THIRD CENSUS OF THE COLONY OF QUEENSLAND,

TAKEN ON THE 2ND MARCH, 1868.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

BY AUTHORITY:

JAMES C. BEAL, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WILLIAM STREET, BRISBANE.

1869.

ERRATA.

THE Reader is requested to make the following corrections:—

Appendix.

Page 8, Table 4, Part I.—Total Females between 30 to 35 years of age,for" 417,"read" 1,417."

Page 32, Table 13.—Total Females, Congregationalists or Independents,for" 599,"read" 529."

Page 40.—For" Table 19 and Table 20,"read" Part 1 and 2 of Table XIX."

April, 1869.

REGISTRAR-GENERAL'S REPORT.

Registrar-General's Office,

Brisbane, 6th April, 1869.

TO THE HONORABLE ARTHUR HODGSON, ESQUIRE, COLONIAL SECRETARY, &c. &c.

SIR,

I have the honor to forward herewith, for presentation to Parliament, tables comprising the information collected at the Census taken on the 2nd March, 1868, in compliance with theCensus Act, (thirty-first Victoria, number thirty-two), together with my Report thereon.

The duties of collecting and compiling the Census having been imposed upon the Registrar-General, measures were immediately taken by myself, after the passing of the Act, to carry out its provisions.

Although the time allowed me to make all necessary preparations was only two months, my arrangements were such that had the Returns from Burke reached me as early as I had a right to expect, the whole Census would have been completed and published in about five months from the date of collection. Previous to the passing of theCensus Act, I wrote to the Police Magistrate, Burketown, informing him that in all probability a Census Act would be passed, and requesting him to make all necessary arrangements for the collection in the District of Burke, in the event of such being the case, at the same time forwarding all necessary forms and instructions for the guidance of himself and Collectors. It seems, however, that my letter did not reach Burketown until the middle of April, which, to some extent, accounts for the delay.

Although the Census in that particular portion of the Colony was not taken until a short time after the 2nd March, I do not apprehend that any persons were enumerated twice, owing to the distance at which Burke lies from the more populous portions of the Colony, and the want of facilities for travelling to that District.

The Census Act having been passed chiefly for the purpose of ascertaining the population in the various Electorates throughout the Colony, I presented to your predecessor, in July last, tables containing all information obtainable relative to the Electorates, which tables now appear as Part II. of this publication. I was enabled to do this, as the District of Burke is not situated in any Electorate.

For the purpose of taking the Census, it became necessary to divide the Colony into Districts ; I accordingly divided it into Police and Pastoral Districts, such being identical with the Registration Districts. I deemed it advisable to make each Municipality into a separate Enumerator's District : the population, however, of the latter, is added to that of the Police District in which it is situated, thus giving the total population of each Police District. With the exception of Brisbane and Drayton, the Mayors of the several Municipalities were appointed Enumerators ; and I take this opportunity of tendering them my thanks for the very valuable assistance rendered by them. In the other Districts, the Enumerators were the Police Magistrates, Commissioners of Crown Lands, or Clerks of Petty Sessions, who, in the generality of cases, performed the duties imposed upon them to my entire satisfaction. I have also to tender my thanks to the Surveyor-General for the assistance rendered by him, in affording me information relative to the boundaries of the various Police and Pastoral Districts, and for the plans of such Districts with which he kindly furnished me.

The tables published upon this occasion are somewhat different to those published in 1864, the ages now being divided into quinquennial periods. This is, in fact, going back to the system adopted at the taking of the first Census of the Colony. The reason for returning to that system being that I wished to present comparative tables, showing the principal results of the Census of 1861, 1864, and 1868.

Had I followed out the system of 1864 this could not have been done. With very much trouble I have been enabled to concentrate the ages of that year into quinquennial periods ; but it would have been utterly impossible to have brought the quinquennial ages of 1861, into ages, by single years.

The comparative tables containing the essence of the others in a condensed form, are, by far, the most valuable of any ; and will enable the reader at a glance to see the state of the Colony, as far as regards the population, age, degree of education, social condition, religion, and nationality, at the three periods, namely 1861, 1864, and 1868.

Immediately upon the Enumerators for the Census Districts being appointed, each one was furnished with a copy of the Instructions I had prepared for their guidance ; also, with copies of Instructions prepared for the guidance of their Collectors. At the same time, I supplied each Enumerator with a Map of his District, which I have reason to believe was in many instances of great assistance in enabling them to subdivide their Districts into Collectors' Districts.

The number of Enumerators' Districts was 52, as against 31 in 1864 ; this increase was occasioned owing to many new Districts having been created, and others subdivided since the taking of the last Census.

By exercising the greatest economy, I have been enabled to keep within the amount voted by Parliament for expenses in connection with the taking of the Census, without in any way imperiling the correctness of the Returns. The figures below will show what amount has been expended on the work, and in what manner. The expense per head being 9d., as against 10¾d. in 1864.

The following table affords information respecting the cost of collection in each District :—

The population enumerated at this Census, comprising all who slept or abode in dwellings on the night of the 2nd March, was—

In addition to the above, I consider two and a-half per cent. may fairly be added for non-collections, more especially as it must be borne in mind that, at the time of the collection, a kind of gold fever was raging throughout the Colony owing to some very rich finds at the newly discovered gold fields of Gympie. I also knew, from the report of the Commissioner of those diggings, that many persons could not be enumerated who were absent prospecting, and whose object it was to conceal themselves. It must further be remembered that many persons, in a country such as this, have no fixed place of abode, but are constantly traveling from one place to another, from whom it is impossible to collect returns.

Assuming that the actual population on the night of the 2nd March, 1868, was—

I have prepared a table, given below, which will show that the estimate of the population, as published in theStatistical Register, since 1864, was extremely accurate.

With these general explanatory remarks I will now proceed to analyze the results of the late Census.

TOTAL POPULATION.

On the 1st January, 1864, according to the Census then taken, there were 37,425 males, and 24,042 females, in all 61,467 persons in the Colony. The increase in the four years and sixty-two days which have elapsed since that Census was taken has been 23,321 males, and 15,113 females ; total, 38,434 persons.

The centesimal increase being—

Whilst upon this subject it may be well to consider the distribution of the population.

DISTRIBUTION.

To effect this object I caused all the tables in the Appendix to be prepared under three great divisions, viz., townships, rural portions of police and pastoral districts, and police and pastoral districts. The tables in the third division are an amalgamation of the particulars furnished by those in the two first divisions. The total population in the principal townships of the

colony numbers 20,611 males, and 19,659 females ; the total persons being 40,306. In the rural portions of the police and pastoral districts, the males number 40,135, the females 19,460, and the total persons 59,595. If we compare this result with that of the Census of 1864, we find, that when the Census of that year was taken, the population residing in townships amounted to 30,954, and those residing in the country 30,513, showing a difference of 441 persons in favor of the towns. This Census, however, shows an opposite result in a very marked degree, for upon analyzing the figures stated above it is found that no less than 19,189 more persons reside in the rural portions of the colony than in the townships. To a certain extent the result thus shown may be attributed to the fact that the population on the gold fields is included in the rural portions of each district ; but this will not entirely account for the increase, for if the reader will refer to part 2 of the Appendix, table No. 10, he will find that the total population resident on the various gold fields, at the time the Census was taken, only amounted to 9,646, leaving a balance of 9,543, or nearly 100 per cent. of the increase, in favor of the rural portion of the colony, to be accounted for. With such a result before me, I think that it may fairly be affirmed that the balance in favor of the rural portions shows that the people are settling themselves, to a certain extent, on our hitherto waste lands. If this be a correct view to take I consider it is a subject of congratulation, exhibiting as it does an increased tendency on the part of the population to engage in pastoral and agricultural pursuits, which must ultimately lead to the development of the natural resources of the colony. The table given below shows the numerical and centesimal increase or decrease of the population in the principal townships of the colony since the Census of 1864 was taken.

With respect to the rural portions of the police and pastoral districts, the largest increase in the population since 1864, has occurred in those of Brisbane, Maryborough, and Rockhampton. According to the Census of 1861, the total population of that portion of the Brisbane District was 2,754 ; by the Census of 1864, the number was 7,530, showing an increase of 4,776 ; and by this Census the number returned is 13,050, being an increase of 5,520 on 1864. The increase between 1861 and 1864 was, to some extent, occasioned by the number of newly arrived immigrants in 1862 and 1863, settling on the lands in the vicinity of the City for the purpose of entering into agricultural pursuits. To some extent the same cause may be assigned for the increase between 1864 and 1868 ; but the greatest reason for such, I am inclined to think, arose from the fact that much of the

land on the Logan, Albert, Pine and Caboolture Rivers (all in this district), was found to be eminently adapted for the growth of sugar, cotton, and maize, which induced the purchase of land and the formation of large agricultural settlements, on the rivers mentioned. The Maryborough District, in which the greatest increase has taken place, showed, by the Census of 1861, a population of 562 ; by that of 1864, 1,045, being an increase of 483 on 1861, and by this Census 8,469, showing an increase of 7,424 on that of 1864. This large increase was undoubtedly caused by the discovery of the Gympie Gold Fields, which attracted a large number of persons—not only from the districts in which they usually resided in this Colony—but also from the neighboring colonies. The increase in the Rockhampton District has, unquestionably, arisen owing to the discovery of numerous Gold Fields in that locality. Many other rural districts show large increases on the Population Returns of 1864 ; as all information on this subject will be found in the table given below (D.), it is unnecessary for me to offer any further remarks thereon.

For the purpose of enabling the reader to see at a glance the total increase that has taken place in any particular police or pastoral district,

have caused a table to be prepared, marked (E), which will supply such information.

As in all the tables forming the Appendix, the male and female population residing in each township, in each rural district, and in each police and pastoral district, have been kept distinct I have thought it advisable to show the total population in each division ; and with that object have prepared the table given below, which will enable the reader to see at once the total population residing in any township ; in the rural portion of any police or pastoral district ; as also the total population in each police or pastoral district in the Colony.

SEX AND AGE.

When the first Census of Queensland was taken, on the 7th April, 1861, the population consisted of 18,121 males, and 11,938 females,—the relative proportions being 65.87 females to each 100 males. At the Census of 1864, I find that the population consisted of 37,425 males, and 24,042 females, the proportions being 64.24 females to each 100 males. The disparity in the relative number of the sexes had, therefore, slightly increased between those two periods.

By the present Census it is found that the proportion of females to males is at very nearly the same rate as that of 1864, viz., 64.45 females to every 100 males. The proportion of females to males is much greater in the principal townships than it was in 1864, being now 95.55 per cent. as against 86.15 to every 100 males. It will be observed that a slight increase has also taken place in the proportion of females to males in the rural portions of the Colony, the present rate being 48.48 as against 46.71 to every 100 males in 1864.

Upon reference to table of percentages (G), given below, calculated from the figures in table 3 of the Appendix, it will be seen that there is no very great disparity in the sexes for the first four quinquennial periods ; a marked difference, however, is perceptible from that point, the preponderance being greatly in favor of the males.

By table No. 3, previously referred to, the population may be divided at any quinquennial period, and the numbers above and below that period may be found at a glance. The number over and under 20 was as follows :—

It will thus be seen that of every 100 males 34.19 were under 20 years and 65.81 above that age ; of every 100 females 51.19 were under 20 years and 48.81 above that age ; and of every 100 of both sexes 40.85 were under 20 years and 59.15 over that age.

It being very generally admitted that the youths of Australia are more advanced, physically and mentally, at the age between 12 and 15, and that elderly persons continue to possess their physical powers to a greater age than in England, I have thought it desirable to enter upon a calculation of the producing powers of the population ; and, in doing so, have accepted the data previously laid down in this Colony and the neighboring ones upon this subject.

In England the producing age is reckoned to commence at 20 and cease at 60.

Holding the opinions which I have expressed, I calculate the producing age of the population to commence at 15 and end at 65. The number between those ages is 63,570, which, if allowed to be the producing part of the population (excluding 1,081 for ages unspecified), will have to support the remaining 35,250.

EDUCATION.

I feel certain that there is no subject in connection with the results shown by the present Census which will be considered more interesting and important by the majority of my readers than that of the state of education. Under this impression, I have caused the tables Nos. 4, 5, and 6, in the Appendix to be prepared in such a manner as to afford the fullest information upon this subject. With no small amount of labor to those entrusted with its preparation under my own immediate supervision, I have also published a very elaborate comparative table, No. 21, showing the results ascertained under this head by the Census in the years 1861, 1864, and 1868 respectively. I will now proceed to call attention to the most prominent features ascertained by a careful analysis of the tables relating to this matter. It may be well first to consider the comparative results shown with respect to the state of education amongst what may be termed the youthful portion of the population.

In the year 1861 it was ascertained, that from the age of 5 years to 15, the period at which education is chiefly carried on in this Colony, there were 1,094 males, or 3.64 per cent., and 1,062 females, or 3.53 per cent. of the total population, able to read and write. In 1864 the males of the same age and degree of education numbered 2,158, or 3.51 per cent., and the females 2,050, or 3.33 per cent. of the population. The result of the present Census, in this particular, shows the males, between 5 and 15, who are so far educated, to be 4,911, or 4.91 per cent., and the females, of the same age and education, to be 4,934, or 4.94 per cent. of the population.

From this comparison it will be perceived that there was a slight decrease in the percentage of males and females who could read and write in 1864 as compared with 1861. By this Census, however, an increase is shown over those of 1861 and 1864. It will also be observed that the percentage of males who could read and write, between the above ages, according to the Census of 1861 and 1864, was greater than the females ; but the result of the present Census shows that the percentage amongst the females is greater than amongst the males by 0.04 per cent. If we look further, and consider the ages between 15 and 20, we find, that in 1861, 908 males, or 3.02 per cent., and 832 females, or 2.77 per cent. could read and write. In 1864, the number and proportion was 2,016 males, or 3.28 per cent., and 1,891 females, or 3.07 per cent. ; and, according to the present Census, the number embraced within this quinquennial period, who had the same amount of education, was 2,471 males, or 2.47 per cent., and 2,537 females, or 2.54 per cent. This shows that the highest percentage of educated persons of both sexes, between the ages of

15 and 20, was in 1864. In 1861 the next largest percentage was shown ; but the result given by the present Census is somewhat below either 1861 or 1864. By this investigation we have ascertained the numbers of what we may term the educated portion of our population, first, between 5 and 15 years of age ; and secondly, between 15 years and 20.

I will now proceed to compare the results ascertained by this Census with previous ones, respecting the whole of our population between the ages of 5 and 20.

The Census of 1861 showed, that between the age of 5 and 20, there were 2,002 males, or 6.66 per cent., and 1,894 females, or 6.30 per cent. of the population, who could read and write. In 1864, there were of that age 4,174 males, or 6.79 per cent., and 3,941 females, or 6.41 per cent. of the population, who were possessed of the same degree of education. The present Census shows the number of males and females, of the same age, who are so far educated, to be 7,382 males, or 7.39 per cent., and 7,471 females, or 7.48 per cent. This comparison proves, that the smallest percentage of the male portion of the population, between 5 years and 20, who could read and write, was shown in 1861 ; there was a slight increase in the percentage of 1864, and a still further increase is exhibited by this Census. With respect to the female population, the results are about the same. Comparing this result with that obtained after my investigation of the state of education between the age of 5 and 15, it would seem that the large amount of money expended for educational purposes in this colony, for salaries and rental, since 1860, viz., £39,644 14s. 5d., according to theStatistical Register, 1861 to 1867, is now bearing fruit in the increased percentage of educated persons amongst the youthful portion of our population, as shown by the returns of the present Census.

I will next proceed to investigate the state of education with respect to the up-grown population. It appears that, from the age of 20 years and upwards, exclusive of 30 whose ages were unspecified in 1861, there were 9,367 males, or 31.16 per cent of the population who could read and write ; and 3,838 females, or 12.77 per cent., exclusive of 11 for ages unspecified, of the same degree of education. In 1864, males of the same age who could read and write, exclusive of 88 for ages unspecified, numbered 21,245, or 34.55 per cent. of the population ; and females of same age and education, exclusive of 18 for ages not specified, numbered 8,943, or 14.55 per cent. The result of this Census shows that the number of males between the ages mentioned, of the like education, exclusive of 308 for ages unspecified, was 32,837, being 32.87 per cent. ; and the females of a similar age numbered 15,535, being 15.55 per cent of the population. This comparison shows that a considerable increase took place in the percentage of educated males of that age between 1861 and 1864. I regret, however, to notice that a decrease has taken place between the years 1864 and 1868 in the percentage of males of that class, it being now only slightly in excess of 1861. With respect to the educated females of the same age an increase in the percentage took place between 1861 and 1864, and again between 1864 and 1868.

The results of the present Census with respect to the educated,

partially educated, and uneducated portion of the population, is furnished in a tabulated form, which will place the whole subject before the reader in a comprehensive manner easily understood.

An examination of the table given above will show that there are 3,369 males, and 4,173 females, or 7.55 per cent. of the population residing in the urban portions of the Colony under the age of 20 years, who can read and write. If we add the partially educated portion of those under 20 years, in the same localities, i.e., those who can read only, viz., 1,167 males, and 1,152 females, to the number who can read and write, it will be found that the educated and partially educated males residing in the urban portions number 4,536, amounting to 4.54 per cent., and the females 5,325, or 5.33 per cent. ; it will further show that there are only 9.35 per cent. of our population, viz., 4.75 per cent. of males, and 4.60 per cent of females under 20 years of age, resident in our towns, who are totally uneducated. To pursue this subject a little further it is only proper to deduct from the uneducated portion 7.64, the percentage of those under 5 years of age, and we find that there are only 1.71 per cent. of our urban population who ought to be receiving the benefits of education, but who are totally neglected as far as that essential to their future welfare is concerned. It will be interesting to compare the result stated above with the same results respecting the rural portion of the population of the same age, of which there are 4,035 males, or 4.03 per cent., and 3,306 females, or 3.30 per cent. who can read and write ; 1,382 males, or 1.38 per cent., and 1,162 females, or 1.16 per cent. who can read only. Adding, as in the former instance, the partially educated to the educated, we observe the balance, or uneducated portion, to be 6,068 males, or 6.06 percent., and 5,654 females, or 5.66 per cent. Again, deducting from the above those uneducated persons under the age of 5 years, the result shows that 1,820 males, or 1.82 per cent., and 1,366 females, or 1.37 per cent. are totally uneducated. The percentage of the uneducated population under 20 years in the rural districts shows an excess of 1.40 per cent. on that of the urban portions of the Colony. To put it in another form in the urban population, 149 in every 1,000 persons between 5 years and 20 are uneducated ; in the rural portions 245 in every 1,000 are in the same condition, thus showing an excess of uneducated persons of 96 in every 1,000 more in the rural portions. I cannot pass from this portion of the subject without drawing attention to the apparently more favorable results of education amongst the females than amongst the males, ascertained in the investigation of this matter.

I regret that having so many other subjects for consideration I cannot dwell longer on this matter, although it is one full of interest to the community at large.

SOCIAL AND CONJUGAL CONDITION.

At table No. 9, parts 1, 2, and 3, will be found a very complete analysis of the social and conjugal condition of the population. I feel certain that the subject of the local powers of increase amongst our community affords sufficient interest to the majority of my readers, more especially to the Statistician, that I shall be excused for dwelling a little upon the matter. The first thing that will strike the attention of the reader, when examining the tables to which I have referred, is the large proportion which the young married males and females (say between the age of 15 and 40),

bear to the total population. Upon referring to part No. 1 of the table above mentioned, it will be observed that out of our comparatively small population 103 males and 399 females are married under the age of 20 years, giving promise of a considerable natural access to the number of our population at a future period, and proving that early marriages, particularly amongst the females, are becoming more usual in this Colony than in the mother country. Again, 4,251 males and 6,926 females are married between the ages of 20 and 30, and form no less than 34.48 per cent. of the total population who are married. The number married between the ages of 30 and 45, are, males, 8,915, and females, 6,548, showing a proportion of 47.70 per cent. to the total number married. The same table shows the total number of males married to be 16,680, being a proportion of 274 in every 1,000 males of the total population, and the total number of females married to be 15,732, a proportion of 402 in every 1,000 females of the whole population. The conjugal condition of males and females, as shown by this Census, if compared with the results exhibited by that taken in 1864, will show that the number of males married, to the number of females married, bears exactly the same proportion. In the Report on the New South Wales Census of 1861, it is stated that the married males were in the proportion of 280 to every 1,000 males, and in the Report on the Queensland Census of 1864, the proportion of married males was 271 to every 1,000. As I have stated above, the result of this Census shows the proportion of married males to be 274 in every 1,000 ; a fair increase on the proportion shown by the Queensland Census of 1864, and a nearer approach to the proportion shown in New South Wales in 1861. With respect to the proportion of married females to every 1,000 females, the Report on the New South Wales Census of 1861, above alluded to, gives the proportion in that Colony as 351. In the Queensland Census of 1864, the proportion was 399, and by the present Census 403 ; a good increase since the Census of 1864, and greatly in excess of the proportion shown in New South Wales in 1861. It is a strange coincidence that the married rate in this Colony, as regards both sexes, was exactly the same in 1868 as in 1861. As I consider the increase in the married population, in a young colony like this, a matter of great importance to our social welfare, for the purpose of enabling the reader to see at a glance the position we hold in this respect as compared with other places, I append a small table exhibiting the proportion of married men and women to every 1,000 males and females in Great Britain and New South Wales in 1861, and Queensland in 1861, 1864, and 1868.

The next branch of this subject to which I will call attention, is the number of males and females in the Colony who are widowed. The result of the Census in this particular, will be found at part 2 of table No. 9. In the Report of the New South Wales Census of 1861, to which I have previously referred, the proportion of widowers to every 1,000 males was stated to be 24; the proportion shown by the Queensland Census of 1864 was 15 ; and the result of the present Census gives the same proportion, the number of widowers being 916 ; of this number 193 or 21.07 per cent. are under the age of 35 years. With respect to the widows, the number, as ascertained by this Census, is 995, showing a proportion of 25 to every 1,000 females. The proportion of widows to every 1,000 females, shown by the New South Wales Census of 1861, was 38. The Census of this Colony in 1864, gave a result of 24 ; it will thus be seen that a slight increase has taken place in this class of persons. It may be well to observe that out of the 995 widows no less than 346 or 34.77 per cent. were under the age of 40 years, with respect to which I think, it may be fairly argued that in a Colony such as this, where the female population is so disproportionate to the male, widows under the age above mentioned may be considered as very likely to contract fresh marriages, whereby the rate such a class bear to the female population might be considerably reduced, thus adding to that portion of the community from which a natural increase to our population is looked for. The last branch of this subject to be considered is the number of male and female children and single men and women in the Colony. The information on this point will be found in part No. 3 of table 9. In dealing with this subject, I would first call attention to the number of males and females under the age of 15 years which are as follows :—Males 17,632, or a proportion of 290 to every 1,000 males ; and 17,081 females, or a proportion of 436 to every 1,000 females. When considering the large proportion of single men of a marriageable age, it must not be overlooked that by no means an insignificant portion of that class are composed of Chinese and Polynesians, who are unlikely (particularly the latter) to be in a position to contract marriage in this Colony. The number of single men between the ages of 15 and 45, at the time this Census was taken, was 22,971, showing a proportion of 378 to every 1,000 males, and 37.81 per cent. to the total male population. Comparing the proportion of single men at the age of 20 years and upwards, with that shown by the Census of 1864, I find that the proportion of single men at those ages has slightly increased, the relative number and proportions being as under :—

The proportion of single men above 20 years in the population of Great Britain, according to the Census of 1861, was 280 to every 1,000 males ; thus it will be seen that there are in our community 90 in every 1,000 males more single men above the age of 20 years than in the mother country. I

would have compared the results of this Census, in this respect, with that of the Census of New South Wales and this Colony, in 1861 ; but, unfortunately, the tables prepared to show the conjugal and social condition of the people were not classified according to ages in either of the Colonies mentioned in that year. The total number of male children and single men ascertained to be in the Colony, at the time this Census was taken, was 43,150, being in the proportion of 710 to every 1,000 males, or 71.03 per cent. of the total male population. I have already pointed out the proportion that female children and single young women, under the age of 15, bear to every 1,000 females, and it is gratifying to observe the small proportion which single women above the age just mentioned bear to the total females,—the number being 5,347, or in the proportion of 136 to every 1,000 or 13.66 per cent. of the total female population. Comparing this result with that of the Census of 1864, which showed the number of single females above the age last mentioned to be 3,636, or a proportion of 151 to every 1,000 females ; it is very satisfactory to note the decrease which has taken place in the proportion of single females of a marriageable age since that period.

OCCUPATIONS.

This is a subject which is thought of sufficient importance in England as to engage the attention of the Statistician of that country to a large extent. The various occupations of the population has now been reduced to a most perfect system of classification. The first classification, which was considered worthy of being considered a system, was, I believe, framed by Mr. Rickman and the Census Commissioners of England in 1841 ; that classification was further improved upon in the year 1851, and lastly, in 1861, by the Registrar-General, Mr. Graham, Dr. Farr, and Mr. Hammick. In the Census taken in this Colony in 1861 and 1864, the classification adopted was a modification of the English system, which modification had been previously adopted in the neighboring colonies. It was my desire to have carried out the same classification ; but as this Census was collected for a special purpose, and, as I was aware that the Government of the day was anxious to have the returns completed as soon as possible, to enable it to lay a measure before Parliament for the re-distribution of Electorates, I caused the tables relating to this subject, to be somewhat altered, whereby much time would be saved in compilation. I trust, however, that the information afforded, even in the condensed form, will not be less acceptable to the general public. It may preventminutecomparisons being made with the Census previously taken in this colony, but will not prevent comparisons being made sufficient for all practical purposes.

In abstracting from the householders' schedules, the occupations, ages, and sexes, were extracted in combination ; but, as the publication of such tables would have involved an expense in printing not warranted by the additional information which would be afforded, I have published in the Appendix such tables as I consider will answer all necessary purposes in such a comparatively small community as ours. The original tables, how-

ever, I have caused to be preserved, as they may be useful hereafter in drawing comparisons.

In dealing with this subject, I would invite attention to the tabulated statement subjoined, in which I have grouped, under eighteen general heads, the male population, showing the principal pursuits followed to gain a livelihood in this colony.

It may be interesting, when considering this subject, to institute some comparisons respecting the occupations of the male portion of our population as given above, with the results shown by the Census of 1864, as by such means, the most important changes in any particular branch of industry in our community will more readily be perceived. With this object, I will proceed to compare the occupations under each head as they are given in the preceding table. The number of persons employed as civil officers and subordinates, including police, numbered 496 in 1864, and, by this Census, 965 ; being at the rate of 7 persons in every 1,000 of the population in 1864, and at the rate of 9 persons in every 1,000 of the population in 1864, and at the rate of 9 persons in every 1,000 in 1868. In the case of persons employed in the army and navy, an increase has taken place,—the number in 1864 being 40 as against 112 in 1868.

The next occupation mentioned is that of persons engaged in the clerical profession, and it is rather surprising that although our population has increased 61.53 per cent. since 1864, the increase in the number of persons so engaged is merely nominal. In 1864, the number was 82, and in 1868, 84, showing an increase of two in the latter year. The members of the judicial and legal profession have increased from 62 in 1864 to 130 in 1868. The number engaged in the medical and surgical profession has only slightly increased since 1864,—the number being 118 in that year, and 129 in 1868.

Persons engaged as teachers have increased in a fair proportion to the population since 1864, the increase being 60.00 per cent. since that year. The number engaged in pursuits relating to trade and commerce and manufactures, exhibit an increase of only 477 since 1864. With regard to persons described as workmen, whose calling is undefined, a very large increase has taken place since the Census of 1864, the number in that year being 4,046 as against 7,364 in 1868. It is satisfactory to notice the immense addition which has taken place in the number of persons described under the head of miners in precious metals : in 1864, persons following that occupation only numbered 802, but in 1868, they numbered 6,628, showing an increase in favor of the latter year of 5,826, and exhibiting a proportion of 10.89 per cent. to the total male population of the Colony. It is also satisfactory to perceive that, notwithstanding the superior attraction of gold-mining, the number of persons engaged in working for other minerals has largely increased since 1864 ; in that year only 90 persons were so occupied, while in 1868, the number was 204.

The pastoral interest also shows a fair increase since 1864. Males engaged in that occupation were then 7,418, and 10,013 in 1868, being an increase of 2,595 in favor of the latter year. The percentage of males engaged in this pursuit, according to the present Census, is 16.46 of the total male population. The next occupation mentioned is that of agriculture: the number of persons so engaged exhibits a satisfactory increase since 1864, the returns showing such increase to be 2,124. A small decrease is observable in the number of seafaring persons, the number in 1864 being 717, and in 1868, only 712. Persons engaged in miscellaneous occupations show a decrease of 890 in 1868, as compared with 1864. Numerically, unemployed persons have increased in 1868, the number being 384, as against 267 in 1864 ; but if the proportional increase in the population of the former year is taken into consideration, the percentage of the unemployed is not greater than it was in 1864. With respect to the class of persons supported at the public expense, as far as males are concerned, the percentage to the male population, in 1864, was 0.44, and in 1868, 0.64, a small but very undesirable increase in this class of persons. Before proceeding to compare the result of the returns under the head " children," it may be well to state that no boy over the age of 12 years, except when specially described as at school or under tuition at home, has been included under this head, there being very few boys above that age when not receiving education who are not engaged in gaining a livelihood, or assisting their parents in employment of some kind specially named. The number of males so described in 1864, was 9,024, and in 1868, 16,368, an increase of 7,344 since the former Census was taken. I feel confident that the most cursory reader will feel struck with the great increase in this class, showing as it does a reserve fund, if I may be allowed to use the expression, upon which we may some day draw with certainty for the development of the large natural resources of the Colony. Many of them, a few years hence, will be young acclimatized men, possessing experience suitable to render them far more valuable to us, as colonists, than the same number of men brought from any other part of the world. The remaining

Portion of the males are those whose occupations were not specified in the householders' schedules,—the number under this head is only 126 more than in 1864—which, when the increase in the population in 1868 is considered, speaks highly for the accurate manner in which the schedules were filled up.

Hitherto I have only considered the occupations in which the male portion of the population is engaged, considering it better to treat of the sources of industry which engage the female portion of the community, separately. I thought comparisons, such as I have made above, much more instructive than if I had based the calculations in each case on the total number of the population. This, I think, will be considered a proper view of the subject, if it is remembered that really the greater part of our female population may be considered to be divided under three great heads, viz., " Persons engaged in Domestic or Home Duties," " Domestic Servants," and " Children at Home or under Tuition" ; to prove this I append a small table in which I have classified the female employments under nine heads :—

The percentage given in this table show that 55.24 per cent. of the female population finds employment either in household duties or as domestic servants ; 40.93 per cent. are children at home or under tuition ; and the remainder, or 3.34 per cent. (except 0.54 per cent. whose occupations were unspecified in the householders' schedules) follow the several occupations as detailed above. As in the case of the males, I will now proceed to compare the various occupations before alluded to, as shown by the Census of 1864 and 1868. The first head to be considered is, domestic offices or duties. In the report on the Census taken in 1861, I find it stated that females so engaged were described as domestics not hired ; the same system of classification seems to have been adopted in the Census of 1864. This being the case, I find the number, thus classified, in 1864, was 10,700 ; making a small

deduction from that number for female servants who may, at that time, have been out of employment, at the rate shown by the present Census, I think I may safely conclude that 10,650 females were engaged in domestic duties. The number so employed in the Census of 1868 was 17,952, showing an increase of 7,302 since 1864. With respect to the females employed as domestic servants, the number in 1864 was 2,765, and 3,592 in 1868, showing the very small increase in this class of persons since 1864 of 830 ; the proportion in 1864 was nearly 45 to every 1,000 persons of the total population, and in 1868 not quite 36 in every 1,000. This will best show in what an unfortunate position the colony is placed at present, owing to the small proportion of this very necessary class of persons. The next class for consideration is that designated as " children." The number given in 1864 was 8,869, and in 1868 the returns show the number to be 16,026, thus exhibiting the very large increase of 7,157. Before passing on to the consideration of another subject, I would call attention to the remarkable fact that the increase of males and females, in this class, is almost equal ; the increase of males being 7,344, and the females as above, 7,157, tending to keep up an equalization of the sexes amongst the young. The remaining occupations, under which the females are classified, do not call for any special remarks, the increase or decrease in each will be perceived at once on referring to the table given below.

NATIONALITY.

Upon reference to tables 16, 17, and 18, will be found the results ascertained by this Census respecting the birth-places of the population. With respect to this subject, I have prepared a table showing the number and proportions of the population by their native country, as shown by the Census of 1861, 1864, and 1868 :—

By the result shown in the above table it will be perceived that the largest portion of our population is of English origin, being 25.46 per cent. of the whole population. The increase of persons born in England numbered 7,223 since the Census of 1864 was taken. I have the satisfaction of being able to say the native-born from the next largest portion of the people, amounting to no less than 23.25 per cent., or within a very small ratio of those born in England ; the percentage of native born in 1864, was only 15.60 per cent. It also appears that a far larger proportionate increase has occurred since the last Census, of those born in Queensland, than of those born in England ; in the first instance, the increase since 1864 was 13,633, and in the latter, as I have previously stated, only 7,223. Those whose birthplace was Ireland, form 20.40 per cent. of the total population, ranking in number next to the native-born. The proportion born in Scotland is very small when compared with that of either England or Ireland, only showing a percentage of 8.47, and has not increased in the same ratio between the Census of 1868 and 1864 as between 1861 and 1864. The other Australian Colonies, including Tasmania and New Zealand, represent 8.14 per cent. of the population, and show a very small proportionate increase since the Census of 1864. Persons born in other portions of the British dominions, represent only 0.82 per cent. The Germans form 7.67 per cent. of our community ; the increase in the number of persons from that country, since the Census of 1864, being 3,265, a proportion slightly in excess of the increase between the Census of 1861 and 1864. Of persons from foreign countries, other than Germany, 2.63 per cent. are from China, and 1.54 per cent, from Polynesia ; the remainder are made up of those from the United States 0.32 ; natives of France 0.18 per cent., and other countries 0.76 per cent.

With respect to the natives of China, I observe a very large proportionate increase since 1864. The addition from this source between the Census of 1861 and 1864, was only 90, whereas between that of 1864 and 1868 it reached the proportionately large number of 2,001. The late gold discoveries in this Colony probably induced Chinese from the Neighboring ones to visit us : to a certain extent this may be considered a fact, for upon reference to table 16, and part 1 of table 17 it will be observed that the majority of such persons are located in the rural portions of the police districts around Rockhampton, Clermont, Cape River (Kennedy District), and Leyburn, in all which districts gold diggings are situated. The aggregate number of Chinese in the rural portions of the above-named districts is 1,212, out of a total number of 2,629 in the Colony. The proportion of persons whose birth-place was unspecified is only 0.34 per cent., and numerically 151 less than in 1864, notwithstanding the large increase in our population.

RELIGION.

The result of the Census under this head will form the next subject for consideration, and the subjoined table will afford all requisite information on this subject in a more compendious form than that contained in tables 13, 14, and 15 in the Appendix.

The most prominent bodies amongst the Protestants, are the members of the Church of England and Presbyterians. The members of the Church

of England represent 37.50 per cent. of the total population, viz., 22.86 per cent. males, 14.64 per cent. females. The Presbyterians represent 13.27 per cent., viz., males, 7.89 ; females, 5.38 per cent. The Lutherans are next the most numerous body of Protestants, forming 6.34 per cent. Of the community. The Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists form 5.20 per cent. The Baptists number 2,088, or 2.09 per cent. ; and the Congregationalists and Independents together constitute about a similar proportion of the population, viz., 2.15 per cent. With respect to the less numerous bodies, I must refer the reader to the tables on this subject. The members of the Roman Catholic Church form, next to the Church of England, the largest portion of the people, representing 26.50 per cent., viz., 14.87 males, and 11.63 females. On comparing the results of the present Census (as shown above), with that of 1864, I find that, although the Church of England has increased numerically 11,772, yet the percentage of the members of that Church, to the total population, has fallen by 4.29 per cent. Of the Presbyterians the same may be said, but the fall in the percentage of that body is very slight, numerically they have increased 4,094 ; centesimally they have decreased 0.32 per cent. The Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists have increased numerically 2,094, centesimally 0.15 per cent. The Congregationalists and Independents show an increase in number of 623, and a centesimal decrease of 0.21 per cent. With regard to the Baptists, I can institute no comparison, as they were included with other Protestants in 1864. The Roman Catholics have increased both numerically and centesimally, the numerical increase being 10,373, the centesimal, 0.29 since 1864.

In connection with this subject, it may be interesting to observe the provision made for the religious wants of the population, as far as the number and proportion of clergy and concerned. I find, on referring to the Table of Occupations, that there were 84 clergymen, of all denominations, residing in the colony at the time the Census was taken, of whom 56 resident in townships, and 28 in the rural portions. This shows that there was one clergyman to every 720 inhabitants of the towns, and one to every 2,128 persons in the rural portions.

DOMICILIATION.

It is usual, and no doubt very desirable, in placing before the public the results of a Census, to make some remarks upon the domiciles inhabited by the population ; and it cannot be disputed that the information to be derived from a consideration of this subject is a valuable ingredient in estimating the probable fixedness of the population, and the individual and collective wealth of a nation. It is therefore, with some regret, I am compelled to state, that the particulars afforded in the majority of householders' schedules, on this subject, was not of such a nature as would enable me to place before my readers such tables as I desired. Table No. 19, in the Appendix, shows the result of my researches upon this subject. I

am merely in a position to give the number of houses or other dwellings, and the description of the material of which they are composed. By the table referred to, it would appear, that in the principal townships of the colony 40,306 persons inhabited 8,802 dwellings, consisting of 128 stone, 916 brick, 7,481 wood, 17 metal, 210 tents, 7 drays, and 43 ships. In the rural portions of the colony 59,595 individuals occupied 16,037 dwellings, consisting of 69 stone, 176 brick, 12,257 wood, 89 metal, 3,411 tents, 6 ships, and 29 drays. The same table shows, that in the townships 1,373 houses were unoccupied, and in the rural portions the uninhabited dwellings numbered 666. As I stated above, this matter is of some importance as a data, from which an estimate of the wealth of our population could be framed, and the investigation could be enlarged upon, to some extent, with advantage, especially as far as regards the towns. For instance ; proper classification of houses could be made showing the materials of which the walls were built ; if of stone, whether cut or rough ; if of brick, of what thickness ; if of wood, whether highly finished inside ; the number of rooms each house contained, the kind of roof, whether such house was finished or unfinished ; or if of metal, whether permanent or otherwise. A classification might, with advantage, be made, showing the number of public buildings, many of which, though very valuable, having no persons actually resident within them on the night the Census was taken, are merely included as unoccupied houses. I consider particulars, such as I have referred to, would be highly valuable for the purposes stated ; and, having felt the inconvenience of not being in a position to furnish my readers with any part of such information, should it again devolve upon me to make preparations for collecting a Census, I shall endeavour to have a schedule attached to the next Census Act, in a form which will authorize the collection of more detailed information on this subject.

COMPARATIVE TABLES.

Before concluding my remarks on part 1. of the Appendix, I would call especial notice to the comparative tables which I have published.

A very large amount of labor has been expended in their preparation, and I feel certain that they will be found very valuable, showing, as they do, the natural, political, and social progress, since the first Census was taken after Queensland was erected into a separate colony. To the Statistician they will be especially valuable, as affording information in a condensed form, saving much labor in making references. The particulars set forth in these tables, in every branch, may be relied upon as being correct in all respects, the care with which they were prepared, and the checks used, almost precluding the possibility of error.

The division of old districts and the creation of new ones has been so rapid, that to enable the reader to draw proper inferences from the comparative tables appended to this Report, I have drawn up a table showing how the old districts have been altered and new ones created, firstly, since 1861, and secondly, since 1864.

NOTE.—To enable the reader to understand this Table, the following example is given :—Pastoral District of Kennedy, in 1861, contained 86 inhabitants ; subdivided in 1864, it may be said to have contained :—Kennedy, North, 738 ; Kennedy South, 478 ; total, 1,261. Further subdivided in 1868, it contained :—Bowen, 2,171 ; Cardwell, 163 ; Mackay, 658 ; Townsville, 760; Kenndy, 1,385; total, 5,137. Thus showing an actual increase of 5,051 persons within the boundaries of that portion of the colony known as Kennedy in 1861.

PART II.

THE tables contained in part 2 of the Appendix, were published for the information of the Government about five months after the collection of the Census, and relate altogether to Electorates.

I have so fully treated on the various subjects contained in the tables forming part 1, of which the tables in part 2 are a mere reflex, that I do not intend to offer lengthened remarks respecting them.

The principal results ascertained by this Census, in connection with the Electorates, are contained in table 2 of this part, in which will be found the number of males and females in each Electorate in the years 1864 and 1868, together with the increase or decrease in the latter year. The greatest increase took place in East Moreton Electorate ; large increases have also taken place in the Electorates of Wide Bay, Kennedy, Drayton and Toowoomba, and Port Curtis. As it may be desirable to show the number of adult males resident in each Electorate, I have drawn up and append a table

showing the number of males from 20 years and upwards. I could not adopt the age from 21 years, owing to the form in which my tables were prepared, unless I re-examined the householders' schedules, which would have entailed a large amount of additional trouble and expense not warranted by the amount of information to be obtained. The proportion of males between 20 and 21 is so small that it will not materially affect the results shown in this table, nor prevent its being used for all practical purposes.

CONCLUSION.

In the foregoing remarks my object has been, as much as possible, to place before my readers the principal results shown by this Census, without obliging them to consult the various tables in the Appendix. I have endeavoured in every way to bring out the most prominent features ascertained respecting the numerical, social, and material condition of our community.

To the general reader I have endeavoured to render the substance of my researches as palatable as possible, by refraining as much as I could from using masses of figures or tabular statements, except in cases where such were necessary to aid in arriving at conclusions. The Statistician, or other person, who may either require to consult the various tables, in performance of duties, or from a wish for information, will, I trust, find that they have been prepared accurately, and that the information they afford is calculated to aid them in forming an opinion of the social growth and progress of the Colony. The various calculations founded on the tables mentioned have been made and checked with the greatest possible care, and every precaution taken to prevent error. I think, therefore, the statistical information afforded on this occasion may be relied upon as correct.

I cannot bring my labors to a close without thanking those gentlemen connected with this department, who, after office hours, performed the work of extracting from the householders' schedules, work, which, although new to them, was performed with the greatest accuracy. Adopting such a course I am aware was somewhat unusual ; but being particularly anxious to have the work accurately performed, I preferred resorting to it rather than employ strangers, especially as I could not, in office hours, have supervised in a manner satisfactory to myself. To Mr. W. T. Blakeney, Deputy Registrar-General, I am especially indebted, the whole of the tables, not only in the Appendix, but also in the Report, being planned and compiled by that gentleman and myself. Never having been engaged upon such a work before, and having no person to assist me who had, I was obliged, with the assistance of Mr. Blakeney, to compile this publication at night, the ordinary work of this department requiring my attention during the day. For the above reasons, I preferred to rely upon my own staff, knowing that I could depend upon their cordial co-operation in rendering this compilation as accurate as possible.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

FREDK. RAWLINS,

Registrar-General.

PART I.

CENSUS OF THE COLONY OF QUEENSLAND—1868