Q. How do I insert consecutive numbers in a column

I understand your question to be that you have a column already created and you need to add numbered rows to the column. If this is in fact what you are trying to do then you will need to highlight each of the rows in the column that you would like to put a number next to. Once you have the rows of the column highlighted, then you will need to use the Numbering in the Paragraph group on the Home page, if you are using Word 2007. Select the type of numbering that you want from the drop down list and it will number the rows for you and continue numbering them as you add rows to the column.