CENSUS OF THE COLONY OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

TAKEN ON THE

7TH APRIL, 1861,

UNDER THE

ACT, 24 VICTORIA, NO. 5.

SYDNEY :

THOMAS RICHARDS, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, PHILLIP-STREET.

1862.

CENSUS 1861. REPORT

TO

THE HONORABLE CHARLES COWPER,

COLONIAL SECRETARY, &c., &c., &c.

General Registry Office, Sydney,30June,1862.

SIR,

In conformity with the provisions of the Census Act (24 Victoria, No. 5) I do myself the honor to submit for presentation to both Houses of Parliament Abstracts of the Returns of the Population of New South Wales, taken on the night of Sunday, the 7th April, 1861.

2.

For the purpose of carrying out this important national undertaking the Colony was divided into seventy-eight Census Districts corresponding with the districts already established under the Act (19 Victoria, No. 34,) for registering Births, Marriages, and Deaths. [Division of the Colony into Districts.]

The District Registrars were, with one exception, appointed Enumerators for their respective districts, and upon them devolved the duty of selecting the Collectors employed on the enumeration—a duty which, considering the difficulties attending the work in a widely scattered and sparsely populated country, with small choice of qualified persons, was very satisfactorily discharged. [Appointment of Enumerators and Collectors.]

3.

Seven days were allowed for the distribution of the house-holders schedules previous to the 7th April, and seven days for their collection afterwards. In many of the widely scattered districts of the interior, however, it was found necessary to extend the period of collection beyond the time specified ; and it should here be noticed that the flooded state of the country at the time is estimated to have added fully one-third to the cost of the service. [Time allowed for distribution and collection of schedules.]

4.

There were employed on the work, 80 Enumerators and 464 Collectors—together, 544 persons.

The Enumerators were paid sums varying from £15 to £30, according to the extent and population of their districts. The Collectors were allowed from 15s. to 20s. per diem, on foot, and from 25s. to 30s. per diem, on horseback ; but in some of the outlying districts, in order to get the service performed at all, it was found necessary to exceed these rates.

The total cost of collection was—

5.

The work has been arranged according to the several divisions of the Colony, and is classified in to five series of districts, viz. :— [Arrangement of the work.]

1. The Census or Registry Districts.

2. The Police Districts.

3. The Electorates.

4. The Counties and Pastoral Districts.

5. The Municipalities, Towns, and Villages, and Parishes in the County of Cumberland.

In each of these series of districts the population will be found tabulated as follows, viz. :—

1. By Age.

2. By Conjugal and Domestic Condition.

3. By Occupation.

4. By Native Country.

5. By Religion.

6. By Education.

The sexes are distinguished throughout.

6.

The first, third, and fourth series of Tables, namely, the Census or Registry Districts, the Electorates, and the Counties or Pastoral Districts, are given in all the minute details in which the enumeration was made. It was deemed desirable to adopt this plan, in order to obviate the inconvenience of reference from one portion of the work to another, and to facilitate inquiry into the details of its general arrangement. [Further explanatory remarks.]

Although the bulk of the volume is by this means considerably increased, it will be found to have been compensated for by the greater facility for reference.

7.

With these general explanatory remarks, I will now shortly advert to the more important results of the inquiry. [Addition to the population in the five years.]

The most prominent fact elicited is the addition of 101,578 persons, or 40.75 per cent. to the population in the five years and five weeks which have expired since the Census of 1856 was taken.

The numbers on the 1st March, 1856 (exclusive of the population of the Northern Districts, erected in the year 1859 into a separate Colony),

The numbers, on the 7th April, 1861, were 350,860 persons,exclusiveof the crews of Colonial vessels at sea and the roving aborigines.

For general information and for ready reference, I give at foot a Table shewing the population of the Colony, and the increase at each Census, since the year 1821.

8.

Let us now inquire from what sources this increase has arisen. [Sources of increase.]

The natural increase of the population in the five years, by the excess of Births over Deaths, was 36,818, or 14.76 per cent., that is at the rate of not quitethreeper cent. per annum, leaving the balance of 64,760 souls, or 26.0 per cent. to be supplied by immigration.

We see by these figures how comparatively small progress we should have made had we been left entirely to the natural increase of our own numbers, unassisted from extraneous sources.

SEX AND AGE.

9.

The inequality of the sexes having been prominently observed on former occasions, the next point worthy of notice is the relative proportion of the male and female population compared with the last Census. [Relative proportion of the sexes.]

Casting out the Chinese element, numbering 12,986 souls, we have a population of European origin amounting to 337,874 persons. Of this number 185,502 are males, and 152,372 are females, the proportion being 54.90 per cent. of males to 45.10 per cent. of females.

In other words, to everyone thousandmales there are only 821 females, showing a deficiency of 179 females to each 1,000 males.

In 1851 there was a deficiency of 252 ; that is, there were 748 females to every 1,000 males.

In 1856 the deficiency was reduced to 169 ; that is, there were 831 females to each 1,000 males.

10.

We see here that, instead of improving our position in the last five years, the Colony has gone backwards to the extent of 10 females to each 1,000 males, the Chinese element being excluded in both cases. [Cause assigned for preponderance of the male sex.]

To account for this unsatisfactory result we must look at the returns of immigration, and we shall find since the year 1856 an enormous preponderance of the male element, more particularly amongst the class of adults who arrived in the Colony at their own expense. [See Statistical Register for 1860, page 120.]

Exclusive of Chinese, the returns shew that of voluntary immigration there arrived in the Colony between 1856 and 1860, both inclusive, as follows :—

leaving a deficiency of 22,487 females in the five years. This fact fully accounts for the retrograde movement the Colony has made in this important branch of her social economy.

11.

It may not in this place be uninteresting to inquire at what ages the deficiency before noticed appears most prominent. [Deficiency of females in adult population.]

If we trace the columns up to 20 years of age, we shall find a very remarkable equality in the sexes, the males numbering 83,494, and the females 83,373. [See Series 1, pages 38, 30.]

From this period the deficiency becomes apparent. From 20 to 40 there are 67,454 males to 47,418 females, a deficiency of 20,036, or 297 to every 1,000 males.

From 40 to 60 there are 33,549 males to 18,447 females, a deficiency of 15,102, or 450 to every 1,000 males ; and from 60 upwards there are 7,575 males to 3,119 females, a deficiency of 4,456, or 588 to every 1,000 males.

The "Unspecified" ages have reference principally to the Chinese population, and therefore need not be noticed in this inquiry.

12.

The inquiry that next suggests itself, forming as it does a very important element in the consideration of our powers of production and increase, is the physical strength of the population. [PHYSICAL STRENGTH OF THE PEOPLE.]

The effective strength of the community may be fairly assumed in these Colonies to include all persons between the ages of 15 and 65 years, and the numbers above and below these ages may ordinarily be set down as non-effective, and generally dependent upon the others for support. [Proportion between the ages of 15 and 65 years.]

We find, then, upon this assumption, that we have a youthful population amounting to 133,221, viz., 67,049 males, and 66,172 females—that is 37.97 per cent. of the total population ; and that we have an aged population over 65 years of 4,796, viz., 3,322 males, and 1,474 females—that is 1.31 per cent. ; making a total of 138,017 persons ordinarily dependent on the remaining 212,843 for support. In other words, there are, in every 1,000 of the population, 607 productive to 393 of the non-productive classes.

13.

The self-supporting classes in England are calculated from the age of 20 up to 60 years ; and it was found by the Census of 1851, that there were 451 persons under the age of 20, and 72 persons over the age of 60—in all 523 persons to every 1,000 of the population who would ordinarily be dependent on the remaining 477. [Comparison with England.]

In New South Wales, at these ages, there are under 20 years of age 475 persons, and over 60 years of age 30 persons—in all 505 persons to every 1,000 of the population who are ordinarily dependent for support on the remaining 495 ; exhibiting in this respect a favourable comparison with the Mother Country.

CONJUGAL CONDITION.

14.

An oversight in the compilation, discovered too late for correction, except at the cost of an entire reinvestigation of the house-holder's schedules, prevents my entering upon so minute an examination of the powers of the population to increase its own numbers as I should have wished to do. [Remarks as to oversight in compilation in non-classification by age.]

The Tables prepared to shew the conjugal and domestic condition of the people have not been classified by ages, and the expense and delay that would have attended a reinvestigation of the original papers, amounting to 60,843, seemed hardly to be justified, as the results, though interesting in a statistical point of view, may not perhaps be considered of any great practical importance.

The results of this branch of the inquiry, in so far as they have been brought out, shew that, out of a population consisting of 198,488 males, and 152,372 females, there were, when the Census was taken, 55,679 married men, and 53,509 married women. There were 4,781 widowers and 5,739 widows. There were 130,795 male children and single men, and 93,007 female children and single women, besides 7,233 males

The married men are in the proportion of 280 ; the widowers in the proportion of 24 ; and the male children and single men in the proportion of 659 to every 1,000 males.

The married women are in the proportion of 351 ; the widows of 38 ; and the female children and single women of 610 in every 1,000 females.

The proportions of the married in the population of Great Britain by the Census of 1851 amounted to 330 in every 1,000 males, and 320 in every 1,000 females, of all ages. Thus we see that there are in our own community 50 in every 1,000 males, or 5 per cent. fewer married men than in the Mother Country ; whilst in every 1,000 females we have 31 more married women than appears to have been the case at Home. [Comparison with Great Britain.]

Looking to the population of 20 years of age and upwards, and comparing its conjugal condition with that of Great Britain, the proportions of the married are found to be, in New South Wales, 49 in 100 males and 77 in 100 females ; whilst in Great Britain the proportions in 1851 were, 62 in 100 males and 57 in 100 females ; that is, 13 more married men and 20 fewer married women in every 100 of each sex, respectively, in Great Britain than are exhibited by the Census Returns of 1861 in this Colony.

The Census of 1856 gave 53 in 100 men and 81 in 100 women as the married proportion of the population of New South Wales, of the ages of 20 years and upwards ; that is, 4 more of each sex than are shewn by the last Census. The further inquiries which a more extended tabulation with regard to the ages of the married, widowed, and unmarried respectively, would naturally have led me to enter upon, must on this occasion necessarily be foregone.

DISTRIBUTION.

15.

The distribution of the population comes next for consideration, and we will take first the numbers who are congregated in the twenty old Settled Counties and the Pastoral Districts respectively, and compare them with the numbers by the Census of 1856. The extension of occupation and social progress of the Pastoral Districts as compared with the old Settled Districts will thus be brought out. [Distribution of the people in the Settled and Pastoral Districts.]

It appears then by the Returns before us, that, of the total population of 350,860 persons, no less than 281,465, or 80.2 per cent., are located within the limits of the twenty Counties—67,485, or 19.2 per cent., are distributed over the extensive Pastoral Districts of the interior—and 1,910, or 0.5 per cent., are engaged in and about the shipping at the several ports of the Colony.

16.

In 1856 the population of the twenty Counties was 218,520, or 87.7 per cent. of the total numbers, and the population of the Pastoral Districts within the present limits of New South Wales was 30,587, or 12.3 per cent. The result of this comparison, therefore, shews that between the enumerations of the people in 1856 and 1861 [Comparison with Census of 1856.]

the proportion to the total population in the twenty old Counties has decreased 7.5 per cent., whilst the proportion in the Pastoral Districts has increased 6.9 per cent.

The increase upon their own numbers respectively, within the same period, has been in the twenty Counties 62,945 persons, or 28.8 per cent., and in the Pastoral Districts 36,898 persons, or 120.6 per cent.

17.

The social condition and progress of these two great divisions of the Colony, as regards the relative proportions of the sexes, form an interesting feature in this branch of the inquiry, and I shall perhaps simplify the comparison by giving the figures in a tabular form, thus : [Relative proportion of the sexes in the Counties and Pastoral Districts.]

By this statement it appears that in the Counties the sexes have increased in nearly equal proportions, the difference being just 1 per cent. against the females ; whilst in the Pastoral Districts the difference is 3.4 per cent. against the females. In other words, in every 1,000 of the population in 1856, there were in the Settled Counties 534 males to 466 females, and in the Pastoral Districts 650 males to 350 females ; whilst, in 1861, there were in the Settled Counties 539 males to 461 females, and in the Pastoral Districts 668 males to 332 females.

The actual increase upon the respective numbers of each sex in the five years was, in the Counties 34,894, or 29.9 per cent. of males, and 28,051, or 27.5 per cent. of females, and, in the Pastoral Districts, 25,155, or 126.4 per cent. of males, and 11,743 or 109.8 per cent. of females.

18.

The congregation of the people into Towns and Villages, as distinguished from those dispersed over the country engaged in rural pursuits, is a further subject of interesting inquiry. [URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION.]

Upon this head I may explain that the Tables embrace 113 Towns and Villages, containing each a population of 100 persons or upwards. There will be found, however, interspersed with other minor subdivisions of Districts, several small congregations of people, under 100in number, in localities which may probably prove the nuclei of future townships, but which were not thought worthy of being placed amongst the Towns and Villages of the Colony on the present occasion.

Doubts having arisen on a former occasion, whether the official boundaries of the Towns had been respected in the collection, and whether suburban populations had been comprehended in the urban returns, much trouble has been taken to confine the urban population within the officially described limits of the several places included in

the returns. The provisions of the Crown Lands Occupation Act (25 Vic., No. 2), with reference to Town Reserves, moreover, rendered the exercise of great caution in this matter the more necessary.

The Towns marked private are those not of Government formation.

19.

Confining our inquiry to the 113 Towns and Villages separately distinguished in the Tables, we find that the urban population amounts to 136,847 souls—that is exactly 39 per cent. of the total numbers in the Colony—leaving 212,103, or 60.5 per cent., for the Rural parts ; and 1,910, or 0.5 per cent., employed about the shipping. [Comparison between Town and Country further carried on.]

Of the inhabitants of the Towns and Villages 68,948, or 50.4 per cent., are males, and 67,899, or 49.6 per cent., are females. Of the Rural inhabitants 127,698, or 60.2 per cent., are males, and 84,405, or 39.8 per cent., are females. That the disproportion of the sexes is greater amongst the rural than amongst the urban population, can create no surprise. It is a result naturally to be expected from the exceptional nature and rapid extension of pastoral pursuits over the vast wilds of the interior.

20.

In 1856 the urban population, excluding the Queensland Districts, numbered 112,137 or 45.0 per cent., and the rural 137,145, or 55.0 per cent. In 1861, as we have seen, the urban population was 39.0 per cent., and the rural 60.5 per cent. of the total population. [Comparison with 1856.]

The results of the inquiry therefore shew a proportional decrease of 6.0 per cent. in the Towns, and a proportional increase, to nearly the same extent, in the Country inhabitants.

If we take the increase on their own numbers respectively, at the two periods, we shall find the urban increase in the five years to have been 24,700 persons, or 22.0 per cent., and the rural increase 76,878, or 56.0 per cent.

21.

The City of Sydney presents a smaller numerical and centesimal increase than has been shewn in any former quinquennial period. [CITY OF SYDNEY.]

The inhabitants, by the Census of 1856, numbered 53,358 souls. The numbers, by the Census of 1861, were 56,394 ; an increase of 3,036 souls, or 5.7 per cent., in the five years.

For general information and ready reference, I give at foot a Table shewing the population of the City, and its increase at each Census taken since the year 1828.

22.

The Suburban Districts, however, shew a very considerable increase, making up in some degree for the smaller progress observed in the City population. These districts, numbering 28,223 inhabitants in 1856, were found to number 36,847 inhabitants in 1861, being an increase of 8,624 persons, or 30.5 per cent. [SUBURBAN DISTRICTS.]

DENSITY.

23.

The density of the population is a question of some interest in a great national work of this kind. The capabilities of the country to support a largely increased population will by this inquiry, in so far as the area is concerned, be exemplified. [Density of the population.]

The Metropolitan Country (inclusive of Sydney) averages about 86 persons to a square mile, exclusive of Sydney 47 persons to a square mile.

The average of the nineteen old Settled Counties is rather underfourpersons to a square mile, whilst the extensive Pastoral Districts barely average one person tofoursquare miles.

Without exceeding the density of the population as it exists in the County of Cumberland, exclusive of Sydney, New South Wales would admit of a population exceedingfifteen millionsof souls, or nearlyforty-fourtimes the number of its present inhabitants ; and were the Colony peopled as densely as England, it would contain one hundred and three millions five hundred thousand inhabitants.

24.

The total area of New South Wales is computed at 323,437 square miles, or 207,000,000 acres, that is more than six times the area of England, and nearly four times the area of England, Wales, and Scotland united. The quantity of land to each persons living, according to the Census of 1851, in England, was two acres ; according to the Census of 1861, in New South Wales, there were no less thanfive hundred and ninetyacres to every person living. [Comparison with the Mother Country.]

DOMICILIATION.

25.

The manner in which the people are lodged is a further subject not devoid of interest, whether regarded in a sanitary, a social, or a moral point of view. [Domestic condition.]

Let us stay then to inquire somewhat into the condition of the people in this respect.

The second part of each series of Tables, devoted to the exemplification of the conjugal and domestic condition of the people, embraces the number of houses and other residences in which they live, the houses being separately distinguished under three heads, brick or stone, metal, and wood, and a column is set apart to shew the number of rooms.

26.

By these Tables it is made to appear that the 350,860 persons composing the entire community were lodged, at the date of this inquiry, in 57,412 houses containing 229,068 rooms, in 6,798 tents, under 160 drays, and in 201 ships or vessels. [Lodgment of the people.]

The dwellers in houses numbered 322,643 persons, or 92 per cent. ; the dwellers in tents and drays 26,307 persons, or 7.5 per cent. ; and in ships 1,910 persons, or 0.5 per cent. of the total population.

Of the houses 18,639, or 32.5 per cent., are of brick or stone ; 225, or 0.4 per cent., are of metal ; and 38,548, or 67.1 per cent., are of wood.

27.

The City of Sydney contained, at the date of the Census, 10,185 inhabited houses

The Census of 1856 gave 53,358 as the population, and 8,838 as the total of the inhabited houses in the City—that was rather over six persons to a house.

There would appear, therefore, to have been an increase in the five years to the extent of 1,347 inhabited houses, or 15.2 per cent.—that is, in the ratio of 9.5 per cent. in excess of the increase of the population.

28.

Looking to the domiciliation of the people beyond the limits of Sydney, exclusive of the shipping and persons living under tents and drays, it would appear that there were 266,249 persons living in 9,965 houses of brick or stone, 137 of metal, and 37,125 of wood, containing together 182,535 rooms—that is, rather over five and a half persons to each house, and not quiteone and a halfpersons to each room. [Houses in the country.]

In 1856 there were, out of Sydney, 7,416 houses of brick or stone, 130 of metal, and 22,229 of wood ; the brick or stone houses have therefore increased to the extent of 2,549, or 34.3 per cent. ; the metal only 7, or 5 per cent ; and the wood 14,896, or 67.0 per cent.

29.

Of the dwellers under canvas and drays the great majority are to be found on the different gold fields of the Colony. There were, altogether, not less thanseven and a halfper cent. of the population living under tents and drays at the date of the Census, viz.—22,185 males, and 4,122 females. Of the males living in this way more than one half are Chinese, and the average number of occupants to each tent or dray is very nearly four persons.

OCCUPATION.

30.

The next point presenting itself to our consideration relates to the occupations of the people. [Relating to the occupations of the people.]

The Tables designed to illustrate this branch of the inquiry will be found to occupy the third place in each series of Districts, and they will be seen to embrace a more extended classification than on former occasions was thought necessary.

The classification extends to eighteen general heads, and these general heads are subdivided into fifty-one minor classes, distinguishing in each case the males from the females.

The classification adopted will be found set forth at length in an Appendix to this Report. It coincides in all material respects with that employed in the Mother Country in the Census of 1851, and the same classification has been generally adopted, with some slight modifications to meet local requirements, by all the Australian Colonies.

31.

The principal heads, and the numbers employed under each, are shewn in the Table at foot.

The last column in this statement exhibits the per centage which each class bears to the total population, and may be read perhaps more readily in this way, viz.:—

The last-mentioned classes composed almost entirely of children under the educable age.

32.

Although the classification on the present occasion differs very materially from that employed in the Census of 1856, I have endeavoured to preserve the means of comparison between them, and I will now proceed to shew the relative numbers employed in the chief branches of industry at the two periods.

The persons employed in the public service were separately distinguished for the first time on the present occasion, having been formerly classed amongst the " miscellaneous" occupations. Including the police, the public servants are found to amount tofivepersons in every 1,000 of the population.

The learned professions shew an increase of 381 persons, or 41.8 per cent., and the other educated professions an increase of 843, or 48.4 per cent. [Learned professions.]

Persons engaged in trade and commerce exhibit an increase of 2,568 persons, or 43.6 per cent. ; artificers and skilled workmen shew an addition to their numbers of 2,104, or 12.9 per cent. ; and the mining population an addition of 16,544, or 343.6 per cent. It is a somewhat noticeable feature in the statistics of the gold mining population, that out of a total of 20,365 persons engaged in seeking for gold, the Chinese population should number over 12,000, or about 63 per cent. [Trade and commerce.] [Artificers.] [Miners.]

In agricultural pursuits the returns exhibit an increase of 20,998 persons, or 128.3 per cent. ; whilst the pastoral interest shews an increase of 4,937, or 51.6 per cent. [Agricultural and pastoral.]

In horticulture and vine-dressing the increase is 895 persons, or 79.0 per cent. There is room for suspicion, however, that many vine-dressers have been returned as labourers. [Horticulture.]

With regard to persons engaged in domestic duties, the present classification embraces all persons " not hired," but who are engaged in superintending or performing themselves the various household duties of the family, whether as mistresses, relatives, friends, or members of the family, of age to afford assistance, and not otherwise occupied. This class amounts to the large number of 65,788 persons, or 18.7 per cent. of the whole population. It may be as well to state that no females under seven years of age, and no males under eleven, are included in this class. [Domestic duties.]

The class of "hired servants" is separately distinguished, and shews the number of 17,670 engaged in domestic duties, or about 1 to every 20 persons. [Hired servants.]

In 1856 the numbers were 1 to every 16 persons, but there may be room for suspicion that the Returns for 1856 were not strictly confined to domestics of the " hired class," and therefore I do not vouch for the accuracy of this comparison.

The class of almspeople and paupers maintained at the public expense has increased to the extent of 983 persons, or 95.5 per cent. In 1856 they formed rather more than 4 in each 1,000 ; in 1861 they formed rather more than 5 in each 1,000 of the population. [Paupers.]

A word may be said as to the persons classified as " providers of food, drinks, and accommodation, " which were formerly included amongst the " trading" and " miscellaneous" occupations. It will be seen that they form an important section of the community, numbering no less than 7,352 persons, or rather more than 2 in every 100 of the people. [Providers of food.]

The " miscellaneous occupations" have been reduced to as small limits as possible, and I may refer to the Table in the Appendix for further information as to the details of this as well as the other classifications employed on the present occasion. [Miscellaneous.]

NATIONALITY.

33.

The nationality or birth-places of the people should not be passed over without comment. The knowledge of the sources from whence our mixed population springs, and the proportion which the natives of one country bear to those of another, is fraught with interest and utility, whether viewed as a social or political question. [With regard to the birth-places of the population.]

The population may be divided into three great classes, namely, the children of the soil, or the Australian born ; then those born in Great Britain, or other British Dominions ; and lastly, those born in Foreign Countries, and claiming a non-British parentage.

34.

For the first time the children of the soil are found to outnumber those of British origin born out of the Australian Colonies. [Proportion of Australian to British and Foreign.]

The Australian born number 164,992, or 47.0 per cent of the total population.

The persons of British blood, not Australian, number 162,050, or 46.2 per cent, whilst we owe to Foreign Countries an accession of 22,954 to the population, or 6.5 per cent.

35.

Of the Australian born no less than 160,298, or 97.1 per cent., were born in New South Wales, of the British non-Australian born, England and Wales have supplied 88,530, or 52.8 per cent. ; Ireland 54,829, or 34.0 per cent. ; Scotland 18,222, or 11.2 per cent. ; leaving contributions from other British Possessions, including India, to the extent of 3,469, or 2.1 per cent. [Further with regard to birth-place.]

Of the 22,945 persons supplied by Foreign Countries, 12,988, or 56.6 per cent., are from China ; 5,467, or 23.8 per cent. are from Germany ; the remainder being made up of natives of France, America, and other Countries, in the following proportions, viz. :—

36.

For a comparison of the relative proportions of the nationality of the people in 1856 and 1861 respectively, I refer you to the Table at foot.

RELIGION.

37.

Little need be said upon the Table designed to shew the Religion of the people. [With reference to religious denominations.]

The classification extends to members of the Church of England, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist, other Protestants, Roman Catholics, Hebrews, Mahomedans and Pagans.

The Table at foot will afford a comparative view of the religious distribution of the people between the Census of 1856 and that of 1861.

By this statement it appears that the relative proportion of the members of the Church of England has decreased by 43 in each 1,000 of the population, the Presbyterians by 4 in each 1,000, the Roman Catholics by 15 in each 1,000, and the Jews by 1 in each 1,000 ; whilst the Congregationalists have gained 4 in every 1,000, the Wesleyan and other Methodists 7 in every 1,000, other Protestants 14 in every 1,000, Mahomedans and Pagans 31 in every 1,000, and other and unspecified persuasions 6 in every 1,000.

The decrease in the relative proportion of the members of the Church of England is accounted for by the exercise of much greater care in the collection of the information, and stricter attention in the compilation, so as to obviate the objections raised on former occasions, to the effect, that all unspecified Protestant religionists were put down to the Church of England.

38.

It was an opinion expressed when the Census Bill was under discussion, that the inquiry as to the religious tenets of the people had better be given up. This has been done at Home, in deference to the wishes of the non-conforming religious bodies ; and, in view of the evident tendency to forego the inquiry in New South Wales, I did not think that any good purpose would be served by over-elaborating the Tables, to shew all the sub-divisions into which some of the religious sects in this Colony are split up.

EDUCATION.

39.

Perhaps the most important of the inquiries which have been conducted through the Census presents itself now for consideration—that is, the state of Education in the Colony.

In 1856 it was found that, of the urban population between the ages of 4 and 21 years, there were 24.36 per cent. of the males, and 22.17 per cent. of the females, totally uneducated ; and of theruralpopulation, 39.95 per cent. of the males, and 37.09 per cent. of the females, in the same state of ignorance. Taking the urban and rural conjointly, it appeared that, in every 1,000 males between 4 and 21, no less than 333, and in every 1,000 females no less than 299 were without the rudiments of education. [General results of the Census of 1856 in the urban and rural districts.]

Of the age of 21 and upwards, the non-educated urban males amounted to 10.34 per cent., and the females to 13.93 per cent., whilst the non-educated rural males amounted to 21.46 per cent., and the females to 21.90 per cent. ;—conjointly, urban and rural, the males of 21 years and upwards who could not read formed 169 in every 1,000, and the females 177 in every 1,000.

The higher educational character of the urban population as compared with the rural, in both instances, is very manifest.

40.

We will now proceed to investigate the educational condition of the people at the date of the present inquiry, premising that an entirely different classification with regard to the ages of the people has been adopted in the educational tables of 1861. Instead of the old arrangement of ages, viz.—under 4 years, 4 and under 7, 7 and under 14, 14 and under 21, 21 and under 45, and 45 and upwards, I have followed the more approved plan of dividing the people into quinquennial periods up to 30 years of age, and from thence decennially up to 50. In connection with the degree of education the ages might [Explanatory of the different classification of ages in Tables for 1861.]

as easily have been classified year by year, but the object of so elaborate an arrangement did not appear of consequence enough to justify the enormous amount of extra printing that would have been required. The bulk of the volume, as it is, will by many be deemed excessive, and therefore the economy of space by following the plan stated will, it is thought, be generally approved.

The inconvenience which presents itself in consequence of the change alluded to is the difficulty of making an accurate comparison with the Census of 1856 ; but, to counterbalance this, we have secured the more important advantage of being able more readily to compare the educational state of our population with that of the Mother Country and the Sister Colonies—unity of plan having been regarded an essential principle in carrying out the work.

41.

From 5 years old up to 15 may be assumed as the period during which the business of education is carried on. Little is attempted before that period of life, and little continued after it. [Results of the inquiry as regards the youthful population.]

From 5 years of age up to 10 there are 20,849 boys, and 20,815 girls, out of whom 9,214 boys, or 44.2 per cent., and 8,937 girls, or 43.0 per cent. cannot read ; 6,677 boys, or 32.0 per cent., and 7,025 girls, or 33.7 per cent., can read only ; whilst 4,958 boys, or 23.8 per cent., and 4,853 girls, or 23.3 per cent. can read and write. [From 5 to 10 years of age.]

From the age of 10 up to 15 years there are 18,082 boys, and 17,635 girls, out of whom 2,878 boys, or 15.9 per cent., and 2,040 girls, or 11.6 per cent., cannot read ; 3,308 boys, or 18.3 per cent., and 3,313 girls, or 18.8 per cent., can read only ; whilst 11,896 boys, or 65.8 per cent., and 12,282 girls, or 69.6 per cent., can both read and write. [From 10 to 15 years of age.]

Taking the decennial period from the age of 5 up to 15 years, the results may thus be stated, viz., that out of every 1,000 boys between those ages, 311 cannot read ; 256 can read only ; and 433 can read and write ; whilst out of every 1,000 girls 285 cannot read ; 269 can read only ; and 446 can read and write. [From 5 to 15 united.]

42.

If we look a little further and examine the ages between 15 and 20, we shall be able to draw an approximate comparison with the Census of 1856. Embraced within this quinquennial period there are 16,445 males, and 17,201 females, of whom 2,183 males, or 13.3 per cent., and 1,407 females, or 8.2 per cent., cannot read ; 1,789 males, or 10.9 per cent., and 1,846 females, or 10.7 per cent., can read only ; whilst 12,473 males, or 75.8 per cent.,. and 13,948 females, or 81.1 per cent., can both read and write. [Further state of education from 15 to 20 years.]

Uniting these results with those of the decennial period before given, we ascertain that between the ages of 5 years and 20, in every 1,000 males there are 258 who cannot read ; 212 who can read only ; and 530 who can read and write ; whilst in every 1,000 females 222 cannot read ; 219 can read only ; and 559 can read and write. [From 5 to 20 united.]

43.

The comparison with 1856 will stand thus, bearing in mind that the figures for 1856 comprise the ages from 4 up to 21, whilst those of 1861 comprise only from 5 up to 20 years. [Comparison with 1856—youthful population.]

On the whole, from these figures, a deduction favourable to the progress of education in the Colony may be drawn, the ratio per 1,000 being calculated upon their own numbers at the two periods respectively. The decrease of the wholly uneducated is seen to be to the extent of 75 males and 77 females in every 1,000 of each sex.

44.

Pursuing a similar comparison as to the upgrown population, it appears that of the age of 21 years and upwards in 1856, and of 20 years and upwards in 1861, there were at the two periods respectively, as follows :— [Comparison with 1856 in upgrown population.]

These results are favourable in both sexes, but more particularly with regard to the female sex.

The unspecified ages, appertaining principally to the Chinese population, are eliminated from this inquiry.

45.

We will now pass on to the investigation of the relative educational character of the urban and rural population. It appears that in the towns and villages of the Colony, between the ages of 5 and 10 years, there were at the date of the Census 8,130 boys and 8,138 girls, out of whom 2,606 boys (32.0 per cent.) and 2,646 girls (32.5 per cent.)could not read, 2,966 boys (36.5 per cent.) and 3,099 girls (38.1 per cent.)could read only, and 2,558 boys (31.5 per cent.) and 2,393 girls (29.4 per cent.)could both read and write. [URBAN EDUCATION from 5 to 15 years.]

Between the ages of 10 and 15 years there were 6,786 boys and 7,565 girls, out of whom 465 boys (6.8 per cent.) and 457 girls (6 per cent.)could not read, 759 boys (11.2 per cent.) and 1,090 girls (14 per cent)could read only, and 5,562 boys (82 per cent.) and 6,018 girls (80 per cent.)could read and write. Uniting the two quinquennial periods we find that between the ages of 5 and 15 years, in every 1,000 boys, 206cannot read, 250can read only, and 544can read and write. In every 1,000 girls 197cannot read, 267can read only, and 536can read and write.

46.

If we pursue a similar inquiry into the next quinquennial period, we find that there were between the ages of 15 and 20 years 5,657 males and 8,048 females, out of whom 303 males (5.4 per cent.) and 450 females (5.6 per cent.)could not read, 314 males (5.6 per cent.) and 690 females (8.6 per cent.)could read only, and 5,040 males (89.0 per cent.) and 6,908 females (85.8 per cent.)could read and write. [Urban education form 15 to 20 years.]

Putting together the entire urban population of the educable age, that is from 5 up to 20 years, it will be found that in every 1,000 males 164cannot read, 196can read only, and 640can read and write; in every 1,000 females, 150cannot read, 205can read only, and 645can read and write.

47.

The inhabitants of the country parts of the Colony, being disadvantageously placed with regard to the means of education, will not be found to bear a favourable comparison with those of the towns and villages. It seems that out of 12,715 boys and 12,672 girls between the ages of 5 and 10 years, there were 6,605 boys, or 52.0 per cent., and 6,286 girls, or 49.6 per cent., whocould not read; there were 3,711 boys, or 29.0 per cent., and 3,926 girls, or 31.0 per cent.,who could read only, and 2,399 boys, or 19.0 per cent., and 2,458 girls, or 19.4 per cent.,who could read and write. [RURAL EDUCATION 5 to 15 years.]

Between the ages of 10 and 15 years, out of 11,281 boys and 10,065 girls, there were 2,409 boys, or 21.3 per cent., and 1,583 girls, or 15.7 per cent.,who could not read; 2,548 boys, or 22.6 per cent., and 2,223 girls, or 22.1 per cent.,who could read only, and 6,324 boys, or 56.1 per cent., and 6,259 girls, or 62.2 per cent.,who could read and write.

Suppose then we unite the two quinquennial periods we shall find that between the ages of 5 and 15 years in every 1,000 boys, 376 cannot read, 261 can read only, and 363 can read and write ; whilst in every 1,000 girls, 347 cannot read, 270 can read only, and 383 can read and write.

48.

Pursuing the inquiry into the quinquennial period from 15 up to 20 years, the results are brought out as follows, namely,—out of 10,679 males and 9,146 females, 1,871 males (17.5 per cent.) and 957 females (10.5 per cent.)could not read; 1,472 males (13.8 per cent.) and 1,156 females (12.6 per cent.)could read only, and 7,336 males (68.7 per cent.) and 7,033 females (76.9 per cent.)could read and write. [Rural education 15 to 20 years.]

Adding these numbers to those of the decennial period before given we arrive at the following facts, namely,—that amongst the rural population of the educable ages—from 5 to 20 years—in every 1,000 females, 277cannot read, 229can read only, and 494can read and write.

49.

Let us compare these results with the results of the inquiry into the state of education of the youthful population in the urban districts. [Comparison—urban and rural from 5 to 20 years.]

I am not sure that it is quite fair to draw the inference which presents itself on the surface of these figures. The comparison is not strictly faithful, inasmuch as we do not know how many country boys and girls are resident in the towns for the purposes of education.

To this extent only is the comparison at fault, and considering that the numbers dealt with are so large (110,882), the accuracy of the comparison cannot be very seriously affected.

50.

To complete the analysis of the educational tables, and to compare the state of the upgrown population, urban and rural, we will just stay to take a passing view of the condition of the people of 20 years old and upwards. Casting out the "unspecified ages," and the persons engaged in maritime pursuits, insignificant in number, it appears that out of 36,447 males and 33,022 females inhabiting the towns and villages of the Colony, 3,334 males (9.1 per cent.) and 3,702 females (11.2 per cent.) could not read, 2,479 males (6.8 per cent.) and 5,073 females (15.3 per cent.) could read only, and 30,634 males (84.1 per cent) and 24,247 females (73.5 per cent.) could both read and write ; whilst out of 70,667 males and 34,725 females occupying the country parts, 14,035 males (19.9 per cent.) and 6,258 females (18.0 per cent.) could not read, 7,436 males (10.5 per cent.) and 6,929 females (20.0 per cent.) could read only, and 49,196 males (69.6 per cent.) and 21,538 females (62.0 per cent.) could read and write. [Comparison—urban and rural, 20 and upwards.]

The comparison therefore stands thus, namely, in every 1,000 males of 20 years and upwards there are who—

In every 1,000 females of 20 years old and upwards there are who—

The advantage in point of primary education would by this comparison appear to be (as was to be expected) in favour of the urban population.

51.

Perhaps a comparison with 1856 may be regarded with some degree of interest, and therefore, before closing this inquiry, a glance at the results of the Census for the two periods will be afforded by means of the following figures, viz :— [Comparison with 1856.]

An improvement is visible throughout, but particularly in the figures representing the youthful population.

52.

As the extent of primary education amongst the youthful population of Sydney and its environs may be regarded with more than ordinary interest, by reason of the large aggregation of people and the much greater educational facilities that are afforded within the Metropolitan limits, I beg to present the following statement, as the results of my inquiry into this branch of the subject. [City of Sydney and Suburbs.]

It appears that in the City there were in every 1,000 of each sex, between the ages of 5 years and 20, who—

In the Metropolitan Class of Districts beyond the boundaries of the City, there were in every 1,000, between the same ages, who—

53.

I have endeavoured by means of the foregoing observations to render the facts that have been brought out by this inquiry into the numbers and social condition of the people as intelligible as possible to the general reader. I have used as few figures as were necessary to convey a correct understanding of the work, and I have endeavoured to avoid as much as possible the use of tabular statements, which are so distasteful to persons unlearned in Statistics.

My object has been to afford to those who have neither the taste nor the inclination to consult the Tables, a general idea of the people amongst whom they live, in all the main features of their social economy.

To those whose duties require, or whose inclinations lead them to make themselves acquainted with the details of the work, the Tables themselves will afford the most ample scope for investigation, and will furnish a fund of materials calculated to throw light upon many important questions, political and social. Nor should it be supposed that the interest of the work is ephemeral. The results of these and similar labours, undertaken periodically, will form a reliable and permanent record of the social growth, state, and progress of the community when questions of greater temporary magnitude have passed away and are forgotten ; and the fact that the Census of 1861 is not merely of local but Imperial interest, inasmuch as it has been simultaneous with the Census of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Colonial Possessions of the British Crown generally, gives to it an importance that has attached to no previous enumeration of the Australian people.

54.

Before closing this Report, I should not omit to acknowledge the services of the gentlemen who have been associated with me in these labours—Mr. Archibald Campbell, under whose superintendence the work has been conducted, and Mr. F. C. Logan, who has performed the clerical and financial duties, and rendered valuable assistance in the preparation of the Educational Tables.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

CHRIS. ROLLESTON,

Registrar General.

APPENDIX.

INDEX.

CENSUS ON REGISTRY DISTRICTS.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

POLICE DISTRICTS.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

ELECTORAL DISTRICTS.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

COUNTIES AND PASTORAL DISTRICTS.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

MUNICIPALITIES.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

PARISHES OF CUMBERLAND.

Ages

Conjugal and Domestic Condition

Occupations

Nationality

Religion

Education

SYNOPSIS OF THE CENSUS OF 1861., AGES.

Besides 6,798 Tents, 160 Drays, and 201 Ships (namely 29 of three masts, 127 of two masts, 12 of 1 must 15 not specified 18 Steamers ; tonnage, 38,000), used as residences.

ERRATA.

SOME immaterial erros of transcription, or of the press, have been discovered in the details of the following Tables. Of such, as complete a list as possible is in preparation, and will be furnished before the volume is bound.

July, 1862.

PART I. CENSUS OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 1861.

ARRANGED ACCORDING TO CENSUS OR REGISTRY DISTRICTS. N.B.—The Census was taken by Registry Districts, the District Registrars acting as Enumerators. The Census and Registry Districts are therefore identical.