1836 Census of the Port Phillip District

The first census was held on 25 May 1836 by Police Magistrate George Stewart during a visit from Sydney. This showed a total European population of 177, comprising 142 males and 35 females. No individual names were recorded but four were said to be members of the Port Phillip Association. A further census with a nominal date of 9 November 1836 was collected by Constable James W. Dwyer on instructions from William Lonsdale. Dwyer collected the census between 27 October and 9 November 1836 and was paid £3/10s/0d for the extra work. He counted a total of 224 persons, 186 male and 38 female, in the area around Melbourne. This census recorded the names and locations of about 45 heads of households and their date of arrival. It recorded the numbers (but not the names) of other persons in each household; whether they were under or over 12 years of age; their civil condition (all were free settlers); and their religion. It also recorded the type of building; stock numbers and condition; and land under cultivation. The figures from this census were included in the published results of the New South Wales census of 2 September 1836 which had been collected under an Act of the Governor and Council of 7th William IV, No. 1 passed on 5 July 1836.