Census 2000, which begins this May.

A Government Information Services press release explained that a total of 400 enumerators are needed and Census officials would like at least 500 applications to make up for enumerators who may drop out for one reason or another.

It continued: "To date there have been about 250 applicants and, with the initial closing date this week, the Census Office is likely to extend the deadline another two weeks.

"Enumerators are the core of the entire Census operation,'' the press release said. "Their job will be to visit all buildings and enumerate all persons within all households.

"Initially, they will be assigned districts of 50 households. It is estimated this will take about 30 hours of evening and weekend work over a three-week period between May and July, 2000.

Payment will run between $950 to $2,000 depending on the number of households completed.'' In order to qualify as enumerators, applicants must have a good educational background and effective inter-personal skills. They must be of good character, reliable and committed to the job for a specified period.

Application forms are available at the Census Office in the Cedarpark Centre, 48 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton or at the General Post Office and all sub post offices.