New Zealand cancels census

A press release from the New Zealand Government following the tragic earthquake in Christchurch..
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"The Govt has confirmed the census has been cancelled.
“This is not the time to go door to door asking New Zealanders for information when they’re dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake,” says Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson.
“It’s unthinkable that we would ask this of people. It would be an unfair burden and distraction at a time when they are grieving.”
Govt statistician Geoff Bascand says Statistics NZ will be investigating the "feasibility of alternative options".
The census has been cancelled only twice before – in 1931, during the Great Depression, and 1941, during World War II.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Christchurch-quake-Death-toll-at-113/tabid/423/articleID/199739/Default.aspx

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Comment: It's strange that the census would be cancelled, not just postponed.

Thanks to Marian Press for the information.