More Head-Counting

In Polynesia

ADRIFT of population from the outer islands to Rarotonga is evident from early returns of the census taken in the Cook Is. in September. (A census was made in W. Samoa and Fiji that month, too).

Provisional figures shows a popu lation increase of 1,648 for the whole Group since the September, 1951 census.

The 1956 total is put at 16,727.

There are decreased populations on at least five islands. The returns from three others were not complete.

Rarotonga’s population increased by 1,032 to 7,080, including Europeans and non-Maoris. Males exceeded females by 320 at this island.

Aitutaki’s population increased by 149 to 2,545, and Mangaia’s by 143 to 1,973 —some of the latter in crease could be accounted for by the return of labourers from Makatea phosphate workings, French Oceania, since last census. Greatest increase percentage of population was re corded at Rakahanga, where the total rose by 80 to 341. The increase for the Group was about 9.86 per cent.

Tonga Also Had A Census

First figures from Tonga for the September 26 census give the popu lation of the main island, Tonga tapu, as 31,185, but this included the 57 persons aboard the overseas

freighter Loganhank in port at tli time. Including these, the popull tion of Nukualofa, the capital, w 9,280.

Total population of the Group s< not yet available. Last census w/ in 1938.