STATISTICS OF NEW ZEALAND FOR 1861

On several important matters, however, the publication of these results has been anticipated by a series of Tables, (prepared with the least possible delay after the indispensable materials came into my hands), which were laid before both Houses of the General Assembly as a Parliamentary paper, by command of His Excellency, at the commencement of the late Session; and were also published in the Government Gazette of the 27th of June last. Those Tables included the Numbers, Sexes and Ages of the Population, the Numbers and Description of Houses, the Numbers of the different kinds of Live Stock, the Quantity of Land Fenced and the Number of Acres under each of the principal Crops belonging to Europeans;—those being regarded as the “branches of the Census Statistics on which there was the most general desire that the results should be officially made known without the delay which must necessarily attend a sufficiently careful compilation of other portions.” The figures thus given were avowedly subject to final revision, and to such amendments as might be suggested by inquiries on various points which I addressed to Enumerators in several parts of the Colony. Such information as I have been able to procure has been embodied in the present Volume; and the results of the Census of Stewart's Island and the Chatham Islands, which had not been received in June, are added; but a comparison of the Tables previously issued with those now presented will show that the former were, so far as they went, in substance equally reliable for all practical purposes, and justify my expectation that the amendments which might be required,—though not unimportant in relation to the object of statistical accuracy—would not involve alterations affecting any political, financial, or social question which might be influenced by the Results of the Census.

Before entering upon the review which I propose to take in this Report of the general Results of the late Census, I would observe that arrangements were made to obtain the required information, not only, as formerly, for each Province of the Colony, but also for each Electoral District as established and defined by “The Representation Act, 1860” of the General Assembly; a plan being devised according to which, in those cases in which an Electoral District runs into more than one Province, the particulars were to be presented separately for each Province and for each Electoral District. In pursuance of this plan, separate Tables have been constructed for the Provinces and the Electoral Districts respectively, upon all the branches of information on which such details seemed necessary, or conducive to the main object of exhibiting, in the most practical and intelligible shape attainable, the circumstances of New Zealand in relation to the several matters referred to. For convenience of reference, the Schedule to the “Representation Act, 1860” is reprinted in extenso in the Appendix to this Volume, on turning to which the exact portion of the territory of the Colony comprised in each of the Electoral Districts may be ascertained.

The appointments of Enumerators for the several Provinces were all made by His Excellency on the recommendation of the respective Superintendents, who were requested to nominate the persons most competent in their judgment to discharge the duties satisfactorily; and the Sub-Enumerators having been selected by those Enumerators, (subject to the Governor's approval which, in every case, was given), the machinery for the collection of the Census information in each Province was virtually organized by its own Provincial Government. The work, there is no reason to doubt, was generally performed with zeal and assiduity; and—(although, from various causes, some of the Returns received at this office required explanations involving the delay of correspondence, and, in a few instances, partial recompilation from the original Schedules),—I am satisfied that the correctness of the Results as now presented, may, for all practical purposes, be fully relied on.

I now proceed to give, in a summary and greatly condensed, form, (although with some explanatory additions), a view of the leading points of information contained in the following Volume, as respects both the Census Results and the General Statistics of the Colony for 1861;—with the two-fold object of serving as an introduction to the Tables for the use of those who may feel sufficient interest in the subject to examine and compare the figures in detail; and of supplying the place of such examination for those—and I apprehend there may be many such, especially amongst the persons in other countries to whom the Volume will be forwarded—who, while they are desirous of becoming acquainted with the latest statistical information relating to New Zealand, would scarcely devote the necessary time and labour to the task of making an analysis of the Tables for themselves,—even though aided by the Summaries and condensed Tabular Results which will be found in various parts of the Volume. References in the margin will direct in every instance to the Tables in which will be found more or less copious details of the information thus summarized.*

* A remark or two may be desirable to avoid misconceptions with regard to the Comparative Tables of the Census Results, the preparation of which has formed a considerable part of the labour connected with the compilation of the Volume. These Tables are designed to show the progress of the Colony by a comparison of the Results of the Census of 1861 with the Results of the Census of 1858, and also with those of the Census of 1851. It is to be borne in mind,—

1. That the Census of 1851 applied to the “Settlements” of New Zealand, while in 1858 and 1861 the more recent division into “Provinces” has been adopted. But although the geographical boundaries of the latter extend beyond the less defined limits of the former, yet, in a comparison restricted to the European Population, the difference is not so great as materially to affect the value of the conclusions.

2. The Provinces recently established (under the provisions of “The New Provinces Act. 1858”) are necessarily included, in the comparisons relating to years before their separation, with the Provinces of which they then formed part. Consequently “Hawke's Bay” is included with “Wellington” in the figures for 1851, and “Marlborough” and “Southland” with “Nelson” and “Otago” respectively, for both 1851 and 1858.

3. The Electoral Districts having been taken separately for the first time in 1861, no Comparative Tables relating to them could be prepared

4. Stewart's Island is not included in the figures for 1851, the particulars requisite for the comparisons in the Tables not being obtainable for that year. For similar reasons, the Chatham Islands are not included in any of the Comparative Tables.

The Notes on these points which are appended to several of the Tables need scarcely occupy the attention of a reader desiring merely a reliable view of the General Statistical conclusions arrived at; but any student of the Tables, who may wish to test their accuracy by minutely comparing different sets of figures, will find it necessary to refer to them for the explanation of variations which might otherwise be regarded as discrepancies indicative of negligence or error.

The actually enumerated Population of European Descent in New Zealand in December 1861, as shewn by the Census Returns, was 99,021,—the Numbers for the respective Provinces being, Auckland, 24,420; Taranaki, 2,044; Wellington, 12,566; Hawke's Bay, 2,611; Nelson, 9,952; Marlborough, 2,299; Canterbury, 16,040; Otago, 27,163; Southland, 1,820;—to which are to be added, Stewart's Island, 56; and the Chatham Islands, 50; making the Total as above. It thus appears that the Northern Island, (comprising the Provinces of Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Hawke's Bay), contained 41,641, or 42.10 per cent., of the Population; and the Middle Island, (comprising Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland), 57,274, or 57.90 per cent. But there is reason to believe that on the day when the Census was taken there were about 3,000 Gold Miners in different gullies and on the roads in Otago, who could not be individually included in the Schedules. The addition of these would make the Population of that Province 30,163, and of the Colony, 102,021. These Numbers are exclusive of the Military and their Families, who numbered altogether 7,294,—viz., Officers and Men, 5,836; Male Children, 437; and Women and Female Children, 1,021.

Although, therefore, the Number actually included in the Census Returns is adhered to in the Comparative Tables and the various Centesimal calculations, as representing the Civilian Population of European origin ascertained by the Census, it would be safe to conclude that the real European Population—Civilian and Military—in December 1861, might be estimated at an aggregate of 109,315 souls.

It is obvious, however, that the progress of the Colony can best be demonstrated by comparison with previous years, and for this purpose Tables have been compiled comparing the Population Returns of December 1861, with those of the Census of 1858, and also with those of 1851. The general results are that the Population, which, in 1851, was 26,707, had, in 1858, increased to 59,328, being an absolute increase in seven years amounting to 32,621 persons, or, calculated centesimally, of 121.86 per cent.:—while, in 1861, the Total was (omitting Stewart's and the Chatham Islands) 98,915, being an increase of 72,208, or 270.37 per cent. on the decennial period between the first and the last Census.

More immediate interest, however, attaches to the progress made during the three years between the Census of December 1858 and that of December 1861. Here we find, (omitting the Chatham Islands, but including Stewart's Island, the particulars respecting which were ascertained in 1858), a Total of 98,971 in 1861 against 59,328 in 1858; being an increase in three years amounting to 39,643 persons, or 66.82 per cent. on the Population.

In this increase all the Provinces have, more or less largely, participated, with the exception of Taranaki, the Returns from which, as might have been anticipated, bear testimony to the disastrous consequences of the War, in a diminution of Population as well as of the other elements of material prosperity with which these Statistical Tables have to do. Previously, that Province had shared in the general advance of the Colony; the Population which in 1851 had been 1,532 having increased in 1858 to 2,650, being an increase in seven years of 1,118 persons, or nearly 73 per cent. on the Population; and so much of the increase of that period still remains as to show 512 persons, or 33.42 per cent. more in 1861 than in 1851. But, on comparing the figures which apply to the last three years, we find in 1861 as compared with 1858 a decrease of 606 persons, or 22.86 on the Population.

The influx of Population to Otago immediately consequent upon the discovery of rich Gold Fields in that Province, is strikingly exhibited in the Returns, which show for December 1861 (without counting the 3,000 diggers referred to above as believed to have been on the Gold Fields though not enumerated in the Census Returns) a Population of 27,163 against 6,944 in 1858, although Otago then included the now distinct Province of Southland; 18,592 of the Total in 1861 being returned for the (auriferous) Electoral District of Bruce. This shows an increase of 22,039 persons, or 317.31 per cent. on the Population of Otago in 1861 above the Population of that Province, including Southland, in 1858. Thus the actually enumerated Population of the single Province of Otago in 1861 is seen to have exceeded the Population of the entire colony of New Zealand in 1851 by 456; or adding the above-mentioned 3,000, by 3,456 souls.

Nor is this evidence of progress restricted to Otago. At nearly the other extremity of the Colony, Auckland, without the attraction of an actually developed Gold Field (for the sanguine expectations formed of the auriferous wealth of Coromandel are only just now about to be decisively tested) shows a Population less by only 2,287 than that of New Zealand in 1851.

Summarizing the comparison between 1858 and 1861 (of which details are given in Table II), and taking the Provinces in the order of their proportionate advance in Population in those three years, the following results appear:—

The relative proportion of the Male and Female Population might be estimated in a manner unjustly disadvantageous to the Colony in this important element of social prosperity, if the inference numerically deducible from the Totals in the Tables were adopted without consideration of the qualification suggested by the greatly disproportionate number of Males attracted to Otago by its Gold Fields,—very many of the Diggers being, no doubt, unmarried, or having left their wives in other countries. Taking the absolute numbers as they stand, the Males in New Zealand, in December 1861 (exclusive of the Military), were 61,062, or 61.67 per cent. of the whole Population: the Females, 37,959, or 38.33 per cent. But, taking the Province of Otago singly, we find the relative numbers, Males, 21,161, or 77.90 per cent.; Females, 6,002, or 22.10 per cent. A comparison of these proportionate numbers with those returned for Otago (and Southland) at the time of the Census of 1858 remarkably illustrates the extent of the change; the Males in 1858 having been 3,874, and the Females, 3,070, or centesimally, 55.79 and 44.21 respectively,—proportions closely approximating to those for the whole Colony, which were, Males, 56.68, and Females, 43.32 per cent.

If Otago be omitted from this calculation, the proportionate numbers for the other parts of the Colony will be, Males, 39,901, or 55.53 per cent.; and Females, 31,957, or 44.47 per cent.

Had it been practicable to take a Census of the Aboriginal Native Population simultaneously with that of the European, the results would have been, on various grounds, important and interesting in a very high degree. The undertaking would, however, at any time have been attended with considerable difficulty, and, under existing circumstances, an attempt to enumerate the Maories in many of the portions of the Colony in which they are most numerous, would obviously have been useless, or worse. On a small scale—in the Province of Canterbury—such an enumeration was made in December 1861 by Mr. Walter Buller;—and the results, ascertained, I have no doubt, with care and accuracy, will be found in the Appendix to this Volume, in a summary supplied by that gentleman. It shows as compared with a former Census taken by Mr. Buller in February 1860, an Increase in Canterbury (exclusive of the West Coast Settlements) from 480 to 541, viz., 31 Males, and 30 Females,—the comparative numbers being more worthy of notice as indicating, within the locality to which they apply, a diminution of the disproportion between the Sexes. But, interesting though this Return undoubtedly is, as a contribution towards a Maori Census, it is obviously too limited in its extent, and (from its relating to Natives who have been out of the reach of political agitation, and otherwise favourably circumstanced) too exceptional in its character, to be made the basis of any generalization.

Although, however, no new information relative to the great centres of Native Population can be presented, yet it may be acceptable to recapitulate very briefly the estimated numbers of Maories according to the latest data available. Taking as the basis, the Maori Census of 1857-8, (of which full abstracts were published in the Statistical Volume for 1857), and correcting the Numbers for Canterbury by the latest enumeration by Mr. Buller;—omitting also Stewart's Island and the Chatham Islands (in the former of which the Numbers were estimated at 200, and in the latter at 510,*),—the estimated Maori Population of New Zealand would amount to 31,329 Males and 23,928 Females; making (with 79 in the Province of Auckland, sex not stated,) a General Total of 55,336. This, of course, will be understood to be only such an approximation to the real numbers as the available materials permit: and would undoubtedly be more or less extensively modified if we could calculate exactly the changes which have taken place since the general enumeration was made in 1857-8,—an eventful interval in Maori history.

* The latest particulars ascertained respecting the Maoris and also the Aborigines or “Morioris” of the Chatham Islands, will be found in the Extracts from Mr. Seed's Report, Appendix I. of this volume.

On a superficial view, the great preponderance in numbers of the European Population might lead to conclusions respecting the relative physical force of the Races, which would be rectified by a consideration of the important fact of the unequal distribution of the Maori People of the Colony. According to the assumed estimate of the Maori Population, the Northern Island contains 53,056 of the whole, leaving only 2,280 for the Middle Island; to be compared with 41,641 Europeans in the former, and 57,274 in the latter.

A suggestive way of presenting this aspect of the case would be to show, for each Island, the comparative numbers of grown-up Males of the respective Races. The Maori Census of 1857-8 distinguished as far as possible the respective numbers under and above fourteen years of age: the last European Census distinguished those of sixteen and upwards. The comparison which may be deduced from these data can obviously at best be only roughly approximate; and it is, moreover, subject to the drawback that the Maori Census does not show the distinction of Age in the Districts of Turanga, Hick's Bay, Tauranga, Rotorua, Maketu, Tarawera, Whakatane and Opotiki. The Total Male Population of these Districts, however, is stated to have been 7,770; and, assuming that the proportions under and over fourteen in this Total would be about the average for the remainder of the Province in which they are situated, (viz., 27.66 per cent. under fourteen and 72.34 per cent. over fourteen,) the number over 14 may be calculated as 5,621. The comparison, thus wrought out, exhibits the following results:—

—The Military, of course, are not included in these numbers.

The following is a General Summary for the Colony (prepared on the same plan as that relating to Places of Birth in the preceding Section) showing the comparative results for 1858 and 1861.

It has been stated above that columns for “Miners” (including the Diggers on the Gold Fields) have been introduced, as it seemed proper to give a distinct enumeration to a class which, besides its importance in other respects, had increased numerically from 310 in 1858 to 11,138 in 1861, and is likely to continue to increase. But, amongst the disturbing consequences (statistically speaking) of the large infusion of this new element, it will be observed in the foregoing Summary, that some of the Classes (viz., Mechanics and Artificers, Professional and other Educated persons, Labourers, and Domestic Servants) shew a decrease in proportion to the Total Population. That there has not been any actual decrease—but, on the contrary, a marked increase—on the actual numbers of each of these Classes, is made evident by the columns showing their numerical and centesimal increase respectively: it is only when the proportions borne by them to the Total Population are exhibited that we mark the apparent decrease of which this explanation is offered.

The foregoing comparison is necessarily confined to those Descriptions which were specified in the compilation for 1858. In estimating the actual amount of information which may be deducible from the comparison thus instituted, it may, on this account, be proper to bear in mind that the considerable proportion which appears in the Class “Otherwise Described or Not Described,” in 1861, (amounting to 9.10 per cent. of the whole) to some extent affects the conclusions to be drawn from the other comparisons, as many of the persons included in this Class would, by a more detailed classification, be distributed in various proportions amongst the Bodies specified.

On this subject—the vital importance of which to the present well-being and the future prospects of the Colony needs no comment.—information is given in considerable detail, and with results which, on the whole, cannot but be regarded as highly gratifying and encouraging. Deducting 3,271 (viz., 42 in the Province of Auckland, 3,175 in the Province of Otago, 46 in the Province of Southland, and 8 in the Chatham Islands), with respect to whom the necessary particulars were not returned, it appears that of the Population of the Colony under sixteen years of age, 12,259,—viz., 6,343 Males, and 5,916 Females;—and of the Population of sixteen and upwards, 53,494,—viz., 36,187 Males, and 17,307 Females,—are able to Read and Write. Centesimally, the figures show these results:—Under Sixteen Years of Age, Cannot Read, Males 51.19, Females 50.95 per cent.; Read only, Males 15.46, Females 16.27 per cent.; Read and Write, Males 33.35, Females 32.78 per cent.;—Sixteen Years and upwards, Cannot Read, Males 3.89, Females 4.69 per cent.; Read Only, Males 3.04, Females 7.90 per cent.; Read and Write, Males 93.07, Females 87.41 per cent.:—Both Sexes and All Ages, Cannot Read, 22.32 per cent.; Read Only, 9.01 per cent.; Read and Write, 68.67 per cent., being, in the Total Numbers Able to Read and Write, an increase of 5.16 per cent. on the results shown by the Census of 1858.

Another calculation, made for the purpose of ascertaining the degree of Education between the Ages of Six and Sixteen, shows these results (deducting 26 Males, and 93 Females not described):—Males, Unable to Read, 49.53 per cent.; Able only to Read, 14.96 per cent.; Able to Read and Write, 32.26 per cent.:—Females, Unable to Read, 46.39 per cent.; Able only to Read, 14.81 per cent.; Able to Read and Write, 29.84 per cent.

The Comparative Table (No. XVII.) shows in detail for the several Provinces the Numbers of the Population in 1858 and 1861 respectively, classified according to the different degrees of Education:—the Numerical and Proportionate Increase or Decrease on those Numbers, as ascertained by the Census of 1861 (the Decrease being only in Taranaki) and the proportion per cent. of each degree of Education to the Total Population of the Provinces in the respective years.

The Number of Members of Universities shown by the Returns was 257 in the Colony.

see Table XVIII.

Table XVIII. shows the Numbers returned as attending School in each Province in December 1861, distinguishing the Sexes, and also showing the numbers of Males and Females respectively, under six years of age and between six and sixteen. The following Summary exhibits a comparative view of the total numbers attending School in December 1858 and December 1861.

I had occasion to remark in the Introductory Report on the Census of 1858, that the figures relating to School Attendance were not assumed to be absolutely accurate, “the columns for School Attendance being those which, in many instances, were least satisfactorily filled up;” and, although an effort was made by a modification of the headings in the last Census Schedules to mark the distinctions more carefully, I apprehend that still there has been some confusion, particularly with regard to the column headed “Both Day and Sunday,” the entries in which, there is reason to believe, represent children included, and children not included, in foregoing columns, in proportions which it would not be possible precisely to determine. But, even restricting the comparison to those who were distinctly returned as attending Day Schools, the advance of Educational effort and success is shown to have accompanied the increase of population and material prosperity, by a Total of 9,741 in 1861 against 4,627 in 1858; a Total which was itself a marked advance on the numbers (3,154) returned in 1851. To this Total of 9,741 (which, compared with the Population between the Ages of six and sixteen—the nearest approach to the usual school-going period afforded by the Census Returns—is a proportion of 52.7 per cent. on the Males, and 51.30 per cent. on the Females) is to be added the numbers attending Sunday Schools, which—although, for the reason stated above, they cannot be accurately divided into the classes of those who do, or do not, also attend Day Schools—yet bring out the important fact that there were, in December 1861, no less than 7,959 receiving, in addition to a certain amount of intellectual instruction, an education in the higher and better principles of religious knowledge.

The Amount of home-education in progress at the same time of course cannot be brought into any Public Returns; but its existence, extent, and value should never be lost sight of in any comprehensive estimate of the means in operation for the mental and moral training of the rising generation in the Colony.

According to the Census of December 1861, the Quantity of Land in Cultivation (under Crops) amounted to 226,500 Acres;—a marked increase on 1858, when the Quantity was 141,007 Acres; as that Quantity had been on 1851, when the Returns showed only 29,140 Acres in Crop.

The Land Fenced amounted in 1861 to 409,473 Acres; against 235,561 Acres in 1858: and 30,470 Acres in 1851.

The Aggregate Numbers of Live Stock of All Kinds, which had increased in the seven years (1851-1858) from 299,115 to 1,727,997, showed the further increase in the three years (1858-1861) to 3,036,972 (not including Poultry, enumerated for the first time at the last Census).

Taking the principal kinds of Live Stock separately, it is found that Horses in 1861 numbered 28,270 against 14,912 in 1858, and 2,890 in 1851:—and Horned Cattle, 193,150 in 1861, against 137,204 in 1858, and 34,787 in 1851. The increase in Sheep, however, is the most significant, as an indication of advancing wealth:—in 1851, the Total Number of Sheep in New Zealand was 233,043: in 1858, the Number was 1,523,324;—while the last Census shows the Number in December 1861 to have increased to two millions, seven hundred and sixty thousand, one hundred and eighty-three.

The Tables commented upon in the foregoing remarks comprehend the whole of the ordinary subjects of the Census. An attempt was made to collect a variety of additional information relating to matters on which Schedule B. of the Census Act authorises inquiry to be made; but in the effort to classify and tabulate these Returns similar difficulties to those which impeded a corresponding effort in 1859 have presented themselves; the adjustment of which—even assuming (what may be doubted) that the comprehensiveness and accuracy without which such compilations would be useless, or worse, might be attained—would have-caused further delay in the publication of the ascertained Statistics of the year, which it has been my anxious desire and endeavour to expedite as rapidly as, under the circumstances of the case, was possible. The information obtained will, however, I trust, ultimately be found of value, not only in itself but as a guide to further inquiries which may issue in more satisfactory results.

The IMMIGRATION (over Seas) to New Zealand in 1861 amounted to 22,339 souls, viz., Males, 19,099 Adults, and 797 Children; Females, 1,736 Adults and 707 Children.

The EMIGRATION (over Seas) from the Colony during the Year was 6,117 souls; viz., Males, 5,559 Adults, and 128 Children; Females, 319 Adults, and 111 Children.

see Table XIX.

The Net Excess of Immigration over Emigration in 1861 amounted therefore to 16,222 souls. Of this Total, no less than 14,041 fell to the share of the Province of Otago. The distribution of the remainder of the Net Excess was, Auckland, 918; Taranaki, 3; Wellington, 144; Hawke's Bay, 15; Nelson, 220; Canterbury, 770; and Southland, 115.

A separate Table shows the ARRIVALS and DEPARTURES between the Ports of the Colony during the year. The figures are correctly compiled from the Returns, but (as is intimated in Notes to the Table) the departures from other Ports for the Otago Gold Fields occurred frequently after the clearance of vessels, and could not be enumerated with accuracy by the Emigration Officers; so that the Totals in this Table, (especially as relates to Dunedin) cannot be regarded as more than approximations.

see Table XX.

The BIRTHS registered in New Zealand in 1861 numbered 3,441, viz., 1,752 Males, and 1,689 Females; being an increase of 295, (viz., 186 Males and 109 Females) over the Number in 1860.

see Tables XXI. to XXIV.

The DEATHS registered in 1861 numbered 1,109, viz., 632 Males and 477 Females, being a Increase of only 7 (viz., 2 Males and 15 Females) over the number in 1860. Of the Total in 1861, 457 (viz., 234 Males and 223 Females) were Children under five Years of Age. One hundred and thirty-three of the Deaths (viz., 97 Males and 36 Females) were not occasioned by disease, but by Drowning or other External Causes.

The Total Excess of Births over Deaths in 1861 was 2,332, against 2,054 in the preceding year. The Total Excess of Births over Deaths in seven years (1855-1861) was 11,857, viz., 5,729 Males and 6,128 Females.

see Table XXII.

The MARRIAGES solemnized in New Zealand in 1861 numbered 878, being an Increase of 188 as compared with 1860. The Tables show the Numbers in the respective Provinces for each year beginning with 1855 (when the Total was only 406), and also the Numbers solemnized in each Province and Year by Officiating Ministers of the several Religious Bodies and by Registrars.

see Tables XXIII., XXIV.

The Tables relating to TRADE and INTERCHANGE (as well as the Revenue Tables) have, as in preceding years, been prepared in the Office of the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer and Commissioner of Customs, under the supervision of Mr. R. F. Porter. The evidence of the general prosperity of the Colony afforded by them is gratifying in a high degree.

The VESSELS Entered Inwards at the several Ports of New Zealand in 1861 (not including Coasting Vessels) numbered 596, with an Aggregate Tonnage of 197,986, being an Increase of 198 in the Number of Vessels and of 57,710 in the Tonnage as compared with 1860.

see Tables XXV., XXVI.

The Vessels Cleared Outwards in 1861 were 546 in number, with a Tonnage of 205,350, against 398 Vessels, and 140,293 Tonnage in 1860.

The Number of Registered Vessels belonging to Ports in New Zealand in December 1861 was 252, with a Tonnage of 9,144, being an increase of 14 Vessels with 617 Tonnage as compared with 1860. Of the Total, 195 Vessels, with 6,696 Tonnage belong to the Port of Auckland.

see Table XXXIII.

IMPORTS

The TOTAL VALUE of IMPORTS to New Zealand in 1861 amounted to £2,493,811, being an Increase of £945,478 as compared with the previous year. Even deducting the extraordinary Increase at the Port of Dunedin, (amounting to £571,250 as compared with 1860) there remains a very encouraging Increase for the other Ports of the Colony. The Comparative Table (No XXIX) presents compendiously and in a striking aspect the advance of the Colony as indicated by the Value of Imports, from 1853 when the Total was £597,827 to 1861 when the Total had more than quadrupled, amounting, as stated above, to £2,493,811.

see Tables XXVII TO XLII.

EXPORTS.

The TOTAL VALUE of EXPORTS from New Zealand in 1861 was £1,370,247, being an increase of £781,294 as compared with 1860. Excluding the Value of Imported Articles re-exported from the Colony, the comparison is still more favourable, the Increase in the Value of New Zealand Produce and Manufactures exported in 1861 being £790,108. It is to be observed, however, that a large proportion of this Increase was owing to the development of the Gold Fields; the Value of Gold exported in 1861 having been £752,657, against £17,585 in 1860, being an increase of £735,072 in 1861.

see Table XXIX.

Besides copious particulars of the Exports in the detailed Tables for the year, Summaries will be found showing, in a condensed form, not only for 1861 but also for the preceding years since 1853, the Totals of the principal articles of Export, viz., Gold, Grain, Kauri Gum, Oil, Potatoes, Timber, and Wool. On the two most remarkable of these, (viz. Gold and Wool) a remark or two further may be offered.

It may be interesting to trace through this series of Statistical Volumes the progress of the Export of Gold, the produce of New Zealand. The Volume for 1858 was the first in which it was thought requisite to devote a separate Table to it. That Table (No. 59 of 1858) showed that up to the 31st December 1857, the Estimated Value of Gold exported was £40,442 6s. 2d., to which was added an Export in 1858 in value £52,443 16s. 1d.; making the Total Value to the end of 1858, £92,886 2s. 3d. (exclusive of any exported privately, the value of which could not be ascertained).

The Volume for 1859 showed an Export of Gold in that year valued at £28,427, making the Total, to the end of December 1859, £121,313.

In 1860, the value of Gold exported was £17,585 (the whole of which was from Nelson); making the General Total to the end of 1860, £138,898 2s. 3d.

In 1861 (to which this Volume chiefly belongs) the Summary Table shows an Export of Gold amounting in quantity to 194,324 ounces, and in estimated value to £752,657; making the General Total of Value to the 31st December 1861, £891,555 2s. 3d. The Quarterly Returns published in the Government Gazette were not calculated, during the first half of the year, to excite any anticipation of such an extraordinary increase, the Total Value of Gold Exported having been, in the March Quarter, £12,198 6s. 0d., and in the June Quarter only £5,335 18s. 2d. But in the September Return we find the Otago Gold Fields appearing with an Export from Dunedin of 23,178 ounces, of the value of £89,814; followed in the December Quarter by an Export from the same Gold Fields, amounting to 164,518 ounces in Quantity, and to £637,507 in Value; making the General Total for the Colony (as above stated) £752,657.

[Although the definite object of the present Volume is to exhibit the Statistics of 1861, (subsequent Returns being reserved for the Volume for 1862,) yet, on so important and interesting a matter as the productiveness of the Gold Fields of the Colony, it seems desirable to embody the latest official information available. I therefore introduce here a Return which has just appeared in the Near Zealand Gazette (No. 41, December 6, 1862) which brings the particulars, in a clear and satisfactory form, down to the end of the September Quarter of 1862.

In its own way, the progress of that very important resource of the Colony—WOOL—has been scarcely less remarkable. In 1861, the Value of this Export, calculated at the uniform rate of one shilling and four pence per lb., was £523,728, being an Increase of £79,336 over the preceding year (1860), although that year had shown an Increase on 1859 amounting to £104,613. In 1853, (the first year included in these Tables), the Total Value of Wool exported from the Colony was only £66,507. Year by year since, the Export has gone on with rapidly increasing progress, until we find in 1861 a Total attained for that single year which comes within £28,635 of the aggregate amount of the Totals of the five years, 1853-1857, taken together.

see Table XLII.

The REVENUE Tables add their conclusive testimony to the rapid progress of the Colony.

see Tables XLIII., XLIV., XLV.

The Customs Revenue, which in 1860 exceeded that for 1859 by £20,852, shows in 1861 a further advance of £70,695 on that of 1860,—the respective amounts being £260,863 in 1861, against £189,168 in 1860.

The Total Ordinary Revenue in 1861 (details of which are given in Table XLIV), amounted to £324,146, against £233,108 in the previous year: the Total Territorial Revenue for the same periods respectively was £347,354, against £215,760: making the Total Revenue of the Colony in the year 1861, £691,464, against £464,739 in 1860.

The Comparative Table of Revenue for the successive years since 1853 (No. XLIII) will enable the reader to mark the advance in each year and for each Province; beginning with a General Total of £149,820 in 1853, and advancing to the more than quadrupled amount of the General Total in 1861.

see Tables XLVI.(A. to I.), XLVII., XLVIII.

In a series of Tables, introduced for the first time in the present Volume, the LAND SALES in the Colony from the 1st April 1856 (the earliest date to which the information in its present form could be carried) to the 31st December 1861, are shown, both in detail and summarized, for the respective Provinces and Years. One Number (XLVI.) is given to all the Tables for the separate Provinces, that for each Province being distinguished by a Letter,—from XLVIA. for Auckland to XLVII. for Southland. Table XLVII. contains a Summary which will enable the reader to see at a glance the Total Results for each Province during the entire period from April 1856 to December 1861; and Table XLVIII. shows in a similarly compendious form the Total Results for the whole Colony in each Year of that period. It will be seen that the Tables include not merely the Sales, but also the other modes in which the Waste Lands have been disposed of, and the consideration received in lieu of Land; distinguishing also Remission Certificates to Retired Officers and Naval and Military Land Orders; and Grants without Purchase, Free Grants, and Old Land Claims. The whole has been compiled from Returns presented, by command, to the House of Representatives, and, I trust, will be found intelligible and satisfactory to those who take an interest in this important subject.

The Table showing, for the several Provinces, the Average Prices of Provisions and Live Stock in 1861, will afford evidence that the principal necessaries of life are obtainable throughout New Zealand at reasonable rates.

see Table LV.

see Tables LVI., LVIL., LVIII., LIX.

The Tables relating to the POST OFFICE have been constructed on a plan somewhat different from that adopted in previous years, and, probably, better adapted to show the real business transacted in this Department. It will be seen that the Aggregate Number of Letters that passed through the several Chief Post Offices in New Zealand during the year was 1,236,76, of which 335,628 were from and to the United Kingdom, 174,064 from and to the Australian Colonies, 710,213 between the several Provinces and Sub-Offices, and 16,863 from and to Other Places. A separate Table shows the Numbers of Letters Despatched from New Zealand to Places out of the Colony, distinguishing the Destination of the Letters and the respective Chief Offices from which they were sent.

There is, I apprehend, less certainty as to the Numbers of Newspapers received and despatched (as shown in Table LVIII.), the Returns not affording means of ascertaining the Numbers sent through the Post Office more than once. The Totals, as they stand, are, Newspapers Received, 630,436; Despatched, 797,915.

An interesting Table (No. LIX.), copied from the last Report to His Excellency by the Hon. the Postmaster-General, gives a Comparative view of the Postal Revenue of the several Provinces for the years ending 1858-59-60-61, distinguishing the Amount for each Province in each Quarter of each Year. The Totals show the steady increase of Revenue from year to year, the Amounts being, in 1858, £6,024 5s. 8d.; in 1859, £7,812 19s. 1d.; in 1860, £10,068 13s. 11d.; and in 1861, £14,108 8s. 0d.

see Tables LX. to LXXI.

A series of twelve Tables exhibits the Legal and Criminal Statistics of the Colony in 1861, embracing Returns from the Supreme Court, the District Courts, and the Resident Magistrates' Courts, and distinguishing in the latter the Cases, both Civil and Criminal, in which Europeans, or Maories, or both, were concerned. These are given in the same form as in previous years, and do not appear to require any particular comment here. They satisfactorily show the small amount of serious crime in New Zealand, the great bulk of the Criminal Cases being Offences of a comparatively light character.

The Appendix, in addition to Papers referred to in previous parts of this Report,—viz., the boundaries of the several Electoral Districts (Appendix A.), Mr. Buller's Return of the Aboriginal Native Population in Canterbury, (Appendix H.) and Mr. Seed's Report on the Chatham Islands (Appendix I.) contains such Meteorological information as I have been able to procure. It includes an abstract of the Meteorological Register kept at Auckland by the Royal Engineer Department; Meteorological Observations at New Plymouth by Edward L. Humphries, Esq.; an Abstract of Weather Register kept at Heath-cote Valley, near Lyttelton; by T. I. Cookson, Esq.; Summary of Weather at Dunedin in 1861, with its results as compared with the nine preceding years, from observations by the Rev. Dr. Burns; and an Abstract of Meteorological Observations at Dun Alister, Southland, from Notes supplied by the Hon. J. R. Menzies, The “Remarks on the Climate of New Zealand” prepared, with great care, for a former volume of these Statistics, by the late Dr. A. S. Thomson is again added, and is especially valuable as showing, in a clear Tabular Form, the Elements of the Climate of New Zealand as compared with the Climate of other Countries.

Meteorological Instruments having been recently forwarded by the General Government to the several Provinces, with a view to an extended and uniform system of Observation, it may be anticipated that in future more complete information on this important subject will be available.