Wellington, 13th February, 1849. Lt.Govr. Eyre, Sir, I do myself the Honor to enclose for your Excellencys Information a Copy of the Statistical returns of the New Plymouth Settlement for the year 1848. The various migrations and changes among the Natives of New Plymouth has prevented my Obtaining an accurate Census of their Numbers so as to enable me to insert them in this Return I should however estimate those situated within the limits of Mr. Spains award between the Sugar Loaf Island and the Taimoa at 1100 Souls being upwards of 400 in excess of the number last year which is accounted for by the Return of the Ngatiawas of William Kings party to Waitara. In comparing the returns of 1847 with those of 1848 it is found that 80 persons have left the Settlement during the year, of which Number 42 were Adults and 38 Children the Births during the same period have been 48 and Deaths 10. The Importation of live Stock from New South Wales in the year has been 258 head of Cattle and 31 Horses. In the Revenue Expenditure exhibited in the Statistical Schedule there are several Amounts Included which were paid to the Natives for land and which has been chiefly expended by them in the purchase of useful agricultural implements Horned Cattle Horses and such other Articles as were most likely to tend to their amelioration and Improvement. I have the Honor to remain Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant, Donald McLean, Inspector of Police.