Corporal R. H.

Flynn, Private E. J.

Fogelberg, Sapper &c. E.

Foley, Rifleman J.

Foote, Sergeant H. A.

Ford, Private M.

Forrest, Private T. F.

Fotheringham, Lance-Corporal G. B.

Fox, Sergeant E. V.

Fraser, Sergeant D.

Fraser, Corporal J. D.

Fraser, Sergeant J. R.

Fricker, Sergeant H. E.

Fruin, Corporal J. L.

Fullarton, Lance-Corporal D. McT.

Fuller, Lance-Corporal E. G.

Gallagher, Sergeant A. W.

Garlick, Private R. T.

Garnett, Sapper J. W.

Garrett, Sergeant W. E.

Gawler, Private S. R.

Geange, Private T.

Gibb, Corporal A. E.

Gibbs, Sapper W. H.

Gibson, Private L. V.

Giffney, Sapper J. A.

Gilbert, Private G.

Gilbert, Lance-Corporal J. R.

Gilbert, Sergeant M.

Gillespie, Lance-Sergeant A. O.

Gillon, Private J.

Gilmore, Corporal A. F.

Gilmore, Sergeant W. B.

Gilshman, Sergeant S. E.

Girdlestone, Gunner G. S.

Glassey, Private J.

Glasscock, Private W. D.

Gleeson, Sapper F. C.

Godsiff, Lance-Corporal G. L.

Golding, Private S.

Goldstone, Lance-Corporal C.

Goodfellow, Sergeant T. A.

Goodin, Trooper S. L.

Gordon, Sapper J.

Gordon, Corporal L. G.

Gordon, Sergeant P. A.

Gorton, Sergeant A. E.

Gosling, Sergeant T.

Goulden, Rifleman H. H.

Gowers, Rifleman H.

Gradwell, Rifleman G. H.

Graham, Private A. C.

Graham, Corporal W. R.

Grainger, Bombardier A. R.

Grant, Lance-Corporal &c. O.

Grant, Sapper R. McP.

Grant, Trooper T. B.

Graves, Sergeant H. B.

Gray, Rifleman &c. A.

Gray, 2nd Lieutenant R. N.

Gray, Corporal W. A.

Green, Corporal F. V.

Green, Corporal H. V.

Greenwood, Sergeant J.

Gregson, Lance-Sergeant J.

Gribble, Corporal W.

Gridley, Sergeant A. J.

Grieve, Private E.

Griffen, Private A.

Griffiths, Sergeant G.

Grundy, Private H. R.

Gunn, Sergeant A.

Gunn, Lance-Corporal D.

Gunn, Sergeant F.

Gunn, Private W. G.

Guthrie, Sergeant R.

Hadley, Gunner P. R.

Hall, Sergeant A. C.

Hallam, Sergeant W. E.

Halligan, Lance-Corporal R. H.

Halpin, Lance-Corporal L. J.

Hamill, Lance-Corporal F. W.

Hamlin, Private K. W.

Hammond, Corporal S. A.

Hanger, Sergeant J. M.

Hannan, Lance-Corporal W. C.

Hansen, Private I. T.

Hanson, Sergeant S. F.

Hardy, Corporal J. H.

Hardy, Private T. G.

Harding, Corporal R. W.

Harrington, Sergeant T. W.

Harris, Private J.

Hart, Private G. H.

Hart, Lance-Sergeant J. G.

Hartman, 2nd Lieutenant B.

Hartman, Bombardier L.

Hartigan, Rifleman H. H.

Harty, 2nd Lieutenant L. P.

Harvey, Gunner C.

Harwood, Rifleman J. R. B.

Hastie, Sergeant G.

Hatfull, Lance-Corporal T.

Hawke, Sergeant A. R.

Hayton, Lance-Corporal G.

Hayter, Rifleman R.

Heese, Sergeant B.

Helm, Private A. McK.

Henderson, Private E.

Henderson, Private R. A.

Henley, Sergeant N. G.

Henry, Driver G. E.

Heron, Staff Sergeant D. H. H.

Hewitt, Private G.

Hicks, Sergeant F. T.

Hicks, Lieutenant W. J.

Higginson, Sergeant N. L.

Hilliard, Private J.

Hinchco, Private A.

Hinds, Private C.

Hine, Sergeant &c. P.

Hinton, Corporal &c. F. V.

Hodgson, Sergeant F. J.

Hodgson, Corporal F. J.

Holgate, Private H. C.

Hollywood, Sapper J. E.

Holmes, Lance-Sergeant A. L.

Holmes, Sergeant P. D.

Hopper, Corporal H. M.

Horn, Corporal R. H.

Hornblow, Lance-Corporal J. A.

Hornwell, Lance-Corporal W. W.

Hough, Private R.

Houston, Sapper J.

Howard, 2nd Corporal A. A.

Howatson, Private A. S.

Howe, Sergeant O. W.

Howie, Private W. D.

Howie, Private W. J.

Howlett, 2nd Lieutenant D.

Hudson, Private A.

Hughes, Lance-Corporal A.

Hughes, Lance-Corporal E.

Hughes, Trumpeter O.

Hull, Private J. K.

Hulton, Sergeant T. H.

Hunter, Corporal J.

Hunter, Private J. R.

Hutchins, Rifleman F. G.

Hyde, Sapper M. C.

Inch, Sergeant V. W.

Ingpen, Rifleman N. L.

Irvine, Sergeant G. W. McL.

Jackson, Private F.

Jackson, Sergeant J.

Jacques, Private W. H.

James, Private J. E.

Jamieson, Private R.

Jeffrey, Private R.

Jeffreys, Sergeant H. D.

Jeffs, Sergeant A. H.

Jenkins, Sergeant D. A.

Jenkins, Lance Corporal H.

Jesse, Rifleman P. W.

Joblin, Trooper P.

Johnson, Private A. R.

Johnson, Private J.

Johnson, Private J. A. W. B.

Johnson, Private H. A.

Johnson, Corporal H. R.

Johnson, Lance-Corporal O. H.

Johnson, Sergeant T. O.

Johnston, Rifleman A.

Johnston, Bombardier A. H.

Johnstone, Staff Sergeant A. M.

Johnstone, Driver R.

Joll, Private H. L.

Jones, Private D.

Jones, Private D. G.

Jones, Private M. R.

Jones, Lance-Corporal S. W.

Jones, Gunner W. A.

Jopp, Private J. A.

Juggins, Trooper J. F.

Judd, Lance-Corporal J. K.

Keesing, Sergeant H. W.

Kelland, Trooper &c. R.

Kelliher, Lance-Corporal J.

Kelsall, Private E.

Kennedy, Corporal D. A.

Kennedy, Corporal F.

Kennedy, Corporal H.

Keys, Private J.

Keys, Lance-Corporal P. L.

Kidd, Gunner R.

Kidman, Sergeant &c. H.

Kilroy, Sergeant R. J.

Kingham, Sapper W. J.

Kirton, Corporal T.

Knight, Private N. R.

Knight, 2nd Corporal R. S.

Knight, Private T. W.

Kuhtz, Corporal J. R. H.

Kyle, Private L. A.

Lainchbury, Private T.

Lamb, Private J. B.

Lang, Private H. T.

Langwell, Sergeant H. J.

Larsen, Private D. H.

Larsen, Sergeant H.

Lark, Private A.

Lauder, 2nd Lieutenant A.

Laurie, Trooper W. R. D.

Lay, Sergeant J. G.

Leary, Corporal L.

Le Comte, Lance-Corporal H. E.

Lee, Sergeant A.

Leef, Private H. T.

Leighton, Corporal H. S.

Lepper, 2nd Lieutenant &c. B.

Lepper, Lance-Corporal J.

Lester, Corporal &c. L.

Leshke, Private A.

Lewin, Private C.

Lewis, Trooper E. D.

Lewis, Corporal T.

Lineham, Trooper &c. A.

Linklater, Sapper H.

Little, Sergeant J. A.

Livsey, Private R.

Lloyd, Gunner J. &c. H.

Loader, Lance-Corporal C.

Lock, Sergeant S. G. S.

Lockwood, Driver T.

Looker, Lance-Corporal W. L.

Lorgelly, Sergeant W.

Lonergan, Private T.

Louden, Private R. H.

Luff, Private E. L.

Lyall, Private J. R.

Lymer, Private E.

Lynch, Corporal F. G.

MacGibbons, Sergeant D. A.

Mackerell, Sergeant H. H.

Mackie, Lance-Corporal A. P.

MacLean, Sergeant A.

MacLean, Gunner J. R.

McAndrew, Private J.

McAusland, Corporal J.

McBeath, Private C.

McBreen, Private E.

McCarthy, Private J.

McCaw, Sergeant W. T.

McClatchie, Lance-Sergeant P. J.

McClintock, Corporal W. G.

McClure, Sergeant W.

McClymont, Sapper F. G.

McConnell, Gunner G.

McConnell, Corporal T. D.

McCullagh, Private J. W.

McCully, Corporal A.

McDonald, Sergeant A.

McDonald, Private H.

McDonald, Private H.

McDonald, Gunner M.

McDonald, Gunner R. H.

McDowell, Lance-Sergeant R.

McGibbon, Sergeant D. A.

McGonagle, Private D. L.

McGuckin, Trooper W.

McGuire, Lance-Corporal T. F.

McIntyre, Private D. R.

McKane, Sergeant A. H.

McKay, Private B.

McKay, Sapper J. W.

McKean, Corporal W.

McKeegan, Sergeant-major C.

McKendry, Private J.

McKenzie, Sergeant A. T.

McKenzie, Private D.

McKenzie, Private E. G.

McKenzie, Lance-Corporal J. W.

McKenzie, Lance-Corporal N. H.

McKinlay, 2nd Corporal W. D.

McKinley, Sergeant R.

McLachlan, Private L. D.

McLean, Gunner A.

McLean, Rifleman A.

McLennan, Staff Sergeant A. D.

McLeod, Sergeant D. S.

McLeod, Corporal J. D.

McMahon, Sergeant A. E.

McManus, Private C.

McMaster, Sergeant A. A.

McMillan, Sapper H.

McOnie, Private G.

McQueen, Sergeant A. A.

McQuillan, Corporal J.

McQuillan, Sapper P.

McRae, Sergeant D.

McRohan, Private J.

Mains, Bombardier &c. E.

Mains, Corporal-Fitter J. H.

Maindonald, Bombardier F. W.

Malone, Bombardier D.

Manning, Lance-Corporal &c. J.

Manson, 2nd Corporal R. V.

Manson, Corporal W.

Martelli, Rifleman C.

Martin, Sergeant J.

Martindale, Sergeant J.

Mason, Sergeant A. J.

Mason, Driver S.

Masters, Sergeant F. H.

Matthews, Private C.

Maubon, Rifleman &c. J.

Maxwell, Private G.

Maynard, Corporal L.

Mead, Private A. D.

Melgren, Private R. F.

Menzies, Sergeant J. W. C.

Metcalfe, Private M.

Methven, Corporal W.

Meurant, Rifleman F. A.

Michael, Corporal H. W.

Michaels, Lieutenant L. J.

Michau, Lance-Corporal L. J.

Michell, Corporal H. J.

Middlemiss, Private W. P.

Millar, Private O. McL.

Millar, Gunner W.

Miller, Private D.

Miller, Private S. A.

Milligan, Sergeant P. G.

Millis, Private E. A.

Mills, Gunner J. McA.

Millward, Corporal L. W. G.

Mintrom, Sergeant F. H.

Mitchell, Private &c. C. A.

Mitchell, 2nd Lieutenant G.

Mitchell, Sergeant G. G.

Moffatt, Lance-Corporal L. P.

Moffitt, Lance-Corporal P.

Moffitt, Lance-Corporal W.

Mole, Bombardier H. P.

Molesworth, Lance-Corporal &c. E.

Molloy, Sergeant J.

Mooney, Private T. A.

Moore, Bombardier E. W.

Moore, Sergeant G. V. T.

Moore, 2nd Lieutenant J. J.

Moore, 2nd Lieutenant W. A.

Morgan, Sergeant-Trumpeter J. W.

Morgan, Private T. T.

Moritzson, 2nd Lieutenant L.

Morrin, Sergeant W. P.

Morris, Private &c. S.

Morris, Private J. H.

Morris, Private P.

Morris, Private S. W. E.

Morrison, Private K.

Moss, Sergeant J. C.

Mowbray, Corporal A.

Mulligan, Sergeant A. S.

Munro, Rifleman J. M.

Munt, 2nd Corporal R. A.

Murray, Corporal J. W.

Murray, Sergeant T. T.

Murray, Sergeant W. J.

Myers, Private G.

Needham, Private D. G.

Needs, Private R. A.

Negus, Rifleman F.

Nelson, Private M. L.

Neilson, Private M.

Newberry, Rifleman J.

Newcomb, Sergeant A. C.

Newell, Private D. W.

Newton, Private A. W. H.

Neville, Rifleman P. J.

Ngapo, Private P.

Nicholas, Sergeant L. R.

Nicholls, Corporal T. W.

Nicholson, Private N. A.

Nicolas, Lance-Corporal J. W.

Nicolas, Sapper L. O.

Nield, Corporal A. H.

Noble, 2nd Corporal L. A.

Noonan, Private D. P.

Northe, Corporal R. P.

Nunn, Corporal J.

O'Brien, Private J. W.

O'Callaghan, Corporal J. W.

O'Connell, Private T.

O'Connor, Corporal T. B.

O'Connor, Corporal W. L.

Oldham, Lance-Corporal W. A.

Olliver, Gunner W. W.

O'Neill, Rifleman P.

Orpwood, Rifleman H. F.

Orr, Private N.

Osborne, Lance-Corporal D. S.

Osmers, Gunner H. H.

Otene, Corporal Rangi.

Otto, Private W. E.

Overend, Corporal W.

Overden, Corporal W. B.

Owen, Private J.

Oxley, Sapper O.

Page, Private H.

Pain, Sergeant J. C.

Paine, Private E. I.

Paine, Sergeant W.

Palmer, 2nd Corporal L. J.

Panoho, Lance-Corporal J.

Parker, Corporal H. R.

Parker, Private L. J. K.

Parsons, Private J.

Parsons, Private T. W.

Parton, Sergeant R.

Paterson, Gunner A. J.

Pattison, Corporal H. J.

Patton, Lance-Corporal H. L.

Paynter, Lance-Corporal L. H.

Pearce, Corporal P. G.

Pearce, Lance-Corporal V. W.

Pearcy, Private G. H.

Peart, Private F. W.

Pearson, Private R. M.

Penman, Lance-Corporal A. R.

Perkins, Quartermaster-Sergeant H. A.

Pethybridge, Sergeant W. T.

Phillips, Private D. R.

Phillips, Sapper N.

Philpot, Gunner E. W.

Philson, Lance-Corporal G. H.

Pickford, Fitter J. L.

Pilcher, Trooper D.

Pinching, Private E. L.

Pinkham, Sapper W. G. D.

Poff, Sergeant L. J.

Pointon, Lance-Corporal A. E.

Poots, Lance-Corporal R.

Pope, Sergeant E. E.

Porter, Private &c. W.

Postlewaight, Corporal L. H.

Potter, Private J.

Powers, Private A. T.

Pratt, Sapper R. J.

Prendergast, Sergeant P.

Price, Sergeant A. D.

Price, Lance-Corporal W. V.

Prime, Gunner E. I.

Prince, Private A. T.

Pringle, Sapper D.

Purdie, Private &c. L.

Purcell, Private A.

Pycroft, Driver E. J.

Quin, Corporal R.

Quinn, Private C.

Quinn, Rifleman J. P.

Quinlan, Gunner A. J.

Radcliffe, Private D. S.

Ralston, Private W.

Ratcliffe, Private F.

Rawhiti, Private H.

Ray, Rifleman R.

Ray, Private K.

Rees, Sergeant E. T.

Rennie, Corporal J. W.

Rennie, Sergeant L.

Reston, Corporal R. A.

Rice, 2nd Lieutenant S.

Richter, Private O. G. C.

Ricketts, Private J. E.

Riddell, Corporal W.

Riddell, Lance-Corporal W. J.

Rigby, 2nd Lieutenant K. R.

Rigby, Sergeant J. H.

Ringham, Private H. J.

Ritchie, Private L. R.

Roach, 2nd Lieutenant G. H.

Roberts, Rifleman R. P.

Robertson, Sergeant L.

Robinson, Private G.

Robinson, Corporal F. V. H.

Robinson, Bombardier K. J.

Robinson, Lance-Corporal L.

Robinson, Corporal N. M.

Rogers, Private H. F.

Rogers, Sergeant A.

Rosanowski, Corporal H.

Ross, Private J. D.

Ross, 2nd Lieutenant D.

Ross, Sergeant H. L.

Rossiter, Sergeant C.

Rotoatara, 2nd Lieutenant T.

Rowe, Private G. L.

Rowe, Corporal H. C.

Rowley, Lance-Corporal F. B.

Ruane, Private A. T.

Rusden, Sergeant G. C.

Russell, Private H. F.

Rutherford, Private K. McK.

Rutherford, Corporal S. E.

Ryan, Private F. L.

Ryan, Private J. A.

Sage, Sergeant A. H.

Samson, Corporal &c. O.

Sandison, Gunner W.

Sands, Corporal L. R.

Saunders-Loder, Private W.

Savigny, Gunner P.

Scott, Quartermaster-Sergeant D. C.

Scott, Corporal S.

Scrimgeour, Trooper A. R.

Scrimshaw, Driver J. R. A.

Sharp, Corporal S. R.

Sharpe, Private F. J.

Shaw, Private H.

Shaw, Lance-Corporal W. R.

Sheat, Rifleman &c. M.

Sheerin, Driver H.

Shelley, Lance-Corporal &c. H.

Shirley, Corporal V. W.

Shove, Bombardier S.

Sidney, Corporal T. P.

Sim, Lance-Corporal J. W.

Sims, Private A. F.

Simmers, 2nd Lieutenant R.

Simpson, Sergeant-major F. W.

Sinton, Corporal W. A.

Slade, Private H. R.

Sly, Corporal R. H.

Smaill, Sergeant W. D.

Smillie, Trooper J.

Smith, Sergeant E.

Smith, Rifleman F.

Smith, Trooper F.

Smith, Private J.

Smith, Private J. C.

Smith, Corporal R.

Smith, Private R. R.

Smith, Lance-Corporal W. A.

Smith, Rifleman W. K

Southern, Trooper W.

Southey, Sergeant &c. C.

Sparks, Corporal A.

Sperry, Driver R. P.

Springall, Sapper A.

Squire, Sergeant B. C.

Stacey, Corporal E. E.

Stainton, Private T.

Stainton, Private W. G.

Staite, Lance-Corporal O.

Stanley, Private G.

Stedman, Private A. J.

Steel, Corporal R. W.

Stevenson, Lance-Corporal F. W.

Stevenson, Rifleman D.

Stewart, Sergeant A.

Stewart, Private A.

Stiles, Lance-Corporal R. W.

Still, Private A. E.

Stirling, Rifleman S. G.

Stow, Private J. C.

Strachan, Corporal D. H.

Stringer, Sergeant J. M.

Strode, Private A.

Stronach, Corporal D. W.

Stuart, Sergeant J.

Stuart, Corporal D. M.

Sullivan, Lance-Corporal W.

Sullivan, Private J.

Stunell, Lance-Corporal &c. E.

Sutherland, Private H.

Sutton, Gunner, F. J.

Taaffe, Lance-Corporal T. B.

Tait, Private G. A. G.

Tallke, Lance-Corporal L. L.

Tangatake, Private W.

Taylor, Lance-Corporal A.

Taylor, 2nd Corporal A. E.

Taylor, Sergeant, W. G.

Tavendale, Private D.

Te Amo, Private P.

Tennant, Private J. W.

Tennant, Sergeant K. B.

Te Patu, Private T.

Thorn. Corporal W. N.

Thomas, Sergeant W. A.

Thompson, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. C.

Thompson, Sergeant S. G.

Thomson, Private A. F.

Thomson, Trooper D. W.

Thorpe, 2nd Corporal G. H.

Tillman, Sergeant A. N.

Tindall, Sapper J.

Tod, Sergeant A. N.

Tomes, Sergeant J.

Tomlinson, Sergeant &c. G.

Torrens, Private W. J.

Tott, Sergeant S. G.

Town, Corporal &c. E.

Toy, Private W.

Trembath, Lance-Corporal J.

Trembath, Bombardier W.

Treleaven, Lance-Corporal D. N.

Tribe, Private L. R.

Trotter, Trooper J. R.

Trotter, Lance-Corporal W. J. R.

Troughear, Private A.

Trueman, Private F. L.

Tucker. Corporal L. E.

Tuke, Corporal E. A.

Turner, Sergeant H.

Turner, Rifleman W. C.

Turner, Bombardier W. H.

Tutty, Private S. R.

Tyne, Driver P. W.

Underwood, Private H.

Underwood, Trooper H.

Ure, Private R. J.

Veitch, Private &c. G. C.

Venning, Private S. J.

Verran, Private J. S.

Vial, 2nd Lieutenant J. H.

Vincent, Lance-Corporal J.

Vincent, Sergeant G. A.

Vincent, Corporal R. W.

Vine, Sergeant S. J.

Voller, Private R. E.

Voyle, Lance-Corporal J. W.

Wade, Private E.

Walker, Sapper J.

Walker, Rifleman W. R.

Wallace, Private J.

Waller, Rifleman H. T.

Ward, Private G. A.

Ward, Corporal W.

Warren, Rifleman N.

Wasley, Sergeant W. A.

Watkins, Private L.

Watson, Corporal E. G.

Watson, Sergeant S. V.

Watson, Private W. L.

Wattie, Sapper A. J.

Watt, Corporal G. S.

Watts, Corporal G. R.

Webley, Private K. G.

Wells, Private K. C.

Whalley, Private G.

White, Rifleman A. E.

White, Lance-Corporal &c. J.

White, Gunner E. A. T.

White, Gunner H. H.

White, Bombardier W. C.

Whitelaw, Private L. A.

Whitelaw, Sapper L. C.

Whyte, Sergeant A. W.

Wiley, Private H. F.

Wilkie, Private R. A.

Wilkinson, Trooper J.

Williams, Sergeant H.

Williams, Sergeant S. A.

Williams, Gunner T.

Williams, Private E.

Williamson, Corporal G.

Williamson, Sapper J.

Wildsmith, Private &c. T.

Willis, Sergeant A. L. M.

Wilman, Lance-Corporal A.

Wilsher, Corporal J. F.

Wilson, Private A.

Wilson, Corporal C.

Wilson, Sapper &c. G.

Wilson, Sapper &c. G.

Wilson, Sergeant H. F.

Wilson, 2nd Corporal H. G.

Wilson, Sapper N. E.

Wilson, Lance-Corporal J. A.

Wilson, Sergeant J. H.

Wilson, Lance-Corporal R.

Wilson, Corporal T.

Wilton, Corporal W. K.

Winkley, Corporal J. R.

Withell, Gunner R. P.

Witters, Rifleman R.

Wood, Lieutenant R., M.C.

Woodhall, Sergeant J.

Woods, Corporal W.

Worth, Sergeant W. V.

Worthington, Private L. E. J.

Wortherspoon, Private P.

Wright, Corporal A. A.

Wright, Private F.

Wright, Private J. D.

Wright, Private R. F.

Yeoman, Corporal W. B.

Yorke, Private &c. D.

Youle, Rifleman H.

Young, Private A.

Young, Sapper J. H.

Young, Private J. W.

Young, Corporal O. F. T.

Bar to Military Medal.

Alexander, Bombardier J. P.

Baker, Lance-Corporal G. H.

Beck, Sergeant M.

Bennie, Corporal-Fitter A. H.

Carruthers, Private W.

Cooke, Private W. B.

Espie, Private W. C.

Gilbert, Private G.

Gordon, Corporal P. A.

Hopper, Corporal H. M.

Kelsall, Private E.

Kennedy, Corporal F.

Maindonald, Bombardier F. W.

McLeod, Corporal J. D.

Parsons, Private T. W.

Porter, Private &c. W.

Quin, Private C.

Rawhiti, Private H.

Sands, Corporal L. R.

Simmers, Sergeant R.

Sly, Corporal R. H.

Thorn, Corporal W. N.

Whalley, Private G.

Wilson, Sergeant J. H.

Woods, Corporal W.

Meritorious-service Medal, the War of 1914–18.

Beattie, Sergeant J. N.

Briscoe, Lance-Corporal A.

Burdekin, Staff Sergeant-major &c. B.

Cameron, Trooper D.

Choate, Sergeant S. S.

Colebrook, Quartermaster-Sergeant E. S.

Forrest, Lance-Corporal S. V.

Galbraith, Staff Sergeant-major D.

Goulding, Staff Sergeant-major R. T.

Griffen, Sergeant G. H.

Holland, Staff Sergeant-major J.

Holz, Sergeant H. A.

Hunt, Sergeant R. E.

Jones, Company Sergeant-major T.

Kenna, Company Sergeant-major T.

Langrish, Private J. G.

Little, 2nd Lieutenant G. C.

Lovell, Private G. E.

McCardell, Sergeant J. R.

Menzies, 2nd Lieutenant G. B.

Mercer, Driver W. J.

Robinson, Staff Sergeant G. R.

Self, 2nd Lieutenant J. C.

Seymour, Sapper G.

Shaw, Corporal L.

Simmons, 2nd Lieutenant W. H.

Slingsby, Company Sergeant-major T. W.

Smith, Lance-Corporal L.

Smith, Staff Sergeant-major S. H.

Walden, Staff Sergeant H. L.

Waugh, Gunner H.

Whitfield, Gunner G. E.

FOREIGN DECORATIONS.

FRENCH.

Legion of Honour (Croix de Commandeur).

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

Legion of Honour (Croix d'Officier).

Johnston, Brigadier-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.

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

Whitehorne, Major H. S.

Croix de Guerre.*

* No definite information received whether some of the above Croix de Guerre awards are French or Belgian.

Andreassen, Sergeant T. A.

Austin, Lieut.-Colonel W. S., D.S.O.

Barker, Sergeant A. &c. M.

Barrowclough, Captain H. E., M.C.

Beattie, Sergeant J. D,

Bell, Major P. H.

Bickford, Corporal T. E.

Blake, Captain T. A.

Bolton, Rifleman G. M.

Carpell, Sergeant J. M.

Conlon, Company Sergeant-major E. J.

Cosbrook, Sergeant A. J.

Coupland, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. J.

Cox, Sergeant R. J.

Cruickshank, Private V.

Foulds, Private G. R.

Furby, Rifleman S. R.

Greves, Sergeant A. K.

Grant, Sergeant P. L.

Harris, Private W. J.

Hoare, Sergeant V. H.

Hooper, Rifleman S. N.

Jackson, Sergeant J. G.

Kanara, Sergeant H.

King, Sergeant O.

Law, Private A. E.

Loftus, Sergeant J.

Loughlin, Rifleman A.

Macgregor, Sergeant J. L.

Mason, Quartermaster-Sergeant A.

Moore, Sergeant J.

Moyniham, Private D.

Muir, Corporal H.

McChesney, Lance-Corporal J. H.

McElligott, Private J.

McLeod, Gunner A. W.

McNaught, Rifleman G.

Neil, Captain J. H.

Newman, Major &c. N., D.S.O.

Powell, Sergeant J.

Puia Tamehana, Private.

Rennie, Lance-Corporal J.

Richards, Private &c. T.

Rillstone, Sergeant M. J.

Roache, Lieut.-Colonel J. G., D.S.O.

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

Ross, Private J.

Shearer, Sergeant A.

Shellam, Rifleman H.

Sloan, Company Sergeant-major G. C.

Sproat, Staff Sergeant J.

Stanley, Lance-Corporal G.

Stewart, Colonel A. E., D.S.O.

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

Sturgess, Rifleman S. C.

Thomas, Lance-Corporal N. H.

Toi Karini, Private.

Tott, Private F. J., M.M.

Travis, Sergeant R. C.

Vincent, Sergeant J.

Ward, Corporal A.

Warren, Rifleman &c. H.

Watkins, Lance-Corporal W.

West, Regimental Sergeant-major T. S.

Wheeler, Private A. E.

Wrixon, Sergeant A. E.

Woodrow, Sergeant T. M.

Woods, Private G. V.

Wylie, Sergeant L. T.

Medaille Militaire.

Boate, Sergeant-major P. C., D.C.M.

Dean, Private A. E.

Mascall, Lance-Corporal H. J.

Simpkins, Sergeant J.

Stewart, Sergeant R.

Trott, Lance-Corporal W. E.

BELGIAN.

Ordre de la Couronne (Grand Officier).

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

Ordre de la Couronne (Officier).

Melvill, Brigadier-General O. W., D.S.O.

Chevalier de l'Ordre de Merite Agricole

McClure, Captain G. L.

Chevalier de l'Ordre Leopold II.

Tempero, Corporal F. J.

Croix de Guerre.

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

Melvill, Brigadier-General &c. W., D.S.O.

Decoration Militaire.

O'Brien, Sergeant J. H.

RUSSIAN.

Order of St. Stanislaus, 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 the While Eagle, 2nd Class (with Swords).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mabin, Major F. B.

Wepiha, Rev. H. W.

Wilder, Captain A. S.

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

Mitchell, Lieut.-Colonel G., D.S.O.

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

Birkett, Lance-Corporal W. A.

Gardener, Private G.

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

Conlon, Sergeant F. J.

Moore, 2nd Lieutenant J. J., M.M.

Gold Medal.

East, Private A.

Lovell-Smith, Private C.

Pedersen, Private E.

Scrimgeour, Trooper A. R., M.M.

Souter, Private W. J.

Silver Medal.

Boocock, Private J. M.

Champney, Private N. D.

Edmonds, Trooper L. W.

Holmes, Private P. D., M.M.

Noakes, Private E. L.

White, Private W. E.

ITALIAN.

Silver Medal.

Walker, Lieutenant M. B., M.C.

Bronze Medal.

Benny, Private H.

Martin, Sergeant F. R.

Patterson, Private S. J.

Robinson, Sergeant F. C.

Wells, Sergeant &c. M.

MONTENEGRIN.

Order of Danilo, 2nd Class.

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

Order of Danilo, 4th Class.

Barclay, Major G.

Order of Danilo, 5th Class.

Urquhart, Captain M., M.C.

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; Herdman, Hon. Alexander Lawrence, 1918; Hislop, Thomas W., 1891; McKenzie, Roderick, 1912; Mackenzie, Sir Thomas, K.C.M.G., 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 tearing the title of “Honourable” for life, within the Dominion. This title is now held by Sir James Prendergast and Sir John E. Denniston.

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 crime 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 1st April,Number.Salaries.
  £     
19134,641874,437
19145,095953,343
19155,6131,098,960
19165,9851,158,949
19176,2171,208,979
Post and Telegraph Department.
As at 1st April,Number.Salaries.
  £     
19135,372708,165
19145,633761,365
19155,958824,242
19166,441885,927
19176,956970,641

The total increase in the number of officers in the Public Service (including the Post and Telegraph Department) between the 1st April, 1916, and the 1st April, 1917, was 747. This is very largely due to the appointment of cadets and female officers to provide for the work of officers now absent with the Expeditionary Forces.

It was estimated that at the 1st April, 1917, the classified salaries would be underspent by approximately £325,000 for all Departments, including the Post and Telegraph, owing to the absence of officers at the war; it is necessary, however, to set against this an expenditure estimated at £220,000 for permanent and temporary assistance other than that supplied to the Defence Department for its special work.

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. During the year ended 31st March, 1917, the Board dealt with a total of 149 appeals, 18 of these being allowed, 4 partially allowed, while the remainder were either withdrawn or disallowed.

SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION

PASSED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND DURING THE YEAR 1917.

1917, No. 3.—The Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1917.—This Act continues in operation until the 31st day of August, 1918, several enactments relating to matters connected with or arising out of the war. Of these the principal are: The Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914, and its amendments; the Mortgages Extension Act, 1914, and its amendments; the Trading with the Enemy Act, 1914, and its amendments. By the Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1918, these Acts have been further continued until the 31st August, 1919.

1917, No. 4.—The War Purposes Loan Act, 1917.—By this Act, as amended by the War Purposes Loan Act, 1917 (No. 2), the Minister of Finance is authorized to raise a loan of £28,000,000 for war purposes. In order to facilitate the raising of the moneys in New Zealand and to encourage investments by persons of limited means, the Postmaster-General is authorized to issue war loan certificates, the proceeds of which are to be invested by him in the War Purposes Loan. War-loan certificates are issued at a discount, and are to be redeemed at their full nominal value at the end of five years or such longer term as may be fixed. No interest is payable during the currency of the certificate, but the difference between the present value (as at the date of issue) and the nominal value represents interest at approximately 4 ½ per cent. per annum. By section 67 of the Finance Act, 1917 (No. 9), provision is made for the purchase of war-loan certificates on a system of time-payment extending over a period not exceeding sixteen months.

Section 5 of the War Purposes Loan Act (as modified by section 76 of the Finance Act) authorizes the Minister to issue inscribed stock of a value not exceeding £1,000,000, to be available in the payment of death duties in respect of the estates of the holders. Inscribed stock taken up under this section is not capable of transfer during the lifetime of the registered holder; if converted into debentures or other securities, those securities are not in turn to be available in payment of death duties. Supplementary provisions with respect to the War Purposes Loan have been enacted in the Finance Act, 1917. Of these the principal are the following: By section 68 provision is made for the issue of special securities, to be known as Post Office War Bonds, for amounts of not less in any case than £100 or more than £500. Post Office War Bonds bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, subject to income-tax. (All other securities issued in respect of the loan bear interest at the rate of 4 ½ per cent. per annum free of income-tax.) By section 70 trustees are authorized to borrow money on the security of the trust estate for investment in the War Purposes Loan; and by sections 71 and 72 directors of companies, local authorities, and other public bodies are authorized to invest moneys in any war loan; this authority is extended by section 21 of the Finance Act, 1918, which empowers local authorities and public bodies, with the consent of the Minister of Finance, to borrow moneys by way of bank overdraft for investment as aforesaid.

Special provision is made by section 74 of the Finance Act, enabling any bank carrying on business in New Zealand to lodge with the Registrar of Inscribed Stock a certificate of hen against any stock of the War Purposed Loan in respect of which the bank has advanced the purchase-money. Until such certificate of lien is withdrawn or cancelled, with the consent of the bank, no dealings with respect to the stock to which it relates can be accepted by the Registrar for registration.

By section 40 provision was made for the exaction of compulsory subscriptions from persons who failed to contribute in accordance with their means. The standard with reference to which a contributor's obligation was determinable was an amount equal to three times the total land-tax and income-tax (exclusive of excess-profits duty) for which the contributor was liable under the Finance Act, 1916. This standard contribution was subject either to increase or to reduction, dependent on whether the contributor had subscribed or failed to subscribe to former loans for war purposes or to patriotic funds This provision was not exercised and has now been repealed by the Finance Act, 1918, and the provisions of section 16 of that Act (relating to compulsory contributions to the War Purposes Loan of 1918) have been made applicable to any outstanding balance of the 1917 loan.

1917, No. 5.—The Regulation of Trade and Commerce Amendment Act, 1917.—This Act was passed in order to prevent an undue increase in the price of tea consequent upon the imposition of Customs duties on tea by resolution of the House of Representatives passed on the 1st day of August, 1917. The Act fixed, with respect to tea imported before that date, a maximum price (being the current price at which goods of the same nature and quality were saleable in the same locality on the said date, if sold in the same quantity and on the same terms as to payment, delivery, and otherwise). By virtue of the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914, all contracts for the sale of any tea in excess of the maximum price so fixed were void, and offenders rendered themselves liable, in addition, to the penalties prescribed by that Act.

1917, No. 6.—The New Zealand Inscribed Stock Act, 1917.—This Act makes provision for the inscription in New Zealand of stock secured upon the public revenues, and is applicable to all loans, whether raised before or after the passing of the Act. With necessary modifications it is similar in terms to the several Imperial Acts that make provision for the inscription of colonial stock. Provision is made for the keeping of a register in which particulars with respect to all inscribed stock are to be entered showing—

  1. The name and description of the holder;

  2. The amount of stock held by him;

  3. The principal moneys invested in such stock;

  4. The rate of interest payable in respect of the stock, and the due dates;

  5. The due date of repayment of the principal moneys.

Provision is also made for the issue by the Registrar of stock-certificates, which are payable to bearer and are transferable by delivery. Such stock certificates may be issued in respect of any inscribed stock for amounts of £10 or of any multiple of £10. The possession of a stock-certificate entitles the holder to receive the interest that may from time to time be payable, and also to receive the principal moneys (to the amount represented by the certificate) when those moneys become payable.

For the convenience of banks and other institutions lending moneys on the security of inscribed stock, provision is also made for the issue of certificates of title of inscribed stock. These certificates afford conclusive evidence of the ownership of the stock to which they relate, but the transfer of a certificate does not effect a legal or equitable transfer of the stock While any such certificate of title with respect to any stock is issued and unrevoked no dealings with respect to that stock are recognized by the Registrar.

Interest on inscribed stock is payable by means of warrants, which are transferable in the same manner in all respects as bills of exchange.

The transfer of inscribed stock is effected by means of a properly executed memorandum of transfer, and on presentation of any such memorandum of transfer the Registrar is required to enter in the register the name of the transferee as the registered holder of the stock to which the memorandum relates. Transfers of inscribed stock otherwise than by way of gift are exempt from stamp duty.

The Secretary and Assistant Secretary to the Treasury are respectively the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Inscribed Stock.

1917, No. 8.—The Revocation of Naturalization Act, 1917.—By this Act the Governor-General in Council is empowered to revoke the naturalization of any person naturalized in New Zealand if he is satisfied “that it is expedient for the welfare or defence of the realm, or the peace and good government of New Zealand, or otherwise on grounds of public policy, that the naturalization of that person should be revoked.”

Unless otherwise expressly provided in the order of revocation, such an order does not affect the nationality of the wife or of a child of any person whose naturalization may be so revoked. Any Order in Council under the Act may be in like manner annulled or revoked. Unlike most of the Acts which have arisen out of war conditions, this Act is not expressed to be of temporary duration, but will continue in force until repealed.

1917, No. 9.—The Finance Act, 1917.—This Act is divided into Parts, as follows: Part I, Land and Income Tax; Part II, Customs and Excise Duties; Part III, Amusement-tax; Part IV, Banking and Loans; Part V, Pensions; Part VI, Stamp Duties.

Part I (Land and Income Tax): In addition to fixing the rates of land-tax and income-tax (including a special war-tax) for the then current financial year (i.e., the year commencing 1st April, 1917), this Part of the Act amends in various particulars the provisions of the Land and Income Tax Act, 1916. It repeals the provisions of that Act with respect to ordinary land-tax and graduated land-tax, and substitutes a single land-tax assessed and levied on a graduated scale. Incidental and machinery provisions are practically identical with the corresponding repealed provisions relating to graduated land-tax. The provisions of the Land and Income Tax Act, 1916, relating to income-tax are amended in the manner following:—

  1. The provision for a special exemption of £300 in the case of all incomes is repealed, and a new provision substituted by virtue of which the full exemption of £300 is allowed only in the case of incomes not exceeding £600. In the case of incomes exceeding £600 the special exemption is diminished by £1 for every £1 of the excess, so as to leave no exemption under this head for incomes amounting to or exceeding £900.

  2. The special exemption from the taxable income of a taxpayer in respect of his dependent children is enlarged. By the Act of 1916 this exemption was allowed in respect of not more than five children, and in no case if the joint income of the parents amounted to or exceeded £425 per annum. By-virtue of the amendment the full exemption of £25 in respect of each child is allowed in respect of all children, regardless of the amount of their parents' income.

  3. The military or naval pay of members of H.M. Forces earned beyond New Zealand in connection with the present war is wholly exempted from income-tax.

  4. The State Fire Insurance Office is made liable for the payment of income-tax in the same manner as if it were a company carrying on a similar business.

  5. By section 37 the Commissioner of Taxes is authorized to make certain allowances to the shareholders or debenture-holders of a company in alleviation of any undue hardship suffered by them by reason of the payment of taxation by the company.

Part II (Customs and Excise Duties): Sections 42 and 43 increase the rates of Customs duties payable on the classes of goods specified in the Third and Fourth Schedules. Section 45 increases the rate of excise duty payable on beer manufactured in New Zealand. Section 46 limits the time within which beer may be sold by the holders of brewers' licenses, so as to correspond with the times within which liquor may be sold in premises licensed under the Licensing Act, 1908. Section 48 makes provision for the cancellation or suspension of a brewer's license if in the opinion of the Minister of Customs the holder is not a person of good character and reputation. Section 49 increases the rates of excise duty payable on tobacco (including cigars, snuff, and cigarettes) manufactured in New Zealand.

Part III imposes an amusement-tax. The tax is assessed on the amount paid by any person for admission to an entertainment at the following rates:—

Payment for Admission to Entertainment.Amount of Tax.
Exceeding 6d. and not exceeding 2s. 6d.1d.
Exceeding 2s. 6d. and not exceeding 5s. 0d.2d.
Exceeding 5s. and not exceeding 7s. 6d.3d.
Exceeding 7s. 6d. and not exceeding 12s. 6d.6d.
Exceeding 12s. 6d. and not exceeding 1s. for the first 12s. 6d. and 1s. for every 10s. or part of 10s. over 12s. 6d. 

As extended by the Finance Act, 1918, the Act makes provision for the exemption from amusement-tax of the proceeds of admission to entertainments promoted for philanthropic, patriotic, or charitable purposes, to Agricultural and Pastoral Societies' shows, and to entertainments promoted for their own proper purposes by societies or institutions not established for profit.

The provisions of Part IV and of section 40 relate principally to the loan authorized by the War Purposes Loan Act and have been referred to at length in the summary of that Act. In addition, provision is made for a loan of £1,850,000. Of this loan £1,000,000 is to be available for public works to be undertaken by the Government with a view to providing employment for discharged soldiers; the balance is to be available for carrying on ordinary public works.

Part V temporarily increases the rates of pension payable to persons in respect of—

  1. Old-age pensions;

  2. Widows' pensions;

  3. Military pensions in respect of service in the Maori wars; and

  4. Pensions to persons suffering from miner's phthisis.

The increased pension is to be payable during the war and for twelve months thereafter. In the case of widows' pensions the increase is at the rate of £6 a year for each child in respect of whom the pension is paid. In all other cases the increase is at the rate of £13 a year.

The provisions of Part VI relate merely to matters of administration connected with the Stamp Office.

1917, No. 10.—The River Boards Amendment Act, 1917.—By this Act the Government is authorized to construct and maintain any river-protection works if it is reported by a Commission that may be appointed for the purpose that any River Board charged with the construction and maintenance of such works in any river district has failed to satisfactorily perform its duties in that behalf. The expenses of any works so undertaken by the Government may be paid in the first place out of the Public Works Fund, and may be recovered from the River Board on whose behalf the expenditure is incurred as a debt due to the Crown.

1917, No. 11.—The Parliamentary Representation (Expeditionary Forces) Adjustment Act, 1917.—By this Act the Representation Commissions are instructed, when dividing New Zealand into electoral districts, to take into account the number of men who were on the date of the last census absent from New Zealand with the Expeditionary Forces or were then in camps of military training within New Zealand. The corresponding provisions in section 3 of the Parliamentary Elections Postponement Act, 1916, are repealed as being unworkable.

1917, No. 12.—The Registration of Aliens Act, 1917.—By this Act provision is made for the registration of unnaturalized aliens. Registration is effected by the Government Statistician through the officers of police (in the case of aliens now in New Zealand) and through the officers of Customs (in the case of aliens arriving in New Zealand). In respect of each alien the following particulars are to be registered:—

  1. His name in full.

  2. His nationality.

  3. His place of birth.

  4. His age and date of birth.

  5. His marital condition.

  6. His occupation.

  7. The date of his arrival in New Zealand.

  8. Whether permanently resident in New Zealand or not, and, if not permanently resident, the date of his projected departure.

  9. His place of abode and postal address.

  10. Any other particulars that may be required pursuant to regulations under the Act.

Any alien who fails to register pursuant to the Act or who wilfully furnishes false or misleading information for registration is liable to a fine not exceeding £50. Every alien who fails to give due notice of any change of address of which notification is required by the Act is liable to a fine not exceeding £20. Notification of a change of address is not required where the change is within the boundaries of a borough or county in which an alien is registered, but is required in all other cases.

1917, No. 14.—The Military Service Amendment Act, 1917.—By this Act provision is made for calling up the residue of any division or class of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Reserve without the formality of a ballot if the number of men required from such division or class pursuant to a warrant of the Minister of Defence is in excess of the number remaining in that division or class.

1917, No. 15.—The Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1917.—The main provisions of this Act relate to or are consequential on the appointment of two Assistant Public Trustees, having powers co-extensive with those of the Public Trustee. The office of Deputy Public Trustee is abolished. The Public Trustee with the two Assistant Public Trustees together constitute the Public Trust Office Board, and the powers, functions, and duties of the former Public Trust Office Board are transferred to the new Board so constituted. The former Public Trust Office Board (constituted pursuant to section 3 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1913) is reconstituted as the Public Trust Office Investment Board, its only remaining function being to control the investment of moneys available for investment in the common fund of the Public Trust Office.

1917, No. 16.—The War Pensions Amendment Act, 1917.—This Act extends the benefits conferred by the War Pensions Act, 1915, and its amendments, on disabled members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, and on the wives, children, and other dependants of deceased or disabled members of those Forces. The rates of pension to widows and children of deceased members, and also to disabled members, their wives and children, are set out in the First and Second Schedules respectively of the amending Act as follows:—

FIRST SCHEDULE.

Rates of Pension in Case of Death.

I. Rank or Rating.II. To the Wife per Week.III. To each Child per Week.
Without a Child.With a Child or Children.
     £s.d.£s.d.s.d.
Private, Bombardier, Lance-Corporal, Trooper, Gunner, Driver, Sapper, Trumpeter, Bugler1100200100
Able Seaman and equivalent ratings
Corporal1110210100
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-Fitter1120220100
Lance-Sergeant (paid as such)
Petty Officer and equivalent ratings
Squadron, Battery, or Company Sergeant-major, Quartermaster-Sergeant, Colour-Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Pay-clerk1140240100
Chief Petty Officer, and equivalent ratings
Regimental Sergeant-major, Regimental Quarter-master-Sergeant1150250100
Warrant Officer and equivalent ranks (Navy)
2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant (Army)2502150100
Commissioned Warrant Officer and equivalent ranks; Sub-Lieutenant and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Captain (Army)2100300100
Lieutenant under eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Major2170370100
Lieutenant of eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Lieutenant-Colonel3603160100
Captain under three years' seniority and equivalent ranks; Commanders and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Colonel3803180100
Captain of three years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Brigadier-General, Major-General3100400100
Commodores, first and second class; Bear-Admiral and other equivalent ranks

SECOND SCHEDULE.

Rates of Pension in Case of Disablement.
I. Rank or Rating.II To the Member per Week.III. To the Wife per Week.IV. To each Child per Week.
     £s.d.£s.d.s.d.
Private, Bombardier, Lance-Corporal, Trooper, Gunner. Driver, Sapper, Trumpeter, Bugler2010100100
Able Seaman and equivalent ratings
Corporal
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-Fitter
Lance-Sergeant (paid as such)
Petty Officer and equivalent ratings
Squadron, Battery, or Company Sergeant-major, Quartermaster-Sergeant, Colour-Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Pay-clerk
Chief Petty Officer and equivalent ratings
Regimental Sergeant-major, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant
Warrant Officer and equivalent ranks (Navy)
2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant (Army)226113100
Commissioned Warrant Officer and equivalent ranks; Sub-Lieutenant and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Captain (Army)250126100
Lieutenant under eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Major21201601010
Lieutenant of eight years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Lieutenant-Colonel3101106100
Captain under three years' seniority and equivalent ranks; Commanders and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Colonel3301116100
Captain of three years' seniority and equivalent ranks (Navy)
Brigadier-General, Major-General3501126100
Commodores, first and second class; Bear-Admiral and other equivalent ranks

The rates specified in the First Schedule in respect of the death of a member of the Forces are payable to his widow and children as of right, and no discretion is left with the Pensions Board to decrease the rates on any ground whatsoever.

Fixed rates of pension (as set out in the Third Schedule) are also prescribed in respect of certain permanent forms of disablement. This Schedule is as follows:—

THIRD SCHEDULE.

Pensions payable for Specific Injuries.
Nature of Injury.Ratio of Pension to Full Pension payable in Cases of Total Disablement.
     Per Cent.
Loss of two limbs100
Loss of limb and eye100
Loss of both hands100
Loss of all fingers and thumbs100
Loss of both feet100
Loss of hand and foot100
Loss of sight100
Total paralysis100
Lunacy100
Permanently bedridden100
Wounds or injuries to head or other organ involving total permanent disabling effects100
Advanced incurable disease100
Very serious facial disfigurement100
Amputation of right arm through shoulder-joint85
Amputation of leg through hip-joint85
Loss of speech80
Severe facial disfigurement80
Amputation of left arm through shoulder-joint80
Amputation of right arm at or above elbow80
Amputation of leg through knee-joint or thigh80
Amputation of left arm at or above elbow75
Amputation of right arm below elbow75
Amputation of leg below knee75
Total deafness70
Amputation of left arm below elbow70
Amputation of right hand65
Amputation of left hand60
Loss of one eye50
Loss of four fingers of right hand50
Loss of four fingers of left hand45
Loss of three fingers of right hand40
Loss of thumb of right hand40
Loss of three fingers of left hand30
Loss of thumb of left hand30
Loss of two fingers of right or left hand25
Loss of index finger of right or left hand20

NOTES.—(a.) In cases of left-handed men, certified to as such to the satisfaction of the Board, pensions in respect of injury to the left arm or hand will be at the rate prescribed us for injury to the right arm or hand, and compensation in respect of injury to the right arm or hand will be at the rate prescribed as for injury to the left arm or hand, (b.) For the purposes of tills Schedule the expression “ loss of” includes “permanent loss of the use of.” (c.) Where a member of the Forces suffers or has suffered more than one of the injuries mentioned in this Schedule he shall not in any case be entitled to receive more than the maximum pension payable as for total disablement.

Special provisions have been made for increased pensions to disabled members of the Forces and their families/and to the widows and children of deceased members, with a view to enabling them to maintain their pre-war standard of comfort. By section 4 the War Pensions Board is authorized to increase by £1 a week the amount of pension that would be otherwise payable to a disabled member and his family, but so as not to exceed in any case a total of £5 per week. By section 10 provision is made for an additional payment of 15s. a week to the widow of a deceased member of the Forces, but so that the total pension to the widow and her children shall not exceed £4 a week.

In order to encourage disabled men to undergo necessary medical or curative treatment, increased pensions may be paid to such men who may be obliged to live away from home for the purpose of undergoing such treatment, and in other cases a special allowance may be granted to compensate men for loss of wages or salary incurred while undergoing such treatment. The Pensions Board is further empowered to reduce by one-half the amount of pension payable to a man who refuses without sufficient cause to undergo any prescribed curative or medical treatment.

In cases where the disablement of a member of the Forces has not on the hearing of his application for a pension reached its final condition the Board is empowered to grant a temporary pension which may afterwards be reviewed from time to time. When a permanent pension has been granted it cannot thereafter be reduced on account of any change in the earning-capacity of the recipient. In the case of orphan children not maintained in institutions established for such children special provision is made for a pension at the rate of 15s. a week.

Where the widowed mother of a member of the Forces satisfies the Board that she was partially dependent upon her son for support she is entitled as of right to a pension of not less than half the pension that would have been payable if she had been wholly dependent upon him.

Section 14 authorizes the grant of supplementary pensions to persons being bona fide residents of New Zealand who may be in receipt of Imperial pensions in respect of service in H.M. Naval or Military Forces by persons who prior to the war were resident in New Zealand, and were either members of H.M. Naval or Military Reserve, or enlisted in New Zealand.

Section 16 makes a radical change in the policy of the original Act (i.e., the War Pensions Act, 1915). By the section referred to pensions are made payable in respect of the death or disablement of a member of the Forces in receipt of continuous military pay as such, notwithstanding that his death or disablement may not have resulted from his military service. By virtue of this provision the State undertakes responsibility with respect to every man during the whole period of his military training or service. By the original Act pensions were payable only in respect of death or disablement arising out of service as a member of the Expeditionary Force. Thus injuries resulting from accidents sustained in camp or elsewhere, if not directly attributable to military service, were not capable of being compensated for by pension, even though resulting in death or permanent disablement.

1917, No. 17.—The Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917.—This Act extends the scheme of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915. It provides, inter alia, for the following matters:—

  1. It empowers the Minister of Lands to make advances under the principal Act to enable discharged soldiers to carry on farming operations on private land or on land acquired from the Crown otherwise than under the principal Act.

  2. It enables the Government, on the application of any discharged soldier, to acquire land for selection under the principal Act by that soldier.

  3. The Minister of Lands is empowered to set aside land for soldiers' dwellings, to be disposed of generally on the same terms as land is disposed of for workers' dwellings under the Workers' Dwellings Act, 1910.

1917, No. 19.—The Sale of Liquor Restriction Act, 1917.—This Act provides that on and after the 1st day of December, 1917, all premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor shall be closed at 6 p.m., and shall not be open for the sale of liquor before 9 a.m. Special provisions are made for the adjustment, as between landlords and tenants, of rents and other charges by reason of the depreciation of business caused by the reduction of hours. The licensee of any licensed premises may if he so desires, by virtue of section 7, close his licensed premises and keep them closed during the continuance of the Act without prejudice to his right to obtain a renewal of his license on expiry of the Act by effluxion of time. While the Act remains in force chartered clubs are subject in all respects to the restrictions imposed on licensed houses. Special provision is made by section 10 to permit the sale of intoxicating liquor between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., if served as part of a “substantial meal” in the dining-room of an hotel or chartered club in which a “substantial meal” is regularly served.

While licensed premises are required to be closed the drinking of intoxicating liquor in restaurants is prohibited save by the occupier or a member of his family. The penalty for a first offence against this provision is a fine not exceeding £20, and for every subsequent offence a fine not less than £25 or exceeding £50. The Act is expressed to continue in operation during the continuance of the war and for six months thereafter.

1917, No. 20.—The Shops and Offices Amendment Act, 1917.—This Act imposes restrictions upon the hours of employment of women and girls in or about shops in which food and refreshments are sold to the public. Except in exceptional cases, and with the permission of an Inspector of Factories, no such woman or girl is to be employed after half past 10 o'clock in the evening of any day.

1917, No. 21.—The War Legislation Act, 1917.—This Act relates entirely to matters connected with or to conditions arising out of the war. It is divided into Parts, as follows: Part I, Acquisition of Land by Alien Enemies; Part II, Electoral Eights of Aliens; Part III, Contractors' Relief; Part IV, Restrictions on Increase of Rent; Part V, Miscellaneous.

Part I (Acquisition of Land by Alien Enemies) provides a convenient procedure for the exercise by the Crown of its right of forfeiture with respect to land or interests in land acquired by alien enemies during the continuance of the war. It provides that on information by the Attorney-General the Supreme Court may declare any such estate or interest in land to be forfeited to the Crown; on the making of any such order the land so forfeited is vested in the Public Trustee oh behalf of His Majesty. In addition to the foregoing provisions it is provided by section 10 that every contract made after the passing of the Act and during the war for the acquisition by or on behalf of an alien enemy of any freehold estate or interest in land, or of any leasehold estate or interest for a term which will not expire within two years, shall be absolutely void, and every party to any such contract is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £100 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.

Part II defines the electoral rights of aliens. It enacts that no alien enemy shall be capable of being elected or appointed as a member of a local authority or shall be entitled to vote at any such election. Aliens other than alien enemies are not eligible for election or appointment as members of local authorities, but unless specifically disqualified by some other statute may vote at any such election if otherwise qualified so to do.

The object of Part III is to afford relief to soldiers who may be parties to burdensome contracts. On application by any such soldier a Stipendiary Magistrate, if he is of opinion, having regard to the obligation of the applicant to military service and to the conditions created by the present war, that it is inequitable that the applicant should be bound by the terms of his contract, may make an order for the cancellation, suspension, modification, or extension of the contract, and for affording such other relief to the applicant as he deems just and equitable in the circumstances.

Sections 16 and 17 are not limited to soldiers' contracts, and are based on similar legislation passed by the Imperial Parliament. Section 16 affords relief to contractors in cases where fulfilment of the contract has been interfered with by reason of any requirement, regulation, or restriction made or imposed by the Admiralty or the Army Council pursuant to the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914 (Imperial).

Section 17 confers on the Supreme Court jurisdiction to suspend or annul any contract of a class to which the section relates, or to extend the term thereof or to stay any proceedings for the enforcement of the contract in cases where the enforcement of the contract would be a cause of serious hardship. The section is limited to contracts entered into before the 4th day of August, 1914, and relates only to contracts for the construction of any building or work, or for the supply of materials for any building or work, or to contracts for the cutting or removal of growing timber.

Part IV amends Part I of the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916 (imposing restrictions on the increase of rents during the war). It makes those provisions applicable to furnished dwellings, and gives authority to Inspectors of Factories to take proceedings on behalf of tenants who may claim the protection of the Act.

Part V is a miscellany of provisions having more or less direct reference to war conditions. Of these the following are the most important:—

Section 22 enables local authorities, with the consent of the Governor-General in Council, to borrow moneys without taking a poll of the ratepayers for the purposes of any public work proposed to be undertaken with a view to providing work for discharged soldiers.

Section 25 extends the provisions of the Mortgages Extension Act, 1914, so as to include within the term “mortgage” for the purposes of that Act any instrument of security granted over a policy of life insurance.

Section 26 enables the Minister of Internal Affairs to require security (by way of bond or otherwise) to be given for the due return to New Zealand of persons of military age who may be permitted to leave NEW Zealand for a temporary purpose, and validates bonds given and taken before the passing of the Act.

Section 27 enables the Governor-General to take possession of land and buildings for the purposes of His Majesty, pursuant to the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914.

Sections 28 and 29 impose restrictions on the retirement of officers on superannuation from any branch of the Government Service during the continuance of the war. It also prohibits the transfer of officers from one Department to another without the consent of the Minister having Ministerial control of the Department in which the person proposed to be transferred is employed.

Section 30 makes provision for a system of war bursaries, to be awarded for educational purposes to the children of deceased or disabled members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces.

Sections 31 to 33 amend the War Funds Act, 1915. Section 31 extends the definition of “war fund” so as to include funds established for the acquisition of any memorial sports-ground, recreation-ground, or park. Section 32 provides for the temporary investment of funds not immediately required for the purposes for which the fund is established. Section 33 repeals and re-enacts with alterations the provisions of the principal Act requiring permits for the collection of moneys for war funds.

War Regulations: Section 34 validates all regulations made or purporting to be made under the War Regulations Act, 1914 (before the passing of the Act). Section 35 extends the powers of the Governor-General in Council to make war regulations for the purposes of protecting and maintaining essential industries and for other matters.

1917, No. 22.—The State Supply of Electrical Energy Act, 1917.—This Act authorizes the Minister of Public Works, subject to Part XII of the Public Works Act, 1908, to acquire, construct, maintain and work schemes for the generation and supply of electrical energy, and to carry on the business in all its branches of the supply and sale of electrical energy (including any business usually associated therewith). Provision is made for a proper system of accounts and for the establishment in connection with every such scheme of a depreciation fund, a sinking fund, and a reserve fund. Annual reports on the working of each scheme, together with 'a balance-sheet and profit and loss account, are to be submitted to Parliament.

1917, No. 24.—The Social Hygiene Act, 1917.—This Act has been passed with a view to preventing the spread of venereal diseases, and for effecting the cure of persons suffering from any such disease. Section 3 imposes an obligation on every person suffering from any such disease forthwith to place himself under treatment by a registered medical practitioner, or to place himself under treatment at a hospital or other place available for the treatment of such diseases. Every medical practitioner consulted by a person suffering from venereal disease is obliged (1) to direct the attention of the patient to the infectious character of the disease and to the penalties prescribed by the Act for infecting any other person with such disease; (2) to warn the patient against contracting marriage while suffering from the disease; and (3) to give to the patient such printed information relating to the treatment of the disease as may from time to time be issued for the purpose by direction of the Minister of Public Health.

Section 6 makes it an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or by a fine not exceeding £100 for any person suffering from venereal disease in a communicable form to be employed or engaged in any capacity requiring him to handle food intended for human consumption. Every person who employs in any such capacity a person whom he knows to be suffering as aforesaid is liable to a fine of not less than £20 and not more than £100. Section 7 makes it an offence punishable by fine or imprisonment for any person other than a registered medical practitioner to undertake the treatment or cure of any venereal disease for payment or other reward. Section 8 makes it an offence for any person knowingly to infect another with venereal disease, or knowingly to do, permit, or suffer any act likely to lead to the infection of any person with such a disease; and prescribes as penalty for such offence a fine not exceeding £100, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or both such fine and imprisonment (in the discretion of the convicting Magistrate). By section 9 the Governor-General is empowered to prohibit by Order in Council the sale or supply of any drug or drugs that may be specified in the Order in Council, except pursuant to the written prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

Health Patrols: Section 12 provides for the appointment of officers to be known as Health Patrols, whose special duties are to protect the health and morality of young persons. Health Patrols in the exercise of their duties enjoy all the privileges and protection of police constables.

Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards may be required by the Minister of Public Health to furnish special accommodation for the treatment of persons suffering from venereal disease, and in respect of all additional expenditure incurred for this purpose are entitled to a special subsidy from the Consolidated Fund equal to 75 per cent. of such expenditure. By section 14 the Minister of Public Health is specially authorized (a) to make arrangements for the treatment of persons suffering from venereal disease; (b) to arrange for clinical, chemical, bacteriological, and other examinations and investigations with respect to persons suffering or presumed to be suffering from such disease; (c) to make provisions for the supply of information with respect to the nature, effects, and proper treatment of any such disease; and (d) to encourage the establishment of associations for the purpose of checking the spread of such diseases and for securing the proper treatment of persons suffering from any such disease.

1917, No. 28.—The Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917.—This Act is a miscellany of amendments of various Acts. Sections 2 and 9 amend the Education Act. They make provision (1) for the establishment of practising schools in connection with training-colleges; (2) for the establishment of model schools and classes for backward pupils; (3) for increased capitation and other allowances to primary and secondary schools. They also empower the Governor-General to make regulations for the appointment and the payment of temporary teachers and for other matters connected with the staffing of public and Native schools. The special power to make such regulations can be exercised only during the war and for six months thereafter, and is designed to meet special conditions arising out of the war. Regulations so made are not rendered invalid merely because they may not be in conformity with the Education Act, 1914.

Section 10 provides for the establishment, under the Industrial Schools Act, of probationary homes for children, and for the appointment of Juvenile Probation Officers. Section 14 extends the powers of the Prisons Board constituted under the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910. It enables the Board, at the request of the Minister of Justice, to make inquiries and recommendations for the release on probation of persons who may be undergoing sentences of imprisonment for any period exceeding two years. The provisions of the Crimes Amendment Act, 1910, relating to the release on probation of persons undergoing sentences of reformative detention, are, mutatis mutandis, applied.

Section 21 amends the definition of the term “standard price” for the purposes of the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914, and defines that term as follows: “The standard price of any goods means, in respect of any locality, the current price at which, on a day specified in that behalf by any Order in Council fixing the maximum price thereof, goods of the same nature and quality were saleable in that locality when sold in the same quantity and on the same terms as to payment, delivery, and otherwise.”

The amendment permits the authorities to fix a maximum price of any commodities as on any given date, and to prevent any threatened increase in prices pending a consideration of the grounds alleged in justification of such increase, and of any representations that may be made by persons prejudicially affected.

1917, No. 29.—The. Appropriation Act, 1917.—In addition to the usual provisions included in the annual Appropriation Act, special provision is made in this Act for the following matters: (1.) Section 18 makes provision for the payment of a war bonus to officers of the Government Service (including the service of Education Boards). (2.) Section 21 authorizes the Minister of Finance to make advances not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of £4,000 for the purpose of encouraging the production and refinement of mineral oil in New Zealand. (3.) Section 22 authorizes the making of advances to an amount not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of £120,000 for the purpose of providing additional cold storage. Such advances are to be made out of loan-moneys to be raised by the Minister of Finance for the purpose. (4.) Section 26 authorizes the making of advances pursuant to regulations in that behalf for the protection of the property of soldiers absent from New Zealand with the Expeditionary Forces. (5.) Section 29 postpones for two years the general regrading of public servants under the Public Service Act, 1912. (6.) Section 30 makes provision for a special allowance to be paid during the war and for three months thereafter to married men employed in the service of the Government Railways Department.

Chapter 2. SECTION II.—CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY.

THE information given in this section deals only with the year 1917. 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, 1917.

The total year's rainfall was slightly below the average in the Wanganui, Wairarapa, and parts of the Wellington districts, and also at a few scattered places in the South Island. The greater portion of New Zealand, however, recorded an excessive rainfall, and, as in 1916, the Auckland Province again experienced the greatest difference above the average.

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

January.—The North Auckland district and the east coast of the North Island experienced a rainfall in excess of the average for the month; but in almost every other part of the Dominion the total was below. The chief cause of the abundant falls in the north were two subtropical depressions, one which passed off East Cape about the 3rd and 4th, and a prolonged one which ruled in the north from the 27th to the close of the month. A small “low” off the east coast of the North Island caused severe thunderstorms in the vicinity of Cook Strait on the night of the 8th. On the 21st some local thunderstorms, accompanied with heavy downpours in the Tokomaru Bay district, caused serious floods in many of the rivers and creeks. The rainfall in many cases was phenomenal and hitherto unprecedented in New Zealand. The only other disturbance of note was a moderate westerly low-pressure area ruling between the 13th and 17th, which brought some rain, more especially in the western districts. The weather on the whole was fine and seasonable, with occasionally very high temperatures ruling, particularly during the last week when a persistent high-pressure system was centred in the region of the Chatham Islands.

February.—With the exception of some places along the northern portion of Cook Strait and a few scattered stations in the South Island, the total rainfall was everywhere above the average, the greatest excess being in the northern and southernmost districts. The two chief causes of excessive rains were both extra-tropical cyclones. One, which ruled during the first few days of the month, moved from the north-west down towards the west coast of the South Island, and passed in the south on the 5th. The other passed in the northern districts on the 21st, and was followed by a “secondary” centre, which was effective until the 25th. The latter disturbance was responsible for extremely heavy rain and flooded rivers in the northern and east-coast districts of the North Island. Some of the northern stations recorded over 5 in. on three consecutive days—viz., 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. About the 16th a small anticyclone prevailed, and on the 21st and 22nd anticyclonic pressure ruled in and southwards of Cook Strait; otherwise atmospheric pressure was generally below normal, and in consequence dull skies were the rule.

March.—March proved an extremely dry month for most parts of New Zealand, the only districts having an excessive rainfall being Westland and southern Otago. About the 22nd and 23rd depressions of moderate intensity passed both north and south of the Dominion, chiefly benefiting the northernmost districts of the North Island and the west coast and southern parts of the South. On the night of the 24th a small “low” passed in the neighbourhood of Cook Strait, and was responsible for heavy welcome rains generally. Some stations, especially in the north, reported severe thunderstorms on this day. The weather during the month was chiefly governed by anticyclones—fair, mild, and calm days, and cool nights being the rule. The first frosts of the season occurred on the 28th.

April.—The rainfall during April was abundant in the Auckland Province and in all districts with a westerly aspect. A deficiency occurred in Hawke's Bay, and also on the east coast and southernmost districts of the South Island. The principal disturbances were of the westerly type, with lowest atmospheric pressure passing southwards of New Zealand. Of these, one ruling between the 1st and 2nd and another between the 13th and 17th were somewhat intense and resulted in stormy conditions in many parts of the Dominion. Minor depressions of this character also passed on the 5th, 8th, and 28th. From the 22nd to the 26th, although an anticyclone was centred in the south, relatively low pressure ruled to the northwards, causing high easterly winds and considerable rainfall in the northernmost districts. The weather generally was changeable, but temperatures were mild except towards the close of the month, when very cold conditions brought a reminder of approaching winter.

May.—The weather during May was generally of an unsettled character. Two small anticyclones passed over the Dominion—viz., between the 2nd and 4th, and 18th and 19th, when fine weather resulted. Of the numerous atmospheric depressions the two most effective were a cyclone which passed down from the north and off East Cape between the 12th and 15th, and an extensive, westerly area of low pressure which ruled between the 22nd and 28th. Both were responsible for some heavy rains, the former causing floods in Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa districts, and the latter culminating in very heavy floods in Otago about the 26th and 27th. With the exception of a few scattered stations, chiefly in the west-coast districts, most portions of the Dominion experienced an abundant rainfall.

June.—During the first week of June high atmospheric pressure ruled, and fine clear weather was experienced, with cold nights. The remainder of the month, with the exception of isolated days, proved very unsettled and wet, particularly over the North Island and in the north-east portion of the South. Between the 11th and 14th, although an anticyclone was in evidence in the south, an intense cyclone moved down from the north, the centre passing Cape Maria van Diemen on the 11th and 12th, and off East Cape on the 13th. On the 11th and 12th stormy conditions prevailed, with easterly and southeasterly gales, and heavy rain in and northwards of Cook Strait. The worst effects of the disturbance were experienced in the Gisborne and Hawke's Bay districts, and between the 10th and 13th heavy rains were responsible for floods in these districts. Following are given the rainfalls during this storm at the three stations—viz., Morere, Tutira, and Napier:—

     Morere.Tutira.Napier (Greenmeadows).
June 10th1.791.700.72
June 11th12.558.405.44
June 12th5.178.402.68
June 13th1.051.610.28
  Total20.5620.119.12

From the 14th to the 21st a westerly low-pressure system he'd sway; on the 24th the centre of a cyclone passed northward of the Dominion, and between the 29th and 30th a small cyclonic disturbance passed from northwest to south-east over the North Island. These disturbances accounted for bad weather. On the night of the 16th a very heavy downpour occurred in Wellington and neighbourhood, when electrical conditions were in evidence locally. Below the average rainfall was recorded in the Taranaki and Wanganui districts and over the whole of the South Island, with the exception of the north-east portion. In all other parts of the Dominion considerably more than the average was reported.

July.—In the east-coast districts of the North Island, Otago, and in parts of Westland, the total rainfall did not reach the average, but elsewhere a considerable excess was recorded. Numerous atmospheric depressions were in evidence, particularly during the latter half of the month, and the barometer remained continuously below normal until the last day. On the 20th, when a cyclone held sway, some exceedingly low barometer readings were reported, especially about Cook Strait. Except in the districts above mentioned, very unsettled and wet weather prevailed, but nearly all parts of the Dominion experienced mild temperatures. Owing to the neutralizing effect of the various “lows” on each other, the average velocity of the wind was less than what might have been expected in a month having so many disturbances.

August.—The rainfall during August was considerably less than the average in the east-coast districts of the South Island, and also slightly less along the north side of Cook Strait. The northern and east-coast portions of the North Island generally show an excess, but in the remaining districts the falls were very uneven. Following is a brief description of the principal atmospheric disturbances: On the 1st and 2nd a cyclone of moderate intensity moved down the west coast, the centre passing in the south on the night of the 3rd. Dull, misty, and wet weather prevailed generally, and heavy rain fell in the northern districts on the 1st. Cold, squally, and showery conditions were experienced on the 5th, when a small depression ruled in the far north. Between the 7th and 10th, while high atmospheric pressure prevailed over the South Island, an intense cyclone passed northwards of the Dominion, causing high south-easterly winds in and northward of Cook Strait, with passing showers, but heavy rain was experienced in the northern and east-coast districts. A westerly storm passed over the Dominion between the 12th and 14th, and on the 12th and 13th northerly gales ruled with boisterous and wet weather. On the 14th the winds changed to southerly, bringing a cold snap. This was accentuated on the latter date by the presence of a secondary “low” which developed off the west coast of the North Island, but disappeared the same night. A small cyclone passed off East Cape on the 19th and accounted for rain, particularly in the north. This was followed by a westerly area of low pressure which persisted until the 27th. During this period the weather was very changeable, occasionally squally and wet in parts. Short periods of anticyclonic conditions and fine weather were experienced generally on the 10th and 11th, between the 16th and 18th, and from the 28th to the close of the month.

September.—September proved a mild but changeable month. With the exception of the east coast of the North Island most parts of the Dominion recorded a total rainfall in excess of the average; and owing to some extremely heavy downpours, particularly about the 1st and 2nd, 11th, and 25th, the difference above the mean was considerable over the greater portion of the South Island. Of the three principal disturbances, two, which ruled between the 1st and 3rd and the 24th and 28th respectively, were westerly cyclones with centres passing over the South Island; the other, whose effects were chiefly felt between the 10th and 12th, was an ex-tropical cyclone, the centre of which passed in the northern districts—this disturbance was responsible for heavy rain in various parts and for phenomenal floods in the Kaikoura district. Between the 13th and 23rd an anticyclone ruled, with an exceptionally high barometer, in the north, but on the night of the 18th and again on the 21st depressions passed in the south, bringing high north-west winds in and southward of Cook Strait, and rain in the west-coast and southern parts of the South Island. There was a remarkable prevalence of strong westerly winds, but on the whole the weather during the month was favourable to rapid vegetable growth. This is shown in the marked increase in the earth-temperatures at a depth of 1 ft., the mean at the Wellington Observatory for the first week being 51.3° F. and for the last week 56.8° F.

October.—A common feature of October weather that has again been exemplified is the frequency of strong westerly winds, particularly in and southward of Cook Strait. This is brought about by the number of westerly areas of “low” pressure passing in the south while “high” systems have persisted in the north. On this account excessive rainfall was recorded in the west-coast and southern districts of the South Island, and also about Cape Egmont and North of Auckland. All other parts of the Dominion experienced less than the average total rainfall. Boisterous and wet conditions prevailed about the 6th and 7th, and between the 21st and 23rd. From the 26th to the end of the month dull, misty weather was experienced, and during this period considerable precipitation took place. The longest period of settled weather prevailed between the 12th and 17th, when anticyclonic pressure held sway. Generally the month was a good spring one, with a mean temperature slightly above the average.

November.—Anticyclonio pressure predominated during November, accounting for fine and bright weather generally. Only two disturbances of any intensity were in evidence. On the 6th a westerly depression passed rapidly in the south, bringing boisterous and wet conditions along the west coast south of Cape Egmont. Between the 19th and 23rd an ex-tropical disturbance ruled in the north, and during this period high south-east winds and dull, wet weather prevailed over the North Island and in the north-east portion of the South. The latter disturbance was responsible for some heavy rainfall along the east coast of the North Island, causing floods in some of the rivers on the 22nd. Except at a few stations in the latter district, precipitation was everywhere below the average.

December.—High atmospheric pressure and fair and warm weather prevailed during the first week of December. Thereafter, until the close of the month, owing to the passage of various depressions over or in the neighbourhood of the Dominion, conditions proved somewhat changeable, with frequent showers. Between the 8th and 10th a small westerly “low” passed in the south, bringing rain to the west-coast districts of the South Island. This was followed by a cyclone, the centre of which passed down the west coast on the 10th and 11th, and to the eastward of the South Island on the 12th. Dull and wet weather prevailed about this time, and on the 11th boisterous conditions were experienced. The night of the 14th was also boisterous, while a fast-moving disturbance passed in the south. Between the 16th and 19th a stormy south-easterly ruled along the east coast of the North Island, owing to the presence of a depression to the north-east of the Dominion, while high pressure ruled in the south. On the 21st there was evidence of the development of a disturbance off the east coast of the South Island, and low atmospheric pressure ruled in the south until the 25th, when a rapid increase took place. From the 21st to the 24th conditions were very unsettled, and the last day of the year proved somewhat stormy in and southwards of Cook Strait, with the passage of a westerly “low” in the south. The total rainfall for the month in Canterbury was considerably above the average, but elsewhere a deficiency was generally recorded.

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

NORTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1917.
Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Twelve Previous Years.
     Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
+3.166.04..     5.226.795.866.975.154.39..     ..     ..     
Av.3.082.614.693.884.784.215.294.283.824.293.843.35
-..     ..     1.79..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3.772.612.87
Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Averages for Twelve Previous Years.
+10.313.9..     15.817.9..     23.018.4..     15.5..     12.1
Av.9.48.011.812.614.715.316.414.514.815.114.111.2
-..     ..     5.6..     ..     14.1..     ..     14.3..     7.1..     
+ Above the average. - Below the average.

RAIN CURVES

TEMPERATURE CURVES.

SOUTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1917.
Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Twelve Previous Years.
     Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
+..     3.59..     ..     6.11..     ..     ..     5.954.38..     5.61
Av.3.752.713.673.333.494.013.893.173.793.853.513.76
-2.11..     3.083.05..     2.163.762.35..     ..     1.12..     
Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Average for Twelve Previous Years.
+..     13.1..     ..     16.7..     15.7..     ..     ..     ..     15.0
Av.12.48.912.212.112.113.613.312.613.814.414.113.0
-7.9..     8.411.9..     10.0..     11.213.013.88.5..     
+ Above the average. - Below the average.

METEOROLOGY.

TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, AND WIND THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND, AS OBSERVED AT TWELVE STATIONS, FOR THE YEAR 1917.
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′ E.; alt. 125 ft.)—January78.054.073.461.567.4133.4829.92E, SW.
February76.054.070.660.265.42012.6729.84SW, NE.
March73.054.070.457.864.1112.7230.07E, NE.
April73.049.066.958.262.5249.3130.11E, S.
May71.046.064.053.158.5268.0129.79SW, E.
June66.043.060.349.855.0185.4129.89NE, SW.
July63.043.058.449.553.9279.5929.80W, N.
August62.541.556.447.852.1237.7029.99W, E.
September66.545.060.150.555.3187.0330.07W, NE.
October71.043.564.652.958.8195.2030.15W, NE.
November73.550.068.755.562.161.6730.09NE, SW.
December77.050.070.456.763.5101.3629.86E, SW, W.
Greenmeadows (Napier), (lat. 39° 32' S.; long. 176° 53' E.; alt. 70 ft.)—January87.051.576.659.568.075.2429.918SE, W, NW.
February88.050.074.358.566.4114.0629.839N, S.
March86.547.572.653.563.030.3530.159S.
April83.545.571.255.263.272.2530.122N.
May75.538.064.148.356.295.2229.831NW, N.
June67.036.058.642.650.6810.5529.955W, NW.
July64.536.059.245.152.1101.9729.762NW, W.
August69.537.058.144.051.0135.7229.990W.
September75.038.063.948.256.072.3530.014N.
October76.039.067.550.959.291.6630.090W.
November80.044.068.552.360.463.0330.103S. N.
December80.045.570.954.662.792.1229.860N, S.
Palmerston North (lat. 40° 20' S.; long. 175° 37' E.; alt. 103 ft.)January83.043.076.053.864.951.15..     W, E.
February81.041.071.355.163.2132.87..     W, E.
March78.842.071.950.261.031.31..     E, W.
April75.039.066.950.658.7134.63..     W, E.
May74.035.062.346.854.5164.61..     E, W.
June64.532.557.443.150.2100.86..     W, E.
July61.032.055.943.349.6265.58..     W.
August61.030.055.441.348.3192.67..     W, E.
September69.037.061.245.253.2183.11..     W, E.
October71.534.062.647.054.8183.42..     W.
November74.541.066.350.458.361.76..     W.
December76.041.069.351.760.5111.63..     W.
New Plymouth (lat. 39° 3' 35″ 8.; long. 174° 4' 58″ E.; alt. 160 ft.)—January84.549.076.757.767.2110.80..     S, NE.
February81.048.071.657.264.4204.94..     SW.
March79.046.074.155.864.932.27..     NE, SW.
April76.045.068.652.460.5207.38..     SE.
May71.042.064.246.655.4267.12..     SE, S.
June65.032.059.048.153.5194.94..     SE.
July63.034.058.543.851.12915.41..     W, SW.
August64.031.058.943.351.1227.32..     S.
September68.039.062.545.754.1185.75..     SW, S.
October70.039.063.447.355.3197.40..     S.
November75.044.068.753.060.871.38..     SW.
December76.042.070.050.366.1143.60..     S, SW.
Wellington (lat. 41° 16' S.; long. 174° 46' E.; alt. 8 ft.)—January81.549.772.657.965.271.7629.911NW, S.
February80.648.070.257.163.6111.6629.808NW, S.
March74.643.668.555.762.141.4730.151N, S.
April72.243.665.054.459.7164.8630.092N, S.
May68.240.960.150.155.1215.3129.809N, S.
June62.034.955.746.651.1156.4429.947N, S.
July59.235.255.246.350.8256.6629.689NW, N.
August60.333.655.443.949.6153.9429.976N, S.
September67.534.359.249.054.1154.5629.985N, NW.
October65.537.260.551.355.9152.5130.047N, NW.
November70.945.564.752.058.341.7930.111S, NW.
December76.045.267.954.461.1162.8629.845N, S.
Nelson (lat. 41° 16' 17″ S.; long. 173° 18' 46″ E.; alt. 34 ft.)—January86.047.079.056.967.910.09..     NE.
February81.043.073.855.164.4105.17..     SW, NE.
March76.046.072.154.363.230.57..     NE, E.
April73.043.066.952.559.7113.27..     E.
May71.037.062.347.154.7177.04..     NE, E.
June62.034.055.841.848.883.25..     SW.
July59.036.054.942.948.9257.74..     E.
August62.034.056.740.548.6133.32..     SE, SW.
September67.035.060.846.953.893.71..     NE.
October73.039.065.147.556.3124.04..     NE, NW.
November77.041.071.452.061.750.24..     NE.
December80.042.073.352.863.071.96..     NE, SW.
Hokitika (lat. 42° 41′ 30″ S.; long. 170° 49′ E.; alt. 12 ft.)—January76.542.569.554.261.8112.2229.913N, SW.
February77.040.065.551.358.4129.4229.812SW, N.
March69.042.566.052.059.01412.5430.117N.
April71.538.563.350.656.91911.1130.083SE, NE.
May71.535.560.044.552.22110.2429.801E.
June60.533.554.340.947.6178.4929.953E, NE.
July58.535.554.241.247.7259.0629.648E, SE.
August58.030.053.938.346.1157.6429.999SE.
September63.535.058.145.350.72017.9829.970NE, N
October62.036.058.345.952.12218.5230.055N, SW.
November69.539.563.949.756.8131.4030.127SW.
December74.039.564.851.558.11710.5429.843SW, NW.
Christchurch (lat. 43° 31′ 50″ S.; long. 172° 38′ 50″ E.; alt. 25 ft.)—January84.740.872.155.763.961.9429.879NE, SW.
February79.441.768.453.260.8141.6629.746NE, SW.
March85.939.567.951.759.861.5430.097NE. SW.
April81.337.264148.856.5122.6330.028NE, SW.
May65.932.157144.050.6196.4629.789SW. NE.
June61.228.852.835.844.3140.6629.917SW, NE.
July64.130.452.939.346.1132.6729.642SW, NE.
August64.128.752.336.244.2130.8529.936SW, NE.
September75.635.358.844.851.8142.5929.904NE, SW.
October75.532.454.144.954.5161.9629.932SW, NE, NW.
November77.736.065.056.257.680.9930.069NE, SW.
December82.737.666.750.158.4164.1629.791NE, SW.
Lincoln (lat. 43° 32′ 16″ S.; long. 172° 38′ 39″ E.; alt. 42 ft.)—January87.043.075.956.166.0..     1.81..     NW, E.
February81.042.071.752.362.0122.0529.770NE, NW.
March84.037.069.651.060.342.0030.083NE, SW.
April81.634.065.846.856.3111.5030.013NE, SW.
May70.030.458.542.750.6163.9329.805NE, SW.
June65.027.853.835.644.790.7829.933NE, SW.
July63.829.453.338.345.8122.1129.654SW, NE.
August63.028.253.235.444.3111.0229.962NE, SW.
September76.834.059.243.351.2112.5329.916NE, SW.
October76.231.065.044.254.6101.3129.937NE, NW.
November81.232.267.547.757.680.6030.052NE, SW.
December82.031.667.945.956.9143.71..     NE, SW.
Waimate (lat. 44° 44' S.; long 171° E.; alt. 200 ft.)—January84.044.072.253.562.852.56..     N. NE.
February79.037.067.350.158.7111.30..     NW, N, SE.
March81.040.066.449.157.771.15..     SE, NE.
April78.037.062.846.154.481.65..     SE, N.
May65.034.056.943.350.1146.02..     SW.
June65.028.052.035.343.650.89..     SW.
July56.031.051.038.344.6113.05..     SW.
August60.029.051.835.143.450.54..     SW.
September76.033.055.941.348.6125.27..     SE, NE.
October70.035.060.344.252.2153.38..     NE.
November76.036.063.347.155.280.74..     NE, SE.
December76.038.064.948.756.3164.10..     NE, SW.
Dunedin (lat. 45° 52' S.; long. 170° 31' E.; alt. 300 ft.)—January86.047.071.153.962.5103.1229.657NE, SW.
February78.041.066.050.258.1152.4029.571SW, NE.
March80.038.065.351.158.2122.1229.907NE.
April73.037.060.846.753.7141.0229.859NE, SW.
May70.035.055.945.250.5188.6829.643NE, SW.
June68.030.052.239.345.791.1129.744SW, N.
July61.034.050.540.745.6154.1429.546NE, W.
August65.032.052.738.845.7111.5429.934SW.
September77.035.057.243.450.3137.1829.904NE.
October73.038.060.444.952.6205.1429.915NE, SW.
November83.037.064.347.756.281.5530.072SW, NE.
December73.040.062.647.755.1194.4829.806NE, SW.
Invercargill (lat. 46° 25' S.; long. 168° 21' E.; alt. 18 ft.)—January80.642.070.751.160.9183.03..     SW, NW.
February75.039.064.549.056.7227.02..     SW, SE.
March75.032.064.646.855.7154.92..     E, S.
April69.031.060.043.251.6172.82..     E.
May65.028.055.340.447.8195.02..     SE, E.
June62.022.051.535.443.4142.56..     E.
July57.028.050.534.642.5162.00..     E, SE.
August59.025.052.235.143.6194.40..     E, SE.
September74.028.058.839.048.9142.91..     SE. SW.
October68.031.061.443.452.4215.21..     NE, SW.
November80.031.063.946.155.0152.27..     SW, E.
December79.035.063.845.454.6184.23..     SW.
COMPARATIVE TABLE, YEAR 1917.
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.
* Mean of 10 months.
     °Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.°Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
Auckland78.0 Jan. 1541.5 Aug. 2765.454.559.921574.1529.960E, W.
Greenmeadows (Napier)88-0 Feb. 1736.0 June 2 and 7 July 1467.151.159.19944.5229.970N, W.
Palmerston N.83.0 Jan. 27 & 2830.0 Aug. 1764.748.256.415833.60..     W, E.
New Plymouth84.5 Jan. 3031.0 Aug. 2566.350.158.220868.31..     SW, S.
Wellington81.5 Jan. 3133.6 Aug. 1662.951.557.216443.8229.948N, S.
Nelson86.0 Jan. 7 and 834.0 June 4, Aug. 25 and 2766.049.257.612140.40..     NE, E.
Hokitika770 Feb. 1 and 230.0 Aug. 861.047.154.0206119.1629.943SW, E.
Christchurch85.9 March 1728.7 Aug. 1161.846.254.015128.1129.894NE, SW.
Lincoln87.0 Jan. 21 & 2427.8 June 263.544.954.211823.3529.12*NE, SW.
Waimate84.0 Jan. 3128.0 June 1460.444.352.311730.65..     NE, SW.
Dunedin860 Jan. 2030.0 June 1359.945.852.816442.4829.796NE, SW.
Invercargill86.0 Jan. 2922.0 June 2559.842.551.120846.39..     E, SW.

Chapter 3. SECTION III. —POPULATION.

POPULATION OF THE DOMINION.

THE estimated population of the Dominion on 31st December, 1917, was 1,097,672 persons. This total does not include Maoris nor 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 as estimated on 31st December, 1917, are as follows:—

Males.Females.Total.
* Decrease; excess of emigration.
Estimated population (exclusive of Maoris and residents of Cook and other Pacific islands) at 3lst December, 1916549,895550,6681,100,563
Increase during 1917—
     By excess of births over deaths8,2989,41317,711
     By excess of immigration over emigration (including members of Expeditionary Forces)−20,833*231−20,602*
Estimated population (exclusive of Maoris and residents of Cook and other Pacific islands) on 31st December, 1917537,360560,3121,097,672
Maori population, census 191625,93323,84349,776
Population of Cook and other Pacific islands, census 19166,5526,24512,797
          Total estimated population of the Dominion on 31st December, 1917569,845590,4001,160,245

The population, exclusive of Maoris and residents of the annexed islands, at each census since 1858 is given in the following statement, together with the numerical and centesimal increase between the successive enumerations:—

Date of Enumeration.PopulationNumerical Increase.Centesimal Increase.
December, 185859,41339,60866.67
December, 186199,02173,13773.86
December, 1864172,15846,51027.01
December, 1867218,66837,72517.25
February, 1871256,39343,12116.82
March, 1874299,514114,89838.36
March, 1878414,41275,52118.22
April, 1887489,93388,54918.07
March, 1886578,48248,1768.33
April, 1891626,65876,70212.24
April, 1896703,36069,3599.86
March, 1901772,719115,85914.99
April, 1906888,578119,89013.49
April, 19111,008,46890,9819.02
October, 19161,099,449  

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.
1881488,649489,9331,284
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, c.—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 does 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.

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
1913569,109515,5531,084,66232,0353.041,068,644
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
1917537,360560,3121,097,672−2,891*−0.27*1,099,117

The smallness of the increases in 1914 and 1915, and the actual decreases in 1916 and 1917, 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.

With the exception of the last two years, 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 four years, due to the departure of troops, has actually brought the female population 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, in 1916, and in 1917: and, indeed, in the last two years these decreases in the male population have more than counterbalanced the increases in the number of females in the country, with the result that the total population shows a decrease for those two years. 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, 1908–17.
Year.Excess of Births over Deaths.Natural Increase per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Males.Females.Total.
19088,0458,85216,89717.88
19098,2569,30917,56518.07
19107,8388,50716,34516.46
19117,9378,88316,82016.58
19128,6229,67218,29417.61
19138,5669,25017,81616.67
19148,5499,64118,19016.68
19158,6499,23617,88516.27
19168,5239,39017,91316.29
19178,2989,41317,71116.11

The average rate of natural increase for the above period was 16.86 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 four years do not include members of Expeditionary Forces.

Arrivals and Departures, 1908–17.
Year.Over 12 Years of Age.Under 12 Years of Age.Total.
Males.Females.Males.Females.
ARRIVALS.
190826,66413,2692,6782,35944,970
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
19178,3345,58382590715,649
DEPARTURES.
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
19176,8965,67270160013,869

The monthly figures for 1917 are as follows:—

Month.Arrivals.Departures.Excess of Arrivals.Excess of Departures.
January2,3751,866509..     
February1,4471,621..     174
March2,1151,655460..     
April1,5201,810..     290
May1,2101,291..     81
June1,00393271..     
July1,223954269..     
August596883..     287
September622423199..     
October1,043763280..     
November1,052823229..     
December1,443848595..     
      Totals15,64913,8691,780..     

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, 1908–17.
Year.Arrivals.
FromTotal Arrivals.
United Kingdom.Australian Commonwealth.Fiji.Other British Possessions.Foreign Countries.
190811,34831,76971042871544,970
190911,18425,54858455777738,650
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
19172,93110,1466179351,02015,649
Year.Departures.
ToTotal Departures.
United Kingdom.Australian Common wealth.Fiji.Other British Possessions.Foreign Countries.
19082,63526,46858460941330,709
19092,67628,99566366393433,931
19102,50927,1007026941,35632,361
19112,75530,9186968441,97637,189
19122,60530,1415808461,56135,733
19132,64924,9614791,0171,26330,369
19142,57426,6939398711,42932,506
19152,06317,7936598211,14022,476
19162,60816,3904207121,03321,163
19171,50110,49950358877813,869

PERMITS AND PASSPORTS.

PERMITS TO LEAVE NEW ZEALAND.

The War Regulations of the 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—

  1. “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

  2. “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 Prance 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 the 1st November, 1915, and the 31st March, 1918, passports were issued to the number of 3,112.

PERMISSION TO ENTER NEW ZEALAND.

Under the War Regulations of the 21st August, 1916, no person over the age of fifteen 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 Home and Territories Department 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 the 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 three 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.
* Not available.
          £     £     
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
1918171*3,877

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

Year.Immigrants.
1871303
18724,736
18738,754
187432,118
187520,370
18769,677
18775,344
18786,618
187910,311
18802,689
1881103
1882726
18835,902
18843,888
18851,072
1886917
18871,286
1888485
188991
1890144
189144

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 totals for 1916 and 1917 were swelled by the inclusion of soldiers from the French Pacific islands.

Birthplace.Year.
1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
British Possessions
  India2415780190325133257139292
  Pacific islands112292451488102844
  Other313043143478..     ..     
  Total, British possessions6620913221538021527231120136
Foreign Countries
  China538171209546348325511265327272
  Syria322312920199312
  Asia Minor6124482..     ..     2..     
  Japan371491713132611
  Pacific islands101872524466537295
  Other..     221147124..     8
       Total, foreign countries589233235589423374551291893588
       Total, “race aliens”6554423678048035898233221,013724

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 708 race aliens left the Dominion during 1917, comprising natives of the following countries: China, 313; India, 12; Japan, 5; British Pacific islands, 9; foreign Pacific islands, 364; Arabia, 5. 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 the three years 1915–17 totalling 119 as against 197 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 showed a substantial excess of immigration over emigration. During 1917, however, the departures again exceeded the arrivals.

NATURALIZATION.

When any alien residing in New Zealand desires to be naturalized he may present to the Governor-General 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-General, 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.

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 Revocation of Naturalization Act of 1917 provided that the Governor-General may, by Order in Council, revoke the naturalization of any person when such revocation is considered desirable on grounds of public policy.

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

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): (c.) Place of birth:

  3. Age, and date of birth:

  4. Whether married, single, widower, widow, or divorced:

  5. If married, the name, age, nationality of origin, and place of abode of wife or husband:

  6. If married, a widower, a widow, or divorced, number, names, and ages of children (if any):

  7. Occupation:

  8. Date of arrival in New Zealand:

  9. Place of abode and postal address:

  10. Whether permanently resident in New Zealand:

  11. If not permanently resident in New Zealand, place of permanent residence, and date of projected departure from New Zealand:

  12. 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.

The number of registrations effected under the Act up to the 1st July, 1918, was 7,143. The birthplaces of these are as follows:—

Country.Males.Females.Both Sexes.
Austria-Hungary1,065581,123
Belgium632285
Denmark455140595
France7033103
Germany514271785
Greece76783
Italy19133224
Netherlands49453
Norway33546381
Portugal448
Russia41688504
Spain18624
Sweden39960459
Switzerland19974273
Other European countries32436
China1,809171,826
Japan6..     6
Syria10251153
Egypt3..     3
Argentina3..     3
Brazil3..     3
Chile1..     1
Mexico1..     1
Peru1..     1
United States of America33574409
Uruguay..     11
  Totals6,1509937,143

A table published in Volume iv of “Statistics of New Zealand,” 1917, gives fairly detailed information as to birthplaces in conjunction with ages. A summary giving information as to ages follows:—

Age-group.Males.Females.Both Sexes.
15 and under 2016434198
20 and under 2571691807
25 and under 30815124939
30 and under 35833121954
35 and under 40745119864
40 and under 45597123720
45 and under 5053794631
50 and under 5545590545
55 and under 6039551446
60 and over8931461,039
  Totals6,1509937,143

BIRTHPLACES OF THE PEOPLE.

The table following shows the birthplaces of the population, exclusive of Maoris, for 1916 and four preceding census years. The total number of British-born has increased during the period by 58 per cent., while the number of foreign-born has slightly decreased. Persons born in New Zealand have increased by 80 per cent. The Commonwealth of Australia is represented by 45,585 persons, a large increase since 1896. 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 232,525 in 1916.

Birthplace.Number in each Census Year.
1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
     Persons.Persons.Persons.Persons.Persons.
New Zealand441,661516,106606,247702,779794,139
Commonwealth of Australia21,63126,99147,25650,02945,585
England116,541111,964116,560133,811140,997
Wales2,1481,7652,1442,2062,197
Scotland50,43547,85847,76751,70951,951
Ireland46,03743,52442,46040,95837,380
Other British possessions3,9014,2734,5605,2345,559
  Total British682,354752,481866,994986,7261,077,808
Austria-Hungary8811,8742,2122,1312,365
German Empire4,5954,2174,1744,0152,999
Denmark2,1252,1202,2772,2622,244
Chinese Empire3,7192,9022,6022,6112,041
Other foreign countries7,7607,4808,6028,5529,007
  Total foreign19,08018,59319,86719,57118,656
At sea1,3221,2031,2451,3921,377
Not stated6044424727791,608
  Totals703,360772,719888,5781,008,4681,099,449

The next table shows the proportionate strength of the different nationalities represented in the Dominion:—

Birthplace.Proportion of each Nationality in—
1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
     Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
New Zealand62.8566.8368.2669.7472.26
Commonwealth of Australia3.083.495.324.974.16
England16.5814.5013.3013.2812.83
Wales0.310.220.240.220.21
Scotland7.186.205.385.134.73
Ireland6.555.644.784.063.41
Other British possessions0.550.550.510.520.52
  Total British97.1097.4397.6297.9298.12
Austria-Hungary0.130.240.250.210.22
German Empire0.650.550.470.400.28
Denmark0.300.270.260.220.21
Chinese Empire0.530.380.290.260.20
Other foreign countries1.100.970.970.850.83
  Total foreign2.712.412.241.941.74
At sea0.190.160.140.140.14
     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 1916 is compared with that for two previous censuses. Maoris are not included.

Age-groups.Number.
1896.1906.1916.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Under 5 years42,44841,21152,49950,24667,32064,735
5 years and under 10 years43,56142,46445,82644,46262,34060,478
10 years and under 15 years43,04442,42343,83442,92455,53253,693
15 years and under 20 years40,36440,37044,24242,87545,01246,392
20 years and under 25 years34,26434,45249,37045,23830,41946,759
25 years and under 30 years30,60528,99049,30843,14040,01848,557
30 years and under 35 years23,74721,46637,79832,62146,16647,415
35 years and under 40 years22,50618,08132,32927,79446,13844,311
40 years and under 45 years19,99914,85524,45120,93036,75833,866
45 years and under 50 years16,83012,72521,42417,00332,99327,745
50 years and under 55 years16,20311,52318,33613,56324,02721,083
55 years and under 60 years14,2528,59713,98410,95818,70715,632
60 years and under 65 years10,5046,27812,4529,44216,11512,576
65 years and under 70 years6,4593,78111,5247,59911,2049,592
70 years and under 75 years3,2192,2057,5674,6168,3196,855
75 years and under 80 years1,8431,3883,6982,3736,0374,510
80 and over9828791,8651,5463,9792,900
Unspecified minors261835285460
Unspecified adults559239466212637515
  All ages371,415331,945471,008417,570551,775547,674

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 34.81 per cent. in 1896, and of females 32.58 per cent. against 38.02 per cent. respectively.

When the proportions for 1916 are considered, however, it will be seen that the figures in all age-groups for the male portion of the population have been materially affected by the withdrawal of men between the ages of 20 and 45 for service overseas.

The proportion of males under 15 to the total male population in 1916 was 33.61, an increase of 3.42 over the 1911 figures. The similar figures for females for 1916 were 32.70 per cent., an increase of only 0.12 over the percentage in 1911.

It must accordingly be pointed out that the following percentages for males in 1916 can be compared with figures in previous census years only after allowance has been made for the abnormal age-distribution resulting from the departure of troops.

Of the males, those 15–24 years formed 20.13 per cent. of the total in 1896, and only 13.69 per cent. in 1916. At the ages 15–64 the proportions were 61.82 per cent. and 61.03 per cent. in 1896 and 1916 respectively. From 65 years upwards the proportions increased from 3.37 per cent. to 5.36 per cent. during the period under review.

Females at ages 15–44 increased in proportion to the total from 47.69 per cent. in 1896 to 48.87 per cent. in 1916. At 45 years and over there was 14.29 per cent. in 1896 and 18.43 per cent. in 1916 of the number of this sex.

Age-groups.Proportion per Cent. of Males.Proportion per Cent. of Females.
1896.1906.1916.1896.1906.1916.
     Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Under 5 years11.4511.1612.2212.4212.0311.83
5 years and under 10 years11.759.7411.3112.8010.6511.06
10 years and under 15 years11.619.3010.0812.8010.289.81
15 years and under 20 years10.889.418.1712.1710.288.48
20 years and under 25 years9.2510.505.5210.3810.848.55
25 years and under 30 years8.2510.487.268.7410.348.88
30 years and under 35 years6.408.038.386.477.828.67
35 years and under 40 years6.076.878.375.456.668.10
40 years and under 45 years5.395.206.674.485.026.19
45 years and under 50 years4.544.555.993.844.075.07
50 years and under 55 years4.373.904.363.473.253.85
55 years and under 60 years3.842.973.392.592.632.30
60 years and under 65 years2.832.652.921.892.262.86
65 years and under 70 years1.742.452.031.141.821.75
70 years and under 75 years0.871.611.510.671.111.25
75 years and under 80 years0.500.791.100.420.570.82
80 and over0.260.390.720.270.370.53
     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 82,087 persons in 1916, only 7,583 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 1916 (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.
North79,218189,781159,614132,42462,11027,143782651,072
South52,837133,666199,72089,38746,03026,253484448,377
    Totals132,055323,447259,334221,811108,14053,3961,2661,099,449

It must be pointed out, however, that the figures for the North Island include 8,724 persons who on the night of the census were in military camps and internment camps, which are all situated in that Island.

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.

At the census of 1906 and again in 1911 the number of females returned as married was less than that of males. In many instances married men coming to New Zealand from abroad leave their families behind until steady work has been obtained and a home prepared. This is the usual practice among aliens, the expense of transport in some cases preventing the union of families for a considerable length of time. At the 1916 census, however, the number of married females exceeded the number of married males by approximately 4,000. This, of course, is doubtless due to the departure with the Forces of a considerable number of married men.

The number of married persons in 1911 was slightly more than one-third of the total population, exclusive of Maoris. In 1916, however, the proportion of married people to the total population had increased to approximately 37 per cent., this again being partly due to the disturbance of the normal proportions through the enlistment and departure of large numbers of single men. Widowed and divorced are included among the unmarried over 20 and 15 years of age for males and females respectively, the number of the widowed in 1916 being 15,454 males and 30,423 females. Those returned as divorced at the last census—760 males and 613 females—are probably less than the actual fact, owing to the reluctance of some persons to state this condition. The following table shows the number of unmarried and married males and females for six successive census years:—

Census.Number of Unmarried.Number of Married.
Males.Females.Males.Females.
Under 20 Years of Age.Twenty Years of Age and over.Under 15 Years of Age.Fifteen Years of Age and over.
1891159,00077,955123,85278,77690,37190,765
1896169,32594,946126,087102,422102,621103,062
1901173,096110,485127,017121,297118,401117,746
1906186,270137,191137,621136,584143,838142,736
1911204,883150,484155,047149,274171,936170,989
1916230,144118,429178,906162,209201,967205,896

The proportions per cent. exhibit a steady increase in the case of married persons of either sex since 1891. Widowed males increased relatively to the total population, but not to the same extent as widowed females.

Census.Proportion of Males.Proportion of Females.
Unmarried.Married.Widowed.Unmarried.Married.Widowed.
     Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
189170.0227.612.3764.9530.944.11
189669.4827.972.5564.3731.104.53
190167.9029.452.6562.9432.174.89
190666.5230.782.7060.5734.245.19
191164.6932.612.7058.5935.995.42
191660.5136.692.8056.8037.645.56

The proportion of married women under 20 years of age is steadily diminishing, while between 35 and 45 years there is a tendency towards an increase. Women in New Zealand are not now marrying at such early ages as they did formerly, as will be seen from the figures given below.

Age-groups.Proportion of Married Women (under 45 Years of Age).
1891.1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
     Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Under 20 years1.191.120.980.940.810.75
20 and under 35 years60.1259.5759.9460.2959.9856.00
35 and under 45 years38.6939.3139.0838.7739.2143.25
     100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

Excluding the widowed, but including persons divorced, the number of unmarried males 20 years of age and over was found at the census of 1916 to be 102,975, and the number of unmarried females 15 years of age and over was 131,786–78 bachelors to every 100 spinsters. The relative numbers in the last six census years were,—

Census.Number of Bachelors to every 100 Spinsters.
1891105
189698
190197
1906108
1911110
191678

The substantial variation between the figures for 1911 and those for 1916 is of course, another result of war conditions.

No information with regard to duration of marriage or number of children as disclosed by the census of 1916 is yet available for publication.

RELIGION.

There is no State Church in New Zealand, nor' is financial assistance given by the State to any religious denomination. Among the first colonists settlements were formed composed entirely of the adherents of certain religious bodies, but as facilities for communication increased, this exclusiveness rapidly gave place to a spirit of tolerance, and no serious attempt was made to preserve the distinctive religious character of these communities. In Otago, where the Free Church of Scotland founded a settlement, adherents to the Presbyterian Church, mostly descendants of the original stock, form 47 per cent. of the population of that portion of the Dominion; while in Canterbury, which was originally settled by the United Church of England and Ireland, adherents to the Church of England constituted 46 per cent of the population of the provincial district at the census of 1916.

The Church of England has the largest number of adherents, and, according to returns collected in 1916, had 645 churches, besides using 497 other buildings for Divine worship. The Presbyterian Church, the next in strength, had 519 churches, with the use of 551 buildings as temporary places of worship. Roman Catholics occupy third place in point of numbers, and possessed 336 churches and used 106 other buildings. Methodists had 416 churches, and used 274 other buildings wherein to hold service.

The total number of churches and chapels belonging to all denominations and sects was 2,091, besides which 870 schoolhouses and 886 dwellings or public buildings were made use of as places of worship or for meetings. These churches and buildings were sufficient for the accommodation of 493,260 persons, or 45 per cent. of the total number of adherents and members.

The number belonging to each of the principal denominations is shown, for five census periods, in the next table.

Denomination.Number of Adherents.
1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
Church of England282,809315,263368,065413,842461,259
Presbyterian159,952176,503203,597234,662260,659
Methodist73,36783,80289,03894,827106,024
Roman Catholic98,804109,822126,995140,523151,605
Other Christian denominations55,13753,73958,61965,73568,932
Non-Christian14,32713,30414,34615,0294,813
Indefinite12,345
No religion1,8751,1091,7095,5294,311
Object to state15,96718,29524,32535,90525,577
Unspecified1,1228821,8842,4163,924
          Totals703,360772,719888,5781,008,4681,099,449

Members of Christian denominations formed 95.71 per cent. of those who made answer to the inquiry at the last census; non-Christian sects were 0.44 per cent., and those who described themselves as of no religion 0.39 per cent., whilst “indefinite” religions constituted 1.12 per cent. The Census Act provides that those persons who are unwilling to state what denomination, if any, they belong to may enter the word “Object” in the census schedule. In 1916 there were 25,577 persons, or 2.34 per cent. of the total, who took advantage of this permission.

Denomination.Proportion of Adherents.
1896.1901.1906.1911.1916.
     Per Cent.Per CentPer Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
Church of England40.2740.8541.5141.1442.10
Presbyterian22.7822.8722.9623.3223.79
Methodist10.4410.8610.069.439.68
Roman Catholic14.0714.2314.3213.9713.84
Other Christian denominations7.866.966.606.536.30
Non-Christian2.041.721.611.490.44
Indefinite1.12
No religion0.270.140.190.550.39
Object to state2.272.372.753.572.34
          Totals100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

INFIRMITIES OF THE PEOPLE.

The tables following show the numbers and the proportions per 10,000 living at quinquennial age-periods of persons, males and females, stated to be deaf-and-dumb, blind, lunatics, and feeble-minded at the census taken on the 15th October, 1916. The total of these cases of infirmities numbered 6,359, or 57.84 in every 10,000 persons living. Of this total the deaf-and-dumb numbered 206, or 1.88 per 10,000; the blind contributed 566, or 5.15 per 10,000; the lunatics numbered 4,275, or 38.88 per 10,000; and the feeble-minded 1,312, or 11.93 per 10,000.

DEAF-AND-DUMB AND BLIND.—CENSUS 1916.
Ages, in Years.Total Population.Male Population.Males.Female Population.Females.
Deaf-and-dumb.Blind.Deaf-and-dumb.Blind.
Under 5132,05567,3201464,7356..     
5 and under 10122,81862,3407760,47878
10 and under 15109,22555,5329653,693312
15 and under 2091,40445,01281246,39278
20 and under 2577,17830,419121146,759107
25 and under 3088,57540,018181648,557126
30 and under 3593,58146,166131647,41586
35 and under 4090,44946,138141844,311810
40 and under 4570,62436,75881033,86637
45 and under 5060,73832,99381327,74567
50 and under 5545,11024,02771221,08365
55 and under 6034,33918,70742715,632516
60 and under 6528,69116,11531812,576217
65 and under 7020,79611,2041139,592220
70 and under 7515,1748,3191366,855420
75 and under 8010,5476,037..     344,510140
80 and over6,8793,9792692,900..     52
Totals—Specified ages1,098,183551,084116322547,09990241
Unspecified1,266691..     2575..     1
          Grand totals1,099,449551,775116324547,67490242
INFIRMITY: PROPORTION PER 10,000 AT QUINQUENNIAL AGE-PERIODS.—CENSUS 1916.
Ages, in Years.Totals.Deaf-and-dumb.Blind.Lunatics.Feeble-minded.
Persons.Males.Females.Persons.Males.Females.Persons.Males.Females.Persons.Males.Females.Persons.Males.Females.
Under 53.022.973.090.530.150.930.300.59..     0.15..     0.312.042.231.85
5 and under 1011.7212.6710.741.141.121.161.221.121.320.730.640.828.639.797.44
10 and under 1518.4920.7116.201.091.620.561.651.082.232.292.342.2313.4615.6711.18
15 and under 2030.7436.8724.781.641.771.512.192.661.725.806.005.6021.1126.4415.95
20 and under 2542.4961.1430.362.853.942.142.333.621.4819.3025.6415.1918.0127.9411.55
25 and under 3048.8864.7235.833.394.502.472.484.001.2328.4536.4821.8314.5619.7410.30
30 and under 3556.6372.5641.122.242.821.692.353.461.2641.0353.5028.8911.0112.789.28
35 and under 4070.9783.6657.772.433.031.803.204.122.2655.0665.674.0110.2810.849.70
40 and under 4583.5498.4867.321.562.180.892.412.722.0769.3881.6156.1010.1911.978.26
45 and under 5096.80104.2687.942.302.422.163.293.942.5283.3188.8176.777.909.096.49
50 and under 55111.50111.12111.932.882.912.843.775.002.3795.1093.6496.769.759.579.96
55 and under 60142.40147.53136.252.622.143.1912.2313.8910.23120.27124.02115.797.287.487.04
60 and under 65146.38149.55142.331.741.861.5912.2011.1713.52120.59125.35114.5011.8511.1712.72
65 and under 70155.79170.47138.651.440.892.0915.8611.6020.85123.58141.02103.2014.9116.9612.51
70 and under 75175.95187.52161.923.291.205.8436.9043.2729.18112.69126.2296.2723.0716.8330.63
75 and under 80241.77230.24257.200.95..     2.2270.1656.3288.69142.22152.39128.6028.4421.5337.69
80 and upwards372.14371.95372.412.915.02..     175.89173.41179.31125.02123.15127.5868.3270.3765.52
All specified ages57.2966.5947.921.882.111.655.125.844.4038.4344.8931.9111.8613.759.96
All ages57.8467.2948.311.882.101.645.155.874.4238.8845.5132.2111.9313.8110.04
LUNATICS AND FEEBLE-MINDED.—CENSUS 1916.
Ages, in Years.Total Population.Male Population.Males.Female Population.Females.
Lunatics.Feeble-minded.Lunatics.Feeble-minded.
Under 5132,05567,320..     1564,735212
5 and under 10122,81862,34046160,478545
10 and under 15109,22555,532138753,6931260
15 and under 2091,40445,0122711946,3922674
20 and under 2577,17830,419788546,7597154
25 and under 3088,57540,0181467948,55710650
30 and under 3593,58146,1662475947,41513744
35 and under 4090,44946,1383035044,31119543
40 and under 4570,62436,7583004433,86619028
45 and under 5060,73832,9932933027,74521318
50 and under 5545,11024,0272252321,08320421
55 and under 6034,33918,7072321415,63218111
60 and under 6528,69116,1152021812,57614416
65 and under 7020,79611,204158199,5929912
70 and under 7515,1748,319105146,8556621
75 and under 8010,5476,03792134,5105817
80 and over6,8793,97949282,9003719
Totals—Specified ages1,098,183551,0842,474758547,0991,746545
Unspecified1,266691374575185
          Grand totals1,099,449551,7752,511762547,6741,764550

OCCUPATIONS OF THE PEOPLE.

Particulars regarding the occupations of the people of the Dominion as ascertained at the census of 1911 were published in the 1913 and 1914 issues of this book. This portion of the results of the census of 1916 is not yet ready for publication.

DENSITY OF POPULATION.

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.
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

NOTE.—Certain uninhabited outlying islands (area, 283 square miles) are not included in this table.

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 areas. 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 is given below showing counties and their population (exclusive of interior boroughs) as at the census of 1916, with amendments where necessary on account of subsequent alterations of boundaries.

Population of Counties.
County.Population.
Akaroa1,982
Akitio1,416
Amuri1,836
Ashburton13,136
Ashley728
Awakino702
Awatere1,542
Bay of Islands3,589
Bruce4,763
Buller5,773
Castlepoint621
Chatham Islands219
Cheviot1,224
Clifton2,156
Clutha6,901
Collingwood1,253
Cook7,665
Coromandel2,256
Dannevirke4,538
East Taupo515
Eden14,267
Egmont3,264
Eketahuna2,312
Ellesmere3,441
Eltham3,393
Eyre1,806
Featherston3,960
Fiord17
Franklin9,397
Geraldine5,194
Great Barrier245
Grey5,510
Halswell1,628
Hawera4,599
Hawke's Bay11,467
Heathcote3,277
Hobson4,728
Hokianga2,792
Horowhenua5,895
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
Maniototo2,527
Manukau6,799
Marlborough6,915
Masterton3,746
Matamata3,903
Mauriceville771
Mongonui3,739
Mount Herbert405
Murohison1,251
Ohinemuri4,661
Ohura2,382
Opotiki1,881
Oroua3,304
Otamatea3,647
Oxford1,756
Pahiatua3,110
Paparua4,716
Patangata2,080
Patea3,759
Peninsula1,793
Piako4,663
Pohangina1,581
Raglan4,027
Rangiora2,747
Rangitikei8,953
Rodney4,043
Rotorua4,245
Selwyn1,423
Sounds1,201
Southland25,661
Springs1,785
Stewart Island349
Stratford5,152
Taieri5,599
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
Waimea9,284
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
Whakatane2,054
Whangamomona1,387
Whangarei8,976
Whangaroa797
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 following table shows the population of boroughs (excluding Maoris) as at the census of 1916, with amendments where necessary on account of subsequent alteration of boundaries:—

Population of Boroughs.

Borough.Population.
* Town constituted under special Act.
Akaroa540
Alexandra679
Arrowtown307
Ashburton3,109
Auckland (City)68,888
Balclutha1,409
Birkenhead2,116
Blenheim3,822
Bluff1,823
Brunner598
Cambridge1,507
Carterton1,614
Christchurch (City)55,880
Cromwell549
Dannevirke3,336
Dargaville1,776
Devonport7,613
Dunedin (City)55,256
Eastbourne952
Eketahuna754
Eltham1,711
Featherston1,159
Feilding3,438
Foxton1,772
Geraldine869
Gisborne9,654
Gore3,551
Green Island1,904
Greymouth4,863
Greytown1,186
Hamilton7,538
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
Richmond922
Riverton837
Ross491
Rotorua*2,845
Roxburgh449
Runanga1,411
Shannon1,031
Spreydon4,289
St. Kilda5,520
Stratford2,713
Sumner2,287
Taihape1,927
Takapuna2,756
Tapanui322
Taumarunui1,875
Tauranga1,685
Te Aroha1,802
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
Whakatane900
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, with necessary subsequent internal amendments due to alteration of boundaries, are as follows:—

POPULATION OF METROPOLITAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS, CENSUS 1916.

Metropolitan Areas.
 Population.
Auckland. 
Auckland City68,888 
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 area14,971 
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. 
Christchurch City55,860 
Riccarton Borough2,890 
Spreydon Borough4,289 
Woolston Borough3,990 
New Brighton Borough2,310 
Sumner Borough2,287 
Lyttelton Borough3,766 
Remainder of metropolitan area17,341 
Total92,733 
Dunedin. 
Dunedin City55,256 
St. Kilda Borough5,520 
Green Island Borough1,904 
West Harbour Borough1,631 
Port Chalmers Borough2,615 
Remainder of metropolitan area1,790 
Total68,716 
Suburban Areas. 
Gisborne. 
Gisborne Borough9,654 
Mangapapa Town District1,140 
Remainder of suburban area1,866 
Total12,660 
Napier. 
Napier Borough12,704 
Taradale Town District1,012 
Remainder of suburban area1,415 
Total15,131 
New Plymouth. 
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. 
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. 
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, as subsequently altered by variation of boundaries, are as follows:—

(a.) Town Districts not forming Parts of Counties.
Town District.Population.
Bull's483
Castlecliff734
Ellerslie1,363
Gonville2,693
Hampstead1,278
Havelock North870
Helensville837
Hikurangi775
Hunterville555
Huntly1,535
Johnsonville886
Lumsden530
Manaia606
Mangapapa1,140
Mangaweka390
Manunui813
Martinborough725
Matamata505
Morrinsville934
New Lynn1,041
Ngaruawahia755
Otaki806
Otautau696
Papakura641
Pleasant Point482
Raetihi508
Rangataua410
Taradale1,012
Te Puke565
Tinwald1,075
Tuakau390
Upper Hutt1,399
Waiuku641
Warkworth624
Waverley623
Wyndham647
Amberley325
Clinton413
Edendale363
Halcombe282
Havelock290
Kamo363
Kaponga397
Kawakawa327
Kawhia169
Kihikihi277
Kohukohu403
Leamington438
Lethbridge234
Manurewa430
Mercer329
Normanby368
Norsewood213
Ohaupo259
Ohura205
Onerahi325
Opunake459
Ormondville317
Otane333
Otorohanga367
Outram348
Patutahi292
Raglan217
Rongotea267
Southbridge369
Takaka370
Te Karaka333

No fewer than nine of the “independent” town districts have sufficient population to enable them to be constituted boroughs, while on the other hand the census disclosed four as having fallen below the 500 mark. In addition, the town district of Tuakau, recently made independent, had a population, exclusive of Maoris, of only 390 at the census date. 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 other 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
Stephen11
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 European?. 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.

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 the 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 201, most 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 1917 was 28,239, or 25.69 per 1,000 of mean population. The number is 270 below that for the year 1916, a decrease of 0.95 per cent., while the rate is lower by 0.25 per thousand. The births registered in a year numbered 19,846 in 1884, and, after falling to 17,876 in 1892, reached 28,509 in 1916, the highest number yet recorded in any year.

The number of male children born during 1917 was 14,329, and of female children 13,910

The following table shows the number of births registered, the birthrate calculated on the total population, and comparison with the average rate for 1882–86 taken as 100. There was a steady decrease from 1888 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 again in 1915 to 25.33, the second-lowest rate ever recorded.

BIRTHS: NUMBERS AND RATES.
Year.Total Number of Births registered.Birth-rate
Per 1,000 of Population.Compared with Rate in 1882–86, taken as 100.
* Average of five years.
1882–8619,410*35.40100
188719,13532.0991
188818,90231.2288
188918,45730.0785
189018,27829.4483
189118,273290182
189217,87627.8379
189318,18727.5078
189418,52827.2877
189518,54626.7876
189618,61226.3374
189718,73725.9673
189818,95525.7473
189918,83525.1271
190019,54625.6072
190120,49126.3474
190220,65525.8973
190321,82926.6175
190422,76626.9476
190523,68227.2277
190624,25227.0876
190725,09427.3077
190825,94027.4577
190926,52427.2977
191025,98426.1774
191126,35425.9773
191227,50826.4875
191327,93526.1474
191428,33825.9973
191527,85025.3372
191628,50925.9473
191728,23925.6973

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 16.30 per 1,000 in 1916 and 16.11 in 1917. 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
191725.699.5816.11

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.
Bulgaria1907–1117.7
Roumania1910–1417.4
Australian Common-wealth1912–1617.0
New Zealand1913–1716.4
Russia (European)1905–0916.1
Hungary1908–1215.8
Jamaica1911–1514.9
The Netherlands1911–15149
Serbia1908–1213.6
Japan1909–1313.1
Denmark1911–1512.9
German Empire1909–1312.8
Italy1910–1412.8
Finland1910–1412.3
Norway1911–1512.0
Ontario1910–1511.1
Austria1908–1210.7
Scotland1911–159.7
England and Wales1911–159.3
Sweden1911–159.1
Spain1910–148.9
Switzerland1911–158.4
Chile1910–148.4
Belgium1908–127.8
Ceylon1911–156.4
Ireland1911–155.9
France1910–140.0

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 1917. 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, in 1911 to 209, and in 1916 to 189; 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 1916 the rate was less than one in 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 1916.

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
1916141,32252.9726,786189.5

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
Numbers.Proportions per Cent.
1886.1896.19061916.1886.1896.1906.1916.
15–201,1357789331,0601.811.110.950.75
20–259,3288,40912,16513,77114.8712.0512.389.74
25–3014,56516,75724,03729,72323.2324.0024.4721.03
30–3513,75416,42623,03235,64821.9323.5323.4425.23
35–4012,55415,02021,45934,58720.0221.5121.8424.47
40–4511,37312,42616,62326,53318.1417.8016.9218.78
          Totals62,70969,81698,249141,322100.00100.00100.00100.00

The effect of the declining birth-rate is shown in the following table, giving the numbers of children under one year of age, and the proportions which those numbers represent in the total population as recorded in past census years:—

     Total Population (all Ages).Children under One Year.Children under One Year per 1,000 of Population.
Census 1886578,48218,35531.73
Census 1891626,65816,44326.24
Census 1896703,36017,07024.27
Census 1901772,71918,38123.79
Census 1906888,57822,28925.08
Census 19111,008,46824,34024.14
Census 19161,099,44927,02124.57

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. From January, 1917, an alteration has been made in the areas constituting the chief centres. 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 boroughs, a considerable non-municipalized area adjacent to and contingent on the centre. Notwithstanding this latter alteration, the figures for the years 1913–17 are reasonably comparable with one another.

The total number of births registered as belonging to the four metropolitan areas in 1917 was 9,064, as against a total of 7,544 for the previous year. This increase is, of course, largely if not wholly due to the increase in the population covered by the new metropolitan areas as compared with the municipal areas dealt with in the figures for 1916. The birth-rates last year were,—

     Birth-rates per 1,000 of Population.
Auckland City22.29
          Auckland Metropolitan Area22.33
Wellington City24.46
          Wellington Metropolitan Area25.25
Christchurch City23.25
          Christchurch Metropolitan Area22.96
Dunedin City21.57
          Dunedin Metropolitan Area22.47

It will be noticed that the rates for the metropolitan areas are higher than those of the cities in the cases of Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin, while the rate for Christchurch City is slightly above that for the metropolitan area.

The figures for Wellington indicate a substantially higher rate than those shown for the other three centres, while all four centres have a birth-rate considerably below that of the whole Dominion (25.69 per 1,000).

The rates for five years, 1913 to 1917, are given below:—

     Births per 1,000 of Population.
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
     1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Auckland (including suburbs)*25.9324.7823.1323.3522.33
Wellington (including suburbs)24.6725.3824.1924.3025.25
Christchurch (including suburbs)24.3122.2222.1923.5422.96
Dunedin (including suburbs)22.5321.7020.7323.3222.47

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.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Queensland26.7927.2927.3327.6529.6730.2429.4629.3527.9129.09
New South Wales26.9927.4027.8328.7529.8628.8628.9628.3327.8928.06
Victoria25.0725.0124.5124.8426.3925.8225.4524.5524.3023.50
South Australia25.8125.9126.5026.8928.6529.0829.3326.8127.3726.21
Western Australia30.0828.8727.9928.2128.8329.3628.4527.9727.2125.54
Tasmania29.9528.9129.2528.5730.5330.0330.3329.3228.4727.03
Aust. Commonwealth26.5926.6926.7327.2128.6528.2528.0527.2526.7826.51
New Zealand27.4527.2926.1725.9726.4826.1425.9925.3325.9425.69

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

BIRTH AND MARRIAGE RATES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

Year.Births.Marriages.
Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
18861,145,57731.5241,1806.6
18911,148,25930.4275,9707.3
18961,152,14429.0296,0897.5
19011,162,97528.0313,3517.5
19061,170,62227.0325,8427.5
19111,104,74624.4330,2607.3
1916986,89221.1333,5707.1

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 cases of Roumania and Hungary, where the rates are 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.
Males.Females.
18989,6159,3401,029
18999,7249,1111,067
190010,1079,4391,071
190110,47110,0201,045
190210,65310,0021,065
190311,21710,6121,057
190411,76211,0041,069
190512,10911,5731,046
190612,39711,8551,046
190712,83512,2591,047
190813,36912,5711,063
190913,50213,0221,037
191013,44212,5421,072
191113,53212,8221,055
191213,99613,5121,036
191314,43313,5021,069
191414,53513,8031,053
191514,41513,4351,073
191614,66913,8401,060
191714,32913,9101,030

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 reports for 1915 and 1916 contain 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 the June quarter, 1915) affected by the war than in preceding years. In fact, the proportion of male to female births in England and Wales for the year 1916 is by far the highest recorded during the past fifty 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 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 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.

Quarter endedEngland and Wales.New Zealand.
Male Births per 1,000 females.Index Number compared with 1910–14 (1038 taken as = 1000).Male Births per 1,000 Females.Index Number compared with 1910–14 (1057 taken as = 1000).
31st March, 19151,0329941,0741016
30th June, 19151,04310051,0901031
30th September, 19151,04410061,0601003
31st December, 19151,04410061,0681010
31st March, 19161,05010121,0671009
30th June, 19161,05110131,055998
30th September, 19161,04510071,039983
31st December, 19161,05010121,0801022
31st March, 1917..     ..     1,007953
30th June, 1917..     ..     1,049992
30th September, 1917..     ..     1,041985
31st December, 1917..     ..     1,020965

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 ton years 1908–17 was 1,041 males to 1,000 females, or only slightly less than that for all births. This figure, however, covers a range of from 926 to 1,201. The proportion in 1917 was only 938 males per 1,000 females.

PLURAL BIRTHS.

There were 312 cases of twin births (624 children) registered in 1917. The number of children born was 28,239; the number of mothers was 27,927: thus, on an average, one mother in every 89 gave birth to twins, against 87 in 1916, 91 in 1915, and 79 in 1914.

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.
191327,93527,619314111.41
191428,33827,976350612.73
191527,85027,546302111.00
191628,50928,184323111.50
191728,23927,927312..     11.17

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

Year.Total Cases.Both Males.Both Females.Opposite Sexes.
1912329114106109
191331410886120
1914350105116129
19153029388121
19163239998126
191731290105117

During he five years 1912–16 there were twelve cases of triplets. In three cases all the children were males, in two cases all were females, in two cases there were two males and one female, and in each of the remaining five cases two of the three children were females. No triplets were recorded in 1917.

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 1917 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.Totals.

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

† Includes one case where triplets would have been registered had not one child been still-born.

Single Births.
16 and under 1746..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     10
17 and under 186141174..     ..     ..     ..     ..     42
18 and under 19145949127..     1..     ..     ..     142
19 and under 2018111120351411..     ..     ..     300
20 and under 21181652167621831..     ..     508
21 and under 25328342,0451,051305783193..     4,388
25 and under 30..     2642,8222,9521,35733213721727,894
30 and under 351255862,6172,339908279904096,894
35 and under 40..     5685041,9041,3205921486864,615
40 and under 45..     ..     8522025904581707431,557
45 and under 46..     ..     11316331012177
46 and under 47..     ..     ..     ..     121674131
47 and under 48..     ..     ..     ..     13771..     19
48 and under 49..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     462..     12
49 and under 50..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3..     ..     3
          Totals931,4835,9267,3076,1583,2581,5624722112226,492*
Plural Births.
19 and under 20..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
20 and under 21..     121..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     4
21 and under 25..     61153..     ..     ..     ..     ..     25
25 and under 30..     6232912441..     ..     79
30 and under 35..     ..     53535146..     ..     ..     95
35 and under 40..     ..     2123116731..     72
40 and under 45..     ..     ..     122642..     17
45 and under 46..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1
          Totals..     14438383362483..     294
          Grand totals931,4975,9697,3906,2413,2941,5864802142226,786

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, 1917.

(a.) Age of Mother and Number of Previous Issue.
Age of Mother.Number of Previous Issue.Totals.
0123456 and under 10.10 and under 15.15 and over.
* This number represents 26,492 single cases and 294 plural cases.
16 and under 1710..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     10
17 and under 18384..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     42
18 and under 19129121..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     142
19 and under 202345872..     ..     ..     ..     ..     301
20 and under 2133715124..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     512
21 and under 252,2411,3006351943832..     ..     4,413
25 and under 302,3302,3131,699878464193933..     7,973
30 and under 351,0511,4711,5051,14173853552919..     6,989
35 and under 4047160877373762548487711114,687
40 and under 4510311615518319317351013741,574
45 and under 4632862122618178
46 and under 47..     13213137131
47 and under 4821122344..     19
48 and under 49..     ..     ..     21134112
49 and under 50..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     12..     3
          Totals6,9496,0374,8113,1472,0641,4072,058305826,786*
(b.) Duration of Marriage and Number of Previous Issue.
Duration of Marriage, in Years.Number of Previous Issue.Totals.
0123456 and under 10.10 and under 15.15 and over.
* This number represents 26,492 single cases and 294 plural cases.
Under 13,1243..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3,127
1 and under 22,20663812..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2,857
2 and under 36941,9361859..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2,824
3 and under 43411,267743552..     ..     ..     ..     2,408
4 and under 51937861,0462542241..     ..     2,306
5 and under 61224967964409331..     ..     1,951
6 and under 777304544475162326..     ..     1,600
7 and under 8531864014032377210..     ..     1,362
8 and under 93812729135828312125..     ..     1,243
9 and under 10238921130425616283..     ..     1,128
10 and under 156518147967975172694029..     3,850
15 and under 2010229815222824877211711,648
20 and under 253231529382031314428
25 and over..     ..     11111728352
Not stated..     ..     11..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2
          Totals6,9496,0374,8113,1472,0641,4072,058305826,786*

In the two preceding 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, 1917.
Age of Mother, in Years.Illegitimate Births.Duration of Marriage, in Months.Total Legitimate First Births within One Year after Marriage.
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 2139789172795326594245565
21 and under 252991032181161191042361761831,255
25 and under 302123893676174185206135859
30 and under 351031235171633696060302
35 and under 4084817111311241824126
40 and under 45293212222216
45 and over2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1
Not stated15..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals1,1412535372912642505755054493,124

ILLEGITIMACY.

The births of 1,159 children (561 males, 598 females) were illegitimate: thus 41 in every 1,000 children registered were born out of wedlock, against 40 in 1916, 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 1,141 mothers 402, or 35 per cent., were under 21 years of age.

ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN, 1917.—AGES OF MOTHERS.
Age.Single Cases.Plural Cases.
Years.
141..     
1516..     
1615..     
17521
1885..     
19104..     
201203
21893
22722
2386..     
24452
25531
26551
2735..     
2836..     
2931..     
3033..     
3119..     
32171
3320..     
3413..     
3516..     
3621..     
3718..     
38101
3916..     
4012..     
418..     
4241
432..     
442..     
461..     
471..     
Not stated15..     
          Totals1,12318

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

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
1916125,4611,1599.24

The rates of illegitimacy in Australasia are quoted. The average rate for New Zealand for the ten, years (4.34 per 100 of all births) compares favourably with that of the Commonwealth (5.60 per 100).

PROPORTION OF ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS IN EVERY 100 BIRTHS.
Year.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia.Western Australia.Tasmania.Commonwealth.New Zealand.
19077.686.925.624.103.865.786.154.61
19087.546.805.774.444.355.246.164.26
19097.056.445.944.183.955.456.014.61
19106.396.285.604.324.135.335.754.47
19116.226.145.964.214.475.335.794.09
19126.145.645.724.714.394.785.534.28
19136.225.356.034.184.405.185.484.23
19145.775.295.563.874.225.905.264.59
19155.364.975.744.004.245.325.124.14
19165.114.735.153.803.755.054.774.10

These figures show the proportion of illegitimate births to every 100 births for New Zealand to be fairly steady during the period, while the rates for Queensland, New South Wales, and the Commonwealth show a considerable fall.

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 1917, since the Act came into force:—

THE LEGITIMATION ACT.
Year.Number of Children legitimized.
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
191721396309
Totals1,6769982,674

The large increase in the number of legitimation entries in 1916 and 1917 as compared with preceding years is no doubt due almost 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; for 1916, 682; and for 1917, 694. Still-births are not included either as births or as deaths in the various numbers and rates shown in this subsection and in that relating to deaths.

In the 694 still-births registered in 1917 are included seven cases of twins, twenty-three cases where one child of twins was still-born, and one case where one child of triplets was still-born.

STILL-BIRTHS, 1917.—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.
* This number represents 680 single cases and seven plural cases.
17 and under 18..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11
18 and under 19..     21..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     58
19 and under 20122..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     510
20 and under 21..     4312..     ..     ..     ..     414
21 and under 25112351631..     ..     ..     876
25 and under 30..     765581812..     ..     ..     7167
30 and under 35..     297665157217184
35 and under 40..     ..     3176544199..     3160
40 and under 45..     1..     38201882..     60
45 and under 46..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1
46 and under 47..     ..     ..     ..     ..     12..     1..     4
47 and under 48..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1
Not known..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals230118171161934819441687*

The sexes recorded in cases of still-births during each of the last four years are as follows:—

Year.Male.Female.Not stated.Total.
191442124414679
19153823406728
19163832954682
191737530514694

MAORI BIRTHS.

The number of births of Maoris registered during 1917 under the provisions of section 20 of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act, 1912, was 1,235 (611 males, 624 females). Only 23 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 information from the Cook Islands Department, the following are the figures of births which occurred during the year ending 31st March, 1918:—

BIRTHS IN COOK ISLANDS, 1917–18.
Islands.Number of Births.
* Excluding Pukapuka (no returns).
Rarotonga110
Aitutaki34
Mangaia57
Penrhyn (four months)6
Manihiki (six months)11
Rakahanga (six months)3
Atiu33
Mauke24
Mitiaro4
Niue124
          Total406*

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.

* 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, 1914.

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.

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 years 1916 and 1917 referred to below. Reference to the diagram on page 98 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.
Per 1,000 of Population.Compared with Rate in 1882–86, taken as 100.
* 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
19176,4175.8487

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. This has been followed by a further decrease of 1,796 as between the figures for 1916 and 1917. The rate per 1,000 of the mean population was 9.12 in 1915, 7.47 in 1916, and only 5.84 in 1917. 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, was the lowest since 1899, while the rate for 1917 is the lowest ever recorded in this country.

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-rates for 1916 and 1917.

MARRIAGES IN EACH QUARTER, 1908–17.
Year.March Quarter.June Quarter.September Quarter.December Quarter.
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
19171,5111,8051,5051,596
Decennial average2,0192,4111,9022,208

It will be seen that in each of the years 1908–1914, 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 1914. 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 years 1916 and 1917 again show a substantial excess for June quarter, and, in addition, show decidedly low totals for September and December quarters as compared with the corresponding quarters 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 seven census years in the following table:—

Year of Census.Proportion of Unmarried per 1,000 of Total.Proportion 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
1916215.129.6569.3550.6329.277.47

It will be noted from the above figures for 1916 that the withdrawal from the population of large numbers of men of marriageable ages has materially affected the proportions shown in the table. The proportion of unmarried males in the total male population has fallen considerably, while the proportion of marriages to the number of marriageable men shows a large increase, this increase, however, being offset by a decrease in the similar proportions as shown by the rates for females.

RATES OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

A comparison of the marriage-rate for each State of the Australian Commonwealth with New Zealand for the ten years 1908–17 is given. For the Commonwealth the rate in 1917 was 6.87 per 1,000 of mean population, as against 8.21 in 1916.

MARRIAGES PER 1,000 OF MEAN POPULATION IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
Year.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia (Proper).Western Australia.Tasmania.Commonwealth.New Zealand.
19087.248.037.538.187.807.647.768.82
19097.978.157.488.387.597.857.908.33
19108.068.767.989.177.777.828.378.30
19118.419.248.349.818.447.768.798.70
19128.919.608.659.628.377.869.078.81
19138.679.028.139.408.198.278.668.25
19148.739.378.319.118.227.788.808.51
19158.939.689.009.028.018.029.149.12
19167.698.748.058.317.517.238.217.47
19177.167.096.767.525.255.726.875.84

The average rate for New Zealand in normal 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
Serbia1908–128.7
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.
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
19175,6132843691512086,417

The figures for 1917 are given herewith in more detail as to conjugal condition of bride and bridegroom immediately prior to the marriage.

Condition of bridegrooms.Condition of Brides.
Spinsters.Divorced Women.Widows.Total.
Bachelors5,4391002685,807
Divorced men64101690
Widowers35118151520
          Total5,8541284856,417

Included amongst widows in 1917 are twenty-one married women, and amongst the widowers eight 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.”

The numbers of persons married under the protection of the above subsection during the past ten years are as shown in the following table:—

Year.Males.Females.Total.
190871017
190931316
1910178
191131518
19126915
1913459
191451318
19155712
191621113
191782129

A considerable increase is shown for 1917, which may be, in part, one of the many social effects of the war. The figures are, however, too small to allow of reliable comparisons being made.

AGES OF PERSONS MARRIED.

Of the persons married in 1917, 230 bridegrooms and 1,074 brides were under twenty-one years of age. Of the bridegrooms, four were between seventeen and eighteen, while thirty-one 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, 1917.
Age of Bridegroom, in Years.Age of Bride, 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 2113976105..     ..     ..     230
21 and under 25455720178287..     ..     1,388
25 and under 3031184866613832322,000
30 and under 35124352436251711861,258
35 and under 40311181881581314314683
40 and under 457336078814622327
45 and over72645759099189531
          Total brides1,0742,1731,5837334122092336,417

The following are the proportions of men and women married at each of certain age-periods to every 100 marriages in the years 1897, 1907, and 1917:—

Age, in Years.1897.1907.1917.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Under 211.6218.651.6015.823.5816.74
21 and under 2525.1941.2523.6336.7721.6333.86
25 and under 3038.8226.5639.3929.5331.1724.67
30 and under 4025.9910.5227.1614.1130.2517.84
40 and under 505.282.135.072.668.844.92
50 and under 602.250.671.990.812.961.31
60 and under 700.670.200.880.281.040.61
70 and upwards0.180.020.280.020.530.05
     100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The next table, showing similar information concerning bridegrooms during the past six years, gives some indication of the effect of the war on the male population of the age-group twenty-five to thirty, which in recent years has contributed about three-eighths of the total bridegrooms. In each of the four years 1912–15, inclusive, this group remained fairly steady between the 37 and 38 per cent. mark, but in 1916 the percentage fell to 34 ½, and in 1917 to 31. In each of the four groups above age thirty the percentages for the years 1916 and 1917 show a substantial increase on those of the four preceding years.

PERCENTAGES OF BRIDEGROOMS AT VARIOUS AGE-GROUPS, 1912–17.
Age, in Years.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Under 211.881.802.102.081.963.58
21 and under 2522.6322.0422.0423.3323.0721.63
25 and under 3037.7437.7537.3437.4334.5131.17
30 and under 4029.5429.6328.9928.2229.3930.25
40 and under 505.455.847.045.847.218.84
50 and under 601.861.841.611.952.412.96
60 and under 700.650.740.730.881.081.04
70 and upwards0.250.360.150.270.370.53
     100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

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, while the average age for 1917 shows a further increase of seven months over the figures for 1916.

MEAN AGE AT MARRIAGE.
Year.Mean Age of Bridegrooms.Mean Age of Brides.
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
191731.1927.07

The average age of bridegrooms remained fairly constant during the earlier years of 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, though 1916 and 1917 show a substantially higher average than do previous years. 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 1917 was 25.82 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 are celebrated may be so termed.

As was the case in 1916, the tables for 1917 show that more marriages of men took place at the age of twenty-six than at any other age, while ago twenty-one shows the largest number in the case of the females. If the marriages of spinsters only be considered, age twenty-one is still the most popular for females.

MARRIAGES OF MINORS.

Of every 1,000 men married in 1917, 38 were under twenty-one years of age, while 164 in every 1,000 brides were under twenty-one. The proportion of bridegrooms under twenty-one is approximately the same in New Zealand as in England, where in 1916 the proportion was 36 per 1,000 of bridegrooms of specified age. Brides in New Zealand, however, include more minors per 1,000 than in England, there being 129 minors in every 1,000 brides whoso ages are given in the English records, as against 164 in New Zealand. It should be mentioned, however, that the proportions in the cases of both brides and bridegrooms in England have decreased materially since the outbreak of war, while the figures for New Zealand show substantial increases. In regard to this matter, 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, 1908–17.
Year.Bridegrooms.Brides.Minors, per 100 Marriages.
Adults.Minors.Adults.Minors.Bridegrooms.Brides.
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
19176,1902425,3491,0533.7716.41

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 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 1917, eight or 1.25 in every 1,000, and of the women thirteen or 2.02 per 1,000, signed the register by mark.

Although the figures with regard to this subject might be considered as an indication of the illiteracy of the people in past years, when the proportion of signatures by mark was relatively high, the figures have now fallen so low that fluctuations from year to year are mainly due to slight variations in the numbers of marriages of persons of foreign or Maori birth, and of persons under temporary or permanent physical disability.

The comparison over a period of twenty or thirty years, however, indicates an undoubted decrease in illiteracy. This is shown by the following table:—

PERSONS IN EVERY 1,000 MARRIED WHO SIGNED BY MARK.
1881.1891.1901.1911.1914.1915.19161917.
Male32.0413.934.591.130.750.700.371.25
Female57.9916.826.232.381.511.000.242.02

MARRIAGES BY MINISTERS OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

Of the 6,417 marriages registered in 1917, Church of England clergymen officiated at 1,575, Presbyterians at 1,471, Methodists at 670, and Roman Catholics at 766, while 1,589 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.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Church of England25.0226.2826.7625.7324.54
Presbyterians26.8826.0725.8425.3622.92
Methodists12.5712.3011.8310.4710.44
Roman Catholics11.7311.0711.1812.0211.94
Other denominations6.245.515.835.375.39
Before Registrars17.5618.7718.5621.0524.77
     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. It will be noted that for 1916 and 1917 there has been a decided increase in the proportion of marriages before Registrars.

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 253 marriages in which both parties were of the Native race were received during the year 1917. Of these, 48 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 information received from the Cook Islands Department, the following are the figures of marriages solemnized in the Cook Islands during the year ending 31st March, 1918:—

MARRIAGES IN COOK ISLANDS, 1917–18.
Island.Number of Marriages.

* Figures for year 1916.

† Excluding Pukapuka (no returns).

Rarotonga34
Aitutaki22
Mangaia15
Penrhyn (four months)5
Manihiki (six months)7
Mitiaro (seven months)1
Mauke3
Rakahanga (six months)1
Atiu14
Niue63*
          Total165

NUMBER OF OFFICIATING MINISTERS.

The number of names on the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act is (June, 1918) 1,638, and the denominations to which they belong are shown hereunder:—

Denomination.Number.
Specified in statute—
Church of England446
Presbyterian Church of New Zealand343
Methodist Church of New Zealand258
Roman Catholic Church263
Congregational Independents29
Baptists45
Lutheran Church8
Hebrew Congregations5
Not specified in statute—
Church of Christ27
Salvation Army134
Catholic Apostolic Church4
Unitarians3
Brethren1
Seventh-day Adventists20
Free Methodist Church of New-Zealand1
Latter-day Saints5
Church of the Seven Rules of Jehovah16
Ringatu Church10
Others20
          Total1,638

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 clays 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 1917 were 10,528, representing a rate of 9.58 per 1,000 of mean population. The number is only slightly below the number registered in 1916 (10,596), which was the highest total recorded in any year. The rate for 1917, however, has frequently been exceeded. The lowest rate, 8.87 per 1,000, was recorded in 1912, while the highest rate since 1887 was shown by the year 1907.

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
191710,5289.5888

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.
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
191711.098.099.58134137

Prior to the war period, the excess of male over female population had the effect of showing a smaller variation between death-rates for the two sexes than was indicated by a comparison of numbers of deaths.

The withdrawal of a large number of males between the ages of 20 and 45 for military service overseas has, however, reduced the male population without proportionately reducing the total of male deaths. Consequently there has been a tendency towards an increase in the crude male death-rate. The approximate numerical equality of the sexes in 1916 brought about an agreement between the figures shown in the last two columns. For 1917 the excess of the female over the male population has resulted for the first time in a higher figure in the last column (which shows the comparison between rates) than in the preceding column, which gives the comparison between the actual numbers of deaths.

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, 1908–12.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.Increase or Decrease, 1908–12 to 1917.
                                   Per Cent.
Under 517.9416.7415.0114.2715.491402−21.85
5 and under 101.821.481.761.862.612.44+ 34.06
10 and under 151.401.381.191.471.591.39−0.71
15 and under 202.122.181.951.832.35205−3.30
20 and under 253.012.832.783.193.163.40+ 12.96
25 and under 354.183.923.603.793.914.19+ 0.25
35 and under 456.086.276.185.816.675.76−5.26
45 and under 559.7410.2510.219.4010.248.93−8.32
55 and under 6518.8119.8219.84200819.2219.07+ 1.38
65 and under 7545.3644.3947.7141.8540.2244.78−1.28
75 and over135.57136.00138.31134.83142.75128.55−5.18
All ages9.359.479.319.069.649.58+ 2.46

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 twelve age periods for 1916 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 85 years and upwards, while for England and Wales the male rate is equal with 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 female death-rate for the age-period 25–35 years.

DEATH-RATE PER 1,000 PERSONS LIVING, ACCORDING TO SEX, FOR THE YEAR 1916, COMPARED WITH ENGLAND AND WALES.
Ages, in Years.New Zealand.England and Wales.
Males.Females.Males.Females.
Under 517.4713.6930.925.2
5 and under 102.662.433.23.0
10 and under 151.641.362.22.2
15 and under 203.042.11     2.9
20 and under 255.263.027.23.2
25 and under 354.694.02     3.9
35 and under 456.445.29     6.3
45 and under 5510.467.7014.511.2
55 and under 6519.9116.2729.623.1
65 and under 7549.1740.2368.853.4
75 and under 85117.6196.66159.3133.3
85 and over225.27248.63305.8284.9
All ages11.238.1316.912.5

AGES AT DEATH.

The deaths occurring during 1917 are tabulated below in single ages up to five years, and thereafter in groups, showing males and females separately:—

Ages.Males.Females.Total.
     Months.
Under 1454333787
1–310680186
3–69279171
5–12115101216
Years.
1–210096196
2–37755132
3–45943102
4–5444589
5–10168136304
10–159264156
15–209595190
20–25116140256
25–30158185343
30–35208196404
35–40269209478
40–45248182430
45–50275182457
50–55288214502
55–60311235546
60–65404270674
65–70471316787
70–75495353848
75–80587374961
80–85483287770
85–90259162421
90–95514798
95–10061420
100..     11
101..     33
          Totals6,0314,49710,528

The average age at death of persons of either sex in each of the ten years 1908–17 was as follows:—

 Males.Females.
190842.50 years.39.14 years.
190942.76 years.38.78 years.
191044.47 years.42.25 years.
191146.17 years.42.37 years.
191247.19 years.44.91 years.
191346.26 years.43.04 years.
191446.97 years.44.27 years.
191547.24 years.44.71 years.
191646.06 years.44.01 years.
191748.83 years.45.51 years.

The year 1917 shows a considerably higher average age than the years immediately preceding. The comparatively low death-rate among children during 1917 is responsible for the high average age at death shown for that year.

EXPECTATION OF LIFE.

The 1915 issue of the Year-book contained results of a mortality investigation undertaken from the results of the five censuses 1891 to 1911, inclusive, 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-LIFETIME 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
  957.05758.672
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
951.8131.650
961.4091.436
971.2141.232
981.0301.042
990.8640.871
1000.7200.723
1010.5990.600

It will be noted that while the expectation or average after-lifetime of males at ago 0 is given as 59.165 years, the average age at death of males in 1917 is only 48.33 years. The reason for the difference in these figures is that the average age at death in 1917 is nothing more than the average of the ages of those dying in that year; and if the population be one with a preponderance of young people, as is the case in New Zealand, that preponderance of young ages must also be reflected among those dying in a particular year, who, after all, are largely a sample of the living.

The average ago at death in one particular year is therefore evidence of the age constitution of the population in that year rather than of the vitality of the people, though it is affected by both factors. In New Zealand it is on the whole constantly increasing, mainly because the population is gradually getting a due proportion of old people; but a large immigration of young people or a sufficient increase in the birth-rate could send it down again by furnishing a greater number of deaths at low ages, even without any change in the vitality.

The expectation of life is independent of these factors, being based upon the scientifically determined rates of mortality at every successive year of age, and could be said to represent the average age at death of, say, 100,000 people followed from birth to their final extinction by death. In the course of time, when the age constitution of the population of New Zealand approximates more closely to that existing in the older countries, the average age at death in a given year will tend to be in closer agreement with the actuarially ascertained expectation of life at age 0.

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 ten years 1908–17.

DEATH-RATES OF AUSTRALASIA PER 1,000 OF MEAN POPULATION, 1908–17.
Country.1908.1909.1913.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Queensland10.269.709.7110.6510.9610.399.9711.0011.099.64
New South Wales10.209.899.8910.3710.8610.8910.1110.4810.639.60
Victoria12.7111.4511.4911.4512.2311.1111.5911.1011.7010.36
South Australia (proper)10.149.7410.099.8210.2810.8210.7110.6711.7210.10
Western Australia11.1710.2710.1110.1911.069.349.419.289.808.97
Tasmania11.369.6811.1010.1310.7310.879.6710.1110.388.89
Commonwealth11.0710.3310.4310.6611.2310.8710.5110.6111.049.80
New Zealand9.579.229.719.398.879.479.319.069.649.58

New Zealand has a lower death-rate than any of the Australian States, which, age in, have considerably lower rates than other countries. A diagram is given on the following 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
Belgium15.714.8
German Empire16.315.0§
Finland16.415.6
Ireland16.916.3
Prance18.319.6
Italy20.017.9
Austria21.820.5
Jamaica22.721.4
Spain22.922.1
Serbia23.621.1
Hungary24.623.3
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 1917.
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 127,0441,36050.292.551.28
1 and under 20428,8451,1692.7339.801.09
20 and under 40350,0811,4814.2326.961.14
40 and under 60210,9901,9359.1719.231.76
60 and upwards82,1574,58355.7811.46639
          Totals1,099,11710,5289.58100.0011.66

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

STANDARDIZED DEATH-RATES. 1907–16.
Country.1907.1908.1909.1910.1911.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
New Zealand13.3511.6711.3012.0411.8311.2711.9211.8511.3811.88
Queensland14.6014.5613.8012.4413.5713.9113.2512.7014.3014.37
New South Wales14.3113.8813.4412.3613.2313.6313.6112.7213.2413.48
Victoria14.4015.2413.7414.1114.2314.9413.5014.1113.5414.28
South Australia13.3313.1512.5712.3912.1812.7613.2513.0313.0914.45
Western Australia15.6615.8015.0713.3113.4714.5512.5812.5612.7914.15
Tasmania14.8715.3413.1413.5912.9713.6913.5412.1113.0413.43
Commonwealth13.9714.1013.1513.1713.5514.0813.4713.1813.4413.99

Where comparisons are restricted to the figures for different years in a country such as New Zealand, where the age and sex constitution of the population is undergoing a gradual change, it is preferable to use as a standard the constitution of the population of the same country at some fixed date.

In the following' table the rates have been standardized on the population as disclosed at the census of 1911.

The system of standardization adopted is similar to that used in arriving at the international index of mortality, but is more detailed. The population and deaths of each year of the period have been 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.

DEATH-RATES, CRUDE AND STANDARDIZED, 1872–1917.
Year.Crude (Actual) Death-rate.Standardized Rate.
187211.3912.36
187312.6714.10
187412.9813.79
187515.9217.30
187612.6614.09
187711.4712.86
187810.9612.76
187912.4614.11
188011.4612.70
188111.1312.41
188211.1913.06
188311.4513.29
188410.3911.88
188510.7612.36
188610.5412.17
188710.2911.96
18889.4311.72
18899.4410.80
18909.6611.25
189110.3512.08
189210.0611.75
189310.2311.80
189410.1911.56
18959.9111.22
18969.1010.35
18979.1410.58
18989.8411.50
189910.2411.02
19009.4310.21
19019.8110.66
190210.5011.41
190310.4011.17
19049.579.87
19059.279.60
19069.319.66
190710.9511.37
19089.579.94
19099.229.20
19109.719.63
19119.399.38
19128.878.87
19139.479.47
19149.319.31
19159.069.09
19169.649.22
19179.589.04

OCCUPATIONS OF DECEASED MALES; 1917.

The occupations of males who died during 1917, arranged according to the census classification, are shown in the following table. Further details may be obtained from Volume 1 of “Statistics of the Dominon of New Zealand,” 1917.

Occupation.Age, in Years.Total.
Under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 45.45 and under 65.65 and over.
Professional6269985135351
Domestic..     3294752131
Commercial519110160208502
Engaged in transport and communication810112119117366
Engaged in manufacturing76111124230478
Engaged in building and construction214971179302
Other industrial workers1021165269327792
Agricultural and pastoral26231412927611,243
Working in mines and quarries1..     2753139220
Other primary producers..     18231951
Independent means, &c...     ..     196373
Dependent relatives1,33723..     ..     1,342
Dependent on public or private support..     ..     1..     3536
Undefined or unknown..     4272687144
     1,4021168831,2782,3526,031

DEATHS AND DEATH-RATES OF FOUR CHIEF CENTRES.

As already explained in the subsection dealing with births, from January., 1917, an alteration has been made in the areas constituting the chief centres.

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 boroughs, a considerable non-municipalized area adjacent to and contingent on the centre.

Notwithstanding this alteration, however, the rates for 1917 are reasonably comparable with those for past years.

The total number of deaths registered for the four metropolitan areas in the year 1917 was 4,109—viz., 2,882 in the cities and 1,227 in the suburban portions.

By including the suburban portions the death-rate for 1917 is lowered in the case of all four metropolitan areas. The rates for the year are,—

     Death-rates per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Auckland City12.36
     Auckland Metropolitan Area10.45
Wellington City10.05
     Wellington Metropolitan Area9.37
Christchurch City12.13
     Christchurch Metropolitan Area11.04
Dunedin City12.23
     Dunedin Metropolitan Area11.58

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

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
Auckland (including suburbs)*10.619.429.059.5810.45
Wellington (including suburbs)*9.0810.479.719.459.37
Christchurch (including suburbs)*10.159.589.0110.8410.04
Dunedin (including suburbs)*11.0310.2211.0311.7211.58

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, 1913–17, deaths of persons aged 65 or over in the four centres, including suburban boroughs, were,—

     1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
Auckland (including suburbs)*306312325331537
Wellington (including suburbs)*192214192220261
Christchurch (including suburbs)*262245269296412
Dunedin (including suburbs)*296288308320358

The increase shown by the above figures for 1917 is, of course, largely due to the increased population covered by the new metropolitan areas.

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 the years 1913–17 in the following ratio to the 1,000 living:—

     1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
Auckland (including suburbs)*8.748.197.398.399.29
Wellington (including suburbs)*7.798.598.198.068.14
Christchurch (including suburbs)*8.828.257.809.2810.14
Dunedin (including suburbs)*9.599.259.5310.7010.93

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

     1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
Auckland (including suburbs)*8.085.767.175.926.10
Wellington (including suburbs)*6.028.266.286.515.65
Christchurch6.356.825.426.674.93
Dunedin7.345.437.235.474.02

Again, the percentage of deaths of children under five to the total number of deaths in 1917 was—in Auckland, 18.61; in Wellington, 21.19; in Christchurch, 15.14; in Dunedin, only 10.93.

Excluding suburbs, and dealing with the deaths at all ages in the four cities only, the rates for 1917 are found to be higher than those for the previous year in all cases except that of Dunedin. The figures for five years are given:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Auckland City11.4910.439.9911.1012.36
Wellington City9.3010.7310.029.7310.05
Christchurch City10.4010.029.5811.2312.13
Dunedin City11.9811.0011.5812.3612.23

Omitting the deaths of infants under one year, and calculating the rate on the population of one year of age and upwards, all four cities show higher rates in 1917 than in the previous year. The mean of the rates for five years are also given:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population, excluding Infants under One Year of Age.
1915.1916.1917.Mean of Five Years.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)8.389.6011.029.51
Wellington (excluding suburbs)8.738.268.728.49
Christchurch (excluding suburbs)8.539.8711.229.46
Dunedin (excluding suburbs)10.2311.2911.5810.73

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 1908–17, the information being given according to age of father and of issue. It will be seen that during the period under review 23,719 fathers left issue to the number of 114,370, an average of 4.82. There were also 3,886 married men who died without leaving issue.

NUMBER AND AGES OF ISSUE LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, 1908–17.
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.
053127612952..     ..     277
15217710726661..     375
269235133518112..     509
3472191677312642530
43421818375111051537
51523421676141610..     581
6122111911021718113565
752132231161827121615
821572591543515102634
911372341333522161579
1011222451904220254649
11..     992282224540272663
12..     712772237342222710
13..     432582436954418716
14..     372482788287484784
15..     252142749165649742
16..     2121130798918513826
17..     3200331146109959893
18..     41833361531149613899
19..     3144383184146137211,018
20..     2139368189160175171,050
21 and over..     53693,8304,4556,47217,6429,76442,537
Unspecified1360115206114154367251,054
          Total male issue3042,4234,6058,0265,9027,68718,8959,90157,743
Females.
0581277023411..     284
19217710441913..     427
249233149741263..     526
3462141755811231510
434234164689118..     528
51421120388111093549
621197201109151473567
74186215137262410..     602
831592291432820191602
941452571604130169655
10..     1312631814034244677
11..     1042371834432281629
12..     792382366354404714
13..     582362297954396701
14..     302202568058545703
15..     312102879869555755
16..     1921231011986748828
17..     1318332914299998873
18..     516031715211311110868
19..     1159378184142121251,010
20..     112638218513813723992
21 and over..     23803,8284,3716,47017,0909,51141,652
Unspecified7549917213813535020975
          Total female issue3322,4114,4907,9895,8617,60318,3019,64056,627
Both Sexes.
011125413152931..     561
1144354211671574..     802
211846828212520175..     1,035
393433342131238731,040
46845234714320211311,065
52944541916425261931,130
63340839221132321861,132
7939943825344512211,217
8531648829763352931,236
9528249129376523231,234
10125350837182544981,326
11..     20346540589725531,292
12..     150515459136966261,424
13..     10149447214810880141,417
14..     6746853416214510291,487
15..     56424561189134119141,497
16..     40423617217177159211,654
17..     16383660288208194171,766
18..     9343653305227207231,767
19..     4303761368288258462,028
20..     3265750374298312402,042
21 and over..     77497,6588,82612,94234,73219,27584,189
Unspecified20114214378252289717452,029
          Grand totals6364,8349,09516,01511,76315,29037,19619,541714,370
          Total male deaths3,3894,5494,6485,6573,4544,43810,6875,79842,620
Married men who died—         
(a) Without living issue1744545175352894159705323,886
(b) Leaving issue3901,8432,4933,4022,2242,7936,8053,76923,719

Several tables dealing with orphanhood are given in full in the annual volume of “Statistics of the Dominion 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 1917, are summarized and given below:—

ISSUE UNDER AGE 14 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1917.
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 2521..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
25 and under 30211452..     ..     ..     42
30 and under 351631191032..     81
35 and under 4030391617923116
40 and under 4542332318742129
45 and under 5034372112333113
50 and under 55422311522186
55 and under 6037181131..     171
60 and under 65228321..     137
65 and under 701811411..     ..     35
70 and under 75631..     ..     1..     11
75 and under 803111..     ..     ..     6
80 and over32..     ..     ..     ..     ..     5
          Totals27622111571271411735
ISSUE UNDER AGE 16 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1917.
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 2521..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
25 and under 30211452..     ..     ..     42
30 and under 351731191031182
35 and under 4032332316753119
40 and under 4539381922864136
45 and under 5035343112735127
50 and under 5542321111241103
55 and under 6041221494..     191
60 and under 6536124311158
65 and under 70211472..     1..     45
70 and under 751133..     ..     ..     118
75 and under 8093111..     ..     15
80 and over42..     ..     ..     ..     ..     6
          Totals31023913788332117845
ISSUE UNDER AGE 21 LEFT BY MARRIED MEN, YEAR 1917.
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 2521..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
25 and under 30211452..     ..     ..     42
30 and under 351731191031182
35 and under 4032332217853120
40 and under 453339261711106142
45 and under 502539292113710144
50 and under 5527432720855132
55 and under 6046332091845135
60 and under 65502722104..     3116
65 and under 70402512575195
70 and under 752910223..     147
75 and under 802271412..     37
80 and over12421..     ..     ..     19
          Totals3563031871187639351,114

WIDOWS LEFT BY MARRIED MEN.

Of the 3,133 married men or widowers whose deaths were registered in 1917, 804 were shown to have been widowers, and 2,229 to have left widows, while in the remaining 100 cases there was no information given as to whether the deceased left a widow. Of the married men leaving widows, 1,947 had living issue also at time of death, and 282 had no living issue. In 680 cases widowers left issue, and in 124 cases no issue. In 36 of the 100 cases where no information was given as to whether a widow was left, there was living issue, in 47 cases no living issue, and in 17 cases no information as to issue was given.

A table is given showing the relative ages of married men who died in 1917, and of their widows:—

DEATHS, 1917.—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 80.80 and under 90.90 and upwardsTotals.
181..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
19..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
20 and under 251792..     1..     ..     ..     29
25 and under 303252111..     ..     ..     ..     96
30 and under 354842873..     ..     ..     126
35 and under 40..     7289181031..     193
40 and under 45..     11102441482..     181
45 and under 501273933373..     212
50 and under 55..     11213565237..     243
55 and under 60..     ..     ..     501244515..     234
60 and under 65..     ..     ..     61328721..     246
65 and under 70..     ..     ..     162122323220
70 and under 75..     ..     ..     ..     14111451171
75 and under 80..     ..     ..     ..     547531106
80 and under 85..     ..     ..     ..     11142256
85 and under 90..     ..     ..     ..     1112115
90 and upwards..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1
Ages not specified14116272224499
          Totals56235328361492487258122,229

INFANTILE MORTALITY.

Subjoined is a classified statement of the deaths of infants under one year during 1917, 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.
Male45410692115767
Female3338079101593
DEATHS PER 1,000 BIRTHS.
Male31.687.406.428.0353.53
Female23.945.755.687.2642.63

Fifty-four out of every thousand male children born, and forty-three of every thousand females, are found to have died before attaining the age of one year. The mortality was thus one in nineteen 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 1917, there were during the year—

100 deaths of males to 76 deaths of females under 1 month of age;

100 deaths of males to 78 deaths of females from 1 to 3 months of age

100 deaths of males to 88 deaths of females from 3 to 6 months of age

100 deaths of males to 90 deaths of females from 6 to 12 months of age;

100 deaths of males to 80 deaths of females 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 76 per cent. of the total deaths under five. The somewhat high figures shown for 1916 were partly due to the prevalence of infantile paralysis and diphtheria during that year.

For 1917, the low proportion of deaths under five years to the total deaths at all ages (17.85 per cent.) constitutes a record for the Dominion.

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.
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
19151,39420412565801,8689,96518.75
19161,446261139132842,06210,59619.46
19171,360196132102891,87910,52817.85
Average of ten years1,53621711583632,0139,77520.59
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.
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
19177871861712161,36028,23948.16
Average of ten years7992352372651,53627,31856.22

The figures regarding deaths of infants under one year of age, as given for 1917 in the preceding table, show a decrease, compared with 1916, under all headings except the first—deaths under one month. The infantile-mortality rate (48.16 per cent.) shown in the last column is the lowest ever recorded in New Zealand.

RATES OF INFANTILE MORTALITY IN NEW ZEALAND AND FOUR CHIEF CENTRES (DEATHS UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE PER 1,000 BIRTHS), EACH YEAR 1908–17.
Year.New Zealand.Auckland and Suburban Boroughs.*Wellington and Suburban Boroughs.*Christchurch and Suburban Boroughs.*Dunedin and Suburban Boroughs.*
* Metropolitan areas in 1917.
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
191748.1660.9656.5549.3240.16

Although 15,357 infants under one year were lost to the Dominion by death during the ten years 1908–17, and, including these, 20,130 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 ONE YEAR OF AGE TO EVERY 1,000 BIRTHS.
Year.New Zealand.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia.Australian Commonwealth.
191251.2271.7371.0074.4861.6871.74
1913591763.3577.7870.5369.8372.21
191451.3863.9369.2978.2775.7971.47
191550.0564.3367.6768.7867.0467.52
191650.7070.2767.1574.6373.2170.33
Means of five years52.5066.7270.5873.3469.5170.65

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 of age, together with the numbers of deaths in New Zealand from such causes during the five years 1913–17, are given below.

According to the medical certificates of death, premature birth stands first in importance, congenital debility next, followed by diarrhoea and enteritis.

DEATHS OF CHILDREN UNDER ONE YEAR.—CAUSES, 1913–17.
Causes.Number of Deaths from each Cause.Percentage of Total.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Whooping-cough87535063295.263.643.584.362.13
Convulsions71515574564.293.503.955.124.12
Bronchitis and pneumonia157115127123969.507.909.118.507.06
Diarrhœa and enteritis21416311516414612.9511.198.2511.3410.74
Malformations89981321081205.386.739.477.478.82
Premature birth41842039738138025.2928.8528.4826.3527.94
Congenital debility29624621121520817.9116.9015.1414.8715.29
Other causes32131030731832519.4221.2922.0221.9923.90
          Totals1,6531,4561,3941,4461,360100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

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-parent.

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 of 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 the procedure in the case of the removal or death of foster-children is specified. 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 1916 and 1917 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.
1916.1917.1916.1917.1916.1917.
               Per Cent.Per Cent.  
I. General diseases2,7332,71925.7925.8324.8624.73
II. Diseases of the nervous system and of the organs of special sense1,2351,10511.6510.5011.2310.05
III. Diseases of the circulatory system1,6081,68815.1816.0314.6215.35
IV Diseases of the respiratory system8878228.377.818.077.48
V. Diseases of the digestive system8388247.917.837.627.50
VI. Diseases of the genitourinary system and annexa4814754.544.514.374.32
VII Puerperal condition1671691.581.601.521.54
VIII. Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue50510.470.480.450.46
IX. Diseases of the organs of locomotion34180.320.170.310.16
X. Malformations1271331.201.261.161.21
XI. Infancy6986956.596.606.356.32
XII. Old age8831,0018.339.518.039.12
XIII. Violence7426857.006.516.756.23
XIV. Ill-defined causes1131431.071.361.031.30
          Totals10,59610,528100.00100.0096.3795.77

The next table shows the number of deaths from certain principal causes for the five years 1913–17, and the proportion per 10,000 of the population:—

Cause.Number of Deaths.Proportion per 10,000 of Mean Population.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Typhoid fever60485237410.560.440.470.340.37
Measles263364931710.240.300.580.850.15
Scarlet fever11224452300.100.200.400.470.27
Whooping-cough128748098441.200.680.730.890.40
Diphtheria6178991632370.570.720.901.482.16
Influenza566311073380.520.581.000.660.35
Pulmonary tuberculosis6565765625915976.145.285.115.385.43
Other forms of tuberculosis1561521311411581.461.391.191.281.44
Cancer8569049009099578.018.298.198.278.71
Diabetes1501521481541441.401.401.351.401.31
Exophthalmic goitre19313127370.180.280.280.250.34
Anaæmia, chlorosis647669991040.600.700.630.900.95
Meningitis1271401381691661.191.281261.541.51
Infantile paralysis293123100.020.080.031.120.09
Apoplexy, cerebral hæmorrhage4124414034784723.864.053.684.354.29
Epilepsy54514951560.510.470.450.460.51
Convulsions of children under 5 years of age936277105620.870.570.700.950.56
Organic heart-disease1,2271,3011,1441,2691,39011.4811.9310.4111.5412.65
Arterio-sclerosis891067987710.830.970.720.790.65
Embolism, thrombosis631015275620.590.930.470.680.56
Bronchitis2812622832402252.632.402.572.182.05
Broncho-pneumonia1541391361271211.441.281.241.151.10
Pneumonia3363213003202623.152.942.732.912.38
Gastritis29473737510.270.430.340.340.46
Diarrhœa and enteritis3442652443023063.222.432.222.752.78
Appendicitis and typhlitis918694901010.850.790.860.820.92
Hernia, intestinal obstruction10611186116460.991.020.781.050 42
Cirrhosis of liver47445153330.440.400.460.480.30
Simple peritonitis61534237460.570.490.380.340.42
Nephritis, Bright's disease3172612673042712.962.392.432.762.46
Cystitis31452851490.290.410.250.460.45
Diseases and accidents of puerperal condition1001181311671690.941.081.191.521.54
Malformations971131531271330.911.041.391.151.21
Congenital debility3012522172222082.822.311.972.021.89
Premature birth4184203973813813.913.853.613.473.47
Senility8098127938831,0017.577.457.218.039.11
Violence (1) suicide1481371131471241.381.261.031.341.13
(2) accident, c.6396476235955615.985.935.675.415.10
Other causes1,5001,5951,7351,6031,74714.0414.6315.7614.591589
          Totals10,11910,1489,96510,59610,52894.6993.0790.64963795.77

TUBERCULOSIS.

Deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis numbered 597, or 543 per 10,000 of the population, against 591 deaths, or 5.38 per 10,000, in 1916. The average for the past ten years was 600, or 5.78 per 10,000.

Year.Deaths from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.Rate per 10,000.
19086637.02
19096246.42
19105825.86
19115845.75
19125675.46
19136566.14
19145765.28
19155625.11
19165915.38
19175975.43

The following table gives information as to age and length of residence in the Dominion of the 597 persons certified to as having died from pulmonary tuberculosis in 1917.

Reference to the table will show that 387 persons known to have been born in the Dominion died during 1917 from phthisis, and 96 persons born elsewhere but resident in New Zealand for fifteen years or over succumbed to the disease.

DEATHS FROM PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS, 1917.

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.................................
1 month and under 6.................................
6 months under 12.................................
1 year under 2............21............3
2 years under 3.................................
3 years under 4.........11...1.........3
4 years under 5.........151............7
5 years under 10.........31261.........22
10 years under 15.........2682...1...19
15 years under 20.........11411......8
20 years under 25............122.........5
25 years and upwards............36161210249
Not known or not stated............2341......10
Birthplace unknown.........136121...14
Born in Dominion...234569482132...193
          Totals...2354105854919142333
Females.
Under 1 month.................................
1 month and under 6.................................
6 months under 12............1...............1
1 year under 2.........1..................1
2 years under 3............1...............1
3 years under 4............22............4
4 years under 5......125...1.........9
5 years under 10............921.........12
10 years under 15.........1...2............3
15 years under 20.........231............6
20 years under 25............11111...5
25 years and upwards...............1947223
Not known or not stated..................11......2
Birthplace unknown............111.........3
Born in Dominion......1637737124......194
          Totals......26910047261082264
          Totals of both sexes...251232051327529224597

The mortality from all forms of tuberculosis decreased from 8.87 per 10,000 of the population in 1908 to 6.87 in 1917. The percentage of total deaths from all causes decreased from 9.28 to 7.17 in the ten years.

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

DEATHS, 1908–17.

Year.Mean Population.Number of Deaths from Tubercular Diseases.Rate per 10,000.Percentage of Total Deaths from all Causes.
1908945,0638398.879.28
1909971,7848008.238.93
1910992,8027317.367.58
19111,014,8967387.277.74
19121,039,0167166.897.77
19131,068,6448127.608.02
19141,090,3287286.677.17
19151,099,3946936.306.95
19161,099,4497426.747.00
19171,099,1177556.877.17

AGES OF PERSONS WHO DIED FROM TUBERCULAR DISEASES, 1917.

Ages.Males.Females.Total.
Under 5 years141933
5 years and under 1012921
10 years and under 1510616
15 years and under 20203656
20 years and under 25474188
25 years and under 306066126
30 years and under 355551106
35 years and under 40613899
40 years and under 45412263
45 years and under 50241337
50 years and under 55301747
55 years and under 6013720
60 years and under 658412
65 years and under 7011415
70 years and under 75459
75 years and under 80426
80 and upwards1..     1
          Total deaths415340755

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,1915.

     Death-rates (per 1,000) from Tuberculosis.Percentage of Total Deaths.
England and Wales1.5110.92
Scotland1.639.58
Ireland2.2012.50
Queensland0.555.04
New South Wales0.676.43
Victoria0.776.94
South Australia0.938.74
Western Australia0.849.03
Tasmania0.636.26
New Zealand0.636.95

CANCER.

This disease is annually responsible for more deaths in New Zealand than can be assigned to any cause other than organic disease of the heart. The increasing prevalence of cancer is, in fact, causing no little concern throughout the civilized world.

A much more complete presentation of data than can be given here was published in a special article on cancer mortality in the Year-book for 1917 (pages 776–809).

In 1917 there were 957 deaths from cancer in the Dominion, a proportion of 8.71 per 10,000 persons. This number is the highest yet recorded in any year, being 48 in excess of the figures for 1916, which were themselves higher than any previous year. The rate for 1917 is also very considerably in advance ' of anything recorded in past years, though this increase is partly duo to the withdrawal from the population of a large number of young healthy men.

The average number of cancer deaths and the average cancer death-rate for the years 1912–16 were 876 and 8.12 respectively. Deaths of males during 1917 numbered 511, and of females 446.

The following diagram 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, 1908–17.
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.
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
191795710,5288.719.09

The proportion of deaths from cancer to the 1,000 persons living in some the conclusion of the principal countries of the world, as shown below, leads to 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 Zealand0.590.7222.0319170.87
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
Switzerland1.271.260.79*19151.28

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 Volume 1 of the “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand,” 1917.

CANCER: SEAT OF DISEASE, 1917.
Seat of Disease.Males.Females.Total.
Buccal cavity52759
Stomach and liver225132357
Peritoneum, intestines, rectum9155146
Female genital organs..     9797
Breast..     7474
Skin13922
Other organs or organs not specified13072202
          Totals511446957

Eighty-eight per cent. of the deaths were at the ages 45 years and upwards, and 59 per cent at the ages 60 years and upwards.

AGES OF PERSONS WHO DIED FROM CANCER, 1917.
Ages.M.F.Total.
Under 5 years145
5 years and under 102..     2
10 years and under 15112
15 years and under 202..     2
20 years and under 251..     1
25 years and under 30325
30 years and under 3521214
35 years and under 40131932
40 years and under 45253055
45 years and under 50275582
50 years and under 55325991
55 years and under 60534699
60 years and under 656554119
65 years and under 708756143
70 years and under 757652128
75 years and under 80653499
80 years and upwards562278
          Totals511446957

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 1917 numbered 169, as against 167 in 1916. Included in the number in 1917 were: Accidents of pregnancy, 27; puerperal haemorrhage, 18; other accidents of labour, 16; puerperal septicæmia, 59; puerperal albuminuria, 37; puerperal embolism, 8; puerperal mania, 4. 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.
19084.64
19095.14
19104.55
19114.38
19123.73
19133.62
19144.22
19154.76
19165.93
19176.05

The higher rate of puerperal accidents and diseases shown for 1916 and 1917 as compared with preceding years is largely, perhaps wholly, accounted for by the fact that during the past two years 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 561 in 1917—males 456, females 105—the total being lower than the average of the quinquennium 1912–16, which was 604. The rate per 10,000 living was 5.98 in 1913, 5.93 in 1914, 5.67 in 1915, 5.41 in 1916, and 5.10 in 1917. The various forms of violent deaths (excluding suicides) in 1917 are shown in the following table:—

VIOLENT DEATHS (EXCLUDING SUICIDES), 1917.
Cause of Death.M.F.Total.
Accidents—
     Poisoning7512
     Conflagration7310
     Burns, scalds221739
     Asphyxia19827
     Drowning12627153
     Shot16218
     Cutting or piercing instruments2..     2
     Falls51960
     Mines and quarries17..     17
     Machinery6..     6
     Crushing, vehicles, railways, landslides, c.11715132
     Injuries by animals10111
     Electrocuted5..     5
     Fractures (cause not shown)201030
Homicide—
     By firearms4..     4
     By cutting or piercing instruments123
     By other means213
Starvation2..     2
Exposure1..     1
Effects of heat2..     2
Other external violence19524
          Totals456105561

SUICIDES.

The suicidal deaths in 1917 were 124—males 95 and females 29. The rate per 10,000 living was 1.13 in 1917, against an average of 1.24 for the preceding five years. The following table shows the means of self-destruction employed:—

SUICIDES. 1917.

Mode of Death.M.F.Total.
Hanging or strangulation22628
Firearms.22123
Cutting or piercing instruments18220
Poison51015
Drowning7310
Asphyxia246
Other modes19322
          Total suicides9529124

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
191738234772944

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 during the year ended 31st March, 1918, are supplied by the Cook Islands Department. Figures for Pukapuka are not available.

DEATHS IN COOK ISLANDS, 1917–18.
Islands.Number of Deaths.
* Excluding Pukapuka (no returns).
Rarotonga77
Aitutaki40
Mangaia104
Penrhyn (four months)7
Manihiki (six months)10
Mauke31
Mitiaro (seven months)3
Rakahanga (six months)2
Atiu29
Niue205
          Total508*

SUBSECTION D.—MORBIDITY.

DEATH-RATES 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, and similar systems have been inaugurated or proposed in other countries.

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 following diseases are infectious diseases notifiable within New Zealand:—

  1. Infectious diseases declared under interpretation clause of the Act:—

    Typhus fever.Smallpox.
    Enteric fever.Diphtheria.
    Scarlet fever.Bubonic plague.
  2. Infectious diseases declared by Gazette notice:—

    Tuberculosis18th April, 1901.
    Leprosy16th January, 1902.
    Cholera16th February, 1902.
    Yellow fever16th February, 1902.
    Beriberi2nd August, 1906.
    Puerperal fever (including milk-fever, sapræmia, acute sepsis, septicæmia)20th December, 1906.
    Cerebro-spinal meningitis (including cerebro-spinal fever, cerebral typhus, spotted fever, petechial fever, malignant purpuric fever)18th April, 1907.
    Hydatids9th May, 1907.
    Actinomycosis27th June, 1907.
    Poliomyelitis26th February, 1914.
    Ophthalmia neonatorum10th August, 1916.
    Trachoma (or granular conjunctivitis, or granular ophthalmia, or granular eyelids)8th February, 1917.
    Bilharziosis (or blood-fluke infection, or Egyptian hæmaturia, or endemic hæmaturia, or bilharzia hæmatobia disease)16th August, 1917.
  3. Dangerous infectious diseases declared by Gazette notice:—

    Leprosy16th January, 1902.
    Bubonic plague16th January, 1902.
    Smallpox16th January, 1902.
    Cholera7th July, 1904.

Measles, influenza, and chicken-pox have at times been declared infectious diseases, but the declarations have subsequently been revoked.

During the year 1917 a total of 10,755 cases of infectious diseases was notified, diphtheria taking the first place with 5,458 notifications, as against only 2,376 in 1916. Diphtheria was more prevalent during 1917 than in any previous year since notification was first introduced. From the table below, showing the seasonal incidence of the various notifiable diseases, it will be noticed that diphtheria is much more prevalent during the months of May, June, July, and August than at any other period of the year. It occurred in 1917 mainly in localized epidemics, Christchurch and Southland districts having particularly suffered. There was also an outbreak over practically the whole of Wellington Province.

While diphtheria showed such a large increase for 1917, it is pleasing to note that there was a great decrease in the number of scarlet-fever cases notified during the year—2,755, as against 4,287 in 1916.

During 1916 a serious outbreak of infantile paralysis, or acute anterior poliomyelitis, occurred in New Zealand, the North Island being the scene of its principal activities. The number of cases notified in 1916 was 1,018, as compared with only 54 in 1917.

MONTHLY INCIDENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (ACCORDING TO NOTIFICATIONS RECEIVED) DURING THE YEAR 1917.
Month.Scarlet Fever.Diphtheria.Enteric FeverTuberculosis.Cerebro - spinal Meningitis.Poliomyelitis.Hydatids.Ophthalmia Neonatorum.Actinomycosis.Trachoma.Blood-poisoning.Totals.
January17420568108101022..     ..     6585
February12819258861212..     211483
March2373789711333921314860
April349448588814..     ..     ..     ..     13961
May3216654111545..     2..     ..     251,178
June298652541842..     23..     ..     241,219
July331619501324..     14..     ..     231,164
August27858854136133..     ..     1221,086
September192485421468244..     121905
October17440640179318..     2..     ..     20842
November160406391181522..     ..     15748
December1134145211642321314724
          Totals2,7555,4586531,5214254272521020810,755

The number of cases of infectious disease notified in each hospital district during 1917 was as follows:—

DISEASES NOTIFIED IN HOSPITAL DISTRICTS DURING THE YEAR 1917.
Hospital District.Scarlet Fever.Diphtheria.Enteric Fever.Tuberculosis.Cerebro - spinal Meningitis.Poliomyelitis.Puerperal Fever.Erysipelas.Tetanus.Unclassified Septicæmia.Hydatids.Ophthalmia Neonatorum.Actinomycosis.Trachoma.Totals.
Auckland Health District.
Bay of Islands7638730..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1198
Kaipara542689123..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     122
Whangarei914712..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     43
Auckland1464241332172414302727..     4992
Waikato7018155743221..     ..     1..     ..     ..     389
Thames2127279..     ..     2..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     87
Waihi41523..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     24
Coromandel..     223..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     7
Bay of Plenty9198226..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     217
Taumarunui212388..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     60
Wellington Health District.
Waiapu63814231..     ..     2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     84
Cook233126632..     111..     ..     ..     2..     ..     438
Wairoa5285     ..     ..     11..     ..     1..     ..     ..     98
Hawke's Bay502931555125..     ..     ..     8211433
Waipawa40199631..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3..     ..     ..     279
Taranaki371171230..     131..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     201
Stratford45223..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     62
Hawera2620312182..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2..     ..     ..     263
Patea1638242..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     62
Wanganui1053132049..     121..     ..     11..     ..     493
Palmerston North40312142..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2..     ..     397
Wellington1605101111112..     911..     1..     1..     2828
Wairarapa101824404131..     ..     ..     1..     ..     237
Wairau6534..     5..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     105
Picton...8..     ..     1..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     10
Nelson170282271..     34..     ..     ..     1..     ..     236
Canterbury Health District.
Westland..     754..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     17
Buller41717..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     29
Inangahua6..     510..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     22
Grey19111211..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     53
North Canterbury75482612238111731..     ..     23111,887
Ashburton4122522..     ..     1..     ..     ..     2..     ..     ..     93
South Canterbury521772481121..     ..     20..     ..     1287
Otago Health District.
Waitaki8061923..     ..     112..     1..     ..     ..     171
Otago283100722436810..     223..     ..     648
Vincent14..     912..     1..     3..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     39
Maniototo3..     ..     3..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     7
Southland149780159582101..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1,021
Wallace and Fiord1097..     612..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     116
          Totals2,7555,4586531,521425481112510272521010,755

A summary is added showing in respect of the principal notifiable diseases the number notified in each health district, with the rate per 10,000 of mean population.

RATE OF INCIDENCE PER 10,000 OF THE POPULATION FOR THE PRINCIPAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES NOTIFIED DURING 1917.

Disease.Auckland Health District.Wellington Health District.Canterbury Health District.Otago Health District.Dominion.
Number of cases.Rate.Number of cases.Rate.Number of cases.Rate.Number of cases.Rate.Number of cases.Rate.
Scarlet fever49216.984821.987640.453928.32,75525.1
Diphtheria81327.92,54165.61,06048.91,04454.65,45849.6
Enteric fever35112.02546.6291.3191.06535.9
Tuberculosis3714.747312.235016.132717.21,52113.8
Poliomyelitis291.060.220.1170.9540.5
Cerebro-spinal meningitis60.2240.630.190.5420.4

PUBLIC HOSPITALS: ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES.

The total admissions to public hospitals in New Zealand during 1917 numbered 38,882. There were 3,012 patients in hospital at the beginning of the year, the total cases dealt with during the year being thus 41,894, equal to 365 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 41,894 cases, 24,493 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 10,124 cases the patient was discharged relieved, and in 1,321 cases as unrelieved. Deaths in hospital numbered 2,793, or 6.67 per cent. of cases dealt with. 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 64 public general hospitals, 4 fever or infectious-diseases hospitals, and 5 sanatoria for consumptives.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—ADMISSIONS, DISCHARGES, ETC., 1917.
Hospital.Patients remaining on 1st January, 1917.Admissions during 1917.Discharges during 1917.Deaths in Hospital During 1917.Patients remaining on 31st December, 1917.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.
* Converted to old people's homes during year.
Mangonui13998872411
Bay of Islands8193118576119
Hokianga152321922021221
Northern Wairoa32481684951712
Otamatea..     18971..     1
Whangarei3257942912243422
Auckland3744,5272,5981,39098418397
Waikato1191,5241,13725047106103
Cambridge Sanatorium6424417168401964
Taumarunui223072632231823
Waihi253572309391733
Thames37833578189104746
Coromandel4724418176
Mercury Bay..     24163131
Tauranga71269722..     86
Opotiki319514738256
Waiapu838352..     54
Cook741,267949199227596
Wairoa102021383821519
Napier1561,37099122238117158
Waipawa184062828372527
Dannevirke283942996432333
Taranaki681,068860112266672
Stratford122882115121521
Hawera314513565623533
Patea1520719712..     76
Wanganui1001,3551,0262252367114
Taihape12142120142108
Palmerston North501,2671,044101565462
Pahiatua121318834..     912
Masterton27502299149223227
Greytown9201141476610
Wellington3524,2422,89196188297357
Otaki71601172171012
Otaki Sanatorium1888103433326
Wairau285184414592922
Havelock33830722..     
Picton219717511..     58
Nelson71585376126355762
Westport332812122414136
Reefton2918411340..     2436
Waiuta Nurses' Home150472..     11
Denniston32923711..     
Grey River7338319766636070
Westland4119612435..     4137
Otira..     201631..     ..     
Kumara*31251114292..     
Totara*167..     4118..     
Kaikoura1613415247
Christchurch2353,7551,9751,221262304228
Lyttelton Casualty Ward..     1621112..     
Burwood Fever Hospital4843343068928
Cashmere Hills Sanatorium646442135365
Coronation Hospital for Consumptives435125162150
Akaroa..     19114121
Ashburton212891896883114
Timaru6077453517475563
Timaru Infectious Diseases..     1513..     ..     11
Waimate192161405441423
Oamaru213642665462633
Palmerston Sanatorium45123504919446
Port Chalmers..     2823212..     
Logan Point Fever Hospital4857225..     10
Dunedin2233,5822672,783195304256
Tuapeka4732835167
Kaitangata..     31291..     1..     
Tapanui3743831413
Maniototo7886120266
Dunstan4914035587
Cromwell210276133102
Wakatipu11682442256
Seddon Memorial162411912522316
Southland811,5251,252155376696
Kew Infectious Diseases18463435..     ..     ..     46
Wallace and Fiord183813184231719
          Totals3,01238,88224,49310,1241,3212,7933,163

AGES OF PATIENTS.

The ages of patients discharged from or dying in public hospitals during 1916 and 1917 are as shown in the following summary:—

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.—AGES OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED OR DYING.
Ages of Patients, in Years.1916.1917.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Under 52,1541,5743,7282,2751,6223,897
5 and under 102,1061,7673,8732,5502,2064,756
10 and under 151,4741,2132,6871,7661,4363,202
15 and under 254,3572,8967,2533,5233,1966,719
25 and under 354,3603,2877,6473,6583,4047,062
35 and under 452,9442,0374,9812,9412,2845,225
45 and under 551,8161,0182,8341,9721,0823,054
55 and under 651,3635391,9021,4135902,003
65 and over1,9735742,5472,0746312,705
Unspecified73601336741108
          Totals22,62014,96537,58522,23916,49238,731

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 nest in point of numbers, but the death-rate is low. External causes come 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, 1917.
Class.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.Males.Females.
I. General diseases7,3692,1984956173736,0554,997
II. Diseases of the nervous system and of the organs of special sense6971,137202163971,383913
III. Diseases of the circulatory system73172831199781,134633
IV. Diseases of the respiratory system2,6341,09564164792,4201,616
V. Diseases of the digestive system4,8891,337981821303,5893,047
VI. Diseases of the genitourinary system and annexa1,86891186138649422,125
VII. Puerperal condition86716523..     36..     1,091
VIII. Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue1,04936017335977487
IX. Diseases of the organs of locomotion65246029134785373
X. Malformations271761810630972
XI. Diseases of early infancy5315319186246
XII. Old age1195931082627063
XIII. External causes3,0971,28586135433,879767
XIV. Ill-defined causes305262763122434262
          Totals24,49310,1241,3211,81298122,23916,492

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 1) 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 1917 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 1918 or such other year of discharge or death.

EPIDEMIC GENERAL DISEASES, 1917.

Disease.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Typhoid fever288172309234112
Samoan fever..     ..     1..     ..     1..     
Malaria810..     ..     ..     18..     
Measles474..     212925
Scarlet fever1,2693427311561783
Whooping-cough1765..     11316
Diphtheria3,850811693821,8712,251
Croup32..     ..     ..     32
Influenza18114..     1114057
Cholera..     1..     ..     ..     1..     
Dysentery53113455620
Erysipelas829..     244057
Chicken-pox721..     ..     73
Mumps2..     ..     ..     ..     2..     
Rotheln1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
German measles41..     ..     ..     23
          Totals5,812192551351142,9783,330

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 70 per cent. of the total of 1,654 cases of tubercular diseases, and 78 per cent of the deaths.

TUBERCULOSIS CASES IN HOSPITALS, 1917.

Form of Tuberculosis.Discharges.Deaths.Total Discharges and Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.FemalesMales.Females
Pulmonary tuberculosis14656421215973763391
Acute miliary tuberculosis..     ..     ..     3131
Tuberculous meningitis..     1316171720
Abdominal tuberculosis11263823119
Tuberculosis of spine521..     622113
Spinal caries181..     ..     37
Pott's disease15..     1..     34
Spinal abscess22..     ..     141
Lumbar abscess21..     1..     31
Psoas abscess44..     ..     145
Tuberculosis of hip225351..     4239
Tuberculosis of knee914..     1..     204
Tuberculosis of ankle110..     ..     ..     101
Tuberculosis of elbow111..     ..     21
Tuberculosis of wrist..     2..     ..     ..     11
Tuberculosis of hand..     1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Tuberculosis of foot2..     1..     ..     12
Tuberculosis of nose..     1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Tuberculosis of eye1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Tuberculous arthritis..     1..     ..     ..     1..     
Tuberculous synovitis32..     ..     ..     32
Coxitis1..     ..     ..     ..     1..     
Tuberculosis of bones6231..     ..     1614
Tuberculosis of kidney1212547
Tuberculous nephritis1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Tuberculosis of glands20371..     13029
Tuberculous adenitis118..     ..     ..     154
Tuberculosis of bladder..     2..     ..     ..     11
Tuberculous cystitis..     4..     2..     51
Tuberculosis of genital organs10102..     1185
Tuberculosis of breast..     1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Tuberculous abscess1615..     ..     ..     1318
Tuberculous sinus2101..     ..     67
Tuberculous ulcer1..     ..     ..     ..     1..     
Tuberculous ganglion..     1..     ..     ..     1..     
Lupus..     8..     ..     ..     26
          Totals2808382322001041,045609

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 winch the disease was definitely shown to be venereal was 398, including 16 deaths. Syphilis was the disease assigned in 246 cases, and various forms of gonococcic infection in the remaining 152 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 1917 where cancer was assigned as the cause was 248 (males 172, females 76). In addition 152 patients treated for cancer were discharged as recovered, 223 as relieved, and 114 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 eight 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 1917. In 38 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, 1917.
Seat of Disease.Discharges.Deaths.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females
Males.FemalesMales.FemalesMales.Females
Mouth1..     ..     ..     1..     2..     
Jaw3..     221..     51
Lip32..     1822..     2..     
Tongue4..     732..     13..     
Tonsils..     ..     3..     ..     ..     1..     
œsophagus1..     113182
Stomach1..     198148318
Pylorus1..     131..     91
Liver..     ..     2135124
Gall-bladder..     ..     ..     12..     ..     ..     
Stomach and liver..     ..     ..     ..     311..     
Bile-duct..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Peritonæum..     ..     ..     1..     ..     3..     
Omentum..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1..     
Bowels..     ..     ..     11152
Intestines..     ..     ..     11263
Cæcum..     ..     11..     ..     11
Colon1112..     173
Sigmoid..     ..     ..     11..     2..     
Rectum..     ..     10352105
Anus..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     
Mesentery..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     
Uterus..     13..     11..     13..     13
Neck of uterus..     6..     11..     2..     5
Ovary..     ..     ..     2..     ..     ..     ..     
Vulva, vagina..     2..     2..     3..     ..     
Breast..     34..     32..     1..     8
Scalp..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Forehead1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Brow..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Ear413..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Nose1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Cheek4..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     
Face4131..     ..     ..     ..     
Chin..     ..     2..     1..     ..     ..     
Rodent ulcer (undefined)13823..     ..     ..     
Epithelioma (undefined)313..     1..     ..     ..     
Eye (cancer)..     ..     1..     ..     ..     11
Antrum..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     
Parotid..     ..     ..     ..     1..     21
Neck2..     314..     4..     
Glands of neck23411..     3..     
Throat..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1..     
Fauces..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1..     
Lung..     ..     ..     11..     22
Ribs..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     
Mediastinum..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     2
Axilla1121..     ..     ..     ..     
Arm..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Hand2..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     
Back..     ..     11..     ..     ..     ..     
Spine..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Thyroid..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1
Larynx..     ..     3..     2..     41
Abdomen..     ..     ..     1..     211
Pancreas..     ..     ..     ..     ..     351
Kidney..     ..     ..     ..     1..     2..     
Spleen..     ..     ..     ..     11..     ..     
Bladder..     ..     1..     ..     ..     31
Prostate..     ..     2..     2..     7..     
Male genital organs1..     2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Thigh..     ..     ..     1..     11..     
Hip1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Femur1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2
Fibula2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Leg1..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Knee1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Foot1..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Groin..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     
Glands (other than neck)111..     ..     ..     1..     
Not specified24463..     136
          Totals8072116107654917276

In the special article on “Cancer” published in the “New Zealand Official Year-book,” 1917, it was mentioned that out of a total of 261 patients in hospital from cancer during 1916 almost exactly half (130) had been in hospital less than one month, of whom 39 died within one week of admission. A detailed table compiled for 1917, and published in Volume i of “Statistics of New Zealand,” 1917, gives corresponding totals of 248, 121, and 40 respectively, while in a further 61 cases death occurred within two months of admission.

Another table published in Volume i of Statistics gives detailed information as to condition on discharge, in conjunction with ago of patient and part of body affected.

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 brain1..     ..     67..     
Meningitis2934726741
Locomotor ataxia12144291
Other diseases of the spinal cord147411227546
Apoplexy, cerebral hæmorrhage7303727636
Softening of the brain..     2..     112
Paralysis without specified cause2193244511469
General paralysis of the insane..     73183
Other forms of mental alienation6347036053
Epilepsy24821759731
Convulsions17413718
Convulsions of infants154..     3139
Chorea3224..     12433
Neuralgia, neuritis120121123140116
Other nervous diseases1042283517203181
          Totals391727184258921639

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:—

     Discharges.Deaths.
Myelitis55
Poliomyelitis193
Progressive muscular atrophy51
Infantile paralysis534
Paralysis agitans31
Bulbar paralysis14
Disseminated sclerosis32
Lateral sclerosis21
Spastic paralysis51
Syringo-myelia1..     
Friedreich's ataxia1..     
Degeneration of spinal cord1..     
          Totals9922

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 247 of the 284 cases shown above for “Other nervous diseases,” this number including a large proportion of returned soldiers. Cerebral tumours accounted for 13 of the 17 deaths.

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 septicæmia30885729292137
Tetanus6..     ..     410..     
Non-malignant tumours1405910913187
Acute rheumatism281158813301159
Chronic rheumatism and gout12711336831
Diabetes6508305539
Exophthalmic goitre1245591259
Leucæmia14..     362
Anæmia and chlorosis46533264880
Alcoholism177124113129647

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. No recoveries are recorded in the case of pernicious anæmia, the 46 mentioned being due to other forms of anaemia. Twenty-three of the 26 deaths from anæmia are due to the pernicious type of the disease.

DISEASES OF THE EYES.

Eye troubles were responsible for admission to hospital in no fewer than 541 of the cases discharged from hospital during 1917. There were only 2 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, 1917.
Disease.Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Deaths.Total.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.MalesFemales.Males.Females.
Foreign body in eye615..     ..     ..     ..     ..     111
Strabismus55471..     ..     ..     1012
Keratitis1786..     ..     ..     ..     913
Glaucoma53131511..     ..     1919
Iritis2062213..     ..     ..     ..     4219
Corneal ulcer216258..     ..     ..     ..     4614
Cataract2213723431..     ..     9748
Conjunctivitis161577..     ..     ..     ..     2322
Pterygium414..     ..     ..     ..     ..     81
Dacryocystitis2431..     ..     ..     ..     55
Other diseases (including undefined)272349163..     2..     8139
          Totals12984212107822..     351193

Injuries to the eyes, other than those due to the presence of some foreign body, axe included in the “accident” class. There were 117 cases of injury to the eyes in 1917.

DISEASES OF THE EARS.

Diseases of the ears dealt with in hospital appear to be much fewer than eye-diseases. The total number in 1917 was 192, including otitis media 99 and otorrhœa 18. No deaths were recorded.

DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.

Organic diseases of the heart are the most important in this class. The deaths of 197 males and 60 females in hospital were due to heart-disease, while the returns show that 58 patients treated for various forms of organic heart-disease were discharged as recovered, 448 as relieved, and 17 as unrelieved. One hundred and eleven patients were treated for varicose veins, 141 for varicose ulcers, 52 for varicocele, 201 for hæmorrhoids, and 36 for phlebitis, only 3 deaths resulting. Diseases of the glands and other diseases of the lymphatic system were returned in 280 cases, of which 3 were 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 1917, adenoids alone was the cause shown in 299 cases, tonsils alone in 525 cases, while in 1,274 cases the treatment was for both tonsils and adenoids. Only 3 deaths were recorded. The medical inspection of schoolchildren 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 1917 are,—

Discharges.Deaths.Totals.
Recovered.Relieved.Unrelieved.Males.Females.
Acute bronchitis218143527283110
Chronic bronchitis1929594220
Broncho-pneumonia111172247975
Pneumonia391723116377205
          Totals73926115176781410

OTHER RESPIRATORY DISEASES.

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

Disease.Cases.
* Other than adenoids.
Pleurisy277
Empyema104
Goitre90
Thyroid disease41
Laryngitis38
Diseases of nose and nasal fossæ*412
Asthma186
Hæmoptysis23
Hydatids of lungs16
Pneumoconiosis18
Other diseases57
          Total1262

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.

The principal diseases of the stomach were as follows:—

Disease.Cases.
Gastritis473
Ulcer of stomach185
Dyspepsia64
Hæmatemesis20
Hyperemesis6
Gastric catarrh23
Other diseases112
          Total883

Diseases of the œsophagus, numbering 19, are not included.

Ulcer of the stomach was fatal in 16 cases, gastritis in 10, and other diseases in 4.

DIARRHOEA AND ENTERITIS.

The total cases of diarrhoea and enteritis included in the returns were 495, including 61 deaths. Thirty-four 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 1917 only 67 deaths occurred out of a total of 2,235 cases dealt with, representing a percentage of 2.75. Of the discharges, 1,861 were returned as recoveries, 298 as relieved, and 9 as unrelieved. The males dealt with numbered 1,084, and females 1,151.

HERNIA, INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.

Hernia cases included in the returns of discharges and deaths for 1917 numbered 751, including only 10 deaths. Included in the total are 402 shown as inguinal hernia, 23 as umbilical hernia, 29 as femoral hernia, 69 as ventral hernia, and 228 as hernia undefined. Intussusception cases numbered 26, and intestinal obstruction (so defined) 74 cases, of which 29 were fatal.

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

Non-cancerous diseases of the liver were responsible for 55 deaths in hospital during 1917. Discharges of patients treated for liver-diseases numbered 379. Of the total discharges and deaths, 175 cases were attributed to gall-stones (including 144 females), 29 to cirrhosis, 83 to jaundice, 40 to cholecystitis, and 64 to hydatids.

DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM.

Diseases of the kidneys and other portions of the urinary system numbered 1,103; 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 nephritis77457358975
Bright's disease317..     172413
Chronic nephritis2171152312
Uræmia1..     ..     12103
Albuminuria96..     1511
Pyelitis4222351557
Hæmaturia1115222010
Movable kidney14121..     ..     27
Pyelonephritis21..     ..     12
Pyonephrosis3..     ..     122
Hydronephrosis11..     121
Abscess of kidney3..     ..     232
Other kidney-diseases1815272517
Renal colic1717..     ..     2410
Renal stone1118812612
Stone in bladder or urethra108..     1163
Nephrolithiasis12..     ..     21
Retention of urine272839652
Cystitis897591988104
Other diseases of bladder2723152531
Stricture of urethra57584510519
Enlargement of prostate4237535119..     
          Totals46741746173689414

DISEASES OF THE GENITAL ORGANS.

Non-venereal diseases of the male genital organs numbered 253, including orchitis 65 and hydrocele 63.

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 1917 were 1,685, including only 25 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 hæmorrhage6043..     1104
Uterine tumour1012439137
Prolapse of uterus1092192141
Retroflexion of uterus1921..     22
Retroversion of uterus191626..     259
Anteflexion of uterus12..     ..     3
Endometritis1383731179
Metritis375..     ..     42
Parametritis9..     ..     110
Dysmenorrhœa25172..     44
Leucorrhœa13111..     25
Amenorrhœa512..     8
Pelvic cellulitis2131328
Pelvic abscess922..     13
Pelvic inflammation121..     ..     13
Other diseases of uterus1285044186
Ovarian cysts6726..     295
Salpingitis1104822162
Other diseases6351..     ..     114
          Totals1,11840636251,585

The above figures do not include 126 cases of diseases of the female breast (mastitis 29, tumour 45, abscess 51, and Paget's disease 1).

PUERPERAL CONDITION.

A total of 1,091 cases come under the heading of puerperal. This number includes 252 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.
Miscarriage16461..     3228
Abortion2723621311
Ectopic gestation5713..     575
Other accidents of pregnancy4517..     668
Normal labour2281410..     252
Puerperal hæmorrhage223..     126
Ruptured perinæum3161..     38
Other accidents of labour1821122
Puerperal septicæmia19611844
Puerperal albuminuria643114
Puerperal phlebitis and phlegmasia21..     ..     3
Puerperal mania315..     9
Galactocele..     1..     ..     1
          Totals86716523361,091

SKIN-DISEASES.

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

Disease.Cases.
Abscess445
Ulcers238
Eczema138
Cellulitis136
Sinus63
Ingrown nail39
Gangrene38
Erythema36
Carbuncle33
Scabies32
Herpes31
Whitlow31
Dermatitis27
Furuncle24
Psoriasis22
Impetigo20
Rash (undefined)14
Boils13
Corns and warts10
Other74
          Total1,464

Deaths numbered 38, including 6 from cellulitis, 5 from abscess, and 22 from gangrene.

DISEASES OF BONES, ETC.

Non-tuberculous diseases of the bones and of the organs of locomotion numbered 1,158, including 17 deaths. Twelve of the deaths were due to osteomyelitis. The principal diseases in this class, following the order of the classification, were,—

Disease.Cases.
Caries6
Necrosis80
Osteomyelitis126
Periostitis47
Ostitis9
Mastoiditis92
Sinusitis51
Abscess of bone25
Exostosis23
Antrum-disease36
Other diseases of bones56
Arthritis51
Synovitis127
Ankylosis16
Other diseases of joints63
Amputations (cause not shown)24
Bursitis82
Talipes46
Tenosynovitis10
Lumbago46
Muscular rheumatism12
Hammer-toe24
Ganglion10
Bunion7
Other diseases of organs of locomotion89
          Total1,158

MALFORMATIONS.

Male infants to the number of 231 were discharged from hospital after treatment for phimosis. Other malformations were,—

     Cases.
* Including 9 discharges of same patient.
Cleft palate18
Nævus38
Hare-lip13
Hydrocephalus3
Spina bifida7
Congenital dislocation13
Hypospadias6
Others37
Club-foot15*
          Total150

Sixteen deaths were recorded, 2 from spina bifida, 1 from hare-lip, 1 from cleft palate, 2 from hydrocephalus, and 10 from “others.”

EARLY INFANCY.

Thirty-seven deaths are recorded as having been due to diseases of early infancy. The chief items in this class are marasmus (26 deaths) and premature birth (5 deaths). The total discharges and deaths amounted to only 108, thus the deaths amounted to the high percentage of 36.75 to the total cases treated.

OLD AGE.

Hospital returns show a total of 108 male deaths and 26 female deaths from old age during 1917. In addition, 11 old people treated for senility were discharged recovered, 95 relieved, and 93 unrelieved. These totals include the returns of five hospitals which are also old people's homes.

EXTERNAL CAUSES.

The principal headings included in this class in hospital cases 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, and the death classified under one or other of the thirty definite headings provided. 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.

Seven suicidal deaths in hospital were returned in 1917, and 32 of the patients discharged were admitted for treatment for self-inflicted injuries.

Accidental poisoning, including cases not shown to be suicidal, was returned in 94 cases, including 13 of ptomaine poisoning. Two hundred and twenty-seven cases of burns, 65 of accidental shooting, 275 of injuries by cutting or piercing instruments, 5 by fall, and 101 by crushing are also shown. Six persons were treated for effects of heat, 5 for effects of excessive cold, 2 for starvation, 1 for electrocution, 14 for injuries inflicted by animals, 5 for injuries due to explosions, and 1 for homicide by firearms. The total deaths in hospitals during the year from “External Causes” were 178 out of a total of 4,646 cases.

FRACTURES, DISLOCATIONS, ETC.

The part of the body affected in the 1,539 cases of fractures referred to above is shown in full in the next table:—

Fractures.Cases
Fracture of skull112
Fracture of jaw19
Fractured malar2
Fracture of nose17
Dislocated neck1
Fracture of clavicle56
Dislocation of shoulder43
Fracture of scapula4
Fracture of humerus104
Dislocation of elbow54
Fracture of radius37
Fracture of ulna70
Fracture of arm39
Dislocation of wrist15
Colles fracture32
Dislocation of fingers33
Fracture of spine13
Fracture of ribs89
Fracture of pelvis9
Dislocation of hip16
Fracture of thigh28
Fracture of femur175
Fracture of patella20
Dislocation of knee4
Dislocation of semi-lunar cartilage30
Fracture of tibia199
Fracture of fibula42
Fracture of leg98
Pott's fracture42
Sprained ankle89
Dislocation of foot6
Dislocation of toe16
Greenstick-fracture3
Fracture (undefined)22
          Total1,539

The total shown includes 83 deaths, 47 of which were due to fracture of the skull.

MISCELLANEOUS INJURIES.

The heading “Other External Violence,” which covers a large list of miscellaneous and undefined injuries, accounted for a total of 2,257 cases, including 33 deaths, 10 of which were due to injuries to the head or brain. The total number of cases was swelled by the inclusion of 538 returned soldiers treated for wounds received in battle.

Location.Cases.
Head and brain257
Scalp99
Eye117
Face102
Neck, c.8
Shoulder47
Arm49
Elbow19
Wrist15
Hand99
Fingers126
Spine19
Back54
Ribs and chest47
Kidneys5
Loin2
Abdomen29
Groin8
Hip25
Thigh42
Knee113
Leg145
Pelvis4
Buttock1
Ankle39
Foot105
Toes28
Tendon14
Injury in battle538
Undefined101
          Total2,257

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-General, 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 the years subsequent to 1913.

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 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 four years, with the numbers on the register on the 1st January and 31st December of each year:—

MEDICAL REGISTER.—ADDITIONS AND REMOVALS.

1914.1915.1916.1917.
Number on register on 1st January1,2401,268948962
Number added during year by registration41283727
Number added during year by restoration..     ..     51
Number removed during year on evidence of death1381021
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 December1,268948962969

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, 1916, and 1917, with the numbers on the register on the 1st January and 31st December of each year.

DENTISTS' REGISTER.—ADDITIONS AND REMOVALS.

1914.1915.1916.1917.
Number on register on 1st January771769767764
Number added during year by registration1231
Number removed during year on evidence of death3466
     Number on register on 31st December769767764759

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 defining standards for the control of the purity of foodstuffs and of drugs were published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 6th March, 1913, 2nd March, 1916, 15th June, 1916, 18th May, 1916, 8th November, 1917, 21st March, 1918, and 18th April, 1918. In general, the New Zealand standards are on the lines recommended by the Australian Inter-State Conference.

During the year 1917, 238 charges under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act were dealt with in the Magistrates' Courts, resulting in 185 convictions. Fines were imposed in 169 cases, in six cases the convicted persons were imprisoned, in eight cases the defendant was convicted and discharged, in one case ordered to come up for sentence, and in the remaining case an order of the Court was made. Ninety-three of the convictions were for selling adulterated milk, 15 for other offences in connection with the sale of milk, 20 for selling light-weight bread, and 11 for selling lightweight butter.

During the year 1917, 2,655 analyses were made by the Department's analysts, 2,456 being milk-samples. Samples of bread to the number of 3,925 were weighed, and 160 of these were found to be short-weighted. The total fines and costs where legal proceedings resulted from sampling or weighing amounted to £1,413 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 euro 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 Director of Education; 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 decide 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 June, 1917, 57 candidates presented themselves, the results being as follows: 25 qualified in the theoretical part, 22 in the practical part, and 23 qualified or completed in both parts of the examination and were duly granted registration. At the examination held under the Act in December, 1917, 36 candidates presented themselves, the results being as follows: 7 qualified in the theoretical part, 12 in the practical part, and 7 qualified or completed in both parts of the examination and were duly granted registration. In addition, one plumber was admitted to registration during the year under other provisions of the Act. The total of names entered in the register to date is 1,249.

SUBSECTION B.—HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

EXPENDITURE ON HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID.

For the year ending 1916–17 the accounts of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards have been prepared on a uniform basis showing income and expenditure in place of a mere statement of receipts and payments. The accounts are now in such form that comparisons can be made with similar figures from other portions of the British Empire.

On account of the alteration in the system of accounts, however, the figures for 1916–17 are, in some minor points, not absolutely comparable with the figures shown under the system followed in past years.

HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE-AID INCOME.

The total income of Hospital Boards, separate institutions, and Government institutions for the year ending 31st March, 1917, on account of hospitals and charitable aid and public health was £704,674, and for Hospital Boards alone £668,584. The following is a summary of income for the year:—

     £
* Exclusive of fees paid by Hospital and Charitable Aid Hoards or separate institutions
Contributable by Government221,088
Levies on local authorities199,638
Voluntary contributions17,963
Rents, interest, and dividends14,519
Fees payable by patients and charitable-aid recipients231,826*
Fees payable on account of patients by Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards and separate institutions6,091
Land agents' license fees4,086
Miscellaneous income9,463

EXPENDITURE.

The total expenditure of Hospital Boards, separate institutions, Government institutions, and grants-in-aid amounted during 1916–17 to £603,081. The total expenditure of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards alone was £569,892. The following are the main items of expenditure under the latter heading:—

     £
† Includes large amounts written off as irrecoverable in respect of previous years' debtors.
Hospital maintenance expenditure352,537
Charitable aid113,643
Public health10,922
Administration25,474
Other expenditure49,002

HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE.

The average annual cost of maintenance per occupied bed for the last five years is set out below:—

Year.Provisions.Surgery and Dispensary.Domestic and Establishment.Salaries and Wages.Total Maintenance.
     £     £     £     £     £     
1912–1323.89.926.340.2100.3
1913–1424.99.827.443.0105.1
1914–1525.010.727.043.5106.2
1915–1627.410.431.142.5111.3
1916–1728.7310.327.143.7109.6

CHARITABLE-AID EXPENDITURE.

The charitable-aid expenditure for the last five years has been as follows:—

Year.Indoor Relief.Outdoor Relief.Total.
     £     £     £     
1912–1366,37831,09297,470
1913–1468,51034,541103,051
1914–1574,08137,413111,494
1915–1684,26940,349124,618
1916–1772,52441,119113,643

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE-AID EXPENDITURE, 1897–98 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Mean Population.Hospital and Charitable Aid and other Expenditure.Expenditure par Head of Mean Population.
          £s.d.
1898724,681181,77350
1899739,193198,82354 ½
1900752,644185,860411 ¼
1901765,668197,40851 ¾
1902781,356212,21555
1903802,419231,18559
1904826,902243,000510 ½
1905851,964259,61661
1906877,469270,71062
1907901,920288,80864 ½
1908925,727315,197610
1909945,063359,94177 ¼
1910977,906375,07578
1911997,974416,38484 ¼
19121,019,984482,64595 ½
19131,046,624500,44296 ¾
19141,075,788579,606109 ¼
19151,095,206578,838106 ¾
19161,100,496631,504115 ¾
19171,099,449603,0811011 ¾

The above figures for the last five years include infectious-diseases hospitals and consumption sanatoria under Boards' control, also public-health expenditure and subsidies to medical associations and district nurses. The 1916–17 figures are statements of expenditure incurred, not of actual payments made as in previous years. The number of persons availing themselves of treatment in the general hospitals for the last ten years has been as follows:—

Year.Total Number of Persons under Treatment.Mean Population.Proportion under Treatment per 1,000 of Population.Average Number of Occupied Beds per Diem.Proportion per 1,000 of Population.
1907–819,160925,72720.71,5111.66
1908–918,653945,06320.81,5661.66
1909–1021,108977,90621.61,7091.75
1910–1123,584997,97423.61,8391.81
1911–1224,6811,019,98424.11,9001.83
1912–1326,9791,046,62425.82,1312.04
1913–1428,8851,075,78726.82,2342.08
1914–1531,3661,095,20628.62,3642.16
1915–1636,4771,100,49633.12,6172.38
1916–1739,0291,099,44935.52,9722.73

The general hospitals, numbering sixty-five in 1916–17, covered by the above table include five hospitals which are also old people's homes, as well as two institutions—the Mercury Bay and Oamaru Hospitals—which are not under the control of Hospital Boards. The figures given do not cover maternity hospitals or special hospitals for infectious diseases or tuberculosis.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS.*

The number of public general hospitals at 31st March, 1917, was 65. 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.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Institutions6363656565
Medical staff (stipendiary)8688100115112
Nursing staff—     
     Trained nurses252300281260248
     Probationers570578647764833
Domestic staff550576623675600
Beds3,1763,2923,5313,8324,075

Further particulars concerning the public general hospitals of the Dominion for the years ended the 31st March, 1916 and 1917, are given in the next table:—

Year ended 31st March.
1916.1917.
† Not available
Average number of patients per diem2,6172,972
Number of patients under treatment36,47739,029
Deaths2,3842,631
Individual average day's stay24
Average number of occupied beds to each of nursing staff2.62.7
Average annual cost of maintenance per occupied bed£115
Number of out-patients attended during year18,10818,116

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, 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.

* For particulars as to institutions covered see previous page. Not available.

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 1916–17 was £39 6s. 2d., the average number of inmates daily 1,309, the number of beds available being 1,572.

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, for a period of five years, no new license shall be granted to the person whose license is so revoked.

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 six State maternity hospitals now open for the use of the public. 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 was opened in October, 1905; that at Auckland in June, 1906; that at Christchurch in April, 1907; and that at Gisborne in November, 1915. The most recently acquired of these institutions is the St. Helens Hospital at Invercargill, which was opened on the 22nd March, 1918. Owing to the valuable assistance rendered to the Department by various ladies of Invercargill this institution has been established, and it will undoubtedly fill a long-felt want in that district.

These institutions are a development of the policy begun by legislation in 1901, when the Nurses Registration Act was passed, and followed in 1904 by the Midwives Act. The latter provided that after a certain date only those midwives who were duly registered would be qualified to practise on their own account. During the year ended 31st March, 1918, a total of 1,248 confinements took place in the six hospitals mentioned, and 530 confinements were attended by the institution nurses outside these hospitals, as compared with 1,071 and 523 confinements respectively during the previous twelve months.

Tables are given showing information as to births and deaths in each of these institutions during the year ended 31st March, 1918, and the totals for each of the past five years. Births in cases deals with outside St. Helens Hospitals by nurses attached to institutional staffs are also shown.

ST. HELENS HOSPITALS, 1917–18.

City.Confinements in Institution.Confinements attended outside.
Births.Deaths of Mothers.Deaths of Infants.
                    Births.
Auckland268..     5220
Gisborne137..     5..     
Wellington34425133
Christchurch30657112
Dunedin134..     465
Invercargill59..     1..     
          Totals1,248727530

ST. HELENS HOSPITALS, 1913–14 TO 1917–18.

Year ended 31st March.Confinements in Institution.Confinements attended outside.
Births.Deaths of Mothers.Deaths of Infants.
                    Births.
1914803511495
1915794620410
191679826563
19171,071828523
19181,248727530

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, 1918, there were 193 candidates for the final examination in medical and surgical nursing, and 161 passed. There are now 2,195 nurses on the register.

On the 31st March, 1918, 15 nurses from overseas were registered. The number of registered midwives at that date was 1,519. Of these latter, 888 were 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-General 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 1917 was 4,515, consisting of 2,611 males and 1,904 females. These numbers include Maoris, of whom there are 34 male and 20 female patients.

The patients on the register at the end of the year 1917 were distributed as shown below (Maoris are included):—

Mental Hospital.Males.Females.Total.
Auckland6524031,055
Tokanui12345168
Porirua553417970
Nelson96110206
Hokitika18664250
Christchurch344375719
Dunedin (Seacliff and Waitati)5804271,007
Ashburn Hall (private mental hospital)242650
Absent on probation533790
          Totals2,6111,9044,515

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), 1913–17.

Year.Number remaining at Close of Year.Proportion per 10,000 of Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
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
19172,5771,8844,46147.9633.6240.64
Means of five years2,4461,7494,19543.8532.4838.26

The total number of patients under oversight, care, or control during 1917 was 5,260 (males 3,062, females 2,198), as against 5,135 in 1916. The average number resident in mental hospitals was 4,251 in 1916 and 4,368 in 1917.

ADMISSIONS.

The total admissions to mental hospitals during the year 1917 were 844 (470 males and 374 females), this number not including 41 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.
Heredity2414188558..     2129
Congenital327917..     ..     ..     56
Previous attack16142..     329..     ..     91
Puberty and adolescence751411..     ..     ..     28
Climacteric7291212..     ..     33
Senility1818304625..     2103
Pregnancy..     ..     ..     11..     ..     13
Puerperal state6151..     1..     ..     14
Lactation1..     1..     ..     1..     ..     3
Mental stress, sudden..     21..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
Mental stress, prolonged2645..     112..     1058
Solitude5..     ..     1..     3..     ..     9
Sexual excess1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Alcohol1610104135..     ..     76
Drug habit..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Syphilis15..     5..     ..     11..     132
Traumatic1621..     ..     ..     111
Organic brain-disease..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Epilepsy1339..     116..     ..     42
Apoplexy31..     ..     ..     5..     ..     9
Arterio-sclerosis3..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
Chorea..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     ..     1
Cardiac disease1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Graves' disease22..     ..     ..     2..     ..     6
Ill health101..     ..     ..     11..     ..     22
Unknown185412..     33..     ..     108
          Totals, excluding transfers2251321622528255..     17844
Transfers..     45..     ..     227341
          Grand totals22513616725282572720885

FIRST ADMISSIONS.

Of the 844 persons admitted to mental hospitals during 1917, those admitted for the first time to any mental hospital in New Zealand numbered 709 (males 411, females 298), and those readmitted 135 (males 59, females 76).

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, 1913–17.

YearNumber of First Admissions.Proportion per 10,000 of Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
19133872616486.905.146.06
19144302937237.565.626.63
19153762696456.875.106.01
19164362837197.905.176.54
19174062947007.475.296.37
Means of five years4072806877.295.256.29

The figures for 1917 represent one first admission for every 1,570 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 1917 there were 27 boarders in residence (11 males, 16 females), and during the year, 49 (15 males, 34 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 1917, 12 (6 males, 6 females) were transferred from the voluntary to the ordinary register, and 1 died, while 34 (10 males, 24 females) were discharged, leaving 29 resident at the end of the year (10 males, 19 females).

AGES OF INMATES.

A summary is attached showing the ages of patients in mental hospitals at the close of 1917:—

AGES OF INMATES, 31ST DECEMBER, 1917.

Age, in Years.Males.Females.Total.
1 to 5347
5 to 10448
10 to 15282553
15 to 20394382
20 to 30265207492
30 to 40592390982
40 to 506214431,064
50 to 60460368828
60 to 70337228565
70 to 80173136309
80 and upwards503383
Unknown392362
          Totals2,6111,9044,515

MAORIS ADMITTED AND REMAINING.

The number of Maoris admitted as patients to the mental hospitals is small. Seventeen (10 males, 7 females) were admitted during the year, and 54 (34 males, 20 females) remained at the end of the year.

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 1913–17:—

Year.Average Number Resident.Discharged as recovered.Died.
Number.Per Cent. of Average Number Resident.Number.Per Cent. of Average Number Resident.
19133,8493378.763077.98
19143,9503699.342817.11
19154,0943598.772846.94
19164,2513317.792896.80
19174,3683237.393187.28
Means of five years4,1023448.382967.21

With regard to the deaths in 1917, 98 were due to senile decay, representing 31 per cent. of the total deaths for the year. Tuberculosis, organic brain-disease, and general paralysis of the insane make up a further 25 per cent.

DEATHS IN MENTAL HOSPITALS, 1917.

Cause of Death.Auckland.Christchurch.Dunedin.Hokitika.Nelson.Porirua.Tokanui.Ashburn Hall.Totals.
Tuberculosis1214..     1121..     31
Cancer1281..     1..     114
Other general diseases4..     1..     ..     21..     8
General paralysis of the insane725..     18..     ..     23
Organic brain disease2022..     ..     2..     ..     26
Epilepsy126..     ..     2..     112
Other diseases of the nervous system6372182..     29
Diseases of the respiratory system1112..     9..     ..     14
Diseases of the circulatory system946735..     ..     34
Diseases of the digestive system..     ..     ..     112..     ..     4
Diseases of the genito-urinary system..     1..     ..     12..     15
Puerperal state..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Diseases of the skin and of the cellular tissue1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Diseases of the bones..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11..     2
Old age24242146181..     98
External causes11..     ..     ..     3..     ..     5
Ill-defined causes31..     322..     ..     11
          Totals90446220167763318

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—   
     Recovered37.1743.3339.66
     Relieved7.419.118.09
     Not improved9.359.519.42
Died31.4221.3627.35
Remaining at end of 191714.6516.6915.48
     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 has 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 past 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.
19132216741
19141310245
1915812140
1916155446
19172011352

ACCOMMODATION.

At the end of the year 1917 the mental hospitals of the Dominion had accommodation for 4,261 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 Booms.Dormitories.Totals.
Males.Females.Males.Females.Males.Females.
Auckland161101402265563366
Christchurch5262278323330385
Seacliff165123325271490394
Hokitika40171634520362
Nelson11158998100113
Porirua10590480313585403
Tokanui2291304015249
          Totals, State institutions5564171,8671,3552,4231,772
Ashburn Hall Private Mental Hospital2838..     ..     2838
          Totals, all institutions5844551,8671,3552,4511,810

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, etc.Net Expenditure.
     £     £     £     
1913150,11147,228102,883
1914165,09546,787118,308
1915178,37351,786126,587
1916197,66360,745136,918
1917220,77768,446152,331

The total net expenditure out of the Public Works Fund for buildings and equipment from 1st July, 1877, to 31st March, 1918, was £858,623.

Farms are conducted in connection with the various mental hospitals, the inmates themselves doing most of the labour. During 1917, sales of produce brought in £9,578, while the value of produce grown on the farms and consumed in the institutions was estimated at £17,300. Expenses in connection with the farms amounted to £18,499, so that the year's working shows a credit balance of £8,380.

Chapter 6. SECTION VI.—EDUCATION.

CENSUS FIGURES.

As a result of the census taken in October, 1916, it is found that 83.53 per cent. of the persons in New Zealand at that date were able to read and write, 0.68 per cent. could read only, while 15.79 per cent. could neither read nor write.

The proportion able to read and write has fallen slightly as compared with figures compiled from the 1911 census returns. This small decrease is probably due to the disturbance of the normal proportions of the population brought about by the absence with the Forces of a number of men between twenty and forty years of age.

Over a longer period, however, there has been a considerable increase in the proportion of the population able to both read and write. This improvement, however, is not entirely due to improved educational facilities, but has to some extent been caused by the decreased birth-rate and the consequent decreased proportion of the population comprised of children under five years of age. The figures for six census years since 1874 are as follows:—

     Read and Write.Read only.Cannot Read.
Census 187468.158.0923.76
Census 188674.014.8021.19
Census 189680.602.8916.51
Census 190683.501.6014.90
Census 191183.780.8615.36
Census 191683.530.6815.79

The following table shows for various age-groups in 1916 the percentages under the three headings:—

Age-group (in Years).Read and Write.Read only.Cannot Read.
Under 5..     ..     100.00
5 and under 1071.322.6226.06
10 and under 1599.570.090.34
15 and under 2099.636.070.30
20 and under 2599.470.160.37
25 and under 3099.420.180.40
30 and under 3599.380.180.44
35 and under 4099.160.200.64
40 and under 4598.990.280.73
45 and under 5098.660.331.01
50 and under 5597.910.641.45
55 and under 6096.531.132.34
60 and under 6594.991.833.18
65 and under 7093.112.704.19
70 and under 7591.383.545.08
75 and under 8090.454.225.33
80 and upwards86.266.007.74

Even after allowance is made for the infirmities of old people, it will be seen from the above figures that the persons of the younger generations are much less illiterate than persons of advanced ages.

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, 1917 and 1918. The figures are given to the nearest £1,000.

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEARS 1916–17 AND 1917–18.

(Figures given in every case to the nearest £1,000.)

Branch of Education.1916–17.1917–18.
Out of Public Funds.*Secondary and University Reserves Revenue.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)1,318,000..     1,318,0001,416,000..     1,416,000
Secondary (including secondary schools, technical high schools, and secondary departments of district high schools)159,00054,000213,000180,00055,000235,000
Continuation and technical58,000..     58,00070,000..     70,000
Higher61,00024,00085,00056,00026,00082,000
     1,596,00078,0001,674,0001,722,00081,0001,803,000
Industrial schools50,000..     50,00049,000..     49,000
Special schools (deaf, blind, and backward children)21,000..     21,00015,000..     15,000
Superannuation and miscellaneous27,000..     27,00028,000..     28,000
          Totals1,694,00078,0001,772,0001,814,00081,0001,895,000

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.1916–17.1917–18.
Out of Public Funds.*Secondary and University Reserves Revenue.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)2211..     ..     2211247..     ..     247
Secondary (including secondary departments of district high schools)29011383201141
Continuation and technical10..     ..     1013..     ..     13
Higher110516100515
     2791429130014314
Industrial schools010..     ..     010010 ½..     ..     010 ½
Special schools (deaf, blind, c.)04..     ..     0403 ½..     ..     03 ½
Superannuation and miscellaneous06..     ..     0606..     ..     06
          Totals2951430931814330

The cost of primary education increased from £1,318,000 in 1916–17 to £1,416,000 in 1917–18: the cost per head of population rose from 22s. 11d. to 24s. 7d. Secondary education increased in cost from £213,000 to £235,000. The total cost of education showed an increase for the year of £123,000, or 2s. 3d. per head of the population.

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.
1898–99519,000134
1903–4679,000156
1911–121,133,000215
1912–131,237,000225
1913–141,301,000230
1914–151,378,000241
1915–161,493,000258
1916–171,694,000*295*
1917–181,814,000*317*

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. Approximately 15,000 children were medically examined in 1917; in addition a large number of children, for whom records were not compiled, came under the notice of the Medical Inspectors. In from 60 to 75 per cent. of the cases reported by the Medical Inspectors, parents have obtained for the children the necessary medical or dental treatment. 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 AND BOARD 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 schools, and also by free-place holders travelling to attend technical schools or classes other than technical high schools.

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 following represents the expenditure for the year 1917 on the above-named services:—

Railway Fares.Conveyance by Road or Water.Boarding-allowance.Total.
     £     £     £     £     
Primary9,88510,0501,57221,507
Secondary4,251..     ..     4,251
Technical2,856..     ..     2,856
          Total16,99210,0501,57228,614

MANUAL INSTRUCTION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Classes for elementary handwork exist in 2,011 primary schools, and in 1,503 schools other branches of manual instruction are taught. The Education Boards earned during 1917 by way of capitation on account of classes the sum of £39,538, and special grants in aid of equipment or buildings totalled £2,865. The expenditure by the Boards during the same period on salaries and working-expenses amounted to £40,039.

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 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 1917–18 was £6,713. The number of schools providing instruction in woodwork and ironwork for boys now stands at 534, and 554 schools made provision for girls in instruction in cookery, dressmaking, and laundry-work. 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.

At 1,377 schools elementary agriculture (combined in some districts with elementary dairy-work), and supervised by qualified itinerant instructors, formed part of the regular school course. This instruction may have only an indirect bearing on the primary industries, but as it includes observational and experimental work in connection with school gardens and plots, its value as an educational factor appears to lie in the opportunity given to introduce the children to elementary scientific methods.

A more or less complete course bearing on rural pursuits with a domestic trend in the case of girls was carried on in the secondary department of thirty-eight district high schools.

The number of approved classes for elementary science (chemistry and physics) and attended for the most part by pupils in the secondary department of the district high schools continues to increase slowly. The number of approved classes for swimming and life-saving also shows a slight increase.

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, 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 there have appeared in the School Journal during the past year special articles dealing with national events, scientific discoveries, and the industries of the Dominion, while special numbers have been largely devoted to topics suitable for Empire Day and Arbor Day. Of the November issue of 1917, the number of copies printed was—Part I, 60,400; Part II, 56,950; Part III, 46,900: total, 164,250.

SCHOOL STATISTICS TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1917.

The number of scholars and students as in 1917 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 1917.

Primary education—
Public schools185,549
Native village and Native mission schools5,315
Registered private primary schools18,594
Lower departments of secondary schools580
Special schools600
     210,638
Secondary education—
Secondary schools7,590
Secondary departments of district high schools2,405
Technical high schools2,347
Maori secondary schools487
Private secondary schools1,206
     14,035
Technical and continuation (excluding technical high schools)18,400
Higher education—
University colleges (including training-college students)1,977
Lincoln Agricultural College45
     2,022
          Total under instruction245,095

This is an increase of 7,179 on the number under instruction during the previous year.

The public primary schools numbered 2,368 in 1917, against 2,355 in 1916. The number of registered private primary schools was 197. The number of aided or endowed colleges, grammar and high schools in operation was 34. The number of private schools from which returns were received by the Government Statistician was 320, an increase of 15 on the figures for the previous year. There were also 10 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 1916, there was in 1917 an increase of 4,470 in the number of pupils belonging to the public schools at the end of the year, and the average attendance shows an increase of 5,555 for the whole year.

SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARS, 1878 TO 1917.
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
19172,368190,354187,954168,71189.8

As in the case of the roll number, it is satisfactory to note in the average attendance for 1917 a largo increase over the figures for the previous year. The increase is, in fact, greater than in the case of the roll number, being 5,555, or 3.4 per cent., as compared with 3,898, or 2.1 per cent. The increase in average attendance during the last four years has been—1914, 3.6 per cent.; 1915, 3.1 per cent.; 1916, 004 per cent.; 1917, 3.4 per cent. The average attendance taken as a percentage of the average weekly roll was 89.8 in 1917, as compared with 88.6 in the previous year and 90.1 in 1914—the highest record yet reached.

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 1917, and the percentage of the roll for each age:—

AGE AND SEX OF PUPILS.
Age, in Years.1917.Percentages for Five Years.
Boys.Girls.Total.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
5 and under 67,9097,21915,1288.08.07.87.98.0
6 and under 710,4819,43219,91310.610.910.810.610.6
7 and under 811,24410,34021,58411.811.511.711.611.5
8 and under 911,22810,78422,01211.811.711.411.711.7
9 and under 1011,31010,51421,82411.711.411.411.211.6
10 and under 1110,81710,01320,83010.911.311.211.111.1
11 and under 1210,5959,87220,46710.510.510.910.810.9
12 and under 1310,1899,45519,64410.29.910.010.510.4
13 and under 148,6717,96816,6398.48.68.58.58.8
14 and under 154,2383,6307,8684.34.44.54.34.2
     96,68289,227185,9099.829.829.829.829.82
15 and over1,2381,0272,2651.81.81.81.81.2
          Totals97,92090,254188,174100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0

PUBLIC-SCHOOL TEACHERS.

The number of teachers in the public schools, exclusive of those em ployed 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*
19171,3833,3244,707132*517*649*

The total number of teachers employed in primary schools, including probationers, in 1917 was 5,766 (1,576 males, 4,190 females), and the average number of pupils per teacher was 33. Taking all schools with two or more teachers, the average number of pupils per teacher was 38, and in schools with six or more teachers the average number was 46.

Omitting schools with less than 21 pupils the ratio of adult men teachers to adult women teachers in 1917 was 100 to 213. The proportion of men to women in charge of schools with 1 to 20 scholars was 100 to 544. If all public schools and all teachers are included, it is found that the ratio of adult men teachers to adult women teachers was 100 to 228 in 1916, and 100 to 254 in 1917.

The ratio of male pupil-teachers to female pupil-teachers was 100 to 379 in 1916, and 100 to 391 in 1917.

The average salaries paid to teachers in 1917, including house allowance or value of residence and excluding war bonus, were—Male head teachers, £312; female head teachers, £247; male assistants, £257; female assistants, £149; sole male teachers, £174; sole female teachers, £142.

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 who have obtained the necessary educational qualification; 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 1917 under the various divisions were—Division A, 414; Division B, 32; Division C, 1; and Division D, 4: the total being 451, as compared with 442 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 1917, 117; Wellington, 116; Christchurch, 103; and Dunedin, 115.

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 £50 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 £30 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 amount paid to Education Boards during 1917–18 for the training of teachers was £55,387, made up as follows:—

Training college—
     £     
     Salaries of staff (two-fifths charged to public-school salaries)13,765
     War bonus3,587
     Students' allowances and University fees28,439
     Special instruction1,750
     Buildings, sites, and equipment358
          Total47,899
Other training—
     Grants for special instruction in certificate subjects, including science, agriculture, and handwork, of teachers other than training-college students3,415
     Railway fares of teachers and instructors4,398
          Total7,813
          Grand total55,712
               Less recoveries325
          Net expenditure£55,387

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS.

The total income of the various Education Boards for the year 1917 was £1,423,704, including £31,468 from local sources and £1,392,236 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 1917, are tabulated below, with further particulars:—

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS, 1917.

Receipts.
     From Government,—£s.d.£s.d.
     General fund41,048511               
     Teachers' salaries and allowances917,0931711               
     School and class salaries826170               
     Conveyance and board of school-children.11,564161               
     Incidental expenses of schools58,209113               
     Training of teachers45,50383               
     Teachers' house allowance25,29486               
     Manual instruction53,294186               
     Technical instruction75,38243               
     Buildings, sites, house allowance148,128159               
     Scholarships, subsidies, and miscellaneous15,88921               
                    1,392,23656
From local sources               31,467134
          Total               £1,423,7031810
Expenditure.
     £s.d.
Staff salaries, office expenses, c.31,87453
Teachers' salaries and allowances921,300103
School and class libraries68519
Conveyance and board of school-children11,50323
Incidental expenses of schools59,12524
Training of teachers46,789811
Teachers' house allowance25,47198
Manual instruction44,269110
Technical instruction70,632138
Buildings, sites, house allowance139,073167
Scholarships, refunds, and sundries25,55902
          Total£1,376,28419
     Net balance at beginning of year 1917103,76558
     Net balance at end of year 1917.151,18529

PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS.

There were 320 private schools at the end of 1917, an increase of 15 on the number in 1916: 32 were for boys, 67 for girls, and 221 for children of both sexes. The number of pupils attending them was 25,491—namely, 10,749 boys and 14,742 girls, not counting 194 Maoris (90 boys and 104 girls). The number of European pupils at these schools was greater than in 1916 by 2,079. Of the private schools, 171 were Roman Catholic, with an attendance of 18,257 pupils, a decrease of 1 school, but an increase of 991 pupils, as compared with 1916.

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.
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
191732010,74914,74225,49117118,257

The distribution of the private schools in the various provincial districts is shown on the next page.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, 1917.—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 191 Maoris (90 boys, 104 girls).
Auckland5105065322312632,5863,8046,3902,3453,4645,809
Taranaki141217250525408441,3844827521,234
Hawke's Bay251320778855719151,4865008161,316
Wellington10175279532222752,8293,3726,2012,5273,0405,567
Marlborough1...56...1616192213405166191357
Nelson...31013...3636392483875354427781
Westland1291232932451496947415464879
Canterbury7154163231711941,7702,5864,3561,5342,3013,835
Otago
     Otago Portion382233131201331,0881,5672,6559541,3872,341
     Southland portion2371233134330462792269382651
          Totals32672213201369841,12010,74914,74225,491*9,54613,22422,770

Denominational schools, such as Roman Catholic and Anglican, are included in the above as private schools. Particulars for the Woman Catholic schools in December, 1917, 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.
Auckland222933181261441,9122,5704,4821,7502,3434,093
Taranaki...2810...3030442652994398491889
Hawke's Bay1271032730429546975372472844e
Wellington572335211131341,8872,3314,2181,6752,0733,748
Marlborough1...45...1515188204392163182345
Nelson...369...2727346406752313362675
Westland1291232932451496947415464879
Canterbury3619281086961,2551,6192,8741,0971,4452,542
Otago
     Otago Portion3314201165769439421,8858608561,716
     Southland portion126932528320418738262342604
          Totals1729125171695436128,17310,08418,2577,3059,03016,335

Any private school may apply to be registered under the Education Act, 1914. At the end of 1917 the number of registered private primary schools was 197. The total roll number was 18,594, and the average attendance 16,429.

The roll number of the nineteen registered private secondary schools in 1917 was 1,206.

SCHOOLS FOR NATIVES.

The number of Native village schools in operation at the end of 1917 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), Te Aute, 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 487. Of the pupils in attendance 41 boys and 54 girls were holders of free places.

Senior free places are provided for boys in the form of industrial scholarships, which enable the holders to be apprenticed to suitable trades. These scholarships have not of late been eagerly sought after, the boys finding that they can secure higher wages in other ways. Senior free places for girls take the form of nursing-scholarships. Three of these free-place holders, having completed their day-pupilships, have become probationers on the staffs of public hospitals, and three others are about to commence their preliminary training.

On the rolls of the 118 village schools at the 31st December, 1917, there were 5,173 children (including 551 Europeans), as against 5,132 at the end of 1916. The average attendance for the year was 4,507, the percentage of regularity being 86.8, and the average weekly roll number 5,191. The total number of pupils on the rolls of the Native mission schools was 124, and on those of the secondary schools 487. At the end of the year, therefore, the total roll number of all the Native schools inspected by officers of the Education Department was 5,784, the average weekly roll being 5,806, and the total average attendance 5,073.

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 9,493, made up as follows:—

Attending Government Native schools4,622
Attending public schools4,747
Attending mission schools124
     9,493

Of the children on the rolls of the Native schools in December, 1917, 85.8 per cent. were Maoris speaking Maori in their homes, 3.5 per cent. were Maoris speaking English, and 10.7 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, 1918, was £43,821. Included in this is the sum of £35,217 expended on teachers' salaries (including war bonus), £2,464 expended on new buildings and additions, £1,063 on maintenance of buildings, repairs, c., and £2,362 on secondary education.

The staffs of the village schools included seventy-one male and forty-five female head or sole teachers, and 131 assistants. The average salary of the head or sole teachers was £187 18s. 1d., of the 122 female assistants £84 9s. 7d., and of the nine male assistants £73 17s. 9d.

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, and the investigation in all cases of children brought before the Courts, and supervision in cases where the probation system is applied; (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.

DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND CHILD WELFARE.

As a result of a review of the whole system dealing with destitute and delinquent children and juvenile offenders, a commencement was made during the past year with the carrying-out of the following reforms:—

  1. Extension throughout the whole of the Dominion of the juvenile probation system.

  2. Establishment of probation homes.

  3. Variation of functions of certain of the residential industrial schools, involving extension of boarding-out system and application of the probation system in approved cases to the inmates of those schools.

  4. Establishment of central store and purchasing system providing for the equipment and supplies of all Government receiving-homes, industrial schools, and special schools, and an extension of the system of exchanges of produce and commodities between schools.

  5. Adoption of approved system of stores and accounts at all schools, and centralization of collection of inmates' wages and payments for boarded-out children.

The total roll of children belonging to industrial schools and receiving-homes at the 31st December, 1917, was 3,252, of which number 1,934 were boys and 1,318 girls.

The children are classified as follows:—

In residence—
In Government industrial schools365
In private industrial schools334
          Total699
Boarded out—
From Government schools (including receiving-homes)1,210
From private industrial schools9
          Total1,219
Placed out in situations646
With friends on probation390
In private institutions, hospitals, absent without leave, in prison, c.298
Grand total3,252

The net expenditure for the year 1917–18, including expenditure under the probation system, but exclusive of capital charges for additional buildings, works, c., was £42,580, showing an increase of £1,276 on that of the preceding year. The number maintained at the end of the year was 2,054.

The contributions from parents under orders of Court, agreements, c., amounted to £14,359, being at the rate of £7 per head of those maintained. This is an increase of £2 7s. per head over the rate of the preceding year.

Included in the total sum recovered (£26,869) is an amount of £10,897 paid by Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards for the maintenance of 954 children committed to industrial schools on account of indigency. In addition 141 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 1917 was 940, and the total number of children in them during the year was 1,361, an increase of 111 for the year. Of this total, the number of infants under one year was 386. Twelve children died, being 0.88 per cent. of those in the homes. Of that number, nine died in foster-homes and three in hospitals or nursing-homes to which they had been removed for treatment, so that the deaths in foster-homes represented 0.66 per cent. only of the total number dealt with.

The expenditure in connection with infant-life protection for the year ended 31st March, 1918, was £1,219; for the preceding year the amount was £1,350.

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 1916 and 1917 being 98 and 110 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.

The gross expenditure on the school for the financial year 1917–18 was £6,137, and the recoveries were £2,744, leaving a net expenditure of £3,393.

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 £2,052. The State contributed £757 towards the cost of training 29 pupils. The amount recovered from parents and Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards was £782.

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.

The need for controlling and in the majority of cases for segregating all feeble-minded children is of the utmost importance if the physical and mental standard of the race is to be preserved. Of the cases already examined a great many are unfitted, on account of their low mentality, for admission to special schools, although in certain urgent cases admission has been arranged in the absence of any other means of dealing with them.

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 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 help to some extent in supporting themselves.

The special school at Richmond for the reception of feeble-minded girls has now been fully established. The school has two teachers, and the number of children in December, 1917, was fifty. The net expenditure on the school for the year 1917–18 was £2,577.

At the special school for boys at Otekaike a scheme providing instruction in carpentry, bootmaking, and mat and basket making is in operation. The younger boys receive instruction by means of kindergarten and Montessori methods. Many of the elder boys assist either in the garden or orchard or on the farm. The number of boys belonging to the school in December, 1917, was seventy-nine, and the net expenditure on the school for the year 1917–18 was £7,244.

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 forty-eight students were in attendance in 1917.

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-five students in 1917.

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 154 centres during 1917. The total number of classes held was 1,962, and the total number of students in attendance 18,400, as compared with 17,586 in 1916. The following figures show the number of classes at which the various subjects indicated were taken:—

Mathematics and science132
Engineering224
Wood and lead working, and other trade subjects185
Agriculture, dairy-work, etc.127
Art and art crafts224
Domestic subjects364
Commercial subjects365
Subjects of general education341
          Total1,962

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 1917 in eleven school districts in Auckland, five in Wanganui, three in Taranaki, and in one in Hawke's Bay. The classes established under these regulations were attended by 1,334 students, of whom 844 were males.

The number of discharged soldiers who received free education at technical schools in 1917 was 167.

In the following table are given the number and sex of pupils receiving free education under the regulations for free places: —

19161917.
Males.Females.Total.MalesFemales.Total.
Junior free pupils—                              
     First year8205961,4168066101,416
     Second year534418952461450911
Senior free pupils—                              
     First year433354787394413807
     Second year310273583265268533
     Third year175147322145165310
          Totals2,2721,7884,0602,0711,9063,977

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, 1917.
Christchurch Technical College1,267
Wellington Technical College1,256
Auckland Technical College1,211
Dunedin Technical College1,105
Palmerston North Technical School660
Wanganui Technical College547
Invercargill Technical School524

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, 535; Wanganui, 250; Wellington, 336; Napier, 127; Westport, 27; Christchurch, 453; Dunedin, 339; and Invercargill, 280. The total roll number was 2,347, an increase of 242 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 were as follows: —

     Males.Females.Totals.
Industrial590..     590
Commercial and general3609441,304
Domestic..     291291
Agricultural158..     158
Art224
          Totals1,1101,2372,347

Capitation earned on account of technical high schools during 1917 totalled £28,119.

The following table classifies the free pupils at technical high schools:—

1916.1917.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Junior free pupils—                              
First year5185771,0955956271,222
Second year280320600311378689
Senior free pupils—      
First year7010917982115197
Second year112839191837
Third year..     22145
          Totals8791,0361,9151,0081,1422,150

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 1,911 pupils, and senior free places by 239 pupils. Over 50 per cent. of the junior free pupils who entered in 1916 continued to attend in 1917.

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, 1918: —

     £     
Capitation79,816
Subsidies on voluntary contributions2,154
Home-science bursaries1,542
Grants in aid of material for class use2,003
Grants for buildings and equipment6,898
Rents1,217
Conveyance of instructors, students, and free pupils3,243
Examinations291
Inspectors' salaries and travelling-expenses1,241
War bonus to teachers1,911
     100,316
     Less recoveries (examination fees, c.)117
     £100,199

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 1917 was thirty-four.

The number of district high schools was sixty, technical high schools eight, and Maori secondary schools ten. In addition there were twenty private secondary schools registered under the Education Act, 1914.

The total number of pupils attending the thirty-four secondary schools for the last terms of 1916 and 1917 respectively were as follows: —

 19161917
Boys.Girls.Total.Boys.Girls.Total.
Roll (exclusive of lower departments)4,0253,0277,0524,2033,3877,590
Number in lower departments296170466365215580
          Total4,3213,1977,5184,5683,6028,170

In the same years these schools were staffed as follows:—

 19161917
M.F.Total.M.F.Total.
Regular staff175148323174175349
Part-time teachers414586374380

The average number of pupils per teacher (excluding part-time teachers) was thus 21.

The average weekly roll number of the secondary departments of district high schools in the year 1917 was 2,405.

Besides the head teachers, who generally take some part in the secondary instruction, there were employed in 1917 in the secondary departments of district high schools 97 special assistants—23 men and 74 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 1916 and 1917 were as follows: —

     1916.1917.
Boys9731,110
Girls1,1321,237
          Totals2,1052,347

The following was the average roll of pupils in secondary schools for Maoris (all of whom were boarders) for the respective years:—

     1916.1917.
Boys239228
Girls218259
          Totals457487

The number of children on the rolls of registered private secondary schools at the end of the year was 1,206, there being 394 boys and 812 girls.

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 1916 and 1917 (as nearly as can be ascertained):—

     1916.1917.
Secondary schools7,0527,590
District high schools2,3862,405
Technical high schools2,1052,347
Maori secondary schools457487
Private secondary schools1,0041,206
          Totals13,00414,035

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—

  1. For entrance to secondary schools and district high schools—(a) Special examinations for Junior National Scholarships, (b) the certificate of proficiency.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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.

The following are some of the figures for 1916 and 1917 in regard to free places in secondary schools: —

     1916.1917.
Number of secondary schools giving free tuition3132
Roll number of these schools6,5857,106
Number of free-place holders at end of year5,8266,231
Average number of free-place holders during year6,0456,468
Free-place holders as a percentage of roll number92 per cent.91 per cent.
Total annual payment by Government for free places£74,380£78,567
Cost to Government per free pupil£12 6s. 10d.£12 2s. 11d.

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 104 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, 2,044 free-place holders at district high schools, 96 Maori pupils receiving free education in Maori secondary schools, and 2,150 holders of free places in technical high schools. Consequently, there were approximately 10,625 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, 1916 and 1917.

     19161917
 Boys.Girls.Total.Boys.Girls.Total.
(i.) Secondary Schools—
     (a.) Junior free pupils2,2832,0134,2962,3272,2574,584
     (b.) Senior free pupils8187121,5309107371,647
          Totals3,1012,7255,8263,2372,9946,231
(ii.) District high schools—
     (a.) Junior free pupils8739091,7828369711,807
     (b.) Senior free pupils80121201103134237
          Totals9531,0301,9839391,1052,044
(iii.) Maori secondary schools4358101415596
(iv.) Technical high schools—
     (a.) Junior free pupils7988971,6959061,0051,911
     (b.) Senior free pupils81139220102137239
          Totals8791,0361,9151,0081,1422,150
          Grand totals4,9764,8499,8255,2255,29610,521

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 1917 240 candidates qualified for Junior National Scholarships (as against 252 in the previous year), of which number 17 were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and 62, or 26 per cent., were pupils of secondary schools. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 127, of which number 8 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 five away from home.

The following figures indicate the number and the value of scholarships current in December, 1916, and December, 1917, respectively:—

Number of scholarship-holders—1916.1917.
Boys252403
Girls130235
          Totals382638
Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total)143211
Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included)1229
Number held at secondary schools334542
Number held at district high schools4877
Number held at other registered secondary schools..     19
Total annual rate of payment£7,748£11,677

Education Board Scholarships.

The number of Education Board Scholarships current in 1917 was small, and in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, these scholarships will gradually be entirely replaced by Junior and Senior National Scholarships.

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 1917 was 165. Of the holders, sixty-three were also Government free pupils under the regulations. The total annual value of the scholarships in cash was £1,234. In addition, free tuition was given by the schools to holders of foundation and private scholarships to the value of £967, 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 1917:—

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 1917.

Receipts.£     
Endowments—
     Sales and mortgage-money repaid933
     Lands vested in High School Boards40,999
     Secondary-education reserves7,867
     Interest on moneys invested768
Government grants—
     Grants for buildings, sites, rent, apparatus, c.954
     Capitation for free places and subsidies79,505
     Capitation and subsidies for manual instruction2,150
School fees10,175
Lower Departments Account3,754
Boarding-school Account26,876
Leans, transfers from Capital Account, interest, c.608
Technical Classes Account2,780
Refunds and sundries, voluntary contributions7,539
     £184,908
Expenditure.£     
Endowments (including proportion of office expenses)6,231
Teachers' salaries and allowances90,534
Incidental expenses— 
     Office expenses and salaries (excluding endowments)2,768
     Printing, stationery, and advertising2,327
     Cleaning, heating, and lighting6,828
     Material, examinations, prizes, games, c.2,885
Interest, repayment of mortgages, and investments10,502
Manual instruction (excluding buildings)1,721
Lower Departments Account3,637
Boarding-school Account27,019
Land, buildings, furniture, insurance, rates, c.30,209
Technical Classes Account2,526
Scholarships, advances to pupils, and miscellaneous6,095
     £193,282

Taking into account all the monetary assets and liabilities of the various Boards, it appears that the total debit balance at the end of 1917 was £25,613, 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.£     
Bank balances44,805
Other assets13,861
          Total£58,666
Liabilities.£     
Overdrafts72,203
Other liabilities12,076
          Total£84,279
          Debit balance£25,613

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 1917; the total number of pupils in those departments was 530; the total expenditure on salaries of teachers and incidental expenses was £4,556; the total income from foes, c., was £4,680.

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

The following table gives particulars of the attendance, stall, and salaries at district high schools in 1917:—

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS: ATTENDANCE, STAFFS, SALARIES, ETC., IN SECONDARY DEPARTMENTS, 1917.
Education District.Number of Schools.Average Attendance, 1917.Number of Assistant Teachers.Average Number of Pupils per Assistant Teacher.Statutory Annual Rate of Salary as in December, 1917.
M.F.Total.
Auckland1033451015223,577
Taranaki3176167251,416
Wanganui6147268181,730
Hawke's Bay3142246241,375
Wellington934541115233,730
Nelson4132..     55261,197
Canterbury1668062127256,479
Otago929331114213,471
          Totals602,2492374972322,975

In the case of district high schools the courses taken are of a more vocational nature than in ordinary secondary schools, and to a large extent have a bearing upon rural pursuits. It appears that 48 per cent. of the pupils take agriculture, and 29 per cent. dairy-work; 52 per cent. of the boys take woodwork, and 13 per cent. surveying and mensuration; while 54 per cent. of the girls learn needlework and cookery. The various branches of science receive adequate attention, 66 per cent. of the pupils studying chemistry and physics, 46 per cent. botany, 26 per cent. hygiene, 14 per cent. physiology and zoology, and 12 per cent. of the girls domestic science. Only 40 per cent. of the pupils in these schools learn Latin, and 30 per cent. French. Commercial work, frequently forming part of a rural course, is taken by 29 per cent. of the pupils.

Rural courses were, in 1917, in operation at thirty-eight district high schools, and were taken by 1,229 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 Studios, 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 matters.

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 1917 the sum paid to each out of the fund amounted to £1,675. 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 1917–18 was £51,515.

There were in 1917 1,902 students actually in attendance at the four University colleges. Of these, 56 were graduates, 1,194 undergraduates, and 652 unmatriculated students. In addition to the students mentioned above, there were 75 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. There were also 45 students taking an agricultural course of University grade at the Lincoln Agricultural College.

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 (open only to residents in Taranaki).

The University Junior Scholarships (thirteen of which were gained in 1917) 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 1917 being twenty-one. 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 Bitting 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 £100 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. Owing to the war all further election to these scholarships has been postponed for the present.

Of the eighteen Research Scholarships awarded up to the present two were in active operation in 1917. 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 £20 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 1917 was 229.

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 of 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.

These 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 1917 was thirty-seven, of which number seven completed the three-years tenure of their bursaries. In addition sixteen 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 nine students 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 1917, £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 several 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.

AGRICULTURAL BURSARIES.

The Education Department, in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture, has established a scheme 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 are under a legal obligation to serve for a term of three years in one or other of these capacities. The qualification for a bursary is Matriculation or a higher or lower leaving-certificate, and candidates are preferred who have received agricultural instruction during their secondary-school course. In addition, ex-students of teachers' training colleges who desire to specialize in the teaching of agriculture may obtain bursaries to enable them to receive the necessary training in agriculture. Agricultural bursaries are tenable at an experimental farm, an agricultural college, or other approved institution for two years, with a possible extension to a third year. Bursars receive an allowance of £20 per annum, with free tuition and, if obliged to live away from home, a lodging-allowance of £30 per annum.

Eight bursaries were awarded in 1917, seven of which were held at the Central Development Farm, Weraroa, and the remaining one at Lincoln Agricultural College, Canterbury. The available accommodation for bursars being limited, a selection has to be made each year from the number of candidates desiring bursaries.

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:—

     1916–17.1917–18.
Number who entered11,8589,908
Number who actually sat for examination10,8948,829
Number of absentees9641,079

The number of candidates for the various examinations in 1917–18 who actually presented themselves in the examination-room is given below:—

Junior National and junior free places3,122
Public Service Entrance, Senior National Scholarships, and Intermediate3,315
Teachers' D and C2,102
Public Service Senior226
Typists' Examination60
Kindergarten Certificate Examination4
London University Examinations1
          Total8,830

All eligible candidates from public or registered private schools who reached the respective standards of qualification fixed in accordance with the Act—63 per cent. for juniors and 63 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 temporary clerical services, but omitting other salaries 5,810
Less recoveries—      
     £      
     Fees paid by candidates for teachers' certificates and others2,285 
     Paid by Public Service Commissioner for expense of conducting Public Service examinations, the fees for which were credited to him—      
          Public Service Entrance766 
          Public Service Senior308 
                 3,359
               Net expenditure £2,451

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 that 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 four 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 for 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 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 furnished under the National Registration Act, 1915, a true statement setting forth the particulars required by Proclamation made under that 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. In addition it was provided that any Reservist convicted under this section might 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 ton days of the gazetting of the list of men drawn in the ballot, are hoard 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 ago, one (at least) of whoso 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 Bailed 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 drams 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 in 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 up to and including the first ballot of Class C of the Second Division (results of which were gazetted on the 19th June, 1918) and the number of Reservists actually drawn in each ballot are as given in the table following. The number of First Division Reservists at the date of the first ballot was 82,974, and the number of Second Division Reservists at the date of taking the first ballot of Class A was 105,651. The numbers in the several classes constituting the Second Division were as follows: Class A, 14,359; Class B, 21,709; Class C, 26,270; Class D, 18,907; Class E, 11,586; Class F, 12,820. The classification of the Second Division is further dealt with below.

The Reserve is, of course, augmented from time to time by new Reservists, and is reduced by voluntary enlistments, by deaths, and by Reservists reaching the age of forty-six years.

NUMBERS OF RESERVISTS ACTUALLY CALLED UP.

Date of Gazette.First Division.Second Division.Total.
Class A.Class B.Class C.
23/11/164,024..     ..     ..     4,024
14/12/162,886..     ..     ..     2,886
          Total, 19166,910..     ..     ..     6,910
12/1/173,514..     ..     ..     3,514
13/2/176,581..     ..     ..     6,581
13/3/174,311..     ..     ..     4,311
17/4/174,573..     ..     ..     4,573
8/5/178,066..     ..     ..     8,066
6/6/178,001..     ..     ..     8,001
4/7/177,588..     ..     ..     7,588
3/9/1714,050..     ..     ..     14,050
2/10/178,320..     ..     ..     8,320
6/11/171,4104,627..     ..     6,037
4/12/176984,828..     ..     5,526
          Total, 191767,1129,455..     ..     76,567
15/1/188223,494..     ..     4,316
19/2/18978255..     ..     1,233
26/3/1848678..     ..     564
25/4/18514359,769..     10,318
21/5/18509337,559..     8,101
19/6/1849038579,81610,401
          Total, 6 months, 19183,7993,93317,3859,81634,933
Grand totals77,82113,38817,3859,816118,410

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.

In the first classification of the Reserve there were about 20,000 Reservists placed in Class A, but owing to amended information supplied on the printed form which was made available at every post-office in the Dominion, Class A was reduced to 14,359, and the later classes were proportionately increased.

Alterations in classification are being made daily, and for the month of June, 1918, an average of ninety-five alterations per day was received. The classification of a Reservist, however, is determined by the number of his children at the date of his calling-up for service.

The position of the Reserve as at the 1st July, 1918, was as follows: First Division, nil; Second Division — Class A, nil; Class B, nil; Class C, 13,975; Class D, 20,605; Class E, 12,501; Class F, 13,328: total, 60,409.

PENALTIES.

The penalties to which a Reservist is liable under the Military Service Act for evasion of his obligations are numerous and severe, and appear to have had a most deterrent effect.

The penalty for failure to enrol is three months' imprisonment or a fine not exceeding £50 (section 33), and in addition a Reservist so convicted may be called up under section 34 by a notice delivered to him by the Commandant of the Defence Forces. Failure to notify any change in his address renders a Reservist liable to a fine of £20. The offence of giving employment to a non-registered Reservist is punishable by a fine of not less than £20 and not more than £100 (section 40).

The following table gives the number of convictions under each of the sections referred to:—

TABLE SHOWING THE CONVICTIONS AND FINES IMPOSED (UP TO 1ST JULY, 1918) UNDER SECTIONS 33, 40, AND 43 OF THE MILITARY SERVICE ACT, 1916.

Police District.Section 33: Failure to Enrol.Section 40: Employing a Non-enrolled Reservist.Section 43: Changing Place of Abode, and failing to notify such Change.
Number of Convictions.Fines.Number of Convictions.Fines.Number of Convictions.Fines.
          £          £          £     
Auckland37992405556
Hamilton15251204852
Napier191161..     2845
Wanganui34574802719
Wellington26474906245
Greymouth8351251217
Christchurch1651..     ..     5859
Dunedin10101..     ..     2623
Invercargill626..     ..     2414
          Totals17155713255340330

In every case where a Reservist was convicted under section 33 he was called up compulsorily under section 34 by the Commandant. The relatively small number of convictions under section 40 (employing a non-registered Reservist) in comparison with the number of convictions under section 33 is explained by the fact that in the great majority of cases the Reservist furnished false information on the national-registration schedule, chiefly in regard to conjugal condition or age, and subsequently failed to correct that information on the passing of the Military Service Act.

EXTENSION OF ACT TO MAORIS, ETC.

The provisions of the Military Service Act were extended to Natives within the meaning of the Native Land Act, 1909, by Proclamation gazetted on the 26th June, 1917, and later regulations were gazetted constituting Native recruiting districts and directing the enrolment of the First Division of the Native Expeditionary Force Reserve. An entirely different method was followed when enrolling Natives to that adopted for the enrolment of natural-born British subjects. In the latter case personal application for enrolment was necessary, but in the case of Natives enrolment was effected by the police filling in cards from the best information they could collect, giving the name in full and other particulars, without requiring any application on the part of the Native Reservists. So far the only Native Reservists called up compulsorily for service are those residing in the No. 2 (Waikato-Maniapoto) Native Recruiting District. The first ballot was for 200 Reservists, and was gazetted on the 7th May, 1918. Another Gazette containing 235 names was published on the 25th June, 1918.

TERRITORIAL FORCE.

Although the principal energies of the Dominion's military authorities during the past four 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 fines 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 31st March, 1918, the Territorial Force numbered 22,933, 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 60,853, made up as follows:—

Territorial Force22,933
Senior Cadets30,668
Rifle Clubs7,252
          Total60,853

The strength of the Territorial Force at the end of each of the last seven military years was as follows:—

* On 31st March, 1918. The military year ends on 31st May.
1911–1222,614
1912–1323,804
1913–1425,902
1914–1529,447
1915–1626,839
1916–1722,174
1917–1822,933*

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 31st March, 1918, is as follows:—

District.Territorials.Senior Cadets.Total.
Auckland10,86722,76933,636
Wellington10,24927,47937,728
Canterbury7,69323,09030,783
Otago6,85915,99622,855
     35,66889,334125,002

TRAINING OF OFFICERS.

Under an arrangement with the Australian Government, New Zealand may send 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 31st March, 1918, was 128. The number of New Zealand cadets at the College at present is thirty-six, eight 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 a 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.

Under new conditions commencing in 1919 candidates to the number of five may sit for entrance to the College under the University Entrance Scholarships Examination, and at least half of the cadetships are open under the old conditions. Scholarship candidates must pass in English, mathematics, French (or German), chemistry (or heat or magnetism and electricity) on the scholarship papers, and in history and geography on the matriculation papers, unless they take these subjects or either of them for scholarships; also in general knowledge. A candidate may sit at any centre at which the Matriculation Examination is held, the entrance fee being £3 3s.

In the old conditions a pass must be obtained in six compulsory and two optional subjects, the compulsory subjects being English, elementary mathematics, history, geography, general knowledge, and French or German, and the optional ones mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

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 has been made available for the rifle championship meetings, which until 1914 were 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 meetings have been held since the outbreak of 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 in 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. Must 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.

An arrangement made with the Union Steam Ship Company provided for four of the best boys being taken each year on the company's steamer “Aparima” to be trained as officers without any premium charge. The recent loss of the “Aparima” has necessitated the suspension of this arrangement.

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, 344 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 1908–17 is shown in the following table:—

Year.Cases entered.Cases tried.
Number.Total Amount claimed.Number.Total Amount sued for.Total Amount for which Judgment entered.
* Information not available.
          £          £     £     
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
191746,004624,69329,412401,568340,958

Until the year 1915 these figures showed a marked tendency towards increase 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 of 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 and 1917 as compared with 1915, the figures for 1917 (29,412) being the lowest recorded since 1908.

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 1908–17 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.
                         £     
1908*849702432257,687
1909*8706722226791,638
19105695221119383,427
19117297617021184,822
191275564233235102,657
19137887524328479,610
19147929525128191,286
19156975025324168,555
19166734819325478,877
191758170172234100,447

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.
1908951561384
1909741671596
19108817101165
191111524817115
19126420420118
19138518420136
19144413516132
19154314714113
191641166633
1917441141284

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.
190835452410534
190941259112224
191032964413514
191128163112314
19122783428813
191329647110812
191432269..     6111
191525044..     5518
191626737..     6321
19172214416010

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 1908–17:—

Year.Number of Bankruptcies.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.
          £     £     £     £     
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
1917265138,69663,645178,24427,405

Of the bankruptcies in 1917: in 9 cases the liabilities were under £50; in 29, from £50 to £100; in 68, from £100 to £250; in 55, from £250 to £500; in 55, from £500 to £1,000; in 31, from £1,000 to £2,000; in 9, from £2,000 to £5,000; and in 9, from £5,000 upwards.

A table showing the occupations of the bankrupts in 1917 is published in full in the volume of “Statistics of the Dominion of New Zealand,” and is summarized here.

OCCUPATIONS OF BANKRUPTS, 1917.

Class.Employers.Working on Own Account.Working for Wages.Totals.
Professional1517
Domestic114318
Commercial24211156
Transport and communication45312
Industrial493334116
Agricultural, pastoral, and mining940554
Indefinite..     2..     2
          Totals9811057265

DIVORCE.

During the year 1917, 282 petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed, this number including 6 petitions for nullity of marriage. In 171 of these cases a decree nisi was granted, 78 of these being made absolute during the year. In addition, decrees nisi were granted in respect of 50 petitions filed in previous years, 39 of these being made absolute before the end of the year, and 102 decrees nisi of previous years became absolute. The total number of decrees nisi for the year was thus 221, which includes 3 decrees for nullity of marriage. Five petitions for judicial separation were also filed during 1917.

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 1917. It will be seen that in 181 of the 282 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 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..     ..     ..     1
1 and under 2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     66
2 and under 3..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     33
3 and under 4..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     67
4 and under 5..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     55
5 and under 101372111..     1935
10 and under 15..     ..     43..     ..     1..     1725
15 and under 20..     ..     ..     543..     11528
20 and under 30..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11..     911
30 and under 40..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     12
40 and over..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11..     2
          Totals141110565281125

WIVES' PETITIONS.

Duration of Marriage, in Years.Age of Petitioner, in Years.Totals.
20 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..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11
1 and under 2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     33
2 and under 3..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     12
3 and under 41..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     34
4 and under 5..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     45
5 and under 103851..     1..     ..     2139
10 and under 15..     434..     1..     ..     2436
15 and under 20..     ..     3421..     ..     1929
20 and under 30..     ..     ..     1642..     1730
30 and under 40..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     78
40 and over..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals4121310873..     100157
Grand totals, all petitions5162420131382181282

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)8052412829141037132
Adultery and bigamy..     11..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Adultery and desertion12..     2..     ..     ..     1..     3
Adultery, desertion, and cruelty..     1..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     1
Adultery and sodomy..     11..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Attempt to murder petitioner..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1
Bigamy*2231..     ..     ..     ..     ..     4
Cruelty..     31..     ..     ..     1..     13
Desertion (alone)38723631228436110
Desertion and drunkenness..     2..     1..     ..     ..     1..     2
Drunkenness (alone)..     2..     ..     ..     2..     ..     ..     2
Drunkenness and cruelty..     8213..     1..     18
Drunkenness, cruelty, and failure to maintain..     1..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Drunkenness and failure to maintain..     41..     ..     11..     14
Insanity22..     1..     1..     114
Physical defect*112..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2
Not stated1221..     ..     ..     ..     ..     3
          Totals12515790675427171017282

In ten cases the number of living issue was six, in four cases seven, in two cases eight, and in one case ten or over.

It is found that in 254 of the cases the parties were married in New Zealand, and that in 201 cases the marriage had been solemnized by a clergyman, and in the remaining 81 cases (29 per cent.) by a Registrar of Marriages or other civil official. Civil marriages constituted 25 per cent. of those solemnized in New Zealand in 1917.

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.Decrees.
1908207171321119
1909219163..     3221
1910200154276..     ..     
1911226161..     21..     ..     
1912274222244..     ..     
1913260223..     53..     ..     
1914290234..     11..     ..     
1915249221..     73..     ..     
1916280246..     91..     ..     
1917282221263..     ..     

The divorces in New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand during each of the twenty years ending with 1916 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.
189724611733
18982298731
189920510546
19002179385
190120883101
190223910990
1903183101124
190421614099
1905182136114
1906157123125
1907148134147
1908206151171
1909287138163
1910257140154
1911206211161
1912343247222
1913313234223
1914295241234
1915346215221
1916347205246

POLICE.

On the 31st March, 1918, the number of permanent members of the Police Force in New Zealand was 845 of all ranks, being a decrease of 53 during the year. The total is made up as follows: 4 superintendents, 7 inspectors, 9 sub-inspectors, 28 senior sergeants, 83 sergeants, 676 constables, 4 chief detectives, 18 detective-sergeants, and 16 detectives. There were also 4 police surgeons, 8 matrons, 8 district constables, and 5 Native constables.

To fill vacancies due to the loss of permanent members, temporary constables have been appointed under section 32 of the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916. There were 56 temporary constables employed on 31st March, 1918.

The following table shows the number of stations and of police in each police district:—

Police District.No. of Stations.No. of Police.
Auckland53177
Hamilton3769
Napier2968
Wanganui3983
Wellington39170
Greymouth2342
Christchurch46136
Dunedin39106
Invercargill2140

In addition to the above, 7 are attached to headquarters, 1 is on retiring-leave, 1 has been lent to the Cook Islands Administration, and 1 (Army Reservist) is on indefinite leave.

The proportion of police to population is 1 to every 1,274 persons, and the expenditure (exclusive of the cost of buildings) on the whole Police Force for the year ended the 31st March, 1918, was 4s. 6 ½d. 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 31st March.Officers.Non-commissioned Officers.DetectivesConstables.Total.Police to Population (including Maoris).Cost per Inhabitant.
                                   s.d.
18782590143294581 to 944..
18852065173724741 to 1,29330 ¾
18901266134034941 to 1,346210 ¾
1895751134164871 to 1,49526 ¾
19001156204995861 to 1,359210 ¾
19051265255536551 to 1,375210 ¼
19101686346397751 to 1,33033 ½
191619104367579161 to 1,25842 ¾
191720108367348987 to 1,28043
191320111387329011 to 1,27446 ½

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, 1917–18.

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 1,27446 ½100
Queensland1 to 633811 ¼94
New South Wales1 to 73465 ¼87
Victoria1 to 81448 ¾74
South Australia1 to 784511 ¼91
Western Australia1 to 62887 ¼97
Tasmania1 to 876410 ¼75

CRIMINAL CASES BEFORE MAGISTRATES.

CHARGES.

The total number of charges brought before Magistrates in 1917, 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 ChargesDistinct Summary Convictions, excluding Multiple Charges.
By arrest15,42612,51513,77611,605
By summons26,02322,78420,41318,275
          Totals41,44935,29934,18929,880

If the Maoris be excluded the number of charges in 1917 is found to have been 39,786, a decrease of 1,274 upon the number for 1916; and the proportion per 1,000 of population 36.20, as against 37.35.

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
191348,84743.84
191449,37145.28
191545,50541.39
191641,06037.35
191739,78636.20

SUMMARY CONVICTIONS.

The summary convictions in 1917 numbered 34,189, including 1,418 recorded against Maoris. In respect of 405 charges (12 of which were against Maoris) the accused were committed for sentence. Commitments for trial at the Supreme Courts numbered 494 (including 43 charges against Maoris). The total commitments (899) for 1917 represent a net decrease of 33 on the numbers for 1916.

Dealing with the summary convictions for all offences, the figures for 1908 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.Total Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.Number.Per 1,000 Mean Population.
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
19175880.542,3152.1129,86827.1732,77129.82

In dealing with the summary convictions in the Magistrates' Courts in the above table each offence is reckoned as a distinct person. It will be noted that the rates for 1917 are generally lower than those for the other years given. This decrease for 1917 appears to be very largely due to the large decrease in the number of convictions for drunkenness. 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, 1916, and 1917 include 4,819, 4,071, 1,954, 1,724, and 1,717 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, 2,478 in 1916, and 2,342 in 1917.

The total number of summary convictions for offences against the person (excluding Maoris) was 588 for the year 1917, which is 30 less than that for 1916 (618). Of the 588 summary convictions in 1917 the greater number were on account of common (513) and aggravated (9) assaults. There were also 52 convictions for attempt to commit suicide.

Of offences against property, theft (not otherwise described) is the most common, showing 1,503 summary convictions during 1917. There were, besides, 18 for specific kinds of theft and 72 for housebreaking. Obtaining money and goods under false pretences caused 199 summary convictions, and wilful damage to property 475. These are the principal items only.

Under the heading “Other Offences” (those relating to good order included) drunkenness comes first with 8,577 summary convictions, of which 606 were in respect of females. These figures cover, besides drunkenness only, drunkenness with disorderly conduct and habitual drunkenness. Prohibition orders numbered 1,856, including 171 made against women. The subject of drunkenness is specially dealt with under a separate heading.

Further offences against good order include 4,256 summary convictions simply defined as for “breach of by-laws”; 730 for obscene, threatening, or abusive language; 773 for indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct; and 199 for assaulting or resisting the police. Under “Vagrancy” there were 597 summary convictions, including 126 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 in 1917 of persons arrested (13,301) the distinct arrests amounted to 11,228, the difference being accounted for by multiple charges against the same person. If distinct persons only are taken this total is further reduced to 7,962, representing 7.24 for every 1,000 of the mean population. Convictions of Maoris are not included.

Convictions on Arrests only, 1917.

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 person2892692160.20
Property1,3509287730.70
Good order10,3759,0526,4145.83
Other offences1,2879795590.51
          Total13,30111,2287,9627.24

Of the 7,962 distinct persons arrested and convicted during 1917, no fewer than 6,414 were convicted for offences against good order, and of these 5,109 were for drunkenness (including 89 drunk and disorderly, and 5 habituals). In addition, 22 were convicted in respect of prohibition orders; 303 for indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct; 312 for using obscene, threatening, or abusive language; 380 for vagrancy; 90 for assaulting, resisting, or obstructing the police; 64 for soliciting prostitution; 42 for keeping brothels; 64 for offences relating to gambling; and 28 for other offences against good order.

Of the 216 distinct persons arrested and convicted during 1917 of offences against the person, 165 convictions were for common assault; and of the 773 distinct persons arrested and convicted of offences against property, 605 were for theft of various classes, 57 for fraud and false pretences, and 99 for wilful damage.

OFFENCES, BIRTHPLACES, AND AGES.

The next three tables give the offences and ages, offences and birthplaces, and birthplaces and ages of the distinct persons (excluding Maoris) arrested and convicted during 1917.

CONVICTIONS IN ARREST CASES, 1917.

Offences and Ages.
Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
The person1020306195216
Property19088104187204773
Good order703235231,6183,8806,414
Other offences1016574165154559
          Totals3714967312,0314,3337,962
Offences and Birthplaces.
Offences againstNew Zealand.England and Wales.Scotland.Ireland.Australia.Elsewhere.*Totals.
The person89467201638216
Property45312138315773773
Good order2,2411,4076689384367246,414
Other offences215153211941110559
          Totals2,9981,7277341,0085509457,962
Birthplaces and Ages.
Birthplace.Under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
New Zealand3202843799541,0612,998
England and Wales25881393991,0761,727
Scotland31237133549734
Ireland212411687851,008
Australia63353182276550
Elsewhere*156782195586945
          Totals3714967312,0314,3337,962
Offences and Ages.—New-Zealand-born only (excluding Maoris).
Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.*Totals.
* Including unspecified.
The person81216341989
Property16873639653453
Good order631742727789542,241
Other offences8125284635215
          Totals3202843799541,0612,998

The offences and sentences for convictions in arrest and summons cases (including multiple charges) are shown below. Cases concerning Maoris are not included.

Offences againstConvicted and discharged or ordered to come up for SentenceFined.Imprisoned.Other.Total Convictions.
* Including 144 released under the First Offenders' Probation Act, 409 committed to industrial schools, 56 whipped, 60 bound over, and 3,523 against whom an order was made.
The person1443496728588
Property8036364514252,303
Good order3,82610,2291,6282,05717,740
Other offences1,4918,0449111,68212,140
          Totals6,26419,2583,0574,192*32,771

JUVENILE OFFENDERS.

Included in the figures of total charges and convictions for the year 1917 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, 1917.

Class of Offence.Charges.Dismissed or discharged.Committed for Sentence or Trial.Summary Convictions.
Against the person231166
Against property1,1225683551
Against good order12047..     73
Other32063..     257
          Totals1,5856899887

Another table is given showing the punishments meted out in cases where a summary conviction was recorded in 1917. Of the 887 convictions, in 184 cases the offender was discharged, and in 125 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, 1917.

Glass of Offence and Punishment.

Punishment.Against the Person.Against Property.Against Good Order.Other.Totals.
Released on probation..     52..     ..     52
Convicted and discharged..     1273324184
Convicted and ordered to come up for sentence411344125
Committed to industrial school1151..     221373
Fined..     3534877
Imprisoned1..     1..     2
Whipped..     541..     55
Bound over..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Order made..     19..     ..     19
          Total summary convictions655173257887

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 1917 the total was 851, and this included 371 cases sent from Magistrates' Courts for sentence. Maoris are included in these numbers.

Of 436 indictments and informations (excluding Maoris), 239 resulted in convictions being recorded. The figures are given in the next table:—

INDICTMENTS, ETC., IN SUPREME COURTS, 1917.

Class of Offence.Indictments and Informations.How disposed of.
Awaiting Trial.Not prosecuted or no Bill.Acquittals.Convictions.
Against the person22541090121
Against property157846283
Forgery and against the currency24..     ..     618
Other30..     21117
          Totals4361216169239

The total indictments and informations against Maoris (not included in the above figures were 44, resulting in 13 convictions.

Dealing now with distinct persons, it is found that the total indicted during the year was 339, including 32 Maoris; of these, 194 were convicted, including 10 Maoris. The distinct persons sent up from Magistrates' Courts for sentence numbered 183, inclusive of 5 Maoris.

A summary is given showing the distinct persons indicted and convicted during the year 1917, classified according to offence. Those sentenced during the year after committal from a Magistrate's Court for sentence are also given.

SUPREME COURTS, 1917.—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 person1528729
Against property11370111
Forgery and against the currency171225
Other251513
          Totals307184178

First, dealing with distinct persons actually convicted in Supreme Courts, it is found that all but 3 of the 87 persons (excluding Maoris) convicted for offences against the person were males. Assault, with or without robbery, caused the conviction of 15 persons, while robbery with violence was the offence in 1 case; 16 persons were convicted for indecent assault on females, 17 for rape and carnal knowledge of young girls (including attempts), and 8 for indecent assault on males. For murder 2 persons, and for manslaughter 4 persons, were convicted.

Persons convicted for offences against property were 17 less than those found guilty in respect of offences against the person, amounting to 70, of whom 7 were females. Theft of various forms, including robbery and burglary, was responsible for the conviction of 56 of the 70 persons, while 4 of the remainder were convicted for receiving stolen property, 6 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 178 persons who were sentenced in the Supreme Court during the year 1917, after committal from a Magistrate's Court for sentence, included 29 against the person, made up as follows: Assault, 8; concealment of birth, 2; carnally knowing girl under sixteen, 3; indecent assault, 6; bigamy, 3; attempted murder, 1; incest, 1; unnatural offence, 1; indecent assault on a male, 4. Dealing with the 111 persons sent for sentence on account of offences against property it is found that in 99 cases the offence was theft of some description.

During the ten years 1908–17 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., 1908–17.
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.
1908*1212904842501232
1909*1172708245514256
1910893015434478243
1911882453436403185
19121052254421395185
19131231944421382171
1914902585747452192
1915952335232412212
19161012044721373190
19171161813728362178

PUNISHMENTS.

The distinct persons convicted in the Supreme Court in 1917 numbered 194, including 10 Maoris. To this number should be added the 183 persons (including 5 Maoris) sent from Magistrates' Courts for sentence, thus bringing the total to 377. In one case no sentence was imposed, on condition that the prisoner enlisted. Particulars of sentences in the remaining 376 cases are appended.

SENTENCES OF CRIMINALS IN SUPREME COURTS, 1917.
Sentence.Excluding Maoris.Including Maoris.
Death22
Imprisonment (only) with or without hard labour155163
Imprisonment and declared habitual criminal67
Committed to institutions77
Imprisonment and reformative detention1212
Reformative detention (only)5960
Fined2121
Released on probation5861
Ordered to come up for sentence4143
     361376

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.

Year.Convictions for
Breaches of Licensing Laws by Publicans.Selling Liquor without a License.
191317478
191478108
1915171142
1916223102
1917452132

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, etc.

The number of convictions for drunkenness and drunkenness with disorderly conduct during 1917 (exclusive of convictions against Maoris) totalled 7,971 against males and 606 against females. In addition there were 320 convictions against Maoris—307 against males and 13 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), 1908–17.
Year.Convictions recorded against.Per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
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
19177,9716068,57714.661.097.83

It will be noted that been the numbers and rates shown for 1917 are considerably lower than the figures for any of the previous years given.

If the Maoris are included, the total convictions for drunkenness during 1917 will amount to 8,897 (8,278 against males and 619 against females). Of these, 8,476 (7,875 males and 619 females) were arrest cases, while 421 (403 males and 18 females) were cases 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), 1917.
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—Maoris..     3126547242225
Others331482899271,152882,637
Australia..     164816929852583
England and Wales2541063909803781,910
Scotland..     1032150489230911
Ireland..     10311977393491,326
Other European1304211226777529
Asia..     231212534
Africa..     ..     257115
America..     106286728139
Other (including unspecified)..     1143158167
          Totals363125862,0484,0861,4088,476

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 1916, out of the total population of New Zealand of 20 years of age or over, 57.28 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 1917 only 31.96 per cent.

The following table gives a comparison between convictions for drunkenness of New-Zealand-born and other males, and shows also the proportion which each class bears to the male population. It will be seen that in all the age-groups given the percentage of convictions of New-Zealand-born males is lower than the corresponding percentage of population, while the reverse is, of course, true in respect of males born outside the Dominion.

PERCENTAGES OF MALE POPULATION BY AGE-GROUPS, AND CONVICTIONS FOR DRUNKENNESS AS BETWEEN NEW-ZEALAND-BORN (EXCLUDING MAORIS) AND OTHER MALES.
Age, in Years.Percentage of Male Population.*Percentage of Convictions for Drunkenness.
New-Zealand-born.Others.New-Zealand-born.Others.

* As at census, 1916.

† Arrest cases only.

20 and under 2580.1619.8455.6744.33
25 and under 3071.1928.8150.6849.32
30 and under 4065.5834.4243.2556.75
40 and under 5059.6140.3933.2766.73
50 and under 6036.1263.8819.9580.05
60 and under 7014.2785.737.8292.18
70 and under 805.7094.303.9896.02

Repeated charges against the same person are included in the totals shown in the tables on the previous page. Dealing with arrests only (males, 7,661; females, 590: total 8,251), but excluding Maoris, it is found that the number of distinct persons convicted of this offence was 5,109 (4,813 males and 296 females), or 61.92 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 1917 were 13,301, but the distinct convictions amounted to only 11,228, the former total including 2,073 convictions for multiple charges against the same person. Of the latter, 1,133 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—                         
     Attempted suicide..     ..     1..     1
     Assault (common)7..     42..     49
Offences against property—                         
     Theft and attempts at..     ..     17219
     Wilful damage5..     65777
Offences against good order—                         
     Assaulting, resisting, or obstructing police10..     61..     71
     Indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct4..     1425151
     Obscene, threatening, or abusive language10..     17714201
     Soliciting prostitution..     ..     ..     2525
     Vagrancy..     ..     42..     42
     Breaches of by-laws..     ..     11..     11
     Other offences against good order1..     3..     4
Offences not included above—                         
     Breach of Licensing Act (by others than publicans)8..     30328339
     Under Shipping and Seamen Act..     ..     6..     6
     Under Defence Act..     ..     2..     2
     Under Military Service Act..     ..     6..     6
     Under War Regulations..     ..     314
     Other offences..     ..     5..     5
          Total convictions for other offences against persons arrested (and convicted) at the same time for drunkenness45..     886821,013
Number of prohibition orders against persons convicted at the same time for drunkenness     
     3..     14223168
          Total48..     1,0281051,181
Number of convictions for drunkenness (alone) of persons arrested214117,6615908,476
          Total convictions for drunkenness of persons arrested262118,6896959,657
Number of distinct persons arrested (and convicted) for drunkenness16774,8132965,283
Number of convictions for drunkenness in summons cases (not included above)93231016421

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.
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
19169.9870.1530.67010.4390.1600.700

The quantity of each kind of alcoholic liquor used in the Dominion during the same period was as follows:—

 Beer for Consumption.Wine for Consumption.Spirits for Consumption.
Gal.Gal.Gal.
191210,083,482153,611863,797
191310,300,416147,137869,124
191410,649,090156,513887,116
191510,865,764163,244940,611
191611,477,041175,855769,964

The average annual consumption per head of population during 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 AVERAGE ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES, 1908–12. (GALLONS PER HEAD OF POPULATION.)
Country.Beer.Wine.Spirits.
New Zealand9.80.150.78
Australia11.10.970.80
United Kingdom26.70.260.71
Canada6.40.111.00
United States16.60.521.03
Germany22.41.101.29
France8.730.941.42

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), 1908–17.

Year.Offences.
Against the Person.Against Property.Against Good Order.Other Offences.Total.
Drunkenness*.Other.
* Including drunkenness with disorderly conduct.
19082810220014775552
1909348114011881454
1910286716713657455
191142123822314189990
1912441263203513641,205
19134523294332243937
1914511913353304061,313
1915691874224053731,456
1916441522963933781,263
1917501853203734901,418

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 1917 numbered 346 (15 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), 1917.

Offences againstUnder 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.UnspecifiedTotals.
The person..     3574221
Property23813116263
Good order44031579414240
Other offences61233722
          Totals3352517810725346

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.
19135145327
19144159331
191510171..     28
19166136328
1917374115

Five of the number for 1917 had been sent up from the Magistrates' Courts for sentence.

PRISONS AND PRISONERS.

The following table gives for the year 1917 the prison accommodation, the number of prisoners received, the number in prison at end of year, and the daily average number in confinement:—

Name of Prison.Number for whom there is Accommodation.Number received during Year.Number in Confinement at End of Year.Daily Average Number in Confinement.
Auckland3111,135246237.43
Kaingaroa64575846.83
Waikeria102859991.81
New Plymouth581123317.84
Roto-aira49514540.93
Napier741641319.66
Wellington2251,409202184.59
Addington401055247.58
Lyttelton1354245660.16
Paparua531016450.15
Invercargill13613111688.17
Minor prisons2051,0652329.11
          Totals1,4524,8391,007914.26

The total number of prisoners received in the different gaols during the year 1917 was 4,839 (males 4,364, females 475), as compared with 4,933 (males 4,428, females 505) in 1916, counting each admission as a distinct person.

Omitting those received by transfer from another prison, 727 (males 682, females 45), the debtors and lunatics received, 86 (males 84, females 2), the duplicate receptions of the same prisoner on the same charge, 111 (males 104, females 7), and 11 prisoners of war (males), it is found that the total receptions for criminal offences during 1917 were 4,015 (males 3,587, females 428). In this total are included 37 persons (males 34, females 3) 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 2,468, including 69 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 1917.
Summary.Indictments.Excluding Maoris.Maoris.
* Includes 37 on remand or awaiting trial from previous year.
Under 2121346306735811810
21 and under 25295442221765119416
25 and under 30462665072974128913
30 and under 3560569663411543699
35 and under 4059081708399313388
40 and under 4551035676380223173
45 and under 5039126501291232343
50 and under 553152138125041942
55 and under 601991016116011131..     
60 and under 651961321..     15831111
65 and over1891821214171044
          Totals3,965*429451372,7363052,39969

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
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
1917954531,0078.689.16

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 1917 this number (excluding Maoris) was 2,399, a decrease of 5 on the number in 1916. 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 1917, 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 1917.

Birthplace.Nature of Offence.Totals.
Against the Person.Against Property.Drunkenness.Other Offences.
New Zealand71255125524975
Australian States163936120211
England and Wales3789145289560
Scotland6226780175
Ireland112182119233
Other British possessions7181026
China..     ..     ..     66
Other countries161947117199
At sea..     ..     112
Not stated123612
          Totals1654485141,2722,399

AGES AND OFFENCES OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS (EXCLUDING MAORIS) RECEIVED INTO PRISON DURING 1917.

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 2193..     732129117
21 and under 256994977107194
25 and under 306142622231151288
30 and under 358154753842189371
35 and under 40882522976161336
40 and under 455111573976125314
45 and under 50510332306889237
50 and under 55..     5119267370194
55 and under 6073..     13254737132
60 and under 652219185524111
65 and over3217273827105
          Totals5982244482635141,0092,399

AGES AND PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS (EXCLUDING MAORIS) RECEIVED INTO PRISON DURING 1917.

Age, in Years.Not previously convicted.Previous Convictions.Total Distinct Convicted Prisoners.
Once.Twice.Three Times.Four Times.Over Four Times.Total.
Under 217519765542117
21 and under 251332310751661194
25 and under 30179371314639109288
30 and under 35194432881513177371
35 and under 40167342212695169336
40 and under 451144616261696200314
45 and under 50812919161082156237
50 and under 5560211712282134194
55 and under 604779475885132
60 and under 6538114145373111
65 and over34912644071105
          Totals1,122279157112806491,1222,399

The next table gives the offences and gravest previous offences of the distinct persons received into prison after conviction during 1917:—

OFFENCES AND GRAVEST PREVIOUS OFFENCES OF DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS, 1917.

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 offences..     229..     2217
     Assaults..     1011634842
     Other..     ..     ..     81..     211
Against property..     135194141232270
Offences not included above—                                        
     Vagrancy15..     71952024216
     Drunkenness..     164513515156313
     Other2344995151168409
          Totals380164481992402921,278

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.
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
19172,39921.83

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 1916, 72 per cent. of the whole population (excluding Maoris), they contributed in 1917 only 40.64 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 60 per cent. of the total population above that age; but, as before stated, New-Zealanders constituted only 40.64 per cent. of the total number received in gaols.

The number of New-Zealand-born distinct prisoners (excluding Maoris) received for the year 1917–975 persons—is 49 more than the number for 1916. Of the number received in 1917, 73 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 showing figures for the past ten years:—

DISTINCT NEW-ZEALAND-BORN CONVICTED PRISONERS RECEIVED INTO PRISON, 1908–17.
Year.Under 15.15 and under 20.20 and under 25.25 and under 30.30 and under 40.40 and over.Totals.
1908675207227330140985
19092701892643512201,096
19102782082843822101,164
19114621712063772031,023
19122962042224022081,134
19132881822034492301,154
19142791632474743151,280
1915..     631372064553101,171
1916..     6998140333286926
1917370136135338293975

FIRST OFFENDERS' PROBATION ACT.

One hundred and twenty seven persons were placed on probation in the year 1917, as against 125 in 1916 and 93 in 1915.

The following table gives the ages and terms of probation of offenders dealt with under the provisions of the Act during the year 1917:—

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..     1113
15 and under 20315151851
20 and under 252771228
25 and under 302103520
30 and under 40394218
40 and under 50..     ..     426
50 and under 60..     ..     1..     1
60 and over..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals10423540127

HABITUAL CRIMINALS AND REFORMATIVE DETENTION.

The following table shows the distinct convicted prisoners (excluding Maoris) received in prison during 1917 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 only175312..     82
Declared habitual criminal..     ..     ..     11
Under 1 year4113422
1 year and under 2..     5..     38
2 years and under 3..     44412
3 years and under 4..     1..     12
4 years and under 5..     ..     ..     22
5 years and under 7..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
7 years and under 10..     ..     ..     11
          Totals21741916130

TREE-PLANTING BY PRISON LABOUR.

Afforestation by prison labour is now carried on at one camp only—viz., at Kaingaroa, which is situated about 33 miles from Rotorua, on the Kaingaroa Plains.

During the past year the camp has been largely used as a place of detention for military court-martialled prisoners, the greater part of the tree-planting work for the year having been carried out by them.

The number of trees planted in the neighbourhood of Kaingaroa for the year ended 31st March, 1918, was 1,838,700, while the total number of trees planted throughout the Dominion by prison labour since the inception of the afforestation scheme in 1901 is 38,378,500.

The total labour value of the prisoners' work during the period since 1901 to March, 1918, as estimated by the Forestry Department, is £60,881.

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, etc., 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.

Under the provisions of section 14 of the Statute Law Amendment Act, 1917, the Board was empowered to consider, at the request of the Minister of Justice, the cases of prisoners who had been sentenced to imprisonment with or without hard labour for periods exceeding two years, after half of the full term of imprisonment had expired, and to make recommendations to the Governor-General as to the release on probation of any such prisoner.

The total number of cases considered during 1917 was 438, of which 95 concerned habitual criminals, 329 prisoners undergoing reformative detention, and 14 prisoners serving sentences of hard labour. Several of the cases were those of persons who came more than once before the Board, the total number of distinct cases being 362, of which 81 were habitual criminals, 267 reformative-detention prisoners, and 14 hard-labour prisoners.

Thirty-eight habitual criminals were recommended for release on probation, of which number 36 were actually released during the year. The number of prisoners undergoing reformative detention who were recommended for release on probation was 120, of whom 81 were released during the year. Thirty-eight persons who had been recommended for release in the previous year were also released, making a total of 119 for the twelve months. Seven prisoners serving sentences of reformative detention were discharged from prison during the year. One habitual criminal who had been released on probation was 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 119 persons undergoing reformative detention who were released on probation 34 satisfactorily completed their terms during the year, 14 were returned to prison for fresh offences or for failing to observe the conditions of their release, 16 left New Zealand with the Reinforcements, 5 left the Dominion for their former domiciles, 1 was committed to a mental hospital, 1 absconded, and 1 was accidently killed, leaving, 47 still on probation at the end of the year.

Four of the 36 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, 8 left New Zealand with the Reinforcements, 1 died, 1 absconded, and 2 left the Dominion for their former domiciles.

INQUESTS.

The number of bodies on which inquests were held in 1917 was 1,404, including 53 Maoris. In 1,053 cases the bodies were of males, and in 351 of females.

The verdicts given at the inquests held in 1917 may be classified as under:—

Nature of Verdict.Inquests on Persons.
Males.Females.Totals.
Disease and natural causes498249747
Accident44368511
Homicide8412
Suicide10430134
     1,0533511,404

Of the accidental deaths drowning is the most common form. The verdicts show that 166 deaths were due to this cause, giving a percentage of 32.48 on the accidental deaths from all causes.

The inquests on suicidal deaths in 1917 show a decrease on the number for the previous year. The figures for each of the past ten years were,—

Year.Inquests on Suicides.
Males.Females.Totals.
19088715102
19099422116
19109016106
191110925134
191211115126
191311833151
191411627143
191511212124
191612228150
191710430134

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 1917 numbered six. In one case the verdict was arson, and in the remaining five 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.
191321867151
191434691255
191521754163
191628660226
1917336117219

Chapter 9. SECTION IX.—REPRESENTATION AND ELECTORAL.

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.

The Parliamentary Elections Postponement Act, 1916, prolonged the duration of the present Parliament to four years, unless the General Assembly should be sooner dissolved by the Governor-General pursuant to section 44 of the Constitution Act. The duration was further extended till the 19th December, 1919, by a provision in the Finance Act, 1918. The Parliamentary Elections Postponement Act, 1916, also directed that in computing population for the rearrangement of the boundaries of electoral districts Representation Commissioners were to take into account the number of members of the Expeditionary Force absent from New Zealand on census night.

The Legislative Council Amendment Act, 1916, postponed 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.

The electoral districts have been again defined on the basis of the population as shown by the census taken in 1916, with the result that the North Island will now return forty-five members as against thirty-one for the South Island.

BY-ELECTIONS SINCE GENERAL ELECTION, 1914.

Ten by-elections have been held since the general election of December, 1914—viz., in the Electorates of Dunedin Central, Bay of Islands (2), Taumarunui, Pahiatua, Hawke's Bay, Grey (2), Wellington North, and Southern Maori.

Dunedin Central.

The first of these by-elections was that held on the 3rd February, 1915, in the Electoral District of Dunedin Central. The voting was as follows:—

Statham, Charles Ernest4,033
Munro, James Wright3,926
          Total number of valid votes polled7,959
Votes rejected as informal11
Number of electors on the roll9,413

Bay of Islands.

On the 8th June, 1915, a by-election was held in the above electoral district. The votes polled were as follows:—

Stewart, William3,264
Menzies, George Gardiner2,221
          Total number of valid votes polled5,485
Votes rejected as informal6
Number of electors on the roll6,790

Taumarunui.

A by-election in the above district was held on the 15th June, 1915. The voting was as follows:—

Jennings, William Thomas3,899
Wilson, Charles Kendall3,741
          Total number of valid votes polled7,640
Votes rejected as informal15
Number of electors on the roll9,418

Pahiatua.

A by-election was held in the Pahiatua Electoral District on the 17th August, 1916, 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
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 Levavasour11
          Total number of valid votes polled4,827
Votes rejected as informal40
Number of electors on the roll8,194

Grey.

Through the resignation on the 20th November, 1917, of the sitting member, Mr. P. &c. Webb, the seat for the Grey Electoral District was rendered vacant, and a writ for a by-election was issued on the 24th November, 1917. Mr. Webb who was the only candidate nominated, was returned elected unopposed

Wellington North.

Through the resignation on the 4th February, 1918, of the Hon. A. L. Herdman, the Wellington North seat was rendered vacant, and a writ for a by-election was issued on the 12th February, 1918.

Three candidates were nominated, and the voting resulted in the election of Mr. John P. Luke, C.M.G. The votes polled were as follows:—

Brandon, Alfred de Bathe823
Holland, Henry Edmund2,578
Luke, John Pearce2,992
Polson, Angus James Neville722
          Total number of valid votes polled7,115
Votes rejected as informal30
Number of electors on the roll11,188

Grey.

A by-election was held in the Grey Electoral District on the 29th May, 1918, to fill the vacancy rendered through the sitting member, Mr. P. &c. Webb, becoming disqualified as an elector, and the subsequent removal of his name from the parliamentary electoral roll. Two candidates were nominated, and the voting resulted in the election of Mr. H. E. Holland. The votes polled were as follows:—

Coates, Thomas Eldon2,717
Holland, Henry Edmund2,865
          Total number of valid votes polled5,582
Votes rejected as informal46
Number of electors on the roll9,249

Southern Maori.

A by-election was held in the Southern Maori Electoral District on the 21st February, 1918, to fill the vacancy rendered through the death of Mr. Taare Parata on the 8th January, 1918.

In the Legislature Amendment Act, 1914, provision was made requiring Maoris to register as electors in like manner to Europeans, as provided in Part II of the Legislature Act, 1908. The provision came into operation after the completion of the 1914 general election, and for the by-election a roll of electors was used for the first occasion.

There were three candidates nominated, and the voting resulted in the election of Mr. John Hopere Wharewiti Uru. The votes polled were as follows:—

John Hopere Wharewiti Uru237
Henare Parata223
Teone Matapura Erihana158
          Total number of votes polled618
Number of electors on the roll997

Chapter 10. SECTION X.—LICENSES, LOCAL OPTION, ETC.

LICENSES AND LICENSED HOUSES.

DURING the year ended the 31st March, 1917, 1,757 licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors were granted. Of these, 1,183 were publicans' and accommodation licenses, 47 New Zealand wine, 54 packet, 146 wholesale, and 327 conditional licenses. The fees paid amounted to £46,164, 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 1916–17, AND THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID TO LOCAL BODIES THEREFOR.

Licenses.In Counties.In Boroughs.In Town Districts.Total.
Publicans' licenses368598481,014
Accommodation licenses168..     1169
          Total licensed houses536598491,183
New Zealand wine licenses3610147
Packet licenses945..     54
Wholesale licenses41402146
Conditional licenses183144..     327
          Total licenses granted768937521,757
Amount of license fees paid to local bodies£11,772£32,455£1,937£46,164

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:—

Year ended 31st March.Counties.Boroughs.Town Districts.Total.Total Fees.
                         £     
1908704630301,36448,775
1909695635341,36449,017
1910643580341,25744,900
1911630582361,24843,843
1912617590281,23542,572
1913594592321,21842,456
1914578598421,21842,283
1915564596471,20741,769
1916557598441,19942,978
1917536598491,18346,164

The average number of persons to each licensed house in counties, boroughs, and independent town districts respectively for 1916–17 is next shown:—

     Number of Licensed Houses.*Estimated Population.Number of Persons to each Licensed House.
* I.e., houses holding publicans' or accommodation licenses.
Counties536469,827876
Boroughs598585,306979
Town districts4931,430642
          Totals1,1831,086,563918

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. For the year 1916–17 the average number has fallen to 918.

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, 1917, was stated at £679,486, in certain of the boroughs at £1,462,172, and in the town districts at £136,950. There was, besides, an annual value of £133,844 for other licensed houses in the boroughs, which, capitalized at 6 per cent., would represent £2,230,733. The capital value of all licensed houses may therefore be put down at £4,509,341.

BREACHES OF LICENSING LAWS.

During 1917 there were 452 convictions (413 of males, 39 of females) against publicans and 2,311 convictions (2,169 of males and 142 of females) against others for breaches of the licensing laws. These figures include convictions against Maoris.

SLY-GROG SELLING.

There were 191 charges (including charges against Maoris) of selling liquor without a license (including storing liquor for sale) investigated in 1917 in the Magistrates' Courts with the following results: 19 were discharged for want of prosecution or want of evidence, 25 dismissed on the merits, and 147 convicted.

The fines imposed on sly-grog sellers during 1917 amounted to £1,632, as against £2,249 in 1916.

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 rom employment on licensed premises, but the convicting Magistrate may, in the case of a first offence against the regulations, order that such disqualification shall not be imposed or that the term of disqualification shall be reduced.

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 after 6 p.m.

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 came into force on the 1st December, 1917, makes it illegal for licensed premises to be open for the sale of liquor 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, etc., within the areas wherein such services are required.

Although the boroughs, of which there were 115 on the 31st March, 1917, lie geographically within the counties, yet by the law they are not considered as part of them. On the 31st March, 1917, 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 113 road districts (one without a Board) in existence in March, 1917, and 63 town districts. Besides the above there were 39 river-protective districts, 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 Molyneux, for which the Invercargill Borough Council and the Clutha River Board act as the respective Harbour Boards.

RECEIPTS.

Local governing bodies levied rates in the financial year 1916–17 to the amount of £2,534,539, of which £1,695,572 consisted of general rates and £838,962 special and separate rates. The sum of £88,808 was raised by licenses, and £96,803 by other taxes, making £2,720,150 altogether, which sum is equivalent to £2 9s. 6d. per head of the mean European population. In the year 1915–16 the local taxation was £2 6s. 2d. per head, or 3s. 4d. less than in 1916–17.

Revenue derived from rates increased from £1,233,049 in 1906–7 to £2,534,539 in 1916–17. Revenue from Government has increased in the same period from £192,932 to £242,618. Receipts other than “revenue” were £1,227,473 in 1906–7, and £1,411,422 in 1916–17; 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.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
1916–172,534,5393,001,324242,6185,778,4811,411,4227,189,903

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 1916–17 is given below. The total revenue of the local bodies for the financial year was £5,778,481, and they further received a sum of £1,411,422 which could not properly be termed “revenue,” making altogether a grand total of receipts amounting to £7,189,903. The rates formed 43.86 per cent. of the revenue proper; licenses, rents, and other sources yielded 51.94 per cent.; and 4.20 per cent. was granted by the General Government.

While the revenue proper of the counties amounted to £1,263,050, of which £974,334 was raised by way of rates, the Road Boards' revenue was only £122,553, of which £94,676 represented the result of their rating. The boroughs had the far larger revenue of £2,991,791, including £1,230,000 of rates, and their receipts under the heading of licenses, rents, and other sources amounted to the considerable sum of £1,718,773.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS, 1916–17.

Revenue fromReceipts not Revenue.Total Receipts.
Rates.Licenses, Rents, etc.Government.County.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Counties974,334111,107177,609...315,7821,578,832
Boroughs1,230,0001,718,77343,018...731,0813,722,872
Town districts44,44222,4923,8584039,279110,111
Road districts94,6765,37417,3075,19622,655145,208
River districts12,88511,622237...6,46931,213
Land-drainage districts21,8671,115439...11,81435,235
Water-supply districts4,1633,422......1937,778
Tramway districts4,168155,962.........160,130
City and suburban drainage districts106,3873,191150...22,710162,438
Harbour districts41,617924,8278,203...261,4391,236,086
          Totals2,534,5392,987,885250,8215,2361,411,4227,189,903

RATES.

As stated above, rates contributed in 1916–17 the sum of £2,534,539 to the revenue of local governing bodies. General rates levied brought in £1,695,572, and special and separate rates £838,967. Of the lat er, £624,298 was received by boroughs, and £132,181 by counties. The whole of the rates in harbour districts were general rates, while all those collected by Tramway Boards 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, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Financial Year.General.Special and Separate.Total.
     £     £     £     
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
1914–151,484,591655,4952,140,686
1915–161,607,764747,3912,355,155
1916–171,695,572838,9672,534,539

Separate rates are of two classes—“general” and “particular.” General separate rates are levied for the construction, maintenance, etc., of any public work, for the acquisition of land or buildings, or for engaging in any undertaking for the benefit of whole or part of a local district. Particular separate rates are levied in respect of water-supply, lighting, sanitation, and of libraries. Special rates are those levied as security for the repayment of 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.
Avondale Road District1 June, 1918Rejected2313001
Christchurch City*4 Mar., 1915Rating on U.V. remains1,9142,086..     
Ellerslie Town District8 Mar., 1916Carried175251
Featherston County16 Feb., 1915Carried3151642
Huntly Town District20 Oct., 1915Carried301..     
Mangaorongo Road District13 Mar., 1918Carried451..     
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., 1916Carried5419..     
Westport Borough25 Apr., 1917Carried46734530
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 the 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 1916–17 is given in the next table.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS FROM GOVERNMENT.—TABLE SHOWING UNDER SEPARATE HEADS THE AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT BY THE LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES IN THE DOMINION DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1916–17.
Counties.Boroughs.Town Boards.Road Boards.River Boards (excluding Inch-Clutha, also Road Board).Land Drainage Boards.Harbour Boards.City and Suburban Drainage Boards.Totals
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Rates on Crown and Native lands..     83..     49..     ..     ..     ..     132
One-third receipts from land sold on deferred payment and from perpetual leases35,6032451024,953..     ..     ..     ..     40,903
One-fourth of rents from small grazing-runs6,46248..     109..     ..     ..     ..     6,619
Timber and flax royalties4,907..     ..     684..     ..     ..     ..     5,591
Goldfields revenue and gold duty14,84312,958192..     ..     ..     ..     27,894
Subsidies on rates113,64623,5533,65211,366..     ..     ..     ..     152,217
Fees and fines8832,2425740..     ..     ..     ..     3,222
Other receipts1,2653,88946142374398,20315014,243
          Total Revenue Account177,60943,0183,85817,3072374398,203150250,821
Loans from Government under Loans to Local Bodies Acts and from New Zealand State Advances Office90,99270,4575,940300..     2,115..     ..     169,804
Grants for special works, &c.118,2113,1598516,5581,6091,7372,537..     134,662
          Total receipts from Government386,812116,63410,64924,1651,8464,29110,740150555,287

EXPENDITURE.

The expenditure of local governing bodies during each of the past twenty years is as follows:—

Financial Year.Expenditure.
     £     
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
1916–176,758,593

The expenditure of the various classes of local governing bodies during 1916–17 is shown below in more detail.

LOCAL COVERNING BODIES.—EXPENDITURE, 1916–17.

Public Works.Hospitals and Charitable Aid.Management.Interest on Loans and Overdraft.Other.Total.
* Included in public works.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Counties1,096,751121,779140,487135,39070,1481,564,555
Boroughs2,495,79395,955169,200623,767103,6443,488,359
Town districts87,7342,70712,96315,4531,601120,458
Road districts105,1446,16815,38513,1053,379143,181
River districts18,073..     5,8375,5701,44330,923
Land-drainage districts23,450..     3,4738,8484535,816
Water-supply districts6,536..     1,7117204529,419
Tramway districts90,558..     *28,85332,248151,659
City and suburban drainage districts43,042..     9,58858,192250111,072
Harbour districts446,364..     35,217340,919280,6511,103,151
          Totals4,413,445226,609393,8611,230,817493,8616,758,593

It is seen that during the year the total expenditure was £6,758,593, of which £4,413,445 was expended on public works and £1,230,817 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.
     £     £     £     
Counties11.128.908.98
Boroughs5.664.544.85
Town districts18.3011.7710.76
Road districts12.5510.6010.75
River districts23.5918.7018.86
Land-drainage districts14.839.869.70
Water-supply districts22.5622.0018.17
City and suburban drainage districts6.865.908.63
Harbour districts3.612.853.19
All districts6.825.485.83

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, 1907–8 TO 1916–17.

Year ended 31st March.Streets, Foot-ways, and Bridges.Drainage and Sanitation.Waterworks.Tramways.Abattoirs, Slaughterhouses and Pounds.Lighting and Power Services.Other Public Works.Management, Interest, and Sundries.Total.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
1911113,216132,037143,71752,1951,922139,40953,15322,841658,490
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
191798,59592,67784,01221,49714,970130,48960,90216,794519,936

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.

The assets and liabilities of local governing bodies at the end of the financial year 1916–17 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 and those from the State Advances Office).Loans from State Advances Office. (Net indebtedness on 31st March, 1917.)Liabilities other than the Loans included in preceding Columns (Bank Overdrafts, Outstanding Accounts, &c.).
     £     £     £     £     £     
Counties519,758517,648286,679973,628345,921
Boroughs2,492,70013,843,03111,606,4851,312,5051,197,608
Town districts45,811169,373246,56078,03126,199
Road districts54,73380,26066,050106,45529,801
River districts22,37536,03434,5303,31916,748
Land-drainage districts19,23413,04317,12082,4385,182
City and suburban drainage districts466,753562,4141,400,0001805,397
Tramway districts29,023683,878610,600..     146,494
Water-supply districts2,20427,70713,000..     1,519
Harbour districts1,382,1988,978,2807,151,743119,851167,644
          Totals5,034,78924,911,66821,432,7672,676,4071,942,513

In addition to the above liabilities there was outstanding at the 1st February, 1917, an amount of £1,229,468, being the inscribed debt of local bodies under the Loans to Local Bodies Act (including inscribed stock exchanged for debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882).

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES.

The indebtedness of local governing bodies on account of outstanding loans has increased in the twenty years 1896–97 to 1916–17 from £6,793,398 to £21,432,767, exclusive of moneys borrowed from the Government, which represented a further indebtedness of £3,905,875 at the end of March, 1917 (Roads and Bridges Construction Act, the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and the Loans to Local Bodies Act, £1,229,468, and loans from the New Zealand State Advances Office, £2,676,407).

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, 1897–98 TO 1916–17.
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 the Local Bodies' Loans Acts (in-eluding Debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act converted).
     £     £     £     £     £     
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..     1,711,7971,761,40920,956,538
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
1916–1721,432,767..     2,676,4071,229,46825,338,642

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 the 31st March, 1916. Both amounts increased slightly during the financial year 1916–17, the difference between them remaining at approximately £5,000,000.

INDEBTEDNESS AND INTEREST CHARGES.

Financial Year.Raised in New Zealand.Raised Abroad.Total Indebtedness.Interest.Average Rate per Cent.
     £     £     £     £     £     
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
1916–1713,218,6178,214,15021,432,767983,4084.59

The average rate of interest shows a steady fall throughout the twenty years shown, with, however, a cheek in the last two years of the period. The loans outstanding, other than Government loans, at the end of the financial year 1916–17 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
43,082,9102,372,4005,455,310
4 ¼1,669,830331,1002,000,930
4 ⅜37,000..     37,000
4 ½3,909,8802,051,6505,961,530
4 ¾518,140..     518,140
52,938,5082,524,1255,462,633
5 ⅛91,300..     91,300
5 ¼597,3498,175605,524
5 ½120,5141,100121,614
6160,186925,6001,085,786
          Totals13,218,6178,214,15021,432,767

The total indebtedness at the end of 1916–17, 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 £21,432,767, as shown above. Against this were sinking funds amounting to £2,155,061, leaving the net indebtedness, other than to the State, £19,277,706. The annual charge for interest was £983,408, and for sinking fund £159,522. The net indebtedness to the State Advances Office was £2,676,407, representing loans originally amounting to £2,836,055. The instalments of principal and interest on this amounted to an annual charge of £147,151.

The debt under the Loans to Local Bodies Acts, including inscribed stock exchanged for debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, was £1,229,468 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 £103,313, representing 4 ½ per cent. on £862,657, 4 per cent. on £104,444, and 3 ½ per cent. on £1,723,311, the amount inscribed to the 1st February, 1917. Repayments on the amount inscribed would be £3,615,948, including interest. The actual, repayments have been £1,899,227;, leaving £1,716,721 still to be paid by way of interest and sinking fund on a present indebtedness of £1,229,468.

Full information concerning the law governing local bodies' loans is given in the 1914 issue of this book. The section of tins 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 Volume 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 Acts 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, 1878–1917.

Year.Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
     £     £     
187899,566,67962,573,868
1882101,000,000..     
1885113,270,649..     
1888111,137,71475,497,379
1891122,225,02975,832,465
1897138,591,34784,401,244
1902154,816,13294,847,727
1904182,796,241112,629,412
1905197,684,475122,937,126
1906218,422,552137,168,548
1907236,644,536149,682,689
1908253,440,172161,324,763
1909271,516,022172,759,948
1910277,630,083175,289,861
1911293,117,065184,062,798
1912315,503,213199,184,261
1913340,559,728212,963,468
1914365,342,237228,493,376
1915371,076,683230,705,147
1916389,164,729241,322,255
1917405,466,071251,087,708

Information covering the past ten years as to capital and unimproved values in the North and South Islands is given in the following table, which also shows the separate totals for counties, boroughs, and towns districts (independent of county jurisdiction). Summarized totals are also given.

CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS AND FOR THE WHOLE DOMINION.
Year.North Island.South Island.*New Zealand.
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).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous Column).
* Including Stewart Island and Chatham Islands.
COUNTIES.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
190893,251,79563,032,42969,038,15551,269,297162,289,950114,301,726
1909100,434,67768,121,21175,166,58655,218,139175,601,263123,339,350
1910102,947,07969,161,56474,754,54055,399,156177,701,619124,560,720
1911107,638,95472,319,27377,403,38357,071,320185,042,337129,990,593
1912117,099,19478,574,76981,014,94460,239,117198,114,138138,813,886
1913130,946,88287,361,65587,335,15064,912,274218,282,038152,273,929
1914136,142,91290,361,87793,708,09369,484,292229,851,005159,846,169
1915137,669,16891,079,54394,296,27569,841,015231,965,443160,920,558
1916146,242,11897,379,01596,811,08471,199,250243,053,202168,578,265
1917154,477,641102,981,689100,636,68874,108,106255,114,329177,089,795
BOROUGHS.
190854,527,28130,807,24234,141,376,14,827,57588,668,65745,634,817 
190957,227,86432,334,02835,795,03015,405,83093,022,89447,739,858
191059,726,32633,245,23537,329,43715,867,22097,055,76349,112,455
191165,159,19635,551,07139,649,80516,766,347104,809,00152,317,418
191273,385,46841,506,15440,295,80116,856,805113,681,26958,363,019
191376,763,29841,734,84842,207,28017,354,970118,970,57859,089,818
191484,945,58247,017,46345,875,02319,367,115130,820,60566,384,578
191587,671,60948,150,30946,038,66319,396,948134,310,27267,547,257
191692,902,16050,443,30948,313,99920,050,324141,216,15970,493,733
191796,207,34551,510,81948,770,85220,018,500144,978,19771,529,319
TOWN DISTRICTS.
19081,909,2811,110,131572,284278,0892,481,5651,388,220
19092,286,8571,396,478605,008284,2622,891,8651,680,740
19102,245,0741,328,297627,627288,3892,872,7011,616,686
19112,591,8331,439,866673,894314,9213,265,7271,754,787
19122,925,8711,639,588781,935307,7083,707,8062,007,356
19132,487,0871,228,438820,025371,2833,307,1121,599,721
19143,803,3681,880,433802,259382,1964,670,6272,262,629
19153,916,1011,854,576884,867382,7564,800,9682,237,332
19164,273,9751,989,761621,393200,4904,895,3682,250,257
19174,732,9482,207,633640,597260,9615,373,5452,468,594
GRAND TOTALS.
1908149,688,35794,949,802103,751,81566,374,961253,440,172161,324,763
1909159,949,398101,851,717111,566,62470,908,231271,516,022172,759,968
1910164,918,479103,735,096112,711,60471,554,765277,630,083175,289,861
1911175,389,983109,310,210117,727,08274,752,588293,117,065184,062,798
1912193,410,533121,720,511122,092,68077,463,750315,503,213199,184,261
1913210,197,267130,324,941130,362,46182,638,527340,559,728212,903,468
1914224,896,862139,259,773140,445,37589,233,603365,342,237228,493,376
1915229,256,878141,084,428141,819,80589,620,719371,076,683230,705,147
1916243,418,253149,812,085145,746,47691,510,170389,164,729241,322,255
1917255,417,934156,700,141150,048,13794,387,567405,466,071251,087,708

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, 1917, 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.).Population. Census 1916 (excluding Interior Boroughs, &c.).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 this 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.

                    £     £          £     £          
Mongonui8753,5621,619867,765521,670U.V.739,153421,4101916
Whangaroa200776547160,790109,504C.V.139,56090,7341912
Bay of Islands8483,6003,0141,069,740743,529C.V.903,149595,4241912
Hokianga9333,5962,813986,916730,987U.V.725,168481,7221911
Whangarei8948,0954,0462,249,9081,245,090U.V.2,111,9641,137,8301914, 1917
Hobson6264,2171,6991,259,857783,913U.V.1,200,398738,6071913
Otamatea4433,6471,805991,252607,003C.V.934,740560,3961912
Rodney4933,4191,680987,645610,200C.V.982,206583,5991912
Waitemata6307,4763,7202,627,5441,809,175C.V.2,517,8631,722,3541912, '13, '14, '16
Eden3016,8414,7934,189,7622,639,2353,790,6622,422,3091911, '13, '16, '17
Manukau1976,1582,0562,830,7231,932,605C.V.2,755,2561,892,1691911, '12, '13, '14
Franklin6208,7563,8893,767,8212,427,057C.V.3,713,3162,418,0611912, '13, '14, '16, '17
Great Barrier108245201133,758108,440U.V.128,776103,7631914
Islands—                                             
   Little Barrier, Waiheke, c...     ..     264327,038212,080Nil265,273172,7001913
Waikato6130,5641,7372,725,8281,874,878C.V.2,616,2921,797,3031912
Raglan8554,0272,3463,168,0692,074,533U.V.3,120,2382,040,0821916
Waipa2846,1092,1883,036,6762,030,480C.V.2,964,2212,003,3401913
Kawhia351991826564,276366,766U.V.534,975340,3231913
Awakino416702522954,580553,970U.V.901,805504,1251916
Waitomo1,1155,1812,7702,251,3451,493,816C.V.2,149,0391,404,4611913, 1916, 1917
Ohura5272,3829741,044,661672,868U.V.967,659600,6241913
Coromandel4402,2561,585434,322282,210C.V.367,576232,2011913
Thames4984,6902,2421,514,1551,099,128U.V.1,411,3251,006,6761913, 1916, 1917
Ohinemuri4974,6612,4861,751,9641,256,211C.V.1,578,3691,114,5661913,1917
Tauranga6513,3822,3421,244,408812,039U.V.1,132,842711,9641912
Piako4044,0791,2033,332,2572,281,772U.V.3,192,5752,161,5351917
Matamata9423,9031,1731,517,239964,342C.V.1,403,372865,9901911, 1916
Rotorua9951,4001,095608,735472,115C.V.479,023375,9151912
Whakatane1,5502,0541,5091,342,653954,656C.V.1,182,085808,7461913, 1916
Opotiki1,5091,8811,1731,296,630833,712U.V.1,175,457717,6681913
East Taupo2,470515936415,266249,332Nil283,651123,7621914
West Taupo1,4382,3511,2161,976,9921,436,2161,629,9041,156,1751916
Islands—                                             
   Mayor and Motiti..     ..     ..     19,41512,141Nil.18,82012,1211917
Waiapu1,1022,0759712,732,7531,671,975C.V.2,567,7271,558,1881913
Waikohu8963,0139452,692,4671,568,914U.V.2,604,3761,486,2171912
Cook1,0827,0053,4277,506,5735,098,143C.V7,444,9165,063,4061912, '13, '14, '10
Wairoa1,8932,3321,5603,035,3961,921,634C.V.2,852,3751,782,8111913
Hawke's Bay1,9859,5853,9007,764,2785,945,428C.V.7,678,2775,909,3011911, '12, '13, '14
Waipawa4403,0841,2712,952,0382,093,751U.V.2,900,9462,058,1211916
Waipukurau85667257721,637534,743U.V.718,054532,5951916
Dannevirke4144,5381,5943,314,2672,178,894U.V.3,293,2712,159,5521916
Woodville1541,8198171,380,846962,391U.V.1,369,022955,2991914
Patangata7182,0801,0094,761,3963,700,830C.V.4,683,6103,638,8161912, 1917
Weber108420180719,621475,510U.V.716,614474,5351917
Clifton6152,1561,349997,343563,730C.V.963,051533,2221911
Taranaki3867,1003,0122,262,6031,270,159C.V.2,224,3471,249,6831912,1913
Egmont1973,2641,6051,930,3941,039,229C.V.1,876,8921,007,0681914
Stratford3915,1521,6532,085,3261,219,004U.V.2,036,1481,184,4801909
Whangamomona3781,387621565,984327,252U.V.519,715283,1101909
Waimate West752,0294991,415,5261,120,254C.V.1,411,6391,119,2221913
Hawera1954,5991,5802,574,5181,929,232C.V.2,548,6571,914,2261910, 1913
Eltham2013,3938871,995,5541,356,388C.V.1,969,8971,342,0821914
Patea6263,1361,5333,613,2792,394,715C.V.3,529,7122,328,7441915
Waitotara4472,4159812,677,2411,827,322C.V.2,617,1991,773,9331914, 1916
Waimarino9302,5861,5411,440,6311,015,984U.V.1,262,674841,6711913
Wanganui6273,3971,4402,751,8481,743,785C.V.2,703,9991,706,0401913, 1916
Rangitikei1,1447,5253,1676,585,5944,307,024C.V.6,527,2674,267,0711908, '12, '14, '17
Kiwitea3362,5851,4962,015,7491,351,935C.V.1,988,2621,333,1341910, 1911
Pohangina2951,5819861,221,019810,566C.V.1,185,416780,0541911
Kaitieke5902,7847871,492,609983,871U.V.1,178,896681,9991917
Manawatu2674,5211,5382,397,3761,709,831C.V.2,377,0141,701,0031911, 1912
Oroua2133,3041,4912,942,6682,103,571C.V.2,929,4692,098,9041913, 1917
Kairanga1904,1241,1453,002,6762,189,322U.V.2,957,4732,177,2821912
Horowhenua4996,1202,4423,557,1702,540,649C.V3,421,7742,448,3531913, 1914
Islands—                                             
   Kapiti, Mana, and Somes..     ..     1717,98413,378Nil10,4549,3781898
Chatham Islands375219201286,373195,957Nil281,017195,3931915
Pahiatua3013,1102,2411,736,9911,041,965U.V.1,706,8151,020,9161907
Akitio3261,4166911,187,477608,945U.V.1,171,611600,3221914
Castlepoint239621167831,503536,555C.V.828,398535,9931913
Eketahuna3242,3121,1741,257,731716,826U.V.1,194,501683,7711908,1910
Mauriceville136771441547,256309,429C.V.525,909291,9351914
Masterton5863,7461,2982,843,6861,874,217C.V.2,810,3831,861,5411909, 1910
Wairarapa South4522,7441,0322,176,9851,358,312U.V.2,139,8751,338,5011913
Featherston9613,2351,0023,919,3272,581,210U.V.3,853,9932,531,9431912, 1917
Hutt4614,9982,5262,156,9141,283,385C.V.1,911,8911,180,2901913, 1914
Makara1012,9769671,045,417499,758C.V.922,844482,5671916
Collingwood7191,253878253,495152,552U.V.209,409115,8831909
Takaka4541,858781468,479223,279U.V.412,381175,3161909,1917
Waimea1,6629,3343,8533,172,2721,784,046C.V.3,070,4761,731,3321916, 1917
Sounds4731,201867792,701478,675Nil756,143444,9821914
Marlborough1,9316,9152,6153,208,3342,432,9113,121,4902,369,5221909, '11, '12, '13, '14
Awatere1,2671,5425181,609,2931,253,376U.V.1,594,6111,245,5131913
Kaikoura7031,9067491,230,081908,146C.V.1,200,020902,6011913
Buller1,8185,7733,0621,412,727731,973U.V.1,001,980408,8081913, 1916
Murchison1,6401,251862777,819470,749U.V.470,201173,1541916
Inangahua7414,1301,718592,565296,932U.V.393,969121,2451912
Grey1,4525,5102,450993,899648,504C.V.584,111295,4441912
Westland4,4204,0873,2171,053,715763,328C.V.591,690328,9461914
Cheviot3221,2246611,474,9791,185,491U.V.1,463,1321,179,3191913
Amuri2,3621,8366151,986,9831,630,071C.V.1,952,8551,603,5661911, 1912
Waipara9012,0587133,158,5892,698,749C.V.3,141,7042,690,7691914
Ashley311728348850,332702,180C.V.823,597677,6151916
Kowai1601,9149111,191,310939,033C.V.1,175,925935,0271914
Oxford3241,756932872,099694,054C.V.833,818662,7411912
Rangiora952,7471,1681,378,7211,064,033C.V.1,363,2021,058,5081913, 1914
Eyre1751,8067131,191,351959,593C.V.1,185,539957,5661914
Waimairi7411,9144,5893,066,2961,725,365C.V.2,601,7831,458,1021909, 1911
Paparua1364,7161,6082,131,7021,573,133C.V.2,061,3511,539,3821917
Malvern2482,7571,2861,935,4251,533,543C.V.1,893,2881,516,2591914
Tawera932847326345,429270,636C.V.325,462259,3931907, 1909, 1910
Heathcote214,2121,507936,945549,905C.V.877,410532,5251916, 1917
Halswell421,628423718,505544,446C.V.688,635534,9811910, 1913
Selwyn9771,4236031,725,3071,395,207C.V.1,653,6551,380,7041917
Springs891,7856161,052,610827,850C.V.1,011,222824,8471913
Ellesmere1833,4411,1982,232,2791,819,061C.V.2,198,0381,806,4861906, 1911
Mount Herbert59405194571,179469,254C.V.560,969464,3291917
Wairewa1651,0365471,282,0431,059,148C.V.1,264,5591,045,7031917
Akaroa1631,9828051,515,7171,204,157C.V.1,503,4021,200,1371909
Ashburton2,54210,9694,0469,468,3277,835,931C.V.9,381,5967,792,6331911, '12, '14, '17
Geraldine9495,1942,4133,150,3812,534,404C.V.3,122,4562,518,6091911, 1917
Levels2734,6182,0403,048,0872,434,853C.V.3,017,7092,418,2281914
Mackenzie2,5372,8681,0962,134,4581,674,971C.V.2,059,0351,034,3081911, 1912, 1913
Wairewa1,3436,9842,5005,397,1224,396,212U.V.5,330,0274,357,2151913, 1914
Waitaki2,3339,6943,9134,128,2203,178,019C.V.4,054,1353,153,2361909
Maniototo1,2392,5271,863928,303640,857C.V.903,566631,0961912, 1913
Waihemo3361,446807575,410416,268C.V.569,989415,0601908
Waikouaiti3184,0942,028889,712509,562C.V.764,747491,4481908
Peninsula371,7931,475514,276290,463481,213286,1491908, 1911
Taieri9305,6622,7791,897,5071,371,873C.V.1,861,5241,360,6741906, '07, '09, '17
Tuapeka1,3655,1232,6191,909,8341,357,276C.V.1,850,1111,332,4691911, 1912
Bruce5034,7632,2481,506,7011,040,613C.V.1,485,0751,034,6671907, '08, '09, '17
Clutha9406,9013,2742,676,4791,696,885C.V.2,601,1881,656,6911913, '14, '16, '17
Islands—                                             
   Quarantine and Goat..     ..     ..     3,454900Nil..     ..     ..     
Vincent2,6843,9301,896962,228637,289C.V.930,432022,9751914
Lake3,7121,7491,389551,540404,908C.V.509,833372,0161914, 1916
Fiord3,0591790141,340137,560Nil15,89815,1181897
Wallace3,6968,7363,9003,739,3132,561,316C.V.3,544,8402,395,2791913, 1914, 1917
Southland3,75424,48410,14511,360,4577,658,980U.V.11,174,1207,558,7331911, '13, '14, '16, '17 1904
Stewart Island665349295167,105129,749C.V.40,77817,6011904
Islands—                                             
   Antipodes, etc...     ..     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, 1917, 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.Population, Census 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).
                         £     £          £     £          
1/1Whangarei2,0383,294869657,989346,466U.V.617,154327,5561911
41cDargaville2,7881,776893418,815235,190U.V.398,075227,7751915
55Birkenhead3,1142,116724608,540320,835U.V.588,845309,0951914
56Devonport7457,6131,9341,572,733655,915U.V.1,266,005517,1841911
57, 63,Auckland6,99264,95117,38924,581,40714,245,144A.V.21,667,90712,322,3891912
65, 931913
94, 100, 1021914
64Newmarket1802,863774684,069371,794A.V.656,674352,7991914
66Onehunga1,3495,9131,7301,060,240517,822U.V.1,000,215487,1821914
88ATakapuna2,7752,7562,2541,151,791752,139C.V.1,120,876738,6541914
90Northcote1,2001,651532335,703184,153A.V.325,038177,1531913
96Mount Albert2,4379,6543,4531,663,943804,625C.V.1,615,878777,4601914
99Mount Eden1,42212,5553,1872,439,1751,017,780A.V.2,264,540975,2001916
117Otahuhu1,4082,328726501,205272,555C.V.469,265255,1401916
129APukekohe3,5101,533533389,071216,401C.V.369,534208,6241912
140, 158AHamilton3,2027,5382,3092,222,5461,377,725U.V.2,017,1491,232,2281912, 1914
141Cambridge1,0831,507623445,870257,530A.V.394,190229,7651914
163To Awamutu1,5201,064314307,635179,696C.V.288,430168,3161913
166Thames2,6803,273954444,320183,550A.V.376,565157,4701914
167Tauranga8751,685687290,271143,527A.V.263,134129,6141912
176BPaeroa2,7801,376650193,27684,843A.V.174,85375,8151913
177BWaihi3,1304,7741,691422,468149,258A.V.388,925139,3801908
187Te Aroha2,9651,452401350,660162,020A.V.305,105136,5251916
192Rotorua (Town)4,1402,845275779,080471,762C.V.530,072287,5821911
199Opotiki7701,073438273,267153,086C.V.250,219139,2561913
201ATaumarunui1,9251,875579376,648198,053U.V.341,965179,7001917
230Te Kuiti2,1431,982738562,255344,518U.V.527,174311,9571917
2/1Gisborne2,3109,1742,25012,829,4531,424,821U.V.2,616,6381,302,8141912
22Wairoa1,5621,530752412,627236,328U.V.380,455224,9181916
25, 33ANapier1,16012,7042,7813,396,5931,669,576U.V.3,102,2501,538,1451916, 1917
26Hastings2,6017,9183,8552,622,2631,524,163U.V.2,539,0391,478,3311910
27Dannevirke1,2703,3361,192799,576380,678U.V.741,877360,5311911
28Woodville1,2401,0781,041163,80060,490U.V.140,23853,9011913
41Waipawa4,8101,100534262,013141,796U.V.247,906135,0691914
44AWaipukurau1,0461,167471244,642133,198U.V.231,413128,7451908
61New Plymouth4,0888,7043,1702,253,9431,333,646A.V.2,029,9601,193,9761914
62Hawera7503,37571844,607419,762U.V.795,801399,4121917
63Patea1,4301,010390148,13157,330A.V.132,87353,4921914
70Waitara1,5401,422748228,25683,667U.V.218,47880,2121910
74Inglewood7031,199514197,69987,302U.V.178,88876,1781914
91Stratford1,9202,7131,882563,080241,718U.V.527,519221,2801912
97AEltham1,5901,711641404,941193,482C.V.387,460185,9621914
110, 120aWanganui4,94414,3803,8453,152,9141,916,716A.V.2,879,2701,748,1411911
117Marton1,1601,650815350,875144,223U.V.331,843136,0061913
118HOhakune3,2241,371491114,98843,240U.V.104,38433,8001912
125ATaihape1,2301,927584343,660173,957C.V.301,039149,6851914
3/1Feilding2,4503,4381,251853,415431,710U.V.795,540394,8641916
2Palmerston North4,59512,8293,8093,106,6851,657,084U.V.2,913,2701,558,4581914
3Foxton1,2401,772604273,254115,902U.V.246,903101,1501916
4Onslow2,0002,1911,199550,466269,480U.V.525,613258,1911914
5Karori2,2401,6471,332532,444315,856U.V.491,666287,5561913
     WELLINGTON                                             
4AOnslow portion9,65073,305486363,631205,740U.V.338,481184,7911913
5AKarori portion872518,442217,145U.V.450,377201,5101913
7City portion11,58517,876,4849,705,859U.V.16,272,4159,566,5321914
8Kilbirnie7,5493,557,0701,480,536U.V.3,439,8871,419,8971913
9Island Bay portion
10Ohiro portion
24ALevin1,3301,6301,024309,463148,006C.V.285,738133,9081914
29Pahiatua7201,300570240,712101,381U.V.230,33498,8771906
30Masterton2,3505,8941,8401,341,593573,922U.V.1,209,272538,3801907
31Carterton1,9201,614762291,260118,600C.V.270,658111,5731908
32Greytown3,9071,186464200,77484,353A.V.185,60182,6141911
33Lower Hutt3,2554,8933,1241,452,074841,451U.V.1,370,125781,2901911
34Petone1,0607,1152,0991,459,412679,812U.V.1,334,671599,7241911
42BEketahuna960754448152,88266,604U.V.140,38461,9141912
64AEastbourne1,380952786211,144102,149U.V.202,09096,1171914
66Miramar2,2542,1581,822849,112482,749U.V.766,737426,5921914
67Richmond2,300872247211,856113,231C.V.198,551110,4211917
68Nelson4,9668,7742,5411,755,631848,161A.V.1,626,801790,9301914
69Picton9201,121825295,856154,218C.V.262,116131,9371909
70Blenheim1,6133,8221,628965,727476,357U.V.892,271436,1731914
77Motueka5,9601,475426199,42389,669C.V.191,58187,6631909
98Westport7604,0671,340750,887380,965U.V.634,502304,8701910
99Greymouth2,1304,8631,590843,394270,737U.A.721,176228,1001911
100Brunner5,67059852471,28612,205A.V.20,8359,3431898
101Kumara84262345934,0066,052C.V.23,8633,9871904
102Hokitika2,0002,0911,110256,61178,679U.V.200,62362,5191907
103Ross3,95549134023,2665,828C.V.18,2954,6071909
115ARunanga1,1011,41141059,91420,018U.V.47,78711,9481912
4/1Rangiora1,0401,808682324,517130,252U.V.301,042123,5771914
2Kaiapoi1,0201,560602188,72658,651A.V.174,09156,6311907
     CHRISTCHURCH                                             
25St. Albans portion5,92354,9254,3642,560,510924,440U.V.2,511,260906,4151914
26–30Central portion2,6701,285,086747,043U.V.1,879,136617,3671914
31Sydenham portion3,62412,094,298747,043U.V.1,879,136617,3671914
32, 32ALinwood portion2,6701,285,086435,919U.V.1,251,641424,8741914
31AOpawa portion361151,85567,345U.V.149,92566,9701917
31BSt. Martin's portion15068,05036,760U.V.67,79536,5951917
32BAvonside portion232120,40552,355U.V.116,90051,3251917
33Woolston1,2763,9901,180503,401172,996U.V.478,431166,4861908
34New Brighton1,5002,3101,829404,941168,666U.V.390,641162,6961913
35Sumner4,8762,2871,301575,357272,930U.V.542,402259,6401913
36Lyttelton2,0143,766921988,107272,707A.V.435,087172,3671908
37Akaroa228540190115,20644,439C.V.94,57237,2281911
39ERiccarton5662,890920557,647180,108U.V.499,437160,2931909
48, 48ASpreydon1,2954,2891,616620,045235,350U.V.604,890230,4651914
63Ashburton6802,808964517,343205,585A.V.466,242177,7691905
64Timaru2,33012,2383,3042,386,2841,145,936U.V.2,235,7741,072,5711908
78Geraldine718869384131,93743,660C.V.118,51738,5841912
80, 80ATemuka9451,633741250,86867,571C.V.214,30457,3941909
5/1Waimate6491,867640316,90699,146U.V.283,97891,8351910
2Oamaru1,1115,1401,538879,118290,261A.V.784,390259,5091910
3Hampden64036439328,5019,682C.V.24,2258,1021907
23Naseby11327618420,9632,583A.V.13,8331,9081912
24Palmerston90075246290,80424,376C.V.78,62222,3021913
25Waikouaiti1,95261160277,05928,112C.V.69,13926,8451908
44Port Chalmers4852,615529361,711117,892A.V.286,331101,8471907
45West Harbour1,6701,631864214,48074,398U.V.203,23571,0731907
     DUNEDIN                                             
46Valley portion14,57055,25613,903661,418213127630,516203,3701907
47Maori Hill portion439,222186,600A.V.368,772155,2501914
48Roslyn portion1,049,722348,081A.V.1,019,777337,5911908
49Mornington portion611,609190,961A.V.590,924184,9211907
50, 51Leith portion3,395,0391,442,105A.V.2,873,7691,225,7701909
52, 53Central portion4,164,9011,767,635A.V.3,674,7661,535,5501907
54, 55Caversham portion1,681,312454,033A.V.1,515,276399,6781907
64ABay portion390,521159,963A.V.381,911157,4781911
56St. Kilda4635,5201,647924,250306,935U.V.880,890290,2501913
65Green Island8041,841676269,81665,625A.V.256,78662,9801909
66Mosgiel9671,719668265,72595,560U.V.243,02591,6001916
67Roxburgh40044922037,7255,959A.V.32,6704,8291912
68Lawrence640837553111,99430,304A.V.100,08025,2901905
69Tapanui12432214533,2259,075A.V.29,9558,5351909
70Milton2971,317431183,38356,001A.V.166,72353,0011907
71Balclutha5681,409501223,94382,708U.V.206,50876,1781911
72Kaitangata1,1581,681736109,92631,843A.V.99,05529,4081905
114Cromwell64054949944,94110,189A.V.38,8418,5071906
115Alexandra86067946157,54911,548A.V.51,22110,0331906
6/1Arrowtown39030718021,5193,375A.V.15,3772,8501905
2Queenstown92365726765,59514,564A.V.52,48112,2641905
20Gore1,3533,5511,448692,275275,717U.V.634,454247,0621911, 1913
21Mataura1,3301,129447207,39974,928A.V.195,96370,3331912
22Winton160586232114,26538,495U.V.102,25135,1201916
27Invercargill2,58314,1544,7193,819,5701,712,172U.V.3,378,6201,488,0521916
28Invercargill South2,2801,712788276,701136,405U.V.266,346132,8751914
29Riverton718837521139,18744,880A.V.120,04842,0631913
30Bluff2,0061,823680295,314100,990A.V.264,44991,5051909

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, 1917, 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).Population (Census 1916).Number of Assessments on Valuation Roll.Gross ValuesSystem 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).
                    £     £          £     £          
½4AHikurangi77529166,19531,095U.V.63,24529,9051913
79BWarkworth62419483,89226,665C.V.77,37225,0851912
84Helensville837261114,31037,900C.V.104,59034,9751911
92BNew Lynn1,041268199,420105,055C.V.194,030102,9801917
105AEllerslie1,363422285,555138,500U.V.263,535128,4801916
109AWaiuku641202130,50866,500C.V.123,56864,3801914
125Papakura641288122,36968,764U.V.113,19961,7991912
143AHuntly1,535290174,73094,585U.V.167,21092,0651911
157Ngaruawahia755301132,78894,238U.V.112,20450,8541913
184BTe Puke565127102,64945,325U.V.93,02442,5851915
186AMorrinsville934260236,120125,795U.V.221,150120,1551917
195CWhakatane900245198,00799,136C.V.184,58789,9961917
2/16Mangapapa1,140555269,689122,846C.V.209,641114,7761913
32Taradale1,012297161,68896,057C.V.157,84395,1871908
38AHavelock North870278199,64791,355C.V.178,00787,9831912
94Manaia606402116,03851,711C.V.103,68147,1771916
111Waverley62325799,43242,341U.V.89,38738,9361912
115AGonville2,693789559,822221,029U.V.526,509207,7791912
115BCastlecliff734464141,96058,847C.V.136,18054,8271913
154Manunui81314971,36325,848A.V.64,49022,1251917
118FRaetihi50829693,77241,897U.V.82,72633,9871913
118JRangataua41017134,7909,803U.V.27,8926,3221913
125BMangaweka39025957,22322,081C.V.50,15419,0811914
12GHunterville55527395,92437,325C.V.86,05833,4481914
136Bull's48317757,96123,788A.V.53,53922,7881908
3/25AOtaki806515199,466111,094C.V.191,139107,6801913
52BMartinborough725451159,01853,549U.V.145,43751,8991914
54Featherston1,159335131,82732,540U.V.120,86030,8571909
59Johnsonville886677192,751102,794U.V.182,70997,7191914
62AUpper Hutt1,3991,160244,034129,170U.V.226,864124,4351914
4/71Hampstead1,579472170,17466,174C.V.159,01465,2341908
75Tinwald1,07524789,85645,385C.V.85,02243,1751905
83Pleasant Point48223580,49736,582C.V.71,30733,5171914
6/35Otautau696327128,83950,197C.V.119,26047,1321912
39ALumsden53038047,72712,043U.V.44,55711,2451914
52Wyndham647275123,50450,580A.V.110,31144,6401912

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-band 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 22 per cent. (£66,507); 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, 1853–1917.

The following table shows the increase in the total trade since the year 1853:—

TOTAL TRADE, IMPORTS, AND EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND, 1853–1917.
Year.Total Value.Value per Head.
Total Trade.Imports.Exports.Total Trade.Imports.Exports.
* Excluding gold (specie and bullion).
     £     £     £     £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
1853901,110597,828303,2823009191871022
186310,510,0797,024,6743,485,4057210548952410
187312,075,0586,464,6875,610,37141193229419911
188315,070,0377,974,0387,095,999289515131382
189315,896,8796,911,5158,985,3642409109013119
190327,799,05312,788,67515,010,3783317101511101800
190428,040,04213,291,69414,748,3483338151471791
190528,484,80412,828,85715,655,947321410141411171911
190633,306,54015,211,40318,095,1373739161982041
190737,371,81817,302,86120,068,957401331816621169
190833,788,77817,471,28416,317,4943515118991754
190935,336,71515,674,71919,661,996367316272048
191039,231,79217,051,58322,180,20939104173622610
191138,574,36919,545,87919,028,4903802195218150
191242,747,15520,976,57421,770,58141210203920191
191345,275,02422,288,30222,986,7224273201721102 
191448,117,54321,856,09626,261,447442820012419
191553,477,74621,728,83431,748,9124812101915228178
191659,626,22026,339,28333,286,9375448231923056
1917*51,602,41820,919,25930,683,15946190190827184

A diagram showing the increase in the total external trade and in the population of the Dominion during the period 1853 to 1916 is given below. This diagram, which is constructed on what is known as the “ratio” method, takes the place of one previously published in the Year-book, which plotted the actual “quantity” increases from year to year, and accordingly tended to convey an erroneous impression as to the rate of increase in recent years. The chart now given shows each yearly movement as a percentage or ratio of the previous figure, and therefore gives a more correct view of the “speed” of progress.

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. On only three occasions 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; in 1913, on the occasion of another depression of trade; and again in 1917, as a result of shortage of shipping.

It will be seen from the diagram that since 1895 trade has increased much faster than has population. This is doubtless largely due to increasing prices. To some extent, however, it is probably a result of greater productivity and consequent increased purchasing-power.

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 to population, and therefore attention has been directed to the per capita trade of the Dominion, as shown in the following diagram:—

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 an almost continuous decrease in the 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 an almost constant increase. Since the outbreak of war the total trade until 1917 has increased to a very considerable extent, with the result that the figures for 1916 constituted a record for the Dominion. This, of course, was largely if not entirely due to increased market values of both imports and exports.

The following comparison between trade in 1916 and in 1917 gives the figures exclusive of gold specie and bullion.

TOTAL TRADE, 1916 AND 1917.

 1916.1917.
 £     £     
* Exclusive of gold specie and bullion.
*Total trade57,402,39851,602,418
* Imports25,315,48320,919,259
* Exports32,086,91530,683,159

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, 1917, was £5,168,318, but of this amount about one-third 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 approximately twenty-one millions (of which, however, only eight millions was raised abroad), and on 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 owing abroad.

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..     103
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

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 ¼ 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 ten years 1907–16. Figures relating to exports and imports of gold bullion and specie in 1917 are not available for publication.

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
* Excluding gold.
     £     £     £     £               
190817,247,16216,075,20533,322,367180,6751.051.12
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
191321,653,63222,810,36344,463,995232,4731.071.02
191421,144,22726,253,92547,398,152269,2081.271.03
191520,658,72031,430,82252,089,542392,6901.901.25
1916; 25,045,40333,281,05758,326,460311,0301.240.93
1917*20,742,12430,613,18451,355,308499,0902.411.63

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 into New Zealand has, since 1916, been reckoned at the fair market value in the country of export at the time of exportation, plus 10 per cent. (see subsection C of this section); exports are valued f.o.b. In the United States and Canada, however, the value 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.

Again, 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, 1916, page 568. Such a comparison (which covers in most eases 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 1915, those for the United Kingdom to the calendar year 1916, for Canada to the year ended 31st March, 1916, for the United States to the twelve months ended 30th June, 1915, for Australia to the year ended 30th June, 1916, and for Uruguay to the calendar year 1911, in all other cases the figures refer to the calendar year 1912.

TRADE OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES—IMPORTS FOR HOME CONSUMPTION AND EXPORTS OF DOMESTIC PRODUCE, 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 Zealand21,02331,04352,0661925284104773
United Kingdom851,544506,5461,358,090192101171030108
Australia75,78471,793147,57715751411329188
Canada105,795154,502260,29712351715329188
United States of America344,146605,289949,435387607992
Argentine Republic84,18796,195180,38211921318241010
Austria - Hungary149,026121,345270,3712194284578
Belgium210,211160,054370,265271532121048181
Brazil63,42574,649138,07421213125133
Denmark41,95433,94075,8941419814252721
France350,482281,495631,9778169711115188
German Empire541,675447,392989,067839615314190
Italy149,11397,536246,64945221587010
Japan66,00757,972123,979153122275
Norway28,75618,14746,9031115978101947
Portugal17,0357,86724,9023010182490
Spain42,08941,82683,915229226453
Sweden44,09542,25786,3527174710101582
Switzerland81,57755,629137,206216714101135176
Uruguay9,3338,84018,173718671011587

New Zealand is seen to head the list as regards exports of domestic produce, Belgium taking second place. 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, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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 pack-age 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 overseas 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, and 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 1917 are considerably below the record figures of the previous year.

Throughout this subsection figures relating to the export of gold (specie and bullion) during 1917 have, at the request of the Imperial Government, been withheld from publication.

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 and preserved milk.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
191712,175,3665,982,4042,031,5513,949,251553,0161,861,817776,194
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.

† Not available for publication.

     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
1905144,37499,664184,2422,093,936107,062561,444711,940318,895
19069,91576,981183,6462,270,904122,614522,486812,712304,941
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
191311,81629,252238,9081,459,499205,010549,106797,062319,055
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
19175091,306178,087236,063291,9171,232,608408,064

In the past 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 in recent years supplied approximately 20 per cent. of the total exports, but the figures for 1915, owing to war demands, constituted a record. Both wool and frozen meat show a decline during 1917 on the figures of the previous year.

The main feature of the period has been the great advance, relatively and absolutely, of dairy-produce, which has increased over tenfold—viz., from £553,122 to £5,980,802. On the other hand, gold has decreased from approximately 10 per cent. to less than 3 2/3 per cent. of the total exports in 1916. 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 in a particular industry the home trade may be relatively more important than the external trade.

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.Mining.Agricultural.Forest.Other.
* Cannot be supplied, as figures in respect of gold are not available.
     £     £     £     £     £     Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
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
191727,329,599*179,902711,1881,593,046*****

The diagram given above 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 exports of 1916 constituted a record, the total being nearly 5 per cent. in advance of the previous year's and more than double that of 1906. Wool retained its leading position, and with £12,386,074 to its credit accounted for 37 per cent. of the Dominion's total sales abroad. Frozen meat stood at £7,271,318, a decrease of slightly over £500,000 when compared with the figure for the previous year.

The increased value was not in all cases an indication of increased output. The actual amount of wool exported in 1916 was 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. A fuller reference to the effect of price-changes upon most of these main items will be found further on in this subsection.

As will be seen from the statement given below, the figures for 1917 were in most cases considerably below those for 1916. Frozen meat, butter, and tallow all show fairly large decreases.

The export of skins, hides and pelts, cheese, and phormium, however, increased by approximately 11 to 14 per cent. The export of all these commodities during 1917, however, decreased in actual quantities when compared with the previous year. The weight of wool exported fell off by 3.89 per cent., butter by 29.06 per cent., cheese by 671 per cent., and frozen meat by 26.43 per cent. In fact, all the main exports of the Dominion decreased considerably when compared on a quantity basis with the figures for 1916.

INCREASES OR DECREASES IN THE MAIN EXPORTS IN 1917.
Article.Value.Amount ofPercentage.
1917.1916.Increase.Decrease.Increase.Decrease.
* Figures for gold not available.
     £     £     £     £     Per Cent.Per Cent.
Wool12,175,36612,386,074..     210,708..     1.70
Frozen meat5,982,4047,271,318..     1,288,914..     17.73
Butter2,031,5512,632,293..     600,742..     22.82
Cheese3,949,2513,514,310434,941..     12.38..     
Tallow553,016785,339..     232,323..     29.59
Skins, hides and pelts1,861,8171,667,679194,138..     11.64..     
Wheat50917,835..     17,326..     97.15
Oats1,30630,200..     28,894..     95.68
Gold*1,199,212****
Coal236,063326,553..     90,490..     27.72
Kauri-gum291,917339,882..     47,965..     14.11
Phormium1,232,6081,078,632153,976..     14.28..     
Timber408,064381,48826,576..     6.97..     

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 1917 are shown in the following table:—

EXPORTS BY CLASSES, 1917.

No.Class.Domestic Produce.Foreign Produce.
* Excluding gold (specie and bullion).
          £     £     
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)12,705,00413,439
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt200,05227,621
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic), and substances used in making up the same49915,131
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors1,50111,865
VTobacco and preparations thereof519,510
VILive animals54,5311,046
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured), not being foodstuffs14,041,67164
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres1,305,12331,603
IXAApparel56,7749,956
IXBTextiles9,29053,488
IXCManufactured fibres23,35214,217
XOils, fats, and waxes570,24612,654
XIPaints and varnishes3369,056
XIIStones and minerals used industrially534,8468,012
XIIISpecie..     69,975
XIVAMetal (unmanufactured and partly manufactured) and ores152,7538,959
XIVBMetal manufactures, other than machinery and machines4,42023,059
XVMachinery and machines8,50223,179
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof (not including tires)2,498247
XVIBLeather and manufactures thereof, including substitutes11,1874,262
XVIIATimber408,121204
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures2,5601,222
XVIIIEarthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cement, and cement materials6,8552,203
XIXAPaper1,1422,858
XIXBStationery4,4134,401
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods10227,213
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments3,15511,318
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares16,31818,372
XXIIBManures355451
XXIIIMiscellaneous27,29373,505
     Parcels-post31,215..     
     Total*30,184,069499,090

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. A comparative statement is given below for the past 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, 1913–17.

Articles.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Figures for gold for 1917 are not available for publication.
The mine—
Coal (tons)211,749302,908323,992328,183221,125
Gold (oz.)376,161227,954422,825292,620*
Silver (oz)975,616599,162957,541787,053787,152
Other minerals (tons)2273372443043,223
The fisheries—
Fish (cwt.)12,03814,60117,69819,37212,370
Oysters (doz.)361,225302,163283,735178,35430,900
Whalebone (lb.)6,2723,024896896..     
Whale-oil (gal.)247,83144,61640,39722,74046,151
The forest—
Fungus (cwt.)2,3042,4552,8813,8293,610
Kauri-gum (tons)8,7808,4734,5755,4564,594
Timber, sawn and hewn (sup. ft.)63,469,10583,342,94976,797,16171,503,15471,338,174
Pastoral products—
Bacon and hams (cwt.)1,0201,3893,4692,6461,359
Beef and pork, salted (cwt.)6,8836,2013,8232,7944,416
Butter (cwt.)372,258434,067420,144358,632254,397
Cheese (cwt.)611,663863,776817,258949,416885,743
Hides and skins (number)348,794412,822516,799510,936237,906
Live-stock—
Cattle (number)273401386297357
Horses (number)7382,9145,7382,453283
Sheep (number)11,8038,0668,3967,2415,158
Pigs (number)198293528367714
Preserved meats (cwt.)36,88536,33861,85165,58255,008
Frozen meats (cwt.)2,578,9633,229,9703,591,2603,326,0452,446,945
Sausage-skins (cwt.)30,80140,32244,70722,61218,132
Rabbit-skins (number)6,267,6084,512,1716,090,8725,896,4104,944,607
Sheep skins and pelts (number)8,171,2758,525,6119,093,8508,335,5706,528,053
Tallow (cwt.)454,860490,300535,260449,440251,980
Wool (lb.)186,533,036220,472,898196,570,114185,506,859178,274,486
Articles.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Agricultural products—
Bran and sharps (tons)1,9944,7586,629619340
Chaff (tons)1981,47127,032386354
Flour (tons)20662173131744
Grain—
Barley (centals)2,37427,31711,153429911
Beans and peas (centals)203,999183,032121,16550,50166,705
Oats (centals)95,707529,345273,06188,1062,307
Wheat (centals)37,40110,24821641,287902
Hops (cwt.)4,4473,4764,3364,3582,805
Oatmeal (tons)1230181116
Potatoes (tons)1,5561,74419,5721,724727
Seeds (grass and clover) (cwt)35,58939,57213,9809,84116,484
Miscellaneous—
Ale and beer (gal.)14,18915,77423,02511,94811,989
Cordage (cwt.)1,2822,94510,6546,5087,872
Leather (cwt.)4,4505,1386,6783,499845
Phormium fibre and (tons) tow28,09223,92826,68532,25226,016
Soap (cwt.)7,3506,4706,9739,7489,287

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 ARTICLESEXPORTED, 1913–17.

Articles.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Figures for gold not available.
The mine—£     £     £     £     £     
Coal205,010282,163329,731326,553236,063
Gold1,459,499895,3671,694,5531,199,212*
Silver103,86662,08583,58385,111105,299
Other minerals23,40223,93829,35050,77428,972
          Totals1,791,7771,263,5532,149,2171,661,650370,334
The fisheries—
Fish23,72134,77837,16637,47523,818
Oysters2,8132,3962,0571,340244
Whalebone1,5371,243250280..     
Whale-oil18,4812,9103,0111,6475,511
Other26,9593,3372,4121,751201
          Totals73,51144,66444,89642,49329,774
The forest—
Fungus5,6556,7069,70912,22710,688
Kauri-gum549,106497,444279,133339,882291,917
Timber, sawn and hewn319,055422,705383,616381,488408,064
Other2946272,075437519
          Totals874,110927,482674,533734,034711,188
Pastoral products—
Bacon and hams4,9916,59715,71713,3297,974
Beef and pork, salted11,22010,3187,2275,64711,310
Butter2,061,6512,338,5742,700,6252,632,2932,031,551
Cheese1,770,2972,564,1262,730,2113,514,3103,949,251
Hides and skins312,265412,373573,765673,641456,308
Live-stock—
Cattle3,5156,0567,3575,61211,381
Horses38,04984,481154,48879,72020,447
Sheep37,07130,70826,59423,08919,096
Pigs5357261,9541,4533,122
Other1,0509292,160453485
Preserved milk and cream35979120,38823,780153,538
Preserved meats108,995111,217223,666249,519278,753
Frozen meats4,449,9335,863,0627,794,3957,271,3185,982,404
Sausage-skins93,251139,452192,028196,785227,431
Rabbit-skins86,75648,38859,00476,405105,321
Sheep skins and pelts800,354856,832826,507917,6331,300,188
Tallow663,088694,348780,828785,339553,016
Wool8,057,6209,318,11410,387,87512,386,07412,175,366
Other18,14542,06038,81938,02242,657
          Totals18,519,14522,529,14926,534,60828,894,42227,329,599
Agricultural products—
Bran and sharps8,09719,58252,0513,7022,111
Chaff1,1537,609154,5522,7272,917
Flour1,6857012,6782,15413,595
Fruits12,27023,03121,6037,493722
Grain and pulse—
Barley9599,0905,318218513
Beans and peas89,12491,07877,02238,54572,077
Oats29,252165,930132,82730,2001,306
Wheat11,8163,58012817,835509
Other787333168723839
Hops22,68021,81118,53617,63212,038
Oatmeal184219336271340
Onions4,1106,4197,4753,7789,814
Potatoes7,4437,014135,55214,9415,816
Seeds (grass and clover)60,49273,55142,31434,26648,635
Seeds (various)3,7123,7857,4597,6226,937
Other26,21214,67116,2541,6901,683
          Totals279,976448,404674,273183,797179,902
Miscellaneous (including manufactures)—
Ale and beer1,3831,7433,2231,6611,456
Apparel1,39711,87537,60636,58955,808
Cement10,48310,66928,50318,7115,506
Cordage2,5655,3322,57117,55322,781
Foods, infants' and invalids15,30139,09945,29737,89031
Leather31,94540,96561,79535,14310,458
Phormium fibre and tow797,062492,230610,0591,078,6321,232,608
Soap8,8827,9359,26012,39314,846
Sugar11,1518,34724,66348,18362,102
Woollen manufactures11,21313,75518,59219,5048,780
Other148,348139,226115,515153,252148,896
          Totals1,039,371771,465965,3351,459,5111,563,272
          Total exports (domestic produce)22,577,89025,984,71731,042,86232,975,90730,184,069
Specie176,3597,522318,0905,88069,975
Re-exports232,473269,208387,960305,150429,115
          Total exports22,986,72226,261,44731,748,91233,286,93730,683,159

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 mono poly 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 4.06 per cent. in 1917.

In 1917 exports to the United States exceeded those to Australia, being 6.17 per cent. of the total. Canada follows Australia with 3.13 per cent. of the total exports.

The total for other countries was 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. In 1917 the exports to Japan totalled only £4,388. This decrease was entirely due to the fact that no exports of wool to Japan were made during the year.

United Kingdom.Australia.Canada.Pacific Islands.*United States.Germany.Other Countries.Total.

* Includes Cook Islands prior to 1902.

† The principal other countries are Hong Kong, India, Straits Settlements, Russia, Egypt, South African Union, France, Japan.

‡ Excluding gold (specie and bullion).

     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19019,295,3751,993,8312,113157,594519,07910,470902,95712,881,424
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
190512,087,8182,294,97151,329170,210716,30138,958296,36015,655,947
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
191725,333,3711,247,117961,653539,8801,894,3176672,09130,683,159

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. 8714, 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.
1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.1912.1913.1914.1915.1916.
* Re-exports greater than imports.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Butter2,148,1921,351,2852,100,9582,693,8082,727,645267,900206,465193,27381,46983,322
Cheese1,882,8401,685,4722,432,1173,081,4653,352,1953,2723,86111,46225,77332,758
Wheat124,22723,2103,726..     26,5011028537..     ..     
Oats123,46641,818123,21639,13331,4501,13731313015123
Beef (fresh and frozen)429,624393,429944,4592,176,6212,824,664..     18526,28033,55083,160
Mutton (fresh and frozen)4,555,7864,965,3105,435,1287,669,9458,416,3015,4444,48285,50214,60374,294
Sausage skins, casings, and bladders125,119167,565189,641129,68639,161122,699131,189169,879112,6568,814
Kauri-gum558,828593,729474,624292,257233,443475,999482,850333,633262,775179,594
Hemp (dressed, undressed) and tow395,222718,959437,807428,471630,816309,986553,480324,891262,297341,758
Copra133,206161,18342,70196,50643,949110,01281,32122,6907,215..     
Sheep-skins (undressed)677,734641,853657,800825,202557,286396,805464,500475,380605,431613,413*
Rabbit-skins (undressed)103,56192,14951,82741,25950,11921,75115,29913,4254,51613,588
Tallow (undressed)724,303717,264774,124826,437922,853106,35078,645111,23931,52825,950
Wool (undressed)7,701,3648,165,4088,628,36811,075,92710,927,8742,220,3971,829,1052,548,965845,098376,068
          Total20,302,06220,338,05722,994,31930,407,58130,784,2574,208,2914,066,8154,442,7292,408,7371,832,742

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 amounted 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 reexport 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, 1915, and 1916.

The bulk of the kauri-gum, more than one-half of the phormium, most of the copra, and three-fourths of the sheep-skins are usually 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 in normal years amount to 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, 1897–1917.
Year.United Kingdom.British Colonies and Possessions.Foreign Countries.Total.
* Excluding gold (specie and bullion).
     £     £     £     £     
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
191626,869,9883,122,1873,294,76233,286,937
1917*25,333,3712,420,6392,929,14930,683,159

The following table shows in more detail the exports for the five years ending with 1917, according to the countries of destination. The British possessions are stated first, according to geographical order, followed by foreign countries in the same order.

DESTINATION OF EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND, 1913–17.
Country.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.*

* Excluding gold (specie and bullion).

† Till 1914 included in Samoa.

     £     £     £     £     £     
United Kingdom18,130,16021,383,89125,389,03026,869,98825,333,371
British Possessions.
Europe—
Gibraltar10,90716,4311..     2
Malta2..     1348
     10,90916,43114410
Asia—
Burma6117372..     
Ceylon43,67541,87757,40620,9122,172
Hong Kong5,5457,1519,44212,32910,727
India7291,5121,00032,20314,385
Straits Settlements457691,40142,0575,833
Other Asiatic possessions9373422..     
     50,00951,35769,353107,59533,117
Africa—
Mauritius6341..     
South African Union61,65160,82611,3506,6811,588
Other African possessions644814194
     61,72160,87711,3686,7011,592
America—
British West Indies26..     53
Canada606,662595,611925,823691,986961,653
Other American possessions345232
     606,667595,621925,828692,014961,658
Pacific islands—
Australia2,315,7471,928,4102,548,6052,191,5451,247,117
Fiji88,78967,557131,821116,496167,024
Other Pacific islands1,1154,7127,4617,83210,121
     2,405,6512,000,6792,687,8872,315,8731,424,262
Foreign Countries and Possessions.
Europe—
Austria2,8091,260..     ..     ..     
Belgium18,52233,48411..     
France178,336227,0272,160303,288481,792
Germany337,448456,163456
Hungary346..     ..     ..     
Italy322907403378
Netherlands3,98674931..     
Norway25,29535922
Sweden7335992921
Other European countries3,0281,2322,7963,90625,682
     570,482721,5025,015307,245507,581
Asia—
China124167204167180
Japan2,90159,508137,464110,0454,388
Other Asiatic countries523198173227734
     3,54859,873137,841110,4395,302
Africa—
Egypt351,786120,415125,936157,358
Other African countries488661314
     49151,852120,428125,937157,362
America—
Argentina7,5328,4138,2604,01286
Brazil1,2364,9696,5213,385..     
United States of America912,0511,028,0542,006,5072,493,9871,894,317
Uruguay19,55423,83816,8713,390..     
Other American countries1,5833344,1532,3381,766
     941,9561,065,6082,042,3122,507,1121,896,169
Pacific islands—
German Samoa61,15859,938113,14371,781119,049
Hawaii5,91112,26217,70212,6.73,634
Society Islands80,48772,03959,53754,65274,613
Tonga41,74636,39354,93324,98179,250
Tutuila..     1,0253004242,075
Other foreign Pacific islands14,82672,099114,16679,57484,114
     204,128253,756359,781244,029362,735

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 1917 constituted only 3.38 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.

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.
* Excluding gold.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
United Kingdom12,176,00412,593,565509,21638,50916,07725,333,371
     British Possessions.
Europe—
Gibraltar2..     ..     ..     ..     2
Malta..     ..     ..     8..     8
Asia—
Ceylon2,146..     ..     26..     2,172
Hong Kong7610,214329108..     10,727
India8,305..     4101105,26014,385
Straits Settlements773,8391,84473..     5,883
Africa—
British East Africa Protectorate..     ..     ..     2..     2
British West Africa..     ..     ..     2..     2
South African Union693..     139756..     1,588
America—
British West Indies..     ..     ..     3..     3
Canada58,757839,45562,0241,417..     961,653
Newfoundland..     ..     ..     2..     2
Pacific Islands—
Australia164,762686,805257,50382,11655,9311,247,117
British Solomon Islands Protectorate1,7541418781..     2,774
Fanning Island1,276..     159..     8352,270
Fiji55,28732,72144,2076,46928,340167,024
Gilbert and Ellice Islands1,6061,550..     ..     ..     3,156
Maiden Island54..     105..     ..     159
Minor British Pacific is-lands34..     ..     ..     ..     34
Norfolk Island3632844042..     873
Papua795..     591..     855
     Foreign Countries and Possessions.
Europe—
Denmark..     ..     ..     662..     662
France1,172471,4918,914215..     481,792
Germany..     ..     ..     6..     6
Greece..     ..     ..     2..     2
Iceland..     ..     ..     2..     2
Italy..     ..     ..     78..     78
Norway..     ..     ..     2..     2
Russia..     2,48022,417..     ..     24,897
Sweden..     ..     ..     21..     21
Switzerland..     ..     4565..     110
Turkey..     ..     ..     9..     9
Asia—
China8..     9478..     180
Dutch Borneo51..     ..     ..     ..     51
Japan..     1,9902,36068..     4,388
Java186..     3023..     491
Malay States..     ..     ..     24..     24
Philippine Islands18..     1436..     167
Siam..     ..     ..     1..     1
Africa—
Belgian Congo..     ..     ..     2..     2
Egypt157,114226..     18..     157,358
Zanzibar..     ..     ..     2..     2
America—
Argentina..     ..     7511..     86
Chile..     1,390..     9..     1,399
Panama..     367..     ..     ..     367
United States of America202,2831,634,68735,35621,991..     1,894,317
Pacific Islands—
German New Guinea106..     ..     1..     107
German Samoa53,2024,77840,3391,03019,700119,049
Guam11,12043,0925,721..     ..     59,933
Hawaii3,4782216118..     3,634
New Caledonia19,5866001124..     20,302
New Hebrides887573732..     1,319
Society Islands43,1384,48819,5087,479..     74,613
Tonga28,4624,01124,95871921,10079,250
Tuamotu Archipelago252,4217..     ..     2,453
Tutuila1,8005719721..     2,075
          Totals12,994,62716,340,4751,038,220162,594147 24330,683,159

Throughout the following tables figures in respect of exports of gold during 1917 have been omitted.

PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, 1913–17.
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Includes horse-hides.

† New headings, 1914.

‡ Not available for publication.

               £     £     £     £     £     
I1Butter1,576,9121,925,2222,356,0512,464,7092,000,161
     3Casein..     1,0913,57710,21412,564
     4Cheese1,760,8142,551,7582,676,3963,488,2223,851,915
     14Honey3,4714,9935,9762,7235,342
          Meats, poultry and game—                         
     19Beef, frozen283,199979,6141,623,3802,118,9061,981,140
     20Beef, salted402,01827..     ..     
     24Kidneys, frozen12,84819,73823,59518,17530,072
     25Lamb, whole carcases, frozen2,332,3692,482,2723,001,6912,437,0971,366,511
     27Meat-extract6,4388,2168,1119,4122,902
     28Mutton, whole carcases, frozen1,624,2752,107,0682,890,4672,529,9052,424,765
     29Mutton, joints, frozen31,72833,20273,93622,5238,616
     30Pork, frozen5,8431,8338,5762,22936,757
     32Potted and preserved38,49942,064166,506166,502192,964
     34Rabbits, frozen in skins74,51468,27091,84855,69624,891
     36Sausage casings and skins85,624125,54695,88822,794..     
     37Veal, frozen7528,70332,03425,9745,786
     38Other kinds, frozen7,33712,74524,15439,45233,660
          Milk and cream—                         
     40 Preserved, condensed, etc.391314,15713,090101,328
     41Provisions n.o.e.49599139736,341
          Fruits—                         
II59Bottled and preserved in syrup33142224912,134
          Grain and pulse—     
          Unprepared—     
     78Barley15,16542811213
     79Beans and peas79,69678,09549,09920,40562,763
     81Oats329141,5904,008..     ..     
     83Wheat10,9652,910..     17,486..     
      Prepared or manufactured—     
     86Bran1,5306,0415..     ..     
     101Hops7,8452,0898,68811,321..     
     102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.4,18812,3329386
     103Jams, jellies, and preserves241002971,4314,485
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed..     ..     2,1924,242874
V168Cigarettes1342,7972745755,455
     171Tobacco, manufactured, cut1712,6391,2529252,746
VII192Hair, not made up4,8475,1266,1285,2781,747
  Hides, pelts and skins, undressed—     
     193Calf10,1855,6814,8828,3272,295
     194Cattle14,577*52,856134,47370,154235,195
     196Rabbit85,58046,14040,41655,26115,161
     198Sheep, with wool182,228179,40877,36546,002610
     199Sheep, without wool410,853432,596652,901381,143364,750
          Wool—     
     204Greasy5,706,0246,612,2266,829,8687,983,7848,671,533
     205Scoured772,819740,1481,100,7901,193,7891,316,604
     206Sliped770,257947,6231,582,5161,622,6831,384,681
     207Washed21,96625,03036,59263,62320,520
VIII208Copra20,49713,25481,45714,5273,178
     216Phormium tenax538,324291,701369,872527,298374,592
     217Rags3,6802,6372,0521,4072,042
     218Tow55,05926,22426,40960,5942,857
     223Seeds, grass and clover28,62220,63519,37024,05220,869
     225Seeds, other6895351,3877054,398
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.1,51110,70919,46135,06654,793
X310Glycerine, unrefined2,7891,6561,4433,3022,165
     313Lard and refined animal fats n.o.e.2,3283,0612,7871,7955,098
          Tallow—     
     340Mutton-stock and oleomargarine81,54396,050113,12399,084118,020
     341Unrefined580,973595,826662,931681,616296,190
XII..     Coal—     
     357Bunker143,413149,239196,249121,734117,414
     358Cargo     ..     ..     ..     ..     
     360Kauri-gum187,547148,37048,58568,34724,881
XIVA..     Gold—     
     384Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet344,547150,5191,031131,906
     385Concentrates, slimes, tailings, &c.12,24410,4832,4123,017
     397Metals, scrap (except iron and steel), not being precious4,3037,6059,48520,45215,122
XIV398Platinum—Bars, blocks, rods, etc...     ..     ..     125,720
     400Scheelite3,0464,34425,14049,07028,972
     401Silver55,45016,4726931,50717,120
XVIA574Indiarubber, old5,0721,7862754,639216
          Leather—     
     587Hide-leathers, crust or rough tanned, but undressed30,8695,8236,142198..     
     588Dressed6683,8514,623..     
     591Sheep-skins and lambskins n.o.e.4,74010,46664..     
     592Sole, pump, and skirt leather25,45037,13927,4905,344
XVIIA..     Timber—     
     605Flitches, other Sawn, n.o.e., rough—..     16,63510,6933902
     635Kauri..     5,4303,8353,0371,599
     636New Zealand white-pine and kahikatea..     5,159828362..     
XXI733Surgical and dental instruments104561,7127,7892,745
XXII788Sugar-of-milk..     ..     8403,8319,990
     790Vanilla-beans..     ..     1,5882,0723,087
XXIII..     Vehicles: Motors for road traffic, and materials therefor—     
     895Materials and parts, viz., rubber tires, covers, and tubes..     2688722,669117
     902Miscellaneous — Manufactured1983,6582,3852,692679
     ..Parcels-post33,35026,44919,57720,38013,237
PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED TO OTHER COUNTRIES, 1913–17.
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Includes horse-hides.
Gibraltar.
               £     £     £     £     £     
I19Beef, frozen6,8366,626..     ..     ..     
     28Mutton, frozen4,0713,839..     ..     ..     
Ceylon.
I40Milk and Cream—Preserved, condensed, &c...     ..     ..     ..     2,05
II81Grain and pulse—Oats2,2522,488781845..     
XIVA401Silver40,95139,26356,49219,892..     
Hong Kong.
VIII220Fungus5,1516,3439,14011,57210,214
South African Union.
I1Butter48,64151,3561,206..     ..     
     4Cheese6,5695,9526,6485,433..     
VIII223Seeds, grass and clover1,763627..     ..     ..     
Canada.
I1Butter320,136291,849114,26625,1862,640
          Meats—                         
     19Beef, frozen53,8078,1083..     ..     
     30Pork, frozen..     ..     ..     ..     9,188
     36Sausage casings and skins2253704,64721,69032,430
II134Vegetables—Onions1,4392,3121,2002,2897,412
          Hides, pelts, and skins—Undressed—     
VII193Calf29,08130,01846,70835,16211,481
     194Cattle93,452*150,787279,361227,377190,000
     196Rabbit..     332332..     30,968
     198Sheep, with wool33,29431,99452,23375,650..     
     199Sheep, without wool4,0227,66612,25125,64712,957
          Wool—     
     204Greasy2,2998,87278,86087,181161,168
     205Scoured19,1406,62215,9135,826..     
     206Sliped24,32231,98198,88893,492149,369
     207Washed6861,0734821,711..     
VIII216Phormium tenax1,0704,6775,63561,925196,557
X341Tallow, unrefined..     27126..     59,918
XII357Coals, bunker1,7602,5993,3505,1985,53..
     360Kauri-gum4,6182,1144,55014,59179,412
Australia.2
I1Butter623,262200,125116,55011,557
     4Cheese2,0435,08644,57318,7332,343
     9Fresh oysters2,8132,3962,0321,340244
     10Fish, fresh or preserved by cold process (other than oysters)18,83521,74127,65329,62319,549
     11Fish, preserved in tins or other airtight vessels5,30913,17712,2008,5664,744
     13Gelatine..     ..     1162,8498,655
     16Bacon1371414,1952,52474
     21Hams4881,0805,8775,558405
     30Pork, frozen..     2,3649,00117,047..     
     32Meats, potted and preserved10,24318,01512,03337,79128,816
     36Sausage casings and skins2,4864,7918,0257,4631,817
     40Milk and cream—Preserved, condensed, &c.1335613,8004,01526,821
II54Foods for animals—Chaff..     3,742152,030..     3
          Grain and pulse—Unprepared—                         
     78Barley4363,5274,3331..     
     79Beans and peas6,2989,06621,83115,9609,005
     81Oats22,42418,885125,1041,081207
          Prepared or manufactured—     
     86Bran14,66319,59429,553..     1
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Includes “ordinary,” 1913.

† New heading, 1914.

¶ Includes horse-hides, 1913.

§ Not available for publication.

‖ Not including gold.

Australia—continued
               £     £     £     £     £     
II101Hops14,52919,5229,6616,01611,649
     102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.11,14326,94945,87037,50285
     130Sugar, refined2..     2,5647,92425,421
          Vegetables—     
     134Onions1,6032,6624,49124..     
     135Potatoes Spirits (beverages)—2,8473,104125,5678,884..     
IV154Brandy1354281533,144980
     158Whisky2,1145921581,5834,080
VI175Cattle for stud purposes*5241,6542,8271,5006,129
          Horses—     
     176Ordinary     25,28420,91419,85315,965
          For stud purposes—     
     177Entires35,8317,1863,1253,0502,932
     178Mares     3,4832,6144,555578
     183Sheep for breeding purposes*24,67620,14516,99716,53113,439
VII192Hair, not made up, other2,7622,5282,6682,0711,248
          Hides, pelts, and skins—Undressed—     
     193Calf8,53810,09611,42623,0476,073
     194Cattle*138,720107,76690,560309,6688,893
     196Rabbit1,1578224,0466,3973,842
     198Sheep, with wool1,0063,6682,133571..     
     199Sheep, without wool8,26116,48719,51331,76632,511
     201Horns, hoofs, and glue pieces1,6251,7541,3731,5771,074
          Wool—     
     204Greasy43,7358,61288,90233,730..     
     206Sliped9141,6193,1511,136..     
VIII216Phormium tenax102,22296,672139,411163,402146,893
     218Tow10,0679,77111,91213,30430,243
     223Seeds, grass and clover21,50054,83224,2237,19924,824
     224Linseed4,9144,6721,03418..     
     225Seeds, other3,4094,53611,7148,5906,233
IXA253Apparel—Hosiery5741,76010,2787,113174
          Textiles—     
IXB264Blankets5617851652,889539
     278Piece-goods n.o.e.5824467726913,224
     283Silks, satins, velvets, &c.6961,4645081,0294,914
     286Woollen, n.o.e., of pure or mixed wool*1,0231,9953,0071,79215,909
     288Rugs, woollen6,1886,7955,5087,7535,289
          Bags and sacks—     
IXC294Corn3,8211702,8232,3672,442
     295Jute and hessian, n.o.e...     74,1262,8185,757
     302Twine, binder4,9651,53118,92115,15418,494
X318Oil, whale13,9172,9103,0001,6475,511
     341Tallow, unrefined*7352,59439121,355
          Coal—     
XII357Bunker7,76925,86834,22241,66130,091
     358Cargo24,20018,546306,8483,472
     360Kauri-gum3,9331,7205942,1291,130
     367Pumice-sand7,2725,2514,79011,8055,660
XIVA379Bronze—Blocks, bars, &c. Gold—..     2,995..     ..     ..     
     384Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet1,085,422708,659489,904476,415§
     385Concentrates, slimes, tailings, &c.21,32727,75717,73536,2922,688
XIV397Metals, scrap (except iron and steel), not being precious2,1432,5456871,245879
     491Silver1,8063,17136,29746,92580,205
XIVB495Metals, manufactures, &c. n.o.e.11,8751,9695,1529532,326
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Includes “ordinary,” 1913.

† New heading, 1914.

Australia—continued
  Machinery and machines—£     £     £     £     £     
XV522Dairying, other*2,6781,1131,3621,5942,939
     560Sewing-machines6165421,6691,4745,747
     570N.o.e.*..     3,5336,2082,3625,298
XVIA574Indiarubber, old2,4121,907825579616
XVIB591Leather—Sheep-skins and lamb-skins n.o.e...     2,3141,2592,42715
  Timber—     
XVIIA605Flitches, other..     7,71212,7346,3834,168
          Sawn, n.o.e., dressed—     
     628Kauri..     4701,5519662,308
          Sawn, n.o.e., rough—     
 632Beechwood..     4,0589692,6862,514
     635Kauri..     89,23056,25478,95877,200
     636New Zealand white-pine and kahikatea..     224,934223,435203,053182,885
     638Rimu or red-pine..     53,91560,94469,748109,587
XVIII666Cement, building, Portland, and other structural4,4817,54223,93714,767..     
XIXB698Books, papers, music, printed, n.o.e.5,8917,4114,5752,5513,085
XX714Jewellery — Precious stones, unmounted..     ..     6317,63423,746
XXI725Cinematographs, n.o.e.—Kinetoscopes12,0078,6484,2601,6483,716
XXIIA751Cream of tartar417221,730..     2,175
     765Medicinal preparations—Drugs and druggists' sundries n.o.e.4741,7823,2325,4673,427
     788Sugar-of-milk..     3752212,3001,902
XXIII870Blacking and boot-polish Vehicles, motor, for road traffic, and materials therefor—1228112,714222
     893Cars, motor..     2,2771,9124,7635,019
     895Rubber tires, covers, and tubes..     4,1763,6374,89820,024
     902Miscellaneous, manufactured24016,87824,30332,18527,549
     ..     Parcels-post12,75710,7037,8229,20310,848
Fiji.
I1Butter4,9924,6317,1567,2387,008
     16 & 21Bacon and hams2,2182,7192,7972,5292,750
     32Meats, potted and preserved12,8258,05610,32111,73414,399
II86Bran2,5172,4954,8681,852860
     87Flour, wheaten9721414451,1855,066
     130Sugar, refined221203,3544,7195,151
     135 Potatoes2,4572,2042,8954,3503,813
VI176 Horses, ordinary1,1931,8691,8861,0991,627
     182Sheep, ordinary1,9731,1582,4312,3302,283
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing1,0831,1099221861,038
IXB278Piece-goods n.o.e.1382501339443,933
          Bags and sacks—     
IXC295Jute and hessian, n.o.e...     ..     1,6241,9442,573
X341Tallow, unrefined5548402,0484,2355,095
  Coal—     
XII357Bunker     2,4706,77314,0546,279
     358Cargo13,1165,4643,3531,9435,592
XIII375Silver (specie)8,600..     38,6805,00028,300
          Timber—     
XVIIA628Sawn, n.o.e., dressed—Kauri..     2,0322,1512,2152,034
     635Sawn, n.o.e., rough—Kauri..     4,5485,7860,19715,840
XVIII666Cement, building, Portland, and other structural5,9392,8273,26312,8953,893
XXI725Cinematograph, bioscope, and kinetoscope films..     ..     1,5002,6631,415
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Includes horse-hides, 1913.

† Includes cargo coal, 1913.

Austria.
               £     £     £     £     £     
XII360Kauri-gum2,617329..     ..     ..     
Belgium.
VII204Wool, greasy11,73527,637..     ..     ..     
XII360Kauri-gum5,1201,519..     ..     ..     
France.
          Wool—     
VII204Greasy173,961218,252..     293,962467,399
     205Scoured..     ..     ..     1483,592
X341Tallow, unrefined..     ..     ..     ..     8,898
XII360Kauri-gum3,9953,599430..     ..     
XIVA400Scheelite..     3,5621,550..     ..     
Germany.
I3Casein6,4526,703..     ..     ..     
     36Sausage-skins2,6407,619..     ..     ..     
VII198Skins, sheep, with wool..     2,736..     ..     ..     
     204Wool, greasy277,938396,793..     ..     ..     
VIII223Seeds, grass and clover1,6551,821..     ..     ..     
XII360Kauri-gum27,88021,193..     ..     ..     
XIVA400Scheelite16,13913,007..     ..     ..     
Japan.
VII204Wool, greasy2,64559,222135,108108,617..     
Argentina.
II67Apples6,4637,8725,3521,882..     
     73Pears180..     ..     ..     
VI183Sheep for breeding..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
United States.
I1Butter95,85744,773500268
     19Beef, frozen33829,478901..     
     25Lamb, whole carcases, frozen171,2141,757..     ..     
     28Mutton, whole carcases, frozen623,038179..     ..     
     32Meats, potted and preserved1,0542,4161303..     
     36Sausage casings and skins1,71369983,468144,838193,675
     37Veal, frozen..     8,143654..     ..     
II79Beans and peas1,6922,6865,751685496
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed..     ..     ..     1,8766,381
VI183Sheep for breeding purposes..     1,0731,3511,7232,338
          Hides, pelts and skins—Undressed—     
VII193Calf2,1414,5233,171462..     
     194Cattle*14,98843,1691,280..     ..     
     196Rabbit..     1,0444,68714,74555,350
     198Sheep, with wool6,83411,2777,93433,958..     
     199Sheep, without wool153,753168,4482,177322,891889,360
          Wool—     
     204Greasy228,693203,914388,562831,668..     
     205Scoured..     4,29114,88052,078..     
     206Sliped..     15,21611,0387,121..     
VIII208Copra75721..     ..     8,049
     216Phormium tenax79,05762,15456,703249,065479,343
     218Tow121,021661,4322,067
     223Seeds, grass and clover7,7421,9455054,95416,968
X341Tallow, unrefined..     617..     ..     20,726
XII357Coal, bunker2,97210,4044,96319,61216,106
     360Kauri-gum308,456316,200222,856253,316183,508
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* German Samoa only in 1914, 1915, 1916, and 1917.

† Includes cargo coal, 1913.

‡ New heading, 1913.

United States— continued
XIVA384Gold—Bar. dust, ingot, and sheet..     ..     1,181,834536,960..     
XIVB588Leather—Hide leather other than East India kip, dressed..     ..     ..     ..     2,649
          Vehicles, motor, for road traffic, and materials therefor—     
XXIII895Rubber tires, Covers, and tubes..     1523152,5122,536
..     ..     Parcels-post1,3532,8812,6223,1672,544
Uruguay.
II67Apples3,9418,9946,7331,956..     
     73Pears     62..     ..     ..     
VI183Sheep for breeding8,2876,3663,911914..     
VIII221Plants, trees, and shrubs3,4324,182515..     ..     
Bismarck Archipelago.
XII358Coal, cargo2,7512,594..     ..     ..     
Samoa*(Navigator Islands).
I1Butter2,6723,6114,3354,0904,556
     20Beef, salted8,2865,4065,6374,0525,848
     32Meats, potted and preserved11,96612,56812,55713,69916,686
II54Food for animals—Chaff5364461,1792,3692,570
     130Sugar, refined4,3272,8763,5494,4756,214
IXB278Textile piece-goods n.o.e.71,4952,2232,7006,257
XIII375Silver (specie)..     ..     25,350..     19,700
XXIII816Arms, ammunition, and explosives—Cartridges n.o.e...     6..     28,005
     875Soap, common bar (yellow and blue-mottled)1,5251,9162,1404,2264,317
Hawaii (Sandwich Islands).
I1Butter2,5885,8899, 5368,14060
     19Beef, frozen2,6435,3492,206..     68
     40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c...     85892,0262,622
Society Islands.
     1Butter8,3086,6065, 7544,8053,492
     32Meats, potted and preserved16,40314,6207,52111,81311,947
     40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c.2,9824,2093,3715,1863,605
II87Flour, wheaten3329114969,388
          Sugar—     
     129Raw9621,5391,3452,8723,137
     130Refined4,0773,5262,2492,9643,312
VI174Cattle, ordinary2,2653,4513,0242,2283,987
     179Pigs, ordinary362521,1439142,120
XII357Coal, bunker2,7241,5433,2142,2022,080
XXI725Cinematograph, bioscope, and kinetoscope films7,2743,8134,8084903,097
XXIII875Soap, common bar (yellow and blue mottled)6,3935,1625,2917,0108,663
Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Including pears in 1913.

† Not available for publication.

Tonga (Friendly Islands).
       £     £     £     £     £     
I20Beef, salted8891,0825374742,462
     32Meats, potted and preserved7,8858,8399,3563,60210,499
II43Biscuits, ships' plain3,2242,1483,066..     1,765
     130Sugar, refined2,5841,7083,758..     3,557
IXB278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.1,0791,2931,2151,9346,897
X324Oil, kerosene1,7481,7281,8432,1642,602
XIII375Silver (specie)..     ..     900..     21,100
Papua.
I32Meats, potted and preserved..     2731,4282,160356
Egypt.
I4Cheese..     ..     ..     ..     93,257
          Meats—     
     19Beef, frozen..     ..     ..     ..     25,128
     28Mutton, whole carcases, frozen..     ..     ..     ..     33,404
     40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c...     1061,158355,250
     41Provisions n.o.e...     ..     323,465..     
II81Oats..     1,383..     27,466..     
V171Tobacco, manufactured..     ..     1,8284,34311
VI176Horses, ordinary..     46,24675,54851,100..     
XII357Coal, bunker..     ..     31,35526,307226
Brazil.
II67Fresh apples*1534,5495,8913,378..     
          Coal—     
XII357Bunker..     6541,2994,5773,439
     358Cargo..     ..     ..     37,111400
India.
I40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c...     ..     ..     267,060
XIVA384Gold—Bar, dust, ingot, and sheet..     ..     ..     16,926
     401Silver—Bar, ingot, and sheet..     ..     ..     13,5435,260
Switzerland
..     ..     Parcels-post366210232,39865
Chile.
XII357Coal, bunker1,4172654,0312,2931,390
Guam.
V168Cigarettes108332354513,023
          Coal—     
XII357Bunker..     3,44931,01431,02325,627
     358Cargo..     55,3122,06510,14917,465
New Caledonia.
I40Milk and cream, preserved, condensed, &c.2..     ..     32,719
II130Sugar, refined..     ..     8,09922,95315,522

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, 1913–17.
Country to which exported.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Not available for publication.
WOOL.
     lb.lb.lb.lb.lb.
United Kingdom168,153,780195,612,290183,011,230162,452,392168,062,049
Canada872,260906,8292,881,5662,508,3493,620,449
Australia1,292,548272,2691,579,063555,881..     
Belgium308,551695,850..     ..     ..     
France4,254,5065,686,732..     4,369,7486,591,988
Germany6,907,78610,305,579..     ..     ..     
Japan61,6381,821,9992,998,7912,182,035..     
United States of America4,681,9675,014,7146,113,07313,438,854..     
Other countries..     154,636..     ..     ..     
          Totals186,533,036220,472,898196,583,723185,507,259178,274,486
FROZEN MEAT
     Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom2,525,7613,149,6243,582,6023,319,9112,438,456
Canada43,4478,663221..     2,584
Pacific islands1,8333,7262,805467547
Australia138694,6035,66711
Gibraltar7,3717,088..     ..     ..     
United States of America26859,9181,025..     ..     
Egypt..     ..     ..     ..     25,334
Other countries..     854..     ..     
          Totals2,578,6933,229,9733,591,2603,326,0452,466,932
BUTTER.
United Kingdom288,224361,381371,959336,412250,721
South African Union8,3188,941200..     ..     
Canada56,14951,59918,8383,557304
Pacific islands2,9393,6073,7913,0941,872
Australia1156025,26915,5661,499
United States of America16,6167,9178731
Other countries162..     ..     ..     
          Totals372,258434,067420,144358,632254,397
CHEESE.
United Kingdom608,933859,986803,917942,773865,152
South African Union2,0881,9171,9711,574..     
Pacific islands189286278239279
Australia3911,48310,7294,682314
Egypt..     ..     ..     ..     19,975
Other countries6210436314831
          Totals611,663863,776817,258949,416885,751
TALLOW.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom22,72324,43726,59922,3339,672
Pacific islands193068127143
Australia129212464
Canada..     14..     1,256
United States of America..     12..     ..     375
Other countries..     33..     ..     689
          Totals22,74324,51526,76322,47212,599
HIDES (HORSE AND CATTLE).
     Number.Number.Number.Number.Number.
United Kingdom8,96231,68969,01332,08498,142
Canada60,19682,034150,758114,48872,633
Australia90,85370,63349,703151,6247,551
United States of America9,31828,709889..     ..     
Other countries42,336..     ..     ..     
          Totals169,333215,401270,363298,196178,326
RABBIT-SKINS.
United Kingdom6,196,6394,278,5425,323,1764,819,597879,483
Canada..     43,43198,400..     1,611,089
Australia68,86945,842255,241225,551201,822
United States of America..     140,006412,555851,1322,252,213
Other countries2,1004,3501,500130..     
          Totals6,267,6084,512,1716,090,8725,896,4104,944,607
SHEEP SKINS AND PELTS.
United Kingdom6,213,5625,870,4388,375,6384,141,6301,786,153
Canada179,940183,105301,075440,13849,327
Australia109,182300,661374,333433,370205,809
United States of America1,667,2522,139,61442,8043,320,3944,486,764
Other countries1,33931,793..     38..     
          Totals8,171,2758,525,6119,093,8508,335,5706,528,053
SAUSAGE-SKINS.
     Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom28,35635,37434,1206,511..     
Canada52453222,2952,390
Australia1,1671,9381,6621,635650
Germany7572,394..     ..     ..     
Russia280408..     ..     ..     
United States of America1701538,60412,17115,091
Other countries1910..     11
          Totals30,80140,32244,70822,61318,132
WHEAT.
     Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.
United Kingdom35,0928,569..     40,570..     
Pacific islands2,2771,65820693890
Australia34..     1062412
Other countries..     21..     ..     ..     
          Totals37,40310,24821641,287902
OATS.
United Kingdom1,064450,1468,257..     ..     
Ceylon7,0908,1011,6291,514..     
South African Union1,487..     ..     ..     ..     
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)2,5092,4972,8441,3711,555
Australia75,60963,358258,2022,393398
Fiji1,270330279278419
Brazil906442..     ..     ..     
Uruguay5,018890713..     ..     
Other countries7543,5811,13782,550..     
          Totals95,707529,345273,06188,1062,372
BEANS AND PEAS.
     Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.Centals.
United Kingdom186,508159,85179,91223,45458,219
Canada1,2771,174601,961 
2,684     
South African Union367390..     1..     
Australia10,80715,72834,88824,0427,385
Fiji70702225
France120..     ..     498176
United States of America2,4345,1146,018711476
Other countries2,416705285202106
          Totals203,999183,032121,16550,87169,071
POTATOES.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)168212262190197
Australia87495818,1451,029..     
Fiji389485418517532
Argentine Republic..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Brazil1224595..     ..     
Other countries344655210
          Totals1,5561,74419,5751,738739
SEEDS (GRASS AND CLOVER).
     Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
United Kingdom15,33210,3926,5796,6695,230
Canada28725742460351
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)112651
South African Union613198..     ..     ..     
Australia12,80226,7027,8092,2128,398
Fiji3..     ..     31
Denmark62..     ..     ..     ..     
Germany922901..     ..     ..     
Argentine Republic22..     ..     ..     ..     
United States of America5,1501,1212421,4755,111
Uruguay41..     1..     ..     
Other countries345..     ..     2..     
          Totals35,58039,57215,08110,42619,092
GOLD.
     Oz.Oz.Oz.Oz.Oz.
United Kingdom99,46045,0441,41732,866*
Australia276,696182,896126,922127,345*
Other countries514294,498132,409*
          Totals376,161227,954422,837292,620*
COAL.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom141,540139,943185,616115,682102,970
Canada1,7602,0503,3505,3305,532
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)16,98314,00912,9005,7249,166
Australia33,18550,33036,44451,97232,073
Fiji13,7819,98812,91517,39112,672
Egypt..     ..     29,62125,246206
Argentine Republic..     ..     1,400..     ..     
Chile1,3002504,1401,815994
United States of America3,2009,5565,07217,99915,643
Guam..     75,33432,81740,70546,087
Other countries..     1,4481,99349,8113,500
          Totals211,749302,908326,268331,675228,843
KAURI-GUM.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
United Kingdom3,3903,3351,1721,516620
Canada6270562371,229
Australia801993111
Belgium12634..     ..     ..     
Austria-Hur11214..     ..     ..     
France45425..     ..     
Germany833373..     ..     ..     
Italy923..     ..     ..     
Netherlands608..     ..     ..     
Russia533211535
Sweden1520..     ..     ..     
United States of America3,9954,5313,3123,6492,689
Other countries..     1..     810
          Totals8,7808,4734,5755,4564,594
PHORMIUM FIBRE.
United Kingdom20,99212,78415,36915,2887,669
Canada512552371,4443,538
Australia3,9413,9485,5384,7223,249
United States of America3,0562,7152,0766,2199,059
Other countries52..     ..     11
          Totals28,09219,70223,22027,67423,516
TIMBER (SAWN AND HEWN).
     Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.Sup. ft.
United Kingdom877,4382,851,0701,438,249340,490163,988
Pacific islands (other than Fiji)332,122632,402408,451309,054665,975
Australia62,052,40678,874,63373,811,32869,168,62968,725,732
Fiji192,240961,0801,173,8991,692,8211,801,860
Other countries14,89923,763360..     ..     
          Totals63,469,10583,342,94876,832,28771,510,99471,357,555

RE-EXPORTS.

The forwarding trade of New Zealand has never at any time been of great significance, and the amount has on only five occasions (in 1907, 1914, 1915, 1916, and 1917) 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 goods 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
1917429,115

The destination of this re-export trade is shown in the following table for 1913–17:—

Country.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
     £     £     £     £     £     
United Kingdom41,44850,481122,37940,57750,245
Australia96,181136,308144,104144,406217,168
Fiji12,43011,54618,99124,48036,434
Canada3,4763,2602,3715,8286,670
Germany2,148753..     ..     ..     
United States of America4,2538,2844,48111,92624,697
Tonga or Friendly Islands11,90811,06618,24210,36423,881
Samoa or Navigator Islands15,82916,67326,05522,35526,201
Tahiti or Society Islands29,48322,77919,52314,66518,019
Other countries15,3178,05831,81430,54925,800
          Totals232,473269,208387,960305,150429,115

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 charts 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 pro ducts. 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, be 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. Figures in respect of gold for the year 1917 are, however, not available for publication.

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 1916, page 565).

EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE, 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).
* Not available for publication.
     £     £     £     £     £               
190110,936,67610,936,6761,753,78412,690,46012,690,46010001000
190211,547,17311,649,2941,951,42613,498,59913,600,720991992
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
191020,047,84515,013,3671,896,31821,944,16316,939,68513331295
191116,866,64712,968,5081,815,25118,781,89814,783,75913081270
191219,927,27414,821,9971,345,13121,272,40516,167,12813441316
191321,118,39114,483,2111,459,49922,577,89015,942,71014681416
191425,089,35017,072,531895,36725,984,71717,967,89814701446
191529,348,30916,905,5931,694,55331,042,86218,597,42117361669
191631,776,69515,831,8751,199,21232,975,90717,031,08720071936
191730,184,06913,294,083***2270*

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 also 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, 1901–17, 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).
* Not available for publication.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £               
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
190513,409,59412,233,2112,093,93615,503,53014,327,1471,176,383..     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..     2,243,708861876
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
191529,348,30924,838,0181,694,35331,042,66226,532,3714,510,291..     11811170
191631,776,69527,484,3221,199,21232,975,90728,683,5344,292,373..     11561149
191731,084,06926,683,006***4,401,063..     1165*

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 amounted to upwards of £4,500,000—an unprecedented figure—and, taking this into account, the further increases of £4,300,000 in 1916 and £4,400,000 in 1917 are 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 experts of New 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, 1910 TO 1918 (INCLUSIVE).
Article.1909–10.1910–11.1911–12.1912–13.1913–14.1914–15.1915–16.1916–17.1917–18.

* Not available for publication.

† Excluding gold (specie and bullion).

     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
The mine—         
Coal284,206185,578208,011252,790173,475380,170292,447249,106270,028
Gold1,948,2121,898,9101,710,0211,232,7251,485,920438,2342,134,256**
Silver181,401144,288122,72582,01389,64357,311107,85189,651139,214
Fisheries—         
Fish18,57825,17027,55535,09029,57532,45441,91430,78524,057
The forest—         
Kauri-gum529,051456,353358,336462,604590,341315,038332,308330,433220,085
Timber (sawn and hewn)343,805435,485474,483427,517372,380377,184387,370422,281457,317
Pastoral products—         
Beef, salted20,69717,17614,25012,10012,4887,1975,3317,91214,198
Butter1,712,6591,685,0331,891,2352,027,8222,197,6622,336,8622,805,1522,767,1503,232,788
Cheese1,275,1481,093,7151,496,7301,914,2382,317,9702,277,5093,345,3143,982,0894,010,842
Hides238,722194,602160,614253,334323,359412,236626,834343,858558,560
Live-stock133,219236,030145,49081,08683,310235,265119,24554,26566,239
Meat, preserved149,794146,223134,220112,413122,096134,567231,113268,323534,256
Meat frozen3,631,1223,875,3793,671,9484,315,4445,079,2285,737,6577,523,7886,953,9446,414,471
Sausage-skins75,51773,10580,49193,343132,039165,527217,709212,110243,745
Skins, rabbit115,429123,54772,911118,48290,35032,98156,07879,182258,246
Skins, sheep738,741698,568648,600765,926880,660821,536887,0141,136,9231,002,476
Tallow756,619658,962640,451660,224711,858704,797698,605767,313615,464
Wool7,962,6697,164,8446,965,4168,217,6448,262,1539,907,67012,127,69710,628,3599,519,199
Agricultural products—         
Beans and peas65,86974,34868,222116,81580,70472,60966,17240,80497,902
Oats314,02426,948254,779253,41436,129258,08315,92228,8391,228
Wheat257,786294,51590,96576,78014,25380121117,940491
Hops19,07912,27628,04014,29324,10615,24918,47418,7926,129
Potatoes3,4875,05913,152143,5486,05222,129130,3996,1995,036
Seeds, grass and clover115,49078,38857,06764,04577,09247,80542,04343,33144,912
Miscellaneous—         
Leather25,58425,77330,82432,03240,47445,23257,60823,89429,360
Phormium441,377349,610320,637630,089600,648428,364778,9661,221,1841,553,701
Other New Zealand produce369,990326,867461,460528,004483,533642,790712,192646,821794,428
          Totals21,728,27520,306,75220,148,63322,923,81524,316,89825,907,26333,762,01330,371,48830,114,372

EXPORT VALUES FROM 1890–91 TO 1917–18.

It was stated earlier in this subsection 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:—

(Base: Average annual value, 1890–99 = 1000.)

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
1916–1719891974191721161985*
1917–1821162146191922442201*

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 and in 1918, indicating an increase of over 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 three seasons.

Index numbers for cheese, frozen meat, and wool are all well over 2000, indicating that the export value per cwt. has more than doubled when compared with the base period. Butter shows a somewhat smaller advance.

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 export of gold are not available for publication.
     £     £     £     £     £               
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
1912–1321,691,09016,066,627 1,232,72522,923,81517,299,35213501325
1913–1422,830,97816,927,3831,485,92024,316,89818,413,30313491321
1914–1525,469,02916,842,014438,23425,907,26317,280,24815121499
1915–1631,627,75717,495,3302,134,25633,762,01319,629,58618081725
1916–1730,371,48815,303,688***1985*
1917–1830,114,37213,682,199***2201*

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 1917 they have risen to more than 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 1917–18 (excluding gold) was 2201.

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 AS 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
1898–994,241,9844,847,2711,776,8431,804,212451,269452,348127,209126,913
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
1908–95,965,2836,397,4533,775,9902,961,1131,491,8371,198,433977,353712,921
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
1916–1710,628,3595,842,6686,953,9443,481,3472,767,1501,443,4103,982,0891,881,560
1917–189,519,1994,497,9836,414,4712,943,9703,232,7881,684,5374,010,8421,787,735

EFFECT OF PRICES IN 1916 AND 1917.

The following tables show the effect of the increases in prices in 1917, as compared with 1916, 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 1916 over £28,500,000 out of £33,250,000, and in 1917 £27,000,000 out of £30,000,000). The yearly totals mentioned do not include gold.

In all of the main items quoted below the actual quantity exported shows a decrease on the figure for the previous year, yet in the case of cheese, phormium fibre, and sheep-skins (without wool) the value has increased by an amount which more than balances the decrease in quantity exported. Wool shows a decreased quantity of 178,274,486 lb.—3.90 per cent. less, while the corresponding value (£12,175,366) is but 1.70 per cent. less than that for 1916. Fluctuations in prices have affected frozen meat to a greater extent, the figures being 26.43 per cent. less for quantity, and 17.73 per cent. less for value. Butter shows a decrease in quantity amounting to 29.06 per cent., and in value 22.82 per cent. The value of cheese exported in 1917 constituted a record. Although the quantity was 6.71 per cent. less than in the previous year, the value increased by 16.08 per cent. Sheep-skins with wool have retired into insignificance as an export. Sheepskins without wool show a remarkable increase in value. For an export in quantity 12.71 per cent. less than in 1916, they exhibit an increase in value to the extent of 70.67 per cent. Tallow shows a decrease in quantity amounting to 43.93 per cent. when compared with the figure for the previous year. To some extent this was compensated for by increased prices, the value of exports being 29.58 per cent. below the 1916 figure. Phormium fibre is one of 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. This achievement was surpassed in 1917 by an export value representing an advance of 19.53 per cent. In quantity the export fell by 15.02 per cent.

Item.1916.1917.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value as recorded.Value at 1916 Prices.Increase.
          £          £     £     £     
Wool (lb.)185,506,85912,386,074178,274,48612,175,36611,903,177272,189
Frozen meat (cwt.)3,326,0457,271,3182,446,9455,982,4045,349,451632,953
Butter (cwt.)358,6322,632,293254,3972,031,5511,867,227164,324
Cheese (cwt.)949,4163,514,310885,7433,949,2513,278,621670,630
Skins (sheep, with wool) (lb.)3,082,838156,18415,687610764−154
Skins (sheep, without wool) (lb.)21,676,131761,44918,921,2861,299,578664,676634,902
Tallow (ton)22,472785,33912,599553,016440,303112,713
Phormium fibre (ton)27,6741,001,72523,5161,197,3961,059,905137,491
     ..     28,508,692..     27,189,17224,564,1242,625,048

A comparison of the first half-year of 1918 with the corresponding period of 1917 follows:—

Item.First Six Months, 1917.First Six Months, 1918.
Quantity.Value as declared.Quantity.Value as declared.Value on 1917 Basis.Increase.
          £          £     £     £     
Wool (lb.)115,284,9897,531,04070,898,7044,874,8734,631,487243,386
Frozen meat (cwt.)1,358,3493,240,4611,511,4993,700,4083,605,81494,594
Butter (lb.)186,3901,484,018339,3522,685,2552,701,886−16,631
Cheese (lb.)608,5332,705,696599,1562,767,2872,664,003103,284
Skins (sheep, with wool) (lb.)15,087610..     ..     ..     ..     
Skins (sheep, without wool) (lb.)11,131,046793,1147,610,628508,673542,276−33,603
Tallow (ton)9,521403,7068,699466,154368,85297,302
Phormium fibre (ton)12,214550,50514,932906,900673,010233,890
     ..     16,709,150..     15,909,55015,187,328722,222

With the exception of frozen meat, butter, and phormium, the quantities exported continue to show the decline noticeable in each of the past three years. Nor is the decline wholly compensated for by rising prices, for the total value of the exports quoted is £800,000 less than that for the similar period of 1917, which in its turn was £1,100,000 less than the amount for the corresponding six months of 1916.

In the majority of cases (exceptions are butter and sheep-skins without wool) prices are seen to be still rising. This advance is responsible for the exports for the first half-year of 1918 being worth over £700,000 more than they would have been at the rates prevailing in the first half-year of 1917. Similar price-gains were £1,600,000 and £2,800,000 for the first six months of 1917 and 1916 respectively.

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 £17,750,000 for the two years ended 31st March, 1917 and 1918, 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, 1917 AND 1918, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED ON PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1913.
Item.Calendar Year 1913.Year ended 31st March, 1917.Year ended 31st March, 1918.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 1913 and 1916 respectively. Figures re the export of gold have not been available since December, 1916.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Wool8,057,62010,572,7136,814,6539,948,7366,076,8857,629,911
Mutton (frozen)1,630,3322,535,1341,826,3342,618,4991,660,1551,667,144
Lamb (frozen)2,332,3722,157,1101,796,9061,817,7701,335,027842,947
Beef (frozen)347,3832,185,7631,301,3641,993,8581,139,1831,739,074
Butter2,061,6512,787,4871,970,4032,507,5461,752,6071,572,023
Cheese1,770,2973,100,1682,235,4934,461,9572,851,3142,475,318
Hides261,744517,170376,561523,812334,806329,615
Tallow663,088761,357601,948473,723297,563335,569
Phormium721,9241,078,746712,9301,298,872614,1961,050,492
Timber318,767420,116389,876418,966355,53393,673
Gold*1,495,4991,199,2121,199,212..     ..     ..     
     19,660,67727,314,97619,225,68026,063,73916,417,26917,735,766
ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS 1916 AND 1917, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED AT PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1914.
Item.1914.1916.1917.Difference for Two Years.
Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.Actual Value.Value at 1914 Prices.
* Not available for publication.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Wool9,318,11412,386,0747,840,30212,175,3667,534,6319,186,507
Mutton (frozen)2,115,0802,529,9712,009,2652,458,1721,652,3291,326,549
Lamb (frozen)2,554,5172,437,1002,147,9161,366,5141,044,627611,071
Beef (frozen)1,029,5292,119,0571,662,5892,007,3931,495,586968,275
Butter2,338,5762,632,2931,932,1632,031,5511,370,5871,361,094
Cheese2,564,1253,514,3102,818,3483,949,2512,629,3342,015,879
Hides358,618605,668495,167435,579296,892249,188
Tallow694,348785,339636,483553,016356,846345,026
Phormium455,2141,001,725639,4071,197,396543,3361,016,378
Timber422,545381,477362,514408,064361,68165,346
Gold895,3671,199,2121,199,212 ***
     22,746,03329,592,22621,743,36626,582,30217,285,84917,145,313
ELEVEN PRINCIPAL EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE TWELVE-MONTHLY PERIODS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1917 AND 1918, SHOWING ACTUAL VALUES AND VALUES WHEN ASSESSED ON PRICES RULING IN THE CALENDAR YEAR 1914.
Item.Calendar Year 1914.Year ended 31st March, 1917.Year ended 31st March, 1918.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 and 1916 respectively. Figures re the export of gold have not been available since December, 1916.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
Wool9,318,11410,572,7136,667,5389,948,7365,945,6987,908,213
Mutton (frozen)2,115,0802,535,1341,936,5042,618,4991,760,3011,456,828
Lamb (frozen)2,554,5172,157,1101,863,7261,817,7701,384,671726,483
Beef (frozen)1,029,5292,185,7631,694,0251,993,8581,482,9161,002,680
Butter2,338,5762,787,4871,916,8082,507,5461,704,9361,673,289
Cheese2,564,1253,106,1682,292,8604,461,9572,924,4842,344,781
Hides358,618517,170405,588523,812360,614274,780
Tallow694,348761,357584,765473,723289,069361,246
Phormium455,2141,078,746640,9781,298,872552,2091,184,431
Timber422,545420,116393,070418,966358,57687,436
Gold*895,3671,199,2121,199,212..     ..     ..     
     22,746,03327,314,97619,595,07426,063,7396,763,47417,020,167

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 1917. 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 1917.

The majority of the ports show decreases as compared with the previous year. In the case of Wellington. Auckland, Dunedin, and Invercargill exports in 1917 were less than in 1916 by £750,000, £750,000, £600,000, and £400,000 respectively. Several ports show increases, the principal in this respect being Napier, £600,000: Wanganui, £450,000; and Gisborne, £300,000.

Slight differences have been made in the order of importance for 1917. Wanganui (tenth in 1915) is now the fifth exporting port of the Dominion. Dunedin has fallen from fifth place to eighth. Greymouth, formerly thirteenth, now occupies the position of sixteenth. Westport and Tauranga have interchanged places.

It should be remembered that the totals shown for 1917 do not include gold exported, and, further, that as the gold export is confined to some seven or eight ports, all are not equally affected by gold-exclusion. Gold bullion is most largely exported from Auckland, Greymouth, and Dunedin.

EXPORTS FROM VARIOUS PORTS.
PortYearly Average of Quinquennial Periods,Year 1917.*
1896–1900.1901–5.1906–10.1911–15.

* Excluding exports of gold, both bullion and specie.

† Included in New Plymouth.

     £     £     £     £     £     
Wellington1,825,8952,612,8963,692,6695,684,8276,953,398
Auckland1,649,2382,334,3693,374,7894,031,4325,144,461
Lyttelton2,107,4492,431,5472,704,5213,153,7233,926,241
Napier950,614944,2931,674,6382,000,6573,216,055
Wanganui337,319350,039409,526673,0351,986,983
Invercargill700,580888,6371,173,8011,442,9961,754,897
Gisborne347,603512,749992,5541,373,1451,699,781
Dunedin1,155,3871,488,9011,500,9521,619,3481,618,931
New Plymouth351,452400,357554,135591,2121,038,769
Patea43,361230,195510,504738,668976,922
Timaru645,843876,5141,142,5241,273,164925,788
Waitara99,329292,503366,326345,450
Wairau (including Picton)133,786186,196285,991311,187298,223
Nelson60,16888,60194,608173,964210,941
Oamaru247,180239,419225,308259,294201,052
Greymouth239,553419,547376,185403,297117,730
Kaipara112,311150,817138,023124,83096,121
Tauranga137..     ..     5,64867,482
Westport38,50175,76958,53359,07041,739
Hokitika52,14739,11332,13328,27730,980

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.
     £     
190121,849
190222,973
190327,965
190428,644
190529,098
190635,452
190738,288
190839,284
190940,204
191060,647
191156,131
191275,774
191372,046
191459,056
191555,459
191652,831
191753,449

The principal items of export to the islands in 1917 are next shown.

EXPORTS TO COOK ISLANDS, 1917.
Class.Item.Article.Quantity.Value.
Produce of New Zealand.Other.Total.
                    £     £     £     
I32Meats, potted and preserved1,467 cwt.6,691..     6,691
     41Provisions n.o.e...     6104051,015
II43Biscuits, ships' plain1,772 cwt.3,518..     3,518
     87Flour, wheaten2,584 centals2,088672,155
     130Sugar, refined2,335 cwt.2,362342,396
IXA234Apparel and ready - made clothing n.o.e...     7801,2482,028
IXB278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e...     ..     2,2622,262
     267Drapery n.o.e...     1551,6761,831
XII357Coal, bunker2,305 tons1,9853202,305
XVIIA635Timber, sawn, n.o.e., rough, kauri1,267,231 sup. ft.8,875..     8,875
XXIII875Soap, common bar739 cwt.1,207..     1,207

Further particulars regarding the trade of the Cook Islands will be found in the section of this book dealing with “Outlying Islands of New Zealand.”

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 1917 were valued at £119,049, spread over the various classes as follows:—

Class.Value.
     £     
I33,663
II17,262
III805
IV312
V1,015
VI1,010
VII4
VIII182
IX12,220
X3,477
XI388
XII2,111
XIII19,700
XIV2,779
XV647
XVI412
XVII3,075
XVIII1,741
XIX736
XX240
XXI570
XXII1,846
XXIII14,854
          Total119,049

Dealing with individual items, the principal are found to be,—

Item.Quantity.Value.
          £     
Butter536 cwt.4,556
Bacon27,508 lb.1,352
Beef, salted2,419 cwt.5,848
Potted and preserved meat3,711 cwt.16,686
Milk and cream (preserved, &c.)39,646 lb.1,095
Flour, wheaten1,684 centals1,386
Chaff316 tons2,570
Sugar, refined6,071 cwt.6,214
Cotton (textile piece-goods)..     6,257
Common bar soap2,690 cwt.4,317

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.

Prior to 1916 the import value taken was 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 was insisted upon. But the landed value for ad valorem goods was 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. From and including the year 1916, however, the value shown for all merchandise imported is the fair market value in the country of export at the time of exportation, plus 10 per cent. Pair market value is accepted as the wholesale 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.
Bread203 ½ cwt.26000
Bricks7,0001050
Beer730 gallons7500
Cedar1,793 ft.3300
Cheese335 lb.1400
Flour87,992 lb.78700
Shingles24,9702500
Cartouche boxes1423900
Corks30 gross700
Earthen and glass wareSundry packs7500
Flints12,0001800
GroceriesSundry packs4400
Gunpowder11,052 lb.86200
HardwareSundry packs63900
Muskets2,1202,93800
Rope80 cwt.22000
Salt249 cwt.51100
Tobacco-pipes65 gross2600
Salt provisions87 cwt.20000
Shot836 lb.800
Water-casks260 tons23500
SlopsSundry packs45800
Staves3,40030000
Woollens1,426 yards10400
Rice2,540 lb.2100
Rum and whisky2,429 gallons42400
Brandy and gin1,607 gallons30000
Sugar7,149 lb.13800
Tea1,696 lb.11500
Tobacco5,062 lb.31000
Horned cattle21000
Blankets78 pairs7600
Iron8 tons15200
Linen2,700 yards22000
Cutlasses501500
Leather, manufacturedSundry packs6700
Wine120 gallons1800
Sundries not enumerated above..     29700
          Total..     £9,591150

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 figures for 1917 also show a substantial fall, largely due to shortage of shipping and restriction of exports from Europe.

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, 1908–17.
Year.Value.Value per Head.
Including Specie.Excluding Specie.Including Specie.Excluding Specie.
* Excluding gold.
     £     £     £     s.d.£     s.d.
190817,471,28417,247,16218991850
190915,674,71914,817,462162715411
191017,051,58316,748,223173616175
191119,545,87918,782,608195218102
191220,976,57420,576,579203919161
191322,288,30221,653,632201712053
191421,856,09621,144,2272001119710
191521,728,83420,658,72019152181510
191626,339,28325,045,4032319222157
1917*20,919,25920,742,124190818175

Throughout the following pages figures relating to the year 1917 are in all cases exclusive of gold. Particulars regarding both imports and exports of gold (specie and bullion) are, at the request of the Imperial Government, withheld from publication.

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 1913–17. 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, 1913–17.
Group of Principal Articles imported.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Includes methylated and perfumed spirits, and spirits of wine.

* Excluding gold (specie and bullion).

     £     £     £     £     £     
Apparel, including hats and caps1,554,3611,438,8381,172,9981,675,7821,346,505
Boots and shoes411,955396,576409,987505,114493,109
Drapery, haberdashery, linens, woollens, and other textiles2,403,1782,382,9112,470,0363,703,3382,783,291
Hosiery209,846200,561211,962367,096209,741
Silks97,591140,261201,854293,101277,962
          Totals4,676,9314,559,1474,466,8376,544,4315,110,608
Iron and steel (pig, wrought, wire, &c., and galvanized)1,510,6811,261,1591,206,6551,313,584681,546
Railway and tramway plant269,412164,198288,53694,84244,007
Machinery1,039,307967,568893,383948,858777,353
Sewing and knitting machines54,97143,94847,01350,78962,946
Hardware and ironmongery472,137408,654309,754390,840294,951
Tools and implements (including agricultural)397,846373,215256,098318,355274,654
Nails58,27258,59261,829101,74066,092
Other metals and metal manufactures726,933834,710734,769947,421708,078
          Totals4,529,5594,112,0443,798,0374,166,4292,909,627
Sugar812,528699,3071,069,096986,7661,136,722
Tea296,933430,001455,240386,316428,912
          Totals1,109,4611,129,3081,524,3361,373,0821,565,634
Beer57,85462,29253,66844,77517,535
Spirits*398,225413,427405,628743,510528,797
Wine77,03479,32683,81785,18373,336
Tobacco466,159614,029533,876717,822446,308
          Totals999,2721,169,0741,076,9891,591,2901,065,976
Paper377,494378,535386,996590,530485,300
Printed books248,668252,160233,058258,125236,267
Stationery232,960224,099198,590269,308207,789
          Totals859,122854,794818,6441,117,963929,356
Miscellaneous (specified articles)—     
Arms, ammunition, and explosives225,268173,994173,140149,267163,140
Automobiles, motorcars, and motor-cycles, and materials for1,021,6131,158,1431,037,0791,668,8951,254,608
Bags and sacks233,799222,122254,174235,139219,955
Bicycles and tricycles17,84314,30411,90021,89511,755
Bicycle and tricycle fittings116,02041,04896,369105,43180,204
Candles30,66540,21737,44036,0099,064
Canvas103,06591,38471,74591,04794,692
Carpeting and drug-geting100,984101,44278,327128,21482,703
Carts, carriages, and materials for81,16192,78268,52547,27341,573
Cement18,64919,7735,6671,374788
China, porcelain, earthenware, and Parian ware193,799167,874109,135188,552114,261
Coal466,286558,564344,495189,526214,152
Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares442,614639,038680,122890,980741,776
Fancy goods and toys294,005264,198212,840320,996284,781
Fish (potted and preserved)90,54592,05887,73692,821104,819
Floorcloth and oilcloth145,17292,16581,079101,33754,482
Fruits (including fresh, preserved, bottled, and dried)322,101375,358410,842458,417493,733
Furniture, cabinet-ware, and upholstery110,49349,91431,15241,01232,072
Glass and glassware250,976178,895181,873218,664134,256
Leather and leather manufactures226,865211,102218,464295,697372,051
Manures377,422512,193476,584342,580328,762
Musical instruments and materials for164,021150,453124,025157,188116,062
Seeds148,277157,815327,290219,502294,520
Oil570,062772,303793,6631,001,924943,460
Timber504,931404,582305,685166,817160,914
Woolpacks and wool-pockets74,44977,05682,798101,909113,926
          Total miscellaneous (specified articles)6,331,0856,658,7776,302,1497,272,4666,462,509
Other imports (excluding specie)3,148,2022,661,0832,671,7282,979,7422,698,414
          Total imports (excluding specie)21,653,63221,144,22720,658,72025,045,40320,742,124
Specie imported634,670711,8691,070,1141,293,880177,135
          Total imports22,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,283*20,919,259

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 shown for 1916 (over £4,600,000 more than in 1915) is very satisfactory, but it must be remembered that most (if not all) of this increase was attributable 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 decrease of over £5,400,000 in values of imports in 1917 as compared with 1916 accordingly indicates a greater reduction in quantity of imports than is shown by the figures given. As previously mentioned, this reduction is, of course, due to war conditions, and more particularly to the shortage of available shipping.

The increase in the last decade is shown by the following table, which, for each of the groups treated above, contrasts 1917 with 1907. A great increase will be evident in all the main items.

Years.Annual Imports from
United Kingdom.British Possessions.Foreign Countries.Total
United States.Germany.Others.
* Excluding gold.
          £     £     £     £     £     £     
Textiles, boots and shoes, drapery and clothing19073,388,563220,22483,49822,88876,3753,791,548
19173,783,199265,781303,67130757,9275,110,608
Iron and steel, machinery, hardware, tools, and other manufactures of iron and steel19072,616,684357,003472,57265,85571,6673,583,781
19171,308,093482,334987,246825131,1292,909,627
Sugar and tea1907854832,6334,70184438839,710
1917181,539,94314,504..     11,1691,565,634
Beer, wine, spirits, and tobacco1907450,015144,728169,35510,95930,732805,789
1917693,064218,92769,146384,8361,065,976
Paper, books, and stationery1907449,520136,59435,83819,0728,838649,862
1917462,869257,404149,8135659,214929,356
Miscellaneous articles19073,372,3292,212,027659,632232,776393,2536,870,017
19172,169,6263,163,8302,769,8991,4021,056,1669,160,923
Specie190754760,955..     ..     2,145763,154
1917177,135..     ..     ..     ..     177,135
          Total imports*190710,278,0194,664,1641,425,596351,634583,44817,302,861
19178,594,0105,928,2194,294,2792,3162,100,44120,919,259

Note.—In the above table import figures for 1907 are as for countries of shipment; those for 1917 are as for countries of origin.

IMPORTS BY PORTS.

The subjoined table exhibits the value of the imports received at each port in New Zealand during 1917, together with average annual values for the four preceding quinquennial periods. The general decrease in the value of imports in 1917 as compared with the previous year is shared in varying proportions between all the ports of the Dominion. Wellington, which showed a phenomenal increase in 1916, has fallen back by over £2,500,000.

In several cases the figures for 1917 have altered the relative positions of the ports. Invercargill displaces Napier for the position of fifth port, while Wanganui is now slightly ahead of Timaru, and New Plymouth shows a lead over Gisborne.

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.

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.1917.
1897–1901.1902–6.1907–11.1912–16.
* Parcels-post now included under the headings of the various ports.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Wellington2,353,6783,897,3144,979,7476,881,2166,730,576
Auckland2,434,4443,250,1244,786,2426,683,0806,413,477
Lyttelton1,600,0562,154,3732,670,7573,418,7493,243,861
Dunedin1,914,3192,112,1282,467,7862,783,0862,563,524
Invercargill251,633349,532501,344577,029413,287
Napier201,157261,940417,597570,557401,783
Wanganui123,017167,188233,082281,545248,954
Timaru133,732196,022303,622376,691233,065
New Plymouth60,93989,975132,056192,901194,671
Gisborne40,05470,519143,521201,660147,040
Nelson133,467133,812126,836147,83591,898
Oamaru45,25159,89668,75089,78378,614
Greymouth52,64074,203108,370101,55260,436
Wairau (including Picton)14,01625,02838,29754,82541,726
Westport28,81534,56253,80143,71823,180
Patea14,03720,41127,52030,07221,092
Tauranga3,1462,7043,6285,4946,036
Hokitika14,69613,98917,12610,7685,005
Kaipara5,4196,00210,1885,5091,034
Parcels-post73,377169,748318,995**
          Totals9,497,89313,089,47017,409,26522,637,81720,919,259

IMPORT AND CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF FOOD AND DRINK.

Information as to the 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 £9,453 worth was entered for home consumption in 1917, is not included in the figures given for coffee.

TOTAL AMOUNTS ENTERED FOR HOME CONSUMPTION.
Article.Unit of Quantity.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Tealb.7,070,4299,937,2489,148,5787,977,9638,793,057
Coffee, raw and roastedlb.320,064338,042343,501375,408365,351
Cocoa and chocolate*lb.597,656555,292774,880685,639235,213
Cocoa-beanslb.504,215669,211574,9651,124,3731,011,811
Ricelb.6,619,6489,808,4009,171,2328,042,94410,261,328
Sago and tapiocalb.2,800,5603,487,4562,715,1042,928,8003,558,016
Currants, driedlb.944,0533,366,5142,455,6741,571,2321,808,475
Raisinslb.3,132,8274,913,6746,535,8636,253,2935,479,282
Figs, dates, and pruneslb.2,976,0753,166,7683,851,5582,758,5462,415,312
SugarCwt.1,291,0201,012,8991,333,6491,246,4571,368,056
SaltCwt.477,720422,740437,620637,160319,820
Spiceslb.608,367757,216705,530717,584892,798
Mustardlb.254,053239,500236,618332,365154,640
Tobaccolb.3,024,5063,147,5153,173,1523,075,7563,104,709
BeerGal.10,300,41610,649,09010,865,76411,477,04611,416,475
WineGal.147,137156,513163,248138,806142,893
SpiritsGal.869,124877,173932,547769,964750,729
AMOUNTS PER HEAD ENTERED FOR HOME CONSUMPTION.
Article.Unit of Quantity.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.Average of Five Years.
* Not including chocolate confectionery.
(a.) Including Maoris.
Tealb.6.328.727.966.947.657.52
Coffee, raw and roastedlb.0.290.300.300.330.320.31
Cocoa and chocolate*lb.0.530.490.670.600.200.50
Cocoa-beanslb.0.450.590.500.980.880.68
Ricelb.5.928.606.987.008.937.49
Sago and tapiocalb.2.503.062.362.553.102.71
Currants, driedlb.0.842.952.141.371.571.77
Raisinslb.2.814.315.695.444.774.60
Figs, dates, and pruneslb.2.662.783.352.402.102.66
Sugarlb.128.8099.68129.92120.96133.48122.09
Saltlb.48.1641.4442.5661.6031.3640.32
Spiceslb.0.540.660.610.620.780.64
Mustardlb.0.230.210.210.290.130.21
Tobaccolb.2.702.762.762.682.702.72
BeerGal.9.219.349.469.999.949.59
WineGal.0.130.140.140.120.120.13
SpiritsGal.0.780.770.810.670.650.74
(b.) Excluding Maoris.
Tealb.6.629.118.327.268.007.86
Coffee, raw and roastedlb.0.300.310.310.340.330.32
Cocoa and chocolate*lb.0.560.510.700.620.210.52
Cocoa-beanslb.0.470.610.521.020.920.71
Ricelb.6.199.008.327.329.348.03
Sago and tapiocalb.2.623.202.472.663.242.84
Currants, driedlb.0.883.092.231.431.651.86
Raisinslb.2.934.515.945.694.994.81
Figs, dates, and pruneslb.2.782.903.502.512.202.78
Sugarlb.135.52104.16135.52126.56138.88128.13
Saltlb.50.4043.6844.8064.9632.4847.26
Spiceslb.0.570.690.640.650.810.67
Mustardlb.0.240.220.220.300.140.22
Tobaccolb.2.832.892.892.802.822.85
BeerGal.9.649.779.8810.4410.3910.00
Winelb.0.140.140.150.130.130.14
Spiritslb.0.810.800.850.700.680.77

Whilst the average consumption of the main items of food and drink is naturally very steady from year to year, the only figures which showed uninterrupted increase until 1917 were those for coffee and beer. These two items fell slightly in 1917 as compared with the previous year. 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 crop 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 1917 are presented below:—

IMPORTS BY CLASSES, 1917.
No.Class.Value in 1917.
* Excluding gold.
          £     
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)192,526
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt2,609,457
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making up the same510,248
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors621,306
VTobacco and preparations thereof446,308
VILive animals19,265
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs22,875
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres515,894
IXAApparel2,332,196
IXBTextiles2,989,657
IXCManufactured fibres438,047
XOils, fats, and waxes1,046,811
XIPaints and varnishes180,964
XIIStones and minerals used industrially241,037
XIIISpecie177,135
XIVAMetal unmanufactured, partially manufactured, and ores239,677
XIVBMetal manufactures, other than machinery and machines1,654,523
XVMachinery and machines956,132
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof (not including tires)42,734
XVIBLeather and manufactures thereof, including substitutes389,164
XVIIATimber160,914
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures83,827
XVIIIEarthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cements and cement materials249,305
XIXAPaper493,729
XIXBStationery435,627
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods398,071
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments259,278
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares741,776
XXIIBManures328,762
XXIIIMiscellaneous2,142,014
     Total*20,919,259

From the above table it can be seen that New Zealand's largest group of imports in 1917 was that containing textiles (Class IXB). This group shows a decrease, as compared with 1916, of nearly £1,000,000, and this in spite of higher price-values ruling during 1917. The total for Group IX amounted in 1917 to £5,759,900, or 27.53 per cent. of all imports.

Class II shows an increase of over £300,000 when compared with the figure for the previous year. This increase is largely due to increases in the quantities and values of sugar, wheat, and flour imported.

With the exception of Class II and several of the less important classes, all groups show decreases as compared with the figures for 1916.

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 again, and has now more than 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 the United Kingdom are less than in any year since 1905, the remaining six countries have maintained a high level. The figures for India and Fiji are the highest ever recorded.

IMPORTS FROM PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES, 1898–1917.
Year.United Kingdom.Australia.Canada.India.Ceylon.Fiji.United States.Germany
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19026,851,4521,715,29553,374286,061125,891327,9721,318,937210,560
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
19099,287,7862,764,210198,384367,999230,499590,2141,166,063327,847
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
19178,817,5133,660,931757,041612,063353,6131,203,3723,900,658733

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, 1913–17.
Country.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Excluding gold.
     £     £     £     £     £     
British Possessions.     
United Kingdom13,312,19311,985,94611,141,06713,869,4558,817,513
Europe—     
Gibraltar212111
Malta283742709815
     285752919916
Asia—     
Burma17,56929,02630,94444,91638,553
Ceylon275,350394,444408,697366,753353,613
Hong Kong14,74732,47227,80929,04120,677
India421,209486,978527,942572,257612,063
Straits Settlements68,48457,49943,32851,41862,678
Other Asiatic possessions779452361891,509
     798,1381,000,8711,038,7561,064,5751,089,093
Africa—     
South African Union7,79633,22942,65471,30056,392
Other African possessions10913,51314,1196854
     7,90546,74256,77371,98556,396
America—     
British West Indies2,2116,5114,0696,1924,293
Canada via East Coast452,519380,340545,885440,171438,563
Canada via West Coast     98,800251,931317,115318,478
Newfoundland149..     692,0292,473
     454,879485,651801,954765,507763,827
Pacific Islands—     
Australia2,914,8483,376,3713,554,5354,002,1713,660,931
Fiji846,493738,7511,128,9591,053,7541,203,372
Other Pacific islands13,50815,3774,8025,915154
     3,774,8494,130,4994,388,2965,061,8404,864,457
Foreign Countries.     
Europe—     
Austria17,86311,228458259..     
Belgium203,526110,3913,5514,330414
Denmark15,1699,80436,17541,67166,801
France150,777147,877132,201113,35233,731
Germany687,935620,4007,7904,287733
Greece10,90725,04320,793312
Hungary489551..     ..     ..     
Italy65,42555,31594,839103,48679,414
Netherlands84,015127,03884,20570,86020,873
Norway53,85067,77176,29162,46743,343
Portugal5,5516,0084,8066,165771
Russia13,1316,1981,2111,017501
Spain14,92814,5189,95114,4563,751
Sweden93,09379,81794,916102,76099,299
Switzerland67,62367,82749,07172,16048,972
Turkey7,92713,9742,846..     ..     
Other European countries1..     ..     9..     
     1,492,2101,363,760619,104597,310398,605
Asia—     
Asiatic Turkey17,21532,8055,9536,1107,359
China24,44832,84735,53969,12470,711
Japan151,106187,501304,322562,974628,822
Java50,49057,41232,66040,62234,490
Philippine Islands16,04020,01224,18731,27026,389
Sumatra30,289135,843183,450109,24087,967
Other Asiatic countries4,3774,0621,6694,20315,141
     293,965470,480587,780823,543870,879
Africa—     
Egypt2,2341,7415,72443,63448,449
Other African countries15639,00411,620233,144
     2,39040,74517,34443,65751,593
America—     
Argentina3231,45281209
Brazil124165145170..     
Chile..     11,2585218,360
Cuba3,0827,7804,3273,5506,605
United States of America—     
Via East Coast1,715,3421,851,0461,693,3252,577,4492,672,640
Via West Coast392,648431,920906,9231,392,4761,228,018
Other American Countries713141333,3721,088
     2,111,2702,291,2492,607,5633,977,6193,916,920
Pacific Islands—     
German Samoa1,8238,04952,04519,31716,301
Hawaii553671,0152,5453,757
New Caledonia8,023312,1734,04211,067
Society Islands14,30519,42329,18910,95016,137
Tonga15,70812,12229,8534,1451,409
Tuamotu Archipelago..     10045,57822,66441,271
Other Pacific islands3041453308
     40,21840,078169,90663,69389,950
Antarctica..     ..     ..     ..     10
Grand total22,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,28320,919,259*

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 under both headings:—

IMPORTS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN 1917.
Country.Imports according to
Country of Shipment.Country of Origin.
Value.Per Cent. of Total.Value.Per Cent. of Total.
     £          £          
United Kingdom8,817,51342.158,594,00441.08
British Possessions.    
Europe—    
Gibraltar1..     ..     ..     
Malta15..     325..     
     16..     325..     
Asia—    
Burma38,5530.1864,2910.31
Ceylon353,6131.69397,4191.90
Hong Kong20,6770.1015,2110.07
India612,0632.93646,1963.09
Straits Settlements62,6780.3069,4460.33
Other Asiatic possessions1,5090.012,8940.01
     1,089,0935.211,195,4575.71
Africa—    
British West Africa..     ..     517..     
Mauritius1..     1..     
South African Union56,3920.2798,5380.47
Other African possessions3..     31..     
     56,3960.2799,0870.47
America—    
British West Indies4,2930.0214,4860.07
Canada via East Coast438,5632.10771,9523.69
Canada via West Coast318,4981.52
Newfoundland2,4730.012,6650.01
Other American possessions..     ..     40..     
     763,8273.65789,1433.77
Pacific Islands—    
Australia3,660,93117.502,636,14912.60
Fiji1,203,3725.751,198,5895.73
Gilbert and Ellice Islands..     ..     ..     ..     
Other Pacific possessions154..     9,4690.05
     4,864,45723.253,844,20718.38
Foreign Countries.    
Europe—    
Austria..     ..     25..     
Belgium414..     5,6470.03
Denmark66,8010.3277,2270.37
France33,7310.16258,5741.24
Germany7330.012,3160.01
Greece2..     1,3480.01
Italy79,4140.38164,9300.79
Luxemburg..     ..     ..     ..     
Netherlands20,8730.1050,3360.24
Norway43,3430.2152,9350.25
Portugal7710.017,2670.03
Russia501..     11,0100.05
Spain3,7510.0216,5810.08
Sweden99,2990.47109,2410.52
Switzerland48,9720.23206,3290.99
Turkey..     ..     61..     
Other European countries..     ..     145..     
     398,6051.91963,9114.61
Asia—    
Asiatic Turkey7,3590.0412,4770.06
China70,7110.3494,1630.45
Dutch Borneo11,3480.0512,2950.06
Japan628,8223.00693,8083.32
Java34,4900.1747,1800.23
Persia41..     575..     
Philippine Islands26,3890.1227,9150.13
Sarawak and Brunei443..     443..     
Sumatra87,9670.4288,1190.42
Other Asiatic countries3,3090.024,6860.02
     870,8794.16981,6614.69
Africa—    
Egypt48,4490.2345,1340.22
Madagascar1..     230..     
Morocco3..     1,5220.01
Zanzibar94..     934..     
Other African countries3,0460.021,1190.01
     51,5930.2548,9390.24
America—    
Alaska425..     449..     
Brazil..     ..     509..     
Chile8,3600.048,9750.04
Cuba6,6050.037,7890.04
Guatemala107..     213..     
United States of America—    
Via East Coast2,672,64012.784,294,27920.53
Via West Coast1,228,0185.87
Other American countries765..     3,3330.02
     3,916,92018.724,315,54720.63
Pacific Islands—    
German Samoa16,3010.0815,4650.07
Hawaii3,7570.013,9790.02
New Caledonia11,0670.0511,0240.05
Society Islands16,1370.0814,5820.07
Tonga1,4090.016500.01
Tuamotu Archipelago41,2710.2041,2710.20
Other Pacific islands8..     7..     
     89,9500.4386,9780.42
Antarctica10..     ..     ..     
Grand total20,919,259100.0020,919,259100.00

Direct shipments from the United Kingdom, it will be seen, exceed by over £200,000 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. The 1917 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 1917.

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, Prance, affords a good illustration of the position. Asiatic countries generally show similar results. Hong Kong and Australia take part of the Eastern entrepôt trade. United States seems to ship to New Zealand a considerable 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 (£20,919,259), the United Kingdom supplied £8,594,004, or 41.08 per cent. Manufactured articles imported amounted to £15,067,058, of which the Mother-country supplied £7,246,967, or 48.10 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.
* Excluding gold.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
United Kingdom853,587148,7477,246,967167,070177,6338,594,004
British Possessions.      
Europe—      
Malta..     ..     325..     ..     325
Asia—      
Aden262..     2..     ..     264
British North Borneo Protectorate..     ..     2,616..     ..     2,616
Burma26,822..     37,469..     ..     64,291
Ceylon393,1301,9632,30020..     397,419
Cyprus1..     13..     ..     14
Hong Kong12,9097511,551..     ..     15,211
India65,51549,430528,9162,335..     646,196
Straits Settlements66,6751,930841..     ..     69,446
Africa—      
British East Africa Protectorate28..     ..     ..     ..     28
British West Africa15..     502..     ..     517
Mauritius..     ..     1..     ..     1
Nyasaland Protectorate..     ..     1..     ..     1
South African Union16,82331,26450,43318..     98,538
Southern Rhodesia..     ..     2..     ..     2
America—      
British Guiana40..     ..     ..     ..     40
British West Indies12,924..     1,562..     ..     14,486
Canada88,76121,470617,32544,396..     771,952
Newfoundland..     ..     2,665..     ..     2,665
Pacific Islands—      
Australia1,018,105432,9431,150,76333,6686702,636,149
British Solomon Islands Protectorate..     13..     ..     4
Fiji1,198,1632521731..     1,198,589
New Zealand115359417,721..     8,812
Norfolk Island891041..     ..     194
Papua..     459..     ..     ..     459
Foreign Countries and Possessions.      
Europe—      
Austria..     ..     25..     ..     25
Belgium..     ..     5,647..     ..     5,647
Bulgaria..     ..     43..     ..     43
Crete..     ..     1..     ..     1
Denmark783..     10,40466,040..     77,227
Prance53,695559197,2967,024..     258,574
Germany8712,237..     ..     2,316
Greece359..     989..     ..     1,348
Iceland40..     ..     ..     ..     40
Italy23,38437140,698811..     164,930
Netherlands26,555520,4543,322..     50,336
Norway22,515..     30,40416..     52,935
Portugal5,8561,39615..     ..     7,267
Russia32..     6,0964,882..     11,010
Spain5,33410,387860..     ..     16,581
Sweden2487,15793,1068,730..     109,241
Switzerland8,705..     196,925699..     206,329
Turkey..     ..     61..     ..     61
Countries.Food, Drink, and Tobacco.Raw Materials and Articles mainly unmanufactured.Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.Miscellaneous and Unclassified.Bullion and Specie.*Total.
* Excluding gold.
Asia—£     £     £     £     £     £     
Asiatic Turkey12,446..     31..     ..     12,477
China33,0891,30459,491279..     94,163
Cochin-China226..     95..     ..     321
Dutch Borneo..     ..     12,295..     ..     12,295
Formosa..     ..     8..     ..     8
French India..     ..     4..     ..     4
French Indo-Chinese Protectorates..     ..     97..     ..     97
Japan22,68031,365633,5456,218..     693,808
Java14,70331,4411,036..     ..     47,130
Malay States..     ..     1..     ..     1
Minor Dutch East Indies16620931..     ..     1,117
Persia141..     434..     ..     575
Philippine Islands4,57423,3401..     ..     27,915
Sarawak and Brunei443..     ..     ..     ..     443
Siam463,03626..     ..     3,108
Siberia..     ..     ..     30..     30
Sumatra294..     87,825..     ..     88,119
Africa—      
Algeria..     ..     37..     ..     37
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan..     ..     203..     ..     203
Cameroons227..     ..     ..     ..     227
Canary Islands..     ..     39..     ..     39
Egypt128..     45,0042..     45,134
French West Africa47..     11..     ..     58
Madagascar1215950..     ..     230
Madeira9..     224..     ..     233
Morocco1,236..     25729..     1,522
Tripoli..     ..     322..     ..     322
Zanzibar924..     10..     ..     934
America—      
Alaska449..     ..     ..     ..     449
Argentina..     ..     16058..     218
Bolivia..     ..     3..     ..     3
Brazil338..     171..     ..     509
Chile12..     8,839124..     8,975
Colombia..     ..     1,094..     ..     1,094
Costa Pica62..     ..     ..     ..     62
Cuba7,741..     48..     ..     7,789
Dutch West Indies..     ..     61..     ..     61
Ecuador218..     376..     ..     594
French West Indies..     ..     3..     ..     3
Guatemala213..     ..     ..     ..     213
Mexico..     ..     27200..     227
Nicaragua429..     ..     40..     469
Panama Canal Zone..     ..     1..     ..     1
Paraguay20..     46..     ..     66
Peru..     ..     95..     ..     95
Santo Domingo..     426..     ..     ..     426
United States of America349,61658,3753,806,02280,266..     4,294,279
Uruguay11..     ..     ..     ..     11
Venezuela..     ..     ..     3..     3
Pacific Islands—      
German Samoa15,181702131..     15,465
German Solomon Islands..     ..     4..     ..     4
Hawaii3,964..     15..     ..     3,979
New Caledonia4935910,4675..     11,024
New Hebrides2..     ..     ..     ..     2
Society Islands8,0629295,51972..     14,582
Tonga5058812..     ..     650
Tuamotu Archipelago..     ..     41,271..     ..     41,271
Tutuila..     ..     1..     ..     1
          Totals4,379,845859,97315,067,058434,080178,30320,919,259

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.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* New heading, 1914.

† Not available for publication. † Heading altered in 1916.

‡ Including anti-friction metal, now Item 377A.

‡ Included under the various items.

United Kingdom.
       £     £     £     £     £     
I11Fish, preserved, in tins, etc.25,96621,77311,12918,3435,179
     40Milk and cream, preserved, etc.6,55621,2837,0426,448448
     41Provisions n.o.e.17,12919,81517,80222,2985,139
II44Biscuits, other6,2116,1203,5174,166628
     46Cocoa-butter, etc.12,16916,01519,35535,46933,200
          Chocolate confectionery—     
     48In fancy packages38,22843,86660,59990,29513,402
     49In plain trade packages11,03412,07112,95810,4642,306
     52Confectionery n.o.e.37,38137,91029,89338,1517,525
     58Foods for animals, n.o.e.3,0053,2976,0963,643916
     61Currants3791,86411,4272,467..     
     62Dates*..     4,56018,05212,32157
          Grain and pulse, prepared—     
     88Maizena and cornflour16,74316,83021,29129,4706,684
     100Unenumerated6,5075,7045,9255,1111,552
     102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.9,8129,6099,88812,2013,587
     103Jams, jellies, and preserves7,1836,5464,1104,243384
     107Mustard14,07013,62013,22321,31210,966
     108Nuts; edible—Almonds*..     4,05916,95610,9325,081
     112Oilmen's stores n.o.e.16,05415,05612,74615,8564,729
     117Sauces and chutneys11,79310,8929,01511,6925,398
          Salt—     
     120Rock     2,4381,427674260
     121Table preparations47,1701,9451,8083,4271,154
     122Other     39,54335,13726,47525,419
     137Vinegar7,6628,7018,0517,1464,799
III140Cocoa and chocolate29,33530,62664,13359,79310,835
     142Coffee-essence18,39916,94711,40418,8757,070
IV151Ale and beer, &c.54,34859,50050,69142,75616,633
          Spirits, beverages—     
     154Brandy24,73516,47012,07424,86619,552
     155Gin, geneva, and schnapps11,70810,03513,88931,80018,116
     156Rum3,6663,6564,2155,9734,914
     158Whisky284,248283,239246,144495,425388,941
          Spirits other than beverages—     
     160Flavouring-essences11,40310,7969,16516,12510,984
     163Spirits, perfumed5,3365,6515,9246,1765,891
          Wine, fermented—     
     166Sparkling10,8275,9205,6026,87312,108
     167Still18,59410,0409,44412,5689,691
V168Cigarettes169,909221,809183,108313,380143,396
     169Cigars7,4617,8177,3768,5486,173
          Tobacco, manufactured—     
     171Cut66,87295,14891,457126,10375,715
     172Other     4,8398311011,039
VI177Horses—Entires*..     5,01510,9502751,436
VIII209Cork, cut4,5329,77813,78118,86510,710
     211Engineers' cotton-waste10,8877,7849,2116,3486,021
     222Rosin1,5741,5953,9055,70688
          Seeds—     
     223Grass and clover32,66535,444194,81089,30193,184
     225Other38,93350,77970,20169,55858,376
     227Starch9,1489,1977,48413,3032,165
     230Tannins-materials, crude, other6585,1198,67132,9455,356
     233Yarns, other19,22622,94134,11451,43038,704
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.1,184,8161,092,539862,8111,097,550834,978
     235Apparel made to order1,1786,4173,6373,5352,607
          Boots and shoes—     
     236Children's 0–623,95020,25718,20232,08641,378
     239Goloshes, slippers, &c.17,17218,66517,89918,19613,300
     240Grindery30,95030,80325,89847,83627,043
     243Vamps, uppers, lace10,71111,0306,81214,1878,910
     244Other322,885310,102279,646275,861215,970
     245Corsets*..     11,14516,05621,89721,531
     246Furs and fur trimmings13,83520,86416,26915,70818,103
     247Gloves n.o.e.*..     46,35651,43070,55746,056
          Haberdashery—     
     248Brace-elastic & brace-mounting9213,3663,3215,8293,865
     249Buttons, tapes, &c.49,43746,95138,56251,43534,613
     250Unenumerated92116,93118,40126,37320,750
     251Hats and caps114,632119,916101,496101,01283,507
     252Hatmakers' materials22,58915,83720,90027,25443,839
     253Hosiery206,264192,990197,277296,513162,202
     254Lace and laces n.o.e.42,28744,59835,62737,65032,550
          Millinery—     
     256Other ornamental feathers13,71312,6538,6746,4863,339
     257Unenumerated92,34489,52677,86183,07663,258
     258Minor articles n.o.e. for making up apparel, &c.9,9248,86312,83921,21214,942
     259Ribbon and crape42,50871,44472,99665,89652,268
     260Tailors' trimmings80,97169,35364,23682,54443,349
     261Umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades6,2045,8074,1864,4925,388
     262Umbrellas, parasols, &c., materials for making10,0686,2067,0428,7269,631
IXB263Articles n.o.e., partly or wholly made up from textiles30,59930,43834,31445,13627,235
     266Carpets, druggets, &c.95,98195,81071,273119,08975,647
     267Drapery n.o.e.309,885251,412210,229273,911163,874
     268Felt, sheathing6,3146,18711,8508,3801,037
     270Matting n.o.e. and mats8,7387,9906,7299,2253,354
     271Oilcloths, linoleum, and stair and oil baize*..     89,18980,50699,03850,275
     274Canvas, sailcloth, and unbleached double-warped duck94,09182,91156,41868,75468,154
     275Butter and cheese cloth8,2787,60312,84418,04714,577
     276Candle-wick7,9846,3256,1059,49210,422
     277Tubular woven cotton-cloth, for meat-wraps43,17749,63457,95378,57073,341
     278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.831,504736,062870,8381,381,3501,044,319
     279Hessians n.o.e. and scrim42,11545,91723,50942,57131,641
     280Leather-cloth8,3547,2026,3909,1456,428
     281Linen piece-goods56,07341,80037,64937,14019,775
     283Silks, satins, velvets, and plushes36,13555,67379,685107,22167,227
     285Waterproof cloth6,3265,8504,8605,8863,598
IXB286Woollen piece-goods n.o.e.385,145345,091325,786826,278519,305
     287Textile piece-goods n.o.e.157,515139,452106,72538,78016,938
          Rugs—     
     288Woollen25,04711,4247,7208,4616,455
     289Other     10,88013,07717,6417,355
     290Sewing threads, silks, cotton, &c.67,11567,14781,156109,547131,174
     291Tents, tarpaulins, sails, &c.6,9057,4773025,78365
          Cordage and rope—     
IXC300Iron and steel42,70034,04725,01832,35118,784
     301Unenumerated15,28011,92411,97517,00712,295
     309Twine n.o.e.29,51428,30731,60149,28951,713
          oils—     
X325Oils-Mineral, lubricating14,91615,55415,42819,7447,733
     332Vegetable, linseed77,21139,20044,43445,7529,358
     338Oils (not essential) in vessels containing less than 1 gallon6,6926,0606,0525,7783,848
     343Paraffin-wax4113,9573,8536,8215,924
          Paints and colours—     
XI348Ground in oil or turpentine91,65383,21569,47382,84857,080
     349Ships' antifouling composition*..     2,0822,4148,7864,664
     350Other33,74932,64130,82342,13226,766
     351Unenumerated14,80212,46112,35516,7279,352
     354Varnishes, lacquers, and gold-size18,19815,23413,95116,72110,759
XII371Stone, other, dressed or polished7,2228,4035,7399,2717,182
          Specie—     
XIII374Gold..     21,000..     ..     
     375Silver80,6556,900211,111264,445165,170
          Iron and steel—     
XIVA388Bar, bolt, and rod248,087172,196135,499172,17362,567
     391Pig42,58738,67526,44817,6486,491
     402Tin—ingots, pigs, bars, &c.13,73515,4896,7574,5942,789
     405Metal, unmanufactured, n.o.e.*..     5,5586,2606,9851,366
XIVB408Bolts and nuts40,92944,15534,76841,94623,252
     410Brass, plate and sheet, plain*..     3,59811,23417,682974
     414Chains and chain cables16,95513,25612,96415,88012,868
     416Copper, plate and sheet, plain*..     19,62920,82120,9036,578
     417Cutlery*..     35,29835,59226,96532,920
     422Hardware, hollow-ware, and ironmongery n.o.e.361,730273,709206,157247,540146,044
          Iron and steel—     
     423Angle and tee16,7498,81612,73711,6771,784
     424Channel and girders*..     37,76931,6048,1721,429
     426Hoop, black, n.o.e.28,63220,83322,71845,79321,081
          Plate and sheet—     
     430Corrugated, galvanized329,293249,101268,430180,45122,731
     431Plain black87,46047,18650,63351,3047,716
     432Plain galvanized71,69153,43053,51092,25110,418
          Tubes, pipes, &c.—     
     433Cast over 9 in. diam.     12,3012,957492130
     434Castunder 9 in. diam.     27,91615,08621,1493,603
     435Wrought over 6 in. diam.252,8318,2357,250560408
     436Wrought under 6 in. diam.     162,804161,164153,62666,039
 Lamps, &c.—     
XIVB439Gas-mantles*..     6,1316,77416,8199,880
     441Other37,09225,07520,24717,36612,953
     443Lead, sheet*..     10,1822,0312,395199
          Meters—     
     447Electricity, household supply*..     9,6918,88311,5645,469
     448Gas, household supply*..     17,92019,88213,6899,279
     450Water*..     6,2448,9202,670187
     455Nails, other27,33120,93619,65715,1356,491
     456Plate and plated ware92,86887,74941,69471,40242,392
     458Printing-materials—Type and materials n.o.e.11,4617,9276,1285,6293,239
          Railway and tramway plant—     
     461Bails, &c.     104,156183,78918,9103,153
     462Wagons, cars, &c.66,4458,9432,6911,527550
     463Other     34,70756,09651,6638,901
     464Refrigerating apparatus5,0164,7285,97817,3743,872
     465Rivets and washers11,65510,17610,48515,9276,848
     469Stoves and ranges, gas*..     12,5882,8034,6794,233
     472Tanks and cisterns17,87517,08913,58916,5927,970
     473Telephones and accessories*..     11,79326,41216,3916,850
     474Tinned sheets and plates, plain77,85975,53681,907151,09798,226
     476Tinware, other15,38218,07421,53122,87923,779
     481Spades, shovels, and forks11,49511,7946,5639,4156,260
     482Tools and implements, other73,23154,84638,29643,38932,056
          Wire—     
     484Bare copper*..     21,49523,53014,3082,003
          Iron—     
     485Fencing, barbed22,64322,70713,153..     48
     486Fencing, plain57,27866,70440,16742,5117,029
     487Telegraphic and telephonic10,6784,7478,5541,368..     
     488N.o.e.*..     5,4824,1056,3922,332
     489Netting53,24556,18227,14813,212810
     490Wove, &c.*..     3,5576,4854,4071,752
     491Other, plain4,0139,9297,9084,9763,137
          Metal manufactures, other—     
     494Free87,82415,92916,87931,81611,377
     49520 per cent.171,209115,14173,13094,16747,375
          Machinery—     
XV511Agricultural, other*..     37,89830,71939,31526,416
     517Dairying—Cream-separators*..     8,1397,1243,443384
          Electrical—     
     524Electric batteries and cells*..     3,9374,5169,9558,180
     525Generators, motors and transformers, &c.     59,12243,42844,25335,931
     526Insulated cable and wire308,131111,04590,032139,60651,065
     527Lamps, &c.     22,02123,76932,06024,894
     528Materials, &c.     6,0804,8027,0832,055
     529N.o.e.     65,07766,10776,16851,627
          Engines—     
     531Gas, &c., for motorcars160,24363,01234,814951,956
     532Gas, &c., other     67,75541,08940,07630,179
     533Portable and traction20,67315,8042,1601,449..     
     535Steam n.o.e., 1,000 i.h.p. and under8,10610,8098,24410,4564,928
     536Boilers for, over 500 i.h.p.     5,725..     ..     ..     
     537Boilers for, 500 i.h.p. and under*..     3,41613,3899,6984,183
XV553Milling, unenumerated*..     16,1879,1709,4845,749
     557Printing — Printing machines and presses*..     18,75018,14710,744854
     559Road rollers and graders*..     7,1575,6975,641628
     560Sewing-machines14,8826,59713,16030,36230,061
     561Tools — Engineers', machine and hand45,32732,72416,82711,2626,502
     562Typewriters5,7645,5044,3973,645950
     567Woollen-mill, unenumerated9,8117,8763,3066,0956,035
     569Unenumerated (5 per cent.)5,6465,4933,7411,5692,244
     570N.o.e. (20 per cent.)61,55267,37058,22250,85428,807
     571Materials for and parts of (dutiable)7594,8692,66624,0189,111
     572Materials for parts of (free)23,48827,15119,9197,3665,514
XVIA573Indiarubber hose, tubing, and piping11,28811,34411,48110,4369,839
XVIB579Belting, other than leather35,00626,86222,09138,15338,554
          Leather—     
     585Goat and kid skins*..     7,6699,32818,55629,444
     592Sole, pump, and skirt leather*..     38,2593,9035,411644
     597Portmanteaux, trunks, and carpet-bags12,6069,8404,0825,4032,968
          Saddlery and harness—     
     598Collar-check9,65213,65212,56119,28517,107
     600Saddlers' ironmongery25,07615,63411,43718,23216,531
     602N.o.e. (including whips)24,79718,8897,59412,1959,487
     603Unenumerated manufactures of leather4,7034,7986,3127,5065,986
          Furniture—     
XVIIB651Materials for — Blind webbing and tape, &c.8,1157,8405,95010,7478,661
     653Unenumerated17,68710,3825,1254,1231,557
     661Woodenware and turnery n.o.e.14,20511,80712,3026,7496,080
XVIII666Cement, building, Portland, and other structural18,42919,2525,4071,183763
     667China, porcelain, and Parian ware39,01528,95721,98139,60417,271
     669Earthenware n.o.e.105,63775,27563,66293,67260,890
          Glass—     
     671Bottles, plain, empty32,42125,39121,35412,0297,252
     673Crown, sheet and common window22,85613,47624,46222,81014,802
     674Glassware n.o.e.12,38512,03410,83212,4896,553
     676Mirrors and looking-glasses8,1925,9713,9095,4483,425
     678Plate, other22,29712,62516,25314,9699,869
     679Unenumerated*..     6,4305,6015,6053,984
     682Tiles n.o.e. — Flooring, wall, hearth, and garden*..     10,7717,12913,3605,925
XIXA685Paper bags n.o.e.9,0658,9346,3048,2155,348
     686Bookbinders' materials7,3557,9486,6268,5123,539
     689Cardboard boxes, materials for, other13,9449,87713,38820,1748,242
     692Paperhangings40,17134,75022,41134,81420,004
          Paper—     
     693Printing114,44699,99592,990165,33478,036
     694Wrapping6,0305,9344,5765,4652,220
     695Writing54,49749,33151,154110,43239,666
XIXB697Artists' materials*..     5,8876,2016,1565,024
     698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.170,792179,957162,824176,723152,244
     699Calendars and showcards*..     10,7108,6247,9824,867
     703Handbills, circulars, &c.10,95414,30311,30211,9688,755
     704Inks, printing5,5745,5484,8478,5453,332
     706Stationery, manufactured61,02150,04942,34949,08926,766
     709Pictures, paintings, &c., n.o.e.8,7736,7053,3034,6904,053
     711Stationery n.o.e.66,09058,26253,64789,79251,175
XX712Fancy goods and toys181,425118,00086,203112,22269,932
     714Jewellery — Precious stones, cut, unmounted15914,43515,65422,85012,377
     715Jewellery, other5,92652,31837,50150,51138,794
     716Sporting, gaming, and athletic requisites n.o.e.*..     31,65526,96312,99310,885
          Timepieces—     
     717Clocks7,7926,2541,6772,430230
     719Watches12,15645,33752,94118,3209,732
     721Tobacco-pipes, cigarette-cases, &c.23,51929,36629,20731,66432,639
     725Cinematograph, c., films*..     13,46515,75924,0507,489
XXI728Microscopes and telescopes*..     9,1714,3694,2142,546
          Photographic materials and goods—     
     729Cameras and lenses6,3038,3904,7834,3052,355
     730Sensitized surfaces, &c.19,00619,77114,14726,10217,747
          Instruments—     
     732Scientific n.o.e.6,7565,9894,2075,2502,677
     733Surgical and dental21,08524,35821,08430,26118,918
XXII736Acid, boracic..     3,1562,3944,1155,436
XXIIA741Tartaric acid5,5263,77410,65318,6658,816
     747Borax4,1704,6463,2216,3495,240
     750Chemicals and chemical preparations n.o.e.6,0234,8226,9479,9676,635
     751Cream of tartar1,7331,68519,50614,54316,709
     752Cyanide of potassium and sodium25,47440,27042,50344,15234,462
     753Dyes5,2413,95510,59128,38019,512
     757Disinfectants15,17714,56816,49125,32715,508
     759Insecticides and tree-washes n.o.e.2,3396,4344,4868,0532,883
     761Sheep-dip51,99443,27031,07459,42654,541
     765Medicinal preparations n.o.e.99,164100,22288,080129,28994,807
     768Oils, essential, other5,9206,2987,2557,8545,996
     772Perfumery — Toilet preparations18,36520,63823,88524,79618,265
          Soda—     
     780Ash6,2556,6766,7468,2398,827
     781Bicarbonate and carbonate7,1707,0835,56911,8482,284
     782Caustic13,76613,2199,85518,2217,364
     791Drugs, other (free)*..     4,2837,0547,7534,155
XXIIB798Basic slag and Thomas's phosphate*..     67,81740,11321,359195
     803Superphosphates*..     48,95420,5801,444..     
          Arms, &c.—     
XXIII811Accoutrements1,8483,4609,1682,5042,288
     815Cartridges, shot, 10–24 bore19,04524,92618,29019,4507,895
     816Cartridges n.o.e.1,2281,03448924023,188
     818Detonators4,9421,7076,8733,9294,424
     822Firearms for New Zealand Government (not ordnance stores)24,4059,164375..     ..     
XXIII824Firearms, other5,9308,6094,3273,04127,011
     831Gelignite*..     46,41237,99636,58918,244
     833Lithofracteur, cordite, &c.9,8101,4705,8313,3813,150
     834Ordnance stores62,69213,65363511,76215,287
     835Powder, blasting15,87217,04919,11413,04213,549
     838A. and M.S.28,81419,60822,32823,82426,440
     839Asbestos sheets, slates, and tiles*..     19,65824,47719,45016,652
     842Blue, laundry6,2178,9999,85511,40010,462
     847Brushes, brush ware, and brooms41,88236,94823,20727,86423,477
     848Brushmakers' materials8,44110,8047,29811,3477,475
     849Candles18,95323,80619,12924,1385,802
     850Combs, hair and toilet3,5882,1102,9505,5503,380
     853Educational apparatus8,2515,6614,0786,6484,696
          Instruments, musical—     
     859Pianos79,92661,32577,94890,74755,688
     860Pianolas, phonographs, &c.*..     9,4565,3208,0044,742
     861Records (pianolas, &c.)*..     7,9665,52711,9218,641
     862Other12,9848,9809,6389,0715,046
          Matches and vestas—     
     863Wax17,18422,25713,73516,15012,915
     864Wooden7,3127,0137,3688,141446
     867Engine-packing13,43711,58711,65715,47810,020
          Polishes—     
     870Blacking4,7675,7233,0146,143702
     871Blacklead6,5205,34310,2758,9467,161
     872Metal polishes*..     5,1694,3896,7413,811
     873Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish5,6643,9803,0008,7792,748
          Soap—     
     876Powder, &c.13,07915,68916,99913,5819,887
     877Unenumerated20,35823,70419,12533,39922,930
     882Bicycles and tricycles17,35413,76011,69020,8279,199
     883Rubber tires for*..     14,32721,36022,78616,389
     884Other materials (free)..     4,91212,2022,8121,393
     885N.o.e...     4,19013,88835,21716,674
     886Motor bicycles and tricycles49,28040,56533,84155,98417,785
     887Rubber tires, covers for*..     28,90020,29119,98810,438
     888Other materials (free)..     21,4651,6622445
     889Other..     18,5691,0847,8244,228
          Motor vehicles—     
     893Bodies for69,30766,61344,36470,23722,947
     894Chassis for270,857281,551163,048102..     
     895Materials for..     108,846144,234225,519115,407
          Vehicles—     
     899Axles, axle-arms, &c.19,3439,5006,6317,6834,834
     900Springs, &c.20,00821,62821,5599,9107,133
     902Miscellaneous (manufactured)25,12911,12614,95020,66314,208
     903Miscellaneous (unmanufactured)4,4934,0835,8122,4131,079
          Parcels-post364,191..     
Burma.
II96Rice, dressed2,3041,8319544,9225,144
          Wax—     
X343Paraffin3,5519,4688,13724,94728,318
XXIII849Candles11,46516,29718,18210,5962,819
Ceylon.
II47Coconut, desiccated4,5759,3477,1138,9687,890
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed6,2766,5716,81012,7557,751
     149Tea, in bulk258,476372,795388,742338,515333,950
Hong Kong.
               £     £     £     £     £     
II103Jams, jellies, and preserves3,7637,5164,3247,2778,277
IXB283Other silks, satins, &c.8783,2726,3579,9482,757
India.
III143Coffee, raw1,9343,2465,3945,0844,567
     149Tea, in bulk19,29424,67938,95228,73939,144
IXB266Carpets and carpeting, &c.9131,7474,1106,3443,812
          Bagging and sacking—     
     272Hessian and jute32,28543,30743,07645,29236,634
     279Hessians and scrim12,96411,08018,60633,71956,994
          Bags and sacks—     
IXC294Corn-sacks194,046183,170189,164177,366164,602
     295Jute and hessian n.o.e.25,98730,59546,81749,74048,767
     296Woolpacks74,21375,69181,444101,640112,648
          Oils, vegetable—     
X329Castor17,80821,18327,86421,78116,937
     332Linseed4,1577,0886,74916,75911,051
XII358Coal, cargo*..     39,184..     ..     13,196
     391Pig iron5,2892,7497,1669,33630,590
XXIIB800Manures—Bonedust*..     16,14029,04647,60143,383
Straits Settlements.
II59Fruits, bottled and preserved11,3117,3239,96411,11011,175
     119Sago and tapioca17,32817,42216,52522,47429,434
     124Spices n.o.e., unground9,40014,26612,06715,06715,401
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..     34,6271,997
     167Wine—Still5,4375,3246,58911,0158,054
V171Tobacco, cut, manufactured2972,1925,4365,459748
VIII229Tanning-bark1,1062645,3755,93612,139
XII358Coal, cargo*..     23,018..     ..     2,809
XX714Jewellery, precious stones, unmounted..     ..     3294,76515,157
XXIII831Gelignite..     ..     13,2006,600..     
Canada.
I11Fish, preserved34,17336,54640,26743,74256,118
II67Fruits, fresh—Apples15,0226,8758,94611,96317,750
     83Wheat11139,153..     ..     
     87Flour, wheaten3035931,5392,223..     
VIII223Seeds, grass and clover8,0219,69411,6376,65744,109
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.11,28916,7548,6058,89828,421
     245Corsets*..     7,1234,57112,35713,294
XIVB388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, and rod..     ..     16,59455,87819,260
     418Fencing-staples852,5662,5845,8225,052
     436Iron pipes, wrought, under 6 in. diam.*..     20,06380,23349,25714,286
     455Nails, other*..     4,41113,44248,94330,192
          Iron wire, fencing—     
     485Barbed9825,2571,6873,8535,946
     486Plain3,03513,2641,94828,71026,503
     488N.o.e...     ..     2,3386,8742,771
      Machinery, agricultural—     
XV499Drills and sowers7,17915,0972,9622,0194,957
     507Reapers and binders15,6212,1038,09713,3247,888
     511Parts of*..     7,5045,7015,2486,743
     587Hide-leathers, undressed*..     2,4319,0362,3882,037
     592Sole leather, &c.*..     2,7999,6189,14611,984
     653Furniture, &c., n.o.e.*..     4,4446,6384,9823,117
XIXA692Paperhangings5,3075,4435,0507,7925,386
          Paper—     
     693Printing103,606122,889149,238119,046174,596
     694Wrapping, unprinted1,6164,60612,5229,44710,420
          Motor vehicles—     
XXIII893Bodies for27,99927,88638,375139,39179,353
     894Chassis for81,54878,34698,306..     ..     
     895Motor-car materials and parts2,36891711,90558,26542,315
     900Vehicles—Springs, &c.727,4132,632828524
Australia.
I4Cheese..     ..     6483,7645,672
     11Fish, preserved, in tins6899545141,33710,859
     40Milk and cream, preserved, &c.112677,8662,24818,479
     41Provisions n.o.e.3,3042,6023,3584,3787,945
II46Cocoa-butter8529692,4733,1189,839
     52Confectionery, unenumerated1,7082,5372,7619,10410,502
          Foods for animals—     
     54Chaff6,38111480776,206
     58N.o.e.2,5181,3072,4931,7465,433
     59Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup7461,5371,65071116,360
          Fruits, dried—     
     61Currants58413,82646832,20050,724
     62Dates6928621256645,081
     65Raisins6,52617,92914,95551,98946,758
          Fruits, fresh—     
     67Apples*..     7,8215724,16196
     71Lemons7,3286,4585,0403,3192,744
     72Oranges*..     10,54612,74011,62417,196
     75Other*..     14,90920,53223,08916,934
          Grain and pulse, unprepared—     
     78Barley1..     926,43428,028
     79Beans and peas1,2551,1051,6922,3158,304
     80Maize..     3,1538,6381,9257,722
     81Oats2603,3833,15143,02384,099
     83Wheat2424,84123,28815,357213,633
     84Other6,6313,0461,3002,2616,869
          Prepared—     
     87Flour, wheaten26,49997,4988,24660,051132,847
     88Maizena and cornflour..     802766418,466
     95Pollard and sharps3,7674,419..     9,058218
     96Rice, dressed29,76344,69543,31232,75445,278
     97Rice, undressed     1,9356112,2482,017
     98Rice-meal refuse4,8067,64511,7009,2639,709
     102Infants' and invalids' foods n.o.e.7,4038,8348,0079,7468,268
     105Macaroni and vermicelli2,3013,5884,9104,4065,836
     119Sago and tapioca4862351726555,982
     122Salt, other*..     8,48725,56145,64119,928
     124Spices n.o.e., unground2,4241,4801,3863,1305,925
     125ASugar—Glucose3154661,4042,4709,003
     130Sugar, refined11,12216,6978,3958,9289,384
     134Onions12,32512,04310,57817,00923,884
     135Potatoes73653815,698234
III140Cocoa and chocolate2707705091,6966,838
     143Coffee, raw5,2393,5942,4674,6375,794
     149Tea, in bulk17,00029,22524,45615,82151,492
          Spirits — Beverages:3,8457,31020,15816,75025,759
IV158Whisky     
     164Spirits of wine8,01210,35710,89011,13512,123
     167Wine, still24,32532,85632,28932,79237,775
          Tobacco, manufactured—     
V171Cut119,02296,33391,68798,607109,420
     172Other     63,57255,61955,46746,833
VI176Horses, ordinary*..     7,0129,8347,6289,953
     194Hides, cattle, undressed*..     1,93620,53723,805494
     198Hides, sheep, with wool*..     4,95817,12443417
VII204Wool, greasy4,47720,6507,987..     ..     
VIII209Cork, cut1,0412,1882,6175,7316,432
     221Plants, trees, and shrubs9,55210,47212,43910,9716,338
     223Seeds, grass and clover7,3773,3256,10015,73312,169
          Tanning-material, crude—     
     229Bark28,79727,19528,02027,86328,852
     230Other3,0583,8294,81710,8994,883
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.13,20715,88919,23815,85921,998
     240Grindery7,93813,88112,79517,74322,954
     244Boots and shoes, other*..     2,1477,21921,18461,302
     251Hats and caps..     ..     ..     5,0295,642
     258Minor articles n.o.e, for making up apparel1861171,1036,1531,969
     263Articles n.o.e. partly or wholly made up from textiles7035802,6708,3366,461
     267Drapery n.o.e.4,7814,6828,1086,5266,281
     277Tubular woven, for meat-wraps5534,1385,7709,635572
IXB278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.15,10419,03730,18530,65632,186
     281Linen piece-goods3,1481,5743,2845,3561,921
     283Other silks, satins, &c.3,6294,4014,6386,40317,151
     286Woollen piece-goods n.o.e.8,48911,21515,55311,42312,043
     295Bags and sacks, jute and hessian*..     4,27613,1215,0942,517
     300Cordage and rope—Iron and steel4,1722,8324,1667,514903
X321Petroleum, crude, &c.4,2103,5675,6322,8192,840
          Oils—     
     325Mineral, lubricating6,61411,16910,06323,59626,603
     332Vegetable, linseed1699317,01513,556
     339Stearine5023,16713,67316,56718,140
XII358Coal, cargo466,286459,243338,131189,526189,798
          Specie—     
XIII374Gold540,000653,000797,0001,023,000
     375Silver..     27,10010,000..     2,983
XIVA381Copper—Angle, strip, tee, &c.13,09813,26614,4625,6321,542
     388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, and rod8,1945,9878,62220,29113,839
     391Pig Iron1,2214,36314,0356,4947,889
     393Lead—Pig and bar20,23621,45816,03319,69014,929
     402Tin—Ingot, pig, bar, &c.27,80727,89622,62227,85034,909
XIVB410Brass—Plate and sheet, plain3101,1404,93412,53335,025
     422Hardware, hollow-ware, and ironmongery9,72210,9759,37314,76612,235
          Tubes, pipes, and fittings—     
     434Cast, 9 in. and under in internal diameter*..     8801,5645,4288,498
     436Wrought, under 6 in.*..     5,39211,28915,0817,167
     443Sheet lead14,82517,69314,05414,93313,732
     455Nails, other*..     2444147,0611,878
      Railway and tramway plant, n.o.e.—     
XIVB461Rails1,3422,4293,3555,9175,646
     463Other3653,8044,4798,08211,545
          Tinned sheets and plates—     
     474Plain2,0531,0509,45215,8647,984
     475Tinsmiths' furniture391383678,05556
          Wire—     
     486Fencing, plain9551,2586,5962,807
     489Netting6403519,8748,5683,596
          Metal manufactures, other—     
     494Free7,5707,8068,3065,0538,798
     49520 per cent.14,07914,51714,97926,80627,370
          Machinery: Agricultural—     
     511Other, and parts of3,4114,8506,8435,5228,053
          Machines—     
XV522Dairying, other*..     12,83811,93922,04619,288
          Electrical—     
     525Generators, motors, and transformers*..     4,3524,8017,1449,814
     526Insulated cable and wire*..     9,18013,34117,2778,592
     529N.o.e.*..     10,4717,7089,23310,591
     532Engines—Gas, oil, and hot-air, other4,3592,7252,6485,1323,418
     560Sewing-machines1,6434,6199,3639,29418,495
     561Tools, engineers', c., machine and hand6,4517,60810,85911,1247,062
     562Typewriters7,5276,8423,7485,0762,557
     570Machines n.o.e. (20 per cent.)6,16214,0658,79521,27613,600
     572Materials for and parts of (free)4,4405,5364,6004,9627,918
          Indiarubber—     
XVIA573Hose, tubing, &c.9,73319,99719,72418,26119,536
     575Other (free)7,6537,0458,5948,7007,129
          Leather—     
XVIB580Belt, harness, &c.*..     5,1956,5604,4934,817
     581Calf-skins, whole*..     2,9939,83012,35011,972
     585Goat and kid skins*..     15,18815,83736,26863,859
     587Hide, undressed*..     8016,146899708
     588Hide, dressed*..     3,6106,7327,2235,570
     589Japanned and enamelled*..     3,2647,7288,57813,469
     592Sole*..     1,3978,5429933,794
          Timber—     
          Logs, hewn—     
XVIIA613Ironbark*..     57,53256,38022,38627,863
     614Jarrah*..     34,58821,3101372,049
     617Other*..     16,52532,89313,85025,142
     618Logs, round—Ironbark*..     20,33713,7219,4557,528
     625Palings, split3,8545,1133,5933,1911,867
          Sawn, n.o.e., rough—     
     633Ironbark*..     19,44515,2755,7794,782
     634Jarrah*..     108,17061,02810,51431,781
     639Other*..     46,16341,81041,71417,739
XVIIB646Carriage materials—Shafts c., in the rough5,7989,1825,4213,7823,623
     661Woodenware and turnery n.o.e.4,4753,4763,5789,1855,536
     671Glass and glassware — Bottles, plain, empty5,6715,62619,88338,54117,279
XIXA698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.65,72760,07659,25765,35962,664
XIXB703Handbills, circulars, programmes, &c.5,1267,4827,3599,73513,100
     706Stationery, manufactured, n.o.e.8,7919,6017,8867,4468,798
XX712Fancy goods and toys31,1067,9455,0279,69613,623
     714Jewellery — Precious stones, unmounted..     42,57822,85135,04457,513
XXI725Cinematograph, &c., films*..     22,32128,15857,60666,863
     730Sensitized surfaces, &c.5,0257,5199,20011,45312,972
     733Instruments, surgical and dental4,0856,85314,4117,4147,085
XXIIA740Acid, sulphuric2,9648,7766,4726,6455,383
     753Dyes3,6824,4015,95312,18917,679
XXII755Glycerine, refined1,5483,1809944,1387,694
     758Insecticides and tree-washes — Denatured red oils6012,7693,1835,2436,979
          Liquefied and compressed gases—     
     762Anhydrous ammonia2,93110,30211,22919,78326,760
     763Other*..     8,1029,79911,70614,248
     765Medicinal preparations n.o.e.56,90479,00877,07985,77292,444
     772Perfumery—Toilet preparation6,1268,0789,65311,14312,851
XXIIB792Ammonia, sulphate of*..     7,31510,3285,4232,994
     795Gypsum*..     10,20313,7128,0373,681
     799Blood and bone*..     7,5125,2074,9661,485
     800Bonedust*..     38,30731,85612,51210,900
     802Guano and rock phosphates*..     5,87716,01921,28917,937
     803Superphosphates*..     25,428136,507121,229120,355
XXIII833Lithofracteur, cordite, &c...     ..     ..     9247,206
     838Articles and materials suited only for and to he used only in the fabrication or repair of goods within the Dominion..     1,9693,7273,4917,265
     848Brushmakers' materials1,1324,0093,5786,5025,758
     860Pianolas, phonographs, &c.*..     5,9274,8445,3846,133
     861Records for pianolas, &c.*..     8,4867,8237,6735,845
     863Matches and vestas, wax217..     ..     9,45712,291
     876Soap-powder, dry, &c.*1,9773,5496,7727,0469,010
     877Soap n.o.e.32,53537,56537,40539,73249,498
     883Bicycles, rubber tires for24,45114,05944,62538,36339,690
     887Motor bicycles, rubber tires for51,17127,0695,74210,29012,483
          Motor vehicles—     
     893Bodies for7282,0693,4316,13611,687
     894Chassis for2,6327,36810,7591,165..     
     895Materials and parts for72861,36776,23374,561102,540
     902Miscellaneous manufactures6,0726,3569,3778,93512,448
          Parcels-post52,304
Fiji.
II68Fruits, fresh—Bananas*..     81,03864,92586,79693,128
     129Sugar, raw778,066650,6301,043,486959,4551,102,951
Malden Island.
XXIIB802Manures — Guano and rock phosphates*..     15,1744,664..     ..     
Belgium.
II48Chocolate confectionery, in fancy packages3,7256,998..     ..     ..     
XV526Machinery, electric—Insulated cable and wire*..     5,971..     ..     ..     
          Glass—     
XVIII673Crown, sheet, and common window29,61016,688...2,025..     
     678Plate, other20,4908,168..     ..     ..     
France.
IV154Spirits—Brandy12,93323,75233,28435,6475,381
     166Wine, sparkling10,23813,29018,55110,6122,399
VIII222Rosin4,5343,8143,3875,4191
     223Grass and clover seeds138928,5719771,840
IXB283Silk, satins, c.8,21610,100224403128
X339Stearine6,3526,864..     ..     ..     
XVIII683Tiles—Glass or earthen, roofing*..     17,420..     3,902..     
XXIIA751Cream of tartar17,35818,98741,24431,7027,435
XXIII894Motor vehicles, chassis for13,29510,4032,746..     ..     
Germany.
VIII223Seeds—Grass and clover31,16320,265..     ..     ..     
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.5,6508,5152334618
IXB267Drapery n.o.e.5,7185,956272219..     
XIVB422Hardware, hollow - ware, and ironmongery28,92315,04314731..     
     486Iron wire, fencing, plain5,8228,3321,604..     ..     
XV526Machinery, electric—Insulated cable and wire*..     15,040..     ..     ..     
XVIII667China, porcelain, and Parian ware12,0556,9586833..     
          Glass and glassware—     
     671Bottles, plain, empty30,07917,887..     1,591..     
     674Glassware n.o.e.15,92410,69952..     2
XIXA687Butter - paper, waxed paper, &c.3,3475,34118114442
XX712Fancy goods and toys52,40427,47184337988
XXIIA751Cream of tartar20,13621,351..     ..     ..     
     753Dyes5,6455,32225..     216
XXIIB798Basic slag and Thomas's phosphate45,86946,532225..     ..     
     803Superphosphates     62,267885..     ..     
     805Kainit     7,996..     ..     ..     
     807Sulphate of potash     16,936..     ..     ..     
     808Manures, other     6,336..     ..     ..     
XXIII839Asbestos—Sheets, plates, and tiles*..     6,304..     53..     
     859Pianos51,87131,661332..     ..     
          Motor-cars—     
     894Chassis for3,0985,413362..     ..     
     895Materials for67,35259,222..     ..     ..     
          Parcels-post11,566
Greece.
II61Fruits, dried—Currants8,33521,66920,53931..     
Italy.
II108Nuts—Almonds, shelled or unshelled11,05813,3597,4595,10410,456
IXA251Hats and caps12,2307,10511,40511,90811,939
XII364Marble, dressed4,3023,9774,1995,1882,779
XXIIA751Cream of tartar..     ..     19,03325,02213,327
XXIII839Asbestos*..     1225,6585,959..     
     863Matches and vestas (wax)..     1,0031,4982,97014,623
     895Vehicles, motor—Materials for..     2,6696,37614,300727
Netherlands
II46Cocoa-butter5,2478,192723643364
III140Cocoa and chocolate28,29225,26916,00711,893790
IV155Spirits—Geneva, gin, and schnapps17,33017,33930,81035,5466,752
XV527Electrical lamps*..     1,4916,7315,1534,883
XXIIB803Manures — Superphosphates*..     37,9258,322..     ..     
Norway.
               £     £     £     £     £     
I11Fish, preserved17,97824,77128,09820,79217,926
     231Wood-pulp*..     4,3095,0781,463..     
XXIIA748Calcium carbide24,36229,19825,78424,8702,144
Spain.
VIII209Cork, cut10,3156,5944,7579,6113,490
Sweden.
VIII231 Wood-pulp*..     2,9344,8299,7266,957
XIVB422Hardware, hollow-ware, etc.1,6001,8532,3625,9093,710
     473Telephones and accessories*..     16,90412,5401,1279,343
XV517Machinery, dairying — Cream-separators*..     20,30430,94437,80643,316
XXIIA748Carbide of calcium5,6807,3574,0274,3981,697
XXIII838A. and M.S.1,1397662,4728,6778,180
     864Matches, wooden1,3061,2911,7573,8965,266
Switzerland.
II48Chocolate confectionery in fancy packages38,01050,44040,27116,126387
IXB267Drapery n.o.e.1,5234,5386157,0013,573
XX719Watches1,8411,2623,51239,86336,541
Asiatic Turkey.
          Fruits, dried—     
II62Dates*..     6,6603,3634,8627,346
     65Raisins*9,81617,4141,588..     ..     
China.
IXA254Lace and laces n.o.c.1501,0001,3356,48714,575
IXB283Silk piece-goods n.o.e.12,23312,42119,57238,53923,628
Japan.
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.12,00313,41015,67155,91050,478
     249Haberdashery—Buttons, tapes, &c.1,8456,6207,82912,6949,369
     251Hats and caps1,8972,9823,98517,53533,343
     253Hosiery695411,03211,2864,027
IXB267 Drapery n.o.e.9,09011,2949,75715,32213,846
     270Matting n.o.e., and mats2,0642,3153,2035,1995,486
     274Canvas, sailcloth, c...     ..     ..     6,43511,736
     278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.14,68312,82816,10463,49455,999
     283Silks, satins, and velvets35,41752,35290,062126,185162,312
     289Rugs, other*..     1,4653,27912,4736,775
XII358Coal, cargo*..     7,875..     ..     5,303
XIVB422Hardware, hollow-ware, &c.5265325245,8783,185
XV526Electrical—Insulated cable and wire*..     ..     ..     8,85310,048
XVIIA639Timber, rough - sawn, n.o.e.*..     2,3698,90716,87014,789
XVIII667China, porcelain, and Parian ware1,1971,5212,48711,1485,359
     669Earthenware n.o.e.9171,3811,2547,5698,527
     671Bottles, plain, empty*..     1,91411,29810,79514,170
     674Glassware n.o.e...     1103,23221,5139,004
     689Cardboard boxes—Materials for, other8651,5522,5906,0065,969
XX712Fancy goods and toys8,37311,95619,09238,41039,688
XXIIB789Sulphur9,905..     7,0578,75614,141
     803Manures — Superphosphates*..     24,52651,95617,41719,088
XXIII847Brushes, brushware, and brooms2,8654,0304,8359,4118,930
     864Matches, wooden..     ..     5,2754,8391,982
Java.
II130Sugar, refined91010,581105..     ..     
VIII214Kapok47,99342,78527,85937,43729,370
Philippine Islands.
VIII213Hemp9,54913,84219,90327,47622,765
Sumatra.
X319Oils, mineral—Benzine*..     135,120173,740105,62584,742
     324Kerosene..     ..     8,3102,349..     
Madagascar.
XXIIB802Manures—Guano and rock phosphates*..     9,25511,458..     ..     
Portuguese East Africa.
XII358Coal, cargo*..     29,240..     ..     3,046
Cuba.
V169Cigars..     7,7804,3273,5166,604
United States of America.
I11Fish, preserved, in tins4,3681,6104,1634,30412,821
     36Sausage casings and skins23,01620,76616,61219,53125,758
II46Cocoa-butter, &c.1,0481,1993,80510,5487,507
     52Confectionery n.o.e.4,5915,7808,5835,9983,065
     59Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup25,49219,27527,17733,60022,567
  Fruits, dried—     
     60Apples and apricots*..     8,98310,37210,56014,211
     64Prunes*..     11,64818,59010,72621,763
     65Raisins24,58225,29089,64090,10295,524
  Fruits, fresh—     
     67Apples*..     14,62610,3399,3692,500
     71Lemons*..     6674,4395,1663,792
     72Oranges*..     9,30713,11714,60210,198
  Grain and pulse, unprepared—     
     78Barley..     ..     7,2351..     
     81Oats..     ..     11,08016..     
  Grain and pulse, prepared or manufactured—     
     87Flour, wheaten..     ..     58,292121..     
     88Maizena and cornflour5,9508,2347,9116,0226,802
     122Salt, other*..     8,9775,9254,0621,491
     125Sugar—Glucose8,7679,75210,27013,40213,926
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed7469561,4333,3205,269
V168Cigarettes6,3076,8054,6292,9711,410
  Tobacco, manufactured—     
     171Cut74,79946,19934,72538,30122,404
     172Other     40,36142,14949,06219,680
VIII222Rosin10,7935,3545,4863,3779,282
     223Seeds—Grass and clover16,29524,1977,96115,94755,453
     230Tanning-materials, other6623331,5086,5255,671
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.42,15428,23922,08939,71129,962
     240Grindery n.o.e.10,1988,6769,86918,06016,695
     241Gum boots10,1748,5959,2927,77910,380
     244Boots, other6,5558,0237,61826,21932,572
     245Corsets*..     17,20124,96227,98716,544
     253Hosiery1,0102,34012,16054,44036,394
IXB274Canvas, sail-cloth, c.4,9974,88812,76112,6997,555
     275Butter and cheese cloth4,4034,6353,0996,0942,293
     278Cotton piece-goods n.o.e.19,00131,71666,68398,57493,206
     290Sewing silks and cottons n.o.e.5,3334,3963,2287,6365,537
     311Axle-greases and other solid lubricants*..     4,1512,9966,2524,237
      Oils—     
          Mineral—     
X319Benzine*..     156,878158,027264,427269,447
     320Benzoline*..     3,8602,1956,9644,621
     323Gasoline*..     3,24312,33514,15857,232
     324Kerosene105,851159,339175,802155,387133,842
     325Lubricating30,58441,01431,94972,57362,142
     326Motor-spirit n.o.e.*..     114,90951,729152,553168,153
  Vegetable—     
 334Turpentine14,7266,43813,48915,70610,598
     336Other*..     5,6646,38110,56210,182
     338Not essential, in vessels less than 1 gallon3,8813,2344,1648,6475,836
     343Wax, paraffin15,54612,84012,68113,72310,081
XI348Paints, ground in oil or turpentine2,4615,71810,00522,10721,091
     350Paints and colours, mixed ready for use9,83112,21310,42017,53013,157
     354Varnishes, lacquers, &c.4,1954,2063,1185,5094,903
XIVB410Brass, plate and sheet, plain*..     2,10010,64488811,136
     418Fencing-staples6,80810,4207,12410,0768,786
     422Hardware, hollow-ware, &c.63,91961,65548,76080,95182,446
     428Iron for pipes, spiral*..     ..     11,8462,7744,598
     430Corrugated iron3,6463,6537,39913,11312,012
     432Plain galvanized iron4,3772,6787,3997,08213,508
     436Iron and steel pipes—Wrought, 6 in. and under*..     6,4342,3896,71115,382
     441Lamps, other*..     8,9377,44313,19514,579
     455Nails, other25,69122,73119,26814,28214,958
     473Telephones and accessories therefor*..     2,2673,8576,64215,591
  Tinware—     
     474Tinned sheets and plates, plain2273443,48314,77223,962
  Tools and implements—     
     477Axes and hatchets5,46710,8166,8053,9064,070
     482Other62,25856,10042,21663,54866,654
  Wire—     
     485Fencing, barbed15,14127,54318,90418,26123,844
     486Fencing, plain37,10046,81647,21353,57945,665
     488N.o.e6594882,93510,5748,770
     490W...-wove, expanded-metal lathing, etc.*..     5,1203,1454,3761,968
     493Zinc, plain, sheet196606,16616,89210,168
     495Metal manufactures, other (20 per cent.)43,67241,60628,17439,62745,275
  Machinery—     
  Agricultural implements—     
XV499Drills, &c.8,9218,9205,8054,3704,186
     505Ploughs7,3015,9274,6587,9446,344
     507Reapers, &c.9,1338,5227,77611,3214,908
     511Other*..     19,02010,01719,70918,911
     514Cash-registers12,00111,56512,0446,8264,897
  Electrical—     
     524Electric batteries and cells*..     2,5631,5816,46817,485
     525Generators, motors, &c.*..     17,02024,27532,89825,244
     526Insulated cable-wire*..     1,0453,4086,0887,054
     527Lamps*..     5,8946,3706,93816,116
     529N.o.e.*..     22,00326,68649,13551,840
XV531Gas, oil, and hot-air engines*..     2,5099,996..     533
     532Engines, gas, &c., other23,72516,71913,89120,54722,341
     533Portable and traction engines2,9438671,1799,52418,285
     546Locomotives1,0752,90734,000..     1,253
     553Mining, unenumerated*..     3,39014,2994,8174,231
     558Printing—Typesetting and casting*..     11,4144,1511,2073,130
     560Sewing-machines24,83124,13521,9318,66110,082
     561Tools—Engineers', &c., machine and hand17,13414,78512,13624,29224,401
     562Typewriters10,49510,8217,71117,08319,105
     570N.o.e. (20 per cent.)18,41816,56924,62826,04734,681
     571Materials for, &c., (dutiable)9371,3002,31712,67718,460
     572Materials for, &c. (free)5,8427,6787,0813,8174,343
  Leather—     
XVIB585Goat and kid skins*..     6,4748,74418,11211,132
     589Japanned and enamelled*..     3,7903,08110,2589,914
     592Sole, pump, and skirt*..     98429,90430,66138,906
  Timber, sawn, n.o.e., rough—     
XVIIA637Oregon pine*..     45,19920,57418,5448,011
     639Other*..     26,78414,91913,38210,871
XVIIB653Furniture n.o.e.8,6056,3624,0564,4202,315
     655Handles for tools, other*..     9,9707,33410,1745,509
     657Mouldings and panels for picture-frames, &c.7,2306,5271,9252,5942,200
     661Woodenware n.o.e.17,48410,1367,7347,5353,945
  Glass and glassware—     
XVIII671Bottles, plain, empty4,6453,53810,16013,8469,506
     673Glass, Crown, sheet, and common..     114,18120,15412,436
     674Glassware n.o.e.8,8115,9307,2047,2094,799
     675Glass jars, plain*..     6,7805,8354,449593
     678Glass, plate, other3..     11,6588,39210,083
XIXA687Butter-paper22389,5279,91414,147
     689Cardboard boxes, materials for, other5,6335,53413,01017,37612,440
     695Writing-paper, not leas than “Demy”1,4652,4731,35820,57316,557
XIXB698Books, papers, and music, printed, n.o.e.9,96911,41610,55815,48720,945
     703Handbills, circulars, &c.1,6522,6623,3846,9366,907
     709Pictures, c., n.o.e.3,0483,9704,9085,8463,795
     711Stationery n.o.e.5,2405,6184,59613,51018,147
XX712Fancy goods and toys11,6526,29110,45821,52924,007
  Timepieces—     
     717Clocks16,1539,64111,41615,1319,117
     719Watches2,7154,6764,2168,8597,146
XXI725Cinematograph, &c., films*..     6952,77215,19119,929
     728Microscopes and telescopes*..     1,2602,68410,38315,021
  Photographic materials, &c.—     
     729Cameras2,4772,3994,71010,31021,204
     730Sensitized surfaces2,0211,2482,50114,98117,367
     733Instruments, surgical and dental7,47722,08922,74030,79912,883
XXIIA751Cream of tartar..     1,93417,0199,46329,081
     765Medicinal preparations, &c., n.o.e.20,55122,05715,70927,45322,393
     772Perfumery—Toilet preparations11,5668,8618,32525,98813,038
XXII782Soda, caustic281722,1752,86511,023
XXIII814Cartridges, 25 calibre and under*..     6,8899,75910,4906,658
     815Cartridges, shot (10 to 24 bore)414925498,767
     824Firearms, other6,4007,0169,42311,6555,431
     838A. and M.S.2,9501,5042,0466,99119,430
     859Pianos2,8218191,9313,8436,123
     860Pianolas, &c...     1,2053904,1705,823
     867Packing, engine3,6403,5104,4506,5587,623
     876Soap-powder, dry, &c.3,8126,4557,4187,94285
     877Soap n.o.e.13,02014,71110,35920,0061,964
     886Motor bicycles and tricycles*..     2,10314,52344,48340,005
     887Rubber tires and tubes for*..     3641,9946,7967,251
  Motor vehicles—     
     893Bodies for57,05168,20456,665588,379525,357
     894Chassis for146,237192,015186,8761,849127
     895Materials for23,92324,69798,088327,145245,242
     900Vehicles—Springs and other materials2,6717,48410,3493,2945,832
     902Miscellaneous manufactures14,65910,46117,92727,76620,734
          Parcels-post22,666
Society Islands.
II72Fresh fruit—Oranges*..     8,4076,3622,8427,978
VIII208Copra2,4792,74415,3582,482416
XXIIA790Vanilla-beans3,6876,3525,2193,1174,780
Tonga (Friendly Islands).
VIII208Copra3,20610,42229,1681,232390
German Samoa.
III139Cocoa-beans, uncrushed7463,6532,27316,06113,172
Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
XXIIB802Guano and rock phosphates*..     ..     ..     5,720..     
Tuamotu Archipelago.
XXIIB802Guano and rock phosphates*..     ..     45,57822,66441,271
Egypt.
XXIIC804Phosphates, other*..     ..     ..     39,03243,217
Denmark.
XXIII838A. and M.S.3,7331,8946,37424,22748,898

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.
     £     
190232,163
190338,708
190445,517
190544,179
190663,477
190761,922
190867,483
190973,469
191090,039
191192,382
1912105,943
1913109,095
191494,620
191587,890
191663,702
191772,470

The principal articles imported for the past five years are as follows:—

Class.Item.Article.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
               £     £     £     £     £     
          Fruits, fresh—                         
II68Bananas     37,44324,77015,04929,376
     72Oranges82,22334,00528,32126,03321,155
     74Tomatoes, plums, &c.     5684,3597,5413,632
     75Other     1,3286,0401,1141,934
          Nuts—                         
     109Coconuts5701,502804565676
     111Other32697..     ..     ..     
     135Potatoes819224143821290
III143Coffee, raw6385008701,337120
VII202Pearlshell..     566..     ..     ..     
VIII208Copra19,67313,14917,0517,56011,704
     220Fungus216157611,259315
IXA251Hats and caps1,2771,9792,073979773
XIII374Specie—Gold350500..     ..     ..     
XXI725Cinematograph-films..     1,5242,4188251,705

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, folio-wing 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 Diomen's Land, per proof gallon040
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 ½ d. per pound and 3d. per pound respectively. Two years later the duties had been raised to ld. 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 ½ d. 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 at 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 ½ d., 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 lead; 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 2/5 d. 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. In 1917, however, as a result of the increased rates imposed in that year, the amount rose to £36,651. 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 ¾ d. per gallon when the specific gravity does not exceed 1,047, and increasing by 1/16 d. per gallon for every unit of specific gravity up to 1,055, and by ⅛ d. 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 ¾ d. to 4 ¾ d. per gallon, and further (on 15th September, 1917) to 5 ¾ d. 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 now 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.)  
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 proof 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 cont. 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 2/5 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 loss 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.
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
191614,507,5307,266,9663,524,06324.2948.49
191718,355,19410,549,6544,037,62822.0038.27
191820,206,22212,340,8533,601,38317.8229.18

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 1917, only £174,430 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 5.50 in 1917. 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 Nonalcoholic 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
1917174,430794,4431,397,267805,4003,171,540
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
19175.5025.0544.0625.39

The total taxation on imports in 1917 is £454,608 less than in 1916. Most of the items show decreases when compared with 1916, the only items showing increases being wine, cigars, cigarettes and snuff, tobacco, opium, and tea.

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, 1913–17.
1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.

* Minus quantity.

† Parcels-post included under respective heads for these years.

Customs Duties.£     £     £     £     £     
Spirits704,548712,446762,694665,182659,477
Wine39,19841,79642,25834,95035,812
Ale, beer, etc.29,92229,28526,00522,9328,063
Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff229,278247,144258,494262,695287,777
Tobacco413,135425,455423,435401,598403,591
Coffee, cocoa, etc.8,1717,63610,2149,062 3,261
Tea47279657462336,651
Opium5618221721
Other goods by weight218,930217,655190,121195,351141,089
Other goods ad valorem1,559,6471,526,7741,315,6111,854,2621,498,805
Other duties141,526145,610114,901135,22196,993
Parcels-post80,547
Primage..     ..     46,576241,118196,863
Surtax*41*22..     ..     
          Totals, Customs duties3,425,4263,354,6163,190,8833,823,0113,368,403
Excise Duties.     
Tinctures—New Zealand6,2537,5047,8158,5579,892
Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff—New-Zealand-manufactured269298331399543
Tobacco — New - Zealand - manufactured6834885831,4523,478
Beer—New Zealand125,015129,453137,225189,671219,594
          Totals, excise duties132,220137,743145,954200,079233,507
Revenue from Customs duties per head of mean population (excluding Maoris)£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.
     3413162181396314
Ditto (including Maoris)3132181021563662188
Revenue from excise duties per head of mean population (excluding Maoris)025.7026.3027.9037.7042.9
Ditto (including Maoris)024.4025.0026.5035.8040.8

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, showed a considerable increase over that for 1915, though it fell again in 1917.

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.
* Imports are given exclusive of gold.
     £     £     s.d.£     £     s.d.£     s.d.Per Cent.     
18956,400,12994101,619,97026926925.311000
18967,137,320101111,765,0732911211124.73977
18978,055,22311331,912,1612130216623.74938
18988,230,60011371,961,7262133210723.83942
18998,739,633111312,042,0022145219023.36923
190010,646,0961318102,170,3542161036420.39805
190111,817,915153102,191,79821643161118.55733
190211,326,723143112,285,04321733111020.17797
190312,788,6751511102,501,8963103181119.56773
190413,291,694151472,650,189329319819.94788
190512,828,8571414112,652,666310314820.68817
190615,211,403161982,899,10334946019.06753
190717,302,861181663,079,422370415417.80703
190817,471,28418992,903,086315413716.62656
190915,674,71916272,653,617214741816.93669
191017,051,58317362,954,9892196461117.33685
191119,545,87919523,165,65732549216.20640
191220,976,57420393,335,71934352215.90628
191322,288,302201713,425,42634155715.37607
191421,856,096200113,354,61631651615.35606
191621,728,834191523,190,883218150114.68580
191626,339,283231923,823,01139661414.51573
1917*20,919,25919083,368,403313416416.10636

With regard to the above table, it may be explained that the figures given in the column “Value per head at 1895 ratio” indicate the amount of revenue per head of population which would have been obtained had the same high ratio of Customs taxation been levied as prevailed in 1895. The last two columns in the table show clearly the substantial decline in the proportion which the Customs revenue bears to the value of the imports.

With slight interruptions in 1902, 1905, 1909, 1910, 1914, and 1915 the imports increased annually in both total and per capita values, until in 1916 the total was over four timed as much as that of 1895. The figures for 1917, however, show a considerable decrease when compared with those for 1916.

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, 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 1917 it had fallen to approximately one-sixth. 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. As will be seen later in this subsection, duty-free goods are in recent years, being imported more rapidly than those on which duty is levied.

CUSTOMS REVENUE BY CLASSES OF IMPORTS, 1917.
Class.Items.Articles.Revenue collected.
General.Additional Preferential.Total.
               £     £     £     
I1–41Foodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)35,5813,68139,262
II42–137Foodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt87,1635,18692,349
III138–130Beverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making up same40,6172,20242,819
IV151–167Spirits and alcoholic liquors705,87029705,899
V168–173Tobacco and preparations thereof691,368     691,368
VI174–186Live animals41..     41
VII187–207Animal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs2738281
VIII208–233Vegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres10,0151,36511,380
IXA234–262Apparel500,93221,017521,949
IXB263–291Textiles241,68114,357256,038
IXC292–309Manufactured fibres15,62882816,456
X310–344Oils, fats, and waxes40,5024,74045,242
XI345–355faints and varnishes9,69185310,544
XII356–372Stones and minerals used industrially3,533243,557
XIII373–375Specie..     ..     ..     
XIVA376–405Metal unmanufactured, partially manufactured, and ores..     1,4851,485
XIVB406–495Metal manufactures, other than machinery and machines118,89626,711145,607
XV496–572Machinery and machines56,91521,80278,717
XVIA573–576Indiarubber, and manufactures thereof (not including tires)52415467
XVIB577–603Leather, and manufactures thereof, including substitutes13,1431,38714,530
XVIIA604–641Timber8,115..     8,115
XVIIB642–661Wood, cane, and wicker manufactures12,0872,07614,163
XVIII662–683Earthenware, china, glass, stoneware, cements and cement materials26,8063,59930,405
XIXA684–696Paper4,4565,0869,542
XIXB697–711Stationery33,6593,96837,627
XX712–722Jewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods61,74511,50273,247
XXI723–734Optical, surgical, and scientific instruments1,5484,9876,535
XXIIA733–791Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares62,4188,80871,226
XXIIB792–810Manures..     ..     ..     
XXIII811–903Miscellaneous167,06575,624242,689
            Totals2,949,800221,7403,171,540

Slightly less than one-fourth of the Customs revenue collected during 1917 was furnished by spirits and alcoholic liquors (£705,899). Tobacco (£691,368) 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 £794,443, nearly £200,000 less than in 1916. Metal manufactures with £145,607 rank below the “miscellaneous” total. This latter class, which covers several large items such as arms, brushware, candles, soap, and motorcars, has £242,689 to its credit as a revenue-producing class.

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 1917 was only 7 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 shows the amounts of duty collected in respect of these manufactures during the past five years:—

EXCISE DUTIES, 1913–17.
Item.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Beer125,015129,453137,225189,671219,594
Culinary and flavouring essences, spirituous2,4523,5143,4024,1674,096
Medicinal preparations over 50 per cent. proof spirit2,6692,9463,0972,9153,181
Perfumed spirits9459241,1171,4392,430
Toilet preparations..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Toilet spirituous18712019936185
Cigarettes made by hand..     23..     ..     ..     
Cigarettes manufactured by machinery..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Cigars and snuff269275331399543
Tobacco, manufactured6834885831,4523,478
          Totals132,220137,743145,954200,079233,507

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, and 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, 1917.
No.Class.Value of Imports.Duty collected.Percentage of Total.
Free.Dutiable.Free.Dutiable.
* Excluding gold.
          £     £     £     Per Cent.Per Cent.
IFoodstuffs of animal origin (excluding live animals)55192,47139,2620.0399.97
IIFoodstuffs of vegetable origin, and common salt2,021,893587,56492,34977.4822.52
IIIBeverages (non-alcoholic) and substances used in making the same327,528182,72042,81964.1935.81
IVSpirits and alcoholic liquors52621,254705,8990.0199.99
VTobacco and preparations thereof935445,373691,3680.2199.79
VILive animate10,7458,5204155.7744.23
VIIAnimal substances (mainly unmanufactured) not being foodstuffs20,9031,97228191.388.62
VIIIVegetable substances and non-manufactured fibres460,03555,85911,38089.1710.83
IXAApparel340,4421,991,754521,94914.6083.40
IXBTextiles1,756,8221,232,835256,03858.7641.24
IXCManufactured fibres361,08276,96516,456824317.57
XOils, fats, and waxes837,027209,78445,24279.9620.04
XIPaints and varnishes23,236152,72810,54415.6084.40
XIIStones and minerals, used industrially226,88114,1563,55794.135.87
XIIISpecie*177,135..     ..     100.00..     
XIVAMetal, unmanufactured ores*231,6887,9891,48596.673.33
XIVBMetal manufactures, other than machinery922,156732,367145,60755.7444.26
XVMachinery and machines510,479445,65378,71753.3946.61
XVIAIndiarubber and manufactures thereof40,3912,34346794.525.48
XVIBLeather and manufactures thereof230,455158,70914,53056.6743.33
XVIIATimber90,38570,5298,11556.1743.83
XVIIBWood, cane, and wicker manufactures25,61458,21314,16330.5669.44
XVIIIEarthenware, &c.116,134133,17130,40546.5853.42
XIXAPaper445,69248,0379,54290.279.73
XIXBStationery278,867156,76037,62764.0235.98
XXJewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods87,999310,07273,247221177.89
XXIOptical, surgical, and scientific instruments206,61852,6606,53579.6920.31
XXIIADrugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares446,293295,48371,22660.1739.83
XXIIBManures328,762..     ..     100.00..     
XXIIIMiscellaneous947,3521,194,662242,68944.2355.77
          11,478,6569,440,6033,171,54054.8745.13

By classifying the different rates of duty as is done in the following table 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.

IMPORTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO RATE OF DUTY, 1913–17.
Rate of Duty.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
* Included under the various heads.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Free (excluding specie)11,274,50211,356,09211,819,56912,789,63911,301,521
Specific duties3,141,8083,208,5063,007,9813,742,1502,995,395
Ad valorem duties—     
5 per cent.64,45069,38058,32157,68328,524
10 per cent.145,682126,793321,028583,390387,617
14 11/20 per cent...     ..     ..     4..     
15 per cent.366,584360,722316,684303,043282,475
19 2/5 per cent.1812381173271
20 per cent.3,518,6973,422,3823,035,2604,713,3633,042,690
22 ½ per cent.48,77751,05941,29169,85469,137
24 per cent.46,12271,17363,24051,8759,883
24 ¼ per cent.17952269173
25 per cent.2,030,1502,012,5021,730,8352,262,7801,478,009
30 per cent.738,153664,592459,082649,1491,062,883
33 ¾ per cent.4,3434,4673,9587,77212,787
37 ½ per cent.131,661110,90393,102135,303380,824
40 per cent.1,2096,6684,1193,8622,788
60 per cent...     ..     ..     ..     62
     7,096,3476,900,8436,116,0448,838,5206,758,113
Parcels-post (various)473,143****
Specie634,670711,8691,070,1141,293,880177,135
          Totals22,288,30221,856,09621,728,83426,339,28320,919,259

The value of boots imported is included under both specific and ad. valorem duties: 1913, £332,168; 1914, £321,214; 1915, £295,883; 1916, £324,906; 1917, £312,905.

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 1917, 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:—

1894.1896.1906.1908.1917.
* Including excise duties levied on certain imports manufactured in bond.
Merchandise—£     £     £     £     £     
Free1,871,7722,263,0915,476,9498,658,11111,301,521
Dutiable4,118,4054,772,2888,826,2218,589,0519,440,603
Imports (less specie)5,990,1777,035,37914,303,170 17,247,16220,742,124
Percentage of freePer Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent. Per Cent.Per Cent.
merchandise31.2532.1738.29 50.2054.49
     £     £     £     £     £     
          Total net duty received*1,572,4671,767,8522,903,1312,907,1513,382,316
Duty, per cent. of imports—Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
(a.) On dutiable imports38.1837.0432.8933.8535.83
(b.) On all merchandise26.2525.1320.30168616.31

The average rate levied on dutiable goods in 1917 was thus approximately 9 per cent. higher than before the tariff revision of 1907, although the average on all merchandise shows a decrease of nearly 20 per cent. The proportion of imported merchandise free of duty amounted to 54.49 per cent. in 1917, the corresponding figure for 1916 being 51.07 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
191756,39298,5381,588

Prior to 1914 the figures for imports represent only the value of goods shipped from South Africa. In 1917 the value of imports produced there was £98,538. 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.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
               £     £     £     £     £     
I11Fish, in airtight vessels40232162..     ..     
II80Maize..     7238,376973..     
IV166Wine, sparkling..     ..     ..     1486
     167Wine, still5,4375,4456,59411,0158,082
V168Cigarettes..     481166611
     169Cigars..     ..     ..     ..     1
     171Tobacco, cut2972,3415,4365,459748
     172Tobacco, other     10218..     ..     
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing..     435226565
     246Furs and fur trimmings Ornamental feathers—..     ..     ..     ..     107
     256Ostrich n.o.e.126462711687282
IXB263Articles n.o.e. partly or wholly made up from textiles..     ..     143
IXB267Drapery n.o.e...     9223746
     270Matting n.o.e. and mats..     1..     585
     283Piece-goods: Silks, &c...     1233
     288Rugs, woollen..     ..     74..     
     289Rugs, other..     2201247
XIVB422Hardware, hollow - ware, &c...     ..     ..     1..     
     456Plate and plated ware..     ..     121..     
XVIB602Saddlery and harness n.o.e.:..     ..     ..     6..     
XVIII667China, porcelain, and Parian ware..     ..     ..     1 
XIXA703Handbills, circulars, &c.2165 
XIXB709Pictures, paintings, and photographs n.o.e...     ..     ..     ..     1
XX712Fancy goods and toys..     8776074
     715Jewellery, other..     41033
     721Tobacco - pipes, cases, cigarette-papers, &c...     ..     ..     ..     8
XXII773Perfumery n.o.e...     ..     ..     ..     1
XXIII847Brushes, brushware, and brooms..     ..     24..     

NOTE.—Figures in the above table refer to country of shipment for 1913, and country of origin for later years.

PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

Though the preferential tariff of New Zealand covers a considerable 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 paid.Percentage 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
191720,919,25915,591,3025,327,9572,251,42810.7742.26

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, 1917.
Class.Item. NoItem.Imports fromSurtax.
British Empire.Foreign Countries.Rate.Amount.
               £     £          £     
I5Eggs in shell2542,36710%237
     7Eggs liquid, white and yolk..     5,42610%569
     11Fish, preserved in tins, &c.65,38338,521Various2,355
     41Provisions n.o.e.12,7592,48510%257
  Confectionery—    
II48Chocolate in fancy packages8,7549,8834%668
     58Foods for animals n.o.e.4,5283,05810%367
     59Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup27,34528,54312 ½%3,528
     101Hops1966593d. lb.217
III140Cocoa and chocolate7,66112,3323/5 d. lb.321
     149ATea in bulk278,6987,8102d. lb.1,456
     149BTea in bulk139,1472,8552d. lb.287
VII209Cork, cut8,86513,39010%1,337
IXA234Apparel and ready-made clothing n.o.e.825,491117,26612 ½%4,821
          Boots and shoes—    
 239Goloshes, overshoes, &c.18,7784,56311 ¼%509
     243Vamps, uppers, and laces9,0308,11011 ¼%919
     244Other274,59938,306Various4,152
     245Corsets34,70516,71612 ½%641
     247Gloves21,15431,80412 ½%1,248
     251Hats and caps83,24058,61812 ½%2,692
     253Hosiery160,03749,70212 ½%2,270
     254Lace and laces n.o.e.19,42034,08010%1,453
     257Millinery, unenumerated57,44915,66112 ½%373
     259Ribbons and crape3,08950,89210%1,667
XIB263Articles n.o.e. partly or wholly made up of textiles23,2828,81310%360
     267Drapery n.o.e.119,76376,50410%3,032
  Piece-goods, cotton—    
     275Butter and cheese cloth14,5982,29320%459
     283Other silks, satins, velvets, c.14,494263,42110%10,181
IXC301Cordage and rope n.o.e.12,8812,23110%230
     309Twine, other49,5644,01410%409
X311Axle-greases and other solid lubricants2,5574,53510%481
     325Mineral, lubricating oil8,59379,7451 ½d. gal.4,097
XI351Paints and colours, unenumerated11,9902,78910%289
XIVA388Iron and steel—Bar, bolt, or rod91,3377,98920%1,485
XIVB417Metal manufactures—Cutlery (including table spoons and forks)33,0682,61010%258
     420Fire-extinguishers, hand1,2473,08410%306
     422Hardware, hollow - ware, ironmongery, n.o.e.160,33193,65710%9,315
  Iron and steel—    
XIVB423Angle and tee2,5432,38820%480
     426Hoop, black, n.o.e.21,1382,56320%512
     430Plate and sheet, corrugated and galvanized5,36930,4774 4/5d. cwt.358
XIVB431Plate and sheet, plain black11,25812,11120%2,457
     436Tubes, wrought, 6 in. and under in internal diameter82,0049,11420%1,840
     437N.o.e.6,9341,173Various239
     441Lamps (not electric), &c., other14,28615,77610%1,567
     455Nails, other than dog-spikes34,81616,5901s. cwt.602
     456Plate and plated ware42,0405,63710%462
     458Printing-materials—Type and materials n.o.e.4,7532,16510%222
     461Railway and tramway plant n.o.e.—Rail?, &c.7,0354,49320%977
     470Stoves and ranges, oil5562,34910%232
     490Wire-wove, expanded-metal fencing, electric-welded fencing3,0411,99910%201
     495Metal manufactures n.o.e. (20% ad val.)171,90750,79410%5,009
XV522AMachinery—Dairying, other11,1516,30710%631
  Electrical—    
 524Electric batteries and cells2,01215,58610%1,518
     525Generators, motors, and transformers35,89130,65910%3,025
     527Lamps21,93726,54310%2,654
     529N.o.e.34,71728,35510%2,842
     532Engines, other32,60425,13210%2,470
     533Engines, Portable and traction65818,28510%1,828
     540Flying-machines1,920..     10%206
  Machinery—    
     557Printing, and presses2,0153,01810%302
     569Unenumerated (5% ad val.)—viz., rope and twine making, &c.3,4033,19610%332
     570N.o.e. (20% ad val.)38,30537,00610%3,193
     571CMaterials for, and parts of (dutiable), No. 5148,74118,23810%1,802
XVIA573Rubber hose, tubing, and piping27,6452,08520%414
XVIB579Belting, other (including canvas and rubber)41,7255,54610%553
     597Portmanteaux, trunks, and carpetbags4,7893,65512 ½%451
XVIIB643Basketware and wickerware4233,84910%388
  Furniture—    
     652Picture and photograph frames and mounts3,7622,27610%227
     653N.o.e.5,3534,98112 ½%617
     661Wooden ware and turnery n.o.e.18,0927,54010%751
XVIII667China, porcelain, and Parian ware17,2595,89210%601
     669Earthenware n.o.e.60,9549,33210%989
     674Glassware n.o.e.7,69716,50410%1,696
     676Mirrors and looking-glasses2,8521,89312 ½%237
XIXA685Paper bags n.o.e.4,2192,78112 ½%359
     693Paper printing228,62721,77120%4,372
     694Paper wrapping, unprinted12,5026,2142s. 6d cwt.324
  Stationery—    
XIXB699Calendars and show-cards6,7952,06112 ½%250
     703Handbills, circulars, and programmes; printed advertisement-matter n.o.e. etc.16,07611,6103/5 d. lb.331
     704Inks, printing4,9062,52210%254
     706Stationery, manufactured, n.o.e.34,8665,25712 ½%675
XIXB707Stationery n.o.e.39,90523,06010%2,280
  Jewellery, timepieces, and fancy goods—    
XX712Fancy goods and toys71,56278,28410%7,759
     715Jewellery, other39,5682,26010%241
     717Timepieces, clocks20010,11310%969
  Tobacco-pipes and smokers' requisites—    
     721Tobacco-pipes and cases, and cigarette-papers, etc.14,62523,85010%2,424
XXI729Cameras3,19324,69910%2,459
     730Sensitized surfaces, and albumenized paper27,81119,98610%1,996
     731Photographic materials and goods n.o.e.2,2753,60510%338
XXIIA750 Chemicals and chemical preparations n.o.e.7,3443,02310%291
     765Medicinal preparations, drugs and druggists' sundries n.o.e., c.155,55455,93910%5,808
     772Perfumery: Toilet preparations28,72617,06612 ½%2,493
          Arms, ammunition, and explosives—    
XXIII814Cartridges, 25 calibre and under376,65810%665
     815 Cartridges, Shot (10–24 bore)8,1488,9971s. 3d. per 100987
     816Cartridges, N.o.e.1183,95310%395
     824Firearms, other2,3325,50610%545
     847Brushes, brushware, and brooms22,39115,69412 ½%2,070
          Instruments, musical and other—    
     857Materials for and parts of3,7573,95810%387
     859Pianos56,6147,71110%780
     860Pianolas, phonographs, and other instruments (mechanical)7,8859,45610%937
     861Records for pianolas, gramaphones, etc.11,1163,76110%373
     862Other3,4594,85110%430
          Matches and vestas—    
 863Wax21,70618,223Various1,603
     864Wooden5509,6156d. per gross1,651
     872Brass and similar metal polishes4,4872,08410%207
     873Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish5,1013,92610%383
     877Soap n.o.e.71,9982,63812 ½%505
     886Motor bicycles and tricycles17,90241,63110%4,127
     889Materials and parts n.o.e.4,5994,03010%405
     893ACars, buses, carriages, and vehicles, motor103,096534,20310%53,324
     895AMaterials and parts, other19,57445,03410%4,472
     898Vehicles: Perambulators and go-carts1,6673,28810%329

SUBSECTION E.—WAR MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE.

As will be seen from the four preceding subsections, the war has considerably influenced the external trade of the Dominion, the increase in values having tended to obscure the decrease in quantities imported and exported.

Circumstances arising out of the war have made necessary the adoption of a series of 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, Allied, or neutral territory not being neutral territory in 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, as if such persons or firms were resident or carrying on business in an enemy country. Liberia and Portuguese East Africa were added to the list of countries on the 10th November, 1915.

By Royal Proclamation dated 27th November, 1917, it was declared that, as from that date. Proclamations in force relating to trading with the enemy should apply to persons of enemy nationality who have been removed from British Dominions and are interned in neutral countries, in the same manner as such Proclamations apply to persons resident or carrying on business in an enemy country.

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. The matter is, however, subject to the exercise of discretionary powers conferred on the Minister of Internal Affairs.

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 may 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. It was provided, however, that trading with a branch of any such firm shall not be deemed to be trading with such firm if the branch is carrying on business exclusively within the British dominions. 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. A similar power was given with regard to firms engaged in any business undertaking injurious to the interests of His Majesty in respect of the present war. 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 in which an enemy, enemy company, or alien enemy (other than a natural - born British subject) possesses any substantial interest may be declared by the Attorney-General to be an enemy. 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 prior lists were consolidated in and superseded by one gazetted on the 17th September, 1917, in pursuance of Royal Proclamation of the 2nd July, 1917. The list, correct to 30th June, 1918, reads as follows:—

ABSOLUTE CONTRABAND.

Schedule I.

Abrasive materials (see emery); acetic acid and acetates; acetic anhydride; acetic ether; acetones, and raw or finished materials usable for their preparation; aircraft of all kinds, including aeroplanes, airships, balloons, and their component parts, together with accessories and articles suitable for use in connection with aircraft; albumen; alcohols, including fusel-oil and wood-spirit and their derivatives and preparations; alumina, and salts of alumina; aluminium, and its alloys; ammonia; ammonia liquor; ammonium salts; aniline and its derivatives; animals, saddle, draught, and pack, suitable, or which may become suitable, for use in war; antimony, and the sulphides and oxides of antimony; apparatus which can be used for the storage or projecting of compressed or liquefied gases, flame, acids, or other destructive agents capable of use in warlike operations, and their component parts; armour plates; arms of all lands, including arms for sporting purposes, and their component parts; arsenic and its compounds; arsenical ore; asbestos; asphalt; balata (see rubber); bamboo; barbed wire, and the implements for fixing and cutting the same; barium chlorate and perchlorate; barium sulphate (barytes); bauxite; benzine (see mineral oils); benzol, and its mixtures and derivatives; bitumen; bleaching-powder; bone-black; bones in any form, whole or crushed; bone-ash; borax, boric acid, and other beron compounds: bromine; cadmium, cadmium alloys, and cadmium-ore; calcium acetate-nitrate, and carbide; calcium sulphate; camp equipment, articles of, and their component parts; camphor; capsicum; carbolic acid (see phenol); carbon disulphide; carbon, halogen compounds of; carborundum (see emery); carbonyl chloride (see phosgene); cartridges (see projectiles); caustic potash; caustic soda; celluloid; cerium, and its alloys and compounds; charges (see projectiles); cheques (see gold); chloride of lime; chlorides, metallic (except chloride of sodium) and metalloidic; chlorine; chromium and its alloys, salts, compounds, and ores: clothing and equipment of a distinctively military character; cobalt and its alloys, salts, compounds, and ores; copper-pyrites, and other copper-ores; copper (unwrought and part wrought), copper wire, alloys and compounds of copper; cork, including cork-dust; corundum (see emery); cotton (raw), linters, cotton-waste, cotton yarns, cotton piece-goods, and other cotton products capable of being used in the manufacture of explosives; coupons (see gold); credit notes (see gold); cresol and its mixtures and derivatives; cyanamide; debit notes (see gold); diamonds suitable for industrial purposes; electrical appliances adapted for use in war and their component parts; electrolytic iron; emery, corundum, carborundum, and all other abrasive materials, whether natural or artificial, and the manufactures thereof; equipment (see clothing); explosives, materials used in the manufacture of; explosives, specially prepared for use in war; fatty acids; feldspar; ferro-alloys of all kinds; ferro-silicon; fibres (vegetable), and yarns made therefrom; financial documents (see gold); flax; forges (field), and their component parts; formic acid and formates: formic ether; fusel-oil (see alcohols); gases for war purposes and materials for production thereof; glycerine; gold, silver, paper money, securities, negotiable instruments, cheques, drafts, orders, warrants, coupons, letters of 'credit, delegation, or advice, credit and debit notes, or other documents which in themselves, or if completed, or if acted upon by the recipient, authorize, confirm, or give effect to the transfer of money, credit, or securities; gold-beater's skin; gun-mountings and their component parts; gutta-percha (see rubber); hæmatite iron-ore, hæmatite pig iron; hair, animal, of all kinds, and tops and noils and yarns of animal hair; harness, of all kinds, of a distinctively military character; hemp; hides of cattle, buffaloes, and horses; hydrochloric acid; 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; incendiary materials for war-purposes; insulating materials, raw and manufactured; iodine and its compounds; iridium and its alloys and compounds; iron (electrolytic); iron pyrites; kapok; lathes, machines, and tools, capable of being employed in the manufacture of munitions of war; lead and lead-ore; leather, undressed or dressed, suitable for saddlery, harness, military boots, or military clothing; leather belting, hydraulic leather, pump leather; letters of credit, delegation, or advice (see gold); light-producing materials for war purposes; limbers and limber-boxes and their component parts; lithium (see strontium); lubricants; machines (see lathes); manganese and manganese-ore; manganese dioxide; maps and plans of any place within the territory of any belligerent, or within the area of military operations, on a scale of 4 miles to 1 in., or any larger scale, and reproductions on any scale, by photography or otherwise, of such maps or plans; mercury; metallic sulphites and thiosulphates; mineral oils, including benzine and motor-spirit; molybdenum and molybdenite; monazite sand; motor-spirit (see mineral oils); motor vehicles of all kinds and their component parts and accessories; naphtha (see solvent naphtha); naphthalene and its mixtures and derivatives; negotiable instruments (see gold); nickel and its alloys, salts, compounds, and ores; nitrates of all kinds; nitric acid; oleum (see sulphuric acid); orders (see gold); osmium and its alloys and compounds; oxalic acid and oxalates; palladium and its alloys and compounds; paper money (see gold); peppers; phenates; phenol (carbolic acid) and its mixtures and derivatives; phosgene (carbonyl chloride); phosphorus and its compounds; photographic films, plates, and paper, sensitized; pitch; platinum and its alloys and compounds; potassium salts; powder specially prepared for use in war; projectiles, charges, cartridges, and grenades of all kinds, and their component parts; prussiate of soda; quebracho-wood (see tanning-substances); quillaia-bark; ramie; range-finders and their component parts; rattans; resinous products; rhodium and its alloys and compounds; rubber (including raw, waste, and reclaimed rubber, solutions and jellies containing rubber, and any other preparation containing balata and gutta-percha, 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; ruthenium and its alloys and compounds: sabadilla-seeds and preparations thereof; searchlights and their component parts; securities (sec gold); selenium; silk, artificial, and the manufactures thereof; silk in all forms and the manufactures thereof; silk cocoons; silver (see gold); skins of calves, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer; smoke-producing materials for war purposes; soap; soda lime; sodium; sodium chlorate and perchlorate; sodium cyanide; solvent naphtha and its mixtures and derivatives; starch; steel containing tungsten or molybdenum; strontium and lithium compounds and mixtures containing the same; submarine sound-signalling apparatus; sulphur; sulphur dioxide; sulphuric acid, fuming sulphuric acid (oleum); sulphuric ether; talc; tanning - substances of all kinds, including quebracho-wood and extracts for use in tanning: tantalum and its alloys, salts, compounds, and ores; tar; thiosulphates (see metallic sulphites); thorium and its alloys and compounds; tin, chloride of tin, tin-ore; titanium and its salts and compounds, titanium - ore; toluol and its mixtures and derivatives; tools (see lathes); tungsten and its alloys and compounds, tungsten-ores; turpentine (oil and spirit); tires for motor vehicles and for cycles, together with articles or materials especially adapted for use in the manufacture or repair of tires; uranium and its salts and compounds, uranium-ore; urea; vanadium and its alloys, salts, compounds, and ores; vegetable fibres (see fibres); wagons, military, and their component parts; warrants (see gold); warships (including boats and their component parts of such a nature that they can only be used on a vessel of war); waxes of all kinds; wire, barbed (see barbed wire); wire, steel and iron; wood-spirit (see alcohols); wood-tar and wood-tar oil; woods of all kinds capable of use in war; wool (raw, combed, or carded), wool-waste, wool tops and noils, woollen or worsted yarns; xylol and its mixtures and derivatives; zinc and its alloys; zinc-ore; zirconia; zirconium and its alloys and compounds.

CONDITIONAL CONTRABAND.

Schedule II.

Algæ, lichens, and mosses; barrels and casks (empty) of all kinds and their component parts; bladders; boots and shoes suitable for use in war; casein; casings; casks (see barrels); charcoal (see fuel); chronometers; clothing and fabrics for clothing suitable for use in war; docks, floating, and their component parts, parts of docks; explosives not specially prepared for use in war; field-glasses; foodstuffs; forage and feeding-stuffs for animals fuel (including charcoal) other than mineral oils; furs utilizable for clothing suitable for use in war; gelatine and substances used in the manufacture thereof; glue and substances used in the manufacture thereof; guts; harness and saddlery; horseshoes and shoeing materials; lichens (see algæ); mosses (see algæ); nautical instruments of all kinds; oils and fats (animal, fish, and vegetable) other than those capable of use as lubricants, and not including essential oils: oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels; powder not specially prepared for use in war; railway materials, both fixed and rolling-stock; sausage-skins; skins utilizable for clothing suitable for use in war; sponges, raw and prepared; telegraphs, materials for; telephones, materials for; telescopes; vehicles of all kinds, other than motor-vehicles, available for use in war, and their component parts; vessels, craft, and boats of all kinds; wireless telegraphs, materials for; yeast.

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-waste; 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; hæmatite iron-ore and hæmatite 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 8th 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, 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, 1919, 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.

The export to Holland of goods of all classes, save with the permission of the Minister of Customs, was prohibited as from the 6th December, 1915. 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 remained 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 was prohibited unless with the consent of the Minister of Customs.

The exportation of hides weighing more than 45 lb. 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. Further amendments in respect to this matter are referred to in the following pages.

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 45 lb. 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 revoked so that hides (of all weights) and calf-skins could not be exported to any destination except with the consent of the Minister. The export of hides and calf-skins rejected by the Government buyers was, however, still allowed, and Ministerial consent in such cases was unnecessary.

The Order in Council of the 10th April, 1916 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; certain Pacific islands.

The export of sheep - skins (with or without wool), pig - skins, and pelts was further restricted on the 24th July, 1916, these articles being thereafter exportable to the United Kingdom only, unless the consent of the Minister was otherwise obtained. Platinum was added to these items on the 2nd September, 1916.

The export of scrap iron to any destination without consent was prohibited on the 9th August, 1916, this prohibition being extended to cover all scrap metal as from the 13th August, 1917. 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 sheep-skins (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 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 were prohibited exports, unless manufactured at a factory in respect of which an export license had been issued.

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. The scheme of purchase by Government gazetted on 1st February, 1917, was amended by notice dated 12th March, 1917. These amendments were consolidated, and the scheme regazetted on the 1st February, 1918. Various regulations have also been made from time to time under the War Regulations Act dealing with the sale and purchase of sheep-skins other than to or by Government.

During the twelve months ended 30th June, 1918, further considerable amendments and additions have been made to the fist of articles the export of which is prohibited or restricted.

From 6th August, 1917, the export of bicarbonate of soda and empty glass and earthenware bottles and jars to any destination without consent was prohibited. All classes of scrap metal were covered by the prohibition issued on 16th August, while chemicals, drugs, and their preparations were also added to the prohibited export list on that date. On the same date also the export of postage-stamps to any destination other than the United Kingdom and British possessions was prohibited.

On 30th August, 1917, a prohibition was issued against the export of salt to any destination without consent. On 17th September iron wire, wire nails, staples, and manufactured articles of metal generally were added to that list. Paints and colours followed on 19th November; roofing - materials on 3rd December; pork, bacon, and ham on 22nd December; plate and sheet glass on 14th January, 1918; and live pigs and manures on 31st January.

From 11th February, 1918, the export of materials for gelatine and glue making was similarly prohibited. On 18th March bags, bagging, sacks, hessian, jute, and linen piece-goods were added to the list. During April the position regarding export and Government purchase of hides was materially altered. On the 16th April Gazette notices were issued revoking the prohibition against sale and purchase of hides and calf-skins otherwise wan to or by the New Zealand Government. On the same day the export of hides and calf-skins of all classes to any destination was definitely prohibited, save with the consent of the Minister. This prohibition was, in effect, merely in substitution of the Order in Council of 12th March, 1917.* Finally, notice was given on 16th April that Government purchase would cease as from 28th March. Since that date notification has been given that applications for export licenses would be favourably considered.

* See previous page.

By Gazette notice dated the 4th February, 1918, the Government announced its intention to undertake the purchase of the exportable surplus of butter and cheese, and a scheme of purchase was set out in that notice. Purchasing operations, however, actually commenced in November. 1917. On the 16th April, 1918, the Government purchase of butter was temporarily suspended in order that local requirements might be satisfied. On the same date the maximum prices per pound wholesale and retail were fixed at 1s. 5d. and 1s. 8d. respectively.

Another notice issued on the 16th April prohibited the export of electrical material to any destination without the consent of the Minister of Customs. A similar prohibition with regard to oils of every description was issued on 13th May, and empty casks were likewise dealt with by notice dated 4th June, 1918. The export of peas was similarly prohibited as from 24th June.

A summarized list is given below showing goods the exportation of which from New Zealand was at the 30th June, 1918, prohibited except by special authority.

Goods the exportation of which is prohibited to any destination, except by special authority:—

Bags, bagging, sacks, sacking, and piece-goods of jute, hessian, or linen; bottles and jars, empty; butter; casks, empty; cattle; cheese; chemicals, drugs, and chemical preparations; coal; electrical goods—viz., machinery, furniture, fittings, instruments, materials, and appliances for the generation, transmission, application, or utilization of electricity or of electric power of any description whatever, including carbon in block, sheet, or rod, mica, vulcanite, or other insulating-material, and rubber or guttapercha solutions; game, or the skin or the feathers thereof; stag heads or antlers; gold; hide pieces, sinews, glue pieces, face pieces, leg pieces, hide trimmings, lugs, and similar goods for the manufacture of gelatine and glue; hides and calf-skins; leather belting; leather of all kinds, dressed or undressed; “Malthoid,” “Ruberoid,” and similar roofing-materials, and felt and sheetings for roofing or damp-courses; manufactured articles of metal; manures of every description; Maori antiquities; oils; oysters, rock; paints and colours; peas; plate and sheet glass; pork, bacon, and hams, also live pigs; rennet; salt; scheelite; scrap metal; sheep; unset diamonds; wattle-bark; wheat, oats, and other cereals; flour, oatmeal, crushed oats, rolled oats, and similar preparations; wool, sheep-skins, and pelts.

Goods the exportation of which is prohibited to any other destination than the United Kingdom, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs:—

Chilled and frozen beef and veal; copra; frozen mutton and lamb; oleaginous seeds (not including linseed), nuts, and kernels; platinum (ore, metal, or scrap); rabbits; sapphires or rubies, natural or synthetic; tallow; tinned meats.

Goods the exportation of which is prohibited to any other destination than the United Kingdom and British possessions and protectorates, except with the consent of the Minister of Customs:—

All goods (not otherwise specifically referred to in the foregoing) which are for the time being contraband of war (whether absolute or conditional) under any Proclamation or Order in Council issued by His Majesty; animal and vegetable fats suitable for use in the manufacture of margarine; asbestos; beans; bladders, casings, and sausage-skins; blankets and horse-rugs; cakes and meals made from oleaginous seeds, nuts, and kernels; capsicums; copper, copper-ore, alloys of copper; extracts of meat; flax (Phormium tenax); forage—that is to say, oaten-sheaf hay, oaten-sheaf chaff, and bran; graphite; kauri-gum and other resinous products; linseed; pepper; postage-stamps; provisions and victuals which may be used as food for man; rubber and goods made of rubber; seeds (clover and grass); vessels, boats, and craft; woollen cloth suitable for uniform clothing; woollen jerseys, jackets, gloves, socks, and men's woollen underwear of all kinds; woollen yarns.

Destinations to which the Exportation of all Goods is prohibited except with the Consent of the Minister of Customs.

All destinations except the following:—

The United Kingdom; British possessions and protectorates; Argentine; Brazil; France; Japan; United States of America; Uruguay; the islands of the Pacific Ocean contained in the area bounded by a line commencing at the point of intersection of the fifteenth degree of north latitude and the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth degree of west longitude, and proceeding due south to the point of intersection of the thirtieth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth degree of west longitude, and thence due west to the point of intersection of the thirtieth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth degree of east longitude, thence due north to the point of intersection of the fifteenth degree ' of north latitude and the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth degree of east longitude, thence due east to the starting-point at the intersection of the fifteenth degree of north latitude and the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth degree of west longitude.

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. In 1916, however, there was a substantial increase over the 1915 figures, while 1917 saw a marked decrease to a level lower than in any year since 1911. 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 many commodities.

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, Roumania, 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. An Order in Council dated the 2nd April, 1918, provided that the above-mentioned regulations should apply to explosives in the same manner as to ammunition.

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.

It was announced by Gazette notice dated 6th June, 1917, that the Minister of Customs had granted general permission for the importation from Belgium of goods finally manufactured in that country, provided that not more than 25 per cent. of fair market value had its source in enemy territory, and provided also that certain conditions (as laid down in August, 1915) were fully complied with.

By an Order in Council dated the 12th November, 1917, the importation of wheat, flour, bran, and pollard was prohibited save with the consent of the Minister of Customs given on the recommendation of the Board of Trade.

A prohibition (gazetted on the 22nd November, 1917) against the importation of preparations purporting to be remedies for drink and drug habits was not a war measure, but was made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1913.

A full list of prohibited imports as at the 30th June, 1918, is given:—

Copies of works imported in breach of section 21 of the Copyright Act, 1913; opium in any form suitable for smoking; opium, or any article or preparation containing opium for the importation of which a permit is required under the Opium Act, 1908, and which is imported otherwise than in pursuance of such a permit; every article the sale of which in New Zealand would be an offence against the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1908; all indecent documents within the meaning of the Indecent Publications Act, 1910, and all other indecent or obscene articles; false or counterfeit money or banknotes, and any money not being of the established standard in weight or fineness, and any coin intended for circulation in New Zealand and not being legal tender in New Zealand; rags and certain second-hand clothing; “Optanine” (an article used in brewing in the place of hops); “flock,” unless the importer satisfies the District Health Officer by declaration or otherwise that such flock has been manufactured from pure “mill puff” or “mill waste”; animals or birds for the purpose of sport or acclimatization or game, also noxious animals, birds, insects, or reptiles, without the consent in writing of the Minister of Internal Affairs; foxes, venomous reptiles, hawks, vultures, or any beasts or birds of prey; goods imported in breach of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1908; rabbits and hares (into Chatham Islands only); matches made with white or yellow phosphorus; goods manufactured or produced wholly or in part by prison labour, or which have been made within or in connection with any prison, gaol, or penitentiary; also goods similar in character to those produced in such institutions, or by an agent of such person, firm, or corporation, or when such goods were originally purchased from or transferred by any such contractor; fruit or plants affected with disease, or attempted to be introduced contrary to the regulations relating to the importation of fruit and plants; the virus of any disease of live-stock (whether the virus is or is not in an attenuated form), except with the consent of the Minister of Agriculture; stock (including hides, skins, hair, &c.) if diseased, or attempted to be introduced contrary to the regulations relating to the importation thereof; goods imported in breach of the Poisons Act, the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Act, or of any regulations made thereunder; waterproof Economite patent soles for boots and shoes; cooking-utensils coated or lined with lead or with alloy containing lead; * newspapers and periodicals—viz., Direct Action, Solidarity, Ross's Monthly, The Masses (U.S.A.), The Gaelic American, Atlanta American, Atlanta Georgian, Boston American, Chicago American, Chicago Examiner, Los Angeles Examiner, Los Angeles Herald, Morgan Journal, New York American, New York Deutsches 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 paper); * all printed matter published or printed, or purporting to be published or printed, by or on behalf of the society known as “The Industrial Workers of the World”; * Sanatogen; * diamonds unset; * Klepalo (cream-of-tartar substitute) (from Australia); oxydonors, oxygenators, or oxypathors, or similar instruments and appliances; * explosives containing more than 50 per cent. of nitro-glycerine; boots, shoes, slippers, and sandals the sale of which in New Zealand would be an offence against the Footwear Regulation Act, 1913; * goods imported in breach of the Trading with the Enemy Act or the regulations under the War Regulations Act; * soap (except soap made in British possessions, France, Italy, or Japan); Violetta high-frequency generator, and advertising matter relating thereto; * goods produced or manufactured in enemy territory (goods are deemed to be so manufactured or produced if not less than 5 per cent. of their fair market value has its source in enemy territory); Kugelmann's remedies, and advertising matter relating thereto; Vitadatio, and advertising matter relating thereto; hop aromas, preparations, flavours, substitutes, and similar preparations; * gas-mantles of foreign manufacture; *wheat, flour, bran, and pollard; electric or galvanic apparatus known as Pulvermacher's electrical body battery, Pulvermacher's galvanic dry combined bands, Pulvermacher's No. 34 electro-galvanic deafness chain, or any electric or galvanic apparatus vended by or on account of the Electrological Institute (J. L. Pulvermacher and Co., Limited), 56 Ludgate Hill, London E.C., and all written or printed advertising matter relating solely or principally to such apparatus.

* Signifies that prohibition is enacted tinder special war legislation.

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 Gazelle notice on the 29th November, 1915, in accordance with this authority: Jane's “Fighting Ships”; Jane's “The World's Warships”; 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. The sale of these publications was prohibited by. Gazette notice dated the 30th November, 1917. 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. An Order in Council dated the 16th April, 1918, removed the prohibition against the last-named publication.

On the 4th July, 1918, a prohibition was gazetted against the sale of a book entitled The Black Prophet, as well as all books or publications containing or purporting to contain extracts from such book. On the same date a similar prohibition was issued against the sale of a periodical publication called The Green Ray published at Dunedin.

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's 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. Further regulations under an Order in Council dated the 2nd April, 1917, amended the regulations previously in force in such manner that the restriction of publication of shipping intelligence now applies to all seagoing ships other than those exclusively engaged in the coastal trade of New Zealand.

SUPPLIES FOR IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.

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 was 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, 1916, is as follows:—

Description.Prices operating from 3rd March, 1915, to 19th October, 1916.Prices ops-rating from 20th October, 1916.
d.d.
Wethers, first quality, 72 lb. and under4 ½5 ⅜
Wethers, first quality, over 72 lb.4 ¼5 ⅛
Wethers, first quality, over 85 lb. and up to 98 lb. (subject to special approval of Inspector)44 7/8
Wethers, first quality, second quality4 ¼5 ⅛
Ewes, first quality, 72 lb. and under44 7/8
Ewes, first quality, over 72 lb.3 ¾4 5/8
Ewes, first quality, second quality3 ¾4 5/8
Lamb, specially prime and Canterbury quality, 42 lb. and under5 5/86 ½
Lamb, first quality, 42 lb. and under5 ½6 ⅜
Lamb, first quality, over 42 lb.5 ¼6 ⅛
Lamb, second quality5 ¼6 ⅛
Beef, prime ox4 ¾5
Beef, second and heifer4 ½4 ¾
Beef, boning in quarters44 ¼
Beef, cow, prime4 ½4 ¾
Beef, cow, second44 ¼
Beef, boneless55 ¼
(Odd hind quarters ¼ d. above and odd fore quarters ¼ d. below schedule prices.)  
Mutton, legs5 ½6 ⅜
Mutton, shoulders4 ½5 ⅜
Mutton, loins4 ½5 ⅜
Mutton, 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. Important amendments with regard to storage charges, insurance, delivery, and transfer of ownership were embodied in an agreement completed in December, 1917. Provision was also made in this agreement for the withdrawal from storage of meat required for local consumption.

Between the 3rd March, 1915, and the 30th June, 1918, 2,102,040 quarters of beef, 7,614,673 carcases of mutton, and 9,104,484 carcases of lamb had been shipped under the Government-purchase scheme, the quantities shipped from the various ports being as shown in the table following. The total payments to 30th June, 1918, in respect of meat purchases amounted to £27,266,513.

SHIPMENTS OF MEAT UNDER IMPERIAL-PURCHASE SCHEME, 3RD MARCH, 1915, TO 30TH JUNE, 1918.
Port of Shipment.Quarters Beef.Carcases Mutton.Carcases Lamb.
Whangarei113,00225,5857,456
Auckland415,275137,715226,250
Tokomaru Bay27,226250,397109,423
Gisborne148,243853,857367,016
Napier155,5661,042,223731,232
Waitara210,255152,164111,963
New Plymouth21,48321,80411,912
Wanganui151,388399,142237,920
Wellington447,2542,179,4081,864,370
          Totals, North Island1,689,7525,062,2953,667,542
Nelson12,18637,13254,120
Picton1,09985,242120,334
Lyttelton122,0001,015,4322,456,494
Timaru26,750461,2461,452,380
Oamaru..     92,586154 223
Dunedin70,324377,952568,168
Bluff179,929482,788631,223
          Totals, South Island412,2882,552,3785,436,942
Grand totals2,102,0407,614,6739,104,484

Practically the whole of the beef and wether mutton sent Home is used by the Army. The ewe mutton and 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 189,502 crates, valued at £917,748, were duly forwarded.

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. Under the arrangements for that season 518,326 crates, valued at £3,295,557, were shipped to the United Kingdom.

After prolonged negotiations the total exportable surplus for the season 1917–18 was purchased by the Imperial Government at 10d. per pound for first-grade and 9 ¾d. per pound for second-grade cheese. Dairy cheese was also accepted at 8 ½d. and 8d. per pound for first and second grades respectively. Shipments for the latter season to 30th June, 1918, totalled 396,137 crates.

The sum paid for this cheese, together with advances on cheese awaiting shipment at the above date, amounted to £4,496,303.

CONDENSED MILK.

Supplies of condensed milk have also been purchased in New Zealand 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. During the year ended 31st March, 1918, 39,159 cases were shipped, for which the sum of £41,689 has been paid.

BUTTER.

For the first time since the commencement of the present war the Dominion's output of butter was requisitioned by the Imperial Government as from the 20th November, 1917. The prices paid are as follows: Creamery butter, first grade, 157s. per cwt.; second grade, 1s. per cwt. less for each grade-point by which the butter falls below first grade. Whey butter and dairy butter, 133s. 8d. per cwt.; second grade, ½d. per lb. less. Milled butter, 124s. 4d. per cwt.; second grade, ½d. per lb. less.

It was also arranged that 50 per cent. of any profit resulting from the sale of the butter in the United Kingdom should be distributed to producers through the New Zealand Government.

The shipments to 30th June, 1918, totalled 599,833 boxes. Payments to that date, including advances on butter awaiting shipment, amounted to £2,770,777.

“GLAXO.”

In October, 1917, arrangements were completed by the Imperial Government for the purchase of considerable quantities of “Glaxo” (dried milk) from the manufacturers m the Dominion.

At 31st March, 1918, 66,958 56 lb. tins had been purchased at a cost of £234,353. Of this quantity, 56,278 tins had been shipped, and the balance (10,680 tins) was awaiting shipment.

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 was £2 15s. per unit—i.e., per 1-per-cent. tungstic trioxide in respect of ore assaying at least 65 per cent., with a reduction in cases where the assay fell below that point down to 50 units per ton.

From the 1st January, 1917, an additional allowance was made to shippers to cover increased freight and insurance charges. On the 1st January, 1918, the price was increased to £3 per unit for ore assaying 65-per-cent. tungstic acid, together with an allowance of 3s. 10d. per unit to cover increased charges since the requisition commenced. From the 1st May, 1918, the price was again increased to £3 8s. per unit—this, however, to cover the allowance previously given.

Up to the 30th June, 1918, 542 tons of ore had been shipped, purchase-payments to that date totalling £108,238. 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 (to which 55 per cent. must be added) is as follows:—

Description of Wool.Ranges of Values per Pound according to Quality.
Superior merino combingsFrom 12d. to 14 ½d.
Medium to good merinoFrom 9 ¾d. to 11 ½d.
Inferior merinoFrom 8 ½d. to 9 ½d.
Superior half-bredFrom 12d. to 14d.
Medium to good half-bredFrom 9 ¾d. to 12d.
Inferior half-bredFrom 9d. to 10d.
Superior crossbredFrom 10 ½d. to 12d.
Medium to good crossbredFrom 9d. to 11d.
Inferior crossbredFrom 7 ¾d. to 9d.
Lincoln and LeicesterFrom 8 ¾d. to 10 ½d.
Lambs, goodFrom 11d. to 13d.
Lambs, mediumFrom 9d. to 10 ¾d.

The purchase of the 1917–18 clip was made on the same terms as for the previous season, minor alterations only being made in the procedure as to valuation, shipping, &c. as formerly carried out.

At the 30th June, 1918, the position with regard to wool (inclusive of figures for the 1916–17 season) was as follows:—

Number of bales valued1,027,799
Number of bales shipped552,223
Number of bales of greasy wool available for scouring or shipment475,576
Number of bales of greasy wool delivered to scourers for treatment164,660
          Total payments made (in respect of 1,023,497 bales)£24,463,966

Arrangements have been made by which wool has been made available for use in local mills and for despatch to allied Governments.

In addition to the above greasy wool a considerable quantity of slipe wool (from freezing companies) has been dealt with. At the 30th June, 1918, £2,719,504 had been paid for 155,104 bales purchased since the commencement of operations on the 31st March, 1917.

SHEEP-SKINS.

The purchase of sheep-skins by the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Imperial Government commenced on the 5th February, 1917. The scale of prices on which purchases are made 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
Half-woolled sound8 ¾–9 ¾11–1210 ½–11 ½10–11 ½
Short to quarter-woolled sound7 ½–8 ½9 ¼–10 ¾9 ¼–10 ¾8 ½–10 ¾
Shorn sound5 ¾–6 ¾8–98 ½–9 ½8–10
Lamb-skins sound11–12 ½

All skins with damaged or faulty pelts are valued at prices proportionate to those shown above. After purchase, the skins are allocated to fellmongers for treatment, the resultant slipe wool and pelts being shipped to the United Kingdom.

The payment to fellmongers for their services was increased as from the 1st November, 1917, to the following rates:—

Fellmongering2 ¼d. per pound on the weight of wool.
Curing pelts3s. 9d. per dozen pelts (casks extra).

At the 30th June, 1918, the number of skins purchased and distributed to fellmongers was 2,476,182. The total payments to that date amounted to £919,697.

HIDES AND CALF-SKINS.

All hides and calf-skins produced from the 1st March, 1917, to the 28th March, 1918, were purchased by the Imperial Government on the following scale of values, f.o.b. ocean steamers:—

     Per lb.
     s. d.
Ox-hides, first quality, over 45 lb., up to freezing companies' best standard11
Others, first quality10
Ox-hides, second quality011 ½
Cow-hides, first quality, up to freezing companies' best standard10
Others, first quality011
Cow-hides, second quality010 ½
Bull-hides, good quality09

All other grades and qualities were taken at relative valuations.

The requirements of local tanners have been met by granting permits for the purchase at the appraised prices of necessary supplies from hides submitted for Government valuation. Hides for the military requirements of other Governments have also been released at schedule rates plus 11 per cent. to cover valuation expenses.

Owing to increasing difficulties in obtaining shipping space, and also to the fact that prices at which hides had been purchased in the Dominion were higher than elsewhere, the Imperial Government discontinued the requisition as from 28th March, 1918.

From the commencement of the requisition in March, 1917. to the 30th June, 1918, the number of hides purchased was 370,958, the member shipped to the United Kingdom 149,143, and the number sold to tanners and other Governments 139,796. The total payments to the above-mentioned date in respect of hides purchased by the Imperial Government amounted to £704,577.

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, 1917 (distinguishing sailing-vessels and steamers), were as under:—

Ports.Sailing-vessels.Steam-vessels.
Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.
Auckland1268,6677,41719723,05112,031
Napier4266253303,8872,282
Wellington133,1612,8863911,4265,791
Nelson7189152152,7971,320
Lyttelton123,7133,615175,0662,364
Timaru17336901942488
Dunedin197,2557,0476567,25240,224
Invercargill2372344121,262592
          Totals18424,35622,404376115,68365,092

Auckland is the port of registry of the majority of the vessels forming New Zealand's “mosquito” fleet, the average net tonnage of the 323 vessels on the Auckland register being only 60 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 TonnageVessels.Gross TonnageNet Tonnage.
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
191718424,35622,404376115,68365,092

The tonnage of sailing-vessels on the register has decreased rapidly during recent years, though a slight improvement is shown for 1915, 1916, and 1917, due probably to the demand for vessels to replace those used for war purposes.

OVERSEA SHIPPING.

During the year 1917 a total of 543 vessels direct from oversea ports were entered inwards in the Dominion: this number is 31 less than the corresponding figure for 1916. 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, 574 in 1916, and 547 in 1917. 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 cleared outwards in 1907 was 1,260, of an aggregate tonnage of 2,479,648 tons—an average of 1,968 tons. The 1,090 vessels in 1917 aggregated 2,787,658 tons, the average being 2,557 tons. Dealing with steamships only (895 in 1907 and 971 in 1917), the average tonnage is found to be 2,580 and 2,814 tons respectively.. The number of sailing-vessels arriving and departing decreased from 365 in 1907 to 119 in 1917, the aggregate tonnage falling in the same time from 170,548 to 55,007 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, 1908–17.
YearEntered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tonnage.Vessels.Tonnage.
Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.
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
1917485581,378,67627,100486611,353,97527,907

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 1908 to 1917.

VESSELS ENTERED AND CLEARED, 1908–17.
Year.British.Colonial.Foreign.Total.
Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.
Entered.
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
19172491,008,759262336,0273260,9905431,405,776
Cleared.
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
1917253995,346261327,8223358,7145471,381,882

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 past few years. This tendency to increase has, of course, been checked during the prevalence of war conditions.

The nationality of the foreign-owned vessels entered inwards and cleared outwards in 1907 and 1917 is as follows:—

FOREIGN VESSELS, 1907 AND 1917.
Nationality.1907.1917.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.Vessels.Tons.
American934,884934,8842238,9842238,984
Danish11,07121,44712,23412,234
French34,59844,73817623999
German33,73133,731..     ..     ..     ..     
Italian22,827..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Japanese..     ..     ..     ..     511,592511,592
Norwegian3221,4462818,00512,34512,345
Swedish1337133725,07312,560
Dutch..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals5168,8944763,1423260,9903358,714

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 1907 and 1917 are given below:—

Country.1907.1917.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.No.Tonnage.
United Kingdom98405,14388383,93561308,93284428,799
India617,46126,677825,21712,719
Straits Settlements..     ..     11,22911,28133,709
Mauritius1337..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
South African Union159513,843310,306..     ..     
Canada59,737614,06520112,9691377,730
Australia424607,807441693,638297614,055317654,237
British Solomon I. Protectorate..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11,049
Fiji3453,6123248,4603350,0772938,732
Gilbert and Ellice Islands11,616..     ..     ..     ..     24,962
Maiden Island74,85052,814..     ..     ..     ..     
Norfolk Island31,20931,20928062806
France21,989..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Germany12,273..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Norway1749..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Japan12,149..     ..     511,73324,694
Philippine Islands..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     21,021
Java1227..     ..     22,428..     ..     
Sumatra
Egypt..     ..     ..     ..     24,962420,582
Portuguese East Africa1979..     ..     25,948..     ..     
Argentina1617..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Peru..     ..     12,290..     ..     ..     ..     
Chile715,518921,762..     ..     412,124
Panama Canal Zone..     ..     ..     ..     13,629  
United States of America3299,5641026,14972205,4403150,540
Caroline Islands..     ..     21,409..     ..     ..     ..     
“Guam”..     ..     ..     ..     723,3682052,437
New Caledonia46,90721,52484,4895689
Bismarck Archipelago13,1401831..     ..     ..     ..     
Society Islands11,28821,050129,8161811,720
Surprise Island43,49511,030..     ..     ..     ..     
Tonga813,004812,4671973138
Tuamotu Archipelago..     ..     ..     ..     613,466511,565
Antarctica..     ..     ..     ..     1386..     ..     
          Totals6451,254,2666151,225,3825431,405,7765471,381,882

OVERSEA SHIPPING.—TONNAGE AT VARIOUS PORTS.

The net tonnage of oversea shipping entered and cleared at the various ports during the years 1907 and 1917 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.1907.1917.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Auckland540,718320,229752,407379,747
Kaipara12,20537,2831,45017,194
Tauranga..     ..     493493
Gisborne6,3237,0252,126..     
New Plymouth197..     4,1351,240
Waitara..     ..     15,663..     
Wanganui1,9825,75518,8305,280
Wellington396,771468,060397,460783,433
Napier7,0456,8778,1992,333
Wairau (including Picton)5,4082,1601,219..     
Nelson994..     1,315..     
Westport9,54332,4894,24417,387
Greymouth1,6986,75420025,309
Lyttelton34,74158,86571,95629,308
Timaru4,68010,68412,131..     
Oamaru3,6572,530327..     
Dunedin65,950113,62587,10094,102
Bluff162,354153,04626,52126,056
          Totals1,254,2661,225,3821,405,7761,381,882

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, 1908–17.
Year.Entered.Cleared.
Vessels.Tonnage.Vessels.Tonnage.
Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.Steam.Sailing.
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
191718,5032,2838,172,12493,84518,4032,2958,164,40795,808

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 overseas 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 1917 as compared with 1907. Auckland alone of all the ports mentioned handled shipping to the extent that might have been expected. Whangarei shows an increase of about 40 per cent. over 1907. All other ports of any importance, with the exception of Wanganui, indicate decreases when compared with 1907.

In the next table is given information showing tonnage of vessels entered and cleared coastwise at each port in the years 1907 and 1917:—

TONNAGE ENTERED AND CLEARED AT VARIOUS PORTS, 1907 AND 1917.
Ports.1907.1917.
Tonnage entered.Tonnage clearedTonnage entered.Tonnage cleared.
Auckland923,4851,100,767728,0701,120,811
Onehunga213,655213,005106,051103,656
Thames119,896121,15389,07188,603
Coromandel28,60528,71712,82312,744
Whitianga..     ..     11,32010,194
Whangaparapara..     ..     4,9234,923
Whangarei141,980142,525197,277201,288
Russell47,01047,01051,23344,397
Whangaroa44,67245,16846,62946,681
Mangonui25,46525,38127,93927,560
Hokianga28,24127,94621,19912,332
Herekino..     ..     ..     ..     
Whangape..     ..     1,289889
Kaipara45,64815,59718,9785,999
Tauranga53,32051,72849,96249,866
Gisborne620,585619,945432,577434,842
New Plymouth281,631281,328141,860138,478
Waitara82,62383,35831,11646,824
Patea17,03216,95515,65515,824
Wanganui132,067127,403165,539169,918
Foxton..     ..     12,59312,593
Wellington2,290,9702,198,7812,144,9521,734,462
Napier756,708744,001483,152488,879
Wairau20,48920,48911,43711,437
Picton389,889388,867280,721281,940
Nelson381,816383,412284,016286,318
Westport590,468570,483373,176360,707
Greymouth341,219333,557266,265241,839
Hokitika3,4553,3802,1912,235
Lyttelton1,878,7471,852,6021,339,6581,375,820
Timaru392,490385,623198,077209,067
Oamaru153,458150,92889,78090,107
Dunedin873,077831,086506,266507,686
Bluff357,906357,334120,144121,296
Chatham Islands..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals11,241,60711,169,0298,265,9698,260,215

PRINCIPAL PORTS.

Viewed from the standpoint of shipping handled in 1917, 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 1917. A comparison with the figures for 1916 brings out the fact that there was a decrease in the total tonnage handled in all of the ports mentioned.

Port.Oversea.Coastwise.Total.
Entered.Cleared.Entered.Cleared.
     Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Wellington397,460783,4332,144,9521,734,4625,060,307
Auckland752,407379,747728,0701,120,8112,981,035
Lyttelton71,95629,3081,339,6581,375,8202,816,742
Dunedin87,10094,102506,266507,6861,195,154
Napier8,1992,333483,152488,879972,563
Gisborne2,126..     432,577434,842869,545
Westport4,24417,387373,176360,707755,514
Greymouth20025,309266,265241,839533,613
Nelson1,315..     284,046286,318571,679
Wairau (including Picton)1,219..     280,721281,940563,880
Bluff26,52126,056120,144121,296294,017
Timaru12,131..     198,077209,067419,275

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, 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.

The lighthouses marked thus (†), under the control of the Marine Department, have been equipped with flags and lamps for day and night signalling by the Morse code, and lightkeepers and signalmen at these places are now competent to receive and transmit messages. Those places marked thus

(*) are connected with the telegraph system of the Dominion by telephone. The following-mentioned signal-stations may also be communicated with by the Morse code: Pouto (Kaipara), Manukau Heads, Hokianga Heads, and Picton Harbour.

1* Cape Maria van Diemen1st order dioptricRevolving1 minute330White25White.
     *...Fixed......Red, to show over Columbia Reef.......
2* Cape Brett1st order dioptricGroup, 2 fl.30 seconds510White30 ½White.
3Marotiri (Chickens)Aga light (U.)Flashing¼ sec. fl., 3 1/12 sec. ecl.480White20White.
4Sugarloaf Islet (Whangarei)Aga (U.)Flashing2 sec. A., 20 sec. ecl.61White13White
5 Mokohinou1st order dioptricFlashing10 seconds385White27White.
6 Cuvier Island1stRevolving30 seconds390White27White
6AFlat Rock (building)Aga light (U.)Flashing9 seconds40White10Concrete ben.
7* Tiritiri2nd order dioptricFixed...300White, with red are over Flat Rock24Rod.
7AChannel IslandAga light (U.)Flashing½ sec. fl., 2 sec. ecl. ½ sec. ft., 10 sec. ecl.260White20White,
8Bean RockAga light (U.)Flashing1 sec. fl., 4 sec. ecl.50White, rod, green10White.
9Rangitoto BeaconPintsch's patent gaslight (U.)Occulting5 seconds68White, showing 5 sec. flash and 5 sec. obscured12Red end white, vertical.
10Ponui PassageAga light (U.)Flashing¼ sec. fl., 1 2/3 sec. ecl.50White and red10White.
10ATauranga Harbour entranceAga light (U.)Flashing¼ sec. fl., 2 2/3 sec. ecl.14White and red5Beacon.
11* East Cape2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds362White flash26White.
     Tokomaru Bay Leading-lights...Fixed...126Red and white10...
                         99   
12Tuahine PointAga light (U.)Occulting2 sec. fl. 6 sec. ecl.53White13White.
13Gisborne Leading-lightsDioptric side-lightsFixed...60, 40White and Red5White.
14 Portland Island2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds300White24White.
      Portland Island...Fixed......Red, over Bull Rock......
15NapierAga light (U.)Flashing1 ½ sec. fl., 8 ½ sec. ecl.160White19White.
16Napier Leading-lights...Fixed...70, 50White and red7White.
17* Castle Point2nd order incand'ntGroup fl., 3 fl.45 seconds170White19 ½White
18* Cape Palliser2nd order dioptricGroup, 2 fl.30 seconds258White; interval of 3 sec. between flashes23White
19* Pencarrow Head2nd Order dioptricFixed...322White25White
20* Pencarrow HeadWigham ben. lamp (U.)Fixed...32White and red10White
21* Somes Island2nd order dioptricFixed...95White, red, and green15 ½White
22* Manawatu RiverOrdinary lampFixed...44White5Flagstaff white.
23Wanganui RiverAga light (U.)Fixed...65White8Flagstaff white.
24PateaAga light (U.)Flashing0.3 sec., fl., 2.7 sec. ecl.130White12Flagstaff white
25* Cape Egmont2nd order dioptricFixed...103White16White.
26New Plymouth Leading-lights4th and 5th order port lightFixed...100, 45Red16,10White
27Waitara6th order port lightFixed...70White8Flagstaff white.
28* Manukau3rd order dioptricFixed...385White27Brown.
     * Manukau5th order port lightFixed...70White and green10White.
29* Kaipara2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds278White23 ½Red.
30* Hokianga6th order port light......152White8White.
31* NelsonAga light (U.)Fixed...60White, with red arc13White.
31AOkuri Point (building)     Occulting0.75 sec. fl., ecl. 3 sec.80White, with red are over Reef Barrels6White.
32* French Pass6th order port lightFixed...12White and red, with white light on beacon8White.
33* Stephen Island1st order dioptricGroup fl., 2 fl.30 seconds600White32 ½White.
34Jackson HeadAga light (U.)Occulting3 sec. fl., 3 sec. ecl.55...10Concrete ben.
35Dieffenbach Point (Queen Charlotte Sound)Aga light (U.)Flashing0.3 sec. fl., 2.7 sec. ecl.39White5White.
36 The Brothers2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds253White23White.
               Fixed......Red are over Cook Rock......
36AKarori RockAga light (U.)Flashing½ sec. fl., 3 ½ sec. ecl.65White, with red arcs13 ½Concrete tower
37Tory Channel Leading-lights5th order port lightFixed...86, 22White10White.
38* Wairan River6th order port lightFixed...38White8Flagstaff.
39* Cape Campbell2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute155White18 ½White.
40* Godley Head2nd order dioptricFixed...450White29White
41* Akaroa Head2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds270White23White
42Timaru5th order port lightFixed...85Red and green10White
43Jack's Point4th order dioptricOcculting10 seconds94White15 ½White
44Oamaru5th order dioptricFlashing14 seconds120White10Light stone
45 Moeraki3rd order dioptricFixed...170White19 ½White.
46* Taiaroa Head3rd order dioptricFixed196Red20 ½White. 
47Otago Harbour Entrance, N. Mole LightWigham bcn. light (U.)Fixed...29Green5White.
48* Cape Saunders2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute210White21White.
49* Nugget Point1st order dioptricFixed...250White22 ½White.
50 Waipapapa Point2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds70White14White.
51* Dog Island1st order catadioptricRevolving30 seconds150White18 ½White & black bands.
52* Centre Island1st order dioptricFixed...265White, with red arcs23White.
53* Puysegur Point1st order dioptricFlashing10 seconds180White, with red arcs20White.
54Hokitika5th order dioptricFixed10 seconds122White10White.
55GreymouthAga light (U.)Flashing2 sec. fl., 5 sec. ecl.62White10Flagstaff.
56* Cape Foulwind2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds238White22White.
57WestportAga light (U.)Occulting...50White8Flagstaff.
58* Karamea6th order port lightFixed...50White8Flagstaff.
59 Kahurangi Point2nd order dioptricFixed...110White, with red sector16White.
60* Farewell Spit2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute97White, with red are over Spit end16Upper part white & lower part red.

NOTE—The distance visible of lights of greater power than 5th order dioptric is calculated in nautical miles as seen from a height of 15 ft. above the sea. In very clear weather the lower-order lights may be seen at a greater distance than is given in this table.

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 2,993 miles of line open for traffic, divided into nine distinct sections as follows:—

Section.Length.
Miles.
North Island main line1,135
Whangarei74
Kaihu20
Gisborne49
South Island main line1,405
Westland157
Westport36
Nelson61
Picton56
          Total2,993

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 during 1915, 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.
          Number.Number.Number.
Victoria30th June, 19178121,61220,160
New South Wales30th June, 19171,2751,62422,373
Queensland30th June, 191765278914,018
South Australia30th June, 19174856259,074
Western Australia30th June, 191742440910,050
Tasmania30th June, 1917801751,794
New Zealand31st March, 19186241,48822,517

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.
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
19112,7538,141,07511,200,613222,1045,863,674
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
19162,9709,356,52214,201,506330,6226,370,945
19172,9709,146,33114,173,115355,8326,239,172
19182,9937,468,64611,408,156322,4875,742,968

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.
189997,396310,266420,0711,147,35355,8782,552,745
1900104,621334,677764,0331,218,69865,0632,559,836
190196,519380,803772,5711,366,24172,8682,463,250
1902101,873427,153813,3451,443,792 83,4582,780,019
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
1918*523,784*2,572,576362,1346,502,090

COST OF CONSTRUCTION.

The total cost of construction of open lines up to the 31st March, 1918, was £36,001,432. The amount spent on lines in course of construction and not handed over to the Working Railways Department for traffic purposes was £2,796,731, making the total capital invested in State railways £38,798,163. The figures for each of the past five years are given.

CAPITAL INVESTED IN STATE RAILWAYS, 1913–14 TO 1917–18.
1913–14.1914–15.1915–16.1916–17.1917–18.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Lines open for traffic32,355,08734,133,82534,857,88235,378,66436,001,432
Lines under construction2,625,4891,999,3302,477,1982,808,5092,796,731
          Totals34,980,57636,133,15537,335,08038,187,17338,798,163

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, a 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 year to the outbreak of the European War. In 1916–16 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, 1918, was £4,687,700, a decrease of £113,110 on the amount realized for the previous year. The net revenue amounted to £1,644,793, equivalent to a return of 4.60 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, 1898–99 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Gross Revenue fromTotal Gross Revenue.Net Revenue.Percentages of Net Revenue to Capital Cost.
Passenger-fares.Parcels, Luggage, and Mails.Goods and Livestock.Rents and Miscellaneous.
     £     £               £     £     £     s.d.
1899475,55366,418882,07745,6171,469,665539,9283510
1900515,02068,488985,72354,6601,623,891571,533385
1901544,97672,7121,051,69457,8541,727,236599,389398
1902621,01979,5611,110,57563,4311,874,586622,349386
1903625,69887,2731,189,10171,9661,974,038630,623361
1904704,660110,1511,293,16972,6612,180,641741,9173118
1905738,158115,0511,277,97678,0462,209,231716,331360
1906786,873142,6421,346,03874,1512,349,704728,465349
1907892,053151,9131,498,68681,9482,624,600812,118391
1908912,978176,8761,582,32889,7562,761,938812,179368
19091,011,658187,0401,630,704100,1242,929,526814,711327
19101,171,040192,5851,772,547113,6183,249,7901,080,3163160
19111,223,412193,7891,961,078115,9033,494,1821,190,910413
19121,319,114203,3342,032,785121,2763,676,5091,210,6133197
19131,461,873215,2092,157,686136,2343,971,0021,265,393409
19141,450,480236,7612,209,398146,6894,043,3281,163,0053123
19151,482,382227,5212,249,399146,1554,105,4571,185,0023107
19161,722,702236,7052,423,493165,4564,548,3561,637,4734144
19171,873,048243,8322,498,862185,0684,800,8101,873,9465511
19181,802,597254,1102,465,241165,7524,687,7001,644,79341111

The revenue from passenger-fares during the year 1917–18 represented an expenditure on railway travel of £1 11s. 3d. per head of mean population, including Maoris. The total revenue was equal to £4 1s. 4d. 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, 1917. Figures for New Zealand for the year 1917–18 are also given.

REVENUE OF STATE RAILWAYS IN AUSTRALASIA, 1916–17.
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, 1918.
               £     £     sd.     
Queensland5,06710,7293,83283816 ¾2.17
New South Wales4,31220,3018,3802,465253.50
Victoria4,10414,0225,9532,153313.86
South Australia2,1935,7312,2745481113.06
Western Australia3,3704,5001,8774291112.46
Tasmania5571,08034151011 ½1.04
New Zealand*2,9777,4694,6881,645454.60

EXPENDITURE.

Expenditure on State railways open for traffic during the year ended the 31st March, 1918, amounted to £3,042,907, or 64.91 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
     £          
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
19081,949,75970.59
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
19183,042,90764.91

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.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
1916740,349934,737225,968889,9916,377113,4612,910,883
1917720,840937,780238,868904,3186,602118,4662,926,864
1918710,655962,222283,248954,1427,664124,9763,042,907

The sum of the items for the first year shown (1909) exceeds the total by an amount of £39,042, this being a credit recovery not allocated to the branches of expenditure to which it relates.

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

The number of men employed in operating the State railways at the 31st March, 1918, was 13,002. 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, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
As at 31st March.General.Traffic.Maintenance.Locomotive.Totals.
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
19186604,6123,4104,32013,002

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 −9s. per diem.

Appeal Boards (one in each Island) have been constituted to hear and -....ess grievances of men dissatisfied with decisions respecting the with–ding 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 persona being killed and others injured. A table is given dealing with railway accidents during each of the past ten years.

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended To 31st March.To Passengers.To Employees.To Others.Fatal.Serious.Minor.Totals.
19092467325295688722
191014708192511705741
19112872236353748786
19121880622236817846
1913886839225888915
1914181,008252741,0201,051
191515973282879811,016
19162891927336935974
19172585222248867899
191811765292213770805

Of the persons meeting with fatal accidents in 1917–18, 3 were passengers, 5 employees, and 14 neither passengers nor employees. Of the non-fatal accidents, 26 were classified as train accidents, 173 as accidents on line (other than train-running), 94 as shunting accidents, 262 as accidents on wharves and in sheds, and 228 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 small- 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 £2,910,000. 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, lodgments 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 is paid on behalf of the Treasury. Last year these amounted in value to about £6,250,000. 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, 1918, was 765,487, for £3,689,358, 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 lodgments 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, 1917, and 1918 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 4 ½ 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 £4,000,000 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 -table 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.

The Post Office has also set up a system of safe deposits at the principal money-order offices in the Dominion. For a nominal fee debentures, wills, insurance policies, or any paper or parchment documents may be deposited for safe custody.

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 ease 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 of the principal Departments for the year ended 31st December, 1917:—

Receipts.£     
Advances to settlers1,444,137
Public Trust1,047,408
Beer duty15,133
Customs duty97,723
Government Life Insurance268,254
Income-tax2,749,398
Land-tax1,012,496
Machinery inspection11,549
National Provident Fund28,920
Public Service superannuation195,612
Registration of births2,713
Valuation revenue7,041
Fishing licenses1,302
Game licenses3,837
Industrial schools4,770
Teachers' superannuation75,085
Payments.£     
Advances to settlers1,461,323
Public Trust1,041,870
Pensions paid— 
Imperial30,167
Military47,293
Miners'11,816
Old age564,183
Widows'49,628
War377,291
Public Service superannuation215,853
National Provident Fund29,794
Teachers' superannuation71,201

The total amount received by the Post Office from all sources was £61,970,010, and the total paid out £62,875,941.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.

The receipts and payments of the Post and Telegraph Department for the financial year 1917–18 are shown in the following table:—

RECEIPTS.
Item.Postal.Telegraph.Total.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.
Postages930,371144 ½..       930,371144 ½
Money-order and postal-note commission26,225169..       26,225169
Money-order commission received from foreign offices78431..       78431
Private box and bag fees16,747112..       16,747112
Miscellaneous receipts1,897168 ½62,64282 ½64,540411
Paid telegrams..       454,22290 ½454,22290 ½
Telephone exchanges..       344,368100344,368100
          Totals976,02721861,233731,837,26094
PAYMENTS.
Item.Postal.Telegraph.Total.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.
Salaries (classified officers)243,62023428,64900672,26923
Salaries (country Postmasters and telephonists, and contributions to Railway Department)20,8000040,3450061,14500
Conveyance of mails by sea56,81724..       56,81724
Conveyance of inland mails113,678161..       113,678161
Conveyance of mails by railway80,31935..       80,31935
Money-order commission credited to foreign offices2,301101..       2,301101
Maintenance of telegraph and telephone lines..       124,379113124,379113
Miscellaneous168,21819210,317185378,53602
          Totals685,7541511803,691981,489,44657
Balance of receipts over payments290,2726257,541177347,81439
          Totals976,02721861,233731,837,26094

POSTAL.

There were 2,346 post-offices in New Zealand at the end of 1917, a decrease of 33 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 1917 shows a very large increase on the number for 1913.

POSTAL BUSINESS, 1913–17.
Year.Post-offices open at End of Year.Articles posted and delivered.
Letters and Letter-cards.Post-cards.Books and Pattern packets.Parcels.Newspapers.
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
19172,346245,796,9457,549,86744,934,2186,314,87540,366,792

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, 1908–17.
Year.Letters and Letter-cards.Post-cards.Books and Parcels.Newspapers.Totals.
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
1917110.273.0024.4716.60154.34

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 1916 and 1917:—

CountryNumber of Parcels.
Received.Despatched.
     1916.1917.1916.1917.
United Kingdom and foreign countries, via London116,432105,36823,96433,810
Queensland9829131,034956
New South Wales18,44616,08712,81411,593
Victoria8,5259,6093,5723,613
South Australia566550487557
Western Australia438362496452
Tasmania418217711697
Fiji3114061,0541,143
Tonga4143344425
Canada1,8641,836785593
United States of America23,23632,9042,0871,793
Uruguay..     ..     66..     
Cape of Good Hope8891,37574113
Natal..     ..     337283
India2,5001,2931,108697
Ceylon52423762983
Straits Settlements11710378101
Hong Kong1,0481,241154164
N.Z. Expeditionary Force2,516891251,164392,235
Tahiti..     7214337
          Totals178,853173,442301,172449,645

The declared value of the parcels received from places outside the Dominion during 1917 was £580,126, on which the Customs duty amounted to £107,433.

The number and weight of parcels dealt with—i.e., the total posted plus the foreign received—from 1908 to 1917 are given below:—

Year.Number.Weight.
          lb.
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
19173,468,98115,077,460

Special house-to-house deliveries of parcels are in force in many of the principal towns.

NEWSPAPERS.

There are (January, 1918) 241 publications on the register of newspapers for New Zealand. Of these, GO are published daily, 26 three times a week, 31 twice a week, 67 once a week, 7 fortnightly, 2 four-weekly, and 48 monthly. The figures for each postal district are as follows:—

Postal District.Daily.Three Times per Week.Twice par Week.Weekly.Fortnightly.Monthly.Total.
* Including 1 four-weekly.
Auckland637282955
Thames432..     ..     110
Gisborne2..     ..     ..     ..     13
Napier43..     3..     111
New Plymouth5221..     ..     10
Wanganui423..     ..     ..     9
Wellington108110219*50
Blenheim111..     ..     ..     3
Nelson2..     12..     16
Westport2..     ..     1..     ..     3
Greymouth4..     ..     ..     ..     ..     4
Hokitika1..     ..     1..     ..     2
Christchurch515321026
Timaru33..     ..     ..     ..     6
Oamaru2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2
Dunedin2..     4918*24
Invercargill3..     59..     ..     17
          Totals60263167750241

MONEY-ORDERS AND POSTAL NOTES.

The number of offices open for the transaction of money-order business at the end of 1917 was 809.

During 1917, 642,683 money-orders, for a total sum of £3,476,646, were issued at the various post-offices. The money-orders from places beyond New Zealand and payable in the Dominion numbered 46,161, for the amount of £168,711.

The number of offices open for the sale of postal notes at the end of 1917 was 1,024: 2,166,597 postal notes were sold, value £638,246. The notes paid numbered 2,150,613, value £632,101.

British postal orders issued in the Dominion during the year numbered 93,058, of a value amounting to £55,489. Those paid numbered 29,587, and represented £16,809.

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 13,687 miles of telegraph and interurban telephone line open at the end of March, 1918, carrying 50,291 miles of wire. There were 11,624,720 telegrams transmitted during the year; of these, the private and Press messages numbered 11,510,710, which, together with telephone-exchange and other telegraph receipts, yielded a revenue of £861,233.

TELEPHONES.

There were 62 central telephone exchanges and 218 sub-exchanges on the 31st March, 1918. The number of connections, including extensions, increased from 62,523 in March, 1917, to 67,763 in March, 1918. The subscriptions to these exchanges during the financial year amounted to £344,368.

The capital expended on the equipment, &c., of the several telephone exchanges up to the 31st March, 1918, was £2,019,892.

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, 1918, the connections had reached 53,501, with a gross revenue of £344,368.

The foregoing, which refers more particularly to telephone-exchange connections, indicates the extent to which public telephonic demands have increased, especially during the last sixteen 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, 1918, the number had risen to 5,040,672 for the year then ended, and were of a value of £150,566. This class of business, it will be seen, has more than quadrupled itself in value in the short period of nine 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 280.

The total miles of wire connected with exchanges in the Dominion in 1900 were 6,343; in 1907, 15,076; in 1917, 142,469; and in 1918, 154,799.

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 contracts are being executed for the installation of automatic exchanges at four of the principal cities and at six 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 263 such instruments in use in the Dominion, 27 of these having been installed during the past year.

The percentage of telephones to the population of the Dominion and of the four principal centres on the 31st March, 1918, was as follows:—

Dominion6.09
Auckland6.17
Wellington8.56
Christchurch6.85
Dunedin7.33

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 ½ 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 ½ 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 six years was as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Forwarded.Received.
Messages.Words.Value.Messages.Words.Value
* Calendar year ended 31st December preceding.
               £               £     
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
19173,01863,8723,0234,65173,1493,032
19182,85160,3933,0824,33873,0503,330

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.
SouthlandInvercargill

Commissioners of Crown Lands are executive officers of the land districts, having largo 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. Every applicant must be of the age of seventeen years or upwards, and must apply for Crown land solely for his own use and benefit, and not directly or indirectly for the use or benefit of any other person, whilst, including the land he applies for, he is not to be the owner, holder, or occupier under any tenure of more than one year's duration, either severally or jointly or in common with any other person or persons, of any land anywhere in New Zealand exceeding in the whole 5,000 acres of land, computed as follows:—

  1. Every acre of first-class land is reckoned as 7 ½ acres;

  2. Every acre of second-class land is reckoned as 2 ½ acres;

  3. Every acre of third-class land is reckoned as 1 acre.

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 any term up to ten years, or disposed of on a renewable lease for a thirty-three years term 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 5s. 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.

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—

  4. Under the three foregoing tenures of optional system.

  5. Improved-farm settlements (rural land)—

  6. Under special conditions, and either (a) on occupation-with-right-of-purchase license or (b) on renewable lease.

  7. Special settlements (rural land)—

  8. On renewable lease for sixty-six years and under special regulations.

  9. Land-for-settlement estates (improved rural and pastoral land)—

  10. Under renewable lease for thirty-three years, with limited right to acquire freehold.

  11. Pastoral land—

    1. By small-grazing-run lease for twenty-one years, with right of renewal (maximum area, 20,000 acres);

    2. By pastoral license on terms up to twenty-one years, as follows: (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.

  12. Land within mining districts—

    1. On pastoral licenses under special regulations, with right to acquire the freehold or exchange to a renewable lease;

    2. On occupation leases under special regulations, with similar rights as to purchase of freehold and exchange.

  13. 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 any term not exceeding 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, 1918, an area of 271,325 acres of land was offered for selection under the various tenures provided by the Land Act, Laud for Settlements Act, and Education Reserves Acts.

Under the optional system an area of 3,377 acres was advertised, and was practically all selected.

Under renewable lease an area of 11,173 acres was offered, 6,823 acres being settlement land of which the lessees have the right to acquire the freehold, and 4,350 acres national endowment. The pastoral-run area comprised 218,670 acres, and small grazing-runs 13,840 acres.

In addition to the above a total area of 70,882 acres of Crown, settlement, and national-endowment lands 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 895,655 acres by 1,487 selectors. These figures include, however, 75 purchases of small town and suburban sections, aggregating 429 acres, offered for sale at auction. The ordinary Crown lands holdings represented 467,035 acres, land for settlements and Cheviot Estate 49,838 acres, national endowment 371,609 acres, and educational 7,173 acres.

SELECTIONS UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS.

Of the lands selected in 1917–18, 188,635 acres were selected on settlement conditions, representing 907 of the total of 1,487 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.
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
1918180147085907

The acreage represented by the selections included in the foregoing table is as follows:—

Year ended 31st March.Sold for Cash.Deferred-payment Licenses.Lenses and Licenses (Ordinary Settlement).Small Graziug-runs.Totals.
     Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
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
19184,696992151,85431,093188,635

Dealing with the figures for 1917–18 it is seen that, of the 907 selections under settlement conditions, 123 were under 1 acre in extent, and 295 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 151171..     123
1–501129174..     295
51–250133271..     287
251–50031105..     109
501–1,0001..     66..     67
Over 1,000..     ..     21526
          Totals180147085907

CROWN LAND HELD OR MADE FREEHOLD.

The following table shows in a condensed form the area of Crown land held at 31st March, 1918, 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..     ..     ..     ..     13,189,250
Deferred payment727158,11324,7679,7741,143,531
Perpetual lease43441,7301,9502,903831,222
Occupation with right of purchase5,5541,665,041123,8652,937801,120
Lease in perpetuity9,0541,912,973226,9452,010386,757
Renewable lease4,8261,490,231230,50512627,586
Agricultural lease16541231,475140,896
Homestead..     ..     ..     52580,453
Mining districts land occupation leases71023,6181,564341,290'
Pastoral licenses in mining districts under special regulations916214,3355,768286,515
Small grazing-runs8742,640,09494,5462935,022
Pastoral runs65910,188,45880,244..     ..     
Miscellaneous leases and licenses6,1821,321,81939,017..     ..     
     29,95219,656,953829,194..     16,643,642
Thermal - spring leases (Rotorua)3263,6532,114..     ..     
Education endowments—     
Primary3,199763,74881,824..     ..     
Secondary41438,7689,041..     ..     
          Totals3,613802,51690,865..     ..     
Grand totals33,89120,463,122922,173..     16,643,642
Other endowment lands841360,02017,797..     ..     

LAND AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION.

A statement of land open for selection or available for future settlement as at the 31st March, 1918, 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.
Auckland230,3581,165,107
Hawke's Bay25,325128,818
Taranaki16,758185,290
Wellington26,713216,630
Nelson34,4851,210,906
Marlborough11,826106,802
Westland476,052211,707
Canterbury1,860119,189
Otago10,685174,701
Southland21,986281,215
          Totals856,0483,790,365

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 himself elects to 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 VII 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 is payable for all land so taken.

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 following is an extract from the Annual Report of the above Department for the year ended 31st March, 1918.

The operations of the Department have been entirely confined to the purchase of lands for discharged soldiers.

The number of properties considered during the year was 499, of an area of 451,935 acres. This is very much below that of the previous year, but still much above the average. The properties were widely distributed, and none were of any great extent. As usual, many were found to be quite unsuitable, and the prices asked were in several instances nearly double the taxable value.

There has been a considerable number of single farms purchased for discharged soldiers, under section 3, Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917. The bulk of these, however, have been taken up since the 1st April.

The area purchased for selection during the year was 40,296 acres, at a cost of £440,296, and for individual soldiers 481 acres, at a cost of £6,700.

Generally the prices now ruling are such that it is found next to impossible to secure land at a price, even without the addition of the necessary charges, that will leave any great margin for working, consequently only the most experienced and energetic soldiers can look for the success they deserve.

A table is given showing for each land district the number and area of estates purchased to the 31st March, 1918, together with information as to purchase-money and incidental expenses.

SUMMARY OF ESTATES ACQUIRED UP TO THE 31ST MARCH, 1918.
Land District.Number.Area.Purchase-money.Incidental Expenses, Improvements, Roads, &c.
          Acres.£     £     
Auckland46312,775741,22599,841
Hawke's Bay39244,3281,576,030111,219
Taranaki87,122129,9648,510
Wellington4688,923835,84684,717
Marlborough13216,187643,85957,806
Nelson427,36334,7305,080
Westland25,1258,3432,959
Canterbury122409,0762,784,901124,404
Otago50251,4441,314,345105,754
Southland1684,592366,97327,914
          Totals3461,646,9358,436,216628,204

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 1,808,282 acres at the 31st March, 1918. Of this, 116,171 acres have been sold for cash or made freehold, the total purchase-money being £406,092; and 21,577 acres are occupied by roads or by reserves unlet. At the 31st March, 1918, 5,699 selectors were holding a total of 1,567,192 acres, the annual rental for which amounts to £396,505; and the remaining 103,151 acres, of a yearly value of £12,818, were unlet. The figures for each land district are as follows:—

POSITION OF LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS AT THE 31ST MARCH, 1918.
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.
Auckland310,2376,98776,19074,602152,458876
Hawke's Bay244,4392,266213,148229,020714
Taranaki7,09462..     8516,18182
Wellington88,3968862,7503,59181,169526
Nelson34,5017665,89196626,87839
Marlborough228,2202,6824,3254,554216,471480
Westland5,12598..     25,02531
Canterbury561,4124,0502,5947,979546,7891,704
Otago237,7082,8312,7183,191228,968941
Southland91,1509498,6817,28774,233306
          Totals1,808,28221,577103,151116,1711,567,1925,699

The Land for Settlements Account at the 31st March 1918 stands as under:—

Dr.£     
Loans current7,856,487
Rents, etc., received4,511,195
Sales of settlement lands480,517
Sales of workers' dwellings27,286
Receipts under Land Act, section 1919,313
Receipts under Land Act, section 17759,701
Sale of Crown lands749,248
Interest on investments12,017
Recoveries285
Premium on loan117
Four-per-cent. stock created to cover expenses of raising loan349
     £13,706,515
Cr£
Purchase-money8,436,216
Incidental expenses711,265
Interest3,672,217
Sinking fund609,549
Land Laws Amendment Act, section 63170,171
Unauthorized expenditure25,873
Balance81,224
     £13,706,515

LAND-SETTLEMENT FINANCE ASSOCIATIONS.

On the 1st January, 1910, the Land Settlement Finance Act, which is described fully in the 1915 issue of this book, came into force. The associations incorporated now number forty-six.

The completion of the Otaikarangi Land-settlement Finance Association, near Whangarei, Auckland, is the only transaction during the year. The increase in value has placed the associations generally in a sound position, and many members are selling out at large goodwill.

LAND FOR DISCHARGED SOLDIERS.

Under the provisions of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, and amendments, any person is entitled to the benefits of the Act who has been a member of a New Zealand Naval or Expeditionary Force, has served beyond New Zealand in connection with the present war, has returned to New Zealand, and has received an honourable discharge, together with any person who immediately prior to the commencement of the present war was a bona fide resident of New Zealand, and has also served during the present war with some portion of His Majesty's Naval or Military Forces (not being Forces raised in New Zealand), and has received an honourable discharge therefrom. In addition, all discharged members of an Expeditionary Force who, having been classed as medically fit for service beyond the seas, have served as members of that Force in a camp of military training and remained attached to that camp on the 12th November, 1918 (being the date of the cessation of hostilities with Germany), are entitled to apply for advances or private land under sections 2 or 3 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917. (See paragraphs headed “Private Land” and “Financial Assistance.”)

Any discharged soldier wishing to take up land should obtain a provisional application form, answer the questions thereon, and forward it to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the land district in which he desires to settle. Provisional application forms may be obtained at any land office or from the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department, Wellington. On receipt of a provisional application the Commissioner will supply the applicant with information regarding all available Crown Lands in his land district, and the Land Board will endeavour to place the applicant on a suitable holding.

TENURES UNDER WHICH LAND MAY BE SELECTED.

There is power to dispose of land under the ordinary tenures of the Land Act, 1908, and the Land for Settlements' Act, 1908—i.e., for cash, or occupation with right of purchase, or on renewable lease under the former Act, and renewable lease under the latter Act, also under the “special tenures” of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, which are cash, deferred payment, or a renewable lease with a purchasing clause. The various tenures mentioned may be explained as under, and are given under two headings—viz., “Ordinary Tenures” and “Special Tenures.”

(A.) Ordinary Tenures.

Cash.—In all cases of purchase of land for cash the applicant is required to pay one-fifth of the purchase-money at the date of the sale, and the balance, with the Crown-grant fee, within thirty days from the date of the approval of the application.

Occupation with Right of Purchase.—Term, twenty-five years; rental, 5 per cent. on the capital value of the land; right of purchase after the license has been held six years, provided the residence and improvement conditions have been complied with. If the licensee does not acquire the freehold prior to the expiration of the term of twenty-five years he has a prior right to a renewable lease.

Renewable Lease under the Land Act.—Term, sixty-six years, with a perpetual right of renewal; rental, 4 per cent. on the capital value of the land. Land selected under this tenure immediately becomes national endowment, and there is no right to the freehold.

Renewable Lease under the Land for Settlements Act.—Term, thirty-three years, with perpetual right of renewal; rental, 4 ½ per cent. on the capital value of the land. Right of purchase at any time during the currency of the lease. Purchase of the freehold may be made on the deferred-payment system if desired.

(B.) Special Tenures.

Cash.—The remarks already made under “Cash” heading apply to cash selections under “Special Tenures.”

Deferred Payment under Special Tenures.—Term, twenty years; licensee to deposit 5 per cent. of the purchase-money, and thereafter pay the balance of 95 per cent. by equal annual payments, together with interest at 5 per cent., payable half-yearly, on all outstanding balances. The licensee has the right to pay off the whole or any part of the outstanding money at any time during the currency of the license.

Renewable Lease with Purchasing Clause under Special Tenures.—Term may be for any period not exceeding thirty-three years in the case of settlement land, and sixty-six years in the case of Crown land, with perpetual rights of renewal for thirty-three years or sixty-six years as the case may be. Freehold may be acquired any time during the currency of the lease. Purchase of the freehold may be made on the deferred-payment system if desired.

PRIVATE LAND.

Under section 3 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917, one or more discharged soldiers may apply to the Land Board with a view to the acquisition by the Crown on their behalf of any private land. The Land Board, however, cannot deal with such application until an offer in writing to sell the land to the Crown has been submitted to the Board by the owner of the land. It can then consider the application and offer, and forward them to the Minister of Lands with such recommendations as it thinks proper. The Minister may thereupon refer the offer to the Land Purchase Board for consideration, and if the land or any part thereof is acquired by the Crown, it may then be disposed of under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act to the applicant. (See also under heading of “Financial Assistance.”)

SOLDIERS' DWELLINGS.

The Minister may set land apart for the purpose of soldiers' dwellings, and may erect suitable buildings thereon. The land and dwellings may then be disposed of to discharged soldiers in the same manner generally as in the case of workers by the Workers' Dwellings Act, 1910.

TRANSFERS.

No transfer of land selected under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act will be permitted for a period of ten years, except with the approval of the Land Board and the Minister of Lands.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

Section 2 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1917, provides that financial assistance may be given to discharged soldiers for the following purposes: (a) The purchase of private or Native land; (b) the acquisition by assignment or transfer of the lease of any land administered by a Land Board; and (c) the discharge of any mortgage affecting any land owned by a discharged soldier or held by him under license or lease from a Land Board. The maximum amount for any of these purposes that may be advanced to any one person is £2,500. Repayment of advances may be secured by flat mortgage for ten years, with interest at 5 per cent., or by instalment mortgage extending over a period of thirty-six years and a half, with an annual charge of 6 per cent., which includes interest and sinking fund.

If assistance is required for the purchase of a residential site with dwelling thereon, an advance not exceeding £1,000 may be made, or, in the event of the site being owned by the applicant, an advance not exceeding £750 may be made towards the erection of a dwelling thereon. Repayment of advances may be secured by flat mortgage for ten years, with interest at 5 per cent., or by instalment mortgage extending over a period of twenty-five years and a half, with an annual charge of 7 per cent., which includes interest and sinking fund.

Valuation fees are payable with applications.

In addition, financial assistance may be given to discharged soldiers who own freehold land or are the lessees or licensees of any land administered by a Land Board, for any of the following purposes: The clearing, fencing, draining, and general improvement (including erection of buildings) of the land, and the purchase of plant, stock, implements, seeds, trees, &c. Except in the case of a house to be built on other than rural land, the maximum total amount that may be advanced for all the foregoing purposes is £500 (not more than £250 of this being for a dwelling and other buildings) unless there be special circumstances in which the amount would be inadequate, when the Minister may authorize an additional advance not exceeding £250.

Advances are secured by a first mortgage over the land, with the addition, at the option of the Minister, of a bill of sale over the stock, implements, &c. The rate of interest is 5 per cent.

Advances for improvements or buildings may be made by progress-payments up to 75 per cent. of the value of any work done.

Applications for assistance, giving full particulars, must be made to the Land Board for the district in which the land affected is situated. Before making its recommendation the Board will require the applicant to appear personally before it, or before such person as it may appoint. No application for an advance to assist in the purchase of land can be considered unless accompanied by an option to purchase the fee-simple, or lease, or license, as the case may be.

At the 31st March, 1918, advances amounting to £190,911, to 668 settlers, had been authorized.

In special cases, where circumstances warrant it, remission or postponement of rent may be made.

Postponements of rental amounting to £9,610 were granted to 119 settlers during the year ended the 31st March, 1918.

The total amount remaining postponed at the close of the year was £10,024.

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 241,892 acres, Cheviot Estate to 3,453 acres, land for settlements to 107,194 acres, and national-endowment land to 41,680 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, 1918.Total to 31st March, 1918.For the Year ended 31st March, 1918.Total to 31st March, 1918.For the Year ended 31st March, 1918.Total to 31st March, 1918.
     Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland24,98531,81013,60850,86938,59382,679
Hawke's Bay9,25113,8123,76763,49313,01877,305
Taranaki..     8,3401,1261,1261,1269,466
Wellington..     1,5915,13672,6035,13674,194
Nelson90612,350..     3,78690616,136
Marlborough..     ..     7088,6827088,682
Westland2 1358,492..     1492,1358,641
Canterbury1,25561,5281242,3411,37963,869
Otago5319,4763,21126,5303,26446,006
Southland9151,8433,7025,3984,6177,241
          Totals39,500159,24231,382234,97770,882394,219

During the year ended 31st March, 1918, 513 applications were made under the provisions of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, and allotments were made in the case of 313 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.
Auckland1119115,880
Hawke's Bay795728,772
Taranaki58112,173
Wellington1769025,847
Nelson1271,810
Marlborough1193,071
Westland551,864
Canterbury292114,698
Otago12103,016
Southland20126,231
          Totals513313103,362

An aggregate area of 1,128 acres (representing nine allotments) was sold. The remaining 102,264 acres (304 allotments) were let under leases and licensee.

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 sixty-nine soldiers had been granted a total area of 138,452 acres under the provisions of this section.

FINANCIAL 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, 1918, was £15,695, whilst twenty-five lessees were granted postponements of rental aggregating £788 during the year ended 31st March, 1918.

SUBSECTION B.—NATIVE LANDS.

NATIVE lands and Native affaire generally are administered by the Native Department, with several subsidiary branches, the duties of each being as indicated below.

The Head Office controls the general administration of the Department, while 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 conterminous.

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, 1918, are as follows:—

Number of sittings128
Number of cases notified17,693
Number of cases for which orders were made5,950
Number of cases dismissed2,682
Number of cases adjourned sine die8,685
Number of partitions made1,247
Area affected (acres)238,673
Number of investigations of title10
Area affected (acres)1,892
Number of succession orders made4,764
Number of other orders made3,309

MAORI LAND BOARDS.

During the year 1,450 acres were disposed of by lease and 862 acres by Bale, as against 11,261 acres by lease and 20,179 acres by sale in the previous year.

With regard to Native freehold land, the Boards during the year approved of 566 leases, comprising 134,219 acres, and confirmed 1,139 transfers (apart from sales to the Crown) affecting 119,236 acres of freehold land. The figures disclose an increase of 32 leases and 41,916 acres over the previous year's totals in respect of land leased, and a decrease of 56 transfers and 18,146 acres with regard to land sold.

NATIVE-LAND PURCHASE.

During the year some 95 blocks, comprising 91,627 acres, were proclaimed Crown land. The actual purchases made during the year totalled an area of 143,445 acres, as compared with 143,528 acres acquired during the previous period. In the Urewera Reserve an area of 64,603 acres was secured, making the Crown purchases in the Urewera total 248,108 acres as at the 31st March last.

During the eight 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 £1,577,007 19s. 6d. The total area of Native land alienated by way of sale during the eight years is approximately 2,016,044 acres, and of this total an area of some 809,005 acres 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, 1918.

DEEDS REGISTRATION, 1917–18.
District.DeedsFees.
Unrecorded on 31st March, 1917.Received for Registration during the Year ended 31st March, 1918.Registered during the same Period.Unrecorded on 31st March, 1918.
     Number.Number.Number.Number.£     
Auckland2335,9825,9782375,764
Taranaki1265564621587
Wellington411,9881,7412881,859
Hawke's Bay791,0831,070921,093
Poverty Bay..     4845343
Nelson77287323645
Marlborough403423766329
Canterbury481,0841,082501,022
Otago301,5591,552371,454
Southland3941240249393
Westland..     4949..     37
          Totals52913,93013,67378613,226

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 1917–18 the applications to bring land under the Land Transfer Act.

APPLICATIONS UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1917–18.
District.Town and Suburban.Country.
Number.Area.Value.Number.Area.Value.
          Acres.£          Acres.£     
Auckland322438,7157418,799195,598
Taranaki1188,65263096,682
Wellington221152,9572221,782159,349
Hawke's Bay81624,925410,954133,309
Poverty Bay3..     33041,51112,971
Nelson1..     300105778,385
Marlborough521,154629,125123,483
Canterbury352430,859282,88881,109
Otago271355,92982,59317,863
Southland511,830585010,689
Westland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals14999215,65116789,388749,438

Information as to applications during each of the past ton years is given in the next table.

APPLICATIONS UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Applications.
Number.Area.Value.
Town and SuburbanCountry.
          Acres.Acres.£     
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
19183169989,388965,089

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, 2,125 being the number for 1917–18.

CERTIFICATES ISSUED, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Number.
190910,570
19109,525
191111,645
191212,907
191313,075
191412,867
191511,074
191610,525
191710,350
191810,230

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, 1917–18.
District.Town and Suburban.Country.
Number.Area.Consideration-money.Number.Area.Consideration-money.
          Acres.£          Acres.£     
Auckland3,1842,0281,042,2993,179760,1213,487,903
Taranaki6143231,06470492,8811,197,717
Wellington3,3091,4931,491,8951,097257,9393,106,771
Hawke's Bay716653442,135438157,8501,135,743
Poverty Bay267188134,30422577,330531,697
Nelson1879558,51725154,763119,013
Marlborough948827,08210794,672264,606
Canterbury1,945516836,789886213,0282,175,466
Otago1,025479386,459527157,905665,692
Southland592527144,626474134,271775,725
Westland55579,751637,61028,380
          Totals11,9986,1564,594,9217,9512,008,37013,488,713
TRANSFERS REGISTERED, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Number.Area.Consideration-money.
Town and Suburban.Country.
          Acres.Acres.£     
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
191324,4957,4712,616,82117,325,730
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
191819,9496,1562,008,37018,083,634

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, 1918, mortgages to the number of 15,899, and representing an amount of £14,879,640, were registered under the Land Transfer Act. The figures for each land - registration district were as follows:—

MORTGAGES REGISTERED UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1917–18.
District.Town and Suburban.Country.
Number.Area.Amount secured.Number.Area.Amount secured.
          Acres.£          Acres.£     
Auckland1,9261,173785,7472,705946,5972,952,894
Taranaki375148186,641853239,3731,061,303
Wellington2,2311,0191,017,2911,384564,8032,462,031
Hawke's Bay445479264,773552256,3811,040,237
Poverty Bay242154119,529241265,539717,379
Nelson16513558,66522563,320126,103
Marlborough596419,816123117,913195,220
Canterbury1,254352490,9251,179567,3461,951,044
Otago628269226,365411285,087483,802
Southland318294100,662506245,109591,645
Westland37319,818408,04917,747
          Totals7,6804,1183,280,2358,2193,559,51711,599,405

A table showing information for each of the past ten years is also given.

MORTGAGES REGISTERED UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Number.Area.Amount secured.
Town and Suburban.Country.
          Acres.Acres.£     
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
191815,8994,1183,559,51714,879,640

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, 1918.

LAND TRANSFER ACT.—MORTGAGES REMAINING ON 31ST MARCH, 1918.
District.Amount.
     £     
Auckland24,860,807
Taranaki10,888,378
Wellington33,262,098
Hawke's Bay13,468,105
Poverty Bay4,527,894
Nelson2,279,485
Marlborough2,134,661
Canterbury25,127,386
Otago7,469,486
Southland8,407,609
Westland449,813
          Total132,875,722

The total, £132,875,722, represents a net increase of £5,236,738 during the year, the amount of mortgages paid off since 1st April, 1917, being £9,642,902 as against mortgages registered amounting to £14,879,640, 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, 1918, the total mortgages registered were 19,346, representing £18,126,924, so that the registrations of mortgages under the Deeds Registration Act numbered 3,447, for an amount of £3,247,284.

The total amount represented by the mortgages on the register under the Land Transfer and Deeds Registration Acts on the 1st April, 1917, was £132,271,840. Those added during the year were for an amount of £18,126,924, and those discharged (16,600 in number), for £11,614,517, leaving the total at the 31st March, 1918, at £138,784,247, a net increase of £6,512,407 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 not being included in the figures.

The total amounts represented in the mortgages registered and paid off in each registration district during 1916–17 and 1917–18 were,—

District.1916–17.1917–18.
Mortgages registered.Mortgages discharged.Mortgages registered.Mortgages discharged.
     £     £     £     £     
Auckland5,430,6212,600,6994,992,4412,244,128
Poverty Bay835,520508,142931,708561,229
Hawke's Bay1,766,0611,207,7501,663,2711,015,267
Taranaki1,597,162863,2411,397,686828,785
Wellington5,051,7863,274,1974,043,0993,035,738
Nelson364,942265,529283,438198,149
Marlborough449,978266,664283,180294,404
Canterbury3,432,6492,482,0522,842,5751,967,321
Otago1,102,845797,308868,400819,624
Southland980,641697,144791,461623,162
Westland44,66931,27729,66526,710
          Totals21,056,87412,994,00318,126,92411,614,517

A comparison of the monthly totals of mortgages registered for the years ended the 31st March, 1917 and 1918, is next given.

MORTGAGES REGISTERED EACH MONTH, 1916–17 AND 1917–18.
Month.Number.Amount.
1916–17.1917–18.1916–17.1917–18.
               £     £     
April1,5811,3421,449,9751,483,872
May2,0401,8661,920,7331,762,008
June1,9691,7631,930,9261,737,254
July2,2501,9032,180,7691,929,282
August2,2951,9522,273,9612,140,923
September1,9471,6931,979,8681,473,854
October2,0721,7411,934,0731,449,670
November1,9451,6401,618,1621,390,868
December1,6551,3571,494,5511,282,997
January1,300 1,5211,1761,117,1131,016,206
February1,5211,3841,334,5851,074,009
March1,8431,5291,822,1581,385,981
          Totals22,41819,34621,056,87418,126,924

Classified according to the various rates of interest, the amounts in the mortgage-deeds registered during 1916–17 and 1917–18 were,—

Rate per Cent.1916–17.1917–18.
     £     £     
01,2174,420
¾850..     
1150300
1 ½..     250
23,025300
2 1/103,40075
2 ½..     1,825
310,365925
3 ½..     9,700
3 3/56,477652
3 ¾4698,000
425,00027,641
4 ¼90..     
4 1/65252,607
4 ½83,562105,798
4 ¾12,578568
53,443,0952,498,079
5 ¼101,088107,929
5 3/10..     3,700
5 ½6,767,4625,652,310
5 3/52,875..     
5 ¾380,504348,108
5 5/65,000..     
66,281,7495,777,932,
6 ⅛2,0003,620
6 1/61,5008,895
6 ¼65,97671,300
6 3/3..     263
6 ½835,743971,453
6 ¾1,7753,170
6 4/5..     4,000
7765,047718,298
7 ¼..     3,000
7 5/165001,500
7 ½126,207155,585
7 ¾4507,000
7 4/5..     1,315
8599,875471,566
8 ¼..     1,500
8 ½15,09313,130
941,76737,677
9 ½2,140..     
9 ¾150..     
10166,443106,471
124,077165
12 ½50324
15350150
207175
3044..     
33 ¼60..     
4050..     
Unspecified1,298,025995,348
          Totals21,056,87418,126,924

Comparison of the foregoing with the amounts at the various rates of interest in the mortgages registered during 1895–96 shows the flowering 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 ¼ per cent.
732,764at 5 ½ per cent.
116,600at 5 ¾ per cent.
1,372,261at from 6 per cent. to 6 ¼ per cent.
371,896at from 6 ½ per cent. to 6 ¾ per cent.
599,542at from 7 per cent. to 7 ¼ per cent.
111,651at 7 ½ per cent.
382,348at 8 per cent.
173,416in 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 1918, omitting holdings of less than 1 acre in extent and those within the boundaries of boroughs, was returned at 43,212,079 acres, or 467,360 acres in excess of the area for the year 1917. The number of holdings was 79,536 in 1917, and 80,146 in 1918.

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.1908–9.1910–11.1915–16.*1916–17.*1917–18.*
* Exclusive of boroughs.
1 to 10 inclusive21,92718,07515,45415,83215,735
11 to 50 inclusive12,36012,15112,74813,09713,232
51 to 100 inclusive7,7807,9489,1229,3999,479
101 to 200 inclusive10,20610,74612,15912,60912,698
201 to 320 inclusive6,8317,0837,9728,1578,217
321 to 640 inclusive7,8288,4669,5729,8009,940
641 to 1,000 inclusive3,2023,6113,8954,0224,120
1,001 to 5,000 inclusive4,0904,7805,2845,5405,623
5,001 to 10,000 inclusive458526517562565
10,001 to 20,000 inclusive235264277281291
20,001 to 50,000 inclusive151136165173185
Over 50,000 acres8490646461
          Totals75,15273,87677,22979,53680,146

The holdings shown include Crown lands leased for pastoral purposes, Amounting in 1918 to a total area, of 12,847,972 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 and between 1917 and 1918, but it must be borne in mind that the 1916, 1917, and 1918 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 80,146 holdings in 1918, 38,446, or 47.97 per cent., were from 1 to 100 acres in extent; 51,144, or 63.81 per cent., were from 1 to 200 acres; and 59,361, or 74.07 per cent., were from 1 to 320 acres in size. The total number over 320 acres was only 20,785, or 25.93 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.1908–9.1910–11.1915–16.*1916–17.*1917–18.*
* Exclusive of boroughs.
     Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
1 to 10 inclusive88,74981,39769,39072,07172,413
11 to 50 inclusive346,453335,056358,726368,068372,509
51 to 100 inclusive611,622618,980708,228730,703737,054
101 to 200 inclusive1,544,9631,628,6081,812,1961,873,9681,890,152
201 to 320 inclusive1,769,8751,818,0872,054,9172,096,8272,114,802
321 to 640 inclusive3,582,8223,872,8094,355,9854,465,0094,525,386
641 to 1,000 inclusive2,618,0082,931,7213,149,5983,242,4273,330,364
1,001 to 5,000 inclusive8,088,9319,388,12610,366,50410,911,71611,015,761
5,001 to 10,000 inclusive3,193,5713,525,5143,593,2663,929,6183,949,500
10,001 to 20,000 inclusive3,234,4803,751,3463,880,9273,975,1054,091,022
20,001 to 50,000 inclusive4,781,8014,157,7405,126,4705,442,5675,727,399
Over 50,000 acres8,343,0748,128,7425,785,9865,636,6405,385,717
          Totals38,204,34940,238,12641,262,19342,744,71943,212,079

The number of occupied holdings in each land district and the total acreage of such holdings in 1918 are shown in the next table.

OCCUPIED HOLDINGS IN LAND DISTRICTS, 1917–18.
Land District.Number of Holdings.Area in Occupation.
          Acres.
Auckland23,3667,147,571
Hawke's Bay6,1814,570,223
Taranaki6,2611,705,800
Wellington10,9024,790,085
Nelson3,7571,301,037
Marlborough1,9652,549,456
Westland1,4281,782,397
Canterbury12,8278,300,597
Otago7,9137,857,974
Southland5,5463,206,939
          Totals80,14643,212,079

The occupied holdings of the North Island considerably outnumber those of the South Island, the numbers being—North Island, 46,710: South Island, 33,436. For the year 1917 the returns showed 46,064 holdings for the North Island, against 33,472 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 1918 collection of agricultural and pastoral statistics. The average area of holdings ranges from 15.26 acres in the closely settled Eden County to 9,013.50 acres in Fiord The average for the Dominion was 539.17 acres, and of the 125 counties 44 were over and 81 under this average. The average area of holdings in the South Island is nearly double that for the North Island, being 747.65 acres as against 389.93 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 Auckland.
          Acres.Acres.
Mongonui571293,152513.40
Whangaroa20176,005378.13
Bay of Islands869251,232289.10
Hokianga636275,470433.13
Whangarei1,530426,213278.57
Hobson594316,637533.06
Otamatea660231,783351.19
Rodney921259,517281.78
Waitemata2,290281,258122.82
Eden1,19818,28115.26
Great Barrier9043,661485.12
Manukau1,334157,433118.02
Franklin1,751276,896158.14
Waikato1,152280,293243.31
Raglan878442,154503.59
Waipa1,121162,728145.16
Kawhia20496,134471.25
Awakino153169,2571,106.25
Waitomo1,056509,925482.88
Coromandel506209,982414.98
Thames843164,698195.37
Ohinemuri820148,825181.49
Tauranga811226,887279.76
Piako886206,252232.79
Matamata752398,247529.58
Rotorua357183,508514.03
Whakatane387164,966426.27
Opotiki216262,0561,213.22
East Taupo132328,1752,486.17
West Taupo447285,946639.70
          Totals, Auckland23,3667,147,571305.90
Land District of Hawkes Bay.
Waiapu362494,0791,364.86
Waikohu370519,0511,402.84
Cook1,150635,348552.48
Wairoa421740,0771,757.90
Hawke's Bay1,6501,039,064629.74
Waipukurau13062,706482.35
Waipawa550270,711492.20
Woodville33774,796221.95
Dannevirke778246,664317.05
Patangata360420,7721,168.81
Weber7366,955917.19
          Totals, Hawke's Bay6,1814,570,223739.40
Land District of Taranaki.
Ohura505262,864520.52
Clifton404233,466577.89
Taranaki1,392190,400136.78
Egmont662127,029191.89
Stratford851184,626216.95
Whangamomona241161,251669.09
Waimate West38644,858116.21
Hawera724108,499149.86
Eltham506115,836228.92
Patea590276,971469.44
          Totals, Taranaki6,2611,705,800272.45
Land District of Wellington.
Waitotara530202,583382.23
Wanganui635331,378521.86
Waimarino398432,3891,086.40
Kaitieke414169,466409.34
Rangitikei1,338606,867453.56
Kiwitea429192,917449.69
Pohangina249107,769432.81
Kairanga797103,674130.08
Oroua546111,575204.35
Manawatu582128,256220.37
Horowhenua987226,337229.32
Pahiatua621166,095267.46
Akitio202203,2531,006.20
Castlepoint78157,3372,017.14
Eketahuna398174,687438.91
Mauriceville12141,017338.98
Masterton566314,958556.46
Wairarapa South479222,491464.49
Featherston431463,9411,076.43
Hutt775193,813250.08
Makara24358,268239.79
Chatham Islands83181,0142,180.89
          Totals, Wellington10,9024,790,085439.38
Land District of Nelson.
Collingwood237145,701614.77
Takaka344101,400294.77
Waimea1,936631,684326.28
Buller614119,015193.84
Murchison382236,643619.48
Inangahua24466,594272.93
          Totals, Nelson3,7571,301,037346.30
Land District of Marlborough.
Sounds293241,976825.86
Marlborough1,116938,011840.51
Awatere245949,5703,875.80
Kaikoura311419,8991,350.16
          Totals, Marlborough1,9652,549,4561,297.43
Land District of Westland.
Grey521448,983861.77
Westland9071,333,4141,470.14
          Totals, Westland1,4281,782,3971,248.18
Land District of Canterbury.
Cheviot218188,159863.11
Amuri2721,245,1954,577.92
Waipara351529,3741,508.19
Ashley167349,9972,095.79
Oxford318162,454510.86
Kowai28496,730340.60
Rangiora50156,326112.43
Eyre31389,276285.23
Waimairi1,40127,55619.67
Paparua73969,95294.66
Malvern329140,179426.08
Tawera82325,2423,966.37
Heathcote33510,28530.70
Halswell25524,46895.95
Selwyn208448,4582,156.05
Springs30949,257159.41
Ellesmere539117,727218.42
Mount Herbert8634,476400.88
Wairewa19984,399424.12
Akaroa415102,958248.09
Ashburton1,9491,279,591656.54
Geraldine966407,685422.03
Levels838157,742188.24
Mackenzie4211,376,8963,270.54
Waimate1,332926,215695.36
          Totals, Canterbury12,8278,300,597647.12
Land District of Otago.
Waitaki1,6141,385,399858.36
Maniototo540817,8491,514.54
Waihemo302229,623760.34
Waikouaiti463170,480368.21
Peninsula25220,55281.56
Taieri853571,123669.55
Tuapeka852783,917920.09
Bruce833317,888381.62
Clutha1,157493,121426.21
Vincent6251,667,1352,667.42
Lake4221,400,8873,319.64
          Totals, Otago7,9137,857,974993.05
Land District of Southland.
Fiord218,0279,013.50
Wallace1,4911,149,627771.04
Southland3,9172,000,157510.63
Stewart Island13639,128287.71
          Totals, Southland5,5463,206,939578.24
          Totals, Dominion80,14643,212,079539.17

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, 1918.
Land District.Total of Holdings.Freehold (occupied by Owner).Leased from Private Individuals or Public Bodies.Leased from Natives.Held from Crown under Different Tenures.Tenure not specified.
     Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland7,147,5714,382,527446,193608,1371,710,69024
Hawke's Bay4,570,2232,543,847421,861701,884902,631..     
Taranaki1,705,800743,739316,277138,225497,54410,015
Wellington4,790,0852,985,795564,498422,676816,995121
Nelson1,301,037598,54078,80813,230610,459..     
Marlborough2,549,456804,25060,45635,2241,649,526..     
Westland1,782,397147,48737,2575,5691,591,748336
Canterbury8,300,5973,061,027803,21312,9454,423,35755
Otago7,857,9741,604,817337,1956,7275,909,235..     
Southland3,206,9391,387,955264,9754,8651,549,144..     
          Totals43,212,07918,259,9843,330,7331,949,48219,661,32910,551

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; in 1917, 10,289,113 acres; and in 1918, 10,188,458 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, 42,744,719 acres, and 43,212,079 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 and under 6405,3942,422,80318,177,89613,049,185
640 and under 1,0002,0631,618,60911,179,7938,087,573
1,000 and under 2,0001,7482,487,57114,967,92911,034,208
2,000 and under 5,0001,0063,966,19516,733,30712,612,376
5,000 and under 10,0003062,113,0819,214,7686,934,896
10,000 and under 20,0001211,661,3816,044,0684,665,446
20,000 and under 30,00028683,3681,984,9901,508,004
30,000 and under 40,0005175,001313,003232,999
40,000 and under 50,0006262,565331,727196,091
50,000 and under 100,00011727,156723,084565,858
100,000 and under 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 and under 6402,6952,9823,1893,5534,7355,1075,394
640 and under 1,0009311,0431,0351,1431,5801,8622,063
1,000 and under 2,0008169169069921,3691,5531,748
2,000 and under 5,0004655095075667758641,006
5,000 and under 10,000203220221208260278306
10,000 and under 20,000141151134148123129121
20,000 and under 30,00049435045404028
30,000 and under 40,0002331263021145
40,000 and under 50,000115139986
50,000 and under 100,00019251820181211
100,000 and under 150,00022242..     ..     
150,000 and over227631..     
          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 and under 30,0001,221,8291,002,816683,368
30,000 and under 40,000921,435474,822175,001
40,000 and under 50,000570,646353,100262,565
50,000 and under 75,000723,459490,507560,250
75,000 and under 100,000522,590342,493166,906
100,000 and under 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.
Year.Acres.
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.

Since the inauguration of the present system of collection 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 the Dominion of New Zealand.” In most instances only summarized results can be given in this book.

The total area of the Dominion (excluding the Cook and other Pacific islands annexed in 1901) is 66,292,232 acres, and of this 17,386,160 acres were in cultivation. The area in cultivation per inhabitant (including Maoris) of the Dominion is 15.15 acres, as against 14.85 acres in 1917 and 15.37 acres in 1911.

The following table gives a summary of the area in cultivation and occupation for the season 1917–18:—

AREA IN CULTIVATION AND IN OCCUPATION, 1917–18.
Land District.In Grain and Pulse Crops.In Grasses and 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 Plantations (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.
Auckland22,04599,73130,3783,162,36610,1171,1389,81811,4503,347,0433,800,5287,147,571
Hawke's Bay17,98638,3348952,876,3002,7822324,8287,1302,948,4871,621,7364,570,223
Taranaki7,05059,3906431,214,540296261,8607461,284,551421,2491,705,800
Wellington31,27675,3546933,311,6521,4466547,5256,7503,435,3501,354,7354,790,085
Nelson13,41510,448644317,19310,6961041,446178354,124946,9131,301,037
Marlborough29,01414,2951,972369,5191,099551,6083,372420,9342,128,5222,549,456
Westland5822,61133130,5189674342,363136,6441,645,7531,782,397
Canterbury470,948279,06221,8162,021,4952,79761814,8229,9382,831,4965,469,1018,300,597
Otago147,455155,27717,0611,054,8395,1241156,60111,7991,398,2716,459,7037,857,974
Southland79,398149,6443,656989,712252434,7471,8081,229,2601,977,6793,206,939
          Totals819,169884,14677,79115,448,13434,7052,99253,68965,53417,386,16025,825,91943,212,079

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.
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
1916–16329,207212,68830,20443,09513,29329,809
1916–17218,942177,33229,64879,22416,14726,169
1917–18280,978156,20218,86070,22016,59522,854

Tables are also given showing the average and total yields of these crops during the same period.

AVERAGE YIELD PER ACRE.
Season.Wheat.Oats.barley.Rye-grass.Cocksfoot.Potatoes.
     Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.*lb.Tons.
1908–934.7546.4639.6732.53144.356.52
1909–1028.0037.0031.0033.00151.006.00
1910–1125.7333.4127.6825.00140.004.87
1911–1233.6948.7139.6528.36182.125.13
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
1917–1824.2331.6430.1519.18138.734.38
TOTAL YIELDS.
Season.Wheat.Oats.Barley.Rye-grass.Cocksfoot.Potatoes.

* Of 20 lb.

† The figures for 1911–12 to 1914–15 (inclusive) do not represent actual results, but were obtained by applying to ascertained average yields per acre the areas stated by growers to be intended for threshing. It would appear, however, that in many eases farmers included under the heading “Oats for threshing” areas which were intended or used for chaffing or other purposes. The yields given are therefore probably overstated.

     Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.Bushels.*lb.Tons.
1908–98,772,79018,906,7881,938,4521,630,6154,721,1591195,206
1909–108,661,10013,804,0001,304,0001,894,6504,451,0001180,509
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
1914–156,644,33611,436,301596,8281,062,8102,378,160132,635
1915–167,108,3607,653,208820,174795,4151,577,285128,808
1916–175,083,2775,371,249758,9351,154,0841,008,038133,718
1917–186,807,5364,942,759568,7021,355,6132,410,557100,596

In addition to the crops shown, returns have been collected of the following, the acreage for 1917–18 being as shown:—

     Acreage,
     1917–18.
Maize for threshing8,764
Peas and beans11,685
Crested dogstail2,417
Red clover6,907
White clover3,722
Chewing's fescue4,372
Turnips450,819
Mangolds8,712
Green fodder (including rape)180,867

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 grow 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 two seasons, the amount of wheat imported in 1917 being 719,977 bushels.

A table is given showing the area under wheat for threshing in each year since 1874.

AREA UNDER WHEAT, 1874 TO 1917.
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
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
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
1917280,978

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 very little in excess of that of 1902–3, the “great drought” year. The average yield per acre in the Commonwealth and in the Dominion since and including that period is as follows:—

     Average Yield per Acre.
Harvest ofAustralia.New Zealand.
     Bushels.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
19152.5828.94
191614.3421.59
191713.2223.19

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 1914 (Northern Hemisphere) and 1914–15 (Southern Hemisphere). All of the principal wheat-growing countries of the world are included, but in a few cases figures for 1914 or 1914–15 are not available, and the latest year for which statistics have been published is taken. In some instances the figures shown are liable to revision. The total production of the world for the season may be set down as approximately 1,150,000,000 quintals (of 220.46 lb.) The principal countries contributing to this total are,—

Country.Quintals (of 220.46 lb.).
United States242,499,187
Russia207,699,318
France87,156,800
India84,880,566
Austria-Hungary62,017,333
Italy46,115,000
Argentine Republic45,800,000
Turkey (Europe and Asia)44,811,672
Canada43,893,965
Germany39,719,950
Spain31,594,489
United Kingdom17,015,323
Rumania12,599,745
Bulgaria12,500,000
Algeria10,028,504
Egypt8,935,297
Australasia8,276,402
Chile6,203,000
Japan5,889,955
Serbia4,167,194
Belgium3,802,699
Portugal3,224,971
Sweden2,305,790
Denmark1,575,194
Netherlands1,464,175
Mexico1,194,400

OATS.

The extent of land returned as having been sown for grain in 1917–18 was 156,202 acres, as against 177,524 acres in the preceding year. The area of land in oats for chaff, hay, or ensilage in 1917–18 was 311,316 acres.

The yield per acre was in 1917 30.26 bushels, and in 1918 31.64 bushels, and the quantity of grain produced was 5,371,436 bushels and 4,942,759 bushels for the respective years.

EXPORT OF OATS.

New Zealand has no regular export of oats, and in some years has 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
19175,930

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 1917–18 was 18,860 acres, the crop amounting to 568,702 bushels, an average of 30.15 bushels per acre. In 1916–17 the area under barley was 29,646 acres, and the yield 738,050 bushels, or 24.89 bushels per acre.

MAIZE.

The returns for 1917–18 show that there were 8,151 acres sown for grain, being an increase of 1,772 acres from the area for the previous season (6,359 acres). The yield in 1918 was 367,701 bushels of corn, an average of 45.09 bushels per acre, and in 1917 274,283 bushels, an average of 43.13 bushels per acre. With the exception of a few acres in the South, maize is grown only in the North Island. In 1917–18 the Land District of Auckland had 4,960 acres; Hawke's Bay, 3,094 acres; Taranaki, 13 acres; Wellington, 29 acres; Marlborough, 3 acres; and Canterbury, 52 acres.

PEAS AND BEANS.

The area under peas and beans for threshing in the season 1917–18 was 11,685 acres, yielding 312,582 bushels. The area under these crops in 1916–17 was 11,905 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.
190890,751
1909181,517
1910198,527
1911332,227
1912464,609
1913339,998
1914305,053
1915201,942
191684,168
1917111,175

POTATOES.

The area under potatoes in 1917–18 was 22,854 acres, yielding a return of 100,596 tons, or at a rate of 4.38 tons per acre, against 26,156 acres in 1916–17 and 133,642 tons (or 5.11 tons per acre).

These figures do not include areas of less than a quarter of an 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 from 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
Victoria2.602.504.022.372.89
South Australia3.063.063.853.052.36
Western Australia3.273.442.623.403.08
Tasmania2.672.852.952.612.50
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 1917–18 the area under this crop was 450,819 acres, while there were 8,712 acres of mangolds.

The figures for these crops for 1916–17 were 526,283 acres and 9,073 acres respectively.

HOPS.

There were 499 acres under hops in 1917–18, 490 acres of this area being in the Nelson Land District. The total produce amounted to 692,085 lb.

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. In 1916, and again in 1917, the New Zealand Tobacco Company (Limited), Napier, returned 100 acres as under this crop. No tobacco was grown by this company in 1918, as the abundant crops obtained during the previous seasons were sufficient to fill manufacturing requirements up to 1919.

Certain localities which are free from frosts are eminently suited for this crop, which can be grown to advantage in young orchards, between the rows of fruit-trees.

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, 1908–17.
Year.Fibre.Tow.
     Tons.Tons.
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
191723,5162,500

GARDENS AND PLANTATIONS.

In 1917–18 there were 2,551 acres in market gardens, 441 acres in nurseries and seed-gardens, and 53,689 acres in private gardens and pleasure-grounds. The area in plantations (not virgin bush) was 65,534 acres.

ORCHARDS AND THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

The area in orchard in 1917–18 (exclusive of that within borough boundaries) was 34,452 acres; in 1916–17 there were 33,974 acres exclusive of boroughs. Orchards within boroughs aggregated 2,443 acres in 1916, these being the latest figures available.

The following table gives particulars, by land districts, of areas for private use and for commercial purposes:—

AREA IN ORCHARD, 1917–18.
Land District.For Private Use only.For Commercial Purposes.Total Area in Orchard.
Not bearing.Bearing.
     Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland3,5973,0403,3039,940
Hawke's Bay4689481,3152,731
Taranaki2381145294
Wellington7571855041,446
Nelson4565,9864,25210,694
Marlborough3315442081,083
Westland5583396
Canterbury1,0288119532,792
Otago7432,3262,0555,124
Southland225621252
Dominion7,89813,86512,68934,452

Commercial orchards are defined as “those producing fruit for sale to the value of £50 and upwards annually, or, if not yet in full bearing, that are calculated to produce fruit for sale to that value when in full bearing.” Private orchards consist chiefly of small areas the produce of which is consumed principally on the holding, or, if sold, does not aggregate an annual value of £50. Larger areas which, through age, disease, or other cause, are incapable of producing a yearly revenue of the stipulated amount are also included in private orchards.

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 253 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 1s. 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 1917–18 was 70,220 acres, yielding 1,355,613 bushels of 20 lb., or a rate of 19.18 bushels per acre.

In cocksfoot there were 16,595 acres, which yielded 2,410,557 lb., or an average of 138.73 lb. per acre. The area in the previous season was 16,134 acres, and the total yield 1,907,043 lb., the average yield per acre being 118.20 lb. The area returned by farmers as being under cocksfoot is decreasing steadily, 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 1918 there were 15,448,134 acres under artificial grasses, an increase of 476,409 acres over the area in 1917.

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 1915–16 season:—

     Acres.
Queensland305,186
New South Wales1,247,029
Victoria1,182,995
South Australia25,443
Western Australia9,119
Tasmania675,335
Federal Territory70
New Zealand14,734,889

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 1917–18 show that 16,029,154 acres in tussock or native grass belonged to the occupied holdings, and were available for stock-feeding by the sheep 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.
185814,912122137,2041,523,32411,79740,734*
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
1886187,382297853,35816,564,59510,220277,9011,679,021
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*348,7543,693,137
1912***23,750,153***
1913***24,191,810***
1914***24,798,763***
1915***24,901,421***
1916371,3312462,417,49124,788,15017,601297,5013,465,638
1917373,6003202,575,23025,270,38618,235283,770*
1918378,0502532,869,46526,538,30217,730258,694*

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, 1918.
County.Horses.Asses and Mules.Dairy Cows.Total Cattle (including figures in previous Column).Number of Sheep shorn, 1917–18.Number of Lambs tailed, 1917–18.Sheep (including Lambs) as at 30th April, 1918.Pigs.Goats.
Angora.Other.
LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.
Mongonui2,305..     6,28421,62036,43913,32646,6091,873..     207
Whangaroa534..     1,2875,33614,5506,08315,54443555207
Bay of Islands3,54037,25131,09565,61429,00289,2702,17818181
Hokianga2,909..     7,88141,47179,30236,85488,8062,315630
Whangarei5,692918,60269,721100,87340,70690,5604,372286274
Hobson2,58318,09237,35288,44940,619103,8551,5911640
Otamatea2,75718,33536,80876,21237,39570,4242,31634..     
Rodney3,07027,08233,13990,23030,93488,1761,535110337
Waitemata3,90489,01528,28151,76520,72265,4432,71350335
Eden4,88074,0918,5031,3411702,3062,5771433
Great Barrier98..     2757087,4423,3339,1083818..     
Manukau3,5542313,46231,02870,81029,63357,7762,443107171
Franklin6,634126,30962,56552,11927,47356,2389,293405104
Waikato6,362125,09762,07763,11729,47157,9715,50415946
Raglan4,793..     7,23657,042247,997111,975201,5042,934155638
Waipa5,233..     20,86851,46347,34624,68637,0245,89520294
Kawhia746..     1,7035,70743,70216,53951,817748..     ..     
Awakino1,005..     1,05714,07388,25929,02694,195440..     ..     
Waitomo6,072112,51656,122182,57592,011180,0575,226..     ..     
Coromandel943..     2,0638,79036,07414,94343,3044701418
Thames2,056..     9,14026,0137,8613,4584,0862,838..     4
Ohinemuri2,914111,25530,81215,5569,8396,8813,16828163
Tauranga4,607..     13,41342,22418,7088,42016,7773,351168
Piako4,574121,86253,08655,05823,89643,5594,5284428
Matamata4,631..     16,81550,86561,93231,72225,3193,41629
Rotorua1,74522,04410,05215,8037,98618,7211,03612
Whakatane2,67026,82127,91044,97519,45851,4821,838..     ..     
Opotiki1,613..     2,58111,139130,56250,547171,6131,173..     2
Bast Taupo1,262..     4444,88032,72913,13617,0191,121..     ..     
West Taupo2,857..     6,62427,88240,74112,89039,2222,54021
          Totals96,51363279,505947,7641,868,141816,2531,844,66679,9051,9052,832
LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY.
Waiapu4,606843,25344,862660,908306,272760,5192,19020283
Waikohu3,20111,20751,623614,217308,524705,82475550..     
Cook8,14016,61478,506991,711445,1291,098,8832,7552..     
Wairoa5,12521,40540,029664,530231,502781,3841,249121
Hawke's Bay8,06567,61164,6911,078,319459,5871,150,2853,324189505
Waipukurau765..     8956,178109,47053,771123,722342..     ..     
Waipawa2,802..     3,39329,418392,284185,788451,6341,36983
Woodville1,151..     5,81016,23489,98543,852102,1771,3364..     
Dannevirke2,869111,68137,466314,309170,456332,2192,528142
Patangata2,861..     1,41253,433703,218316,761674,31437223..     
Weber415..     67,375112,60543,561127,37747..     ..     
          Totals40,0009543,287429,8155,731,5562,565,2036,308,33816,267322794
LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.
Ohura2,0882,52321,903183,57672,624168,809991120..      
Clifton2,0.89..     7,37927,625112,89740,433104,2741,928..     331
Taranaki5,43..     28,62364,50056,78832,45645,1336,9851343,409
Egmont2,585..     18,57242,37511,9184,80513,2583,571..     ..     
Stratford3,262..     22,82049,775114,87740,871104,8265,8376311
Whangamomona876..     1,3599,502112,25035,506104,28830140166
Waimate West1,562..     15,68726,4334,0301,0853,8894,406113
Hawera2,694..     19,31538,14780,98933,44981,4925,58214
Eltham2,130..     18,89336,02769,15224,22360,9714,6933137
Patea3,400112,46837,796293,27890,003273,2793,34663
          Totals26,0101147,639354,0831,039,755375,455960,21937,6403494,264
LAND DISTRICT OF WELLINGTON.
Waitotara2,49567,08922,753219,76584,945226,3881,5641630
Wanganui3,346..     5,41938,440586,932224,069536,2731,046749
Waimarino2,220..     2,58417,867297,191103,781304,6591,174..     3
Kaitieke1,26512,14512,219133,74552,910128,8431,117..     73
Rangitikei7,832312,96168,686867,004420,0251,001,8893,80922015
Kiwitea2,312..     4,55623,679290,178153,28.6331,3731,623133
Pohangina1,31222,76412,882157,59691,869165,709822415
Kairanga3,195112,58232,695126,65768,467127,8873,205356
Oroua2,37817,10118,865160,488112,143171,0681,772..     6
Manawatu2,980..     14,28734,32595,89058,968136,9664,0641219
Horowhenua3,451..     13,68939,910151,87367,492148,7734,6941611
Pahiatua2,058..     9,41832,224201,375107,721222,4772,572212
Akitio1,255..     92023,040273,125106,754296,340208..     ..     
Castlepoint791..     31815,327187,79680,556200,4259112..     
Eketahuna1,736..     6,76023,482194,814113,712111,0491,63123
Mauriceville294..     1,1735,08157,85636,98570,2882963..     
Masterton3,42813,43035,909412,028205,674533,82484525
Wairarapa South2,325..     7,75326,466220,787117,942207,9421,5872117
Featherston3,56217,21550,372453,796215,139484,8893,49112
Hutt2,07445,59415,120157,80357,768156,5131,73919430
Makara1,66332,9356,02471,65428,13181,4.801,693419
Chatham Islands882..     1591,21073,89727,59079,110933549
          Totals52,85423130,852556,5765,392,2502,535,9275,724,16539,136978357
LAND DISTRICT OF NELSON.
Collingwood433..     2,0736,84316,1226,48617,587895..     6
Takaka783..     2,7026,19452,68326,07255,6211,9537341
Waimea5,627..     6,41917,701290,131121,553329,2673,3467621,207
Buller9.97..     4,21410,5276,2242,5944,9241,6081816
Murchison72-..     1,7828,71444,05719,98154,6891,327947
Inangahua578..     1,9623,00610,2345,63411,18283614125
          Totals9,143..     19,25254,985419,451182,320473,2709,9658761,442
LAND DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH.
Sounds533..     1,9745,337169,17880,914174,0182,30861210
Marlborough3,948..     6,65816,146315,918122,647356,6753,189369815
Awatere1,760..     4897,937296,588125,563302,964421..     ..     
Kaikoura1,364..     1,7936,618185,40885,484204,003992254
          Totals7,605..     10,91436,038967,092414,6081,037,6606,9104321,079
LAND DISTRICT OF WESTLAND.
Grey1,307..     4,61914,98531,59912,79028,6431,841826783
Westland1,964..     4,91022,64231,17316,07038,2641,602..     38
          Totals3,271..     9,52937,62762,77228,86066,9073,443826819
LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY
Cheviot1,295..     1,0124,706172,42392,269198,301355..     1
Amuri2,544..     8318,336343,205156,137444,145397..     6
Waipara2,718..     1,1455,111357,835209,328409,599438..     ..     
Ashley1,056..     4002,529110,96554,749118,514169..     8
Oxford1,608..     1,1733,41786,32832,925129,114624..     6
Kowai1,724..     1,6504,15075,34850,698103,9531,000..     1
Rangiora2,40512,7317,00838,71326,85753,1251,887513
Eyre1,810..     1,8513,97752,20835,58968,5921,918..     ..     
Waimairi2,465..     3,6476,1085,0772,6988,4152,413612
Paparua2,672..     2,4674,92439,54318,21145,6392,23634
Malvern2,281..     1,1992,832114,64364,189167,7741,275..     ..     
Tawera714..     4441,77389,24140,35598,806373..     ..     
Heathcote1,996..     1,3372,1929,4903,07111,93489117
Halswell1,07912,2254,63718,0199,61318,1381,031..     20
Selwyn1,551..     7792,764178,09689,331238,796481..     ..     
Springs1,353..     2,1414,74727,60220,70833,4781,46711
Ellesmere3,335..     4,1089,96574,91451,66193,8385,305422
Mount Herbert358..     8733,73745,28430,93243,7691891052
Wairewa737..     1,7767,66575,53657,45782,12879419
Akaroa1,175..     6,25524,56788,07657,063107,2451,33173..     
Ashburton13,023107,99718,473779,877454,992986,0975,435..     7
Geraldine5,280174,48112,818244,335145,230337,6572,510418
Levels4,775..     3,2379,104132,76388,573216,7581,68321
Mackenzie3,204121,4445,404401,935203,603488,61385131..     
Waimate8,34944,90615,614498,975279,779631,5143,342..     2
          Totals69,5074560,109176,5584,060,4312,296,0095,135,94238,395236140
LAND DISTRICT OF OTAGO.
Waitaki7,912119,12622,186576,402283,455639,3143,361..     ..     
Maniototo2,599111,4604,539276,258112,195317,358241..     ..     
Waihemo1,423..     1,4393,2619,23248,344139,729435..     ..     
Waikouaiti1,85114,7519,72274,64233,77383,9911,622..     ..     
Peninsula735..     2,8935,1544,6403,2246,126394..     ..     
Taieri6,387..     7,53822,565211,71282,483226,0082,691111
Tuapeka4,589..     3,08110,698408,860178,434473,3811,216..     6
Bruce5,345..     5,05514,656192,554100,028252,1391,792..     ..     
Clutha6,62417,60923,236309,342173,684391,0242,295..     6
Vincent3,037..     1,5055,080285,709113,643318,015772..     1
Lake1,585..     1,3485,909206,33161,392250,20670543
          Totals42,0872445,805127,0062,645,6821,190,6553,097,29115,524527
LAND DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.
Fiord1..     48..     ..     ..     2..     ..     
Wallace7,43419,61835,994431,482204,380530,5512,852..     21
Southland23,518136,610112,6891,127,582582,9061,355,5018,636212
Stewart Island77..     913223,5061,5913,79219..     12
          Totals31,030246,323149,0131,562,570788,8771,889,84411,509245
          Totals for Dominion378,050253793,2152,869,46523,749,70011,194,16726,538,302258,6945,93111,799

Interesting information as to the average number of horses and cattle, and of the number of sheep shorn, per 1,000 acres in each county is given in the following statement:—

AVERAGE NUMBER OF HORSES AND CATTLE, AND AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHEEP SHORN, PER 1,000 ACRES IN EACH COUNTY (EXCLUDING INTERIOR BOROUGHS).
County.Total Area occupied.Horses (as at 31st January, 1918).Cattle (as at 31st January, 1918).Dairy COWS (as at 31st January, 1918), (included in “Cattle” in previous Columns).Sheep shorn, Season 1917–18.
          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.Average Number per 1,000 Acres.
     Acres.                                        
Land District of Auckland.
Mongonui293,1522,2927.8221,61673.746,28221.4336,439124.30
Whangaroa76,0055186.825,33170.141,28416.8914,550191.43
Bay of Islands251,2323,49613.9231,014123.457,20428.6765,614261.17
Hokianga275,4702,90910.5641,471150.557,88128.6179,302287.88
Whangarei426,2135,35212.5669,238162.4518,37043.10100,478235.75
Hobson316,6372,5317.9937,025116.938,06825.4888,269278.77
Otamatea231,7832,75711.8936,808158.808,33535.9676,212328.81
Rodney259,5173,05711.7833,107127.577,07327.2590,230347.68
Waitemata281,2583,45812.2927,57898.058,61330.6251,759184.03
Eden18,2811,65490.487,131390.083,366184.131,21866.63
Great Barrier43,661972.2270816.222756.307,442170.45
Manukau157,4333,38221.4830,791195.5813,33284.6870,809449.77
Franklin276,8966,26422.6260,977220.2225,43791.8651,471185.89
Waikato280,2936,01721.4761,738220.2624,88888.7963,099225.12
Raglan442,1544,76210.7757,042129.017,23616.37247,997560.88
Waipa162,7284,95030.4251,046313.6920,678127.0746,440285.38
Kawhia96,1347467.765,70759.371,70317.7143,702454.59
Awakino169,2571,0005.9114,06883.121,0546.2388,259521.45
Waitomo509,9255,81811.4155,923109.6712,42724.37181,701356.33
Coromandel209,9829284.428,78541.842,0609.8136,074171.80
Thames164,6981,86811.3425,963157.649,10955.317,86147.73
Ohinemuri148,8252,42116.2730,012201.6610,84472.8615,384103.37
Tauranga226,8874,29218.9241,956184.9213,23658.3418,70782.45
Piako206,2524,35921.1352,655255.2921,654104.9954,927266.31
Matamata398,2474,61811.6050,846127.6716,80442.1961,932155.51
Rotorua183,5081,4237.759,91854.051,95810.6715,71885.65
Whakatane164,9662,67016.1927,910169.196,82141.3544,975272.63
Opotiki262,0561,4375.4810,97341.872,4829.47130,562498.22
East Taupo328,1751,2323.754,83714.744171.2732,72999.73
West Taupo285,9462,7159.4927,43495.946,51822.7940,369141.18
          Totals7,147,57189,02312.46939,608131.46275,40938.531,864,229260.82
Land, District of Hawke's Bay.
Waiapu494,0794,5979.3044,84690.773,2396.56660,9081,337.66
Waikohu519,0513,1976.1651,62299.451,2062.32614,2171,183.35
Cook635,3487,62612.0078,376123.366,53310.28991,6971,560.87
Wairoa740,0774,8216.5139,70253.651,1731.58663,868897.03
Hawke's Bay1,039,0647,2286.9664,20861.797,3347.061,077,9751,037.45
Waipukurau62,70664510.295,99195.5480012.76109,2341,742.00
Waipawa270,7112,5329.3528,899106.753,22611.92387,8721,432.79
Woodville74,7961,05614.1216,014214.105,65975.6689,9771,202.97
Dannevirke246,6642,69210.9137,278151.1311,55446.84314,2701,274.08
Patangata420,7722,8196.7053,287126.641,3573.23703,2181,671.26
Weber66,9554156.207,375110.1560.09112,6051,681.80
          Totals4,570,22337,6288.23427,59893.5642,0879.215,725,8411,252.86
Land District of Taranaki.
Ohura262,8642,0157.6721,87783.232,5069.53183,576698.37
Clifton233,4662,0808.9127,625118.337,37931.61112,897483.57
Taranaki190,4004,65424.4463,349332.7227,922146.6556,325295.82
Egmont127,0292,58320.3342,374333.5818,571146.1911,91893.82
Stratford184,6262,97916.1449,424267.7022,580122.30114,755621.55
Whangamomona161,2618515.289,45458.631,3268.22112,250696.12
Waimate West44,8581,55634.6926,402588.5715,663349.174,03089.84
Hawera108,4992,56723.6637,939349.6719,172176.7080,959746.17
Eltham115,8361,96816.9935,336305.0518,431159.1168,960595.32
Patea276,9713,22211.6337,597135.7412,38644.72293,0381,058.01
          Totals1,705,80024,47514.35351,377205.99145,93685.551,038,708608.93
Land District of Wellington.
Waitotara202,5831,9019.3820,859102.976,27830.99215,1911,062.24
Wanganui331,3783,34610.1038,440116.005,41916.35586,9321,771.19
Waimarino432,3892,0894.8317,28639.982,2895.29296,925686.71
Kaitieke169,4661,2657.4612,21972.102,14512.66133,745789.21
Rangitikei606,8677,51012.3868,389112.6912,77121.04865,4541,426.10
Kiwitea192,9172,31211.9823,679122.744,55623.62290,1781,504.16
Pohangina107,7691,30712.1312,882119.532,76425.65157,5961,462.35
Kairanga103,6742,46823.8131,623305.0211,855114.35126,1281,216.58
Oroua111,5752,05618.4318,387164.796,75860.57160,1501,435.36
Manawatu128,2562,90822.6734,033265.3514,123110.1295,874747.52
Horowhenua226,3373,21314.2039,321173.7313,32458.87151,839670.85
Pahiatua166,0951,97111.8732,144193.539,37556.44201,3591,212.31
Akitio203,2531,2556.1723,040113.369204.53273,1251,343.77
Castlepoint157,3377915.0315,32797.423182.02187,7961,193.59
Eketahuna174,6871,6359.3623,294133.356,64938.06193,8971,109.97
Mauriceville41,0172947.175,081123.881,17328.6057,8561,410.54
Masterton314,9583,0649.7335,608113.063,23510.27411,7741,307.39
Wairarapa South222,4912,1299.5726,070117.177,46933.57220,589991.45
Featherston463,9413,3847.2949,727107.186,75614.56451,608973.42
Hutt193,8131,6028.2714,44274.525,13126.47157,200811.09
Makara58,26863610.924,92584.622,08135.7169,1511,186.77
Chatham Islands181,0148824.871,2106.681590.8873,897408.24
          Totals4,790,08548,01810.02547,986114.40125,54826.215,378,2641,122.79
Land District of Nelson.
Collingwood145,7014262.926,83746.922,06814.1916,122110.65
Takaka101,4007757.646,18961.042,69826.6152,683519.56
Waimea631,6844,6247.3216,19725.645,4858.68285,006451.18
Buller119,0158847.4310,34786.944,25335.736,08151.09
Murchison236,6437233.068,71136.811,7807.5244,057186.17
Inangahua66,5945618.424,98574.861,94929.2710,234153.68
          Totals1,301,0377,9936.1453,26640.9418,23314.01414,183318.35
Land District of Marlborough.
Sounds241,9764922.035,23621.641,9277.96168,753697.40
Marlborough938,0113,6493.8915,75916.806,4006.82315,874336.75
Awatere949,5701,7411.837,9198.344770.50296,588312.34
Kaikoura419,8991,3643.256,61815.761,7934.27185,408441.55
          Totals2,549,4567,2462.8435,53213.9410,5974.16966,623379.15
Land District of Westland.
Grey448,9831,0012.2314,61732.334,3889.7731,33669.79
Westland1,333,4141,7401.3022,08916.574,6403.4830,43822.83
          Totals1,782,3972,7411.5436,60620.649,0285.0761,77434.66
Land District of Canterbury.
Cheviot188,1591,2886.854,69924.971,0065.35172,423916.37
Amuri1,245,1952,5002.018,3026.678040.65343,205275.62
Waipara529,3742,6765.065,0859.611,1242.12357,835675.96
Ashley349,9971,0462.992,5267.223991.14110,965317.05
Oxford162,4541,6019.863,41721.031,1737.2286,328531.40
Kowai96,7301,71017.684,13042.701,63516.9075,348778.95
Rangiora56,3262,17338.586,831121.282,59846.1238,660686.36
Eyre89,2761,69218.953,87743.431,79520.1152,208584.79
Waimairi27,5562,34685.146,016218.323,595130.465,077184.24
Paparua69,9522,63737.704,85369.382,41134.4739,543565.29
Malvern140,1792,28116.272,83220.201,1998.55114,643817.83
Tawera325,2427062.171,7715.454421.3689,241274.38
Heathcote10,28556955.321,446140.5985983.526,899670.78
Halswell24,46891437.354,492183.592,12886.9717,587718.78
Selwyn448,4681,5513.462,7646.167791.74178,096397.13
Springs49,2571,35327.474,74796.372,14143.4727,602560.37
Ellesmere117,7273,33428.329,85383.694,10834.8974,914636.34
Mount Herbert34,47635210.213,734108.3187025.2345,2841,313.49
Wairewa84,3997038.337,64990.631,76520.9175,536894.99
Akaroa102,9581,12710.9524,506238.026,20760.2988,056855.26
Ashburton1,279,59112,7359.9518,32114.327,8956.17779,876609.47
Geraldine407,6855,01712.3112,63330.994,37610.73244,258599.13
Levels157,7424,31127.338,91356.503,09819.64132,762841.64
Mackenzie1,376,8963,2042.335,4043.921,4441.05401,935291.91
Waimate926,2158,2338.8915,49716.734,8335.22498,975538.72
          Totals8,300,59766,0597.96174,29821.0058,6847.074,057,256488.79
Land District of Otago.
Waitaki1,385,3997,6055.4921,77315.728,8776.41576,402416.05
Maniototo817,8492,5433.114,4855.481,4331.75276,258337.79
Waihemo229,6231,3265.773,15013.721,3675.9599,005431.16
Waikouaiti170,4801,6729.819,29354.514,49226.3574,639437.82
Peninsula20,55273135.575,146250.392,887140.474,640225.77
Taieri571,1234,3137.5520,25035.466,10710.69211,178369.76
Tuapeka783,9174,3455.5410,39013.252,9213.73408,740521.41
Bruce317,8884,92615.5014,09444.344,74814.94192,464605.45
Clutha493,1216,51613.2123,06546.777,50015.21309,342627.31
Vincent1,667,1352,8511.715,0383.021,4680.88285,709171.38
Lake1,400,8871,4791.065,8244.161,3010.93206,329147.28
          Totals7,857,97438,3074.87122,50815.5943,1015.492,644,706336.56
Land District of Southland.
Fiord18,02710.0680.4440.22..     ..     
Wallace1,149,6277,3466.3935,82331.169,5268.29431,479375.32
Southland2,000,15722,63111.31111,15755.5735,76317.881,126,771563.34
Stewart Island39,128761.943168.08902.303,50689.60
          Totals3,206,93930,0549.37147,30445.9345,38314.151,561,756486.99
          Totals for Dominion43,212,079351,5448.142,836,08365.63774,00617.9123,713,340548.77

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.

A table appears on p. 524 giving the predominating breed of sheep in each county in the Dominion, together with the average weight of fleece obtained in the past three years.

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, and 1918 a further increase of 1.31 per cent.

The number of sheep in the South Island has fluctuated considerably, decreases from previous years having occurred in 1911, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1916, and 1917; 1918 shows an increase of 19.13 per cent. over 1886.

Year.North Island.South Island.Total.
18865,285,9079,888,35615,174,263
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
191814,758,27811,780,02426,538,302

There was an increase of 4,089,249 in the total number of sheep between 1908 and 1918, representing a rate of 18.22 per cent. in the ten years, while the increase during the past year amounts to 5.02 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 1918, Wellington come next, and Canterbury occupied the third place. The particulars given below show that in eight of the ten land districts the figures for 1918 show increases on those of 1917 amounting in the aggregate to 1,297,962 decreases in Taranaki and Marlborough, however, reducing the net increase to 1,267,916.

Land District.No. of Sheep in 1917.No. of Sheep in 1918.Increase.Decrease.
Auckland1,820,1801,844,66624,486..     
Hawke's Bay6,217,2166,308,33891,122..     
Taranaki979,754960,219..     19,545
Wellington5,622,5435,724,165101,622..     
Nelson458,904473,27014,366..     
Marlborough1,048,1611,037,660..     10,501
Westland61,43666,9075,471..     
Canterbury4,441,4295,135,942694,523..     
Otago2,895,9853,097,291201,306..     
Southland1,724,7781,889,844165,066..     
          Totals25,270,38626,538,3021,267,916..     

The number of breeding-ewes and the total number of sheep in each county on the 30th April, 1918, 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, 1918.
Sheep, April, 1918.
County.Total (including Lambs).Breeding-ewes (included in previous Column).
Mongonui46,60920,872
Whangaroa15,5448,049
Bay of Islands89,27045,474
Hokianga88,80643,381
Whangarei90,56042,177
Hobson103,85547,387
Otamatea70,42432,626
Rodney88,17636,516
Waitemata65,44328,098
Eden2,306186
Great Barrier9,1084,984
Manukau57,77627,414
Franklin56,23827,645
Waikato57,97127,755
Raglan201,50499,542
Waipa37,02420,261
Kawhia51,81731,386
Awakino94,19538,759
Waitomo180,05791,641
Coromandel43,30423,581
Thames4,0861,422
Ohinemuri6,8813,641
Tauranga16,7775,022
Piako43,55920,693
Matamata25,31911,160
Rotorua18,72110,213
Whakatane51,48221,304
Opotiki171,61368,435
East Taupo17,01911,054
West Taupo39,22212,768
          Totals, Auckland L.D.1,844,666863,446
Waiapu760,519373,040
Waikohu705,824343,130
Cook1,098,883509,972
Wairoa781,385341,962
Hawke's Bay1,150,285492,107
Waipukurau123,72253,752
Waipawa451,634192,953
Woodville102,17748,404
Dannevirke332,219161,117
Patangata674,314325,173
Weber127,37750,012
          Totals, Hawke's Bay L.D.6,308,3382,891,622
Ohura168,80972,355
Clifton104,27442,182
Taranaki45,13321,341
Egmont13,2584,159
Stratford104,82651,519
Whangamomona104,28842,206
Waimate West3,8891,708
Hawera81,49234,491
Eltham60,97127,908
Patea273,279102,113
          Totals, Taranaki L.D.960,219399,982
Waitotara226,38899,193
Wanganui536,273217,891
Waimarino304,659130,012
Kaitieke128,84364,197
Rangitikei1,001,889466,037
Kiwitea331,373173,622
Pohangina165,70989,428
Kairanga127,88762,244
Oroua171,06896,615
Manawatu136,96663,246
Horowhenua148,77368,163
Pahiatua222,477112,804
Akitio296,340126,848
Castlepoint200,42597,301
Eketahuna111,04962,523
Mauriceville70,28843,722
Masterton533,824262,791
Wairarapa South207,942106,617
Featherston484,889222,704
Hutt156,51382,131
Makara81,48042,914
Chatham Islands79,11035,174
          Totals, Wellington L.D.5,724,1652,726,177
Collingwood17,5878,011
Takaka55,62132,348
Waimea329,267178,605
Buller4,9242,951
Murchison54,68925,376
Inangahua11,1826,945
          Totals, Nelson L.D.473,270254,236
Sounds174,018100,587
Marlborough356,675173,957
Awatere302,964151,375
Kaikoura204,003117,751
          Totals, Marlborough L.D.1,037,660543,670
Grey28,64314,323
Westland38,26420,672
          Totals, Westland L.D.66,90734,995
Cheviot198,301120,206
Amuri444,145217,313
Waipara409,509245,409
Ashley118,51463,658
Oxford129,11471,733
Kowai103,95358,137
Rangiora53,12530,827
Eyre68,59239,761
Waimairi8,4155,523
Paparua45,63918,383
Malvern167,77480,131
Tawera98,80650,724
Heathcote11,9344,156
Halswell18,13810,055
Selwyn238,796128,236
Springs33,47820,900
Ellesmere93,83859,187
Mount Herbert43,769 !31,372
Wairewa82,12859,354
Akaroa107,24567,235
Ashburton986,097550,415
Geraldine337,657198,376
Levels216,758105,548
Mackenzie488,613271,875
Waimate631,514345,259
          Totals, Canterbury L.D.5,135,9422,853,773
Waitaki639,314355,528
Maniototo317,358156,023
Waihemo139,72977,301
Waikouaiti83,99149,744
Peninsula6,1265,119
Taieri226,008107,751
Tuapeka473,381203,519
Bruce252,139120,523
Clutha391,024192,680
Vincent318,015163,196
Lake250,206108,363
          Totals, Otago L.D.3,097,2911,539,747
Wallace530,551264,440
Southland1,355,501647,990
Stewart Island3,7921,956
          Totals, Southland L.D.1,889,844914,386
          Totals for Dominion26,538,30213,022,034
NUMBER OF FLOCKS, 1906, 1911, 1916, 1917, AND 1918.
Size of Flocks.1906.1911.1916.1917.1918.
Under 50011,79311,46311,81811,81211,562
500 and under 1,0003,4314,3664,9115,0715,603
1,000 and under 2,5002,5583,7034,3444,2794,747
2,500 and under 5,0007821,1301,2991,3751,407
5,000 and under 10,000394540566629622
10,000 20,000213216202176187
20,000 and upwards9475413840
          Totals19,26521,49323,18123,38024,168

The average size of the flocks is found to have been 1,081 sheep in 1896, 1,044 in 1906, 1,116 in 1911, 1,089 in 1916, 1,081 in 1917, and 1,098 in 1918.

The number of the different classes composing the flocks in April, 1918, was as follows:—

North Island.South Island.Total in Dominion.
Stud sheep (entered in Flock-book)—               
Merino..     15,41815,418
Lincoln43,8304,32048,150
Romney87,74743,495131,242
Border Leicester1,11733,69034,807
English Leicester1,04423,74624,790
Shropshire9943,0204,014
Southdown15,6298,70824,337
Corriedale..     30,68830,688
Other breeds3779591,336
          Totals150,738164,044314,782
Sheep of a distinctive breed, but not entered in Flock-book—               
Merino54,1901,031,3651,085,555
Lincoln339,86832,175372,043
Romney2,254,593677,0862,931,679
Border Leicester9,229186,538195,767
English Leicester5,011150,446155,457
Shropshire5,11013,57218,682
Southdown27,1827,41734,599
Corriedale31,573436,935468,508
Half-bred10,716901,629912,345
Other breeds11,9307,06618,996
          Totals2,749,4023,444,2296,193,631
Flock sheep—               
Crossbreds and others not otherwise enumerated11,858,1388,171,75120,029,889
Grand totals14,758,27811,780,02426,538,302

The following table gives the predominating breed of sheep and the average weight of fleece for each county in the Dominion in 1916, 1917, and 1918:—

Reference.—M., Merino. L.. Lincoln. R., Romney. B.L., Border Leicester. E.L.. English Leicester. Shp., Shropshire. Sd., Southdown. C., Corriedale. Hb., Half-bred. O., Other breeds.

TABLE SHOWING THE PREDOMINATING BREED OF SHEEP AND THE AVERAGE WEIGHT OF FLEECE FOR EACH COUNTY IN THE DOMINION FOR THE YEARS 1916, 1917, AND 1918.
County.1915–16.1916–17.1917–18.
Predominating Breed of Sheep.Average Weight of Fleece.Predominating Breed of Sheep.Average Weight of Fleece.Predominating Breed of Sheep.Average Weight of Fleece.
LAND DISTRICT OF AUCKLAND.
          lb.     lb.     lb.
MongonuiR.7.41R.6.96R.6.29
WhangaroaR.6.79R.5.31R.5.36
Bay of IslandsR.7.93R.6.22R.6.14
HokiangaR.6.34R.6.29R.6.42
WhangareiR.6.63R.6.78R.6.57
HobsonR.7.92R.7.59R.6.45
OtamateaShp.7.71R.7.24R.6.82
RodneyR.7.03R.7.05R.7.05
WaitemataR.6.79R.7.00R.6.71
EdenR.6.78R.6.38R.6.63
Great BarrierR.6.51R.5.98R.6.19
ManukauR.5.46R.6.78R.6.86
FranklinL.6.80R., L.7.30R.7.01
WaikatoR.7.06R.7.10R.6.83
RaglanR.7.24R.7.02R.7.01
WaipaR.7.44R.7.47R.7.14
KawhiaR.6.64R.5.54R.6.07
AwakinoR.7.01R.6.32R.6.41
WaitomoR.5.32R.6.48R.6.66
CoromandelR.6.08R.5.41R.5.95
ThamesR.6.28R.6.34R.6.63
OhinemuriR.7.02R.6.68R.6.91
TaurangaR.5.77R.6.54R.6.73
PiakoR.8.02R.7.10R.7.28
MatamataE.L., R.7.61R.6.69E.L., R.7.10
RotoruaR.6.10R.6.49R.5.65
WhakataneR.6.60R.7.77R.6.84
OpotikiR.6.25R.6.06R.6.80
East TaupoR.5.80R.6.62R.5.85
West TaupoM.6.54R.6.06L.5.85
          Totals..     6.86..     6.72..     6.68
LAND DISTRICT OF HAWKE'S BAY.
WaiapuR.7.57R.7.73R.6.98
WaikohuR.8.28R.8.42R.7.72
CookR.8.02R.8.26R.7.70
WairoaR.7.74R.7.50R.7.23
Hawke's BayR.7.28R.8.71R.7.95
WaipukurauR.8.58R.8.31R.7.81
WaipawaR.6.86R.8.06R.7.50
WoodvilleL., R.8.41R., L.8.76R., L.8.36
DannevirkeR.8.96R.8.65R.8.02
PatangataR.7.55R.9.25R.8.27
WeberL., R.6.71R.9.88R.8.98
          Totals..     7.73..     8.39..     7.63
LAND DISTRICT OF TARANAKI.
OhuraR.7.13R.6.71R.6.56
CliftonR.6.68R.6.45R.6.00
TaranakiR.6.99R.6.67R.6.03
EgmontR.7.12R.6.46R.6.91
StratfordR.6.44R.6.68R.6.38
WhangamomonaR.6.38R.5.95R.5.83
Waimate WestCrossbred7.91R.7.53Sd.6.79
HaweraL., R.4.87L., R.7.92R.7.46
ElthamL., R.6.31R.7.12R.6.59
PateaL.7.68L.7.27R.7.53
          Totals..     6.83..     6.88..     6.72
LAND DISTRICT OF WELLINGTON.
WaitotaraR., L.7.00R.7.37R.7.47
WanganuiL., E.7.65R.7.86R.7.40
WaimarinoR.7.10R.6.88R.6.69
KaitiekeR.6.12R.6.37R.6.08
RangitikeiR.7.06R.7.85R.7.36
KiwiteaR.7.78R.7.79R.7.48
PohanginaR.7.60R.8.41R.7.58
KairangaR.8.97R.8.18R.8.35
OrouaR.8.07R.8.30R.8.22
ManawatuSd., R.8.08R.7.64R.8.01
HorowhenuaR.6.52R.6.98R.6.96
PahiatuaR., L.8.23R.8.78L., R.8.17
AkitioR.8.72R.8.82R.8.71
CastlepointR.8.66R.9.78R.8.83
EketahunaR.8.80R.8.22R.8.25
MauricevilleR., L.8.70L., R.8.81L., E.8.48
MastertonR.8.10R.9.21R.8.72
Wairarapa SouthR.8.71R.8.76R.8.47
FeatherstonR.9.11R.9.19R.9.21
HuttR.7.97R.7.19R.6.73
MakaraR.7.71R.7.56R.8.51
Chatham IslandsR.6.86R.7.03R.7.03
          Totals..     7.98..     8.14..     7.85
LAND DISTRICT OF NELSON.
CollingwoodR.6.85R.6.87R.6.22
TakakaR.6.03R.5.75R.5.94
WaimeaR.5.70R.5.49R.5.60
BullerR.5.05R.4.92R.5.72
MurchisonR.5.62R.5.18R.5.77
InangahuaR.5.61R.5.41R.5.45
          Totals..     5.77..     5.61..     5.69
LAND DISTRICT OF MARLBOROUGH.
SoundsR.6.10R.6.41R.6.68
MarlboroughM.6.86M.6.64M.7.06
AwatereM.7.13M.8.31M.7.84
KaikouraR., E.L.6.05M.7.14Hb.6.46
          Totals..     6.60..     7.21..     7.12
LAND DISTRICT OF WESTLAND.
GreyR.5.01R.5.41R.5.81
WestlandR.5.90R.6.03R.6.07
          Totals..     5.46..     5.75..     5.94
LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY.
CheviotM., O.5.96O., M.7.71Hb.7.05
AmuriM.7.09M.7.46M.7.01
WaiparaO.6.66O.7.40Hb., C.7.55
AshleyO.6.31O.6.48C.6.93
OxfordE.L., Sd., O.6.01O., M., B.L.6.97Hb., M.6.43
KowaiSd., E.L., B.L.6.41O.7.28Hb.7.34
RangioraE.L., Sd., B.L., Shp.6.65Shp., E.L., B.L.7.22Hb.7.42
EyreSd.7.02M.7.49Hb.7.26
WaimairiB.L., E.L.6.91E.L., Sd.7.93Hb.7.90
PaparuaE.L., Sd., Shp.5.99O., M.7.38Hb., M.8.04
MalvernE.L., Sd.7.81M., O.7.67E.L., M.7.14
TaweraE.L., M.6.40M., O.6.83M., Hb.7.23
HeathcoteE.L.6.88E.L.7.66E.L.8.11
HalswellE.L.7.53E.L.7.35E.L.8.21
SelwynEX., M.8.77M., E.L.8.17M.7.70
SpringsE.L., Sd.6.99E.L., Sd.7.43Kb.7.78
EllesmereSd., E.L.7.01M.7.44Hb., M.7.74
Mount HerbertE.L.6.99E.L.8.28B.L.8.03
WairewaE.L.6.64E.L.7.28E.L.7.19
AkaroaE.L.7.40E.L.8.08E.L.8.03
AshburtonM.6.42M.7.24Hb.7.34
GeraldineE.L.5.97E.L.6.94E.L.6.86
LevelsB.L.6.82B.L., E.L.7.66B.L.7.38
MackenzieR., M.6.60M.6.63M.7.38
WaimateB.L., O.6.96O.7.25C.7.29
          Totals..     6.99..     7.28..     7.31
LAND DISTRICT OF OTAGO.
WaitakiB.L.6.78M.7.16M.6.78
ManiototoM., R.6.72B.L., R., M.7.19R., M.7.03
WaihemoB.L., O., E.L., R.5.82R.5.98R.6.34
WaikouaitiO.6.12O.6.37C.6.30
PeninsulaB.L.6.29B.L.7.17B.L.6.83
TaieriR.6.22R.6.12R.6.07
TuapekaR, O.6.94O., R.7.35C., R.7.35
BruceB.L., R.6.31B.L., R.6.66R.705
CluthaR.6.69R.7.19R.7.22
VincentM.6.63M.7.45M.7.04
LakeR., M.5.98M.6.47M.6.33
          Totals..     6.90..     6.98..     6.87
LAND DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.
Fiord..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
WallaceR.5.91R.6.32R.6.81
SouthlandR.7.84R.6.98R.6.94
Stewart IslandO., R.4.62R.6.27R.5.53
          Totals..     7.27..     6.79..     6.90
Dominion..     7.31..     7.58..     7.32

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.
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
19183,631,3441,945,3632,150,5051,118,014
          Total for 10 years34,763,09318,620,49422,491,54611,247,176
LAMBS.
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.
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
19182,695,4431,443,9872,048,612623,022
          Totals for 10 years36,779,45312,560,16232,018,6249,845,782

In addition to the figures of slaughterings given above there are the killings by farmers for their own use. During the 1917–18 season farmers killed 596,917 sheep and 48,438 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 18,000,000 lb., 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.

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 the Year-book of the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome, the following figures represented the latest information (1916) available as to the number of sheep in the various countries concerned at the time of the publication of the volume. The figure shown for France does not include the number of sheep in territory occupied by the enemy at the time of the enumeration, while that for Turkey covers both Turkey in Europe and Turkey in Asia.

Country.Number of Sheep.
Argentina81,485,149
Russia76,404,792
Australia69,244,603
United States of America48,483,000
South African Union35,710,843
British India31,443,727
United Kingdom28,770,692
Turkey27,094,678
New Zealand24,788,150
Spain16,012,277
Italy13,824,000
Uruguay11,482,251
France10,845,280
Austria-Hungary8,987,959
Algeria8,810,739
Bulgaria8,632,388
Brazil7,204,920
British East Africa Protectorate6,555,000
Roumania5,269,493
Germany5,073,478
French Morocco4,715,371
Chile4,557,800
Serbia3,818,997
Portugal3,072,988
Canada1,965,101

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 1916 and 1917 being,—

 1916.1917.
 £     £     
* Exclusive of gold (specie and bullion).
Wool12,386,07412,175,366
          Total exports of New Zealand produce32,975,90730,184,069*

The quantity of wool exported in 1917 was 178,274,486 lb., a decrease of 7,232,373 lb. as compared with the quantity exported in the previous year. The annual production of wool for the past 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.
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
1917162,043,6347,590,445169,634,079
1918110,054,3156,776,434116,830,749

The following summary is interesting as showing the various classes of wool purchased by the New Zealand mills. For 1917–18 greasy wool represents over 98 per cent. of the total. Nearly half of the wool used at mills is shown to be half-bred, slightly less than one-third crossbred, and slightly less than one-fifth merino.

CLASS OF WOOL PURCHASED BY WOOLLEN-MILLS, 1917–18.
Merino.Half-bred.Crossbred.Totals.
     lb.lb.lb.lb.
Greasy1,298,7333,278,3562,065,9116,643,000
Scoured4,75026,5667,89039,206
Sliped..     53,32740,90194,228
          Totals, 1917–181,303,4833,358,2492,114,7026,776,434
          Totals, 1916–171,417,1693,022,0733,151,2037,590,445

The percentages of greasy, scoured, and washed wool to the total Quantities exported during the last ten years are,—

Year.Greasy.Scoured and sliped.Washed.
Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
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
191781.7718.070.16

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:—

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 is encouraged to use purebred bulls and thereby to assist materially in raising the standard of the dairy stock of the country. 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.

Details for 1918 for each land district are given in the next table.

TABLE SHOWING DETAILS OF CATTLE FOR EACH LAND DISTRICT IN THE DOMINION AS AT 31ST JANUARY, 1918.
Land District.Dairy Cattle.Other Cattle.Total Cattle.
Bulls of all Ages.Cows and Heifers over Two Years Old.Total Dairy Cattle.Balls of all Ages.Cows and Heifers over Two Years Old.Heifers under Two Years Old.Steers over Two Years Old.Steers under Years Old.Total other Cattle.
In Milk.Dry.
Auckland12,876247,17732,328292,3813,906110,217215,095133,276192,889655,383947,764
Hawke's Bay1,54537,9255,36244,8325,297144,62478,17586,43670,451384,983429,815
Taranaki6,275139,6987,941153,91479930,92487,47426,04254,930200,169354,083
Wellington5,299117,43413,418136,1514,973115,961106,530107,84685,115420,425556,576
          Totals, North Island25,995542,23459,049627,27814,975401,726487,274353,600403,3851,660,9602,288,238
Nelson81916,6962,55620,0712756,18312,9715,39410,09134,91454,985
Marlborough5829,6201,29411,4961485,2878,3674,1076,63324,54236,038
Westland3957,7471,7829,9242276,9807,7345,8206,94227,70337,627
Canterbury2,51353,0827,02762,62266516,96338,87826,08231,348113,936176,558
Otago2,12338,9986,80747,92844313,04727,41217,64920,52779,078127,006
Southland2,00542,1844,13948,32877019,31833,82816,67930,090100,685149,013
          Totals, South Island8,437168,32723,605200,3692,52867,778129,19075,731105,631380,858581,227
          Totals, Dominion34,432710,56182,654827,64717,503469,504616,464429,331509,0162,041,8182,869,465

The total number of cattle in the Dominion at the enumeration of 1918 was 2,869,465, as against 2,575,230 in 1917. The comparative figures for the two years, according to the classification in use, are as follows:—

     1917.1918.
Dairy cattle—          
Bulls of all ages34,96234,432
Cows and heifers over two years old777,439793,215
Other cattle—          
Bulls of all ages14,96817,503
Cows and heifers over two years old431,715469,504
Heifers under two years old522,677616,464
Steers over two years old389,954429,331
Steers under two years old403,515509,016
          Totals2,575,2302,869,465

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.
Auckland101,724
Hawke's Bay64,361
Taranaki16,856
Wellington55,070
Nelson3,500
Marlborough5,734
Westland519
Canterbury24,705
Otago5,035
Southland16,731
          Total increase294,235

Out of a total of 2,869,465 cattle, the North Island is shown to have had 2,288,238, or 79.74 per cent., while the South Island had 581,227, or 20.26 per cent. The dairy cows and heifers intended for dairying in the North Island numbered 601,283, or 75.80 per cent., and in the South Island 191,932, or 24.20 per cent.

BREEDS OF CATTLE.

In connection with the enumeration of live - stock in 1918 information was collected as to breeds of cattle, horses, and pigs in addition to the usual details of age, sex, &c. The results of this enumeration are, as regards cattle, given below. Horses and pigs appear under their respective headings later in this volume.

TABLE SHOWING FOR EACH LAND DISTRICT IN THE DOMINION (EXCLUSIVE OF INTERIOR BOROUGHS) THE NUMBER OF CATTLE AS AT 31ST JANUARY, 1918, CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO BREED, SEX, AND AGE.
Land District (Excluding Interior Boroughs).Bulls of All Ages for Stud.Cows and Heifers over Two Years Old.Heifers under Two Years Old.Steers over Two Years Old.Steers under Two Years Old.Total.
Purebred Jersey.
Auckland470727310..     401,547
Hawke's Bay13516763..     6371
Taranaki8851,062571..     12,519
Wellington454642340..     41,440
Nelson327415134138
Marlborough2140151..     77
Westland7..     ..     ..     7 
Canterbury304315..     ..     88
Otago9166..     ..     31
Southland532..     ..     10
          Totals2,0482,7741,33714556,228
Purebred Alderney.
Auckland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Hawke's Bay..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Taranaki..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Wellington..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Nelson..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Marlborough1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Westland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Canterbury..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Otago13..     ..     ..     4
Southland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals23..     ..     ..     5
Purebred Friesian (Holstein).
Auckland348837402..     601,647
Hawke's Bay352419..     ..     78
Taranaki268265211..     ..     744
Wellington2404991859..     933
Nelson12272..     ..     41
Marlborough151951343
Westland81..     ..     ..     9
Canterbury771313562251
Otago263821..     ..     85
Southland539840..     11202
          Totals1,0821,93992016764,033
Purebred Ayrshire.
Auckland5214058..     ..     250
Hawke's Bay192..     ..     21 
Taranaki87133104..     ..     324
Wellington86236113..     ..     435
Nelson64..     ..     ..     10
Marlborough144..     ..     9
Westland1..     ..     ..     1 
Canterbury64..     ..     ..     10
Otago196025..     3107
Southland417635..     ..     152
          Totals318659339..     31,319
Purebred Shorthorn.
Auckland575960413..     592,007
Hawke's Bay1424381444221787
Taranaki11316444..     ..     321
Wellington338641179..     11,159
Nelson1310..     1..     24
Marlborough939..     ..     250
Westland1619..     ..     ..     35
Canterbury246251882010615
Otago294018..     794
Southland696217..     ..     148
          Totals1,5502,624903631005,240
Purebred Hereford.
Auckland11014847..     ..     305
Hawke's Bay480762247411,530 
Taranaki639747..     207 
Wellington4791,153392632,033
Nelson2..     ..     ..     ..     2
Marlborough415..     ..     ..     19
Westland13220..     ..     35
Canterbury443514..     ..     93
Otago418..     ..     ..     49
Southland219355146..     ..     720
          Totals1,4552,5759134734,993
Purebred Polled Angus.
Auckland36104..     ..     50
Hawke's Bay310487192325601,374
Taranaki513..     ..     9
Wellington16124459..     ..     464
Nelson5..     ..     ..     ..     5
Marlborough..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Westland1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Canterbury4..     ..     ..     ..     4
Otago129846..     32188
Southland46..     ..     ..     10
          Totals538846304325922,105
Purebred Devon.
Auckland8..     ..     ..     ..     8
Hawke's Bay..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Taranaki..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Wellington9..     ..     ..     ..     9
Nelson1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Marlborough..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Westland1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Canterbury310..     ..     ..     13
Otago..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Southland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
          Totals2210..     ..     ..     32
Other Purebred Cattle.
Auckland1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Hawke's Bay1252..     ..     28
Taranaki..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Wellington6513..     ..     24
Nelson2..     ..     ..     ..     2
Marlborough1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Westland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Canterbury6118..     ..     25
Otago1..     ..     ..     ..     1
Southland3..     2..     ..     5
          Totals214125..     ..     87
Total Purebred Cattle.
Auckland1,6002,8221,234..     1595,815
Hawke's Bay1,1221,905667408874,189
Taranaki1,4211,722980..     14,124
Wellington1,7733,4201,2811586,497
Nelson7311517144223
Marlborough521172425200
Westland472220..     ..     89
Canterbury41648516026121,099
Otago138263116..     42559
Southland394600242..     111,247
          Totals7,03611,4714,74146532924,042
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Jersey and other Channel Island Breeds.
Auckland1,34857,53227,9932,5549,76599,192
Hawke's Bay47421,2188,6885363,07733,993
Taranaki1,77965,70431,9375837,554107,557
Wellington1,37745,86619,2702,1346,26974,916
Nelson1896,1703,0643811,48911,293
Marlborough793,0981,2141104864,987
Westland842,7301,048853564,303
Canterbury2838,2693,3981331,06613,149
Otago1352,5671,1291023194,252
Southland75990405111241,605
          Totals5,823214,14498,1466,62930,505355,247
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Friesian (Holstein).
Auckland1,49127,26517,0164,20312,21062,185
Hawke's Bay2503,9072,2871,3411,6159,400
Taranaki1,38226,53715,0781,57711,30955,883
Wellington99518,1859,8782,6115,91237,581
Nelson1721,0031,0151305792,899
Marlborough104686681103851,866
Westland57754389714161,687
Canterbury4604,6133,1933411,58610,193
Otago2632,7551,8422549796,093
Southland3684,4633,0912142,11910,255
          Totals5,54290,16854,47010,75237,110198,042
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Ayrshire..
Auckland1323,5721,7162461,0936,759
Hawke's Bay721,3636001054062,546
Taranaki1332,9091,579307385,389
Wellington2245,3182,1001327688,542
Nelson501,7107441753573,036
Marlborough39615198281561,036
Westland24524258751581,039
Canterbury411,814635972642,851
Otago1946,5102,41418375910,060
Southland1445,3421,9572788378,558
          Totals1,05329,67712,2011,3495,53649,816
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Shorthorn.
Auckland10,847271,222151,766115,620155,624705,079
Hawke's Bay1,57761,51923,43835,38623,908145,828
Taranaki2,06072,01634,12121,29133,271162,759
Wellington3,412109,27644,40268,74944,375270,214
Nelson47213,4246,6184,0626,38830,964
Marlborough3599,7525,1142,9734,74622,944
Westland2437,3553,1793,5413,49617,814
Canterbury1,66455,64028,21521,00125,325131,845
Otago1,30836,53517,71913,07114,55883,191
Southland1,12638,31820,55910,58819,04589,636
          Totals23,068675,057335,131296,282330,7361,660,274
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Hereford.
Auckland6548,0415,2634,9415,44924,348
Hawke's Bay1,75044,78420,50622,59419,936109,570
Taranaki1412,3491,1701,3329055,897
Wellington1,41829,95415,49521,89815,47184,236
Nelson716204171864781,772
Marlborough609455787275042,814
Westland1263,6112,1891,5662,0249,516
Canterbury1603,2301,9303,8822,13311,335
Otago2485,0992,3452,6712,69413,057
Southland56010,5065,3514,3946,10626,917
          Totals5,188109,13955,24464,19155,700289,462
Crossbred with Predominating Strain of Polled Angus.
Auckland2654,3712,1881,6232,22610,673
Hawke's Bay1,47138,47816,48620,35517,11393,903
Taranaki496363364931741,688
Wellington68613,2066,7737,1286,57134,364
Nelson1521717663175646
Marlborough851221350144
Westland42..     ..     ..     6
Canterbury5749716368150935
Otago1019854651912521,994
Southland13374148128162825
          Totals2,66958,81726,75730,06226,873145,178
Other Crossbred Cattle (principally for Dairy Purposes).
Auckland1086,9063,3096082,21113,142
Hawke's Bay296,7042,5833651,47211,153
Taranaki94,5281,2911744726,474
Wellington6913,2254,3279392,71621,276
Nelson2896402832511,634
Marlborough8515324461491,042
Westland8729266961911,290
Canterbury261,0115901623702,159
Otago261,1554392535652,438
Southland303,5691,2953589176,169
          Totals31539,23814,8263,0849,31466,777
Other Crossbred Cattle (principally for Beef Purposes).
Auckland623,3992,6273,1863,61712,891
Hawke's Bay466,8362,5335,1812,74517,341
Taranaki..     4513975393911,778
Wellington452,6571,3864,0522,42310,563
Nelson..     204207206284901
Marlborough289120192143546
Westland1192179331200903
Canterbury122742483424161,292
Otago32191028111741,309
Southland224884786086692,265
          Totals19314,8098,27715,44811,06249,789
Total Crossbred Cattle.
Auckland14,907382,308211,878132,981192,195934,269
Hawke's Bay5,669184,80977,12185,86370,272423,734
Taranaki5,553175,13085,90926,01954,814347,425
Wellington8,226237,687103,631107,64384,505541,692
Nelson97124,24412,6435,28610,00153,145
Marlborough65915,7518,2514,0996,61935,374
Wetland54715,8977,5085,7656,84136,558
Canterbury2,70375,34838,37226,02631,310173,759
Otago2,27855,82526,45517,53620,300122,394
Southland2,33864,05033,28416,57929,979146,230
          Totals43,8511,231,049605,052427,797506,8362,814,585
Total Cattle (Purebred and Crossbred).
Auckland16,507385,130213,112132,981192,354940,084
Hawke's Bay6,791186,71477,78886,27170,359427,923
Taranaki6,974176,85286,88926,01954,815351,549
Wellington9,999241,107104,912107,65884,513548,189
Nelson1,04424,35912,6605,30010,00553,368
Marlborough71115,8688,2754,1016,62435,579
Westland59415.97,5285,7656,84136,647
Canterbury3,1197.83338,53226,05231,322174,858
Otago2,41656,08826,57117,53620,342122,953
Southland2,73264,65033,52616,57929,990147,477
          Totals50,8871,242,520609,793428,262507,1652,838,627
Boroughs1,04820,1996,6711,0691,85130,838
Grand totals51,9351,262,719616,464429,331509,0162,869,465

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.
* Not available.
          Cwt.Cwt.
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
1918341,3002,437,857*
          Totals for 10 years3,100,79422,149,422*

In addition to these figures there were 2,969 bullocks and cows and 1,605 calves slaughtered by farmers for local consumption during the year ended the 31st January, 1918.

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, 1918, 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, 1917–18.Number of Suppliers.
Butter.Cheese.Butter.Cheese.Butter.Cheese.
                    Tons.Tons.          
Auckland55544112,0057,50110,4881,159
Hawke's Bay11247704 ½3,0591,535747
Taranaki35115733,537 ½21,2891,5722,950
Wellington2274262,818 ¼9,0282,6031,803
Nelson752395376565125
Marlborough47..     115854361205
Westland73427823842045
Canterbury1116201,102 ½1,405 ½2,771455
Otago and Southland101047746 ¾8,7742,8612,694
          Totals, 191816240218021,202 ½52,524 ½23,17610,183
          Totals, 1917164392234..     ..     ..     ..     
          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, 1918, there were 23 private dairies for butter and 18 for cheese, also 41 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.
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
1914434,067361,381863,776859,986
1915420,144371,959817,258803,917
1916358,632336,412949,416942,773
1917254,397250,721885,751865,152

Exports of butter to countries other than the United Kingdom in 1917 include 1,499 cwt. to Australia, whilst 19,975 cwt. of cheese was shipped to Egypt.

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 1917 saw the quantity of cheese more than 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 for the year 1918 is given below, from which it will be seen that Auckland has the most horses, Canterbury being second.

HORSES.
Land District (excluding Interior Boroughs).Stallions for Stud.Geldings over Two Years Old.Dry Mares over Two Years Old.Mares with Foal at Foot or to foal this Season.Fillies under Two Years Old.Colts or Geldings under Two Years Old.Other Horses, and Horses unspecified.Total.
Thoroughbred.
Auckland100350346189140120731,318
Hawke's Bay6926827320010779201,016
Taranaki23116113423631..     361
Wellington86476551255199159461,772
Nelson82322232..     60
Marlborough33132542..     77
Westland9161641..     ..     46
Canterbury55260312106696519886
Otago40130114100543215485
Southland141021162524214306
          Totals4071,7721,8959286375111776,327
Draught.
Auckland27914,05211,6731,5471,4621,24315630,412
Hawke's Bay1034,6793,75959746541020810,221
Taranaki673,7802,903301269225357,580
Wellington1286,1305,53181064351410513,861
Nelson141,6521,566189116125163,678
Marlborough341,5691,4851071259433,417
Westland733330363521617791
Canterbury13519,57517,3991,5672,3441,89428543,199
Otago9810,91710,5299651,4021,03415225,097
Southland579,6128,9687591,0938974521,431
          Totals92272,29964,1166,9057,9716,4521,022159,687
Other Breeds (Harness and Saddle).
Auckland14824,04420,1182,7182,6842,2581,56853,538
Hawke's Bay5810,6969,3191,5561,4381,2101,18025,457
Taranaki136,6587,19357668854320315,874
Wellington5113,14213,1221,5711,4431,19482431,347
Nelson121,8521,836122226135794,262
Marlborough111,5651,649140161131333,690
Westland88097331078477501,868
Canterbury639,2608,7337488136941,02921,340
Otago245,4215,08238663246669612,707
Southland203,2603,3593575323752358,138
          Totals40876,70771,1448,2818,7017,0835,897178,221
Ponies under Fourteen Hands.
Auckland311,7731,8011811911842614,422
Hawke's Bay17375494925753201,108
Taranaki1128645660743727951
Wellington19491488683547761,224
Nelson12035681576
Marlborough44280396..     144
Westland127252..     5464
Canterbury274274285849501181,157
Otago819616913261636464
Southland411610722101421294
          Totals1233,7534,0835054594135689,904
Total (All Breeds).
Auckland55840,21933,9384,6354,4773,8052,05889,690
Hawke's Bay24716,01813,8452,4452,0671,7521,42837,802
Taranaki11410,84010,6659791,06783626524,766
Wellington28420,23919,6922,7042,3201,9141,05148,204
Nelson353,5473,4593193532631008,076
Marlborough523,2073,246255299233367,328
Westland251,1851,07717613798712,769
Canterbury28029,52226,8722,4793,2752,7031,45166,582
Otago17016,66415,8941,4642,1141,54889938,753
Southland9513,09012,5501,1631,6591,30730530,169
          Totals1,860154,531141,23816,61917,76814,4597,664354,139
Boroughs15811,0806,8756224063,0221,74823,911
Grand totals2,018165,611148,11317,24118,17417,4819,412378,050

In addition, there were 253 asses and mules in the Dominion, classified as follows:—

ASSES AND MULES.
Land District (excluding Interior Boroughs).Stallions for Stud.Geldings over Two Years Old.Dry Mares over Two Years Old.Mares with Foal at Foot or to foal this Season.Fillies under Two Years Old.Colts or Geldings under Two Years Old.Other Asses and Mules, and Asses and Mules unspecified.Total.
Auckland32013657155
Hawke's Bay134134..     ..     ..     492
Taranaki..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Wellington1146..     ..     ..     122
Nelson..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Marlborough..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Westland..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Canterbury..     2681..     1642
Otago..     212..     ..     ..     124
Southland..     2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     2
          Totals171246376813237
Additional (Boroughs)16       
Grand total263       

PIGS AND GOATS.

The following table shows the number and classification of pigs in the Dominion in 1918. Their numbers have decreased from 283,770 to 258,694 since 1917.

PIGS.
Land District (excluding Interior Boroughs).Boars of All Ages for Stud.Sows of All Ages used or intended for Breeding.Other Pigs.Total.
Pure Berkshire.
Auckland1,3334,54318,38524,261
Hawke's Bay2469853,7524,983
Taranaki5941,1854,6796,458
Wellington6501,8236,0078,480
Nelson1043471,2891,740
Marlborough1253671,5082,000
Westland49167651867
Canterbury6312,82711,08614,544
Otago1505321,0641,746
Southland1083611,0621,531
          Totals3,99013,13749,48366,610
Pure Yorkshire.
Auckland1104139461,469
Hawke's Bay3182203316
Taranaki35152233420
Wellington83273393749
Nelson1673154243
Marlborough1181220312
Westland43080114
Canterbury38178335551
Otago1364451,0221,603
Southland883371,0141,439
          Totals5522,0644,6007,216
Other Purebred Pigs.
Auckland593561,2241,639
Hawke's Bay1942118179
Taranaki42194394630
Wellington36169421626
Nelson1230141183
Marlborough561121187
Westland42096120
Canterbury23137329489
Otago73796140
Southland1269126207
          Totals2191,1153,0664,400
Crossbred.
Auckland6375,30345,49251,432
Hawke's Bay1391,1569,28610,581
Taranaki3522,89526,50029,747
Wellington2942,83924,78227,915
Nelson887056,6497,442
Marlborough335543,7014,288
Westland501751,8812,106
Canterbury1001,74920,54822,397
Otago6467110,30711,042
Southland816457,3628,088
          Totals1,83816,692156,508175,038
Totals (All Breeds).
Auckland2,13910,61566,04778,801
Hawke's Bay4352,26513,35916,059
Taranaki1,0234,42631,80637,255
Wellington1,0635,10431,60337,770
Nelson2201,1558,2339,608
Marlborough1741,0635,5506,787
Westland4073922,7083,207
Canterbury7924,89132,29837,981
Otago3571,68512,48914,531
Southland2891,4129,56411,265
          Totals6,59933,008213,657253,264
Boroughs1166324,6825,430
Grand totals6,71533,640218,339258,694

During the ten years ended the 31st March, 1918, 1,876,001 pigs were slaughtered in New Zealand for food purposes, the weight of pork, bacon, and hams being 2,177,502 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 below:—

Year ended 31st March.Number of Pigs.Weight of Pork, Bacon, and Hams.
          Cwt.
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
1918179,540208,395

The number of Angora goats was 5,931, a decrease of 905 since 1917. Other goats increased by 400 during the period, the number in 1918 being 11,799.

POULTRY.

The number of poultry in New Zealand at the taking of the 1916 census was ascertained to be 3,468,000, a decrease of 225,137 from the number for the year 1911 (3,693,137).

Details as to kind, age, and sex, and a comparison with previous years, are given below:—

1916.Total, 1916.Total, 1911.Total, 1906.
Reared in a Previous Season.Reared in Current Season.
Male Birds.Female Birds.
Fowls198,0562,308,928634,3703,141,3543,215,0312,784,269
Ducks32,907145,39942,502220,808329,230281,999
Turkeys13,26837,3155,93856,52197,93377,101
Geese9,23120,79116,93346,95545,38944,300
Other poultry..     ..     ..     2,3625,5543,935

In the North Island 74,848 householders owned 1,866,608 poultry, in the South Island (including Stewart Island and Chatham Islands) the numbers were 59,313 and 1,596,024 respectively, and in other adjacent islands 73 and 3,006. These figures are exclusive of poultry other than fowls, ducks, turkeys, and geese.

BEE-FARMING.

Bees were first introduced into New Zealand in 1839, and after early vicissitudes bee-farming has steadily increased. The census returns of 1916 show that there were 8,244 households keeping bees in the Dominion, the number of colonies being 57,540. 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 of such establishment or transfer.

Chapter 19. SECTION XIX.— FORESTRY.

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, through various causes, of little use for commercial purposes to any great extent, 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, mire, silver-pine, 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.

Most of the indigenous trees suitable for conversion into marketable timber are slow of growth, and the steps that have been taken in regard to New Zealand forests have been in the direction of conserving the existing supply as far as practicable, while allowing sawmilling to proceed under conditions that ensure the greatest possible use being made of the timber.

Future requirements are also being provided for by planting annually about 2,500 acres of the most suitable exotic timber-yielding trees.

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 fruit-cases, 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 Tarukonga, 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 Ranfurly, 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 that year £10,000 was raised and placed to the credit of the State Forests Account. A further £28,100 was borrowed in 1917–18, the receipts for which year included also a sum of £2,762 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 1917–18 is appended.

STATE FORESTS ACCOUNT.
Receipts.     
     £     
Balance brought forward at commencement of year2,530
Rents, royalties, and fees from State forest reserves10,537
Proceeds from nurseries and plantations—£     
Thinnings871
Trees and seeds sold to farmers911
Sales of sheep, wool, &c.770
Miscellaneous grazing-fees210
     2,762
Debentures issued under section 50, Finance Act, 191628,100
     £43,929
Expenditure.     
     £     
Salaries, wages, and supplies, £ &c, charged to nurseries and plantations38,593
Sundry expenses—Travelling-expenses, postages, &c.690
War bonus1,581
     40,864
Management expenses of State forests987
New Zealand Loans Act, 1908 — Printing debentures1
Interest recouping the Consolidated Fund in respect of debentures issued902
Balance at 31st March, 19181,175
     £43,929

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 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, 1918, there were nearly fifteen million trees in the four nurseries of the Forestry Branch of the Department of Lands, and five and a quarter million trees had been sent out during the preceding twelve months. A total area of 32,645 acres had been planted with seventy-one and a quarter million trees in State plantations, the addition for the year being 2,663 acres. The expenditure for the year 1917–18 included £10,780 on the nurseries and £28,276 on the plantations.

Summaries of the operations in nurseries and plantations to the 31st March, 1918, are given.

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS IN NURSERIES FROM 1896 TO 1918.
Name of Nursery.Total Expenditure.Estimated Number of Trees raised.Output of Trees.
Tree-growing.Maintenance.Buildings, &c.Total.To Plantations.To Outside Places.
* Now closed.
     £     £     £     £        
Rotorua52,2246,61211,83170,66760,786,67454,893,3381,571,836
Tapanui29,0528285,31035,19025,253,03914,774,1681,117,238
Ranfurly15,7373963,38319,5168,316,0375,300,538390,407
Hanmer Springs14,5846653,28818,43718,440,14210,133,880566,154
Starborough*6,399..     2,8579,2563,059,6101,965,0951,094,515
Kurow*960..     2,1103,070172,460..     172,460
          Totals118,9568,40128,779156,136116,027,96287,067,0194,912,610
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS IN PLANTATIONS FROM 1896 TO 1918.
Name of Plantation.Trees.Total Expenditure.Total Area planted.Average Cost 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.

                         £     Acres.£     s.d.
North Island.                                             
Whakarewarewa20,396,416109,7253,773,73016,732,41166,5057,9664152
Waiotapu24,080,27283,1214,866,13419,297,259 54,6217,7044100
Kaingaroa9,682,928..     1,400,3758,282,553 18,7004,9222116
Puhipuhi3,020,764..     2,020,7641,000,00012,9611,200470
South Island.                                             
Conical Hills10,710,376..     1,424,0809,286,296 32,4583,533 ½41610
Pukerau780,860..     12,300768,5603,311536302
Dusky Hill3,038,897..     858,0602,180,83715,050745 ¾11167
Greenvale581,220..     ..     581,2203,932377471
Waitahuna42,025..     11,50030,52524611808
Gimmerburn936,235..     783,339152,8962,9518812178
Naseby4,233,128..     542,6253,690,50312,2271,4854110
Hanmer Springs9,239,408..     1,507,2247,732,18426,5622,886 ½596
Balmoral872,447..     ..     872,4477,472456691
Tekapo48,000..     ..     48,00017729520
Dumgree1,679,765..     1,110,125569,64012,465209*
Galloway6,930..     3,0503,880692..
Omarama4,390..     ..     4,390702..
Raincliff..     ..     ..     50,0001,105206..
          Totals89,354,061192,84618,313,30671,283,601270,88232,358 ¾..

TREE-PLANTING BY FARMERS.

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. As the advantages of the scheme become better 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 total number of trees disposed of to farmers during the year was 487,560, which were valued at £949 10s. 9d.

SUPPLIES OF TIMBER FROM INDIGENOUS FORESTS.

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)134,462,145
Kahikatea (white-pine)85,353,955
Matai (black-pine)11,609,669
Totara10,983,352
Beech5,710,060
Tawa623,342
Taraire490,077
Puriri50,000
Rata31,300
Silver-pine18,000
Pukatea3,300
Yellow-pine2,400
Pinus insignis*25,000
Undefined9,497,940
          Total308,568,278

The figures given in the next table show that the mills 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-supplies.

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 1917 season 25,140 sacks of oysters, valued at £12,548, were picked from the Foveaux Strait beds. Of these, 720 sacks, containing 42,900 dozen oysters, valued at £338, 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 atop 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 during each of the last seven years; 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.
     Sacks.£     £     
19114,7823,0132,447
19127,7285,2124,065
19139,0696,1684,798
19148,3615,7624,087
19159,3966,7155,475
19168,1725,6934,282
191710 3576,8905 819

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 roots of 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 30 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 the Marlborough Sounds has been made recently, and, so far as can be seen at present, this has resulted successfully. A planting of Foveaux Strait oysters in Cook Strait was made last June, and the work is to be continued this year.

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. Fifty-two were taken last season, yielding 240 tons of oil and 40 tons of bonedust, of a total value of £6,040. Whaling operations are also carried on from Kaikoura and Tory Channel, in Marlborough. The value of the product of the Marlborough whale-fisheries in 1917 (263 tons of oil and 1 ton of whalebone) was £7,449, the number of whales caught being forty-six.

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. At present the taking of seals is prohibited.

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 and other rivers considered suitable in the South Island, but no salmon have been caught in those rivers. Similarly, quinnat-salmon fry were liberated in the Waitaki and a few other rivers from 1875 to 1880, but up to 1900 none of the fish had been caught. Beginning with 1901, several more shipments of quinnat-ova were imported by the Government, 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 freshwater fisheries. Last season 1,537,000 quinnat-ova were collected—1,437,000 at Hakataramea and 100,000 from the Dobson River. Of these, 25,000 were supplied to the Tasmanian Government, 500,000 were used to stock the Hokitika River, 500,000 to begin stocking the Wairau River, Marlborough, end 500,000 to stock the Clutha. The fish have now extended along the east coast as far as the Waiau-ua River in the north and the Taieri in the south.

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 or not these attempts 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 1917–18 season 38,217 trout, of a total weight of over 46 tons and a value of £1,727, 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 market is under the management of a Markets Committee appointed by the City Council. The office and premises are situate at Hobson Street Wharf, where the two Municipal trawlers discharge their loads of fish. Two motor-lorries are engaged delivering the fish to the various hotels and fish-shops in Auckland City and suburbs, while an increasing trade is also being done with country districts. At the market facilities are provided for handling and treating fish, and for the performance of necessary work in connection with the industry. The premises comprise a trawling-shed (where nets are repaired and new nets made), store-rooms, receiving and cleaning sheds, boiler-house, seven smoke-houses, refrigerating-chamber, and a shed for treating rabbit-skins.

The staff at the wholesale market consists of a manager, book-keeper, and office staff; two smokers, eighteen cleaners, oysterman, and two motor-drivers.

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and a night staff is provided for receiving, cleaning, and smoking fish for the next day's business. The sales at the wholesale market for the year ending 31st March, 1918, totalled £14,962. In addition, at the retail premises in Queen Street, conducted by a manager, four salesmen, cashier, and oyster-opener, the turnover was £9,433 16s. 5d.

The following statement shows the quantity and variety of fish handled during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1918:—

The s.t. “Cowan,” as a result of twelve months' trawling, brought in 14,034 baskets of about 100 lb. each of mixed fish (chiefly schnapper): total, 626 tons 10 cwt. 2 qr. 6 lb., at a cost of £9 per ton.

The s.t. “Simplon,” for nine and a half months' work, caught 19,160 baskets: total 855 tons 7 cwt. 1 qr. 18 lb., at a cost of £8 10s. per ton.

Additional supplies from co-operative societies, fishermen, and others are as follows:—

Bundles.Purchase Price.Selling Price.
          s.d.s.d.
Schnapper (24 lb. bundles)2,440 bundles2636
Flounder (large)5,011 bundles3640
Flounder (small)7,120 dozen1619
Mullet (Auckland)394 dozen6070
Mullet (Auckland)1,120 dozen5666
Mullet (Onehunga)369 dozen3040
Mullet (Kaipara)3,343 dozen1626
Trevalli17 ½ dozen1620
Gurnard68 dozen0609
Trout10,240 lb.04 ½06
Trout9,463 lb.03 ½04
Crayfish188 dozen200226
Shrimps184 lb.1016
Mussels31 bags8080
Piper961 dozen0405
Dabs190 dozen0609
Hapuku6,425 lb.03 ½04 ½
Whitebait2,178 lb.1013
Oysters287 sacks130136
Mixed fish: dogfish, dory, bream, butterfish, tarakihi, &c.570 dozen2026
Rabbits6,053 pairs1112

WELLINGTON.

For several years the Municipal Fish-market was conducted by the City Corporation in a building situated on Jervois Quay, near the water front. 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)5 per lb.
Hake6 per lb.
Warehou3 per lb.
Flat fish10 per lb.
Blue cod (smoked)10 per lb.
Blue cod6 per lb.
Schnapper5 per lb.
Kingfish4 per lb.
Gurnard3 per lb.
Tarakihi3 per lb.
Moki3 per lb.
Butterfish (according to size)6 to 1s. 6d. each.
Crayfish (according to size)3 to 1s. each.
Oysters6 per dozen.

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 Dominion in each of the past five years:—

FISHING-BOATS LICENSED, 1913–17,
Port.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Auckland341389216284136
Blenheim4612712
Bluff8681706657
Chatham Islands..     ..     142014
Dunedin8891949273
Gisborne1528171723
Greymouth996812
Hokianga1815262715
Hokitika..     ..     121
Invercargill3442444223
Kaiapoi..     ..     40..     36
Kaipara4342543522
Karamea..     ..     3..     ..     
Kawhia..     ..     5..     ..     
Lyttelton22126117415848
Mangonui13..     ..     ..     ..     
Napier5751656853
Nelson7083726960
New Plymouth1820212320
Oamaru3128343229
Picton3632262220
Rangiora..     ..     14..     10
Russell5567754735
Southbridge..     ..     11..     19
Tauranga2032411320
Thames4157604830
Timaru2326272322
Wanganui Wellington71317156
Westport1616181810
          Totals1,2971,4591,3301,220885

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, 1918. The figures are as follows:—

Port.Kinds of Fish caught.Total Weight.Total Value.

* Not available.

† Included in figures for Auckland.

          Cwt.£     
RussellMullet, schnapper, crayfish, kahawai, king-fish, garfish, tarakihi2,3002,050
HokiangaMullet, schnapper, kahawai, hapuku**
WhangareiMullet, schnapper, hapuku, flounder3,0002,000
KaiparaMullet, schnapper, flounder5,6003,260
AucklandSchnapper, flounder, trevalli, tarakihi, moki, gurnard, triggerfish114,48039,305
ThamesFlounder, schnapper
TaurangaSchnapper, kahawai, trevalli*..     
GisborneSchnapper, flounder, sole, gurnard, kingfish4,4705,224
NapierGurnard, blue cod, red cod, mullet, flounder, sole, butterfish, horse-mackerel, schnapper, hapuku, moki, trumpeter, ling, barracouta, kingfish, trevalli, warehou, crayfish22,50014,143
New PlymouthSchnapper, gurnard, kahawai, hapuku, herring, crayfish, whitebait**
WanganuiSchnapper, blue cod, hapuku, flounder, mullet, kahawai230618
FoxtonFlounder, schnapper, whitebait**
WellingtonHapuku, hake, schnapper, tarakihi, kahawai, trumpeter, blue cod, red cod, flounder, sole, warehou17,20015,300
PictonBlue cod, flounder, butterfish2,0001,700
BlenheimSole, tarakihi, red cod, ling, flounder, moki, turbot, brill, crayfish, whitebait700800
NelsonFlounder, sole, hapuku, butterfish, schnapper, moki, warehou276 ½281
WestportHapuku, schnapper, blue cod, kahawai, sole, herring, flounder, whitebait, crayfish9181,648
GreymouthSole, flounder, hapuku, schnapper, red cod, ling herring128 ½327
HokitikaWhitebait, herring, groper, cod, kahawai, ling, flounder, sole, schnapper, elephant-fish160 ¼938
KaikouraHapuku, trumpeter, moki, ling, blue cod, sole, flounder4,0004,200
RangioraWhitebait, flounder, herring58 ¼641
KaiapoiWhitebait, flounder, herring, kahawai432 ½2,120
New BrightonWhitebait**
SouthbridgeFlounder, red cod3001,400
LytteltonGroper, ling, red cod, conger-eel, flounder, sole, trevalli, herring, garfish, butterfish, moki12,40012,250
AkaroaGroper, blue cod, red cod, trevalli, moki, butterfish, flounder, sole, ling, crayfish2,2801,892
TimaruGroper, sole, brill, barracouta, kingfish, gurnard, ling, red cod7,2007,200
OamaruGroper, red cod, moki, blue cod, barracouta, warehou6,3893,425
MoerakiDitto2,6402,040
Dunedin and Port ChalmersGroper, trumpeter, mullet, garfish, bream, kingfish, ling, blue cod, red cod, barracouta, moki, tarakihi, trevalli37,20031,611
InvercargillBlue cod, groper, trout660 ½900
BluffBlue cod, groper, trout, flounder, trevalli5,9118,571
Stewart IslandBlue cod, groper, butterfish, moki5,389 ½6,116
Chatham IslandsBlue cod. hapuku5,954 ½5,216
          Totals     264,841175,176

In addition, the produce of the oyster-fisheries was valued at £19,438, and of the whale-fisheries at £12,489.

A further table is given below 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, 1918:—

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.

* Whitebait-fishing.

† Including Kaiapoi. Styx, New Brighton, Southbridge, and Akaroa.

Russell..     ..     357050120
Hokianga..     ..     15201232
Whangarei..     ..     510515
Kaipara..     ..     2240..     40
Auckland6..     130247530777
Thames..     ..     30601575
Tauranga..     ..     2020..     20
Gisborne2..     2156662
Napier9..     359218110
New Plymouth..     ..     20301040
Wanganui..     359918
Foxton..     ..     910..     10
Wellington2..     75152135287
Picton1..     1950..     50
Blenheim..     669312
Nelson1..     59202040
Westport28820..     20
Greymouth12915..     15
Hokitika..     ..     188*12*100
Kaikoura..     ..     615..     15
Rangiora..     ..     1012..     12
Lyttelton and Sumner419118184..     184
Timaru181332840
Oamaru and Moeraki..     ..     2942..     42
Dunedin and Port Chalmers226912981210
Invereargill..     ..     2350..     50
Bluff4..     53115..     115
Stewart Island..     ..     2960868
Chatham Islands..     ..     14322355
Grand totals35578881,6899452,630

Included in New Zealand produce exported during the past five years were,—

Item.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Fish23,72134,77837,16637,47523 818
Oysters2,8132,3962,0571,340244
Whalebone1,5371,243250280..     
Whale-oil18,4812,9103,0111,6475,511
Ambergris26,800920..     ..     ..     
Other products of fisheries1592,4172,4121,751210
          Totals73,51144,66444,89642,49329,783

The value of fish imported in 1917 was £104,803.

Chapter 21. SECTION XXI.—MINING.

BY order of the Imperial Government the publication of particulars regarding the export of gold is prohibited until the end of the war. The annual gold-mining statistics formerly given in the Year-book are therefore omitted from this issue.

The yield of silver to the end of 1917 amounted to £2,286,792 in value, the value of that exported in 1917 being £105,299.

Of other minerals, the value of the output to the same date amounts to £43,911,355, of which kauri-gum has yielded £18,169,939, and coal £25,060,806.

The quantities and values of metals and minerals, other than gold, obtained during the year 1917, and the total value of mining produce since 1853, are,—

     1917.Total Value since 1853.
     Oz.£     £     
Silver787,152105,2992,286,792
     Tons.          
Copper-ore616319,372
Chrome-ore..     ..     38,002
Antimony-ore..     ..     54,941
Manganese-ore..     ..     61,905
Hæmatite ore..     ..     469
Tungsten-ore16128,972230,522
Sulphur (crude)1/10213,241
Mixed minerals2,3516,679231,556
Coal2,068,4191,186,71025,060,806
Kauri-gum4,594291,91718,167,939
Shale..     ..     7,236

In the case of 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 1915 is shown in the following table:—

State.Gold.Silver and Lead.Copper.Tin.Coal.Other Minerals.Totals.
* Inclusive of kauri-gum, £17,536,140.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     £     
New S'th Wales61,190,37071,328,23712,891,94310,282,81180,020,45422,918,878258,632,693
Victoria296,703,957224,799218,590804,0413,301,772535,025301,788,184
Queensland78,466,9752,453,02715,156,0188,814,0426,606,6362,561,297114,057,995
South Australia1,001,021311,68529,214,272......2,093,64832,650,626
N'th'n Territory2,093,87778,665345,458382,869...56,8352,957,704
W'st'n Australia125,258,153927,3371,384,2081,212,4671,509,59294,489130,386,246
Tasmania7,739,4176,766,65911,838,22013,056,191656,601261,00440,318,092
Commonwealth572,453,77082,120,40971,048,70934,552,42192,095,05528,521,176880,791,540
New Zealand84,648,4632,096,38219,209...22,610,06718,074,675*127,448,796
          Totals657,102,23384,216,79171,067,91834,552,421114,705,12246,595,851*1008,240,336

GOLD-MINING.

Gold-mining operations in New Zealand are divided into three branches, viz.: (1) Quartz-mining, (2) alluvial mining, and (3) dredging.

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. Quartz-mining is conducted on a considerable scale in the North Island in the Ohinemuri County, and to a less extent in the Thames and Coromandel Counties. The mountain-ranges and hills of andesite and other volcanic rocks which form the Hauraki Goldfields are intersected by lodes containing gold and silver. In the South Island quartz-mining operations are carried on in the Reefton and Blackwater districts, also to a small extent in the Wakamarina Valley (Marlborough). In Otago the only quartz-mining operations of importance are in connection with the working of quartz-mines in which scheelite is associated with gold.

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.

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 thirty-five during 1917.

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 from 1907 to 1916 inclusive:—

Year.Total Number of Dredges workingValue of Production.Average Production per Dredge.Dividend-paying Dredges owned by Registered Companies.Number of Persons employed.
NumberDividends.
          £     £          £          
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 1915 was as follows:—

     1900.1905.1910.1915.
     Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.Fine Ounces.
* Including Northern Territory.
Queensland676,026592,622441,402249,711
New South Wales252,116274,267188,857132,498
Victoria760,319747,163570,363329,068
South Australia*19,41818,08611,7037,066
Western Australia1,414,3121,955,3171,470,6331,210,112
Tasmania74,44573,54037,04818,547
New Zealand338,912492,954446,431398,932
          Totals3,535,5484,153,9493,166,4372,345,934

The value is as follows: 1900, £15,018,040; 1905, £17,644,846; 1910, £13,450,158; 1915, £9,964,892.

Even allowing for the effects of the war, it is evident that the annual output for Australia and New Zealand is decreasing to a very considerable extent. The output for each of the ten years 1906–15 was,—

Year.Fine Ounces.
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
19152,345,934

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, 1896–1916.
Year.Fine Ounces.
* Subject to revision.
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
191622,107,669*

SILVER.

Nearly the whole of the silver-production of New Zealand, amounting in value at the end of 1917 to £2,286,792, 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 mined 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 1917 amounted to 161 tons, valued at £28,972, as compared with 266 tons, valued at £49,070, in 1916.

The following statement shows the quantity and value of scheelite exported since the year 1899:—

Year.Quantity exported.Value.
     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
191716128,972
          Totals1,994230,522

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 (since May, 1918) of £3 8s. per 1 per cent. of tungstic acid in the shipment, c.i.f. London or Liverpool, being quite double the average price for several years previous to the war.

The quantity of tungsten-ore mined during 1917 was 199 ½ tons (value £37,863).

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.

IRON-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 66 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

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.

Another class of deposit consists of magnetic ironsand, more or less titaniferous, which occurs along the seashore in the neighbourhood of New Plymouth, in the North Island. This has originated through the disintegration of hornblende-andesites and their tufas, which occur very extensively near New Plymouth around the volcanic cone of Mount Egmont. It is quite impossible to give any definite idea of the quantity of this ironsand; undoubtedly, however, it exists in immense quantities, and is measurable in millions of tons.

Between the years 1869 and 1918 there have been several attempts made to smelt Taranaki ironsand.

Near the Breakwater, New Plymouth, the New Zealand Iron-ore Smelting Company (Limited), which was formed for working the beach ironsand, commenced smelting during the latter part of 1917, but the results not then being entirely satisfactory operations were suspended to enable alterations to be made to the plant. During September, 1918, smelting was resumed, and an improved pig iron was obtained in grades varying from grey to white.

The following is a brief description of the process of manufacture: The ironsand from the beach is dried and magnetically concentrated. It is then mixed with 10 per cent. of its weight of coking-coal, and the mixture is ground in a Fuller mill. From this mill the mixture is elevated to an eggette machine, which turns out eggettes without any binder being added. These eggettes are gently roasted in a small vertical oven. It is considered important not to heat too strongly at this stage. The furnace-charge consists of 2,000 lb. eggettes (with a considerable proportion of fines) containing 50 per cent. of iron, 2000 lb. Westport coke, 700 lb. limestone (from Napier), and 300 lb. road-metal (andesite). When the furnace is working well this charge is given every hour or less, and takes about fifteen hours to go through. The hotblast has a temperature of about 1,000° F., and has a pressure at the blower of 20 oz. and at the tuyeres of 16 oz. The height of the blast-furnace is 46 ft. 3 in. over all. The diameter at the top is 6 ft., at the bosches 9 ft., and at the hearth 4 ft. Air heated by waste gases is utilized for a hotblast. This furnace has a water-jacket and water-cooled tuyeres.

The following is an analysis of the ironsand after magnetic concentration:—

* Equivalent to phosphorus, 0.30 per cent.

† Equivalent to metallic iron, 56.36 per cent.

Silica (SiO2)5.40
Alumina (AlO3)1.53
Lime (CaO)1.81
Magnesia (MgO)2.80
Phosphoric anhydride*0.69
Titanium-dioxido (TiO2)10.45
Ferrous oxide (FeO)28.71
Ferric oxide (Fe2O3)48.61
     100.00

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 1917 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.

MANGANESE-ORE.

Manganese-ore has been found at Otau, Wairoa, Bay of Islands, Purua Bay, Mangapai, Otonga, Waihoke 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 1917 amounted to 19,364 ½ tons, value £61,905.

CINNABAR.

After several unsuccessful attempts, extending over a number of years, to work our cinnabar-deposits in the Auckland Province, satisfactory and profitable results have been obtained by the Whangarei Cinnabar Mining Company, whose mine and furnace are situated at Puhipuhi, about twenty-eight miles by road from Whangarei.

This company, having installed a furnace at its mine, has successfully treated two trial parcels of ore with the following results: 1917–68 tons of ore yielded 1,500 lb. of mercury; 1918–130 tons of ore yielded 2,625 lb. of mercury. This mercury sold at 5s. and 7s. per pound respectively f.o.b. Auckland. It is estimated that there are 3,000 tons of ore in sight for stoping. Cinnabar-prospecting operations have also been carried out in the locality by two other small parties. The number of persons employed at the North Auckland cinnabar-mines is sixteen.

For the purpose of encouraging the cinnabar-mining industry the Government on the 1st August, 1917, published in the New Zealand Gazette a notice that a bonus of 4d. per pound would be paid on the production of the first 100,000 lb. of good marketable retorted quicksilver, free from impurities, from any mine in New Zealand on the following conditions:—

  1. That at least one-half of the quantity is produced on or before the 31st March, 1920, and the remaining half on or before the 31st March, 1921.

  2. The first instalment of the bonus will be paid when 50,000 lb. of quicksilver has been produced as stipulated to the satisfaction of an officer to be appointed by the Minister of Mines, and on whose certificate alone the bonus will be paid.

  3. In the event of more than one person producing the required quantities of quicksilver before the dates named, inquiry will be made by the officer above referred to, when, if it is found that each applicant is equally entitled to a bonus, the amount will be divided in proportion to the quantities produced by each applicant, but in no case shall any bonus be paid until at least 50,000 lb. of quicksilver has been produced in the aggregate.

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.

PLATINUM.

In the published lists of minerals of New Zealand platinum is stated to occur in several places associated generally with gold in gravel. It is only from Southland, however, that platinum has been mined and exported.

The Customs Department has not kept any separate record of the quantity and value of platinum entered for exportation, the value of this metal exported being included in a general total of exports by parcel-post, by which means platinum has generally been despatched from the Dominion.

In Southland native platinum occurs in auriferous wash, and is distributed on the beaches and coastal terraces from Blue Cliffs, west of Invercargill, to Longbeach, Waikawa River, east of Invercargill, over a distance of about ninety-two miles. It is probable that the platiniferous sands of Southland have been derived from serpentine or other olivine-bearing rocks, which are known to occur in Fiordland. In Russia and in Lapland platinum has been found in a matrix of serpentine (altered peridotite).

Native platinum has been obtained in payable quantities from claims at Cameron Creek, Groveburn, Orepuki, Pahi, Round Hill, Steel Head, Bushy Point, Waipapa, Otara Beach, Twelve-mile Beach, and Waikawa. The coarsest and heaviest samples have been obtained from west of the Waiau River, that obtained east of Otara being extremely fine. Direct from the gold-saving mats at the alluvial workings at the Waikoau River, Rowallen, as high a proportion as 1 oz. platinum to 3 oz. gold has been obtained.

The platinum is collected by miners as a residue, after amalgamation, of alluvial gold, and is reduced by further washing to about a 50–per-cent. concentrate, the remainder of the concentrate being chiefly iridosmine (osmiridium).

During the earlier and more prosperous era of gold-mining alluvial miners did not save the platinum, as the banks would not give more than a few shillings per ounce for mat concentrates of platinum and osmium-iridium; consequently by far the greater proportion collected on the gold-saving matting at alluvial claims was thrown away. As years passed the price increased; about 1907 it reached £6 per ounce for new refined platinum; during 1917 it was quoted on the London metal-market at £14 10s. per ounce.

The following are the results of assays of concentrates taken direct from the gold-saving mats of Smith's Claim, Round Hill: No. 1 sample—Gold per ton of concentrate, 55 oz.; platinum per ton of concentrate, 72 oz. No. 2 sample—Gold per ton of concentrate, 15 oz.; platinum per ton of concentrate, 51.5 oz.

The following is the result of an assay of a sample of concentrate from rich wash from the Otara Claim: Osmiridium, 15 dwt. 7 gr. per ton; platinum, 7 dwt. 14 gr. per ton; gold, 4 dwt. 22 gr. per ton; monazite, 2.07 per cent.; thoria, 0.67 per cent.

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.

The only recent operations in connection with the sulphur-deposits were carried out at Rotorua, near the Postmaster Bath at the southern shore of the lake, by the New Zealand Drug Company, who obtained during 1917 1,120 tons from pockets in the sinter. To the end of that year 4,841 tons of crude sulphur were obtained from the same locality. During 1916 the company was granted a three-years lease of Section 3 of the Sanatorium Reserve for sulphur-mining purposes at a royalty of 15s. per ton The sulphur is used at the chemical-works of the company.

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.

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 in normal times 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 little..Very little..Small.
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 (46,173,033 tons) and the coal lost by being left in the mines 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 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-Mokiliinui 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 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 coalfield:—

Name of Coalfield.Output during 1917.Approximate Total Output up to 31st December, 1917.
     Tons.Tons.
North Auckland101,3203,613,954
Waikato (including Mokau)369,3184,929,983
Nelson19,616328,287
Buller652,18315,053,254
Inangahua14,766279,275
Grey460,2139,170,671
Canterbury18,063736,660
Otago274,3069,127,443
Southland158,6342,919,063
          Totals2,068,41946,158,590

The following statement shows the tons of coal and shale raised, persons employed, lives lost by accidents in or about coal-mines, &c., from 1898 to 1917:—

Year.Output.Persons employed above and below Ground.Tons raised per each Person employed Underground.Lives lost.
Per Million Tons raised.Per Thousand Persons employed.Number by Accident.

* All the principal collieries were rendered idle by the strike during November and December.

† Year of Ralph's (Huntly) explosion.

1898907,0332,0036271.100.491
1899975,2342,1536093.071.393
19001,093,9902,4605933.651.624
19011,239,6862,7546002.421.093
19021,365,0402,8856551.460.692
19031,420,2292,8526652.811.404
19041,537,8383,2886092.601.214
19051,585,7563,2696513.781.836
19061,729,5363,6926873.461.626
19071,831,0093,9106626.553.0712
19081,860,9753,8946412.681.285
19091,911,2474,1916333.651.797
19102,197,3624,5996347.283.5516
19112,066,0734,2907066.773.2614
19122,177,6154,3286814.132.089
1913*1,888,0054,2505903.181.386
19142,275,6144,73463921.5310.3549
19152,208,6244,1567114.072.169
19162,257,1353,9887502.651.506
19172,068,4193,9837151.931.004
          Totals to date46,173,033..     ..     ..     ..     329

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.

The gross capital expenditure on the State coal-mines up to the 31st March, 1918, amounted to £359,730, and no less than £208,400 of this amount has now been written off out of profits for depreciation, &c., being nearly 58 per cent. of the total capital embarked. The present book value of the assets is loss than £150,000, but the actual value is largely in excess of that sum.

Owing to the approaching exhaustion of the present Point Elizabeth State Mine it has become necessary to secure another suitable colliery to take its place.

An area of coal-bearing land in the Waikato district has recently been under consideration, and an option has been obtained over it. The land is now being carefully bored and otherwise tested.

A valuable extension of the Point Elizabeth coal-measure has, however, recently been proved in the low coastal lulls to the north of the Point Elizabeth Colliery, towards Nine-mile Creek. Boring is still in progress in this area, but sufficient evidence has already been obtained to justify the statement that a workable coal-seam of superior quality and easy of access has been proved, and that the area exceeds 200 acres. The coal-seam, which is probably identical with that mined at Point Elizabeth, varies in thickness up to 22 ft.

The output from the Point Elizabeth and Liverpool State collieries during 1917 was 266,267 tons, of which 119,411 tons was produced from the Point Elizabeth Colliery, and 146,856 tons from the Liverpool Colliery. The State coal business during the year ended the 31st March, 1918, resulted in a profit of £24,467, as compared with a profit of £18,521 during the previous year. The average price realized for State coal during the twelve months was £1 2s. 4d. per ton, as compared with 19s. 4.76d. 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 for petroleum has been carried on in Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, and Westland. The principal operations were those of the Taranaki Oil-wells (Limited), situated at Moturoa and Waitara; six boreholes have been drilled at the former place and two at the latter, the greatest depth attained being 4,040 ft., at Moturoa. This company gained the Government bonus of £7,500 for the production of the first 1,000,000 gallons of marketable crude oil, and £1,250 for the first 250,000 gallons of refined oil.

The deepest oil-prospecting bore in the Dominion is that of the Taranaki Oil Lands Company (Limited), at Moturoa, where a depth of 5,140 ft. has been attained, and drilling operations are still being continued.

The petroleum industry of New Zealand has not so far proved profitable, the yields of oil hitherto obtained being too small to cover expenses. To encourage the industry the Government has paid by way of bonus, loans, or subsidy over £20,000, and is still assisting.

KAURI-GUM.

During 1917 the quantity of kauri-gum exported amounted to 4,594 tons, value £291,917, as compared with 5,456 tons, value £339,882, during 1916. The total value of kauri-gum exported to the end of the year 1917 amounted to £18,167,939.

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 yields 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.

The only operations in connection with the quarrying of phosphate were those of the Ewing Phosphate Company at Clarendon, Otago, which produced during last year 5,050 tons, the total output of this company being 107,522 tons. The total output from other phosphate-quarries in the Clarendon-Milburn district to the end of 1917 was about 5,470 tons.

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.

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 table shows the number of quarries under the Stone-quarries Act, 1910, the number of persons ordinarily employed thereat, and the annual output of crude stone:—

Provincial DistrictNumber of Working Quarries under the Act.Number of Persons ordinarily employed.Output of Crude Stone during 1917.
Stone of Gravel for Macadamizing or Ballast.Stone for Harbour-works.Building-stone.Limestone for Agriculture.Limestone for Cement or Mortar.Phosphate for Agriculture.For other Purposes.
               Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Auckland60438404,28369,795..     4,74695,187..     ..     
Hawke's Bay6597,78413,2221,970..     6,240..     ..     
Taranaki246231,430..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Wellington1510236,999..     ..     ..     7,250..     ..     
Marlborough25..     ..     ..     312..     ..     ..     
Nelson5682,40028,2541,20070025,278..      
Westland275,184..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     
Canterbury1410166,66851,5742,5312,6443,765..     3,124
Otago1710357,67217,31620836,50116,8705,050..     
Southland6557,841..     14024,958127..     ..     
          Totals1511,000620,261180,1616,40969,861154,7175,0503,124

ACCIDENTS AT MINES AND QUARRIES.

AT METAL MINES.

The following is a summary of accidents (and their causes) which took place in metalliferous mines during 1917:—

Inspection District.Explosives.Falls of Ground.In Shafts.Miscellaneous Underground.Surface.About Dredges.Total.
Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.Killed.Seriously Injured.
Northern1..     1..     12..     121..     ..     54
West Coast..     ..     11..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     11
Southern..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1..     
          Totals1..     2112..     1211..     75

These figures represent a rate of 2.03 fatalities per 1,000 persons employed.

AT COAL-MINES.

The following is a summary of accidents during 1917, 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 of ground1166
Explosives..     ..     11
Haulage111010
Miscellaneous—    
Underground1255
On surface..     ..     11
          Totals342323

The proportion of deaths by accident in or about coal-mines during 1917 was 1.93 per million tons raised and 1 per 1,000 persons employed. On two occasions only during the history of coal-mining in New Zealand has the annual proportion been less. This result compares most favourably with those obtained in Great Britain, which generally stands ahead of all other countries as regards the low proportion of fatal colliery accidents. For comparison it may be stated that during the past four years at British collieries fatal accidents per 1,000 persons employed amounted to 1.53, 1.35, 0.73, and 1.22 respectively, and per million tons of coal raised 4.84, 3.75, 3.64, and 4.36.

AT QUARRIES.

The following is a summary of accidents which look place during 1917 at stone-quarries and places within the operation of the Stone-quarries Act:—

Cause of Accident.Number of Accidents.Number of Persons.
Fatal.Serious.Killed.Seriously Injured.
Explosives..     1..     1
Falls of ground1111
Falling from face, or during ascent or descent1..     1..     
Miscellaneous..     1..     1
          Totals2323

STATE AID TO MINING.

SUBSIDIZED PROSPECTING.

During the year ended 31st March.. 1918, nine approved prospecting parties were granted subsidies amounting to £1,933, of which £882 was expended during the year. In addition to this, £518 granted during previous years was expended by fifteen other parties. Upon these operations sixty-seven persons were engaged intermittently during the year. The results disclosed were in some cases very encouraging, resulting in one instance in the installation of an up-to-date dredging plant, and in another to the formation of a sluicing company which is already expending considerable capital.

In addition to subsidized prospecting parties, financial aid towards prospecting deep levels which was given during the previous year to two West Coast companies produced encouraging results, especially in the case of the North Blackwater Mine.

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, 1918, amounted to £6,911.

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 1917, by which gold to the value of about £15,075 was obtained. The average earnings per mine for the past year, after deducting the sum paid for Government water, amounted to £180, and from this must be deducted all expenditure on plant, rent, &c.

For the year ended 31st March, 1918, the sum received for water sold amounted to £2,430, and the expenditure on the upkeep of the races amounted to £3,221.

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 Sohram-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 extensively used by hirers, and much useful exploration was carried out.

SCHOOLS OF MINES.

There are Government subsidized schools of mines at Coromandel, Thames, Waihi, Karangahake, Bluntly, Westport, and Reefton.

For the year ended 31st March, 1918, the expenditure by the Mines Department on schools of mines amounted to £4,553. The total expenditure of these schools, exclusive of subsidies paid to the University of Otago School of Mines, amounted on the 31st March, 1918, to £74,943.

BOARD OF EXAMINERS.

Examinations are held by the Board of Examiners annually of candidates for certificates as first-class and second-class mine-managers, battery, superintendents, and dredgemasters under the Mining Act, 1908, and for certificates as first-class 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 ½d. 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, 1917.Year ended 31st March, 1918.
£     £     
Contributions1,9801,655
Allowances on account or accidents, &c.1,4271,193
Balance8,1728,980

MINER'S PHTHISIS ACT.

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 minor'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 since then 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 ½0d. per unit generated.

POWER IN USE.

The following table shows the actual horse-power in use in the various districts at the 31st March, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918:—

     1914.1915.1916.1917.1918.

* Including Nelson North.

† Excluding Nelson North, now included in Marlborough.

Auckland13,64012,93312,15315,20615,113
Hawke's Bay..     93555 ½90
Taranaki2,7822,8532,9683,1223,255
Wellington389663711713749
Marlborough202174291*127 ¼*88*
Nelson680640583554 ½548
Westland3,6623,5953,5793,6093,611
Canterbury1,1679,6829,6429,040 ½12,468
Otago10,61710,55510,73510,78910,625
Southland1,8171,9121,9211,9251,939
          Totals34,95643,01642,61845,141 ¾48,487

The following table gives the analysis of the purposes for which this water-power was employed as on the 31st March, 1918:—

WATER-POWER IN USE ON THE 31ST MARCH, 1918.
District.Mining.Electric Supply.Flax-mills.Sawmills.Flour-mills.Dairying.Construction-works.Freezing-works.Paper-mills.Miscellaneous.Totals.
Auckland North2,680..     ..     ..     ..     20..     ..     ..     52,846
Auckland1,9446121017..     3012610..     972,846
Auckland South..     9,410145..     ..     3..     ..     ..     49,562
Hawke's Bay..     34..     15..     12..     ..     ..     28 ½89 ½
Taranaki..     2,046203030939..     24..     1663,255
Wellington Nth...     45250..     ..     3..     ..     ..     ..     505
Wellington..     55 ½..     45..     62 ½..     ..     ..     81244
Marlborough Nelson North11 ½10261620..     ..     ..     ..     588 ½
Nelson South269 ½158654..     12..     ..     ..     48 ½548
Westland1,1751,7452737..     ..     600..     ..     273,611
Canterbury..     12,028 ½82..     12715..     ..     ..     9012,342 ½
Canterbury Sth...     3230..     54..     ..     ..     ..     10126
Otago13910,025 ½37..     116 ½29..     ..     ..     278 ½10,625 ½
Southland11526 ½462945..     ..     1,20045027 ½1,939
          Totals6,33436,635479243392 ½1,125 ½7261,23445086848,487

The following table gives details of the chief installations from which power is distributed for public supply. Of the sixteen stations mentioned, eleven are operated by local authorities, two by the State, two 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*State8,0006,0006566,000
DunedinCity Council8,0006,0003235,000
RotoruaState380200136,600
HaweraElectric Light Company400250125,000
StratfordBorough Council1509022,000
New PlymouthBorough Council1,15078556,600
Ingle woodBorough Council20012033,200
PateaBorough Council674543,000
Te ArohaBorough Council25515033,000
OhakuneBorough Council16012012,400
TaurangaBorough Council2131601811,000
AkaroaBorough Council50301220
TaihapeBorough Council1331002460
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 1d. per unit for lighting, and from 2d. to ½d. per unit for power purposes.

The output for the year 1917–18 was as follows:—

     Units sold: Average Price per Unit.
 Numberd.
Private lighting2,188,4233.48
Public lighting391,5580.74
Power and heating7,185,546.0.78
Tramways2,626,0240.72
          Total supply12,391,5511.38

The total outlay to the 31st March, 1918, was £495,919, including distribution; the total revenue for the year ended the 31st March, 1918, £71,289; and the total expenditure, including interest, sinking fund, depreciation, and renewal funds, £58,217, leaving a net profit of £13,072. The number of consumers supplied was 7,325, and the total capacity of all connections to the mains at the 31st March, 1918, was 16,860 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, sixty-five miles west of Christ-church. 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 Christ church, thus ensuring continuity of supply, each line having a capacity of 5,000 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 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 ½d. per unit for power in small units, and special rates ranging from ½d. to ¼d. per unit for special contracts.

The growth of the supply and the general financial results are as follows:—

Results of Operation forFirst Year, ending March, 1916.Second Year, ending March, 1917.Third Year, ending March, 1918.
Capital outlay£320,330£366,984£389,754
Working costs£9,383£12,889£14,449
Interest 4 per cent.£11,398£13,743£14,871
Depreciation 2 per cent.£5,386£6,078£7,013
          Total costs£26,167£32,710£36,333
          Total revenue£8,518£20,754£32,092
Maximum load, kw.—               
Power-house1,3724,3665,438
Substation1,2203,9004,800
Units output—               
Power-house4,860,26014,774,96022,403,660
Substation4,128,23212,934,23020,539,430
          Total units sold3,994,76711,664,96119,844,676
Average weekly load facto: per cent.—               
Power-house44.352.958.0
Substation43.353.158.4
Working cost per unit sold0.56d.0.265d.0.175d.
Capital charge per unit sold1.01d.0.41d.0.265d.
          Total cost per unit sold1.57d.0.675d.0.44d,
Revenue per unit sold0.51d.0.45d.0.388d.

To the above costs must be added the cost of retailing by the various local authorities.

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 1917 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 per 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 51 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 per hour of 2 ½d. per “sluice head,” which is equivalent to a flow of 1 cubic foot per second. 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.

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 was 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 establishments4,4024,670268
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£6,354,504£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)31,729,00245,454,18413,725,182
          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
Southland               293306
          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 leadlights6..     ..     3..     ..     ..     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—                                                       
Tinned - plate and sheet - metal works354930..     2311129115
Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.8..     ..     5..     ..     ..     25222
Engineering-works45363325322194142
Electrical-engineering works6..     ..     3..     ..     ..     21214
Rangemaking-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 fireworks makers3..     ..     ..     ..     1..     1..     ..     5
Machines, tools, and implements—                                                       
Agricultural-machinery works2..     12..     1..     53316
Brush and broom factories71..     1..     ..     ..     12..     12
Carriages and vehicles—                                                       
Coachbuilding-works862416461103574921313
Motor and cycle works123844226612311172
Harness, saddlery, and leather-ware—                                                       
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 cabinetmaking87201060257352110257
Blindmaking3..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     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..     14207848581921261882225 
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..     55..     ..     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
Rangemaking1..     2221..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1110
Wireworking..     ..     ..     ..     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
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.
Tanning and fellmongery..     55181428..     ..     ..     13..     359
Ship and boat building2153344..     22..     11331
Sail, tent, and oilskin2553951..     1..     ..     23541
Furniture and cabinetmaking38152236264611101615121126257
Blinds..     ..     ..     3..     ..     2..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     5
Mattress-factories..     ..     ..     25441..     ..     11..     119
Rug and mat..     ..     ..     3211..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     7
Paint and varnish..     ..     ..     12..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     4
Ink-factories..     ..     ..     1..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     1
Starch..     2..     111..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     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
Tailoring4121837646110226162536272117496
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..     ..     2361222112819976
Jewellery..     261412812114112973
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.Horsepower.
               £               £     £     
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 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 leadlights513,69512,695..     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-milling8143,000121,00010,86011,600
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 Vendors, included in (b).
          £     £     £     £     
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-mills10252,190228,00617,7505,500
Biscuit-factories7105,234103,16240,80220,007
Fruit-preserving566,90062,8955,30021,560
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
19113,980,9215,174,8907,665,54816,731,359
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.

Industry.1895–96.1900–1.1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
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 establishments (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
Industry.1895–96.1900–1.1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
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
Rangemaking-works..     193230271235
Rope and twine works150192195190235
Electric light and supply..     52118170223
Chemical-works1149517898213
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 leadlights691484100
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
Blindmaking4551353422
Flock-mills..     ..     ..     ..     21
Wool 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.
189622,9861,776,07677544,403131,51629175
190136,2922,972,19381171110,555330,4543162
190644,9463,979,59388101011,413478,02641178
191142,2674,865,4261151313,967706,84450122
191643,9705,868,7881339613,853785,71656144

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 Horsepower.
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
Nelson1569393112..     ..     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 saddlery 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, 1905–6, 1900–1, and 1895–96.

TOTAL VALUE OF ALL MANUFACTURES OR PRODUCE, INCLUDING REPAIRS.
Industry.1895–96.1900–1.1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
     £     £     £     £     £     
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, boilermaking, machinists &c., (not including Government Railway Workshops)302,815870,864813,5631,125,6401,008,367
Tailoring establishments..     301,356578,416936,237828,840
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..     312,436331,268575,059568,472
Ham- and bacon-curing establishments86,022159,564253,937371,621524,929
Coachbuilding-works148,969216,077294,818396,012487,824
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 sheet-metal works63,72398,587127,150160,584300,387
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
Rangemaking-works..     53,30764,27182,60083,776
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-factories9,35731,26567,538140,44262,828
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..     6,732..     16,26013,187

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 1915–16.Value 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.

† Particulars in reference to the Government Printing Office and the Government Railway Workshops are not included in the table.

                         £     £     £          £     £     £     
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-mills533721633858,84280259,6443,7501,833,2491,985,914397,720
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 works1297..     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 works2336..     ..     ..     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-factories2361652..     ..     ..     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-mills310739146..     ..     ..     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-works328..     28..     ..     ..     39..     ..     ..     
Monumental-masonry works2194..     9413,656..     13,65614914,01244,84926,775
Leadlight - making and glass-bevelling1398210011,90311412,0177718,27941,44121,022
Electroplating-works8272292,8961413,037381,8759,01413,167
Pumice-works155..     55..     ..     ..     280..     ..     ..     
Concrete and fibrous - plaster works2286..     8611,895..     11,8951912,62728,75123,542
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-works1422,478352,513311,1522,652313,8043,322361,480883,496668,431
Electrical-engineering works14892918,045828,12724411,95125,74514,257
Rangemaking-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 offices2663,2929104,202544,62747,855592,4824,240432,7121,697,8311,601,078
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 stampmaking6141151,720521,772638765,5237,133
Ammunition and explosives—                                                       
Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks makers5431191628,7367,98516,72111045,07397,40935,114
Machines, tools, and implements—                                                       
Agricultural machinery works16756..     75699,49..     99,491629108,307266,256140,866
Brush and broom factories121164916511,5822,38913,97123629,31064,53831,081
Carriages and vehicles—                                                       
Coachbuilding-works3131,38941,393163,856156164,0121,018186 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
Blindmaking51111229451,2362,181173,3197,6966,461
Mattress-factories1987361239,4901,66811,15814345,57769,49631,650
Rug and mat making7138211,2965861,882144,5468,6115,602
Chemicals and by-products—                                                       
Ink-factories15..     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
Flock-mills4165211,9382782,21614010,08219,4303,326
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-factories10111161272,1066,7738,8794340,93862,82816,916
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 1905–964,18644,94611,41356,3593,979,593478,0264,457,61960,33513,163,69223,444,23512,509,286

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.

          1905–61910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
* Not shown separately;
Number of—                    
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£     *11,294.33,006
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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:—

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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:—

          1910–11.1915–16.
Number of separators—               
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16
Number of—                    
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 age in all respects. Biscuit-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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
Works     12912
Hands employed     587381920
Amount of—                    
Wages paid£     33,88130,09274,498
Horse-powerH.p.389448553
Approximate value 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
* Not shown separately.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.

* Apparently understated.

† Not shown separately.

‡ Included in total brewings.

Number of—                    
Breweries     726055
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 bottledDoz. qts.588,955626,325
Stout bottledDoz. 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
* Not available.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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 of 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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, as 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1916–11.1915–16.

* Not comparable (see letterpress).

† Not shown separately.

Number of—                    
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 be 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
* Not shown.
Number of—                    
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
          Total1,88,867,9192,424,909,290

Under the heading “general fighting” 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 fighting 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 revenue 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
Works     131442
Hands employed     118170223
Amount of—                    
Wages 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 fighting” 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 output is recorded. This industry, though not yet of large dimensions, shows steady progress.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
Works     201716
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, as 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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
Works     183180313
Hands employed     1,4651,4391,393
Amount of—                    
Wages paid£     116,204149,806164,012
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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, most of the output being boats, launches, &c. Only four vessels of over 50 tons were built during 1915–16, as against eight in 1910–11.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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, as against £140,442 in 1910.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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, duo to the inclusion of many small shops employing only two or three hands and not greatly affecting the total value of output.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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
          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Manufactures—                    
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:—

          1910–11.1915–16.
New Zealand leather—               
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:—

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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.

          1905–6.1910–11.1915–16.
Number of—                    
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, 1918, may be summarized as follows:—

     Number of Cases.
Industrial agreements45
Recommendations of Conciliation Councils123
Awards of Arbitration Court114

The number of cases brought before Magistrates during the year ended the 31st March, 1918, in regard to enforcement of awards was 288.

The awards and agreements in force as at the 31st March, 1918, totalled 541.

COUNCILS OF CONCILIATION.

The table following shows the work performed by Commissioners and Councils of Conciliation during the year ended the 31st March, 1918:—

Industrial District.Total.
Northern and Taranaki.Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland.Canterbury, and Otago and Southland.
1. Number of industrial agreements arrived at and filed with Clerk of Awards—    
Through Councils (i.e., without reference to Arbitration Court)102214
Through Commissioners1..     ..     1
2. Number of recommendations of Conciliation Councils fully accepted and forwarded to Court to be made into awards24273485
3. Number of recommendations substantially accepted and forwarded to Court to be made into awards107623
                123
4. Number of other disputes referred to Court in which no recommendation was made93618
          Totals543948141

The above table shows that out of 141 disputes dealt with by them 123 (or 87 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, 1918, are briefly referred to in the following terms in the Annual Report of the Labour Department:—

In consequence of a dispute in respect of certain work being done on board one of the Union Steamship Company's steamers, the union instructed all engineers to refuse to work overtime in any shop in Otago until further notice. The Court, in a memorandum to the undermentioned award, considered that the union's action was wholly unjustifiable and unreasonable, resulting in both loss and inconvenience to employers. The Court therefore decided to mark its disapproval of such action by refusing to continue the preference of employment which the members of the union had hitherto enjoyed. (Otago and Southland Engineers' Award Vol. xviii, p. 1180.)

With a view to encouraging apprentices to attend Technical Colleges and qualify for proficiency certificates in regard to the particular trade in which they are engaged, the Court has made provision in several awards for the payment of increased wages to apprentices so qualifying. In most of the Carpenters' awards filed during the year the Court has imposed on apprentices the duty of attending Technical Colleges where such are reasonably accessible. The Court has also directed that attendance fees shall be refunded to an apprentice by his employer in each term in which his attendance is not less than 70 per cent. of the maximum possible. In some awards an innovation has been made in requiring the employers to send their apprentices to Technical Schools for certain hours during working-time.

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, 1917:—

Industrial District.Employers.Workers.
Unions.Membership.Unions.Membership.
Northern (Auckland)401,2089821,057
Taranaki612712455
Wellington338128626,565
Marlborough1457312
Nelson2147275
Westland450182,966
Canterbury262,1406510,052
Otago and Southland339948911,191
          Totals1455,39038272,873

ACCIDENTS IN FACTORIES

Four new unions of employers were registered, but the membership decreased by 164 as compared with last year, while the number of workers' unions has increased by four, and the total membership by 1,485.

The number under each heading on the 31st December of each year from 1907 to 1917 inclusive is shown in the following table:—

NUMBER AND MEMBERSHIP OF UNIONS, 1907–17.
Year.Employers.Workers.
Unions.Membership.Unions.Membership.
19071213,63031045,614
19081223,91832549,347
19091203,70230854,519
19101184,26230857,091
19111184,25130755,629
19121234,41032260,622
19131344,70037271,544
19141495,81940373,991
19151415,71838967,661
19161415,55437871,388
19171455,39038272,873

FACTORIES.

The number of registered factories in the Dominion on the 31st March, 1918, was 12,485, employees thereat numbering 79,653. Those figures show an increase on those for the previous year amounting to 30 in the number of factories and 1,465 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.
1913–1413,46987,517
1914–1513,93788,812
1915–1613,21483,011
1916–1712,45578,188
1917–1812,48579,653

ACCIDENTS IN FACTORIES.

A table is given showing the number of accidents in factories during the past five years.

ACCIDENTS IN FACTORIES, 1913–14 TO 1917–18.
Year.Slight.Moderate.Serious.Fatal.Total.
1913–148791655281,104
1914–15747171463967
1915–168371606531,065
1916–179381448451,171
1917–185093176510901

INDUSTRIAL DISTURBANCES.

Several disturbances of minor importance have been reported during the year, affecting such workers as wharf labourers, tunnel workers (Otira), certain female assistants in the employ of the Colonial Ammunition Company, Borough Council employees at Eltham, Thames engineers, and the Dunedin and Port Chalmers engineers who refused to work overtime on essential troopship work.

Miners.—The proceedings referred to in the last issue of this book as being taken against the Blackball miners resulted in the union being fined £1, and each striker 1s.; the Department of Labour agreeing, on account of the promise of the men to avoid further trouble, to ask for a nominal penalty.

The following is a short statement of the more serious industrial difficulties that required attention during the period:—

Coal-miners.—There was considerable unrest amongst all the miners of the Dominion, and cessations of work (lasting from two days to two months) were more or less frequent, especially in the latter part of 1917. The mines were idle on several occasions, for different reasons. There were many districts affected, particularly the Nelson, Westland, and Auckland provinces. There was no action taken against any of the strikers, but nine officials of the Coal-miners' Federation, which represents practically all the coal-miners of New Zealand, were proceeded against for encouraging the continuance of a seditious strike, seven of them being sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, and two to three months.

Wellington Gasworks (Retort-house) Employees.—After a month's idleness, during which other men filled the strikers' places, the original workmen were reinstated, and on being prosecuted for taking part in an unlawful strike they were each fined £5.

Flax-millers (Manawatu).—Eighty men were on strike for fourteen days because of a dispute concerning wages. They were prosecuted for taking part in an unlawful strike, and fines of £1 were inflicted in twenty-four cases, the other cases being dismissed, the Magistrate holding that as the paddockers were contractors they were not? “workers” within the meaning of the Act. One man was fined £10, he being considered the ringleader in the trouble.

Freezing-chamber Hands (Gisborne).—The places of these men were filled by others, the strikers being re-engaged later. Eleven men were prosecuted under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and a fine of £3 was imposed on each; the remainder were prosecuted under the War Regulations, and a similar fine was imposed in each case.

Slaughtermen (Wanganui).—Seventeen slaughtermen refused to work until two non-unionists were dismissed. This was done, and work resumed. Proceedings were taken under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and in eleven cases a fine of £5 each was imposed. In the remaining cases the Inspector was nonsuited.

Seamen and Firemen.—The “mosquito fleet” at Wellington and other ports was held up for about six weeks owing to the refusal of the seamen to sail with less than two men in a watch. Two of the union officials were prosecuted for inciting a seditious strike, and were sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

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-1917–18 there were 128 prosecutions under the Act. Convictions were obtained in 124 of these.

SCAFFOLDING INSPECTION ACT.

Seven hundred and six notices of intention to erect scaffolding were received by the Department of Labour during the year ended the 31st March, 1918. Fifty-five accidents were reported under the Act. Of this number one was fatal; the remaining fifty-four were of minor character, and were not due to faulty scaffolding or gear. Eight prosecutions were made under the provisions of the Act, resulting in convictions in each case.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

During the year ended the 31st March, 1918, forty-two cases were dealt with under this Act, as compared with thirty-seven 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 1917–18 Court proceedings were instituted in one case for a breach of the above Act, and a fine of £10 was imposed.

During the year the Munitions and Supplies Department has been assisted by Inspectors of Footwear, who have supervised the manufacture of military boots, and have also co-operated with the Customs Department in the inspection of basils and other leathers not required for military purposes.

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 lot 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, 1918, was as follows:—

Month.Roads.Railways.Other Works.Total.
April, 19179281,2013382,467
May,8511,1793962,426
June,8311,1853802,396
July,7851,2264582,469
August,7361,1873452,268
September,7401,1523402,232
October,7371,1043422,183
November,7361,0633692,168
December,6799893492,017
January, 19187398693501,958
February,8529173662,135
March,8379023292,068

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
19187881,4442,232

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, 1918, 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.
* Ten 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
19182,9523,675
     121,420156,636

Of the 121,420 men assisted to 31st March, 1918, 42,873 were married men and 78,547 single men or widowers. Private employment was found for 56,454, while the remaining 64,966 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. 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, 1918, work was found for 1,692 women, making a total of 21,897 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 62,325 for loans totalling £25,425,025. The Advances Board authorized loans of £17,712,295 to 47,938 applicants, the total actual payments to 31st March, 1918, being £17,607,460, of which £9,443,300 has been repaid in respect of principal. A table is given showing the business to date and for each of the past ten years.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Applications received.Loans authorized.Amount advanced.Amount repaid.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
          £          £     £     £     
19094,4712,050,2523,0781,202,9951,493,836559,163
19104,1311,539,1503,2011,038,3401,095,120545,528
19114,9572,122,7493,5711,282,8801,204,310728,714
19125,3552,593,0844,6102,191,3002,235,4951,018,286
19133,1871,164,2252,114749,590937,435698,938
19143,6041,400,2482,390878,855978,395710,590
19153,8701,826,2652,100749,0401,136,475754,810
19162,507982,8002,022746,630814,555713,177
19171,619660,9751,412515,270589,975643,761
19181,228511,532984353,465367,160501,009
          Totals to 31st March, 191862,32525,425,02547,93817,712,29517,607,4609,443,300

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 1917–18 are as follows:—

Branch.Advances authorized.
Number.Amount.
          £     
Advances to Settlors871286,395
Public Debt Sinking Funds21,015
Advances Office Sinking Fund11166,055
          Totals984£353,465

The advances authorized in each provincial district during the year, and the total to 31st March, 1918, are next shown.

Provincial District.Advances authorized, 1917–18.Total Advances authorized to 31st March, 1918.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
          £          £     
Auckland423147,12516,0325,479,163
Taranaki5822,8205,2402,427,929
Hawke's Bay4018,3452,311759,115
Wellington22184,64011,2264,404,213
Marlborough197,2501,239517,105
Nelson143,600870270,595
Westland62,200896233,865
Canterbury12440,6304,5261,523,550
Otago—    
Otago portion3211,4402,472951,295
Southland portion4715,4153,1261,145,465
          Totals984353,46547,93817,712,295

Dealing now only with the operations of the Advances to Settlers Branch, it is seen that during the year 1917–18 the advances authorized numbered 871, representing a total amount of £286,395. 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 £500630212,275
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £1,0009365,005
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £2,0001621,450
          Totals739£298,730

The nature of the security upon which these advances were made was as follows:—

Security.Number of Advances.Amount advanced.
          £     
Freehold471187,650
Leasehold260107,190
Freehold and leasehold combined83,890
          Totals739£298,730

The advances outstanding, classified according to amount, are as follows:—

Category.Number of Advances.Amount outstanding.
          £     
Not exceeding £50015,0203,136,904
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £1,0003,0952,198,882
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £2,0001,3011,790,988
Exceeding £2,000, but not exceeding £3,000178460,563
          Totals19,594£7,587,337

The nature of the security for the total amount of advances outstanding on the 31st March, 1918, was,—

Security.Number of Advances.Amount outstanding.
          £     
Freehold11,9845,432,980
Leasehold7,3511,999,124
Freehold and leasehold combined259155,233
          Totals19,594£7,587,337

The average freehold advance is £453, the average leasehold advance £272, and the average of advances secured on both freehold and leasehold combined £599. Corresponding figures for the year ended the 31st March, 1917, are freehold, £458; leasehold, £277; and combined freehold and leasehold, £650.

The number and amounts of current advances on rural and urban and suburban land are,—

     NumberAmount.
          £     
On rural land12,3544,956,308
On urban and suburban land7,2402,631,029
          Totals19,594£7,587,337

The average rural advance is £401, and the average urban and suburban advance is £363.

The gross profits for the year ended the 31st March, 1918, were £61,671, and the cost of management £9,920, being 0.107 per cent., or 2s. 2d. per £100 on the capital employed. The net profits amounted to £51,112.

The liabilities and assets at the 31st March, 1918, of the Settlers Branch of the State Advances Office were,—

Liabilities.£     s.d.
Sundry loans9,283,193110
Temporary advances from Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch517,00000
Temporary advances from Advances Office Sinking Fund Account210,00000
Advances Suspense Account12,12069
Fire Loss Suspense Account1,118100
Suspense Account3,045411
Reserve Fund50,00000
Interest payable on loans, accrued but not due74,810911
Interest payable on deposits, accrued but not due5132
Profit and Loss Account415,66153
     £10,566,954 11 10
Assets.£     s.d.
Investment Account—   
Less total repayments7,570,486187
Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal16,85024
          Total principal owing by mortgagors at 31st March, 19187,587,337011
Mortgage instalments overdue—interest38,633169
Interest on mortgages, accrued but not due83,88015
Temporary advances to Workers Branch285,00000
Temporary Advances to Local Authorities Branch30,00000
Temporary investments1,494,605132
Interest on temporary investments, accrued but not due16,351128
Loan Charges Account..       
Insurance Premiums Account592145
Office Furniture and Equipment Account1,24456
Sinking Funds—   
Public Trustee302,904139
Advances Office Sinking Fund Account450,648510
Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch5,447100
Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 1918270,308175
     £ 10,566,9541110

ADVANCES TO WORKERS.

The total of the advances to workers up to the 31st March, 1918 (including moneys repaid and again advanced), was £3,473,250.

The applications received for loans during the year ended the 31st March, 1918, numbered 555, the aggregate amount required being £197,738. Advances authorized numbered 411, representing a total amount of £129,710. The advances actually granted during the year numbered 378, for an aggregate of £125,855. The tenures upon which these loans were made were,—

Tenure.Number of Loans.Aggregate Amount.
          £     
Freehold362122,760
Leasehold163,095
          Totals378£125,855

The total number of loans and the aggregate amount authorized in each provincial district from the inception of the system to the 31st March, 1918, are as follows:—

Provincial District.Number of Applications.Amount of Advances authorized.
          £     
Auckland3,790£ 1,097,340
Taranaki395108,985
Hawke's Bay812232,580
Wellington3,188961,730
Marlborough394113,630
Nelson22254,995
Westland19442,030
Canterbury2,943894,105
Otago—  
Otago portion915255,965
Southland portion426111,705
          Totals13,2793,873,065

The total amount advanced to the end of the financial year was £3,473,250, and the net amount outstanding at the same date was £2,636,790, secured upon the following tenures:—

Tenure.Number of Loans outstanding.Aggregate Amount outstanding.
          £     
Freehold8,9332,530,736
Leasehold578 9,511106,054
          Totals     £2,636,790

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, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Applications received.Loans authorized.Amount advanced.Amount repaid.
Number.Amount.Number.Amount.
          £          £     £     £     
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
1918555197,738411129,710125,855139,465
          Total to 31st March, 191816,7345,199,55513,2793,873,0653,473,250836,460

The financial position of the Advances to Workers Branch of the State Advances Office as on the 31st March, 1918, is shown in the following table:—

ADVANCES TO WORKERS BRANCH: LIABILITIES AND ASSETS, 31ST MARCH, 1918.
Liabilities.
     £     s.d.
Sundry loans2,419,346141
Temporary loan from Settlers Branch285,00000
Interest payable on loans, accrued but not due24,922118
Advances Suspense Account3,10500
Fire Loss Suspense Account32000
Suspense Account826210
Reserve Fund, being net profits transferred18,69325
     £2,752,213110
Assets.
Investment Account—£     s.d.
Less total repayments2,627,872129
Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal8,9161811
          Total principal owing by mortgagors at 31st March, 19182,636,789118
Mortgage instalments overdue—interest13,905143
Interest on mortgages, accrued but not due30,679186
Loan Charges Account30,00000
Insurance Premiums Account28897
Sinking Funds—   
Advances Office Sinking Fund Account22,55259
Public Trustee2,715179
Public Debt Sinking Fund Branch2,379100
Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 191812,90236
     £2,752,213110

ADVANCES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

During the eight years which have elapsed since the system of State advances to local authorities was initiated, 1,421 applications under this head have been received for loans totalling £5,870,459. Loans authorized, 1,003 in number, have aggregated £3,040,609, of which £2,969,290 has been actually advanced. Repayments to 31st March, 1918, have totalled £206,414, leaving an indebtedness of £2,762,876 in respect of principal moneys. Figures for each of the eight years and to date are as follows:—

ADVANCES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES, 1910–11 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Applications received.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
1918110171,110109158,055128,15041,681
          Totals to 31st March, 19181,4215,870,4591,0033,040,6092,969,290206,414

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 £128,150 advanced in 1917–18 as shown above, only £4,855 came from the Local Authorities Branch, the Advances Office Sinking Fund contributing £16,600, and the Public Debt Sinking Funds £106,695. Of the amount outstanding at 31st March, the Public Debt Sinking Funds claimed £559,865, and the Advances Office Sinking Fund £60,138.

A statement of the liabilities and assets of the Local Authorities Branch as at the 31st March, 1918, is appended.

Liabilities.£     s.d.
Sundry loans2,775,52900
Money received from Treasury in accordance with section 72, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 19133,91273
Temporary loans from Settlers Branch30,00000
Interest on loan - moneys, accrued but not due36,38567
     £2,845,8261310
Assets.£     s.d.
Investment Account, less total repayments-Local bodies2,095,285610
Section 70, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 191344,828171
Plus mortgage instalments overdue—principal—   
Local bodies2,631149
Section 70, Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1913127126
          Total balance of principal owing on mortgages2,142,873112
Interest on mortgages—   
Local bodies—Overdue at 31st March, 19185,900171
Accrued but not due at 31st March, 191818,286410
Section 70—Overdue at 31st March, 191834516
Accrued but not due at 31st March, 1918425191
Loan Charges Account39,11350
Temporary investments390,188123
Interest accrued but not due on temporary investments6,751129
Sinking Funds—   
Public Trustee48,46105
Advances Office Sinking Fund Account104,84195
Public Debt Sinking Funds Branch5,34500
Profit and Loss Account57,819611
Cash in hand and in bank at 31st March, 191825,474135.
     £2,845,8261310

WORKERS' DWELLINGS.

The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905, made provision for the erection by the State of workers' dwellings on Crown lands purchased 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 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 ½ years, instalments being calculated at 7 per cent. (5 per cent. on account of interest and 2 per cent. on account of principal accumulating at compound interest). An initial deposit of £10 was payable, and the purchaser could reduce the term of 25 ½ 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.

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 ½ to 36 ½ years.

The number of dwellings erected under the original Act was 126, and up to the 31st March, 1918, 514 had been erected under the Act of 1910, while 8 were in course of construction, making a total of 648, including five dwellings purchased after erection.

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 and purchased during the year 1917–18 was 21. Of this number 11 were in course of erection on the 31st March, 1917. 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 down 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. In addition to the eight dwellings mentioned as being in course of erection on 31st March, 1918, tenders have been accepted for the erection of six five-roomed dwellings at Kilbirnie, Wellington, and for one at Masterton.

The total instalments payable during the year ended 31st March, 1918, were £24,120. The total amount received from tenants during the year, including arrears, was £23,605, arrears outstanding at the end of March totalling £1,529, an average of £2 7s. 4d. per dwelling. Arrears to the extent of £641 were, however, paid off in April, reducing the average per dwelling to £1 7s. 4d. The arrears are, except in two cases, more than covered by the payments off principal.

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 New 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 home 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 due on the 1st day of the month following the granting of the pension by the Magistrate. Payment is made through the Post Office.

Though the due date of each instalment falls on the 1st of the month, payment may be made on any day between the 23rd of the preceding month and the 1st day of the following month.

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.

(NOTE.—Under the Finance Act, 1917, every person in receipt of an old-age pension is paid an additional 5s. a week, or £13 per annum. This provision operates until twelve months after the present war with Germany has ceased.)

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.

  2. £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. Income being received when an application is lodged at the rate of the disqualifying amount—i.e., £60 for a single person and £100 for a married person—is a bar to the granting of a pension

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 Mental Hospitals Department. 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.

An old-age pension is not payable in addition to a Widow's pension or a military pension for Maori War veterans.

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 is 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, 1918, was 19,960, an increase of 263 on the figures for the previous year. The annual liability was £740,849, being an average of £37 per pension. The total payment in respect of old-age pensions during the year was £643,177. 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.
* Including allowance under Finance Act, 1917.
          £     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
191619,804479,33989
191719,697480,23089
191819,960643,177118*

The total payments to the 31st March, 1918, aggregated £6,452,757.

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.

(NOTE.—Under the Finance Act, 1917, every person in receipt of a widow's pension is paid an additional £6 per annum for each child on whose behalf a pension is already payable. This provision operates until twelve months after the present war with Germany has ceased.)

For children born before the arrival of their parents in New Zealand ten years' residence is required. A child born during the temporary absence of its mother from New Zealand, 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, nor the exemptions shown on page 651 for old-age-pension purposes.

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.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and is not payable outside of New Zealand.

Provision is also made for continuance of the pension, after the death of a widow, to the guardian of her children.

The receipt of a war pension does not debar a widow from receiving this class of pension.

The number of pensions in force under this head on the 31st March, 1918, was 2,192, the annual value of these being £73,872. The gross payments during the year were £57,952.

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.

† Including allowance under Finance Act, 1917.

191278814,8631,963*
19131,31324,76822,114
19141,54029,32027,077
19151,78834,97531,619
19161,89037,04236,357
19172,02439,38638,016
19182,19273,87257,952

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.

(NOTE.—Under the Finance Act, 1917, every person in receipt of a military pension whose gross income, with pension and allowance included, does not exceed £200 per annum is paid such allowance not exceeding £13 per annum as will make up £200 per annum. This provision operates until twelve months after the present war with Germany has ceased.)

The number of pensions in force on the 31st March, 1918, was 1,153, representing an annual value of £53,208. The payments on account of military pensions during the year aggregated £50,734. 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, £
* Including allowance under Finance Act, 1917.
191356819,0263,681
19141,24044,64029,447
19151,38849,96847,616
19161,32347,62348,273
19171,23244,35245,674
19181,15353,20850,734*

MINERS' PENSIONS.

A Miner's Phthisis Act was passed by the Legislature on the 11th October, 1915, providing for a pension to any miner who is totally incapacitated for work owing to miner's phthisis (pneumoconiosis) contracted while working as a miner in New Zealand.

The rates of pension payable are—

To a married man or widower with children under 14, £1 a week.

To a single man or widower without children under 14, 15s. a week.

The qualifications for this class of pension are—

The applicant must have been a British subject for one year.

The applicant must have resided in New Zealand for five years immediately prior to application.

The applicant must have been employed as a miner in New Zealand for two years and a half.

The applicant must not have deserted wife or children, nor have been convicted for any offence punishable by imprisonment for two years.

The applicant must be of sober habits and good moral character.

The widow of any miner who is entitled to a pension under this Act and dies of miner's phthisis is entitled to claim a pension of 12s. 6d. a week for two years. The reasonable cost of the burial of a miner dying of minor's phthisis is also payable under this Act.

All applications are determined by the Commissioner of Pensions at Wellington.

Instalments of pensions are not payable outside of New Zealand.

(NOTE.—Under the Finance Act, 1917, every person in receipt of a miner's pension is paid an additional 5s. a week, or £13 per annum. This provision operates until twelve months after the present war with Germany has ceased.)

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—

  3. A member of any New Zealand Expeditionary Force raised for service beyond New Zealand in the present war.

  4. A member of any New Zealand Naval Force raised for service beyond New Zealand in the present war.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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 occur in the course of his 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.

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 a disability 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 other than by widows of soldiers and their children, 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 payments made are treated as instalments of the pension granted.

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.

Pensions are absolutely inalienable by law, whether by way of sale, assignment, charge, execution, or insolvency.

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 without children.

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. Any orphan or motherless 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, but not for a longer period than thirteen weeks.

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 responsible for death and contracted in the service.

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.

Instalments, which fall due on the 1st of the month, may be collected on any day between the 23rd of the month preceding due date and the 1st of the month following 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 out of New Zealand.

In Australia, Canada, and South Africa payment is made by the Pensions authorities on behalf of the New Zealand Government; in Great Britain all payments are made through the High Commissioner in London; and in outlying places of the world payment is made by money-order.

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, whichever is the greater.

Where a disabled member of the Forces in receipt of a pension is, under authority from the Director-General of Medical Services, an inmate of a hospital or other institution, the maximum amount that shall be paid to him by way of pension either directly or by arrangement with the authorities of the institution shall be 10s. a week, and any balance shall be retained and paid to him on his discharge from the institution, or paid, at the discretion of the War Pensions Board, to the wife or such other dependant as may be determined.

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 husband's 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.
Bank or Rating.Weekly Pension.
To the Wife without a Child.To Wife with a Child or Children.To each Child.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.s.
Private, bombardier, lance-corporal, trooper, gunner, driver, sapper, trumpeter, bugler110020010
Able seaman and equivalent ratings
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 quarter-master-sergeant115025010
Warrant officer and equivalent ranks (Navy)
2nd lieutenant, lieutenant (Army)250515010
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
RATES OF PENSION IN CASE OF DISABLEMENT.
Rank or Rating.Maximum Weekly Pension.
To the Member.To the Wife.To each Child.
     £     s.d.£     s.ds.
Private, bombardier, lance - corporal, trooper, gunner, driver, sapper, trumpeter, bugler20010010
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)       
Colonel331111610
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 war pensions in force at 31st March, 1918, amounted to £904,383, representing an average annual pension of £62. Of the total annual value, temporary pensions to soldiers amounted to £572,023. Permanent soldiers' pensions represented an annual value of £43,703.

Details regarding the war pensions in force at the 31st March, 1918, are given in the following table:—

Class of Pension.In Force at 31st March, 1918.
Number.Annual Value.Average Pension.

* Including the pensions of 1,386 children.

† Including the pensions of 988 children.

          £     £     
Soldiers (permanent and upwards of twelve months)90043,70348
Widows (including children's pensions)1,099133,547*121
Other dependants (on account of death)3,265109,61933
Soldiers (temporary)8,405572,02368
Wives and parents on account of disablement82845,49154
          Totals14,497904,38362

Information as to number and rate of war pensions in force at 31st March, 1918, is given in the following table:—

TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF WAR PENSIONS IN FORCE AT EACH RATE ON 31ST MARCH, 1918.

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.
£ £     
301–340..     ..     ..     6..     
276–300..     ..     ..     10..     
251–275..     ..     ..     12..     
241–250..     ..     ..     1..     
231–240..     ..     116..     
221–230..     ..     ..     10..     
211–220..     ..     ..     8..     
201–210..     1..     37..     
191–200..     ..     ..     19..     
181–190..     ..     372..     
171–180..     1..     5..     
161–170..     1..     37..     
151–16051311107..     
141–150..     ..     311..     
131–1401920249..     
121–130..     111..     
111–120..     5618342
104–11062,20333103
96–100..     35..     6
90–9581361322
885..     ..     5..     
84249..     ..     
8341..     ..     28..     
81..     ..     3212
78871,3619427867
7251..     ..     ..     
71513..     ..     
68114..     ..     
655663141341
621..     ..     ..     ..     
5812..     26..     7
55..     ..     3..     1
522342,31613718222
48..     ..     2..     1
4711..     ..     ..     ..     
452..     19..     3
44..     ..     ..     ..     3
42..     ..     ..     ..     15
41..     ..     ..     ..     1
40..     ..     ..     ..     20
3914766812216945
35..     ..     2..     ..     
34..     ..     ..     ..     1
3218..     34..     9
30..     ..     ..     ..     2
26226984187811,849
212..     ..     ..     ..     
201..     ..     ..     8
1914422..     26
18..     ..     ..     13
15..     ..     ..     ..     4
138712111
12 and under22..     ..     11
          Totals9008,4058281,0993,265

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 ago 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, 1917, there were 13,784 contributors paying £146,039 per annum into the fund. The pensioners at the same date numbered 1,373, and were entitled to £100,389 per annum, made up as follows:—

     Number.Pension.
          £     
Retired for age or length of service64081,658
Retired for ill health1208,822
Police injured on duty5530
Widows2955,310
Children3134,069
     1,373£100,389

The following table contains particulars of the public servants who were contributing to the fund at the end of the year 1917, 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.
                    £     £     
58,0441,3669,4101,311,29365,564
61,3441631,507333,39520,004
71,005991,104262,40418,369
870284786201,38916,111
953036566158,30014,247
1039516411117,44411,744
          Totals12,0201,76413,7842,384,225146,039

The revenue and expenditure for the year ended 31st December, 1917, were as follows:—

Revenue.£     
Amount of fund at beginning of year896,568
Members' contributions—Under section 29 (ordinary)145,942
Transfers from other superannuation funds290
Government contribution48,000
Interest49,378
Fines, &c.306
     £1,140,484
Expenditure.£     
Retiring-allowances— 
To members85,071
To widows and children8,579
Contributions returned— 
Under section 46, Amendment Act (left service)19,618
Under section 42 or 43 (death)5,915
Under section 32 (ee)752
Under section 32 (f)1,437
Under section 38 (retirement)759
Transfers to other superannuation funds (section 48)175
Interest paid: Section 2, Amendment Act, 190944
Expenses— 
Salaries919
Office expenses228
Public Trustee's charges1,234
Election Expenses6
Post Office charges50
Medical fees74
Board members' travelling-expenses20
Amount of fund at end of year1,015,603
     £1,140,484

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, 1917.
Liabilities.£     
Fund as per Revenue Account1,015,603
Retiring and other allowances due, in course of payment— 
Members1,937
Widows and children190
Refunds of contributions due, in course of payment— 
Under section 46, Amendment Act (left service)1,054
Under section 42 or 43 (death)1,629
Transfers to other funds due, in course of payment (section 48)4
Expenses due, in course of payment— 
Salaries176
Office expenses6
Post Office charges50
Public Trustee's charges495
Valuation fees due to Valuation Department20
Unclaimed Account (contributions, &c.)806
Contributions paid in advance and in error2,418
     £1,024,388
Assets.£     
Amount invested by the Board976,404
Contributions due, in course of transmission— 
Under section 29 (ordinary)2,500
Recoveries due in course of transmission90
Interest due and accrued17,895
Bank balance23,169
Balance in hand of Postal Department1,207
Balance in hands of Public Trustee3,123
     £1,024,388

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 were 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 1917 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 £248,402, the State subsidies to the fund aggregating £348,500, or £100,098 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 £37,091 for the eight years prior to the establishment of the fund,' for the next succeeding eight years they amounted to only £6,065, or a decrease of over £31,000.

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 Act, which was passed by Parliament on the 31st October, 1905, and came into force on the 1st January, 1906, was amended by a supplementary Act on the 29th October, 1906.

Every person who at the date of the coming into operation of the principal Act was permanently employed for not less than twenty hours a week in the Education service had the option of electing within six months to become a contributor to the fund. Those who so elected became “original members,” and, as such, are entitled to special benefits. A person who did not so elect to join the fund at its commencement might, however, be allowed to join it on certain conditions to be imposed by the Superannuation Board. All teachers in public schools and in Native and other schools under the control of the Education Department who were subsequently permanently employed were compelled to become contributors as from date of appointment; other persons in the Education service had the option of becoming contributors.

On the 10th October, 1908, the former Acts were repealed by the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment Act, 1908, Part I, and the benefits were brought into line with those of the Public Service Superannuation Fund; existing contributors, however, were allowed six months in winch to elect to remain subject to the provisions of the former Acts if they so desired. On the 24th December, 1909, this Act was amended, providing among other things for the extension of time allowed in which to make the election referred to above to the 30th June, 1910; the amending Act also fixed a maximum retiring-allowance of £300 per annum in the case of persons who become contributors to the fund after the passing of the Act (24th December, 1909).

The chief difference between the Act of 1908 and the former Acts affected the basis of calculation of the retiring-allowance of a contributor. The retiring-allowance is to be one-sixtieth of the average rate of salary received during the three years next preceding retirement, for each year of service, provided that in no case may the allowance exceed two-thirds of that salary: under the former Acts the basis had been one-sixtieth of the total salary received by the contributor during the period of contributing to the fund (or, in other words, one-sixtieth of his average salary for each year of service during the whole period of contribution), and, in addition, in the case of original members, one one-hundred-and-twentieth of the salary during the years of service between the 1st January, 1878, and the 1st January, 1906, with a further proviso that in no case should an original member receive a retiring-allowance of less than £52 per annum.

By the same Act of 1908 the right to be admitted at a future date was taken away from those persons employed on the 1st January, 1906, as teachers in public schools or under the Education Department, and also from those persons who, being first permanently employed in other branches of the Education service after the 1st January, 1906, had the option of joining within six months after the date of appointment but did not do so. By the Amendment Act of 1912, however, the first-named persons were given a further opportunity of joining the fund. They had to make an election before the 30th June, 1913, if they wished to join, the regulations under the Act providing that contributions had to be paid as from the 1st January, 1906, together with 5 per cent. compound interest thereon.

By the amending Act of 1912 the definition of “Education service” was extended so as to admit of the members of the staffs of universities joining the fund. Any person in the employ of the University of New Zealand, the Auckland University College, Victoria University College, Canterbury College, the University of Otago, or the Canterbury Agricultural College at the date of the passing of the Act (7th November, 1912) had the option of joining, this option to be exercised before the 1st July, 1913. Any person first permanently employed on the staff of any of those institutions after the passing of the Act is compelled to become a contributor. The basis of calculation of the retiring-allowance in the case of persons appointed under the provision in respect of universities differs from that of contributors under the Act of 1908. The retiring-allowance is one-sixtieth of the average rate of salary for the three years next preceding retirement, for each year or part of a year of contribution to the fund, together with a one-hundred-and-twentieth part of such salary for each complete year of service between the 1st January, 1878, and the date of the passing of the Act (7th November, 1912). These allowances are subject to the limitation of a maximum of £300 prescribed by the amending Act of 1909.

With the extension of the benefits to employees of universities, Education service to which the fund applies now includes service in any capacity for not less than 20 hours per 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; or

  5. Under the University of New Zealand, or under the Auckland University College, Victoria College, the University of Otago, Canterbury College, or the Canterbury Agricultural College.

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.

The Government subsidy to the fund is £17,000 per annum. The total subsidies paid to the fund by the Government amounted on 31st December, 1917, to £118,000.

On the 31st December, 1917, there were 4,792 contributors, the annual contributions amounting to £58,414.

The retiring and other allowances were 634, representing a charge of £47,479 per annum, made up of—

     Number.Amount of Pension.
          £     
Retired for age or length of service3938,245
Retired for ill health796,632
Widows941,705
Children69897
     634£47,479

The income and expenditure for the year ended the 31st December, 1917, were as follows:—

Income.£     
To Balance 31st Dec., 1916381,158
Contributions of members58,070
Government subsidy17,000
Interest— 
Ordinary — Public Trustee16,745
Bonus—Public Trustee1,544
On arrears of contributions210
Contributions transferred from other funds182
     £474,909
Expenditure.£     
By Retiring and other allowances45,122
Contributions refunded— 
On voluntary retirement5,185
On death of contributor2,850
On lapse of membership884
Contributions transferred to other funds87
Administration expenses— 
Clerical assistance250
Commission, G.P.O. 
per Revenue Account147
Medical fees31
Travelling - expenses of Board members79
Office expenses49
Balance 31st Dec., 1917420,225
     £474,909

The balance-sleet of the Teachers' Superannuation Fund as at the 31st December, 1917, reads as follows:—

Liabilities.£     
Fund as per Revenue Account 420,225 Retiring and other allowances due and unpaid615
Refunds of contributions on death of contributor due and unpaid1,120
Administration expenses due and unpaid— 
Clerical assistance250
Commission, G.P.O.146
Medical fees4
Travelling expenses of Board members8
Office expenses1
Unclaimed contributions611
Contributions overpaid and paid in error116
     £423,096
Assets.£     
Amount in hands of Public Trustee416,007
Amount in transit1,000
Amount in hands of G.P.O.£4875
Less vouchers in course of payment4641
     234
Contributions of members— 
In transit2,538
Due and outstanding2,452
Interest on arrears of contributions accrued and Out standing865
     £423,096

The Government Actuary, in his report containing the results of an actuarial examination of the fund for the triennium 1914–16, estimated that the amounts required for pensions during the next three years would be—1917, £47,229; 1918, £52,155; 1919, £57,066. Contributions paid by those benefiting would provide only a small proportion of the cost, leaving the State to contribute balances of £39,954, £43,423, and £46,837 in the respective years. The Actuary reported that, in addition to the annual subsidy of £17,000 at present being paid, further subsidies of £23,000 in 1917, £26,000 in 1918, and £30,000 in 1919 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 one-sixtieth 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, 1918, was 11,250, and at that date there were 1,622 persons on the fund, drawing annual allowances amounting to £98,324.

The revenue and expenditure for the year ended the 31st March, 1918, were—

Revenue.£     
Balance brought forward on 1st April, 1917377,585
Members' contributions80,792
Members' contributions on account of casual service458
Fines345
Government contribution25,000
Interest received (with bonus)17,322
Donation, H.E. the Governor-General10
     £501,512
Expenditure.£     
Retiring-allowances to— 
Members86,461
Widows and children9,251
Payments under section 86 (c)308
Contributions refunded31,848
Fines refunded3
Travelling-expenses of members of Board39
Contributions transferred to Public Service Superannuation Fund201
Public Trust Office charges303
Amount of Fund at close of year373,098
     £501,512

The balance-sheet of the fund as at the 31st March, 1918, was—

Liabilities.£     
Fund as per Revenue Account above373,098
Life allowances not paid1,020
Widows' allowances not paid73
Contributions due to be refunded not paid599
     £374,790
Assets.£     
In hands of Public Trustee362,702
Contributions and fines in transit6,461
Arrears of contributions due by members in respect to casual service5,627
     £374,790

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 were empowered, when establishing superannuation funds, to grant in respect of prior service an additional retiring-allowance not exceeding 1/60 th 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 four years ended 1916 are as follows:—

          Payment to Fund by
Local Authority.Year.Employees.Local Authority.
          £     s.d.£     s.d.
Wellington Harbour Board19132,4501591,592196
     19143,62317112,353112
     19153,595992,33716
     19163,8058102,475105
Auckland Harbour Board1913319119191150
     19146941324161511
     1915713167428511
     191670764424710
Buller County Council19138122323
     1914166105124142
     1915172184149169
     191622518516115

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 ago, 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 or local office of the Fund, and pay a first weekly contribution.

The following benefits are payable:—

  1. After contributing for twelve months, a payment not exceeding £6 for medical attendance and nursing on the birth of a contributor's child or children.

  2. After contributing for five years, an allowance, after three months incapacity to work, of 7s. 6d. per week for each child of a contributor under fourteen years of age. Payable independent of any allowances due from friendly societies. No contributions payable while in receipt of incapacity allowance.

  3. After contributing for five years, 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.

  4. On reaching age sixty, a pension of 10s., 20s., 30s., or 40s., per week, according to the scale of contributions. The payment of this pension will not affect any rights under the Old-age Pensions Act.

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 to exceed the pecuniary loss which, in the opinion of the Board, the contributor has probably suffered during incapacity, and 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 sixteen last birthday, 1s. 1d. at age twenty-two, 1s. 4d. 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 decrease his pension after entry, or he may increase it at any time whilst he is under the ago of forty-five years.

The contributions are payable in weekly sums at any postal money-order office or local office of the Fund; 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. Should he die after age 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.

Moneys payable out of the fund cannot be assigned in any way, nor, on the death of a contributor, be used as assets for purposes of payment of 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.

An important extension of the fund was authorized by the amending Act of 1914 whereby the employees of local authorities, &c., could be enrolled in the fund for superannuation purposes.

A further amendment was incorporated in the Finance Act, 1916, whereby approved friendly societies were granted a maternity allowance and offered annuities on reduced terms and under special tables.

The result of the fund's operations up to the end of the seventh 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
191712,12456,707176,210

A total amount of £14,786 was paid out through the fund for the year ended the 31st December, 1917, in respect of maternity grants, the amount to contributors being £4,054, and to the members of approved friendly societies, £10,732.

The Revenue Account of the fund for the year ended 31st December, 1917, is as follows:—

REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1917.
Revenue.£     
Amount of fund at beginning of year122,361
Contributions41,817
Interest5,901
Fines292
Benefits refunded by deduction370
Government contribution under section 2510,165
Refund of maternity claims by the State14,786
Refunds unclaimed721
     £196,413
Expenditure.£     
Maternity claims (section 18)4,054
Maternity claims (approved friendly societies)10,732
Refund of contributions on lapse, reduction, and withdrawal3,588
Death: Refund of contributions1,649
Allowances71
Pensions109
Amount of Fund at end of year176,210
     £196,413

The balance-sheet of the fund as at the end of the year 1917 is also given:—

BALANCE-SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1917.
Liabilities.£     
* Included in Revenue Account.
Fund as per Revenue Account176,210
Claims due and in course of payment* 
Maternity2,343
Death954
Allowances10
Pensions29
Refunds in suspense3,049
Deposits on incomplete applications to join fund7
Suspense account33
Contributions prepaid2,617
     £185,252
Assets.£     
Invested with Public Trustee160,724
Balance with Post Office491
Balances in transit527
Contributions outstanding or in course of transmission* 
(a.) Contributions in course of transmission1,394
(b.) Contributions due but not overdue6,564
(c.) Contributions overdue1,658
Government subsidy due under Act10,165
Refund due in respect of maternity claims*2,420
Fines due207
One-half contributions of members of Expeditionary Forces due by the State*1,102
     £185,252

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 (re companies incorporated outside New Zealand), and also of the provisions relating to branch registers, does not apply to banking companies formed within and operating only within the Dominion.

There are six banks of issue trading in New Zealand, two of these institutions, the Bank of New 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 196. The other five banks have between them 216 establishments within the Dominion, making a total of 412, or an average of one bank to every 2,664 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, 1917, 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.
* Dividend for full year.
Bank of New Zealand—£     Per Cent.£     £     
4-per-cent. stock guaranteed by New Zealand Government529,988..     ..     ..     
“A” preference shares issued to the Crown (Act of 1903)500,00010237,500*2,246,595
“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 2 per cent. for half-year140,0002,193,133
Bank of New South Wales3,904,86010195,2432,875,000
Bank of Australasia2,000,00014 and bonus of 12s. per share170,0002,997,850
National Bank of New Zealand (Limited)750,00012 per cent. per annum for half-year, and bonus of 1 per cent.52,500814,254
Commercial Bank of Australia (Limited)—    
Ordinary95,659..     ..     ..     
Preference2,117,3504 (preference only)42,3479,406

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
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
191742,930,71333,808,30944,979,61548,541,961

In 1880 the deposits of these banks were £18 per head of the mean population; in 1890, £19.92; in 1900, £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 £28.59 respectively, while for 1916 the rate has jumped to £34.34. In 1917 it rose to the high level of £39.06. 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 (71.48) was the lowest ever recorded. The rate for 1917 (78.75), though still very low, shows a substantial increase on the figure for 1916.

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 1917 (£33,808,309) is by far the highest yet reached. The rate per head for 1917 (£30.76) also constitutes a record, the next highest rate being that of 1878 (£30.53). 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 £1.29 per head, the last nine years showing the lowest figures, the rate per head being less than £2 in each of those years. Both amount and rate for 1917 are lower than in any previous year. This inflation of deposits and advances during recent years is, of course, a direct result of war conditions.

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.
     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19175,410,957105,89594,39642,930,71348,541,961

ASSETS.

The average assets, as shown below, for the periods corresponding to those above include Colonial Government securities, which in 1917 amounted to £4,960,560.

Year.Coin and Bullion.Notes and Bills discounted.Debts due, exclusive of Bad Debts.All other Assets.Total Assets.
     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19115,195,3331,792,26119,467,4672,978,55329,433,614
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
19178,072,2791,414,58527,433,1648,059,58744,979,615

DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES.

The total amount of deposits, the amount per head of population, the total advances, and the ratio of advances to deposits, caking 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.
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
191742,930,713391233,808,30978.75

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, 1913–17.
State.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.
Queensland331336141139162379142178
New South Wales31149341810368104219044197
Victoria34610375437186420646103
South Australia27182817226190316336158
Western Australia206112212623722511827122
Tasmania26150280028125309730152
Northern Territory26171036784191451096471
          Total Commonwealth316134473568395542143
New Zealand24172570251110346103912

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 1917:—

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 hold 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 end of 1917, when the notes of the six banks were declared legal tender until the 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 1917 was 791.

There were 82,200 new accounts opened in 1917, and 53,921 accounts were closed during the year. The total number of open accounts at the end of 1917 was 566,351, or one in every 1.94 of the population, excluding Maoris.

The deposits received during the year amounted to £17,106,529, and the withdrawals to £14,461,169, the excess of deposits over withdrawals having thus been £2,645,360. The total sum standing at credit of all accounts on the 31st December, 1917, was £29,196,390, which gave an average of £51 11s. to the credit of each open account. Information for each of the past ten years is given below.

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.
          £     £     £     £     
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
1917566,35117,106,52914,461,1692,645,36029,196,390

The Post Office Savings-bank commenced operations on the 1st February, 1867, and the progress of the establishment since that date is shown on the next page in graphical representation, the curves representing number of open accounts, total amount to credit, and average amount to credit respectively.

This diagram shows clearly the large increase in the business of the Post Office Savings-bank during recent years.

During the past thirty years (since 1887) the total amount standing to the credit of depositors at the end of each year has in no case shown a decrease, while the total increase over that period in the amount standing to credit of depositors is no less than £27,383,305—from £1,813,085 in 1887 to £29,196,390 in 1917.

Another pleasing feature of the diagram is the substantial and fairly steady increase in the average amount standing to the credit of each depositor.

The number of open accounts (as on the 31st December) for five years, classified according to amounts at credit, is as follows:—

Amount.1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
Not exceeding £20329,669347,464356,968369,769382,689
Exceeding £20 and up to £5047,38747,72255,18657,21659,680
Exceeding £50 and up to £10031,19633,35436,04739,71543,392
Exceeding £100 and up to £20026,10927,49929,75934,49839,813
Exceeding £200 and up to £30011,40612,01113,55515,44317,243
Exceeding £300 and up to £4005,9896,7077,3468,6909,330
Exceeding £400 and up to £5003,1073,5343,8914,7755,152
Exceeding £500 and up to £6001,9862,2392,6383,1493,628
Exceeding £6001,7452,7323,6954,8175,424
          Totals458,594483,262509,085538,072566,351

Accounts above the £600 mark in 1917 included 2,163 between £600 and £700, 1,042 between £700 and £800, 724 between £800 and £900, 560 between £900 and £1,000, and 935 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, 1917, represented a nominal value of £28,489,412. 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 securities27,395,863111
In local bodies' securities1,022,15000
In other securities71,39849
          Total£28,489,4111510

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, 1918, was £1,764,723, of which the deposits by Maoris comprised £351. The withdrawals reached the sum of £1,551,836, or £212,887 less than the deposits. The total amount to the credit of the depositors at the 31st March, 1918, was £2,720,709, of which sum £476 belonged to Maoris. Figures for ten years are as follows:—

PRIVATE SAVINGS-BANKS, 1908–17.
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.

* Fifteen months ended 31st March following.

† Twelve months ended 31st March following.

          £     £     £     £     
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
191374,1201,478,3091,461,51016,7991,792,108
191475,9411,358,8761,340,76018,1161,876,725
191578,0241,449,9381,327,364122,5742,072,602
191681,9001,631,0651,374,114256,9512,412,465
191785,1911,764,7231,551,836212,8872,720,709
The minus sign (-) represents excess of withdrawals over deposits.     

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 (Post Office), and on the 31st March, 1917 (private), are shown in the table following. The Australian figures are taken from the Quarterly 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 1917 to £66,801,817, representing an average of £60 17s. 2d. per head of population, or, including Maoris, £58 4s. 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 1917 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 1908 to 1917:—

ORDINARY LIFE ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS, 1908–17.
Year.Number of Policies in Force, including Annuities.Amount insured.Annuities per Annum.Annual Premium Income, including Annuities.
          £     £     £     
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
1917164,14542,885,43337,8561,372,278

Similar information to the above is given respecting the industrial business of the companies operating in New Zealand.

INDUSTRIAL ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS, 1908–17.
Year.Number of Policies in Force, including Annuities.Amount insured.Annuities per Annum.Annual Premium Income, including Annuities.
          £     £     £     
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
1917118,8233,532,075..     233,620

The number of ordinary life policies in force in 1907 was 122,924, so that the increase in number during the ten years was 33.53 per cent., while in the industrial business the number of policies increased by 170.74 per cent. in the period, the number in force in 1907 having been 43,889. Taking both classes of life assurance together, the policies increased in number by 69.63 per cent. in the decennium, as compared with an increase in the total population of 18.09 per cent. during the same period. A statement of the income and outgo of all the companies operating in the Dominion, so far as ordinary business only is concerned, further illustrates the large increase in the business for the ten years.

ORDINARY LIFE ASSURANCE.—NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS.—INCOME AND OUTGO.
Year.Receipts and ExpenditureExpenses 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.
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
19172,091,5121,804,647286,865173,40712.638.29

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 16.84 per cent. in 1907 to 12.63 per cent. in 1917. 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.
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
1913145,283103,58741,69662,27745.224287
1914158,97494,55364,42165,51343.0541.21
1915177,31993,97383,34666,04139.2237.24
1916200,903109,45291,45171,77837.7935.72
1917232,895128,468104,42777,92135.4933.46

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 1917 were as follows:—

     £     
Life assurance and annuity funds14,599,838
Depreciation, reserve, and other special funds313,379
Other liabilities548,067
          Total£15,461,284

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
Funds138,262
Other liabilities5,611
          Total£164,873

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 *
* Two companies only; figures for other companies included under “ordinary assurance.”
     £     £     
Mortgages on property7,460,74922,911
Loans on policies2,165,4671,951
Government securities2,695,03710,517
Other investments1,415,84168,435
Cash254,2724,586
Other assets1,469,91856,473
          Totals£15,461,284£164,873

STATE LIFE INSURANCE.

The Life Insurance Department of the New Zealand Government had at the end of 1917 policies in force to the number of 53,058, including 402 annuities. The total sum assured is £12,884,531, to which should be added reversionary bonuses amounting to £1,304,243, making the total business £14,188,774. The policies in force represent an annual premium income of £387,312.

The total income for 1917 was £645,277, of which £383,727 was premium income, £11,224 annuity purchase-money, and £250,326 interest (less land and income tax).

During the year 984 policies became claims by the deaths of policyholders, the amounts payable totalling £263,773; and 644 policies matured for £159,605. The total sum which has been paid in respect of claims by death and survival since the foundation of the Department forty-eight years ago has amounted to £6,539,580.

The total assurance, annuity, and endowment funds, apart from a special investment reserve of £288,825, now stand at £5,199,320.

On the 31st December, 1917, the total assets amounted to £5,602,871, 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, 1916.At 31st December, 1917.
Amount.Percentage of Total Assets.Amount.Percentage of Total Assets.
     £          £          
Mortgages on freehold property3,227,79658.93,141,29456.1
Loans on policies809,53314.8780,97613.9
Government securities855,90015.61,055,90018.9
Local bodies' debentures210,4873.8209,2773.7
Landed and house property134,9302.5134,8982.4
Miscellaneous assets131,8822.4130,0642.3
Cash in hand and on current account111,2042.0150,4622.7
          Totals5,481,732100.05,602,871100.0

A detailed statement of the liabilities and assets as at the 31st December, 1917, is also given.

BALANCE-SHEET OF THE GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1917.
Liabilities.£     
          Total Assurance, Annuity, and Endowment Funds (as per Revenue Account)5,199,320
Claims admitted (proofs not yet completed)110,590
Annuities181
Commission12
Medical fees216
Premium and other deposits2,848
Fire-insurance moneys in suspense600
Sundry accounts owing279
Investment Fluctuation Deserve288,825
     £5,602,871
Assets.£     
Loans on policies780,976
Government securities— £ 
Consolidated stock625,900
Debentures issued under the District Railways 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, 1916200,000
Inscribed stock authorized under the War Purposes Loan Act, 1917150,000
     1,055,900
Municipal Corporation debentures117,289
County securities9,127
Harbour Board debentures36,900
Town Board debentures25,450
Road Board debentures18,500
Drainage Board debentures2,061
Landed and house property133,121
Landed and house property (lease hold)1,776
Mortgages on property3,141,294
Properties acquired by foreclosure3,223
Overdue premiums on policies in force4,977
Outstanding premiums due but not overdue37,814
     42,791
Overdue interest2,303
Outstanding interest due 
but not overdue8,591
Interest accrued but not due69,827
     80,721
Agents' balances3,330
Cash in hand and on current account150,462
     £5,602,871

The triennial valuation of the liabilities was again made as at the 31st December, 1914. After adding a further sum of £99,704 to the Investment Fluctuation Reserve, there remained a surplus of £216,712, of which £205,291 was divided among the policyholders by way of bonus, and the balance of £11,421 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 20s. to 34s. per cent. per annum on the sum assured.

The cash surplus divided, £205,291, represents additions to the policies payable at death or on maturity of £322,090. Since the inception of the Department in 1870, £2,016,676 in cash has been distributed by way of bonus, the corresponding addition to the sums assured being £3,568,310.

The progress of the Department during the last three years, when compared with the four 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
1915–1753,05812,884,5311,304,243387,377

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
1906–089,7392,261,78772,803
1909–1110,4762,487,47277,477
1912–1411,7213,197,69489,715
1915–1710,1292,709,16390,017

ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

At the close of the year 1917 there were thirty-three insurance offices doing accident business in the Dominion. Returns of receipts and expenditure have been submitted by all but two of these offices, 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.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE IN NEW ZEALAND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1917.
Office.Receipts.Expenditure.
Premiums.Other Receipts.Total.Claims paid.Other Payments.Total.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d£     s.d.£     s.d.
* Figures not available.
Alliance5,388145..               5,3881451,006492,9318113,937138
Atlas4,591011..               4,5910112,53118102,1570114,688199
British Traders******
Colonial Mutual3,1451231,1375114,2821821,2141301,5711902,786120
Commercial Union15,99798..               15,997986,4954108,55581015,050138
Eagle, Star, and British Dominions915911..               915911..               620134620134
Farmers' Co-operative1,259211..               1,25921152222600451,12267
Guardian5,1451111..               5,14511112,2191272,9721365,19261
Liverpool and London and Globe7,670146..               7,6701462,55712103,2441085,80236
London and Lancashire8,611272581508,8691773,270023,7701087,0401010
Mutual Life and Citizens14,627113..               14,6271136,387416,88115013,268191
National17,422188..               17,4221887,751846,62014914,37231
New Zealand64,57584..               64,5758439,5864623,5372863,12372
North British and Mercantile1,833118..               1,832118763134777921,54126
Northern4,960100408005,3681001,4641782,220893,68565
Norwich and London13,8461381900014,0361388,7401035,6555814,3951511
Ocean25,386123..               25,38612313,92419910,64431124,56938
Phœnix2,891107..               2,891107607681,4771432,085011
Provident Life5701511182058317112387618049418123
Queensland8,533121400008,9331213,8991953,094066,9931911
Royal11,550178..               11,5501787,3291284,84514312,175611
Royal Exchange12,145125..               12,1451255,391725,1159210,506164
Sawmillers' Mutual2,962665145113,4761251,7391278471622,58789
South British48,8181010..               48,818101030,9297216,9414747,87119
Standard23,22982..               23,2298211,93191110,72713722,65936
Sun1,64028..               1,6402828110159962880163
Taranaki Farmers228180..               2281803501015670191710
Union4,34068..               4,340682,870961,95316113,92465
Union Insurance Society of Canton*          *          *          *          *          *      
United3,083189..               3,0831891,7702101,815843,585112
Victoria10,48090..               10,480903,843524,9271608,77112
Yorkshire3,19065..               3,1906593910595312101,89333
Insurance Department of New Zealand Government22,058372,45051124,508969,269496,01512615,28573
          Totals351,103425,376149356,4791811179,513139141,51372321,027011

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
191722,1159,270

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 1917 amounted to £29,212, an increase of £9,223 during the year, while the Reserve Fund constituted under section 20 of the Government Accident Insurance Act, 1908, remained at £62,596. The total assets at the end of the year amounted to £113,983.

The assets and liabilities on the 31st December, 1917, were as Follows:—

Liabilities,£     
Accident Funds as per Revenue Account29,212
Claims admitted (proofs not yet completed)9,000
Commission166
Premium and other deposits81
Reserve for unearned premiums9,927
Investment Fluctuation Reserve3,000
Reserve Fund constituted under section 20 of the Government Accident Insurance Act, 190862,597
     £113,983
Assets.£     
Debentures issued under authority of the Finance Act, 1915.. 10,000
War bonds issued under authority of the Finance Act, 191610,000
Inscribed stock authorized under the War Purposes Loan Act, 19177,500
Mortgages on property69,800
Overdue interest£110
Outstanding interest due but not overdue.128
Interest accrued but not due1,204
     1,442
Agents' balances678
Sundry accounts owing799
Cash in hand and on current account13,764
     £113,983

FIRE INSURANCE.

At the end of the year 1917 twenty-nine 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 Traders Insurance Company (Limited).

Commercial Union Assurance Company (Limited).

Eagle, Star, and British Dominions General Insurance Company (Limited) of London.

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).

Union Insurance Society of Canton (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 the 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 33 ¼ per cent.

The premium income, after deducting premiums on reinsurances during the ten years 1908–17, was as follows:—

Year.Amount of Premium Income.
     £     
190826,657
190933,281
191040,552
191147,745
191254,380
191359,418
191464,646
191571,166
191677,609
191785,321

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 debentures and Consols, exclusive of war bonds mentioned below. The accumulated funds amount to £182,645, an increase of £26,686 over the figures for 1916.

The net profits for the year 1917, after appropriating a sum of £3,085 to reserve for unearned premiums and £1,000 to a special Investments Fluctuation Reserve, were £22,601, as against £35,697 for 1916. This decrease is wholly due to the payment of £13,924 as income-tax in respect of profits for 1916. This is the first year in which income-tax has been levied on the profits of the Office. The total accumulated profit at the 31st December, 1917, amounted to £144,517.

The loss-ratio of 32 per cent. for the year is remarkably low, and is considerably less than the average loss-ratio for the whole fire-insurance business of the Dominion. It cannot be expected, however, that this low loss-ratio will be maintained.

The total cover (new and renewals) issued during the year amounted to the large sum of over £22,000,000.

The total assets of the Office at the close of 1917 amounted to £208,220, the increase for the year being £41,340.

Investments at the 31st December, 1917, amounted to £152,608. Of this sum £55,000 was invested during the year in New Zealand Government 4 ½–per-cent. war bonds, and since the close of the year a further £30,000 has been invested in war bonds.

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 policyholders on premiums paid. The sum of £8,000 out of the profits for 1916 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 the 31st December, 1917, is appended.

Liabilities.£     
Capital authorized by the State Fire Insurance Act, 1908100,000
Less not raised100,000
Reserve Fund113,915
Reserve for bonus to policy holders8,000
Investment Fluctuation Reserve Fund4,000
Reserve for unearned premiums34,129
Premiums and other deposits320
Outstanding fire losses3,166
Government taxes13,924
Other amounts owing by the Office—£     
Reinsurance premiums due6,235
Commission1,274
Rent180
Printing, stationery, and advertising14
Postages and sundry charges462
     8,165
Fire-insurance funds, as per Revenue Account22,601
     £208,220
Assets.£     
Government war bonds and stock55,000
Government debentures and Consols68,196
Mortgages on property2,600
Freehold land and buildings26,812
Outstanding premiums5,714
Interest accrued but not due1,513
Rent accrued but not due19
Cash in Bank of New Zealand at Wellington or in transit to Wellington47,910
Imprest Account balances—£     
Head Office178
Auckland28
Christchurch74
Dunedin105
Palmerston North3
New Plymouth68
     456
     £208,220

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, 1909 to 1918, 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 of Excess transferred to the Public Works Fund.
     £     £     £     £     
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
191311,734,27111,032,038652,233750,000
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..     
191820,206,22215,120,2885,085,934..     
          Totals, 10 years129,084,160114,419,77914,664,3813,875,000

To the amount of excess revenue for the ten years must be added the sum of £767,849 brought forward from the financial year ended the 31st March, 1908, 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 £15,447,190. 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 £11,560,788 which has been carried forward to the current year's account. Of this large balance £8,770,380 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-seven financial years ended the 31st March, 1918, was £10,305,000.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE.

An analysis of the revenue received during each of the past ten financial years is made in the next table.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE. 1908–9 TO 1918–19.
Year ended 31st March.Revenue derived fromTotal Revenue
Taxation.Services.Crown Lands.Other Sources.
     £     £     £     £     £     
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
191812,340,8536,729,524306,136829,70920,206,222
          Totals, 10 years66,255,33654,874,4802,929,6625,024,682129,084,160

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.

During the war period the total revenue shows in each year very large increases—that for 1915–16 being over two millions, for 1916–17 nearly four millions, and for 1917–18 nearly two millions. These increases are due in great part 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 per head of population, and the amounts per head derived from taxation and from other sources, during the past ten years are shown in the following table:—

REVENUE PER HEAD OF POPULATION, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Revenue per Head derived fromTotal Revenue per Head.
Taxation.Other Sources.
     £     s.d.£     s.d£     s.d.
19094111141709811
19104565359811
1911416115951064
191253105131101611
191357251711143
1914510051741174
19155756001175
1916612161171338
191791111720161311
191811397271864

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.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19122,467,713986,5271,072,9922,656,3443,156,78710,340,368
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
19172,871,9771,368,4901,525,1064,032,8854,260,312 14,058,770
19183,067,6581,487,1451,581,6004,430,7794,553,10615,120,288

The “Other Expenses” group includes old-age pensions, which amounted to £345,630 in 1908–9 and to £642,611 in 1917–18. The charges of the public debt are found to have absorbed 25.09 per cent. of the revenue in 1908–9 (excluding amounts received by alienation of Crown lands) and 21.93 per cent. in 1917–18.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1917–18.

The total receipts of the Consolidated Fund for the financial year 1917–18, including a balance of £6,474,854 brought forward from the previous year, were £26,681,076, and the total expenditure for the same period was £15,120,288, leaving the large balance of £11,560,786 to carry forward.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—RECEIPTS, 1917–18.
From taxation—£     £     
Customs3,364,308 
Excise237,075 
Land-tax1,385,708 
Income-tax5,619,561 
Death duties805,511 
Bank-note-issue tax162,328 
Totalizator-tax213,932 
Other taxes552,430 
          12,340,853
From services—£     £     
Railways4,668,273 
Postal976,027 
Telegraph516,865 
Telephone344,368 
Other services223,991 
          6,729,524
Land revenue—  
Rents, Grown lands205,643 
Net revenue from national - endowment lands (1916–17)100,493 
      306,136
Miscellaneous     829,709
          Total     £20,206,222

Taxation represented 61.07 per cent. of the total revenue for the year 1917–18, and services contributed 33.30 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, 1917–18.
     £     £     
Charges of the public debt (excluding interest and sinking fund charges paid out of separate accounts)..     4,430,779
Pensions and allowances—  
Old-age pensions642,611 
Widows' pensions57,931 
Military pensions569,481 
Miners' pensions8,572 
Civil pensions and allowances30,151 
Civil Service, Railway, and Teachers' Superannuation Funds90,000 
          1,398,746
Payment to local bodies—  
Subsidies163,431 
Endowments revenue64,060 
Under the Land Act48,831 
Other payments563 
          276,885
Public instruction—  
Elementary960,252 
Secondary and higher173,313 
Manual and technical84,546 
Training of teachers49,500 
Native schools36,575 
Industrial schools38,641 
School buildings129,402 
Departmental and miscellaneous98,413 
National-endowment revenue not included above70,345 
          1,640,987
Judicial and legal—£     £     
Administration of justice136,142 
Police261,325 
Prisons66,280 
          463,747
Railways working-expenses 3,069,255
Postal and Telegraph services 1,487,145
Defence (including naval defence) 470,337
Other expenditure—  
Departmental1,870,485 
Miscellaneous11,922 
          1,882,407
          Total     £15,120,288

A comparison of the revenue of the Consolidated Fund for the year 1917–18 with that of the previous year, together with the percentage which each item bears to the totals, and the increase or decrease, as the case may be, is given in the table following.

CONSOLIDATED FUND.—REVENUE FOR 1917–18, COMPARED WITH 1916–17.
Head of Revenue.Revenue of Consolidated Fund.Increase for 1117–18.
1916–17.Per Cent. of Total.1917–18.Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Per Cent.
* Decrease.
Taxation—£          £          £          
Customs and excise4,037,62822.003,601,38317.82−436,245*−10.80*
Land713,1183.881,385,7086.86672,59094.32
Income4,262,12623.225,619,56127.811,357,43531.85
Death duties570,0403.11805,5113.99235,47141.31
Other taxes966,7425.27928,6904.60−38,052*−3.94*
Services—      
Railways4,836,27526.354,668,27323.10−168,002*−3.47*
Postal964,7935.25976,0274.8311,2341.16
Telegraph527,2492.87516,8652.56−10,384*−1.96*
Telephone317,2751.73344,3681.7027,0938.54
Other services239,8301.31223,9911.11−15,839*−6.60*
Land revenue301,7581.64306,1361.514,3781.45
Miscellaneous618,3603.37829,7094.11211,34934.18
          Totals18,355,194100.0020,206,222100.001,851,02810.08

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 1917–18, COMPARED WITH 1916–17.
Head on Expenditure.Expenditure of Consolidated FundIncrease for 1917–18
1916–17.Per Cent. of Total.1917–18Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Per Cent.
* Decrease.
     £          £          £          
Charges of the public debt4,032,88528.694,430,77929.30397,8949.87
Pensions and allowances874,4236.231,398,7469.25524,32359.96
Payment to local bodies288,0692.05276,8851.83−11,184*−3.88*
Public instruction1,525,10610.851,640,98710.85115,8817.60
Judicial and legal440,8383.13463,7473.0722,9095.20
Railways working-expenses2,871,97720.433,069,25520.30197,2786.87
Postal and Telegraph services1,368,4909.731,487,1459.84118,655867
Defence (including naval)474,9223.38470,3373.11−4,585*−0.97*
Other expenditure2,182,06015.521,882,40712.45−299,653*−13.73*
          Totals14,058,770100.0015,120,288100.001,061,5187.55

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 ten 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.
     £     £     £     £     
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
19181,025,100..     66,0951,091,195

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. This column for 1913–14 includes a further amount of £21,890, receipts 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 £6,430,000 was transferred during the years 1891–92 to 1907–8 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
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
191211,6811,178,969430,64721,245147,692349,65512,576187,9152,340,380
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
191610,0101,205,287424,6376,602249,554335,77413,673337,6752,583,212
19176,533846,983219,7944,592203,311251,43113,768239,1011,775,513
19183,856607,931135,64227213,955229,2882,976206,1621,401,837

The receipts and expenditure of the fund during the financial year ended 31st March, 1918, were as under:—

PUBLIC WORKS FUND.—RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1917–18.
Receipts—£     £     
Balance, 31st March, 1917 718,225
Debentures issued under Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 191445,100 
Debentures issued under Finance Acts, 1916 and 1917825,000 
Debentures issued under the Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 191495,000 
Debentures issued under the Aid to Water-power Works Act, 191060,000 
          1,025,100
Recoveries on account of expenditure of previous years43,492 
Receipts under the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 19104,109 
Receipts in connection with the Ellesmere and Forsyth Reclamation and Akaroa Railway Trust Account1,595 
Receipts under State Supply of Electrical Energy Act, 191716,899 
          66,095
          Total     £1,809,420
Expenditure—£     £     
Railways607,931 
Roads135,642 
Public buildings229,288 
Telegraph extension213,955 
Contingent defence6,714 
Immigration3,856 
Development of mining27 
Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour-defences2,976 
Tourist and health resorts932 
Lands improvement1,838 
Development of water-power26,734 
Irrigation and water-supply11,650 
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement25,521 
Plant, material, and stores6,810 
Departmental127,962 
Charges and expenses of raising and renewing general public-works loans1 
Transferred to Public Works Fund under State Supply of Electrical Energy Act, 1917, and included in item of “Recoveries” shown on receipt side21,113 
          1,422,950
Balance, 31st March, 1918     386,470
          Total     £1,809,420

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, £24,730 in 1916–17, and £43,996 in 1917–18. 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 winch 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. There was no expenditure in 1917–18 under this heading.

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.£     
Treasury Bills issued during year400,000
          Total£400,000
Cr.£     
Treasury Bills redeemed during year400,000
          Total£400,000
STATE FORESTS ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Rents from lands set apart13,299
Debentures issued28,100
          Total£41,399
Expenditure.£     
Expenses of nurseries, tree-planting and forest conservation41,852
Interest on debentures902
          Total£42,754
STATE COAL-MINES ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Proceeds of sale of coal313,859
          Total£313,859
Expenditure.£     
Working-expenses and development260,052
Interest on debentures8,714
          Total£268,763
SCENERY-PRESERVATION ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Rents343
          Total£343
Expenditure.£     
Scenery-preservation1,501
          Total£1,501
NAVAL DEFENCE ACT ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Nil. 
          TotalNil.
Expenditure.£     
Expenditure under the Act118
          Total£118
LOCAL BODIES ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Revenue received on account of local bodies— 
Fees, fines, &c.6,228
Endowments of land, &c.1,409
Goldfields revenue12,602
Gold duty15,534
Counties separate account148
Advance Account— 
Amounts repaid by local bodies20,247
          Total£56,168
Expenditure.£     
Revenue paid over to local bodies— 
Fees, fines, &c.6,237
Endowments of land, &c.2,140
Goldfields revenue10,516
Gold duty14,319
Counties separate account134
Advance Account— 
Sundry payments made on behalf of local bodies20,025
          Total£53,371

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.£     
Lodgments36,496,610
          Total£36,496,610
Expenditure.£     
Withdrawals35,733,534
          Total£35,733,534

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 1917–18, as is evidenced by the following figures:—

Item.Receipts.Expenditure.
     £     £     
Wool-supply16,650,00016,323,225
Wool-supply (pelts)32,16031,799
Meat-supply8,933,0269,052,391
Butter-supply2,600,0002,227,471
Cheese-supply4,760,0004,876,554
Canned-rabbits supply43,00042,955
Frozen-rabbits supply21,2503,926
Scheelite-supply35,00032,329
Condensed-milk supply41,91741,689
Glaxo-supply272,572248,385
Jam-supply9771,953
Hides-supply585,000571,485
          Totals£33,974,902£33,454,162
CHEVIOT ESTATE ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Rents from land17,677
Bales82
Interest on securities2,429
          Total£20,188
Expenditure.£     
Interest on loans8,866
          Total£8,866

LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACCOUNT.

The operations of this account during each of the five financial years ended 31st March, 1914–18, and the total transactions to the latter date, are shown in the table following:—

Head.Year ended 31st March.Total to 31st March, 1918.
1914.1915.1916.1917.1918.
Receipts—£     £     £     £     £     £     
Loans raised306,588136,07860,000300,000140,0006,854,578
Advances made by State Advances Office163,878..     ..     ..     ..     1,003,875
Sale of lands139,566293,867345,598267,714221,9171,272,265
Rents, &c.342,278312,827337,288340,077353,1724,579,301
          Total receipts952,310742,772742,886907,791715,08913,710,019
Expenditure—      
Land-purchases560,497356,686100,506595,419446,9968,436,220
Transfer to Opening up Crown Lands for Settlement Account34,17151,00045,000..     40,000170,171
Interest on loans266,205287,225288,728267,073322,9253,672,218
Payment to sinking fund48,91041,93741,87138,15328,216609,549
Incidental expenses25,90236,14226,51424,92452,296740,637
          Total to expenditure935,685772,990502,619925,569890,43313,628,795

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 this account for the year 1917–18 are,—

Receipts.£     
Amount set aside under section 63 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 191340,000
Revenue under section 63 of Land Laws Amendment Act, 191314,936
          Total£54,936
Expenditure.£     
Roads to open up lands for settlement43,996
Interest7,981
          Total£51,977
NATIVE LAND SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Debentures issued225,000
Amount received for surveys25,981
Land-sales19,840
Rents, &c.27,808
Repayment of advances by Maori Land Boards2,290
          Total£300,919
Expenditure.£     
Expenditure under the Act223,393
Native - land - purchase expenses2,081
Interest64,879
Charges and expenses of raising loans1
          Total£290,354
CONVERSION ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Nil. 
          TotalNil.
Expenditure.£     
Rent and office expenses365
          Total£365

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, 1918, being 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 over 46 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 for the last three financial years and the total since its creation in 1914–15 are given in the following statement. There was a credit balance of £7,149,402 at 31st March, 1918.

Head.Year ended 31st March,Total to 31st March, 1918.
1916.1917.1918.
Receipts—£     £     £     £     
Loans raised6,659,50617,812,89019,459,70046,232,096
Contributions towards War Expenses Fund6,7805,4051,157172,479
Remittances to and from soldiers1,21484,248139,503239,965
Pay Warrants Account19,400..     ..     19,400
          Totals6,701,90017,902,54319,600,36046,663,940
Expenditure—    
War expenditure5,712,89214,139,95616,803,79938,808,483
Relief expenditure72,500129,24511,493233,238
Remittances to and from soldiers3,32246,889124,813175,024
Pay Warrants Account19,3445319,352
Expenses of raising loans129,50675,32373,612278,441
          Totals5,937,56414,391,41817,013,72039,514,538

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, 1918.
1914.1915.1916.1917.1918.
Receipts—£     £     £     £     £     £     
Land sales, leases, &c.8,13510,44911,54019,63118,25585,549
Transfers from Local Bodies Account..     ..     ..     ..     ..     31,000
Advances made by New Zealand State Advances Office10,000..     ..     ..     ..     95,000
Transfer from State Advances Office..     771..     ..     ..     771
Debentures issued5,0009,00011,000..     ..     25,000
          Totals23,13520,22022,54019,63118,255237,320
Expenditure—      
Reclamation, drainage, and road-construction18,99316,60914,33413,93722,151209,375
Payment of principal and interest2,4753,7913,9974,4694,43826,579
          Totals21,46820,40018,33118,40626,589235,954

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. 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, 1918, were,—

Receipts.£     
Rents, etc.114,121
          Total£114,121
Expenditure.£     
Payments under the Act105,790
          Total£105,790
WORKERS' DWELLINGS ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Sale of dwellings under section 16 of Act18,056
          Total£18,056
Expenditure.£     
Nil. 
          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 1917–18 are shown.

Receipts.£     
Interest on advances16
Repayments of principal25
          Total£41
Expenditure.£     
Interest1,322
          Total£1,322
RANGITAIKI LAND DRAINAGE ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Receipts under the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 19107
Receipts under the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1913120
Compensation for land taken2,200
Debentures issued22,000
          Total£24,327
Expenditure.£     
Land-drainage21,232
Expenses of raising loans1
          Total£21,233
BANK OF NEW ZEALAND ACTS 1903 AND 1913 ACCOUNT.
Dr.£     
Investment Account875,000
          Total£875,000
Cr.£     
Preference shares of the Bank of New Zealand375,000
          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.£     
Investment Account800,000
          Total£800,000
Cr.£     
Securities800,000
          Total£800,000
NEW ZEALAND CONSOLS ACCOUNT.
Dr.£     
Cash in Deposit Account107
Investment Account475,885
          Total£475,992
Cr.£     
Cash in Deposit Account7
Investment Account475,985
          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.£     
Sale of gum28,121
          Total£28,121
Expenditure.£     
Expenditure under the Act18,368
          Total£18,368
SWAMP LAND DRAINAGE ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Debentures issued10,000
          Total£10,000
Expenditure.£     
Drainage of swamp lands9,047
          Total£9,047
FRUIT-PRESERVING INDUSTRY ADVANCES ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Debentures issued21,800
Repayment of principal and interest7,086
          Total£28,886
Expenditure.£     
Advances23,510
          Total£23,510
DISCHARGED SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT.
Receipts.£     
Debentures issued124,000
Repayment of principal and interest10,177
          Total£134,177
Expenditure.£     
Advances109,918
Expenditure under section 9 of ActCr. 331
Expenses of raising loans1
          Total£109,588

COLD-STORAGE ADVANCES ACCOUNT.

Section 22 of the Appropriation Act, 1917, authorizes the Minister of Finance to raise sums not exceeding £120,000 for the purpose of providing additional cold storage in New Zealand.

Receipts.£     
Debentures issued23,250
          Total£23,250
Expenditure.£     
Advances20,750
          Total£20,750

STATEMENT OF BALANCES ON 31ST MARCH, 1918.

The cash balances and investments of the foregoing accounts as on 31st March, 1918, are shown in the following table:—

Account.Cash.Investments.Total
Cr.£     £     £     
Consolidated Fund (ordinary revenue)2,790,4078,770,38111,560,788
State Forests1,175..     1,175
State Coal-mines113,218..     113,218
Scenery-preservation3,190..     3,190
Local Bodies12,766..     12,766
Deposit Accounts2,654,0961,459,7944,113,890
Public Works Fund (proper)295,540..     295,540
Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 191413,163..     13,163
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement11,28530,00041,285
Electric Supply36,482..     36,482
Cheviot Estate19,843100,000119,843
Land for Settlements81,224..     81,224
Land for Settlements (opening up Crown lands for settlement)3,598..     3,598
Native-land Settlement43,027..     43,027
Conversion Account7,738..     7,738
War Expenses3,928,3483,221,0547,149,402
Hauraki Plains Settlement1,365..     1,365
National Endowment108,824..     108,824
Workers' Dwellings39,53325,00064,533
Mining Advances5,799..     5,799
Rangitaiki Land Drainage4,270..     4,270
Bank of New Zealand (preference shares)..     875,000875,000
Reserve Fund..     800,000800,000
New Zealand Consols7475,985475,992
Kauri-gum Industry20,931..     20,931
Swamp Drainage5,388..     5,388
Fruit-preserving Industry Advances6,258..     6,258
Cold-storage Advances2,500..     2,500
Discharged Soldiers Settlement31,434..     31,434
          Totals10,241,40915,757,21425,998,623

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.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
19153,291,943799,641540,318796,232449,6775,880,811
19163,524,0631,048,3561,392,119610,350692,0787,266,966
19174,037,628713,1184,262,126570,040966,74210,549,654
19183,601,3831,385,7085,619,561805,511928,69012,340,853

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.
190966.6413.827.335.956.26
191065.6315.137.464.527.26
191165.0313.008.426.696.86
191264.1612.218.486.828.33
191362.9913.008.268.177.58
191460.0512.979.3710.377.24
191556.0313.609.1913.547.64
191648.4914.4319.168.409.52
191738.276.7640.405.409.17
191829.1811.2345.546.537.52

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, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Including Maoris.Excluding Maoris.
     £     s.d.£     s.d.
190947541111
1910416456
1911412441611
191241905310
1913523572
19145525100
1915529575
19166646121
191793791111
1918101411139

WAR TAXATION.

As was inevitable with a war of the magnitude of that in which New Zealand was engaged, additional taxation 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 was 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, in contradistinction to the policy adopted in Great Britain, no reduction has been made in the minimum income (£300) subject to income-tax.

1915 SESSION.

The war taxation imposed in 1915 covered a fairly wide range. An additional 33 ¼ 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 ¾ d. to 1d. 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, wined, 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 ¾d. per gallon; the rate was increased by 1/16 d. for every unit above 1,047 but not exceeding 1,055, and by ⅛ d. 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 1d. 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, 1s. 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 Death 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 on the railways was increased by 1d. in the shilling, and second-class excursion fares were raised to approximately 1 ¼d. 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 ½ d. 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 ½ 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 1/16 d. 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

No alterations in the laws relating to taxation were made during the year 1918.

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TAXATION.

During the year ended 31st March, 1918, the sum of £3,364,308 was collected, after deduction of drawbacks, for duty on imported goods, and £237,075 for excise duties, a total of £3,601,383. 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.
     £     £     £     
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
19183,364,308237,0753,601,383

The revenue from Customs and excise duties in 1907–8 was £3,217,538, and the increase for the ten years is £383,845, or 11.93 per cent. In the ten calendar years corresponding to the same period the value of imports (excluding specie) increased from £17,802,861 to £20,919,259, or at the rate of 20.90 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.

The Customs duties collected in 1916–17 showed a substantial increase as a result of increased imports, but with the fall in imports during the following year the duties collected fell back to approximately the figure of 1915–16.

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 ¼ per cent. in the case of income-tax, ¼d. 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, and was continued in 1918.

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 ¼2,000 of a penny for every pound in excess of £1,000, up to the maximum of 7d. These rates were virtually increased for the years 1917–18 and 1918–19 by the imposition of a super-tax of 50 per cent., the minimum rate for the year being thus 1 ½d. and the maximum 10 ½d. A further 50-per-cent. increase on the total rates is imposed in the case of absentees, including shareholders in companies, but not in the case of 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 £1 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 years 1917–18 and 1918–19 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 ½00 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 ¾00 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 now feature of the land and income taxation laws of the Dominion was the provision in the Finance Act, 1917, for an additional penal tax in cases where the taxpayer had 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. This provision was renewed for the following year by the Finance Act (No. 2) of 1918.

The income-tax for the year ended the 31st March, 1918, amounted to £5,619,561, and the land-tax to £1,385,708. The number of income-tax payers was 37,949, as against only 30,230 in the preceding year. Land-tax payers numbered 51,275, as against 35,859 in 1916–17.

The total number of land- and income-tax payers for each of the past ton years was,—

NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS.
Year ended 31st March.Land-tax.Income-tax.
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
191851,27537,949

The revenue derived from land-tax and income-tax during each of the past ten years is as shown below.

LAND AND INCOME TAX, 1908–9 TO 1917–18.
Year ended 31st March.Land-tax.Income-tax.
     £     £     
1909604,901321,044
1910642,270316,835
1911628,723407,235
1912647,015448,935
1913728,636462,994
1914767,451554,271
1915799,641540,318
19161,048,3561,392,119
1917713,1184,262,125
19181,385,7085,619,561

In 1917 the dual system of land taxation (ordinary and graduated) was superseded by a single graduated tax, which in 1917–18 yielded the sum of £1,385,708.

Particulars of the amounts collected under the three classes (ordinary, graduated, and absentee) during the ten years 1907–8 to 1916–17 are as given in the following table:—

LAND TAX, 1907–8 to 1916–17.
Year ended 31st March.Land-tax.
Ordinary.Graduated.Absentee.
* Included in preceding column.
     £     £     £     
1908346,166186,0005,680
1909389,844209,2485,809
1910417,668220,0444,558
1911416,426209,4932,804
1912439,398205,1142,503
1913475,281251,2752,080
1914506,407258,1352,909
1915547,959249,1932,489
1916696,930351,426*
1917347,913365,205*

The effect of the increased rates in 1915–16, 1916–17, and 1917–18 is clearly shown by the table of revenue from land and income tax given above. 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 was 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. The increase in land-tax collected in 1917–18 is a result of the increased rates levied under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1917.

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 to 2,0002
2,000 to 3,0002 ½
3,000 to 4,0003
4,000 to 5,0003 ¼
5,000 to 6,0003 2/3
6,000 to 7,0004
7,000 to 8,0004 ¼
8,000 to 9,0004 2/3
9,000 to 10,0005
10,000 to 12,0005 ¼
12,000 to 14,0005 2/3
14,000 to 16,0006
16,000 to 18,0006 ¼
18,000 to 20,0006 2/3
20,000 to 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, £
1909260,238
1910192,014
1911323,783
1912361,186
1913458,265
1914613,751
1915796,232
1916610,350
1917570,040
1918805,511

TOTALIZATOR-TAX.

Full information concerning the law as to the use of the totalizator in New Zealand is given in Section XXXI of this book (Miscellaneous). The Government tax on totalizator investments is 2 ½ per cent. of the gross amount passed through the machines. Prior to the 1st March, 1910, the percentage was 1 ½.

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.
               £     £     
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
1917–18135205110,8454,433,816

In addition to the amount shown above as percentage paid to the Treasury in 1917–18, the sum of £99,754 was received as dividend duty and £3,101 as tax on stakes.

The racing year ends on the 31st July, and the position as regards the last six years is hotter shown in the next table, which gives figures for July years. Information as to gate-money, licenses, &., 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, etc.Amounts paid to Treasury.
As Tax on Investments.From Gate-money, Licenses, etc.
               £     £     £     £     
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
1917–181311894,421,175108,444110,5292,711

LOCAL TAXATION.

Local governing authorities have power under various Acts of the Legislature to impose taxes for general or special purposes as sot 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.
     £     £     £     £     
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
19171,695,572838,967185,6112,720,150

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 1906–7 to 1916–17 was £805,861, or 90 per cent.; special and separate rates increased by £495,630, or 144 per cent.; and total rates by £1,301,491, or 105 per cent. Licenses and other taxes show an increase for the ten years of £80,123, or 76 per cent.

A table is given setting out in greater detail the taxation by local authorities during the year ended the 31st March, 1917.

REVENUE FROM LOCAL TAXATION, 1916–17.
Local Bodies.Rates.Licenses.Other Taxes.Total.
General.Special and Separate.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Counties842,153132,18121,33720,9101,016,581
Boroughs605,702624,29862,09272,7081,364,800
Town Boards27,38517,0574,6111,63650,689
Road Boards83,65311,0237621,09196,529
River Boards8,7924,093..     ..     12,885
Land Drainage Boards14,2957,572..     ..     21,867
Harbour Boards41,617..     ..     ..     41,617
City and Suburban Drainage Boards71,81734,570..     458106,845
Tramway Boards..     4,168..     ..     4,168
Water-supply Boards1584,0056..     4,169
          Totals1,695,572838,96788,80896,8032,720,150

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 ton 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 Settlors 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, now 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 not 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.
1899746,67346,938,00662173857,27946,080,72761144
1900758,61647,874,4526322944,37546,930,07761173
1901772,71949,591,24564371,033,49448,557,751621610
1902789,99452,966,447670111,128,81651,837,63165124
1903814,84255,899,019681201,357,73954,541,28066188
1904838,95457,522,215681141,500,68756,021,52866156
1905864,97159,912,00069541,650,71858,261,2826772
1906889,96862,191,040691771,661,51960,529,5216803
1907913,87364,179,04070472,042,06862,136,972671910
1908937,58766,453,897701761,268,36165,185,53669106
1909968,31370,938,53473521,479,22469,459,31071148
1910987,48174,890,6457516101,503,22573,387,4207464
19111,008,46881,078,122807111,754,48679,323,63678132
19121,031,50084,353,913811572,160,60382,193,31079138
19131,061,74890,060,763841652,603,64287,457,1218275
19141,089,82799,730,427911023,063,99291,689,8358428
19151,100,586100,059,910901843,178,05596,644,45587163
19161,100,406109,637,397991283,679,964105,957,4339659
19171,101,166129,836,1051171824,263,590125,572,51511409
19181,104,783150,840,0551361084,971,605145,868,45013208

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 1908–9 to 1917–18 were as follows:—

Year ended 31st March,Amount.
     £     
1909377,765
1910303,840
1911335,240
1912347,180
1913348,960
1914348,960
1915425,485
1916475,885
1917475,885
1918475,985

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, 1918, 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 1917–18.Total Indebtedness at 31st March, 1918.
* Decrease.
(a.) Directly reproductive undertakings,—£     £     
Railways429,24231,641,186
Railways improvement95,000
Telegraphs and telephones101,5293,098,849
Lighthouses and harbours2,577644,759
Tourist and health resorts807181,772
State forests28,10038,100
State coal-mines..     227,601
Water-power development60,000427,920
          Total (class a)717,25536,260,187
(b.) Investments,—  
Advances to settlers..     9,283,196
Advances to workers75,000*2,419,347
Advances to local authorities..     2,775,528
Mining Advances..     26,500
Kauri-gum industry advances..     47,000
Fruit-preserving industry advances21,80046,700
Cold-storage advances23,25023,250
Land for settlements140,0007,769,523
Discharged soldiers settlement121,000160,000
Native-land settlement225,0001,905,031
Opening up Crown lands..     347,911
Hauraki Plains settlement..     120,000
Rangitaiki drainage22,000120,000
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
          Total (class b)481,05033,417,195
(c.) Indirectly productive,—  
Roads and bridges117,4409,254,724
Lands improvement1,591
Irrigation and water-supply10,087
Swamp drainage10,000
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement..     
Development of mining23908,717
Immigration3,3382,560,896
          Totals (class c)142,47912,724,337
 Increase during 1917–18.Total Indebtedness at 31st March, 1918.
(d.) Unproductive,—£     £     
Public buildings197,6537,434,395
Scenery preservation..     89,000
Maori War..     2,357,000
Contingent defence5,8133,747,931
Naval defence..     
War of 1914–1819,459,70046,185,234
Deficiencies in revenue, charges and expenses of raising loans, provincial liabilities, &c...     8,624,776
          Total (class d)19,663,16668,438,336
Grand total£21,003,950£150,840,055

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 £112,009,705. 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 (£2,419,347), and to local authorities (£2,775,528). In addition to this latter amount, £3,507,000 was raised for loans to local bodies prior to the inauguration of the present system of making such loans through the State Advances Office. These four 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 3lst March, 1891.From 31st March, 1891, to 31st March, 1914.Since 3lst March, 1914.
* Decrease.
Directly reproductive undertakings,—£     £     £     
Railways14,580,00013,841,3013,219,882
Telegraphs and telephones769,0001,439,884889,965
Lighthouses and harbours484,000128,97131,788
Tourist and health resorts..     168,99512,777
State coal-mines..     225,0002,601
State forests..     ..     38,100
Development of water-power..     218,920209,000
          Totals15,833,00016,023,0744,404,113
Investments,—   
Advances to settlers..     8,677,325605,871
Advances to workers..     2,536,927*117,580
Advances to local authorities..     2,568,067207,461
Land for settlements..     7,230,093539,430
Discharged soldiers settlement..     ..     160,000
Opening up lands for settlement..     251,91196,000
Native-land settlement..     929,600975,431
Guaranteed mining advances..     15,00011,500
Kauri-gum industry advances..     ..     47,000
Fruit-preserving industry advances..     ..     46,700
Cold-storage advances..     ..     23,250
Hauraki Plains settlement..     100,00020,000
Rangitaiki drainage..     45,00075,000
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..     
          Totals1,871,00028,481,1323,065,063
Indirectly productive,—   
Roads, bridges, and land-improvement5,106,0002,869,3341,148,303
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement..     100,000..     
Swamp drainage..     ..     21,000
Irrigation and water-supply..     ..     10,087
Immigration2,459,00062,87839,018
Development of mining571,000325,99211,725
          Totals8,136,0003,358,2041,230,133
Unproductive,—   
Public buildings1,800,0004,643,556990,839
Maori War2,357,000..     ..     
War of 1914–18..     ..     46,185,234
Defence1,638,0002,082,01127,920
Scenery-preservation..     74,00015,000
Deficiencies in revenue, charges and expenses of raising loans, provincial liabilities, and miscellaneous7,195,3501,261,500167,926
          Totals12,990,3508,061,06747,386,919
Grand totals38,830,35055,923,47756,086,228

The tremendous, though necessary, increase in unproductive expenditure during the four 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:—

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, 1918.
(a.) Reproductive expenditure40.7828.6533.627.8524.04
(b.) Investments4.8250.9332.035.4722.15
(c.) Indirectly productive expenditure20.956.0112.132.198.44
(d.) Unproductive expenditure33.4514.4122.2284.4945.37
          Totals100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

The directly interest-earning portion of the debt amounts to 46.19 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. The small proportion represented by unproductive loan-money raised during the period 1891 to 1914 (14.41 per cent.) is in strong contrast to the similar proportion for the period 1914 to 1918 (84.49 per cent.).

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).
     £     £     £     £     
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..     
191877,760,48573,079,570150,840,055..     

FLOTATION OF LOANS.

Until comparatively recent years the largo 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. With the exception of advances from the Imperial Government, the large war loans of 1916 and 1917 were raised entirely in the Dominion.

Between the 31st March, 1908, and the corresponding date in 1918, the amount raised (and remaining outstanding) in London increased from 51 to 88 ½ millions, while that raised in New Zealand increased from 11 ½ to 58 ¾ millions. The amount raised in Australia is negligible. The following table shows, of the total amount outstanding in each of the past ten years, the amount raised in London, Australia, and New Zealand:—

PUBLIC DEBT, WHERE RAISED.

Year ended 31st March.Inscribed Stock.Debentures.Total.
London.New Zealand.London.AustraliaNew Zealand.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
191868,213,9439,546,54220,493,8753,385,65049,200,045150,840,055

The percentage of the total debt raised in each of the markets and outstanding in 1907–8 and 1917–18 was,—

 1907–8.1917–18.
Market.Per Cent.Per Cent.
London76.9858.81
New Zealand17.6738.95
Australia5.352.24
     100.00100.00

DATES OF MATURITY OF LOANS.

A summary of the loans outstanding on the 31st March, 1918, showing the amounts falling due in each financial year is given.

Due Date: Year ending 31st March.Amount.
* Overdue.
     £     
19152,500*
19181,600*
19191,705,865
19203,767,945
192110,105,457
19226,361,890
19238,222,956
19242,260,300
1925552,992
1926383,410
192756,400
19281,542,500
193030,100,403
19315,940,040
193617,730
19371,000
19383,000
193912,063,450
194017,568,932
1941781,815
19422,807,600
194617,074,121
1948895,000
19491,423,600
19501,106,500
196310,884,628
Unspecified15,208,421
          Total£150,840,055

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*
1918, January 11,600*
1918, April 1171,000
1918, May 1295,000
1918, June 150,000
1918, June 305,190
1918, August 1100,000
1918, October 1134,000
1918, October 155,200
1918, November 18,600
1918, December 161,600
1919, January 1498,025
1919, February 1281,000
1919, March 110,000
1919, March 3186,250
          Total£1,709,965

INTEREST.

Of the total amount of public debt outstanding at the end of March, 1918, over fifteen millions bore interest at the rate of 5 per cent., thirty-four millions at 4 ½ per cent., and over sixty-six millions at 4 per cent. Only £34,729,928, or 23.02 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 per cent.15,602,500
4 ½ per cent.34,015,996
4 ¼ per cent.55,100
4 per cent.66,432,431
3 ¾ per cent.1,715,800
3 ½ per cent.23,267,898
3 per cent.9,746,230
Overdue4,100
          Total£150,840,055

The total amount of interest payable to bondholders on the full amount of the public debt (excluding interest on £4,100 shown as overdue) is £6,141,590, which gives an average rate of £4 1s. 5d. 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 1917–18, therefore, the average rate is found to have declined by 8s. 10d. per £100. There was, however, an increase of 7s. per £100 in 1917–18 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 Head of Mean Population.Percentage of Revenue absorbed by Public-debt Charges.
Public Debt.Treasury Bills.Total.
Interest.Sinking Fund.Total.Interest.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     s.d.     
18991,689,74944,6511,734,40033,0681,767,468271033.61
19001,674,61846,0731,720,69128,7031,749,39426631.07
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
19051,914,29654,9331,969,22924,5001,993,729261027.53
19062,006,53756,1672,062,70424,5002,087,20427727.52
19072,048,99097,3512,146,34125,7512,172,09228225.86
19082,085,01881,8422,166,86020,5592,187,41927324.15
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
19132,506,025202,7572,708,7828,2312,717,0132111123.15
19142,649,796221,7262,871,51216,4682,887,980213823.61
19152,788,513247,5703,036,08335,3653,071,448216124.67
19162,868,533257,0363,145,56945,2293,190,798218021.99
19173,701,040326,9244,027,9644,9214,032,885313421.97
19183,935,118494,6994,429,8179624,430,77940421.93

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 Cheviot 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 £937,058. The details are as follows:—

     £     
Land for settlements (including opening up Crown lands for settlement)330,790
Advances to settlers318,718
Advances to workers91,732
Advances to local authorities103,196
Mining advances1,323
State coal-mines8,714
Native-land settlement64,879
Cheviot Estate8,866
Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement3,500
Hauraki Plains settlement4,438
State forests902
     £937,058

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 1917–18 was £397,894 more than that for the previous year, and the rate of charge per head of population shows an increase of 7s.

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 off, 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 is held 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 sinking 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 set 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, 1918, the accrued sinking funds amounted to £4,971,605, made up as follows:—

     £     
New Zealand Loan Act, 18632,500
Government loans to local bodies799,601
War and defence loans192,691
War loans (1914–18)375,734
Naval Defence Act, 1909519,221
State-advances loans1,052,472
Land for settlements760,542
Native-land settlement11,977
Guaranteed mining advances671
Hauraki Plains settlement2,176
Opening up Crown lands for settlement3,417
Rangitaiki land drainage904
Public Debt Extinction Act, 19101,249,699
     £4,971,605

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, 1918, amounted to £1,103,413, interest, &c., bringing the amount to the credit of the fund to £1,249,699. The payments to the fund in each of the seven years which have elapsed since the passing of the Act were,—

Year ended 31st March,£     
1912144,885
1913149,343
1914151,572
1915169,404
1916161,870
1917171,301
1918155,038

The amount required to be set aside during the financial year 1918–19 is £143,301.

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 set aside in 1917–18, as compared with the amount set aside in 1916–17, was due to the higher rate of interest ruling. The average net rate for the three years ended the 31st March, 1918, has been ascertained to be £4 12s. 1 ¼d. per cent., and this rate was used in the computation of the amount due to be set aside in 1918–19.

The sum of £159,394 was at the 31st March, 1918, invested in mortgages to settlers, and £559,865 to local authorities. The former amount bears interest at 5 per cent., reducible to 4 ½ per cent. if instalments are paid within fourteen days of due date. Of the £559,869 advanced to local authorities, part bears interest at 4 ⅛ per cent., and the balance at 4 ½ per cent.

PRICES OF NEW ZEALAND STOCK.

The highest and lowest London prices for the New Zealand 4-, 3 ½-, and 3-per-cent. stock, taken over a range of twenty years, are quoted.

QUOTATIONS, NEW ZEALAND STOCK.
Year.4-per-cents. (1943–63.)4-per-cents. (1929.)3 ½ per-cents. (1940.)3-per-cents. (1945.)
Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.
1898..     ..     116 7/8108109 7/8103101 ½96 ½
1899..     ..     116 ½105 ½10910299 ¼94 ¼
1900..     ..     113 ¼109106 ¾103 ⅜98 ½95 ¼
1901..     ..     115 ⅜110 ¾109 ¾104 ⅛99 ½93 ⅛
1902..     ..     113 ¼109109 ½102 ⅛9793 5/8
1903..     ..     110 ⅛105104 ¾99 ½9688
1904..     ..     107 ½104 ½101 ½96 ¾9086 ¼
1905..     ..     110 ¼105 ¼100 ⅛97 5/889 7/889 ½
1906..     ..     110 ¾104 5/8102 ½98 ⅜91 ¼87 ¼
1907..     ..     108 ¼103 ¼1019889 ¾84
1908..     ..     109 5/8105 ⅛10198 ¼90 ½85 ¾
1909..     ..     108 ⅜104 ¾99 ¾97 ⅜88 ⅜85 5/8
1910..     ..     106 ¾1039994 ¼88 ⅜84 ¾
1911..     ..     106 ¾102 ⅛98 ½95 ¼87 7/885
1912..     ..     10510097 ¾90 ⅜87 ¾794
191310196 ⅜102 ½95 ½91 7/887 ¾80 ¾76 ¼
1914100 ⅜96 ¼103 ⅛9892 ¾8783477
191597 ½9599 ⅛9587 ½83 ¼77 ¾76
191695 ⅛779583 ¾83 ⅜697662
191782 5/87686 ½81 ¼74 ½6964 ⅜60

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, 1917, and of New Zealand on the 31st March, 1917:—

State.Gross Indebtedness.Accrued Sinking Funds.Net Indebtedness.Indebtedness per Head.
Gross.Net.
     £     £     £     £     s.d£     s.d.

* Information not available.

† Excluding £7,500,000 borrowed by the Commonwealth on behalf of the States.

New South Wales138,138,347463,629137,674,7187318673139
Victoria78,125,3951,981,90376,143,492551405444
Queensland61,303,136354 28460,948,852891978992
South Australia39,364,2801,545,21337,819,067911148867
Western Australia40,914,8265,035,96335,878,86313212311659
Tasmania14,671,640765,48913,906,15174707089
          Total, Australian States372,517,62410,146,481362,371,14376197403
Commonwealth 150,939,819**30167*
          Total Commonwealth and States523,457,443**106184*
New Zealand129,836,1054,263,590125,572,51511718211409

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 £11 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 a little more closely to that of Australia than is indicated by the figures of gross indebtedness.

Chapter 30. SECTION XXX.—PRICES AND WAGES.

RETAIL PRICES, 1917.

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.

The following pages on the subject of retail prices are divided into three divisions, the first dealing with average prices during 1917, the second with index numbers of prices for that year, and the third division covering a general survey of price movements from 1891 to 1917.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES.

The following tables give the average retail prices of the commodities considered in the following pages, for the year 1917:—

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES IN 1917.
Town.Bread.Flour.Oatmeal.Rice.Sago.Tapioca.Tea.
     Per 2 lb. loaf. d.Per 25 lb. bag. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.
Auckland5.0057.503.212.673.893.9020.31
Wellington5.4258.153.242.893.953.9221.00
Christchurch4.6553.502.993.034.114.1120.41
Dunedin4.1752.963.042.634.044.0120.84
Whangarei5.0059.133.272.964.404.4622.29
Hamilton4.4258.973.323.634.544.5719.25
Rotorua4.7562.853.453.124.704.7221.40
Waihi5.0055.333.172.904.014.0121.28
Gisborne5.2560.253.162.914.164.1521.28
Napier5.3359.333.143.104.494.4923.17
Dannevirke5.0059.753.113.043.853.6323.29
New Plymouth5.0854.563.062.413.733.8120.43
Wanganui4.9455.583.142.583.843.8420.50
Taihape5.0462.503.103.134.084.0020.00
Palmerston North4.8756.223.222.793.833.8320.25
Masterton5.0058.173.293.003.983.9823.23
Blenheim4.6759.633.253.154.084.1323.33
Nelson4.9256.253.063.003.964.0021.42
Greymouth4.3359.442.973.104.354.3222.33
Ashburton4.2954.002.962.814.154.1519.28
Timaru5.0054.003.012.773.943.9419.88
Oamaru4.6355.383.303.004.424.4220.50
Alexandra5.0055.583.343.165.005.0023.33
Gore4.5060.443.383.494.764.7820.21
Invercargill4.5056.252.962.834.134.1021.50
Town.Coffee.Cocoa.Sugar.Salt.Pepper.Jam.Honey.
     Per lb. d.Per ¼ lb. tin. d.56lb. bag. d.Per lb. d.Per ¼ lb d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.
Auckland20.179.88140.801.215.586.398.85
Wellington19.8011.89161.561.456.076.558.46
Christchurch20.2312.64155.221.365046.687.72
Dunedin19.9211.67156.401.444.966.867.71
Whangarei20.0012.08147.591.485.486.929.28
Hamilton17.6712.47152471.635.607.179.21
Rotorua20.111308167.181.735.967.329.81
Waihi20.2511.67145.82Ml5.726.209.03
Gisborne21.9312.20147.811.625.866.759.14
Napier22.2512.49153.021.515.856.488.17
Dannevirke21.0412.50167.231.335.176.278.27
New Plymouth19.9911.56141.161.384.516.028.32
Wanganui21.3810.25148.121.395.536.078.56
Taihape23.6712.00157.731.585.837.0010.54
Palmerston North21.4910.31158.231.565.536.898.78
Masterton20.7912.07160.611.386.036.708.17
Blenheim21.5013.82160.751.446.007.006.96
Nelson20.5011.73158.071.605.336.588.17
Greymouth20.5212.98153.851.686.006.717.58
Ashburton22.0011.95160.671.255.005.958.11
Timaru20.3312.79149.331.215.005.968.67
Oamaru20.5011.54157.991.555.796.388.96
Alexandra24.5012.79172.201.676.176.468.55
Gore22.0212.95160.101.766027.018.58
Invercargill20.6312.041158.101.735.466.068.02
Town.Golden Syrup.Treacle.Raisins.Currants.Apricots.Peaches.Pears.
     Per 2 lb. tin. d.Per 2 lb. tin. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per 2 ½ lb. tin. d.Per 2 ½ lb. tin. d.Per 2 ½ lb. tin. d.
Auckland5.905.147.368.1714.7913.5614.27
Wellington6.566.247.518.3813.0012.9913.57
Christchurch7.007.007.577.7812.7512.8113.65
Dunedin6.245.397.097.7512.9413.0914.41
Whangarei6.576.048.359.1614.3714.4014.98
Hamilton7.186.588.138.6413.1713.5813.75
Rotorua7.226.858.979.2515.2315.3515.39
Waihi6.005.827.878.4513.7513.9214.39
Gisborne7.036.197.878.3813.5413.6314.48
Napier7.716.768.458.2613.6613.6414.71
Dannevirke7.507.427.698.1413.4613.2914.17
New Plymouth6.005.806.647.1612.6312.7913.17
Wanganui6.336.336.977.8913.4213.4514.22
Taihape7.426.428.3383314.9214.9215.08
Palmerston North7.226.227.727*5313.0813.3613.89
Masterton7.126.577.627.0213.7313.7314.90
Blenheim7.007.297.797.7912.7914.0814.58
Nelson7.136.637.2384713.3313.3314.93
Grey mouth7.586.717.528.3812.9012.9413.52
Ashburton     6.757.297.4313.2513.4214.58
Timaru6.565.776.007.6513.0213.0213.17
Oamaru7.006.008.178.2913.7513.7515.33
Alexandra8.547.508.758.5813.1313.1314.13
Gore7.368.678.498.6113.9013.9015.11
Invercargill6.926.216.757.9613.0413.2514.29
Town.Prunes (dried).Apricots (dried).Potatoes.Onions.Salmon.Herrings.Starch.
 Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per 14 lb. d.Per lb. d.Per 1 lb. tin. d.Per lb. tin. d.Per lb. d.
Auckland6.9213.5615.002.7913.6211.507.64
Wellington7.7113.5218.623.1216.0412.817.79
Christchurch6.7212.5614.823.0314.8912.687.91
Dunedin7.3410.7813.912.6416.2512.357.11
Whangarei7.8114.9716.902.9113.1712.277.75
Hamilton7.7113.5817.253.5412.6411.507.67
Rotorua8.2814.3821.113.5715.7513.628.27
Waihi7.7913.8016.213.0912.8913.087.53
Gisborne7.9213.2318.943.1114.3813.527.46
Napier8.5614.3318.871.6516.9014.237.84
Dannevirke8.0412.9423.833.1713.9612.857.33
New Plymouth7.4412.4315.722.4011.0411.407.14
Wanganui8.3714.7513.892.6312.6513.977.25
Taihape8.2914.5018.003.3313.8315.007.17
Palmerston North7.8513.3916.812.9213.0013.617.72
Masterton7.9813.6516.753.1714.0413.427.95
Blenheim7.5411.7918.882.7715.5812.588.92
Nelson8.0013.0818.462.7313.4213.137.13
Greymouth7.8311.6415.983.0413.2712.738.13
Ashburton7.2211.9216.582.1115.3913.367.45
Timaru6.8810.0214.462.7514.9512.427.50
Oamaru8.1313.0013.902.7115.7114.047.63
Alexandra8.6314.6716.422.3918.0414.428.17
Gore8.4613.2215.073.0516.3914.138.85
Invercargill7.5411.3314.832.7415.4713.677.29
Town.Blue.Soap.Tobacco.Milk.Butter (Factory)Cheese.Eggs.
     Per lb. d.Per bar (30 to cwt) d.Per lb. d.Per quart. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per doz. d.
Auckland10.4810.7771.565.0019.3313.6522.10
Wellington11.3611.6273.765.4219.3612.8925.84
Christchurch11.0210.8573.294.6719.2812.6819.72
Dunedin10.5112.2570.374.6719.5512.1620.89
Whangarei11.2610.5472.504.0419.5813.7718.94
Hamilton11.5012.4073.394.6719.0313.3221.69
Rotorua11.9010.9375.454.2519.3113.8725.98
Waihi11.2811.4069.554.9219.0312.5021.25
Gisborne11.3512.0373.915.0019.1313.8921.79
Napier10.9410.7175.754.7519.4114.3324.67
Dannevirke9.9611.5073.044.6718.8811.9217.54
New Plymouth10.0810.7068.774.9218.3611.4421.56
Wanganui10.0010.5672.455.0818.5612.2223.11
Taihape11.2511.5876.505.2518.1712.0024.17
Palmerston North10.9210.7872.004.7518.0312.1022.00
Masterton11.639.9877.774.3319.3711.9822.92
Blenheim11.8812.0875.134.7918.7112.0018.13
Nelson10.7710.2772.795.0018.7512.5020.29
Greymouth12.009.5874.634.3318.9813.7524.94
Ashburton11.3911.5073.005.0019.1912.4716.39
Timaru9.5011.7570.254.0018.8312.0018.13
Oamaru12.0012.1073.214.9219.3813.6717.71
Alexandra12.0014.9374.085.0019.3514.0420.23
Gore11.5112.0673.825.0019.8512.2316.68
Invercargill10.2111.1772.135.1719.3812.9619.50
Town.Bacon (Sh'ld'r)Bacon (Middle Cut).Ham.Beef (Sirloin)Beef (Brisket)Beef (Prime Ribs).Beef (Rump Steak).Beef (Top Side)
Auckland9.5915.7515.348.934.797.8611.677.62
Wellington10.4416.6415.768.534.987.2711.027.08
Christchurch10.8715.9515.268.746.277.8310.688.03
Dunedin15.1015.9216.178.115.907.1110.488.38
Whangarei10.7815.6314.859.584.888.2112.008.21
Hamilton9.8115.6416.588.295.507.2910.007.29
Rotorua13.1015.6415.619.256.177.5812.007.54
Waihi10.3614.2814.409.256.638.2512.009.00
Gisborne11.76 16.5515.699.007.838.0012.008.04
Napier9.9715.8015.178.887.387.8811.888.71
Dannevirke12.4815.5014.638.256.567.659.637.98
New Plymouth9.3911.9011.228.966.047.7111.288.00
Wanganui10.6314.4214.628.967.987.9811.628.17
Taihape12.3315.3315.178.836.757.8311.759.33
Palmerston North11.5415.3615.029.006.968.0311.698.81
Masterton11.3816.1215.618.696.907.9710.958.01
Blenheim9.7916.2516.467.797.507.718.927.58
Nelson10.7515.5815.798.216.797.219.177.29
Greymouth13.1915.7515.088.756.758.009.678.00
Ashburton15.5616.4215.569.007.007.2511.259.00
Timaru13.2115.4614.799.036.908.0310.808.86
Oamaru16.2516.2516.089.886.888.8811.889.88
Alexandra15.7016.9215.888.006.427.509.758.42
Gore16.0715.9916.458.196.907.4111.149.14
Invercargill15.7115.6715.258.106.816.9511.039.11
Town.Beef (Stewing Steak).Beef (Corned Round).Beef (Corned Roll).Beef (Corned Brisket)Mutton (Leg).Mutton (Sh'ld'r)Mutton (Loin).Mutton (Neck).
     Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.
Auckland7.838.117.154.687.956.587.956.08
Wellington7.187.756.495.677.486.256.984.76
Christchurch7.398.467.827.737.656.717.185.05
Dunedin7.538.277.305.797.346.077.175.91
Whangarei8.589.007.924.928.757.298.586.17
Hamilton6.007.296.796.507.147.087.086.54
Rotorua8.217.257.336.259.087.718.527.79
Waihi8.008.257.256.319.138.009.337.00
Gisborne8.968.178.008.007.486.487.484.48
Napier7.928.008.007.418.006.137.005.08
Dannevirke6.467.697.796.548.067.387.836.31
New Plymouth8.008.007.387.178.967.657.966.00
Wanganui8.618.068.067.988.177.068.337.01
Taihape8.838.508.338.339.757.758.756.50
Palmerston North8.198.068.067.728.037.008.006.07
Masterton7.908.007.196.768.037.067.825.86
Blenheim7.467.507.507.507.216.447.086.21
Nelson6.337.337.296.817.066.136.585.63
Greymouth7.178.008.006.758.758.298.137.38
Ashburton7.338.257.636.677.507.137.385.38
Timaru7.298.928.037.617.686.817.085.25
Oamaru8.889.888.886.888.007.007.006.50
Alexandra7.428.007.006.337.756.797.286.78
Gore8.199.008.006.857.856.687.446.74
Invercargill8.178.177.176.387.747.117.126.29
Town.Mutton (Chops).Pork (Leg).Pork (Loin).Pork (Belly).Pork (Chops).TripeSaus'ges Tripe. (Pork)Sans'ges (Beef).
     Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.Per lb. d.
Auckland8.898.569.439.149.987.647.086.00
Wellington7.618.959.359.3310.155.857.624.87
Christchurch7.6410.0710.2310.5511.026.757.704.66
Dunedin7.4910.7510.9110.9111.287.566.034.63
Whangarei9.718.429.429.2510.427.927.506.08
Hamilton8.008.298.588.0010.007.008.006.00
Rotorua9.258.758.758.759.548.008.756.00
Waihi9.259.259.259.2510.257.009.008.00
Gisborne8.929.009.009.0010007.678.086.08
Napier7.8310.1710.1710.1711.007.088.086.00
Dannevirke9.008.298.298.299.296.006.506.00
New Plymouth8.969.089.089.089.086.188.046.00
Wanganui9.009.179.179.179.956.178.846.00
Taihape9.258.758.758.758.757.589.006.25
Palmerston North8.978.009.009.039.976.978.006.00
Masterton8.379.039.039.039.636.008.065.92
Blenheim7.218.258.258.259.086.506.674.83
Nelson7.108.508.508.548.546.087.215.96
Greymouth8.589.009.009.009.336.888.386.08
Ashburton8.389.389.389.389.717.338.006.67
Timaru7.4610.0810.089.6710.338.008.155.71
Oamaru8.0010.1310.1310.1310138.00..     6.00
Alexandra7.587.807.677.677.678.00..     6.00
Gore8.119.339.339.3310.228.008.086.03
Invercargill8.009.259.258.839.957.758.086.41
HOUSE-RENT IN 1917.
Town.3 Rooms or under.4 Rooms.5 Rooms.6 Rooms.7 Rooms.8 Rooms.9 Rooms and over.
     d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
Auckland92.77133.64179.10204.45255.41289.10393.37
Wellington132.54176.17211.56265.49342.23400.16704.27
Christchurch80.71128.55179.38205.01248.00286.08410.34
Dunedin84.90125.77163.55207.78257.81288.80387.80
Whangarei88.20134.76165.08173.05189.00240.00355.50
Hamilton104.70149.23201.63257.12348.11331.50453.00
Rotorua82.84133.73184.88222.25225.00315.00360.00
Waihi51.3282.96103.45116.06145.50165.00240.00
Gisborne115.75155.56195.29225.66245.77344.20294.00
Napier95.10148.75182.87225.66289.51276.25342.86
Dannevirke51.7597.30123.19174.80205.78254.50285.00
New Plymouth88.77128.36179.60219.75250.99277.13284.92
Wanganui111.00132.46178.45220.23268.73291.90351.78
Taihape147.0019200211.64240.00270.00..     ..     
Palmerston North97.47133.01177.88206.68240.81287.40335.00
Masterton74.57125.54156.40191.85211.00333.75383.50
Blenheim62.43114.49153.43168.55202.55199.84222.50
Nelson86.50129.40181.82184.31206.53250.00316.01
Greymouth53.04101.65131.99159.91192.67235.50255.00
Ashburton64.40117.28149.88175.79244.50222.00..     
Timaru76.34123.23168.13224.32235.12279.00319.72
Oamaru67.80102.04160.62178.61225.00240.00..,
Alexandra60.0093.09117.97142.50168.00..     ..     
Gore84.52101.52138.93174.56208.80231.38307.50
Invercargill64.00113.50150.02175.76194.44220.65320.00

COST OF LIVING IN TWENTY-FIVE CENTRES IN 1917.

The price quotations on which the preceding figures are based, and upon which index numbers are regularly calculated, are 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 1908, 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 left after the needs for food and housing have been satisfied.

It may therefore be claimed that the following figures regarding expenditure on food and house-rents 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 1917, and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1917 and of 1916, for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Town.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
Auckland124012521264131512681196
Wellington137913391830143213951269
Christchurch132112391267128712791197
Dunedin131611971234124312481192
Whangarei129913151351139513401285
Hamilton134013111277132613141298
Rotorua136713781448146914161320
Waihi128912931315134513111271
Gisborne139013251389143813861277
Napier136413781397147514041293
Dannevirke137813641430153514271306
New Plymouth127112351245131812671208
Wanganui127112391268130412711,177
Taihape137013531382141813811309
Palmerston North132713041331133013231239
Masterton138513561382140713831297
Blenheim140113761334137813721274
Nelson136413081317137313411262
Greymouth128012761282131712891235
Ashburton136812141230126012681219
Timaru132612431250128612761198
Oamaru134712521268131213951227
Alexandra144613801403142714141355
Gore136412871326133613281217
Invercargill132012391270128512791166
Dominion weighted average131412771297133313051219

The weighted average index number for the Dominion shows an increase of 86 points in 1917 over the average for the previous year. The increase, to a varying extent, has been common to each of the twenty-five towns covered by the inquiry. Wellington maintains its position with considerably higher grocery-prices than prevail in the other three chief centres. It should be pointed out 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 1917, and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1917 and of 1916, for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Town.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
Auckland133614081350135213621288
Wellington137514911419141514251350
Christchurch130813991316124713181251
Dunedin128513961340138213511263
Whangarei122612931265126912631215
Hamilton128414241337129113341254
Rotorua125413751356133313301291
Waihi128313791322130313221234
Gisborne124914261360133513431308
Napier125514221386138013611203
Dannevirke122613671327133313131203
New Plymouth120713121263127812651137
Wanganui129614351322129813381247
Taihape130414251398133013641288
Palmerston North121014011295129613011208
Masterton124113281292137313091205
Blenheim123713751316129613061229
Nelson132013851324130913351307
Greymouth124913881384126213211238
Ashburton129313881347134813441266
Timaru121112881217121812341267
Oamaru128514201361136713581285
Alexandra135614261409140814001349
Gore133713991355136013631294
Invercargill129514871436126713711252
Dominion weighted average131214131350133513531274

The index numbers for the dairy-produce group again show substantial increases over the previous year. The Dominion weighted index number advanced during 1917 by 79 points, and the increase was shared by all centres with the single exception of Timaru.

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 Timaru, Whangarei, and New Plymouth.

GROUP III.—MEAT.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.
Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1917, and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1917 and of 1916, for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 =1000.)
Town.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
Auckland146714591466160815001413
Wellington132713481394145213801274
Christchurch139314141466152414491313
Dunedin135213951428149114171283
Whangarei154215981618168316101402
Hamilton135613881388142613901292
Rotorua152415731576172115991380
Waihi161616161616170516381491
Gisborne160415191471147515171470
Napier146414951495149914881338
Dannevirke142714271441147914441349
New Plymouth153715341556158115521406
Wanganui157915881570156415751394
Taihape167716431631157216311403
Palmerston North153315421556155215461426
Masterton147514911509151514981329
Blenheim129113081442149013531177
Nelson123113271361140613311173
Greymouth155215421541155515481463
Ashburton142414271482159714831385
Timaru141714141509157114781331
Oamaru163016301630158816201455
Alexandra135214151469149514331277
Gore148014921499160815201475
Invercargill145514581457159414911455
Dominion weighted average142214351463153414641348

This group shows a greater increase over the base period (1909–13) than either of the other two food groups, while the increase in the index number for 1917 over that for 1916 is shown to be 116 points.

Of the four chief centres Auckland has much the highest number, being 120 points in advance of Wellington, and approximately 80 and 50 points higher than Dunedin and Christchurch respectively. Prices in the three latter centres are somewhat lower than the average for the Dominion as a whole.

The largest increase over 1916, as between the chief towns, has taken place in Christchurch and Dunedin, the lowest increase being shown by Auckland. 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 1917 amounting to over 300 points.

THREE FOOD GROUPS.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.
Index Numbers for each Quarter of 1917, and for the Average of the Four Quarters of 1917 and of 1916, for Twenty-five Representative Towns in New Zealand.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Town.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
Auckland134013591353142413691292
Wellington136013951398143513971289
Christchurch134213361346145813711250
Dunedin132113061325136013281239
Whangarei136514061422146414141309
Hamilton133213641329135213441286
Rotorua139414431470152414581328
Waihi139914231419142814171340
Gisborne145314151410142714261350
Napier137314281428146114231288
Dannevirke136013861410146914061297
New Plymouth134713551355139813641259
Wanganui138214031383139113901267
Taihape145914691470145014621336
Palmerston North137014081399139813941296
Masterton138213961404143614051286
Blenheim132513531367139713611230
Nelson130813321333136913361242
Greymouth136613921394138513841313
Ashburton137013271343139513591287
Timaru133013121331136713351259
Oamaru142914201413141814201318
Alexandra139314031427144614171327
Gore139713831392143414021323
Invercargill136013911372138613771285
Dominion weighted average135013621365140213701275

It will be remembered that the Dominion weighted average for Group I shows an increase of 86 points over 1916, while Groups II and III have increased 79 points and 116 points respectively. The three groups in combination show an increase in the Dominion weighted average of 95 points. Over the year 1917 Dunedin was the cheapest town for foodstuffs, while Taihape 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 in February and August, 1917, are given below, together with similar information for the previous year:—

HOUSE-RENT.—TWENTY-FIVE REPRESENTATIVE TOWNS.
Index Numbers for 1916 and 1917 for House-rent in Twenty-five Towns of New Zealand.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Town.February, 1916.August, 1916.*February, 1917.August, 1917.*Average for year 1917.
* System changed.
Auckland925976945958952
Wellington13111218123512811258
Christchurch911854868878873
Dunedin922880860847854
Whangarei811829821855838
Hamilton882905104010841062
Rotorua972913903938921
Waihi612541517511514
Gisborne939988974979977
Napier839912973914944
Dannevirke694692692918805
New Plymouth1052912924954939
Wanganui850950999974987
Taihape974984962945954
Palmerston North921882890903897
Masterton753862930869900
Blenheim846685936756846
Nelson1058819892949921
Greymouth713728740718729
Ashburton799791743750747
Timaru881869860854857
Oamaru867726711714713
Alexandra480477477477477
Gore694691722745734
Invercargill905766764766765
Dominion weighted average964912951962957

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, 1916, to 912 in August of that year. 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. In February and August, 1917, the number of houses covered by the inquiry totalled 12,396 and 12,622 respectively. For the reason, however, that no comparison can properly be made between the figures for February and August, 1916, or between rent figures for 1916 and 1917 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 or 1917 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 present as the sole available and reliable means of arriving at an estimate of the variation in the cost of living. 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, 1917.

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 1917 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.*
     s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
* Based on average of figures for February and August, 1917.
Auckland254 ¼273300274 ½190 ½
Wellington2710 ¾286277 ¼2711 ¼252
Christchurch257264 ¼290275175 ½
Dunedin2411 ½270 ¼284266 ¾171
Whangarei269 ½253322 ½283 ¼169
Hamilton263 ¼268 ¼279 ½2610 ½213
Rotorua283 ¾267 ¼320292185
Waihi262 ¾265 ¼329 ½284103 ½
Gisborne278 ¾2610 ¼304 ¼286 ¼196 ½
Napier281272 ¾299 ½285 ½1810 ½
Dannevirke286 ½2632810 ¾281 ½161 ¼
New Plymouth254253 ½310 ½273 ¼189 ¼
Wanganui255269316279 ½199
Taihape277 ½273 ¼327 ¾293191
Palmerston North265 ½260 ¼3011 ¼2710 ½1711 ¼
Masterton278262 ¼2911 ¾281 ¼180
Blenheim275 ¼261 ½278272 ¾1611
Nelson269 ¾268 ½267 ½268 ¾185
Greymouth259 ¼2653011 ¾278 ¼147 ½
Ashburton254 ¼2610 ½298 ¼272 ¼1411 ½
Timaru256 ¼248 ¼296 ¾268 ½171 ¾
Oamaru2710 ¾272325284 ¾143 ¼
Alexandra283 ¼28028828497
Gore266 ¾273305280 ½148 ½
Invercargill2572752910276 ½154
Dominion weighted average261 ¼270 ¾293 ¼274 ¾191 ¾
NOTE.—Figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally.          

COST-OF-LIVING THERMOMETER, 1917.

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 1917. 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, 1917.

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:—

Group.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.
Groceries131412771297133313051219
Dairy-produce131214131350133513531274
Meat142214351463153414641348
Three food groups135013621365140213701275
House-rent951951962962957938

A comparison between the yearly figures for 1917 and 1916, 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 1917 is shown by the meat group, while both dairy-produce and grocery prices have also risen considerably. The figures relating to house-rent should be read subject to comments made on pages 752 and 753.

An inspection of the quarterly figures discloses the substantial seasonal fluctuations in prices of dairy-produce and groceries, and the comparatively 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 1917 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.
Groceries12981326+ 28
Dairy-produce13651324−41
Meat14441492+ 48
Three food groups13691387+ 18
House-rent990879−111

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 1917 over those ruling at the outbreak of war.

TABLE SHOWING THE PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE IN FOOD-PRICES RULING DURING 1917 OVER PRICES RULING ON 31ST JULY, 1914.
Group.First Quarter, 1917.Second. Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Year, 1917.
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)131427.19127723.62129725.56133329.04130526.33
Dairy-produce (index number, July, 1914: 1057)131224.12141333.67135027.72133526.30135328.00
Meat (index number, July, 1914: 1126)142226.29143527.44146329.93153436.23146430.00
Three food groups (index number, July, 1914: 1070)135026.16136227.29136527.57140231.02137028.04

It will be seen that, over the average for the year, food-prices show an increase since the outbreak of war of 28 per cent., while the increase? of the various groups show no very considerable differences beyond those indicated by the quarterly figures recording seasonal fluctuations.

RETAIL PRICE MOVEMENTS, 1891–1917.

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 1917:—

GROUP I.—GROCERIES.
INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190810241017971985999
19091007985927972973
19101036101796410391014
1911981989934968968
19121050101398610391022
19131064102996410361023
191410411122105510851076
191511721227121012191207
191611961269119711921214
191712681395127912481298

The outstanding feature illustrated by this diagram 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, flour, 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, 1908–17.
Year.Annual Index Numbers.Quinquennial Index Numbers.
General Groceries.Bread, Flour, Oatmeal, Potatoes, and Onions.General Groceries.Bread, Flour, Oatmeal, Potatoes, and Onions.
19081000102910021033
19099869819961002
191099010539941005
191199293710001000
19121002102710151023
19131029100110331083
19141063109810551159
19151078135510911235
191611011314..     ..     
191712051406..     ..     

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 ½d.-per-pound duty on this commodity. Since 1910, however, prices have risen considerably, so that the index number for 1917 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, 1908–17.
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
1908851944974870910
1909881913961883910
19109469871003974978
19119419651045972981
191210451029111510781092
19131117980107110941065
19149831055114510251052
191511911211129012281230
191612081310130412941279
191712191399134413541329

GROUP II.—DAIRY-PRODUCE.

The prices of commodities included in the dairy-produce group Lave shown an almost continuous increase since 1891—an increase which during the war period has been considerably accelerated. The year 1916 disclosed a greater and more rapid movement than took place in any previous year for which prices are recorded. The increase in 1917 has also been a substantial one.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres
1908993105799110381020
1909974975912972958
1910965996920997970
191198610189481021993
1912998107699210521029
191310281124100310441050
191410261117101010641054
191511401196113311461154
191612881350125112631288
191713621425131813511364

GROUP III.—MEAT.

The index numbers for the meat 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 until in 1917 they are above those of Wellington.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190810649731031817971
190910841026984824980
191010471029980851977
191110521034995900995
19121033102410349151001
19131104113910279171047
191412661116112111271158
191512931205119111901220
191614131274131312831321
191715001380144914171437

THREE FOOD GROUPS COMBINED.

The index numbers given in the following table have been compiled from records of prices of the three separate food groups in such manner as to show the movement of the general level of food-prices, care being taken to give each group its duo importance:—

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190810301011996940994
19091026997943922972
191010231016960965991
191110061011958957983
191210321031100410001017
1913106910899959971037
191411141119106710941098
191512061216117611911197
191612911290124912441268
191713691397134613281360

It will be noted that food-prices in the four centres, as recorded by the above index numbers, move with considerable uniformity, although the extent of the movement varies as between the different cities.

In pre-war years food-prices were slightly higher in Auckland and Wellington than in the two southern centres, this being mainly due to the difference in prices of agricultural products (flour, oatmeal, &c.), and meat; and while all four centres have experienced substantial increases in prices since the commencement of the war, Dunedin and Christchurch still show lower index numbers than either Auckland or Wellington.

GROUP IV.—HOUSE-RENT.

The following table brings into prominence the high level of weekly rentals in Wellington as compared with the other three centres. Between 1908 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 and 1917 are not fully comparable with those for earlier years.

INDEX NUMBERS FOR FOUR CHIEF CENTRES, 1908–17.
(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 752).
19089011208949899989
19099141186937899984
19109331185926907988
19119481167917911986
1912102011729149221007
1913103212549249331036
1914103212729479401048
191594212839299261020
1916*95112658839011000
1917*9521258873854984

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 a boom in 1906, and falling rents thereafter till 1912.

The figures given above indicate a slight decrease in house-rents during the past two or three years, but, as previously mentioned, the figures for 1916 and 1917 are not fully comparable with those for previous years. Over the Dominion as a whole there has apparently been little movement during recent years in the general level of house-rents.

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.

NOTE.—System of collection changed in 1916 (see page 752).

GROUP V.—FUEL AND LIGHT.

Considerable difficulties are 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, 1907–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190784011101063887975
190887911101053908988
190989910971079896993
191089810541075896981
191189910531074893980
1912919109111179201012
1913928110111509601035
1914971116011749051052
1915991115511729641071
191611001202125210721157
191712831335148912141330

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 1916 and 1917, when the general index number increased by 173 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 on the next page. 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 noticed that Auckland and Dunedin prices of coal have generally been considerably lower than those of Christchurch and Wellington. This is due to the use of local brown coals—Waikato in Auckland, and Kaitangata and Green Island in Dunedin. Prices of coal in Auckland and Dunedin have, however, advanced considerably during 1917, so that Auckland prices were in that year higher than those of Wellington. Christ-church prices have also made a substantial advance.

INDEX NUMBERS OF RETAIL PRICES OF COAL IN THE FOUR CHIEF CENTRES OF NEW ZEALAND, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual expenditure, four chief centres, 1909–13 = 1000.)
Year.Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.Average of Four Centres.
190889411251039837974
190992311031096837990
191092310391096837974
191192310391096837974
1912952108911548731017
1913966109611979231046
19141039121212128651082
19151042118812129521099
191611651203128910841185
191713561271159412371365

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 or 1917 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, 1908–17.
(Base: Average aggregate annual 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 1916 and 1917 not fully comparable with those for previous years.
19089991020971994989988
1909973958980972984993
19101014970977991988981
1911968993995983986980
1912102210291001101710071012
1913102310501047103710361035
1914107610541158109810481052
1915120111541222119710201071
1916*121412881321126810001157
1917*12981364143713609841330

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 1908–17. 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.

Year.Group I: Groceries.Group II: Dairy-products.Group III: Meat.Groups I–III: Food GroupsGroup IV: House-rent.Group V: Fuel and Lighting.
     s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
19081911 ¾184 ¾1951910 ½199 ¼199
1909195 ½192197 ¼195 ¼198 ¼1910 ¼
1910203 ¼1810 ¾196 ½199 ¾199197 ½
1911194 ¼1910 ¼1910 ¾198198 ¾197 ¼
1912205 ¼207200 ¼204201 ¾203
1913205 ¼2102011 ¼209208 ¾208 ½
1914216 ¼2112322111 ½2011 ½210 ½
1915240 ¼231245 ¼2311 ¼204 ¾215
1916243 ¼259265254 ¼200231 ½
19172511 ½273 ½289272 ½198 ¼267 ¼
NOTE.—These figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally. See above re figures for rent.

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 1908–17. The average “worth” in the years 1909–13 has been taken as a base and equated to 20s. The figures throughout are based on the average prices of the four chief centres.

Year.Group I: Groceries.Group II: Dairy-products.Group III: Meat.Groups I–III: Food Groups.Group IV: House-rent.Group V: Fuel and Lighting.
     s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
1908200 ¼197 ¼207 ¼201 ½202 ¾203
1909206 ¾2010 ½205207204201 ¾
1910198 ¾207 ½205 ¾202 ¼203204 ¾
1911208204 ¾201 ¼204 ½203 ½205
1912196 ¾195 ¼1911 ¾1981910 ¼199 ¼
1913196 ½190 ½191 ¼193 ½193 ¾194
19141871811 ¾173 ¼182 ½191190
1915167 ¾174164 ½167 ¾197 ¼188
1916165 ¾156 ½151 ½159 ¼2001731
19171551481311148 ½204150 ½
NOTE.—These figures are comparable vertically but not horizontally.

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 extent 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 are 33 ¼ 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 increasing purchasing-power of the sovereign.

WEEKLY BUDGETS.

TABLE SHOWING THE COMPARATIVE COSTS OF AN ASSUMED WEEKLY HOUSE HOLD CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN FOODSTUFFS, AND THE RENT OF A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE, 1891–1917.

(Based on the average of the four chief centres.)
Commodity.Quantity.Average Cost, 1591.Average Cost, 1901.Average Cost, 1906.Average Cost, 1911.Average Cost, 1916.Average Cost, 1917.
Groceries—     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.
Bread7.2 lb. loaves0110 ½019 ½019 ¾0111026 ½029 ¾
Flour3 lb.005003 ½004004006006 ¾
Oatmeal1 lb.001 ½001 ½001 ¾00202 ¾003 
Rice1 lb.003002 ½002 ¼002 ½002 ½002 ¾
Tea½ lb.010 ½0010 ½009 ¾00900100010 ¼
Cocoa⅛ lb.005005005005005 ½005 ¾
Sugar3 lb.008 ½007 ½007 ¼006009008 ¾
Jam2 lb.001000100010009 ½010 ¼011 ¼
Raisins½ lb.004 ½003 ½003003003 ¼003 ¾
Potatoes14 lb.007009017 ¼0010 ½015 ¼013 ½
          Totals..     067 ½062 ½070062 ½083087
Increase per cent. over 1891..     ..     −6.295.6−6.2924.5329.56
Dairy-produce—                   
Milk7 pts.0011 ½0011 ½010011014 ½015 ¼
Butter3 lb.028032 ½033 ¼037 ½048 ¼0410 ¼
Cheese¼ lb.002002002002002 ¾003 ¼
Bacon1 lb.0090080090010012 ½014
          Totals..     046 ½050052 ¼058 ½0760710 ¾
Increase per cent. over 1891..     ..     10.0914.2225.6965.1473.85
Meat—                   
Beef—                   
Sirloin3 lb.014015 ½016 ¾017020 ½021 ¾
Stewing-steak2 lb.009009009 ½0010012013
Corned roll1 lb.004004004 ½004 ½006 ¾007 ¼
Sausages2 lb.007 ½007 ½007 ½008009 ¾0010
Mutton—                   
Leg3 lb.010 ½012013 ¼014 ½018 ¼0110 ¾
Shoulder2 lb.006 ½007 ½008 ½008 ½0011 ½010 ¾
Chops2 lb.009 ½0010 ½0011010012 ¼013 ¾
          Totals..     0550510063066 ½085091 ¼
Increase per cent. over 1891..     ..     7.6915.3820.7755.3868.08
Rent4 rooms071101010012501240123 ¾0119
Increase per cent. over 1891..     ..     36.8456.8455.7955.5348.41
          Totals of budget..     1461710 ½11010 ¼1109 ½1165 ¾1174
Increase per cent. over 1891..     ..     13.7825.9425.6848.8952.38
The minus sign (-) signifies a decrease.

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, 1917.

During the year 1917 a system for the regular collection of information regarding wholesale prices was put into operation, and this will be continued for future years. It is intended that a system of index numbers, recording the movements of wholesale prices, shall be established when necessary data for some years past has been collected.

For the present, however, nothing more than the average prices (based on returns of actual prices as quoted by wholesale traders) can be given. The average prices of a considerable number of important commodities for the four quarters of 1917 are shown in the following table:—

CURRENT WHOLESALE PRICES, 1917.

Article or Commodity.Unit of Quantity.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Fourth Quarter, 1917.Average of Four Quarters, 1917.

* Christchurch prices only.

† Christchurch and Dunedin prices averaged.

‡ Auckland prices only.

NOTE.—Where not otherwise stated, prices represent the average of the four chief centres.

* Auckland prices only.

Agricultural Produce.                
Wheat*     £     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d.£     s.d;£     s.d.
Tuscanper bushel057058059059058 ¼
Huntersper bushel05805805100510059
Velvetper bushel059059051105110     10
Fowlper bushel057057059061059
Oats                
Garton's Aper bushel034 ¾0311 ¾045 ¾042 ¾040 ¼
Garton's Bper bushel032 ¾0310 ¾042 ¾041 ¼0310 ½
Sparrowbillsper bushel036 ¾040 ¾042 ¾044 ¾040 ¾
Barley                
Maltingper bushel052055058058 ½056
Feedper bushel0580510050056056
Cocksfoot* (M.D.)Per lb011012014016013 ¼
Rye-grass                
Italian (M.D.)Per bushel058069073073068 ¾
Perennial (M.D.)Per bushel05706100760611068 ½
PotatoesPer ton806 ¾612 ¾518 ¾4116 ½5189 ¼
OnionsPer ton8123 ¾1065 ¼181610 ¼2868 ¾16107
MaizePer bushel048046 ½04100540410 ¼
Milling Products.                
FlourPer ton141951530 ½1540 ½141951515 ¾
BranPer ton452425 ¼445 ½452443 ¾
PollardPer ton61011 ¼6177 ¾762 ¼784 ¾709 ½
OatmealPer ton18511 ½2117 ¾21102 ½217920114 ¾
Wool, Hides, Skins, and Tallow, Butter and Cheese.                
Wool—                
Merino, medium to goodPer lb.014 ½014 ½014 ½014 ½014 ½
Merino, inferiorPer lb.012012012012012
Half-bred, medium to goodPer lb.014 ¾014 ¾014 ¾014 ¾014 ¾
Half-bred, inferiorPer lb.012 ¾012 ¾012 ¾012 ¾012 ¾
Crossbred, medium to goodPer lb.013 ½013 ½013 ½013 ½013 ½
Crossbred inferiorPer lb.011011011011011
Hides—                
Ox, heavyPer lb.011011011011011
Ox, mediumPer lb.010010010010010
Ox, lightPer lb.0011 ½0011 ½0011 ½0011 ½0011 ½
Cow, heavyPer lb.010010010010010
Cow, mediumPer lb.00110011001100110011
Cow, lightPer lb.0010 ½0010 ½0010 ½0010 ½0010 ½
YearlingPer lb.00100010001000100010
CalfPer lb.0100011 ¾0011 ½0011 ¾0011 ¾
TallowPer cwt.175 ¾1710 ¾1103 ¼1116 ¾193 ¾
ButterPer lb.015 ¼015 ¾015 ¾016 ¾016
CheesePer lb.00110011 ¼0010 ¾00110011
General Merchandise.                
Tinned Fruits—                
Apricots, 2 ½ lb. tinsPer doz.0101 ¼0117 ¼01190134 ¼0118 ½
Teaches, 2 ½ lb. tinsPer doz.01050121 ¾0122 ¾0135 ¾0120 ¾
Tears, 2 ½ lb. tinsPer doz.01210130 ¼0131 ¼0144 ¼0131 ¾
Dried Fruits—                
CurrantsPer lb.006 ½006 ¾007 ¾008 ¼007 ¼
SultanasPer lb.008008008 ¼008 ¼008 ¼
PrunesPer lb.005 ½006 ¼006 ¼007006 ¼
HerringsPer doz. 1 lb. tins010100111 ¼0116 ¾01240115 ½
SalmonDitto0120 ½01270140 ¾01530135 ¾
SardinesPer doz. ½ lb. tins0119 ½0123 ½0129 ¾012100125 ¼
CoffeePer lb015 ¼015 ½015 ½015 ½015 ½
CocoaPer lb034 ¾035 ½039 ¼037 ¾036 ¾
TeaPer lb014014 ½014 ½016 ¾015
Sugar, No. 1APer ton2217922181 ½2313223141 ¼2359 ½
Golden syrup, 2 lb. tinsPer doz.053 ½053 ½057 ¼057 ¾055 ½
TreaclePer doz.049049050 ¾051 ½0411
SagoPer cwt.188192 ¼1129 ¾1161 ½1118 ½
TapiocaPer cwt.1103 ¾1113 ½1156 ¼1180 ¼1139 ½
RicePer cwt.0186 ½01810 ¼102 ¾126 ½100 ½
Salt—                
CommonPer ton6102 ½6165 ½81001400 ¾8192 ¼
Table, 7 lb. bagsPer ton895 ¼8179 ¼10179 ¼1661111211 ¾
Cream of tartarPer lb.021 ½023 ¾028 ½031026 ¾
Carbonate of sodaPer cwt.0167 ½01710 ½1101126120
VinegarPer gallon012012012011 ½012
MustardPer lb.020020021 ¾022 ¾021 ¼
PepperPer lb.013 ¼014014 ¾014 ½014 ¼
StarchPer cwt.2129 ½2138 ¼21512150 ½2141 ¾
Soap (New Zealand)Per ton2810029262976301711 ¼2995 ¾
BluePer lb.008 ¾009009009009
Candles, waxPer lb.009009 ¼0010 ¼0010009 ¾
Tobacco, plug (duty paid)Per lb.05110511 ¾063 ¼065 ¼061 ¾
Kerosene (per case, 8 ¼ gal.)Per case0121 ¼01211 ½0140 ½0156 ½0138
HamPer lb.010 ¾011 ¾011 ¾011 ¼011 ½
BaconPer lb.010 ¼011 ½011011 ½011
LardPer lb.001100110010 ¼00110010 ¾
HoneyPer lb.008008 ¼008 ¾007 ¾008 ¼
Corn-sacksPer doz.01010 ½01010 ½011001140110 ¼
WoolpacksEach041 ¼041 ¼042 ½042 ½042
Ironmongery and Bricks.                
Iron—                
Pig, mixed, No. 1Per ton12118131814841515013192
BarPer ton271632819731503192 ½29176 ¼
Angle and teePer ton3115032171351211372934611 ¼
PlatePer ton396845846210074123 ½5594
HoopPer ton36184389244504815042110 ½
Corrugated galvanized, 26 gaugePer ton43126511266818480139 ½6143 ½
Fencing-wire, No. 8Per ton311010361844371146113996 ½
Nails, 4 in. wirePer cwt.11351159212 ½277 ¼1196 ½
Zinc, sheetPer ton127100128168134168150192135107 ½
Lead, sheetPer ton40156 ¾411344412644136 ½42188 ¾
Tinned plates, I.C. cokePer box of 108 lb.285 ¼2109323 ¾31010 ½2181 ¼
Copper, sheetPer ton33634354136 ¾354136 3/13558535048 ½
LimePer cwt.036 ¼036 ¼036 ¼039037
CementPer ton446 ¾4411 ¼449451 ½4410 ¼
White-leadPer ton699271188022 ½10153 ¼8097
Linseed-oil, rawPer gallon056 ¾062 ½080 ¾0118 ¾0710 ¾
BricksPer 1,00021302156215621692152 ¼
Leather and Calico.                
Sole, New ZealandPer lb.022 ¾024 ¾025025024 ½
Sole, importedPer lb.037039 ¾0310 ½0311 ½039 ¾
Kip, New ZealandPer lb.0210 ¾031030 ¾031030 ½
Split kip, New ZealandPer lb.018 ¼018 ½018 ½018 ½018 ½
Chronic calf, importedPer ft.0110 ½01110111 ¼01110111
Chrome sides, New ZealandPer ft.014 ¼014 ½014 ¾014 ¾014 ½
Glace kid, importedPer ft.0110 ¾0111 ½022022 ¼020 ¾
Horrockses' “A1” calicoPer run. yd;007 ½007 ¾009009 ¼008 ½
Crewdson's No. 2 calicoDitto008 ¾009 ¼0010 ¼0010 ¾009 ¾
Crockery.                
London, W. and G. cups and saucersPer doz.099 ½0100 ½0103 ½0106 ½0102
Norwich, W. and G. cups and saucersPer doz.0115 ¼011601200123 ¾0119 ¾
Worcester shape, gold edge, London sizePer doz.0116011601200126 ½01110 3/2
Worcester shape, gold edge, Irish sizePer doz.014901490151 ½0155 ¾0150 ¼
Worcester shape, gold edge, breakfast sizePer doz.0156015601600172 ¾0160 ¾
White granite and semi-porcelain dinnerware, 10 in. platePer doz.077 ½077 ½081 ½087 ¼080
White granite toilet sets, six pieces, size 9Per set0176 ¾0188 ¼0192 ¼104 ¼01811 ½
Tumblers, quart, plain, heavy bottomPer doz.044 ½046047 ½050 ½047 ¾
Coal.                
New Zealand, screenedPer ton11021111111310 ¼1145 ½1127 ¼
New Zealand, unscreenedPer ton158 ½174196 ½199 ¼181
New Zealand, smallPer ton0164 ¼0173 ½01810 ½019201711
Newcastle, screenedPer ton115911591177 ½1177 ½1168 ¼
Timber.                
Kauri, heart, 1st grade*Per 100 sup. ft.1521891891107183 ¾
Kauri, heart, 2nd grade*Ditto103126106143124 ½
Kauri, heart, 3rd grade*Ditto01270159015901710153 ½
Rimu, clean heartDitto184 ¼1102 ¼1102 ¼11161100 ¾
Rimu, bridge qualityDitto10111110 ½1110 ½1211 ¼1110 ¾
Rimu, O.B.Ditto01640172 ¾01740179 ½0172
Matai, heartDitto1510 ½174 ½179 ½1105 ¾1710 ½
Matai, O.B.Ditto0189 ¾101104 ¾1111 ¾103 ¾
Totara, heart, bridge qualityDitto111611371142 ¾1162 ¾11310 ¾
Totara, O.B.Ditto126 ¼130123 ¾142133
White-pineDitto01690181018101911 ½0182 ½
Oregon, merchantableDitto164 ¼184 ½1115 ¼1132 ½1910 ¼
Jarrah, sawnDitto11391136 ¾11531175 ½1150
Ironbark, hewnDitto2502502502710 ½258 ¾
Chemicals.                
Boracic acidPer cwt.511351135171 ½6133582 ¾
Carbolic acid, crudePer gallon076076076076 ¾076 ¼
Tartaric acidPer lb.039 ¾0311 ¼040041 ½0311 ¾
AlumPer cwt1190 ¾2011 ¼232 ¼20 11 ¼216 ½ 
Caustic sodaPer cwt389311331133131 ½3111 ¼
Cod-liver oilPer gallon163 ¾163 ¾163 ¾168 ¼165
Epsom saltsPer cwt.1176 ¾1176 ¾1176 ¾1176 ¾1176 ¾
Jeyes' fluidPer 5-gal. drum11511 ¾11511 ¾1172 ¼1172 ¼1167
ResinPer cwt.11801180118011801180
SaltpetrePer cwt.467 ½467 ½467 ½4311 ¾4511 ½
Sulphur, groundPer cwt.1126 ¾1150 ¾1143 ¾11481142
BluestonePer cwt.414414414454 ½424 ¼
Manures.                
Superphosphate, 39–43 per cent.Per ton615077671507150781 ½
Superphosphate, 36–38 per cent.Per ton6150734784784739
Guano, 60-per-cent. analysisPer ton5130603 ¾6410 ½6109 ¾623
Basic slagPer ton61347006134616861510
Bonedust, purePer ton9899157 ½1079 ¾10103 ¾1007 ½
Sulphate of potashPer ton4134441005134550048142
Sulphate of ammoniaPer ton21342216829134300025184
Nitrate of sodaPer ton2213421343215035002855
KainitPer ton7126717697610008144 ½

EXPORT PRICES OF MUTTON.

The following table shows the average export prices of mutton (per pound) in the Canterbury District during the three quarters of 1917, and also the average for 1916:—

Item.Average of Four Quarters, 1916.First Quarter, 1917.Second Quarter, 1917.Third Quarter, 1917.Average of Three Quarters, 1917.
     d.d.d.d.d.
Prime lambs up to 42 lb.7 ¾8 ½9 ¼9 ⅜9
Prime wethers up to 72 lb.5 5/86 ½7 ⅛7 ⅜7
Prime ewes up to 72 lb.5 ⅛66 5/86 7/86 ½
NOTE.—Figures for the fourth quarter of 1917 are not available.

It will be noticed that a steady increase in prices took place during 1917.

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 and 1917 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*).
1915.1916.1917.1915.1916.1917.1915.1916.1917.
* Forequarters average ¾d. per lb. less than hindquarters.
     d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.
January7 1/167 9/169 ½5 9/167 ½8 ⅜6 ⅜6 ⅛8
February7 ¾8105 7/87 5/88 7/86 9/166 ½9
March7 7/88 5/161067 11/168 7/86 ½6 ½9
April7 15/168 ¾106 3/167 7/88 7/86 5/879
May7 11/168 15/16106 3/168 7/168 7/8..     7 ¼..     
June8 ⅜9 ½107 3/168 5/88 7/8..     7 ¾..     
July8 ¼9 ½107 3/168 5/897 ½6 ⅜..     
August8 ⅛9 ½106 15/168 5/88 7/87 ½5 5/810
September8 ⅛9 ½107 ⅜8 5/88 7/8..     5 7/8..     
October8 ⅛9 ½107 ⅜8 ⅜8 7/8..     7 3/16..     
November7 9/169 ½107 ⅛8 ⅜8 7/8..     7 ⅛..     
December7 7/169 ½..     ..     8 ⅜..     6 ½7 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 1015, 1916, and 1917 in the next table:—

LONDON PRICES OF NEW ZEALAND BUTTER AND CHEESE

Month.Butter, per Cwt.Cheese, per Cwt.
1915.1916.1917.1915.1916.
* Commandeered from this date onward by Imperial Government.
     s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.s.d.
January139014802020870969
February135015462154880963
March1390162921999301006
April1350163020739301043
May1420167020269401133
June1410169319109701079
July..16891996830916
August..17832070750970
September..1903..7601049
October..198622407661110
November16202026..8301136
December156021192520910*

The following chart indicates the level of wholesale prices 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.

NOTE.—The vertical intervals represent prices in shillings per cwt. Breaks in graph-lines due to lack of quotations.

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 1915–16, and during February and March, 1917, reached the exceptional level of between 220 and 230 shillings per cwt.

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.

Full particulars regarding the prices paid for these commodities, together with other information on the subject, will be found in Subsection E of Section XIII of this book.

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-General 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-General upon matters affecting the cost of living, or upon any other question referred to it by the Governor-General relating to the supply, demand, or price of commodities;

To inquire into and report 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-General;

To institute inquiries in reference to markets for goods produced or manufactured in New Zealand, to report the result of such inquiries, and to make recommendations to the Governor-General in regard to trade with other countries;

To make recommendations for legislation in relation to matters referred to it for consideration; and

Generally to advise the Governor-General as to how the trade, industries, and commerce of New Zealand can be best encouraged, developed, and protected.

WHEAT, FLOUR, ETC.

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 1916–17 wheat crop should be fixed as follows:—

SCALE OF MAXIMUM PRICES FOR WHEAT PER BUSHEL.

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 ½
Hunters58 ½
Tuscan57 ½
Wheat sold for delivery in June, 1917:—  
Pearl and Velvet510
Hunters59
Tuscan58
Wheat sold for delivery in July, 1917:—  
Pearl and Velvet510 ½
Hunters59 ½
Tuscan58 ½
Wheat sold for delivery later than July, 1917:—  
Pearl and Velvet511
Hunters510
Tuscan59
NOTE.—These prices are f.o.b. nearest port.

During 1917 it was found necessary to arrange for the purchase by the Government of 1,000,000 bushels of Australian wheat, and this together with the New Zealand harvest was sufficient to fill all requirements. The price paid for the Australian wheat was 5s. 6d. per bushel, f.o.b.

For wheat grown during the season 1917–18 the Government had previously guaranteed a price of 5s. 10d. per bushel, and as the purchase of that season's wheat otherwise than by the Government was prohibited, an organization, headed by the Wheat Controller, was set up in Christchurch to transact the necessary business of purchase and distribution.

On account of unfavourable weather, however, the harvest for 1917–18 did not realize expectations, and the Government were forced to purchase 4,000,000 bushels of Australian wheat to make up that year's shortage and the anticipated shortage for the following year.

By an Order in Council of the 16th April, 1918, the previous fixed prices of flour, bran, and pollard were slightly increased.

The maximum price of flour, f.o.b., nearest port, when such port is Lyttelton, Timaru, or Oamaru, was fixed at £15 10s. per ton. When the nearest port is a port other than those mentioned, an addition, to represent sea freight from Lyttelton, was allowed. Under similar conditions the prices of bran and pollard were fixed at £5 10s. and £7 10s respectively.

In March, 1918, an Order in Council was issued fixing the price of bread throughout New Zealand at the standard prices ruling on the 4th March. Power was given to the Board of Trade to authorize increases in prices in cases where changing circumstances might justify such increases.

The prices (per 4 lb. loaf) fixed for the four chief centres were,—

Auckland and Wellington—Cash over counter, 10d.; delivered, 11d.

Christchurch and Dunedin—Cash over counter, 9 ½d.; delivered, 10d

MEAT.

Meat was another important commodity which engaged the attention of the Board during 1916 and 1917. It was generally found, however, that retail prices, though high, were reasonable, being based on the wholesale prices, which, in their turn, were based on Imperial Government purchase prices.

In Auckland, however, retail prices were 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. These shops were carried on as State meat-depots for nearly twelve months, when the master butchers of Auckland agreed to reduce prices if the privilege of drawing necessary supplies from Imperial stores was granted. On this being agreed to, the State shops were closed. Butchers in all centres have been allowed to draw upon the Imperial stores for any necessary supplies. 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. On account of increased costs of production and transport, however, the price agreed upon has, during the past year, been increased to £22 10s. This price is to hold good until the 30th June, 1919. 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.

GROCERIES.

During the year a scheme for restricting increases in prices of groceries was put into operation. Prices of a large number of general groceries were fixed as at the 1st March, 1918, and all advances in prices have been made subject to the Board's consent.

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. The production and export of white-pine timber.

  3. The standardization of footwear.

  4. The supply and prices of petrol, coal-gas, milk, fish, bacon and ham, eggs, barbed wire, corrugated iron, &c.

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 at an early date.

In the course of a special inquiry made in September, 1918, 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, 1918, 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 are 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 17.55 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, 1918.

Occupations.Percentage Increase.
Aerated-water workers8.31
Bakers20.50
Bootmakers—Female14.50
Bootmakers—Male12.50
Bricklayers12.46
Brewery employees19.05
Butchers—General hands20.90
Butchers—Shopmen13.12
Carpenters11.11
Coachworkers9.09
Coal-miners18.00
Drivers20.00
Electrical workers20.60
Engineers20.45
Fellmongers13.19
Flour-mill employees14.83
Freezing-workers16.92
Furniture-makers21.93
Grocers' assistants27.75
Labourers (General)13.84
Painters4.54
Plasterers10.89
Plumbers11.11
Printing machinists7.69
Seamen29.10
Shearers37.50
Slaughtermen9.09
Storemen (retail soft-goods)10.00
Tailoresses10.00
Timber-workers17.39
Waterside workers27.89
Woollen-mill employees—Female27.22
Woollen-mill employees—Male19.96
Weighted average of above occupations, 17.55 per cent.

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 on the next page has been compiled from those returns for the years ending the 31st March, 1915, 1916, 1917, and 1918, 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, 1917, AND 1918.

Year ending 31st March.Permanent 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 1918 are based on the returns of a number of the 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
19176,2681,020,716163004,265681,0571600010,5331,701,773161100
1918*2,231386,8131731002,396406,748170004,627793,561171100

Percentage increase in average annual earnings, 1915–18: Permanent employees, 15.3; casual employees, 31.3; permanent and casual, 21.6.

The average annual earnings for both permanent and casual employees for 1914–15 was £141. Three years later 1917–18) the average had risen to £171 10s., an increase of 21.6 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 be 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 be 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 by the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1917, which provided for the creation of a Public Trust Office Board, consisting of the Public Trustee and two Assistant Public Trustees, to administer the Office.

The Act also constitutes a Public Trust Office Investment Board, the sole function of which is to control the investment of Office funds. It 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.

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, 1918, was 13,746, of a value of £10,358,685. The figures for each year up to 1917–18 (with the exception of 1916–17) are as given in the table following. For the year 1916–17 the particulars were not extracted, and the information is accordingly not available.

Calendar Year ended 31st December.Number.Value.
  £     
187325717,500
187429328,930
187534742,163
187641259,720
187757567,675
187862773,940
187971396,315
1880770117,980
1881836150,750
1882911204,545
18831,024317,680
18841,082392,315
18851,190457,620
18861,293576,010
18871,304715,860
18881,483954,675
18891,5611,130,960
18901,6781,240,097
18911,8251,252,625
18921,9121,284,745
18932,0221,450,918
Financial Year ended 31st March.Number.Value.
  £     
* Not available.
18952,0861,562,269
18962,2361,806,953
18972,3341,898,163
18982,4131,950,314
18992,4912,110,316
19002,6672,192,594
19012,8982,326,954
19023,0492,467,614
19033,3142,706,785
19043,4703,152,882
19053,6853,577,355
19063,9774,009,992
19074,2764,590,157
19084,7184,065,989
19094,9464,644,795
19105,4665,184,840
19115,9665,477,675
19126,4565,951,231
19137,2256,782,532
19147,5887,288,447
19158,0267,942,158
19168,7348,217,500
1917**
191813,74610,358,685

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, 1913 to 1918:—

Class.Number of Estates and Accounts.
On 31st March, 1913.On 31st March, 1914.On 31st March, 1915.On 31st March, 1916.On 31st March, 1918.
Wills and trusts2,4552,9213,3543,9457,704
Investment agencies221284394472441
Intestates' estates1,8281,7471,8181,9712,339
Mental patients' estates1,9531,8771,9001,8802,739
Convicts' estates1719151832
Native reserves9494949499
West Coast Settlement reserves460460460460460
Unclaimed lands and property418420385366373
Sinking funds242408506582635
Pension funds811121111
Land Settlement Finance Act, 19093538444544
Miscellaneous99105154120239
Miscellaneous Native accounts6668398939341,477
          Totals8,4969,22310,02910,89816,593
NOTE.—On the 31st March, 1917, the total was 13,612, but details are not available.

The value of these estates and accounts was as shown in the next table:—

Class.Value of Estates and Accounts.
On 31st March, 1913.On 31st March, 1914.On 31st March, 1915.On 31st March, 1916.On 31st March, 1918.
     £     £     £     £     £     
Wills and trusts4,366,4504,771,8555,271,6165,418,9947,002,691
Investment agencies162,362199,984250,064356,643476,400
Intestates' estates474,072590,456698,674787,1831,265,522
Mental patients' estates524,095509,442570,561602,023689,855
Convicts' estates8,4506,4857,23917,2318,791
Native reserves430,000430,600430,000430,000430,000
West Coast Settlement reserves940,000940,000940,000940,000940,000
Miscellaneous Native accounts213,027233,449248,075255,053283,767
Unclaimed lands and property39,46540,20924,06822,06921,826
Sinking funds2,300,6032,408,3372,508,5742,597,2423,326,535
Pension, funds997,2841,208,8251,442,772820,3341,026,262
Land Settlement Finance Act, 1909465,516501,493566,046556,539560,652
Maori Land Board funds75,347117,850185,134272,732345,674
Miscellaneous funds94,963118,935198,359234,299446,149
Office funds94,604120,125151,161192,463219,100
Office premises, furniture, &c.82,07385,43888,59395,939109,807
          Totals11,268,31112,282,88313,580,93613,598,74417,153,031
NOTE.—On the 31st March, 1917, the total was £15,065,583, but details are not available.

The capital funds of the Public Trust Office invested amounted on the 31st March, 1918, to £8,836,909. The investments are as follows:—

 1918.
 £     
New Zealand Government securities690,270
Land Settlement Finance Act debentures77,194
Local bodies' debentures1,161,101
Mortgages of real estates6,500,334
Freehold property and furniture109,808
Advances to estates and accounts295,154
Fixed deposits3,048
     £8,836,909

The not profits of the Office during each of the past ten years are shown below:—

Year ended 31st March.Net Profits.
 £     
190910,850
191011,738
191111,241
191225,919
191327,551
191429,222
191532,508
191646,108
191758,862
191868,603

BUILDING SOCIETIES.

There were 112 registered building societies in operation during the financial year 1917–18. 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 follows:—

LIABILITIES OF BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETIES, 1913–14 TO 1917–18.

Year.To Shareholders (including Reserve Funds and Undivided Profits)Deposits.To Bankers and other Creditors.Total Liabilities.
     £     £     £     £     
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
1917–182,290,924717,188181,0923,189,204
ASSETS OF BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETIES, 1913–14 TO 1917–18.
Year.Advances on Mortgage.Other Investments.Cash in Hand and on Deposit.Total Assets.
     £     £     £     £     
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
1917–182,971,119100,103117,9823,189,204

JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES.

During the year ended 31st December, 1917, 261 joint-stock companies were registered, with a total nominal capital of £5,367,201, including 129 private companies, with a nominal capital of £929,001.

The following table gives the total number of companies and the aggregate nominal capital registered during each of the five years 1913–17:—

JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES REGISTERED, 1913–17.

Year.Number of Companies registered.Aggregate Nominal Capital.
19132826,658,722
19142264,987,526
19153044,431,830
19162584,072,803
19172615,367,201

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies received returns for the year 1917 from 730 lodges, courts, tents, &c., having a membership at the end of the year of 68,771. The number of members of these 730 lodges, &c., at the beginning of the year was 70,686. A decrease in membership of 1,915 is thus recorded, largely the result of the service with the Forces of many young men who would otherwise have become members.

The total value of the assets of these societies was £2,052,753, of which the value of the sick and funeral benefit funds was £1,898,129.

The receipts during the year on account of the Sick and Funeral Funds amounted to £360,827, and the expenditure to £273,508, of which the sick-pay to members reached the sum of £76,633. In addition to the sick-pay, the sum of £69,169 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 730 lodges, courts, &c., and of the various orders at 31st December, 1917, was.—

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS. 1917.

Name of Order.Number of Members.Total Worth of Funds.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, M.U.21,231866,532
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Zealand6,557142,211
National Independent Order of Odd Fellows4045,817
British United Order of Odd Fellows1313,832
Ancient Order of Foresters15,582483,060
Ancient Order of Shepherds501,271
United Ancient Order of Druids15,663322,493
Independent Order of Rechabites3,82395,058
Sons and Daughters of Temperance61724,608
Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society3,28846,273
Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia86326,946
Eden Temperance Benefit Friendly Society352,774
Fountain of Friendship Lodge, Auckland52731,878
          Totals68,7712,052,753

The next table shows the progress of, the friendly societies of New Zealand during ten years:—

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS, 1908–17.

Year.Number of Lodges tabulated.Number of Members.Total Funds.Average Capital.
               £     £     s.d.
190850558,5171,123,8861941
190956764,4281,266,29719131
191060968,0061,367,2822021
191165871,7711,441,3532018
191266473,2431,553,3392142
191368173,6911,643,1772260
191471774,0741,744,45623110
191572873,0271,852,3552574
191672770,3601,954,94027158
191773068,7712,052,75329170

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, 1917.

Funds.
 £     
Sick and Funeral Funds1,829,531
Surplus Appropriation Funds, &c.68,598
Management Funds, goods, &c.102,349
Widows' and Orphans' Funds16,090
Distress, Benevolent Funds,36,185
          Total2,052,753
Assets.
Investments at interest1,731,365
Value of land and buildings205,981
Cash not bearing interest68,746
Value of goods Other assets13,779 29,450
Owing by Management Fund3,432
          Total2,052,753

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 1917 was £86,147, the average rate of interest earned, being 4.94 per cent., as compared with 5.00 per cent. in 1916.

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. The figures for Western Australia are as at the 31st December, 1915. Figures, for the other States are based on returns to the 31st December, 1916.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN AUSTRALASIA.—MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDS.

State.Number of Lodges.Number of Members.Amount of Funds.Capital per Member.
               £     £     s.d.
New South Wales.1,862180,0921,989,57611011
Victoria1,522157,8892,912,17818811
New Zealand72770,3601,954,94027158
South Australia59165,5401,278,10919100
Queensland55851,130849,19416122
Tasmania19622,464248,4301112
Western Australia29119,339251,7411304

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 throw 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. For the year ended 31st March, 1918, the total premiums paid and due from societies were £14,305, to which is to be added the pound-for-pound subsidy of the State, making a total revenue in the fund of £28,610. During the same period claims paid and credited amounted to £20,165.

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 ten years 1908–17, 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 ten years it will be seen that the estimated private wealth of the Dominion amounted on 31st December, 1917, to £376,332,763, or an average of £343 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 £593.

ESTIMATED PRIVATE WEALTH, 1917.

Age, in Years.Number of Estates certified (1908–17).Total Amount, including Allowance for Unrecorded Estates.Number of Deaths registered (1908–1917).Average Wealth per Person dying.Estimated Population 31st Dec., 1917.Estimated Private Wealth.
          £          £          £     
Under 5232,35520,1301170135,22015,821
5 and under 10131,9052,1530.8848125,762120,122
10 and under 15214,1371,3783.0022111,812335,772
15 and under 209426,3751,98713.273893,5951,242,361
20 and under 25645412,7422,970138.970474,03010,287,979
25 and under 30938675,4013,729181.121285,19915,431,345
30 and under 351,1151,232,2704,012307.146189,82427,589,091
35 and under 401,2901,391,6924,294324.101586,61728,072,700
40 and under 451,2892,024,7763,855525.233767,95635,692,781
45 and under 501,5883,412,1984,053841.894462,19352,359,938
50 and under 551,7044,089,8034,358938.458646,19143,349,350
55 and under 602,1546,617,6784,9731,330.721535,16146,789,499
60 and under 652,5316,422,8765,6691,132.982229,37833,284,751
65 and under 703,18111,819,7887,4091,595.328421,29533,972,518
70 and under 753,74812,537,9178,7121,439.154815,53722,360,148
75 and under 803,38512,407,8158,5141,457.342610,80015,739,300
80 and under 852,2177,505,0645,8531,282.22941,9956,404,736
85 and under 909504,460,6292,7451,625.00151,7852,900,628
90 and under 952491,057,1348311,306.2238209273,419
95 and over61348,9562201,586.16365587,239
          Totals27,19476,481,51197,845781.65991,097,644376,332,763

The table well illustrates the defect of the old system. The average value of estates of persons under 20 years of age, who comprise over 40 per cent. of the living population, is only a little over £1, while in the group 75 to 80 years the average is £1,457, and at 85 to 90 £1,625.

The number of estates dealt with during the nine years 1908–17 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 has been regarded as approximately correct.

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.

Further investigation into the method adopted in past years has, however, revealed a slight weakness consequent upon the adoption of the system of adding—under all age-groups—an amount equal to 10 per cent. of the value of recorded estates.

Under that method the average amount allowed for each unrecorded estate of persons dying at early ages is very low, while the 10-per-cent. allowance for advanced ages gives an excessive amount.

These two factors, however, balance one another, with the result that although the estimate of the private wealth of young persons is too low and of older persons too high, the total for all ages appears to be approximately correct.

As a further test of the matter, the figures for the years 1908–17 have been compiled using, instead of the uniform 10-per-cent. allowance for unrecorded estates, a fixed allowance increasing from £20 for the age-group 15 to 20 years to £100 at ages 35 to 40, with a similar allowance of £100 for all unrecorded estates over that age. No allowance at all was made for estates of persons under 15 years of age.

This computation gives, on the total, only a slightly different result from that obtained by the previous method, although the results for the individual age-groups show considerable variation when the two methods are compared.

The following table shows the results obtained by the two methods:—

Age, in Years.Total Private Wealth.Excess in Favour of
Using-10-per-cent.-allowance Method.Using Fixed-allowance Method.First Method.Second Method.
     £     £     £     £     
Under 515,82114,3871,434..     
5 and under 10120,122101,17618,946..     
10 and under 15335,772305,25330,519..     
15 and under 201,242,3612,912,751..     1,670,390
20 and under 2510,287,97911,670,815..     1,382,836
25 and under 3015,431,34517,854,575..     2,423,230
30 and under 3527,589,09130,269,817..     2,680,726
35 and under 4028,072,70031,580,203..     3,507,503
40 and under 4535,692,78136,971,326..     1,278,545
45 and under 5052,359,93851,382,463977,475..     
50 and under 5543,349,35042,220,5971,128,753..     
55 and under 6046,789,49944,529,0472,260,452..     
60 and under 6533,284,75131,896,2911,388,460..     
65 and under 7033,972,51832,099,3211,873,197..     
70 and under 7522,360,14821,213,0451,147,103..     
75 and under 8015,739,30014,959,068780,232..     
80 and under 856,404,7366,132,922271,814..     
85 and under 902,900,6282,753,658146,970..     
90 and under 95273,419263,20010,219..     
95 and over87,23983,2833,956..     
          Totals376,332,763379,213,1982,880,435..     

A point that should be borne in mind in regard to both sets of figures given above is that no distinction is made between the wealth of males and that of females. As it is generally understood that the average for males is higher than that for females, and as of the estates passed for probate in 1917 those of males represented three-fourths of the number and more than four-fifths of the total value, it would appear that greater accuracy would be obtained by treating the estates of the two sexes separately. This has been done for the single year 1917, information for previous years not being available, and the results appear to bear out this contention, although it is unsafe to accept without reserve the figures for any one year, which might be unduly influenced by the inclusion of one or two exceptionally large estates.

The figures arrived at for 1917 by treating the sexes separately, and by taking the two together (the 10-per-cent.-allowance method being used in both cases), show the following discrepancy:—

(1.) Sexes taken separately—£     
Males472,906,981
Females82,787,677
          Total555,694,658
(2.) Sexes taken together603,282,932
Difference£47,588,274

It is accordingly intended that in future years separate records shall be kept relating to the two sexes, in order that a more accurate estimate may be made when information for several years is accumulated.

A table is given showing the number of estates finally passed during 1916 and 1917, classified according to amount. Estates of Maoris are included.

Amount.Number of Estates.Aggregate Net Value.
1916.1917.1916.1917.
£               £     £     
Under 5001,3381,652320,880379,610
500 and under 1,000609794431,464559,013
1,000 and under 2,000527553750,599793,102
2,000 and under 3,000222246541,158607,588
3,000 and under 4,000130139449,460478,215
4,000 and under 5,0007899347,047441,891
5,000 and under 7,500108139653,061854,369
7,500 and under 10,0006272526,910622,112
10,000 and under 15,0006470791,860831,823
15,000 and under 20,0002835466,553591,786
20,000 and over58742,587,5313,583,459
          Totals3,2243,8737,866,5239,742,977

INCOMES.

In the 1915 issue of this 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, 1916–17, and 1917–18 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; and a special license permitting the payment of renewal fees has now been revoked. Extension of time for filing documents or paying fees may be granted to any person who has been prevented from doing so by circumtances 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, had 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 the actual inventor, his nominee or assignee, and either by himself or in conjunction with other persons.

The unauthorized importer of an invention is not entitled to apply.

An invention to be patentable must not have been published or used in New Zealand prior to the date of application for patent, or, in a case where priority is claimed under the International Convention, before the date of the first foreign application. In accordance with the International Convention a person, by applying in one country belonging thereto, may obtain for his applications in the other countries of the Convention the official date of the first application, provided they are made within twelve months thereof. 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. Extensions of one and three months respectively to allow for filing and acceptance may be granted on application.

The specification, on receipt, is examined so far as the resources of the office permit. A search is made regarding the novelty of the invention, but such investigation is very restricted, more particularly is this so under present conditions.

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 sealing 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.

Renewal fees of £3 and £6 are payable at or before the expiry of the third and sixth years respectively from the date of commencement of the patent.

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 1,329 applications for letters patent during 1917, 68 more than the number received in 1916; 789 were left with provisional specifications, and 540 with complete specifications; while 355 complete specifications were lodged in respect of applications with which provisional specifications had been previously filed: making a total of 1,684 specifications, as compared with 1,483 for 1916, and 2,051 (the greatest number for any year) in 1913.

The total number of applications received up to the 31st December, 1917, was 39,648, and the patents in force in New Zealand at that date numbered 4,258.

The total number of applications in respect of patents, designs, and trademarks for the year has only slightly increased from the number in 1915, which, as a result of the war, was the lowest received for some years.

1913.1914.1915.1916.1917.
2,6272,3161,9532,0402,038

In the next table are shown the various countries, residents of which applied for patents in New Zealand during the year 1917. 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, 1917.
Country.Number.
New Zealand884
Australia215
Great Britain117
Canada9
Argentina1
United States of America82
Denmark1
Norway8
Sweden7
Italy1
Holland2
France4

DESIGNS AND TRADE-MARKS.

Any person claiming to be the proprietor of a new and original design applicable to the pattern, shape, or configuration of any article of manufacture 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. A further term of five years may be obtained on application and payment of double the original fee, and a third term of five years may, in the discretion of the Registrar, be allowed on application in the manner prescribed.

Designs are not open to public inspection during the currency of the registration, or such shorter period as may be authorized.

Eighty-three applications were received in 1917, the corresponding figure for 1916 being 113.

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.

Assignments and transmissions of a registered trade-mark may 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 1917, shows for each year the number of applications for registration of designs and trademarks:—

Designs and Trade-marks.—Applications for Registration, 1897–1917.
Year.Designs.Trademarks.
189713361
189810343
189912328
190015348
190118379
190228412
190326447
190424592
190554607
190636702
190757684
190879685
190951703
191046818
191121861
191244779
191365787
191455687
191589565
1916113666
191783619

The total number of applications during 1917 in respect of trade-marks was 619, and the fees received totalled £1,825 16s. The increase in the amount received in fees from this source is a result of the falling-due of the renewal fees in respect of all marks registered prior to 1890.

Of the 619 applications, 250 were made by residents of New Zealand, 147 came from Great Britain, 105 from the United States, and 83 from Australia.

One application was received for the suspension of registration of a trademark of alleged enemy proprietary, but was refused.

GENERAL.

As previously stated, the total applications during 1917 in respect of patents, designs, and trade-marks numbered 2,038, as compared with 2,040 in the previous year. The revenue, £6,954, fell short of that for 1,916 by £154, while the expenditure amounted to £3,238.

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, 1918, the following certificates were issued:—

Boiler certificates7,034 
Machinery certificates14,154 
      21,188
Extra first-class engineers' certificates2 
First-class stationary-engine drivers' certificates52 
Second-class stationary-engine drivers' certificates165 
Locomotive and traction-engine drivers' certificates183 
Winding-engine drivers' certificates10 
Electric-tram drivers' certificates130 
      542
      21,730

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.

Full information regarding the constitution and operations of the Board was given on pages 736 to 741 of the 1917 issue of this book.

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 clubs8
To trotting clubs8

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 may 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 ago 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 totatlizator made by any person under twenty-one years is guilty of an offence, and is liable to a line 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 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 groat 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 Recherche,” whoso 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 eminer- 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 depot 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° 4′ 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 ½' 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 ½ 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-shell.

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 depot 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, 1917, this school had a roll number of 210 (137 boys and 73 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. All three schools have now been established, and the combined attendance totals 550 Native children.

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 240 at the end of 1917.

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, whoso functions are to deal with the titles, partitioning, succession, and numerous other matters affecting land. The irregularity in sitting of the former Court caused groat 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 roach 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, 1918, the revenue of the Cook Islands, not including the balance from the previous year, was £11,068, and the expenditure £12,615. There is now a credit balance of £1,262. The following is a comparative statement of revenue and expenditure for the past ten years:

     Revenue.Expenditure.
Year.£     £     
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
1916–179,7108,588
1917–1811,06812,615

The principal items in the revenue for 1917–18 were: Customs duties, £5,489; postage-stamps, £1,015; fees and fines, High Court, £1,167; and fruit-inspection, £1,245.

Niue.—The revenue of Niue for the year ended the 31st March, 1918 (excluding balance from previous year), was £2,787. The expenditure amounted to £2,988. The total funds to the credit of the Niue Government on the 31st March amounted to £847.

TRADE.

Cook and Northern Islands.—The value of exports for the year 1917 was £60,190, while the imports amounted to £80,061. The principal items exported were as follows:—

     £     
Bananas, 78,101 cases, 4,995 kits22,125
Coconuts, 308,200 number1,414
Coffee, 12,200 lb.315
Copra, 696 tons18,939
Kumeras and taro, 984 cases250
Oranges, 62,968 cases11,025
Pearl-shell, 65 tons2,600
Pineapples, 5,532 cases540
Tomatoes, 16,804 cases2,520

The export of bananas shows a considerable increase as compared with 1916, but oranges and tomatoes show a large decrease. The decline in tomatoes is largely due' to want of shipping facilities. 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 and the United States remains about the same as in 1916. The following shows the countries to which the exports were sent:—

     £     
New Zealand40,401
United States17,146
Tahiti2,643
          Total£60,190

The amount of the imports is made up as follows:—

Imports from—£     
New Zealand61,931
United States11,092
United Kingdom3,748
Australia1,714
Tahiti1,110
Japan237
Sweden183
Other places46
          Total£80,061
Niue.—The exports for 1917 amounted to £9,400, and the imports to £13,079. The principal items of export were,—
     £     
Fungus, 16,234 lb.336
Copra, 309 tons7,634
Hats, 1,848 dozen1,170

Of the total imports, New Zealand contributed goods to the value of £12,382, and Australia £511. The whole of the exports went to New Zealand.

Chapter 33. SECTION XXXIII.—STATISTICAL VIEW OF FIFTY YEARS PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND, 1868–1917.

I.—POPULATION.
Year.Population (exclusive of Maoris and for Annexed Pacific Islands) on 31st December.Births.Deaths.Marriages.
Males.Females.Totals.
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
1876225,580173,495399,07516,1684,9043,196
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
1909520,406462,520082,92626,5248,9598,094
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
1917537,360560,3121,097,67228,23910,5286,417
NOTE.—Maori population excluded from above was 49,776 in 1916, and that of Cook and other Islands 13,797 persons.
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.
1868..     ..     ..     ..     ..     ..     Prior to 1878, 709, 931
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
191779,53617,061,675373,6002,574,28825,270,386283,9622,068,419
III.—TRADE.
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Wool.Grain.Frozen Meat.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value

* Not available for publication.

† Excluding gold (specie and bullion).

* Excluding exports and imports of gold (specie and bullion).

     lb.£     Centals.£     Cwt.£     
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
1889102,227,3543,976,3753,084,485985,447656,822783,374
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
1915196,570,11410,387,875405,865215,4633,591,2607,794,395
1916185,506,85912,386,074180,58686,9853,326,0457,271,318
1917178,274,48612,175,36671,04874,6062,446,9455,982,404
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Butter.cheese.phormium fibre.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value
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
188211,26452,0883,55310,1302,04041,955
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
1917254,3972,031,551885,7433,949,25123,5161,197,396
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Gold.Gum (kauri).Provisions, Tallow, Timber. etc.Total New Zealand produce exported
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Value.  
     Oz.£     Tons;£     £         £         
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
1909506,3712,006,9008,250532,6983,112,46519,462,936
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
1917**4,594291,9174,481,57830,184,069
Year.Total Exports.ImportsTotal trade.
Total.From United Kingdom.From Australia.From United States.
     £     £     £     £     £     £     
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
18735,610,3716,464,6873,781,1302,198,849143,27312,075,058
18745,251,2698,121,8125,481,0362,076,626191,53913,373,081
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
18795,743,1268,374,5855,302,8232,197,452438,39914,117,711
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
18847,091,6677,663,8884,934,4931,635,762348,55714,755,555
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
1917*30,683,15920,919,2598,817,5133,660,9313,900,65851,602,418
IV.—TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATON..
Year.Oversea shipping.
Inwards.outwards.Registered Vessels belonging to new Zealand.
VesselsTonnageVesselsTonnageGross Tonnage
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
19175431,405,7765471,381,882140,039
IV.—TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATON.continued
Year.Government railways(Figure to 31st March following.)Electric Telegraph From 1895 (Figure For 31st March following.
Miles open for traffic.Miles under constructions.Railway Receipt.Miles of LinesNumber of Messages.Cash and cash values, including Telephones.
               £               £     
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
1876718127469,0513,1701,100,59980,841
18771,052251569,8983,3071,182,95585,589
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
18841,47915811,045,7124,2641,654,305101,482
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
18962,0181241,286,1586,2852,520,169152,752
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
19152,9702434,548,35613,68410,836,751846,259
19162,9702434,800,81013,89610,875,120855,298
19172,9932314,687,70013,68711,624,720868,182
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.
     £     £     £          £          £     
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
189413,927,21717,746,42114,930,791154,4054,066,594222,678776,783
189513,544,41518,159,78114,491,627163,5134,620,696243,497812,604
189614,490,82716,900,19915,520,431175,1735,065,864269,566902,160
189714,290,51217,276,77115,380,248187,9545,520,080293,659970,831
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
191225,622,08331,196,40027,508,348503,92718,043,540666,4253,231,350
191325,733,18730,708,93227,591,099532,68218,923,522690,7453,357,774
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
191742,930,71344,979,61648,541,961651,53231,917,099642,6833,476,646
Year.Insurance in force in the Government life Insurance Department at the end of year.Old -age pension 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.No.of Members.No.of Estates.Value of Estates.

* From here figures are for year ended 31st March following.

† Information not available.

          £          £                    £     
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
18766,1532,22,129..     ..     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..     ..     36526,01311,56111,130,960
189028,1027,807,792..     ..     35726,3791,67811,240,097
189129,7268,390,803..     ..     36427,3721,82511,252,625
189230,3168,580,817..     ..     37928,7541,9121,284,745
189331,7098,821,255..     ..     37229,7632,0221,450,918
189432,9079,232,5..     ..     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
189837,84810,124,2277,443128,08241035,5012,49112,110,316
189939,36610,341,70211,285193,71843338,2022,6672,192,594
190040,36810,639,97812,405211,96544340,2572,89812,326,954
190141,29110,627,26312,776217,19244541,2363,04912,467,614
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
191048,93212,586,79816,020403,020609,68,0065,9665,477,675
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
191753,05814,188,77419,954486,87773068,77113,746510,358,685
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 1917 were 5,173 and 699 respectively.

† Including in later years secondary pupils attending Technical High Schools (2,347 in 1917).

NOTE.—Statistics of schools and scholars not being complete for years prior to 1874, no figures are entered for those years.

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
1917190,3549,93725,4912,226

Appendix A. APPENDICES.

(a.) PRINCIPAL EVENTS.

DATES OF CERTAIN PRINCIPAL EVENTS DURING THE PAST FIVE 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. Eight 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.

1918. June 26. Huddart-Parker's s.s. “Wimmera” sunk off North Cape by hostile mine.

July 20. Otira Tunnel pierced.

Sept. 19. Turks heavily defeated in Palestine.

Sept. 29. Bulgarian surrender signed.

Oct. 30. Turkish armistice signed.

Nov. 2. Austrian armistice signed.

Nov. 11. Armistice signed by German High Command.

Nov. 21. German Fleet surrendered.

Nov.-Dec. Influenza epidemic prevalent throughout the Dominion.

(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 s 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. Dieffenbach. 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 Short-land. 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. Edited by Thomas W. Leys. (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 E. 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 P. 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 Lying 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
Cancer mortality in New Zealand1917776
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
Maori, ancient, his clothing1908734
Maori, chant (tangi)1907711
Maori, colour-sense of the1905637
Maori, marriage customs1906638
Maori, mythology1900536
Maori, neolithic, the1902578
Maori, religion1901530
Maori, sociology1903641
Maori, songs1908739
Marlborough Sounds, the1901517
Midland Railway, the1894386
Mineral Waters of New Zealand1913896
Moa, heir of the1899517
Mount Cook, a night on1900525
Mount Cook, district, the1899554
Mount Cook, its glaciers, and the Hermitage1898552
Mount Sefton, ascent of1900519
New Zealand Contingents for South Africa1900449
New Zealand 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.

Absolute Contraband, 416.
Absolute Decrees in Divorce, 238.
Accident Insurance, 692.
Government Office, 694.
Accidental Deaths, 149, 262.
Accidents, 149, 169, 262.
In Factories, 637.
Mining, 585.
Railway, 453.
Acclimatization of Fishes, 561.
Accommodation Licenses, 267.
Acreage and Yield of Crops, 499.
Adenoids: Hospital Cases, 164.
Adjacent Islands, Population of, 92.
Administration of Land Laws, 464.
Admissions to Hospitals, 154.
Admissions to Mental Hospitals, 184.
Adopted Children, Registration of, 96.
Advances by Banks, 680.
Advances, Kauri-gum Industry, 583.
Advances to Local Authorities, 646.
Advances to Settlers, 642.
Advances to Workers, 645.
Aerated-water and Cordial Factories, 621.
Afforestation, 556–560.
After Lifetime, Average, 125.
Age, Mean, at Death, 125.
Age, Moan, at Marriage, 117.
Agents-General, Successive, 8.
Ages, 77.
At Death, 125.
Of Industries, 600.
Of Inmates of Hospitals, 156.
Of Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 185.
Of Issue left, 133.
Of Parents, 106.
Of Parties in Divorce Cases, 239.
Of Persons arrested and convicted, 245.
' Of Persons married, 117.
Of Prisoners, '259.
Of Public-school Pupils, 196.
Of Widows, 137.
Aggregation of Land, 471.
Agricultural Bursaries, 219.
Agricultural College, Lincoln, 219.
Agricultural-implement Factories, 628.
Agricultural Produce exported, 316.
Agriculture, 497–507.
Aid, State—
To Dairy Industry, 546.
To Local Authorities, 646.
To Mining, 587.
To Settlers, 642.
To Tree-planting, 556.
To Water-power, 592.
To Workers, 645.
Aitutaki, Island of, 803.
Alcoholic Liquors, Consumption of, 252, 362.
Alienation of Land, 469.
Alienation of Native Lands, 480.
Alien Immigrants, 72.
Aliens, Naturalized, 73.
Aliens, Registration of, 74.
Allocation of Public Debt and of Increase, 730.
Alluvial-gold Mining, 571.
“Amokura” Training-ship, 233.
Anglican Church, 11.
Angora Goats, 554.
Animals, Domestic, 508–555.
Antipodes Islands, 802.
Anti-treating Regulations, 269.
Apiculture, 555.
Appeal Board, Public Service, 37.
Appeal Court, 236.
Appendicitis Cases in Hospitals, 165.
Applicants for Crown Land, 466.
Arbitration Court, 635.
Area of New Zealand, 1.
Area under Cultivation, 498.
Arrested Persons convicted, 242.
Arrivals, 67.
Race Aliens, 72.
Articles on Special Subjects in Previous Issues, 821.
Assembly, General, 6.
Asses and Mules, 551.
Assessment of Land and Income Tax, 720.
Assets of Banks, 680.
Assisted Immigrants, 71.
Assurance, Life, 687.
Atiu, Island of, 803.
Atmospheric Pressure, 59.
Auckland Fish-market, 564.
Auckland Islands, 802.
Audit of Expenditure, 698.
Australasia—
Birth-rates of, 102.
Standardized, 130.
Death-rates of, 127.
Standardized, 130.
Debt of, 741.
Deposits in Banks of Issue in, 680.
Friendly Societies in, 790.
Gold-production of, 572.
Illegitimacy Rates of, 109.
Index of Mortality of, 130.
Infantile-mortality Rates, 139.
Live-stock in, 519.
Marriage-rates of, 115.
Mineral Production of, 570.
Oat Crop of, 502.
Potato Crop of, 503.
Railway Revenue of, 451.
Railway Rolling-stock in, 449.
Savings-banks Deposits in, 685.
Sheep in, 531.
Sown Grasses in, 507.
Standardized Death-rates, 130.
Wheat Crop of, 501.
Automatic Telephones, 463.
Balance of Trade, 301.
Balances of Accounts, 714.
Ballot, Military Service, 225.
Banking, 677–686.
Bank-notes, Issue of, 682.
Tax on, 715.
Bank of New Zealand Account, 712.
Bankruptcy, 237.
Banks of Issue, 677.
Banks, Savings—
Post Office, 682.
Private, 685.
Baptist Union, 13.
Barley, 502.
Barometer-readings, 59.
Battle-cruiser “New Zealand,” 233.
Beans and Peas, 503.
Export of, 333, 503.
Bee-farming, 555.
Beef consumed and exported, 546.
Beer, Consumption of, 253, 362.
Beer Duty, 392.
Bertillon Classification of Causes of Death, 142, 157.
Bibliography, 819.
Birthplaces, 75.
Of Persons arrested and convicted, 245, 250.
Of Prisoners, 256.
Births, 95–111.
Illegitimate, 108.
Notification of, 95.
Plural, 105.
Premature, 167.
Sexes of, 103.
Still, 110.
Biscuit-factories, 618.
Blind, Jubilee Institute for, 205.
Board of Trade, 778.
Boatbuilding Industry, 630.
Boats, Fishing, licensed, 566.
Boiling-down Works, 615.
Bones, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 168.
Bookbinding Establishments, 627.
Boot and Shoe Factories, 632.
Boroughs—
Finances of, 271.
Population of, 88.
Value of Land and Improvements, 290.
Boundaries and Area of Dominion, 1.
Bounty Islands, 802.
Brass-foundries, 627.
Bread, Regulations re Sale of, 175.
Breeding-ewes, 521.
Breweries, 619.
Brick, Tile, and Pottery Works, 626.
Brides and Grooms—
Ages of, 117.
Condition of, 115.
Mark Signatures of, 120.
Bronchitis Cases in Hospitals, 164.
Broncho-pneumonia Cases in Hospitals, 164.
Building Societies, 787.
Building-stones, 584.
Bullion, Movement of, 303.
Bursaries, 217.
Home Science, 207, 219.
Butter—
Export of, 308–353.
Factories, 546, 616.
Production and Consumption of, 54
Requisition of, 435.
Wholesale Prices, 777.
By-elections, 264.
Cable, Pacific, 464.
Cadets, Senior, 230.
Calling - up of Expeditionary Force Reserve, 224.
Campbell Island, 744.
Canadian Trade Commissioner, 10.
Cancellation of License, 269.
Cancer, 146, 160.
Candle-works, 621.
Canterbury Agricultural College, 219.
Capital of Banks of Issue, 677.
Capital of Registered Companies, 602.
Capital Value of Land, 282–296
Cash Lands, 468.
Cassiterite, 578.
Cattle, 508–519, 533–548.
Slaughtered for Food, 546.
Causes of Death, 142–150.
Causes of Insanity, 184.
Cement-works, 626.
Census (see Population section).
Cereals, 499.
Certificates, Secondary School, 214.
Character of Organization of Manufactories and Works, 601.
Character of Stock, 734.
Charges before Magistrates, 242.
Charitable Aid, Expenditure on, 176.
Charitable Institutions, 179.
Chatham Islands, 801.
Cheese—
Exported, 308–350, 546.
Factories, 546, 616.
Produced and consumed, 546.
Requisitioned, 434.
Wholesale Prices, 777.
Cheviot Estate Account, 708.
Chief Centres—
Births and Birth-rates, 101.
Deaths and Death-rates, 131.
Infantile Mortality, 139.
Population, 89.
Childbirth, Deaths in, 149.
Childbirth: Hospital Cases, 167.
Children born, Sexes of, 103.
Children to a Marriage, 107.
Children's Homes, 182.
Chinese in New Zealand, 73.
Church of Christ, 13.
Church of England, 11.
Cinnabar, 577.
Circulatory System, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 164.
Cities—
Births and Birth-rates, 101.
Deaths and Death-rates, 131.
Infantile Mortality, 139.
Population, 89.
Civil Law Cases, 235.
Civil Marriages, 120.
Class-books, School, 194.
Classification of Lands, 466.
Classification of Second Division, 228.
Classification, Public Service, 36.
Climate and Meteorology, 52–62.
Clothing-factories, 631.
Clover-seeds, 339, 506.
Coachbuilding, 628.
Coal exported, 339.
Coal, Retail Prices of, 768.
Coal-miners' Relief Fund, 588.
Coal-mines Account, 707.
Coal-mining, 579.
Accidents, 586.
Coastwise Shipping, 442.
Cocksfoot, 464.
Coin-in-slot Telephones, 462.
Cold-storage Advances Account, 713.
Coleridge, Lake, Water-power, 592.
Colleges, University, 217.
Colonial Office, The, 9.
Colonies, Crown Agents for, 9.
Commerce, 297–437.
Companies, Registered, Capital of, 602, 787.
Compulsory Training, 230.
Concessions to Soldier Crown Tenants, 478.
Conciliation Councils, 635.
Condensed Milk, Requisition of, 435.
Conditional Contraband, 418.
Confectionery-works, 618.
Confinement Cases in Hospitals, 167.
Confinement, Deaths in, 149.
Congregational Union, 13.
Conjugal Condition, 79.
Of Parties Marrying, 115.
Consolidated Fund, 699.
Consols Account, 713.
Constitution and Laws of Islands annexed in 1901, 804.
Constitution of New Zealand, 4.
Consuls, Foreign, 10.
Construction of Railways, Cost of, 450.
Consumption—
Of Alcoholic Liquors, 253, 362.
Of Beef, 546.
Of Butter and Cheese, 546.
Of Mutton and Lamb, 530.
Of Pork, &c., 554.
Of Timber, 560.
Contraband of War, 416.
Contracts with Enemy, 416.
Conversion Account, 710.
Conveyance of Children to School, 193.
Convictions—
For Drunkenness, 250.
In Superior Courts, 247.
Of Juveniles, 246.
Of Maoris, 253.
Of Persons arrested, 242.
Summary, 242.
Under Military Service Act, 229.
Cook and other Pacific Islands, 801–807.
Births, 111.
Deaths, 150.
Marriages, 121.
Population, 94.
Trade, 351.
Co-operative Public Works, 639.
Cooperages, 622.
Copper, 576.
Cordial-factories, 621.
Corn Crops, Acreage and Yield of, 499.
Correspondence, Prohibition of, 414.
Cost of Living, 747.
Act, 779.
Council, Executive, 5.
Council, Legislative, 6.
Counties—
Finances of, 271.
Live-stock in, 509.
Population of, 86.
Receipts from Government, 274.
Sheep in, 521.
Value of Land and Improvements in, 282–289.
Courts—
Appeal, 236.
Arbitration, 635.
Bankruptcy, 237.
Divorce, 238.
Magistrates', 235, 242.
Native Land, 480.
Supreme, 236.
Cow-testing, 534.
Creameries, 547.
Crime, Law and, 235–263.
Criminal Cases, 242–263.
Criminals, Habitual, 260.
Crops, Principal, 499.
Crown Agents for the Colonies, 9.
Crown Lands, 464.
Cultivation, Area in, 498.
Customs Revenue, 399.
Customs Tariff, 392–411.
Customs Taxation, 392, 719.
Cycle-works, 629.
Dairy Industry, 546, 616.
Dairy-produce, 546.
Export of, 308–353, 546.
Grading of, 546.
Retail Prices, 744, 749, 762.
Wholesale Prices, 777.
Danger Island, 803.
Dates of Maturity of Loans, 735.
Dates of Principal Events, 819.
Deaf, School for the, 205.
Death Duties, 723.
Deaths, 122–150.
In Hospitals, 154.
In Mental Hospitals, 186.
Debentures, Public, 735.
Debt of Local Bodies, 277.
Debt, Public, 728–741.
Deceased Husband's Brother, Marriage with, 112.
Deceased Wife's Sister, Marriage with, 112.
Decisions of Arbitration Court, 636.
Decrees in Divorce, 238.
Deeds Registration, 481.
Defence, 222–234.
Naval Defence Account, 707.
War Expenditure, 710.
Deferred-payment Lands, 468.
Denominational Schools, 200.
Density of Population, 84.
Dentists, Registration of, 174.
Departures, 67.
Deposit Accounts, 708.
Deposits in Banks, 680, 685.
Designs, 795.
Destination of Exports, 316, 331.
Detention, Reformative, 260.
Development of Tariff (Customs), 392.
Development of Trade, 298.
Export, 307.
Import, 354.
Diamond Drills, 588.
Diarrhoea Cases in Hospitals, 165.
Differential Tariff, 408.
Diplomas in Public Health, 171.
Direction of Import Trade, 365.
Direction of Oversea Shipping, 440.
Discharged Soldiers Settlement, 474.
Account, 713.
Discharges from Hospitals, 154.
Discharges from Mental Hospitals, 186.
Diseases, Notification of Infectious, 150.
Diseases, Principal, Deaths from, 142.
Diseases treated in Public Hospitals, 157.
Dissolution of Marriages, 238.
Distribution of Wealth, 791.
District High Schools, 216.
Divorce, 238.
Domestic Produce exported, 308.
Dominion Rifle Association, 232.
Drainage Boards, Finances of, 271.
Dredging, Gold-, 571.
Drowning, Deaths by, 149, 262.
Drags, Sale of, 174.
Drunkenness, 249.
Ducks, 554.
Dunedin Medical School, 181,217.
Duntroon Military College, 231.
Duration of Marriage and Number of Issue, 106.
Dutiable Imports, 404.
Duties, Customs and Excise, 392.
Duties, Death, 723.
Dwellings, Workers', 648.
Account, 712.
Early Trade, 297.
Ears, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 164.
Ecclesiastical, 11.
Education, 189–221.
Education in Islands annexed in 1901, 805.
Educational Association, Workers', 219.
Educational Endowments, 467.
Education Boards—
Receipts and Expenditure of, 199.
Scholarships, 213.
Effect of Prices on Exports, 335, 347.
Efficiency Board, 799.
Egg-production, 554.
Electoral, 265–266.
Electric—
Current, 625.
Telegraph, 461.
Tramways, 625.
Emigration, 67.
Employees, Railway, 453.
Employment Branches of Labour Department, 641.
Endowments, Educational, 467.
Endowments, National, 467.
Account, 711.
Enemy Contracts, 416.
Enemy Firms, 414.
Enemy Trading, 412.
Engineering, School of, 207.
Engineering-works, 627.
Enrolment of Expeditionary Force Reserve, 223.
Enteritis Cases in Hospitals, 165.
Entrepôt Trade, 304, 334.
Epidemic General Diseases, 157.
Estate Duty, 723.
Estates acquired for Settlement, 472.
Estates passed for Probate, 792.
Estimated Population, 63.
Ewes, Breeding, 521.
Examinations, Annual Education, 220.
Examiners under Coal - mines and Mining Acts, Boards of, 588.
Excess-profits Taxation, 718.
Excise Duties, 401, 404.
Taxation by means of, 719.
Executive Council, 5.
Expectation of Life, 125.
Expeditionary Forces, 222.
Acquisition of Land by Members, 474.
Expenditure of Public Debt, 730.
Expenditure, Revenue and, 698–714.
Exports, 307–353.
By Classes, 313.
Prohibited, 419.
Extension of Military Service Act to Maoris, 229.
External Migration, 66.
Extinction of Public Debt, 739.
Eyes, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 163.
Factories, 595–641.
Accidents in, 637.
Farmers, Tree-planting by, 559.
Farming, 497–560.
Fathers, Ages of, 106.
Fauna, 4.
Feeble-minded, School for, 206.
Fellmongeries, 629.
Female Genital Organs, Diseases of: Hospital Cases, 166.
Fibre, Phormium, 312–339.
Fifty Years' Progress, 808–818.
Finance, Public, 698–741.
Fire Inquests, 262.
Fire Insurance, 695.
State, 695.
Firms, Enemy, 414.
First Issue of Marriage, 108.
First Offenders' Probation, 260.
Fish Curing and Preserving Works, 616.
Fish exported, 569.
Fisheries, 561–569.
Fish-hatcheries, 561.
Fishing-boats licensed, 566.
Fish-markets, Municipal, 564.
Flax (Phormium Tenax), 504.
Mills, 633.
Floating Debt, 735.
Flocks of Sheep, 514.
Flora, 4.
Flotation of Loans, 735.
Flour: Prices fixed, 779.
Flour: Wholesale Prices, 779.
Food and Drugs, Sale of, 174.
Food Groups and Rent: 'Index Numbers, 751, 757, 764,769.
Footwear Regulation Act, 639.
Foreign Consuls, 10.
Foreign Insurance Companies, 697.
Foreigners naturalized, 73.
Forest Products exported, 315.
Forestry, 556–560.
Forests Account, State, 707.
Foundation Scholarships, 213.
Foundries, 627.
Foveaux Straits Oysters, 561.
Fowls, 554.
Fractures: Hospital Cases, 169.
Free and Dutiable Imports, 404.
Freeholders, Number of, 496.
Freehold Tenure, 469.
Free Secondary Education, 211.
Free University Education, 217.
Freezing-works, 615.
Friendly Societies, 788.
Frozen Meat exported, 308–350.
Frozen Meat requisitioned, 432.
Fruit Industry, The, 504.
Fruit-preserving and Jam-making, 619.
Fruit-preserving Industry Advances Account, 713.
Fuel and Light: Retail Prices, 767.
Furniture-factories, 631.
Future Settlement, Land for, 470.
Gaming and Lotteries, 263.
Gaols, Prisoners in, 254–262.
Gardens and Plantations, Acreage in, 504.
Gasworks, 624.
Gauge, Railway, 448.
Geese, 554.
General Assembly, The, 6.
Genital Organs, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 166.
Geology of New Zealand, 1.
German Samoa, Exports to, 352.
Germany, Imports from, 385.
Gift Duty, 724.
Glaxo, Requisition of, 435.
Goats, 508–512, 552–554.
Gold-dredging, 571.
Gold, Export Duty on, 393.
Gold exported, 308–350.
Goldfields, Subsidized Roads on, 587.
Gold-mining, 571.
Goods carried on Railways, 449.
Government Insurance Offices, 690.
Government Schools, Attendance at, 195.
Government Statistician, 223.
Government Valuation of Land, &c., 282–296.
Governor-General, 4.
Grading of Dairy-produce, 546.
Graduated Land-tax, 721.
Grain-mills, 617.
Grapes, 498, 506.
Grass Lands, Acreage of, 506.
Grass-seed, 333, 506.
Grazing-runs, Small, 467, 468.
Greasy Wool exported, 532.
Greenstone, 584.
Groceries: Index Numbers, 748, 758.
Groceries; Prices fixed, 781.
Gross Indebtedness, 729.
Grounds for Divorce, 238.
Growth of Population, 64.
Growth of Trade, 298.
Habitual Criminals, 260.
Habitual Drunkards, 252.
Half-castes, 93.
Ham- and Bacon-curing Works, 616.
Hands employed in Factories, 604.
Harbour Boards, Finances of, 271.
Harness-works, 629.
Hauraki Plains Settlement Account, 711.
Health, Public, 171–176.
Heart-disease Cases in Hospitals, 164.
Hebrew Church, 13.
Hernia: Hospital Cases, 165.
Hervey Islands, 803.
Hides exported, 308–350.
Requisition of, 437.
High Commissioners, Successive, 9.
High Schools, 209.
District, 216.
Technical, 208.
Hindu Immigrants, 73.
History, 4.
H.M.S. “New Zealand,” 233.
H.M.S. “Philomel,” 233.
Holdings, Occupied, 489.
Home Produce exported, 308.
Value affected by Prices, 335.
Home-science Bursaries, 219.
Homes, Children's, 182.
Honey, 555.
“Honourable,” Holders of Title of, 34.
Honours held, 14.
Hops, 504.
Horses, 508–519, 548–551.
Hosiery-factories, 632.
Hospitals, 154–170, 176–188.
Maternity, 181.
Mental, 183–188.
Private, 180.
Public, 154–170, 176–179.
St. Helens, 181.
House of Representatives, Members of, 7.
House-rent, 746, 751, 765.
Illegitimate Births, 108.
Immigration, 67.
Assisted, 71.
Restriction, 71.
Imperial Government Purchases, 432, 778.
Imperial Trade Correspondents, 10.
Implement (Agricultural) Factories, 628.
Imports, 306, 354–391.
According to Rate of Duty, 406.
By Classes, 357.
Free and Dutiable, 404.
Prohibited or restricted, 427.
Improvement of Land selected, 467.
Incomes, 795.
Income-tax, 720.
Payers, 722.
Increase in Public Debt, 729.
Increase of Population, 64, 98.
Indebtedness of Local Bodies, 278.
Indebtedness, Public, 728.
Index Numbers, Cost of Living, 756.
Index Numbers of Export Values, 337, 340.
Index of Mortality, 129.
Industrial, 635–641.
Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration, 635.
Industrial Disputes dealt with, 635, 638.
Industrial Life Assurance, 688.
Industrial Manufacture, 595.
Industrial Schools, 203.
Industrial Unions registered, 636.
Industries, 595–641.
Infancy, Diseases of, 141, 168.
Infantile Mortality, 137.
Infant-life Protection, 95, 141, 204.
Infectious Diseases, Notification of, 150.
Infectious Diseases, Prevention of, 171.
Infirmities, 82.
Influenza: Hospital Cases, 158.
Inland Fisheries, 563.
Inmates of Gaols, 254–262.
Inmates of Hospitals, 154.
Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 183.
Inquests, 262.
Insanity, 183–188.
Inscribed Stock, 735.
Insolvency, 237.
Inspection of Machinery, 798.
Institute for the Blind, 205.
Instruction, Public, 192.
Insurance, 687–697.
Interest on Debt of Local Bodies, 280.
Interest on Public Debt, 736.
Inter-urban Telephones, 462.
Intestinal Obstruction: Hospital Cases, 165.
Iron and Brass Foundries, 627.
Ironsands and Ores, 574.
Islands, Adjacent, Population of, 92.
Islands, Outlying, 801–807.
Issue Born to Marriage, 107.
Issue of Bank-notes, 682.
Issue of Deceased Males, 133.
Under 14 Years of Age, 135.
Under 16 Years of Age, 135.
Under 21 Years of Age, 136.
Jam-making Works, 619.
Joint-stock Companies, 787.
Journal, School, 194.
Jubilee Institute for the Blind, 205.
Judges, Supreme Court, entitled “Honourable,” 35.
Judicial Separation, 240.
Juvenile Offenders, 246.
Kauri-gum, 583.
Exported, 308–339.
Industry Account, 713.
Kermadec Islands, 801.
Labour Department: Employment Branches, 641.
Lake Coleridge Works, 592.
Lakes, 3.
Lamb, Consumption and Export of, 530.
Land and Income Tax, 720.
Land Boards, 465.
Maori, 480.
Land Districts, 465.
Land Drainage Boards, Finances of, 271.
Land for Settlements, 472.
Account, 709.
Land, Government Valuation of, 282–296.
Land, Grass-sown, 506.
Land: Islands annexed in 1901, 806.
Land Laws Amendment Acts, 471.
Land, Occupation and Ownership of, 489–496.
Land Offices, 465.
Land Purchase Commissioners, 472.
Land-settlement Finance Associations 474.
Land-tax, 715, 720.
Land Tenure and Settlement, 465–496.
Land Transfer and Deeds Registration, 481–488.
Land, Valuation of, 282–296.
Law and Crime, 235–263.
Lease, Renewable, 468.
Legislation of 1917 Session, 37–51.
Legislation, War, 37.
Legislative Council, Members of, 6.
Legitimate-birth Rates, 107.
Legitimation Act, 109.
Letters posted, 459.
Liabilities of Banks, 679.
Libraries, School, 194.
Licensed Houses, 267.
Licenses and Local Option, 267.
Licenses, Fishing-boat, 566.
Licenses, Publicans', 267.
Licensing Laws, 268.
Breaches of, 252, 268.
Life Assurance, 687.
State, 690.
Life, Expectation of, 125.
Light, Fuel and: Index Numbers, 767.
Lighthouses, 444–447.
Lime and Cement Works, 626.
Lincoln Agricultural College, 219.
Liquor Trade, War Regulations affecting, 270.
Literature, Sale of, 431.
Liver, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 165.
Liverpool, Earl of, 4.
Live-stock, 508–555.
Prices, 709.
Living, Cost of, 747–757.
Loan Expenditure of Boroughs, 277.
Loans, Allocation of, 731.
Loans, Dates of Maturity of, 735.
Loans, Flotation of, 735.
Loans of Local Bodies, 278.
Local Bodies, 271–281.
Account, 708.
Advances to, 646.
Superannuation, 673.
Taxation by, 726.
Local Mills, Wool used at, 532.
Local Option, 267.
Local Taxation, 726.
Location of Industries, 597.
Lot System, Military Service Act, 225.
Lotteries, Gaming and, 263.
Lower Departments of Secondary Schools, 215.
Lunacy, 183–188.
Machinery Inspection, 798.
Magellan's Discoveries, 803.
Magistrates' Courts—
Civil Cases, 235.
Criminal Cases, 242.
Mail-services, 459.
Main Groups of Imports, 357.
Maize, 502.
Male and Female Death-rates, 124.
Malformations: Hospital Cases, 168.
Malthouses, 620.
Manahiki Island, 803.
Mangaia Island, 802.
Manganese-ore, 577.
Mangolds, 504.
Mangrove Oysters, 561.
Manual Education, 193.
Manufactories and Works, 595–641.
Maori Councils, 479.
Maori Land Boards, 479.
Maori Lands, 479.
Maoris, 93.
Births of, 111.
Law re Registration, 96.
Children attending Schools, 203.
Crime amongst, 253.
Deaths of, 150.
Half-castes, 93.
In Mental Hospitals, 186.
Liability for Military Service, 229.
Marriages of, 120.
Population, 93.
Schools for, 202.
Wars with, 85.
Marine Fish-hatchery, 561.
Mark Signatures of Persons married, 1207
Market Gardens, 504.
Marriages, 98, 107, 112–121.
Dissolution of, 238.
Maternity Allowances, 674.
Maternity Hospitals, 181.
Maturity of Loans, Dates of, 735.
Mauke Island, 803.
Measures affecting Trade, 412–437.
Meat—
Export of, 308–353.
Fixed, 780.
Freezing and Preserving Works, 615.
Fixed, 780.
Requisition of, 432.
Fixed, 780.
Retail Prices, 745, 750, 763.
Fixed, 780.
Wholesale Prices, 776.
Medical Inspection of School-children, 192.
Medical Practitioners, Registration of, 173.
Medicine, School of, Dunedin, 182, 217.
Members of House of Representatives, 7.
Members of Legislative Council, 6.
Memorabilia, 819.
Mental Defectives, 183.
Mental Hospitals, 183–188.
Mercantile Marine, Training of Boys for, 233.
Mercury, 577.
Metal Mines, Accidents at, 585.
Meteorology, 59–62.
Methodist Church, 12.
Metropolitan and Suburban Areas (see also Cities)—
Population, 89.
Midwives, Registration of, 182.
Migration, External, 66.
Military Forces, 222–234.
Military Pensions, 655.
Military Service Act, 222.
Extension to Maoris, 229.
Reserve, 223.
Milking-machines, 534.
Milk-testing, 534.
Mills, Wool used at, 532.
Minerals, Export of, 570.
Miners' Pensions, 656.
Mines and Minerals, 570–594.
Mining, 570–594.
Produce exported, 308–350.
Mining Act, Board of Examiners under, 588.
Mining Advances, 587.
Account, 712.
Mining Districts Land Occupation Leases, 468.
Ministers of each Denomination, 122.
Marriages by, 121.
Minors, Marriages of, 119.
Mitiaro Island, 803.
Money-orders issued and paid, 461.
Money, Purchasing-power of, 753.
Morbidity, 151–170.
Mortality, Index of, 129.
Mortality, Infantile, 140.
Mortality Investigation, 124.
Mortgages, 484.
Mothers, Ages of, 106.
In Illegitimate Cases, 108.
Motive-power in Factories, 606.
Motor and Cycle Works, 629.
Movement of Specie and Bullion, 303.
Mules, 551.
Municipal Fish-markets, 564.
Mutton consumed and exported, 530.
Mutton, Export Prices of, 776.
Nassau Island, 803.
National Efficiency Board, 799.
National Endowment Account, 711.
National Endowments, 467.
National Ministry, 5.
National Provident Fund, 673.
National Registration, 222.
National Scholarships, 212.
Nationality of Vessels, 439.
Native Grasses, 506.
Native Land Act (1909), 479.
Marriages under Section 191 (1) (b), 120.
Native Land Court, 479.
Native Land Purchase Board, 480.
Native Lands, 479, 480.
Native Land Settlement Account, 710.
Native Schools, 202.
Natural Increase of Population, 66, 98.
Naturalization, 73.
Naval Defence, 232.
Account, 707.
Nephrite, 584.
Nervous System, Diseases of, treated in Hospitals, 162.
Net Indebtedness, 665–667.
Newspapers—
Posted, 459.
Registered, 461.
New-Zealand-born—
Crime amongst, 245.
Drunkenness amongst, 251.
Prisoners, 259.
“New Zealand,” H.M.S., 233.
New Zealand Produce exported, 308.
New Zealand University, 217.
Nisi Decrees in Divorce, 238.
Niue, Island of, 111.
Trade of, 807.
Note-issue of Banks, 682.
Tax on, 715.
Notification of Births, 95, 141.
Notification of Infectious Diseases, 150.
Nullity of Marriage, 238.
Nurseries, 504.
State, 558.
Nurses, Registration of, 182.
Oats, 502.
Exported, 332, 502.
Obstruction, Intestinal: Hospital Cases, 165.
Occupation, Area of Land in, 498.
Occupation of Land, 467.
Occupation with Right of Purchase, 468.
Occupations—
Of Bankrupts, 238.
Of Deceased Males, 131.
Of the People, 84.
Offences by Juveniles, 246.
Offences of Convicted Persons, 244.
Offences of Prisoners, 256.
Office, Colonial, 9.
Officers, Training of, 231.
Official Assignees, 237.
Official Section, 1–37.
Officiating Ministers, 122.
Oil, 582.
Oilskin-making Works, 630.
Old Age, Deaths from, in Hospitals, 169.
Old-age Pensions, 650.
Opening up Crown Lands for Settlement Account, 709.
Optional System of selecting Land, 467.
Orchards, 504.
Organic Heart-disease: Hospital Cases, 164
Ornamental Stones, 584.
Orphanages, 182.
Orphanhood, 133.
Otekaike Special School, 203.
Outlying Islands, 801–807.
Oversea Shipping, 439.
Overseas Forces, 222.
Ownership of Land, 495.
Oyster-picking, 561.
Pacific Cable, 464.
Pacific Islands annexed in 1901, 803.
Palmerston Island, 803.
Parapara Iron-ore Deposit, 574.
Parcel-post, 459.
Parents, Ages of, 106.
Parliament, Members of, 7.
Passengers, Railway, 449.
Passports, 68.
Pastoral Licenses in Mining Districts, 468.
Pastoral Produce exported, 308.
Pastoral Runs, 467.
Pasture Grasses, 506.
Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks, 795.
Patients in Mental Hospitals, 183.
Patients in Public Hospitals, 156.
Peas and Beans, 503.
Export of, 333, 503.
Pelts, Export of, 308–350.
Penalties under Military Service Act, 229.
Penrhyn Island, 803.
Pensions, 650–672.
Military (Maori War), 655.
Miners', 656.
Old-age, 650.
War, 657.
Widows', 654.
Permission to enter New Zealand, 70.
Permits and Passports, 68.
Petroleum, 582.
“Philomel,” H.M.S., 233.
Phormium Tenax, 504.
Fibre exported, 308, 309, 312, 318, 324, 334, 339, 348, 349, 350.
Phosphate Pock, 583.
Phthisis, 143, 158.
Miner's, 589.
Physical Instruction, 192.
Pickle-making, 621.
Pig-iron Manufacture, 576.
Pigs, 508–519, 552–554.
Plantations, 504.
State, 558.
Platinum, 578.
Plumbers Registration Act, 176.
Plural Births, 105.
Ages of Parents, 106.
Pneumonia Cases in Hospitals, 164.
Police, 240.
Policies, Life-assurance, 688.
Population, 63–94.
Population and Vital Statistics of Cook Islands, 805.
Pork consumed, 554.
Portobello Marine Fish-hatchery, 561.
Ports—
Exports, 350.
Imports, 361.
Shipping, 441–444.
Postal and Telegraphic, 455–464.
Postal Notes, 461.
Post Office Savings-bank, 682.
Postponement of Rent of Crown Tenants, 467.
Potatoes, 333, 503.
Pottery-works, 626.
Poultry-farming, 554.
Pounamu, 584.
Power in Factories, 606.
Power, Water, 590–594.
Preferential Tariff, 408.
Premature Births, 167.
Presbyterian Church, 12.
Preservation of Scenery Account, 707.
Previous Issue of Parents, 107.
Prices, 742.
Effect on Exports, 335.
Of Fish, 562.
Of Stock, 740.
Primage Duty, 395.
Principal Countries of Import, 366.
Principal Exports, 309.
Principal Events, Dates of, 819.
Principal Imports, 373.
Printing and Bookbinding Establishments, 627.
Prisoners, 254–262.
New-Zealand-born, 256, 259.
Tree-planting by, 260.
Prisons, 254–262.
Prisons Board, 261.
Private Hospitals, 180, 187.
Private Savings-banks, 685.
Private Scholarships, 213.
Private Schools, 200.
Private Wealth, 791.
Probate, Estates passed for, 792.
Probation Act, First Offenders', 260.
Profits, Excess, Taxation on, 718.
Progress, Fifty Years', 808–818.
Prohibited Correspondence, 414.
Prohibited Exports, 419.
Prohibited Imports, 427.
Property and Plant of Factories, 603.
Prospecting-drills, 588.
Protection of Infant Life, 95, 141, 204.
Provident Fund, National, 673.
Provincial Districts—
Industries in, 597.
Population, 86.
Public Debt, 728–741.
Extinction Fund, 739.
Public Finance, 698–741.
Public Health, 171–176.
Diplomas in, 171.
Public Hospitals—
Admissions and Discharges, 154.
Ages of Patients, 156.
Diseases treated in, 157.
Finances, 176.
Public Instruction, 192.
Public Property, 795.
Public Reserves, 467.
Public Service, 35.
Appeal Board, 37.
Classification, 36.
Examinations, 220.
Superannuation, 665.
Public Trust Office, 784.
Public Works Co-operative System, 639.
Public Works Fund, 704.
Publicans' Licenses, 267.
Publication of Shipping Intelligence, 432.
Puerperal Accidents and Diseases, 149, ' 167.
Pukapuka Island, 803.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 144.
Punishments by Courts, 249.
Pupils at Public Schools, 195.
Purchase of Estates by Government, 471.
Purchase of Native Lands, 480.
Purchase of Products by Imperial Government, 778.
Purchasing-power of Money, 753.
Quackery Prevention Act, 175.
Quarantine, 171.
Quartz-mining, 571.
Quinnat Salmon, 564.
Quotations, New Zealand Stock, 741.
Rabbit-skins, Export of, 332.
Race Aliens, 72.
Racing, Tax on, 725.
Radio-telegraph, 463.
Railways, 448–454.
Superannuation Fund, 672.
Rainfall, 52.
Rakaanga Island, 803.
Rangitaiki Land Drainage Account, 712.
Rarotonga Island, 802.
Rateable Value of Land, 282–296.
Rates collected by Local Bodies, 273.
Rebate of Rent to Crown Tenants, 466.
Reciprocity, 393.
With South Africa, 407.
Re-exports, 304, 334.
Reformative Detention, 260.
Registered Companies, Capital of, 602.
Registered Factories, 637.
Registered Vessels, 438.
Registrars, Marriages before, 120.
Registration—
National, 222.
Of Adopted Children, 96.
Of Aliens, 74.
Of Births, 95.
Of Dairy Companies, 546.
Of Deaths, 122.
Of Deeds, 481.
Of Dentists, 174.
Of Marriages, 112.
Of Medical Practitioners, 173.
Of Nurses and Midwives, 182.
Of Plumbers, 176.
Of Vessels, 438.
Under Defence Act, 230.
Under Military Service Act, 223.
Under National Registration Act, 222.
Regulations, War, 269, 412.
Reinforcements, 222–230.
Relief Fund, Coal-miners', 588.
Religious Denominations, 11, 80.
Marriages by Ministers of, 120.
Ministers on Marriage List, 121.
Renewable Leases, 468.
Rents, House, 751, 769.
Rents, Rebate of, for Crown Tenants, 467.
Representation, 264.
Requisitions for War Purposes—
Butter, 435.
Cheese, 434.
Condensed Milk, 435.
“Glaxo,” 435.
Meat, 433.
Scheelite, 435.
Skins and Hides, 436.
Vessels, 432.
Wool, 436.
Reserve, Expeditionary Force, 223.
Reserve Fund Account, 712.
Reserve Funds of Banks, 677.
Reserve, Military Service, 223.
Reserves administered by Land Boards, 467.
Residence of Crown Tenants, 467.
Respiratory Diseases: Cases in Hospitals, 165.
Restriction, Immigration, 71.
Restrictions on Trade, 412–437.
Retail Prices, 742.
Retail Price Movements, 758.
Retired Judges of Supreme Court, 35.
Revenue and Expenditure, 698–714.
Cook Islands, 806.
Revenue, Customs, 392–411.
Revenue, Public, 698–714.
Revenue, Railway, 450.
Rifle Association, 232.
Rifle Clubs, 232.
River Boards, Finances of, 271.
Rivers, 2.
Road Boards, Finances of, 271.
Roads, Expenditure on, 706.
Roads on Goldfields, Subsidized, 587.
Rock Oysters, 561.
Roll of M.L.C.s, 6.
Roll of M.P.s, 7.
Rolling-stock, Railways, 448.
Roman Catholic Church, 12.
Roman Catholic Schools, 200.
Root Crops, 503.
Rope and Twine Works, 634.
Runs, Pastoral, 467.
Runs, Small Grazing, 467, 469.
Rye-grass, 506.
Saddlery and Harness Works, 629.
Sail-, Tent-, and Oilskin-making Works, 630.
St. Helens Hospitals, 181.
Sale of Food and Drugs, 174.
Sale of Liquor Restriction, 270.
Sale of Literature, 431.
Salmon, Acclimatization of, 564.
Salvation Army, 14.
Maternity Homes, 181.
Samoa (German), Exports to, 352.
Sanatoria, 159.
Sanitation, 171.
San Pablo Island, 803.
Sash and Door Factories, 622.
Sauce, Pickle, and Vinegar Making, 621.
Sausage-skins exported, 314–339.
Savage or Nine Island, 803.
Trade of, 807.
Savings-banks, 682–686.
Sawmills, 622.
Scaffolding Inspection Act, 639.
Scenery Preservation Account, 707.
Scheelite, 573.
Requisition for War Purposes, 435, 574.
Scholarships, 212, 217.
School Journal, 194.
School Libraries and Class-books, 194.
Schools, 189–221.
Of Mines, 207, 588.
Scoured Wool exported, 532.
Seals, 563.
Second Division, Classification of, 228.
Secondary Education, 209.
Free, 211.
Technical, 208.
Seeds, Grass and Clover, exported, 339.
Selections of Land, 468.
Senility, Deaths from, 169.
Senior Cadets, 230.
Sentences of Criminals, 247.
Settlement Conditions, Selections under, 468.
Settlements, Land for, 472.
Account, 709.
Settlers, Advances to, 642.
Sexes—
Of Children born, 103.
Of Issue of Deceased Males, 134.
Of Public-school Children, 196.
Proportions, 79.
Sheep, 509–533.
Sheep-skins and Pelts exported, 308–350.
Requisition of, 436.
Ship- and Boat-building Industry, 630.
Shipping, 438–447.
Shipping Intelligence, Publication of, 432.
Ships, Requisition of, for Transports, 432.
Shoe-factories, 632.
Shops and Offices Act, 639.
Signatures, Mark, of Persons married, 120.
Silver, Production of, 573.
Sinking Funds, 738.
Skimming-stations, 547.
Skin-diseases treated in Hospitals, 168.
Skins and Hides, Requisition of, 436.
Slaughter of Animals for Food—
Cattle, 546.
Pigs, 554.
Sheep and Lambs, 530.
Sleeping - accommodation at Mental Hospitals, 188.
Sliped Wool exported, 532.
Sly-grog Selling, 268.
Small Grazing-runs, 467, 469.
Smallpox Epidemic (1913), 173.
Soap and Candle Works, 621.
Soldiers, 222.
Acquisition of Land by, 474.
Soldiers (Discharged) Settlement, 474.
Account, 713.
South Africa, Reciprocity with, 407.
Sown Grasses, Extent of, 333, 506.
Special Schools, 203.
Special Trade, 304.
Specie, Movement of, 303.
Spirits, Consumption of, 253.
Standardized Death-rates, 129.
State Advances, 642–649.
State Afforestation, 556.
State Aid—
To Dairy Industry, 546.
To Kauri-gum Industry, 583.
To Local Authorities, 646.
To Mining, 587.
To Settlers, 642.
To Tree-planting, 556.
To Water-power, 592.
To Workers, 645.
State Coal-mines, 581.
Account, 707.
State Forests Account, 707.
State Instruction, 192.
State Insurance—
Accident, 694.
Fire, 695.
Life, 690.
State Schools, 195.
Statement of Balances, 714.
Statistical View of Fifty Years' Progress, 808–818.
Still-births, 110.
Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts—
Civil Cases, 235.
Criminal Cases, 242.
Stock, Character of, 734.
Stock, Live, 508–555.
Stock, Quotations for, 740.
Stomach, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 165.
Stones, Building and Ornamental, 584.
Strikes, 638.
Subdivision of Land, 471.
Subsidized Prospecting, 587.
Subsidized Roads on Goldfields, 587.
Suburban Areas—
Population, 89.
Succession Duty, 724.
Sugar-boiling Works, 618.
Sugar imported and consumed, 362.
Sugar-prices fixed, 781.
Sugar: Index Numbers of Prices, 760.
Suicide, 150.
Sulphur, 579.
Summary Convictions, 242.
Summary of Index Numbers, 770.
Summary of Legislation, 1917, 37–51.
Sumner School for Deaf, 205.
Superannuation, 665–673.
Supplies for Imperial Government, 432.
Supplies of Forest Timber, 559.
Supreme Court—
Civil Cases, 235.
Criminal Cases, 247.
Judges entitled “Honourable,” 34.
Surtax, 395.
Preferential, 408.
Suwarrow Island, 745.
Swamp Land Drainage Account, 713.
Syphilis Cases in Hospitals, 159.
Takutea Island, 803.
Tallow exported, 308–350.
Tanning-works, 629.
Taranaki Ironsand, 575.
Tariff, Customs, 392–411.
Development, 393.
Preferential, 408.
Tax, Land and Income, 720.
Tax on Totalizator Investments, 725.
Taxation, 715–727.
Taxpayers, Number of, 722.
Teachers, Public-school, 197.
Superannuation Fund, 668.
Training of, 197.
Tea imported and consumed, 362.
Technical Education, 206.
Technical High Schools, 208.
Telegraphic and Postal, 455–464.
Telephones, 462.
Temperature, 58.
Tent-making Works, 630.
Tenure of Occupied Lands, 474.
Territorial Forces, 230.
Thermometer, Cost of Living, 754.
Three Food Groups, Retail Prices of, 751.
Tile-works, 626.
Timber—
Consumption of, 560.
Export of, 308–352.
Plantations, 556.
Supplies of, 559.
Tin, 578.
Tinware-factories, 626.
Tobacco-culture, 504.
Tobacco imported and consumed, 362.
Customs and Excise Revenue from, 401.
Tomato-culture, 505.
In Cook Islands, 807.
Tongareva Island, 803.
Tonnage of Vessels entered and cleared, 440.
Tonsils: Hospital Cases, 164.
Torrens System, 481.
Totalizator, 725, 799.
Totalizator Taxation, 725.
Total Taxation, 715.
Total Trade, 297–306.
Town Districts—
Finances of, 271.
Population of, 91.
Receipts from Government, 274.
Value of Land and Improvements, 295.
Trade, 297–437.
Board of, 778.
Commissioners, 9.
Cook Islands, 807.
Correspondents, Imperial, 10.
Trade-marks, 795.
Training of Defence Forces, 230.
Training of Officers, 231.
Training-ship “Amokura,” 233.
Train-miles run, 449.
Tramway Boards, Finances of, 271.
Tramways, Electric, 625.
Transfer, Land, 476–480.
Transit Trade, 304, 334.
Treasury Bills Account, 707.
Treating prohibited, 269.
Tree-planting, 556.
By Farmers, 559.
By Prisoners, 260.
Trout, Acclimatization of, 563.
Tuberculosis, 143, 158.
Tungsten, 573.
Turkeys, 554.
Turnips, 504.
Twine-works, 634.
Twins and Triplets born, 105.
Ages of Parents, 106.
Undesirables on Licensed Premises, 269.
Undeveloped Water-power, 594.
Unimproved Value of Land, 282–296.
Rating on, 274.
Unions registered, 636.
United Kingdom Trade Restrictions, 431.
University of New Zealand, 217.
Scholarships and Bursaries, 217.
Urewera Reserve, 480.
Urinary System, Diseases of the, treated in Hospitals, 166.
Vaccination, 172.
Valuation of Land, 282–296.
Value of Exports affected by Prices, 335.
Value of Output of Factories, 607.
Venereal Diseases: Hospital Cases, 159.
Vessels entered and cleared, 440.
Nationality of, 439.
Vessels registered, 438.
Vessels, Requisition of, 432.
Vinegar-making, 621.
Vineyards, 498, 506.
Violence, Deaths from, 149.
Hospital Cases, 169.
Vital Statistics, 95–170.
Voluntary Inmates of Mental Hospitals, 185.
Wages, 781.
Wages paid to Factory Employees, 605.
Waipori Power-supply, 591.
Wakari Private Mental Hospital, 187.
War, 222.
Contraband of, 416.
Expenses Account, 710.
Honours, 14.
Increases in Food-prices, 757.
Legislation, 37.
Loans, 456.
Measures affecting Trade, 412–437.
Pensions, 657.
Regulations, 412–437.
Taxation, 716.
Washed Wool exported, 532.
Water-power, 590–594.
Waterproof-factories, 631.
Water-races, 587.
Water-supply Boards, Finances of, 271.
Wealth, Private, 791.
Weather, 52.
Weekly Budgets, 772.
Weekly Rents, 751, 765.
Wellington Fish-market, 566.
Whaling, 563.
Wheat, 500.
Export of, 308–339.
Prices, 779.
Whitefish-ova imported, 564.
White Island Sulphur, 579.
Wholesale Prices, 773.
Widows left by Married Men, 136.
Widows' Pensions, 654.
Wind, 59.
Wine, Consumption of, 253.
Wireless Telegraphy, 4.3.
Women, Deaths of, in Childbirth, 149.
Women on Licensed Premises, 269.
Women's Branch, Labour Department, 641.
Wool, 531.
Exported, 308–350.
Requisition of, 436.
Used at Local Mills, 532
Woollen-mills, 631.
Wool used at, 532.
Wool-scouring Works, 629.
Workers, Advances to, 645.
Workers' Compensation Act, 639.
Workers' Dwellings, 648.
Account, 712.
Workers' Educational Association, 219
World's Coal-production, 582.
World's Gold-production, 573.
World's Sheep Flocks, 531.
World's Wheat Crop, 501.
Wounded Soldiers, Land for, 474.
Yields of Crops, 499