FEB. 14.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 317

Population of the Colony.

RETURN of the Estimated Population (exclusive and inclusive of Maoris) of the Colony of New Zealand on the 31st December, 1894.

Excess of births over deaths .. 5,461 6,149 11,610

Excess of arrivals over departures .. 667 1,586 2,253

Total increase during 1894 .. 6,128 7,735 13,863

CHINESE.—The estimated Chinese population on the 31st December, 1894, included above, was 4,145 persons, of whom 16 were females.

During the year 1894 the European population of the colony increased at the rate of 2·06 per cent. In 1893 the rate of increase was 3·36 per cent., in 1892 2·58 per cent., and in 1891 1·37 per cent.

The birth-rate for the colony in 1894 was 27·28 per 1,000 of mean population, exclusive of Maoris; and the death-rate 10·19: as against 27·50 and 10·23 respectively in 1893. The number of births in 1894 (18,528) exceeded the number (18,187) registered in 1893 by 341, and the deaths in 1894 (6,918) exceeded those in 1893 (6,767) by 151; but as in each case the increase is proportionately less than the rate of increase in population the rates for 1894 are found to be slightly lower than those for the previous year.

The number of marriages (excluding those contracted between Maoris) solemnised in 1894 is estimated at 4,130, giving a rate of 6·08 per 1,000 of mean population; against 4,115 and 6·22, the actual number and rate in 1893.

The fluctuations of the birth-, death-, and marriage-rates for ten years are as under:—

• Later information is not available, as the births and deaths of Maoris are not recorded.

Registrar-General's Office,
Wellington, 8th February, 1895.
E. J. VON DADELSZEN,
Registrar-General.

Native Land Court Notice.

Notice of Inquiry under Section 118 of "The Native Land Court Act, 1894."

WHEREAS G. A. Gammon and Co., of Napier, persons claiming to have purchased from certain of the Native owners shares or interests in the Oringi Block, and to have been prior to the date of the passing of "The Native Land Court Act, 1894," in negotiation for the purchase of certain other shares or interests therein, have notified such claim to the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, and to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Napier District, and have requested that an inquiry into the circumstances thereof may be held, as provided by section 118 of the said Act: And whereas the Chief Judge has referred the said claim to Herbert Frank Edger, Esq., a Judge of the Native Land Court, for inquiry as aforesaid: I hereby give notice that such inquiry will be held at the Native Land Court House, Hastings, on the 5th day of March, 1895, at 10 a.m.
Dated at Wellington, this 12th day of February, 1895.
H. DUNBAR JOHNSON,
Registrar.

Bankruptcy Notices.

In Bankruptcy.—In the Supreme Court, held at Napier.

NOTICE is hereby given that GEORGE EDWIN OLDHAM, of Woodville, Baker, was this day adjudged bankrupt; and I hereby summon a meeting of creditors, to be helden at the Courthouse, Woodville, on the 19th day of February, 1895, at 10 o'clock.
J. F. JARDINE,
Official Assignee.
Napier, 6th February, 1895.

In Bankruptcy.

In the estate of ALFRED TOURNER, of Hawera, Contractor.
FIRST dividend, of 2s. 6d. in the pound, is now payable at my office, Hawera.
C. A. BUDGE,
Deputy Official Assignee.
Hawera, 6th February, 1895.

In Bankruptcy. — In the District Court of Taranaki, helden at Hawera.

NOTICE is hereby given that ROBERT MARR, of Hawera, Horsebreaker, was this day adjudged bankrupt; and I hereby summon a meeting of creditors, to be holden at my office, on the 20th day of February, 1895, at 2 o'clock.
C. A. BUDGE,
Deputy Official Assignee.
Hawera, 11th February, 1895.

In Bankruptcy. — In the District Court of Taranaki, helden at Hawera.

NOTICE is hereby given that JOHN DANIEL HILL HURLEY, of Alton, Butter and Cheese Manufacturer, was this day adjudged bankrupt; and I hereby summon a meeting of creditors, to be holden at my office, on the 20th day of February, 1895, at 3 o'clock.
C. A. BUDGE,
Deputy Official Assignee.
Hawera, 11th February, 1895.