THE NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEAR-BOOK 1906


Table of Contents

PREFACE.

THE work now put forward is the fifteenth issue of the New Zealand Official Year-book.

All the matter contained in it has been previously arranged in the form of pamphlets of “Advance Sheets,” according to the usual course.

It has been found impossible to introduce the results of the census of April, 1906, except as to the populations of counties and boroughs, further particulars not being yet tabulated. The important work of compiling the statistics of manufactories and the great primary industries—information for which is obtained by means of the Census Enumerators—is now proceeding, and will be ready for publication next year.

E. J. VON DADELSZEN.

Registrar-General's Office,
Wellington, N.Z., 29th September, 1906.

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

PAGE 24.—Sixteenth Parliament: First session opened 27th June, 1906; prorogued 3rd July, 1906. Second session opened 21st August, 1906.

PAGE 25.—Successive Ministries: Seddon Ministry resigned owing to death of Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, 21st June, 1906. 28 Hall-Jones—assumed office 21st June, 1906; resigned 6th August, 1906. 29 Ward—assumed office 6th August, 1906.

Premiers of Successive Ministries: Hon. William Hall-Jones; Sir Joseph George Ward, K.C.M.G.

PAGE 26.—Speakers of the House of Representatives: Arthur Robert Guinness, 29th November, 1905; reappointed 27th June, 1906.

Foreign Consuls: Consul for Paraguay, A. E. Kernot, Wellington; Consul-General for Belgium (with jurisdiction over the Provincial Districts of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington), Hon. Charles John Johnston, M.L.C., Wellington; Acting-Consular Agent for France, John Wesley Buddle, Christchurch; Consul-General for Norway for Australia and New Zealand, O. Römcke, Melbourne; Vice-Consul for Norway for Australia and New Zealand, J. Gunderson, Melbourne; Vice-Consul for Norway, Roland St. Clair, Auckland; Consul for Norway, A. W. Newton, Wellington; Vice-Consul for Argentine Republic at Dunedin (with jurisdiction over New Zealand), Hon. T. Fergus; Honorary Consuls for Chili, George Dunnet, Auckland, Harold Beauchamp, Wellington, J. G. F. Palmer, Christchurch, J. A. Roberts, Dunedin; Consular Agent for United States of America, J. G. Duncan, Wellington.

Consular Agent for United States of America at Dunedin: F. O. Bridgeman, not Bridgman.

PAGE 33.—Members of the Legislative Council: Hon. D. Pinkerton, died 23rd June, 1906; Hon. F. Arkwright, resigned.

PAGE 35.—Members of the House of Representatives: Speaker, Arthur Robert Guinness; Chairman of Committees, Roderick McKenzie.

Member for Wanganui: Hogan, James Thomas, not Hogan, John Thomas.

PAGE 36.—Member for Westland: Seddon, Thomas Edward Youd, elected in place of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon.

Member for Kaipara: Stallworthy, John, not Stallworthy, John A.

PAGE 42.—Under-Secretary Native Department: H. F. Edger.

PAGE 56.—Surveyor-General: T. Humphries.

PART I.—INTRODUCTORY: OFFICIAL.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. NEW ZEALAND.

THE Colony 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 Middle, and Stewart Islands, have a coast-line 4,330 miles in length: North Island, 2,200 miles; Middle Island, 2,000 miles; and Stewart Island, 130 miles. Other islands included within the colony are the Chatham, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty, and Kermadec Islands. The annexation of the Cook and sundry other islands has necessitated an enlargement of the boundaries of the colony, which will be specially treated of further on.

New Zealand is mountainous in many parts, but has, nevertheless, large plains in both North and Middle Islands. In the North Island, which is highly volcanic, is situated the famous Thermal-Springs District, of which a special account will be given. The Middle Island is remarkable for its lofty mountains, with their magnificent glaciers, and for the deep sounds or fiords on the western coast.

New Zealand is firstly a pastoral and secondly an agricultural country. Sown grasses are grown almost everywhere, the extent of land laid down being more than twelve and a half millions of acres. The soil is admirably adapted for receiving these grasses, and, after the bush has been burnt off, is mostly sown over without previous ploughing. In the Middle Island a large area is covered with native grasses, all used for grazing purposes. The large extent of good grazing-land has made the colony a great wool, meat, and dairy-produce country; while its agricultural capabilities are, speaking generally, very considerable. The abundance of water and the quantity of valuable timber are other natural advantages.

New Zealand is, besides, a mining country. Large deposits of coal are met with, chiefly on the west coast of the Middle Island. Gold, alluvial and in quartz, is found in both Islands, the yield having been over sixty-seven millions sterling in value to the present time. Full statistical information on this subject is given further on, compiled up to the latest dates.

DISCOVERY AND EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first authentic account of the discovery of New Zealand is that given by Abel Jansen Tasman, the Dutch navigator. He left Batavia on the 14th August, 1642, in the yacht “Heemskirk,” accompanied by the “Zeehaen” (or “Sea-hen”) fly-boat. After having visited Mauritius, and discovered Tasmania, named by him “Van Diemen's Land,” in honour of Anthony van Diemen, Governor of the Dutch possessions in the East Indies, he steered eastward, and on the 13th December of the same year sighted the west coast of the Middle Island of New Zealand, described by him as “a high mountainous country, which is at present marked in the charts as New Zealand.”

Tasman, under the belief that the land he saw belonged to a great polar continent, and was part of the country discovered some years before by Schouten and Le Maire, to which the name of Staaten Land had been given, gave the same name of Staaten Land to New Zealand; but within about three months afterwards Schouten's “Staaten Land” was found to be merely an inconsiderable island. Upon this discovery being announced, the country that Tasman had called Staaten Land received again the name of “New Zealand,” by which it has ever since been known. Tasman sailed along the coast to a bay, where he anchored. To this he gave the name of Murderers (now Massacre) Bay, on account of an unprovoked attack on a boat's crew by the Natives, and the massacre of four white men. Thence he steered along the west coast of the North Island, and gave the name of Cape Maria van Diemen to the north-western extremity thereof. After sighting the islands of the Three Kings he finally departed, not having set foot in the country.

There is no record of any visit to New Zealand after Tasman's departure until the time of Captain Cook, who, after leaving the Society Islands, sailed in search of a southern continent then believed to exist. He sighted land on the 6th October, 1769, at Young Nick's Head, and on the 8th of that month cast anchor in Poverty Bay. After having coasted round the North Island and the Middle and Stewart Islands—which last he mistook for part of the Middle Island—he took his departure from Cape Farewell on the 31st March, 1770, for Australia. He visited New Zealand again in 1773, in 1774, and in 1777.

M. de Surville, a French officer in command of the vessel “Saint Jean Baptiste,” while on a voyage of discovery, sighted the northeast coast of New Zealand on the 12th December, 1769, and remained for a short time. A visit was soon after paid by another French officer, M. Marion du Fresne, who arrived on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand on the 24th March, 1772, but was, on the 12th June following, treacherously murdered at the Bay of Islands by the Natives.

In 1793 the “Dædalus,” under the command of Lieutenant Hanson, was sent by the Government of New South Wales to New Zealand, and two chiefs were taken thence to Norfolk Island. There was after this an occasional intercourse between the islands of New Zealand and the English settlements in New South Wales.

In 1814 the first missionaries arrived in New Zealand—Messrs. Hall and Kendall—who had been sent as forerunners by Mr. Marsden, chaplain to the New South Wales Government. After a short stay they returned to New South Wales, and on the 19th November of that year again embarked in company with Mr. Marsden, who preached his first sermon in New Zealand on Christmas Day, 1814. He returned to Sydney on the 23rd March, 1815, leaving Messrs. Hall and Kendall, who formed the first mission station at Rangihoua, Bay of Islands, under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society. Six years later, in 1821, the work of evangelization was put on a more durable basis; but the first station of the Wesleyan mission, established by Mr. Leigh and his wife, at the valley of the Kaeo, Whangaroa, was not taken possession of until the 10th June, 1823.

COLONISATION.

The first attempt at colonisation was made in 1825 by a company formed in London. An expedition was sent out under the command of Captain Herd, who bought two islands in the Hauraki Gulf and a strip of land at Hokianga. The attempt, however, was a failure, owing to the savage character of the inhabitants. In consequence of frequent visits of whaling-vessels to the Bay of Islands, a settlement grew up at Kororareka—now called Russell—and in 1833 Mr. Busby was appointed British Resident there. A number of Europeans gradually settled in different parts of the country, and married Native women.

In 1838 a colonisation company, known as the New Zealand Company, was formed to establish settlement on systematic principles. A preliminary expedition, under the command of Colonel William Wakefield, was despatched from England on the 12th May, 1839, and arrived in New Zealand in the following August. Having purchased land from the Natives, Colonel Wakefield selected the shore of Port Nicholson, in Cook Strait, as the site of the first settlement. On the 22nd January, 1840, the first body of immigrants arrived, and founded the town of Wellington. About the same time—namely, on the 29th January, 1840—Captain Hobson, R.N., arrived at the Bay of Islands, empowered, with the consent of the Natives, to proclaim the sovereignty of Queen Victoria over the Islands of New Zealand, and to assume the government thereof. A compact called the Treaty of Waitangi, to which in less than six months five hundred and twelve names were affixed, was entered into, whereby all rights and powers of sovereignty were ceded to the Queen, all territorial rights being secured to the chiefs and their tribes. New Zealand was then constituted a dependency of the Colony of New South Wales, but on the 3rd May, 1841, was proclaimed a separate colony. The seat of Government had been previously established at Waitemata (Auckland), round which a settlement was formed.

The New Zealand Company having decided to form another settlement, to which the name of “Nelson” was to be given, despatched a preliminary expedition from England in April, 1841, for the purpose of selecting a site. The spot chosen was the head of Blind Bay, where a settlement was established. About the same time a number of pioneers arrived in Taranaki, despatched thither by the New Plymouth Company, a colonising society which had been formed in England, and had bought 50,000 acres of land from the New Zealand Company.

The next important event in the progress of colonisation was the arrival at Port Chalmers, on the 23rd March, 1848, of the first of two emigrant ships sent out by the Otago Association for the foundation of a settlement by persons belonging to or in sympathy with the Free Church of Scotland.

In 1849 the “Canterbury Association for founding a Settlement in New Zealand” was incorporated. On the 16th December, 1850, the first emigrant ship despatched by the association arrived at Port Cooper, and the work of opening up the adjoining country was set about in a systematic fashion, the intention of the promoters being to establish a settlement complete in itself, and composed entirely of members of the then United Church of England and Ireland.

THE MAORIS.

Prior to the colonisation of New Zealand by Europeans, the earliest navigators and explorers found a race of people already inhabiting both Islands. Papers written in 1874 by Mr. (afterwards Sir) William Fox, and Sir Donald McLean, then Native Minister, state that at what time the discovery of these Islands was made by the Maoris, or from what place they came, are matters of tradition only, and that much has been lost in the obscurity enveloping the history of a people without letters. Nor is there anything on record respecting the origin of the Maori people themselves, beyond the general tradition of the Polynesian race, which seems to show a series of successive migrations from west to east, probably by way of Malaysia to the Pacific. Little more can now be gathered from their traditions than that they were immigrants, and that they probably found inhabitants on the east coast of the North Island belonging to the same race as themselves—the descendants of a prior migration, whose history is lost. The tradition runs that, generations ago, the Maoris dwelt in a country named Hawaiki, and that one of their chiefs, after a long voyage, reached the northern island of New Zealand. Returning to his home with a flattering description of the country he had discovered, this chief, it is said, persuaded a number of his kinsfolk and friends, who were much harassed by war, to set out with a fleet of double canoes for the new land. The names of most of the canoes are still remembered, and each tribe agrees in its account of the doings of the people of the principal canoes after their arrival in New Zealand; and from these traditional accounts the descent of the numerous tribes has been traced. Calculations, based on the genealogical staves kept by the tohungas, or priests, and on the well-authenticated traditions of the people, indicate that about twenty-one generations have passed since the migration, which may therefore be assumed to have taken place about five hundred and twenty-five years ago. The position of the legendary Hawaiki is unknown, but many places in the South Seas have been thus named in memory of the motherland. The Maoris speak a very pure dialect of the Polynesian language, the common tongue, with more or less variation, in all the eastern Pacific islands. When Captain Cook first visited New Zealand he availed himself of the services of a Native from Tahiti, whose speech was easily understood by the Maoris. In this way much information respecting the early history of the country and its inhabitants was obtained which could not have otherwise been had.

For results of recent researches as to probable origin and present numbers of the Maoris, see Year-book for 1901.

BOUNDARIES AND AREA.

The Proclamation of Captain Hobson on the 30th January, 1840, gave as the boundaries of the colony the following degrees of latitude and longitude: On the north, 34° 30' S. lat.; on the south, 47° 10' S. lat.; on the east, 179° 0' E. long.; on the west, 166° 5' E. long. These limits excluded small portions of the extreme north of the North Island and of the extreme south of Stewart Island.

In April, 1842, by Royal Letters Patent, and again by the Imperial Act 26 and 27 Vict., c. 23 (1863), the boundaries of the colony were altered so as to extend from 33° to 53° of south latitude and from 162° of east longitude to 173° of west longitude. By Proclamation bearing date the 21st July, 1887, the Kermadec Islands, lying between the 29th and 32nd degrees of south latitude and the 177th and 180th degrees of west longitude, were declared to be annexed to and to become part of the Colony of New Zealand.

By Proclamation bearing date the 10th June, 1901, the Cook Group of islands, and all the other islands and territories situate within the boundary-lines mentioned in the following Schedule, were included in the Colony of New Zealand:—

A line commencing at a point at the intersection of the twenty-third degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-fifty-sixth degree of longitude west of Greenwich, and proceeding due north to the point of intersection of the eighth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-fifty-sixth degree of longitude west of Greenwich; thence due west to the point of intersection of the eighth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-sixty-seventh degree of longitude west of Greenwich; thence due south to the point of intersection of the seventeenth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-sixty-seventh degree of longitude west of Greenwich; thence due west to the point of intersection of the seventeenth degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-seventieth degree of longitude west of Greenwich; thence due south to the point of intersection of the twenty-third degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-seventieth degree of longitude west of Greenwich; and thence due east to the point of intersection of the twenty-third degree of south latitude and the one-hundred-and-fifty-sixth degree of longitude west of Greenwich.

The following now constitute the Colony of New Zealand:—

  1. The island commonly known as the North Island, with its adjacent islets, having an aggregate area of 44,468 square miles, or 28,459,520 acres.

  2. The island known as the Middle Island, with adjacent islets, having an aggregate area of 58,525 square miles, or 37,456,000 acres.

  3. Stewart Island, and adjacent islets, having an area of 665 square miles, or 425,390 acres.

  4. The Chatham Islands, situate 536 miles eastward of Lyttelton in the Middle Island, with an area of 375 square miles, or 239,920 acres.

  5. The Auckland Islands, about 200 miles south of Stewart Island, extending about 30 miles from north to south, and nearly 15 from east to west, the area being 210,650 acres.

  6. The Campbell Islands, in latitude 52° 33' south, and longitude 169° 8' west, about 30 miles in circumference, with an area of 45,440 acres.

  7. The Antipodes Islands, about 458 miles in a south-easterly direction from Port Chalmers, in the Middle Island. These are detached rocky islands, and extend over a distance of between 4 and 5 miles from north to south. Area, 12,960 acres.

  8. The Bounty Islands, a small group of islets, thirteen in number, lying north of the Antipodes Islands, and about 415 miles in an east-south-easterly direction from Port Chalmers.' Area, 3,300 acres.

  9. The Kermadec Islands, a group lying about 614 miles to the north-east of Russell, in the Bay of Islands. Raoul or Sunday Island, the largest of these, is about 20 miles in circuit. The next in size is Macaulay Island, about 3 miles round. Area of the group, 8,208 acres.

  10. Islands forming the Cook Group:—

    Rarotonga.—Distance from Auckland, 1,638 miles; circumference, 20 miles; height, 2,920 ft.

    Mangaia.—Distance from Rarotonga, 116 miles; circumference, 30 miles; height, 656 ft.

    Atiu.—Distance from Rarotonga, 116 miles: circumference, 20 miles; height, 374 ft.

    Aitutaki.—Distance from Rarotonga, 140 miles; circumference, 12 miles: height, 366 ft.

    Mauke.—Distance from Rarotonga, 150 miles; circumference, 6 miles; height, about 60 ft.

    Mitiaro.—Distance from Rarotonga, 140 miles; circumference, 5 miles; height, about 50 ft.

    Takutea.—Distant from Rarotonga, 125 miles.

    The Herveys (Manuac and Aoutu).—Distant from Rarotonga, 120 miles.

    Total area of above Group, 150 square miles.

  11. Islands outside the Cook Group:—

    Savage or Niue.—Distance from Rarotonga, 580 miles; circumference, 40 miles; height, 200 ft.; area, about 100 square miles.

    Palmerston.—Distance from Rarotonga, 273 miles; an atoll, 4 miles by 2 miles.

    Penrhyn, or Tongareva.—Distance 735 miles from Rarotonga; an atoll, 12 miles by 7 miles.

    Humphrey, or Manahiki.—Distance from Rarotonga, 650 miles; an atoll, 6 miles by 5 miles.

    Rierson, or Rakaanga.—Distance from Rarotonga, 670 miles; an atoll, 3 miles by 3 miles.

    Danger, or Pukapuka.—Distance from Rarotonga, 700 miles; an atoll, 3 miles by 3 miles.

    Suwarrow.—Distance from Rarotonga, 530 miles; an atoll.

Total area of islands outside the Cook Group, 130 square miles.

The total area of the colony is thus about 104,751 square miles, of which the aggregate area of the outlying groups of islands that are practically useless for settlement amounts to about 498 square miles.

Area of the Commonwealth States of Australia.

The areas of the several Australian States, as stated by different authorities, vary considerably. The total area of the Australian Continent is given as 2,944,628 square miles, according to a computation made by the late Surveyor-General of Victoria, Mr. J. A. Skene, from a map of Continental Australia compiled and engraved under his direction; but the following areas are taken from the latest official records of each colony:—

 Square Miles.
Queensland668,497
New South Wales310,700
Victoria87,884
South Australia903,690
Western Australia975,920
        Total, Continent of Australia2,946,691
Tasmania26,215
        Total, Commonwealth of Australia2,972,906

The size of these States (with New Zealand) may be better realised by comparison of their areas with those of European countries. The areas of the following countries—Austria-Hungary, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Portugal, Spain, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Switzerland, Greece, Roumania, Bulgaria, Servia, Eastern Roumelia, and Turkey in Europe—containing on the whole rather less than 1,600,000 square miles, amount to little more than half the extent of the Australian Continent. If the area of Russia in Europe be added to those of the other countries the total would be about one-seventh larger than the Australian Continent, and about one-twelfth larger than the Australian States, with New Zealand.

Area of the Colony of New Zealand.

The area of the Colony of New Zealand is about one-seventh less than the area of Great Britain and Ireland, the Middle Island of New Zealand being a little larger than the combined areas of England and Wales.

 Area in
Square Miles.
United Kingdom. 
England and Wales58,311
Scotland30,463
Ireland32,531
        Total121,305
 Area in
Square Miles.
New Zealand 
North Island44,468
Middle Island58,525
Stewart Island665
Chatham Islands375
Other islands718
        Total104,751

Physical Features Of The North Island.

The North Island extends over a little more than seven degrees of latitude, a distance in a direct line from north to south of 430 geographical or 498 statute miles; but, as the northern portion of the colony, which covers more than three degrees of latitude, trends to the westward, the distance in a straight line from the North Cape to Cape Palliser, the extreme northerly and southerly points of the island, is about 515 statute miles.

This Island is, as a whole, hilly, and in parts mountainous in character, but there are large areas of plain or comparatively level country that are, or by clearing may be made, available for agricultural purposes. Of these, the principal are the plains in Hawke's Bay on the east coast, the Wairarapa Plain in the Wellington District, and a strip of country along the west coast, about 250 miles in length, extending from a point about thirty miles from the City of Wellington to a little north of New Plymouth. The largest plain in the North Island, Kaingaroa, extends from the shore of Lake Taupo in a north-north-easterly direction to the sea-coast in the Bay of Plenty; but a great part of it is covered with pumicesand, and is unfit for tillage or pasture. There are several smaller plains and numerous valleys suitable for agriculture. The level or undulating country in this Island fit, or capable of being made fit, for agriculture has been roughly estimated at 13,000,000 acres. This includes lands now covered with standing forest, and swamps that can be drained; also large areas of clay-marl and pumice-covered land. The clay-marl in its natural state is cold and uninviting to the farmer, but under proper drainage and cultivation it can be brought to a high state of productiveness. This kind of land is generally neglected at the present time, as settlers prefer soils more rapidly remunerative and less costly to work. The larger portion of the North Island was originally covered with forest. Although the area of bush land is still very great, yet year by year the amount is being reduced, chiefly to meet the requirements of settlement, the trees being cut down and burnt, and grass-seed sown on the ashes to create pasture. Hilly as the country is, yet from the nature of the climate it is especially suited for the growth of English grasses, which will flourish wherever there is any soil, however steep the land may be; once laid down in grass very little of the land is too poor to supply food for cattle and sheep. The area of land in the North Island deemed purely pastoral or capable of being made so, while too steep for agricultural purposes, is estimated at 14,200,000 acres. In the centre of the Island is a lake, about twenty miles across either way, called Taupo. A large area adjacent to the lake is at present worthless pumice country. The Waikato River, the largest in the North Island, flows out of the north-eastern corner of this lake, and runs thence north-westward until it enters the ocean a little distance south of the Manukau Harbour. This river is navigable for small steamers for about a hundred miles from its mouth. The Maori King-country, occupied by Natives who for several years isolated themselves from Europeans, lies between Lake Taupo and the western coast. The River Thames, or Waihou, having its sources north of Lake Taupo, flows northward into the Firth of Thames. It is navigable for about fifty miles, but only for small steamers. The other navigable rivers in this island are the Wairoa (Kaipara), the Wanganui, and the Manawatu, the two last of which flow towards the south-west into Cook Strait.

The mountains in the North Island are estimated to occupy about one-tenth of the surface, and do not exceed 4,000 ft. in height, with the exception of a few volcanic mountains that are more lofty. Of these, the three following are the most important:—

  1. The Tongariro Mountain, situated to the southward of Lake Taupo. It consists of a group of distinct volcanic cones, the lava-streams from which have so overlapped in their descent as to form one compact mountain-mass at the base. The highest of these cones is called Ngauruhoe, and attains an elevation of 7,515 ft. The craters of Ngauruhoe, the Red Crater (6,140 ft.), and Te Mari (4,990 ft.) are the three vents from which the latest discharges of lava have taken place, the most recent having occurred in 1868. These craters are still active, steam and vapour issuing from them with considerable force and noise, the vapours, charged with pungent gases and acids, making it dangerous to approach too near the crater-lips.

  2. Ruapehu. This mountain lies to the south of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. It is a volcanic cone in the solfatara stage, and reaches the height of 9,008 ft., being in part considerably above the line of perpetual snow. The most remarkable feature of this mountain is the crater lake on its summit, which is subject to slight and intermittent eruptions, giving rise to vast quantities of steam. In March, 1895, such an eruption took place, forming a few hot springs on the margin of the lake, and increasing the heat in the lake itself. This lake lies at the bottom of a funnel-shaped crater, the steep sides of which are mantled with ice and snow. The water occupies a circular basin about 500 ft. in diameter, some 300 ft. below the enclosing peaks, and is quite inaccessible except by the use of ropes. This lake, and the three craters previously mentioned on Tongariro, are all in one straight line, which, if produced, would pass through the boiling springs at Tokaanu on the southern margin of Lake Taupo, the volcanic country north-east of that lake, and White Island, an active volcano in the Bay of Plenty, situated about twenty-seven miles from the mainland.

  3. Mount Egmont. This is an extinct volcanic cone, rising to a height of 8,260 ft. The upper part is always covered with snow. This mountain is situated close to New Plymouth, and is surrounded by one of the most fertile districts in New Zealand. Rising from the plains in solitary grandeur, it is an object of extreme beauty, the cone being one of the most perfect in the world.

It is estimated that the area of mountain-tops and barren country at too high an altitude for sheep, and therefore worthless for pastoral purposes, amounts, in the North Island, to 300,000 acres.

Without a doubt the hot springs form the most remarkable feature of the North Island. They are found over a large area, extending from Tongariro, south of Lake Taupo, to Ohaeawai, in the extreme north—a distance of some 300 miles; but the principal seat of hydrothermal action appears to be in the neighbourhood of Lake Rotorua, about forty miles north-north-east from Lake Taupo. By the destruction of the famed Pink and White Terraces and of Lake Rotomahana during the eruption of Mount Tarawera on the 10th June, 1886, the neighbourhood has been deprived of attractions unique in character and of unrivalled beauty; but the natural features of the country—the numerous lakes, geysers, and hot springs, some of which possess remarkable curative properties in certain complaints—are still very attractive to tourists and invalids. The world-wide importance of conserving this region as a sanatorium for all time has been recognised by the Government, and it is now dedicated by Act of Parliament to that purpose.

Notwithstanding the length of coast-line, good harbours in the North Island are not numerous. Those on the west coast north of New Plymouth are bar harbours, unsuitable for large vessels. The principal harbours are the Waitemata Harbour, on which Auckland is situated—this is rather a deep estuary than a harbour; several excellent havens in the northern peninsula; and Port Nicholson, on the borders of which Wellington is situated. This is a landlocked harbour, about six miles across, having a comparatively narrow but deep entrance from the ocean. The water is deep nearly throughout.

The Cape Colville Peninsula is rich in gold-bearing quartz.

COOK STRAIT.

Cook Strait separates the North and Middle Islands. It is some sixteen miles across at its narrowest part, but in the widest about ninety. The strait is invaluable for the purpose of traffic between different parts of the colony.

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND.

The extreme length of the Middle Island, from Jackson's Head, in Cook Strait, to Puysegur Point, at the extreme south-west, is about 525 statute miles; the greatest distance across at any point is in Otago (the southernmost) District, about 180 miles.

The Middle Island is intersected along almost its entire length by a range of mountains known as the Southern Alps. Some of the summits reach a height of from 10,000 ft. to 12,000 ft., Mount Cook, the highest peak, rising to 12,349 ft.

In the south, in the neighbourhood of the sounds and Lake Te Anau, there are many magnificent peaks, which, though not of great height, are, owing to their latitude, nearly all crowned with perpetual ice and snow. Further north the mountains increase in height—Mount Earnslaw, at Lake Wakatipu; and Mount Aspiring, which has been aptly termed the New Zealand Matterhorn, 9,949 ft. in height, at Lake Wanaka. Northward of this again are Mount Cook (or Aorangi), Mount Sefton and other magnificent peaks.

For beauty and grandeur of scenery the Southern Alps of New Zealand may worthily compare with, while in point of variety they are said actually to surpass, the Alps of Switzerland. In New Zealand few of the mountains have been scaled; many of the peaks and most of the glaciers are as yet unnamed; and there is still, in parts of the Middle Island, a fine field for exploration and discovery—geographical, geological, and botanical. The wonders of the Southern Alps are only beginning to be known; but the more they are known the more they are appreciated. The snow-line in New Zealand being so much lower than in Switzerland, the scenery, though the mountains are not quite so high, is of surpassing grandeur.

There are extensive glaciers on both sides of the range, those on the west being of exceptional beauty, as, from the greater abruptness of the mountain-slopes on that side, they descend to within about 700ft. of the sea-level, and into the midst of the evergreen forest. The largest glaciers on either side of the range are easily accessible.

The following gives the sizes of some of the glaciers on the eastern slope:—

Name.Area of Glacier.Length of Glacier.Greatest Width.Average Width.
 Acres.Miles    ch.Miles    ch.Miles    ch.
Tasman13,66418    02    141    15
Murchison5,80010   701     50    66
Godley5,3128    01    551     3
Mueller3,2008    00    610    50
Hooker2,4167   250    540    41

The Alletsch Glacier in Switzerland, according to Ball, in the “Alpine Guide,” has an average width of one mile. It is in length and width inferior to the Tasman Glacier.

Numerous sounds or fiords penetrate the south-western coast. They are long, narrow, and deep (the depth of water at the upper part of Milford Sound is 1,270 ft., although at the entrance only 130 ft.), surrounded by giant mountains clothed with foliage to the snow-line, with waterfalls, glaciers, and snowfields at every turn. Some of the mountains rise almost precipitously from the water's edge to 5,000 ft. and 6,000 ft. above the sea. Near Milford, the finest of these sounds, is the great Sutherland Waterfall, 1,904 ft. high.

The general surface of the northern portion of the Middle Island, comprising the Provincial Districts of Nelson and Marlborough, is mountainous, but the greater part is suitable for grazing purposes. There are some fine valleys and small plains suitable for agriculture, of which the Wairau Valley or Plain is the largest. Deep sounds, extending for many miles, break the coast-line abating on Cook Strait. The City of Nelson is situated at the head of Blind Bay, which has a depth inwards from Cook Strait of about forty statute miles.

The Provincial District of Canterbury lies to the south of the Marlborough District, and on the eastern side of the Island. Towards the north the land is undulating; then there is a stretch of almost perfectly level country extending towards the south-west 160 miles, after which, on the south, the country is undulating as far as the borders of the Otago District. On the east a block of hill country rises abruptly from the plain and extends for some miles seaward. This is Banks Peninsula, containing several good harbours, the principal being Port Cooper, on the north, on which is situated Lyttelton, the chief port of the district: the harbour of Akaroa, one of the finest in the colony, is on the southern coast of this peninsula.

The District of Otago is, on the whole, mountainous, but has many fine plains and valleys suitable for tillage. The mountains, except towards the west coast, are generally destitute of timber, and suitable for grazing sheep. There are goldfields of considerable extent in the interior of this district. The inland lakes are also very remarkable features. Lake Wakatipu extends over fifty-four miles in length, but its greatest width is not more than four miles, and its area only 114 square miles. It is 1,070 ft. above sea-level, and has a depth varying from 1,170 ft. to 1,296 ft. Te Anau Lake is somewhat larger, having an area of 132 square miles. These lakes are bounded on the west by broken, mountainous, and wooded country, extending to the ocean.

The chief harbours in Otago are Port Chalmers, at the head of which Dunedin is situated, and the Bluff Harbour, at the extreme south.

The District of Westland, extending along the west coast of the Middle Island, abreast of Canterbury, is more or less auriferous throughout. The western slopes of the central range of mountains are clothed with forest trees to the snow-line; but on the eastern side timber is scarce, natural grasses covering the ground.

The rivers in the Middle Island are for the most part mountain-torrents, fed by glaciers in the principal mountain-ranges. When the snow melts they rise in flood, forming, where not confined by rocky walls, beds of considerable width, generally covered by enormous deposits of shingle. The largest river in the colony as regards volume of water is the Clutha. It is 154 miles in length, but is only navigable for boats or small river-steamers for about thirty miles. The Rivers Buller, Grey, and Hokitika, on the west coast, are navigable for a short distance from their mouths. They form the only ports in the Westland District. In their unimproved state they admitted, owing to the bars at their mouths, none but vessels of small draught; but, in consequence of the importance of the Grey and Buller Rivers as the sole ports available for the coal-export trade, large harbour-works have been undertaken, resulting in the deepening of the beds of these rivers, and giving a depth of from 18 ft. to 26 ft. of water on the bar.

The area of level or undulating land in the Middle Island available for agriculture is estimated at about 15,000,000 acres. About 13,000,000 are suitable for pastoral purposes only, or may become so when cleared of forest and sown with grass-seed. The area of barren land and mountain-tops is estimated at about 9,000,000 acres.

STEWART ISLAND.

Foveaux Strait separates the Middle from Stewart Island. This last island has an area of only 425,390 acres.

Stewart Island is a great tourist resort during the summer months, and is easily reached by steamer from the Bluff, distant about 25 miles.

The principal peak is Mount Anglem, 3,200 ft. above sea-level, which has an extinct crater at its summit. Most of the island is rugged and forest-clad; the climate is mild, frost being seldom experienced; and the soil, when cleared of bush, is fertile.

The chief attractions are the numerous bays and fiords. Paterson Inlet is a magnificent sheet of water, about ten miles by four miles, situated close to Half-moon Bay, the principal port, where over two hundred people live. Horseshoe Bay and Port William are within easy reach of Half-moon Bay. Port Pegasus, a land-locked sheet of water about eight miles by a mile and a half, is a very fine harbour. At “The Neck” (Paterson Inlet) there is a Native settlement of Maoris and half-castes. The bush is generally very dense, with thick undergrowth. Rata, black-pine, white-pine, miro, and totara are the principal timber trees. Fish are to be had in great abundance and variety; oysters form an important industry. Wild pigeons, ducks, and mutton-birds are plentiful.

THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.

The outlying group of the CHATHAM ISLANDS, 480 statute miles east-south-east from Wellington, and 536 miles eastward of Lyttelton, consists of two principal islands and several unimportant islets. The largest island contains about 222,490 acres, of which an irregular-shaped lake or lagoon absorbs 45,960 acres. About one-quarter of the surface of the land is covered with forest, the rest with fern or grass. The hills nowhere rise to a great height. Pitt Island is the next in size; the area is 15,330 acres. The greater portion of both islands is used for grazing sheep.

The KERMADEC GROUP of islands, four in number, is situated between 29° 10' and 31° 30' south latitude, and between 177° 45' and 179° west longitude. They are named Raoul or Sunday Island, Macaulay Island, Curtis Islands, and L'Espérance or French Rock. The principal island, Sunday, is 600 miles distant from Auckland. 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.

The AUCKLAND ISLANDS are about 290 miles south of Bluff Harbour, their position being given on the Admiralty chart as latitude 50° 31' 29” S., and longitude 166° 19' 12” E. They have several good harbours. Port Ross, at the north end of the principal island, was described by the eminent French commander, D'Urville, as one of the best harbours of refuge in the known world. At the southern end of the island there is a through passage extending from the east to the west coast. It has been variously named Adams Strait and Carnley Harbour, and forms a splendid sheet of water. The largest of the islands is about 27 miles long by about 15 miles broad, and is very mountainous, the highest part being about 2,000 ft. above the sea. The west coast is bold and precipitous, but the east coast has several inlets. The wood on the island is, owing to the strong prevailing wind, scrubby in character. The New Zealand Government maintains at this island a depot of provisions and clothing for the use of shipwrecked mariners.

The COOK ISLANDS, with others now included within the extended boundaries of the colony, are as under*:—

* See Part IV., “Notes on Annexed Islands”; following descriptions of land districts.

RAROTONGA (Cook Group): 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 (Cook Group) 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 (Cook Group) presents a most fruitful appearance, its shores being bordered by flat land, on which are innumerable cocoanut and other trees, the higher ground being beautifully interspersed with lawns. It is eighteen miles in circuit.

MAUKE or Parry Island (Cook Group) is a low island; it is about two miles in diameter, well wooded, and inhabited.

MITIARO (Cook Group) is a low island, from three to four miles long and one mile wide.

HERVEY ISLANDS (Cook Group): This group consists of two islands, surrounded by a reef, which may be 10 1/2 miles in circumference.

NIUE, or Savage Island, lying east of the Friendly Islands, is a coral island, thirty-six miles in circumference, rising to a height of 200 ft. It has the usual tropical productions.

PALMERSTON ISLAND, lying about 500 miles east of Niue and about 220 from the nearest island of the Cook Group (Aitutaki), is remarkable as the “San Pablo” of Magellan, the first island discovered in the South Sea. It has no harbour. The soil is fairly fertile, and there is some good hardwood timber.

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.

MANAHIKI, lying about 400 miles eastward of Danger Island, is an atoll, about thirty miles in circumference, valuable from the extent of the cocoanut groves. The interior lagoon contains a vast deposit of pearl-shell.

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 the Samoan Group. 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 ought to be very valuable.

CONSTITUTION.

British sovereignty was proclaimed over New Zealand in January, 1840, and the country became a dependency of New South Wales until the 3rd May, 1841, when it was made a separate colony. The seat of Government was at Auckland, and the Executive included the Governor, and three gentlemen holding office as Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General, and Colonial Treasurer.

The successors of these gentlemen, appointed in August, 1841, May, 1842, and January, 1844, respectively, continued in office until the establishment of Responsible Government on the 7th May, 1856. Only one of them—Mr. Swainson, the Attorney-General—sat as a member of the first General Assembly, opened on the 27th May, 1854. During the session of that year there were associated with the permanent members of the Executive Council certain members of the General Assembly. These latter held no portfolios.

The Government of the colony was at first vested in the Governor, who was responsible only to the Crown; but in 1852 an Act granting representative institutions to the colony was passed by the Imperial Legislature. Under it the constitution of a General Assembly for the whole colony was provided for, to consist of a Legislative Council, the members of which were to be nominated by the Governor, and of an elective House of Representatives. The first session of the General Assembly was opened on the 27th May, 1854, but the members of the Executive were not responsible to Parliament. The first Ministers under a system of Responsible Government were appointed in the year 1856. By the Act of 1852 the colony was divided into six provinces, each to be presided over by an elective Superintendent, and to have an elective Provincial Council, empowered to legislate, except on certain specified subjects. The franchise amounted practically to household suffrage. In each case the election was for four years, but a dissolution of the Provincial Council by the Governor could take place at any time, necessitating a fresh election both of the Council and of the Superintendent. The Superintendent was chosen by the whole body of electors of the province; each member of the Provincial Council by the electors of a district. The Provincial Governments, afterwards increased to nine, remained as integral parts of the Constitution of the colony until the 1st November, 1876, when they were abolished by an Act of the General Assembly, that body having been vested with the power of altering the Constitution Act. On the same day an Act of the General Assembly which subdivided the colony (exclusive of the areas included within municipalities) into counties, and established a system of local county government, came into force.

GOVERNMENT.

The Governor is appointed by the King. His salary is $5,000 a year, with an annual allowance of $1,500 on account of his establishment, and of $500 for travelling-expenses, provided by the colony.

Members of the Legislative Council hold their seats under writs of summons from the Governor. Till the year 1891 the appointments were for life; but in September of that year an Act was passed making appointments after that time tenable for seven years only, though Councillors may be reappointed. In either case seats may be vacated by resignation or extended absence. One member of the Council is an aboriginal native chief.

The members of the House of Representatives are elected for three years from the time of each general election; but at any time a dissolution of Parliament by the Governor may render a general election necessary. Four of the members are representatives of Native constituencies. For the purposes of European representation the colony is divided into seventy-six electoral districts, each returning one member. The full number of members composing the House of Representatives is thus eighty. Members of the House Representatives are chosen by the votes of the inhabitants in every electoral district appointed for that purpose. No person who, being a bankrupt within the meaning of “The Bankruptcy Act, 1892,” has not obtained an order of discharge under that Act shall be qualified to be nominated as a candidate for election, or to take his seat as a member of the House of Representatives, anything in any other Act to the contrary not withstanding.

In 1889 an amendment of the Representation Act was passed, which contained a provision prohibiting any elector from giving his vote in respect of more than one electorate at any election. “The Electoral Act, 1893,” extended to women of both races the right to register as electors, and to vote at the elections for members of the House of Representatives. The qualification for registration is the same for both sexes. No person is entitled to be registered on more than one electoral roll within the colony. Women are not qualified to be elected as members of the House of Representatives. The electoral laws are the subject of special comment further on in this work. Every man registered as an elector, and not specially excepted by the Electoral Act now in force, is qualified to be elected a member of the House of Representatives for any electoral district. For European representation every adult person, if resident one year in the colony and three months in one electoral district, can be registered as an elector. Freehold property of the value of $25 held for six months preceding the day of registration until 1896 entitled a man or woman to register, if not previously registered under the residential qualification; but the Amendment Act of 1896 abolished the property qualification (except in case of existing registrations), and residence alone now entitles a man or woman to have his or her name placed upon an electoral roll. For Maori representation every adult Maori resident in any Maori electoral district (of which there are four only in the colony) can vote. Registration is not required in Native districts. [The above provisions are now incorporated in “The Electoral Act, 1905,” which consolidates the electoral laws, with such amendments as were found necessary.]

THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.

Up to the year 1865 the seat of Government of New Zealand was at Auckland. Several attempts were made by members of Parliament, by motions in the Legislative Council and House of Representatives, to have it removed to some more central place; but it was not until November, 1863, that Mr. Domett (the then ex-Premier) was successful in carrying resolutions in the House of Representatives that steps should be taken for appointing some place in Cook Strait as the permanent seat of Government in the colony. The resolutions adopted were: “(1.) That it has become necessary that the seat of Government in the colony should be transferred to some suitable locality in Cook Strait. (2.) That, in order to promote the accomplishment of this object, it is desirable that the selection of the particular site in Cook Strait should be left to the arbitrament of an impartial tribunal. (3.) That, with this view, a Bill should be introduced to give effect to the above resolutions.” On the 25th November an address was presented to the Governor, Sir George Grey, K.C.B., by the Commons of New Zealand, requesting that the Governors of the Colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, might each be asked to appoint one Commissioner for the purpose of determining the best site in Cook Strait. Accordingly, the Hon. Joseph Docker, M.L.C., New South Wales; the Hon. Sir Francis Murphy, Speaker of the Legislative Council, Victoria; and R. C. Gunn, Esq., Tasmania, were appointed Commissioners.

These gentlemen, having made a personal inspection of all suitable places, arrived at the unanimous decision “that Wellington, in Port Nicholson, was the site upon the shores of Cook Strait which presented the greatest advantages for the administration of the government of the colony.”

The seat of Government was, therefore, in accordance with the recommendation of the Commissioners, removed to Wellington in February, 1865.

PUBLIC WORKS.

Nearly all the public works of New Zealand are in the hands of the Government of the colony, and in the early days they simply kept pace with the spread of settlement. In 1870, however, a great impetus was given to the progress of the whole country by the inauguration of the “Public Works and Immigration Policy,” which provided for carrying out works in advance of settlement. Railways, roads, and water-races were constructed, and immigration was conducted on a large scale. As a consequence, the population increased from 267,000 in 1871 to 501,000 in 1881, and to 882,462 in December, 1905; besides whom there were 43,143 Maoris, and also 12,292 persons residing in the Cook and other Pacific Islands within the extended boundaries of the colony.

Chapter 2. SUCCESSIVE GOVERNORS.

SUCCESSION OF GOVERNORS OF NEW ZEALAND, AND THE DATES ON WHICH THEY ASSUMED AND RETIRED FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

Captain William Hobson, R.N., from Jan., 1840, to 10 Sept., 1842.

[British sovereignty was proclaimed by Captain Hobson in January, 1840, and New Zealand became a dependency of the Colony of New South Wales until 3rd May, 1841, at which date it was proclaimed a separate colony. From January, 1840, to May, 1841, Captain Hobson was Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand under Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales, and from May, 1841, Governor of New Zealand; the seat of Government being at Auckland, where he died in September, 1842. From the time of Governor Hobson's death, in September, 1842, until the arrival of Governor Fitzroy, in December, 1843, the Government was carried on by the Colonial Secretary, Lieutenant Shortland.]

Lieutenant Shortland, Administrator, from 10 Sept., 1842, to 26 Dec., 1843.

Captain Robert Fitzroy, R.N., from 26 Dec., 1843, to 17 Nov., 1845.

Captain Grey (became Sir George Grey, K.C.B., in 1848), from 18 Nov., 1845, to 31 Dec., 1853.

[Captain Grey held the commission as Lieutenant-Governor of the colony until the 1st January, 1848, when he was sworn in as Governor-in Chief over the Islands of New Zealand, and as Governor of the Province of New Ulster and Governor of the Province of New Munster. After the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act, Sir George Grey was, on the 13th September, 1852, appointed Governor of the colony, the duties of which office he assumed on the 7th March, 1853. In August, 1847, Mr. E. J. Eyre was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster: he was sworn in, 28th January, 1848. On 3rd January, 1848, Major-General George Dean Pitt was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Ulster: he was sworn in, 14th February, 1848; died, 8th January, 1851; and was succeeded as Lieutenant-Governor by Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard, appointed 14th April, 1851; sworn in, 26th April, 1851. The duties of the Lieutenant-Governor ceased on the assumption by Sir George Grey of the office of Governor, on the 7th March, 1853.]

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Henry Wynyard, C.B., Administrator, from 3 Jan., 1854, to 6 Sept., 1855.

Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, C.B., from 6 Sept., 1855, to 2 Oct., 1861.

Sir George Grey, K.C.B., Administrator, from 3 Oct., 1861; Governor, from 4 Dec., 1861, to 5 Feb., 1868.

Sir George Ferguson Bowen, G.C.M.G., from 5 Feb., 1868, to 19 Mar., 1873.

Sir George Alfred Arney, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 21 Mar. to 14 June, 1873.

Sir James Fergusson, Baronet, P.C., from 14 June, 1873, to 3 Dec., 1874.

The Marquis of Norman by, P.C., G.C.M.G., Administrator, from 3 Dec., 1874; Governor, from 9 Jan., 1875, to 21 Feb., 1879.

James Prendergast, Esquire, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 21 Feb. to 27 Mar., 1879.

Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, G.C.M.G., Administrator, from 27 Mar., 1879; Governor, from 17 April, 1879, to 8 Sept., 1880.

James Prendergast, Esquire, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 9 Sept. to 29 Nov., 1880.

The Honourable Sir Arthur Hamilton Gordon, G.C.M.G., from 29 Nov., 1880, to 23 June, 1882.

Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 24 June, 1882, to 20 Jan., 1883.

Lieutenant - General Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., from 20 Jan., 1883, to 22 Mar., 1889.

Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 23 Mar. to 2 May, 1889.

The Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., from 2 May, 1889, to 24 Feb., 1892.

Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 25 Feb., to 6 June, 1892.

The Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., from 7 June, 1892, to 6 Feb., 1897.

Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice, Administrator, from 8 Feb., 1897, to 9 Aug., 1897.

The Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., from 10 Aug., 1897, to 19 June, 1904.

The Right Honourable William Lee, Baron Plunket, K.C.M.G., from 20 June, 1904.

Chapter 3. SUPREME COURT JUDGES.

SUPREME COURT JUDGES, PAST AND PRESENT, WITH DATES OF APPOINTMENT, AND OF RESIGNATION OR DEATH.

Sir W. Martin, appointed Chief Justice, 10 Jan., 1842. Resigned, 12 June, 1857.

H. S. Chapman, appointed, 26 Dec., 1843. Held office until March, 1852. Reappointed, 23 Mar., 1864. Resigned, 31 Mar., 1875.

S. Stephen, appointed, 30 July, 1850. Appointed Acting Chief Justice, 20 Oct., 1855. Died, 13 Jan., 1858.

Daniel Wakefield, appointed, Oct., 1855. Died, Oct., 1857.

Hon. H. B. Gresson, appointed temporarily, 8 Dec., 1857. Permanently, 1 July, 1862. Resigned, 31 Mar., 1875.

Sir G. A. Arney, appointed Chief Justice, 1 Mar., 1858. Resigned, 31 Mar., 1875.

A. J. Johnston, appointed, 2 Nov., 1858. Died, 1 June, 1888.

C. W. Richmond, appointed, 20 Oct., 1862. Died, 3 Aug., 1895.

J. S. Moore, appointed temporarily, 15 May, 1866. Relieved, 30 June, 1868.

C. D. R. Ward, appointed temporarily, 1 Oct., 1868. Relieved, May, 1870. Appointed temporarily, 21 Sept., 1886. Relieved, 12 Feb., 1889.

Sir J. Prendergast, appointed Chief Justice, 1 April, 1875. Resigned, 25 May, 1899.

T. B. Gillies, appointed, 3 Mar., 1875. Died, 26 July, 1889.

J. S. Williams, appointed, 3 Mar., 1875.

J. E. Denniston, appointed, 11 Feb., 1889.

E. T. Conolly, appointed, 19 Aug., 1889. Resigned, 9 Sept., 1903.

Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G., appointed, 20 Dec., 1895. Died, 18 May, 1896.

W. B. Edwards, appointed, 11 July, 1896.

F. W. Pennefather, appointed temporarily, 25 April, 1898. Resigned, 24 April, 1899.

Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., appointed Chief Justice, 22 June, 1899.

J. C. Martin, Acting Judge, appointed, 12 April, 1900. Resigned, 4 Dec., 1900.

Theophilus Cooper, appointed, 21 Feb., 1901.

F. R. Chapman, appointed, 11 Sept., 1903.

Chapter 4. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 1843–56.

MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND PREVIOUS TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT (NOT INCLUDING THE OFFICERS COMMANDING THE FORCES).

Willoughby Shortland, Colonial Secretary, from 3 May, 1841, to 31 Dec., 1843; succeeded by Mr. Sinclair.

Francis Fisher, Attorney-General, from 3 May to 10 Aug., 1841; succeeded by Mr. Swainson.

George Cooper, Colonial Treasurer, from 3 May, 1841, to 9 May, 1842; succeeded by Mr. Shepherd.

William Swainson, Attorney-General, from 10 Aug., 1841, to 7 May, 1856.

Alexander Shepherd, Colonial Treasurer, from 9 May, 1842, to 7 May, 1856.

Andrew Sinclair, Colonial Secretary, from 6 Jan., 1844, to 7 May, 1856.

[The three gentlemen last mentioned were nominated by Her late Majesty as ex officio members of the Executive Council. Two of them, the Colonial Secretary and the Colonial Treasurer, were not members of the General Assembly, opened for the first time 27th May, 1854, but all three remained in office until the establishment of Responsible Government.]

James Edward FitzGerald, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 14 June to 2 Aug., 1854.

Henry Sewell, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 14 June to 2 Aug., 1854.

Frederick Aloysius Weld, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 14 June to 2 Aug., 1854.

Francis Dillon Bell, M.L.C., without portfolio, from 30 June to 11 July, 1854.

Thomas Houghton Bartley, M.L.C., without portfolio, from 14 July to 2 Aug., 1854.

Thomas Spencer Forsaith, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 31 Aug. to 2 Sept., 1854.

Edward Jerningham Wakefield, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 31 Aug. to 2 Sept., 1854.

William Thomas Locke Travers, M.H.R., without portfolio, 31 Aug. to 2 Sept., 1854.

James Macandrew, M.H.R., without portfolio, from 31 Aug. to 2 Sept., 1854.

Chapter 5. PARLIAMENTS.

NUMBER OF PARLIAMENTS SINCE THE CONSTITUTION ACT PASSED FOR CONFERRING REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS UPON THE COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND, WITH THE DATES OF OPENING AND CLOSING OF SESSIONS AND DATES OF DISSOLUTION.

Parliament.Date of Opening of
Sessions.
Date of Prorogation.
First (dissolved 15th September, 1855)27 May, 1854
31 August, 1854
8 August, 1855
9 August, 1854.
16 September, 1854.
15 September, 1855.
Second (dissolved 5th November, 1860)15 April, 1857
(No session in 1857)
10 April, 1858
(No session in 1859)
30 July, 1860
16 August, 1856.
21 August, 1858.
5 November, 1860.
Third (dissolved 27th January, 1866)3 June, 1861
7 July, 1862
19 October, 1863
24 November, 1864
26 July, 1865
7 September, 1861.
15 September, 1862.
14 December, 1863.
30 December, 1864.
30 October, 1865.
Fourth (dissolved 30th December, 1870)30 June, 1866
9 July, 1867
9 July, 1868
1 June, 1869
14 june, 1870
8 October, 1866.
10 October, 1867.
20 October, 1868.
3 September, 1869.
13 September, 1870.
Fifth (dissolved 6th December, 1875)14 August, 1871
16 July, 1872
15 July, 1873
3 July, 1874
20 July, 1875
16 November, 1871.
25 October, 1872.
3 October, 1873.
31 August, 1874.
21 October, 1875.
Sixth (dissolved 15th August, 1879)15 June, 1876
19 July, 1877
26 July, 1878
11 July, 1879
31 October, 1876.
10 December, 1877.
2 November, 1878.
11 August, 1879.
Seventh (dissolved 8th November, 1881)24 September, 1879
28 May, 1880
9 June, 1881
19 December, 1879.
1 September, 1880.
24 September, 1881.
Eighth (dissolved 27 th June, 1884)18 May, 1882
14 June, 1883
5 June, 1884
15 September, 1882.
8 September, 1883.
24 June, 1884.
Ninth (dissolved 15th July, 1887)7 August, 1884
11 June, 1885
13 May, 1886
26 April, 1887
10 November, 1884.
22 September, 1885.
18 August, 1886.
10 July, 1887.
Tenth (dissolved 3rd October, 1890)6 October, 1887
10 May, 1888
20 June, 1889
19 June, 1890
23 December, 1887.
31 August, 1888.
19 September, 1889.
18 September, 1890.
Eleventh (dissolved 8th November, 1893)23 January, 1891
11 June, 1891
23 June, 1892
22 June, 1893
31 January, 1891.
25 September, 1891.
12 October, 1892.
7 October, 1893.
Twelfth (dissolved 14th November, 1896)21 June, 1894
20 June, 1895
11 June, 1896
24 October, 1894.
2 November, 1895.
19 October, 1896.
Thirteenth (dissolved 15th November, 1899)7 April, 1897
23 September, 1897
24 June, 1898
23 June, 1899
12 April, 1897.
22 December, 1897.
5 November, 1898.
24 October, 1899.
Fourteenth (dissolved 5th November, 1902)22 June, 1900
1 July, 1901
1 July, 1902
22 October
8 November, 1901.
4 October, 1902.
Fifteenth (dissolved 29th November, 1905)29 June, 1903
28 June, 1904
27 June, 1905
25 November, 1903.
8 November, 1904.
31 October, 1905.

Chapter 6. SUCCESSIVE MINISTRIES

SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN NEW ZEALAND IN 1856.

Name of Ministry.Assumed Office.Retired.

*Owing to the death of the Premier, the Hon. J. Ballance, on 27th April, 1893.

1. Bell-Sewell7 May, 185620 May, 1856.
2. Fox20 May, 18562 June, 1856.
3. Stafford2 June, 185612 July, 1861.
4. Fox12 July, 18616 August, 1862.
5. Domett6 August, 186230 October, 1863.
6. Whitaker-Fox30 October, 186324 November, 1864.
7. Weld24 November, 186416 October, 1865.
8. Stafford16 October, 186528 June, 1869.
9. Fox28 June, 186910 September, 1872.
10. Stafford10 September, 187211 October, 1872.
11. Waterhouse11 October, 18723 March, 1873.
12. Fox3 March, 18738 April, 1873.
13. Vogel8 April, 18736 July, 1875.
14. Pollen6 July, 187515 February, 1876.
15. Vogel15 February, 18761 September, 1876.
16. Atkinson1 September, 187613 September, 1876.
17. Atkinson (reconstituted)13 September, 187613 October, 1877.
18. Grey15 October, 18778 October, 1879.
19. Hall8 October, 187921 April, 1882.
20. Whitaker21 April, 188225 September, 1883.
21. Atkinson25 September, 188316 August, 1884.
22. Stout-Vogel16 August, 188428 August, 1884.
23. Atkinson28 August, 18843 September, 1884.
24. Stout-Vogel3 September, 18848 October, 1887.
25. Atkinson8 October, 188724 January, 1891.
26. Ballance24 January, 18911 May, 1893.*
27. Seddon1 May, 1893. 

Chapter 7. PREMIERS OF SUCCESSIVE MINISTRIES.

Name of Premier.
Henry Sewell.
William Fox.
Edward William Stafford.
William Fox.
Alfred Domett.
Frederick Whitaker.
Frederick Aloysius Weld.
Edward William Stafford.
William Fox.
Hon. Edward William Stafford.
George Marsden Waterhouse.
Hon. William Fox.
Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G.
Hon. Daniel Pollen, M.L.C.
Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G.
Harry Albert Atkinson.
Harry Albert Atkinson (Ministry reconstituted).
Sir George Grey, K.C.B.
Hon. John Hall.
Frederick Whitaker, M.L.C.
Harry Albert Atkinson.
Robert Stout.
Harry Albert Atkinson.
Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.
Sir Harry Albert Atkinson, K.C.M.G.
John Ballance.
Rt. Hon. Richard John Seddon, P.C.

Chapter 8. SPEAKERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WITH DATES OF THEIR APPOINTMENT AND DATES OF RETIREMENT OR DEATH.

Name of Speaker.Date of Appointment.Date of Retirement or Death.
Hon. William Swainson16 May, 18548 August, 1855.
Hon. Frederick Whitaker8 August, 185512 May, 1856.
Hon. Thomas Houghton Bartley12 May, 18561 July, 1868.
Hon. Sir John Larkins Cheese Richardson, Kt.1 July, 186814 June, 1879.
Hon. Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G.14 June, 187922 April, 1887.
Hon. George Marsden Waterhouse22 April, 188721 September, 1887.
Hon. Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G.21 September, 188723 January, 1891.
Hon. Sir Harry Albert Atkinson, K.C.M.G.23 January, 189128 June, 1892.
Hon. Sir Henry John Miller8 July, 1892. 
 6 October, 18979 July 1903.
Hon. W. C. Walker, C.M.G.9 July, 19035 January, 1904.
Hon. John Rigg (Acting)5 January, 19047 July, 1904.
Hon. Sir A. J. Cadman, K.C.M.G.7 July, 190423 March, 1905.
Hon. R. H. J. Reeves (Acting)23 March, 19054 July, 1905.
Hon. C. C. Bowen4 July, 1905. 

Chapter 9. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WITH DATES OF THEIR ELECTION AND DATES OF RETIREMENT.

Name of Speaker.Date of Election.Date of Retirement.
Sir Charles Clifford, Bart.26 May, 1854 
 15 April, 18563 June, 1861.
Sir David Monro, Kt. Bach.3 June, 1861
30 June, 1866
13 Sept., 1870.
Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.B.14 August, 187121 October, 1875.
Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G.15 June, 187613 June, 1879.
Sir George Maurice O'Rorke, Kt. Bach.11 July, 1879
24 September, 1879
18 May, 1882
7 August, 1884
6 October, 1887
3 October, 1890.
Hon. Major William Jukes Steward23 January, 18918 November, 1893.
Hon. Sir George Maurice O'Rorke, Kt.Bech.21 June, 1894
6 April, 1897.
22 June, 1900
5 November, 1902.
Arthur Robert Guinness29 June, 1903. 

Chapter 10. FOREIGN CONSULS.

CONSULS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES RESIDING IN, OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER, NEW ZEALAND, 31ST MARCH, 1906.

Country represented.Office heldNamePlace of Residence.
Argentine RepublicVice-ConsulHon. T. FergusDunedin.
Austria-HungaryConsul-General for the Commonwealth of
Australia, New Zealand, and
the South Sea Islands
Otto, Baron Hoenning-O'CarrollSydney.
Austria-HungaryConsulE. LangguthAuckland.
BelgiumConsul-General for Australasia and FijiF. HuylebroeckMelbourne.
BelgiumConsulHon. Charles John JohnstonWellington.
BelgiumVice-ConsulG. F. JohnstonWellington.
BelgiumConsulJoseph James KinseyChristchurch.
BelgiumConsulJohn BurnsAuckland.
BelgiumConsulGeorge Lyon DenniatonDunedin.
BrazilVice-ConsulA. H. MilesWellington.
ChiliConsul - General for the Commonwealth of
Australia, and New Zealand
William BrownSydney.
DenmarkConsul (for North Island)Francis Henry Dillon BellWellington (Principal Consulate).
DenmarkConsul (for South Island)Emil Christian SkogChristchurch
DenmarkVice ConsulFrederick Ehrenfried BaumeAuckland.
DenmarkVice ConsulWilliam Edward PerryHokitika.
DenmarkVice ConsulOdin Henry MöllerDunedin.
FranceConsul (for New Zealand)Robert BoeufvéAuckland.
FranceChandelierAuguste A LelièvreAuckland.
FranceVice-ConsulPercival Clay NeillDunedin.
FranceConsular AgentGeorge HumphreysChristchurch.
FranceConsular AgentHarold BeauchampWellington.
German EmpireConsul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and FijiPaul Von BuriSydney.
German EmpireConsulCarl SeegnerAuckland.
German EmpireConsul (acting)Willy FelsDunedin.
German EmpireConsulPhilip KippenbergerChristchurch.
German EmpireConsulFriedrich August KrullWanganui.
German EmpireVice-ConsulEberbard FockeWellington.
GreeceVice-ConsulJoseph Frank DyerWellington.
HondurasConsul-General for Commonwealth of
Australia and New Zealand
Frederic WalshSydney.
ItalyConsul-General for Commonwealth of
Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
C. BertolaMelbourne.
ItalyConsular AgentThomas WallaceChristchurch.
ItalyConsular AgentRoland Thomas RobertsonWellington.
ItalyConsular AgentJames MillsDunedin.
ItalyConsular AgentGeraldo Giuseppe PerottiGreymouth.
ItalyConsular AgentRichard A. CarrAuckland.
JapanConsulA. S. AldrichWellington.
LiberiaConsulA. M. MeyersAuckland.
NetherlandsConsul-General for Commonwealth of
Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
W. L. BosschartMelbourne.
NetherlandsConsulHon. Charles John JohnstonWellington.
NetherlandsVice-ConsulGeorge RitchieDunedin.
NetherlandsVice-ConsulAmbrose MillarAuckland.
NetherlandsVice-ConsulHarold Featherston JohnstonWellington.
NetherlandsVice-ConsulG. de VriesChristchurch.
NorwayConsul-General (acting) for Commonwealth of
Australia, New Zealand, and
the adjacent Islands
Hans Jörgen GundersenMelbourne.
PortugalConsulJohn DuncanWellington.
PortugalVice-ConsulHenry Rees GeorgeAuckland.
PortugalVice-ConsulArthur Donald Stuart DuncanWellington.
PortugalVice-ConsulCharles William RattrayDunedin.
RussiaConsul-GeneralMichel OustinoffMelbourne.
SpainConsul-in Chief (with jurisdiction over
Australia and New Zealand)
Henry CaveMelbourne.
SpainHonorary Vice-ConsulAlexander H. TurnbullWellington.
SwedenConsulArthur Edward PearceWellington.
SwedenVice-ConsulSidney Jacob NathanAuckland.
SwedenVice-ConsulAlbert KayeChristchurch.
United States of AmericaConsul-General (for New Zealand,
Fiji, Society, and other
South Sea Islands)
William A. PrickittAuckland.
United States of AmericaVice-Consul-GeneralLeonard A. BachelderAuckland.
United States of AmericaConsular AgentFrank GrahamChristchurch.
United States of AmericaConsular AgentJohn DuncanWellington.
United States of AmericaConsular AgentFrederick Orlando BridgmanDunedin.

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR NEW ZEALAND, IN LONDON.

The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W. (Appointed as from 14th June, 1905.) Secretary—Walter Kennaway, C.M.G.

Chapter 11. THE COLONIAL OFFICE.

(DOWNING STREET, S.W., LONDON), WITH DATES OF APPOINTMENT.

Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies—Right Hon. Earl of Elgin, K.G., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., 11th December, 1905.

Under Secretaries: Parliamentary—The Hon. Winston L. S. Churchill, M.P. Permanent—Sir Montagu Frederick Ommaney, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., June, 1900.

Assistant Under-Secretaries: Frederick Graham C.B.; Charles P. Lucas, C.B.; H. B. Cox, C.B. (Legal); and Reginald L. Antrobus, C.B.

Chapter 12. CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

WHITEHALL GARDENS, S.W. CITY OFFICE: 1, TOKENHOUSE BUILDINGS, E.C., LONDON.

Crown Agents—Sir Ernest Edward Blake, K.C.M.G.; Major Maurice Alexander Cameron, C.M.G., late R.E.; and William Hepworth Mercer, C.M.G.

Chapter 13. HONOURS HELD BY COLONISTS.

PRIVY COUNCIL.

Seddon, Right Hon. Richard John, 1897.

KNIGHTS COMMANDERS OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE (K.C.M.G.).

Buller, Sir Walter Lawry, 1886.
Hall, Hon. Sir John, 1882.
Hector, Sir James, 1887.
Perceval, Sir Westby Brook, 1894.
Stout, Hon. Sir Robert, 1886.
Ward, Hon. Sir Joseph George, 1901.

KNIGHTS BACHELOR (KT. BACH.).

Campbell, Sir John Logan, 1902.
Miller, Hon. Sir Henry John, 1901.
O'Rorke, Hon. Sir George Maurice, 1880.
Prendergast, Hon. Sir James, 1881.
Russell, Sir William Russell, 1902.
Steward, Hon. Sir William Jukes, 1902.

COMPANIONS OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH (C.B.).

Cradock, Major Montagu, 1900.
Davies, Brevet-Colonel R. H., 1900.
Newall, Colonel Stewart, 1900.
Porter, Colonel T. W., 1902.
Robin, Brevet Colonel Alfred William, 1900.

COMPANIONS OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE (C.M.G.).

Bauchop, Lieut.-Colonel A., 1902.
Gudgeon, Lieut.-Colonel Walter Edward, 1890.
Jowsey, Lieut.-Colonel Thomas, 1900.
Kennaway, Walter, 1891.
Richardson, Hon. Edward, 1879.
Roberts, John, 1891.

COMPANIONS, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (D.S.O.).

Abbott, Lieut.-Colonel F. W., 1902.
Bartlett, Major E., 1902.
Hickey, Lieutenant D. A., 1902.
Hughes, Captain J. G., 1900.
Major, Major C. T., 1900.
Polson, Major D., 1900.
Stevenson, Captain R., 1902.
Todd, Captain T. J. M., 1900.
Walker, Captain G. H., 1901.

COMPANIONS, IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER (I.S.O.).

Gray, William, 1905.
Heywood, James B., 1905.

ROYAL RED CROSS.

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

VICTORIA CROSS.

Hardham, Lieut. W. J., 1901.

NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

* For service rendered in 1867.

Adamson, Thomas, 1869.
Biddle, Benjamin, 1869.
Black, Solomon, 1869.
Hill, George, 1869.
Lingard, William, 1869.
Mace, Francis Joseph, 1860.
Maling, Christopher, 1869.
Mair, Gilbert, 1870.
Preece, George, 1869.
Roberts, John Mackintosh, 1869.
Shepherd, Richard, 1869.
Wrigg, Harry Charles William, 1898.*

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS AWARDED TO MEMBERS OF NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (1899–1902).

Baigent, Private Ivanhoe.
Black, Sergeant-Major G. C.
Burr, Sergeant-Major W. T.
Cassidy, Sergeant W.
Fletcher, Sergeant 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.

PERSONS ALLOWED TO RETAIN THE TITLE OF “HONOURABLE” WITHIN HER MAJESTY'S DOMINIONS.

By despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated Downing Street, 15th June, 1893, His Excellency the Governor was apprised 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 for use and recognition throughout her dominions, either during office or for life, as the case may 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.” This title is now held by Sir G. M. O'Rorke and Major Sir William Jukes Steward.

Besides the Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the following ex-Ministers, whose names do not appear in the list given above, are allowed, as such, to retain the title of “Honourable”: Bryce, John, 1884; Fergus, Thomas, 1891; Hislop, Thomas W., 1891; Johnston, Walter W., 1884; Mitchelson, Edwin, 1891; Oliver, Richard, 1884; Reeves, William P., 1896; Richardson, George F., 1891; Thompson, Thomas, 1900; Tole, Joseph A., 1888.

RETIRED JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT.

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

Chapter 14. GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

Table of Contents

1ST APRIL, 1906.

PLUNKET, His Excellency The Right Honourable William Lee, fifth Baron (United Kingdom, 1827), formerly an Attaché in the Diplomatic Service, and subsequently Private Secretary to successive Lords Lieutenant of Ireland (1900–4); Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George; Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order; son of fourth Baron (Archbishop of Dublin); born 19th December, 1864; succeeded 1897; married, 1894, Lady Victoria Alexandrina Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, daughter of first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, K.P., G.C.B., &c. Issue: Two sons (Honourables Terence and Brinsley) four daughters (Honourables Helen, Eileen, Moira, and Joyce). Appointed 9th March, 1904, and assumed office 20th June, 1904, as Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies. Salary, $5,000. Allowance on account of establishment, $1,500, and travelling-expenses, $500 per annum. The allowance is not payable for any period during which the Governor is absent from the colony. Residences: Old Connaught, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland; Government House, Wellington; Government House, Auckland.

Private Secretary: Horace Clare Waterfield, Esq.

1st Aide-de-Camp: Captain Francis Powell Braithwaite, 5th Northumberland Fusiliers.

Aides-de-Camp: Lieutenant the Honourable Arthur Maurice Robert Bingham, 5th Lancers. Captain John Hugh Boscawen (honorary).

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GOVERNMENT.—The Chief Justice, appointed under a dormant Commission.

Chapter 15. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
1ST APRIL, 1906.

THE annual appropriation for Ministers' salaries is fixed by statute at the sum of $8,900, of which $1,600 is for the Prime Minister, $1,300 for the Minister for Railways, and $1,000 for each of six other Ministers. All Ministers to whom salaries are appropriated are members of the Executive Council, holding one or more of the offices specified by law. Members of the Executive Council travelling within the colony on public service are entitled to allowance not exceeding $1 10s. per day when so engaged, but not during the time a Minister is attending a session of the General Assembly. The members of the Executive Council to whom salaries are payable, and who are not otherwise provided with residences at the seat of Government, are entitled to an allowance in lieu thereof at the rate of $200 a year.

The Executive Council now consists of:—

His Excellency the GOVERNOR presiding.

Rt. Hon. Richard John Seddon, P.C., Prime Minister, Colonial Treasurer, Minister of Defence, Minister of Labour, Minister of Education, and Minister of Immigration.

Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward, K.C.M.G., Minister for Railways, Colonial Secretary, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Electric Telegraphs, Minister of Industries and Commerce, and Minister of Public Health.

Hon. James Carroll, Native Minister and Commissioner of Stamp Duties.

Hon. William Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works and Minister of Marine.

Hon. James McGowan, Minister of Justice and Minister of Mines. (23rd January, 1900.)

Hon. Thomas Young Duncan, Minister of Lands and Minister for Agriculture. (2nd July, 1900.)

Hon. Charles Houghton Mills, Commissioner of Trade and Customs. (29th October, 1900.)

Hon. Albert Pitt, Attorney-General. (22nd June, 1903.)

Without Portfolio, Hon. Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau te Wherowhero. (22nd May, 1903.)

Clerk of the Executive Council—Alexander James Willis.

[Inset.] ALTERATIONS TO DATE (31ST AUGUST, 1906.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 21ST JUNE, 1906.
His Excellency the GOVERNOR presiding.

Hon. William Hall-Jones, Prime Minister, Colonial Treasurer, Minister of Labour, Minister of Education, Minister for Public Works, and Minister of Marine.

Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward, K.C.M.G., Colonial Secretary, Minister for Railways, Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner, Minister of Industries and Commerce, and Minister of Public Health.

Hon. James Carroll, Native Minister and Commissioner of Stamp Duties.

Hon. James McGowan, Minister of Justice and Minister of Mines.

Hon. Thomas Young Duncan, Minister of Lands and Minister for Agriculture.

Hon. Charles Houghton Mills, Commissioner of Trade and Customs and Minister of Immigration.

Hon. Albert Pitt, M.L.C., Attorney-General and Minister of Defence.

Hon. Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau te Wherowhero, without portfolio

Clerk of the Executive Council - Alexander James Willis.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 6TH AUGUST, 1906.
His Excellency the GOVERNOR presiding.

Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward, K.C.M.G., Prime Minister, Colonial Treasurer, Postmaster-General, Commissioner of Electric Telegraphs, and Minister of Industries and Commerce.

Hon. William Hall-Jones, Colonial Secretary, Minister for Railways, and Minister for Public Works.

Hon. James Carroll, Native Minister and Commissioner of Stamp Duties.

Hon. James McGowan, Minister of Justice, Minister of Mines, and Minister of Immigration.

Hon. Albert Pitt, M.L.C., Attorney-General, Colonial Secretary, and Minister of Defence.

Hon. John Andrew Millar, Commissioner of Trade and Customs, Minister of Labour, and Minister in Charge of the Marine Department.

Hon. Robert McNab, Minister of Lands and Minister for Agriculture.

Hon. George Fowlds, Minister of Education and Minister of Public Health

Clerk of the Executive Council - Alexander James Willis.

Chapter 16. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE number of members at present constituting the Legislative Council is thirty-eight. The number cannot be less than ten, but is otherwise unlimited. Prior to 1891 Councillors summoned by the Governor held their appointments for life; but on the 17th of September of that year an Act was passed giving the Council power to elect its own Speaker for a period of five years, and making future appointments to the Council tenable for seven years only, to be reckoned from the date of the writ of summons of the Councillor's appointment, though every such Councillor may be reappointed. The qualifications are that the person to be appointed be a male of the full age of twentyone years, and a subject of His Majesty, either natural-born or naturalised by or under any Act of the Imperial Parliament or by or under any Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand. All contractors to the public service to an amount of over $50 and Civil servants of the colony are ineligible as Councillors. Payment of Councillors is at the rate of $200 a year, payable monthly. Actual travelling-expenses to and from Wellington are also allowed. A deduction of $1 5s. per sitting-day is made in case of an absence exceeding fourteen sitting-days in any one session, except through illness or other unavoidable cause. Under “The Legislative Council Act, 1891,” a seat is vacated by any member of the Council (1) if he takes any oath or makes any declaration or acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to any foreign Prince or Power; or (2) if he does, or concurs in, or adopts any act whereby he may become a subject or citizen of any foreign State or Power, or is entitled to the rights, privileges, or immunities of a subject of any foreign State or Power; or (3) if he is a bankrupt, or compounds with his creditors under any Act for the time being in force; or (4) if he is a public defaulter, or is attained of treason, or is convicted of felony or any infamous crime; or (5) if he resigns his seat by writing under his hand addressed to and accepted by the Governor; or (6) if for more than one whole session of the General Assembly he fails, without permission of the Governor notified to the Council, to give his attendance in the Council. By the Standing Orders of the Council, the presence of one-fourth of the members of the Council, exclusive of those who have leave of absence, is necessary to constitute a meeting for the exercise of its powers. This rule, however, may be altered from time to time by the Council.

The ordinary sitting-days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., resuming again at 7.30 p.m. when necessary.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND (1ST APRIL, 1906).
Speaker—Hon. C. C. BOWEN.
Chairman of Committees—The Hon. W. C. SMITH.
Name.Provincial District.Date of Appointment.

* Life members.

Arkwright, the Hon. FrancisWellington13 December, 1902.
Baillie, the Hon. William Douglas HallMarlborough8 March, 1861.*
Baldey, the Hon. AlfredOtago18 March, 1903.
Beehan, the Hon. WilliamAuckland22 June, 1903.
Bolt, the Hon. William MouatOtago16 October, 1899.
Bowen, the Hon. Charles ChristopherCanterbury23 January, 1891.*
Carncross, the Hon. Walter Charles FrederickTaranaki18 March, 1903.
Feldwick, the Hon. HenryOtago16 October, 1899.
Fraser, the Hon. Francis HumphrisWellington22 June, 1899.
George, the Hon. Seymour ThorneAuckland22 June, 1903.
Gourley, the Hon. HughOtago22 June, 1899.
Harris, the Hon. BenjaminAuckland3 February, 1904.
Holmes, the Hon. JamesWestland18 April, 1902.
Jenkinson, the Hon. John EdwardCanterbury6 June, 1900.
Johnston, the Hon. Charles JohnWellington23 January, 1891.*
Jones, the Hon. GeorgeOtago13 December, 1902.
Kelly, the Hon. ThomasTaranaki16 October, 1899.
Kelly, the Hon. WilliamAuckland3 February, 1904.
Louisson, the Hon. CharlesCanterbury22 December, 1900.
Macdonald, the Hon. Thomas KennedyWellington22 June, 1903.
McLean, the Hon. GeorgeOtago19 December, 1881.*
Marshall, the Hon. JamesWestland18 April, 1902.
Miller, the Hon. Sir Henry John, Kt.Otago8 July, 1865.*
Montgomery, the Hon. WilliamCanterbury16 October, 1899.
Ormond, the Hon. John DaviesHawke's Bay20 January, 1891.*
O'Rorke, the Hon. Sir George Maurice, Kt.Auckland25 June, 1904.
Pinkerton, the Hon. DavidOtago3 February, 1904.
Pitt, the Hon. Albert, Lieut.-ColonelNelson23 December, 1899.
Reeves, the Hon. Richard Harman JeffaresNelson13 December, 1902.
Rigg, the Hon. JohnWellington6 June, 1900.
Scotland, the Hon. HenryTaranaki24 February, 1868.*
Smith, the Hon. William CowperHawke's Bay13 December, 1902.
Stevens, the Hon. Edward Cephas JohnCanterbury7 March, 1882.*
Thompson, the Hon. ThomasAuckland18 March, 1903.
Trask, the Hon. FrancisNelson18 March, 1903.
Walker, the Hon. LancelotCanterbury15 May, 1885.*
Wherowhero, the Hon. Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau teAuckland22 May, 1903.
Wigram, the Hon. Henry FrancisCanterbury22 June, 1903.

Clerk of Parliaments, Clerk of the Legislative Council, and Examiner of Standing Orders upon Private Bills—Leonard Stowe.

Clerk-Assistant—Arthur Thomas Bothamley.

Second Clerk-Assistant—George Moore.

Interpreter—Frank Herbert Phillips.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The number of members constituting the House of Representatives is eighty—seventy-six Europeans and four Maoris. This number was fixed by the Act of 1900, which came for the first time into practical operation at the general election of 1902. Previously (from 1890) the House consisted of seventy-four members, seventy Europeans and four Maoris; and previously to that (from 1881) of ninety-five members, ninety-one Europeans and four Maoris. The North Island at present returns thirty-eight European members, and the Middle Island thirty-eight. The elections are triennial, except in the case of a dissolution by the Governor. Every registered elector, being of the male sex, and free from any of the disqualifications mentioned in “The Electoral Act, 1905,” is eligible for membership. All contractors to the public service of New Zealand to whom any public money above the sum of $50 is payable, directly or indirectly, in any one financial year, as well as the Civil servants of the colony, are incapable of being elected as, or of sitting or voting as, members. The payment made to members of the House of Representatives is $25 per month, amounting to $300 per annum, subject to certain deductions for absence during session not due to sickness or other unavoidable cause. Travelling-expenses to and from Wellington are also allowed. This scale of payment came into force on the 7th November, 1901, under the provisions of “The Payment of Members Act, 1901.” Twenty members, inclusive of the Speaker, constitute a quorum. Unless otherwise ordered, the sitting-days of the House are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., resuming at 7.30 p.m. Order of admission to the Speaker's Gallery is by ticket obtained from the Speaker. The Strangers' Gallery is open free to the public.

ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (1ST APRIL, 1906).
Speaker—
Chairman of Committees—
Name.Electoral District.Date when Writs made returnable.
For European Electorates.  
Aitken, John Guthrie WoodWellington East13 December, 1905.
Alison, Ewen WilliamWaitemata13 December, 1905.
Allen, Edmund GiblettChalmers13 December, 1905.
Allen, JamesBruce13 December, 1905.
Arnold, James FrederickDunedin South13 December, 1905.
Barber, William Henry PeterNewtown13 December, 1905.
Barclay, Alfred RichardDunedin North13 December, 1905.
Baume, Frederick EhrenfreidAuckland East13 December, 1905.
Bennet, JamesTuapeka13 December, 1905.
Bollard, JohnEden13 December, 1905.
Buddo, DavidKaiapoi13 December, 1905.
Carroll, Hon. JamesWaiapu13 December, 1905.
Colvin, JamesBuller13 December, 1905.
Davey, Thomas HenryChristchurch East13 December, 1905.
Dillon, AlfredHawke's Bay13 December, 1905.
Duncan, Hon. Thomas YoungOamaru13 December, 1905.
Ell, Henry GeorgeChristchurch South13 December, 1905.
Field, William HughesOtaki13 December, 1905.
Fisher, Francis Marion BatesWellington Central13 December, 1905.
Flatman, Frederick RobertGeraldine13 December, 1905.
Fowlds, GeorgeGrey Lynn13 December, 1905.
Fraser, Alfred Levavasour DurellNapier13 December, 1905.
Fraser, WilliamWakatipu13 December, 1905.
Graham, JohnCity of Nelson13 December, 1905.
Gray, Charles MatthewChristchurch North13 December, 1905.
Greenslade, Henry JamesWaikato13 December, 1905.
Guinness, Arthur RobertGrey13 December, 1905.
Hall, CharlesWaipawa13 December, 1905.
Hall-Jones, Hon. WilliamTimaru13 December, 1905.
Hanan, Josiah AlfredInvercargill13 December, 1905.
Hardy, Charles Albert CreerySelwyn13 December, 1905.
Herries, William HerbertBay of Plenty13 December, 1905.
Hogan, John ThomasWanganui13 December, 1905.
Hogg, Alexander WilsonMasterton13 December, 1905.
Hornsby, John Thomas MarryatWairarapa13 December, 1905.
Houston, Robert MorrowBay of Islands13 December, 1905.
Izard, Charles HaywardWellington North13 December, 1905.
Jennings, William ThomasEgmont13 December, 1905.
Kidd, AlfredAuckland Central13 December, 1905.
Kirkbride, Matthew MiddlewoodManukau13 December, 1905.
Laurenson, GeorgeLyttelton13 December, 1905.
Lawry, FrankParnell13 December, 1905.
Lethbridge, Frank YatesOroua13 December, 1905.
Lewis, CharlesCourtenay13 December, 1905.
McGowan, Hon. JamesThames13 December, 1905.
McKenzie, RoderickMotueka13 December, 1905.
Mackenzie, ThomasWaikouaiti13 December, 1905.
McLachlan, JohnAshburton13 December, 1905.
McNab, RobertMataura13 December, 1905.
Macpherson, John AndrewMount Ida13 December, 1905.
Malcolm, Alexander ScottClutha13 December, 1905.
Major, Charles EdwinHawera13 December, 1905.
Mander, FrancisMarsden13 December, 1905.
Massey, William FergusonFranklin13 December, 1905.
Millar, John AndrewDunedin Central13 December, 1905.
Mills, Hon. Charles HoughtonWairau13 December, 1905.
Poland, HughOhinemuri13 December, 1905.
Poole, Charles HenryAuckland West13 December, 1905.
Reid, Donald (jun.)Taieri13 December, 1905.
Remington, Arthur EdwardRangitikei13 December, 1905.
Rhodes, Robert HeatonEllesmere13 December, 1905.
Ross, Robert BeatsonPahiatua13 December, 1905.
Rutherford, Andrew WilliamHurunui13 December, 1905.
Seddon, Rt. Hon. Richard John, P.C.Westland13 December, 1905.
Sidey, Thomas KayCaversham13 December, 1905.
Smith, Edward MetcalfTaranaki13 December, 1905.
Stallworthy, John A.Kaipara13 December, 1905.
Stevens, JohnManawatu13 December, 1905.
Steward, Hon. Sir William Jukes, Kt. Bach.Waitaki13 December, 1905.
Symes, WalterPatea13 December, 1905.
Tanner, William WilcoxAvon13 December, 1905.
Thomson, John CharlesWallace13 December, 1905.
Ward, Hon. Sir Joseph George, K.C.M.G.Awarua13 December, 1905.
Wilford, Thomas MasonHutt13 December, 1905.
Witty, GeorgeRiccarton13 December, 1905.
Wood, William ThomasPalmerston13 December, 1905.
For Maori Electorates.  
Heke, HoneNorthern Maori11 January, 1906.
Kaihau, HenareWestern Maori11 January, 1906.
Parata, TameSouthern Maori11 January, 1906.
Ngata, Apirana TurupsEastern Maori11 January, 1906.

Clerk of House of Representatives—H. Otterson.

Clerk-Assistant—A. J. Rutherfurd.

Second Clerk-Assistant—A. F. Lowe.

Sergeant-at-Arms—Major T. V. Shepherd.

Reader and Clerk of Bills and Papers—E. W. Kane.

Chief Hansard Reporter—Silas Spragg.

Hansard Supervisor—M. F. Marks.

Interpreters—L. M. Grace, D. F. G. Barclay.

Clerk of Writs—H. Pollen.

Deputy Clerk of Writs—R. F. Lynch.

Chief Librarian—Charles Wilson.

Chapter 17. OFFICIAL LIST.

Table of Contents

1st April, 1906.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE.

Prime Minister—Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C.

Secretary to Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council—A. J. Willis

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT.

CHIEF OFFICE.

Colonial Secretary—Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G.

Under-Secretary—Hugh Pollen

Chief Clerk—R. F. Lynch

Clerks—J. F. Andrews, A. R. Kennedy, F. A. de la Mare, F. Evans

Officer in Charge of Government Buildings—W. H. Hennah

AUDIT OFFICE.

Controller and Auditor-General—J. K. Warburton

Assistant Controller and Auditor—J. C. Gavin

Chief Clerk—L. C. Roskruge

Clerks—W. G. Holdsworth, H. S. Pollen, E. J. A. Stevenson, J. T. Dumbell, C. E. Easton, E. A. Casey

Cadets—G. G. Smith, J. A. Hay, G. S. Gapper, H. T. Thompson, R. M. Sunley, J. P. Rutherford, T. Treahy, A. A. Cairns, H. L. Marbrook

Extra Clerks—D. C. Innes, A. E. Bybles, C. E. Briggs, E. E. Smythe, J. McC. Hamilton, T. S. Hamer

Chief Audit Inspector and Audit of Local Bodies—P. P. Webb

Clerk—J. Ward

Audit Officer, Agent-General's Office, London—C. F. W. Palliser

Audit Inspectors—A. H. Maclean, J. King, A. W. Eames, G. H. I. Easton, C. P. Johnson, H. A. Lamb, A. A. Bethune, J. H. Fowler, R. A. Gray

REGISTRAR-GENERAL'S OFFICE.

Registrar-General—E. J. Von Dadelszen

Chief Clerk and Deputy Registrar General—G. Drury

Correspondence and Records Clerk—W. W. Cook

Statistical Clerks—F. H. Machattie, W. M. Wright

Clerk and Examiner of Returns from Officiating Ministers and Registrars—G. A. Schoch

Clerks for Searches, Documents, &c.—Ben Keys, C. Janion

Index Clerk—S. Coffey

Cadet—J. W. Butcher

REGISTRARS OF BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES.

Four Chief Towns.

Auckland—E. H. Lyons

Wellington—F. W. Mansfield

Christchurch—L. C. Williams

Dunedin—H. Maxwell [There are also 211 District Registrars located throughout the colony.]

COLONIAL MUSEUM AND OBSERVATORIES.

Director—A. Hamilton

Astronomical Observer—T. King

Meteorological Observers—North Island—Auckland, T. F. Cheeseman Cambridge, Dr. Pentreath Rotorua, Dr. A. S. Wohlmann New Plymouth, G. W. Palmer Momohaki, F. Gillanders Levin, D. M. Cole Tauranga, Dr. W. Brown Gisborne, A. Cuthbert Meeanee, Rev. Dr. Kennedy, F.R.Met.S. Wellington, Rev. D. C. Bates, F.R.Met.S.

South Island—

Nelson, J. Sharp and Dr. Hudson Kaikoura, Dr. Gunn, F.R.Met.S.

Hanmer Spa, J. B. Gould Lincoln, G. Gray

Christchurch, W. F. Skey, B.Sc.

Leith Valley, Dunedin, H. Skey Timaru, R. Fergusson

Hokitika, A. D. Macfarlane

Invercargill, D. G. Gilmour

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

President—Sir James Hector, F.R.S.

Hon. Treasurer—J. W. Joynt, M.A.

Secretary—T. H. Gill, M.A., LL.B.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

Minister of Health—Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G.

Director and Chief Health Officer, &c.—J. Malcolm Mason, M.D., D.P.H., &c.

Assistant Chief Health Officer—Dr. Thomas H. Ambrose Valintine, M.R.C.S.Eng., D.P.H., &c.

Wellington: Bacteriologist and District Health Officer—R. H. Makgill, M.D. Edin., D.P.H. Camb. Assistant Bacteriologist and Assistant in Vaccine Laboratory—J. A. Hurley

Native Health Officer—Dr. Maui Pomare

Chief Clerk—J. J. D. Grix

Accountant—H. Eastgate

Clerks—H. B. Magrath, T. P. Butler, J. W. Taylor, L. J. Ell. Typistes, Gwenllian Craig, G. Martelli

Pathologist—J.A. Gilruth, M.R.C.V.S.

Analysts—Wellington, J. S. McLaurin; Auckland, J. A. Pond; Dunedin, J. G. Black; Christchurch, A. A. Bickerton

District Health Officers—Nelson, Dr. James Hudson; Napier, Dr. F. I. De Lisle; Auckland, Dr. J. P. Frengley; Dunedin, Dr. F. Ogston; Christchurch, Dr. H. E. Finch; Greymouth, Dr. C. G. Morice

Port Health Officers—Picton, Dr. W. E. Redman; Oamaru, Dr. A. Douglas; Wanganui, Dr. R. C. Earle; Port Chalmers, Dr. G. Hodges; Wellington, Dr. H. Pollen; Westport, Dr. M. Mackenzie; Greymouth, Dr. C. G. Morice; Timaru, Dr. E. T. Thomas; Onehunga, Dr. W. G. Scott; Auckland, Dr. E. W. Sharman; Kaipara, Dr. W. H. Horton; Whangarei, Dr. W. W. Baxter; Bluff, Dr. J. Torrance; Lyttelton, Dr. C. H. Upham; Gisborne, Dr. J. W. Williams; Napier, Dr. T. C. Moore; New Plymouth, Dr. H. A. McClelland; Hokianga, Dr. D. S. Cato; Thames, Dr. F. A. Bett; Whitianga, Dr. H. S. Lindsay; Nelson, Dr. J. Hudson; Chatham Islands, Dr. H. W. Pigeon

Sanitary Inspectors—Chief Inspector: C. A. Schauer, Wellington. Inspectors: Wellington, C. E. Miller, A. P. Bennett, and J. A. Brownlie; Dunedin, W. E. Gladstone; Stratford, F. B. Gardiner; Auckland, C. C. Winstanley and R. Grieve; Napier, D. Munro; Nelson, C. Middleton; Christchurch, R. H. McKenzie and M. Kershaw; Invercargill, K. Cameron; Marton, F. C. Wilson; Masterton, C. Dorizac; Feilding, M. O'Brien; Blenheim, J. Johnston; Wanganui, S. H. Sargeant

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE.

Minister—Hon Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G. Secretary—T. E. Donne Chief Clerk—C. R. C. Robieson Accountant—R. E. Hayes

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS.

Minister—Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G. Superintendent—T. E. Donne Chief Clerk—C. R. C. Robieson Accountant—R. E. Hayes Inspector—F. Moorhouse Journalist—J. Cowan Draughtsman, J. McDonand

Clerks—H. Kirk, P. J. Kelleher, J. Andrews, J. W. Hill, S. J. Collett, G. F. McGirr, G. A. Cormack, W. R. Aekins, J. H. Barr, C. Freyberg

Shorthand-writers and Typists—S. Dimant, N. Lambert

District Agents—Auckland, E. H. Montgomery; Te Aroha, W. Hill; Rotorua, C. Walnutt; Christchurch, G. W. C. Moon; Dunedin, J. A. Tipping; Invercargill, W. R. Blow

Government Balneologist, Rotorua—A. S. Wohlmann, M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.

House Surgeon, Rotorua—J. M. S. Levis, F.R.C.S.I., D.P.H.

Resident Medical Officer, Te Aroha—G. G. Kenny, M.B.

Manager, Hanmer Hot Springs—J. B. Gould

COLONIAL TREASURER'S DEPARTMENT.

CHIEF OFFICE.

Colonial Treasurer—Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C.

Secretary to the Treasury, Receiver-General, Paymaster-General, and Registrar of New Zealand Consols—James B. Heywood

Assistant Secretary and Accountant to the Treasury—Robert J. Collins

Cashier—C. E. Chittey

Corresponding Clerk—H. Blundell

Clerks—R. B. Vincent, E. L. Mowbray, A. O. Gibbes, Jas. J. Esson, H. N. W. Church, A. J. Morgan, T. J. Davis, F. H. Tuckey, H. Hawthorn, W. Wilson, G. C. Rodda, E. Fisher, L. McIntosh, W. Gillanders, M. Ealston, D. M. Schramm

Cadets—W. L. Clapson, A. Hore, P. Dunstan, G. K. Bogle, H. Stafford, E. M. Joyce, A. Henderson

Cadettes—E. M. Taylor, E. A. C. Burrage, R. B. Banks

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES, TRADE UNIONS, FINE ARTS AND DRAMATIC WORKS COPYRIGHT, AND UNCLASSIFIED SOCIETIES REGISTRY OFFICE.

Registrar and Actuary—George Leslie

Revising Barrister—L. G. Reid

Clerk and Deputy Registrar—C. T. Benzoni

Cudette—M. A. Bridson

LAND AND INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT.

Commissioner—P. Heyes.

Deputy Commissioner—F. J. M. D. Walmsley

LAND TAX.

Clerk in Charge—H. Nancarrow

Clerks—D. R. Purdie, E. W. Watson, E. Randell, J. N. Grant, J. Ferguson, H. S. Barron, C. E. J. Dowland

INCOME TAX.

Clerk in Charge—J. M. King

Clerks—W. M. Tyers, D. G. Clark, G. W. Jänisch, M. Fraser, C. T. Rout, E. J. R. Cumming, J. M. Park

Receiver of Land and Income Tax—C. V. Kreeft

Shorthand-writer and Typewriter (Private Secretary to Rt. Hon. the Premier)—J. Stevenson

Cadets—N. H. Mackie, G. C. Smith, J. S. Arthur

Cadette—K. L. Morgan

OLD-AGE PENSIONS DEPARTMENT.

Head Office—Government Buildings, Wellington.

Registrar—J. Eman Smith

Chief Clerk—G. C. Fache

Accountant—H. E. Williams

Clerks—F. M. Leckie, F. G. Twiss, R. S. Stokes, J. H. Reynolds, J. S. Lambert, P. Cunningham

Cadets—G. N. Morris, L. C. Barnes, A. H. Parfitt

District Agencies.

Deputy Registrars—

Auckland—S. Ruddock. Cadet—J. H. Boyes

Wellington—L. Crow

Christchurch—L. C. Williams

Dunedin—Philip A. Keddell. Cadet—B. E. Murphy

Invercargill—J. R. Colyer. Cadet—E. B. Patrick

Coromandel—J. McIndoe

Dargaville—S. Thompson

Hamilton—W. Shanaghan

Helensville—G. A. Tapp

Kaitaia—W. Sefton

Mangonui—J. Henry

Maungaturoto—J. Hemphill

Otahuhu—G. Foreman

Raglan—W. McCarthy

Rawene—G. H. Fry

Rotorua—J. Watt

Russell—B. J. Parsons

Taupo—W. Bern

Warkworth—E. M. Johnson

Whangarei—J. FitzGerald

Whangaroa—P. J. Carmody

Thames—J. Jordan

Opotiki—C. O'Reilly

Paeroa—H. R. Bush

Tauranga—W. A. Thom

Te Aroha—H. R. Bush

Whakatane—W. Eccles

Gisborne—G. J. A. Johnstone

Port Awanui—C. H. Mellsop

Napier—R. B. Mathias

Dannevirke—S. Tansley

Waipawa—J. Eccleton

Wairoa—H. H. Carr

New Plymouth—W. A. D. Banks

Stratford—M. Foley

Wanganui—C. A. Barton

Hawera—A. Trimble

Marton—H. C. N. Ladley

Patea—M. O'Brien

Feilding—W. Matravers

Carterton—H. Salmon

Masterton—E. Rawson

Otaki—T. O'Rourke

Pahiatua—W. J. Reeve

Palmerston North—C. J. Hewlett

Nelson—E. C. Kelling

Motueka—J. C. Willis

Blenheim—J. Terry

Havelock—A. T. Ching

Akaroa—D. Jackson

Amberley—M. Roche

Ashburton—T. W. Tayler

Culverden—A. S. Bird

Kaiapoi—A. G. Ashby

Kaikoura—J. P. Clarkson

Timaru—T. Howley

Fairlie—S. Kidd

Temuka—J. Gillespie

Waimate—W. Y. Purchase

Greymouth—B. Harper

Reefton—A. Askenbeck

Hokitika—J. C. Malfroy

Westport—E. D. Mosley

Oamaru—R. P. Ward

Balclutha—W. A. Matthews

Clyde—F. T. D. Jeffrey

Lawrence—A. M. Eyes

Milton—D. McRae

Naseby—F. W. Hart

Palmerston South—W. Hilliard

Waikouaiti—J. Burrows

Queenstown—A. A. Mair

Riverton—J. M. Adam

Chatham Islands—R. W. Rayner

CROWN LAW DEPARTMENT.

Attorney-General—Hon. Albert Pitt

Solicitor-General—F. Fitchett, M.A., LL.D.

Assistant Law Officer—L. G. Reid

Acting Law Draftsman—W. Jolliffe

Chief Clerk—E. Y. Redward

Clerk (also Private Secretary to Attorney-General)—E. N. G. Poulton

Clerk—J. Christie

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

HEAD OFFICE.

Minister of Justice—Hon. James McGowan

Under-Secretary—F. Waldegrave

Chief Clerk—G. C. B. Jordan

Translator—G. H. Davies

Clerks—C. E. Matthews, G. F. Dixon, W. T. Gordon, L. A. B. Teutenberg

Cadet—G. H. A. Tanner

PATENT OFFICE.

Registrar of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks—F. Waldegrave

Deputy Registrar—J. C. Lewis

Clerk—Mary Eyre

Cadet—J. T. Bishop

JUDICIAL.

Supreme Court Judges.

Chief Justice—

Wellington—Sir R. Stout, K.C.M.G.

Judges—

Wellington—Theo. Cooper, F. R. Chapman

Auckland—W. B. Edwards

Christchurch—J. E. Denniston

Dunedin—J. S. Williams (on leave)

District Court Judges.

Hamilton and Thames—C. C. Kettle

Wairarapa, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera, Palmerston North, Pahiatua, Nelson, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, Naseby, Lawrence, Invercargill, Gore, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, Reefton, and Kumara—W. R. Haselden

Registrars of the Supreme Court.

Auckland—R. E. G. Thomas

New Plymouth—T. Hutchison

Wanganui—R. L. Stanford

Palmerston North—A. D. Thomson

Napier—H. W. Brabant Gisborne—W. A. Barton

Wellington—D. G. A. Cooper

Nelson—H. Eyre Kenny

Blenheim—T. Scott-Smith

Christchurch—A. R. Bloxam

Hokitika—R. J. Acheson

Dunedin—G. A. King

Invercargill—J. R. Colyer

Sheriffs.

Auckland—R. E. G. Thomas

Taranaki—W. A. D. Banks

Hawke's Bay—H. W. Brabant

Poverty Bay—W. A. Barton

Wellington—D. G. A. Cooper

Wairarapa—E. Rawson

Wanganui and Rangitikei—C. A. Barton

Manawatu—C. J. Hewlett

Nelson—W. Heaps

Westland North—E. D. Mosley

Central Westland—A. Askenbeck

Marlborough—J. Terry

Canterbury—A. R. Bloxam

Timaru—C. A. Wray

Westland—R. J. Acheson

Otago—G. A. King

Southland—J. R. Colyer

Crown Solicitors.

Auckland—Hon. J. A. Tole

New Plymouth—W. Kerr

Gisborne—J. W. Nolan

Napier—H. A. Cornford

Wellington—F. H. D. Well

Wanganui—S. T. Fitzherbert

Palmerston North—H. S. Fitzherbert

Nelson—C. Y. Fell

Blenheim—R. McCaum

Christchurch—T. W. Stringer

Timaru—J. W. White

Dunedin—J. F. M. Fraser

Invercargill—T. M. Macdonald

Oamaru—A. G. Creagh

Crown Prosecutors (District Courts).

Hamilton and Thames—Hon. J. A. Tole

New Plymouth—W. Kerr

Stratford—W. Kerr

Hawera—E. L. Barton

Wanganui—S. T. Fitzherbert

Palmerston North—H. S. Fitzherbert

Pahiatua—W. Tosswill

Masterton—A. R. Bunny

Nelson—C. Y. Fell

Westport and Reefton—A. A. Wilson

Hokitika—J. Park

Greymouth—M. Hannan

Timaru—J. W. White

Oamaru—A. G. Creagh

Queenstown—Wesley Turton

Invercargill—T. M. Macdonald

Stipendiary Magistrates.

Auckland—C. C. Kettle

Waikato, &c.—H. W. Northeroft

Onehunga, &c.—R. W. Dyer*

Russell, &c.—R. S. Florance

Tauranga, &c.—J. M. Roberts*

Thames, &c.—R. S. Bush*

Gisborne, &c.—W. A. Barton

New Plymouth—T. Hutchison

Hawera, &c.—A. Turnbull

Wanganui, &c.—R. L. Stanford

Palmerston North, &c.—A. D. Thomson

Wellington, &c.—A. McArthur, M.A., LL.D.

Wairarapa, &c.—W. P. James

Napier, &c.—H. W. Brabant

Nelson, &c.—H. Eyre Kenny*

Blenheim, &c.—T. Scott-Smith*

Christchurch, &c.—H. W. Bishop

Kaiapoi, &c.—V. G. Day

Timaru, &c.—C. A. Wray

Greymouth, Westport, &c.—W. G. K. Kenrick*

Hokitika, &c.—R. J. Acheson*

Dunedin, &c.—H. Y. Widdowson, C. C. Graham

Oamaru, &c.—J. Keddell*

Milton, &c.—G. Cruickshank*

Clyde, &c.—F. J. Burgess*

Naseby—J. McEnnis*

Invercargill, &c.—S. E. McCarthy,* W. G. Riddell*

* Are also Wardens of Goldfields.

Chatham Islands—Dr. H. W. Pigeon

Official Assignees in Bankruptcy.

Auckland—E. Gerard, J.P.

Wellington—J. Asheroft, J.P.

Christchurch—G. L. Greenwood

Dunedin—C. C. Graham, S.M.

Clerks of District and Magistrates' Courts.

Thames—J. Jackson

Hamilton—W. Shanaghan

New Plymouth—W. A. D. Banks

Hawera—A. Trimble

Stratford—M. Foley

Wanganui—C. A. Barton

Palmerston North—C. J. Hewlett

Masterton—E. Rawson

Pahiatua—W. J. Reeve

Nelson—E. C. Kelling

Hokitika—J. C. Malfroy

Kumara—A. F. Bent

Greymouth—B. Harper

Westport—E. D. Mosley

Reefton—A. Askenbeck

Timaru—T. Howley

Ashburton—T. W. Tayler

Oamaru—R. P. Ward

Invercargill—J. R. Colyer

Gore—J. M. Rodgers

Queenstown—A. A. Mair

Lawrence—A. M. Eyes

Naseby—F. W. Hart

Receivers of Gold Revenue, Mining Registrars, and Clerks of Wardens' and Magistrates' Courts.

Thames—J. Jordan

Coromandel—J. McIndoe

Paeroa—H. R. Bush

Waihi—E. W. Cave

Tauranga—W. A. Thom

Whangarei—J. Fitzgerald

Havelock (Marlborough)—A. J. Ching

Nelson—E. C. Kelling

Blenheim—John Terry

Motueka—J. C. N. Willis

Collingwood—J. N. Nalder

Westport—E. D. Mosley

Charleston—E. Brophy

Reefton—A. Askenbeck

Ahaura—F. Bird, jun.

Greymouth—B. Harper

Kumara—A. F. Bent

Hokitika—J. C. Malfroy

Ashburton—T. W. Tayler

Naseby, &c.—F. W. Hart

Wyndham—D. Bogue

Clyde, Black's, and Alexandra—F. T. D. Jeffrey

Cromwell—O. E. Bowling

Queenstown and Arrowtown—A. A. Mair

Lawrence—A. M. Eyes

Gore—J. M. Rodgers

Riverton—J. M. Adam

Clerks of Magistrates' Courts.

Auckland—H. H. G. Ralfe

Gisborne—G. J. Johnstone

Napier—R. B. Mathias

Hastings—D. Banks

Wairoa—H. H. Carr

Dannevirke—S. Tansley

Marton, &c.—H. C. N. Ladley

Feilding—W. Matravers

Otaki—T. O'Rourke

Wellington—A. H. Holmes

Christchurch—W. Martin

Lyttelton—W. D. Wallace

Kaiapoi—A. G. Ashby

Waimate—W. Y. Purchase

Dunedin—W. G. P. O'Callaghan

Port Chalmers—J. Miller

CORONERS.

Auckland, T. Gresham; Arrowtown, H. Graham; Coromandel, A. R. H. Swindley; Collingwood, E. Davidson; Dannevirke, T. L. Buick; Feilding, J. J. Bagnall; Foxton, A. Fraser; Hamilton, J. S. Bond; Hawer C. E. Major; Kawhia, T. D. Hamilton; Marton, J. J. McDonald; Otahuhu, S. Luke; Otaki, W. H. Simcox; Paeroa, W. Forrest; Pahi, J. B. Ariell; Palmerston North, J. Mowlem; Port Albert, L. P. Becroft; Queenstown, L. Hotop; Raglan, W. H. Wallis; Midhirst, J. Mackay; Taihape, J. P. Aldridge; Takaka, A. Sinclair; Tapanui, W. Quin; Thames, A. Bruce; Tauranga, A. C. H. Tovey; Te Awamutu, J. B. Teasdale; Te Kopuru, T. Webb; Waihi, M. D. King; Waipawa, J. C. Taylor; Wellington, J. Ashcroft; Westport, G. B. Sinclair; Whangarei, J. M. Killen; Woodville, E. J. Gothard. All Stipendiary Magistrates are ex officio Coroners.

NATIVE LAND COURT.

Chief Judge—H. G. Seth Smith

Judges—H. W. Brabant, H. F. Edger, W. G. Mair, H. D. Johnson, J. M. Batham, J. Palmer

Registrars—Auckland, J. W. Browne; Gisborne, J. Brooking; Wellington, R. C. Sim

Commissioners of the Native Land Court.

R. S. Bush, A. Turnbull, C. C. Kettle, J. M. Roberts, H. W. Bishop, H. Eyre Kenny, R. L. Stanford, T. Hutchison, G. Cruickshank, R. S. Florance: Sub-Commissioners—J. Brooking, W. A. Thom

Government Native Agent, Otorohanga—A. F. Puckey

VALIDATION COURT.

Chief Judge—H. G. Seth Smith

Judges—The Judges of the Native Land Court

Registrars—The Registrars of the Native Land Court

“MAORI LANDS ADMINISTRATION ACT, 1900.”

Superintendent—P. Sheridan

Administrative Officer—P. Sheridan

Recorder—R. C. Sim

Presidents of Boards.

District of Tokerau—J. W. Browne

District of Maniapoto-Tuwharetoa—A. F. Puckey

District of Wikato—W. G. Mair

District of Waiariki—Jackson Palmer

District of Te Ikaroa—Gilbert Mair

District of Aotea—Thomas William Fisher

PRISONS DEPARTMENT.

Inspector—Lieut.-Colonel Arthur Hume, N.Z.M.

Clerks—T. E. Richardson, W. Gollan

Gaolers—Auckland, Francis Egerton Severne; Dunedin, John Henry Bratby; Hokitika, Thomas Rosson Pointon; Invercargill, Alexander Armstrong; Lyttelton, Matthew Michael Cleary; Napier, Michael Flannery; New Plymouth, Bartholomew Lloyd O'Brien; Wanganui, Robert T. N. Beasley; Wellington, Patrick Samuel Garvey; Waiotapu, Alexander William Roberts; Hanmer Springs, James Thomas Reid; Dumgree, Edward Murphy; Waipa Valley, Edward Byrne

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT.

GENERAL POST OFFICR.

Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner—Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G.

Secretary—W. Gray, I.S.O.

Superintendent of Electric Lines—J. K. Logan

Assistant Secretary and Inspector—T. Rose

Controller of Money-orders and Savings banks, and Accountant—G. Gray

Chief Clerk—D. Robertson

Assistant Controller of Money-orders and Savings - banks, and Assistant Accountant—W. R. Morris

Clerks, Secretary's Office—F. V. Waters (Second Clerk), W. Crow, J. C. Williamson, W. Beswick, V. J. Brogan, T. Ward, H. D. Grocott, J. C. Redmond, A. T. Markmann, W. J. Gow, F. W. Furby, J. B. Jordan, S. Macalister, J. P. P. Clouston, W. J. Wilkie, W. H. Barnett, A. Donovan, C. T. Andrew

Mail Agents—W. Isbister, D. E. Lindsay

Clerks, Inspector's Branch—G. V. Hudson, J. Brennan, W. A. Tanner, S. M. Harrison, H. McGill, G. A. Maskew, J. L. M. Hirkness, P. Clarke

Clerks, Accountant's Branch—J. L. H. Ledger, H. A. R. Huggins, J. M. Tabuteau, W. Chegwidden, H. Cornwall, R. D. Kelly, J. H. Kibblewhite, D. A. Jenkins, C. B. Harton, W. J. Drake, J. G. Roache, J. Coyle, F. E. Beamish, G. H. Harris, H. C. Milne, C. W. J. Panting, H. C. Hickson, P. D. Hoskins, J. Robertson, W. R. Wakelin, F. Stewart, G. G. Rose, H. E. Combs, J. E. Hull, A. Marshall, G. F. W. Kröner, F. G. A. Eagles, C. G. Collins, T. M. Highet, J. C. A. Dudley, W. I. Dawson, W. K. Frethey, J. Snell, W. Gilbert, T. A. Churches, C. H. Clinkard, J. M. Dale, H. A. Lamb, R. M. Porteous, D. Rutherford, W. A. Smith, R. H. Twose, E. White, C. Gamble, S. H. A. Levien, J. Madden, J. Alexander, P. Cutforth, A. Leeden, C. B. Burdekin, G. Foote, J. A. Humphrey, J. G. Schmidt, C. L. Whitehead, E. J. L. Whiting, G. B. Williamson, J. W. Buchanan, W. M. Krebs, J. McMorran, N. V. Ross, E. E. Mortimer, H. A. Hamilton, O. L. T. Harrison, W. C. Purdic, W. M. Moore, S. G. Turner, H. F. G. Bringezu, E. Atkin, D. McCurdy, H. D. Smith, H. B. Randrup, E. Bermingham, S. Brock, E. Harris, B. M. Kenny, V. Johnston, M. A. M. MacLeod, C. M. A. Smith, M. J. Mackellar, M. A. Asquith, E. E. Warren, R. E. E. Alexander

Electrician—T. Buckley

Assistant Electricians—W. E. Chisholm, R. M. Baird

Mechanicians—R. Heinitz, F. Palmer

Storekeeper—J. Black

Assistant Storekeeper—C. B. Mann

Clerks in Store—C. Nicholls, T. Palmer, W. H. Carter, M. McGilvray, J. G. Howard, J. L. Murphy, S. C. O. Cox, J. W. Brabyn

CHIEF POSTMASTERS.

Auckland—D. Cumming

*Thames—H. W. Capper

*Gisborne—W. H. Kenner

Napier—J. H. Sheath

*New Plymouth—F. D. Holdsworth

*Wanganui—D. Miller

Wellington—J. A. Hutton

*Blenheim—E. Northcroft

*Nelson—S. P. Stevens

*Westport—H. Logie

*Greymouth—G. W. Sampson

*Hokitika—D. St. George

Christchurch—J. F. McBeth

*Timaru—W. McHutcheson

*Oamaru—W. W. Beswick

Dunedin—J. W. Wilkin

*Invercargill—C. J. A. H. Tipping

* Combined post and telegraph offices.

INSPECTORS OF TELEGRAPHS.

Auckland—W. G. Meddings

Christchurch—J. W. Gannaway

Dunedin—J. Orchiston

Nelson—C. C. Robertson

Wellington—W. S. Furby

ASSISTANT INSPECTORS OF POST-OFFICES.

P. Curtis (Northern District), W. J. Chaney (Central District), W. St. G. Douglas (Midland District), T. T. King (Southern District)

OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF TELEGRAPH OFFICES.

Auckland—H. F. Seager

Napier—B. H. Keys

Wellington—H. W. Harrington

Christchurch—B. N. Martin

Dunedin—J. G. Ballard

BOARD OF APPEAL.

F. G. B. Waldegrave, Under-Secretary, Department of Justice (Chairman), nominated

J. K. Logan, Superintendent of Electric Lines, nominated

F. M. Scully, Representing Postal Branch, elected

W. F. Young, Representing Telegraph Branch, elected

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS.

Commissioner of Trade and Customs—Hon. C. H. Mills

Secretary and Inspector of Customs—W.T. Glasgow

Chief Clerk—T. Larchin

Clerks, Customs—C. H. Manson, A. Barron

Cadets—K. H. Smyth, W. Wallace

Audit—H. W. Brewer, W. B. Montgomery, G. F. McKellar

COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS.

Auckland—A. Rose

Poverty Bay—W. J. Hawley

New Plymouth—J. H. Hempton

Napier—E. R. C. Bowen

Wellington—D. Johnston

Wanganui—A. Elliott

Nelson—R. Carter

Westport—H. J. Crowther

Greymouth—J. Howie

Hokitika—W. Rose

Lyttelton and Christchurch—J. Mills

Timaru—C. S. Nixon

Oamaru—T. M. Cullen

Dunedin—C. W. S. Chamberlain

Invercargill and Bluff Harbour—A. McDowell

OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF PORTS, AND COASTWAITERS.

Thames—T. C. Bayldon, Coastwaiter

Russell—H. Stephenson, Coastwaiter

Tauranga—C. E. Nicholas, Officer in Charge

Whangaroa—A. G. Ratcliffe, Coastwaiter

Whangarei—J. Munro, Coastwaiter

Mangonui—H. G. Hunt, Officer in Charge

Hokianga—C. C. Courtenay, Coastwaiter

Kaipara—J. C. Smith, Officer in Charge

Waitara—J. Cameron, Coastwaiter

Patea—J. W. Glenny, Officer in Charge

Wairau—H. A. Jackman, Officer in Charge

Picton—T. W. Lecocq, Officer in Charge

Chatham Islands—Dr. H. W. Pigeon, Officer in Charge

MARINE DEPARTMENT.

Minister of Marine—Hon. W. Hall-Jones

Secretary—G. Allport

Chief Clerk—J. H. McAlister

Clerks—W. Canton, B. W. Millier

Cadets—D. H. Butcher, J. P. Church

Cadette—M. Fisher

Marine Engineer for the Colony—P. S. Hay, M.Inst.C.E.

Nautical Adviser and Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates—H. S. Blackburne

Weather Reporter—R. A. Edwin, Com. R.N.

Superintendent of Mercantile Marine and Examiner of Masters and Mates, Auckland—C. E. W. Fleming

Assistant—T. A. G. Atwood

Superintendent of Mercantile Marine and Examiner of Masters and Mates, Wellington—G. G. Smith

Assistant—T. G. Keane

Superintendent of Mercantile Marine and Examiner of Masters and Mates. Lyttelton—J. A. H. Marciel

Superintendent of Mercantile Marine and Examiner of Masters and Mates, Dunedin—N. Beaumont

Master of s.s. “Hinemoa”—J. Bollons

Master of s.s. “Tutanekai”—C. F. Post

INSPECTORS OF SEA-FISHERIES.

Wellington, Chief Inspector—L. F. Ayson

Raglan—J. W. McCarthy

Russell—H. Stephenson

Whangarei—A. McDonnell

Manukau—J. Neale

Hokianga—C. C. Courtenay

Waihi—W. H. McKinnon

Wanganui—G. C. Clouston

Auckland—J. P. Bennett, H. C. Haywood

Palmerston North—M. D. Stagpoole

Feilding—J. Forster

Foxton—E. J. Whitehouse

Hokitika—J. Marks

New Brighton—E. J. Rowe

Dunedin—T. J. Sullivan, J. McIntyre

Bluff—P. McGrath

Stewart Island—J. M. Irwin

Napier—G. T. Baker

HARBOURMASTERS.*

* The more important harbours are controlled by local Boards, not by the Marine Department.

Collingwood—F. Stallard

Puponga—E. G. Stallard

Foxton—J. B. Hall

Hokianga—G. Martin

Kaipara—J. Christy Smith

Manukau—J. Neale

Motueka—H. L. Moffatt

Picton—T. Edwards

Port Robinson—J. Sinclair

Russell—H. Stephenson

Wairau—H. Fisk

Waitapu—S. Fittall

INSPECTION OF MACHINERY DEPARTMENT.

Minister in Charge—Hon. W. Hall-Jones

Chief Inspector of Machinery, Principal Engineer Surveyor of Steamers, Principal Surveyor of Ships, and Chief Examiner of Marine Engineers and Stationary-engine Drivers—R. Duncan, Head Office, Wellington

Accountant—R. P. Milne

Clerks—W. D. Andrews, J. G. Macpherson, J. M. Healy, and J. Driscoll

Cadets—Head office: W. M. Egglestone, H. M. Mullins, J. C. O'Leary; Auckland office: W. J. Craig

Inspectors of Machinery, Engineer Surveyors of Steamers and Surveyors of Ships, and Examiners of Marine Engineers and Stationary - engine Drivers:—

Auckland—H. Wetherilt, W. R. Douglas, P. Grant

Napier—M. Sharp

Wanganui—S. Dalrymple

Wellington—A. Calvert, C. W. R. Suisted, W. Cullen

Nelson—N. D. Hood

Christchurch—P. J. Carman

Timaru—J. Williamson

Dunedin—A. Walker, A. Ramsay

Invercargill—A. W. Bethune

Board of Examiners of Stationary, Traction, Locomotive, and Winding Engine Drivers—Robert Duncan, Chief Inspector of Machinery, M.Inst.Nav.A., Chairman; John Hayes, F.S.G.C., Inspecting Engineer of Mines; P. S. Hay, M.A., M.Inst.C.E., Engineer-in-Chief; R. P. Milne, Secretary

PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT.

Minister in Charge—Hon. W. Hall-Jones

Government Printer, Stationery Office Manager, and Controller of Stamp Printing—John Mackay

Chief Clerk and Accountant—B. B. Allen

Clerks—N. B. K. Manley, F. Barraud, J. W. Hall, R. Watts, A. Stace, W. Hutchings, A. Williams, G. Garnham, C. T. Williams

Cadets—P. C. Jordan, C. P. Cosgrove

Cadette—I. L. Madden

Copy Supervisor—M. F. Marks

MECHANICAL DIVISION.

Superintending Overseer—J. F. Rogers

Printing Branch—

Overseers—G. Tattle, W. P. McGirr, W. A. G. Skinner

Night Foreman—D. Joslin

Readers—W. Fuller, H. S. Mountier, W. Sutherland, P. Riddick

Stereotyper and Electrotyper—W. J. Kirk

Binding Branch—

Overseer—W. Franklin

Sub-overseer—G. H. Broad

Forewoman—A. O'Malley

Machine-room—

Overseer—J. Phillips

Sub-overseer—J. Hughes

Stamp Branch—

Overseer—J. Burns

Lithographic and Photographic Branch—Overseer—D. Ross

Chief Draughtsman—G. N. Sturtevant

Engineer—T. R. Barrer

STAMP DEPARTMENT.

Commissioner of Stamp Duties—Hon. James Carroll

Secretary for Stamps—C.A.St.G. Hickson

Chief Clerk—C. H. W. Dixon

Accountant—J. P. Murphy

Custodian and Issuer of Stamps—W. H. Shore

Clerks—V. Willeston, J. Murray

Chief Stamper—A. A. Somerville

Cadette—C. McIntosh

Cadet—R. Wakelin

DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS OF STAMPS.

Auckland—E. Bamford

Gisborne—R. N. Jones

Taranaki—T. Hutchison

Hawke's Bay—Thomas Hall

Wellington—C. A. St. G. Hickson

Wanganui—D. Miller

Nelson—W. W. de Castro

Marlborough—F. Broughton

Canterbury—P. G. Withers

Timaru—W. McHutchison

Otago—P. C. Corliss

Southland—C. E. Nalder

Westland—R. J. Acheson

LAND TRANSFER DEPARTMENT AND DEEDS REGISTRY.

Registrar-General of Land and Deeds—J. M. Batham

Secretary, Land and Deeds—C. A. St. G. Hickson

DISTRICT LAND REGISTRARS AND REGISTRARS OF DEEDS.

Auckland—E. Bamford

Taranaki—T. Hutchison

Wellington—J. M. Batham

Hawke's Bay—Thomas Hall

Poverty Bay—R. N. Jones

Nelson—H. Eyre Kenny

Marlborough—T. Scott-Smith

Canterbury—G. G. Bridges

Otago—W. Wyinks

Southland—C. E. Nalder

Westland—R. J. Acheson

EXAMINERS OF TITLES.

Auckland—E. Bamford

Taranaki—T. Hutchison

Wellington—H. Howorth and J. M. Batham

Hawke's Bay—Thomas Hall

Poverty Bay—R. N. Jones

Nelson—H. Eyre Kenny

Marlborough—T. Scott-Smith

Canterbury—G. G. Bridges

Otago—W. Wyinks

Southland—C. E. Nalder

Westland—R. J. Acheson

REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.

C. A. St. G. Hickson

REGISTRARS OF BUILDING SOCIETIES, INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES, AND ASSISTANT REGISTRARS OF COMPANIES.

Auckland—E. Bamford

Poverty Bay—R. N. Jones

Taranaki—T. Hutchison

Hawke's Bay—Thomas Hall

Wellington—C. H. W. Dixon

Nelson—W. W. de Castro

Marlborough—F. Broughton

Canterbury—P. G. Withers

Otago—P. C. Corliss

Southland—C. E. Nalder

Westland—R. J. Acheson

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

Minister of Education—Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, LL.D., P.C.

HEAD OFFICE.

Inspector-General of Schools—George Hogben, M.A.

Secretary for Education—Sir E. O. Gibbes, Bart.

Assistant Inspector General—W. J. Anderson, M.A., LL.D.

Chief Clerk—F. K. de Castro

Clerks—F. D. Thomson, B.A., H. J. Barrett, T. G. Gilbert, J. Beck, I. Davey, M. G. D. Grant, J. Cooper, F. W. Millar, A. J. H. Benge, H. J. Bathgate, G. G. Knight, C. G. Rees, H. L. J. Machu, J. Turner, K. McKenzie, H. V. Croxton, I. Johnstone, D. Watson, J. A. Orr, J. R. McClune, J. G. Jordon, A. M. Palmer, L. P. Arthur, W. L. Dunn, C. A. Berendsen, B. Egley, C. G. Murray, E. Windsor

NATIVE SCHOOLS BRANCH.

Inspector—W. W. Bird, M.A.

Assistant Inspector—J. Porteous, M.A.

Clerk in Charge—F. L. Severne

MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION BRANCH.

Inspectors—M. H. Browne (in charge of Branch), E. C. Isaac

PUBLIC SCHOOLS CADETS BRANCH.

Officer Commanding—Lieut.-Colonel L. W. Loveday, V.D.

Clerk—T. Mclnerney

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS BRANCH.

Assistant Inspectors—R. H. Pope (in charge of Branch), T. A. Walker, and Miss J. Stewart (also a Visiting Officer)

Visiting Officers—Mr. E. G. Hyde, Mrs. A. Young, Mrs. C. F. Scale

Government Schools.

Managers of Industrial Schools—Auckland (Mount Albert)—Miss S. E. Jackson

Boys' Training Farm, Weraroa—G. M. Burlinson

Receiving Home, Wellington—Mrs. E. S. Dick

Receiving Home, Christchurch—Miss A. B. Cox

Te Oranga Home, Christchurch—Mrs. E. T. Branting

Burnham—T. Archey

Caversham—(Vacant)

Official Correspondent for Boarded-out Children, Otago—Miss J. Sievwright

Private Schools.

St. Mary's, Auckland—Rev. H. F. Holbrook

St. Joseph's, Wellington—Very Rev. W. J. Lewis, V.G.

St. Mary's, Nelson—Rev. J. D. Clancy (acting)

St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin—Rev. J. Coffey

SCHOOL FOR DEAF-MUTES, SUMMER.

Acting-Director—J. E. Stevens

EDUCATION BOARDS, WITH NAMES OF SECRETARIES.

Auckland—V. E. Rice

Taranaki—P. S. Whitcombe

Wanganui—W. J. Carson

Wellington—G. L. Stewart

Hawke's Bay—G. Crawshaw

Marlborough—J. Smith

Nelson—S. Ellis

Grey—C. Phillips

Westland—A. J. Morton, B.A.

Canterbury North—H. C. Lane

Canterbury South—A. Bell, M.A.

Otago—P. G. Pryde

Southland—J. Neill

SECRETARIES TO SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

Auckland—H. N. Garland

Taranaki—F. P. Corkill

Wellington—J. H. N. Wardrop

Hawke's Bay—E. P. A. Platford

Marlborough—J. Smith

Nelson—A. T. Jones

Westland—A. J. Morton

Canterbury—H. H. Pitman

Otago—C. Macandrew

MENTAL HOSPITALS.

Inspector—Duncan MacGregor, M.A., M.B., C.M., LL.D.*

Assistant Inspectors—J. F. S. Hay, M.B., C.M., and Mrs. Grace Neill

* Also holds appointments of Inspector of Hospitals and Charitable Institutions, and Registrar of Nurses and Midwives.

Also Assistant Inspectors of Hospitals and Charitable Institutions.

Medical Superintendent, Auckland Mental Hospital—R. M. Beattie, M.B.

Medical Superintendent, Christchurch Mental Hospital—W. Baxter Gow, M.D.

Medical Superintendent, Porirua Mental Hospital—Gray Hassell, M.D.

Medical Superintendent, Wellington Mental Hospital—A. Crosby, M.R.C.S.

Medical Superintendent. Seacliff Mental Hospital—F. Truby King, M.B.

Superintendent, Hokitika Mental Hospital—John Downey; Medical Officer, H. Macandrew, M.B.

Superintendent, Nelson Mental Hospital—George Chapman; Medical Officer, W. J. Mackay, M.D.

Ashburn Hall, Waikari (private hospital)—Proprietors, Dr. E. W. Alexander and Executor of James Hume; Medical Officer, E. H. Alexander, M.B., C.M.

Home for Defectives, Richmond—Steward, Henry Buttle; Matron, Matilda C. Buttle

DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR.

Minister of Labour—Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C.

Wellington—

Secretary for Labour, Chief Inspector of Factories, and Registrar of Industrial Unions—E. Tregear

Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories and Deputy Registrar of Industrial Unions—James Mackay

Accountant—F. Rowley

Clerks—J. W. Collins, W. J. McKeown, W. J. Jamieson, A. J. Isherwood, T. McIntosh, J. Morgan

Shorthand - writer and Typiste—R. Ritson

Cadets—E. M. Casey, Thomas Boyce

Cadette—N. V. Saxon

Inspectors of Factories—

Wellington—J. B. Lindsay, C. E. Aldridge, M. S. Hawthorne

Auckland—H. Ferguson, E. A. Le Cren. Clerk—W. Linklater. Cadet—W. E. Shanahan

Napier—W. J. Blake

Wanganui—W. H. McQuarters

Palmerston North—H. H. Knowles

Nelson—S. Tyson

Greymouth—J. Isdell

Christchurch—J. Shanaghan, W. H. Hagger. Clerks—G. H. Wood, S. M. Wilson

Ashburton—R. S. Bean

Timaru—P. Keddie

Oamaru—T. O'Grady

Dunedin—J. Lomas, P. Hally. Clerks—J. Maxwell, W. King

Invercargill—L. D. Browett And 160 local Inspectors.

(There are also 200 Bureau Agents in different parts of the colony.)

MINES DEPARTMENT.

CHIEF OFFICE.

Minister of Mines—Hon. James McGowan

Under - Secretary for Mines—T. H. Hamer

Inspecting Engineer—John Hayes

Chief Clerk—H. E. Radcliffe

Analyst—J. S. Maclaurin, D.Sc., F.C.S. Assistant—W. Donovan

Geologist—Alexander McKay, F.G.S.

Draughtsman—C. H. Pierard

Shorthand-writer—J. T. Watkins

Cadet—T. H. Sherwood

INSPECTORS OF MINES.

Thames and Auckland Districts—James Coutts; Waihi—Assistant Inspector, Boyd Bennie: Canterbury, Dunedin, and Southland Districts—E. R. Green; Assistant Inspector, Robert McIntosh; Clerk, H. Paton: West Coast Districts—R. Tennent; Assistant Inspector, A. H. Richards; Cadet—C. M. Wilson

MINING BUREAU.

Secretary—P. Galvin

MANAGERS OF WATER-RACES.

Waimea-Kumara—J. Rochford

Mount Ida—R. Murray

SCHOOLS OF MINES.

Lecturers and Instructors: Thames—O. G. Adams; Assistant, W. A. Given, M.A.: Coromandel—D. V. Allen: Waihi—A. H. V. Morgan, M.A.: Karangahake—R. B. McDuff: Reefton—J. Henderson

BOARD OF EXAMINEES UNDER “THE COAL-MINES ACT, 1891.”

The Surveyor-General; the Inspecting Engineer of Mines; the Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington; James Bishop; Jonathan Dixon; and H. A. Gordon

BOARD OF EXAMINEES UNDER “THE MINING ACT, 1898.”

Same official members us above Board, excepting the Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington, with the following private members: H. A. Gordon, F.G.S., Auckland; Thomas Aitken Dunlop, Thames; Benjamin Sutherland, Reefton; and H. P. Horni-brook, Waitomo

The Surveyor-General is Chairman of both Boards, and Mr. T. H. Hamer is the Secretary

STATE COAL-MINES.

Head Office—Greymouth.

Manager—James Bishop

Accountant—L. H. Eilers

Agent, Westport—H. Crowther

Managing Agent, Wellington—Alexander MacDougall

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Minister in Charge—Hon. T. Y. Duncan

HEAD OFFICR.

Secretary for Agriculture and Chief Inspector of Stock—J. D. Ritchie

Chief Clerk—R. Evatt

Clerk in charge of Correspondence Branch—F. S. Pope

Clerk in charge of Accounts Branch—J. E. D. Spicer

Clerks—Correspondence Branch: E. J. Fitzgibbon, R. W. Atkinson, T. D. H. Hall; Cadets—J. R. F. Cameron, H. T. Payne, D. Patterson. Accounts Branch: S. T. K. Sharp, D. Sinclair, A. McTaggart, V. A. Mills; Cadet—W. A. Pye

VETERINARY DIVISION.

Pathologist and Chief Veterinarian—J. A. Gilruth, M.R.C.V.S.

Assistant Chief Veterinarian—C. J. Reakes, M.R.C.V.S.

Laboratory Assistant—G. H. Barker

Clerks—H. E. Carey, D. L. Luxford, A. Ironside; Cadet, H. R. Seddon.

Veterinarians (Ms.R.C.V.S.)—Auckland, J. Lyons; New Plymouth, A. R. Young; Palmerston North, W. Stapley, M.D.; Christchurch, J. G. Clayton; Dunedin, J. Kerrigan

Veterinarians and Meat Inspectors (Ms.R.C.V.S)—Auckland, W. H. Hawthorn; Gisborne, C. R. Neale; Hastings, D. H. Rait; Wanganui, V. A. Bankes; Aramoho, P. M. Edgar; Waitara, F. Glover; Petone, D. Spilman; Ngahauranga, W. C. Quinnell; Nelson, A. W. Barnes; Belfast, J. R. Charlton; Ashburton, F. C. Robertson; Timaru, T. G. Lilico; Pareora, T. G. Palgrave; Oamaru, T. Cunningham; Dunedin, W. D. Snowball; Invercargill, D. Machattie, W. T. Sabin

Veterinarians and Meat Inspectors—Auckland, H. Marsack (Ont.); Christchurch, H. S. S. Kyle (Melb.)

Meat Inspectors—Thames, J. Jarman; Paeroa, F. Beattie; Waihi, W. T. Wynyard; Napier, B. Ferguson; New Plymouth, T. J. Reakes; Hawera, E. T. B. Worthy; Stratford, G. Thomson; Feilding, G. W. Mitchell; Blenheim, A. D. Gillies; Westport, W. S. Carswell; Lyttelton, B. Thomson; Gore, F. Stewart

Assistant Meat Inspectors—Auckland, J. Preston; Gisborne, H. W. Binney, G. B. Williams; Tomoana, S. T. Evatt; Pakipaki, D. Elliott; Longburn, W. H. Rodney; Patea, W. A. P. Sutton; Petone, C. Aston; Ngahauranga, C. J. Stone; Picton, J. Millea; Islington, G. Ford; Belfast, T. Anderson; Smithfield, A. M. R. Mills; Dunedin, T. P. Short; Mataura, W. C. Moore; Invercargill, J. C. Mackley.

DAIRY DIVISION.

Dairy Commissioner—J. A. Kinsella

Assistant Dairy Commissioner—D. Cuddie

Clerk—R. W. Wilkinson

Dairy Instructors—W. M. Singleton, A. G. Shirley, W. Grant, F. Thomson, J. Sawers, and N. Fulton

Dairy Instructors—N. Breen

Dairy-produce Graders—Auckland, A. A. Thornton; New Plymouth, J. Johnston and L. Hansen; Patea, W. Wright; Wellington, E. A. Dowden and N. Fulton; Lyttelton and Port Chalmers, W. Grant; Bluff, J. Sawers

Clerks to Dairy-produce Graders—Auckland, J. O. Lord; New Plymouth, J. S. Fleming; Lyttelton, R. F. Crosbie; Dunedin, J. Hutton; Bluff, R. Hutton

BIOLOGICAL AND HORTICULTURAL DIVISION.

Biologist—T. W. Kirk, F.L.S.

Assistant Biologist—A. H. Cockayne

Fruit-preserving Expert—W. Jaques

Bee Expert—I. Hopkins

Clerks—B. Quick, J. Hyland, W. R. Lloyd-Williams

Assistant Entomologist—Auckland, Captain T. Broun, F.E.S.

Pomologists—North Island, W. J. Palmer, W. A. Boucher, A. G. Simms; South Island, J. C. Blackmore

Fruit Inspectors—Auckland, Captain T. Broun, F.E.S., George Harnett; Wellington, H. Palethorpe; Christchurch, A. C. Smale; Dunedin, A. F. Cargill

Orchard Inspectors—North Island, W. C. Thompson, E. A. Reid, D. H. Williamson; South Island, E. Rabbits, J. Allan

VITICULTURAL DIVISION.

Viticulturist—R. Bragato

Clerk—P. G. Andrew

POULTRY DIVISION.

Chief Poultry Expert—D. D. Hyde

Assistant Poultry Expert—F. Brown

Poultry Graders—Auckland, R. W. Pounsford; Wellington, T. F. Leihy; Christchurch, S. Newton; Dunedin, T. Burke

Poultry-station Managers—Ruakura, C. Cussen; Momohaki, A. Grant; Burnham, J. Rose; Milton, A. Carr

FIBRE DIVISION.

Chief Fibre Expert—C. J. Fulton

Hemp Graders—Auckland, W. H. O. Johnston; Wellington, C. A. D. Hawkins (Grader in charge), W. H. Ferris. W. G. C. Reid, J. Stewart; Bluff, W. H. Middlemiss

Clerk, Chief Fibre Expert's Office—G. T. Tucker

Clerks to Grader—Wellington, H. Wynn-Williams; Bluff, R. Hutton

MANURE-STERILISING DIVISION.

Inspectors of Manure-sterilising—Sydney, F. G. Laurie; Calcutta, R. L. Ward

CHEMICAL DIVISION.

Chief Chemist—B. C. Aston, F.C.S.

Assistant Chemist—H. Larkin

Laboratory Assistants—E. W. Ludwig, V. R. Packham

STATISTICAL DIVISION.

Compiler of Statistics—F. C. Hjorring (Acting)

Clerk—A. C. Philpott

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Superintendent of the Experimental Farms in the Auckland District—E. Clifton

Overseers—Bickerstaffe, H. Winser; Waerenga, S. F. Anderson; Ruakura, H. Dibble; Arataki (Hawke's Bay), T. F. Ellis; Weraroa, J. Drysdale; Momohaki, F. Gillanders

LIVE-STOCK QUARANTINE STATIONS.

Caretakers—Auckland, Thomas Hill; Wellington, J. P. Ross; Lyttelton, W. J. Thomas

INSPECTORS OF STOCK.

Auckland District—Auckland, *E. Clifton (in charge of district); Ohaeawai, D. A. Graham; Whangarei, *J. T. Stone; Auckland, F. H. Brittain, R. Hull; Hamilton, *D. Ross; Kihikihi, J. Kerr; Tauranga, *A. H. Burkill

Hawke's Bay District—Napier, *W. Miller (in charge of district); Gisborne, *C. Thomson and D. Fleming; Te Puia, W. B. Hingston; Wairoa, *T. C. Webb; Hastings, F. G. Wayne; Woodville, *D. Munro; Waipukurau, J. Harvey

Wairarapa District—Masterton, *G. H. Jenkinson (in charge of district); Carterton, *V. A. Huddleston

West Coast (North Island) District—Wanganui, *A. K. Blundell (in charge of district); Feilding, J. C. Miller;

Hunterville, W. Dalgliesh; Wanganui, W. R. Rutherfurd; Hawera, *J. W. Deem; Stratford, *J. Budge; New Plymouth, *R. Rowan

Manawatu District—Palmerston North, *J. Duncan

Wellington District—Wellington, *A. Mills, J. Drummond (port)

Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast District—Nelson, T. A. Fraser (in charge of district), A. T. P. Hubbard; Richmond, G. S. Cooke; Blenheim, *J. Moore; Hokitika, *C. C. Empson

Canterbury District—Christchurch, *H. T. G. Turner (in charge of district); Kaikoura, *F. W. Sutton; Rotherham, *J. Munro; Rangiora, C. A. Cunningham; Lincoln, J. G. Scott; Ashburton, B. Fullurton; Timaru, J. C. Huddleston; Fairlie, F. Mackenzie

Otago District—Dunedin, J. L. Bruce (in charge of district); Kurow, W. Wills; Oamaru, *A. Ironside; Palmerston, H. Hill; Dunedin, *J. E. Thomson (port), R. Fountain; Mosgiel, R. I. Gossage; Naseby, C. Shaw; Clyde, *T. N. Baxter; Lawrence, *G. McLeod; Tapanui, T. Gillespie; Balclutha, T. Gilmour; Gore, S. M. Taylor; Invercargill, *R. Wright; Bluff, J. W. Raymond (port); Queenstown, W. M. Munro

Clerks—Whangarei, A. Stone (cadet); Auckland, W. C. Robinson, E. J. Glenister, G. H. Graham, C. Campbell, E. A. Farrington; Hamilton, D. Edwards; Napier, A. Callcott, W. McN. Miller; Masterton, A. E. Rowden; Palmerston North, W. Nettlefold; Wanganui, D. Bell; Nelson, E. B. Burdekin; Blenheim, J. Campbell; Christchurch, J. Longton; Timaru, W. Pogson; Dunedin, L. G. Bruce; Invercargill, J. W. Bell, W. H. McLew (cadet)

REGISTRARS OF BRANDS.

Auckland—W. C. Robinson; Wanganui, D. Bell; Nelson, E. B. Burdekin

(The Inspectors of Stock marked *are also Registrars of Brands.)

INSPECTORS UNDER SLAUGHTERING ACT.

The Inspectors of Stock are Inspectors under the Slaughtering Act.

INSPECTORS OF DAIRIES.

Auckland, W. R. Brown; Hamilton, E. Seddon; Thames, J. Jarman; Waihi, W. T. Wynyard; Paeroa, F. Beattie; Gisborne, G. M. Williamson; Napier, J. G. Parker; New Plymouth, T. J. Reakes; Stratford, G. Thomson; Hawera, E. T. B. Worthy; Feilding, G. W. Mitchell; Wellington, J. Drummond; Lyttelton, B. Thomson; Christchurch, A. Macpherson; Blenheim, A. D. Gillies; Westport, W. S. Carswell; Dunedin, Assistant Inspector, J. C. Robinson; Gore, F. Stewart

(The Inspectors of Stock are also Inspectors of Dairies.)

INSPECTORS OF NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Otahuhu, A. Dickson; Auckland, J. C. Hawkins; Hamilton, E. Seddon; Tanranga, T. Mullaly; Hastings, J. G. Parker; Waipawa, H. McLean; New Plymouth, R. Crockett; Matapu, J. Heslop; Hawera, J. M. Hignett; Stratford, F. Arden; Hunterville, A. P. Smith; Blenheim, G. J. Ward; Nelson, W. J. Ward; Invercargill, M. O'Meara

(The Inspectors of Stock are also Inspectors of Noxious Weeds.)

INSPECTORS UNDER RABBIT NUISANCE ACT.

The Inspectors of Stock are Inspectors under the Rabbit Nuisance Act.

Rabbit Agents—Ngaruawahia, B. Bayly; Cambridge, R. Alexander; Kihikihi, J. Case; Wairoa, W. C. King; Pahiatua, T. Bacon; Upper Rangitikei, C. Watson; Masterton, J. Halligan; Taueru, H. Munro; Alfredton, H. S. Ussher; Johnsonville, W. Ross; Levin, W. S. Goodall; Blenheim, G. Gee; Motueka, A. C. Hackworth; Mount Somers, C. Branigan; Fairlie, W. Johnston; Waimate, E. F. Sullivan; Leeston, C. S. Neville; Kurow, E. T. Payne; Maheno, F. Urquhart; Inch Valley, A. Hughes; Waikouaiti, B. Grant; Taieri, H. McLeod; Sutton, R. Irving; Waipiata, C. S. Dalgliesh; Clyde, A. Clarke; Roxburgh, J. G. Johnston; Lawrence, E. Fowler; Owaka, F. W. Blair; Balclutha, H. A. Munro; Tapanui, A. C. Clapcott;

Gore, M. McLeod; Lumsden, H. Heckler; Wyndham. D. McLeod; Invercargill, J. McKellar; Riverton, J. R. Whyborn; Cromwell, S. W. Firth; Queenstown, J. Wilson

RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT.

Minister for Railways—Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G.

HEAD OFFICE.

General Manager—T. Ronayne

Chief Clerk—R. W. McVilly

Clerks—E. J. Andrews, B. M. Wilson, W. S. Ridler, J. L. Day, J. O. Duff, J. Hislop, J. E. Widdop, J. V. Fogo, D. MacKellar, J. Thomson, W. A. Wellings, P. J. McGovern, W. P. Miller, F. M. Sherwood, H. Gerard, F. C. Fraser, A. J. Levick, W. H. Rennie, J. A. Jones, A. H. G. Lambert, G. H. Hoare

Audit Inspectors—D. Munro, R. Hislop, I. Faris, H. Williams

Railway Accountant—H. Davidson

Clerks—J. H. Davies, S. P. Curtis, G. G. Wilson, J. McLean, E. Davy, A. Morris, C. Batten, J. Firth, W. B. Fisher, E. J. Fleming, H. H. Leopard, R. J. Loe, W. Bourke, T. Pattle, F. W. Lash. A. H. Hunt, H. D. Smith, W. E. Ahern, F. K Porteous, A. D. C. Gosman, T. A. O'Connor, A. E. Wilson, C. C. Felton, J. W. Dayman, W. H. Simmons, J. B. Gauntlett, P. J. Wright, A. T. Parkes, H. J. Heath, T. H. Jones, N. O. McKay

STORES BRANCH.

Stores Manager—G. Felton

Stores Audit Inspector—F. J. Dawes

Clerks—M. C. Rowe, G. H. Norie, S. Alpe, H. W. Barbor, A. E. Boyes, W. G. Wray, R. P. Bray, L. G. Porter, S. S. Millington, J. L. Leydon, A. D. Lincoln, J. Brabiner, J. Hayes, V. C. Hardie, G. D. Pattle, W. P. McCormick, J. P. Harris, H. K. Adamson

TRAFFIC BRANCH.

Chief Traffic Manager—H. Buxton

Relieving District Traffic Manager—H. Baxter

Clerks—J. E. Armstrong, G. A. C. Robieson, J. D. Nash

Traffic Superintendents—Wellington, T. Arthur; Dunedin, A. Grant

District Managers—Whangarei, J. D. Harris; Auckland, T. W. Waite; Wanganui, W. J. Stringleman; Westland, J. Ashley; Christchurch, S. F. Whitcombe; Invercargill, C. A. Piper

Stationmasters in Charge—Kawakawa, A. M. Arthur; Kaihu, R. B. Peat; Gisborne, G. G. Wellsted; Westport, T. Hay-Mackenzie; Nelson, E. G. Wilson; Picton, T. S. Edwards

MAINTENANCE BRANCH.

Chief Engineer for Working Railways—J. Coom, M.Inst. C.E.

Inspecting Engineer—J. Burnett, M.Inst. C.E.

Signal Engineer—H.J. Wynne, A.M.Inst. C.E.

Railway Land Officer—J. T. Ford

Inspector of Bridge Construction—A. H. Alabaster

Electrician—J. T. Fahy, A.M.I.E.E.

Electric Mechanician—T. Hendry

Electric Lines Inspector—E. A. Tomkies

Office Engineer—G. A. Troup

Draughtsmen—J. Besant, Ad. Howitt, A. S. Henderson, W. W. Fry, A. S. Wansbrough, E. C. M. McKay

Clerks—W. P. Hicks, W. A. Mirams, H. Jessup, T. H. Wilson, E. S. Kelly, H. W. Rowden, J. M. Robb, F. J. Rowden, E. D. Richards, W. B. O'Brien, G. P. Parrell, T. Trezise, H. McAlister, F. T. A. Williams, G. H. Fearn, V. W. W. Venimore, R. Greig, A. C. F. Duff, P. McGrath, W. H. Lindop

District Engineers—Auckland, D. T. McIntosh; Wanganui, C. H. Biss; Wellington, F. J. Jones; Westport and Westland, F. C. Widdop; Christchurch, H. Macandrew; Dunedin, F. W. MacLean; Invercargill, A. J. McCredie

Resident Engineer—Petone, A. C. Koch

LOCOMOTIVE BRANCH.

Chief Mechanical Engineer—A. L. Beattie

Clerks—J. P. Kelly, R. Aekins, D. D. Weir, B. A. Marris, J. Worthington, C. H. Virtue, H. McKeowen, C. L. Pettit, N. P. G. Ewart, L. C. Fama, N. G. Hawthorn, J. M. Porteous, J. P. McKeowen, L. G. Armstrong,

J. R. Robertson, J. M. Hemingway, P. Burge, P. E. Cleary, L. A. J. Emery, M. M. Sullivan

Chief Draughtsman—R. Pye-Smith

Draughtsmen—G. Wilson, A. Smellie, C. G. G. Berry

Engineering Cadet—R. H. P. Ronayne

Boiler Inspector—J. W. Nichols

Locomotive Engineers—Auckland, A. V. Macdonald; Wellington-Napier-New Plymouth, G. A. Pearson; Hurunui-Bluff, H. H. Jackson; Westport and Westland, E. E. Gillon. Relieving. F. T. Murison

Brake Engineer—J. H. Fox

Loco Inspector—E. L. W. Haskins

BOARD OF APPEAL.

North Island.

H. Eyre Kenny, Stipendiary Magistrate, Chairman, appointed by the Governor

W. Bowles, Traffic Clerk, Wellington, elected

W. T. Wilson, Engineman, elected

M. J. Mack, Guard, elected

W. Morrison, Ganger, elected

W. G. D. Evans, Turner, Petone, elected

Middle Island.

Chairman (to be appointed by the Governor)

J. Gray. Traffic Inspector, Christchurch, elected

A. Williams, Guard, Invercargill, elected

J. Robertson, Engineman, Invercargill, elected

J. H. Jones, Turner, Addington, elected

T. Hall, Ganger, Dunedin, elected

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

HEAD OFFICE.

Minister for Public Works—Hon. W. Hall-Jones

Under-Secretary—H. J. H. Blow

Engineer-in-Chief—P. S. Hay, M.A., M.Inst.C.E.

Inspecting Engineer—R. W. Holmes, M.Inst.C.E.

Architect—J. Campbell, F.R.I.B.A.

Chief Clerk—W. D. Dumbell

Accountant—G. J. Clapham

Land-purchase Officer—H. Thompson

Assistant Land-purchase Officer—E. Bold

Record Clerk—H. W. H. Millais

Clerks—G. C. Schmidt, P. S. Waldie, A. Biddell, A. H. Kimbell, N. Jacobs, C. E. Crawford, W. McNamara, H. F. Curtis, A. Sampson, J. J. Bennett, A. L. Goldfinch, L. White, K. Webb, E. Twohill, P. J. Fennell, W. H. Boys, R. Brown

Chief Draughtsman—W. G. Rutherford

Draughtsmen—E. Jackson, C. A. Lawrence, W. Withers, L. L. Richards, W. G. C. Swan, J. H. Price, A. E. King, R. G. Applegarth, A. F. Macrae, S. W. May-Somerville, A. T. Ford, G. V. Venning, R. Walker, H. C. North, A. Stevenson, D. M. Kean, R. H. Warner, P. F. M. Burrows, A. S. Colvin

Head Storekeeper—J. C. Fulton

Engineering Cadets—T. M. Ball, H. G. Shannon, T. G. C. Mackay, G. H. J. Mellsop

Architectural Cadet—B. F. Kelly

Clerical Cadet—L. W. Wogan

Clerical Cadettes—W. L. J. Mellsop, G. F. Edenborough

DISTRICT OFFICES.

District Engineers—Auckland, C. R. Vickerman; Dunedin, E. R. Ussher. M.Inst.C.E.

Resident Engineers—Taihape, G. L. Cook, M.Inst.C.E.; Piriaka, J. D. Louch, Assoc.M.Inst.C.E.; Ohakune, J. J. Hay, M.A.; Nelson, W. A. Shain; Westport, R. A. Young, Assoc. M.Inst.C.E.; Greymouth, J. Thomson, B.E., M.Inst.C.E.; Springfield, J. A. Wilson, M.Inst.C.E.; Stratford, F. W. Furkert

Assistant Engineers—S. J. Harding, J. H. Dobson, F. M. Hewson, J. Hannah, J. H. Lewis, G. C. McGlashan, C. E. Armstrong, W. Widdowson, H. Dickson, J. W. E. McEnnis, A. Ross, J. V. Haskell, J. Meenan, A. Stewart, W. P. Moynihan, W. Sherratt, C. J. McKenzie, F. P. Bartley, J. J. Wilson, F. S. Dyson, J. Wood, H. Vickerman, B.Sc., L. B. Campbell, J. Norris

Engineering Surveyors—H. R. Atkinson, H. M. W. Richardson

Engineering Cadets—W. E. Fitzgerald, P. Keller, F. C. Hay, H. H. Sharp, T. M. Crawford, H. T. Thompson, R. Park, H. Patterson, W. Hall-Jones, jun., A. J. Baker, C. D. Handley, A. D. Thorpe, W. G. Pearce, G. G. Wilson, J. R. Marks, F. Kissell, W. S. King

Draughtsmen—C. Wood, J. Baird, W. H. Hislop, T. J. McCosker, J. J. Fraser, H. C. W. Wrigg, J. B. Robertson, W. J. C. Slane, A. W. Kemp

Clerks—C. T. Rushbrook, A. R. Stone, J. H. Denton, A. J. Suteliffe, E. Waddell, T. J. Gardiner, J. Holroyd, E. W. L'Estrange, A. R. Tayler, F. E. Banks, H. Grave, G. T. Grace, E. G. Beale, J. A. White, C. A. Alabone, E. J. Edwards, L. M. Shera, S. A. Holland, L. W. Parsons, W. A. Bowie, A. D. Park, H. M. O'Donell, H. Colvin, W. Sotheran, C. Ball, E. J. M. Sargent, A. Ross, P. H. Beaton, R. M. Carroll

Storekeepers—T. Douglas, S. J. Moncrieff, E. Kidd

Clerical Cadette—E. J. Colquhoun

DEPARTMENT OF ROADS.

HEAD OFFICE.

Minister in Charge—Hon. W. Hall-Jones

Chief Engineer—C. W. Hursthous

Chief Clerk—W. S. Short (solicitor)

Chief Accountant—J. R. Smyth

Assistant Accountant—

Clerks—J. O. Anson, H. Arthur, E. H. Baker, W. Barclay, F. Blake, J. W. Black, C. E. Bennett, J. Connell, O. Ellison, A. W. Innes, R. F. Madden, F. Mueller, R. B. Orr, J. B. Poynter, L. E. Johnson

Draughtsman—G. H. Murray

Cadets—J. D. Brosnan, G. F. Jackson, J. M. Tudhope

District Officers.

District Road Engineers—Auckland, A. B. Wright; Te Kuiti, T. Burd; Rotorua, A. C. Turner; Hawke's Bay, D. N. McMillan; Taranaki, G. T. Murray; Wanganui, R. H. Reaney; Wellington, G. F. Robinson; Marlborough. C. H. Williams; Canterbury, F. B. Wither; Southland, J. H. Treseder

Assistant Road Engineers—Auckland, A. H. Vickerman; Rotorua, C. B. Turner, E. M. Donaldson; Te Kuiti, A. Julian, A. L. Sealy; Wellington, T. Carroll

District Accountants—Auckland, G. A. Kallender; Wellington, R. Howe

Clerks—Auckland, H. J. Kallender; Rotorua, W. J. Wiggs; Te Kuiti, F. H. Sims, C. Turner; Hawke's Bay, P. S. Foley; Taranaki, J. Clarke, C. W. Richards; Wanganui, F. Manson, W. Merson, J. R. Cade, R. F. Ballantine; Wellington, P. J. Moran, S. d'A. Grut, T. C. Duncan; Nelson, J. A. Hay; Marlborough, F. H. Ibbetson; Westland, L. Cooper; Canterbury, P. W. Willson; Otago, W. H. Trimble; Southland, N. J. Ryan, R. W. Gill

Cadets—Auckland, H. Watkinson, W. H. Mardon; Rotorua, C. W. Carver; Taranaki, H. Powell; Wanganui, H. A. Joyce. T. L. Cooper; Southland, F. K. Wilkie

Draughtsmen—Auckland, R. C. Anderson; Rotorua, F. I. Ellis; Te Kuiti, J. T. V. Kirby; Hawke's Bay, P. S. Reaney, W. H. Gilmour; Taranaki, C. H. Lawn; Wellington, G. R. Ibbetson

Road Inspectors—Auckland, G. G. Menzies, R. J. Baff, R. R. Menzies, R. Hill, H. H. Thompson, S. R. James, J. Higgins, J. W. Civil; Rotorua, W. Fairley; Te Kuiti, R. Barron, E. J. Early, J. Williamson; Hawke's Bay, T. H. Strauchon, D. G. Robertson; Taranaki, W. J. Worthington, H. C. Strombom, E. Julian, R. D. Tosswill; Wanganui, A. L. Soufflot, R. S. Summers, B. Wolff, W. Waters; Wellington, W. Nathan, J. C. Scott, C. Hardinge, G. T. Whit-; Mclson, J. F. Rasmussen, J. Brough; Westland, W. Adair; Canterbury, R. H. Young, U. Hurrell; Otago, B. Marr, J. Kelly; Southland, H. C. Sutton

Bridge Inspector—Te Kuiti, M. W. Forsyth

Overseers—Auckland, A. L. Menzies; Rotorua, G. H. Donaldson, B. Reilly; Te Kuiti, W. Bond. J. Smyth; Hawke's Bay, J. Allison, A. W. Horne, J. McLeod, E. Hallett, W. Brook; Taranaki, W. Rigg, C. Skitrop, G. Denison, C. E. Bacon, J. Caddy; Wanganui, J. A. Rutherford, E. A. Vine, J. Corlett, E. Gould, G. F. Manson, A. H. Wright; Wellington, W. Boyden, W. Campbell; Nelson, M. Green, J. Quinn, G. Gillbank; Marlborough, T. James, D. Watson; Westland, A. M. Beer, P. Purcell; Otago, P. Fitzpatrick; Southland, J. Maher

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE.

Minister of Defence—The Right Hon. Richard John Seddon, P.C.

Private Secretary—Captain Richard John Spotswood Seddon, N.Z.M.

Under-Secretary—

Senior Clerk—Thomas Francis Grey

Clerical Cadet—David Stanley Lyons

HEADQUARTERS STAFF.

Commandant of the New Zealand Defence Forces—Colonel James Melville Babington, H.M. General Staff (local Major-General)

Staff Officer to Commandant—Captain Charles Lionel Kirwan Campbell, 16th (The Queen's) Lancers

Assistant Adjutant-General—Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Walter Clervaux Chaytor, N.Z.M.

Staff Officer of Artillery—Major George Napier Johnston, N.Z.M. (Captain R.G.A.)

Staff Officer Engineer Services—Captain Alick Christopher Robinson (R.E.), N.Z.M.

Inspecting Officer Defence Cadets and Defence Rifle Clubs—Captain John Gethin Hughes, D.S.O., N.Z.M.

Surgeon-General—Sidney Skerman (V.D.), N.Z.M., N.Z.M.C.

Chief Clerk—William Edward Butler

Clerks—John Frederick Rockstrow, William Rickford Collett, Henry Bingham Jacobs, George Francis Rudkin

Shorthand-writer and Typiste—Elizabeth Maud Gardiner

INSTRUCTORS.

Artillery Instructor—Master-Gunner George S. Richardson (R.A.)

Engineer Instructor—Staff Sergeant-Major J. P. Russell (R.E.)

CENTRAL BOARD OF MILITARY EXAMINATION.

President—Brevet-Colonel William Holden Webb, N.Z.M. (late H.M. 109th Foot)

Executive Officer—Lieutenant Thomas W. McDonald

Clerk—Frank Jennings

MILITARY PENSIONS BOARD.

President—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel William Edward Collins, N.Z.M.C.

Members—Surgeon-Major James R. Purdy, N.Z.M.C.; Surgeon-Captain William E. Herbert, N.Z.M.

DEFENCE STORE DEPARTMENT.

Defence Storekeeper—James O'Sullivan

Assistant Storekeeper—Frederick Silver

NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT FORCE

Royal New Zealand Artillery.

Officer Commanding.

Major John Edward Hume

Officers.

Captain Herbert Edward Pilkington

Captain William P. Wall

Lieutenant Murray Menzies Gardner

Lieutenant George E. B. Mickle

Lieutenant Robert O. Chesney

Lieutenant Sydney G. Sandle

Cadet—Ivon Tatham Standish

Royal New Zealand Engineers.

Lieutenant Frank Symon

Lieutenant Rayner B. Smythe

Lieutenant John Evelyn Duigan

Honorary Captain Robert Fraser (Lieut. R.N.R.)

Honorary Captain Reginald Moorhouse (Lieut. R.N.R.)

Honorary Lieutenant John Macpherson

Honorary Lieutenant William George Nelson

Surgeons.

Surgeon-Captain E. W. Sharman, N.Z.M.C. (Auckland)

Surgeon-Captain Hamilton A. H. Gilmer, N.Z.M. (Wellington)

Honorary Chaplains.

Rev. George P. Davys (Wellington)

Rev. Edward Eliot Chambers (V.D.), (Lyttelton)

OFFICERS COMMANDING MILITIA AND VOLUNTEER DISTRICTS, ADJUTANTS, AND PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICERS.

Auckland.

Officer Commanding District—Brevet-Colonel Richard Hutton Davies, C.B., N.Z.M.

Principal Medical Officer—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Walker, N.Z.M.C.

Wellington.

Officer Commanding District—Brevet-Colonel William Holden Webb, N.Z.M. (late H.M. 109th Foot)

Adjutant—Major Lewis John Joyce, N.Z.M.

Principal Medical Officer—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel William Edward Collins, N.Z.M.C.

Nelson.

Officer Commanding District—Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) George Cecil Burleigh Wolfe, N.Z.M. (late Captain R.M.L.I.)

Adjutant—Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Sydney Vincent Trask, N.Z.M.

Principal Medical Officer—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Relf Pearless (V.D.), N.Z.M.C.

Canterbury.

Officer Commanding District—Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Bauchop, C.M.G., N.Z.M.

Principal Medical Officer—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Thomas (V.D.), N.Z.M.C.

Otago.

Officer Commanding District—Brevet-Colonel Alfred William Robin, C.B., N.Z.M.

Principal Medical Officer—Brigade Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Archibald de Lautour (V.D.), N.Z.M.C.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Head Office.

Commissioner—Walter Dinnie

Chief Clerk and Accountant—Sub-Inspector Arthur H. Wright

Police Force.

Inspectors—John Cullen, John Wybrant Ellison, Robert James Gillies, Terence O'Brien, Ewen Macdonell, Nicholas Kiely, Edward Wilson, Alfred James Mitchell

Sub-Inspectors—Patrick Black, Henry Green, John Dwyer, John O'Donovan, Arthur H. Wright, Douglass Gordon

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS' AND SURVEY.

HEAD OFFICE.

Minister of Lands and Commissioner of State Forests—Hon. Thomas Young Duncan

Under-Secretary for Crown Lands—W. C. Kensington

Acting Surveyor-General—T. Humphries

Chief Draughtsman—F. W. Flanagan

Chief Clerk—F. T. O'Neill

Auditor of Land Revenue—W. G. Runcie

Accountant—R. A. Paterson

AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—J. Mackenzie

District Surveyors—J. Langmuir, G. A. Martin, H. D. M. Haszard, W. J. Wheeler, T. K. Thompson, R. S. Galbraith

Assistant Surveyors—A. G. Allom, H. F. Edgecumbe, W. C. O'Neill

Chief Draughtsman—C. R. Pollen

Receiver of Land Revenue—T. M. Taylor

HAWKE'S BAY DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—E. C. Gold Smith

District Land Officer, Gisborne—F. S. Smith

District Surveyors—F. S. Smith, T. Brook

Chief Draughtsman—James Hay

Receiver of Land Revenue—F. Bull

TARANAKI DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—F. Simpson

District Surveyors—H. M. Skeet, G. H. Bullard, W. T. Morpeth

Chief Draughtsman—W. H. Skinner

Receiver of Land Revenue—F. A. Cullen

WELLINGTON DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—J. Strauchon

District Surveyors—J. D. Climie, F. A. Thompson, H. J. Lowe, J. McKay, J. R. Strachan

Assistant Surveyors—H. E. Girdlestone, E. A. Marchant

Chief Draughtsman—L. Smith

Receiver of Land Revenue—T. G. Wait

NELSON DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—W. G. Murray

District Surveyors—J. A. Montgomerie, J. Snodgrass, R. T. Sadd, J. D. Thomson

Chief Draughtsman—W. D. B. Murray

Receiver of Land Revenue—A. J. Redgrave

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—H. Trent

District Surveyor—D. W. Gillies

Assistant Surveyor—W. C. McAlister

Chief Draughtsman and Receiver of Land Revenue—W. Armstrong

WESTLAND DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—G. J. Roberts

District Surveyors—W. Wilson, H. Maitland, D. A. I. Barron

Chief Draughtsman—T. M. Grant

Receiver of Land Revenue—A. D. A. Macfarlane

CANTERBURY DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—T. Humphries (also Acting Surveyor-General)

District Surveyors—T. N. Brodrick, G. H. McClure

Chief Draughtsman—C. B. Shanks

Receiver of Land Revenue—A. A. McNab

Superintendent of Village Settlements—J. E. March

OTAGO DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—David Barron

District Surveyors—E. H. Wilmot, D. M. Calder, W. T. Neill

Chief Draughtsman—S. Thompson

Receiver of Land Revenue—G. A. Reade

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT.

Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands—John Hay

District Surveyor—

Chief Draughtsman—G. Robinson

Receiver of Land Revenue—H. L. Welch

MEMBERS OF LAND BOARDS.

Auckland—J. Mackenzie, J. Renshaw, A. R. Harris, M. W. Armstrong, W. M. Bankart

Hawke's Bay—E. C. Gold Smith, T. Hyde, R. R. Groom, C. R. Baines, O. E. Bartram

Taranaki—F. Simpson, J. Heslop, James Rattenbury, J. B. Connett, J. McCluggage

Wellington—J. Strauchon, A. Reese, J. Stevens, J. Dawson, F. H. Robinson

Nelson—W. G. Murray, O. Lynch, J. S. Wratt, G. Walker, A. Sinclair

Marlborough—H. Trent, J. Redwood, A. P. Seymour, H. M. Reader, G. Renner

Westland—G. J. Roberts, J. S. Lang, A. Cumming, M. Pollock, G. Mallinson

Canterbury—T. Humphries, A. C. Pringle, J. Sealy, J. Allan, J. Stevenson

Otago—D. Barron, G. Livingstone, J. Tough, J. M. McKenzie, W. Dallas

Southland—J. Hay, A. Kinross, J. McIntyre, D. King, J. McLean

SURVEYORS' BOARD UNDER “ THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS AND BOARD OF EXAMINERS ACT, 1900.”

The Surveyor-General

John Strauchon, Esq

Morgan Carkeek, Esq

The Hon. G. F. Richardson

Thomas Ward, Esq.

The Surveyor-General is ex officio a member of the Board. Of the nominated members, two are selected annually by the Minister of Lands, and two by the Council of the Institute of Surveyors. The Board is one of the Federated Boards of Australasia, and works in conjunction with them.

NATIVE LAND PURCHASE BOARD.

Officer in Charge—P. Sheridan

STATE FORESTS BRANCH.

Chief Forester—H. J. Matthews

Nurserymen in Charge—Rotorua, H. A. Goudie; Eweburn, A. W. Roberts; Tapanui, R. G. Robinson; Kurow, N. Craig; Starborough, W. Cromb; Hanmer Springs, T. B. Curle; Ruatangata, L. J. Adams

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

Minister for Immigration—Right Hon. R. J. Seddon

Under-Secretary—W. C. Kensington

VALUATION DEPARTMENT.

Minister in Charge—Hon. C. H. Mills

Valuer-General—G. F. C. Campbell

Officers in Charge—A. J. McGowan, Auckland; A. E. Fowler, Wellington; R. Hepworth, Christchurch; A. Clothier, Dunedin; T. Oswin, Invercargill

Clerks—J. W. Black, H. L. Wiggins, G. Halliday, J. Atkinson, C. J. Lovatt, H. A. Anderson, F. C. Douglas

Draughtsman—H. H. Seed

Inspecting Valuer—John P. Dugdale

District Valuers—James I. Wilson, jun., Whangarei; W. F. Thompson, Peria; W. Garrett, J. J. Reynolds, B. J. Esam, G. W. Hyde, Auckland; H. D. Coutts, Te Kuiti; C. F. Lewis, Gisborne; W. E. Griffin, Napier; H. J. C. Coutts, Hawera; S. Hill, New Plymouth; A. Barns, Wanganui; R. Gardner, Palmerston North; G. H. Lloyd, Woodville; J. Fraser, Masterton; J. Ames, F. N. Martin, Wellington; T. W. Caverhill, Petone; E. Kenny, Picton; J. Glen, Nelson; J. Webster, Hokitika; H. Murray, W. L. Kernahan, A. Freeman, Christchurch; E. A. Atkinson, Oamaru; W. L. Craig, J. Wright, H. G. Fisher, Dunedin; R. Milne, Milton; J. George, Queenstown; John Smaill, Gore; A. Pyper, Invercargill

Clerks—Auckland, T. C. Somers, F. B. Robertson; Christchurch, A. Millar, J. M. Wheeler, C. J. Walker; Dunedin, C. de R. Andrews

Cadets—Auckland, P. G. Pearce; Wellington, G. J. Russell, W. Lovell, A. T. McCaw, C. J. Hurley; Christchurch, H. H. Ffitch; Dunedin, D. Corcoran, F. K Tucker; Invercargill, G. Forbes

Cadettes—Wellington, G. F. Cooke; Christchurch, N. Smythe; Dunedin, M. J. Drysdale

“THE LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACT, 1900.”

LAND PURCHASE BOARD.

Chairman and Land Purchase Inspector—A. Barron

Under-Secretary for Lands—W. C. Kensington

Surveyor-General—J. W. A. Marchant

Also for the following districts:

Auckland—

J. Mackenzie, Commissioner of Crown Lands

R. Hall

Hawke's Bay—

E. C. Gold Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Thomas Hyde

Wellington—

J. Strauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Alexander Reese

Taranaki—

F. Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands

John Heslop

Marlborough—

H. Trent, Commissioner of Crown Lands

J. H. Redwood

Nelson—

W. G. Murray, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Francis Hamilton

Westland—

G. J. Roberts, Commissioner of Crown Lands (A vacancy at present exists)

Canterbury—

T. Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands

A. C. Pringle

Otago—

D. Barron, Commissioner of Crown Lands

A. McKerrow

Southland—

J. Hay, Commissioner of Crown Lands A. Kinross

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE

Public Trustee—J. W. Poynton

Deputy Public Trustee and Chief Clerk—A. A. K. Duncan

Solicitor—F. J. Wilson

Inspector—T. S. Ronaldson

Accountant—T. D. Kendall

Examiner—A. Purdie

Clerks-in-Charge—T. Stephens, W. A. Fordham, C. Zachariah, P. Hervey. Clerks—E. C. Reeve, P. T. Fair, G. A. Smyth, E. A. Smythe, K. N. H. Browne, W. Barr, E. O. Hales, S. W.

Smith, C. A. Goldsmith, H. Masters, R. Price, N. M. Chesney, H. Turner, C. M. Calders, M. E. Nash, J. Menzies, E. P. Hay, A. C. Bretherton, N. M. Macdougall, A. L. Chappell, G. H. Chesterman, D. H. W. Du Vall, A. H. T. Jones, J. W. Macdonald, E. E. McLean, A. Mackay, P. Naylor, E. C. Clarke, G. H. Elliffe, A. J. Tobin, W. G. Baird

District Agent, Christchurch—M. C. Barnett. Clerks—W. S. McGowan, G. P. Purnell, P. A. Devereux, A. K. Hadfield, A. W. Ironside

District Agent, Auckland—E. F. Warren. Clerks—A. J. Cross, G. M. Morris, A. R. Jordan, S. Hunter

District Agent, Napier—J. B. Jack. Cadette—J. J. Hutson.

District Agent, Dunedin—F. H. Morice. Clerks—J. Allen, C. F. Young, V. E. Moon, R. A. Ward

District Agent, Greymouth—T. R. Say well. Cadet—A. W. Watters

District Agent, Nelson—E. P. Watkis

West Coast Settlement Reserves Agent and District Agent, New Plymouth—Thomas W. Fisher. Clerks—H. Oswin, A. Quinney

GOVERNMENT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.

Commissioner—J. H. Richardson, F.F.A., F.I.A.V.

Assistant Commissioner—D. M. Luckie

Actuary—Morris Fox

Secretary—W. B. Hudson

Accountant—G. W. Barltrop

Chief Medical Officer—T. Cahill, M.D.

Assistant Actuary—P. Muter

Chief Clerk—R. C. Niven

Office Examiner—G. C. Kennedy

Clerks—J. W. Kinniburgh, W. S. Smith, A. H. Hamerton, A. Avery, F. B. Bolt, T. L. Barker, A. L. B. Jordan, H. S. Manning, H. Rose, C. E. Galwey, A. T. Traversi, G. Webb, F. K. Keelling, J. B. Young, R. P. Hood, G. A. N. Campbell, J. A. Thomson, A. de Castro, H. L. Levestam, C. H. E. Stichbury, R. T. Smith, S. P. Hawthorne, J. G. Reid, J. R. Samson, R. Fullerton, G. S. Nicoll, T. Fouhy, G. E. Sadd, W. H. Woon, W. Spence, H. Wylie, W. J. Ewart, T. M. Dimant, B. Trevithick. P. A. Anderson, M. A. Spicer, E. Tooman, H. Nicoll, E. K. Hay, I. Coulthard, W. E. Arnold, W. Thompson, I. E. Foot.

Chief Messenger—W. Archer

AUCKLAND AGENCY.

District Manager—W. J. Speight

Chief Clerk—G. Crichton

Clerks—C. H. Ralph, P. M. West.

NAPIER AGENCY.

Resident Agent—J. H. Dean

WANGANUI AGENCY.

Resident Agent—A. E. Allison

Clerk—F. D. Banks

WELLINGTON AGENCY.

District Manager and Supervisor of New Business—G. Robertson

Chief Clerk—M. J. K. Heywood

Clerks—W. C. Marchant, A. M. McDonald, G. H. Brialey

NELSON AGENCY.

Resident Agent—A. P. Burnes

Clerk—G. L. Osborne

GREYMOUTH AGENCY.

Resident Agent—R. S. Latta

Clerk—W. Copeland

CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY.

District Manager—J. C. Prudhoe

Chief Clerk—J. K. Blenkhorn

Clerk—G. J. Robertson

TIMARU AGENCY.

Resident Agent—S. T. Wicksteed

OAMARU AGENCY.

Resident Agent—A. W. G. Burnes

Clerk—J. R. Wallace

DUNEDIN AGENCY.

District Manager—R. S. McGowan

Chief Clerk—O. H. Pinel

Clerks—A. Marryatt, T. P. Laurenson

INVERCARGILL AGENCY.

Resident Agent—J. Findlay

Clerk—J. Hendry

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS OFFICE.

Superintendent—P. Heyes

Assistant Superintendent—W. Waddel

Accountant—W. N. Hinchliffe

Clerks—J. E. Thompson, C. B. Collins, C. T. Fraser, A. W. Knowles, A. A. Prichard, W. Auld, T. W. Foote, H. S. O'Rourke, C. D. Wilson, R. G. McLennan, A. Tudhope, J. F. O'Leary, T. W. Vickery. Typist—F. W. Crombie

Cadets—J. J. M. Harvey, F. J. R. Gledhill, S. O. Clarke

STATE FIRE INSURANCE OFFICE.

HEAD OFFICE.

General Manager—J. W. Brindley

Acting Accountant and Chief Clerk—J. H. Jerram

Fire Surveyor—F. H. Pope

Corresponding and Record Clerk—O. S. Jones

Clerks—C. H. T. Skelley, G. W. Greenish, A. P. Brown.

Typiste—A. Coltman

Cadets—H. J. Thompson, A. Berry, D. Hutton, W. Watson, E. McPherson, P. Pattle

BRANCHES.

Auckland.

Manager—R. J. Lusher

Chief Clerk—C. J. McKean

Cadets—N. S. Boylan, F. R. Gruzning

Canterbury.

Manager—F. J G. Wilkinson

Chief Clerk—K. B. Bain

Cadets—Cecil Marshall, D. Morrison

Otago and Southland.

Manager—G. J. C. Smart

Chief Clerk—W. Dobson

Cadets—T. A. Fraser, R. McLean

CADETS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE TO BE VOLUNTEERS.

Cadets in the Civil Service are required, after arriving at the age of eighteen years, to serve for three years in a Volunteer corps. Heads of Departments are required to see that cadets who come within the regulations join the Volunteer Force, and serve for the period named, and also to notify the Under-Secretary for Defence of the appointment of all cadets coming within this regulation.

Chapter 18. ECCLESIASTICAL.

THERE is no State Church in the colony, 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.

CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW ZEALAND, COMMONLY CALLED THE “CHURCH OF ENGLAND.”

Bishops.

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

The Right Reverend Moore Richard Neligan, D.D., Auckland; consecrated 1903.

The Right Rev. William Leonard Williams, D.D., Waiapu; consecrated 1895.

The Right Rev. Frederic Wallis, D.D., Wellington; consecrated 1895.

The Right Rev. Charles Oliver Mules, M.A., Nelson; consecrated 1892.

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

The Right Rev. Cecil Wilson, M.A., Melanesia; consecrated 1894.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Archbishop.

The Most Rev. Francis Redwood, S.M., D.D., Archbishop and Metropolitan, Wellington; consecrated 1874.

Bishops.

The Right Rev. George Michael Lenihan, D.D., Auckland; consecrated 1896.

The Right Rev. John Joseph Grimes, S.M., D.D., Christchurch; consecrated 1887.

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

ANNUAL MEETINGS AND OFFICERS.

The principal present heads or officers of the various Churches, and the places and times of holding the annual or periodical assemblies or meetings, are as follow:—

Church of England.—For Church purposes, the colony is divided into six dioceses—viz., Auckland, Waiapu, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The General Synod meets every third year in one or other of the dioceses. Representatives attend from each diocese, and also from the diocese of Melanesia. President, the Bishop of Dunedin, Primate. The Diocesan Synods meet once a year, under the presidency of the Bishop of the diocese. The next General Synod will be held in Dunedin, on the 28th January, 1907.

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 colony. 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 colony.

Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.—The General Assembly will meet on the first Tuesday of November, 1906, in First Church, Dunedin. Moderator, the Rev. David Borrie, Dunedin; Senior Clerk, Rev. David Sidey, D.D., Napier; Junior Clerk, Rev. David Borrie, Dunedin; Treasurer, Rev. W. J. Comrie; Presbyterian Church Offices, Wellington; Theological Professors, Rev. John Dunlop, M.A., D.D., and Rev. Michael Watt, M.A., D.D., Dunedin; Tutor in Greek, Mr. James Dunbar, Dunedin.

Methodist Church of Australasia in New Zealand.—The annual New Zealand Conference meets on or about the last Tuesday in February, the exact date being determined by the President, who holds office for one year. Each Conference determines where the next one shall assemble. President (1906–7), Rev. T. G. Brooke, New Plymouth; Secretary, Rev. C. H. Laws, B.A., Dunedin. The next Conference is to meet in Durham Street Church, Christchurch.

Primitive Methodist Connexion.—A Conference takes place every January. The next is to be held at New Plymouth, commencing 10th January, 1907. The Conference officials for the present year are: President, Mr. Charles Bellringer, New Plymouth; Vice-President, Rev. J. Olphert, Feilding; Secretary, Rev. Ben Dudley, Waddington, Canterbury; Hon. District Secretary, Mr. D. Goldie, Pitt Street, Auckland; Treasurer of Mission Funds, Mr. Joseph Watkinson, Wapiti, Auckland.

Baptist Union of New Zealand.—President, Mr. A. S. Adams, Dunedin; Vice-President, Mr. H. M. Smeeton, Auckland; Secretary, Rev. R. S. Gray, Christchurch; Treasurer, Mr. A. Chidgey, Christchurch; Mission Secretary, Rev. J. C. Martin, Christchurch; Mission Treasurer, Mr. A. Hoby, Wellington. The Union comprises 39 churches, 25 preaching - stations, 4,076 members, and a constituency of 17,000. The denominational organ is the New Zealand Baptist; Editor, Rev. F. W. Boreham, Mosgiel. The Foreign Missionary Society, with an average income of $1,400, employs a doctor, a missionary, three zenana ladies, and 13 Native helpers. The sphere of operations is in North Tipperah, East Bengal.

Congregational Union of New Zealand.—The annual meetings are held during the month of February, at such place as may be decided on by vote of the Council. Chairman for 1906, Rev. G. Heighway, Dunedin; Chairman-elect, Rev. W. Day, Mount Eden; Secretary, Rev. John Wilkins, Auckland; Treasurer, Mr. W. H. Lyon, Auckland; Registrar, Mr. G. Hunt, Wellington; Head Office, Auckland. In 1907 the meeting of the Council will be held at Dunedin. The Committee of the Union meets in Auckland on the second Tuesday of each month.

Hebrews.—Ministers: Rev. S. A. Goldstein, Auckland; Rev. H. van Staveren, Wellington; Rev. I. Bernstein, Christchurch; Rev. A. T. Chodowski, Dunedin; Mr. Alexander Singer, Hokitika. Annual meetings of the general congregations are usually held at these places during the month of Elul (about the end of August).

Chapter 19. DEFENCES, MILITARY AND NAVAL.

THE defence forces consist of the Royal N.Z. Artillery and Royal N.Z. Engineers, and the auxiliary forces of Volunteers, Field Artillery, Garrison Artillery, Engineers (submarine mining and field), Mounted Rifles, Rifle, Cycle, Field Hospital and Bearer Corps, Defence Rifle, Clubs, and Defence Cadets. There is a Commander of the Forces, who is an Imperial officer. A Royal Artillery officer is Staff Officer for Artillery. A Royal Engineer officer is Staff Officer for Engineer Services. To the Under-Secretary for Defence all questions of expenditure are referred.

MILITIA AND VOLUNTEER DISTRICTS.

The two Islands (North and Middle) are divided into five military districts, each commanded by an officer of field rank, with an Adjutant and clerical staff, besides a staff of N.C.O.s, mostly drawn from the Imperial Army, for instruction of Volunteers.

ROYAL N.Z. ARTILLERY.

This Force is divided into four detachments, which are stationed at Auckland, Wellington (headquarters), Lyttelton, and Dunedin; their principal duties are to look after and take charge of all guns, ordnance stores, ammunition, and munitions of war at these four centres. The Force has a strength of 261 of all ranks, the authorised establishment being 272.

ROYAL N.Z. ENGINEERS.

This branch is divided between Auckland and Wellington, with small detachments at Lyttelton and Port Chalmers, and has a strength of 94 of all ranks, the authorised establishment being 101. They have charge of two submarine-mining steamers of the “Sir F. Chapman” class, and of all submarine-mining and electric-light stores.

VOLUNTEERS.—FIELD ARTILLERY.

There are six batteries of Field Artillery. They are armed with 15-pounder B.L. and 6-pounder Nordenfeldts, on field carriages, and go into camp annually for sixteen days. Present strength, 440 of all ranks (34 officers and 406 other ranks).

VOLUNTEERS.—NAVAL AND GARRISON ARTILLERY.

There are nine Garrison Artillery Corps. They go into camp-annually for sixteen days. Present strength, 52 officers and 851 other ranks.

VOLUNTEERS.—ENGINEERS.

There are six Engineer Corps, two Submarine Mining and four Field Corps, with a total strength of 519 of all ranks. The Submarine Miners have cutters, &c., provided, and are instructed in rowing, knotting, splicing, signalling, and other duties pertaining to this branch of the service. Attendance at an annual camp is also compulsory. The Field Engineers, besides carrying rifles, are provided with entrenching tools and all appliances for blowing up bridges or laying land mines. Both Submarine Mining and Field. Engineers go into camp for sixteen days each year.

VOLUNTEERS.—MOUNTED RIFLES.

There are seventy-two corps of Mounted Rifles. These corps go into camp for an annual training of seven days. Present strength, 359 officers, 3,834 other ranks.

VOLUNTEERS.—INFANTRY CORPS.

In this branch of the service there are a hundred and twenty-one corps, with a strength of 469 officers, 6,569 other ranks. These corps go into camp for an annual training of six days.

VOLUNTEERS.—CYCLE CORPS.

There are Volunteer Cycle Corps at Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, of a maximum strength of two officers and thirty-two non-commissioned officers, rank and file: they are attached to the infantry battalions at those centres. To the Cycle Corps at Christchurch and Dunedin is attached a Signalling Detachment of two officers and thirty-four other ranks. The Signalling Detachments at other centres are attached to Infantry Corps.

VOLUNTEERS.—FIELD HOSPITAL AND BEARER CORPS.

Volunteer Field Hospital and Bearer Corps at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin are of a maximum strength of three officers and fifty non-commissioned officers, rank and file. There is also a Bearer Corps at Nelson of a maximum strength of two officers and twenty-five non-commissioned officers, rank and file.

VOLUNTEERS.—GARRISON BANDS.

There are five Garrison Bands, with a total member ship of 139.

VOLUNTEERS.—DEFENCE CADET CORPS.

There is a force of fifty-eight Cadet Corps, with a total strength of 3,129 of all ranks.

DEFENCE RIFLE CLUBS.

These have lately been established by the Government. Members can purchase rifles at cost-price from Government. An annual grant of ammunition is made to those members who fulfil conditions as to quarterly drills, &c. There are 116 Rifle Clubs, comprising 3,045 members.

ARMS, ETC.

The whole of the adult portion of the Force have Lee-Enfield carbines or rifles; cadets being armed with magazine Lee-Enfield and Martini-Enfield carbines. Defence Rifle Clubs are armed with magazine Lee-Enfield rifles.

ENROLMENT, ETC.

Members of the Permanent Forces are enrolled to serve for a period of eight years from enrolment, the last three years of such being in the Reserve. Every member may, at the expiration of five years' service, if of good character, be allowed to continue in active service for a period of sixteen years.

INSTRUCTORS.

The Instructors for Artillery and Engineer and Submarine Mining Corps are obtained from the School of Gunnery at Shoeburyness, and from the Royal Engineers respectively, under a three years' engagement, on completion of which they return to their regiments, if not re-engaged for a further term.

CAPITATION.

An annual capitation of $2 10s. is granted to each efficient garrison and field artillery and infantry Volunteer, $3 10s. to each efficient mounted Volunteer, and 7s. 6d. to each efficient cadet. Two hundred and thirty rounds of ball cartridge are issued each year free to every adult Volunteer, and fifty rounds to each cadet over thirteen years of age.

ADMINISTRATION.

The defence forces of New Zealand are administered under “The Defence Act, 1886,” and “The Defence Act Amendment Act, 1890,” and the General Regulations of the Defence Forces of New Zealand.

EXPENDITURE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF DEFENCES FROM 1897–98 TO 1904–5.
Year.Military Expenditure.Harbour Defences.Total.

The special expenditure on account of contingents for South Africa is not included.

 £££
1897–9883,0042,52585,529
1898–99114,78910,158124,947
1899–1900184,9705,328190,298
1900–1156,2183,960160,178
1901–2250,4786,678257,156
1902–3292,0816,126298,207
1903–4221,9592,885224,844
1904–5239,3332,515241,848

Chapter 20. DEPOTS FOR SHIPWRECKED MARINERS.

OUTLYING ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

MARINERS are informed that depots of provisions and clothing for castaways are established on the following islands:—

Kermadec Islands.—There are two depots, each a small iron shed, fitted with spouting and a tank to catch water, and containing a supply of clothing, biscuits, medicines, tools, &c. One is in 30° 15' S., 178° 31' W., at Lava Cascade, about 1 1/2 cables south-eastward of the northern point of Macaulay Island; the other is in 30° 35' S., 178° 36' W., on the southern side of Macdonald Cove (crater), on the N.W. side of Curtis Island.

Snares Islands.—A depot is established in 48° Of S., 166° 33 3/4' E., in Boat Harbour, at the eastern end of N.E. Island.

Bounty Islands.—The depot is a hut at an elevation of 120 ft., visible from the northward, and situated in 47° 43 1/4' S., 179° 0 1/2' E., southward of the western inlet of the principal island—the north-eastern—of the western group.

Antipodes Islands.—The depot is a hut at an elevation of 100 ft., visible from some distance north-eastward, and situated in 49° 40' S., 178° 50' E., 300 ft. from the landing-place, on the N.E. side of the large island, and half a mile westward of its east point.

Auckland Islands.—There are three depots on the principal island: one, a square wooden house, in 50° 33 1/4' S., 166° 12' E., and a boat near the depot, on the S. side of Erebus Cove, Port Ross; on the E. side and at the northern end of the island; the second is in 50° 44 1/2' S., 166° 8' E., at the head of Norman Inlet (wrongly named “Musgrave Inlet” on charts), and not at the inlet named Norman Inlet, two miles and a half northward; the third, and a boat for shipwrecked people, is in 50° 50 1/2' S., 166° 1' E., in the western arm of Camp Cove, Carnley Harbour, at the S. end of the island. A lifeboat has been placed on Enderby Island, the northeastern of the group; another at the N.W. end of Adams Island, the southern of the group; and one on Rose Island, immediately S.W. of Enderby Island.

Campbell Island.—The depot, indicated by a white staff and a boat, is in 52° 33' S., 169° 6 1/2' E., in Tucker Cove, at the head of S. or Perseverance Harbour, on the east side of the island.

Finger-posts to indicate the positions of the depots are erected on all these islands. The Government steamer visits the Kermadec Islands once a year; and the Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, and Campbell Islands twice a year.

VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Depots with provisions and other necessaries for shipwrecked mariners have been established at Cape Beale Lighthouse in 48° 47 1/2' N., 125° 13 1/2' W., and Carmanah Lighthouse in 48° 36 3/4' N., 124° 46 1/2' W.

Notice boards have been erected at intervals between Cape Beale and Port San Juan (about twelve miles eastward of Carmanah Lighthouse), giving information for the use of shipwrecked mariners respecting the direction and distance of the nearest lighthouse, and also of the nearest Indian village where assistance can be obtained.

A note to this effect has been placed on the Admiralty charts; also, that Cape Beale and Carmanah Lighthouse are telegraph and signal stations.

INDIAN OCEAN: AMSTERDAM, ST. PAUL, AND KERGUELEN ISLANDS.

Depots containing provisions and clothing for the use of shipwrecked seamen have been established by the French vessel-of-war “Eure” on Amsterdam, St. Paul, and Kerguelen Islands.

Amsterdam Island.—The depot is in a large cavern, in approximately 37° 48 3/4' S., 77° 32 1/2' E., in the side of a hill, about 800 yards S., 73° W. from Hosken Point, the N.E. extremity of the island, and bears N. 85° W., about 600 yards from the first flagstaff southward of that point. At the entrance of the cavern is a board, fixed to two upright tarred posts, with the inscription, “France, Vivres, Vétements pour naufragés, ‘Eure,’ Janvier, 1893,” on it. This depot contains 1,350 lb. of preserved beef, 1,125 lb. of biscuit, ten woollen shirts, ten pairs cotton drawers, ten blankets, and one soldered metal red box containing four packets of matches. The landing-place used by the “Eure” is about 400 yards southward of Hoskin Point, and under the above flagstaff.

Directions for finding the Depot.—Having landed, go to either of the flagstaffs, from whence a cross will be seen; from the cross follow the direction of its arms, leading past two ruins of rough stones, and then directly to the cavern, the entrance to which faces seaward. In the cavern, besides the provisions and clothing, there are cots, a cooking-pot, and dry wood, left by the fishermen who sometimes live there. Cabbage and celery will be found near, and fish and lobsters (crayfish) abound near the landing-place.

St. Paul Island.—The depot is in a hut of rough stones with a thatched roof, in approximately 38° 42 3/4' S., 77° 34 3/4' E., on the northern side of the crater, near the jetty and about 50 yards from the flagstaff, and contains 1,350 lb. of preserved beef in boxes of 9 lb., 1,125 lb. of biscuits, ten woollen shirts, ten blankets, and one soldered metal box containing four packets of matches. The provisions and clothes are in thirteen iron-hooped barrels coated with tar and sand, and placed under a tarpaulin. On the door of the hut is the inscription, “France, Vivres et Vétements pour naufragés, ‘Eure,’ Janvier, 1893”; and a similar inscription is on a board within the hut.

Kerguelen Island.—The depot is approximately 49° 16 3/4' S., 69° 40 1/2' E., in the south-eastern part of Jachmann Peninsula, Hillsborough Bay, near the south-western shore of the eastern lake, and about 1/2 mile northward of the coast, opposite Gazelle Basin. It is in a cave at the foot of the W. cliff of a rocky chasm, running N. and S., and its position is indicated by a stone cairn, 11 1/2 ft. in height, and about 14 ft. broad at the base, erected on the summit of the W. cliff of the chasm. This cairn, visible from Gazelle Basin, is black, and shows clearly against the grey rocks which form the back ground. The entrance to the cave has been closed by large stones, and on the cliff a few yards above it is the inscription, “Vivres et Vétements, ‘Eure,’ Janvier, 1893.” This depot contains 2,250 lb. of preserved beef in boxes of 9 lb., 1,125 lb. of biscuits, twenty swan-skin shirts, twenty pairs of woollen drawers, twenty woollen blankets, and four packets of matches. The boxes of preserved beef are stowed in a pile, coated with coal-tar. The biscuits are in four iron-hooped barrels, thickly covered with coal-tar. The clothes are in two similar barrels. The matches are in a box similar to the beef-boxes, painted with minium (red lead) and with a label of the contents on it.

In the event of the cairn being destroyed, the following directions should be followed to find the depot: Land on the N. side of the inlet opposite Gazelle Basin, in a small creek, sheltered by a rocky point, where boats may go alongside under any circumstances of wind or tide. Proceed directly inland about 1/2 mile as far as the shore of the lake, then turn to the westward and follow the lake to its western end, where the chasm in which the depot is situated will be seen on the left band.

CROZET ISLANDS.

Provision depots for the benefit of shipwrecked persons are established at the following islands:—

Hog Island.—The provision depot is a hut, in 40° 6 1/2' S., 50° 14 1/2' E., near the landing-place on the eastern side of the island, 2 1/4 miles southward of the Five Giants, which lie off the N.E. point of the island. In December, 1887, the French vessel “La Meurthe” left at this depot one ton of preserved beef, 1/2 ton of biscuit, 3/4 cwt. of sardines in oil, twenty blankets, fifteen pairs of shoes, and fifteen pairs of cloth trousers, all carefully packed in boxes; also two spears, two hatchets, and cooking utensils.

Possession Island.—The provision depot consists of huts, in 46° 23' S., 51° 46 1/2' E., about 100 yards from the coast in the S.E. corner of American Bay, which is on the E. side of the island, and about 7 miles from Dark Head, the N.E. point. H.M.S. “Comus,” in 1880, left here sufficient provisions for fifty people for fifty days, also jerseys, trousers, stockings, and shoes. The provisions were intact when the island was visited by the French vessel “La Meurthe” in December, 1887.

Chapter 21. GRAVING-DOCKS AND PATENT SLIPS.

VESSELS visiting New Zealand, and requiring docking or repairs, will find ample accommodation at the principal ports of the colony.

There are in New Zealand four graving docks; two of these are situated in Auckland, one at Lyttelton, and one at Port Chalmers.

AUCKLAND DOCKS.

The Auckland docks are the property of the Auckland Harbour Board, and cost, with machinery, appliances, &c., £250,300. The dimensions of the docks at Auckland are as follow:—

 Calliope Dock.Auckland Dock.
Length over all525 feet.312 feet.
Length on floor500 feet.300 feet.
Breadth over all110 feet.65 feet.
Breadth on floor40 feet.42 feet.
Breadth at entrance80 feet.43 feet.
Depth of water on sill (at high water, ordinary spring tides)33 feet.13 1/2 feet.

Alterations have been made to the lower altars of Calliope Dock which will enable vessels of 63 ft. beam to be docked without any difficulty.

The following is the scale of charges for the use of the Auckland and Calliope Graving-docks and appliances:—

AUCKLAND GRAVING-DOCK.
 £s.d.
Entrance fee110
For every vessel of 100 tons (gross register), or under, per day500
For every vessel from 101 to 200 tons (gross register), per day600
For every additional ton (gross register), per day002

Twenty per cent. reduction on the above rates will be allowed when two or three vessels dock on the same tide, and remain in dock the same number of hours, but such reduction will not be allowed if any of the Auckland Harbour Board's vessels are docked at the same time as another vessel.

For shores cut in docking or hanging the vessel there must be paid, according to injury done, such amount as may be fixed by the Dock-master.

For use of steam-kiln, 10s. per day.

For use of pitch-furnace, 10s. per day.

CALLIOPE GRAVING DOCK.

 £s.d.
Entrance fee550
For all vessels up to 300 tons (gross register), for four days or less2000
For all vessels 301 to 400 tons (gross register), for four days or less22100
For all vessels 401 to 500 tons (gross register), for four days or less2500
For all vessels 501 to 600 tons (gross register), for four days or less27100
For all vessels 601 to 700 tons (gross register), for four days or less3000
For all vessels 701 to 800 tons (gross register), for four days or less32100
For all vessels 801 to 900 tons (gross register), for four days or less3500
For all vessels 901 to 1,000 tons (gross register), for four days or less37100
For all vessels 1,001 to 1,100 tons (gross register), for four days or less4000
For all vessels 1,101 to 1,200 tons (gross register), for four days or less4500
For all vessels 1,201 tons (gross register) and upwards, for four days or less5000

After the fourth day in dock the following rates will be charged:—

For all vessels up to 500 tons (gross register)4d. per ton a day.
For all vessels up to 501 to 1,000 tons (gross register)3d. per ton a day.
For all vessels up to 1,001 to 2,000 tons (gross register)2 3/4d. per ton a day.
For all vessels up to 2,001 to 3,000 tons (gross register)2 1/2d. per ton a day.
For all vessels up to 3,001 to 4,000 tons (gross register)2 1/4d. per ton a day.
For all vessels up to 4,001 tons (gross register) and upwards2d. per ton a day.

Twenty per cent. reduction on the above rates will be allowed when two or three vessels dock on the same tide and remain in dock the same number of hours, but such reduction will not be allowed if any of the Auckland Harbour Board's vessels are docked at the same time as another vessel.

For shores cut in docking or hanging the vessel, there shall be paid, according to injury done, such amount as may be fixed by the Dockmaster.

During the year 1905, 105 vessels of various descriptions, with a total of 28,112 tons, made use of the Auckland Graving-dock, occupying it in all 259 days, for repairs or painting.

In Calliope Dock 18 vessels were docked, with an aggregate tonnage of 29,339, and occupying the dock for 173 days.

Dock dues for the year amounted to £3,208 7s. 5d.

Under arrangement with the Admiralty, a complete plant of the most efficient and modern machinery has been provided at Calliope Dockyard. The workshops are now erected, and all the machinery is placed in position, with the exception of the shear-legs, for which a contract has now been let. This plant includes 80-ton shear-legs complete; trolly to carry 80 tons, and rails; 10-ton steam-crane at side of dock, engines, boilers, overhead travellers; planing, shaping, and slotting machines; radial drills, vertical drills, band saws for iron, punching and shearing machines, plate-bending rolls; 24 in. centre gantry lathe, 70 ft. bed; 9 in. and 12 in. gantry lathes, milling - machines, emery grinders, screwing - machines, ditto for pipes, horizontal boring - machines, Root's blower, smiths' forges (six), coppersmith's forge, levelling-slabs, steam - hammers, lead-furnace, wall-cranes, zinc-bath, plate-furnace, jib crane for foundry, circular-saw bench, band saw for wood, lathe for wood, general joiners' and carpenters' benches (four), kiln for steaming boards, Fox's trimmer, cupola to melt 5 tons of metal, countersinking - machine, pipe-bending machine, tools of various descriptions, moulders' bins, force-pumps for testing pipes, vice-benches, electric-light engines, dynamos (two), &c., and all other appliances and machinery required to render the plant adequate to repair any of His Majesty's ships upon the station or any merchant vessel visiting the port. The dock and machinery will be available for use, when not required for His Majesty's vessels, in effecting repairs to any merchant vessel requiring same. Electric lights have been provided for workshops, dock, and dockyard. The dockyard is now connected by telephone with the central exchange. An abundant supply of the purest fresh water is available at Calliope Dock and Calliope Wharf; and a most complete establishment of up-to-date machinery and appliances has been provided.

WELLINGTON PATENT SLIP.

The Port of Wellington has no dock; but there is a well-equipped patent slip at Evans Bay, on which vessels of 2,000 tons can be safely hauled up. This slip is the property of a private company, and is in no way connected with the Harbour Board. It is 1,070 ft. long, with a cradle 260 ft. in length. There is a depth of 32 ft. at high water at the outer end of the slip. A dolphin and buoys are laid down for swinging ships in Evans Bay.

The company has convenient workshops, which contain machinery necessary for effecting all ordinary repairs to vessels using the slip.

During the year ended 31st March, 1905, 111 vessels of various sizes, of an aggregate of 47,555 tons, were taken up on the slip for repairs, cleaning, painting, &c. The charges for taking vessels on the slip and launching them are 1s. per ton on the gross tonnage for the first full twenty-four hours, and 6d. per ton per day after-wards, unless by special agreement.

LYTTELTON DOCK AND PATENT SLIP.

The Graving-dock at Lyttelton, which is the property of the Harbour Board, is capable of docking men-of-war, or almost all of the large ocean steamers now running to the colony. Its general dimensions are: Length over all, 503 ft.; length on floor, 450 ft.; length inside caisson at a height of 4 ft. above the floor, 462 ft.; breadth over all, 82 ft.; breadth on floor, 46 ft.; breadth at entrance, 62 ft.; breadth where ship's bilge would be, on 6 ft. blocks, 55 ft.; available docking depth at this breadth, 17 ft.; depth of water on sill at high water, springs, 23 ft.

The scale of charges for the use of the dock and pumping machinery is as follows:—

 £s.d.
For all vessels up to 300 tons, for four days or less2000
For all vessels up to 301 to 400 tons, for four days or less22100
For all vessels up to 401 to 500 tons, for four days or less2500
For all vessels up to 501 to 600 tons, for four days or less27100
For all vessels up to 601 to 700 tons, for four days or less3000
For all vessels up to 701 to 800 tons, for four days or less32100
For all vessels up to 801 to 900 tons, for four days or less3500
For all vessels up to 901 to 1,000 tons, for four days or less37100
For all vessels up to 1,001 to 1,100 tons, for four days or less4000
For all vessels up to 1,101 to 1,200 tons, for four days or less4500
For all vessels up to 1,201 tons and upwards, for four days or less5000

After the fourth day in dock, the following rates are charged:—

For all vessels up to 500 tons    4d. per ton per day.
For all vessels of 501 tons to 1,000 tons per ton per day.    3d. per ton per day.
For all vessels over 1,001 tons up to 2,000 tons per ton per day.    2 ¾d. per ton per day.
For all vessels over 2,001 tons up to 3,000 tons per ton per day.    2 ½d. per ton per day.
For all vessels over 3,001 tons up to 4,000 tons per ton per day.    2 ¼ per ton per day.
For all vessels over 4,001 tons up to 5,000 tons per ton per day.    2d. per ton per day.

Twenty per cent. reduction on the above rates is allowed when two or three vessels can arrange to dock on the same tide and remain in dock the same number of hours. Two vessels of 1,000 tons each can be docked at the same time. The 20-per-cent. rebate is not allowed if any of the Lyttelton Harbour Board's vessels are docked at the same time as another vessel. The twenty-four hours constituting the first day of docking commences from the time of the dock being pumped out.

Any vessel belonging to H.M. Navy or any colonial Government, or any commissioned ship belonging to any foreign nation, is admitted into the graving-dock without payment of the usual dock dues, but is charged only such sum as is necessary for the reimbursement of actual expenditure of stores, wages, and materials.

There are electric lights, one on each side of the graving-dock; and there are engineering works within a short distance of it, where repairs and heavy foundry-work can be undertaken.

The graving-dock and machinery cost £105,000. The interest and sinking fund on that sum, at 6 1/2 per cent., amounts to £6,825 per annum. Since its construction the dock dues for the twenty-three years ended 31st December, 1905, amounted to £24,222, and the working-expenses to £14,638, leaving a balance for twenty-three years ended 31st December, 1905, of £9,584.

During the year 1905 twenty vessels were docked, and the dock dues amounted to £842 10s. For the twenty-two years ending 1905 481 vessels were docked, or an average of about twenty-two a year.

PATENT SLIP, LYTTELTON.

Alongside the graving-dock is a patent slip, with a cradle 150 ft. in length, suitable for vessels of 300 tons. It belongs to the Harbour Board.

The following is the scale of charges:—

Up to 75 tons gross register, £4 for five days, and 10s. per day after the fifth day.

Over 75 tons and up to 150 tons gross register, £6 for five days, and 15s. per day after fifth day.

Over 150 tons and up to 250 tons gross register, £8 for five days, and 20s. per day after fifth day.

Over 250 tons gross register, £10 for five days, and 20s. per day after fifth day.

A “day” to mean between sunrise and sunset.

The above rates cover the cost of all labour connected with hauling up and launching (the crew of the vessel to give their assistance as may be required), and the cost of blocking a vessel and shifting the blocks after hauling up.

OTAGO GRAVING-DOCK.

The dock at Port Chalmers is vested in the Otago Dock Trust, a body entirely distinct from the Otago Harbour Board. Vessels of large size can be taken in the Otago Dock, as the following measurements will show:—

Length over all335 feet.
Length on the floor328 feet.
Breadth over all68 feet.
Breadth on floor41 feet.
Breadth where ship's bilge would be43 feet.
Breadth at dock-gates50 feet.
Depth of water on sill at high water (ordinary spring tides)17 1/2 feet.

Connected with the Otago Dock are a large machine-shop, steam-hammer, and forge, with all the appliances necessary for performing any work that may be required by vessels visiting the port. An 80-ton shear-legs has also been erected for heavy lifts.

There is also a patent slip, used for taking up small vessels.

All vessels using the Otago Graving-dock are liable to dock dues according to the following scale (unless under special contract), revised since the beginning of 1896:—

 £s.d.
Vessels under 200 tons, for the first three days, or part of three days2500
Vessels of 200 tons, and under 800 tons3500
Vessels of 800 tons and upwards5000

And for every day, or part of a day, after the first three days:—

Vessels under 300 tons    8d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 300 tons and under 400 tons    7 ¾d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 400 tons and under 500 tons    7 ½d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 500 tons and under 600 tons    7 ¼d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 600 tons and under 700 tons    7d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 700 tons and under 800 tons    6 ¾d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 800 tons and under 900 tons    6 ½d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 900 tons and under 1,000 tons    6 ¼d. per register ton per day.
Vessels under 1,000 tons and upwards    6d. per register ton per day.

During the twelve months ended 31st December, 1904, the dock was in use 198 working-days. The number of vessels docked was forty-seven, having a total registered tonnage of 39,960.

Chapter 22. HARBOURS,
PILOTAGE, PORT CHARGES, ETC.

PILOTAGE, port charges, berthage charges, &c., at eighteen of the principal harbours in New Zealand, as on the 1st January, 1906 (compiled by Mr. C. Hood Williams, Secretary to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, except as to the port of Gisborne, the information in this case being furnished by the Secretary to the Gisborne Harbour Board):—

AUCKLAND.

Pilotage (not compulsory): Sailing-vessels, inwards and outwards, 3d. per ton each way.

Steamers, inwards and outwards, 2d. per ton each way when services of pilot are taken.

Pilotage includes the removal fee to or from the berth at 1d. per ton.

Port charges: 3d. per ton half-yearly (on all vessels over 15 tons) in one payment. Steamers arriving for coal, stores, water, or for receiving or landing mails or passengers and their luggage, which do not come to any wharf or receive or discharge cargo within the port, are exempt from port charges.

Harbourmaster's fees: 1d. per ton. Vessels paying pilotage are exempt.

Exemption berthage certificates are given to competent masters in the coastal and intercolonial trades, but not to those in foreign trade.

Berthage: Every person who shall use any wharf with any vessel shall pay for the use thereof—Licensed ferry steamers, 10s. to £1 10s. per month; other vessels under 20 tons, 6d. and 1s. per day, not exceeding 10s. per quarter. For every vessel not included in the above, 1/4d. per ton per day. Outside berths, 1/8d. per ton per day.

GISBORNE.

Pilotage (not compulsory): Sailing-vessels over 100 tons, first 100 tons, 6d. per ton; every ton over 100 tons, 2d. per ton. Into and out of Turanganui River: Sailing-vessels, 3d. per ton; sailing-vessels towed, 2d. per ton; steamers, 2d. per ton.

Port charges: Vessels, intercolonial or foreign, 1d. per ton on arrival, not to exceed 3d. per ton in any three months; vessels, coastal, over 200 tons, 1d. per ton on arrival, not to exceed 3d. per ton in any three months; vessels; coastal, 200 tons and under, 3d. per ton on arrival, not to exceed 3d. per ton in any three months.

Harbourmaster's fees: Free.

Berthage alongside the wharves: Per day or part, under 50 tons, 5s.; over 50 tons and up to 75 tons, 7s. 6d.; over 75 tons up to 100 tons, 10s.; for every additional 50 tons or fraction thereof, 2s. 6d. Vessels discharging outside of others to pay half foregoing dues. Steamers to pay double rates as per tonnage; and in all cases sailing-vessels to make way for steamers.

THAMES.

Pilotage (compulsory): In and out—Sailing-vessels up to 100 tons, 6d. per ton, and 2d. for each ton over 100 tons; steamers up to 100 tons, 6d. per ton, and 4d. per ton for each additional ton.

Port charges: Regular traders, 2d. per ton per quarter; other vessels, 2d. per ton each trip, not to exceed 1s. 3d. per ton in half-year.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: 20 tons and under, 10s. per ton per quarter; over 20 tons, 6d. per ton per quarter, or 2s. 6d. first 20 tons per day and 1/4d. each additional ton.

Warps and fenders: Nil.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

Pilotage (compulsory), charged both inwards and outwards: Intercolonial or coasting—Sailing-vessels, 3d. per ton; steamers, 1 1/2d. per ton: foreign sailing-vessel or steamer, 1/2d. per ton.

Port charges: Intercolonial, 4d. per ton, payable half-yearly; foreign, 1/2d. per ton on arrival in roadstead.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage rate: 3 1/2d. per ton on all cargo landed, shipped, or transhipped out-wards; on registered tonnage also 1/2d. per ton.

Warps: 1d. per ton register for first 100 tons; 1/2d. per ton for excess.

Fenders: 1s. per day or part of day.

Water (minimum 3s.): 5s. per 1,000 gallons.

WAITARA.

Pilotage: From signal-staff, 1/2d. per register ton each way, in and out. Oceangoing vessels 1/4d. per register ton (one way only).

Port charges: Steamers and sailing-vessels, 3d. per ton quarterly, payable first trip in each quarter; out-going vessels, 1/2d. per register ton, payable each trip.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: Steamers 2d. per ton and sailing-vessels 3d. per ton every trip.

Warps and fenders: Nil.

PATEA.

Pilotage (in and out): 1d. per ton register.

Port charges: 3d. per ton every three months. Light dues, 1/4d. per ton.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: 6d. per ton on cargo, as per manifest.

Warps and fenders: Nil.

Water: 2s. 6d. per 1,000 gallons.

WAIROA.

Pilotage (compulsory): 4d. per register ton.

Port charges: 3d. per ton per quarter.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage, warps, and fenders: Nil.

NAPIER.

Pilotage (not compulsory): Into Inner Harbour—Sailing-vessels, 4d. per ton; steamers, 3d. per ton. To roadstead—First 100 tons: Sailing-vessels, 6d. per ton; steamers, 3d. per ton. Every ton over 100 tons: Sailing-vessels, 6d. per ton; steamers, 1d. per ton. Into Breakwater Harbour—First 100 tons: Sailing-vessels, 6d. per ton; steamers, 3d. per ton. Every ton over 100 tons: Sailing-vessels, 2d. per ton; steamers, 1d. per ton. Outward pilotage, half rates.

Port charges: 6d. per ton quarterly in advance, vessels plying within port only; 2d. per ton on arrival of vessels not plying within port, but not to exceed 1s. per ton in any half-year. Ocean-going vessels (not being “colonial trading” or coasting vessels) returning to port within one month from date of first arrival are exempt from port charges for second or subsequent arrivals within calendar month.

Harbourmaster's fees: 5s. per vessel of less than 60 tons. Steamers under 60 tons and licensed as lighters are exempt. 1d. per ton, sailing-vessels 60 tons and upwards; 10s. per vessel, steamers of 60 tons and under 120 tons; 1d. per ton, steamers of 120 tons and upwards. Vessels paying for pilotage service inwards do not pay Harbourmaster's fees.

Harbour-improvement rate: 3d. per ton on cargo landed, shipped, or tran-shipped (weight or measurement at option of Board); 1s. each horse or large cattle shipped or transhipped; 1/2d. each sheep or small animal shipped or transhipped. Vessels licensed as lighters, tow-boats, or ferry boats shall, whilst actually employed as lighters, tows, or ferry boats, pay 3s. 4d. upon each and every trip.

Hawsers and moorings: Vessels at wharf in Breakwater Harbour, 1/4d. per ton per day, or part of a day, on registered tonnage. Vessels moored to buoys within Breakwater Harbour, 1/8d. per ton per day or part of a day.

Fenders: Vessels at wharves in Breakwater Harbour—5s. per day, vessels under 500 tons; 7s. per day, vessels of 500 tons and under 1,000 tons; 10s. per day, vessels of 1,000 tons and under 1,500 tons; 15s. per day, vessels of 1,500 tons and under 2,000 tons; £1 per day, vessels of 2,000 tons; and so on, in proportion.

WANGANUI.

Pilotage: All vessels when piloted by signals from the staff only, 1d. per ton register. River pilotage, to be charged for any assistance rendered by the pilot or any of his crew inside the bar, 2d. per ton. When a pilot boards and conducts a vessel outside the bar, 3d. per ton. Steamers engaged in tendering ocean steamers at anchor in the roadstead charged half pilotage rates.

Port charges: Vessels of 500 tons and up to 8,000 tons register, 1/2d. per ton. Not to exceed 3d. per ton in any half-year. Vessels paying pilotage exempt. Ocean-going vessels (not being “colonial-trading” or “coastal”) returning to the port within one month of first arrival exempt as regards second or subsequent arrivals.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: For every steamer using any wharf, being berthed alongside, and whether discharging or loading cargo or not, 2d. per ton on gross register for first day of eight working-hours, and 1d. for every succeeding day of eight working-hours. For every sailing-vessel the charge to be 2d. for first day of eight working-hours, and 1/2d. for every succeeding day of eight working-hours, not exceeding five days. For every vessel occupying a berth outside another vessel, and loading or discharging cargo, 1/4d. per ton on gross register per day of eight working-hours whilst loading or discharging. Ships' dues on vessels detained in port by stress of weather will not be charged after the third day.

WELLINGTON.

Pilotage (optional): Sailing-vessels inwards, 4d. per ton; sailing-vessels outwards, 3d. per ton; steamers inwards, 3d. per ton; steamers outwards, 2d. per ton. Pilotage includes the removal fee to or from the berth at 3/4d. per ton.

Port charges: 2d. per ton on arrival; not exceeding 6d. in any half-year. Half-yearly days, 1st January and 1st July. Steamers arriving for coal, stores, water, or for receiving or landing mails or passengers and their luggage, which do not come to any wharf or receive or discharge cargo within the port, are exempt from port charges.

Harbourmaster's or berthing fee on vessels of 120 tons and upwards, 3/4d. per ton; under 120 tons, 10s. Vessels paying pilotage are exempt. Exemption berthage certificates are given to competent masters in the coastal and intercolonial trades, but not to those in foreign trade.

Berthage: 1/4d. per ton net register per day or part of a day (day counted from midnight to midnight). Vessels berthing after working-hours, and only landing passengers and luggage, not charged for that day. Vessels leaving wharf after midnight and prior to working-hours, and only on such day taking on board passengers and luggage, not charged for such day. Vessels not working cargo after noon on Saturdays pay half rates for such Saturday. No charge for Sundays or holidays. Vessels laid up for repairs, fitting-out, &c., half rates.

NELSON.

Pilotage (compulsory): Steamers, inwards and outwards, 1d. per registered ton; sailing-vessels, inwards and outwards, 3d. per ton. Minimum pilotage each way (in all cases), £1.

Port charges: Vessels not paying pilotage, to pay the following, upon first arrival, half-yearly: Vessels over 100 tons register, 1s. per ton; vessels under 100 tons register, 6d. per ton.

Harbour lights: Vessels not paying pilotage, over 100 tons register, 1d. per ton; under 100 tons register, 1/2d. per ton, on each arrival.

Harbourmaster's fees: 120 tons and upwards, 1d. per ton register; less than 120 tons, 10s. for each removal of any steamer or sailing-vessel within the harbour.

Berthage, fenders, and warps: Nil.

WESTPORT.

Pilotage (compulsory): For sailing-vessels up to 120 tons register, 1d. per ton; over 120 tons register, and not exceeding 1,500 tons, 2d. per ton, inwards and outwards. For steamers 1,000 to 2,000 tons, £10 (in and out); under 1,000 tons, pro rata; 2,000 to 3,000 tons, £20; over 3,000 to 4,000 tons, £25.

Port charges: Receiving and discharging ships' ballast, 1s. per ton; minimum charge, 20s.; 1d. per ton for use of shoot.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: Use of wharf, for every vessel up to 1,400 tons lying at wharf, 1d. per ton net register per trip; for every vessel over 1,400 tons lying at a wharf, 2d. per ton net register per trip; minimum charge, 5s. No vessel to be charged for more than one trip in any one week.

GREYMOUTH.

Pilotage (not compulsory): Signal-station. For sailing-vessels, 6d. per ton; for steamers, 4d. per ton, each way.

Port charges: Discharging ships' ballast, 6d. per ton.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: Use of wharf, 6d. per ton net register per trip. Vessels in ballast for coal or timber, 1d. per ton net register for the first four days: maximum, £5 10s.; minimum, 5s.

LYTTELTON.

Pilotage (compulsory): Inwards and outwards—Sailing-vessels 3 1/2d. per ton; steamers 2 1/2d. per ton. Foreign-going steamers and sailing-vessels free on second call on same voyage.

Port charges: 2d. per ton quarterly, in advance, for vessels of 100 tons and upwards plying within the port or employed in coasting only, not to exceed 6d. per ton in any half-year; 2d. per ton for vessels of 100 tons and upwards not plying within the port or not solely employed in coasting, not to exceed 6d. per ton in any half-year. For exemption from pilotage and harbour fees, see clauses 132, 133, and 134 of “The Harbours Act, 1878.”

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthing charges: On all vessels of 25 tons register and upwards 1/4d. per ton each trip.

Warps (21 in. coir hawsers): £1 per warp for use during a vessel's stay in port, not exceeding six months.

Fenders (soft wood): 10s. for first day, and 5s. per day after. 10s. for use of each hardwood fender.

TIMARU.

Pilotage (compulsory): Sailing-vessels, 3d. per ton inwards and outwards; when tug used, 2d. per ton: steamers, 2d. per ton inwards and outwards. Foreign and intercolonial steamers under 3,500 cargo tons, working 800 tons or less, only one pilotage fee; 3,500 tons or over, working 1,000 tons cargo or less, one pilotage fee only. Foreign-going steamer or sailing-vessel calling more than once during same voyage before leaving New Zealand, one inward and outward rate only (subject to above exemptions).

Port charges: Coasters, 1 1/2d. per ton each trip; sailing-vessels, not coasters, 3d. per ton each trip; steam-vessels, not coasters, 6d. per ton on cargo worked; in all cases not to exceed 1s. 3d. per ton in any half-year, dating from the 1st days of January and July in each year. Intercolonial steamers coming direct or coastwise 1 1/2d. per ton register, or 6d. per ton on cargo landed and shipped, whichever rate may be the lesser.

Harbourmaster's fees: 1d. per ton each service; vessels less than 120 tons, 10s.; steamers of 1,000 tons or over, which have loaded wholly in New Zealand or Australian ports, working 500 tons of cargo or less, only one Harbourmaster's fee. This fee is charged to all vessels or steamers not paying pilotage.

Berthage: 3d. per ton on all cargo landed or shipped.

Hawsers and moorings: Vessels at wharves, 1/2d. per ton register for first seven days; subsequent days, 1/4d. per ton. Vessels at buoys, under 800 tons register, 1/8d. per ton; over 800 tons, 1/16d. per ton.

Fenders: Sailing-vessels under 500 tons register, 2s. per day; under 1,000 tons, 3s. per day; over 1,000 tons, 4s. per day. Steamers under 1,000 tons register, 4s. per day; under 1,500 tons, 10s. per day; under 2,000 tons, 15s. per day; over 2,000 tons, £1 per day. Foreign-going vessels detained in the port sixty days, half rates thereafter for hawsers and moorings and fenders.

OAMARU.

Tonnage rate: On cargo, inwards or outwards—Coal, merchandise, stone, produce, and timber, 8d. per ton; wool, 2s. per ton; frozen sheep, 1d. per carcase; frozen lamb, 1d. per carcase; rabbits and hares, 3s. per ton, gross weight; all other frozen goods, 3s. per ton, gross dead-weight; live-stock, 1s. 8d. per ton. Collected in the same manner as berthage dues have been collected.

Warps: 1/2d. per ton per day for seven days; 1/4d. per ton per day thereafter. In the event of any vessel remaining at any wharf for a period exceeding six weeks, the charge for warps will thereafter be reduced to 1/8d. per ton register of such vessel for each day or part of a day that she may occupy a berth at the wharf.

OTAGO (DUNEDIN).

Pilotage (compulsory): Inwards and outwards—Sailing-vessels without tug, 6d. per ton; with tug, 4d. per ton: steamers, 4d. per ton. Foreign steamers calling twice on one voyage only charged once. All vessels holding exemption certificates, one annual pilotage. For every vessel under steam carrying an exempt pilot and employing a Board's pilot the charge shall be 1/2d. per ton for the Upper Harbour.

Port charges: 6d. per ton half-yearly, all vessels.

Harbourmaster's fees: Vessels less than 120 tons, 10s.; over 120 tons, 1d. per ton.

Berthage: Vessels trading within the port—10 tons, 5s. per quarter; 25 tons, 10s. per quarter; 50 tons, 15s. per quarter; 100 tons, £1 per quarter. Vessels trading beyond the port—Sailing-vessels, 1/2d. per ton (maximum, eighteen days, £10); steam-vessels, 1/2d. per ton per day (maximum charge, £15). Vessels laid up for less than a month, one-half the above rates; over a month, 1/2d. per ton per month.

Towage: When assistance is given to steam-vessels under steam, one-fourth usual towage, not exceeding £5 for Upper Harbour and £7 for Lower Harbour.

NOTE.—Foreign steamers taking or discharging not more than 50 tons general cargo and 100 tons frozen produce pay £50 for port charges, pilotage, and Harbourmaster's fees; also maximum charges on any one vessel, not to exceed £180 on any one visit; and in the case of a foreign steamer calling twice at the port on one voyage, not to exceed £200.

BLUFF.

Pilotage (compulsory): Steamers, inwards and outwards, 2 1/2d. per registered ton: sailing-vessels, 4 1/2d. inwards and outwards if tug not employed; 2 1/2d. per registered ton inwards and outwards if tug employed. Sailing-vessels in ballast, 2 1/2d. per registered ton inwards and outwards. Vessels exempt from pilotage—Steamers, in and out, 5d. per registered ton, payable yearly sailing-vessels, in and out, 9d. per registered ton, payable yearly. On application by master or agent of foreign-going steamers ordinary charges for pilotage, port charges, and berthage may be suspended, and a charge of 5s. per ton for inward cargo and 10s. per ton for outward cargo may be substituted therefor, with a minimum charge of £50.

Port charges: On all vessels, per trip, 2d. per registered ton, but no vessel shall be required to pay more than 6d. per registered ton in any six months from date of entry.

Harbourmaster's fees: Nil.

Berthage: Steamers, 2d. per ton net register for the first day, and 1d. per ton per week or part of a week thereafter. Sailing-vessels and hulks of over 50 tons register, 1d. per ton net register per week for the first four weeks, and 1/4d. per ton per week thereafter.

Towage assistance to steamers using their own motive power: Over 3,000 tons, £5; over 2,000 tons, £4; under 2,000 tons, £3.

Maximum charge for berthage dues, pilotage, and port charges, £180 in any one visit.

Steamers calling more than once on same voyage only charged one inward and outward pilotage.

WHARFAGE RATES.

Wharfage rates at eighteen of the principal harbours in New Zealand, as on 1st January, 1906 (compiled by Mr. C. Hood Williams, Secretary to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, except as to the port of Gisborne):—

AUCKLAND.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton imports; 1s. per ton exports.

Transhipments: Half rates when declared before landing, or 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and seven days' storage.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. 6d. per ton landed; 1s. per ton shipped.

Transhipments: Half rates when declared before landing, or 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and seven days' storage.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—1s. 6d. per ton landed; 1s. per ton shipped.

Transhipments: Half rates when declared, or 2s. 6d. per ton, including seven days' storage and labour.

Wool.—6d. per bale, shipped or landed.

Transhipments: If landed, dumped, and reshipped, 3d. per bale.

Coal.—1s. 3d. per ton landed; 6d. per ton shipped.

Transhipments: Shipped or discharged over side for steamer's use, free.

Timber.—Sawn, 2s. per 1,000 ft. landed; 1s. per 1,000 ft. shipped. Baulk or round (less 12 1/2 per cent.), 1s. per 1,000 ft. landed, 6d. per 1,000 ft. shipped.

Passengers' luggage under half a ton, goods carried by hand by passengers and single packages under 5 ft. measurement, free.

GISBORNE.

General Merchandise.—Imports 5s. to 6d., exports 2s. 6d. to 6d., by measurement, from 40 cubic feet to 4 cubic feet; same for weight. Ale, beer, and porter, per gallon—Import, 1 1/2d.; export, 1/2d.: spirits and wine, per ton measurement, 7s. 6d. No export charges on goods that have paid inward wharfage.

Transhipments: Free.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—Grain—Imports, 5s.; exports, 1s. Grass-seed—Imports, 5s.; exports, 2s. Potatoes—Imports, 5s.; exports, 2s. 6d. (per 12 sacks).

Transhipments: Free.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—Sheep, 2d. per carcase; lambs, 1d. per carcase; haunches, legs, &c., 2s. 6d. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Wool.—1s. 3d. per bale, export.

Transhipments: 3d. per bale if landed and reshipped. Free if transhipped into vessel in roadstead.

Coal.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Timber.—Sawn, 4s. per 1,000 ft.: baulk, 1s, per 1,000 ft., imports; 1s., and 6d., per 1,000 ft., exports.

Transhipments: Free.

THAMES.

General Merchandise.—1s. 6d. per ton, imports or exports, without labour.

Transhipments: Free, if inward wharfage has been paid; half rates otherwise.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. 6d. per ton, imports or exports, without labour.

Transhipments: Free, if inward wharfage has been paid; half rates otherwise.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—None shipped.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Wool.—1s. 6d. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Coal.—1s. 6d. per ton, without labour.

Transhipments: Free, if inward wharfage has been paid; half rates otherwise.

Timber.—3d. to 1s. per 1,000 ft. sawn timber; 6d. per 1,000 shingles; 2s. per 100 props; 1s. 6d. per 100 slabs; 4s. per 100 sleepers; 2s. 6d. per 100 posts and rails; 2s. 6d. per 1,000 palings; 6d. per ton firewood.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: 1s. 6d. per ton.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. per ton; grass-seed, 2s. per 20 sacks.

Transhipments: 1s. 6d. per ton.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: 1s. 6d. per ton.

Wool.—6d. per bale; five bales of 4cwt., 2s. per ton; three bales of over 4cwt., 2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Three-quarter rates.

Coal.—2s. per ton; brown coal, 1s. 9d.: with labour.

Transhipments: Three-quarter rates, with labour.

Timber.—480 ft. per ton, 2s.; hardwood, 320 ft. per ton (rough or sawn), 2s.: with labour.

Transhipments: Three-quarter rates.

WAITARA.

General Merchandise.—Inwards, 2s. per ton, including forty-eight hours' storage; outwards, 2s. per ton, including ten days' storage. Labour provided by the Board.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—Imports, 2s. per ton; grass-seed, 2s. per 20 sacks. Labour provided. Exports, in not less than 3-ton lots, 1s. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—1s. per ton weight, without labour.

Transhipments: Half rates, without labour.

Wool.—Dumped, 4 1/2d. per bale; undumped, 6d. per bale.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Coal.—Imports, 1s. 6d. per ton, without labour; brown coal, 1s. per ton, without labour.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Timber.—Under 5,000 ft., 3d. per 100 ft.; over 5,000 ft., 2d. per 100 ft.: without labour. Exported white-pine, if over 5,000 ft., 1 1/2d. per 100 ft.: without labour.

Transhipments: Half rates.

PATEA.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton, imports or exports (produce shipped direct from South ports, 1s. 6d.).

Transhipments: 1s. per ton.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. per ton of 10 sacks grain, 20 sacks cocksfoot grass-seed, 20 sacks bran, 40 sacks chaff, 16 sacks pollard or ryegrass. Potatoes, export, 1s. per ton; import, 3s. per ton.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—Butter and cheese 1s. per ton, without labour, from grading wharf; otherwise, 2s., with labour. Frozen meat, 1s. for 20 carcases sheep, 2s. per carcase cattle. Cased meats, 1s. per ton, without labour.

Wool.—6d. per bale, including storage.

Coal.—1s. per ton, without labour.

Timber.—4d. per 100 ft.; labour extra.

WAIROA.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton, imports and exports.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. 6d. per ton, imports and exports.

Butter.—2s. per ton.

Wool.—9d. per bale, imports and exports.

Coal.—1s. per ton.

Timber.—2 1/2d. per 100 ft. Exports, fruit, free. Returned empties, free.

NAPIER.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton imports, 1s. per ton exports, according to measurement or weight. If labour supplied, add on 6d. imports, and 6d. exports. Ballast, inwards, 1s. per ton; outwards, 1s. per ton. Empties, half rates.

Transhipments: Quarter import rates, Outer Harbour; half import rates, Inner or Breakwater Harbours.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. imports, 1s. exports, according to measurement or weight. 1f labour supplied, add on 6d. imports, and 6d. exports.

Transhipments: Quarter import rates, Outer Harbour half import rates, Inner or Breakwater Harbours.

Frozen or Chilled Meat, &c.—Imports free; exports 1s. per ton. Tallow and pelts, imports free; exports 2s. 6d. per ton.

Transhipments: Quarter import rates, Outer Harbour; half import rates Inner or Breakwater Harbours.

Wool.—6d. per bale, exports only. Imports, free.

Transhipments: Wool, flax, skins, or tow, 3d. over side; 3d. per bale if landed for transhipment or dumping.

Coal.—1s. imports; 1s. exports.

Transhipments: Quarter rates, Outer Harbour; half rates, Inner or Breakwater Harbours. Coal for engines and freezing-ships, Outer Harbour, free, if declared so.

Timber.—3s. 4d. per 1,000 ft., imports; 1s. 3d. per 1,000 ft. exports.

Transhipments: Half rates, Inner or Breakwater Harbours; quarter rates, Outer Harbour.

NOTE.—Goods other than wool, skins, tow, meats, and flax landed on a wharf for transhipment to a vessel lying at another berth charged inward wharfage only when declared at time of entry.

WANGANUI.

General Merchandise.—Imports, 3s. per ton; exports, 1s. 6d. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—Imports, 3s. per ton; exports, 1s. 6d. per ton. Potatoes, export, 1s. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—Sheep, 1/2d. per carcase; lambs, 1/2d. per carcase; legs, shoulders, and loins calculated at so-many to a carcase, according to freight.

Wool.—3d. per bale.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Coal.—1s. 3d. per ton. Coal for ship's use, outward, 3d. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Timber.—6d. per 100 ft.; for shipment, 2d.; white-pine, 1d.

Transhipments: Half rates.

WELLINGTON.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton inwards, including labour and one night's storage. Glass, acids, and special goods, 5s. per ton. Inward cargo landed after noon on Friday is stored free till noon on following Monday; landed after noon on Saturday is stored free till 5 p.m. on the following Tuesday. 1s. per ton outwards, including labour. Glass, acids, and special goods, 2s. 6d. per ton. Railway wharfage—1s. inwards, 6d. outwards, without labour.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and seven days' storage. Glass, acids, and special goods, 5s. per ton. Over side of vessel lying at wharf, 6d. per ton. If shifted more than a quarter of a mile. 6d. per ton extra.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. per ton inwards, including labour and one night's storage; 1s. per ton outwards, including labour. Railway wharfage—1s. inwards, 6d. outwards, without labour.

Transhipments: 2s. per ton, including labour and seven days' storage. Over side of vessel at wharf, 6d. per ton. If shifted more than a quarter of a mile, 6d. per ton extra.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—1s. inwards, 1s. outwards, per ton, without labour. Railway wharfage—1s. inwards, 6d. outwards, per ton, without labour.

Transhipments: Meat, 1s. 3d. per ton, without labour; butter, 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and storage. Meat, butter, &c., over side of vessel at wharf, 6d. per ton.

Wool.—4d. per bale at Railway Wharf, without labour; 6d. per bale at other wharves, including labour.

Transhipments: 6d. per bale, including labour, and 3d. additional if stored. If shifted more than a quarter of a mile, 3d. per bale extra. Over side of vessel to vessel at wharf, 3d. per bale.

Coal.—1s. per ton imports, 6d. per ton exports, without labour. Railway wharfage—1s. per ton inwards, 6d. per ton outwards, without labour.

Transhipments: Across wharf for steamer's use, free. From vessel or hulk to vessel at wharf, free.

Timber.—2d. per 100 ft. inwards; 1 1/2d. per 100 ft. outwards, without labour. If labour supplied, 2d. per 100 ft. added inwards, and 1 1/2d. outwards. Railway wharfage—2d. inwards, 1 1/2d. outwards, without labour.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including seven days' storage and labour. If shifted more than a quarter of a mile, 6d. per ton extra. Over vessel's side into another vessel at wharf, 6d. per ton.

Harbour-improvement Rate.—The charge of 3d. per ton shall be made to and payable by ships to the Board, as a harbour-improvement rate, on all goods landed on the wharves or landing-places under the control of the Board, except on coal and on ballast, and except on such goods as are the products of the Colony of New Zealand and are landed for the purpose of transhipment to vessels to be carried out of the colony: Provided that for the purposes of this by-law the following measurements shall be taken: Empties, half tonnage; wool, five bales to the ton; great cattle, each one ton; small cattle, twelve to the ton; timber, 500 ft. superficial measurement to the ton; bricks, slates, and tiles, 500 to the ton; carts and carriages, each two tons; loose hides, twenty-five to the ton.

NELSON.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton, imports and exports, with labour.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; 2s. 6d. if landed.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. 6d. per ton, imports and exports, with labour.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; 2s. 6d. if landed.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—None shipped.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Wool.—Exports, 1s. per bale; imports free.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Coal.—1s. per ton imports; 2s. with labour. Free, exports; 2s. 6d. per ton with labour.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf.

Timber.—1d. per 100 ft. super., import; 1d. per 100 ft. super., export; 2s. per ton by measurement: with labour.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed on wharf. Reshipments, 2s. 6d. per ton.

WESTPORT.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton, and 1s. per ton for receiving and delivering.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. per ton., and 1s. per ton for receiving and delivering.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—2s. per ton, and 1s. per ton for receiving and delivering.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage.

Wool.—6d. per bale.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Coal.—6d. per ton.

Timber.—2d. per 100 ft. If for export and carried by rail, free.

GREYMOUTH.

General Merchandise.—3s. per ton. This charge includes 1s. a ton for receiving and delivering. Coke, bricks, and fireclay carried by rail for export, free.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—3s. per ton. This charge includes 1s. a ton for receiving and delivering.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—3s. per ton. This charge includes 1s. a ton for receiving and delivering.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage.

Wool.—6d. per bale.

Transhipments: 2s. 6d. per ton, including labour and one week's storage; 1s. per ton if transhipped to vessel or lighter.

Coal.—6d. per ton inwards; outwards, free, if carried by rail.

Timber.—Inwards, 2d. per 100 ft.; outwards, free, if carried by rail.

LYTTELTON.

General Merchandise.—1s. 9d. per ton.

Transhipments: Free, whether landed on wharf or otherwise.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—9d. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—8d. per ton.

Transhipments: Free, whether landed on wharf or otherwise.

Wool.—6d. per bale.

Transhipments: Free.

Coal.—8d. per ton.

Transhipments: Free, whether landed on wharf or otherwise.

Timber.—3 1/2d. per 100 ft.

Transhipments: Free.

N.B.—All reshipments of goods from Lyttelton under declaration, free.

TIMARU.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. 6d. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—1s. 6d. per ton weight.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Wool.—1s. per bale.

Transhipments: Half rates.

Coal.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Half rates. For bunkering purposes, free.

Timber.—4d. per 100 ft.

Transhipments: Half rates.

OAMARU.

General Merchandise.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—1/2d. per sheep. Butter, as merchandise, 2s. per ton. Other frozen goods, 2s. per ton

Transhipments: Free.

Wool.—6d. per bale.

Transhipments: Free.

Coal.—2s. per ton.

Transhipments: Free.

Timber.—5d. and 7d. per 100 ft. Fencing posts and rails, 4s. per 100. Palings, 7d. per 100.

Transhipments: Free.

Stone.—1/2d. per foot.

Live Cattle and Horses.—2s. 6d. each; yearlings, half rates. Sheep, 2d. each; pigs, 4d. each.

OTAGO (DUNEDIN).

General Merchandise.—1s., 2s., 3s., 4s., and 5s. per ton, imports; 2s. and 3s. per ton, exports. (Classified.) Manufactured articles and articles which have paid an import duty, free. Beer 2s. per ton. A rate of 2s. per ton by weight upon all flour, malt, meal, tallow, bone, ores, and quartz.

Transhipments: 1s. per ton.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—1s. per ton, imports; 6d. per ton by weight, exports; bran and pollard, exports, free; flour and oatmeal, 2s. A rate of 6d. per ton by weight upon all barley, wheat, cats, rye, beans, whole peas, maize, potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions, straw, hay, and building-stone.

Transhipments: 1s. per ton.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—Flax, fungus, rabbits, live-stock, and beef, 1s. per ton imports (measurement), 6d. per ton exports; butter and cheese, imports, 4s. per ton (weight); frozen meat, imports, 5s. per ton.

Transhipments: 1s. per ton.

Wool.—Exports, 2s. 3d. per ton, wool, skins, and hides; 4s. per ton, imports (three bales to ton).

Transhipments: 1s. per ton by measurement.

Coal.—3s. per ton, imports; exports free.

Transhipments: 1s. per ton.

Timber.—6d. and 3d. per 100 superficial feet, imports; exports, free.

Transhipments: 1s. per ton by measurement. Notice of transhipment must be given within twenty-four hours after ship's arrival.

BLUFF.

General Merchandise.—1s. 10d. per ton, imports and exports.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Grain and Agricultural Produce.—11d. per ton, imports and exports.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Frozen Meat, Butter, &c.—11d. per ton, exports; cheese, 1s. per ton.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Wool.—Exports, 9d. per bale; imports, free.

Transhipments: Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed.

Coal.—1s. 6d. per ton, imports; free exports.

Transhipments: 1s. 6d. per ton when landed ex hulk; free when not landed on wharf.

Timber.—1s. per 1,000 ft. super., import; 1s. per 1,000 ft. super., export.

Transhipments Free when not landed on wharf; half rates if landed on wharf.

Chapter 23. 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.

* An asterisk denotes those lighthouses which are in telephonic communication with telegraph system.

Harbour lights.

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.

1*Cape Maria Van Diemen1st order dioptricRevolving1 minute330White25White.
 Cape Maria Van Diemen...Fixed......Red, to show over Columbia Reef... 
2Moko Hinou1st order dioptricFlashing10 seconds385White27White.
3Cuvier Island1st order dioptricRevolving30 seconds390White27 
4*Tiritiri2nd order dioptricFixed...300White, with red are over Flat Rock24Red.
5Bean Rock5th order dioptricFixed...50White, red, green10White.
5aRangitoto BeaconPintsch's patent gas-lightOcculting5 seconds68White, showing 5 sec. flash and 5 sec. obscured12 
6Ponui Passage5th order dioptricFixed...50White and red10White.
7*East Cape2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds362White flash26White
8Gisborne Leading LightsDioptric side-lightsFixed...60, 40White and red5 
9Portland Island2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds300White24White.
 Portland Island...Fixed......Red, to show over Bull Rock... 
10Napier4th order dioptricFixed...160White19White.
11Cape Palliser2nd order dioptricGroup fl., 2 fl.30 seconds258White; interval of 3 sec. between flashes23 
12*Pencarrow Head2nd order dioptricFixed...322White25White.
13Somes Island2nd order dioptricFixed...95White, red, and green15 1/2White.
14Manawatu RiverOrdinary lampFixed...44White5 
15Wanganui River6th order port lightFixed...65White8 
16Patea5th order port lightFixed...130Red10 
17*Cape Egmont2nd order dioptricFixed...103White16White.
18New Plymouth Leading Lights4th order port lightFixed...100, 30Red16White.
19Waitara6th order port lightFixed...70White8 
20*Manukau3rd order dioptricFixed...385White27Brown.
 Manukau5th order port lightFixed...70White and green10White.
21*Kaipara2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds278White23 1/2Red.
22HokiangaMasthead-light......152White5 
23*Nelson4th order port lightFixed...60White, with red arc13White.
24French Pass6th order port lightFixed 12White and red, with white light on beacon8White.
25Stephens Island1st order dioptricGroup fl., 2 fl.30 seconds600White32 1/2White.
26Jackson HeadWigham ben. lampFixed...37White5Concrete ben.
27The Brothers2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds258White23White.
 The Brothers...Fixed......Red, over Cook Rock... 
28Tory Channel Leading Lights5th order port lightFixed...86, 22White10White.
29Wairau River6th order port lightFixed...38White8 
30*Cape Campbell2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute155White18 1/2Upper part white & lower part red.
31*Godley Head2nd order dioptricFixed...450White29White.
32*Akaroa Head2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds270White23White.
33Timaru5th order part lightFixed10 seconds85Red and green10White.
34Jack's Point4th order dioptricFixed 94White15 1/2White.
35Oamaru5th order dioptricFlashing14 seconds120White10Light stone
36Moeraki3rd order dioptricFixed...170White19 1/2White.
37*Taiaroa Head3rd order dioptricFixed...196Red20 1/2White.
37aOtago Harbour Entrance, N. Mole LightWigham ben. lightOcculting...29White8 
38*Cape Saunders2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute210White21White.
39*Nugget Point1st order dioptricFixed...250White22 1/2White.
40Waipapapa Point2nd order dioptricFlashing10 seconds70White14White.
41Dog Island1st order catadioptricRevolving30 seconds150White18 1/2White & black bands.
42Centre Island1st order dioptricFixed...265White, with red arcs23White.
43Puysegur Point1st order dioptricFlashing10 seconds180White20White.
44Hokitika5th order dioptricFixed...122White10White.
45Greymouth6th order port lightFixed...62White8Flagstaff.
46*Cape Foulwind2nd order dioptricRevolving30 seconds238White22White.
47WestportDioptric masthead-lt.Fixed...50White8 
48Kahurangi Point2nd order dioptricFixed...110White, with red sector to show over Stewart Breaker16White.
49*Farewell Spit2nd order dioptricRevolving1 minute97White, with red are over Spit end16Upper part white & lower part red.

Chapter 24. NEW ZEALAND NEWSPAPERS.

Table of Contents

THERE are (January, 1906) 226 publications on the register of newspapers for New Zealand. Of these, sixty-two are daily papers, thirty-three are published three times a week, twenty-four twice a week, sixty-eight once a week, two fortnightly, one three-weekly, and thirty-six monthly.

The names of the newspapers, with the postal districts and towns in which they are printed, are given in the following list, the second column showing the day or period of publication.

M. signifies morning paper; E. evening paper.

AUCKLAND.

 
* Edited in Mosgiel by Rev. F. W. Boreham.
AUCKLAND
Auckland— 
     Auckland Free Press (M.)Saturday.
     Auckland Star (E.)Daily.
     Auckland Weekly News and Town and Country Journal (M.)Thursday.
     Bible Standard (M.)Monthly.
     Christian Worker (M.)Monthly.
     Church Gazette (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Farmer, Bee and Poultry Journal (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Farmers' Weekly and Land Agents' Record (M.)Tuesday.
     New Zealand Graphic, Ladies' Journal, and Youths' Companion (M.)Wednesday.
     New Zealand Herald (M.)Daily.
     New Zealand Illustrated Magazine (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic Review and Licensed Victuallers' Gazette (M.)Thursday.
     New Zealand Joyful News (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Motor and Cycle Journal (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Worker (E.)Wednesday.
     Observer (M.)Saturday.
     Saturday Night (E.)Saturday.
     Sentinel (E.)Thursday.
     Sharland's Trade Journal (M.)Monthly.
     Tourist and Resources of New Zealand (M.)Monthly.
     Voice (M.)Saturday.
Cambridge—
Waikato Independent (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Coromandel—
     Coromandel County News and Kuaotunu and Mercury Bay Mail (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Dargaville—
     North Auckland Times (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
     Wairoa Bell and Northern Advertiser (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Hamilton—
     Waikato Argus (E.)Daily.
     Waikato Times and Thames Valley Gazette (E.)Daily.
Helensville—
     Kaipara Advertiser and Waitemata Chronicle (M.)Wednesday.
Kawakawa—
     Bay of Islands Times (M.)Thursday.
     Northern Luminary (E.)Friday.
Kawhia—
     Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser (E.)Friday.
Kohukohu—
     Hokianga County Times and North-western Representative (E.)Saturday.
Mangonui—
   Mangonui County Times and Northern Representative (E.) Tuesday.
Onehunga—
     Manukau County Chronicle and Auckland Provincial Times (M.)Saturday.
Raglan—
     Raglan County Chronicle (M.)Friday.
Rotorua—
     Hot Lakes Chronicle (M.)Wed., Saturday.
Warkworth—
     Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette (E.)Friday.
Whangarei—
     Morning Press (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
     Northern Advocate (E.)Daily.
THAMES
Karangahake—
  Goldfields Advocate and Ohinemuri County Chronicle (M.) Tues., Thur., Sat.
Opotiki—
     East Coast Guardian (E.)Wed., Saturday.
     Opotiki Herald, Whakatane County and East Coast Gazette (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Paeroa—
     Ohinemuri Gazette (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Tauranga—
     Bay of Plenty Times and Thames Valley Warden (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Te Aroha—
     Te Aroha and Ohinemuri News and Upper Thames Advocate (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Thames—
     Thames Advertiser (M.)Daily.
     Thames Star (E.)Daily.
Waihi—
     Waihi Daily Telegraph (E.)Daily.
GISBORNE
Gisborne—
     Gisborne Times (M.)Daily.
     Poverty Bay Herald (E.)Daily.
NEW PLYMOUTH
Inglewood—
     Inglewood Record and Waitara Age (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
New Plymouth—
     Budget and Taranaki Weekly Herald (M.)Saturday.
     Daily News (M.)Daily.
     Taranaki Herald (E.)Daily.
     Taranaki News (M.)Saturday.
Opunake—
     Opunake Times (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Stratford—
     Stratford Evening Post (E.)Daily.
Waitara—
     Waitara Evening Mail and Clifton County Chronicle (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
NAPIER
Dannevirke—
     Dannevirke Advocate (E.)Daily.
     Dannevirke Daily Press (E.)Daily.
Hastings—
     Hastings Standard (E.)Daily.
     New Zealand Bulletin (M.)Saturday.
Napier—
     Daily Telegraph (E.)Daily.
     Hawke's Bay Herald (M.)Daily.
     New Zealand Fire and Ambulance Record (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Health Journal (M.)Monthly.
     Saturday Night Advertiser (E.)Saturday.
Waipawa—
     Waipawa Mail (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Wairoa—
     Wairoa Guardian and County Advocate (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
WANGANUID
     Eltham— 
     Eltham Argus and Rawhitiroa and Kaponga Advertiser (E.)Daily.
Hawera—
     Egmont Star (M.)Saturday.
Hawera and Normanby Star, Patea County Chronicle, and 
     Waimate Plains Gazette (E.)Daily.
Hunterville—
     Hunterville Express and Upper Rangitikei Advertiser (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Kaponga—
     Kaponga Mail and District Advertiser (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Manaia—
     Waimate Witness and Kaponga Advocate (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Mangaweka—
     Settler (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Marton—
     Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus (E.)Daily.
Patea—
     Patea County Press (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Taihape—
     Post (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
     Taihape and Wairnarino News (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Wanganui—
     New Zealand Good Templar Watchword (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Tit Bits (M.)Saturday.
     Wanganui Chronicle (M.)Daily.
     Wanganui Herald (E.)Daily.
     Weekly Chronicle and Patea-Rangitikei Advertiser (M.)Saturday.
     Yeoman (M.)Friday.
WELLINGTON
Carterton—
     Wairarapa Leader (E.)Daily.
     Wairarapa Observer, Featherston Chronicle, East Coast Advertiser, and South County Gazette (E.)Daily.
Eketahuna—
     Eketahuna Express and County Gazette (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Feilding—
     Feilding Star (E.)Daily.
Foxton—
     Manawatu Herald (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Greytown North—
     Te Puke ki Hikurangi (E.)Friday.
     Wairarapa Standard and Featherston Advocate (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Levin—
     Manawatu Farmer and Horowhenua County Chronicle (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Martinborough—
     Martinborough Star and District News (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Masterton—
     Wairarapa Age (M.)Daily.
     Wairarapa Daily Times (E.)Daily.
     Wairarapa Matuhi Press (M.)Wednesday.
     Weekly Star and Wellington District Advertiser (M.)Thursday.
Otaki—
Otaki Mail and Horowhenua County and West Coast 
     Advertiser (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Pahiatua—
     Pahiatua Era (E.)Daily.
     Pahiatua Herald (E.)Daily.
Palmerston North—
     Manawatu Daily Times (M.)Daily.
     Manawatu Evening Standard (E.)Daily.
Petone—
     Hutt and Petone Chronicle (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Wellington—
     Church Chronicle (M.)Monthly.
     Evening Post (E.)Daily.
     Farmers' Union Advocate (M.)Saturday.
     Liberal HeraldMonthly.
     New Zealand Craftsman (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Dairyman and Farmers' Union Journal (E.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Free Lance (M.)Saturday.
     New Zealand Grocer and Storekeeper and Shopkeepers' Advocate (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Mail, Town and Country Advertiser (M)Wednesday.
     New Zealand Mines Record (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Primitive Methodist (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Railway Review (E.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Times (M.)Daily.
     New Zealand Trade Review and Price Current (M.)Three-weekly.
     New Zealand Truth (M.)Saturday.
     Post and Telegraph Officers' Advocate (E.)Monthly.
     Progress (M.)Monthly.
     Prohibitionist (E.)Fri., fortnightly.
     Young Man's Magazine (M.)Monthly.
Woodville—
     Examiner (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri,
     Freeman (E.)Monthly.
BLENHEIM
Blenheim—
     Marlborough Express (E.)Daily.
     Marlborough Herald (E.)Daily.
Havelock—
     Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate (M.)Tuesday, Friday.
Picton—
     Marlborough Press, County of Sounds Gazette (E.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
Collingwood—
NELSON
     Golden Bay Argus (E.)Thursday.
Motueka—
     Motueka Star (E.)Tuesday, Friday.
Nelson—
     Colonist (M.)Daily.
     Nelson Evening Mail (E.)Daily.
Takaka—
     Golden Bay News (E.)Thursday.
WESTPORT
Charleston—
     Charleston Herald, Brighton Times, and Croninville Re porter (M.)Wed., Saturday.
Murchison—
     Buller Post (E.)Tuesday.
Westport—
     Buller Miner (M.)Friday.
     Westport News (M.)Daily.
     Westport Times and Evening Star (E.)Daily.
GREYMOUTH
Greymouth—
     Evening Star and Brunnerton Advocate (E.)Daily.
     Grey River Argus (M.)Daily.
     Weekly Argus (M.)Weekly.
Reefton—
     Inangahua Herald and New Zealand Miner (M.)Daily.
     Inangahua Times and Reefton Guardian (E.)Daily.
HOKITIKA
Hokitika—
     Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star (E.)Daily.
     Leader (M.)Saturday.
     West Coast Times (M.)Daily.
Kumara—
     Kumara Times and Dillman's and Goldsborough Advertiser (E.)Daily.
Ross—
     Ross and Okarito Advocate and Westland Advertiser (M.)Wed., Saturday.
CHRISTCHURCH
Akaroa—
     Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser (M.)Tuesday, Friday.
Ashburton—
     Ashburton Daily News (E.)Daily.
     Ashburton Guardian (E.)Daily.
     Ashburton Mail, Rakaia, Mount Somers, and Alford Forest Advertiser (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Cheviot—
     Cheviot News (M.)Tuesday, Friday
Christchurch—
     Canterbury Times (incorporating “Sportsman” and “New Zealand Cyclist”) (M.)Wednesday.
     Lyttelton Times (M.)Daily.
     New Zealand Church News (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Co-operative News (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Poultry-keeper and Fanciers' Chronicle (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Schoolmaster (E.)Monthly.
     New Zealand War Cry and Official Gazette of the Salvation Army (M.)Saturday.
     Press (M.)Daily.
     Spectator (M.)Tuesday.
     Star (E.)Daily.
     Truth (E.)Daily.
     Weekly Press (incorporating “The Referee”) (M.)Wednesday.
     White Ribbon (M.)Monthly.
Kaikoura—
     Kaikoura Star and North Canterbury and South Marlborough News (E.)Daily.
Rangiora—
     Standard and North Canterbury Guardian (M.)Wed., Saturday.
Southbridge—
     Ellesmere Guardian (M.)Wed., Saturday.
TIMARU
Temuka—
     Geraldine Guardian (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
     Temuka Leader (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
Timaru—
     Mercantile and Bankruptcy Gazette of New Zealand (M.)Thursday.
     Pioneer (M.)Monthly.
     Timaru Herald (M.)Daily.
     Timaru Post (E.)Daily.
Waimate—
     Waimate Advertiser (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
     Waimate Times (M.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
OAMARU
Oamaru—
     North Otago Times (M.)Daily.
     Oamaru Mail (E.)daily.
DUNEDIN
Alexandra South—
     Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette (E.)Wednesday.
Balclutha—
     Clutha Leader (M.)Tuesday, Friday.
     Free Press (M.)Tuesday, Friday.
     Dunstan Times, Vincent County Official Gazette, and General Goldfields Advertiser (E.)Monday.
Cromwell—
     Cromwell Argus and Northern Goldfields Gazette (E.)Monday.
Dunedin—
     Evening Star (E.)Daily.
     Farmers' Circular (M.)Thur., fortnightly
     Farmers' Standard of New Zealand (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Baptist (E.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Guardian (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Journal of Education (M.)Monthly.
     New Zealand Mining, Engineering, and Building Journal (M.)Thursday.
     New Zealand Public Opinion (M.)Friday.
     New Zealand Tablet (M.)Thursday.
     Otago Daily Times (M.)Daily.
     Otago Liberal and Workman (M)Saturday.
     Otago Witness (M.)Thursday.
     Outlook (M.)Saturday.
     Red Funnel (M.)Monthly.
     Triad (M.)Monthly.
     Tribune (M.)Friday.
     Weekly Budget (M.)Saturday.
Lawrence—
     Tuapeka Times (M.)Wed., Saturday.
Milton—
     Bruce Herald (E.)Mon., Thursday.
     Milton Mirror (E.)Mon., Thursday.
Mosgiel—
     Taieri Advocate (E.)Tues., Friday.
Naseby—
     Mount Ida Chronicle (M.)Friday.
Palmerston—
     Palmerston and Waikouaiti Times (M.)Friday.
Roxburgh—
     Mount Benger Mail (M.)Wednesday.
Tapanui—
     Tapanui Courier and Central Districts Gazette (M.)Wednesday.
INVERCARGILL
Arrowtown—
     Lake County Press (E.)Thursday.
Gore—
     Mataura Ensign (E.)Tues., Thur., Sat.
     Southern Standard (M.)Tuesday, Friday.
Invercargill—
     Southern Cross (M.)Saturday.
     Southlander (M.)Friday.
     Southland Daily News (E.)Daily.
     Southland Times (M.)Daily.
     Weekly Times (M.)Friday.
Orepuki—
     Orepuki Advocate (M.)Saturday.
Otautau—
     Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle (M.)Wednesday.
Queenstown—
     Lake Wakatipu Mail (E.)Friday.
Riverton—
     Western Star and Wallace County Gazette (E.)Tues., Friday.
Winton—
     Win ton Record, Hokonui Advocate, and Otautau Guardian (M.)Friday.
Wyndham—
     Wyndham Farmer (M.)Mon., Wed., Fri.
     Wyndham Herald (M.)Tuesday, Friday.

The foregoing towns are arranged according to the postal district in which they are situated.

Taking the provincial districts, Auckland has 50 publications registered as newspapers, Taranaki 13, Hawke's Bay 13, Wellington 50, Marlborough 5, Nelson 13, Westland 8, Canterbury 27, and Otago 47.

Chapter 25. THE CUSTOMS TARIFF OF NEW ZEALAND.

Under the Customs and Excise Duties Acts, 1888 and 1895, “The Tobacco Excise Duties Act, 1896,” “The Customs Duties Amendment Act, 1900,” and “The Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, 1903.” [For rates under last-named Act, see p. 111.]

TABLE OF DUTIES.

THE headings of the respective classes in this Table and in the Table Exemptions are used solely for convenience of classification, and shall not in any way affect the articles specified therein, or be construed to indicate the material of which any such article is made.

The word “iron” includes steel, or steel and iron combined.

Neither steam-engines, nor parts of steam-engines, nor steam-boilers (land or marine) are included in the expression “machines” or “machinery” in either this Table or the Table of Exemptions.

The abbreviation “n.o.e.” means not otherwise enumerated.

In computing ad valorem duties the invoice value is increased by 10 per cent.

CLASS I.—FOODS AND ARTICLES FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Names of Articles and Rates of Duty.

1. Almonds, in shell, 2d. the lb.

2. Almonds, shelled, n.o.e., 3d. the lb.

3. Bacon and hams, 2d. the lb.

4. Biscuits, ships' plain and unsweetened, 3s. the cwt.

5. Biscuits, other kinds, 2d. the lb.

6. Boiled sugars, comfits, lozenges, Scotch mixtures, and sugar-candy, 2d. the lb., including internal packages.

7. Candied peel and drained peel, 3d. the lb.

8. Capers, caraway seeds, catsup, cayenne pepper, chillies, chutney, curry powder and paste, fish-paste, gelatine, isinglass, liquorice, olives, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

9. Chocolate confectionery, and all preparations of chocolate or cocoa—

In plain trade packages, 3d. the lb.

In fancy packages, or in small packages for retail sale, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

10. Confectionery n.o.e., 2d. the lb., including internal packages.

11. Currants, 1d. the lb.

12. Fish, dried, pickled, or salted, n.o.e., 10s. the cwt.

13. Fish, potted and preserved, 2d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight, and so in proportion for packages of greater or less reputed weight.*

14. Fruit, fresh, viz.:—

Apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, medlars, apricots, quinces, tomatoes, 1d. the lb.

(No duty exceeding ½d. the lb. to be levied on apples and pears from 14th July to 31st December.)

Currants, raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, and strawberries, ½d. the lb. Lemons, Jd. the lb.

15. Fruits, dried, 2d. the lb.

* Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111)

This refers to dried fruits other than currants and raisins.

16. Fruits preserved in juice or syrup, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

17. Fruit-pulp and partially preserved fruit n.o.e., 1 ½d. the lb.

18. Fruits preserved by sulphurous acid, 1d. the lb.

19. Glucose, 1d. the lb.

20. Honey, 2d. the lb.

21. Jams, jellies, marmalade, and preserves, 2d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight, and so in proportion for packages of greater or less reputed weight.

22. Jellies concentrated in tablets or powder, 4d. the lb.

23. Maizena and cornflour, ¼d. the lb.

24. Meats, potted or preserved, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

25. Milk, preserved, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

26. Mustard, 2d. the lb.

27. Nuts of all kinds, except cocoa-nuts, 2d. the lb.

28. Oysters, preserved, 2d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight, and so in proportion for packages of greater or less reputed weight.

29. Pearl barley, 1s. the cwt.

30. Peas, split, 2s. the cwt.

31. Pickles, 3s. the imperial gallon.

32. Provisions, n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

33. Raisins, 1d. the lb.

34. Rice-flour, 6s. the cwt.

35. Sardines, including the oil, 2d. the lb.

36. Sauces, 4s. the imperial gallon.

37. Spices, including pepper and pimento, unground, 2d. the lb.

38. Spices, including pepper and pimento, ground, 4d. the lb.

39. Sugar, ½d. the lb.

40. Treacle and molasses, ½d. the lb.

41. Vegetables, fresh, dried, or preserved, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

42. Vinegar, table, not exceeding 6.5 per cent. of acidity,* 6d. the gallon.

CLASS II.—TOBACCO.

43. Cigarettes, not exceeding in weight 2 2/1 lb. per 1,000, 17s. 6d. the 1,000. And for all weight in excess of 2 ½ lb. per 1,000, 6d. the oz.

44. Cigars, 7s. the lb.

45. Snuff, 7s. the lb.

46. Tobacco, 3s. 6d. the lb.

47. Tobacco, unmanufactured, entered to be manufactured in the colony in any licensed tobacco-manufactory, for manufacturing purposes only, into tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, or snuff, 2s. the lb.

CLASS III.—ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND MATERIALS FOR MAKING SAME.

48. Ale, beer of all sorts, porter, cider, and perry, the gallon, or for six reputed quart bottles, or 12 reputed pint bottles, 2s. the gallon.

49. Cordials, bitters, and liqueurs, 16s. the liquid gallon.

50. Hops, 6d. the lb.

51. Malt, 2s. the bushel.

52. Rice malt, 1d. the lb.

53. Solid wort, 6d. the lb.

54. Spirits and strong waters, the strength of which can be ascertained by Sykes's hydrometer, 16s. the proof gallon.

(No allowance beyond 16.5 under proof shall be made for spirits or strong waters of a less hydrometer strength than 16.5 under proof.)

55. Spirits and strong waters, sweetened or mixed, when not exceeding the strength of proof, 16s. the liquid gallon.

* Vinegar exceeding 6.5 per cent. of acidity to be treated as acetic acid.

† Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111)*

56. Spirits and strong waters in cases shall be charged as follows, namely:—

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.

57. Spirits or strong waters, mixed with ingredients in any proportion exceeding 33 per cent. of proof spirit, and although thereby coming under any other designation, excepting patent or proprietary medicines, or tinctures and medicinal spirits otherwise enumerated, 16s. the liquid gallon.

58. Wine, Australian, containing not more than 35 per cent. of proof spirit verified by Sykes's hydrometer, the gallon, or for six reputed quart bottles, or twelve reputed pint bottles, 5s. the gallon.

59. Wine, other than sparkling and Australian, containing less than 40 per cent. of proof spirit verified by Sykes's hydrometer, the gallon, or for six reputed quart bottles, or twelve reputed pint bottles, 6s. the gallon.

60. Wine, sparkling, 9s. the gallon.

CLASS IV.—NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND MATERIALS FOR MAKING SAME.

61. Aerated and mineral waters and effervescing beverages, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

62. Chicory, 3d. the lb.

63. Chocolate, 3d. the lb.

64. Cocoa, 3d. the lb.

65. Coffee, essence of, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

66. Coffee, roasted, 3d. the lb.

67. Syrups; lime- or lemon-juice sweetened; raspberry vinegar, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

68. Tea, 2d. the lb.*

CLASS V.—DRUGS, MEDICINES, CHEMICALS, AND DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES.

69. Acid, acetic, n.o.e., containing not more than 30 per cent. of acidity, 1 ½d the lb.

For every 10 per cent. of acidity or fraction thereof additional, 1 ½d. the lb.

70. Acid, tartaric, 1d. the lb.

71. Baking-powder, yeast preparations, and other ferments, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

72. Chemicals n.o.e., including photographic chemicals, and glacial acetic acid (B.P. standard), 15 per cent. ad valorem.

73. Cream of tartar. 1d. the lb.

74. Drugs and druggists' sundries and apothecaries' wares, n.o.e., 15 per cent. ad valorem.

75. Essences, flavouring, spirituous, 16s. the liquid gallon.

76. Essences, flavouring, n.o.e., 15 per cent. ad valorem.

77. Eucalyptus oil, in bulk or bottle, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

78. Glycerine, refined, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

79. Opium, 40s. the lb.

80. Patent medicines, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

81. Proprietary medicines, or medicaments, (1) bearing the name of the proprietor on label or package; (2) bearing a prefixed name in the possessive case; (3) n.o.e., prepared by any occult secret or art, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

82. Saccharine, except in the form of tabloids or tablets, 1s. 6d. the ounce.

* “From and after the thirty-first day of March. one thousand nine hundred and four, no duty shall be leviable on tea grown in any part of the British dominions, except on tea in packets not exceeding one pound in weight.” (Section 9 of “The Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, 1903.”)

Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

83. Sarsaparilla, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

84. Soda, carbonate and bicarbonate, 1s. the cwt.

85. Soda, crystals, 2s. the cwt.

86. Tinctures and medicinal spirits of any recognised pharmacopœia, containing more than 50 per cent. of proof spirit, 1s. the lb.

87. Tincture and medicinal spirits of any recognised pharmacopœia, containing 50 per cent. proof spirit or less, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS VI.—CLOTHING AND TEXTILE GOODS.

88. Apparel and ready-made clothing, and all articles n.o.e. made up wholly or in part from textile or other piece-goods, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

89. Apparel made by British or foreign tailors; dress, mantle, or jacket makers, to the order of residents in the colony, and intended for the individual use of such residents, whether imported by the residents themselves or through an importing firm, 40 per cent. ad valorem.

90. Blankets, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

91. Collars and cuffs, of paper or other material, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

92. Cotton counterpanes, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

93. Cotton piece-goods, to include turkey twills, dress prints (hard-spun and plain-woven), where the invoice value does not exceed 4d. the yard; and cotton piece-goods n.o.e., 10 per cent. ad valorem.

94. Cotton piece-goods—namely, tapestry; cretonnes; chintz art crepe, and serges; velveteens, velvets, and plushes, all kinds; damasks; moquette; sateens; linenettes; crepons; crimps; zephyrs; ginghams; turkey twills; prints; printed cottons; piques; vestings; quiltings, and marcellas; muslins of all kinds; nets; window-nets; hollands, curtains, and blinds; diapers; ticks, including coloured Belgian; towellings; laces, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

95. Drapery n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

96. Feathers, ornamental (including ostrich), and artificial flowers, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

97. Forfar, dowlas, and flax sheeting, n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

98. Furs, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

99. Haberdashery n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

100. Hats of all kinds, including straw hats, also caps, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

101. Hosiery n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

102. Lace, and laces, n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

103. Millinery of all kinds, including trimmed hats, caps, and bonnets, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

104. Ribbons and crape, all kinds, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

105. Rugs, woollen, cotton, opossum, or other, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

106. Shawls, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

107. Silks, satins, velvets, plushes, n.o.e., composed of silk mixed with any other material, in the piece, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

108. Textile piece-goods other than cotton or silk, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

109. Umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

110. Yarns n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS VII.—LEATHER AND MANUFACTURES OF LEATHER.

111. Boots, shoes, and slippers, n.o.e.; goloshes, clogs, pattens, vamps, uppers, and laces, 22 ½ per cent. ad valorem.*

112. Heel-plates, and toe stiffieners and plates, 22 ½ per cent. ad valorem.

113. Leather—

Leather belting, and belt-leather, harness, bridle, legging, bag, kip (other than East India), 4d. the lb. Buff and split, including satin hides and tweeds, 3d. the lb.

* Such as is foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p.111).
4—Ybk.

Cordovan, levanted leather, roans, sheepskins, morocco n.o.e., basils, 3d. the lb.

Sole-leather, 2d. the lb. East India kip, Persians, lambskins and goatskins (dressed other than morocco), kangaroo and wallabi skins (dressed), tan and coloured calf, 2d. the lb.

Leather n.o.e., 1d. the lb.

114. Leather board or compo, 4d. the lb.

115. Leather bags and leather-cloth bags, n.o.e. 20 per cent. ad valorem.

116. Leather, chamois, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

117. Leather cut into shapes, 22 ½ per cent. ad valorem.

118. Leather leggings, 22 ½ per cent. ad valorem.

119. Leather manufactures n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

120. Portmanteaux; trunks; travelling-bags and brief-bags of leather or leather-cloth, 10in. in length and upwards, and carpet-bags, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

121. Saddlery and harness; whips and whip-thongs, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS VIII.—FURNITURE AND HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING.

122. Basket and wicker ware n.o.e., not being furniture, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

123. Carpets, and druggets; floorcloth; mats, and matting, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

124. Desks, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

125. Furniture and cabinetware, n.o.e., and other than iron, 25 per cent. ad valorem.”

126. Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

127. Mantelpieces, other than stone, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

128. Upholstery n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS IX.—CHINA, GLASS, AND EARTHEN GOODS.

129. Bricks, known as firebricks, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

130. China, porcelain, and parianware, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

131. Drainage pipes and tiles, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

132. Earthen flooring and garden-tiles, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

133. Earthenware, stoneware, and brownware, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

134. Filters, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

135. Fireclay, ground, and fireclay goods, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

136. Glass, crown, sheet, and common window, 2s. the 100 superficial feet.*

137. Glassware; also plate-glass, and glass polished, coloured, and other kinds, n.o.e.; globes and chimneys for lamps, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

138. Lamps, lanterns, and lampwick, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

139. Plate-glass, bevelled or silvered; mirrors and looking glasses, framed or un. framed, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS X.—FANCY GOODS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, ETC.

140. Artificial flies, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

141. Cards, playing, 6d. per pack.

142. Clocks, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

143. Dressing-cases, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

144. Fancy goods, and toys. 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

145. Fishing tackle, including artificially-baited hooks other than flies, 20 percent. ad valorem.

146. Jewellery; plate, gold or silver greenstone, cut or polished, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

* Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111)

Plate, gold or silver, if of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

147. Mouldings in the piece for picture frames, cornices, or ceilings, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

148. Musical instruments of all kinds n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

149. Oil, perfumed, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

150. Papier-maché ware, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

151. Perfumery n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

152. Perfumed spirits and Cologne-water, £1 10s. the liquid gallon.

153. Photographic goods n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

154. Pictures, paintings, drawings, engravings, and photographs, framed or un framed; picture or photograph frames and mounts, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

155. Plated ware, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

156. Statues, statuettes, casts, and bronzes, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

157. Tobacco pipes and cases, cigar and cigarette holders and cases, cigarette papers and cases, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

158. Toilet preparations n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

159. Watches, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

160. Walking-sticks, 20 per pent. ad valorem.

CLASS XI.—PAPER MANUFACTURES AND STATIONERY.

161. Calendars and show-cards, all kinds, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

162. Cardboard boxes complete, or cardboard cut and shaped for boxes (including match-boxes), 25 per cent. ad valorem.

163. Directories of New Zealand, or of any part thereof; also covers for directories, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

164. Handbills, programmes and circulars, playbills and printed posters, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

165. Ink, writing, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

166. Paper bags, coarse (including sugar-bags), 7s. 6d. the cwt.

167. Paper bags n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

168. Paperhangings, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

169. Paper, wrapping—viz., blue candle, glazed cap, glazed casings, small hand, lumber hand, and tissue, 5s. the cwt.

170. Paper, wrapping, other kinds, including brown. cartridge, and sugar papers, 5s. the cwt.

171. Printed matter relating to patent or proprietary medicines; trade catalogues, price-lists, and fashion-plates of the goods of firms or persons in the colony, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

172. Stationery and writing-paper n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

173. Stationery, manufactured—viz., account-books; manuscript books; billhead, invoice, and statement forms; printed or ruled paper; counterbooks; cheque and draft forms; tags; labels; blotting-pads; sketchbooks; book-covers; copying letter-books; manifold writers; albums (other than for photographs); diaries; birthday-books; plain or faint-lined ruled books; printed window-tickets; printed, lithographed, or embossed stationery; and Christmas, New Year, birthday, and Easter cards and booklets. 25 per cent. ad valorem.

174. Stereotypes and matrices, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS XII.—MANUFACTURES OF METAL.

175. Bicycles, tricycles, and the like vehicles; also finished or partly finished or machined parts of same, n.o.e., including weldless steel tubing cut to short lengths. 20 per cent. ad valorem.

176. Boilers, land and marine. 20 per cent. ad valorem.

177. Brass cocks, valves, unions, lubricators, and whistles, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

178. Brass manufactures n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

179. Cartridges (shot), 10 to 24 bore, 1s. 6d. the 100.

* Pianos, if of foreign manufacture, are subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

180. Cartridge cases, 9d. the 100.

181. Cartridges n.o.e.,20 per cent. ad valorem.

182. Cash-registering machines, 10 per cent. ad valorem.

183. Coffin-furniture, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

184. Composition piping, 3s. 6d. the cwt.

185. Copper manufactures n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

186. Copying-presses, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

187. Crab-winches, cranes n.o.e., capstans, and windlasses, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

188. Cutlery, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

189. Firearms, all kinds, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

190. Galvanised iron manufactures n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

191. Gasometers, and other apparatus for producing gas; also gas-meters, 10 percent. ad valorem.

192. Gaspipes, iron, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

193. Hardware, ironmongery, and holloware, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

194. Iron bridges, and iron material n.o.e. for the construction of bridges, wharves, jetties, or patent slips, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

195. Iron columns for buildings, and other structural ironwork, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

196. Iron doors for safes and vaults, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

197. Iron galvanised corrugated sheets, screws, and nails, 2s. per cwt.

198. Iron galvanised tiles, ridging, guttering, and spouting, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

199. Iron gates and gate-posts, staples, standards, straining posts and apparatus, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

200. Iron nails, 2s. per cwt.*

201. Iron pipes, and fittings for same, including main-cocks, 5 per cent. ad valorem.*

202. Iron, plain galvanised sheet and hoop, 1s. 6d. the cwt.

203. Iron tanks, exceeding 200 gallons and not exceeding 400 gallons, 10s. each.

204. Iron tanks of and under 200 gallons, 5s. each.

205. Iron work and wire work, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

206. Japanned and lacquered metal ware, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

207. Lawn-mowers, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

208. Lead, in sheets, 1s. 6d. the cwt'.

209. Lead piping, 3s. 6d. the cwt.

210 Machinery n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

211. Machinery, electric, and appliances, 10 per cent. ad valorem.

212. Machinery for flour-mills, woollen-mills, paper-mills, rope and twine making, dredging, saw-milling, planing, oil-refining, boring; and also machinery for refrigerating or preserving meat, leather-splitting machines and band-knives for same, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

213. Manufactures, n.o.e., of metal, or of metal in combination with any other material, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

214. Nails n.o.e., 3s. the cwt.

215. Printing machines and presses, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

216. Pumps and other apparatus for raising water n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

217. Railway and tramway plant and materials n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

218. Sad-irons, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

219. Shot, 10s. the cwt.

220. Soda-water machines; also, machines for aerating liquids, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

221. Steam-engines and parts of steam-engines n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

222. Steam-engines, and parts thereof, including the boiler or boilers therefor, imported specially for mining or gold-saving purposes and processes, or for dairying purposes, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

223. Tinware, and tinsmiths' furniture n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

* Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

224. Waterworks pipes, iron, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

225. Weighbridges and weighing-machines, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

226. Wire mattresses and webbing, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

227. Zinc tiles, ridging, guttering, piping, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

228. Zinc manufactures n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS XIII.—TIMBER, AND ARTICLES MADE FROM TIMBER.

229. Bellows, other than forge, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

230. Blocks, wooden tackle, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

231. Buckets and tubs, of wood, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

232. Carriages, carts, drays, wagons, and perambulators, and wheels for the same, 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

233. Carriage shafts, spokes, and felloes, dressed; bent carriage timber n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

234. Doors, glazed with ornamental glass, 4s. each.

235. Doors, plain, 2s. each.

236. Sashes, glazed with ornamental glass, 4s. the pair.

237. Sashes, plain, 2s. the pair.

238. Timber, palings, 2s. the 100.

239. Timber, posts, 8s. the 100.

240. Timber, rails, 4s. the 100.

241. Timber, sawn, dressed, 4s. the 100 ft. superficial.

242. Timber, sawn, rough, 2s. the 100 ft. superficial.

243. Timber, shingles and laths, 2s. the 1,000.

244. Woodenware and turnery n.o.e, and veneers, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

CLASS XIV.—OILS, PAINTS, ETC.

245. Axle-grease, and other solid lubricants, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

246. Harness oil and composition, and leather dressing, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

247. Naphtha, 6d. the gallon.

248. Oil, linseed, 6d. the gallon.

249. Oil, mineral, including shale-waste or unrefined mineral-oil n.o.e., 6d. tbe gallon.

250. Oil n.o.e., 6d. the gallon.

251. Oil olive, in bulk, 6d. the gallon.

252. Oil vegetable, in bulk, n.o.e., 6d. the gallon.

253. Oil vegetable or other, in bottle, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

254. Paints and colours ground in oil or turpentine, 2s. 6d. the cwt.

255. Paints and colours mixed ready for use, 5s. the cwt.

256. Putty, 2s. the cwt.

257. Stearine, 1 ½. the lb.

258. Stearine for match-making, ¾d. the lb.

259. Varnish; enamel paints; gold size, 2s. the gallon.

260. Whiting and chalk, 1s. the cwt.

CLASS XV.—AGRICULTURAL AND FARM PRODUCTS, ETC.

261. Animals, food for, of all kinds, n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

262. Cattle (horned), 10s. each.

263. Chaff, £1 the ton.

264. Grain—namely, barley, 2s. the 100 lb.

265. Grain and pulse of every kind n.o.e., 9d. the 100 lb.

266. Grain and pulse of every kind, when ground or in any way manufacture, n.o.e., 1s. the 100 1b.

267. Horses, £1 each.

268. Linseed, £1 the ton.

269. Maize, 9d. the 100 lb.

* Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

270. Onions, £1 the ton.

271. Prepared calfmeal, £1 5s. the ton.

CLASS XVI.—MISCELLANEOUS.

272. Bags, flour, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

273. Bags, calico, forfar, hessian, and linen, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

274. Bagging and bags n.o.e., 15 per cent. ad valorem.

275. Blacking and boot-gloss, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

276. Blacklead, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

277. Blue, 2d. the lb

278. Brooms, brushes, and brushware, n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

279. Brushes, hair, and combs; toilet, clothes, and hat brushes, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

280. Candles, 1d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight, and so in proportion for packages of greater or less reputed weight.*

281. Cement, 2s. the barrel.*

282. Cordage and rope, n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.*

283. Cork, cut, including bungs, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

284. Fireworks n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

285. Flock, 10 per cent. ad valorem.

286. Glue and size, 1 ½d. the lb.

287. Granite, sawn on not more than two sides, and not dressed or polished, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

288. Marble, granite, and other stone, dressed or polished, and articles made therefrom, including mantelpieces, 25 per cent. ad valorem.

289. Matches—Wooden, in boxes containing not more than 60 matches, 1s. the gross of boxes.

In boxes containing over 60 and not more than 100 matches, 2s. the gross of boxes.

In boxes containing more than 100 matches, for every 100 matches or fraction thereof contained in one box, 2s. the gross of boxes.

Wax, “plaid vestas” in cardboard boxes containing under 100 matches, 1s. the gross of boxes.

“Pocket vestas” in tin or other boxes containing under 100 matches, 1s. 4d. the gross of boxes.

“Sportsman's,” “Ovals,” and “No. 4 tin vestas,” in boxes containing not more than 200 matches, 4s. 6d. the gross of boxes.

Wax, other kinds, for every 100 matches or fraction thereof contained in one box, 2s. 3d. the gross of boxes.

290. Nets and netting, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

291. Paraffin wax, ¾ d. the lb.

292. Powder, sporting, 6d. the lb.

293. Sacks, other than cornsacks and jute sacks, 15 per cent. ad valorem.

294. Sausage-skins and casings (including brine or salt), 3d. the lb.

295. Soap, common yellow, and blue mottled, 5s. the cwt.

296. Soap, n.o.e., 25 per cent. ad valorem.

297. Soap-powder, extract of soap, dry soap, and soft-soap, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

298. Spirits, methylated, 1s. the liquid gallon.

299. Spirits, cleared from warehouse, methylated, under prescribed conditions, 6d. the liquid gallon.

300. Starch, 2d. the lb.

301. Tarpaulins, tents, rick and wagon covers, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

302. Twine n.o.e., 20 per cent. ad valorem.

303. Washing-powder, 20 per cent. ad valorem.

304. Wax, mineral, vegetable, and Japanese, 1 ½d. the lb. In addition to any duty chargeable by law on any goods imported into the colony, a further duty of 20 per cent. ad valorem shall be charged when the goods are prison-made.

* Such as is of foreign produce or manufacture, subject to preferential duty (see p. 111).

Chapter 26. TABLE OF EXEMPTIONS FROM DUTIES OF CUSTOMS.

CLASS I.—FOODS, ETC.

Names of Articles.

305. Almonds, Barbary, Sicily, and French, used in confectioners' manufactures.

306. Anchovies, salted, in casks.

307. Arrowroot, sago, tapioca, macaroni, vermicelli, and prepared groats.

308. Salt.

309. Rice, dressed or undressed.

310. Rice manufactured into starch in bond.

CLASS IV.—NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ETC.

311. Cocoa-beans.

312. Coffee, raw.

CLASS V.—DRUGS, ETC.

313. Acids—viz.: boracic; carbolic, in bulk; fluoric; muriatic; nitric; oxalic; oleic; picric; pyrogallic; salicylic; sulphuric.

314. Concentrated extracts or essences in liquid form or preserved in fat for per fume-manufacturing purposes in manufacturing warehouses, in bottles of not less than 1 lb. in weight.

315. Disinfectants.

316. Drugs and chemicals—viz.: alum; sulphate of aluminium; sulphate of ammonia; anhydrous ammonia; aniline dyes; arsenic; bluestone, or sulphate of copper; borax; catechu; chloride of calcium; nitrate of silver; cochineal; creosote, crude or commercial; glycerine, crude; gum, arabic and tragacanth; gum benzoin; artificial gum arabic; gum damar; phosphorus; potash, caustic potash, and chlorate of potash; pearlash; prussiate of potash; cyanide of potassium; cyanide of sodium; liquid chlorine; sal-ammoniac; saltpetre; acetate of soda, crude; sodaash; caustic soda; nitrate of soda; silicate of soda; sulphate of soda; sulphide of sodium; hyposulphite of sodium; strychnine; sulphur; chloride of zinc; iron-sulphates; gall-nuts; turmeric; saffron; nitrousoxide gas; tree-washes; insecticides; maltine; chlorodyne.

317. Essential oils, except eucalyptus; cod-liver oil; oil of rhodium.

318. Horse-drenches.

319. Medicinal barks, leaves, herbs, flowers, roots and gums.

320. Scrub-exterminator.

321. Sheep-dip; sheep-drenches; sheep-licks.

322. Surgical and dental instruments and appliances.*

323. Scientific and assay balances, retorts, flasks, and other appliances for chemical analysis and assay work.

324. Water-hardening chemicals for brewers' use.

CLASS VI.—CLOTHING AND TEXTILES.

325. Accoutrements for military purposes, excepting uniform clothing.

326. Brace-elastic and brace-mountings.

327. Bunting, in the piece.

328. Butter- and cheese-cloth.

329. Buttons, tapes, wadding, pins, needles.

330. Calico, white and grey, also cotton sheetings, in the piece.

* If of foreign manufacture, subject to duty (see p. 112).

Subject to the provisions of section 28 of “The Defence Act, 1900,” as follows:—
Equipments to be admitted free of Customs Duty.
“28. All military clothing, saddlery, and equipments imported into the colony for the boná fide use of a Volunteer corps shall, on the certificate in writing of the Minister of Defence that the same are or have been imported for such purpose, be admitted into the colony free of Customs duty.”

331. Corduroy, moleskin, and plain beaver-skin, of cotton, in the piece.

332. Coloured cotton shirtings; flannelette shirtings.*

333. Forfar, dowlas, and flax sheeting, when cut up under supervision in sizes not exceeding 47 in. x 36 in. for making flour-bags, and not exceeding 54 in. for lining wool mats.

334. Fur-skins, green or sun-dried.

335. Gold or silver lace or braid for military clothing.

336. Hatmakers' materials—viz.: silk plush; felt hoods; shellac; galloons; calicoes; spale-boards for hat-boxes; leathers and linings; blocks; moulds; frames; ventilators; and tassels.

337. Hessians, plain or striped, and scrim.

338. Leather-cloth.

339. Minor articles (required in the making-up of apparel, boots, shoes, hats, caps, saddlery, umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades), enumerated in any order of the Commissioner, and published in the Gazette.

340. Sailcloth, canvas, and unbleached double-warped duck, in the piece.

341. Sewing cottons, silks, and threads; crochet, darning, and knitting cottons; angola mendings not exceeding 45 yards, on cards.

342. Silk for flour-dressing.

343. Silk twist (shoemakers' and saddlers').

344. Staymakers' binding, eyelets, corset-fasteners, jean, ticks, lasting, sateen, and cotell.

345. Tailors' trimmings—viz.: plain-coloured imitation hair-cloth; canvas; plain Verona and plain diagonal, and such patterns of checked Italian cloth as may be approved of by the Commissioner of Customs; Italian cloth of cotton or wool; buckram; wadding and padding; silk, worsted, and cotton bindings and braids; stay-bindings; Russia braids; shoulderpads; buckles; silesias; drab, slate, and brown jeans; pocketings; slate, black, and brown dyed unions and linens.

346. Umbrella makers' materials—viz.: reversible and levantine silk mixtures, gloria, and satin de chêne of not less than 44 in. in width; alpaca cloth, with border; zanella cloth, with border; also other piece-goods on such conditions as the Commissioner may approve; sticks, runners, notches, caps, ferrules, cups, ribs, stretchers, tips, and rings.

347. Union shirtings the invoice value of which does not exceed 6d. the yard.*

348. Waterproof material in the piece.

CLASS VII.—LEATHER, AND ARTICLES USED IN LEATHER MANUFACTURES.

349. Boot elastic.

350. Bootmakers' linings, canvas, plain or coloured, bag and portmanteau linings, of such materials, qualities, and patterns as may be approved by the Commissioner.

351. Boots, shoes, and slippers—viz., children's, No. 0 to 3.

352. Cork soles, and sock soles.

353. East India kip, crust or rough-tanned, but undressed.

354. Goatskins, crust or rough-tanned, but undressed.

355. Grindery, except heel- and toe-plates.

356. Hogskins.

357. Kangaroo-, wallabi-skins, undressed.

358. Leather, japanned or enamelled; goatskins, dressed as morocco, coloured (other than black).

359. Saddle-trees.

* Whenever any dispute arises as to the application of the exemption in favour of coloured cotton, flannelette, or union shirtings, in the case of fabrics alleged to be such shirtings, the Commissioner has power to decide such dispute; and in case of doubt on his part, he may require the fabric in dispute to be cut up for shirt-making, under such conditions as he prescribes. (See section 6 of “The Customs and Excise Duties Act, 1895.”)

If of foreign manufacture, subject to duty (see p 111).

360. Saddlers'ironmongery (except bits and stirrup-irons), hames, and mounts for harness; straining, surcingle, brace, girth, and roller webs; collar-check, and the same article plain, of such quality as may be approved by the Commissioner; legging-buckles.

361. Tanning materials, crude.

CLASS VIII.—FURNITURE, ETC.

362. Blind-webbing and tape.

363. Upholsterers' webbing, hair-seating, imitation hair-seating; curled hair; gimp and cord of wool, cotton, or silk; tufts, and studs.

CLASS IX.—CHINA, GLASS, ETC.

364. Bottles, empty, plain glass, not being cut or ground; also, jars up to 3 in. in diameter at the mouth.

365. Glass plates (engraved) for photo-lithographic work.

366. Jars or other dutiable vessels, containing free goods or goods subject to a fixed rate of duty, and being ordinary trade packages for the goods contained in them.

CLASS X.—FANCY GOODS, ETC.

367. Action-work and keys, in frames or otherwise, for manufacture of organs, harmoniums, and pianos; organ-pipes and stop-knobs.

368. Artists' canvas, colours, brushes, and palette knives.

369. Magic-lanterns, lenses, and slides.

370. Microscopes and astronomical telescopes, and lenses for same.

371. Musical instruments, specially imported for Volunteer bands.

372. Paintings, statuary, and works of art, presented to or imported by any public institution or art association registered as a body corporate, for display in the buildings of such institution or association, and not to be sold or otherwise disposed of.

373. Photographic cameras and lenses.

374. Photographs of personal friends in letters or packets.

375. Precious stones, cut or uncut and unmounted.

376. Sensitized surfaces for photographic purposes.

CLASS XI.—PAPER, ETC.

377. Bookbinders' materials—viz., cloth, leather, thread, headbands, webbing, end-papers, tacketing-gut, marbling-colours, marble-paper, blue paste for ruling-ink, staple presses, wire staples, staple-sticks.

378. Butter-paper, known as parchment paper or waxed paper.

379. Cardboard and pasteboard, of sizes not less than that known as “royal.”

380. Cardboard boxes, material for—viz., gold and silver paper, plain and embossed, gelatine and coloured papers, known as “box papers.”

381. Cartridge-paper for drawing-books.

382. Cloth-lined boards, not less than “royal.”

383. Cloth-lined papers, enamelled paper; ivorite and gelatine; metallic paper; not less than “demy.”

384. Copy-books and drawing-books.

385. Copying-paper, medium and double-foolscap, in original mill wrappers and labels.

386. Handmade cheque-paper.

387. Ink, printing.

388. Masticated para.

389. Millboard, and bookbinders' leather-board.

390. Paper, hand-made or machine-made book or writing, of sizes not less than the size known as “demy,” when in original wrappers.

391. Printing-paper.*

392. Printed books, papers, and music, n.o.e.

393. School slates, and educational apparatus.

* If of foreign manufacture, subject to duty (see p. 111).

CLASS XII.—METALS.

394. All machinery for agricultural purposes, including chaff-cutters, corn-crushers; corn-shellers, also articles used in manufacturing the same—viz., chaff - cutting knives, tilt - rakes, fittings for threshing - mills, forgings for ploughs.

395. All agricultural implements.

396. All bolts and nuts, blank or screwed nuts, black or finished nuts.

397. Anchors.

398. Artificers' tools.

399. Axes and hatchets; spades, shovels, and forks picks; mattocks; quartz and knapping hammers; scythes, sheep-shears, reaping-hooks; soldering-irons; paperhangers'scissors; butchers'saws and cleavers.

400. Axles, axle-arms and boxes.

401. Band-saws and folding-saws, including frames.

402. Bellows-nails.

403. Bicycles and tricycles, fittings for—viz., rubber tires, pneumatic tires, out side covers, and inner tubes; rubber and cork handles, and pedal-rubbers; also drop-forgings and stampings, ball-bearings, weldless steel tube in full lengths, rims, forks, and spokes, in the rough.*

404. Blacksmiths' anvils, forges, and fans.

405. Blowers.

406. Brass and copper, in pigs, bars, tubes, or sheets.

407. Brass tubing and stamped work, in the rough, for gasaliers and brackets.

408. Caps, percussion

409. Card clothing for woollen-mills.

410. Chain pulleys, and chains for same.

411. Chains, trace and plough chains; or metal articles required to repair or complete riding or driving harness or saddlery to be repaired or made in the colony.

412. Chamfering, crozing and howelling machine for cask-making.

413. Copper and composition, rod, bolts, sheathing, and nails.

414. Couch-roll jackets, machine-wires, beater-bars, and strainer-plates for paper-mills.

415. Crucibles.

416. Emery-grinding machines and emery-wheels.

417. Empty iron drums, not exceeding 10 gallons capacity.

418. Engineers', boilermakers', brass-finishers', smiths', and all metal- and wood workers' machine and hand tools.

419. Engine governors.

420. Eyelets.

421. Fire-engines, including Merryweather's chemical fire-engines.

422. Fish-hooks.

423. Galvanising baths, welded.

424. Gas-engines and hammers, and oil-engines.*

425. Glassmakers' moulds.

426. Hydraulic cranes.

427. Iron- and brass-wove wire and wire gauze; also wire netting.

428. Iron boiler-plates and unflanged end-plates for boilers; boiler-tubes not exceeding 6 in. in diameter, and unflanged; Bowling's expansion rings; furnace-flues.

429. Iron, plain black sheet, rod, bolt, bar, plate,* hoop, and pig.

430. Iron rolled girders.

431. Iron plates, screws, and castings for ships.

432. Iron wire n.o.e., including fencing-wire, plain and barbed.

433. Lead, in pigs and bars.

434. Locomotives.

435. Machine saws.

* If of foreign manufacture, subject to duty (see p. 111).

Hoop and pig iron not affected by preferential tariff.

436. Machinery exclusively for the purpose of the manufacture of beet-root sugar.

437. Machinery for dairying purposes.

438. Machinery of every description for mining purposes, including machine pumps, but not including machinery for dredging.

439. Machinery for gold-saving purposes and processes.

440. Metal fittings for trunks, portmanteaux, travelling-bags, leggings, bags, and satchels.

441. Metal sheaves for blocks.

442. Metallic capsules.

443. Perambulators and the like vehicles, fittings for, n.o.e.

444. Perforated or cellular sheet zinc or iron.

445. Portable engines on four or any greater number of wheels, with boiler of locomotive type; also traction-engines.

446. Printing type and materials n.o.e.

447. Rails for railways and tramways.*

448. Reapers and binders, and reaping and mowing machines, and extra parts for same; materials for manufacturing agricultural machinery, namely, reaper-knife sections, fingers, brass and steel springs, malleable castings, discs for harrows, mould-boards and plough-shares, mould-board plates, and steel share-plates cut to pattern, skeith-plates; ploughs and harrows; combined threshers.

449. Riddles and sieves.

450. Rivets and washers.

451. Separators and coolers for dairying purposes.

452. Set-screws, engineers' studs, and split-pins.

453. Sewing, knitting, and kilting machines.

454. Spiral springs (except sofa and mattress springs).

455. Steam and hydraulic pressure and vacuum gauges.

456. Steel rams, black or finished, for hydraulic cranes or jiggers.

457. Surveyors' steel bands and measuring-tapes.

458. Swords.

459. Tacks of all kinds.

460. Tea-packing lead.

461. Tin, in pigs, bars, or sheets.

462. Tinsmiths' fittings, including stamped or blocked tin, planished or un planished.

463. Tins, tops of, ornamented.

464. Welded and flanged boiler-furnaces, plain or corrugated.

465. Wire, of brass, copper, or lead.

466. Zinc, plain sheet.

467. Zinc plates and copper plates for photo-lithographic work.

CLASS XIII.—TIMBER, ETC.

468. Ash, hickory, and lancewood timber, unwrought.

469. Blacksmiths' bellows.

470. Brush woodware.

471. Carriage and cart shafts, spokes and felloes in the rough; hubs, all kinds;

poles if unbent and unplaned, all kinds; bent wheel-rims.

472. Carriage and cart makers' materials—viz.: springs, mountings, trimmings, brass hinges, tire-bolts, shackle-holders, step treads, and other iron fittings (except steps, lamp-irons, dash-irons, seat-rails, and fifth wheels), rubber-cloth.

473. Churns.

474. Lignum-vitæ.

475. Sieves, hair.

476. Wooden handles for tools.

* See preferential tariff, p. 111.

CLASS XIV.—OILS, ETC.

477. Benzine in bulk.

478. Oils—viz.: candlenut, fish, kerosene, penguin, palm, seal, whale.

479. Paints and colours n.o.e.

480. Shale oil, once run, suitable for gas-making.

481. Spirits of tar.

482. Turpentine, driers, and terebene.

CLASS XV.—MISCELLANEOUS.

483. Apparatus and appliances solely for teaching purposes, as may be approved by the Commissioner.

484. Bags made of New Zealand tow or flax.

485. Belting for machinery, other than leather.

486. Binder-twine.

487. Bricks, other than fire-bricks.

488. Building materials n.o.e.

489. Brushes for cream-separators and combined screens.

490. Candlenuts and candlenut kernels.

491. Candle-wick.

492. Canvas aprons and elevators for reapers and binders.

493. Carpenters' baskets.

494. Charts and maps.

495. Confectioners' moulding-starch.

496. Cotton waste.

497. Dye-stuffs and dyeing materials, crude.

498. Felt sheathing.

499. Food preservative n.o.e.

500. Gum boots.*

501. Hawsers of 12 in. and over.

502. Honey and brown Windsor soap composition.

503. Iron and steel cordage.*

504. Jute bagging, bags, and sacks.

505. Manures.

506. Marble, and other stone, hewn or rough sawn, not dressed or polished.

507. Netmakers' cotton twine.

508. Official supplies for consular officers of countries where a similar exemption exists in favour of British Consuls.

509. Papermakers' felts.

510. Passengers' baggage and effects, including only wearing-apparel and other personal effects that have been worn or are in use by persons arriving in the colony; also implements, instruments, and tools of trade, occupation, or employment of such persons; and household or other effects not exceeding £100 in value, which have been in use for twelve months prior to embarkation by the persons or families bringing them to the colony, and not intended for any other person or persons or for sale also cabin-furnishings belonging to such persons.

511. Plaster of Paris.

512. Powder, blasting and meal.

513. Ship-chandlery n.o.e.

514. Ships' rockets, blue-lights, and danger-signals.

515. Stones, mill- grind- oil- and whet-.

516. Tobacco for sheepwash or for insecticide, after being rendered unfit for human consumption to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

517. Treacle or molasses, mixed with bone-black in proportions to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

518. Tubular woven cotton-cloth in the piece, for meat-wraps.

519. Typewriters.

* If of foreign manufacture, subject to duty (see p. 111).

Inclu ling bicycles which have been in use for twelve months.

520. Wax, bottling.

521. Woolpacks and woolpockets.

522. Yarn—viz.: coir, flax, hemp.

523. Articles and materials (as may from time to time be specified by the Commissioner) which are suited only for, and are to be used solely in, the fabrication of goods within the colony. All decisions of the Commissioner in reference to articles so admitted free to be published from time to time in the Gazette.

524. And all articles not otherwise enumerated.

Chapter 27. TABLE OF EXCISE DUTIES.

525. Tobacco, 1s. the lb.*

526. Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff, 1s. 6d. the lb.*

527. Beer, 3d. the gallon.

528. Articles in which spirit is a necessary ingredient, manufactured in a warehouse appointed under section 26 of “The Customs Laws Consolidation Act, 1882,” namely—

Tinctures, essences, extracts, and medicinal spirits of any recognised pharmacopœia containing more than 50 per cent. of proof spirit, 9d. the lb.

Tinctures, essences, extracts, and medicinal spirits of any recognised pharmacopœia containing less than 50 per cent. of proof spirit, 3d. the lb.

Culinary and flavouring essences, 12s. the liquid gallon, from 1st February, 1896.

Perfumed spirit, 20s. the liquid gallon, from 1st February, 1896.

Toilet preparations which are subject to 16s. the liquid gallon on importation, 12s. the liquid gallon.

Toilet preparations which are subject to 25 per cent. duty on importation, 6s. the liquid gallon.

DUTIES IMPOSED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 17 OF “THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ACT, 1888.”

529. Olive-stones, ground (see New Zealand Gazette, 15th May, 1890), 4d. the lb.

530. Brewers' caramel (see New Zealand Gazette, 21st August, 1890), 3d. the lb.

531. Liquid hops (see New Zealand Gazette, 21st December, 1893), 6s. the lb.

532. The United Asbestos Patent Salamander Decorations (see New Zealand Gazette, 14th May, 1896), 15 per cent. ad valorem.

533. Matches of any material other than wood or wax, a duty corresponding to the duty payable on wooden matches (see New Zealand Gazette, 27th April, 1899).

534. Fibre conduit pipes and fittings for same (see New Zealand Gazette, 4th May, 1899), 5 per cent. ad valorem.

535. Caramel cereal (see New Zealand Gazette, 14th March, 1901), ½d. the lb.

* “The Tobacco Excise Duties Act, 1896,” section 2, enacts:—
“On and after the thirty-first day of December, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six, section three of ‘The Customs and Excise Duties Act, 1891,' shall be deemed to be repealed, and in lieu of the duties imposed by that section there shall be levied, collected, and paid, on and after that day, upon tobacco manufactured in the colony, at the time of making the entry for home consumption thereof, the several duties of excise following, that is to say—

“On tobaccoOne shilling the pound.
On cigars and snuffOne shilling and sixpence the pound.
On cigarettes—
  If manufactured by machineryTwo shillings and sixpence the pound.
  If made by handOne shilling the pound.”

536. Compo-board (see New Zealand Gazette, 12th December, 1901), 4s. the 100 ft. super.

537. Leather-board or compo cut into shapes (see New Zealand Gazette, 20th August, 1903), 4d. the lb.

538. Creamalina (see New Zealand Gazette, 17th September, 1903), ld. the lb.

539. Ground cocoa-shells (see New Zealand Gazette, 7th January, 1904), 3d. the lb.

540. Brunak (see New Zealand Gazettee, 8th September, 1904), 3d. the lb.

541. Tartaraline, a substitute for cream of tartar (see New Zealand Gazette, 22nd December, 1904), 1d. the lb.

542. Bush's Cream of Tartar Substitute (see New Zealand Gazette, 26th January, 1905), 1d. the lb.

MODIFICATIONS.

On and after 1st July, 1904, the Customs tariff is modified in respect of the undermentioned articles imported into the Cook and other Islands within the extended boundaries of the colony:—

Claret, 2s. the gallon (in lieu of 6s. the gallon).

Horses, 10s. each (in lieu of £1 each).

Drugs imported by missionary societies for dispensation among the Natives, free.

OPIUM PROHIBITION.

“The Opium Prohibition Act, 1901,” makes it unlawful for any person to import opium into the colony in any form suitable for smoking. Permits may be issued by the Commissioner of Trade and Customs for the importation of the drug in the following forms:—

Opium, crude.

Opium, in powder.

Opium, extract of, solid.

No permit shall be issued to any person of the Chinese race. Heavy penalties are prescribed for breaches of the above law.

“The Opium Prohibition Act Amendment Act, 1902,” makes it illegal to have opium in possession, except the kinds stated above, which can be held under permit.

Chapter 28. TIMBER EXPORT.

Table of Contents

“The Timber Export Act, 1901,” authorised the collection, by Order in Council, of the following duties:—

SCHEDULE.

Logs, round
Logs, squared with axe or saw
Half logs
3s. per 100 superficial feet.Or such lesser duty as the Governor by Order in Council determines.
Flitches of any particular kind, or pieces of such size as the Governor by Order in Council from time to time determines3s. per 100 superficial feetOr such lesser duty as the Governor by Order in Council determines.

An Order in Council dated the 27th March, 1902, directs that there shall be levied, collected, and paid previous to exportation from New Zealand, duties upon white-pine and kahikatea timber as under:—

Logs, round3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Logs, cut in half3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Logs, squared with axe or saw, 10 in. by 10 in. or its equivalent, or over}3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Flitches, any width, and not exceeding 10 in. thick2s. per 100 superficial feet.

A further Order in Council, dated 10th April, 1902, directs that duties on kauri timber shall be charged as under:—

Logs, round3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Logs, cut in half3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Logs, squared with axe or saw3s. per 100 superficial feet.
Flitches, exceeding 30 in. in width and 9 in. in thickness}2s. per 100 superficial feet.

“The Timber Export Duty Act, 1903,” forms part of and is to be read with “The Timber Export Act, 1901.” The following duties may, by Order in Council,* be substituted for those in the Schedule to the last-named statute:—

SCHEDULE.
Logs, round Logs, squared with axe or saw Half logs5s. per 100 superficial feetOr such lesser duty as the Governor by Order in Council determines.
Flitches of any particular kind, or pieces of such size as the Governor by Order in Council from time to time determines3s. per 100 superficial feetOr such lesser duty as the Governor by Order in Council determines.

Chapter 29. “THE PREFERENTIAL AND RECIPROCAL TRADE ACT, 1903.”

The above Act forms part of and is to be read together with “The Customs Laws Consolidation Act, 1882.” Certain goods (enumerated in these Schedules) imported into New Zealand, not being the produce or manufacture of some part of the British dominions, are to be subject to duty or extra duties as set forth hereunder:—

ARTICLE NAMED IN FIRST SCHEDULE.

(An additional duty equal to the amount payable under any tariff for the time being in force in New Zealand.)

Cement.

ARTICLES NAMED IN SECOND SCHEDULE.

(An additional duty equal to one-half of the amount payable under any tariff for the time being in force.)

Basket and wicker ware, n.o.e., not being furniture.

Bicycles, tricycles, and the like vehicles; also finished or partly finished or machined parts of same, n.o.e., including weldless steel tubing cut to short lengths.

Boots, shoes, and slippers, n.o.e.; goloshes, clogs, pattens, vamps, uppers, and laces.

Candles.

* No order yet issued.

Carriages, carts, drays, wagons, and perambulators, and wheels for same.

China, porcelain, and parian ware.

Clocks.

Cordage and rope, n.o.e.

Cream of tartar.

Earthenware, stoneware, and brownware.

Fancy goods and toys.

Firearms, all kinds.

Fish, potted and preserved.

Furniture and cabinetware, n.o.e., and other than iron.

Glass, crown, sheet, and common window.

Glassware; also plate-glass, and glass polished, coloured, and other kinds, n.o.e. globes and chimneys for lamps.

Hardware, ironmongery, and holloware.

Hops.

Iron nails.

Iron pipes, and fittings for same, including main-cocks.

Lamps, lanterns, and lamp-wick.

Musical instruments—viz., pianos.

Paperhangings.

Paper, wrapping—viz., blue candle, glazed cap, glazed casings, small-hand, lumber-hand, and tissue.

Paper, wrapping, other kinds, including brown, cartridge, and sugar papers.

Plate and platedware.

Pumps and other apparatus for raising water.

ARTICLES NAMED IN THIRD SCHEDULE.

(Duties equal to 20 per centum of the value for duty as defined by the principal Act, or by any Act amending the principal Act.)

Bicycles and tricycles, fittings for—viz., rubber tires, pneumatic tires, outside covers, and inner tubes; rubber and cork handles, and pedal-rubbers; also drop-forgings and stampings, ball-bearings, weldless steel tube in full lengths, rims, forks, and spokes in the rough.

Gas-engines and hammers, and oil-engine.

Gum boots.

Iron and steel cordage.

Iron, plain black sheet, rod, bolt, bar, and plate.

Printing-paper.*

Rails for railways and tramways.

Sailcloth, canvas, and unbleached double-warped duck.

Surgical and dental instruments and appliances.

The Act also provides that from and after the 31st March, 1904, no duty shall be leviable on tea grown in any part of the British dominions, except on tea in packets not exceeding one pound in weight.

[The main features of the Act, including its provisions as to reciprocity of trade, will be found described in Part III. of this volume.]

* No duty as above described is to be levied on printing-papers imported by and for the use of the proprietors of any registered newspaper, if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Collector that they are imported under a valid contract for the supply of such papers for a period not exceeding three years, entered into prior to the 16th November, 1903.

No preferential duty will be levied on rails for tramways and other goods mentioned in the above Schedules directly imported before 31st March, 1906, for use in the construction or equipment of any tramway for which plans and specifications have been completed or are in course of preparation on the passing of the Act.

Chapter 30. FEES PAYABLE UNDER LAND TRANSFER ACT.

FEES PAYABLE TO DISTRICT LAND REGISTRARS UNDER “THE LAND TRANSFER ACT, 1885.”

For the bringing land under the provisions of this Act (over and above the cost of advertisements)—£s.d.
  When the title consists of a Crown grant, and none of the land included therein has been dealt with020
  When the title is of any other description and the value exceeds £300100
  When the title is of any other description and the value exceeds £200 and does not exceed £3000150
  When the title is of any other description and the value exceeds £100 and does not exceed £2000100
  When the title is of any other description and when the value does not exceed £100050
 
Contribution to the Assurance Fund upon first bringing land under the Act,—
  In the pound sterling000 ½
    
Other fees—
  For every application to bring land under the Act050
  For every certificate of title on transfer where the consideration does not exceed £1000100
  For every other certificate of title100
  Registering memorandum of transfer, mortgage, incumbrance, or lease0100
  Registering transfer or discharge of mortgage or of incumbrance, or the transfer or surrender of a lease050
  Registering proprietor of any estate or interest derived by settlement or transmission0100
  For every power of attorney deposited0100
  For every registration abstract100
  For cancelling registration abstract050
  For every revocation order0100
  Noting caveat0100
  Cancelling or withdrawal of caveat, and for every notice relating to any caveat050
  For every search020
  For every general search050
  For every map or plan deposited050
  For every instrument declaratory of trusts, and for every will or other instrument deposited0100
  For registering recovery by proceeding in law or equity or re-entry by lessee0100
  For registering vesting of lease in mortgagee, consequent on refusal of Trustee in Bankruptcy to accept the same0100
  For entering notice of marriage or death0100
  For entering notice of writ or order of Supreme Court0100
  Taking affidavit or statutory declaration050
  For the exhibition of any deposited instrument, or for exhibiting deeds surrendered by applicant proprietor050
  For certified copy, not exceeding five folios050
  For every folio or part folio after first five006
  For every notice to produce deeds or instruments050
  For every outstanding interest noted on certificate of title050
  When any instrument purports to deal with land included in more than one grant or certificate, for each registration memorial after the first020

Regulations.

All fees under the Act shall be due and payable in advance.

Where several properties are included in one form of application there shall be charged in respect of each property an application fee and a fee for bringing the land under the Act. Land included within one outer boundary shall be deemed one property for the purpose of this regulation.

In all cases a fee of one pound (£1) is hereby prescribed as the charge to be made for advertising notice of application; provided that, whenever it is necessary that unusual publicity shall be given to any application, the District Land Registrar may require payment of such additional sum as shall, in his judgment, be sufficient to defray the cost of such advertisements.

In all cases where application is made to bring land under the Act, and the certificate of title is directed to issue and is issued in the name of the applicant, the fees for bringing such land under the Act, with the exception of the “application fee,” may, at the request of the applicant, remain unpaid until such land is dealt with by him as registered proprietor. The District Land Registrar shall retain any such certificate of title until the fees due upon the same have been paid, and, until such payment, shall not register any dealing with the land included in such certificate of title.

Printed forms supplied by the Registrar for use under the Act shall be charged for at the rate of one shilling each. Solicitors, land-brokers, and others having forms printed for their own use, and at their own expense, shall, on approval of such forms by the Registrar, be entitled to have the same sealed free of charge.

Chapter 31. DUTIES ON ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS.

BY the Amendment Act of 1885 the Schedule of Duties payable under the principal Act of 1881 has been repealed, and the following imposed in lieu thereof:—

1. When the value does not exceed £100No duty.
2. Upon any amount exceeding £100 but not exceeding £1,000—
  On the first £100No duty.
  And on the remainder£2 ½ per cent.
3. Upon any amount exceeding £1,000 but not exceeding £5,000£3 ½ per cent.
4. Upon any amount exceeding £5,000, but not exceeding £20,000£7 per cent.
5. Upon £20,000 and any amount over that sum£10 per cent.
6. Strangers in blood, excepting adopted children£3 per cent. additional.

These duties are leviable upon the final balance of the real and personal estates.

The exemption in respect of property passing absolutely to widow at death of husband is now extended vice versã.

There are also special provisions in the law affecting children, grandchildren, step-children, and adopted children inheriting property.

The above duties also apply to deeds of gift.

PART II.—STATISTICAL.

Table of Contents

Chapter 32. SECTION I.—EDUCATION OF THE PEOPLE.

THE information obtained at the time of the census in respect of the degree of education of the people is remarked upon in the Year-book, 1903. Later particulars are now given as to schooling.

SCHOOL STATISTICS TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1904.

It has been found impossible to collect the full statistics relating to schooling for the year 1905 in time for this work, and the figures for the previous year are accordingly given.

The number of schools, teachers, and scholars, as in December, 1904, are shown in the following summary:—

Description of Schools.Number of Schools.Number of Instructors.Number of scholars for the Fourth Quarter of 1904.
M.F.Total.Boys.Girls.Total

*Excluding 66 visiting teachers.

Excluding men, women, lads, and girls, in addition to the children in the school, who were receiving technical and industrial training.

And 11 sewing-mistresses.

     EUROPEAN.
Public (Government) schools (scholars) other than Maoris and half-castes1,7851,4162,3023,71868,73463,295132,029
Public (Government) schools (half-castes living among Europeans)5945541,148
Colleges, grammar and high schools (aided or endowed) 27....*189 2,4431,5954,038
Private schools (excluding Maori scholars) 295134724858 6,7859,59316,378
Industrial schools and orphanages ........ 396367763
Native village schools, European children attending ........ 231198429
Private Native boarding-schools, European children attending ........ 9514
School for Deaf-mutes 1...... 362965
Jubilee Institute for Blind1 1..11 13821
   Totals—Europeans 2,109....4,766 79,24175,644154,885
          
     NATIVE.
Native village schools supported by Government (excluding European children stated above) 10073105178 1,8551,4703,325
Private Native boarding-schools (maintenance of scholars paid by Government)67916365591
Private Native boarding-schools (maintenance of scholars paid from endowments)13072202
Private Native day-schools 3347 633396
Public (Government; schools, Maoris attending ........ 1,1878542,041
Public (Government) schools, half-castes living as Maoris attending ........ 146111257
Private schools for Europeans, Maoris attending ........ 363167
   Totals—Natives 10983118201 3,4532,6266,709

Thus at the end of 1904 there were 2,218 schools of all classes at which members of the European and Maori races were being educated. This was an increase of 53 on the number in 1903. The public primary schools numbered 1,785 in 1904, against 1,741 in 1903. The number of aided or endowed colleges, grammar, and high schools was 27, an increase of 2 on the number for the previous year. The number of private schools from which returns were received by the Registrar-General was 295, an increase of 7. There were also ten industrial schools and orphanages, public and private, at which education was given, as well as a school for deaf-mutes subsidised by Government, and a school for the blind.

The number of schools established for the education of the Native or Maori race was 109, the same number as in 1903.

Public (Government) Schools.

Compared with 1903, there was in 1904 an increase of 1,907 in the number of pupils belonging to the public schools at the end of the year, and the average attendance shows an increase of 3,459 for the whole year, and of 3,733 for the fourth quarter.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND YEARLY INCREASE FROM 1877 TO 1904.

Year.School Attendance.Yearly Increase on
Number belonging at Beginning of Year.Number belonging at End of Year.Average Attendance*Average Attendance expressed as Percentage of Roll-number.Number belonging at Beginning of Year.Number belonging at End of Year.Average Attendance
Fourth Quarter.Whole Year.Fourth Quarter.Whole Year.

* From 1877 to 1893 (inclusive) the “strict” average is given, and for subsequent years the “working” average.

From 1877 to 1694 (inclusive) the increase on the “strict” average is given, and for subsequent years that on the “working” average.

1,877...55,688.....................
1,87850,84965,04049,43545,521......9,352......
1,87959,70775,56657,30153,06773.88,85810,5267,8667,546
1,88068,12482,40162,94660,62574.68,4176,8355,6457,558
1,88174,35983,56063,00961,82274.26,2351,159631,197
1,88276,30987,17966,42663,70973.61,9503,6193,4171,887
1,88379,41692,47670,07767,37374.03,1075,2973,6513,664
1,68484,88397,23874,65072,65775.15,4674,7624,5735,284
1,88590,670102,40780,18378,32776.65,7875,1695,5335,670
1,88695,377106,32883,36180,73776.14,7073,9213,1782,410
1,88799,206110,91987,38685,63777.03,8294,5914,0254,900
1,688103,534112,68590,84990,10879.34,3281,7663,4634,471
1,889104,919115,45694,30893,37480.31,3852,7713,4593,266
1,890108,158117,91296,67094,63279.93,2392,4562,3621,258
1,691110,665119,52396,26497,05880.32,5071,611[-406]2,426
1,692112,279122,620100,91799,07080.61,6143,0974,6532,012
1,893114,305124,68699,87298,61578.52,0262,066[-1,045][-455]
1,894116,819127,300107,032104,99681.82,5142,6146,2794,875
1,895119,900129,856108,708108,39482.83,0812,5561,6763,398
1,896122,425131,037110,274110,51783.32,5251,1811,5662,123
1,697123,533132,197111,952112,32883.91,1081,1601,6781,811
1,898123,892131,621109,561111,63683.4359[-576][-2,391][-692]
1,899123,207131,315109,050110,31682.6[-685][-306][-511]1,320]
1,900123,416130,724111,493111,74784.1209[-591]2,4481,431
1,901122,725131,351112,354111,79781.1[-691]62785650
1,902121,456132,262111,556113,71184.9731911[-798]1,914
1,903124,095133,568114,232113,04783.96391,3062,676[-664]
1,904125,150135,475117,965116,50685.51,0551,9073,7333,459

In the report of the Minister of Education the figures are thus commented upon:—

The average of the weekly roll-numbers shows a further increase for 1904, being 1,534 larger than in 1903. The figures for 1903 were 134,748, and for 1904, 136,282. The number on the roll at the end of the year likewise shows a considerable increase, being 135,475, or 1,907 more than the number enrolled at the end of 1903.

There is also a very satisfactory improvement in the standard of regularity of attendance attained during the year, namely, 85.5 per cent., or 1.6 per cent. above that for 1903. This improvement, it may be noted, took place gradually throughout the whole year. In the first quarter the average daily attendance was 85.07 per cent. of the average weekly roll-number, in the second quarter 85.15 per cent., in the third quarter 85.38 per cent., and in the last quarter 86.36 per cent.

A reference to the above table will show that, excepting the year 1893, when there was a falling-off of over 2 per cent., and the years 1899 and 1903, when there was a falling-off of 1 per cent., there has been an almost continuous improvement in regularity of attendance, until the colony has reached a percentage which compares favourably with that of the United Kingdom, or of any of the States of the Australian Commonwealth, so far as comparison can be made with those countries. Unfortunately, an exact comparison cannot be made with the United Kingdom, or Canada, or the Australian States (except Western Australia), as the average weekly enrolment is not there recorded. Taking, however, the net annual enrolment, according to the figures for 1904 as given in Whitaker's Almanac, the average daily attendance was, in England, 84.4 per cent.; in Scotland, 85.2 per cent.; in Ireland, 66.4. For Canada only the total enrolment is given in the reports of the several provinces, and the percentage of attendance thereon for 1903 was, in the Province of Quebec, 74.7 and in Ontario, 57.0. The latest figures available for the Australian States are those for 1903, according to which the percentage was, for New South Wales, 63.4 per cent.; for Victoria, 67.0 per cent.; for Queensland, 71.7 per cent.; for South Australia, 68.9 per cent. In Western Australia, it was 82.7 per cent. of the average weekly enrolment. In Tasmania there is only available for comparison the average number on the rolls from month to month, of which the average daily attendance was 74.5 per cent. In Cape Colony the percentage of attendance to the average roll was 81.9 for the year ending the 30th June, 1904.

Education at the public schools is free (except that, at such as are also district high schools, fees are charged for the teaching of the higher branches) and purely secular. The attendance of all children between the ages of 7 and 14 is compulsory, except when special exemptions are granted, or a child is being otherwise sufficiently educated.

The subjects to be taught at the primary schools are required by the Education Act to be the following: Reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar and composition, geography, history (including civic instruction), elementary science and drawing, object-lessons, vocal music, physical instruction, moral instruction, nature-study, health, and (in the case of girls) sewing and needlework, the principles of domestic economy, also handwork for both sexes. Provision must also be made for the instruction in military drill of all boys in these schools.

A new syllabus of instruction was introduced in April, 1904, and arrangements made for the training of teachers; grants are voted, the intention being to have a training-college at each of the four chief towns in the colony. There is also a vote for instruction of teachers in handwork for purposes of manual and technical instruction.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS.

The total income of the various Education Boards for the year 1904 was £625,755, including £2,767 of refunds, fines, &c. The grants by Government amounted to £616,350, including receipts from education reserves. These grants consist of payments to the Board of every district of a sum sufficient to pay the salaries of teachers and pupil-teachers in the district, and further payments of a sum of £250 per annum, together with a sum of 11s. 3d. per annum for each child in daily average attendance at a public school. (The Governor may by Order in Council declare that in lieu of the payments last named there shall be paid to the Boards a capitation allowance of 12s., and in addition £250 per annum to each Board having a daily average attendance of less than 8,000 children.) There is also a varying sum for the establishment and maintenance of normal or training schools, and for the support of such schools already established; also grants for school buildings and for technical education. The income from local receipts was £6,638.

The total expenditure in 1904 amounted to £603,010, of which the sum of £462,357, including £16,735 for manual and technical instruction, was laid out on the maintenance of the schools.

The receipts and expenditure of the Education Boards, numbering thirteen altogether, are tabulated below, with further particulars:—

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF EDUCATION BOARDS.

    £s.d.
Receipts.      
   Balances, 1st January, 1904   6,4851711
Government grants—
   Rents from reserves£44,429911   
   Balance of grants for salaries of teachers and pupil-teachers360,436128   
   Allowance at £250 and capitation71,13742   
   Other grants7,96528   
     Total for main tenance483,96895   
   Scholarships and district high schools19,22677   
   Manual and technical instruction14,31618   
   Buildings and teachers' house allowances98,83991   
   Total from Government   616,35079
Local receipts—
   Fees, donations, &c.4,660120   
   Interest, rents, &c.1,977911   
    6,638111
   Refunds, fines, &c.   2,766172
    £632,24149
       
Expenditure.      
   Boards' administration   31,980152
   Teachers' and pupil-teachers' salaries and pupil-teachers' lodging-allowances   406,30382
Incidental expenses of schools—
   Ordinary£32,496150   
   Capitation at 9d.4,25400   
    36,750150
   Salaries of relieving teachers   2,567105
   Scholarships and secondary education   20,5171211
   Training of teachers   3,627180
   Manual and technical instruction   16,73577
   Buildings, house allowances, sites, &c.   83,49916
   Refunds and sundries   1,02843
   Balance, 31st December, 1904   29,230119
    £632,24149

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

The Education Act of 1904 provides for public instruction in such manual and technical subjects as are set forth in the regulations thereunder. The same Act provides also for the instruction in elementary handwork of pupils attending primary or secondary schools. All classes recognised under the Act are eligible for grants in aid of necessary buildings, furniture, apparatus, and material, and for capitation, and subsidies of £1 for £1 on voluntary contributions.

During 1904 capitation was paid on classes for drawing (various branches), painting, modelling, design, wood-carving, architecture, carpentry and joinery, plumbing, painters' and decorators' work, mechanical and electrical engineering, natural and experimental science (various branches), farriery and smithing, languages, mathematics, commercial subjects, cookery, laundry-work, dressmaking, millinery, tailoring, wool-sorting, and vocal music.

Special annual grants are made to Education Boards for the maintenance of training classes for teachers in subjects of manual and technical instruction prescribed for school classes.

Provision has also been made for free technical education. 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 as senior free places. In order that the substratum on which technical education is based may be sound, it is made a condition of the tenure of the Junior Technical Scholarships that the holders shall receive instruction in one or more subjects of general instruction, such as English and arithmetic or some other branch of mathematics, in addition to instruction in technical subjects. Holders of senior free places are required to take up definite courses of technical instruction.

The controlling authorities of classes for manual and technical instruction are Education Boards, governing bodies of secondary schools and university colleges, and, in the case of certain classes in existence before the passing of the Act of 1904, the managers of those classes. School classes, or classes held in connection with primary or secondary schools, are under the control of the Education Boards or of the governing bodies respectively. “Special classes”—that is, continuation classes, and classes for manual or technical instruction—are established and controlled by the same bodies. “College classes” are classes for higher technical instruction established and controlled by the governing body of a university college. Classes may also be established by Borough Councils, County Councils, and other local authorities acting jointly with an Education Board or university college; these are called “associated classes,” and all the contributing bodies may have a voice, according to the share of the cost of maintenance borne by them, in the election of managers for the classes. It is worthy of note, but not yet perhaps generally understood, that the Act and regulations thereunder offer just as great inducements for the establishment of classes for dairy-work and for agricultural instruction as for other classes for technical instruction; even more, perhaps, for in certain cases capitation may be paid to country classes at one and a half times the rate paid to town classes. There is now really nothing to prevent any district or any body of persons in a district from starting classes under the Act and securing grants sufficient to equip and carry on the classes, unless it be the comparatively small number of thoroughly competent instructors that are to be obtained. This, however, is an evil that is being gradually removed as those who have been attending training classes for teachers in these subjects become qualified. The Education Department conducts every year examinations on behalf of the Board of Education, South Kensington (science and art subjects), and the City and Guilds of London Institute (technological subjects). In 1904 examinations were held at twelve centres. At the science and art examinations, 295 out of 437 candidates who presented themselves for examination in various subjects were successful. At the technological examinations 261 candidates passed out of a total of 336. The Institute reported that the number of separate subjects in which candidates are examined increases from year to year, and likewise the number of centres from which candidates are drawn, also that some of the papers sent from New Zealand for examination, particularly those in plumbing, were of a high order of excellence. The percentage of failures in New Zealand is less than in England, although a smaller proportion of colonial students qualify in the honours grade.

The subjects taken up in school classes included cookery, woodwork, elementary practical agriculture, dairy-work, swimming and life-saving, first aid and ambulance, dressmaking, and laundry-work, and elementary practical physics and chemistry.

In connection with the Canterbury College there is an endowed School of Engineering and Technical Science, providing for courses for the university degree of B.Sc. in engineering or for the associateship in engineering. Two hundred and six students attended in 1904.

The Canterbury Agricultural College has an endowment of 62,000 acres of land, of the rental value of £1,500 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 accommodates forty students.

There are several Schools of Mines located in districts in which mining is actively carried on, and the Otago University maintains a professorial chair of mining and metallurgy, to which the Government makes an annual grant of £500. The number of students in mining in 1904 was about 300.

With the view of encouraging attendance at recognised technical schools and classes, arrangements have been made with the Railway Department by which students attending classes registered with the Minister of Education may obtain railway tickets at special rates. Free railway tickets are issued to holders of free places at technical schools.

In the twenty-eighth annual report, the Minister of Education remarks as follows on manual training and technical instruction:—

A review of the year's work shows that considerable progress has been made by controlling authorities throughout the colony in the direction of improving existing arrangements and providing additional facilities for instruction in subjects of technology and manual training. There is now no education district in which some provision, more or less adequate, has not been made for such instruction, and there are indications that in those district in which the movement is most recent the local authorities interested in the matter will have no reason to regard their efforts as other than encouraging. Where it has been found that there was a well-grounded demand for instruction, the Government has provided the necessary funds for the equipment and maintenance of the classes, as well as for buildings where the circumstances rendered special accommodation necessary. In many cases, local bodies and others have shown their interest in the work in a practical manner by contributing to the funds of the classes. Coincident with this evidence of local effort is an increase in the number of associated classes—that is to say, classes for technical instruction conducted in conjunction with the controlling authority by managers representing the various contributing bodies. There is little reason to fear that classes established on these lines are likely to prove other than successful.

The number of technical, continuation, and school classes recognised during 1904 was 2,599, as against 2,287 for the previous year. Of the classes for 1904, 2,001 were classes for handwork in connection with over 700 primary and secondary schools, while 598 were special, associated, or college classes for instruction in the several branches of pure and applied art and science, and in plumbing, carpentry and joinery, cookery, dressmaking, and commercial subjects. While the actual number of technical classes was not greatly in advance of that for 1903, the returns show a great increase in the average attendance at them. For 1903 the average attendance was about 6,300, and for 1904 about 13,700. Technical classes are held at about fifty different places.

In many of the public schools all the standards received instruction in some one or other of the branches of handwork. In several districts arrangements have been made whereby the older pupils in the city and suburban schools receive instruction in woodwork and cookery. During the year 156 cookery classes and 129 woodwork classes were in operation, while, at the technological examinations of the City and Guilds of London Institute, 102 public-school teachers passed the examinations in cookery, and eighty-seven in woodwork. In only one education district were school classes for instruction in dairying established. Increased attention is to be given to a practical instruction in elementary agriculture in primary schools. During the year forty-seven classes in six education districts were working under the Act as against thirty-six for 1903. It is to be regretted that there is not more evidence of a definite movement on the part of controlling authorities to arrange for the regular instruction in country districts of school-children, as well as of those who have left school, in subjects having a direct bearing on rural pursuits. With the co-operation and help of local bodies interested in agricultural and pastoral matters controlling authorities should be able to see their way to arrange for suitable courses at convenient centres. If the classes were brought under the Act, subsidy would be payable on the contributions of local bodies and others, and the classes would be eligible for capitation and for grants in aid of the necessary apparatus and material. The funds available from these and other sources, such as the fees of students, should suffice for the efficient carrying-on of the classes. As far as the training of teachers of country schools is concerned, there would seem to be no reason why Education Boards should not devote a proportion of the grants they receive each year for the training of teachers in subjects of manual and technical instruction to the maintenance of training-classes in rural science. In the case of the smaller education districts co-operation on the part of the Boards should enable such classes to be placed on a satisfactory footing.

There has been a considerable increase in the number of persons receiving free instruction under the regulations for technical scholarships. During the year 852 scholars received free instruction at ten technical schools. In not a few cases definite courses of work have been entered upon, and there are indications that there will be a substantial increase next year, not only in the number of free scholars, but also in the number of technical schools giving free instruction along definite lines.

The total expenditure on manual and technical instruction for 1904 was £27,425 1s. The details are as follows: Capitation on all classes, £11,801 12s. 6d.; grants for buildings and equipment, £9,255 17s. 2d.; grants for material for class use, £798 6s. 9d.; subsidies on voluntary contributions, £1,175 10s. 10d.; technical training of teachers, £1,853; railway fares of instructors and students. £364 2s. 9d.; expenses in connection with the examination of the Board of Education, South Kensington, and of the City and Guilds of London Institute, £518 12s. 4d.; inspection, £978 15s. 3d.; scholarships, £634 14s. 2d.; sundries, £44 9s. 3d. The sum of £107 2s. 6d. was recovered by way of examination fees and from sale of material used at examinations, leaving a net expenditure of £27,317 18s. 6d.

MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION, 1904.—SCHOOL CLASSES.

Controlling Authority.Subjects of Instruction and Number of Classes in each Subject.
Total Number of Schools.Elementary Handwork.Drawing in Light and Shade (Blackboard Drawing).Elementary Design and Colour Work.Cookery.Dressmaking.Needlework.Woodwork.Chemistry.Physics.Botany.Elementary Agriculture.Ambulance and First-aid.Swimming and Life saving.Dairying.Total Number of Classes.
Education Board, Auckland7920511547...1943............31...334
Education Board, Taranaki368339......82...33...2...1114
Board of Governors, High School, New Plymouth1......2...1...........................3
Education Board, Wanganui811199961291611...1321...207
Board of Governors, High School, Palmerston North............3... 3...2121......12
Education Board, Wellington9619251831219...2......82......282
Board of Governors, Wellington College and Girls' High School—
Girls' High School1...31 ...... ......5............9
Education Board, Hawke's Bay2045216...4221 ...251...80
Education Board, Marlborough95............4......... ...2......11
Education Board, Nelson4151......62162............126...95
Board of Governors, Nelson Colleges—
Boys' College1..................13..................4
Girls' College1...... 4..............................4
Education Board, Grey1...............1........................1
Education Board, Westland1114............11.....................16
Education Board, North Canterbury111209...11713026...............20...304
Board of Governors, Canterbury College—
Boys' High School1..................311...............5
Girls' High School1...3...22.........23......1...13
Board of Governors, Ashburton High School1............ ...22..................4
Education Board, South Canterbury4152...133213......3......3...89
Board of Governors, Timaru High Schools—
Boys' High School1..................2.............1...3
Girls' High School1.........22............3............7
Education Board, Otago6752......19...28161......21...3...140
Board of Governors, Otago High Schools—
Girls' High School1.........3..............................3
Education Board, Southland120181...27..4171......14......247
Board of Governors, Southland High Schools—
Boys' High School1.....................2............2.4
Girls' High Schools1...2...3...............2...22...11
     Totals7251,2212874156182211291292047354112,001

MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION, 1904.—SPECIAL, ASSOCIATED, AND COLLEGE CLASSES.

School or Classes.Number of Classes.Subjects of Instruction, and Average Attendance.
Freehand (from the Flat and Round), Light and Shade.Plane and Solid Geometry, Perspective Practical Geometry.Design and Ornament.Drawing, Modelling, and Painting from Antique and Nature.Architecture and Building-construction.Mechanical Drawing and Machine-construction.Practical Mechanics and Mathematics, Surveying.Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.Experimental and Natural Science (Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Photography).Woodwork and Ironwork.Wood-carving, Modelling, and Repousse Work.Carpentry and Joinery, Cabinetmaking, Painters' and Decorators' Work, Coachbuilding.Plumbing and Tinsmiths' Work, Iron and Brass Moulding.Cookery and Laundry-work, Dressmaking, Tailoring.Wool-sorting.Commercial Subjects.English, Latin, French, German, Maori, Arithmetic.Singing and Elocution.Training-classes for Teachers in Elementary Handwork.Training-classes for Teachers in Drawing.
Auckland Education Board—
    Technical School, Auckland66..67....163472176776..499388..5733....142
    Technical Classes, Thames10............15................312........
    Continuation Classes, Orere1................................4......
    “Elam” School of Art1735532..54................................
Taranaki Education Board—
    Technical classes, New Plymouth9................19330....2222......70104..
    Technical classes, Stratford8....................2392731..39........
Wanganui Education Board—
    Technical School, Wanganui397228..161111....1751852921....8761..2314
    Technical School, Palmerston N.185010121024....252017........5........
    Technical School, Hawera10223..4........7..18....23..16........
    Technical classes, Eltham3....................12..................
    Technical classes, Hunterville3....................16..................
    Technical classes, Marton4....................14..................
Wellington Education Board—
    Technical School, Wellington4854524310629494031....557410428..14090....187
    Technical classes, Wellington1................55......................
    Technical classes, Masterton2....................................3437
    Technical classes, Carterton17......................................
    Technical classes, Pahiatua3......................................1326
    Technical classes, Greytown1....................5..................
Petone Technical Classes Ass'n7..........8..........21..21..1330......
Masterton Technical Classes Ass'n1525....158........18121312....2722......
Hawke's Bay Education Board—
    Technical School, Napier1117..16103........28....2015..71......45
    Technical classes, Hastings3......................11..8..12........
    Technical classes, Dannevirke68....24................12....34......14
Board of Governors, Gisborne High School—
    Technical classes8..........8......16....2020..2944......
Marlborough Education Board—
    Technical classes, Blenheim2....................................3640
    Technical classes, Havelock1....................................6..
    Continuation classes, Saratoga1...... ........................1......
Nelson Education Board—
    Technical classes, Nelson8..................16......38..51......60
    Technical classes, Westport2....................................2033
    Technical classes, Reefton1..........................21............
Grey Education Board—
    Technical classes, Greymouth3....................................5583
Westland Education Board—
    Technical classes, Hokitika1................30......................
    Technical classes, Kumara1..................44....................
Board of Governors, Cant. Coll.—
    School of Art, Christchurch58172965512960..........3334............3117
    School of Engineering, Ch'ch398587......1617627344......................
School of Domestic Instruction, Christchurch11..........................163............
N. Canterbury Education Board—
    Christchurch Tech. Classes Ass'n41..27..................602210713436240......
    Tech. classes, Normal Sch., Ch'ch4..................14................22441
    Technical classes, Ashburton4..................9......43............
    Technical classes, Kaiapoi10..................1620....123141728......
    Technical classes, Leeston and Doyleston3..................21......21............
    Technical classes, Southbridge1..........................19............
    Technical classes, Lincoln1..........................13............
Continuation classes, West Christchurch School2..............................153........
    Lyttelton associated classes3..........................48............
    Rangiora2..........................36............
S. Canterbury Education Board—
    Timaru Technical Classes Ass'n23..16..1528......625315....84..12753..27..
    Waimate Tech. Classes Ass'n14................6724......80..20348......
    Temuka Tech. Classes Ass'n812..............19........47146733......
    Technical classes, Timaru1......................................40
    Technical classes, Waimate2....................................1027
Otago Education Board—
    School of Art, Dunedin53277150461101512..........................10
    Technical School, Dunedin52............363115120223634270..50641828..145
    Technical classes, Dunedin3................88..................84..
    Technical classes, Port Chalmers2..........................33............
    Technical classes, Oamaru1..........................22............
    Technical classes, Kaitangata6..........2....20........20..10........
    Technical classes, Mosgiel2..........................51............
Southland Education Board—
    Technical School, Invercargill2619....5115....9932788129..7664..5779
    Technical classes, Gore2..................19......14............
    Technical classes, Mataura4..........5..............8..89......
    Country continuation classes6................................110......
          Totals5981,1745681724981832992393521,1024743213243951,646412,4961,288989041,130

The following table shows the results of the examinations conducted in the colony on behalf of the Board of Education, South Kensington, and the City and Guilds of London Institute:—

ART AND SCIENCE EXAMINATIONS, 1904.

[“C” represents candidates; “P” passes.]

Subjects of Examination.Auckland.New Plymouth.Wanganui.Palmerston North.Wellington.Masterton.Napier.Blenheim.Greymouth.Christchurch.Dunedin.Invercargill.Totals.
* A book prize was gained by a Napier student.
 CPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCP
Art—
     Freehand drawing255......18632......1...31......111471711718984
     Model1714......1155......1133......111362218626951
     Geometrical drawing43......4322.............................. ...86......1814
     Perspective33..................111...........................98......1412
     Blackboard drawing..............................11......3...11..................52
     Drawing common objects from memory............1...............1133......1.....................64
     Memory drawing of plant-form..............................1.....................2276......108
     Drawing in light and shade1515......224411......54............1...54323632
     Design............11......221.....................1155......109
     Painting from still life11............21......3111............2233......129
     Principles of ornament........................22..............................1.........32
     Anatomy........................22........................2111......54
     Drawing from the antique............................................................32......32
     Drawing from life........................21........................112.........52
     Modelling the head........................22........................22............44
     Architecture........................11..........................................11
     Students' works32......... ...21177......*41 .........2...135......4116
Science—
     Practical plane and solid geometry.......................................... .........1155......66
     Machine construction and drawing24141133......11..............................99......3828
     Building construction and drawing75......22......761111............2143......2419
     Mathematics............ 33..................... ...........................33
     Applied mechanics............................................................22......22
     Steam32.................. 11......... ...............11......54
     Theoretical inorganic chemistry............55  11..............................22......88
     Magnetism and electricity87......77......... ..............................11......1615
     Sound, light, and heat............................................................11......11
     Agricultural science and rural economy......11............................................................11
     Botany............................................................11......11
     Human physiology............................................................11......11
          Totals110712247331815402811520143...43432412395165437295

TECHNOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS, 1904.

Subjects of Examination.Auckland.New Plymouth.Wanganui.Wellington.Napier.Greymouth.Christchurch.Dunedin.Invercargill.Totals.
 CPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCP
Plumbers' work (preliminary)1412......... 21..............................1613
Principles of plumbing (ordinary)............11....................................11
Plumbers' work (ordinary)997533121033........................3430
Principles of plumbing (honours)997533121033........................3430
Carpentry and joinery (preliminary)11......1111..............................33
Carpentry and joinery (ordinary)11321......... ...............11......64
Electric light and power (preliminary)..................55 ...............11... 66
Electric light and power (ordinary)......1.........31............1111 ...63
Electric light and power (honours)..................11..............................11
Wiremen's work..................41..............................41
Telegraphy and telephony (ordinary)...... .........21............11............32
Mechanical engineering, Part I (ordinary)2...............21............... 21......62
Mechanical engineering, Part II (ordinary)31....................................2.........51
Painters' and decorators' work (ordinary)....................................11............11
Brickwork (ordinary)..........................................11......11
Gas-manufacture (ordinary)............11..................11............22
Woodwork, first year4235... 11......661...631816371811179
Woodwork, final11... ......... 1.........32......105158
Cookery3633... .................. .........33324437113102
          Totals1099311710832221091...13959539160336261

The expenditure for the year is given in detail:—

SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE BY GOVERNMENT ON MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1904.

    £s.d.
Capitation   11,801120
Subsidy of £1 for £1 on contributions   1,1751010
Grants—
 £s.d.   
    Buildings and apparatus9,255172   
    Class material79869   
    10,054311
    Training of Teachers—
     Auckland Education Board57800   
     Taranaki Education Board10000   
     Wanganui Education Board15000   
     Wellington Education Board20000   
     Hawke's Bay Education Board15000   
     Nelson Education Board12500   
     Grey Education Board7500   
     Westland Education Board15000   
     South Canterbury Education Board12500   
     Otago Education Board20000   
    1,85300
Railway fares of instructors of training-classes   241158
Railway fares students attending registered classes   12271
Expenses in connection with Examinations—
     Science and Art Board of Education, South£s.d.   
     Kensington167160   
     City and Guilds of London Institute350104   
    518124
Inspectors—
     Salaries716134   
     Travelling-expenses262111   
    978153
Scholarships   634142
Mounts, &c., for plaster casts   19110
Publications, &c.   2028
Sundries   4157
    27,42510
Less recoveries (examination fees, £105 2s. 6d.; proceeds of sale of material used at examination, £2)10726
     Total   £27,317186

SECONDARY OR SUPERIOR SCHOOLS.

There were 27 subsidised or endowed schools for higher education in December, 1904. The names of these secondary schools, with the numbers of pupils on the rolls in the last term or quarter of the year, and the fees charged, are stated Below. These schools must not be confused with the district high schools, although they nearly all admit to free places holders of Education Board Scholarships and of National or Queen's Scholarships, besides all who gain certificates of proficiency within prescribed limits of age, &c. There are grants payable under the Secondary Schools Act varying from £4 to £10 15s. for each free place, according as the net income from endowments is small or great. This is a modification of the grants previously authorised, which were at the uniform rate of £6. The number of endowed secondary-schools giving free tuition to all qualified pupils at the end of 1904 was 20, and the number of pupils holding free places was 1,595. There were besides about 387 holders of scholarships and exhibitions given by these schools, or by Boards of Education, or by the secondary schools not coming under the conditions. It will be noticed that the pupils numbered altogether 4,038.

ATTENDANCE AND FEES AT CERTAIN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Schools.Staff.Attendance for Last Term or Quarter of 1904Number of Boarders.Annual Rates of Fees.
Regular.Part-time.Under 12 Years.12 to 15.15 to 18.Over 18 Years.Total (Roll).Average Attendance.For Ordinary Day-School Course.For Board, exclusive of Day-School Tuition.
          £ s. d.£ s. d.
Whangarei High School3...b....
g....
16
10
18
5
1
...
35
15
33
13
...8 8 0...
Auckland Grammar School171b.
5 g. 7
138
69
116
50
5
5
264
131
252
124
...10 10 0
8 8 0
...
Thames High School3..b. ...
g. ...
16
10
14
7
.. 130
18
28
16
...8 8 0...
New Plymouth High School42b. ...
b. ...
26
16
21
28
... ...47
44
44
39
...6 6 0...
Whanganui Girls' College10684875231541416210 10 0
8 8 0
40 0 0
Wanganui Collegiate School13...2391161817517113212 0 0
9 0 0
45 0 0
Palmerston North High School53b. 1
g. ...
61
43
26
15
1 ...89
58
81
54
...10 0 0...
Wellington College (Boys')131469204162932668013 4 0
10 12 0
42 0 0
Wellington Girls' High School936481209183165...13 4 0
10 12 0
...
Napier Boys' High School61115053...1141042510 4 040 0 0
Napier Girls' High School651152355103991610 4 043 3 0
Marlborough High School42b. ...
g. ...
21
33
29
18
3
1
53
52
47
43
...8 11 0...
Nelson College (Boys')92867100151901817710 10 0
8 8 0
40 0 0
Nelson Girls' College8196077121581443310 1 0
8 8 0
40 0 0
Christchurch Boys' High School1173971109219210...7 10 0
10 10 0
...
Christchurch Girls' High School96174691145135...9 9 0
12 12 0
...
Christ's College Grammar School123299490142172118014 3 6
11 0 6
7 17 6
45 0 0
42 0 0
Rangiora High School3...b. 1
g. ...
30
22
9
13
...
1
40
36
39
34
...9 9 0...
As High School32b ...
g. ...
34
34
14
19
...
...
48
53
45
50
...6 6 0...
Timaru Boys' High School41...5835...9385...9 0 0...
Timaru Girls' High School42...444479589...9 0 0...
Waitaki Boys' High School41...41702113105637 10 042 8 0
Waitaki Girls' High School32...202144542...7 10 0...
Otago Boys' High School104116312952982892410 0 043 10 0
Otago Girls' High School78...931083204179910 0 040 0 0
Southland Boy's High School51...6748...115111...10 0 0...
Southland Girls's High School42...5940210195...10 0 0...
            Totals18966b.65 g.421087 7351202 74489 742,443 1,5952,302 1,462601......

In six cases no secondary school is maintained by the governing body: these are the Auckland Girls’ High School, Gisborne High School, Greymouth High School, Hokitika High School, Akaroa High School, and Waimate High School; but in all cases the funds are applied, in whole or in part, to the establishment of scholarships or in aid of local district high schools or other secondary schools.

Income and Expenditure of Secondary or Superior Schools.

A summary of the accounts of income and expenditure for the year 1904, as furnished by the governing bodies of the secondary or superior schools in the colony, shows the total receipts to have been £87,720. To this total, rents of reserves contributed £23,382; interest on investments, and other receipts from endowments, £7,953; fees, £35,265; Government payment for technical instruction, £449; for free places, £10,006; and miscellaneous, £10,665.

The total expenditure amounted to £86,901, of which sum office management and expenses absorbed £2,987; teachers' salaries, £44,486; scholarships and prizes, £2,201; buildings, furniture, insurance, rates, and rent, &c., £17,051; and other expenditure, £20,176.

A summary of the accounts for the year 1904, exhibiting further details, is given below:—

SECONDARY OR SUPERIOR SCHOOLS, 1904.

 £s.d.
Receipts.   
To Credit balances on 1st January, 190431,572310
        Endowment reserves sold and mortgage moneys repaid3,99363
        Rent of reserves23,381154
        Interest on moneys invested3,959810
        Reserves Commissioners' payments1,7101311
Government payments—
        For technical instruction44977
        For free places10,005158
        School fees (tuition)27,463128
        Boarding-school fees7,8011710
        Books, &c., sold, and refunds247136
        Sundries not classified5,70675
        Debit balances, 31st December, 19042,15368
 £121,44596
Expenditure.   
By Liabilities on 1st January, 19041,108910
        Expenses of management2,98770
        School salaries44,485186
        Boarding-school accounts7,056186
        Examination expenses396150
        Scholarships and prizes2,200127
        Printing, stationery, fuel, light, &c.3,77471
        Buildings, furniture, insurance, rent, and rates17,0501510
        Expenditure on endowments5,283110
        Interest896174
        Sundries not classified2,76775
        Credit balances, 31st December, 190433,43695
 £121,44596

District High Schools.

Besides 1,595 qualified pupils receiving free tuition at secondary schools, there were 2,291 pupils receiving secondary education in secondary classes belonging to the district high schools at the end of the year 1904.

A table is given showing the number of qualified pupils attending these district high schools on the 31st December, 1904—viz., 2,330.

STAFF, SALARIES, ATTENDANCE, AND PAYMENTS AT DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS.

Education District.Number of Schools.Number of Teachers.Annual Rate of Salary.Number of Pupils.Amount paid by Government to Education Boards during the Year.
M.F.Total.Capitation.Grants in Aid.Total.

* Including 1 boy who had not passed Standard VI.

Including 28 boys and 4 girls who had not passed Standard VI.

Including 2 girls who had not passed Standard VI.

   £s.d.   £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Auckland9161,59434193192385*1,37550240001,61550
Taranaki1436000352661*29750300032750
Wanganui5101,0031010157842411,261001721001,433100
Wellington2864817955711265831006000643100
Hawke's Bay471,13000831001836131159015370468
Nelson34635004455994311269000521126
Grey123386818173522700300025700
Westland15360001221331381002210016100
North Canterbury10151,90200299237536*1,245002621001,507100
South Canterbury3879515084651497051509000795150
Otago10311,7301641761813571,3011502771001,57950
Southland3753500517412549500900058500
Totals for 19045211711,0339111,2071,1232,3308,6753111,45515310,130192
1,90350....1,0821,0142,0967,307211,2381538,545174

It will be noticed that there is a substantial increase in the number of pupils during the year 1904 who received free instruction in secondary subjects, and that the schools performing the function increased from 50 to 52 in number.

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY.

The introduction of university education into New Zealand was effected by the Superintendent and Provincial Council of Otago, who in 1869 passed an Ordinance under which the University of Otago was established. Following closely on the founding of this institution was the establishment of the University of New Zealand under an Act of the General Assembly, “The New Zealand University Act, 1870.” This University subsequently received a Royal charter, whereby the degrees which it confers are declared entitled to “rank, precedence, and consideration” throughout the British Empire “as fully as if the said degrees had been conferred by any university of the United Kingdom.” It was apparently contemplated by Parliament (vide section 19 of the Act last quoted) that the New Zealand University and the Otago University should be amalgamated; but the negotiations for this purpose having failed the two institutions remained for some time distinct bodies. In the year 1874, however, the University of Otago surrendered or put in abeyance its power of conferring degrees, and became affiliated to the University of New Zealand, and at the same time it was stipulated that the University of New Zealand should not directly exercise functions of teaching.

“The New Zealand University Act, 1874,” which repealed the statute of 1870, gave power to the Senate to confer, after examination, the several degrees of Bachelor and Master in Arts, Bachelor and Doctor in Law, Science, Medicine, Music, and also in such other departments of knowledge, except theology, as might be determined by the said Senate in the future.

By statute passed in 1904 further powers were given to confer the degrees of Doctor of Literature; Master of Laws; Master of Surgery; Master of Science; and Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of (a) Veterinary Science, (b) Dental Surgery, (c) Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Mining, Metallurgical, Naval Architecture); (d) Agriculture, (e) Public Health, (f) Commerce.

Powers are granted to confer also ad eundem degrees.

In 1902 an Amendment Act was passed reconstituting the Senate, which now consists of twenty-four members or Fellows, five to be elected by each of the four University College districts—that is to say, two by each governing body, two by each District Court of Convocation, and one by each Professorial Board. The remaining four members are nominated by the Governor in Council.

In the year 1873 the Superintendent and Provincial Council of Canterbury passed an Ordinance for founding “The Canterbury College,” and the college was accordingly established with the same standard of university education as that of the University of Otago, but without the power of conferring degrees. It was affiliated to the University of New Zealand.

In December, 1878, a Royal Commission on University and Secondary Education was appointed by the Governor, which met in July, 1879, and reported that two colleges, with an income of £4,000 each, ought to be established in Auckland and Wellington, and that suitable buildings, at a cost of £12,500 each, should be erected in those cities. In the following year the Royal Commission repeated these recommendations.

“The Auckland University College Act, 1882,” which became law on the 13th September in that year, definitely established the college, and endowed it with a statutory grant of £4,000 per annum. By “The Auckland University College Reserves Act, 1885,” three blocks of land, containing about 10,000 acres each, and a block containing about 354 acres, which had been devoted to the purpose of promoting higher education in the Province of Auckland, became vested in the Council of the University College.

The Auckland University College was affiliated to the University of New Zealand by the Senate of the University on the 6th March, 1883, and on the 21st May in the same year the college was opened by the Governor.

Nothing was done for Wellington until the year 1894, when an Act was passed entitled “The Middle District of New Zealand University College Act, 1894,” which said, “There shall be established in the City of Wellington a college to be connected with the University of New Zealand,” and provision was made for a governing body to be called the Council, but no provision was made for any pecuniary grant nor any endowment, and, though certain members of the Council were appointed, nothing could be done for want of funds.

Not until 1897 were the needs of Wellington actually attended to. In the session of Parliament that year the Right Hon. Mr. Seddon, P.C., Premier of the colony, introduced the Victoria College Act: an Act, as stated in the preamble, “to promote higher education by the establishment of a college at Wellington in commemoration of the sixtieth year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria,” the college being intended to embrace in its work the Provincial Districts of Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Marlborough, and West-land. The Act was passed on the 22nd December, 1897, and the Council was formed as provided in the Act, and the work of organization was begun. The Act provides for the payment out of the Consolidated Fund of a grant of £4,000 a year, and also requires the Council to give six scholarships each year, called “Queen's Scholarships,” to persons of either sex under the age of fourteen years, upon the results of an examination under such conditions as the Council may provide. The Act further sets apart a parcel of land 4,000 acres in extent in the Nukumaru Survey District (Wellington Provincial District) as an endowment for the College.

The Council of the College has established eight chairs: classics, English, mathematics and mathematical physics, chemistry and physics, biology, law (two), and modern languages; and lectureships in mental science, history, general history, and political economy. It is intended as funds allow to add other subjects.

The New Zealand University is not a teaching body, as above explained, undergraduates hitherto for the most part keeping their terms at one or other of the affiliated institutions—the Auckland University College, the Victoria College, the Canterbury College, and the University of Otago—each of which has now a staff of professors and lecturers. On the 1st June, 1905, the number of graduates who had obtained direct degrees was 1,018.

The number of undergraduates on the roll of the University at that date was 3,180 (exclusive of such as had not performed any academical act for a period of ten years), but only 1,751 were keeping terms (not including undergraduates who had not, in the last three years, entered at a college or come up for any college or university examination), of whom 1,157 were males and 594 females. One hundred and eighty-six of the males and twenty-seven of the females were medical students. The numbers of students attending lectures at the affiliated institutions during the year 1904 were as follow: At the Auckland University College, 128 matriculated and 84 non-matriculated; at Canterbury College, 210 matriculated and 67 non-matriculated; at the Otago University, 257 matriculated and 30 non-matriculated. The Victoria College, before mentioned, affords further facilities for university students, and in June, 1905, had a total of 195 students on the roll—174 matriculated and 21 non-matriculated.

The names of the officers forming the controlling body of the New Zealand University for the year 1905 were:—

VISITOR.

His Excellency the Governor.

UNIVERSITY OFFICERS.

Chancellor (1903), Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.

Vice-Chancellor (1903), Charles Christopher Bowen.

Registrar (1899), John William Joynt, M.A., Dublin.

Assistant-Registrar (1904), Barclay Hector.

Office: Wellington.

THE SENATE.

First appointed.

(a) Retired (in accordance with the Act) in 1903, re-elected 1903.

(b) Retired 1882, re-elected in 1888; retired (in accordance with the act), in 1903 re-elected 1903.

(a)1874.The Reverend John Chapman Andrew, M.A., Oxon.
 1903.Frederick Ehrenfried Baume, LL.B., N.Z.
(b)1881.Charles Christopher Bowen.
(a)1883.Frederick Douglas Brown, M.A., B.Sc., Oxon.
 1877.John Macmillan Brown, M.A., Glasg.
 1903.John Rankine Brown, M.A., Oxon.
(a)1902.The Reverend Andrew Cameron, B.A., N.Z.
 1904.William Edward Collins, M.B., Lond.; M.R.C.S., Eng.
(a)1884.Charles Henry Herbert Cook, M.A., Cantab.
 1903.The Reverend William Albert Evans.
(a)1883.Frederick Fitchett, M.A., LL.D., N.Z.
 1903.Henry Andrew Gordon, F.G.S. A.M.I.C.E.
(a)1888.James Hay, M.A., LL.B., N.Z.
 1903.George Hogben, M.A., Cantab.
(a)1901.Richard Cockburn Maclaurin, M.A., LL.D., Cantab., M.A., N.Z.
 1903.William Chisholm Wilson McDowell, B.A., M.B., C.M., Edin.
(a)1879.Sir George Maurice O Rorke, Kt., M.A., LL.D., Dublin.
(a)1877.George Samuel Sale, M.A., Cantab.
(a)1880.The Reverend William Salmond, M.A., D.D., Edin.
(a)1890.John Halliday Scott, M.D., Edin.; M.R.C.S., Eng.; F.R.S.E.
 1903.Robert Julian Scott, M.Inst.C.E., M.Inst.M.E., A.A.I.E.E.
(a)1877.John Shand, M.A., LL D., Aberd.
(a)1884.Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.
 1903.Joseph Augustus Tole, B.A., LL.B., Sydney.

PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS.

There were 295 private schools in the colony at the end of 1904, an increase of 7 on the number in 1903: 30 were for boys, 77 for girls, and 188 for children of both sexes. The number of pupils attending them was 16,378—namely, 6,785 boys and 9,593 girls, not counting 67 Maoris, 36 boys and 31 girls. The number of European pupils at these schools was greater than in 1903 by 769. Of the private schools, 149 were Roman Catholic, with an attendance of 11,373 pupils.

The following gives, for the past ten years, the number of private schools and of Europeans 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.
1,8952986,1878,47214,65911410,458
1,8962835,8458,10213,9471159,590
1,8972785,9748,47314,4471209,642
1,8982946,0438,73914,78212410,175
1,8993076,2199,07615,29513310,526
1,9003046,1529,40315,55513210,687
1,9013096,2449,10015,34412910,448
1,9022976,4519,17315,62413910,802
1,9032886,4059,20415,60913910,812
1,9042956,7859,59316,37814911,373

The total number of children of European descent (including such half-castes as live among Europeans) known to be receiving education at school at the end of 1904 was 154,885; of these, 146,383 were from 5 to 15 years of age. The census showed also 5,055 children receiving tuition at home in 1901, against 6,352 in 1896. No doubt increased school accommodation in country places does away with the need for tutors and governesses to a certain extent.

The distribution of the private schools in the various provincial districts of the colony is shown in the next page:—

PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS, 1904.—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 67 Maoris (36 boys, 31 girls).

NOTE.—Denominational schools, such as Roman Catholic and Anglican, are included in the above as private schools. Particulars for the Roman Catholic schools in December, 1901, are as under:—

Auckland5174971301611911,4092,2563,6651,2321,9703,202
Taranaki...31215...3131309477786266424690
Hawke's Bay44715103949384530914316449765
Wellington6223361491692181,4752,2003,6751,3381,8713,209
Marlborough2136...1414185117302125101226
Nelson258151237494785291,007438480918
Westland1371132225266277543234241475
Canterbury5143453131361491,2141,6412,8551,0261,4742,500
Otago583548171151321,0651,5662,6319081,3442,252
        Totals30771882951347248586,7859,59316,378*5,8838,35414,237

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.
Auckland392537987969511,4422,3938121,2252,037
Taranaki...268...2323280396676245358603
Hawke's Bay332862228287362649229300529
Wellington3611202271931,0131,3032,3168711,1342,005
Marlborough1124...101014112526699104203
Nelson1438...2323217327544191299490
Westland135932023253267520224233457
Canterbury361827771789201,1002,0207761,0011,777
Otago4420281566818711,1181,9897489421,690
        Totals193892149623934554,9336,44011,3734,1955,5969,791

SCHOOLS FOR NATIVES.

The number of Native village schools in operation at the end of 1904 either supported or subsidised by the Government was 100. In addition, there were six boarding-schools for Native children, the cost of whose maintenance was partly paid either by the Government or from endowments, and three private Native day-schools.

At the five boarding-schools, St. Stephen's and Te Aute for boys, and Hukarere, St. Joseph's, and Victoria Schools for girls, the Government offers 113 scholarships, tenable for two years, for children of predominantly Maori race who pass the Fourth Standard at the Maori village schools. At the end of the year 91 of these places were occupied, 36 by boys, and 55 by girls.

Maori children attending public schools who pass the Fifth Standard before reaching the age of fifteen may obtain allowances of £20 a year to enable them to attend a secondary school or to enter upon industrial pursuits. There are seven scholars receiving higher education and two boys serving apprenticeships under these conditions.

The number of Maori children attending schools during the fourth quarter of 1904 was 6,079—namely, 3,453 males and 2,626 females. These included 312 half-castes at the Native village schools who were living as members of Maori tribes, and 257 at public European schools.

The numbers at the several schools in 1903 and 1904 were as under:—

Schools.Maori Children attending Schools.
Boys.Girls.Total of both Sexes.
1903.1904.1903.1904.1903.1904.
At public European schools1,1831,3338679652,0502,298
At Native village schools1,8471,8551,4511,4703,2983,325
At subsidised or endowed boarding-schools117166134127251293
At private European or Native schools107996364170163
        Totals3,2543,4532,5152,6265,7696,079

There was thus, in 1904, an increase of 199 in the number of Maori boys, and 111 in the number of Maori girls, attending school.

Seventy-two out of the 100 Native village schools in operation on 31st December, 1904, were under the charge of masters and twenty under mistresses, and one under the joint control of a master and mistress; there were besides eighty-four assistants, and eleven sewing-mistresses. The salaries paid to the head teachers range from £80 to £264 and those for assistants and sewing-mistresses from a nominal sum to £50.

The net expenditure on Native, schools for 1904 was as follows: Teachers' salaries and allowances, £10,070 17s. 9d.; teachers' removal allowances, £419 13s. 2d.; books and school requisites, £723 11s. 10d.; repairs and small works, £651 3s. 5d.; inspection, £520 16s. 8d.; travelling-expenses of Inspectors, £295 13s. 1d.; boarding-schools, scholarships, and apprenticeship charges £2,307 18s.; buildings, fencing, furniture, &c., £3,272 13s. 11d.; technical-instruction classes, £185 8s.; model kainga, £125 2s. 10d.; sundries, £308 11s. 3d.: total, £24,881 9s. 11d.

SCHOLARSHIPS.

National Scholarships.

An Act to encourage higher education in New Zealand by the granting of National Scholarships was passed in 1903, and has since been incorporated in “The Education Act, 1904.” Provision is made for the establishment of junior and senior scholarships, the necessary funds being furnished by the Colonial Treasurer.

A junior scholarship is offered in each education district for every five thousand or part of five thousand children in average yearly attendance, tenable for three years, with an extension of one year under certain conditions. The value of a junior scholarship is £10 per annum in addition to tuition fees. Candidates must be under fourteen years of age. A scholarship shall not be awarded to or held by any child whose parents are in receipt of a net annual income exceeding £250.

Four senior National Scholarships are offered in each university district to persons of either sex under nineteen years of age who have been holders of junior scholarships or Education Board scholarships, and will be awarded on the result of the junior scholarship examination of the University. The value of a senior scholarship is £20 per annum in addition to tuition fees, and it is tenable for three years.

Where the holder of a junior or senior National Scholarship is obliged to live away from home in order to prosecute his or her studies an additional sum of £30 per annum shall be paid.

Queen's Scholarships.

“The Queen's Scholarships Act, 1903,” provides for the establishment in connection with the Victoria College, and out of its funds, six junior and four senior scholarships, each tenable for three years, but an extension of one year can be obtained under certain conditions in the case of junior scholarships. Each junior scholarship is valued at £10 per annum in addition to tuition fees, and the holder of each senior scholarship is entitled to receive £20 per annum. In both cases an additional £30 per annum is paid if the holder is obliged to live away from home.

Education Board Scholarships.

Particulars of the scholarships and the expenditure of the Boards thereon in 1904 are given in detail.

Education Districts.Number held in Dec., 1904.Boys.Girls.Period of Tenure.Boards' Expenditure on Scholarships in 1904.Annual Value, &c.
    Years.£ s. d. 
Auckland85661931,841 7 1110 at £30, 22 at £25, 17 at £20, 36 at £15.
Taranaki1138Varies283 2 06 at £35, 1 at £22 10s., 4 at £10.
Wanganui251411Varies757 13 314 at £40, 11 at £15.
Wellington3815232910 12 08 at £35, 2 at £18 18s., 1 at £17, 27 at £15.
Hawke's Bay3014162498 1 22 at £40, 4 at £30 4s., 7 at £30, 1 at £22 10s., 1 at £12, 5 at £10 4s., 1 at £10, 4 at £8 8s, 5 at £2 2s.
Marlborough8262155 0 03 at £35, 5 at £10.
Nelson171072377 5 03 at £50 10s., 3 at £40, 2 at £25, 9 at £1 5s.
Grey413Varies64 10 01 at £26, 2 at £25, 1 at £8.
Westland532269 0 02 at £24, 1 at £12, 2 at £4.
North Canterbury36171921,236 10 622 at £40, 14 at £20.
South Canterbury241682336 19 109 at £22 10s., 1 at £13 10s., 14 at £7 10s.
Otago513318Varies1,114 8 45 at £40, 1 at £35, 5 at £30, 2 at £25, 14 at £20, 8 at £15, 5 at £12 10s., 11 at £7 10s.
Southland201642615 11 915 at £35, 5 at £15.
        Totals, 1904354210144...8,260 1 9 
        Totals, 1903350203147...8,550 4 0 

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.

In December, 1904, the total number on the books of all the industrial schools was 1,918, or 9 more than at the close of the year 1903. On the books of the Government industrial schools there were 1,387, an increase of 21 over the corresponding number for 1903; on the books of the private industrial schools there were 531, or 12 less than at the end of the previous year. The number in residence at Government schools was 299, and at private industrial schools 304, so that 603 was the total number of “inmates” actually in residence. The number boarded out was 548, 8 being from private schools and the rest from Government schools. There were 7 girls maintained in various corrective institutions, 2 girls in cottage homes, 3 boys at the School for Deaf-mutes, Sumner, and 9 boys at the Costley Training Institution, Auckland. The total number of inmates dependent on the schools for maintenance was therefore 1,172, or 37 more than the number at the end of 1903. The remaining 746, although still subject to control and supervision, were not dependent on the schools for maintenance. They may be classified as follows: Licensed to reside with friends, 178; at service, 494; in hospital, 4; in lunatic asylum, 5; in the Costley Training Institution, Auckland, 3; in other institutions, 15; in gaol, 3; absent without leave, 44—namely, 29 from service, 13 from the schools, and 2 from friends.

The cost of the Government industrial schools and the amount recovered (from Charitable Aid Boards, from parents, from sale of farm-produce, &c.) are next shown:—

COST OF GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS, 1904.

School.Cost of School.Boarding out. (Included in first column).Salaries. (Included in first column.)Recoveries.Net Cost.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
Auckland2,236 6 91,142 2 5360 5 01,026 7 111,210 1 10
Levin4,606 1 10..206 14 8704 1 53,902 0 5
Burnham6,043 6 4..1,902 12 3559 15 45,483 11 0
Caversham9,346 11 83,280 11 91,529 9 44,172 7 45,174 4 4
Te Oranga Home1,315 3 9..484 7 961 13 101,253 9 11
Receiving Home, Wellington3,739 8 42,619 7 6310 3 01,966 2 81,773 5 8
Receiving Home, Christchurch3,327 17 72,229 12 4351 3 101,174 7 12,153 10 6
        Totals30,614 19 39,271 14 05,144 15 109,664 15 720,950 3 8
      
Salaries and expenses of Assistant Inspectors and Visiting Officers1,839 4 3
Travelling-expenses of managers and others112 19 8
Refund of inmates' earnings101 6 3
Contingencies113 9 7
        Total net cost£23,117 3 5

There were six Government industrial schools in existence in 1904, and the numbers of inmates on their books at the end of the year were as follows: Auckland, 135; Receiving Home, Wellington, 195; Receiving Home, Christchurch, 236; Burnham, 231; Te Oranga Home, 63; Caversham, 527: total, 1,387. Those belonging to private industrial schools were distributed as follows: St. Mary's, Auckland, 135; St. Joseph's, Wellington, 69; St. Mary's, Nelson, 280; St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin, 47: total, 531.

The next table shows payments made by the Government on account of inmates in private industrial schools, the recoveries, and the net expenditure by the Government. The contributions from Charitable Aid Boards to these schools, being made directly to the managers, are not included in the recoveries shown.

GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON PRIVATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS (R.C.), 1904.

School.Payments.Recoveries.Net Expenditure by Government.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
St. Mary's, Auckland1,204 15 0130 19 01,073 16 0
St. Joseph's, Wellington328 0 057 6 10270 13 2
St. Mary's, Nelson1,137 1 9379 8 0757 13 9
St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin81 3 626 7 054 16 6
        Totals2,751 0 3594 0 102,156 19 5

During 1904 inmates were maintained in eight other institutions, and the expenditure on this account was as follows: Costley Training Institution, Auckland, £170 12s.; Miss M. Duff's Home, Auckland, £10; St. Mary's Home, Otahuhu, £12 12s. 10d.; Mission Home, Jerusalem, Wanganui (Mother Aubert's), £31 4s.; Levin Memorial Home, Wellington, £13 4s. 6d.; Miss E. Knott's Home, Christchurch, £17 15s. 8d.; Miss C. Sloane's Home, Christchurch, £1 5s.; Mount Magdala, Christchurch, £128 18s.; Rhodes's Convalescent Home, Christchurch, £1 12s. 6d.; Avon Pine Sanatorium, Christchurch, £80 14s. 1d.; Salvation Army Maternity Home, Christchurch, £17; Gordon Street Refuge, Christchurch, £3; Nursing Hospital, 10s. 6d.

In the Government schools the policy is to board out all children of suitable age and character. The authorities of the private schools do not as a rule adopt the boarding-out system.

The total number of inmates of the private and Government industrial schools is given for the years 1903 and 1904, and the variations in the numbers boarded out, in residence, or at service:—

INMATES, 1903 AND 1904.

Boarded out.In Residence.At Service, &c.Totals.
Dec., 1903.Increase.Decrease.Dec., 1904.Dec., 1903.Increase.Decrease.Dec., 1904.Dec., 1903.Increase.Decrease.Dec., 1904.Dec., 1903.Increase.Decrease.Dec., 1904.
Government Schools—
Auckland631..6428....28403..431314..135
Receiving Home, Wellington13531..166..1..131..32816629..195
Te Oranga Home, Christchurch........319..4025..223567..63
Receiving Home, Christchurch1301..13110..2899..297239..3236
Burnham2..11927..99158..27131252..21231
Caversham1771..178137..1412320818..2265225..527
Private Schools—
St. Mary's, Auckland........83..578489..571314..135
St. Joseph's, Wellington........34..52846..54180..1169
St. Mary's, Nelson12..31607..167130..20110291..11280
St. Vincent de Paul's, Dunedin41..5256..3112..111416..47
        Totals512371548600302760379730607671,90955461,918

Institute for the Blind.

The Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Auckland is a private institution, and not in any way under Government control. Being, however, a “separate institution” under the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Acts, it receives a subsidy at the rate of 24s. in the pound upon the voluntary contributions raised by the Trustees, and, in addition, payment is made to it by the Education Department on account of pupils for whose tuition the Department is responsible. The Trustees have received, at various times, other grants in aid of buildings. The total amount paid on account of Government pupils during the year 1904 was £428 12s. 10d. The Department also paid £28 for the separate tuition of a pupil in Christchurch; £102 10s. was recovered from parents and others. The number of Government pupils at the end of 1903 was 22; 2 of these left during the year 1904, and 4 were admitted; the number of such pupils at the close of the last year was accordingly 24.

School for Deaf-mutes.

The roll of this school includes all the known deaf-mutes of school age and of sound intellect in the colony who have been brought under the notice of the Education Department.

The inclusion in the School Attendance Act of 1901 of provisions dealing with blind and deaf children marks an important step in the education of these unfortunate members of the community. Hitherto many parents, either through carelessness or wilfully, have neglected to send such children to the institutions maintained for their special instruction; but now the Minister of Education has the power to enforce attendance, due provision being made for a contribution by parents towards the cost of maintenance or for free admission where parents are not in a position to contribute. The immediate consequence is an unusual increase in the number of candidates for admission to the Sumner School for Deaf-mutes. The number in residence at the end of 1904 was thirty-six boys and twenty-nine girls, or two boys more and one girl less than at the end of 1903.

The method of instruction used at Sumner is the oral method, in favour of which there is a vast predominance of expert opinion.

As regards the adoption of that system, the Minister of Education remarks, “It is a matter for congratulation that this colony from the first adopted the oral method of teaching, in which children are taught to converse by watching the lips of others. In America, where manual and mixed methods were at first largely in vogue, they are being rapidly discarded in favour of oral instruction, and New Zealand has accordingly been saved the expense and inconvenience of changing from inferior systems of deaf-mute education to that which is now almost universally admitted to be the best.”

Sunday-schools.

The returns for the census of 1901 showed that 107,113 pupils were attending Sunday-schools, and there were 11,299 teachers.

SUBSIDISED PUBLIC LIBRARIES, 1904–5.

The number of libraries participating in the vote granted for subsidies shows an increase of fifteen as compared with the number aided in the previous year. In order that the purpose intended to be served by the vote may be attained, it is made a condition for participation that the whole of the subsidy granted to each library in the previous year shall have been expended in the purchase of books.

The number of libraries subsidised was 411; the income £13,804; amount on which subsidy calculated, £17,402; and amount of subsidy, £3,000.

SUPPLEMENTAL: TRAINING OF TEACHERS.

For the training of teachers, secondary and primary, provision has been made by the establishment of a non-residential training college in each of the four chief centres of population—Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. Training institutions for primary teachers have for many years been in operation in Christchurch and Dunedin, satisfying the needs in this regard of their respective districts, and incidentally of the colony. Recently, the training arrangements of the colony have undergone reorganization, a more liberal financial provision has been made by Parliament, and two additional training institutions have been opened. Grants for new buildings urgently required for training purposes in Auckland and Wellington have been voted by Parliament; and towards a much-needed improvement in the accommodation at Dunedin active steps are also being taken. The four training colleges now in operation are calculated to provide adequate means of training on modern lines for a total of 320 students, and during the first quarter of 1906 220 students were actually in attendance, 28 at Auckland, 65 at Christchurch, 74 at Dunedin, and 53 at Wellington.

Connected with each training college is a normal or practising school, which includes, besides the ordinary classes of a public elementary school, a model “country” school of forty children and a secondary department. The secondary department affords opportunities of practical training to those who intend to take up secondary work either in the high schools or in the upper departments of district high schools.

According to the regulations adopted, students of a training college take English and other non-special subjects at the university college, and attend lectures in the methods of teaching and in the history and principles of education, under the principal, who is generally also by appointment the university college lecturer in education. Every one is required to take up at least one branch of science, special attention being directed to nature-study and elementary agriculture; and handwork of various forms suited to school purposes also receives a prominent place in the curriculum.

A pupil-teacher in any education district who has satisfactorily completed his term of service may enter at the training college most convenient for him, the complete course extending over two years. During this period he receives, in addition to the amount of his university college fees, a sum of £30 a year, with a further allowance of £30 if he is compelled to live away from home to attend the college. Advantages not quite so great are also offered to other qualified candidates who have not been pupil-teachers. Others again may be admitted for longer or shorter periods although they may for some time have been engaged in the practice of their profession.

The total annual cost of maintaining the four training colleges is approximately £20,000, a sum which includes, however, the cost of teaching 1,600 to 1,800 children in the practising schools, whose instruction would otherwise have to be provided for.

Chapter 33. SECTION II.—LAW AND CRIME.

CIVIL CASES.

SITTINGS of the Supreme Court are held for trial of civil cases at Auckland, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Wanganui, in the North Island; and at Blenheim, Nelson, Hokitika, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill, in the Middle Island.

The number of writs of summons issued in the Supreme Court in 1904 was 536, against 484 in 1903, 488 in 1902, 485 in 1901, and 414 in 1900. The number of civil cases tried increased from 209 in 1903 to 222 in 1904. Of these last, 40 were tried before common juries, 10 by special jury, and 172 by Judge without jury. The total of amounts for which judgments were recorded in 1904 was £46,004. There were 45 writs of execution issued during the year.

Forty cases were commenced at fifteen District Courts in 1904. Thirteen of these cases were tried before juries, and 13 before a Judge only, making a total of 26 cases tried. Twelve cases lapsed or were discontinued. The total of amounts sued for was £7,832, and judgments were recorded for £2,767. Before the Magistrates' Courts 19,569 cases were tried, against 16,571 in 1903; the aggregate sum sued for during 1904 being £335,147, and the total for which judgment was given £179,829.

COURT OF APPEAL.

Five Crown (criminal) cases were reserved from the superior Courts to be brought before the Court of Appeal in 1904. In all cases the convictions were affirmed. There were appeals from 32 civil cases, of which 9 were allowed, 13 dismissed, and 10 were not prosecuted. Judgment was given on 1 other case removed to the Court of Appeal.

BANKRUPTCY.

The petitions in bankruptcy during 1904 numbered 257, of which 217 were made by debtors and 40 by creditors. This number is 53 more than the number of petitions for the preceding year.

Of the bankruptcies in 1904: in 12 cases the liabilities were under £50; in 45, from £50 to £100; in 80, from £100 to £250; in 52, from £250 to £500; in 40, from £500 to £1,000; in 19, from £1,000 to £2,000; in 4, from £2,000 to £5,000; in 4, £5,000 and upwards. In 1 case no statement was filed.

The following gives the number of petitions, the total amount of the unsecured assets, the amount of debts proved, and the amount paid in dividends and preferential claims for the years 1896 to 1904:—

Year.Number of Petitions in Bankruptcy.Debtors' Statements of Assets, excluding Amounts secured to Creditors.Amounts realised by Official Assignees.Amount of Debts proved.Amounts paid in Dividends and Preferential Claims.
  ££££
1,896412115,45571,712256,87037,492
1,89741573,46640,942133,34445,015
1,89840790,06845,474285,15430,994
1,89938959,43434,268158,93130,084
1,90030477,68953,415141,80037,411
1,90122258,65849,78184,45230,358
1,90220561,60439,386110,99529,406
1,90320446,76723,76188,01917,618
1,90425786,09443,514125,39228,103

The degree to which private assignment of estates is resorted to cannot be ascertained.

DIVORCE.

In 1898 the Legislature of New Zealand passed a Divorce Act, and the signification of Her late Majesty's assent thereto was duly notified by His Excellency the Governor in a Proclamation dated the 1st April, 1899, bringing the Act into operation from the 1st June of that year.

This Act placed persons of either sex practically on an equality as regards petitions for dissolution of marriage; the same grounds, in substance, for a decree of divorce applying to man or woman. It, together with the Acts of 1867 and 1881, are now compiled in “The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act, 1904.”

Besides this important alteration of the law, the grounds for divorce are extended as under:—

  1. Adultery, on either side.

  2. Wilful desertion continuously during five years or more.

  3. Habitual drunkenness during four years and upwards on the part of husband, along with failing to support wife or habitual cruelty; or habitual drunkenness for a like period and neglect, with unfitness to discharge her household duties on the part of the wife.

  4. Conviction, with sentence of imprisonment or penal servitude for seven years or upwards, for attempting to take life of petitioner.

Every decree for dissolution of marriage is in the first instance to be a decree nisi, not to be made absolute till after the expiration of such time, being not less than three months from the pronouncing thereof, as the Court shall by order from time to time direct.

The petitioner need not necessarily move to make absolute any decree nisi that may be pronounced.

A decree for a judicial separation may be obtained either by the husband or wife on the ground of adultery, or of cruelty, or of desertion without cause for a period of two years.

The petitions in 1904 under “The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act, 1867,” were 162 in number, being 13 more than those for 1903: 156 were for dissolution of marriage, and 6 for judicial separation; 111 decrees for dissolution of marriage were granted. The proceedings under the Act for the years 1896 to 1904 were as follows:—

Year.Petitions forDecrees for
Dissolution of Marriage.Judicial Separation.Dissolution of Marriage.Judicial Separation.
1,896556362
1,8974810331
1,8985113322
1,89911214616
1,9001115853
1,90113811031
1,902136291..
1,90314631363
1,90415661112

The Act of 1898 has evidently operated in the direction of increasing largely the number of petitions and decrees for dissolution of marriage or judicial separation.

The proportion of petitions and decrees for dissolution of marriage to the number of marriages was up till 1898 higher in New Zealand than in England and Wales, but lower than in New South Wales or Victoria. The full effect of the operation of the new law in New Zealand is now, however, being experienced.

As early as 1889 an Act was passed in Victoria to allow of divorces being granted for wilful desertion, habitual drunkenness with cruelty or neglect, imprisonment under certain circumstances of either party, and adultery on the part of the husband. This multiplication of the causes for divorce has largely increased the proportion of decrees in that State.

An Act of a similar tenor was passed in New South Wales in 1892, and brought into working in August of that year, under which, and an amending Act of 1893, in addition to adultery since marriage on the part of the wife, and adultery and cruelty on the part of the husband, petitions for divorce can now be granted in that State on any of the following grounds:—

Husband v. wife: Desertion for not less than three years; habitual drunkenness for a similar period; refusing to obey an order for restitution of conjugal rights; being imprisoned under a sentence of three years or upwards; attempt to murder or inflict grievous bodily harm, or repeated assaults on him within one year previously.

Wife v. husband: Adultery, provided that at the time of the institution of the suit the husband is domiciled in New South Wales; desertion for not less than three years; habitual drunkenness with cruelty or neglect to support for the same period; refusing to obey an order for restitution of conjugal rights; being imprisoned for three years or upwards, or having within five years undergone various sentences amounting in all to not less than three years; attempt to murder, or assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, or repeated assaults within one year previously.

To entitle either party to seek relief on these grounds, he or she must have been domiciled in the State at the time of instituting the suit for three years or upwards, and should not have resorted to the State for the purpose of the suit. When a wife seeks for a decree on the ground of three years' desertion, if she was domiciled in New South Wales when the desertion commenced, she shall not be deemed to have lost her domicile by reason of her husband having thereafter acquired a foreign domicile.

The divorces in New South Wales and Victoria since the divorce law has been altered in the direction of increasing the grounds for decrees are as under. With these are given the figures for New Zealand under the old law up to 1898, and according to the Act of 1898 up to 1904. The figures for New South Wales tend to show that on altering the law there was a large accumulation of cases to get rid of, which increased the number of decrees to a degree which was not subsequently maintained.

Year.New South Wales.Victoria.New Zealand.
Divorces.Divorces.Divorces.
* Act of 1898 in force in New Zealand.
1,8933068525
1,8943138120
1,8953018518
1,89623410636
1,89724611733
1,8982478732
1899*23210546
1900*2199385
1901*25283103
1902*24510991
1903*206101136
1904*216140111

CRIMINAL CASES.

Charges before Magistrates.

The number of charges heard before the Magistrates' Courts in 1904 was 31,503. Repeated charges against the same person are counted as distinct. Of the charges in 1904, 569 were against persons of the aboriginal native race, an increase of 24 on the number for the previous year.

If the Maoris be excluded, the number of charges (exclusive of lunacy) in 1904 is found to have been 30,934, an increase of 181 upon the number for 1903; and the proportion per 1,000 of population was 36.60, against 37.50 in 1903.

Persons charged with lunacy and committed to mental hospitals have been excluded from the calculations for this and previous years shown, so that the figures now given will differ somewhat from those appearing in former issues of this book.

The figures, both numerical and proportional, covering a period of twenty-three years are subjoined:—

CHARGES BEFORE MAGISTRATES.
Year.Number.Proportion per 1,000 of Mean
  Population.
1,88221,62242.45
1,88522,29738.89
1,88818,37030.35
1,89116,71426.54
1,89416,82024.76
1,89719,39026.87
1,89922,11329.48
1,90024,08431.54
1,90125,82533.20
1,90228,07635.19
1,90330,75337.50
1,90430,93436.60

Summary Convictions, and Convictions in Superior Courts.

The summary convictions in 1904 numbered 25,672, including 435 Maoris. 907 persons, 33 of whom were Maoris, were committed for trial or sentence at the Supreme and District Courts, a decrease of 7 on the number committed in 1903.

Dealing with the summary convictions for all offences, the figures for 1900 and onwards (excluding the Maoris) are:—

 SUMMARY CONVICTIONS.
Year.Number.Proportion per 1,000 of Mean Population.
1900—
          Offences against the person7240.95
          Offences against property1,4761.93
Other offences16,28521.33
Totals18,48524.21
1901—
          Offences against the person7781.00
          Offences against property1,7362.23
Other offences17,81222.90
Totals20,32626.13
1902—
          Offences against the person5400.68
          Offences against property1,7592.20
Other offences19,82624.85
Totals22,12527.73
1903—
          Offences against the person6440.79
          Offences against property1,7672.15
Other offences22,35427.25
Totals24,76530.19
1904—
          Offences against the person6660.79
          Offences against property1,8012.13
Other offences22,77026.95
Totals25,23729.87

In dealing with the summary convictions in the Magistrates' Courts each offence is reckoned as a distinct person. The total number is from time to time swelled by the inclusion of breaches of statutes, the provisions of which give rise to fresh offences against the public welfare not strictly criminal, so that comparisons with past years are somewhat affected.

But the groups of serious criminal offences do not show any advance in criminality taken over a period of five years.

The total of summary convictions for offences against the person (excluding Maoris) was 666 for the year 1904, which is actually a smaller number than that for 1900 (724), notwithstanding increase of population. Of these 666 summary convictions in 1904, the greater number (603) were on account of common and aggravated assaults, and there were 28 for attempt to commit suicide.

Of offences against property, theft not otherwise described is the most common, showing for 1904 1,211 summary convictions. There were besides 32 for specific kinds of theft, and 27 for housebreaking. Obtaining money and goods under false pretences caused 94 summary convictions, and wilful damage to property 417. These are the principal items only.

Under the heading “Other Offences” (those relating to good order included), drunkenness comes first with 9,566 summary convictions, of which 926 were in respect of females. Prohibition orders numbered 1,700, including 129 made against women. The committals to the Inebriate Institution numbered 9. The subject of drunkenness is separately dealt with under a special heading.

Further offences against good order include 3,231 summary convictions simply defined as “breach of by-laws,” and 1,715 for insulting behaviour, language, &c., and indecent, riotous, or offensive conduct. Also, 247 for assaulting or resisting police. Under “Vagrancy,” idle and disorderly persons show 558 summary convictions, with rogues and vagabonds 253. The chief items only are referred to above.

Offences against public welfare are dealt with in remarks above.

Of 78 persons (excluding the Maoris) convicted in the superior Courts during the year 1904 for offences against the person only three were females. Assault, with or without robbery, was of this class the offence which caused the most convictions, these amounting to 38 altogether, including wounding. There were also 11 convictions for indecent assault, 7 for rape, with attempt to commit, and 8 for other similar offences. For murder and manslaughter 4 persons were convicted.

The convictions for offences against property were far more numerous than those against the person, amounting to 162, of whom 5 were females. Theft was the principal cause, showing 79 convictions, exclusive of burglary with robbery, for which 47 convictions were recorded.

Besides the above, there were 14 convictions for forgery and uttering, 14 for obtaining goods on false pretences and receiving stolen goods, and 8 for arson.

Outside of convictions for offences against person and property, 24 of a miscellaneous nature remain, making up a total of 264 convictions in the higher Courts, excluding 248 persons sent for sentence by Magistrates.

But the figures previously referred to only deal with persons convicted in the higher Courts. The committals for sentences under “The Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1900,” were:—

 Persons.Males.Females.
For offences against the person2020..
For offences against property1991918
For miscellaneous offences2929..
                Totals2482408

Offences against the person include 7 for assault, 5 for indecent assault, 2 for attempted suicide, and 6 others. Against property the offences in greatest number were: For theft undescribed, 74; for specified theft, 32; breaking and entering with theft, 36; forgery and uttering, 36; fraud and false pretences, 13; receiving stolen goods, 4; other offences, 4. Miscellaneous offences include—escaping from custody, 9; making false declaration, 8; perjury, 6; other offences, 6.

Punishments.

Including 7 Maoris, the convictions in the superior Courts, together with 248 sent from Magistrates' Courts for sentence, numbered 519 (persons). Particulars of sentences for these higher Courts, and of the punishments consequent on summary convictions in the lower Courts, are appended in two tables:—

TABLE SHOWING THE SENTENCES OF CRIMINALS TRIED AND CONVICTED IN THE SUPREME AND DISTRICT COURTS DURING FIVE YEARS.
Punishments.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.

* Including 22 Maoris.

† Including 26 Maoris.

‡ Including 5 Maoris.

§ Including 16 Maoris.

|| Including 7 Maoris.

Death11......
Imprisonment with or without hard labour286272253305411
Fined21791012
Imprisonment with whipping21..61
Released under “The First Offenders' Probation Act, 1886”7451634570
Held to bail, or awaiting pleasure of Court2512121324
Sent to industrial school1..211
                Totals*391†354‡339§380||519
TABLE SHOWING THE PUNISHMENTS INFLICTED CONSEQUENT ON SUMMARY CONVICTIONS IN MAGISTRATES' COURTS DURING FIVE YEARS.
Punishments.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.
N.B.—Maoris have been excluded from this table.
Fine9,2069,90511,47113,63113,133
Imprisonment in lieu of fine1,8951,9101,8741,9562,530
Peremptory imprisonment1,7231,9481,7341,9692,067
Recognisance121105123101130
Whipping1520352835
Other5,5256,4386,8887,0807,342
                Totals18,48520,32622,12524,76525,237

Drunkenness.

Excluding Maoris, the proportion of convictions for drunkenness per 1,000 of population was 9.50 in 1900, 10.32 in 1901, 10 34 in 1902, 10.70 in 1903, and 11.32 in 1904. The number of convictions to which the proportions for the years 1900 to 1904 relate were as under:—

Year.Number.
1,9007,252
1,9018,032
1,9028,244
1,9038,774
1,9049,566

The totals of charges for drunkenness for the same years were:—

Year.Number.
1,9007,319
1,9018,086
1,9028,311
1,9038,872
1,9049,626

Among the New - Zealand - born population of European descent there is evidence of less drunkenness than among persons who have come to the colony from abroad. At the census of 1901, out of the total population of New Zealand over 15 years of age, 51.85 per cent. were found to have been born here; while the proportion of the convictions for drunkenness of New-Zealand-born Europeans to the total convictions was in the year 1900 about 17 per cent. only.

During the five years 1900 to 1904, inclusive, the consumption of beer in the colony per inhabitant would seem to have increased, the proportion having been 8.7 gallons in the earlier year, against 9 gallons in the later one. Excluding the Maoris, the same result is found to obtain, the figures being 9.15 for the year 1900 and 9.45 for 1904. Wine and spirits also show an increase in the consumption per head of population.

The following calculations are made to show the results, including and excluding Maoris:—

CONSUMPTION OF BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS PER HEAD OF POPULATION (INCLUDING AND EXCLUDING MAORIS).
 Including MaorisExcluding Maoris
Beer.Wine.Spirits.Beer.Wine.Spirits.
Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal.Gal
1,9008.6960.1450.6849.1500.1520.720
1,9018.9190.1510.7269.4130.1590.766
1,9028.7770.1500.7169.2520.1580.755
1,9038.9870.1420.7189.4600.1490.755
1,9048.9960.1350.7299.4550.1420.766

The actual quantities of beer, wine, and spirits used in the colony were, for the five years:—

 Beer for Consumption.Wine for Consumption.Spirits for Consumption.
Gals.Gals.Gals.
1,9006,986,900116,188549,932
1,9017,323,290123,592596,071
1,9027,380,883126,450602,021
1,9037,759,330122,490619,649
1904*7,989,990120,120647,155

In Australia the consumption per head of alcoholic liquors for 1903, according to Mr. Coghlan, is as quoted below:—

 Spirits.Wine.Beer.
 Gal.Gal.Gal.
 Per Head.Per Head.Per Head.
New South Wales0.790.679.55
Victoria0.611.2411.61
Queensland0.860.389.49
South Australia0.462.228.33
Western Australia1.420.7521.82
Tasmania0.530.188.51

In the States of Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland charges for drunkenness are, in proportion to population, more numerous than in New Zealand. The order of the States for the year 1903 in this respect is as under:—

CHARGES OF DRUNKENNESS IN PROPORTION TO POPULATION.
Queensland14.02 per 1,000
Western Australia16.14 per 1,000
New South Wales15.39 per 1,000
Victoria10.45 per 1,000

* It has been estimated by the Government Statistician of Victoria that each gallon of beer (including ale and stout) costs the consumer in that State 3s.; each gallon of spirits 35s.; and each gallon of wine 10s.-allowing in each case for a certain proportion being consumed privately.

If these figures may be applied to the consumption of alcoholic liquors in New Zealand, the average cost per head of the total population is found to be £2 16s. 7d., and of the adult population £5 5s. 11d. This is considerably lower than that shown for any of the States of the Australian Commonwealth, with the exception of Tasmania. In the Victorian Year Book, 1904, the figures have been so applied to this colony.

Crime amongst Maoris.

The Native population of the colony has hitherto been regarded as stationary, and comparisons of the numbers of summary convictions by the higher and lower Courts are given. The number for 1897 is swelled by 108 persons convicted of trespass. The figures relating to convictions by the superior Courts are small and fluctuating, the proportionately large increase in 1898 being caused by the inclusion of sixteen convicted of conspiring to prevent the collection of taxes.

SUMMARY CONVICTIONS OF MAORIS.
Year.Number.
1,891298
1,892293
1,893253
1,894321
1,895316
1,896332
1,897450
1,898349
1,899300
1,900253
1,901298
1,902330
1,903421
1,904435
CONVICTIONS OF MAORIS IN SUPERIOR COURTS.
Year.Convictions.Number of Persons convicted.
1,89177
1,8921615
1,8931312
1,8942524
1,8951751
1,8961919
1,8971612
1,8982135
1,89987
1,9002222
1,9012626
1,90255
1,9031616
1,90477

The figures for superior Courts do not include persons sent up from the Magistrate's Courts for sentence under “The Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1900.”

Police.

The strength of the Police Force in New Zealand on the 31st December, 1905, was a total number of 656 persons. Of these, the police at the four chief centres numbered 282, being 83 at Auckland, 78 at Wellington, 60 at Christchurch, and 61 at Dunedin. The remaining members of the Force (374) may be deemed as belonging to the country.

The expenditure (exclusive of the cost of buildings) on the whole Police Force for the year ended the 31st March, 1905, amounted to £128,879.

Prisoners in Gaol.

The total number of prisoners received in the different gaols of the colony during the year 1904 was 5,170, including persons awaiting trial but not convicted within the year, and counting as distinct persons repeated admissions of the same person, as well as transfers from gaol to gaol of convicts undergoing sentence. In 1903 the number received was 4,786, so that the figures for 1904 show an increase of 384. Of 5,170 admissions for 1904, 9 were for debt, and 49 on account of lunacy; while 152 were Maoris imprisoned for various offences. If the debtors, lunatics, and Maoris be excluded, the number of persons received into gaol is reduced to 4,960, against 4,606 in 1903.

The number of persons in gaol (including Maoris) at the end of the year 1904 was 750, or 11 more than in 1903.

PRISONERS IN GAOL (31ST DECEMBER).
Year.Undergoing Sentence.Debtors and Lunatics.On Remand and awaiting Trial.Total.
1,889611319633
1,891494436534
1,893463633502
1,895531546582
1,897623..51674
1,899508..58566
1,901661151713
1,903688..51739
1,904701..49750

Of the prisoners previously convicted received in 1904, 513 men and 47 women had been convicted once; 333 men and 36 women twice; 1,435 men and 391 women three or more times: making a total of 2,281 men and 474 women.

Besides the returns from the Prisons Department, 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 are thrown out but one; then the number of cards retained equals the actual number of distinct convicted prisoners received in the various gaols during the year. In 1904 this number (excluding Maoris) was 2,896, an increase of 54 on the number in 1903. These figures do not include children committed to the industrial schools simply on the ground that they are neglected or destitute.

The following table shows the number of distinct persons (exclusive of Maoris) received into gaol after conviction during 1904, classified according to nature of offence, religion, birthplace, and age:—

DISTINCT CONVICTED PRISONERS RECEIVED INTO GAOL, 1904.
[NOTE.—In this table a prisoner convicted of more than one offence during the year is reckoned once only, under the heading of th 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 “Theft.” Debtors and lunatics received into gaol, and children committed to the industrial schools not convected of any crime, are emitted.]
Offences against the Person.Offences against Property.Miscellaneous.Totals.
Convicted on Indictment.Summarily convicted.Theft and Deceit.Mischief.Vagrancy.Drunkenness.*Other offences.
* It must be remembered that drunkenness is punished more by fine than by imprisonment, so that the figures in the gaol tables do not represent the full number of persons punished for that offence.
 MF.M.F.MF.MF.MF.MF.MF.MF.
Religions—
        Church of England393512851391133442963323161,02898
        Roman Catholic3226411811017312858328461463896123
        Presbyterian181719710856171531975142448
        Wesleyan6441111211921811015
        Others67361413646449116112
                Totals1012127364035394342126842104519122,610286
Birthplaces—
        England and Wales122916259952623929157470364
        Scotland912735537914544532518
        Ireland181224078257292033446339276
        New Zealand4514432451411210553126281643740104
        Australian States97632221539233217411
        Other British possessions119221434315
        China511117
        Other countries9124324242764592278
                Totals1012127364035394342126842104519122,610286
Ages—
        Under 10 years11
        10 and under 12 years22
        12 and under 15 years44
        15 and under 20 years89685551710710
        20 and under 25 years202512355291949387233829
        25 and under 30 years2430212441116819958101145335
        30 and under 40 years1713511688111762222230140366966
        40 and under 50 years17198387593421536105350581
        50 and under 60 years8174532263201562044332549
        60 years and over72222342710572520616
                Totals1012127364035394342126842104519122,610286
                Totals, 190372112163429521306127772107603172,560282

The number of distinct persons (exclusive of Maoris) imprisoned after conviction, in the past fifteen 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 Population.
1,8902,39738.61
1,8912,11333.55
1,8922,16433.69
1,8932,11131.92
1,8941,95528.78
1,8951,93027.87
1,8961,93627.11
1,8971,88425.84
1,8981,98226.92
1,8992,12528.33
1,9002,11627.71
1,9012,34530.14
1,9022,39630.03
1,9032,84234.65
1,9042,89634.27

There has been since 1890 a reduction of 4.34 per 10,000 in the proportion to population. In New South Wales the proportion for 1904 was 51 per 10,000 persons.

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.

The proportions in every 100 distinct convicted prisoners belonging to each of the four principal religious denominations, with proportions of prisoners at each age-period, and particulars as to birthplaces and ages, will be found in the Statistical Volume for 1904, on page 542.

Expenditure on Gaols and Prisoners.

The gross expenditure on the gaols of the colony (exclusive of the cost of buildings) for the year ended the 31st December, 1904, was £31,035; and the net expenditure, after deducting value of services rendered, £16,588.

The prisoners in the gaols during the year 1904 were maintained at a net cost to the State of £25 18s. 2d. per head, against £25 16s. 6d. per head in 1903.

Crime amongst the New-Zealand-born.

While the New-Zealand-born formed at the last census 67 per cent. of the whole population of the colony, they contributed in 1904 only 29 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 52 per cent. of the total population above that age; but, as before stated, New-Zealanders constituted only 29 per cent. of the total number received in gaols.

The total number of New-Zealand-born distinct prisoners (excluding Maoris) received for the year 1904—844 persons—is found to be 140 in excess of the number for 1903. Of those received in 1904, 98 were under twenty years of age. As before stated, the plan adopted in preparing the foregoing tables is to count each prisoner only once, 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.

Tree-planting by Prisoners.

There are now four tree-planting prison-camps established—viz., Waiotapu and Waipa Valley in the North Island, and Dumgree and Hanmer Springs in the South Island. There were 138 prisoners at these camps at the end of 1904, and a considerable amount of planting, clearing, fencing, and other work was carried out during the year. In his report of the year 1904 the Inspector of Prisons thus comments on the system:—

The selection of prisoners for the tree-planting establishments is a matter of great difficulty and anxiety, but experience his proved that a careful study of disposition and temper is more important than a consideration of the offence for which imprisonment has been awarded. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and some of the quietest and best workers in a town prison are idle and rowdy when sent tree-planting, while, on the other hand, some of the idle and rowdy in a town prison prove quiet and good workers when sent tree-planting. On the whole, however, it must be admitted that the majority of those sent planting appreciate the attempts that are being made on their behalf to reform them, and show it by their work and conduct.

First Offenders' Probation Act.

Ninety-one persons were placed on probation in the year 1904, as against 110 in 1903. Of these, 25 were discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licences, 1 was rearrested, 1 absconded, and 64 remained under the supervision of Probation Officers.

Of the 1,657 persons placed on probation since the introduction of the Act in October, 1886, no less than 1,421 had by the end of the year 1904 been discharged after satisfactorily carrying out the conditions of their licenses, 94 had been rearrested and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, 1 committed suicide, 2 died, 36 absconded, 1 was sent to a lunatic asylum, and 102 remained fulfilling the conditions of their terms of probation.

The amount of costs which the various Courts directed to be paid during the year 1904 was £202 5s. 6d., of which £103 19s. has been actually paid. The approximate cost of keeping these first offenders had they been sent to prison would have amounted to £3,820, which sum, added to the amount of costs, &c., actually paid, represents a saving of £3,917 19s.

Inquests.

The number of bodies on which inquests were held in 1904 was 1,057, including 24 Maoris. In 813 cases the bodies were of males, and in 244 of females.

The inquests on suicidal deaths in 1904 show a decrease on the number for the previous year. The figures for each of the last seven years were:—

Year.Inquests on Suicides.
Males.Females.Total.
1,89869877
1,899611374
1,900521163
1,901711384
1,90269574
1,9039115106
1,9048916105

The verdicts given at the inquests held in 1904 may be classified as under:—

Nature of Verdict.Inquests on Persons.
Males.Females.Total.
Accident40874482
Disease and natural causes295145440
Intemperance8210
Homicide527
Suicide8916105
Not classed8513
 8132441,057

Of the accidental deaths, drowning is the most fatal form. The verdicts show that 150 bodies were found drowned, giving a percentage of 31.12 on the accidental deaths from all causes.

Fire Inquests.

The inquests on fires held during 1904 numbered 28. In 10 cases the verdict was incendiarism; in 3, accident; and in 15 no evidence was forthcoming.

Chapter 34. SECTION III.—LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.

COUNTIES, BOROUGHS, ETC.

FOR purposes of local government New Zealand is divided into counties and boroughs. Although the boroughs, of which there were 101* in March, 1905, lie geographically within the counties, yet by the law they are not considered as part of them. On the 31st March, 1905, the counties numbered 97. The number is increased from time to time as need is found for further division. In the year 1878 there were only 63 counties. Interior to the counties are the road and town districts, but much of the country is outlying, many road districts having been merged, especially on goldfields territory.

There were, however, 214 road districts (six without Boards) in existence in March, 1905, and 32 town districts. One of these latter is the special Town District of Rotorua, constituted under “The Thermal-Springs Districts Act, 1881.” Besides the above there were 34 river protective districts (excluding Inch-Clutha, in Bruce County, which is also a road district), 3 drainage districts (Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hobson's Bay Watershed), 3 water-supply districts (one without Board), and 20 land drainage districts under the Land Drainage Act of 1893 (two without Boards). The Harbour Boards numbered 26, excluding Coromandel, Fortrose, and Half-moon Bay, for which the County Councils of Coromandel, Southland, and Stewart Island act as the Harbour Boards.

These bodies levied rates in the financial year 1904–5 to the amount of £1,019,431, of which £704,315 consisted of general rates, and £315,116 special and separate rates. The sum of £81,985 was raised by licenses, and £19,962 by other taxes, making £1,121,378 altogether, which sum is equivalent to £1 6s. 4d. per head of the mean European population. In the year 1903–4 the local taxation was £1 5s. 5d. per head, or 11d. less than in 1904–5.

It will be seen from the table on the next page that revenue derived from rates increased from £401,393 in 1884–85 to £1,019,431 in 1904–5. Revenue from Government has, on the other hand, decreased in the same period (twenty-one years) from £364,082 to £166,635. Receipts which cannot be classed as “revenue” were £430,561 in 1884–85, against £1,350,631 in 1904–5; 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 (distinguishing revenue from other sources of income) and expenditure of the various local bodies, with the amount of rates collected, and the amount of indebtedness on account of loans for each of the past twenty-one years, are shown in the following table:—

*In April, 1903, the Boroughs of Linwood, St. Albans, and Sydenham were incorporated in the City of Christchurch, and the Borough of Melrose became part of the City of Wellington. On 1st November, 1904, the Borough of Caversham was incorporated in the City of Dunedin. On 1st April, 1905, the Borough of South Dunedin was incorporated in the City of Dunedin.

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RATES, RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURE, AND LOANS, 1885 TO 1905.*
Year ended 31st March.Receipts of Local Bodies.Expenditure of Local Bodies.†Outstanding Loans of Local Bodies (excluding Government Loans, for which see the following Columns).Government Loans to Local Bodies.
Revenue fromReceipts not Revenue.Total Receipts.Outstanding Debentures under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882.”Net Indebtedness in February of each Year under “The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886,” Local Bodies' Loans Acts, 1901, 1902, and 1903 (including Debentures under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, converted).
Rates.Licenses, Tolls, Rents, and other Sources.Government.Total Revenue.

*The figures for the Christchurch Drainage Board, and Harbour Boards (excepting Wellington, the last balance being for the year ending 30th September, 1904, and the Coromandel, Fortrose, Half-moon Bay and Horse-shoe Bay, and New River Harbour Boards, the figures for which are for the year ended 31st March, 1905) included, are for the calendar years ended three months previous to the financial years.

†Not including balances, deposits, or amounts paid to sinking funds and for redemption of debentures.

‡On the 30th June.

 ££££££££££
1,885401,393477,813364,0821,243,288430,5611,673,8491,653,7064,313,223123,086‡..
1,886410,639504,807377,8111,293,257514,7281,807,98511,644,7064,943,270134,534..
1,887434,237447,631342,4321,224,300992,6332,216,9331,885,0015,620,747113,072..
1,888433,832460,210334,8571,228,899511,5941,740,4931,819,7875,812,80318,635191,687
1,889445,929535,140141,2881,122,357316,1391,438,4961,560,6055,892,05010,495273,289
1,890460,303568,405139,3201,168,028206,6881,374,7161,476,5405,978,0599,676319,603
1,891463,581518,757144,0081,126,346236,9021,363,2481,381,3206,042,6934,317367,715
1,892488,824584,274109,0221,182,120214,1241,396,2441,400,4676,081,9344,245449,532
1,893508,157573,161136,5151,217,833340,5381,558,3711,482,5486,203,8693,465525,173
1,894551,412547,560134,2711,233,243623,0381,856,2811,589,1246,614,8242,685547,679
1,895581,868545,629138,2281,265,725328,7981,594,5231,584,5186,685,5102,015621,903
1,896592,903581,966156,1801,331,049269,1451,600,1941,627,0796,737,5781,442667,451
1,897598,526586,599178,4481,363,573246,9191,610,4921,636,7166,793,3981,077709,282
1,898644,552608,436182,1661,435,154304,6451,739,7991,733,0166,834,361712742,530
1,899685,769642,289178,4381,506,496385,3681,891,8641,778,5746,963,254347789,618
1,900714,151695,988152,0441,562,183372,0281,934,2111,960,0737,057,350..810,192
1,901734,023751,046168,7851,653,854825,0392,478,8932,250,5727,563,069..902,769
1,902800,471348,983170,0411,819,495775,4322,594,9272,528,0927,839,695..1,046,645
1,903846,716897,328156,2541,900,298966,0872,806,3852,867,5068,217,196..1,266,002
1,904950,1501,029,550176,5192,156,2191,142,5953,298,8143,230,7128,898,910..1,401,752
1,9051,019,4311,088,587166,6352,274,6531,350,6313,625,2843,497,32110,018,242..1,526,353

The indebtedness of local governing bodies on account of outstanding loans has increased in twenty-one years from £4,313,223 to £10,018,242, exclusive of moneys borrowed from Government under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882,” “The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886,” and the Local Bodies' Loans Acts, 1901, 1902, and 1903, which represented a further indebtedness of £1,526,353 at the end of March, 1905.

TAXATION BY LOCAL BODIES.

TABLE showing the Revenue of Local Governing Bodies derived from Rates, Licenses, and other Taxes during the Year 1904–5.
Local Bodies.Rates.Licenses.Other TaxesTotal.
General.Special and Separate.

*For year ended 31st March, 1905.

†Wellington Harbour Board, for year ended 30th September, 1904; Christchurch Drainage Board, for year ended 31st December, 1904; Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board and Christchurch Tramway Board, for year ended 31st March, 1905; and Hobson's Bay Watershed Sewage Board, to 31st March, 1903.

‡Wharfage dues, charges, fees, tolls, rents, &c., amounting to £527,809 0s. 9d., have not been classed as taxation.

§Equal to £1 6s. 4d. per head of the mean European population of the colony for the financial year 1904–5.

 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Counties*271,91019867,0003520,527109,855125369,323166
Boroughs*239,4281511223,3993255,7971318,324106526,95028
Town Boards*3,647173317843,202634101287,57846
Road Boards*94,59310414,7691462,4571711,3581910113,18019
River Boards*8,338422,012149...29610,35385
Land Drainage Boards*3,4961931,08091......4,57784
Harbour Boards†49,447155.........49,447155
City and Suburban Drain age Boards†26,693681,37122......28,664810
Christchurch Tram way B'rd†6,727174.........6,727174
Water - supply Boards*...5,16528...91865,17512
                Totals704,31560315,11518181,98417519,962351,121,378411*

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE, 1904–5.

A summary of all the transactions for the year 1904–5 is given on pages 162 to 165. The total revenue of the local bodies for the financial year was £2,274,653, and they further received a sum of £1,350,631 which could not properly be termed “revenue,” making altogether a grand total of receipts amounting to £3,625,284. The rates formed 45 per cent. of the revenue proper. Licenses, rents, and other sources yielded 48 per cent., and 7 per cent. was granted by the General Government.

While the revenue proper of the counties amounted to £497,704, of which those bodies raised £338,941 by way of rates, the Road Boards' revenue was only £152,013, out of which £109,363 represented the result of their rating. The boroughs had the far larger revenue of £969,459, including £462,828 of rates, and their receipts under the heading of licenses, rents, and other sources amounted to the considerable sum of £472,425. In the matter of receipts from Government, of which a table is printed on the next page, the counties received the bulk of the money.

The details of amounts received, representing Government support to the various bodies, are stated in the following table:—

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS FROM GOVERNMENT, 1904–5.
Counties.Boroughs.Town Boards.Road Boards.River Boards (excluding Inch-Clutha, also Road Board).Land Drainage Boards.Harbour Boards.Drainage Board.Totals.
 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Rates on Crown and Native lands847445122..................129196
One-third receipts from land sold on deferred payment and from perpetual lease28,391901701363163,855113............32,420153
One-fourth of rents from small grazing-runs2,83661......34770............3,183131
Goldftelds revenue and gold duty21,00791018,2040326219519............39,408180
Subsidies under the Local Bodies Finance and Powers Act51,6813413,03217963614617,81058............83,19113
Fees and fines under the Financial Arrangements Act843172493180519017510............1,36100
Other receipts6299102,259633,436456141510............6,939164
Total Revenue Account105,4742734,2067114,0845722,87074............166,63535
Loans from Government under Loans to Local Bodies' Acts6,320006,180006000018,106007,1000039700......38,70300
Grants for special works, &c.39,8241105181804091505,04797684136.........46,4841711
Total receipts from Government151,6184540,9055115,0940746,02316117,78413639700......251,82314
LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.—RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURE, AND LOANS, 1904–5.
Financial Year ended 31st March, 1905.
Counties.Boroughs.Town Boards.Road Boards.River Boards (excluding Inch-Clutha, also Road Board).Land Drainage Hoards.Water-supply Boards.Christchurch Tramway Board.

*For amounts under various heads see previous table; also for specification of loans under Loans to Local Bodies Acts, and special grants, which are here included with “Receipts not revenue.”

†Excluding loans under Roads and Bridges Construction Act, Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and the Loans to Local Bodies Acts, 1901, 1902, and 1903. (For rates of interest see page 167.)

NOTE.—The return of receipts and expenditure in this summary represents the net receipts and expenditure of the year, exclusive of credit and debit balances, bank overdrafts, deposits, amounts paid to sinking funds, and for redemption of debentures.

 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Receipts:— 
  Revenue from—
    Rates338,94131462,8271913,96557109,30341010,35018114,577845,165286,727174
    Licenses, rents, and other sources53,288183472,4241676,47421013,452055,0841472870826017101,58526
    Government*105,4742734,2067114,0845722,87074
    County4571386,32787531100500
      Total revenue497,704311969,4593714,98178152,0131215,967364,869905,426068,3121910
    Receipts not revenue161,6681911756,6081801,81610348,3041868,29181142353178,623156
      Total receipts659,3733101,720,0681716,7971711200,31719824,2581255,2921435,42606186,936154
                         
Expenditure:— 
  Public works459,079152928,19801011,33294150,3890114,97819103,6691942,20646156,602142
    Charitable aid and hospitals46,20941132,778603763711,02933
    Management61,8450177,4911202,20315215,995271,63013244749467843,5861410
    Other expenditure86,194116591,6181383,7212924,220746,977881,396272,011171061211
      Total expenditure653,3281181,630,08618617,6331010201,63313323,587185,513684,685108160,801101
                         
Liabilities (including loans, excepting those from Government)193,962715,319,4401353,30213174,0365849,848962,7006921,476142340,337127
Loans†7,800 0004,863,986001,9800044,3000039,07000500021,20000305,00000
Financial Year ended 31st December, 1904Totals-all Local Bodies.
Harbour Boards.*City and Suburban Drainage Boards.*

* Wellington Harbour Board for year ended 30th September, 1904; Christchurch Drainage Board for year ended 31st December, 1904; and Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board for year ended 31st March, 1905.

† See notes to table on previous page.

‡ Not including loans, amounting to £1,526,353, repayable by instalments, under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882,” “The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886,” “ The Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1901,” and Amendment Acts, 1902 and 1903.

Receipts :— 
  Revenue from—£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
    Rates49,44715528,0648101,019,43141
    Licenses, rents, and other sources527,8090959810101,081,26553
    Government......166,63535
    County......7,321123
      Total revenue577,25610228,6621982,274,65350
    Receipts not revenue108,93061185,962821,350,630115
      Total receipts686,18731114,6257103,625,283165
          
Expenditure:—         
  Public works178,9697890,782181,996,208187
  Charitable aid and hospitals......90,392179
  Management17,669316,917172188,254112
  Other expenditure480,87016624,8411621,222,464181
    Total expenditure677,50973122,5411503,497,32157
          
Liabilities (including loans)4,549,015011365,9281211‡10,920,048161
Loans†4,382,55100352,3050010,018,24200

The expenditure of the local bodies amounted to £3,497,321. In the counties the cost of management, including salaries, travelling-expenses, rent, printing and advertising, collection of rates or tolls, legal expenses, and sundries, was £61,845. The Borough Councils expended in the same way £77,492, and the Road Boards £15,995.

The percentages borne by the cost of management to the total receipts and total expenditure were:—

Cost of Management per Cent. ofTotal Receipts.Total Expenditure.
Counties9.49.5
Boroughs4.54.8
Road Boards 8.07.9

HARBOUR BOARDS.

The amount of receipts and expenditure for each of the Harbour Boards in the colony for the year ended 31st December, 1904 (excepting Wellington, the accounts for which were made up for the year ending 30th September, 1904, and Coromandel, Fortrose, Half-moon Bay and Horseshoe Bay, New River and Riverton, to 31st March, 1905), also the liabilities at date of balancing, including outstanding loans, have been tabulated in another statement.

Harbour Boards.Receipts.Expenditure (excluding Amounts paid of Sinking Fund and for Redemption of Debentures).
Revenue fromReceipts not Revenue.Total Receipts.Works and Maintenance.Other Expenditure, Interest, &c.Out of Loan.Total Expenditure.Liabilities (including Outstanding Loans).
Wharfage Dues, Charges, Fees, Tolls. &c.Rates, Rents, and other Sources.Total Revenue.

(a) Including Admiralty subsidy, £1,475.

(b) Public works.

(c) Coromandel County Council is the Harbour Board.

(d) Southland County Council is the Harbour Board.

(e) Stewart Island County Council is the Harbour Board.

(f) Public works, £4,528 13s. 8d.; office expenses, £152.

(g) Public works, £41,415 18s. 4d.; other expenditure, £115 10s.

* Including Rates: Gisborne, £5,740 12s. 5d.; Mokau, £102 10s. 1d.; Napier, £20,206 6s. 3d.; New Plymouth, £8,288 3s. 5d.; Oamaru, £7,180 8s. 3d.; Timaru, £7,613 1s. 3d.; Wairoa, £316+ 13s. 9d.

 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
Auckland55,650 0 114,783 15 570,433 15 6(a)1,615 0 172,048 15 743,811 9 234,233 7 0(b)6,520 14 584,595 10 7477,200 0 0
Bluff17,700 13 32,624 12 820,325 5 119/617 2 929,942 8 817,739 0 118,593 6 5(b)9,500 0 035,832 7 460,033 3 0
Coromandel(c)35 16 8...35 16 8...35 16 828 15 7......28 15 7...
Fortrose(d)..............................
Gisborne12,092 5 16,235 18 218,328 3 31,102 3 719,430 6 10752 3 012,753 16 4(b)20,690 9 1034,196 9 2202,724 13 10
Greymouth16,045 18 02,617 7 1018,663 5 105,000 0 023,663 5 102,239 2 112,695 10 7(b)10,753 6 1125,687 19 7232,489 15 8
Half-moon Bay and Horse-shoe Bay38 6 49 0 047 6 4...47 6 432 17 414 10 0...47 7 4...
Hokitika381 8 8459 19 3841 7 116 17 6848 5 5344 4 2528 7 11...872 12 113,133 9 10
Lyttelton48,586 4 111,380 11 1049,966 16 94,555 0 954,524 17 615,964 14 426,943 13 4(b)4,555 0 947,463 8 5264,605 19 0
Mokau119 12 9180 0 1299 12 10...299 12 10...146 14 0...146 14 055 7 4
Napier19,154 7 722,221 12 441,375 19 11243 4 441,619 4 310,119 8 1128,617 11 11(f)4,680 13 843,417 14 6502,937 9 6
Nelson2,573 3 41,363 5 23,936 8 610,600 0 014,536 8 6...2,378 14 3(b)10,174 16 612,553 10 937,150 18 11
New Plymouth9,628 6 712,822 15 722,451 2 272 3 922,523 5 1111,312 6 513,622 13 8...24,935 0 1205,836 3 6
New River956 13 5107 4 21,063 17 71,012 4 62,076 2 190 0 01,384 11 3...1,474 11 317,450 3 9
Oamaru6,248 1 89,321 15 915,569 17 510,289 16 325,859 13 81,299 17 511,873 7 6(b)3,088 6 216,261 11 1353,359 0 0
Otago65,117 19 710,625 9 875,743 9 34,300 0 080,043 9 324,810 13 950,369 5 4...75,179 19 1709,523 0 10
Patea2,491 0 9638 19 43,130 0 1210 11 23,340 11 3856 15 91,680 4 0(b)5,112 11 27,649 10 1122,757 19 2
Riverton13 6 3254 3 10267 10 1...267 10 139 4 7137 10 2...176 14 92,000 0 0
Thames1,759 7 4225 10 91,984 18 1100 0 02,084 18 1874 18 11,107 11 0...1,982 9 110,063 5 1
Timaru23,807 19 09,527 17 133,335 16 128,595 17 261,931 13 310,988 5 1118,685 12 1(b)16,976 17 1146,650 15 11298,554 15 8
Waikokohu..................24 8 6...24 8 624 8 6
Waimakariri...265 11 11265 11 11...265 11 1120 2 0306 19 10...327 1 104 6 8
Wairoa622 16 1350 1 9972 17 10...972 17 1091 5 5562 18 4...654 3 95,63 13 11
Wairoa622 16 1350 1 9972 17 10...972 17 1091 5 5562 18 4...654 3 95,063 13 11
Waitara1,667 0 3583 17 22,250 17 57 12 62,258 9 111,444 14 0373 7 7...1,818 1 724,858 7 2
Wanganui6,805 18 01,083 19 107,889 17 10372 13 38,262 11 11,117 4 116,859 1 4...7,976 6 361,112 18 7
Wellington113,130 10 93,776 2 7116,906 13 431,167 0 3148,073 13 78,845 19 884,039 16 10(g)41,531 8 4134,417 4 10385,051 9 10
Westport70,444 5 7...70,444 5 7...70,444 5 725,351 6 346,788 10 5...72,139 16 8663,004 6 8
Whaingaroa228 15 1014 0 0242 15 1061 19 1304 14 11300 7 1175 8 10...375 16 9...
Whangarei455 11 1127 14 4483 6 31 0 0484 6 3464 10 1158 15 6...623 5 720 4 6
Totals475,755 9 8*101,501 6 6577,256 16 2108,930 6 11686,187 3 1178,969 78364,955 13 11133,584 5 8677,509 7 34,549,015 0 11

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES.

In a table on the next page will be found a summary of the amounts raised by loan, classified according to the rates of interest paid, distinguishing loans raised in the colony from those raised abroad. It will be noticed that the amount raised abroad (£5,638,600) is very much greater than than raised in New Zealand (£3,479,642). The lowest rate of interest paid was 3 per cent., but the large sum of £2,923,975 was raised at 5 per cent., and £2,228,970 at 6 per cent., while £102,900 bore interest as high as 7 per cent.

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES, MARCH, 1905.—NET INDEBTEDNESS AND ANNUAL CHARGE.
Amount of Debentures and Stock in Circulation.Amount of Accrued Sinking Fund.Net Indebtedness.Annual Charge (excluding Exchange and Commission).
Interest.Sinking Fund.Total.
* Repayable by annual instalments of £82,152, representing 5 per cent. per annum on £7,034, 4 1/2 per cent. per annum on £1,038,065, 4 per cent. per annum on £63,729, and 3 1/2 per cent. per annum on £929,666, the amounts inscribed to 1st February, 1905. Repayments on the amount inscribed (£2,038,494, including £89,878 debentures under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882,” exchanged) would be £2,646,933. The actual repayments to date are £665,784, leaving £1,981,149 to be paid by way of interest and sinking fund on a present indebtedness of £1,526,353.
 ££££££
Counties7,8007417,059369118487
Boroughs4,863,986481,0244,382,962235,80121,271257,072
Town Boards1,9801821,79810347150
Road Boards44,30040043,9001,9382302,168
River Boards39,0708,72730,3431,9597602,719
Water-supply Board21,2002,03319,1671,0152501,265
Harbour Boards4,382,551468,8113,913,740213,67321,583235,256
Drainage Boards352,35551,128301,22719,1872,06621,253
Christchurch Tramway Board305,000..305,00013,1001,52514,625
                Totals10,018,2421,013,0469,005,196487,14547,850534,995
Inscribed debt of local bodies under “The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886.” “The Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1901,” and Amendment Acts of 1902 and 1903 (including inscribed stock exchanged for debentures under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882”)1,526,353*..1,526,353*....82,152
                Totals11,544,5951,013,04610,531,549487,14547,850617,147
TABLE showing the Amount of Indebtedness of Counties, Boroughts, Town, Road, River, and Water-supply Boards, as on the 31st March, 1905, and of Harbour and Drainage Boards as on the 31st December, 1904, classified according to the Rates of Interest paid, distinguishing Loans raised in the Colony from those raised elsewhere. (See note.)
Local Bodies.No Interest.3%3 ¾%4%4 ¼%4 ½%5%5 ¼%5 ½%6%6 ½%7%Total.

* Including £2,500 at 4 ¾ per cent.

† Including £3,000 at 5 ¾ per cent.

‡ 3 ½ per cent.

NOTE.—Not including loans, amounting to £1,526,353, repayable by annual instalments under “The Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882.” “The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886,” “The Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1901,” and Amendment Acts, 1902 and 1903.

Loans raised in the Colony
 £££££££££££££
Christchurch Tramway Board............250,00055,000..................305,000
Counties.........1,400...1,5004,900...............7,800
Boroughs25,000......895,047106,195972,606*554,64518,00059,923†59,4702,60035,9002,729,386
Town Boards...............2001,280......500......1,980
Road Boards......250‡13,900...26,9503,200...............44,300
River Boards.........3,200...6,000650...2,720500......13,070
Water-supply Board...............9,00012,200...............21,200
Harbour Board...14,03160,000901,500...68,37058,650...31,000.........1,133,551
Drainage Boards...............123,30550...............123,355
Total raised in colony25,00014,03160,250‡1,815,047356,1951,262,931*633,57518,00093,643†60,4702,60035,9003,479,642
Loans raised outside the Colony.
Boroughs.........330,000...254,700486,300......996,600...67,0002,134,600
River Boards..................21,000......5,000......26,000
Harbour Boards.........400,00030,000100,0001,770,700......948,300......3,249,000
Drainage Board..................10,400......218,600......229,000
Total raised outside colony.........730,00030,000354,7002,288,400......2,168,500...67,0005,638,600
Total Loans raised.
Christchurch Tramway Board............250,00055,000..................305,000
Counties.........1,400...1,5004,900...............7,800
Boroughs25,000......1,225,047106,1951,227,306*1,040,94518,00059,923†1,056,0702,600102,9004,863,986
Town Boards...............2001,280......500......1,980
Road Boards......250‡13,900...26,9503,200...............44,300
River Boards.........3,200...6,00021,650...2,7205,500......39,070
Water-supply Board...............9,00012,200...............21,200
Harbour Boards...14,03160,0001,301,50030,000168,3701,829,35...31,000948,300......4,382,551
Drainage Boards...............123,30510,450......218,600......352,355
Total loans raised25,00014,03160,250‡2,545,047386,1951,617,631*2,923,97518,00093,643†2,228,9702,600102,90010,018,242

LOANS OF LOCAL BODIES, RAISED WITHIN AND COLONY.

From the tables on the preceding pages it will be seen that the total amount owing was, on the 31st March, 1905, £10,018,242. But, against this, accrued sinking funds to the value of £1,013,046 were held, leaving a net debt of £9,005,196, exclusive of moneys borrowed from the General Government and repayable by annual instalments.

The total annual charge (excluding exchange and commission) stood at £534,995, of which £487,145 was for interest, and the remainder, £47,850, contributions to sinking fund accounts.

Of the total net indebtedness in 1904–5 the debt of the Borough Councils, £4,382,962, formed the largest item, while the Harbour Boards owed £3,913,740.

On referring to the comparative table on page 160, a great advance in the outstanding loans of local governing bodies will be noticed. Between 1895 and 1905 the gross indebtedness increased from £6,685,510 to £10,018,242, an addition of £3,332,732 or over 50 per cent. during the ten years. During the same period the population advanced at the rate of 25 per cent., and the value of land and improvements (1891–1905) from £122,000,000 to £197,600,000, or at the rate of 62 per cent. in fourteen years.

The aggregate interest-charge for the year under review was £487,145, and £296,656 of this was payable on loans raised outside the colony. The average rate of interest payable to bondholders was £4 17s. 6d. per cent.

While the average rate of interest on the above-mentioned debt is found to be less than 5 per cent., nearly three millions were raised at 5 per cent., and over two millions and a quarter at 6 per cent. or over.

THE LOCAL BODIES' LOANS ACTS, 1901, 1902, AND 1903.

The Act of 1901 consolidates all former measures dealing with the borrowing-powers of local bodies. It does not affect the securities issued for any loan raised under any Act repealed.

As to Government loans to local bodies, the yearly rate of interest and the period during which interest is payable by the local authority have now been altered by the Amendment Act of 1903, and stand as under:—

At the option of the authority concerned—

  1. Five per centum per annum for a period of twenty-six years; or

  2. Four and a half per centum per annum for a period of thirty-two years; or

  3. Four per centum per annum for a period of forty-one years.

The Amendment Act of 1902 empowers the Colonial Treasurer to lend to small boroughs, having at the time of the last preceding census a population of less than two thousand persons, any sum not exceeding £2,000 in any year for the purpose of making streets within the borough.

The interest payable in respect of every existing loan the period of which is twenty-six years shall be 4 1/2 per centum per annum. There are provisions for readjustment of the rate of interest on loans for twenty-six years existing at the time of the passing of the Act of 1903, which are regulated by the length of the period over which the repayment of the loan is extended.

At the expiration of the period during which interest is payable the liability of the local authority shall cease without further payment.

MUNICIPAL FRANCHISE.

“The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900,” with its amending Act of 1902, deals with the franchise in the case of boroughs, and provides that, in addition to the persons who are already entitled to be enrolled, every person shall be so entitled who possesses the freehold or residential qualifications stated in the Act.

The possession of the freehold qualification is defined as being the beneficial and duly registered owner of a freehold estate in land of the capital value of not less than £25, situated in the borough, notwithstanding that any other person is the occupier thereof, or part thereof, under any tenancy.

Every person is deemed to possess a residential qualification within a borough if he is, and for at least three months last past has been, a residential occupant within such borough.

No person may be entered in the burgess lists in respect of more qualifications than one; but any person who has more than one qualification may select the one in respect of which he wishes to be entered.

In the case of husband and wife, any qualification possessed by one of them is deemed to be possessed by each.

No person enrolled on a burgess roll has more than one vote, and no person enrolled by virtue of the residential qualification can vote on any proposal relating to loans or rates.

INCREASED RATING-POWERS OF COUNTIES, ROAD AND TOWN DISTRICTS.

By “The Counties Act Amendment Act, 1903,” section 4, it is provided that, notwithstanding anything in the principal Act, the maximum general rate that may be made and levied shall be—

  1. In counties where there are no road or town districts, a rate of threepence in the pound on the capital value of the rateable property therein, or its equivalent on the unimproved value or annual value; and

  2. In counties where there are road or town districts,—

    1. In outlying districts, a rate of threepence in the pound on the capital value, or its equivalent as aforesaid;

    2. In all other parts of the county, a rate of threehalfpence in the pound on the capital value, or its equivalent as aforesaid.

And under section 5 the County Council may make and levy rates, called “separate rates,” in addition to or in lieu of any general rate, upon all rateable property in any riding of a county; or may by special order make or levy any such rate upon all rateable property within the portion of the county defined in the order. But the total amount of separate rates and general rates together is not to exceed in any one year the amount of the maximum general rate prescribed by the last preceding section (No. 4, quoted above).

By “The Road and Town Districts Rating Act, 1903,” the rating-powers of the Boards are extended. Under section 2 the maximum general rate that may be made and levied in any year in a road or town district is a rate of three-halfpence in the pound on the capital value of the rateable property of the district, or its equivalent on the unimproved value, or two shillings in the pound on the annual value, as the case may be. Under section 3, where road districts are divided into subdivisions, no separate rates made and levied in any year may, with the general rates, exceed in any subdivision the amount of the maximum general rate aforesaid.

RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUE.

A special article on this system of rating (which it is optional with local governing bodies to adopt or not) is given in Part III. of this work.

The results, as shown by notifications in the New Zealand Gazette, of proposals to levy rates on the unimproved value of land are given in full.

TABLE SHOWING THE RESULT OF POLLS TAKEN UNDER “THE RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUE ACT, 1896,” AND AMENDMENT ACT OF 1900, TO 31ST MARCH, 1906.
Date of Poll.Result of Poll.Votes recorded.
For.Against.Informal.

(a) Proposal to rescind the adoption of the Act rejected. Poll taken 6th June, 1904. For rescission, 176; against, 415; informal, 6.

(b) Proposal to rescind the adoption of the Act rejected. Poll taken 3rd May, 1904. For rescission, 116; against, 148.

(a) Now part of Christchurch City.

(b) Road district not now in existence.

(c) Illegal not in accordance with section 5, “Rating Act, 1894.”

(d) Now part of Wellington City.

(e) Proposal to rescind the adoption of the Act rejected. For proposal, 23; against, 38' informal, 3.

(f) Now part of Christchurch City.

(g) Road district not now in existence.

* New poll taken under Act of 1900.

(a) Including Woodville County since constituted.

(b) Poll taken prior to coming into operation of section 2 of “The Local Government Voting Reform Act, 1899”; less than one-third of ratepayers voted, and proposal consequently rejected. The county has since been subdivided and absorbed in other counties.

* New poll taken under Act of 1900.

Akitio County16 Feb., 1905Carried112323
Ashburton Borough14 Jan., 1903Rejected1021994
Auckland City7 Aug., 1901Rejected7531,697..
Avenal Borough7 Dec., 1904Carried48102
Awatere Road District3 May, 1905Carried1468..
Balclutha Borough7 July, 1902Carried6033..
Blenheim Borough17 June, 1903Carried22464..
Buller County10 Sept., 1904Carried302845
Campbelltown Borough14 Sept., 1904Carried101866
Castlepoint County8 Nov., 1905Carried5645..
Cheviot County6 Oct., 1898Carried16541..
Christchurch City30 June, 1902Carried596512..
Devonport Borough(a)30 Oct., 1900Carried356109..
Eketahuna County1 Feb., 1900Carried149211
Feilding Borough16 April, 1901Carried268561
Foxton Borough20 June, 1902Rejected53984
Gore Borough7 July, 1901Carried122675
Grey Lynn Borough20 Mar., 1901Carried140712
Greymouth Borough23 Feb., 1898Carried214481
Hamilton Borough(b)13 Feb., 1901Carried7752..
Hastings Borough14 July, 1902Rejected25026515
Hastings Borough30 Aug., 1905Rejected31437421
Hawera Borough8 April, 1903Carried12991
Heathcote Road District14 Mar., 1905Rejected13540314
Hokianga County11 Mar., 1899Carried109256
Hokitika Borough5 May, 1901Carried212531
Hunua Road District5 April, 1899Carried602..
Inangahua County14 May, 1898Carried284112
Invercargill Borough5 June, 1901Carried3861744
Kaiapoi Borough7 Sept., 1905Rejected8325116
Kairanga County14 Jan., 1905Carried142542
Karori Borough4 April, 1898Carried9331
Kawhia County21 Nov., 1905Carried967..
Linwood Borough(a)30 May, 1901Carried276382
Lower Hutt Borough12 Oct., 1901Carried94684
Manawatu Road District(b)6 Jan., 1900Carried10510..
Maori Hill Borough25 Jan., 1904Carried11927..
Maraetai Road District2 June, 1900Carried16....
Mareretu Road District(c)28 June, 1902Carried24....
Masterton Borough29 Aug., 1901Carried2211396
Mauku Road District2 July, 1904Rejected23391
Melrose Borough(d)3 Mar., 1898Carried236406
Miramar Borough30 Nov., 1905Carried117451
Mosgiel Borough27 Feb., 1902Rejected58871
New Plymouth Borough16 Mar., 1905Rejected1673134
Normanby Town District(c)15 Nov., 1897Carried82563
North-east Valley Borough12 Jan., 1905Carried202172..
North Invercargill Borough1 April, 1903Carried107242
Onslow Borough20 Mar., 1901Carried1408..
Pahiatua Borough19 June, 1897Carried136381
Pahiatua County27 June, 1901Carried350313
Palmerston North Borough5 Mar., 1897Carried402123
Papakura Road District10 Mar., 1900Carried301..
Pelorus Road District31 Mar., 1900Carried9841..
Petone Borough6 Nov., 1901Rejected1001344
23 Mar., 1905Carried311112..
Picton Borough..Rejected27731
30 July, 1903Carried47389
Raglan County23 Nov., 1901Carried*116852
St. Albans Borough13 Feb., 1902Carried35021815
South Invercargill Borough2 Feb., 1902Carried106541
Southland County1 Mar., 1902Carried919574..
Spreydon Road District16 May, 1901Carried141574
Stratford County29 June, 1901Carried399232
Stratford Borough23 July, 1902Carried137641
Sumner Borough21 Nov., 1901Carried*9119..
Sydenham Borough(f)14 Mar., 1901Carried353193..
Takaka County2 Sept., 1905Carried136405
Taratahi-Carterton Road District(g)26 Aug., 1897Carried26153..
Tauranga County9 Feb., 1901Carried90132
Timaru Borough10 Oct., 1900Rejected932465
Timaru Borough18 April, 1905Rejected372440..
Waimarino County23 Sept., 1903Carried4313..
Waimate Borough2 Feb., 1901Carried2356114
Waimate County1 Nov., 1900Carried368162..
Waipawa County(a)2 Feb., 1898Carried462283
Wairarapa North County(b)8 Nov., 1899Rejected(b)3316810
Wairarapa South County23 Oct., 1902Carried1878..
Wanganui Borough17 Dec., 1903Rejected3033312
Wellington City11 Nov., 1901Carried1,261591..
West Harbour Borough18 April, 1904Carried62302
Westport Borough19 April, 1904Carried2801637
Whangarei Borough27 Sept., 1905Rejected1662262
Winton Borough29 Nov., 1901Carried39311
Woodville Borough21 Mar., 1898Carried17571
Woolston Borough24 June, 1902Carried*2521907

A county having decided to levy rates on the unimproved value makes it compulsory for all interior Town and Road Boards to adopt the same system of rating. But in counties where the Counties Act is suspended, or where a general rate is not levied, the ratepayers of any Road Board may take a poll on the question. It is also permissible for any Town Board within a county not rating on the unimproved value to adopt that system, the decision to do so having been carried by vote of the ratepayers. The date of the polling did not, in some instances, allow of a rate on the unimproved value being struck for the year ended 31st March, 1905.

NEW LEGISLATION.

“The Counties Act Amendment Act, 1904,” provides that the Council of any new county, as soon as the whole principal Act has been brought into force, may borrow by way of overdraft an amount not to exceed the estimated receipts for the first year, exclusive of Government grants and subsidies, moneys borrowed, or moneys received from separate rates.

The Council of any county may, by special order, and without taking a poll, borrow money by way of special loan sufficient to clear off any overdraft as existing on the 31st March, 1904. After the extinction of any such overdraft it shall not be lawful for the Council to owe to its bankers on overdraft at the end of any financial year any sum exceeding the amount of revenue for that year then outstanding and uncollected.

The Act also deals with the construction and repair of footpaths within road or town districts at cost of county, appointment and powers of Fire Inspectors, licensing of billiard-rooms, and grants to cemetery trustees.

“The Town Districts Act, 1881,” and Amendment Act, 1883, previously repealed, are now revived by “The Town Districts Act, 1904.” The Governor may declare that any area wherein there are not less than fifty householders shall be a town district.

“The Land Drainage Act, 1904,” consolidates and, where necessary, amends the law relating to the drainage of land. “The Land Drainage Act, 1893,” and the Amendment Act, 1894, except section 9 of the latter, are repealed.

“The Native Land Rating Act, 1904,” extends the powers already possessed by local authorities for the levying of rates over Native lands, and affords greater facilities for the recovery of such rates.

“The Road Boards Acts Amendment Act, 1904,” enacts that any Road Board in a county wherein the operation of “The Counties Act, 1886,” is suspended may, with the consent of the Governor, given by Order in Council, construct waterworks and levy water rates, as provided in sections 3 to 6 of “The Road Boards Act 1882 Amendment Act, 1888.”

“The Local Elections Act, 1904,” consolidates and amends the law relating to local elections, and to the taking of polls on proposals submitted to the vote of local electors. A noticeable innovation is the form of ballot-paper and method of recording votes: the voter, instead of scoring out the name of the candidate selected by him, marks a cross opposite to the name, in a space ruled for the purpose. The enactments repealed are “The Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876,” “The Regulation of Local Elections Act Amendment Act, 1888,” and section 16 of “The Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act, 1902.”

“The Timber and Flax Royalties Act, 1905,” provides that one-half of the revenue received by the Receiver of Land Revenue in respect of royalty under any license for cutting timber or flax, and payable into the Consolidated Fund, shall be payable to the local authority within whose district the timber or flax is obtained and the revenue was derived, and shall be applied by such local authority exclusively in constructing, repairing, and maintaining roads. Revenue received from any district where no local authority exists shall be applied for the purposes aforesaid under the direction of the Minister or of such person as he may appoint.

Whenever it appears that any moneys paid to any local authority under this Act have not been properly applied to the objects for which they were so paid, the Colonial Treasurer may proceed for the recovery of such moneys, or may deduct the amount from any subsidy or other moneys payable at any time to the said local authority under any Act.

RATES, ETC., BOROUGHS, COUNTIES, TOWN AND ROAD DISTRICTS.

The amount of rates levied by the various Borough Councils, County Councils, Town Boards, and Road Boards, with other particulars, as returned by those bodies for the 31st March, 1905, will be found on the following pages:—

BOROUGHS, 1904–5.
Name of Borough.Estimated Area (including Town Belt) in Areas.Population (mainly Town Clerks' Estimates).Number ofAmount of Rate levied in the Pound.Estimated Annual (or renting) Value of Rateable Property, March, 1905.Capital Value of Rateable Property. March, 1905.Unimproved Value of Rateable Property, March, 1905.
Dwellings.Ratepayers.Rateable Properties.General.Separate.Special.Water.Library.

(1) Hospital and charitable aid.

(2) On annual value.

(3) Also 1/6d. hospital and charitable aid.

(4) 2 ½d., hospital and charitable aid; 1 ½d., sanitation.

(5) On annual value not exceeding £12 10s., 10s. per annum; £12 10s. to £100, 2A per cent.; exceeding £100, 2 ½ per cent.; non-consumers. ¼ per cent.; stores, warehouses, &c., 1 per cent.

(6) Water, 2 ½d.; drainage, 6 ½d.

(7) Water supply rate, 4 per cent.

(8) 1s. 6d. in main borough, 5d. in outlying portion.

(9) Various, for loans only.

(10) Lighting, 2d.; sanitation. 6d.

(11) For loans – 2 ½d., street improvement; 3d., drainage; 4d., water.

(12) 4 per cent. where supplied (only turned on for part of year).

(13) ⅛ d. hospital and charitable aid; ⅓d. lighting.

(14) Wellington City, 2 ¾d. on annual value; Melrose Ward 1/11d. on capital value for hospital and charitable aid.

(15) General rate of ¾d. levied by the Seatoun Road Board taken over by the borough.

(16) 3 ½ per cent. on dwellings, 2 per cent on stores, &e.

(17) Hospital and charitable aid rate on capital value.

(18) ⅞d. on mining property, 1d. other.

(18a) Including value of mining property, £11,298.

(19) Central Ward, 2 3/64.; Sydenham Ward, 2 ⅓ 7/2d.; Linwood and St. Albans Wards. 2d.

(20) Drainage rate—sewage area, ¾d.; rural, ½d. Central Ward, special rate. 5/64d. South Waimakariri River Board's rate—Class I. 2/33d.; Class II, 11/128. Christchurch Tramway Board's rate, 5/12d. Uniform sanitation fee—Central Ward. £ Sydenham Ward. 9s.: Linwood Ward. 10s.; St. Albans Ward, 7s. Hospital and charitable aid, 1/11d.

(21) Central Ward (part, late Richmond Ward), ¼ d.; Central Ward, ¼d, ⅙d., 9/64d.; Sydenham Ward. 49/64.; Linwood Ward. 3/32d., 9/18d.; St. Albans Ward, ¾d. and 1 ½d. on special rating areas.

(22) Waimakariri River Board's rate. 5/64d.; drainage rate, 1 5/32d.; tramway rate, 7/16d.on unimproved value; lighting, 11/64d. on capital value; hospital and charitable 1/16d.

(23) Sanitation fee, 8s. 7d. per house; and drainage rate, 2d.; 1d. on unimproved value, and 1/18d. hospital and charitable aid rate on capital value.

(24) On unimproved value.

(25) 2 ½d. hospital and charitable aid rate, 6 ½d. drainage rate.

(26) In drainage district only.

(27) Maximum under “The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900.”

(28) 1 ½d., West Ward; 2d., North Ward; 2 ½d., South Ward; 3 ¼d., East Ward.

(29) Drainage rate on portion of borough only.

(30) Drainage rates.

(31) Under £12 10s., 10s.; under £300, 5 per cent.; over £300, 4 per cent.; shops, warehouses, &c., half rates.

(32) Lighting; also sanitation rate 3d. and drainage rate 2d. over portions of district.

      s.    d.s.    d.s.    d.s.    d.s.    d.£££
Whangarei2,0382,1504254005200    1  ½(1)0 0 ⅙......(2)0    1..155,283..
Birkenhead2,7001,1002742853221    3(1)0    30 2....8,538....
Devonport6405,2501,008850..(3)0    1 ½0 0 1/121d., ¾d., & ½d.(2)6d., or 2 ½ per cent. (5)......213,685
Auckland1,78638,3777,5194,4838,5311    0(4)2 ½d., 1 ½d.1 3(5)0 0 ½424,149....
Grey Lynn9005,7501,1401,0651,1900    1 ¾(1)0 0 1/180 1 ½(2)6, 5 ½, 4 ½, 4 per cent.......263,112
Newmarket1502,2004503234461    7..0 54 to 5 per cent...15,847....
Parnell4805,2501,0306419221    5 (6)2 ½d...(7)4 per cent...36,099....
Onehunga1,2003,0608706751,0651    3....4 per cent.0 0 ½23,898....
Thames2,5604,1009408701,1831    2(1)0 40 12 ½ per cent.0 125,968....
Te Aroha2009002182303681    3....0 7..6,888....
Wailii3,1305,0001,3301,3901,6860    0 ⅝..........163,875..
Hamilton1,6002,000..4187590    2 ¼....(2)0 4......157,422
Cambridge, '041,0831,0502752306851    6....1 0..7,651....
Tauranga1,0001,0504004205151    3..1 0....5,524....
Gisborne2,0004,0009409201,3752    0..0 2....62,000....
Waitara2,0801,1373202704750    0 ¾......0 0 ¼..46,768..
New Plymouth8505,0001,0608001,3501    9..0 100 6..50,758....
Inglewood7031,1503463854800    ½..1/16d., 1/12d., 1/12d., ⅜d.......124,759..
Stratford1,9202,2004956001,0200    2 ½..1 ⅜d., ¼d., ¼d., ⅛d.(2)0 6......155,000
Hawera5002,5005254756500    2....(2)7 per cent.......177,046
Eltham1,5951,5003703003500    1 ½..........171,761..
Patea1,4208003262273801    90 4 ⅜..0 1 ¾..6,819....
Wanganui1,0008,0541,9611,7001,9431    6..0 8....76,396....
Marton1,2431,5002612633971    7..(8)..0 110,245....
Feilding2,3003,7507508401,2350    2 51/53..0 3 1/1; ⅙..0 0 ⅛....159,011
Palmerston N.4,5959,7951,9991,3653,1000    1 ¾..0 0 ⅚ 9/0(2)3 per cent.0 0 1/16....819,374
Foxton5,7601,3003102526581    3..0 4 ½..0 19,962....
Hastings5,7404,1008729271,3851    7..0 6....52,000....
Napier8799,0151,9221,1222,5890    90 41s. 2d., 5 ½d., 1 ½d.3 ½ to 1 per cent...87,415....
Dannevirke1,2223,0007505601,6041    3..0 29d. and 6d.0 127,500....
Woodville1,2401,0502494621,0040    3 ⅝....(2)7,6,5 per cent.0 1....41,128
Pahiatua7401,2803954504800    3..0 1 ½........68,848
Masterton2,1004,5008008481,2100    2 ¼..0 0 9/64(2)1 ¼,2 ½, 5 per cent0 0 ⅛....374,811
Carterton1,8801,2053203344500    0 15/16..(9)......158,635..
Greytown3,9071,1222602553801    6..0 23d. and 6d.0 19,500....
Lower Hutt3,2253,0005666601,5660    2 ⅖..0 0 1/10........600,728
Petone9525,7001,1768401,7581    0 ½(10)2d., 6d.(11)2 ½d., 3d., 4d.(12)4 per cent...66,643....
Onslow2,8701,7504004207500    1 ½(13)⅛d., ¼d.0 0/38........308,781
Wellington7,21953,90011,0917,05015,3230    1 ¾(14)2 ¾d., 1/11d.5/16d., ⅓ 3/2d., 1/18d., 1/9d.(2)3 ⅓ per cent.0 0 1/9....6,645,659
Karori1,5271,9534024386460    2 ⅝(1)0 0 ⅙ ¼0 0 ¾........197,056
Miramar1,9001,2002604001,500(15)..........320,000..
Picton5601,000182..9800    3 ⅜(1)0    0 1/9..0 0 ½......43,525
Blenheim1,5713,2508996701,4500    2 ½(1)(2)0 3 ¾0 0 ⅜........172,154
Nelson4,8007,7261,5641,3202,4581    1(1)0 30 5 ⅝(16)2&3 ½ per cent...64,375....
Richmond2,300600138132..0    0 ¾....(2)4 per cent.....99,022..
Motueka5,6439201851873430    1..........131,934..
Westport7133,3008751,1001,2232    0(1)0 6....0 123,471....
Greymouth2,0004,500906..1,0800    4 ⅜(17)0 0 7/160 1(2)6 per cent.......141,513
Brunner5,7001,2003122483001    6(1)0 810d., 7d.....4,000....
Kumara8421,1302593074500    1 ½(1)0 1 ½........24,712..
Hokitika1,2802,0006305806700    3 ¾(1)0 1 ¼0 1 ½........48,343
Ross4,1961650300350414(18)    1d., ⅞d.(1)0 1..0 1 ½....(18a)31,146..
Rangiora1,0401,7804153475590    0 ¾..........175 794..
Kaiapoi1,0201,7904243696381    3........10 450....
Christchurch4,59848,76710,0518,94010,407(19)(20)(21)........3,095,924
Woolston1,2762,9006105807170    3 ⅓ 5/2(22).. ......106,032
Sumner4,8761,0582753584740    2 ¾(23)(24)9/16d., ⅝d.(2)5 per cent.......96,274
New Brighton1,5001,1002306767161    46 ½d., 2 ½d.0 7 ¾....7,300....
Lyttelton2,0144,2009296308201    3........27,610....
Akaroa2215981401301900    0 15/16..0 0 ⅞......50 825..
Ashburton6802,500570550..2    0........24,041....
Temuka7941,6503753896560    1 ½0 0 ⅜(26)¾d.,......102,109..
Geraldine4871,0203002203290    1....0 1....53 050..
Timaru1,1007,5001,4001,2001,9001    0..10    2 ½ to 5 percent...62,042....
Waimate6491,8003903654980    4............45 320
Oamaru1,1115,5501,3301,2251,5831    16..1 3(27)..36,943....
Hampden640310961151200    1 ½..........21,900..
Palmerston S.8008002202363850    1 ¾..........50,401..
Hawksbury2,7007201621854000    0 ¾..........58,125..
Port Chalmers3352,2505095405861    30 6..(27)..12,774....
North-east Valley3,9804,5009091,3091,4050    2 ⅜(2)0 40 0 ⅜........151,223
Maori Hill3,7001,700393420458(28)1 ½d., 2d., 2 ½d.(29)0    2..........99,694
West Harbour1,6701,5503234906110    3 ½............63,055
Dunedin1,80025,9005,0754,1006,1891    3(30)4d., 6d.0 9(31)..288,209....
Roslyn2,0005,6001,1301,1741,2681    6(32)0 1 ½......39,331....
Mornington6544,3358678431,0401    6(30)0 2......24,739....
Caversham1,0736,0691,1509601,0821    32d., 3d., & 4d...5 per cent...36,000....
St. Kilda4632,5005177721,4571    0(30)4d., 6d.0 65s. to 5 per cent...15,270....
South Dunedin4136,4801,3909881,2341    1(30)4d., 6d.0 65 per cent...29,608....
Green Island1037001401381851    3........2,999....
Mosgiel9671,5003253325331    3........10,192....
Milton2651,4002802203492    0........8,337....
Kaitangata1,1582,0003652975611    3..0 6....7,357....
Balclutha5681,0452903643670    3(17)0 0 1/160 1..0 0 ¼....29,216
Lawrence6401,1702463603111    6....3d., 6d...8,486....
Roxburgh400500124911241    6........1,853....
Tapanui126500140801501    9........2,121....
Naseby1135601681321541    0....2 ½, 3 ½, 6, and 7 per cent...2,374....
Cromwell6406101601502581    3....1 2..4,500....
Alexandra8401,0002303153231    66d.1 0....7,400....
Arrowtown,'04390400107982121    6........1,909....
Queenstown9237003002337451    0(1)0 20 60 6..4,749....
Gore1,1503,5006206501,2500    3 ½(1)0 0.15..........98,331
Mataura1,5301,1002602234601    6........6,275....
Winton1605001001301840    2 ½............17,645
Invercargill1,0407,0001,4001,1501,8250    2 ½(2)0 21 ⅞d., 5/16d.(27)......433,508
North Invercargill3269702122953700    3 ¼(1) (2)2d.3 3/16d., 11/16d.........19,787
South Invercargill4,0001,9004116508730    3 ½..0 2 ½........43,734
East Invercargill1219702091942501    10..0 8....4,466....
Avenal187400801271271    3........2,662....
Gladstone240410931451581    3..0 3....4,178....
Campbelltown2,0001,6003903707001    3..0 3....11,000....
Riverton7189002572364091    3........4,265....
COUNTRIES, 1904–5.
[NOTE.—For value of land and improvements see Section XXI.]
Counties.Area in Square Miles (including Boroughs).Population, Census, March, 1901 (excluding Boroughs).Rates struck by County on Capital Rateable Value.On Unimproved Value.
General.OtherGeneral.Other.
Mongonui (1903)9342,2741d.   
Whangaroa1609271d.   
Hokianga9721,767....2½d. 
Bay of Islands8262,5871d.   
Hobson (1904)6884,8131½d.   
Whangarei9286,380¾d.¾d. separate; ⅙d. H. and C.A.  
Otamatea3642,721¾d.¾d. separate in three outlying districts, and ½d. in two.  
Rodney5663,678¾d.¼d. H. and C.A.; ¾d. separate in outlying district.  
Waitemata6437,035¾d.½d. in Mairetahi, Wainui, Kaukapakapa outlying districts, and Kumeu, North-cote, Takapuna, Birkenhead, Waitekerei, and Waikumete Ridings; ½d. H. and C.A. rate in same outlying districts and ridings; 5/16d. special, Mairetahi Riding.  
Eden4319,314    
Manukau79112,306    
Coromandel4034,1691 ½d.¾d. special for special-rating district, water-supply.  
Thames4945,0431 ½d.   
Ohinemuri4789,9785/8d.¾d. separate over Paeroa Special Water-rating District.  
Piako1,0952,4361d.¼d. separate, Te Aroha Riding; ½d. separate, Patetere, and Taotaoroa Ridings. Special interest rates: ¼d. in Te Aroha Riding, 1/10d. in Patetere Riding.  
Waikato5913,183¼d.    
Waipa2823,580¾d., ½d.¾d. separate, Hamilton, Mangapiko, and Alexandra outlying districts; 1/16d. special, Pukekura Riding.   
Raglan8241,697....1 ¼d.H. and C.A., 3/16d. Separate, Whangape, Waingaro, and One-whero, ½d.; Waipa—Pepepe, 5/8d.; Whaingaroa and Pirongia, 1d.; Karioi, 1 ¼d.; Waipa Bridge, 1/8d. 
Awakino       
Waitomo1,5151,113     
Kawhia       
West Taupo1,594287     
East Taupo2,581256     
Rotorua9841,307     
Tauranga5771,720..1/20d. H. and C.A.1 ½d.1/10d., ⅙d., 1/11d. special; ¾d. district rate. 
Whakatane (1904)1,7167791d.    
Opotiki1,4401,4381 ½d., 1 ¼d., ¾d.    
Waiapu1,1217111 ¼d.¾d. special, Tokomaru-Tuakau loan; 3/16d. special, Tapuwaeroa loan.   
Cook1,9506,39329/40d.1/10d.H. and C.A.; special, various, 1/40d. to 1d.   
Clifton1,5182,5351 ½d.Thirteen special rates.   
Taranaki38619,541¾d.1/8d. H. and C.A.   
Hawera381¾d.1/4 d. separate, Hawera, Okaiawa, and Mangatoki Ridings; and id. over Eltham Riding.   
Egmont2541 ½d., ¾d.    
Stratford7845,081....1 1/8d., ¾d.,Separate, South 
     1 ¼d., ¾d., 1 ¼d.Riding 7/8., East 1 ¼d., West 1d., Ohura, ¾d.; special, various. 
Patea6913,0461 ⅛d., ¾d.¾d. separate, Kapara Riding; 5/8d. special, Omona loan: 25/32d. special, Kapara loan.   
Waitotara3433,4761d.⅛d., ⅜d., 1 1/16d., 1 ½d., special.   
Waimarino1,3154,018....1 ¼d.  
Wanganui627¼d.Special: ⅛d., ⅜d. Long Acre; 7/16d. Denlair; 10/16d. Waikupu Subdivision; 1/40dd., 1/20d. whole district; ½d. Okoia–Mataraua loan.   
Rangitikoi8527,570¾d.⅛d. separate, Wangaebu, Paraekaretu, and Ohingaiti Ridings; ¼d. Otairi Riding; ⅙d. Maungahoe Riding; special in forty-one different special-rating districts.   
Kiwitea3362,844½d., 5/8d., ¾d.¼d. separate, Kimbolton Riding; ⅛d. Rangiwahia Riding; ½d. Peep-o'-day, Pabihikura, and Hautapu Ridings: special, various.   
Kairanga1846,7785/8d.Fifty-two special rates for interest.   
Oroua213¾d.Special, various.   
Pohangina2951,5361d., 1 ¼d.Special, various.   
Manawatu2673,00011/16d.Special, various, to meet interest on loans over special areas.   
Horowbenua5914,65411/16d., 1d., 1 ⅛d.Special, various.   
Wairoa1,8871,773¾d.3/16d. special over portion of county.   
Hawke's Bay3,2326,833¾d.Four special rates over small special-rating districts.   
Waipawa9909,495....¾d., 1 ½d.Six special, various. 
Woodville164.. 1 ⅛d.Special, various. 
Patangata6522,376½d., ¾d., 1d.Special, various.   
Weber951 ¼d.    
Pahiatua.3023,600....1 ½d., 2d.Fifty-six special, various. 
Akitio.3281,0481d.    
Castlepoint1504571d.1/23 d., 1/9;d., 41/120d., ⅜d., 14/120d., special.   
Eketahuna1702,332....1 1/16d.Fifty-one special, various, for loan interest. 
Mauriceville1251,127⅜d.Eighteen special rates over various small special-rating districts.   
Masterton6703,123¾d.⅛d., ¼d., ½d. separate; various special on eighty-four loans.   
Wairarapa South4455,419....1 9/16d.13/56d. separate for maintenance Taratahi Water-race; 13/36d. for payment of interest on Taratahi Water-race loan; twenty special for interest on loans. 
Featherston965¾d.Separate for water-race maintenance; special, various, for interest on loans.   
Hutt5907,1711 ½d.5/16d., ⅙d., 1/3d., 5/8d., ⅜d., special   
Sounds573946..    
Marlborough3,8126,518..    
Kaikoura6731,765¾d.    
Collingwood1,0292,4901d.    
Takaka¾d.½d. separate for river-0protection; 5/16d. special for interest on loans.   
Waimea1,6627,833¾d.1/7d. H. and C.A.; 1/16d. special, Stoke Riding; ⅙d. Special-rating District No. 1.   
Buller1,8184,8681 ½d.½d. H. and C.A.; 3 ¼d. special, Charleston Riding.   
Inangahua2,2564,595....3 ¼d, 3 ½d.5/16d., ½d., ½d., 1/12d., 1/5d. special, Town of Reefton; 2 ¼d. special, in Boatman's Irrigation District. 
Grey1,4524,9711 ½d.⅜d. H. and C.A.   
Westland4,4204,4051 ½d.    
Amuri2,3621,142½d.¾d., 7/16d., 5/16d., special, for interest on loans.   
Cheviot3221,120....1d., 7/8d.⅛d. special for interest on and repayment of loan. 
Ashley1,62711,599     
Selwyn2,59730,787..1/10d. H. and C.A.; 5/44d., 5/132d., 18/55d., 6/55d. separate; 3/22d., 1/22d., 3/11d., 1/11d. special.   
Akaroa2943,669⅜d.    
Mount Herbert59¾d.    
Ashburton2,54211,342¼d.¾d. special over part of county.   
Geraldine9455,991¼d.⅜d. to 9/16d. in Water Districts; 1d. to 3d. per acre for maintenance.   
Levels2735,4961d.    
Mackenzie2,5371,642¾d., 1 ¼d.    
Waimate1,3435,653....7/8d.1d. Waihao water-race maintenance; 5/8d. Waihao water interest; 3/10d. Pareora water interest; 1/3d. Timaru Harbour Board. 
Waitaki2,3339,086¼d. to ¾d.    
Waihemo3362,0145/8d.    
Waikouaiti3184,082¾d.    
Peninsula372,561..    
Taieri9307,1791d.⅛d. H. and C.A. (united districts of Central Otago, Tuapeka, and Otago Charitable Aid Board, and Otago District Hospital Board); 2/5d. special, in South Taieri Special-rating District.   
Bruce5034,762⅜d., ¾d., 1d.3/16d. H. and C.A.; ⅜d., 9/16d., 1/16d., 1 ¼d., 10/16d., 5/16d. special; 5/16d., 1/12d. separate.   
Clutha9466,4451 ¼d., 1d., ¾d.3/16d. H. and C.A.; ⅛d. special. South Molyneux loan; ⅙d. Richardson Riding Loan; 2/5d. Clinton Road Board loan; ¼d. Pomanaka Riding loan; ⅜d. Ahuriri loan.   
Tuapeka1,3656,2721d.    
Maniototo1,2393,792¾d.    
Vincent2,6844,3621d.1 ½d. for interest and maintenance, Clyde Water-race: 2 ½d. Blackman's loan.   
Lake3,7122,5351 ¼d.⅛d. special, Skipper's Bridge loan.   
Southland3,85222,583....1/d,Separate, 1/10d. H. and C.A., 1/15d. small birds; special, various, for repayment of loans. 
Wallace3,4047,989¾d.Separate, ⅛d. H. and C.A.; special 1/20d. for repayment Orawaia Bridge loan.   
Fiord3,040124     
Stewart Island6512537/8d. Separate, ⅛d. H. and C.A.   
Chatham Islands375207     
TOWN DISTRICTS, 1904–5.
Town Districts.Estimated Population, 31st March, 1905.Number ofAmount of Rate levied in the Pound on the Capital,
Annual, or Unimproved Value of Property.
Dwellings.Ratepayers.Rateable Properties.

* On the annual value.

Now constituted municipal boroughs.

On the unimproved value.

(1) ¼d. special.

(2) ½d. special.

(3) 2d. special.

(4) 1 ¾d. special.

(5) 1/10d., ½4d. special.

(6) ¼d. special; 1/16d. library separate.

(7) Water rate, 7 per cent. on annual value where supplied.

(8) ⅜d. special.

     s.d.
Kamo250787712400 ¾
Helensville400124114120*06
Papakura2938515720400 ¾(1)
Te Awamutu35060658000 ¾
Kihikihi190557539900 ¾(2)
Ngaruawahia3509014014000 ¾
Rotorua1,500400......
Opotiki750300206236001/2
Waitara (Raleigh)      
Opunako55015519554000 ¾
Normanby3569015015003 ½
Manaia (no information)430........
Waverley41611612112100 ¾
Lethbridge (Turakina)291635673*08
Bull's550127135179*14(3)
Halcombe33681142730*10(4)
Clyde (Wairoa)800130170..00 ¾
Taradale90018019919901
Ormondville49214915121502 3/8
Waipawa69017113119901 ¾(5)
Kaikora North28062107135*06
Featherston63512917020001 ¼(6)
Johnsonville80015019019600 ¾
Havelock316768113701
Amberley417959013100 ¾
Southbridge250120240..00 ¾
Hampstead1,25026228038000 ½
Tinwald56011518925000 ¾
Geraldine      
Greytown (Allanton)1705270115001/2
Outram4206267111001/4(7)
Clinton44093123135*10
Wyndham650130128226*10
Otautau67512512719500 ¾(8)
ROAD DISTRICTS, 1904–5.
County and District.Population (Census, 1901).Number ofAmount of Rate levied in
the Pound on the Capital Value.
Amount of Rate levied in
the Pound on the Unimproved Value.
Dwellings.Ratepayers.Rateable Properties.

(1) On annual value; 4 ¼d. special; 2d. separate, hospital and charitable aid.

(2) 1/6d. separate, hospital and charitable aid.

(1) 5/8d. special.

(2) 1 1/6d. special; 1/10d. separate, hospital and charitable aid.

(3) 3/16d., 1/8d., special; 1/6d. hospital and charitable aid; 1/6d. lighting.

(4) ⅜d. special, for interest on loans; ⅛d. gas.

(5) ⅛d. hospital and charitable aid.

(6) ½0d. special.

(7) ½d. special; 3/16d. hospital and charitable aid.

(8) ¾d. and 1 ½d. special.

(9) 1/16d., ¼d., ⅓d., and ½d. special.

(10) ½d. special; ¼d. separate.

(11) ¼d. hospital and charitable aid.

(12) ¼d. special.

(13) ¾d. special, 3/fd. separate, Buckland Subdivision.

(14) ⅓d. special.

(15) 1/10d., 1/6d., ¼d., and 1/5d. special.

(16) Five special, various.

(1) No rate struck.

(2) ¾d. and ½d. special.

(1) No general rate; ¼d. special.

(2) No rate struck.

(3) No general rate; 3/16d. special.

(4) No general rate; ½d. special.

(5) No general rate; 7/16d., 1/6d., ⅛d. special.

(6) 1/7d. special; 1/109d. separate, over part of district.

(7) ⅛d. special on Veale Road.

(8) 1/10d. special.

(9) ½d. special.

(10) ⅜d. special, over part of district.

(11) ⅛d. to ¾d. special.

(12) Special, various.

(1) No rate struck.

(2) ¼d., 1/5d., 1/16d. special.

(3) 1/16d., 1/12d., 2/5d., and three of ½d. each special.

(4) 3/5d., 11/16d., and 1 ½d. special.

(1) ¼d. special.

(2 1/5d. special.

(3) No rate struck.

(1) 1/16d. special; Eyre Water-race, 3 ½d. per acre.

(2) 2/5d. special; ½d., 2/64d., 1/10d., ⅓0d., and 3/16d. separate.

(3) 7/16d. special, Opawa Ward.

(4) 3/64d. and ⅓0d. special; 1/6d. separate.

(5) ⅓0d. separate, destruction small birds.

(6) 2/32d. separate, gas rate.

(7) 2/64d. separate, water-supply rate

(8) 1/16d. special; separate, 2/64d. water-supply; 1/109d. hospital and charitable aid; ⅓2d. destruction small brids; 3/16d. tramway.

(9) No rate struck.

(10) 3/16d. special.

(11) ¼d. special.

(12) ⅜d. separate, No. 5 Ward.

(1) ½d. special.

(2) No rate struck.

     d.d.
Mongonui
Whangaroa
Hokianga
Bay of Islands
Hobson
(No road districts.)
      
Whangarei—      
    Hikurangi49510093160¾ 
    Kaurihohore191354646¾ 
    Marua2746487114¾ 
    Maungakaramea288607342¾ 
    Maunu..164186226¾ 
    Otonga300......¾ 
    Parua Bay21560110201¾ 
    Ruarangi103335877¾ 
    Waikiekie20527922081 
    Waipu North2246280126¾ 
    Whareora..677386¾ 
       
Otamatea—      
    Mangawai268509095¾ 
    Mareretu..441231611 ¼ 
    Matakohe42386128335¾ 
       
Whakapirau (no Board).      
Rodney—      
    Ahuroa411334801 
    Albertland North65104141¾ 
    Albertland South32274155190¾ 
    Komokoriki62134343¾ 
    Mahurangi East1512996961/2 
    Matakana East1322137401/2 
    Matakana West172477171¾ 
    Puhoi59683125..¾ 
    Tauhoa3716187180¾ 
    Warkworth..1751953221 
    Wharehine96203738¾ 
       
Waitemata—      
    Kaukapakapa543100182392¾ 
    Pukeatua56090239280¾ 
    Whangaparaoa66263760¾ 
       
Eden—      
    Arch Hill1,6714153055461s.(1) 
    Avondale1,0752454265025/6(2) 
    Eden Terrace2,011480350452¾(1) 
    Epsom750220327366¾ 
    Mount Albert2,085565655896¾(2) 
    Mount Eden5,1291,4701,2371,5001 (3) 
    Mount Roskill5811452192691/2(4) 
    Mount Wellington9542262203105/8(5) 
    One-tree Hill1,283340278374¾(6) 
    Orakei..2015221 
    Panmure Township2597090..¾ 
    Point Chevalier684......¾ 
    Remuera2,186500487615¾(7) 
    Tamaki West3751151501845/8 
       
Manukau—      
    Awhitu4131051301751 
    Drury382901231901 
    Howick Town224761381771 
    Hunua26651119206..2 ¾(8)
    Karaka188651252001 
    Mangere7022061612261/2 
    Manurewa26070751001/2 
    Maraetai82252432..1 ⅓
    Mauku3801051431591/2(9) 
    Maungatawhiri37852631031/2 
    Mercer Township2295263150¾ 
    Opaheke (1904)36980....¾(10) 
    Otahuhu1,211285260..¾(11) 
    Pakuranga271677499¾ 
    Papakura373126126140..1 ½
    Paparata373881161611 1/6 
    Paparoa1664771911 
    Papatoetoe176403939¾ 
    Pokeno39873981001 
    Pollok Settlement88262143¾(12) 
    Pukekohe East9422302412641 
    Pukekohe West1,1532352,6092641 ¼(13) 
    Tamaki East580121127149¾ 
    Turanga2274768681 (14) 
    Waipipi905280320320¾(15) 
    Wairoa792216213271¾ 
    Waiuku492205220224¾(16) 
       
Coromandel
Thames
Ohinemuri
(No road districts.)
      
Piako—     
    Matamata2621001001201/2 
    Waitoa1,322279383522¾ 
       
Waikato—      
    Cambridge562100142142¾ 
    Huntly966..218411¾ 
    Kirikiriroa964230313313¾ 
    Tamahere2485870701 
    Whangamarino443112238351¾ 
       
Waipa—      
    Newcastle39194156176¾ 
    Pukekura8102002504801/2 
    Rangiaohia50790118120¾ 
    Tuhikaramea98286464¾ 
       
Raglan—      
    Karamu (no Board)78........ 
    Te Akau (no Board)32........ 
       
Awakino
Waitomo
Kawhia  
West Taupo
East Taupo
Rotorua
(No road districts.)
      
Tauranga—      
    Katikati40988189277..1 ½
    Te Puke477160200210(1) 
    Te Puna16941146208(1) 
       
Whakatane
Opotiki  
Waiapu
(No road districts.)
      
Cook—      
    Aroha58121212(1) 
    Hangaroa..202242(1) 
    Kaiti..5095135¾(2) 
    Ngatapa489210160180(1) 
    Ormond482120114165(1) 
    Patuhai63878103230(1) 
    Pouawa85454959(2) 
    Poverty Bay..183183315(3) 
    Taruheru225......(4) 
    Te Arai2947071188(5) 
    Titirangi44255075(2) 
    Waikohu328100116120(2) 
    Waimata264606363(2) 
    Waipaoa80101017(2) 
    Whataupoko..5094102¾ 
       
Clifton. (No road districts.)    
       
Taranaki—      
    Barrett4391301763181/2 
    Carrington34193110176¾(6) 
    Egmont6351721722475/8 
    Elliot23565107112¾ 
    Frankley..67104206¾(7) 
    Henui393126230250¾ 
    Hurford Upper56151620¾ 
    Mangorei276517082¾ 
    Moa2,8364505005502/3(8) 
    Oakura33310095951/2(9) 
    Okato34572851541/2(10) 
    Omata (1904)29474531623/8 
    Tataraimaka (19804)1523036611/4 
    Waitara West814177180180¾(11) 
    Waiwakaiho (1904)350801011841/2 
   Werekino. (No information.)
       
Hawera—      
    Waimate2,619360400590¾ 
       
Egmont—      
    Parihaka....345..1/2 
       
Stratford—      
    Manganui1,734355380581..1 ¼(12)
       
Patea—      
    Kohi166343030(2) 
    Motoroa60182020¾ 
    Okotuku134242933(2) 
    Patea East4017587385(1) 
    Patea West777200209630(1) 
    Wairoa105223030(1) 
    Waitotara-Momohaki496103110184(1) 
    Whenuakura-Waitotara313424444(1) 
       
Waitotara
Waimarino
(No road districts.)
       
Wanganui—      
    Kaitoke6061351282541/2 
    Kaukatea..5543135¾ 
    Mangawhero (1904)..1501381381/2 
    Mataongaonga..300320478¾(2) 
    Purua..190200320¾ 
    Wangaehu Upper (1904)..250190261¾ 
       
Rangitikei
Kiwitea
Kairanga   Oroua
Pohangina
Manawatu
(No road districts.)
  
Horowhenua—      
    Otaki1,280263317884¾(3) 
    Te Horo512123148472¾(4) 
       
Wairoa
Hawke's Bay
(No road districts.)
       
Waipawa—      
    Norsewood1,206210280309..15/16 
    Ruataniwha North651140142....1/2 
    Takapau60811292120..(1) 
    Waipawa274597578..3/8 
    Waipukurau741198209....¾ 
        
Patangata—       
    Oero3055560671/2  
    Patangata2944950993/16  
    Porangahau43392911581/2  
    Tamumu..352133(1)  
    Wallingford..2431561/4  
    Wanstead..2157..(1)  
        
Woodville
Weber
Pahiatua
Castlepoint
Eketahunan  
Mauriceville
Masterton
Akitio
Wairarapa South
Featherston
(No road districts.) 
        
Hutt—       
    Makara2573949661/2(1)  
    Plimmerton. (No Board.) 
    Seatoun..2604001,500¾  
        
Sounds. (No road districts.) 
        
Marlborough—       
    Awatere785154162..5/8  
    Omaka1,603335542582¾  
    Pelorus1,218237255477..1 3/8(1) 
    Picton847190163258¾  
    Spring Creek819139143185¾  
    Wairau9302202302603/5(2)  
        
Kaikoura
Collingwood
Takaka
(No road districts.) 
        
Waimea—       
    Dovedale2865764106(3)  
    Moutere Upper397100100..(3)  
    Riwaka687154....(3)  
    Stoke1,183..210..(3)  
    Suburban North559125129..(3)  
    Waimea West460788080(3)  
        
Buller
Inangahua
Grey
Westland  
Westland
Amuri
Cheviot
(No road districts.) 
        
Ashley—       
    Ashley..505213280¾  
    Cust7131611421821/2  
    Eyreton..342275275¾  
    Eyreton West4018575751/2  
    Kowai1,8515706707905/8  
    Mandeville and Rangiora2,2575374606901/2  
    Oxford1,973575476867¾(1)  
    Waipara1,6953503006531/2  
        
Selwyn—       
    Avon..1,2208941,1311 (2)  
    Courtenay2,5604304637541/2  
    Ellesmere3,497..6078501/2  
    Halswell1,278215200230¾  
    Heathcote2,9956759981,2161 (3)  
    Lake Coleridge1772631701/2  
    Lincoln1,2133772482741/2(4)  
    Malvern96517014123314/30  
    Malvern East62514816026314/30  
    Malvern South4288120730414/30  
    Rakaia8252052073573/8(5)  
    Riccarton5,713..1,2841,520¾  
    Spreydon1,457503624651..1 25/64(6) 
    Springs1,8724604354705/8(7)  
    Taitapu3249662100¾(7)  
    Templeton2,3386095726787/16(8)  
    Waimakariri Upper..2141..(9)  
        
Akaroa—       
    Akaroa and Wainui1,30827024824811/16  
    Le Bon's Bay316588391¾(10)  
    Little River816300200316¾  
    Okain's Bay52090103130¾(11)  
    Pigeon Bay2585651675/8  
        
Mount Herbert.(No road districts.) 
        
Ashburton—       
    Anama..80691211/2  
    Ashburton Upper2,0024206008183/8(12)  
    Coldstream31985901671/2  
    Longbeach1,335..2643893/8  
    Mount Hutt..2652873891/4  
    Mount Somers9281862033201/2  
    Rangitata7971291312113/8  
    South Rakaia..3703905503/8  
    Wakanui1,2302322803243/8  
        
Geraldine—       
    Geraldine2,250520482939¾  
    Mount Peel4931201081755/8  
    Temuka2,380500574868¾  
        
Levels
Mackenzie
Waimate
Waitaki  
Waihemo
Waikouaiti
(No road districts.) 
   
Peninsula—       
    Otago Heads3046758104¾  
    Peninsula1,324224335460¾  
    Portobello..268360405¾  
    Tomahawk137202943¾(1)  
        
Taieri—       
    Half-way Bush. (No Board.) 
        
Bruce—       
    Balmoral4767486..(2)  
    Inch-Clutha (Road and River)3446061681/2  
    Mount Stuart6181041151291/2  
        
Clutha
Tuapeka
Maniototo  
Vincent
Lake
(No road districts.) 
        
Southland—       
    Invercargill. (No Board.) 
    Tuturau733113134140¾  
        
Wallace
Fiord
Stewart Island
Chatham Islands
(No road districts. 

Chapter 35. SECTION IV.—LICENSES AND LICENSED HOUSES, ETC.

LICENSES AND LICENSED HOUSES.

DURING the year ended the 31st March, 1905, 2,250 licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors were granted. Of these, 1,415 were publicans' and accommodation licenses, 7 New Zealand wine, 74 packet, 177 wholesale, and 577 conditional licenses. The fees paid amounted to £50,558, 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 1904–5, AND THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID TO LOCAL BODIES THEREFOR.

Licenses.In Counties.In Boroughs.Total.
Publicans' licenses5656481,213
Accommodation licenses202..202
        Total licensed houses7676481,415
New Zealand wine licenses..77
Packet licenses116374
Wholesale licenses13164177
Conditional licenses452125577
        Total licenses granted1,2431,0072,250
Amount of license fees paid to local bodies£18,372£32,186£50,558

The average number of persons to each licensed house in counties and boroughs respectively, for 1904–5, is next shown:—

 Number of Licensed Houses.*Estimated Population.Average Number of Persons to each Licensed House.
* I. e., houses holding publicans' or accommodation licenses.
Counties767410,318535
Boroughs648414,763640
        Totals1,415825,081583

In 1903–4 the number of licensed houses in counties was 766, and those in boroughs 638, giving a total of 1,404 houses, or 11 less than in 1904–5. The average number of persons to a licensed house decreased from 540 in 1903–4 to 535 in 1904–5 in counties, and increased in boroughs from 625 in the former to 640 in the latter year.

The annual fees paid for licenses are—

(1.) For a publican's license—£
*Between the hours of six in the morning and ten at night. For an eleven-o'clock license an additional £5 must be paid.
        (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 was stated at £771,204, and the same for certain of the boroughs at £741,684. There was, besides, an annual value of £109,719 for other licensed houses in the boroughs, which, capitalised at 6 per cent., would represent £1,828,650. The capital value of all licensed houses would therefore be about £3,341,538.

The total number of persons engaged in or connected with the sale or manufacture of wine, spirits, beer, cordials, &c., was returned at the census of 1901 as under:—

 Males.Females.Persons.
Hotelkeepers1,3412151,556
Relative assisting133631764
Manager, clerk10422126
Hotel servant, cook1,3762,5573,933
Barman, barmaid178349527
Manager, secretary, steward of club-house11527142
Wine, spirit, merchant50353
Assistant10111
Clerk, storeman55156
Traveller31..31
Cordial, &c., seller6..6
Brewer, bottler, and others engaged in brewing6064610
Relative assisting819
Maltster and assistants147..147
Wine-manufacturer16..16
Cordial, &c., maker, bottler2317238
Assistant, clerk, traveller, &c.1302132
        Totals4,5373,8208,357

LOCAL-OPTION POLL.

Under “ The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1893,” each electoral district constituted for the election of a member of the House of Representatives is a licensing district, and electors for the House of Representatives are also electors under the Licensing Acts. Under “The City Single Electorates Act, 1903,” the three electorates of the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin in each case form one electorate for the purpose of taking a local-option poll.

Under the Amendment Act of 1895 the licensing poll is taken at the same time as the general election of members of the House of Representatives. The questions for the decision of the voters, are,—

  1. Whether the number of licenses existing in the district shall continue.

  2. Whether the number shall be reduced.

  3. Whether any licenses whatever shall be granted.

The voter may vote for one or two of these proposals, but no more.

The method of determining the result of the poll in each district by the Returning Officer is as follows:—

  1. If the number of votes recorded in favour of the continuance of existing licenses is an absolute majority of all the voters whose votes were recorded, the proposal is deemed to be carried, and the licenses continue until the next poll, subject to certain provisions in special cases.

  2. If the number of votes recorded in favour of a reduction in the number of licenses is an absolute majority of all the voters whose votes were recorded, the proposal is deemed to be carried, and supersedes the proposal for continuance of licenses. The Licensing Committee then reduces publicans' licenses by not less than 5 per cent. or more than 25 per cent. of the total number existing, excluding forfeitures. Provision is made that when a reduction vote is carried the licenses shall be reduced by one at least when the total number does not exceed ten, two when not over thirty, and three at least when the licenses exceed thirty.

  3. If the number of votes recorded in favour of the proposal that no license shall be granted is not less than three-fifths of all the voters whose votes were recorded, the proposal is declared to be carried, and supersedes the proposal for reduction and for continuance, and no licenses can be granted.

  4. If none of the proposals respecting licenses is carried by the prescribed majority the licenses continue as they are until next poll, subject to certain provisions in special cases.

  5. Where any licensing poll is declared void, provision is made in “The Licensing Acts Amendment Act, 1904,” for the taking of a fresh poll.

The result of the poll taken on the 6th December, 1905, as made up from returns received from the officer in charge of the poll in each licensing district, is as follows:—

DistrictNumber of Electors on RollVotes recorded forTotal Number of Valid Votes recordedNumber of Men and Women who recorded Votes (including Informal).Result of Poll.
ContinuanceReductionNo LicenseMenWomenTotal
* Including 8,990 persons whose votes were declared informal.
Bay of Islands4,5421,9799401,4993,6762,3721,3413,713Continuance carried.
Marsden6,1922,2082,1362,7925,0673,0652,1595,224No proposal carried.
Kaipara6,0572,1491,6592,0804,3822,6361,6995,335No proposal carried.
Waitemata6,3132,5432,3132,5625,2222,9562,3965,352No proposal carried.
City of Auckland20,7817,9307,4808,20216,5488,6028,32516,927No proposal carried.
Grey Lynn6,8901,9413,3003,4265,4082,6262,9785,604No-license carried.
Eden6,9082,2912,8812,9455,4162,8392,7145,553Reduction carried.
Parnell6,6932,6282,1602,4165,3812,6752,8755,550No proposal carried.
Manukau6,2962,3132,6962,8385,2352,8172,5685,385Reduction carried.
Franklin6,3062,4982,2062,7075,2613,2022,2165,418No proposal carried.
Thames4,4491,8071,7461,9413,7742,1011,7723,873No proposal carried.
Ohinemuri5,3462,0961,3652,0204,1602,6821,5934,275Continuance carried.
Waikato8,1142,9913,0163,6526,7044,0692,8186,887No proposal carried.
Bay of Plenty7,7002,8892,4153,2836,2153,8752,4706,345No proposal carried.
Waiapu7,9812,7142,6374,0006,7134,1152,6886,803No proposal carried.
Hawke's Bay6,6542,1251,9732,6735,1753,1812,1045,285No proposal carried.
Napier6,8903,2601,9822,1805,5923,0132,6885,701Continuance carried.
Waipawa6,8432,5292,2913,2635,8153,6052,3445,949No proposal carried.
Pahiatua5,5221,8541,2452,5564,4652,7351,8524,587No proposal carried.
Masterton6,5922,1441,9813,0565,2233,1732,1415,314No proposal carried.
Wairarapa5,3482,1191,3512,2934,4822,7991,8094,603No proposal carried.
Egmont6,2472,3141,3132,3984,7643,1891,7204,909No proposal carried.
Taranaki6,3262,4302,0332,6955,1802,8572,4915,348No proposal carried.
Hawera6,2152,1311,9172,8855,0893,1032,1705,273No proposal carried.
Patea7,1242,2481,9683,0675,3703,3012,2145,515No proposal carried.
Rangitikei7,0942,2711,4892,0605,0613,8551,3355,190No proposal carried.
Wanganui7,9843,1772,2293,0946,2853,3683,0486,416Continuance carried.
Oroua5,5051,8071,4552,5344,3752,7321,7364,468No proposal carried.
Palmerston8,3493,1402,1753,2866,4873,6723,0696,741No proposal carried.
Manawatu6,1392,0201,6092,5684,6172,9131,8334,746No proposal carried.
Otaki5,0261,8591,5022,0753,9742,4231,6724,095No proposal carried.
Hutt7,2842,5212,2383,2665,8853,4482,5425,990No proposal carried.
City of Wellington23,6118,8827,2998,87218,41810,3838,44918,832No proposal carried.
Newtown8,9563,0823,5404,1547,3673,9443,5917,535No proposal carried.
City of Nelson6,3372,8362,3422,4005,5152,8292,7925,621Continuance carried.
Motueka5,0262,0747961,3333,5662,3161,2873,603Continuance carried.
Buller6,3402,6191,9732,4035,0733,2661,9055,171Continuance carried.
Grey6,9143,0591,8762,4645,6173,6032,2165,819Continuance carried.
Westland4,5822,0331,2131,4753,6352,2561,4593,715Continuance carried.
Wairau6,1002,6561,6282,3765,1403,0422,2395,281Continuance carried.
Hurunui4,7611,8389351,4503,3642,2051,2503,455Continuance carried.
Kaiapoi4,8041,7252,0562,3684,1232,1752,0304,205No proposal carried.
Riccarton4,9882,2841,3201,7574,0502,2201,9764,196Continuance carried.
Avon6,4012,6902,2302,6995,4772,7312,8405,571No proposal carried.
City of Christchurch23,29510,6417,3708,78719,7439,87710,19520,072Continuance carried.
Lyttelton6,2372,8321,9172,4035,2922,8572,5315,388Continuance carried.
Ellesmere4,3151,8711,3491,7523,6342,1071,6033,710Continuance carried.
Courtenay4,6021,6821,4861,8743,6622,1331,6113,744No proposal carried.
Selwyn4,9882,0011,4972,0644,0872,4681,6814,149No proposal carried.
Ashburton................See below.
Geraldine4,9662,1521,5731,9524,1622,4151,8314,246Continuance carried.
Timaru7,1262,6892,8503,1865,9553,1532,8996,052No proposal carried.
Waitaki5,5212,0741,6472,3674,4582,7561,8014,557No proposal carried.
Oamaru5,8861,8182,7153,1424,9882,7042,3585,062No-license carried.
Mount Ida4,1081,6721,2351,7023,3722,2311,1953,426No proposal carried.
Waikouaiti4,5571,5321,9922,3193,8682,1631,7893,952Reduction carried.
Chalmers6,5882,5002,7933,1705,7182,9132,8665,779No proposal carried.
City of Dunedin21,2579,0288,5169,07818,4779,1269,68318,809No proposal carried.
Caversham6,9333,0222,7553,0006,0922,9513,2686,219No proposal carried.
Taieri4,7191,7182,0432,2954,0192,2541,8904,144Reduction carried.
Bruce4,9321,6122,0002,4194,0402,2691,8684,137No proposal carried.
Tuapeka4,9862,1831,4631,8324,0542,5521,5834,135Continuance carried.
Clutha................See below.
Mataura................See below.
Wakatipu4,9582,3641,3591,8384,1992,7301,6434,373Continuance carried.
Wallace5,4491,9262,0442,5414,4802,8171,7854,602No proposal carried.
Invercargill7,4112,5733,4093,9026,4893,3113,2556,566No-license carried.
Awarua5,2641,8202,1352,4934,3242,5391,8514,390No proposal carried.
        Totals458,688176,714151,057190,779373,459213,295168,600381,895 
          
NO-license Districts. License be restored. License be not restored.     
Ashburton6,1942,663..2,4585,1213,0012,2375,238Licenses not restored.
Clutha5,0611,459..2,5363,9952,3721,7344,106Licenses not restored.
Mataura6,5302,048..2,9955,0433,0062,1725,178Licenses not restored.
        Grand totals476,473182,884151,057198,768387,618221,674174,743396,417* 

From the foregoing table it will be seen that 182,884 votes were recorded in favour of continuing existing licenses—including three districts, Clutha, Ashburton, and Mataura, where the vote (6,170) was for restoration of the licenses cancelled at the poll taken in 1902—151,057 for reduction, and 198,768 for no-license (including 7,989 votes cast for non-restoration in the Clutha, Ashburton, and Mataura districts).

In eighteen of the sixty-eight licensing districts the majority of the voters was in favour of continuance, in forty no proposal was carried, in four reduction, in three no-license was carried, and in three non-restoration was carried. In thirty-six of the districts—Marsden, Eden, Manukau, Franklin, Thames, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Waiapu, Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Pahiatua, Masterton, Wairarapa, Egmont, Taranaki, Hawera, Patea, Rangitikei, Oroua, Palmerston, Manawatu, Otaki, Newtown, Hutt, Waitaki, Mount Ida, Waikouaiti, Kaiapoi, Chalmers, Courtenay, Selwyn, Timaru, Taieri, Bruce, Wallace, and Awarua—a majority of the votes polled was for no-license, but not in sufficient number to make up the three-fifths required to carry that issue. Of the total number of persons (396,417, including those whose votes were informal), 221,674, or 55.92 per cent., were men, and 174,743, or 44.08 per cent., were women. Compared with the polling in the year 1902, this shows a numerical increase of 41,380, or 22.95 per cent., on the part of the men, and 36,178, or 26.11 per cent., on the part of the women, clearly showing that the latter are now taking greater interest in local-option matters than they formerly did.

A comparison with 1896, 1899, and 1902 of the votes recorded and the number of persons who went to the poll is shown in the next table:—

Year.Number of Persons on Rolls.Votes recorded forNumber of Persons who recorded Votes (including informal).
Continuance.Reduction.No License.MalesFemales.Total.
1,896339,230139,58094,55598,312151,235108,663259,898
1,899373,744142,443107,751118,575160,959120,863281,822
1,902415,789148,449132,240151,524180,294138,565318,859
1,905476,473182,884151,057198,768221,674174,743396,417

The large increases in the number of votes recorded for no-license or reduction are prominent features in the above table. It is also interesting to note the substantial increase shown in the number of persons who went to the poll, though these latter must not be accepted as absolutely correct throughout.

Chapter 36. SECTION V.—METEOROLOGY.

TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, AND WIND, THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND, AS OBSERVED AT TWELVE STATIONS, FOR THE YEAR 1905.

THE OBSERVATIONS WERE TAKEN AT 9.30 A.M.

Stations and Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest.Lowest.Wet Days.Fall.
Auckland (lat. 36° 50' S.; long. 174° 50' 40” E.; alt. 125 ft.)—° Fahr.° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
January78.548.0122.7929.80SW.
February78.055.050.5630.01SW.
March78.053.062.5430.08SW, NE.
April73.043.5123.2030.04SW.
May68.045.0112.2930.05S, SW.
June62.037.0236.0029.94SW.
July60.040.0183.8829.99S, SW.
August60.539.5153.0530.09SW.
September63.043.0254.4829.76SW, NW.
October66.544.0215.8729.91NE, SW.
November71.045.0142.2029.92SW, NW.
December76.049.0112.9630.07SW, NE.
       
Rotorua (lat. 38° 9' S.; long. 176° 15' E.; alt. 925 ft.)—
January89.042.071.5330.20SW.
February85.043.080.7330.35NE.
March79.041.050.4230.41NE.
April74.034.062.2930.31SW.
May68.033.0163.5330.34SW.
June60.031.01710.3130.10SW.
July59.031.0137.4530.17SW, S.
August65.033.083.2130.31SE, SW.
September63.038.0205.4729.90SW.
October70.043.0207.3730.12NE.
November77.043.0113.1130.11SW, W.
December80.045.072.4230.31SW, S, NW.
Stations and Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest.Lowest.Wet Days.Fall.
Meanee (lat. 39° 32' S.; long. 176° 53' E.; alt. 14 ft.)—° Fahr.° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
January....61.51...
February83.043.520.1230.11..
March82.045.0111.6930.12NE.
April81.034.081.9929.99SW, NW.
May74.032.01313.1330.09SE, SW.
June69.730.2156.0829.87SW.
July67.029.6136.3129.95SW.
August64.529.8125.6430.08SW.
September67.235.5163.5229.64SW.
October73.037.0144.9329.83SW, NE, E.
November81.041.0143.2420.77NW, SW.
December81.039.5141.6229.96NW, SW.
       
New Plymouth (lab. 39° 3' 35” S.; long. 174° 4' 58” E.; alt. 200 ft.)—
January73.043.0152.7829.91W, NW.
February76.046.061.7430.11SW, W, NW.
March76.047.0101.2630.16SE, SW.
April70.038.0244.3030.08SW, SE.
May69.040.0174.4130.10SE, SW.
June69.031.02414.8429.88SE. SW.
July67.0350245.1829.95SE.
August68.039.0193.7030.06SE.
September65.045.0266.7129.69NW, SE.
October65.043.0269.3129.87NW, NE.
November72.045.0226.6229.89NW.
December75.041.0163.6830.09NW.
       
Momahaki (lat. 34° 46' S.; long. 174° 42' E.; alt. 250 ft.)—
January74.044.4142.1720.80W, NW.
February79.844.730.1430.00S.
March75.141.062.0430.07W, N.
April68.736.0133.4329.96W.
May66.535.0123.8930.03S, W.
June61.831.2198.8929.67W, S.
July58.330.1131.7629.76N, W, S.
August64.230.2122.3829.99N, S, W.
September60.336.1214.6629.55W, S, N.
October67.837.2186.1229.76W, N.
November72.740.2174.5429.79W.
December77.239.0154.4129.70W.
Stations and Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest.Lowest.Wet Days.Fall.
Levin (lat. 40° 37' S.; long. 175° 17' E.; alt. 119 ft.)—° Fahr° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
January72.035.391.3629.71NW.
February80.038.251.0929.83NW.
March73.036.552.7529.90NW.
April70.531.3132.2429.94NW.
May67.031.071.8230.03E.
June61.825.0209.3730.11E.
July58.226.0121.1730.13E.
August66.025.8131.5930.18E.
September63.329.8205.2429.81E, NW.
October68.831.0225.8129.87NW.
November70.039.0212.9029.75NW.
December78.034.4123.1629.79NW.
       
Wellington (lat. 41° 16' 25” S.; long. 174° 46' 20” E.; alt. 140 ft.)—
January75.641.9122.3229.85S, N.
February77.045.061.4530.09S, N.
March73.245.8145.3930.12N, S.
April73.240.0114.2629.98N, NW.
May65.543.0155.7830.11N, S
June61.730.5228.6529.88S.
July62.933.2142.1929.95S.
August62.832.5192.7330.10N, S
September59.538.5186.0229.65S, NW.
October64.041.3136.1729.83N, S.
November71.843.8153.3229.77N, NW.
December74.041.6132.8929.96N, NW.
       
Christchurch (lat. 43° 32' S.; long. 172° 38' E.)
January88.939.8141.6529.82SW, NE.
February79.341.282.3930.05SW, NE.
March77.236.8111.7930.07NE.
April78.130.3141.3629.92SW, NE.
May67.029.860.9830.08SW, NE.
June69.022.3155.0029.85SW.
July59.526.1141.8629.91SW, NE.
August58.423.8111.0330.06SW, NE.
September59.431.7155.5229.62SW, NE.
October67.231.0143.2329.76SW, NE.
November76.888.192.2929.65W, SW.
December86.634.6121.3529.88SW, NE.
Stations and Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest.Lowest.Wet Days.Fall.
Lincoln College, Canterbury (lat. 43° 32' 16” S.; long. 172° 38' 59” E.; alt. 42 ft.)—° Fahr.° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
January94.040.7131.8629.84SW, NE.
February88.943.393.0530.05NE.
March81.539.0111.7030.07NE.
April80.031.1111.6529.92NE.
May69.331.6102.2130.09NE, SW.
June70.324.5144.2429.86SW, NE.
July62.127.7161.5529.93NE, SW.
August61.427.0131.3830.06NE, SW.
September61.533.5164.3929.63SW, NE.
October71.231.5142.9529.75NE.
November79.934.6122.1529.65NE, SW.
December87.235.0131.6629.88NE, SW.
       
Hokitika (lat. 42° 41' 30” S.; long. 170° 49' E.; alt. 12 ft.)—
January80.037.0103.8029.87SW, NW.
February75.546.084.7930.07SW.
March76.044.5107.4630.12SW.
April75.034.0155.7230.01SW.
May65.032.5106.5930.09E, NW.
June64.027.01311.1829.84E, NW.
July58.530.01812.2729.92E, NW.
August64.031.0136.6230.06E.
September78.035.0188.0129.58E, SW.
October65.036.0218.1329.78SW. NW, E.
November68.038.02010.5629.76NW, SW.
December74.039.0208.7029.95NW, SW.
       
Leith Valley Dunedin (lat. 45° 52' 11” S.; long. 170° 31' 7” E.; alt. 300 ft.)—
January80.040.0215.9129.78SW, NE.
February74.041.0102.5929.97W, NE.
March82.042.0142.3129.97W, NE.
April65.038.0174.3929.89SW, W.
May63.032.0123.5230.00SW, W.
June61.031.0132.3829.78SW, W.
July58.032.0142.2229.83SW, NE.
August58.032.080.8429.96SW, NE.
September56.033.02411.0529.58NE, SW.
October70.034.0177.1829.74NE, W.
November74.036.0155.9629.57NW, W, N.
December83.038.0155.4929.88SW, W.
Stations and Months.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest.Lowest.Wet Days.Fall.
Chatham Islands (lat. 43° 52' S.; long. 176° 42' W.; alt. 100 ft.)—° Fahr.° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
January66.042.0204.9529.56SW, E.
February70.044.081.4529.75N, SW.
March68.0 41.0186.7529.87SW.
April65.039.0154.3229.68SW, W, NW.
May60.035.0150.8229.88SW.
June60.031.0192.5929.58SW.
July55.033.0193.5429.74SW, N, SE.
August57.0 35.0247.9729.83SE, SW, N.
September59.039.0265.1629.43NE, SW.
October64.034.0122.8629.75SE, N.
November60.039.0163.7529.60NW.
December68.041.0132.4829.SW, NW

TWELVE STATIONS: COMPARATIVE TABLE: YEAR 1905.

Stations.Temperature in Shade.Rainfall.Mean Height of Barometer.Prevailing Wind.
Highest, and Date.Lowest, and Date.Days on which Rain fell.Greatest Fall. and Date.
 ° Fahr.° Fahr.No.Inches.Inches. 
Auckland78°5,
19 Jan.
37°0,
5 June
1731°82,
2 Mar.
...SW.
Rotorua89°0,
17 Jan.
31°0,
5 June
1382°57,
1 June
...SW.
Meanee83°0,
8 Jan.
29°6,
19 July
1383°95
22 May
29°95SW.
New Plymouth76°0 ...31°0,
5 June
2292°40,
31 May
...SE,
NW.
Momahaki79°8,
23 Feb.
30°01,
3 July
1631°62,
16 Dec
...W.
Levin80°0,
5 Feb.
25°0,
7 June
1492°08
25 June
...NW.
Wellington77°0,
5 Feb.
30°5,
5 June
1721°93,
25 Oct.
29°94N,
S.
Christchurch88°9,
16 Jan.
22°3,
5 June
1431°519
June
29°89SW,
NE.
Lincoln94°0,
16 Jan.
24°5,
5 June
1521°40
12 May
29°89NE,
SW.
Hokitika80°0
30 Jan.
27°0
5 June
1763°43
25 July
29°92SW,
E.
Dunedin83°0
13 Dec.
31°0
2 June.
1803°29
1 Sept.
29°83SW.
Chatham Islands70°0,
25 Feb.
31°0
5 June
2051°75
17 Mar.
...SW.
The following table, compiled from information published in the Statistical Abstract for the Colonial Possessions of the United Kingdom, shows the shade temperature for each month in New Zealand and other British States and Colonies. The figures given are the means of four years (H signifies highest, and L lowest):—
British Possessions (Stations and Height in Feet above Sea-level where known).Jan.Feb.March.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Year.
H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.H.L.
New Zealand—°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.°F.
Wellington (140)7845784776447043663862345933623465376941743375447833
Queensland—
Brisbane (130)9264936391618554805076427539784185469150945797619739
New South Wales—
Sydney (155)9259895884597951724867446339704277458848875494579439
Victoria—
Melbourne (91)101489947994586407437643762326834743481409444964510132
South Australia—
Adelaide (140)108491065010048894578406738653674397941864196451014810836
Western Australia—
Perth (47)10750102539852965781407038703773388042834293481005110737
Tasmania—
Hobart (160)9145914593447538713761345933663372357735924086439433
Natal—
Durban (150)9963956194609458895286498848914996509153975798599949
Cape Town—
Royal Observatory (37)9454905192498645804276397437763783398644894890529437
Hong Kong—
Observatory (110)7347784677498458896891739174917492709066825579499146
Straits Settlements—
Singapore (30)8870907091719173907390729072897289718971897189709170
Mauritius—
Royal Alfred Observatory (179)8469847184708270806277607559755977628062826684688459
Canada—
Toronto (350)47-345-35167122783186448846894782417127561345-189–3
Montreal (187)45-1442-134406924813287438850865081397027591143-118814
St. John (N.B.) (116)49-746-747462226933811427949774873376026561649-381-7
Halifax (122)50-146-350106322733283398448844980366929602151384-3
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (38)47-643-94756020703177398049794975396630581947180-9
Winnipeg, Manitoba (764)34-3732-3749-2576882209035874091348630731753-1639-2991-37
Victoria, British Columbia (10)5114552260306729733576397943764471386435553051237914
St. John's, Newfoundland (125)48-650-850116115712776338141794278336524621951981-8
Barbados—
Joes River (430)8167816783698470847185728470857085718571847083698567
Bahamas—
Military Hospital7763796879678469897288738978897387758677827077678963
Jamaica—
Kingston (60)9163906390629168917092719571937392709369916790639562
Trinidad (130)8667876888698870897086718671867089708870877085698967

MEAN MONTHLY and ANNUAL TEMPERATURE and RAINFALL of New Zealand, from Monthly Means of Eighteen Second-class Stations, for the Year 1905.

Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Average and Totals
North Island—
Mean temperature60.963.461.857.053.849.848.249.952.555.258.060.655.9° Fahr.
Rainfall, in points (100 = 1 in.)2359127829456282951733748263636530849.34 in.
Days with rain12.05.68.011.714.219.614.314.520.019.017.012.5168 days.
South Island—
Mean temperature58.160.558.752.048.543.943.644.948.051.154.857.951.9° Fahr.
Rainfall, in points (100 = 1 in.)42027432731234352339324059853444238547.91 in.
Days with rain14.37.712.214.010.014.013.711.618.016.515.014.5161.5 days.

Chapter 37. SECTION VI.—VITAL STATISTICS.

Table of Contents

BIRTHS.

THE number of births registered in the colony during 1905 was 23,682, or 27.22 in every 1,000 persons living. The rate is the highest reached since the year 1894, the number of births being 916 in excess of that for the year 1904, an increase of 4.02 per cent. From 1882 until the year 1899 there was a regular fall in the birth-rate. The number of births registered in a year reached 19,846 in 1884, and, after falling to 17,876 in 1892, has risen to 23,682 in 1905 as stated above.

The figures for each year from 1882 are worthy of notice, especially in connection with the subsequent particulars given as to marriages solemnised and the growth of population:—

Year.Number of Births.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
1,88219,00937.32
1,88319,20236.28
1,88419,84035.91
1,88519,69334.35
1,88619,29933.15
1,88719,13532.09
1,88818,90231.22
1,88918,45730.07
1,89018,27829.44
1,89118,27329.01
1,89217,87627.83
1,89318,18727.50
1,89418,52827.28
1,89518,54626.78
1,89618,61226.33
1,89718,73725.96
1,89818,95525.74
1,89918,83525.12
1,90019,54625.60
1,90120,49126.34
1,90220,65525.89
1,90321,82926.61
1,90422,76626.94
1,90523,68227.22

The marriages have increased numerically, and the population of the colony also.

Year.Number of Marriages.Mean Population (excluding Maoris).
1,8823,600509,309
1,8833,612529,292
1,8843,800552,590
1,8853,813573,362
1,8863,488582,117
1,8873,563596,374
1,8883,617605,371
1,8893,632612,716
1,8903,797620,780
1,8913,805629,783
1,8924,002062,245
1,8934,115661,349
1,8944,178679,196
1,8954,110692,417
1,8964,843706,846
1,8974,928721,609
1,8985,091736,260
1,8995,461749,984
1,9005,860763,594
1,9016,095777,968
1,9026,394797,793
1,9036,748820,217
1,9046,983845,022
1,9057,200870,000

The average number of children to a marriage may be ascertained by comparing the number of legitimate births for a series of years with the marriages, but commencing with the marriages in the year preceding that for which the first number of births is taken.

The figures for the twenty-year period 1886–1905 show a decline in the proportion of births to every marriage in the preceding year from 4.90 to 3.24, as below:—

Year.Marriages.Legitimate Births.Proportion of Births to every Marriage solemnised in the Preceding Year.
1,8853,815....
1,8863,48918,6974.90
1,8873,56518,5185.31
1,8883,61718,3255.14
1,8893,63217,8454.93
1,8903,79717,6754.87
1,8913,80517,6354.64
1,8924,00217,2834.54
1,8934,11517,5144.37
1,8944,17817,8244.33
1,895..17,7114.24
1,8954,110....
1,8964,81317,7784.32
1,8974,92817,9113.70
1,8985,09118,1543.68
1,8995,46118,0063.54
1,9005,86018,6403.41
1,9016,09519,5543.34
1,9026,39419,7343.23
1,9036,74820,8353.26
1,9046,98321,7373.22
1,905..22,6003.24

If the average result be taken out for the ten years 1886–1895, it will be found to represent 4.73 births to a marriage. Dealing similarly with the figures for 1896–1905 the result is an average of 3.49, so that regarded annually or decennially there is a decided fall to be observed.

In the Australian States a similar decrease is noticeable.

New Zealand had in 1880 the highest birth-rate (40.78); in 1900 the case was reversed; but in 1905 the New Zealand rate was higher than that of Queensland (1904), New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

The movement over ten years is calculated as under:—

BIRTH-RATES PER 1,000 OF POPULATION.
State or Colony.1896.1897.1898.1899.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Queensland30.0629.9228.2827.3130.2128.2827.6824.7127.12..
New South Wales28.3528 4227.1427.1027.4327.6027.1726.2826.7326.73
Victoria27.3326.5925.7226.725.8225.7725.2324 4624.6524.83
South Australia28.4626 9724.9825.5125.7825.3924.6523.4324.7023.82
Western Australia22 6525.8229.3530.6431.4630.3230.0930.2730.3430.30
Tasmania28.1627.7326.2425.9828.2528.4028.9528.6129 5929.32
New Zealand26.3325 9025.7425.1225.6026.3425.8926.6126.9427.22

This table shows that although New Zealand had in 1900 the lowest birth-rate in Australasia, the rate in this colony for 1905 was higher than that of Victoria and some others.

A declining birth-rate is noticeable in many civilised countries, and attention has been drawn by statisticians and political economists to the serious consequences that may result. That fertility among women in New Zealand is decreasing, 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, and in 1901 to 244; or, in other words, in 1878 one married woman of the ages specified in every three gave birth to a child, while in 1901 the rate was one in four only. 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 1901.
Year (Census).Number of Married Women between 15 and 45 Years of Age.Number of Legitimate Births (Confinements).Birth-rate per 1,000 Married Women of from 15 to 45 Years of Age.
1,87850,99517,196337.2
1,88157,45818,003313.3
1,88662,70418,532295.5
1,89163,16517,455276.3
1,89669,80717,596252.1
1,90179,40619,355243.8

And another table is given, showing for a period of twenty years the numbers of married women at the quinquennial periods 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 numbers of the living are much smaller at those ages than at the higher ones, 25–30 and onwards to 40–45, and the effect of this lesser number of wives at the lower ages in reducing the birth-rate would not be so much as might at first be thought probable.

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, GIVEN ACCORDING TO AGE GROUPS, AS AT THE CENSUSES OR 1881, 1891, AND 1901; WITH THE PROPORTION IN EACH GROUP FOR EVERY 100 OF THE WHOLE.

Age-groups.Married Women under 45, excluding Chinese.
Numbers at Census.Proportions per Cent.
1881.1891.1901.1881.1891.1901.
15–201,2337507772.141.190.98
20–258,9968,86210,05315.6614.0312.66
25–3013,13314,54017,92322.8623.0222.57
30–3512,65614,57619,61722.0323.0824.70
35–4011,81112,95916,85420.5520.5121.23
40–459,62911,47814,18216.7618.1717.86
Totals57,45863,16579,406100.00100.00100.00

A further table shows the declining birth-rate, and the increase in the marriage-rate, in the United Kingdom.

BIRTH AND MARRIAGE RATES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, 1886, 1891, 1896, 1901, AND 1903.

  BirthsMarriages.
Year.Mean Population.Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
1,88636,313,5821,145,57731.5241,1806.6
1,89137,802,4401,148,25930.4275,9707.3
1,89639,599,0721,152,14429.0296,0897.5
1,90141,550,7731,162,97528.0313,3517.5
1,90342,371,2191,183,60127.9316,4157.5

The above figures are taken from the report of the Registrar-General of England (66th number), published in 1905.

The birth-rates for ten years in Great Britain and certain countries of the European Continent are also given from the same source. The rates in England and Wales, and in Scotland, are higher than those in New Zealand, but the rate for Ireland is lower. France has the lowest rate of all quoted:—

BIRTH-RATES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, 1894 TO 1903.
Countries.Number of Births per 1,000 of Mean Population.
1891.1895.1896.1897.1898.1899.1900.1901.1902.1903.
Hungary41.541.940.540.337.739.339.337.838.836.7
Austria36.738.138.037.536.237.137.336.937.0..
Italy35.434.734.734.633.433.832.932.633.331.5
German Empire35.936.136.336.036.135.835.635.735.1..
Netherlands32.732.832.732.531.932.031.532.331.831.6
Scotland29.930.030.430.030.129.829.629.529.229.2
Norway29.830.630.430.030.330.930.129.829.128.7
England and Wales29.630.229.629.529.329.128.728.528.528.4
Belgium29.028.529.029.028.628.828.929.428.427.5
Sweden27.127.527.226.727.126.426.927.026.525.6
Switzerland27.127.127.928.128.428.928.629.128.727.7
Ireland22.923.223.623.523.222.922.722.723.023.1
France22.321.722.522.321.821.921.422.021.721.1

From the year 1895 marriages have shown an increase, the rate being then 5.94 per 1,000 of population. In 1905 the rate rose to 8.28, the highest record since 1875, when it was 8.94 per 1,000 of mean population. The number of marriages solemnised in 1905 was 7,200, an increase of 217 on the number for 1904.

MARRIAGE-RATES IN AUSTRALASIA PER 1,000 OF POPULATION FOR FIVE YEARS.
 1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Queensland6.616.315.725.93..
New South Wales7.687.536.867.2171.2
Victoria6.997.026.296.807.24
South Australia64.46.616.256.857.00
Western Australia9.659.779.338.838.48
Tasmania7.687.177.577.557.61
New Zealand7.838.018.238.268.28

In April, 1896, New Zealand had 83,659 children living under the age of five years, and in March, 1901, the number was 86,806, an increase of 3,147, although the population at all ages increased in the quinquennium by 9.86 per cent. Between 1886 and 1891 the children living under five years actually decreased in number by 3,624, the increase of population of all ages (8.33 per cent.) being less than between 1891 and 1896 (12.24 per cent.), or 1896 and 1901 (9.86 per cent.). The number of children under one year to the total population at all ages, according to the results of four censuses, was:—

 Children under One Year.Total Population (all Ages).
Census 1,88618,355578,482
Census 1,89116,443626,658
Census 1,89617,070703,360
Census 1,90118,381772,719

Thus, in 1886, with a population of 578,482 persons, there were 18,355 children under one year, against 18,381 children of that age in 1901, with a population of 772,719 persons.

The births registered in 1885 were 19,693, against 19,546 in 1900. The birth-rate fell from 34.35 per 1,000 of the population in 1885 to 25.60 in 1900.

Deducting 1,469, the number of deaths of children under one year registered in 1900, from 19,546, the number of births for that year, leaves 18,077, or within 304 of the living children under one year at the time of the last census.

TWIN BIRTHS.

There were 242 cases of twin births (484 children), and triplets were registered in three instances, in 1905. The number of children born was 23,682; the number of mothers was 23,434: thus, on an average, one mother in every 97 gave birth to twins, against 93 in 1904, and 97 in 1903.

ILLEGITIMACY.

The births of 1,082 children were illegitimate: thus 46 in every 1,000 children born were born out of wedlock, against 45 in 1904.

The following table gives the rates of illegitimacy in Australasia. The rate in 1905 in New Zealand was less than in any of the Australian States except South Australia and Western Australia:—

PROPORTION OF ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS IN EVERY 100 BIRTHS.
YearQueensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia.Western Australia.Tasmania.Now Zealand.
1,8965.225.715.633.455.615.914.48
1,8976.026.585.423.535.275.744.41
1,8986.046.935.293.624.995.094.23
1,8995.977.155.493.954.916.084.40
1,9006.407.015.914.244.825.434.63
1,9015.937.165.583.983.885.944.57
1,9026.046.605.514.363.965.364.46
1,9036.766.715.734.184.695.614.55
1,9046.897.125.744.014.365.824.52
1,905..7.375.614.374.195.524.57

These figures show the proportion of illegitimate births to every 100 births for this colony to be very steady for the period 1896–1905; the difference amounts only to 0.09 per cent. on a comparison of the first and last years.

The total number of births registered was 19,299 in 1886 and 23,682 in 1905, while the illegitimate births rose from 602 to 1,082. The causes that led to the fall in the birth-rate certainly did not greatly affect the number of illegitimate children.

The number of spinsters in the colony between 15 and 45 increased during the ten years from 65,035 (census 1891) to 100,310 (census 1901), or at the rate of 55.9 per cent., while the illegitimate births increased from 638 to 937, or at the rate of 46.9 per cent. only.

It would therefore appear that the larger proportion of illegitimate births now obtaining cannot with any certainty be taken as indicative of increased looseness of living on the part of the people.

The following figures, showing the rate of illegitimacy per 100 births in Australasia and in the United Kingdom, are based on statistics for a period of five years in the former, and ten years in the latter:—

Country.Illegitimate Births per Cent.
New South Wales6.9
Victoria5.7
Queensland6.4
South Australia4.2
Western Australia4.3
Tasmania5.8
New Zealand4.5
England and Wales4.2
Ireland2.6
Scotland7.2

Of the total number of children born in Australasia during the live years ended 1900, 5.67 per cent. were illegitimate, as compared with 4.42 per cent. in the United Kingdom for the same period.

The figures in the next table, which give the percentages of illegitimate births in a number of foreign countries, cover in most cases a period of five years.

Country.Illegitimate Births per Cent.
Germany9.09
    Prussia7.68
    Bavaia13.43
    Saxony12.89
Austria14.20
Hungary9.13
France8.82
Belgium7.67
Netherlands2.60
Sweden11.13
Norway7.43
Italy6.45

For England and Wales the proportion of illegitimate births to the total births in 1903 was 3.9 per cent., having gradually diminished from 7 per cent. in 1845. The minimum rate was 2.4 per cent., in Monmouthshire, and the maximum 7.7 per cent., in Montgomeryshire. For London the percentage was 3.6.

The average proportion of illegitimate births in Scotland in five years was 6.3 per cent., but in Ireland the extremely low average of 2.6 per cent. obtained.

THE LEGITIMATION ACT.

An important Act was passed in 1894, entitled the Legitimation Act, which makes provision for the legitimation of children born before marriage on the subsequent marriage of their parents. Under this Act any child born out of wedlock, whose parents afterwards marry, is deemed to be legitimised 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 in cases dealt with under the Act registration becomes the test of legitimacy. In the December quarter of 1894, 11 children were legitimised; in the year 1895 the number was 68; in 1896, 56; in 1897, 48; in 1898, 59; in 1899, 41; in 1900, 62; in 1901, 47; in 1902, 96; in 1903, 65; in 1904, 87; and in 1905, 84; making altogether 724 legitimations since the passing of the law.

“THE INFANT LIFE PROTECTION ACT, 1896.”

By this statute it has been rendered unlawful for a person to take charge, for payment, of an infant to maintain or nurse for more than three days without holding a license as an infants' home keeper. The house of such a person muse be registered as an infants' home.

The administration of this law is a matter entirely managed by the police. The licensed homes are periodically inspected, and the results have shown that licensees generally comply with the required conditions, the homes and infants being well looked after.

The Commissioner in his report for the year ended 31st March, 1905, writes:—

During the year there were 528 registered homes throughout the colony, representing 728 infants, against 544 homes and 854 infants in 1903.

Twenty-one deaths occurred in the homes during the year, against twenty, eight in the preceding year. Five licensees were prosecuted for breaches of the Act, and convicted, against six prosecutions and four convictions in 1903. Three licenses were cancelled, and no neglect by licensees was disclosed at inquests.

BIRTHS AND BIRTH-RATES IN THE FOUR CHIEF CITIES.

The total number of births registered as occurring in the four chief centres and suburbs in 1905 was 6,335, as against 5,970 for the previous year.

There is increase in the births for the four chief cities and suburban boroughs found on comparison with figures for 1904. The birth-rates for 1905 were:—

 Birth-rates per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Auckland City30.06 
Auckland City and five suburban boroughs 27.88
Wellington City29.72 
Wellington City and two suburban boroughs 29.38
Christchurch City29.70 
Christchurch City and one suburban borough..29.63
Dunedin City23.90 
Dunedin City and six suburban boroughs..23.97

By the inclusion of the suburbs the rate is raised at Dunedin, but lowered at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. It will be observed that Christchurch has the highest rate, Wellington next highest, Auckland and Dunedin following with intervals. The difference between the Christchurch rate (29.63) and the Dunedin rate (23.97) is considerable. The birth-rate for the whole colony last year was 27.22 per thousand. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are thus over the average, and Dunedin below it.

The birth-rates for three of the central boroughs last year show a rise when compared with 1904. In Auckland the rate fell from 31.08 to 30.06; but it rose in Wellington from 26.77 to 29.72, in Christchurch from 27.53 to 29.70, and in Dunedin from 22.40 to 23.90. The rates for five years, 1901 to 1905, are:—

 Births per 1,000 of Population.
 1901.1902.1903.1004.1905.
Auckland (without suburbs)30.0030.803,16731.0830.06
Wellington26.3525.2929.2226.7729.72
Christchurch24.1225.8426.5927.5329.70
Dunedin22.0419.9019.5422.4023.90

NATURALISATION.

Aliens residing in the colony may, on taking the oath of allegiance to His Majesty, obtain letters of naturalisation entitling them to enjoy all the rights and privileges that a natural-born subject of the United Kingdom can enjoy or transmit within this colony. Six hundred and seven aliens (585 men and 22 women) were naturalised in 1905.

The number belonging to each nationality was as under:—

NUMBER OF ALIENS NATURALISED IN 1905.
Natives of—M.F.
  German Empire8713
  Norway461
  Sweden780
  Denmark613
  Russia and Finland330
  France and possessions61
  Belgium21
  Italy170
  Spain20
  Austria-Hungary1381
  China350
  Japan20
  United States of America181
  Argentine Republic20
  Netherlands50
  Switzerland141
  Portugal and possessions20
  Turkey and Syria260
  Roumania20
  Greece50
  Iceland10
  Malta10
  West Indies10
  Samoa10

The number of natives of each country naturalised during the last twenty-three years is next shown.

Natives of— 
  Germany1,674
  Sweden with Norway1,295
  Denmark904
  China375
  Italy and Sicily234
  Switzerland185
  Russia in Europe269
  Austria-Hungary558
  France141
  Netherlands65
  Greece51
  Portugal62
  United States of America97
  Belgium33
  Other countries145
      Total6,088

By section 2 of “The Aliens Act Amendment Act, 1882,” repealed and re-enacted by section 2 of “The Aliens Act Amendment Act, 1892,” it is provided that when the father, or mother being a widow, has obtained naturalisation in the colony, every child who during infancy has become resident with them in New Zealand shall be deemed to be naturalised, and shall have the rights and privileges of a natural-born subject.

MARRIAGES.

The marriages for 1905 show an increase on the number for the previous year. The number was 7,200, or 217 more than in 1904. The marriage-rate rose from 8.26 per 1,000 persons living in 1904 to 8.28 in 1905, the rate for the latter year being the highest obtained since 1875, when it stood at 8.94 per 1,000 persons. The improvement shown during the last ten years sets New Zealand in a good position relatively to the Australian States.

The rates for a series of fifteen consecutive years were:—

MARRIAGES PER 1,000 OF THE POPULATION.
Year.Queensland.New South Wales.Victoria.South Australia (Proper).Western Australia.Tasmania.New Zealand.
1,8917.187.397.697.318.006.636.04
1,8926.676.776.646.517.296.516.23
1,8935.916.405.996.266.345.516.22
1,8945.706.205.986.096.245.436.15
1,8956.236.356.005.886.835.325.94
1,8966.056.596.486.208.455.886.85
1,8976.056.726.365.4610.736.236.83
1,8986.036.666.536.189.896.296.91
1,8996.786.897.016.249.896.377.28
1,9006.887.386.966.5010.277.717.67
1,9016.617.686.996.449.657.687.83
1,9026.317.537.026.619.777.478.01
1,9035.726.866.296.259.337.578.23
1,9045.937.216.806.918.837.558.26
1,905..7.427.247.008.487.618.28

The improved rate for this colony is higher than the rate for the European countries given in the table following, with the exception of Spain.

MARRIAGES IN EVERY 1,000 OF THE POPULATION.
Spain1,9038.2
Hungary1,9038.1
German Empire1,9027.9
England and Wales1,9037.8
Austria1,9027.8
France1,9037.7
Netherlands1,9037.5
Switzerland1,9037.5
Italy1,9037.2
Belgium1,9037.1
Denmark1,9037.1
Scotland1,9037.0
Norway1,9036.0
Sweden1,9035.8
Ireland1,9035.2

Of the marriages solemnised in 1905, 6,582 were between bachelors and spinsters, 196 between bachelors and widows, 316 between widowers and spinsters, and 106 between widowers and widows.

Divorced men and women have been classified as bachelors or spinsters: 35 divorced men and 52 divorced women were married during the year.

Included amongst spinsters are six married women, and amongst the bachelors four married men, who elected to go through the form of marriage with other persons under the protection of the provisions of section 204, subsection (5), of “The Criminal Code Act, 1893,” which runs, “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 total number of marriages solemnised (7,200) does not include marriages where both parties are of the aboriginal native race, such persons being exempted from the necessity of complying with the provisions of the Marriage Act, although at liberty to take advantage thereof. Twenty-four marriages in which both parties were Maoris were contracted in 1905 in terms of the Act: 8 by Registrars, 4 by clergymen of the Church of England, 1 by a Roman Catholic minister, 3 by Methodist ministers, and 8 by ministers of the Church of the Latter-day Saints.

BACHELORS AND SPINSTERS IN NEW ZEALAND.

The results of three censuses in respect of the number of bachelors of 20 years and upwards, and spinsters of 15 years and upwards, in the colony show some interesting features. In 1891 there was an excess of bachelors over the spinsters amounting to 3,497 men. But by 1896 not only had the preponderance of the male element been lost, but an excess of spinsters over bachelors was reported amounting to 1,786 women, while in 1901 this excess had risen to 3,572 women.

It is noticeable how differently the numbers for the provincial districts have been affected by the process in operation. An excess of bachelors was preserved in Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland from 1891 to 1901. In Canterbury, however, an excess of spinsters was found in 1891 of 2,516, which increased to 3,997 in 1896 and to 4,918 in 1901; while in Otago an excess of 773 spinsters in 1891 increased to 2,066 in 1896, and diminished slightly in 1901, when there were 1,899 more spinsters than bachelors. These two important districts of the Middle Island have lost large numbers of bachelors by departures to the North Island. The following table exhibits the particulars for each provincial district:—

Provincial Districts.Census, 1891.Census, 1896.Census, 1901.
Excess of Bachelors over Spinsters.Excess of Spinsters over BachelorsExcess of Bachelors over Spinsters.Excess of Spinsters over Bachelors.Excess of Spinsters.Excess of Spinsters over Bachelors.
Total excess3,497....1,786..3,572
Auckland156..703..521..
Taranaki121..524..805..
Hawke's Bay1,337..1,142..425..
Wellington2,129..637..32..
Marlborough644..183..158..
Nelson1,486..580..637..
Westland900..501..666..
Canterbury..2,516..3,997..4,918
Otago..773..2,066..1,899
Chatham Islands15..7..1..
Kermadec Islands..2........

MARRIAGES BY MINISTERS OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

Of the marriages in the year 1905, 24.24 per cent. were solemnised by ministers of the Church of England, 26.43 per cent. by ministers of the Presbyterian Churches, 16.76 per cent. by ministers of the Wesleyan and other Methodist Churches, 10.22 per cent. by ministers of the Roman Catholic Church, 6.75 per cent. by ministers of other denominations, and 15.60 per cent. by Registrars.

The following shows the proportions of marriages by ministers of the principal denominations in the past eight years, and the percentages of these denominations to the total population in 1901:—

Denomination.Percentage of Marriages.Percentage of Denomination to Total Population in 1901.
1808.1899.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Church of England23.3724.1722.6824.9124.5825.5224.1224.2440.84
Presbyterians26.0225.3026.3824.4825.9525.3125.4626.4322.87
Methodists13.9812.9113.2313.1912.9513.3216.3016.7610.86
Roman Catholics10.3710.8710.8210.539.9410.0811.1410.2214.23
Other denominations9.259.3410.2010.2010.079.876.546.7511.20
By Registrars17.0117.4116.6916.6916.5115.9016.4415.60..
 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00

Marriage by the Registrar is found to be less frequent than it was eight years ago, the percentage falling from 17.01 in 1898 to 15.60 in 1905.

MARRIAGE REGISTER SIGNED BY MARK.

Of the men married in 1903, 18, or 2.50 in every 1,000, and of the women 28, or 3.88 per 1,000, signed the register by marks.

The illiteracy of the people, as measured by the proportion of married persons who affix marks instead of signatures to the marriage register, has greatly decreased of late, having fallen since 1881 from 32.04 per 1,000 among men to 2.50 per 1,000, and from 57.98 per 1,000 to 3.88 per 1,000 among women. This is shown in a very striking manner by the following table:—

PERSONS IN EVERY 1,000 MARRIED WHO SIGNED BY MARK.
Denomination.1881.1891.1901.1905.
M.F.M.F.M.F.M.F.
Church of England16.5927.158.2910.661.323.292.291.15
Presbyterians10.2529.615.798.692.684.690.531.58
Wesleyans and other Methodists32.4141.798.9310.713.733.730.833.31
Roman Catholics117.78133.3331.3318.286.237.791.364.08
Other denominations10.3620.729.26..1.613.22....
By Registrars39.2293.5127.4243.0813.7715.739.8014.25
    Total marriages32.0457.9813.9316.824.596.232.503.88

The proportion of illiterates in 1901 and 1905 was greatest among those married before Registrars. Previously the proportion was largest among Roman Catholics; but since 1881 it has, as shown by the table, most remarkably decreased.

AGES OF PERSONS MARRIED.

Of the persons married in 1905, 133 bridegrooms and 1,214 brides were under 21 years of age—one of the bridegrooms was between 16 and 17, five between 17 and 18, and thirteen between 18 and 19. Of the brides, one was under 15, three were between 15 and 16, and twenty-three between 16 and 17 years of age. The proportion of men married is greatest at the ages of 25 to 30, and of women at from 21 to 25 years.

The following are the proportions of men and women married at each age-period to every 100 marriages in the years 1891, 1901, and 1905:—

Age.1891.1901.1905.
M.F.M.F.M.F.
Under 21 years1.5520.791.9317.161.8516.86
21 and under 2526.9943.9924.9439.9723.8938.43
25 and under 3036.1922.9737.0826.8940.0427.93
30 and under 4025.948.7227.1212.7326.5413.46
40 and under 506.442.716.042.445.082.29
50 and under 602.260.661.770.571.470.69
60 and under 700.550.160.920.240.810.31
70 and upwards0.08..0.20..0.320.03

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

A marriage may not be solemnised except after the delivery to the minister or Registrar who officiates of a certificate issued by a Registrar authorising such marriage, and if any persons knowingly and wilfully intermarry without such certificate the marriage is null and void; and no clergyman or minister of any denomination is empowered to solemnise marriages until his name has been placed on the Registrar-General's list of officiating ministers for the year.

Marriage with a deceased wife's sister in New Zealand was legalised in the year 1880, and an Act was passed in the year 1900 which legalised marriage with the brother of a deceased husband. This Act is retrospective, including in its provisions marriages between such parties which had previously been solemnised as well as those contracted after the statute was passed, and declaring all these to be valid, and the issue born prior or subsequent to the passing of the Act to be deemed born in lawful wedlock.

The measure was reserved for the signification of her late Majesty's pleasure. The Royal assent has since been given, and the Act came into force in New Zealand by Proclamation dated the 22nd May, 1901.

The ages at which persons may contract binding marriages are the same as in England—12 years for females and 14 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 12 or 14, 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 16 years is now a punishable offence. The age of consent was raised from 15 to 16 by statute passed in 1896.

The average age of the men married in this colony in 1905 was 29.65 years, and of the women 25.75 years. In England the mean age of those whose ages were stated was (in the year 1903) 28.49 years for men, and 26.35 years for women. Thus the average age at marriage in the colony would appear to be higher for men, but lower for women, than in England.

The proportion of bridegrooms under 21 is much greater in England than in New Zealand, and the proportion of brides under 21 in the colony somewhat higher.

In England, in 1903, of every 1,000 bridegrooms whose ages were stated, 46 were under 21 years of age, and of every 1,000 brides 152 were under 21 years of age. In New Zealand, in 1905, the proportions were 18 bridegrooms and 169 brides of similar ages in every 1,000 married:—

Year.Bridegrooms under 21 in every 100.Brides under 21 in every 100.
1,8901.8922.75
1,8921.6220.14
1,8941.4419.53
1,8961.9619.51
1,8981.5718.13
1,9001.6717.34
1,9011.9317.16
1,9021.3916.59
1,9031.6216.01
1,9041.7317.61
1,9051.8016.90

NUMBER OF MINISTERS.

The number of names on the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act is (April, 1906) 1,148, and the denominations to which they belong are shown hereunder:—

Denomination.No.
Church of England341
Presbyterian Church of New Zealand263
Roman Catholic Church196
Methodist Church of Australasia in New Zealand174
Congregational Independents21
Baptists35
Primitive Methodist Connexion44
Lutheran Church10
Hebrew Congregations6
Church of Christ16
Free Methodist Church of New Zealand4
Auckland Society of the New Jerusalem Church1
Independent Free Church1
Salvation Army19
Catholic Apostolic Church4
Seventh-day Adventists4
Unitarians1
Brethren3
Latter-day Saints2
Christadelphian1
Church of Our Father1
Unitarian Free Church1
      Total1,148

DEATHS.

The deaths in 1905 numbered 8,061, being equivalent to a rate of 9.27 in every 1,000 persons living, as against 9.57 in 1904. The lowest rate experienced since the year 1887, when the deaths were 10.29 per 1,000 of the population, was that for 1896 (9.10).

COMPARATIVE DEATH-RATE FOR THE PERIOD 1895 TO 1905.
Country.1895.1890.1897.1898.1899.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
* Excluding the Northern Territory.
New Zealand9.919.109.149.8410.249.439.8110.5010.409.579.27
Queensland11.3812.1011.3312.6612.0711.7311.8812.0812.3810.11..
New South Wales11.7912.3010.8812.4811.8211.1611.6811.9511.5910.6210.13
Victoria13.2513.3512.9015.9414.2812.7513.2213.4012.9011.9212.10
South Australia*11.2511.4811.2413.0612.1410.6411.1111.7910.7110.2210.44
Western Australia17.7816.4516.9716.0513.7612.9213.3613.6312.6011.9110.83
Tasmania11.3811.6311.5313.5112.2511.0510.4510.8411.9211.0110.23
England and Wales18.717.017.417.518.218.216.916.215.4....
Scotland19.416.618.418.018.118.518.017.216.6....
Ireland18.416.618.418.117.619.617.817.517.5....
Denmark16.815.616.515.517.316.915.814.614.6....
Norway15.715.215.315.316.915.914.913.914.8....
Sweden15.215.615.415.117.716.816.015.415.1....
Austria27.726.425.624.925.425.224.224.7......
Hungary29.728.928.528.027.226.925.427.026.1....
Switzerland19.117.717.618.217.619.318.017.217.6....
German Empire22.120.821.320.521.522.120.719.4......
Netherlands18.617.216.917.017.117.817.216.315.6....
France22.220.019.520.921.121.920.119.519.2....
Italy25.024.021.922.921.823.821.922.122.2....

In this statement New Zealand is conspicuous as showing the lowest death-rate. The rates for the principal Australian States are a little higher, but, generally speaking, far below those for the United Kingdom or the European Continental States mentioned in the table.

Perfect accuracy in comparing one country or colony with another can only be attained 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 1905.
Ages.Estimated Mean Population, 1905.Number of Deaths, 1905.Death rate per 1,000, 1905.Percentage of Population of Sweden, 1890 (Standard).Index of Mortality in New Zealand per 1,000.
Under 1 year20,7061,59977.222.551.97
1 and under 20 years365,2268672.3739.800.94
20 and under 40 years286,4911,2424.3426.961.17
40 and under 60 years138,7651,2719.1619.231.76
60 years and upwards58,8123,08252.4011.466.01
      Total870,0008,0619.27100.0011.85

A similar calculation for the States of the Australian Commonwealth has been made for 1904. The results, when compared with the actual rates, exhibit to what degree the age-constitution of the population affects the death-rate. The figures for New Zealand are also given.

 Year 1904.
 Index.Actual.
Queensland13.2310.01
New South Wales14.1010.62
Victoria14.2911.92
South Australia13.3210.22
Western Australia15.6011.91
Tasmania14.3611.01
New Zealand12.049.57
New Zealand (1905)11.859.27

DEATHS AND DEATH-RATES OF THE FOUR PRINCIPAL CITIES AND THEIR SUBURBS.

In the earlier annual reports on the vital statistics of the four chief towns the central boroughs alone were dealt with, particulars respecting the suburbs not having been obtained. But this omission was held to be a grave defect, as the suburban death-rate may differ much from the death-rate at the centre. Steps were therefore taken early in 1895 to collect statistics of the suburban boroughs as well as of the four chief cities. As regards Auckland and Christchurch, the whole of the area usually recognised as suburban has not yet been brought under municipal government, and the statistics given below do not deal with such portions as still remain in road districts. The omission, however, is not very important, for there are in either case quite enough suburbs included within borough boundaries to give a fair idea of the death-rate of greater Auckland and greater Christchurch. As further boroughs are formed the vital statistics will be made to include them.

The total number of deaths registered for the four centres in 1905 was 2,388—viz., 2,007 in the cities, and 381 in the suburbs.

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

 Death-rates per 1,000 of Mean Population.
Auckland City12.15 
Auckland City and five suburban boroughs 10.52
Wellington City10.55 
Wellington City and two suburban boroughs 10.21
Christchurch City10.76 
Christchurch City and one suburban borough 10.89
Dunedin City11.13 
Dunedin City and six suburban boroughs 10.12

If the suburbs are included, the death-rate is found to be highest at Christchurch and lowest at Dunedin; Auckland and Wellington taking second and third places respectively. The death-rate for the colony was 9.27 per 1,000 of mean population. The four centres might be expected to show a higher average than this.

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 1905 and 1904 in the following ratio to the 1,000 living:—

 1904.1905.
Auckland (including suburbs)8.117.96
Wellington (including suburbs)7.897.38
Christchurch (including suburbs)7.628.25
Dunedin (including suburbs)9.608.51

The degree of infantile mortality is perhaps best shown in the proportion of deaths of children under one year of age to every 100 births. For 1905 and 1904 the proportions at the chief centres were,—

 1904.1905.
Auckland (including suburbs)7.019.15
Wellington (including suburbs)9.539.62
Christchurch (including suburbs)10.308.90
Dunedin (including suburbs)9.306.71

Thus in 1905 the proportions for Dunedin and Christchurch are less than those found at either of the other two chief cities.

MORTALITY AT FOUR CENTRES, EXCLUDING SUBURBS.

Excluding suburbs, and dealing with the deaths at all ages in the four cities or central boroughs only, the rates for 1905 are found to be lower than in the previous year at Wellington and Dunedin, but higher at Auckland and Christchurch. The figures for four years are given:—

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population.
 1902.1903.1904.1905.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)17.2112.9711.1112.15
Wellington (excluding suburbs)12.5811.3010.7510.55
Christchurch (excluding suburbs)12.2411.3910.5010.76
Dunedin (excluding suburbs)11.8614.7713.5911.13

Omitting the deaths of infants under one year, and calculating the rate on the population of one year of age and upwards, two of the boroughs show lower rates for 1905 than for the previous year.

 Deaths per 1,000 of Population, excluding Infants (under One Year of Age).
1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)9.9312.869.459.249.39
Wellington (excluding suburbs)8.129.548.848.427.80
Christchurch (excluding suburbs)10.699.038.837.878.46
Dunedin (excluding suburbs)10.8810.3513.6111.909.64

Subjoined is a table showing the rates of infant mortality in the four cities for each of the past five years, together with the mean rates for the period.

 Deaths of Children under One Year to every 100 Births.
1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.Mean of Five Years.
Auckland (excluding suburbs)11.5715.4112.086.9310.1311.22
Wellington (excluding suburbs)10.4312.979.289.5510.0210.45
Christchurch (excluding suburbs)11.3513.3210.4910.368.6010.82
Dunedin (excluding suburbs)9.078.607.278.747.218.18

CAUSES OF DEATH AT FOUR CENTRES, INCLUDING SUBURBS.

While treating of the death-rates at the chief cities and surroundings, it is desirable to refer to the causes of mortality, which is done in the remarks that follow. The deaths for the whole colony, classified according to their cause, are treated of at length a little further on.

Specific Febrile and Zymotic Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

The mortality from these diseases was lower at each of the four centres in 1905 than in the previous year. The total deaths in this class were 115 for 1905 and 202 for 1904.

 Deaths from Febrile and Zymotic Diseases.
1901.1905.
Auckland and suburbs5245
Wellington and suburbs6534
Christchurch and suburbs3627
Dunedin and suburbs499
 202115

Of the above, diarrhœal diseases caused most deaths in 1905 at the four centres taken together, the total number being 44. Influenza came next, with 13 deaths, typhoid fever 10, whooping-cough 2, diphtheria 8, scarlet fever 5, and other zymotic complaints 33.

Comparison of the deaths for each city, including suburbs, shows,—

 Auckland.Wellington.Christchurch.Dunedin.
Zymotic, &c., Diseases.1905.1904.1905.1904.1905.1904.1905.1904.
Diarrhœal diseases21241230921217
Influenza343543314
Typhoid fever792412..4
Measles......4........
Scarlet fever..2133......
Bubonic plague..1............
Diphtheria..3345..21
Whooping-cough........1112
Other zymotic diseases9101014127212

Parasitic Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

Hydatids were fatal at Christchurch (1 death), and at Dunedin (1 death).

Dietetic Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

These numbered 18, 8 being due to want of breast-milk, scurvy, or malnutrition, 6 to alcoholism, and 4 to delirium tremens.

Constitutional Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

The deaths at the four cities numbered 466 in 1905. The first in importance of these diseases, and of all causes of death, is tubercle. The figures for 1904 and 1905 show 259 and 211 deaths for each year respectively.

 Phthisis and other Tubercular Diseases.
 1905.1904.
 Phthisis.Other Tubercular Diseases.Phthisis.Other Tubercular Diseases.
Auckland and suburbs37124510
Wellington and suburbs28145018
Christchurch and suburbs44104216
Dunedin and suburbs47195127
 1565518871

The mortality from tubercular diseases for 1905 is 8.84 per cent. of the total deaths at the four boroughs and their suburbs from all causes.

Deaths from cancer rose at the chief towns from 184 in 1904 to 191 in 1905. The latter number is 8.00 per cent. of deaths for the year from all causes.

The number of deaths from cancer at the four chief towns and their suburbs for each of the last five years was as under:—

 1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Auckland and suburbs3244374535
Wellington and suburbs3837474447
Christchurch and suburbs4125333849
Dunedin and suburbs4359625760
 154165179184191

Diabetes shows 32 deaths in 1905, against 24 in 1904.

Developmental Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

There were 283 deaths in this class, of which 110 were from premature births, 157 from old age, and 16 from other causes.

Local Diseases (at Four Chief Centres).

Deaths in this class were 52 more than in 1904, the figures being 1,275, against 1,223. Diseases of the circulatory system were the most fatal of this class, amounting to 302. Diseases of the nervous system show 283 deaths—102 from apoplexy. Diseases of the respiratory system show 279 deaths for 1905, against 272 in the former year. Bronchitis, pneumonia, congestion of the lungs, pleurisy, and allied diseases form this group.

Under the head of “Diseases of the Digestive System” there were 251 deaths at the four centres, including 94 from enteritis; peritonitis, 14; gastritis, 19; cirrhosis of liver, 14; jaundice and liver-disease, 21; and dentition 9. From appendicitis 15 deaths are particularly noted.

Diseases of the urinary system caused 109 deaths. The remaining deaths were: 4 disease of organs of special sense, 10 of the lymphatic, 31 of the reproductive systems, 2 of the organs of locomotion, and 4 of the integumentary system.

Violent Deaths (at Four Chief Centres).

There were 139 violent deaths, 109 of which were classed as accidental. Seven of these latter were caused by fractures, and 19 by falls. In 11 cases deaths resulted from the deceased being run over by a cart, tram, train, &c. Nine deaths were from burns or scalds, 16 by drowning, 6 by suffocation, 3 by poisoning, 9 by injuries to head, spine, hip, &c.; besides 9 from accident at birth, and 20 others.

One death was classified as homicide. Of 28 suicides, 7 were by shooting, 2 by cutting throat, 7 by poison, 7 by hanging, 3 by drowning, 1 by suffocation (gas), and 1 by jumping from a house.

VITAL STATISTICS OF AUSTRALASIAN CAPITALS, 1904.

The vital statistics of the chief cities, with their suburbs, of Australasia show that the death-rate in Wellington (N.Z.) for 1904 was lower than that of any other of the principal towns for the same year.

Capital Cities (including Suburbs).Estimated Mean Population.Births.Deaths.Excess of Births over Deaths.
Total Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.Total Number.Rate per 1,000 of Population.
* Ten-mile radius.
Melbourne504,96011,88623.546,55812.995,328
Sydney514,80013,21525.675,67511.027,540
Adelaide169,3974,01623.712,02211.941,994
Brisbane*125,0683,30126.401,43311.401,868
Perth48,4001,78036.7882317.00957
Hobart34,88899928.6455515.91444
Wellington55,6181,47926.5958010.43899

AVERAGE AGE AT DEATH, AND EXPECTATION OF LIFE.

The average age at death of persons of either sex, in each of the ten years 1896–1905, was as follows:—

 Males,Females.
1,89636.80 years32.41 years.
1,89738.80 years34.77 years.
1,89839.29 years35.69 years.
1,89937.73 years33.54 years.
1,90040.31 years46.14 years.
1,90141.64 years37.68 years.
1,90241.07 years34.88 years.
1,90339.56 years35.43 years.
1,90441.47 years38.44 years.
1,90543.03 years39.13 years.

The average expectation of life at each year of age has been compiled from a table given in a paper on the rates of mortality in New Zealand which was published by Mr. George Leslie. This is the best and most up-to-date information procurable, but it is not guaranteed by the authorities of the Government Life Insurance Department.

The table shows, on comparison with New South Wales figures (Coghlan's), that at birth the expectation of life to the male infant in New Zealand is considerably greater than in that State, the figures being 54.44 years (N.Z.), against 49.60 (N.S.W.), and for females 57.26 and 52.90.

At 21 years of age the expectation in New Zealand for males is 43.77 years, against 41.35 (N.S.W.), and for females 45.59, against 43.62.

At age 45 the comparison is, for males, 25.23 years (N.Z.), 23.27 (N.S.W.); females, 27.46 years (N.Z.), against 25.34 (N.S.W.).

At the age of 70, the limit of a normal life, the figures for New Zealand are—males 9.48 years, females 10.23, against 8.64 for both sexes in New South Wales.

Throughout the comparison is in favour of this country.

EXPECTATION OF LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND.
Age.Average Duration of Life: Years.Age.Average Duration of Life: Years.Age.Average Duration of Life: Years.
Male.Female.Male.Female.Male.Female.
054.44457.2603532.82934.954709.48110.227
159.10261.2143032.05434.215718.9889.073
259.16961.2203731.28233.175728.5049.130
358.62660.6472830.51132.734738.0358.694
457.92459.9343929.74431.990747.5808.095
557.16759.1484028.97931.243757.1607.614
656.39658.3434128.22030.493766.7587.164
755.60657.5204227.46529.739776.3796.742
854.79156.6804326.71528.981786.0226.349
953.95655.8254425.97128.221795.6835.982
1053.09454.9534525.23127.458805.3625.636
1152.21254.0694624.49926.694815.0555.312
1251.31553.1804723.77325.927824.7655.005
1350.42552.2944823.05525.163834.4894.714
1449.53951.4154922.34424.399844.2294.439
1548.66350.5455021.63623.640853.9824.180
1647.80349.6905120.93222.885863.7473.935
1746.96048.3475220.23122.135873.5253.705
1846.13948.0165319.53021.392883.3133.487
1945.33647.1985418.83620.655893.1103.283
2044.55146.3935518.15019.926902.9143.089
2143.77545.5935617.47819.202912.7232.905
2243.00544.8035716.82218.485922.5252.731
2342.23544.0215816.18317.776932.3232.564
2441.46343.2445915.56017.077942.1012.400
2540.68442.4746014.94916.386951.8432.238
2639.89941.7086114.34815.705961.5532.082
2739.10840.9466213.75415.037971.2471.931
2838.31940.1876313.17014.386980.9601.774
2937.52639.4316412.60013.752990.6771.600
3036.73638.6786512.04613.1351000.5001.424
3135.94937.9286611.51212.534101...1.195
3235.16537.1816710.99411.945102...0.889
3334.38436.4386810.48611.365103...0.500
3433.69535.695699.98110.792   

ORPHANHOOD OF CHILDREN.

New Zealand statistics give detailed information on this subject, which appears to be unique. In a paper read by Mr. H. W. Manly, actuary of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, on the 27th April, 1903, before the Institute of Actuaries at London, under the heading “Children's Benefits,” he stated that in order to ascertain the ages and the number of children left by a married man at his death he had to go to the same source as Mr. King did when he constructed his table of “Family Annuities”—viz., the “Statistics of the Colony of New Zealand.” And further, after announcing his intention of making very considerable use of the information, he gave the tables, grouping five ages together. (“Journal of the Institute of Actuaries,” October, 1903.)

Although the subject is not one of general interest, as the Yearbook is more often referred to than a statistical volume, it may be excusable to draw attention here to the tables published for the year 1905 and the experience of the quinquennial period, as shown in the “Statistics of New Zealand.”

The first table shows, for the year 1905, the total number of men who died at each year of age from twenty upwards; the number of married men stated in the registers as having died (a) childless, (b) leaving children; and the number and ages of the children living at the time of the father's death. The next is a similar table, but giving five years' results for all ages of the fathers. A condensation of the table is shown.

NEW ZEALAND, 1901 TO 1905.
Ages of Married Men at Death.Number of Marriea Men who diedNumber and Ages of Living Issue.
Childless.Leaving Children.Under 55 to 10.10 to 15.15 to 21.21 and over.Not specified.
20 to 3073158234351....13
30 to 4013063971767430348..83
40 to 501509466009581,074978330151
50 to 601901,4032606261,0751,9253,174417
60 to 651321,050551753979994,131251
65 and upwards6444,290631864791,33619,6451,286

A table has also been prepared showing, for the year 1905, the number and ages of the youngest orphan children left.

INFANTILE MORTALITY.

Subjoined is a classified statement of the deaths of infants under one year during 1905, with the ratio of the deaths in each class to the 1,000 births during the year:—

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.
1905Male406159165171901
Female308126125139698
DEATHS TO THE 1,000 BIRTHS.
1905Male33.5313.1313.6314.1274.41
Female26.6110.8910.8012.01 60.31 

Seventy-four out of every thousand of male children born, and sixty of every thousand females, are found to have died before attaining the age of one year. The mortality is thus one in thirteen of male children and one in seventeen of females, even in New Zealand, where conditions are far more favourable to infant life than in Australia, at least as far as relates to the cities.

It will also be seen from the figures that the chances of living during the first year of age are far greater for female than for male infants. Thus, during the year 1905 there were—

100 deaths of males to 71 deaths of females under 1 month of age;
100 deaths of males to 83 deaths of females from 1 to 3 months of age;
100 deaths of males to 79 deaths of females from 3 to 6 months of age;
100 deaths of males to 85 deaths of females from 6 to 12 months of age;
100 deaths of males to 81 deaths of females under 12 months of age;

The rates of infantile mortality—that is, the proportion the deaths of children under one year of age bear to the births—are higher in the Australian States than in New Zealand.

Dealing with the results forf ten years, the deaths of infants under one year are in the large proportion of three-fourths of the total deaths under five, as might be expected, the first year being the tenderest period. (See notes to tables.)

DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR, AND PROPORTION TO BIRTHS.
Year.Deaths of Infants under 1 Year of Age, (Total for each Year, and Means of 10 Years.)Total Births registered in each Year, and Mean of 10 Years.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year to every 1,000 Births.
Under 1 Month.1 Month and under 3 Months.3 Months and under 6 Months.6 Months and under 12 Months.Total under 12 Months.
1,8965662293043401,43918,61277.3
1,8975122402693331,35118,73772.3
1,8985732893063421,51018,95579.7
1,8996193893784201,80618,83595.9
1,9006072882932811,46919,54675.2
1,9016102723922891,56320,49176.3
1,9026653443133901,71220,65582.9
1,9036923463673651,77021,82981.1
1,9046692603563311,61622,76671.0
1,9057142852903101,59923,68267.5
Means of ten years6232943273401,58420,41177.6

NOTE.—The total number of deaths of infants for the period included in the table is 15,838.

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

Year.Deaths of Children under 1 to 5 years of Age, (Totals for each Year, and Means of 10 Years.)Total Deaths at all Ages for each Year, and Mean of 10 Years.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 Deaths under 5 Years.
1,8961,4392155976641,8536,43223.81
1,8971,3541878469381,7326,59526.26
1,8981,5102009172471,9207,24426.50
1,8991,80629111174562,3387,68030.44
1,9001,4692059364581,8897,20026.24
1,9011,5632088568521,9767,63425.88
1,9021,71230711892612,2908,37527.34
1,9031,770275126111642,3468,52827.51
1,9041,6161698363431,9748,08724.41
1,9051,5991769761461,9798,06124.55
Means of ten years1,5842239575532,0307,58426.76

NOTE.—The total number of deaths included in this table of children under 5 years is 20,297.

Although 15,838 infants (under one year) were lost to the colony by death during the decade, and 20,297 children under five, the third table shows much more satisfactory results for this colony than for New South Wales or Victoria in the matter of the preservation of infant life. Dealing with averages of five years, in New Zealand only 77 infants under one year are found to die out of every 1,000 born, against 102 in New South Wales and 98 in Victoria.

Year.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year of Age to every 1,000 Births.
New Zealand.New South Wales.Victoria.
1,90075.2103.395.3
1,90176.3103.7102.9
1,90282.9109.7108.8
1,90381.1110.4106.4
1,90471.082.477.6
Means of five years77.3101.998.2

European countries show still higher mortality of infants than the principal Australian States: England and Wales, 152 (under one year) to every 1,000 births; France, 152; Italy, 167; Hungary, 214. Sweden (98) and Norway (91) are notable exceptions.

The principal causes of mortality in children under one year for New Zealand are given, with the numbers of deaths for five years from such causes. Premature birth stands first in order of importance, marasmus or debility coming next.*

* The report of the Royal Commission on the decline of the birth-rate in New South Wales (1904). besides giving statistics of infantile mortality, describes the conditions that operate in producing such mortality. Recommendations are also made, and the subject of feeding and care of infants dealt with.

The causes which operate in producing infantile mortality both among legitimates and illegitimates in New South Wales, are enumerated as under:—

  1. Premature birth; defective viability consequent upon imperfections in the process of development; disease acquired before birth; injured and impaired viability arising before or in process of birth.

  2. Defective care of the new-born by ignorant or careless midwives.

  3. Ill health of mothers, and consequent inability to provide the natural nutrition of infants and requisite nursing.

  4. A want of knowledge of the proper modes of rearing infants (exemplified under seven head).

  5. Injurious quality of proprietary and other artificial foods, often recklessly advertised.

  6. Injurious quality of milk under the conditions in which it is commonly supplied and used.

  7. Injurious effects of chemical preservatives in milk, and in preparations of milk used as infant-food.

  8. Insufficient public maternity-hospital accommodation for the parturient women among the poorer classes.

  9. Insufficient public-hospital accommodation for the treatment of sick infants.

  10. The prevalence of epidemic preventable disease in infants.

  11. The undue incidence of “summer diarrhœa,” or acute gastro-intestinal catarrh. The causes tending to produce mortality in the illegitimate infants were found to be (in New South Wales):—

  12. Maternal indifference, and the social and economic disabilities of the mothers.

  13. Defective management of institutions and places where illegitimate infants are received.

  14. Secret adoption of children for gain.

  15. Separation of infants from their mothers.

  16. Infanticide and fœticide of viable infants.

DEATHS UNDER ONE YEAR.—PRINCIPAL CAUSES.
Principal Causes of Deaths of Infants.1,9011,9021,9031,9041,905
Miasmatic diseases41921913620
Diarrheal diseases9517612215292
Premature birth264303301291360
Convulsions91821039596
Bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy207235241149203
Enteritis116154167231193
Marasmus, &c.260294270273253

A table is added to show that higher mortality obtains in the large towns than in New Zealand as a whole and two States of Australia.

Year.Wellington and Suburbs.Sydney and Suburbs.Melbourne and Suburbs.
Total Births.Deaths of Infants under 1 Year.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year to 1,000 Births.Total Births.Deaths of Infants under 1 Year.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year to 1,000 Births.Total Births.Deaths of Infants under 1 Year.Proportion of Deaths of Infants under 1 Year to 1,000 Births.
1,9001,2439173.312,1271,322109.012,0671,36411,130
1,9011,326133100.312,6011,517120.412,3751,536124.1
1,9021,321172130.213,0021,457112.112,4981,590127.2
1,9031,52014192.812,7491,483116.312,0121,493124.3
1,9041,47914195.313,2151,30098.411,8861,10292.7
Means of five years1,37813698.412,7391,416111.112,1681,417116.5

CAUSES OF DEATH (THE WHOLE COLONY).

The deaths registered in the colony during 1905, arranged in the several classes according to their assigned causes, give the rates shown on the next page.

Causes of Death.Number of Deaths.Proportion to Total Deaths.Proportion per 10,000 living, 1905.Proportion per 10,000 living, 1904.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.
Class I. Specific febrile or zymotic diseases.—   Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.  
    Order 1. Miasmatic diseases90821721.922.432.131.983.24
    Order 2. Diarrhœal diseases66621281.411.841.591.472.28
    Order 3. Malarial diseases.........................
    Order 4. Zoogenous diseases.........................
    Order 5. Venereal diseases217280.450.210.350.320.20
    Order 6. Septic diseases3033630.640.980.780.720.94
        Total Class I.2071843914.425.464.854.496.72
Class II. Parasitic diseases124160.260.120.200.180.27
Class III. Dietetic diseases4210520.900.300.640.600.62
Class IV. Constitutional diseases7676701,43716.3619.8717.8316.5218.60
Class V. Developmental diseases53944097911.4713.0512.1411.259.69
Class VI. Local diseases,—        
    Order 1. Diseases of nervous system52139291311.1111.6211.3310.4910.22
    Order 2. Diseases of organs of special sense85130.170.150.160.150.12
    Order 3. Diseases of circulatory system6.433711,01413.7111.0012.5811.6611.28
    Order 4. Diseases of respiratory system57240898012.2012.1012.1611.2610.85
    Order 5. Diseases of digestive system4103717818.7511.009.698.989.54
    Order 6. Diseases of lymphatic system1032420.220.950.520.480.6
    Order 7. Diseases of urinary system2651103755.653.264.654.313.59
    Order 8. Diseases of reproductive system,—        
        (a.) Of organs of generation139400.021.160.500.460.31
        (b.) Of parturition...7979...2.340.980.911.01
    Order 9. Diseases of locomotive system95140.190.150.170.160.22
    Order 10. Diseases of integumentary system85130.170.150.160.150.15
        Total Class VI.2,4471,8174,26452.1953.8852.9049.0147.08
Class VII. Violence,—        
    Order 1. Accident or negligence425955209.062.826.455.987.02
    Order 2. Homicide3250.070.060.060.060.06
    Order 3. Suicide6920891.470.591.111.021.18
    Order 4. Execution1...10.02...0.010.01...
        Total Class VII.49811761510.623.477.637.078.26
Class VIII. Ill-defined and not-specified causes1771303073.783.853.813.533.86
        Grand totals4,6893,3728,061100.00100.00100.0092.6595.70

The next table shows, for either sex, the number of deaths from each cause registered during the year 1905:—

CAUSES OF DEATH.
Class.Orders and Diseases.Males.Females.Total.
I.— SPECIFIC FEBRILE OR ZYMOTIC DISEASES.ORDER 1.—Miasmatic.
Small-pox.........
Chicken-pox.........
Measles448
Epidemic rose-rash, rubeola.........
Scarlet fever, scarlatina4610
Typhus.........
Buhonic plague.........
Dengue.........
Relapsing fover.........
Influenza403070
Whooping-cough213
Mumps.........
Diphtheria122335
Cerebro-spinal fever1...1
Simple and ill-defined fever.........
Enteric fever, typhoid271843
Other miasmatic diseases.........
Total Order 19082172
    
ORDER 2.—Diarrhœal.   
Simple cholera8513
Diarrhœa5857115
Dysentery.........
Total Order 26662128
    
ORDER 3.—Malarial.   
Remittent fever.........
Ague.........
Beriberi.........
Total Order 3.........
    
ORDER 4.–Zoogenous.   
Hydrophobia.........
Glanders.........
Splenic fever.........
Cow-pox and other effects of vaccination.........
Total Order 4.........
    
ORDER 5.—Venereal.   
Syphilis19726
Gonorrhœa, stricture of urethra, ulcer of groin2...2
Total Order 521728
    
ORDER 6.—Septic.   
Phagedæna.........
Erysipelas538
Pyæmia, septicemia25934
Puerperal fever, pyæmia, septicæmia...2121
Total Order 6303303
    
Total Class I.207184391
    
II.—PARASITIC DISEASES.Thrush.........
Other diseases from vegetable parasites.........
Hydatid disease12416
Worms.........
Other diseases from animal parasites.........
    
Total Class II.12416
    
III.—DIETETIC DISEASES.Starvation, exposure112
Want of breast-milk112
Scurvy516
Intemperance—   
  Chronic alcoholism22426
  Delirium tremens7...7
Other dietetic diseases639
    
Total Class III.421052
    
IV.—CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.Rheumatic fever211132
Rheumatism448
Gout1...1
Rickets134
Cancer313253566
Tabes mesenterica, tubercular peritonitis171734
Tubercular meningitis, acute hydrocephalus393675
Phthisis254242496
Other forms of tuberculosis, scrofula482573
Purpura, hæmorrhagic diathesis6311
Anæmia. chlorosis, leuco-cythæmia222850
Diabetes mellitus354479
Other constitutional diseases448
    
Total Class IV.7676701,437
    
V.—DEVELOPMENTAL dISEASES.Premature birth196164360
Atelectasis8412
Cyanosis358
Spina bifida167
Imperforate anus1...1
Cleft palate, hare-lip112
Other congenital defects4711
Old age325253578
    
Total Class V.539440979
    
VI.—LOCAL DISEASES.ORDER 1.—Diseases of Nervous System.
Inflammation of the brain or its membranes6752119
Cerebro-spinal meningitis112
Apoplexy168131299
Softening of brain16824
Hemiplegia, brain paralysis201939
Paralysis (undescribed)423577
Paralysis agitans8210
Insanity, general paralysis of insane331346
Chorea.........
Epilepsy232141
Convulsions6853121
Laryngismus stridulus.........
Idiopathic tetanus112
Paraplegia, diseases of spinal cord171633
Locomotor ataxia8210
Other diseases of nervous system493887
    
Total Order 1521392913
    
ORDER 2.—Diseases of Organs of Special Sense.
Otitis, otorrhœa8513
Epistaxis, and diseases of nose.........
Ophthalmia, and diseases of eye.........
    
Total Order 28513
    
ORDER 3.—Diseases of Circulatory System.
Endocarditis, valvular disease407242649
Pericarditis246
Hypertrophy of heart628
Fatty degeneration of heart532982
Angina pectoris241236
Syncope9843141
Aneurism13417
Senile gangrene10414
Embolism, thrombosis132336
Phlebitis...33
Varicose veins, piles.........
Other diseases of circulatory system17522
    
Total Order 36433711,014
    
ORDER 4.—Diseases of Respiratory System.
Laryngitis9514
Croup7815
Other diseases of larynx and trachea...11
Asthma, emphysema15722
Bronchitis198159357
Pneumonia261164425
Pleurisy282856
Other diseases of respiratory system543690
    
Total Order 4572408980
    
ORDER 5.—Diseases of Digestive System.
Stomatitis, cancrum oris...22
Dentition10919
Sore throat, quinsy336
Dyspepsia415
Hæmatemesis437
Melæna268
Diseases of stomach, gastritis5465119
Enteritis135125260
Ulceration, perforation, of intestine3..3
Ileus, obstruction of intestine352055
Stricture or strangulation of intestine213
Intussusception of intestine4610
Hernia201232
Fistula112
Peritonitis313364
Ascites...33
Gall-stones5611
Cirrhosis of liver241640
Other diseases of liver, hepatitis, jaundice252853
Appendicitis371663
Other diseases of digestive system111526
    
Total Order 5410371781
    
ORDER 6.—Diseases of Lymphatic System and Ductless Glands.
Diseases of lymphatic system5510
Diseases of spleen.........
Bronchocele22527
Addison's disease325
    
Total Order 6103242
    
ORDER 7.—Diseases of Urinary System.
Acute nephritis291443
Bright's disease13267199
Uræmia181331
Suppression of urine6...6
Calculus213
Hæmaturia2...2
Diseases of bladder and prostate55459
Other diseases of urinary system (kidney-diseases undescribed)211132
    
Total Order 7265110375
    
ORDER 8.—Diseases of Reproductive System.
(a.) Diseases of organs of generation,—   
Ovarian disease...88
Diseases of uterus and vagina...2323
Disorders of menstruation...11
Pelvic abscess...77
Perineal abscess1...1
Diseases of testes, penis, scrotum, &c..........
    
(b.) Diseases of parturition,—   
Abortion, miscarriage...2020
Puerperal mania...11
Puerperal metritis.........
Puerperal convulsions...99
Placenta prævia (flooding)...1717
Phlegmasia dolens...11
Other accidents of childbirth...3131
    
Total Order 81118119
    
ORDER 9.—Diseases of Organs of Locomotion.
Caries, necrosis314
Arthritis, ostitis314
Other diseases of organs of locomotion336
    
Total Order 99514
    
ORDER 10.—Diseases of Integumentary System.
Carbuncle1...1
Phlegmon, cellulitis325
Lupus...22
Ulcer, bed-sore.........
Eczema213
Pemphigus2...2
Other diseases of integumentary system.........
    
Total Order 108513
    
Total Class VI.2,4471,8174,264
    
VII.—VIOLANCE.ORDER 1.—Accident or Negligence.
Fractures, contusions20129230
Gunshot wounds21122
Cut, stab12416
Burn, scald201939
Sunstroke.........
Poison10717
Drowning12616142
Suffocation171027
Otherwise18927
    
Total Order 142595520
ORDER 2.—Homicide.   
Murder, manslaughter325
Wounds in battle.........
Total Order 2325
    
ORDER 3.—Suicide.
Gunshot wounds24...24
Cut, stab15217
Poison5813
Drowning7714
Hanging13215
Otherwise516
    
Total Order 3692089
    
ORDER 4.—Execution.
Hanging1...1
Total Class VII.498117615
    
VIII.—ILL-DEFINED AND NOT-SPEFICIED CAUSES.Dropsy.........
Marasmus, &c.162120288
Mortification, gangrene1...1
Tumour314
Abscess...11
Hæmorrhaga.........
Sudden (cause unascer tained)11213
Other ill-defined and not-specified causes.........
    
Total Class VIII177130307
    
 General totals4,6893,3728,061

MORTALITY FROM FEBRILE AND ZYMOTIC DISEASES.

The deaths in 1905 from specific febrile or zymotic diseases amounted to 391, a proportion of 4.49 in every 10,000 persons living, and a decrease of 177 on the number of deaths in 1904, when the proportion was 6.72.

The feature of last year's mortality is the comparative freedom of the colony from some of the epidemic diseases most fatal to children—viz., measles, scarlet fever, scarlatina, and whooping-cough—the total deaths from these causes being only 21, against 58 in 1904 and 478 in 1903.

The diseases in this class that have caused the greatest mortality during the past ten years are stated in the table that follows. Of these, diarrhœal complaints were by far the most fatal, causing 2,282 deaths in the decennial period. Influenza comes next, with 1,319 deaths; typhoid fever third, with 838 deaths; whooping-cough fourth, with 579 deaths; measles fifth, with 505 deaths; diphtheria next, 472 deaths; scarlet fever, with 228 deaths; and puerperal fever, with 201 deaths:—

Diseases.1896.1897.1898.1899.1900.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Measles115613796134143108
Scarlet fever and scarlatina422..1017391311310
Diphtheria74494558634454232735
Whooping-cough242612390983204353
Influenza891202191351812191175611370
Diarrhœal diseases334257275298199139275184193128
Enteric or typhoid fever12410612093689553617345
Puerperal fever10181915242025282121

The mortality from measles from 1896 to 1898 was not great, but rose to 137 deaths in 1899, falling again to 9 deaths in 1900 and 6 deaths in 1901, again rising to 134 in 1902, and further to 143 deaths in 1903. During 1904 and 1905 this disease was not epidemic in the colony, and caused only ten and eight deaths respectively. From scarlet fever and scarlatina there were only 10 deaths last year, as compared with 131 in 1903, and 13 in 1904. The mortality from diphtheria, which was 74 deaths in 1896, fell to 35 deaths in 1905, the figures for the intervening years not presenting any striking features.

Whooping-cough in 1896, 1897, and 1898, caused 32 deaths. In 1899 the mortality sprang up again to a total of 123 deaths, against 90 in 1900, 9 in 1901, and 83 in 1902. In 1903 the mortality was heavy, the number of deaths being 204, but in 1904 only 35 deaths are recorded from this complaint, while last year the number was further reduced to 3 deaths.

The deaths from influenza numbered 70 in 1905, as against 113 in the previous year. The figures for the eight previous years ranged from 89 to 219, the last being for the years 1898 and 1901.

From diarrhœal complaints the deaths in 1905 were 128, against 193 in 1904; while in 1896 the mortality reached the height of 334 deaths, and in 1889 was even higher (355), with a much smaller population than in 1905.

Enteric or typhoid fever was less fatal in 1905 than in 1904, the figures being 45 deaths, against 73. The highest mortality during the decennium was in 1896, when the deaths numbered 124 for the colony.

BUBONIC PLAGUE.

The year 1900 saw the outbreak of the disease known as the bubonic plague, in Sydney and other parts of Australia. In that year there was one death from plague in New Zealand, which occurred at Auckland. None happened in the year 1901, but three deaths from this cause, all males, were registered at Auckland during 1902. No deaths from plague were recorded in 1903, but one death occurred in 1904. Last year no deaths were ascribed to this cause. The Public Health Department is taking every possible precaution.

VACCINATION.

The vaccinations registered for the last ten years are as under:—

Year.Total Vaccinations registered of Children under 14 Years of Age.Vaccinations of Children under 1 Year of Age.Number of Births registered.Proportion of Successful Vaccinations of
Children under 14 Years of Age to Total Births. Per Cent.Children under 1 Year of Age to Total Births. Per Cent.
1,9053,8182,07923,68216.128.78
1,90418,3682,32322,76680 6810.20
1,90311,6835,56621,82953.5225.50
1,9028,7632,61120,65542.4312.64
1,9013,7681,98420,49118.399.68
1,9004,5253,15119,54623.1516.12
1,8995,1333,37918,83527.2517.94
1,89810,3495,50718,95554.6029.05
1,89712,4406,16218,73366.4132.89
1,89611,9175,72718,61264.0330.78

The number of successful vaccinations of children registered in 1905 was 3,818, against 18,368 in 1904. The fall prior to 1902 was consequent on the alteration of the law relative to vaccination in England, and subsequently in this colony, while the increase shown for the three years 1902–4 was no doubt due to a slight visitation of small-pox from abroad, which caused one death in 1903.

Nine children out of every hundred born in 1905 are shown to have been successfully vaccinated in that year. This is a falling-back to the position which obtained in 1901 as regards vaccination of infants. The exemptions taken out will also be found from the subsequent remarks to have fallen in number. The procedure under the new law as regards vaccination is similar to that previously in force. The Registrar issues a notice when a birth is registered, with forms for certificate as to the result of vaccination attached. Vaccination is still compulsory, if exemption, is not secured in four months from date of birth. But everything is now 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 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.

Thirteen thousand one hundred and seventy-nine exemption certificates were issued from the 13th October, 1900, when the Act came into force, to the end of the year 1905. Of these 1,966 belong to the year 1905, when, as before stated, the successful vaccination of children under one year of age amounted to 2,079, or 9 per cent. of births.

When no exemption certificate is obtained, the law now allows to the parent twelve months instead of six 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, as before. One conviction for neglecting to vaccinate a child removes liability until the child is four years of age.

The figures given above do not include Maoris vaccinated, nor vaccinations of adult persons other than Natives.

PARASITIC DISEASES.

There were 16 deaths from parasitic diseases, the proportion per 10,000 living being 0.18. Deaths from hydatids numbered 16 in 1905.

DIETETIC DISEASES.

Under the class “Dietetic diseases” are included 33 deaths from intemperance. But these cannot be said to represent the full extent of the mortality really caused by the abuse of alcoholic liquors. Many deaths of intemperate persons are attributed to disease of the liver, kidneys, &c., in the medical certificates.

CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES: PHTHISIS, CANCER, ETC.

The deaths from constitutional diseases in 1905 numbered 1,437, or 16.52 per 10,000 of population, and 18 out of every 100 deaths from all causes. This class of disease is more fatal than any other except that defined as “Local diseases,” on account of the great numbers of deaths from cancer and phthisis, with other tubercular complaints, which are classed as “Constitutional.”

The number of deaths from phthisis was 496 in 1905. The deaths in 1905 were in the proportion of 5.70 in every 10,000 persons living, against 7.08 in the previous year.

Figures for ten years are quoted, showing that the total number of deaths from this disease in 1902 was the highest recorded during the decennium, though the rate has been higher in some of the previous years.

Year.Deaths from Phthisis.Rate per 10,000.
1,8965237.40
1,8975968.26
1,8985978.11
1,8995937.91
1,9005777.56
1,9015967.66
1,9026177.73
1,9035706.95
1,9045987.08
1,9054965.70

Of the persons dying from phthisis in New Zealand during 1905, more than one-half were born in the colony. The numbers are: total of deaths from phthisis, 496; 275 of them having been New-Zealand-born. The proportion is 55 per cent.

At the census of 1901 the New-Zealand-born were shown to be 67 per cent. of the population, which would give the approximate number of the same in 1905 as 582,900. The death-rate from phthisis amongst these persons was, judging from the numbers in the table annexed, 4.72 per 10,000 living.

The death-rate from phthisis in the United Kingdom is stated by the Registrar-General to be at the rate of 12.03 per 10,000 living for the year.

DEATHS FROM PHTHISIS, 1905.

TABLE showing the Number of Persons who died from Phthisis in the Colony during the Year 1905, classified according to Age, Sex, and Length of Residence in the Colony.

Length of Residence in the Colony.Age at Death.
Under 5 Years.5 to 10.10 to 15.15 to 25.25 to 35.35 to 45.45 to 55.55 to 65.65 t 75.75 and upwards.Total.
MALES.           
Under 1 month.........1...2............3
1 to 6 months1.........111.........4
6 to 12 months.........3..................3
1 to 2 years.........12...............3
2 to 3 years............31............4
3 to 4 years............4...1.........5
4 to 5 years............2...............2
5 to 10 years...............51.........6
10 to 15 years............43...11...9
15 to 20 years............13...1......5
20 to 25 years............2...32......7
25 years and upwards............63142513263
Not known.........257744130
Born in colony212464113311...110
        Totals3125371383034193254
            
FEMALES.           
Under 1 month.................................
1 to 6 months............1...............1
6 to 12 months.................................
1 to 2 years.........11...............2
2 to 3 years............1...............1
3 to 4 years...............1...1......2
4 to 5 years.................................
5 to 10 years............1...............1
10 to 15 years.................................
15 to 20 years.........1..................1
20 to 25 years.........164...1......12
25 years and upwards............68111410352
Not known.........2...11......15
Born in colony1...56669204.........1.5
        Totals1...57185341616104242
        Totals of both sexes417124156724650297496

In Australasia the rate is materially increased by the deaths of persons who have come from other countries either already suffering from phthisis or predisposed thereto. There is no reason for believing that this circumstance has more effect on the death-rate in Australia than in New Zealand; so that the lower rate referred to in previous issues of this work as obtaining in this colony may be taken as proof of the superiority of its climate for withstanding consumptive tendencies.

Phthisis is now known to be and is treated as an infectious preventable disease caused by the Bacillus tuberculosus, which is communicable in many ways. Certain constitutions are far more predisposed than others to receive this bacillus, especially under conditions of life unfavourable to robust health, when a nidus is formed for the development of the bacillus. The Government has established a sanatorium for consumptives at Cambridge in the Waikato, and further institutions are contemplated.

From other forms of tuberculosis the deaths in 1905 were 182, or 2.09 per 10,000 of population. Thus a large addition has to be made to the deaths from phthisis to appreciate the full mischief done by tubercular disease.

Deaths from all Tubercular Diseases.

The mortality from all forms of tubercular disease, taken together, has been at the average rate of about 10 persons per 10,000 living for the last ten years. This rate is far lower than that which obtained in England during the year 1903, when the proportion was 17.42 per 10,000 living.

A table is supplied showing the results for each of ten years in New Zealand. Besides the death-rate from tubercular diseases, it also shows the percentage of deaths by tubercle to those from all causes, which was from 8.41 to 11.57 per cent. for the decennial period 1896–1905.

DECENNIAL TABLE, 1896–1905, SHOWING THE DEATH-RATE FROM TUBERCLE PER 10,000 LIVING AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL DEATHS.
Year.Mean Population.Number of Deaths from Tubercular Diseases.Rate per 10,000.Percentage of Total Deaths from all Causes.
1,896706,8466809.6210.57
1,897721,60976310.5711.57
1,898736,26076910.4410.62
1,899749,98479510.6010.35
1,900763,5947529.8510.44
1,901777,9687759.9610.15
1,902797,79380210.059.58
1,903820,2177699.389.02
1,904845,0227999.469.88
1,905870,0006787.798.41

DECENNIAL TABLE, 1896–1905.—Deaths from various Tubercular Diseases registered in New Zealand, specifying the Number under and over Five Years of Age.

Persons.
Year.Tabes Mesenterica, Tubercular Peritonitis.Tubercular Meningitis, Acute HydrocephalusPhthisis.Other Forms of Tuberculosis, Scrofula.Total Deaths from Tuberculosis.Total all Ages.
Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.
1,896361130285518193390590680
1,89735933327589134588675763
1,8983712373810587113795674769
1,8994319324010583125697698795
1,900202024551356494766686752
1,9013022303110586145284691775
1,90226193630561286675727802
1,903222839359561116481688769
1,904171844445593126678721799
1,90515193738449286564614678

Nine deaths from “lupus” recorded during the decennium have not been included in the above table. They were all deaths of adult persons (3 males and 6 females), excepting 1, aged 13 years. Two deaths of females, aged 13 and 69 years respectively, were registered as from this disease in 1905.

It will be seen that the term “tubercular diseases” includes “phthisis,” “tabes mesenterica,” “tubercular peritonitis,” “tubercular meningitis,” “acute hydrocephalus,” with other forms of tuberculosis (scrofula, &c.). Of these the mortality from phthisis forms by far the greatest part of the whole. Thus, in 1905 there were 496 deaths from phthisis out of a total of 678 deaths from all tubercular complaints. Of 496 deaths by phthisis, only 4 were of persons under 5 years of age.

Examination of the next table, giving the full series of ages of persons who died from tubercular disease during the year 1905, shows that of 34 deaths from tabes mesenterica, with tubercular peritonitis, 15 were of children under 5 years. Also that, of 75 deaths from tubercular meningitis, with acute hydrocephalus, 37 were of persons under 5 years, and 24 from 5 to 20 years. Under “other forms of tuberculosis” (excepting phthisis) the greater numbers of deaths are at ages under 30 years.

The mortality from phthisis is heaviest at 20–30 years, being 183 deaths out of 496 of all ages; but large numbers are found in the columns as far as that for the advanced term of 65 to 70 years, at which the deaths for 1905 were 20, and 16 deaths from this cause are of persons of 70 years and upwards.

TABLE showing the Number of Deaths from Tubercular Diseases registered in New Zealand during the Year 1905, arranged in Groups of Ages.

Persons.
Under 1 Years.Under 5 Years.5 to 10.10 to 15.15 to 20.20 to 25.25 to 30.30 to 35.35 to 40.40 to 45.45 to 50.50 to 55.55 to 60.60 to 65.65 to 70.70 to 75.75 to 80.80 and upwards.Total, 5 Years and over.All Ages.
Tabes mesenterica, tubercular peritonitis1215313342...11...1...............1934
Tubercular meningitis, acute hydrocephalus123711855133...1...1...............3875
Phthisis24173391926440322521252520952492496
Other forms of tuberculosis, scrofula386469397543513.........6573
Totals29642120471081007850383124322623952614678

To show the mortality from tuberculosis in various parts of the colony, a table giving the deaths in the various provincial districts is added, which, however, only shows that the mortality is distributed very much according to population. The deaths in the North Island are, however, found to be 48 fewer than those for the South Island, or 315 deaths and 363 deaths for those divisions respectively:—

TABLE showing the Number of Deaths from Tubercular Disease registered in each Provincial District of New Zealand during the Year 1905.

Provincial District.Tabes Mesenterica, Tubercular Peritonitis.Tubercular Meningitis, Acute Hydrocephalus.Phthisis.Other Forms of Tuberculosis, Scrofula.Total Deaths from Tuberculosis.
Auckland9811719153
Taranaki1916329
Hawke's Bay1427234
Wellington617631399
Marlborough....7411
Nelson3129437
Westland..2529
Canterbury4131016124
Otago102113120182
    Totals347549673678

Legislative action, before referred to, has been already taken in the direction of guarding the life and health of the people from tubercle; further than this, the complete isolation of consumptive patients, with the disinfecting of their sputa and of everything that has been in contact with them, is suggested from time to time as a necessary measure.

Cancer.

The deaths from cancer during the year 1905 were 566. There were more deaths of males than of females, the numbers being—males 313, females 253. The rate of mortality per 10,000 living was 6.51. The apparent increase in deaths from this disease is shown further on and compared with that of England. But the increase is not believed by all authorities to be a fact to the extent represented, but partly the result of more careful certification of the causes of death, and of improved diagnosis in cases of what is termed inaccessible cancer.

It is certain, however, that out of a total of 8,061 deaths from all causes in New Zealand during 1905, 566, or 7.02 per cent., were caused by cancer.

The death-rate from cancer is not so great as that from tubercular diseases, but is nevertheless a most alarming matter, not only on account of the number of deaths, but because of its progressive increase.

A decennial table shows that the deaths from cancer per 10,000 persons living rose from 5.50 in 1896 to 7.10 in 1903, 6.76 in 1904, and 6.51 in 1905; and that whereas 6.05 out of every 100 deaths were attributable to cancer ten years ago, the proportion had grown to 7.02 last year.

TABLE showing for each of the Ten Years 1896 to 1905 the Number of Persons registered as having died from Cancer, the Proportion of Deaths from Cancer per 10,000 living, and the Percentage of all Deaths attributed to Cancer.

Year.Estimated Mean Population.Deaths from Cancer.Total Deaths, all Causes.Deaths Cancer per 10,000 of Living PersonsPercentage of Total Deaths due to Cancer.
1,896706,8463896,4325.506.05
1,897721,6093956,5955.475.99
1,898736,2604717,2446.406.50
1,899749,9844687,6806.246.09
1,900763,5944307,2005.635.97
1,901777,9685157,6346.626.75
1,902797,7935368,3756.726.40
1,903820,2175828,5287.106.82
1,904845,0225718,0876.767.06
1,905870,0005668,0616.517.02

To exhibit how cancer affects the different parts of the human body in respect of each sex, the experience of five years (1901 to 1905) is shown in a succeeding table. Of any single organ affected, the stomach is the one most liable to be the seat of cancer among males, while the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, taking all these organs together, show a large number. Next to the stomach, the liver is with males the organ which is most often attacked, to judge by mortality records, and next in order come the intestines and rectum. Afterwards follow the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Amongst the females, the organs of generation—ovaries, uterus, and vagina—as a group, show most cases of mortality from cancer; but, as with the males, the stomach is, of any single organ, the one most affected, the breast, liver, intestines, and rectum following. Females do not contract cancer in the mouth (judging by the returns of deaths), tongue, lips, and throat to nearly the same extent as prevails among males. Whatever may be the cause, the figures are remarkable, being only 6.5 out of every 100 deaths from cancer among females, against 28.3 out of every 100 of males dying from the same cause, or, expressed in numbers, 74 deaths of females occurred against 400 of males from cancer in the mouth, &c., in a five years' experience of mortality.

DEATHS FROM CANCER, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, AND 1905.

TABLE showing the Number of Deaths of Males and Females from Cancer during the Years 1901 to 1905, classified according to the Part of the Body affected.

Part affected.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Number of Deaths.Proportion of Specified.Number of Deaths.proportion of Specified.Number of Deaths.Proportion of Specified.Number of Deaths.proportion of Specified.Number of Deaths.Proportion of Specified.
Males.
  Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent.
Mouth, lip, tongue, throat, neck, &c.6024.696324.149933.569932.467926.69
Stomach9739.9211242.919632.5410735.0810736.15
Intestines, rectum3213.173212.263511.873411.15299.80
Liver3715.233814.563511.874213.774916.55
Kidneys, bladder, urethra, &c.135.35124.60175.76134.26258.45
Leg, foot, &c.........41.3572.3041.35
Lung41.6441.5393.0530.9831.01
 243100.00261100.00295100.00305100 00296100.00
Not specified22..35..30..18..17..
    Totals265..296..325..323..313..
 
Females.
Mouth, tongue, throat, &c.62.77167.44219.05125.17198.09
Breast3817.513315.353314.232510.783816.17
Stomach6128.114320.005121.985523.715121.70
Intestines, rectum198.763315.352812.073213.793414.47
Kidneys, bladder20.9283.7252.1641.7272.98
Ovary, uterus, vagina5525.354420.464820.695825.004920.85
Liver2913.363315.353816.383515.092711.49
Gall-bladder, spleen, pancreas20.9231.4041.7210.4341.70
Lung, spine, thigh, shoulder52.3020.9341.72104.3162.55
 217100.00215100.00232100.00232100.00235100.00
Not specified33..25..25..16..18..
    Totals250..240..257..248..253..

Considering the numbers of persons dying at the different age-periods, the following table of ten years' results shows the age of 30 years to be the time of life at which deaths from cancer begin to be numerous (it is really 35 for males and 30 for females). The maximum of deaths is reached at the period 60 to 65 for males, and 55 to 60 for females. These remarks are given without reference to the numbers of persons living at the various ages.

Deaths from cancer, it will be observed, are very rare among children under 5 years, and not frequent in those above that age.

TABLE showing the Number of Persons (Males and Females) at Different Ages registered as having died from Cancer in New Zealand during the Ten Years 1896 to 1905.

Year.Under 1 Year.Total under 1 Year.1 to 2.2 to 3.3 to 4.4 to 5.Total under 5 Years5 to 10.10 to 15.15 to 20.20 to 25.25 to 30.30 to 35.35 to 40.40 to 45.45 to 50.50 to 55.55 to 6060 to 65.65 to 70.709 to 75.75 to 80.80 and upwards.Total 5 Years and over.All Ages.
Under 1 Month.1 to 3 Months.3 to 6 Months.6 to 12 Months.
1,896........................222112561421363974674929147387389
1,897...1......1...1...13...211...71022414271744935298392395
1,898.....................2...21225581736474777796935309469471
1,899.....................1... 133...14615214248826487452719467468
1,900...1......1......1...2......62267164035757859513120428430
1,901......1...1............12...455820315360658074633311514515
1,902..............................1...355722354950728886673115536536
1,9031.........1............1412610920374768698796723815581582
1,904.........11.........1231329615253557729999793133569571
1,905...... ...............11...13191015263958678496993819565566

The numbers of deaths of persons from cancer in each provincial district are given in another table, according to age-groups, but the result merely shows the disease to be one found everywhere throughout the colony—at least, there is no sufficient evidence of climatic conditions affecting the mortality to a great extent in any particular part of the country.

TABLE showing the Number of Deaths from Cancer registered in each Provincial District of the Colony of New Zealand during the Years 1902–5.

Provincial Districts.1902.1903.1904.1905
Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Total.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Total.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Total.Under 5 Years.Over 5 Years.Total.
Auckland...115115...11711711114115...110110
Taranaki...2424...2121...2121...2020
Hawke's Bay...1515...2626...2525...1616
Wellington...95951107168...113113...106106
Marlborough...77...66...55...66
Nelson...3333...2828...3232...2525
Westland...1919...3535...1616...1010
Canterbury...9898...105105...109109...112112
Otago...130130...136136113411160161
    Totals 536536158158225695711565566

The following extract from a contribution to the Lancet, by Dr. W. Vernon Shaw, is of interest:—

“The growth of cancer cells is to be looked upon as an effort of reproduction in damaged tissue, the incidence of the damage falling upon the nuclear structures. This damage alters the nature of these structures so that the vegetative functions of the cell run riot, and the cells become parasitic towards the organism in which the growth is taking place. The nature of the changes in the cancer cells and their life-history thus becomes the important point from which the origin of the cancer process must be determined.

“What is the cause of this vegetative activity? Is it an initial damage to the cells in response to which there is an over-active attempt at repair? The peculiar frequency of such disease in organs once active but now undergoing involution would suggest this explanation, and also, the frequent origin of malignant growths in damaged tissue further supports this view.”

The death-rates for cancer in respect of each sex are given for each of ten years, selected to show the position as from 1886 to 1905:—

DEATHS FROM CANCER IN EVERY 10,000 PERSONS OP EACH SEX LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND.

Year.Males.Female.
1,8863.693.67
1,8904.724.79
1,8946.655.27
1,8986.775.98
1,8996.855.56
1,9006.125.09
1,9016.486.77
1,9027.056.35
1,9037.516.63
1,9047.236.23
1,9056.796.18

The mortality was higher among the males than among the females (with the exception of 1890 and 1901), which is the reverse of English experience, where the rate was 7.32 per 10,000 of males and 10.03 of females for the year 1903. In the United Kingdom, however, the rate of increase is so much higher among males than with females that the Registrar-General calculates equilibrium will be reached in about the year 1932, and thereafter the rate among males would exceed the rate among females.

The increase in the numbers for the sexes together for England and New Zealand is represented in the proportions below:—

DEATHS FROM CANCER IN EVERY 10,000 PERSONS LIVING.

Year.New Zealand.England.
1,8812.695.20
1,8863.685.90
1,8914.686.92
1,8965.507.64
1,8996.248.29
1,9005.638.28
1,9037.108.71

The actual number of deaths of persons of either sex and all ages registered in New Zealand during the last fifteen years was:—

 Males.Females.Totals.
1,891154141295
1,892173134307
1,893188144332
1,894240168408
1,595208175383
1,596205184389
1,897210185395
1,898263208471
1,899271197468
1,900246184430
1,901265250515
1,902296240536
1,903325257582
1,904323248571
1,905313253566
      Totals3,6802,9686,648

MORTALITY FROM DEVELOPMENTAL DISEASES.

The total of deaths from developmental diseases was 979, or 11.25 per 10,000 persons living. The mortality from premature birth comprised 360 deaths, and that from atelectasis, cyanosis, and other congenital defects 41 deaths. The proportion of deaths from premature birth varies from 11 to 15 out of every 1,000 births, and that from congenital defects from 2 to 4 per 1,000 births. Particulars for ten years exhibit the annual rates:—

NUMBER AND PROPORTIONS PER 1,000 BIRTHS.
YearDeaths from Premature Birth. Deaths from Congenital Defects
NumberProportion per 1,000.NumberProportion per 1,000
1,89623012.36462.47
1,89721111.26522.78
1,89825113.24542.85
1,89926113.86472.50
1,90027614.12552.81
1,90126412.88633.07
1,90230314.66793.82
1,90330113.79673.07
1,90429112.78582.54
1,90536015.20411.73

Stating the result in another way, there was one death from premature birth to every 66 births in 1905, and one death from congenital defect to every 578 births. In England the proportion of deaths from premature birth to every 1,000 births was as high as 19.93 in the year 1900.

OLD AGE.

Deaths from old age in 1905 numbered 578, against 470 in 1904.

MORTALITY PROM LOCAL DISEASES.

Deaths by diseases of the nervous system were 913, or 11.33 out of every 100 deaths from all causes, and 10.19 out of every 10,000 persons living. Of the 913 deaths, 299 were due to apoplexy, 121 to convulsions, and 119 to inflammation of the brain and its membranes. Paralysis, including hemiplegia and paralysis of the insane, caused 172 deaths, and locomotor ataxia 10 deaths. Paraplegia, with diseases of the spinal cord, caused 33 deaths. Deaths from nervous diseases (excluding convulsions of children) numbered 792, or 9.10 per 10,000 persons living.

Diseases of the circulatory system resulted in 1,014 deaths, being 12.58 out of every 100 from all causes, and 11.66 per 10,000 persons living. Of the total number in this order, endocarditis and valvular disease of the heart contributed 649 deaths. From angina pectoris there were 36 deaths, from syncope 141, from aneurism 17, and from other forms of heart-disease (hypertrophy, fatty degeneration, and pericarditis) 96.

Diseases of the respiratory system show 980 deaths, of which 782 were attributable to bronchitis and pneumonia. Taken together, these two complaints were the cause of more deaths than was phthisis; and adding 56 from pleurisy, 15 from croup, 14 from laryngitis, and 113 from other respiratory diseases, the mortality in the order is found to be 12.16 per cent. of the total deaths, and 11.26 per 10,000 of the population.

Deaths from diseases of the digestive system also formed a large proportion of the whole (9.69 per cent.), the number being 781. Enteritis was most fatal, showing 260 deaths, liver-diseases (93), gastritis (119) coming next, while 53 deaths were due to appendicitis.

Of 375 deaths from diseases of the urinary system in 1905, the deaths from Bright's disease of the kidneys (albuminuria) numbered 199.

Of the groups, (a) and (b), constituting the order styled “Diseases of the reproductive system,” the greater mortality is found under (b), “Diseases of parturition.” In considering the deaths of women in childbirth the number from Order 6, Class I., under the designation “Puerperal fever, pyæmia, septicæmia,” have also to he dealt with.

As the figures are highly important, a special comparative statement has been made out, giving besides the number of deaths of mothers the proportions in every 10,000 children, born. These proportions, taken over ten years' comparison, fluctuate irregularly, the extreme limits being 38.37 per 10,000 births in the year 1900, and 58.64 for the year 1903.

WOMEN DYING IN CHILDBIRTH.
Year.Deaths of Women in each Year.Deaths of Mothers to every 10,000 Children Born.*
In Childbirth.From Puerperal Fever, &c.Total.
* Still-births are not registered.
1,89677108746.74
1,89764188243.70
1,89872199148.01
1,89971158645.66
1,90051247538.37
1,90170209043.92
1,902852511053.26
1,9031002812858.64
1,904852110646.56
1,905792110042.23

But any conclusion drawn from the above figures must be held as qualified by the remarks on page 209 touching the matter of diminished fertility of wives at the child-bearing ages.

VIOLENT DEATHS.

Deaths by violence form a large item in the total mortality. In 1905 the proportion per 10,000 of persons living was 7.07, the total number of deaths having been 615.

Of 498 males who died violent deaths, 69 were suicides. The deaths of females by violence were far fewer than those of males, amounting to 117, and out of these only 20 committed suicide. A table given previously states the full list of deaths from external or violent causes for the year 1905.

Accidental deaths numbered 520—males 425, and females 95. Of the total male deaths, 201 resulted from fractures or contusions, and 126 from drowning. Of the female deaths, 16 were due to drowning.

HOSPITALS, MENTAL HOSPITALS, BENEVOLENT ASYLUMS, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

Hospitals.

Prior to the abolition of provinces the hospitals of the colony were supported mainly out of provincial revenues. After that event the expenditure for hospitals was for the most part charged against the revenue of counties and municipal corporations, until October, 1885, when “The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885,” came into force.

The portion of the colony included within the three principal islands—the North, Middle, and Stewart Islands—is divided-into thirty-five hospital districts, each consisting of one or “more counties with the interior boroughs, to be presided over by elective Boards, designated “ Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards.”

The revenues of these Boards accrue from the following sources:—

  1. Rents and profits of land and endowments vested in the Board, or set apart for the benefit of particular institutions;

  2. Voluntary contributions;

  3. Grants from contributory local authorities; and

  4. Subsidies from the Consolidated Fund (these being at the rate of 10s. for every £1 of bequests, but in no case exceeding £500 in respect of any one bequest; £1 4s. for every £1 of voluntary contributions; and £1 for every £1 received from any local authority).

The contributory local authorities (being the County and Borough Councils, and Boards of road and town districts where the Counties Act is not in force) are empowered by the Act to raise by special rates the amounts assessed by the Hospital District Boards as their proportionate contributions to the Hospital and Charitable Aid Fund.

The District Boards undertake the general management and control of those hospitals that are not incorporated in terms of the Act, and are required to contribute to the support of the incorporated hospitals. To be incorporated a hospital must have as many as 100 subscribers contributing not less than £100 annually by amounts of not less than 5s., and must have been declared by the Governor in Council, after receipt by him of a duly signed petition, to be a body politic and corporate, under the government of trustees.

There are 47 hospitals in the colony, of which 25 are incorporated institutions, while 22 are directly managed and controlled by District Boards. In 1905 these hospitals afforded accommodation for 1,268 male and 780 female patients, a total of 2,048. The number of cubic feet of space included within the walls of all the sleeping-wards was 2,799,235, which gave an average of 1,367 cubic feet to each bed. 9,744 males and 4,833 females were admitted as patients during the year 1905, and 925 male and 358 female patients were inmates at the end of the year. The total number of indoor patients during the year was 15,837—viz., 10,624 males and 5,213 females.

Outdoor relief was also given to a very large number of persons; but, as in some of the hospitals no records are kept of the outdoor patients, it is impossible to state the number of distinct persons who received such relief.

The total revenues of the various hospitals as at five different annual periods were:—

1900–1.1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1901–5.
 £££££
Voluntary contributions and bequests7,33011,15411,53914,26020,052
Payments by patients15,99818,08319,61321,18521,798
From Government47,07454,38755,88159,09959,947
From Hospital Boards and local authorities36,81240,63844,01343,96050,323
Rents and other sources6,9087,5888,22217,14916,342
      Totals114,122131,850139,268155,653168,462

Benevolent Asylums and Charitable Institutions.

The various benevolent asylums and charitable institutions are placed on a similar footing to the hospitals. Most of the Boards of hospital districts are also Charitable Aid Boards; but, for the purpose of distributing charitable aid only, some of the hospital districts have been united into larger districts, so that, although there are thirty-five Boards for hospital purposes, there are only twenty-four for charitable-aid purposes.

Returns were received from eighteen benevolent asylums (not including orphanages), established for the support of indigent persons. The number of inmates in these institutions at the end of 1905 was 1,237, of whom 726 were males and 511 females. Outdoor relief was given by one of these institutions to 1,752 persons (including 1,073 children).

Auckland Sailors' Home

There is a Sailors' Home at Auckland for the use of seafaring men resident in or visiting the town. The late Edmund Costley having left a large sum for charitable purposes, it was resolved to employ the bequest in building and endowing an institution where sailors might be received without distinction of race or religious belief, and board, lodging, and refreshments provided for them, together with such instruction and amusements as might tend to promote their social comfort and general welfare.

The Home, built in 1887, has room for thirty-live inmates, who are charged 15s. a week for board and lodging. It is managed by a council of eight members elected by the subscribers to the institution. The late Primate of New Zealand, who first originated the scheme, was Life President.

Orphan Asylums.

There were in 1905 four orphan asylums in the colony, one maintained by a District Hospital Board, one by the Church of England authorities, and two by clergy of the Roman Catholic Church; three of them receiving, at the charge of the State, orphan, destitute, and other children committed to them by a Stipendiary Magistrate.

Exclusive of the children so committed, 29 male and 27 female orphans were received during the year 1905, and 67 male and 91 female orphans remained as inmates at the end of the year.

Orphanages receiving committed children are, for that purpose, constituted “industrial schools.”

Mental Hospitals.

There are seven public mental hospitals in the colony, maintained wholly or in part out of the public revenue. There is also one private hospital, licensed by the Governor for the reception of the mentally afflicted.

The amount of sleeping-accommodation provided in each of the public mental hospitals is shown in tabular form, giving separately the number and cubic contents of the sleeping-rooms intended for one person only, and of the dormitories occupied by several inmates conjointly, together with the number of patients actually in the hospitals on the 31st December, 1905:—

Sleeping-rooms for One Person only.Dormitories for more than One Person.
Number:Aggregate Number of Cubic Feet.Inmates (Patients) on 31st December, 1905.Number:Aggregate Number of Cubic FeetInmates (Patients) on 31st December, 1905.
Auckland130110,70413034358,149502
Wellington6760,3806716100,173171
Porirua7065,4067018355,528538
Nelson3327,803331465,111109
Hokitika3829,20038995,987133
Christchurch8169,0518137254,800460
Seacliff189152,21518962327,883538
      Totals608521,5486081901,557,6312,451

At Ashburn Hall, Waikari, there are seventy-eight rooms, each for one person only, with an aggregate cubic content of 77,461 ft. The number of patients on the 31st December, 1905, was 53.

At the end of 1905, 1,810 male and 1,249 female patients (including 55 out on trial) were under the care of the mental hospital officers of the colony. Of these, 1,715 males and 1,149 females were regarded as incurable, 34 males and 21 females were out on trial, and 61 males and 79 females were supposed to be curable. 209 male and 158 female patients were discharged during the year.

The following shows the proportion of the mentally afflicted—or, rather, of inmates of mental hospitals and those out on trial—to the population (exclusive in each case of Maoris) at the end of the years stated:—

1884, 1 patient to every 393 of population.
1880, 1 patient to every 370 of population.
1888, 1 patient to every 365 of population.
1890, 1 patient to every 348 of population.
1892, 1 patient to every 339 of population.
1894, 1 patient to every 310 of population.
1896, 1 patient to every 308 of population.
1898, 1 patient to every 300 of population.
1899, 1 patient to every 296 of population.
1901, 1 patient to every 286 of population.
1903, 1 patient to every 284 of population.
1905, 1 patient to every 286 of population.

It must not be overlooked that the proportions are increased by the admission into the hospitals of inebriates, idiots, and others who should not properly be there.

Chapter 38. SECTION VII.—IMPORTS; CUSTOMS AND EXCISE REVENUE.

IMPORTS.

THE quantities and values of imports used in making up the figures given in this portion of the statistical information are obtained from Customs entries, verified where necessary, as with goods subject to an ad valorem duty, by examination. In estimating the value of imports, ad valorem goods are taken at their invoice value increased by 10 per cent., and include the value of case, cask, or covering (sec. 39, “Customs Laws Consolidation Act, 1882”). Value of all other goods includes freight and charges to time of arrival at port of discharge. Goods transhipped at a foreign port are regarded as imported from the country where they were originally shipped. The countries named, however, may not be those of origin, as no attempt is made to trace the goods beyond the ports disclosed by the documents presented to the Customs. Very little cargo in transitu passes through New Zealand.

The total declared values of the imports in 1905 amounted to £12,828,857, being a decrease on the corresponding total in 1904 of £462,837. These figures, however, include specie. The value of coin brought into the colony in 1905 was £347,679, against £391,664 in the previous year, and if these amounts are excluded the decrease on the values of all other articles will be £418,852.

The value of imports for the year 1890, and for each of the ten latest years was:—

Year.Imports, inclusive of Specie.Imports, exclusive of Specie.
 ££
1,8906,260,5255,928,895
1,8967,137,3207,035,379
1,8978,055,2237,994,201
1,8988,230,6008,211,409
1,8998,739,6338,613,656
1,90010,646,09610,207,326
1,90111,817,91511,353,416
1,90211,326,72310,958,038
1,90312,788,67512,075,959
1,90413,291,69412,900,030
1,90512,828,85712,481,178

In 1901 the Government imported railway plant valued at half a million sterling, against far smaller quantities introduced in the subsequent years.

It is found that the value of imports, exclusive of specie, only rose from £5,928,895 in 1890 to £6,115,953 in 1895, after which there ensued a steady advance year by year to £11,353,416 in 1901. For 1905 the amount was £12,481,178. This is less than that for 1904. The movement for 1896–1905 shows that the total, imports have increased by nearly 80 per cent. in value during that period. In quantities of various imports the increases vary, and full particulars of every kind of article imported in 1905 are to be found in detail further on, which may be critically examined with those in similar tables given in the previous issues of this book.

The degree of expenditure of loan-moneys raised abroad by the general and local Governments somewhat affects the question when considering the rise of imports. And, when consulting the figures relating to expenditure out of loan accounts, the matter of aids from the Consolidated Fund (which are included) presents itself, besides other features in connection with this subject.

The expansion of imports is still further to be considered in connection with the condition of the manufactures of the colony, for an increase of imports arising from a decline of internal manufactures would scarcely be regarded as a satisfactory position. But there has been great development of the manufactures of New Zealand since 1895, not only in the great primary industries, but throughout.

It is desirable to consider not only the total value of the import trade for different years by comparing figures, but to ascertain the rates per capita of population, to judge whether the imports are relatively greater or less than they have been. The fairest comparisons are from calculations made after deducting specie imported, for in the year 1894, as an instance, no less than £797,843 was brought to the colony in coin, and in 1903 £712,716. The amount last year (1905) was £347,679. The figures for 1890 and each year from 1896 onwards stand thus:—

 Imports per Head of mean Population, excluding Maoris.
Years.Including Specie.Excluding Specie.
 £  s.  d.£  s.  d.
1,89010  0  29  11  0
1,89610  1  119  19  1
1,89711  3  311  1  7
1,89811  3  711  3  1
1,89911  13  111  9  8
1,90013  18  1013   7  4
1,90115  3  1014  11  11
1,90214  3  1113  14  8
1,90315  11  1014  14  5
1,90415  14  715  5  4
1,90514  14  1114  6  11

Using the figures exclusive of the specie, comparisons for years since 1896 show that imports increased annually with almost unbroken regularity until 1905, the rise being at the rate of £6 8s. 8d. per head. For the last year (1905) there was considerable decline in the rate, making the increase between 1896 and 1905 only £4 7s. 10d. per head. The figures for the years 1890 and 1895 exhibit a decrease per head of population.

A table is given further on showing, for five years, the principal articles imported, arranged in groups according to their nature.

IMPORTS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

The imports from the United Kingdom to New Zealand in 1905 were valued at £7,795,284, a decrease of £187,056 on the value of goods imported from the Home-country during the previous year. From British colonies and possessions the imports were £2,912,379, a decrease of £134,975 on the amount in 1904.

Figures for ten years are given, showing that imports from British possessions increased by 79 per cent., whereas those from foreign States advanced at the far higher rate of 167 per cent., mainly in consequence of the development of inwards trade with the United States of America, about which full particulars will be found further on:—

 Imports from
United Kingdom.British Colonies and Possessions.Foreign States.
 £££
1,8963,714,4761,628,661794,183
1,8975,392,7381,662,985999,500
1,8985,148,8331,927,8171,153,950
1,8995,526,6452,036,7971,176,191
1,9006,504,4842,625,3721,516,240
1,9016,885,8312,913,8662,018,218
1,9026,851,4522,583,0051,892,266
1,9037,512,6683,135,4742,140,533
1,9047,982,3403,047,3542,262,000
1,9057,795,2842,912,3792,121,194

The following are the values of imports from different countries or places in 1905 and 1904, given in the order of the increase or decrease from each:—

Country, Colony. State, &c.1905.1904.Increase.
 £££
Victoria652,901603,00549,896
Tasmania58,56337,16621,397
Bengal294,333275,34918,984
France67,68955,11012,579
Friendly Islands24,95817,5037,455
Ceylon179,809172,7597,050
Java9,1774,6214,556
Austria7,6764,4683,208
Society Islands9,2946,2173,077
Greece17,01914,0762,943
Switzerland7,0264,0912,935
Maiden Island9,6546,8622,792
Norway5,5662,9742,592
Turkey1,9134361,477
Italy20,88919,0061,883
Surprise Island6,9205,6731,247
Denmark3,8052,6471,158
Asia Minor17,54916,613936
West Indies (British)408270138
Brazil103..103
New Caledonia75..75
Canary Island23417262
Bombay39833761
Arabia39..39
New Hebrides592039
Persia33..33
Natal584117
Orange River Colony14113
Chili2..2
Country, Colony. State, &c.1905.1904.Increase.
 £££
United Kingdom7,795,2847,982,340187,056
New South Wales1,047,7571,176,817129,060
United States of America1,438,5011,527,91589,414
Fiji456,629516,53959,910
Belgium78,151120,06641,915
Germany277,467308,80431,337
Western Australia17,89832,60614,708
Canada74,08588,64414,559
Holland18,42129,38810,967
Sweden10,43815,9545,516
Japan79,26084,6295,369
Burmah8,44513,7335,288
South Australia35,76039,9174,157
British Columbia22,03424,8412,807
Philippine Islands7,2849,8232,539
Hongkong14,68416,7362,052
Singapore35,12836,7321,604
Portugal1,7632,540777
Queensland2,8383,525687
West Indies8851,461576
Spain1,6181,903285
Ellice Island..228228
Cape Colony394589195
Norfolk Island78211133
Sandwich Islands3611276
Sumatra..7676
Transvaal Colony9316067
Egypt82187554
China4,4064,44034
Aden..3232
Malta..2727
Gibraltar..2222
Navigators Islands13414814
Russia484
Argentine Republic..33
Rhodesia..33
Madras4184202

IMPORTS, NORTH AND MIDDLE ISLANDS.

Separating the value of the imports for the North Island from that of the Middle Island, it is found that while in 1895 the former received imported goods to the value of £3,513,960, against £2,859,231 for the Middle Island, in the year 1905 the North Island imports exceeded those of the other to a far greater extent, the values being respectively £7,635,679 and £5,004,635, or an excess for the North Island of £2,631,044, or 52.57 per cent.

IMPORTS, BY PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

The values of imports in each provincial district during 1895 and 1905 were as under:—

 1895.1905.
 ££
Auckland1,620,6973,238,504
Taranaki49,325107,309
Hawke's Bay184,475275,750
Wellington1,659,4634,014,116
Marlborough10,54428,743
Nelson128,088161,667
Westland39,10577,706
Canterbury1,130,7752,322,841
Otago1,550,7192,413,678

The value of imports by parcel-post (£26,938 in 1895 and £188,543 in 1905) must be added to the above figures in order to make up the totals (including specie) of £6,400,129 and £12,828,857 for the respective years.

IMPORTS, BY PORTS.

The following table gives the value of the imports for each port in New Zealand for years 1905, 1900, 1895, 1890, arranged in order of magnitude for 1905:—

 1905.1900.1895.1890.
 ££££
Wellington3,837,7292,767,0661,580,8021,233,184
Auckland3,156,4702,617,3291,592,5581,385,959
Lyttelton and Christchurch2,095,6171,770,7091,055,7191,174,370
Dunedin2,016,3402,158,1771,343,7791,662,629
Invercargill and Bluff328,976288,170178,141120,050
Napier275,750209,418184,475162,097
Timaru227,224143,09075,05695,202
Wanganui176,387145,26778,66149,637
Nelson132,561140,514116,769141,980
New Plymouth86,34367,33837,48612,971
Poverty Bay76,25449,27823,17017,731
Oamaru68,36247,55928,79954,075
Greymouth65,24559,46028,66179,877
Westport29,10637,75011,3199,442
Wairau22,59015,9429,63818,964
Patea20,96615,56111,83911,604
Hokitika12,46112,69310,44413,549
Picton6,1531,591906583
Kaipara4,6397,8831,5341,294
Tauranga1,1413,6393,4351,493

ARTICLES IMPORTED.

By means of the accompanying table, in which the articles imported are arranged in groups according to their nature, the increases in value can be traced to their specific heads:—

IMPORTS FOR FIVE YEARS.
Group of Principal Articles imported.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
* Includes methylated and perfumed spirits and spirits of wine.
 £££££
Apparel and slops463,194511,397582,997603,894614,859
Boots and shoes211,215202,931245,639256,165282,211
Cotton piece-goods470,568498,485556,564550,775518,854
Drapery443,863449,503511,717501,888483,681
Haberdashery110,746102,569118,049112,816116,276
Hats and caps70,01375,22277,85387,98483,117
Hosiery101,481115,071125,618143,940144,370
Linen manufactures89,91571,17094,79488,69381,587
Millinery43,38045,70160,50367,56762,706
Silks121,937139,522128,223140,154119,727
Woollens348,666393,033436,161452,271438,480
            Totals2,474,9782,604,6042,938,1183,006,1472,945,868
Agricultural implements10,74411,5189,0018,8579,091
Cutlery27,14929,99327,16037,79738,595
Hardware and ironmongery315,239334,965355,562341,442314,148
Rails and railway bolts, &c.148,34485,163131,592140,929120,064
Iron and steel, other, pig, wrought, wire, &c.682,906815,260795,758849,929826,167
Machinery600,019561,649642,075797,618671,080
Nails40,03444,11439,44040,70344,981
Railway plant514,511122,303122,164183,99879,966
Sewing-machines38,22737,00551,09545,74933,741
Tools, artificers'84,52388,27398,076110,847115,741
            Totals2,461,6962,130,2432,271,9232,557,8692,253,574
Sugar489,936402,138441,843504,820424,534
Tea219,089197,127204,236237,738226,427
            Totals709,025599,265616,079742,558650,961
Beer34,94943,62738,62036,79639,935
Spirits*243,824235,369246,263263,645242,523
Tobacco221,889212,634260,478255,257281,539
Wine63,83760,35057,56056,85751,825
            Totals564,499551,980602,921612,555615,822
Paper184,986181,486212,541234,982236,231
Printed books140,347149,194171,672194,240183,560
Stationery113,422112,676136,968152,224160,157
            Totals438,755443,356521,181581,446579,948
Arms, ammunition, and explosives201,683129,733138,146122,457122,650
Automobiles, motor-cars, and motor-cycles....16,59825,44148,913
Automobiles, &c., materials for....1,1593,2043,590
Bags and sacks214,987135,674109,040123,673138,868
Bicycles and tricycles54,05752,63371,08272,54870,428
Bicycles and tricycles, fittings for71,17381,54490,48797,667120,540
Coals151,334125,732158,143138,093;155,786
Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares212,430240,841261,864288,502265,411
Fancy goods145,356148,072177,227149,529151,972
Fruits (including fresh, preserved, bottled, dried)248,985175,366233,382213,956217,841
Glass and glassware133,434138,908145,059158,586138,857
Manures134,186154,964120,711147,995173,734
Musical instruments116,396110,663113,849127,277123,795
Oils238,396251,415248,859278,414255,198
Timbar179,152146,561163,497161,236133,276
Other imports (excluding specie)2,602,8942,736,4843,046,6343,290,8778,260,146
            Total imports (excluding specie)11,353,41610,958,03812,075,95912,900,03012,481,178
Specie imported464,499368,685712,716391,664347,679
            Total imports11,817,91511,326,72312,788,67513,291,69412,828,857

Of £12,481,178, the total value of goods imported during 1905, the chief items were as under:—

Articles.Value.Proportion per Cent.
 £ 
Clothing, drapery, &c.2,945,86823.60
Metal, machinery, and implements2,253,57418.06
Tea and sugar650,9615.21
Wine, beer, spirits, and tobacco615,8224.93
Paper, books, and stationery579,9484.65
Other imports5,435,00543.55
 £12,481,178100.00

The declared value of the clothing, drapery, &c., imported decreased from £3,006,147 in 1904 to £2,945,868 in 1905. In 1901 the value of these imports was £2,474,978. The iron, machinery, and implements imported in 1905 were valued at £2,253,574, a decrease of £208,122 on the corresponding figures for 1901 (£2,461,696).

The value of sugar and tea imported in 1905 shows a decrease, when compared with 1904, of £91,597. Beer, wine, spirits, and tobacco show an increase of £3,267—from £612,555 in 1904 to £615,822 in 1905.

To the total value of “Other imports (excluding specie),” in 1905 (£3,319,522), shown in the table above, patent medicines contributed a sum of £51,853; earthenware, £67,074; floorcloth and oilcloth, £87,785; furniture and upholstery, £67,281; cement, £69,995; leather and leather manufactures, £105,443; and seeds, £90,005.

Amongst the articles imported belonging to this group are automobiles, motor cars, and motor cycles to the number of 357, valued at £48,913, of which 208 came from the United Kingdom, 48 from France, and 59 from the United States of America.

Materials for the above vehicles to the value of £3,590 were also introduced, mostly from England, America, and Germany.

Goods imported by means of the “parcels-post” system during 1905 were valued at £188,543.

Goods received from the Cook and other annexed Islands are now treated as New Zealand produce, and not as imports. The total in 1905 was valued at £44,179, and the principal articles of produce as follows: Limejuice, £274; raw coffee, £254; copra, £5,183; fruit, £33,319; cocoanuts, £218; hats, £4,263.

VALUE OF FREE AND DUTIABLE IMPORTS.

The values of the imports into New Zealand during the years 1904 and 1905 are given in the next table, classified according to the duties to which they were liable, and arranged so as to show the declared value of goods on which specific or ad valorem duties at various rates are payable, and of those admitted free of duty:—

Duties to which Imports liable.Value of Imports, 1904.Value of Imports, 1905.
 ££££
Specific duties..2,562,839..2,375,737
Ad valorem duties—
        5 per cent.203,516 152,855 
        7 1/2 per cent.4,001 6,944 
        10 per cent.283,348 294,816 
        15 per cent.231,529 213,140 
        20 per cent.2,788,980 2,661,071 
        22 1/2 per cent.213,448 214,861 
        25 per cent.1,307,001 1,298,087 
        30 per cent.261,557 334,347 
        33 3/4 per cent.47,893 71,497 
        37 1/2 per cent.22,314 25,394 
        40 per cent.888 1,112 
        Various4,169 710 
  5,368,644 5,274,334
Parcels-post (various)..165,939..188,543
Duty-free (excluding specie)..4,802,608..4,642,064
Specie imported..391,664..347,679
            Totals..13,291,694..12,828,857

The proportions of free and dutiable goods imported during 1889, 1902, 1904, and 1905 are compared with similar figures for 1894, the year preceding that in which the altered tariff came into force:—

1894.1899.1902.1904.1905.
* Including excise duties levied on certain imports manufactured in bond.
Merchandise—
 £££££
        Free1,871,7722,942,9994,072,9844,802,6084,642,064
        Dutiable4,118,4055,670,6576,885,0548,097,4227,839,114
        Imports (less specie)5,990,1778,613,65610,958,03812,900,03012,481,178
 £££££
        Totalnetdutyreceived*1,572,4672,046,4522,289,7832,655,1662,656,134
Duty, per cent.of imports–Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.Per Cent.
        (a.) On dutiable imports38.1836.0933.2632.7933.88
        (b.) On all merchandise26.2523.7620.9020.5821.20

SUGAR.

The value of sugar (including glucose, molasses, and treacle) imported in 1905 was £424,534, a decrease of £80,286 on the amount for 1904 (£504,820). The value of this import for the last three years has averaged only £457,066 per annum; but for the three years, 1882, 1883, and 1884, the average, with a much smaller population, was £615,207 for each year. The smaller average amount for the last three years is due not so much to a reduction in the quantity imported as to the fall in the price of sugar, and partly to the fact that the proportion of refined to raw sugar has vastly decreased.

The following figures, giving the average consumption per head of sugar in Australasia, are, saving those for New Zealand—and excluding a proportion (30 lb. per head) deducted on account of Maoris—taken from “The Official Year-book of New South Wales, 1904–5.” The figures stating the consumption of tea, wine, beer, spirits, and tobacco, given further on, are also taken from the same source:—

ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR PER HEAD IN AUSTRALASIA.
 Lb.
Queensland123.0
New South Wales109.2
Western Australia107.6
South Australia101.8
New Zealand101.3
Victoria100.7
Tasmania100.4

TEA.

The quantity of tea imported in 1905 was 5,906,653 lb. Supposing Maoris to use, on an average, 1lb. per head per annum, the consumption of tea per head of the population, exclusive of Maoris, would be 6.7 lb. in 1905.

AVERAGE ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF TEA PER HEAD IN AUSTRALASIA.
 Lb.
Western Australia9.6
South Australia8.2
New South Wales7.2
Queensland7.0
Victoria6.9
New Zealand6.7
Tasmania6.2

BEER, SPIRITS, AND WINE

During 1905 excise duty was paid on 7,796,160 gallons of beer; and 218,270 gallons of beer, 634,827 gallons of spirits, and 113,189 gallons of wine were entered at the Customs for home consumption.

The actual quantity of beer made and used in the colony has increased from 5,382,960 gallons in 1896 to 7,796,160 gallons in 1905:—

BEER MANUFACTURED IN NEW ZEALAND ON WHICH EXCISE DUTY WAS PAID.
 Gal.
1,8965,382,960
1,8975,741,200
1,8986,013,120
1,8996,261,200
1,9006,811,280
1,9017,134,800
1,9027,179,360
1,9037,555,200
1,9047,786,480
1,9057,796,160

The following table gives the consumption per head of alcoholic liquors by the people, excluding and including Maoris, showing separately the proportions of beer, wine, and spirits in 1896, and from 1898 to 1905. To the amount of beer manufactured in the colony in each year on which excise duty was paid has been added the amount brought into consumption from imports:—

Year.Beer.Spirits.Wine.
Excluding Maoris.Including Maoris.Excluding Maoris.Including Maoris.Excluding Maoris.Including Maoris.
         Gal.             Gal.             Gal.             Gal.             Gal.             Gal.     
1,8967.8737.4530.6390.6050.1410.133
1,8988.4277.9950.6680.6340.1460.139
1,8998.5838.1500.6870.6530.1480.141
1,9009.1508.6960.7200.6840.1520.145
1,9019.4138.9190.7660.7260.1590.151
1,9029.2528.7770.7550.7160.1580.150
1,9039.4608.9870.7550.7180.1490.142
1,9049.4558.9960.7660.7290.1420.135
1,9059.2128.7770.7300.6950.1300.124

A comparison of the consumption of beer, spirits, and wine per head in Australasia on an average of five years is added:—

Beer.Spirits.Wine.
 Gal.Gal.Gal.
Queensland11.41.080.34
New South Wales10.50.890.73
Victoria13.70831.30
South Australia8.900.453.31
Western Australia24.901.580.98
Tasmania9.100.520.15
New Zealand (including Maoris)8.710.700.15

Besides showing the quantity of quantity of alcoholic liquor consumed during the year, it seems desirable to give some information as to the actual cost to the colony of the beer, wine, and spirits imported, not including duty, which is merely so-much taxation raised by means of the importer, but all held in the colony and used by the Government for the benefit of the people.

In the year 1905 the value of the various kinds of potable spirits imported reached the sum of £231,893, of imported beer to £39,935, and wines to £51,825; making altogether £323,653 paid to merchants abroad.

If to the above total be added £584,712, the estimated value of the beer manufactured in the colony, and £8,000 the estimated value of wine made, the cost for the introduction and manufacture of alcoholic beverages comes to £916,365 for the year 1905, against which may be set £5,765, representing the value of the small export for the same period.

TOBACCO.

The tobacco entered for consumption in 1905 was 2,327,809 lb., and the consumption per head of population, including Maoris, 2.55 lb.

AVERAGE ANNUAL CONSUMPTION PER HEAD OF TOBACCO IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
 Lb.
Holland6.92
United States4.40
Turkey4.37
Western Australia4.36
Austria-Hungary3.77
Denmark3.70
Switzerland3.24
Belgium3.15
Germany3.00
New South Wales2.69
Queensland2.65
New Zealand2.55
Tasmania2.30
South Australia2.14
Canada2.11
France2.05
Victoria2.02
Sweden1.87
Spain1.70
United Kingdom1.41
Italy1.34
Russia1.23

DETAILS OF ALL ARTICLES OF IMPORT.

Details of all imports for 1905, giving quantities and values of articles introduced into the colony, with the amounts entered for home consumption, and the amount of duty received, are next shown:—

GENERAL IMPORTS INTO THE COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND DURING THE YEAR 1905.
(For rates of duty, see Tariff, pp. 94 to 109.)
Articles.Total Quantities Imported.Value of Total Imports.Entered for Home Consumption on Importation and ex Warehouse,Amount of Duty received. including Preferential.
  £ £        s.        d.
Acid—
        Acetic387,678 lb.3,856458,013 lb.2,862 11 7
        Carbolic38,803 lb.668....
        Salicylic2,358 lb.153....
        Sulphuric25,049 lb.237....
        Tartaric100,667 lb.4,96193,419 lb.389 4 11
        Unenumerated79,055 lb.1,335....
Alkali—
Potash and caustic potash722 cwt.1,156....
        Soda ash15,473 cwt.5,795....
        Soda, carbonate and bi-carbonate12,792 cwt.5,12813,064 cwt.653 4 6
        Soda, caustic13,898 cwt.9,442....
        Soda crystals50 cwt.1949 cwt.4 18 9
        Soda silicate5,812 cwt.1,939....
        Unenumerated2,505 cwt.1,619....
Alum2,786 cwt.1,009....
Animals, Living—
        Bees..15....
        Birds2,491 No.507....
        Cats1 No.3....
        Cattle, horned28 No.3,63128 No.14 0 0
        Deer61 No.555....
        Dogs162 No.852....
        Ferrets3 No.1....
        Frogs..1....
        Goats9 No.10....
        Horses205 No.14,894197 No.197 0 0
        Ladybirds..5....
        Leeches..8....
        Monkeys6 No.6....
        Pigs5No. 100....
        Poultry1,405 No.2,241....
        Raccoons5 No.25....
        Sheep201 No.3,402....
        Squirrels2 No.1....
        Wallabies3 No.2....
Apparel and slops n.o.e...613,747£613,149153,287 3 5
Apparel and slops made to the order of residents in the colony..1,112£1,104441 12 0
Arms, ammunition, and explosives—
Accoutrements..708....
        Caps, percussion7,657,270 No.850....
        Cartridges (shot), 10 to 24 bore4,698,750 No.14,3224,649,200 No.3,486 18 9
        Cartridges n.o.e.9,014,238 No.6,248£5,5241,104 17 6
        Cartridge-cases92,200 No.14890,700 No.33 19 11
        Cannon2 No.4,305....
        Detonators for dynamite, &c...1,491....
        Dynamite102,000 lb.5,354....
        Firearms9,738 No.24,406£10,5042,792 8 7
        Fuse153,449 coils3,980....
        Lithoiracteur, cordite, and similar explosives465,230 lb.21,676....
        Ordnance stores..13,974....
        Powder, blasting618,520 lb.16,306....
        Powder, sporting30,215 lb.2,40517,421 lb.435 10 6
        Shot112 cwt.116112 cwt.55 18 3
        Swords60 No.131....
        Other explosives60,088 lb.2,952....
        Unenumerated..3,278....
Asphalt24,985 cwt.3,962....
Bacon and hams940 lb.47940 lb.7 16 10
Bags and sacks—
Cornsacks486,082 doz.133,708....
        Unenumerated39,883 doz.5,160£680135 17 0
        Bagging and sacking..1,266£17025 10 0
        Basketware and wickerware..4,616£4,5741,290 5 8
        Bêche-de-mer2 cwt.1£10 4 0
        Beer215,826 galls.39,935218,270 galls.21,827 0 8
        Belting, leather33,248 lb.3,96831,946 lb.532 8 9
        Belting, other than leather..24,088....
Beverages, non-alcoholic—
        Aerated and mineral waters19,285 doz.3,917£3,969793 17 5
        Coffee-essence..9,641£10,1272,025 7 6
        Limejuice, sweetened2,469 galls.552£646161 8 5
        Limejuice, unsweetened17,154 galls.2,223....
        Unenumerated..500£425106 4 5
        Bicycles and tricycles12,172 No.70,428£71,15914,646 8 0
        Materials for..120,540£51,84311,380 11 8
        Biscuits—
Fancy, and other kinds89,119 lb.3,90587,102 lb.725 17 0
        Ships', plain61 cwt.12046 cwt.6 17 10
        Blacking..15,104£14,9472,989 9 1
        Blacklead..3,741£3,766753 2 1
        Blue179,357 lb.4,566204,207 lb.1,701 14 7
        Boats26 No.960....
        Bones..4....
        Books, &c., printed..183,560....
        Boots and shoes122,558 doz. pr.263,541£259,16565,699 8 0
        Indiarubber soles and heels for same..1,796£1,693497 5 0
        Nos. 0 to 34,565 doz. pr,2,481....
        Gum boots2,051 doz. pr14,393£5,2071,041 7 4
  ££        s.        d. 
        Borax2,992 cwt.2,953....
Brass—
        Pig, bar, tube, or sheet1,087 cwt.4,326....
        Tubing and stamped work in the rough477 cwt.2,381....
        Manufactures..18,122£18,0293, 605 14 11
Bricks—
        Building3,024 No.15....
        Fire308,904 No.1,637£1,637327 10 8
        Other kinds77,151 No.201....
Brushware and brooms—
        Brooms1,263 doz.863£863215 15 0
        Brushes (clothes, hair, hat, and toilet)14,921£14,8722,974 6 10 
        Unenumerated..8,441£8,4862,121 12 11
        Materials for..7,402....
Buckets and tubs—
        Iron345 doz.216£21453 10 7
        Wood49 doz.26£265 4 0
        Building materials, unenumerated..16,685....
        Butter804 cwt.3,627£275 8 0
        Candles2,415,508 lb.41,6862,354, 206 lb.9,815 14 8
        Canes and rattans..1,778....
        Canvas..44,091£24248 8 0
        Caramel, brewers'19,237 lb.26118,663 lb.233 5 9
        Caramel, cereal160 lb.2112 lb.0 4 8
        Cards, playing99,418 packs1,72871,325 packs1,783 2 6
        Carpeting and druggeting..55,490£54,96310,992 11 11
Carriages, &c.—
        Automobiles, motor cars, and motor cycles357 No.48,913£49,48612,494 9 0
        Automobiles, &c., materials for..3,590£3,9671,045 3 9
        Carriages407 No.8,500£8,9462,235 19 7
        Carts, drays, and wagons111 No.1,588£1,567394 3 10
        Steam-motor lorries4 No.2,642£2,642528 10 0
        Perambulators and go carts236 No.489£442105 2 0
        Materials for..17,593£17,5023,982 4 3
        Materials for—viz., axles, axle arms and boxes..15,675....
        Carriage and cart shafts, spokes, and felloes in the rough..8,265....
        Carriage and cart makers' materials..18,509....
        Casks, empty448 No.453£44989 17 0
        Cement158,469 barrels69,995141,194 barrels14,124 18 0
        Chains and chain cables8,849 cwt.9,350....
  ££        s.        d. 
        Charcoal3,851 cwt.2,692....
        Cheese60 cwt.244£17935 18 0
        Chicory108 lb.6108 lb.1 7 0
        China, porcelain, and parianware..35,232£3,4677,877 1 0
        Clocks49,072 No.15,926£14,7714,294 12 11
        Coals169,046 tons155,786....
        Cocoa and chocolate493,499 lb.49,696488,179 lb.6,102 4 10
        Cocoa-beans231,370 lb.6,913....
        Cocoa-butter147,037 lb.6,788....
        Cocoanut, desiccated244,083 lb.3,768....
Coffee—
        Raw236,418 lb.9,183....
        Roasted2,250 lb.1122,710 lb.33 17 6
        Coke2,053 tons3,882....
        Combs..6,949£7,0281,405 11 11
Confectionery—
        Chocolate in plain trade packages241,095 lb.12,903229,069 lb.2,863 7 4
        Chocolate in fancy packages..14,186£13,9912,798 5 11
        Unenumerated525,546 lb.16,568517,832 lb.4,315 5 4
Copper—
        Nails215 cwt.1,125....
        Pig, bar, sheet, and tube4,872 cwt.20,187....
        Rod and bolt153 cwt.705....
        Sheathing1,066 cwt.4,460....
        Manufactures..601£581116 4 0
        Copra127 tons1,686....
        Cordage4,757 cwt.14,631£13,8192,897 8 10
        Hawsers of 12 in. and over227 cwt.292....
        Iron and steel11,926 cwt. 26,474£31663 4 0 
        Cork, out..10,096£10,0712,014 6 8
        Cork, in the rough21 cwt.49....
Cotton piece-goods—
        Butter and cheese cloth..3,784....
        Calico, white and grey163,975.... 
        Corduroy, moleskin, and beaverskin..2,282....
        Leather cloth..6,700....
        Shirtings, coloured cotton..32,564....
        Shirtings, flannelette..4,241....
        Shirtings, Union..2,897....
        Tubular woven cotton cloth..17,425....
        Waterproof material..6,273....
        Unenumerated..278,713£274,41141,744 8 8
Cotton—
        Raw60,234 lb.1,706....
        Waste6,255 cwt.9,141....
        Wick137,288 lb.5,884....
        Cutlery..38,595£38,2517, 650 3 0
Doors, plain1,348 No.7301,348 No.134 16 0
Drapery..274,020£272,11154,422 2 2
        Lace and laces, n.o.e...75,576£74,79218,697 19 4
        Ribbons and crape..48,419£46,98211,745 10 11
        Tailors'trimmings..85,666....
Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares—
        Baking-powder, yeast preparations, &c...628£630126 2 0
        Chemicals n.o.e...4,875£4,743711 8 7
        Cream of tartar951,829 lb.33,852944,698 lb.5,850 0 6
        Drugs, druggists' sundries, and apothecaries'wares..96,210£95,63314,344 18 0
        Glycerine, refined..2,732£2,757551 6 5
        Tinctures and medicinal spirits23,535 lb.1,78623,727 lb.1,186 6 11
        Washing-powder..1,305£1,244248 15 9
        Anhydrous ammonia..5,466....
        Arsenic1,394 cwt.1,123....
        Disinfectants..6,191....
        Food-preservative..6,810....
        Gums..3,058....
        Insecticides and treewashes..2,640....
        Maltine..935....
        Medicinal barks, leaves,&c...1,573....
        Phosphorus..891....
        Potassium-cyanide8,142 cwt.36,953....
        Sheep-dip..27,270....
        Sheep and horse drenches and sheep-licks..67....
        Vanilla-beans6,130 lb.421....
        Unenumerated..30,625....
        Dyes..13,249....
        Earthenware..67,074£63,42513,099 0 3
        Eggs (see provisions)........
        Eggs for setting73 doz.76....
        Engine-packing3,630 cwt.12,359....
Essences, flavouring—
        Spirituous2,223 galls.5,5362,136 galls.1,708 9 7
        Unenumerated..279£27240 16 0
Essential oils—
        Eucalyptus7,105 lb.2,388£2,473494 13 2
        Otherkinds40,110*6,428....
        Fancy goods and toys..151,972£148,89737,443 17 7
        Felt sheathing..8,463....
        Fire-engines127 No.693....
        Fire-hose and other appliances..2,434....
        Fireworks..1,100£1,094218 16 0
Fish—
        Anchovies, salted10 cwt.32....
        Dried, pickled, or salted1,967 cwt.3,5861,990cwt.994 19 6
        Dried, pickled, or salted1,967 cwt.3,5861,990 cwt.994 19 6
        Potted and preserved2,107,574 lb.47,5701,997,604 lb.17,377 14 7
Fishing-tackle—
        Artificial flies..506£663126 12 0
        Fish-hooks..814....
        Unenumerated..5,696£5,6581,131 12 3
        Fish-ova..550....
        Flock158 cwt.114£11811 16 0
        Floorcloth and oilcloth..87,785£86,89717,379 8 2
        Flour6,367 centals2,5426,126 centals306 6 1
Foods, animal—
Chaff140 tons424140 tons140 7 1
        Unenumerated..5,104£5,1191,023 16 6
Foods, farinaceous—
        Arrowroot147,434 lb.1,395....
        Macaroni and vermicelli198,0812,669....
        Maizena and cornflour1,407,603 lb.17,6461,435,476 lb.1,495 5 9
        Sago and tapioca20, 896cwt.11,039....
        Unenumerated..2,284....
        Fruits, bottled and preserved104,550 doz.28,973£28,0267,006 10 0
Fruits, dried—
        Currants3,273,402 lb.24,8533,132,162 lb.13,050 13 6
        Raisins3,134,642 lb.34,2773,086,340 lb.12,8598 15 0
        Unenumerated1,873,829 lb.23,5331,829,110 lb.15,242 11 8
Fruits, fresh—
        Apples, pears, plums, &c.3,347,689 lb.32,2843,346,789 lb.9,107 12 8
        Lemons796,838 lb.7,223773,792 lb.1,612 1 4
        Currants, raspberries, &c.37,058 lb.32437,058 lb.77 4 1
        Other kinds21,693,858 lb.116,071....
        Fruits, lemon and orange peel, in brine598,637 lb.3,555....
        Fruit-pulp, and partially preserved fruit77,122 lb.74832,915 lb.205 14 4
        Fungus3 cwt.4....
        Furniture, cabinetware, and upholstery..45,540£45,66614,609 19 0
        Kapok6,582 cwt.15,598....
        Unenumerated..6,143....
        Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish..7,832£7,6481,529 10 4
        Furs..7,645£6,9291,732 5 5
        Gelatine and isinglass118,4798 lb.7,004£6,9411,388 5 7
Glass—
        Bottles, empty..37,700....
        Mirrors and looking-glasses..6,586£6,5381,634 10 11
        Plate, bevelled, &c...10,320£10,3112,577 15 0
        Plate, other kinds806,271 sup. ft.11,950£11,9842,732 4 5
        Window2,478,002 sup. ft.22,8882,489,400 sup. ft.3,440 18 0
        Glassware..49,918£39,28410,387 7 9
        Glue and size200,717 lb.3,531198,013 lb.1,237 11 7
Gold-leaf..780....
        Gold4 oz.13....
Grain and pulse—
        Barley160 centals121162 centals16 3 4
        Beans and peas1,186 centals1,0781,186 centals44 9 0
        Oats20,773 centals6,64720,750 centals778 2 5
        Wheat438 centals318438 centals16, 8 6
        Unenumerated14,806 centals6,45314,503 centals544 1 0
        Ground, unenumerated9,834 centals5,7678,340 centals417 0 0
        Grease5,450 cwt.4,396£3,933786 12 3
Grindery—
        Heel and toe plates..1,131£1,142256 19 0
        Unenumerated..20,785....
        Gum, kauri13 tons1,744....
        Haberdashery..26,648£26,5305,306 0 3
        Buttons, &c...34,255....
        Sewing cottons, silks, and threads..53,712....
        Unenumerated..1,661....
        Hair800 cwt.3,581....
        Hardware, holloware, and ironmongery..261,497£257,14856,916 4 4
        Coffin-furniture..2,846£2,416483 4 0
        Hardware..2,832....
        Hats and caps77,205 doz.83,117£82,78820,684 8 4
        Hatters' materials..15,233....
        Hemp156 tons6,437....
        Hides2,228 No.3,038....
        Honey224 lb.5224 lb.1 17 4
        Hops45,710 lb.2,99242,505 lb.1,250 15 6
        Hosiery..144,370£144,37328,874 12 3
        Indiarubber and gutta-percha goods..15,354£132 12 0
Ink—
        Printing168,435 lb.6,990....
        Writing..1,777£1,503300 12 0
Instruments, musical—
        Harmoniums and organs4285,733£5,8811,176 6 0
        Pianos4,401 No.101,091£100,14425,226 5 7
        Unenumerated..16,543£16,4583,291 12 6
        For volunteer bands..428....
        Materials for..2,650£35070 0 0
Instruments, other kinds—
        Optical..3,123....
        Scientific..6,044....
        Surgical and dental..30,471£14,7352,947 1 6
        Surveying..1,295....
        Unenumerated..148....
Iron and steel—
        Angle291 tons2,048£285 12 0
Bar, bolt, and rod17,248 tons129,166£1,506301 4 0
        Bolts and nuts17,968 cwt.19,927....
        Castings for ships50 tons1,411....
        Galvanised manufactures..1,731£1,700425 2 6
        Hoop1,390 tons13,011....
        Hoop, galvanised3,829 cwt.2,4723,862 cwt.289 13 5
        Pig6,743 tons26,443....
        Pipes and fittings9,797 tons100,881£99,8575,166 8 7
        Rails16,990 tons102,672£4,458891 12 0
        Railway bolts and fastenings1,650 tons17,392£40781 10 0
        Sheet and plate4,842 tons40,765£1,958391 12 0
        Sheet, galvanised, corrugated296,253 cwt.223,135294,559 cwt.29,455 19 0
        Sheet, galvanised, plain57,776 cwt.44,15459,938 cwt.4,495 7 2
        Staples and standards719 tons7,557£7,5141,502 17 11
        Tanks3,938 No.11,6593,873 No.1,7698 5 0
        Wire, fencing, barbed4,702 tons50,451....
        Wire, fencing, plain10,383 tons95,624....
        Wire, telegraphic and telephonic232 tons9,033....
        Wire netting..37,351....
        Wire, unenumerated577 tons8,367....
        Unenumerated112 tons981....
        Jams, jellies, and preserves430,581 lb.7,976445,126 lb.3,709 7 8
        Jellies, concentrated114,627 lb.4,401111,906 lb.1,865 1 11
        Jewellery..10,2868,943 lb.1,788 10 6
        Lamps, lanterns, and lampwick..34,605£34,4458,713 10 7
        Lard123 cwt.252£26753 8 0
Lead—
        Pigs and bars858 tons12,440....
        Pipe (including composition)392 cwt.448347 cwt.60 15 8
        Sheet17,409 cwt.15,36815,982 cwt.1,198 13 10
        Manufactures..160£16032 0 0
        Leather575,387 lb.87,9409509,329 lb.4,002 18 0
        Chamois..892£828165 13 3
Leather manufactures—
        Boot and shoe vamps, uppers, and laces..13,048£13,1023,403 11 1
        Unenumerated..3,563£3,505729 19 3
        Lighthouse, materials for..601....
Linen piece-goods—
        Forfars, dowlas, and flax sheetings..23,063£14,002349 0 0
        Linens n.o.e...16,638£17,0813,416 4 0
        Hessians and scrim..41,884....
        Unenumerated..2....
        Linseed11 tons13311 tons10 18 6
        Liquorice..2,847£2,857571 7 1
Agricultural (including agricultural implements)..100,423....
        Agricultural, ploughs and harrows..9,091....
        Biscuit and confectionery making..626£626125 4 0
        Brick-making..3,249£3,249649 16 0
        Cement making..593£593118 12 0
        Cranes..1,045£1,045209 0 0
        Cranes, hydraulic..12,611....
        Dairying..25,509....
        Dairying engines for..528£89944 19 0
        Dairying boilers for..1,057£1,29764 17 0
        Dredging..7,106£7,106355 6 0
        Electric..159,794£114,68911,468 19 0
        Engines, steam88 No.9,095£8,6411,728 4 0
        Engines, gas and oil1,105 No.68,130£25,4215,084 3 3
        Engines, gas and oil, parts of..827£834166 16 0
        Engines, boilers for32 No.8,399£8,6621,720 8 0
        Flour-milling..4,040£4,039201 18 8
        Fuel economisers..327£32765 8 0
        Gas-making..36,845£35,2783,527 16 0
        Knitting153 No.2,267....
        Mining..36,919....
        Mining engines for..1,029£75637 16 0
        Mining boilers for..556£55627 16 0
        Paper-milling..699£61530 15 0
        Portable and traction engines80 No.32,200....
        Printing..30,478£27,1771,358 17 1
        Refrigerating..5,534£5,609280 9 3
        Rope and twine making..885£88544 5 0
        Sewing9,950 No.33,741....
        Woodworking..17,988....
        Woollen-milling..6,322£5,563278 3 0
        Unenumerated..87,046£79,69314,177 16 8
        Materials for, and parts for8,953£685114 4 0 
        Malt2,546 bush.8482,882 bush.288 5 0
        Rice-malt8,560 lb.678,560 lb.35 13 4
Manures—
        Bonedust13,580 tons65,832....
        Guano5,619 tons16,679....
        Unenumerated26,954 tons91,223....
Marble—
        Dressed or polished, and manufactures..10,017£10,1782,544 11 9
        Hewn or rough-hewn447 tons3,165....
Matches and vestas—
        Wax (boxes)64,991 gross8,91669,434 gross4,260 11 2
        Wooden (boxes)43,491 gross3,12336,455 gross1,847 15 3
        Mats and matting..10,064£10,0582,011 10 6
        Meats, potted and preserved..3,400£2,8995798 16 3
Medicines, patent and proprietary..51,853£53,1127,966 16 10
Metal, manufactures of—
        Anchors937 No.839....
        Japanned and lacquered metalware..947£944236 1 3
        Rivets and washers7,663 cwt.8,186....
        Tacks1,902 cwt.3,032....
        Typewriters753 No.10,322....
        Weighbridges and weighing-machines..9,455£9,0191,803 14 10
        Unenumerated..79,946£33,8936,778 11 10
        Metal sheathing, other than copper442 cwt.1,519....
        Milk, preserved621,947 lb.11,605£10,5002,625 0 5
Millinery—
        Feathers, ornamental..4,418£4,4341,108 10 0
        Other kinds..58,288£58,02414,506 1 8
        Mustard236,008 lb.13,036233,313 lb.1,944 5 7
Nails—
        Iron77,764 cwt.44,78176,978 cwt.11,011 19 1
        Unenumerated67 cwt.20066 cwt.9 18 6
        Naphtha (wood)10,546 galls.2,0959,562 galls.239 1 0
Nuts—
        Almonds, in shell33,119 lb.66531,584 lb.263 3 11
        Almonds, shelled39,982 lb.2,65136,176 lb.452 4 1
        Almonds, Barbary, &c.255,324 lb.8,305....
        Cocoanuts32,562 No.140....
        Unenumerated69,883 lb.1,38170,789 lb.589 18 2
        Oakum379 cwt.489....
        Oars3,015 No.637....
Oils—
        Castor, bulk88,509 galls.8,42757,665 galls.1,441 12 4
        Castor, bottled1,208 doz. pts518£50976 7 0
        Cod-liver19,780 galls.3,656....
        Colza30,784 galls.2,37513,513 galls.337 16 9
        Fish, penguin, and seal44,493 galls.3,083....
        Linseed295,925 galls.30,076289,511 galls.7,237 15 7
        Mineral, kerosene4,574,889 galls.189,767....
        Mineral, other kinds220,798 galls17,753204,845 galls.5,121 2 7
        Olive, bulk6,555 galls.1,2185,887 galls.147 3 6
        Olive, bottled1,787 galls.865£842126 6 6
        Whale130 galls.23....
        Unenumerated, bulk295, 630 galls.24,219271,538 galls.6,788 8 10
        Unenumerated, bottled9,429 doz. pts4,295£4,403660 8 10
        Unenumerated464,742 galls.17,923....
        Oilmen's stores..8,720£8,6951,738 19 3
        Onions30,770 cwt.15,08929,9998 cwt.1,499 19 2
        Opium109 lb.107102 lb.203 19 2
Paints and colours—
        Ground in oil42,791 cwt.48,82241,832 cwt.5,229 1 8
        Mixed ready for use8,126 cwt.17,9847,178 cwt.1,794 10 11
        Unenumerated14,374 cwt.15,557....
Paper—
        Bags, coarse262 cwt.426263 cwt.98 15 4
        Bags, other kinds5,443 cwt.8,062£8,1072,026 14 11
        Butter-paper5,843 cwt.9,768....
        Paperhangings..36,998£37,5816,070 17 4
        Printing157,4367 cwt.133,436£2,803560 10 11
        Wrapping8,643 cwt.9,9558,515 cwt.2,680 1 7
        Writing21,097 cwt.34,106....
        Unenumerated1,8984 cwt.3,480....
        Pearl barley1,325 cwt.7081,344 cwt.67 4 2
        Peas, split1,661 cwt.8781,693 cwt.169 6 9
        Peel, candied and dried10,224 lb.2469,881 lb.123 10 3
Perfumery—
        Perfumed spirits1,362 galls.5,6871,377 galls.2,065 8 4
        Toilet preparations..12,293£12,3013,075 6 9
        Unenumerated..526£509127 5 0
        Photographic goods..6,100£6,0521,210 6 1
        Copper, glass, and zinc plates for photo-lithographic work..402....
        Photographic cameras and lenses..9,088....
        Sensitised surfaces for photographic purposes..21,295....
        Pickles6,360 galls.1,5985,788 galls.868 4 1
        Pictures, paintings, drawings, engravings, and photographs..11,802£11,4042,280 13 9
        Paintings, &c., for museums, &c...690....
        Family portraits..2....
        Picture frames and mounts..6,404£6,4081,281 10 1
        Pitch994 cwt.560....
        Plants, trees, and shrubs..6,078....
        Plaster of-paris11,757 cwt.2,398....
        Plate and platedware..72,149£70,13014,515 16 2
        Portmanteaux and travelling bags..7,031£6,9951,748 16 6
        Leather bags and leathercloth bags..184£18436 16 0
        Potatoes2,786 tons16,371£13,0223,255 7 1
        Seed potatoes590 tons4,723....
Printing materials—
        Stereotypes and matrices..265£26365 17 6
        Type and materials, n.o.e...16,108....
Provisions—
        Eggs6,544 doz.162£17434 16 0
        Eggs, desiccated, white and yolk..1,205£1,205241 0 0
Eggs, liquid, white and yolk..44144188 4 0
        Provisions n.o.e...13,703£14,2532,850 12 2
        Pumps..9,403£8,3412,144 18 7
        Putty5,746 cwt.2,7695,755 cwt.575 10 6
        Quicksilver9,808 lb.1,039....
Railway plant—
        Locomotives2 No.1,975....
        Unenumerated..77,991£1,693338 12 0
        Resin14,483 cwt.6,927....
        Rice82,557 cwt.52,253....
        Rice-flour96 cwt.7998 cwt.29 10 9
        Rice meal refuse3,447 cwt.613....
        Rugs..17,306£17,3213,464 3 7
        Saccharine17,591 oz.33415,103 oz.1,132 14 9
        Saddlery and harness (including whips)..29,925£29,8415,968 5 11
        Harness oil, composition, and leather-dressing..2,121£2,093418 11 4
        Saddlers' ironmongery and materials..19,951....
        Cllar-check..6,513....
        Salt16,539 tons35,089....
        Rock salt505 tons960....
        Saltpetre88 tons2,021....
        Sauces14,169 galls.9,19014,176 galls.2,835 3 8
        Sausage-skins194,887 lb.11,368196,715 lb.2,458 18 9
Seeds—
        Grass and cover21,436 cwt.62,253....
        Unenumerated..27,752....
        Shale141354....
        Shells193 cwt.614....
        Ship-chandlery n.o.e...5,502....
        Silks, &c...119,727£118,39629,599 1 5
        Silk for flour-dressing..54....
        Silver122 oz.15....
Skins and pelts—
        Fur-skins5,758 No.314....
        Kangaroo and wallabi120 No.16....
        Unenumerated20,256 No.1,154....
        Slates, roofing238,444 No.1,728....
Soap—
        Soap-powder, extract of soap, &c...7,591£7,4851,496 19 1
        Unenumerated..36,843£37,3299,332 5 1
Specie—
        Gold..330,000....
        Silver..17,449....
        Copper..230....
Natural Science..232....
Spices—
        Ground22,006 lb.84422,871 lb.381 3 9
        Unground558,371 lb.13,485566,419 lb.4,720 3 2
Spirits—
        Bitters, cordials, and liqueurs3,496 galls.2,9992,821 galls.2,256 19 6
        Brandy68,384 galls28,90262,412 galls49,929 16 10
        Geneva and gin, unsweetened90,963 galls21,91574,916 galls59,933 1 3
        Methylated79 galls1279 galls.3 19 6
        Rum11,075 galls2,40113,789 galls11,030 15 6
        Sweetened5,963 galls.1,7486,293 galls5,034 3 10
        Whisky465,597 galls.170,464466,979 galls.373,582 19 1
        Unenumerated3,425 galls.3,4643,665 galls.2,931 16 10
        Spirits of wine67,462 galls.4,9311,818 galls.1,454 8 9
        Methylated, in bond....61,401 galls.1,535 0 5
        Sponges..250£20430 13 5
        Starch977,287 lb.10,734960,141 lb.8,001 3 6
        Starch, confectioners' moulding100,567690....
        Starch waste643,920 lb.1,277....
Stationery—
        Manufactured..64,727£61,66715,416 14 4
        Unenumerated..57,664£48,0399,607 17 8
        Apparatus and appliances for teaching purposes..7,552....
        Bookbinders' materials..7,879....
        Cardboard boxes, materials for..15,198....
        Unenumerated..7,137....
        Steamers in sections1 No.1,565....
        Stearine98 lb.298 lb.0 12 3
        For match-making362,786 lb.6,686362,786 lb.1,133 14 1
Stone—
        Building529 tons1,209....
        Flagging1 tons5....
        Granite and other stone, dressed or polished..5,011£5,0031,250 17 6
        Granite, unwrought11 tons58£582 18 0
        Grind, mill, oil, and whet stones..3,193....
Sugar—
        Raw824,380 cwt.412,1905,712 lb.11 18 0
        Refined9,898 cwt.8,29389,433,518 lb.186,319 16 7
        Glucose6,968 cwt.3,999820,355 lb.3,418 2 11
        Molasses21 cwt.2813,874 lb.28 18 1
        Golden syrup....2,419,176 lb.5,039 19 0
        Molasses and treacle mixed with bone-black....1,391 cwt...
        Treacle20 cwt.24920,442 lb.1,917 11 9
        Sulphur8,318 cwt.2,343....
        Tallow..7.. 
Tanning materials, crude—
        Bark3,666 tons31,536....
        Other kinds..2,390....
        Tar..2,921....
        Tarpaulins and tents..138£13827 12 3
        Tea5,906,653 lb.226,42764,042 lb.533 13 9
        Textile piece-goods other than silk, cotton, linen, or woollen..66,611£66,06013,211 19 1
        Articles made up from, other than apparel..15,568£15,583,896 15 6
Timber—
        Laths and shingles1,927,917 No.2,3961,927,000 No.192 13 10
        Logs2,637 No.8,432....
        Logs, hewn2,925,667 sup. ft.35,597....
        Palings548,186 No.3,560548,300 No.548 6 8
        Posts22,543 No.76322,025 No.88 2 0
        Rails8,390 No.2528,390 No.16 15 9
        Sawn, undressed11,074 673 sup. ft.77,70210,397,630 sup. ft.10,397 12 7
        Sawn, dressed136,683 sup. ft.2,881135,710 sup. ft.271 8 5
        Unenumerated..1,693....
Tim—
        Block3,212 cwt.24,245....
        Foil24,042 lb.1,432....
        Sheet54,038 cwt.43,683....
        Tinware..18,279£13,4173,354 6 1
        Tinsmiths' furnishing and fittings..2,900....
Tobacco—
        Unmanufactured28,045 lb.1,09316,716 lb.1,671 12 0
        Manufactured1,997,669 lb.184,4021,982,439 lb.346,926 17 3
        Cigars60,957 lb.22,00863,116 lb.22,090 11 0
Cigarettes286,763 lb.73,828112,386,952 No.98,338 11 8
        20,596 oz.514 18 3
        Snuff1,285 lb.2081,410 lb.493 10 0
        Tobacco-pipes and cases, &c...24,950£25,0156,253 14 5
Tools and implements—
        Axes and hatchets..8,697....
        Engineers' machine tools..22,294....
        Scythes..1,788....
        Sheep-shears..2,971....
        Spades, shovels, and forks..14,069....
        Unenumerated..115,741....
        Tramway plant..24,141£24,1604,832 2 0
        Turpentine, terebine, and driers95,334 galls.16,275....
        Twine459,099 lb.16,486£15,1113,022 5 2
        Nets and netting..1,195£1,195239 0 0
        Binder751 cwt.1,969....
        Unenumerated..341....
Umbrellas and parasols..17,290£17,0863,417 6 0
        Materials for..5,956....
        Varnish and gold-size46,487 galls.21,49944,838 galls.4,483 15 7
        Vegetables, fresh, dried, or preserved..2,235£2,012402 7 4
        Vinegar43,095 galls.5,00742,556 galls.1,063 18 0
        Watches34,989 No.15,413£15,1223,024 8 3
        Watchmakers' materials..476....
Wax—
        Beeswax157 cwt.1,106....
        Paraffin, &c.940,269 lb.10,359963,823 lb.3,011 18 11
        Unenumerated3,754 lb.2163,211 lb.20 1 4
        Whalebone..6....
        Whiting and chalk11,205 cwt.1,10611,121 cwt.556 0 8
Wine—
        Australian43,946 galls.15,19347,627 galls.11,906 16 5
        Sparkling10,700 galls.19,1659,978 galls.4,489 17 11
        Other kinds52,863 galls.17,46755,581 galls.16/674 6 9
        Woodenware..58,232£44,0667,679 15 11
Wool—
        Greasy251,245 lb.6,841....
        Scoured4,966 lb.293....
        Woollen piece-goods..406,546£406,25081,250 1 4
        Blankets14,462 pairs4,981£5,1081,021 11 11
        Woolpacks32,695 doz.38,538....
        Woolpockets373 diz.248....
        Yarns..9,647£9,6471,929 10 0
        Coir, flax, and hemp..4,828....
Zinc manufactures—
        Tiles, ridging, &c...741£43687 4 11
        Unenumerated..431£431107 17 6
Zinc—
        Perforated sheet428 cwt.945....
        Plain sheet8,415 cwt.12,359....
        Spelter5,237 cwt.7,038....
        Minor articles..5,863....
        Articles and materials suited only for and to be used solely in the fabrication of goods within the colony..29,195....
Miscellaneous goods—
        Manufactured..18,022....
        Unmanufactured..6,706....
        New Zealand exhibits returned from St. Louis Exhibition..3,500....
        Parcels-post..188,543..39,728 1 10
Excise Duties.
        Tobacco, manufactured......910 6 0
        Cigars......72 13 6
        Cigarettes made by hand......2 3 0
        Cigarettes made by machinery....9 0 0 
        Pharmacopœia tinctures, essences, extracts, and medicinal spirits containing more than 50 per cent. of proof spirits......2,240 3 4
        Pharmacopœia tinctures, essences, extracts, and medicinal spirits containing less than 50 per cent. of proof spirits......15 13 3
        Culinary and flavouring essences......154 19 0
        Perfumed spirits......50 0 0
        Toilet preparations......12 3 0

The Cook Islands, and Niue or Savage Island, now part of New Zealand, have not been considered in the table of imports made up by the Department of Trade and Customs. Details of goods received from those islands in 1905 are given on page 262.

CUSTOMS REVENUE.

The Customs and excise duties received during the last five years are shown in detail, also the rate of revenue per head of mean population, inclusive and exclusive of Maoris, for each year:—

1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
* See remarks on page 283.
CUSTOMS DUTIES.£££££
Spirits478,816483,582498,256520,664509,928
Wine35,86436,74535,71035,01833,072
Ale, beer, &c.18,84920,15220,41320,35121,827
Cigars, cigarettes, and shuff90,49094,992107,838110,151121,435
Tobacco296,016294,272322,227341,127348,600
Tea45,90542,40543,6064,838534
Coffee, cocoa, &c.4,6475,2885,9516/8846,136
Sugar and molasses173,055185,484192,675200,266196,736
Opium6,618*271*192*173*204
Other goods by weight151,286166,687184,951198,231201,498
ad valorem808,531867,209982,8001,098,3871,097,968
Other duties59,31665,21976,24579/75875,000
Parcels-post22,40522,73731,03234,34139,728
            Totals, Customs duties2,191,7982,285,0432,501,8962,650,1892,652,666
1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.

* Including £173 duty on culinary flavouring essences, and £19 on perfumed spirits.

† Including £183 excise duty on culinary and flavouring essences, £5 perfumed spirits, and £1 toilet preparations.

‡ Including £162 excise duty on culinary and flavouring essences.

§ Including £281 excise duty on culinary and flavouring essences, and £8 toilet preparations.

|| Including £155 excise duty on culinary and flavouring essences, and £62 toilet preparations.

EXCISE DUTIES.£££££
Tintures—New Zealand*2,198†2,454‡3,560§3,450||2,473
Cigars, cigarettes, and snuff—New-Zealand-manufactured17419037146684
Tobacco—New-Zealand-manufactured2,5962,0961/611,061910
Beer—New Zealand89,13589,74294,44097,33197,452
          Totals, excise duties94,15394,482100,022102,308100,919
Revenue from Customs duties£        s.        d.£        s.        d.£        s.        d.£        s.        d.£        s.        d.
per head of mean population (excluding Maoris)2 16 42 17 33 1 03 2 93 1 0
Ditto (including Maoris)2 13 52 14 42 17 102 19 82 18 1
Revenue from excise duties per head of mean population (excluding Maoris0 2 50 2 4.40 2 5.30 2 5.10 2 3.8
Ditto (including Maoris)0 2 3.50 2 30 2 3.80 2 3.60 2 2.5

The Customs revenue for the year 1905 amounted to £2,652,666, and the excise duties to £100,919. The revenue from Customs was £3 1s. per head of population excluding Maoris, and £2 18s. 1d. if they be included. In 1890 the Customs revenue was £2 9s. 3d. per head of European population, and the proportion increased to £2 11s. 6d. in 1892. During the next two years there was a falling-off; but 1895 and following years, except for a slight fall in 1901, show increases, the proportion for 1904 being higher than in any year since 1878. Details for sixteen years are given:—

CUSTOMS> REVENUE PER HEAD OF EUROPEAN POPULATION.

 £    s.      d.
1,8902    9    3
1,8912    9    7
1,8922    11    6
1,8932    10    4
1,8942    6    4
1,8952    6    9
1,8962    9    11
1,8972    13    0
1,8982    13    3
1,8992    14    5
1,9002    16    10
1,9012    16    4
1,9022    17    3
1,9033    1    0
1,9043    2    9
1,9053    1    0

Dating from 1890, the taxation by way of Customs and excise duties together increased from £2 11s. 2d. in that year to £2 19s. 2d. in 1900, declined to £2 18s. 9d. in 1901, increasing to £3 5s. 2d. in 1904. For the year 1905, although the collections under these heads show an increase, the amount per head of population was £3 3s. 4d., a decrease on the previous year's total of 1s. 10d. per head.

Besides an alteration of tariff in 1895 in certain items, in the year 1900 certain duties were lowered and exemptions granted. The duty on tea was brought to 2d. per pound, instead of 4d.; currants and raisins were lowered to 1d. per pound; candles to 1d.; cocoa and roasted coffee to 3d. There was also reduction on stearine for match-making, on paraffin-wax, and wax matches. The duty on patent and proprietary medicines was made 15 per cent., also that on certain drugs and chemicals, while the charge on steam-engines, or parts thereof, became 5 per cent. Various exemptions came into force.

With these circumstances there has been a greater import of taxable articles, which would seem to indicate that purchasing-power had increased. It is at least certain that the value of imports rose from £5,990,177 (excluding specie) in 1894 to £12,481,178 in 1905, while the changes of tariff were effected.

The Customs revenue for 1905 was increased by the sum of £64,327 in consequence of “The Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, 1903,” 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 1905 only £5,534 was received. The preferential duties which have been imposed on articles not British produce or manufacture are stated on page 111, following the main tariff, and the provisions of the Act as to reciprocity, &c., will be found set out in a special article in Part III. But, for convenience, a full statement is also given of the original rates and additional duties further on in this section.

The tariff (general and preferential), as before stated, has been given in full in Part I. (see pages 94 to 112). The rates of duty levied include 16s. per gallon on spirits; 30s. per gallon on perfumed spirits; 7s. per pound on cigars and snuff; 17s. 6d. per 1,000, of 2 1/2lb. and under, and 6d. per ounce weight over 2 1/2 lb. per 1,000, on cigarettes; also 3s. 6d. per pound on manufactured and 2s. on unmanufactured tobacco. Sparkling wine is charged 9s. a gallon; Australian, 5s.; other kinds, 6s.; ale and beer, 2s. The duty on cocoa, chocolate, and chicory is 3d. per lb.; raw coffee, 2d.; roasted, 3d. Tea produced in British dominions is free (from the 31st March, 1904), except in packets not exceeding 1 lb. in weight, when the duty is 2d. per lb., and the same duty is chargeable on tea of foreign production. Sugar, molasses, and treacle pay 1/2d., and glucose 1d. per pound. Opium is charged 40s. per pound, but this article, in a form suitable for smoking, cannot now be legally imported. The Opium Prohibition Acts, 1901 and 1902, make the importation or possession of opium suitable for smoking illegal. The remainder of the Customs revenue, with small exception, is made up of charges on goods by weight, ad valoremduties, ranging from 5 to 40 per cent., and receipts from the foreign parcels-post. There is also an excise duty of 1s. per pound on tobacco; 1s. 6d. per pound on cigars, cigarettes, and snuff; 3d. per gallon on beer; 9d. per pound on tinctures, &c., manufactured in the colony, containing more than 50 per cent. of proof spirit, and 3d. per pound when less than 50 per cent. Also, 12s. per gallon on culinary and flavouring essences, and 20s. on perfumed spirits.

By “The Tobacco Excise Duties Act, 1896,” the excise duty on cigarettes made in the colony is now (from the 31st December, 1896) 2s.-6d. per pound on machine-made and 1s. per pound on hand-made cigarettes.

“The Tobacco Act Amendment Act, 1896,” enacts that all packages of manufactured tobacco shall be labelled before leaving the manufactory, and provides for the issue of 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.

The duties authorised by “The Timber Export Act, 1901,” and “The Timber Export Duty Act, 1903,” will be found given on page 110 in detail, with the full tariff.

“THE PREFERENTIAL AND RECIPROCAL TRADE ACT, 1903.”

The following goods are liable to an additional duty under the above Act when not the produce or manufacture of some part of the British dominions:—

Rate prescribed by the Tariff.Additional Duty when of Foreign Production or Manufacture.

* See next page.

† All tea of foreign growth is liable to a duty of 2d. the lb. Tea grown in any British possession is only liable to duty at 2d. the lb. when in packets not exceeding 1 lb. in weight.

Cement2s. the barrel2s. the barrel.
Basket and wicker ware n.o.e., not being furniture20 p.c. ad. val.10 p.c. ad val.
Bicycles, tricycles, and the like-vehicles; also finished or partly finished or machined parts of same n.o.e., including weldless steel tubing cut to short lengths20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Boots, shoes, and slippers n.o.e.; goloshes, clogs, pattens, vamps, uppers, and laces22 1/2 p.c. ad val.11 1/4 p.c. ad val.
Candles1d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight1/2 d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight.
Carriages, carts, drays, wagons, perambulators, and wheels for th same20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
China, porcelain, and parian ware20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Clocks20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Cordage and rope n.o.e.20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Cream of tartar1d. the 1b.1/2d. the lb.
Earthenware, stoneware, and brown ware20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Fancy goods and toys20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Firearms, all kinds20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Fish, potted and preserved2d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight1d. the lb. or package of that reputed weight
Furniture and cabinetware n.o.e., and other than iron25 p.c. ad. val.12 1/2 p.c ad val.
Glass, crown, sheet, and common window2s. the 100 sup. ft.1s. the 100 sup. ft.
Glassware; also plats glass, and glass polished, coloured, and other kinds n.o.e.; globes and chimneys for lamps20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Hardware, ironmongery, and holloware20 p.c. ad. val.10 p.c. ad val.
Hops6d. the lb3d. the lb.
Iron nails2s. the cwt.1s. the cwt.
Iron pipes, and fittings for same, including main-cocks5 p.c. ad val.2 1/2 p.c. ad val.
Lamps, lanterns, and lamp-wick20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Musical instruments—viz., pianos20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Paperhangings15 p.c. ad val.7 1/2 p.c. ad val.
Paper, wrapping—viz., blue candle, glazed cap, glazed casings, small-hand, lumber-hand, and tissue5s. the cwt.2s. 6d. the cwt.
Paper, wrapping, other kinds, including brown, cartridge, and sugar papers5s. the cwt.2s. 6d. the cwt.
Plate and platedware20 p.c. ad val.10 p.c. ad val.
Pumps and other apparatus for raising water20 p.c. ad. val.10 p.c. ad val.
Bicycles and tricycles, fittings for—viz., rubber tires, pneumatic tires, outside covers, and inner tubes; rubber and cork handles, and pedal-rubbers; also drop-forgings and stampings, ball-bearings, weld-less steel tube in full lengths, rims, forks, and spokes in the roughFree20 p.c. ad val.
Gas engines and hammers, and oil-enginesFree20 p.c. ad val.
Gum bootsFree20 p.c. ad val.
Iron and steel cordageFree20 p.c. ad val.
Iron, plain black sheet, rod, bolt, bar, and plateFree20 p.c. ad val.
Printing-paper*Free20 p.c. ad val.
Rails for railways and tramways*Free20 p.c. ad val.
Sail-cloth, canvas, and unbleached double-warped duckFree20 p.c. ad val.
Surgical and dental instruments, and appliancesFree20 p.c. ad val.
Tea†Free (except when in packets not exceeding 1 lb. in weight).2d. the lb. (If of foreign growth.)

Extract from “ The Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, 1903.”

Exemptions from provisions of sections 2 and 3.

4. The provisions of sections two and three hereof shall not be applicable in the case of—

  1. Goods imported on or before the thirty-first day of March, one thousand nine hundred and four, if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Collector that an order for the goods was sent from New Zealand on or before the sixteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and three.

  2. Printing-papers imported by and for the use of the proprietors of any registered newspaper, if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Collector that they are imported under a valid contract for the supply of such papers for a period not exceeding three years, entered into prior to the sixteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and three.

  3. Rails for tramways and other goods mentioned in the Schedules hereto directly imported before the thirty-first day of March, one thousand nine hundred and six, for use in the construction or equipment of any tramway for which plans and specifications have been completed or are in course of preparation on the passing of this Act.

In connection with the subject of preferential duties, tables are annexed to illustrate the position in regard to two specially selected important foreign States at the time the additional duties were authorised. The table for United States also exhibits the fact that free goods have been introduced at a far greater rate than those which paid duty since the year 1896:—

IMPORTS FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Year.On the East Coast.On the West Coast.Total Imports.
Admitted Free of Duty.On which Duty Payable.Admitted Free of Duty.On which Duty Payable.Admitted Free of Duty.On which Duty Payable.
* Of this sum £100,497 value was for Government uses.
 ££££££
1,896127,235292,45420,66352,488147,898344,942
1,897155,730366,20924,90681,199180,636447,408
1,898282,332418,22327,47772,379309,809490,602
1,899250,656437,25031,35956,044282,015493,294
1,900377,569580,71742,56761,020420,136641,737
1,901618,312556,433146,02394,492*764,335650,925
1,902527,525619,05053,661118,701581,186737,751
1,903522,581716,95457,430144,393580,011861,347
1,904629,560679,74251,509167,104681,069846,846
1,905541,685668,93354,415173,468596,100842,401

To show the nature of the imports from the United States of America a statement giving the articles and values thereof for the year 1905 is introduced. Examining the figures, it will be found that tobacco to the value of £155,085 was imported into New Zealand last year; boots and shoes, £61,150; oils, £171,763; hardware, &c., iron and steel, with machinery, tools and implements, &c., came to £403,632. The rest is a very miscellaneous list of articles, to which fruit contributed more than £40,000.

LIST OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES IMPORTED FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN 1905.
 £
Apparel and slops, n.o.e.11,803
Arms, ammunition. &c.15,041
Belting, other than leather2,027
Bicycles and tricycles2,246
Bicycles and tricycles, materials for5,532
Books, &c., printed8,795
Boots and shoes61,150
Brass, manufactures1,848
Brushware and brooms2,574
Building materials6,713
Canvas3,875
Cards, playing1,064
Carriages, &c.—
      Automobiles, motor cars, and motor cycles8,758
      Carriages3,811
      Carts, drays, perambulators, &c1,047
      Materials for16,045
Clocks9,212
Coffee, raw1,040
Confectionery2,453
Cordage1,493
Cotton piece-goods11,303
Cutlery1,228
Drapery2,569
Drugs, chemicals, and drug gists' wares16,674
Engine-packing2,095
Fancy goods and toys10,260
Pelt sheathing3,105
Fish, potted and preserved4,726
Foods, farinaceous4,383
Fruits, bottled and preserved18,918
Fruits, dried26,986
Fruits, fresh13,335
Furniture, cabinetware, and upholstery12,660
Furniture, knife, and plate powder and polish3,814
Glass bottles, empty3,303
Glassware7,348
Grain and pulse2,247
Grease2,583
Grindery3,214
Haberdashery4,768
Hardware, holloware, and ironmongery39,085
Indiarubber and gutta percha goods3,327
Ink, printing1,771
Instruments, musical5,462
Instruments, other kinds11,546
Iron and steel103,316
Lamps, lanterns, and lamp-wick11,137
Leather22,372
Leather manufactures3,769
Machinery and machines—
      Agricultural (including agricultural implements)53,479
      Agricultural—ploughs and harrows3,490
      Dairying4,289
      Electric41,325
      Engines, gas and oil19,849
      Gas-making6,938
      Mining2,555
      Printing2,742
      Refrigerating3,752
      Sewing22,832
      Woodworking6,550
      Other32,676
Manures, unenumerated1,117
Marble, and manufactures of1,629
Medicines, patent and pro-prietary16,532
Metal, manufactures of—
Metal, typewriters3,995
Metal, weighbridges and weighing-machines3,797
Metal, unenumerated18,183
Nails24,631
Oils—
        Kerosene137,515
        Other kinds34,248
Onions7,115
Paints and colours—
Paints ground in oil1,740
Paints mixed ready for use5,802
Paints unenumerated1,925
Paper bags2,027
Paperhangings2,103
Paper—
        Printing28,429
        Writing1,581
        Other kinds2,807
Perfumery2,379
Photographic goods2,645
Pictures, paintings, drawings, &c.1,994
Picture frames and mounts1,735
Plaster-of-paris1,682
Place and platedware2,074
Potatoes7,131
Printing materials1,681
Provisions—eggs1,227
Provisions, n.o.e.2,052
Pumps4,016
Railway plant1,487
Saddlery and harness1,949
Saddlery and harness materials for1,354
Sausage-skins10,634
Seeds, grass and clover7,475
Soap8,095
Spirits1,241
Stationery, manufactured4,627
Stationery, other7,625
Stone1,046
Sugar, glucose3,660
Timber4,376
Tinware1,335
Tobacco, manufactured103,687
Tobacco, cigars5,620
Tobacco, cigarettes45,778
Tools and implements60,754
Tramway plant17,849
Turpentine, terebine, and driers12,774
Varnish and gold-size2,557
Watches3,600
Wax, paraffin, &c.6,097
Woodenware, mouldings6,448
Woodenware, other20,915
Other imports49,850
 £1,438,501
IMPORTS FROM GERMANY, 1896–1905.
Year.Admitted Free of Duty.On which Duty Payable.Proportions per Cent.
Admitted Free of Duty.On which Duty Payable.
 ££  
1,89623,40477,97723.0876.92
1,89729,101127,96518.5381.47
1,89829,957123,14519.5780.43
1,89934,937125,66821.7673.24
1,90039,149142,92521.5078.50
1,90140,377158,14420.3379.07
1,90246,084164,47621.8978.11
1,90370,191204,10625.5974.41
1,90469,594239,21022.5477.40
1,90564,920212,54723.4070.00

Among the imports from Germany the principal items in value were musical instruments, fancy goods and toys, iron and steel, machinery, hardware, &c., and glassware.

LIST OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES IMPORTED FROM GERMANY IN 1905.
 £
Acids, acetic1,260
Apparel and slops, n.o.e.3,367
Basketware and wickerware1,082
Boots and shoes2,399
Brushware and brooms2,131
Building materials2,076
China, porcelain, and parianware6,208
Clocks1,840
Cotton piece-goods2,115
Cutlery1,708
Drapery3,620
Drugs, chemicals, and drug-gists' wares4,987
Dyes1,167
Earthenware1,770
Fancy goods and toys28,705
Firearms1,122
Furniture, cabinetware, and upholstery5,473
Glass—
        Bottles, empty2,152
        Other kinds1,252
Glassware11,030
Haberdashery1,249
Hardware, holloware, and ironmongery10,249
Hosiery2,125
Instruments, musical—
        Pianos47,358
        Other kinds1,789
Instruments, other kinds1,530
Iron and steel12,057
Lamps, lanterns, and lamp-wick7,941
Leather1,335
Machinery and machines10,004
Manures9,488
Matches and vestas1,076
Metal, manufactures of1,909
Nails8,040
Naptha (wood)1,352
Paperhangings2,336
Paper, printing3,259
Paper, other kinds3,521
Picture-frames and mounts1,030
Plate and platedware1,355
Seeds (grass and clover)6,928
Spirits3,957
Stationery (manufactured)2,942
Stationery other4,036
Textile piece-goods1,458
Tobacco1,822
Tobacco pipes and cases, &c.1,761
Tools and implements2,648
Wooden ware (mouldings)4,979
Woollen piece-goods3,101
Zinc (plain sheet)3,128
Other imports26,240
                Total£277,467

Chapter 39. SECTION VIII.—EXPORTS AND TOTAL TRADE.

THE quantities and values of exports used in making up the figures given in this portion of the statistical information are obtained from Customs entries. In estimating the value of exports the “ free on board in New Zealand” value is given, and, as regards the main items, the Collector of Customs examines carefully the amounts stated, and compares them with current price-lists, to prevent any overestimate. As a further safeguard, the values of wool, frozen meat, oats, wheat, tallow, phormium fibre, butter, and cheese are submitted to the various Chambers of Commerce for their approval prior to the publication of the figures. Goods transhipped are regarded as destined for the country where it is intended to land them.

The value of all the exports in 1905, inclusive of specie (£13,878), was £15,655,947. The value of New Zealand produce exported, £15,503,530, gives an average of £17 16s. 5d. per head of population, against £17 5s. 7d. for the previous year. The increase in the value of exports of New Zealand produce for 1905 in respect of that for 1904 amounts to £901,743, or 6T8 per cent.

While a considerable increase is noticeable in the value of exports of New Zealand produce for 1905 when compared with that for 1904 (£901,743), the imports, on the other hand, have already been shown to have fallen from £13,291,694 to £12,828,857, a decrease of £462,837.

The balance of trade was at the end of last year as under:—

 £
Exports, 190515,055,947
Imports, 190512,328,857
Excess of exports for year£2,827,090

The difference is greater than that shown for the previous year (1904), when the balance of trade in favour of the colony was only £1,456,654.

Exports to Different Countries.

The values of exports for the years 1895 and 1905 to the United Kingdom, the Australian States, with other British possessions, and to foreign countries, show the extent and development of outward trade in regard to its distribution, considered for such period:—

Countries.18951905.
 ££
United Kingdom7,045,64612,087,818
New South Wales625,6911,321,353
Victoria350,931866,939
Queensland20,38410,141
Western Australia19,04936,043
South Australia12,68933,897
Tasmania7,00926,598
Other British possessions55,309296,831
United States316,639716,301
Other foreign ports96,877260,026
 £8,550,224£15,655,947

A comparison for the period 1896–1905 of the value of the export trade with the United Kingdom, British colonies and possessions, and foreign countries, exhibits an increase of about 126 per cent. in case of exports to foreign States, against a rise of 92 per cent. in value of goods sent to British possessions, calculated on very much greater figures. The exports to the United Kingdom have risen about 60 per cent. in the decade.

Year.Exports to
United Kingdom.British Colonies and Possessions.Foreign States.
£££ 
1,8967,541,9811,346,544432,580
1,8978,108,1231,380,502468,368
1,8988,265,4991,532,511719,945
1,8999,427,5151,850,239600,581
1,90010,259,3422,332,780654,039
1,9019,295,3752,907,412678,637
1,9029,450,6483,577,815616,514
1,90311,345,0752,821,608843,695
1,90411,870,2732,088,691783,384
1,90512,087,8182,591,802976,327

The following are the values of exports to different countries or places in 1905 and 1904, arranged in order of magnitude of increase or decrease in the later year to each:—

Country, Colony, State, &c.1905.1904.Increase.
 £££
New South Wales1,321,353843,720477,633
United Kingdom12,087,81811,876,273211,545
United States of America716,301598,921117,380
Cape Colony62,40425,90636,498
Canada42,70912,42030,289
France42,96325,81223,151
Germany38,95823,93115,027
Portuguese East Africa10,304..10,364
Guam7,649..7,049
Tasmania26,59819,8586,740
Navigators Islands45,13539,7355,400
British Columbia8,6203,5415,079
Friendly Islands39,43435,4334,001
Denmark6,2603,0803,180
Spain2,627..2,627
Japan3,5441,3192,225
Society Islands27,08925,0672,022
Queensland10,1418,2141,927
New Caledonia3,5432,1661,377
Belgium8,6397,3141,325
Bengal4,2403,329911
Caroline Islands1,373546827
Argentine Republic1,734928806
Transvaal Colony1,452730722
New Britain1,226667559
Maiden Island55529526
South Australia33,89733,502395
West Indies366..366
Solomon Islands1,332969363
Egypt260..260
Marshall Islands575325250
Malta208..208
Italy11811107
Banks Island87..87
Bombay763046
Philippine Islands561541
New Hebrides652639
China1007327
New Guinea7..7
Orange River Colony18144
Chili2..2
Peru1..1
Country, Colony, State, &c.1905.1904.Decrease.
 £££
Hong Kong13,58936,03122,442
Natal113,062127,50314,441
Fiji46,90455,6218,717
Victoria866,939871,9354,996
Western Australia36,04340,3934,350
Brazil8653,3672,502
Fanning Island1002,1712,071
Holland4662,4231,957
Uruguay8,1378,813676
Norfolk Island1,9312,332401
Easter Island..390390
Sandwich Islands8451,219374
Sweden168528360
Uganda..217217
Ceylon266425159
Singapore581705124
Switzerland110218108
Surprise Island97162
Rhodesia12827
Burmah9167
Norway..66
Russia..44
Madras19212
Austria671

Re-exports.

The re-export trade of the colony would seem from the subjoined figures to have been almost stationary for the last twelve years. The re-exports of merchandise in 1905 were valued at £138,539, or less than 1 per cent. of the total exports, excluding specie.

EXPORTS OF BRITISH, FOREIGN, AND OTHER COLONIAL PRODUCE (EXCLUDING SPECIE).

 £
1,894136,402
1,895127,966
1,896122,571
1,897144,955
1,898124,850
1,899123,682
1,900168,009
1,901179,350
1,902136,860
1,903133,734
1,904136,963
1,905138,539

With these sums may be contrasted the re-export trade of New South Wales—a State having less than double the population of New Zealand—which, exclusive of bullion and specie, amounted in 1904 to £5,680,829, or no less than 21.07 per cent. of the value of all goods exported.

Exports from the North and Middle Islands.

The exports from the North and Middle Islands respectively, excluding “Parcels-post,” during the last five years were as under:—

Year.North Island.Middle Island.Proportion to Total Export.
 ££North Island.Middle Island.
1,9016,077,7246,787,54647.2452.76
1,9027,085,2756,543,38951.9948.01
1,9037,994,2276,995,30753.3346.67
1,9048,369,3486,358,27856.8343.17
1,9058,648,6466,986,69155.144.69

The North Island exported in 1905 more than half of the total for the two Islands.

Exports from Different Ports, &c.

The following table gives the values of the exports from each port in New Zealand for the years 1905, 1900, 1895, 1890, arranged in order of magnitude for 1905:—

 1905.1900.1895.1890.
 ££££
Wellington3,035,8032,345,3951,140,3541,500,333
Auckland2,643,4952,068,3611,302,0751,237,600
Lyttelton and Christchurch2,459,0342,522,9121,635,3312,251,412
Dunedin1,533,8141,478,0711,047,4891,117,011
Timaru1,042,463932,949474,858624,809
Napier1,038,361770,159870,422963,520
Invercargill and Bluff893,730741,750595,277475,997
Poverty Bay600,452450,125136,539183,700
New Plymouth484,868503,921108,84661,968
Greymouth412,396255,385257,065237,700
Wanganui403,570386,960241,053118,615
Patea286,73737,71740,34734,706
Oamaru261,641324,616300,893464,017
Wairau and Picton218,093141,039123,355228,030
Kaipara155,360144,68090,621100,973
Nelson81,17358,30363,72768,658
Westport56,42845,89740,73643,956
Hokitika27,91925,47574,54087,409
Tauranga..646133

During the period covered by the above table the value of the exports from nearly all of the ports was substantial, and in some cases remarkable. The percentage of increase for the four chief ports of the colony was: Auckland, 113.60; Wellington, 101.53; Dunedin, 37.31; and Lyttelton, 9.22.

Value of Articles exported.

A comparative table showing the values of New Zealand domestic exports, according to their nature, for eighteen years will be found further on, with comments. The development for the period, expressed in money value, is from seven millions and a quarter to fifteen millions and a quarter.

But first a comparative statement of exports according to value for the last two years is given, showing the amounts for various principal articles, being the produce or manufacture of the colony, classified in groups:—

VALUE OF PRINCIPAL ARTICLES EXPORTED, 1904 AND 1905.

 Year 1904.Year 1905.Increase in 1905.Decrease in 1905.
            THE MINE.££££
Coal139,898107,062..32,836
Gold1,987,5012,093,936106,435..
Silver and minerals123,709128,8605,151..
                Total2,251,1082,329,85878,750..
            THE FISHERIES.    
Fish18,28421,1662,882..
Oysters2,7852,547..238
Other2,6931,994..699
                Total23,76225,7071,945..
            THE FOREST.    
Fungus11,1567,403..3,753
Kauri-gum501,817561,44459,627..
Timber—    
    Sawn and hewn254,021318,89564,874..
    Other2,1943,6681,474..
                Total769,188891,410122,222..
            ANIMALS AND PRODUCE.    
Bacon and hams6,2224,405..1,817
Beef and pork (salted)10,60113,8513,250..
Butter1,380,4601,408,55728,097..
Cheese185,486205,17119,685..
Hides53,43198,82645,395..
Live-stock37,73353,79116,058..
Preserved meats64,58874,4519,863..
Frozen meat2,793,5992,694,432..99,167
Rabbit-skins40,84360,98326,140..
Sausage-skins56,43447,299..9,135
Sheep-skins and pelts401,726500,74499,018..
Tallow357,974347,888..10,086
Wool4,673,8265,381,333707,507..
Other16,48523,7907,305..
                Total10,079,40810,921,521842,113..
            AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.    
Bran and sharps8,89513,2684,373..
Chaff4741,4831,009..
Flour3,0793,635556..
Grain—    
    Barley13,32211,409..1,913
    Beans and peas40,11338,858..1,255
    Maize5313683..
    Malt96....96
    Oats212,72499,664..113,060
    Wheat126,035144,37418,339..
Hops28,74020,038..8,702
Oatmeal548163..385
Potatoes9,3663,017..6,349
Seeds (grass and clover)95,83580,598..15,237
Other kinds19,96311,637..8,326
                Totals£559,243£428,280..£130,963
            MANUFACTURES.££££
Apparel2,1052,817712..
Leather67,94060,966..6,974
Phormium fibre710,281696,467..13,814
Woollen manufactures6,3577,102745..
Other manufactures109,679115,6085,929..
                Total896,362882,960..13,402
Miscellaneous22,71623,7941,078..
Total exports (colonial produce and manufactures)14,601,78715,503,530901,743..
Specie9,59813,8784,280..
Other exports (British and foreign)136,963138,5391,576..
                Total exports£14,748,348£15,655,947907,599..

The class designated “Animals and Produce” shows by far the greatest value, the sum for 1905 being £10,921,521, which includes £5,381,333 for wool and £2,694,432 for frozen meat. The total value of exports in this class increased during the year by £842,113 on a total of £10,079,408 in 1904.

Although the value of wool exported in 1905 is greater than that for the previous year, the quantity will be found to have decreased.

“The Mine” takes second place among the classes for total value, with an export of coal, gold, silver, and other minerals amounting to £2,329,858 for 1905, being an increase of £78,750 on £2,251,108, the export for the previous year.

“Agricultural Products,” principally grain, potatoes, and seeds, show a decrease of £130,963 on the value exported in 1904, some of the items showing a considerable falling-off. Wheat, however, is an exception, for the increase of export value is £18,339 for the year.

“The Forest” shows an export for last year valued at £891,410, which is an increase of £122,222 on the figures for the previous year. Sawn and hewn timber was exported to an increased value of £64,874, and kauri-gum by the sum of £59,627.

“Manufactures” are set down at £882,960 in 1905, being £13,402 less than in the previous year. Phormium fibre shows a decrease on the operations for 1904 of £13,814. Woollen manufactures sent abroad increased by £745, leather decreased by £6,974, and apparel, with other manufactures, increased by £6,641.

The smallest group in respect to value is “The Fisheries.” The total for the group was £25,707 last year, an increase of £1,945 on the value of similar exports in 1904.

Quantities of Articles exported.

The exports of New Zealand produce or manufacture for the last two years have also to be considered in relation to quantity, and the articles are again grouped in the next table according to the same classification as that used for purposes of comparing the values.

QUANTITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE EXPORTED.

Items.Year 1904.Year 1905.Increase in 1905.Decrease in 1905.
*At 20 lb. to the bushel.
The Mine:—    
    Coal Tons165,220122,817..42,403
    Gold Oz.520,323520,485162..
    Silver Oz.1,094,4611,179,74485,283..
    Minerals Tons1,607691..916
The Fisheries:—    
    Fish Cwt.9,60111,2851,684..
    Oysters Doz.335,868304,671..31,197
    Whalebone Lb.3,2485,1521,904..
The Forest:—    
    Fungus Cwt.4,9363,428..1,508
    Gum (kauri) Tons9,20310,8831,680..
    Timber (sawn and hewn) S. ft.60,326,99275,370,13615,043,146..
Animals and Produce:—    
    Bacon and hams Cwt.1,6741,252..422
    Beef and pork (salted) Cwt.7,4589,9942,536..
    Butter Cwt.314,360305,722..8,638
    Cheese Cwt.84,52688,5624,036..
    Hides No.54,823101,37846,555..
    Live-stock (cattle, horses, sheep, pigs) No.8,57712,9864,409..
    Meats (preserved) Cwt.22,78828,5395,751..
    Meats (frozen) Cwt.1,912,9791,690,684..222,295
    Sausage-skins Cwt.12,46011,202..1,258
    Skins (rabbit) No.6,103,9308,831,1072,727,177..
    Skins (sheep) and pelts No.6,037,4604,931,191..1,106,269
    Tallow Cwt.322,480318,942..3,538
    Wool Lb.144,647,376139,912,737..4,734,639
Agricultural Products:—    
    Bran and sharps Tons3,6644,215551..
    Chaff Tons109286177..
    Flour Tons33744861..
    Grain, barley Bush.75,19349,215..25,978
    Grain, beans and peas Bush.193,017187,829..5,188
    Grain, maize Bush.420757337..
    Grain, malt Bush.374....374
    Grain,” oats Bush.2,693,4171,076,916..1,616,501
    Grain,” wheat Bush.813,535967,151153,616..
    Hops Cwt.5,7533,301..2,452
    Oatmeal Tons9412..82
    Potatoes Tons3,698341..3,357
    Seeds (grass and clover) Bush*259,240250,029..9,211
Manufactures:—    
    Ale and beer Gals.20,30610,723..9,583
    Cordage Cwt.6153,7573,142..
    Leather Cwt.11,1779,830..1,347
    Phormium fibre Tons26,93627,877941..
    Soap Cwt.8,2517,637..614

The increases in certain articles, amongst them wheat, silver, timber, kauri-gum, hides, and rabbit-skins, are very satisfactory, and in some cases considerable; while, on the other hand, the export of coal, wool, frozen meats, sheep-skins and pelts, oats and hops, with some other items, declined in 1905.

New Zealand Produce exported: Value for eighteen Years.

The position as to value in respect of a period of eighteen years, 1888 to 1905 inclusive, is presented in a table giving the domestic exports for each. The most important items of export given under the heading “Other New Zealand Produce” are coal, silver, minerals, fish, oysters, fungus, kauri-gum, timber, bacon and hams, salted and preserved meats, tallow, sheep and rabbit skins, hides, sausage-skins, and live-stock. The aggregate value of these in 1905 was £2,348,229.

EXPORTS OF NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Calendar Year.Wool.Gold.Frozen Meat.Butter and Cheese.Agricultural Produce.ManufacturesOther N.Z. Produce.Total
 ££££££££
1,8883,115,098914,309628,800197,170905,907233,3831,260,4617,255,128
1,8893,976,375785,490783,374213,9451,424,297569,8801,288,6479,042,008
1,8904,150,599751,3601,087,617207,6871,289,864547,9471,393,6879,428,761
1,8914,129,6861,007,1721,191,724236,933894,467420,3571,516,7559,400,094
1,8924,313,307951,9631,033,377318,2041,035,637367,6771,345,7039,365,868
1,8933,774,738915,9211,085,167354,271716,546345,6361,365,1648,557,443
1,8944,827,016887,8651,194,545366,483317,655224,9581,206,6269,085,148
1,8953,062,1311,162,1811,262,711378,510326,029188,7021,409,8898,390,153
1,8964,391,8481,041,4281,251,993411,882572,355198,0811,309,7499,177,336
1,8974,443,144980,2041,566,286553,122495,175197,6011,360,7359,596,267
1,8984,645,8041,080,6911,698,750539,466410,677253,8051,695,79510,324,988
1,8994,324,6271,513,1802,088,856713,617913,678378,0661,867,71611,799,740
1,9004,749,1961,439,6022,123,881969,7311,230,565549,3421,992,93213,055,249
1,9013,699,1031,753,7842,253,2021,121,0911,532,386425,1421,905,69212,690,460
1,9023,354,5631,951,4262,718,7631,369,3411,045,986755,2322,302,28813,498,599
1,9034,041,2742,037,8323,197,0431,513,065744,845823,3582,480,77514,838,192
1,9044,673,8261,987,5012,793,5991,565,946559,243896,3622,125,31014,601,787
1,9055,331,3332,093,9362,694,4321,613,728428,280882,9602,408,86115,503,530

The preceding table shows that the value of the exports of New Zealand produce fell from £9,428,761 in 1890 to £8,390,153 in 1895, then rose to £13,055,249 in 1900, and had in 1905 increased to £15,503,530, the highest value yet attained in any one year.

Thus there was a net increase of exports, since 1895, to the value of £7,113,377, all New Zealand produce. With the amount of increase in money must be considered the state of prices of the various kinds of produce.

The export of wool, measured by quantity, rose from 102,817,077 lb. in 1890 to 139,912,737 lb. in 1905, or at the rate of 36.08 per cent., and that of frozen meat from £98,894 cwt. to 1,690,684 cwt.

Gold, too, which was exported to the quantity of 187,641 oz. in 1890, increased to 520,485 oz. in 1905, the rate of increase being 177.33 per cent.

Wool exported and produced.

The quantity of wool exported in 1905, as previously shown, was 139, 912, 737 lb., valued at £5,381,333—a decrease of 4,734,639 lb., or 3.27 per cent., on the quantity exported in the previous year, but an increase of £707,507, or 15.14 per cent., on the value. The annual production of wool is best estimated by taking the exports for the twelve months immediately preceding the commencement of shearing, and adding thereto the quantity used in the colony for manufacturing purposes. But this method does not allow for wool or sheep-skins exported.

The following shows the produce for each of the last eighteen years ending on the 30th September:—

Year ending 30th September.Quantity exported.Quantity purchased by Local Mills.Total Annual Produce.
 Lb.Lb.Lb.
1,88889,276,2684,079,56393,355,831
1,88995,618,5073,556,00499,174,511
1,890102,522,1852,979,293105,501,478
1,891108,619,4732,918,073111,537,546
1,892110,860,0503,388,954114,249,004
1,893119,643,8742,629,855122,273,729
1,894128,480,4572,476,155130,956,612
1,895129,333,7693,299,132132,632,901
1,896128,309,6733,989,934132,299,607
1,897134,410,9553,298,469137,709,424
1,898150,401,3993,763,831154,165,230
1,899143,644,2034,258,505147,902,708
1,900144,829,5153,223,392148,052,907
1,901143,064,7894,629,924147,694,713
1,902155,652,5634,203,312159,855,875
1,903160,919,6935,294,652166,214,345
1,904141,031,6995,191,451146,223,150
1,905146,889,7673,651,343150,541,110

From these figures it appears that, notwithstanding the apparent decrease from 1898 to 1901, and for 1904, the wool-clip has increased by over 61 1/4 per cent. during the period covered by the table.

To arrive at a perfectly correct estimate of the increase in wool-production it would be necessary to take into consideration the proportion of greasy, coured (and sliped), and washed wool exported each year, the washing process, of course, greatly reducing the apparent weight. The percentages of greasy, scoured, and washed wool to the total quantities exported during the last eight years are:—

Years.Greasy. Per Cent.Scoured and Sliped. Per Cent.Washed. Per Cent.
1,89878.6220.361.02
1,89977.5421.640.82
1,90078.6220.101.28
1,90178.2520.611.14
1,90273.8224.261.92
1,90376.4722.151.38
1,90179.8718.931.20
1,90582.0916.821.09

Although the increase in the wool-production since 1888 shown above is, of course, mainly due to the greater number of sheep—namely, 19,130,875 in April, 1905—it becomes necessary to note that there is a diminution since 1902 to the number of 1,211,852. In fact, the number of sheep has receded in three years to less than the number for 1892, chiefly in consequence of killing for export.

A comparative statement for several years is supplied, showing the number of flocks in groups of sizes:—

NUMBER OF FLOCKS, 1892 TO 1905.

Size of Flocks.1892.1894.1896.1898.1900.1903.1905.

* From 1,090 to 2,500, 1.798 flocks; from 2,500 to 5,000, 614 flocks.

† From 1,000 to 2,500, 1,971 flocks; from 2,500 to 5,000, 650 flocks.

‡ From 1,000 to 2,500, 2,081 flocks; from 2,500 to 5,000, 670 flocks.

§ From 1,000 to 2,500, 2,350 flocks; from 2,500 to 5,000, 734 flocks.

Under 5008,82210,31412,02812,83612,23912,42811,545
500 and under 1,0002,0332,4272,6052,7082,8102,9233,120
1,000 and under 2,0001,1931,4091,4602,412*2,621†2,751‡§3,084
2,000 and under 5,000761933892
5,000 and under 10,000314345340341352342374
10,000 and under 20,000231230231231196207203
20,000 and upwards17617914714413911097
            Totals13,53015,83717,70318,72218,35718,76118,423

It will be apparent that the general tendency of increase since the year 1892 is towards the multiplication of the smaller flocks, whose owners are better able to cope with the rabbit difficulty than the large runholders.

Export of Rabbit-skins.

Prior to 1878 rabbit-skins were a very small item in the exports, but in that year the number sent out of the colony amounted to 3,951,209. Ten years after (1888) the export had risen to 11,809,407, from which it increased to 17,041,106 in 1893, the greatest number as yet exported in a year. From 1895 the fall was rapid, and the export for 1898 only reached 6,607,934 skins. In 1899 there was a slight upward tendency, the number exported being 7,891,648, which, however, fell to 5,690,893 in the year 1900. In 1901 7,122,008 skins were exported, and in 1905 the number rose to 8,831,107 skins.

The figures for the years 1893 to 1905 are quoted:—

Year.Number of Rabbit-skins exported.
1,89317,041,106
1,89414,267,385
1,89515,229,314
1,89610,828,612
1,8978,099,334
1,8986,607,934
1,8997,891,648
1,9005,690,893
1,9017,112,008
1,9026,139,794
1,9036,101,899
1,9046,103,930
1,9058,831,107

From the above it will be seen that the importance of the export has very much diminished. The fall, represented in money value, has been:—

Year.Value of Rabbit-skins exported. £
1,893138,952
1,89487,993
1,89585,022
1,89665,599
1,89747,472
1,89851,607
1,89981,118
1,90041,689
1,90157,046
1,90252,566
1,90340,727
1,90440,843
1,90566,983

While the amount of money received for this produce of the colony is less than in some of the earlier years shown, it may be a satisfactory result, as seemingly indicating some abatement of the rabbit pest. The increase for 1905 is probably due to the more vigorous enforcement of the laws relating to the destruction of rabbits, as there does not appear to be any report of an unusual increase in their number. Large quantities of frozen rabbits are now exported, and are alluded to in the remarks on the frozen-meat industry on the next page.

Export of Sheep-skins and Pelts.

These form a more important article of export at the present time than the rabbit-skins, though in the year 1888 the position was the reverse as regards value in money. In 1888 the number of sheep-skins and pelts sent away from New Zealand was 1,646,401, against 4,931,191 in 1905, a rise of 199 per cent. for the period between those years. The value increased from £83,574 to £500,744, or 499 per cent. Figures for the last ten years are quoted:—

Year.Export of Sheep-skins and Pelts. No.
1,8963,001,791
1,8973,688,051
1,8984,995,325
1,8994,960,054
1,9004,669,430
1,9014,601,531
1,9026,144,680
1,9037,142,531
1,9046,037,460
1,9054,931,191

Export of Tallow.

Besides wool and meat, tallow is largely exported, and since the year 1888, when 136,460 cwt. were sent away, the export has increased to 347,888 cwt. in 1905. In 1904 the quantity was 322,480 cwt. The latest ten years show the following results:—

TALLOW EXPORTED.

Years.Cwt.£
1,896222,540208,821
1,897310,200259,964
1,898347,160302,141
1,899338,620311,649
1,900367,780368,473
1,901335,360351,710
1,902424,060550,131
1,903396,940517,871
1,904322,480357,974
1,905318,942347,888

The decreases for 1903, 1904, and 1905 synchronize with those of the number of sheep in the colony.

Frozen Meat exported.

Frozen meat now takes second place among the exports of New Zealand produce. In 1905, 1,690,684 cwt., valued at £2,694,432, were shipped in the colony. An account of the development of the industry was given in a special article in the Year-book, 1894. The total export for each year since the commencement of the trade has been:—

Year.Lb.
1,8821,707,328
1,8839,853,200
1,88428,445,228
1,88533,204,976
1,88638,758,160
1,88745,035,984
1,88861,857,376
1,88973,564,064
1,890100,934,756
1,891110,199,082
1,89297,636,557
1,893100,262,453
1,894114,827,216
1,895127,018,864
1,896123,576,544
1,897157,687,152
1,898173,798,576
1,899208,972,624
1,900206,621,072
1,901208,045,264
1,902239,518,384
1,903266,408,800
1,904214,253,648
1,905189,356,608

The above figures for 1899 include 129,224 cwt. (or 4,876,534 number) of frozen rabbits and hares in the skin; those for 1900 include 12,260 (731 cwt.) of hares, and 6,501,997 rabbits, weighing 167,971 cwt., valued at £154,856; those for 1901 include 42,202 (2,943 cwt.) of hares, and 4,830,669 (124,353 cwt.) of rabbits, valued at £117,813; those for 1902 include 23,421 (1,643 cwt.) of hares, and 4,776,914 (123,229 cwt.) of rabbits, valued at £118,884; those for 1903 include 8,145 (588 cwt.) of hares, and 4,452,829 (112,972 cwt.) of rabbits, valued at £100,088; those for 1904 include 8,509 (683 cwt.) of hares, and 3,788,576 (100,442 cwt.) of rabbits, valued at £86,931; and those for 1905 include 8,173 (658 cwt.) of hares, and 2,807,242 (78,170 cwt.) of rabbits, valued at £60,782: so that rabbits can hardly now be looked upon as wholly worthless, especially when the export of the skins, previously remarked upon, is also considered.

To ascertain the total value of the meat export in 1905 it is necessary to take into consideration, with the amount of £2,694,432, value of frozen meat before stated, £6,121 for frozen poultry and £14,720 for frozen fish; also the value of preserved meats, £74,451; of salted beef and pork, £13,851; and of bacon and hams, £4,405.

Gold exported.

The amount of gold exported in 1905 was 520,485'oz., an increase of 162 oz. on the quantity exported in 1904.

The total quantity of gold entered for duty to the 31st December, 1905, which may be reckoned as approximately the amount obtained in the colony, was 17,146,626 oz., of the value of £67,230,584. For fuller information, see special section on mining.

Grain exported.

The value of the grain exported in 1905 was £294,574. The grain exports for 1904 and 1905 were made up as under:—

 1904.1905.
Bushels.£Bushels.£
Wheat813,535126,035967,151144,374
Oats2,693,417212,7241,076,91699,664
Barley75,19313,32249,21511,409
Malt37496....
Maize42053757136
Peas and beans193,01740,113187,82938,858
Rye and unenumerated223985133
            Total quantity and value3,775,978£392,3462,282,853£294,574

Compared with the previous year, the quantity and value of grain exported in 1905 show a considerable decrease.

From the year 1890 to 1898, inclusive, the decline in the export of wheat was very great, while for 1899, 1900, and 1901 there was a revival, as will be seen by the following figures. In 1902 and 1903 the quantity sent out of the colony fell to 194,671 bushels and 71,700 bushels respectively, in 1904 the export was 813,535 bushels, and in 1905 it was 967,151 bushels.

Year.Wheat exported.
 Bushels.
1,8904,467,026
1,8922,460,774
1,894228,904
1,896453,123
1,89810,090
1,8992,901,676
1,9002,867,069
1,9012,301,092
1,902194,671
1,90371,700
1,904813,535
1,905967,151

The imports of wheat during 1898 exceeded the exports by upwards of 50,000 bushels, but from 1899 to 1905 the imports were practically nil, the small quantity introduced into the colony being for seeding purposes only.

In oats, the quantity exported in 1905 shows a decrease over that for the previous year:—

Year.Export of Oats.
 Bushels.
1,8914,052,414
1,8923,830,444
1,8941,963,288
1,8962,247,053
1,898816,210
1,8993,520,734
1,9005,818,648
1,90110,514,924
1,9025,185,812
1,9034,956,330
1,9042,693,417
1,9051,076,916

The acreages under cereals for the last four years have been:—

 1902–1903.1903–1904.1904–1905.1905–1906.
Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Land in wheat (for threshing)194,355230,346258,015222,965
Land in oats (for threshing)483,659409,390342,189360,569
Land in barley (for threshing)27,92134,68129,48429,644

Butter and Cheese exported.

The total quantity of butter and cheese exported in the past seventeen years, and the amount of either commodity sent to the United Kingdom, is tabulated:—

Year.Total Export of ButterButter Exported to the United Kingdom.Total Export of Cheese.Cheese Exported to the United Kingdom.
 Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.Cwt.
1,88937,95521,09926,5587,633
1,89034,81626,57940,45131,043
1,89139,43028,98939,77029,565
1,89253,93041,50941,49330,000
1,89358,14952,36346,20141,567
1,89460,77158,84555,65554,540
1,89557,96455,19476,74373,369
1,89671,35360,09271,37258,692
1,89799,00279,84977,68367,681
1,89896,80180,81468,71141,412
1,899136,086121,50269,44040,901
1,900172,583165,871102,84981,908
1,901201,591170,903104,29474,510
1,902253,998170,20774,74650,325
1,903285,106249,01674,78064,661
1,904314,360299,17184,52682,046
1,905305,722282,27588,56285,653

Of the butter exported in 1905, 282,275 cwt., valued at £1,301,399, were shipped to the United Kingdom; 4,013 cwt., value £17,622, to Victoria; 180 cwt., value £798, to New South Wales; 2 cwt., value £6, to Tasmania; 70 cwt., value £337, to Western Australia; 610 cwt., value £3,120, to Fiji; 16,918 cwt., value £76,547, to Cape Colony and Natal; 1,049 cwt., value £5,891, to the South Sea Islands; 3 cwt., value £14, to Norfolk Island; 85 cwt., value £405, to Transvaal Colony; 90 cwt., value £462, to Holland; 24 cwt., value £158, to Bengal; 397 cwt., value £1,764, to British Columbia; 5 cwt., value £24, to United States of America; and 1 cwt., value £10, to China.

Of the cheese exported, 85,653 cwt., valued at £197,555, were sent to the United Kingdom; 254 cwt., value £829, to New South Wales; 1,041 cwt., value £2,810, to Victoria; 354 cwt., value £894, to Western Australia; and 251 cwt., value £604, to the other Australian States; 818 cwt., valued at £1,973, to Cape Colony and Natal; and 191 cwt., valued at £506, to other countries. While the quantity of butter exported in 1905 (305,722 cwt.) shows an increase of 705 per cent. on the quantity exported in 1889, the increase in the export of cheese during the seventeen years has been at the rate of 233 per cent.—88,562 cwt. in 1905, as against 26,558 cwt. in 1889.

Phormium fibre exported.

Phormium fibre, of which 27,877 tons (excluding 3,283 tons of tow), valued at £696,467, were exported in 1905, shows an increase in quantity, but a decrease in value, on comparing the figures for last year with those for 1904, when the quantity sent away was 26,936 tons, valued at £710,281. Outside of the question of prices, a large permanent development of this industry depends on the cultivation and careful selection of the plants used, and on improvements in the method of preparing the fibre.

Kauri-gum exported.

The export for 1905 (10,883 tons) is a substantial one, exceeding that of the previous year by 1,680 tons. The value was £561,444, or an average of £51 11s. 9d. per ton. Full information as to the uses of this resin and the kauri-gum industry generally was given in a special article in Part III of the Year-book for 1900. It embraces interesting matter from the report of the Royal Commission which investigated the whole subject in 1898.

DETAILS OF ALL EXPORTS, 1905.

Articles exported.Quantities.Value in Sterling.
Produce and Manufactures of the Colony.British, Foreign, and other Colonial Produce and Manufactures.Produce and Manufactures of the Colony.British, Foreign, and other Colonial Produce and Manufactures.Total.
   £££
Acid—     
    Unenumerated lb..1,361..4343
Agricultural implements....263589852
Animals, living—     
    Bees....2..2
    Birds No.9210232548
    Cattle, horned No.595..4,803..4,803
    Dogs No.26..66..66
    Horses No.374917,18020517,385
    Pigs No.288..481..481
    Poultry No.3,653..541..541
    Sheep No.11,729..30,695..30,695
Apparel and slops....2,8173,2286,045
Arms, ammunition, and explosives—     
    Cartridges No.10,70070,80049288337
    Detonators No...9,100..2121
    Dynamite lb...1,350..9494
    Firearms No...35..240240
    Fuse coils..394..4545
    Ordnance stores......795795
    Powder, sporting lb.2577518081
    Powder, blasting lb...50..22
    Swords No...1..55
Bacon and hams—     
    Bacon cwt.738..2,507..2,507
    Hams cwt.514..1,898..1,898
Bags and sacks—     
    Cornsacks doz.5201,110150377527
    Unenumerated doz.33314,208561,4341,490
Basketware and wickerware....64450
Bêche-de-mer cwt...26..102102
Beer galls.10,7232,8471,2556331,888
Belting—     
    Leather lb...2,418..570570
    Other than leather......370370
Beverages, non-alcoholic—     
    Aerated waters doz.1,39823928046326
    Limejuice, sweetened galls...16..33
    Limejuice, unsweetened galls.7,0382,546359130489
    Unenumerated....1351136
Bicycles and tricycles No.131481291,0441,173
    Materials for....391,3391,378
Biscuits—     
    Fancy and other kinds lb.16,02884037728405
    Ships', plain cwt.5,47324,55734,560
Blue lb...112..33
Boats No.9141526441
Bones tons7..26..26
Books, printed....5,4193,9529,371
Boots and shoes doz. prs.683993331,4691,802
Bran tons3,972..12,233..12,233
Brass manufactures....95665
Bricks No.7,000..18..18
Bricks, fire No.4,400..33..33
Brushware and brooms....64172236
Building mat rials......2424
Butter cwt.305,722..1,408,557..1,408,557
Candles lb...250..77
Canes and rattans......33
Canvas....2123125
Caramel lb...1,120..1010
Carpeting and druggeting....36664700
Carriages, &c.—     
    Carriages No.14240283485
    Carts and wagons No.62..700..700
    Automobiles and moeor-cars and cycles No...2..240240
    Perambulators No...9..2121
    Materials for....2389112
Casks, empty No.1133,3111119501,061
Cement barrels1451187268140
Cheese cwt.88,562..205,171..205,171
Chinaware......167167
Clocks No.230218586
Coal tons122,817..107,062..107,062
Cocoa and chocolate lb.1452,98325174199
    Coffee—     
    Raw lb.2,256..41..41
    Roasted lb.1,3772,1525771128
Coke tons15..15..15
Combs......7272
Confectionery—     
    Chocolate in plain trade packages lb...2,540..113113
    Unenumerated lb.16,37264235021371
Copra tons191192589801,238
Cordage cwt.3,7574295,3151,0256,340
    Iron and steel cwt...74..196196
Cork, cut......121121
Cottons–     
    Calico......1,6531,653
    Shirtings......4343
    Tubular-woven cotton cloth......2,3592,359
    Unenumerated......4,1284,128
Cotton, raw lb...2,262..5555
Cutlery......398398
Doors No.377..287..287
Drapery....2253,7203,945
    Ribbons......8080
    Tailors'trimmings......342342
    Lace and laces......575575
Drugs and chemicals—     
    Baking-powder....7..7
    Chemicals, n.o.e.....66852720
    Cream of tartar lb...5,600..117117
    Drugs, and druggists' sundries....4671,4191,886
    Anhydrous ammonia....154257
    Medicinal barks......1111
    Sheep-dip....79622701
    Vanilla-beans lb...10,729..346346
    Washing-powder......5454
Dyes ........135135
Earthenware....137290427
Eggs doz.5,131..268..268
Engine-packing cwt.11532302334
Essences, flavouring gals...16..5353
Essential oils lb...151..3434
Fancy goods and toys ......1,0932,9154,108
    Curiosities ......441155
Feathers lb.13,768..332..332
Felt sheathing......116116
Fish—     
    Dried cwt.28423766103
    Potted and preserved lb.134,56163,9746,4091,5117,920
    Frozen cwt.10,056..14,720..14,720
    Ova No.244,000..229..229
Fishing-tack'e......173173
Floorcloth and oilcloth ......149149 
Flour tons448..3,635..3,635
Foods, animal—     
    Chaff tons286..1,483..1,483
    Prepared calf-meal tons1..10717
    Unenumerated ....2153218 
Foods, farinaceous—     
    Maizena and cornflour lb.2,2301,878143145
Fruits—     
    Bottled and preserved doz.24035770104174
Fruits, dried—     
    Currants lb...10,014..112112
    Raisins lb...37,724..534534
    Unenumerated lb.1227,7021515516
    Fruits, fresh lb.32,205..313..313
    Pulp and partially preserved lb.27,443..441..441
Fungus cwt.3,428..7,403..7,403
Furniture and upholstery ....1,0644631,527 
    Kapok cwt...72..209209
Furniture and other polish ......125062
Furs ....4432436 
Gelatine and isinglass lb.810967168
Glass bottles, empty ......127486
Glass—     
    Broken cwt.947..61..61
    Mirrors ......112
Glassware ......62661723
Glue and size cwt.16719783104187
Glycerine cwt.418..721..721
Gold oz.520,485812,093,9363422,094,278
Grain and pulse—     
    Barley bush.49,215..11,409..11,409
    Beans and peas bush.187,829..38,858..38,858
    Maize bush.757..136..136
    Oats bush1,076,916..99,664..99,664
    Rye bush.985..133..133
    Wheat bush.967,151..144,374..144,374
Grain, ground centals45..23..23
Grease cwt...12..1313
Grindery, n.o.e.......1616
Gum, kauri tons10,883..561,444..561,444
Haberdashery ......2377379
    Sewing-cottons......7272
    Unenumerated......4040
Hair cwt.1,01344,850334,883
Hardware, holloware, and ironmongery....3002,2962,596
Hats and caps doz.3334438560598
Hatters' materials......260260
Hay and straw tons208..554..554
Hides No.101,378..98,826..98,826
Honey lb.4,663..83..83
Hops cwt.3,301120,0383920,077
Horns and hoofs tons82..1,269..1,269
Hosiery ......1,0255511,576
Indiarubber goods ......43359402
Ink, printing lb...5,261..655655
Instruments, musical—     
    Harmoniums No...3..6565
    Pianofortes No...15..562562
    Unenumerated....8685693
    Materials for......6969
    Instruments—     
    Optical......8686
    Scientific....118218331
    Surgical and dental......848848
    Surveying......216216
Iron and steel—     
    Bar, bolt, and rod tons24535715750
    Bolts and nuts cwt...9..1212
    Galvanised manufactures....38662448
    Rails......33
    Sheet and plate tons..4..3737
    Sheet, galvanised, corrugated cwt...1,765..1,5851,585
    Sheet, galvanised, plain ctw...253..266266
    Tanks, 400 galls. No...61..163163
    Tanks, 200 galls. No...7..1010
    Wire, fencing, barbed tons..16..208208
    Wire, fencing, plain tons..2..3232
    Wire netting......151151
    Unenumerated tons21440485525
Jams, jellies, and preserves lb.10,84417,856196268464
Jellies, concentrated lb...1,565..5151
Jewellery ......2757901,065
Jewellers' sweepings....357..357
Lamps, lanterns, and lampwick....1389390
Lead, pigs and bars cwt...2..22
Leather cwt.9,8301160,96630961,275
Leather manufactures....28275303
Lime bush.1,548..75..75
Linen piece goods......493493
Linseed centals1,393..754..754
Machinery—     
Agricultural....2,2694022,671
    Ploughs and harrows....1,030511,081
    Dairying....1,2671,1682,435
    Dredging....6,0913,3409,431
    Electric....5874879
    Engines, steam No...4..201201
    Engines, gas and oil No..18..754754
    Flour-milling......9090
    Gas-making......339339
    Mining....3,5956064,201
    Printing....66437503
    Sewing and knitting No.112910541551
    Woodworking....41459500
    Woollen-milling......6060
    Unenumerated....1,7458,87510,620
    Materials for, and parts of....472976
Manures—     
    Bonedust tons13..75..75
    Unenumerated82230610316
Marble, dressed or polished....172744
Matches and vestas, gross boxes23 49656368 
    Woolen..5,283..375375
Mats and matting....1607167
Meal, oaten centals345..163..163
    Meats—     
    Beef, frozen cwt.145,561..177,372..177,372
    Beef, salted cwt.9,956..13,762..13,762
    Kidneys, frozen cwt.6,380..13,403..13,403
    Lamb, frozen carcases2,002,156 1,271,927..1,271,927
                            = cwt.646,681
    Mutton, frozen carcases1,573,523 1,135,796..1,135,796
                            = cwt.791,235
    Mutton (joints), frozen cwt.16,025..23,717..23,717
    Pork, frozen cwt.2,558..6,614..6,614
    Pork, salted cwt.38..89..89
    Poultry, frozen pairs29,588..6,121..6,121
    Veal, frozen cwt1,060..1,396..1,396
    Other kinds, frozen cwt.2,356..3,425..3,425
    Rabbits, frozen in the skins No.2,807,242 60,298..60,298
                            = cwt.78,170
    Hares, frozen in the skins No.8,173 484..484
                            = cwt.658
    Potted and preserved cwt.28,539..74,451..74,451
    Extract lb.28,120..3,014..3,014
    Unenumerated cwt.356..1,543..1,543
Medicines, patent and proprietary....51647698
Metal manufactures—     
    Unenumerated....1,7055,7307,435
    Typewriters No...73..846846
    Rivets and washers cwt...31..3232
    Anchors No...1..77
    Weighbridges....50757
Metal, old cwt.6,389..2,903..2,903
Milk, preserved lb.755,03949,83316,5971,05317,650
Millinery......335335
    Feathers, ornamental....46559524
Minerals—     
    Auriferous ore tons535..5,997..5,997
    Ironsand....4..4
    Pyrites tons1..40..40
    Copper-ore tons4..17..17
    Manganese-ore tons55..1651166
    Scheehte-ore tons28..1,848..1,848
    Unenumerated68..2473250
    Nails, iron cwt.158264141222363
Naphtha galls...1,111..212212
Nuts—     
    Almonds, in shell lb...659..2727
    Unenumerated lb112..2..2
Oakum cwt...5..1919
Oars No.3686232750
Oil—     
    Castor, bulk galls...95..1515
    Colza galls...747..113113
    Cocoanut galls.2,894..328..328
    Fish, penguin, and seal galls...20..33
    Linseed galls...2,162..292292
    Kerosene galls...127,842..6,2696,269
    Mineral, other kinds galls.4487,16253559612
    Neatsfoot galls.705..40..40
    Olive, bulk galls...254..5757
    Whale galls.7,946..568..568
    Unenumerated galls.252,8092229231
Oilmen's stores......1,2921,292
Onions cwt.13,7458356,1466526,798
Oysters doz.304,671..2,547..2,547
Paints and colours—     
    Ground in oil cwt...399..629629
    Mixed, ready for use cwt...446..1,5691,569
    Unenumerated cwt.265121086114
Paper—     
    Bags cwt.641..548..548
    Butter-paper cwt.1..6..6
    Paper-hangings cwt..... 5757
    Printing cwt...356..463463
    Wrapping cwt.4815439493487
    Writing cwt...57..125125
    Unenumerated cwt.10..14..14
Perfumery—     
    Perfumed spirits galls...22..3535
    Toilet preparations......6868
    Unenumerated......3636
Phormium tons27,877..696,467..696,467
    Tow tons3,283..15,473..15,473
Photographic goods....21381402
Pickles galls...95..2323
Pictures....1,2631,3702,633
Picture frames and mounts....3..3
Pitch cwt.4486013516151
Plants and shrubs....561..561
Plate and platedware....252,7402,765
Plaster-of-paris cwt...16..66
Pollard and sharps tons243..1,035..1,035
Portmanteaux....127486
Potatoes tons341333,0173283,345
Printing materials....81241322
Provisions, n.o.e.....1,3082651,573
Pumps....178219397
Rags cwt.852..663..663
Railway plant......4545
Rice cwt...1,262..894894
Rugs....3,027153,042
Saddlery (harness)....551262813
Saddlers' ironmongery......1010
Saltpetre tons..2..2121
Sashes, window pairs548..362..362
Sauces galls.2720015113128
Sausage-skins cwt.11,2026647,29942847,727
Seeds—     
    Grass and clover cwt.44,64830480,59882281,420
    Unenumerated....2,4008723,272
Shells, pearl cwt.......11
Ship chandlery....111458569
Silk piece-goods......740740
Silver oz.1,179,744..120,542..120,542
Skins—     
    Calf and other kinds No.38,254..8,648..8,648
    Rabbit No.8,831,107 66,983..66,983
                        = lb.1,381,057
    Sheep, with wool No.657,610 165,705..165,705
                        = lb.5,344,422
    Sheep, without wool No.4,273,581 335,039..335,039
                        = lb.12,599,222
    Seal-skins No.21..40..40
Soap—     
    Common cwt.7,63726,89426,896
    Unenumerated....31122153
Specie—     
    Gold......9,3789,378
    Silver......4,5004,500
Specimens illustrative of natural science....222100322
Spices—     
    Ground lb.260..12..12
    Unground lb...1,119..135135
Spirits—     
    Bitters, cordials, &c. galls...26..4242
    Brandy galls...927..456456
    Gin and geneva galls...917..288288
    Rum galls...78..2222
    Whisky galls...5,571..2,0162,016
Stationery....1,5631,3982,961
    Bookbinders' materials......5353
    Teaching apparatus....56..56
    Stone—     
    Building tons30..52..52
    Greenstone cwt.222..1,645..1,645
    Pumice tons.878..2,375..2,375
    Wrought....24226
Sugar—     
    Glucose cwt...15..1717
    Molasses and treacle cwt.90883790
    Refined lb.604,545133,6384,6911,0855,776
Tallow tons15,700..340,502..340,502
    Mutton stock, oleomargarine tons247..7,386..7,386
Tanning materials—     
    Crude bark tons307..1,518..1,518
    Other kinds......66
Tar......2222
Tarpaulins and tents....6..6
Tea lb...119,419..4,9424,942
Textile piece-goods....3442445
Textiles, made up....404787
Timber—     
    Logs, hewn sup. ft.207,017..655..655
    Sawn, undressed sup. ft.74,202,637..306,552..306,552
    Sawn, dressed sup. ft.960,482..11,688..11,688
    Unenumerated....2,1501132,263
Tin—     
    Block cwt.112..95..95
    Foil cwt...1,120..5656
    Sheet cwt...105..118118
Tinware....19339232
Tinsmiths' fittings......88
Tobacco—     
Manufactured lb...53,517..4,3264,326
    Unmanufactured lb...7,114..380380
    Cigars lb...1,926..696696
    Cigarettes lb...4,148..1,7301,730
Tobacco-pipes....283967
Tools—     
    Axes and hatchets....71825
    Engineers' machine tools......285285
    Unenumerated....72356428
Turpentine galls...248..5151
Twine cwt.216..267..267
    Nets and Netting....31..31
    Reaper-and-binder cwt.1,02021,96941,973
Umbrellas and parasols......9191
Varnish and gold-size galls.354309171180
Vegetables....225334559
Vinegar galls.1518145
Watches No...949..689689
Wax, paraffin lb...134..44
Whalebone cwt.46..1,197..1,197
Wine—     
    Australian galls...116..6464
    Sparkling galls...302..582585
    Other kinds galls.56822405407
Woodenware....1,5652051,770
Wool—     
    Greasy lb.114,853,124..4,267,006..4,267,006
    Scoured lb.9,441,294..469,462..469,462
    Sliped lb.14,091,702..584,442..584,442
    Washed lb.1,526,617..60,423..60,423
Woolpacks doz...322..8686
Woollen piece-goods....3,0731,1284,201
Woollen blankets pairs83327992801
Yarns....20365268
Zinc—     
    Spelter cwt.2,0702251,8801862,066
    Manufactures....125567
Goods—     
    Manufactured....5599351,494
    Unmanufactured....1,9746862,660
Parcles-post....20,610..20,610

A table is appended giving details of goods forwarded in the year 1905 to the Cook and other Pacific Islands annexed to New Zealand in 1901. These do not appear as exports from the colony, being merely part of the internal trade or transactions between one portion of what is now New Zealand and another.

Articles.Quantities.Value.
  £
Animals, living..379
Apparel and slops n.o.e...407
Bags and sacks600 doz.150
Biscuits2,129 cwt.1,849
Boots and shoes87 doz. pairs337
Butter36 cwt.211
Cement580 barrels289
Coal1,735 tons874
Cordage59 cwt.122
Cotton piece-goods..2,529
Drapery..1,934
Drugs and druggists' sundries..171
Fancy goods and toys..122
Fish, preserved..376
Flour71 tons747
Furniture and upholstery..777
Hardware, holloware, and ironmongery..668
Hosiery..306
Iron and steel..835
Machinery..1,000
Matches2,804 gross boxes293
Meats, salted and preserved1,117 cwt.2,361
Metal manufactures..467
Milk, preserved6610 lbs.152
Nails, iron312 cwt.288
Oils8,909 galls.461
Oilmen's stores..435
Perfumery..189
Potatoes9 tons101
Provisions, unenumerated..229
Pumps..118
Rice517 cwt.404
Ships chandlery..285
Soap, common856 cwt.606
Spirits312 galls.151
Sugar, refined987 cwt.937
Tea3,032 lbs.184
Timber..4,541
Tobacco..399
Miscellaneous..2,414
                    Total value of goods shipped to the Islands..£29,098

Of the above, goods to the value of £28,216 were forwarded from Auckland, £398 from Napier, £7 from Wellington, £7 from Lyttelton, and £470 from Dunedin.

Particulars of goods cleared outwards from these annexed islands in 1905 will be found in Section VII, p. 262.

TOTAL VALUE OF TRADE.

The value of the total trade of New Zealand advanced from £13,431,804 in the year 1886, to £28,484,804 in 1905. But of these amounts some portion was coin. Excluding the specie, the figures for 1886 are £12,853,736, and for 1905 £28,123,247.

Year.Total Trade.Imports.Exports.Imports (excluding Specie).Exports (excluding Specie).Excess of Exports over Imports (excluding Specie).
 ££££££
1,88613,431,8046,759,0136,672,7916,319,2236,534,513215,290
1,88713,111,6846,245,5156,866,1696,064,2816,680,772616,491
1,88813,709,2255,941,9007,767,3255,430,0507,403,2061,972,156
1,88915,650,7276,308,8639,341,8645,980,5839,183,9543,203,371
1,89016,072,2456,260,5259,811,7205,928,8959,569,3163,640,421
1,89116,070,2466,503,8499,566,3976,431,1019,560,8593,129,758
1,89216,477,9076,943,0569,534,8516,742,5449,490,9202,748,376
1,89315,896,8796,911,5158,985,3646,494,2798,680,8452,186,506
1,89416,019,0676,788,0209,231,0475,990,1779,221,5503,231,373
1,89514,950,3536,400,1298,550,2246,115,9538,518,1192,402,166
1,89616,458,4257,137,3209,321,1057,035,3799,299,9072,264,528
1,89718,072,2168,055,22310,016,9937,994,2019,741,2221,747,021
1,89818,748,5558,230,60010,517,9558,211,40910,449,8382,238,429
1,89920,677,9688,739,63311,938,3358,613,65611,923,4223,309,766
1,90023,892,25710,646,09613,246,16110,207,32613,223,2583,015,932
1,90124,699,33911,817,91512,881,42411,353,41612,869,8101,516,394
1,90224,971,70011,326,72313,644,97710,958,03813,635,4592,677,421
1,90327,799,05312,788,67515,010,37812,075,95914,971,9262,895,967
1,90428,040,04213,291,69414,748,34812,900,03014,738,7501,838,720
1,90528,434,80412,828,85715,055,94712,481,17815,642,0093,160,891

The trade for these years has been selected for exhibition in tabular form because during each of the series there was an excess of exports over imports, whereas previously the reverse obtained, and the colony was purchasing to an extent not covered by the value of the export. During the last twenty years the excess of exports over imports, excluding money sent to and from the colony, amounted to a total sum of £48,011,037.

How different the foregoing conditions were from those previously obtaining will be seen by observing the balance of trade for the years 1881 to 1885, inclusive:—

Year.Excess of Imports over Exports.
 £
1,8811,406,898
1,8821,948,485
1,883761,938
1,884235,981
1,885539,239

The gradually declining excess of imports turned in 1886 and 1887 to a small excess of exports, but subsequently the excess-of exports was very great, and attained the sum of £3,640,421 in the year 1890.

Again considering the results for the twenty years, 1886–1905,. during which the balance was in favour of the exports, the external trade is shown for each year per head of population, the calculations being made exclusive as well as inclusive of specie, for the purpose of arriving at exact conclusions as regard trade in goods. In the year 1894 the imported money amounted to a sum of £797,843, and in 1903 to £712,716, making a substantial difference in the rates.

Excluding specie, the trade per head of population increased from £22 Is. 7d. in 1886, to £32 6s. 6d. in 1905: imports from £10 17s. Id. to £14 6s. lid. and exports from £11 4s. 6d. to £17 19s. 7d.

Year.Including Specie.Excluding Specie.
Total Trade per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).Imports per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).Exports per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).Total Trade per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).Imports per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).Exports per Head of Mean Population (excluding Maoris).
 £ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.£ s. d.
1,88623 1 511 12 211 9 322 1 710 17 111 4 6
1,88721 19 810 9 511 10 321 7 510 3 411 4 1
1,88822 12 119 16 412 16 721 4 08 19 512 4 7
1,88925 9 1110 5 615 4 524 15 99 15 615 0 3
1,89025 13 1010 0 215 13 824 19 49 11 015 8 4
1,89125 10 410 6 615 3 1025 7 1010 4 315 3 7
1,89225 13 210 16 314 16 1125 5 610 9 1114 15 7
1,89324 0 910 9 013 11 922 18 119 16 513 2 6
1,89423 11 99 19 1113 11 1022 7 118 16 513 11 6
1,89521 11 109 4 1012 7 021 2 88 16 812 6 0
1,89623 5 810 1 1113 3 923 2 29 19 113 3 1
1,89725 0 1111 3 313 17 824 11 711 1 713 10 0
1,89825 9 311 3 714 5 825 6 1111 3 114 3 10
1,89927 11 511 13 115 18 427 7 811 9 815 18 0
1,90031 5 913 18 1017 6 1130 13 813 7 417 6 4
1,90131 15 015 3 1016 11 231 2 914 11 1116 10 10
1,90231 6 014 3 1117 2 130 16 613 14 817 1 10
1,90333 17 1015 11 1018 6 032 19 614 14 518 5 1
1,90433 3 815 14 717 9 132 14 215 5 417 8 10
1,90532 14 1014 14 1117 19 1132 6 614 6 1117 19 7

The highest record of trade (excluding specie) was that for 1874, when the rate per head was £41 4s. 5d., the imports, in consequence of the large expenditure of borrowed money, amounting at that time to £24 17s. per head, against £14 6s. lid. in 1905.

It has been customary to leave out the. Maoris in estimating the sum per head, for their industries and necessities swell the volume of trade in comparatively so slight a measure that the amount per head of European population can be more truly ascertained by omitting them altogether.

Trade with Different Countries, States, or Colonies.

The trade with the United Kingdom in 1905 amounted to £19,883,102, comprising 69.80 per cent. of the total.

With the Australian States trade was done during 1905 to the value of £4,110,688, of which New South Wales claimed £2,369,110, and Victoria £1,519,840, made up as follows:—

EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND.

 £
To New South Wales, 19051,321,353
To Victoria, 1905866,939

IMPORTS INTO NEW ZEALAND.

 £
From New South Wales, 19051,047,757
From Victoria, 1905652,901

The latter amounts in each case represent the declared values of the imports into New Zealand from the States mentioned, not their export value as given in the New South Wales and Victorian returns.

Included in the exports to New Zealand from New South Wales is coal to the quantity of 169,046 tons, valued at £155,786.

The imports from the United States in 1905 show a decrease when compared with the previous year's figures, and the exports an increase. Details of articles imported will be found on page 287.

The articles of exported New Zealand products for 1905 were:—

EXPORTS TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

 £
Gum (kauri), value309,871
Phormium fibre, value136,230
Wool, value112,668
Sheep-skins and pelts, value99,270
Sausage-skins, value36,376
Hides, value7,230
Grass-seed, value6,527
Rabbit-skins, value3,554
Gold, value1,875
Coal, value1,775
Onions, value1,619
Leather, value1,599
Tow, value451

The following table shows the value of the total trade with the United States for each of the past ten years, 1896 to 1905 inclusive, during which period the trade has increased considerably. But the increase is mostly on the side of the imports from those States, and especially from the Atlantic ports, from which there is a far greater output to New Zealand than from the Pacific side.

TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES

Year.Imports fromExports toTotal Trade.
Atlantic Ports.Pacific Ports.Atlantic Ports.Pacific Ports.
 £££££
1,896419,63973,151263,56463,025819,429
1,897521,939106,105252,013123,0831,003,140
1,898700,55599,856337,059286,0741,423,544
1,899687,90687,403387,61445,8851,208,808
1,900958,286103,587424,31434,4821,520,669
1,9011,174,745240,515332,175186,9041,934,339
1,9021,146,575172,362447,62342,3411,808,901
1,9031,239,535201,823563,885105,7642,111,007
1,9041,309,302218,613542,47056,4512,126,836
1,9051,213,204225,297641,37174,9302,154,802

The development in the decennial period is at the rate of 163 per cent., or an increase in value of £1,335,373.

Figures showing ten years' trade with Germany exhibit advancing imports, reaching for the year 1905 to the substantial sum of £277,467. Details of articles imported from Germany will be found on page 289.

TRADE WITH GERMANY.

Year.Imports from.Exports to.Total Trade.
 £££
1,896101,3815,190106,571
1,897157,0665,468162,534
1,898153,10217,244170,346
1,899160,60528,027188,632
1,900182,07424,186206,260
1,901198,52110,470208,991
1,902210,5609,389219,949
1,903274,29717,584291,881
1,904308,80423,931332,735
1,905277,46738,958316,425

The principal articles of New Zealand produce exported to Germany in the year 1905 were:—

 £
Gum (kauri)25,450
Wool11,487
Scheelite-ore770
Greenstone244

The trade with India and Ceylon reached a total of £489,992, against £466,419 in 1904. The imports—tea, rice, castor-oil, wool-packs, &c.—were reckoned at £485,382, leaving a balance of only £4,610 for exports.

The value of the South African trade from 1896 to 1905 is as follows:—

Year.Imports from.Exports to.Total Trade.
 £££
1,89612912,50812,637
1,897876,7956,882
1,898722,7662,838
1,89921590,18790,402
1,900502405,419405,921
1,901386825,476825,862
1,902997754,059755,056
1,903299455,187455,486
1,904804154,398155,202
1,905559176,937177,496

TRADE OF AUSTRALASIA.

The following table gives the value of the imports and exports of the different States comprising what is now the Commonwealth of Australia and the Colony of New Zealand for the year 1904. The Australian figures in each case include the value of interstate trade:—

State or Colony.Total Value ofExcess of Exports over Imports.
Imports.Exports.
 £££
Queensland6,052,16411,153,3835,101,219
New South Wales27,285,95833,007,8355,721,877
Victoria20,096,44224,404,9174,308,475
South Australia (including Northern Territory)7,450,7168,482,2051,031,489
Western Australia6,672,48010,271,5113,599,031
Tasmania2,554,4542,989,600435,146
New Zealand13,291,69414,748,3481,456,654

In the preceding table is given the total trade inwards and outwards of each State and colony, counting twice over the value of goods produced in one State or colony and carried thence into another, and reckoning the same goods three times where they are imported from without into one State or colony and re-exported thence in the same year into another. But, in order to form a just idea of the trade of Australasia as a whole, it is necessary to eliminate the inter-State traffic altogether. From the following table the value of imports and exports exchanged between the various States has accordingly been excluded:—

EXTERNAL TRADE OF AUSTRALASIA.

Year.Total Trade.Imports.Exports.Excess of Imports.Excess of Exports.
 £££££
1,88572,220,44441,136,03831,084,40610,051,632..
1,89075,143,81838,451,16036,692,6581,758,502..
1,89184,565,77841,325,03343,240,745..1,915,712
1,89275,325,93334,529,50140,796,432..6,260,931
1,89367,788,73827,925,99039,802,748..11,936,758
1,89465,192,20226,063,63039,128,572..13,064,942
1,89567,624,31727,425,72540,198,592..12,772,867
1,89674,511,26234,420,59640,090,666..5,670,070
1,89783,569,56837,862,74145,706,827..7,844,086
1,89885,600,44237,310,58348,289,859..10,979,276
1,89997,637,19439,990,12357,647,071..17,656,948
1,900104,298,71748,351,93355,946,784..7,594,851
1,901109,651,26750,506,80259,144,465..8,637,663
1,902101,019,34747,539,70953,479,638..5,939,929
1,903105,339,39246,142,24059,197,152..13,054,912
1,904118,831,73048,411,90070,419,830..22,007,930

It will be observed that in the year 1885 the excess of imports over exports for Australasia amounted to no less a sum than £10,051,632, and that five years later the excess of imports had fallen to £1,758,502. In 1891 the position was completely reversed, the exports exceeding the imports by £1,915,712. This excess increased to £6,266,931 in the following year (1892), and to £13,064,942 in 1894, but decreased to £12,772,867 in 1895, to £5,670,070 in 1896. It was £7,844,086 in 1897, £10,979,276 in 1898 and in 1899 the excess of exports over imports amounted to £17,656,948. In 1900 there was a falling-off in the value of exports, and the excess amounted to only £7,594,851, but in 1901 the balance in favour of exports was £8.637,663. Both imports and exports declined during 1902, and the excess of exports over imports was only £5,939,929. In 1903 the value of imports shows a decrease of over a million and a quarter, while the exports exceeded those of the previous year by nearly five millions and three-quarters, the value of the excess of the latter being more than thirteen millions sterling. In 1904 the total imports show an increase of over two millions and a quarter, and the exports of over eleven millions and a quarter, the excess of the latter over the former being twenty-two millions sterling, the highest figure yet shown.

The trade per head of the population in each of the States of the Australian Commonwealth and New Zealand in 1904 was:—

TRADE PER HEAD OF THE POPULATION IN 1904.

State or Colony.Mean Population.Imports.Exports.Total Trade.
  £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
Queensland519,1781113221973329
New South Wales1,440,440181852217941162
Victoria1,207,537161210204236170
South Australia369,697203122181043111
Western Australia236,51628434387711210
Tasmania178,8261458161443100
New Zealand845,0221514717913338

But the values of the exports of the Australian States, more especially New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, are largely increased by the inclusion of articles the produce or manufacture of other States, colonies, and countries.

The value of home productions or manufactures exported from each State or colony in 1904, and the rate per head of mean population, were as follow:—

State or ColonyHome Produce exported.Per Head Population.
 ££s.d.
Queensland10,054,2371974
New South Wales22,700,071151410
Victoria17,369,6091478
South Australia6,230,77616171
Western Australia10,146,55742180
Tasmania2,648,61314163
New Zealand14,601,7871757

The next table sets forth the amount of the trade of each of the above-named States and colony with the United Kingdom in 1904:—

State or Colony.Imports from the United Kingdom.Exports to the United Kingdom.Total Trade with the United Kingdom.
 £££
Queensland2,118,2931,861,1003,979,393
New South Wales7,867,88010,148,43618,016,316
Victoria7,266,2397,953,07715,219,316
South Australia2,035,6882,606,5574,642,245
Western Australia2,565,3024,440,8177,006,119
Tasmania617,414555,0131,172,427
New Zealand7,982,34011,876,27319,858,613

The statement appended shows the relative importance of Australasia as a market for the productions of the United Kingdom:—

EXPORTS OF HOME PRODUCTIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN 1904, TO—

 £
British India and Ceylon42,052,352
Germany25,103,270
Australasia23,651,560
United States20,197,579
Cape of Good Hope and Natal17,532,521
France15,254,034
Argentine Republic10,847,264
Dominion of Canada10,624,221
Belgium9,051,949
China8,808,901
Italy8,371,354
Egypt8,273,443
Russia8,229,577
Holland8,200,340
Sweden and Norway7,733,413
Turkey7,346,695
Brazil5,987,681
Japan4,889,328
Spain4,337,475
Hong Kong4,335,957
Denmark, Iceland, and Greenland3,668,426
Java, &c.3,374,259
Chili3,258,958
Straits Settlements3,129,255
West India Islands and Guiana2,557,601
Portugal2,068,173

The exports to other countries did not amount to £2,000,000 in any one case.

Australasia as a whole, with a population of about 4,800,000, thus takes the third place in importance for consumption of British produce, the exports thereto being more than half the value of similar exports to British India, with its 294,000,000 inhabitants.

Chapter 40. SECTION IX.—TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION.

SHIPPING.

THE shipping entered inwards during 1905 comprised 627 vessels, of 1,139,410 tonnage; while entered outwards were 627 vessels, of 1,141,552 tonnage. Comparison with the figures for the previous year shows in the entries a decrease of 2 vessels and of 15,159 tons, and in the clearances an increase of 7 vessels and a decrease of 3,212 tons. Of the vessels inwards, 130, of 462,851 tons, were British; 423, of 500,467 tons, colonial; and 74, of 176,092 tons, foreign. Those outwards numbered 130, of 465,171 tons, British, 421, of 500,371 tons, colonial; and 76, of 176,010 tons, foreign. Compared with the figures for 1904 there was a decrease of 19 vessels and of 32,816 tons in British vessels entered, and an increase in the colonial shipping entered of 13 vessels and 4,040 tons. Foreign shipping shows an increase of 4 in the number of vessels and of 13,617 tons entered. Of the entries in 1905, 221, of 103,580 tons, were sailing-vessels, and 406, of 1,035,830 tons, steamers. Of the clearances, 226, of 106,548 tons, were sailing-vessels, and 401, of 1,035,004 tons, steamers. The shipping inwards and outwards for eleven years is given in the table following:—

VESSELS ENTERED, 1895–1905.
Year.Total Number.British.Colonial.Foreign.
Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.tons.Crews.
1,895611672,95122,074146299,6676,837420319,31313,2094553,9712,028
1,896589614,09719,857126249,6015,495395300,17612,2106864,3202,152
1,897600686,89921,542133276,0206,086395340,79313,1387270,0862,318
1,898620765,25524,081152329,0657,910399369,84013,8976966,3502,274
1,899609811,18323,929149350,8616,986388392,67114,6667267,6512,277
1,900616854,63223,791156392,3947,183393392,51914,1356769,7192,473
1,9016881,063,27429,724175448,6887,713441461,72916,06372152,8575,948
1,9026381,089,17930,264172496,2038,871395429,46715,30571163,5096,088
1,9036171,102,06430,600145455,7417,799403478,41916,49769167,9046,304
1,9046291,154,56931,478149495,6678,548410496,42716,90170162,4756,029
1,9056271,139,41031,429130462,8518,005423500,46717,18774176,0926,237
VESSELS CLEARED, 1895–1905.
Year.Total Number.British.Colonial.Foreign.
Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.Tons.Crews.Vessels.Tons.Crews.
NOTE.-Coasting-vessels are not included in the above table.
1,895597648,94621,619134281,8406,528420815,17113,0684351,9352,023
1,896592627,65920,217123259,0645,637402305,92012,4486762,6692,132
1,897587675,33321,409140280,2296,240378327,06812,8816968,0362,288
1,898622765,79324,130150322,1507,898403377,10213,9486966,5412,284
1,899604807,86024,117152355,4427,194379386,21914,6567366,2052,267
1,900613325,27523,481149368,2416,978397388,43614,1536768,5982,350
1,9016911,075,90630,028177462,1797,954441458,99416,10673154,7335,968
1,9026111,048,77029,294152447,3517,983385437,48915,17174163,9306,140
1,9036081,113,16530,660141462,1227,890401485,33716,50366165,7066,267
1,9046201,144,76431,049146487,9618,341403493,27016,65971163,5336,649
1,9056271,141,55231,219130465,1718,039421500,37116,94176176,0106,239

The noticeable feature in the operations for the period covered by the table is a considerable increase of tonnage inwards and outwards, but not in the numbers of vessels, showing that larger ships are now used than those of eleven years ago.

The figures given apply to the external trade only; but in a new country such as New Zealand, as yet deficient in roads, but having an extensive seaboard and a number of good harbours, the coastal trade must be relatively very large, as is evidenced by the figures next given:—

SHIPPING ENTERED COASTWISE, 1905.
 Number.Tons.
Sailing-vessels5,007313,072
Steamers20,38210,016,337
SHIPPING CLEARED COASTWISE, 1905.
 Number.Tons.
Sailing-vessels4,978308,425
Steamers20,40210,103,864

The total number of vessels entered coastwise was thus 25,389, of 10,329,409 tons, an increase of 1,578 vessels and 641,606 tons on the figures for 1904. The total clearances coastwise were 25,380 vessels, of 10,412,289 tons, an increase of 1,707 vessels and 678,320 tons on the number for the previous year.

REGISTERED VESSELS.

The number and tonnage of the registered vessels belonging to the several ports on the 31st December, 1905 (distinguishing sailing-vessels and steamers), was as under:—

REGISTERED VESSELS, 31ST DECEMBER, 1905.
Ports.Sailing-vessels.Steam-vessels.
Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.Vessels.Gross Tonnage.Net Tonnage.
Auckland21619,56818,08111615,5808,992
Napier7575562202,3121,442
Wellington233,6893,472357,1093,851
Nelson10301280121,437814
Lyttelton274,8731,710102,5831,097
Dunedin4213,50813,1927297,99059,881
Invercargill131,3331,2796895466
        Totals33843,84741,576271127,90676,543

RAILWAYS.

The history and progress of railways in New Zealand was specially described 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 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 authorised 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.

The length of Government railways open for traffic on the 31st March, 1906, was 2,407 miles, of which 943 were situated in the North Island and 1,464 in the Middle Island.

The sections of the North Island lines consist of the Kawakawa, 8 miles; Whangarei, 23; Kaihu, 17; Auckland, 393; Gisborne–Karaka, 18 miles; and the Wellington–Napier–New Plymouth, 484 miles. The Middle Island sections comprise the Hurunui–Bluff, with branches, 1,249 miles; Westland, 117; Westport, 31; Nelson, 33; Picton, 34 miles. The estimated total cost of construction to 31st March, 1906, was £22,498,972 (besides £1,593,113 spent on unopened lines), and the average cost per mile of open line £9,410.

The following statement shows the number of miles of Government railways open, the number of train-miles travelled and of passengers carried, and the tonnage of goods traffic, for the past sixteen years:—

Year.Length open.Train-mileage.Passengers.Season Tickets issued.Goods and Live-stock*
* The equivalent tonnage for live-stock has been given.
     Tons.
1890–911,8422,894,7763,433,62913,8812,134,023
1891–921,8693,010,4893,555,76416,3412,122,987
1892–931,8863,002,1743,759,04416,5042,258,235
1893–941,9483,113,2313,972,70117,2262,128,709
1894–951,9933,221,6203,905,57828,6232,123,343
1895–962,0143,307,2264,162,42636,2332,175,943
1896–972,0183,409,2184,439,38743,0692,461,127
1897–982,0553,666,4834,672,26448,6602,628,746
1898–992,0903,968,7084,955,55355,0272,744,441
1899–19002,1044,187,8935,468,28463,3353,251,716
1900–19012,2124,620,9716,243,59382,9213,461,331
1901–19022,2355,066,3607,356,136100,7783,667,039
1902–19032,2915,443,3337,575,390118,4313,918,261
1903–19042,3285,685,3998,306,383129,9194,259,217
1904–19052,3746,107,0798,514,112140,4534,185,468
1905–19062,4076,413,5738,826,382147,9894,415,166

The traffic in local products for the past sixteen years was:—

Year.Wool.Timber.Grain.Minerals.Horses and Cattle.Sheep and Pigs.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Number.Number.
1890–9187,701153,078528,683828,07944,9991,313,155
1891–9285,888170,521442,277873,89947,6181,117,253
1892–9396,842169,910523,637884,03146,5901,359,860
1893–94101,340183,192411,191864,53851,5731,394,456
1894–95103,328198,578388,556857,91752,0751,563,213
1895–9699,363213,132374,699878,65950,7661,893,058
1896–9798,958257,825423,8881,032,25247,2562,016,437
1897–98103,055313,073427,4481,048,86854,8712,399,379
1898–9997,396310,266420,0711,147,35366,2262,552,745
1899–1900104,621334,677761,0331,218,69876,5372,559,836
1900–190196,519380,803772,5711,366,24184,2892,463,250
1901–1902101,878427,153813,3451,443,79295,3842,780,019
1902–1903116,309436,008718,3761,604,426115,1983,883,177
1903–1904101,316509,712820,4531,744,323122,0643,826,646
1904–1905107,625493,327732,4801,806,360126,5753,490,752
1905–1906110,086534,533772,2581,938,548136,3193,441,387

The revenue for the year 1905–6 amounted to £2,349,704; and the total expenditure to £1,621,239. The net revenue—£728,465—was equal to a rate of £3 4s. 9d. per cent. on the capital cost; the percentage of expenditure to revenue was 69.00. The earnings on some of the lines ranged as high as £8 17s. 4d. per cent.

The particulars of the revenue and expenditure for the past sixteen years are given herewith:—

Year.Passenger Fares.Parcels, Luggage, and Mails.Goods and Live-stock.Rents and Miscellaneous.Total.Expenditure.Net Revenue.Percentages of Expenditure to Revenue.Percentages of Revenue to Capital Cost.
NOTE.—For 1835–96 and subsequent years the railways have been credited with the value of services performed for other Government departments, and debited with the value of work done for the railways by other departments.
 £££££££%£s.d.
1890–91353,593138,997690,77938,3321,121,701700,703420,99862.4721811
1891–92364,61741,795671,46937,5501,115,431706,517408,91463.342159
1892–93390,61944,801707,78538,3161,181,521732,141449,38061.97310
1893–94402,01945,206686,46939,0981,172,792735,358437,43462.702179
1891–95385,14943,270683,72638,7061,150,851732,160418,69163.622146
1895–96389,23454,736698,11540,9561,183,041751,368431,67363.512160
1896–97410,16058,084774,16343,7511,286,158789,054497,10461.353310
1897–98433,43060,872837,58944,1171,376,008857,191518,81762.303410
1898–99475,55366,418882,07745,6171,469,665929,737539,92863.263510
1899–00515,02068,488985,72354,6601,623,8911,052,358571,53364.80385
1900–01544,97672,7121,051,69457,8541,727,2361,127,847599,38965.30398
1901–02621,01979,5611,110,57563,4311,874,5861,252,237622,34966.80386
1902–03625,69887,2731,189,10171,9661,974,0381,343,415630,62368.05361
1903–04704,660110,1511,293,16972,6612,180,6411,438,724741,91765.983118
1904–05738,158115,0511,277,97678,0462,209,2311,492,900716,33167.58360
1905–06786,873142,6421,346,038174,1512,349,7041,621,239728,46569.00349

The revenue per (average) mile of railway open during the year was £980, and the expenditure £676; equal to 7s. 3 3/4d. and 5s. 0 1/2d. per train-mile respectively.

The total number of miles travelled by trains was 6,413,573.

In addition to the above railways, there were 113 miles of private lines open for traffic on the 31st March, 1906—including the Wellington–Manawatu Railway, 84 miles.

The cost of the construction of the Wellington–Manawatu Railway is now shown on the books of the company as £821,393, being at the rate of £9,778 per mile. The term “cost of construction,” as applied to railways, includes value of equipment, rolling-stock, &c., not merely the road-line and buildings. The gross earnings for the twelve months ended the 28th February, 1906, amounted to £132,460, and the working-expenses to £75,280, equivalent to 56.83 per cent. of the gross receipts.

Australasian Railways.

Government railways open for traffic in Australasia:—

RAILWAYS (STATE ONLY).
State or Colony.Year endedAverage Miles open.Train Miles Run.Cost of Construction of Open Lines.Gross Receipts.Working ExpensesPercentage of Net Revenue to Cost.Number of
Locomotives.Vehicles.
Passenger.Goods and Livestock.

* Includes 7 1/2 miles private lines worked by Government.

† State railways only.

    £££%   
Queensland30 June, 19053,0664,917,78121,610,9801,413,439814,7442.773494577,451
New South Wales30 June, 19053,28110,467,88643,062,5503,684,0162,192,1473.4662369113,044
Victoria30 June, 19053,3849,023,36541,279,0453,582,2662,119,6233.545201,21410,809
South Australia30 June, 19051,8903,803,80914,766,4651,288,750749,8603.653424366,487
Western Australia30 June, 19051,5684,285,2359,808,4581,610,1291,256,0033.613273055,930
Tasmania30 June, 1905*462945,852†3,920,508243,556171,6301.83761841,573
New Zealand31 Mar., 19062,3916,413,57322,498,9722,349,7041,621,2393.2439590614,127

In addition to the Government lines open for traffic in 1904–5, New South Wales had 81 1/2 miles of private railway; South Australia, 34 miles; Western Australia, 627 miles (partly used for timber conveyance); Queensland, 268; Tasmania, 155 1/2 miles, 7 1/2 miles of which are worked by Government; and New Zealand, on 31st March, 1906, 113 miles.

POSTAL AND ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

There were 1,937 post-offices in New Zealand at the end of 1905.

The number of letters, letter-cards, post-cards, books, and pattern-packets, newspapers, and parcels dealt with during the year, compared with the number handled in 1904, was as under:—

 Total Number dealt with.Increase.
1904.1905.
Letters65,119,56069,664,9414,545,381
Letter-cards1,381,8741,451,32069,446
Post-cards2,310,5513,651,0271,340,476
Books and pattern-packets20,107,92123,707,9013,599,980
Newspapers21,500,74423,626,3622,125,618
Parcels357,504392,01734,513

The average number of letters, &c., posted per head of the population in each of the past six years was,—

 1900.1901.1902.1903.1901.1905.
Letters and letter-cards49.0163.4968.0770.3873.4076.09
Post-cards2.431.881.551.682.433.38
Books and parcels21.1021.0921.4521.8021.6224.90
Newspapers16.1717.8116.7917.2018.2319.87

The facilities afforded for the transmission of parcels through the Post Office to places within and without the colony 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.

The following table shows the number of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom, the Australian States, &c., in 1904 and 1905:—

Country.Number of Parcels.
Received.Despatched.
 1904.1905.1904.1905.
United Kingdom and foreign countries viâ London43,80850,7778,5528,778
United States5,3106,0831,3211,515
Vancouver386413286293
Victoria5,9377,0583,0623,067
New South Wales9,28710,7343,8424,330
South Australia417443394435
Queensland555641677894
Tasmania320358589630
Western Australia292313560526
Samoa1220175239
Fiji6793328297
Ceylon39034074100
Uruguay....2429
Cape Colony391357445233
Natal11485107278
India601685204225
Totals67,88778,40020,64021,869

The declared value of the parcels received from places outside the colony was £188,543, on which the Customs duty amounted to £39,728 1s. 10d.

The number and weight of parcels dealt with from 1897 to 1905 are given. The word “parcels” in the first-named table includes the parcels herein mentioned:—

1897.1898.1899.1999.1901.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Parcels, No.197,554204,603223,360233,456273,442291,670327,629357,504392,017
Weight, lb.676,054698,301765,836794,994928,2371,034,3421,161,5841,279,7071,386,723

Money-orders and Postal Notes.

The number of offices open for the transaction of money-order business at the end of 1905 was 537.

During 1905, 417,441 money-orders, for a total sum of £1,541,711 19s. 10d., were issued at the various post-offices in the colony. The money-orders from places beyond New Zealand and payable in the colony numbered 30,007, for the amount of £120,087 2s. 3d.

The number of offices open for the sale of postal notes at the end of 1905–6 was 654: 875,324 postal notes were sold, value £276,279 7s. 6d. Commission amounted to £5,979 4s. 1 1/2d.

The notes paid numbered 869,392, value £274,678 16s. 6d.

Mail-services.

The cost of the various mail-services between England and New Zealand was, in 1905, as follows:—

SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.1905.
Payments—£s.d.
        Subsidies, &c.26,673189
        Interprovincial and other charges4,687710
 £31,36167
Receipts—   
        Contributions from Fiji42112
        Postages collected in the colony16,463910
 £16,50610
                    Loss to the colony£14,85557
PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL AND ORIENT LINES SERVICES.
Payments—£s.d.
        To P. and O. and Orient Lines1,034154
        Transit across Australia162140
        Transit across European Continent326191
        Intercolonial services2,0231310
 £3,54823
Receipts—   
 £s.d
        Postages collected from England and from foreign offices1,531164
Postages collected in the colony1,87771
 £3,40935
            Loss to the colony£1381810

The total amount of postages collected and contributions received for these services in 1905 was £19,915 4s. 5d.

The average number of days in 1905 within which the mails were delivered between London and each of the undermentioned ports in New Zealand was:—

London to—San Francisco Service.P. and O. Line.Orient Line.
    Auckland31.0636.9338.33
    Wellington32.2938.1839.19
    Dunedin33.3539.1839.32
    Bluff34.1038.4338.57

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 8,355 miles of telegraph-line open at the end of March, 1906, carrying 25,116 miles of wire. 5,640,219 telegrams were transmitted during the year; of these, the private and Press messages numbered 5,351,084, which, together with telephone exchange and other telegraph receipts, yielded a revenue of £273,911 7s. 7d.

There were twenty-nine central exchanges and seventy-two sub-exchanges on the 31st March, 1906. The number of connections increased from 13,423 in March, 1905, to 15,333 in March, 1906. The subscriptions to these exchanges during the financial year amounted to £89,542 1s. 5d.

The capital expended on the equipment, &c., of the several telephone exchanges up to the 31st March, 1906, was £363,192 6s. 9d.

Pacific Cable.

The cable which was 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 Doubtless Bay, New Zealand, to Vancouver, Canada, 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 between the colony, America, and Europe has resulted.

Chapter 41. SECTION X.—MANUFACTORIES AND WORKS.

[Information respecting manufactories and works is collected only once in every five years, at the time of the census. Fresh information, showing the full magnitude of the industries of the colony both as to number and value of production as for the year 1905, is being collected under the authority of the Census Act in connection with the enumeration of the people made on 29th April, 1906; but the compilation of these manufactory returns is not yet begun, and meanwhile the information given last year is again repeated.]

THE results of the compilation of the special returns relating to the various manufactories, works, &c., in the colony are compared with those shown for previous censuses in certain of the tabulated statements given with these remarks.

It must be observed, however, that whereas up till the time of last census the term “factory” was rather held to mean an establishment where manufacture was carried on wholesale, where machinery was employed, and where several hands worked together, in the returns for 1901 a “factory” has been interpreted to mean any concern where two or more persons work together at making articles for disposal, wholesale or retail, and without reference to machinery being used or not. Thus the return seems to be rather one showing industrial workers (and their production) where two or more are found together, than one of manufactories to supply the wholesale traders or making for export. But the attempt has been made to approximate the census results to those of the Labour Department, according to special direction. To make the comparison with previous census figures as true as possible, the results for all the dressmaking, tailoring, shirt-making, millinery, and other establishments, which were not included until 1901, have been deducted from the totals at foot of the summary table. Any roughness in the comparison caused by small concerns employing two persons only, and doing a retail business in making or repairing, having been included at the last census, but not before, cannot be avoided. And indeed it will become clear to any one reading the following remarks that the large increase in money value of manufactures is obtained mostly on items in respect of which moving down to a limit of two persons engaged would not materially alter the comparison.

The totals for the industries do not include mining and quarrying, which are dealt with separately.

Deducting, as above mentioned, from the total value of manufactures for the year 1900 the results for such industries as were not included in 1895, a most satisfactory increase is found on analysis of items, which has been mainly brought about by developments on a large scale in the following industries:—

VALUE OF OUTPUT FOR YEAR 1895 COMPARED WITH 1900.

 Increase in Five Years.
 £
Meat freezing, preserving, &c.2,182,616
Butter and cheese factories1,033,876
Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring650,855
Foundries, boiler-making, range-making, and engineering621,356
Sawmills, with sash and door making369,882
Printing establishments (not Government)315,161
Clothing (with boot and shoe) factories242,122
Breweries and malthouses240,468
Flaxmills170,946
Gasworks91,542
Chaff-cutting works90,816
Biscuit-factories79,010
Bacon-curing establishments73,542
Coach building and painting67,108
Woollen-mills56,959
Brick, tile, and pottery works56,090
Aerated-water factories53,202
Cycle-factories46,230
Lime and cement works29,261

If to these be added the value of the grass-seed after dressing, £241,239 for the year 1900, the greater part of the increase in the total for all manufactured articles (£7,591,789) is accounted for. There are a large number of smaller amounts of increase than those above stated, but the main lines of development are sufficiently indicated.

The addition of the figures in the column for total value of manufactures is not absolutely justified to the fullest extent of the amount shown (seventeen million pounds sterling); but in the present state of New Zealand industries it appears that the degree of repetition of value is not so great as to prevent the total given being of great help in judging of development. No doubt seventeen million pounds is over the fact, because, for instance, butter frozen for export is included in returns for meat-freezing establishments, and also in the butter-factory returns; timber cut is valued under sawmilling, and some again in the furniture-making line. Also, leather is valued in the tanning returns, and some part of it again in the boot and saddlery items. But, of the material operated upon, a great deal is imported.

The great primary industries of meat-freezing, butter and cheese making, with some others, do not mainly provide materials for making other wares.

The iron which is used at the foundries and engineering-works is imported to New Zealand.

But it must be admitted that, as the colony advances in primary industries, deductions will have to be made with great discrimination from the figures in the column “Value of all manufactures,” in respect of the amounts given in the returns.

As yet it is held that the addition is not so much affected by repetitions as to render the result other than useful; although, as before remarked, the total figures are admittedly in excess of the actual fact. The comparison with previous census results is still considered valuable.

Special tables in the Census Volume, following the summaries, show clearly that quantities rose as well as the value of manufactures, so that the development is not merely a question of market prices, but of actual output.

In 1896 the actual increase in five years of the annual output was found to be only £775,523. But it was noticed that there were special causes for this amount being so small; and also that quantities showed then in many cases a certain degree of development of industries, though values had not been maintained throughout.

The year 1895 was admittedly a time when great results could not be looked for. Severe financial troubles had happened shortly before. The phormium and rope industries, iron-working (implements and other) were not thriving, and in other lines matters were not altogether what could have been wished. The inquiry for the year 1900 has been made after a period of great prosperity.

MANUFACTORIES AND WORKS, 1896 AND 1901.
 April, 1896.March, 1901†Increase, 1896–1901.

* Omitting Government Railway Workshops and Government Printing Office.

† Excluding dressmaking, tailoring, shirt-making, millinery, &c., for which no returns in 1896.

 No.No.No.
Number of establishments*2,4593,163704
Hands employed—   
    Males22,98635,43812,452
    Females4,4036,2881,885
                Totals†27,38941,72614,337
    
Wages paid—£££
    To males1,776,0762,895,2791,119,203
    To females131,516203,28271,766
                Totals†1,907,5923,098,5611,190,969
    
 H.-p.H.-p.H.-p.
Horse-power28,09639,05210,956
    
Total approximate value of—£££
    Land1,063,9891,713,254649,265
    Buildings1,743,0732,419,803676,730
    Machinery and plant2,988,9553,826,574837,619
                Totals5,796,0177,959,6312,163,614

Under the heading “Hands employed,” the males increased from 22,986 in 1896 to 35,438, or at the rate of nearly 54.17 per cent. in five years. The females employed increased at the rate of 42.81 per cent.

The wages paid in the factories or large industrial works dealt with in the census returns were returned for 1895 at £1,907,592, and for 1900 £3,098,561.

The average annual amount of wages paid to male hands was £77.2 in 1895 and £81.7 in 1900. For females, £29.8 in 1895, against £32.3 at the last census. The wages of both would seem to have been more than maintained.

The increase for the year 1901 over 1896 in the horse-power stated in the returns was 10,956, against 6,400 for 1896.

The approximate value of the land used for purposes of the factories and industries increased from £1,063,989 in 1896 to £1,713,254 in 1901. The value of the lands used for mining is not included in the above figures, and the value of Crown lands has been omitted throughout.

A very satisfactory development will be found in the value of the machinery and plant, from £2,988,955 in 1896 to £3,826,574 in 1901, being at the rate of 28.02 per cent. for the period. The value of the buildings also increased greatly.

INDUSTRIES IN PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

All the various industries for which returns were received in 1901 are given in the statement below, which thus enumerates completely the manufactories and works in operation in the colony, specifying the provincial districts in which they are situated:—

INDUSTRIES IN PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.
Manufactories, Works, &c.Number of Industries in Provincial Districts.Total Number of Industries.
Auckland.Taranaki.Hawke's Bay.Wellington.Marlborough.Nelson.Westland.Canterbury.Otago.
Animal food–          
    Meat freezing and preserving works72251....41334
    Ham- and bacon-curing establishments4423..4..101239
    Fish curing and preserving works8....4111..1328
    Butter and cheese factories271028374731742247
    Rabbit-packing................77
    Condensed-milk factory................11
    Vegetable food—          
    Grain-mills832825..232778
    Biscuit-factories5..1311..2720
    Fruit-preserving and jam making works6111..1..1213
    Sugar-boiling and confectionery works8..34......7426
    Sugar-refining works1................1
    Fruit-canning works1................1
    Baking-powder factories8....1......1111
Drinks, narcotics, and stimulants—          
    Breweries935102104161574
    Malthouses4..1324110833
    Colonial-wine making4..311212..14
    Aerated-water factories22118245742717125
    Coffee and spice works4....4..113518
    Tobacco-manufactories2................2
    Cigarette-manufactories1......1........13
    Sauce and pickle factories9115..1..4223
    Vinegar-works3........1......4
    Ice-factories2................2
Animal matters (not otherwise classed)—          
    Bone-mills23..2....1....8
    Soap and candle works7..14..2..6424
    Glue-factory1................1
    Sausage-skin factory1..13......4110
    Boiling-down works5..13........514
    Manure-works1..2........115
    Oleomargarine-works..............1..1
    Fat-refining works..............1..1
Working in wood—          
    Cooperages4224......7423
    Sawmills, sash and door factories48232666846291870334
    Barrow and ladder factory1................1
    Woodware and turnery factories101..5......6628
Vegetable produce for fodder—          
    Chaff-cutting establishments152......12..25155
    Grass-seed-dressing establishments..41........91125
Paper-manufacture—          
    Paper-mills1..............23
    Paper bag and box factories3............137
Gasworks62261224530
Electric-lighting works..1..1..1..126
Processes relating to stone, clay, glass, &c.—          
    Lime and cement works6....1..21..515
    Brick, tile, and pottery works2458181522025108
    Tobacco-pipe factory................11
    Monumental masonry8..13..2..6727
    Glassworks1............1..2
    Glass-bevelling works1....1..........2
    Eleotro-plating works1............1..2
    Pumice-works1................1
Metals, other than gold and silver—          
    Tinware-factories12....13..42181160
    Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.131213233141465
    Heel- and toe-plate factories2..............13
    Engineering-works10....9..2..8837
    Range-making works5....1........39
    Spouting and ridging factories6823......7935
    Lead-headed-nail works......1..........1
    Iron-pipe and fluming works................22
Books and publications—          
    Printing-offices35124402833549188
Musical instruments—          
    Musical-instrument factories......1........23
Ornaments, minor art products, and small wares—          
    Picture-frame makers......1........39
    Basket and perambulator factories6....6......4521
    Cork-cutting1................1
    Lapidaries................33
Equipment for sports and games—          
    Billiard-table factories1....1......1..3
Designs, medals, type, and dies—          
    Rubber-stamp making2................2
Arms and explosives—          
    Ammunition-factory1................1
Machines, tools, and implements—          
    Agricultural-implement factories6..23......101233
    Brush and broom factories6....1......3212
    Cutlery-factory1................1
    Bellows-factory1................1
Carriages and vehicles—          
    Coach building and painting works331112444912620160
    Cycle-factories82310..2..252171
Harness, saddlery, and leatherware—          
    Saddlery and harness factories227729..512420115
    Whip-thong factories......1........12
    Portmanteau-factories2....2........26
    Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring establishments164151444..2933119
Ships, boats, and their equipment—          
    Ship- and boat-building yards17....3..1..2932
    Graving docks and patent slips3....1......217
    Block and pump factory1................1
    Sail and oilskin factories9124..115730
Furniture—          
    Furniture and cabinetmaking26147361442032144
    Venetian-blind works2....5......2312
    Mattress-factories3....3......2412
    Wool, rug, and mat making................22
Chemicals and by-products—          
    Perfumery-manufactory1................1
    Varnish-manufactories3..............14
    Ink-manufactories2..............13
    Starch-manufactories..........1....23
    Chemical-works2............158
    Hæmatite-paint factories..........1....34
    Sheep-dip factories....2..........13
    Match-factories......1..........13
    Herbal-remedies factories1....4........38
    Blacking-factories1....1........13
    Cocoanut-oil mill2................2
Textile fabrics—          
    Woollen-mills1....1......3510
    Flock-mills1....1......125
    Cleaning and dyeing works5....2......3111
Dress—          
    Tailoring establishments3212367..1072222175
    Dressmaking and millinery establishments41812785936965290
    Shirt-making establishments41..7..1..4825
    Corset and belt manufactories3............3..6
    Clothing-factories7.... 3......3821
    Waterproof-factories1....2......126
    Boot and shoe factories314..24..232735126
    Hat and cap factories5....3......2313
    Hosiery-factories1....3..1..5717
Fibrous materials—          
    Rope and twine works31..2......7417
    Bag and sack factory................11
    Flax-mills236225147..816101
Returns not included in above40534..6..13374
            Totals, Census, 190175226716070761198786488093,680
           
Deduct tailoring, dressmaking, shirt-making, and monumental masons' establishments, not included in accounts taken for 1896 and 189185211615552210101102517
                Totals, Census, 1901 (less deductions shown above)66724614455256176685477073,163
                Totals, Census, 189657312814739650154474485162,459
                Totals, Census, 1891577688533377142513805412,254

The provincial districts, arranged according to the number of industries belonging to each, specified in the last census returns, stand as under:—

 Number of Industries, excluding Mines and Quarries.
1901.1896.1891.
Otago707516541
Auckland667573577
Wellington552396333
Canterbury547443380
Taranaki24612868
Nelson176154142
Hawke's Bay14414785
Westland684751
Marlborough565077

DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES.

The principal industries returned at the census of 1901, and particulars relating thereto, are given in detail in the following table. These industries are arranged in classes according to their nature:—

DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES.
Nature of Industries.Total Number of Industries.Number of Hands employed.Wages paid.Amount of Power employed (Horse-power).Value of all Materials used or operated upon during 1900.Value of all Manufactures or Produce (including Repairs) for the Year 1900.*Approximate Value of Land, Buildings, Machinery, and Plant.
Males.Females.Total.Males.Females.Total.

* For information as to quantities manufactured or produced, see special tables in Year-books of 1901, 1902, and 1903. Value of output, wages. &c., not shown where the number of establishments is so small that particulars might be identified.

for full particulars respecting these industries see special tables in previous issues (1901, 1902, and 1903).

Value of manufactures at Government Railway Workshops not included.

See remarks on page 347.

NOTE.—See note at end of table.

NOTE.—Two or more distinct industries were carried on at some establishments. In such cases particulars of power, hands, and plant employed, and wages paid, unless stated separately for each branch of industry, have been treated as belonging to the most important work.

Animal food—    £££H.-p.£££
    Meat freezing and preserving works342,172492,221198,3061,419199,7257,057252,2903,720,475893,720
    Ham and bacon curing establishments391851119613,89149614,387250115,656159,56462,192
    Fish curing and preserving works2813521377,445737,518..7,71425,17317,235
    Butter and cheese factories2471,165231,18895,46197296,4332,3991,195,6001,535,150388,750
    Rabbit-packing762..623,200..3,200......362
    Condensed-milk factory1171633......39......
Vegetable food—           
    Grain-mills78513251549,25411049,3642,422545,642682,884358,656
    Biscuit-factories2045421366734,2314,54538,776291117,383197,98990,243
    Fruit-preserving and jam-making works1385821676,3171,7588,07511742,40458,09220,935
    Sugar-boiling and confectionery works2615814730511,1283,60014,7281947,15088,58056,955
    Sugar-refining works1256..256......922......
    Fruit-canning works1325......10......
    Baking-powder factories111910291,0741811,255179,31818,16318,200
Drinks, narcotics, and stimulants—           
    Breweries74677568283,4937783,570632158,212553,627294,592
    Malthouses33145..14514,994..14,99411072,211105,67175,038
    Colonial-wine making144910592,320922,412143,01910,33018,183
    Aerated-water factories1254371545231,77128432,05525063,835151,811105,178
    Coffee and spice works186315784,9592355,1948332,09145,62847,572
    Tobacco-manufactories211920......8.... 
    Cigarette-manufactories311718......6......
    Sauce and pickle factories2377511284,6281,7606,3887120,50531,25836,715
    Vinegar-works41310231,1792581,43743,2846,8244,480
    Ice-factories25..5......35......
Animal matter (not otherwise classed)—           
    Bone-mills817..17453..453771,0802,5296,230
    Soap and candle works24224823219,00923919,248346112,623158,64966,809
    Glue-factory15..5......28......
    Sausage-skin factories1098..988,689..8,689..17,84530,6743,949
    Boiling-down works1461..615,910..5,91039392,693114,41626,838
    Manure-works530..301,872..1,8726331,65237,76910,266
    Oleomargarine-works19..9......50......
    Fat-refining works114..14......18......
Working in wood—           
    Cooperages23137113810,8843910,92317719,94237,52121,787
    Sawmills, sash and door factories3346,80576,812513,622266513,8888,744..1,268,689703,620
    Barrow and ladder factory15..5..............
    Woodware and turnery factories28154215611,7798211,86117619,14637,55228,227
Vegetable produce for fodder—           
    Chaff-cutting establishments5526512669,829269,855391130,507169,31346,786
    Grass-seed-dressing establishments2560..605,310..5,310189197,846241,23948,195
Paper-manufacture—           
    Paper-mills3791998......705......
    Paper bag and box factories72457811,3121,9363,248134,47114,21711,499
    Gasworks30568457270,38818570,57324283,612290,567971,559
    Electric-lighting works652..526,226..6,2262,1584,60323,23464,156
Process relating to stone, clay, glass, &c.—           
    Lime and cement works15184..18416,577..16,57746618,39745,14238,436
    Brick, tile, and pottery works108838..83863,336..63,336659..122,230114,567
    Tobacco-pipe factory1224...... ......
    Monumental masonry2781..817,072..7,072138,68922,31317,391
    Glassworks29..9..............
    Glass-bevelling works27..7......13......
    Electro-plating works211..11......7......
    Pumice-works127128......15......
Metals, other than gold and silver—           
    Tinware-factories60336133723,1073623,1432352,55398,58756,914
    Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.651,95051,955162,477170162,647983240,578508,906211,282
    Heel- and toe-plate factories37..7......23......
    Engineering-works†‡371,43751,442127,374261127,635541186,208361,958155,081
    Range-making-works9193..19316,927..16,9275319,72153,30727,919
    Spouting and ridging factories35261..26120,584..20,5843570,643112,69152,687
    Lead-headed-nail works13..3..............
    Iron-pipe and fluming works25..5..............
Books and publications—           
    Printing-offices† ‡1882,6275073,134268,04116,564284,605956200,243704,285559,538
Musical instruments—           
    Musical-instrument factories311..11..............
Ornaments, minor art products, and small wares—           
    Picture-frame makers9193221,234691,30312,4975,77111,750
    Basket and perambulator factories21107111186,5174947,01196,90217,94218,180
    Cork-cutting13..3..............
    Lapidaries38..8......7......
Equipment for sports and games—           
    Billiard-table factories37..7..............
Designs, medals, type, and dies—           
    Rubber-stamp making23..3..............
Arms and explosives—           
    Ammunition-factory12184105......39......
Machines, tools, and implements—           
    Agricultural-implement factories33584258653,8796253,94136049,072138,09461,339
    Brush and broom factories1286421285,9651,1907,1553210,15821,13113,829
    Cutlery-factory12..2......2......
    Bellows-factory12..2..............
Carriages and vehicles—           
    Coach building and painting works1601,185..1,18583,356..83,35612888,229216,077150,811
    Cycle-factories713781739520,87357021,4439526,82465,04765,403
Harness, saddlery, and leatherware—           
    Saddlery and harness factories1156292365240,8081,02641,834375,724147,62696,559
    Whip-thong factories25..5..............
    Portmanteau-factories6193221,2061171,323..2,7415,4836,460
    Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring establishments1191,95761,963159,180162159,3421,1081,391,3231,88,107235,952
Ships, boats, and their equipment—           
    Ship- and boat-building yards32211..21113,476..13,4764920,38945,81115,198
    Graving-docks and patent slips732..322,864..2,864435..7,264230,165
    Block and pump factory12..2......4......
    Sail and oilskin factories301508123110,4461,99612,442..24,62844,85440,893
Furniture—           
    Furniture and cabinet-making1441,243671,31088,8432,26291,105369101,595241,024170,338
    Venetian-blind works12492513,567653,632195,89613,2337,469
    Mattress-factories1255..553,260..3,260209,21216,29613,165
    Wool, rug, and mat making29817..............
Chemicals and by-products—           
    Perfumery-manufactory1134..............
    Varnish-manufactories419..191,474..1,474374,2276,7325,765
    Ink-manufactories35..5......8......
    Starch-manufactories324832......16......
    Chemical-works87619957,5515048,0559242,47964,83437,793
    Hæmatite-paint factories412..12609..609281,0302,5785,943
    Sheep-dip factories3617......10......
    Match-factories237146183......19......
    Herbal-remedies factories81310231,1345811,715123,99418,39610,305
    Blacking-factories3213......7......
    Cocoanut-oil mills210..10......54......
Textile fabrics—           
    Woolen-mills107699241,69371,45440,547112,0011,554196,081359,382277,422
    Flock-mills5911055912571551,4594,1052,650
    Cleaning and dyeing works112823511,8168372,653132,1417,8559,635
Dress—           
    Tailoring establishments1757228991,62165,69537,251102,9468122,853301,356211,016
    Dressmaking and millinery establishments290232,8652,8882,23676,27078,506..173,211312,436193,998
    Shirt-making establishments25285035311,91113,65115,5624045,31975,87926,528
    Corset and belt manufactories6124259542551..9592,2495,659
    Clothing-factories214312,0812,51237,77863,023100,80167177,828329,02689,247
    Waterproof-factories622921141,8072,8224,62936,28513,3787,845
    Boot and shoe factories1261,9067902,696165,22727,216192,443184273,325529,254176,992
    Hat and cap factories1337801172,6412,7485,3892011,46325,64119,217
    Hosiery-factories17172652821,3286,7028,0307118,03231,26519,997
Fibrous materials—           
    Rope and twine works17192..19213,136..13,13649446,37887,86355,309
    Bag and sack factory1..66..............
    Flax-mills1011,698..1,698101,046..101,0461,19053,064203,49264,446
    Values for industries of which less than four of any one sort were found in the returns........53,9279,23563,162..526,252694,896258,885
    Returns not included in above7414015629610,9524,83615,78813828,83461,74959,659
    Totals, Census, 19013,68036,29210,55546,8472,972,193330,4543,302,64739,1137,749,77017,853,1338,408,564
            
    Deduct tailoring, dress-making, shit-making, and monumental masons' establishments, not included in accounts taken for 1896 and 18915178544,2675,12176,914127,172204,08661350,072711,984448,933
    Totals, Census, 1901 (less deductions shown above)3,16335,4386,28841,7262,895,279203,2823,098,56139,0527,399,69817,141,1497,959,631
    Totals, Census, 18962,45922,9864,40327,3891,776,076131,5161,907,59228,0963,285,2479,549,3605,796,017
    Totals, Census, 18912,25422,6642,96925,6631,705,641102,9991,808,64021,696..8,773,8375,261,826

The succeeding statement shows the most important industries in operation in 1901, ranged in order of the values of their output for 1900, and compared with the results obtained for the years 1895, 1890, and 1885:—

 Total Value of all Manufactures or Produce, including Repairs.
 1900.18951890.1885.
 ££££
Meat freezing and preserving and boiling down works3,834,8911,652,2751,404,659543,878
Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring1,888,1071,237,2521,026,349034,915
Butter and cheese factories1,535,150501,274150,95743,094
Sawmills, sash and door factories1,208,689898,807832,9591,177,713
Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c. (not including Government Railway Workshops)924,171302,815403,635368,919
Clothing and boot and shoe factories858,280610,158570,315514,506
Printing establishments (not including Government Printing Office)704,285389,124354,559273,880
Grain-mills682,884874,656991,812754,830
Breweries and malthouses659,298418,830380,849421,197
Woollen-mills359,382302,423279,175194,311
Gasworks290,567199,025178,947194,053
Grass - seed - dressing establishments241,239......
Furniture and cabinetmaking241,02485,327131,314102,375
Coach building and painting works210,077148,909139,660128,346
Flax-mills203,49232,546234,26020,059
Biscuit-factories197,989118,979127,14747,784
Chaff cutting works169,31378,49763,23054,440
Bacon-curing establishments159,56486,02283,43558,799
Soap and candle works158,649152,298155,714130,745
Aerated-water factories151,81198,00991,69194,098
Saddlery and harness factories147,62663,73537,347..
Agricultural-implement factories138,094102,054144,472111,823
Brick, tile, and pottery works122,23066,14056,83091,797
Spouting and ridging works112,69123,76233,14025,478
Tinware factories98,58763,72314,2978,500
Sugar-boiling and confectionery works88,58033,23517,24817,130
Rope and twine works87,86352,40076,71156,413
Cycle-factories65,04718,8175,6551,301
Chemical-works64,83475,32041,56834,283
Fruit-preserving and jam-making works58,09236,10827,25532,292
Ship and boat-building works45,81125,23335,84756,132
Coffee and spice works45,62874,33964,02498,234
Lime and cement works45,14215,88119,41616,928
Sail, tent, and oilskin factories44,85430,16631,08325,574
Bone-mills and other manure-works40,29812,2464,6288,337
Wood ware and turnery factories37,55218,2769,050..
Cooperages37,52119,23311,54011,862
Hosiery-factories31,2659,3575,6506,200
Sauce and pickle works31,25813,4176,4073,145
Sausage-skin factories30,67413,47210,582..
Hat and cap factories25,64110,90221,62813,695
Fish curing and preserving works25,17310,29219,53712,182
Electric-lighting works23,234......
Brush and broom factories21,13123,36313,3407,786
Herbal-remedies factories18,396......
Baking powder factories18,16310,1535,6374,120
Basket and perambulator factories17,94211,9207,3814,375
Mattress-factories16,296......
Paper-bag and cardboard - box factories14,2177,6984,497..
Water proof-factories13,37822,354....
Venetian-blind factories13,2339,8784,7766,470
Colonial-wine works10,3308,9633,4563,626
Other industries in respect of which the value of the manufactures was less than £8,000, and sundry805,606473,037380,156235,148

The order of the principal industries, ranged according to the number of hands employed, is as follows:—

 Number of Hands.
 1901.1896.1891.
Sawmills, sash and door factories6,8124,0593,266
Clothing and boot-and-shoe factories5,2084,4073,233
Iron and brass foundries, boiler-making, machinists, &c.3,5901,6421,787
Printing establishments (excluding Government Printing Office)3,1342,3512,569
Meat freezing, preserving, and boiling-down works2,2822,0371,568
Tanning, fellmongering, and wool-scouring establishments1,9631,6291,196
Flax-mills1,6986473,204
Woollen-mills1,6931,4161,175
Furniture and cabinetmaking factories1,310496585
Butter and cheese factories1,188576269
Coach building and painting works1,185807678
Brick, tile, and pottery works838455494
Breweries and malthouses827560563
Biscuit-factories667425331
Saddlery and harness factories652266184
Agricultural-implement factories586581528
Gasworks572295249
Grain-mills515419499
Aerated-water factories452347261
Cycle-factories39512531
Tinware-factories33728993
Sugar-boiling and confectionery works3056953
Hosiery-factories28213351
Chaff-cutting works266212205
Spouting and ridging works26190100
Sugar refining works256160110
Soap and candle works232190209
Sad, tent, and oilskin factories231143124
Ship-and boat-building yards211108145
Bacon-curing establishments19612384
Rope and twine works192150222
Lime and cement works1847998
Match-factories183121..
Fruit-preserving and jam-making works167193117
Woodware and turnery factories1568151
Cooperages1387653
Fish curing and preserving works13775140
Brush and broom factories1289281
Sauce and pickle works1286841
Basket and perambulator factories1187663
Hat and cap factories11772112
Waterproof-factories11493..
Ammunition-factories1059080
Sausage-skin factories985673
Paper mills988448
Chemical-works9511455
Paper-bag and cardboard-box factories818635
Coffee and spice works7811981
Rabbit preserving and packing works6232..
Grass-seed-dressing establishments60....
Colonial-wine works595324
Mattress-factories55....
Electric-lighting works52....
Venetian-blind factories514529
Cleaning and dyeing works515848
Bone-mills and other manure-works474625
Condensed-milk factory33....
Graving-docks and patent slips322964
Starch and soda works322713
Baking-powder factories29....
Pumice-works2820..
Corset and belt manufactories25....
Herbal-remedies factories23....
Vinegar-works23....
Portmanteau-factories22....
Picture-frame makers22....
Tobacco-manufactories20....
Sheep-dip factories729..
Industries employing under 20 hands53226836

Special tables relating to the principal industries, with comments on each, have been printed in the Year-books for 1901, 1902, and 1903.

Chapter 42. SECTION XI.—LABOUR LAWS.

The legislation passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand and termed the “labour laws” comprises the undermentioned. statutes and regulations made under various Acts:—

“The Accidents Compensation Act, 1901.”

“The Accident Insurance Companies Act, 1902.”

“The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act, 1895”: Section 10 (re holiday on licensing-election day).

“The Bank Holidays Act. 1902.”

“The Bankruptcy Act, 1892”: Sections 112 and 120 (re wages of employees).

“The Coal mines Act Compilation Act, 1905.”

“The Companies Act, 1893”: Sections 1 and 249 (re wages of employees of companies that are being wound up).

“The Conspiracy Law Amendment Act, 1894” (re conspiracy in trade disputes, &c.).

“The Contractors' and Workmen's Lien Act, 1892.” (See also Threshing-machine Owners' Lien Act.)

“The Criminal Code Act, 1893”: Sections 150 and 213 (re masters and apprentices).

“The Deaths by Accidents Compensation Act, 1880.” (See also Legitimation Act.)

“The Electoral Act, 1905”: Section 115 (re holiday on election-day).

“The Employers' Liability Act, 1882,” with amendments of 1891 and 1892.

“The Factories Act, 1901,” with amendments of 1902 and 1905.

“The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Acts Compilation Act, 1905,” and Amendment Act, 1905.

“The Inspection of Machinery Act, 1902,” with amendment of 1903.

“The Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1898,” and Amendment Acts of 1899, 1902, and 1903.

“The Labour Day Act, 1899.”

“The Labour Department Act, 1903.”

“The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900”: Section 13 (provision for workmen's homes).

“The Lagitimation Act, 1894”: Section 6. (See Deaths by Accident Compensation Act.)

“The Licensing Act, 1881”: Section 131 (re payment of wages at houses where liquor is sold).

“The Master and Apprentice Act, 1865.” Master and Apprentice: Extract from “The Criminal Code Act, 1893,” sections 150 and 213.

“The Mining Act Compilation Act, 1905,” and Amendment Act, 1905.

“The Public Contracts Act, 1900.”

“The Servants' Registry Offices Act, 1895.”

“The Shearers' Accommodation Act, 1898.”

“The Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903,” and Amendment Act, 1905.

“The Shops and Offices Act, 1904,” and Amendment Act, 1905.

“The Threshing-machine Owners' Lien Act, 1895.”

“The Trade-Union Act, 1878,” and Amendment Act, 1896.

“The Truck Act, 1891.”

“The Wages Attachment Act, 1895.”

“The Wages Protection Act, 1899” (forming part of and to be read with

“The Truck Act, 1891”).

“The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900,” with amendments of 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1905.

“The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905,” and Amendment Act, 1905.

“The Workmen's Wages Act, 1893.” 12—Ybk.

The labour laws have been passed in the effort to regulate certain conditions affecting employer and employed. Their scope embraces many difficult positions into which the exigencies of modern industrial life have forced those engaged in trades and handicrafts. The general tendency of these laws is to ameliorate the position of the worker by preventing social oppression through undue influences, or through unsatisfactory conditions of sanitation. It will undoubtedly be found that, with the advance of time, these laws are capable of improvement and amendment; but they have already done much to make the lives of operatives of fuller and more healthy growth, and their aim is to prevent the installation of abuses before such abuses attain formidable dimensions.

The manufacturing population in New Zealand differs from that in some of the Australian States by its wide dispersion. The capital city has hitherto been unable to draw to itself the industrial ability of the other provincial centres; and not only do Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin vie with Wellington as centres of population, but also as nuclei of commercial activity. In the second-class towns, such as Nelson, Napier, Invercargill, &c., many important works are being carried on, while even in the villages and rural districts the progress of new settlement necessitates the manufacture of articles which in older communities are produced in specialised localities. Men scattered widely at the numerous occupations of colonial country life, shearing, harvesting, bushfelling, road-making, or sailing coastal vessels, &c., require legal protection against the dangers and disabilities to which their callings expose them. This general dispersion of industry necessitates not only a wide system of supervision, but legislative measures of a peculiar character, at once sufficiently elastic to comprehend many varieties of function, and yet rigid to orush any apparent abuse.

The following explanatory notes on the labour laws of the colony are by Mr. E. Tregear, Secretary for Labour:—

“By far the most interesting and original of these laws is the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, first passed in 1894. This, with three later amending Acts, was consolidated in 1900, but has been amended afresh in 1901, 1903, and 1904. The substance of all these may be found in ‘The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Acts Compilation Act, 1905’; but it has to be supplemented with the amending Act of 1905. The necessity of continuous amendment has been thrust upon the Legislature through the principle of industrial arbitration of a judicial character being entirely unique and without statutory precedent. The law on this subject has to be kept flexible in order to meet the continual necessities of change and growth. As difficulties impossible to foresee arise on the untrodden ground, they have to be met by new efforts to cope with the new situation, and with the knowledge which can only be born with experience.

“Societies consisting of two or more employers, or of seven or more workers, may be registered and become subject to the provisions of the Act under the title of ‘industrial union.’ Any such union may bring a trade dispute before the Board of Conciliation, which Board may proceed to investigate the dispute, or, on requirement of one of the parties, may refer the case direct to the Arbitration Court. If the dispute is left to the Board, after taking evidence, &c., the Board may make a recommendation, which, if accepted by the parties, is put into the form of an industrial agreement and has the force of law. If the Board's recommendation is ignored for a month it automatically becomes law, but if rejected the dispute is carried to the Court of Arbitration. This Court, consisting of a President, who is a Judge of the Supreme Court, and two other members—one elected by the employers' unions, the other by the workers' unions—has wide powers, and against its decisions there is no appeal. Inspectors of Factories are Inspectors of Awards under the Arbitration Act. The later amendments of the Act are mostly in the direction of giving wider notice of Court sittings, of arranging for permits being given at lower rates than the minimum wage mentioned in the award, and of greater strictness in matters threatening to bring about a strike or lock-out.

“‘The Factories Act, 1901’ is a consolidation of former legislation, but with important amendments within itself and in the years 1902 and 1905. The Acts passed prior to 1901 dealt almost exclusively with the protection of working-women and children, but the existing law takes cognisance also of the working-hours of men, and arranges for payment being made for overtime-work. The forty-five-hour week is insisted on for women and youths, except in woollen-mills, where forty-eight hours are allowed; but if men are employed over forty-eight hours in one week overtime must be paid. The wages of young persons, the statutory holidays (with payment therefor), the regulated hours of overtime, the sanitation and hygiene of factories, provision of fire-escapes, drinking-water, &c., are all carefully arranged for under this Act. Any establishment wherein two or more persons work to produce articles intended for sale is a factory in New Zealand. All bakehouses, all laundries, and all places wherein Asiatics are employed are also factories, even if only one person is employed therein. This low limit is made mainly for the purpose of inspection, in order that the public should not be injured by taint on food or clothing manufactured in filthy surroundings. ‘Sweating’ has almost disappeared in New Zealand by the prohibition of sub-contracting in the issue of textiles to be made up into garments. The Factories Act is probably one of the most complete and perfect laws to be found on the statute-book of any colony, and is greatly appreciated by the workers, while the honest, fair dealing employer is himself thereby protected from the unscrupulous proceedings of the piratical competitor.

“‘The Shops and Offices Act, 1904,’ is the consolidation of the Shops and Shop-assistants Acts of 1894, 1895, 1896, and 1901, but was itself amended in 1905. The Act regulates the hours of assistants in shops, not allowing them to exceed fifty-two hours a week or more than nine hours a day, with some exceptions. The shops are to be kept clean, and to have sanitary conditions necessary where two sexes are employed together.

“A weekly half-holiday is compulsory, but the particular day of the week is left to be chosen by each town separately. Compulsory closing of shops at any hour whatever is not insisted on unless under certain conditions whereby each trade is allowed to settle its closing-hour by a majority vote of all shopkeepers. To all young persons wages of 5s. a week as a minimum must be paid, with an annual increase of 3s. per week, until twenty years of age is reached. Overtime has to be paid for in both shops and offices, but some establishments, such as banks and shipping offices, are exempt.

“The hours of work and wages are subject to awards of the Arbitration Court.

“‘The Employers’ Liability Act, 1882,' added to and amended in 1891 and 1892, is designed to protect workmen from negligence on the part of employers by defining under what circumstances compensation for injury or death may be recoverable. The Act covers all employment except that of domestic service, and does not allow of ‘contracting out’ from its provisions, or permit the plea of ‘common employment to shield the employer or his agent for payment of damages if incurred.

“The last-mentioned Act has been practically superseded by ‘The Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900' (amendments 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1905), because, while an accident to a worker had not to be compensated by an employer under the Employers' Liability Act unless such accident had occurred through his carelessness or through that of his agent, under the later Act all accidents are to be compensated unless they are caused by the serious and wilful misconduct of the person injured. This compensation is in no sense intended to be a punishment or penalty on the employer, but to be a means of providing for an injured workman or (in case of his death) for his family.

“A certain number of accidents take place—these numbers can almost be computed beforehand by actuarial experts—in spite of all that care and skill can do to prevent them. The workman, in case of industrial accident, had formerly not only the risk and pain to bear, but the money-loss of wages, the medical expenses, and in some events the ruin of his family, in order that profits might be made by others. Now the expense of accident is borne by the business itself as one of the legitimate expenses of carrying it on. To meet the difficulty of too great expense falling suddenly on an employer through his having to pay large accident compensation, provision is made by ‘The Government Accident Insurance Act, 1899,’ which insures employers against risk of paying compensation. There are also several private insurance companies in the colonies which undertake these risks, and are regulated in some degree by ‘The Accident Insurance Companies Act, 1902.’ The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act allows compensation up to £400 in case of death, and a less sum for injury. ‘Contracting out’ is permitted if the alternative scheme is accepted as a fair equivalent by the Board of Conciliation of the district. ‘The Accidents Compensation Act, 1901,’ provides that an independent medical examination of the injured person may be ordered by the Judge before whom a claim of compensation for accident is brought. See also ‘The Deaths by Accidents Compensation Act, 1880,’ which deals with the status of persons to be benefited by compensation, and also ‘The Legitimation Act, 1894,’ which includes illegitimate children as legal recipients.

“‘The Workmen's Wages Act, 1893,’ states that if a workman shall demand payment of wages twenty-four hours or more after they are due, and the wages are not paid, the worker can legally attach moneys payable to the contractor by the employer until such wages are paid. Without written agreement to the contrary, all wages must be paid at intervals of not more than one week. Before the passing of ‘The Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900,' it was ascertained that certain employers were taking out accident-insurance policies on their work-peoples' risks, so as to remove their own liability in case of accident, and deducting premiums therefor from the wages of the workers. This was considered by the Legislature as not only tending to produce negligence or recklessness in employers and their agents or foremen, by removing from them the liability for damages through accidents, but was also condemned in principle, on the ground that it is against justice to allow an employer to make arbitrary deductions from any wage agreed upon and worked for. This caused ‘The Wages Protection Act, 1899,’ to be passed. It prevents any deduction from lawfully earned wages as premiums for accident insurance, and makes any such deductions recoverable as debts within six months of such deductions being made.

“‘The Public Contracts Act, 1900,’ provides that in every contract let by a public body (such as the Government, a municipality, a Harbour Board, Education Board, &c), the contractor must pay such rates to his men for wages, overtime, holidays, &c., as are generally considered usual and fair for such description of labour in that locality, or as fixed by the Court of Arbitration for the industrial district, whether the contractor is or is not a party to the award.

“‘The Truck Act, 1891,’ requires that payment of wages or earnings shall not be made in goods (technically known as ‘truck’ or barter), but in money, any contra-account notwithstanding; but there are a few exceptions, such as for advances for food, tools, &c., to men engaged in felling bush.

“In order to minimise the number of cases wherein fraudulent or unfortunate contractors formerly victimised their labourers, ‘The Contractors’ and Workmen's Lien Act, 1892,' was brought into existence. This entitles a person who has done work on any land, building, or chattel to a lien upon such property. The lien is only to be exercised under certain restrictions, and for a limited amount; but it gives priority of claim for wages against other service, and enables legal proceedings for recovery to be taken before the attached property can be disposed of or alienated. With the Contractors' and Workmen's Lien Act ‘The Threshing-machine Owners’ Lien Act, 1895,' is also to be considered. Liens to be acquired for security of miners' wages are dealt with in ‘The Mining Acts Compilation Act, 1905,’ and in ‘The Mining Act Amendment Act, 1905.’

“Among the enactments for the security of workers' wages may be noticed The Companies Act, 1903,' which gives priority of payment for wages or salaries above other debts in the event of the winding-up of a company, as ‘The Bankruptcy Act, 1892,’ does in the case of ordinary bankruptcy. ‘The Wages Attachment Act, 1895,’ prevents wages below £2 a week from being hypothecated for debt. It does not interfere with any workman being sued for debt in the ordinary course, but prevents a particular creditor from stepping in before others and seizing wages in advance before they are earned. The wages or earnings of coal-miners are specially safeguarded in the ‘The Coal-mines Compilation Act, 1905,’ and all conditions of other miners in ‘The Mining Acts Compilation Act, 1905,’ and ‘The Mining Act Amendment Act, 1905.’ No wages or payments of any kind may be made to workers in a publichouse or other premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic liquors; penalties are provided under ‘The Licensing Act, 1881,’ for any such payment.

“‘The Kauri-gum Industry Act, 1898’ (with its amending Acts of 1899, 1902, and 1903), regulates the conditions under which the fossil gum of the giant kauri-pine is dug and disposed of for sale. It specifies the different classes of settlers who may obtain licenses for diggingum, the varieties of licenses to dig and sell gum, and the particular lands on which the right to dig gum may be exercised.

“‘The Shearers’Accommodation Act, 1898,' entails on Inspectors of Factories the duty of inspecting shearing-sheds on farms, runs, and stations all over the colony. Proper sleeping and other accommodation has to be provided for shearers—the most nomadic of workmen. If no provision is made, or if the accommodation is insufficient, formal notice has to be served on the owner or occupier in regard to improvements to be effected, and if the notice is disregarded or not fully complied with the offender can be brought before a Magistrate and fined.

“The licenses of registry offices for domestic or farm servants are regulated by ‘The Servants’ Registry Offices Act, 1895.' This Act prevents friendless or uneducated persons from becoming the prey of unscrupulous persons. Applicants for licenses as registry-office keepers have to pay a fee to the Government and to present a certificate of good character. Proper ledgers and books, open to inspection, must be provided. Registry-office keepers are not allowed to keep lodging-houses for servants or have any interest in such houses.

“‘The Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903’ (with amending Act of 1905), contains all the existing legal provisions affecting the protection of life at sea of both sailors and passengers. They relate to the appointment of pilots, ships' officers and engineers, the engagement and discharge of sailors, the sanitation, ventilation, or overloading of vessels, and the number of duly rated hands to be engaged in proportion to tonnage. They endeavour to prevent injustice to the sailor as to advance notes or payments in foreign money, and also specify penalties to be inflicted for desertion, disobedience, &c.

“‘The Inspection of Machinery Act, 1902’ (with Amendment Act, 1903), has, as its name implies, the oversight of all machinery, whether on land or water. It also provides for proper persons being in charge of machinery, &c., and for certificates of engineers and others in charge of engines and boilers.

“‘The Labour Department Act, 1903,’ established that Department on a statutory basis, although it had been in practical existence for some years. Its duties are to administer the labour laws, and to furnish information on all industrial matters, while power is given to certain of its officers to collect statistics with the authority wherewith a Crown Commissioner is invested.

“‘The Master and Apprentices Act, 1965’ applies mainly to the indenturing of children to employers, such children being the offspring of destitute parents. In other respects the law of England is held to be the law governing the relations between master and apprentice in this colony; but this is tempered by awards of the Arbitration Court, which allot the ratio of apprentices to journeymen engaged. Special sections of the main Act apply to the punishment of apprentices for absenting themselves from duty, and to the fine on a master for neglecting or ill-using his apprentice. ‘The Criminal Code Act, 1893,’ sections 150 and 213, also relates to the proper care of apprentices by their masters.

“Combinations or associations of persons for regulating the trade relations between masters and masters, or masters and workmen, or workmen and workmen, are to be found in ‘The Trade Union Act, 1878,’ with its amending Act of 1896. Practically, however, these relationships are determined by the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and it is to the latter statute that attention must be paid if the relation of worker to employer is to be understood.

“‘The Conspiracy Law Amendment Act, 1894,’ permits any combination of persons in furtherance of a trade dispute, so long as it is not a combination for riot, sedition, or crime. Later legislation, however, forbids such combination from attempting to evade or defeat an award of the Arbitration Court, or to promote a strike or lock-out.

“Holidays for workers in the different trades are regulated under awards of the Arbitration Court, but by statute are referred to in the Factories, Shops and Offices, and other general Acts. Special enactments relate to ‘The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act, 1895,’ ‘The Electoral Act, 1905,’ ‘The Bank Holidays Act, 1902,’ and ‘The Labour Day Act, 1899.’

“One of the latest departures in ‘advanced legislation’ is the provision of land and dwellings for labour by means of ‘The Workers’ Dwellings Act, 1905,' ‘The Workers’ Dwellings Act Amendment Ac, 1905,' and a section of ‘The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900.’ The excessive rents which workmen have had to pay in the chief centres of the colony needed reform in some protective way, and this method of attempting to achieve the object has been adopted.”

CO-OPERATIVE PUBLIC WORKS.

Remarks on the co-operative system of constructing public works were given in a special article in the Year-book of 1894 The numbers of workmen employed in this manner under Government Departments during each month of the financial year 1905–6 were:—

Month.Roads and Lands and Survey Departments.Public works Department.Total.
April,1,9052,0422,1974,239
May,1,9051,8942,5744,468
June,1,9051,8492,7114,560
July1,9051,9642,8884,852
August,1,9051,9633,2295,192
September,1,9051,9473,3925,339
October,1,9052,0543,4455,499
November,1,9052,2083,6895,897
December,1,9052,6013,7456,346
January,1,9062,8014,2277,028
February,1,9063,1984,5637,761
March,1,9063,6224,6248,246

The average number of men employed in each year was as follows:—

Year.Roads and Lands and Survey Departments.Public Works Department.Total.
1891–92261527788
1892–932808421,122
1893–949331,0151,948
1894–951,1039622,065
1895–961,5727642,336
1896–971,4598542,313
1897–981,5528902,442
1898–991,6131,1912,807
1899–19001,8251,2433,068
1900–11,8202,0903,910
1901–21,8942,6734,567
1902–31,3191,7333,052
1903–41,4932,3053,798
1904–51,4072,1193,526
1905–63,4402,3455,785
            Annual average last fifteen years1,4651,4372,902

LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

The total number of men for whom employment has been found by the Department of Labour up to the end of March, 1906, is given below. The statement also exhibits the number of persons dependent upon the men assisted:—

 Men.Dependents.
June, 1891, to 31st March, 18922,5934,729
1st April, 1892, to 31st March, 18933,8747,802
1st April, 1893, to 31st March, 18943,3417,942
1st April, 1894, to 31st March, 18953,0308,883
1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 18962,8718,424
1st April, 1896, to 31st March, 18971,7184,719
1st April, 1897, to 31st March, 18982,0354,928
1st April, 1898, to 31st March, 18992,1154,759
1st April, 1899, to 31st March, 19002,1474,471
1st April, 1900, to 31st March, 19013,1245,432
1st April, 1901, to 31st March, 19021,8302,747
1st April, 1902, to 31st March, 19033,7045,934
1st April, 1903, to 31st March, 19042,8753,237
1st April, 1904, to 31st March, 19053,1303,274
1st April, 1905, to 31st March, 19066,9037,324
 45,29084,605

Chapter 43. SECTION XII.—OCCUPATION OF LAND; AND LIVESTOCK.

THE occupation of land must not be confused with ownership,* because there are large parcels of lands held which are unused and unoccupied. Neither can lands occupied 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.

The occupied lands of the colony for 1905–6 have been returned by the Department of Agriculture at 37,167,460 acres, including Crown lands leased for pastoral purposes only, or 656,306 acres in excess of the area for the preceding year.

The comparatively small increase in the area of occupied lands is apparently mainly, if not altogether, caused by some of the Crown pastoral leases expiring and not being renewed.

Tables are given showing the numbers and acreages of holdings, grouped according to size, for the last five years in which the Department of Agriculture has compiled the information.

In 1895 the holdings of over 1 acre in extent, as returned to the Registrar-General, numbered only 46,676. Holdings occupied by Maoris were excluded, besides holdings of exactly 1 acre, also gardens and orchards attached to residences.

* The latest information in reference to ownership of land which is available gives figures up to the 31st March, 1902. It is contained in Parliamentary Return B.-20 of that year, and states the total number of owners of land (town and country holdings of all sizes) to be 115,713 for the colony. The most important figures (showing ownership of productive land) are those of freeholders outside boroughs and town districts, and excluding holdings of under 5 acres. These figures are:—

NEW ZEALAND OWNERS (OVER 5 ACRES).
Year 190243,735
Year 189238,935
Year 188937,432
Year 188634,450
Year 188330,764

At the census of April, 1901, the actual number of persons described in the census schedules as having occupations necessitating their occupying holdings of land was 40,144 This number includes 28,337 farmers, 3,220 runholders, 895 market-gardeners, 2,388 horticulturists or gardeners, 4,702 dairy-farmers, 345 fruit-growers, 29 vignerons, 159 poultry-farmers, 35 bee-farmers, and 34 others.

OCCUPIED LANDS: HOLDINGS.

[This and the succeeding statement deal with the full extent of occupied land, including Crown pastoral leases.]

Sizes of Holdings.Number of Holdings.
 1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.
1 acre to 10 acres, inclusive17,81718,34818,73119,52919,787
10 acres to 50 acres, inclusive11,53111,34811,38611,51811,745
50 acres to 100 acres, inclusive7,1307,2397,2457,5407,502
100 acres to 200 acres, inclusive9,3929,4009,5709,8229,950
200 acres to 320 acres, inclusive5,8985,9986,1456,4086,531
320 acres to 640 acres, inclusive6,2016,3876,5667,0437,219
640 acres to 1,000 acres, inclusive2,3242,4492,4972,6092,750
1,000 acres to 5,000 acres, inclusive2,8543,0033,0753,3183,497
5,000 acres to 10,000 acres, inclusive393366379395408
10,000 acres to 20,000 acres, inclusive234217223225237
20,000 acres to 50,000 acres, inclusive105175169177166
50,000 acres and over1031041069690
 63,98265,03466,09268,68069,942

The holdings are shown to have increased by the number of 5,960 since 1901–2.

The total acreage of occupied land for each of the last five years is shown:—

OCCUPIED LANDS: ACREAGES.
Sizes of Holdings in Acres.1901–2. 1902–3. 1903–4. 1904–5. 1905–6.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
1 to 10 inclusive73,95473,72676,46479,13679,926
10 to 50 inclusive324,620314,940319,241321,444324,375
50 to 100 inclusive560,888566,406570,736590,962591,209
100 to 200 inclusive1,431,5321,424,2651,462,7471,497,0781,514,084
200 to 320 inclusive1,543,7491,550,5481,594,2451,605,2851,692,824
320 to 640 inclusive2,836,7872,908,7453,016,7803,214,4733,306,475
640 to 1,000 inclusive1,924,9821,960,7302,007,8172,129,0932,220,149
1,000 to 5,000 inclusive5,849,5166,195,8786,171,8156,523,9516,955,310
5,000 to 10,000 inclusive2,525,8492,600,3482,612,8062,706,2252,874,562
10,000 to 20,000 inclusive3,285,8793,146,7143,383,0333,265,8563,278,498
20,000 to 50,000 inclusive5,578,8875,272,9225,107,5555,317,9695,273,472
50,000 and over inclusive9,571,2469,872,22510,153,2429,199,6829,056,576
 35,507,88935,887,44736,476,48130,511,15437,167,460

In regard to holdings, out of a total of 69,942 in 1906 the large proportion of 39,094, or 55.89 per cent., were from 1 to 100 acres in extent; 49,044, or 70.12 per cent., were from 1 to 200 acres; and 55,575, or 79.46 per cent., were from 1 to 320 acres in size. The total number over 320 acres was only 14,367, or 20.54 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 plan of excluding these leases from the table showing the holdings in classes has its advantages, though not now adopted.

The extent of land occupied as shown in the returns according to tenure is tabulated for each provincial district. The acreage in the last 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 Surveyor-General. The difference may lie 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.

Provincial Districts.Total Area of HoldingsFreehold.Leased from Private Individuals or Public Bodies.Leased from Natives.Held from Crown under Different Tenures.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Auckland6,294,9954,030,885362,130367,0391,534,941
Taranaki1,248,718630,470198,475123,876295,897
Hawke's Bay3,015,5531,805,416250,931563,123396,083
Wellington4,048,7062,496,825528,007350,557673,317
Marlborough2,439,983741,25868,94819,5841,610,193
Nelson2,092,336984,47982,61419,3631,005,880
Westland635,62759,00722,6283,731550,261
Canterbury6,779,3152,863,671804,00849,1533,062,483
Otago—
        Otago portion7,606,2931,533,395569,9918,2505,494,757
        Southland portion3,005,9341,327,619398,64615,6901,263,879
       Totals37,167,46016,473,0253,286,3781,520,36615,887,691

Arranged according to the number of holdings, the provincial districts stand in order as under:—

Auckland18,673 holdings.
Otago14,264 holdings.
Canterbury11,792 holdings.
Wellington10,991 holdings.
Taranaki5,193 holdings.
Hawke's Bay3,368 holdings.
Nelson3,229 holdings.
Marlborough1,588 holdings.
Westland844 holdings.

The occupied holdings of the North Island now considerably outnumber those of the Middle Island, the numbers being—North Island, 38,225; Middle Island, 31,717. For the year 1896–97 the returns showed 29,535 holdings for the Middle Island, against 29,369 for the North, besides 36 holdings at the Chatham Islands of which no account has been taken recently.

The full details of holdings and acreages, classified according to size, for the year 1905–6 will be found in the table on the following page:—

OCCUPATION OF LAND: NUMBER AND AREA OF HOLDINGS (INCLUDING CROWN PASTORAL LEASES).

As compiled by the Department of Agriculture.

TABLE showing for the Year 1905–6 the Occupied Holdings and the Acreages (including Crown Pastoral Leases) in Groups of Sizes, according to the Provincial Districts.
Provincial District.Total of Holdings.1–10. Acres, inclusive.Over 10–50 Acres, inclusive.Over 50–100 Acres, inclusive.Over 100–200 Acres, inclusive.Over 200–320 Acres, inclusive.Over 320–640 Acres, inclusive.Over 640-1,00 Acres, inclusive.Over 1,000–5,000 Acres, inclusive.Over 5,000–10,000 Acres, inclusive.Over 10,000–20,000 Acres, inclusive.Over 20,000-50,000 Acres, inclusive.Over 50,000 Acres.
Auckland: Area in acres6,294,99520,10089,709174,622408,639,451,844837,577584,9081,684,901659,438460,244478,9621444,051
Number of holdings18,6735,3703,2072,2112,6721,7391,7957128258934145
Taranaki: Area in acres1,248,7183,89419,87859,974190,563188,035269,891143,089318,19829,62125,575......
Number of holdings5,1937976657581,28272859118118542......
Hawke's Bay: Area in acres3,015,5535,09917,09322,131147,50148,336128,408117,560491,883371,088626,758754,660385,036
Number of holdings3,3681,1416322881,3211842791482425748244
Wellington: Area in acres4,048,70613,05146,86596,879280,010249,807529,506377,2781,098,825408,084471,196300,064177,141
Number of holdings10,9913,0301,7171,2091,7909701,1504625585933103
Marlborough: Area in acres2,439,9831,6505,29610,86125,01127,91290,82385,788327,648118,049218,993595,839932,113
Number of holdings1,5881441991431681071961071651814207
Nelson: Area in acres2,092,3362,99917,96832,47867,39976,178152,512120,795323,98872,909152,233301,388771,489
Number of holdings3,2297446214124552933461541681010106
Westland: Area in acres635,6277024,2516,59215,76721,64735,91716,62053,325132,901152,533195,372...
Number of holdings844270140881018282212419107...
Canterbury: Area in acres6,779,31515,77862,26388,632191,032233,696491,601314,1201,237,289410,382408,6881,059,7382,266,096
Number of holdings11,7923,9242,2571,1591,2849081,09139163260303224
Otago—
Otago portion: Area in acres7,606,29310,73340,49865,050163,842202,018381,368249,450942,293528,050437,6851,209,2823,376,024
Number of holdings8,6842,6981,4938551,09677783430645071333833
Southland portion: Area, acres3,005,9345,92020,55433,990124,320193,351388,872210,541476,960144,040321,593378,167704,626
Number of holdings5,5801,3698144397817438552682482123118
Totals Area in acres37,167,46079,926324,375591,2091,514,0841,692,8243,306,4752,220,1496,955,3102,874,5623,278,4985,273,4729,056,576
Totals Number of holdings69,91219,78711,7457,5629,9506,5317,2192,7503,49740823716690

LIVE-STOCK.

A comparative table is presented showing the increase in livestock since the year 1858. The figures are taken from the census as far as 1891, but for 1895–96 and following years the results of the enumeration made annually by the Department of Agriculture under “The Agricultural and Pastoral Statistics Act, 1895,” have been made use of.

Year.Horses.Asses and Mules.Cattle.Sheep.Goats.Pigs.Poultry.

* Not enumerated.

Numbers for April 1895, and years following.

1,85814,912122137,2041,523,32411,79740,734*
1,86128,275153193,2852,761,38312,19143,270236,098
1,86449,409339249,7604,937,27312,00561,276378,414
1,86765,715323312,8358,418,57911,964115,104676,065
1,87181,028397436,5929,700,62912,434151,460872,174
1,87499,859267494,91711,704,85314,276123,9211,058,198
1,878137,768241578,43013,069,33814,243207,3371,323,542
1,881161,736362698,63712,985,08511,223200,0831,566,114
1,886187,382297853,35816,564,59510,220277,9011,679,021
1,891211,040348831,83118,128,1869,055308,8121,790,070
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*
1899–1900261,9314591,222,13919,348,506*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*

The stock owned by Maoris in the year 1901, which is included above, comprised 317,436 sheep and 36,943 head of cattle. The number of horses is not specified, but is known to be large.

TABLE SHOWING FOR EACH COUNTY IN NEW ZEALAND THE NUMBER OF HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, AND PIGS IN 1905.

County.Horses, October, 1905.Cattle, including Calves, October, 1905.Dairy Cows, included in foregoing.Sheep, including Lambs, April, 1905.Pigs, October, 1905.
*Not including 57,071 heifers over two years old intended for dairying.
Mangonui1,8519,3441,263 17,769 1,314
Whangaroa7602,098180 7,726 911
Bay of Islands2,84813,8042,350 25,010 1,562
Hokianga2,79610,6331,759 7,012 2,537
Rodney2,61420,3265,075 55,179 1,411
Whangarei5,15939,26210,718 21,591 2,112
Otamatea2,23316,7353,920 36,363 1,377
Hobson1,65915,0712,560 16,730 1,047
Waitemata2,84716,3024,807 29,263 2,178
Eden6,0716,9743,997 8,520 1,934
Manukau9,16956,14522,537 73,707 7,933
Coromandel1,0386,427939 15,334 729
Thames1,3035,8412,452 4,850 1,268
Ohinemuri2,0256,9732,886 2,422 2,072
Waikato3,88025,7308,878 28,113 3,955
Raglan4,29135,0684,810 74,352 2,721
Waipa4,15327,0119,085 19,543 3,740
Piako3,86531,6218,597 93,222 2,279
East Taupo and Rotorua1,4942,803761 36,204 1,259
Waitomo1,1906,4991,487 29,683 1,321
Kawhia8896,065609  715
Awakino6488,739296  207
West Taupo1,7686,911972   2,014
Tauranga3,41019,5043,987 3,476 2,400
Whakatane1,5567,4511,884 19,768 1,409
Opotiki1,7718,6812,203 17,008 1,899
Waiapu5,36221,412605 423,157 4,306
Cook9,25277,9006,411 1,012,311 2,900
Wairoa3,67716,7552,146 509,915 1,429
Hawke'a Bay8,33546,7824,579 1,036,135 3,565
Patangata and Weber2,80043,0711,062 713,238 640
Waipawa5,69847,5759,589 678,599 2,643
Woodville1,46614,5365,475  1,782
Clifton2,02526,6696,020 19,269 1,913
Taranaki4,78354,81824,361 17,986 6,549
Egmont2,28034,06615,740 4,207 2,730
Stratford3,27052,53620,775 81,801 5,068
Hawera6,27386,26440,356 96,725 14,402
Patea3,70831,9339,926 203,774 2,709
Waitotara2,28917,6674,354 124,377 1,624
Wanganui4,15223,2654,490 326,907 1,693
Waimarino1,3315,6201,466 51,558 1,462
Rangitikei7,23847,9708,752 661,656 3,307
Kiwitea2,93524,0866,370 258,557 2,081
Oroua2,51617,1028,648 226,223 3,322
Kairanga3,93522,5729,901  3,743
Pohangina1,38015,3124,965 116,675 1,890
Manawatu3,45123,94910,505 126,952 4,256
Horowhenua3,36228,3339,736 125,015 4,810
Hutt5,65517,1318,366 193,648 3,897
Featherston3,45630,0774,391 432,511 1,995
South Wairarapa2,43222,7836,158 168,685 2,467
Masterton4,06230,7453,254 524,924 1,443
Castlepoint6308,456215 151,996 33
Akitio1,53620,2682,378 152,937 771
Pahiatua2,34323,9939,810 187,302 3,912
Eketahuna1,16111,4315,158 56,636 1,703
Mauriceville5135,4491,753 62,024 498
Collingwood4513,5991,215 43,138 578
Takaka8564,1751,709  1,558
Waimea5,12214,4105,631 208,374 3,951
Buller6503,7581,340 2,626 591
Grey1,0446,0631,934 13,849 1,056
Inangahua1,0556,9691,323 23,251 989
Wetland1,69912,4112,513 16,177 803
Sounds2713,302898 174,326 1,015
Marlborough4,85811,2473,245 472,508 2,313
Kaikoura1,2294,2011,124 168,206 480
Amuri1,7145,065385 409,557 204
Cheviot1,1642,560588 176,215 678
Ashley8,47519,3656,981 820,553 6,159
Akaroa2,150,21,5785,308 234,207 2,203
Mount Herbert4522,605421  333
Selwyn16,85834,38417,936 758,685 24,436
Ashburton10,99311,5864,003 1,006,590 9,374
Mackenzie1,9894,5671,356 429,178 658
Geraldine5,1339,2673,206 621,894 3,656
Levels4,4337,9012,845  1,894
Waimate6,57014,8554,901 615,168 4,699
Waitaki7,26929,05511,336 524,682 5,566
Maniototo2,4998,4142,007 280,682 510
Vincent2,5226,2701,527 262,267 811
Lake1,5404,033868 150,209 623
Waihemo1,5376,2582,434 111,187 814
Waikouaiti1,67611,3565,661 75,663 1,920
Taieri7,36027,9049,937 199,053 4,660
Bruce3,99511,2043,734 164,930 1,821
Peninsula9467,5074,522 1,642 898
Clutha5,28720,4576,251 289,389 2,262
Tuapeka4,2548,6802,897 313,257 1,149
Southland19,97177,63824,746 809,337 10,655
Wallace and Fiord5,90925,5396,112 363,995 2,487
Stewart Island1227999 1,475 76
      Totals326,5371,810,936517,720* 19,130,875 249,727

Live-stock in Australasia.

The following gives the number of the principal kinds of livestock in Australasia for the year 1904–5:—

        State or Colony.Sheep.Cattle.Horses.Pigs.
Queensland10,843,4702,722,340413,165185,141
New South Wales34,526,8942,177,129482,663330,666
Victoria10,167,6911,694,976372,397286,070
South Australia5,820,301272,459183,481111,497
Western Australia2,856,290560,91490,10269,960
Tasmania1,556,460202,20636,56577,943
     
 April, 1904.Oct., 1904.Oct., 1904.Oct., 1904.
New Zealand18,280,8061,736,850314,322255,320

New Zealand thus takes second place in order for number of sheep, third place for cattle, and fourth for the number of her horses.

The losses in Australia have raised this colony to the second position in regard to sheep. To illustrate this, the case of Queensland shows 19,856,959 sheep in 1895, falling to 10,843,470 in 1904. Cattle fell in number from 7,012,997 in 1894 to 2,722,310 in 1904. With the advent of good seasons these losses are fast being recovered.

Sheep.

The returns made to the Department of Agriculture show a smaller number of sheep for the year 1886 than the census figures given previously, because the account was taken later in the year. The particulars are given for that year, and each of ten years, 1896–1905, distinguishing the number for the North from that in the Middle Island.

According to these returns, the flocks of the North Island increased from 5,285,907 sheep in the year 1886 to 9,388,605 in 1905, or at the rate of over 77 per cent., while sheep in the Middle Island decreased from 9,888,356 to 9,742,270, a loss of 1.48 per cent. in the same period. For the North Island the increase during the twenty years was 4,102,698 sheep, while in the Middle Island there was a decrease of 146,086.

Year.North Island.Middle Island.Total.
1,8865,285,9079,888,35615,174,263
1,8969,131,73610,006,75719,138,493
1,8979,540,71710,147,23719,687,954
1,8989,864,9459,808,78019,673,725
1,8999,953,3999,395,10719,348,506
1,9009,998,1739,357,02219,355,195
1,90110,218,94510,014,15120,233,099
1,90210,286,34610,056,38120,342,727
1,9039,433,8319,520,72218,954,553
1,9049,203,9639,076,84318,280,806
1,9059,388,6059,742,27019,130,875

There was a decrease of 1,211,852 in the total number of sheep since April, 1902, by the above figures, and a slight decrease between 1896 and 1905. The export and local consumption of wool developed from 111,537,5461b. for the year ended September. 1891, to 150,541,1101b. for the corresponding year of 1905. The export of sheepskins and pelts, which in 1890 was 2,292,521 in number, rose to 4,931,191 in 1905.

In spite of the great slaughter required for the export of frozen mutton, the number of sheep in New Zealand kept up wonderfully until the year 1902, but the two following years showed a considerable decrease. The figures for 1905 exhibit a large increase over those for the previous year.

The proportion of small flocks of sheep has increased very considerably, and with smaller flocks the rabbit difficulty should be easier to master than with large ones.

NUMBER OF FLOCKS, 1886, 1891, 1896, 1901, 1903, 1904, AND 1905.

Size of Flocks.1886.1891.1896.1901.1903.1904.1905.
Under 5006,0248,27212,02811,70012,42812,17711,545
500 and under 1,0001,1891,6912,6053,0592,9232,9093,120
1,000 and under 2,0007479691,4602,8772,7512,7423,084
2,000 and under 5,000532666892    
5,000 and under 10,000263287340397342362374
10,000 and under 20,000228239231189207199203
20,000 and upwards16616914713811010497
        Totals9,14912,293.17,70318,36018,76118,49318,423
        
 1901. 1903. 1904. 1905.
From 1,000 to 2,5002,189 2,081 2,078 2,350
2,500 to 5,000688 670 664 734
 2,877 2,751 2,742 3,084

The average size of the flocks is found to have been 1,659 sheep for 1886, 1,031 in 1896, 1,010 in 1903, and 1,038 in 1905.

Of the provincial districts, that of Canterbury had most sheep in 1905, Wellington came next, and Otago occupied the third place. The full particulars, showing increases since 1904 to be general throughout the colony with the exception of Hawke's Bay, are given:—

Provincial District.No. of Sheep in 1904.No. of Sheep in 1905.Increase or Decrease.
Canterbury4,031,6814,486,275454,594
Wellington3,682,8883,948,583265,695
Otago3,360,7433,547,768187,025
Hawke's Bay3,061,1882,937,887-123,301
Auckland2,037,0782,078,31341,235
Nelson845,376863,16117,785
Marlborough811,828815,0403,212
Taranaki422,809423,8221,013
Westland27,21530,0262,811
        Totals18,280,80619,130,875850,069

The number of breeding ewes in the colony in April, 1905, was returned at 10,079,184, and in April, 1904, at 9,222,448, an increase of 856,736 for the year.

Figures for ten years are given. There is an apparent disposition now to avoid an unrestrained slaughter for purposes of the frozen-meat industry:—

BREEDING-EWES.

1,8968,382,781
1,8978,687,193
1,8988,445,012
1,8998,661,746
1,9009,257,054
1,9019,906,616
1,9029,610,149
1,9039,071,751
1,9049,222,448
1,90510,079,184

The annual export and consumption of sheep during the last six years has been:—

Year.Export of
Frozen Mutton
and Lamb,
including Pieces
at 60 lb.
to a Sheep.
Live
Sheep exported.
Estimated
Consumption in
the Colony:
Carcases.
Total
1,9003,055,1353,8401,800,0004,858,975
1,9013,400,1383,6681,834,0005,237,806
1,9024,084,57848,0471,904,0006,036,625
1,9034,922,62221,7031,942,0006,886,385
1,9044,017,8297,4301,998,0006,023,259
1,9053,605,59211,7292,050,0005,667,321

It has been estimated that the annual consumption of mutton in New Zealand is equivalent to 2–25 sheep per inhabitant, and that the number of sheep required in the present year (1906) for food will be about 2,137,000. (Maoris, for the purposes of this calculation, have been included.)

Two important advantages that sheep-farming has in New Zealand are (1) the low cost of the production of mutton, and (2) the high percentage of natural increase. With regard to the high percentage of increase, there need only be cited a few average returns from well-known flocks to show what excellent lambings New Zealand farmers obtain under good management.

LAMBING RETURNS.—AVERAGES.

Locality.Breed of Flock.Breed of Rams.Breed of Ewes.No. of Ewes.Percent-age of Lambs.Remarks.
North IslandLincolnLincolnLincoln7,51781.04Land merely surface-sown in English-grass pasture.
North IslandLincolnLincolnLincoln5,30185.05
North IslandLincolnLincoln7/8 Lincoln12,177100.00
North IslandRomneyRomneyRomney1,14196.17
North IslandLincolnSouthd'nLincoln2,03394.71
Middle IslandMerinoMerinoMerino14,76575.36Mountainous country in n'tive past're, unimproved.
Middle IslandMerinoB. Leic'strMerino4,23588.94
Middle IslandCross-bredB. Leic'strCross-bred8,62480.82In English grass pasture.
Middle IslandHalf-bredB. Leic'strHalf-bred2,74782.79
Middle IslandB.Leic'strB. Leic'strB.Leic'str77890.77
Middle IslandLincolnLincolnLincoln45288.08
Middle IslandR. MarshR. MarshR. Marsh253111.46
Middle IslandE.Leic'strE.Leic'strE.Leic'sk46493–34
Middle IslandShropshireShropshireShropshire16897.41
Middle IslandSouthd'nSouthd'nSouthd'n11496.87

The above returns are fair average ones, but much higher might have been shown if exceptional cases had been selected.

Cattle.

The cattle as enumerated in 1905–6 for each provincial district are given in the next table. Here is shown the substantial increase of 74,086 head of all classes over the number returned in 1904–5, and of no less than 24,678 in the number of cows and heifers for dairy purposes.

Provincial District.Bulls for Stud Purposes.Steers over Two Years Old.Cows and Heifers for Dairy Purposes.Cows and Heifers for Breeding Purposes.Cows and Heifers for Fattening.Steers and Heifers under Two Years not otherwise enumerated.Totals.
* Including heifers over two years old intended for dairying: 51,875 in 1994–5, and 57,074 in 1905–6. For actual number of dairy cows in each county see table on pages 364 to 366.
Auckland8,04491,164133,93284,09618,570175,4541511,260
Taranaki4,72634,252130,10410,0427,92499,238286,286
Hawke's Bay2,39033,11425,44851,0794,34352,345168,719
Wellington6,60968,913120,43265,72912,311122,215396,209
Marlborough3772,9956,3271,3551,1136,58318,750
Nelson7435,96613,6782,7173,41714,01540,536
Westland3093,5914,8932,9081,1305,64818,474
Canterbury1,94917,04849,6703,9676,55946,915126,108
Otago—
        Otago portion2,37818,23956,2459,0034,56950,704141,138
        Southland portion1,54312,32534,06511,2784,92839,317103,456
        
        Totals, 1905–629,068287,607574,794242,16964,864612,4341,810,936
        Totals, 1904–527,992262,592550,116218,24863,496614,4061,736,850
     Increase1,07625,01524,67823,9211,368..74,086
     Decrease..........1,972..

Out of a total of 1,810,936 cattle in the colony, the North Island is shown to have had 1,362,474, or 75 per cent., while the Middle Island had 448,462, or 25 per cent. Similarly, the dairy cows and heifers intended for dairying in the North Island numbered 409,916, or 71 per cent., and in the Middle Island 164,878, or 29 per cent.

Thus, the North Island, which has a slightly greater number of sheep to that of the Middle Island, contains besides three times as many dairy cows and other cattle.

Of the total number of cattle (1,810,936) given above, 517,720 were dairy cows. It is found impossible to give a statement of the total quantity of butter and cheese made in the colony. All that can be said is that there were in August, 1905, 298 cheese and butter factories, with 448 skimming-stations, 473 private dairies, and 195 packing-houses reported to the Department of Agriculture. A summary of the returns rendered to the Department by the cheese and butter factories of their output for the previous year makes it possible to arrive at the approximate quantity of cheese and butter made at them.

An attempt to estimate the total production of butter in the colony can be made, although it would not be safe to put forward the result as anything more than a probable approximation to the facts.

First, as to factory production. Accepting the information given by the Department of Agriculture, it would amount to 49£ million pounds annually at the present rate. This does not seem too high considered in the light of the last returns obtained at the census of March, 1901, which gave 30 million pounds weight of butter as the actual produce for the year 1900, shown in the returns obtained from each factory.

Secondly, as to butter made on farms. This can only be estimated by means of an indirect process. Allowing 201b. per head of the mean population for 1905, the consumption is shown as nearly 17 1/2 million pounds weight. Adding 34 1/4. million pounds for export gives 51 3/4 million pounds altogether as the total supply. Taking from 51 3/4 millions the 49 1/2 millions shown above as made in factories leaves only 2 1/4 million pounds for the quantity made on the farms.

The census returns for 1891 gave an account of all the butter and cheese made in the colony, and also stated the number of milch cows at that time. Using these figures, and taking 2 1/2lb. of cheese to be the equivalent of 1 lb. of butter, it is calculated that every milch cow furnished the milk for 163 lb. of butter (after allowing for consumption of milk in the colony). Mr. Murphy allows 200 lb. of butter to a cow in New Zealand, and 500 lb. of cheese. According to the Year-book of Victoria each dairy cow (wet or dry) produces there annually 336 gals, of milk, which might render 1341b. of butter.

The number of butter and cheese factories in each provincial district as in August, 1905, with the output for the previous year, is next shown:—

Provincial District.Number of Factories.Skimming-stations.Output.
Butter.Cheese.Butter.Cheese.
    Tons.Tons.
Auckland5291133,770 1/4349
Taranaki8711817,249 1/2413
Hawke's Bay13322978177
Wellington30231205,689 1/21,278 1/2
Marlborough13118228
Nelson7162559
Westland3..357..
Canterbury108411,482377 1/2
Otago1120612,6092,289
Totals, 19052148444822,108 1/45,121
    
Totals, 190428444420,7075,853 1/2
Totals, 190327238018,035 1/45,038
Totals, 190225427614,710 1/25,600 1/2

Of the above, 12 were returned as “new” in 1905, and in 25 cases the output was not stated. Three factories combined butter-making with milk-preserving, the output of one factory being 172 tons.

In order to encourage dairy farmers to improve the quality of their herds, the Government has from time to time imported purebred stud-bulls, which are located in different parts of the colony. A small fee is charged for the service of these animals.

Horses.

The increase in horses is shown for four census years:—

Census Years.Number of Horses.Numerical Increase.Increase per Cent.
1,880187,382  
1,891211,04023,65812.63
1,896237,41826,37812.50
1,901260,24528,82712.14

At the enumeration made in 1905–6 (October to January), the number of horses was found to have increased to 326,966 (including 429 mules and asses), for which particulars are given. It will be seen that the Provincial District of Auckland had by far the most horses, Otago and Canterbury following, Wellington taking fourth place.

Provincial District.Entires.Geldings.Mares over Two Years old.Mares with Foal at Foot, or to foal this Season.Colts and Fillies under Two Years old.Totals.
* Including 429 mules and asses in 1005–6, and 418 in 1904–5.
Auckland96837,19425,8069,78212,41986,169
Taranaki1629,1357,3142,5693,16522,345
Hawke's Bay1899,6066,6812,6172,88521,978
Wellington55121,87517,8756,5127,59754,410
Marlborough1532,5312,0456779536,359
Nelson1134,5973,6241,1271,55911,020
Westland641,2347412964142,749
Canterbury47024,44018,1505,7718,28657,117
Otago—
        Otago portion34616,13012,5343,9235,99238,925
        Southland portion16410,3697,9633,0154,38825,894
        Totals, 1905–63,180137,111102,73336,28947,653326,966*
        Totals, 1904–52,966134,78798,18833,91544,914314,770*
        Increase2142,3244,5452,3742,73912,196

Classified according to breed, the numbers for the two years under review are:—

 1904–5.1905–6.
Thoroughbred8,4069,308
Draught118,097125,490
Other breeds (harness and saddle)172,795176,153
Ponies under 14 hands14,42415,580
Mules and asses448429
        Totals314,770326,960

Thoroughbred stallions, imported and owned by the State, are stationed throughout the colony, and are available to breeders at moderate fees.

The export of horses from New Zealand is not so large as might be expected. The figures for 1905 are: To Bengal, 144; Victoria, 61; Fiji, 51; New South Wales, 88; Tasmania, 7; Western Australia, 6; United Kingdom, 4; and South Sea Islands, 22: a total of 383.

Pigs.

The figures given in the accompanying table are those compiled by the Agricultural Department, and for 1905–6 show a decrease of 5,593 in the total number of pigs for the previous year—255,320. The Auckland Provincial District has more pigs than any other, Canterbury following closely.

NUMBER OF PIGS IN EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT.

Provincial District.Boars.Sows over One Year old kept for Breeding.Sows under One Year old kept for Breeding.Barrows or Sows all Ages kept for Fattening.Totals.
Auckland1,5799,1503,92344,85859,510
Taranaki6914,17156527,94433,371
Hawke's Bay2911,5822337,95310,059
Wellington1,1817,13291035,68444,907
Marlborough1095942782,8273,808
Nelson2261,0762896,9588,549
Westland60301491,4491,859
Canterbury9425,9471,41645,10753,412
Otago—
        Otago portion5172,36338717,70721,034
        Southland portion2891,72132310,88513,218
        Totals, 1905–65,88534,0378,373201,432249,727
        Totals, 1904–56,35037,4799,623201,868255,320
        Decrease4653,4421,2504365,593

ANGORA GOATS.

The Government has introduced some pure-bred goats by way of encouraging the breeding of this animal. There are several privately owned flocks in the colony, and the production of mohair should be a profitable undertaking. The animals thrive on dry scrubby country.

PRODUCE OF NEW ZEALAND

ESTIMATED VALUE of the PRODUCE of New Zealand (exclusive of Building Trades output) for the Year 1902—3.

* The produce of great primary industries, such as meat-freezing establishments, butter factories, sawmills, &c., have been included in items 1 and 3.

To add the value of buildings trades output would increase the total sum to over thirty millions sterling.

  £
1. Agricultural, pastoral and dairy produce18,600,000
2. Mining output3,200,000
3. Fisheries and forests1,200,000
4. Manufactures (other than those included above, being the great primary industries*)15,580
314,770        Total (excluding value of building trades output )£27,700,000

Chapter 44. SECTION XIII.—AGRICULTURE

BY the Agricultural and Pastoral Statistics Act, passed in 1895, the duty of collecting returns devolved upon the Department of Agriculture. The plan adopted is similar to that used in the United Kingdom, the account of land laid down in crop being made up at an early date, while estimates of produce are made after the results of threshing are known.

A summary of the particulars obtained at the collection made in October, 1905, is now shown, with the finally corrected statements of yield of the principal crops. Full remarks on the progress of agriculture in New Zealand, in respect of all its features in detail, are supplied in the special article devoted to the subject which appears as the first of Section II, in Part III.

ACREAGE AND ACTUAL YIELD IN PRINCIPAL CORN-CROPS, 1906.

Provincial District.WHEAT.OATS.BARLEY.MAIZE.RYE.
Acres.Yield per Acre, in Bushels.Total Bushels.Acres.Yield per Acre, in Bushels.Total Bushels.Acres.Yield per Acre, in Bushels.Total Bushels.Acres.Yield per Acre, in Bushels.Total Bushels.Acres.Yield per Acre, in Bushels.Total Bushels.
Auckland1,91434.0765,2022,72840.17109,57597538.0837,1329,51760.23573,2241,39738.0063,086
Taranaki70036.0025,2003,40048.00163,20089346.0041,07828850.0014,400
Hawke's Bay70631.0021,8866,18741.00253,6671,44145.0064,84555972.0040,248
Wellington6,35131.82202,08821,35335.18751,3231,33643.0357,44810045.004,500
Marlborough2,76532.0088,4803,16834.00107,7128,40930.00252,270.........
Nelson2,11627.0061,8846,07130.00188,2113,47732.00112,5362140.00840
Westland....................................
Canterbury154,91830.364,702,572150,72638.845,854,9308,60726.60315,049.........
Otago—
     Otago portion45,98431.431,445,33874,51436.702,734,4243,82232.23123,167.........
     Southland portion6,72927.68186,28486,14429.542,544,91068430.0020,520.........
                Totals222,18330.606,798,934354,29135.8612,707,98229,64434.541,024,04510,48560.39633,2121,39738.0063,086

NUMBER OF ACRES UNDER CULTIVATION IN EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT, 1905.

Provincial District.In Grass or Clover, sown after Land ploughed.In Grass, surfacesown: Lond not ploughed.In Hay, included in either or both of the Previous Columns.In Bare Fallow.In Graincrops.In Green and other Crops.In Garden.In Orchard or Vineyard.Total in Grass, Crop, and Fallow.In Plantations of Forest Trees.Tussock or Native Grass, and Unimproved.
Auckland659,4211,799,78316,06210,91918,600104,9264,49511,7142,609,85817,1963,667,941
Taranaki195,620704,35410,640585,66124,617993759932,0621,090315,566
Hawke's Bay340,7371,375,5459,0407519,52837,0511,1121,7721,766,4964,7361,244,321
Wellington303,6422,400,98011,6661,86831,20969,5462,7673,5752,813,5875,2671,229,852
Marlborough91,471261,0587,4421,05918,83120,180340470393,4091,7062,044,868
Nelson132,352340,1793,6711,39612,43832,5486093,118522,6402,9321,566,764
Westland8,16351,8731,245141,4056822161,7856573,886
Canterbury1,525,187480,18210,96514,558325,840299,3944,5723,2382,652,97122,9434,103,401
Otago—
Otago portion830,153228,9672,68011,978127,843151,3202,6791,8781,854,8184,5926,243,883
Southland port'n692,988102,8067,33811,49298,851145,5921,2805651,053,5741,0111,954,349
        Totals4,779,7347,745,72780,74954,080648,805886,57918,91527,31014,161,15061,47922,944,831

ACREAGE UNDER SOWN GRASSES, AND CULTIVATION GENERALLY, FOB EACH COUNTY, AS ON THE 15TH OCTOBER, 1905.

Counties.In Sown Grasses, after having been ploughed.In Sown Grasses, not previously ploughed.Land broken up but not under Crop.Total under Crop.In Garden.In Orchard.Plantations of Forest Trees.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Mangonui6,74317,8021051,1688617727
Whangaroa4816,70121612590..
Bay of Islands6,43637,549421,22614128958
Hokianga74531,0125268515037153
Rodney12,34588,1207631,1741801,11997
Whangarei21,109123,5681692,2171221,13538
Otamatea8,62187,46233285067347108
Hobson3,90845,163123489912586
Waitemata24,27839,7101,4141,9403442,399263
Eden15,8645,2291559401,402636292
Manukau125,52587,6354,30320,4113761,4471,236
Coromandel3,31715,222630243617
Thames4,9507,21869099039126
Ohinemuri8,7919,709981,60430917030
Waikato73,82533,46051611,6891624879,073
Raglan19,169129,9043354,9823222748
Waipa72,14811,65027516,013152599430
Piako134,16243,60099618,602102278991
Waitomo4,62717,79425814574420
Kawhia32019,288..35833111
Awakino13141,163..17856..
West Taupo14,4439,743602,86672971
East Taupo & Rotorua4,69616,500141,37660583,161
Tauranga34,45531,55594310,75097537217
Whakatane7,43212,157394,149114618
Opotiki16,38116,9521504,46727858
Waiapu1,729217,382312,382347413
Cook32,790596,5357610,965282476824
Wairoa15,933266,3511313,00572157229
Hawke's Bay166,091346,03954819,5636671,1161,827
Waipawa79,719336,6951617,9062251941,808
Woodville8,17080,792291,93435198100
Patangata and Weber70,824345,668274,171113107772
Clifton16,74274,153..3,04999581
Taranaki51,61596,419157,214399354220
Egmont23,25174,692..3,03368414
Stratford2,882188,710..2,665892134
Hawera64,197141,766288,688280123415
Patea36,933128,614155,62958162416
Waitotara21,59876,6531383,904191230167
Waimarino1,42130,531..5301021..
Wanganui17,813174,873273,752120246406
Rangitikei62,484293,79022118,2513225081,321
Kiwitea4,451157,591754,0763212867
Pohangina36591,95638621413025
Oroua9,53278,694187,157113313131
Kairanga15,87874,221765,048407441234
Manawatu35,78366,07822615,859120131467
Horowhenua4,348108,6451093,319145299164
Hutt7,011177,602631,733684254293
Featherston60,047186,07425710,863120161927
Wairarapa South28,955142,675218,56683151282
Masterton27,033282,78642412,981182188434
Castlepoint2,56292,567309202131159
Akitio1,136115,02232118473655
Pahiatua1,497147,194..1,7089321772
Eketahuna2,34562,120148847446148
Mauriceville66241,908..261192915
Marlborough59,825135,64999635,6492683611,380
Sounds2,56069,25522983972177
Kaikoura29,08656,154613,0643337149
Collingwood1,52414,378523013762
Takaka4,82324,260881,265182104
Waimea29,207155,61477623,2313912,497449
Buller7288,367212270141..
Inangahua5,21624,1273709725742
Grey3,91521,710..432441193
Westland4,24830,1631977241023
Amuri58,42292,5361059,99476221,824
Cheviot32,43220,897509,1723698651
Ashley268,296164,1632,53695,0446874402,382
Selwyn294,52225,5412,980137,7562,0621,3165,875
Mount Herbert9,92923,250..7061484108
Akaroa11,330156,791..1,949119285387
Ashburton425,42525,4233,083174,4476174219,970
Geraldine139,04330,4972,36860,5642702451,741
Levels84,7726,04390148,842424263933
Waimate228,33431,0682,05986,473254147942
Mackenzie63,53617,40663119,45312537605
Waitaki186,99735,1131,69471,123461305931
Waihemo34,18312,1885019,995676285
Waikouaiti23,99449,2703366,280101102136
Peninsula4,15312,681..1,3501761848
Taieri90,77618,76454623,566659337446
Bruce104,1466,01851935,81021491303
Clutha186,81929,8271,11449,350324130529
Tuapeka108,98116,9131,23132,6671614771,668
Maniototo52,1222,78742722,73726527159
Vincent25,56436,1671,33014,80212125183
Lake12,4189,2394,28011,48313078204
Southland538,26567,4979,881186,6111,185482889
Wallace and Fiord154,57834,7451,61057,8198280121
Stewart Island1455641131331
        Totals4,779,7347,745,72754,0801,535,38418,91527,31061,479

The extent of land in cultivation (including sown grasses and land broken up but not under crop) amounted to 14,161,150 acres. Of this area, land under artificial grasses comprised 88.45 per cent.; land under grain-crops, 4.58 per cent.; land under root and green crops, 6.26 per cent.; land in garden and orchard, 0.33 per cent.; and land in fallow, 0.38 per cent. Full details for the last nineteen years are tabulated.

NUMBER OF ACRES IN GRASS, UNDER EACH CLASS OF CROP, AND IN BARE FALLOW, 1888 TO 1906.

Year.In Grass or Clover, sown after Land ploughed.In Grass or Clover, surface-sown: Land not ploughed.In Hay, included in either or both of the Previous Columns.In Bare Fallow.In Grain-crops.In Green and other Crops.In Garden.In Orchard or Vineyard.Total in Grass. Crop, Fallow, Garden, and Orchard.In Plantations of Forest Trees.
1,8882,884,0073,053,05267,812154,266738,603454,8248,60816,3297,309,68928,565
1,8892,941,8883,337,42350,656142,747793,866454,2438,56115,2467,693,97433,938
1,8903,027,9123,497,13745,889149,979826,505513,8938,56815,7718,039,76528,928
1,8913,250,5433,715,67544,045210,509703,329582,4399,81017,0478,489,35235,310
1,8923,327,7554,076,12646,652140,454769,778579,1129,60819,6278,922,46038,723
1,8933,611,3934,650,65261,811154,254753,091544,3559,76320,0859,743,59340,401
1,8943,865,3484,833,54960,740142,342669,850551,9629,95121,10910,094,11139,826
1,8953,908,5814,921,13656,614140,494560,179597,68610,26321,40110,159,74055,386
1,8964,254,9835,030,24796,81858,039674,850680,75017,74919,36210,735,98043,246
1,8974,308,7205,733,138109,46657,158688,297762,76216,92422,29111,589,29047,630
1,8984,123,3045,743,24567,86560,792727,038790,18416,17722,38711,483,12752,546
1,8994,065,8606,178,87975,62051,164892,468796,23516,93022,98312,024,51947,216
1,9004,337,5946,515,70868,23478,751745,685796,77316,89024,40112,515,80248,942
1,9014,425,7386,656,17468,02367,747721,325765,05117,41125,77712,679,22349,394
1,9024,695,2006,924,97862,98455,947634,879772,96717,68426,83613,128,49148,770
1,9034,558,3467,249,86969,34244,494736,683768,30817,63227,19113,402,52353,788
1,9044,607,1657,342,00677,16761,069705,443788,32117,51127,54113,549,05650,103
1,9054,741,7027,568,33778,81663,313661,926832,79617,17627,48213,912,73252,846
1,9064,779,7347,745,72780,74954,080648,805886,57918,91527,31014,161,15061,479

Wheat.

The wheat harvest of 1906 showed an average yield of 30.60 bushels per acre, the crop realised being 6,798,934 bushels, against 9,123,673 bushels in 1905.

The quantity of wheat of the previous season's harvest held by farmers in October, 1905, as shown by the gazetted figures, was 2,990,553 bushels, an amount which excludes stocks of grain and flour held by merchants and millers. The total amount of wheat exported during the year 1905 was 967,151 bushels.

The imports of flour during 1905 were 6,367 centals (318 tons), and the exports 448 tons.

The area under wheat for threshing decreased from 258,015 acres in 1905 to 222,965 acres in 1906, and the decrease was general throughout the colony. In addition to the area cut for threshing, 415 acres were cut for chaff, and 191 acres for ensilage and feeding down with stock, so that the total area sown in wheat was 223,571 acres.

Of the 222,965 acres in wheat (for threshing) this year, no less than 154,918 acres were in Canterbury and 53,495 acres in Otago.

The area under wheat for grain, the estimated gross produce in bushels, and the average yield per acre for each of the last sixteen years were:—

Year.Land under Wheat.Estimated Gross Produce.Average Yield per Acre.
 Acres.Bushels.Bushels.
1,891301,4605,723,61018.99
1,892402,27310,257,73825.50
1,893381,2458,378,21721.98
1,894242,7374,891,69520.15
1,895148,5753,613,03724.32
1,896245,4416,843,76827.88
1,897258,6085,926,52322.92
1,898315,8015,670,01717.95
1,899399,03413,073,41632.76
1,900269,7498,581,89831.81
1,901206,4656,527,15431.61
1,902163,4624,046,58924.76
1,903194,3557,457,91538.37
1,904230,3467,891,65434.26
1,905258,0159,123,67335.36
1,906222,9656,798,93430.60

The following gives the area in wheat, and the estimated produce, for the Australian States for the season of 1905:—

State.Wheat-crop.
 Acres.Bushels.Bushels per Acre.
Queensland150,9582,149,66314.24
New South Wales1,775,95516,464,4159.27
Victoria2,277,53721,092,1399.26
South Australia1,840,15712,023,1726.53
Western Australia181,4672,005,14611.00
Tasmania43,091792,95618.40

The Wheat-crop of the World.

The estimated wheat-crop of the world for four years is taken from the Statistical Year-book of Canada, 1903, with the exception of the figures for Australasia.

Countries.Bushels: 1900.Bushels: 1901.Bushels: 1902.Bushels: 1903.
Russia328,000,000344,000,000440,000,000440,000,000
France325,200,000304,000,000332,000,000336,000,000
Hungary152,000,000134,560,000182,400,000173,600,000
Germany156,000,000110,000,000143,200,000132,000,000
Italy132,000,000152,000,000128,000,000160,000,000
United Kingdom54,400,00056,000,00058,000,00048,000,000
Other European countries365,400,000416,400,000466,800,000439,600,000
        Total for Europe1,513,000,0001,516,960,0001,750,400,0001,729,200,000
     
United States of America600,000,000752,000,000680,000,000637,800,000
India184,000,000252,000,000224,000,000294,000,000
Argentine Republic68,000,00056,000,000100,000,000128,000,000
Canada51,183,00088,620,00096,884,00081,810,000
Australasia54,880,00042,584,00019,821,00082,041,000
Other countries152,800,000150,800,000164,000,000164,000,000
        Total other countries1,110,863,0001,342,004,0001,284,705,0001,387,651,000
     
        Grand total2,623,863,0002,858,964,0003,035,105,0003,116,851,000

Consumption of Wheat.

The yearly consumption of wheat per head of population in New Zealand has been estimated at 6 bushels, and the quantity required for seed at 2 bushels to the acre.

Using these figures, the Department of Agriculture estimates that there will be a large surplus quantity after providing for this year's wants.

WHEAT: ESTIMATED SURPLUS, 1906.

The area for threshing was 222,183 acres, and the total yield is computed atBushels. 6,798,934
Amount of wheat and flour returned on hand, 31st October, 1905 (as per returns)2,990,553
Amount of wheat and flour imported from 1st November, 1905, to 28th February, 19067,990/9,797,477
Wheat and flour exported from 1st November, 1905, to 28th February, 1906Bushels. 126,139
Consumption for same period for population of 925,000, at the rate of 6 bushels per head per annum1,850,000
 1,976,139/7,821,338
Leaving available for all purposes as at 28th February, 19067,821,338
Estimated quantity required for seed (say, 250,000 acres at 2 bushels per acre)500,000
Estimated consumption of 930,000 persons, at 6 bushels per head, from 1st March, 1906, to 28th February, 19075,580,000
 6,080,000
                Apparent surplus1,741,338

The difficulty of correctly computing the consumption of breadstuffs is shown by the great differences in the estimates arrived at.

The average quantity required per head of the population (exclusive of that used for seed) has been calculated at 5.9 bushels for New South Wales, and 5.2 bushels for Victoria, by statisticians in those States.

The average consumption of wheaten breadstuffs in New Zealand thus appears to be somewhat higher than in New South Wales and Victoria.

The following is the average annual consumption of wheat per inhabitant in some of the principal countries of the world:—

United Kingdom5.6 bushels.
Canada6.6 bushels.
France8.1 bushels.
Germany3.0 bushels.
Russia2.1 bushels.
Italy5.4 bushels.
United States4.5 bushels.

The English consumption during the last twenty-five years appears to have ranged from 5 ½ to 6 bushels per head of population.

Oats.

The extent of land in oats sown for grain in 1906 was 360,569 acres, against 342,189 acres harvested in the preceding year, an increase of 18,380 acres. The Provincial Districts of Otago (166,936 acres) and Canterbury (150,726 acres) account for 317,662 acres of the total area, Wellington taking third place with 21,353 acres. The breadth of land in oats for chaffing, ensilage, or feeding down with stock was 238,687 acres, an increase of 31,938 acres on the figures for 1905.

The average yield per acre was, in 1906, 35.86 bushels, and in 1905, 42.53 bushels, and the quantity of produce decreased from 14,553,611 bushels to 12,707,982 bushels.

The oat-crop for 1905 in the Australian States was as follows:—

 Acres.Bushels.Average per Acre.
Queensland64315,13723.54
New South Wales40,471652,64616.13
Victoria344,0196,203,42918.03
South Australia50,630555,69610.98
Western Australia13,831226,55616.40
Tasmania43,6901,178,81926.98

Maize.

This is a crop of some importance. In 1906 there were 10,485 acres sown for grain, the yield being 633,212 bushels of corn, an average of 60.39 bushels per acre, and 2,625 acres sown for chaffing, ensilage, or feeding down with stock. Maize is grown only in the North Island, with the exception of a few acres in Nelson and Marlborough. The Provincial District of Auckland had 11,988 acres; Hawke's Bay, 559 acres; Taranaki, 389 acres; and Wellington, 119 acres, in 1906. As considerable interest is taken in this crop, the group of counties where it is chiefly grown is stated—viz., Manukau, Thames, Whangarei, Mongonui, Bay of Islands, Waikato, Hokianga, Tauranga, Whakatane, Opotiki, Waiapu, Cook, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, and Egmont. Small acreages are found in nearly all the counties of the Auckland, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay Districts.

Barley.

Under barley (for threshing), 29,644 acres were returned in 1906, the crop being 1,024,045 bushels, an average yield per acre of 34.54 bushels. In 1905 the area under barley was 29,484 acres, and the yield 1,128,164 bushels, or 38.26 bushels per acre. There were in addition 3,270 acres in barley for ensilage or feeding down with stock.

Rye.

There were 1,397 acres in rye, yielding 63,086 bushels, or at the rate of 38 bushels per acre, in 1906, against 1,129 acres and 31,612 bushels, the rate being 28 bushels per acre, in 1905.

Peas and Beans.

The area under peas for threshing in the season 1906 was 13,211 acres, yielding 394,903 bushels, or an average of 29.89 bushels per acre, against 11,426 acres and 378,195 bushels, or 33.09 bushels per acre, in the previous year.

Under beans there were 2,054 acres, giving a return of 68,222 bushels, the average being 33.21 bushels per acre, against 2,545 acres and 89,964 bushels (35.34 bushels per acre) in 1906.

Potatoes.

The area under potatoes was 26,834 acres in 1906, yielding the return of 123,402 tons, or a rate of 4.59 tons per acre, against 26,331 acres in 1905, and 134,608 tons (or 5.11 tons per acre), an increase of 503 acres, but a decrease of 11,206 tons.

A comparison of the gross yield of potatoes with the amount exported in each of the twelve years 1883–94 showed that for such period an average of 597 lb. per head of population was retained in the colony. Allowing for waste, pig-feed, and seed, the average amount retained for human consumption was found to be 449 lb. a head.

Turnips, &c.

Turnips and rape form a most important crop in a sheep-breeding country such as New Zealand, and in 1892 the area of land under this crop amounted to 422,359 acres. The returns for 1895 gave only 385,788 acres, but for the present year 601,321 acres (469,579 acres in turnips and 131,742 in rape) were set down as under these crops; and there were 9,338 acres in addition, in mangolds (7,090 acres), beet (277 acres), and carrots (1,971 acres).

Hops.

There were 1,008 acres under hops in 1906, as against 894 acres last year. No account of the produce for the last nine years was taken, but in 1895 the yield was 7,556 cwt. In 1900 the total quantity used by the breweries in the colony amounted to 5,020 cwt. Of the land under hops in 1906, 937 acres were in the Waimea. County and 56 in Takaka, both in the Provincial District of Nelson. The import of hops in 1905 amounted to 408 cwt., and the exports, the produce of the colony, to 3,301 cwt.

Tobacco.

The growing of tobacco does not progress in New Zealand. 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; and in 1895, 5 acres, producing 1,599 lb. of dried leaf. Statistics of this crop have not been taken since 1895.

Gardens and Orchards.

The extent of land in garden was 18,915 acres, of which 14,843 acres were private gardens and 4,072 acres, market gardens. In plantations of forest trees there were 61,479 acres.

There were 26,760 acres in orchard in 1906, a decrease of 151 acres on the area so returned in the previous year, and 550 acres were returned as “vineyard.” The fruit-crop of the colony is supplemented by a considerable import from the Australian States and Fiji.

Sown Grasses and Seeds.

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 colony 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 1906 there were 12,525,461 acres under artificial grasses. Of these, 4,779,734 acres had been previously ploughed, presumably under grain or other crops, while 7,745,727 acres had not been ploughed. Much of the latter area was bush or forest land, sown down in grass after the timber had been wholly or partially burnt off.

The area under ryegrass for seed in the season of 1906 was 30,626 acres, yielding 987,243 bushels of 20 lb., or a rate of 32.23 bushels per acre, against 31,662 acres and 758,387 bushels, an average of 23.95 bushels per acre, in 1905.

In cocksfoot there were 37,039 acres, which yielded 8,783,571 lb., or an average of 237.14 lb. per acre, against 39,707 acres and 8,890,775 lb. (a rate of 223.90 lb. per acre) in the previous year.

Seeds for sowing pasture lands are used much as in Great Britain, the following being a common mixture: Perennial ryegrass, 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 Australasia in 1904–5:—

 Acres.
Queensland35,589
New South Wales607,997
Victoria953,543
South Australia24,912
Western Australia3,964
Tasmania378,346
New Zealand12,310,039

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 this colony 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 1906 show that 22,944,831 acres of unimproved land, including that in tussock or native grass, belonged to the occupied holdings, and were available for stock-feeding by the sheep-farmers and cattle-farmers of the colony.

Chapter 45. SECTION XIV.—MINING.

THE natural mineral resources of New Zealand are very great, and have exercised in the past a most important influence on the development and progress of the colony. Gold to the value of £67,230,584 was obtained prior to the 31st December, 1905; the value of the produce for the year 1905 having been £2,093,936. In the earliest years the gold was obtained from alluvial diggings, but at the present time the greatest quantity is taken from gold-bearing quartz, which is distributed widely through several parts of the colony, and thus there is a much better prospect of the permanency of this industry than alluvial diggings alone could give.

The yield of silver to the end of 1905 amounted to £777,695 in value, the quantity mined in 1905 having been 1,179,744 oz., valued at £120,542.

Of other minerals, the value of the product to the same date amounts to £24,866,981, of which kauri-gum yielded £12,920,531, and coal, with coke, £11,627,750.

The quantities and values of precious metals and minerals obtained during the year 1905, and the total value of all mining produce since 1853, are:—

 1905.Total Value since 1853.
 Oz.££
Gold520,4852,093,93667,230,584
Silver1,179,744120,542777,695
 1,700,2292,214,47868,008,279
 Tons.  
Copper-ore41718,228
Chrome-ore....38,002
Antimony-ore....52,598
Manganese-ore5516561,791
Hæmatite-ore....439
Mixed minerals6328,136140,431
Coal1,585,756838,53111,602,931
Coke (exported)151524,819
Kauri-gum10,883501,44412,920,531
Shale....7,211
  £3,622,786£92,875,260

Of the gold entered for exportation during the year ended the 31st March, 1906—viz., 526,200 oz., representing a value of £2,117,606—about 55 per cent. came out of quartz-mines; but, if the total yield of gold obtained in the colony be taken, the value of which to 31st March, 1906, is £67,754,443, about 25 per cent. came from quartz - mines and 75 per cent. from alluvial workings.

Gold-Mining.

The history of the finding of gold in this colony was briefly sketched in the Year-books for 1893 and 1894, and need not, therefore, be given again, but New Zealand's greatest mine is worthy of especial comment. An account of the “Waihi” will be found in the Year-book of 1905.

The following notes on the auriferous ironsand of New Zealand are from a report by Mr. Alexander McKay, F.G.S., Government Geologist:—

Auriferous ironsands (chiefly magnetic oxide) are, for the most part, confined to the west, south, and south-east coasts of the Middle Island of New Zealand, commonly known as the South Island.

The titanic ironsands of the west coast of the North Island, though mixed with magnetite, are not usually gold-bearing, and south of Auckland have not been ascertained to contain gold in sufficient quantity to pay for working such deposits. For the most part, these sands have been derived from volcanic rooks of young Tertiary date, associated with which, except on the western flanks of Mount Egmont, there are no lodes carrying gold.

On the east coast of Cape Colville Peninsula, at Mercury Bay, there are deposits of black sand that contain gold, and which it has been proposed to work for the precious metal. Possibly, also, there are other similar deposits on the west shore of the Bay of Plenty, where such sands have been derived from auriferous rocks. The magnetic and titanic ironsands of the North Island are, however, not usually regarded as a repository of gold in paying quantities.

On the west coast of the South Island, from near Cape Farewell to Preservation Inlet, the sea-beaches, formed of material of- moderate fineness of grain for the most part, show the presence of magnetic ironsands, and often such sands form a considerable part of the total material of the beach between high- and low-water mark. Such sands are at almost all places auriferous, and for the past thirty years have been worked for gold.

Usually, where magnetic ironsands are found on the beach, deposits of the same kind, now no longer acted upon by the tide, are present on the higher grounds inland, or lie buried under grey sands between tide-mark and the foot of the first terrace. These beach leads have been a great source of gold at many parts on the west coast of the South Island. At many places, near the mouths of rivers and large creeks, the ground is wet, and by dredging or other means it is that considerable areas have yet to be worked. This first horizon above or inland of tide-mark has deposits of ironsand in all favourable situations along the west and south coasts of the Island, and these are notably developed near the mouths of the larger rivers.

At many places they are covered by flood deposits from rivers or by æolian sands drifted back from the beach, and thus it is that discoveries are likely yet to be made.

At higher levels successive terraces of auriferous ironsands are met with, principally between the mouths of the Buller and Hokitika Rivers and some of the large rivers in South Westland.

On Addison's Flat and at Charleston the ironsand deposits are developed on a most extensive scale, and have yielded, and still do, great quantities of gold. At both places further oxidation of the magnetite has taken place, and rusty-coloured ironsand cements are the results. This fact has entailed an enormous loss of gold to the claimholders working the cement, as the gold coated with iron-oxide escapes being caught by the means employed for that purpose, and finding its way into the tailing-channels and streams, a part of such escaped gold is again recovered by various contrivances placed so as to intercept it, and a part carried to the seaboard tends to enrich the black-sand deposits within tide-mark. Between Charleston and Brighton these deposits rise to a height of 600 ft. above the sea; more to the south they gradually attain the lesser elevations, and south of Hokitika are but little above sea-level.

On the shores of Foveaux Strait it is only at Orepuki and near the mouth of the Waiau River that these deposits reach any distance inland, or more than a very moderate height above the level of high-water mark. East of the Bluff, and from the vicinity of Dunedin to the northern boundary of the Otago Provincial District, the auriferous black-sand deposits are confined to the limits between high- and low-water mark, or to less than 25ft. above that.

Along the east coast, within the Canterbury Provincial District, it is only between Lake Ellesmere and the mouth of the Rakaia River that auriferous sands payable to work are found. These, however, do not contain notable quantities of magnetic ironsand, but for the most part they are grey or garnetiferous.

North of Christchurch, while at places it is evident that great elevation (in modern times) of the land has taken place, and old beaches can be traced up to at least 400 ft. above the sea, only traces of gold have been found, and black sand does not abound.

The great richness in gold of these sands enabled them to be worked with profit when the means employed were both costly and of a rude description. At many places the yield was phenomenal, and thus there has been impressed on the New Zealand miner the full importance of the deposits, and black-sand claims are still in favour. Many deposits are rich only in particular parts, or are poor generally, and any means that tended to lessen the cost of extraction of the gold would be a boon to the black-sand miner, and should be hailed accordingly.

GOLD-DREDGING.

During the past year the dredging industry in Otago and Southland maintained a high degree of efficiency and gold-producing results, ninety-five dredges being employed all the year round in Otago and fifty in Southland. The Electric Company's No. 1 dredge's return of 1,273 oz. for five days' actual dredging in 1904 still remains the record of gold won for one week's dredging in New Zealand.

On the west coast of the Middle Island the value of the gold won was £103,277 17s. 4d. by forty dredges.

MINERS, AND GOLD ENTERED FOR EXPORT AT DIFFERENT DISTRICTS.

The total number of gold-miners employed in 1905 was 9,362, as against 10,898 for the previous year. In some places, more especially in Otago, Nelson, and on the West Coast, many of the miners do not depend entirely on mining, but employ a part of their time in farming and other pursuits.

In 1901 an Act was passed reducing the fee payable for a miner's right from 10s. to 5s.

The total quantity of gold entered for export during the years ending 31st March, 1905, and 31st March, 1906, for the several districts, and the total quantity and value of the gold exported from the colony from the 1st January, 1857, to the 31st March, 1906, are shown hereunder; but this does not necessarily include the whole of the gold produced, as no doubt much has been taken out of the colony, from time to time by people who have evaded the duty, and a good deal has been used for making jewellery and ornaments:—

TABLE SHOWING THE QUANTITY AND VALUE OF GOLD ENTERED FOR EXPORTATION FROM NEW ZEALAND FOR THE YEARS ENDED THE 31ST MARCH, 1905 AND 1906, AND THE TOTAL QUANTITY AND VALUE FROM JANUARY, 1857, TO 31ST MARCH, 1906.
District.Year ending 31st March, 1905.Year ending 31st March, 1906.Increase or Decrease for Year ending 31st March, 1906.Total Quantity and Value from January, 1857, to 31st March, 1906.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.
 Oz.£Oz.£Oz.Oz.£
Auckland22,652815,499248,0311,0009,954+25,3793,759,41614,048,867
Wellington..........188706
Marlborough166662....-16689,099347,214
Nelson6,46125,8144,42117,650-2,0401,712,1206,787,639
West Coast119,545478,050110,996443,089-8,5495,166,02220,564,007
Canterbury..........99387
Otago170,388688,551162,752655,913-7,6366,549,37226,005,623
        Totals519,2122,008,576526,2002,117,606+6,98817,276,31667,754,443

It will be seen from the above table that there was last year an increase in the export of gold of 6,988 oz. on the figures for the preceding twelve months.

Of the total quantity of gold entered for exportation last year Auckland contributed 47.14 per cent.; Nelson, 0.84 per cent.; West-Coast, 21.09 per cent.; and Otago, 30.93 per cent.

MINERAL PRODUCTION (VALUE) OF AUSTRALASIA TO END OF 1904.

The total value of mineral production for Australasia to the end of the year 1904 is shown in the following table:—

State or Colony.Gold.Silver and Silverlead.Copper.Tin.Coal.Other Minerals.Total.
* Inclusive of kauri-gum to the value of £12,359,087.
 £££££££
New S'th Wales52,491,42737,345,6997,017,1667,005,49946,016,0545,507,413155,386,258
Victoria269,737,772869,309206,895723,3531,309,234575,038273,421,601
Queensland61,026,854995,5832,981,9105,323,4623,325,609672,98674,326,404
South Australia2,764,336141,82824,108,94149,530..686,63627,751,271
W'st'n Australia55,288,31686,137391,603352,689373,462445,53156,937,738
Tasmania5,762,5583,170,7885,491,7348,014,983537,792383,17123,360,976
New Zealand65,136,618657,15318,211..10,764,40012,676,062*89,252,474
    Australasia512,207,981143,269,44740,216,46021,469,51662,326,55120,946,837700,436,722

Gold-production of Australasia (Quantity).

The gold-yield of Australasia (in crude ounces) for the years 1898 to 1904 was as under:—

 18981900.1902.1904.
 Oz.Oz.Oz.Oz.
Queensland920,048963,189860,453639,151
New South Wales340,493345,650190,316324,996
Victoria837,257807,407777,738821,017
South Australia31,96124,08628,19829,108
Western Australia1,050,1841,580,9502,177,4422,373,021
Tasmania74,23381,12570,99665,921
New Zealand280,175373,616508,045520,323
 3,534,3514,176,0234,613,1884,773,537

The increase for the period is 1,239,186 oz. The mint value of Australasian gold averages £3 16s. per ounce, and a comparison of value is therefore as follows: 1898, £13,430,533; 1900, £15,868,887; 1902, £17,530,114; 1904, £18,139,440: increase, 1898 to 1904, £4,708,907.

Gold-production of the World for each of the Five Years 1898–1902.

(From a table compiled in the Government Statistician's Office, Perth, Western Australia.)

The quantities are given throughout the table in fine ounces, the accepted standard of value for which is £4 4s. 11 5/11d. per ounce.

Countries and Continents.1898.1899.1900.1901.1902.
            Australasia. Fine oz.Fine oz.Fine oz.Fine oz.Fine oz.
Western Australia939,4901,470,6051,414,3111,703,4161,871,038
Victoria788,429,804,665760,3191730,450720,862
Queensland647,487668,150676,058598,412640,493
New Zealand254,416356,231338,911412,876459,406
New South Wales282,914382,162252,116173,543161,256
Tasmania66,26777,11174,44469,49070,996
South Australia22,47418,63319,41821,94622,395
New Guinea5,62710,4027,5608,6938,695
        Total ounces3,007,1043,787,9593,543,1373,718,8263,955,139
        Total value£12,773,36616,090,22715,050,28915,796,56916,800,363
       
            Africa.      
Transvaal Colony3,823,3673,637,713348,761231,0761,718,921
Rhodesia14,257,48,39972,568143,698161,654
Madagascar9766,80933,18530,80038,484
Abyssinia5,0005,0005,0008,0008,000
Mozambique..5,41618,47512,37714,514
Gold Coast Colony15,02912,0778,9445,2235,223
Cape Colony1071201167116
Natal and Zululand15561213578
French Guinea......8051,441
Senegal3,6085,0891,5521,419967
French Ivory Coast2,949975274605605
            Total ounces3,865,3083,721,654479,187434,2091,949,903
            Total value£16,418,78515,808,5812,035,4571,844,4028,282,661
       
            America.      
United States of America3,118,3983,437,2103,829,8973,805,5003,870,000
Canada666,4451,028,6201,350,1761,167,3201,032,253
South and Central America1,096,335841,337828,2731,102,9421,110,649
            Total ounces4,881,1785,307,1676,008,3466,075,7626,012,902
            Total value£20,733,92622,543,41225,521,83225,808,19625,541,184
       
            Europe.      
Russia1,073,5251,083,5431,082,4991,105,4121,105,412
Other European countries104,585113,752127,557118,140120,115
            Total ounces1,178,1101,197,2951,210,0561,223,5521,225,527
            Total value£5,004,2935,085,7865,139,9915,197,3195,205,708
       
            Asia.      
British India377,358405,753445,381454,523463,834
China261,655270,720251,092231,465287,996
Other Asiatic countries115,902154,301205,303277,281276,057
            Total ounces754,915830,774901,776963,2691,027,887
            Total value£3,206,6753,528,9043,830,5014,091,7074,366,187
       
            The World.      
            Total ounces13,686,61514,844,84912,142,50212,415,61814,171,358
            Total value£58,137,045163,056,91051,578,07052,738,19360,196,103

COAL-MINING.

The extent of the coal-measures in New Zealand will make coal-mining one of the large industries in the colony, especially on the west coast of the Middle Island, where bituminous coal exists equal, if not superior, in quality to coal of the same class in any part of the world.

The progressive increase in the output of coal from 1878 to the end of 1905 is shown below:—

Year.Raised in the Colony.Imported.Total raised in the Colony and imported per Annum.Exported (excluding Coal for Fuel by Ocean Steamers).Total Consumption of Coal within the Colony.Yearly Increase in Consumption within the Colony.
Total.Yearly Increase.
* Decrease.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
1,878162,218..174,148336,3663,921332,445..
1,879231,21869,000158,076389,2947,195382,09949,654
1,880299,92368,705123,298423,2217,021416,20034,101
1,881337,26237,339129,962467,2246,626460,59844,398
1,882378,27241,010129,582507,8544,245503,00943,011
1,883421,76443,492123,540545,3047,172538,13234,523
1,884480,83159,067148,444629,2756,354622,92184,789
1,885511,06330,232130,202641,2652,371638,89415,973
1,886534,35323,290119,873654,2202,862651,36412,470
1,887558,62024,267107,230665,85012,951652,8991,535
1,888613,89555,275101,341715,23627,678687,558134,659
1,889586,445-27,450*128,063714,50839,290675,21812,340
1,890637,39750,952110,939748,33033,404714,93239,714
1,891668,79431,397125,318794,11229,093764,019149,087
1,892673,3154,521125,453798,76828,169770,5996,580
1,893691,54818,233117,444808,99224,298784,70414,105
1,894719,54627,938112,961832,50725,449807,05822,354
1,895726,6547,108108,198834,85226,151808,7011,643
1,896792,85166,197101,756894,60727,974866,63357,932
1,897840,71347,862110,907951,62026,639924,98158,348
1,898907,03366,320115,4271,022,46018,3481,004,11279,131
1,899975,23468,20199,6551,074,88914,1461,000,74356,631
1,9001,093,990118,756124,0331,218,02336,6991,181,324120,581
1,9011,227,638133,648149,7641,377,40277,5631,299,839118,515
1,9021,362,702135,064127,8531,490,555110,6661,379,88980,050
1,9031,420,19357,491163,9231,584,11697,4611,486,655106,766
1,9041,537,838117,645147,1961,685,03456,51311,628,521141,866
1,9051,585,75647,918169,0461,754,802141,2571,713,54585,024

It will be seen from the above that, with the exception of 1889, there has been a steady increase in the output of coal from the mines in the colony year after year since records have been kept by the Mines Department. The yearly increase in output is principally due to the growing demand for consumption within the colony. During a period of twenty-eight years the annual consumption of coal in New Zealand has increased to the extent of 1,381,100 tons, showing that new industries are quickly springing up, requiring fuel for generating motive power.

The total output from the mines last year was 1,585,756 tons, as against 1,537,838 tons for 1904, an increase of 47,918 tons. The coal imported from other countries was 169,046 tons, against 147,196 tons in 1904, an increase in the importation last year of 21,850 tons. The imports were 168,757 tons from New South Wales, 106 tons from Victoria, and 183 tons from the United Kingdom. The total export of coal was 122,817 tons, all colonial produce. Of the coal exported, 81,560 tons were for coaling direct steamers trading between the colony and the United Kingdom, and has been treated as coal consumed within the colony, these steamers trading wholly between New Zealand and Great Britain. Taking, therefore, the output from the mines and the coal imported, there is a total of 1,754,802 tons, of which 41,257 tons were exported, leaving the consumption within the colony last year 1,713,545 tons, as against 1,628,521 tons for 1904, an increased consumption of 85,024 tons.

The largest increase in the output last year was in the Grey-mouth district—namely, 36,624 tons. There was also an increased production from the mines in the Waikato district of 8,641 tons, in the Southland district of 13,714 tons, in the West Wanganui district of 8,348 tons, in the Miranda district of 1,015 tons, in the Kawakawa and Hikurangi districts of 15,610 tons, in the Malvern district of 518 tons; but there was a decline in the Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and “Whauwhau districts of 7,380 tons, in the Mokau district of 527 tons, in the Westport district of 18,448 tons, in the Reefton district of 7,247 tons, and in the Otago district of 2,950 tons.

The quantities of coal produced in each district are as under:—

Name of District.Output of Coal.Increase or Decrease.Approximate Total Output of Coal up to the 31st December, 1905.
1905.1964.

(+) Increase.

(-) Decrease.

 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Kawakawa and Hikurangi94,85879,248+15,6101,496,214
Whangarei, Kamo, Ngunguru, and Whauwhau19,59126,971-7,380576,171
Waikato125,317116,676+ 8,6411,680,344
Mokau3,7534,280- 52747,967
Miranda16,35715,342+ 1,01542,192
Pelorus......711
West Wanganui20,77812,430+ 8,34889,493
Westport551,825570,273- 18,4486,403,416
Reefton7,87215,119- 7,247132,180
Greymouth275,752239,128+ 36,6244,013,203
Malvern25,63825,120+ 518493,214
Timaru......10,657
Otago317,731320,681- 2,9505,616,943
Southland126,284112,570+ 13,7141,084,292
            Totals1,585,7561,537,838+ 47,91821,686,997

The following table, constructed from “Laboratory Reports of the Geological Survey” (Sir J. Hector) gives the composition of samples of New Zealand coals freshly taken from the principal mines:—

Number.Description.Locality.Analysis.Evaporative Power.*
Fixed Carbon.Hydrocarbon.Water.Ash.1.2.

* The second column headed “Evaporative Power” is obtained by the use of a multiple computed from the results of Professor Liversedge's experiments upon the coals of New South Wales. The multiple used for the first column is the one which has long been generally used for computing the evaporative power of coals; but, to prevent any unfair and prejudicial comparison of our coals with those of New South Wales, the second column is given.

1AnthraciteAcheron, Canterbury84.121.961.8012.1210.9318.50
2BituminousCoalbrookdale74.8320.501.163.519.7016.45
3BituminousCoalbrookdale70.0022.152.515.339.1015.40
4BituminousBanbury69.9725.710.993.339.0915.38
5Altered brown coalMalvern Hills68.5419.894.157.428.2712.50
6BituminousTyneside65.5929.180.824.418.5113.55
7Glance coalRankaia Gorge64.5121.276.767.468.3013.20
8BituminousWallsend62.8731.641.663.838.1713.82
9BituminousGrey River62.3729.441.996.208.0113.22
10Pitch coalKawakawa61.1628.002.518.337.9512.55
11BituminousPreservation Inlet60.8828.604.386.197.9112.80
12Pitch coalBlackball, Grey River60.2029.978.011.827.8212.20
13BituminousMokihinui59.7532.143.974.147.7611.80
14BituminousCoalpit Heath58.8138.981.021.197.6412.96
15BituminousMokihinui57.9234.943.9673.187.5012.75
16BituminousBrunner Mine56.6235.681.596.117.3612.46
17BituminousBrunner Mine56.2137.731.504.567.3012.36
18BituminousWestport56.0137.172.604.227.2812.30
19BituminousMokihinui55.5938.863.162.397.2012.22
20BituminousBrunner54.1635.852.507.497.0411.91
21Altered brown coalMalvern Hills53.2932.0412.652.026.9211.50
22BituminousWallsend53.1035.471.4110.026.9011.68
23BituminousOtamataura Creek52.8936.632.198.296.9011.70
24BituminousNear Cape Farewell51.3738.724.385.536.3111.60
25Pitch coalKawakawa50.1542.634.183.046.5011.80
26Glance coalWhangarei50.1138.688.013.206.5011.75
27Pitch coalKamo50.0137.699.612.696.5011.17
28Brown coalMalvern Hills49.9935.4211.792.806.4910.90
29Brown coalFernhill49.9536.9512.001.106.4910.99
30Brown coalAllandale47.3134.2612.416.026.1510.96
31Brown coalKaitangata46.4833.4814.665.386.0410.22
32Brown coalShag Point46.2132.6516.025.126.0010.16
33Brown coalHomebush44.9236.0015.833.255.839.87
34Pitch coalHikurangi, Whangarei44.5047.005.992.515.789.79
35Brown coalHokonui44.2838.2216.501.005.759.77
36Brown coalKaitangata44.1138.3215.442.135.749.96
37Brown coalNightcaps43.6233.6818.334.375.679.59
38Pitch coalShag Point43.1930.0515.8210.945.619.52
39Brown coalSpringfield42.6833.6618.655.015.559.38
40Brown coalOrepuki42.6436.2614.446.665.549.38
41Brown coalKaitangata38.2932.4317.50911.784.878.32
42Brown coalShang Point35.7630.8613.2220.164.647.85
43Brown coalAllandale34.7241.4318.994.864.517.63
44Pitch coalGrey River34.7256.486.202.6094.517.63
FOR COMPARISON.
 Newcastle, N.S.W.Best58.3334.171.835.677.5012.82
 Newcastle, N.S.W.Worst53.3426.663.3316.676.9011.72

As regards the quality of the coal, it cannot be surpassed. The late Sir John Coode, in his presidential address to the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, stated: “The bituminous coal found on the west coast of the Middle Island is declared by engineers to be fully equal, if not superior, to the best description from any part of the world.”

The quantity of each class of coal produced in 1904 and 1905 was:—

Class of Coal.Output of Coal.Increase or Decrease.Approximate Total Output of Coal up to he 31st December, 1905.
1904.1905.
 Tons.Tons.Tons.Tons.
Bituminous and semi-bituminous938,518965,08326,56512,330,315
Pitch24,50623,072- 1,4341,906,650
Brown483,858496,93613,0786,573,879
Lignite90,956100,6659,709876,153
            Totals1,537,8381,585,75647,91821,086,997

The number of coal-mines working during the year 1905 was, as shown by the next table, 177, and the number of persons employed 3,269.

Number of Mines working.Number of Persons employed in each Mine.Total Number of Persons employed.
1081 to 4 in each186
315 to 10 in each210
1011 to 20 in each158
2821 and upwards2,715
177 3,269

The total output of coal from the above mines was 1,585,756, and the average annual output per person 485 tons.

It is believed that 6s. per ton is a good estimate of the cost, for labour only, of coal delivered in railway-trucks clear of the colliery premises, which differs somewhat from the cost at the pit's mouth.

The average earnings of each person employed have been computed at £2 18s. per week, or £150 16s. per annum, throughout the colony, but this varies in different districts, for which the figures computed by Inspector Green are:—

AVERAGES OF WEEKLY EARNINGS.

 £ s. d.
Northern district3 3 5
West Coast district3 9 6
Southern district2 1 0
        Average for colony£2 18 0

The wage given for the West Coast district may be somewhat more than the fact, on account of youths being counted as men. On the other hand, the information given for the Southern district may be rather too low, on account of the more intermittent nature of the work. The dredging industry is stated by the Southern Inspector to have largely increased coal-consumption in certain places, each steady working dredge consuming 20 tons of coal for at least forty weeks in the year, or, say, 800 tons per annum.

STATE COAL-MINES.

Seddonville.

The Seddonville State Coal-mine is divided into three sections viz., northern, southern, and western. It is in the last two sections where workings have been carried on during the past year. Both in the southern and western sections the coal is much harder than in the northern one, and is of excellent quality as regards its steam-generating power. Even in the northern section, where the coal is softer in character, its calorific value shows it to be a high-class coal, and is greatly appreciated by marine engineers. The coal from the southern and western sections on being brought to the bins is separated into three classes, viz., round coal, nuts, and peas. The round coal is that which passes over a bar-grating having slots 1 1/4 in. wide. The coal which passes through these slots is lifted with elevators on to a shaking screen, where a stream of water plays on it and washes away any impurities from amongst the nuts. The holes in this shaking screen are 5/8 in. diameter, and what passes through this screen is washed down a sluice-box with ripples, and again screened over a plate having holes of 1/4 in. diameter. The residue is dumped to waste at the present time, but a briquette-making plant is now being erected at Westport, and as soon as it is completed the whole of the fine and soft coal will be manufactured into briquettes of such dimensions as will be suitable for locomotives, marine and land boilers, and also for household purposes. The use of briquettes as fuel in America and on the Continent of Europe shows its calorific value to be about 20 per cent. more than round coal from the same mine. The output from this mine during last year was 46,085 tons.

Point Elizabeth.

The development of the workings in the Point Elizabeth State Coal-mine shows there is an extensive field of excellent coal available. The whole of the development-work during the past year has been confined to Nos. 1 and 2 sections. In working up to the rise from both adit levels the seam became very thin, but in going to the dip an excellent field of coal has been opened up. Two dip headings have been constructed from the main level in each section for distances of about 20 chains and 34 chains respectively. These headings are being carried on as rapidly as possible in order to get the mine opened up for a much larger output when the new haulage and air-compressing plants, now in transit from England, are erected. The coal from the dip workings is superior to that from the rise, being much cleaner; indeed, the quality cannot be surpassed as a fuel for household purposes. It contains only a slight trace of sulphur, and burns very brightly, with only a slight emission of smoke. When the new plants are erected the output can easily be increased to 1,000 tons per day. The appliances for filling the bins are now completed. The coal-tubs coming from the mine are run on to three-throw tumblers, which discharge the coal on to two travelling belts traversing the whole length of the bins. These belts are 5ft. in width, giving ample space and provision for stone or other impurities to be picked out from amongst the coal as the belt travels along. The whole of the machinery and appliances in connection with this mine are of the most modern design, and admit of the coal being delivered into the railway-wagons at the mine at the least possible cost; while the plant in connection with the workshops gives facilities for portions of the plant required about the mine to be made on the ground at a less cost than it could be imported. The output from the mine during the past year has been 131,816 tons.

Depots for the retail sale of these coals have been opened in Wellington and Christchurch, and are kept fully employed.

PHOSPHATE ROCK.

Fairly extensive deposits of phosphate rock have been discovered as a fringe to the limestone at Clarendon, near Milton, Otago. The Ewing Phosphate Company (Limited) has been formed, and operations of quarrying and burning on a commercial scale have been undertaken. After burning, the rock is crushed and chemically treated. The value of this phosphate as a fertiliser has been satisfactorily proved, and there is every indication of a growing industry in quarrying the rock and preparing it for use. With such a valuable material at our very doors, there is no doubt that in future the importation of phosphate manures will cease, or at least be greatly reduced, whilst the question of export from this colony is within the range of possibility.

OTHER METALS OR MINERALS.

Very little has been done in the colony to prospect and develop mines other than for gold and silver. The only exports last year of metalliferous products, excluding gold and silver, were 535 tons of auriferous ore, 28 tons of scheelite-ore, 55 tons manganese, and small parcels of other minerals, representing an aggregate value of £8,318.

KAURI-GUM.

The quantity of kauri-gum exported last year was 10,883 tons, as against 9,203 tons for 1904. Last year's produce (£561,444) gave an average value of about £51 11s. 9d. per ton, while for 1904 the average was £54 10s. 7d. per ton.

Chapter 46. SECTION XV.—ACCUMULATION: PRICES AND WAGES.

BANKS OF ISSUE.

IN December, 1905, five banks of issue were doing business in New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand and the Colonial Bank having amalgamated in 1895. Two of the five banks, the Bank of New Zealand and the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited), are wholly New Zealand institutions. The total average liabilities of all five banks for the year 1905 in respect of New Zealand transactions were £22,144,166, and the average assets £21,770,525. The average amount on deposit during the year was £20,545,601, of which sum £1,938,845 belonged to the General Government. Excluding those belonging to Government, deposits to the value of £9,477,848 were bearing interest, and £9,129,268 at call. The value of the notes in circulation of these banks was £1,468,977.

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 by the banks of issue, the figures for 1857, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, and 1905 are:—

Year.Deposits.Assets.Liabilities.
 £££
1,857343,316419,860432,494
1,8703,127,7696,315,3543,819,670
1,8808,538,93514,220,2759,550,177
1,89012,368,61017,735,25913,356,598
1,90015,570,61017,314,53516,964,582
1,90520,545,60121,770,52522,144,166

In 1880 the deposits of these banks were £18 per head of the mean population; in 1890 they were £19.92 per head; and in 1905, £23.62. 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. In 1904 the ratio stood at 82.10 per cent., and in 1905 at 80.77 per cent.

The following figures, which are taken from the published returns for the December quarter of each year, show that the value of the coin and bullion held by all the banks of issue doing business in New Zealand rose steadily from 1891 to 1895, in which year the value stood at £3,333,272. Since that date the value gradually decreased year by year to £2,636,177 in December quarter, 1899, but rose again to £4,052,173 in 1905:—

Quarter ended 31st December.Coin.Gold and Silver in Bullion or Bars.Total Coin and Bullion.
 £££
1,8912,231,242126,3462,357,588
1,8922,381,319141,4062,522,725
1,8932,480,453121,4962,601,949
1,8943,103,355118,1213,221,476
1,8953,199,889133,3833,333,272
1,8963,171,702122,9013,294,603
1,8972,848,183107,6352,955,818
1,8982,625,896126,3492,752,245
1,8992,511,102125,0752,636,177
1,9002,658,207144,0252,802,232
1,9012,921,268142,5753,063,843
1,9023,124,916167,1743,292,090
1,9033,597,280149,3003,746,580
1,9043,790,483162,5923,953,075
1,9053,849,039203,1344,052,173

The figures shown for each quarter of the year 1905 are:—

 Coin.Bullion.
 ££
March quarter, 19053,815,769133,574
June quarter, 19053,863,936136,662
September quarter, 19053,864,145158,173
December quarter, 19053,849,039203,134

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. From thence there was continuous rise both in amounts of advances and rates per head of population until 1905, for which the figures are £16,595,156, or £19.07 per head. The discounts in 1904 amounted to £2,072,356, or £2.45 per head of mean population, and in 1905 they were £2,125,511, or £2.44 per head. The largest amount of discounts in any year was £6,061,959 in 1879, a rate of £13.53 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.

An account of the special banking legislation of 1893 and its subsequent developments will be found in the previous issues of the Year-book. (See page 400, Year-book 1902.)

“THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND ACT, 1903.”

This Act was passed in anticipation of guaranteed shares or stock issued under the authority of the Act of 1894, to the extent of two million pounds sterling, reaching maturity on the 19th July of the year 1904, and of the expiry of the term of currency of the debentures issued by the Assets Realisation Board (31st March, 1904). It also makes provisions under which the remaining liability of the proprietors of the Bank, under section 21 of “The Banking Act, 1861,” ranks as ordinary uncalled capital, and for the issue of fresh shares to the Government in lieu of the preferred shares originally issued to the Crown, but afterwards repurchased by the Bank. Besides the above, the Act deals with other matters affecting the business of the Bank and the Assets Realisation Board.

Ordinary Shares.

Every ordinary share in the Bank is deemed to be a share of the nominal value of £6 13s. 4d., paid up to the extent only of the amount actually paid on account of instalments of the call in respect of such share, leaving a liability of the balance of instalments, and the further liability of £3 6s. 8d. per share, but no more.

New Guaranteed Stock.

The guaranteed stock issued under “The Share Guarantee Act, 1894,” to the extent of two million pounds, matured on the 19th July, 1904, and has been redeemed by the Bank, and a new issue of guaranteed stock, representing the sum of one million pounds sterling, having a currency not exceeding ten years, has been made in lieu thereof.

Preference Shares.

The preferred shares, representing £500,000 new capital, issued under the authority of “The Bank of New Zealand and Banking Act, 1895,” and subsequently repurchased by the Bank, have been cancelled; and in lieu thereof the Government of New Zealand purchased 75,000 preference shares of the Bank, fully paid, representing £500,000 new capital. These shares rank for dividend purposes in priority to ordinary shares to the extent of 5 per cent. per annum (non-cumulative), and for dividends in excess of 5 per cent. they are entitled to only half the rate payable on ordinary shares; so that where, for example, the dividend on the ordinary shares is at the rate of 6 per cent., the dividend on the preference shares will be at the rate of 5 1/2 per cent. The maximum rate of dividend payable on preference shares is 10 per cent., while that payable on ordinary shares is not limited. Otherwise the preference shares confer the same rights and privileges as ordinary shares.

Assets Realisation Board.

The Act empowers the Assets Board, for the purpose of redeeming such of its debentures as are outstanding at maturity, to issue fresh debentures, having a currency of five years, for a sum not exceeding in all the face value of the residue of the outstanding debt, and bearing interest at a rate not higher than 3 1/2 per cent. per annum.

The properties vested in the Assets Board are to be valued at appointed times, and the actual deficiency between such value and the amount of outstanding debentures of the Board ascertained. When it is found that the assets of the Board are sufficient to meet its liabilities, the Governor may by Order in Council declare that the Board shall cease to exist, its properties being handed over to the Bank, which thereupon is to redeem all the outstanding debentures of the Board.

Other Provisions.

December and June, as the dates for holding the half-yearly and annual meetings, are substituted for February and August. Special provision for voting at elections of directors (by papers forwarded and returned through the post) is made, and the date of election of the chairman is altered from January to April.

“THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND ACT, 1904.”

The capital stock of one million pounds sterling issued by the Bank under authority of the Act of 1903 is to have priority, both as to capital and dividend, as against the assets of the Bank, over all existing shares of the Bank, whether preference or ordinary. Further provisions of this Act deal with the form in which the stock may be issued, the issue of fresh certificates on transfer, loss, or destruction of certificates or warrants, also as to the countersigning of certificates or warrants.

The appointment and term of office of Auditors is also dealt with.

SAVINGS-BANKS.

The number of post-offices open for the transaction of savings-bank business at the end of 1905 was 520.

There were 60,015 new accounts opened in the year, and 43,113 accounts were closed. The total number of open accounts at the end of 1905 was 276,066, or 1 in every 3.20 of the population.

The deposits received during the year amounted to £6,625,744 0s. 10d., and the withdrawals to £5,984,184 12s. 2d., the excess of deposits over withdrawals having thus been £645,559 8s. 8d. The total sum standing at credit of all accounts on the 31st December, 1905, was £8,662,022 17s. 1d., which gave an average of £31 7s. 6d. to the credit of each open account.

The number of open accounts (as on the 31st December) for five years are classified according to amounts at credit of each:—

 1900.1902.1903.1904.1905.
Not exceeding £20142,368161,989174,563187,631198,481
Exceeding £20 and up to £5022,33325,52026,88728,23130,204
Exceeding £50 and up to £10013,70416,62117,59218,36319,511
Exceeding £100 and up to £20011,17314,65715,58915,58316,835
Exceeding £200 and up to £3005,1515,4735,4995,6246,411
Exceeding £300 and up to £4001,2381,6191,7951,9182,370
Exceeding £400 and up to £5007738609059561,194
Exceeding £5006687268458581,060
            Totals197,408227,465243,675259,164276,066

The following were the securities, &c., standing in the name of the Postmaster-General on account of the Post-Office Savings-Bank Fund on the 31st December, 1905:—

Description of Securities.Nominal Value.Value at Cost Price.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.
“The Government Advances to Settlers Extension Act, 1901,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.80,000 0 080,000 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1899,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.125,000 0 0125,000 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901,” Debentures, 4 per cent.17,600 0 017,600 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1902,” Debentures, 4 per cent.100,000 0 0100,000 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.15,000 0 015,000 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903,” Debentures, 4 per cent.5,825 0 05,825 0 0
“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903,” Debentures, 4 per cent.167,900 0 0167,900 0 0
“The Consolidated Loan Act, 1867,” Debentures, 4 per cent.13,000 0 012,480 0 0
“The Consolidated Stock Act, 1884,” Debentures, 3 per cent.65,000 0 065,000 0 0
“The Consolidated Stock Act, 1884,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.507,500 0 0507,500 0 0
“The Consolidated Stock Act, 1884,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.128,200 0 0128,200 0 0
“The Dairy Industry Act, 1898,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.1,781 0 01,781 0 0
“The Defence and other Purposes Loan Act, 1870,” Debentures, 4 per cent.75,000 0 072,000 0 0
“The Defence and other Purposes Loan Act, 1870,” Debentures, 4 per cent.8,100 0 08,100 0 0
Dunedin Garrison Hall Debentures, 5 per cent.5,000 0 05,000 0 0
“The General Purposes Loan Act, 1873,” Debentures, 4 per cent.5,200 0 04,342 0 0
“The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894,” Debentures, 4 per cent.30,000 0 030,000 0 0
“The Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.210,000 0 0210,000 0 0
“The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.231,500 0 0231,500 0 0
Greymouth Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per cent.140,000 0 0140,000 0 0
Hamilton Borough Debentures, 4 1/2 per cent.3,000 0 03,000 0 0
Hokitika Harbour Board Debentures, 5 per cent.10,000 0 010,000 0 0
“The Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1903,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.45,000 0 045,000 0 0
“The Immigration and Public Works Loan Act, 1870,” Debentures, 4 per cent.174,200 0 0167,272 0 0
“The Immigration and Public Works Loan Act, 1870,” Debentures, 4 1/2 per cent.20,900 0 020,527 10 0
“The Immigration and Public Works Loan Act, 1870,” Debentures, 4 per cent. (Imperial guaranteed)400,000 0 0400,000 0 0
Inscribed Stock, 3 per cent.2,184,940 0 02,176,582 18 0
Inscribed Stock, 3 1/2 per cent.358,300 0 0358,300 0 0
“The Land for Settlements Act, 1894,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.741,066 0 0741,066 0 0
The Land for Settlements Acts, 1894 and 1897, Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.62,000 0 062,000 0 0
“The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900,” Debentures, 4 per cent.25,000 0 025,000 0 0
“The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900,” Debentures, 4 per cent.150 0 0150 0 0
“The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.10,000 0 010,000 0 0
“The Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894,” Debentures, 4 per cent.279,000 0 0279,000 0 0
“The Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.60,000 0 060,000 0 0
“The Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1901,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.755,000 0 0755,000 0 0
“The Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1901,” Debentures, 4 per cent.55,000 0 055,000 0 0
“The New Zealand Consols Act, 1894,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.25,000 0 025,000 0 0
“The Scenery Preservation Act, 1903,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.10,000 0 010,000 0 0
Oamaru Borough Consolidated Loan, 1893, Debentures, 5 per cent.13,800 0 013,800 0 0
Oamaru Harbour Bonds, 5 1/2 per cent.31,000 0 031,000 0 0
Patea Harbour Board Debentures26,870 0 026,870 0 0
“The State Coal-mines Act, 1901,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.140,000 0 0140,000 0 0
“The State Fire Insurance Act, 1903,” Debentures, 3 1/2 per cent.1,500 0 01,500 0 0
“The State Fire Insurance Act, 1903,” Detures, 4 per cent.500 0 0500 0 0
Thames Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per cent.10,000 0 010,000 0 0
“The Public Revenues Act, 1893” (Treasury Bills), 3 1/2 per cent.599,200 0 0599,200 0 0
Westport Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per cent.489,500 0 0489,500 0 0
          Totals8,462,532 0 08,442,496 8 0

Most of this fund is invested in securities of the New Zealand General Government. Summarising the figures shows the investments to be:—

In New Zealand Government securities7,733,362
In local bodies' securities724,170
In other securities5,000
            Total£8,462,532

There are five savings-banks in the colony not connected with the Post Office. The total amount deposited in them in 1905 was £902,166 8s. 8d., of which the deposits by Maoris comprised £275 15s. 6d. The withdrawals reached the sum of £904,918 8s. 3d., or more than the total deposits by £2,751 19s. 7d. The total amount to the credit of the depositors at the end of the year was £1,111,931 0s. 7d., of which sum £284 1s. 5d. belonged to Maoris.

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 1905 to £28,380,426. In addition, there are the deposits with building societies, which in 1904 were £401,968, and it is known that there were also deposits with financial companies of which no particulars have been supplied. The known deposits reach an average of £32 12s. 4d. per head of the population, exclusive of Maoris.

BUILDING SOCIETIES.

There were 84 registered building societies in operation in the colony at the end of 1904. Of these, 52 were terminable societies, the rest were permanent.

The total receipts by these societies during their financial year were £982,383, of which deposits comprised £416,912.

The assets at the end of the year were valued at £1,633,305. The liabilities were: To shareholders, reserve fund, &c., £1,195,195; to depositors, £401,968; and to bankers and other creditors, £36,142.

JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES.

During the year ended 31st December, 1905, 203 joint-stock companies, with a total nominal capital of £2,597,760, were registered under the provisions of “The Companies Act, 1903.”

 Companies registered in 1905.
 
District where registered.No.Nominal Capital.
  £
Auckland62899,660
Taranaki516,000
Hawke's Bay321,000
Wellington47459,290
Marlborough329,500
Nelson639,000
Westland630,812
Canterbury28396,800
Otago27561,300
Southland16144,400
            Totals2032,597,760

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies received returns for the year 1904 from 515 lodges, courts, tents, &c., of various friendly societies throughout the colony. The number of members at the end of 1904 was 47,302.

The total value of the assets of these societies was £936,388, equivalent to £19 15s. 11d. per member. Of the total assets, the value of the sick and funeral benefit funds was £835,027.

The receipts during the year on account of the sick and funeral funds amounted to £119,145, and the expenditure to £75,208, of which the sick-pay to members reached the sum of £48,537. In addition to the sick-pay, the sum of £43,539 was paid out of the medical and management expenses fund for attendance given and medicine supplied to the members and their families.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies has supplied particulars of the number of members of friendly societies, the amount of their accumulated capital, and the average capital per member in Australasia, according to the latest published statistics, arranged in order of membership:—

State or Colony.Date of Return.Number of Lodges.Number of Members.Amount of Funds.Capital per Member.
    ££ s. d.
Victoria31st Dec., 19031,155101,7171,475,40314 10 1
New South Wales31st Dec., 190298196,671802,6098 6 1
New Zealand31st Dec., 190447947,302936,38819 15 11
South Australia31st Dec., 190047042,976532,27012 7 8
Queensland31st Dec., 190338831,913314,7119 17 3
Tasmania31st Dec., 190217115,456115,9457 10 0
Western Australia31st Dec., 190319912,52271,0225 13 6

New Zealand shows by far the highest average of capital per member, Victoria and South Australia following, but not closely, while the averages of Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia are less than half the sum shown for this colony.

MORTGAGES.

In a return laid before the House of Representatives it is stated that during the year ended 31st March, 1905, mortgages to the value of £11,009,512 were registered in the several land registration districts of the colony, while the monetary value of those paid off amounted to £7,812,657. Compared with a similar return for the year 1903–4 the mortgages registered show an increase of £1,150,988, the total amount for the earlier year having been £9,858,524.

The total amounts represented in the mortgages registered and paid off in each registration district during 1903–4 and 1904–5 were:—

District.1903–4.1904–5.
Mortgages registered.Mortgages paid off.Mortgages registered.Mortgage paid off.
 ££££
Auckland1,148,389732,3791,121,017935,063
Poverty Bay260,309290,559374,542239,643
Taranaki956,883622,050800,191520,449
Hawke's Bay892,649639,4061,288,4471,273,350
Wellington2,882,3301,790,3303,307,7122,104,080
Marlborough105,05581,635135,64188,224
Nelson189,728131,977181,135157,852
Westland41,96124,37535,65922,824
Canterbury2,243,3501,933,2602,526,9751,586,388
Otago708,320597,554637,084482,401
Southland429,550327,593601,109402,383
            Totals£9,858,524£7,171,118£11,009,512£7,812,657

Classified according to the various rates of interest, the amounts in the mortgage deeds registered during the two years were:—

1903–4.1904–5.Rate of Interest.

(a.) Including £140 at 4 1/5 and £47,000 at 4 1/2 per cent.

(b.) Including £1,416 at 5 1/8 per cent.

(c.) Including £800 at 5 3/8 per cent.

(d.) Including £1,800 at 5 1/3 per cent.

(e.) Including £1,200 at 6 1/6 per cent.

(f.) Including £100 at 7 1/4 per cent.

(g.) Including £900 at 8 1/8 per cent.

(h.) Including £2,200 at 4 1/4 per cent.

(i.) Including £6,500 at 4 5/8 per cent. and £800 at 4 4/5 per cent.

££ 
88,74171,850at 4 per cent. or under.
2,271,519 (h)929,094 (a)at 4 1/2 per cent.
137,067 (i)295,886at 4 3/4 per cent.
3,217,4944,485,105at 5 per cent.
40,76237,618 (b)at 5 1/4 per cent.
679,3611,164,559 (c)at 5 1/2 per cent.
8009,143 (d)at 5 3/4 per cent.
957,8451,538,866at 6 per cent.
78011,613 (e)at 6 1/4 per cent.
120,770131,802at 6 1/2 per cent.
..13,050at 6 3/4 per cent.
277,304435,213at 7 per cent.
16,62932,833 (f)at 7 per cent.
175,479224,085 (g)at 8 per cent.
94,376143,361at 8 1/2 per cent. and over.
1,779,5971,485,434at rates not specified.
£9,858,524£11,009,512 

Comparison of the foregoing with the amounts at the various rates of interest in the mortgages registered during 1895–96 shows the lowering of the rates that has taken place:—

Year 1895–96. 
£ 
26,285in small sums at less than 5 per cent.
833,226at from 5 per cent. to 5 1/4 per cent.
732,764at 5 1/2 per cent.
116,600at 5 3/4 per cent.
1,372,261at from 6 per cent. to 6 1/4 per cent.
371,896at from 6 1/2 per cent. to 6 3/4 par cent.
599,542at from 7 per cent. to 7 1/4 per cent.
111,651at 7 1/2 per cent.
382,348at 8 per cent.
173,416in small sums, at rates above 8 per cent.
853,801at rates which are not specified.
£5,573,790 

The total amount shown in deeds as secured by mortgage under the Land Transfer Act on 31st March, 1905, was £49,030,811, as against £45,493,552 in March, 1901, £42,906,772, in March, 1903, £40,587,169 in March, 1902, £37,767,650 in March, 1901, £35,303,728 in March, 1900, £33,035,337 in March, 1899, £32,152,288 in March, 1898, and £31,112,921 in March, 1897; but in respect of some transactions the same money may be included more than once.

LIFE INSURANCE.

There were existing in the colony at the close of the year 1904 110,227 life-insurance policies, an average of 129 in every 1,000 persons living. The gross amount represented by these policies was £27,074,171, an average of £245 12s. 5d. for each policy, and of £31 11s. 5d. for every European inhabitant of the colony at the end of the year.

The distribution of these policies shows that 40 per cent. are held in the Government Life Insurance Department:—

Name of Office.Number of Business in the Colony.New Zealand Business only.
Number of Existing Policies at End of Year 1904.Gross Amount insured by Policies at End of Year 1904.
   £
Australian Mutual Provident Society4331,8898,628,156
Australasian Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society (Limited)21,152118,945
Australian Widows' Fund Life Assurance Society (Limited)72,378611,284
Citizens' Life Assurance Company (Limited)114,676694,933
Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society (Limited)214,9841,255,854
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States202,730985,665
Mutual Life Association of Australasia287,2591,756,312
National Mutual Life Association of Australasia (Limited)259,9622,424,115
New York Life Insurance Company18843305,445
Scottish Metropolitan Life Assurance Company (Limited)8145,500
Yorkshire Insurance Company314628,400
Life Insurance Department of the New Zealand Government3544,19410,259,562
            Totals, December, 1904 110,227£27,074,171
            Totals, December, 1903 104,982£25,878,909

The rate at which life insurance increased is evidenced by the difference between the amounts insured at the end of each of the two years 1903 and 1904, being a sum of £1,195,262, or 4.62 per cent., while for the same twelve months population increased by 3.01 per cent. only.

INDUSTRIAL LIFE ASSURANCE.

In addition to the ordinary life insurance transactions alluded to above, there were in 1904 three industrial life assurance offices doing business in New Zealand. The number of policies in existence and the gross amount insured by such policies at the end of the year were:—

Name of Office.Numbers of Year of Business in the Colony.New Zealand Business only.
Number of Existing Policies at End of Year 1904.Gross Amount insured by Policies at End of Year 1904.
   £
The Australasian Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society (Limited)24,885113,265
The Citizens' Life Assurance Company (Limited)1117,913373,210
The Provident and Industrial Insurance Company of New Zealand1511,506365,213
            Totals, December, 1904 31,364£851,688
            Totals, December, 1903 30,711£756,051

Here an increase of £95,637, or 12.66 per cent., is shown to have taken place in twelve months.

“THE GOVERNMENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE ACT, 1899.”

By this statute the Commissioner of Life Insurance is given power to insure persons against accident, and especially employers against liability for accident to any person employed, besides generally doing the business of an insurer against accident.

In 1901 an Accident Branch of the Government Insurance Department was opened mainly with a view to relieve employers of labour of the liability imposed upon them by “The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900.” In such a business the rates charged must necessarily be of an experimental nature for a considerable time, but so far they have proved to be, on the average, equal to the strain imposed upon them. In any event the interests of the life-insurance policyholders cannot suffer, as the life funds are in no case liable, and the costs of conducting the business are borne entirely by the Accident Branch itself.

“The Employers' Liability Act, 1882,” and its amendments give a workman the right to claim for any accident caused through any defect in the ways, works, machinery, or plant of the employer, or through the neglect of any overseer in the service of the employer, with certain limitations, the maximum amount he can claim being £500.

“The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900,” greatly extends the liability of employers, as under this Act a workman can claim compensation for injuries arising out of and in the course of his employment, not attributable to his serious and wilful misconduct.

The compensation is as follows:—

  1. Where death results from the injury and the workman leaves dependants wholly dependent upon his earnings, the compensation is three years' wages, but not to be less than £200, nor to exceed £400.

  2. If dependants are left partially dependent upon the workman's earnings, the compensation is to be such sum as may be agreed upon, not exceeding the amount payable under the former provision.

  3. If no dependants are left, the compensation is to be a sum equal to the reasonable expenses of the workman's medical attendance and burial, not exceeding £30.

  4. Where a workman is totally incapacitated for work, he is entitled to a weekly payment from the date of the accident. not exceeding 50 per cent. of his average weekly earnings. If the incapacity is partial only, he cannot claim for the first week unless the incapacity continues for a longer period than two weeks. The weekly payment is not to exceed £2, nor to be less than £1 when earning as much as £1 10s. at the time of accident, and the total liability of the employer is limited to £300.

If the accident occurs in course of employment in or about a mine, factory, building, or vessel, the compensation becomes a charge on the employer's interest on the property. This charge takes precedence of all existing or subsequent charges or encumbrances howsoever created other than those lawfully existing at the time of the commencement of the Act.

The Department's policies cover the full liability of an employer to his workmen under the Employers' Liability Acts and the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Acts, and the liability under common law to the extent of £500 per man.

The premiums are assessed on the wages, and vary from 6s. per £100 of wages for light occupations, such as barbers, clerks, drapers, &c., to 26s. per cent. for building trades, 53s. per cent. for coal-mines, and 65s. per cent. for bushfelling.

Policies protecting mortgagees from loss through the charge of an injured workman taking precedence of a mortgage are issued at premiums varying from 1s. per cent. of the mortgage for small mortgages to 6d. per cent. for large mortgages.

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.Premium Income.Claims
 ££
7th June to 31st December, 190111,8562,428
Year ending 31st December, 190214,1007,364
Year ending 31st December, 190324,38113,230
Year ending 31st December, 190423,76812,105
Year ending 31st December, 190523,97011,242

The funds, assets, and liabilities of the Government Insurance Department belonging to its Accident Insurance Branch are to be kept separate and distinct from the main life-insurance business, and powers are vested in the Governor to make regulations in regard to tables fixing rates of premiums and other details for the conduct of accident insurance.

STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

A special article on this subject will be found in Part III of this book.

THE PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE.

This institution was described in full detail in the Year-book for 1898, page 454.

Classifying the business as on the 31st March, 1905 and 1906, the results are:—

 1905.1906.
Number of Estates.Value of EstatesNumber of Estates.Value of Estates
  £ £
Wills and trusts (including sinking funds accounts)9541,922,3031,0912,252,810
Intestate estates1,070277,7791,092318,490
Mental patients' estates940256,6451,031280,402
Native reserves119380,000119400,000
West Coast Settlement Reserves333715,000333730,000
Unclaimed lands26825,62831128,287
            Total3,084£3,577,3553,977£4,009,992

The capital funds of the Public Trust Office invested amounted, on the 31st March, 1906, to £1,851,396. The investments are as follow:—

 £
New Zealand Government securities41,896
Local bodies' debentures91,249
Mortgages of freehold property1,718,251
                    Total£1,851,396

PRIVATE WEALTH.

The private wealth of the colony has been estimated as for the year 1905, calculating on the assumption that the wealth of the living is proportionately equal to that left by the dead.

Working on the adult method, but excluding Maoris, the results for New Zealand, calculated on figures for the five years ending with 1905, were as under:—

PRIVATE WEALTH IN NEW ZEALAND.
1. Estates of deceased persons: net amount sworn to (five years)£14,871,393
2. Deaths of adults (number) (five years)27,098
3. Average amount left by each adult£548.8
4. Adults alive, 31st December, 1905 (estimated number)471,411
5. Aggregate private wealth, 31st December, 1905£258,710,000
6. Wealth per head of total estimated population on 31st December, 1905£293.169

The calculation has been made on the same method as that adopted in Australian States. It may be well to repeat the remark made before, that only a rough approximation to the facts can be put forward.

ESTIMATED PRIVATE WEALTH.
Year.Amount.
 £
1,890142,631,461
1,895152,918,021
1,905258,710,357

In the year 1890 the private wealth was estimated at £142,631,000, which rose to £152,918,000 in 1895, during a period of five years. From this last amount the private wealth would appear to have advanced to £258,710,000 in the year 1905.

An attempt to arrive at the value of the public property (exclusive of lessees' interests in land and improvements) in the colony, with the assistance of the Valuer-General, has led to the following result:—

PUBLIC PROPERTY.

Public property—i.e., land and improvements not owned by individuals (1904–5, latest information available), exclusive of Government railways:—

 ££
Crown lands17,031,927 
Local authorities' lands5,581,480 
Educational lands4,012,795 
Church and other lands2,975,684 
  29,601,886
Government railways, open and under construction, 31st March, 1906 24,092,085
Other public works—viz., telegraphs, lighthouses, harbours, and water-supply on goldfields 5,142,132
                    Total public property £58,836,103

This amount of £58,836,103, with the sum of £258,710,000 previously shown as the private wealth, estimated from probate returns, gives a total of £317,546,103. If to this be added £8,684,284, the value of Native lands with their improvements (exclusive of lessees' interests), a final total of £326,230,387 is reached.

As before stated, so much of this sum as represents private wealth may be considered as net wealth, because stamp duty is paid after subtracting liabilities on estates. But the debt of the General Government and that of the local bodies (so far as raised abroad) must be deducted. The amounts were, in the year 1905, £50,589,169 and £5,638,600 respectively. Allowing for these, it is found that the colony had in 1905 at least £270,002,618 value of public and private wealth. Full information as to public wealth other than property owned by the Government is not procurable.

AVERAGE PRICES OF PRODUCE, LIVE-STOCK, PROVISIONS, ETC., IN EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF NEW ZEALAND DURING THE YEAR 1905.
Articles.Auckland.Taranaki.Hawke's Bay.Wellington.Marlborough.Nelson.Westland (Goldfield).Canterbury.Otago (Part Goldfield).
        I. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.         
Wheat per bushel (60 lb).3/8 to 5/3/6 to 4/3/4 to 4/63/9 to 4/93/64/4/6 to 5/2/8 to 3/63/3 to 4/6
Barley per bushel (47 lb.)3/ to 5/3/ to 3/92/9 to 3/93/ to 4/63/63/65/2/ to 3/2/6 to 4/
Oats per bushel (40 lb.)2/3 to 3/32/6 to 3/2/5 to 3/32/9 to 3/22/62/6 to 3/2/9 to 3/1/11 to 2/91/9 to 2/3
Maize per bushel (56 lb.)2/9 to 5/4/63/6 to 4/64/ to 5/..4/3 to 5/65/64/6 to 5/63/9 to 5/
Bran per bushel (20 lb.)10d. to 1/61/ to 1/61/3 to 1/61/ to 1/31/1/ to 1/31/3 to 1/49d. to 1/29d. to 1/6
Hay per ton55/ to 100/40/ to 80/70/60/ to 100/60/75/ to 100/90/ to 110/60/ to 80/40/ to 70/
        II. FLOUR AND BREAD.         
Flour, wholesale per ton of 2,000 lb.180/ to 220/210/ to 215/190/ to 230/200/ to 220/185/230/205/ to 220/180/ to 190/180/ to 215/
Flour, retail per bag of 50 lb.5/ to 6/5/9 to 6/6/ to 6/65/6 to 6/65/6/36/ to 6/64/8 to 5/95/ to 7/0
Bread per 4 lb. loaf6d. to 7d.7d. to 8d.6d. to 8 1/2d.6d. to 7d.5d.6d. to 7.7d.5 1/2d. to 7d.6d. to 8d.
        III. LIVE-STOCK AND MEAT.         
Horses, draught per head£35 to £50£30 to £38£40 to £60£25 to £50£42 10/£45£40 to £60£30 to £55£35 to £60
Horses, saddle and harness per head£6 to £18£10 to £15£15 to £30£10 to £30£20£20£15 to £30£12 to £25£15 to £30
Cattle, fat per head140/ to 170/120/ to 130/130/ to 175/140/ to 180/150/140/160/ to 230/130/ to 195/140/ to 200/
Cattle, milch cows per head100/ to 160/110/ to 120/110/ to 160/80/ to 150/130/110/100/ to 180/120/ to 140/80/ to 160/
Sheep, fat. per head17/ to 25/22/ to 25/14/ to 17/15/ to 22/616/16/20/ to 27/16/ to 29/20/ to 25/
Lambs, fat per head12/ to 15/12/ to 15/10/ to 16/11/ to 18/13/11/614/ to 15/12/ to 29/11/ to 20/
Butchers' meat:—         
    Beef per lb.4d. to 6d.4d. to 5d.4d. to 5d.4 1/2d. to 7d.5d.5d. to 6d.5 1/2d. to 7d.3d. to 9d.5d. to 8d.
    Mutton per lb.4d. to 6d.4 1/2d. to 5 1/2d.4d. to 5d.4d. to 6d.6d5d. to 6d.6d. to 8d.3d. to 6d.4 1/2d. to 6d.
    Veal per lb.4d. to 6d.5d.5d. to 5 1/2d.5d. to 6d.6d.5d. to 6d.6d. to 8d.3 1/2d. to 7d5d. to 8d.
    Pork per lb.5d. to 7d.6d.5d. to 6d.6d. to 8d.5d.6d. to 7d.6d. to 8d.6d. t 8d.6d. to 8d.
    Lamb per lb.5d. to 8d.6d.4 1/2d. to 6d.5 1/2d. to 8d.6d.6d.7d to 8d.5d. to 7d.6d. to 8d.
        IV. DIARY PRODUCE.         
Butter, fresh per lb.9d. to 1/1/ to 1/19d. to 1/10d. to 1/110d.10 1/2d. to 1/1/ to 1/110d. to 1/19d. to 1/1
Butter, salt per lb.7d. to 10 1/2d.9d. to 10d.9d. to 10d.9d. to 10d9d.10d.9d. to 1/9d. to 10d.8d. to 1/
Cheese, colonial per lb.5d. to 8d.8d.7d.7d. to 8d.7d.7d. to 8d.7d. tp 9d.5d. to 7d.5 1/2d. to 9d.
Cheese, colonial per lb.5d. to 8d.8d.7d.7d. to 8d.7d.7d. to 8d.7d. to 9d.5d. to 7d.5 1/2d. to 9d.
Cheese, imported per lb.1/ to 1/72/1/81/ to 2/1/4..1/ to 1/91/ to 1/68d. to 1/6
Milk per quart3d. to 4d.3d.3d.3d.3d.4d. to 5d.3d. to 5d.3d. to 4d.3d. to 5d.
        V. FARM-YARD PRODUCE.         
Geese per pair7/ to 8/6/7/6 to 10/7/ to 10/5/9/ to 11/6/ to 10/7/ to 8/66/ to 10/
Ducks per pair4/ to 5/5/ to 6/4/ to 4/64/ to 6/64/66/ to 7/65/6 to 9/4/ to 6/94/ to 5/
Fowls per pair3/ to 5/4/2/6 to 3/62/6 to 5/3/4/ to 4/64/ to 6/3/ to 4/2/6 to 4/
Turkeys per head3/6 to 10/9/ to 10/4/6 to 10/6/ to 14/4/67/67/ to 7/66/ to 10/5/ to 10/
Bacon per lb.7d. to 1/6d. to 8d.7d. to 8d.6d. to 9d.7d.8d. to 9d.8d. to 9d.6d. to 9d.6 1/2d. to 10d.
Ham per lb.8d. to 1/38d. to 9d.8d. to 9d.8d. to 10d.8d.9d.9d. to 10d.7d. to 10d.7 1/2d. to 1/
Eggs per doz.9d. to 1/29d. to 1/1/ to 1/310d. to 1/210d.1/ to 1/61/6 to 1/99d. to 1/28d. to 1/
        VI. GARDEN PRODUCE.         
Potatoes, wholesale per ton200/ to 240/240/ to 320/280/ to 350/200/ to 310/260/300/ to 330/300/ to 380/230/ to 280240/ to 300/
Potatoes, retail per cwt.13/6 to 15/15/ to 16/818/ to 20/12/ to 18/14/17/ to 18/18/ to 20/11/6 to 16/13/6 to 17/6
Onions per lb.1 1/2d. to 4d.2d. to 3d.2d. to 3d.3d. to 4d.3d.2 1/2d.2d. to 3d.1 1/2d. to 4d.2d. to 4d.
Carrots per doz. bnchs.1/ to 2/1/1/ to 2/1/ to 2/..3/3/1/ to 2/1/ to 4/
Turnips per doz. bnchs.1/ to 2/1/1/ to 2/1/ to 2/..3/3/1/ to 2/1/ to 4/
Cabbages per doz.1/6 to 4/2/ to 2/61/ to 1/61/ to 3/..2/ to 3/3/1/ to 3/1/6 to 3/
VII. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES.         
Tea per lb.1/6 to 3/1/6 to 1/81/6 to 2/61/6 to 2/1/91/6 to 2/1/6 to 2/61/4 to 2/1/3 to 2/
Coffee per lb.1/6 to 2/1/81/8 to 1/101/6 to 1/101/91/91/6 to 1/91/6 to 1/91/6 to 1/10
Sugar per lb.2 1/2d. to 3d.2 1/2d. to 3d.2 1/2d. to 3d.2 1/2d. to 3d.3d.2 1/2d. to 3d.3d.2 1/4d. to 2 3/4d.2 1/2d. to 3d.
Rice per lb.2d. to 2 1/2d.2 1/2d. to 3d.2 1/2d. to 3d.2d. to 3d.2 1/2d.2d. to 2 1/2d.2 1/2d. to 3d.2d to 2 1/2d.2d. to 3d.
Salt per lb.3/4d. to 1d.1d.1d.1d.1d.1d.1d.1d.1d. to 2d.
Soap per cwt.13/6 to 26/20/ to 25/14/ to 24/16/ to 25/9/621/6 to 22/9/ to 22/7/6 to 25/14/ to 25/
Candles per lb.5 1/2d. to 8d.6d. to 7d.7d. to 10d.6 1/2d. to 8d.7d.7d.7d. to 8d.5 1/2d. to 7d.5d. to 9d.
Tobacco per lb.5/ to 5/65/65/6 to 6/5/3 to 6/6/5/6 to 6/5/ to 5/95/ to 6/5/ to 6/
Coal per ton20/ to 45/40/ to 50/36/ to 50/36/ to 45/35/22/ to 32/20/ to 36/36/ to 45/20/ to 40/
Firewood per cord10/6 to 45/30/ to 32/20/ to 30/18/ to 40/..10/ to 38/16/ to 20/30/ to 40/13/ to 40/
        VIII. BEER, WINES, SPIRITS.         
Beer, colonial per hhd.82/ to 91/80/85/60/ to 90/80/85/ to 90/90/ to 100/70/ to 93/75/ to 100/
Beer, English, bottl'd per doz. qts.13/ to 20/15/ to 16/14/6 to 15/14/ to 16/614/15/14/ to 16/13/ to 16/14/ to 18/
Brandy per gallon23/6 to 34/30/ to 32/627/6 to 36/25/ to 32/625/26/ to 30/25/ to 26/26/ to 32/28/ to 30/
Rum per gallon24/ to 34/25/25/ to 30/24/ to 30/27/23/6 to 25/23/ to 25/24/ to 30/21/ to 28/
Whisky per gallon23/6 to 34/30/27/6 to 32/626/ to 30/30/24/6 to 28/25/ to 26/26/ to 28/25/ to 29/
Gin per gallon21/ to 27/620/ to 35/25/ to 30/22/ to 30/78/6 case.18/6 to 24/20/ to 22/620/ to 24/21/ to 28/
Wine, Australian per gallon12/6 to 24/18/ to 20/15/ to 20/15/ to 21/617/616/15/15/ to 16/12/ to 24/
Wine, European per gallon15/ to 36/22/18/6 to 22/616/ to 30/..23/17/6 to 28/18/ to 27/20/ to 45/
AVERAGE RATES OF WAGES IN EACH PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF NEW ZEALAND DURING THE YEAR 1905.
Description of Labour.Auckland.Taranaki.Hawke's Bay.Wellington.Marlborough.Nelson.Westland (Goldfield).Canterbury.Otago (Part Goldfield).
        1. AGRICULTURAL LABOUR.         
Farm-labourers:         
    With board, per week20/ to 25/25/ to 30/20/ to 25/20/ to 25/20/ to 25/20/20/ to 25/20/17/6 to 25/
    Without board, per day6/ to 7/7/7/ to 8/6/ to 8/......5/ to 7/5/ to 8/
Ploughmen:         
    With board, per week20/ to 30/25/ to 30/25/20/ to 25/25/ to 30/20/25/20/ to 25/20/ to 27/6
    Without board, per day6/7/7/ to 9/7/ to 8/......7/69/
Harvesters:         
    With board, per week20/ to 27/30/25/ to 30/25/ to 35/......35/ to 40/30/ to 40/
    Without board, per day1/ per hour1/ per hour8/8/8/8/..1/per hour7/ to 9/
Men cooks on farms         
    With board, per week20/ to 30/20/20/ to 30/25/ to 30/25/ to 30/25/ to 30/30/25/20/ to 27/6
Female farm-servants:         
    With board, per week10/ to 12/15/10/ to 15/12/ to 20/8/ to 15/15/12/6 to 20/10/ to 15/10/6 to 15/
        2. PASTORAL LABOUR.         
Sheperds, with board, per annum.£60 to £80£70 to £78£60 to £80£60 to £70£65 to £80..£52£60 to £80£52 to £78
Stock-keepers, with board, per annum.£52 to £78£60 to £65£60 to £78£65 to £78£65..£60£52 to £70£50 to £78
Station-labourers:         
    With board. [er week20/20/20/ to 25/20 to 25/20/ to 25/20/20/20/17/6 to 25/
    Without board, per day6/....8/.........
Shearers, with board, per 100 sheep shorm16/ to 20/20/17/6 to 20/16/8 to 20/16/8 to 20/..20/15/ to 18/615/ to 18/6
Men cooks on stations, with board, per week20/ to 30/25/20/ to 30/25/ to 3025/ to 30/..35/25/ to 30/20/ to 30/
        3. ARTISAN LABOUR (per day, without board).         
Masons10/ to 14/12/ to 13/12/12/ to 14/....10/ to 14/12/ to 14/12/ to 14/
Plasterers12/ to 14/13/ to 15/11/ to 14/12/ to 14/12/12/11/ to 14/11/ to 14/12/ to 14/
Bricklayers10/ to 13/12/ to 13/12/12/ to 13/12/12/ to 14/12/ to 14/12/ to 14/10/ to 14/
Needlewomen:         
    With board, per week15/ to 24/..15/17/6 to 30/..18/15/ to 20/20/15/ to 25
    Without board, per day (lunch always provided)3/ to 5/4/ to 6/5/5/4/4/..3/6 to 4/3/ to 5/
        5. MISCELLANEOUS.         
General labourers, without board, per day7/ to 8/7/ to 8/7/ to 9/7/ to 8/..8/ to 9/8/ to 10/6/ to 8/7/ to 8/
Stonebreakers, without board, per cubic yard2/9 to 4/3/63/63/6 to 4/....4/6 to 5/3/2/ to 4/
Seamen, with board, per month100/120/..160/..120/130/100/ to 140/80/ to 130/
Miners, without board, per day7/6 to 9/......11/10/9/ to 10/8/ to 10/8/ to 10/
Engine-drivers, without board, per day10/ to 12/8/ to 10/9/ to 10/8/ to 10/10/10/8/4 to 12/8/ to 10/9/ to 12/
Tailors, without board per day9/ to 10/8/ to 9/9/ to 10/8/ to 10/55/ (week)8/ to 10/9/ to 10/9/ to 10/9/ to 10/
Tailoresses, without per week18/ to 30/25/ to 30/30/25/ to 40/20/–30/20/ to 30/24/ to 30/24/ to 30/25/ to 42/
Dressmakers, without board, per day18/ to 60/12/ to 30/15/ to 42/20/ to 50/12/–20/20/ to 35/20/ to 24/17/6 to 33/20/ to 42/
Milliners, without board, per week18/ to 60/40/25/ to 42/20/ to 60/20/–30/20/ to 35/24/ to 50/25/ to 50/27/ to 60/
Machinists, without board, per day18/ to 25/27/ to 35/27/ to 30/20/ to 30/20/–25/15/ to 25/18/ to 25/25/ to 30/20/ to 33/
Storekeepers, without per week30/ to 60/50/ to 80/40/ to 60/50/ to 65/....40/ to 50/40/ to 50/40/ to 70/
Storekeepers, assistants, without board per week30/ to 60/35/ to 60/42/ to 50/30/ to 50/20/–40/45/ to 60/30/ to 40/30/ to 60/30/ to 60/
Grocers' assistants, without per day30/ to 60/30/ to 60/42/ to 50/30/ to 50/30/–45/45/30/ to 40/30/ to 48/30/ to 50/
Butchers, without board, per week30/ to 60/50/30/ to 50/40/ to 60/40/–45/40/ to 50/48/ to 60/50/ to 63/40/ to 60/
Bakers, without board per week40/ to 60/50/45/ to 60/45/ to 60/50/–55/50/ to 60/48// to 60/50/ to 63/40/ to 60/
Storemen, without per week40/ to 60/50/42/ to 50/42/ to 50/50/60/40/ to 54/30/ to 48/40/ to 60/
Compositors, without board, per week30/ to 60/55/ to 60/42/ to 60/45/ to 60/50/40/ to 60/40/ to 72/42/ to 60/40/ to 60/

Chapter 47. SECTION XVI.—FINANCE.

SUBSECTION A.—REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT.

THE revenue proper for the year ended 31st March, 1906, amounted to £7,584,359, and other receipts were £65,739, including £65,000 as the proceeds of sinking-fund debentures. The total receipts were thus £7,650,098. The principal increases over the previous year were in railways, £120,651; Customs duties, £65,428; stamps, £41,144; and land and income tax, £40,766. All the other heads of revenue exceeded the previous year's receipts.

The expenditure for the year under permanent charges and votes reached £7,122,340, or £486,438 in excess of that for the previous year. Amongst the permanent charges interest and sinking fund shows an increase of £93,475 over the previous year, arising from the payment of interest on new loans issued; and old-age pensions amounted to £59,988 more than for the previous year, owing to the increase in the annual pension paid. The amount transferred to the Public Works Fund during the year was £500,000, making the total expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund £7,622,340.

Summarising the above results it is found that the balance of receipts over expenditure for the year amounted to £27,758. To this must be added the amount brought forward from the previous year, £761,036; and the total, £788,794, represents the balance carried forward for the current financial year's operations.

The chief heads of revenue and expenditure are shown hereunder:—

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
Revenue.££Expenditure.££
Balance on 31st March, 1905 761,030His Excellency the Governor7,000 
Customs duties2,697,411 Legislative55,886 
Beer duty98,135 Ministers' salaries and allowances12,530 
Stamps (including postal and telegraph cash receipts)1,201,263 Interest and sinking fund charges2,087,437 
Land-tax385,756 Exchange and commission23,326 
Income-tax261,815 Pensions, civil and military46,272 
Railways2,338,418 Old-age pensions258,720 
Registration and other fees108,222 Railways1,594,954 
Marino dues36,739 Public instruction714,071 
Miscellaneous195,811 Postal and telegraph services577,115 
Territorial revenue260,789 Judicial and legal295,675 
  7,584,359Hospitals and charitable institutions131,102 
Other receipts—  Defence156,555 
  Proceeds of debentures for increases of sinking fund65,000 Subsidies to local bodies96,348 
  Recoveries in respect of expenditure of previous years739 Department of Agriculture124,048 
  65,739Mental hospitals79,563 
   Valuation Department30,272 
   Customs44,452 
   Marine (including harbours and lights)48,490 
   Printing and stationery43,862 
   Australasian Naval Defence40,000 
   Electoral51,570 
   Land and Income Tax Department20,220 
   Registration of land and deeds, births, deaths, and marriages26,722 
   Public buildings and domains26,893 
   Public Health Department23,215 
   Industries and Commerce40,067 
   Tourist Department28,267 
   Miscellaneous expenditure139,078 
   Territorial expenditure298,630 
     7,122,340
   Other expenditure—  
     Transferred to Public Works Fund 500,000
   Balance on 31st March, 1906 788,791
  £8,411,134  £8,411,134

Ordinary Revenue.

The ordinary revenue shows an increase for the year 1905–6 of 4.28 per cent. over the figures for 1904–5. When considering the figures given it must be remembered that the mean population increased at the rate of 2.99 per cent., so that any rate above this means a higher ratio of revenue. Taking the items in order of their magnitude, the advance is shown below:—

Heads of Revenue.Ordinary Revenue.Increase.
1904–5.Per Cent of Total.1005–6.Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Centesimal.
 £ £ £Per Cent.
Customs duties2,631,98337.482,697,41136.8365,4282.49
Railways2,217,76731.582,338,41831.93120,6515.44
Stamps (including postal and telegraph cash receipts)1,160,11916.521,201,26316.4041,1443.55
Land-tax352,8545.02385,7565.2732,9029.32
Income-tax253,9523.62261,8163.587,8643.10
Beer duty96,2101.3796,1351.341,9252.01
Registration and other fees103,4651.47108,2221.484,7574.60
Marine36,1210.5135,7390.506181.71
Miscellaneous170,3782.43195,8102.6725,43214.93
        Ordinary revenue7,022,849100.007,323,570100.00300,7214.28

The amount derived from Customs duties was 2.49 per cent. greater than that shown for 1904.5; land-tax, 9.32 per cent.; stamps, &c., 3.55 per cent.; and railway revenue shows an advance of 5.44 per cent. While the mean population of the colony increased by 2.99 per cent. during 1905–6, the ordinary revenue advanced at the higher rate of 4.28 per cent., as shown above.

The Customs and excise duties in 1905–6 accounted for £36 16s. 7d. out of every £100 of ordinary revenue collected; railways, £31 18s. 7d.; and stamps, &c., £16 8s. Of other items, the land-tax yielded 5.27 per cent. and income-tax 3.58 per cent. of the revenue.

Territorial Revenue.

Territorial revenue belonging to the Consolidated Fund increased from £260,021 in 1904–5 to £260,789 in 1905–6. Details for the last two years are:—

Territorial Revenue.Increase or Decrease 1905–6.
1904–5.Per Cent of Total.1005–6.Per Cent. of Total.Numerical.Centesimal.

* Exclusive of revenue derived from land set apart for State forests, £14,385; lands for close settlement, £185,763; and of the Cheviot Estate, £13,377. These moneys are credited in the separate loan accounts to which they belong. The amount of all moneys taken by the Receivers of Land Revenue during the year ended 31st March, 1906, will be found stated, under each head, in Section XIX, “Crown Lands.”

 £ £ £Per Cent.
Cash land sales44,16910.9932,40612.43 -11,763-36.30
Deferred-payment land sales5,3572.065,4402.08831.55
Pastoral runs, rents, miscellaneous210,49580.95222,94385.4912,4485.91
        Territorial revenue260,021*100.00260,789100.007680.30

By the foregoing table the cash land sales for 1905–6 are shown to have decreased by 36 per cent., and to supply 12 per cent. of the whole territorial revenue of the Consolidated Fund; while rents and miscellaneous, which constitute 85 per cent. of the total, have increased by nearly 6 per cent.

Ordinary and Territorial Revenue.

The total ordinary and territorial revenue is found to have increased from £7,282,870 in 1904–5 to £7,584,359 in 1905–6, or at the rate of 4.14 per cent., or 1.15 per cent. more than the rate at which population increased:—

 Ordinary.Territorial.Total.
 £££
Year 1905–67,323,570260,7897,584,359
Year 1904–57,022,849260,0217,282,870
            Increase300,721768301,489

After allowing for alteration in system of charging interest and sinking fund, the charges of the public debt paid out of the Consolidated Fund, in proportion to the ordinary and territorial revenue, are found to have fallen from 41.6 per cent. in 1890–91 to 27.52 per cent. in 1905–6.

If the sum of £37,846, the amount of territorial revenue received by way of land sales in 1905–6, is deducted from the total revenue the charges of the public debt will be found to have absorbed 27.66 per cent. of the revenue, reduced by the sum derived from relinquishment of real estate of the Crown.

Total Revenue of General Government.

The whole of the revenue of the General Government arising from taxation as well as from other sources for the last ten financial years exhibits great progress. The rates of taxation and of revenue per head of mean population are given to illustrate this:—

Year ended 31 March.Revenue.Taxation per Head of Mean Population.Revenue per Head of Mean Population.
From Taxation.From other Sources.Total.
 ££££ s. d.£ s. d.
1,8972,521,9112,276,7974,798,7083 11 06 15 1
1,8982,678,5762,400,6545,079,2303 13 117 0 2
1,8992,707,0992,551,1295,258,2283 13 37 2 3
1,9002,891,1262,808,4925,099,6183 16 107 11 6
1,9013,042,8902,864,0265,906,9163 19 67 14 4
1,9023,113,0793,039,7606,152,8393 19 87 17 6
1,9033,277,9643,169,4716,447,4354 1 88 0 8
1,9043,649,6013,480,5167,130,1174 8 48 12 5
1,9053,754,3793,592,8187,347,1974 8 28 12 0
1,9063,841,5963,808,5027,650,0984 7 78 14 4

The total revenue is shown to have increased from £4,798,708 in 1896–97 to £7,650,098 in 1905–6, a difference of £2,851,390, while the proportion to population has increased by no less than £1 19s. 3d. per head.

The greater yield from the sources of taxation exhibited by the above figures may be regarded as indicative of increased prosperity enjoyed by the people of the colony.

Ordinary Revenue Expenditure.

The expenditure for 1905–6 (exclusive of expenditure properly belonging to territorial purposes) amounted to £6,823,710, of which the largest item, after the charges of the public debt, £2,087,437, was on account of railways, £1,594,594. Public instruction cost £714,071, of which £485,482 was for carrying on the Board schools, £54,696 for technical and higher education, £19,018 for Native schools, £21,517 for industrial schools, and £75,453 for school-buildings. The postal and telegraph services cost £577,115. Under the heading “Judicial and Legal” the total sum expended was £295,675, of which the largest item was the police, £135,253; the next, District, Magistrates', and Wardens' Courts, £55,480; and, thirdly, prisons, £41,358. Hospitals and charitable institutions cost £131,102, and the mental hospitals £79,563. Defence required £156,555, exclusive of £40,000 contributed by the colony towards the cost of Australasian naval defence; the Department of Agriculture, £124,048; Public Health Department, £23,215; Electoral, £51,570; Industries and Commerce Department, £40,067; Tourist Department, £28,267; and the Valuation Department, £30,272. Payments of old-age pensions required £258,720 for the year.

Territorial Revenue Expenditure.

The chief items of expenditure under this head are the Lands and Survey Department, £176,388, and Mines, £17,339: while there was paid to local bodies £98,964 (£38,913 being “thirds” and “fourths” under the Land Act, and £13,974 for the Greymouth, £3,076 for the New Plymouth, £42,448 for the Westport, and £553 for the Nelson Harbour Boards); besides £5,321 expended in management of water-races, and £617 in rates on Crown lands.

Ordinary and Territorial Revenue Expenditure: Five Years.

The expenditure out of ordinary and territorial revenue during the last five financial years is tabulated, specifying the chief heads of expenditure. It must be noted that the old-age pensions become a large item for 1899–1900 and following years. The development of the Departments of Agriculture, Public Health, &c., also contributed to raising the expenditure latterly:—

Expenditure.Financial Years (ended 31st March).
1901–2.1902–3.1903–41904–5.1905–6.
 £££££
Charges of the public debt1,803,9391,900,9791,957,9631,993,8702,087,437
Railways1,280,9971,357,3851,451,9541,471,8441,594,954
Public instruction (including school-buildings, industrial and Native schools, and deaf-and-dumb institution539,317566,568588,860653,272714,071
Postal and telegraph463,817485,860524,500557,535577,115
Militia and Volunteers191,250214,226165,142183,134156,555
Old-age pensions210,045212,962204,500197,911258,720
Crown lands and surveys122,278129,795160,932150,160176,388
Police120,629123,804126,149130,426135,253
Other expenditure1,163,6431,222,4401,254,2811,297,7501,421,847
        Totals5,895,9156,214,0196,434,2816,635,9027,122,340

Loan Accounts, Receipts and Expenditure, 1905–6.

The total receipts of the various loan accounts—excluding the operations of the Government Advances to Settlers Office, the Conversion Account, and New Zealand Consols Account—for the year ended 31st March, 1906, were:—

Receipts in aid:—

Public Works Fund—££
    The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Acts—  
        Balance of loan issued under Act of 190432,937 
        Proceeds of debentures and scrip issued under Act of 1905817,914 
        Premiums on sale of debentures and interest on overdue instalments557 
    New Zealand Loans Act, 1904—  
        Inscribed stock (3 1/2 per cent.) created to cover expenses of raising £1,000,000 loan22,833 
  874,241
    Transfer from Consolidated Fund 500,000
    Debentures issued under “The Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1903”80,000 
    Under “The Railways Improvements Authorisation Act, 1904”—  
        Balance of loan (£92,500) issued in London4,063 
        Debentures issued in the colony92,500 
        Interest on overdue instalments5 
        Inscribed stock (3 1/2 par cent.) created to cover cost of raising loans2,327 
  178,895
    Ellesmere Reclamation, &c., Account 1,632
    Contribution towards cost of bridge over Mataura River 1,000
Cheviot Estate Account—  
    Receipts under “The Cheviot Estate Disposition Act,1883”13,377 
Land for Settlements Account—  
    Debentures sold for purchase of estates473,725 
    Rents, &c.185,763 
    Interest on investments12,493 
    Other receipts6,211 
  678,192
Maori Land Settlement Account—  
    Debentures and scrip issued134,025 
    Premium, 2 per cent. on £100,0002,000 
  136,025
Loans to Local Bodies Account—  
    Debentures151,000 
    Recoveries130 
  151,130
  2,534,492
Other receipts—  
    Debentures issued under the Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Acts—  
        For renewals and redemptions 265,300
    Debentures issued under “The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900”—  
        For redemptions 76,000
  £2,875,792

The total expenditure out of the above accounts during the financial year was £2,972,589, excluding £341,300 for renewal and redemption of debentures falling due.

Disbursements out of the Public Works Fund totalled £1,811,819, including £8,862 for the Paeroa–Waihi Railway, and £44,864 for the improvement of the Hutt Railway. The Colonial Treasurer proposes to transfer to this account during the current year a substantial sum out of the Consolidated Fund, in addition to the amounts already received from that source in past years (£4,855,000).

The Land for Settlements Account shows that payments were made during the year for the purchase of estates to be cut up for close settlement, £780,633; incidental expenses, including the cost of issuing debentures, £47,422; while the interest charge on the Consolidated Fund was relieved to the extent of £162,760 out of this account, by way of recoup.

The Loans to Local Bodies Account, which deals with moneys used chiefly for roading the more inaccessible country and for water-supply, shows an expenditure amounting to £117,066, besides that to open up Crown lands, £38,801.

The only payment out of the Cheviot Estate Account during the year was for interest £8,866, and the sum of £5,085 was charged to the Scenery Preservation Account for expenses.

Expenditure on Services:—  
    Public Works Fund—£££
    Railways1,077,978 
    Roads360,766 
    Public buildings160,214 
    Telegraph extension77,186 
    Contingent defence35,569 
    Development of goldfields18,533 
    Tourist and health resorts15,438 
    Departmental13,517 
    Purchase of Native lands10,764 
    Immigration8,753 
    Lighthouses, harbour-works, and harbour-defences4,946 
    Utilisation of water-power2,902 
    Lands improvement1,052 
    Rates on Native lands547 
    Charges and expenses of raising loans23,654 
  1,811,819
Cheviot Estate Account—  
    Interest8,866 
    Surveys, roading, &c.100 
  8,966
Scenery Preservation Account—  
    Expenses 5,085
Land for Settlements Account—  
    Purchase of estates780,633 
    Charges and expenses (including loan charges, £4,957)47,422 
    Interest recouped to Consolidated Fund162,760 
  990,815
Maori Land Settlement Account—  
    Charges and expenses 37
Loans to Local Bodies Account—  
    Grants to local bodies117,066 
    Roads to open up Crown lands38,801 
  155,867
                Total 2,972,589
Other expenditure—  
    Public Works Fund—  
        Debentures redeemed and renewed (as per contra) 265,300
    Land for Settlements Account—  
        Debentures redeemed (as per contra) 76,000
  £3,313,889

The expenditure out of loan accounts for five years may be summarised as given in the next table:—

Heads of Expenditure out of Loan Accounts.Financial Years.
1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.

* Including sums expended in the purchase of lands for settlement and expenses in connection therewith—viz., £498,124 in 1901–2; £466,844 in 1902–3; £623,269 in 1903–4; £603,912 in 1904–5; and £990,815 in 1905–6. Interest recouped to Consolidated Fund has been included, being treated as expenditure out of the account.

†Including sums expended under Loans to Local Bodies Acts—viz., £31,979 in 1901–2, £18,578 in 1902–3; £25,753 in 1903–4; £28,895 in 1904–5; and £38,801 in 1905–6.

‡ This account is now deal with under another heading, the expenditure being met entirely from the proceeds of the sale of coal.

NOTE.—Excluding amounts applied to investments by way of advances to settlers with charges and expenses, besides amounts for debentures redeemed and advances repaid.

 £££££
Charges and expenses of raising loans and renewals (Public Works Fund)5,62088,18087,24910,76423,654
Cheviot Estate interest and expenses8,8819,0378,8668,8668,866
Contmgent defence146,87637,00438,72446,58835,569
Immigration140142Cr. 76,4828,753
Land purchases*516,385*482,627*628,621*610,1931,001,616
Lighthouses, harbour-works, and defences12,15913,58110,8635,9904,946
Public buildings145,600197,455216,192116,678160,214
Public Works departmental expenditure16,40412,81916,08912,81413,517
Railway-construction and other works connected with railway-extension1,333,941759,753828,704749,4531,077,978
Rates on Native lands570471666631547
Roads†435,669†301,747†387,595†258,956†399,667
Telegraph-extension31,72968,57847,22779,29877,186
Development of goldfields15,32524,21316,2786,25818,533
Tourist and health resorts11,26010,94915,64317,10815,438
Lands improvement1,6772,3482,0192,2481,052
State coal-mines..39,42465,246110,126
Scenery-preservation......2,0905,085
Utilisation of water-power......4682,902
Payments to local bodies under Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts208,531234,870195,652165,893117,066
Ellesmere and Forsyth Railway Trust......545..
Debentures issued to Midland Railway bondholders....150,000....
        Totals2,890,7672,283,1982,715,6272,211,4492,972,589

The total amount of actual loan-moneys under various heads raised from the beginning is roughly shown further on in a table dealing with the public debt of the colony.

Although the Public Works Fund forms the main source of the expenditure out of loan accounts, all the money included in it has not been raised from loans. Amounts from the revenue of the Consolidated Fund were paid to the Public Works Fund during the last fifteen financial years as follows:—

 £
1891–9230,000
1892–93200,000
1893–94250,000
1894–95250,000
1895–90150,000
1896–97150,000
1897–98300,000
1898–99425,000
1899–1900450,000
1900–1500,000
1901–2500,000
1902–3200,000
1903–4350,000
1904–5600,000
1905–6500,000
                Total£4,855,000

The expenditure each year since 1884 on services provided for by the Public Works Fund has been:—

Year.Immigration.Railways.Roads.Development of Goldfields.Telegraph Extension.Public Buildings.Lighthouses, &c.Other Services.Totals.

* Exclusive of moneys spent on roads under Lands Improvement, Native Lands Purchase, and Government Loans to Local Bodies Accounts: £103,076 in 1894–95, £162,757 in 1895–96, £173,358 in 1896–97.

† The expenditure on roads under the first two Acts mentioned above (*) is included as part of Public Works Fund; the sum of £18,770 was also spent out of Loans to Local Bodies Account on roads to open up Crown lands in 1897–98, £16,972 in 1898–99, £31,363 in 1899–1900, £37,390 in 1900–1, £31,979 in 1901–2, £18,578 in 1902–3, £25,753 in 1903–4, £28,895 in 1904–5, and £38,801 in 1905–6. These moneys have been excluded, as have also small sums expended in roading &c., the Cheviot Estate.

‡ Including £150,000 debentures issued to Midland Railway bondholders.

 £££££££££
1884–8557,148663,063317,0438,02925,799117,36134,033114,2511,336,727
1885–8611,675725,496335,9049,03236,01086,859133,975136,4351,475,386
1886–8712,454615,265278,6177,66518,95289,598148,705162,2281,333,484
1887–8815,598403,726219,5191,01622,98490,52976,825135,962966,159
1888–898,791272,077106,4405512,04734,59247,593132,344613,939
1889–90867289,57284,12628416,34635,4739,43446,362482,464
1890–911,823180,02071,28982116,29222,8192,66639,026334,756
1891–92817154,416101,6052,25727,77334,7917,34762,495391,501
1892–93242220,894105,5063,81129,24531,10111,20560,502462,506
1893–94343176,304147,4185,27216,12744,0326,58810,713406,797
1894–95101247,54561,757*5,86519,22954,1903,1459,578401,410*
1895–96Cr. 01197,10566,774*9,34535,53876,5297,41019,639412,330*
1896–97301207,23164,292*10,50836,79170,57911,60026,683487,985*
1897–9870351,600290,777†33,11729,38473,5855,29581,715865,543†
1898–99105374,141295,534†17,35428,551107,26715,66277,713916,327†
1899–1900385417,937285,532†21,81526,771115,4279,026116,330993,223†
1900–1214717,723315,791†15,90750,101121,3646,51781,4041,309,021†
1901–21401,333,941403,690†15,32531,729145,60012,159200,6682,143,252†
1902–3142759,753283,169†24,21368,578197,45513,581167,5541,514,445†
1903–4Cr. 7828,704361,842†16,27847,227216,19210,863315,728‡1,796,841†
1904–56,482749,453230,012†6,25879,298116,6785,99096,9011,291,072†
1905–68,7531,077,978360,766†18,53377,186160,2144,946103,4431,811,819†

Other Accounts.

The State Coal-mines Account received during the year £152,438, derived from the sale of coal. The working-expenses of the mines absorbed £138,608, and the sum of £4,900 was paid for interest on debentures.

The State Forests Account receipts for the year were £14,385, made up of rents from lands set apart, £2,792, and miscellaneous £11,593; while the expenditure for tree-planting, &c., was £20,188.

Revenue received for local bodies amounted for the year to £69,003, to which gold duty contributed £24,778, goldfields revenue £18,980, endowments of land, &c., £17,070, and fees and fines, &c., £8,175. The amount paid over to the various local bodies was £67,971.

In the Deposit Account the sum of £344,258 is shown to have been received during the year, and £266,933 to have been withdrawn.

In the Conversion Account 3 1/2-per-cent. inscribed stock to the value of £1,663,913 was inscribed during the year 1905–6; of this sum £724,600 was applied to the redemption of debentures, and £907,323 to conversions. Expenses—the chief items of which were, stamp duty £10,239, discount £7,533, brokerage and commission £7,517, rent, office expenses, &c., £800—absorbed £26,089.

Deposits inscribed in the New Zealand Consuls Account amounted to £1,117 for the year. The sum invested up to 31st March, 1906, was £476,851.

Loans for Government Advances to Settlers.

A notable feature in the legislation of the year 1894 was the passing of the Government Advances to Settlers Act, a description of which, with its amending Acts and the loan operations under the same, will be found in Part III.

The loans authorised to the 31st March, 1906, classified according to provincial districts, are shown in tabular form:—

Provincial Districts.Number of Applications.Amount of Advances authorised.
  £
Auckland3,8991,153,083
Taranaki2,6011,065,304
Hawke's Bay992279,015
Wellington4,3581,468,993
Marlborough547205,585
Nelson22765,840
Westland26860,390
Canterbury1,392382,960
Otago and Southland3,1191,148,120
            Totals17,4035,829,290

Of the 17,403 advances authorised, 2,094 applicants declined the grants (£906,660) offered them, so that the net advances to the 31st March, 1906, numbered 15,309, and amounted to £4,922,630. The securities for the net authorised advances were valued at £10,817,184.

The total sum raised by the Government for investment on mortgage is £3,410,000. Nine thousand nine hundred and eighty-six mortgagors are indebted to the Department to the extent of £3,126,987 10s. in respect of principal moneys.

The gross profits for the year ended the 31st March, 1906, were £38,634 17s. 8d., and the cost of management £4,438 12s. 9d., being 0.13 per cent., or 2s. 7d. per £100 on the capital employed. The net profits amounted to £34,047 9s. 2d.

Arrangements have recently been made by the office whereby the whole cost of providing cover indemnifying the Department as mortgagee against claims which may arise under “The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900,” will be borne by the Department. Hitherto the premiums payable in respect of mortgagee's accident indemnity insurance have been a charge against mortgagors. The concession made cannot be considered otherwise than highly satisfactory to the settlers, and it relieves the office of a large amount of clerical work.

There have been no losses on advances since the inception of the office, and the office has no securities on its hands. The payments of interest and instalments of principal have been well maintained, and continue very satisfactory.

The liabilities and assets at 31st March, 1906, of the Government Advances to Settlers Office were:—

DR.            Liabilities.£ s. d.CR.            Assets. £ s. d.
3-per-cent. Loan, redeemable 1st April, 1945, “A”1,500,000 0 0Investment Account—£ s. d. 
3-per-cent. Loan, redeemable 1st April, 1945, “B”500,000 0 0    Advances on mortgage4,789,557 13 6 
Sundry loans990,000 0 0    Less repayments1,664,488 9 4 
Advances on account of loans420,000 0 0  3,125,069 4 2
Assurance Fund50,000 0 0Sinking Fund investment with Public Trustee 83,887 10 5
Suspense Account13,178 12 11Mortgage instalments receivable, overdue 1,918 5 10
Accrued interest payable3,757 4 9Bills receivable 630 11 7
Profit and Loss Account1,417 8 6Interest receivable, overdue 7,644 7 2
  Interest receivable, accrued 32,430 3 1
  Loan-flotation charges 66,741 7 6
  Cash in hand and in bank 163,031 16 5
 £3,481,353 6 2  £3,481,353 6 2

“The Government Advances to Settlers Act Amendment Act, 1899,” as an encouragement to the early payment of the prescribed instalments of interest on fixed loans, and of interest and principal on loans under the instalment principle, provides for a rebate to the mortgagor, which reduces his interest to 4 1/2 per cent. in lieu of 5 per cent. per annum.

There are new alternative modes of disposing of moneys paid in advance laid down in this measure, but it is optional with mortgagors to adopt the new system instead of that previously in operation in respect of moneys paid before the commencement of the new Act, and which are held under the original arrangements.

Provision is made for the readjustment of loans by memorandum of adjustment, which gives elasticity to the system by treating the balance of principal due as a fresh loan granted for a new term.

The margin of security on loans, is provided for as follows: In the case of fixed loans the amount of the loan is not to exceed three-fifths of the value of the security, while in case of loans under the instalment system on freehold security of first-class agricultural land the amount of the loan is not to exceed two-thirds the value of the security; on other rural freeholds the limit is three-fifths.

Advances may now be made on the security of urban or suburban land, but on the instalment system only, and with limitation of amount to a maximum of £2,000 and a minimum of £25.

Urban land is defined as that situate in a borough having a population of at least two thousand persons, and which is not used for farming, dairying, or market gardening; and suburban land means that which is situate in a borough having under two thousand people, or any town or vicinity, and which is not used for agricultural or dairying purposes as above referred to.

As to security for loans: In the case of urban lands on which there are buildings, the amount of the loan is not to exceed three-fifths of the value of the land apart from the buildings, plus one-half of the value of the buildings apart from the land. When the land is suburban, having buildings thereon, the loan is not to exceed one-half of the value of the land apart from the buildings, plus one-half of the value of the buildings separately.

When the land is urban or suburban, but has no buildings, the loan is not to exceed one-half of the value of the land, and there is not to be any loan except for the erection of buildings, and to be by way of instalments as erection proceeds.

There is a further subdivision of the Act, under which special provisions are made for protecting the interests of the Advances to Settlers Department with respect to other than freehold securities.

The legislation for authorisation of loan moneys for Advances to Settlers has been: Under the principal Act of 1894, £3,000,000; under the Amendment Act of 1901, £1,000,000.

Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement.

“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1896,” empowered the Colonial Treasurer to raise £1,000,000—in aid of the Public Works Fund to the extent of £500,000, and the Lands Improvement Account and the Native Lands Purchase Account £250,000 each.

The Act passed in 1897 authorised the raising of an additional sum of £250,000, to be applied for the purpose of procuring £200,000 for further rolling-stock for railways, and for the repair of damages to lines by floods or otherwise; £25,000 for erection and repair of public-school buildings, and another sum of £25,000 for purposes of building and equipment of technical schools.

The Act of 1898 provided for raising £500,000, of which £175,000 was allocated to railways-construction, £200,000 was for new rolling-stock for open railways, and £125,000 for the construction of roads, bridges, and other works authorised.

Under another Act of 1899, the sum of £1,000,000 was authorised—£300,000 for railway-construction, £225,000 for rolling-stock, £350,000 for land-settlement and goldfields-development, £50,000 for school buildings, £50,000 for purchase of Native lands, and £25,000 for harbour defence.

A further Act of 1900 provided for the raising of £1,000,000, of which £500,000 was allocated to railway-construction, £300,000 for rolling-stock, £150,000 for land-settlement, and £50,000 for goldfields-development.

Again, an Act of 1901 authorised raising the sum of £1,250,000. Of this, £600,000 was applied to railway-construction, £400,000 for rolling-stock, £200,000 for land-settlement, and £50,000 to development of goldfields.

The Act of 1902 authorised raising £1,750,000, to be devoted to railway-construction (£750,000), rolling-stock (£450,000), roads and bridges (£450,000), development of goldfields (£50,000), and telegraph-extension (£50,000).

The Act of 1903 authorised raising £1,000,000 for the following purposes: Railway-construction (£450,000), rolling-stock (£150,000), roads and bridges (£340,000), development of goldfields (£20,000), telegraph-extension (£40,000).

The Act of 1904 authorised raising £750,000 for purposes of railway-construction (£275,000), rolling-stock (£75,000), roads and bridges (£350,000), development of goldfields (£20,000), telegraph-extension (£30,000).

“The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1905,” authorised raising, under the provisions of “The New Zealand Loans Act, 1904,” in the colony or elsewhere, of sums not exceeding £1,000,000 altogether, by debentures or scrip, or by the creation or issue of inscribed stock under “The New Zealand Consolidated Stock Act, 1877.”

Provision was made for obtaining funds pending the raising of the money authorised, by the sale, &c., of short-dated debentures, bearing interest not exceeding 4 1/2 per cent. per annum, and having a currency of not more than seven years.

All the money raised under this Act is applied to the following purposes:—

 £
1. Railways— 
    Railway-construction425,000
    Additional rolling-stock, &c., for open lines75,000
2. Laud-settlement and goldfields-development— 
    Construction of roads, tracks, and bridges to open up backblocks, and other work in connection therewith400,000
    For developing goldfields25,000
3. For telegraph-extension75,000
 £1,000,000

Loans under Land for Settlements Acts.

The moneys raised under these Acts and the operations by way of purchasing estates to be cut up for close settlement form the subject of a special section of this part of the Year-book (No. XX).

“The Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1901.”

The above Act consolidates all former measures dealing with the borrowing-powers of local bodies. It does not affect the securities issued for any loan raised under any Act repealed.

“The Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act, 1903.”

As to Government loans to local bodies, the yearly rate of interest and the period during which interest is payable by the local authority shall, at the option of such authority, be—

  1. Five per centum per annum for a period of twenty-six years; or

  2. Four and a half per centum per annum for a period of thirty-two years; or

  3. Four per centum per annum for a period of forty-one years.

Such option shall be exercised by the local authority in its application for the loan.

At the expiration of the period during which interest is payable the liability of the local authority shall cease without further payment.

SUBSECTION B.—TAXATION.

Direct Taxation.

THE direct taxation prior to 1892 consisted of a property-tax of 1d. in the pound on all assessed real and personal property (with an exemption of £500), and the stamp duties; but in 1891 a Land and Income Assessment Act was passed repealing the property-tax. A full description of the system of the land and income tax will be found in a special article in Part III. of this work. The leading features only are briefly stated here.

The Assessment Act of 1891 provided for an ordinary land-tax on the actual value of land, allowing an owner to deduct any amount owing by him secured on a registered mortgage. Under the original Act the deduction for improvements might not exceed £3,000; but by the Amendment Act of 1893 the value of all improvements whatsoever was exempted from liability to land-tax. Besides this, an exemption of £500 was allowed when the balance, after making deductions as above stated, was not above £1,500; and beyond that a smaller exemption was granted, but ceasing when the balance amounted to £2,500. There is a consolidation Act passed in 1900 now in force, with amendments made in 1903. Mortgages are subject to the land-tax, but in 1902–3 the rate was lowered from the full amount to 3/4d. in the pound. The revenue from the ordinary land-tax is, in round numbers, about £281,000 per annum. The rate of ordinary land-tax for 1905–6 was 1d. in the pound. Native land occupied by Europeans is taxed 1/2d. in the pound on the unimproved value.

In addition to the ordinary land-tax, there is a graduated land-tax, which commences when the unimproved value is £5,000. For the graduated land-tax the present value of all improvements is deducted; but mortgages are not deducted. The Act of 1893, while reducing the ordinary taxation on land by exempting all improvements, increased the graduated tax. Under the subsequent Act passed in 1903 the rates of graduated tax have been again increased, and the revised rates are now one-sixteenth of a penny in the pound sterling when the value is £5,000 and is less than £7,000, from which the rate increases with the value of the property by further steps of a sixteenth of a penny until the maximum of 3d. in the pound is reached, payable when the value is £210,000, or exceeds that sum.

This graduated tax yields, in round numbers, £105,000 per annum, which is not included in the sum of £281,000 given above. Fifty per cent. additional tax is levied in case of persons who have been absent from the colony for not less than one year prior to the passing of the yearly taxing Act.

Graduated tax is not chargeable on Native land.

Besides the land-tax (ordinary and graduated) there is also levied by way of further direct taxation an income-tax on all incomes above £300. From the yearly income of every taxpayer there is deducted by way of special exemption the sum of £300, and from taxable incomes a further deduction up to £50 per annum for life-insurance premiums is allowed. The rate of income-tax for 1905–6 was 6d. in the pound on the first taxable £1,000, and 1s. in the pound on any excess of £1,000.

Companies pay 1s. in the pound, and are not allowed exemption. The Act of 1893 further disallowed the £300 exemption in the case of persons not domiciled in New Zealand.

The revenue derived from income-tax may be set down at £261,000 per annum.

The amounts paid by way of income-tax, under a uniform rate of taxation, show great increase year by year, and afford satisfactory evidences of prosperity. These are quoted with a caution in regard to the figures for 1892 to 1895. The full number of persons properly liable to the tax may not have been ascertained at such time.

 Income-tax paid.
 £
1892–9867,367
1893–9475,238
1894–9589,891
1895–9692,778
1896–97105,504
1897–98115,210
1898–99115,480
1899–1900128,721
1900–1173,809
1901–2179,397
]902–3200,684
1903–4221,369
1904–5253,952
1905–6261,816

The increase from 1895–96 to 1905–6 is £169,038, being a rate of 182 per cent., while the population increased during the same period by 24 per cent.

Indirect Taxation.

The indirect taxation is made up of Customs duties, and excise duty on beer made in the colony.

During the year ended 31st March, 1906, Customs duties collected amounted to £2,697,411, and excise duty on beer to £98,135, a total of £2,795,546. The duties are levied by specific charges of varying amount, and ad valorem charges ranging from 5 per cent. to 40 per cent. During the year 1905 specific duties were levied on goods imported to the value of £2,375,737, and ad valorem duties on £5,274,834; while goods valued at £4,642,064, or 37.19 per cent. of the total import, were admitted free of duty.

Of the total amount of taxation stated for the year 1905–6, the indirect taxation—i.e., Customs and excise duties—amounted to £2,795,546, while land and income tax, with stamps for taxation, yielded £1,046,050 which constitutes direct taxation. So that the colony still raises nearly 73 per cent. of its taxation revenue by means of the indirect method.

Total Taxation by General Government.

The following statement shows the total amount raised by the General Government taxation during the financial year ended 31st March, 1906:—

Heads of Taxation.Amount collected.Amount of Taxation per Head (including Maoris) of Mean Population, 1905–6.

* If the calculation be made excluding the Maoris, the amount per head of population is found to be increased to £4 7s. 7d.

 ££ s. d.
Customs and excise2,795,5463 0 9
Land-tax385,7560 8 4
Income-tax261,8160 5 8
Stamps (taxation only)398,4780 8 8
 3,841,5964 3 5*

It may be well to call attention to the fact that a full yield of taxation per head of population may indicate (outside the question of increasing the rate of any particular tax levied) a satisfactory condition of business, as showing activity.

Taxation by Local Governing Bodies.

The various local bodies levied taxation during the year ended 31st March, 1905, to the amount of £1,121,378, or £1 6s. 4d. per head of European population. Of the total sum, £704,315 was raised by general rates, £315,116 by special and separate rates, £81,985 by licenses, and £19,962 by other taxes.

SUBSECTION C.—PUBLIC DEBT.

THE gross public debt of the colony on the 31st March, 1906, was £62,191,040, an increase of £2,279,040 on the amount owing at the end of the preceding financial year. The net debt increased by £2,266,839 and on 31st March, 1906, stood at £59,670,471.

Of this increase, £607,750 was devoted to the purchase of lands for settlement; £151,000 for loans to local bodies; £1,117 for New Zealand Consols deposits; and £210,000 for Advances to Settlers: making a total of £969,867 invested in a directly reproductive manner, outside of money used for railway and telegraph construction, which might almost be considered as of a similar nature.

The following table states the debentures and stock in circulation on 31st March, 1906, under the several Loan Acts or Ordinances of the Colonial and old Provincial Governments, the dates when redeemable, the estimated sinking funds accrued in respect of the same, and the annual charge thereon for interest and sinking fund:—

PUBLIC DEBT ON 31ST MARCH, 1906.

Amount outstanding.Due Date.Sinking Funds accrued.Net Indebtedness.Annual Charge.Remarks.
Rate.Amount.When payable.
Int.S.F.
Treasury bills amounting to £700 000 are not included.
 ££ ££ c. c.£  
New Zealand Loan Act, 1863...266,30015 July, 1914173,69092,2105115,97815 Jan. and 15 July. 
Consolidated Loan Act, 1857...72,300Ann. drawing...72,3005...3,615Quarterly, 15 Jan., &c. 
Immigration and Public Works Loan Act, 1870...1,000,0001 June, 1907911,98388,01742.464,0001 June and 1 Dec.Sinking fund payable 13 Mar. and 13 Sept.
Canterbury Loan Ordinance, 18623,000 12,20015,2002 Jan., 1915 2 JUly, 191616,802Cr. 1,602611,06430 June and 31 Dec.Only £200,000 has actually been issued to the public.
Consolidated Loan Act, 1867...13,00015 April, 1913...13,0004...52015 April and 15 Oct. 
Immigration and Public363,000390,90015 April, 1913...363,0004...14,52015 April and 15 Oct. 
Works Loan Act, 187027,900 15 April, 1913...27,9004 ½...1,25615 April and 15 Oct. 
Defence and other Purposes Loan Act, 187025,000 1 July, 1910...25,0004 ½...1,12530 June and 31 Dec. The sinking fund is payable on £2,563,100 (1 ½ per cent. on £1,683,422, 1 per cent. on £57,953, and ½ per cent. on £821,725); the Land Assurance Fund is also charged with ½ per cent. as a contribution towars sinking fund.
 75,000 15 April, 1913...75,0004...3,00015 April and 15 Oct. 
 75,400 15 Oct., 1913...17,4004...69615 April and 15 Oct. 
General Purposes Loan Act, 187310,80082,90015 May, 1914...10,8004...43215 May and 15 Nov. 
 54,700 28 Nov., 1914...54,7005...2,73515 May and 15 Nov. 
District Railways Purchasing Acts, 1885–86...40,0001 July, 1909...40,0006...2,4001 April and 1 Oct. 
Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886...250,3001 Sept., 1907...250,3003 ½38,7011 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
 29,150,302 1 Nov., 1929...29,150,3024...1,166,0121 May and 1 Nov. 
Consolidated Stock Act, 18778,105,03146,829,1781 Jan., 1940...8,105,0313 ½...283,6761 Jan. and 1 July. 
 9,573,845 1 April, 1945...9,573,8453...287,2151 April and 1 Oct. £89,700 of this amount will be recouped by the Government Advances to Settlers Office.
Consolidated Stock Act, 1884—
 509,500 31 Dec., 1907...509,5003 ½...17,333  
Colonial Issue65,000802,7004 Jan., 1909...65,0003...1,9501 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
 100,000 4 Jan., 1909...100,0003 ½...3,560  
 128,200 1 Feb., 1912...128,2003 ½...4,4871 Feb. and 1 Aug. 30 April and 31 Oct. 
Native Land Purchases Act, 1892. (Renewed under the Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1899)...125,00031 Oct., 1906...125,0003 ½...4,37530 April and 31 Oct. 
Land for Settlements Act, 1892 (Renewed under the Land for Settlements Acts Amendment Act, 1899)...45,27631 Oct., 1906...45,2763 ½...1,58530 April and 31 Oct. 
Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894...400,00030 Sept., 1908...283,0004...11,32031 Mar. and 30 Sept. 
     117,0003 ½...4,09531 Mar. and 30 Sept. 
New Zealand Consols Act, 1894...476,8511 Feb., 1910...476,8513 ½...16,6901 Feb and 1 Aug. 
Land for Settlements Act, 1894, and Amendment Act, 1897769,490 31 Oct., 1906...769,4903 ½...26,93230 April and 31 Oct. 
 62,000 1 April, 1909...62,0003 ½...2,1701 April and 1 Oct. 
 10,000 1 April, 1906...10,0003 ½...3501 April and 1 Oct. 
 10,000 1 Jan., 1909...10,0003 ½...3501 Jan. and 1 July 
 10,000 1 Jan., 1911...10,0003 ½...3501 Jan. and 1 July 
 50,000 30 June, 1906...50,0004...2,00030 June and 31 Dec. 
 3,000 1 Nov., 1906...3,0004...1201 May and 1 Nov. 
 100,000 1 Dec., 1906...100,0004...4,0001 June and 1 Dec. 
 50,000 30 June, 1907...50,0004...2,00030 June and 31 Dec. 
 559,600 1 Feb., 1908...559,6004...22,3841 Feb., and 1 Aug. 
 250,000 1 April, 1908...250,0004...10,0001 April and 1 Oct. 
 230,650 1 Aug., 1908...230,6504...9,2261 Feb. and 1 Aug. 
 106,450 1 Jan., 1909...106,4504...4,2581 Jan. and 1 July 
Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900263,3503,149,9251 May, 1909...263,3504...10,5341 May and 1 Nov. 
 38,500 1 April, 1909...38,5004...1,5401 April and 1 Oct. 
 337,400 1 May, 1909...337,4004...19,4961 May and 1 Nov. 
 69,000 1 July, 1909...69,0004...2,7601 Jan. and 1 July 
 185,800 30 Sept., 1909...185,8004...7,43231 Mar. and 30 Sept. 
 400,000 1 Jan., 1910...400,0004...16,0001 Jan. and 1 July 
 137,800 1 Feb., 1910...137,8004...5,5121 Feb. and 1 Aug. 
 36,975 1 Jan., 1911...36,9754...1,4791 Jan. and 1 July 
 8,600 1 Nov., 1911...8,6004...3441 May and 1 Nov. 
 5,000 1 Jan., 1912...5,0004...2001 Jan. and 1 July 
 82,800 1 Feb., 1912...82,8004...3,3121 Feb. and 1 Aug. 
 205,000 30 June, 1914...205,0004...8,20030 June and 31 Dec. 
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1896...500,00015 Aug., 1921...500,0003 ½...17,50015 Feb. and 15 Aug.Loan may be paid off at any time after 15th February, 1907, on six months' notice being given.
 173,000 1 April, 1909...173,0004...6,9201 Jan. and 1 July 
 175,000 1 April, 1906...175,0004...7,0001 April and 1 Oct. 
 3,500 1 May, 1907...3,5004...1401 May and 1 Nov. 
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 190020,000893,5001 Feb., 1903...20,0004...8001 April and 1 Oct. 
 20,000 1 April, 1908...20,0004...8001 April and 1 Oct. 
 352,400 1 April, 1908...352,4004...14,0961 April and 1 Oct. 
 149,600 1 May, 1909...149,6004...5,9841 May and 1 Nov. 
 15,000 1 Jan., 1909...15,0003 ½...5201 Jan. and 1 July. 
 1,000 1 Dec., 1906...1,0004...401 June and 1 Dec. 
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901152,700250,0001 Dec., 1908...152,7004...6,1081 June and 1 Dec. 
 63,400 1 Dec., 1911...63,4004...2,5361 June and 1 Dec. 
 17,900 1 Jan., 1909...17,9004...7161 Jan. and 1 July. 
Carried forward...56,883,820...1,102,47555,781,345......2,183,977  
Brought foreward...56,883,820...1,102,47555,781,345......2,183,977  
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1902...750,0001 Dec., 1906...750,0004...30,0001 June and 1 Dec. 
 299,800 1 Feb., 1924 500,0004...20,0001 Feb. and 1 Aug.Loan may be paid off at any time after 1st February, 1909, on six months' notice being given.
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903200,200910,7001 Feb., 1909...      
 342,500 1 Jan., 1909...342,5004...13,7001 Jan. and 1 July. 
 68,200 1 Jan., 1912...68,2004...2,7281 Jan. and 1 July. 
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1904...750,0001 Jan., 1912...750,0004...30,0001 Jan. and 1 July. 
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1905500,000 1 July, 1916...500,0004...20,0001 Jan. and 1 July. £182,086, instalments of loan received subsequent to 31st March, 1906.
 500,0001,000,0001 Jan., 1921...500,0004...20,0001 Jan. and 1 July. 
 30,000 15 Aug., 1906...30,0004...1,2001 June and 1 Dec. 
 80,000 5 June, 1908...80,0003 ½...2,80031 July and 31 Dec. 
Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894200,000420,00023 Oct., 1912...200,0003 ½....7,0001 June and 1 Dec. 
 30,000 10 July, 1906...30,0003 ½...1,0501 June and 1 Dec. 
 80,000 15 Aug., 1906...80,0003 ½...2,8001 June and 1 Dec. 
 438 1 Aug., 1908       
Dairy Industry Act, 18988431,7811 Jan., 1911...1,7813 ½...621 Feb. and 1 Aug. 
 500 1 Jan., 1916       
 735,000 1 Jan., 1909...735,0003 ½...25,7251 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
 51,000 1 Mar., 1911...51,0003 ½...1,7851 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
Local Bodies Loans Act, 190155,000891,0001 Mar., 1911...51,0003 ½...1,7851 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
 55,000 1 Jan., 1909...55,0004...2,2001 Mar. and 1 Sept. 
 50,000 1 June, 1911...50,0004...2,0001 June and 1 Dec. 
State Coal-mines Act, 1901...140,0001 April, 1907...140,0003 ½...4,9001 April and 1 Oct. 
Paeroa-Waihi Railway Act, 190353,47680,21431 Mar., 1912...80,2143...2,40631 Mar. and 30 Sept. 
 26,738 30 Sept., 1912       
Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Acts, 1903, and 1905100,000   100,0003 ½...3,5001 May and 1 Nov. 
 25,000   25,0004...1,0001 May and 1 Nov. 
State Fire Insurance Act, 1903...2,0001 May, 1911...1,5003 ½...521 May and 1 Nov. 
     5004...201 May and 1 Nov. 
Scenery Preservation Act, 1903...10,0001 May, 1911...10,0003 ½...3501 May and 1 Nov. 
Railway Improvements Authorisation Act, 190417,500 30 June, 1910 92,5004...3,70030 June and 1 Dec. 
 75,000 30 June, 1914       
Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905100,000 1 Jan., 1921...134,0254...5,3611 Jan. and 1 July. 
 34,025 1 Jan., 1911       
  62,191,040 1,102,47561,088,565     
Add—
Acerued sinking fund in respect of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts.........475,156      
Sinking Fund, Government Advances to Settlers Office Account.........83,888      
Investments in Securities included above on account New Zealand Consols Investment Account.........359,050      
Bank of New Zealand Preference Shares held by Government.........500,000      
     1,418,094     
Totals...62,191,040...2,520,56959,670,471......2,388,316  

A condensation of this table shows at a glance the amount of money that will be required in the near future for meeting the liabilities arising at the expiration of the terms of the loans. Taking the position as at present, and dealing with the term of four years ending 31st March, 1907 to 1910, the total sum falling due is found to be £10,517,205.

For the year 1912–13 onwards to 1929–30 the amounts becoming due annually are comparatively small.

In 1929–30 (23 years hence) and from then the bulk of the debt will have to be dealt with—that is, over forty-six millions of money out of a total of sixty-two millions.

Due Date: Year ending 31st March.Amount.
 £
1,9072,168,766
1,9082,532,900
1,9093,133,238
1,9102,682,301
1,911175,343
1,9121,346,076
1,913226,738
1,914496,300
1,915614,800
1,916500
1,917512,200
1,921600,000
1,924299,800
1,93029,150,302
1,9408,105,031
1,9469,573,845
Annual drawing72,300
 £62,191,040

The amounts that have matured or are maturing during the current financial year, with their due dates, are as follow:—

 £
185,000due 1st April, 1906.
50,00030th June, 1906.
30,00010th July, 1906.
110,00015th August, 1906.
939,76631st October, 1906.
3,0001st November, 1906.
851,0001st December, 1906.
£2,168,766 

Net Indebtedness: Comparison with Past Years.

The net public debt, after deducting the accrued sinking fund (£2,520,569), was on 31st March, 1906, £59,670,471, an increase of £2,266,839 during the year. Nearly eight years' revenue, ordinary and territorial, at the present rate would thus be required to pay off the net debt of the colony. The net indebtedness per head of population (excluding the Maoris) for 1905–6 is greater than in 1904–5 by 13s. 7d. In March, 1890, it stood at £60 5s. 3d.; in 1891, £59 11s. 10d.; in 1892, £59 2s.; in 1893, £58 2s. 7d.; in 1894, £57 8s. 10d.; in 1895, £57 9s. 9d.; in 1896, £60 2s. 4d.; in 1897, £60 13s. 9d.; in 1898, £60 4s. 11d.; in 1899, £61 14s. 4d.; in 1900, £61 17s. 3d.; in 1901, £62 16s. 10d.; in 1902, £65 12s. 4d.; in 1903, £65 15s. 3d.; in 1904, £65 12s. 8d.; in 1905, £66 7s. 4d.; and in 1906, £67 0s. 11d. But, in considering the increase of the amount of debt per head as a burden on the people, attention should be given to the remarks following the table showing amounts paid by way of charges of the public debt out of the revenue year by year. Besides these remarks, under the head of “Interest and Sinking Funds” there are others bearing on the subject, given previously, under “Revenue.”

Years ended 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.

* With these figures, in addition to the customary deduction made for sinking funds accrued, there has been included the accrued sinking funds of the Government Advances to Settlers Office, an item previously not shown in the table. The gross debt is also further reduced by taking off the amount of Government securities in which the New Zealand Consols deposits are invested, as both amounts appear in the table of the public debt. £500,000, the value of the preference shares held by the Government in the Bank of New Zealand, is also deducted.

If Maoris be included in the population for 31st March, 1906, the gross indebtedness at that date is lowered to £66 13s. per head, and the net indebtedness to £63 18s. 11d.

Estimate made prior to census of 29th April.

  ££ s. d.£££ s. d.
1,890618,65738,667,95062 10 11,386,18537,281,76560 5 3
1,891626,65838,830,35061 19 41,487,04237,343,30859 11 10
1,892637,47238,713,06860 14 81,037,86237,675,20659 2 0
1,893656,18739,257,84059 16 71,113,77038,144,07058 2 7
1,894676,74739,826,41558 17 0951,92438,874,49157 8 10
1,895689,47540,386,96458 11 6751,93239,635,03257 9 9
1,896703,18743,050,78061 4 5778,89142,271,88960 2 4
1,897717,64944,366,61861 16 5814,29443,552,32460 16 9
1,898731,71344,963,42461 9 0881,90344,081,52160 4 11
1,899746,67346,938,00662 17 3857,27946,080,72761 14 4
1,900758,61647,874,45263 2 2944,37546,930,07761 17 3
1,901772,71949,591,24564 3 71,033,49448,557,75162 16 10
1,902789,99452,966,44767 0 111,128,81651,837,63165 12 4
1,903814,84255,899,01968 12 02,313,239*53,585,780*65 15 3
1,904838,95457,522,21568 11 42,457,887*55,064,328*65 12 8
1,905864,97159,912,00069 5 42,508,368*57,403,632*66 7 4
1,906889,96862,191,04069 17 72,520,569*59,670,471*67 0 11

The debt of the colony as above stated does not include the unpaid loans raised by the several local bodies, amounting at the end of March, 1905, to £10,018,242, of which sum £5,638,600 was raised outside the colony. These are referred to in dealing with the finance of local bodies.

Increase of Gross Public Debt.

The increase of the gross public debt since the 31st March, 1891, amounts to £23,360,690. A schedule of items composing this sum is subjoined. It shows the purposes to which the money raised has been or is being devoted. One of the largest items is £3,410,000 raised for advances to settlers, which represents investments by the Government bearing interest and lent on continually improving security the principal being repaid by instalments.

Other items which may be considered to represent interest-bearing investments are those under the heads “Land-settlement,” “Native-land purchases,” “Loans to local bodies,” “Lands improvement,” “ N.Z. Consols,” and “Bank of N.Z. preferred shares.”

  £
Gross public debt, 31st March, 1906 62,191,040
Gross public debt, 31st March, 1891 38,830,350
                Increase £23,360,690
 £ 
Native-land purchases649,700 
Land-settlement (including Cheviot)4,969,316 
Loans to local bodies2,238,100 
Lands improvement500,000 
Advances to settlers3,410,000 
Bank of N.Z. preference shares500,000 
N.Z. Consols476,851 
District railways47,000 
Public works9,655,874 
Increase by conversions727,621 
Sinking fund accretions1,711,000 
Naval and military settlers27,226 
Advances to dairy companies1,781 
State coal-mines140,000 
State fire insurance2,000 
Scenery-preservation10,000£
  25,066,469
Less Redemptions—
        Consolidated Stock Act, 1884, debentures1,260,420 
        Other debentures445,359 
  1,705,779
                Total net increase £23,360,690

The above addition to the public debt, mainly for purposes of a directly reproductive nature, does not represent the whole expenditure on public works and services during the period. Out of surplus revenue since 1891, the sum of £4,855,000 has been transferred to the Public Works Fund and expended, thus substantially increasing the value of the national estate without a corresponding augmentation of the public liability.

Interest and Sinking Fund.

Of the total amount of outstanding public debt at the end of March, 1906—viz., £62,191,040—close on thirty-nine millions sterling bore interest at the rate of 4 per cent., over twelve millions sterling at 3 ½ per cent., and nearly ten millions sterling at 3 per cent. The following are the rates of interest payable on the complete public debt:—

Rates of Interest.Amount at each Rate.
6 percent.55,200
5 percent.393,300
4 ½ per cent.52,900
4 percent.38,958,052
3 ¾ per cent.349,000
3 ½ per cent.12,062,929
3 percent.9,719,059
                Total£62,191,040

The total amount of interest payable to bondholders on the full amount of the public debt as quoted above is £2,331,565, which gives an average rate of £3 14s. 11 ¾d. 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 1891–1906, therefore, the average rate is found to have declined by 15s. 3 ¼d. per £100, or about 17 per cent.

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 twelve years for interest and sinking fund out of the Consolidated Fund are shown hereunder, together with 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.
NOTE.—The alteration made in 1894–95 of the system which previously obtained in dealing with the drawing loan of 1867 has affected the comparison of the figures for the last eleven years with those preceding. The total amount actually paid for interest and sinking fund in 1889–90 was, under the old system, £1,897,602. The figures for each of the years ended March, 1890 to 1894 inclusive, will be found in the Year-book for 1899.
1,8951,619,92557,9791,677,90438,9851,716,8892 10 338.96
1,8961,602,93341,1831,644,11639,6591,683,7752 8 436.96
1,8971,630,57741,8581,672,43537,0341,709,4692 8 235.62
1,8981,668,69743,3801,712,07729,3361,741,4132 8 134.28
1,8991,689,74944,6511,734,40033,0681,767,4682 7 1033.61
1,9001,674,61846,0731,720,69128,7031,749,3942 6 631.07
1,9011,671,55246,3641,717,91627,7001,745,6162 5 629.83
1,9021,722,81947,7241,770,54333,3961,803,9392 6 229.80
1,9031,817,70150,4641,868,16532,8141,900,9792 7 529.77
1,9041,875,37653,4081,928,78429,1791,957,9632 7 427.89
1,9051,914,29654,9331,969,22924,5001,993,7292 6 1027.38
1,9062,006,53756,1672,062,70424,5002,087,2042 7 727.52

The above amounts shown as interest and sinking fund do not comprise the whole of the interest and sinking fund paid by the Government in respect of moneys raised by the issue of loans. Thus, for loans raised under the Land for Settlements Acts, the Government Advances to Settlers Acts, and for the purchase of the Cheviot Estate, 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. The amount of interest thus charged and recovered during last year was £273,856 (under the Land for Settlements Acts, £162,760; Advances to Settlers Act, £97,200; Cheviot Estate, £8,866; other amounts, £5,030). 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 1905–6 was £93,475 more than that for the previous year, and the rate of charge per head of population shows a slight increase.

The securities in which the sinking funds were held as on the 31st March, 1906, are specified in the statement following:—

STATEMENT of the SECURITIES in which the SINKING FUNDS of the several LOANS were invested on the 31st March, 1906.
Investments in—£ s. d.
        New Zealand 5-per-cent. Debentures3,470 0 0
        New Zealand 4 ½-per-cent. Debentures1,700 0 0
        New Zealand 4-per-cent. Debentures12,630 0 0
        New Zealand 3 ½-per-cent. Debentures2,310 0 0
        New Zealand 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock129,754 19 6
        New Zealand 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock11,923 6 3
        New Zealand 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock9,229 9 2
        New South Wales 4-per-cent. Debentures19,800 0 0
        New South Wales 4-per-cont. Inscribed Stock5,486 6 7
        New South Wales 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock85,000 0 0
        New South Wales 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock71,386 18 4
        Victoria 4-per-cent. Debentures15,000 0 0
        Victoria 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock43,233 17 4
        Victoria 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock84,000 0 0
        Victoria 3-per cent. Inscribed Stock27,429 4 1
        South Australia 4-per-cent. Debentures24,700 0 0
        South Australia 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock4,851 0 5
        South Australia 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock39,000 0 0
        South Australia 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock114,866 15 9
        Canada 4-per-cont. Debentures18,200 0 0
        Canada 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock60,000 0 0
        Canada 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock34,022 11 8
        Canada 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock33,226 12 3
        Canada 2 ½-per-cent. Inscribed. Stock13,666 15 11
        Tasmania 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock6,645 15 1
        Queensland 4-percent. Inscribed Stock1,433 8 8
        Ceylon 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock10,000 0 0
        Transvaal 3-per-cent. Guaranteed Stock102,332 11 2
        Bank of New Zealand Guaranteed Stock, 4 per cent.1,600 0 0
                Carried forward£986,899 12 2
  
                Brought forward986,899 12 2
        Leeds Corporation 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock14,000 0 0
        Cardiff Corporation 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock26,000 0 0
        Gold Coast 3-per cent. Inscribed Stock17,235 14 4
        Trinidad 4-per-cent. Inscribed Stock2,861 9 10
        Lagos 3 ½-per-cent. Inscribed Stock17,000 0 0
        Hong Kong 3 ½ per-cent. Inscribed Stock12,000 0 0
        Reading Corporation 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock6,500 0 0
        Sheffield Corporation 3-per-cent. Inscribed Stock16,000 0 0
        County of Tauranga 5-percent. Debentures60 0 0
        Borough of Brunner 6-per-cent. Debentures990 0 0
        Borough of Patea 4 ½-per-cent. Debentures420 0 0
        Borough of Palmerston North 5-per-cent. Debentures530 0 0
        Borough of Tauranga 5-per-cent. Debentures200 0 0
        Westport Harbour Board 4-per-cent. Debentures660 0 0
        Waimakariri-Ashley Water-supply Board 5-per-cent. Debentures320 0 0
        Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company 5-per cent. Debentures540 0 0
 1,102,216 16 4
Sinking funds in respect of Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1901, and Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894—
        Mortgages50,400 0 0
        In common fund, Public Trust Office, at 4 per cent.508,643 0 7
 1,661,259 16 11
        Cash balance on 31st March, 1906259 15 7
                Total£1,661,519 12 6

Of the total amount, £542,833 is represented by stock and debentures of the Australian States, and £218,211 by those of Canada, Ceylon, &c.; £171,018 was invested in similar securities of the New Zealand Government; £62,500 in inscribed stock of English corporations; £102,333 in Transvaal Guaranteed stock; £3,720 in debentures of various local governing bodies; other securities, £1,600; £50,400 on mortgage; and £508,643 is in the hands of the Public Trustee.

Flotation of Loans.

Of the gross public debt of the colony outstanding on 31st March, 1906, £50,910,992 was raised in London, £2,586,450 in Australia, and £8,693,598 in New Zealand; and of the total amount £47,306,029 was held as inscribed stock, and £14,885,011 in the form of debentures. Details are given hereunder:—

Floated in
Kind of Stock.Total.
 London.Australia.New Zealand. 
 ££££
Debentures4,081,8142,586,4508,216,74714,885,011
Inscribed stock46,829,178..476,85147,306,029
        Total50,910,9922,586,4508,693,59862,191,040

The large proportion of the public debt which has been floated in the colony is worthy of attention.

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 eighteen years, are quoted:—

QUOTATIONS, NEW ZEALAND STOCK.

 4-per-cents. (1929)3 ½-per-cents. (1940)3-per-cents. (1945)
Year.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest.Highest.Lowest
1,888104 ½96 ¼........
1,889109 ¼99 ⅝........
1,890109 ⅛102 ¼98 ⅝93 ¼....
1,891107 ½10098 ¼91 ⅛....
1,892106 ⅝1009891 ½....
1,893107 ¼9797 ½90....
1,894109 ⅞105 ⅜103 ½96 ¼....
1,895113 ½105 ⅝107 ½10095 ¾91
1,896118 ¼106 ½110 ⅜101 ½103 ½90
1,897117112 ⅜111104 ¾10299 ½
1,898116 ⅞108109 ⅞103101 ½96 ½
1,899116 ½105 ½10910299 ¼94 ¼
1,900113 ¼109106 ¾103 ⅜98 ½95 ¼
1,901115 ⅜110 ¾109 ¾104 ⅛99 ½93 ⅛
1,902113 ¼109109 ½102 ⅛9793 ⅝
1,903110 ⅛105104 ¾99 ½9688
1,904107 ½104 ½101 ½96 ¾9086 ¼
1,905110 ¼105 ¼100 ⅛97 ⅝89 ⅞89 ½

Utilisation of Money composing Public Debt.

A statement is supplied, based on figures taken from the Colonial Treasurer's Budget of 1897 (to which the necessary additions have been made), showing the purposes for which the money forming the public debt of the colony was raised or voted.

But the amounts in the items must be regarded as only approximations to the actual facts. The information is merely indicative of the truth, and is a revision of what was given in the Year-book, 1899, which was found to be not as near to correctness as possible in places.

PUBLIC DEBT OF NEW ZEALAND, MARCH, 1906, SHOWING APPROXIMATELY THE AMOUNTS RAISED OR VOTED UNDER VARIOUS HEADS, ARRANGED IN THREE CLASSES.

 On 31st March, 1906.
* NOTE.—Only a portion of expenditure of old Provincial Governments on railways became public debt of the colony. The total expenditure on railways (Provincial and General Government) to 31st March, 1905, was over twenty-three millions sterling, which includes £1,104,281 spent by the Provincial Governments, of which £82,259 was for the Dunedin and Port Chalmers line.
(a.) Services£
Railways20,200,000*
Lands improvement (roads and bridges)6,130,000
Public works and buildings4,555,000
Immigration2,470,000
Maori war2,360,000
Land-purchases2,201,000
Defence1,931,000
Telegraphs1,115,000
Goldfields and coal-mines811,000
Lighthouses and harbours538,000
Midland Railway Company's bondholders150,000
State coal-mines140,000
Tourist and health resorts59,000
State fire insurance2,000
Scenery-preservation10,000
  
(b.) Investments
Purchase of land for settlements4,969,000
Advances to settlers3,410,000
Loans to local bodies2,516,000
Bank of New Zealand preference shares500,000
New Zealand Consols477,000
  
(c.) Other
Deficiencies in revenue, charges and expenses of raising loans, provincial liabilities, and miscellaneous expenditure7,587,000

It will thus be found that on the 31st March, 1906, out of a total debt of £62,191,000, the amounts allocated for services formed approximately the following proportions of the whole:—

 Per Cent.
For Railways32.58
For Lands improvement (roads and bridges)9.86
For Public works and buildings7.32
For Immigration3.97
For Maori war3.79
For Land-purchases3.54
For Defence3.11
For Telegraphs1.79
For Goldfields and coal-mines1.30
For Lighthouses and harbours0.87
For Midland Railway0.24
For State coal-mines0.23
For Tourist and health resorts0.09
For Scenery-preservation0.02

The total sum is divided into three classes in the table, of which (a) is composed of the various services above referred to, and the total of which forms 68.71 per cent. of the whole debt in 1906; class (b) consists of moneys devoted to what may be termed investments, being 19.09 per cent. of the total; (c) moneys paid away in charges and expenses of raising loans, also to meet deficiencies of revenue, besides old provincial liabilities, and miscellaneous expenditure, forming 12.20 per cent. of the debt.

The figures given as to railways do not include all the sums spent by the Provincial Governments, as stated in the note to the table, nor do the figures in some other items agree with those given elsewhere, made up from tables showing the expenditure out of the Public Works Fund, which, as previously explained, is augmented by contributions from the Consolidated Revenue Account.

Public Works in New Zealand.

The burden of a public debt depends greatly on the measure in which it is expended on reproductive works, and on the degree of prosperity enjoyed by the people. The generally rugged character of this country, and the natural difficulties appertaining to the sites of many of the towns, soon necessitated a large outlay on roads and public works. The need was fully recognised, and to some extent met, by the Provincial Governments, which have justly received great credit for their far-seeing and liberal exertions. A great deal of road-making, often of a very costly character, was accomplished, harbour and other improvements begun, and immigration encouraged. Some railways were made in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. The City of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains were connected with the Port of Lyttelton by a railway, which required the construction of a long and very costly tunnel through the intervening range of hills. In Otago private enterprise, backed by the guarantee of the Provincial Government, built a railway from Dunedin to Port Chalmers, and some miles of line were made in Southland from the Town of Invercargill into the interior; but no general and comprehensive scheme of public works could be carried out by the separate exertions of the Provincial Governments. In 1870, therefore, the General Government brought forward its 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 colony as a whole, as well as for the promotion of immigration on a large scale, the expenditure to be spread over a period of ten years. This policy was accepted by the Legislature, and embodied in “The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870.”

The demands for local railways and other works soon caused the original proposals to be exceeded, and entailed an expenditure at a much more rapid rate and to a far greater amount than was originally contemplated. Although many of the works undertaken have been directly unremunerative, yet the effect of the policy as a whole has been largely to develop the settlement of the country, and to increase enormously the value of landed property; land in parts which before the construction of railways was valued at from £1 to £2 per acre having been subsequently sold at prices varying from £10 to £20 per acre. Moreover, the railway and telegraph lines yield a revenue which covers a large portion of the interest on their cost after paying working-expenses.

Expenditure out of the Public Works Fund.

The net expenditure, under all heads, of the Public Works Fund from 1870 to the 31st March, 1906, can be given correctly, but this fund, as stated previously, is not altogether composed of money charged to the public debt. It had received £37,377,601 from loans and £5,833,563 by way of receipts in aid on the latter date. The money received by way of aid included £4,855,000 transferred from the Consolidated Fund during the last fifteen financial years, out of surplus revenue. Nearly forty-three millions sterling were spent since the year 1870 up to March, 1906, and the items given below exhibit the nature of the works, &c., with amount for each.

NET EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC WORKS FUND FROM 1870 TO 31ST MARCH, 1906.

Expenditure on—£
        Immigration2,163,228
        Public works, departmental533,456
        Railways, including surveys of new lines21,816,579
        Roads7,190,256
        Land-purchases2,024,422
        Development of goldfields766,960
        Telegraph extension1,210,177
        Public buildings3,351,536
        Lighthouses, harbour-works, and defences1,013,153
        Contingent defence854,720
        Rates on Native lands67,113
        Thermal springs14,600
        Tourist and health resorts71,248
        Lands improvement9,409
        Charges and expenses of raising loans1,249,303
        Coal-mines10,835
        Interest and sinking fund218,500
        Payment to Midland Railway bondholders150,000
        Utilisation of water-power3,370
                Total£42,718,865

Expenditure on Railways.

The railway expenditure during each of seven quinquennial periods and the year 1905–6, since the initiation of the public-works policy, has been:—

 £
1st July, 1870, to 30th June, 18753,575,362
1st July, 1875, to 31st March, 18804,919,712
1st April, 1880, to 31st March, 18853,120,080
1st April, 1885, to 31st March, 18902,308,319
1st April, 1890, to 31st March, 1895978,498
1st April, 1895, to 31st March, 19001,547,732
1st April, 1900, to 31st March, 19054,353,872
1st April, 1905, to 31st March, 19061,012,404
                Total£21,816,579

New Zealand's expenditure on railways is, with one exception (that of Tasmania) the lowest per head of the population of any of the Australian States. The next table shows the cost of railway-works, the mileage, the average cost per mile, the population, and the cost per head of the population in New Zealand and the several States referred to:—

State or Colony.Year endedCost of Construction of Open Lines.Average No. of Miles of Line open.Average Cost per Mile.Estimated PopulationCost per Head of Population

* Including Northern Territory.

Including Maoris.

  £ £ £ s. d.
Queensland30 June, 190521,610,9803,0666,989521,65541 8 7
New South Wales30 June, 190543,062,5503,28113,1261,478,26029 2 7
Victoria30 June, 190541,279,0453,38412,1621,211,00334 1 9
South Australia*30 June, 190514,766,4651,8907,813370,25739 17 8
West'n Australia30 June, 19059,808,4581,5686,255254,00038 12 4
Tasmania30 June, 19053,920,5084628,476177,96422 0 7
New Zealand31 Mar., 190622,498,9722,3919,410933,11124 2 3

In the foregoing table the cost per head of population for railway-construction is shown to have been between £34 and £38 in the States of Victoria and Western Australia; over £39 in South Australia and over £41 in Queensland; in New South Wales it was over £29; but in New Zealand the cost has been over £24, and in Tasmania over £22, per head of population.

Public Debt of Australasia.

The following figures show the public debt of each State or colony in 1904–5:—

State or Colony.Date.Public Debt.Debt per Head of Population.
Fixed Debt.Floating Debt.Total.
* As shown previously (see page 443), the amount of accrued sinking fund reduces this by £2 18s. per head.
  ££££ s. d
Queensland31 Dec., 190440,140,7971,130,00041,270,79779 2 3
New South Wales30 June, 190573,434,3728,887,62682,321,99855 13 9
Victoria30 June, 190551,513,767250,00051,703,76742 14 11
South Australia30 June, 190526,251,6452,522,05028,773,69577 14 3
Western Australia30 June, 190516,142,773500,00016,642,77365 10 5
Tasmania30 June, 19059,367,456164,5159,471,97152 9 6
New Zealand31 Mar., 190559,912,000..59,912,00069 5 4*

The amount of indebtedness per head of population in June, 1905, in Queensland and South Australia was thus greater than that for New Zealand in March, 1905.

THE ASSETS REALISATION BOARD.

The Assets Realisation Board was established for the purchase, in connection with the affairs of the Bank of New Zealand, of all the assets of the Estates Company and of the Auckland Agricultural Company.

The following particulars are extracted from the General Manager's report for the year ended 31st March last (1906):—

Sales to the extent of £183,785 have been made, as compared with £113,787 the previous year. Of the total value (£183,785), £177,354 represents country, £6,431 town lands.

The sales for the period 1895–1906, including stock, show a total of £1,547,600.

On 31st March, 1906, the proportion of total sales from time of starting to the book-cost of all estates (£2,731,706) was 56'65 per cent.; and to land-tax valuation, plus 10 per cent. for sundry properties, with the general manager's valuation for station properties (which together total £1,895,179), it was 81.66 per cent.

Particulars of operations are—
Sales of properties finally realised, 1895–1906 (including stock), (net amount)£
 740,294
Properties partially realised807,306
 £1,547,600

The book-cost of the estates in respect of which the sales were finally closed was £1,078,182. These properties are shown above to have realised £740,294, leaving a deficiency of £337,888, including the realisation expenses, &c.

The localities of the sales are as follows:—

 EstatesFarms.Town Sections.Suburban Properties.£
Auckland12353778423729,938
Canterbury3992463287,530
Hawke's Bay2..10..104,250
Otago21069218278,608
Marlborough1965656,883
Wellington218371173,839
     1,431,048
Proceeds: realisation of sundry assets  8,745
Stock sales on properties finally closed  107,807
     £1,547,600

SPECIAL BANKING LEGISLATION.

A synopsis of “The Bank of New Zealand Act, 1903,”and “The Bank of New Zealand Act, 1904,” is given previously on pages 401 and 402.

Chapter 48. SECTION XVII.—POPULATION.

THE population of New Zealand, as estimated for the 31st December, 1905, with the increase for the year, is shown below:—

 Persons.Males.Females.
* Excluding 776 absentees at labour abroad.
Estimated population (exclusive of Maoris, also Cook and other annexed Islands) on 31st December, 1904857,539453,992403,547
Increase during the year 1905:—
  By excess of births over deaths15,6217,4208,201
  Excess of arrivals over departures9,3025,9543,348
        Estimated population (exclusive of Maoris, also Cook and other annexed Islands) on 31st December, 1905882,462467,366415,096
    
Maori population47,73125,53822,193
Population of Cook and other Pacific Islands12,340*6,2246,116
        Total estimated population of colony (including Maoris, also Cook and other annexed Islands) on 31st December, 1905942,533499,128443,405

Details showing the distribution of the Maori population and also of the Cook and other annexed Pacific Islands follow; but the figures in the succeeding portions of this section exclude these special features.

TOTAL NUMBER OF MAORIS IN EACH COUNTY, CENSUS 1906.

Counties.Persons.
Mangonui2,053
Whangaroa743
Hokianga2,769
Bay of Islands2,571
Hobson882
Otamatea407
Whangarei960
Rodney132
Great Barrier Island41
Eden (including Waiheke and Chamberlin Islands)282
Waitemata189
Manukau678
Waikato838
Raglan1,483
Kawhia615
Awakino131
East Taupo889
West Taupo1,136
Waitomo1,075
Waipa344
Piako576
Ohinemuri675
Thames774
Coromandel695
Tauranga and adjacent islands2,040
Whakatane2,332
Opotiki1,319
Rotorua1,260
Waiapu2,611
Cook1,759
Hawke's Bay1,505
Waipawa468
Patangata140
Woodville11
Wairoa2,266
Akitio43
Castlepoint9
Featherston365
Wairarapa South119
Pahiatua50
Masterton251
Eketahuna20
Mauriceville8
Hutt290
Waitotara348
Manawatu260
Kairanga166
Rangitikei557
Wanganui782
Horowhenua1,015
Waimarino728
Oroua212
Patea332
Hawera699
Stratford52
Taranaki295
Clifton704
Egmont1,008
Sounds80
Marlborough158
Waimea113
Collingwood7
Takaka30
Buller36
Westland94
Kaikoura109
Ashley198
Selwyn83
Akaroa141
Mount Herbert106
Geraldine151
Levels25
Waimate54
Waitaki115
Waikouaiti140
Peninsula144
Waihemo13
Taieri68
Clutha22
Southland93
Wallace276
Stewart Island and adjacent islands100
Chatham Islands202

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

 Whites and Halfcastes living as Whites.Natives and Halfcastes living as Natives.Total.Absentees.*

* Absent in ships or at the guano islands, &c.

(a) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 28; New Zealand, 23; Australia, 6; Tasmania, 5; Rarotonga, 10; France, 8; Germany, 5; Sweden, 1; Cape Verde Islands, 2; United States America, 8; Holland, 1; Portugal, 2; Society Group, 1; Hong Kong, 6; Jamaica, 2; Manila, 1.

(b) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 5: New Zealand, 2; Rarotonga, 1.

(c) Birthplaces.—Australia, 1; Hong Kong, 2; Austria, 1.

(d) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 4; New Zealand, 1; Jamaica, 1; Norway, 1; Aitutaki, 1.

(e) Birthplaces.—France, 1; Germany, 1.

(f) Birthplaces.—Cape Verde Islands, 1; Hong Kong, 1.

(g) Birthplaces not stated.

(h) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 5; United States America, 1.

(i) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 1. Australia, 1.

(k) Birthplaces.—United Kingdom, 1.

SUMMARY OF BIRTHPLACES.—United Kingdom, 44; New Zealand, 26; Australia, 8; Tasmania, 3; Rarotonga. 11; France, 9; Germany, 6; Sweden, 1; Cape Verde Islands, 3 United States America, 9; Holland, 1; Portugal, 2; Society Group, 1; Hong Kong, 9; Jamaica, 3; Manila, 1; Norway, 1; Aitutaki, 1; Austria, 1; not stated, 21 (on Niue Island): Total, 161.

Rarotonga107(a)2,3342,441..
Mangaia8(b)1,5231,531..
Atiu4(c)914918..
Aitutaki8(d)1,1541,16282
Mauke (or Parry Island)2(e)44444610
Mitiaro2(f)208210..
Total Cook Group1316,5776,70892
Niue (or Savage Island)21(g)3,8013,822580
Palmerston..8282..
Penrhyn (or Tongareva)6(h)414420..
Manihiki2(i)51952122
Rakaanga1(k)35135250
Danger (or Pukapuka)..43543532
Total other islands305,6025,632684
Total population of Pacific islands16112,27912,340776

INCREASE OF POPULATION (EXCLUSIVE OF MAORIS AND ANNEXED PACIFIC-ISLANDERS).

The increase for each quarter of the year 1905 was:—

Increase from:Males.Females.Total.
* Decrease.
First Quarter.   
Excess of births over deaths1,8802,1063,986
Excess of immigration over emigration2,6667823,448
                Increase during quarter4,5462,8887,434
Second Quarter.
Excess of births over deaths1,8491,9303,779
Excess of emigration over immigration-1,006*-378*-1,384*
                Increase during quarter8431,5522,395
Third Quarter.
Excess of births over deaths1,7562,0573,813
Excess of immigration over emigration8988071,705
                Increase during quarter2,6542,8645,518
Fourth Quarter.
Excess of births over deaths1,9352,1084,043
Excess of immigration over emigration3,3962,1375,533
                Increase during quarter5,3314,2459,576
Year 1905.
Excess of births over deaths7,4208,20115,621
Excess of immigration over emigration5,9543,3489,302
                Total increase during 190513,37411,54924,923

As to the increase of arrivals over departures, it will be seen that the December quarter is by far the largest proportion of the four (5,533 persons). The March quarter comes next with 3,448 persons, then the September quarter with 1,705 persons, while June quarter shows a loss of 1,384 persons. The increase by births over deaths is also greatest in the December quarter, the numbers for the others being nearly equal.

The movement of population since 1885 is given in the next table. Although the large increase in 1893 by excess of arrivals over departures was not maintained during the nine following years, the arrivals in the colony nevertheless exceeded the departures in each of these years, and the total excess of arrivals for the fourteen-year period 1892–1905 inclusive is found to be 74,602 persons, drawn from other colonies or countries.

The excess of arrivals in the colony during the year 1905 over the departures will be seen from the table to have been somewhat less than that for 1904. For 1901, the figures are 6,522; for 1902, 7,992; for 1903, 11,275; for 1904, 10,355; and for 1905, the number is 9,302. Comparing these results with those for 1900, when the excess of arrivals was only 1,831, a substantial annual gain in population coming from abroad is shown.

In five years New Zealand has secured 45,446 persons, mostly from Australia and the Home-country, after deducting from the total arrivals all those who departed outwards.

So far as can be ascertained the United Kingdom only furnished 11,563 of the above large number added to New Zealand for the five years, while Australia shows as contributing 35,045, partly in consequence of the great depression on account of the late drought. But the full number from the United Kingdom is not ascertainable, and Australia is credited with more than the actual fact. The figures for other places show a loss to New Zealand of 1,162 persons.

Year.Estimated Population on the 31st December.Increase during the YearCentesimal Increase on Population of Previous Year
By Excess of Births over Deaths.By Excess of Arrivals over Departures.*Net Increase.

* Corrected where necessary in accordance with census results. The amount of loss by departures in the period 1886–91, though correct in the aggregate, cannot be allocated with exactness to the respective years.

Loss.

1,885575,17213,612-2,74410,8681.93
1,886589,38613,164   
1,887603,36112,998   
1,888607,38013,194   
1,889616,05212,685-17,19458,88610.24
1,890625,50812,284   
1,891634,05811,755   
1,892650,43311,4174,95816,3752.58
1,893672,26511,42010,41221,8323.36
1,894686,12811,6102,25313,8632.06
1,895698,70611,68389512,5781.83
1,896714,16212,1801,47213,6521.95
1,897729,05612,1422,75214,8942.09
1,898743,46311,7112,69614,4071.98
1,899756,50511,1551,88713,0421.75
1,900768,27812,3461,83114,1771.87
1,901787,65712,8576,52219,3792.52
1,902807,92912,2807,99220,2722.57
1,903832,50513,30111,27524,5763.04
1,904857,53914,67910,35525,0343.01
1,905882,46215,6219,30224,9232.91

The net gain to this country for 1905 appears as 3,699 persons from United Kingdom, and 5,765 from Australia, while 162 represents the net loss to other places. But here again the gain from Australia is given somewhat too high, and that from the Home-country too low.

The absorption of 9,302 persons during the year from overseas must certainly be considered a very satisfactory result, though the number is not so great as that for 1904. Another satisfactory feature is that the figures showing net excess of arrivals direct from the United Kingdom are higher for 1905 (3,699) than for 1904 (2,720).

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES DURING 1905.

The number of persons who arrived in the colony in the year 1905 was 32,685, an increase of 53 on the number for the previous year. Of the arrivals in 1905, 29,147 persons were classified as adults, being above the age of twelve years, and 3,538 as children. The total number of males was 21,344 and of females 11,341. The arrivals from the United Kingdom numbered 5,553, and from Australia 25,132. Besides these, 468 persons came from Fiji, and 1,532 from the South Seas and other ports, including arrivals by mail-steamers from San Francisco.

Classified in respect of birthplace, it is found that 12,537 of the arrivals were persons born in Australasia, 18,704 in the United Kingdom, and 130 in other British possessions. Of 1,314 persons born in foreign countries who arrived during 1905, 171 were born in Germany, 265 in Austria, 121 in France, 253 in the United States, 56 in Denmark, 19 in Sweden, 28 in Norway, 8 in Greece, 50 in Italy, 15 in Switzerland, 3 in Turkey, 1 in Holland, 5 in Poland, 12 in Russia, 9 in Belgium, 5 in Spain, and 293 in other countries (Roumania, Finland, Hungary, Montenegro, Arabia, China, Japan, Pacific Islands, Syria, and Asia Minor).

Among the arrivals in 1905 are noticed 341 “race-aliens,” or persons of other than European descent. Particulars of birthplace and sex are as under:—

Birthplace.M.F.Total.
Asia Minor415
China22415239
Syria606
Fiji11314
Cape Colony101
India241034
Pacific Islands36440
Japan101
Arabia10 
                Total30833341

The practice of nominating immigrants to be brought out partly at the Government expense has been discontinued since the 16th December, 1890, and there was no free immigration in the year 1905. Certain reductions in fares are, however, arranged by the High Commissioner with the shipping companies for men with moderate means who intend to settle in the colony, and the sum of £5,000 was voted by Parliament in 1905 for assistance by way of reduced fares for passages of intending settlers to the colony. Besides this, the sum of £800 was appropriated to passages for separated families, &c.

The arrangements indicated enable farmers and others possessed of a small capital to obtain passages from the United Kingdom to New Zealand at £10 per adult. The question of the suitability of any applicant is decided by the High Commissioner in London, and the passage-money must be paid to his officers.

Two hundred and thirty-nine Chinese (224 men and 15 women) arrived in the colony during 1905, and 187 (all men) left, the arrivals thus exceeding the departures by 52.

The total departures in 1905 were 23,383 persons, being 1,106 more than in 1904. Thus, the movement of population to and from the colony is found to have been greater than in the previous year.

The departures from the colony by the Union Steamship Company's boats, as given through the Customs Department, are checked by special returns kindly furnished by the pursers of the steamers, and, where persons who did not book their passages have been omitted, the necessary additions are made. The pursers' returns also serve to prevent the occasional omission of the full number of persons leaving by any one vessel, which sometimes had happened previous to the introduction of this check. Unless more passengers are at any time of great pressure taken away from New Zealand than can lawfully be carried, the returns of outgo of population should prove fairly correct, and indeed the last census shows that the estimated population even after five years' interval was a very close approximation to the truth.

Of the departures in 1905, 21,632 persons were over twelve years of age, and 1,751 children. Nearly twice as many males left the colony as females, the numbers being 15,390 and 7,993 respectively. The departures to the United Kingdom amounted to 1,854 persons, and those to Australia numbered 19,367. Besides these, 648 persons left for Fiji, and 1,514 for other ports (including passengers for San Francisco).

In 1891 the colony lost population by excess of departures over arrivals, but in each of the years 1892 to 1905, inclusive, New Zealand has drawn to itself more population than it has parted with.

The Board of Trade, London, publishes the total emigration from the United Kingdom to Australasia as a whole. By the figures given it will be seen that there was from 1893 an annual decrease in the number of persons coming to these colonies from the Home-country until 1897, when the number somewhat increased. Prior to 1893 the arrivals from the United Kingdom ranged from 44,055 in 1886 down to 16,183 in 1892. Alongside of the Imperial returns of departures to Australasia are shown in the following statement the arrivals in New Zealand direct from the United Kingdom, taken from our own returns, which numbers are short of the full total of persons coming here from England by the arrivals vià Australia or the United States of America. But, using the information available, it seems evident that New Zealand has been preferred to Australia, from the high proportion which the arrivals here (direct) bear to every hundred of departures from England for Australasia.

So long as New Zealand can secure one-sixth or more of the total persons leaving England for Australasia, she takes more than the proportion her population bears to that of the six States and New Zealand collectively.

Year.Emigration from United Kingdom to AustralasiaArrivals in New Zealand direct from United KingdomArrivals in New Zealand per 100 Departures for Australasia from United Kingdom.
1,89311,4122,92925.67
1,89411,1512,84625.52
1,89510,8092,36521.88
1,89610,7101,95618.26
1,89712,3962,72421.97
1,89811,0202,59823.58
1,89912,2681,91815.63
1,90015,7232,31414.72
1,90115,7542,56316.27
1,90214,6753,47423.67
1,90312,3753,54728.21
1,90413,9104,65433.46

CENSUS, 1906.

The population of the colony (exclusive of Maoris), as returned in the census schedules for the night of the 29th April, 1906, was 888,578 persons, of whom 2,570 were Chinese, and 2,578 halfcastes living amongst and as Europeans.

A census of the Maori population was taken during April of 1906, when, according to preliminary returns made by the enumerators, the number of the Native race was found to be 47,731 persons, including 3,938 half-castes living as Maoris. 211 Maori women were returned as married to European husbands. The complete population (European, Maori, and residents of Cook and other annexed Pacific Islands) of the colony was therefore 948,649 persons, as exhibited in the following statement, specifying the numbers for each sex:—

 Persons.Males.Females.

* Not including 601 persons, officers and crews of two British men-of-war.

Excluding 776 absentees at labour abroad.

Population (exclusive of persons of the ab original native race, of mixed European and Native blood, and Chinese)883,430467,186416,244
Half-castes and persons of mixed race living as and among Europeans2,5781,3071,271
Chinese2,5702,51555
Aboriginal natives (including 211 Maori wives of Europeans)43,79323,38720,406
Half-castes and persons of mixed race living among and as members of Maori tribes3,9382,1511,787
Total (exclusive of annexed Pacific islands)936,309*496,546439,763
Population of Cook and other annexed Pacific Islands12,3406,2246,116
Total population on 29th April, 1906948,649502,770445,879

The total half-caste or mixed European and Maori population on the main islands of the colony was 6,516 persons. The number of half-caste Maoris living among Europeans increased since 1901 by 171, or at the rate of 7.10 per cent. In that year the number of Maori wives of Europeans was 196; in 1906 it was 211. The Chinese decreased from 2,857, at the time of the census of 1901, to 2,570 in April, 1906, or at the rate of 10.05 per cent., caused mainly by the excess of departures over arrivals.

The Maori population fell from 41,993 in 1891 to 39,854 in 1896, increased to 43,143 in 1901, and further to 47,731 in 1906, according to the returns.

The increase on the total European population between March, 1901, and April, 1906, amounted to 115,859 persons, or a rate of 14.99 per cent. Between the census of 1896 and that of 1901 the numerical increase was 69,359 persons, or 9.86 per cent. The average annual increase in the period 1901–1906 was at the rate of 2.79 per cent.

The population of the principal divisions of the colony on 29th April, 1906, was—

 Persons.Males.Females.
North Island and adjacent islets (exclusive of Maoris)476,732255,057221,675
Middle Island and adjacent islets (exclusive of Maoris)411,340215,641195,699
Stewart Island (exclusive of Maoris)304193111
Chatham Islands (exclusive of Maoris)19711483
Kermadec Islands532
        Total for the colony (exclusive of Maoris)888,578471,008417,570

PROPORTION OF THE SEXES AND DENSITY OF POPULATION.

The gradual equalisation of the numbers of the sexes and growing density of population and dwellings in the colony are alluded to in a further table.

Date of Enumeration.Number of Females to 100 Males.Number of Persons to a Square Mile.Number of Persons to an Inhabited Dwelling.Number of Inhabited Dwellings to a Square Mile.
December, 186162.160.9444.420.214
February, 187170.522.4564.480.548
April, 188181.724.6935.120.917
April, 189188.266.0245.061.191
March, 190190.337.4274.861.527
April, 190699.658.5414.821.773

INCREASE OF POPULATION AT SUCCESSIVE CENSUSES.

The increase of population of European descent at successive census periods has been:—

Date of Enumeration.Population. Persons.Numerical Increase. Persons.Centesimal Increase.
December, 185859,41339,60839.99
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, 1881489,93388,54918.07
March, 1886578,48248,1768.33
April, 1891626,65876,70212.24
April, 1896703,36069,3599.86
March, 1901772,719115,85914.99
April, 1906888,578  

POPULATIONS OF PROVINCIAL DISTRICTS.

These are stated as in April, 1906, and at the previous census. Wellington stands first for rate of progress with an increase of 27.25 per cent. in five years, Auckland comes next with 20.06 per cent., Hawke's Bay third with 19.25, Taranaki fourth with 14.65 per cent., Nelson following with 12.15 per cent., Canterbury next with 11.23 per cent. Marlborough shows an increase of nearly 8 per cent., while Otago as a whole advanced by 4.52 per cent., though the Southland portion of the province shows the much higher rate of 11.23 per cent.

Provincial Districts.Population March, 1901.Population, April, 1906.Increase.
* Decrease.
   
 Persons.Persons.Numerical Persons.Centesimal
Auckland175,938211,22335,28520.06
Taranaki37,85543,3995,54414.65
Hawke's Bay35,42442,2426,81819.25
Wellington141,354179,86838,51427.25
Marlborough13,32614,3681,0427.82
Nelson37,91542,5224,60712.15
Westland14,50614,6741681.16
Canterbury143,041159,10616,06511.23
Otago—    
  Otago portion125,339127,8772,5382.02
  Southland portion47,80653,0975,29111.07
Chatham Islands207197-10*-4.83*
Kermadec Islands85-3*-37.50*
Totals772,719888,578115,85914.99

POPULATION OF COUNTIES AND BOROUGHS.

New Zealand is, by “The Counties Act, 1876,” divided into counties and boroughs, excepting certain outlying islands, which are not within county boundaries. It is provided by the above mentioned Act that boroughs shall not be included in counties. In April, 1906, the number of the counties was 97. Of these, the North Island had 60, with a population amounting altogether to 249,752 persons. The Middle Island had 35 counties, the population being 208,560 persons. Stewart Island and Chatham Islands are counties in themselves, and had a population of 288 persons and 197 persons respectively, exclusive of persons on shipboard. The names and populations of the various counties in the colony, with their interior boroughs set opposite, were as under at the date of the enumeration:—

COUNTIES.CENSUS, 1906.BOROUGHS.CENSUS, 1906.
Mangonui2,801  
Whangaroa801  
Hokianga2,514  
  On shipboard51  
Bay of Islands2,692  
  On shipboard4  
Hobson5,424  
  On shipboard68  
Whangarei7,306Whangarei2,115
  On shipboard38  On shipboard14
Otamatea2,921  
  On shipboard11  
Rodney4,185  
  On shipboard6  
Waitemata7,.49Birkenhead1,266
  On shipboard13Devonport5,073
    On shipboard32
Eden26,663Grey Lynn5,882
  Auckland37,736
    On shipboard755
  Parnell5,253
  Newmarket2,342
  Onehunga3,693
    On shipboard60
Manukau13,480  
Coromandel2,841  
  On shipboard84  
Thames4,286Thames3,750
  On shipboard21  On shipboard1
Ohinemuri5,895Waihi5,594
  On shipboard46  
Piako3,761Te Aroha1,109
Waikato4,532Hamilton2,150
Waipa4,849Cambridge1,244
Raglan2,282  
Kawhia688  
Awakino389  
  On shipboard8  
Waitomo1,226  
West Taupo1,397  
East Taupo509  
Rotorua2,6.67  
Tauranga1,999Tauranga1,047
  On shipboard8  On shipboard7
Whakatane1,015  
  On shipboard1  
Opotiki1,679  
  On shipboard31  
Waiapu858  
  On shipboard12  
Cook7,173Gisborne5,664
    On shipboard23
Wairoa2,156  
Hawke's Bay7,700Napier9,454
    On shipboard207
  Hastings4,594
Clifton2,837  
  On shipboard2  
Taranaki8,486New Plymouth5,141
  On shipboard152Inglewood1,152
  Waitara958
Egmont2,885  
Stratford5,912Stratford2,127
Hawera8,009Hawera2,153
  Eltham1,329
Patea3,123Patea869
Waitotara4,164Wanganui8,175
  On shipboard43  
Wanganui4,833  
Waimarino2,787  
Rangitikei9,511Marton1,268
Kiwitea3,034  
Oroua3,698Feilding2,971
Kairanga3,681Palmerston North10,239
Pohangina1,797  
Manawatu4,007Foxton1,330
    On shipboard14
Horowhenua5,337Levin1,265
Waipawa9,911Dannevirke3,509
Woodville2,036Woodville1,110
Patangata1,843  
Weber593  
Pahiatua3,672Pahiatua1,370
Akitio1,394  
Castlepoint561  
Eketahuna2,738  
Mauriceville1,089  
Masterton3,723Masterton5,026
South Wairarapa2,734Carterton1,402
Featherston3,470Greytown1,123
Hutt7,259Wellington58,563
    On shipboard667
  Onslow2,098
  Karori2,194
  Petone5,893
  Lower Hutt3,407
  Miramar952
  Eastbourne358
Sounds1,098  
  On shipboard5  
Marlborough7,287Blenheim3,351
  On shipboard10  On shipboard12
  Picton995
Kaikoura1,747  On shipboard19
Collingwood1,211  
  On shipboard6  
Takaka1,547  
  On shipboard9  
Waimea.7,785Motueka1,068
    On shipboard2
  Richmond651
  Nelson8,164
    On shipboard59
Buller5,458Westport3,642
  On shipboard10  On shipboard315
Inangahua4,638  
Grey5,692Brunner1,133
  Greymouth4,569
Westland4,117  On shipboard213
  Hokitika2,224
    On shipboard5
  Kumara919
  Ross573
Amuri1,406  
Cheviot1,605  
Ashley11,306Kaiapoi1,804
  Rangiora1,723
Selwyn34,378Lyttelton3,941
  On shipboard3  On shipboard451
  Christchurch49,928
  New Brighton1,132
  Woolston2,900
  Sumner1,181
Akaroa3,155Akaroa557
Mount Herbert470  
Ashburton11,541Ashburton2,563
Geraldine5,027Temuka1,661
  Geraldine942
Levels6,584Timaru7,615
    On shipboard72
Mackenzie1,939  
Waimate6,510Waimate1,637
Waitaki9,613Oamaru5,071
    On shipboard49
  Hampden379
Waihemo1,806Palmerston South772
Waikouaiti4,119Hawksbury698
  Port Chalmers2,120
    On shipboard91
  North-east Valley4,378
  Maori Hill1,886
  West Harbour1,515
Peninsula2,477  
Taieri6,882Dunedin36,070
    On shipboard160
  Roslyn5,438
  Mornington4,150
  St. Kilda2,579
  Green Island703
  Mosgiel1,517
Bruce4,675Milton1,284
  Kaitangata1,682
Tuapeka6,113Lawrence1,106
  Roxburgh479
  Tapanui370
Clutha6,174Balclutha1,161
    On shipboard2
Maniototo3,004Naseby418
Vincent4,300Cromwell671
  Alexandra936
Lake2,103Arrowtown340
  On shipboard7Queenstown665
Southland24,424Gore3,033
  Mataura1,023
  Winton456
  Invercargill7,299
  Invercargill North973
  Invercargill South2,272
  Invercargill East1,038
  Avenal424
  Gladstone501
  Campbelltown1,472
    On shipboard568
Wallace8,315Riverton914
Fiord54  On shipboard4
Stewart Island288  
  On shipboard16  
Chatham Islands197  

The total county population amounted to 458,797, or 51.63 per cent. of the total for the colony. In counties are included all towns not constituted municipal boroughs; but, on the other hand, the people living in many of the boroughs can hardly be called town population. The population in boroughs was 424,614 persons, or 47.79 per cent. of the whole. For every 100 persons resident in counties in 1906 there were 92.55 residing in boroughs. In 1901 the counties had 417,596 persons, and the boroughs 350,202, or, in other words, for every 100 persons in counties, 84 were residents of the boroughs. Thus it will be seen that the proportion of the town to the county population was greater in 1906 than in 1901.

CHIEF CITIES AND SUBURBS.

The Cities of Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin have considerable suburbs. The suburban population of Wellington is comparatively small. The following gives the names and populations of the several localities, as at the date of the census (1906), which might fairly be termed suburbs of the four principal cities at that time:—

AUCKLAND AND SUBURBS (APRIL, 1906).

 Population, Census, 1906.
Boroughs—
      Birkenhead1,266
      Devonport5,073
      Newmarket2,342
      Grey Lynn5,882
      Parnell5,253
Road Districts—
      Arch Hill1,952
      Eden Terrace2,338
      Epsom1,591
      Mount Albert3,583
      Mount Eden6,888
      Mount Roskill883
      One-tree Hill1,915
      Point Chevalier902
      Remuera3,082
Northcote Riding1,116
Outlying portion of Parnell Riding, being land in the Domain with hospital on it299
                Total suburbs44,365
                Auckland City37,736
                Total Auckland and suburbs (April, 1906)82,101

WELLINGTON AND SUBURBS (APRIL, 1906

 Population, Census, 1906.
Boroughs—
Onslow2,098
Karori2,194
Miramar952
                Total suburbs5,244
                Wellington City58,563
                Total Wellington and suburbs (April, 1906)63,807

CHRISTCHURCH AND SUBURBS (APRIL, 1906).

 Population, Census, 1906.
Boroughs—
        New Brighton1,132
        Woolston2,900
Road Districts—
        Spreydon2,332
        Halswell (part)107
        Riccarton (part)4,981
        Avon (part)3,131
        Heathcote (part)3,367
                Total suburbs17,950
                Christchurch City49,928
                Total Christchurch and suburbs (April, 1906)67,878

DUNEDIN AND SUBURBS (APRIL, 1906).

 Population, Census, 1906.
Boroughs—
        Maori Hill1,886
        Mornington4,154
        North-east Valley4,378
        Roslyn5,438
        St. Kilda2,579
        West Harbour1,515
                Total suburbs19,950
                Dunedin City36,070
                Total Dunedin and suburbs (April, 1906)56,020

The increase of population for ten years prior to the census of 1906 at the four chief centres, with their suburbs, was:—

 Census, 1896.Census, 1906.Numerical Increase.Increase per Cent.
Auckland and suburbs57,61682,10124,48542.50
Wellington and suburbs41,75863,80722,04952.80
Christchurch and suburbs51,33067,87816,54832.24
Dunedin and suburbs47,28056,0208,74018.48

Thus the two principal cities of the North Island are found to have progressed between 1901 and 1906 at a greater rate than those of the Middle Island, and Wellington in particular to have developed at nearly three times the rate of Dunedin, and considerably faster than Christchurch.

While New South Wales and Victoria present what is termed by the statistician of the former State “the disquieting spectacle of capital towns growing with wonderful rapidity, and embracing in their limits one-third of the population of the territory of which they are the centre,” New Zealand is saved from this by the configuration of the country, which has resulted in the formation of four chief towns, besides others of secondary importance but nevertheless trading centres of considerable consequence.

POPULATION OF TOWN DISTRICTS.

Besides the boroughs, there were 40 town districts (including the special town district of Rotorua, constituted under “The Thermal-Springs Districts Act, 1881”) which are portions of the counties in which they are situated. One only of these, Hampstead, has more than 1,000 inhabitants. A list of these town districts is subjoined, with populations, as in 1906:—

Town Districts.Population.
*Constituted under “The Thermal-Springs Districts Act, 1881.”
Kamo315
Helensville616
Papakura359
Pukekohe390
Te Awamutu379
Kihikihi253
Ngaruawahia383
Rotorua*1,927
Opetiki683
Opunake406
Kaponga278
Normanby383
Manaia441
Waverley471
Lethbridge245
Hunterville645
Bull's492
Halcombe276
Rongotea318
Clyde (Wairoa)707
Taradale805
Ormondville413
Waipawa691
Waipukurau761
Kaikora North268
Eketahuna704
Featherston670
Martinborough637
Johnsonville731
Havelock267
Amberley341
South bridge403
Hampstead1,286
Tinwald511
Bay776
Greytown181
Outram431
Clinton418
Wyndham532
Otautau554

POPULATION OF ADJACENT ISLANDS.

The names and populations of the islands adjacent to and included in the colony were, in April, 1906:—

Islands.Total.M.F.
*Now a county.
Mokohinau Lighthouse844
Tiritiri Lighthouse844
Motuhora312
Great Barrier312197115
Little Barrier817
Kawau26188
Ponui401822
Ponui Lighthouse11..
Ruthe's734
Pakatoa422
Pahiki33..
Waiheke1638083
Week's (Puketutu)514
Motuihi541
Bean Rock Lighthouse11..
Motutapu1385
Rakino33..
Rangitoto33..
Islands.Total.M.V.
Brown's211
Cuvier and Lighthouse642
Rakitu743
Rangiahua633
East Island Lighthouse752
Portland and Lighthouse734
Somes and Lighthouse532
Stephen's16106
Brothers Lighthouse33..
Dog Island and Lighthouse1367
Centre and Lighthouse1064
Chatham Islands19711483
Kermadec Islands532
Total897517380

Only three of these islands had a population over 100 persons at last census. Since 1901 the boundaries of the colony have been extended to include the Cook and certain other Pacific islands, the population of which is shown elsewhere.

POPULATION OF AUSTRALASIA.

The growth of population in Australasia over a period of forty-five years is shown in a comparative table. The total for December, 1905, being 4,939,223 persons, is greater than the population of Ireland or Scotland for 1900, and one-seventh part of the population of England and Wales for that year. Australasia has now twice the population of Denmark, over one-third more than Switzerland, and nearly that of the Netherlands.

 Persons. 1860.Persons. 1870.Persons. 1880.Persons. 1890.Persons. 1901.Persons. 1905.
New South Wales348,546498,659747,9501,121,8601,362,2001,496,050
Victoria537,847726,599860,0671,133,2661,201,5061,218,571
Queensland28,056115,567226,077392,965503,266528,048
South Australia124,112183,797267,573319,414362,604378,208
Western Australia15,22725,08429,01946,290182,553254,779
Tasmania87,775100,765114,762145,290172,475181,105
New Zealand79,711248,400484,864625,508772,719882,462
Australasia1,221,2741,898,8712,730,3123,784,5934,557,3234,939,223

Chapter 49. SECTION XVIII.—REPRESENTATION, AND THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 1905.

REPRESENTATION.

THE colony is now (March, 1906) divided into seventy-six districts for purposes of European representation, having one member each. The boundaries were formed on the basis of the results of the census of 1901. The Electoral Act of 1905 directs that, in computing for electoral purposes the population of the colony, 28 per cent. should be added to the country population—i.e., all persons living outside, towns of 2,000 inhabitants and over. The total population of the colony (other than Maoris), with the addition aforesaid, having been ascertained, was then divided by the number of members (76), and the quotient thus obtained formed the quota. Inasmuch as it would be impossible to divide the country into a given number of districts all having exactly the precise quota of population, the law permits the Commissioners to make an allowance of 550 persons by way of addition to or deduction from the population of rural districts, and of 100 in case of city electorates, with special provision for districts where the population is partly city and partly rural, so that more consideration can be given to community of interest, facilities of communication, and topographical features in constructing the districts.

But, although the above describes the state of affairs as now, the present electoral districts were formed in accordance with the laws in force prior to 2nd October, 1902, when the allowance by way of addition to or deduction from the population of rural districts was 1,250.

Moreover, “The City Single Electorates Act, 1903” (now incorporated in the principal Act), provided that the existing electoral districts of City of Auckland, City of Wellington, City of Christchurch, and City of Dunedin should each be divided into three electoral districts returning one member for each division, and these districts have accordingly been divided.

The Act provides for two permanent Commissions, called the “North” and “South” Island Representation Commissions. These sit together as a joint Commission for the purpose of fixing the number of districts for the North and South Islands respectively, but afterwards act separately and independently of one another, the duties and functions of each being confined to their respective Island.

The North Island with its adjacent islands has, consequent on the division of the four city constituencies above referred to, 38 electoral districts, having 38 members; the South and Stewart Islands having the same; instead of there being 34 districts and 38 members for each Island. In 1896 and in 1899 the North Island returned 34 and the South Island 36 members; but in 1902 six new rural districts were created, by which the North Island gained four and the South Island two members.

These districts are, as before stated, for purposes of European representation. But the colony is again divided into four districts for purposes of Maori representation, under the electoral law, each district having one Native member elected by the Maoris; making the House of Representatives consist of 80 members altogether—76 Europeans and 4 Maoris.

The census is the only means of ascertaining correctly the distribution of the people throughout the country, and for this reason is essential to the work of dividing the colony anew into electorates of even population. The internal movement of the people cannot be ascertained correctly except by a census, though, when a country is insular, the natural increase (excess of births over deaths) added to the excess of arrivals over departures gives a fairly correct estimate of increase of population for the whole area.

An instance of the effect of the census in adjusting the representation of the people for Parliament is afforded by the figures relating to the North and South Islands for successive census years. The electoral districts are constituted on a population basis, and the results show,—

 North Island.South Island.
At the census of 189130 members40 members.
At the census of 189631 members39 members.
At the census of 190134 members36 members.

The districts will be again defined on the basis of the results of the census taken in April, 1906.

THE ELECTORAL LAW.

By the Act which came into force in 1893 the great step was taken of admitting women to the franchise. The Amendment Act of 1896 abolished the non-residential or property qualification, with a saving clause in favour of then-existing registrations in respect of such qualification. “The Electoral Act, 1905,” consolidates the whole of the electoral laws, and amends the same where necessary. Electors are enrolled on sending to the Registrar a claim and declaration according to a prescribed form. The general roll in every district must be closed on 15th April in every year, and after the closing of the general roll a supplementary roll is to be prepared for each district, upon which the Registrar enters the names of all persons whose claims for enrolment have been received and approved by him after the closing of the general roll. It is the duty of the Registrar of each electoral district to keep the rolls revised and complete.

Every seaman qualified to be enrolled as an elector, and having no settled residence in any electoral district, may be enrolled in the district comprising any port where the ship in which he is engaged usually calls. On application, a seaman may obtain an elector's right enabling him to vote for the election of a representative for the district where he is enrolled. He may exercise such vote at any time between the issue of the writ and the closing of the poll on the polling-day, at any place or port where he may be at the time, and may obtain from a Collector of Customs a ballot-paper for the purpose of recording such vote. The right shall not be in force for any period exceeding twelve months, but may be renewed.

An elector of any district may, at any time up to the issue of the writ, obtain from the Returning Officer a voting-permit authorising him to record his vote at any polling-booth outside the district for which he is enrolled, but only in respect of the district wherein he is enrolled.

The Act provides for the appointment of a Chief Electoral Officer, who shall be charged with the duty of carrying the Act into effect. and for the appointment of a Deputy Electoral Officer in case of the unavoidable absence of the Chief Electoral Officer.

THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 1905.

For European Representatives.

[Polling-day, 6th December, 1905; number of polling-places, 2,195.]

Dealing with the population of both sexes, it is found that the total number of persons on the rolls was 476,473. The number of adult persons in this colony is not available, as the census results are not yet compiled in ages. The number of persons who voted, or who went to the poll, was 396,657, or 83.25 per cent. of the number on the rolls, a much larger proportion than obtained in 1902, which was 76.69 per cent.

Date of General Election.Estimated Total Adult Persons.Number on Rolls.Proportion per Cent. of Adult Persons registered as Electors.Number of Persons who voted.Proportion per Cent. of Persons on Rolls who voted.

* Excluding figures for three electorates in which there was no contest.

† Including 4,974 informal votes.

‡ Including 5,168 informal votes.

§ Will be shown by results of census, 1906, when compiled in ages.

1,893319,010302,99794.98220,08275.25*
1,896356,658339,23095.11258,25176.13
1,899386,146373,74496.79279,33077.59*
1,902429,385415,78996.88318,859†76.69
1,905§476,473,§396,657‡83.25

Dealing with men only, the number on the rolls was 263,597. The males who voted in 1905 were 221,611, or 84.07 per cent. of those on the rolls, against 78.44 per cent. in 1902.

Date of General Election.Estimated Total Adult Males.Number of Men on Rolls.Proportion per Cent. of Adult Males registered as Electors.Number who voted.Proportion per Cent. of Males on Rolls who voted.

* Excluding figures for three electorates in which there was no contest.

† The number on the rolls was in excess of the estimated adult male population at the date of the election.

† Including informal.

§ Will be shown by results of census, 1906, when compiled in ages.

1,893179,539193,536129,79269.61*
1,896197,002196,92599.96149,47175.90
1,899214,773210,52998.02159,78079.06*
1,902233,602229,84598.39180,294‡78.44
1,905§263,597§221,611‡84.07

The number of women who voted, 175,046, is 82.23 per cent. of the females on the rolls, while in 1902 there were 138,565 who voted, giving the lower proportion of 74.52 per cent.; so that (assuming the figures to be correct) there is evidence of a greater willingness now on the part of the females to go to the poll.

Date of General Election.Estimated Total Adult Females.Number of Women on Rolls.Proportion per Cent. of Adult Females registered as Electors.Number who voted.Proportion per Cent. of Females on Rolls who voted.

* Excluding figures for three electorates in which there was no contest.

† Including informal.

§ Will be shown by results of census, 1906, when compiled in ages.

1,893139,471109,46178.4890,29085.18*
1,896159,656142,30589.13108,78376.44
1,899171,373163,21595.24119,55075.70*
1,902195,783185,94494.97138,565†74.52
1,905§212,876§175,046†82.23

The following table shows for the different districts the number of electors of each sex on the rolls, with the voters (including those whose votes were informal), and the population as at last census:—

Electoral Districts.Number of Electors on Roll.Number of Voters who recorded Votes (including informal).
Men.Women.Total.Men.Women.Total.
Bay of Islands2,8251,7174,5422,3721,3413,713
Marsden3,5742,6186,1923,0652,1595,224
Kaipara4,0971,9606,0572,6621,7254,387
Waitemata3,4532,8606,3132,9682,4015,369
Auckland West3,5863,8217,4073,1173,2656,382
Auckland East3,4423,4406,8822,6802,8345,514
Auckland Central3,6162,8766,4922,8232,2405,063
Grey Lynn3,1573,7336,8902,6202,9785,604
Eden3,5013,4076,9082,8632,6925,555
Parnell3,1633,5306,6932,6752,8805,555
Manukau3,2483,0486,2962,7802,6225,402
Franklin3,7112,5956,3063,1852,2335,418
Thames2,3672,0824,4492,1011,7723,873
Ohinemuri3,3262,0205,3462,6791,5964,275
Waikato4,7483,3668,1144,0682,8196,887
Bay of Plenty4,6583,0427,7003,8752,4706,345
Waiapu4,8823,0997,9814,1152,6886,803
Hawke's Bay4,0252,6296,6543,1812,1045,285
Napier3,7143,1766,8903,0232,6985,721
Waipawa4,1272,7166,8433,6052,3445,949
Pahiatua3,2282,2945,5222,7351,8524,587
Masterton3,8272,7656,5923,1732,1415,314
Wairarapa3,2742,0745,3482,8101,7984,608
Egmont3,9482,2996,2473,1891,7204,909
Taranaki3,3083,0186,3202,8382,4725,310
Hawera3,6222,5936,2153,0902,1565,246
Patoa4,2022,9227,1243,2882,2275,515
Rangitikei5,0152,0797,0943,8641,3355,199
Wanganui4,0573,9277,9843,3683,0486,416
Oroua3,2812,2245,5052,7321,7364,468
Palmerston4,6303,7198,3493,6723,0696,741
Manawatu3,7572,3826,1392,9261,8454,771
Otaki2,8892,1375,0202,4231,6724,095
Hutt4,0673,2177,2843,4542,5506,004
Wellington North4,4303,8018,2313,5872,8736,460
Wellington Central4,5903,4318,0213,6572,6966,353
Wellington East3,7313,6287,3593,1352,8766,011
Newtown4,5344,4228,9503,9443,5917,535
City of Nelson3,1233,2146,3372,8292,7925,621
Motueka3,0162,0105,0262,3711,2663,637
Buller3,8532,4876,3403,1961,9755,171
Grey4,2982,6166,9143,6072,2195,826
Westland2,7291,8534,5822,2561,4593,715
Wairau3,4962,6046,1003,0392,2425,281
Hurunui3,0111,7504,7612,2051,2503,455
Kaiapoi2,3062,4984,8042,1732,0294,202
Riccarton2,6162,3724,9882,2191,9774,196
Avon3,0673,3346,4012,7402,8385,578
Christchurch North3,8664,6188,4843,3753,8347,209
Christchurch East3,7303,8677,5973,2453,1876,432
Christchurch South3,5853,6297,2143,2793,1746,453
Lyttelton3,2542,9836,2372,8632,5325,395
Ellesmere2,3611,9544,3152,1081,6043,712
Courtenay2,5522,0504,6022,1331,6113,744
Selwyn2,9002,0884,9882,4681,6814,149
Ashburton3,5332,6616,1943,0032,2365,239
Geraldine2,7682,1984,9662,4151,8314,246
Timaru3,7373,3897,1263,1532,8996,052
Waitaki3,3042,2175,5212,7561,8014,557
Oamaru3,1062,7805,8862,7042,3595,063
Mount Ida2,5691,5994,1682,1121,3143,426
Waikouaiti2,4772,0804,5572,1661,7923,958
Chalmers3,2823,3066,5882,9252,8785,803
Dunedin North3,1823,7956,9772,8713,3966,267
Dunedin Central3,8553,7587,6133,3843,2676,651
Dunedin South3,1983,4696,6672,8633,0235,886
Caversham3,2433,6906,9332,9513,2686,219
Taieri2,5412,1784,7192,2551,8914,146
Bruce2,7012,2314,9322,2701,8684,138
Tuapeka3,0241,9624,9862,5521,5834,135
Clutha2,8722,1895,0612,3721,7344,106
Mataura3,6922,8386,5303,0062,1725,178
Wakatipu3,0541,9044,9582,7301,6424,372
Wallace3,3152,1345,4492,8181,7854,603
Invercargill3,7193,6927,4113,3183,2626,580
Awarua3,0522,2125,2642,5331,8574,390
        Totals263,597212,876476,473221,611175,046396,657

A return is added showing the number of votes recorded for each candidate, and from this it will be seen that in forty-two instances the deposits were forfeited, the number of votes received in each case having been less than one-fourth of the number polled by the successful candidate. One candidate, Mr. F. W. Isitt, was nominated for two separate districts.

 Number of Votes recorded.
Electoral Districts and Names of Candidates.For each Candidate.Total.
Bay of Islands:  
    Houston, R. M.1,672 
    Johnson, J. C.1,202 
    Wake, T.8023,676
Marsden:  
    Mander, F.2,714 
    Thompson, R.2,366 
    Minchin, G. H.665,146
Kaipara:  
    Stallworthy, J.2,172 
    Harding, A. E.2,1634,335
Waitemata:  
    Alison, E. W.3,128 
    Clinkard, C. H.2,1575,285
Auckland West:  
    Poole, C. H.2,534 
    Parr, C. J.2,194 
    Masefield, T. T.1,5006,318
Auckland East  
    Baume, F. E.2,535 
    Bamford, H. D.1,664 
    Richardson, W.1,129 
    Way, R. F.1035,431
Auckland Central:  
    Kidd, A.2,701 
    Bagnall, L. J.1,762 
    Aggers, J.360 
    Tilly, S. A.51 
    Bradly, A. P.374,911
Grey Lynn:  
    Fowlds, G.2,891 
    Farrell, J.2,6615,552
Eden:  
    Bollard, J.4,091 
    French, R.1,3315,422
Parnell:  
    Lawry, F.2,582 
    McLean, M.2,460 
    Shera, J. McE.272 
    Morgan, W.69 
    Chambers. W.585,441
Manukau:  
    Kirkbrido, M. M.3,007 
    Stewart, R. D.2,3445,351
Franklin:  
    Massey, W. F.3,120 
    McCardale, W. W.2,1655,285
Thames:  
    McGowan, J.2,525 
    Fleming, M.1,2963,821
Ohinemuri:  
    Poland, H.2,224 
    Moss, E. G. B.1,873 
    Devey, G.194,116
Waikato:  
    Greenslade, H. J.3,457 
    Lang, F. W.3,3796,836
Bay of Plenty:  
    Herries, W. H.3,251 
    Foster, J.3,0406,291
Waiapu:  
    Carroll, J.3,647 
    Clayton, W. L.1,849 
    Darton, G. E.874 
    Wall, H. H.3126,682
Hawke's Bay:  
    Dillon, Alfred3,138 
    Russell, Sir W. R.2,0955,233
Napier:  
    Frasor, A. L. D.3,076 
    Lascelles, M. W. P.1,607 
    McGrath, W. J.9495,632
Waipawa:  
    Hall, C3,576 
    Hunter, G.2,3225,898
Pahiatua:  
    Ross, R. B.2,300 
    Hawkins, W. H.2,094 
    Buchanan, H. D.1424,536
Masterton:  
    Hogg, A. W.3,055 
    Cooper, J. C.2,1965,251
Wairarapa:  
    Hornsby, J. T. M.2,510 
    Buchanan, W. C.1,979 
    Phillips, C.634,552
Egmont:  
    Jennings, W. T.2,621 
    Leech, C.1,970 
    Campboll, H. A.2154,806
Taranaki:  
    Smith, E. M.1,953 
    Okoy, H. J. H.1,717 
    Bellringer, C. E.838 
    Tisch, G.475 
    Mills, C. T.2325,215
Hawera:  
    Major, C. E.2,206 
    McGuire, F.1,757 
    Robbins, B. C.1,2225,185
Patea:  
    Symes, W.2,552 
    Hine, J. B.2,409 
    Wake, G. P.4925,453
Rangitikei  
    Remington, A. E.3,416 
    Sommendlle, J. R.1,7065,122
Wanganui:  
    Hogan, J. T.2,533 
    Willis, A. D.1,609 
    Bassett, W. G.1,071 
    Haseldon, F. H.767 
    Gatenby, R. McK.3386,318
Oroua:  
    Lethbridgo, F. Y.2,177 
    Pleasants, O. C.1,191 
    Hornblow, R. E.1,0454,413
Palmerston:  
    Wood, W. T.3,503 
    Pirani, F.3,0836,646
Manawatu:  
    Stevens, J.2,404 
    Vile, J.2,045 
    Gardner, O.2334,682
Otaki:  
    Field, W. H.2,716 
    Brown, B. P.1,3224,038
Hutt:  
    Wilford, T. M.3,452 
    Yerex, G. M.1,540 
    London, G. T.9575,949
Wellington North:  
    Izard, C. H.3,283 
    Duthie, J.2,794 
    Macfarlane, G. D.2906,367
Wellington Central:  
    Fisher, F. M. B.3,142 
    O'Regan, P. J.2,698 
    Cooper, A. H.4236,263
Wellington East:  
    Aitkon, J. G. W.2,595 
    McLean, W.2,576 
    McLaren, D.7636,934
Newtown:  
    Barber, W. H. P.3,231 
    Hislop, T. W.2,018 
    Chapple, W. A.1,795 
    Hindmarsh, A. H.3837,427
City of Nelson:  
    Graham, J.2,787 
    Atmore, H.2,7585,545
Motueka:  
    McKenzie, R.3,069 
    Isitt, F. W.336 
    O'Kelly, J.1983,603
Buller:  
    Colvin, J.3,912 
    Isitt, F. W.1,1145,020
Grey:  
    Guinness, A. R.3,080 
    Petrie, J.2,7035,783
Westland:  
    Seddon, R. J.3,420 
    Cowin, H.2403,000
Wairau:  
    Mills, C. H.3,088 
    Duncan, J.2,111 
    Turner, G.245,223
Hurunui:  
    Rutherford, A. W.2,149 
    Clothier, O. F.963 
    Pulley, G. T.3073,410
Kaiapoi:  
    Buddo, D.2,088 
    Moore, R.2,0434,131
Riccarton:  
    Witty, G.2,294 
    Caverhill, T. H.1,054 
    Russell, G. W.679 
    Efford, J. A.1034,130
Avon:  
    Tanner, W. W.2,294 
    Brunt, J. R.1,569 
    Clarkson, T.1,541 
    Baynes, B.1015,505
Christchurch North:  
    Gray, C. M.4,074 
    Taylor, T. E.3,0107,084
Christchurch East:  
    Davey, T. H.2,625 
    Toogood, H. F.2,060 
    Collins, W. W.1,532 
    Cooke, F. R.916,308
Christchurch South:  
    Ell, H. G.3,689 
    Winny, C. H.1,178 
    Thorn, J.1,107 
    Hadfield, J.3046,338
Lyttelton:  
    Laurenson, G.2,515 
    Radeliffe, W.1,393 
    Russell, C. L.967 
    Webb, S. R.3995,274
Ellesmere:  
    Rhodes, R. H.1,810 
    Ronnie, G.1,527 
    Shaw, H.3383,675
Courtenay:  
    Lewis, C.1,972 
    McBride, T. J.1,7403,712
Selwyn:  
    Hardy, C. A. C.2,215 
    Ivess, J.1,8034,108
Ashburton:  
    McLachlan, J.2,518 
    Studholme, J.2,274 
    Sealy, J.4025,194
Geraldine:  
    Flatman, F. R.2,715 
    Jeffries, W.1,4824,197
Timaru:  
    Hall-Jones, W.3,541 
    Rolleston, F. J.2,4786,019
Waitaki:  
    Steward, Sir W. J.2,628 
    Dash, G.922 
    Maslin, W. S.379 
    Walker. A.259 
    Nichol, J. B.2484,436
Oamaru:  
    Duncan, T.3,400 
    Mitchell, J.1,391 
    McKenzie, W. M.1594,950
Mount Ida:  
    MacPherson, J. A.1,900 
    Herdman, A. L.1,5063,406
Waikouaiti:  
    Mackenzie, T.2,317 
    Clark, E. H.1,615 3,932
Chalmers:  
    Allen, E. G.3,455 
    Pryor, W.2,018 
    Gibb, W.261 5,734
Dunedin North:  
    Barclay, A. R.3,345 
    Bedford, H. D.2,831 6,176
Dunedin Central:  
    Millar, J. A.4,255 
    Adam, A. S.2,336 6,591
Dunedin South:  
    Arnold, J. F.3,313 
    Stewart, W. D.2,5335,846
Caversham:  
    Sidey, T. K.3,948 
    Earnshaw, W.2,1886,136
Taieri:  
    Reid, D., jun.2,320 
    Marshall, A.1,7854,105
Bruce:  
    Allen, J.2,275 
    Mason, W. D.1,8404,115
Tuapeka:  
    Bennet, J.2,538 
    Gilkison, R.1,5614,099
Clutha:  
    Malcolm, A. S.2,035 
    Stewart, D1,763 
    Roy, W.2614,059
Mataura:  
    McNab, R,2,791 
    MacGibbon, T.2,3565,147
Wakatipu:  
    Fraser, W.2,383 
    Gilfedder, M.1,9604,343
Wallace:  
    Thomson, J. C.2,512 
    Macpherson, D.2,0514,563
Invercargill:  
    Hanan, J. A.3,772 
    Raymond, I. W.1,840 
    Morris, W. A.8626,474
Awarua:  
    Ward, Sir J. G.3,586 
    Woodnorth, H. S.7384,324

A summary of the population, number of electors on the rolls, and the total number of votes recorded at each of the last five general elections is next given:—

1905.1902.1899.1890.1893.

* Total number of electors who recorded their votes: 396,657 in 1905,318,859 in 1902, 279,380 in 1899, 258,254 in 1896. and 220,082 in 1893.

† The total of votes recorded for 1905 shows less than that for 1902, because in the later year the four previously amalgamated city constituencies had become single electorates, and consequently a voter could only vote for one person.

Number of votes recorded for members elected216,378235,083202,324184,929153,663
Number of votes recorded for defeated candidates173,811181,879185,305174,475149,413
            Total votes recorded*†390,189416,962387,629359,404303,076
Number of names on rolls in districts uncontested....13,726..10,539
Number of names on rolls in districts where elections were contested476,473415,789360,018339,230292,458
            Total number of electors on rolls476,473415,789373,744339,230302,997
            Total population at last census772,504772,504703,119703,119626,359

The names of the members returned at the last general election, arranged in alphabetical order, are next shown, with the electoral district represented by each.

Name.Electoral District.
* Since deceased, and Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon elected.
Aitken, John Guthrie WoodWellington East.
Alison, Ewen WilliamWaitemata.
Allen, Edmund GiblettChalmers.
Allen, JamesBruce.
Arnold, James FrederickDunedin South.
Barber, William Henry PeterNewtown.
Barclay, Alfred RichardDunedin North.
Baume, Frederick EhrenfreidAuckland Bast.
Bennet, JamesTuapeka.
Bollard, JohnEden.
Buddo, DavidKaiapei.
Carroll, Hon. JamesWaiapu.
Colvin, JamesBuller.
Davey, Thomas HenryChristchurch East.
Dillon, AlfredHawke's Bay.
Duncan, Hon. Thomas YoungOamaru.
Ell, Henry GeorgeChristchurch South.
Field, William HughesOtaki.
Fisher, Francis Marion BatesWellington Central
Flatman, Frederick RobertGeraldine.
Fowlds, George.Grey Lynn.
Fraser, Alfred Levavasour DurellNapier.
Fraser, WilliamWakatipu.
Graham, JohnCity of Nelson.
Gray, Charles MatthewChristchurch North.
Greenslade, Henry JamesWaikato.
Guinness, Arthur RobertGrey.
Hall, CharlesWaipawa.
Hall-Jones, Hon. WilliamTimaru.
Hanan, Josiah AlfredInvercargill.
Hardy, Charles Albert CreerySelwyn.
Herries, William HerbertBay of Plenty.
Hogan, James ThomasWanganui.
Hogg, Alexander WilsonMasterton.
Hornsby, John Thomas MarryatWairarapa.
Houston, Robert MorrowBay of Islands.
Izard, Charles Hay wardWellington North.
Jennings, William ThomasEgmont.
Kidd, AlfredAuckland Central.
Kirkbride, Matthew MiddlewoodManukau.
Laurenson, GeorgeLyttelton.
Lawry, FrankParnell.
Lethbridge, Frank YatesOroua.
Lewis, CharlesCourtenay.
McGowan, Hon. JamesThames.
McKenzie, RoderickMotueka.
Mackenzie, ThomasWaikouaiti.
McLachlan, JohnAshburton.
McNab, RobertMataura.
Macpherson, John AndrewMount Ida.
Malcolm, Alexander ScottClutha.
Major, Charles EdwinHawera.
Mander, FrancisMarsden.
Massey, William FergusonFranklin.
Millar, John AndrewDunedin Central.
Mills, Hon. Charles HoughtonWairau.
Poland, HughOhinemuri.
Poole, Charles HenryAuckland West.
Reid, Donald (jun.)Taieri.
Remington, Arthur EdwardRangitikei.
Rhodes, Robert HeatonEllesmere.
Ross, Robert BeatsonPahiatua.
Rutherford, Andrew WilliamHurunui.
Seddon, Rt. Hon. Richard John, P.O.*Westland.
Sidey, Thomas KayCaversham.
Smith, Edward MetcalfTaranaki.
Stallworthy, JohnKaipara.
Stevens, JohnManawatu.
Steward, Hon. Sir William Jukes, Kt. Bach.Waitaki.
Symes, WalterPatea.
Tanner, William WilcoxAvon.
Thomson, John CharlesWallace.
Ward, Hon. Sir Joseph George, K.C.M.G.Awarua.
Wilford, Thomas MasonHutt
Witty, GeorgeRiccarton.
Wood, William ThomasPalmerston.

OCCUPATIONS OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The occupations of members elected in 1905 show that farmers or runholders furnish more members than any other class of occupation. There were twenty-one of these (besides four given as “settlers”) returned in 1905. There were nine barristers or solicitors, and five journalists. The number of members returned in 1902 and 1905 was seventy-six, against seventy in 1896 and 1899:—

Occupations.1896.1899.1802.1905.
Professional—    
    Secretary, Y.M.C.A.1
    Barrister, solicitor59109
    Journalist9855
    Mining advocate, interpreter, lecturer, teacher3413
    Chemist11
Domestic—    
    Hotelkeeper1
Commercial—    
    Insurance manager1
    Land-broker, estate agent23
    Auctioneer112
    Director of financial company111
    Native agent111
    Stationer, bookseller, draper, grocer, butcher3653
    Merchant, iron-merchant, timber-merchant3243
    Storekeeper1222
    Commission agent, clerk, accountant, commercial traveller3233
Transport and Communication—    
    Coach-proprietor1
Industrial—    
    Tailor, shoemaker, dyer2233
    Mill-owner, ship-rigger, builder, metallurgical engineer, mine-manager4222
    Railway employee1
    Blacksmith11
    Printer, newspaper-proprietor21
    Farmer11131216
    Sheep-farmer, runholder, grazier, stock-owner14795
    Contractor3333
Others—    
    Settler, gentleman, &c.8758

For Maori Representatives.

(Polling-day, 20th December, 1905; Number of Polling-places, 327.)

Of a Maori population amounting to 43,143 persons at the census of 1901, 16,045 voted at the general election held in December, 1905, an increase of 1,774 on the number who voted at the election of 1902. In 1893 the voters numbered 11,269, or 1,739 persons fewer than in 1896, when 13,008 Maoris recorded their votes, while at the general election held in December, 1899, the number of Maoris who voted was 13,628, and in 1902 the number of voters was 14,271. As the Native population increased but slightly between 1891 and 1901, it would appear that Maoris are taking more interest as to their representation in Parliament than formerly, or perhaps there is now more convenience for attending to vote, or better knowledge of political affairs. The numbers of voters for the several districts in December, 1905, were:—

Electoral Districts.Population: Census 1901.Number who voted.Per Cent. of Population at all Ages.
Males.Females.Totals.
North Island—     
    Northern Maori5,4004,4789,8782,34823.77
    Eastern Maori7,4656,51013,9756,91349.47
    Western Maori9,0547,99417,0486,03535.40
South Island—     
    Southern Maori1,1931,0492,24274933.41
            Totals23,11220,03143,14316,04537.19

The votes recorded for each candidate were:—

 Number of Votes recorded.
Electoral Districts and Names of Candidates.For each Candidate.Total.
Northern Maori:  
    Heke, Hone1,166 
    Reweti, Ru539 
    Tukariri, Te Huirama238 
    Ururoa, Papa216 
    Rotoroa, Rihari189 
  2,348
Eastern Maori:  
    Ngata, Apirana2,447 
    Pere, Wi1,690 
    Atahikoia, Mohi te1,594 
    Paaka, Tiki785 
    Hutana, Ihaia305 
    Kohere, Tuhaka92 
  6,913
Western Maori:  
    Kaihau, Henare3,026 
    Tukino, Te Heuheu1,338 
    Kahu, Eruera te991 
    Taipua, Pitiera394 
    Kingi, Weraroa162 
    Teimana, Hare124 
  6,035
Southern Maori:  
    Parata, Tame287 
    Uru, John Hopere Wharewiti127 
    Taiaroa, Wiwi123 
    Maketanaro, Tuiti118 
    Matiu, Hoani94 
  749

On the succeeding page will be found a tabular statement giving the results of each general election since the year 1853 for purposes of European representation.

GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVES HELD FROM THE YEAR 1853.

ParliamentDate of General Election.Number of Names on Roll of Electors.Number of Members returned.Number of Members returned unopposed.Numbers of Votes recorded (or of Voters recording Votes).Population of the Colony at end of Year.Average Number of
Persons to each Member.Persons to each Elector.Electors to each Member.

* Information not obtainable.

1 Including 100, the estimated number in Akaroa district, for which there is no return.

2 Including 800, the estimated number in the electorates of Town of New Plymouth, Grey and Bell, and Omata, for which districts there are no returns.

3 Electors for the Electoral District of “The Otago Goldfields” not included.

4 Men and women.

5 Voters recording votes.

First1,8531 5,93437**30,0008115.1160
Second1,8552 10,32437**37,1921,0053.6279
Third1,86113,46653**79,7111,5045.9254
Fourth1,8663 33,33872**190,6072,6475.7463
Fifth1,87147,27574**248,4003,3575.3639
Sixth1,87561,75584**375,8564,4746.1735
Seventh1,87982,271841443,776463,7295,5215.6979
Eighth1,881120,972911169,985500,9105,5054.11,329
Ninth1,884137,686911174,672564,3046,2014.11,513
Tenth1,887175,410915111,911603,3616,6303.41,928
Eleventh1,890183,171706136,337625,5088,9363.42,617
Twelfth1,8934 302,99770345 220,082672,2659,6042.24,328
Thirteenth1,8964339,23070..45 258,254714,16210,2022.14,853
Fourteenth1,8994 373,74470345 279,330756,50510,8072.05,339
Fifteenth1,9024 415,78976..45 318,859807,92910,6311.95,471
Sixteenth1,9054 476,47376..45 396,657882,46211,6111.96,269

Chapter 50. SECTION XIX.—CROWN LANDS.

A SUMMARY of the transactions during the year ended 31st March, 1906, will be found in the following table, which shows under all descriptions of tenure the number of selectors and the area selected:—

Nature and Tenure of Lands selected during the Year ended the 31st March, 1906Number of Purchasers or Selectors.Area.
 Selectors.Area.  
  A. R. P. A. R. P
Town lands sold for cash7942 2 3021911,122 2 7
Suburban lands sold for cash30138 3 18
Rural lands sold for cash11010,940 3 39
Occupation with right of purchase  388157,432 1 24
Lease in perpetuity  29379,428 1 25
Perpetual leases and small areas  1126 3 15
Village settlement, cash  3940 0 5
Village settlement, occupation with right of purchase  240 3 6
Village settlement, lease in perpetuity  551,934 0 34
Village-homestead special settlement  49287 1 12
Improved-farm special settlement (lease in perpetuity and occupation with right of purchase)  3547 0 0
Occupation leases, Mining Act  301,194 0 32
Small grazing-runs  1330,942 1 37
Pastoral runs  115342,960 1 18
Miscellaneous leases and licenses  53943,721 2 14
Cheviot Estate—    
  Cash lands  41 2 0
  Miscellaneous  434 0 5
Land for Settlements Acts—    
  Cash lands  67 3 13
  Lease in perpetuity  41378,589 3 28
  Small grazing-runs  2137,644 2 8
  Miscellaneous  331,868 0 8
   2,227787,927 0 11
Endowments—    
  Occupation with right of purchase  1146 0 0
  Occupation leases, Mining Act  313 2 0
  Lease in perpetuity  22,323 1 6
  Miscellaneous  490 1 13
Native townships  11108 1 4
Thermal Springs (Rotorua)  237 3 0
                Totals  2,271790,616 0 34

Particulars of the number of Crown tenants at present holding lauds under the several tenures, together with the yearly rental payable, are given in the next statement.

STATEMENT showing the TOTAL NUMBER OF CROWN TENANTS, with Area selected or hold, and the Yearly Rent payable, as on the 31st March, 1906.

Tenures.Total Number of Tenants.Total Area held by such Tenants.Total Yearly Rental or Instalment payable.
ORDINARY CROWN LANDS. A. R. P.£ s. d.
Deferred payment19238,910 3 251,870 4 1
Perpetual lease601113,215 2 334,235 5 11
Occupation with right of purchase4,4011,312,188 0 1949,243 5 5
Lease in perpetuity4,5991,318,559 3 2642,385 8 4
Agricultural lease16521 2 2122 14 3
Homestead
Mining Districts Land Occupation Act52623,141 1 101,364 13 0
Village settlements—   
  Deferred payment12235 1 3724 9 8
  Perpetual lease1241,835 1 30275 0 0
  Occupation with right of purchase3263 2 1012 18 10
  Lease in perpetuity54711,175 2 161,718 8 10
Village-homestead special settlements—   
  Perpetual lease3175,718 3 10756 8 0
  Lease in perpetuity74417,391 0 222,565 1 4
Special settlement associations—   
  Deferred payment
  Perpetual lease10669 0 848 4 0
  Lease in perpetuity641115,758 0 185,974 0 5
Improved-farm special settlements61375,529 3 183,313 1 6
Small grazing-runs6471,370,678 3 3327,983 13 7
Pastoral runs88511,494,276 2 2973,740 13 2
Miscellaneous leases3,181037,124 0 312,9,2 13 5
                    Totals18,09116,513,054 1 8228,436 3 9
    
CHEVIOT ESTATE   
  Lease in perpetuity11824,392 1 26,450 14 6
  Village-homestead special settlement712,480 1 0869 10 4
  Grazing-farms5046,020 0 66,912 13 2
  Pastoral runs11,612 0 0193 3 8
  Miscellaneous671,381 0 22313 18 7
                    Totals30775,915 2 3014,740 0 3
    
LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACTS   
  Lease in perpetuity3,231574,087 3 28171,083 8 10
  Lease in perpetuity, village47448 0 4341 3 10
  Special-settlement associations112,114 1 9162 7 8
  Small grazing-runs94160,505 3 2423,509 17 8
  Pastoral runs2953 2 38121 13 0
  Miscellaneous10710,777 2 231,405 1 10
                Totals3,552754,887 2 6196,623 12 10
    
THERMAL SPRINGS (ROTORUA)3066,078 3 242,148 6 4
                Grand totals22,25017,379,936 1 28441,948 3 2
Endowments785373,810 1 1213,524 17 2
Native townships3321,065 3 101,371 19 2

Tables I and II, which follow, exhibit the acreage of land taken up for settlement, and the number of holdings under each description of tenure. The lands held under pastoral license and miscellaneous leases, such as for timber and flax-cutting, coal-mining, &c., are not included in these tables. Tables III and IV show the total acreage taken up year by year since March, 1896, in each laud district, and the number of holdings grouped according to size, the areas varying from less than one acre in extent to 1,000 acres and over.

The forfeitures and surrenders in respect of the lands taken up for settlement (excluding, as already remarked, pastoral and miscellaneous leases) for the last ten years were:—

1890–97815 holdings228,978 acres.
1897–98658 holdings130,380 acres.
1898–99567 holdings180,957 acres.
1899–1900510 holdings164,003 acres.
1900–1354 holdings100,690 acres.
1901–2192 holdings75,368 acres.
1902–3329 holdings106,390 acres.
1903–4354 holdings105,625 acres.
1904–5180 holdings89,451 acres.
1905–6154 holdings36,098 acres.

Forfeited and surrendered lands are again thrown open for selection as soon as possible, and in the majority of cases are taken up again by fresh selectors within a short time.

A full description of the various tenures under which land is dealt with in the colony is given in the article entitled “The Land System of New Zealand,” in Part III. of this book.

I.—COMPARATIVE STATEMENT SHOWING ACREAGE OF LANDS SELECTED UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS (EXCLUDING PASTORAL RUNS, MISCELLANEOUS LEASES AND LICENSES, ENDOWMENTS AND THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT LEASES) DURING TEN YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1906.
1896–97.1897–98.1898–99.1899–1900.1900–1.1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.
NOTE.—The forfeitures and surrenders for the years dealt with in the table were—for the year 1896–97, 228,978 acres; 1897–98, 130,380 acres; 1898–99, 180,957 acres; 1899–1900, 164,003 acres; 1900–1,106,690 acres; 1901–2,75,368 acres; 1902–3, 100,390 acres; 1903–4, 105,625 acres; 1904–5, 89,451 acres; and for 1905–6, 36,698 acres. But it must not be supposed that these relate to the acreages taken up during the same years; on the contrary, forfeitures may have their origin in selections of long standing and various dates.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.
Cash lands28,48522,52537,40023,93658,70327,29017,19422,48118,99111,132
Deferred payments....13....52........
Perpetual lease and small areas9,1066516406242,49910......127
Occupation with right of purchase59,64881,414109,950117,771262,729128,893118,557146,953138,206157,433
Lease in perpetuity104,927117,938159,415153,531144,205116,125161,745194,515173,811158,019
Agricultural lease132581147023283613218..
Occupation lease under “The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894”2,8171,2851,4492,2952,1232,5072,4344,9721,9141,193
Village settlement—          
    Cash41304221098140
    Occupation with right of purchase4222..1......41
    Lease in perpetuity1,3171,4262,1151,7621,0824566195142081,933
Village-homestead special settlement36042134313764691,512272111287
Special-settlement associations (lease in per petuity)28,0844426072....5,761729223..
Special-settlement improved farms4,8829,0074,8237,3931,9361,6184,03219,4361,459547
Small grazing-runs and grazing-farms68,934149,45877,632155,10986,076112,947113,925144,78667,27168,588
            Totals308,581384,449394,324462,530559,774390,406425,824534,679402,413399,340
II.—COMPARATIVE STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBER OF SELECTORS OF LAND UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS (EXCLUDING PASTORAL RUNS, MISCELLANEOUS LEASES AND LICENSES, ENDOWMENTS AND THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT LEASES) DURING TEN YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1906.
1896–97.1897–98.1898–99.1899–1900.1900–1.1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.
NOTE.—The forfeitures and surrenders for the years dealt with in the table were—for the year 1896–97, 815 holdings; 1897–98, 658 holdings; 1898–99, 567 holdings; 1899–1900, 510 holdings; 1900–1, 354 holdings; 1901–2, 192 holdings; in 1902–3, 329 holdings; in 1903–4, 354 holdings; in 1904–5, 180 holdings; and in 1905–6, 154 holdings. See note to previous table as to the origin of these failures.
 No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.
For cash388272534491363489374435371229
Deferred payments....1....1........
Perpetual lease and small areas1921231......1
Occupation with right of purchase277380458395673447403402330388
Lease in perpetuity659599675647489501573894751706
Agricultural lease252311323..
Occupation lease under “The Mining Districts Land Occupation Act, 1894”48233164537152974030
Village settlement—          
    Cash4221635211910289
    Occupation with right of purchase4233..1..112
    Lease in perpetuity1029210680963340211455
Village-homestead special settlement18911267303423849
Special-settlement associations142551....2942..
Improved-farm special settlement4577644113..30106143
Small grazing-runs and grazing-farms27714064353645584534
            Totals1,7351,5391,9531,8031,7691,6321,6022,0531,5811,536
III.—LANDS TAKEN UP UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS DURING TEN YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1906 (EXCLUSIVE OF PASTORAL RUNS, MISCELLANEOUS LEASES AND LICENSES. ENDOWMENTS, AND THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT LEASES).*
Land District.1896–97.1897–98.1898–99.1899–1900.1900–1.1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.
 Acres.Acres.Acres.Acres.AcresAcres.Acres.AcresAcres.Acres.
Auckland49,52256,29590,16078,677201,35599,824153,559134,375120,351102,809
Hawke's Bay22,85819,87636,22236,45190,62571,90238,50599,15340,94955,215
Taranaki22,00216,78618,86754,96071,00023,94239,35369,23663,00535,505
Wellington63,80148,90963,74641,38848,53014,30013,26825,43253,13543,063
Nelson14,46213,60018,67310,21118,91829,38311,23716,98110,34022,172
Marlborough20,85854,58151,97374,31133,06364,62456,68133,33220,79554,031
Canterbury22,65475,04152,83934,21820,74411,57545,40178,3634,48713,418
Westland3,86543735279270927,2144,1124,09820,20215,813
Otago79,21277,34540,59968,43649,90123,46250,17651,78338,48729,988
Southland9,34721,57920,89363,08624,92924,18013,53221,92630,66227,326
            Totals308,581384,449394,324462,530559,774390,406425,824534,679402,413399,340
IV.—HOLDINGS TAKEN UP UNDER SETTLEMENT CONDITIONS DURING TEN YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1906 (EXCLUSIVE OF PASTORAL RUNS, MISCELLANEOUS LEASES AND LICENSES, ENDOWMENTS, AND THERMAL SPRINGS DISTRICT LEASES), CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO SIZE.
Size.1896–97.1897–98.1898–99.1899–1900.1900–1.1901–2.1902–3.1903–4.1904–5.1905–6.
* See notes as to forfeitures and surrenders on previous tables I and II.
 No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.
Under 1 acre154103293345158195182363246221
1 to 50 acres588496571501466553466467397383
51 to 250 acres709616633492522471496624450444
251 to 500 acres178197277262333244237322280256
501 to 1,000 acres8463128116181110157190131158
1,001 acres and upwards226451871095964877774
            Totals1,7351,5391,9531,8031,7691,6321,6022,0531,5811,536

The following is a statement of the gross amounts collected by Receivers of Land Revenue for the years 1904–5 and 1905–6:—

 1904–5.1905–6.
 £ s. d.£ s. d.
Territorial revenue260,020 14 2260,789 0 4
Land for settlements150,272 12 4188,648 1 0
Cheviot Estate15,279 6 413,377 3 7
State forests12,784 2 814,385 7 3
North Island Main Trunk Railway9,001 2 79,426 11 11
Thermal springs, Rotorua30 5 018 0 0
Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth1,629 14 71,631 19 7
Rotorua Town Council1,795 4 21,856 17 0
Crown-grant fees643 8 2596 7 5
Lands and Survey vote2,263 17 62,920 17 9
Native townships1,014 3 0995 8 11
Mining Districts Land Occupation Act819 14 31,087 0 10
Miscellaneous960 8 51,414 7 9
Government Loans to Local Bodies28,297 3 628,384 0 6
Endowments25,162 18 224,716 19 2
            Totals£509,974 14 10£550,248 3 0

Chapter 51. SECTION XX.—LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS.

A FULL description is given, in a special article belonging to Section 1, Part III., of the objects and method of the Land for Settlements Acts, under which the acquirement by Government is authorised, through purchase from private owners, of properties for subdivision into small farms to meet the want felt of Crown lands for disposal in places where they are specially in demand.

The report of the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners on transactions for the year ended the 31st March, 1906, states:—

The value of the land paid for at the 31st March, 1906 (including expenses), is £4,408,394, and the receipts for last year are equal to 4.57 per cent. of that sum, although sixteen estates, which cost £229,996, had not been opened for selection, and in forty estates land valued at £8,182 per annum was unlet, and consequently yielded no income.

There were twenty-two estates finally paid for last year, having an area of 269,399 acres; and of this area six estates, containing 242,403 acres, were opened for selection.

Besides these completed purchases there were eight estates, with an area of 17,778 acres, the purchase of which was arranged for at a cost of, say, £134,944, payment for which will come into 1906–7.

There were purchased thirteen estates of under 200 acres each, and nine estates over that area. The smaller properties are near towns, and are partly intended for workers' dwellings. The distribution is as follows:—

Estates.Acres.
Auckland,5 containing 159,574
Wellington,11 containing 26,529
Marlboro',1 containing 45,368
Canterbury,3 containing 15,993
Otago,2 containing 21,929
Southland, containing6
        22 269,399

The number of properties inspected on the ground was 111, of which nine were in Auckland, twenty-four in Hawke's Bay, thirty-nine in Wellington, twenty-three in Canterbury, fourteen in Otago, and two in Southland. These properties range in area from 5 acres to 30,000 acres, the total area inspected being 469,000 acres.

The Land Purchase Board held forty-five meetings during the year—viz., five in the Auckland District, five in the Hawke's Bay District, one in Taranaki, twenty-three in the Wellington District, six in Canterbury, three in Otago, and two in Southland.

The purchase of 311 estates, containing 911,118 acres, was considered at these meetings, and of these estates sixty-one, containing 241,103 acres, were recommended for purchase. The Government approved of the recommendations concerning fifty-four of these estates, having an area of 236,584 acres.

The total area now owned by the Crown in the Land for Settlements Account is contained in 158 estates, of a total area of 985,623 acres. Within the 142 estates opened for selection there are 754,887 acres leased to 3,556 tenants. They have 579,833 acres in new grass, 61,670 acres in white crop, 35,980 acres in green crop, and there are 177,404 acres in native grass, bush, scrub, orchard, swamp, gardens, &c. The number of live-stock amounts in all to 709,645 sheep, 49,995 cattle, 10,781 horses, and 2,643 pigs.

Proposals for the purchase of some large estates in Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Otago, Nelson, Marlborough, Wellington, and Canterbury are now under consideration.

The following is a summary of the transactions:—

 No.Acres.Prime Cost.
Estates purchased at 31st March, 1905136716,224£3,342,015
Estates purchased during year 1905–622269,399780,633
        Totals158985,623£4,122,648
Acquired but not paid for nor prepared for selection817,778£134,944
SUMMARY OF ALL, LANDS OFFERED TO GOVERNMENT UNDER “THE LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS CONSOLIDATION ACT, 1900,” AND ITS AMENDMENTS, AND HOW DEALT WITH, FROM 1ST APRIL, 1905, TO 31ST MARCH, 1906.
Land DistrictEstates offered.Not recommended for Purchase.Recommended for Purchase.Under consideration by the Board on 31st March.Withdrawn from Negotiations.Total.
No.Area.No.Area.No.Area.No.Area.No.Area.No.Area.
  A. R. P. A. R. P. A. R. P. A. R. P. A. R. P. A. R. P.
Auckland56236,231 3 382686,194 1 381013,184 2 019130,853 0 016,000 0 056236,231 3 38
Hawke's Bay34290,267 0 0963,990 0 0766,515 0 014134,832 0 0424,930 0 034290,267 0 0
Taranaki1015,563 0 045,667 0 013,780 0 056,121 0 0......1015,568 0 0
Wellington10262,218 3 396812,603 1 312327,260 2 1272,320 1 36420,034 2 010262,218 3 39
Nelson14,480 0 0............14,480 0 0......14,480 0 0
Marlborough345,278 0 0228,605 0 0......116,673 0 0......345,278 0 0
Westland27,794 2 027,794 2 0............ ...27,794 2 0
Canterbury63120,274 1 113567,028 1 211035,798 2 01717,438 3 3018 2 063120,274 1 11
Otago31116,801 3 301622,230 1 34894,496 0 0775 1 36......31116,801 3 30
Southland912,204 0 20611,935 0 0269 0 201200 0 0......912,204 0 20
        Totals311911,118 3 18168306,048 1 461241,103 2 3272312,993 3 221050,973 0 0311911,118 3 18
SUMMARY OF ESTATES ACQUIRED UP TO THE 31ST MARCH, 1906, AND AMOUNTS OF PURCHASE-MONEY.
Name of Land District.No. of Estates acquired before 31st March, 1905.Areas acquired before 31st March, 1905.No. of Estates acquired from 1st April, 1905, to 31st March, 1906.Area acquired from 1st April, 1905, to 31st March, 1906.Total Numbers of Estates to 31st March, 1906.Total Area to 31st March, 1906.Purchase-money.Incidental Expenses, Roads, Preliminaries, &c.
  A. R. P. A. R. P. A. R. P.££
Auckland1592,238 0 125159,574 2 1820251,812 2 30350,07839,338
Hawke's Bay15128,906 1 38....15128,906 1 38732,90051,464
Taranaki32,697 2 4....32,697 2 458,3363,323
Wellington1329,073 2 51126,529 0 382455,602 3 3430,36327,905
Marlborough868,381 2 21145,368 0 09113,749 2 21354,51136,418
Westland25,124 3 26....25,124 3 268,3432,536
Canterbury55246,005 2 30315,993 0 1958261,998 3 91,428,61253,591
Otago1989,638 3 8221,928 3 2421111,567 2 32557,71856,550
Southland654,157 1 20..5 2 17654,162 3 37201,78714,621
        Total136716,224 0 422269,399 1 36158985,623 2 04,122,648285,746

The Surveyor-General's report to the Hon. the Minister of Lands on the condition and settlement of the lands acquired and handed over to his Department under the before-mentioned Acts gives the particulars of the estates offered for selection as follows:—

The reports of the several Commissioners of Crown Lands are, upon the whole, very pleasant reading. With very few exceptions they show that the lessees are earnest in their endeavours to carry out the spirit of the Act and to thoroughly work their sections; that the amount of capital invested in improvements is a substantial guarantee to the State that its efforts to provide improved lands for its people are appreciated, and that it is the making of many a man, by giving him the opportunity of selecting land from which he may at once obtain a competent livelihood. The great impetus given to dairy-farming by the establishment of co-operative and other creameries or milk-factories, coupled with a moist summer and plenty of grass, together with good prices for all sorts of produce and the great rise in wool, has put every settler into good heart and given him cause for thankfulness. For the year ending 31st March last, eight additional estates had been opened, with a total area of 260,043 acres, and of this area the Selwyn Estate, Auckland, of 159,302 acres, had 51,000 acres opened in December last, with fair results; another 37,444 acres were opened for selection on the 23rd April, and some 60,000 acres of valuable rimu forest of milling timber have been reserved, and were dealt with by the Auckland Land Board on timber royalty prior to the land being opened for selection. In Hawke's Bay the Lindsay Estate of 13,574 acres has been wholly selected; in Wellington the Tawaha Estate has been only partially selected; in Marlborough the much-discussed Flaxbourne Estate, of 46,598 acres, has been selected, all but 807 acres of partly town and suburban area, and is returning an annual rental of £10,340; in Canterbury the three estates of Morice, Kinloch, and Mills, containing together an area 16,170 acres, have nearly all been allotted to selectors, and the balance unselected is fast being applied for; and, lastly, in Otago the Greenfield Settlement, of 22,071 acres, has been wholly selected. In addition to the above, the Steward Settlement, in Otago, of 21,344 acres, and the Mahupuku, Hikawera, and Dyer Estates, in the Wairarapa District, Wellington, containing altogether 17,288 acres, have been acquired and are being opened for settlement. There is still a very great demand for land of this class throughout the colony, and but little Crown land available to satisfy that demand.

ESTATES OFFERED for SELECTION during the Year ending the 31st March, 1906, under “The Land for Settlements Consolidation Act, 1900.”
Land District, and Name of Estate.Area of Estate.Number of Selectors.Area unselected 31st March, 1906.Annual Rental payable on Lands leased.Date of Opening.
Auckland—A. R. P. A. R. P.£ s. d. 
        Selwyn159,302 0 02576,377 3 20813 8 418 Dec., 1905.
Hawke's Bay—
        Lindsay13,574 0 066...5,404 7 011 April, 1905.
Wellington—
        Tawaha2,328 2 3191,384 1 7598 9 026 March, 1906.
Marlborough—
        Flaxbourne46,598 0 0123807 3 1110,339 16 022 June, 1905.
Canterbury—
        Morice2,253 2 2628180 2 62,139 19 107 Sept., 1905.
        Kinlock13,033 1 5205,044 0 04,247 18 021 March, 1906.
        Mills882 2 3013240 3 6629 18 431 March, 1906.
Otaso—
        Greenfield22,071 1 3040...4,243 11 811 April, 1905.
                Totals260,043 3 232484,035 1 1028,417 8 2 

The estates, &c., acquired in each district under the Land for Settlements Acts to the 31st March, 1906, are next shown:—

Name of Estate.Area acquired and handed over by Board.
Auckland—A. R. P.
      Opouriao7,604 0 0
      Okauia5,920 0 0
      Rangiatea4,004 0 0
      Karapiro2,335 0 24
      Fencourt7,105 3 5
      Whitehall8,959 0 0
      Selwyn159,302 0 0
      Cradock Hamlet33 0 9
      Hetana Hamlet451 1 34
      Kitchener Hamlet26 3 35
      Methuen Hamlet77 3 14
      Plumer Hamlet74 0 0
      Waari Hamlet427 2 32
      Bickerstaffe12,480 0 19
      Matamata42,738 3 2
 251,539 3 14
Hawke's Bay—
      Raureka427 2 0
      Elsthorpe9,740 0 0
      Waimarie430 2 10
      Pouparae337 3 4
      Tomoana111 3 38
      Mahora1,133 3 0
      Willows775 1 36
      Hatuma26,522 3 20
      Managa-a-toro19,581 3 12
      Kumeroa3,774 2 38
      Forest Gate8,822 0 13
      Argyll33,705 1 30
      Wigan10,072 1 37
      Lindsay13,574 0 0
 129,010 1 38
Taranaki—
      Tokaora1,505 2 8
      Spotswood310 3 28
      Clandon881 0 13
 2,697 2 4
Wellington—
      Paparangi322 3 32
      Ohakea1,745 1 30
      Te Matua702 0 19
      Aorangi1,785 0 0
      Langdale9,405 0 0
      Mangawhata1,240 2 36
      Epuni Hamlet100 3 14
      Maungaraki472 1 20
      Linton551 1 36
      Longbush3,021 3 26
      Tablelands5,496 3 30
      Normandale1,623 0 9
      Tawaha2,328 2 31
 28,796 2 3
Marlborough—
      Blind River5,507 0 0
      Omaka3,898 0 0
      Puhipuhi320 0 0
      Starborough35,906 0 0
      Richmond Brook5,854 0 0
      Waipapa3,755 2 0
      North Bank12,895 0 0
      Rainford246 0 21
      Flaxbourne46,598 0 0
 114,979 2 21
Westland—
      Poerua3,230 1 6
      Kokatahi1,894 2 20
 5,124 3 26
Canterbury—
      Pareora620 2 13
      Studholme Junction109 0 7
      Kapua574 1 22
      Rosebrook600 1 8
      Otaio373 3 14
      Patoa4,535 3 14
      The Peaks2,811 0 9
      Roimata48 3 27
      Kereta105 2 29
      Braco27 2 4
      Epworth21 0 3
      Ashley Gorge1,165 3 6
      Omihi Valley20 0 0
      Orakipaoa384 0 31
      Highbank9,121 3 8
      Otarakaro39 3 9
      Wharenui73 1 10
      Rakitairi3,526 1 26
      Waiapi1,124 2 36
      Horsley Down3,982 3 35
      Albury19,539 1 24
      R.S. 168220 0 0
      R.S. 2682 (part)6 2 4
      R.S. 36469 (part)154 3 2
      R.S. 36231 (part)98 3 30
      R.S. 36056 and 3605758 0 16
      R.S. 36228100 3 23
      R.S.36278 618 2 0
      R.S. 36791 (part)100 0 0
      R.S. 36226 (part)46 1 26
      Marawiti2,028 2 33
      Hekeao2,254 2 11
      Pawaho52 0 18
      Waikakahi48,262 2 34
      Tamai41 0 28
      Takitu9,713 0 37
      Pareora No. 28,132 0 31
      Rautawiri113 0 7
      Papaka1,561 2 25
      Punaroa7,029 3 5
      Lyndon4,243 3 28
      Kohika3,864 1 10
      Tarawahi31 3 0
      Raincliff745 2 0
      Puhuka39 2 7
      Kaimahi100 2 1
      Kapuatohe49 3 37
      Rapuwai2,217 2 11
      Lyndon No. 215,887 0 0
      Maytown391 3 32
      Eccleston1,246 1 5
      Mead5,914 3 17
      Chamberlain10,500 1 9
      Annan32,858 2 33
      Rosewill38,683 2 15
      Morice2,253 2 26
      Kinloch13,033 1 5
      Mills882 2 30
 262,175 1 11
Otago—
      Pomahaka Downs7,478 2 2
      Teanaraki351 0 39
      Tahawai70 1 35
      Maerewhenua11,163 3 31
      Puketapu509 0 6
      Ardgowan4,267 3 28
      Makareao2,383 0 4
      Makareao Extension2,589 2 12
      Momona224 1 16
      Tokarahi11,259 2 36
      Janefield147 0 2
      Elderslie11,618 2 4
      Barnego7,078 2 1
      Earnscleugh1,269 3 5
      Windsor Park No. 13,821 2 16
      Windsor Part No. 22,179 2 17
      Duncan633 2 3
      St Helen's517 3 20
      Greenfield22,071 1 30
 89,665 2 7
Southland—
      Merrivale9,998 0 0
      Otahu6,153 0 36
      Beaumont4,484 0 4
      Ringway2,253 2 8
      Glenham11,484 2 10
      Edendale19,809 3 11
 54,183 0 29
  
SUMMARY.
      Auckland251,539 3 14
      Hawke's Bay129,010 1 38
      Taranaki2,697 2 4
      Wellington28,796 2 3
      Marlborough114,979 2 21
      Westland5,124 3 26
      Canterbury262,175 1 11
      Otago89,665 2 27
      Southland54,183 0 29
        Totals938,173 0 13

Chapter 52. SECTION XXI.—“THE GOVERNMENT VALUATION OF LAND ACT, 1896,” AND AMENDMENTS OF 1900 AND 1903.

PRIOR to the passing of “The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896,” there was an entire absence of uniformity in the system of making valuations of land within the colony for Governmental purposes. Each lending Department employed a separate set of local valuers for valuing mortgage securities. The Land-tax Department periodically employed a small army of temporary valuers when it required a new valuation of the land of the colony for taxation purposes, and each local authority had its own particular method of making up its roll for the levying of rates.

All values required by the Government Departments mentioned below and by local bodies, whether for loan, taxation, or other purposes, are now made by valuers employed by the State. These valuers work upon the one system which is laid down by the above-named Acts, and are responsible to the Government alone. They receive a regular salary, and when valuing for loan purposes are not dependent for their remuneration upon the good will of the person whose property they are valuing.

Under the above-mentioned Acts the Valuer-General is required to prepare valuation rolls, showing the selling-value of all land in the colony.

Briefly stated, the following are the chief purposes for which the roll values may be used:—

  1. As a basis on which loans may be granted by—

    1. The Advances to Settlers Office.

    2. The Public Trust Office.

    3. The Government Insurance Office.

    4. The Post Office.

    5. The Commissioners of Public Debt Sinking Funds.

    6. Such other public offices as the Governor from time to time directs.

    7. Trustees and investors.

  2. As a basis for the advancement of loans to local bodies by the Treasury under the Local Bodies' Loans Acts.

  3. As a basis for the levying of land-tax and local rates.

  4. As a basis on which to assess stamp duty and duty on deceased persons' estates.

  5. For the guidance of the Land Purchase Board when acquiring land under the Land for Settlements Act or the Public Works Act on behalf of the Government.

  6. For the guidance of all who may desire to ascertain the selling-value of any piece of land for investment, mortgage, or other purpose.

In view of the many and diverse purposes for which the roll values may be used, it is of the utmost importance that these values should be neither above nor below the fair market price, and it is as much to the interest of the owner as it is to that of the Department that the “unimproved value,” “value of the improvements,” and “capital value” of every property should be accurately entered in the roll.

The Act states that the “unimproved value of any piece of land means the sum which the owner's estate or interest therein, if unencumbered by any mortgage or other charge thereon, and if no improvements existed on that particular piece of land, might be expected to realise at the time of valuation if offered for sale on such reasonable terms and conditions as a bona fide seller might be expected to require.”

There are few terms used in connection with land-valuation which are more imperfectly understood than the term “unimproved value.” Some interpret the term to mean the original value of the land at the time when it was in its unimproved state, while others understand it to mean the present value, assuming all the land in the district to be unimproved. Neither of these interpretations is correct. The increased value attaching to any piece of land due to the successful working of other lands in the district, or to progressive works affected by the State, the general prosperity of the country, high markets for produce, &c., forms portion of the unimproved value under the New Zealand law. Any increased value, however, which is represented by the improvements effected by the individual possessor does not form part of the unimproved value.

Land-tax is levied on the unimproved value, and so also are the local rates in districts where the Rating on Unimproved Values Act is in force. It is therefore particularly necessary that uniformity of unimproved values should be studied by the valuer, otherwise one owner would be rated unfairly in comparison with his neighbour.

The Act defines “improvements” and “value of improvements” as follows:—

“‘Improvements’ on land means all work actually done or material used thereon by the expenditure of capital or labour by any owner or occupier of the land, nevertheless in so far only as the effect of such work or material used is to increase the value of the land, and the benefit thereof is unexhausted at the time of valuation; but shall not include work done or material used on or for the benefit of land by the Crown or by any statutory public body, unless such work has been paid for by the contribution of the owner or occupier for that purpose: Provided that the payment of rates or taxes shall not be deemed to be a contribution within the meaning of this definition.”

“‘Value of improvements’ means the sum by which the improvements upon an owner's land increases its value: Provided that the value of improvements shall in no case be deemed to be more than the cost of such improvements estimated at the time of valuation, exclusive of the cost of repairs and maintenance.”

Subject to the limitations contained in the above definition, all buildings, fences, planting, draining, private roads and water-races, clearing, permanent grassing, and other work of a permanent nature effected upon land are improvements.

The valuer must be guided, when valuing details of improvements, by the terms of the above definitions, and it is necessary, therefore, that the limitations referred to should be considered in detail. Anything which can be valued as an improvement must in the first place be effected upon the land which is benefited by that improvement. A public road may be made by an owner for the purpose of increasing the value of his land. This road would not be valued as an improvement, as it is not on the land and is not included in the area which is valued. Were the road a private one, however, such as a farmer would make through his farm for the convenient working of his holding, it would be included in the total area valued, and would then be also valued as an improvement. Improvements can only be valued to the extent to which they increase the selling-value of the land. Sometimes an owner will expend his capital and labour injudiciously, and the result will prove detrimental to the land instead of being an improvement. Some lands hold grass better without being first ploughed than they do after the plough. The effect of ploughing in such cases would not be to improve the selling-value. Some improvements, such as ornamental shrubbery, orchards, lawns, vineries, &c., rarely increase the selling-value to the full extent of their cost, and should therefore be valued accordingly.

The definition also tells us that no work can be considered an improvement if the benefit is exhausted at the time of valuation. The Government lends money on the security of improvements, and it is obvious that if exhausted improvements were included in the valuation the security would be a very poor one.

Draining and orchards are improvements which frequently become exhausted. As long as a drain is effective and acts as a drain it necessarily adds to the selling-value and is an improvement; but an open drain which was cut many years ago and has become filled in and grassed over, owing to the necessity for it having passed away, would be considered as exhausted.

From the foregoing it will be seen that it devolves upon a valuer to ascertain carefully the condition of an improvement before estimating its value.

Work done by the Crown or a public body is not, the Act says, to be considered an improvement unless it is paid for by the individual, but expenditure by way of rates and taxes is not to be deemed to be payment for the work.

The expenditure of loan-moneys by the Crown or by public bodies is for the benefit of the community or district, and not for the exclusive benefit of any individual or holding.

It would be beyond the powers of any valuer to apportion the value of a public street, railway, telegraph-line, or, in fact, any public work amongst the different holdings which derived benefit from that work.

The amount at which improvements are to be valued is defined by the Act as the sum by which they increase the selling-value of the land, provided that the value must not exceed the cost, although it may be below the cost. The cost of an improvement is not necessarily its selling-value, as its suitability and condition must be taken into consideration.

Machinery, whether fixed to the soil or not, is not an improvement, and it is not included in the capital value. The buildings containing the machinery would, however, be valued as an improvement.

“Capital value” is defined as follows:—

“‘Capital value’ of land means the sum which the owner's estate or interest therein, if unencumbered by any mortgage or other charge thereon, might be expected to realise at the time of valuation if offered for sale on such reasonable terms and conditions as a bona fide seller might be expected to require.”

The fair selling-value in the open market represents the capital value, but not necessarily the auction value or value derivable at a forced sale. The valuer is required to exercise special care in fixing the capital value at such a sum as will be fair to both the borrower and the lender should the property be offered as a security.

Uniformity of capital values is of the utmost importance. Land of similar quality and position should be valued uniformly, whether in a large or a small holding.

Ratepayers frequently complain that their rates will be unduly increased when values are raised. This is not a matter which the Department has any right to consider, however much it may sympathize. Its duties under the Act are to make a roll of selling-values for various purposes. The responsibility of fixing the rate for local rating purposes rests entirely with the local body, and, if the selling-values in a district are high, it is within the power of the ratepayers themselves to see that a moderate rate is struck.

It may not be out of place to mention the relative numbers of the land-tax and local ratepayers within the colony, from which it will be seen that the number of persons who are interested in the amount of rate annually struck by the local body far exceeds the number who are interested in the amount of land-tax annually fixed by Parliament. There are, roughly, 145,000 holders of land in the colony. The total number of land-tax payers is only, roughly, 23,000, while practically every holder pays local rates.

The foregoing remarks apply when valuing land, whether it is leased or not; but in the case of lands which are leased on terms favourable to the lessee the valuer has, in addition, the important duty of determining what proportion of the value belongs to the owner and what proportion to the lessee.

The principle on which lessees' and sublessees' interests are to be determined is contained in “ The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1903.”

Special provision is contained in the Act for adjusting the relative interests of owner and lessee year by year, and this adjustment will always be made by the Valuer-General when applied to.

When the values appearing on a roll become out of date a revision takes place, but before any revised values can take effect the district must be gazetted for revision by Order in Council. There is no fixed period between one revision and another. The necessity for revision depends upon whether or not the roll values are correct.

When a revision of a district is ordered, the valuer makes a thorough overhaul of the unimproved values as well as the values of improvements and capital values. During the period intervening between revisions the Valuer-General cannot alter the unimproved values of the roll entries unless the owner pays a fee to cover the cost and demands a revaluation of his property, or in case of an admitted error having taken place. During this intervening period, however, the Valuer-General may keep values up to date by adding the value of improvements which have been put on since the revision, or by deducting the value of those taken away.

If additional improvements have been effected to a property prior to the 31st March in any year, they can be rated for the then ensuing year commencing on the 1st April. If they have been effected after the 31st March, however, they cannot be rated until the 1st April of the following year. The same rule applies to changes in occupancy. The person who is occupier on the 31st March is placed on the roll for the rates for the ensuing year, but if a person enters into possession after the 31st March his name is not entered up until the 1st April succeeding the date of occupation. Rolls are thus corrected in respect to occupancy and improvements as at the 31st March in each year, but the unimproved values must remain until a complete revision is ordered by the Governor in Council. The local authority is empowered by the Act to amend its rating roll in respect to the occupancy of land, but cannot amend values on its own authority. When a property becomes subdivided the Valuer-General divides the existing value on the roll proportionately. No alteration is made in any entry on the roll without giving the owner and occupier due notice, in order that they may object, if necessary, but the omission to give such notice does not invalidate an assessment.

It has been said that roll values are used as a guide to Government Departments when lending money. On receipt of an application for a loan the lending Department is supplied with a copy of the existing roll value of the security. The lending Boards, however, usually require that the security should be again inspected by the valuer before they grant the loan. This necessitates a revaluation of the property, but such revaluation is not used for either taxation or rating purposes. Since the present Act came into force these revaluations for loan purposes have, in almost every case, exceeded the values entered on the roll.

When the values in a district have been revised the new roll is lodged for inspection at some public office, and an advertisement in the papers calls the attention of the public to the fact, so that every person interested may inspect it. At the same time every owner and occupier receives a notice showing at what value his property is entered. The omission to give notice, however, does not, as has been said, invalidate the assessment. The Department invites the fullest scrutiny of its rolls before submitting them to the Assessment Court. Persons whose names appear on the roll are invited to object if they are of opinion that the valuer has exceeded the selling-price, or for other sufficient cause. The fact that the new valuation will cause an increase in the amount of local rates or land-tax payable is not considered a sufficient cause. The Department does not fix the rate in either case, and any such objection can only be based on an assumption that the rate to be levied will be the same as previously. Neither is the fact that the new valuation shows an increase or decrease on the last valuation considered a sufficient ground of objection, as the selling-value may have increased or decreased since the last valuation was made, or the previous valuation may have been erroneous.

Objections to value can only be on the ground that the valuation does not represent the true selling-value, as that is the guide imposed by the Act. Of course, there are legitimate reasons for objection on other questions besides the question of value, such as errors in ownership, occupancy, area, or description, &c., which matters are always attended to and corrected without reference to the Assessment Court.

A frequent source of objection is that improvements are valued too high or too low. Before such an objection can be maintained in must be ascertained whether the capital value represents the fair and full selling-value. If, for instance, the capital value of a property is set below the true selling-value, the improvements will necessarily be valued in proportion. In such cases as this an increase in the value of improvements would only serve to increase the capital value, and would not reduce the unimproved value.

Objections to values are invariably referred to the valuer to enable him to review his valuation before the sitting of the Assessment Court, and the objector receives in due course a reply. If the objection has been allowed there is no necessity for the objector to appear at the Court. Should it be disallowed, he may carry it before the Court for consideration. Due notice of the sitting of the Court will be given by advertisement, as required by the Act.

If on appeal to the Court the objection is allowed, the reduction is immediately carried into the roll. If, however, the owner is not satisfied with the Court's decision he may, under section 31 of the Act of 1900, within fourteen days of the hearing, require the Valuer-General either to reduce to the value which he considers to be the fair selling-value or else to purchase the property at that value.

On the other hand, section 30 of the 1900 Act provides that if the Valuer-General is of opinion that a Court has made an unfair reduction in a valuation, he may, also within fourteen days of the hearing, require the owner to consent to what he considers is the fair selling-value, or else he will acquire the property at that value on behalf of the Government.

Power is also given by section 18 of the same Act to an owner to appeal to the Supreme Court on questions of law. On all other questions the decision of the Assessment Court is, however, final.

There is still another course open to an owner who is dissatisfied with his value, and he may adopt it at any time without reference to the date of sitting of the Court. Section 7, subsection (5), of “The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896,” provides that an owner, by paying the fee prescribed by regulation to cover the cost, may obtain a revaluation of his property. Such revaluation is subject to the same right of objection and review as it would be in the case of the revision of the district.

The following figures may be of interest to those who study the question of land-valuation:—

TABLE SHOWING CAPITAL AND UNIMPROVED VALUES OF LAND IN THE COLONY.
Year of Valuation.Total Capital Values.Total Unimproved Values.
 ££
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
TABLE SHOWING NUMBERS OF FREEHOLDERS OF LAND, OUTSIDE OF BOROUGHS AND TOWN DISTRICTS, CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO AREA HELD BY THEM.
Year.Holders of 5 Acres and under 100 Acres.Holders of 100 Acres and under 1,000 Acres.Holders of 1,000 Acres and under 5,000 Acres.Holders of 5,000 Acres and under 10,000 Acres.Holders of 10,000 Acres and under 20,000 Acres.Holders of 20,000 Acres and under 5,000 Acres.Holders of 50,000 Acres and over.Total Numbers of Holders.
188314,76614,2671,281203141832330,764
188617,07515,4711,425220151792934,450
188918,80516,7431,413221134892737,432
189219,36917,5381,558208148843038,935
190220,79920,3162,144260123702343,735

The total numbers of freeholders in the colony, including owners of township lands, were as follows:—

In year 188371,240
In year 188680,527
In year 188984,547
In year 189291,501
In year 1902115,713
N.B.—It should be noted that no leaseholders, Crown or otherwise, are in-eluded in the above numbers.

The result of the general valuation of land as in March, 1898, is given in the report of the Valuer-General presented to both Houses of Parliament. Since this general valuation a revision has been made in many districts, which brings the figures as corrected to represent the values on the 31st March, 1906. Comparative figures are here given for 1891 and 1906 showing the increase, and stating separately the unimproved value and the value of improvements:—

COMPARISON OF CAPITAL VALUES, 1891 AND 1906.
 1891.1906.Increase, 1891 to 1906.
 £££
Unimproved value75,832,465137,168,54861,336,053
Value of improvements46,392,56481,254,00434,861,410
        Totals£122,225,029£218,422,552£96,197,523

In the figures for the North and South Islands the relative degree of increase is exhibited:—

CAPITAL VALUES.
 1891.1906.Increase.
 £££
North Island57,441,115124,751,91467,310,799
South Island64,783,91493,670,63828,886,724
        Totals£122,225,029£218,422,552£96,197,523

The increase for the North Island of £67,310,799 represents an advance of 117.18 per cent. on the value in 1891, and that of £28,886,724 for the South Island, 44.58 per cent. The increase for the whole colony as shown above is £96,197,523, or 78.7 per cent. The following statement gives the capital value of land and improvements in counties and boroughs as for 1891 and 1906:—

CAPITAL VALUE OF LAND AND IMPROVEMENTS IN COUNTRIES AND BOROUGHS.
 1891.1906.
 ££
Counties85,818,167144,003,158
Boroughs36,406,86274,419,394
        Totals£122,225,029£218,422,552

The increase in the capital value of land with improvements in counties for the fifteen years is £58,184,991, or 67.8 per cent.; while that for boroughs is £38,012,532, or 104.41 per cent. But the value of property in boroughs was added to between 1891 and 1906 by the constitution of twenty new boroughs, and that of the counties correspondingly reduced; so that the actual rate of increase in the value of country lands is higher than indicated by the above figures, and in urban lands considerably less. Comparisons for counties and boroughs are given in the two tables next following; afterwards the gross capital value and the capital value of rateable property in counties, road and town districts, with an indication of the system of rating adopted by the local authorities for those districts. The rateable values can be used in connection with the information given in Section III, “Local Governing Bodies,” as to rates struck, &c.:—

COUNTIES, 1891 AND 1906.

TABLE allowing the CAPITAL VALUE of LAND, with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguishing the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND), in each COUNTRY in NEW ZEALAND according to the Results of the General Valuation made in 1891, and as at 31st March, 1906:—
[* No valuation made.]
County.Capital Value, Land and Improvements.Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous columns).
As in Year 1891.As at 31st March, 1906.As in Year 1891.As at 31st March, 1906.

(a) Exclusive of Borough of Whangarei, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(b) Exclusive of County of Awakino, and part of County of Waitomo, which in 1891 formed part of County of Kawhia.

(c) Formed part of Kawhia County.

(c1) Formed parts of Kawhia and Clifton Counties.

(d) Exclusive of Borough of Waihi, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(e) Exclusive of Borough of Te Aroha, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(f) Exclusive of County of Opotiki, which in 1891 formed part of the County of Whakatane.

(g) Formed part of County of Whakatane.

(h) Exclusive of a portion transferred to Rangitikei County during 1904.

† Approximate.

(h1) Exclusive of the County of Woodville and of Dannevirke Borough, which in 1891 formed parts of the County of Waipawa.

(l) Formed part of Waipawa County.

(j) Exclusive of Weber County, which in 1891 formed part of Patangata County.

(k) Formed part of Patangata County.

(l) Exclusive of portion of Borough of Waitara and of portion of County of Waitomo, which in 1891 formed parts of Clifton County.

(m) Exclusive of the Borough of Inglewood and of portions of the Borough of Waitara and of Egmont County, which in 1891 formed parts of the County of Taranaki.

(n) Formed part of the Counties of Taranaki and Hawera.

(o) Exclusive of the Borough of Stratford, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(p) Exclusive of the Borough of Eltham and a portion of Egmont County, which in 1891 formed parts of County of Hawera.

(q) Exclusive of Waimarino County, which in 1891 formed part of Wanganui County.

(r) Formed part of Wanganui County.

(r1) Including portion transferred from Hawke's Bay County.

(s) Formed part of Oroua County.

(t) Exclusive of Counties of Kiwitea, Pohangina, and Kairanga, which in 1891 formed parts of Oroua County

(t1) Exclusive of the Borough of Levin, which in 1891 formed part of the Horowhenua County.

(u) Late Wairarapa North County.

(v) Exclusive of Featherston County, which in 1891 formed part of Wairarapa South County.

(w) Formed part of Wairarapa South County.

(x) Exclusive of the Boroughs of Miramar and Eastbourne, which in 1891 formed part of the Hutt County.

(y) Exclusive of County of Takaka, which in 1891 formed part of Collingwood County.

(z) Formed part of Collingwood County.

(a1) Exclusive of Motueka Borough, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(b1) Exclusive of Linwood, Woolston, and New Brighton Boroughs, which in 1891 formed part of county.

(c1) Exclusive of Mount Herbert County, which in 1891 formed part of Akaroa County.

(d1) Formed part of Akaroa County.

(c1) Exclusive of Levels County and Temuka and Geraldine Boroughs, which in 1891 formed parts of Geraldine County.

(f1) Formed part of Geraldine County.

(g1) Exclusive of Borough of Mataura, and of a portion of Avenal Borough, which in 1891 formed parts of Southland County.

 ££££
Mangonui196,158288,495152,151170,106
Whangaroa63,82582,89941,37951,569
Bay of Islands365,069522,037247,612342,987
Hokianga422,365603,236365,957472,047
Whangarei523,420867,771(a)316,003471,106(a)
Hobson325,974630,216241,880411,207
Otamatea258,496448,836156,975272,046
Rodney293,235532,235173,313258,831
Waitemata632,0121,031,541388,568580,125
Eden2,002,0774,295,338991,3802,321,528
Manukau1,385,3302,641,418664,2721,501,104
Islands (Great and Little Barrier)55,28461,73242,57439,621
Waihake, &c.71,34391,76640,21149,360
Waikato682,7741,017,791282,655538,564
Raglan357,941762,248280,945488,234
Waipa464,0861,152,334197,900666,198
Kawhia354,269231,140(b)350,051186,291(b)
Awakino(c)334,753(c)246,912
Waitomo(c1)758,001(c1)664,984
Coromandel217,120524,558166,483337,490
Thames253,013371,388168,442234,199
Ohinemuri204,704470,804(d)164,182273,989(d)
Tauranga282,723413,830172,078272,135
Piako689,3841,243,806(e)427,889736,893(e)
Rotorua168,871679,027114,289525,305
Whakatane663,785394,265(f)548,221325,687 (f)
Opotiki(g)537,816(g)407,447
East Taupo301,681576,487292,106463,071
West Taupo235,997457,850226,406409,575
Islands (Mayor and Motiti) 5,780 3,696
Waiapu472,5481,900,334341,0621,321,589
Cook1,885,8565,188,2341,175,7123,497,869
Wairoa1,101,0721,391,183786,032920,967
Hawke's Bay3,673,8894,998,765(h)2,558,5833,778,031(h)
 ££££
Waipawa2,178,8123,115,829(h1)1,249,6952,013,143(h1)
Woodville(l)721,336(l)452,537
Patangata1,803,9362,767,183 (j)1,154,9092,160,140(j)
Weber(k)368,003(k)208,793
Clifton441,325765,192(l)385,252479,641(l)
Taranaki969,5792,058,550(m)604,0911,200,561(m)
Egmont(n)977,359(n)585,996
Stratford560,3451,490,813(o)447,502902,980(o)
Hawera1,247,4362,816,948(p)807,8871,879,001(p)
Patea823,6751,389,150522,322851,901
Waitotara731,6681,311,923460,842913,367
Wanganui1,176,1061,629,140(q)830,5191,080,860(q)
Waimarino(r)709,449(r)594,935
Rangitikei1,475,4732,897,632(r1)870,0911,753,306(r1)
Kairanga(s)1,658,808(s)1,194,749
Kiwitea(s)1,620,974(s)1,053,059
Pohangina(s)867,155(s)541,227
Oroua2,268,8541,600,367 (t)1,298,4171,140,800(t)
Manawatu810,1711,541,793445,4161,131,404
Horowhenua858,6481,752,545(t1)551,2481,131,568(t1)
Islands (Kapiti, Mana, and Somes) 17,984 13,378
Chatham Islands 95,557 55,838
Pahiatua511,4001,294,924331,034736,920
Akitio 449,749 273,370
Castlepoint 437,1511 248,738
Eketahuna(u) 1,831,209631,095(u)1,057,393350,158
Mauriceville 322,707 152,853
Masterton 2,424,485 1,554,987
Wairarapa South1,872,0351,500,326(v)1,104,0641,004,363(v)
Featherston(w)2,535,470(w)1,795,719
 ££££
Hutt1,030,7452,254,669(x)520,0051,341,221(x)
Collingwood323,910207,968(y)223,376125,482(y)
Takaka(z)279,261(*)147,191
Waimea1,196,2261,606,798(s1)740,668972,434(a1)
Sounds171,095365,129124,480217,410
Marlborough1,837,6322,777,9031,344,1202,105,026
Kaikoura350,521564,030209,082413,800
Buller651,129660,018483,407425,308
Inangahua874,948867,741598,963624,821
Grey861,890822,463670,528635,270
Westland1,048,156872,879964,461722,830
Cheviot486,765924,672413,852741,025
Amuri921,2211,437,778762,5181,135,064
Ashley3,801,3415,374,6922,861,0834,322,301
Selwyn7,446,7569,966,673(b1)4,897,4196,920,385(b1)
Akaroa1,169,3791,975,058(c1)775,3161,564,917(c1)
Mount Herbert(d1)320,649(d1)253,224
Ashburton3,630,3836,504,6542,691,4665,235,582
Geraldine3,257,6962,325,263(e1)2,316,1831,268,765(e1)
Levels(f1)2,030,403(f1)1,565,986
Mackenzie736,021991,977589,528794,168
Waimate2,462,4333,727,3461,968,5873,089,909
Waitaki2,709,3793,241,8162,060,6402,557,283
Maniototo449,650729,877358,342505,762
Waihemo417,887465,490277,792314,101
Waikouaiti602,015699,839309,077379,380
Peninsula414,146607,615193,301362,059
Taieri1,330,7181,602,275931,5541,115,212
Tuapeka938,7011,191,492642,394866,502
Bruce957,4381,192,667600,771865,780
Clutha1,151,0461,414,091772,352938,174
Vincent791,595505,201687,287323,736
Lake382,722354,812274,791253,233
Fiord 144,600 137,820
Wallace1,364,0162,019,728943,7771,387,160
Southland3,739,5135,518,119(g1)2,446,8303,755,489(g1)
Stewart Island85,021162,66779,690134,817
Islands (Antipodes, &c.) 13,880 13,880
Quarantine and Goat Islands 3,454 900

BOROUGHS, 1891 AND 1906.

TABLE showing the CAPITAL VALUE of LAND, with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguish in the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND), in each BOROUGH in NEW ZEALAND according to the Results of the General Valuation made in 1891, and as at 31st March, 1906.
Borough.Capital Value, Land and Improvements.Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous columns).
As in Year 1891.As at 31st March, 1906.As in Year 1891.As at 31st March, 1906.

(a) Formed part of Whangarei County.

(b) Formed part of Piako County.

(c) Formed part of Ohinemuri County.

(d) Formed part of Waipawa County. [ties.

(e) Formed part of Clifton and Taranaki Coun.

(f) Formed part of Stratford County.

(g) Formed part of Hawera County.

(h) Formed part of Taranaki County.

(h1) Formed part of Rangitikei County.

(h2) Formed part of Horowhenua County.

(l) Formed part of Pahiatua County.

(ii) Area of Borough reduced in 1901. Boundary altered.

(j) Formed part of Hutt County.

(k) Formed part of Waimea County.

(l) Value of railway-station (£80,000) included in 1801, excluded in 1906

(m) Formed part of Selwyn County.

(n) Formed part of Geraldine County;

(o) Formed part of Geraldine County.

(p) Formed part of Southland County.

(q) Area of Borough increased in 1905. Boundary altered.

 ££££
Whangarei(a)208,428(a)90,802
Birkenhead77,532155,97342,33367,558
Devonport407,333774,622163,468344,373
Parnell366,098699,001138,775305,153
Newmarket182,353273,87082,327123,520
Grey Lynn222,355610,823135,607276,588
Onehunga250,634467,468111,406231,220
Hamilton90,142330,91744,584185,047
Cambridge70,279214,85425,521110,974
Thames227,171273,31576,54793,972
Tauranga63,026104,40425,15344,712
Te Aroha(b)87,044(b)34,120
Waihi(c)187,610(c)64,767
Auckland4,934,2887,562,7942,471,4963,752,141
Gisborne317,989941,757148,511558,104
Napier1,275,8531,639,229667,157802,685
Hastings372,458732,243230,592452,952
Dannevirke(d)378,759(d)228,206
Woodville102,226112,89957,85245,712
New Plymouth341,1171,197,592165,621727,339
Waitara(e)130,287(e)55,368
Hawera84,834347,51937,914177,061
Patea43,37864,37812,05522,037
Stratford(f)353,917(f)190,908
Eltham(g)180,164(g)98,415
Ingle wood(h)139,810(h)67,055
Wanganui543,4031,341,739290,321854,429
Marton83,915119,31833,73640,694
Taihape(h1)74,255(h1)41,770
Feilding146,884553,06468,199325,077
Palmerston North489,6181,938,831310,2931,136,282
Foxton85,74371,07139,75528,706
Levin(h2)113,236(h2)66,417
Onslow144,053535,55070,803315,701
Karori118,728610,20474,595385,904
Wellington—
City portion5,865,77815,644,0183,440,1829,611,721
Melrose portion203,5171,985,047129,4291,363,430
Pahiatua(l)207,712(l)100,941
Masterton356,860833,546(ii)159,861410,989(ii)
Carterton88,650173,55331,31582,253
Greytown115,649150,02834,09559,044
Lower Hutt244,075962,642159,178630,016
Petone268,3581,198,940145,221738,588
Miramar(j)374,530(j)286,271
Eastbourne(j)162,773(j)111,036
Richmond84,28599,02243,37553,813
Nelson942,3701,172,525389,397569,228
Picton88,195131,19241,18955,292
Blenheim378,943425,073167,481182,421
Motueka(k)145,815(k)81,838
Westport166,987260,82757,782107,487
Greymouth299,077493,061114,543164,824
Brunner115,89270,55216,16611,561
Kumara33,56534,5956,9456,082
Hokitika102,708176,95218,05466,074
Ross16,96121,7105,2505,493
Rangiora158,017204,03171,16186,166
Kaiapoi134,055166,20747,02348,603
Christchurch—
Central Ward3,403,5664,923,4851,820,7702,283,898
St. Albans Ward524,8221,059,263284,938372,723
Sydenham Ward821,0601,208,911(l)333,876387,120(l)
Linwood Ward(m)753,976(m)238,337
Woolston(m)286,550(m)120,725
New Brighton(m)117,905(m)51,544
Sumner102,145219,79660,246109,558
Lyttelton851,730854,754150,490238,922
Akaroa49,40759,48919,62822,764
Ashburton223,091445,61890,733202,140
Temuka(n)137,237(n)39,850
Geraldine(o)93,116(o)34,941
Timaru442,830913,132151,661337,461
Waimate75,399147,69418,75951,903
Oamaru612,571673,711279,113248,196
Hampden13,19522,0005,2297,460
Naseby24,18633,4182,4404,765
Palmerston51,18261,04316,77114,374
Hawksbury45,71662,93419,82328,556
Port Chalmers200,043261,07560,94680,458
West Harbour137,015150,50968,24064,235
North-east Valley276,835416,995130,271161,588
Maori Hill142,890309,84867,348143,415
Roslyn360,962782,457169,610321,599
Mornington284,875403,905125,414152,468
Dunedin—
Leith, Bell, High, and South Wards4,193,4226,162,3592,124,4673,021,684
Caversham Ward466,074636,742217,158253,616
South Dunedin Ward223,534505,67982,609142,918
St. Kilda118,477327,86276,842130,541
Green Island36,96246,49613,58514,215
Mosgiel122,625191,51253,44177,709
Roxburgh20,12332,7703,1675,061
Lawrence79,066119,26318,58431,988
Tapanui16,15523,2292,5753,750
Milton76,207144,10814,01238,562
Balclutha53,210121,03014,54748,535
Kaitangata54,976100,27921,13331,297
Arrowtown24,58620,9845,0123,325
Queenstown65,15363,30213,52414,531
Cromwell22,16845,1864,65810,720
Alexandra13,57851,6752,9559,879
Gore142,708417,13266,171183,300
Mataura(p)142,948(p)59,292
Winton20,19555,4197,96521,286
Gladstone26,54160,52113,82524,878
Avenal15,26951,584(q)6,68719,641(q)
North Invercargill28,29358,56315,64020,148
East Invercargill42,99678,48818,38525,128
Invercargill959,1401,532,389517,879689,679
South Invercargill79,526137,34042,81345,128
Riverton59,62663,68322,02417,922
Campbelltown97,380208,73449,43089,407

LOCAL DISTRICTS, 1906.

TABLE showing—(1.) CAPITAL VALUE of LAND, with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguishing the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND), in each COUNTRY, RIDING, ROAD DISTRICT, and TOWN DISTRICT in NEW ZEALAND. (2.) CAPITAL VALUE of RATEABLE PROPERTY, with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguishing the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND), in each COUNTRY, RIDING, ROAD DISTRICT, and TOWN DISTRICT, as at 31st March, 1906.
NOTE.—The rateable value of pastoral lands of the Crown is fixed, under section 2 of “The Hating Act, 1894,”at the annual rental capitalised at 6 per cent., and in some cases is more and in some cases less than the assessed capital value of same. The rateable values which are shown below include, in some cases, Native lands which are liable for half rates only.
[System of rating: C.V. signifies capital value, U.V. unimproved value, and A.V. annual value.]
County and Riding.Road District or Town District.Gross Value.System of Rating.Rateable Values.
Capital Value (Land and Improvements)Unimproved Value of Land (included n previous column).Capital Value (Land and Improvements).Unimproved Value of Land (included in previous column).

* No Board.

* No rate levied. The whole of the Counties Act not in force. 17—Ybk.

* No rate levied. The whole of the Counties Act not in force.

* No Board.

Counties Act not in force.

* Late part of Clifton County.

* Counties Act not in force.

* Counties Act not in force.

* Approximate.

No Board.

* No rate levied. Counties Act not in force.

* No rate levied. The whole of the Counties Act not in force.

* No rate levied. Counties Act not wholly in force.

* Formerly Knapdale Road District.

No Board.

Formerly Tuturau Road District.

§ Formerly Otaraia Road Board.

Mangonui— £      £       £      £      
        Kaitaia..70,63643,717..62,36637,435
        Hohoura..48,07825,534..29,89216,003
        Oruru..52,17335,954..36,52721,684
        Mangonui..46,94524,224..34,12413,881
        Victoria Valley..34,76117,761..31,38114,961
        Herekino..35,90228,916..19,67213,057
                Total of county..288,495176,106C.V.213,962117,021
Whangaroa—
        Whangaroa..29,17719,629..24,83616,897
        Totara..22,02813,485..14,4187,134
        Kaeo..31,69418,455..22,57311,047
                Total of county..82,89951,569C.V.61,82735,078
Bay of Islands—
        Waimate..170,544110,945..146,13288,420
        Russell..67,31550,317..36,98422,741
        Kawakawa..103,42850,304..79,77231,664
        Pakaraka..180,750131,421..137,60990,801
                Total of county..522,037342,987C.V.400,497233,626
Hokianga—
        Whangape..71,63955,679..36,64622,843
        Kohukohu..83,15753,070..50,72622,792
        Waihou..71,88961,018..34,45924,749
        Taheke..69,34662,129..23,06116,856
        Horeke..28,42219,506..25,34216,426
        Rawene..35,72221,059..29,42618,104
        Omapere..185,956152,522..43,97514,917
        Waipoua..57,10547,064..34,32724,708
                Total of county..603,236472,047U.V.277,962161,395
Whangarei—
        OtongaOtonga27,50112,421C.V.27,11612,226
 Outlying34,37318,064..23,3039,764
        KiripakaMarua34,42720,606C.V.29,58516,311
 Outlying55,97337,399..46,97929,170
 Hikurangi55,16331,262C.V.53,41230,601
        HikurangiKaurihohore22,82211,769C.V.22,24111,551
 Outlying27,44316,138..24,65513,350
        WairuaKamo T.D.31,27012,369C.V.29,73012,007
 Outlying102,96954,310..96,98449,167
 Maunu155,22187,891C.V.146,12482,938
        MaunuOutlying33,92421,099..27,02514,725
 Mangakahia19,50411,257C.V.18,37910,072
 Whareora14,2937,893C.V.14,0387,638
        ManaiaParua30,57815,256C.V.27,95713,822
 Outlying41,87422,310..38,49719,501
 Maungakaramea31,33612,877C.V.30,30812,424
        MangapaiRuarangi14,8537,629C.V.14,3457,121
 Waikiekie37,83120,259C.V.36,89719,650
 Outlying18,5569,418..17,2008,346
 Waipu North21,3699,836C.V.20,7839,490
        WaipuOutlying16,10211,549..13,9229,369
 Waipu40,32919,494C.V.37,98218,027
                Total of county..867,771471,106C.V.797,471417,270
Hobson—
        Dargaville..86,74353,463..86,41853,158
        Kaihu..48,30833,911..44,54930,152
        Tangowahine..124,835105,120..106,63087,145
        Wairoa..94,37275,124..85,65166,534
        Okahu..74,24543,553..72,84542,962
        Aratapu..111,03353,808..106,86152,243
        Te Koputu..90,68046,228..66,76630,193
                Total of county..630,216411,207U.V.569,720362,387
Otamatea—
        Tokatoka..106,86570,960..94,88659,360
 Matakohe51,84734,038C.V.50,64233,236
        MatakoheOutlying21,92616,168..20,95515,297
        MareretuMareretu26,10113,853C.V.25,30313,353
        Paparoa..48,95122,649..46,82322,230
        Wairau..51,60627,508..50,78027,288
        WhakapirauWhakapirau*73,80347,360..46,36028,364
        KaiwakaMangawai25,50213,175C.V.23,54911,771
 Outlying42,23526,335..33,94119,680
                Total of county..448,836272,046C.V.393,239230,579
Rodney—
 Albertland North8,5254,543C.V.7,8334,068
        HoteoOutlying65,42334,005..58,89427,801
        AlbertAlbertland South33,01810,531C.V.31,35710,077
 Wharehine24,53114,926C.V.23,84614,526
        TauhoaTauhoa41,14719,169C.V.39,93018,461
 Komokoriki13,1157,315C.V.10,8075,126
        KaiparaAhuroa13,2128,353C.V.12,9828,248
 Outlying33,75016,713..32,80815,936
        Omaha..56,03126,296..54,90125,811
 Matakana West31,99212,693C.V.30,48712,061
        MatakanaMatakana East17,0079,562C.V.16,9309,495
 Eastern Mahurangi15,0617,421C.V.13,7616,731
 Outlying32,46715,942..31,42315,413
        MahurangiPt. Warkworth, N.W.15,8667,275C.V.15,5687,087
        WarkworthPt. Warkworth, Township & S.W.67,43724,894C.V.64,74524,177
        PuhoiPuhoi63,65339,193C.V.62,38838,953
                Total of county..532,235258,831C.V.508,660243,971
Waitemata—
        MairetahiHelensville T.D.31,8416,529A.V.29,2446,215
 Outlying114,12365,535..103,44457,833
        KaukapakapaKaukapakapa63,91533,329C.V.61,01430,949
        Kumeu..61,84937,363..59,41235,391
 Pukeatua39,05822,104C.V.34,71518,096
        WainuiOutlying64,78432,282..62,71731,649
        Takapuna..199,481124,704..192,504122,164
        Birkenhead..53,30832,343..50,72029,755
        Northcote..140,57672,131..135,51668,841
        Waitakerei..145,58190,662..138,32085,041
        Waikomiti..117,02563,143..95,09549,723
                Total of county..1,031,541580,125C.V.962,701535,657
Eden—
        NewtonArch Hill142,07461,209A.V.135,49457,929
        GraftonEden Terrace171,32963,196C.V.170,60462,971
 P'nt Chevalier160,93058,457C.V.52,21043,592
 Mount Albert441,721221,823C.V.429,988216,288
        WhauAvondale156,48971,858C.V.148,34066,414
 Mount Roskill244,826176,372C.V.236,756172,802
 Mount Eden898,310383,351C.V.804,141356,836
        EpsomEpsom362,930195,761C.V.359,450193,586
 One tree Hill475,451311,876C.V.439,635290,466
        ParnellRemuera780,620471,875C.V.756,530455,930
 Orakei12,98211,078C.V.11,0329,328
 Tamaki West171,775123,097C.V.166,250118,897
 Panmure Township22,68510,611C.V.20,4759,781
        TamakiMount Wellington253,216160,964C.V.242,886155,298
                Total of county..4,295,3382,321,528*3,973,7912,210,118
Manukau—
 Awhitu57,05627,106C.V.52,30025,843
        AwhituPollok Settlement17,5488,036C.V.17,0787,872
 Waipipi197,166109,399C.V.189,865105,240
        WaiukuWaiuku144,74193,500C.V.140,34190,707
 Pakuranga83,67056,568C.V.82,48858,054
 Howick Township25,02110,305C.V.23,92410,025
        HowickPaparoa37,97620,998C.V.37,31620,763
 East Tamaki167,53798,975C.V.167,41298,570
 Turanga39,13917,884C.V.38,36417,819
 Maraetai24,00313,721U.V.23,27313,621
 Otahuhu162,01690,158C.V.150,39685,818
 Mangere336,143236,998C.V.325,283229,023
        OtahuhuPapatoitoi81,18357,126C.V.79,94456,841
 Manurewa57,98631,436C.V.56,87231,255
 Papakura70,89536,721U.V.69,98136,697
 Wairoa138,90474,849C.V.134,36272,067
        PapakuraDrury74,30636,754C.V.73,27936,590
 Papakura T.D.37,42116,424C.V.34,84015,358
 Hunua42,69822,922U.V.41,65322,357
 Mauku86,68047,221C.V.84,88746,707
 Karaka78,04937,522C.V.77,24837,186
        PukekohePukekohe W.173,890102,049C.V.172,617101,891
 Pukekohe T.D.45,34418,585C.V.40,49317,915
 Pukekohe E.169,11181,296C.V.165,82580,745
Manukau—
 Opaheke54,80328,860C.V.53,14323,275
 Paparata46,76019,796C.V.45,22519,287
 Pokeno46,94421,616C.V.44,29820,301
        MaungatawhiriMaungatawhiri36,40515,665C.V.35,86015,470
 Mercer26,74911,641C.V.19,0288,610
 Outlying81,27462,473..62,54543,744
                Total of county..2,641,4181,501,104*2,540,1401,447,651
Islands—
        Great Barrier..61,73239,621Nil40,31832,420
        Little Barrier
 
        Kermadec      
        Waiheke      
        Kawau      
        Motutapu      
        Motiti      
        Ponui      
        Motuhora      
        Rangitoto      
        Moturoa      
        Motuihi..91,76649,360Nil76,99442,201
        Motutikatika      
        Cuvier      
        Mokohinau      
        Great Mercury      
        Taranga      
        White      
        Week's Island      
        Whale      
        Tiritiri      
       
                Total of islands..153,49888,981Nil117,31274,621
Waikato—
        WhangamarinoWhangamarino151,40790,422C.V.128,90174,758
        HuntlyHuntly131,63667,910C.V.117,66556,400
        KirikiriroaKirikiriroa397,867193,169C.V.375,393178,923
        TamahereTamahere122,52669,339C.V.116,59064,033
        CambridgeCambridge214,355117,724C.V.211,712117,091
                Total of county..1,017,791538,564C.V.950,262491,205
Raglan—
        Onewhero..143,26086,550..141,60585,001
        Whangape..168,542107,901..154,18593,762
        Waingaro..134,70674,010..133,01472,318
        Te AkauTe Akau*113,088103,179..113,936103,138
        Karioi..63,19633,595..59,97731,635
        Whaingaroa..60,55131,832..56,93929,406
        KaramuKaramu*27,99217,551..23,27013,688
 Outlying15,71311,374..14,36810,106
        Pirongia..34,30022,242..32,10120,183
                Total of county..762,248488,234U.V.729,395459,237
Waipa—
        NewcastleNewcastle119,69871,874C.V.117,02470,597
 Ngaruawahia T.D.31,69610,715C.V.28,0368,750
        Hamilton..231,877148,734..225,595146,787
        TuhikarameaTuhikaramea74,02247,842C.V.73,82747,697
        PukekuraPukekura256,191141,938C.V.253,150140,895
        Mangapiko..175,75098,701..171,52896,789
 Rangiaohia189,316112,064C.V.187,356111,789
 Te Awamutu T.D.54,72527,720C.V.49,44025,825
        RangiaohiaKihikihi T.D.19,0596,610C.V.15,6576,058
                Total of county..1,152,334666,198C.V.1,121,613655,187
Kawhia—
        Kawhia..24,92515,692..11,7074,927
        Matakowhai..88,58967,598..59,59439,278
        Te Kuri..22,48418,559..12,6099,326
        Awaroa..37,64033,287..17,16113,382
        Waiharakiki..26,73022,687..17,20913,383
        Taharoa..30,77228,468..11,98310,109
                Total of county..231,140186,291C.V.130,26390,405
        Awakino..334,753246,912255,590170,777
Waitomo—
        Waitomo..62,00249,400..27,15018,973
        Te Rauamoa..65,48952,257..38,22426,947
        Otorohanga..73,85459,427..36,87826,713
        Hangatiki..49,93043,261..19,36013,344
        Mairoa..75,75060,886..47,09033,165
Waitomo—
        Paemako..50,46844,972..19,11014,326
        Te Kuiti..50,36141,799..12,3097,997
        Part Mokau*..330,147312,982..149,952135,959
Total                 of county..758,001664,984C.V.350,073277,424
Coromandel—
        Port Charles..44,40736,021..31,64123,477
        Coromandel..158,79088,962..132,11472,824
        Mercury Bay..321,361212,507..71,91850,967
Total                 of county..524,558337,490C.V.235,673147,268
Thames—
        Hastings..72,94557,482..61,41648,066
        Kauaeranga..48,43115,511..41,63113,631
        Parawai..42,33317,855..36,94316,440
        Totara..207,679143,351..156,29699,358
Total                 of county..371,388234,199C.V.296,286177,495
Ohinamuri—
        Waitoa..112,13088,319..65,34442,928
        Paeroa..213,063118,701..186,15895,956
        Waitekauri..48,73432,040..24,4179,722
        Karangahake..96,87734,929..69,95921,572
Total                 of county..470,804273,989C.V.345,878170,178
Tauranga—
        KatikatiKatikati64,92642,104U.V.52,34930,058
 Outlying18,95517,084..6,2714,871
 Outlying39,93930,407..34,54425,197
        Te PunaOutlying (Te Puna Township)1,759879..1,759879
        Waimapu..89,59259,332..80,89551,255
        Te Puke..89,81754,116U.V.81,67947,263
        Maketu..108,84268,213..99,56660,776
Total                 of county..413,830272,135U.V.357,063220,299
Piako—
        WaitoaWaitoa451,084234,500C.V.429,408217,601
        Te Aroha..86,83552,823..78,49546,463
        MatamataMatamata256,824161,176C.V.226,950132,897
        Taotaoroa..55,52532,921..55,12932,886
        Patetere..393,538255,473..268,972149,675
Total                 of county..1,243,806736,893C.V.1,058,954579,522
Rotorua—
        North..307,576241,693*91,84631,554
        South..371,451283,612*240,927160,056
                Total of county..679,027525,305Nil.332,773191,610
Whakatane—
        Matata..123,347106,552..66,35052,072
        Omataroa..95,86969,000..87,98164,775
        Opouriao..125,243111,018..45,97333,498
        Waimana..49,80639,117..41,42330,948
                Total of county..394,265325,687C.V.241,727181,293
Opotiki—
        Waioeka..447,006358,879..237,420154,396
        Ohiwa..30,78016,715..25,11311,079
        OpotikiOpotiki T.D.60,03031,853C.V.54,51929,710
                Total of county..537,816407,447C.V.317,052195,185
        East Taupo..576,487463,071*373,996262,135
        West Taupo..457,850409,575*136,89890,499
Islands—
        Mayor and Motiti..5,7803,696Nil5,7803,696
Waiapu—
        Matakaoa..282,760241,611..259,720220,448
        Awanui..284,153221,372..275,453217,960
        Piritarau..486,074326,931..478,244322,658
        Waipiro..452,441283,206..451,009282,774
        Tokomaru..394,906248,469..291,822147,400
                Total of county..1,900,3341,321,589C.V.1,756,2481,191,240
Cook—
        Tolago..853,988600,024..753,802501,412
 Waikohu604,228395,977C.V.538,491331,660
        WaikohuWaipaoa179,127102,809C.V178,478102,160
 Mangatu186,600120,096C.V.186,600120,096
 Ngatapa666,919432,835C.V.594,730360,910
        WaimataWaimata375,975256,578C.V.313,334194,022
 Pouawa245,887163,528C.V.245,887163,528
 Ormond114,80077,087C.V.112,06376,547
 Poverty Bay256,525182,289C.V.253,513181,526
        GisborneTaruheru (Subdivisions 1, 2)104,95275,703C.V.104,13875,574
 Taruheru (Subdivision 3)58,39332,144C.V.58,39332,144
        WhataupokoWhataupoko54,02733,204C.V.54,02733,204
 Kaiti64,60848,506C.V.64,60848,506
 Titirangi42,43932,006C.V.42,43932,006
        PatutahiPatutahi340,250235,002C.V.337,050233,461
 Hangaroa130,39374,906C.V.75,33319,846
        HangaroaOutlying111,77066,822..111,77066,822
 Outlying207,269152,510..138,23486,787
        AraiArai590,084415,844..564,700393,311
                Total of county 5,188,2343,497,869C.V.4,727,5903,053,522
Wairoa—
        Waikaremoana 624,788414,848..553,862348,477
        ClydeClyde T.D.59,19629,344C.V.53,35926,590
 Outlying280,550184,948..238,489144,362
        Mohaka..426,649291,827..347,347218,443
                Total of county..1,391,183920,967C.V.1,193,057737,872
Hawke's Bay—
        Petane..331,012213,512..325,192208,959
        Puketapu..575,972424,422..573,819422,674
        Okawa..801,989610,710..801,527610,248
 Taradale T.D.92,08353,831C.V.90,02453,601
        MeaneeOutlying200,890128,306..193,733126,838
        Erewhon..188,862174,602..184,862160,602
        Maraekakaho..627,316487,296..616,298478,023
        Heretaunga..1,066,242825,199..1,034,871799,314
        Clive..377,205292,710..360,827279,316
        Havelock..737,194567,443..733,976566,401
                Total of county..4,998,7653,778,031C.V.4,915,1293,705,976
Waipawa—
 North Ruataniwha409,996288,863U.V.410,903290,760
        HampdenOutlying57,24926,924..48,51719,192
 Waipawa63,11342,125U.V.63,08342,105
        WaipawaWaipawa T.D.95,85346,609U.V.86,12642,907
 Takapau340,209223,254U.V.337,254222,522
        TakapauOutlying183,788103,156..178,81898,737
        Ruataniwha..339,565223,433..332,879217,469
 Waipukurau311,641232,216U.V.308,524230,086
        WaipukurauWaipukurau T.D.83,76933,190U.V.74,05930,910
        NorsewoodNorsewood247,570145,030U.V.238,391138,416
 Ormondville T.D.36,54010,307U.V.32,2239,556
        OrmondvilleOutlying168,79390,975..167,58290,360
        Dannevirke..316,983228,944..316,338228,880
        Mangatoro..460,760318,117..456,404313,911
                Total of county..3,115,8292,013,143U.V.3,051,1011,975,811
Woodville—
        Woodville..179,739106,024..178,5461095,325
        Maungaatua..159,237109,232..157,681107,711
        Kumeroa..202,620115,493..200,286114,282
        Maharahara..179,740121,788..176,852119,652
                Total of county..721,336452,537U.V.713,365446,970
Patangata—
 Patangata237,354180,542C.V.237,096180,519
        PatangataKaikora N. T.D.34,42016,471A.V.32,54816,266
        OeroOero498,091408,991C.V.497,365408,419
        TamumuTamumu821,07667,216C.V.820,987667,132
 Wanstead197,034155,867C.V.196,686155,622
        EparaimaWallingford466,557346,320C.V.465,431345,484
        PorangahauPorangahau512,656384,733C.V.502,147376,161
                Total of county..2,767,1832,160,140C.V.2,752,2602,149,603
Weber—
        Weber..122,90670,597..121,61670,262
        Ti-tree Point..109,84161,905..108,55660,644
        Wimbledon..135,25676,291..114,21556,738
                Total of county..368,003208,793C.V.344,387187,644
Clifton—
        Mokau..247,922175,209..203,442132,129
        Urenui..158,40690,296..147,59680,690
        Tikorangi..90,85157,061..90,24456,889
        Waihi..99,98767,295..99,16166,584
        Ngatimaru..168,02689,780..140,18662,482
                Total of county..765,192479,641C.V.680,629398,774
Taranaki—
 Waitara West184,899105,243C.V.183,596105,029
        WaitaraEgmont137,49878,854C.V.136,48378,680
 Henui128,29979,594C.V.127,46379,244
 Moa644,098353,542C.V.639,080352,176
        MoaMangorei79,71043,980C.V.79,58143,966
 Waiwakaiho101,50950,531C.V.97,04947,856
 Elliott55,44439,093C.V.54,70438,566
 Carrington104,99464,422C.V.104,09263,713
 Frankley74,46945,524C.V.74,34845,504
 Barrett116,23875,240C.V.114,47474,133
 Omata92,63164,003C.V.79,52852,141
        OmataUpper Hurford21,69911,431C.V.21,51011,423
 Tataraimaka58,50432,959C.V.57,75532,756
 Oakura107,45363,628C.V.101,72558,300
 Okato112,17367,439C.V.108,47464,890
 Werekino38,93225,078C.V.37,55723,703
                Total of county..2,058,5501,200,561C.V.2,017,4191,172,080
Egmont—
        RahotuParihaka632,375381,499C.V.616,342371,456
        OpunakeOpunake T.D.72,91539,170C.V.62,95635,633
        Oeo..272,069165,327..266,710160,929
                Total of county..977,359585,996C.V.946,008568,018
Stratford—
        NorthManganui393,113215,314U.V.389,164213,857
        East..432,360252,296..422,297242,831
        Ohura..232,752161,537..201,502132,108
        West..214,410133,977..210,763131,034
        South..218,178189,856..217,038139,478
                Total of county..1,490,813902,980U.V.1,440,764859,308
Hawera—
 Waimate787,657530,338C.V.781,935525,256
        WaimateKaponga T.D.25,72910,297C.V.22,4459,315
 Manaia T.D.48,18415,874C.V.43,17814,511
        Mangatoki..346,544229,980..345,251229,298
        Okaiawa..256,583188,642..254,773188,067
        Eltham..275,298170,928..257,237153,686
 Normanby T.D.32,51115,119U.V.30,66614,706
        HaweraOutlying770,215532,029..757,6742,547
        Mokoia..247,227185,794..269,640181,761
                Total of county..2,816,9481,879,001C.V.2,762,7991,843,147
Patea—
 Patea West362,915230,154C.V.346,751225,488
        OtoiaPatea East211,732138,714C.V.208,586136,154
 Outlying4,4584,458..1,8931,893
        Kapara..141,00284,797..104,82255,408
 Kohi72,28644,934C.V.71,96944,894
 Wairoa83,82250,989C.V.78,93846,227
 Motoroa37,86820,908C.V.37,86820,908
 Waitotara     
        WaverleyMomohaki165,47183,477C.V.154,009178,952
 Okutuku79,86154,590C.V.79,86154,590
 Whenuakura196,846129,048C.V.196,767129,003
 Waitotara     
 waverley T.D.32,8899,832C.V.29,2189,172
                Total of county..1,389,150851,901C.V.1,310,674802,689
Waitotara—
        Tokomaru..166,495114,851..71,80421,890
        Waitotara..406,115296,317..391,943286,642
        Brunswick..369,680251,831..365,377249,978
        Westmere..369,633250,368..356,450246,765
                Total of county..1,311,923913,367C.V.1,185,574805,275
Wanganui—
        MangawheroMangawhero339,647224,351C.V.305,824191,459
        Upper WangaehuUpper Wangaehu528,292326,850C.V.453,411252,811
        MataongaongaMataongaonga216,053161,526C.V.215,550161,273
        KaukateaKaukatea87,57558,113C.V.87,34958,083
        PuruaPurua249,525163,273C.V.247,449162,654
        KaitokeKaitoke208,048146,747C.V.204,838144,399
                Total of county..1,629,1401,080,860C.V.1,514,421970,679
Waimarino—
        Huikumu..186,095160,242..153,165127,719
        Manganui..139,594122,237..39,10822,258
        Ruapehu..66,66056,570..39,27529,807
        Karioi..35,45033,279..27,48125,355
        Parapara..114,15087,015..105,56179,175
        Raetihi..32,96719,688..26,75315,343
        Ohakune..134,533115,904..123,904106,249
                Total of county..709,449594,935U.V.515,247405,906
Rangitikei— £      £       £      £      
        Erwhon..314,494257,111..266,103213,605
        Awarua..291,445173,245..254,911140,167
 Hunterville T.D.53,94722,042C.V.49,85619,892
        OtairiOutlying321,653162,818..309,588151,966
        Te Kapua..244,369129,842..209,40995,897
        Wangaehu..340,644203,805..327,149194,530
        Rangitira..344,140210,557..343,023210,481
        Porewa..324,581182,927..321,569182,509
 Lethbridge T.D.27,35211,143A.V.25,40910,831
        OtakapuOutlying301,021207,640..300,189207,309
 Bull's T.D.39,21811,735A.V.35,95511,299
        RangitotoOutlying294,768180,411..293,571180,330
                Total of county..2,897,6321,753,306C.V.2,736,7321,618,816
Kiwitea—
        Hautapu..222,594139,145..212,867130,119
        Rangiwahia..211,290126,286..202,035117,865
        Peep-o'-day..175,178108,120..155,89988,841
        Ongo..174,701120,501..171,301117,451
        Kiwitea..153,502110,821..153,502110,821
        Waituna..162,220108,804..161,540108,510
        Cheltenham..161,983112,751..160,285112,587
        Kimbolton..163,03298,602..160,10297,701
        Pakihikura..196,474128,029..195,355127,132
                Total of county..1,620,9741,053,059C.V.1,572,8861,011,027
Pohangina—
        Mangapikopiko..138,99282,642..135,65280,882
        Umutoi..142,14888,0505..123,73870,408
        Coal Creek..130,40479,221..130,09679,038
        Tamaki..97,83167,236..71,96141,366
        Pohangina..86,08753,188..84,27852,145
        Mangaone..144,76392,189..144,37992,119
        Awahou..126,93078,246..119,07171,142
                Total of county..867,155541,227C.V.809,175487,100
Manawatu—
        Sandon..206,975147,394..203,312146,548
        Mount Stewart..226,253160,598..224,029158,821
        Waitohi..191,114187,962..190,448137,912
 Rongotea T.D.28,62410,646C.V.25,9099,813
        CampbellOutlying232,342175,601..232,155175,517
        Carnarvon..196,382154,153..194,096152,916
        Kawakawa..240,325182,267..239,949182,249
        Awahou..219,778162,783..204,110151,310
                Total of county..1,541,7931,131,404C.V.1,514,0081,115,086
Oroua—
 Halcombe T.D.21,1956,303A.V.19,1576,180
        RangitawaOutlying107,58774,525..107,52274,460
        Mangaone..26,67019,509..26,62019,459
        Raumanga..294,722210,909..294,186210,878
        Makino..344,573260,212..344,149260,192
        Taonui..391,181285,243..389,561284,885
        Hiwinui..352,985253,941..352,581253,895
        Otangaki..61,45430,158..57,88028,033
                Total of county..1,600,3671,140,800C.V.1,591,6561,137,982
Kairanga—
        Mangaone..449,269333,941..447,508333,557
        Taonui..703,376523,648..700,502521,987
        Fitzherbert..506,163337,160..493,384325,429
                Total of county..1,658,8081,194,749U.V.1,641,3941,180,973
Horowhenua—
        Tokomaru..445,152281,667..438,805277,212
        Wirokino..692,056485,578..636,662443,164
        OtakiOtaki333,581190,688C.V.314,851179,455
        Te HoroTe Horo281,756173,655C.V.272,811165,853
                Total of county..1,752,5451,131,568C.V.1,663,1291,065,684
        Chatham Islands..95,55755,838*92,44653,614
Islands—
        Kapiti      
        Mana..17,98413,378Nil10,4849,378
        Somes      
Pahiatua—
        Mangahao..477,434294,811..466,573286,386
        Pukemiku..156,64694,215..150,50092,242
        Makuri..211,618111,372..206,383106,787
        Mangaone..190,836111,594..190,513111,465
        Puketoi..258,390124,928..255,640123,224
                Total of county..1,294,924736,920U.V.1,269,609720,104
Akitio— £      £       £      £      
        Akitio..151,19391,429..149,34389,739
        Waihi..82,48347,812..78,24143,735
        Rakaunui..41,29925,585..37,45321,759
        Pongaroa..118,24569,818..113,31365,506
        Mataikona..56,52938,726..56,16938,386
                Total of county..449,749273,370U.V.434,519259,125
Castlepoint—
        East..222,373131,640..222,008131,600
        West..214,778117,098..211,691116,336
                Total of county..437,151248,738U.V.433,699247,936
Eketahuna—
        Part West, part EastEketahuna T.D.146,12581,302U.V.135,40577,317
        West (pt.) 269,787155,806..259,568146,518
        East (pt.) 215,183113,050..214,517112,819
                Total of county..631,095350,158U.V.609,490336,654
Mauriceville—
        West..160,42577,375..149,43168,148
        East..162,28275,478..152,01365,900
                Total of county..322,707152,853C.V.301,444134,048
Masterton—
        Alfredton..340,447174,777..330,777165,797
        Upper Taueru..213,944123,928..213,708123,857
        Rangitumau..337,581215,343..336,650215,251
        Opaki..595,588384,950..578,208371,320
        Te Whiti..280,172207,263..279,134206,825
        Wainuioru..656,753448,726..650,472443,845
                Total of county..2,424,4851,554,987C.V.2,388,9491,526,895
Wairarapa South—
        Belvedere..257,202166,341..239,915150,783
        Dalefield..288,917156,254..236,498155,074
        Parkvale..249,159169,630..245,783169,368
        Maungaraki..755,048512,138..748,8.3508,179
                Total of county..1,500,3261,004,363U.V.1,471,039983,404
Featherston— £      £       £      £      
        Pahaoa..*351,713247,740..341,300239,264
        Greytown..339,156245,312..325,098232,456
 Outlying199,495141,144..197,463139,985
        MartinboroughMartinborough T.D.79,73633,125C.V.75,27832,592
        Western Lake..180,253141,000..163,154124,386
        Kahutara..344,259263,870..299,294226,809
 Outlying152,896105,216..150,481103,011
        FeatherstonFeatherston T.D.68,99221,996C.V.61,03120,919
        Otaraia..198,531151,534..116,69788,109
        Turanganui..239,231184,933..221,037168,174
        Awhea..*381,208259,849..357,516238,332
                Total of county..*2,535,4701,795,719C.V.2,308,3491,614,037
Hutt—
        Whareroa..175,52486,692..168,27280,29
 Outlying256,001147,961..253,986147,281
        HorokiwiPlimmerton22,0958,130..21,4757,680
 Johnsonville T.D.133,70779,154C.V.129,40776,834
        PoriruaOutlying647,165312,228..573,233302,073
        Mungaroa..395,699260,980..365,990238,519
        Epuni..346,437267,331..327,988253,640
        Wainuiomata..139,86290,009..121,81078,993
        MakaraMakara138,17988,736C.V.137,62188,616
                Total of county..2,254,6691,341,221C.V.2,099,7821,273,665
Collingwood—
        Aorere..120,23560,848..94,13737,105
        Pakawau..87,73364,634..70,15952,390
                Total of county..207,968125,482C.V.164,29689,495
Takaka—
        Waitapu..138,73765,053..128,21057,399
        Anatoki..140,52482,138..106,20650,078
                Total of county..279,261147,191U.V.234,416107,477
Waimea—
 Upper Moutere56,01325,504C.V.54,58325,115
        MoutereOutlying57,97934,348..56,80633,719
 Riwaka143,69592,390C.V.141,70986,486
        MotuekaOutlying145,25174,705..136,53267,246
        StokeStoke316,174222,004C.V.294,027207,811
 Dovedale53,80025,525C.V.51,75224,399
        Wai-itiWaimea W.92,01060,445C.V.89,81059,715
 Outlying315,347179,130..298,286168,372
Wangapeka..123,10475,224..99,52352,479
        Motupiko..137,06187,192..107,44159,156
 Suburban N.133,41172,044C.V.124,06067,293
 Outlying9,8078,180..7,9586,331
        WangamoaMaitai, Outlying18,14615,743..12,3849,981
                Total of county..1,606,798972,434C.V.1,474,871868,103
Sounds—
        Pelorus Sound portion (Croixelles to Cape Lambert)..262,954149,732..215,752104,934
        Queen Charlotte Sound and Port Underwood portion..102,17567,678..78,61544,311
                Total of county..365,129217,410*294,367149,245
Marlborough—
        PelorusPelorus369,981234,567U.V.291,376158,533
        HavelockHavelock T.D.26,6508,837C.V.21,8527,537
        PictonPicton227,767136,954C.V.218,047129,172
        Spring CreekSpring Creek291,542241,005C.V.286,916237,515
        OmakaOmaka540,817419,541C.V.534,269415,289
        WairauWairau477,855358,835C.V.445,301228,893
        AwatereAwatere843,291705,287U.V.808,027673,569
                Total of county..2,777,9032,105,026*2,605,7881,850,508
Kaikoura—
        Clarence..107,33579,820..87,23759,722
        Suburban..137,446102,903..131,65599,912
        Peninsula..57,57424,725..51,00622,603
        Conway..197,789156,089..185,356143,656
        Hundalee..68,88650,263..45,58231,959
Buller— £      £       £      £      
        Karamea..145,462107,587..56,67219,080
        Wareatea North..336,368185,860..236,88598,435
        Wareatea South..90,10663,665..30,00713,124
        Lyell..26,91316,813..11,7973,017
        Charleston..61,16951,383..9,8822,809
                Total of county..660,018425,308U.V.345,243136,465
Inangahua—
        Hampden..412,537363,638..84,68837,316
        Boatman's..106,23675,019..43,86413,867
        Reefton..183,66457,244..159,30648,329
        Murray..17,28310,954..9,8694,110
        Crushington..56,49749,308..11,1043,915
        Antonio's..91,52468,658..35,20813,152
                Total of county 867,741624,821U.V.344,039120,689
Grey—
        Cobden..122,71383,987..69,37937,225
        Brunnerton..148,516105,066..63,89629,138
        Waipuna..147,641113,963..53,74422,202
        Nelson Creek..72,00253,844..27,53310,239
        Red Jack's..111,21799,817..33,73522,335
        Maori Creek..45,66839,007..33,60128,239
        Paroa..40,90522,966..27,76611,608
        Marsden..21,37217,915..6,2373,238
        Hohonu..112,42998,705..38,67425,416
                Total of county..822,463635,270C.V.354,565189,640
Westland—
        Arahura..84,23353,988..47,11520,103
        Kanieri..209,124117,982..124,68546,374
        Southern..579,522550,860..80,97052,709
                Total of county..872,879722,830C.V.252,770119,186
Cheviot—
        HawkeswoodCheviot (part)225,352185,583..225,073185,304
        KaiwaraCheviot (part)118,310108,342..118,310108,342
        WaiauCheviot (part)152,071123,887..150,346123,377
        LowryCheviot (part)162,396119,450..157,944117,523
        HurunuiCheviot (part)130,102108,803..128,904108,290
        SeawardCheviot (part)136,44194,960..132,14293,802
                Total of county..924,672741,025U.V.912,719736,638
Amuri—
        Hanmer..386,205283,829..359,388265,514
        Pahau..372,003290,126..368,362287,524
        Waiau..289,351245,217..286,327244,389
        Rotherham..224,612180,403..223,039180,104
        Lyndon..165,607135,489..160,139130,481
                Total of county..1,437,7781,135,064C.V.1,397,2551,108,012
Ashley—
        WaiparaWaipara1,913,5371,654,637C.V.1,867,8471,650,919
        Mount ThomasAshley435,019348,533C.V.421,334336,505
 Kowai650,255476,423C.V.641,911473,548
        KowaiAmberley T.D.36,60313,634C.V.32,59312,694
        OxfordOxford540,275402,896C.V.509,051380,441
        CustCust227,337174,611C.V.224,618174,048
        MandevilleMandeville-Rangiora749,260583,557C.V.740,430580,296
        West EyretonWest Eyreton261,911223,520C.V.261,029223,151
        EyretonEyreton560,495444,490C.V.555,892443,248
                Total of county..5,374,6924,322,301*5,254,7054,274,850
Selwyn—
        AvonAvon796,566508,417C.V.776,788502,204
 Riccarton1,581,643917,254C.V.1,201,878703,429
        RiccartonTempleton660,141412,734C.V.645,716406,964
        CourtenayCourtenay1,146,191861,272C.V.1,102,930840,913
 Malvern189,952145,002C.V.178,416141,330
 East Malvern187,286147,971C.V.183,051145,821
        MalvernS'th Malvern127,30196,695C.V.125,51196,435
 Upper Waimakariri65,58452,544C.V.71,14661,366
        HeathcoteHeathcote795,111453,909C.V.783,660450,545
 Taitapu162,907126,872C.V.160,361126,415
        HalswellSpreydon272,768133,605U.V.268,213132,370
 Halswell475,132340,177C.V.452,604335,724
 L'keColeridge287,578231,086C.V.284,789230,516
        ColeridgeRakaia456,413347,951C.V.450,547347,044
 Springs754,111571,762C.V.714,355569,434
        LincolnLincoln432,160343,485C.V.424,690342,236
 Ellesmere1,538,2411,214,774C.V.1,517,5491,210,390
        EllesmereSouthbridge T.D.37,58814,875C.V.31,72214,010
                Total of county..9,966,6736,920,385C.V.9,373,9266,657,146
Mount Herbert—
        Port Victoria..108,08479,896..103,08678,759
        Port Levy..212,565173,328..211,355173,018
                Total of county..320,649253,224C.V.314,441251,777
Akaroa—
        Port LevyPigeon Bay263,846204,145C.V.262,703203,994
        Little RiverLittle River667,560561,616C.V.632,712529,911
        Okain's BayOkain's Bay240,422181,934C.V.239,015181,650
        Le Bon's BayLe Bon's Bay163,446123,510C.V.162,939123,276
        WainuiTown of Akaroa & Wainui639,784493,712C.V.628,042488,648
                Total of county..1,975,0581,564,917C.V.1,925,4111,527,479
Ashburton—
        Mount HuttMount Hutt1,278,8761,086,668C.V.1,263,1651,079,461
        South RakaiaSouth Rakaia1,083,258890,667C.V.1,071,159886,585
 M'nt Somers296,248239,405C.V.274,643226,498
        Mount SomersAnama375,805312,098C.V.369,879307,488
 Upper Ashburton1,092,622865,403C.V.1,086,931862,982
        Upper Ashburton      
 Rangitata390,079310,332C.V.386,282309,369
 Wakanui729,921582,047C.V.722,254580,804
        WakanuiHampstead T.D.104,25643,294C.V.93,81642,849
 Longbeach781,838634,381C.V.777,718633,974
        AshburtonColdstream292,551226,072C.V.289,635225,272
 Tinwald T.D.79,20045,215C.V.76,22644,610
                Total of county..6,504,6545,235,582C.V.6,411,7085,199,892
Geraldine—
        Mount PeelMount Peel483,874392,521C.V.467,082392,521
        RaukapukaGeraldine852,355696,236C.V.846,913695,058
        TemukaTemuka989,034180,008C.V.979,070175,433
                Total of county..2,325,2631,268,765C.V.2,293,0651,263,012
Levels—
        Tengawai..375,261312,238..373,985311,821
        Point..293,191235,936..289,635235,040
        Waimataiti..288,471219,262..288,209219,000
        Seadown..309,344266,236..307,878265,831
        Claremont..204,800164,935..203,250164,805
        Gleniti..256,484144,554..251,104141,529
        Otipua..302,852222,825..299,627222,265
                Total of county..2,030,4031,565,986C.V.2,013,6881,560,291
Mackenzie—
        Te Kapo..254,156221,503..169,235216,492
        Fairlie..324,256232,448..310,651230,891
        Albury..294,877235,650..286,348235,131
        Cave..118,688104,567..118,647104,526
                Total of county..991,977794,168C.V.884,881787,040
Waimate—
        Upper Pareora..358,318315,051..357,698314,431
        Lower Pareora..327,392268,597..323,188268,033
        Hakataramea..266,717224,495..265,047223,898
        Otaio..462,452389,435..459,134387,693
        Makikihi..385,371314,485..378,935310,184
        Deep Creek..621,079492,498..615,810491,259
        North Waihao..1,306,0171,085,348..1,291,5391,076,527
                Total of county..3,727,3463,089,909U.V.3,691,3513,072,025
Waitaki—
        Ahuriri..121,750110,116..120,955109,321
        Otekaike..327,988238,281..318,087235,745
        Awamoko..453,075385,296..451,120384,378
        Papakaio..621,896472,215..513,650377,089
        Waiareka..625,975486,158..620,317485,394
        Incholme..228,868197,927..227,797197,162
        Kakanui..371,949302,806..370,154302,286
        Otepopo..303,319220,288..296,181219,222
        Moeraki..186,996144,196..181,719143,420
                Total of county..3,241,8162,557,283C.V.3,099,9802,454,017
Maniototo—
        St. Bathan's..95,39959,520..91,98058,444
        Idaburn..85,67162,188..84,21861,235
        Mount Ida..245,207159,690..232,849153,078
        Kyeburn..68,90946,797..67,99946,278
        Puketoi..138,019103,002..135,093101,191
        Hyde..40,54325,840..38,37725,331
        Serpentine..56,12948,725..53,12345,769
                Total of county..729,877505,762C.V.703,639491,326
Waihemo—
        Green Valley..45,26431,173..44,68530,984
        Dunback..60,23638,199..58,73037,814
        Macrae's..96,83163,866..95,21563,599
        Blue Mountain..86,48457,981..85,68857,670
        Meadowbank..31,78825,727..31,76325,702
        Bushy..77,78051,383..77,75351,356
        Goodwood..67,10745,772..66,55445,730
                Total of county..465,490314,101C.V.460,388312,855
Waikouaiti—
        Hawksbury..195,702139,471..194,574139,163
        Merton..258,210116,729..163,474108,540
        Blueskin..166,60480,100..153,97777,020
        North-east Valley..79,32343,080..78,14242,310
                Total of county..699,839379,380C.V.590,167367,033
Peninsula—
 Otago Heads64,87333,764C.V.40,59224,976
        Portobello BayPortobello (Portobello Ward)65,33138,610C.V.62,50138,224
        Broad BayPortobello (Broad Bay Ward)59,74634,483C.V.58,5134,151
        North-east HarbourPortobello (North-east Harbour Ward)64,41736,618C.V.63,17236,258
        SandymountPeninsula (Sandymount Ward)55,67036,046C.V.54,67035,946
        HighcliffPeninsula (Highcliff Ward)69,14140,399C.V.59,54039,964
        Anderson's BayPeninsula (Anderson's Bay Ward)21,03316,365C.V.21,03316,365
 Bay Town District172,195101,255C.V.168,190100,190
        TomahawkTomahawk35,20924,519C.V.34,51423,949
                Total of county..607,615362,059*562,863350,023
Taieri—
        Strath Taieri..228,255161,947..224,936161,083
        Deep Stream..153,645119,223..150,844117,267
        Maungatua..189,226144,035..185,146142,199
 Outram T.D.45,43022,016C.V.38,56420,598
        OutramOutlying208,937177,043..208,396176,937
        East Taieri..184,315135,132..181,873134,650
        North Taieri..182,287115,597..180,114115,210
        Kaikorai..243,699130,214..241,114128,329
 Allanton T.D.10,1053,540C.V.7,7372,912
        OtokiaOutlying156,376106,465..152,518105,307
                Total of county..1,602,2751,115,212C.V.1,571,2421,104,492
Tuapeka—
        Teviot..176,786110,741..171,951107,222
        James..393,192318,282..385,457316,005
        Beaumont..49,22135,305..45,55432,370
        Gabriel's..39,09022,216..27,62811,675
        Waipori..40,07428,928..36,81026,381
        Tapanui..258,514195,076..247,941191,092
        Brown's..105,12672,479..101,86070,101
        Clark's..63,38143,977..61,37243,131
        Waitahuna..66,10839,498..60,33636,425
                Total of county..1,191,492866,502C.V.1,138,909834,402
Bruce—
        Crarendon..71,47150,580..70,92650,260
        Mount StuartMount Stuart118,21883,121C.V.115,91081,779
        Waihola..87,11448,926..83,83247,786
        BalmoralBalmoral254,158202,724C.V.252,508201,374
        Tokomairiro..283,973208,562..277,092207,176
        Glenledi..44,04630,121..42,97329,461
        Crichton..96,01170,285..95,15570,084
        Kaitangata..67,90948,259..66,47547,367
 Inch-Clutha82,69564,785C.V.81,74564,645
        MatauOutlying87,07258,417..86,27258,117
                Total of county..1,192,667865,780C.V.1,172,888858,049
Clutha—
        Glenkenich..154,219104,682..152,704104,564
        Waipahi..140,14592,784..137,48991,958
        Clydevale..115,01687,274..114,31487,162
        Pomahaka..198,650151,574..191,811147,228
        ClintonClinton T.D.21,1486,486A.V.18,4316,051
 Outlying66,60751,220..65,75250,520
        Clutha..191,228125,733..191,010125,638
        Richardson..172,838122,103..166,386119,328
        South Molyneux..155,78789,391..142,88585,153
        Catlin's..198,453106,927..154,30709,709
                Total of county..1,414,091938,174C.V.1,335,089887,311
        Islands (Quarantine and Goat)..3,454900Nil....
Vincent—
        Hawea..92,38267,004..82,91563,057
        Clutha..43,40222,698..30,65813,881
        Lindis..23,53916,208..22,20215,863
        Matakanui..84,03854,668..74,96150,127
        Manuherikia..76,41650,348..70,02049,861
        Dunstan..104,61062,384..93,32359,655
        Carrick..37,59826,017..37,84627,235
        Earnscleugh..43,21624,409..34,61419,927
                Total of county..505,201323,736C.V.446,539299,606
Lake—
        Matukituki..23,38319,508..6,6213,554
        Shotover..20,59217,057..5,7014,481
        Greenstone..48,81938,530..21,91312,511
        Cardrona..46,05827,180..25,60511,390
        Queenstown..58,31337,560..46,47129,376
        Arrow..96,53664,499..88,74158,996
        Kingston..61,11148,899..43,40733,141
                Total of county..354,812253,233C.V.238,459153,449
        Fiord..144,600137,820Nil.16,0949,314
Wallace—
        Mararoa..336,615264,302..267,569200,853
        Waiau..293,564222,670..231,281162,000
        Wairio..454,706307,091..430,412287,787
 Otautau T.D.43,09514,804C.V.39,91514,064
        OtautauOutlying400,106278,663..388,606269,650
        Orepuki..184,13396,871..161,39378,813
        Aparima..307,509202,759..299,197196,180
                Total of coun..2,019,7281,387,160C.V.1,818,3731,209,347
Southland—
        Oreti..433,461315,316..408,687296,391
        Waikaia..313,487233,364..282,705207,202
        Winton..1,059,484681,650..1,026,920658,200
        Hokonui..821,799610,086..787,501580,843
 Outlying*417,903288,077..410,151283,961
        MatauraOutlying189,481133,601..187,751132,713
 Outlying§165,982114,115..158,371109,200
        Wallacetown..337,006228,277..329,716224,119
 Invercargill177,56293,442..167,01785,975
        AwaruaOutlying390,503236,425..384,246233,846
        Waihopai..569,091406,557..527,327369,354
 Outlying—Wyndham portion90,83363,716..88,71561,947
        ToetoesWyndham T.D.41,50311,653U.V.38,08511,098
 Outlying510,024339,210..453,128288,197
        Total of county..5,518,1193,755,489U.V.5,250,3203,542,996
Stewart Island—
        North..65,40343,585..19,34311,395
        South..97,26491,232..8,7713,650
                Total of county..162,667134,817C.V.28,11415,045
Islands—
        Antipodes      
        Auckland..13,88013,880Nil.680680
        Campbell      
        Cook....Not valued. 

BOROUGHS.

TABLE showing (1) CAPITAL VALUE OF LAND with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguishing the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND). (2.) CAPITAL VALUE of RATEABLE PROPERTY, with IMPROVEMENTS (and distinguishing the UNIMPROVED VALUE of LAND) in each BOROUGH in NEW ZEALAND as at 31st March, 1906.
Boroughs.Gross Values.System of Rating.Rateable Values.
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).
 ££ ££
Whangarei208,42890,802C.V.202,86489,278
Birkenhead155,97367,558A.V.153,10965,812
Devonport774,622344,373U.V.638,192301,788
Parnell699,001305,153A.V.659,022288,869
Newmarket273,870123,520A.V.266,910119,560
Grey Lynn610,823276,588U.V.599,615272,422
Onehunga467,468231,220A.V.437,951217,523
Hamilton330,917185,047U.V.293,092160,159
Cambridge214,854110,974A.V.204,903106,854
Thames273,31593,972A.V.243,31287,949
Tauranga104,40444,712A.V.94,55040,225
Te Aroha87,04434,126A.V.76,32430,331
Waihi187,61064,767A.V.177,20959,679
Auckland City7,562,7943,752,141A.V.7,046,6813,524,128
Gisborne941,757558,104A.V.903,849542,722
Napier1,639,229802,685A.V.1,514,124762,467
Hastings732,243452,952A.V.716,183449,162
Dannevirke378,759228,206A.V.364,232219,560
Woodville112,89945,712U.V.97,89941,157
New Plymouth1,197,592727,339A.V.1,079,645655,329
Hawera347,519177,061U.V.318,768160,949
Patea64,37822,037A.V.56,25120,072
Stratford353,917190,908U.V.319,052171,591
Eltham180,16498,415C.V.173,03693,794
Inglewood139,81067,055C.V.125,16558,713
Waitara130,28755,368C.V.124,46952,156
Wanganui1,341,739854,429A.V.1,190,574755,631
Marton119,31840,694C.V.107,57838,442
Taihape74,25541,770C.V.62,95133,628
Feilding553,064325,077U.V.527,469311,590
Palmerston North1,938,8311,136,282U.V.1,848,1401,079,444
Foxton71,07128,706A.V.63,31926,783
Levin113,23666,417C.V.106,89464,170
Onslow535,550315,701U.V.504,381307,492
Karori610,204385,904U.V.565,174360,649
Wellington—
        City portion15,644,0189,611,721U.V.13,522,3078,409,812
        Melrose portion1,985,0471,363,430U.V.1,953,2521,338,935
Pahiatua207,712100,941U.V.197,11897,670
Masterton833,546410,989U.V.758,999379,227
Carterton173,55382,253U.V.161,33177,894
Greytown150,02859,044A.V.142,06956,976
Lower Hutt962,642630,016U.V.913,268591,007
Petone1,198,940738,588U.V.1,113,590671,497
Miramar374,530286,271U.V.347,585265,421
Eastbourne162,773111,036U.V.161,213110,256
Richmond99,02253,813C.V.94,66751,895
Nelson1,172,525569,228A.V.1,065,863529,521
Picton131,19255,292U.V.112,34445,936
Blenheim425,073182,421U.V.387,496172,154
Motueka145,81581,838C.V.139,13280,405
Westport260,827107,487U.V.227,31192,682
Greymouth493,061164,824U.V.426,774142,098
Brunner70,55211,561A.V.20,0728,658
Kumara34,5956,082C.V.24,7324,047
Hokitika176,95266,074U.V.135,39148,384
Ross21,7105,493C.V.17,5254,536
Rangiora204,03186,166C.V.190,71582,320
Kaiapoi166,20748,603A.V.153,43246,228
Christchurch—
        St. Albans1,059,263372,723U.V.1,042,157368,805
        Central Ward4,923,4852,283,898U.V.4,559,0662,137,189
        Sydenham Ward1,208,11387,120U.V.1,113,899328,268
        Linwood Ward753,976238,337U.V.741,414235,540
Woolston286,550120,725U.V.272,612117,380
New Brighton117,90551,544A.V.114,53150,390
Sumner219,796109,558U.V.204,150103,547
Lyttelton854,754238,922A.V.316,099142,417
Akaroa59,48922,764C.V.53,46621,064
Ashburton445,618202,140A.V.403,828177,795
Temuka137,23739,850C.V.112,59434,555
Geraldine93,11634,941C.V.85,70432,951
Timaru913,132337,461A.V.817,557308,057
Waimate147,69451,903U.V.126,80647,067
Oamaru673,711248,196A.V.612,671231,792
Hampden22,0007,460C.V.18,6026,587
Naseby33,4184,765A.V.27,2184,245
Palmerston61,04314,374C.V.53,16313,248
Hawksbury62,93428,556C.V.59,79128,000
Port Chalmers261,07580,458A.V.234,59575,348
West Harbour150,50964,235U.V.144,27862,990
North-east Valley416,995161,588U.V.402,986157,671
Maori Hill309,848143,415243,598116,805 
Roslyn782,457321,599A.V.766,767317,159
Mornington403,905152,468A.V.395,672150,948
Dunedin—
        Leith Ward1,371,700631,270A.V.1,283,650601,050
        Bell Ward1,393,080723,325A.V.1,228,430637,375
        High Ward2,489,6591,230,674A.V.2,205,1591,084,884
        South Ward907,920436,415A.V.848,420385,015
        Caversham Ward636,742253,616A.V.602,087246,336
        South Dunedin Ward505,679142,918A.V.489,294139,933
St. Kilda327,862130,541A.V.321,862130,141
Green Island46,49614,215A.V.39,58613,040
Mosgiel191,51277,709A.V.179,26274,169
Roxburgh32,7705,061A.V.28,8904,561
Lawrence119,26331,983A.V.103,93829,163
Tapanui23,2293,750A.V.20,6543,555
Milton144,10838,562A.V.134,60537,157
Balclutha121,03048,535U.V.111,87045,365
Kaitangata100,27931,297A.V.94,34429,985
Arrowtown20,9843,325A.V.15,4142,867
Queenstown63,30214,531A.V.52,87113,161
Cromwell45,18610,720A.V.39,9199,291
Alexandra51,6759,879A.V.47,6689,266
Gore417,132183,300U.V.378,140165,540
Mataura142,94859,292A.V.135,48454,916
Winton55,41921,286U.V.49,72719,300
Gladstone60,52124,878A.V.58,85924,438
Avenal51,58419,641U.V.51,58419,641
North Invercargill58,56320,148U.V.57,20619,718
East Invercargill78,48825,128A.V.78,30325,053
Invercargill1,532,389689,679U.V.1,286,009551,799
South Invercargill137,34045,128U.V.135,24644,518
Riverton63,68317,922A.V.54,87216,470
Campbelltown208,73489,407U.V.175,89468,08

Chapter 53. SUPPLEMENTAL TO PART II.
STATISTICAL VIEW OF FIFTY YEARS' PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND, 1856–1905.

I.—POPULATION.
Year.Population (exclusive of Maoris and for Annexed Pacific Islands) on 31st December.Births.Deaths.Marriages.
Males.Females.Totals.
NOTE.—Maori population excluded from above was 43,143 in 1901, and that of Cook and other Islands 12,292 persons.
185625,35620,18445,5401,722406404
185727,60622,19649,8021,966434478
185833,67925,73459,4132,272582534
185941,10730,48671,5932,647704603
186045,39434,31779,7113,1461,092690
186161,06237,95999,0213,4411,109878
186279,68046,132125,8124,0641,2311,091
1863105,97858,070164,0485,1151,9831,485
1864106,58065,578172,1586,5012,9211,878
1865117,37673,231190,6077,4902,7571,908
1866125,08079,034204,1148,4662,5402,038
1867131,92986,739218,6688,9182,7022,050
1868134,62191,997226,6189,3912,6622,085
1869140,11297,137237,2499,7182,7211,931
1870145,732102,668248,40010,2772,7031,851
1871156,4310,555266,98610,5922,6421,864
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
II.—LAND AND STOCK.
Year.Occupied and Cultivated Holdings over One Acre in Extent.Land (including Sown Grasses) under Cultivation.Live-stock.
Horses.Horned Cattle.Sheep.Pigs.
 Number.Acre. 
1856............
1857..121,648........
1858..141,00714,912137,2041,523,32440,734
1859..156,940........
1860............
1861..226,62128,275193,2852,761,38343,270
1862............
1863............
1864..382,65549,409249,7604,937,27361,276
1865............
1866............
1867..676,90965,715312,8358,418,579115,104
186811,932783,435........
186913,476997,477........
187010,2111,140,279........
187114,8741,226,22281,028436,5929,700,629151,460
187215,3041,416,933........
187315,8831,651,712........
187416,0921,943,65399,261494,11311,674,863123,741
187517,2502,377,402........
187618,7502,940,711........
187720,5193,523,277........
187821,0483,982,866137,768578,43013,069,338207,337
187923,1294,506,889........
188024,1474,768,192........
188126,2985,189,104161,736698,63712,985,085200,083
188227,3525,651,255........
188328,5876,072,949........
188429,8146,550,399........
188531,7636,668,920........
188633,3326,845,177187,382853,35816,564,595277,901
188734,7437,284,752........
188835,7477,670,167........
188938,1788,015,426........
189038,0838,462,495........
189141,2248,893,225211,040831,83118,128,186308,812
189242,7689,713,745....18,570,752..
189345,29010,063,051..885,30519,380,369..
189446,67610,128,076..964,03420,230,829..
189552,79010,698,809237,4181,047,90119,826,604239,778
189658,90411,550,075249,8131,138,06719,138,493209,834
189760,75911,444,563252,8341,209,16519,687,954186,027
189862,63911,984,606258,1151,203,02419,673,725193,512
189962,48512,474,511261,9311,222,13919,348,506249,751
190062,78612,636,035266,2451,256,68019,355,195250,975
190163,98213,083,971279,6721,361,78420,233,099224,024
190265,03413,357,700286,9551,460,66320,342,727193,740
190366,09213,504,004298,7141,593,54718,954,553226,591
190468,68013,868,074314,3221,736,85018,280,806255,320
190569,94214,114,925326,5371,810,93619,130,875249,727
III.—TRADE.
Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).
Year.Wool.Grain.Frozen Meat.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.
 Lb.£Bushels.£Cwt.£
18562,559,618146,07066,15024,032....
18572,648,716176,57981,75729,676....
18583,810,372254,02271,40320,680....
18595,096,751339,779118,74039,016....
18606,665,880444,39255,68313,112....
18617,855,920523,7288,1182,518....
18629,839,265674,2266,6021,821....
186312,585,980830,4953,2381,160....
186416,691,6661,070,9973,580722....
186519,180,5001,141,76125,4476,076....
186622,810,7761,354,15232,6107,297....
186727,152,9661,580,608158,81126,986....
186828,875,1631,516,548632,556114,125....
186927,765,6361,371,230520,55696,441....
187037,039,7631,703,944854,399141,135....
187137,793,7341,606,1441,032,902164,087....
187241,886,9972,537,9191,058,480178,886....
187341,535,1852,702,471598,431136,832....
187446,848,7352,834,6951,162,782291,103....
187554,401,5403,398,1551,276,927231,417....
187659,853,4543,395,8162,172,098337,878....
187764,481,3243,658,9381,323,910276,452....
187859,270,2563,292,8072,112,214508,767....
187962,220,8103,126,4393,470,344660,557....
188066,860,1503,169,3005,540,445898,997....
188159,415,9402,909,7605,815,960986,072....
188265,322,7073,118,5544,310,984907,96115,24419,339
188368,149,4303,014,2116,723,3031,286,72487,975118,328
188481,139,0283,267,5275,489,635766,824254,069345,090
188586,507,4313,205,2754,597,645513,697296,473373,857
188690,853,7443,072,9713,523,324463,549346,055427,193
188788,824,3823,321,0744,126,836443,780402,107455,870
188883,225,7333,115,0085,101,167668,859552,298628,800
1889102,227,3543,976,3756,120,202985,224656,822783,374
1890102,817,0774,150,5998,287,0241,030,415898,8941,087,617
1891106,187,1144,129,6865,877,059676,3381,000,3071,194,724
1892118,180,9124,313,3076,625,525816,272869,6001,033,377
1893109,719,6843,774,7384,855,368583,397903,8361,085,167
1894144,295,1544,827,0162,434,295226,1831,025,2431,194,545
1895116,015,1703,662,1312,381,837215,7831,134,0971,262,711
1896129,151,6244,391,8482,941,821346,1971,103,3621,251,993
1897135,835,1174,443,1441,919,887235,4291,407,9211,566,286
1898149,385,8154,645,8041,045,980136,1201,551,7731,698,750
1899147,169,4974,324,6276,985,999721,8171,865,8272,088,856
1900140,706,4864,749,1969,529,8471,034,0141,844,8312,123,881
1901146,820,0793,699,10313,373,5151,285,8111,857,5472,253,262
1902160,419,0233,354,5635,865,562786,5482,138,5572,718,763
1903155,128,3814,041,2745,362,748533,8652,378,6503,197,043
1904144,647,3764,673,8263,775,978392,3461,912,9792,793,599
1905139,912,7375,381,3332,282,853294,5741,690,6842,694,432
Year.Butter.Cheese.Phormium Fibre.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.
 Cwt.£Cwt.£Tons.£
18566473,8372901,41422552
18573822,1025491,8l838710
18585322,8389343,995641,516
18598595,5881,0674,296771,593
18601,0266,6238103,535611,240
1861251264041,844243
1862Butter and cheese not separately given for years 1862 to 1865. The total export for this period was 617 cwt., value £2,97613261
186313251
18647170
1865375
18662321,590136545996
186738192903621264,256
18681383323351,2405348,137
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
Year.Gold.Gum (Kauri).Provisions, Tallow, Timber, &c.
Quantity.Value.Quantity.Value.Value.
 Oz.£Tons.££
1856....1,44018,591123,937
185710,43640,4422,52135,25082,817
185813,53352,4431,81020,03678,419
18597,33628,4272,01020,77681,833
18604,53817,0851,0469,85152,795
1861194,234752,6578569,88848,437
1862410,8621,591,3891,10311,10777,835
1863628,4502,431,7231,40027,02752,105
1864480,1711,857,8472,22860,59059,089
1865574,5742,226,4741,86746,06082,729
1866735,3762,844,5172,53570,572116,901
1867686,7532,700,2752,68577,49189,294
1868637,4742,504,3262,69072,49351,361
1869614,2812,362,9952,850111,30780,197
1870544,8802,157,5854,391175,074212,044
1871730,0292,787,5205,054167,958338,335
1872445,3701,730,9924,811154,167396,976
1873505,3371,987,4252,83385,816412,660
1874376,3881,505,332,56879,986397,762
1875355,3221,407,7703,230138,523285,715
1876318,3671,268,5592,888109,234351,731
1877366,9551,476,3123,632118,348469,670
1878311,4371,244,1903,445132,975573,735
1879284,1001,134,6413,228147,535484,150
1880303,2151,220,2634,725242,817544,973
1881250,683996,8675,460253,778574,880
1882230,893921,6645,533260,369921,290
1883222,899892,4456,518336,6061,121,257
1884246,392988,9536,393342,151r,116,799
1885222,732890,0565,876299,7621,154,819
1886235,578939,6484,920257,6531,058,552
1887187,938747,8786,790362,4341,085,468
1888229,608914,3098,482380,9331,274,780
1889197,492785,4907,519329,5901,606,828
1890187,641751,3607,438378,5631,440,731
1891251,1611,007,1728,388437,0561,436,671
1892237,393951,9638,705517,6781,200,525
1893227,502915,9218,317510,7751,113,799
1894221,614887,8658,338404,5671,112,233
1895293,4931,162,1817,425418,7661,269,031
1896263,6941,041,4287,126431,3231,269,680
1897251,647980,2046,641398,0101,389,398
1898280,1751,080,6919,905586,7671,562,834
1899389,5701,513,18011,116607,9191,645,313
1900373,6141,439,60210,159622,2931,784,350
1901455,5581,753,7847,541446,1141,935,567
1902507,8521,951,4267,430450,2232,333,704
1903533,3142,037,8329,357631,1022,288,327
1904520,3231,987,5019,203501,8171,976,471
1905520,4852,093,93610,883561,4442,167,616
Year.Exports (the Produce of New Zealand).Imports.Coal-mines, Output from.
Total Value.Total Value.From United States (included in previous Column).
 £££Tons.
1856318,433710,868....
1857369,394992,9945,978..
1858433,9491,141,2735,276..
1859521,3081,551,0305,945Prior to 1878,709,931
1860549,1331,548,33318,474
18611,339,2412,493,81126,790
18622,358,0204,626,08289,806
18633,342,8917,024,674109,998
18643,050,6347,000,655109,222
18653,503,4215,594,97745,084
18664,396,0905,894,863129,300
18674,479,4645,344,60792,590
18684,268,7624,985,748117,326
18694,090,1344,976,12669,109
18704,544,6824,639,01560,497
18715,171,1044,078,19359,345
18725,107,1865,142,95190,657..
18735,477,9706,464,687143,273..
18745,152,1438,121,812191,539..
18755,475,8448,029,172213,492..
18765,488,9016,905,171192,287..
18776,058,7176,973,418269,656..
18785,784,6198,755,663432,572162,218
18795,563,4558,374,585438,399231,218
18806,102,3006,162,011238,011299,923
18815,762,2507,457,045343,645337,262
18826,253,3508,609,270463,493378,272
18836,855,2447,974,038419,250421,764
18846,942,4867,663,888348,557480,831
18856,591,9117,479,921401,532511,063
18866,386,6826,759,013337,322534,353
18876,551,0816,245,515298,736558,620
18887,255,1285,941,900323,069613,895
18899,042,0086,308,863342,436586,445
18909,428,7616,260,525355,395637,397
18919,400,0946,503,849361,795668,794
18929,365,8686,943,056381,627673,315
18938,557,4436,911,515379,378691,548
18949,085,1486,788,020394,691719,546
18958,390,1536,400,129394,233726,654
18969,177,3367,137,320492,840792,851
18979,596,2678,055,223628,044840,713
189810,324,9888,230,600800,411907,033
189911,799,7408,739,633775,309975,234
190013,055,24910,646,0961,061,8731,093,990
190112,690,46011,817,9151,415,2601,227,638
190213,498,59911,326,7231,318,9371,362,702
190314,838,19212,788,6751,441,3581,420,193
190414,601,78713,291,6941,527,9151,537,838
190515,503,53012,828,8571,438,5011,585,756
IV.—TRANSPORT.
Year.Shipping.
Inwards.Outwards.Registered Vessels belonging to the Colony.
Tonnage.Tonnage.Gross Tonnage.
185685,74882,991..
185778,30976,5246,662
185890,11882,2936,852
1859136,580120,3927,883
1860140,276140,2938,527
1861197,986205,3509,144
1862301,365288,64710,825
1863419,935394,66515,189
1864426,004433,25322,573
1865295,625283,02024,484
1866330,303306,97926,787
1867309,568308,16923,240
1868277,105287,71024,539
1869250,731247,76425,990
1870273,151265,40726,743
1871274,643265,61827,107
1872300,302285,36623,963
1873289,297281,84730,035
1874399,296385,53338,935
18754l6,727417,82042,025
1876393,180393,33444,401
1877388,568400,60942,479
1878456,490428,49346,965
1879473,940475,75264,457
1880395,675424,04166,316
1881420,134413,48772,387
1882461,285438,55176,196
1883494,926507,56584,903
1884529,188534,24292,696
1885519,700513,00095,887
1886502,572488,33194,196
1887489,754493,58394,027
1888526,435531,47886,132
1889602,634593,25287,411
1890662,769649,70598,907
1891618,515625,807102,068
1892675,223656,100101,156
1893615,604642,466100,388
1894631,100631,25099,588
1895672,951648,946100,988
1896614,097627,659105,553
1897686,899675,333119,713
1898765,255765,793126,113
1899811,183807,866129,583
1900854,632825,275137,767
19011,063,2741,075,906143,183
19021,089,1791,048,770147,822
19031,102,0641,113,165150,909
19041,154,5691,144,764157,334
19051,139,4101,141,552171,753
Year.Government Railways. (Figures to 31st March following.)Electric Telegraph.
Miles open for Traffic.Miles under Construction.Railways Receipts.Miles of Line.Number of Messages.Cash and Cash Values, including Telephones.
   £  £
1856............
1857............
1858............
1859............
1860............
1861............
1862............
1863............
1864............
1865............
1866......69948,2319,114
1867......71487,43614,295
1868......1,471134,64726,224
1869......1,611173,74632,649
1870......1,887238,19527,422
1871......2,015369,08537,203
1872......2,312491,20544,669
1873145434..2,389637,94155,195
187420962121,1982,632844,30162,322
187554246472,0733,156993,32374,420
1876718427469,0513,1701,100,59980,841
18771,052251569,8983,3071,182,95585,589
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
18821,371171953,347,3,9741,570,189102,378
18831,404224961,3044,0741,599,400102,958
18841,4791581,045,7124,2641,654,305101,482
18851,6131791,047,4184,4631,774,273112,778
18861,721171998,7684,5461,836,266115,666
18871,7531169994,8434,6461,835,394116,211
18881,7771163997,6154,7901,765,860104,116
18891,8091761,095,5694,8741,802,987106,462
18901,8421321,121,7015,0601,961,161110,697
18911,8691701,115,4325,3491,900,264117,634
18921,8861881,181,5225,4791,904,143103,813
18931,9481481,172,7925,5132,069,791112,466
18941,9931271,150,8515,8232,046,839114,510
18952,0141141,183,0416,2452,124,211123,112
18962,0181241,286,15816,2852,520,169129,635
18972,055921,376,0086,4842,696,233136,221
18982,0901131,469,6656,7362,960,738145,295
18992,1041111,623,8916,9103,469,631162,945
19002,2122081,727,23617,2493,898,128186,978
19012,2352121,874,5867,4694,167,981207,476
19022,2911941,974,0387,7494,559,304222,495
19032,3281752,180,6417,7794,965,197237,564
19042,3741732,209,2317,9445,159,745250,063
19052,4071942,349,7048,3555,640,219273,911
V.—ACCUMULATION.
Year.Banks. (Average of Four Quarters.)Savings-Banks (Post Office and private).Post Office Money Orders issued.
Deposits.Assets.Liabilities.Number of Depositors.Balance to credit on 31st Dec.Number.Amount.
 £££ £ £
1856..............
1857343,316419,860432,494........
1858448,078705,738616,7697157,862....
1859541,2131,003,584678,4748027,996....
1860644,521992,082801,5881,10412,450....
1861882,7541,235,9521,097,1621,14422,921....
18621,596,4462,691,1172,092,4971,49629,7681,4106,598
18632,092,0904,028,7662,962,5852,37144,11711,58655,703
18642,480,3035,063,4583,343,1724,66994,24816,59178,556
18652,638,4145,455,2893,522,1464,30487,40017,23678,576
18663,097,4735,891,5324,010,1104,51391,86322,710108,779
18672,904,5945,947,1603,737,6956,579156,85524,473115,610
18683,102,7275,734,7453,838,2208,121243,61525,854118,211
18693,174,8316,231,4163,863,00610,103320,38328,427127,218
18703,127,7696,315,3543,819,67012,137388,80431,864140,454
18713,334,6725,871,8883,988,40014,275454,96636,291157,397
18723,919,8385,429,7474,628,81917,289597,00244,660191,009
18734,713,8067,267,7205,538,03021,807812,14452,351219,258
18745,564,4349,954,2166,490,50427,215943,75362,712263,164
18755,967,20510,987,1786,987,31830,310897,32673,027293,481
18766,238,47111,776,0707,221,39932,577905,14680,255310,268
18777,185,10612,992,1048,152,23035,709964,43090,672334,973
18788,960,36915,393,63010,031,00939,9261,043,204101,017368,255
18798,021,07316,054,2959,057,46342,679990,337117,999428,673
18808,538,93514,220,2759,550,17747,4621,148,992135,648465,405
18819,069,37714,863,64510,083,18861,0541,549,515135,556452,182
18828,945,34617,162,23410,015,27368,3581,832,047148,162499,368
18838,659,47717,794,7619,706,70073,5461,784,631172,556541,133
18849,643,21418,442,13910,691,59979,5141,926,759186,052572,666
188510,083,29618,811,56711,130,24485,7692,142,560188,622581,395
188610,579,71119,041,82711,603,19491,2962,133,861155,680547,755
188711,031,61418,799,84711,995,49597,4962,407,776159,579555,744
188811,155,77818,709,44412,108,353103,0462,691,693162,387555,996
188911,528,42417,652,91512,486,717110,5662,858,644172,0761 589,545
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
189413,927,21717,746,42114,930,791154,4051,066,594222,678776,783
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
Year.Insurances in Force in the Government Life Insurance Department at End of Year.Old-age Pensions, 31st March of following Year.Friendly Societies from which Returns received.Public Trust Office.
No. of Policies.Sums Assured and Bonuses.No. of Pensions in ForceAmount represented.No. of Lodges, &c.No. of Members.Number of Estates.Amount represented.

* Information not yet available.

† From here figures are for year ended 31st March.

  £ £   £
1856................
1857................
1858..................
1859..................
1860..................
1861..................
1862..................
1863..................
1864..................
1865..................
1866..................
1867..................
1868..................
1869..................
18705930,250............
1871454200,611............
18721,689625,421............
18732,634995,986........25717,500
18743,9531,453,496........29328,930
18754,9891,836,859........34742,163
18766,1532,282,129....898,56041259,720
18777,1492,716,907....888,82857567,675
18788,7113,251,220....1109,75962773,940
187910,2233,726,330....13813,16571396,315
188011,6564,171,504....17914,484770117,980
188112,4114,471,182....27218,634836150,750
188215,8925,273,164....27318,700911204,545
188319,9175,992,111....27518,8481,024317,680
1884121,0036,224,571....28121,1441,082392,315
188523,2186,552,242....30222,7941,190457,620
188624,7157,053,276....29021,6791,293576,010
188725,4397,136,944....347124,9281,304715,860
188826,1687,362,488....35324,9381,483954,675
188927,2187,600,537....36526,0131,5611,130,960
189028,1027,807,792....35726,3791,6781,240,097
189129,2268,390,803....36427,3721,8251,252,625
189230,3168,580,817....37928,7541,9121,284,745
189331,7098,821,255....37229,7632,0221,450,918
189432,9079,232,543....36929,963
189533,9689,345,229....37630,9052,0861,562,269
189634,7729,415,693....39231,8252,2361,806,953
189736,1749,857,010....38832,6702,3341,898,163
189837,84810,124,2277,443128,08241035,5012,4131,950,314
189939,36610,341,70211,285193,71843338,2022,4912,110,316
190040,36810,639,97812,405211,96544440,2572,6672,192,594
190141,29110,627,26312,776217,19244541,2362,8982,326,954
190242,40611,024,73412,481211,59546243,4083,0492,467,614
190343,11611,111,80711,926200,91546545,2553,3142,706,785
190444,19411,261,08011,770199,08151547,3023,4703,152,882
190545,13711,725,97712,582313,018**3,6843,577,355
VI.—PUBLIC INDEBTEDNESS.
Year.Public Debt: Debentures and Stock in Circulation. (Prior to 18809 the figures are for Calendar Years.)Debt of Local Bodies (excluding Government Loans).Year.

* There was in March, 1906, an estimated accrued sinking fund amounting to £2520.569, leaving a net indebtedness of £59,670,471.

† There was in March, 1905, an accrued sinking fund amounting to £1,013,046, leaving a net indebtedness of £9,005,196.

 ££ 
31st December, 1856....31st December, 1856
31st December, 1857....31st December, 1857
31st December, 1558....31st December, 1858
31st December, 1559....31st December, 1859
31st December, 1860....31st December, 1860
31st December, 1861....31st December, 1861
31st December, 1862836,000..31st December, 1862
31st December, 18631,289,750..31st December, 1863
31st December, 18642,219,450..31st December, 1864
31st December, 18654,368,681..31st December, 1865
31st December, 18665,435,728..31st December, 1866
31st December, 18675,781,193..31st December, 1867
31st December, 18687,182,743..31st December, 1868
31st December, 18697,360,616..31st December, 1869
31st December, 18707,841,891..31st December, 1870
31st December, 18718,900,991..31st December, 1871
31st December, 15729,985,386..31st December, 1872
31st December, 157310,913,936..31st December, 1873
31st December, 187413,366,936..31st December, 1874
31st December, 187517,400,031..31st December, 1875
31st December, 187618,678,111..31st December, 1876
31st December, 187720,691,111..31st December, 1877
31st December, 187822,608,311..31st December, 1878
31st December, 187923,958,311..31st December, 1879
31st March, 188128,185,7113,039,80731st March, 1881
31st March, 188228,479,1113,277,58431st March, 1882
31st March, 188329,445,0113,540,04631st March, 1883
31st March, 188431,071,5823,962,33031st March, 1884
31st March, 188532,195,4224,313,22331st March, 1885
31st March, 188633,880,7224,943,27031st March, 1886
31st March, 188735,741,6535,620,74731st March, 1887
31st March, 188836,758,4375,812,80331st March, 1888
31st March, 188938,375,0505,892,05031st March, 1889
31st March, 189038,667,9505,978,05931st March, 1890
31st March, 189138,830,3506,042,69331st March, 1891
31st March, 189238,713,0686,081,93431st March, 1892
31st March, 189339,257,8406,203,86931st March, 1893
31st March, 189439,826,4156,614,82431st March, 1894
31st March, 189540,386,9646,685,51031st March, 1895
31st March, 189643,050,7806,737,57831st March, 1896
31st March, 189744,366,6186,793,39831st March, 1897
31st March, 189844,963,4246,834,36131st March, 1898
31st March, 189946,938,0066,963,25431st March, 1899
31st March, 190047,874,4527,057,35031st March, 1900
31st March, 190149,591,2457,563,06931st March, 1901
31st March, 190252,66,4477,839,69531st March, 1902
31st March, 190355,899,0198,217,19631st March, 1903
31st March, 190457,522,2158,898,91031st March, 1904
31st March, 190559,912,00010,018,242†31st March, 1905
31st March, 190662,191,040*..31st March, 1906
VII.—EDUCATION.
Year.Scholars at Primary Schools.Scholars at Secondary or High Schools.Scholars at Private Schools.New Zealand University Graduates (Direct Degrees).

* In addition to these there were in December, 1905, 3,863 children attending the Native Schools, nearly all maintained by the Government, and 809 at Industrial Schools and Orphanages.

NOTE.—Statistics of schools and scholars not being complete for years prior to 1874, no figures are entered.

1856........
1857........
1858........
1859........
1860........
1861........
1862........
1863........
1864........
1865........
1866........
1867........
1868........
1869........
1870........
1871........
1872........
1873........
187438,215..8,237..
187545,562..7,316..
187651,9646549,357..
187756,2397169,992..
187865,0408689,206..
187975,5561,41710,234..
188082,4011,63111,238..
188183,5601,8199,987..
188287,1791,89910,002..
188392,4762,38411,255..
188497,2382,64212,203..
1885102,4072,65911,989103
1886106,3282,35812,497117
1887110,9192,24213,417145
1888112,6852,12013,893168
1889115,4562,14713,458199
1890117,9122,11713,626230
1891119,5232,20514,142279
1892122,6202,26214,456323
1893124,6902,25114,922366
1894127,3002,45414,627410
1895129,8562,52514,659464
1896131,0372,61413,947501
1897132,1972,70914,447546
1898131,6212,70614,782603
1899131,3152,72315,295641
1900130,7242,79215,555699
1901131,3512,89915,344757
1902132,2623,07215,624814
1903133,5683,72215,609869
1904135,4754,03816,378929
1905137,623*4,060....
THE TOTALISATOR.
Year.No. of Totalisator Licenses issued for Meetings held during Financial Year.Days.Percentage paid to Treasury.Total Amount Invested by the Public.
N.B.—The yours used for purposes of the table are financial years, not the racing years. This accounts for the number of licenses issued in some of the periods being over the legal limit for one year.
   ££
1889–90187241....
1890–91219278....
1891–922343007,591506,078
1892–9324030710,800720,029
1893–9424731810,375691,673
1894–9520726810,446696,456
1895–9617025611,156743,763
1896–9715825011,911794,090
1897–9815520813,297886,567
1898–9914425013,695912,969
1899–190015427815,9831,065,580
1900–115327817,5411,163,732
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

PART III.—ARTICLES ON SPECIAL SUBJECTS.

Table of Contents

Chapter 54. SECTION I.—THE LAND SYSTEM OF NEW ZEALAND.*

S. PERCY SMITH, F.R.G.S.

* A Royal Commission has recently reported on the whole system of land tenure.

THE Crown lands of New Zealand are administered under “The Land Act, 1892,” together with its amendments and the regulations made thereunder.

The distinguishing features of the present land system involve the principle of State ownership of the soil, with a perpetual tenancy in the occupier. A very large proportion of the Crown lands are now disposed of for 999 years. The rentals are based on the assessed value of the land at the time of disposal, without increase or recurring valuations. Under this system there is a fixity of tenure practically equal to freehold, and which, like freehold, necessarily carries with it the power of sale, sub-lease, mortgage, or disposition by will. At the same time the improvements made in the soil by cultivation, &c., are secured to the tenant should he from any cause be obliged to forfeit or surrender his lease.

When it is taken into consideration that, with few exceptions, the Crown lands are, in their prairie condition, incapable of profitable use, the advantage to the settler of setting free his capital to develop the capabilities of the soil, rather than having to expend it in the purchase of a freehold, is very apparent.

The values placed on the Crown lands are, as a rule, low, for the State does not so much seek to raise a revenue directly therefrom as to encourage the occupation of the lands by the people; this occupation secures an indirect increased revenue, besides the other advantages resulting from a numerous rural population.

Again, underlying the whole of the New Zealand land system is a further application of the principle of “the land for the people”—viz., the restriction in area which any man may hold. This subject has been forced upon the attention of the Legislature by defects in former systems, under which one individual with means at his command could appropriate large areas, to the exclusion of his less wealthy fellow-settler. Under existing conditions, where the price at which land is offered is fixed for ever, and where choice of selection is by ballot, every would-be settler has the same chance, and may hold under the Crown an equal area of land. The quantity that a selector may hold is so fixed as to encourage the class of moderate farmers, for up to the statutory limit the amount he may select is left almost entirely to himself. The Act defines the amount of land any one may hold at 640 acres of first-class or 2,000 acres of second-class land. These limits apply to lands which are thrown open for optional selection, but in some cases, where the quality of the land is very good and the selectors many, the limit is by regulation made smaller.

In addition to the many advantages offered by the lease-in-perpeity system, the Land Act provides others, to meet the wants of different classes. The general rule is that land thrown open for optional selection is offered to the public under three different tenures, the choice of which is left to the would-be settler.

The three tenures are:—

  1. Cash, in which one-fifth of the purchase-money is paid down at once, and the remainder within thirty days. The final title is not given until certain improvements have been made on the land.

  2. Lease with a purchasing clause, at a 5-per-cent. rental on the value of the land; the lease being for twenty-five years, with the right to purchase at the original upset price at any time after the first ten years and within twenty-five years, or to convert into a lease in perpetuity (3rd tenure).

  3. Lease in perpetuity, at a rental of 4 per cent. on the capital value.

“The Land Act, 1892,” provides for a special class of settlement called small-farm associations, which found favour with the public to a very considerable extent during the first three years after the Act of 1892 came into force, but is now superseded to a large extent by the improved-farm settlement system. The small-farm association system provides that, where not less than twelve individuals have associated themselves together for mutual help, such an association can, with the approval of the Minister of Lands, select a block of land of not more than 11,000 acres, but there must be a selector to each 200 acres in the block. The extreme limit that one person may hold is fixed at 320 acres. Settlements of this class are held on lease in perpetuity, in a similar way to lands under the same tenure when thrown open for optional selection. The conditions of residence and improvement are the same. The system offers many advantages to the settler, so long as the blocks of land are judiciously chosen, having regard to quality of land, access, markets, and the probability of employment being obtained in the neighbourhood. In the eagerness to obtain lands on such easy terms these points have, in the past, not received sufficient attention by some of the associations, and in consequence they are not all successful.

Under “The Land Act, 1885,” there was a somewhat similar system, but it allowed of the acquisition of the freehold. This is now being taken advantage of to a considerable extent.

The following figures show the amount of settlement by associations under both Acts on the 31st March, 1906. At that date there were 665 selectors, holding 118,541 acres under various tenures and in different parts of the country.

The village-settlement system of New Zealand has excited much inquiry. This system provides: 1st, villages of one-acre sections; 2nd, small farms of 100 acres. There has not been any great extension of this system in recent years. On the 31st March last there were 1,914 settlers holding 39,348 acres, and the total number of persons residing in these settlements was 1,387 and 527 non-resident, the amount advanced by Government for houses, clearing, &c., being £15,116, of which £5,322 had been returned. The total value of improvements on the lands at the same date was £198,634. The above figures do not include the settlement on reserves and endowments.

The improved - farm settlement system was first begun in order to find work for the people. Considerable areas of forest-clad Crown lands were set aside, and small contracts for the clearing, burning, and sowing these with grass have been let. In most cases the farms are selected or balloted for in their primitive state, and the settler is for a time paid for the improvements he makes, or, in other words, the cost of converting forest lands into grass lands is advanced from time to time by the Government. In other cases a piece of forest land is taken in hand, and men are employed at fixed rates in felling, burning, and grassing. When so much grass is laid down as will give a good start, the land is opened for selection in sections of 50 to 200 acres and balloted for among the applicants. The farms are let on lease in perpetuity at a rental sufficient to cover the cost of clearing, &c., together with a fair rental of the land. Up to the 31st March, 1906, 53 settlements had been allocated, covering an area of 96,175 acres, situate in various parts of the colony. At that date 613 settlers had been allotted sections, who, together with their families, numbered 1,830 persons who were residing on the lands. They had felled and grassed 34,900 acres. The amount paid to the settlers up to the 31st March, 1906, was £55,870, and the total value of improvements on the land (including the Government advances) was £135,073.

The size of holdings averages about 116 acres.

“THE BUSH AND SWAMP CROWN LANDS SETTLEMENT ACT, 1903.”

This Act provides more liberal conditions for the selection and settlement of bush and swamp lands. The principal provisions are as follows: Land opened under the Act is divided into three classes—(a) heavy-bush lands, (b) light-bush or swamp lands, and (c) scrub land, according to the nature of the vegetation existing on the lands opened for sale or lease. On heavy-bush lands the selector, after payment of his first half-year's rent, is exempt from further rent for a period of four years, whilst no rate can be levied or collected by any local authority on the land for the same period; on light-bush lands or swamp lands three years' exemption from rent and rates is allowed, whilst residence for the first five years may be dispensed with on swamp lands; on scrub lands two years' exemption from rent and rates is given.

THE LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS ACTS.

In the earlier years of the settlement of New Zealand there were opportunities for men of capital and judgment to acquire large estates, and while there were plenty of good Crown lands to select from this was of great advantage to the colony when money was needed for administration and roads and bridges. These large estates employed hired labour, and most of them did little towards cultivating their lands, and consequently progress beyond the pastoral stage ceased in the districts in which they were situated. As the best lands in the course of years passed from the Crown, the country became a series of agricultural communities interspersed with large properties occupied by a manager and a few shepherds, and the people pressed that they and their sons should be allowed to occupy these large estates instead of being compelled to go into inaccessible back country without roads or railways. To meet this the late Hon. (later Sir) John McKenzie, then Minister of Lands, introduced into the Legislature in the session of 1892 a Bill intituled “The Land for Settlements Act,” which authorised the purchase from private individuals of suitable properties for subdivision into farms. Under the provisions of this Act and the amending Acts, which are now consolidated into the Act of 1900, properties have been acquired, and divided into small farms and leased in perpetuity at a 5-per-cent. rental, on a capital value fixed at a rate sufficient to cover first cost, together with survey, administration, and roads (if required). The usual process of acquisition is as follows: Whenever a property is offered to the Government, if it is so situated as to meet the object of the Act, a report on it is obtained from a Government officer, and, should his report be favourable, the question of purchase is then considered by a Board of Land Purchase Commissioners, composed of the Inspector, who is the permanent Chairman, three other Government officers, whose training and duties qualify them to advise the Government as to whether the purchase is a suitable one, and as to the price which should be given for the property, and a member nominated by the Government from residents in the district where the land to be dealt with is situated. It is only on the advice of this Board that the Government acts. In nearly all cases the properties acquired have been improved to a certain extent by fencing and buildings, and were situated in the neighbourhood of closely settled districts. The amount which may be expended per annum under the Act is £500,000. The Act also provides for the exchange of high-lying pastoral Crown lands for low-lying agricultural lands suitable for small holdings.

Lands may also be taken compulsorily in cases where the Board cannot agree with the owner as to price, &c., and where the Governor in Council decides to acquire the land for closer settlement. The amount payable to the owner is decided by a Compensation Court, composed of a Judge of the Supreme Court and two Assessors, one appointed by Government, the other by the owner of the property.

The acquisition of lands under the Land for Settlements Acts has proved beneficial in providing homes for a large class of men of moderate capital who shrink from the rough work of breaking in new country, or who, having accumulated capital (cash, stock, and implements), prefer open country near civilisation. Sons of farmers begin life near the old home, and help from there is given in many ways. The system also affords to the small-farmer class of the Old Country an opening for building up homes for themselves where their previous experience will be of use, instead of having to learn the methods adapted to a new and wild country.

Preference is given to landless people, and applicants for rural land have to satisfy the Land Board as to their means to stock and cultivate the property applied for and erect suitable buildings thereon. The Board, in fact, has a discretion as to who may become tenants.

Land may also be compulsorily taken for workmen's homes within a borough having a population of at least 15,000 persons, or within a radius of fifteen miles from the border thereof, for the purposes of providing workmen's homes or villages; but the area is restricted to not more than 100 acres every year within any such borough, or within the radius named above from the boundary of the borough.

The owner is left with right to retain an area of not more than 10 acres if in a borough, or 50 acres in any other case.

A workman's allotment is not to exceed 5 acres, and advances up to £50 are made by Government to successful applicants in aid of the cost of fencing and building dwellinghouses.

Regulations giving full directions to applicants under this Act have been issued from time to time, which should be in the hands of every one before applying for lands under this Act.

An account of the operations under the Land for Settlements Acts will be found in Part II. of this work.

PURCHASE OF NATIVE LANDS BY GOVERNMENT.

From about the year 1823 (which is the date of the first recorded deed) until the 6th February, 1840, the date of the Treaty of Waitangi, lands in New Zealand were acquired by direct purchase from the Maoris by individual members of the white races. During the years 1837 to 1839, or about the time it became probable that the sovereignty of the islands would be assumed by the United Kingdom, the greater number of these purchases were made, and they extended to most parts of the country. These purchases are technically known as “the old land claims,” and their total number (including pre-emptive claims), as estimated by Commissioner F. Dillon Bell in 1862, was 1,376, covering an area of about 10,322,453 acres, out of which large area grants were recommended for 292,475 acres. These figures have been slightly added to since, but not to any very large extent. The large area shown above was reduced on survey to about 474,000 acres, situated principally to the north of Auckland. The difference in area between the amount granted to the purchasers and the total area surveyed became what are termed “surplus lands of the Crown.” It was held that the Native title had been fully extinguished through such purchases over the whole area surveyed; but, as by Ordinance No. 2 of 9th June, 1841, the claimants could not be granted more than 2,560 acres each, the balance became vested in the Crown on the assumption of the sovereignty, the Native title having been fully extinguished.

In many cases the titles did not issue to those to whom the land was awarded, as they were compensated by scrip issued by the Government, with the understanding that such scrip was to be exercised in the purchase of Crown lands in the neighbourhood of Auckland, to which place it was desirable—so soon as the capital was founded—to draw a population. The lands thus paid for in scrip became Crown lands, and these, together with the surplus lands, have from time to time been disposed of by the Crown and settled on. The amount of scrip, &c., issued up to 1862 was over £109,000.

On the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on the 6th February, 1840, the pre-emptive right was ceded to the Government, and consequently private purchase ceased. This remained the law until the passing of “The Native Land Act, 1862,” when the Crown relinquished its right of pre-emption, whilst at the same time the purchase of Native lands for the Crown did not abate, but continued side by side with the private purchases up to the passing of “The Native Land Court Act, 1894.”

“The Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900,” is a measure intended to restrain Natives from pauperising themselves in the future by parting with the freehold of the balance of their lands (about five millions of acres). Its main provisions are—

  1. Prohibition of further alienation of the freehold of Native lands, either to the Crown or private purchasers, except as to inchoate transactions at the date of the passing of the Act and certain limited areas which were then comprised in separate titles and held by not more than two owners.

  2. Leasing of Native lands through partly elected and partly nominated Councils possessing all the powers and, where authorised, exercising all or any of the functions of the Native Land Court.

  3. Advances to Natives to road and otherwise improve their surplus lands for their own use and occupation.

From time to time since 1840 various sums were appropriated by Government or by Parliament for the acquisition of a Crown estate. Up to the date of passing of “The Native Land Act, 1862,” these operations were conducted by officers of the Government specially appointed, who, from a knowledge of the Maoris, their customs and disposition, were successful in securing large areas of land for settlement. It must be conceded that their operations as a whole were successful, and that the number of disputed cases arising out of their labours was exceedingly small. The Waitara purchase is, however, here excluded, for there were reasons of general policy affecting that sale which did not prevail in other cases. This purchase was the ostensible cause of the Native rebellion of 1860 and following years, but the motives which led to it were far deeper than the mere purchase of a few acres—there was a great principle at stake.

The difference effected in the mode of purchase by “The Native Land Act, 1862,” was this: Previously, the title of the Maoris who were to receive payment for the land was decided by the Land Purchase officers; but the Act quoted set up a Court, presided over by able Judges, who determined the titles, which were afterwards registered in a special Court. Purchases have since been effected with the registered owners.

It is difficult to obtain figures showing the actual area acquired by the Crown from the Maoris up to 1870, but in round numbers it was 6,000,000 acres in the North Island; whilst the whole of the Middle Island, with the exception of reserves for the original Native owners, was acquired prior to the passing of “The Native Land Act, 1862.” Stewart Island was purchased from the Native owners by deed dated 29th June, 1864.

The Native rebellion of 1860–69 brought Native-land purchases, for the time being, practically to a standstill.

The Immigration and Public Works Acts of 1870 and 1873 appropriated £200,000 and £500,000 respectively for the purchase of lands in the North Island; and these amounts have, up to the 31st of March, 1905, been augmented by further annual appropriations from the public funds and other loan-moneys, covering altogether a total expenditure since 1870 of £2,011,646, with the following results: Area finally acquired in the North Island from Natives, from 1870 to 31st March, 1905, 7,972,309 acres. Area under negotiation in the North Island on 31st March, 1905,100,790 acres; interests therein finally acquired, 10,454 acres.

DIGEST OF THE LAND LAWS.

Administration.

The Crown lands are administered, under the authority of “The Land Act, 1892,” by the Hon. the Minister of Lands at Wellington. For convenience the colony is divided into ten land districts, each being under the local direction of a Commissioner 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.

Land Districts and Principal Land Offices.

The names of the land districts and of the towns where each principal office is situated are, beginning with the most northerly and taking them geographically, as under:—

Land District. Town where Principal Land Office is situated.
AucklandAuckland.
TaranakiNew Plymouth.
Hawke's Bay Napier.
WellingtonWellington.
NelsonNelson.
MarlboroughBlenheim.
WestlandHokitika.
CanterburyChristchurch.
OtagoDunedin.
SouthlandInvercargill.

Classification of Lands, &c.

Crown lands are divided into three 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:

  2. Suburban lands, the upset price of which may not be less than £2 an acre; these lands are also sold by auction:

  3. Rural lands, which may be disposed of at not less than £1 per acre for first-class, and 5s. an acre for second-class lands; such lands may be sold or leased by auction, or sold or leased on application.

No rural section may be larger than 640 acres in extent if first-class land, or 2,000 acres if second-class land, whether offered by auction or application. No person can select more than 640 acres of first-class or 2,000 acres of second-class land, including therein any land which he then owns. Small grazing-runs, first-class, may not exceed 5,000 acres, and second class 20,000 acres. Pastoral runs are limited to areas which will carry 20,000 sheep or 4,000 cattle. No person can select more than one run.

Mode of acquiring Crown Lands.

Crown lands may be acquired as follows:—

  1. By auction, after survey, in which case one-fifth of the price is paid down at the time of sale, the balance within thirty days:

  2. By application, after the lands have been notified as open for selection, in which case the applicant fills up a form (to be obtained at any of the Land Offices) and makes the declaration and undertaking required by the particular system he wishes to select under.

All applications, whether for surveyed or unsurveyed lands, are deemed to be simultaneous if made on the same day, and, if there be more than one applicant for the same land, the right of selection is determined by ballot.

Lands thrown open for application may be either surveyed or unsurveyed, and those not selected the first day remain open.

The Optional System of Selection.

Lands for selection are notified as open for application on and after a stated day, and, at the option of the applicant, may be obtained on any of the three following tenures: (a) Freehold; (b) occupation with the right of purchase; (c) lease in perpetuity.

(a.) Freehold.

If the land is surveyed, one-fifth of the price is to be paid down when the application is granted, and the balance within thirty days; or, if the land is not completely surveyed, the survey fee is deposited when the application is agreed to, and goes towards the purchase of the land; the balance must be paid within thirty days of notice that the survey is completed.

A certificate of occupation will issue to the purchaser on final payment, which will be exchanged for a Crown title so soon as the Board is satisfied that the improvements mentioned on the next page have been completed.

(b.) Occupation with Right of Purchase.

Lands selected on this tenure are held under a license for twenty-five years. At any time subsequent to the first ten years, and before the expiration of the license, after having resided and made the improvements hereinafter described, the licensee can, on payment of the upset price of the land, acquire the freehold. If the land be not purchased, the license may be exchanged for a lease in perpetuity.

The rent is 5 per cent. on the cash price of the land; a half-year's rent has to be paid at the time the application is approved, if surveyed land, which represents the half-year's rent due in advance on the 1st day of January or July following the selection. If the land is unsurveyed, the cost of survey is to be paid, and is credited to the selector as so much rent paid in advance, counted from the 1st day of January or July following thirty days' notice of the completion of survey.

Residence and improvement of the land are compulsory, as hereinafter described.

(c.) Leases in Perpetuity.

Lands selected on this tenure are leased for 999 years, subject to the conditions of residence and improvements described below. The rental is 4 per cent. on the cash price of the land, and applications are dealt with in the same way as under the previous tenure (b), but there is at no time a right to purchase the freehold.

Two or more persons may make a joint application to hold as tenants in common under either of the two last-named tenures.

Residence and Improvements.

Under the two last-mentioned tenures, the conditions as to residence and improvements are:—

RESIDENCE—

  1. Must commence on bush or swamp lands within four years, and in open or partly open land within one year, from the date of selection:

  2. Must be continuous for six years on bush or swamp land, and for seven years on open or partly open land, on lands occupied with a right of purchase:

  3. Must be continuous for a term of ten years on lease-in-perpetuity lands.

The Board has power to dispense with residence in certain cases, such as where the selector is residing on adjacent lands, or is a youth or unmarried woman living with parents, and in a few other cases.

RESIDENCE implies the erection of a habitable house to be approved of by the Board.

IMPROVEMENTS which must be made are as follows:—

  1. Freehold-tenure lands must be improved within seven years to an amount of £1 an acre for first-class land, and 10s. an acre for second-class land.

  2. Lands held on lease with right of purchase, or on lease in perpetuity, must be improved to an amount equal to 10 per cent. of the value of the land within one year from the date of the license or lease; within two years must be improved to the amount of another 10 per cent.; within six years must be improved to the value of another 10 per cent., making 30 per cent. in all within the six years. In addition to the above, the land must be further improved to an amount of £1 an acre for first-class land, and on second-class land to an amount equal to the net price of the land, but not more than 10s. an acre.

Improvements may consist of reclamation from swamps, clearing of bush, planting with trees or hedges, cultivation of gardens, fencing, draining, making roads, wells, water-tanks, water-races, sheep-dips, embankments or protective works, or in any way improving the character or fertility of the soil; or the erection of any building, &c.; and cultivation includes the clearing of land for cropping, or clearing and ploughing for laying down with artificial grasses, &c.

Special-settlement Associations.

Under the existing regulations any number of persons, not less than twelve, may select and apply for a block of land of not less than 1,000 acres or more than 11,000 acres in extent, but the number of members must be such that there shall be one for every 200 acres in the block, and no one can hold more than 320 acres, except in swamp lands, where the area may be 500 acres.

The capital value of lands within a special settlement is fixed after survey by special valuation, but may not be less than 10s. an acre; the rental is not less than 4 per cent. on the capital value, and the tenure is a lease in perpetuity.

Residence, occupation, and improvements are generally the same as already described, and applications have to be made in manner prescribed by regulations.

Applicants should apply to a Commissioner for a copy of the regulations, as they are liable to change at any time.

Suitable land for small settlement of this kind is now scarce.

Improved-farm Settlements.

Special regulations are in force for this class of settlement, which should be applied for, but briefly the terms are as follow: Applicants are selected by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, preference being given to married men. The areas of the farms may vary from 10 acres to 200 acres, according to locality; no settler can select more than one farm. Contracts are made with the settler to fell the forest, burn it, and sow with grass-seed up to 100 acres, the cost being paid by the Government, and £10 may be advanced to a single man and £30 to a married man to help to build a house. The rates allowed for felling are those current in the district. The land is then leased for 999 years at a rental of 4 per cent. on the unimproved capital value, plus the actual cost of the felling and grassing. As a rule, the settlers can get employment on the roadworks in the neighbourhood, but Government does not guarantee this.

Residence for the first ten years is compulsory, and improvements must be made in terms of Part III. of “The Land Act, 1892.” (See ante.)

Village Settlements.

Village settlements are disposed of under regulations made from time to time by the Governor, but the main features are as follow:—

Such settlements may be divided into:—

  1. Village allotments not exceeding 1 acre each, which are disposed of either by auction among the applicants or by application, as already described, with option of tenure, the cash price being not less than £3 per allotment:

  2. Homestead allotments not exceeding 100 acres each, which are leased in perpetuity at a 4-per-cent. rental on a capital value of not less than 10s. per acre.

Residence, improvements, and applications are the same as already described. The leases are exempt from liability to be seized or sold for debt or bankruptcy.

The Colonial Treasurer is empowered in certain cases to advance small sums for the purpose of enabling selectors to profitably occupy their allotments.

Small Grazing-runs.

Small grazing-runs are divided into two classes: First class, not exceeding 5,000 acres; second class, not exceeding 20,000 acres in area. The rental in both cases is not less than 2 1/2 per cent. on the capital value per acre, but such capital value cannot be less than 5s. per acre. Small grazing-runs are leased for terms of twenty-one years, with right of renewal for other twenty-one years, at a rent of 2 1/2 per cent. on the then value of the land. The runs are declared open for selection, and applications and declarations on the forms provided have to be filled in and left at the Land Office, together with the deposit of one half-year's rent, which represents that due on the 1st day of March or September following the selection.

No holder of a pastoral run, and no holder of freehold or leasehold land of any kind whatever, over 1,000 acres in area, exclusive of the small grazing-run applied for, may be a selector under this system; and only one small grazing-run can be held by any one person.

The lease entitles the holder to the grazing rights, and to the cultivation of any part of the run, and to the reservation of 150 acres round his homestead through which no road may be taken; but the runs are subject to the mining laws.

Residence is compulsory, if bush or swamp land, within three years; if open, within one year; and must be continuous to the end of the term, but may in a few cases be relaxed. Improvements necessary are as follow: Within the first year, to the amount of one year's rent; within the second year, to another year's rent; and within six years, to the value of two other years' rent: making in all a sum equal to four years' rental which must be expended within six years. In addition to these improvements, bush-covered first-class runs must be improved to an amount of 10s. an acre, and second-class bush-clad runs to an amount of 5s. an acre.

These runs may be divided, after three years' compliance with the conditions, amongst the members of the selector's family.

Pastoral Runs.

Pastoral country is let by auction for varying terms not exceeding twenty-one years; and, excepting in extraordinary circumstances, runs must not be of a greater extent than will carry 20,000 sheep or 4,000 head of cattle. Runs are classified from time to time by special Commissioners into: (1) Pastoral lands, which are suitable only for depasturing more than 5,000 sheep; (2) pastoral-agricultural lands, suitable for subdivision into areas of under 5,000 acres, which may be either let as pastoral runs, generally for short terms, or cut up for settlement in some other form. Leases of pastoral lands may not be resumed; leases of pastoral-agricultural lands may be resumed at any time after twelve months' notice, without compensation.

No one can hold more than one run; but, in case of any one holding a run of a carrying-capacity less than 10,000 sheep, he may take up additional country up to that limit.

Runs are offered at auction from time to time, and half a year's rent has to be paid down at the time of sale, being the amount due in advance on the 1st day of March or September following the sale, and the purchaser has to make the declaration required by the Act. All leases begin on the 1st day of March, and they entitle the holder to the grazing rights, but not to the soil, timber, or minerals; and the lease terminates over any part of the run which may be leased for some other purpose, purchased, or reserved. The tenant has to prevent the burning of timber or bush; in open country to prevent the growth of gorse, broom, or sweetbriar; and to destroy the rabbits on his run. With the consent of the Land Board, the interest in a run may be transferred or mortgaged, but power of sale under a mortgage must be exercised within two years.

In case it is determined again to lease any run on expiry of the lease, the new lease must be offered by auction twelve months before the end of the term, and if, on leasing, it shall be purchased by some one other than the previous lessee, valuation for improvements, to be made by an appraiser, shall be paid by the incoming tenant, but to a value not greater than three times the annual rent—excepting in the case of a rabbit-proof fence, which is to be valued separately. If the run is not again leased, the value of rabbit-proof fencing is paid by the Crown, but the tenant has no claim against the Crown beyond the value of the rabbit-proof fence; he may, however, within three months of sale, remove fences, buildings, &c. Runs may also be divided with the approval of the Board.

Bush and Swamp Crown Lands.

“The Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act, 1903,” provides that any lands brought under its provisions shall be exempt from rents and rates after the payment of the first half-year's rent for periods of four years in the case of “heavy-bush land,” three years in case of “light-bush land” or “swamp land,” and two years in the case of “scrub land.”

Survey Charges on Unsurveyed Lands.

The following is the scale of charges for surveys of unsurveyed lands:—

Not exceeding 30 acres, £6.

Exceeding 30 and up to 50 acres, 3s. 6d. per acre, but not less than £6.

Exceeding 50 and up to 100 acres, 3s. per acre, but not less than £8 15s.

Exceeding 100 and up to 200 acres, 2s. 6d. per acre, but not less than £15.

Exceeding 200 and up to 300 acres, 2s. per acre, but not less than £25.

Exceeding 300 and up to 500 acres, 1s. 8d. per acre, but not less than £30.

Exceeding 500 and up to 1,000 acres, 1s. 4d. per acre, but not less than £41 10s.

Exceeding 1,000 and up to 2,000 acres, 1s. per acre, but not less than £66 10s.

For the survey of any area of rural land, being open land, the scale of charges shall be two-thirds the foregoing rates.

The Chief Surveyor may vary the above charges by substituting a rate per mile or per day for such work as may not come under the foregoing scale.

Chapter 55. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS.

THE Government Advances to Settlers Act was a Government policy measure in the legislation of 1894. It was designed to afford relief to a numerous class of colonists who were struggling under the burden of high rates of interest and heavy legal expenses of mortgages, &c. These were established when prices of agricultural produce were high and profits large; and, so long as business continued to be prosperous, they attracted but little, if any, attention. For several years preceding 1894 commerce and agriculture had suffered from world-wide depression; settlers were becoming embarrassed in their circumstances; and the high rates of interest still charged were felt to be a burden on the industry of the people not easily borne, and a hindrance to the settlement and development of the farming lands of the colony. Under these circumstances the Government brought in the Government Advances to Settlers Bill. It was passed towards the close of the session of 1894, and immediately came into operation, with results which have proved beneficial to the farming community. The very great success of this office and the extent to which it has contributed to the general prosperity of the colony are not sufficiently realised. A general decline in the rates of interest at once set in, and at a moderate computation it is claimed that the Act has been instrumental in lowering these to the extent of a saving, directly or indirectly, to mortgagors in this colony of over £8,000,000, in addition to a large saving in legal costs, procuration fees, and valuations, owing to the very low rates charged. This result, while it may have diminished the incomes of a few persons resident within the colony, has benefited many thousands of deserving settlers and led to large areas of land being brought under cultivation that, but for the Advances to Settlers Act, would still be in their natural state. The entire exemption of all improvements on land from rates and taxes has much encouraged the outlay of capital on improvements, estimated over £30,000,000, and a considerable amount of this has been provided by this Department. Additional concessions are being made from time to time to extend the usefulness of the office, and render further assistance to settlers.

The Act authorised the raising of three million pounds sterling within two years, in sums of a million and a half per annum, at a rate of interest not higher than 4 per cent. In May, 1895, tenders were invited in London for £1,500,000 of 3-per-cent. inscribed stock of the Government of New Zealand, and applications were received for £5,960,400 at prices ranging from £100 to £90. The million and a half was placed at an average price of £94 8s. 9d.

An amending Act, passed in 1895, extended the time for raising the residue of the three millions to three years from the coming into operation of the amending Act. In 1898 this term was extended for a further period of three years, and in 1901 the time-limit restriction was removed altogether, power being given at the same time to raise an additional loan of £1,000,000.

To carry out the objects of the Act, an office was established called the “Government Advances to Settlers Office”; at the same time an independent General Board was constituted to co-operate with and assist the Superintendent, the title by which the chief administrative officer is known.

The business of the office is the advancing of money in New Zealand on first mortgage of lands and improvements held under the following classes of tenure, free from all encumbrances, liens, and interests other than leasehold interests, that is to say:—

  1. Freehold land held in fee-simple under “The Land Transfer Act, 1885,” or freehold land held in fee-simple the title to which is registered under “The Deeds Registration Act, 1868.”

  2. Crown land held on perpetual lease under “The Land Act, 1885.”

  3. Crown land held under Parts III. and IV. of “The Land Act, 1892.”

  4. Crown land held on lease as a small grazing-run under “The Land Act, 1885,” or under “The Land Act, 1892.”

  5. Crown land held on agricultural lease under “The Mining Act, 1891.”

  6. Crown land held on lease (not being for mining purposes) under “The Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act, 1877.”

  7. Native land held on lease under “The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1881,” or under the Act of 1892.

  8. Land held on lease under “The Westland and Nelson Native Reserves Act, 1887.”

  9. Land held under “The Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1881.”

  10. Educational and other reserves which are subject to the provisions of “The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882,” by virtue of Proclamation made under section 50 thereof, or “The Land Act, 1885,” by virtue of Proclamation made under section 237 thereof, or “The Land Act, 1892,” by virtue of Proclamation made under section 243 thereof, and are held on perpetual lease or lease in perpetuity, or on deferred-payment or small-grazing-run systems.

  11. Crown land held by license on the deferred-payment system under Part III. of “The Land Act, 1885.”

  12. Land held under lease from a leasing authority, as defined by “The Public Bodies' Powers Act, 1887,” and providing for the payment by the incoming tenant of valuation for improvements made upon the land, whether by the lessee named in such lease or any former lessee, as tenant.

With regard to classes 10 and 12, a lease is not eligible if it provides for absolute forfeiture (without compensation) for breach of conditions, or if on the determination of the lease compensation is to be allowed for certain improvements only.

Mortgages are granted on the instalment system (fully described hereafter); and the margins of security required by the Act are as follow:—

  1. On all freeholds (other than urban or suburban) three-fifths of the value may be advanced: Provided that in the case of first-class agricultural freeholds instalment loans may be advanced up to two-thirds of the value.

  2. On leaseholds three-fifths of the value of the lessee's interest in the lease may be advanced.

  3. On urban and suburban freeholds the amounts are limited as follow:—

    1. On urban freehold on which buildings exist three-fifths of the value of the land, plus one-half the value of the buildings, may be advanced;

    2. On suburban freehold on which buildings exist one-half the value of the land, plus one-half the value of the buildings, may be advanced:

    3. On urban or suburban freehold on which no buildings exist one-half the value of the land may be advanced, but on such security no loan shall be granted except for the erection of buildings on the land; the loan to be advanced by instalments, at the discretion of the Board, as the erection of the buildings proceeds.

“Urban land” means land which is situate in a borough having a population of at least two thousand inhabitants and is not used for farming, dairying, or market-gardening purposes.

“Suburban land” means land which is situate in a borough having a population of less than two thousand inhabitants, or in any town, or in the vicinity of any town or borough, and is not used for farming, dairying, or market-gardening purposes.

The right of determining what land may be considered “urban,” or “suburban,” or “first-class agricultural” is imposed by the Act on the General Lending Board.

The security which the applicant offers for the loan must consist of one or more holdings of the several classes of tenure above mentioned, and must, of course, be of the necessary value; and if the security is leasehold all the covenants and conditions of the lease, including the payment of rent, must have been regularly complied with. Crown lessees should note that “The Land Act, 1892,” provides that leases under that Act must be at least twelve months in existence before they can be mortgaged.

Application forms may be obtained at any post-office, also pamphlets supplying all information as to the provisions of the Act, fees, costs, &c., and assistance will be given to fill up the forms.

In the case of an application for an advance on the security of an interest in land held under a lease or license issued from the Lands Department (and belonging to one or more of the classes of tenure numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11), a notice of the application must be forwarded to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district in which the land is situated. The requisite form, and an envelope for forwarding it free of postage, may be obtained from any Postmaster in the colony.

No loan of less than £25 or more than £3,000 can be granted, and in the case of “urban” or “suburban” freehold lands the maximum loan is fixed at £2,000.

All applications must be accompanied by a valuation fee according to the following scale:—

 £s.d.
On an application for a loan not exceeding £1000106
Exceeding £100 but not exceeding £250110
Exceeding £250 but not exceeding £5001116
Exceeding £500 but not exceeding £3,000220

If the applicant has already obtained any advance under this Act and is desirous of obtaining a further advance, either on the same security or on a separate security, the amount of the application, added to the amount of the advances already obtained, must not exceed the limit mentioned above—£3,000 for farming and £2,000 for urban or suburban lands.

Mortgages are repayable on the instalment system by seventy-three half-yearly payments of principal and interest combined. They may also be repaid in whole or in part at any time. Interest is charged at the rate of 5 per cent., reducible to 4 1/2 per cent. provided payment is made not later than fourteen days after due date and no arrears remain outstanding.

Every half-yearly instalment, except the last, is at the rate of £3 (less the rebate of interest in case of prompt payment) for every £100 of the loan. The following table shows, taking a loan of £100 as an instance, how much of each instalment is applied to repaying the principal, and how much is in payment of interest. It shows also the amount of rebate in respect of each instalment, and the balance of principal remaining due after payment of the respective instalments until the loan is entirely repaid in thirty-six years and a half:—

TABLE OF PRESCRIBED HALF-YEARLY INSTALMENTS FOR EVERY ONE HUNDRED POUNDS OF THE LOAN.
Half-year.Prescribed Half-yearly Instalment.Apportioned thus:1/2 per Cent. Rebate of Interest.Balance of Principal owing.
On Account of Interest at 5 per Cent.On Account of Principal.
 £s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.£s.d.
1st3002100010005099100
2nd300299010305098199
3rd300296010604119893
4th3002930109041197189
5th300290011004119776
6th3002880114041096162
7th300285011704109647
8th30028101111041095128
9th300271001220499506
10th30027601260499480
11th3002720121004993152
12th300261101310489321
13th30026701350489288
14th3002630139047911411
15th300251001420479109
16th30025601460479063
17th3002520141004689115
18th300249015304688162
19th30024501570458807
20th30024001600458747
21st30023701650448682
22nd3002320161004485114
23rd3002210017204384142
24th300224017804383166
25th3002111018104282185
26th3002160186042811911
27th300210019004181011
28th30020601960418015
29th3002001000407915
30th300119710503117810
31st300119011003117700
32nd3001186116031075186
33rd3001180120031074166
34th3001175127039731311
35th3001161013203872109
36th30011631390377170
37th30011581440377028
38th3001151141103668179
39th300114515703567122
40th300113101620356660
41st3001132161003464192
42nd300112617603363118
43rd30011191830326235
44th3001111181103160146
45th300110419803059410
46th3001971105021157145
47th3001811111102115634
48th30018111111021054115
49th300173112902952188
50th30016611360285152
51st3001581144027491010
52nd300149115302647157
53rd3001311116102545196
54th30013011700244426
55th30012011800224246
56th300111118110214057
57th300102119100203859
58th30001922010011136411
59th3000181211101103430
60th300017122110183201
61st300016024001729161
62nd3000141125101627110
63rd30001392630142549
64th300012827401322175
65th300011528701220810
66th300010329901017191
67th300090211000111581
68th300078212400912159
69th30006521370081022
70th3000502150006772
71st300038216400441010
72nd30002321790031131
73rd1131100101131001 .. 

The mortgagor may pay to the Superintendent at any time the whole balance of principal owing, with interest only to date of payment, and obtain a discharge of the mortgage on payment of the fee prescribed for such discharge.

The mortgagor may also from time to time pay to the Superintendent, in addition to the half-yearly payments, sums of £5 or a multiple of £5, and interest will be charged on the balance only; or, if the mortgagor so directs, such deposits will be held on his behalf and applied in payment of the half-yearly instalments of interest as they fall due.

Payments made in advance by a mortgagor may be applied in one of the following methods, according as he directs:—

  1. It may be held on his behalf and applied in payment of the half-yearly instalments (consisting partly of interest and partly of principal) as they fall due, until the deposit is exhausted.

  2. It may be applied at once in payment of as many future half-yearly instalments of principal (but not of interest) as it will cover, and, as far as such instalments are concerned, the corresponding interest will not be charged. On the next half-yearly date, however, the mortgagor will be required to continue his payments as before, the advance payment having the effect of reducing the period (thirty-six years and a half) during which he would have to pay such instalments. For instance, a mortgagor has a loan of £100: On the due date of his eighth half-yearly instalment he pays, in addition to the amount due, a sum of £5. This is applied in payment of his ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth instalments of principal—12s. 2d., 12s. 6d., 12s. 10d., 13s. 1d., 13s. 5d., 13s. 9d., 14s. 2d. (see table), making a total of £4 11s. 11d.—and the corresponding interest, £2 7s. 10d., £2 7s. 6d., £2 7s. 2d., £2 6s. 11d., £2 6s. 7d., £2 6s. 3d., £2 5s. 10d., is not charged. A balance of 8s. 1d. remains in his favour. Then on the next due date he has to make the half-yearly payment as usual (less 8s. 1d.), but, instead of being the ninth, it counts as the sixteenth instalment, and by this means the whole loan is repaid three years and a half earlier (seven half-yearly payments) than it otherwise would be.

  3. It may be applied as provided in the next paragraph.

On the due date of any instalment, after at least one-tenth of the loan has been repaid, by means of the half-yearly instalments or of moneys repaid in advance, or both, the mortgagor (provided he is not in arrear with any instalment or other payment due under the mortgage) may, with the consent of the Superintendent, readjust the loan by treating the balance of principal then unpaid as a fresh loan duly granted on that date for a fresh term. But no readjustment is allowed unless the balance of unpaid principal amounts to at least £100. Under this arrangement the mortgagor will be relieved of paying interest on the original amount of the loan, and will pay only on the balance of principal not repaid.

The law-costs payable for preparing and completing the mortgages under the Act are as follow:—

Mortgages under “The Land Transfer Act, 1885.”

Law-costs of perusing title, preparing and registering mortgage (to be deducted from the advance),—

 £s.d.
If advance be not exceeding £250076
Exceeding £250, but not exceeding £5000100
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £7500150
Exceeding £750, but not exceeding £1,000110
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £1,500160
Exceeding £1,500, but not exceeding £2,0001116
Exceeding £2,000, but not exceeding £3,0001176

With cash disbursements, which are the same in every case, namely,—

Search-fee (with an additional 2s. for every certificate of title after the first)020
Registration (with an additional 2s. for every certificate of title after the first)0100

Mortgages under “The Deeds Registration Act, 1868.”

Law-costs of perusing title, preparing and registering mortgage (to be deducted from the advance),—

 £s.d.
If advance be not exceeding £1500180
Exceeding £150, but not exceeding £250106
Exceeding £250, but not exceeding £500150
Exceeding £500, but not exceeding £7501130
Exceeding £750, but not exceeding £1,000230
Exceeding £1,000, but not exceeding £1,5002130
Exceeding £1,500, but not exceeding £2,0003130
Exceeding £2,000, but not exceeding £3,0004130

With cash disbursements,—

 £s.d.
Fee chargeable by solicitor not residing in registration centre for employing agent to register mortgage050
Solicitor's charge for obtaining Land Board's consent to mortgage of leasehold land—   
  If advance be not exceeding £250020
  Exceeding £250050
Fee for partial or total discharge of mortgage050
Fee for execution of consent by the Superintendent to any document0 0
Fee for production of title-deeds held by the Superintendent056

Valuation reports on the securities offered are made on behalf of the Department by expert land-valuers permanently employed by the Government Valuation of Land Department; and these reports, together with the corresponding valuations appearing in the district valuation-rolls, prepared in accordance with the provisions of “The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896,” and reports from the Commissioners of Crown Lands in the case of Crown leaseholds, are considered by the General Board. Board meetings are held weekly, or as occasion requires, and the Superintendent is bound by the resolutions of the Board. A resolution is taken with regard to every application placed before the General Board, so that on the Board rests the responsibility of granting loans or of refusing to grant them.

Some applicants offer securities which are obviously not eligible; and in that event the valuation fees paid are returned, the securities are not reported on, and the applications do not go before the Board.

By arrangements made with the Post Office, mortgagors are enabled to pay their instalments and interest to the credit of the Superintendent at any money-order office throughout the colony, and free of all costs for remitting the money to Wellington. This is an arrangement at once convenient and economical for the large number of persons scattered all over the colony who have financial dealings with the Advances to Settlers Office. Loans may also be repaid in full through the Post Office.

Arrangements have been made whereby the whole cost of mortgagee's accident indemnity insurance in respect of its mortgages will be borne by the Advances to Settlers Office. Formerly the premiums were charged to and paid by mortgagors.

The officials of the Government Advances to Settlers Office are bound by declaration to observe secrecy respecting applications for advances, and are forbidden to give any information respecting the business of the Department except to officers appointed to assist in carrying out the provisions of the Act.

The Act provides penalties for persons employed in the business of the Advances to Settlers Office taking any fee or reward from an applicant for a loan under the Act; for persons acting as valuers of land in which they have a pecuniary interest; and for persons who may attempt to bribe any one employed under the Act. It should be understood that no commission, charge, or procuration fee is payable in connection with an application for a loan.

Extract from the Twelfth Annual Report.

The number of applications for loans received during the last twelve months is the largest since the year ended 31st March, 1897 (which was practically the first full year's operations), whilst the aggregate amount applied for by applicants—almost a million—constitutes a record for the Department since its inception in 1894. The figures are: Applications, 2,288; amount applied for, £949,432. The General Board of the office had, up to the 31st March, 1906, authorised 17,403 advances, amounting to £5,829,290. Applicants to the number of 2,094 declined the grants offered them, amounting to £906,660, so that the net advances authorised to the 31st March, 1906, numbered 15,309 and amounted to £4,922.630. The securities for the net authorised advances were valued at £10.817,184, and those now held by the Department are in most cases enhanced by the expenditure of the money borrowed on additional improvements, and at the same time the liability is being reduced by the instalment repayments of the principal.

Eighty per cent. of the advances made during the year was for loans not exceeding £500. These facts show that it is the smaller pioneer settlers who are receiving the greatest benefits by the Act, and that the special object for which the Act was designed is being effectuated.

The total sum raised by the Government on debentures for investment on mortgage is £3,410,000. 9,986 mortgagors are now indebted to the Department to the extent of £3,126,987 10s. in respect of principal moneys—an increase during the year of 952 mortgagors, amounting to £372,071 10s. 7d.

The gross profits for the year ended the 31st March, 1906, were £38,634 17s. 8d., and the total cost of management and expenses of the Department £4,438 12s. 9d., being 0.13 per cent., or 2d. 7d. per £100 on the capital employed. (The cost for the previous year was 0.16 per cent., or 3s. 2d. per £100.) The net profits amounted to £34,047 9s. 2d., notwithstanding the additional expense connected with the concessions granted to mortgagors.

The loan flotation charges have, after leaving the substantial sum of £50,000 to the credit of the Reserve Fund, been further written down out of accumulated profits by the sum of £111,724 15s. 6d., bringing the extinction of this item within measurable distance.

Advantage has been taken of the authority given to the Department under the Act passed last session to reinvest on mortgage the greater portion of the funds of the office held by the Public Trustee. It is now an established fact that the withdrawal and reinvestment of this money, which has assisted the Department materially, was a move in the right direction. This has enabled the office to meet the growing requirements of settlers during the year practically without recourse to borrowing, and will in the future prove to be a large contributing factor to the yearly profits.

The whole cost of providing cover indemnifying the Department as mortgagee against claims which may arise under “The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900,” is now borne by the Department. Hitherto the premiums payable in respect of mortgagees' accident indemnity insurance have been a charge against mortgagors. Arrangements have been made by which additional advances are now indor-ed on the original mortgage and completed through the simple medium of the Postmasters free of charge to the mortgagor (except the payment to the Deeds Office of a small fee of 10s. for registration) instead of a new mortgage being executed for every additional advance, which is a large saving in law-costs to mortgagors. The fee for the mortgage form is eliminated from solicitors' bills of costs, and the form is now supplied to the mortgagor by the Department free of charge. These concessions, which help to attain the object designed by the Act, cannot be regarded otherwise than eminently satisfactory to borrowers, and the Department has received from settlers letters expressing their appreciation of the great amount of trouble and expense which they have been saved by these important concessions.

Sixteen freehold and five leasehold securities have for various reasons been realised by the Department up to the present time. In most cases fairly good surpluses over and above the advances owing to the Department have been obtained and refunded. In no case has a loss been made, and the Department has at the present time no securities on its hands.

Mortgagors continue to meet their half-yearly payments of interest and principal in a manner creditable to themselves and highly satisfactory to the Department.

Chapter 56. THE LAND AND INCOME TAX ASSESSMENT.

THE INCOME-TAX.

IN New Zealand there is a combined land and income tax in force. The income-tax is generally assessable on all income, with the exceptions of the rents or profits derived from the direct use or cultivation of land, and interest from mortgages of land. The reason for these important exceptions is that the income-tax is levied in conjunction with a land-tax and a graduated land-tax on the unimproved value of land, and a tax on the capital value of mortgages. This exemption from income-tax of income derived from land is therefore necessary in order to avoid duplicate taxation, on the principle that where the capital is taxed (as in land and mortgages) the income earned by such capital is exempt.

In addition to the above, the following incomes are exempted: The income of—

  • The Crown;

  • The salary and emoluments of the Governor;

  • Local authorities;

  • Friendly societies in respect of business carried on within their circle of membership only;

  • Building societies;

  • Public charitable and public education institutions;

  • Savings-banks;

  • Commissioners of General Government and local body sinking funds;

  • Religious societies, so far as funds devoted to support of aged or infirm ministers or their families only;

  • Imperial pensioners, so far as the amount of the pension drawn from the Crown and charged with income-tax in Great Britain or some British possession only;

  • Any co-operative dairy-factory company, so far as income is derived from dairy-produce supplied by its own shareholders;

  • Public societies not carrying on business for pecuniary gain.

Process of Assessment.

All persons, firms, and companies deriving income in or from the colony are required, before the 1st June in each year, to furnish full and complete returns of the same. The forms on which returns are required to be made are posted direct to taxpayers, and they may also be obtained at any post-office.

Returns of income have to be made annually, and must be posted to reach the Commissioner's office in Wellington not later than the 1st of June; they contain particulars of all income liable to taxation actually earned during the year ending the 31st March immediately preceding.

Returns of land and mortgages are made by companies annually and by persons biennially, and must be posted to reach the Commissioner's office in Wellington not later than the 1st May. The returns contain particulars of all land and mortgages as owned at noon on the 31st March; the Commissioner must also be notified from time to time of sales or purchases of land and alterations in mortgages.

All returns (both of land and mortgages and of income) are critically examined by a permanent and experienced staff of Government officials; all inaccuracies and obscure items are the subject of correspondence during examination.

Income-tax assessments are made and the accounts posted about the 1st January; they are made payable about the 31st January, and a period of fourteen days' grace is allowed in which to make payment, after which 10 per cent. is added to the amount of the tax.

Land-tax assessments are made and the accounts posted about the 1st November; they are made payable about the 30th November, and, as in the case of income-tax, fourteen days are allowed in which to make payment, after which 10 per cent is added to the amount of the tax.

The returns are exhaustively revised and checked in the Land and Income Tax Office, Wellington, all doubtful points are queried, erroneous deductions disallowed, and additions made where necessary. In addition to these steps, there are two inspecting officers continually going all over the colony verifying returns at the taxpayer's domicile by a rigid examination of his books, also discovering those who have failed to make returns. The Act provides special powers for examining all the books, &c., of a taxpayer. The Commissioner can at any time call for the production to the inspecting officers of all books, balance-sheets, stock-sheets, and any papers or other evidence of the taxpayer's income; penalties are provided in the event of refusal to comply with the Commissioner's request. This process of examination has resulted in a very large amount of revenue being collected, which otherwise would have escaped, and it is beyond question that a great measure of the success attending the income-tax administration in New Zealand is in a large degree due to this careful and systematic inspection. It not only results in the large collections of shortages referred to, but is having a daily moral effect, because no taxpayer feels safe in making incorrect returns, knowing that his books may be called for and examined at any time

The Inspectors also give information and instructions to taxpayers as to how the returns should be made, and suggest a simple form of accounts to be kept to facilitate the making of the return in the correct form. The form of the return for traders and manufacturers is that of a simple profit and loss account, easily understood by persons in business. A great improvement in the records and book-keeping of taxpayers has resulted from this action of the Department.

All persons, firms, companies, local authorities, Government Departments, and others having employees, furnish annual returns of the salaries, bonuses, &c., paid to their employees as remuneration for their services. These are checked by comparison with the individual returns of employees.

All persons, firms, or companies paying interest on deposits, loans, &c., have to furnish annual returns of such payments, and altogether there is a complete system of check on returns furnished to the Department.

Penalties are provided for failure to make returns or for making incorrect or fraudulent returns.

Ordinary trading and manufacturing companies are assessed on the whole of the income derived, save that from exempted sources referred to. In addition to the full return required they have also to furnish a true copy of their last balance-sheet issued to shareholders.

Banking companies are assessed on an arbitrary amount, arrived at by taking 10s. per cent. on the average assets and liabilities as shown by the quarterly statements published in the Government Gazette, owing to the difficulty in arriving at an accurate assessment of the actual income.

Loan, building, and investment companies are charged on the whole of their income, inclusive of the interest on money lent on mortgage, but in their case the mortgages are not charged land-tax

Fire, accident, and guarantee insurance companies are assessed on the business done in New Zealand only, and reinsurances with companies or underwriters outside New Zealand are not allowed as deductions from income.

Life-insurance companies are assessed only on the income from investments (other than investments in land or mortgages of land).

Mining companies are assessed on one-half of the dividends paid annually to shareholders. (The other half is exempted, as it is deemed to be the return of the shareholders capital.)

Income from shipping, whether in the case of companies or persons, for assessment is deemed to be that derived from business originating in the colony, whether carried on outside New Zealand or not, but does not include income from business originating outside New Zealand.

Where a company has borrowed money on debentures secured on land, the debentures are deemed to be a mortgage up to the capital value of the land, and are assessed as a mortgage. If the amount of the debentures exceed the capital value of the lands, they are assessed on this excess for income-tax.

The only income which is assessed at the source is that derived from public companies, either as dividends or interest on debentures. In all other cases, income, including salaries, is assessed direct to the taxpayer, who has to make a return of income from all assessable sources (such returns do not, of course, include income from dividends of public companies or interest from mortgages and debentures).

Income returns and assessments are in all cases made on the actual income of the preceding year. Returns and assessments for land-tax, graduated land-tax, and mortgage-tax are made on the value as at noon on the 31st day of March in each year.

What is deductible from Income.

Briefly put, the only deductions permissible are the losses, outgoings, and expenses actually incurred in the production of the income. The rules as to these are to be found in (more particularly) section 66 of “The Land and Income Assessment Act, 1900.”

It may be pointed out in this connection that in taxpayers' balance-sheets many sums are written off to Profit and Loss which are not allowed in a return of income, and at the initiation of the system considerable difficulty was experienced by the Department in disabusing taxpayers of the idea that the return should agree with the Profit and Loss Account. After these years, however, the Department has succeeded in thoroughly establishing the principle, and taxpayers now recognise that the return must be prepared in accordance with the Assessment Act, and not with what they have deemed to be the year's profit for their own purposes. This has the effect of a uniform return being obtained for assessment; otherwise there is no uniformity.

Amongst the questions to which special attention has been given is that of the depreciation of plant and machinery, and the amount to be allowed as a deduction under this heading. The Amendment Act of 1894 admitted amongst deductions an allowance for depreciation of plant and machinery over and above what may be claimed as repairs and renewals, and this allowance is maintained in the Act of 1900. The allowance is by law fixed at what may be considered just by the Commissioner; but the Chief Inspector of Machinery is in this matter the expert adviser of the Department, and he fixes the rates to be allowed. The rule formulated for the Inspector's guidance is as follows:—

An allowance to be made for depreciation of such an amount (over and above what is expended in renewals and repairs) as will equal the annual loss of profit-earning power. This is not intended to provide for the exhaustion or diminution of capital invested, or of becoming obsolete, but simply represents the annual deterioration through wear-and-tear (as affecting income-earning capacity) other than that which can be made good by repairs and renewals.

Obsolete machinery is also allowed for when the machinery has been actually discarded, and the loss definitely ascertained; the amount allowed is the actual loss on the machinery discarded, and not the value of new machinery replacing the old. Machinery superseded by something better but kept in reserve in case of breakdown is not allowed for.

An allowance is made to taxpayers who occupy their own freehold or leasehold premises by way of rent or sinking fund. Such taxpayers are now entitled to deduct a sum at the rate of 5 per cent. on the capital value of their interest in the land or improvements thereon. Mortgage-interest at the same time is not deductible. The deduction of 5 per cent. on the capital value of the taxpayer's interest in his business premises precludes any further deduction.

All assessments are made in the office of the Commissioner of Taxes, Wellington. When assessments are completed the Commissioner serves each taxpayer with a notice of the amount on which he is assessed, and also at the same time with a notice of the amount payable thereon. The taxpayer then has the right to object to the assessment within a time specified, but the payment of the tax is not held over pending settlement of the objection. These objections are in the first instance dealt with by a permanent Stipendiary Magistrate, with an appeal to the higher Courts on points of law.

Special Exemption for Income-tax.

Each taxpayer, whether alone or in partnership, is allowed exemption up to £300. That is to say, if there are two partners in the business £600 is exempted, but if either or both taxpayers derive income apart from the partnership then no further exemption is allowed in their individual assessment. Life-insurance premiums on the taxpayer's own life are also allowed up to £50.

The statutory exemption of £300 is not allowed to absentees, whether firms or individuals, nor in any case to companies.

Rates of Tax.

Income-tax— 
    On the first £1,000 of taxable income after allowances of exemption of £300 and life-insurance premiums up to £506d. in the pound.
    On income in excess of £1,3001s. in the pound.
    Companies (no exemption)1s. in the pound.
Land-tax— 
    Ordinary land-tax (on the unimproved value)1d. in the pound.
    Graduated land-tax (in addition to ordinary land-tax)1/16d to 3d. in the pound.
    Mortgages (on the capital value):3/4d. in the pound.

Total Yield of Tax.

The income-tax for the year just closed (ending the 31st March, 1906) amounts to £261,815. As this seems a small sum, the many exempted sources of income already enumerated must be borne in mind. The land-tax, which takes the place of income-tax on the use or produce of land, yielded £385,755.

The net assessed income, after allowing all exemptions, is £5,780,748. The net assessed taxable value of land and mortgages, after allowing all exemptions, is £77,114,677.

The number of income-tax payers is 8,993. The number of land-tax payers is 24,246.

The yields of tax for the last ten years were as follows:—

 Land-tax.Income-tax.
 ££
1896–97272,309105,504
1897–98267,286115,210
1898–99298,052115,480
1899–1900293,627128,721
1900–1294,583173,808
1901–2312,835179,397
1902–3296,062200,683
1903–4334,990221,368
1904–5352,854253,952
1905–6385,755261,815

The numbers of taxpayers for the same period were:—

 Land-tax.Income-tax.
1896–9713,3604,276
1897–9813,1324,588
1898–9915,4494,647
1899–190015,8925,088
1900–116,8885,656
1901–218,4686,556
1902–318,8697,589
1903–420,8658,258
1904–523,8958,934
1905–624,2468,993

Principle of Graduation.

All incomes are exempt up to £300, with the exceptions previously mentioned. This amount is taken off the income of all taxpayers, so that a person with a net income of £300 would pay nothing, while one with an income of £350 would pay tax on £50 only, and so on. As explained, incomes of persons over £1,000, after allowing £300 exemption, pay a double rate, so the system of graduation may be described as—the total exemption of small incomes up to £300, a tax of 6d. in the pound on moderate incomes between £300 and £1,300, and on larger incomes over £1,300 at 6d. in the pound on the first £1,000 and 1s. in the pound on the excess.

THE LAND-TAX.

The land-tax is assessed on the unimproved value—i.e., the capital value (or gross saleable value) less the value of all improvements, so that there is an entire exemption of improvements on land from taxation. Since this was initiated it is estimated that over £30,000,000 has been expended on improvements, which consists entirely of labour and materials. The effect of this on trade and labour in conducing to the prosperity of the colony can scarcely be appreciated.

An owner of land the unimproved value of which, together with mortgages owing to him, does not exceed £1,500 (after deducting mortgages owing by him) is allowed an exemption of £500, but where such value exceeds £1,500 the exemption diminishes by £1 for every £2 that such value increases, so that no exemption is allowable when £2,500 is reached.

If the total unimproved value of land in any assessment amounts to £5,000 or over, graduated land-tax is payable thereon (in addition to ordinary land-tax) in graduations beginning at the rate of 1/6d. in the pound, and increasing by sixteenths to the maximum rate of 3d. in the pound. Mortgages are not chargeable with graduated tax, but, on the other hand, they are not deductible in assessments for graduated land-tax.

Owing to the deductions and exemptions allowable the number of land-tax payers is only 24,246, as compared with the number of landowners estimated at 125,000 freeholders and 20,000 Crown tenants.

Fifty per cent. additional on the amount of the graduated tax is levied where the owners have been resident out of the colony for a period of not less than one year next preceding the date of the passing of the annual taxing Act.

The valuations for land-tax are made by the Government Valuation of Land Department, who employ a permanent staff of expert valuers and supply the assessment rolls used by the Land and Income Tax Department.

The Act contains a provision that in cases where the income from any land or mortgages, plus income from all other sources, is less than £200 per annum, and the owner is incapacitated by age or infirmity from supplementing such income, a further exemption may be allowed by the Commissioner upon his being satisfied that the payment of the tax would entail hardship on such owner. This discretionary power has been exercised in a considerable number of instances, especially in the case of widows and orphans with small means, and much hardship prevented.

All mortgages are assessed at their full nominal value, except where it is satisfactorily shown that owing to depreciation of the security or other cause such value has been diminished. In the case of mixed mortgages—that is, mortgages which are secured on both real and personal property—the amount of the mortgage chargeable with land-tax is taken to be the assessed value of the land included in the security, the interest derived from the balance of mortgage being liable to income-tax.

Native lands which are occupied by Europeans are subject to the ordinary tax, it being considered that, as such lands have benefited equally with the lands of Europeans by the expenditure of public money, they should bear some proportion of the taxation. But, recognising that in some instances, where the interests of the Native owners are small, the collection of the tax might possibly entail some hardship, the Legislature decided that only half the usual rate should be collected on such lands. Graduated tax is not chargeable on Native land.

Exemptions from Land-tax.

A place of worship for any religious society, or a place of residence for any of the clergy or ministers of such society.

A charitable or educational institution (other than a public charitable or educational institution hereinbefore exempt) not carried on exclusively for pecuniary profit: provided that this exemption shall not extend to more than 15 acres in the case of any one such institution.

A public library, athenæum, mechanics' institute, public museum, school of mines, or masonic lodge.

A showground or place of meeting of any agricultural society.

A public cemetery or public burial-ground.

A public garden, public domain, public recreation-ground, or other public reserve.

A public road or public street.

A public railway, to the extent of the land actually used for permanent-way, and for yards, sheds, and buildings for the purposes of traffic only, but not further nor otherwise.

SYSTEM OF COLLECTION.

The tax may be paid at any postal money-order office, or direct to the office of the Commissioner of Taxes, Wellington. The total cost of the collection of the income-tax for 1905–6, including cost of assessment and administration, was 2.32 per cent., and for land-tax, graduated land-tax, and mortgage-tax, including the cost of valuation of land, was 3.66 per cent. The cost of collection for both taxes was 3.12 per cent.

Chapter 57. “THE GOVERNMENT VALUATION OF LAND ACT, 1896.”

[A COMPLETE exposition of the system in force, with tables, forms the subject of Section XXI of Part II. See page 495, ante.]

Chapter 58. RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUE OF LAND.

“THE Rating on Unimproved Value Act, 1896,” was passed by the General Assembly to afford local bodies the opportunity of adopting the principle of rating which is expressed in the title of the measure. It is entirely at the option of the bodies to adopt the system, and provision is made for a return to the old system of rating, if desired, after three years' experience of the new one. The Act provides that a proportion of the ratepayers on the roll, varying from 25 per cent. where the total number does not exceed 100, to 15 per cent. where the number exceeds 300, may by demand in writing, delivered to the chairman of the district, require that a proposal to rate property on the basis of the unimproved value may be submitted to the ratepayers, whose votes shall be taken between twenty-one and twenty-eight days after delivery of the demand. The poll is to be taken in the same manner as in case of a proposal to raise a loan in the district under “The Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1901.”

Under the original Act it was necessary for a minimum number of one-third of the ratepayers to vote, and a majority of their votes carried the proposal. Now, under “The Local Government Voting Reform Act, 1899,” the question of adoption or otherwise is decided by a bare majority of the valid votes recorded, irrespective of the number of ratepayers who have voted.

A rescinding proposal can be carried at a poll by the same means as one for adoption, but not until after three years have elapsed; and, vice versa, rejection of a proposal bars its being again brought forward for a similar period. However, in the case of past polls at which the proposal to adopt the Act was rejected solely on account of an insufficient number of ratepayers recording their votes, it is now provided that a new poll may be held at any time.

The valuation-roll is supplied to the local authority by the Valuer-General under the provisions of “The Government Valuation of Land Act, 1896,” and its amendments of 1900 and 1903, and the definitions of “capital value,” “improvements,” “unimproved value,” and “value of improvements” found in these Acts apply also to the Rating on Unimproved Value Act. Provision is made for adjustment of rating-powers given under previous Acts to the Act of 1896 by fixing equivalents. Thus a rate of 1s. in the pound on the annual value under former Acts is to be considered equal to 3/4d. in the pound on the capital value under the Act of 1896.

The adjustments are to be made so that the rates on the unimproved value shall be such as to produce as much as, but not more than, the rates under “The Rating Act, 1894.” For instance, supposing a local authority has a rating-power up to 3/4d. in the pound on the capital value, then it can levy any rate in the pound on the unimproved value of land in its district so long as the producing capacity of such rate is not greater than would be the producing capacity of a 3/4d. rate on the capital value of the district. When a fixed rate, under the older system of rating, is security for a loan, the Controller and Auditor-General is given power to interfere and fix the new rate himself if of opinion that the new rate on the unimproved value does not afford equally good security to the one to be given up.

The operation of the Act does not apply to water, gas, electric light, sewage, nor hospital and charitable aid rates.

Particulars will be found in Section IV, “Local Governing Bodies,” of the local bodies that have, up to 31st March, 1905, submitted the question of the adoption of the Act to the ratepayers, and the result of the polling in each case.

Chapter 59. STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

IN the year 1903 was passed an Act “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.”

The statute provides for the establishment of an office to be administered by a General Manager appointed by the Governor, and for the necessary staff—not subject to the laws regulating the Civil Service.

There is provision for the constitution of a Board, to consist of the General Manager, the Colonial Treasurer, the Government Insurance Commissioner, and two other persons (not being in the Civil Service) appointed by the Governor. The latter hold office for two years, with eligibility for reappointment, and are to be remunerated according to appropriation by Parliament.

In order to provide capital for the business, the Treasurer, on being authorised by the Governor in Council, is empowered to raise from time to time such sums as he thinks fit, not exceeding in the whole £100,000, any of which may, if found convenient, be raised in the colony.

In the event of such capital not being found sufficient, the Treasurer, on being authorised by the Government, is empowered to raise additional capital as required. To do this the General Manager must convene a meeting of the Board, and, if the Board approves, by requisition under his seal apply to the Treasurer for what is deemed necessary by way of supplementary capital and additional funds (not exceeding £20,000 at a time) to carry on business until the pleasure of Parliament is signified.

The rate of interest on debentures, scrip, or other security issued in respect of any sum raised under the Act may not be higher than 4 per cent.

For purposes of sinking fund, it is provided that at the expiration of every triennial period during the currency of securities the General Manager shall pay over to the Public Trustee one-half the net profits to the credit of a State Fire Insurance Sinking Fund Account. As soon as the Treasurer is satisfied that the accumulations of sinking fund will suffice to redeem the securities at maturity he is to notify the Public Trustee and the Manager, whereupon the payments of sinking fund cease, and subsequent accretions of interest are paid into Reserve Fund.

All moneys payable to the General Manager are to be paid to the credit of the State Fire Insurance Account, out of which shall be payable, without further appropriation than the Act under notice, all costs and expenses, salaries, fire losses, and other outgoings of the business—including interest payable on securities issued.

Provision is made for the General Manager, with consent of the Board, to buy, sell, or lease land, with or without buildings.

For the period ending 31st December following the expiration of three years after the first insurance is effected, and triennially from then, one-half of the net surplus profits are to go to a Reserve Fund and be invested by the General Manager. The other half is to be devoted to bonuses payable to such persons as are actual insurers in the State Fire Insurance Office. The division is to be made on a proportional basis, relatively to premiums paid, and as soon after the close of the triennial period as possible.

On the 4th January, 1905, the State Fire Insurance Office opened for public business, and at the end of that year the public support accorded resulted in insurances therein to the extent of £3,000,000.

The State Fire Insurance Office commenced business with premiums 10 per cent. less than those accepted by the private insurance companies, and a little later the latter reduced to the same level all rates, except on dwellings, which were lowered by 33 1/3 per cent. The State Fire Insurance Office thereupon reduced dwellings by 33 1/3 per cent. The private insurance companies also decided (1) to decline reinsurances from or to give reinsurances to the State Fire Insurance Office, and (2) to decline to accept any risk on which the State Fire Insurance Office held a line; and this attitude was maintained by the private insurance companies until early in 1906, when they agreed (1) to continue to decline reinsurances from or to give reinsurances to the State Fire Insurance Office, but (2) to allow each other to accept risks on which the State Fire Insurance Office held a line, and also to abandon their objection to the State Fire Insurance Office accepting risks on which they themselves had lines.

The State Fire Insurance Office has evidently found favour with the public, and, seeing it has been successful, it fully justifies the object of its inauguration, namely, that the Government Office should regulate the rates of fire-insurance premiums on the basis of fair prices, which on an average would leave a reasonable and legitimate trade profit on the business of fire insurance for all concerned.

Chapter 60. OLD-AGE PENSIONS IN NEW ZEALAND.

ON the 8th July, 1896, a Bill providing for the payment of old-age pensions was introduced by the Right Honourable R. J. Seddon into the Lower House, but lapsed in Committee on the 16th September.

Later in the same year, on the 14th October, a Registration of People's Claims Bill was introduced, the object being to ascertain the probable cost of establishing an Old-age Pension Fund.

This Bill passed through all its stages in both Houses, and received the Governor's assent on the 17th October.

In 1897 an Old-age Pensions Bill was again introduced, and passed all its stages in the Lower House, but was thrown out at the second reading in the Upper House.

Still again, in 1898, an Old-age Pensions Bill was introduced, and this year succeeded in passing both Houses, receiving the Governor's assent on the 1st November, 1898. Under this Act the Registration of People's Claims Act of 1896 was repealed.

The Act thus passed provided for the payment out of the Consolidated Fund of a pension of £18 per annum, or 6s. 11d. per week, without contribution by the beneficiaries.

An amending Act, however, passed on the 29th July, 1905, and taking effect on the 1st September, increased the full pension to £26 per annum, or 10s. a week.

The Act is administered by a Registrar located at Wellington, who is responsible to the Colonial Treasurer. For the purposes of administration the colony is divided into seventy-four districts, each in charge of a Deputy Registrar. In the chief centres of population the Deputy Registrar is the paid officer of the Old-age Pensions Department, but otherwise the duties of this office are undertaken by Clerks of Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts. All claims are investigated by Stipendiary Magistrates, who alone have the power to grant or refuse pensions.

The Act applies to all residents of the colony who fulfil the necessary conditions, except—

  1. Maoris who receive votes other than pensions out of the grant appropriated by “The Civil List Act, 1863.”

  2. Aliens.

  3. Naturalised subjects who have not been naturalised one year.

  4. Chinese or other Asiatics, whether naturalised or not.

The qualifications of an applicant are briefly as follows:—

  1. He must have reached the age of sixty-five.

  2. He must have resided continuously in the colony for twenty-five years.

    NOTE.—Continuous residence is not interrupted by occasional absences not exceeding two years. By the amending Act of 1900 four years' absence is allowed where the applicant was not absent during the twelve months preceding the day on which the original Act was passed, and where total actual residence is not less than twenty-five years. In the case of a seaman continuous residence is not interrupted by absence on board a ship registered in the colony, provided he establishes the fact that his home is in the colony.

  3. He 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. He must not during the past twenty-five years have been imprisoned for five years for any offence.

  5. He must not at any time have deserted his wife and children.

    NOTE.—An amending Act in 1902 substituted for the words “at any time” the words “during the past twelve years.”

  6. He must have lived a sober and reputable life during the past five years.

  7. His yearly income must not reach £52.

    NOTE.—The amending Act of 1905 increased this amount to £60.

  8. The net value of his accumulated property must not be £270 or over.

    NOTE.—The amending Act of 1905 reduced this amount to £260.

  9. He must not have deprived himself of property or income to qualify for a pension.

Each applicant must apply in person to the Deputy Registrar of the district in which he resides, and fill in a form. The Deputy Registrar proceeds at once to verify the applicant's statements by a set of inquiry forms, which are sent out as follows:—

  • Form B, to the various banks.

  • Form C, to the Valuation and Tax Departments.

  • Form D, to the Post-Office Savings-Bank.

  • Form E, to the Police Department.

  • Form F, to the Registrar of Deeds.

  • Form G, to the employers.

  • Form H, to a person of good character who has known the applicant for a long time.

  • Form I, to the insurance companies.

  • Form K, to the Registrar, for proof of age and residence.

  • Form L, to the mortgagee, where a mortgage exists.

The results of these inquiries are transmitted, with the form of application, to the Stipendiary Magistrate presiding at the nearest Court, and a date is fixed for the personal examination of the pensioner.

The Deputy Registrar is the only person outside the Magistrate who is authorised to appear at the investigation of a claim and to question an applicant.

NOTE.—Under the original Act these investigations were held in open Court, but the Act of 1905 gives the Magistrate power, if he so chooses, to hear all cases in camera.

The Magistrate intimates his decision to the Registrar, who, if the pension is allowed, issues a pension-certificate for the amount granted, without which no payment can be received.

Each pension is granted for twelve months, and a fresh application requires to be made each year for renewal.

Payment of the pension is made by twelve monthly instalments through the Post Office, sufficient money being remitted by way of imprest each month to meet the instalments falling due in that month. The particulars necessary for payment are furnished to the Post Office each year by schedules containing all pensions then current, supplementary schedules being forwarded each month of the new pensions granted in that month. Lists of pensions payable at each paying office are supplied to that office, and are open for inspection on payment of 1s.

Instalments are payable on the 1st of the month, but may be collected up to the first day of the month following, after which date the special authority of the Colonial Treasurer is required before payment can be made.

The full pension under the old Act was reducible by—

  1. £1 for every complete £1 of income over £34.

  2. £1 for every complete £15 of net accumulated property.

Under the Act of 1905 the deduction on account of property was altered from £1 in £15 to £1 in £10.

Income is money or profits derived by any means from any source, and includes the cost of board and lodging up to £26, but not sick-allowance or funeral benefits paid by a friendly society.

Net accumulated property is the capital value of all real and personal property owned by an applicant, less the amount of any mortgage existing on the property, and less the sum of £50.

Under the Act of 1905 a deduction of £150 instead of £50 is allowed where any part of the property of an applicant consists of property on which he permanently resides and which produces no income.

There have been various changes in the provisions dealing with the division of income and property where the claimant is married.

Under the original Act the income of a married claimant was deemed to be not less than half of the total incomes of husband and wife, but there was no limit placed on the amount of property which the husband or wife of an applicant could own.

The Act of 1900 altered this by limiting the amount of income of a married couple, including pension, to £78, and providing for the charging of half a husband's property against his wife, and vice versa. A further amendment has now been effected by the Act of 1905, which increased the £78 limit of income for husband and wife (including pension) to £90, and provides for the equal distribution between husband and wife of all property owned by either or both of them.

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 the Deputy Registrar with a statement of his income during the past year, and also of his property. On receipt of this statement the Deputy Registrar proceeds to verify the contents by the inquiry forms, and then submits it to the Magistrate, who investigates it in the same manner as is done in an original claim, the pensioner being required to attend in person if able to do so. The decision of the Magistrate is notified to the Registrar, who issues a fresh pension-certificate for the amount for which the pension is renewed, and authorises the Post Office to pay for another twelve months. The expired certificate is retained by the Post Office on payment of the final instalment, and forwarded to the Pensions Department, where it is filed.

If a person is physically unfit to draw his pension in person, he may appoint an agent, who requires an authority signed by a Stipendiary Magistrate before he can collect an instalment. This authority is renewed each year as the pension is renewed.

Pensions granted to persons maintained in charitable institutions are paid to the governing bodies of the institutions on production of an authority, likewise signed by a Stipendiary Magistrate. A fresh authority is required each month in these cases.

No payment is made of an instalment which falls due while a pensioner is in gaol, in an asylum, or out of the colony.

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.

If the Registrar 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 becomes possessed of property or income in excess of the amount allowed by law, the Registrar 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.

If a pensioner is convicted of drunkenness or any other offence the convicting Court has power to forfeit one or more instalments, to cancel the pension outright, or to order payment to be made to an agent.

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, as also is any person who aids or abets such person.

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 he, or 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 so found to be in excess.

Any person otherwise qualified to receive a pension who owns property on which he resides, and the value of which does not exceed £300, may transfer the said property to the Public Trustee, and the value of such property shall be deducted from the capital value of his total accumulated property for the purpose of computing the amount of his pension. 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 should die, the survivor shall be 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 to pay such amounts as aforesaid at any time, with a view of obtaining a retransfer of the property.

Two registers are kept in the office of each Deputy Registrar—namely, a Pension-claim Register and an Old-age Pension Register.

The Pension - claim Register contains a record of each claim filed, and how it is dealt with. This register is open for inspection on payment of the sum of 1s.

The Old-age Pensions Register contains a record of each pension granted in the district, as also of each pension transferred from any other district. All changes made from time to time in regard to any pension are entered up in this register.

Each Deputy Registrar is required to supply the following monthly returns:—

  1. A return of new pensions granted by the Magistrate—to include transfers from other districts.

  2. A return of new claims rejected or adjourned by the Magistrate.

  3. A return of renewal certificates granted by the Magistrate.

  4. A return of applications to inspect the Pension-claim Register.

The numbers at the end of each financial year since the Act came into operation, together with the gross payments made in each year, are as follow:—

  £
At 31st March, 18997,4433,124
At 31st March, 190011,285157,342
At 31st March, 190112,405197,292
At 31st March, 190212,776207,468
At 31st March, 190312,481210,140
At 31st March, 190411,926203,164
At 31st March, 190511,770195,475
At 31st March, 190612,582254,367
        Gross total £1,428,372

Chapter 61. PREFERENTIAL AND RECIPROCAL TRADE.

PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

THE Act passed in 1903 is referred to on page 107 of Part I, and the articles not of British origin, with the additional preferential duties which have been imposed on them, are specified in detail after the tariff in force under “The Customs Laws Consolidation Act, 1882.”

No duty is payable on tea grown in British Dominions, except when imported in packets not over 1 lb. in weight.

On pages 284–286 the original rates and additional duties are set out in still clearer form in the remarks under “Customs Revenue.”

RECIPROCAL TRADE.

Where any country, being part of the British Dominions, reduces or abolishes, or proposes to do so, the duty on any product or manufacture of New Zealand, the Governor is authorised to enter into an agreement to reduce or abolish the duty on any articles the produce or manufacture of such country to an extent that the estimated revenue so remitted shall equal as nearly as possible the remission by that country. Such agreements, however, require ratification by Parliament.

Similarly, where any country not being part of the British Dominions, reduces or abolishes, or proposes to do so, the duty on any product or manufacture of New Zealand, the Governor is authorised, subject to or by virtue of a treaty with His Majesty, to negotiate for an agreement to reduce or abolish the duty on any articles the produce or manufacture of such country to an extent that the estimated revenue so remitted in New Zealand shall equal as nearly as possible what is remitted by that country, subject to Parliamentary ratification.

Chapter 62. SECTION II.—AGRICULTURE IN NEW ZEALAND.

M. MURPHY, F.L.S.

IT is generally admitted that there is no part of the British dominions where agriculture, in its widest sense, can be carried on with so much certainty and with such good results as in New Zealand. The range of latitude, extending as it does from 34° to 47° south, secures for the colony a diversity of climate which renders it suitable for all the products of subtropical and temperate zones, while an insular position protects it from the continuous and parching droughts which periodically inflict such terrible losses on the agriculturist and pastoralist of Australia and South America.

Again, the climate, although somewhat variable, never reaches the extremes of heat or cold. So genial, indeed, is it that most animals and plants, when first introduced to the colony, assume a vigour unknown to them before.

NORTH ISLAND.

All the best forage-plants and grasses thrive most admirably, continuing to grow throughout the year with little intermission. Stock of every sort thrive and fatten rapidly on the pastures, coming to maturity at an early age without the aid of roots or condimental foods. All cereals flourish equally well, more especially Indian corn, which produces from fifty to eighty bushels per acre.

So full is the soil of plant-food that several continuous crops of potatoes or cereals may be taken with little apparent exhaustion. Wheat, oats, and barley thrive where the soil is not too rich; otherwise they produce enormous crops of straw, without a corresponding yield of corn. The tobacco-plant thrives well, as do also hops and sorghum, broom-corn, peanut, hemp, ramee or rhea (China grass), together with a large variety of economic plants, the growth of which will one day afford employment for a large population. In addition to these, all the British, Chinese, and Japanese fruits, with oranges, lemons, limes, olives, and vines (in the northern part), flourish abundantly, requiring but ordinary care. Potatoes are largely grown, and yield heavy crops.

Most of the country along the south-west and west coast is now taken up, and the primeval forest is fast disappearing before the settler's axe. For the most part, the soil is fertile, and the growth of grass and clover is extremely rapid and vigorous when sown on the surface after the felled timber has been destroyed by fire.

To the British husbandman it will seem almost incredible that the best pasture-grasses grow and thrive as they do with no other preparation than the ashes resulting from the burnt timber—no ploughing and no previous loosening of the soil—yet, in less than a year from the date of scattering the seed, this same land will fatten from five to six sheep per acre.

So rapidly are these fertile forest-lands being cleared and converted into pastures that the demand for stock (principally dairy) has greatly increased, and this demand must continue for a number of years before it is fully met.

Those who in the past have watched the progress of New Zealand, especially of the North Island, have always maintained that when the Maori difficulties and other impediments to settlement were overcome, the prosperity of the country would advance at a very rapid rate. This prediction has now been realised, and all that is required to make the present prosperity of the country continuous is the more rapid settlement of our lands with a thrifty class of settlers.

There are millions of acres yet unoccupied, a great portion of which is of good quality, and only waiting the hand of man to make it carry, with very little cost, large herds of dairy stock, with flocks of long-wool and crossbred sheep. The west coast of the North Island is essentially a cattle-country. Considerable areas in the midland districts are adapted to long-wool sheep, as is also the country along the east coast. Much of the country may be described as being good sheep-land, a large portion of which is quite capable of carrying two sheep to the acre, and some of it as many as three or four.

MIDDLE ISLAND.

If the North Island has a splendid inheritance in her forests, the Middle Island can boast of her magnificent plain-lands, rolling downs, and vast mountain ranges, all of which, to a greater or less degree, have already been made to contribute to the wealth of the colony.

The central portion of the Middle Island presented to the first-comers a vast plain, covered only with waving tussock-grass, offering little or no obstruction to the plough.

Travelling south, the country assumes a different character: easy undulating downs, well watered, here and there interspersed with fertile plains, the greater portion admirably adapted for agriculture, and all of it suitable for pastoral purposes.

The climate of the Middle Island is not so warm in summer nor so mild in winter as that experienced in the North Island. However, as has already been stated, there are no extremes of heat or cold. Much more might be said in praise of this portion of the colony. It is deemed necessary to say so much in order that readers may better comprehend the comparative ease with which every kind of farming is carried on in New Zealand as compared with other countries less favourably situated.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

The following résumé of the statistics, as published in the Gazette for the past season, is sufficient to indicate the trend of the agricultural and pastoral industries; fuller particulars will be found in the statistical portion of this book. It will be seen that there has been a decrease in the acreage devoted to wheat amounting to 35,325 acres, while there has been an increase of 18,380 acres of oats and 713 acres of barley; the area under turnips, mangolds, and rape exceeds that of the previous year by 22,489 acres. The increase of land laid down in grass is shown to be 215,422 acres.

The stock statistics show that horses have increased by 12,215 head, cattle by 74,086, and pigs by 5,593.

The sheep returns, made up to 30th April, 1905, show that the total number of sheep in the colony was 19,130,875, an increase of 850,069 on the number for the previous year.

THE FARMING OUTLOOK.

Before the advent of the freezing-chamber, sheep-farming could only be carried on profitably on large areas with large flocks, for the reason that wool and tallow were the only marketable products, the sale of fat sheep and lambs being confined to supplying the demand for local consumption. The development of the meat-export trade has completely altered the condition of things from an agricultural point of view. Almost every farmer, small and large, now keeps his flock of breeding-ewes for the production of lambs for freezing, thereby necessitating the growth of root and forage crops, and so bringing about a greatly improved style of farming throughout the colony when compared with the previous system of universal corn-growing.

The season of 1905–6 has resulted in much disappointment to the farming community. The cold, cutting winds and rain which prevailed during the growing season caused much anxiety to farmers. The results, as revealed by the threshing-mills, have shown that these fears were not ungrounded, the general average of the cereals being rather below that of the last few seasons. Up to the time of writing these notes (July) feed has been abundant, which to some extent is accounted for by the abnormal prices obtainable for sheep. The increasing development of the dairy industry, accelerated by the advent of what it is thought will prove to be an efficient milking-machine, will cause the demand for dairy farms to continue as brisk as ever, the natural result of which will be that suitable land for the purpose will continue to increase in value. Dairy farms, especially in the North Island, have advanced from 25 to 50 per cent. in value during the last decade. It would, however, be unreasonable to expect this rise to continue, either for dairying or for agricultural lands, in the face of the strides being made in these industries in other parts of the world. In connection with this subject, the following information will be interesting as well as instructive, viz: The area of land under occupation in New Zealand at the present time amounts to 37,167,460 acres, of which 890,101 acres were under cereals and pulse (including 242,563 acres for ensilage, chaff, and feeding down), 645,283 acres under green crops, in sown grasses 12,525,461 acres, in native grass, tussock, &c., 22,944,831 acres, in fallow 54,080 acres, plantations and orchards and gardens 107,154 acres, and vineyards 550 acres.

WHEAT.

The Canterbury Plains, the great wheat-growing district of the Middle Island, extend 150 miles north and south, running inland from the sea for forty miles, the whole forming an area of over 3,000,000 acres. A great portion of this vast plain is admirably adapted for the production of wheat, barley, and oats, and all the best cultivated grasses, the growing of which has been carried on extensively since the foundation of the colony. The total area under wheat for threshing in the colony for the season 1905–6 was 222,183 acres (exclusive of areas grown for chaffing and fed off), of which 154,918 acres were grown in Canterbury, the average yield throughout the colony being 30.60 bushels per acre; total yield, 6,798,934 bushels. The land is for the most part free from stones or impediments of any kind. Single-furrow ploughs are now rarely seen, double- and three-furrows being in general use, and an occasional steam plough. Three horses, occasionally four, with a man or a boy, can turn over three acres per day on the plains, at a cost of 5s. or 6s. per acre. A stroke of the disc or other harrow, followed by the seed-drill and light harrows, completes the operation of sowing.

Seed-sowing commences in May, and can be continued as weather permits through the winter, and in the heavy swamp land (drained) on into September and even October. From 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 and 2 bushels of seed per acre are usually sown, the quantity increasing as the season advances.

OATS AND BARLEY.

Otago and Southland districts excel in the production of oats, which is their principal cereal crop. The total area under this cereal harvested for the season 1905–6 was 599,256 acres, of which 238,687 acres were cut for chaff and ensilage.

The yield of oats in Otago and Southland varies from 40 to 80 bushels per acre, the cost of production being about the same as wheat—viz., £2 per acre when grown from grass-land, and £1 10s. from stubble.

Malting barley, of very superior quality, is grown in Nelson and Marlborough, where the soil and climate appear to be particularly adapted to its culture. 29,644 acres were grown this year for threshing.

The growing of this cereal (barley) for malting purposes requires more attention than it has yet received in this colony. It is claimed for this crop that it will show a better result than wheat, for the following reasons: (1) It is less exhaustive to the soil; (2) it gives an average yield of from 10 per cent. to 20 per cent. more than wheat; (3) the growing crop in favourable seasons can be fed off twice, or even three times, to the advantage of the subsequent yield of grain. Land of a light and calcareous nature, but unsuitable for wheat, will give a barley thin in the skin, and particularly suited for malting purposes. Barley is not a difficult crop to raise, but there are certain points that need careful attention, which, if neglected, would probably result in the production of an inferior sample, which would hardly pay for growing.

ROOT-CROPS.

Potatoes: Potatoes are largely grown throughout New Zealand. On suitable soils very heavy crops are raised, it being no uncommon thing to dig from 8 to 10 and 15 tons per acre, although the general average is much lower, for the reason that unsuitable land is frequently devoted to this crop. The area under potatoes in 1905–6 was 26,834 acres. The bulk of the crop is planted without manure, but, where used, bonedust, superphosphate, blood-manure, or animal guano (which may be procured of first quality from the local manure manufactories), from 1 cwt. to 2 cwt. per acre, is applied with good results. The potato is, however, an expensive crop to grow, costing from £5 to £6 per acre, and it is perhaps the most precarious of all crops, being materially affected by drought, but more particularly so by early and late frosts. The past season was an unfavourable one for this crop, owing to the cold, cutting winds experienced throughout the country during the early stages of growth, inducing an alarming outbreak of disease of fungoid growth, very similar—said to be identical—to that which has from time to time devastated the potato crops of Great Britain, and, indeed, all other potato-growing countries. Its development was so rapid that the total destruction of the crop was at one time threatened. Happily, however, this has not eventuated, and a moderate crop has been secured. With advanced prices, the shortage will be very little felt by growers. Frequent dressings with Bordeaux mixture prevents the germination of the fungus spores. The formula for the remedy can be obtained by applying to the Government Biologist. This precaution should not be neglected.

Land for potatoes is usually broken out of grass, skim-ploughed in autumn, ploughed deeply in spring, and thoroughly tilled; or potatoes may be grown in drills opened and closed with a double-furrow plough. The seed—15 cwt. per acre—is then ploughed in under every third furrow, the after-culture consisting of harrowing just as the crop is appearing over ground (by this means myriads of seedling weeds are destroyed); drill-grubbing, hoeing, horse-hoeing, and earthing-up being the subsequent operations. Heavy crops of wheat, oats, barley, beans, or peas can always be relied upon after potatoes.

Turnips:* The turnip-crop of this season has been a fair average one on the plains of Canterbury. In the southern portion of the Island the crop was fairly good. The area under this crop for the season 1905–6 was 469,579 acres, an increase of 22,335 acres as compared with the previous year.

*Valuable information on the growing cf this crop will be found under this heading in the Year-book for 1901, page 478.

Rape is largely grown as sheep-feed, and may be sown either in early spring or immediately after harvest, the stubble being skim-ploughed or broken up with the spring-tined cultivator. This crop is invaluable in the early spring, and may be fed off in time for oats or barley. Dairy cattle, however, should not be fed on rape, as doing so destroys the flavour of the milk. This fodder plant is more valuable for fattening lambs than the turnip; there were 131,742 acres under this crop, being an increase of 154 acres.

Kale: Mr. Lowrie, the director of the Lincoln Agricultural College, has demonstrated the great value of kale as a supplementary forage-crop. There are several varieties of kale which have been cultivated for a lengthened period in Europe. For some reason its culture has hitherto been much neglected in New Zealand. Mr. Lowrie has, however, succeeded in bringing its value before the farming community, with the result that it may be said to be fairly established. It is not intended that it should take the place of rape. As a forage-crop, however, the kales compare very favourably with the varieties of rape. They will stand drought better than rape; they are less liable to blight; they are healthier for stock. Mr. Lowrie remarks: “I have never known kale to injure stock, either sheep or cattle, and I have frequently had to take lambs off rape, when they have begun to die from irritation in the intestines, and put them on kale to recover.” The value, however, of the food from a fattening point of view is scarcely so high as rape. Young stock will fatten on rape quicker, but wethers and two-tooth sheep and over seem to do as well on kale as they will do on rape, and the percentage of deaths will always be lower. A good block of kale should always be grown, for reasons above stated. It has another advantage—viz., it can with impunity be fed to dairy cows with little fear of tainting the milk, as is the case with rape.

The cultivation of kale consists in sowing the seed in drills, 21 in. apart, with 1 lb. of seed per acre. Sown in September, the crop will be ready for grazing in February, and can be grazed right through the autumn. Stock should be taken out about the end of May and the crop left until the spring, when in the month of September it will yield an enormous amount of forage; but care must be taken not to feed it too closely at any time. The plant is a gross feeder, and must be treated generously if sown in indifferent soil. From 2 cwt. to 3 cwt. per acre of manure should be drilled in with the seed. The variety known as “Thousand-headed kale” is the most generally useful.

Mangolds and Carrots are largely grown in some districts. They cost more money per acre than turnips to produce, as they must be hand-hoed; nor are they so suitable a crop for cleaning the land. Turnip-sowing does not commence till November or December, affording ample time for the destruction of seedling weeds; this important opportunity is largely lost in the culture of the mangold, which is usually sown in October. Mangolds are, however, an invaluable crop on a stock-farm, as they do not reach their primest condition until the turnip-supply is exhausted, usually in August. From 30 to 60 tons per acre is not an uncommon yield of these roots, often without the aid of manure, on rich swamp land. Experiments and analyses show that the orange and yellow Tankard are more nutritious than any of the long varieties; 7,090 acres were grown last season.

Carrots are also a valuable crop, especially for horses; on sandy loams the yield reaches 15 to 20 tons per acre. Carrots impart a pleasant flavour to butter, and should be largely grown for dairy stock.

SEEDS.

Clover: Saving clover for seed in favourable seasons is a lucrative industry, adding materially to the farmers' income. Clover is sown with a spring crop, usually of corn, lightly grazed in the following autumn, and then reserved for a crop of hay, which, according to the season, yields from 2 to 3 tons per acre when cut in November or early in December. Some farmers prefer feeding off with sheep in preference to mowing for hay. The after-growth is then allowed to flower and seed, which it does very freely. Thousands of humble-bees may be seen in the clover-fields during the months of January, February, and March. The seed ripens in March, and is then cut and dried, and threshed out by machines known as clover-shellers. An acre of clover may yield in hay and seed from £8 to £10. It must, however, be stated that, while a good crop of clover-seed is most lucrative, it is nevertheless a most precarious one. Owing to lateness of the season of ripening, it sometimes happens that the fertilisation is imperfect, resulting in a majority of barren heads. This gave rise to a controversy as to whether the proper bee has been introduced. The point was referred to the late Miss Ormerod, the English entomologist, with specimens, which the lady identified as Bombus terrestris and subterraneous. The former is declared by Mr. Darwin to be useless as a fertiliser for the reason that its tongue is too short. This question has again been revived, it being thought that while some of the varieties introduced have proved very valuable as fertilisers it is quite possible that there are others still more so. At the last annual meeting of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association a sub-committee was set up to collect information on the subject. As the result of the inquiries made, Messrs. Sladen, Ripple Court, Dover, England, and A. H. Ham, Oxford, England—well-known scientists—were asked to co-operate in collecting the most suitable species. A small consignment (the season being too far advanced) was shipped by the s.s. “Paparoa,” which arrived in Lyttelton on the 24th February, 1906. Out of fifteen sent ten arrived alive—viz., four Bombus lapidarius (the red-tailed bee), and six Bombus hortorum. These were released in clover-paddocks at and near the Lincoln Agricultural College on Saturday, 24th February; and, as the insects were strong and active, it is hoped that they will have established themselves. Arrangements are being made for extensive shipments this season. The Dominion Entomologist of Canada has promised to send a shipment of bees as soon as practicable, and it is probable that some may be procured from California.

White and alsike clover are now grown in considerable quantities. White clover yields enormously: as much as 300 lb. of alsike seed has been obtained per acre. These clovers are not so dependent on the action of the humble-bee for their fertilisation. They mature earlier, and are more easily threshed and cleaned than cow-grass or red-clover.

Grass-seed Saving: All the most valuable British grasses flourish throughout New Zealand. Cocksfoot has been for many years a staple product of Banks Peninsula (Akaroa County), where the soil for the most part consists of decomposed volcanic rocks and vegetable mould. Large quantities of this seed are now raised in the North Island and in many other parts of the colony as well. The seed is of the finest description, frequently weighing 20 lb. to the bushel, 12 lb. being a standard bushel. Cocksfoot thrives on a very wide range of soil, from the richest to the poorest, preferring, of course, the former. It may be found on the dry stony plains of the interior, green and healthy, when the surrounding herbage, introduced or indigenous, has given way to the heat of the summer sun.

Growing ryegrass for seed is also an important industry. The seed is usually gathered by stripping; sometimes the grass is cut and tied and afterwards threshed by machinery. The average yield is from 15 to 20 bushels per acre, weighing from 25 lb. to 32 lb. per bushel, 20 lb. being the standard weight. A common practice is to graze the land till midsummer; to take the stock off for a few weeks, and then to run the stripper over the ground. By this primitive method 10 bushels per acre are sometimes secured, being of the finest quality. Ryegrass-seed is usually in good demand; the price varies according to the season; the usual price, however, is from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. and 4s. per bushel. Crested dogstail, sheep's fescue, and meadow fescue are also successfully grown, particularly in the North Island, for seed.

Many of the indigenous grasses of New Zealand are possessed of considerable feeding-value, but, unfortunately, few of them will stand too close feeding. The action of fire is especially injurious to most of them. Of recent years much has been said in favour of Danthonia semiannularis (one of the native oat-grasses) as a grass particularly adapted to some of the poorer soils in the North Island, where it is said to thrive admirably; it is also said to be able to resist the action of occasional grass-fires. There are many varieties of Danthonias, from the giant, coarse-growing snow-grass or oat-grass, to the fine-leaved varieties found in almost all the natural pastures in the colony. They are for the most part valuable for sheep pastures. Mr. Kirk, the Government Biologist, has under observation at some of the Government stations large collections of grasses (native and foreign), and it is expected that some results will be obtained which may prove of considerable value to the pastoral interests of the colony.

Small Seeds: New Zealand, from the nature of her soil and climate, offers a fine field for growing all kinds of farm and garden seeds. This circumstance has already attracted the attention of some of the larger seed-merchants of Great Britain, whose agents occasionally visit the colony with a view to inducing farmers and others to grow certain kinds of seeds. The industry is peculiarly adapted to small holdings, and well suited to young persons, the work being light and of an interesting character. Ready sale can be found for carefully grown and carefully cleaned garden-seeds if grown in quantity.

OTHER CROPS.

Pulse: Peas and beans are largely grown for pig and horse feed, and for export; they form an excellent preparation for wheat. An extensive trade in peas of a certain description is done in the manufacturing towns of Great Britain; and efforts are now being made to secure a share of this trade for the colony by producing peas suitable for splitting for human food. The business should prove a most remunerative one. Thirty bushels of peas per acre are considered a fair crop, while 60 to 70 bushels of beans are often secured. As showing the extraordinary fertility of some of the lands in the colony, it may be mentioned that beans and wheat have been grown alternately on Kaiapoi Island (Canterbury) for thirty years without any apparent diminution of yield, the crops of recent years being as abundant as those grown twenty-five years ago—40 to 50 bushels of wheat and 60 to 70 bushels of beans being the usual return per acre.

Cape Barley and Winter Oats: The demand for early spring feed has resulted in the growing of these plants for forage. Their extreme hardiness renders them well adapted for autumn sowing. If sown in March they are ready for feeding-off in May; they may be fed off again in July, and on till the beginning of October, when, if allowed to run to seed, they will produce 40 to 60 bushels per acre, or they may be ploughed in as green manure for turnips.

Tares are also grown, but not so largely as they deserve to be, especially for dairy stock. Mixed with oats, barley, or rye, they are excellent milk-producers; and when grown luxuriantly they destroy all kinds of weeds, and leave the land in fine condition for a spring corn-crop.

Lucerne: This permanent fodder-plant thrives admirably in most parts of New Zealand, provided the land is not waterlogged, yielding three to five cuttings in the year; and, if properly cultivated and well attended to, particularly in its early stage of growth, it will continue to yield liberal cuttings for seven or eight years, or even longer. This is a most excellent crop for the small or large farmer, furnishing, as it does, an abundant supply of succulent fodder, in deeply-cultivated soils, during the drier months of midsummer, as well as in the early spring. All farm animals are partial to lucerne; pigs thrive upon it. No farm should be without a well-cultivated plot of this plant. In deeply cultivated land lucerne will yield four or five cuttings during the season, no matter how hot and dry the weather may be. It is this drought-resisting quality which renders lucerne such a valuable fodder plant in Queensland and New South Wales where it is extensively grown for pasture purposes, and for hay, which is largely exported for use in other parts of the Commonwealth.

COST OF WORKING A FARM IN NEW ZEALAND.

When comparing the cost of working a farm in England with one of the same size in the colony, several points have to be taken into account, such as the climate, the soil, labour, and machinery. In Australasia wages are higher than in Britain; as a set-off against this, New Zealand can claim, firstly, that there are more fine working-days in the year, the fields are much larger, the latest improvements in labour-saving machinery have been introduced, the soil is more easily worked, and that the genial nature of the climate renders it unnecessary to house stock during the winter months at least in the North Island, thus saving the cost of attendance; secondly, that farming operations may be carried on continuously throughout the whole year; and, thirdly, that the paddocks are so large, and usually so level, that the double- and treble-furrow plough may be worked by one man or youth with three horses, thus equalising the cost of labour, as we have shown that one man, or even a boy, will be quite equal to two men or boys in the Old Country; so that, after all, the difference in the cost of working a farm in the colony is not so great as might appear at first sight.

Colonial farmers, particularly those farming large areas, are already turning their attention to the coming motive power which is destined to take the place of horse-power for ploughing, threshing and indeed every kind of work which is now performed by horses. Trials of agricultural motors have been held in Scotland. Ploughing, harrowing, reaping and binding, and manure-spreaders are worked with great ease and precision. The total cost of working one of these motors is estimated at 18s. per day. The machine complete weighs about 30 cwt., and the speed is from two and a half to six miles an hour. Numbers of these motors have already found their way to Australia and New Zealand. It is probable that this power will ultimately take the place of horses for ploughing and other farm work on the level plain lands, doing it at a greatly reduced cost per acre. A fully equipped three-horse team costs nearly £200, besides the upkeep in the way of feed and the risk of accidents and death.

The hay-crop is simply cut one day, raked into windrows' the next, and in a couple more it is ready for stacking.

Wheat is cut and tied by machinery, the stooks requiring no capping. It is frequently threshed out of the stook in favourable seasons, thereby saving the cost of stacking and thatching; but this method, although very general, is not recommended except in hot or dry seasons. The stacks are rarely thatched, except, perhaps, on the weather side. This is a wise precaution, the neglect of which sometimes entails serious loss.

The manure bill, which is such a heavy item of annual expenditure with the British farmer, presses as yet very lightly on the farmers of the colony. It is, however, a notable fact that the use of fertilisers is becoming more general; 1 cwt. to 1 1/2 cwt. of superphosphates per acre is used with the turnip and other root-crops, for the purpose of forcing the young plant into the rough leaf, when it will be out of one danger—the turnip-fly. It will therefore be seen that the colonial farmer has many advantages over the farmer of the Old Country.

It may also be pointed out that the application of one or two hundredweight per acre of superphosphate of lime produces better results in colonial soils than double the quantity would do in England, showing clearly that the natural richness of colonial soils is not yet exhausted.

LIVE-STOCK.

Cattle: The total number of cattle in the colony for 1905–6 was 1,810,936, an increase of 74,086 over the previous year.

Horses: The number of horses in the colony for 1905–6 was 326,537, an increase of 12,215 over the previous year.

Sheep: The returns made up to the 30th April, 1905, show 19,130,875, an increase of 850,069 over the year ending 30th April, 1903–4. This is most encouraging. The increasing demand for breeding ewes has had the natural result of raising the price of this class of sheep, large numbers of which are now reserved for replenishing the breeding flocks of the colony. The export of frozen lambs for the year 1905 amounted to 2,002,156, and the export of frozen sheep for the same period was 1,573,523—a total of 3,575,679; besides which there were 29,588 cwt. of frozen mutton joints exported.

The returns made up to the 30th April, 1905, show the distribution of the flocks of the colony to be as follows: In the North Island, 9,388,605; and in the South Island, 9,742,270: total, 19,130,875.

SHEEP.

New Zealand has proved itself admirably adapted for the breeding of all classes of sheep, from the fine-combing merino to the strongest type of Lincoln. The merino occupies and thrives on the wild lands of the colony, from the snow-line to the border of the plains, as well as on the drier portions of the plains. The merino ewe furnishes the foundation for all the crossbred varieties. On the rich moist soils the Lincoln and Romney Marsh sheep flourish, while the finer English and Border Leicesters and Downs sheep occupy the drier lands.

Sheep bred from merino ewes and longwool rams, or from crossbred ewes with Down rams, are the most suitable for the frozenmeat trade, and are known as “freezers.”

The dapper little Southdown flourishes wherever crossbreds thrive. Their more ponderous cousins, the Shropshire and Hampshire Downs, have their admirers, especially the Shropshire, which are largely used for crossing with a view to producing early-maturing lambs. English Leicesters and Border Leicesters are also much sought after for this purpose, particularly in the Middle Island, where “prime Canterbury” mutton is produced. The breeds of sheep now in New Zealand are Lincolns, English Leicesters, Border Leicesters, Romney Marsh, Shropshires, Southdown, Hampshire Downs, Merinos, Cheviots, Ryelands, Dorset Horns, Oxford Downs, and Roscommons.

Shearing commences in September, and is continued till January. The usual price per hundred is from 17s. 6d. to 20s. Shearing-machines are not so largely used as was expected when first introduced, except in the large sheds.

The average clips for the various breeds of sheep are approximately: Merino, from 4 lb. to 7 lb.; quarter-breds, about 6 1/2 lb.; half-breds, 7 1/2 lb.; three-quarter-breds, 8 1/2 lb.; Leicester, 10 1/2.; Lincoln, 11 lb. Of course, very much larger clips are obtained from special flocks, as much as 25 lb. to 30 lb. per sheep; but the above figures represent general averages. The export of wool for 1905 was valued at £5,381,333.

The staple of New Zealand wool, especially the long-wool and cross-bred, is remarkable for its freedom from breaks and other imperfections incidental to countries subject to long droughts and periodical scarcity of feed.

The most profitable sheep for New Zealand is that which combines the best fleece and the most suitable carcase for freezing purposes, together with early maturity. This is the class of sheep which some sheep-breeders have set themselves to produce. Whether such an animal, having fixity of type, can be evolved, remains to be proved; so much depends on the feed, situation, and soil.

The capability of New Zealand for producing mutton has not yet reached its limit. When the frozen-meat trade was first seriously considered, an assertion to the effect that the colony could soon find 1,000,000 sheep per annum for freezing without impairing the breeding-flocks was treated as highly chimerical by sheep-breeders of long experience. The output of sheep and lambs for the year ending 30th June, 1906, was 3,673,903 carcases. There are now twenty-two freezing-works in operation in New Zealand. But, while congratulating the colony on the development of the frozenmeat trade, it must be borne in mind that Argentina and Australia also share the trade of Great Britain with New Zealand. It must be admitted that, with cheaper land and a closer proximity to the markets of the world, Argentina must necessarily be a very formidable rival to Australasia. The only way to keep command of the market is to ship nothing but first-quality graded mutton and lamb.

“The New Zealand Flock-book,” first published in 1895, is now thoroughly established, and is of great value to the owners of pure pedigree flocks. There are now about six hundred registered flocks throughout the colony. The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria also publishes a Flock-book for British breeds of sheep. This is a step in the right direction, as flock-masters in South America demand a certificate to the effect that the cattle and sheep purchased by them are duly registered in an authorised Herd- or Flock-book. The value of these books is now so fully recognised that all the distinctive breeds of sheep in Britain and elsewhere have their recognised registers. Carefully kept registers of breeding must ultimately tend to improvement in the quality of the flocks of the colony.

HORSE-BREEDING.

The climate of New Zealand is admirably adapted for the breeding and rearing of horses of all kinds, especially draught horses. Indeed it would be difficult to find better Clydesdale horses than those bred on the limestone soils of Oamaru and elsewhere. Some of the best blue-blood of this breed has from time to time been imported from Scotland, with the result that the breed is now well established in the colony.

The light-horse stock of the colony has risen into note through the production of animals which have rendered themselves famous on the colonial turf. The demand for horses suitable for remounts for the cavalry service in India is a continuous one, affording a ready market for the proper stamp of animal; shipments are periodically made to that country with varying results.

With a view to bringing the use of pure-bred sires within the reach of small selectors in the outlying blocks the Government have imported a few first-class horses of the most approved types, which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on the stock of the country. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association publish a Draught-horse Stud-book, which is largely used by breeders of that class of horse.

CATTLE.

The colony possesses all the best strains of blood, and this is evidenced by the superior class of cattle to be met with throughout the settled districts, especially in the show-yards. There are now four herd-books published in the colony—viz., the “Shorthorn,” “Other Breeds,” published by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the “Hereford Herd-book,” published by the Hereford breeders, and the “Jersey Herd-book,” published in Palmerston North. The value of properly kept herd-books is now fully recognised. Purchasers of animals for export or otherwise now demand that they shall be duly registered in some authorised herd-book as a guarantee of pure breed. New Zealand is comparatively free from many of the diseases so disastrous to horned stock in other countries. With a view to maintaining this enviable position, the Government have prohibited vessels carrying live-stock from infected colonies touching at any of the ports of New Zealand except under certain conditions. This action is deemed necessary, owing to the prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia in Australia.

DAIRY STOCK.

The breeding of first-class dairy stock offers a field for profitable investment owing to the increasing development of the dairy industry. There are now 517,720 cows kept exclusively for dairy purposes, an increase of 19,479. The rearing of well-bred heifer calves is sadly neglected by many dairy farmers, for the reason that the consumption of the separated milk by pigs gives a better and much quicker return. Nevertheless every dairy farmer should rear a few of the best heifer calves from the best milkers got by a good strain of sire. Separated milk, although relieved of its butter-fat, loses little of its feeding value; the addition of a little linseed meal will restore the fatty constituents, which, however, are not the most valuable for feeding purposes. Ground oats, wheat, or barley added to the linseed mucilage will tend greatly to the rapid growth of the calves. An acre or so of European flax should be grown upon every farm where stock-rearing is carried on. Much has still to be done in the way of improving the dairy stock of the colony. The yield of milk from fairly good milking-cattle is approximately 500 gal. per annum, although from 700 gal. to 900 gal. per head are frequently obtained from selected herds. The average quantity of milk obtained will no doubt be increased as more attention is paid to breeding and proper feeding. The general management and feeding of dairy stock is a question demanding every attention. Kind treatment is essential to success; clean pastures, clear running water, and grasses of the best quality are all factors fully recognised wherever dairying is successfully carried out; and, last but not least, warmth and shelter during the cold wet months of winter.

The average yield of butter from milk passed through the separator is 1 lb. for every 2 1/2 gal. of milk of 10 1/2 lb.; so that the average cow produces annually 200 lb. of butter, or 500 lb. of cheese, which, estimated at 4 1/2d. per pound, will be worth about as much as the butter.

FEEDING FOR MILK.

The following excellent paper on “Feeding for Milk” is from the pen of Mr. W. Lowrie, Director Lincoln Agricultural College, and it should be carefully perused and acted upon by those desirous of procuring a fair return from their cows:—

The feature of the dairy industry of this colony which seems most in need of improvement is, generally speaking, the management of the dairy farm. It is generally agreed that the work of the factories, the organization for grading, and the facilities for marketing the produce have been much improved from year to year, yet, although the climate and soil of New Zealand are exceptionally favourable for the industry, progress in the amount of output is not what might have been anticipated. It is at the source of the industry—the management of the cow—that weakness occurs, and the question or questions how best to remedy this defect really dwarfs, for the time being, all other considerations relative to the improvement of the industry. I do not think that it can be claimed that the management of dairy stock has reached nearly the high level of efficiency shown in the management of sheep in the colony. Consequently the economic position of the dairy herd, compared with sheep, is at a disadvantage proportional to the failings in its management, and that encouragement for the extension and development of dairying, so pregnant of importance to the colony, is not what might have been. There are men in every district who manage their cows pre-eminently well, but as the many are so far behind the few the fruition of the industry is retarded. The extent of the loss possible to be avoided has been variously put by those who have been earnestly urging improved methods. Mr. Scott says 30 per cent.; Mr. Cuddie put it at over £1,000,000 sterling. I have no knowledge on which to make an estimate, but I may say, with such diffidence as my very limited knowledge of the colony requires, that I cannot think an estimate based on 500 gallons, or thereabout, average per cow, in any way extravagant. We are fond of comparing colonial methods with the methods of the British farmer, and generally flatter the colonial in the comparison, but there are occasions when the advantage is the other way. I noticed in Mr. Spier's report of one of the milk-record societies of the West of Scotland—viz., Fenwick—constituted of eighteen farmers, milking 443 cows—that the average per cow was 875 gallons at 3 per cent. fat. If that average can be had from Ayrshires in the west of Scotland, surely there is good reason to reckon 500 gallons to 550 gallons practicable with good-grade cattle in New Zealand, where the period of the year when good grazing conditions obtain is so much longer. But we need not go to Scotland for an example of the value of good management, as there are in New Zealand, before our eyes, individual farmers whose cows average 800 gallons or over per annum.

Of the factors determining success, I will mention two which seem deserving of much more attention—viz. (1) the selection, breeding, and rearing of dairy stock; (2) the feeding of the milking-herd.

It is well for the farmer to keep before his mind's eye how great is the drain on the cow in full milk, and how essential a generous dietary becomes to enable her to maintain her full capacity. Let me instance the case of a cow yielding 600 gallons per annum. In her milk there would be approximately 230 lb. of fat, 200 lb. of albumenoids, 300 lb. of milk-sugar, 42 lb. of ash or mineral matter—total, 772 lb. of solids.

This amount of dry matter is nearly twice the total weight of dry matter in the body of a cow 900 lb. to 1,000 lb. live weight. Such a drain on the body, and such demand on the vital activities, that the mammary gland shall secrete a weight of solids practically double the dry matter of the cow's body each year, should surely convince us that liberal feeding alone can enable her to do it.

Some men proceed as if they thought the secretion of milk was a creative act, or that the cow's udder compares somewhat with the widow's cruse of oil—that it can be drawn on without feeding proportionately, and yet not fail. But the cow, of course, requires food for other purposes than the mere supply of blood from which may be produced by the metabolic activity of the cells of the udder the solid matters of the milk. The body-weight has to be maintained or increased, the fætus nourished, the temperature of the body maintained (often a considerable demand where shelter is deficient or rugs not provided), energy has to be supplied for the muscles and nerves, and to do among other things the mere work which the secretion or elaboration of material in the cells of the udder means. As a matter of fact, of the available energy supplied in the food, it has been estimated by Mr. Jordan, of New York Experimental Station, that less than one-third is accounted for in the energy of the solid matters of the milk. The udder—let me put it otherwise—does not act as a mere sieve; the fat, sugar, and proteids of the milk are chemically distinct from the fats, sugar, and albumenoids of the food, and where work such as this is done, energy must be supplied. As well may we expect a steam-engine to work without fuel.

Let me further illustrate this matter by comparing the result of the cow yielding 600 gallons per year with the increase of a fattening bullock of 1,200 lb. live weight. We may take it that the bullock under heavy feeding will increase 12 1/2 lb. per week live weight. The percentage composition of the increase, according to Lawes and Gilbert's calculations of fattening oxen, was 24.6 water, nitrogenous matter 7.7, fat 66.2, ash 1.5. If the bullock took twenty-two weeks to fatten, two of them could be fattened in the forty-four-weeks lactation period of the cow. The increased live weight of the two bullocks would be 550 lb., and this would be made up approximately—135 lb. water, 42 lb. albumenoids, 364 lb. fat, and 8 lb. mineral matter. The total increase of dry matter, therefore, is, for the two bullocks, 414 lb. But the cow produces 772 lb. of solid matter, we have already noted, and therefore she produces in the year nearly as much solid or dry matter as is represented in the increase of four bullocks fattening on good rations, each taking over five months to fatten. Surely, therefore, the cow will be admitted to be deserving of rich rations, and these abundant in quantity. When this is fully and generally recognised, this million sterling that is now missing will, in part at least, be picked up.

Of all the foodstuffs available, good grazing proves all round the best and the cheapest, and it behoves the dairy-farmer to make the grazing as good as the conditions of his country allow. Land may readily be too rich and grow feed too luxuriant and abundant for sheep, but we never find grazing too luxuriant for cattle, provided the herbage is nutritious. But in grazing land with dairy cows, it is not to be forgotten that it is being exhausted in a greater degree than would be the case in grazing cattle or sheep. A dairy cow, for example, will be the means of removing from the land, if she yield 600 gallons, 36 lb. nitrogen, 12 lb. phosphoric acid, and 10 lb. potash. To replace this with a mixture of artificial manure would require over 2 cwt. of nitrate of soda, about 60 lb. of bonedust, and nearly 3/4 cwt. of kainite. But in practice on most soils, where in the herbage there is a fair proportion of leguminosæ, the replacing of the phosphoric acid will suffice, and for the best results that must occasionally be done. The permanent pasture should be reinforced with basic slag or superphosphate, otherwise, as we have seen, there is removed in a cow's milk per year almost as much phosphoric acid as is drawn from the soil in 28 bushels of wheat, and every one knows there comes an end to the time you can take crop after crop of wheat off the same land without manure. If the pasture be grazed and grazed in this way, with comparatively little addition in the form of other foodstuffs to the stock on it, there comes a time when the exhaustion shows, when the leguminous herbage becomes scarce, when the better grasses fail, and the pastures become possessed of inferior grasses. Though the change may not be very apparent, the stock will feel it and will show it in their yields. In the new lands of the North Island this question is not at hand, but on the lands which have been farmed for a longer time, an occasional top-dressing of lime, bonedust, basic slag, or superphosphate would be remunerative, for it would carry more stock and do them better.

In selecting seeds for sowing out permanent pasture for dairy cattle; it should be endeavoured to increase the percentage of leguminous herbage in the pasture—to make the pasture what chemists designate a narrow ration. Cow-grass, I fear, we cannot buy—or, to put it in another way, we cannot obtain a red clover that is perennial—and accordingly we should try to make up with white clover and sow proportionately heavy. Alsike clover might also be added in greater proportion on the heavier, damper lands, as on these alsike will last longer. But the grazing, except for the matter of overstocking, is satisfactory, and does not offer opportunity for improvement as does the winter and spring feeding of the stock. It is in the winter and spring feeding of the cows, and in the feeding and rearing of heifers, that New Zealand practice as a whole compares badly, and much less is gained from the industry than is possible. There can be no doubt whatever that much better provision should be made for wintering. The crops which suggest themselves as worthy of much greater attention are—

  1. Such grasses as Italian rye and some of the best brome-grasses, such as Schraders or prairie grass.

  2. Such roots as mangolds, carrots, and parsnips.

  3. The drumhead cabbage.

  4. Crops for soiling or ensiling in various mixtures, simple and complex, oats, Cape barley, pease, beans, vetches.

On a dairy farm it seems to me that everything should turn round the cow, and the crops grown should be such as are likely to provide foodstuffs out of which to work up the best return on butter-fat. Italian rye-grass I consider of the very greatest value. I would place this plant far ahead of any varieties of oats or barley for spring feeding. With these latter costing as much for cultivation and seeding, it is only a few days' feast and the feed is gone; whereas Italian rye will carry the same stock on the same area, and beat them as the spring advances. When the pastures come to a good bite, the stock can be taken out, and in six weeks you may cut a luxuriant crop of hay. Leave the after math for a time, and you will get excellent summer and autumn grazing. It is well to sow the Italian rye early—at the end of March, say—and sow out with a heavy seeding, 2 bushels down to 30 lb., with 6 lb. to 8 lb. of red clover, and 2 lb. alsike clover. There is everything to recommend in this practice—good spring feed, excellent hay, and plenty of it, and good summer grazing—when perennial rye (of which far too much is about) has gone to seed and become dry or bleached. Let any one try it, and I feel sure no further missionary work will be required; he will be converted right away to its use, if on suitable country. In sowing out clovers with Italian rye, early sowing is absolutely necessary, else will the clovers fail. If sowing late, omit clover and sow increased weight of seed. You may then sow the rye-grass for seed after being spring-fed, and plough up again in the autumn. This will pay better than oats for winter or spring early feed. At the same time, a block of land sown sufficiently early in the autumn in plots of different crops for soiling, so as to offer a succession of green forage in the spring, is valuable on a dairy farm. Rye, Cape barley and vetches, dun oats and vetches, would offer such a succession. It is better to cut these crops and feed them from racks than to graze them, as the quantity of forage secured is heavier and cleaner and better for the stock, while the puddling of the land (which must occur in the average spring) is avoided. Of these green feed-crops mentioned, the rye should always be fed before it comes into ear. If left until it comes into ear, cattle care less for it, and it has a slight deleterious effect on the quality of the dairy-produce. Other crops, vetches and Cape barley, and vetches and oats, if not required for soiling, can be advantageously saved for hay, and if the weather—at the time they are ready for cutting—be unsuitable, they can be made into silage. The vetch most suitable for sowing for this purpose is the large grain, and it is worth a farmer's while to sow a patch of the large tare simply for seed, as the price of such tares on the market is always very high. I might mention that there is on the market just now a very handy one-horse mower, which is convenient to cut crops for soiling when only a few loads each day are required.

It is needless to urge the value of plenty of hay for dairy stock in the winter time. All farmers are agreed on that matter, but some do not fully appreciate the fact that a considerable quantity of hay can be made without lessening in anything like a proportional degree the grazing-capacity of the area they hold, as there is generally in New. Zealand (on good land at any rate) such an overwhelming luxuriance of herbage in the early summer. If this be left ungrazed, it tends to go down and rot the bottom. The better practice is to shut up a proportion of the fields, and convert them into hay or silage.

The roots to be recommended to the dairy farmers are mangolds, carrots, parsnips; and in connection with these roots might also be mentioned such forages as cabbage and kohl-rabi. Cabbages come in the autumn, while mangolds which have been stored are ripening in the heap. Of the roots, mangolds give by far the heaviest yields, and can be grown per ton at less expense considerably than carrots or parsnips. But they require very heavy manuring and good soil for the best results, while the carrot and the parsnip are less exacting, both as to quality of soil and as to quantity of manure.

It is a mistake to feed roots too heavily—for example, to feed only mangolds, and, as dry feed, oat-straw. In that case a cow, if she have a full supply of mangolds, would eat upwards of 1 cwt. per day, but the quantity is better to be limited to 50 lb. or 60 lb. per cow, and the balance of feed made up with oat-straw, hay, or such green forage, fed direct from the field, as we have already mentioned. It is a great convenience in the spring to have a good supply of roots, such as mangolds, stacked away, as they are so easily kept, and are available to be fed in the spring when, say, the land under Italian rye-grass is too soft to be grazed by cattle without hopelessly spoiling it as a pasture.

It is well for the farmer also to have blocks of such crops as pease, beans, and oats, which he can thresh, to supply concentrated foodstuffs for his cows in the spring. Crushed pease, crushed beans, and crushed oats, fed to the amount of a few pounds per day, will be found very useful to help the cows to maintain their milk-yield until such time as the grazing comes to full bite. It is a misfortune to have cows entering on the lactation period in poor condition, so that when good grazing does become available they have to make up body-weight in addition to their ordinary functions of secreting milk. It is desirable to avoid the check that so many cows get in the spring, and to insure that the animals shall be milking in good, thrifty, healthy condition. If that can be secured there is no doubt whatever that the milk-flow would be considerably increased through the milking-period.

Silage as yet has only been adopted by comparatively few farmers. For the North Island, I should consider the making of silage a very important feature of dairy practice. Where maize can be grown it certainly should be adopted. I can foresee the time when, if the dairying industry continues to make progress, there will be large chaffing plants travelling round among dairy-farmers, filling their silos. It is not always necessary to grow crops specially for making into silage, but when such crops are grown, maize, if the climate allows of it, is the very best, and following that I would place a mixture of oats, Cape barley, beans, and pease. Maize undoubtedly is best chaffed, and I would say probably all forage to be ensiled is better to be chaffed. I have found that there is less waste, that the silage is more easily made, that it packs better, and that it is more easily handled when it comes to be fed. In the wetter districts of the North Island, I think silage will ultimately prove a great stand-by to the farmer, as it can be secured at a time of the year when it is easier to get on the land, whereas roots are often very difficult to get out, and it certainly is very convenient to have, when winter sets in, your store of forage under cover and adjacent to the buildings in the form of hay and silage.

Let me say, in conclusion, that when the careful rearing and feeding of dairy stock shall become general throughout the colony, and more attention be given to the breeding and selection, it will be found that there is much to recommend the dairying industry financially not yet revealed.

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

This industry continues to flourish throughout New Zealand. As evidence of its growth, it may be stated that the export of butter and cheese in 1905 amounted to £1,408,557, and for cheese £205,171. The Government still spends large sums of money in teaching the art of butter and cheese making, the proper method of packing, and shipping. With a view to encourage the breeding of better strains of cattle for the production of milk of superior quality as well as quantity, the Government, recognising the importance of this matter, have imported a few first-class sires from well-known breeders of milking strains of cattle for the use of those dairy farmers who are not in a position to secure the best bulls for their purpose. The service of these bulls has been fixed at a nominal scale, and is only available for selected animals. Graders are employed examining all butter and cheese for export, who brand each packet with its proper quality. Factory-owners recognise the fact that it is folly to pay freight on any but the best quality; and this remark applies to grain and meat as well. We have to compete against Canada, the United States, Denmark, Australia, the Argentine, and Siberia. New Zealand dairymen must therefore endeavour to raise dairy cattle which will yield the maximum of milk of the best quality; in fact, nothing but intense farming will pay in the future, applied to every branch. To produce milk of the best quality for the manufacture of butter or cheese during the winter and early spring months is a very difficult matter, especially when turnips are largely used. This question was fully discussed at the annual meeting of the National Dairy Association, at their conference held at Palmerston North in June last. The practice of grazing milking-cattle on “breaks” of turnips is discouraged, but if this feed must be used, they should be topped and tailed and carted on to clean grass land, and fed immediately after milking with plenty of clean sweet hay intervening. Ensilage is strongly recommended as a substitute for turnips, and is used by many dairy-farmers in the North Island. A well-known Australian authority, writing in the Pastoralists' Review, says, “Ensilage for years past has been fully recognised as pre-eminently a food for the cow in milk, but to be of much feeding-value a great deal depends on the herbage and grasses and care used in its manufacture.” This is an important point. Mr. Gibbie, of Te Roti, who makes very large quantities of ensilage for his dairy cattle every season, read a practical paper on the subject before the National Dairy Association at their meeting at Palmerston North in 1904. Many farmers in Otago Central also use large quantities of this kind of fodder with great success.

The complete sterilising of milk to destroy the germs of disease is a wise precaution. The operation consists of heating milk up to a certain temperature, and cooling it rapidly, a process which has been found to destroy the bacillus of tuberculosis known to be present in the milk of affected cattle. The Government veterinaries are employed examining the cattle, and a large number are annually tested with tuberculin, and when found affected they are destroyed, compensation being allowed.

PIGS.

These useful adjuncts to the dairy now hold an important position on all dairy farms in New Zealand. The last statistics show swine numbering 249,727. The favourite breed in New Zealand is the improved Berkshire. The large and small breeds of White Yorkshire are also to be met with, but are not so generally approved of as the black pigs. The Tamworth pig has its admirers amongst pig-breeders, as they answer admirably for crossing with black pigs. They produce good bacon pigs, making more lean meat and longer sides than the pure Berkshires. Pigs require no better attention than a good grass paddock, with a liberal supply of roots, and a little unthreshed pea-haulm for a few weeks before killing, with plenty of water, and shelter from the sun during the warmest summer months, and in winter as well.

The breeding, rearing, and fattening of pigs is a source of wealth which is capable of considerable expansion. Several plants for the mild curing of bacon have been set up at the various freezing-factories, and by private persons and firms. The establishment of properly appointed pig-farms is a some what costly undertaking, as all the fences must be pig-proof. Doubtless this consideration has had a deterrent effect upon some, while others find the rearing of young stock for the dairy and the breeding of lambs a sufficiently profitable undertaking, besides causing less trouble, but there is room for an enormous extension of this industry.

POULTRY.

The efforts being made by the Government to foster this industry are gradually producing the hoped-for results. The distribution of a better class of poultry is showing good results already. Farmers are beginning to see that their poultry-yard should form no mean auxiliary to the general return from the products of the farm. With such a climate as we have, there need be no difficulty in raising hundreds where dozens are now produced. The Department is doing much to foster this industry. The Government Poultry Depots are kept busily employed. The Agricultural Department intends to seek legislation to prevent the export of any poultry unless it has been graded by a Government official. This is a step in the right direction. The egg-laying competitions now being carried out at Lincoln Agricultural College and Bienheim will certainly give an impetus to fowl-raising. The competition at Lincoln College embraces this year about a hundred pens of most of the pure breeds of the colony. The condition of the several lots at the end of a trial extending over twelve months will be a fairly good index to the breeds best suited for the production of eggs.

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

From the North Cape to the Bluff Hill, in the extreme south of the Middle Island, the climate and soil are, for the most part, eminently adapted for the growth of a large variety of fruits. Generally speaking, pears, plums, quinces, apricots, figs, walnuts, cherries, gooseberries, currants, strawberries, and raspberries grow luxuriantly, producing abundant crops of fruit. In the Auckland District, oranges, lemons, and limes flourish: many groves are now bearing, and afford light and pleasant employment to a large number of persons. This employment will go on increasing as the plantations throughout the colony become older. The olive flourishes in the North Island, bearing heavy crops, and the manufacture of oil will assume important dimensions at no distant date.

Vine-growing is also carried on with tolerable success in many districts; tons of fruit grown under glass are sold in the Auckland markets annually. Signor Bragato, an Italian wine expert, has given it as his opinion that there are numerous localities in both Islands suited for growing vines for the manufacture of wine.

Away in the far north the banana grows and ripens its fruit, but it is not thought that it will ever enter into successful competition with those grown and imported at so cheap a rate from the Pacific Islands.

Extensive orchards of apples have existed in Auckland for many years, and are still capable of producing an abundance of fruit, if kept free from codlin-moth and other pests. Orchard-planting is progressing, and must one day be a very important industry. Central Otago will also become a large fruit-producing district, being free from violent and scorching north-west winds, so soon as that district is connected by rail with the sea-ports. The total area under orchards in the colony is 26,760 acres, and 550 acres of vineyard.

The manufacture of cider has assumed considerable dimensions, opening up a ready market for suitable surplus fruit. The colonial-made article is rapidly coming into favour with the general public.

The drying of fruit has been fostered by the authorities, who sent an expert through some of the apple-growing districts, giving practical lessons in the art of artificial fruit-drying. A great deal more might also be done in bottling fruits, and the manufacture of fruit-wine, if only for home consumption. The manufacture of jam is successfully carried on; there is, however, plenty of room for further developments in this direction.

PROSPECTS OF SMALL FARMERS.

Those who have watched the course of events in other countries, so far as they affect the agricultural interests of New Zealand, are forced to the conclusion that New Zealand will have to pay great attention to the quality of her agricultural exports. Our farmers cannot hope to compete with such countries as Australia and South America, where land is so much cheaper, and where mutton and beef of good quality can be produced; for cheap meat these must command the markets of the world. Happily for New Zealand, our climate and pastures are such that we can not only produce mutton equal to the finest English or Scotch, but we can produce more per acre than can be done in Australia. Our dairy-produce is now second to none, which is largely due to the system of manufacture and Government grading.

Owing to her humid climate and fertile soil New Zealand is peculiarly well adapted for small holdings. Men of slender means can easily make homes for themselves and their families, always provided they know something of the work they undertake, and are, with their families, willing to work hard and live frugally for a few years. It is quite possible for a man with a few cows and pigs, together with poultry and bees, to make a good living, as markets for these products are available in England and elsewhere; there is also a good local market if the goods are properly prepared, and a continuous demand for the supply of coastal and ocean-going steamers. The facilities now given for obtaining land and money at reasonable rates offer great inducements to persons to settle upon the land. This is amply illustrated at Cheviot and elsewhere, where fine estates have been cut up into moderate-sized farms, and let to farmers on perpetual lease at a rental representing 4 per cent. on the purchase-money. Prosperous homes have sprung up, and tree-planting is being carried on by some of the settlers, which is an earnest of the stability of the settlements.

Chapter 63. TREE-PLANTING.

FOREST-TREES.

THE following paper from the pen of Mr. T. W. Adams, of Green-dale, which has recently appeared in the columns of the Lytt. lton Tim s, should be of special interest at this time, when tree-planting is being carried on throughout Canterbury. Mr. Adams's practical experience as a tree-planter entitles his opinion to every credence:—

It is not my intention to write about trees that have failed through some neglect of the planter, but of trees that, under the most favourable circumstances, are disappointing when compared with some others that are as easily obtained.

BLUE-GUMS.

Splendid blue-gums are still to be found in Canterbury, yet I suppose few persons would now recommend the extensive planting of those trees, since their destruction over such a wide range by frosts, and their liability to the attack of insect pes's in many parts of Canterbury, has made the growing of them quite unprofitable. Yet, judged by our experience of other insect pests, it may be hoped that before long the insects may receive a check, either by some natural enemy or some other cause, and the gum-trees again recover something of their former glory. How of en has the stringy-bark gum been recommended by a certain authority on trees as the gum to plant! And yet I venture to say that not one tree in five hundred raised has survived the frosts of three winters. As a matter of fact, this gum is quite too tender for general planting on the Canterbury Plains.

THE LARCH.

Another very valuable tree that has very generally disappointed the planter on the Canterbury Plains is the larch. I regret exceedingly that the, in most respects, excellent work on tree-culture published by the New Zealand Forest Department should lead planters astray with respect to this tree, as it does on page 41, where it says, “As an instance of the comparatively rapid growth of the English larch on poor, dry soil in Canterbury,” &c. That the larch will grow on poor soil if there is a good rainfall no one of experience doubts, but that it will not grow on the poor, dry soil of the Canterbury Plains most planters know from sad experience. During years of drought they have been killed by thousands, and the trees that do manage to survive are of no value, as the wood is what is called “pumped ”—that is, it loses its texture, and has a soft, pithy appearance. One of the best English authors, writing of the larch, says, “It is perfectly hardy, though constitutionally delicate, and of very rapid growth; but it should never be planted unless in a sweet, healthy soil, rather moist than dry; it prefers loamy, light mould, and porous gravelly soils.” There is a very fine plantation of larch on Messrs. Deans's Homebush Estate, over which I once had the pleasure of showing the Chief Forester. That is on moist ground; and within a mile of this same plantation, and on the same estate, but on dry soil, I saw a number of larch-trees that had perished during the drought of 1898. My experience, extending over a period of forty years, convinces me that there are a dozen species of trees more suitable than the larch for the dry plains.

NORWAY SPRUCE.

Another tree extensively planted is the common or Norway spruce. This, too, is a dismal failure, and it is a rare thing to see a decent tree anywhere. Where the larch has succeeded the spruce may be seen in fair condition; but the spruce at its best is a poor timber-tree, and quite unworthy of attention from the planter. Of late years it has, around Christchurch, been attacked by some kind of blight, and the trees look very miserable indeed.

The remarks made with respect to larch and spruce are also applicable to the Scots pine. This tree is attacked by an aphis blight, very similar to the white blight on apple-trees, and when attacked few trees seem able to make any progress, the tree becoming gnarled and unsightly, and perfectly worthless, even for firewood.

THE ASH.

Another valuable tree when well grown, but not so extensively planted, is the common ash. This tree, on the drier parts of the plain, though not so often killed outright by a dry spell of north-west weather, just drops its leaves and retires for a time. Plantations of ash twenty years old may be seen, the trees still living, but not perhaps more than a foot taller than when planted.

The birch-tree may perhaps be introduced sparingly into a plantation on the plains to add variety, as it is very ornamental, but a more worthless tree for stakes or any other useful purpose on the farm cannot be conceived. The walnut and sweet chestnut I have several times seen strongly recommended to planters, but both trees suffer very much from drought, and will never make any progress unless assisted by some artificial water-supply, or if planted by the side of a water-race.

THE CATALPA.

Another tree that has been boomed altogether beyond its merits in America, as well as in New Zealand, is the catalpa. The hardy catalpa, on rich, will-cultivated ground in Canterbury, will make fair progress, but even under the most favourable conditions as to soil and moisture, in such a position it will not make as much growth annually as the common ash, and when well grown the ash would be very much more valuable. Those people who boom the catalpa have a very convenient way of getting out of a difficulty. If you tell them the catalpa will not grow with you, they tell you that there are two species of the tree, and they admit one of them is a worthless tree, and of course you have got the wrong one. And so it goes on. Well, I have several times imported seeds from the best seedsmen in America, and have always got the worthless sort. Seeing that Mr. Matthews, the Chief Forester, had imported some considerable quantity of seed from the man who was doing the most of the booming in America, and that Mr. Matthews had raised a large number of plants, I begged of him a dozen plants to test here, at Greendale, and I find that they too are the worthless species. It is only fair to say that on some deep alluvial flats in America the tree has produced some very valuable timber in a short time, but I am still of opinion the same conditions would have given a better return if planted with the common ash.

The catalpa as a tree is very ornamental, and is well worthy of a place near the dwelling, either on the lawn, or in the back yard. A tree at the back of my house makes a leaning shoot of about 2 ft. 6 in. per annum. One advantage of the catalpa is that the leaves are very large, and make a good shade in summer. They also fall all at once, after the first frost, leaving a very open head during the dull winter months, through which the sun penetrates freely. These qualities make the catalpa one of the very best trees to plant for such a purpose, but he who expects a profitable plantation of catalpa-trees will have to get a different species from any I have yet been able to procure.

The oak and elm, although better adapted to the conditions found in Canterbury than those previously mentioned, cannot be considered profitable trees to plant when compared with other trees that grow more rapidly, and produce timber of equal if not superior merit.

Experiments made here with different species of hickory have not been very encouraging. All the species seem to want the same conditions as the ash and walnut, and even then will not make the same progress.

One of my disappointments has been with the Californian broad leaf trees, such as the oak, the ash, and the maples. I have introduced most of the common Californian trees of these three families, and I expected, from the general success we have had with the western pines, that the oaks and other broad-leaf trees would turn out equally well. But such has not been the case, and none of them seem better adapted to the conditions here than the European species.

I shall now proceed to enumerate those trees which give more or less promise of success during a succession of years in Canterbury.

It has been said by a gentleman having exceptional advantages in Great Britain of studying the growth of the many introduced forest trees that “not twenty of the many introduced conifers into that country can be recommended in any part of the country for profitable planting”; and although our experience in New Zealand does not extend much over fifty years, a large number of the introduced trees have already proved themselves of no value as profitable trees, and, what is strange,-many of these are trees that supply a large proportion of the commercial timber of the Old World.

NATIVE TREES.

Nor have we any native trees that can be profitably planted on the Canterbury Plains, although the kauri might possibly be grown to profit on much of the barren land north of Auckland. But even there I should expect there are a few introduced trees that would prove more profitable. Of the rimu there is not the shadow of a chance of its ever being grown profitably, as, in the first place, it is almost impossible to procure seeds. Many bushmen have told me that they have never seen any rimu-seed, but if the seed was as easily procurable as that of the totara, the growth of the tree is so slow as to quite put it out of court as a profitable tree. Totara has the most promise of any of our better native trees to grow on the Canterbury Plains, but even this can never be counted worthy of planting for profit, although quite worthy of a place for ornament.

TREE-PLANTING.

In writing on the subject of tree-planting, it is most difficult to lay down any general rules that will apply to every case, so many circumstances having to be considered. Not only the kind of trees, but the direction in which the plantation lies will often make a considerable difference as to what trees should be planted. Some trees need much light, others are shade-enduring, and, indeed, prefer to be shaded from the full rays of the sun. Mixed plantations always look better than plantations of only one kind of tree. It is necessary in a mixed plantation to have trees that grow almost at the same pace, or the rapid grower will soon exclude the light and air from its slower neighbour, and the slower-growing tree will have to go under, although the tree that takes the longer time to establish itself may be at heart the better tree. One may sometimes notice the same thing in another race other than the vegetable kingdom.

PINUS INSIGNIS.

A very common mistake in Canterbury has been the planting of Pinus insignis with other trees of slower growth, the former being allowed to grow until they have attained a size that to cut them out means the destruction of almost everything else in their fall. In some cases a very good way to treat such a plantation is to ring-bark Pinus insignis and leave them to rot as they stand. I have sometimes heard the Pinus insignis spoken of as not being worth cutting up for firewood, but with proper treatment it makes a really valuable firewood. To get the best out of it should be split up as soon as felled, as it is much easier to work then, and after the sap is fairly dried out of it, it should be stacked in the dry and kept dry. It will then be found, if not a first-rate firewood, certainly a wood not to be spoken lightly of. Pinus insignis, too, is not to be despised for sawing into building material, as many in different parts of Canterbury can testify; and I am not at all sure but that when the trees become of maturer age the wood will be found suitable for posts and other purposes where durability in the ground is desired. Some trees that I had sawn up last winter had a good centre of heartwood, not unlike totara in appearance. The Pinus insignis, when all its claims are considered, is, in my estimation, worthy of better treatment than it has yet received at the hands of planters. Plants are easily procured, they quickly establish themselves, grow far more rapidly than any other tree, are good shelter, and should the wood not turn out to be as valuable as I think, there will still be a great demand for cheap timber for making all kinds of packing-cases. No other wood can be grown at anything like so low a cost as Pinus insignis.

AUSTRALIAN GUMS.

With Pinus insignis I would plant one of the hardy Australian gums, Eucalyptus stuartiana for preference. This gum has stood the most severe frosts we have had, is a rapid and straight grower, splits easily, is durable in the ground, and is altogether the kind of tree the farmer requires for the various purposes on the farm. With a good plantation of equal proportions of P. insignis and E. stuartiana, the farmer would have all his wants met in both hard and soft woods.

Next to E. stuartiana, E. urnigera, so far as growth and hardiness are concerned, seems the best gum to grow, but it is difficult to procure seed, as each pod has to be gathered separately. The hardiest gum is E. coriacea, but it grows too crocked to put it in the first rank. E. coccifera is also very hardy, and is one of the best trees for shelter, but does not make a good straight bole like E. stuartiana and E. urnigera. All these do well and are worthy of attention.

PINES.

The following pines are all making a satisfactory growth here, and any or all may be planted with a good prospect of success (I estimate their value as in order placed): Pinus laricio. P. jeffreyii, P. ponderosa, P. benthamiana, P. anstriaca (will stand more drought than almost any other), P. murryana (for shelter), P. sabiniana (drought-resisting), P. coultere (very large cones), P. excelsa, P. tuberculata. I select these out of about forty species growing at Greendale.

Out of a large number of species of spruces three seem worth a trial, but only in a somewhat cool spot. They are—Abies douglasii, A. orientalis, and A. smithiana. This last grows well, but the wood is not reputed to be of much value.

MAPLES.

Of forty species of maples the following are growing fairly well: The English field-maple, the American silver maple, the Norway maple, and the round-leafed maple—all worth growing, but more for ornament than commercial value.

VARIOUS SPECIES OF CONIFERS.

Two species of monkey-puzzle are hard enough for this district, and are growing slowly but surely: they are Araucaria imbricata and A. braziliensis. Two birches that are very distinct and grow well, but can only be considered for ornamental planting, are the canoe-bi ch and the red-birch. Only three species of cedars are known, and all three of them grow well in Canterbury. The African cedar I put first, and then the sacred cedar of India, and last the cedar of Lebanon.

Certain cypresses are growing well, but they suffer from some disease, otherwise they would stand very high as useful trees on the farm. Cupressus macro-carpa, if planted alone and about two yards apart, will run up into straight poles, and are then most valuable, the larger ones for posts and the smaller ones for stakes. Other cypresses doing well are C. lausoniana, C. torulosa, C. benthamina, and C. nutkaensis. Several of the Piceas are growing well, and are the most ornamental of all the trees, but whether they will ever make profitable timber-trees or not is as yet uncertain. No one, however, making a plantation should leave them out altogether. The best growers are Picea nord-manniana, P. pinsano, P. grandis, P. concolor, P. bracteata. One of the most beautiful is P. nobilis, but here it grows much slower than the above-named. The red juniper grows well, and has an advantage over many of the trees, in that if sheep get into a plantation they do not eat it.

THE OAK.

Of that very interesting family, the oak, out of about forty species growing here, collected from almost every land where they are known, none, in my estimation, will prove superior to the English oak for general planting. A large number of species of oaks are evergreen, some of them having leaves almost as large as the laurel. Others, again, are very small. In my collection are oaks from both the eastern and western sides of North America, from Japan, from North India, from Lebanon, and from different countries of Europe. The cork-oak from the south of Europe grows well in Canterbury, and a tree on the lawn near the Museum in Christchurch had this year a good crop of acorns. After the English oak the following may be mentioned as likely to give satisfaction to the planter: The American red and scarlet oaks, the Californian golden oak (Quercus chrysolipis), the Japanese oak (Quercus cuspidata), and the cork-oak already mentioned. There are also one or two Himalayan oaks of considerable promise.

As a select lot of elms, the following may be mentioned as distinct: Ulmus exoniesensis, the Exeter elm, Ulmus crassifolia (this elm is almost evergreen). The slippery elm, one of the American elms, grows well, as does the Scotch elm. Of the walnuts, the American black-walnut seems best adapted to this climate for growing as a timber tree. I have not mentioned the poplars, but for an exposed place there is no deciduous tree to equal the upright poplar; but the wood is useless.

There are many other small ornamental trees that might be mentioned as growing fairly well here, but I will reserve them for another paper, and conclude this by saying that the trees that will be depended on for a timber-supply in Canterbury, I have little doubt, have been mentioned in this paper, although it is not yet quite clear which they should be.

Chapter 64. SECTION III.—THE MINERAL WATERS OF NEW ZEALAND.

Arthur S. Wohlmann, M.D., Lond., Government Balneologist.

NEW ZEALAND is a country peculiarly rich in mineral waters, and, as might be expected in a land in which volcanic agencies are still active, more particularly rich in thermal waters distinguished by a very high temperature rather than by a high percentage of dissolved salts, though the latter class of water is by no means absent. The vast majority of thermal springs are found in the North Island, and arise over a very large area.

Of these springs, a large proportion have never yet been analysed, many are known only to a few individuals, and doubtless many yet remain to be discovered, or, if known at all, are only known to the local Maori population. A sufficient number, however, have now been examined to enable a very fair classification of the whole to be attempted, and, as will be seen by the subjoined tables, with the exception of the sulphated waters, there are few of the more important types of mineral water that are not represented among the springs of this country.

The different classes of mineral water have a rough general plan of geographical distribution, so that the probable nature of a spring may to a certain extent be inferred by its position on the map, though this is a rule with many exceptions, and the point must not be pressed too far. Thus in the central pumice plateau, from the south of Taupo to Rotorua and thence on to the Bay of Plenty, the vast majority of the springs are very hot, sulphuretted, siliceous, and weakly mineralised; while along the east coast, from the East Cape to Cape Palliser, muriated waters of high specific gravity, and containing iodides, predominate.

The following classified list of waters is based almost entirely on the analyses recorded in the reports of the Colonial Museum and Laboratory, published by the Mines Department, between the years 1874 and 1906, and of these a large proportion of the more important have been made by Dr. Maclaurin within the last four years. On account of the space which would be required to give the full detailed analysis of each specimen, only the essential and characteristic ingredients are given here, together with the total grains per gallon of solid constituents. In all cases, however, in which the analyses have been taken from the above reports, the year is also given to facilitate reference should fuller details be required.

For further information on this subject the reader is referred to the paper by Mr. W. Skey in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, 1877, to several published pamphlets by Mr. J. A. Pond, and to the article by Sir James Hector in the Official Year-book, 1893. The names Skey, Pond, and Hector at the head of an analysis have reference Solely to the above-mentioned papers.

Owing to the large number of their contained ingredients, a scientific classification of mineral waters is a very difficult matter, and all the methods of classification usually adopted are open to criticism. Under Dr. Peale's system a fair amount of accuracy is arrived at, but only at the price of a cumbersome and uncouth string of adjectives; while in the simpler system which is usually adopted by English writers, and which I have for convenience followed here, a water may often with equal justice be classified under two or more headings, owing to its containing several ingredients of practically equal importance, and in such cases a compromise has to be adopted.

For purposes of comparison a well-known example of a European mineral water is given with each class, except, of course, in those rare instances in which a New Zealand water has no corresponding European prototype.

SIMPLE THERMAL WATERS.

These waters are very weakly mineralised, and owe their therapeutic value chiefly to the hot water, used in the form of baths. That some of the most famous spas in the world are supplied only with such waters suffices to show the efficacy of hot water when skilfully employed, and it is noteworthy that it is in such spas that the douche treatment is frequently brought to a pitch of great perfection. There remains, of course, the still-disputed point as to whether these waters may not owe their efficacy to some factors not indicated by the chemical analysis; and recent developments in science have so far modified our conceptions of the nature of matter and of energy that a dogmatic expression of opinion is less likely to be advanced now than was the case some years ago.

* Here, and throughout this paper, the figures are given in grains per gallon.

EUROPE.
Gastein.
Total solids21.0*
Temperature121° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Waingaro (1904).
Sodium-chloride6.43
Silica7.80
Total solids22.66
Temperature130° Fahr.
Matamata (1904).
Sodium-bicarbonate28.10
Total solids46.66
Temperature106° Fahr.
Maruia (1903).
Total solids36.5
Temperature140° Fahr.
Mount Egmont (1883).
Calcium-carbonate6.72
Total solids26.23
Hurunui (1885).
(Complete analysis not available.)
Franz Josef (1901).
Total solids56.21
(Principally sodium chloride and carbonate.)
Lake Sumner. (Skey.)
Total solids18.56
Temperature93° Fahr.
Miranda, Thames. (J. A. Pond.)
Sodium-chloride15.17
Total solids31.27
Temperature134° Fahr.
Katikati (1904). (Vide also “Muriated Waters.”)
Sodium-chloride119.54
Total solids137.26
Okoroire.
Sodium-chloride17.18
Silica and silicates9.70
Total solids42.34
Temperature113° Fahr.
Haupiri (1901).
Sodium-silicate7.3
Total solids19.3

MURIATED WATERS.

The principal ingredient of these waters is common salt. In this country they are, in the majority of instances, very hot, and are used both for baths and for drinking purposes. In the former case they exert a stimulating effect on the nerve-endings in the skin; while, taken internally, they stimulate the mucous membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract, and have a diuretic, and sometimes a laxative, effect.

No use has been hitherto made in New Zealand of the concentrated mutterlauges so much used on the Continent of Europe, though indeed some of the waters are so strong naturally as to need little concentration to rival these “mother-liquors” in strength.

Taken as a whole, they constitute an important and numerous group, and are distinguished by their geographical distribution and by certain chemical peculiarities. Thus the great majority arise near the coast, especially the east coast of the North Island. A great number of the waters, too, contain very considerable quantities of calcium-chloride and of sodium-iodide, so that the muriated waters fall naturally into three main groups—those containing a great preponderance of sodium-chloride, those in which calcium-chloride is present in so great a quantity as to rival or even surpass the sodium-chloride in importance, and those in which sodium-iodide is present in noticeable quantities. The great majority of the second class, however, belong also to the third.

CLASS I.—SODIC MURIATED WATERS.

EUROPE.
Wiesbaden.
Sodium-chloride420
Temperature100° to 156° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Helensville (1889, 1903). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Sodium chloride114.46
Total solids134.68
Temperature115° to 146° Fahr.
Hokianga (1878). (Pond.)
Sodium-chloride2797.4
Total solids2937.5
Hokianga, Rotokakahi (1905).
Sodium-chloride1350.0
Total solids1543.0
Patangata (1902). (Vide also “Chalybeate” and “Iodide Waters.”)
Sodium chloride152.2
Total solids176.4
Waimate (1883). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Total solids586.63 to 834.32
Papaite, Wanganui (1886).
Sodium-chloride313.41
Total solids348.54
Pipiriki, Wanganui (1888).
Spring on left bank—Sodium-chloride121.88
Total solids130.61
Spring on right bank—Sodium-chloride231.64
Total solids244.03
Mokau, Motukarama (1888). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Total solids844
(Incomplete analysis.)
Kotuku, Greymouth (1904). (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
Sodium-chloride162.20
Total solids201.25
Katikati (1904).
Sodium-chloride119.54
Total solids137.26
Whangape, Waikato. (Skey.)
Total solids47.04
McLean's, Napier. (Skey.)
Total solids444.7
Mahurangi, Auckland. (Skey.)
Total solids141.0

CLASS II.—CALCIC-SODIC MURIATED WATERS.

The nearest European prototype to such a class of waters is Kreuznach.

Calcium-chloride140.0
Sodium-chloride700.0

When this and similar waters are evaporated to a mutterlauge, as is so frequently done, thereby precipating some of the sodium-chloride, and leaving a concentrated solution of the chlorides of magnesium and calcium with some iodides, a striking resemblance is found to certain of the New Zealand waters.

NEW ZEALAND.
Kawhia (1903). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride585.51
Sodium-chloride424.55
Total solids1040.76
Mataroa (1903). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium chloride128.21
Sodium-chloride1625.25
Magnesium-chloride85.70
Total solids1843.43
Okain's Bay (1904). (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
This is an artificial spring of cold water obtained from a bore sunk into the recent soil of a rapidly silting-up bay, and is remarkable for the unusually large amount of iron in solution.
Calcium-chloride468.5
Sodium-chloride295.5
Magnesium-chloride264.8
Ferrous bicarbonate26.7
Total solids1128.9
Totoro, Mokau River (1905). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride681.0
Sodium-chloride784.0
Total solids1496.0
Morere (1903, 1905). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride594.78
Sodium-chloride1249.67
Total solids1899.60
Temperature120° Fahr.
Te Puia (1906). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride153.40
Sodium-chloride807.75
Total solids978.69
Temperature150° Fahr.
Kopuowhara, Mahia (1885). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride177.82
Sodium-chloride1027.66
Total solids1241.65
Great Barrier Island (1904).
Calcium-chloride103.75
Sodium-chloride791.50
Total solids985.23
Temperature180° Fahr.
Pahaua, Wellington (Skey; also 1878). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Calcium-chloride120.88
Sodium-chloride1303.32
Total solids1474.09
Kotuku, Greymouth (borehole), (1904).
Calcium chloride, sulphate, and bicarbonate458.8
Sodium-chloride5134.0
Total solids5936.8
Wallingford, Wellington (Skey). (Vide also “Iodide Waters.”)
Total solids826.0

CLASS III.—IODIDE MURIATED WATERS.

Iodine is found in these waters combined usually with sodium or magnesium; in addition there is generally present a certain and varying amount of free iodine. The amount of iodide present is seldom more than about 2.5 grains per gallon, but even this small quantity exceeds the amount present in most similar European waters, one of the richest of which, Heilbrun (Bavaria), is given here for comparison.

The therapeutic value of such minute quantities of iodide has been much questioned, though Neisser has, on the other hand, pointed out the potent effect on human metabolism of minute quantities of iodine in thyroid extract. There remains the possibility, however, that the essentially active factor in these waters is not the iodide but the free nascent iodine, which is almost always present. The pungent smell of this mineral may generally be detected for some distance round the source of an iodide spring, and where the thermal water is broken up by a fall into a spray or douche, under which circumstances free iodine seems to be liberated, the odour is unmistakably strong. It is conceivable that, quite apart from the iodine that is taken into the system when the water is drunk, quite an appreciable amount, and that in a highly active condition, may be inhaled with the water vapour and spray by the bather.

EUROPEAN.
Heilbrun (Bavaria).
Sodium-chloride343.0
Sodium-bicarbonate63.0
Sodium-bromide3.5
Sodium-iodide2.1
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Morere, (1903, 1905).
Sodium-iodide2.7
Total solids1858.07
(Also sufficient free iodine to tinge the water light-brown).
Kawhia (1903).
Sodium-iodide0.47
BromidesTrace
Total solids1040.76
Mataroa (1903).
Sodium-iodide1.37
Total solids1843.43
Pahaua (1878; also Skey).
Magnesium-iodide0.582
Magnesium-bromideTraces
Iodine (free)1.595
Total solids1424.096
Kopuowhara, Mahia (1885).
Magnesium-iodide2.98
Total solids1241.65
Whareama, Masterton (1889).
Iodides0.81
Total solids316.36
Kaiti, Gisborne (1902).
Sodium-iodide4.0
Total solids758.3
(This spring is now practically dried up.)
Totoro (1905).
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids1496.0
Patangata (1902).
Potassium-iodide0.5
Total solids177.0
Waimate (1883).
Iodine (free and combined)1.98
Total solids586.63
Helensville (1903).
Sodium-iodide0.03
Total solids134.68
Te Puia (1906).
Sodium-iodide1.41
Total solids978.69
Tarawera, Taupo District. (Skey.)
Iodine0.714
Total solids99.95
Parke's Spring, Taupo District. (Skey.)
Iodine1.01
Total solids200.73
Otumuheka, Taupo District. (Skey).
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids13.88
Ruahine, Taupo District. (Skey).
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids152.31
Orakeikorako, Taupo District. (Skey).
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids84.86
Orakeikorako (Alum Cave). (Skey.)
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids56.47
McMurray's, Taupo District. (Skey.)
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids33.12
Te Hukahuka, Taupo District. (Skey.)
Iodine not estimated. 
Total solids13.81
Burton's, Taipo District. (Skey.)
(Analysis incomplete.)
Wallingford, Wellington. (Skey.)
Iodides and bromides not estimated. 
Total solids826.0
McLean's, Napier. (Skey.)
Iodides and bromides not estimated. 
Total solids444.7

SIMPLE ALKALINE WATERS.

The principal ingredient in these waters is sodium-bicarbonate, and if sodium-chloride is present, it is so only in a trifling amount. There is also generally present a considerable amount of carbonicacid gas. Such waters are not common in this country, the only characteristic one, so far as I am aware, being Puriri.

Taken internally they act as antacids and diuretics, and promote the biliary secretion. They are useful in certain forms of gout, but are more suitable for robust than for debilitated subjects.

There are no waters of this class used as baths in New Zealand.

EUROPE.
Vichy.
Sodium-bicarbonate350.0
Temperature89° to 108° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Puriri. (Vide also “Table Waters.”)
Sodium-bicarbonate452.39
Total solids537.11
Temperature60° Fahr.

MURIATED ALKALINE WATERS.

In these waters considerable quantities of sodium-chloride are present with the bicarbonate, and, while they are useful in the same class of cases as the last, they are generally believed to be less “lowering.”

EUROPEAN.
Ems.
Sodium-chloride70.0
Sodium-bicarbonate140.0
Temperature80° to 120° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Te Aroha. (1903, 1904, 1905.)
Sodium-chloride59.5
Sodium-bicarbonate657.4
Total solids784.3
Temperature135° Fahr.
Waiwera. (Skey; also 1904.)
Sodium-chloride116.7
Sodium-bicarbonate87.5
Total solids219.5
Temperature105° Fahr.
Ohaeawai. (1904.)
Sodium-chloride65.10
Sodium-bicarbonate134.50
Total solids255.66
Temperature180° Fahr.

(This water is strongly sulphuretted, and might with equal justice be placed among the sulphur waters.)

MURIATED SULPHATED WATERS.

As already mentioned, the sulphated waters are scarcely represented in New Zealand, the only example, so far as I am aware, being the somewhat anomalous Okain's Bay water, already classed under the calcic muriated and chalybeate waters.

This water, while containing an overwhelming proportion of chlorides, contains also a moderate amount of magnesium-sulphate, any action of which, however, would be subordinate to that of the other ingredients.

EUROPE.
Brides, Salins.
Sodium-chloride126.0
Sodium-sulphate84.0
Magnesium-sulphate35.0
Temperature96° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Okain's Bay (1904).
Sodium, magnesium, and calcium chlorides1028.8
Magnesium-sulphate78.0
Total solids1128.9
(Cold spring.)

THE CALCAREOUS OR EARTHY WATERS.

New Zealand is poor in springs of this class, calcium, when present in any quantity, being generally in the form of the chloride.

EUROPE.
Contrexéville.
Calcium-sulphate105.0
Calcium-bicarbonate28.0
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Wairongoa. (Vide also “Table Waters.”)
Calcium-bicarbonate67.86
Magnesium-bicarbonate35.89
Total solids165.75
Kamo. (Vide also “Table Waters.”)
Calcium-bicarbonate57.68
Magnesium-bicarbonate17.05
Sodium-bicarbonate38.64
Total solids164.36

CHALYBEATE WATERS.

Therapeutically the most important of these waters are those containing the bicarbonate of iron and free carbonic-acid gas. Many of the chalybeate springs of New Zealand contain large, and sometimes enormous, quantities of the sulphate, and, while these are noted here, they are, except as baths, of little practical use so far as the iron-salt is concerned. The ferrous bicarbonate, on the other hand, is easily assimilated, especially when associated with carbonicacid gas; while it is to the presence of this gas that baths of such waters owe their stimulating properties.

EUROPE.
Schwalbach.
Ferrous bicarbonate5.6
TemperatureCold
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Waitangi, Rotoehu (1903, 1904).
Ferrous bicarbonate0.5
Total solids58.73
Temperature120° Fahr.
(Free effervescence of carbonic acid.)
Kamo.
Oxide of iron (present in the spring as bicarbonate)0.28
Total solids164.36
Kotuku, Greymouth (1904).
Ferrous bicarbonate4.10
Total solids201.25
Okain's Bay (1904). (Vide also “Muriated Waters.”)
Ferrous bicarbonate26.7
Total solids1128.9
Patangata (1902).
Ferrous bicarbonate0.6
Total solids176.4
Aorangi. (Skey.)
Ferrous bicarbonate0.94
Total solids13.75
Paeroa (1905). (Vide also “Table Waters.”)
Ferrous bicarbonate1.6
Total solids167.8
Free carbonic acid26.0
Temperature80° Fahr.
Waiwera. (Vide also “Muriated Alkaline Waters.”)
Ferrous bicarbonate0.686
Total solids219.558
Taupo Waters.
Iron Spring, Terraces (1905).
Ferrous bicarbonate0.28
Total solids63.04
Carbonic acid16.9
Temperature120° Fahr
Soda-water Spring, Terraces (1905).
Ferrous bicarbonate0.84
Total so ids64.19
Carbonic acid47.70
TemperatureCold.
Arsenic Spring,” the Spa (1905).
Ferrous bicarbonate0.56
Total solids52.52
(This spring contains no arsenic.)
Wairakei Waters.
Devil's Eye-glass (1905).
Ferrous bicarbonate1.20
Total solids117.25
The Boilers (1905).
Ferrous bicarbonate1.12
Total solids100.77
(These last two waters are scarcely potable.)
Waiotapu.
Chalybeate waters exist here, but so far no potable specimens have been analysed.
RotomahanaIodine Spring” (1904). (Contains no iodine.)
Ferrous bicarbonate0.62
Total solids157.79
Temperature212° Fahr.
Motu, Gisborne (1904).
Ferrous sulphate44.68
Total solids379.31
White Island. (Skey.) (Vide also “Acid Waters.”)
Ferrous sulphate1059.0
Total solids13638.0
Temperature212° Fahr.
Whale Island. (Pond.)
Ferrous sulphate9.38
Total solids250.30
Temperature198° Fahr.
Abbotsford, Otago (1882). (Analysis incomplete.)
Ferrous sulphate 
Total solids304.0
Akatio, Wellington. (Skey.)
Iron and alumina0.93
Total solids37.65
Onetapu. (Skey.)
Ferrous chloride not estimated.
Total solids456.0
Bay of Islands. (Skey.)
Iron-oxide2.23
Total solids134.62
Amberley, Canterbury. (Hector.)
Total solids93.6
(Cold spring.)
 
Rotorua Waters
The majority of these contain iron, but, as this is not an important and essential feature of these waters, two only are given as types of the rest.
Rachel Spring. (Hector.)
Iron and alumina oxides2.41
Total solid131.34
Postmaster Spring (1906).
Ferrous sulphate0.52
Total solids86.81

SULPHUR WATERS.

This is a very important but somewhat ill-defined group, characterized by the presence of sulphides in sufficient quantity to give a very noticeable odour to the water. In Europe, as a general rule, these waters are only feebly mineralised, the other ingredients of the water being comparatively unimportant. In New Zealand, while this rule holds good for the majority of the sulphur waters, yet there is a very important class, of which the acid waters of Rotorua may be taken as a type, in which, while the sulphides are very much in evidence, other ingredients have a considerable and sometimes a very much greater importance.

As compared with the other mineral waters of New Zealand, there is an overwhelming preponderance of sulphur waters, both in the number of springs and in the amount of outflow. All are hot and all are siliceous.

The great bulk of these springs arise in the volcanic region stretching from the central volcanoes of the North Island northward to the Bay of Plenty, and, indeed, right out to sea to White Island.

The vast majority of these waters have not yet been analysed, but from the great number of specimens that have already been examined a very fair estimate may be made of the whole.

It is usual to draw a distinction between those sulphur waters containing marked quantities of sodium-sulphide, and those containing only sulphuretted hydrogen, and special therapeutic effects have been attributed to the former class. While admitting the distinction, it must be borne in mind that frequently the second represents only a phase of the first, and that, owing to the very rapid decomposition of sodium-sulphide on exposure to air, analysis, unless performed at the spring, is apt to show only sulphuretted hydrogen, sulphur, and sodium-carbonate.

The sulphur waters may be divided into two main classes, the alkaline or neutral, and the acid.

CLASS I.—THE ALKALINE SULPHUR WATERS.

For the most part the specific gravity of these waters is not high, the largest ingredient being usually chloride of sodium, and the alkalinity not strong.

For all practical purposes their most marked characteristic is the amount of silicate they contain, and it is this ingredient which gives to the alkaline waters of the Rotorua district their peculiarly bland and satiny feel, and which makes them so valuable for bath purposes. A similar condition causes the “unctuous” sensation of the sources savonneuses at Plombières.

Of the therapeutic action of the silicates little is known: taken internally, it has been asserted that they exercise a solvent action on the urates in gout, and, used externally, an antiseptic action on the skin (Felix); but however this may be, it is quite certain that in strong solution they constitute most bland and sedative baths.

As the highly siliceous waters shade off imperceptibly into the less siliceous, it has not seemed convenient to make them a separate class, and they are therefore all included here under the term “sulphur waters.”

EUROPE.
Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle).
Sodium-chloride182.0
Sodium-carbonate42.0
Sodium and hydrogen sulphides. 
Temperature113° to 133° Fahr.
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Rachel Spring, Rotorua. (Hector.)
Sodium-chloride69.43
Silicates of sodium, calcium, and magnesium36.35
Silica18.21
Total solids131.34
Carbonic acid and sulphuretted hydrogen. 
Temperature194° Fahr.

Under this heading come, with the exception of certain muddy geysers of the type of Waimangu, practically the whole of the springs in the “Thermal District” which exhibit, or tend to exhibit, geyser action. Thus would be included many springs at Tokaanu, the Taupo geysers, the springs of the Geyser Valley at Wairakei, and the Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu geysers. A certain number of these are given as types of the rest.

Many of these waters contain so very little sulphide that they might with equal justice be classed under the heading of “Simple Thermal Waters,” or of “Muriated Waters,” but for convenience they are placed all together here.

* The surface temperature of these springs, which exhibit more or less geyser action, is the boiling-point. Their temperature apparently increases directly as the distance below the surface at which it is taken.

Oil Bath,* Rotorua District. (Skey.)
Silica and silicates29.0
Sodium-chloride66.34
Total solids104.54
Spout Bath,* Rotorua District. (Skey.)
Sodium-silicates16.32
Sodium-chloride53.61
Total solids87.78
Kuirau, Rotorua District. (Skey.)
Silicates22.0
Sodium-chloride45.70
Total solids79.85
Te Koutou, Rotorua District. (Skey.)
Sodium-silicate32.12
Total solids72.78
Waihunuhunukuri (Lake House), Rotorua District. (Hector.)
Total solids58.4
Waikite,* Rotorua District (1904).
Sodium-chloride38.75
Sodium-bicarbonate20.03
Silica24.36
Total solids90.28
Matuatonga,* Rotorua District. (Hector.)
Sodium-chloride66.44
Sodium-silicate29.27
Total solids113.27
Hanmer, South Island.
Sodium-chloride62.09
Total solids77.38
Gases—Sulphuretted hydrogen and methane. 
Temperature118° Fahr.
Crow's Nest Geyser,* Taupo District. (Hector.)
Total solids153.6
Witches' Cauldron,* Taupo District. (Hector.)
Total solids166.4
Waiariki, Taupo District. (Hector.)
Total solids86.4
Top Spring, Terraces, Taupo District (1905).
Sodium-chloride43.66
Total105.80
Temperature184° Fahr.
South Bay Spring, Terraces, Taupo District (1905).
Sodium-chloride56.10
Total107.72
Temperature180° Fahr.
A.C. Bath, Spa, Taupo District (1905).
Total46.43
Temperature102° Fahr.
Old Sulphur Spring, Spa, Taupo District.
Total63.79
Temperature135° Fahr.
Champagne Pool,* Wairakei (1905). 
Sodium-chloride195.20
Total242.68
Red Coral Geyser,* Wairakei (1905).
Sodium-chloride39.35
Total100.77
Omupokapoka, Onepu (1904).
Total constituents116.82
Temperature180° Fahr.
Manupirua, Rotoiti (1904).
Total solids44.91
Temperature105° Fahr.

CLASS II.—ACID SULPHUR WATERS.

With the exception that they are much more siliceous, the alkaline sulphur waters bear a fairly close resemblance to numerous sulphur waters in Europe; but for a type of the acid sulphur waters we have to look to America, there being no waters of this nature used at the European spas. The nearest European approach to the acid baths of New Zealand is to be found in the “peat baths” of Austria, which contain free sulphuric and formic acids and sulphate of iron.

The action on the peripheral circulation of the strongly acid baths of Rotorua is most marked. The skin becomes intensely injected, there is a corresponding unloading of the deep veins, and the general circulation is improved. At the same time the nerve-endings in the skin are stimulated: so that, provided the immersion is not too prolonged, the sensation of the bather is one of general exhilaration. The use of such baths in chronic deep-seated congestions, and in pain and stiffness of muscular and fibrous structures, is obvious. The large quantities of alum usually present with the acids, and the free gases in the water, also help to stimulate the skin. These waters are not used for drinking purposes.

Rotorua Acid Waters.
 Postmaster Bath Spring (1906).Priest Bath Spring (1906).Sulphur Point Effervescing Spring (1906).
Sodium-sulphate14.2510.8518.10
Aluminium-sulphate15.609.608.10
Silica15.1012.1020.20
Sulphuric acid (free)22.293.774.46
Carbonic acid (free)28.8440.002.52
Sulphuretted hydrogen13.095.000.19
Total128.7497.4981.95
Temperature110° Fahr.105° Fahr.160° Fahr.

There are innumerable springs in the central Rotorua group, along the foreshore of Lake Rotorua, which conform to the type of the “Priest” and “Postmaster” Springs. Of these the first two on the following list may serve as examples:—

Waikupapapa.
Hydrochloric acid (free)7.49
Sulphuric acid (free)4.29
Total solids56.45
Ngaruapuia.
Hydrochloric acid (free)6.76
Sulphuric acid (free)3.11
Total solids59.50
White Island (Skey).
Hydrochloric acid9547.0
Total solids13638.0
Temperature212° Fahr.
Whale Island (Pond).
Sulphuric acid138.32
Total solids250.30
Temperature198° Fahr.
Rotokawa (Black Water), Taupo. (Hector).
Hydrochloric acid(free)
Total142.4
Temperature192°, Fahr.
Rotokawa (Yellow Water), Taupo. (Hector.)
Hydrochloric acid(free)
Total176.0
Temperature152° Fahr.

WAIRAKEI.

Practically all springs of the Kiriohinekei Valley are more or less acid: two are given as types.

Devil's Eye-glass (1905). (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
Sulphuric acid (free)2.80
Carbonic acid (free)7.10
Total solids117.25
The Boilers (1905). (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
Sulphuric acid (free)4.50
Carbonic Acid (free)7.50
Total solids100.77

WAIOTAPU.

Strongly acid waters also exist here, but have not yet been fully analysed. For the most part they appear to be aluminous and chalybeate.

Abbotsford, Otago (1882).
Sulphuric acid (free, and combined with iron)191.87
Total solids304.01

CLASS III.—MUDDY WATERS.

There remains a subclass of the sulphur waters which consists of mineral water containing large quantities of highly siliceous mud in suspension. The importance of these waters lies in the fact that they are greatly utilised for mud baths.

Some of them contain free mineral acids, others are neutral, or only give an acid reaction from the amount of free carbonic-acid gas they contain. Typical examples of the former are the “Coffeepot” and the “Cameron” Springs, and of the latter, the “Sulphur Point Mud Spring,” all of Rotorua.

Coffee-pot.
Sodium-sulphate23.71
Hydrochloric acid (free)7.66
Sulphuric acid (free)7.60
Total60.19
Cameron.
Sodium-sulphate44.54
Hydrochloric acid (free)5.92
Total80.5
Sulphur Point (1906).
Sodium-chloride80.85
Sodium-silicate26.30
Carbonic acid (free)14.90
Total141.72

Below is given an analysis (1906) of the muddy deposit around this spring, from which, and from similar material, the mud baths of Rotorua principally are made. It consists mainly of silica, and is noticeable in containing both gold and silver. On account of its interest, I have given Dr. Maclaurm's analysis in full.

Silica69.30
Alumina4.52
Iron-oxides2.00
Titanium-oxide0.58
Lime1.00
Magnesia0.10
Soda and potash1.30
Sulphur (combined)1.40
Sulphur (free)6.09
Organic matter10.01
Water3.70

“Microscopic examination of the deposit* showed that it consisted mainly of quartz and amorphous silica, with a little felspar. The mud also contains 5 grains of gold and 6 dwt. 1 grain of silver per ton.”

* “Suspended in the water.”

ARSENICAL WATERS.

There are no complete analyses yet available of arsenical waters in New Zealand, though arsenic is known to exist in minute quantities in some of the Taupo springs, and in one or two it is said to be so abundant as to poison horses which drink the waters. The socalled “Arsenic Spring” at the Spa contains no arsenic.

EUROPE.
La Bourboule.
Sodium arseniate1.96
Total sohds448.00
  
NEW ZEALAND.
Burton's, Taipo. (Hector.)
“Traces of arsenic.”

MERCURIAL WATERS.

Certain of the muriated alkaline springs are turbid with mud containing varying amounts of mercury derived from the soil around, which is rich in this mineral.

While such can perhaps hardly be strictly classed as “mineral waters,” the natural mixture of mineral water with mercurialised mud is obviously important from a therapeutic point of view, and is classed here for convenience.

Ohaeawai (1904). (Vide “Muriated Alkaline Waters.”)

Amount of mercury variable.

Temperature, 180° Fahr.

TABLE-WATERS.

This is another ill-defined group of waters, usually characterized by feeble mineralisation, and by containing a large quantity of free carbonic-acid gas.

It is obvious that such a water may be classed under one or other of the previous headings according to the preponderating ingredients it may contain, and, as a matter of fact, most of the mineral waters used as table-waters in New Zealand are really so strongly mineralised as to justify the title of “medicinal,” and almost all contain rather more iron than is consistent with an ideal table-water.

EUROPE.
Selters (Seltzer water).
A muriated alkaline water containing— 
    Sodium-chloride140.0
NEW ZEALAND.
Wairongoa (South Island). (Vide also “Earthy Waters.”
Calcium-bicarbonate67.86
Magnesium-bicarbonate35.89
Sodium-chloride22.73
Sodium-bicarbonate20.91
Sodium-sulphate14.70
Total solids165.75

Together with a large excess of carbonic-acid gas, which is bottled with the water.

Puriri, (Vide also “Alkaline Waters.”)

This is a cold alkaline spring, temperature 60° Fahr., which is very freely used as a table-water, but which is so strongly mineralised that it should really be classed under the head of “Alkaline Waters.”

Te Aroha. (Vide also “Muriated Alkaline Waters.”)

The thermal waters of Te Aroha, cooled and artificially aerated, are also sometimes used as table-waters, but are so strongly mineralised as to really constitute medicinal waters.

There are also at Te Aroha several cold springs, feebly mineralised, pleasant to the taste, but somewhat deficient in natural carbonicacid gas.

Cold “Magnesia” Spring (1902).
Calcium-bicarbonate41.5
Magnesium-bicarbonate23.4
Total solids83.6
Kamo. (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
These waters are tepid to warm, strongly effervescent with carbonic-acid gas, and pleasant to the taste.
Calcium bicarbonate57.68
Sodium-bicarbonate38.64
Sodium-chloride38.01
Total solids164.36
Paeroa (1905). (Vide also “Chalybeate Waters.”)
Tepid spring, temperature 80° Fahr., fair effervesence of CO2, pleasant sweetish taste.
Magnesium-bicarbonate73.0
Sodium-bicarbonate39.4
Calcium-bicarbonate35.5
Total solids167.8
Free carbonic acid26.0

GASES IN MINERAL WATERS.

Carbonic acid is present in a very large number of waters, but is especially noticeable in those of Kamo, where it is the chief therapeutic agent in the baths.

Methane (marsh-gas) is exceedingly abundant in the iodine waters of the east coast, notably at Te Puia and Morere, where it is used for illuminating purposes, as also at Hanmer in the South Island.

Nitrogen in small quantities accompanies the sulphuretted hydrogen in many waters.

Sulphuretted hydrogen is present in large quantities in the “sulphur waters,” and in minute quantities in the majority of the springs.

Sulphurous acid is abundantly evolved through the soil forming the bed of many of the acid sulphur springs, and, coming in contact with sulphuretted hydrogen, is at once decomposed, with the formation of water and sulphur.

SPAS.

The vast majority of the springs in the above list are practically unequipped and almost unused.

In the central volcanic district, notably at Taupo and Wairakei, there are baths in connection with the hotels. These baths, however, are more or less primitive, and are suitable rather for the tourist than the invalid.

There are baths and hotel-accommodation also at Kamo, Waiwera, and Okoroire, and, in more primitive fashion, at Morere, Te Puia, Helensville, and Waingaro.

Hanmer in the South Island, and Te Aroha and Rotorua in the North, are spas under Government management. Of these Rotorua is the largest and best-equipped.

Chapter 65. OTHER GOVERNMENT TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS.

MOUNT COOK.

THE Mount Cook Hermitage Hotel—under the control of the Government Tourist Department—is situated in the heart of the Southern Alps. The Hermitage is 2,506 ft. above sea-level. It is reached from Christchurch or Dunedin by rail and coach. Trains connect at Timaru for Fairlie, thirty-nine miles. At Fairlie the traveller changes to the coach for the rest of his journey (ninety-six miles). A night is spent en route from Fairlie to the Hermitage at Lake Pukaki, where there is a Government hotel. Guides and horses are obtainable at the Hermitage. The hotel is a building of thirty-five rooms, with stabling and paddocks for horses. Cook's coupons are accepted at the Hermitage. The glaciers within easy distance include the great Tasman Glacier (one of the largest in the world), the Murchison, Godley, Mueller, and Hooker. Mount Cook (12,349 ft.) and the surrounding mountains are within convenient distance of the Hermitage. From the Ball Hut (3,404 ft.) and Malte Brun Hut (5,700 ft.), erected for the shelter of climbers, in the vicinity of Mount Tasman, many alpine excursions may be made. The Ball Hut is twelve miles, and the Malte Brun about twenty miles from the Hermitage. The west coast may be reached from here, via the Hooker Glacier, Fitzgerald's Pass, and the valleys of the Copland and Karangarua Rivers.

THE SOUTHERN LAKES.

The most easily accessible of the Otago lakes is WAKATIPU, which is fifty-four miles long, 1,069 ft. above sea-level, and has a depth of 1,252 ft. Queenstown, on the shores of this lake, is reached in one day from Dunedin or Invercargill by rail (174 miles or eighty-seven miles) to Kingston, thence by Government steamer twenty-five miles. From Queenstown, where there is good hotel-accommodation, the ascent of Ben Lomond (5,747 ft.) and other mountains may be made on horseback. The Government steamers run to Kinloch and Glenorchy, at the head of the lake, whence excursions may be made to Mount Earnslaw (9,300 ft.), by horse and on foot, to Paradise (by buggy), and to the Routeburn Valley, the Dart River, Rere Lake, &c. There is an alpine route through from Greenstone on the shores of the lake, via the Hollyford River, to Martin's Bay on the west coast (sixty-three miles), also a track from Mount Nicholas to Lake Te Anau via the Keys.

LAKE WANAKA (928 ft. above sea-level and thirty-five miles in length) may be conveniently visited from Wakatipu. A coach runs from Queenstown to Pembroke, on Lake Wanaka, a distance of forty-one miles. The service is bi-weekly in summer and weekly in winter. There are hotels at Pembroke, and an accommodation-house at Makarora (the head of the lake). Steamers ply on the lake and may be hired as required. LAKE HAWEA (134 ft. above Wanaka) is ten miles distant by a vehicle-road. There is good red-deer stalking in the vicinity; trout abound in the streams and in Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. A track leads from the head of Lake Wanaka over the Haast Pass (sixteen miles distant) to the west coast, connecting with the road to Hokitika.

LAKE TE ANAU, forty-two miles long, and 694 ft. above the sea, is reached by train and coach from either Dunedin or Invercargill—train to Lumsden, thence a coach journey of fifty-two miles to Te Anau, occupying a day. There is a comfortable hotel at the coach terminus on the shores of the lake. A small steamer runs to the head of the lake, where there is an accommodation-house. From here visitors may walk to Sutherland Falls and Milford Sound. The track leads up the Clinton Valley, over Mackinnon's Pass to the Sutherland Falls (nineteen miles), and Milford Sound (thirty-five miles). The Sutherland Falls (1,904 ft.) are the highest in the world. There are shelter-huts at convenient distances along the route. Guides are obtainable at Te Anau. There is an accommodation-house at Sutherland's, Milford Sound, opposite Mitre Peak. An oil-launch is available for excursions on the Sound. From the upper part of Lake Te Anau there is a good track to George Sound (thirteen miles), via Lakes Hankinson and Thompson. A rowing-boat is available on the Sound, and huts are provided for visitors.

MANAPOURI LAKE (elevation 597 ft.) is visited from Lake Te Anau. The distance between the lakes is six miles, but the accommodation-houses are thirteen miles apart. A coach traverses the intervening distance, in connection with the steamers on the lakes and the coaches from Lumsden. Manapouri may also be reached by coach (thirty-eight miles) from Otautau, which is thirty-two miles from Invercargill by rail. Manapouri is the deepest of the New Zealand lakes, having an extreme depth of 1,452 ft. There is a small steamer on the lake; it may be engaged by visitors as required. This lake is regarded by many as the most picturesque in New Zealand.

STEWART ISLAND.

Stewart Island is reached by steamer (bi-weekly service December to February, weekly at other times) from the Bluff, a distance of twenty-four miles. There are accommodation-houses at Oban (Half-moon Bay), where the steamer calls, and at the bays round the coast. An auxiliary oil-ketch and other boats may be hired at Oban for coastal cruises, and excellent fishing is to be obtained. Bathing, boating, and deep-sea-fishing excursions are the chief attractions of the island. Walking-tours may also be made to the summits of Mounts Anglem (3,200 ft.) and Rakiahua (2,217 ft.), and other wooded peaks.

Small coasting-boats (sail and screw) take visitors when required to Paterson Inlet, the Neck, and other scenic resorts. Two of the most attractive spots, Port Adventure and Lords River, may be visited in one day from Oban. The boardinghouses at Oban are capable of accommodating a large number of visitors; there are several stores in the township.

Chapter 66. A DAY ON WHITE ISLAND.

R. Buddle., New Zealand Herald, 16th May, 1906.

WHEN viewed from a distance of ten or fourteen miles White Island does not present a very attractive appearance—a rugged, barren islet, with a jagged top, capped by an ever-changing cloud of steam, and of a uniform dirty-grey colour, with a few patches of white guano, shining like snow, on some of the spurs. Nor does it improve on a closer acquaintance. The only vegetation that is seen is a few stunted pohutukawas on the ends of the spurs farthest from the crater, half buried in drifting sand.

We anchored on the lee side of the island, after considerable difficulty in finding a suitable depth, for there is a sudden drop of 14 to 100 fathoms quite close to the shore. From here the roar of the steam, which rises in a solid column from 1,000 ft. to 5,000 ft., is plainly heard.

The great cleft in the wall of the crater, opposite the landing-place, is very appropriately called “The Gates of Hell,” and as you enter you feel as though you would not be at all surprised to see demons running about. The scene is weird in the extreme. Everything looks as if it had been scorched and burnt. The only colours are red, and yellow, and brown, and not so much as a blade of grass is to be seen. The first thing that strikes one is the strong acid smell in the air. It is not that soft smell of Rotorua, but an odour of sulphurous acid, which sticks in one's throat and gets up one's nose. The floor of the crater—which is almost flat—is of yellowish sand and gravel, and is strewn with heaps of impure sulphur, white gypsum, and large boulders coated with a smooth deposit like porcelain. It is closed in by almost precipitous cliffs, from 800 ft. to 1,000 ft. high, furrowed by deep watercourses, composed of sulphurous grey mud and sand.

Right in front of us was a great lake, several acres in extent, of a vivid-green colour, with its banks covered by masses of sulphur-crystals, in beautiful contrast with the water. At the other side of it was a veritable inferno, a bubbling, steaming mass of boiling water and mud, from which rose the gigantic steam-column, with a continuous hoarse roar, which can only be compared to the sound of a thousand steam-engines blowing off steam at once. The lake is bottomless in the middle, so far as is known, and its waters are warm, with boiling springs bubbling up all over it, and so strongly tinged with hydrochloric acid as to make the hands tingle when dipped in it, and be horribly bitter and unpleasant to the tongue. An overflow rivulet trickles out of the lake, and though it is only a few inches deep its water is as green as that of the lake. It makes a wonderfully beautiful little waterfall, about 3 ft. high, the lip of which and the little grotto underneath are covered with bright-yellow sulphur-crystals, over which the green stream trickles into a sulphur-edged pool beneath.

After duly admiring the scene we walked across the crater—feeling every step with our sticks—to where the sulphur-diggings were twelve years ago. There is a good-sized hole in the cliff where the sulphur has been removed, and from where a wooden tram-line (now almost rotted away) runs across the crater to the landing-place, where a quantity of sulphur has been stacked. This sulphur is not very pure, being mixed with gypsum and other compounds. We had a hasty lunch on the shore, where the sulphur-dust blew on the food and the steam spouted even from cracks in the loose rocks; and as soon as we had finished we started to climb the side of the crater. Steam-jets were everywhere, and on scraping away the dust you could dig down a couple of feet into absolutely pure flowers of sulphur—cartloads of it—and there is no saying how far down it may go, as after 2 ft. it becomes too hot to bear the hands in it. We soon came to the steep part of the climb, where the slope was almost perpendicular and the ground very rotten and crumbling. The climb was made the more unpleasant by the irritating fine sulphurous and acid dust which blew into our eyes and made them stream with tears, so that we could scarcely see. At last we reached the top, and walked along the narrow jagged lip of the crater, until we were nearly over the great blowhole, at an altitude of about 1,000 ft. The crater, with its vivid-green lake and smoking yellow hillocks of sulphur, was spread out like a panorama below, and the men, like flies moving about, showed the vastness of the place. On the other side the rugged spurs sloped steeply to the sea, absolutely bare of vegetation, and at the end of one was a vast colony of gannets—thousands upon thousands—packed together like regiments of soldiers.

Unfortunately, the steamer was in a hurry to get away, and as we had no wish to be left on the island we had to hasten down into the crater again, arriving at the bottom covered from head to foot with white dust, and, waiting our chance, jumped into the boat and pulled off to the ship.

Chapter 67. MAORI MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.

Elsdon Best

Table of Contents

MARRIAGE among the Natives of New Zealand appears to be generally looked upon as a low type of cohabiting, with no ceremony, form, or ritual pertaining thereto, whereas there were numerous ancient customs and usages which were recognised, upheld, and followed by the people. For ever were the Maori a most punctilious people, adhering rigidly to old-time customs, social and otherwise.

Maori sociology is a subject upon which one might continue to write to an indefinite extent, and yet relate only such matter as is foreign to our ideas. These notes, however, on marriage among the Maori in pre-European times, must be much condensed in this paper: they may be consulted in their entirety in the tomes of the New Zealand Institute.

In marriage, as in other matters, the communism of the Maori made itself felt. The parents of the couple had but little say in the matter. Tribal opinion swayed the matter, or the family group decided as to whether the proposed marriage were desirable or otherwise. Young people would sometimes ignore, for a while, the wishes or arrangements of their elders, but as a rule it was a case of Vox populi vox Dei. The arrangements for a marriage were made by the elders of the young couple, the parents having often no more say in the affair than others, and sometimes, indeed, much less.

In a former article we have noted that the gens, or family group, was practically the unit of the Maori social system. Family life and habits as we know them were unknown, or, rather, the circle was enlarged so as to include all nearly related peoples, perhaps the descendants of a common ancestor of three to five or six generations back. This was the Maori family, which managed its affairs in the communistic manner hinted at above. It was a consanguineous subclan.

The first marriages spoken of in Maori myth as having taken place between human beings were those of the period of Tiki and Tane. Ea, the first woman, married Tiki, who was of the Po, or realm of darkness. Ea bore Kurawaka, a female, who married Tane, hence the races of man dwelling upon the surface of the earth.

The Maori tribe was essentially endogamous. But few extratribal marriages took place. War was so common that it prevented much communication between neighbouring tribes.

The Maori tribe (iwi) is divided into subtribes (hapu), and these latter, if large, are subdivided into family groups (also termed hapu). The tribe and subtribe were practically endogamous among the Tuhoe people. Not but what the subtribes did intermarry to a certain extent, but the general desire and custom was to marry within the subtribe. This is accounted for by the lack of cohesion among the divisions of a tribe, except when a common interest, as war against an extra-tribal foe, induced them to lay aside for a while their petty ill feelings and jealousies.

But the lesser hapu, or family groups, were to a considerable extent exogamous, in order to avoid incestuous marriages. This matter hinged entirely upon the number of generations such group was composed of—i.e., in regard to the number of generations of descent of the members thereof from a common ancestor. The custom among the Tuhoe Tribe is this: The members of the third generation from a common ancestor may intermarry. Observe:—

Here we show the union of Hapine and Rangi-tere-mauri, against which some of the tribe protested at the time, deeming the relationship too close. The majority, however, of the tribe were in favour of allowing the marriage, inasmuch as the couple were of the third generation from a common ancestor. But Te Akiu and Tangira would not have been allowed to marry. Such a marriage would be termed incestuous. Natives say that among dogs only do near relatives cohabit, hence three of the terms used to denote incest are connected with dogs—viz., irawaru, ngau whiore, and kai whiore. The two latter terms mean “tail-biting.” Those who commit incest are compared to a dog which turns and bites its own tail. Irawaru is a character in Maori myth, and was the origin or tutelary deity of dogs. The fourth term for incest is moe tuahine, or “sister-marriage.”

Half sisters and brothers are not allowed to marry, being apparently looked upon as full brothers and sisters. This may not point to an ancient system of maternal filiation, but at least shows that uterine filiation was equal to agnatic in the social system of the people.

Among a people such as the Maori, warlike, vindictive, jealous, independent, impatient of control, with no sense of nationality, or even of cohesion among the numerous tribes, it is difficult to imagine a system of exogamous marriages. They were endogamous from necessity, and as a means of retaining every fighting-man on the tribal roll.

The Maori ideas regarding incest and consanguineous marriages seem to be sensible enough, and resemble those held by peoples of a far higher culture-stage.

It is certain that both agnatic and uterine filiation was, and is, recognised by the Maori. Blood relationship was counted through both parents. If ever the matriarchate system obtained among the Maori, then surely it must have been in times long passed away. The Maori recognised a difference between real filiation and adoption.

There is no sign of polyandry among the New Zealand Natives. Their historical traditions contain no reference to such a custom They have evidently been monandrous for many centuries.

Generally speaking, the Maori people were also monogamous, although polygamy was sometimes practised, but only by chiefs, not by the common people. It was evidently a privilege of rank. Polygamy still obtains among the Natives at Ruatahuna, but only to the extent of three cases.

A man often took a slave wife in former days, usually when women were captured in fighting extra-tribal enemies. The children by such wives would be free. Consanguineous polygamy was not rare. A good number of cases are recorded wherein a man has married two sisters. Marrying a deceased wife's sister was also allowed. The first or head wife of a polygamous marriage was not exempt from labour, nor did her children necessarily take precedence of those of the other wives. The children of all the wives had shares in the father's property allotted to them.

Young folk among the Maori early arrive at puberty, at an earlier age than do our Europeans here residing. No system of obligatory defloration of girls existed, nor was it in any way necessary or practicable. The girls attended to that, for illicit intercourse among young unmarried people was, and still is, a common thing. But when a girl married it was different, for she might suffer severely for any lapse from virtue then. As a rule, girls marry young—much too soon in many cases.

Although the moral code of young girls was extremely lax, yet it cannot be said that any class of prostitutes existed. Nor was there any cult among the people that required the prostitution of girls before marriage, as those of Aphrodite and Mylitta.

The system of taunou, or betrothal, was not uncommon formerly, but has long been abandoned. Children of tender years were so betrothed by their elders, sometimes for political reasons, to advance the welfare of the clan or tribe. It would be arranged that the young couple should be married when they arrived at a proper age. It would be bad form for any one to disregard such a betrothal. The word was, “Those on whom a taumou has been placed—do not interfere with them.” Should a common person interfere with a betrothed girl he would probably be slain.

Probably the custom of betrothal was practised only by the chieftain class, and not among the common people. There was, indeed, but little ceremony or ritual pertaining to birth, marriage, or death among the common people.

The evolution of ritual in marriage appears to be a slow process. Among savage peoples appears the cohabitation of man and woman devoid of ceremony or religious rite; abduction, often by force, of women. Then, among peoples on a somewhat higher plane, marriage appears as a laic institution, a social arrangement, often associated with, or followed by, the purchase of the woman. In both of these stages woman is deemed much inferior to the husband She represents so much property, and can be punished, ill used, or disposed of in any way the husband sees fit to adopt. These modes are the usus and coemptio of the Romans. The third stage is represented by the Roman confarreatio, in which we see the adoption of a ritual, at first crude, but becoming more ceremonious as the people advance in culture. Observe a passage in Letourneau's “Evolution of Marriage”: “We must note that at Rome, as in Greece, the religious ceremony was in no way essential to the marriage, which was a laic and civil institution in the first place.” Quite so, for only the upper classes had such ceremonial marriages performed, hence it is termed the “aristocratic marriage.”

The Maori of these isles had arrived at this third stage of marriage-evolution. He had adopted ritual in the case of marriages among the chieftain class. It was essentially an aristocratic rite, for only those of good birth had the ceremony performed at their marriage. The common people were not deemed worthy of the priestly invocation.

A good deal of formality pertained to the arrangement of a marriage among the Maoris. A young man would usually inform his elders of his wish to marry a certain girl. A meeting of the village community would be held in order that the subject might be discussed in all its bearings. The girl would be present, and would be asked as to whether or not she were agreeable. Possibly, as in the case of a leading family, the matter would not end here, but would be taken up by the tribe generally, and discussed and arranged by them. In such a case the marriage was a tribal affair, and not to be settled by the elders of the young couple alone, or by the family group. Such are the ways of the communistic Maori. The Maori of old had a clear idea of the desirability of conducting these affairs in due orthodox form.

A custom of yore: A man desires to marry a woman who, however, does not return his affection. Thereupon he hies him to the priest and enlists his services. The priest takes some substance and repeats over it a charm to render it effective as a sort of love philtre. He hands this to the man, who takes it away with him and proceeds straight to where the woman is and forces the substance into her mouth. That is quite sufficient. The charm will prove effective and the woman's dislike or indifference be turned to affection.

But the usual means adopted in such cases was that known as atahu or iri, which was conducted in this way: In order to cause a person of the opposite sex to entertain affection for the operator, or to cause an absent lover, wife, or husband to return to the lone one, a bird, known as miromiro (Myiomoira toitoi), or pied tit, was caught, and the operator recited over it a charm to bring about the desired result. The bird was then released and was despatched to carry the love message to the absent one; indeed, the bird seems to have been deemed a sort of medium, or sympathetic agent, between the charm and the subject. The bird, it was believed, flew straight to the subject, however distant, and settled on him, or her, and such person instantly conceived an affection for the operator and desire to go to him (or her). It would appear that sometimes the bird-sending was omitted. In this case the operator waited until the wind was blowing towards the place where the loved one dwelt. He then took a feather in his left hand and passed it under his left thigh; then, holding up the feather in his hand, he repeated a charm to cause the absent one to think kindly of him. He tossed the feather into the air and called upon the wind to bear his love to her.

When a young man of the Tuhoe Tribe was undergoing the operation of tattooing, he had an atahu charm repeated over him in order to cause women to like and admire him.

It sometimes occurred, and not infrequently, that a family group or clan would resolve to demand a girl of a neighbouring hamlet as a wife for one of their number. It might happen that the affair would end quietly, but if the girl objected and was upheld by her people in such objection, or should the visitors seize upon her at once on arrival, then trouble would ensue, and result in a remarkably stormy scene. Both parties would seize and struggle for the hapless girl, who would be roughly handled, sometimes even receiving fatal injuries.

We will now give a short description of the marriage rite and ritual feast, known among the Tuhoe Tribe as the umu kotore.

This aristocratic marriage of the Maori was, of course, the occasion for a meeting of the people. A special steam oven was utilised for the purpose of cooking food for the near relatives of the young wife, to which oven and food a certain amount of ceremony and ritual pertained. Food for the rest of the people was cooked in separate ovens.

The officiating priest recited over the young couple an invocation to preserve them in health and prosperity, to ward off from them all evils and misfortunes, physical and otherwise. It also invoked a state of fruitfulness in the wife, that she might bear children. Another invocation was repeated in order to cause the young couple to cleave to each other. One of these invocations repeated over the twain contained a long genealogy (or, rather, was preceded by it) commencing at the beginning of the Maori cosmos, when heaven and earth clave to each other, and darkness obtained, before light was. The first part is cosmographical. Important invocations often were accompanied by such a recitation.

The custom of pakuwha was more generally observed than the aristocratic marriage. It was a formal handing-over of the woman to her husband and his people, for the husband had but little to say during the function, his relatives doing all the speech-making on his side of the house. This function is ever the occasion of a feast. It was, and still is, an important item in the social life of the Maori. Gifts of clothing, ornaments, &c., are placed before the young couple. The husband usually hands them over to his wife's relatives. A young husband often makes a gift to his father-in-law of a fine cloak, or handsome weapon, or some prized ornament. The relatives of the young wife escort her to the home of her husband at the time of this handing-over ceremony. Some time after, perhaps a year, the wife's relatives give a return feast to her husband's people, and make presents to them. Sometimes a special house was built in which to lodge and entertain the visitors at these affairs.

As a rule the status of women among the Maori people was by no means a low one, but at no time did they appear to possess so few advantages as when they were guilty of adultery. Incontinence, if treated lightly in young girls, was a serious offence in the married woman, and sometimes severe punishment, even death, was inflicted upon the erring one. When a married man commits adultery, he, and sometimes also the woman, is punished by his wife's relatives, who form a party and proceed to the erring husband's home, where they either demand payment as satisfaction for the injury received, or at once proceed to seize and carry off all of his portable property. The latter plan was a favourite one in former times, but has now been abandoned for the former. Payment for such an injury is usually in the form of goods, which are retained by the wronged wife's relatives. Abduction of a married woman was punished in a similar manner. If it is the wife who is the erring party, then her relatives have to provide goods to equalise her indiscretion.

In olden times a man would sometimes take his adulterous wife to the nearest public path, and there lay her on her back and fasten her limbs to pegs, that all might see her who passed by. An injured husband sometimes fought a duel with the person who had wronged him, but such affairs seemed to have stopped at the first bloodshed. Others, again, would desert an erring wife, and migrate to other parts. Women not seldom committed suicide when deserted by their husbands.

It is quite clear that a ritual of divorce obtained among the Maori in former times, and I have collected several of the charms or incantations recited by the priests of yore in order to cause a complete separation of man and wife—to cause their affection for each other to cease. Such charms were made use of by a person who wished to separate a husband and wife, having, perhaps, become enamoured with one or the other. In polygamy it was used by a wife to cause the husband's love for another of his wives to cease.

The divorce rite was performed by the side of a stream or pool, and the couple were sprinkled with water by the priest during the ceremony. The wording of the charms, or incantations, used by the priest is interesting.

This primitive divorce rite of the Maori was a religious ceremony, as was that of the “aristocratic” marriage. In these crude rites we may observe the origin of some of our own sacred ceremonies.

WIDOWS AND THE LEVIRATE.

The levirate was essentially a Maori custom—that is to say, the custom of a widow marrying the brother of her deceased husband. It was evidently an ancient custom. The new husband often adopted the name of his dead brother, discarding his own name. If, after the widow had married him, she took a dislike to him, she might obtain a divorce. But should she decline, in the first place, and marry some other person, then the relatives of her first husband would probably attack the new one, burn his house, rob him, and possibly slay him.

There is no evidence to show that the jus primœ noctis custom ever obtained among the Maori.

A man shows no avoidance of his parents-in-law, as among some peoples. On the contrary, he often seems more friendly with them than with his own people.

PART IV.—DESCRIPTIONS OF LAND DISTRICTS.

Table of Contents

Chapter 68. THE AUCKLAND LAND DISTRICT.

James Mackenzie, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor.

Introductory.

THE Auckland Land District covers about four and a half degrees of latitude, with an area of 13,858,000 acres, extending from 34° 30' to 39° S., its greatest length being about 365 miles, from the North Cape to the 39th parallel, south of Lake Taupo, while its greatest width is about 180 miles. In the peninsula north of Auckland, indented as it is on either side by harbours and arms of the sea, and with a man width between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea of little over forty miles, the range of temperature is remarkably small. The thermometer seldom registers above 80° in the shade in the middle of summer, whilst the heat is always tempered by a cool breeze, bringing the mean summer temperature to under 70° in the shade. The frosts are hardly worth mentioning, as the minimum register is seldom below 40°; but south of Auckland sharp white frosts occur very often, more especially beyond 38° of latitude, and snow lies upon the summits of some of the highest hills or mountains in winter

Physical Features.

This land district may be said to have no real mountains, as the most prominent peaks of the several scattered ranges or hills seldom exceed 3,000 ft. in height above the sea-level, an altitude just enough—south of 38°—to clothe the last 1,000 ft. with snow in the depth of winter. North of Hokianga and the Bay of Islands there is one well-defined range of hills rising to a height of 2,463 ft.; whilst south of these places, and extending to the Wairoa River on one side and the Whangarei Harbour upon the other, the country is all more or less broken into ranges from 1,000 ft. to 2,000 ft. in height, with valleys between. The next really well developed main range lies within the Coromandel and Thames Peninsula. With a length of over 150 miles, it has an average height of over 2,800 ft., commencing with Moehau, or Cape Colville, 2,935 ft.: next, Te Aroha, a peak of 3,176 ft.; and ending at Weraiti with a height of 2,527 ft. There are two other well-defined ranges—namely, Tawairoa and Hauturu—lying between the west coast and the Waipa basin, with their highest peak at Pirongia, which rises to 3,156 ft., and is often snow-capped. There are other ranges forming the watershed between the basins of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers, and dividing both from the streams running into the western side of Lake Taupo. Their highest peak is Pureora, rising to 3,793 ft. The eastern side of the land district is occupied by a very broken, forest-clad country, known as the Urewera country, the average height of which is about 2,500 ft. This has been reserved for the Natives. To the east of Lake Taupo lie the Kaimanawa Ranges, of about 4,500 ft., and generally open on the ridges, with valleys clothed in beech forests. Nearly the whole of the Auckland Land District is indented on both coasts with harbours and arms of the sea, forming a cheap and easy means of access. Of rivers, properly so called, there are only two of any great length—namely, the Wairoa and Waikato. The first empties itself into the Kaipara Harbour, a large arm, or rather succession of arms, of the sea, giving hundreds of miles of inland water-carriage to all parts of the Counties of Hobson, Otamatea, Rodney, and Waitemata. This river is navigable from its mouth to its junction with its tributaries Wairua and Mangakahia, a distance of ninety-one miles from the sea, and for forty miles it is navigable for ships of large burden.

The River Waikato has a course of 200 miles, measured from its source in the Ruapehu Mountain through Lake Taupo to the sea on the West Coast. It is navigable for river-steamers for seventy-five miles from its mouth, and its tributary, the Waipa, for twenty miles from its confluence with the Waikato at Ngaruawahia. Another river—the Thames, or Waihou—though of no great length, affords a valuable means of inland water-carriage, and is navigable for small steamers for twenty-five miles. Generally speaking, every part of the district has an abundant water-supply, now and then lessened for a short time at the end of a very dry summer.

Plains.

Of plains proper, this district has only the stretch of country called Kaingaroa, extending from the eastern side of Lake Taupo towards the Bay of Plenty, all more or less of a pumice formation; the valley of the Thames, and the delta between the Thames and Piako Rivers, which is generally level, the quality of the soil varying very much in different parts; and the Central Waikato basin, already thickly settled. Here and there in the North there are level plateaux of volcanic soil, more or less densely wooded, and along the main rivers there are stretches of level country, but there are no large plains of alluvial soil such as the Middle Island can show.

Lakes.

Of these, which add so much to the scenery of a country, this district possesses a fair share, there being eight principal lakes, with some twenty or more smaller ones. To the north of Auckland, in the Bay of Islands district, there is only one lake of any size, called Omapere, three miles by two miles, an old crater. In the Waikato are Lakes Waikare and Whangape, the first six miles and a half long by three miles across, and the second five miles by one mile. These lakes are generally frequented by numerous wild swans and ducks, and, being both connected with the Waikato River by navigable creeks, form a convenient waterway for transport of goods to settlers living around their shores. All the remaining lakes of large size are within the watershed of the Thermal-springs District, and are mostly from seven to eight miles long, and from three to six miles wide, except Taupo Moana, the queen of the North Island lakes, which is twenty-five miles long and eighteen miles broad, with a depth of 500 ft. The scenery round its western shore is of the most romantic kind.

Forests.

The greater part of the Auckland Land District has been covered in the past with dense forests, which are now fast disappearing under the axe of the settler and being transformed into rich pasture-land. The only really good Crown lands fit for settlement in the North are still all covered with forest, and must be cleared and sown before any returns can follow. The area of forest land in the Auckland District at the present time is about 950,000 acres north of Auckland, and 2,720,000 acres south of it. The forests contain a mixture of trees of all kinds, from the giant kauri to scrubby tea-tree or manuka, but all the bush is useful for building, fencing, and household purposes, or at any rate may be converted into charcoal for sale. Of kauri (the most valuable tree in New Zealand) great quantities are being yearly cut and exported or used for home consumption.

Soils.

With respect to the soils of Auckland, nowhere in New Zealand within such short distances is there such a diversity in the quality—a distance of half a mile often makes all the difference between rich alluvial and barren pipeclay. To the north of the Bay of Islands and Hokianga the lands are chiefly clay and sandstone, with here and there a volcanic area intervening. In and about the valley of the Mangonuiowae River, in the Hokianga County, there is some of the richest alluvial soil in the district. Between the Hokianga and Bay of Islands Harbours there are large areas which will carry good grass and feed one or two sheep to the acre, after clearing and laying down in grass; and there is also land highly suitable for fruit-growing. South of Hokianga, and between that place and the Wairoa River, the soil is, generally speaking, very good, being both volcanic and alluvial. Immediately south of the Bay of Islands, and extending thence to Whangarei, the soil is, for the most part, clay lying upon sandstone or marl, with alluvial flats in the bottoms of the valleys; but these are, as a rule, very narrow. Within the Puhipuhi State Forest there is an area, say, of 16,000 acres, more or less, of volcanic soil. Approaching Whangarei, at Hikurangi, the limestone crops out, overlying coal-deposits, and round Whangarei itself the soil becomes a rich volcanic, in a high state of cultivation. South of Whangarei Harbour, and from thence to Auckland, the Crown lands generally are of a broken character, with soil varying from alluvial swamps—as in the case of the Tokatoka Swamp of 16,000 acres- to the limestone areas round Maungaturoto, the sandstone and clay lands of Rodney County, and the poorer clay lands lying north of the City of Auckland, which have, however, proved eminently suitable for fruit-growing.

For about 200 miles south of Auckland the land (with the exception of the Cape Colville Ranges) is, generally speaking, far less broken, and gradually opens out into large tracts of level country in the Waikato and Waipa basins. Immediately south of Auckland the soil is rich volcanic until it is gradually superseded by the prevailing clays; the greater portion of Manukau County, for thirty miles south of Auckland, may be classed as pastoral, and is under occupation as such. The Crown areas available for settlement—say, 3,700 acres—are chiefly in the Otau Parish, varying from volcanic clay to ordinary clay land, forest-clad, and well adapted for pastoral purposes. In the Counties of Waikato, Raglan, Waipa, Piako, West Taupo, Kawhia, Waitomo, and Awakino, there is a still greater diversity of soils. Raglan County contains large areas of good limestone country, broken, but with rich black soil, and carrying most luxuriant grass. The lower Waikato country consists of clay soil and extensive swamps, almost undrainable, but at a distance of eighty miles from Auckland is found a flat and undulating country, lying partly within the Waikato and Waipa basins, and partly within the valleys of the Piako and Waihou Rivers, formed mainly of alluvial deposits of rhyolite sands brought down from the volcanic districts. In the Kawhia, Waitomo, and Awakino Counties there is a large area of excellent limestone land, a considerable portion of which is heavily timbered, with numerous warm valleys. Most of this land has now been acquired by the Government from the Native owners, and has been taken up by a good class of settlers. Beyond this there is a large stretch of country consisting alternately of open valleys and forest-clad hills, a fair proportion of which is good land, both pastoral and agricultural. The County of Coromandel, with portions of Thames and Ohinemuri Counties, is chiefly devoted to the mining industry. The soil is nearly all clay, the land very broken, but suitable for pastoral purposes if cleared of the dense forest that now covers it. The western portion, however, of the Thames and Ohinemuri Counties contain large areas of alluvial and swamp lands, now in the hands of the Crown, but, through want of drainage, not yet available for settlement.

In the County of Tauranga, the clay lands extend from Te Aroha Mountain to Katikati entrance, changing, near Tauranga, to sandstone and black pumice soil of rich character, which improves towards Te Puke and Maketu, where the land is all good, and more or less volcanic. In Whakatane and Opotiki Counties there are very extensive swamps, of which large portions are drainable, and back from the coast seven miles or so are large areas of Crown lands, broken and forest-covered, opened ready for settlement. The soil is chiefly clay or light loam, with alluvial flats in the valleys, and all well watered. This kind of country extends to the boundary of the land district. The coastal lands are nearly all alluvial flats in a high state of cultivation, and the settlers mostly well-to-do.

Review of Soils: Uses and Returns.

Briefly to set forth the capabilities of the Crown lands in the district, it will suffice to say that north of the Bay of Islands and Hokianga the land is suitable chiefly for two classes of persons—the gum-digger, and the fruit-grower or small farmer. The former has the range over large areas of Crown lands upon paying a small fee, and his earnings average from 5s. to 10s. a day. As for the latter, in and around Hokianga, with its 250 miles of water-frontage, almost anything can be grown. The soil is well adapted for the cultivation of grapes, and an excellent wine is being manufactured at Kohukohu. Oranges and lemons flourish side by side with all kinds of apples, pears, and plums. Wheat does fairly well, and maize gives a return of 50 to 60 bushels an acre. Sheep also thrive; and most of the lands, when properly grassed with artificial grasses, will carry two or three sheep to an acre, but ordinary rough-grassed lands only one and a half to two sheep per acre. The clearing of forest lands, ring fencing and grassing them, will cost about £3 to £3 10s. per acre. The same remarks apply to the Bay of Islands and Whangarei, and to the country as far south as Auckland. Round about Whangarei district, and under similar conditions of culture, the average return for good agricultural or pastoral lands would be fully 12s. an acre per annum. South of Auckland, throughout the Waikato, Piako, Waipa, and Raglan Counties, and thence south to the district boundaries, the land is both agricultural and pastoral. All the cereals do well, wheat averaging 27 to 30 and up to 40 bushels per acre, and oats 26 bushels per acre. Potatoes average from 5 to 7 tons per acre. Dairy-farming is carried on, yielding (upon well-cultivated farms) a net profit of 15s. to 20s. an acre per annum; whilst sheep-farming yields a profit of from 5s. to 7s. 6d. a sheep per annum on very large estates; allowing for greater losses from disease, &c., the average return would still be 4s. per sheep. The cost of clearing fern and scrub is generally from 7s. to 10s. an acre, and laying down fern land by surface-sowing and harrowing, about 17s. an acre.

The seaward counties of Tauranga, Whakatane, and Opotiki are both agricultural and pastoral, growing wheat and maize alike to perfection. In fact, these counties, upon their alluvial shores and uplands, grow the greater portion of the maize produced in the district, and from the ports of Whakatane and Opotiki in one year some 34,000 sacks have been exported. In these counties the average yield of wheat is from 22 to 25 bushels per acre, oats about 29 bushels per acre, and maize 45 to 60 bushels per acre. It is quite possible within this district to select land early in the winter, fell and burn off by the ensuing summer, sow in grass in the autumn, and put on stock within twelve months from selection.

Rainfall.

The rainfall during the year averages about 39 in., the greater portion of which as a rule, falls between the 1st of May and 1st of November, or during the winter and spring months. Owing to the constant changes of wind, caused by the configuration of the coast-line, the shortness of the distance between the two coasts, and the influence, greater or less, of the trade-winds, it is quite common for one neighbourhood to have double the rainfall of another, even though the two be only twenty miles apart. Droughts of more than a couple of months are practically unknown, and grass is always abundant.

Winds.

One of the chief means whereby the great healthiness of the climate is maintained is the constant presence of fine breezes, blowing both summer and winter, the prevailing winds being north-east and south-west, and very seldom passing into really heavy gales. In the middle of summer, the sea-breeze during the day and the land-breeze at night are almost unvarying.

Chief Centres and Surrounding Districts.

The City of Auckland lies on the southern shore of the Waitemata Harbour, one of the finest havens in the colony, on a narrow neck of land between the Waitemata and the Manukau. Alike from the sea and from the neighbouring hills the city and surrounding country present a charming picture. Especially fine are the views obtainable from Mount Eden, a volcanic hill some 644 ft. above sea-level, and from One Tree Hill, both situated in the suburbs. These are also points of historic interest, inasmuch as they were held as strongholds during the tribal wars. A favourite drive is that through Cornwall Park, in the vicinity of One Tree Hill. Facing the town are the green hills and white houses of the North Shore, and the remarkable island peak of Rangitoto; beyond lie the many islands of the Hauraki Gulf, with the blue hills of Coromandel and the Great Barrier in the far distance. Clustered near the foot of the hill, and scattered for many miles to the southward, are charming villa-like houses, with tasteful gardens and shrubberies, while to the north-west the view is closed by high wooded ranges. The city has an excellent commercial position; it has communication by sea with both sides of the Island, while the Kaipara and Wairoa Rivers leading far into the northern peninsula, and to the south the Waikato and Thames Rivers leading into the heart of the Island, give it natural facilities for inland communication. The latest census returns (1906) give the population of the city and suburbs as 82,101. The city is well supplied with gas and water, and amongst public buildings may be noticed Government House, the new Government Offices, Post and Telegraph Offices, Supreme Court, &c. There is a Free Public Library and Art Gallery, and a good Museum, containing what is probably the best Maori collection in the world. The Auckland University College is affiliated to the New Zealand University. There are several fine buildings included amongst the places of worship in the city and suburbs. The Victoria Arcade, the Exchange, Harbour Board Offices, hotels and clubs, as well as many commercial buildings, compare favourably with those in other parts of the colony. There are admirable recreation-grounds, including the Government Domain of about 180 acres, as well as the Botanic Garden and the Albert Park in the centre of the city. There is an electric tramway system extending through the city and the suburbs. Auckland has numerous industries, including, amongst others, ship-building, sugar-refining, timber-converting, sash and door manufactories; rope and twine, pottery, brick and tile, and varnish works; printing-offices, &c.

The City of Auckland is the centre from which radiate all railways, road, and steamer routes. From it, by rail, lies the way to all Crown lands south of the Waitemata, while the Kaipara Railway connects it with the country north of Helensville. All lands to the north and along the Bay of Plenty are reached from its wharves by the Northern Company's steamers. The chief centres to the north are:—

Warkworth, on the East Coast, over forty miles from Auckland, with communication by coach and steamer. It is a thriving township, with post and telegraph office, public halls, hotels, &c. It is also the site of important hydraulic-lime and cement works. A good deal of agricultural and pastoral farming is carried on in its neighbourhood.

On the West Coast an important centre is Helensville, on the Kaipara Harbour, distant thirty-eight miles from Auckland, with which it is connected by rail. It has conveniences required by travellers in the shape of hotels, stores, &c., and is the starting-point of the river-steamers running to all places in the Otamatea and Hobson Counties. It is also one of the main centres for the export of balk timber.

North of Helensville the railway has been opened to Kaipara Flats, sixty-two miles from Auckland. The line is under construction to Wellsford, and will eventually be carried on to Maungatapere.

Dargaville, on the Wairoa River, is a town of about 600 inhabitants, with conveniences for travellers. It may be reached by rail and steamer from Auckland three times a week. Dargaville is the starting-point of the Kaihu Valley Railway, which is open for traffic for seventeen miles from the town, and from the terminus of the railway all the Crown lands in the neighbourhood are reached, even so far north as Hokianga. The town is also the centre of a very large timber-export trade. There are only two townships on the west of any importance north of Dargaville—Port Rawene, or Hokianga, and Kohukohu, about five miles further up. Both have post and telegraph stations, and hotels, with fortnightly steam-communication from Auckland.

Whangarei, on the East Coast, is distant ninety-five miles from Auckland, with which it has steam-communication three times a week. The town is a thriving and important place, having a population of about 2,120, and is the centre of a large agricultural and pastoral country. In the neighbourhood is also a large coal-bearing and gum-and-timber-producing district, while the export of oranges and lemons, which thrive magnificently on the rich volcanic soil, is on the increase. From here, all lands within a radius of thirty to forty miles may be visited by horse, carriage, or rail. Opau Wharf, about three miles south of Whangarei, is the present commencing-point of the railway-line passing through Whangarei and Kamo to Hukerenui, a distance of about twenty-three miles. This line will ultimately join that at present constructed for eight miles in a southerly direction from Kawakawa. Railway-formation is being pushed on, and there is now only a distance of nine miles to be completed when Kawakawa will be connected by rail with Whangarei. A bridge has been built over the Whangarei River, and the work of forming a railway is being proceeded with from Opau Wharf to deep water at Grahamtown, three miles distant.

Kawakawa, at the head of the tidal portion of the river of the same name, is connected by a short railway-line with Opua, the calling-place of steamers from Auckland. Kawakawa possesses good inns. From it coaches run weekly to Hokianga and Hukerenui. It is the centre of a coal and gum industry, and a port of lading for those products. The old town of Russell (formerly called Kororareka, situated further down the bay, and has a good hotel, besides having a post and telegraph office. To Whangaroa, Mangonui, Awanui, Hohoura, and Parengarenga the Northern Company's steamers run every week. Whangaroa is famed for its exquisite scenery, and is the centre of a large timber and gum export trade. Mangonui is the starting-point and centre from which to visit, by carriage or horse, all the Crown lands in the Mangonui County.

South of Auckland, along the Waikato Railway, there are numerous townships of more or less importance, but no starting-point for Crown lands until Mercer is reached at a distance of forty-three miles. It is situated at the borders of what is known as the Waikato Country, upon the Waikato River, which is tidal up to this point, and the township has a post and telegraph office and other conveniences. At sixty-five miles from Auckland by rail is Huntly, also on the Waikato River, a flourishing township, with a large output of valuable coal. It has also pottery, brick, and tile works. On the opposite side of the Waikato River large areas of Crown lands are being brought into use, and are carrying numbers of sheep and cattle. The next town is Ngaruawahia, or Newcastle, seventy-four miles from Auckland, situated at the junction of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers, with hotels, bank, post and telegraph office. It is a centre from which portions of Crown lands in Raglan County are reached, and also from it river-steamers run north and south to the various settlements. Ngaruawahia has a flourishing creamery, a brewery, and a cooperage. At eighty-five miles from Auckland the train reaches Frankton Junction, where lines branch off to Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Thames, and Rotorua, the main line going through Te Awamutu, 100 miles from Auckland, to Taumarunui, 175 miles. About two miles beyond Taumarunui the Wanganui River is crossed on a substantial steel bridge, which is available for both road and railway traffic. The rails are laid for seventeen miles beyond this bridge to a point known as Oio, but only material and goods trains are run at present, the passenger-trains making Taumarunui their terminus. The formation-works on the railway is being actively proceeded with towards Raurimu, the advance works now reaching to a distance of over two hundred miles from Auckland. Waimarino (206 miles from Auckland) is the summit of the line, the height above sea-level here being 2,600 ft.

Te Awamutu is a thriving town, and is especially English-looking with its nicely cultivated fields and well-kept hedges. Taumarunui is not only the temporary railway terminus, but is also the point where the Wanganui River traffic connects with the northern railway system, and is becoming in consequence of this a regular tourist resort. As the train reaches the town in the evening, and leaves for Auckland early on the following morning, travellers stay the night, and a very good accommodation-house exists for their convenience. Taumarunui is also an important Native centre.

Hamilton is a busy, flourishing town, situated on both sides of the Waikato River, with a population of about 2,150 persons, and is the centre of an agricultural and pastoral district. It possesses a creamery, flax-mill, brewery, and two soap-factories, besides other local industries. Cambridge, about thirteen miles by road and fifteen miles by rail from Hamilton, has a population of about 1,250, and is the headquarters of the Farmers' Club. It is a busy, thriving township, surrounded by good farming country. At Maungakoua, seven or eight miles from Cambridge, the Government has established an institution for consumptives, known as Te Waikato Sanatorium. The site is in the ranges, at an elevation of about 1,000 ft., and the climate is well suited to the treatment of pulmonary complaints. Between Hamilton and Cambridge, and in the country round, there are numerous creameries, cheese and butter factories. Wine and cider making is also successfully pursued, and there are several apiaries, from which large quantities of honey are produced.

One hundred and fifteen miles from Auckland by rail is Te Aroha, a quiet township, celebrated for its thermal springs and medicinal mineral waters, with good hotels. The population is about 1,100. Another thirteen miles brings the traveller to Paeroa, a centre of mining industry—whence a branch line 12 1/2 miles long connects with Waihi (population, 5,600), a gold-mining town—and in another twenty miles the Thames Borough is reached.

The settlements at the Thames and Coromandel are essentially mining townships. The first is situated forty-two miles by steamer from Auckland, on the Firth of Thames, and at the mouth of the Waihou River. It has a population of about 3,750 persons. There is daily rail and steam communication with Auckland, the railway also connecting it with Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi, Rotorua, &c. Coromandel is about thirty-five miles from Auckland, with which it has constant communication by steamer; it is another mining centre, situated at the head of a picturesque harbour. Tauranga, with a population of about 1,050, is situated on the harbour of that name in the Bay of Plenty. Coaches run thither from the Thames, and from Rotorua; it has also constant communication by steamer with Auckland, and with Matata, Whakatane, and Opotiki. From the fact of the harbour being the only one on the east coast between Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne capable of receiving large vessels, the town is bound to be of importance in the future.

Opotiki, the second town of importance in the Bay of Plenty, is situated about eighty miles by steamer or road from Tauranga. It has steam communication with Auckland, and is connected with Gisborne by means of bridle-track, road, and for part of the distance (Gisborne to Kaiteratahi, thirteen miles) by railway. It is the headquarters of the maize-producing district, and has rich alluvial lands, from which good returns are obtained. It is a starting-point from which large blocks of Crown lands suitable for pastoral purposes may be reached.

The Township of Rotorua is situated on the shores of Rotorua Lake, at a distance of 171 miles by rail from Auckland. Travellers can reach Rotorua in one day from Auckland. It is the chief township in the hot-lakes district, and has also a large area of fairly good Crown land near, adapted for pastoral purposes. Considerable quantities of sulphur are obtained from the neighbourhood. (See special articles, Thermal Springs District.)

Crown Lands available for Immediate Settlement (834,169 Acres).
Surveyed rural land4,742 acres, in 76 sections.
Surveyed rural land under “The Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act, 1903”90,006 acres, in 491 sections.
Unsurveyed rural land67,682 acres, in 491 sections.
Unsurveyed rural land under “The Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act, 1903”49,901 acres, in 491 sections.
Lease in perpetuity under Land for Settlements Acts14,461 acres, in 409 sections.
Pastoral runs255,034 acres, in 10 runs.
Small grazing-runs63,136 acres, in 11 runs.
Small grazing-runs under Land for Settlements Acts39,960 acres, in 10 runs.
Hauraki pastoral leases248,265 acres, in 10 runs.
Town and village lands898 acres, in 10 runs.
Native township lands84 acres, in 10 runs.
  Acres.
Awakino County16 sections8,385
Bay of Islands County59 sections, and 990 acres unsurveyed land11,267
Coromandel County6 sections, and 3,575 acres unsurveyed land4,494
Coromandel CountyHauraki pastoral leases70,423
East Taupo CountyUnsurveyed land5,940
East Taupo County7 pastoral runs203,886
East Taupo County2 small grazing-runs19,288
Hobson County4 sections, and 1,100 acres unsurveyed land1,412
Hokianga County74 sections, and 2,830 acres unsurveyed land16,420
Kawhia CountyUnsurveyed land2,610
Manukau County5 sections, and 3,443 acres unsurveyed land4,254
Mangonui County54 sections, and 8,714 acres unsurveyed land18,388
Ohinemuri County21 sections7,281
Ohinemuri CountyHauraki pastoral leases65,144
Opotiki County20 sections, and 1,000 acres unsurveyed land1,317
Otamatea County7 sections153
Piako County43 sections, and 1,806 acres unsurveyed land4,424
Raglan County4 sections1,030
Rodney County24 sections, and 230 acres unsurveyed land2,106
Rotorua County11 sections, and 1,000 acres unsurveyed land10,834
Rotorua County1 pastoral run19,460
Tauranga County20 sections, and 21,491 acres unsurveyed land24,171
Thames County2 sections, and 1,970 acres unsurveyed land3,052
Thames CountyHauraki pastoral leases112,698
Whangarei County50 sections, and 2,348 acres unsurveyed land5,295
Waikato County27 sections, and 12,946 acres unsurveyed land15,352
Waikato County1 small grazing-run4,374
Waipa County1 section15
Waitemata County49 sections4,288
Whangaroa County14 sections, and 856 acres unsurveyed land2,320
Whakatane County8 sections, and 770 acres unsurveyed land6,956
Whakatane County1 pastoral run17,413
Whakatane County3 small-grazing-runs10,679
West Taupo County39 sections, and 42,609 acres unsurveyed land48,825
West Taupo County1 pastoral run14,275
West Taupo County5 small grazing-runs28,759
No county9 sections, and 1,351 acres unsurveyed land1,778
Town and village lands898
Native township lands84
             Total779,748
Under Land for Settlements Acts.
  Acres.
Eden County19 sections (workmen's homes)39
Otamatea County14 sections (rural)4,301
Piako County105 sections (town and suburban)58
Piako County15 sections (rural)9,414
Piako County10 small grazing runs39,960
Piako County149 village lots152
Waikato County1 section (rural)64
Waitemata County106 sections (workmen's homes)433
                 Total54,421
                 Grand total834,169

Areas which are not yet open for Selection.

Awakino County.—5,203 acres, mostly broken forest land of good quality, principally limestone formation.

Bay of Islands County.—51,116 acres. About one-half open fern and tea-tree lands; one-half mixed forest; soil generally second-class; fairly accessible by roads; some fair bush lands at Ruapekapeka. The good land in this county is much scattered. A block of 6 700 acres in Omapere Survey District has just been surveyed, and is now available for selection.

Coromandel County.—2,337 acres; generally rough forest lands, not suited for agriculture, except in isolated patches of small extent. Possibly the Cape Colville Range is auriferous all its length through the county. A considerable amount of timber—kauri—is still in the hands of the Crown. Soil generally fair. Coromandel possesses many excellent harbours, advantage of which is taken by several sawmill companies.

East Taupo.—130,307 acres broken forest land; soil light and indifferent. A coach road from Tauranga to Napier runs through this county.

Hobson County.—34,081 acres, about 6,000 acres of which is broken forest lands, which cannot be offered for selection until the kauri has been removed. The remaining land is mostly open, gumbearing, and of poor quality.

Hokianga County.—84,318 acres, Crown lands; nearly all forest; soil generally fair, but the best lands are as present inaccessible for want of roads. The large extent of Crown lands lying to the south of Hokianga Harbour is of excellent quality, but a good deal broken and forest-clad. The Crown lands to the north of the harbour are generally of good quality, but also broken, but not so much so as those to the south. A block of about 24 000 acres in the Tutamoe and Punakitere Survey Districts is now surveyed. The completion of the road from Hokianga to Takahue has opened up a large extent of bush country for settlement. The Crown owns a considerable extent of valuable kauri forest in this county. Rawene is the principal town, where there are a post, telegraph, and Stipendiary Magistrate's offices. The water communication throughout the district is extensive. The soil varies much, but is principally clay, though the Waoku plateau is all volcanic. Communication weekly via Bay of Islands, and fortnightly via west coast.

Kawhia County.—4,950 acres, forest and open land, generally of good quality.

Mangonui County.—50,818 acres, the greater part of which is indifferent soil, with a vegetation of fern and tea-tree, though some, such as in the Herekino district, are first class lands. The lands in Herekino are undulating, wooded, and at present difficult of access, but in time will form a fine settlement. The open fern lands are usually clay, and only suitable for rough cattle-runs. A little kauri forest remains in the hands of Government. Mangonui is reached from Auckland by steamer once a week.

Manukau County.—5,230 acres, mostly open lands or swamp, the soil generally only medium. The lands in eastern part of county are very good, but broken, and covered with mixed forest. Communication by road, rail, or water in this county is more advanced than in most of the others in this district.

Opotiki County.—129,085 acres, nearly all broken forest lands, good pastoral country. Maize-growing is largely carried on over the flat lands near the coast, which have mostly been disposed of. Opotiki is in weekly communication with Auckland by steamer. Extensive surveys are now proceeding in this county, and concluded for the first block of 31,000 acres.

Otamatea County.—8,530 acres, open and forest lands of fair to medium quality. Of this about 4,500 acres is situated in the Tokatoka Swamp, a drain swamp of excellent quality; but the greater part of this cannot be dealt with for some years owing to existing timber rights. A block of about 800 acres is now under survey, and will probably be opened in the spring.

Piako County.—10,260 acres. The Government lands are broken forest ranges near Te Aroha, and open flat land near Waotu. This does not include the Selwyn Settlement, under the Land for Settlements Act, portions of which are still open for application.

Raglan County.—3,000 acres, the greater part open undulating land of medium quality, with some fair patches.

Rodney County.—2,800 acres, mostly forest, and a good deal broken; but when roads are made a large area of this will be available for settlement. The soil is generally very fair clay land.

Rotorua County.—24,000 acres; soil generally very good, but light, covered principally with mixed forest; accessible by Rotorua–Morrinsville Railway and Rotorua–Tauranga Road from Rotorua Township. A block of about 3,000 acres, fronting Rotorua–Tauranga Road, has been surveyed.

Tauranga County.—24,816 acres. Those near Tauranga are forest lands of good quality, but broken. The forests are mixed, the principal timber-trees being rimu and matai.

Thames and Ohinemuri Counties.—Thames County, 20,148 acres, and Ohine-muri County, 62,594 acres; partly broken forest country, unsuited for agriculture except in isolated spots; partly swamp land of good quality, which will be offered for selection as soon as the necessary drainage-works are completed. The Ohinemuri Goldfield contains some fair agricultural land, but not of any great extent. Thames, the second town in the provincial district, is situated in Thames County, and is supported principally by the adjacent goldfields.

Waitemata County.—14,900 acres, mostly open, undulating, but inferior soil, suitable for fruit-growing.

Waikato County.—34,265 acres; mostly open land of second-class quality. A good deal of swamp and inferior land. Extensive coalfields at Maramarua and Huntly, at both of which places they are worked. Some swamp lands still remain in the hands of the Crown, generally isolated sections. Communication is easy—as the surface is generally level—by rail, road, and water.

Waitomo County.—8,164 acres, chiefly forest and open lands; mostly of limestone formation and good quality. Access is being continually improved by roads in course of construction.

Waipa County.—400 acres, mostly open, gently undulating fern hills, but not first-class soil.

Whakatane County.—77,817 acres, mostly either good swamp or forest-clad ranges. Here and there fair agricultural lands are found near Richmond and Whakatane, which is in weekly communication by steamer with Auckland.

Whangarei County.—17,702 acres, Crown lands; soil generally very fair, mostly bush, occasionally a good deal broken. In various places a few farms can be obtained of good quality, mixed agricultural and pastoral land. Whangarei Township has daily communication by steamer with Auckland, and exports a considerable quantity of coal, timber, lime, and fruit.

Whangaroa County.—3,500 acres, mostly open broken land of inferior quality. Whangaroa, celebrated for its beautiful scenery, is the site of a large sawmill industry.

West Taupo County.—6,146 acres open and forest land, close to Taumarunui, on the Main Trunk Railway-line.

Timber.

The extensive forests in the Auckland District contain many timbers of which the durability and strength are of established reputation. Of these the kauri, which is indigenous to the district, is greatly valued. The trees often attain gigantic size, and the vast groves create a profound impression upon those who view them for the first time. There is great demand for kauri timber, but rimu (red pine), kahikatea (white-pine), and totara are also much used for building and other purposes. Most of the timber is disposed of in New Zealand, but during the year ended the 31st December, 1905, 64,860,600 superficial feet of hewn or sawn timber, valued at £278,623, were shipped for export at Auckland and Kaipara.

Recently compiled returns furnish the information that there are in the Auckland District 58 sawmills employing about 2,400 hands; but the number of persons engaged in bushfelling and other occupations in connection with the timber industry must be approximately between four and five thousand. The aggregate cutting-capacity of the mills in operation is about 250,000,000 ft. per annum, the average annual output being about 188,000,000 ft. The balk timber is brought by rail or along the coast to Auckland, where it is sawn into various sizes. Several large mills and wood-working establishments have been erected in the city, and also for a considerable distance along the harbour frontage.

With the view to preserving specimens of the various timbers and clumps of forest for scenic purposes, the Government have made extensive reserves in various parts of the district. In addition, State-appointed experts are engaged in planting forest-trees, and in nurturing and cultivating young trees.

Kauri-gum.

A good demand continues to exist for this unique product, which is found in the Auckland District only. During 1905 large consignments, totalling 10,883 tons and valued at £561,444, were disposed of in America, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, where it is manufactured into varnish of the finest quality. A proportion of the gum is also utilised in this colony for the same purpose, and altogether about a hundred persons are engaged in the manufacture of varnish, 90 per cent. of which is disposed of locally. In the manufacture of varnish, kauri-gum is said to have an advantage over even the best Manila copal, inasmuch that in its use uniformity of quality may be anticipated with a greater degree of certainty.

The gum industry affords employment for several thousand men, who are engaged in digging, scraping, sorting, and packing it for export. In its original state, being of a viscid nature, it exudes from various parts of the trees and finally reaches the ground, where it solidifies and becomes a hard yet better substance. The principal method of obtaining it is as follows: Where the land has been denuded of kauri-trees, a long rod or spear is used in penetrating the ground to a depth varying from 12 in. to 30 in., according to the nature of the soil. When the existence of gum has been ascertained the soil is turned over and the deposits unearthed. These are of different quality, that of an amber-like transparency being of the highest value.

It might be supposed that kauri-gum which had been covered by earth for many years would have in consequence deteriorated, but such is not the case unless the soil be wet. New gum contains a chemical property which proves troublesome to the manufacturers of varnish, whilst that which has been imbedded for a lengthy period does not possess this defect. It has been observed that kauri-trees flourish best on high ground, but large quantities of gum are found in swampy land where the face of nature appears to have undergone a change through seismic disturbance. The value of swamp-gum is generally low in comparison with that of gum obtained at higher elevations; and, indeed, in some instances huge deposits are found in the swamps which are of no commercial value.

A few years ago it was thought that the supply would soon become exhausted, but a competent authority of long experience advances the opinion that large quantities of gum will be obtainable for a considerable period, as deposits are continually being found at greater depths than formerly, and in localities where it was believed that the gum was completely worked out.

The method of obtaining gum by “tapping” the trees has been found to seriously interfere with their development and stability, and it is now considered an illegal act to obtain kauri-gum by this means from trees on Crown lands.

Flax (Phormium tenax).

At a very remote period in the history of New Zealand the value of this excellent product, which is found in abundance, was recognised, and long before machinery was introduced by Europeans the Natives possessed a method of successfully treating it. Not only were they able to use the flax in making mats and comfortable Native clothing for themselves, but they produced it in large quantities for disposal to the early traders and whalers, who turned the investment to profitable account in the market of the New South Wales capital.

For many years past much attention has been devoted to the dressing of flax by improved methods, and the Government have from time to time greatly encouraged manufacturers by offering a substantial bonus for the production of fibre of a high-grade quality.

Throughout this district numerous flax-mills are in operation. These employ a large number of people, whilst in the City of Auckland some forty-one hands are engaged in making rope, twine, and cordage. The manufactured articles are of a quality which bear favourable comparison with those imported into the colony.

Last year the quantity of flax exported was 8,176 tons, valued at £191,827, showing an increase of 1,174 tons and £6,645 when compared with the figures of 1904.

Gold and Silver.

For many years past large quantities of gold have been obtained in this district, the auriferous-quartz reefs being principally located in the Thames, Coromandel, Ohinemuri, and Piako Counties. The method usually adopted in the treatment of the ores is the cyanide process and battery amalgamation.

During the year ended the 31st December, 1905, the quantity of gold shipped from Auckland was 232,215 oz., valued at £935,602, besides which 1,179,744 oz. of silver, valued at £120,542, was exported.

The famous Waihi Mine, situated in the Ohinemuri County, steadily maintains its reputation as one of the largest gold-producers in the world. This mine employs some seven hundred men. The quantity of ore treated during 1905 was 298,531 tons (2,000 lb. dry weight to ton), the bullion realising £728,521. The total value of bullion yielded since the company commenced operations amounts to the large sum of £4,573,701, and dividends amounting to £1,924,617, have been distributed amongst shareholders, this being exclusive of £120,847 paid as income-tax. As the auriferous-quartz reefs are very extensive in character, it is reasonable to predict that immense quantities of ore will be treated for many years to come with equally satisfactory results. The Town of Waihi contains a population of about 5,600, and may be reached by either steamer to the Thames, thence by rail via Paeroa, or rail the whole distance from Auckland. The time occupied in visiting Waihi and returning to Auckland is two days.

Many experienced prospectors are still engaged in exploring other parts of the district where auriferous reefs are known to exist, whilst the future of some of the smaller claims which have been pegged off is anticipated with much hopefulness.

Considerable interest continues to be taken in the School of Mines at the Thames, where the instruction imparted is keenly appreciated.

Coal.

In various parts of this district extensive coal-deposits exist, and mining operations are successfully carried on in the north at Hikurangi, Kamo, and Ngunguru, whilst in the south the coal-mines at Huntly and Taupiri continue to supply a household coal of fine quality. The annual output of these mines is about 190,000 tons, most of which is consumed locally.

The City and Suburbs of Auckland are principally lighted by coal-gas, and about 36,000 tons is utilised annually for its manufacture. This is brought from Westport, in the South Island, where a specially suitable coal is obtainable in large quantities.

The value of 14,588 tons of coal exported from Auckland during 1905 was £13,643.

Wool.

This industry does not reach a maximum of importance in this district as compared with other parts of the colony, the attention of the settlers being chiefly centred in the dairying industry. At the same time a considerable quantity of wool is produced for export and local use. The product is usually of excellent quality, and when properly graded brings the highest market prices. As the forest lands become denuded larger areas will be available for sheep-grazing. This will no doubt result in the wool industry being found within a few years in the front rank of importance.

The quantity of wool shipped from the Auckland District during 1905 was 4,793,023 lb., valued at £180,244.

Dairying.

Some idea of the prosperous condition of this industry may be arrived at from the fact that no less than 49,955 cwt. of butter, valued at £233,058, and 2,445 cwt. of cheese, valued at £5,171, were shipped from the Port of Auckland to the United Kingdom and elsewhere during the year 1905. Distributed over this district are numerous factories and creameries, employing a large number of hands, who are periodically instructed by experts appointed by the Government as to the most improved methods of dealing with the manufacture of cheese and butter. Under these circumstances it can be easily understood that the industry is yearly increasing in importance, inasmuch as large quantities of these commodities are being produced of a high standard of excellence.

Fisheries.

At present about 430 boats of various sizes are engaged in the fishing industry, employment being thus found for about nine hundred people. There is great abundance and variety of edible fish, and a steady supply for the market is maintained, consisting principally of snapper, mullet, and flounders. Whitebait are also supplied from the Waikato River during the months of August, September, October, and November.

A small quantity of cured fish is exported to Sydney, and the canning of mullet for local consumption and export affords employment to a large number of people.

Good trout-fishing is to be obtained in many of the rivers and streams of the district, notably those at Okoroire, Rotorua, Atiamuri, and Galatea.

Numerous beds of rock-oysters exist on both coasts, but during part of the year this fishery is closed. Large numbers of oysters are forwarded during the open season to other New Zealand towns, and small consignments are shipped regularly to Australia.

Fruit Canning and Preserving.

The soil and climate of Auckland are particularly adapted to fruit-growing, and during the season the supply is so abundant that in many instances it barely pays the producer to send it to the local market. The increased interest in the business of canning is mainly due to this fact, and already the prospects of the industry are good, as canned fruits may now be obtained equal in quality to those imported from California and elsewhere. Fruit-growers are recognising the importance of the canning industry, and are being encouraged under the supervision of Government experts to cultivate fruits especially suitable for canning. There are five firms in this district engaged in the business, and employment is found for about seventy hands. A number of fruit-growers are also canning fruits in a small way in various parts of Auckland with more or less success.

At the Thames and in parts of the Waikato gooseberries and apricots do well. Peaches grow splendidly in most parts of Auckland, and within a few years large quantities should be available for canning purposes. Apples, plums, and strawberries of fine flavour grow abundantly, and the former, when carefully packed, always command good prices. Evaporated fruits are also disposed of to advantage.

General.

Auckland, on account of its remarkably fine harbour and first-class shipping facilities, possesses many local industries, all of which are in a most flourishing condition.

Perhaps first in importance is the Colonial Sugar Company's refinery at Chelsea, where some 250 hands are constantly employed. The extensive machinery for the treatment of the raw material, which is brought from Fiji, is capable of turning out 1,000 tons of refined sugar weekly. Most of the output is consumed in the colony, but a proportion is shipped to the New Zealand dependencies and elsewhere. Last year the total output of the refinery was about 41,000 tons, the quantity exported being valued at £4,309.

Amongst the more recently established industries are the paper-mills at Riverhead, on the upper reaches of the Waitemata. These mills employ some thirty-four hands, whilst the quality of the paper manufactured is entirely satisfactory.

The brick and pottery business affords occupation for about 237 people, and there is every prospect of this number being increased shortly, as, in consequence of the extension of the electric tramways to various parts of the suburbs, a much larger demand exists for building material.

In the north and on the shores of one of the best harbours in the colony (Whangarei) an immense deposit of kaolin has been found. Various tests have proved the quality to be exceptionally good and in every way suitable for the manufacture of china, crockery, vitrified drain-pipes, tle-, &c.

Within easy distance of Auckland large hydraulic lime and Portland cement works are in full operation, the annual output being from 25,000 to 30,000 tons. These works employ about a hundred and twenty hands. The quality of the cement is such that it is extensively used in connection with important public works. Over 9,000 tons have been used in the construction of the Napier breakwater, whilst at New Plymouth and in other parts of the colony large quantities have been used with the best results.

The Onehunga Woollen-mills employ ninety hands in the manufacture of blankets, tweeds, and other woollen goods. These compare favourably with anything of the kind imported.

Besides the industries mentioned many others equally successful are in operation, including meat-preserving works, flourmills, oil, soap and candle works, boot and shoe factories, tanneries, ironworks, shipbuilding yards, large printing and lithographic works, stationery and book manufacturing establishments, &c.

The Electric Tramway Company employ some 370 hands, and maintain a huge plant. In 1904 the power was increased from 1,500 to 2,500 horse power. During the year, to 31st December, 1905, no less than 19,789,045 tickets were issued to passengers, the largely increased traffic necessitating the construction of additional cars. Those built locally have proved in every way satisfactory. Since the inauguration of the electric-car service the congestion of population has been greatly relieved, large numbers of people having removed to the suburbs, where building is proceeding at an unprecedentedly rapid rate. Auckland may now clsim to be one of the most progressive cities in the colonies.

The exports of colonial produce from this port during 1905 were valued at £2,574,050, an increase of £131,922 on value of shipments for the previous year.

Chapter 69. THE TARANAKI LAND DISTRICT.

F. Simpson, Chief Surveyor.

The Taranaki Land District is situated on the western side of the North Island of New Zealand, at about its widest part, and may be said to be the most compact and fertile district of the colony, for, with the exception of the upper half of Mount Egmont, and of the ranges adjoining, which absorb about 36,000 acres, the whole of the area—minus what is taken up by the rivers, streams, and lakes—is suitable for settlement, and certainly two-thirds of the district is good land. The gross area of the district is 2,430,000 acres.

Physical Features.

Of mountains, the principal one is the beautiful volcanic cone from which the district takes its name, Taranaki, otherwise called Mount Egmont, which has an altitude of 8,260 ft. This mountain is the centre of distribution for a radius of twenty miles of the volcanic formation known as the “drift,” which covers the volcanic rocks below an altitude of 3,000 ft. Hummocks composed of trachyte boulders and cement crop up here and there and make excellent metal-quarries.

Beyond the volcanic formation—that is, from about Urenui on the north and Hawera on the south—the country is generally broken, and the formation is known as papa, a calcareous blue clay, capped in many places by shelly limestone.

The northern portion, between the Tongaporutu and the Mokau Rivers, contains also limestone, greensands, and coal outcrops. At Panirau, a small tributary of the Mokau, about thirty miles from the sea, there is an isolated patch of volcanic agglomerate and tufas, and a similar formation is found at the north-eastern corner of the district.

Eastward of the base of Mount Egmont there are few, if any, mountains worthy of the name, although there are many ranges varying in height from 1,000 ft. to 1,500 ft. above sea-level, and, in a few instances—such as the Matemateonga and Waiaria Ranges—they run up to 2,500 ft.

The principal river is the Wanganui, which bounds the district on the east between Taumarunui and Pipiriki, a distance of about ninety miles. Its average width varies from 2 to 3 chains. For nearly the whole distance it is shut in by high precipitous hills, and in many places by perpendicular walls of rock. The scenery is very grand and beautiful. There are numerous rapids, but few of them are dangerous to skilful canoeists. New Zealand's great scenic river-trip may new be done in a number of ways. From Wanganui, in the winter, the steamers run tri-weekly to Pipiriki, and in the summer months, from December to April, daily, except Sunday and Monday, and excursions are made from that point to the beautiful upper reaches beyond, returning to Pipiriki House in the evening. The traveller can then return to Wanganui, taking train either north or south, or he can take coach round Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe to the Hot Lakes, or may go on up stream to Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s houseboat, sixty miles beyond Pipiriki, returning to the latter point the next day, or proceed right on to Taumarunui, the junctioning point at the head of the river with the new Central Railway, taking train from there to Auckland or Rotorua. Coming down stream the traveller may take the train from either Auckland or Rotorua to Taumarunui, staying there overnight; take the steam launch down stream the following day to Pipiriki, staying there for the might, and going on to Wanganui the next day. From Taumarunui to Pipiriki is about eighty-four miles, and from Pipiriki to Wanganui sixty miles. Good accommodation can be procured at the houseboat and Pipiriki. Messre. Hatrick and Co. have a fleet of twelve steamers and launches, the route being now one of the most largely frequented in the colony. The fares on the river are: Taumarunui to Pipiriki, 40s. single; Pipiriki to Wanganui, 15s. single; Wanganui to Pipiriki, 20s. return; Taumarunui to Pipiriki, 60s, return, or vice versa. Accommodation at Pipiriki and the houseboat can be obtained at the rate of 2s. 6d. for each meal and bed. The caves near Pipiriki are very extensive, and rich in stalactites, the entrance being hung with a mass of ferns and lichens. There are some magnificent views near Atene. A mile or two below Pipiriki the banks of the river rise to a great height, and are very imposing. From the caves, for some sixty miles to the houseboat, the river flows between perpendicular walls of rock, all festooned with ferns and lichens, with a background of luxuriant bush. Over these cliffs fall numerous streams, making a succession of waterfalls. At Manganui-a-te-ao, an immense cliff rises like a mighty pillar on the right, and the rivers meet like two lanes, walled in by massive piles of masonry.

The next river in size is the Mokau, bounding the district on the north. It is navigable for handy streamers drawing from 7 ft. to 8 ft. of water as far as the coalmines, about twenty miles from its mouth, and for canoes as far as Totoro, twenty-six miles further up. Several outcrops of coal are found on its banks, and, as limestone is also present, the river is likely to become an important waterway of the district. The scenery on either side, although not on quite so grand a scale as may be seen on the Wanganui, is very beautiful.

The other large rivers are the Waitara and Patea. The former has its source about midway between the coast and the Wanganui River, in an easterly direction from Pukearuhe, between New Plymouth and the Mokau. It is about a hundred miles in length, and runs out at the Town of Waitara, some ten miles north-east from New Plymouth. There is a bar at the mouth, but steamers of 300 tons can enter safely in calm weather, and, although there are numerous rapids on its course, it is navigable for canoes for about ninety miles.

The Patea River rises in Mount Egmont, and, after traversing a tortuous course of about 110 miles, runs out at the extreme southern end of the provincial district. It has a bar harbour, with a depth of 13 ft. to 14 ft. at spring tides. Steamers of from 40 tons to 50 tons trade regularly to the Town of Patea, which is situated a mile or so north of the mouth. The Patea is navigable for canoes for fifty miles.

Besides these rivers there are many smaller ones, and streams innumerable—in fact, no district in the world could be better watered and at the same time be so secure from disastrous floods. It is estimated that between the Mokau and the Patea there are no fewer than eighty-five named streams emptying themselves into the Tasman Sea, fully sixty of which flow from Mount Egmont.

Excepting the Ngaire Swamp, a block of open land near Eltham, 3,700 acres in extent, now partially drained and recently disposed of for settlement purposes, there are no plains, properly so called, in the district, although the stretch of very fertile country lying between the Waingongoro and Otakeho Rivers, comprising an area of about 25,000 acres, is known as the Waimate Plains. Of this area 13,500 acres have been disposed of, and the remainder, 11,500 acres, has been handed back to the Natives as a reserve.

There are no lakes worthy of the name. The largest sheet of water is Rotokare, situate about twelve miles from Eltham; it is about half a mile in length, with an average width of six chains. There are also a few small lakes inland from Waverley, at the southern end of the district.

The whole of the district, with the exception of a fringe of open country along the coast from Pukearuhe to Patea, averaging three miles in width, and containing about 250,000 acres, and some valleys at the north-eastern corner of the district, about 150,000 acres in extent, was originally covered with heavy forest, but this is rapidly disappearing under progress of settlement and erection of sawmills to deal with such timber.

The larger timber is chiefly rata, rimu, matai, tawa, kahikatea, kohekohe, pukatea, rewarewa, hinau, with a few totara scattered here and there. Among the smaller trees may be mentioned the kotukutuku or fuchsia, karaka, and mahoe.

As regards the timber industry, the total quantity cut during the year ended the 31st March, 1906, was about 18,000,000 ft., chiefly rimu, kahikatea, totara, and matai. Most of the mills work together under Association rules and prices, their output for the year being 6,768,347 superficial feet; of the others, which work independently, the output of Messrs. Burnard and Ellis, of Otorohanga, amounted to 4,800,000 ft. for the same period.

An area of 72,565 acres, measuring six miles on every side from the summit of Mount Egmont, was originally set apart as a forest reserve. To this has now been added 1,040 acres on the lower slopes of Pouakai Range, with an additional 5,500 ucres on the Patua Range, making a total of about 79,000 acres, which has now by Act of Parliament been set apart as the “Egmont National Park,” the internal affairs of which are administered by a partly elected and partly nominated Board of ten members. At about three miles within the reserve the forest begins to get stunted; and at four and a half miles it gives place to low wiry scrub, which ceases at five miles, or an elevation of about 4,000 ft. At 5,000 ft. the moss ends; beyond this point to the summit the mountain is composed of loose scoria and lava.

A comfortable house, known as the Egmont Mountain-house, has been built at an elevation of 3,200 ft. on the northern face of the mountain, at a distance of twenty miles from New Plymouth by the Junction and Egmont. Roads, and tourists can be driven the whole of the way. This house is maintained by the Egmont National Park Board, and is open for the accommodation of visitors all the year round. The keeper acts as guide also. The time usually occupied in the ascent from the house is from three to four hours for men, and four to six hours for ladies. There are two women's rooms at one end of the house, and two men's at the other, with large common living and dining room in the centre. Visitors have now the option of being supplied with meals at a cost of 1s. 6d. each, or they may provide and cook their own food. Beds are also provided. Horse feeds, 1s. 6d. each; paddocking, 6d. daily, or 2s. 6d. a week. A small charge for use of house is made to visitors of 1s. per night or 5s. per week throughout the visit. In addition to the mountain-house, the Board has erected a cottage of three rooms, comprising two bedrooms (fitted with four bunks each), and one living-room in between. This cottage is intended for renting by the week to family parties, only one such party occupying a time, the minimum charge per week being two pounds sterling for a party of four adults; over that number and up to eight (the limit allowed), 5s. each per week; children over five and under twelve years, half rates. The cottage is not let to any one party for a longer period than two weeks while there are other applicants. The Board provides cooking and other utensils, firewood, and water, also mattresses and pillows; but visitors must take their own blankets, and provide and cook their own food. The caretaker at the mountain-house keeps a small stock of the principal lines of food usually wanted for sale to visitors. The cottage is within 60 or 70 yards of the mountain-house, and in charge of the same caretaker, but parties desirous of renting it should communicate with the Honorary Secretary to Committee for Northern Division of Egmont National Park, New Plymouth, giving dates between which they require it. These applications are booked in order of priority of receipt (after notification that offers will be received, usually in the early part of December). Guide's fee for mountain, £1 per party. During the past season there were about 1,400 visitors, remaining various periods of from one or two days to as many weeks. The view from the top is superb, including as it does the volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro, the whole of Taranaki, and a considerable portion of Auckland and Wellington Districts, also across Cook Strait to the mountains of Marlborough and Nelson Districts of the Middle Island. In fine weather, when the snow is off, the mountain can be ascended without risk. A considerable sum has been expended in improving the accommodation at the house.

The mountain can also easily be ascended from Stratford side, the return journey occupying about thirteen hours, including stoppages. Tourists can ride over the first eleven miles to the Pembroke Road Mountain-house (three rooms) above the bush line, altitude 3,720 ft.: time occupied, about two and a half hours. A new two-roomed cottage has been erected, and is now in use. Here the horses are left, and the remaining climb has to be done on foot: time required for a fair walker, three hours, although, coming down, the distance can be done in two hours. About two hundred persons visited the mountain by this route during the season. Good hotel accommodation, guide, and horses can be obtained in Stratford. Provisions are kept on reasonable terms by the caretaker at the house. The return trip can be varied by visiting Dawson's Falls and Kendle's Cascade, or by a run across to the Egmont Mountain-house. Those who do not care to attempt the summit will be amply repaid by the pleasure of the ride through the forest, and by the magnificent views to be obtained from the house. The houses have sleeping-accommodation for about thirty persons.

Another route now coming into favour is from Hawera or Eltham via Manaia or Kaponga and Dawson's Falls. At the latter place a comfortable shelter-house, capable of accommodating over forty people, has been erected, and is known as the Falls Mountain-house (altitude, 2,990 ft.). This house, which is close to the Falls (65 ft.), is within an easy two hours' ride of Kaponga. During the season the house is in charge of a caretaker, and food, horse-feed, and paddocking can be obtained. Two comfortable cottages have been erected in connection with this house. Water is obtained from the adjoining creek by means of a ram. From the house to summit of Mount Egmont occupies from four to six hours' climbing at a moderate pace, the time being in accordance with strength and composition of party. From the top the tourist can, instead of returning by the same route, drop down to the mountain-house on the north or New Plymouth side of the mountain. The walk would not occupy over two hours, easy walking, or he could go out via Stratford, there being a good walking track between the houses. A weekly coach-service has been instituted both at Hawera and Eltham, while Stratford, as a base, is equally desirable to start from; the whole distance can be driven over.

A track has been partly made from the western side of the mountain, enabling tourists to ascend via Rahotu. A small accommodation-house has been erected, 32 ft. by 14 ft., consisting of a general room and two sleeping-rooms, each containing twelve bunks. Tables, forms, and utensils have also been provided.

Soils.

The volcanic soil, the boundaries of which have been already described, varies a good deal in quality. The best is believed to be on the south side of the mountain, between Stratford, Hawera, and Opunake, but not less than two or three miles from the forest-reserve boundary. It is thought that the country now being opened to the north and east of the volcanic deposit—that is, the papa and limestone formation—will, from the presence of lime, be much richer and more lasting as pasture-land than that around the mountain. The carrying-capacity of the land is, on an average, two and a half to three sheep to the acre.

Dairying, Grazing, and Agriculture.

Taranaki is essentially a grazing and dairying district, its chief products being butter and cheese.

There are 98 dairy factories and 81 skimming-stations scattered over the district. Of these factories, 87 produce butter only, while 11 produce cheese only. There are also in this district 16 registered packing-houses for milled butter, 152 registered private dairies for butter-making, and 2 for cheese only, besides many small plants run on individual farms of which no record is obtainable.

In September, 1896, a new work in connection with the dairying and meat industries was started in the shape of the Taranaki Freezing-works, situated at Moturoa, near the breakwater, and close alongside the railway-line. During the year 1905 the output from the works was—Butter, 177,105 packages, weighing 4,427 tons net; cheese, 7,147 packages, net weight 479 tons. During the hot season the factories and railway-vans carrying butter have been supplied with ice from the works at a nominal cost. Most of the butter from the southern end of the district now goes to Patea.

There are in the Taranaki District 22,345 horses, 286,286 cattle, 423,822 sheep, and 33,371 swine. These figures include all kinds and ages.

Agriculture has not hitherto been carried on to any great extent in this district. The total area under corn-crops during season 1905–6 was 10,772 acres; grass crops cut for hay, chaff, or ensilage, 11,778 acres; sown grasses and clovers for feeding down, 887,091 acres; sown grasses for seed, 1,105 acres; potatoes, 1,428 acres; turnips, 13,759 acres; mangolds, 837 acres; rape, 2,623 acres; carrots, 657 acres; other crops, 201 acres; total area under crops of all kinds, including gardens, orchards, vineyards, 932,003 acres. Plantations, 1,090 acres; fallow, 58 acres; tussock, native grass, and unimproved land, 315,566 acres.

The average yield of different grain-crops in bushels per acre for season o 1905–6 was: Wheat, 36; oats, 48; barley, 59; rye, 45.

Mining.

The only mining going on at present is at the Mokau Coal-mines, which are situated on the Mokau River, about twenty-three miles from the sea, the river being navigable right up to the mines for vessels of 7 ft. 6 in. draught. The coal is the best class of pitch-brown, and is excellent for household and steam purposes. The output last year was 3,753 tons.

Ironsand is found in great abundance on the seashore from Mokau to Patea, a distance of 130 miles. It produces, when smelted, from 50 to 60 per cent. of iron of the finest quality. The first attempt to smelt this sand was made in 1848, and several trials have been made since, but the heavy cost of production and the absence of capital and modern appliances have, so far, retarded the industry. Strong efforts are now being made to remedy this by the introduction of outside capital, and it is hoped these will shortly be successful, and work in full swing.

Petroleum-boring.

After numerous attempts and a considerable expenditure of capital, it appears as if those fostering this industry are now to receive their reward. Although petroleum has previously been obtained, it has always been in conjunction with water. It would seem as if this difficulty had now been overcome, and with “oil struck” and a good pressure obtainable, indications are very promising. Companies are in course of flotation, and it is to be hoped that the industry has come to stay.

Climate.

The climate of Taranaki is remarkably healthy, without any extremes of temperature. Below is given a table of mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures in shade for each month of the year ending December, 1905:—

 Jan.Feb.Mar.April.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
Mean temperature59.863.062.558.356.753.552.164.254.655.957.360.5
Extreme minimum temperature737676706969676865657275
Extreme minimum temperature434647384031353945434541
Number of days on which rain fell15610241724241926262216
Total rainfall per month in inches 2.781.741.264.304.4114.845.183.706.719.316.623.68
Mean barometric and decimals reading for the month29.9130.10730.1630.08230.09829.8829.9530.0629.6929.8729.8930.09

The mean barometric reading was 29.982 in. for the year. Total rainfall, 64.53 in. on 229 days. The rainfall varies considerably, as, for instance, at Norfolk Road, three miles south of Inglewood, the rainfall for the year 1905 was 93.07 in. on 206 days, the maximum daily fall being 3.02 in. in October. The average rainfall at New Plymouth during the past eleven years was 64.574 in., and at Norfolk Road for same period 101.997 in.

Chief Towns.

The principal town of the district is New Plymouth (population 5,150), situate on the seashore, about two miles from and to the north-east of the picturesque rocky islets known as the Sugar Loaves. The general appearance of the town is very attractive, and it abounds in neatly-kept gardens. The Recreation Grounds, from which a good view of Mount Egmont is obtained, form a favourite resort.

New Plymouth is 251 miles by rail from Wellington, the railway running in a northerly direction through the district from Patea to Sentry Hill, where it turns at right-angles westward for eight miles to New Plymouth. From Sentry Hill there is a branch line to Waitara, four miles distant.

The Port of New Plymouth is situated at the Sugar Loaves, two miles from the town. Protection for shipping is afforded by a concrete mole or breakwater running in a north-east direction for a distance of 1,900 ft. Under the lee of this there is wharf-accommodation provided for the coastal trade. Steamers of 1,000 tons can be berthed here in almost all weathers. The wharf is connected with New Plymouth by both rail and road. The breakwater was built at a cost of £200,000, borrowed under security of one-fourth of the land revenue of the Provincial District of Taranaki, and the right to levy a rate over certain lands. The present rate levied is 5/16d. in the pound on the capital value. The principal over-sea exports from breakwater for the year (exclusive of all coastal trade) were: Butter, 72,329 cwt., value £330,976; cheese, 8,343 cwt., value £20,935; fungus, 699 cwt., value £1,445; total value, £301,954. Imports (oversea): value, £86,629. Customs duties for the year, £29,544.

Manufactures in New Plymouth are represented by two sash-and-door, a boot, butter-keg, and three coach factories, a brewery, a cordial factory, a flour-mill, tannery, fellmongery, bone-mill, and iron-foundry, with freezing-works and bacon-factory in the suburbs. The town has water, electric light, and gas laid on.

Hawera, the next largest town, is situate on the eastern edge of the Waimate Plains. The population is 2,153, and the town is lit with electric light and gas. The Wellington-New Plymouth Railway runs close to it, the distance by rail from New Plymouth being about forty-eight miles. Hawera is surrounded by a first-class dairying and grazing country, capable of carrying a very large population. On 1st December, 1898, an up-to-date bacon-factory, costing some £1,200, commenced the work of killing and curing in Hawera; the output last year was 553 pigs, costing £1,001 16s. 10d.

The Town of Patea is situated on the coast, at the extreme southern end of the district, and has a population of 870. There is a splendid grazing district inland, with a large area of land yet to be opened up. There is a dairy factory, which has two branch creameries in the country. A refrigerating company for dairy and other produce has also been established, and is proving a great success. Exports for 1905 were: Wool, 4,562 bales; fungus, 298 bags; tallow, 604 casks; pelts, 117 casks; loose hides, 6,367; grass seed, 205 sacks; butter, 118,752 cases; meat, 9,985 cases; sheep, 2,527; sundries, 539 packages; cheese, 3,983 cases; empties, 1,249; cattle, 462; potatoes, 19 sacks; carcases of frozen mutton, 1,472; bricks, 13,000; timber, 20,000 ft. Imports: Ordinary, 8,079 tons; coals, 4,453 tons. Wharfages amounted to £1,495, dumping dues £288, tonnage dues £489, port dues £73, water &c. £36, rents £640. The number of steamers in and out were 208. The Harbour Board has an up-to-date wool-dumping press and hydraulic pumps. The width between the east and west pier-heads is 260 ft.; width of channel about 180 ft., gradually narrowing to 100 ft. as the beacons are approached. The pilot reports the depth of water at not less than 12 ft. at high-water springs, and 9 ft. at high-water neaps, with a straight channel. Steamers trade regularly to Westport, Greymouth, Lyttelton, Wellington, and other ports. The Board is now engaged in erecting a west breakwater, of concrete, which has been carried out to a distance of 670 ft., and this should prove a great protection to steamers, and prevent the encroachment of sand common to bar harbours.

Stratford, a comparatively young town, lies about midway between Patea and New Plymouth. It has already a population of 2,160, and is growing fast The height above sea-level is 1,000 ft., and the climate is bracing though somewhat moist. The main road to Auckland—known as the Stratford-Ongarue (now Ohura Road)—starts here. It has been formed as a cart-road for fifty-six miles and a half, and as a bridle-road right through. There are sixteen miles of dray-road to be formed before through communication with Ohura is established, but, still, the trip right through on horseback is possible, the track not being very difficult. A commencement has been made with the construction of the railway line between Stratford and Auckland via Ongarue, the line being completed and open for traffic as far as Douglas, a distance of eleven miles. A short branch is also in course of construction from Waipuku to Mangonui, on the slopes of Mount Egmont. This line is for the purpose of opening up the extensive stone deposits that exist in the Mangonui Gorge of great value for road-metalling and railway-ballasting purposes. A bacon-factory has been started at Stratford under very favourable circumstances, and is likely to prove a public benefit, and also a financial success to the proprietary company. The works are on a fair scale and up to date. The machinery is driven by a 30-horse-power Victor turbine, the power being obtained from the Patea River through a tunnel 865 ft. long, cut across a bend in the river. The refrigerating engine is a 6-ton British Linde, while hot water is supplied from a high-pressure boiler in an adjoining building. The chilling-chamber holds about 120 carcases (or one day's killing); here they remain overnight, and are then passed on to the curing-room, a spacious compartment of 80 ft. by 26 ft., capable of holding 1,000 carcases; from here they pass to the drying-room, of same size and capacity, on the upper story. A brick smoke-house, capable of dealing with 600 pieces at a time, has also been erected. The piggeries and slaughter-house are about a mile from the works, and are connected by tramway. The former consist of twenty compartments holding ten pigs each, and are conveniently arranged for feeding, &c. The output during the past season was 3,913 pigs, costing £7,461 4s.; in addition there were cured for owners 204 pigs not included in the foregoing.

Waitara, a seaport town of about 960 inhabitants, is situated on the river of the same name, a mile up from the sea, and about ten miles north-east from New Plymouth. The Mount Egmont Freezing-works have passed into the hands of a company styled the “Waitara Freezing and Cool Storage Company, Limited,” who have rebuilt and greatly enlarged the works, the storage capacity now being for 25,000 carcases of mutton, together with five freezing-rooms, capable of hanging 1,200 carcases; also a beef-chilling room and a mutton-chilling room. Provision is made at the slaughterhouse for accommodation of fourteen mutton and three beef butchers. The freezing plant is a 60-ton Hercules, and is guaranteed to freeze 1,500 sheep per day. The boiling-down and tallow department is most complete and up to date, and a large manure plant has now been erected. The works are fitted throughout with electric light. The following were the principal direct shipments Home during the year: 2,760 tons of frozen meat, 1,408 bales of wool, 19 bales of leather, 789 casks of tallow, 17 casks of pelts, and 14 bales of horns. All produce is conveyed on board the New Zealand Shipping Company's oceangoing steamers (which anchor in Waitara roadstead) in specially constructed and insulated bags. These works are gazetted as Government grading and cool stores, which is a great convenience for outside dairy factories, as it avoids risk of injury to their produce after it has been graded. The exports from the port coastwise for the year 1905 were: Wool, 29 bales; grass-seed, 45 1/2 tons; hides, 2,065; skins, 96 bundles; timber, 25,067 super. feet; flour 71 1/4 tons; tallow, 13 1/4 casks; cattle, 165 head; horses, 9; sheep, 342; butter, 5 tons; general cargo, 937 tons. Total tonnage of exports for year was 4,778 tons. Imports, coastwise, for same period were: Grain, 25 tons; manure, 303 tons; lime, 59 tons; timber, 155,576 super. feet; coal, 4,656 tons; wool, 282 bales; flour, 315 tons; horses, 4; general cargo, 3,587 tons. Total tonnage of imports, 9,340 tons; making in all a gross total of 14,118 tons of cargo handled at the port during the year.

Inglewood, situated on the railway-line, sixteen miles south-east of New Plymouth, is a flourishing little town of 1,152 inhabitants, rapidly coming to the front. The bacon-factory during the year put through 3,245 pigs, costing £6,598 3s. 4d. The factory is worked by a 24 in. turbine, the water being conveyed in a race 10 chains long. It is provided with a four-horse-power tubular boiler, a Lard jacket, and Californian pump. There is also a size “D” ammonia refrigerating machine. The electric light has now been installed in the town.

Eltham, a rising borough of 1,330 inhabitants, is making very rapid progress. It is on the main railway-line, thirty-six miles Irom New Plymouth.

Opunake, a seaport town of about 400 inhabitants, was visited during the year by 62 steamers. Imports, 984 tons; exports, 90 tons; but more than half the trade of the district does not come or go through the port; in fact, the goods carried by road are on the increase. If the railway from Eltham is made this town should make rapid strides, as it is intended to improve the harbour.

The only other townships that need be mentioned are Manaia, population about 450; and Normanby, population about 400.

Roads and Railways.

The chief means of communication is the railway from Wellington, which traverses the district between Patea and New Plymouth—a distance of sixty-six miles. Through trains run every day, except Sunday, between New Plymouth and Wellington, and vice nersa, a distance of 251 miles. As already stated, a railway from Stratford to Ongarue, on the North Island Main Trunk Railway, is under construction, and is open to Douglas, eleven miles from Stratford.

The Main North Road runs from New Plymouth, passing through the Towns of Waitara and Urenui; and is formed as a cart-road to Mokau, the northern boundary of the district. All the streams are bridged with the exception of the Mokau River, on which is a good ferry. From Mokau there is a dray-road right through to Te Kuiti, on the Auckland railway system. About midway between New Plymouth and Waitara the Mountain Road diverges and runs almost due south, and chiefly along the railway, for a distance of forty miles, connecting with the Main South Road at the Town of Hawera. This is at present the principal road in the district, tapping, as it does, large numbers of district roads, and passing through the Towns of Inglewood, Midhirst, Stratford, Eltham, Normanby, and Hawera.

The Ohura Road branches from the Mountain Road at Stratford. It is formed and open for traffic as a dray-road for fifty-six miles and a half from Stratford and for horse-traffic right through to Ohura. A coach runs in summer-time every Monday and Thursday (returning on following days) between Stratford and Whangamomona Village, a distance of forty-one miles, and the road is now being extended into the interior so as eventually to connect with Auckland, and will open up a large area of fertile country.

The Main South Road from New Plymouth follows the trend of the coast to the south, and was at one time the coach-road to Wellington. It passes through the Villages of Omata, Oakura, Okato, Rahotu, Otakeho, Manutahi South, and Kakaramca, and the Towns of Opunake, Manaia, Hawera, and Patea.

The Junction Road runs south-east from New Plymouth, and crosses the Mountain Road and railway at Inglewood, thirteen miles out; it is metalled for thirtysix miles and a quarter, formed as a dray-road to forty-five miles and three-quarters, where it connects with the Ohura Road at a distance of thirty miles from Stratford. This road crosses a number of district roads; hence its name.

The Opunake Road runs from Stratford to Opunake, twenty-six miles, skirting the southern base of Mount Egmont. It is formed and metalled for twelve miles from Stratford; the remainder is open for horse-traffic only. Vehicular traffic turns down the Manaia Road to Kaponga, thence along the Eltham-Opunake Road to the latter place. This route is metalled throughout.

The Eltham Road runs from Eltham to Opunake, twenty-five miles, connecting with the Opunake Road at Punehu, seven miles from Opunake. This is formed and metalled throughout.

The other main roads in course of construction are the Rawhitiroa Road, leaving the Mountain Road near Eltham; the Otaraoa, Moki, and Okoke Roads.

Lands open and available for ordinary Selection.

These comprise 81,774 acres, in ninety-five lots, situated in all parts of the district, consisting generally of rough forest-clad country but of very fair soil resting upon a formation principally of papa. These sections are at present rather difficult of access, but when cleared of timber will be found to be very suitable for raising sheep and cattle, while flats along streams could be used for dairying operations on a small scale. Most of the lands are exempt from rent and rates for four years from date of selection.

Lands being prepared for Settlement.

In Ohura and Piopiotea West Survey Districts, between Ohura and Wanganui and Ohura Rivers: 31,800 acres, undulating and hilly country, of fair quality, covered with mixed forest, scrub, and some of it open country.

In Whangamomona District, on the watersheds of the Lower Whangamomona and Tangarakau Rivers: 8,000 acres, hilly country of fair quality. covered with heavy forest. This is all surveyed, and will be in the market early in September.

All the lands will be found suitable for mixed occupation, such as raising young cattle and sheep, and in the more favoured localities for dairying.

There are 432,710 acres of land in this district still in the hands of the Natives.

There are 91,750 acres of unsurveyed Crown lands yet suitable for settlement.

A guide, giving particulars of any Crown lands open for selection, will be supplied free to any one applying personally or by letter to the Lands and Survey Department, New Plymouth.

It may be said, in conclusion, that there is every sign of genuine prosperity throughout the district, which has advanced rapidly during the last few years, and will no doubt continue to do so.

Chapter 70. THE HAWKE'S BAY LAND DISTRICT.

E. C. Gold Smith, Chief Surveyor.

The Land District of Hawke's Bay comprises that portion of the east coast of the North Island from Cape Turnagain, in latitude 40° 30', northwards to Lottin Point, about thirty miles beyond the East Cape, and contains the Waiapu, Cook, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Patangata, Woodville, and Weber Counties.

It has a seaboard of 300 miles, with an average depth from the coast of fortyfive miles, and embraces an area of 6,063,000 acres. Its western limit is defined by the Ruahine, Kaweka, Ahimanawa, Raukumara, and other high ranges that form the watershed between the rivers flowing through it to the sea, and those that run to the west coast and the Bay of Plenty.

Physical Features.

The Ruahine Range extends northwards for about sixty miles from the Manawatu Gorge as far as the valley of the Ngaruroro River. Its altitude varies from 3,000 ft. to 6,000 ft., and for a considerable distance its summit is snow-clad during the winter months.

The Kaweka, a shorter range, divided from the Ruahine by the Ngaruroro River, attains an altitude of 5,650 ft., is very rugged and steep, and a prominent feature in the landscape in winter, covered as it then is with snow.

From these two ranges, which fall very abruptly on the Hawke's Bay side, the land slopes gradually to the sea, forming in some parts fine rolling hills—the essence of a sheep-country—in others extensive plains, with comparatively little poor soil.

Northwards from the Kaweka there is a series of forest-clad ranges of varying height, stretching away in the direction of the East Cape. Hikurangi, the highest point, is a bold peak with an elevation of 5,606 ft., rising so abruptly on all sides that the ascent can be made only at one point, and that with difficulty.

The only lake in the district of any extent is Waikare-moana, so famous for its magnificent scenery. It lies about thirty-five miles inland of Wairoa (Clyde), and is eleven miles in length, with a breadth at the widest part of about eight miles. Nestled among precipitous mountain-ranges, wooded to the water's edge, with aumerous bays and inlets, it has a natural beauty hardly to be surpassed.

From Wairoa there is a formed road to the lake, and twenty-five miles round it, as far as the Oporuahine River.

The principal plains are: (1.) The Ruataniwha, some fifty miles south of Napier. This is 120 square miles in extent, is for the most part occupied as sheepruns, and carries a large quantity of stock. (2.) The Heretaunga Plain, with an area of ninety square miles, lying immediately to the south of Napier. This is rich alluvial land; a large portion is thickly settled, the remainder used for grazing and agriculture. The only other plain of any extent is at Poverty Bay. It has an area of sixty-five square miles, is very fertile, well cultivated, and has a large population.

The district is well watered throughout by numerous rivers and streams, but none are navigable except the Wairoa and Turanganui, and these only for vessels of light draught. They are both tidal, and serve as ports to the Towns of Wairoa (Clyde) and Gisborne.

Communication.

The chief outlets from Napier are three in number. First the Napier-Wellington Railway, which traverses the centre of the southern half of the district for its whole length of 100 miles, and may be called the main artery of communication. Nearly parallel to it throughout runs an excellent gravelled road, which was made before the construction of the railway. On either side there are numerous branch roads, which act as feeders, making a very complete system of internal transit. Another main road runs in a westerly direction to Kuripapango, distant forty-five miles, a favourite resort in the summer time, removed as it is from the heat of the country near the coast. A coach runs thither weekly, and on thence to Inland Patea, where the Napier Road meets the roads to Hunterville, Tokaanu, and the Wanganui River.

The part of the district served by these two main lines—viz., that between Napier and Woodville—contains the greater portion of the population, and from the extent of arable land within it is likely in the future to be very thickly peopled. Notwithstanding that so much of the Native land in this part is unoccupied and in its natural state, there are nearly a million of acres of land in sown grasses.

Napier-Taupo Road.—The road from Napier to Taupo is a fairly good one, though the many hills between Napier and Upper Mohaka, the Mohaka River, and the pumice soil between the river and Taupo render it trying for a cyclist. It is a good coach-road, however, and buggies can be easily driven over it at all seasons of the Year.

Napier to Pohui, twenty-six miles, by a good road, though very steep in parts owing to the many hills which have to be surmounted.

Pohui to Tarawera, nineteen miles. Here again the road is extremely hilly for the first six miles to the Mohaka River, though it is fairly level between that river and Tarawera.

Tarawera to Rangitaiki, twenty miles, over a level road. The road is good after rain, but, owing to the pumiceous nature of the soil, it is very loose and dusty in dry weather.

Rangitaiki to Taupo, twenty-five miles, over a pumice road, level throughout.

Starting from Napier by the Spit and Ahuriri Bridge, over the entrance to the Inner Harbour, the road proceeds for some miles along the shingle bank between the Outer and Inner Harbours, and reaches the pretty village of Petane, seven miles away. After the Petane Hill is surmounted the route is along the Petane Valley—a charming spot, and past the village of Eskdale, situated on the banks of the Esk River. From here to Pohui, where a halt is made to change horses and have lunch, the road winds among hills and some fine pastoral country. Leaving Pohui with fresh horses, a very steep hill remains to be climbed—the Titi-o-kura—before the Mohaka River is reached at Upper Mohaka. The bridge over the river was washed away by the disastrous flood of Easter, 1897, but another fine bridge has been erected. Some grand views can be obtained from the summit of the hills between Pohui and Mohaka River, and the beautiful valleys and high ranges traversed en route are very picturesque. Tarawera is reached about 6 o'clock, where a stay is made for the night. There is a well-known mineral spring here. and the bush around the township makes it a very attractive place.

Leaving Tarawera early the next morning, the tourist is taken past several objects of interest connected with the early days of the road while it was under construction by the Armed Constabulary. The double waterfall is also passed on the road, and a halt should be made to view it at leisure. Level, rolling plains continue from here right up to Taupo, and there is nothing particular to see before the Rangitaiki River is reached and a halt made for lunch. From there to Taupo, through the Kaingaroa Plains, the road is not interesting, the only objects of interest being the mons of wild horses frequently met with. Twelve miles from Taupo are the graves of the troopers who were killed at Opepe by the Maoris in 1869. On nearing Taupo the scenery improves; and the first view of the lake, with the grand mountains of Tongariro (6,458 ft.), Ruapehu (8,873 ft.), and Ngauruhoc (7,515 ft.) in the background, and Tauhara (3,603 ft.) in the foreground, with the numerous clouds of steam ascending from the hot springs in the neighbourhood, make a grand picture. The coach arrives at Taupo about. 4 o'clock, where there is a choice of three good hotels. There are hotels at Pohui, Tarawera, Rangitaiki, and Taupo. Good trout-fishing can be obtained in the neighbourhood of the hotels mentioned.

The Napier-Wairoa Road has been completed, with the exception of bridges at Waikare and Matahouroa Streams, and there is a weekly mail-coach service between the two towns. The coach is stopped occasionally by floods at the streams mentioned, and until the bridges are completed the heavy traffic between the two places will be done by a small steamer.

From the Wairoa a main road runs northward, through the Village of Tiniroto and on to Gisborne, a distance of seventy-five miles. For a considerable distance it runs through hilly country, and, as it has not been gravelled, wheeled traffic is suspended during the winter months; but a coach runs weekly for nine or ten months out of the year. There is also road from Wairoa to Gisborne via Nuhaka Hot Springs for wheeled traffic.

Between Gisborne and Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, communication is not good. The road, which is 120 miles in length, has been formed to the Motu Township, a distance of sixty miles. In the neighbourhood of the forest a large area of Crown lands has been taken up and settled. The rest of the journey must be done on horseback. A railway is being constructed from Gisborne in the direction of Motu. The portion from Gisborne to Te Karaka, a distance of eighteen miles, is open for traffic. The continuation of this line will greatly assist the progress of the district.

The country to the north of Gisborne is being rapidly opened up, the coastal road being open for traffic as far as Port Awanui, while several of the arterial roads are being extended.

Small steamers trade regularly along the coast, calling in at Tolago and Tokomaru Bays, Waipiro, Tuparoa, Awanui, Kawakawa, and other small bays.

Pastoral Industries.

The Hawke's Bay District is pre-eminently a sheep-grazing country, and the large area of 3,070,610 acres has been improved and sown in English grasses, clover, &c. In 1905 there were 4,373,355 sheep in the district, and the numbers of other stock were as follows: Horses, 36,677; cattle, 268,031; and swine, 17,265. The value of the wool exported from Hawke's Bay for the year ended 30th June, 1905, was £935,280, a considerable increase over previous year.

Freezing-works are established at Tomoana, Port Ahuriri, Gisborne, and Pakipaki, and the export of frozen meat for the year ended 30th June, 1905, was as follows: Beef, 1,415 tons, valued at £28,300; 201,354 carcases of mutton, valued at £134,825; 145.426 carcases of lamb, valued at £103,880; preserved meats, 1,415 tons, valued at £28,300.

Timber Industry.

As showing the importance of this industry, there are numerous sawmills in the district, and, outside of wool, frozen meats, tallow, and pelts, sawn timber ranks first in the value of the exports. 4,769,663 ft. of timber were exported during the year, the total value being £21,463, and 58,813 posts and strainers, value £2,476. It is satisfactory to note that sawmills have been established at Pohui and Puketitiri, in which districts there are large areas of valuable forest. As the bulk of the sawn timber from these places must necessarily come through Napier, it follows that the port and trade of the town will reap immense benefits from the further development of the industry in its vicinity.

Trawling Industry.

At present no less than thirty-five boats of all sizes are engaged in the trawling and fishing industry, giving employment to several hundred people. Fish are largely exported to Wellington, Wanganui, and Palmerston North.

Flax-milling.

It may be stated that every available strip of flax in this district has been taken up; several flax-mills are now in full working-order. The output of fibre for the year was 1,463 bales, valued at £7,315.

Agricultural Pursuits.

Agriculture is not carried on to the extent it might be with so much land suitable for root and grain crops. No doubt this is due to the profits made in sheep-faming. It is chiefly confined to the Heretaunga Plains and the flat lands near Gisborne. The soil is favourable to root-crops; potatoes range from 6 to 15 tone to the acre, and in some instances exceed this amount. Only a moderate quantity of grain is grown; barley, for which the soil seems well adapted, returning from 20 to 60 bushels of good sample to the acre.

The fruit growing and canning industries have now attained some importance. There are large orchards at Hastings and Havelock North, and also vineyards at Te Mata, Taradale, and Greenmeadows.

Dairying.

Settlers are now turning their attention to dairying, and factories have been established in the bush districts at Norsewood, Ormondville, Maharahara, Hastings, Gisborne, and Woodville, whilst several others are in contemplation. At the last-mentioned town a cheese-factory has been in existence for some years, and turns out an excellent article much sought after in other parts of the colony. There can be no doubt that the further development of the dairying industry must materially benefit the farming class—especially the small farmer, who may find it difficult to make a living out of sheep.

Other Industries.

Other industries, such as fellmongeries, soap-works, boot, coach, sash-and-door, and rope-and-twine factories, &c., are established in the principal towns.

Climate.

The climate is generally of a mild character, and, though hot along the coast-lands in the height of summer, it is, owing to the dryness of the atmosphere, not so relaxing as in parts of the island farther north. The rainfall is light, excepting in the bush districts and high inland country.

Napier itself is recommended by many medical men as a resort for invalids suffering from pulmonary complaints, chiefly on account of the mildness of its winter season. The average rainfall for thirty-four years is 37.070 in.

Towns.

Napier is pleasantly situated on the peninsula known as Scinde Island, which is joined to the mainland by a narrow shingle-bank several miles in length. It is a busy town, with a population of about 9,500. The business part is on the flat land at the foot of the group of hills that take up the greater part of the peninsula. These hills, formerly barren and waste, are now occupied by numerous private residences, and the very general tree-planting has given the upper town a distinctive and pleasing character. There is a good water-supply, derived wholly from artesian wells of large size, and pumped by machinery to reservoirs on the tops of the hills. The shipping trade, as the large exports show, is especially active during the wool and frozen-meat season. It is still carried on at Port Ahuriri, about a mile from the town; but has recently, in a large measure, been transferred to the fine breakwater which is now partially completed. During the year 1905, the imports amounted in value to £250,566, and the exports to £1,418,877.

Gisborne, the trade-centre and port of what is known as the Poverty Bay District, is a prosperous town of nearly 5,700 inhabitants, exclusive of Maoris, rapidly increasing in size and importance, as the large quantity of unimproved land in the Cook County is fast becoming settled and made productive. There are 1,435,468 sheep in Cook and Waiapu Counties.

Clyde, the county town and port of the Wairoa County, is picturesquely situated on the Wairoa River, about three miles from the mouth. The river is navigable for small craft as far as the village of Frasertown, twelve miles further up.

With a few exceptions, the towns and villages to the south of Napier are all situated on the line of railway running from that city to Wellington. The principal are: Hastings, a rising town of about 4,600 inhabitants, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Dannevirke (population about 3,500), and finally Woodville (population about 1,110), about three miles from the Manawatu Gorge, and distant ninety-five miles from Napier. It is at this end of the district that the Crown has, in the last few years, successfully planted settlement, and, in place of the continuous forest known as the Seventy-mile Bush of earlier days, there are now prosperous townships, with various thriving industries established.

Crown Lands.

The land held by tenants of the Crown, of whom there are 1,300 in the district under the various systems of tenure, amounts to 801,245 acres, and there remain about 153,814 acres not yet dealt with in any manner.

The latter is, for the most part, suitable for pastoral purposes only, any fit for agriculture lying in small, isolated spots, widely scattered, and such as could not be selected independently of the surrounding inferior land. Nearly the whole is broken forest country, fitted more for sheep than cattle, and having an average carrying-capacity, when cleared, of about one sheep to the acre, though the best of it might possibly graze from two to three. The land is chiefly in the Hangaroa, Koranga, Mangatoro, Norsewood, and Motu Districts, and the back-country of the Waiapu County.

About 25,117 acres are now open for selection. This area includes lands open under the pastoral-runs system.

The following is a short description of some of the areas to be dealt with in the future:—

Tutamoe Survey District.—7,750 acres, being the Huiarua No. 1 and Tutamoe Blocks; all bush, broken, soil medium. Situated about thirty miles from Tokomaru.

Koranga, Tuahu, and Moanui Survey Districts.—About 48,000 acres, being part of the Tahora No. 2 Block, situated north of Waipaoa and Ruakituri Rivers, and between them and the Koranga River. It comprises some very hilly country, but, though nearly all the land is covered with bush or scrub, there is some fair soil, and would make fair pastoral country. All well watered. North of this portion the Crown has some 70,000 acres in the Auckland Land District, west of the Waioeka River.

Motu Survey District.—20,135 acres, being part of Motu Block. Part undulating country, rest broken; one-third open fern and scrub, remainder forest-clad; soil light. About forty miles from Gisborne, along the Opotiki Road.

Moanui Survey District.—About. 16,500 acres. All hilly forest land, at an elevation from 900 ft. to 3,500 ft. First-class soil. Distance from Gisborne, fifty miles.

Patoka Survey District.—4,028 acres, chiefly forest country, with light soil. Part river-bed.

Puketapu Survey District.—320 acres, in Block I. Waste land, north of the Pokopoko Stream, and west of Sections 16 to 20. Chiefly gullies.

Tahoraite and Norsewood Districts.—About 8,416 acres 1 rood 30 perches, being portions of Tamaki Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Bush country, all covered with heavy forest. A good proportion undulating land. All well watered. It will probably be some time before this block is opened for selection.

Ncrsewood Survey District.—Piripiri Block, 10,207 acres. It will probably be some time before this land is in the market.

In addition to the foregoing, there is an area of 7,844 acres, principally small blocks scattered over various districts, as follows: Mata, 1,074 acres; Hikurangi, 1,931 acres; Tokomaru, 216 acres; Waingaromia, 3,070 acres; Uawa, 53 acres; Hangaroa, 608 acres; Waiapu, 798 acres; Matakaoa, 145 acres.

Native Lands.

Of the Native lands in this district, a very considerable portion has been leased to Europeans, but there still remains in the hands of the Maoris a valuable estates comprising both agricultural and pastoral country, and including some 800,000 acre, of excellent land. This land lies for the most part in the Waiapu County, towards the East Cape.

Thermal Springs.

At Waipiro Bay and Nuhaka thermal baths have been constructed and their medicinal properties are highly spoken of. Both places are now accessible by coach, and the number of visitors, especially in the summer-time, is considerable.

Chapter 71. THE WELLINGTON LAND DISTRICT.

John Strauchon, Chief Surveyor.

The Wellington District is bounded towards the north by the Auckland District; towards the east by the Hawke's Bay District, to the sea; thence by the sea to the Patea River on the West Coast; and thence bounded towards the west by the Taranaki District. The area contained within these limits is about 6,810,958 acres. It lies between the parallels of 39° and 41° 30' south latitude; its greatest length north and south is about 180 miles, and its mean width east and west about sixty miles.

General Physical Features.

The district is divided into two well-defined parts by a mountain range, which forms part of the backbone of the North Island. At its northern end this range—there known by the name of Ruahine, and averaging a height of about 4,000 ft.—divides Wellington from Hawke's Bay; but after passing the point where it is intersected by the Manawatu River, the range takes the name of Tararua for many miles, until, at about forty miles from the termination on the shores of Cook Strait, it divides into two main ranges, known respectively under the general names of Rimutaka and Tararua, both ranges averaging from 2,500 ft. to 3,500 ft. in height, the highest point being 5,154 ft. Parallel to the main range, and divided from it by the Wairarapa Plain and the undulating country to the north, is a series of ranges at a few miles inland from the East Coast, known as the Puketoi, Taipo, Maungaraki, and Haurangi Ranges. Lying on the northern border of the district are the Kaimanawa Ranges, for the most part open and grass-covered, rising to a mean height of about 4,500 ft. Westward from the latter mountains, and divided from them by a deep, broad valley, in which flow the Waikato and Wangaehu Rivers, is the volcanic chain of mountains containing Ruapehu, 9,008 ft., and Ngauruhoe, an active volcano, 7,515 ft. high. The long sweeping curve of Cook Strait, forming the south-western limit of the district, is bordered, from the Patea River to within thirty miles of Wellington, by a comparatively level and undulating country, now nearly all under cultivation, having an average width of about fifteen miles. This is one of the finest parts of the colony, and is celebrated for its stock-raising capabilities. It was originally in a great measure open, though the southern part, where the plain is narrowed in between the sea and the Tararua Range, had a good deal of forest on it.

Inland of this coastal plain, at varying distances from the sea, the country gradually rises to a mean height of about 1,500 ft., to 1,800 ft., and becomes a good deal broken in character. It was originally forest-clad almost throughout. It is much cut up by rivers and streams flowing from the interior to the sea, of which the principal, commencing from the north, are these: the Waitotara, the Wanganui, the Wangaehu, the Rangitikei, the Oroua, the Pohangina, and the Manawatu, which last, after leaving the gorge in the Ruahine Ranges, runs through level land to its mouth in Cook Strait. This broken country, being everywhere composed of papa, or marly formation, which takes grass excellently, promises in the near future to be a large sheep-carrying district.

At about fifteen miles south of the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu Mountain the papa country terminates in a fairly well-marked escarpment, giving place to a more level and undulating country formed of volcanic matter, the greater portion of which is forest-clad, though on the south-east, east, and west sides of that mountain there are open grassy plains, of no great fertility, but yet suited to pastoral pursuits.

To the eastward of the main range formed by the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges is the great depression known at its southern end as the Wairarapa Plain, which gradua'ly rises northwards from the lake of that name into somewhat broken country, of no great height, at a distance of some forty-five miles from the sea. From here the country falls again slightly to the Upper Manawatu River, the depression in this part being marked by the extensive flats in the neighbourhood of Pahiatua, and by the shallow valleys of the Mangahao, Mangatainoko, and Tiraumea Rivers and their branches. For thirty miles from the sea this great valley is mostly open, with patches of forest here and there, but becomes more plentifully wooded at the base of the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges. The quality of the soil varies from light and stony on the Wairarapa Plains proper to rich papa country as the northern end is approached. The southern end of this country is watered by the Ruamahanga River and its tributaries. Generally the district is a pastoral one, though agriculture is also pursued successfully. The neighbourhood of the Puketoi Ranges is in many places composed of limestone, and promises in the future to become a very rich pastoral district, such as will support a considerable population. In the forks formed by the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges the Hutt River takes its rise, and runs in a southerly direction through an undulating or level country, finally falling into Port Nicholson. The valley contains some very fine land, generally held in small holdings.

Plains.

The two most important of these have already been mentioned. On the eastern side of the main range the Wairarapa extends northward from the lake of that name for about forty-seven miles, with an average width of about nine miles. In some parts, especially on the flats along the Ruamahanga River, the soil is alluvial and rich; in others, though stony and unfit for cultivation, it is nevertheless grassed, and carries stock well in the winter and rainy seasons. The plain is watered by the Waiohine, Waingawa, and Ruamahanga Rivers, and contains altogether about 200,000 acres, much of which is good agricultural land. On the other side of the district, west of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, there is a large block of land so nearly level that it may be called a plain, extending from Paekakariki (twenty-seven miles from Wellington) to Marton (a few miles north of the Rangitikei River), and contains about half a million acres. Starting as a narrow strip between the hills and the sea, the plain widens out by degrees until at Feilding it is at least twenty miles in breadth. Along the beach runs a fringe of sandhills, but behind this is to be found some of the best farming and grazing land in the colony. There are two plains inland—Murimotu and Waimarino—both lying some 2,200 ft. above sea-level, in the neighbourhood of Mount Ruapehu, the former to the south and the latter to the north-west of the mountain. The soil is covered with a coarse native tussock, and, though capable of carrying stock, is of a light porous nature, and cannot be classed as agricultural land.

Rivers

First among these is the Wanganui, with a length of 136 miles from its source, near Mount Tongriro, to its outlet. The Manawatu is next in importance. Rising in the Ruahine Range, it flows through the picturesque Manawatu Gorge, joining the sea at the port of Foxton. The Rnngitikei, the third in size, rises in the Kaimanawa and Ruahine Mountains, and flows through the Awarua country, where it is joined by the Hautapu and other large tributaries. After a course of over a hundred miles it reaches the sea some little distance below the Township of Bull's, on the west coast. Lesser rivers on the west coast are the Waitotara (north of Wanganui), the Wangaehu (which takes its rise in Mount Ruapehu, and from its source to its mouth is so strongly impregnated with sulphur that fish cannot live in it), the Turakina, and the Otaki. The only other rivers of any size are the Hutt (Heretaunga), emptying itself into the Wellington Harbour; the Ruamalaga, flowing through the Wairarapa Valley and lakes into Palliser Bay; and on the east coast the Pahaoa, Aohanga, and Akitio.

Lakes.

The only lake of any size in the Wellington District is the Wairarapa, lying between the Rimutaka and Haurangi Ranges, towards the southern end of the Wairarapa Valley. It is about twelve miles long and four broad, and is connected by the Ruamahanga River with Onoke, a small lake separated from Palliser Bay by a narrow shingle-spit only. A passage through the spit is opened from time to time when the lake rises above its natural level and overflows the low-lying flats along its margin. Water-fowl of every kind—among them numbers of black swans—are to be found round about these lakes.

Scenery.

The views obtained from the railway-line in the ascent and descent of the Rimutaka Range are among the best in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and the road through the Forty-mile Bush was long considered one of the most beautiful drives in the North Island; but its beauty has been diminished by the felling of the bush consequent on the increase of settlement. The same may be said of the Manawatu Gorge, famed in the old coaching days for its lovely scenery, but now sadly marred by the construction of the railway-line. The most beautiful drive now left is through the Awarua Bush, from Ohingaiti to Moawhango. From this road, as it winds round the spurs, most charming glimpses are obtained of the Rangitikei River and the blue hills beyond, and at other points the traveller looks up deep ravines where the graceful fern-tree stands out in bright relief against the dark green of the native bush. Another road, from Pipiriki, on the Wanganui River, to the Murimotu Plain, traverses one of the most magnificent forests in the North Island. Here the bushman's axe has felled only the timber standing on the road-line, and the track runs beneath the shade of the largest and stateliest maire and rimu known. Beautiful as these drives are, the scenery on the Wanganui River is still more lovely. A few miles below Taumarunui the river enters a series of gorges, shut in by high precipitous cliffs. Sometimes the canoe glides slowly through quiet reaches, sometimes shoots rapids which make the traveller hold his breath till they are passed, and then again traverses places where the water is ever in turmoil, boiling and eddying in whirlpools, taxing the energies of the most skilful Native steersman, and testing the nerve of the most courageous tourist. These experiences, with the views obtained of the banks, densely wooded even where the papa rock rises almost straight from the water's edge, make the eighty-four memory. journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki an event not easily effaced from the memory. Between Pipiriki and Wanganui excellent steamers are now running, so that the beauties of the lower part of the river may be seen by all without trouble or discomfort. In summer time a launch goes as far as Taumarunui three times a week, with the convenience of a house-boat at Ohura, where the night is passed on the upward trip.

Forests.

The Wellington District is essentially a forest country, for out of the 6,810,958 acres contained within its borders about 3,000,000 are still under bush. By far the largest forest is the Waimarino, having an area of at least three-quarter million acres, a large portion of it being nearly level land, containing magnificent timber, principally totara, maire, matai, rimu, and other pines. This forest is as yet hardly touched, though timber is being cut at Raetihi for the settlers now making their homes in the neighbourhood. The distance from the settled districts or any port will render the timber in this part useless as a marketable commodity until the country is opened up by the Auckland Main Trunk Railway now in course of construction.

There is a large extent of bush land, drained by the Turakina, Mangamahu, and Wangaehu Rivers, extending up to the Wanganui River, and containing about 300,000 acres. Very little of this, from its inaccessibility, will be utilised for sawmilling purposes, but a great deal of it, together with a further block of 230,000 acres on the west side of the Wanganui River, will be cleared by the settlers and sown down with grass. A further block of about 100,000 acres of forest land lies in the Pohangina Valley and on the slopes of the Ruahine Range. A large portion of this has been taken up and is now being settled.

The forest land on the west coast extends from Pukerua to the Manawatu Gorge, on the west side of the Tararua Range, and contains an area of about 300,000 acres, the bulk of it being fit. only for turning into pasture. The most available part of it, alongside the Wellington—Manawatu Railway, is being extensively cut into by sawmillers at Levin and other places on the line.

After this in size is the forest on the eastern slopes of the Tararua Ranges, extending from Featherston to the Manawatu Gorge, which includes what remains of the well-known Forty-mile Bush, containing probably about 175,000 acres. Portion of this area is being quickly denuded of timber by the sawmills established at Pahiatua, Newman, Hukanui, Eketahuna, and by settlers. A tract of about 50,000 acres lying to the east of the Puketoi Range cannot be utilised for milling purposes, as it is not tapped by any branch railway-line, and its distance from the main line would probably render the business unprofitable except for local purposes. Nor are there any suitable ports along the coast where timber could be shipped.

The other forests are, one near Lake Taupo, and the Haurangi Forest on the east side of the Wairarapa Lake. These consist for the most part of beech-covered hills, and cannot be considered as valuable for milling purposes.

Soil.

It may be said that the Wellington Land District contains within its borders a greater quantity of good land than any other in the North Island, very little, except the mountain-tops, being unfitted for use, while some of it is of very superior quality, suited for the growth of the productions of every temperate climate. As much of it is still forest-clad, settlers must look forward to having to make their farms by felling and burning the bush before grass can be sown, and, as it takes from ten to fifteen years before the plough can be used in bush-land, grazing, for which the climate and soil is admirably adapted, will be the principal industry for sometime to come. It is generally calculated that the cost of felling and burning ordinary bush varies from 25s. to 35s. an acre. To this must be added about 20s. for seed and fencing. It is no uncommon thing for a return to be received at from twelve to eighteen months after felling. The usual practice is to put sheep on to the new lands soon after the grass has obtained a good hold. The process of improving the lands by the gradual “logging up” and burning of the fallen tree-trunks is a long one, but it pays in the end, for in this way fine pasture-lands are obtained on the hills, and agricultural lands on the flats.

Climate.

The climate of Wellington District is healthy and mild, the mean annual temperature (in the city) being about 55, whilst the mean rainfall is about 50 in. per annum; and for the year ending 31st March, 1906, the mean temperature was 54°, and the rainfall 58 14 in. on 182 days. The rainfall differs, however, according to locality. Inland and near the ranges it is much greater. The top of Ruapehu Mountain is covered with perpetual snow, which lies also on the tops of Kaimanawa, Ruahine, and Tararua in the winter. Frosts are heavy in the interior.

Harbours and Ports.

The coasts of Wellington are not so well supplied in this respect as are some other parts of the colony; but what is lost in number is made up in a great measure by the excellence of the chief haven—Port Nicholson—which, from the position it occupies, at the meeting-point, as it were, of the coastal traffic of both Islands, and from its sheltered position and depth of water, may be considered one of the most convenient harbours in the world. The Wanganui River, which has been, considerably improved by artificial means, is the second port in the district, and has a considerable trade carried on by coastal steamers. The Patea and Manawatu Rivers are also used by coastal steamers, whilst several other inlets along the shore afford shelter and stopping-places, according to the direction of the wind. The extension of railways along both coasts has, in a large measure, done away with the inconveniences arising from want of harbours.

Towns.

The capital of the colony—Wellington—is situated in the south-west angle of Port Nicholson, on Lambton Harbour. It was founded in 1840 by the New Zealand Company. The city occupies the flat skirting the original shoreline, long since obliterated by the reclamation of the foreshore, which is now mostly covered with fine buildings. The population of the city at the last census was 58,503, including Melrose, which now forms part of Wellington. Including suburbs, the population was 63,807. The harbour is land-locked, contains an area of about 20,000 acres, and varies in depth from 6 to 14 fathoms, with good anchorage, the bottom being silty clay and sand. The width of entrance at narrowest part is 3,600 ft., with a depth of 7 to 8 fathoms; the current never exceeds 2 knots; the rise and fall of tide varies from 3 ft. to 4 ft. There is no bar at the entrance to the harbour, and vessels can enter inwards or outwards in all weather and at all states of the tide. There is a fixed white light at Pencarrow Head, on east side of entrance, at a height of 322 ft., visible for twenty-five miles. There is also now being erected at foot of Pencarrow, 35 ft. above the water, a lighted beacon, which will define the entrance to the harbour in thick weather when the high light may be obscured by fog. The fixed light on Somes Island, within the harbour and six miles from Pencarrow, is 95 ft. above sea-level, and is visible for sixteen miles. It has a white sector fixing the entrance-passage. The outer signal-station on Beacon Hill, near the Heads, on the west side of the entrance, signals all vessels as soon as distinguished, and these are repeated at the inner signal-station on Mount Victoria for the information of the townspeople.

The Beacon Hill Station is connected to the city public telephone exchange. The total wharf-accommodation for berthing vessels amounts to 10,615 ft., with depths of water ranging from 16 ft. to 32 ft. The Harbour Board has a complete and elaborate system of hydraulic plant, comprising some forty-four cranes (fixed and movable) with variable rakes up to 32 ft. and 50 ft., and lifts of from 2 to 35 tons. There are also movable winches and sundry smaller hydraulic plant in the sheds and stores. Storage-sheds are available for cargo discharging from or loading at any berth, and have an area of 228,981 square feet of floor-space, with a cubic capacity of 3,824,110 ft. There is also a patent slip, owned by a private company, that can take vessels up to 2,000 tons, not exceeding in length 300 ft., or greater draught than 16 ft. at forward end when going on to slip. The ways are laid to a gradient of 1 in 23, and are 1,070 ft. in length at high water, with a depth of 32 ft. at outer end.

This slip is situated at Evans Bay, some two miles and a half. from the wharves. There are also several foundries and sawmills available to carry out any repairs required. For the year ending 30th Sep ember, 1905, 2,936 vessels, of a registered tonnage of 2,278,724, used the port. The tonnage of goo is passing over the wharves during the past twelve months, inwards and transhipments, amounted to 366,859 tons of general goods; and 114,960 tons were also shipped outwards, as well as 199.422 bales of wool, hemp, and tow. Coal amounted to 112,538 tons. Timber: Inward, 6,870,000 superficial feet; outwards, 1,205,000 superficial feet. The value of imports for same period amounted to £3,463,174, and the exports to £2,986,246. The Harbour Board has a large dredge capable of dredging down to 42 ft. at low water, and it is arranged so as to deliver the material at sea or to pump it ashore for reclamation purposes. The Board is also about to construct a graving-dock 650 ft. in length, a depth of 28 ft. on the sill, and a width of entrance of 84 ft. It has also large schemes of reclamation in hand, partly with a view to obtaining revenue by letting and partly in connection with schemes of wharf-accommodation, and to give road and railway approaches to the new wharves. The Board's revenue on working account last year was £124,885, and its working expenditure amounted to £89,251, in addition to which £26,566 was written off for depreciation on structures. The total cost on capital expenditure since the Board's inception in 1881 has been £764,223, and its loan indebtedness at the 30th September last £430,000, and it has an estimated balance of assets over liabilities of £276,129.

Being the seat of Government, the city contains the residence of the Governor and the headquarters of the Government Departments, which are placed in what is said to be the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. There are several noticeable public buildings, amongst which mus; be mentioned the Parliamentary Buildings, containing a valuable library, General Post Office, Government Life Insurance Office s, Government Printing Office, Government Railway Offices, Customhouse, Public Library, School of Art, Town Hill, and Harbour Board Offices. The Colonial Museum and the Botanical Gardens are also worthy of notice. The city is lighted by gas and electricity, and its principal streets are paved with wooden blocks. An excellent supply of water is obtained from the Wainui-o-mata River, on the other side of the harbour, and from the Kaiwarawara Stream, to the westward. A system of electric trams for the city has been installed, and extended to Brooklyn and Island Bay; Kilbirnie, Karori, and Wadestown will also soon be connected with the city. The principal industries are represented by iron and brass foundries, sawmills, soap and candle works, boot-factories, aerated-water and meat freezing works, coachbuilding, rope and twine works, sash and door factories, brick, tile, and pottery works, printing and publishing offices, besides match and box factories, and other smaller works of various kinds. The city is increasing with rapid strides; its excellent position, together with the fine back-country, places it in the front rank of New Zealand towns. The principal suburbs are Onslow and Karori, containing 2,098 and 2.194 inhabitants respectively. The railway-line to the Hutt Valley is now being straightened and duplicated to afford greater facilities of transit, which are necessary in consequence of the rapid development of population.

Petone is situated near the mouth of the Hutt River, seven miles from Wellington, on the railway-line. It has a population of about 5,900, and is a rising township, containing the Government Railway Workshops, a woollen-factory, and a meat freezing and preserving establishment. A good water-supply is obtained from the Korokoro Stream, the reservoir being two miles and a quarter distant.

The Lower Hutt, almost immediately adjoining, has a population of about 3,400. The water-supply is artesian at present, but a loan has been carried for a pumping and gravitation scheme, also another loan for a pumping and gravitation scheme of sewage-drainage. There are four hotels, two manufactories, two sawmills, one State School, one Roman Catholic School, and several private schools. The public buildings are a Railway-station, Police-station, Municipal Offices, Library and Free Reading-room, with a new Post-office in course of erection. During the past year twelve shops and 108 dwellinghouses have been erected within the borough. The rainfall last year was 61.56 in. on about 170 days. The Upper Hutt, situated at the head of the valley, has many small farms, owned by some of the very early settlers. The railway here begins the ascent of the Rimutaka Range.

Featherston, situated in the Wairarapa Valley, forty-six miles by rail from Wellington, is a small township, with butter and, cheese factories in the neighbourhood. The population is 670, with two hotels, a State School, Town Hall, Town Board Office and Literary Institute. A gravitation water supply is now being installed Roads lead from it to Martinborough and the east coast, and also down the Wairarapa Valley to Palliser Bay.

Greytown is situated three miles off the main line of railway, with which it is connected by a branch line, and near the middle of the Wairarapa Valley, fifty-four miles from Wellington by rail. The population is about, 1,130, with three hotels, two manufactories, one State and High School, also a Public Library and Reading-room, Post-office, Railway-station, and Municipal Council Chambers. Water is brought in from the Waiohine River, and there is no drainage system. The refuse, &c., is removed by contract. There is also a 10-acre recreation reserve. During last year 49.96 in. of rain fell on 176 days.

Martinborough lies near the eastern side of the Wairarapa Plain, and is some eleven miles and a half from Featherston, the nearest railway-station on the Wellington-Napier railway-line, and is a flourishing little town of some 640 inhabitants, with every prospect of increasing the population within the next few years, having a good and extensive back country, capable of carrying a large number of people. There are two good-sized hotels and a good boardinghouse. There are two manufactories, one State School, Post and Telegraph Office, Courthouse, Town Hall, and County Council Offices. There is no water-supply or drainage system. The Town Board has just raised a loan of £2,000 for street-improvements.

Carterton, where are to be found cheese-factories, &c., has a population of about 1,400 persons. There is some splendid farming land in this locally on the banks of the Ruamahanga River.

Masterton is situated at the head of the Wairarapa Valley, on the Wellington-Napier Railway, sixty seven miles from the capital. It is the centre of an agricultural and pastoral country, and has a population of about 5,056. There are six hotels, numerous manufactories, two State Schools, including a District High School, Roman Catholic Convent, two private schools, and one Technical School; the public buildings being a Town Hall, Public Library and Readingroom, Post-office, Courthouse, also Municipal and County Council Offices, Railway-station, &c. There is also a public park of about 30 acres, with sports-ground and grandstand, &c.; also a school recreation-ground of 3 acres, and large fish-hatcheries. During the past year fifty shops and offices and eighty dwellinghouses have been erected. The water-supply is by gravitation, the system of drainage being by septic tank with sewage-farm annexed. Rubbish is carted to a depot, and there are also some small private destructors. The rainfall last year was 51.32 in., and fell on 171 days. The town is lit with gas. An important coach-road leads from here through a fine pastoral district to Ti Nui, and on to Castlepoint on the east coast, where a large quantity of wool is annually shipped to Wellington for export.

North of Masterton is the Opaki Plain, and beyond is the entrance of the once famous Forty-mile Bush, which is now a thriving pastoral, agricultural, and dairying district. Butter-factories have been established at numerous centres.

Eketahuna is, by rail and road, eighty-nine miles from Wellington. From there a main road leads to Alfredton and up the Tiraumea Valley, through the East Puketoi country, to Weber and Dannevilke, the latter on the Napier rail way-line. The population is about 700, with four hotels, nine manufactories, one State School, Post-office, Courthouse, Railway-station, and Town Hall. There is also a recreation-ground. There is no water-supply, but a sewage system of drainage is now in course of installation; rubbish and refuse is buried. The rainfall last year amounted to 69.55 in., and fell on 192 days.

Pahiatua, a township eighteen miles beyond Eketahuna, has a population; of about 1,380. The number of hotels is tour, manufactories thirty-six, with District High and Public Schools, and also a Convent School. The public buildings are: Courthouse, Pastoffice, Public Library, Drill-shed, &c. There is also a 10 acre recreation reserve. There is a gravitation water-supply, and the drainage system is by gravitation through pipes into a septic tank. The rainfall for the year ending the 31st March, 1906, was 59.97 in., and fell on 210 days. It is the county and market town of a large and improving district, and will probably also become the centre of a large dairying industry. Several branch roads run from Pahiatua into the adjoining country, the principal one leading to Makuri through a beautifully wooded gorge. From there another branch road passes over the Makuri saddle into the East Puketoi country. Excellent fishing is obtainable in the neighbourhood.

On the west coast, Pahautanui (or more correctly Paua-taha-nui), at the head of the Porirua Harbour, is the centre of a small agricultural community of early settlers, the old coach-road to the west coast running through it; and there is a branch road leading over to Hayward's, in the Hutt Valley. Near Plimmerton, on the sandhills and about a mile south, lies a large boulder known to Native tradition as “Te Punga o Matahourua”—the anchor of “Matahourua,” one of the canoes bringing the original Maori inhabitants to the Island. Paekakariki, twenty-seven miles from Wellington, may be considered the commencing-point of the west coast settlements, which are springing up in every available valley along the coast.

Otaki is forty-seven miles from Wellington by rail and road. There are six hotels, four manufactories, and two sawmills; one State School, one Roman Catholic and one Maori School. There is a Railway-station, Post-office, Hospital, and several other public buildings, but the township has neither a water-supply nor a drainage system, the refuse being removed by contract and buried. The rainfall was 40.72 in., and fell on 159 days.

Levin, proclaimed a borough in 1906, has a population of 1,265 persons. The water-supply is by gravitation. Drainage is by a system of open drains. Rubbish is carted to a rubbish and nightsoil depot. There are two hotels, two manufactories, and two sawmills, one Public School, including a District High School, Post-office, Courthouse, and Municipal Buildings. There are also two recreation-grounds. 38.49 in. of rain fell on 159 days during the past twelve months.

At Manukau and Shannon thriving townships have arisen since the Manawatu Railway Company opened up the land round about, much of it being rich farming and grazing country. Between Shannon and the Manawatu River there is a large raupo or flax swamp, named Makurrua, containing at least 15,000 acres of fine alluvial soil, which is being gradually drained, and will probably at some future period become grazing-land.

Foxton, a borough at the mouth of the Manawatu River, a small shipping-port, contains 1,330 inhabitants, four hotels, seven flaxmills, one State School, and a Public Library. There is also a public park. There is no water-supply and no drainage system, the nightsoil and other refuse being removed by cart to a depot outside the borough. It is connected with Palmerston North by a branch railway, and is the outlet for a large area of good agricultural land, with a considerable flax milling industry. The Foxton Wharf is 512 ft. long. and the railway runs down it. The harbour light is white, and visible for six miles seaward in ordinary weather. The depth of water on the bar at high water, spring tides, is about 11 ft., and at high water, neap tides, about 8 ft. From the mouth of the river to the wharf—some six miles—the water on the flats is about the same depth. Vessels can lie afloat at the wharves at all times, but they can only work the port with flowing tide and in favourable weather. Two hundred and sixty vessels, with registered tonnage of 33,037 tons, used the port during the year. Messrs. Levin and Co. have a river service consisting of five steam-launches and a number of punts, which are employed in supplying the numerous flax-mills on the river with raw material, and also in bringing down fibre to Foxton for shipment. A rope and twine manufactory has been recently started. The Manawatu Heads are distant by road some three miles, and are a favourite summer resort of the residents of Palmerston North and other parts of the Manawatu district. There are about a dozen houses at the Heads. Direct railway-communication between Marton and this port would enable the wool and timber from the Rangitikei and other up-country districts to reach the seaboard for shipment with the shortest possible land carriage.

Palmerston North is an inland town at the junction of the Wellington-New Plymouth and the Palmerston-Napier Railways, situated on a fine plain in the mist of a most excellent farming district, at a point eighty-seven miles from Wellington and 112 miles from Napier. The population is about 10,250. The town is lit with gas, and has a gravitation water-supply and septic-tank system of drainage. The refuse is burnt on the river-bank. There are fifteen hotels and seventy-nine manufactories of all sorts, and three State Schools, one High School, four private schools, and one Catholic School and Convent. The public buildings are: Courthouse, Post-office, Opera House, Library, Municipal Buildings, Hospital, and Railway-station. Fifty shops and 225 houses have been erected during the year. There are recreation-grounds, a Public Domain, and Agricultural and Pastoral Show-grounds. The rainfall last year amounted to 42.659 in., and fell on 200 days. A fine bridge across the Manawatu River connects it with the Fitzherbert Block, a tract of rich agricultural land. Nine miles from Palmerston is the Township of Ashhurst, at the mouth of the Pohangina Valley, up which settlement has now extended for a distance of twenty-two miles. Several large farm-homestead association blocks have been selected up this valley.

Feilding is ninety-nine miles from Wellington by rail. The population is about 2,975, and there are four hotels, two State Schools, with Post-office, Courthouse, railway-station, recreation-grounds, &c. There is a gravitation water-supply. The drainage system is by gravitation into a septic tank, and the rubbish is removed to the borough depot. Feilding is one of the most important towns on the west coast, as it is the centre of a very fine locality and the outlet for a large tract of inland country, the forest on which is fast being felled. A coach-road connects it with Birmingham (Kimbolton) and Pemberton, about thirty-two miles distant. On the seaward side for a distance of twenty miles there is also much good agricultural land, extending on the north-west to the Rangitikei River, and including the Township of Halcombe. There are several dairy factories established in the neighbourhood.

Marton, 116 miles from Wellington by rail, is one of the earliest of the west coast settlements, and is the centre of an agricultural country. The population is about 1,275. There are three hotels and four manufactories, two schools (one Boys' College and one State School). The public buildings are fourteen in number, and comprise among others Municipal Offices, Opera House, Public Library and Reading-room, Post-office, Courthouse, &c. There is also a public park of some 10 acres in the centre of the borough. 36.53 in. of rain fell during the year on 157 days. The town is supplied with water by gravitation from a reservoir one mile and a half away, the pressure being equal to 45 lb. to the square inch. There is no system of borough drainage, the nightsoil and refuse being buried. The Township of Bull's, on the north side of the Rangitikei River, lies between Marton and the coast. From Marton Junction the southern part of the North Island Main Trunk Railway extends up the Rangitikei Valley for forty-five miles to Tainape, passing through Hunterville and Mangaweka. A short distance beyond Mangaweka is the viaduct of the same name, 944 ft. in length. The rails are now laid for sixteen miles beyond Taihape, viz., to Tura-ngarere, and the construction of the line is proceeding as far as and even beyond Waiouru. The distance from Marton Junction to the summit at Waimarino is about 104 miles. A coach-road has been made to Waiouru, and thence to Tokaanu, on Lake Taupo, in the Auckland District; and also from Waiouru to Pipiriki, on the Wanganui River. Branching from this latter at Ohakune a new road is now in course of construction in a northerly direction, and through connection with the Auckland Provincial District is expected to be established by this route during the coming summer. Another road runs from Turanga-rere through Moawhango to Napier.

Hunterville, situated in the centre of a grazing district, has a population of 645. There are two hotels, one State School. Post office, Courthouse, Railway-station, &c. There is no water supply or drainage system, the refuse being removed by cart. There is a public domain. The rainfall for last year was 46.685 in., and fell on 183 days.

Wanganui, situated near the mouth of the river of that name, is the oldest town after Wellington, from which it is 150 miles by rail—the distance by sea being only 120 miles. It is the centre of an excellent farming district. The population is about 8,200. The town is lit with gas, and has a gravitation water-supply, also a gravitation drainage scheme discharging into the Wanganui River. Refuse is collected, buried, or burned. There are twelve hotels, twelve manufactories of various sorts, and two sawmills. There are two Colleges—one for boys and one for girls—four State Schools and five Catholic Schools, a Post-office, Public Library, Museum, Land Office, &c., Courthouse, Observatory, Opera House, Hospital, Gaol, and Railway-station. The rainfall last year was 48.77 in., on 167 days. The Railway Wharf, the principal one, is some 900 ft. long, and can accommodate six coasting vessels. The Cattle Wharf is 40 ft. long. Hatrick and Co.'s Wharf and the Aramoho Wharf are each 40 ft. long. The Heads Wharf at Castlecliff is 360 ft. long. The port light on North Head. Castlecliff, is one of the sixth order, and in clear weather is visible for thirteen miles. The depth of water on the bar varies from 10 ft. to 13 ft. at high water, and 3 1/2 ft. to 6 1/2 ft. at low water. There is 12 ft. of water at the wharves at high water, spring tides. Coasting-vessels can only cross the bar at or near high water, but it is rarely that they are unable to cross inwards at that time, although with a strong south-west gale blowing they are unable to cross outward. 475 vessels, with a registered tonnage of 105,040 tons, used the harbour during the year ending 31st March, 1906. The value of imports for that period amounted to £178,403, and the exports to £331,691. Near the mouth of the river are freezing-works, the meat from which is conveyed by lighters to the large English steamers which lie off the mouth of the river. Not far from it are some extensive railway workshops. The Wanganui River is navigable for a light-draught steamer up to Pipiriki, a distance of sixty miles, and a launch goes a further distance of eighty-four miles to Taumarunui.

Raetihi has no hotels, being within the King-country; but there are two good boarding-houses, one State School, Post-office, Police Office, Waimarino County Council's Office, dairy factory, two manufactories, and one sawmill. During last year two shops and four dwellinghouses were erected. There is also a recreation-ground of some 11 acres in extent, but no water-supply or drainage system beyond a few open drains, &c. Refuse is carted away. The rainfall during last year was 71.18 in., and fell on 175 days.

Crown Lands available for Future Settlement.

Town Land.—Sections in Piriaka, Raetihi, Ohakune, Mowhanau, Waiouru, Taihape, Mataroa, and Pongaroa Townships will probably be open for sale at Wanganui, Raetihi. Taihape, Pongaroa, Pahiatua, and Wellington on dates due notice of which will be given in the local papers.

It is expected that the following blocks will shortly be offered: About 38,000 acres, known as the Retaruke, Kikau, and Te Maire Blocks, on the Wanganui River, south-west of Taumarunui, under small grazing-run and optional systems; about 20,000 acres in Kawatahi Block (North Kaitieke), and about 9,000 acres of the Rangitatau Block, on the Waitotara River.

Small blocks have been purchased in the Hutt, Petone, and Johnsonville districts under the Land for Settlements Act and “The Workers' Dwellings Act, 1905,” including the Wilford, Hall-Jones, Waddington, Melling, Hawtrey, Heretaunga, Holworthy, and Pitt Settlements. Workmen's dwellings are being, and about to be, constructed on some of these, and it is expected that a number will shortly be available for disposal.

Improved-farm Settlement Lands.

All the available land suitable for holding under the improved-farm conditions has now been allotted, but if any of the sections now held under this system should be forfeited they will probably be balloted for amongst applicants in the district who are known to be of good character and likely to make good settlers.

Land open and available for Ordinary Selection.

A number of forfeited sections are now open for selection in the Kaiparoro Block, and in Momohaki district.

Wanganui River Trust Endowment Block.—This block of 9,733 acres is subdivided into four lots, open for selection on the small-grazing-run system.

Puketotara, Ahnahu, and Te Tuhi Blocks.—These blocks, which comprise about 29,600 acres of unsurveyed land situated on the right bank of the Wanganui River, about thirty miles from Wanganui, are now open for selection under the optional systems.

Tokaanu Township.—Leases of ninety-eight allotments for the term of twenty-one years, with right of renewal for a further term of twenty-one years, are open for application by tender.

Hokio Township.—Leases of thirty-three allotments for the term of twenty-one years, with right of renewal for a further term of twenty-one years, are open for application by tender.

Wharangi (Foxton Sanatorium).—Leases of eleven allotments for the term of fourteen years are open for application by tender.

Village Lands.—Village homesteads are open for application in the following settlements: Marshall, Mangaweka, and Manunui.

Normandale Settlement.—About eighteen lots, ranging from 5 to 389 acres, are open for application on lease in perpetuity in this settlement, which is situated near Lower Hutt.

Linton Settlement.—One lot, 150 acres, situated near Halcombe, is open for application on lease in perpetuity.

Tawaha Settlement.—Eight lots, ranging in area from 60 acres to 122 acres, are available for disposal on lease in perpetuity.

Crown Land Guides and sale lithographs, giving full particulars of lands open for selection in this land district, will be forwarded to any one on application to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington.

Native Lands.

Townships are now surveyed at Piriaka, Tokaanu, Parata, Potaka, and Hokio, sections in all of which, except Potaka, are open for leasing under “The Native Townships Act, 1895.”

Ohotu Block.—Seventy-one lots, comprising an area of 57,455 acres of Maori land, about forty-five miles up the Wanganui River, in the Ohotu Block, have been offered for selection for terms of twenty-one years with right of renewal. Most of these have now been selected, but particulars as to the few lots still open can be obtained from the President or Secretary, Aotea Maori Land Board, Wanganui.

The blocks under lease to Europeans contain about 374,700 acres, the principal being Owhaoko, Mangohane, Ruanui, and Oroumatua. Of others passed through the Native Land Court there are about 562,415 acres which are fit for settlement, the principal being the balance of the Awarua and the Motukawa, Te Tuhi, Ahuahu, Rangiwaea, and Puketotara Blocks, in the central district; Raetihi in the Waimarino district; Tauakira, Ohotu, Whaharangi, and Morikau, on the Wanganui River; Maraetaua and Kaha-kaha, between the Wanganui and Wangaehu Rivers. Those not suitable for settlement at present are the Te Hautu, Ohuanga, and Kaimanawa, on the east side, and the Oahukura on the west side, of Tongariro Mountain, containing an area of about 345,000 acres.

The Native lands which have not passed the Native Land Court contain an area of about 105,306 acres, the principal being the Pukehika, Te Hautu, Wahunu, and Waipapa Blocks, on and between the Wangaehu and Wanganui Rivers, and some others on the west side of the latter river.

Pastoral and Agricultural Industries.

The pastoral industry is by far the more important, the total area in grass in 1906 being 2,704,622 acres, as compared with 107,097 acres under crop, garden, or orchard. Of the area in crop, 7,477 acres were in wheat, 21,353 in oats, and 47,272 acres in turnips or rape, the rest being in potatoes or other crops.

The following figures will show the average return per acre of grain for the year 1906: Wheat, 31.82 bushels; oats, 35.18 bushels; barley, 43 03 bushels.

The area in sown grass now exceeds that in any other district in the colony, though the area under crop is very small as compared with either the Otago or Canterbury Districts. In April, 1905, there were 3,948,583 sheep; and in October, 1905, the cattle numbered 396,209, horses 54,410, and pigs 44,907. The total area in gardens is given as 2,767 acres; in orchards, 3,552 acres; and in plantations, 5,267 acres.

Dairy Industry.

Both soil and climate are well adapted for the production of butter and cheese, and the number of creameries and butter factories is increasing very considerably each year, and the export constantly augmenting.

Thirty butter and twenty-three cheese factories were returned in August, 1905, as at work in the Wellington Provincial District.

Phormium Tenax.

The principal flax-mills working are at Featherston, Carterton, and Martin-borough, in the Wairarapa, and at Waikanae, Shannon, Tokomaru, Linton, Oroua Bridge, Bull's, and Foxton, in the Manawatu. This industry has increased greatly during the last few years, the export from Wellington for the year ending 31st March, 1905, being about 12,000 tons of dressed flax. There were sixty-one mills at work, employing 935 hands.

The tow produced in the course of manufacture, which was formerly destroyed, is now found to have a market value of from £2 to £7 per ton, and is exported.

Timber Industry.

Sawmills are to be found in different parts of the district where the means to conveyance of the timber from the forests are sufficient and not too costly, the timber cut being principally totara, red-pine (rimu), and white-pine (kahikatea); the first two are largely used in house-construction, bridge-building, and other works, and the last for butter boxes and export to Australia, for similar use there. Others of the native woods are very beautiful, but are utilised only to a small extent.

The principal mills are at Pahiatua, Eketahuna, &c., in the Forty-mile Bush and Wairarapa districts; at Otaki, Waikanae, Shannon, and Levin, in the Manawatu district; and at Taihape, Raetihi, and Taumarunui, in the interior country. There are also mills and factories in Wellington and other towns for dressing, &c., the rough material. In the whole district there were during the last year (to 31st March, 1906) 270 mills and sash and door factories engaged in this industry, employing 2,296 persons.

Miscellaneous Industries.

The number of the other principal industries in this provincial district for the year 1905–6 were as follows:—Meat freezing and preserving works, 11; ham and bacon curing establishments, 3; fish-curing works, 3; grain-mills, 8; bread and confectionery works, including baking and biscuit manufactories, 192; breweries, 25; aerated-water factories, 35; condiment-factories, 10; soap and candle works, 10; cooperages, 6; gasworks, 11; brick, tile, and pottery works, 31; plumbing and tinware factories, 99; iron and brass foundries, 55; printing-offices, 71; basket and perambulator factories, 7; coachbuilding and painting works, 230; cycle-factories, 66; saddlery and harness factories, 73; tanning; fellmongering, &c., establishments, 29; sail and oilskin factories, 9; furniture and cabinetmaking, 99; tailoring establishments, 182; dressmaking and millinery, 233; shirt-making, 11; boot and shoe factories, 91.

Chapter 72. THE MARLBOROUGH LAND DISTRICT.

C. W. Adams, late Chief Surveyor.

Boundaries.

The Marlborough Land District, occupying the north-east corner of the Middle Island, and containing about 2,792,500 acres of land, is bounded generally on the north and east by Cook Strait and the east coast as far as the Conway River; thence by that river to its junction with the Towy River; from this point, by straight lines, rivers, and the summits of watersheds, to the western side of Tennyson Inlet, Pelorus Sound. From the Conway to the Acheron River it abuts on to the Canterbury Land District, and from that river to Pelorus Sound it is bounded by the Land District of Nelson.

The widest part of the district is from Cape Campbell to Tophouse, a distance of about sixty-seven miles, and the extreme length from Cape Jackson to the Conway is 120 miles.

Physical Features.

The district throughout is generally mountainous, but none even of the highest peaks are covered with perpetual snow, although Tapuaenuku, the highest of the Inland Kaikouras, attains an altitude of 9,462 ft. Of the Seaward Kaikouras, or Looker-on Mountains, the highest points are Kaitarau and Whakari, which are 8,700 ft. and 8,500 ft. respectively. There are several lesser peaks, from 4,000 ft. upwards.

The view from Kahautara Bluff, south of Kaikoura Settlement, looking northwards, when the Looker-on Mountains are snow-capped, is said to be one of the finest in New Zealand.

Geologically, the district may be briefly described as follows: North of the Wairau River the rocks belong chiefly to the Upper and Lower Devonian series, with a belt of Silurian between them, embracing the country along the west of Queen Charlotte Sound to Cook Strait. Within these series auriferous deposits are found, and at present worked at Mahakipawa, Wakamarina, and Wairau Valley. In Endeavour Inlet an antimony-mine was worked for some time; but operations have been discontinued and the machinery removed. The country south of the Wairau River may be said to belong chiefly to the Carboniferous Age, with patches, along the coast and up the Clarence Valley, of Cretaceo-Tertiary and Lower Greensand formations; while along and between the Awatere and Clarence Rivers volcanic formation and numerous intrusive dykes occur. The Red Hills also, at the head of the Wairau Valley, are of volcanic origin.

Coal has been discovered in the neighbourhood of Picton, and in the Clarence Valley, but none has been as yet successfully worked within the district. A narrow belt of Tertiary limestone, suitable for building purposes, extends, with small interruptions, from Cape Campbell to the boundary of the Canterbury Provincial District. The Marlborough land may be divided into three classes: Open land, generally covered with associated grasses; forest land; and intermediate, or land partly forest, partly covered with scrub, fern, or other rank vegetation. This original condition of the soil naturally gave rise to a localisation of industries, and a very unequal distribution of settlement. Thus the open country was taken up for pastoral purposes; in the forest country the timber industry was developed, and the intermediate land passed into the hands of farmers. Though agriculture is now extending into the pastoral and forest country, and considerable areas of forest land have been cleared and laid down in grass, the portions of the district characterized by these respective industries are still well defined.

In the northern part of the district, bounded by Cook Strait, numerous deep fiords and bays run far into the land. The principal of these are Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds, Tory Channel, Port Underwood, and Port Gore.

These Sounds are very picturesque, but the hills surrounding them are not so rugged and precipitous as are those of the thirteen celebrated Sounds on the west coast of Otago and Southland.

Though generally steep, the land is not too rough to be used for pastoral purposes, and nearly all the land in the Sounds is occupied by thriving settlers.

Pelorus Sound, the most extensive and picturesque, is thirty-four miles long, following the course of the main channel, with the Town of Havelock at its head. There are many bays and inlets branching off in all directions: the largest of these is Kenepuru Sound, fourteen miles long. Pelorus Sound, including its branches, has a shore-line of over 300 miles in length, not counting islands.

Queen Charlotte Sound is the next in length, being thirty miles from its entrance to its head; it also has many bays and inlets, one of which is Picton Harbour, twenty-five miles from the entrance.

Tory Channel is ten miles long, and forms the most direct line of communication between Picton and Wellington. The distance from Wellington Wharf to the entrance of Tory Channel is about forty miles, and about twenty more to Picton.

The shore-line of Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel is over 200 miles in length. The entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound is about twenty miles distant from that of Pelorus Sound, and this latter is about twelve miles from the French Pass. Generally there is deep water in all the sounds and bays, and good anchorage can be found near the shore. The country is hilly everywhere in the neighbourhood of the Sounds, the highest point being Mount Stokes, 3,951 ft. above sea-level.

Rivers.

Four considerable rivers, the Wairau, Awatere, Clarence, and Conway, rise towards the western boundary of the district; the two former, running east and north, fall into Cook Strait; the two latter, taking a southerly and easterly course, discharge into the sea on the eastern side of the Island. These rivers water large and fertile valleys, but none can be entered by vessels except the Wairau, which is navigable for small steamers for about twelve miles from its mouth.

Plains.

The Wairau Plain, containing about 65,000 acres, on which stands Blenheim, the capital of Marlborough, is the principal block of agricultural land within the district. The soil, generally good, is, on the lower or seaward side of the plain, extremely fertile, especially in the neighbourhood of Tuamarina, Spring Creek, and near Blenheim, which is surrounded by numerous gardens, with rich deep mould, and well sheltered with trees. The average yield of wheat for the plain is about 30 bushels per acre; of oats and barley, 35; of peas, 30; and of potatoes, 10 tons per acre. Hops have been successfully grown for many years in the neighbourhood of the town, but, owing to the high price of labour, their cultivation has not extended. The plain, traversed in all directions by good macadamised roads, and dotted over with numerous comfortable homesteads, standing in clumps of trees amidst well-cultivated fields, has already an old-world appearance. More than half the population of the Marlborough Land District—about 14,000, according to the last census—is centred in the town of Blenheim and on the Wairau Plain. Besides this plain there are several thousand acres of terrace flats and valleys along the larger rivers, notably at Starborough, on the Lower Awatere.

Lakes.

There are not any lakes worthy the name. The largest is Kapara te Hau, more familiarly known as Grassmere, situate on the coast between the Awatere River and Cape Campbell. It is about three miles in diameter, and very shallow, being, indeed, no more than a lagoon, as during a dry season there is little or no water in it.

There are two other lakes of small size, viz.,—Lake Elterwater, four miles south of Lake Grassmere, and Lake McRae, situate in the open country between the Awatere and the Clarence Rivers.

Forests.

The portion of Marlborough north-west of the Wairau River, extending to the boundary of the Nelson Land District, and including the county of Sounds, in all about 280,000 acres, was originally covered with dense forest. In the valleys and on the lower hill-slopes, rimu, kahikatea, matai, totara, miro, and tawa were the principal forest-trees. The higher portion of the hills and steep spurs are clothed with the various species and variety of birch (beech), to which along the shores of the Sounds were added pukatea and kohekohe, the latter locally called cedar.

Since 1860 sawmills have been at work in various parts of the district. Thirty-five mills have been erected, and have worked for longer or shorter periods. Have-lock, on the Pelorus Sound, is at present the head quarters of the timber trade.

The hills along the shores of the Sound will, for many years, furnish birch sleepers. There are other timbers left in places, but nowhere sufficient to justify the erection of a mill, unless pukatea wood, hitherto neglected, could be utilised. It is a light, tough timber, well adapted for boat-building and for packing-cases. The quantity of pine timber remaining in the Kaituna and Onamalutu Valleys is small, but there is a good supply of birch and other wood, suitable for fencing and firewood. On these valleys the Wairau Plain is mainly dependent for timber.

The Pelorus Valley, with its tributaries the Wakamarina, Rai, Ronga, and Opouri Valleys, still contain about 250,000,000 ft. of convertible timbers, exclusive of the birch, of which there is a large amount of the best quality on the hills and terraces. The Wairau, Blenheim, and other districts extending southwards must depend for the future on this source for all their building material.

In the neighbourhood of Kaikoura, along the base of Mount Fyffe, and in the Hapuku Valley, there is another small block of forest land in which three small sawmills have been erected. The quantity of timber suitable for sawmill purposes in this block is very limited, but it will furnish the neighbouring country with firewood and fencing for many years.

Soils and their Uses.

The Wairau Plain, which is the principal block of agricultural land, has been already dealt with. The second agricultural centre is in the neighbourhood of Kaikoura. The land extending along the base of Mount Fyffe, between the Kohai and Hapuku Rivers, about 13,000 acres in extent, is held in small or moderate-sized farms; the soil is good, the block known as “The Swamp,” between Mount Fyffe and the Peninsula, being particularly rich. In the Pelorus, Kaituna, and Onamalutu Valleys, and in the Sounds, settlers following in the wake of the sawmills have already converted much of the land worked over into grazing-farms. The land is of three descriptions—alluvial flats, terraces, and hill-sides. On the flats in the larger valleys the soil is rich, producing heavy crops of oats, peas, beans, and potatoes, wherever it has been brought into cultivation. The terrace-land varies much in quality, but generally grows good grass, as do also the hills on which tawa formerly grew; the birch country being very barren. On the small bush-farms cattle-grazing is the chief pursuit, there being 18,750 head in the district.

Grazing.

About 1,680,000 acres of the Marlborough Land District are at present devoted to keeping sheep. The leaseholds in the northern parts of the district contain a large extent of scrub and fern covered country, now producing little or no food for sheep, but capable of improvement. The total number of sheep depastured is 815,040, distributed as follows amongst the counties into which the land district is divided: Marlborough County, 472,508; Sounds County, 174,326; Kaikoura County, 168,2.6. On the natural pasture of the open country merino sheep are kept almost exclusively, the land carrying from half to one sheep per acre. In the forest country, on sown grass, the land keeps from two to four crossbred sheep per acre. Along the shores of the Sounds large areas of hill-land have been taken up on lease, and are now being cleared and laid down in grass expressly for keeping sheep, but generally throughout the forest country the holdings are small or of moderate size; hence this is, after the Wairau Plain, the most populous portion of the district.

The export of wool during last year shipped via Picton was 8,435 bales.

Industries.

Gold-mining has been carried on for some years, principally at Mahakipawa, Wakamarina, and Wairau Valley. At present not much gold is being obtained.

One dredge is at work in the Wakamarina River, but the two at Top Valley suspended operations—the returns not being payable—and one of them was removed to Armchair Creek.

Seventeen sawmills are at work within the district—two at Kaikoura, and the others in the Pelorus, Kaituna, Onamalutu, and Wakamarina Valleys, and in the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds—the total output being about 8,000,000 ft., employing about two hundred hands. The principal one is Messrs. Brownlee and Co.'s, in the Pelorus Valley, their tramway being some fifteen miles long, the output last year being about 3,680,796 ft. Messrs. Brownlee and Co. have sixty men employed, and keep two vessels running between Havelock and Lyttelton.

During the year the phormium industry employed eleven mills, and the quantity of fibre shipped was 2,133 bales and 1,000 bales tow, by direct boat.

There are three flour-mills at work, two of them being owned by Messrs. Redwood Bros. The one at Spring Creek is a complete roller-mill, driven by water-power, and can turn out about 14 tons of flour in twenty-four hours. It is electric lighted, and the sack-working machinery is driven by electric motor. The other two mills are in Blenheim; one is worked by water-power and the other by steam.

There is a dairy factory at Spring Creek which contains all the latest improvements in machinery.

There is a first-class cheese-factory at Tuamarina. Last season 64 tons were turned out. There are also cheese-factories at Kaikoura and Havelock. Kaikoura produced 126 tons last season.

Climate.

Marlborough possesses an excellent climate; and at Blenheim it is fine weather nearly all the year round. There is almost a total absence of the boisterous winds that so frequently visit Wellington.

The original distribution of the open and forest lands was entirely due to climatic causes. At Cape Campbell, one of the barest places in the district, the annual rainfall is only about 24 in. or 25 in.; in the Pelorus Valley, the centre of the forest country, it is over 65 in. This difference between the climates of the north-western and south-eastern portions of the district explains why the artificial pasture-land, when compared with the natural pasture, supports such a large amount of stock. Winter and spring are the wettest seasons, hence the dry climate is not unfavourable for agriculture. Wherever the soil is suitable, crops sown in winter and harvested in early summer can be successfully grown. Everywhere near the coast the range of temperature, considering the latitude, is very small. The thermometer seldom falls below 30 deg., or rises above 78 deg. Along the shores of the Sounds the mildness of the winter, owing to the curious distribution of land and water, allows lemons, oranges, passion-fruit, figs, and other sub-tropical fruits to be grown in favourable situations. On the lower hills and terraces of the forest country the chestnut (Castanea vulgaris) grows rapidly, and commences to bear fruit in five or six years. In all parts of the low country the common English fruit-trees—apple, plum, pear, cherry, &c.—yield abundantly, the fruit, owing to the clearness of the atmosphere, being of excellent quality. In the high country, where snow falls occasionally during winter, red, white, and black currants can be produced in such quantities that with little labour they might be made an article of export to the warmer parts of Australia.

Towns.

The chief town, Blenheim, is situate on the Wairau Plain, at the junction of the Opawa and Omaka Rivers—a third river, the Taylor, would join at about the same point were it not that when not in flood it disappears beneath the surface, about three miles south of the town. Blenheim has been termed a miniature Christchurch, doubtless from its extreme flatness. Considering this, its streets are not so straight and wide as they should be. The Government Buildings, which comprise the Post and Telegraph Offices, Lands and Survey Offices, Courts of Justice, &c., form a handsome edifice in the centre of the town, which is well planted with deciduous and evergreen trees. It is about eighteen miles and a half from Picton by rail, and about twelve miles from the sea by the Opawa River, which is navigable for small steamers. Blenheim is lit by gas, and is supplied with water principally by artesian wells. The population is 3,350.

The next town in importance is Picton, the principal port, only fifty-three miles by sea from Wellington. This little town, both in position and appearance, may be said to be the antithesis of Blenheim, being most picturesquely situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, and nestling among hills, some of the higher ones still densely covered with birch and other forest. There is frequent communication with Wellington and Nelson by steamers averaging 500 tons, and vessels of large size can lie at the wharf at low water. The direct exportation of frozen meat from Picton commenced in 1892, when 16,433 carcases were shipped. The Christchurch Meat Company exported from Picton for the year ended 31st March, 1906, mutton, 14,860 carcases, and lambs, 40,468 carcases. Picton possesses a malting establishment also, producing for export, as the excellent quality of the barley grown on the Wairau Plain insures a ready market. A small quantity of oysters, mostly procured in Queen Charlotte Sound, is annually exported from Picton; with culture the supply might be almost indefinitely increased, many of the sheltered bays in both sounds being well adapted for the purpose. What is now being done along the Marlborough coast is a mere trifle compared with what might be accomplished if capital and knowledge were brought to bear on the fishing industry. Around the whole coast, from the mouth of the Conway to near the French Pass, the sea abounds in fish. Within the Sounds and amongst the islands of Cook Strait, hapuku, snapper, moki, barracouta, raturi, kahawai, and rock-cod are extremely plentiful. Immense shoals of the southern herring (Clupea sagax) and of anchovies (Engranlis encrasicholus) frequent the inlets at certain seasons of the year, and quantities of fresh fish are exported thence to various places within the colony. As steamers arrive at and leave Picton almost daily, shipments can be made without delay to all parts. Picton possesses a good gravitation water-supply. Its population is about 1,000 persons.

Havelock, situate at the head of Pelorus Sound, is, as has been already stated, the present headquarters of the timber trade, Messrs. Brownlee and Co.'s steam sawmill, at the mouth of the Pelorus River, being only a mile or so from the town. Between Picton and Havelock there is a mail-service twice a week, via Cullensville, on the Mahakipawa Goldfields. The population of Havelock is about 300 persons.

The Town of Kaikoura, the greater part of which is built on a raised shingle-beach, is situate at Kaikoura Peninsula, near the southern boundary of the district. The town, with the adjoining settlement of small farms, forms one of the most picturesque spots in New Zealand, lying as it does under the Seaward Kaikouras, or Looker-on Mountains. At the back of the town the peninsula, which is composed of Cretaceo-Tertiary limestone, rises abruptly for about 100 ft., and affords splendid sites for dwellinghouses. Kaikoura is connected with Blenheim by a bi-weekly coach service, the distance being about ninety-five miles. There is also direct steamer communication with Wellington and Lyttelton. The population of the town is about 500.

Roads and Railways.

The only railway is that between Picton and Seddon, a distance of thirty-three miles and a half. Three trains run daily between Picton and Blenheim, about eighteen miles, and trains twice daily on three days in the week and once daily on the other three days between Blenheim and Seddon. A substantial railway and traffic bridge over the Awatere River, costing £22,500, is a very great boon to the district.

The Main North Road to Nelson, distant seventy-eight miles, is a good metalled road nearly the whole way. It runs up the Wairau Valley from Blenheim for about six miles, crosses the Wairau River into the Kaituna Valley, which it follows as far as Havelock—about twenty-eight miles. It then runs up the Pelorus and Rai Valleys, and ascends by easy gradients to the Brown Saddle, where it crosses the boundary into Nelson. An excellent coach service—probably the best in the colony—has been established for some years, the coach running to and from Nelson on alternate days, covering the distance in eleven hours, and another coach service twice a week has been established between Blenheim and Havelock.

The Main South Road, running over the Taylor Pass into the Awatere Valley, and through the Starborough, Flaxbourne, Kekerangu, and other properties, connects Blenheim with Kaikoura and the south, and is a good road during dry weather, although it might be much improved in places. Since the acquisition of the Starborough Estate by the Government the bulk of the traffic now goes via the Redwood Pass, as it is a more direct route to the town of Seddon. The portion between the Clarence River—over which a fine bridge was built some years ago—and the Hapuku River runs along the coast under steep and picturesque hills covered with forest. A road to the south of Kaikoura, between the Kahautara and Conway Rivers, is now completed and forms part of the main Cheviot–Kaikoura Road, and, besides its great usefulness in opening up the country through which it passes, will also become a favourite route for tourists, as in many places it passes through most picturesque scenery.

A good road has been formed up the Wairau Valley, passing through the Bank-house, Erina, Lansdowne, Hillersden, and Birch-hill properties, and connecting with Tophouse, just outside the boundary, distant fifty-six miles from Blenheim. At Tophouse there are an hotel and a telegraph-station, and thence a good road leads to Belgrove, on the Nelson Railway line.

A coach runs twice a week between Blenheim and Wairau Valley—twenty-five miles—where there are an hotel, a post and telegraph office, and one or two stores.

There is also a good cart-road running up the Awatere River—which it crosses and recrosses several times—as far as Molesworth Station, about seventy miles from Blenheim. Between these points there is a weekly coach and mail service.

There are other minor roads and bridle-tracks throughout the district too numerous to specify.

Crown Lands.

The area of Crown lands at present available for settlement is about 160,000 acres, but of this area 120,000 acres are of very poor quality, being chiefly the summits of high, rugged country. The balance of available area lies principally in the Pelorus, Rai, and Wakamarina Valleys, and in the Sounds, and will doubtless be readily taken up when thrown open for selection.

Chapter 73. THE NELSON LAND DISTRICT.

W. G. Murray, Chief Surveyor.

General Physical Features.

The Nelson Land District comprises the north and north-western portion of the Middle Island, the greater part being high and mountainous, and on the western and inland ranges covered with dense forest to the bush-limit, at from 4,000 ft. to 4,500 ft. Cape Farewell, the northern most point, is situated at the western entrance of Cook Strait, on the south side of which lie Golden or Massacre Bay, and Tasman Bay, more commonly called Blind Bay. The former derives its name from the massacre of a boat's crew belonging to Tasman, who visited it on the occasion of his discovery of New Zealand in 1642. At the head of the latter, which has a depth of fifty-four miles from its entrance, stands the town of Nelson. From Separation Point, on the western side of Blind Bay, a range of mountains from 3,000 ft. to 4,000 ft. in height extends southward to Mount Murchison. It consists of a granitic formation, with slate, limestone, and sandstone belts. From Pelorus Sound, on the east, commences another range—a portion of which is serpentine, forming a mineral belt immediately south of Nelson City. It reaches an elevation of 6,000 ft., and runs in a south-westerly direction to the St. Arnaud Range, terminating in the Spenser Mountains, a large central mass attaining a height of 8,000 ft. above the sea-level. To the westward of the Spenser Ranges and those on the further side of Blind Bay are the Brunner, Lyell, Marine, and Tasman Mountains, from 5,000 ft. to 6,500 ft. in height. Still further westward along the coast are the Paparoa, Buckland Peaks, and Papahaua Mountains, about 4,500 ft. at their highest point, and the Whakamarama Range, extending from Rocks Point to Cape Farewell. There are also a number of isolated mountain-masses here and there through the district.

The inland Spenser Mountains are the source of the principal rivers of the district south of the Buller River, and are thus described by the late Sir Julius von Haast: “On the southern slopes of this wild alpine stack we find the principal sources of the Grey, or Pohaturoa; on its north-east side the sources of the Wairau; on its eastern side those of the Acheron and Clarence; and in the deep recesses of these snow-clad giants those of the Waiau-ua, or Dillon: so we may say that, with the exception of the Takaka and Aorere, which fall into Massacre Bay, the Wangapeka and Motueka, which run into Blind Bay, the Karamea and smaller streams, which reach the sea on the west coast to the north of the Buller River, all the rivers of any size in the northern part of this island take their rise in this magnificent chain.”

Rivers.

The Buller River (Kawatiri) has its source at a point about sixty miles south-west from Nelson, where it flows out of the beautiful alpine lake Rotoiti, lying 1,800 ft. above sea-level at the foot of the lofty St. Arnaud Range. This river breaks through the massive mountain chains of the interior in a transverse or easterly direction, forming, where it receives no tributaries, a succession of magnificent rocky gorges, and, after a course of about one hundred miles, finally discharges its waters into the ocean on the west coast. The Gowan River, a tributary, has its source in another exquisite lake, Rotoroa, 1,623 ft. above sea-level. Other tributaries of the Buller are the Matakitaki, Maruia, Owen, Matiri, and Inangahua, all of which take their rise in the snowy ranges.

Lakes.

The lakes of the district are alpine in character, surrounded by grand mountain and bush scenery. The principal are: Rotoiti, lying east, and Rotoroa south-east, of Mount Murchison; Matiri, to the west of Owen Range, 980 ft. above the sea.

Plains.

The Waimea Plains, near Nelson, with the Lower Motueka, Riwaka, and Takaka Valley lands, formed part of the original settlement of the New Zealand Company, and are occupied mostly by small settlers. Inland are the Tiraumea Plains, 1,100 ft. above sea-level, and the Maruia, 1,300 ft. These are, together, about 30,000 acres in extent. They are surrounded by high mountains heavily timbered, and the land is of only second-rate quality. On the west coast the level lands are Ikamatua Plain and Mawhera-iti, and Inangahua Valleys, lying on the eastern flanks of the Paparoa coastal range. There are also open pakihi at Addison's Flat, on the south side of the Buller, and low swampy lands on the north side; northward is the heavily timbered country of the special settlement at the mouth of the Karamea.

Forest.

The area of the district is estimated at 4,686,000 acres, of which the open land under 2,000 ft. in altitude is, approximately, 915,000 acres; the area of forest land under 2,000 ft., about 1,382,000 acres; and the open land above that altitude, about 581,000 acres, inclusive of bare mountain-summits. The wooded country is estimated at 3,200,000 acres; of this area probably about 900,000 acres is scrub and stunted bush, and of the remainder not 700,000 acres at the outside would be available for clearing. The timber on the western side consists of red and white pine, matai (or black-pine), totara, kawaka (or cedar), rata, and occasional silver-pine, besides black and red birch (Fagus fusca). These varieties are also found, but in smaller areas, on the eastern side, birch preponderating. A large amount of timber is used in the mining industry for props and planking, and throughout the districts generally for shingles, fencing, firewood, sleepers, &c.

Agricultural.

On the Waimea Plains is grows excellent barley, a small quantity of which is exported. Oats and chaff are sent in large quantities to the West Coast and elsewhere. Hops also form one of the chief exports. Wheat, maize, rye, and root-crops of most varieties are grown, and fruit is plentiful. The weekly wage of a farm-labourer is £1 with board; without board he would receive 7s. a day. Ploughmen can get £1 to £1 5s. per week with board; without, 7s. a day.

Pastoral.

The total area of pastoral lands held under the Crown by sixty tenants on the 31st March, 1906, amounted to 237,909 acres. As the agricultural land is limited, settlers are turning their attention to the timbered mountain-slopes for grazing purposes. These, when the timber is felled and burnt, and the ground sown with suitable grass, will, after three to four years, carry about two sheep to an acre on fair soil, and more on the limestone country. The cost of felling and burning green timber is from 15s. to 20s. per acre; cost of mixed grass-seeds and sowing, about 15s. per acre; and a good paling-fence on ordinary bush lands with double No. 8 wires at top and bottom, with 1/2 in. palings and 7 in. posts sunk 2 ft. in the ground, can be erected at about 12s. per chain.

Mining.

The western side of the Nelson District was a terra incognita till about the year 1863, when gold was first discovered in large quantities. Miners flocked in at first from the other goldfields in New Zealand, then from Australia, California, and other parts of the world, until in 1865 the whole coast-line was peopled from Broken River in the north to Jackson's Bay in the south. Mining, at first altogether alluvial, developed into quartz-reefing, and hydraulic-sluicing of large areas. The agricultural lands about the Grey and Inangahua were taken up and cultivated; and, as mining became a more settled industry, the miners occupied and tilled the non-auriferous alluvial flats in the many valleys: hence at the present time a number of homesteads are scattered throughout the district.

Reefton and its neighbourhood forms one of the chief quartz-mining districts in New Zealand; and the West Coast, including Westland, has produced a very large percentage of the total gold raised in the colony. The oldest alluvial field is at Collingwood. Among other minerals found in the district are: silver, copper, chrome, antimony, manganese, and hæmatite. Extensive deposits of coal are found on the West Coast, within the areas of the Grey and Buller Coalfields Reserves. Coal is also found in Collingwood, in Blind Bay, and in West Wanganui Inlet; and there are numerous smaller areas of coal-bearing strata here and there throughout the district. The output from the mines at work within the district during the year ending 31st December, 1905, was 556.209 tons.

The properties formerly held by the Champion and the United Copper-mining Companies some twenty-five years ago are now being developed by the Mineral Belt Copper-mining Company (Limited), which has its headquarters at Christchurch. The area held comprises some thousand acres on the mineral belt, and lies about four miles in a direct line from the City of Nelson, but twenty-six miles by rail and road. The mineral country is a serpentinous belt, from half a mile to a mile wide, stretching from D'Urville Island in the north-east to Tophouse in the south-west, over a length of about eighty miles, and probably with breaks to the southern end of the island. It is along the western edge of this belt on the company's ground that the most important ore-deposits are found, and these cover a distance of about four miles on a straight line, with possibly some slight breaks in continuity. The deposits are practically contact lodes between the Maitai slates and the serpentines, and have a dip of 75° westerly, coincident with that of the slates at the point in question. The company have been opening old levels and driving new ones, and otherwise steadily prospecting the ground. Between No. 2 and No. 5, 168 ft., good ore has been obtained, and No. 7, 150ft. lower, should practically prove its continuity downwards. The ores are massive sulphides assaying up to 26 per cent. in the “United,” 5 per cent. with good gold contents at “Mount Claud,” 44 per cent. black ore on the surface, untouched at “Mount Claud” West, 3 per cent. with good gold at the “Monster,” grey ore and native copper at the “Champion.” The chief drawback is bad roads, but this is being remedied by the Government. The company is proceeding very cautiously, and as soon as it is satisfied that the ore-supplies fully justify it they will probably increase their capital and erect reduction works.

Silver-ore has been worked in the Collingwood district; and at Parapara, in Blind Bay, there are widespread deposits of hæmatite iron-ore, combined with limestone and coal, waiting only for capital to develop them. It will be readily gathered from the above brief description that mining is the chief industry of the Nelson District. A great many river and beach dredging claims have been taken up, and in many instances a large amount has been expended in the purchase and erection of dredges, and, although this industry has not proved quite so successful as anticipated, yet a large number of dredges are working with fair results.

Sawmilling, &c.

The timber industry in this district has now become an important trade. There are now sixty-five sawmills working, and during the past year over 13,500,000 ft. of various kinds of timber, principally red and black pine, have been cut in this district for export, and silver-pine has been largely in demand for railway-sleepers for home consumption.

A considerable industry in phormium fibre is also carried on.

Towns.

The chief town is Nelson, situated at the head of Blind Bay, in 41° 16' S., and surrounded on all sides, except the north, by mountains reaching an elevation of 3,500 ft. The population is about 8,200. With a mean temperature of about 55° Fahr. it possesses a climate almost unequalled for its beneficial effects on invalids suffering from pulmonary diseases. There are many picturesque spots in the suburbs, and the city itself, with its cleanly-looking buildings and well-kept gardens, is one of the most charming spots in New Zealand. There is an old-established Boys' College, a Girls' College, and a School of Music, besides Government and other schools. The Boys' College was destroyed by fire during 1904, but has been rebuilt. The Anglican Pro-Cathedral, built on the summit of a central hill, memorable as being the site of fortifications erected in the early days of the settlement for defence against an expected attack of the Natives, is a striking feature. The Roman Catholic Church, Convent, and school-buildings cover a large extent of ground. There is also at Stoke, a small village three miles from Nelson, a central Catholic Orphanage, surrounded by grounds of considerable area. There is a good supply of excellent water from a reservoir in the hills at the back of the town, and the streets are well lighted with gas. The several Government departments are housed in one roomy building, containing a large hall used for Supreme Court sittings and other public purposes. The principal industries are represented by iron foundries, fruit preserving and canning works, breweries, biscuit-factory, coachbuilding, sawmills, and sash and door factories, boot, factories, and many other small works. Nelson has a good inner harbour, enclosed by a natural boulder-bank running from its entrance to the base of Mackay's Bluff, a distance of about eight miles. The average rise and fall of the tide is 12 ft. 6 in., and at present is capable of admitting vessels up to 1,200 tons with a draught of 17 ft. 6 in. There is also good, safe anchorage in the roadstead, which is calm for about ten months in the year.

With a view to admitting trading steamers of the “Mapourika” class at all states of the tide, and home steamers at high tide, a new entrance is now in course of construction, which, when complete, will give 15 ft. depth at L.W.O.S.T., and over 27 ft at high water. The work is making rapid and satisfactory progress, and is now on the point of completion.

Nelson is a port of call for the Union Steamship Company's coastal steamers, and has a small local fleet plying between the West Coast, Blind Bay, Picton, and Wellington. The town is reached from the eastward by a good main road from Marlborough. A railway - line has been constructed up country to the southward for forty miles to Tadmor, passing through the farming villages of Stoke, Richmond (borough), Brightwater, Wakefield, Foxhill, Belgrove, and Kchatu, crossing the Motueka River by means of a combined railway and traffic bridge. The line is being extended further up the Tadmor Valley, and will ultimately pass into the Hope and Buller Valleys to a connection with the line now being continued in a northerly direction from Reefton. Leaving for the West Coast by a good main road, the traveller starts from the Kohatu Station on one of Cobb and Co.'s coaches, and proceeding up the Valleys of the Motupiko and Clarke, crosses the Hope Saddle and thence down the Hope Valley to its junction with the Buller, about sixty-seven miles from town. He then enjoys a succession of views of mountain-gorge scenery, and, after traversing a gorge of seventeen miles in length, arrives at the Lyell, 107 miles from his starting-point. This is an alpine township, in a small quartz-mining neighbourhood. Here is a fine lattice-girder bridge, spanning a rocky gorge of the Buller, and springing boldly from a bluff on the northern side. It is about 347 ft. long, two of the spans being 108 ft. and 168 ft. respectively. The roadway is 100 ft. above the river-bed. At 116 miles the junction of the Inangahua with the Buller is reached, the main road continuing to Reefton, with a branch road twenty-eight miles to Westport, which for twelve miles passes through some of the grandest river-gorge scenery in New Zealand.

Motueka, a thriving town situate near the mouth of the Motueka River, has a population of about 1,100. It is the centre of a considerable agricultural and fruit-growing district, and has two bacon-factories, fruit pulping and canning works, and dairy factory.

Westport, the town next in importance to Nelson, is situated at the mouth of the Buller River, and has a population of nearly 4,000. The harbour is sheltered from southerly gales by Cape Foulwind and its outlying rocks, and is accessible in nearly all weathers. A large sum has been spent on a system of harbour-works, designed by the late Sir John Coode. Westport is the place of shipment for the coal-mines lying northward as far as the Mokihinui River. The character of this coal for steam purposes stands unrivalled. The long line of coal-staiths and wharves on the northern bank of the river, with a fleet of steam-colliers loading alongside, does not fail at once to impress a visitor with a sense of the importance of the trade. Though much has already been done, yet the industry, from the extent of the coal-bearing strata, is capable of much larger expansion when the necessary capital can be found. The Westport-Mokihinui Railway connects with the mines and conveys the coal to the port. At the foot of the Mount Rochfort plateau, nine miles from Westport, is Waimangaroa, and on the plateau itself is Denniston—both coal-mining villages. The latter, built at an elevation of 1,960 ft., is said to be the highest township in New Zealand. On a clear day it is well worth a visit, for the sake of enjoying the magnificent panoramic view of the southern Alps, which reach their highest point in Mount Cook, 12,349 ft. high, about 100 miles south. South of Westport are the alluvial gold-mining centres of Addison's Flat, Nine-mile Beach, and Charleston.

A new line of railway has recently been commenced between Westport and Inangahua. When completed it will join at the latter point with lines to Nelson in the north, and Greymouth, Hokitika, and Ross in the south; and, eventually, by means of the Midland Railway, with Christchurch. Thus the valuable and important coal-bearing areas near Westport will be connected with the Middle Island railway system.

From the Inangahua Junction the main road continues southward through the Inangahua Valley, passing through cultivated lands, which are being gradually won from the heavy bush, and at a distance of 136 miles from Nelson reaches the township of Reefton. Here, as at Westport, are good hotels, and, as in every one of the larger coast towns, a hospital receiving a Government grant-in-aid. This town was the first in New Zealand to be lighted by electricity. By a branch line leaving the Midland Railway at Stillwater, Reefton is connected by rail with Greymouth, whence it is for the most part supplied. The continuation of the line down the Inangahua Valley is being carried on at present. About two miles inland from Reefton is Black's Point mining township, with several batteries at work in and about the place, a visit to which is generally paid by tourists wishing to see something of the gold-mining industry. Other small mining townships are: Boatman's, Capleston, and Antonio's.

Leaving Reefton by rail, and passing into the Grey Valley through a short tunnel, and by a bridge over the Grey River, Totara Flat is reached, nineteen miles distant. This brings us into the Westland District, to the description of which reference should be made for the journey to Greymouth.

Roads, Tracks, &c.

Situate on the coast, fifty miles north of Westport, is the Karamea Special Settlement, principally settled from the Nelson and Motueka Valley districts. This part of the district contains some excellent but heavily timbered land, and is reached from Westport by a road, connecting with the Westport-Mokihinui Railway at the Mokihinui River. There is a bridle-track, also, connecting with Collingwood and Golden Bay. This track passes along the coast northwards, thence up the Heaphy Valley to the Gouland Downs, and down the Aorere Valley to Golden Bay. Here again is another coal-basin, which is now being worked and employment given to upwards of a hundred miners. A harbour has been constituted at Puponga Port, in which the Puponga Coal Company has constructed a pier 39 1/2 chains in length; this company's output last year exceeded 20,000 tons. Another coalbasin exists at West Wanganui and Pakawau.

In the Aorere Valley, of which Collingwood is the port, alluvial mining is still found to be payable, and the country contains some valuable timber in the upper part not yet utilised. Nineteen miles south, in Golden Bay, lies the small port of Waitapu, from which a considerable amount of sawn timber is exported from the Takaka Valley mills. From the head of this valley the main road is carried over a pass in the Pikikirunga Range, 3,476 ft. high, through the villages of East and West Takaka, Riwaka, Motueka, and Moutere to the town of Richmond, eight miles from Nelson. Inland are also the villages of Ngatimoti, Dovedale, Tadmor, and Sherry, each the centre of a number of small farms, and all connected by fairly good drayroads.

An inland road, partly bridle-track and partly dray-road, has been made from Nelson to Canterbury, by way of Tophouse, Wairau Gorge, Tarndale, Clarence Valley, Jollie's Pass, and the Hanmer Plains. Here there are hot mineral springs, much visited by persons suffering from rheumatism and skin-diseases.

Crown Lands.

About 3,000,000 acres of Crown lands still remain unoccupied in the northern part of the Nelson District; they consist principally of high bush country, with occasional patches of good valley lands, the greater part being classed as second class land. The area open for selection to date comprises 19,575 acres of surveyed lands, and 294,752 acres unsurveyed lands, of which the location, nature of soil, &c., have been briefly described in the foregoing pages.

Chapter 74. THE WESTLAND LAND DISTRICT.

G. J. Roberts, Chief Surveyor.

The Westland District occupies the central portion of the western watershed of the Middle Island, joining Canterbury on the east; its north and south boundaries with Nelson and Otago being the Pororari, Otututu, Grey, and Awarua Rivers. The mean length is 250 miles, and its average width twenty-seven miles. The area is 6,750 square miles, composed for the most part of the great central snow-clad mountain-chain and its outrunning ranges, intersected by narrow bush-clad valleys, and subsiding westward into undulating plateaux, river straths, and shelving coasts.

There are few places of historical interest. The country has been sparsely peopled by the Maoris for many years past, and they have left numerous traces of their occupation. There are several beautiful allegorical legends connected with their sojourn and wanderings in various parts of the district. A coincidence holds with regard to the minerals most precious to the Maoris and Europeans—viz., that the first finds of greenstone and gold were made in the same locality—at Pounamu—and that each in its time induced adventurers to dare the unknown, and led to the exploitation of various transinsular routes, for there is not a single subalpine pass through the main range that was not known and used in the ancient days by the Maoris. They passed the information on to the whites, who have subsequently used these crossings. The Maoris have now two permanent settlements—at Arahura in the north, and Makawhio in the south, of Westland. They have adopted European habits, reside in comfortable houses, are well-educated, orderly citizens, living partly on the rentals, and partly by the cultivation, of their reserves. The greater number are located at Arahura, where they have the advantage of church and school.

About the period 1840 to 1850 the seaboard was fairly well known to the whalers and sealers, who then found profitable sport along the coast. Casual explorers and others afterwards visited the region, coming by sea and land, mainly with a view to establishing pastoral settlements; but they found no inducement to remain. The discovery of gold in 1864, however, led to an enormous influx of miners, who flocked in from all parts of the world, and in a short time there was an estimated population of forty thousand young and hardy men. The result of their search was the discovery of numerous deposits of gold, and as a consequence clearings were made, townships built, harbours improved, roads, bridges, and tracks constructed. Although after the first flush of success the population has dwindled, yet year by year the country has progressed. Gold-mining now is conducted on more scientific principles, with the attendant establishment of extensive coal-mines, flax-mills and sawmills, whilst farms now occupy the straths of the rivers. Telegraph-lines, railways, and coach-roads are rapidly overtaking the narrow bridle-tracks which extend and are being extended all over the district.

Westland is intensely interesting to all and every class. To the geologist, in the striking difference of rock-texture, every variety being represented and easily scanned in the frequent sections laid bare in the ravines bordering the different routes; in the numerous hot springs, which here, as in all other deeply-eroded ranges, ooze forth from decomposing sulphides in the pressure-heated strata; and in the many forms of ice-action which have left record of past and present glaciation.

The botanist will be interested in the varieties of alpine lichens, mosses, grasses, flowers, and shrubs; the dwarfed mountain forest and flora, with the tangle of subalpine underbrush; the tree-dotted openings in the valley-bottoms; the heavy milling-timbers of the lowlands, with their wealth of parasitical plants, festoons of creepers, and close undergrowth; the sedges and aquatic plants fringing the lakes, streams, and lagoons; and the varied ferns, from the giant tree-fern near the coast to the tiny moss-fern on the high Alps.

The naturalist will find the ornithology quaint and beautiful—the dimunitive rock-wren, the kea, and the kakapo on the ranges, the kiwi, the white heron of the coastal waters, and the wild-fowl of the streams and rivers, with hosts of intervening bird-life. On the beaches and in the tidal pools of the south are shells, whilst rookeries of the fur and other seals are also to be found.

To the artist this land presents manifold subjects of diversity and beauty. None need fail, either with brush or lens, to carry away interesting momentoes of land-and sea-scapes and pictures of unique interest, pourtraying the surroundings of the gold-miner and the settlers' homes.

For the mountaineer this is an endless field for activity. He may make his excursion short or far-reaching—either following the few beaten routes, or breaking new ground and climbing the virgin peaks.

The settler will find areas of excellent land suitable for farming, and under the present land laws, by industry and thrift he can redeem an independency from the country now under forest.

The miner will also obtain an outlet for his knowledge in the mineral belts which traverse the mountains right through and contain almost all known metals. He may exploit the coal-bearing regions, or try for gold amongst the quartz in the ranges, the gold-bearing gravels of the terraces, or the auriferous sands on the sea-beaches.

The sawmiller has a great extent of forest lands containing quantities of saleable timbers, which only await working.

Physical Features—Mountains.

The main range (Southern Alps), which is the dividing elevation or backbone of the South Island, constitutes the eastern boundary of Westland for its entire length. This mountain system is snow-covered almost from end to end, and its ice-clad lofty peaks uplift from the snowfields which cap the less abrupt elevations, and which fill the immense intervening hollows (névés). Subsidiary ranges, varying in height, radiate chiefly from “knots” in this great central chain, and are snow-coated most of the year. From these again, ridges covered with dense alpine forests descend steeply into the valleys or fall abruptly to the level of the inland plateaux of the littoral country. The westward faces of these spurs at one time formed the sea-wall. From the sheets of névé-snow alluded to above, numerous glaciers, with feeders from the lateral ranges, extend down the upper main valleys, presenting every aspect of ice-action, and from these the principal rivers take their rise. Parallel with the central mountain-mass, and linked to it by low narrow saddles in the northern districts, are isolated mountains, varying in extent and height, which are the remnants of an ancient continuous granite range that extended along the old coast-line. The bold, flat-topped Paparoa Range, lying between the central Grey Valley and the sea-coast, is another island mountain. With the exception of this Paparoa Range and a few outrunners of the central chain, the whole of the above-mentioned areas may, from a settlement point of view and apart from minerals, be considered barren mountain wastes.

Rivers.

A few of these lead from the foothills, and are of small volume; the others are snow-fed streams descending from the central range, at first in narrow gorges amongst the mountains, but spreading widely on reaching the seaboard country. They are shallow shingly streams in winter, but swift and deep in summer. In the northern district all the larger rivers are bridged; and southward, ferries are placed on all the main streams, which from the melting of the snow are practically unfordable from September to January. Under the heading of “Harbours and Ports,” post, are described those tidal rivers which are available for oversea shipping.

The Westland rivers and their feeaers, flowing with great speed and volume, and being frequent and constant, could easily and cheaply be harnessed for the supply of electric power for the whole of the South Island.

Climate.

The climate is equable and temperate, free from storms and fogs. Immediately after bad weather the clouds roll inland, and there is a prevailing clearness of sky, without wind. The rain-bearing winds are mostly from the north-west and north-east. The southerly winter gales usually coat the ranges with snow, which however rarely falls below 2,000 ft. Westland has none of the muggy heat of the north, nor the dry, depressing, dust-laden winds of the east. Frost is infrequent and slight along the coast, and a light snowfall has only reached the seaboard once in twenty years.

The rainfall averages 112 in. per annum, and falls for the most part at night. It is undoubtedly heavy, but does not last, as it is very thorough, and there is none of the long-continued drizzle of the south, from which the adjacent dividing-range completely screens the West Coast.

The following figures exhibit the average temperature for the past few years: Mean temperature in shade in summer, 55°; in winter, 48.5°. The average number of days on which there was no rainfall is 200. Old residents and visitors alike esteem the climate of Westland. at all times of the year, to be most healthy and enjoyable.

Lakes.

The principal are Lakes Christabel, Hochstetter, Ahaura, Haupiri, Brunner, Poerua, Kanieri, Mahinapua, Ianthe, Rotokino, Whahapo, Mapourika, Paringa, Moeraki, and Ellery, with Saltwater and Okarito Lagoons. These and a considerable number of smaller ones are dotted over the district. All vary in character—mountain tarns; coastal tidal lagoons; shallow reedy sheets; deep mountain girt waters—all are more or less forest-locked, and present every form of lacustrine beauty.

Some of these waters are fairly deep, and sound more than 300 ft. below the sea-level.

The deeper lakes occupy the basins scooped out by ancient glaciers that have receded ages ago. Some again are slowly filling up with the shingle, &c., poured into them by the mountain rivers and streams, whilst others are rising very slowly but definitely; and a few are only remnants of very extensive sheets of water, as the high marginal lake-formed terraces prove.

In conjunction with their effluents these lakes form valuable waterways for the transport of timber and goods. Eventually, the bulk of them will be used for electric-power purposes.

Soils.

The pastoral highlands have a coating of fine mould, and this continues fairly good down to the heavy-timber line.

Where these lands have a fall or a porous subsoil they produce a fine sward of alpine grasses, which are yearly increasing the cap of rich humus so characteristic of this district. The lower flanks of the mountains hold a thinner and less fertile soil. Although these and the lower heights are somewhat abrupt and unfitted for cultivation, yet when cleared of bush and exposed to the sun and air they improve rapidly, and will eventually become good sheep country. There are scattered areas of hilly lands, more or less extensive, which are of limestone formation. Although unsuitable for agricultural purposes, they are coated with splendid grass-growing soils. These limestone areas are becoming much appreciated by the older settlers, who are using the lime to fertilise their pastures. In the formation of soils there have not been, as in other countries, countless herds of animals to depend upon. Only the bones of a few birds and rats enrich them—hence their paucity of bone-producing properties.

A margin, varying in width, of gentle slopes and “fans” fringes the base of the foothills. Here the soil is a rich vegetable mould and proves most productive when properly tilled.

Stretches of good alluvium, composed for the most part of arable free-working soils, border the rivers, streams, and sea-coast. These are admirably adapted for oats and root-cropping.

Pastoral Lands.

The total area of pastoral land now available amounts to 1,850,000 acres, 104,000 of which constitute scattered high mountain grass districts; the balance, 1,746,000 acres, being the ordinary bush-clad country, much of which is quite inaccessible to stock. All over the coastal lands, along the slopes of the lower hills and in the bottoms of the inland valleys, large numbers of cattle are bred and fattened on the dense undergrowth of the forest. The tussock herbage of the high lands above the timber-line is at present lying waste. In the past one or two attempts that have been made to utilise this country have failed, because the sheep were left there to brave the winter snow-storms, the owners having become careless owing to having successfully wintered their stock in previous mild seasons. Sheep may be safely pastured on these high lands for eight months in the year, but feed must be provided for them in the low country for the remaining four. There are one or two farmers who are successfully following this method, and there is ample scope for settlers to copy their example. Hitherto sufficient attention has not been paid to the breed of sheep most suitable for these mountain pastures.

Some of the richest soil in Westland is on the middle mountain-slopes, and eventually, when these have been cleared of the scrubby stunted timber and grassed, stock may run quite safely throughout the year.

Pastoral Runs open for Selection as on 1st April, 1906.

There are fifty-seven pastoral runs at present open for selection, varying in area from 2,000 acres to 45,000 acres, the annual rentals of which average £1 per 1,000 acres for a term of ten years. Detailed descriptions of each run, as to locality and nature of country, are published in the Crown Lands Guide, which may be obtained at any Land Office in the colony. Any further desired information will also be promptly supplied on application to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Hokitika.

Agricultural Lands.

The agricultural lands comprise some 219,400 acres of forest and 11,500 acres of open surface, such as swamps, grass-grown river-beds, and fringes, &c. The bulk of these lands, when cleared of bush, grow root-crops—especially turnips, which are much used for fattening purposes. The even and moist temperature encourages the almost uninterrupted growth of grass and clover, which are very luxuriant, and favour stock-raising. Oats are also grown abundantly for local consumption, and for the most part are cut into chaff. Year by year the imports of potatoes, fruits, butter, and fat stock are decreasing owing to increased local production.

The settlement of these lands is progressing remarkably, and farmers are now located in almost every valley in the district. These pioneers are very successful in the main, possess comfortable holdings, and evidence further progress by the importation of pedigree stock of all classes, and of agricultural machinery, and by the establishment of dairy factories and creameries. No intending settler could do better-than make an inspection of these farming centres, view the local methods of reclaiming the country, and obtain an encouraging object-lesson as to the future from the prosperous homesteads established by the efforts of our early settlers.

The whole of the Westland District is a proclaimed goldfield. Hence before dealing with any portions of the agricultural lands noted above for settlement purposes these various areas have to be withdrawn from mining operations. This is done from time to time as settlement demands, after duly safeguarding the mining and sawmilling interests by the exclusion of all known auriferous lands and blocks of saleable milling-timbers.

Under the provisions of the Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act, special facilities are afforded in Westland to selectors with the most limited capital to obtain a holding, which when laid down in grass is a moderate and sufficient independency.

The following statement exhibits the settlement lands open for selection, as on the 1st April, 1906:—

 Acres.
Unsurveyed rural lands, under the Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act94,205
Surveyed rural lands, under the Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act7,747

Many other areas in different parts of the district are now being surveyed into suitable farming allotments. The capital values of these lands vary from 5s. to £1 per acre. They are wholly procurable on lease in perpetuity, under the above mentioned enactment, which provides that after the payment of the first half-year's rent no further rental or tax of any description is leviable for two, three, and four years, according to the nature of the surface or bush.

Intending settlers should write to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Hokitika, and all possible information will be promptly forwarded for their guidance.

Forests.

Generally speaking the whole of the district is covered with dense forest from the sea-beach to the grass-grown tops of the high ranges, even the broken mountain-faces being wrapped with foliage. The varieties of trees differ considerably according to soil and altitude. Kamahi and rata are the chief timbers—very useful for firewood—and being spread over the whole district, constitute an almost inexhaustible supply. Rimu is the chief milling-timber, and this also is widely distributed from the seaboard to the interior uplands. Valuable stretches of white-pine belt the low-lying coastal lands, and the same may be remarked concerning the imperishable silver-pine. Clumps of black-pine are met with, also rarer patches of totara, while cedars are scattered along the flanks of the inland ranges and all over the lower hills and plateaux. The approximate area of forest is over 2,250,000 acres, of which a fair proportion carries timber fit for the sawmill, the remainder being mainly firewood and mining timbers and dwarfed alpine bush.

The sawmilling industry has advanced considerably during 1905. With the contemplated early extension of existing railway-lines and main roads, and the improvements of southern harbours and waterways, it will undoubtedly still further progress. Westland is well fitted for an expansion of this industry, as the forests extend over the whole district. Coal is located in many places, whilst the power derivable from the rivers and streams, either director by electricity, is practically unlimited. The isolation of the district, limited means of transport, and want of good harbours at present act against the utilisation of the areas of marketable timber south of Ross; but this is only a temporary obstruction, and ere long means will be adopted to cope with these difficulties.

The sawmills at present in operation (save three smaller ones) are located north of the Hokitika River—that is, in proximity to the running railway-lines. The millers are gradually extending their operations into the back country of the northern district, whence the haulage to the railways and ports is conducted by means of light railways, tramways, traction-engines, and water-carriage, via lakes and streams. Red-pine is the timber principally cut by the mills, and is accounted of very fine quality; but large quantities of white-pine have also been milled during the season and exported to Australia for butter-boxes. A few of the small mills cut silver-pine railway sleepers only. A certain quantity of totara, black-birch, black-pine, &c., has also been utilised, but not in large quantities. A few mills are run by water-power, but the bulk of them use steam.

The appended summary shows the present position of the industry in Westland:—

Number of Mills.Number Hands.Horsepower.Cutting-capacity.Output for the Year.
   Super. ft.  Super. ft.
5163492490,190,000White-pine
Silver-pine
Red-pine, &c.
40,549,300

It is estimated that quite nine hundred hands are employed either about the mills or in cutting firewood, fencing-posts, railway-sleepers, bridge piles and braces, telegraph-poles, and blocks for houses; while many are wholly engaged in furnishing the props, sluice-blocks, and other timbers required for the coal and gold mines. From a settlement point of view alone these lumberers and their families are consumers of all kinds of farm-produce, and are thus local markets for the farmers.

Flax-milling.

Every available strip of flax in this district has been taken up. Eleven flaxmills are now in full working-order, located all over the coast. The output of fibre has not been large, as most of the mills have only recently commenced operations. The industry, by the employment given and the consumption of local produce, further tends to the settlement of the country.

Means of Communication.

Steamer Access.—Hokitika and Greymouth are the principal shipping centres, and steamers of various lines trade daily between the latter port and the other ports of the colony. A subsidised steamer runs between Hokitika, Okarito, and the southern ports as far as Jackson's Bay, plying every two or three months, thus enabling miners and settlers to obtain supplies and the latter to ship their cattle and produce to market. The Government steamer also calls at Big, Jackson's, and Bruce Bays on her quarterly trips from Dunedin and Bluff. Cargo-craft of various tonnage, with and without auxiliary steam-power, likewise make periodical calls at Hokitika and Greymouth.

Railways.—Hokitika to Greymouth (24 miles).—This line, with the exception of a loop midway to connect with Kumara, runs parallel to and only a short distance from the ocean-beach. Many interesting phases of old and modern gold-workings are passed through along the base of the wooded terrace which, at no far-distant date, formed the shore-line. Sundry small farms and wayside holdings are on either hand, and lumbering and gold-mining takes place on the plateaux and in the gullies for miles inland all the way through, numerous flag-stations affording termini for this side traffic.

And hereabouts, as elsewhere in Westland, there are clusters of miners, farmers, and wood-cutters, whose workings and clearings lie scattered far back on the terraces and amongst the hollows of the surrounding forest, of whom the passing traveller is unaware.

The line is being extended southward to Ross, and is already open for goods traffic to Ogilvie's, a distance of seven miles.

Greymouth to Runanga (5 miles).—This short line connects with the State Coal-mine in the vicinity of the newly established Township of Runanga, which lies to the north-east of the Port of Greymouth.

Greymouth to Reefton (46 miles).—This railway taps the central and lower valley of the Grey River, via Brunnerton, Stillwater, Ngahere, and Ahaura, as well as six minor stations within the Westland District. A great tonnage of coal from the Brunner, Tyneside, and Blackball mines, large quantities of timber from the numerous sawmills, gold-mining material, green flax, farming produce, stock, and goods, besides a large number of passengers, are railed along this line. A further section (Reefton to Inangahua Junction) is in course of construction.

Greymouth to Otira.—This line branches from the Reefton line at Stillwater, and proceeds up the Arnold Valley, via Lake Brunner and Taramakau Valley, to Otira (42 miles from Stillwater and 51 from Greymouth). Large quantities of timber are brought down this section from the numerous sawmills that are established alongside of the line. Stock and produce also swell the amount of traffic, and there is also a considerable and increasing number of passengers travelling to and from Christchurch by the overland coach, which connects the present terminal of the railways at Otira and Springfield.

The railways in course of construction in connection with the Westland system include the extension of the Greymouth-Reefton Section down the valley of the Inangahua River (20 miles) to the Bullet Valley, a very convenient and promising line. There is also the link (43 miles) between the Otira terminus and the works now progressing up the Waimakariri Valley to complete communication between the east and west coast. This includes the contemplated tunnel at Arthur's Pass through the main range between the Otira and Bealey valleys. The extension of the Greymouth-Hokitika line to Ross (16 miles) is likewise in progress, and its completion will render an immense area of milling-timber available, will revive the mining industry by the economical carriage of material and coal, and enable large numbers of fat stock to be railed to the northern markets.

Roads.—An arterial road extends throughout Westland from the Upper Grey valley, via Ahaura, Greymouth, Kumara, Hokitika, Ross, and Okarito, down to the Haast River, and thence partly by sea-beach and rough tracks almost to Big Bay, on the confines of Otago. This thoroughfare is fit for vehicle traffic down to the Waiho, but southward of that river it is merely a horse-track. The rivers in the northern district, as far as the Waitaha, are all bridged; below that point ferries are placed on all the large streams, so that access is safe and uninterrupted right through, via Haast Pass, to Otago.

Three roads only have been made across the island leading out of Westland. One, a coach-road, runs from Hokitika via Kumara to Christchurch. The others are bridle-roads, one of which, present is out of repair and impassable, leads up the Ahaura Valley via the Amuri Pass into North Canterbury, and the other, in good order, proceeds from the sea-coast up the Haast Valley via the Makarora River to Pembroke in Otago

Numerous short dray-roads and horse-tracks branch from these trunk lines to the various mining and settlement centres, while the sea-beach and open shingle river-beds likewise give access to the adjacent country. Sundry dips and cols, varying from 1,800 ft. to over 7,000 ft. in height, leading across the Southern Alps have been explored and mapped, and during the summer months are repeatedly crossed by experienced mountaineers. Of these depressions the only subalpine saddle is Haast Pass, all the others being liable to blocks by winter snow.

Four rough foot-tracks, blazed through the bush and partly benched, go across into Canterbury, as follows: (1) Via Arahura and Browning's Rivers over Browning's Pass into the Wilberforce Valley; (2) via Hokitika River over Mathias Pass into Mathias Valley; (3) via Whitcombe River, over Whitcombe's Pass into Rakaia Valley; and (4) via Copland River, over the main divide to the Hermitage in the Tasman Valley.

As a whole our roads are smooth and level, and, passing through rocky and gravelly districts, are free from mud and dust

Coach Traffic.—Coaches three times a week connect with Canterbury via Arthur's Pass, and also ply daily between Ross, Hokitika, Kumara, Greymouth, and the neighbouring towns. Once a week a mail is despatched by coach to Okarito and thence conveyed on horseback southward to Paringa, and once a fortnight to Jackson's Bay.

Telegraph Lines.—These extend along all the trunk road-lines in the north, with numerous telephonic connections with side districts, and south as far as Waiho Gorge.

Towns.

Greymouth.—This borough, the largest town in Westland, containing a population of about 4,600, has progressed remarkably during the last few years. It is situated on the south bank of the Grey River, close to its mouth, and is the main shipping-port for northern Westland. The rising township of Cobden, which is placed on the north bank of the Grey River immediately abreast of Greymouth, to which it is linked by a fine bridge, may be considered a suburb of the borough. It contains a population of about five hundred, and is principally occupied by the residences of Greymouth merchants and tradesmen.

Four railway-lines radiate from Greymouth—to the State coal-mines at Runanga, to Reefton, to Otira, and to Rokitika; extensions of the three last mentioned lines are in course of construction. The town possesses several very fine buildings, notably the handsome new Town Hall, new Post-office, the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, the State school buildings, convent structure and school, Harbour Board buildings, hospital, and many other substantial edifices. The principal street facing the port has been almost wholly rebuilt during late years and presents a fine appearance, while the numbers of comfortable up-to-date residences give a most pleasing aspect to this prosperous place. A monument in honour of those who fell in the African war is erected in a central position. The town has a telephone exchange, a good public library, first-class sewer-system, an abundant high-pressure water-supply, and is well paved and lighted, the water-works and gasworks belonging to the corporation. One of the Government railway work-shops is located here, and amongst other local industries are a foundry and engineering establishment, breweries, sawmills, dairy factory, sash and door factories, furniture-manufactories, meat-preserving works, lime and cement works, coachfactories, &c. Recreation-grounds have been laid out, one in the southern suburb, and the other, containing a pretty racing track and stand, lies almost alongside the main town. About one mile out is the racecourse, which in equipment and surroundings is esteemed one of the best in the colony.

A description of the Port of Greymouth will be found post.

Hokitika.—This town is situated at the north mouth of the Hokitika River, bordering the sea-beach. It contains a population of about 2,250, and is mainly dependent on the adjacent sawmills, flax-mills, farming settlements, and gold-mines. A considerable trade is also done by sea with the miners and settlers in south Westland, for which district it is the shipping-port. It possesses convenient structures, such as a drill-shed, theatre, four churches, convent, and school, as well as a commodious Town Hall, containing the Corporation offices, public library and reading-room, and museum; is lit with gas and has a telephone exchange. A fine clock-tower, with chimes, has been erected in the centre of the town in memory of the Westland troopers who fell in the Boer war. A very handsome building encloses the High and State schools. On a high terrace immediately north of the borough are situated the hospital, gaol, and lunatic asylum, all of which, with their many detached buildings, gardens, and grounds, are beautifully kept. There is a fine central park—the recreation-ground of the place. As the suburban dwellings are surrounded by gardens the town has a most pleasing aspect. It enjoys grand views of Mount Cook and other dominant peaks, and from the terrace on the Town Belt the panorama of snow-capped mountains is one of the finest in the world. Excursions by road and water can be made to the adjacent beauty-spots and Lakes Kanieri and Mahinapua, which are unrivalled in their different scenic aspects. On the eastern boundary of the borough is the racecourse, which is well equipped and pleasantly situated. The local industries comprise sawmills, flaxmills, sash, door, and furniture factories, foundry and engineering shops, fish-cannery, coach building, bone-mill, breweries, and coffee and spice works. Hokitika is connected with Greymouth and the north by railway, which will ere long be open southward to Ross. In connection with this latter extension a fine combined railway and traffic bridge has been erected across the Hokitika River, and proves a great convenience to the townspeople and suburban residents.

Brunner—Picturesquely situated on the banks of the Grey River, seven miles above Greymouth, it includes the villages of Dobson, Taylorville, and Wallsend, and contains 1,150 people. This town is wholly dependent on the adjacent Brunner and Tyneside coal-mines and their allied industries of cokeburning and brick and tile making. The output of these mines and the manufactories is sent by rail to Greymouth, where the bulk of it is shipped. The mineral traffic causes this short branch to be the best-paying railway-line in the colony. Two fine suspension bridges across the Grey River link the townships together, one being a railway and the ether a foot bridge.

Kumara.—This compact little town, with its suburbs of Dillmanstown and Larrikins, of 1.256 inhabitants is placed on the skirts of the largest alluvial gold-field in New Zealand. Main roads to Hokitika, Greymouth, and Christchurch radiate from this place, and a fine road of four miles connects it with the railway. The town is finely situated on a high table-land, and enjoys interesting views of mountains, and bush-clad plateaux, river, valley, and ocean. Hydraulic gold-mining is carried on here on an extensive scale, the greater portion of the water-supply coming many miles from the inland mountains. Large sludge-channels have been made to carry away the tailings. This industry gives employment to a large number of men, and also provides lucrative work for sawmillers and mechanical engineers. Kumara has finely equipped and well-built schools and a hospital.

Ross.—Population, about 600. A very picturesque township situated at the foot of the northern slopes of Mount Greenland, 150 ft. above and one mile distant from the sea. It occupies a very sunny sheltered position, and is famed for fruit and flowers. It is essentially a gold-mining centre, and extensive sluicing is carried on. Right under the town area are various layers of auriferous drifts, partly worked, but at present waterlogged. It is expected that these deep levels will be worked again in the near future, and the town renew its old prosperity. The completion of the railway from Hokitika will greatly benefit Ross and the surrounding district.

Blackball.—Population, about 800. A township in the Grey Valley mainly dependent on the coal-mines in its vicinity. A railway and traffic bridge has been constructed over the Grey River, and a branch line about two miles and a half long will connect the town with the main trunk railway.

In addition to the towns already enumerated there are many small mining and sawmilling centres, such as Ahaura, Hatters' Terrace, No Town, Stillwater, Kokiri, Nelson Creek, Moana, Noble's, Orwell Creek, Twelve-mile, Stafford, Kanieri, Woodstock, Rimu, Blue Spur, Okarito, Gillespie's, &c. The town of Runanga has been established in connection with the State coal-mines near Greymouth, which are connected by rail with that town.

Ports.

Greymouth.—Twenty-four miles north-east of Hokitika. Extensive harbour-works have been carried out. A breakwater or sea-wall extends some 3,542 ft. seaward from the mouth of the river on the south side, and on the north side 1,400 ft. with internal half-tide training-walls, the result being an average depth of water on the bar of 20 ft. at high water and of 12 ft. at low water. Vessels of 1,500 tons can now come alongside the wharf. There is a berthage accommodation of 2,355 ft., with a further 313 ft. in course of construction, with a minimum depth of 12 ft. to 16 ft. at low water. The principal exports are gold, coal, coke, and timber. The number of vessels that entered the port during the year 1905 was: 680 steamers, tonnage 268,012; 33 sailing-vessels, tonnage 5,184; being a total tonnage of 273,196 for the year. The train runs down the wharf, and the coal-trucks, specially made for the purpose, are lifted and emptied into the vessel's hold by means of powerful hydraulic and steam cranes, of which there are five, with capacities of from 1 1/2 tons to 12 tons, so that every encouragement is given to quick despatch. 231,322 tons of coal, 2,240 tons of coke, 1,415 tons of bricks, 2,701 tons of flax, 26,633,517 superficial feet of sawn timber, and 113,576 sleepers were exported, and 46,799 tons of general cargo were imported during the year.

Hokitika.—Two training-walls have been constructed, the one on the north side being about 2,000 ft. long, while that on the south is 677 ft. The bar is of shifting sand, and the depth at high water varies from 9 ft. to 15 ft., while inside the depth is from 6 ft. to 22 ft. for three-quarters of a mile from the entrance. For ten months out of the twelve the port is usually safe for vessels drawing 8 ft. to 10 ft. of water. The berthage-space amounts to 1,000 ft., with from 18 ft. to 22 ft. of water. The principal exports are gold and timber

The several succeeding places are each the port for the adjacent small mining and farming settlements, which are wholly dependent on the periodical steamers for their supplies and for the export of flax, timber, produce, and, at times, of at stock for the northern markets. The Government steamship calls at the three bays noted below, and the local steamer from Hokitika visits all these minor ports every two and three months, whilst other steamers ply to such of these places as trade induces; but as all the rivers have bar entrances the working of them is often precarious and intermittent

Okarito.—Fifty-five miles south-west of Hokitika. A harbour, sometimes completely blocked by a high sandbank thrown up by heavy seas. When open the entrance is good, with a maximum depth of 10 ft. There is a small jetty about half a mile from the entrance. The sand and pipi bank was blown up recently by the Government.

Bruce Bay.—Ninety-five miles south-west of Hokitika. An open roadstead well sheltered from the south and south-westerly winds by Heretaniwha Point, which juts out fully a mile to the southward. Good anchorage in 18 ft. of water opposite the Green Rock, which stands up out of the water. Good boat-landing with above-named winds on a smooth sandy beach.

Paringa River.—104 miles south-west of Hokitika. Open roadstead. Vessels coming in and out should give Hanata Reef (off the north head) a wide berth. There is also a sunken reef, awash at low water, in the middle of the bay, and a dangerous sunken rock just off the South Head, two or three chains away, facing a small sandy bay, and right abreast of the trig, station. Vessels lie inside and a little to the northward of this rock, about a quarter of a mile from shore, and are quite safe with southerly winds.

Haast River.—118 miles south-west of Hokitika. A constantly shifting bar at entrance, which is nearly opposite and a little to the southward of the Alhambra Rock. This rock stands well out of the water, and vessels entering can go on either side with safety. Average depth of water on bar from 6 ft. to 8 ft.

Okuru and Turnbull Rivers.—139 miles south-west of Hokitika. These rivers join just inside the entrance. Good, straight channel; average depth, 8 ft. to 10 ft. The port is well sheltered by Open Bay Islands, which lie about three miles away, just opposite the entrance, bearing a trifle west of north. A dangerous reef lies about two miles and a half from the south-west point of the smaller island, and immediately to the north-west of a line drawn from the last-named point to the extreme end of Jackson's Head.

Jackson's Bay.—153 miles south-west of Hokitika. Good shelter and anchorage, open only to north-east, with 12 ft. of water within a few chains of shore. Jackson's Head runs out about one mile and a half in a north-easterly direction from the southern end of the bar. This is the only ocean harbour on the coast of Westland, and could be converted into a first-class port at comparatively small cost. No doubt Jackson's Bay will eventually form a great coal-port, as indications of coal are found from the Bay to Tauperikaka, a distance of thirty miles. Moreover, the recent discovery of a practicable pass through the main range, via the Waiatoto and Axius Rivers, will make it in the near future the natural outlet for the Lake Wanaka country.

Big or Awarua Bay, 200 miles south-west of Hokitika, at the extreme south-west corner of Westland. An open roadstead, sheltered from east and south-west winds; 24 ft. of water on south side anchorage and 30 ft. on north side just opposite Crayfish Rock, in a spot sheltered from northerly winds.

Steamers have also in past years entered the Taramakau, Waitaha, Wataroa, Whanganui, Waiatoto, Arawata, and Cascade Rivers, all of which have bar entrances. Goods and passengers are also landed at the roadsteads of Saltwater, Gillespie's Beach, and Abbey Rocks.

Minerals and Mining.

The whole of the District of Westland is a proclaimed goldfield, and contains the greatest area of alluvial auriferous ground on the West Coast.

All the Westland rivers carry down more or less gold, but the three great gold-yielding rivers are the Grey, Arahura, and Waiho, the bars and beaches of which appear to be replenished with fresh deposits of the metal after each flood. Every stream in the Grey Valley is auriferous, and the gold-bearing nature of the adjoining gravels is evidenced by the old and new workings which are scattered all over the watershed. Again, if one stands on the summit of Mount Turiwhate, the ancient beds of the Arahura can be easily traced northward to the Kumara and southward to the Rimu diggings. Similarly, the Waiho has in olden times flowed both northward down the present valley of the Okarito River and southward to the Omoeroa River, the lateral terraces in both directions being well defined and gold-bearing.

There are three main gold-bearing deposits in Westland. The first, which may be called riverine leads, run generally westward. These are ancient riverbeds, often lying at a considerable elevation, of which the bulk has been washed away, leaving detached portions, as Kumara and Rimu. The second are beach leads, both those along the present coast-line and others running parallel thereto at distances varying from one quarter to four miles inland, and at levels from a few feet below to a couple of hundred feet above sea-level. The third are extensive masses of gravel, &c., occurring in large isolated patches, as at Bell Hill, Big Dam Hill, Humphrey's Gully, and Bald Hill, north of the Haast. These drifts have all one noticeable peculiarity—namely, that they invariably coat the seaward faces of the hills, and neither gold nor drift is to be found on the inland slopes. Gold-bearing fans from Mount Greenland have been found at different levels on Ross Flat, having probably been deposited in deep water by successive landslides.

Hydraulic mining on a large scale is successfully carried on in various portions of the northern districts, and is being extended to many other localities. Kanieri Lake is being again utilised, and an abundant quantity of water is now available for the sluicers in the Kanieri Valley. The extension, now surveyed, of the Humphrey's Gully water-race to Rimu and Back Creek will develop a very large field. The tapping of the Arahura River will enable the miners at Blue Spur to obtain an unfailing supply of water, and command a large area of auriferous country at present unworkable from want of water at a sufficient altitude. A large acreage of alluvial drift has been pegged out as dredging claims. Some companies are at work with more or less profit. Experts are assured that a large extent of auriferous gravels exists all over the low-lying country which will yield remunerative returns by this new treatment. Undoubtedly great areas of swampy, undrainable, and hitherto unavailable lands will be prospected, and it is expected that valuable finds will be made in such districts. Numerous and costly experiments have been made with dredges of different types in the endeavour to work economically the gold-bearing sands which lie along the sea-beaches for a distance of a hundred and forty miles, but very few have proved a success. A considerable number of miners (“blacksanders”) work on some of the beaches, and seem to make a fair living, many of them having been so employed in one neighbourhood for over twenty years.

Gold-bearing quartz has been found throughout the district, the most promising finds being at Paparoa, Mount Alexander, Taipo Range, Browning's Pass, and Cedar Creek. Silver-ores, associated with gold, have also been found, notably at Rangitoto.

The reefs at Garden Gully, on the Paparoa Range, are now undergoing a thorough test by a well-equipped battery on the spot, and evidence satisfactory results.

At Browning's Pass deposits of auriferous quartz, known as the “Westland Reefs,” have been traced for considerable distances, and are at present being prospected by several parties of experienced miners.

The amount of gold exported during the past year amounted to 109,704 oz., valued at £438,258.

Specimens of nearly all the known minerals have been discovered in various localities. The Paparoa Range, north of Greymouth, contains many varieties, and will eventually hold a large mining population.

Copper also occurs in the Taipo, Arahura, Tearoha, Whitcombe, Wanganui, and Jackson Valleys, the finest lodes discovered being on the western faces of the Matakitaki Range, near the Haast River, with good seams and beds of coal and limestone adjacent.

Petroleum has been found in the Arnold Valley, and borings are now being made to test and develop what is hoped may be a good oil-bearing basin.

First-class slate, suitable for any purpose, exists in the Upper Wanganui Valley and on the Paparoa Range. Fine pottery-clays and fireclays are also in bulk on this range, and building-stone of all kinds, granite freestone, &c., is to be found all over the Coast. Limestone also occurs in different localities, comprising qualities suitable for making lime and cement, and also for lithographic purposes. Greenstone (pounamu) is now largely exported for fine lapidary and jewellers' work, and commands a ready sale. Iron-ores occur in quantity in various localities.

Coal-mining.—As noted before, great quantities of coal are obtained from the mines at Brunnerton, and also from the fine seams at Blackball, higher up the Grey Valley. Extensive seams are now being developed at the State coal-mine in the Seven-mile Creek basin, and further along the coast. On the higher slopes of the Paparoa Range areas have been surveyed and leased, and large outcrops are being prospected. It would appear that the greater portion of the seaward country hereabouts contains very extensive coalfields—it undoubtedly contains the greatest area of coal-bearing strata yet discovered; but nevertheless all the way down the coast to Jackson's Bay, wherever the coal-measures have been protected from the scour of the ice-streams of the great glacial period, isolated areas of coal exist, and possibly borings would prove the lower coal-beds to be intact under the overlying drifts. The four large coal-mines now at work—viz., the Brunner, Tyneside, Blackball, and State coal-mines—are all finely equipped with the latest machinery are directly linked to the main railway by branch lines, and produce great quantities of coal varying in character and suited for different economic purposes. Last year some 250,000 tons were raised and railed to various towns, but principally into Greymouth, whence it was shipped to places in and beyond the colony.

Chapter 75. THE CANTERBURY LAND DISTRICT.

THOMAS HUMPHRIES, Chief Surveyor.

Boundaries—Physical Features.

The Land District of Canterbury comprises the central portion of the Middle Island, and lies between the Conway River, Barefell Pass and Mt. Franklin on the northward; the Spenser Mountains. Travers Peak, Mt. Barron, the Amuri, Hope, and Hurunui Passes, the summit of the Southern Alps, and the western watershed of the River Hopkins and Lake Ohau on the westward; the Rivers Ohau and Waitaki on the southward; and the South Pacific Ocean on the eastward. It lies between south latitudes 42° 5' and 44° 55', and east longitudes 169° 45' and 173° 30'. The length of the district north-east and south-west is about 220 miles; the breadth W.N.W. and E.S.E., from the summit of the Alps to the sea, averages seventy miles. The sea-board has a length of about 300 miles, consisting generally of low-lying beaches, broken by the projection eastward of Banks Peninsula, which contains the only large natural harbours. That portion of the district, which fronts the ocean between the Ashley and Opihi Rivers is flat land, about 2,500,000 acres in extent; north and south of those limits the plain is interspersed with undulating and hilly country. This great plain stretches west wards, rising and merging into downs and hills, which again extend westward and merge into the Southern Alps and the offshoots therefrom. Banks Peninsula, which has an area of about 250,000 acres, is wholly composed of ridges and hills, deeply intersected by basins and gullies, the result of volcanic action.

The Southern Alps, which form the backbone of the island, are a continuous chain of mountains, with a succession of magnificent peaks, attaining their culminating point in Mount Cook, or Aorangi, 12,349 ft. above sea-level; there are, besides, numerous peaks ranging in altitude between 7,000 ft. and 10,000 ft. Offshoots, extending to great distances eastward and south-eastward from the main range, attain elevations of 6,000 ft. to 9,000 ft. On these mountain-ranges are numerous and extensive glaciers, from which emanates the river-system of the district, comprising the Waiau-ua, about 100 miles in length; Hurunui, 85 miles; Waimakariri, 90 miles; Rakaia, 85 miles; Ashburton, 64 miles; Rangitata, 74 miles: the Waitaki and its main feeders, 140 miles. These rivers rush down from the mountain-gorges, through the intervening ranges and hills, and traverse the plains to the sea. The channels on the plains are shallow, and extend in some instances over a mile in width.

These rivers serve as outlets for a portion of the Lake system of the Middle Island, Lake Sumner being connected with the Hurunui, Lakes Coleridge and Heron with the Rakaia, and the Mackenzie Country lakes—Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau—with the Waitaki. Another important lake is that known as Lake Ellesmere, west of Banks Peninsula; it is separated from the ocean by a narrow shingle-spit only 5 chains across at one point, through which, at certain seasons, the flood waters force a channel to the sea. Lake Tennyson is situated on the eastern flank of the Spenser Mountains, 3,614 ft. above sea-level.

Climate.

The climate of Canterbury is well suited to Europeans. It resembles that of Great Britain, but on the plains is far more equable, the mean daily range of temperature being 17.10° Fahr. Observations taken at Lincoln (fourteen miles from Christchurch) for a period of twenty-one years, ending December, 1903, give the following results: Barometer, reduced to 32° Fahr. and sea-level, 29.968 in; mean maximum daily temperature, 61.8°; mean minimum daily temperature, 43.1°; mean average temperature, 52.4°. The extremes of temperature were 98.4° and 19.9° Fahr. The rainfall for the same period averaged 24.674 in. per annum, the extremes being 35.287 in. in 1886 and 14.480 in. in 1897. The average annual number of days on which rain fell was 123, the extremes being 154 in 1902 and 98 in 1891. Snowfalls are very light on the plains, but in the high uplands the climate is much colder and more severe. The changes of weather and temperature are sudden, calms and gales, rain and sunshine, heat and cold alternating. The prevailing winds are north-east, south-west, and north-west—the last a hot wind. The climate, as a whole, is splendidly healthy, bracing, and most enjoyable.

Foundation and Settlement.

The district was occupied, in the first instance, by settlers sent out by the Canterbury Association, which was formed in 1848, and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1849, under the auspices of prominent men in England, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Lyttelton. The step was not taken until after due inquiry as to the most suitable part in which to establish a settlement. Captain (afterwards Sir George) Grey, at that time Governor, recommended the Wairarapa, but it was finally decided to take over from the New Zealand Company a tract of the Canterbury Plains, in the neighbourhood of Port Cooper. Captain Thomas, the agent of the association, who had advised the selection, superintended the surveys and the preparations for receiving intending settlers. The original intention of the founders was that the settlement should be independent and complete in itself, and should embrace only such persons as were members of the Church of England and were approved of by the association. This was frustrated by the influx of numbers of persons of all classes and beliefs. The first body of emigrants arrived at Port Cooper on the 16th December, 1850, and the settlement remained under the control of the association, as directed by a committee of management in England, and under the active personal supervision of Mr. John Robert Godley, until 1853, when the whole of Canterbury became a province of New Zealand by the provisions of “The Constitution Act, 1852.”

Thenceforward the control of the settlement was vested in the Superintendent and the Provincial Council. The first Superintendent was Mr. James Edward FitzGerald, who held office till 1857; he was followed in succession by Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse, 1857–1863; Mr. Samuel Bealey, 1863–1866; Mr. Moorhouse again till 1868; and Mr. William Rolleston till the abolition of the provinces in 1876, when the district came directly under the control of the General Government.

Internal Communication.

In no part of New Zealand are the means of communication better than in Canterbury. The natural facilities of the country have been abundantly supplemented by railways and roads. Lyttelton, the chief port, is connected by rail with Christchurch, the heart and centre of the whole district. From Christchurch the main line extends northwards to Culverden a distance of 69 miles, with a branch from Waipara to Ethelton in the Cheviot Estate (about twenty-three miles) open for traffic, and work is actively in progress beyond this point towards Domett (about thirty-two miles). It is proposed to extend this branch to Mackenzie, in the centre of the Cheviot District. Southward the main trunk line runs through Waitaki (139 miles) to Dunedin. These lines tap and serve the whole coastal district and the lands adjoining on the western side. In addition, eight branch lines have been constructed westward, and two lines south-eastward; the former, in most instances, extending to the foot of the hills. The Springfield branch is being extended into and through the main range in order to connect with the West Coast system.

Combined with the railway system is a complete network of main, district, and subsidiary roads, extending into all parts of Canterbury. The total length of railways is about 478 miles, and the roads probably exceed 10,000 miles in the aggregate. The completion of this splendid system is due, partly to the foresight of the original settlers, partly to the exertions of the Provincial Government, and partly to the railway and public-works policy of the late Sir Julius Vogel.

Geological Formation.

According to Sir James Hector, the main western ranges are composed of Upper Palæozoic rocks, having at their base extensive plains of Tertiary fluviatile formation, with occasional protruding ridges of Upper Mesozoic, forming low mountain ranges subordinate to the main axis. Banks Peninsula consists of basic volcanic rocks.

Area, Nature, and Disposition of Lands.

The area of the Canterbury Land District is 9,604,045 acres, of which the estimated area of forest land is 516,030 acres. Forest lands are found in Banks Peninsula and in the Mount Peel and Waimate districts, where the timber consists chiefly of totara and matai; at the sources of the Waiau-ua, Ashley, Waimakariri. Rakaia, and Hopkins Rivers, at Lakes Ohau and Sumner, and near Springfield and Methven, the timber in these localities being mostly native beech; and near Oxford, where the beech is interspersed with rimu, totara, matai, &c.

The lands of Canterbury may be classed approximately as follows: First class, 2,046,071 acres; second class, 5,207,173 acres; third class (barren lands and lands of small value), 2,350,801 acres: total, 9,604,045 acres.

The disposition of lands was in 1906 as follows:—

 No. of Holders.Area in Acres.
1. Crown lands disposed of for cash (including land granted under Midland Railway Act, 572,000 acres, but deducting lands repurchased for settlement—262,175 acres)...3,915,478
2. Lands held on deferred payments149,409
3. Lands held on perpetual lease472,365
4. Lands held as leaseholds in perpetuity1,563284,147
5. Lands held in occupation with right of purchase354,976
6. Lands held as village-homestead special settlements40812,446
7. Lands held as small grazing-runs94199,394
8. Lands held as grazing-farms (on Cheviot Estate)5046,020
9. Pastoral licenses1463,475,819
10. Special-settlement associations414,651
11. Reserves and Crown lands held under temporary occupation licenses (area, 90,702 acres, included in 12 and 16)717...
12. Area of land reserved and granted under various Acts (exclusive of Midland Railway land, included in 1)...971,805
13. Land purchased and disposed of under Land for Settlements Acts (included in 4, 7, 10, and 11; 1,207 holders, 250,798 acres)......
14. Crown lands open for selection...54,927
15. Crown lands being prepared for selection......
16. Barren lands, and lands for future disposal...622,608
                Total3,1159,604,015

In explanation, it may be noted that No. 1 comprises the freehold lands conveyed, and that tenants of Nos. 2, 3. and 5 have the right of acquiring the freehold, which is not the case with tenants of Nos. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13. Crown lands proper are: 14, open for selection.

Soils.

The Southern Alps and mountains adjoining are, owing to their great altitude, subject to disintegration, and form for the most part rocky barren wastes.

The lower ranges and hills, the high tablelands, and the light stony portions of the plain form the pastoral areas.

In the northern and southern districts and in the great central plain are the agricultural areas. This latter class of land comprises rich alluvial tracts about Cheviot, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Lincoln, Ellesmere, Longbeach, Temuka, and Waimate, and the splendid plain and down lands which extend from Cheviot to the Waitaki.

Banks Peninsula, where the soil is of a rich volcanic nature, though exceedingly hilly, has alluvial areas in the valleys and about the bays.

Pasturage and Crops.

Below a certain level, the mountainous and hilly regions, and the high upland country in the western and northern part, are covered by native grasses, with an admixture of English forage-plants where the character of the soil and other circumstances are favourable.

The pasturage, which is very suitable for sheep-farming, is taken full advantage of by the pastoral tenants of the Crown, and is used to some extent by freeholders. The light stony portions of the plain also contain native grass lands, well adapted to merino sheep.

The lower hills, downs, and better kinds of plain-country have been widely cultivated, and have proved well fitted for the production both of cereals and of grasses.

The chief crops grown in Canterbury District are wheat, oats, barley, turnips, rape, clover and grass seed; while amongst other crops produced are rye, peas, beans, mangolds, beet, carrots, and potatoes.

Of the cereals, wheat is the most largely grown, and was for many years a large item of export. In the season 1905–6 the area under crop for threshing was 156,106 acres, being over two-thirds of the total wheat-area of the colony. The total yield was 4,739,400 bushels, being an average of 30.36 bushels per acre.

Oats also are very successfully grown, the figures for the same period being 152,763 acres, or over two-fifths of the total area of this crop in the colony. The total yield was 5,922,151 bushels, being an average of 38.76 bushels per acre.

Barley of superior quality is also produced, the figures being 9,031 acres, equal to over one-third of the total area of barley-crop in the colony. The total yield was 329,889 bushels, being an average of 36.52 bushels per acre.

Grass-seeds are abundantly grown, cocksfoot mainly on the splendid Banks Peninsula country, and ryegrass throughout the land district.

Potatoes, which yield crops of excellent quality, were grown in 1905–6 on 6,564 acres; turnips and rape were grown on 234,615 acres, and the combined area of other crops grown, including rye, peas, beans, mangolds, beet, carrots, and onions, was 17,574 acres. The area of wheat, oats, and barley for fodder was 67,747 acres. The area ploughed and laid down in English grasses was 1,616,041 acres. Surface-sown lands comprised 593,615 acres. The total area under crop was 644,400 acres, and the area broken up but not in crop, 14,713 acres. Plantations, exclusive of private gardens, occupied an area of 25,418 acres. The aggregate area of private and market gardens, orchards, and vineyards over quarter of an acre in extent was 8,042 acres.

Stock.

The pastoral and agricultural lands provide grazing and fodder for a large number of sheep, cattle, horses, and other stock. Of late years the value of the plains has been much enhanced and the carrying-capacity thereof greatly increased by the water-race system, which supplies water throughout the length and breadth of the dry areas, and enables the country to be occupied in smaller holdings than would otherwise be possible.

The following table shows the extent, cost, and other particulars regarding the water-race system in the several counties in 1906:—

County.Area watered.Miles of Races.Total Cost.Cost per Acre watered.Amount of Water distributed every Twenty-four Hours.Annual Charge for Use of Water.
 Acres. £s.  d.Gal. 
Amuri24,162544,8003  11 2/3Races are maintained by an annual charge in proportion to area watered.
Ashley122,00050025,0004  127,000,000From 3/4d. to 6d. per acre, in addition to special rates for interest on loans.
Selwyn326,8881,13279,3074  1090,940,9608s. 4d. to £1 6s. 6d. per 100 acres.
Ashburton586,0001,55243,7801  5 3/486,000,000£1 13s. 4d. per mile of race.
Geraldine71,2122609,0102  6 1/229,520,000About 7d. per acre, including a rate for payment of principal and interest on loans, and a rate for maintenance.
Levels19,000715,5005  9 1/26,480,0001 3/4d. per acre, and an interest-rate of 1/4d. in the pound on capital value.
Mackenzie9,400351,9354  1 1/27,516,8002 11/16d. per acre on part of district and 5/8d. in the pound on capital value in remainder of district.
Waimate23,3981256,0215  26,700,000Races are maintained by an annual charge on the value of lands watered.

The sheep in the District of Canterbury, in April, 1905, numbered 5,072,017. In October, 1905, there were 59,995 horses, mules, and asses, 133,733 cattle, and 54,294 pigs.

The district has a well-deserved reputation for the classes and splendid quality of its sheep. On the mountains and higher lands the merino still predominates; but on the richer low-lying ranges, hills, and plains the prevailing types are crosses between the merino and Leicester, Lincoln, Romney Marsh, and other breeds. In proof of the superior character of the flocks, pasturage, and climatic conditions in the Middle Island, the following percentages of lambing returns are quoted—these are “fair average returns, but much higher might have been exhibited”: Mountain native pasture—pure merino, 75.36; pure merino and Border Leicester, 88.94: English-grass pasture—crossbred and Border Leicester, 80.8; half-bred Border Leicester, 82.79; Border Leicester, 90.77; Lincoln, 88.08; Romney Marsh, 111.46; English Leicester, 93.34; Shropshire, 97.41; Southdowns, 96.87. It must be borne in mind that the flocks and herds are supported by the natural and artificial pastures without housing.

Owing to the development of the frozen-meat trade a great impetus has been given to sheep-breeding. The bulk of the primest meat exported from the colony is supplied by this district, with Marlborough, and commands the highest price in the London markets. The frozen meat exported from Canterbury during the year ended 31st March, 1906, was valued at £1,145,948, besides which large quantities of preserved meats, tallow, manure, neatsfoot oil, oleo, &c., were produced.

At Belfast, Fairfield (near Ashburton), Islington, Timaru, and Pareora freezing-works are established, each containing a complete plant for carrying on the industry, as well as departments for curing, preserving, boiling-down, tallow-rendering, fellmongering, and the manufacture of manures. The Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company (Limited) owns the Belfast Freezing-works, with storage for 90,000 carcases, and a daily capacity of 5,500 carcases; the Fairfield Works (near Ashburton), with storage for 65,000 carcases, and a daily capacity of 4,500 carcases; and the Pareora Works (near Timaru), which have storage for 100,000 carcases, and can deal with 5,000 in a day. The works have engines representing 950-horse power, and employ 719 men when in full work. The Islington and Timaru works, which are owned by the Christchurch Meat Company, employ in all about 700 men, and have engines representing 403-horse power. The former can put through 8,000 carcases per diem, and have storage for 140,000 carcases. The latter can deal with 6,000 carcases in a day, and have storage for 120,000 carcases. At Hornby there has been established by Messrs. Nelson Brothers (Limited) a well-equipped factory for freezing only, with engines of 300-horse power, and a capacity of dealing with 1,000 sheep per diem. The factory has storage-room for 50,000 sheep, but is not now in operation.

Wool.

During the year ended 31st March, 1906, there were shipped at Lyttelton and Timaru 36,441,493 lb. wool, valued at £1,600,950; and to this must be added the amount bought for manufacture by the woollen-mills in the district. The Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company (Limited) owns large woollen-nills at Kaiapoi, and clothing-factories at Christchurch. These are fitted with modern machinery and appliances, and the company's products have obtained a considerable reputation. The company employs about 900 hands, and uses about 1,250,000 lb. of wool and 5,000 pounds' worth of other colonial products in a year. The staple of the New Zealand wool, especially the long-wool and cross-bred, is remarkable for its freedom from breaks and other imperfections. The average clips are approximately as follows: Merino, 4 lb. to 7 lb.; quarter-breds, 6 1/2 lb.; half-breds, 7 1/2 lb.; three-quarters, 8 1/2 lb.; Leicesters, 10 1/2 lb.; Lincoln, 11 lb. From special flocks clips up to 25 lb. and 30 lb. are obtained.

Butter and Cheese.

Banks Peninsula and the rich tracts of country previously mentioned are excellently suited for dairy farming. The pasturage and climatic conditions are favourable, and a great increase in the production of butter and cheese may be looked for, more especially as housing and hand-feeding are in some districts unnecessary. A central co-operative dairy factory has been established at Addington, served by twelve creameries, situate at Marshlands, Oxford, Halswell, Springston, Doyleston, Little River, Ladbrooks, Lakeside, Kaiapoi, Green Park, Brookside, and Ashburton, each capable of dealing with the milk of 1.000 cows. There are also very complete dairy factories at Taitapu, Sefton, Cheviot, Timaru, Temuka, South-brook, Belfast, Tinwald, and Le Bon's Bay, as well as cheese-factories at Flemington and German Bay. The number of cheese and butter factories in the district in 1904 was 17, and of creameries 40; the output of butter and cheese amounted to 3,933,440 lb.

Timber.

The sawmilling industry finds its development chiefly in the Oxford, Little River, Mount Somers, and Waimate districts. The number of mills in Canterbury in 1901 was eighteen, employing 260 hands, the horse-power being 317. The output in 1900 was 4,714,959 ft., valued at £22,277. The number is, however, diminishing owing to the working-out of the available timber. The timber comprises birch, totara, red and white pine. The first-named is used chiefly for sleepers and fencing, the totara and pine for building purposes. Including the work done by the planing and moulding mills the value of all the manufactures under this head was £45,866.

Fruit.

The district is eminently adapted for the growth of a large variety of fruits, especially all that flourish in Great Britain. Attention has recently been directed to landing supplies of fruit in London; the attempts so far have proved satisfactory, and point to the possibility of a large trade being established.

Coal.

Brown coal is found at the Malvern Hills, Homebush, Whitecliffs, Springfield, Mount Somers, Albury, and various other places. Lignite is also commonly distributed. For the year 1904, the output from 15 collieries, employing about 70 hands, was 25,120 tons, bringing the total amount raised from 26 collieries up to the 31st December, 1904, to 478,233 tons. The seams worked vary from 16 ft. to 2 ft. 3 in., the average width being 8 ft. At Acheron, near Lake Coleridge, a true anthracite is found, the other pits in the district being of brown coal or lignite.

Building-stones.

The building-stones of Canterbury comprise some excellent varieties. The Halswell quarries produce an exceedingly hard and close-grained stone of a dull leaden-grey colour. Granular trachytes are obtained from Governor's Bay, Lyttelton; porphyrites at Malvern Hills; good limestone at Malvern Hills, Waikari, Mount Somers, and various other places; bluestone rock is found at Timaru suitable for millstones. There is abundance of limestone in North Canterbury, Mount Somers, Castle Hill, and various other parts, which is well adapted for making lime.

Fisheries.

Deep-sea fishing is carried on from Lyttelton and Akaroa, the kinds of fish chiefly caught being groper (hapuku), ling, conger-eels, moki, butterfish, barracouta, soles, whiting, red-cod, herrings, and garfish. From Lake Ellesmere and the river estuaries excellent flounders are obtained.

Trout thrive amazingly in the rivers and fresh-water lakes, affording excellent sport.

Manufactories.

Excluding mines and quarries, the total number of manufactories in Canterbury at the date of the census in 1901 was 648, employing 7,050 males and 2,754 females.

Included in the above were 35 printing, 10 agricultural-implement, 26 coach building and painting, 29 fellmongering, tanning, currying, and wool-scouring establishments, 5 sail and oilskin factories, 27 boot and shoe factories, 7 rope and twine works, 8 flax-mills, 4 boiling-down, meat-preserving, and freezing works, 10 bacon-curing works, 17 cheese and butter factories, 23 grain-mills, 34 chaff-cutting and grass-seed-dressing works, 16 breweries, 10 malt-houses, 27 aerated waters and cordial works, 4 sauce and pickle making factories, 6 soap and candle-works, 18 sawmills and sash-and-door factories, 4 gasworks, 20 brick, tile, and pottery manufactories, 14 iron and brass foundries, 25 cycle-works, 20 furniture-factories, and 8 engineering-works.

The census returns also showed that in 1900 the value of land, machinery, and buildings used for factory purposes was £1,489,096, and the total value of manufactures £4,701,304.

Educational Institutions.

Primary Schools.—The district is divided into two parts, termed North and South Canterbury, each presided over by an Educational Board. Under the control of the Boards schools hare been established throughout the whole country wherever population warrants their erection.

The number of children attending the public primary schools in Canterbury on 31st March, 1906, was 24,648. Average daily attendance, 21,329. Number of teachers—males, 251; females, 420: total, 671. Number of schools, 284.

There is a Normal School at Christchurch for the training of teachers.

Secondary Education.—For the further education of children ample provision has been made by the establishment of secondary schools. The principal schools of this class are the Boys' and Girls' High Schools at Christchurch, Rangiora, Ashburton, and Timaru. For more advanced students Canterbury College, Christchurch, is available. This institution was founded and endowed by the Provincial Government in 1873, and is presided over by a Board of Governors. The teaching staff comprises twelve professors and lecturers, and the number of students attending lectures is 277. The School of Engineering, Electricity, and Technical Science, recently established as a special branch of the college, is well equipped, and is attended by a large number of students. The School of Art is also a special branch of the college work, and the popularity of both these branches has been met by the recent erection of considerable additions to the building accommodation.

It should be recorded here that the Provincial Government of Canterbury was fully alive to its duties as regards higher education. It made reserves for the purpose of endowment for the following objects: (1) College, 101,640 acres, reserved June, 1873; (2) technical science, 103,000 acres, reserved July, 1873; (3) School of Agriculture, 100,950 acres, reserved June, 1873; (4) Boys' High School, 9,220 acres, reserved at various dates; (5) Classical School, 8,953 acres, reserved at various dates. To these were subsequently added the following: (6) Girls' High School, 2,578 acres, reserved January, 1878; (7) Medical School, 5,000 acres, reserved December, 1877.

Technical education is provided for by the schools of engineering and art in connection with Canterbury College, a technical and continuation school under the control of a local Board of Management subsidised by the Government and local bodies, and a school of domestic instruction, also controlled by a local Board of Management.

Private Schools.—There are numerous private schools, independent of the State, the chief amongst them being Christ's College, Christchurch, connected with the Church of England. The Roman Catholics support schools of their own in Christchurch, Pleasant Point, Lyttelton, Timaru, Addington, Papanui, Ashburton, Akaroa, Rangiora, Sheffield, Temuka, Leeston, and Waimate. There are besides, in Christchurch, some excellent private boarding and day schools for both boys and girls, and two good commercial training schools.

Other Institutions.

Canterbury has the advantage of possessing many flourishing public institutions. The School of Art, Christchurch, was established by the College Governors in 1882; the Art Gallery owes its origin to the Art Society, the site being the gift of the Government. The Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, also founded by the College Governors, is surrounded by 660 acres of land. The commodious buildings, which cost over £20,000, provide accommodation for the Director and teaching-staff, and for forty-five students. The fees are on a low scale. The farm buildings are complete, and include a well-equipped dairy. Instruction is given in agriculture, chemistry, botany, mechanics, physics, surveying, &c.

The Public Library, Christchurch, under the control of the College Governors, contains reading-rooms, a circulating library of 22,855 books, and a reference library of 15,794 volumes. One hundred and thirty-six magazines and newspapers are provided. The number of subscribers is 1,947, and the average daily attendance over 1,000. There is also a spacious free reading-room, 60 ft. by 36 ft., which is supplied with 148 English, American, and colonial newspapers and periodicals.

The Museum, Christchurch, is a handsome pile of stone buildings; the collections are large and varied. They are separated into two groups: (1) Those from New Zealand; (2) those from foreign countries. In the New Zealand department the skeletons of whales and moas, as well as the collections of shells (tertiary and fossils) and rocks, are specially good; and the Maori collection, exhibited in a Maori house, is also of considerable interest. In the foreign department, the geological, mineralogical, and ethnological collections are the most extensive, but there is also a good illustrative series of Egyptian and Roman antiquities, as well as of the remains of prehistoric man in Europe and America.

This institution owes its origin and success to the foresight, skill, and energy of the late Sir Julius von Haast, and to the munificence of the Provincial Government.

The philanthropic institutions embrace the Christchurch, Akaroa, Ashburton, Timaru, and Waimate Hospitals; the Sunnyside Mental Hospital; the Rhodes Convalescent Home; the Memorial Home for the Aged at Woolston; the City Mission and Destitute Men's Home, Christchurch; the Deaf-and-Dumb Asylum at Sumner; the Orphanage, Sydenham; the Industrial School at Burnham; and the Mount Magdala Asylum, Samaritan Home, and St. Mary's Home, in the vicinity of Christchurch.

Towns.

Christchurch, the capital city of the Canterbury District, is situated on the plains. It is practically level, the original portion of the city being laid out in rectangular form, two miles by one mile and a quarter, and intersected diagonally by a street. All the principal streets are 66 ft. in width. There are numerous open spaces, including the Cathedral Square in the centre, and Cranmer and Latimer Squares. The Avon, a pretty stream, overhung by willows, runs through the town, presenting from all points charming vistas. The city is surprisingly English in its appearance, architecture, and surroundings. The central portion, where stands the Cathedral, Government offices, and other substantial structures, has a handsome, well-built look. Other parts contain fine public buildings, such as the Museum, Canterbury College, High Schools, &c. The whole is admirably set off by Hagley Park, 400 acres in extent, the Domain and Botanical Gardens, 79 acres, Lancaster Park, the Town Belts, and other public and private gardens and plantations. The suburbs can show many handsome houses and beautifully kept grounds.

On the 1st April, 1903, the suburbs of Sydenham, Linwood, and St. Albans were amalgamated with the original city proper into what is known as “Greater Christchurch,” now comprising a total population of about 50,000. Including the adjacent Boroughs of Woolston and New Brighton, and other suburban areas, the total population amounted to about 68,000 at the time of the census in 1906. Tramways connect the centre of the city with the outlying areas of Addington, Sydenham, the Port Hills, and Papanui, and with the seaside villages of New Brighton and Sumner. The city has been drained at considerable expense, the sewage being conveyed three miles and discharged on the sand wastes near the sea. A pure and copious water-supply has been provided by nature, and is obtained by artesian wells. For the purposes of municipal government the city is divided into four wards, and its affairs are controlled by the City Council, presided over by the Mayor. Christchurch is the centre of trade and commerce for the North Canterbury agricultural and pastoral country, and the headquarters of many manufacturing industries, including carriage, boot and clothing factories, iron and brass foundries, agricultural-implement works, fellmongering, tanning, and wool-scouring works, flour-mills, breweries, meat preserving and freezing, biscuit, planing and moulding, bicycle, brick and pottery, soap and candle, and other works.

There are large and well-equipped agricultural and pastoral show-grounds at Addington, where a fine and successful show is held every year.

Recreation and amusement are provided for by His Majesty's Theatre, Theatre Royal, Opera House, and various public halls, the famous Riccarton racecourse, the numerous cricket and football grounds, &c., while boating men have the River Avon and the Heathcote estuary.

Christchurch is connected with the outside world by Port Lyttelton, seven miles distant. The railway tunnel of 1 5/8 miles in length, through the Port Hills, is on this line. Christchurch is not only the centre of the splendid Canterbury Plains, but is also one of the chief railway centres of the colony. Addington railway-workshops are extensive and fully equipped.

Lyttelton, the chief port of the district, is situated on the northern shores of the inlet of that name, sometimes called Port Cooper. The surrounding country consists of high precipitous hills, which separate the harbour from Christchurch and the plains; but by the construction of the railway and tunnel the natural difficulties have been overcome, with the result that the whole of the imports and exports of northern and central Canterbury pass through Lyttelton. The origination and accomplishment of this great engineering work is due to the late William Sefton Moorhouse, at that time Superintendent of the Province. The natural advantages of the port have been enhanced by reclamation and harbour-works, which include two breakwaters, 2,010 ft. and 1,400 ft. in length respectively, extending from Officer and Naval Points, enclosing about 107 acres; long lengths of wharf-accommodation, 10,041 ft.; a patent slip for ships up to 400 tons; and a splendid graving dock 450 ft. long, width on top and bottom 82 ft. and 46 ft. respectively, the entrance being 62 ft. wide, well equipped with machinery and all requisites for repairs. Ships drawing up to 25 ft. can berth alongside the spacious wharves and sheds. The railway, electric-light, machinery, and appliances are available throughout, which renders loading and unloading practicable both by day and by night. As an indication of the volume of trade dealt with at the port, it may be noted that for the year ended 31st March, 1906, the imports were valued at £2,142,928 and the exports at £2,582,459. The town is built on the side of the range, the streets being generally steep, flanked by solid stone buildings; and a background of green spurs and bold rocky faces gives completeness to the whole appearance. The water supply is obtained from artesian wells on the Christchurch side of the hills. To Christchurch there is a bridle-track over the range, and a carriage-road via Sumner. The harbour is well defended by fortifications and batteries on Ripa Island and the mainland. The population is about 4,000 persons.

Timaru, the third town in importance, is situated on the coast and railway-line between Christchurch (100 miles) and Dunedin (131 miles). It has a well-constructed artificial harbour, the port of shipment for the agricultural and pastoral districts of Geraldine, Timaru, and Waimate. The harbour is enclosed by a breakwater built of blocks of concrete; a rubble wall—the North Mole—starts from the shore a quarter of a mile away to the north, and extends easterly to a point 350 ft. from the breakwater. The enclosed space is 50 acres. During the year ended 31st March, 1906, the value of goods imported here was £215,223 and of produce exported £1,057,056. The town is situated on rolling hills overlooking the sea. The streets are irregular, but the public and commercial buildings, churches, and private houses are generally well and handsomely built of stone. The chief industries are meat-freezing, sawmilling, flour-milling, &c. The town has a good high-pressure water-supply, and is connected by well-made roads with the surrounding districts, and by rail with Fairlie, the route to the Mackenzie Country and Mount Cook. The population is about 7,650 persons.

Of other towns in Canterbury the following deserve mention: Rangiora, population 1,750 persons, twenty miles from Christchurch by northern line of railway, is situated in the centre of a fine farming country, and possesses manufactories, including flax-mills, flour-mill, and brewery. The town and neighbourhood are much benefited by plantations.

Kaiapoi, on the Waimakariri, population 1,800, about fourteen miles from Christchurch by the northern railway-line, lies in a rich farming country, rendered pleasing and attractive by the extent and variety of plantations and gardens. There are factories and various industries, including ham and bacon curing, sawmills, brewery, and agricultural-implement works. Here also is the famed Kaiapoi Woollen-mill, which employs 600 hands when trade is brisk. The Waimakariri is navigable for small vessels to the centre of the town.

Ashburton, the newest of the towns, has a population of 2,600, and is fifty-three miles from Christchurch on the southern trunk line. It is a well-built town, with extensive and beautiful recreation-grounds and gardens. It owes its existence to the settlement of the plains, the surrounding country being well adapted for farming. There are meat-freezing works, a cordial-factory, flour-mills, gasworks, ironworks, woollen-mill, brickworks, &c.

Geraldine, population 950, is situated on the Waihi River, four miles from Orari Railway-station, about eighty-six miles south-west from Christchurch. It is a neat and pretty town, in a first-class farming district, and has a beautiful park of native forest-trees.

Temuka, eighty-nine miles from Christchurch, on the southern railway-line, is a well-built town, with good agricultural land all round. It possesses flour-mills, a butter and cheese factory, brewery, foundry, and fellmongery. There is a beautiful park and domain. The population of the borough is 1,700 persons.

Waimate, population about 1,600, is situated on the Waihao Forks Railway, about four miles from Studholme Junction, over a hundred miles from both Christchurch and Dunedin. This town is the centre for an extensive back-country, and a splendid agricultural area. It owes its origin to the sawmill industry of the Waimate bush. Industries: sawmilling, flour-milling, &c.

Akaroa, population 560, situated on the noble harbour of that name, was founded in 1840, in the first instance by the French. It is a quiet, picturesque little place, much patronised by Christchurch residents and others as a summer resort and watering-place. It was here that Captain Stanley hoisted the British flag on 11th August, 1840, when he took possession of the Middle Island on behalf of the Crown, forestalling the French by a few hours only. A suitable obelisk commemorating this event has been erected on the spot.

Chapter 76. THE OTAGO LAND DISTRICT.

DAVID BARRON, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor.

Boundaries and Area.

The Otago Land District lies between the 44th and 47th parallels of south latitude, and extends from 167° 20' to 171° 10' of east longitude. It is bounded on the north by the Canterbury Land District; on the south-east and south by the ocean; on the west and south by the Waikawa, Mokoreta, Slopedown, Waikaka, Chatton, Wendon, Waikaia, Gap, Rockyside, and Kingston Survey Districts, the western and southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, to opposite Round Peaks; thence by southern watershed of the Greenstone, Hollyford, and John o'Groats Rivers to the ocean at Stripe Point; and on the north-west by the ocean to Big Bay.

The district measures about 160 miles from Stripe Point on the west coast to Waikouaiti Bay on the east coast, and the same distance from north to south. Its area is 8,882,800 acres.

Physical Description.

The country generally is mountainous, the highest land being to the north-west, and culminating in Mount Aspiring, 9,960 ft. above the level of the sea.

The west coast mountains are remarkably rugged and grand. The thirteen sounds that pierce this coast are on the west coast of the Southland District. Milford Sound, though only eight miles in length, contains some of the grandest scenery in the world; and fourteen miles inland from its head is the great Sutherland Waterfall, 1,904 ft. high, possibly the highest waterfall known. Bligh Sound is smaller than Milford, and not nearly so interesting; but George Sound is larger, and very picturesque.

A tourist track has been opened from the head of Te Anau Lake to Milford Sound. The Government Tourist Department has now assumed complete control of this track, and has established a comfortable accommodation-house at the head of Te Anau, where guides can be procured if required from the 1-t November to the 30th April. There are six huts on the track, supplied with blankets, provisions, &c., and a man in charge of each hut. The track runs through the Clinton Valley, passes the Sutherland Falls and Lake Ada, and opens out some of the finest scenery in the colony. A practicable route has also been discovered, and a track formed, from the north-west arm of the middle fiord of Te Anau Lake to the head of George Sound. During the season there is a fortnightly mail between Invercargill and Milford.

For nearly one hundred miles inland from the west coast the country is very mountainous, but at a distance of sixty or seventy miles from the south-east coastline it begins to get gradually lower, taking the form of rolling hills and downs along the sea-shore.

Rivers and Lakes.

The largest rivers are the Clutha, Taieri, and Waitaki: the first-named drains Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka, and Hawea; the last, Lakes Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo, in the Canterbury District. Te Anau, the largest lake in the Middle Island, lies partly in the Otago and partly in the Southland District. The dimensions of these lakes are as follows:—

Lakes.Length in Miles.General Breadth in Miles.Area in Square Miles.Height above Sea-level in Feet.
Te Anau, in Southland421 to 6132694
Manapouri, in Southland14450597
Wakatipu, in Otago501 to 3 1/21141,069
Wanaka291 to 375928
Hawea193481,062
Ohau111 to 3231,720
Pukaki112 1/2 to 5311,538
Tekapo151 to 3 1/232 1/22,325

These lakes are situated in mountainous country; they are of glacial origin, and all very deep.

The steamer service on Lake Wakatipu is now owned by the Government, and is under the control of the Railway Department. During the summer months the steamers run between Kingston and Queenstown daily, and to the head of the lake from Queenstown three times a week. During the winter months the daily service to Kingston is maintained, but the communication with the head of the lake is only bi-weekly.

On Lakes Wanaka, Manapouri, and Te Anau smaller steamers are in use.

The Clutha River is the largest in New Zealand, and is estimated to discharge over 1,000,000 cubic feet per minute. It has a rapid current, but is navigable for small steamers for a distance of forty miles from its mouth. The Waitaki is not a navigable river. For some seventeen miles from its mouth the Taieri River is affected by tides, which run up one branch into Waihola Lake, and up the other branch as far as Allanton (Greytown).

A small privately-owned steamer runs from Henley to the mouth of the Taieri River. There is also a house-boat in connection with the steamer. The scenery down the Taieri River is exceptionally fine, and the numerous excursions are well patronised by those in search of a day's outing. The distance from Henley to Taieri Mouth is about six miles.

Plains.

There are some considerable areas of tolerably level land in the interior, the largest being the Maniototo Plains, the Idaburn, Manuherikia, and Upper Clutha Valleys. Their dimensions are approximately as follows: Maniototo Plains, length twenty-four miles, average breadth, ten miles; Idaburn Valley, twenty-five miles by four miles; Manuherikia Valley, thirty-five miles by four miles; Upper Clutha Valley, thirty-three miles by five miles.

The Taieri Plain, nearer the coast, is about the same size as the Idaburn Valley, and is very fertile. Other plains are the Waitaki in the north, the Tokomairiro, the Strath-Taieri, the Taoanui, and the fertile Inch-Clutha, lying between the two branches of the Clutha River, and consisting entirely of alluvial deposit. There is also a good deal of low country, chiefly rolling downs, on the south-west side of the Clutha near the sea.

Forests.

The forest land lies mostly along the sea-coast, the largest area of bush being Tautuku Forest, about forty miles in length and fifteen miles in breadth. The western part of this forest is in the Southland District. The other principal forest areas are in the following localities, viz.: north of Dunedin, east of the Tapanui Mountains, in the upper valley of the Waikaia River, and towards the north-west coast.

The forests of Otago contain a large variety of useful timber, both hard and soft wood; some being suitable for building purposes, while other varieties are highly ornamental, and much prized for cabinet-work.

Building Stones.

Building-stones of good quality are found in various places throughout Otago. The Port Chalmers quarries afford an inexhaustible supply of bluestone, a basaltic stone of great hardness and durability; and the neighbourhood of Hindon furnishes a bluestone of superior quality. A very good bluestone is also to be found on the Horseshoe Bush Estate, about thirty miles south from Dunedin and one mile from Clarendon Station. In Otago central a hard, close sandstone is obtained near Kokonga. A hard freestone of excellent quality is found at Waikawa, where there is a large hill of it close to the water's edge. Blocks of very great size can be obtained. There is also a freestone of superior quality on land at the Peninsula, but the inaccessibility to the stone would make it difficult to quarry. A dense dark granite of first-class quality is obtainable on Ruapuke Island; specimens, both tooled and polished, may be seen in the base and pilasters of the new Government Life Insurance Buildings at Dunedin. The same quality of stone is also obtainable at the Ocean Beach, near the Bluff. A soft white building-stone—the well-known Oamaru limestone—is found in large quantities along the railway-line near Oamaru, from whence a good deal is exported to other parts of New Zealand and to the Australian States. A similar kind of stone is found at Otekaike, about two miles from the railway-station, and it may be interesting to note that during the years 1891–93 about 3,000 tons of stone were sent from the Otekaike quarries to form the facings of the Melbourne Fish-market.

Limestone for Burning.

Limestone is found in the following places: Oamaru, Otekaike, Otepopo, Waihemo, Waikouaiti, Lower Harbour, Peninsula, Waihola, Millburn, and Wakatipu.

The Millburn Lime and Cement Company burn large quantities of lime at their Millburn works, whence it is sent to all parts of Otago, for building purposes, gasworks, &c. It is also largely used in farming, and the productiveness of the Tokomairiro Plain has been greatly increased of late years by its application to the soil. Large cement-works belonging to the same company have been open for some years on the reclaimed land in Otago Harbour, near Dunedin. The cement manufactured at these works is considered fully equal, if not superior, to the best imported, and is largely used in building and other constructive works.

The Government lime-kilns at Makareao, near Dunback, have been leased for five years. The lime produced is of good quality, and there is a branch railway to the kilns.

Coal and Lignite.

In the southern portion of Otago and in part of Southland thin seams of coal of a bituminous character exist. Probably the coal produced from the pits at Kaitaugata, Shag Point, and Nightcaps is the best in quality. First-class brown coals are worked in several parts of Otago, the principal seats of the industry being Green Island, Milton, Alexandra, and Bannock-burn, as well as other parts of Central Otago.

Beds of lignite are also found in numerous localities, chiefly around the margins of the old lake-basins and along the courses of the older river-valleys, and are worked on a sufficient scale to supply local requirements.

The output of coal and lignite in Otago and Southland for 1905 was 444,015 tons, an increase of 10,764 tons on the previous year.

Climate.

The climate of Otago is on the whole fairly equable. Central Otago suffers a little from the intensity of the cold in the winter and the excess of heat in summer; but places on the sea-coast have a fairly even temperature all the year round. There is a somewhat large area of practically ramless territory, which includes the Maniototo Plains, the Idaburn and Manuherikia Valleys, and extends to Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka, Hawea, and Ohau on the west and north, and to the northern portion of Waitaki County on the north-east. From Oamaru the direction would be across country to Mount Benger and to the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. This part of the country is well adapted for sheep of all kinds, especially merinos, some of the runs being capable of carrying 80,000 sheep. Wonderful results have been worked with irrigation on parts of the hitherto dry and barren portions of Central Otago.

West Coast.

In marked contrast to Central Otago is the West Coast District, which may be described as having a wet climate. Not that the number of wet days in the year is very great, but it is subject to very heavy rains from the north-west, the fall generally exceeding 100 in. per annum. But, although wet, the climate is mild, and the vegetation is consequently luxuriant. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland keep a house of accommodation for tourists at the head of Milford Sound. There are very few visitors to the Sounds during winter, but in summer the tourist traffic is considerable. Towards the south-east and south coasts of the district the climate is moist, being somewhat similar to that of Dunedin, where the average rainfall is 38 in., distributed over 180 days in the year.

At Martin's Bay three families have settled. Their sheep and cattle are increasing, and the land is gradually being cleared.

There are thousands of acres of first-class bush land in and around Martin's Bay, well adapted for dairy-farming and stock raising, only awaiting selectors to occupy them. The land belongs to the Crown, and is open for application at the Land Office, Dunedin. Good milling timber, consisting of red, white, and black pine, beech, and totara, is obtainable on this part of the west coast.

Fruit.

There are some fine fruit-growing districts in the valley of the Clutha, from below Roxburgh right up to Lake Wanaka. The summers are dry and warm, and the soil suitable. Apricots, peaches, &c., come to maturity fully a month before they do at Dunedin, and grapes ripen in the open air. There is a great future for this neighbourhood in the growing of those varieties of fruit which agree with and thrive in a dry climate. The grape might be cultivated either for wine-making or for the table, and some varieties could be made into good raisins. The dryness of the atmosphere is favourable for preserving all kinds of fruit, while the Otago Central Railway has brought portion of the valley into direct communication with a market.

Crops.

The following are the agricultural statistics as at 31st October, 1905:—

Total area in occupation in the Otago Land District, including sown grasses and land in native grass, &c., 7,603.293 acres. Corn-crops sown for threshing, chaffing, and feeding off, comprising wheat, oats, barley, rye, maize, peas, beans, 127,843 acres; green, root, and other crops, 151.320 acres; grasses sown for seed and hay, 29,570 acres; land ploughed and sown in grass, 1,492,545 acres; land ploughed and sown in clover, 1,878 acres; surface-sown grasses, 330,921 acres; plantations, &c., including private gardens, market gardens, orchards, and vineyards, of a quarter of an acre and upwards, 9,149 acres; land ploughed but not planted, 11,978 acres; area in tussock or native grass, 6,243,883 acres.

 Acres.Estimated Yield per Acre.Total.
Wheat for threshing45,98431 bushels1,445,338 bushels.
Oats for threshing74,51436 bushels2,734,424 bushels.
Barley for threshing3,82232 bushels123,167 bushels.
StockHead.
Sheep, as at 30th April, 19052,372,961
Horses, as at 31st October, 190538,925
Cattle, as at 31st October, 1905141,138
Swine, as at 31st October, 190521,034

The dairy industry continues to flourish and expand in Otago, and new lands are continually being brought under cultivation.

The export of rabbit-skins from Dunedin during the financial year ended 31st March, 1906, amounted to 7,659,655 skins, valued at £60,578.

Freezing Establishments.

There are three freezing and preserving works in Otago. The establishments are at Oamaru, Burnside, and Port Chalmers. At Oamaru there is a 60-ton Hercules refrigerator, capable of freezing 1,200 sheep a day, and there is storage-room for 30,000 carcases. The Port Chalmers freezing-works, erected in 1896 by the Otago Dock Trust, are largely used for the storage of butter prior to shipment, and for the freezing of rabbits during the season when these are available for export. The refrigerating machinery originally consisted of a 12-ton Hercules, but lately the buildings were enlarged, and a 35-ton Hercules was added. At Burnside there is a 75-ton Hercules machine, capable of freezing 2,000 sheep per day, and there is storage-room for 50,000 carcases. In addition to the usual export in mutton and lamb, much export business is done at these works in rabbit-freezing.

Gold-production.

Otago produces about one-third of the gold-output for New Zealand.

Gold is found very generally distributed throughout Otago, except in the southern portion of the district. The principal localities are: Clutha Valley, Tuapeka, Shotover, Cardrona, Tinker's, St. Bathan's, Mount Ida, Nevis, Bannockburn, and Maerewhenua.

Last financial year 145,409 oz. of gold were exported from Dunedin, having a value of £586,570.

Manufactories and Works.

Under this head the returns to 31st July, 1906, of the various trades and the number of factories within Dunedin and surrounding district are as follows:—Aerated-water factories, 10; agricultural implement, 7; bakers and pastrycooks, 51; basket-factories, 6; blacksmiths and coachbuilders, 42; boot-factories, 56; bacon-factories, 19; box-factories, 3; breweries, 7; brick, tile, &c., factories, 9; brush and broom, 2; butchers (manufacturing small goods), 46; butter and cheese factories, 14; cabinetmaking-factories, 52; calico and leather bag, 4; carpenters, 37; cement-factory, 1; chemical, medicine, &c., 15; cigarette-factory, 1; clothing-factories, 12; coffee and spice factories. 5; coopers, 2; dentists, 20; dressmakers, 121; engravers, 2; engineers, 47; fellmongers, 4; fish-curers, 14; flock-factories, 2; flour-mills, 4; grass-seed cleaning, 7; gasworks, 3; gunsmiths, 4; hat and cap factories. 6; hair preparing factories, 5; hosiery-factories, 5; jam, biscuit, &c., 15; ink-factory, 1; lapidaries, 6; lead-light working, 8; laundries, 37; match factory, 1; marine stores, 2; manure-factories, 3; mat and rug factories, 3; monumental works, 4; paint-manufactories, 2; paper-factories, 2; cycle, &c., 19; photographers, 18; piano-manufacturers, 5; plasterers, 5; plumbers, 37; printers, 27; packing goods for transit, 2; quarries, 5; rabbit-exporters, 5; rope and twine factory, 1; sadders, 15; sail and tent factories, 7; sauce-factories, 3; sawmills 8; shirt-factories, 12; soap and candle factories, 5; tailors, 53; tanneries, 3; tea-packing factories, 10; umbrella-factories, 4; venetian-blind factories. 2; watchmakers, 28; typewriter-repairing, 1; wireworking, 3; woollen-mill, 1; wool-dumping for export, 3; sawing firewood, &c., 6.

Woollen-mills.

There are four woollen-mills at work in the Provincial District of Otago, employing about 1,200 hands. The woollen industry in Otago is of greater magnitude than in any other district of New Zealand, and as an exemplification of the excellent quality of the material turned out it may be mentioned that the Mosgiel Woollen Factory took the Grand Prix at St. Louis Exposition for rugs, blankets, and wool.

Besides supplying local needs, Otago Provincial District exported during the year ended 31st March, 1905, 9,606,183 lb. of wool, valued at £367,799; but this includes Southland wool.

The number of hands employed are 7,588 males and 3661 females; total number of works of the above description, 1,243.

Chief Towns.

The following are the chief towns of Otago, with their population at last census, including all having 1,000 inhabitants and upwards: Dunedin and suburbs, 56,020; Oamaru, 5,071; Port Chalmers, 2,120; Mosgiel, 1,517; Milton, 1,284; Kaitangata, 1,682; Lawrence, 1,106; Balclutha, 1,161.

City of Dunedin.

Dunedin, the capital city and commercial centre of Otago, is situated at the head of Otago Harbour, and is distant eight miles—about half an hour's journey by rail—from its seaport, Port Chalmers. Otago Harbour has been greatly deepened by dredging during the past decade, and ocean liners are now berthed alongside the Dunedin wharves.

The city proper is about two miles and a half long by a mile broad, and is dotted here and there with handsome public buildings and large warehouses which compare favourably both in size and architecture with those in other centres of New Zealand. Among buildings of note may be mentioned the new Supreme Court, Knox Church, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Boys' High School, First Church, Town Hall, and Otago University. The city has been much beautified of late years with numerous parks and reserves artistically laid out by the Dunedin and Suburban Reserves Conservation Society, who have taken in hand with praiseworthy energy the task of planting with trees and flowers hitherto neglected areas of waste land. The Octagon, Jubilee Park, and Victoria Gardens (formerly known as the Triangle) are standing monuments to the society's work.

The private residences of Dunedin are largely situated on the hills sloping upwards from the harbour, and cable tramways connect the city proper with the hill suburbs. A reserve of native bush fringes the hills round about, and is traversed by a fine carriage road, named “The Queen's Drive,” from which views of the harbour and city can be obtained. This reserve—known as the Town Belt—was set apart in the early days of Otago settlement.

The city has now an electric tram service, which is being rapidly extended to the favourite seaside resorts of Ocean Beach and St. Clair, each within three miles of the Chief Post Office. At the northern end of the city—about two miles from the Chief Post Office—the electric cars run down to the Botanical Gardens, which are tastefully and artistically laid out with many beautiful flowers and shrubs. A band rotunda has been erected here, and on Sunday afternoons sacred concerts are given throughout the summer months.

The Woodhaugh Valley, the reservoir, and the Leith Valley with its waterfalls, are also within easy distance of the town, and from a scenic point of view possess many features of interest.

Dunedin is well supplied with elementary schools, there being in 1905 six large schools in the city proper, with an attendance of 3,325 pupils, and twelve more in the suburbs, with 4,335 pupils.

There is also in Dunedin a training-college for teachers. The students in training number sixty-four.

The School of Art and Design is in the same building as the Normal School, and has a staff of six teachers and a pupil-teacher. In 1905 there were 406 students in attendance.

The Otago Boys' High School stands on a commanding plateau 300 ft. above the business part of the city and the harbour. The school was opened on the 3rd August, 1863, in the building in Dowling Street now occupied as the Girls' High School. The new buildings in Arthur Street were opened by the late Sir William Jervois, Governor, in February, 1885. The teaching staff, including the Rector, numbers 12; the attendance is about 314.

The Otago Girls' High School was opened on the 6th February, 1871, with a roll of 78 pupils. The present attendance is 187, with a teaching staff of 11, exclusive of visiting teachers. Otago holds the proud distinction of having established the first Girls' High School in Australasia. Among the earnest band of workers who laboured to establish this first High School for girls the name of Miss Dalrymple stands pre-eminent, and will ever be held in grateful remembrance by the people of Otago.

At the commencement of the year 1903 the Board of Governors accepted the Government's offer in connection with providing free secondary education by admitting sixty-three boys and fifty-one girls who passed the Sixth Standard in the primary schools and were under fourteen years of age on 31st December, 1902, on payment by the Government at the rate of £6 per annum per head.

There are now 268 boys and 170 girls in attendance at the schools under the new Government regulations.

The University of Otago was founded in 1869, and opened in 1871. It is well housed in a pile of handsome buildings after the domestic Gothic style. There are four separate faculties in the University—viz., arts and science, medicine, mining, and law. The teaching staff comprises thirty professors and lecturers.

The School of Medicine provides the full course for a medical degree of the University of New Zealand. There is a medical museum in the University buildings containing anatomical, pathological, and other preparations and models.

The School of Mines occupies a separate (temporary) building. It possesses a metallurgical testing-plant, well equipped mining, geological, and metallurgical laboratories. The curriculum provides for the course prescribed for the B.Sc. degrees in mining and metallurgy of the University of New Zealand, geology, and for the Associate diplomas in mining and metallurgy of the University of Otago.

The undergraduates keeping terms, according to the latest available information, would be 239 men and 94 women. The University library contains over 5,000 specially selected volumes, and is open to the public under certain conditions for purposes of reference.

The Chemical and Physical laboratories are well fitted up, and furnished with all necessary instruments and appliances. There are six scholarships tenable at the University, ranging in value from £15 to £30 per annum.

The public museum is under the control of the University Council. It is situated in Great King Street, about five minutes' walk from the University. It includes a public art gallery, in which there are some good works of art, and a well-equipped biological laboratory. Up to the present time only the central portion of the original design for the museum building has been erected.

The Dunedin Athenæum and Mechanics' Institute is centrally situated in the Octagon, and possesses a well-maintained library of over 18,000 volumes, and a membership of about 1 820 subscribers. The building has lately been enlarged, and in addition to the circulating library contains a reference library, a large reading-room with an excellent supply of magazines and newspapers from all parts of the world, a chess-players' room, and a smoking-room.

The Cargill Monument, which was erected to the memory of the late Captain Cargill, the founder of the Otago settlement, stands in the Triangle, between the Customhouse and the Bank of New Zealand. It is an ornate specimen of early decorated Gothic.

Towns and Surrounding Country.

Port Chalmers (eight miles from Dunedin) situate on Otago Harbour, midway between the Heads and Dunedin, has a population of about 2,120. It is the chief port of Otago, and possesses every accommodation for Home vessels, including dry dock, 80-ton sheer-legs, steam-hammer, and other appliances, besides several private foundries, cool-storage chamber, &c. The Port Chalmers graving-dock is described in the article on page 72.

Leaving Dunedin by the northern railway, winding in and out through the hills which surround the town and port, and skirting the precipitous cliffs of the coast-line, the first station of importance reached after Port Chalmers is Waitati, a favourite seaside resort in Blueskin Bay; distance, seventeen miles. Fifteen miles beyond is Waikouaiti—population, 700—pleasantly situated on the Hawksbury Lagoon, the centre of a flourishing farming country. The next place of note is Palmerston, forty-one miles from Dunedin, with 780 inhabitants. A branch line leaves Palmerston and runs nine miles up Shag Valley to Dunback. Six miles further on the main line there is a branch to Shag Point, a coalfield, with two pits being actively worked.

Oamaru (seventy-eight miles) is the second town in Otago, having a population of about 5,100. It is the centre of a large farming district, and has a good harbour, formed by a concrete breakwater, for the reception of ocean-going ships. The chief exports are wool and grain. A branch-line runs from the junction near Oamaru up the Waiareka Valley to Ngapara, seventeen miles, and Tokarahi, twenty-five miles from Oamaru, and another seven miles by road leads to Livingstone.

Starting from Oamaru, and proceeding to Central Otago, via the valley of the Waitaki River, the first part of the journey is accomplished by rail across the fertile Papakaio Plains to Awamoko (ninety six miles), and thence following up the Waitaki River past Duntroon to Kurow (120 miles from Dunedin). At Kurow the traveller leaves the railway and follows the course of the Waitaki through pastoral country to Rugged Ridges Station (133 miles); a little beyond Rugged Ridges the road leaves the Waitaki River, and crossing the Ahuriri Pass (141 miles), strikes the Ahuriri River, which it follows up past Omarama Station (158 miles) to the junction of Longslip Creek; it then ascends this creek until Lindis Pass saddle is reached (172 miles), at a height of 3,185 feet. Here begins the descent to the Clutha Valley via Morven Hills Station (181 miles) and Tarras Station (200 miles). From Tarras Station the road runs through settled farming country up the Clutha River, which is crossed by means of a punt at Newcastle (219 miles), and four miles more brings the traveller to Pembroke, on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka.

From Dunedin the main trunk railway runs southward to Invercargill, a distance of 139 miles. Passing through the Caversham Ward and tunnel the traveller reaches Burnside (four miles) and Abbotsford (five miles), industrial centres, with coalmining, tanning, iron-smelting, and other works. Four miles farther on is Wingatui, the junction of the Otago Central Railway; and ten miles from Dunedin is Mosgiel, a rising township with 1,520 inhabitants, noted for its woollen-mills. The railway-line now skirts the Taieri Plain, an alluvial flat eighteen miles long by five miles broad, the most fertile portion of Otago. A branch line nine miles long from Mosgiel Junction runs to Outram, on the farther side of the Taieri Plain. The main line continues on from Mosgiel, passing the smaller townships of Allanton (Grey-town) and Henley, and Lakes Waihola and Waipori, strikes Milton (thirty-six miles). Milton, in the middle of the Tokomairiro Plain, is a town of 1,300 inhabitants, with flour-mill, dairy factories, flax-mill, pottery-works, and tannery. The next place of importance is Balclutha (fifty-three miles), on the banks of the Clutha River, with flax-mills, dairy factories, and chicory-works; population nearly 1,200. Kaitangata, situated lower down the Clutha River, and connected by a branch line four miles long, has extensive coalfields, and a population of about 1,700. Leaving Balclutha, the main line runs through the Clutha downs, passing the small centres of Waitepeka, Warepa, Kaihiku, and Waiwera, and reaches Clinton (seventy-four miles), on the Waiwera stream, a favourite resort of anglers. The next station of note beyond Clinton is Waipahi Junction (eighty-four miles), on the Waipahi River, likewise a favourite fishing-ground. Further on is Gore (100 miles), on the Mataura River, in the Southland District. Gore is a fast-rising township of 3,100 inhabitants, with paper-mill, flour-mill, freezing-works, dairy factory, coal-mines, &c.

A branch line from Waipahi follows up and crosses the Pomahaka River and connects Tapanui (97 miles), Kelso (100 miles), Heriot (104 miles), and Edievale (110 miles).

The Otago Central Railway starts from Wingatui, crosses the Taieri Plain, and then winds round to the Taieri River, which it follows up to Waipiata, eighty-one miles from Dunedin, thence proceeds across the Maniototo Plain to the watersheds of the Taieri and Manuherikia Rivers and through the Ida Valley to Omakau and Chatto Creek, the present terminus, 127 miles, and is under construction towards Alexandra and Clyde. In its course along the river it runs for some distance through a rocky gorge, but after crossing the Sutton Stream enters Strath-Taieri—a comparatively flat, open country. Near Hindon Station (twenty-five miles from Dunedin), in the Taieri Gorge, and Barewood (thirty-seven miles) there are quartz-reefs being worked. In traversing the Strath-Taieri the line passes the Blair-Taieri Village Settlement (forty-four miles), Middlemarch, a rising township (forty-eight miles), and reaches Hyde (sixty-four miles). The line passes through the Poolburn Gorge across the Manuherikia River to Chatto Creek. The townships of Alexandra and Clyde are thus brought within about ten miles of the railway. Central Otago has a great future before it, as, in the opinion of experts, it is naturally adapted for producing fruit of different kinds in perfection.

Another means of access to Central Otago is by the Clutha Valley. Two miles beyond Milton the Lawrence branch leaves Clarkesville Junction, runs up the Tokomairiro River and the gorge of Manuka Creek, and down to Waitahuna (fifty-three miles from Dunedin) and Lawrence (sixty miles), gold-mining centres, with an aggregate population of about 1,500. This line is being extended towards Beaumont and Roxburgh. Gold was first discovered in the Lawrence district in 1861, and the mines are still yielding freely. From Lawrence a coach runs to Beaumont (Seventy-two miles), on the Clutha River, and thence up the Clutha Valley. Crossing the Beaumont. Bridge the road follows the west bank of the Clutha, passing numerous dredging-claims. At eighty-nine miles is Ettrick, and seven miles further on is Roxburgh—the Teviot—(ninety-six miles), a town of about 500 inhabitants.

Following the main road along the west bank of the Clutha River the traveller reaches Alexandra South (122 miles), at the junction of the Manuherikia River with the Clutha, and Clyde—the Dunstan—(130 miles), the county town of Vincent County. The next place of importance is Cromwell (143 miles), at the junction of the Kawarau River with the Clutha. Cromwell is a small town of nearly 700 inhabitants.

If the traveller wishes to pursue his journey farther he can either follow the road up the Clutha to Newcastle and Pembroke, on Lake Wanaka, or take the Kawarau Gorge road by way of the Crown Terrace to Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown, a township situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, has a population of 665, and is the centre of a large gold-mining district. The chief feature of Queenstown is the grand mountain and lake scenery in the neighbourhood, which attracts large numbers of tourists every year. There are two ways of reaching Queenstown—the one by the Clutha Valley and Kawarau Gorge, as above described, and the other by rail to Kingston, at the foot of Lake Wakatipu, and thence by steamer, which runs to suit the trains.

The Tautuku bush, in the south of Otago, has only lately been opened up, but already a large number of settlers are making their homes there. Starting from Balclutha the Catlin's River branch line runs southwards to Romahapa (sixty-one miles from Dunedin) on the crossing of the main road to Port Molyneux, thence to Glenomaru (sixty-five miles). Owaka (seventy-two miles from Dunedin), and the present termination at Catlin's, three miles further on. The Catlin's-Waikawa main road is formed the whole way through, as are also numerous district roads.

Railways.

The principal lines are as follows: (1.) The main trunk line from Dunedin to Christ church, with branches from Oamaru to Hakataramea, forty-three miles: and Oamaru to Ngapara and Tokarahi, twenty-five miles; also. Palmerston to Dunback, nine miles. (2.) The main trunk line, Dunedin to Invercargill, with branches—Mosgiel to Outram, nine miles; Milton to Lawrence, twenty-four miles; Stirling to Kaitangata, five miles; Balclutha to Catlin's River, twenty-two miles: and Waipahi to Edievale, twenty-four miles. (3.) The Otago Central, from Wingatui to Chatto Creek, 118 miles.

Statistical.

The total population of the Otago Land District on the 29th April, 1906, was 127,877.

Area of Otago Land District: Open land below 2,000ft., 5,230 square miles; forest land below 2,000 ft., 1,710 square miles; open land above 2,000ft., 6,177 square miles; forest land above 2,000ft., 500 square miles; area of lakes, &c., 262 square miles: total, 13,879 square miles, or 8,882,800 acres.

The following table shows the disposition of the land in the Otago District on 31st March, 1906:—

 Holdings.Acres.
1. Lands finally alienated, comprising freehold land and vested reserves (net area after deducting land acquired under Land for Settlements Acts, &c.)...2,748,431
2. Lands held on deferred payment, rural196,191
3. Lands held on perpetual lease, rural20638,783
4. Lands held under occupation-with-right-of-purchase clause25443,005
5. Lands held on lease in perpetuity, ordinary Crown lands, rural775189,095
6. Lands held under agricultural lease on goldfields16522
7. Lands held under Mining Districts Land Occupation Act2289,025
8. Lands held under village settlement, deferred payment2100
9. Lands held under village settlement, perpetual lease15312
10. Lands held under village settlement, lease in perpetuity1181,699
11. Lands held under village-homestead special settlement, perpetual lease761,174
12. Lands held by special-settlement associations, lease in perpetuity142,765
13. Lands held as small grazing-runs272562,855
14. Lands held under pastoral license, not including bush2164,320,008
15. Lands held under lease and license for miscellaneous purposes, exclusive of gold-mining701130,661
16. Lands acquired and disposed of as lease in perpetuity under Land for Settlements Act. rural46079,619
17. Lands acquired and disposed of as small grazing-runs under Land for Settlements Act44,872
18. Lands acquired and disposed of as pastoral homestead sites under Land for Settlements Act2954
19. Lands acquired and disposed of as miscellaneous licenses under Land for Settlements Act531,640
20. Crown lands open for selection (including Land for Settlements Act), exclusive of pastoral lands...33,665
21. Crown lands being prepared for selection...40,554
22. Land open for application under pastoral licenses...30,650
23. Lands held by aboriginal Natives...16,500
24. Lakes, and Clutha and Taieri Rivers...163,500
25. Balance of Crown lands, including mining reserves, public reserves not vested, bush lands, roads, barren country, &c....456,830
                 Total area of district (13,879 square miles), 8,882,800

Tenants of lands included in 2,3. and 4 have the right of acquiring the freehold. There is no right of acquiring the freehold for tenants of lands included in 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

Chapter 77. THE SOUTHLAND LAND DISTRICT.

J. HAY, Chief Surveyor.

Physical Features.

The Southland District may be stated to comprise the Counties of Fiord, Stewart Island, Southland, Wallace, and part of Lake, and is bounded on the north and east by the Otago District, and on the south and west by the Tasman Sea, and may be said to lie between south latitudes 45° and 47° and east longitudes 166° 15' and 169° 15'. For administrative purposes, however, the Snares, Auckland, Enderby, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty, and all other islands within the limits of the colony south of the 47° parallel of south latitude are included in it.

Area and Nature of Lands.

The total area of the district, including Stewart Island, but exclusive of Solander, Ruapuke, and the other small islands enumerated above, is 7,566,592 acres, of which 500,000 are covered with bush. A considerable area in the Fiord County consists of immense alpine country with scrubby bush reaching to the snow-line. This little-known country extends to the western sea, and there presents the remarkable indentations of the coast-line known as the West Coast Sounds. The whole region is a paradise for the artist, and, indeed, for all enthusiastic lovers of nature, but has little attraction for the agriculturist or pastoralist. The bush land suitable for timber lies in the neighbourhood of Forest Hill, Hokonui, Waikawa, and on Stewart Island. The timbers of commercial value are totara, rimu, miro, matai, kahikatea, rata, and kainani, in mixed bushes; but Fagus fusca and other beeches predominate on the high lands.

The open land in Southland and Wallace Counties, in its natural state, carries tussock and snow-grass, fern, flax, manuka, &c., and there is a considerable area of marshy land, interspersed here and there with peat bogs.

Perhaps the most striking feature, if we exclude the Fiord country, is the number of well-defined rivers and valleys of the district, the latter often widening out to such an extent as to form very extensive plains. Commencing with the eastern side, the Mataura, Oreti (or New River), Aparima (or Jacob's River), and Waikawa are the most prominent illustrations of this; but these rivers by no means exhaust the list, as they all have numerous tributaries, which exhibit the same features on a smaller scale.

Speaking generally, the watersheds of these rivers do not attain any great height until followed far inland, and near the great lakes to be presently noticed. From what has been said above it follows that the extensive plains and valleys referred to are of alluvial formation, in many places of very rich and fertile quality, and capable of raising crops of every known product, subject, of course, to climatic limitations. Generally these plains and valleys rise from the river-levels in a very gradual slope, sometimes into a series of terraces from 10 ft. to 50 ft. in height, and sometimes into undulating hills intersected at frequent intervals by lateral gullies affording natural drainage and an abundant supply of water.

These hills are covered with an indigenous growth, consisting of tussock and other grasses, fern, flax, &c., and even in their native state afford excellent grazing for. sheep.

Near the large lakes, such as Wakatipu, Te Anau, Manapouri, Hauroto, and others, and between these and the west coast, the country becomes very high, often reaching 5,000 ft. and 6,000 ft. above sea-level, with very steep and rugged spurs—this is the Fiord country before referred to. The open country occasionally presents a number of ridges and lesser mountain-tops covered with tussock and other herbage, affording admirable pasture for sheep in summer; but stock have to be removed from April to October, during which period this country is generally covered with snow.

Southland does not contain so much forest as most of the North Island districts, and this will account for its early and extensive settlement; nevertheless there are considerable areas of forest in the eastern, southern, and western parts, and on Stewart Island, and a large export trade is done in the different kinds of pine and other timbers used for building, engineering, furniture-making, &c.

From what has been said of the river systems it will be evident that the country is well supplied with water, although none of the rivers can be used for purposes of internal communication; but the plains are traversed by railways for considerable distances from the principal towns, and where the railways and communication is continued by good roads, so that there is probably no part of the colony better off for means of transit; and with the Bluff Harbour the Southland District would seem to possess every facility.

Agriculture.

Having already touched on the character of the soil, it only remains to say that the plains, terraces, and lower hills are well adapted for raising wheat, oats, and other cereals, turnips, mangolds, beets, and the various other crops common to temperate climates. Wheat is not so widely grown as it might, be, for the reason, probably, that the pastoral branches of farming receive more attention than the agricultural, and wheat is not required for these, whereas oats are largely grown for export and to feed sheep in the form of chaff; turnips also are much cultivated for winter food. Where wheat is grown the yields are very satisfactory, ranging from 40 to 60 bushels per acre, while oats frequently give 70 to 80 bushels.

Linseed is now receiving some attention from farmers, as they find ready sale for it to the manufacturing chemists at remunerative prices, a fair crop yielding over £5 per acre.

Dairy-farming, &c.

Dairy-farming now forms a very important industry in this district, a number of factories having been established, the total number now in the district being 9 creameries, 23 cheese-factories, and 2 dairy factories, one being a large condensed-milk factory and one making first-class Stilton cheese. In this connection the Customs Department returns (1906) for this district, under “Exports,” give the following interesting figures: Butter, 562 cwt., value £2,490; cheese, 33,209 cwt., value £81,369.

Sheep-farming.

By far the most important industries are those connected with the raising and export of mutton and wool. Some years ago sheep-farming was much hindered by the inroads of rabbits; but owing to the repressive measures adopted there has been a marked abatement of the peat. The hill-country, although it does not carry a large proportion of stock to area, is eminently healthy. The average carrying-capacity over the whole district would probably be slightly over one sheep to the acre. Until within the last few years most of the runs were stocked with merinos, but owing to the decline in price of merino wool, and to the carcase being unacceptable to the European market, these sheep have, generally speaking, been replaced by Leicesters, Lincolns, Romney Marsh, Cheviot, and crossbreds of various kinds, better suited to the existing demands. The total number of sheep on the books of the local Stock Department reaches 1,174,807. This number is distributed over Southland District. During the later portion of the past year many of these were acquired by settlers from the northern districts of the colony, but the successful lambing season intervening has more than neutralised the depletion. A number of large establishments for slaughtering and freezing sheep and tinning meat are at work. Two large establishments are situated at the Bluff, and another at Mataura (on the Main Trunk Railway-line). Beef, mutton, and rabbit tinning works have been established for some years at the Gap Road. near Winton. while another is in operation at Woodlands. The exports from these factories (frozen meats) as returned for past year are as follow: Frozen mutton—64,504 carcases, value £43,114; lamb—99,951 carcases, value £61,385; rabbit-skins—1,078,754, value £10,611.

Industrial (Coal, Gold, &c.).

Extensive seams of coal and lignite are distributed over the district, and a large. deposit of brown coal is being developed by the Nightcaps Coal Company. This coal is used throughout the district, and its utility has been recognised by the Railway Department of the colony, some 19,000 to 20,000 tons having been used on the Southland section of New Zealand railways during the past year. Coal of quality similar to that at the Nightcaps has been opened up at Hokonui, and some 52,000 tons have been taken out therefrom. The comparatively small demands of the district, however, led to the mine being closed down a few years since. A deposit of shale covering a fair area exists at Orepuki. Peat is also found in some up-country Neighbourhoods—notably at Mataura—and is used for fuel where wood and coal are scarce. Gold is found all over the district., and is being obtained either by sluicing or dredging. A considerable amount of capital has been invested in river and beach dredges worked by steam. The dredging operations of the past year have for the most part been confined to the streams lying east of the Mataura River. Twenty-three steam power dredges are on the Waikaka, thirteen at Wakaia, ten on the Waimumu and Charlton Streams, and one at. Gore. These dredges Lave been working for some years, and the yields of gold, although of an intermittent character, have on the whole been tai-factory. Payable gold-bearing reefs exist in Preservation Inlet and at Stewart Island. Among the lesser industries the preparation of the fibre of the native flax plant. (Phormium tenax) is worthy of notice. The plant is found all over this district, and forty-six mills have been set up. The more remunerative and regular prices obtained during the past year will, if upheld, make this a steady industry throughout the district.

Timber.

Last, but of considerable value in results, the timber industry of the district merits attention. For many years the active efforts of the sawmiller have proved a source of considerable wealth. No less than fifty-one sawmills are now at work oti and on within the greatly reduced timber-areas of Southland, and it is feared that this district will be worked out; at any rate, the industry will be very considerably reduced in the near future.

Fish.

Salt-water fish abound in great numbers in the waters surrounding Stewart Island, and oysters are found on banks between that island and the Bluff. Fish are largely exported to Melbourne, as also the oysters during the open season. All the large rivers, and many of the tributaries, are well stocked with trout, while for heavy trout-fishing the Waiau River may be mentioned as one of the finest in New Zealand. One river—the Aparima—had salmon-spawn put into it some years ago, and, it is now believed, with success.

Fruit.

The small English fruits, such as gooseberries, currants, raspberries, strawberries, &c., grow in great profusion, as do also apples. Stone-fruits are not so common, although peaches, nectarines, apricots, &c., do well when trained against nursery-walls in favourable aspects.

Climate.

The climate is bracing in winter, and warm and genial in spring and summer. The old residents state that there has been a marked decrease in the rainfall within the last decade. No regular observations have been recorded for the last few years, but it is believed that the average is about 30 in. a year. It may, however, be observed that more rain falls near the coast than inland, and also that the rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year than is the case in the northern part of the colony. The temperature varies from 40° in winter to 70° in summer.

Towns.

Invercargill, the chief town, was from the first well laid out with wide streets and liberal reserves in the town belts for recreation purposes. The town has become conspicuous by the architectural beauty presented to the visitor in the many fine buildings. Among these—all in brick, concrete, or limestone—the branches of the leading banks doing business in this colony are prominent, also hotels and many wholesale and retail mercantile houses. The Government Buildings are on a scale not often seen in a town of the same size, and a clock and chimes of New Zealand make have been placed in the central tower. The Corporation provides water and gas, also disposes of sewage, &c., for the citizens. The streets are well lighted, paved, and maintained. Artesian water is pumped to the top of a handsome brick tower—which, by the way, is a very conspicuous landmark—and stored there in a tank, from which most of the houses within the town boundaries are supplied. The population, including suburbs, is about 12,500. Five railways concentrate here, one from the famed Cold Lakes, another from Dunedin and Christchurch, a third line communicates with the agricultural and pastoral country lying east of the Mataura River, known as the Seaward Bush line, a fourth line opens communication with the extended area westward covered by the Wallace County and known as the Western District, while the short line to the Port of Bluff carries a heavy traffic—the main produce of the district—for export. Rope and twine, carriage and implement factories, flour-mills, sawmills, fellmongeries, a boot-factory, three bacon-factories, brick and pottery works, iron-foundries, and various other industries are in active operation. There are three first-class hotels. In the summer season Invercargill, by the arrival of intercolonial steamers and express trains, may be said to be thronged with visitors and tourists desiring to view the beauties of Stewart Island or the more distant high alpine scenery and deep waters of the Cold Lakes District (Te Anau, Wakatipu, Manapouri and the further lakes), for, doubtless, the combinations of scenery there presented in mountain, glacier, and lake are unexcelled in either hemisphere. It should also be mentioned that Stewart Island is now connected by means of a submarine cable used for telephonic communication, which is of the greatest service to business-men and pleasure-seekers. Although the Bluff is the principal port, Invercargill is provided with a lesser harbour in the New River Kstuary, forming its western margin, where there is a jetty with appliances for the use of small steamers and craft trading with Stewart Island and along the coast, the goods being handled within the town boundaries.

Camphelltown, situated at the foot of the hill known as the “Bluff,” has become a place of some importance in the district, being identified with the Bluff Harbour. The population at the last census, exclusive of those on shipboard, was about 1,500. The town presents some good buildings—frozen-meat works, hotels, grain stores, and shipping offices, all in brick. Perhaps the most conspicuous building is seen in the Government. Po-t, Telegraph, and Customs building, with its clock-tower and chimes; while the railway offices, with hardly less proportions. and conveniences lately added to facilitate the easy handling of goods, assert the prosperity of the place. Connected by rail with Invercargill (seventeen miles—six trains daily), a very large shipping business is effected here in the imports and exports of the agricultural counties of Sou'hland, Wallace, Lake, and Stewart Island, principally consisting in exports of wool, grain, frozen mutton, rabbits, fish, cheese, butter, timber, flax, and oysters; and in imports of general merchandise, guano. coal, and hardwood timber. In 1905, 710,800 bushels of oats, of the value of £65,509, were exported. The increasing trade of the port has been steadily met by the harbour authorities in increase of wharfage-accommodation in the direction of widen ng and strengthening, and there is now a fine wharf, 1,760 ft. long, with four lines of rails, having 3,300 ft. of berthage, all well lit, as also the town, with electric light. As a further indication of the importance of the port, it may be stated that steamers having a combined net tonnage of 460,727 tons entered inwards during 1905, and comprised the largest frozen-n eat carriers of the New Zealand Shipping, Shire, Tyser, Federal, and Shaw-Savill lino. The port is a natural one, possessing good shelter and anchorage with deep water. On account of the depth of water, the port is frequently selected as the final port of departure for fully-laden vessels, and in April. 1903, the s s. “Ayrshire” left the port for London drawing 27 ft. 10 in., and with a cargo estimated to be 15,000 tons; but in view of the increasing size of steamers and the possibility of the great ocean passenger lines extending their terminals to New Zealand, the Board recently imported an up-to-date bucket and suction dredge, built by Simons, of Renfrew, and capable of dredging to a depth of 40 ft. By this means it is intended to make the harbour one of the most, accessible and commodious in the colony. The Bluff is also known as the first and last port of call for steamers trading with Tasmania and Australia.

Next in size to Invercargill is the inland Town of Gore, situated on the Mataura River, and at the junction of the Main Trunk Railway with the Waimea Plains Branch. Owing to this fact, and to the fertility of the land in the neighbourhood, Gore is rapidly growing in size and importance. The population is now about 3,050.

Riverton (population 920) is a pretty little town, about twenty-five miles from Invercargill, with which it is connected by rail, which runs through to Orepuki and Waihoaka; it is situated on the estuary of Aparima, or Jacob's River. Riverton is the oldest, settlement in Southland, and was a great resort for whalers in former years. The harbour is available for and used by coasting-vessels, but the principal carrying-trade is done by rail. There are several sawmills in the neighbourhood, this industry being largely carried on near the many timbered localities in the district.

Otautau, on the banks of the stream bearing the same name, is the county town of Wallace, and has a population of about 600. It is the distributing centre of all that large area of agricultural and pastoral country lying between the Longwood range and the Waiau River, and northwards to the Mararoa River. It has direct communication by rail with Invercargill, Nightcaps, and Oivpuki. In Otautau large grain-stores are seen, flour-mills, and a dairy factory, while in the vicinity timber and flax mills are met with. The most direct inland communication with Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau is by road pausing through the town and onwards. This route is well suited for vehicular traffic, but. the favourite or more easy line of communication is by rail from Invercargill to Lumsden and onward by coach as before noticed.

The Village of Nigh'caps is reached by a short line of railway from Thornbury, on the Invercargill-Riverton line. A large colliery exists here. (See Industrial, Coal, &c., ante.)

The Town of Winton (population about 475) is on the Invercargill-Kingston Railway, about twenty miles distant, from Invercargill, and is the centre of a good farming, sawmilling, and coal-mining district. A short line of railway has been opened from here to Hedgehope, an extensive agricultural locality lying some fifteen miles away in a westerly direction.

Lumsden is the junction of the Kingston (Lake Wakatipu), Invercargill, and Waimea Plains Railway-lines. Coaches starting from here take passengers and mails to Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and the surrounding country.

East of Invercargill are Edendale and Wyndham, both with railway connection, and surrounded by rich agricultural country reaching to Fortrose, with good roads. Fortrose is easily reached from Invercargill by the Seaward Bush Railway, which connects with the Wyndham Road at Waimahaka, distant about four miles north of Fortrose. It is surrounded by exceedingly fertile country, and the harbour (estuary of the Mataura River) can be entered by coasting steamers.

Eastward of Fortrose and about midway between that place and Catlin's River is Waikawa, a newly-settled township with a harbour for coasters, and a large area of surveyed Crown land around, with good timber, available for settlement. Steamers trading with Dunedin and Invercargill call here and at Fortrose at regular intervals. A good export of timber occurs at Waikawa.

Crown Lands for Disposal.

The total area of surveyed lands remaining open for selection as on the 31st March, 1906, was 63,967 acres, comprising the following lands:—

Town and suburban662 acres.
Village-homestead settlements632 acres.
Rural—ordinary3,043 acres.
Rural—bush and swamp37,055 acres.
Land for settlements4,921 acres.
Rural—lease in perpetuity5,998 acres.
Rural—bush and swamp (lease in perpetuity), unsurveyed...
                Total52,311 acres.
Unsurveyed pastoral runs11,656 acres.
                Gross total63,967 acres.

Appendix A. NEW ZEALAND'S EXTENDED BOUNDARIES.
NOTES ON THE COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS ANNEXED TO NEW ZEALAND IN 1901.

J. W. BLACK

The Pacific islands annexed to this colony 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, Nine, Danger, Rakahanga, Mnmhiki, Penrhyn, and Suwarrow. 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. Under “The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901,” the Federal Parliament of the Cook Islands and the several Native Councils were continued under the names “Federal Councils” and “Island Councils.” The former has power to enact Federal Ordinances for the government of all the islands excepting Niue, while each Island Council can make local Ordinances governing the inhabitants within its jurisdiction. No Ordinance passed in the islands, however, can have the force of law until assented to by the Governor of New Zealand in the name and on behalf of His Majesty; and the Governor has power, by Order in Council, to direct that any of the laws in force in the islands at the commencement of the principal Act shall be repealed or modified. The Governor in Council has power also to apply to the islands any law in force in New Zealand, either in whole or with modifications, excepting the laws relating to alcoholic liquors. “The Licensing Act Amendment Act, 1904,” contains special provisions dealing with the question of liquor in the Cook and other Islands. The New Zealand Customs Tariff is in force within the extended boundaries, and the Governor, by Order in Council, may from time to time modify the tariff as applying to any of the islands.

The laws are enforced through the High Court, which has jurisdiction throughout the whole of the islands excepting Niue; and, in the Cook Group, until 1905, there were also the Arikis' Courts, which were composed of Native Judges, except at Aitutaki, where no Court was legally constituted unless the European Magistrate was present. Under “The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904,” however, the Arikis' Courts have been abolished in all those islands in which a European Resident Agent has been appointed, and the jurisdiction and power of these Courts or a Judge thereof are now exercised by such Resident Agent. The High Court has exclusive jurisdiction in all cases of murder or of assault with intent to commit murder, and in all cases of manslaughter; in all criminal charges against foreign residents; and in all cases between foreign residents, or between foreign residents and Maoris in which the plaintiff may, with the consent of the Chief Judge, begin an action in the Court, or may with the same consent seek redress for any wrong alleged to have been done by any local Government in any island. The Chief Judge has power to send any case of a criminal charge against a foreign resident for trial before a Court constituted under the provisions of the Pacific Order in Council. The headquarters of the High Court are at Rarotonga, where it sits once a week, but visits are periodically made to the other islands within its jurisdiction. Appeals are allowed from the local Courts to the High Court. In Niue the laws are administered by Native Magistrates, except in cases in which white people are concerned. These are dealt with in a Court held by the Resident Commissioner.

The Act of 1901 placed all the annexed islands under one administration, and Colonel W. K. Gudgeon, C.M.G., who, prior to the annexation, had acted as British Resident, was appointed Resident Commissioner. By the amending Act of 1903 Nine was placed under a separate administration, and the Federal Council and the High Court of the Cook Islands have now no jurisdiction in that island. Mr. C. F. Maxwell, formerly Resident Agent, is now Resident Commissioner in Niue.

Rarotonga.

Rarotonga is certainly the finest island in the Cook Group, both in point of scenic attractions and in respect of its general productiveness. It is a particularly good specimen of the volcanic order of islands, and the rugged grandeur of its mountain-peaks and the variety and luxuriance of its vegetation combine to present one of the most romantic and picturesque scenes that one could possibly find even in the South Seas, where the romantic and picturesque are supposed to abound. Attaining, as it does, a height of 2,100 ft., the island is well watered; and a belt of rich soil, varying from one to two miles in width, extends all round from the mountains to the sea. The circumference of Rarotonga is over twenty miles, and the total area is 16,500 acres. The land at present is not being utilised to anything like the full extent of its possibilities; but the Land Titles Court is doing good work, and a considerable portion of the island has been surveyed. With the advent of a larger European population a steady increase in the yield of the staple products of the island may be looked for. In the case of copra it will be some years before the production can be greatly increased, but the cocoanut-palm is being extensively planted, and, given favourable conditions, the results may be awaited with confidence. The banana trade is developing very satisfactorily, and large areas are being planted with this fruit. Rarotonga is particularly well adapted to the growth of the banana, and the outlook so far as this item is concerned is distinctly hopeful, the export from the group for 1904 having exceeded that of the previous year by 14,000 cases. Avarua, on the north coast, is the principal village on the island, and the seat of the Federal Government and Islands Administration. It is also the port of call for the Union Steam Ship Company's steamer, which visits the Group every four weeks. A substantial building known as the “Whare Manuhiri” has been erected here for the accommodation of visitors, and it is expected that a tourist traffic will now be developed. The Native population of Rarotonga is 2,334, in addition to which there are 107 whites on the island.

Mangaia.

This is one of the largest of the annexed islands, being about thirty miles in circumference, and having an area of some thirty square miles. Given proper landing facilities, it would be in no way behind Rarotonga, except in the lack of that impressive mountain scenery that lends such a charm to the latter island. Mangaia is somewhat peculiar in structure. At a short distance inland from the shore there rises-an almost perpendicular wall of dead coral, about 100 ft. high, as of the reef of earlier days had been lifted bodily by some convulsion of nature. This makatea. as it is called, runs right round the island, and is perforated by numerous caves and crevices, which in olden times were used as depositories for the dead, as well as for storage and other purposes. These caves still supply, in the calcareous formations in which they abound, the material from which the Natives manufacture some of their household implements. The top of the makatea averages about a mile in width, and is well adapted to the growth of the citrus family of fruits. The interior face of this coral rampart slopes down gradually into a basin of rich swamp land containing extensive taro-plantations, and from this the land rises again in a succession of low hills to a central plateau, about 650 ft. high, known as the “Crown of Mangaia.” These taro-swamps still supply most of the food of the Mangaians, although for many years the tribes have lived in the Villages of Oneroa, Tamarua, and lvirua, on the coast. The interior of the island, which contains some splendid valleys, is well watered by streams which filter through below the base of the makutea into the sea. The population, according to the latest returns, is 1,523, in addition to eight whites. The people are said to display a greater degree of industry than is usual among Natives of the Pacific islands, and this fact, combined with the natural resources of the island, promises well for the future prosperity of Mangaia. There are considerable areas of waste land awaiting cultivation, and the Natives are becoming alive to the necessity for planting; these with cocoanuts, &c. Citrus fruits are already growing in profusion, and it is estimated that with proper cultivation the output could he increased twenty-fold. Mangaia produces the best coffee in the Group at present. The trade of the island has hitherto been hampered to a considerable extent in consequence of the difficulty in shipping produce. The reef, which encircles the island at a short distance from the shore, is without an opening, and communication between the island and outside can only be obtained by crossing the reef in Native canoes. This process, where cargo is concerned, is necessarily slow and costly—it takes as long to ship 50 tons over the reef at Mangaia as it does to ship 200 tons at Rarotonga—besides which the produce is always liable to be damaged by salt-water. Steps have been taken, however, to have suitable boat-passages opened through the reef, and when this has been accomplished the chief hindrance to the development of the trade of this island will be removed.

The Resident Agent at Mangaia is Mr. J. T. Large.

Mauke.

This island is low and flat, and is skirted by a belt of ironwood (toa), which was formerly found in large quantities, and was much sought after by traders. Mauke, like Mangaia, has a fringing reef which, however, does not so readily lend itself to the process of crossing in canoes that obtains in Mangaia. A landing has to be effected on the edge of the reef itself, and one reaches dry land by wading or being carried through the shallow water covering the depression in the coral between the outer edge and the shore. Mauke also has its makatea, or raised-coral area, but it merges almost imperceptibly into the volcanic formation of the centre, and the general level of the island all over is about 60 ft. above the sea. The island is small, its area being only about four square miles and a half; but it is remarkably fertile, and, notwithstanding that in common with the other islands of the Group it is very imperfectly planted, it exported last year 140 tons of copra and 6,031 cases of oranges. Tararo, Ariki, is Resident Agent on Mauke. The Native population of the island is 444, the whites numbering only two.

Atiu.

This island is much like Mauke in appearance, having the same high fringing reef and the same dead-coral formation over the greater part of its area. It is much larger, however, its area being about thirty-two square miles, and it has four times as much unused land as Rarotonga. Atiu is a valuable island, and exports good quantities of copra, oranges, coffee, and limejuice. All the usual island fruits grow well, but a fuller development of the resources of the island is retarded through the lack of proper facilities for shipping produce. Arrangements have been made, however, as in the case of Mangaia, to have a boat-passage formed through the reef at the earliest possible moment. The cavernous formation, which is so marked a feature of the makatea at Mangaia, is also present in the coral-rock portion of Atiu, and must, no doubt, be found more or less in all islands that owe their existence in any degree to the upheaval of a sea-worn coral reef. The late Ngamaru Ariki was practically King of Atiu, although he had lived for many years in Rarotonga, and as such he exercised a measure of sovereignty over Mauke and Mitiaro, both of which were conquered by the Atiuans prior to the introduction of Christianity. The population of the island is about 914 Natives, and four whites but this does not represent anything like the total of the Atiuan tribes. They are largely represented in the subordinate islands, as well as in Tahiti. Mr. Adolph von Nagel acts as British Resident.

The settlement at Atiu is some distance inland, on the flat summit of the low central hill to which the island rises.

Ailutaki.

Aitutaki combines the features of the volcanic island and the atoll; indeed, it may be regarded as an atoll in course of formation, and it affords a good illustration of the different stages of the process. The island is almost surrounded by a barrier reef, which supports several fruitful islets, and on the south-east lies five miles distant from the land. On the western side it approaches much nearer, the entrance to the Avatapu Channel being about three-quarters of a mile from the wharf at Arutanga, the principal village on the island. At the northern point of the island the reef fringes the shore as in the other main islands of the Cook Group, the barrier stage having not yet been reached. This island approaches more closely to Rarotonga in the general appearance of fertility than any of the others, and it can also claim to possess a considerable degree of scenic attractiveness. It rises somewhat abruptly on the western side to a height of 360 ft., and slopes away gradually to the eastern coast. The area is about seven square miles. The lagoon on the Arutanga side of the island is shallow, and can only be used by vessels of a very small class; but on the eastern side it is much deeper, and freer from coral patches, and there are several places in the reef where, it is believed, a navigable channel might be formed. The land at Aitutaki is divided among the people in small sections; but though each family has quite enough land for its support, it has seldom more than an acre or two in any one place, and the more remote sections are apt to be neglected. The Native population at present is 1.154, two-thirds of these living in the four settlements on the western side, and the remainder in the Villages of Vaipae and Tautu on the east. In addition there were eighty-two absentees. There are eight white people on the island. The Resident Agent is Mr. J. C. Cameron.

Niue.

Niue is the largest of the annexed islands, having an area of a hundred square miles, and a circumference of forty miles by road. It consists entirely of uplifted coral, and is probably the result of a series of upheavals. In general formation it takes the shape of two terraces. the lower being about 90 ft. above sea-level, and the other about 220 ft. At Alofi the fringing reef is broken by a narrow boat-passage, partly natural and partly the result of improvements effected by H.M.S. “Mildura” a few years ago. In addition to the one at Alofi, there are landing-places at Avatele and at Tuapa, where Togia, the “King” of Niue resides. Although so rocky that it is for the most part unploughable, Niue is by no means unproductive. All the usual tropical fruits grow well, and large trees are found averaging from 18 in. to 2 ft. 6 in. in diameter, and in some cases attaining a diameter of 4 ft. and running up to 100 ft. in height. Large areas of the island are covered with forest, and it is estimated that there must be millions of feet of timber suitable for milling purposes, including ebony and other hardwood. A good deal of this timber, however, is situated in rocky country, and it is questionable if it would pay to cut it and bring it out. One of the principal drawbacks to Niue trade in the past has been the lack of good roads connecting the various villages with the principal landing-place, but this difficulty is fast being removed. In addition to a road right round the island, there is now a road through the centre, with branch roads to the settlements on either side, and before long there should be a good system of roads throughout the island. A careful survey of the land was made three years ago; the roads were traversed throughout, the area of the island determined, and the coast-line defined. There are many extensive caves in Niue, and concerning these Mr. Haszard, the surveyor who visited the island, says: “There is one at Lakepa, I was told, having passages which can be measured by the mile. One that I visited at Vaiopeope is extremely beautiful. It is situated about two hundred yards from the sea on the northern coast, and is formed of a number of galleries and terraces, one below the other. Stalactites and stalagmites are in great profusion, and group themselves into all kinds of fantastic shapes. In one gallery the roof appears to be studded with lilies carved out of alabaster. As one descends to the lower galleries the sensation is decidedly weird. The gurgling and reverberations of the swiftly flowing water is heard deep down in dark subterranean channels, which are evidently connected with the sea, for, ever and anon, a mighty gust of wind impelled by the huge rollers breaking on the reef outside, strikes the visitor, and it requires a steady nerve and a firm foothold to avoid being swept into the seething cauldron below. If these caves were in an accessible position they would be a great draw to tourists.”

In consequence of the porous nature of the rock there are no streams in Niue, and consequently fresh water is scarce. A supply is obtainable from the caves, but the difficulty of carriage is necessarily considerable, and the water is frequently brackish. Concrete tanks have now been constructed in the principal villages. These are roofed over with galvanised corrugated iron, and provide a sufficient catchment-surface to fill them during the rainy season. The people thus have a reliable supply of good drinking-water.

The principal industry on the island is the manufacture of hats. The Natives are very expert plaiters, the material used being a kind of pandanus, and the trade has already assumed large dimensions. During the year ending the 31st December, 1904, hats to the number of 6,053 dozen were exported from Niue, principally to Auckland, the value represented being £4,407. There is also a good trade done in curios, fungus, and copra. The Native population of Niue is 3,801, exclusive of 580 at present absent in other islands or at sea. The Niueans are naturally of a roving disposition, and numbers of the men go to Tonga, Samoa, Malden Island, &c. Many go under engagement as labourers, and return on the expiration of their term. The white population numbers twenty-one persons. The Resident Commissioner is Mr. C. F. Maxwell, who also acts as Postmaster, Collector of Customs, &c.

Penrhyn.

Penrhyn is a good specimen of the pure atoll. It is merely a ring of coral, about forty-eight miles in circuit, supporting a number of low islands, from 200 to 300 yards across, and enclosing a lagoon of ninety square miles in area, of which twenty-four square miles are more or less covered with pearl-shell. There are three passages into the lagoon, the principal one having a depth of 18 ft. at low water, and there is sufficient wharf accommodation at Omoka for the small class of vessel that visits the island. The other village at Penrhyn, Te Tautua, is some ten miles distant. The pearl-shell fishing is the main industry of the island, but considerable quantities of copra are now being exported also. For many years the supply of cocoanuts was barely sufficient for home consumption, but in 1903 Colonel Gudgeon reported that “from some unexplained cause the cocoanut-palms have suddenly regained their old fertility, and thousands of young trees, planted on land only a few feet above sea-level, are growing as vigorously as those planted on the best alluvial land in Rarotonga.” The practice followed with regard to pearl-shell fishing is to divide the lagoon into three parts, which are alternately closed against fishing for a certain period. When the interdiction is removed from any area the Natives may dive without restriction beyond the payment of a small fee to the Government. After the naked diving has been in operation for a time the machines are allowed to the brought into requisition until the limit of time has been reached. That area is then closed, and the same procedure is repeated in another portion of the lagoon. By this means each area is given rest for about a year, and as the shell is said to grow very rapidly at Penrhyn the supply is well maintained. An Ordinance of the Federal Council prohibits the removal of shells of less than 4 1/2 in. in diameter. Over 90 tons of pearl-shell, representing an amount of £9,300, were exported from the northern islands during 1902, and it would be safe to say that the greater part of this came from Penrhyn, from which island alone over 100 tons annually were formerly obtained. The price at present is low, and the export for 1905 was under 50 tons. The lagoons at Penrhyn and Manihiki have been taken over by the Crown, and will be set aside by Proclamation as reserves for public pearl-shell and turtle fishing. The total population is 414 Natives and six whites. The Resident Agent is Captain M. J. Nagle.

Manihiki.

Manihiki is also an atoll, but, unlike Penrhyn, it has no opening through the reef into the lagoon, and when the Natives wish to visit the neighbouring island of Rakahanga their boats have to be carried across the narrow strip of land separating the lagoon from the sea. The island consists of about two square miles of land, encircling a lagoon of some six miles in diameter. A good deal of pearl-shell has been obtained from Manihiki, but some years ago it was found necessary to close the lagoon, as the shell-beds had been fished almost to the point of exhaustion. The Natives of this island have some reputation for their skill in the manufacture of hats. Walking-sticks, paddles, &c., inlaid with pearl-shell, are also manufactured. The principal export is copra, and as the Natives are beginning to see the wisdom of thinning out the superabundant growth of their palms the production of this item should materially increase. The Native teachers of the London Missionary Society look after the education of the children of the island. The total population is 521, two of whom are whites. There were besides twenty-two absentees. Mr. H. Williams acts as Resident Agent.

Mitiaro.

This is a small coral island lying about forty miles to the north-east of Atiu, and an equal distance from Mauke. Its area is only about four square miles, and it nowhere rises higher than 50 ft. above sea-level. It contains some good land, however, and is capable of producing 100 tons of copra annually. In the centre is a pretty little lagoon, bordered by a belt of swamp. The population, according to the last returns, was 208 Natives and two whites. Tou, Ariki, acts as Resident Agent.

Takutea.

This is the smallest island in the Cook Group, its area being about 300 acres. It lies about 125 miles to the north-east of Rarotonga, and close to the Island of Atiu. It belonged to the late Ngamaru Ariki, and was by him presented to His Majesty King Edward for the benefit of his subjects in the Group. The Resident Commissioner is having the island systematically planted with cocoanut-palms, and he anticipates that it will in time yield 200 tons of copra annually. At present it is uninhabited.

Palmerston.

Palmerston is an atoll, with a land-area of one square mile, lying to the north-west of Rarotonga, some 273 miles distant. The reef carries a number of small islets, which are in the occupation of the descendants of the late William Marsters, an old English sailor. One of these, Joel Marsters, acts as Resident Agent, and he and six other members of the family constitute the Island Council. The lagoon, which is about eight miles in diameter, does not carry pearl-shell at present, but it is hoped that spawn may be successfully introduced from other islands. The planting of the land is being well looked after by the Marsters family. The population is 82.

Manuae and Te Au-o-Tu.

These two small islands are enclosed within one reef, and are known as the Hervey Isles—a name that is frequently applied to the Cook Group as a whole. They contain approximately 500 acres and 1,000 acres respectively of good cocoanut land, and under the careful cultivation of the Cook Islands Trading Company, to whom they are leased, they will ere long produce an immense amount of copra. The islets form a dependency of Aitutaki, about sixty miles distant, by the people of which they were conquered in heathen times. By a recent decision of the Land Titles Court Te Au-o-Tu was awarded to the Arikis of Aitutaki and their clans, seventy-one owners, who claimed the islands by right of conquest; while in the case of Manuae an order was made in favour of the eighty-six descendants of the conquered people, their claim also having been recognised as good. This partition of the islands ends a long-standing contention between the rival claimants, and the judgment is admitted to be an equitable one. The Cook Island Trading Company's lease runs for twenty-five years from the 7th June, 1898, and the rent will now be shared equally by the owners of the two islands. The population is stated as ten.

Suwarrow.

Suwarrow is a valuable atoll, 530 miles from Rarotonga. Its value lies chiefly in its lagoon, however, the land-area being very small. The lagoon is from eight to ten miles long, and about eight miles across at the widest part, and it makes a splendid harbour, having an entrance sufficiently deep to admit vessels drawing up to 20 ft. of water. The island is under lease to Lever's Pacific Plantations (Limited) “for the purpose of removing guano or other fertilising substances therefrom, and of planting the land with cocoanuts, and for collecting pearl-shells, and for other purposes of a like nature.” A portion of one of the reef islets, known as Anchorage Island, is vested in the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty as a reserve for naval purposes. Large quantities of pearl-shell of excellent quality were obtained from the lagoon by the Pacific Trading Company, the predecessors of the present lessees; but diving has been discontinued for some time now, and the shell-beds are being given a long rest, the company having transferred its operations to Christmas Island. It is probable that on the expiry of the present lease in August, 1913, the Islands Government will take over the control of the lagoon, so far, at least, as machine-diving is concerned. It is estimated that one machine will obtain from 40 to 45 tons of shell a year at Suwarrow. There are about thirty people on the island.

Rakahanga.

This island lies about twenty-five miles to the north of Manihiki. It is not so large as its neighbour, and the lagoon does not contain any pearl-shell, but otherwise the two islands are very much alike. They are owned and inhabited by the same people, and what has been said concerning Manihiki is true, for the most part, of Rakahanga also. The duties of Resident Agent are performed by Mr. Henry Williams, of Manihiki. Rakahanga has a population of 351 Natives and one white, in addition to fifty absentees.

Danger (Pukapuka) and Nassau.

These two islands lie away towards the north-west corner of the annexation boundary. Concerning the former Colonel Gudgeon writes, “At Pukapuka I found a very singular population, who have now some knowledge of the Rarotongan language, but whose language is not intelligible to the Maori of the Pacific. This is such a primitive people that I considered it advisable for the present to leave them under their own ancient form of government, inasmuch as they are seldom visited by Europeans, and produce only a little copra.” Theisland is a small atoll of about three miles in diameter, and the lagoon produces some pearl-shell. The population numbers 435, besides thirtytwo absentees. Nassau is owned by a resident of Apia, Samoa.

LAND.

No land is sold by the Natives of the Cook Islands or Niue, but considerable areas have been leased in Rarotonga to European settlers. It is recognised that the prosperity of the islands depends in great measure on the settlement of the spare lands by a good class of white planters, and it is hoped that before long additional areas in Rarotonga, as well as portions of the adjacent islands of Mauke and Atiu, will be open for lease. At present there are difficulties in the way of securing leases from the Natives, but the work of surveying the land and defining the Native titles is proceeding rapidly, and every effort is being made to bring the unused lands into profitable occupation. It is desirable that the intending settler should have a capital equal to at least £10 for each acre he purposes taking up. The cocoanut-palm takes from eight to ten years to reach bearing-point, and during that time the planter must maintain himself by growing bananas or securing some outside employment. When the palms are in full bearing, however, the annual value of the crop may be estimated at not less than £6 per acre, and this may be regarded as a practically assured income for sixty years or more.

EDUCATION.

The education of the children in these islands is well looked after by the London Missionary Society, the pioneers in all educational and missionary effort in this part of the Pacific. Almost every village of any importance has its school. The most important educational establishment, however, is the high school at Tereora, Rarotonga, where children from all the islands of the Group are received as boarders and given a really good education. The following extract from a recent. report by the Resident Commissioner will convey a good idea of the work that is being done in Tereora School, and in the educational institutions generally throughout the islands:—

“During the past year four boys have been selected from this school and employed in the various stores in the island, and I have taken one on as a cadet in the survey office, who promises to become a first-class draughtsman. The master, Mr. P. H. Hall, deserves very great credit for the good English taught in his school, and I feel assured that Tereora will be to the Cook Islands what Te Aute College is to the young Maoris of New Zealand. A Native of Polynesia is apt to take a very practical view of education, and only values it for the advantages that may thereby accrue to the scholar. Until lately these prospective benefits have not been apparent to the Maori, and therefore many of the most influential people have not taken advantage of the education offered by Tereora; but the sudden demand for reliable and educated boys who can speak both English and Maori has altered all that. Makea is now sending her foster-children to Tereora, and the parents generally are alive to the fact that knowledge may be both power and money, two things that will never be despised in Polynesia.

“The remarks I have made concerning Tereora will apply in a slightly less degree to the Araura School of Aitutaki. This institution is of recent date, but under the management of the Misses Royle is doing good work, while the Rev. Mr. Jones, with characteristic energy and benevolence, prepares the younger children for Araura.

“At Mangaia the Rev. Mr. Bond James is engaged in the same good work, and it may safely be said that wherever the European members of the mission are engaged in the teaching the education given is quite up to the requirements of the islands. This remark can only apply to Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Mangaia. At Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiato, where there are no European missionaries, the education of the children must of necessity be left in the hands of the Native teachers. In these cases it is, however, possible to render assistance at a very small cost to the Group, and I propose to employ a few of the smartest boys from Tereora as teachers at a sum not exceeding £20 per annum each, a salary that will be regarded as absolute wealth. For the last eight years we have given an annual subsidy to Tereora of £2 10s. per scholar, provided that not more than fifty scholars were taught in the school. This subsidy was paid with the view of providing food for the children from the outlying islands, but it has been found to be insufficient, and I propose to increase it to £200 per annum. It will be money well spent, for it is from Tereora that the English language will spread over the whole Group.”

The Sisters of St. Joseph have a very good school at Avarua, Rarotonga, where music is included among the subjects taught; and in the Village of Titikaveka the Seventh-day Adventists have a school which is well patronised owing to the fact that the lady in charge makes the teaching of English the leading feature of her work.

Good work is being done in the village schools of Niue also, of which there are eleven, and one thousand children are there being taught reading, writing, and arithmetic in the vernacular. Nearly all the younger Niueans are able to read and write in their own language.

The New Zealand Education Department is now considering the question of taking over the control of educational matters in the Islands.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

Cook and Northern Islands.—For the financial year ending the 31st March, 1906, the revenue of the Cook and other Islands, including the balance from the previous year, was £10,249 3s. 4d., and the expenditure £5,455 10s. 11d. This leaves a credit balance of £4,793 12s. 5d., in addition to which there is an amount of £979 12s. 6d. outstanding for Land Titles Court fees, so that the real surplus at the 31st March, 1905, was £5,773 4s. 11d. The following is a comparative statement of revenue and expenditure for the past eight years.

Year.Revenue.Expenditure.Surplus.
* Figures for 1901–2 are for nine months only.
 £  s.  d.£  s.  d.£  s.  d.
1898–991,801 13 41,402 12 5399 0 11
1899–19003,165 7 102,188 9 10976 18 0
1900–14,252 17 112,951 14 101,301 3 1
1901–2*4,063 9 62,335 7 31,728 2 3
1902–36,584 13 44,725 16 111,858 16 5
1903–47,169 0 84,558 3 92,610 16 11
1904–58,185 11 05,093 8 83,092 2 4
1905–610,249 3 45,455 10 114,793 12 5

Niue.—The revenue of Niue for the year ending the 31st March, 1906 (including balance from previous year), was £1,640 13s. 6d., and the expenditure £998 8s., showing a surplus on the year's working of £642 5s. 6d. The total funds to the credit of the Niue Government on the 31st March, however, amounted to £2,246 12s. 6d.

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.

Cook and Northern Islands.—The value of exports for the year 1905 was £34,390, while the imports amounted to £36,993. The principal items exported were as follow:—

 £
From the Cook Group—
        Coffee, 12,656 lb.212
        Copra, 687 tons7,901
        Bananas, 46,358 cases, 10,768 bunches8,909
        Oranges, 76,080 cases9,364
        Pineapples, 4,378 cases616
        Limejuice, 4,950 gallons221
  
From the northern islands—
        Copra, 525 tons6,073
        Pearl-shell, 11 1/2 tons520
  
The amount of the imports is made up as follows:—
From New Zealand27,686
From United Kingdom777
From New South Wales2,363
From Victoria4
From United States2,365
From Germany110
From France42
From Tahiti3,012
From Canada19
From Niue514
From British Columbia69
From Sweden32
 £36,993

Niue.—The exports for 1905–6 amounted to £9,652, and the imports to £5,674. The principal items of export were—

 £
        Copra, 333 tons3,288
        Hats, 5,236 dozen3,692
        Fungus, 15,200 lb.202
        Curios43
        Kits, 1,323 dozen261
The imports represented—
        From New Zealand4,155
        From Sydney318
        From Tonga145
        From Samoa591
        From Malden Island166
        From Germany29
        From Cook Islands21
        From United Kingdom248
        From Tasmania1
 £5,674

Appendix B. PRINCIPAL EVENTS.
DATES OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Dec. 13, 1642.—Discovery of New Zealand by Abel Jansen Tasman.

Oct. 8, 1769.—Captain Cook landed at Poverty Bay on his first visit.

June 30, 1788.—Macaulay and Curtis Islands, of the Kermadeo Group, discovered by Captain Sever, of H.M. transport “Lady Penrhyn.”

Nov. 29, 1790.—Chatham Islands discovered by Lieutenant Broughton, in H.M.S. “Chatham.”

Nov. 17, 1793.—Captain d'Entrecasteaux, with the “La Recherche” and “L'Espérance,” discovered Raoul or Sunday Island. (The latter name was given by Captain Raven, of the transport “Britannia,” who visited the island 6th Nov., 1796.)

Nov., 1793.—Lieutenant-Governor King's (of Norfolk Island) visit to Doubtless Bay.

1795.—The ship “Endeavour,” Captain Bampton, sunk at Facile Harbour, Dusky Sound.

1800.—Antipodes Island discovered by Captain Pendleton.

1806.—Auckland Isles discovered by Captain Briscow, ship “Ocean,” one of Enderby's whalers.

1806.—Ship “Venus” visited East Coast of New Zealand. She was taken by convicts at Port Dalrymple, Tasmania. Their visits gave rise to the Nga-Puhi southern expedition.

1807.—Defeat of Hongi and Nga-Puhi Tribe at Moremonui, ten miles south of Maunganui Bluff, Kaipara.

1809.—The taking and burning of the transport “Boyd” at Whangaroa.

1810.—Campbell Island discovered by Captain F. Haselburg, of brig “Perseverance.”

1814.—First arrival of the Rev. Mr. Marsden at Bay of Islands, and introduction of Christianity. Horses, oxen, sheep, and poultry first brought to the colony.

Aug., 1815.—Attempted capture of the “Trial” and “Brothers” at Kennedy Bay.

1818.—Hongi's and Te Morenga's great expedition to East Cape.

1819–20.—Patuone, Nene, and Te Rauparaha's raid on Taranaki and Port Nicholson.

1820.—Hongi visited England; returned to New Zealand July, 1821.

1820.—H.M. store ship “Coromandel” visited Coromandel.

1820.—Rev. S. Marsden travelled from Wai-te-mata via Kaipara to the Bay of Islands—the first white man to do so.

Aug., 1820.—The “Prince Regent” entered Auckland Harbour—the first vessel to do so.

Nov., 1821.—Fall of Mauinaina Pa, Auckland Isthmus, to Hongi.

Nov., 1821.—Ngati-Toa migration from Kawhia to Otaki under Te Rauparaha.

Dec., 1821.—Fall of Te Totara Pa, Thames, to Hongi.

May, 1822.—Fall of Matakitaki Pa, Waikato, to Hongi.

May, 1823.—Fall of Mokoia Pa, Rotorua Lake, to Hongi.

1823, 1828.—Acts passed by the Imperial Parliament extending the jurisdiction of the Courts of justice in New South Wales to all the British subjects in New Zealand.

1824.—Fall of Te Whetumatarau Pa, near East Cape, to Pomare.

1825.—First attempt at colonisation by an expedition under the command of Captain Herd, who bought two islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Feb., 1825.—Great defeat of Ngati-Whatua at Te Ikaaranganui, Kaipara, by Hongi.

1827.—Destruction of mission-station at Whangaroa by Hongi's forces.

Feb., 1827.—Admiral (then Captain) Dumont D'Urville anchored in Auckland Harbour.

1828.—Hongi died at Whangaroa, from wounds received at Hokianga.

1828.—The “Maquarie,” Captain Kent, the first vessel to enter Kawhia.

March, 1829.—Brig “Hawes” captured at Whakatane by Maoris.

1830.—Battle of Taumata-wiwi, near Cambridge.

1830.—Fall of Kaiapohia Pa, Canterbury.

March 6, 1830.—Battle of Kororareka, between two Nga-Puhi Tribes.

Dec., 1830.—Death of Tama-i-hara-nui at the hands of Te Rauparaha's people. He was brought from Port Cooper by Captain Steward, brig “Elizabeth.”

1831.—Tory Channel whaling-station established.

1831.—Application of thirteen chiefs for the protection of King William the Fourth.

Dec., 1831.—Pukerangiora Pa, Waitara, fell to Waikato.

Feb., 1832.—Repulse of Waikato at Nga-motu Pa, under Dicky Barrett.

1833.—Mr. Busby appointed British Resident, to live at the Bay of Islands.

1834.—Battle of Haowhenua and Pakakutu, near Otaki.

1834.—Bishop Williams's first visit to East Cape.

April 29, 1834.—“Harriet” wrecked at Cape Egmont.

Oct. 1, 1834.—H.M.S. “Alligator” shelled and took Waimate Pa, near Opunake. First occasion of H.M. troops being employed in New Zealand.

1835.—Declaration of independence of the whole of New Zealand as one nation, with the title of “The United Tribes of New Zealand.”

Nov. and Dec., 1835.—Ngati-Awa Tribes migrated to and conquered the Chatham Islands.

March 28, 1836.—Maketu Pa, Bay of Plenty, fell to Waikato.

May 9, 1836.—Te Tumu Pa, Bay of Plenty, fell to Te Arawa.

Aug. 5,1836.—Battle at Matai-puku, Rotorua—Waikato beat Te Arawa.

Oct., 1836.—Siege of Toka-a-kuku, Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty.

1838.—The Roman Catholic Bishop Pompallier, with several priests, arrived at Hokianga.

Sept. 1, 1838.—H.M.S. “Pelorus” discovers Pelorus Sound.

April, 1839.—Taking of the French whaler “Jean Bart” at Chatham Islands by Maoris.

May 12, 1839.—Departure of the preliminary expedition of the New Zealand Company from England.

June, 1839.—Issue of Letters Patent authorising the Governor of New South Wales to include within the limits of that colony any territory that might be acquired in sovereignty by Her Majesty in New Zealand.

Sept. 16, 1839.—First body of New Zealand Company's emigrants sailed from Gravesend.

Sept. 20, 1839.—Arrival in Port Nicholson of the preliminary expedition of the New Zealand Company under Colonel Wakefield.

Oct. 16, 1839.—Battle of Te Kuititanga, Otaki.

Jan. 20, 1840.—First steamer arrived in New Zealand.

Jan. 22, 1840.—Arrival of first body of immigrants at Port Nicholson.

Jan. 29, 1840.—Captain Hobson, R.N., arrived at the Bay of Islands. On the following day (Jan. 30) he hoisted the Union flag, and read the commission, under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, which extended the boundaries of the Colony of New South Wales so as to embrace and comprehend the Islands of New Zealand; also his own commission as Lieutenant-Governor over territory that might be acquired in sovereignty.

Feb. 5, 1840.—Treaty of Waitangi signed.

May 21, 1840.—Date of Proclamations of sovereignty over the Islands of New Zealand.

June 17, 1840.—The Queen's sovereignty over the Middle Island formally proclaimed at Cloudy Bay, by Major Bunbury, H.M. 80th Regiment, and Captain Nias, R.N.

Aug. 11, 1840.—The British flag hoisted at Akaroa by Captain Stanley, R.N., and British authority established. The French frigate “L'Aube” arrived there on the 13th August, and the vessel “Comte de Paris,” with fifty-seven immigrants, on the 16th August, in order to establish a French colony.

Sept. 18, 1840.—The British flag hoisted at Auckland. The Lieutenant-Governor's residence established there.

1840.—Formation of Wanganui settlement under the name of “Petre.”

Feb. 12, 1841.—Issue of charter of incorporation to the New Zealand Company.

Mar. 31, 1841.—Arrival of first New Plymouth settlers.

May 3, 1841.—New Zealand proclaimed to be independent of New South Wales.

Oct., 1841.—Selection of site for settlement at Nelson.

Feb. 1, 1842.—Settlement founded at Nelson.

May 29, 1842.—Arrival of Bishop Selwyn in the colony.

Sept. 10, 1842.—Death of Governor Hobson. Lieutenant Shortland, R.N., Colonial Secretary, became Acting-Governor until the arrival of Captain Fitzroy.

June, 1843.—Affray with Natives at the Wairau, and massacre by Rangi-haeata of Captain Wakefield, R.N., agent at Nelson of the New Zealand Company, and others, who had surrendered.

Dec. 23, 1843.—Arrival of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., as Governor.

July 8, 1844.—The Royal flagstaff at Kororareka cut down by Heke.

March 10, 1845.—Attack on and destruction of Town of Kororareka by Heke.

Oct. 1, 1845.—Receipt of despatch notifying recall of Governor Fitzroy.

Nov. 14, 1845.—Arrival of Captain Grey, as Lieutenant-Governor of the colony, from South Australia.

Jan. 11, 1846.—Capture of pa at Ruapekapeka, Bay of Islands, and termination of Heke's war.

Mar. 3, 1846.—Commencement of Native hostilities in the Hutt Valley, near Wellington.

May 16, 1846.—Attack by Natives on a military outpost in the Hutt Valley.

July 23, 1846.—Capture of Te Rauparaha at Porirua, near Wellington. He was detained for a year as a prisoner on board a ship of war.

Aug. 28, 1846.—The New Zealand Government Act passed by the Imperial Parliament, under which a charter was issued dividing the colony into two provinces, and granting representative institutions.

May 19, 1847.—Attack by Natives on settlement of Wanganui.

Jan. 1, 1848.—Captain Grey sworn in as Governor-in-Chief over the Islands of New Zealand, also as Governor of the Province of New Ulster and Governor of the Province of New Munster.

Jan. 3, 1848.—Major-General Pitt appointed by Governor Grey to be Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Ulster.

Jan. 28, 1848.—Assumption by Lieutenant-Governor E. J. Eyre, at Wellington, of the administration of the Government of the Province of New Munster.

Feb. 21, 1848.—Peace ratified at Wanganui.

Mar. 7, 1848.—Suspension by Imperial statute of that part of the New Zealand Government Act which had conferred representative institutions.

Mar., 1848.—Otago founded by a Scotch company under the auspices of the Free Church of Scotland.

Oct., 1848.—Severe earthquake at Wellington.

July, 1850.—Surrender of the New Zealand Company's charter, all its interests in the colony reverting to the Imperial Government.

Dec., 1850.—Canterbury founded by the Canterbury Association in connection with the Church of England.

Jan. 8, 1851.—Death of Major-General Pitt, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Ulster.

April 14, 1851.—Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Ulster.

1852.—Discovery of gold at Coromandel by Mr. Charles Ring.

June 30, 1852.—The Constitution Act passed by the Imperial Parliament, granting representative institutions to the colony, and subdividing it into six provinces.

Jan., 1853.—Promulgation of the Constitution Act.

Mar. 7, 1853.—Assumption by Sir George Grey, K.C.B., of the duties of Governor of the colony, in terms of the appointment after the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act, and cessation of the duties of the Lieutenant-Governors of New Ulster and New Munster.

Dec. 31, 1853.—Departure of Governor Sir George Grey.

Jan. 3, 1854.—Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard assumed the administration of the Government.

May 27, 1854.—Opening at Auckland of the first session of the General Assembly by Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard, Administrator of the Government.

Jan., 1855.—Very severe earthquake on each side of Cook Strait.

Sept. 6, 1855.—Arrival of Governor Colonel T. Gore Browne, C.B.

Nov. 12, 1855.—First members elected to House of Representatives under system of Responsible Government.

Aug. 8, 1855.—General Assembly opened.

Sept. 15, 1855.—General Assembly prorogued.

May 7, 1856.—Appointment of the first Ministry under the system of Responsible Government, under Mr. Sewell, Colonial Secretary.

May 14, 1856.—Defeat of Mr. Sewell's Ministry.

May 20, 1856.—Appointment of a Ministry under presidency of Mr. W. Fox, as Attorney-General.

May 28, 1856.—Defeat of Mr. Fox's Ministry, by a majority of one, on a direct vote of want of confidence.

June 2, 1856.—Appointment of a Ministry under the presidency of Mr. E. W. Stafford.

1857.—First payable goldfield in the colony opened at Collingwood, in the Nelson Province.

Aug. 21, 1858.—New Provinces Act passed.

Nov. 1, 1858.—Establishment of the Province of Hawke's Bay.

Dec. 22, 1858.—The Austrian exploring frigate “Novara” arrived in Auckland Harbour. Dr. Ferdinand von Hochstetter, at the request of the New Zealand Government, was commissioned to make geological surveys of the greater part of Auckland and Nelson Provinces.

March, 1859.—Te Teira offered land at Waitara for sale to the Government.

Nov. 1, 1859.—Establishment of the Province of Marlborough.

Mar., 1860.—Commencement of hostilities against Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake at Waitara.

Mar. 18, 1860.—Capture of Maori pa at Waitara.

Mar. 28, 1860.—Engagement at Waireka.

June 27, 1860.—Engagement of Puketakauere at Waitara.

Nov. 6, 1860.—Defeat at Mahoetahi, with heavy loss, of a force of Waikato Natives, who had crossed the Waitara River to join Wiremu Kingi.

Dec. 31, 1860.—Capture of the Matarikoriko Pa, and defeat of a large body of Waikato Natives.

Jan. 23, 1861.—The Natives made a determined attack on the redoubt at Huirangi occupied by Imperial troops, and were repulsed with heavy loss.

April 1, 1861.—Establishment of Province of Southland.

May 21, 1861.—A truce agreed to.

May, 1861.—Discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully, Otago.

July 5, 1861.—Defeat of Mr. Stafford's Ministry, by a majority of one, on a vote of want of confidence.

July 12, 1861.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr.

July 29, 1861.—Incorporation of the Bank of New Zealand.

Sept. 26, 1861.—Arrival of Sir George Grey, K.C.B., at Auckland, from the Cape Colony, to succeed Governor Gore Browne. Sir George Grey was sworn in as Governor on the 3rd October.

Oct. 2, 1861.—Departure of Governor Gore Browne.

June 28, 1862.—Coromandel proclaimed a goldfield.

June 29, 1862.—Wreck of s.s. “White Swan” on East Coast (with loss of many public records, in transit from Auckland).

July 28, 1862.—Defeat of Mr. Fox's Ministry by the casting-vote of the Speaker, on a proposed resolution in favour of placing the ordinary conduct of Native affairs under the administration of the Responsible Ministers.

Aug. 6, 1862.—Appointment of a Ministry under the leadership of Mr. Alfred Domett.

Feb. 7, 1863.—Wreck of H.M.S. “Orpheus” on Manukau Bar; 181 lives lost.

Feb. 26, 1863.—Definite relinquishment by the Imperial Government of control over administration of Native affairs.

May 4, 1863.—Treacherous assault near Tataraimaka by Natives on a military escort. Murder of Lieutenant Tragett, Dr. Hope, and five soldiers of the 57th Regiment.

June 4, 1863.—Defeat of Natives at Katikara, by a force under Lieut.-General Cameron.

July 17, 1863.—Action at Koheroa, in the Auckland Province. Commencement of the Waikato War.

Oct. 27, 1863.—Resignation of the Domett Ministry, in consequence of difficulties experienced in connection with arrangements for finding a fitting representative of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Oct. 30, 1863.—Appointment of the Ministry formed by Mr. Fox, under the premiership of Mr. F. Whitaker.

Nov., 1863.—Acceptance by the General Assembly of colonial responsibility in Native affairs.

Nov. 20, 1863.—Battle of Rangiriri. Defeat of Natives and unconditional surrender of 183.

Dec. 1, 1863.—The first railway in New Zealand opened for traffic by Mr. Samuel Bealey, Superintendent of Canterbury. The line was from Christ-church to Ferrymead Junction.

Dec. 3, 1863.—The New Zealand Settlements Act passed, giving the Governor power to confiscate the lands of insurgent Natives.

Dec. 8, 1863.—Occupation of Ngaruawahia. The British flag hoisted on the Maori king's flagstaff.

Feb. 11, 1864.—Engagement with Natives on Mangapiko River. Major (then Captain) Heaphy, of the New Zealand Forces, won the Victoria Cross for distinguished bravery on this occasion.

Feb. 22, 1864.—Defeat of Natives at Rangiaohia.

April 2, 1864.—Attack on and capture of pa at Orakau, Waikato.

April 21, 1864.—Engagement near Maketu, Bay of Plenty. Tribes of the Rawhiti defeated by Arawa Natives, under Captain McDonnell.

April 29, 1864.—Assault on Gate Pa, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, and repulse of large British force by the Maoris. The pa was abandoned by the Natives during the following night.

April 30, 1864.—Repulse of attack by rebel Hauhau Natives on redoubt at Sentry Hill, Taranaki.

May 14, 1864.—Battle of Moutoa, an island in the Wanganui River, between friendly and rebel Hauhau Natives. Complete defeat of rebels.

June 21, 1864.—Engagement at Te Ranga, near Tauranga, by Lieut.-Colonel Greer, 68th Regiment. Severe defeat of the Natives.

1864.—Discovery of gold on the west coast of the Middle Island.

Sept. 10, 1864.—Escape of Maori prisoners from Kawau.

Oct. 3. 1864.—Wellington chosen as the seat of Government.

Nov. 24, 1864.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr. F. A. Weld, the Whitaker-Fox Ministry having resigned during the recess.

Dec. 17, 1864.—Confiscation of Native lands in Waikato by Sir George Grey.

Feb., 1865.—Removal of the seat of Government to Wellington.

March 2, 1865.—Barbarous murder of the Rev. Mr. Volkner, a Church of England missionary, at Opotiki, by Hauhau fanatics, under Kereopa.

June 8, 1865.—Submission of the Maori Chief Wiremu Tamihana te Waharoa (William Thompson).

June 17, 1865.—Murder of Mr. Fulloon, a Government officer, and his companions, at Whakatane, by Hauhau fanatics.

July 22, 1865.—Capture of the Wereroa Pa, near Wanganui.

Aug. 2, 1865.—Assault and capture of the Pa Kairomiromi, at Waiapu, by Colonial Forces under Captain Fraser, and Native Contingent under the chief Te Mokena. Eighty-seven rebels killed.

Sept. 2, 1865.—Proclamation of peace issued by Governor Sir George Grey, announcing that the war, which commenced at Oakura, was at an end.

Sept. 30, 1865.—Murder by Hauhaus, at Kakaramea, of Mr. Broughton, when sent as friendly messenger to them by Brigadier-General Waddy.

Oct. 12, 1865.—Resignation of Mr. Weld's Ministry, on account of a resolution adverse to the Government policy, having been defeated only by the casting-vote of the Speaker.

Oct. 16, 1865.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr. E. W. Stafford.

Dec. 25, 1865.—Defeat of rebel Natives at Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, by Colonial Forces and Native Contingent.

Jan. 4, 1866.—Defeat of Natives at Okotuku Pa, on the west coast of the North Island, by force under Major-General Chute.

Jan. 7, 1866.—Assault on and capture of Putahi Pa, by force under Major-General Chute.

Jan. 13, 1866.—Assault on and capture of Otapawa Pa, by force under Major-General Chute.

Jan. 17, 1866, to Jan. 25, 1866.—Period of Major-General Chute's march through the bush to New Plymouth.

Jan., 1866.—Escape of a large number of Native prisoners from the hulk at Wellington; many were drowned in trying to swim ashore.

March 29, 1866.—Submission of the rebel chiefs Te Heuheu and Herekiekie, of Taupo district.

Mar., 1866.—A detachment of Maori prisoners sent to the Chatham Islands.

June 15, 1866.—Commencement of Panama steam mail-service.

Aug. 26, 1866.—The Cook Strait submarine telegraph cable laid.

Oct. 2, 1866.—Engagement with rebel Natives at Pungarehu, West Coast, by Colonial Forces, under Major McDonnell.

Oct. 8, 1866.—First Act passed to impose stamp duties.

Oct. 12, 1866.—Defeats of rebel Natives at Omaranui and at Petane, Hawke's Bay, by Colonial Forces.

Oct. 10, 1867.—An Act passed to establish an institute for the promotion of science and art in the colony.

Oct. 10, 1867.—An Act passed for the division of the colony into four Maori electorates, and the admission of four Maori members to the House of Representatives.

Jan., 1868.—Establishment of the County of Westland.

Feb. 5, 1868.—Arrival of Governor Sir George F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.

July 4, 1868.—Seizure by Maori prisoners, under the leadership of Te Kooti, of the schooner “Rifleman,” and their escape from the Chatham Islands.

July 12, 1868.—Night attack by Natives on redoubt at Turuturu Mokai. Sub-Inspector Ross and seven Europeans killed. Natives driven off by the arrival of a force under Major Von Tempsky.

Aug. 8, 1868.—Pursuit by Lieut.-Colonel Whitmore of escaped Chatham Island prisoners, and indecisive engagement in the gorge of the Ruake Ture.

Aug. 21, 1868.—Attack on Ngutu-o-te-Manu by force under Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Defeat of Natives; four Europeans killed and eight wounded.

Sept. 7, 1868.—Engagement in bush at Ngutu-o-te-Manu. Major Von Tempsky, Captains Buck and Palmer, Lieutenants Hunter and Hastings, and fourteen men killed.

Oct. 19, 1868.—Bishop Selwyn left New Zealand.

Nov. 7, 1868.—Attack on Moturoa. Repulse of Colonial Forces, with severe oss.

Nov. 10, 1868.—Massacre of thirty-two Europeans at Poverty Bay by Te Kooti's band of Natives, who had escaped from the Chatham Islands.

Nov. 24, 1868, Dec. 3, 1868, Dec. 5, 1868.—Engagements between friendly Natives and rebels under Te Kooti, at Patutahi, Poverty Bay district.

Jan. 5, 1869.—Assault on and capture of Ngatapa Pa, Poverty Bay district, after a siege of six days, by the Colonial Forces of Europeans and friendly Natives under Colonel Whitmore and Major Ropata. Dispersion and pursuit of Te Kooti's band. More than 136 rebel Natives were killed.

Feb. 13, 1869.—Treacherous murder of the Rev. John Whitely and seven other Europeans at the White Cliffs, Taranaki.

Feb. 18, 1869.—Attack by rebel Natives on a foraging-party at Karaka Flat; one sergeant and six men killed.

Mar. 3, 1869.—Termination of Panama mail-service.

Mar. 13, 1869.—Attack on and defeat of Titokowaru's force at Otauto.

April 10, 1869.—Native pa at Mohaka taken by Te Kooti, who killed forty friendly Natives and several Europeans in the neighbourhood.

April 12, 1869.—First arrival of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh in Wellington, in H.M.S. “Galatea.”

May 6, 1869.—Surprise and capture of Ahikereru and Oamaru Teangi Pas, Waiwera country. Defeat of Te Kooti.

June 13, 1869.—Surrender to Major Noake and Mr. Booth, R.M., of the chief Tairua, with 122 men, women, and children of the Pakakohe Tribe, near Wanganui.

June 24, 1869.—Defeat of Mr. Stafford's Ministry on a want-of-confidence motion.

June 28, 1869.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr. W. Fox.

Sept. 3, 1869.—An Act passed providing Government life insurance and annuities.

Oct., 1869.—Seventy-four prisoners from the bands of Te Kooti and Titokowaru sentenced to death, after trial, for treason. The sentences of seventy-three were commuted to penal servitude for various terms.

Oct. 4, 1869.—Pourere Pa stormed and taken by Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, with a mixed force of Europeans and Natives.

Jan., 1870.—Three hundred friendly Natives under Topia, and three hundred under Major Keepa (known as Kemp), started up the Wanganui River in pursuit of Te Kooti, who retreated into the Urewera country.

Jan. 25, 1870.—Capture of Tapapa Pa, occupied by Te Kooti.

Feb. 24, 1870.—The last detachment of the Imperial troops left the colony.

Mar. 25, 1870.—Major Keepa, with Native force, captured the position held by Te Kooti at Maraetahi, in Urewera country; nineteen rebels killed and seventy-three of Te Kooti's men taken prisoners. Te Kooti escaped with twenty followers.

Mar. 26, 1870.—Commencement of San Francisco mail-service.

June 28, 1870.—Enunciation in the House of Representatives of the public-works policy by the Colonial Treasurer, Mr. Vogel.

July, 1870.—Thirty prisoners of Te Kooti's band sentenced to death. The sentences were commuted to penal servitude.

Aug. 27, 1870.—Arrival in Wellington of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh in H.M.S. “Galatea.” Second visit.

Sept. 12, 1870.—An Act passed to establish the New Zealand University.

Sept. 12, 1870.—The Land Transfer Act passed, to simplify the title to land and dealings with real estates.

Oct. 6, 1870.—Southland Province reunited with Otago.

Dec. 5, 1870.—Honiani te Puni, the chief of the Ngatiawas, a staunch friend of the Europeans, died at Petone, near Wellington, aged ninety years.

Mar., 1871.—Commencement of railway-construction under the public-works policy.

Aug. 4, 1871.—Death of Tamati Waka Nene, the great Ngapuhi chief and friend of the Europeans.

Nov., 1871.—Capture of the notorious rebel Kereopa, the murderer of the Rev. Mr. Volkner, by the Ngatiporous.

Jan. 5, 1872.—Execution of Kereopa at Napier.

Jan., 1872.—Remission of sentences on fifty-eight Native prisoners then undergoing imprisonment for rebellion.

Feb. 22, 1872.—Visit of William King, the Maori chief of Waitara, to New Plymouth, and resumption of amicable relations with the Europeans.

May 9, 1872.—A general thanksgiving-day for the recovery of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

Sept. 6, 1872.—Defeat and resignation of Mr. Fox's Ministry.

Sept. 10, 1872.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of the Hon. E. W. Stafford.

Oct. 4, 1872.—Defeat of the Stafford Ministry on a vote of want of confidence moved by Mr. Vogel.

Oct. 11, 1872.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, M.L.C.

Oct. 11, 1872.—First appointment of Maori chiefs (two) to be members of the Legislative Council.

Oct. 25, 1872.—The Public Trust Office Act passed.

Jan., 1873.—Establishment of the New Zealand Shipping Company.

Mar. 3, 1873.—The Hon. W. Fox appointed Premier on the resignation of that office by the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, the other members of the Ministry being confirmed in their offices.

Mar. 19, 1873.—Departure of Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.

Mar. 21, 1873.—Assumption of the Government by Sir G. A. Arney, Chief Justice, as Administrator.

April 8, 1873.—Resignation of the premiership by the Hon. W. Fox, on the return of the Hon. J, Vogel, C.M.G., from Australia. Appointment of Mr. Vogel as Premier, the other Ministers being confirmed in their offices.

June 14, 1873.—Arrival of Governor Sir J. Fergusson, P.C.

Aug. 22, 1874.—The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act passed.

Nov. 27, 1874.—Sir James Fergusson left New Zealand.

Dec. 3, 1874.—Arrival of Governor the Marquis of Normanby, P.C.

1874.—31,774 immigrants were introduced this year under the immigration and public-works policy.

Jan. 3, 1875.—Visit of Sir Donald McLean to the Maori king; resumption of amicable relations.

July 6, 1875.—Resignation of the Ministry, in consequence of the absence of Sir J. Vogel, K.C.M.G., in England, and his being unable to attend the session of Parliament. Reconstitution thereof, under the premiership of the Hon. Dr. Pollen, M.L.C.

July, 1875.—Establishment of the Union Steam Shipping Company of New Zealand.

1875.—18,324 immigrants were introduced this year under the immigration and public-works policy.

Oct. 12, 1875.—The Abolition of Provinces Act passed.

Feb. 15, 1876.—Resignation of the Hon. Dr. Pollen's Ministry, and reconstitution under the premiership of Sir J. Vogel, K.C.M.G.

Feb. 18, 1876.—Completion of the work of laying the telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales.

June, 1876.—Death of Dr. Isaac Earl Featherston, while acting as Agent General for the colony in England. He was the first to hold that office, and had previously been Superintendent of the Province of Wellington from the time of the first establishment of provincial representative institutions.

Sept. 1, 1876.—Resignation of Sir J. Vogel's Ministry in view of the appointment of Sir J. Vogel as Agent-General. Formation of a Ministry under the premiership of Major Atkinson.

Sept. 13, 1876.—Resignation of Major Atkinson's Ministry in consequence of doubts being entertained as to the constitutional position thereof. Reconstruction of the Ministry under the premiership of Major Atkinson.

Nov. 1, 1876.—“The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875,” came into full operation. Complete abolition of provincial institutions. The colony subdivided into counties and municipal boroughs.

Oct. 8, 1877.—Defeat of the Atkinson Ministry on a vote of want of confidence moved by Mr. Larnach.

Oct. 15, 1877.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

Nov. 29, 1877.—The Education Act, providing for the free and compulsory education of children, passed.

April 11, 1878.—Bishop Selwyn died, in England.

Oct. 29, 1878.—Sir George Grey's first land-tax passed.

Feb. 29, 1879.—Departure of Governor the Marquis of Normanby, P.C.

Mar., 1879.—Removal of surveyors from the Waimate Plains by Natives acting under Te Whiti's orders.

Mar. 27, 1879.—Arrival of Governor Sir Hercules G. R. Robinson, G.C.M.G.

May 25, 1879.—The Natives from Parihaka, by order of Te Whiti, began ploughing up lands occupied by Europeans.

June, 1879.—Arrest and imprisonment of 180 of these Natives for causing disturbances.

July 29, 1879.—Defeat of the Grey Ministry on an amendment to the Address in Reply, moved by Sir William Fox, followed by a dissolution of Parliament.

Oct. 3, 1879.—Defeat and subsequent resignation of Sir George Grey's Ministry.

Oct. 8, 1879.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of the Hon. John Hall.

Dec. 19, 1879.—An Act passed to assess property for the purpose of taxation.

Dec. 19, 1879.—The Triennial Parliament Act passed.

Dec. 19, 1879.—An Act passed to qualify every resident male of twenty-one years of age and upwards to vote.

June, 1880.—First portion of the Parihaka Maori prisoners released by the Government.

July 9, 1880.—Bounty Island taken possession of by Captain George Palmer, H.M.S. “Rosario.”

Sept. 8, 1880.—Departure of Governor Sir Hercules G. R. Robinson, G.C.M.G.

Oct. 1880.—Release of the last portion of the Parihaka Maori prisoners.

Oct. 26, 1880.—Sir Francis Dillon Bell appointed Agent General.

Nov. 29, 1880.—Arrival of Governor Sir A. H. Gordon, G.C.M.G.

April 29, 1881.—“Tararua,” steamer, wrecked; 130 lives lost.

June 26, 1881.—Severe earthquakes in Wellington.

Nov. 5, 1881.—March of force of Constabulary and Volunteers on Parihaka, and arrest of Te Whiti and Tohu, without bloodshed.

Feb. 15, 1882.—First shipment of frozen meat made from Port Chalmers. (See Year-book, 1893, p. 192.)

April 21, 1882.—Resignation (during the recess) of the Hon. J. Hall's Ministry, and its reconstruction under the premiership of the Hon. F. Whitaker, M.L.C.

June 23, 1882.—Departure of Governor Sir A. H. Gordon.

June 24, 1882.—Assumption of the Government by Sir J. Prendergast, Chief Justice.

Jan. 20, 1883.—Arrival of Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B.

Jan. 26, 1883.—A direct line of steam-communication between England and New Zealand inaugurated by the New Zealand Shipping Company.

Feb. 13, 1883.—Proclamation of amnesty to Maori political offenders.

Feb. 19, 1883.—Liberation of Te Whiti and Tohu.

Sept. 25, 1883.—Resignation of the office of Premier and his seat in the Ministry by the Hon. F. Whitaker, and the appointment of the Hon. Major H. A. Atkinson to be Premier, the members of Mr. Whitaker's Ministry being confirmed in their offices.

June 11, 1884.—Defeat of Major Atkinson's Government.

June 27, 1884.—Dissolution of the General Assembly.

Aug. 16, 1884.—Resignation of Major Atkinson's Ministry in consequence of the result of the general election. Formation of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr. Robert Stout.

Aug. 20, 1884.—Defeat of Mr. Stout's Ministry by an amendment, expressive of want of confidence, to the Address in Reply being carried.

Aug. 28, 1884.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Major Atkinson.

Aug. 29, 1884.—Defeat of Major Atkinson's Ministry on a vote of want of confidence.

Sept. 3, 1884.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Mr. Robert Stout.

Nov. 8, 1884.—An Act passed to enable certain loans of the New Zealand Government to be converted into inscribed stock and the accrued sinking funds released.

Aug. 1, 1885.—The New Zealand Industrial Exhibition opened at Wellington.

June 10, 1886.—Volcanic eruptions at Tarawera, and destruction of the famed Pink and White Terraces; 101 lives lost.

May 28, 1887.—Defeat of Sir Robert Stout's Ministry.

July 15, 1887.—Dissolution of the General Assembly, after prorogation, on the 10th June.

July 21, 1887.—A Proclamation issued declaring the Kermadec Islands to be annexed to and form part of the Colony of New Zealand.

Aug. 17, 1887.—Kermadec Group annexed to New Zealand. Flag hoisted and proclamation read at Sunday Island.

Oct. 8, 1887.—Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of Major H. A. Atkinson, Sir Robert Stout's Ministry having resigned in consequence of the result of the election.

Dec. 19, 1887.—An Act passed to reduce the number of members of the House of Representatives, after the expiration of the General Assembly then sitting, to seventy-four, including four Maori representatives.

Dec. 23, 1887.—The Australian Naval Defence Act, being an Act to provide for the establishment of an additional naval force on the Australian Station, at the joint charge of the Imperial and the several Colonial Governments, was passed by the New Zealand Legislature.

Oct. 27, 1888.—Formal Proclamation of British Protectorate of Cook Group of Islands, by Captain Bourke, R.N., of H.M.S. “Hyacinth.”

Mar. 22, 1889.—Departure of Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., from the colony.

Mar. 23, 1889.—Assumption of the Government by Sir James Prendergast.

May 2, 1889.—Arrival of the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G.

Sept. 2, 1889.—Electors prohibited by statute from voting in respect of more than one electorate at any election for the House of Representatives.

Nov. 26, 1889.—Opening of South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin.

Dec. 5, 1890.—First election of members of the House of Representatives under a practical manhood suffrage, and on the one-man-one-vote principle.

Jan. 24, 1891.—Notification by Governor of acceptation of resignation (during the recess) of the Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson's Ministry. Appointment of a Ministry under the premiership of the Hon. John Ballance.

April 22, 1891.—Proclamation by Governor of New Zealand to inhabitants at Rarotonga of appointment of British Resident for the Protectorate of the Cook Islands.

May 25, 1891.—Adhesion of Australia to Postal Union.

Aug. 19, 1891.—Labour Laws: Passing of Employers' Liability Act 1882 Amendment Act.

Aug. 29, 1891.—Labour Laws: Passing of Truck Act, to prohibit payment of wages in goods or otherwise than in money.

Sept. 8, 1891.—Passing of Land and Income Assessment Act for purposes of taxation, and repeal of property-tax.

Sept. 21, 1891.—Labour Laws: Passing of an Act for supervising and regulating of factories and workrooms. [Repealed by Act of 1894.]

Jan. 19, 1892.—Electoral districts of the colony based on population as ascertained by the results of the census of 1891 proclaimed.

Feb. 2, 1892.—Departure of Governor the Earl of Onslow.

Feb. 25, 1892.—Assumption of the Government by Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice.

June 7, 1892.—Arrival of Governor the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G.

June 28, 1892.—Death of Sir H. A. Atkinson, K.C.M.G., Speaker of the Legislative Council, and previously four times Premier.

Oct. 1, 1892.—Labour Laws: Passing of Contractors' and Workmen's Lien Act.

Oct. 8, 1892.—Passing of Dairy Industry Act. [Repealed by Act of 1894.]

Oct. 11, 1892.—Passing of first Land-tax and Income-tax Act on the basis of the Assessment Act of previous year.

Oct. 11, 1892.—“Land Act, 1892”: Lease in perpetuity without revaluation system introduced; occupation with right of purchase; optional method of selection; small-farms associations.

Oct. 8, 1892.—“Land for Settlements Act, 1892,” authorising purchase of lands from individuals for purposes of subdivision. [Repealed by Act of 1894. See post.]

April 19, 1893.—Cheviot Estate taken over by Government under the Land and Income Assessment Act.

April 27, 1893.—Death of Hon. John Ballance, Premier of New Zealand.

May 1, 1893.—Resignation of the Ministry in consequence of the death of the Hon. John Ballance, and appointment of a new Ministry under the premiership of the Hon. R. J. Seddon.

June 23, 1893.—Death of Sir William Fox, K.C.M.G., four times Premier of New Zealand.

Sept. 2, 1893.—Passing of Bank-note Issue Act, to make bank-notes a first charge on assets and to enable the Government to declare them to be a legal tender, &c.

Sept. 8, 1893.—The Legislative Council of New Zealand passed, by a majority of two, the Bill conferring the franchise on women.

Sept. 14, 1893.—Banks and Bankers Act Amendment Act passed, to permit of increase of capital by issue of new shares.

Sept. 19, 1893.—“The Electoral Act, 1893,” extending franchise to women.

Oct. 2, 1893.—Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act passed: New licenses to be granted subject to the votes of the electors; reduction or abolition of licenses if desired.

Oct. 6, 1893.—Passing of “Criminal Code Act, 1893.”

Oct. 6, 1893.—Labour Laws: Passing of “Workmen's Wages Act, 1893.”

Oct. 6, 1893.—Native Land Purchase and Acquisition Act.

Oct. 20, 1893.—Sir James Prendergast appointed temporarily Deputy of the Governor.

Nov. 28, 1893.—A general election took place, being the first occasion on which women exercised the franchise.

Dec. 28, 1893.—Death of Right Rev. Dr. Henry John Chitty Harper, formerly Bishop of Christchurch and Primate of New Zealand.

Mar. 19, 1894.—Sir James Prendergast appointed temporarily Deputy of the Governor.

June 30, 1894.—Passing of Act to extend operation of Bank-note Issue Act, and another Act to control the transfer of bank shares.

June 30, 1894.—“Bank of New Zealand Share Guarantee Act, 1894,” to guarantee special issue of shares to amount of £2,000,000, and purchase of Assets Estates Company by Assets Board. [Amended on July 20.]

July 20, 1894.—Passing of an Act to limit number of bank directors and power of shareholders to transfer their shares.

Aug. 21, 1894.—Labour Laws: Passing of Conspiracy Law Amendment.

Aug. 31, 1894.—Labour Laws: Passing of an Act to encourage the formation of industrial unions and associations, and to facilitate the settlement of industrial disputes by conciliation and arbitration.

Oct. 18, 1894.—“New Zealand Consols Act, 1894.”

Oct. 18, 1894.—“Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894,” for relief of settlers burdened by high charges of interest, &c.

Oct. 18, 1894.—Passing of “Land for Settlements Act, 1894,” authorising acquisition of private lands for purposes of settlement, with compulsory powers, and repealing Act of 1892; also “Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894.”

Oct. 18, 1894.—Labour Laws: Passing of “Shops and Shop-assistants Act, 1894,” for limiting hours of business in shops.

Oct. 23, 1894.—Passing of “Banking Act, 1894.”

Oct. 23, 1894.—Dairy Industry Act, to regulate manufacture of butter and cheese, with inspection and grading for export, and provide for purity of milk.

Oct. 28, 1894.—Wreck of s.s. “Wairarapa” at Great Barrier Island; 135 lives lost.

Mar. 29, 1895.—Death of Right Reverend Andrew Burn Suter, D.D., formerly Bishop of Nelson, and Primate of New Zealand.

May 27, 1895.—Government assumed management of the Midland Railway.

Aug. 3, 1895.—Death of C. W. Richmond, Puisne Judge of Wellington.

Aug. 20, 1895.—Trustees of cemeteries authorised to provide for cremation of dead.

Sept. 4, 1895.—“Bank of New Zealand and Banking Act, 1895,” providing for writing off paid-up capital with proceeds of first call on reserve liability; also for new capital and Assets Realisation Board, &c.; also to purchase business of any other bank.

Sept. 20, 1895.—Labour Laws: Passing of an Act to regulate attachment of wages.

Sept. 20, 1895.—Labour Laws: Passing of Servants' Registry Office Act.

Sept. 20, 1895.—“Family Homes Protection Act, 1895,” to secure homes for the people and to prevent them from mortgage or sale for debt.

Oct. 18, 1895.—Amended tariff passed.

Oct. 31, 1895.—Bank of New Zealand and Banking Act Amendment Act: Sale of Colonial Bank business to Bank of New Zealand.

Dec. 20, 1895.—Appointment of Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G., as a Judge of Supreme Court.

Jan. 10, 1896.—Hon. W. P. Reeves appointed Agent-General in London.

Mar. 26, 1896.—Brunner Mine explosion; sixty-seven deaths.

April 12, 1896.—General census of colony taken for Sunday night.

May 18, 1896.—Death of Sir Patrick Buckley, K.C.M.G.

July 11, 1896.—Appointment of Mr. W. B. Edwards as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

July 19, 1896.—Death of Hon. Robert Pharazyn, M.L.C.

Aug. 2, 1896.—Death of James Edward FitzGerald, C.M.G., Controller and Auditor General.

Oct. 16, 1896.—Land for Settlements Act amended: Special provision made for disposal of highly improved lands acquired; preference given to landless people; Boards may select applicants, &c.

Oct. 17, 1896.—Alteration of franchise by abolition of non-residential or property qualification.

Oct. 17, 1896.—Government Valuation of Land Act passed.

Dec. 4, 1896.—General election of members of House of Representatives for the new districts as fixed by the Representation Commissioners on basis of census, 1896.

Feb. 6, 1897.—Departure of the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G.

Feb. 8, 1897.—Sir James Prendergast Administrator of Government.

June 22, 1897.—Diamond Jubilee of reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, called to Privy Council, on occasion of his visit to England with contingent New Zealand Forces.

July 29, 1897.—Wreck of s.s. “Tasmania” at Mahia Peninsula; ten lives lost.

Aug. 10, 1897.—The Earl of Ranfurly assumed office as Governor.

Dec. 22, 1897.—Act to establish at Wellington the Victoria College, in connection with the New Zealand University.

July 15, 1898.—Hon. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.B., died.

1898.—Death of Sir George Grey, K.C.B.

1898.—Death of Bishop Selwyn, of Melanesia.

Oct. 15, 1898.—The Municipal Franchise Reform Act passed.

1898.—The Divorce Bill passed both Houses. Her Majesty's assent thereto gazetted 13th April, 1899.

Nov. 1, 1898.—An Act to provide for old-age pensions passed.

Feb. 10, 1899.—Rev. William Colenso died at Napier.

March 13, 1899.—Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., died.

April, 1899.—Victoria University College opened in Wellington.

May 25, 1899.—Resignation of Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice.

June 1, 1899.—“The Divorce Act, 1898,” assented to by Her Majesty the Queen, came into operation.

June 22, 1899.—Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., appointed Chief Justice.

Oct. 19, 1899.—Act passed constituting Labour Day. The second Wednesday in the month of October in each year to be a public holiday.

Oct. 21, 1899.—N.Z. Contingent (the first) consisting of 215 officers and men, left in s.s. “Waiwera” for Algoa Bay to assist the British in the Transvaal war.

Nov. 16, 1899.—General Assembly dissolved.

Dec. 6, 1899.—General Election of Members of House of Representatives.

Jan. 21, 1900.—The Second N.Z. Contingent (258 officers and men) left for South Africa in s.s. “Waiwera.”

Feb. 5, 1900.—Hon. Thomas Dick died.

Feb. 17, 1900.—The Third N.Z. Contingent (264 officers and men) left for South Africa in s.s. “Knight Templar.”

March 24 and 31, 1900.—The Fourth and Fifth Contingents (1,060 officers and men) left for South Africa in s.ss. “Monowai,” “Gymeric,” “Waimate,” and “Maori.”

June 28, 1900.—“Bubonic Plague Prevention Act, 1900,” passed.

Aug. 8, 1900.—“Immigration Restriction Act, 1899,” assented to by Her Majesty in Council, came into operation.

Oct. 13, 1900.—Public Health Act passed.

Oct. 18, 1900.—The Maori Councils Act passed.

Oct. 20, 1900.—“The Representation Act, 1900,” passed, increasing number of European representatives to seventy-six.

Dec. 29, 1900.—Hon. Sir James Prendergast, Kt., appointed Deputy-Governor.

Jan. 1, 1901.—Universal penny postage adopted by New Zealand.

Jan. 22, 1901.—Queen Victoria died.

Jan. 28, 1901.—Accession of King Edward VII. proclaimed in New Zealand.

Jan. 30, 1901.—Sixth N.Z. Contingent (578 officers and men) sailed for South Africa in s.s. “Cornwall.”

Feb. 14, 1901.—Death (in England) of Sir Edward Stafford, G.C.M.G., formerly three times Premier of New Zealand.

Feb. 21, 1901.—Appointment of Mr. Theo. Cooper as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

March 31, 1901.—General census of the colony taken for Sunday night.

April 6, 1901.—Seventh N.Z. Contingent (600 officers and men, rough-riders) sailed for South Africa, per s.s. “Gulf of Taranto.”

May 22, 1901.—Deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Act came into operation after Royal assent.

June 10, 1901.—Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York arrived in New Zealand.

June 10, 1901.—Boundaries of Colony extended to include Cook and other Pacific Islands.

Aug. 6, 1901.—Sir John McKenzie, K.C.M.G., died.

Nov. 7, 1901.—State Coal mines Act passed.

Feb. 1, 1902.—North Island division of the Eighth N.Z. Contingent sailed from Auckland for South Africa per s.s. “Surrey.”

Feb. 8, 1902.—South Island division of the Eighth Contingent sailed from Lyttelton per s.s. “Cornwall.”

March 12, 1902.—South Island division of the Ninth N.Z. Contingent sailed from Port Chalmers for South Africa per s.s. “Kent.”

March 19, 1902.—North Island division of the Ninth Contingent sailed from Auckland per s.s. “Devon.”

March 24, 1902.—End of Pacific cable landed in Doubtless Bay, Mangonui.

April 14, 1902.—North Island division of the Tenth N.Z. Contingent sailed from Auckland for South Africa per s.s. “Drayton Grange.”

April 14, 1902.—Right Hon. R. J. Seddon sailed for London to attend Conference of Colonial Premiers, and to represent New Zealand at His Majesty the King's Coronation.

April 19, 1902.—South Island division of the Tenth Contingent sailed for South Africa per s.s. “Norfolk.”

June 26, 1902.—Death of Most Rev. Bishop William Garden Cowie, Primat of New Zealand.

Aug. 9, 1902.—Celebration in New Zealand on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII.

Aug. 1902.—Return of N.Z. troopers from South Africa (Eighth Contingent left Durban 5th July; Ninth, 9th July; Tenth, 15th July).

Nov. 5, 1902.—General Assembly dissolved.

Nov. 25, 1902.—General Election of Members of House of Representatives.

Dec. 8, 1902.—Pacific (all red) Cable service opened for international business.

Dec. 31, 1902.—Export of frozen meat for year valued at £2,718,763.

Dec. 31, 1902.—Export of butter and cheese for year valued at £1,369,341.

Feb. 8, 1903.—Hon. W. Rolleston died.

Mar. 16, 1903.—Sir George Whitmore, K.C.M.G., died.

May 22, 1903.—Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau te Wherowhero (formerly known as the Maori King) summoned to the Legislative Council, and sworn in as a member of the Executive Council of the colony.

May 24, 1903.—Empire Day proclaimed in New Zealand (anniversary of birth of late Queen Victoria).

June 29, 1903.—Opening of Parliament (the fifteenth).

Sept. 11, 1903.—Mr. F. R. Chapman appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court.

Nov. 18, 1903.—State Fire Insurance Act passed.

Nov. 24, 1903.—Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act passed.

Jan. 5, 1904.—Hon. W. C. Walker, C.M.G., died.

June 20, 1904.—Assumption of the Government of New Zealand by Lord Plunket.

July, 1904.—A team of riflemen, chosen from the Defence Force of New Zealand to represent the colony, was sent to England under the command of Lieut.-Colonel R. J. Collins, V.D., to compete at Bisley for the “Kolapore Imperial Challenge Cup,” and succeeded in bringing the trophy to New Zealand.

March 23, 1905.—Death of Hon. Sir A. J. Cadman, Speaker, Legislative Council.

June 14, 1905.—Hon. W. P. Reeves appointed first High Commissioner for New Zealand at London.

July 29, 1905.—“Old-age Pensions Act, 1905,” passed, increasing amount of annual pension to £26.

Oct. 30, 1905.—Workers' Dwellings Act passed.

Nov. 29, 1905.—General Assembly dissolved.

Dec. 6, 1905.—General election of Members of House of Representatives.

June 10, 1906.—Death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C., Premier of New Zealand.

June 21, 1906.—Resignation of Ministry in consequence of the death of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, and appointment of a new Ministry under the Premiership of the Hon. W. Hall-Jones.

June 27, 1906.—Opening of Parliament (the sixteenth).

Aug. 6, 1906.—Resignation of Ministry under the Premiership of the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, and appointment of a new Ministry under the Premiership of the Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G.

GENERAL INDEX

“Accident Insurance Act, 1899”; 409
Acclimatisation, (See Year-book, 1894, p. 431.)
Accumulation, Prices and Wages 399
Development of Banking 399
Acres and Yield in Corn-crops 375
Acres of Land under Crop 376
Addenda et Corrigenda. (Back of Title.)
Administration of Land Laws, &c. 557
Advances to Settlers 429, 564
Loans for 429, 564
Mortgage Fees 570
Table showing how repaid 568
Titles eligible 565
Transactions of Office 572
Valuation Fees 567
Agents for the Colonies, Crown 29
Ages at Death, Average 228
Average, of Persons married 221
Of Prisoners 155
Agricultural College, Lincoln 120
Agricultural Statistics 374
Agriculture and Live-stock 364, 374, 590
Acreage under Wheat, Oats, &c., in Provincial Districts 375
Barley 383, 593
Cape Barley and Winter Oats 598
Cattle 370, 603
Cereals 375, 593
Consumption of Wheat 382
Cost of growing Oats 593
Cost of working a Farm 599
Dairy Industry, The 608
Dairy Stock 370, 603
Feeding for Milk 604
Fertilisers 600
Fruit Industry, The 610
Gardens and Orchards 384
Grass-seeds 385, 597
Hops 384
Horses 372, 600
Lambing Returns, Averages 369
Lucerne 599
Mangolds and Carrots 596
Maize 383
Oats 382, 593
Pigs 373, 609
Potatoes 384, 594
Poultry 609
Rape 595
Root-crops 594
Sheep 367, 601
Turnips and Rape 384, 595
Wheat-crop of Australian States 381
Wheat-crop of the World 381
Wheat, Estimated Surplus of 382
Wheat, for Threshing 380
Wheat, held by Farmers, 1905 382
Wheat, Seed per Acre 593
Wheat, Yield per Acre 380
Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Acts, 1896 to 1905 431
Alcoholic Liquors, Consumption of, 1896 to 1905 264
Aliens Naturalised 215
America, Trade with the United States of 320
Analyses of Mineral Waters 616
Angora goats 373
Animals. (See Live-stock.)
Antipodes Islands 6
Appendix—
Dates of certain Principal Events in the History of New Zealand 744
Area of New Zealand 5
Of Cook Islands 7
Of North, Middle, Stewart, Chatham, and other Islands 6
Of United Kingdom compared with New Zealand 8
Area of Australasia 7
Compared with European Countries 7
Area under Cultivation in Counties 377
Arrests for Drunkenness 151
Arrivals and Departures 458
Chinese 459
Departures, how Numbers ascertained 459
Articles on Special Subjects 551
Artillery, Naval, Field, and Garrison 63–65
Assembly, General 32
Assets Realisation Board 452
Associations, Special-Settlement 561
Assurance, Industrial Life 408
Asylums, Benevolent 253
Orphan 253
Auckland, City of—
Exports 290
General Description 644
Imports 259
Meteorology 200
Population 466
Value of Property 174, 507, 535
Vital Statistics 214, 223
Auckland Docks 69
Graving-dock Charges 69
Auckland Islands 6, 14
Auckland Land District—Introductory, Physical Features, Plains, Lakes, Forests, Soils; Rainfall; General Products and Industries; Chief Towns; Crown or Native Lands available for Future Settlement 646
Auckland Sailors' Home 253
Auriferous Ironsands 388
Australasian Railways 330
Australian States, Area of 7
Birth-rates of 209
Death-rates of 222
Debt of 452
Friendly Societies in 406
Live-stock in 366
Marriage-rates of 216
Mineral Production of 390
Oat-crop of 383
Population 469
Railways in 330
Trade 321
Wheat-crop of 381
Average Quantity of Milk to 1 lb. Butter 603
Average Yield of Butter or Cheese 604
Bachelors and Spinsters in New Zealand 217
Banking, Development in 399
Banking Legislation, Special. (See Year-book 1902, p. 400.)
“Bank of New Zealand Act, 1903”; 401
“Bank of New Zealand Act, 1904”; 402
Bankruptcy 144
Petitions, &c., Nine Years 145
Transactions in 1904 144
Banks of Issue—
Advances and Discounts 400
In all Classes of Banks, Average per Head 405
Assets and Liabilities 399
In all Classes of Banks, Average per Head 405
Coin and Bullion 400
In all Classes of Banks, Average per Head 405
Deposits 399
In all Classes of Banks, Average per Head 405
Notes in Circulation, &c. 399
Banks—
Post-Office Savings 402
Deposits, Withdrawals, Open Accounts, Amounts to Credit 402
Securities held 403
Deposits, Withdrawals 404
Private Savings 404
Deposits, Withdrawals 404
Barley 383
Beer, Consumption of, per Head 264
Beer, Excise Duty on 109
Benevolent Asylums and Charitable Institutions 253
Birth-rates per 1,000 of Population in Australasia 209
Births 207
Illegitimate 212
Illegitimacy in Australasia 212
Legitimation Act 214
Of Twins 212
Proportion to Population, 1882–1905 207
To Marriages, Proportion of 209
Boroughs—
Expenditure of 163
Auckland, with Suburbs 466
Christchurch, with Suburbs 467
Dunedin, with Suburbs 467
Wellington, with Suburbs 466
In Colony 174, 463
Auckland, with Suburbs 466
Christchurch, with Suburbs 467
Dunedin, with Suburbs 467
Wellington, with Suburbs 466
Indebtedness of 163
Population of (Census, 1906) 463
Rateable Value of Property in 174, 535
Revenue of 163
Value of Land and Improvements in 507
Value of Rateable Property in 535
Boundaries and Area of the Colony 5
Bounty Islands 6
Breadstuffs in various Countries, Consumption of 382
Bubonic Plague 239
Building Societies 405
Amounts deposited with 405
Income, Assets, Liabilities, Reserve Funds 405
Bush and Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Act 553
Butter and Cheese 304,603
Export to United Kingdom, Seventeen Years 304
Factories 371
Industry 608
Cadet Corps 64
Campbell Islands 6
Cancer, Deaths from 246
Decennial Return 247
Part of Body affected 246
Proportion of Deaths per 10,000 living, 1886–1905 248
Canterbury Agricultural College 120
Canterbury Land District—Boundaries and Physical Features, Scenery,
Climate; Internal Communication; Geological Formation; Area, Nature, and Disposition of Lands; Soils; Pasturage and Crops; Stock, Wool, Butter and Cheese, Timber, Fruit; Coal, Building-stones; Fisheries; Manufactories; Libraries and Churches; Educational and other Institutions; Towns 707
Cape Barley and Winter Oats 598
Capital City, Population of 466
Capitation to Efficient Volunteers and Cadeta65
Cattle 603
In Provincial Districts 370
Causes of Death 235
At Four Centres 225
Cancer 246
Developmental Diseases 249
Dietetic Diseases 240
Local Diseases 250
Measles 238
Old Age 250
Parasitic Diseases 240
Phthisis 240
Proportion of Deaths from each 234
Typhoid Fever 238
Violence 251
Cereals 303, 593
Charges, Survey, on Unsurveyed Lands 563
Charitable Institutions, Benevolent Asylums and, &c. 253
Chatham Islands 6,14
Cheese and Butter 304,608
Cheviot Estate (see also Year-book, 1895, p. 264) 485
Childbirth, Deaths of Women in 251
Children to a Marriage, Number of 208
Chinese—
Immigration and Emigration of 459
Number in Colony 461
Christchurch, City of—
Exports (Lyttelton) 294
General Description 715
Imports 259
Population (City and Suburbs) 467
Value of Property 174,508,536
Vital Statistics 214,224
Cities 466
Civil Cases 144
Civil Establishment at Seat of Government 37
Classification of Lands, &c. 558
Climate—
Temperature in New Zealand, Australia, and other British Possessions 200–206
Clips, Average Wool- 601
Clothing, Imported, Value of 260
Coal 392
Coal-miners, Average Output and Earnings 396
Colleges and University 132
Colonial Office, The 28
Colonisation of New Zealand 3
Colony, Boundaries and Area of the 5
Crown Agents for the 29
Population of the 454
Communication and Transport 325
Constitution 16
Government 17
Consumption of Beer, Spirits, and Wine 264
Consuls, Foreign (see also Addenda) 26
Convictions 148
For Drunkenness 151
Summary 148
Convictions of Maoris 153
Cook and other Pacific Islands annexed 733
Cook Strait 11
Co-operative Public Works 358
Corn-crops, Acreage and Actual Yield of 375
Corrigenda. (Back of Title.)
Cost of Living in New Zealand and in Various Countries. (See Year-book, 1903, p. 462.)
Management of Local Governing Bodies 164
Railways 328
Working a Farm in New Zealand 599
Council, Executive, 1843–56 22
Council, Executive, April, 1906 31
Legislative, Roll of Members of the 33
Successive Speakers of the Legislative 25
Counties, Population of (Census, 1906) 463
Land under Cultivation in 377
Value of Land and Improvements in 504,510
Value of Rateable Properties in 510
Court, Validation 43
Courts, Bankruptcy 144
Civil Cases, Supreme and District 144
Charges for Offences before 147
Committals 148
Punishment on Summary Convictions (five years) 151
Divorce and Separation 145
Charges for Offences before 147
Committals 148
Punishment on Summary Convictions (five years) 151
Magistrates', Civil Cases 144
Charges for Offences before 147
Committals 148
Punishment on Summary Convictions (five years) 151
Sentences, Supreme and District (five years) 150
Supreme and District, Convictions 148
Cows, Average Annual Yield of Milk 603
Crime, Law and 144
Cross-breeding of Sheep 601
Crown Agents for the Colonies 29
Crown Lands occupied 485
Mode of acquiring 658
Crown Lands of New Zealand 484,551
Crown Tenants 485
Cultivation. (See Agriculture.)
Customs Duties, Rates levied 94
Revenue from 281
Dairy Industry 608
Produce, Export of 304
Stock 370,603
Dates of Principal Events 744
Day on White Island 637
Deaf-mutes, Institution for 142
Death, Average Age at 228
Causes of 233
Death-rates in various Countries and States, 1895–1905 222
Deaths—
From Cancer 244
From Congenital Defects 249
From Nervous Diseases 250
From Phthisis 240
From Typhoid Fever 238
In Four Principal Cities 223
In Principal Cities of Australasia 228
Inquests on 158
Number of, in 1904 222
Of Infants 230
Of Infants to every 1,000 Births 230
Of Women in Childbirth 251
Violent 251
Debt, General Government (see Public Debt) 437
Of Local Bodies 163,166
Deceased Persons'Estates—Duties Payable on 114
Defences, Military and Naval—
Administration; Artillery, New Zealand Royal; Bearer Corps, Volunteers; Cadet Corps, Volunteers; Capitation; Cycle Corps, Volunteers; Defence Rifle Clubs; Engineers, New Zealand Royal; Engineers, Volunteers; Enrolment, &c.; Expenditure and Main tenance; Field Artillery, Volunteers; Instructors; Militia and Volunteer Districts; Mounted Rifles, Volunteers; Naval and Garrison Artillery, Volunteers; Arms, &c.; Rifle Corps, Volunteers; School of Instruction; Submarine Mining Engineers, Volunteers 63
Deferred-payment System, Land taken up on 485
Departures, Arrivals and 458
Deposits in Banks 399
Depots for Shipwrecked Mariners 66
Digest of the Land Laws 553
Discovery and Early Settlement 2
Discovery of Gold in New Zealand. (See Year-book, 1894, p. 343.)
Diseases, Various, Deaths from 233
District Court, Civil Cases 144
Divorce, Petitions and Decrees, 1896–1904 146
Divorce and Separation 145
Grounds for 145
Docks, Graving, and Patent Slips 69
Drainage Boards, Revenue, Expenditure, and Loans 162–164
Dredging, Gold-, Description of. (See Year-book, 1899, p. 509.)
Drunkenness 151
Persons convicted of 151
Dunedin, City of—
Exports 294
General Description 722
Imports 259
Meteorology 203
Population, City and all Suburbs (Census, 1906) 467
Value of Property 509,536
Vital Statistics 214–223
Duties and Functions of Representation Commissions 470
Duties on Estates of Deceased Persons 114
Early Settlement, Discovery and 2
Ecclesiastical 61
Education 115
Free Secondary 130
Scholarships 138
Private Schools 135
Public (Government) Schools 116
School of Engineering and Technical Science 120
Native Schools 137
Technical 119
Training of Teachers 143
University, New Zealand 132
Education Boards, Income and Expenditure of 118
Egmont, Mount 10
Election, General, 1905 472
Electoral. (See Representation.)
“Electoral Act, 1893,”; extends Franchise to Women 18, 471
“Electoral Act Amendment Act, 1896,”; abolishes Property Qualification 18, 471
Electric Telegraph 333
Emigration. (See Immigration and Emigration.)
Engineering, School of 120
Estates of Deceased Persons, Duties Payable on 114
Estates offered for Selection under Land for Settlements Act, during Year 1905–6 492
European Population of Colony 454
Excise Duty on Beer 109
Executive Council, 1843–56 22
Expectation of Life in New Zealand 228
Expenditure, Revenue and—
General Government 418
Local Bodies 163
Of Public Works Fund by General Government 424
Exports 290
Butter and Cheese to United Kingdom, for Seventeen Years 304
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
Coal 297,393
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
Details of all Exports 305
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
From different Ports 293
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
From North and Middle Islands 293
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
From United Kingdom to various Countries and Colonies 324
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
Frozen Meat 302
Quantity, Twenty-four Years 302
Value, Eighteen Years 298
Gold, Silver, and other Minerals to 31st December, 1905 387
Gold, 1905 303
Grain 303
Home Produce, Value of 298
Increase and Decrease on Principal Articles 297
Kauri-gum 305
Of Australasia, 1904 321
Phormium 305
Quantities of Principal Articles, 1904 and 1905 296
Rabbit-skins 300
Re-exports, exclusive of Specie 293
Of New South Wales compared with New Zealand 293
Sheep-skins and Pelts 301
Tallow 302
To different Countries 291
To Germany 320
To United States 319
Value of Principal Articles of New Zealand Produce 294
Wool, Eighteen Years 299
External Trade of Australasia 322
Factories &c. (See Manufactories and Works.)
Factories, Butter and Cheese 371
Farming, Dairy 608
Farm in New Zealand, Cost of Working a 599
Features of the Middle Island, Physical 11
Of the North Island 8
Feeding for Milk 604
Fees payable under Land Transfer Act 113
Fifty Years' Progress of New Zealand 538
Finance 418
Fire Inquests 158
Fire Insurance, State 582
Fish Acclimatised. (See Year-book, 1894, p. 431.)
Fish and Fisheries. (See Year-book, 1895, p. 373.)
First Offenders' Probation Act 157
Flocks of Sheep, Number and Size of 300
Foreigners Naturalised during last Twenty-three Years, Number of 216
Foreign Consuls (see also Addenda) 26
Forestry 611
Foveaux Strait 13
Franchise 18,471
Municipal 169
Freezing Establishments in the Colony. (See year-book, 1894, p. 314.)
Free Secondary Education 130
Friendly Societies 405
Frozen Meat exported 302
Fruit Culture 610
Drying 610
Industry, The 610
Fungus, New Zealand, Export of 297
Gaols, Prisoners in 154
Gardens, Plantations, and Orchards, Total Acreage in 384
General Assembly, The 32
General Election, 1905 472
Germany, Trade with 320
Glaciers in Middle Island 11
Gold, Coal, and other Minerals 387
Coal-mining 392
Composition of Coal 395
Consumption of 393
Output of 394
Total Quantity and Value entered for Exportation, 31st March, 1906 390
Gold exported Year 1905 303
Total Quantity and Value entered for Exportation, 31st March, 1906 390
Gold produced in Australasia 391
Gold Production of the World 391
Gold-dredging 389
Gold-mining—Hands, Output, &c. 389
Remarks on 388
Governing Bodies, Local 159
Government Advances to Settlers 429,564
Government Schools 116
Government, the Seat of 18
Government Valuation of Land and its Improvements 495,581
Governor of New Zealand 30
Governors, Successive 19
Grain exported 303
Grown in each Provincial District 375
Grass Lands, Acres of 376
In Australasia, 1904–5 385
Grass-seed 596
Sown, per Acre 385
Graving-docks and Patent Slips 69
Grazing-runs, Small 562
Green Crops, Acreage under, in Provincial Districts 376
Harbour Boards Revenue, Expenditure, and Loans 165–167
Harbours. (See Year-book, 1894, pp. 389–408.)
Harbours—Pilotage, Port Charges, &c. 73
Hawke's Bay Land District—General Description; Communication; Pastoral Industries; Agricultural Pursuits; Dairying; Timber and other Industries; Climate; Towns; Crown Lands; Native Lands 668
Hay, Acres in 376
Holdings, Number of Occupied 361
Home Produce exported, Value of 298
Honours held by Colonists 29
Hops, cultivated, imported and exported 384
Horse-breeding 602
Horses in New Zealand, Number of 372
In Provincial Districts 372
Hospitals 251
Hot Springs 616
House of Representatives 17,34
Speakers of the 26
Houses, Licensed 193
Illegitimate Births in Australasia 212
Immigration and Emigration 458
Of Chinese 459
Imports and Exports 255,290
Each Australian State, 1904 321
Imports—
Beer, Spirits, and Wine, Consumption of 264
Germany 288
South Africa 321
United Kingdom 257
United States 286
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Clothing, &c. 260
Germany 288
South Africa 321
United Kingdom 257
United States 286
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Coal 269,393
Germany 288
South Africa 321
United Kingdom 257
United States 286
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Free and Dutiable Imports, Value of 262
Germany 288
South Africa 321
United Kingdom 257
United States 286
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
From different Countries, 1904 and 1905, Values of 257
Germany 288
South Africa 321
United Kingdom 257
United States 286
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Inclusive and exclusive of Specie 255
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Into Australasia 321
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Per Head of Population 256
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Spirits 264
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Sugar and Tea, Imports of 263
Consumption of, per Head of Population 263
Tobacco, Consumption of 265
Per Head of Population, Australasia 323
Improved-farm Settlements 561
Income Tax, Land and 434,573
Exemptions 576,580
Rates of Tax 578
Yield of Tax 578
Indebtedness of Australasia 452
Of Local Bodies 163–167
For Twenty-one Years 160
To Persons outside Colony 167
Index of Mortality for New Zealand 222
Industrial Schools 139
Industrial Life Assurance 408
Industries. (See Manufactories and Works.)
“Infant Life Protection Act, 1896”; 214
Infantile Mortality 230
Influenza, Deaths from 238
Inquests, Death 158
Fire 158
Insurance, Life 408
Companies in New Zealand 408
Insurance, State Fire 582
Iron, Machinery, &c., imported, Value of 260
Islands outlying, Description of the 14,733
Joint Stock Companies 405
Jubilee Institution for the Blind 142
Judges, Supreme Court 21
Kauri-gum (Exported)—
Average Price of 305
Quantities and Values exported 305
Kermadec Islands 6,14
Labour—
In New Zealand. (See Year-book, 1894, p. 362.)
Prices of Provisions, Live-stock, &c., 1905 413
Wages, Average Rates of 415
Labour Department, Men assisted by 359
Labour Legislation—
Acts of Parliament composing 353
Remarks on 354
Lakes 9–13,635
Lambing Averages 369
Land—
Acreage of, under Crop 375
Graduated 434,579
And Income Tax 434,573
Graduated 434,579
Crown, open for Selection. (See Land Districts.)
Graduated 434,579
Fit for Agriculture and Pasture 9
Graduated 434,579
Government Valuation of 495
Graduated 434,579
Grass-sown 385
Graduated 434,579
Held as Pastoral Runs 485
Graduated 434,579
Held as Small Grazing-runs 485
Graduated 434,579
Held under Pastoral and Miscellaneous Leases 485
Graduated 434,579
Holdings in Provincial Districts 363
Graduated 434,579
Holdings taken up, Sizes of 361
Graduated 434,579
Improved-farm Settlements 485,561
Graduated 434,579
Occupation of 360,560
Graduated 434,579
On Perpetual Lease, Lease in Perpetuity, and Occupation with Right of Purchase 485
Graduated 434,579
Rating on Unimproved Value 170
Graduated 434,579
Revenue from 489
Graduated 434,579
Sold on Deferred Payments 485
Graduated 434,579
Taken up under various Tenures, Ten Years 486
Graduated 434,579
Taken up in each Land District 488
Graduated 434,579
Tax 434,579
Graduated 434,579
Village Settlements, Land held 485
Village Settlements, sold on Deferred Payments, &c. 485
Land and Improvements, Government Valuation of 495
Land Districts in the Colony, Description of—Auckland, 646; Canterbury, 707; Hawke's Bay, 668; Marlborough, 685; Nelson, 691; Otago, 717; Southland, 727; Taranaki, 660; Wellington, 673; Westland, 696.
Land for Settlements Acts—
Estates offered for Selection during Year ended 31st March, 1906 492
Transactions under 490
Land Laws, Digest of 558
Administration 558
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Classification of Lands, &c. 558
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Grazing-runs, Small 562
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Improved-farm Settlements 561
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Land Districts and Principal Land Offices 558
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Mode of Acquiring Crown Lands 558
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Optional System of Selection 559
Freehold Tenure 559
Leases in Perpetuity 560
Occupation with Right of Purchase 559
Pastoral Runs 562
Residence and Improvements 560
Special-settlement Associations 561
Survey Charges on Unsurveyed Land 563
Village Settlements 561
Land Settlements Acts, 1896–1905, Aid to Public Works and 431
Land System of New Zealand 551
Land-tax 434,579
Land Transfer Act, Fees payable under 113
Lands—
Native, Purchase of, by Government 555
Survey Charges on Unsurveyed 563
Land under Cultivation in Counties 377
Land, Valuation of—
In Boroughs 507
In Colony 502
In Counties 504
In Local Districts 510
Law and Crime 144
Laws, Difference of, between England and New Zealand. (See Year-book, 1896, p. 281.)
Legislation, Special Banking. (See Year-book, 1902, p. 400.)
Legislative Council 32
Roll of Members of the (see also Corrigenda) 33
“Legitimation Act, 1894”; 214
Letters posted 331
Licenses and Licensed Houses 193
Licenses—
Number and Fees paid 193
Proportion to Population 193
Licensing Laws—
Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act 194
Annual Fees 194
Revenue from Licenses 193
Life Insurance, Year 1904 408
Lighthouses, Names and Number of, Colour, Order, &c. 85
Lincoln Agricultural College 120
List, Official 37
Live-stock—
Average Prices of 413
Export of 305
In Australasia 366
In each County 364
Loans—
Expenditure, 1905–6 425
For Advances to Settlers 430
General Government (see Public Debt) 437
Of Local Bodies, Outstanding, at various Rates of Interest 167
Of Local Bodies, Net Indebtedness 166
Local Bodies' Loans Acts 168
Local Bodies—
Cost of Management 164
Expenditure of 163
Indebtedness: Twenty-one Years 160
Number of 159
Outstanding Loans at various Rates of Interest 167
Rates collected in Twenty-one Years 160
Revenue and Expenditure of Boroughs, Counties, Drainage Board, Harbour Boards, River Boards, Road Boards, Town Boards 163–165
Taxation by 161
Local-option Poll, 1905 194
Lucerne 599
Magistrates' Courts, Apprehensions, Convictions, &c. 147
Mail-services between England and New Zealand, Cost of 332
Maize, Area under 383
Manawatu-Wellington Railway 329
Mangolds and Carrots 384
Manual and Technical Instruction 119
Manufactories and Works 335
Comparison of, 1896 and 1901 337
Comparison, Number of Hands employed, 1891,1896, 1901 351
Comparison, Value of Product, 1885, 1890, 1895, and 1900 350
Details of Principal Industries 342
Increase in Value of Output, 1895–1900 336
Industries in Provincial Districts 338
Maoris, The—
Charged with Offences 153
Children attending Schools 137
Convicted of Offences, 1891–1904 153
Distribution of 454
Half-castes 461
Marriage Customs 638
Population at Last Census 461
Representation 17, 34, 481
Marlborough Land District—Physical Features: Rivers, Plains, Lakes, Forests, Soils, Grazing; Industries; Climate; Towns; Roads and Railways;
Crown Lands 685
Marriage, Births to every 208
Decrees for Dissolution of 146
Decrees for Judicial Separation 146
Rates in New Zealand, Australian States, and European Countries 216, 217
Marriages 216
Ages at which Marriage may be contracted 220
Ages of Persons Married 219
Of Aborigines 217
Percentage of Persons under 21 Years 221
Proportion by each Denomination 218
Proportion of each Sex signing Register by Mark 219
Measles, Deaths from 238
Meat, Frozen, Total Export of 302
Medicine, School of, Otago 724
Members of House of Representatives, Roll of 35
Legislative Council, Roll of 33
Meteorological Observations 200
Miles of Railway open for Traffic 327
Military and Naval Defences 63
Milk—
Average Yield of Butter from 603
Average Yield per Cow 603
Mineral Production of Australasia 390
Minerals, Gold, Coal, and other 387
Mineral Waters of New Zealand 616
Mines, Schools of 120
Mines, State Coal 397
Ministers, Officiating, under Marriage Act 221
Ministers, Cabinet 31
Ministries, Successive 24
Money-orders and Postal-notes 332
Mortgages 406
Amounts borrowed at various Rates of Interest 407
Mountains 9, 10, 634
Mount Cook 11
Egmont 10
Ruapehu 10
Tongariro 9
Municipal Corporations Acts 1900 and 1902, Qualifications for Enrolment under 169
Mutton. (See Frozen Meat.)
Consumption per Head. (See Year-book, 1898, p. 289.)
National Scholarships 138
Native Lands purchased by Government 555
Native Schools 137
Naturalisation 215
Nelson Land District—General Description; Rivers, Lakes, Plains, Forests; Agricultural, Pastoral, Mining; Towns; Railways, Roads, Tracks, &c.;
Crown Lands 691
Newspapers 87
Posted 331
New Zealand—
Abolition of Provincial Governments in 17
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Area of, Boundaries and 5
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Arrival of Missionaries in 3
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Captain Cook's Visits to 2
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Colonisation of 3
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Colony divided into Six Provinces 17
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Company 3
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
County Government in 17
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Cook Islands, Inclusion of 5
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Discovery and Early Settlement of 2
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
General Assembly of 32
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Governors of, Successive 19
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Lieutenant Hanson's Visit to 3
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Made a Separate Colony 4
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Representative Government granted in 16
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Settlement at Port Nicholson 3
Canterbury 4
Nelson 4
New Plymouth 4
Otago 4
Sovereignty of Queen proclaimed 3
Surville, and Marion du Fresne, Visits of 2
Tasman's Visit 2
Treaty of Waitangi 4
Niue, Island of 736
Oats 382
Oat-crop of Australasia, 1905 383
Occupation of Land 360
Offences—
Charges for, before Magistrates'Courts 147
Convicted before Supreme and District Courts 153
Summarily convicted 153
Convictions for 148
Convicted before Supreme and District Courts 153
Summarily convicted 153
Maoris charged with 153
Convicted before Supreme and District Courts 153
Summarily convicted 153
Office, The Colonial 28
Official List 37
Officiating Ministers 221
Old-age Pensions 584
Optional System of selecting Land 559
Orchards 384,610
Orphan Asylums 253
Orphanhood of Children 229
Otago Land District—Boundaries and Area; Physical Description; Rivers and Lakes, Plains, Forests; Building-stones, Coal, Limestone; Climate; West Coast; Fruit, Crops, Stock; Freezing Establishments, Woollen-mills, Clothing-factories, Dairy-factories; Gold Production; Chief Towns; City of Dunedin; Towns and surrounding Country; Railways; Statistical; Local Industries 717
Outlying Islands of New Zealand 14,733
Parcels Post 331
Value of Imports by 260
Parliament, Members of 35
Parliaments, Successive 23
Passengers, Railway 328
Pastoral Leases—
Lands held under 485
Receipts from 485
Patent Slips and Graving-docks 69
Pensions, Old-age 584
Perpetual-lease System, Land held under the 485
Perpetuity, Leaseholds in 485
Phormium tenax—
Export of 305
Phosphate Rock 398
Phthisis, Death-rates from 240
Deaths from, 1896 to 1905 240
Physical Features of the North Island 8
Middle Island 11
Pigs 373,609
In Counties 364
In Provincial Districts 373
Pilotage, Port Charges, &c. 73
Plantations, Gardens, and Orchards, Acreage in 384
Population of New Zealand 454
Arrivals and Departures 458
From and to United Kingdom 458
Of Chinese 459
Census, 1906 460
Chinese 460
Cook and other Islands 455
European 454
Increase in each Quarter, 1905 456
In adjacent Islands 468
In Principal Cities and Suburbs 466
In Provincial Districts (Census, 1906) 462
Maori 460
Of Australasia 469
Of Boroughs (Census, 1906) 463
Of Capital City (Census, 1906) 466
Of Counties (Census, 1906) 463
Of Town Districts (Census, 1906) 468
Port Charges, Pilotage, &c. 73
Post-offices 331
Savings-banks 402
Securities 403
Potatoes 384
Cost of Growing 594
Cultivation of 594
Export of 313
Yield of 384
Preferential and Reciprocal Trade 589
Premiers of Successive Ministries 25
Preserved Meats exported 311
Prices and Wages 413–417
Principal Events, Dates of 744
Prisoners in Gaol 154
Private Schools 135
Probation Act, First Offenders treated under 157
Production, Total Value of 374
Property-tax repealed 434
Prospect of Small Farmers 610
Public Debt 437
Annual Charge 444
Securities in which invested 446
Comparison with Past Years 442
Securities in which invested 446
Details of Loans 438
Securities in which invested 446
Flotation of Loans 447
Securities in which invested 446
Increase of 443
Securities in which invested 446
Net Indebtedness 442
Securities in which invested 446
Of Australasia 452
Securities in which invested 446
Purposes of Money composing Debt 448
Securities in which invested 446
Rates of Interest on 444
Securities in which invested 446
Sinking Fund accrued, Amount of 443
Securities in which invested 446
Stock Quotations 148
Public Libraries subsidised 143
Public Property, Value of 412
Public Schools 116
Industrial Schools 139
Secondary Schools, Income and Expenditure of 130
Technical Schools 119
Public Trust Office (see also Year-book, 1898, p. 454) 411
Number and Value of Estates administered 411
Public Works 19,358
Expenditure on 450
Purchase of Native Lands by Government 555
Queen's Scholarships 138
Quotations, New Zealand Stock 448
Railways 327
Australian States, Miles of, in 330
Length and Cost 327
Particulars of Revenue from 329
Passengers 328
Profit on Working 329
Revenue and Expenditure 329
Train-miles 326
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Comparison of Traffic, Revenue, and Expenditure for Sixteen Years 328, 329
Length and Cost 327
Particulars of Revenue from 329
Passengers 328
Profit on Working 329
Revenue and Expenditure 329
Train-miles 326
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Government, Goods and Live-stock carried 328
Length and Cost 327
Particulars of Revenue from 329
Passengers 328
Profit on Working 329
Revenue and Expenditure 329
Train-miles 326
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
In New Zealand, their History and Progress. (See Year-book, 1894, p. 377.)
Wellington-Manawatu Railway 329
Rainfall in New Zealand 200
Rape and Turnips, Acres under 384
Rateable Properties in Boroughs 174
In Road Districts 185
Town Districts 184
Rates collected by Local Bodies, Twenty-one Years 160
Rates of Wages, Average in Provincial Districts in 1905 415–417
Rating on Unimproved Value 170, 581
Method of taking Poll 581
Ratepayers may demand Poll to be taken 581
Result of Polls taken by Local Bodies 170
System Optional 581
Reciprocal Trade 589
Repayments of Advances to Settlers 568
Representation 470
Duties and Functions of Representation Commissions 470
Maori 18
Electoral Acts 1905”; 18
Maori 18
Electoral Acts 471
Maori 18
Electoral Divisions of the Colony 471
Maori 18
General Election of 1905 472
Maori 18
Maori Members 481
Maori 18
Qualifications of Electors, European 18
Maori 18
Representation Commissions 470
Woman's Franchise 18, 471
Residence and Improvements on Crown Lands 560
Revenue and Expenditure—
Government Railways 329
Land-tax and Income-tax, Revenue from 419
Loan Expenditure, 1905–6 425
Of Boroughs, Counties, Drainage Boards, Harbour Boards, River Boards, Road Boards, and Town Boards 163–165
Ordinary Revenue 420
Ordinary Revenue Expenditure 422
Territorial Revenue Expenditure 423
Territorial Revenue 420
River Boards, Revenue of 163
Rivers 9, 13
Road Boards, Revenue, Expenditure, &c. 163
Roll of Members of the House of Representatives 35
Legislative Council 33
Roman Catholic Schools 135
Root-crops 384, 594
Sailors' Home, Auckland 253
Savings-Banks, Post-Office 402
Private 404
Scholarships 138
Schools, Blind 142
Deaf and Dumb 142
Cost of 140
Inmates, 1903 and 1904 141
District High 130
Cost of 140
Inmates, 1903 and 1904 141
Industrial 139
Cost of 140
Inmates, 1903 and 1904 141
Engineering 120
Mines 120
Native 137
Primary Public 116
Private 135
Roman Catholic 135
Secondary or Superior 128
Sunday 142
Seeds, Grass- 597
Settlement, Discovery and Early 2
Settlements, Land for 490, 554
Acquisition of Land under 490
Estates offered for Selection during Year 1905–1906 492
Government Aid to Settlers 555
Preference given to Landless People 555
Process of Acquisition 554
Special Provisions for Workmen's Homes 555
Transactions of Board for Year 1905–1906 490
Settlers, Advances to 429, 564
Sheep 367, 601
In Australasia, 1904–1905 366
In Colony 367
In Counties 364
In Provincial Districts, April, 1904 and 1905 368
Number and Size of Flocks 368
Numbers in North and Middle Islands 367
Sheep-farming 601
Clips, Average Weight of 601
Grass-seed sown per Acre 385
Lambing Returns 369
New Zealand Flock-book 602
Shipping 325
Coastwise, Inwards 326
Coastwise, Outwards 326
Inwards and Outwards, Eleven Years 325, 326
Registered Vessels 327
Shipwrecked Mariners, Depots for 66
Silver Produced 387
Sinking Fund—
Amounts paid for Interest and 445
Securities of 446
Sitting-days of House of Representatives 34
Legislative Council 32
Slips, Patent 69
Small Farmers, Prospects of 610
Small Grazing-runs 485, 562
Soils, Description of. (See Land Districts.)
Sounds, West Coast 12
South Africa, Trade with 321
Southern Lakes, The 635
Southland Land District—Physical Features; Area, Nature, and Disposition of Lands; Agriculture, Dairy-farming, Sheep-farming; Coal and Gold; Fish, Fruit; Climate; Towns; Crown Lands for Disposal 727
Sown Grasses, Extent of 376
In Counties 377
New Zealand, compared with Australia 385
Speaker of Legislative Council. (See Addenda.)
Speakers of the House of Representatives, Successive 26
Legislative Council, Successive 25
Special-settlement Associations 561
Spinsters and Bachelors in New Zealand 217
Spirits, Consumption per Head 152, 264
Springs, The Thermal 616
State Coal-mines 397
State Fire Insurance 582
State Instruction. (See Schools.)
Statistical Synopsis: Fifty Years' Progress of Colony 538
Stewart Island 6, 13, 636
Stipendiary Magistrates' Courts, Apprehensions, Convictions, &c. 147
Civil Cases 144
Stock in New Zealand, Live- 364, 600
In Australasia 366
Subsidised Public Libraries 143
Successive Governors 19
Ministries 24
Premiers 25
Sugar, Consumption of 263
Supplemental. Fifty Years' Progress of New Zealand 538
Supreme Court, Civil Cases 144
Judges, Past and Present 21
Survey Charges on Unsurveyed Lands 563
Sutherland Waterfall, The 718
Tallow exported 302
Taranaki Land District—Physical Features; Soils; Dairying, Grazing, &c.; Mining; Climate; Towns; Roads and Railways; Crown Lands 660
Tariff, Customs 94–112
Taxation by General Government 435
Deductions and Exemptions under Land and Income Tax 434, 573, 580
Graduated 434, 579
Growth of Amount paid in Income Tax 578
Graduated 434, 579
Income-tax 435, 573
Graduated 434, 579
Land-tax (ordinary) 434, 579
Graduated 434, 579
Proportion derived from Customs, 1905–1906 436
Yield of Land and Income Tax 436, 578
Taxation by Local Bodies 161
Tea, Consumption of 264
Teachers, Training of 143
Technical Education 119
Telegraphs: Messages transmitted, Miles of Line. Receipts 333
Telephone Exchanges 333
Temperature and Rainfall 200
At different Stations of New Zealand 200
Highest and Lowest in Shade, in New Zealand, the Australian States, and other British Possessions 205
Tenure of Occupied Lands 362
Tenures, the Three, under Land Act 559
Thermal Springs 616
Timber exported 314
Tobacco, Consumption of 265
Tongariro Mountain 9
Totalisator Permits issued 550
Town Districts. (See Local Bodies.)
Towns, Principal, and Suburbs 466
Trade—
Australasia as Market for Great Britain, Importance of 324
External, of Australasia 322
Of Australasia, Value of, per Head 323
Of Australasia with United Kingdom 323
(See Exports.)
(See Imports.)
(See Shipping.)
Of Cook and other Islands 262, 316
Per Head of Population, Twenty Years 318
With Atlantic and Pacific Ports of United States, Ten Years 320
With Australia 319
With Germany 320
With India 321
With United Kingdom 319
With United States 320
Transport and Communication 325
Electric Telegraph 333
Australasian 330
Cost of 328
Number of Miles travelled 328
Revenue and Expenditure for Sixteen Years 329
Traffic for Sixteen Years 328
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Shipping 325
Mail-services 332
Australasian 330
Cost of 328
Number of Miles travelled 328
Revenue and Expenditure for Sixteen Years 329
Traffic for Sixteen Years 328
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Shipping 325
Postal and Electric Telegraph 331
Australasian 330
Cost of 328
Number of Miles travelled 328
Revenue and Expenditure for Sixteen Years 329
Traffic for Sixteen Years 328
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Shipping 325
Railways 327
Australasian 330
Cost of 328
Number of Miles travelled 328
Revenue and Expenditure for Sixteen Years 329
Traffic for Sixteen Years 328
Traffic in Local Products for Sixteen Years 328
Shipping 325
Treaty of Waitangi 4
Tree-planting 611
Trout in New Zealand, Introduction of. (See Year-book, 1894, p. 431.)
Trust Office, Public (see also Year-book, 1898, p. 454) 411
Turnips, Acreage under 384
Unimproved Value, Rating on 170
United States, Trade with 320
University of New Zealand 132
Senate 134
Students 134
Undergraduates 134
Vaccination, Exemption from 239
Vaccinations, Successful, Numbers and Proportions 239
Valuation of Land, Government 495
Value of Home Produce exported 298
Vessels. (See Shipping.)
Village Settlements 561
Vital Statistics 207
Vital Statistics, Australasian Capitals. 1904 227
Volunteers 63
Wages and Prices in each Provincial District 413–417
Water-races, Canterbury 711
Wealth, Private 411
Wellington, City of—
Exports 294
General Description 673
Imports 259
Meteorology 202
Population (and all Suburbs) 466
Value of Property 507, 535
Vital Statistics 214, 223
Wellington Land District—Physical Features; Plains, Rivers, Lakes, Scenery, Forests, Soil; Climate; Harbours and Ports; Towns; Crown Lands; Industries, &c. 673
Wellington–Manawatu Railway 329
Westland Land District—Physical Features, Mountains, Rivers, Forests, Lakes, Soil, Climate, Lands, Harbours, Towns, Mining and Minerals, &c. 696
Wheat, Amount held from Previous Season 382
Acreage and Actual Yield in Provincial Districts 375
Annual Average, Principal Countries 382
Area under, and Produce, Sixteen Years 380
Annual Average, Principal Countries 382
Consumption of, in New Zealand 382
Annual Average, Principal Countries 382
Crops of Australian States 382
Crop of the World 381
Export in 1905 303
Seed sown per Acre 593
White Island, a Day on 637
Wine, Consumption of, per Head 152, 264
Winter Oats and Cape Barley 598
Yield per Acre 598
Women's Franchise 18, 471
Wool—
Exported 299
Production of, Eighteen Years 299
Proportions of Greasy, Scoured, and Washed Wool exported, Eight Years 300
Used at Local Mills 299
Woollen Manufactures exported 296
World's Gold Production 391
World's Wheat-crop 381