il4: Observatiotis on Tasmanian Statistics. 



It is well known that, in addition to those registered at our 

 ports, there were other steam vessels trading regularly with 

 this colony, besides occasional visitants. 



Table 22 shows the amount of revenue derived from the 

 sale and leasing of crown lands for the same decennial 

 period ; and the results presented for the years subsequent 

 to the opening of the gold-fields afford conclusive proof 

 of the soundness of the prosperity enjoyed by the colony. 

 In 1850 the total land revenue was5£28,444; in 1851 it had 

 increased 8 per cent. ; in 1852, 37 per cent. ; and in 1853 it 

 reached £90,690, or 113 per cent, increase upon the year 

 preceding. 



In 1860 the proportion of receipts from the sale of waste 

 lands was 16 percent.; in 1851, 21 per cent.; in 1852, 

 15 per cent. ; and in 1853, 55 per cent. 



Table 23 is a return of the number of mortgages effected 

 upon property, and of the sum total, for each of the last ten 

 years respectively. Dividing the whole into two quinquennial 

 periods, and comparing them together, the mortgages were 

 fewer in number by 23 per cent., and less in amount by 29 

 per cent., during the last five years than during the five 

 preceding. 



Tables 24 and 25 represent the monetary condition of the 

 colony, as shown in the extent of its metallic currency, and 

 in the operations of the several banks as disclosed by their 

 returns of assets and liabilities, for the ten years 1844 to 1853. 

 Irrefragable evidence, if any were wanting, is hence presented 

 of the acquisition of wealth by the colony since the opening 

 of the gold-fields ; and also of the sound basis upon which 

 its four large banking establishments are conducted, — so 

 amply justifying the confidence reposed in them. 



The whole amount of coin in the banks and military chest 

 in 1850 was £239,417, being an increaseof 13 percent, upon 



