1887. QUEENSLAND, SEVENTH CENSUS

OF THE

COLONY OF QUEENSLAND,

TAKEN ON THE

FIRST OF MAY, 1886.

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

BRISBANE:

BY AUTHORITY : JAMES C. BEAL, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WILLIAM STREET.

1887.

CENSUS OF QUEENSLAND, 1886.

REPORT BY THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL,

WITH

SUMMARY AND DETAILED TABLES, ILLUSTRATIVE MAPS, DIAGRAMS,

AND

APPENDICES.

SEVENTH ENUMERATION OF POPULATION MADE ON TH

1ST MAY, 1886.

BRISBANE,

BY AUTHORITY, JAMES C. BEAL, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WILLIAM STREET.

1887.

CENSUS OF 1886., REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL.

TO THE HONOURABLE B. B. MORETON, COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Registrar-General's Office,

Brisbane, 20th May, 1887.

SIR,

On the 20th September last I did myself the honour to lay before you a preliminary statement, showing certain results obtained from a compilation of the returns of the Census taken in this Colony on the 1st of May, 1886, under the provisions of "The Queensland Census Act," 39 Vic. No. 2. I now beg leave to forward tables showing the complete results of the Census, tabulated under nine divisions—namely :—

• Population—General Summaries ;

• Area of the Colony and Distribution of Population ;

• Synopsis of Results in each Census District ;

• Occupations of the People ;

• Civil or Conjugal Condition of the People ;

• Ages of the People ;

• Education of the People ;

• Religion of the People ; and

• Birthplaces of the People ;

and to lay before you my Report on the subject.

ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR TAKING THE CENSUS.

Owing to the discrepancy which appeared between the estimate made of the population up to the date of the census collection in 1881, and the result of the census taken on the 3rd of April in that year, every precaution suggested by previous experience was adopted in devising a scheme to render the enumeration of 1886 as accurate and successful as possible. The instructions to enumerators and collectors were carefully revised, made much more comprehensive than those previously issued, and were ultimately approved of by the Colonial Secretary. A revised form of diary for the use of collectors was also provided, by which it was sought, first, to ensure an accurate account of the householders' schedules entrusted to collectors being kept by them, and secondly, to serve as a record of the journeys made by each collector through his sub-district. The diaries were divided into two parts, one relating to the work of distribution, and the other to that of collection. In addition to this, the best maps which could be procured of each sub-district, and on the largest scale, were issued to these officers, two similar maps to each collector, on one of which it was his duty to trace the route taken by him when distributing the schedules, and on the other the route while collecting them. These maps were afterwards carefully compared by the

enumerators when the completed returns were handed to them by the collectors, and this enabled them to judge whether the collectors had properly traversed their sub-districts. The householders' schedules were all machine-numbered and counted out by such number to each enumerator, and by them subsequently to the collectors. The collector was required to enter the number of each schedule delivered by him, first in his distribution diary opposite the name of the person to whom he delivered it, and again in his collection diary when he took the schedule up completed. Any numbers which were missing in the collection diary, which had been previously entered in the distribution diary, had to be accounted for by the collector to the enumerator. Unused schedules, according to the list of numbers, delivered by the enumerator to the collector, had at the same time to be accounted for by the latter. By such means it was sought to prevent collectors overlooking or not collecting the schedules which they had distributed, and on the whole I may say that the result of the check thus provided has been satisfactory. The Colony was also divided into census districts somewhat more numerous than in 1881, and these districts were again subdivided into much smaller collectors' districts than at the previous census. This was done for the purpose of securing a greater degree of local knowledge in transacting the work of enumeration, and rendering it likely that the enumerators could exercise a more minute supervision over the work of their collectors while it was in progress.

The maps of the census districts were arranged in the Registrar-General's Office, but were in all cases submitted to the enumerators in order that they might revise the sub-districts ; and any alterations recommended by them were made in the maps, if not inconsistent with the general scheme of subdivision. Gentlemen who held the office of enumerators were in all cases recommended for appointment, either because they had previous experience in the duties they had to perform, or had special knowledge of the topography of the district for which they acted.

Sometime previous to the Census, collection efforts were made to acquaint the Chinese and persons of other nationalities, presumably not conversant with the English language, of the fact that a census was about to be taken, and to instruct them, as far as possible, relative to their duties and liabilities in connection with the same. This was done principally by means of notices printed in different languages, which were numerously posted up in localities where they were most likely to be noticed by those for whose information they were published.

Many other minor arrangements were devised to secure, if possible, accuracy in collection, of which it would be wearisome and unnecessary to give the minute particulars. It may be sufficient to say that most careful attention was given to details, and a voluminous correspondence both by letter and wire was maintained with the enumerators during the progress of distribution and collection. I have every reason to believe that the enumerators, as a rule, made very judicious selection of persons for the office of collectors, although in consequence of the dreadful state of the country in the outlying districts at the time, owing to the effects of the drought, enumerators had in many cases the utmost difficulty in inducing persons to undertake the duties, and many very suitable men were deterred from accepting the office owing to the state of the country over which they would have to travel.

DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED IN TAKING THE CENSUS.

It was most unfortunate that at the time the Census was taken the Colony was suffering from what may be termed an unprecedented drought of quite three years' duration. In almost all parts the country was entirely destitute of grass, and water was scarce to a degree not previously experienced. It may be easily imagined under such circumstances that enumerators found it most difficult to procure the services of men as collectors who had sufficient nerve or practical experience as bushmen to face the difficulties which lay before them. In consequence of this abnormal state of affairs men had to provide many additional horses with which to perform their work, which under ordinary circumstances would not have been required. Unfortunately even then the animals as a rule were so poor and weak as to be unfitted for hard or constant travelling. To add to these difficulties, there was nothing on the face of the country upon which animals could subsist, therefore mounted collectors were obliged to bring feed on their journey sufficient to keep

Their horses in anything like serviceable condition. It is obvious that under such circumstances it was only by offering a very high rate of remuneration (which greatly increased the cost of the Census) enumerators were successful in inducing persons to undertake the duties of collector. It will be further apparent that collectors so hampered with horses could not move about with facility, and on the date of collection, when it was particularly necessary to do so, they were not in a position to travel with expedition over extensive areas, so as to hunt up persons who were camping out, or who were travelling or had no settled place of abode. Mail communication was also much interrupted at the time, and consequently collectors were considerably retarded in their efforts to communicate with one another or with their enumerators, when it was necessary to trace parties respecting whom they had received information (who were going out of one collector's district into another), so as to have such persons enumerated. Owing to this it frequently happened that before the collector's communication reached the person for whom it was intended the individual or individuals had disappeared and were lost to the enumeration. Taking these matters into consideration it may be safely affirmed that there must have been considerable loss to the Census returns from the inability of the men to perform their duties properly—indeed, a perusal of the diaries of some of the collectors would convince the most skeptical that it was only by undaunted perseverance and energy that they were able to accomplish the task they had in hand.

It will be seen from the foregoing statement that however well a scheme of enumeration may be devised circumstances quite beyond control, and at times almost insurmountable, will tend to mar the result, especially in a territory so sparsely populated and of such an immense area as Queensland. Taking into consideration the difficulties experienced by collectors, especially in the outlying districts, of which, as I have previously stated, the contents of their diaries is an abundant proof, it may fairly be assumed that under such untoward experiences loss to the enumeration has taken place to some extent, and that had the season been less unpropitious a more accurate account of the population would have been obtained. I can scarcely conceive it possible, unless loss was occasioned by the eventualities described, that the estimate of the number of inhabitants of Queensland, made with such care from year to year, more particularly since the census was taken in 1881, could have exceeded the population ascertained by the Census of 1886 to such an extent. I will, however, further allude to this subject later on, when dealing with the

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE POPULATION.

The total population of the Colony, EXCLUSIVE OF ABORIGINES, enumerated on the night of the 1st of May last, was

322,853 persons,

Consisting of 190,344 males, and 132,509 females—a numerical increase of 65,019 males, 44,309 females, and 109,328 persons over the returns of the former census, taken exactly five years and twenty-eight days previously,—viz., on the 3rd April, 1881. This was by far the largest increase which had resulted in the interval between any two previous enumerations since the foundation of the Colony.VideTable VI., page 6, part I. of Appendix. The centesimal rate of increase since the previous census period was 51.88 males, 50.24 females, 51.20 persons, the highest centesimal increase in the population shown between any two census enumerations since the census of 1868.VideTable VII., page 6, part 1 of the Appendix.

I would here call attention to diagrams published in the Appendix, one of which shows very clearly, and in a manner to some more easily understood than mere comparisons of figures, the proportionate increase in the population at each census period since Queensland was formed into a separate colony ; the other indicates the proportion of the population residing in each census district. Although the birthplaces or nationality of the population will be referred to in the proper place, further on in this Report, it may be convenient here to state that there were included in the population above referred to 10,500 Chinese, consisting of 10,444 males and 56 females ; 10,165 Polynesians, consisting of 9,178 males and 987 females ; and 1,162 persons of other alien races, consisting of 1,112 males and 50

females. The aboriginal inhabitants of Queensland are not in any way included in the population above mentioned, as it would be utterly impossible to collect a census of them. An attempt was made, however, to get an estimate of their numbers by directing collectors to apply to police officers and others having knowledge of this subject in the different districts. The result of the estimate made by persons competent to judge is that there are about 11,906 aborigines in the Colony.

It is unsatisfactory to note that the Census population of 1886 was below the estimate made of the population during the quinquennial period April, 1881, to May, 1886, by 5,715 males, 5,712 females, 11,427 persons. This is a very disappointing result, considering the great care taken, during the interval mentioned, to have the returns of arrivals and departures by sea and of births over deaths prepared in as accurate a manner as possible. To show how the estimate was made during the period referred to, I subjoin a tabulated statement, which gives in detail the method by which the estimate was made from the census of 1881 to that of 1886.

It is not easy to account for such a large discrepancy between the estimate made of the population and the results obtained by the Census, except in the first place by the theory that the interchange of travellers over the border, between this colony and New South Wales (of which no account can be taken) is in favour of the latter colony to a considerable extent annually, and that owing to the untoward circumstances previously mentioned, non-collection to no inconsiderable extent had further contributed to the unsatisfactory difference referred to. No one with an intimate knowledge of this Colony, taking the conditions previously mentioned into consideration, will fail to admit that in a territory like this, containing an area more than five times as great as that of the United Kingdom, and more than three times that of either France or Germany, with a population of say 323,000 more or less distributed over it, and which population contains a large proportion of males continually travelling about on business or seeking work, it is almost impossible for collectors, be they ever so careful and intelligent, to ascertain within the course of a day

more than a close approximate enumeration of the population. Comments have been made by the Government Statist of Victoria in his report on the census of that colony in 1881 apparently questioning the propriety of the practice adopted by my predecessors of adding 1½ to 2½ per cent. to the census population when making an estimate of the population following a census enumeration. With the facts previously referred to in view, and having an intimate knowledge of the circumstances described in the collectors' diaries and other documents connected with several previous census enumerations in Queensland, I consider they were quite justified in assuming that the loss in enumeration was at least equal to the percentage they added in each instance. Duly appreciating the value of the opinions advanced by such an able statistician as Mr. Hayter, it may, however, be safely affirmed that the collection of a census in Queensland (if positive accuracy in enumeration be desired) is a much more difficult undertaking than a similar work in a comparatively small and well settled colony like Victoria. The suggestions advanced to account for the overplus in the estimated population may, by some, not be deemed tenable, yet it is a strange coincidence that the population returned at the three last census enumerations in Queensland, on each occasion was several thousands short of the estimate made during the interim between each census period. That this result has been brought about solely by the unaccounted for excess of emigration over immigration—a supposition advanced by other statisticians in Australia—is not, I am convinced, the true solution of the question. Bearing upon this subject it will be very interesting to observe whether the next decennial census of the Australian colonies will again show such a result as that alluded to by Mr. Hayter in his report on the census of Victoria in 1881—namely, that taking the census enumerations in the different colonies as nearly correct, owing apparently to imperfect returns of departures during the previous decenniad, "no less than 101,000 persons, or 1 in 18, left the several colonies on the continent of Australia apparently unobserved." Continuing his observations on the subject Mr. Hayter says : "The solution of the difficulty must therefore be "looked for either in the inaccuracy of the census or those of emigration." As I have had considerable experience of the difficulties of taking a correct census in this Colony, and anticipating that similar obstacles must exist in some of the other colonies, I am inclined to assume that, however faulty immigration and emigration returns may be, the census returns are not to be relied upon as being by any means absolutely correct. I consider the more populous and settled the colonies become and the greater the facilities afforded for travelling, the more accurate will census returns prove, and will probably approximate more closely to the estimates made of population. While on this subject it may be noticed that a very disturbing element to making estimates of population has now come into existence in all the colonies on the continent except Western Australia—namely, the junction of the intercolonial railway systems. There seems to be no possibility whatever of having any account kept of the passenger traffic to and fro across the border of the various colonies ; consequently, incorrect as the estimates of population have hitherto been, based to a great extent upon arrivals and departures by sea, they are likely to be more unsatisfactory in future, because it will be impossible to frame an estimate of the gain or loss in population which may occur to each colony respectively from this cause. The travelling public are at present availing themselves largely of this mode of transit in preference to the (to some people) unsatisfactory experiences of a coasting voyage, and passenger traffic by rail will no doubt increase in proportion to the facilities offered from time to time by the railway departments of the various colonies. It must therefore be obvious that this disturbing influence in the formation of estimates of population will be augmented in the same ratio as passenger traffic by railways increases.

AREA OF THE COLONY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION.

The area of the Colony at the latest computation is 668,497 square miles, of which the Northern Division contains 255,405 square miles, the Central Division 223,840 square miles, and the Southern Division, including the districts of Burnett and Wide Bay, 189,750 square miles. The population enumerated in the several divisions was as under :—

Calculations made from the above show that the distribution of the population at the time of the census, exclusive of those employed in shipping, was as under :—

In the Northern Division there were 0.24 persons to the square mile ; in the Central Division 0.17 to the square mile ; and in the Southern 1.16 to the square mile.

The proportion of persons to the square mile in the divisions mentioned at the time the census of 1881 was taken was as under :—

Showing that the proportion of increase in the density of the population in the different divisions since the previous census period was as follows :—

The average number of persons to an inhabited dwelling (exclusive of shipping) in each division was as under :—

Showing an increase since the Census of 1881 of—

The comparative density of the population in each census district in the Colony is well illustrated by a map published in the Appendix, which shows the outline of the Colony, with the boundaries of the census districts marked thereon, and shaded so as to exhibit at a glance where the population is numerous, and where it is the reverse the shading is graded according to the number of individuals residing within each square mile contained in each census district of the Colony, and it will be found useful as showing clearly and in a manner easily understood how the settlement of the population was distributed throughout Queensland. Assuming that the total area of the Colony as now computed is correct, it will be seen that, excluding the occupants of ships and vessels, there are only 0.478 persons to each square mile of area, a result 0.160 greater per square mile than at the census of 1881.

The following Table also shows in actual figures how the population was distributed on the night the Census was taken. For more convenient reference it is made out exhibiting the various particulars of the three great divisions of the Colony separately, and also giving information relative to the Census districts on the coast distinct from those further inland :—

Analysing the table, it will be seen that when the Census was taken 19.31 per cent. of the total population of the Colony then resided in the Northern division, 12.02 per cent. in the Central division, and 68.67 per cent. in the Southern division.

The table further shows the percentage of the total population of the Colony who resided at that time in each Census district in the various divisions ; also the number of inhabited dwellings, exclusive of shipping in each division, was as under :—

and that the percentage of inhabited dwellings to the square mile in each division was as follows :—

The population in each division and in each Census district is also shown, distinguishing as far as possible the rural from the urban population. In order to arrive at what may be considered the urban population as distinct from the rural population, the residents in townships or other close centres of population in each district whose inhabitants number 100 individuals and upwards, have been deducted from the other residents in the division, who may be taken to be the rural population. Assuming the above as a fair basis for the undermentioned calculations the result is as follows :—

In the Northern Division there were 30,173 persons living in cities, towns, townships, and closely-populated centres having at least 100 inhabitants, while 32,166 persons resided in the rural portion. The percentage to the total population of the division shows 48.40 of urban residents compared with 51.60 per cent. of those who lived in the country.

The following is the result with respect to the Central division :—

The urban population numbered 20,097 persons, or a percentage of 51.77 to the total population of the division, and the rural population numbered 18,724 persons, being a percentage of 48.23.

With respect to the Southern division, the urban population numbered 116,454 persons, and the percentage to the total population of the division was 52.53, while the rural population numbered 105,239, a percentage of 47.47.

It will be perceived from the foregoing that the rural population arrived at by the method above referred to exceeds the urban population in the Northern division, but that in the Central and Southern divisions the urban exceeds the rural population. The latter fact, however, is accounted for with respect to the Central division by the large population of Rockhampton and suburbs (the principal town in that division), which constitutes 53.70 per cent. of the total population of the Central division, and in the Southern division by the large urban population of Brisbane, Maryborough, Toowoomba, Gympie, and Ipswich. That this estimate of the proportion of the urban and rural population of the Colony is tolerably correct may be proved by adding together the population of municipalities, boroughs, shires, and townships. This will be found to exceed the estimate of the urban population made above by about 13,000 persons, but the excess referred to will be more than counterbalanced if the population of some of the shires, small country and township reserves, &c., whose inhabitants number less than 100, are deducted, as they do not form any part of the urban population.

A short description of the locality of each Census district, distinguishing those on the sea-coast from those inland, is also contained in the table, which will be useful to show that settlement to a greater or less degree has taken place inland as well as on the sea-coast, and in all parts of the Colony, except perhaps the extreme northern portion above Cooktown.

Referring, again, to the subject of urban population, Table XXIX., page 36 of Part I. of the Appendix, shows the population resident in municipalities, boroughs, and shires of the Colony, and also gives the increase in each between the census periods of 1876 and 1881 and of 1881 and 1886, respectively. Dealing with the latter census periods, the total increase of dwellers in municipalities shown by the Census of 1886 over 1881 was 27,705, from which, if the decrease of 1,228 persons apparent in certain municipalities be taken, will leave a net increase of 26,477 individuals resident in municipalities. The largest increases since the census of 1881 appear in the municipalities of Brisbane, 10,127; Townsville, 4,828 ; Rockhampton, 3,362;

and Maryborough, 2,198. With respect to boroughs, the total increase in population was 4,238 : there was no decrease in any of them. Of those in existence when the census of 1881 was taken, that of Gympie shows the largest increase—namely, 3,095. Sandgate had also increased in population to the extent of 1,043 persons. Although in Table XXIX. Persons residing in the shires have been included with urban population, with the exception of Toowong, the localities thus described, with one exception, really contain what may be more properly considered as a rural population : they are at best only centres of close settlement. The only two in existence when the census of 1881 was taken were Middle Ridge and Toowong ; the increase in population in these places shown by the census of 1886 was 67 persons in Middle Ridge and 1,328 persons in Toowong.

Table XXI., page 28, Part I. Appendix, shows the area in square miles in the several census districts of the Colony, and the population of such districts by sexes ; also the number of inhabited dwellings in each district. Comparing this table with a similar one published after the census of 1881, the following results will be noticed. The population increased by 109,328 persons—65,019 males and 44,309 females ; and the inhabited buildings, including shipping, 18,577 ; while uninhabited buildings were by 475 more numerous than in the census period of 1881.

Table XXII. shows the number of habitations other than shipping in the respective divisions of the Colony, and in the several census districts contained in such divisions ; also the number that were occupied and unoccupied. Comparing the results obtaining from the census of 1881 with those supplied by that of 1886, it will be seen that in the Northern division the inhabited buildings (exclusive of shipping) increased 3,786 in number, and the unoccupied buildings 386 ; in the Central division there was an increase in the inhabited buildings of 2,153, and in the uninhabited buildings a decrease of 109 ; while in the Southern division the inhabited buildings increased 12,482, and the uninhabited buildings 198.

The next Table No. XXIII., which is also a comparative one, contains a return of the area in square miles in each division, and in the different census districts therein ; also, the number of persons to a square mile, who resided there at the period of the census enumerations in 1881 and 1886 respectively.

Table No. XXVIII., page 35 of the Appendix, gives a return of the number of persons of white and coloured races, respectively, who resided on the Gold Fields of the Colony. From this it will be found that there were 25,727 persons living in these localities when the Census of 1886 was taken—namely, 23,400 whites, 13,644 males, and 9,756 females ; also, 2,327 persons belonging to coloured races—viz., 2,326 males and 1 female : with the exception of 1 Polynesian, all the latter were Chinese. Comparing this with similar results obtained from the census of 1881, it will be perceived that the whites resident on the Gold Fields increased by 6,886—viz., 3,478 males and 3,408 females ; while persons belonging to the coloured races on the Gold Fields decreased by 4,960—viz., 4,957 males and 3 females.

DOMICILIATION OF THE PEOPLE.

Information on this subject will be found at Tables XXII., XXIV., XXV., XXVI., and XXVII., Part I. of the Appendix. Referring to these tables, it will be seen that the average of inhabited dwellings exclusive of shipping) to the square mile was—

This percentage is in excess of the returns of the census of 1881 (particularly with respect to the Southern division), which showed the rate then to be—

Table XXVI. shows that the average number of persons to an inhabited dwelling (exclusive of persons living on board ships, &c.), in each division of the Colony, was as under—

While in the whole Colony the percentage was 5.04. The census of 1881 showed the average of the whole Colony to be 4.71.

Turning to Table No. XXIV., page 31 Appendix, a return will be found of all descriptions of dwellings occupied by the population as described in the Census schedules. From this table it appears that the occupied habitations of all descriptions numbered 63,693, in addition to which there were 2,263 unoccupied, making a total of 65,956. It is more than likely that no account has been taken by collectors of many buildings, such as business premises, &c., in which no person abode on the night of the Census, consequently the number of buildings in the Colony are probably considerably in excess of the number above given. However, dealing with the number returned there were 467 built of stone, 50,520 of wood, 1,951 of brick, and 1,786 of metal, presumably all iron ; of other habitations which cannot be called buildings, 6,989 were tents, 393 were drays, and there were 1,303 other erections made for shelter which could not be classified under any of the foregoing heads or were unspecified in the schedules. The increase in the number of the various descriptions of buildings in the interim between the census of 1881 and that of 1886 was as under—

Stone, 98 ; wood, 15,549 ; brick, 384 ; and metal, 1,122.

In other descriptions of habitations the increase was—

Tents, 1,768 ; drays, 139 ; and domiciles which it was unnecessary to classify or which were not specified, 361.

It appears that wood is the material most used for domiciles in this Colony at present, and likely to be so for some time as such houses are comfortable and healthy in a temperate climate like this ; they are also quickly erected, and are cheaper than any other useful style of building. Most of the timber indigenous to this Colony is also durable and well suited for building purposes. No doubt as our cities and towns increase in importance wood will give way to stone and brick, particularly for places of business, stores, &c., &c., as is now the case in Brisbane.

In addition to the dwellings above enumerated, there were 284 ships or vessels of some other description occupied by persons on the night the Census was taken. Table XXVII. Contains a return of the vessels, &c., so occupied, showing that there were 107 sea-going vessels in Queensland waters on that date, of which 32 were steamers, 26 were ships, and 49 were schooners, &c. There were also 177 river vessels, including those the property of the Government, such as dredging plant, &c. The number of persons on board of the vessels on the night of the Census was 3,560, of which 2,109 were employed as officers, crews, &c., and 1,451 were passengers. At the time of the census of 1881 only 127 vessels of all descriptions were returned, and the persons on board numbered only 1,689—crew, &c., 1,011 ; passengers, 678—showing an increase in shipping of 123.62 per cent. ; of crews, &c., employed, 108.60 per cent. ; and of passengers, 114.01 per cent. The increase since that period proves that there has been a considerable augmentation of the Queensland shipping trade in the interim between the census periods of 1881 and 1886.

Table XXX. shows the population of an area which may now be fairly considered to contain the city of Brisbane and its suburbs. The number of persons who, on the date the Census was taken, resided in the area referred to—namely, within a radius of five miles from the Brisbane Post Office, was 73,649 persons, consisting of 38,937 males and 34,712 females. It is to be regretted that, in consequence of certain alterations made in the subdivisions of the Census districts round Brisbane since the census of 1881 was taken, no comparison between the returns of that census and of 1886 can be instituted so as to show the increase in the population since 1881 in the circuit referred to, but the additions to the population in that period must have been considerable. The district referred to includes the whole of the Municipality and Registry District of Brisbane, and parts of the

adjoining Census district of Oxley, East Moreton, and Caboolture. A map, neatly reduced by the process of photo-lithography, is published in the Appendix which shows clearly the boundaries of the area mentioned. Those who are competent to judge this matter will, I feel sure allow that the tract referred to practically represents the present city and suburbs of Brisbane. Consequently it is intended for the future to publish all statistical information from the Registrar-General's Office relative to Brisbane and suburbs as in connection with the circuit referred to, until a better boundary is adopted or until it is found necessary hereafter to extend the limits. The population of Brisbane and suburbs, as above described, constitutes 22.81 per cent. of the total population of the Colony, while the population of Melbourne and suburbs at the census of 1884 was 33 per cent. of the total population of Victoria ; but it may be observed that in the colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, the population of the principal city and suburbs is taken to be that contained within a ten-mile radius of each city in place of five miles as adopted with respect to Brisbane.

The city of Brisbane within the limits of the Municipality contains a population, as shown by the Census, of 33.128 persons. This population is more than three times greater than that of any other municipality in the Colony. The population of Brisbane Municipality taken alone only forms a proportion equal to 10.26 per cent. of the total population of the Colony, and although for reasons previously stated no comparison can be now instituted between the census returns of 1881 and of 1886 in connection with the results obtained in the area at present fixed as the city and suburbs of Brisbane, yet as the boundaries of the city and suburbs hitherto in use for statistical purposes—namely, the boundaries of the Registry District of Brisbane—remained the same in 1886 as they were in 1881, a proper comparison can be instituted relative to that portion of the city and suburbs between the census returns of the periods mentioned. In that area the population increased since the census of 1881 as under—

The Municipality by 10,127 persons.

The part outside the Municipality included in the Registry District of Brisbane by 10,453 persons.

Making a total of 20,580 persons—a centesimal increase of 89.47.

Table XXXII. shows the Census population of the smaller towns and township reserves in the Colony divided into males, females, and persons ; and Table XXXIII. Contains similar information, but the townships are arranged so as to show the Census district within which they are situated. The total population resident in these townships, &c., on the date of the census taking of 1886 was 33,772, consisting of 20,154 males and 13,618 females.

Table XXXII. gives the names of towns and township reserves which have been proclaimed as such in the Colony, but which do not appear from the Census returns to have any person resident within their boundaries.

DIVISIONAL BOARDS.

Local Government is now in force in all parts of Queensland, and was first brought into existence as a general measure under"The Divisional Boards Act of 1879."Table No. XIX., page 25, in part I. of the Appendix, gives the result of the population enumerated in each divisional board district at the Census of 1886. It has not been found practicable to institute a comparison between the results of the census periods of 1881 and 1886 in connection with divisional board districts, because since 1881 many alterations in the boundaries of these districts have been made, some divided, and some amalgamated with others. The following particulars respecting them may, however, be found useful. When the Census of 1886 was taken there were 93 divisional board districts in existence, which contained an aggregate population of 203,808 persons, consisting of 126,115 males and 77,693 females ; of these, one—namely, Woolloongabba—had over 13,000 inhabitants ; one, Ithaca, over 11,000 ; 3, Dalrymple, Gogango, and Pioneer, over 6,000 ; 2, Booroodabin and Caboolture, over 5,000 ; 3, Tarampa, Walloon, and Yeerongpilly, over 4,000 ; 5, Burrum, Goolman, Purga, Thuringowa, and Toombul, over 3,000 ; 20, Aramac, Beenleigh, Bulimba, Bulloo, Clifton, Glengallan, Gooburrum, Gowrie,

Highfields, Hinchinbrook, Indooroopilly, Inglewood, Jondaryan, Kargoolnah, Ravenswood, Stanthorpe, Tinaroo, Wambo, Widgee, and Woongarra, over 2,000 ; 39, Banana, Barolin, Bauhinia, Belyando, Brassall, Bundanba, Bungil, Burke, Cairns, Calliope, Cloncurry, Daintree, Diamentina, Douglas, Einasleigh, Esk, Gregory, Hann, Hughenden, Johnstone, Kolan, Murweh, Mutdapilly, Nerang, Nundah, Paroo, Peak Downs, Rosalie, Southport, Tabragalba, Tambo, Tiaro, Tinana, Tingalpa, Torres, Ula Ula, Waggamba, Wallambilla, and Wangaratta, over 1,000 ; and 19, Antigua, Baramba, Broadsound, Cardwell, Carpentaria, Cleveland, Coomera, Duaringa, Glastonbury, Granville, Murilla, Nebo, Nogoa, Perry, Rawbelle, Taroom, Warroo, Waterford, and Woothakata, under 1,000 each. In the total population of the divisional boards districts 61.88 per cent. were males and 38.12 were females. Of the total number of districts, 1.08 per cent. contained a population of over 13,000 ; 1.08 per cent. a population of over 11,000 ; 3.23 per cent. a population of over 6,000 ; 2.15 per cent. a population of over 5,000 ; 3.23 per cent. a population of over 4,000 ; 5.38 per cent. a population of over 3,000 ; 21.50 per cent. a population of over 2,000 ; 41.94 per cent. a population of over 1,000 ; and in 20.43 per cent. there was a population of under 1,000.

ELECTORAL REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE.

When arrangements were being made for the collection of the Census of 1886, such as fixing the boundaries of census districts, &c., great care was exercised that the outside boundaries of electoral districts should be made conterminous with the boundaries of the collectors' districts included within census districts, or, where this could not be carried into effect without making collectors' districts too small, these districts were subdivided so as to show where the electoral district boundary ran through them. In cases in which the division of a collector's district was found to be necessary owing to parts of it being in different electorates, the maps furnished to the collector were carefully coloured so as to show the portion of such sub-district situated in each electoral district, and instructions were issued that the collector should carefully endorse on the outside of each schedule the name of the electorate in which such schedule was distributed or collected, and also that he should make a record of same in his diary. Neglect of duty in this particular was punishable by fine. In consequence of the steps so taken in advance of the enumeration the collector's work in this particular was very good indeed, and gave complete satisfaction, both to the enumerator by whom it was in the first instance checked, and also to the officers of the Census Department, by whom it was of course finally scrutinized. The arrangements made answered the purpose perfectly, and, as before stated, the collectors had attended so well to the instructions given them, there was no difficulty whatever experienced by the Census Department in compiling the population tables relating to electorates. The tables published on that subject are therefore quite accurate, so far as the Census returns would permit.

There are at present 44 electoral districts in the Colony, information respecting which will be found at Tables XVI., XVII., XVIII., and CXXX. in the Appendix. Referring to Table XVI. it will be observed that at the date on which the Census was taken there were 188,590 males residing within the boundaries of electoral districts, in addition to 1,097 males resident within the Census district of Somerset—a portion of the Colony up to the present time not represented in Parliament, and, in addition, 657 males on board ships in Moreton Bay not situated in any electorate, nor were any of such males probably qualified as voters. Consequently, for the purpose of dealing with the male population resident in electorates, these males—in all, 1,754—have been excluded. After this deduction there are left 188,590 males ; from this, again, should be taken 78,019 males who were minors, and therefore not competent as electors. This leaves 110,571 adult males ; but from this a further reduction must be made of 17,358 adult males belonging to Chinese, Polynesian, and other alien races (the minors amongst them having been already deducted), which leaves 93,213 adult males ; from this, again, might properly be deducted 1,198 adult males who were prisoners, lunatics, or inmates of benevolent institutions, and therefore not capable of voting. All these deductions having been made, it would appear that there were in Queensland, at the time the Census was taken, 92,015 adult males who were capable of exercising the political

franchise. The number of Members of the Legislative Assembly being at present 59, and the number of males capable of exercising voting power as above stated, it appears that, on the basis of representation by the adult male population (supposing the adult males to be equally distributed in each electorate), each Member should represent 1,559½, or 1.69 per cent. of such adult male population. Turning to Table CXXX., page 312 in the Appendix, the number of adult males in each electorate will be seen, with the deductions above referred to made. The adult males who were prisoners, lunatics, and members of charitable institutions have not been deducted from the totals in that table, as persons of that kind are drawn from all parts of the Colony to some centre of population such as Brisbane, Ipswich, Rockhampton, Townsville, &c., &c., where the Government institutions for their accommodation are situated, and also because the number and the proportion is so small as not to affect to any extent the general result. To afford information as to the actual proportion of adult males, exclusive of Chinese, Polynesians, and other Alien races, represented by each Member of the Assembly, a return is appended, based altogether on the figures given in Table CXXX. previously mentioned. This return shows the percentage of adult males, exclusive of Chinese, Polynesians, and other Alien races, who are represented by the Member or Members who sit for each electoral district.

From this statement it will be perceived that in the electorates of Burke, Warrego, and South Brisbane, in the order named, the greatest percentage of adult males who would be qualified to vote were represented by the members for these districts,

and consequently the electorates named are those which on that basis have at present the least amount of representative power. The proportion next in importance is shown in the electorates of Enoggera, Bulimba, Rockhampton, North Brisbane, Mackay, Mulgrave, Barcoo, Gympie, and Kennedy, also in the order named ; while the districts of Burnett, Dalby, and Clermont show the smallest proportion of adult males within their boundaries, and consequently on the same basis have the largest share of representative power, and are, therefore, now the electorates best represented. This will be easily understood on reference to the subjoined table in which the calculations are made in a manner reverse to the previous one.

From the table above given will be seen the proportion of representative power possessed by each electorate to every 10,000 of the adult male population, exclusive of Chinese, Polynesians, and other Alien races. It will be also observed that while Burnett possesses 0.195 per 10,000, Dalby 0.184, Leichhardt and Normanby 0.149 each, Warwick 0.135, Port Curtis 0.123, with others ranging downwards in certain proportions, Burke only possesses representative power to the extent of 0.029 per 10,000, Warrego 0.034, South Brisbane 0.035, Enoggera 0.037, Bulimba 0.038, Barcoo 0.045, and so on, according to the number of adult males enumerated in each electorate given in an adjoining column of the return.

In order to show the fluctuations in representative power in the various electorates since the census of 1881 the annexed statement is appended. In it will be found the proportion of representative power possessed by electorates in 1881, calculated on the basis ofadult males exclusive of Chinese, Polynesians, and other Aliens,and the corresponding figures calculated in the same manner on the Census returns of 1886 ; also the representative power in each district in 1881

calculated onthe total adult male populationat that time, and a similar return connected with the Census of 1886. Of course, changes have been made in the representation of the Colony since 1881, but such changes are noted in the statement.

The results exhibited by the above schedule show plainly where the most important changes in representative power not previously acknowledged and provided for by the Legislature have occurred since the previous census was taken.

In connection with this subject, as it may be interesting, a table is annexed which shows the number of registered electors on the annual roll of each electoral district on the 31st December, 1886, and in juxtaposition the number of adult males in each of such districts (as shown by the Census returns taken in the previous month of May) who, it may be taken for granted, were qualified to enrol their names as voters.

Taking into consideration the additions to the adult male population which must have taken place in each electorate during the last eight months of 1886 since the Census was taken, the registered voters do not appear to bear so good a proportion to those who were apparently entitled to political franchise as might be expected. Whether this arises from want of interest in making claim to the political rights they are entitled to, or from inability owing to the want of the necessary qualification to enable them to do so, it is difficult to judge, but from whatever cause arising it appears that not more than 54.48 per cent. of the adult males referred to appear as electors on the electoral rolls of the Colony. If this is traced further, and the electorates be divided into groups as contained in the Northern, Central, and

Southern divisions (the latter including Burnett and Wide Bay districts), it will be found that 45.26 per cent. of adult males are on the Northern rolls, 38.55 per cent. on the Central division rolls, and 60.99 per cent. on the Southern rolls. This will be seen from the following table, Statement G. :—

Taking the results as affecting separate electorates, it will be observed that in Dalby registration is attended to better by far than in any other electoral district, the percentage of electors on the roll to adult males in that electorate being 92.08 per cent. Aubigny and Maryborough are next with 80.84 and 80.76 per cent. respectively.

Dividing some of the electorates in the Southern division into local groups in the Downs, Burnett and Wide Bay, and Metropolitan electorates, adult males seem to be most attentive to registration, as the following will show :—

Next appears to be what may be called the Metropolitan electorates :—

and next the Ipswich electorates :—

In the Central division electorates the highest percentage of registration is in Port Curtis, 61.75, and the lowest Blackall, 29.35, the average being 38.55.

The electorates in the Northern division (exclusive of Burke electorate) have about an average percentage of registration, the highest being Musgrave, 54.43, and the lowest Bowen, 40.07—average, 45.26. The electorates in the north-west and extreme west, taken together, have the lowest percentage of registration thus :—

From the above it will be seen that the last-mentioned electorate (Gregory) has the least percentage of registered electors to the number of adult males of any electoral district in the Colony.

SYNOPSIS OF THE RESULTS OF THE CENSUS ENUMERATION.

On pages 44 to 161 of the Appendix will be found tables referring to each Census district in the Colony. They show, first, the division in which each district is situated, its geographical position as relates to the Colony, and also the area in square miles contained within its boundaries ; they contain in a compendious form a synopsis of the results obtained from the Census returns relating to each district, and also give the number of the population, and at different ages from under 1 year to 100 and upwards ; also show the conjugal condition and the degree of education of the people at each age period, together with the birthplaces, religion, and occupation of the population. At the foot of each table is also shown by sexes the total

population of the district, the number of Chinese, Polynesians, and other alien races included in such population, together with the population exclusive of aliens, the number of adult males inclusive and exclusive of aliens, and the percentage of the population of the district, and of each sex in the population, to the total population of the Colony. The tables contain a great deal of statistical information in an epitomized from, which should be useful to persons who require particulars of a local kind from the Census returns, and they are made up in the same way as in 1881 to enable persons interested to compare the results between each census period, at least in those districts the boundaries of which it was unnecessary to change for the purposes of the Census of 1886.

OCCUPATIONS.

When classifying the census returns under the above heading the primary object sought to be secured is a faithful record of the particular means of existence adopted by every member of the community. It must be obvious that it is a work requiring considerable thought and skill to present in a classified form and in an intelligible shape the profession, business, trade, &c., &c., relative to every resident in Queensland, as given in the Census schedules. Again, to render returns of this kind valuable, they should be prepared on some systematic plan which would enable results to be compared from time to time of the progress and development of industries in this community as also with those of other countries. Unfortunately, even in the British Dominions—i.e., at least, in England, Scotland, and Ireland—the system of classification, although apparently the same, has not yet attained, even provisionally, that uniformity or oneness of plan so much desired on the part of statisticians. This matter formed the subject of many conferences amongst statisticians both of England and Continental States, with a hope that some international scheme of grouping or classifying occupations would be devised which would lead to general harmony in details, and not in the end be misleading or perhaps unintelligible. Owing, however, to the difficulty experienced in the marshalling of classifications, caused for the most part by the great distinctions in international vocabulary of occupations, at a meeting of such a congress at St. Petersburgh in 1872 it was admitted upon all sides that there was extraordinary, if not insuperable, difficulty in tabulating occupations exhaustively and scientifically upon any one particular plan which would be available for international use. In a matter of this kind it must be remembered that occupation means primarily business or work ; but for statistical purposes it must also include rank or profession often unaccompanied by work of any sort, and means of livelihood frequently not connected with either work or rank. Take, for instance, "landowner," "capitalist," "pensioner," and other titles of that kind often met with in the census schedules. Having this in view, it has been thought advisable to adopt for the purposes of the Census of this Colony the scheme of classification used in England, adding the latest modifications and improvements so far as the same were exhibited in the returns of the census taken there in 1881. It was also necessary to make certain alterations therein so as to include various pursuits and means of livelihood followed by persons in this Colony which are not mentioned in the English classification. The beneficial results expected to follow the adoption of that particular scheme as the basis for our operations here relate more particularly to the facilities it presents to the statist to make comparison of the various means of livelihood adopted by the population, and also of the growth or otherwise of particular industries, in this Colony with those of several British communities who make use of the same system of classification.

The English system now used to some extent in Scotland and Ireland, and in several if not all of the Australian Colonies, divides all means of livelihood into six great classes, namely :—

• Class I. Professional Occupations.

• Class II. Domestic.

• Class III. Commercial.

• Class IV. Agricultural.

• Class V. Industrial.

• Class VI. Persons whose Occupations are Indefinitely Described or which are Non-productive.

These classes are again divided into orders, and the orders again subdivided into sub-orders, in which are set out specifically the particular means of livelihood or means of existence adopted by each individual member of the community. To assist the compiler in making a uniform tabulation of the occupations under the minute subdivisions into which they are separated, an index has been prepared which contains the name of almost all known means of livelihood, and opposite the name of each occupation is placed the number of the class, order, or particular occupation under which each such employment should be classified. With such a guide the tabulator, let him be ever so inexperienced, does not find much difficulty in making auniform and systematicarrangement of all vocations followed by persons in this community. Of course during every census compilation new or unusual names for occupations are being constantly met with in the returns ; but all such are referred to the superior officers who have supervision of the work, and who settle what the proper classification should be. The new or unusual names are then added to the index, so that from time to time that guide becomes more and more comprehensive. As an amusing instance of the difficulties which sometimes arise in ascertaining the meaning of the description given of the means of livelihood in a schedule (it may be by a facetious individual, as in this instance), the following occupation for a certain time fairly puzzled the compilers, and it was only by referring back to the schedule and taking the circumstances in connection with it into consideration that the real occupation was ascertained. The return given was "A green-hide engraver." This was intended to represent the occupation of "bullock-driver." The system of "engraving" the facetious individual who filled up the schedule no doubt intended to indicate was the marks and wales made by him with the bullock-whip on the hides of his unfortunate animals.

Tables XCV. to CVIA., pages 168 to 262 in the Appendix, contain voluminous information relative to the occupations of the people—first a synoptical table, then tables showing occupations according to census districts, and then similar particulars according to the ages of the individuals employed in each description of occupation. Table XCV., as previously stated, presents a synoptical view of the occupations of the people arranged in classes, orders, and sub-orders, and is also comparative, as it shows the increase or decrease (both numerical and centesimal) in each class, order, and sub-order between the census of 1881 and that of 1886. It also gives the centesimal proportion per cent. of each increase or decrease to the total population of the Colony. Reviewing that table the following particulars are apparent :—

CLASS I.,

Professional,—contains in Order I. persons engaged in the Government Service and Defence ; also persons engaged in Local Government, It appears that there were 2,051 persons engaged in the Civil Service exclusive of the Education, Legal, Defence, Railway, and Pilot and Harbours Departments, the number of which latter will be found in their proper places. This was an increase since the census of 1881 numerically of 768 and centesimally of 59.86, and formed a proportion of 0.64 per cent. of the total population. The number of persons classed under Defence numbered 221, an increase of 196 on the returns of 1881, but it would appear that only 4 persons described themselves in 1886 as volunteers, no doubt giving in the schedules the ordinary designation of their occupation instead of the military one : the numbers stated above most probably belong exclusively to the officers and men of the paid Defence Force. Persons engaged in Local Government numbered 225 against 118 in 1881. Order No. 2 of the same class contains particulars of those employed in the learned professions—divinity, law, and medicine ; also those occupied in literature, art, and science. Referring to the sub-orders included in the order, those engaged in religious offices numbered 474, an increase of exactly 100 since the last census of 1881 ; those engaged in law, 431, an increase of 146 ; in medicine, 591, an increase of 185 ; in literature, 52, an increase of 13 ; in science, 185, an increase of 101 ; in teaching, 2,091, an increase of 726 ; in fine arts, 224, an increase of 120 ; in music (including music teachers), 307, an increase of 169 ; and in actors, &c., 188, an increase of 84.

CLASS II.,

Domestic, embraces persons engaged in domestic and personal affairs. The different orders are as under. No. 3, Sub-order I, includes persons described as wives and widows, &c. These numbered 34,643—an increase of 9,861 since last census in 1881. Sub-orders No. 2 and 3 include persons described as

sons, daughters, relatives, visitors (whose occupation was not more definitely described), and children, who, taken altogether, numbered 119,633—an increase of 32,630. Respecting the children classified under this order, it appears that 40,310 were returned as attending State schools, 2,907 as attending provisional schools, 5,860 as attending denominational schools, 2,550 as attending private schools (not denominational), 521 as attending grammar schools, 4,537 as being taught at home, and there were 1,744 children over five years of age returned as receiving no education ; in addition to this there were 43,071 under the age of five years, supposed to be too young to be taught, although of those who were receiving education either in State schools, private schools, or at home, previously alluded to, 1,969 were under 5 years of age, as will be seen in Occupation Table C, page 226 Appendix. The foregoing matters in connection with children have been merely noted here, but the subject will be returned to further on under the head of "Occupation by Ages and Education." Order IV. Contains, in the first place, persons engaged in personal offices (in board and lodging), such as hotel-keepers, lodginghouse-keepers, &c., &c. ; these numbered 2,959—an increase of 1,362. And, secondly, persons engaged in personal offices (in attendance), such as domestic servants, &c., &c. ; these numbered 13,928—an increase of 4,872.

CLASS III.,

Commercial, is that in which those occupied in certain business pursuits are included. Order V. in this class is that which contains those following business in the shape of the purchase and sale of goods including 1st sub-order, mercantile persons, and secondly sub-order 2, embracing other general dealers. Under the 1st sub-order there were 4,424 persons returned, an increase of 2,397, and under the latter sub-order 3,008 persons, an increase of 1,199. Order VI. in same class includes persons engaged in conveyance of men, animals, goods, and messages, such as, first, railway carriers—of these there were 1,554 returned, an increase of 886 ; secondly, road carriers—5,103 persons were returned as being so engaged, being an increase of 1,988 persons ; thirdly, carriers on seas and rivers ; of these 3,976 persons so employed were returned, an increase of 2,065 persons ; fourthly, persons engaged in storage, of whom 407 were occupied, an increase of 65 ; and, lastly, individuals who acted as messengers, porters, &c., &c. (not in the Government service or on railways), of whom there were 1,318, an increase of 448.

Class IV,

which follows, includes only Order No. VII., and embraces persons engaged in agricultural pursuits (that is, either in cultivating land or rearing animals upon it) as well as those persons who are engaged in connection with land, but neither in cultivating it nor in making use of it for grazing purposes.

Sub-order I. of Order VII. Comprises those engaged in agricultural pursuits. 39,711 persons appear from the returns to have been so employed, an increase 17,707 persons over those so engaged at the census of 1881. As this is one of the great producing industries of the Colony it is deemed expedient to give it more than a mere passing notice. In the first place, the percentage of increase in the number of persons so employed since last census was 80.47 and the centesimal proportion to the total population of the Colony was 12.30. The sub-order above referred to amongst others includes those persons who were engaged in the production of sugar. Unfortunately, when the returns of the census of 1881 were being compiled the number of persons solely occupied in the pursuit above-mentioned were not separated from other agriculturalists, further than with respect to those persons who then described themselves as sugar planters, of whom 187 were then returned ; but when compiling the Census Returns for 1886 provision was made to separate sugar producers from those engaged in other agricultural occupations, with the result that 192 persons were returned as sugar planters, and 10,722 persons (including 10,530 persons otherwise engaged in cultivating sugar-cane, &c.) were found to be earning a livelihood by pursuits connected with that industry. Turning to Table CI., page 242 of the Appendix, it will be seen that amongst the persons so occupied in sugar cultivation were 735 Chinese (in addition to 7 who described themselves as sugar planters). The following Table, No. CII., page 247, shows that there were also 8,046 Polynesians so engaged, and Table CIII., page 251, gives the number of persons of other alien races employed in like manner, viz., 612. These figures show that out of the 10,722 persons occupied in sugar cultivation 9,393 were Chinese, Polynesians, or people of other alien races. As a matter of course the great majority of persons who followed that pursuit were males, the number of

each sex being respectively 9,764 males and 766 females. The next occupation mentioned in this order, viz., vine-growing, does not seem to be followed as a sole means of support by many persons, as only 44 were returned as having been so engaged, compared with 31 persons recorded as vignerons at the previous census. Cotton planting, the next industry mentioned, seems to have collapsed altogether : only 2 persons were returned as having been so engaged. Arrowroot planters, the next on the list, appear to be on the increase : only 2 were entered at the time of the census of 1881, while 27 were reported as so engaged at the Census of 1886. There were 21,299 persons described as farmers, including their wives, sons, daughters, and other relatives who were actually employed or residing about the farm. This, compared with the return in 1881—viz., 13,183—shows a most satisfactory increase—viz., 8,116 persons—in those engaged in this industry during the last five years. In connection with this matter, if reference is made to Table C, page 228 of the Appendix, where occupations are shown according to age periods, it will be seen that of those engaged in the occupations referred to only 286 (of whom 176 were males) were of such tender years (viz., under 12) as to be of little assistance on a farm. The 286 persons referred to were returned as "assisting on farm," but in 39 of these cases at least the tender age of the children (namely, ranging from 6 years to 9 years) would, under ordinary circumstances, render their services of little use in any capacity. To the increase referred to above must also be added a proportion of the 10,722 persons engaged in sugar cultivation, all of those so employed in 1881 having been included in the farming class in the compilation of the census returns of that year. The proper proportion, however, for reasons previously stated, cannot now be ascertained. In connection with agriculture, in addition to farmers, &c., before mentioned, there were also employed persons described as farm bailiffs, overseers, farm servants, agricultural labourers, and others, numbering in all 6,945 persons. This shows a decrease on the number of those so employed in 1881 of 1,026 persons ; but this decrease can be accounted for, because labourers on sugar plantations, who were included amongst this class in 1881, are in 1886 tabulated in their proper place—namely, engaged in the cultivation and production of sugar, and, as previously stated, the great majority of persons so described were either Chinese, Polynesians, or people of other Alien races. The number of persons recorded as earning their living solely in the occupation of gardener (exclusive of domestic servants so engaged) was 672 against 629 at the census of 1881, showing a small increase of 43 persons. Tables CI. and CII., pages 242 and 246 in Appendix, show that amongst those returned as gardeners were 228 Chinese and 6 Polynesians.

In Sub-order 2 of Order. VII. are included those who make their living from pastoral pursuits such as squatters, graziers, sheep or cattle farmers, their wives, sons, daughters, relatives, managers, overseers, superintendents, in-door and out-door servants, all of whom were occupied about stations ; of these 10,616 persons were returned, showing an increase of 2,283 persons over the result given by the census of 1881 : of those engaged in this industry there were 530 Chinese and 112 Polynesians. The centesimal proportion of persons employed as above to the total population of the Colony was 3.29, and the percentage of increase since the census of 1881 was 27.40. Sub-order 3 of Order VII. embraces a record of persons engaged on land, not either in cultivating or grazing pursuits, such as landed proprietors, land brokers, agents, assistants, surveyors and assistants, agricultural implement proprietors and workers, grubbers, bushmen (not splitters or fencers), and others : the total number recorded under the above designations was 2,400 persons compared with 1,478 returned in 1881, showing an increase of 922 persons compared with 1,478 returned in 1881, showing an increase of 922 persons so employed at the time of the Census of 1886. In the above are included 78 Chinese and 44 Polynesians.

In Sub-order 4, Order VII., are comprised persons who obtain their livelihood as "engaged about animals," such as horse proprietors, breeders, dealers, breakers, grooms, jockeys, veterinary surgeons, live stock salesmen, fishermen, &c. Of these there were 3,163 persons returned under the several headings specified in the sub-order against 1,452 thus occupied at the census of 1881, the increase having been 1,711 persons. These include 203 Chinese, 107 Polynesians, and 117 persons of other Alien races, the great majority of whom are described as "fishermen" at the pearl fisheries, nearly all being employed about Thursday Island in the district of Somerset, and others engaged fishing in other localities.

The total number of persons returned at the Census of 1886 under Class IV., which may be styled the production class, was 55,890 persons compared with 33,267 persons at the census of 1881, exhibiting a numerical increase of 22,623 persons since that date. The centesimal proportion of persons included in the class to the total population of the Colony at that time was 17.31, and the centesimal rate of increase in the class since last census 68.00, a most satisfactory result taken in connection with the producing power of the population. The total number of Chinese, Polynesians, and persons of other Alien races included in Class IV. was 15,250, including 9,896 previously referred to as being employed in sugar production.

CLASS V.

includes all industries connected with working and dealing in Art and Mechanical Productions, and is so comprehensive, containing as it does 5 Orders—viz., VIII., IX., X., XI., and XII., with no less than 21 Sub-orders, I think the result of a comparison between the Census returns of 1886 and 1881 with respect to that class will best be seen in the form of a tabulated statement which is subjoined:—

From the above it will be observed that 51,489 persons were included in Class V., being in the centesimal proportion of 15.95 to the total population. In 1881. there were 33,117 persons included therein ; so that the increase in that class between the Census periods has been 18,372 persons, or a centesimal rate of increase of 55.48. The proportion of Aliens contained in the figures above given was comparatively small, as follows—Chinese, 2,579 ; Polynesians, 98 ; and persons of other Alien races, 24 : total, 2,701.

Further analyzing the table it will be perceived that in Order No. VIII., the first in the class, the greatest increase is shown in Sub-order 12—namely, those engaged in what may be called the building trade. The increase in this Sub-order between the census periods was 4,954 persons. In the same order the following Sub-orders show increases to the following extent :—Sub-order 11, including carriage, harness, and implement makers, 719 persons ; Sub-order 1, including booksellers, publishers, printers, newspaper proprietors, &c., 547 persons ; Sub-order 14, including furniture makers, upholsterers, dealers, &c., 358 persons ; and in Sub-order 10, which includes mechanical engineers, engine and machine makers, &c., &c., 337 persons. In Order No. IX. the most important increases are observable in the following Sub-orders :—Sub-order 2, those engaged in dress, such as hairdressers, hatters, milliners, shoemakers, &c., &c., 3,087 persons ; and in Sub-order 1, those engaged in the sale of textile fabrics, such as Manchester warehousemen, drapers, &c., &c., 557 persons.

In Order X. the chief increases apparent are in the following Sub-orders :— In Sub-order 3, those engaged in the sale of drinks and stimulants, such as brewers, mineral water manufacturers, grocers, &c., &c., 895 persons ; in Sub-order 2, those engaged in the sale and manufacture of vegetable food, such as corn and flour dealers, bakers, and greengrocers, &c., &c., 713 persons ; and in Sub-order 1, those engaged in the sale of animal food, butchers, poulterers, fishmongers, milksellers, &c., &c., 610 persons. In Order XI. the only increase of importance observable is in Sub-order 2, those dealing in animal and vegetable substances, such as timber merchants, fencers, sawyers, turners, &c., &c., 2,485 persons. In Order XII., the last order in this class, the most important increases are shown in Sub-order 3, those working and dealing in stone, clay, &c., such as quarryowners, limeburners, brickmakers, road and railway labourers, &c., &c., 2,630 persons—doubtless largely augmented by the increased railway construction necessitating employment of navvies ; and in Sub-order 6, those working and dealing in the baser metals, such as ironfounders, blacksmiths, copperworkers, &c., &c., 1,716 persons. An important decrease is to be perceived in Sub-order 1, gold and other miners, to the extent of 2,767 persons ; and in Sub-order 2, workers in coal, to the number of 182 persons.

In Class VI.

are grouped those whose occupation was so indefinitely described as not to be suitable for arrangement under any other head in the foregoing classes, or whose occupation, if it can be so called, was non-productive. Order XIII. The first in this class contains the indefinitely-described occupations—there were 11,483 persons included in this order, of whom 8,833 did not describe their occupation in the Census schedules further than by stating that they were "labourers" ; and 2,650 described their so indefinitely as to render it impossible to classify them under proper heads. Order XIV. contains a return of persons of rank or property, who described their occupation as "annuitants," "of independent means," "gentleman," "lady," &c., "&c.: persons described in this manner numbered 309, an increase of 193 on those so classed in 1881. In Order XV., Sub-order 1, are comprised the number of persons shown by the returns as obtaining or living from voluntary sources, either from that of the public revenue or from voluntary contributions, such as pensioners (Queensland), inmates of charitable institutions, paupers, &c., &c. The number specified as such at the Census of 1886 was 2,912 as against 1,739 at the previous Census, an increase during the interim of 1,173 persons. In Sub-order 2 of the same class, persons belonging to the criminal classes are included : the number of persons scheduled as such was 696 in 1886 compared with 412 at the Census of 1881, a numerical increase of 284 persons and a centesimal increase of 68.93. The classification of occupations is closed with a division, not called an order, in which is included persons described as having no occupation, and those whose occupation was not specified in the schedule. It is unsatisfactory to observe that no less than 2,010 in our comparatively small population returned themselves at the time of the Census as being possessed of no occupation or means of making a livelihood. In 1881 the returns under this head were only 885 persons, therefore the numerical increase shown by the Census of 1886 was no less than 1,125 persons, and the centesimal increase under this head 127.12. With respect to the other heading, "occupation unspecified," it is gratifying to observe the very small number of

persons included under it—viz., 71—as compared to 951 persons at the census of 1881, because it proves in a very satisfactory manner the care and diligence displayed by the collectors in getting the schedules properly filled up. I have previously, in this Report, expressed my opinion that the collectors as a body were most careful in having their schedules properly prepared, and I think it a most convincing proof of the correctness of that statement to find, in the mass of schedules necessary to record a population of 322,853 persons, there were only 71 instances in which persons omitted to record their occupation, a proportion of 0.02 per cent. of the total population.

In connection with the subject of the various occupations engaged in by the people of Queensland, I would specially call attention to tables published at pages 254 and 259 in Part I. of the Appendix—namely, CIV. And CV., also CVI. And CVII. These tables have been specially prepared to afford facilities to persons interested in ascertaining the number of males, females, or persons employed at any business or means of livelihood mentioned in the occupation tables, without the necessity of collecting the information for themselves from such voluminous records. Table CIV. Shows the particulars referred to, arranged according to the numerical importance of the occupation followed or the position appertaining to each individual in the community. For instance, "Children under 5 years," being the designation most frequently met with in the schedules, heads the table with 43,071 persons ; next comes an additional division of the same class—namely, "Scholars attending State schools." with 40,310 persons ; next "wives and widows of no specified occupation," with 34,643 persons ; next "Sons, daughters, relatives, and visitors not otherwise described," with 18,133 persons ; next "Sugar, others engaged in the production of," with 10,530 persons ; next "Servants, domestic," with 9,723 persons—and so on, each occupation being arranged in order according to the numerical importance of the persons who earn a livelihood by it. The table C.V. contains an alphabetical list of all occupations tabulated during the compilation of the Census returns, with the number of males, females, and persons given separately opposite each occupation. It is considered that these tables will prove handy to statisticians and others who may find reference of the kind necessary, as it will save trouble in searching for information. Another object gained by this form of table is, that anyone dealing with a classification dissimilar to the Queensland one can easily arrange the various occupation so as to suit his scheme of classification, and if thought necessary be in a more satisfactory position to compare results accurately.

Tables CVI. And CVII. contain information relative to the occupations of Chinese, Polynesians, and persons of other Alien races arranged in the same manner as explained in connection with table CV. Looking at these tables it will be seen that the occupation of the greatest number of Chinese was returned as "Farm servants (indoor)"—namely, 2,041 persons, and that of the Polynesians and persons of other Alien races was in "the production of sugar." To those interested in the Chinese and Polynesian question in this Colony, Table CVI. Will afford considerable information.

My observations in connection with the occupations have hitherto been directed to the classification contained in the form of table it has been heretofore usual to publish in this Colony—namely, "The occupations of the people by classes, orders, sub-orders, &c.," in each Census district. A table is now published, for the first time here (No. C., Part I. of the Appendix), showing the ages of the population following each class of occupation, and a statement is sub-joined which exhibits some of the principal results obtained from this form of classification.