584 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F. 
their correctness has been verified by examination, the next 
proceeding is to reduce the results toa tabular form, This is 
done by sorting the cards of each place into heaps, according to 
whatever enquiry it is desired to work out, after which it is only 
necessary to count the cards in each heap, and to enter the 
numbers so obtained in the columns of specially prepared 
summary sheets. As a matter of course, the respective heaps 
will be entirely different in number, size and contents, according 
to which of the heads of enquiry is being dealt with, but the total 
results under each head must exactly balance with one another. 
Tt is to be hoped that in all the colonies a careful selection will 
be made of the extra officers to be engaged to compile the census. 
It has been too often the practice, both in these colonies and in 
the United Kingdom, to consider the census office as a sort of 
refuge for the destitute, and to appoint thereto persons who have 
failed in other occupations, and are not unfrequently of bad 
character and inebriate habits. In consequence of this, the expense 
of compiling the census has been materially added to, the work 
has been unduly protracted, and it has also suffered in point of 
accuracy. It cannot be too forcibly impressed upon those by 
whom the appointments are made that it is a mistake to suppose 
that incapable persons can be made useful on the compilation of 
a census. All the work in connection with that operation is of a 
more intricate and complex character than that which occurs in 
the routine of most Government departments; to the bulk of 
those appointed it is entirely novel; it is therefore desirable that 
they should possess quick comprehension and aptitude for grasping 
fresh subjects, as well as a fair share of ordinary intelligence. 
Should it be found that such qualities are absent in an officer, or 
should his conduct be such as to be subversive of the discipline 
of the office, the head of the census department ought to have 
full power at once to dispense with his services. 
The forms for compiling the census should be got ready before 
the actual work of the census commences, for when that operation 
is in progress the time and thoughts of the superintending officer 
are fully occupied with the work on hand. To give an Imperial 
character to the returns, the forms should be so arranged that 
the compilation might be effected as nearly as possible upon the 
English principle, such divergencies only being allowed as might 
be necessary to suit local circumstances. It is much to be desired 
that before the census is taken it may be arranged that the heads 
of the statistical departments of the different colonies may meet 
in conference, with the view to an agreement being arrived at for 
the adoption of a uniform system of compilation throughout the 
group. 
Federation is said to be in the air, and it seems possible that 
at anot very distant period there may be one central Govern- 
ment over the whole of Australasia, in which case there would, I 
