Fiji’s Population

In 10 Years

Fiji’s Population Increases by 86,000

FIJI has a population of 345,696 persons, made up of 178, males and 167,117 females, according to the preliminary count of the census figures. The census was taken on the night bridging Wed nesday, September 26, and Thurs day, September 27.

Estimated total in 1954 was 333,389.

At the last census in 1946 it was 259,638.

Unfortunately, the preliminary count did not give a break-down of figures of what most people had been waiting for —the number of people of each race in the Colony.

According to the estimated totals, yearly increases in population have fluctuated wildly in the last 5 years.

Between 1950-51, increase was 8,000; between 1951-52, 11,000; 1952-3, 8,000; 1953-54, 12,000; and now, be tween 1954-56; 12,000.

Suva’s population on the night of the census was 33 short of 37,000.

On Viti Levu mainland there were 243,389 persons. The figure for Viti Levu, including adjacent islands such as the Yasawas, Naviti, Malolo, Vatulolo and Beqa, was 249,226.

Vanua Levu and adjacent islands had 60,752; Lau, Lomaiviti and

Kadavu had 32,205; and all other areas 3,513.

Ba Province, which includes the populous towns of Lautoka, Ba, and Nadi, had easily the biggest pro vincial figure, with 93,996. Rewa, which includes Suva, was next with 47,346.

Other provincial figures were; —

Bua, 7,622; Cakaudrove, 23,337; Kadavu, 7,451; Lau, 13,510; Lomai viti, 11,244; Macuata, 29,793; Nadr o g a and Navosa, 27,441; Naitisiri, 27,353; Namosi, 2,361; Ra, 16,698; Rotuma, 3,123; Serua, 6.512; Tailevu, 27,520.

The “miscellaneous” figure, which included ships at Suva Wharf and at sea on census night, was 390.

The Fiji ship "Mela nesia” now owned by Capt. C. F. Cliffe, at Batuna, Solomon Islands, about 1937 — before she was partially rebuilt. Capt.

Cliffe wants to know her war history see story page 103, this issue.