The division of Fraserburg was originally part of the district of Worcester,and was proclaimed a separate division on 12 December 1853. In aboutJanuary 1890 its southern districts were given over to the new divisionof Sutherland. The region was subject to periodic droughts, andconsequently the local economy was based primarily upon pastoral activity. Duringthe 1880s ostrich husbandry was also introduced.

The following census figures are available for the division:

1865 census: 8,293 residents, of whom 1,668 were literate

1875 census: 9,060 residents, of whom 2,379 were literate

1891 census: 6,907 residents, of whom 2,560 were literate

1904 census: 6,469 residents, of whom 3,151 were literate

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