CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1886 Session I, G-12

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1886. NEW ZEALAND.

CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. (No. 17.) Circular to Officers. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 30th December, 1885. I am directed by the Hon. the Native Minister to inform you that you have been appointed an Enumerator for the purpose of taking a census of the Maori and half-caste population (living as members of a Maori tribe) in the counties noted in the margin, inclusive of interior boroughs; and you are authorized to nominate such Sub-enumerators as you may consider necessary to enable an accurate census to be taken of the Maori population in the district for which you arc responsible. It is considered that the several counties should be the census districts, and probably one Sub-enumerator had better be appointed for each county. The remuneration authorized for Sub-enumerators, who, in the Middle Island, are to be policemen, is 2s. 6d. per day, with actual travelling expenses. You will he good enough to place yourself in communication with officers of districts adjoining your own, and arrange with them, so that there will be no possibility of any Maoris being omitted from the census, or numbered more than once. You are authorized to request the co-operation of any officers in the Government service whose aid or information would be of value; and Mr. Ballance desires that you will use your most earnest endeavours to make the census as accurate as possible. Printed forms of the return to be furnished, to which I am to request that you will be good enough to adhere as far as possible, are forwarded herewith. It is considered that the Maori census cannot be taken in the same manner as the European census —on one particular night; but it is desirable that it should be taken within as short a period of time as possible, say, the third week in February. You will then have the opportunity during the remainder of the month of February and the month of March of carefully examining the returns, communicating with Enumerators in other districts, and correcting any errors or omissions before forwarding the returns completed to this office, which should be done as soon possible after the Ist April. I have to request that you will accompany your return with a report on the increase or decrease of the Natives within your district since the last census was taken, remarking also upon the general state of health of the Natives, any disease or epidemic which may have visited them, and supplying any other information bearing on the statistics of the Maori population which you may consider of interest. I enclose for your information a copy of the census of the Maori population of 1881. I have, &c., T. W. Lewis, ______________________ Under-Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. H. W. Bishop, R.M., Mangonui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Mangonui, 29th March, 1886. Referring to your circular-letter of the 30th December last, I have now the honour to forward to you herewith the return of the census just taken by me of the Maori and halfcaste population within the County of Mangonui. I— G. 12.

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The returns of the various settlements have been most carefully compiled; and, although a vast extent of country has been covered, owing to the Natives at this time of the year being scattered in every direction over the different gumfields, I have no hesitation in saying that the numbers now returned can be relied upon as strictly correct. I appointed two gentlemen as Sub-enumerators who are thoroughly acquainted both with the district and with the Natives, one taking the northern and the other the southern portion of the county. I impressed upon them the necessity of using their most earnest endeavours to make the census as accurate as possible, and I have every reason to believe that they have succeeded in so doing. In some instances the Natives were very suspicious of the sub-enumerators, and appeared very unwilling to supply the information sought for; but this difficulty was overcome to a great extent by the exercise of a little tact. At one place, however, called Taipa, the leading Native, Te Wiremu Pikahu, refused in most insolent terms to allow the Sub-enumerator to get the information he desired, alleging as a reason for his refusal that he was quite sure there was an ulterior motive on the part of the Government, probably the collection of a polltax or such like; and the same man sent emissaries on horseback to the surrounding settlements, warning them to beware of the "taniwha." Very fortunately, we were able to outwit this cantankerous old Native by the good offices of the Native clergyman, who, having kepf written up a complete register of all the inhabitants of his parish, very kindly placed the information at our disposal. The returns of stock and land under cultivation must be taken as only being approximate. Natives have, as a rule, very hazy notions of number and quantity, and will often simply guess to save the trouble of calculating. It was found quite impossible, save in a few instances, to compute the area of individual cultivation, and therefore the returns are mostly given of acres in common cultivation. In comparing this census with that taken in 1881 it will be necessary to note that thirteen settlements now included in my returns for the Mangonui County were then returned in the Bay of Islands District. They are: Pupuke, Waihapa, Patunga, Kaeo, Upokorau, Taupo, Okomoko, Towai, Mahinepua, Te Wainui, To Ngaere, Matauri, and Takou. Taking the figures of 1881 the total returns for the Mangonui County, including these kaingas, was 2,376; and this, compared with my present return of 2,101, shows a decrease of 275. The Natives in this district just now are very healthy and free from any disease or epidemic. Two years ago there was great mortality throughout the north from typhoid fever, mostly of young people, and I should say that the decrease in population is attributable to the ravages of that fever. Each year, as the spring comes round, there is great prevalence of a type of low fever amongst the children, more or less fatal, according to the season. Until a radical change for the better takes place in their mode of living, the Natives will be always liable to be visited by periodical epidemics. I have, &c, H. W. Bishop, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 3. Mr. S. yon Stunner, R.M., Hokianga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — • Resident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 3rd April, 1886. I have the honour to transmit herewith the returns of the Native census of the County of Hokianga, taken in February last, according to the instructions contained in your circular letter of the 30th December, 1885. The Maori census for 1874 shows a population of 2,796, that of 1878, 2,570, while that of 1881 is 2,828, thus showing a considerable increase. This I do not consider was altogether reliable, as a portion of the return was an estimate only, owing to Native obstruction, and also that all the Natives residing on the north bank of the Herekino River were included in those returns. On the present occasion they will be incorporated in the Mangonui returns as residing in that county. The census now forwarded shows a falling-off from that of 1878 (this was a most carefullytaken census) of 219. The decrease is however more apparent than real, as upwards of one hundred persons are absent from Omanaia, Whangape, Whirinaki, and other places, gum-digging at Kaipara and Mangonui; but to all who are acquainted with the Natives it is plain to see that they are steadily decreasing in numbers. A considerable number of children are born to them, but, alas, how few pass through the first stages of infancy ! improper food, exposure, want of ordinary care and cleanliness, constitutions of the parents debilitated by past debauchery, and last though not least the " tohunga," are answerable for much of this; the most enlightened of them preferring to place their sick in the hands of the Native doctor (" tohunga ") to applying to the medical officer of the district until the patient is reduced to such a state as to be almost past help. Since this census was taken I have entered in my Native register five deaths, all from the same cause, namely, disease cf the lungs. This tells its own tale, and is undoubtedly the outcome of undue exposure and want of sufficient or proper nourishment. And until the gumfields are exhausted I have but a slight hope of any improvement. Whilst away gum-digging, their cultivations and dwellings are neglected, and when they return home.

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worn out witli hard work and exposure, their settlement presents a very uninviting and delapidated appearance. Trusting to the gumfields and bush-work, they do not cultivate sufficient to supply their own wants, and, in consequence, at times suffer great privations from scarcity of food, and that too in the wintry wet weather, when they are the least able to bear it; hence, in the spring and early summer there are nearly always several deaths from low fever, of which there was an outbreak at Hcrekino and Whangape in 1883; otherwise no epidemic has been amongst them since the last census was taken, and the health of the district has been much as usual. I feel that as a people they can have no hope of permanency unless, having cast aside their old habits and modes of life, they adopt those of their European neighbours in their entirety, as at present, mixed up with the new habits and ideas (and those not of the best) which they have acquired from us, they still retain some of the very worst of their own old customs. I allude more particularly to the treatment of the sick, their close and ill-ventilated dwellings, and also to the food they live upon. The good old habits of thrift and industry (for prior to our advent among them they were a very busy, industrious people) they have almost lost. "Taihoa" appears to be the watchword of the race, and will be so, I fear, to the last. Our only hope for the future is in the children, who, as far as possible, are being trained in the Native schools in habits of cleanliness and industry. A very large proportion of the Hokianga Maoris, owing to the exertions of the late Kcrcama Tawhai and others, are very staunch teetotallers, and drunkenness is no longer, as it was some years ago, the reproach of the district; but, notwithstanding this, unless they become more industrious and attentive to the laws of health than the present generation is, though the time may be distant, their extinction is certain. No great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining these returns, many of the Natives rendering willing aid. The area of cultivation is, of course, only an estimate, but is as nearly correct as possible, and I consider not at all under-estimated, thus showing how small a portion of the large estate they hold is utilized by them for actual cultivation, being less than a quarter of an acre per head (of course a considerable area of land is required for their stock, principally horses, to graze upon), and fully bearing out a statement made to me by the late Judge Maning, " that, if each man, woman, and child of the Maori people had five acres of good land secured to them, it would be ample, in fact more than they would ever utilize." I have, &c, Spencer yon Stunner, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 4. Mr. J. H. Greenway, Russell, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — • Resident Magistate's Office, Russell, sth April, 1887. I have the honour, in accordance with the instructions contained in your circular dated the 30th December last, to send you herewith the census of the Maori population in the Bay of Islands County. I have some difficulty in making a comparative return, as the county boundaries are not the same as those of the Bay of Islands District of 1881. At that time the census returns gave a population of 2,641 for the district; from this number have, however, to be deducted 985 living in Mongonui, Hokianga, WTiangarei, and Hobson Counties, but included in the Bay of Islands District returns, thus leaving 1,656 as the then population of the county; the present census makes the number 1,763, an increase of 107. This apparent increase, however, I cannot think to be correct, as I am of opinion there has been no increase in the Maori population since the last census was taken. If this opinion is correct, the only solution I can give is that the last census was not so complete as the present one, which I think is, or very nearly so, as regards the numbers, sexes, ages, &c, of the people; for, although the Subenumerators in several instances experienced difficulty in obtaining the required information, they succeeded, the Native Church of England clergyman at Kaikohe rendering special assistance. lam unable to give the same favourable report with regard to the stock and agricultural returns : the Sub-enumerators had but slight opportunities of seeing and judging for themselves, and had to depend on the information given them. The Maoris have very hazy ideas of the acreage of their cultivations or the numbers of their cattle, most of which are in the bush and open runs, and in many instances they demurred giving any information at all, being suspicious that it was wanted by the Government for ulterior purposes, such as taxation, &c. My opinion is, both from my own knowledge and from inquiries made from people qualified to give an opinion, that the acreage of the cultivations, other than the sown grasses, and the number of the great cattle have been greatly overestimated. After seeing the totals, the Sub-enumerators concur in this opinion. The general health of the Maoris in this county at the present is remarkably good, much better than last year, when during the spring and summer there were many cases of typhoid and low fever and deaths therefrom amongst the young people. Digging for kauri gum, which is one of their most usual occupations during the winter, is a fruitful source of disease, living as they do when at that employment without sufficient shelter or means of drying their wet clothing;

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this brings on severe colds, often ending in consumption and death. Drinking habits I am pleased to say are not nearly so prevalent as in former years ; this I believe is having a beneficial effect on their general health. Want of means wherewith to purchase liquor in large quantities may have had something to do with this improvement, but not altogether, as many have given Wp the habit from seeing its baneful effect on the health and morals of the people. I have, &c., J. H. Greenway, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Clerk of Court.

No. 5. Mr. J. S. Clendon, R.M., Whangarei, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Court, Whangarei, 26th March, 1886. In accordance with your circular of the 30th December, 1885, requesting a report in connection with the Maori census, I have the honour to forward the returns of Helensville, Rodney, Hobson, and W rhangarei Counties, showing an aggregate number of 1,771 in 1886 as against 1,734 persons in 1881, being an increase of 37. I also enclose a comparative return showing the number at each settlement in 1881 and 1886 respectively. The nomadic habits of the Natives have caused a great difficulty in computing the numbers in each county as relative to the census formerly taken in the Whangarei and Kaipara Resident Magistrates' Districts. The return will show the number of persons included in the Bay of Islands and Auckland Districts in 1881, but are now enumerated in the Whangarei and Waitemata Counties; and also exhibits the fact that, though some of the settlements have increased, others show a decrease almost similar in numbers. In Kaipara especially this is more noticeable than in other places : several of the settlements, as Manatahi, Pahekeheke and Kauwau, are completely deserted, whilst the others do not appear to have correspondingly increased in numbers. The general habits and occupations of the Natives have remained nearly the same, as stated in my last annual report. The mortality amongst them has been very much less during the past year than during the preceding period. The principal diseases from which they suffer are typhoid fevers, consumption, and asthmatical complaints, as well as general decay in the old people. The schools are fairly attended, and will doubtless, to a certain extent, prove beneficial hereafter; but I believe if the best behaved and most intelligent lads could, after they had attained a fair amount of education, be induced to learn trades, it would eventually lead to a more healthy prosperity to the Maori people. The people throughout my large district have during the past year been perfectly well behaved, quiet, and orderly; very few instances of crime have occurred; and drunkenness has been steadily decreasing. I feel great pleasure at being in a position to make so favourable a report of the Native district under my supervision. I have, &c, James S. Clendon, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 6. Mr. G. J. Wilkinson, Native Agent, Alexandra, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Memorandum. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. In accordance with terms of your circular of the 30th December last, informing me that I had been appointed an Enumerator for taking the census of the Native population living within the Counties of Eden, Manukau, Raglan, Waikato, Coromandel, Thames, Ohincinuri, Piako, Waipa, Kawhia, and adjacent islands, also Great and Bittle Barrier Islands, I forward herewith the required return for those counties and islands. The task of compiling the census for such a large area has been by no means an easy one. As you are aware, there is no comparison between the work of taking the Maori census and that of the European. In the latter case almost any person of ordinary intelligence and education is suitable for a Sub-enumerator, and in the execution of his duties he is, with few exceptions, assisted by the co-operation of those amongst whom he works. But in the case of the Maori census the position is almost reversed. In the first place the Sub-enumerator should have

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peculiar qualifications. He should be able to speak Maori, and he should, when possible, have some knowledge of the district in which, and the Natives amongst whom, he has to work. He should also have some friends or acquaintances amongst the Natives, so that, in the event of any refusing to give him the information he requires, he can fall back upon some of his friends at the scttlememt to supply the desired particulars. Whenever Sub-enumerators of that stamp can be obtained the work is generally done in a satisfactory manner, and the returns furnished by them are as correct as it is possible under existing circumstances to make them. In several cases, especially for the district known as the King-country, I have made use of intelligent half-castes and Maoris as Sub-enumerators, and they have, without exception, done their work well. In some cases where they were employed I had to dispense with the ordinary printed book, as it was, through being printed in English, and for other reasons, too complicated and confusing. I therefore substituted in its place paper ruled by myself, with the headings of columns written in Maori, which, when filled up, contained all the information required, but in a less confusing form than the printed books (in English) would have been to the halfcaste and Maori Sub-enumerators, who were not adepts at reading English, and who do not understand our way of locating on paper the different kinds of information required. The number of Sub-enumerators that I have employed within the ten counties intrusted to me has been twenty, consisting of 8 Europeans, 8 half-castes, and 4 Maoris. A great deal of difficulty has been experienced by the different Sub-enumerators throughout the whole of the district —with the exception of that part inhabited by the hapus of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe—in consequence of the reluctance of many of the Natives to give the required information regarding themselves, their cultivations, and their live stock, because of an idea, real or assumed, that the Government was getting such information concerning them with the intention of, hereafter, rating either them or their lands. Another source of trouble to the Subenumerators has been the support that many Natives in outdistricts have lately been giving to Tawhiao and the King party. Several emissaries of the latter, and, in some cases, Tawhiao himself, having visited the settlements for the purpose of getting the inhabitants to sign a "petition," or document, for political purposes, acknowledging their allegiance to him, and making over lands to his care. The visits of the census Sub-enumerators shortly afterwards was looked upon by those Natives as a counter-move on the part of the Government to do away with any effect that the signing of Tawhiao's " petition " might have, which accounts for their refusing the information asked for, and in some cases going so far as to endeavour to frustrate the efforts of the Sub-enumerators to get it from other sources. Notwithstanding these and other difficulties that have had to be contended against, I believe the population returns rendered may be looked upon as correct. It is well known that a considerable number of Natives, not only in the census district for which I am responsible, but also belonging to other districts in the North Island, are absent from their usual places of abode, and are mostly engaged digging kauri gum at the Thames, principally on the gumfields situated between Tairua and Whangamata. I have therefore had a special return made of that locality by Mr. S. J. Edmonds, a Native interpreter and long resident of Tairua, who is well acquainted with the gumfields district, and qualified to make such a return. The total number given in his return is 565, composed of members of the following tribes, viz., Ngatiwhakaue, Urungawera, Ngatiporou, Ngatirangitihi, Ngatipikiao, Te Urewera, Ngatimaru, Ngatirangiwewehi, Ngatihaua, Ngatiraukawa, Ngatimaniapoto, Te Rarawa, and Pirirakau Tribes. I believe the return supplied by him, and which took more than two weeks to make, is as correct as it is possible to make one at present. As there are a number of Native settlements situated near to the lines dividing the West Taupo County from those of Kawhia and Waipa, I have, at the request of Major Scannell (who is the Enumerator for the West Taupo County), had the population of those settlements taken by my Sub-enumerators, but have shown them in my return as within the West Taupo County. Although, as I have already stated, I believe the population returns may be looked upon as correct, I cannot say the same with regard to the agricultural returns and those of live stock. I believe them in many cases to be much exaggerated, especially in the cases of cattle and pigs. Had it been intended to enumerate only those cattle and pigs that were to be seen about the settlement a correct return could have been made, but, when it came to be a question of asking the Natives what numbers of cattle and pigs they had running at large, as well as those tame or hand-fed ones to be seen about the settlement, .an opening was given them for the exercise of their imagination, which, I think, in many cases they took advantage of. It is not very easy to make a comparison of the Native population at the present time with that of the census taken in 1881, in consequence of the districts being differently defined. For the purposes of the census of 1881 the returns were made up for districts, without regard to county boundaries. For the purposes of the census of this year they are taken in accordance with county boundaries. I have, however, endeavoured, as requested, to make a comparison, by taking from the last census returns the total number of Natives returned for each of those districts which come within any of the counties that I am this year responsible for, and I find that the returns in 1881 were for —

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Auckland (within Eden County) .. .. .. .. 449 Great Barrier Island, 36 ; Bittle Barrier Island, 17; = .. .. 53 Waiuku and Waikato (within the Counties of Manukau, Waikato, and possihly parts of Thames, Raglan, Waipa, and Waikato Counties) 1,876 Raglan and Aotea (which would include part of Raglan and part of Kawhia County) .. .. .. .. .. 743 Thames (which would include Coromandel, Thames, and Ohinemuru Counties, and for which the gumfields return was very small in comparison to that of the present census) .. .. .. 1,582 Upper Waikato (which would include the whole of the Kawhia County, and perhaps a portion of West Taupo) .. .. 4,250 Making a total of .. .. . . 8,953 Those returns, however, do not include the Natives at Mokau Heads, which is within the Kawhia County. On the other hand the settlements at Patetere, Tirau, Te Waotti, Aotearoa, and other Ngatiraukawa settlements are included in those returns, which being, according to the present arrangement of boundaries, in the West Taupo County, are not included in my return (the population of Aotearoa and some of the settlements near the dividing-line between Kawhia and West Taupo Counties are, however, shown by me as an addenda to my return, as before referred to). The settlements at Waiharakeke and Okauia (on the Waihou River), Te Au-o-Waikato (near Morrinsville), and some others which appear in my census books as within the Piako County, do not appear to be shown in the 1881 return. The total for the ten counties, including islands returned by me for the census of this year, is 8,218, made up as follows : — County of Eden .. .. .. .. .. 141 Great Barrier, Little Barrier, and Waiheke Islands .. .. 112 Manukau .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 658 Waikato .. .. .. . . .. .. 446 Waipa .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 Raglan .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,333 Kawhia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,685 Piako .. .. .. .. .. \. ..518 Ohinemuri.. .. .. .. ~ .. .. 484 Thames .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,222 Coromandel .. .. .. .. .. .. 590 Making a total of .. .. .. 8,218 Which with the addition of 546 for part of West Taupo County taken by me .. .. .. .. . . .. 546 Makes a grand total of .. .. . . 8,764 The Sub-enumerator for the Thames County acknowledges in his report the assistance he received from the friendly chiefs W. H. Taipari and Hoani Nahe, of Thames, without which he would have had great difficulty in compiling his returns, as a number of Natives throughout the district had signed Tawhiao's " petition," and therefore refused to give any information. With the exception of three cases of fever at the Okauia settlement, within the Piako County—and which were reported by me to you at the time—there have been no cases of epidemic sickness within the counties over which I have taken the census, and the Sub-enume-rators report the Natives in their respective districts as being in a fairly good state of health, the King Native settlement at Whatiwhatihoe being the least healthy of them all. I would suggest that, when the time arrives for taking the next Maori census, the Government should take the Natives more into their confidence in the matter, by informing them, by means of the Maori Kahiti or by circular in the Maori language before the work is commenced, what is proposed to be done, and explain to them the reasons for doinj; it, and at the same time solict the co-operation of the chiefs and intelligent Natives in the different districts on behalf of the Sub-enumerators. By so doing I am of opinion that the Natives will look with less suspicion upon the undertaking than they do at present and have done in the past. The appearance of the Sub-enumerators suddenly amongst them, without any previous notice of their intended visit having been given, naturally excites wonder, and in some cases suspicion and alarm. G. T. Wilkinson, Government Native Agent, Waikato, Thames, and Auckland. Alexandra, 30th April, 1886.

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No. 7. Mr. H. W. Brabant, R.M., Tauranga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Tauranga, 3rd May, 1886. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular-letter of the 30th December last, I have the honour to transmit herewith a compiled census of the Maori populalation of the County of Tauranga and adjacent islands, including half-castes living as Maoris. In comparing this census with previous ones, it is necessary first to point out that the tract of country between the eastern boundary of Tauranga County and the Tarawera River which was included in my census returns for 1881, and which then contained 378 Maoris, has on the present occasion been thrown into the next district. The present census as compared with that of 1881 shows as follows :—

In comparing these returns, however, it must not be forgotten that the Natives frequently move from one district to another. Some of the Rotorua Natives will appear in the Taupo return where they were attending a Baud Court. Some fifteen Natives who resided at Tauranga in 1881 arc now at Te Awahou, Rotorua; also a few of those who were at Motiti in 1881 are now at Maketu. My Tauranga Sub-enumerator reports that about thirty of the Tauranga Natives were at the time of the census absent, gum-digging. Taking these circumstances into consideration, I estimate the decrease in population of the whole district in the five years at about 125 per cent. During the last few years the general state of health of the Maoris in the district has appeared good, the deaths being generally those of children and old people. The adults who die early generally, I think, suffer from lung complaints. Bow fever has been known to exist from time to time at some of the settlements, and has been fatal to some of the children. Whoopingcough has also been prevalent, but this appears not to affect them seriously. My Sub-enumerators obtained but little co-operation from the Natives in taking the census, while, on the other hand, with the exception of one hapu, no active opposition was experienced. As regards population, I think the returns are as correct as it is possible to make them; but the amount of crops is, in general, a mere estimate, as the Natives (even if they were anxious to assist, which they are not) can form a very imperfect idea of the extent of their cultivations; and it would be impossible, without a large expenditure of time and money, to measure them. I have felt some difficulty as to whether the crops should be returned as " individual cultivation " or " common cultivation," as the custom appears not to be strictly the one or the other. Families and relatives have their cultivations in common; but the Sub-enumerators did not report any instance when the crops were common to the hapu, and they have therefore been entered as individual cultivation. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 8. Mr. R. S. Bush, R.M., Opotiki, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Memorandum on Census Return. It will be observed that the total Native population in the Opotiki District, which consists of the whole of the Whakatane County, numbers 3,951; besides this, 126 persons connected with the district were absent, many of these temporarily, kauri gum-digging and visiting in other parts of the Island; a few, however, though interested in lands here, appear to have permanent abodes elsewhere. The number 3,951 is in excess of the total of 1881 (which was 3,631) by 320 ; this excess, however, is made up of Natives included in the Maketu District return of 1881, viz., those at Matata, Umuhika, and Te Onepu, numbering in all 313, leaving only an increase of 7. In 1881, for convenience' sake, all the Natives in and about Waikaremoana were shown in the Wairoa District returns. This year all those residing in that locality within the limits of this county, amounting to 52, are included in this return; we therefore have an apparent increase of 57 ; but when it is considered that out of the 126 absentees some 70 are permanent residents

1881. 1886. Increase. Decrease. lauranga District, comprising the Hidings of Katikati and Waimapu, the Borough of Tauranga, and Mayor Island Riding of Maketu Riding of llotorua Island of Motiti 1,020 384 1,375 109 963 387 1,377 91 3 2 57 18 Total 2,818 2,888 75

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here, and were returned as such on the last occasion, it will be perceived that the actual increase is only 13. The total of half-castes this year is only 93, whereas in 1881 the number returned was 141. The difference in these numbers is accounted for thus : In 1881 several large families of halfcastes were included in the Native census, instead of the European, amongst whom they should have been calculated. Care has been taken to excise all half-castes from this return who are not living as members of Native tribes. The difference is 48, from which 17 must be subtracted for those who are chiefly permanently residing out of the district, and the remainder 31 added to the 13 already mentioned as the increase, will give the total as 44, which is a small fraction more than 1 per cent, increase on the last census. Great care has been taken in compiling this census, and it will be seen that with the exception of the Urewera " children " each individual has been noted by name. Neither the names nor exact numbers of the Urewera children could be ascertained, therefore they are given approximately, but names are given in all cases where obtainable. The majority of the Urewera Tribe having changed their names since the last census, it was impossible to compare the old lists with those compiled on the present occasion by Captain Rushton, who undertook to collect the census of this tribe with the assistance of the chief Hemi Kakitu, none but the few wellknown chiefs being shown by their former names. With the exception of the typhoid fever epidemic at Omarumutn, through which some eight members of the Whakatohea lost their lives, the Natives throughout the district have enjoyed fair health since the last census was taken. Only four violent deaths have taken place since 1881, viz., two persons killed through carts capsizing, one drowned, and one Native girl through hanging herself. The total extent of their crops are as under, but 1 fear they are far from correct, it being so difficult to estimate small patches, or to get an exact idea of the size of some of them from their peculiar shapes. It will be noticed that the Urewera crops are small when compared with the number of that tribe, but this may be accounted for as follows : The people preserve great quantities of birds and other bush products, which form a considerable part of their food. There are 2,760 sheep, 2,940 head of cattle, and 7,380 pigs in this district, besides the following area of crops : Potatoes, 1,757 acres; wheat, 610 i acres; other crops, 2,1395 acres. This latter consists principally of maize and kumaras. It will be noticed that there are not many aged Natives—by this 1 mean persons over sixty—not so many as one would expect to find in so large a population. There are only four bedridden people in the whole of the Urewera country. This return may be looked upon as showing a slight increase in the Native population of this district, which however, is barely perceptible to those residing in their midst; but I think I may safely say that there is a small but sure increase on this occasion, not altogether attributable to the accession of adults from other parts not heretofore included within this district, but actually from an increase of births over the deaths. R. S. Bush, R.M. Resident Magistrate's Office, Opotiki, 4th May, 1886.

No. 9. Mr. James Booth, R.M., Gisborne, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Gisborne, 27th March, 1886. In reply to your circular-letter of the 30th December last I have the honour herewith to forward census returns of the Maori and half-caste population of this district (County of Cook). Much care has been taken in obtaining the required information. At first much difficulty was experienced, as the Natives were very suspicious, particularly with regard to their crops and live stock; but the Sub-enumerator reports that, after he was once fairly started, he received great assistance from the chiefs at the various kaingas, and thus succeeded in obtaining a satisfactory return. It has been found to be a rather difficult matter to define the chief tribes of the district, as the Ngatikahungunu and Porourangi (Ngatiporou) Tribes overlap each other, giving rise to much confusion, and consequently sectional tribes have been formed, viz., Rongowhakaata, Whanau-a-mahaki, Te Itanga-a-Hauiti, and Whanau-a-rua being presumably but sub-tribes of the two principal ones. The Maoris in this district are divided into three religious sections, viz., Church of England, Mormons, and Hauhaus (or followers of Te Kooti), who, during his late visit to Wairoa, has revived his influence amongst certain classes, and has now many adherents, chiefly in the inland districts of Poverty Bay. The return will show that the Natives are not cultivating extensively, and, as their crops in certain localities have suffered severely from the late drought, they will, I am afraid, be in great straits for food during the ensuing winter. They appear to bo giving much attention to rearing stock on their lands. In some districts they have a great number of cattle and horses, and many of them are trying sheep-farming on a small scale. In many of the principal kaingas where timber can be obtained the houses are built chiefly in European style; in these kaingas also they have erected substantial churches, fitted up in European fashion. At Tokomaru the church is furnished with a large American organ, which is ably performed upon by a Native girl, who was educated at the Hukatere school, Napier.

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There is much less intemperance in the district than formerly; in a few places, however, they are still addicted to this pernicious habit. As a rule they are prosperous, contented, and healthy in appearance; there is very little sickness amongst them; there have been a low isolated cases of low fever, but no epidemic of any kind. It is very noticeable that, where there have been intermixtures by marriage of people of distinct tribes, the children of such marriages are more numerous and robust in health; whereas, on the other hand, where people of the same hapu have intermarried, the case is reversed. In comparing the accompanying summary with that of 1881 it will be seen that there is a decrease of 292 over the whole district. Of males over fifteen, a decrease of 171; of males under fifteen, a decrease of 16; of females over fifteen, a decrease of 161; of females under fifteen, an increase of 57. The disparity in numbers of those over fifteen compared with those under fifteen is very striking, as also is the preponderance of males over females, which extends to half-castes as well as Maoris. Of Maoris there are 315 more males than females; of halfcastes there are 21 more males than females. Over fifteen, there are, as compared with those under fifteen, an excess of 892 males ; of females, an excess of 616. T. W. Bewis, Esq., I have, &c, Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. James Booth.

Over Fifteen Years. Males . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,455 Females .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,184 Under Fifteen Years. Males .. .. .. .. .. .. ..663 Females .. .. .. .. .. .. ..568 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,870

No. 10. Major Scannell, R.M., Taupo, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Office, Taupo, 17th March, 1886. In compliance with instructions contained in circular dated Native Office, Wellington, 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to forward herewith the accompanying census of the Maori and half-caste population of the Counties of East and West Taupo in the third week of February, 1886. The returns include all the Natives residing in those counties at that date as nearly as could be ascertained, with the exception of a portion of the West Taupo County lying to the north and east of Aotcroa, the returns for which were collected by Mr. Wilkinson, of Waikato. A number of Natives not permanently residing in the district are also included, chiefly Tuhourangi, Ngatimaniapoto, and Ngatiraukawa. With respect to the County of West Taupo the returns arc necessarily only approximate, as the Sub-enumerator in very few instances succeeded in collecting any reliable information, in some cases the Natives absolutely refusing to give any at all; and this applies more especially to the agricultural statistics, which the Natives in both counties appear to regard with considerable suspicion; in fact, there seems to be a growing disinclination to give any information on either that subject or their numbers. I have endeavoured as far as possible to get the name of each person in order to be as accurate as lay in my power, but, owing to the refusal of many of the Natives to give them, I was unable to do so. It is nearly impossible to compare the numbers taken now with those taken at the last census, as, although there is a Native Band Court sitting here at present, there arc nothing like the number of strange Natives here as there were in 1881, when a block called Rangipo was being adjudicated on, and which attracted Natives from a great part of the Island. The Natives have lately, as usual, cultivated very little more than sufficed for their actual wants, and, as a very large consumption of provisions is now going on, there is likely to be considerable scarcity in the ensuing winter. The general conduct of the Natives has latterly been good, drunkenness and assaults, the usual crimes prevalent amongst Maoris, having been rare. Comparatively little sickness took place during the early part of the year; but I append a report from Dr. A. J. Beslie, the Resident Medical Officer, showing that during the spring and summer he treated a very considerable number of cases, mostly of a light nature, and stating that with the exception of whooping-cough no epidemic has visited the district. In conclusion, I beg to state that I considered it necessary to employ three Subenumerators, in consequence of the very large area embraced by the two counties, and the way in which the Natives arc scattered over them. One of them was, however, only employed for two days. I have, &c, D. Scannell, The Under-Sccretarv, Native Office, Wellington. . Resident Magistrate. 2— G. 12.

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Enclosure in No. 10. Sir,— Taupo, 10th March, 1886. In accordance with your request I have the honour to state that during the current half-year there has been a great deal of sickness in this district, I having attended between four and five hundred cases during the present quarter, but happily not of a very fatal nature. With the exception of whooping-cough, there have been no dangerous epidemics, and that is now nearly rooted out, the long continuance of genial weather being very favourable to convalescence. The most prevalent diseases in the district at present arc pulmonary and bronchial affections. Six cases terminated fatally, namely, phthisis, 1; pneumonia, 2; whooping-cough, 1; meningitis, 1; diarrhoea, 1. I have, &c, D. Scannell, Esq., R.M., A. J. Leslie, M.8., CM., Inspector of A.C. Force, in Charge of District. Medical Officer, Taupo District.

No. 11. Captain Preece, R.M., Napier, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Napier, 31st May, 1886. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular No. 17, of the 30th December last, I have the honour to forward herewith the census of the Maori and half-caste population residing within the Wairoa and the Napier and Waipukurau Resident Magistrates' Districts, together with a separate return showing the numbers in. the Counties of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, and Patangata. I may state that I have adopted this mode of preparing the return in order that I may be better able to compare it with the census of 1881, which was taken according to the boundaries of the Resident Magistrates' districts. Wairoa District. The returns for this district show a decrease of 85 males under fifteen years, 86 males over fifteen years, 22 females under fifteen years, 39 females over fifteen years; total decrease, 232. I do not, however, think that the actual decrease is so much as would appear from the returns; allowance must be made for 115 Ureweras on the eastern side of Waikaremoana Bake, who were shown in my last census, and are now included in the return for the Opotiki District, Whakatane County, also for a number of Natives who were absent at Waikato, Poverty Bay, and other places. The children in this district have suffered severely from an epidemic of whooping-cough, which proved fatal in many cases. The Natives generally have been in good health, and fewer deaths have occurred amongst adults as compared with the Hawke's Bay District. The Natives have lately erected a flour-mill, and have cultivated wheat more extensively than for many years past. I estimate the yield will be about 23,000 bushels. Hawke's Bay and Napier and Waipukurau Districts. This shows an increase of 16 males under fifteen years, 124 males over fifteen years, a decrease of 36 females under fifteen years, and an increase of 17 females over fifteen years ; total increase, 121. Ido not think that there has been any actual increase. My report on the census of 1881 showed that a number of Natives were absent at Taupo and Wairarapa; this will account for the apparent increase in the numbers of males over fifteen years. I believe that there have been a considerable number of deaths amongst children, and there have been comparatively few births. In my last census I showed the number of Natives belonging to the district, including those who were absent, at 1,722; in the present return I have included 98 persons in Patea, who were formerly shown on the Whanganui return; deducting these from the total of 1,756 would leave 1,664, against 1,722 in 1881, showing a decrease of 58. Owing to the communistic habits of the Natives I found it quite impossible to give the individual owners of crops. In conclusion, I beg to state that the delay in sending in the return was caused partly by the difficulty in getting information in the southern part of the district, and partly through one of the Sub-enumerators being compelled to give up the work owing to sickness in his family, and a difficulty in getting a competent man to complete it. I have, &c, George A. Preece, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 12. Mr. E. S. Maunsell, Greytown, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Greytown, Wairarapa, 9th April, 1886. I have the honour to forward you returns of the Maori census of the Wairarapa District, which give the numbers at 707 resident in the district. There are about 50 absent in other districts —Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Poverty Bay, and in the South Island—making in all about 757 men women and children, Wairarapa Natives. As compared with the census taken in 1881 there is an increase in numbers of about 13.

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This census has been carefully taken: the printed forms of returns filled in with the name of each serve as a permanent record, and will be useful hereafter as a guide to Enumerators. It is possible there have been omissions of names, especially of children. Maoris are reluctant to give information, treating the taking of a census with suspicion and abhorrence. It was with the aid of Sub-enumerators (Mr. loins, Bicensed Interpreter and Ilono Ngatuerc), and also from information from other sources, that the present census has been so closely compiled. Disadvantages were great on taking the census in 1881; there were omissions made which are obviated by the present forms. The numerical state of the Wairarapa Maoris is nearly the same as in 1881—at least I conclude so from the fact that a more accurate list has been obtained; any omissions made previously, though few, could not so well occur on this occasion. There have been more children born within the last two years; this is due largely to marriages with women of distant tribes; such prove fruitful, and the progeny healthy. Such marriages Maoris now recognize as being a means of staying their hitherto decline. If it had been that children had not latterly increased more than in the past 1 should have had to report a considerable decrease. No epidemic has visited them for some time. I found it impossible to fix what each cultivated at the different kaingas; they cultivate in common. I therefore could not fill in the agricultural columns. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. S. Maunsell.

No. 13. Mr. G. 11. Davies, Native Office, Wellington, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Wellington, 10th March, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith a census of the Maori population in the County of Hutt, showing a resident population of 281, and 13 visitors in Wellington, making a total of 294. The health of the district since the last census was taken has been fairly good; there has been no epidemic or unusual mortality amongst them. The Maoris in Wellington and its vicinity, and also at Porirua, arc in the receipt of rents sufficient for their maintenance, which, no doubt, is the reason that they cultivate but small areas of land. The Natives at the Hutt send large quantities of strawberries, vegetables, &c, to Wellington. In one instauce as much as .£l5O is said to have been received by one Native for one season's growth of strawberries for the Wellington market. There are some small families of young children at Porirua, about a dozen of whom attend the Government school regularly. The communistic habits of the Natives are against their advancement as a people. If the Natives in this county, most of whom live not far from a railway-line, could but be persuaded to occupy small farms, and send their produce to town by rail, they would, I think, materially supplement their incomes. There appear to be more Natives in this year's census for this county than in the last, which, no doubt, is owing to the fact that the work was obstructed last census, whereas this time the resident Natives cheerfully gave all the information asked for. It would, I think, have been interesting to have ascertained the proportion of Natives who can read and write; they would, in this respect, I think, compare favourably with most European nations. I have, &c, George H. Davies. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 14. Mr. R. Ward, R.M., Whanganui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Whanganui, 22nd March, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter directing me to take a census of the Native population within the Counties of Rangitikei, Oroua, Manawatu, and Horowhenua, and to inform you that, in compliance therewith, a census was taken of all Natives residing in the said counties on the third week in February last. I enclose, for the information of the Government, a summary of the Native population in my district, which, I am glad to say, shows an increase of 205; the number being 1,526 as against 1,321 as scheduled in 1881. The census in February last included somewhere about 20 visitors; but I should say fully that number of Native residents of my district were visiting in other districts, and are doubtless included in the returns of those districts. As between the number of Native inhabitants in 1881 and 1878 there was an apparent decrease of 217; but, as I remarked at the time in my report, the decrease was more apparent than real, as I considered fully that number were visiting at other districts. I therefore conclude that during the past eight years the Native

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population in my district has been holding its own. I think this may be considered highly satisfactory. I am of opinion that the number being maintained is due, to a great extent, to the following causes: The absence of any serious epidemic: the fact that the Natives are more settled in their minds re land matters, largo tracts of land having been dealt with by the Native Band Court, so that they have been able to lease unrequired portions to European tenants at fair rentals ; from this source they have in many cases good incomes : they live in better houses, have more comfortable homes and surroundings, are better fed and clothed, and are decidedly more temperate in their habits as to drinking. As the return shows, they possess large flocks of sheep, and many cattle and pigs; their cultivations, however, are not extensive. Their moral condition is much improved; in short, I rejoice to be able to say that, on the whole, they are, comparatively with the past, more "healthy, wealthy, and wise." Many still suffer from pulmonic complaints, but not so much as formerly. I regret to say they do not yet appear to see the importance of educating their children; an improvement in this direction is much to be desired. I have, &c, Rohert Ward, The Under-Secretary. Native Department, Wellington. Enumerator.

No. 15. Mr. W. J. Butler, Whanganui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Whanganui, 14th May, 1886. In compliance with the instructions contained in your circular-letter of the 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to forward the accompanying return of the Maori and halfcaste population residing in the Counties of Whanganui and Waitotara. Comparing this return with that of the year 1881, there would appear to be a heavy fallingoff of the population; but, although there has, no doubt, been an excess of deaths over births among the Maoris of this district, the decrease has not been nearly so large as it appears to be by a comparison of the returns, and the discrepancy may be attributed mainly to the facts— 1. That the boundaries of the census district of 1881 and the district as at present constituted are not coterminous. 2. That a considerable number of the Maoris usually residing on the Whanganui River were absent at Parihaka, Taupo, and other places during the time the census was being taken. In addition to the facts abovementioned, I think it may bo taken for granted that the present return is more accurate than any previous ones, there having hitherto been serious obstacles in the way of securing a correct enumeration, which did not present themselves when the present census was taken, the result of which has been that the name of each individual appears on the roll, wdicreas, on previous occasions, only an approximate estimate of the Maori population has been secured. There has been no serious disease or epidemic among the Maoris, so far as I can learn. Those living in the interior are in a state of extreme poverty, their supplies of food having been exhausted by the large meetings held at Poutu, last year, and at other places; and, until the interior of the country is settled by a Fluropean population, there is little hope of any improvement in the condition of those Maoris who have hitherto lived in isolation and held themselves aloof from any Europeans. However, during the last few months there appears to be a desire on the part of the inland tribes to become friendly, as evidenced by the fact that they have recently come down the Whanganui River for the purpose of prosecuting their land claims in the Native Band Court, and have offered a large block of land for sale to the Government, excepting therefrom large reserves, which will, in the not far distant future, be of considerable value to the owners. There still remains latent in the minds of a small section of the Upper Whanganui and Tuhua tribes a relic of Hauhauism; however, lam of opinion that when they arc afforded greater facilities for intercourse with Fhiropcans these slight traces of fanaticism will rapidly disappear. Many of them are already evincing a desire to see the country opened up by roads and railways, and the establishment of a Native school at one of the largest settlements in or near the Tuhua country would have a most beneficial effect on the minds of Maoris, many of whom have not visited European settlements for years. The establishment of a trade by a small steamer capable of navigating the river at all seasons would be of great benefit to the Maoris, as it would enable them to reach European settlements with far greater ease and facility than at present, and would induce them to cultivate products of various kinds which the difficulties of reaching market now discourage them from, but which would be of mutual advantage to both races if vigorously prosecuted. I regret to report that the drinking habits of the Natives are not abating to such an extent as might have been expected from the laudable exertions of the disinterested persons of both races who have been labouring on their behalf. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. J. Butler.

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No. 16. Mr. W. Rex null, Native Officer, New Plymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Now Plymouth, 29th March, 1886. In obedience to your instructions contained in letter No. 17 of the 30th December last, I have the honour to report to you that I have had a census of Natives in my district taken, and now forward the result to you, the most noticeable features being an apparent increase in numbers, the small proportion of women as compared with men, and the still smaller proportion of children as compared with adults. In an ordinary healthy community the females arc found to outnumber the males, and the children to equal the adults in number, or nearly so. In the Native case in my district the females are 25 per cent, less in number than the males, and the children only 25 per cent, of the total number. The result points its own moral. With regard to the apparent increase in numbers, I consider it duo to the fact that many Natives are included now that were never taken before, such as inland of Mokau, and similar places, and to the great assistance afforded by being able to refer to the names in the hapu Crown grants lately issued under the West Coast Commission. I think the census can still only be looked upon here as approximate, as the greatest difficulty was experienced in taking it, the Natives as a rule refusing to give any information and referring all inquirers to Te Whiti. Another great drawback was the fact of over 1,000 men, women, and children travelling about just at the time the census was being taken. There has been no special serious epidemic in this district since last census, and consumption in all its forms is still the principal complaint. The sown grasses arc nearly all English grasses, which have sown themselves. The number of pigs is only approximate, as the greater part are running about the fern and bush; and the same remark, in a less degree, will apply to the cattle. In conclusion, I have to state my belief that 1 consider the race to be steadily decreasing in this district. I have, &c, W. Rennell, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Officer.

No. 17. Inspector Atchison, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Police Office, Nelson, 12th March, 1886. I have the honour to forward the census taken of the Maori population in the places indicated in your letter dated the 30th December, 1885. It will be observed from the Enumerators' summary (herewith) that the census show a total of 493 persons, as against 530 shown in the census for 1881. The decrease, 37, is not, I think, attributable to any special or serious disease or epidemic, but it may be accounted for by the fact that many Natives left their abodes in this Island in the latter part of 1881 for Parihaka, and have not since returned. Deaths may be chiefly traced to pleurisy and consumption, but on the whole the Native population appear to enjoy good health. The Natives residing in and around Pelorus are reported as being as a rule industrious, in so far as obtaining work is concerned, but improvident, spending what they earn in liquor. I beg to enclose vouchers for expenses incurred by the various Sub-enumerators employed in this work. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, J. Atchison, Native Office, Wellington. Enumerator and Inspector of Police.

No. 18. Inspector Pender, Christchurch, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Sir,— N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Christchurch, 20th March, 1886. In compliance with a circular dated the 30th December last, received from the Native Office, I have the honour to forward herewith a census taken of the Maoris in the Counties of Akaroa, Amuri, Ashley, Ashburton, Selwyn, and Cheviot. The total population residing at the various settlements is 490, consisting of 205 males and 240 females. The slight decrease, 55, since last census is not attributable to any particular cause. The general health of the Natives has been good; no epidemic has visited any of the pas since last census. At most of the pas they appear to recognize the benefits arising from attention to sanitary measures about their habitations. They are on the whole a sober, orderly people; the majority of them in comparatively good circumstances, and in some of the settlements good dwelling-houses with gardens attached have been put up. During harvest and shearing, and grass-seeding time, they earn good wages with Europeans,

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I return herewith copy of census 1881, sent down for my guidance. I also forward vouchers and sub-vouchers for expenditure incurred by the Sub-enumerators for settlement. I have, &c, P. Pender, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Inspector.

No. 19. Inspector Broham, Timaru, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Constabulary Office, Timaru, 9th March, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith the Maori census for the Geraldine and Waimate Counties. There is no Native population in the Mackenzie County. So far as can be ascertained, the population of those counties is stationary, there being neither increase nor decrease since the last census was taken. The Natives in both counties have adopted the Fhiropean mode of living, and dress in the same manner, eat the same food, and live in cottages not very unlike those occupied by their white neighbours of the labouring class. In habits of cleanliness they are, however, much behind the Europeans, their cottages are dirty and disorderly, and they are given to overcrowding. There is no real poverty amongst them, but they are improvident and live sumptuously sometimes, which occasions a return to hard fare afterwards. They arc subject to fevers and lung diseases, which arise, as is well known, from their inattention to clothing ; sometimes in the hottest weather their dress is of the heaviest, and then again in extreme cold they are to be seen going lightly clad. At Temuka very few of the Native children attend school, the parents not thinking it would be of any advantage, and possessed of the idea that the nearer approach they made to living as they did fifty years ago the larger and stronger they would become. At Waimate most of the children attend school and pick up knowledge rapidly. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Native Department, T. Broham, Wellington. Inspector.

No. 20. Inspector THOMPSON, Oamaru, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Constabulary Office, Oamaru, sth April, 1886. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular of the 30th December last I have the honour herewith to forward tho results of the Maori census for the County of W raitaki as taken in the third week in February. These results show that the Native population has in a comparative sense considerably decreased, for, although the number of those over fifteen years of age is, I find, 92 exactly, the number that it was in 1881, those under that age number only 47, against 79 in 1881. I have tried to find out the cause of this decrease, but I have had considerable difficulty in doing so. I am informed that a good number have left for other parts of this Island, and doubtless this is true, but still I think there is the further fact that the Natives here can hardly be considered a prolific race. There has been no epidemic, but I think exposure to wet and damp, through lying on damp floors, and to wet weather, has in many instances produced consumption, and that this has carried away a large number. The fact is very evident that although the Natives in my district are temperate in the use of alcoholic liquor, as it is but very rarely indeed one of their number is seen under the influence of liquor, still the exercise of ordinary prudence would considerably add to their comfort and prosperity. For instance, at Mocraki they own 600 acres of land, some of it fairly good, but none in cultivation; at Waitaki they own 400 acres, poor land, but certainly fit for grazing purposes; it is not cultivated : and they have not a cow at cither place to yield milk for the sustenance of their children. At the former place they own between 700 and 1,000 sheep—they seem reticent about the exact number—and at both places they have a number of horses, from which, so far as I can judge, they reap no profit. In carrying out this work I have been greatly assisted by Thomas Pratt, Esq., M.H.R., the Native representative in the General Assembly, to whom I take this opportunity of recording my thanks. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, A. Thompson, Wellington. Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

No. 21. Inspector W'eldon, Dunedin, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Police Office, Dunedin, 29th March, 1886. Having, in obedience to instructions, taken the Maori census, during the third week of February, for the Counties of Waikouaiti, Taieri, Peninsula, Maniototo, and Waihemo, I annex hereto my summary thereof, and also forward the Sub-enumerators' returns.

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By these papers you may perceive that there are no Maoris in cither Maniototo or Waihemo. There is a steady increase of population in W raikouaiti and Taieri, of 63 and 14 respectively, whereas there is a decrease of 39 in the hapu at Otago Heads, in the Peninsula County, that is, since the census of 1881. The increase is attributed to contentment, industry, and habits of temperance. The decrease, to the fact of the chief at Otago Heads having left there, and taken up his residence in Canterbnry; hence, some of his people followed his example. The Maoris generally in this district are an exemplary people; they give no trouble whatever, and I can vouch for their very good conduct. The children arc being brought up intelligently and well. They are regular in their attendance at school, smart at their lessons, and moral and upright in their habits. No disease or epidemic has existed amongst them since last census. They have been and are in a fairly healthy condition. When going amongst them I found that they are most anxious to have their land claims settled, so that each would know wdiat portion was actually his or hers to farm and live on; and, were their wishes in this respect granted, their happiness would apparently be much increased, and their industry greatly stimulated. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, T. K. Weedox, Native Office, Wellington. I.numerator cf Maori Census.

No. 22. Inspector Moore, Bawrcnce, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Bawrencc, Ist April, 1886. In obedience to the instructions contained in your circular of the 30th December last I beg to enclose herewith a return of the Maori census for the Counties of Tuapeka, Bruce, and Clutha. Total population, 31. There are no Maoris in the Tuapeka and Bruce Counties. The only place where there are any is at Port Molyneux, in the Clutha County, and they appear to be gradually decreasing. 1 am unable to get the population of last census for the counties named, but the Maoris themselves say they are fast dying out, and there is no doubt but they arc getting fewer every year. They have not been afflicted with any particular disease, but suffer chiefly from pulmonary ailments. They have a reserve of 725 acres, chiefly bush land, on which they run a few head of cattle and horses, their only property. They do no cultivation except grow a few potatoes. A few of the men go shearing and harvesting in the summer, but do very little work any other time of the year. I enclose voucher for ss. in favour of Constable Green, of Balclutha, for his services as Sub-enumerator. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Samuel Moore, Native Office, Wellington. Inspector of Constabulary and Enumerator.

No. 23. Inspector Buckley, Invcrcargill, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Invercargill, 2nd April, 1886. In compliance with your circular dated the 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to forward the enclosed census of the Maori population in the Counties of Southland, Wallace, Fiord, Stewart Island, and adjacent islands, taken in the third week of February last. There is but an increase of 2 since the last census was taken, which is so small that it needs no comment from me. From personal inquiry, also from inquiries made by the Sub-enumerators, I find that the health of the Natives is good, and that they have not been visited by any disease or epidemic, and also that a high moral tone generally pervades their settlements. Plcaso also find enclosed accounts from the Sub-enumerators for expenses incurred in taking the census as follows: Sergeant Charles Rutledge, _£l 55.; Constable W. Foulcy, .£4 75.; Constable James D. Beece, 2s. 6d. : total, .€5 14s. 6d. I would wish to mention that the teachers of the Native schools at Colac and at The Neck, Stewart Island, rendered valuable assistance to the Sub-enumerators in this duty. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, J. Buckley, Native Affairs, Wellington. Inspector A.C., and Census F.numcrator.

No. 24. Inspector Hickson, Clyde, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Clyde, 3rd April, 1886. Referring to your circular-letter of the 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to inform you that there were only 2 Maoris in my census district (Vincent and Bake Counties and interior boroughs) in the third week in February, 1886, and they were located at Minaret

C—l 2.

Station in Lake County, as per return herewith. There has been neither increase nor decrease of the Natives within my district since the hist census was taken, and 1 have no remarks to offer beyond stating that, the two men mentioned were in good health. I return unused books and forms herewith. No expense has been incurred. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary, J. Htckson, Native Office, Wellington. Inspector of Police and Census Enumerator.

No. 25. Inspector Emerson, Hokitika, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Police Office, Hokitika, Ist April, 1886. As directed by your circular, dated the 30th December, 1885, herewith returned, I have had the census taken of the Maori population in the Counties of Buller, Inangahua, Grey, and Westland. 1 enclose a summary of same, and also the returns from the various Sub-enumerators, from which it will be seen that the Maori population in this district is at present 100, all told; it was 99 in 1881, and is therefore almost equal with last census. There has been no serious illness amongst the Maoris; they arc all well to do, living in good houses in almost European style, receiving large annual rentals from reserves leased to Europeans at Greymouth and elsewhere. One leading member of them, Ihaia Tainui, committed suicide at Arahura last October, otherwise there is nothing particular to report; none of them are much addicted to drink, and most of them are total abstainers. They are all healthy, and seem happy and content. 1 have, &c, The Under-Secretary, John Emerson, Native Department, Wellington. Inspector A.C., and Census Enumerator.

Maori Census, 1886. —Comparative Return.

16

Trt -., Total Tot „, ' Total Total F „°*7„„ Male, and Total F „°Xs Males and Males, 1881. *e?__i Females, Males, 1880. i25- ' ' Females, 1881. lg81 1881,. 1(m - .. ... .. STorthlslaad .. .. .. 23,183 18,729 41,912 21,676 17,711 : 39,387 Middle Island* .. .. .. 1,121 940 2,061f 1,089 956 j 2,045 Totals .. .. 24,304 19,609 43,973 ! 22,765 18,667 ' 41,432 * Exclusive of Chatham Islands, the population of which was in 1881,126. i Exclusive of 310 northern Natives In prison in the Middle Island, which are In this return included in the North Isl Note.—The population of the Chatham Islands is not included, as the returns for the census of I88G have not been l Decrcas 2,525 16 2,541 land, received. Decrease. 2,525 16 18,667 ! 41,432 2,541 Becapitulation. Population, 1886 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41,432 1881 43,973 Decrease .. .. .. .. .. 2,541

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Summary of Maori Census, 1886.

Maobi Population. Individual Cultivation. Live Stock held. In Common Cultivation. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Maoris. Half-castes living as Members of Maori Tribes. Total Persons. Potatoes. Wheat. Maize. Other Crops. Sown Grasses. Sheep. Cattle. PigsPotatoes. Wheat. Other Crops. M. 1,109 1,242 922 339 176 112 393 97 60 356 248 12 718 1,281 293 258 703 339 1,401 52 7 593 369 1,982 1,966 1,087 605 259 80 228 165 167 193 146 120 292 605 59 325 778 402 175 47 F. 942 1,030 762 259 117 79 248 44 45 284 177 17 564 1,192 215 201 462 232 1,223 39 8 531 287 1,889 1,621 926 453 150 50 169 122 124 143 132 115 258 507 61 266 558 304 152 44 M. 29 53 52 10 4 1 13 F. 21 36 36 7 Acres. 70 19 767 611 46 75 45J Acres. Acres. 86 11 347 18 26J 171 23 Acres. 90 5 163 35 13. 44J Acres. 174 3 977 397J 63 138. 172} 673 896 200 1,990 133 Acres. 125 262 Acres. 2 4 Acres. 378 190 Mangonui Hokianga Bay of Islands Whangarei Bodney .. Waitemata Hobson Eden .. Great Barrier, Little Barrier, and Waiheke Islands .. Manukau Waikato Waipa Baglan Kawhia Piako .. .. .. .. .', \\ Ohinemuri Thames Coromandel Tauranga Motiti Island Mayor Island West Taupo East Taupo Whakatane Cook ... .. .. .. . . '_'_ Wairoa Hawke's Bay Waipawa Patangata Wairarapa East Wairarapa West H"tt •• •• .. .. .'. '.'. Bangitikei Oroua Manawatu Horowhenua Wanganui Waitotara Clifton .. .. .. .. \\ \ Taranaki 0 15 7 27 101 4 14 38 14 53 1 12 1 3 14 24 111 6 11 19 5 35 2,101 2,361 1,772 615 297 193 666 141 112 658 446 29 1,333 2,6S5 518 484 1,222 590 2,712 91 15 1,152 679 3,950 3,870 2,131 1,112 425 132 413 294 295 353 293 257 623 1,133 120 654 1,415 717 328 96 307J 301 7 66 67J 115 1,223 J 30 11 28 *3 1 16 24 i " '38 i '99 J 112J 26 45 321 35 189_ 150 4 77 121 27 24J 36J 81J 2,530 19J 369J 996 238 80 114 122J 42 '410 30 1,583 400 1 125 700 1,318 2,601 5,521 813 350 234 619 20 229 1,923 407 1,382 4,811 117 417 393 438 724 2,835 2,647 9,077 892 525 303 1,156 6 280 3,762 2,540 3,310 14,094 323 993 497 1,520 3,412 100 70 3,761 4,144 7,380 9,567 2,788 375 180 50 35 12 20 231 137 5631 145 155 51J 93 250 "m 13| 25 4 10 70 74 91 140J 18. 112 30 8 16 14 43 152 73 29 14 12 9 36 131 45 25 2 2 10 2 "l 237 . 570 279 60 1,000 2,760 23,450 9,290 13,700 6,100 1,052 1,325 2,940 3,522 247 161 82 98 318* 384 1,757 1,059 829 335 200 76 16 8 "5 610J 5 894 3,482 152 2 150 139^ 57 2,139_ 626 4,320 334 87 225 1001 6 5 4 10 4 12 51 13 7 11 10 22 8 18| 135 179 58 14 120 27 59 24 15 86 23 197 11 15 2,043 3,743 1,292 1,600 500 7,340 1,020 160 13,160 12,065 649 630 100 600 1,245 400 41 337 903 560 1,443 1,438 119 1,877 531 1,182 337 114 54 703 1,055 733 821 2,178 308 2,995 1,826 2,080 800 107 25 43 67 179 306J 33 433 696 445 95 'io 3 1 4 37 39 304 35 252 519 172 49 261 "1 39J Hawera Patea Waimea 31 39 4 1 4 32 40 7 1,000 500 50 35 24 2 35 1 '41J 22 4 -631

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[Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,400 copies), _U_ l4s.]

By Authority : Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1886.

Summary of Maori Census, 1886— continued.

Maobi Population. Individual Cultivation. Live Stock held. In Common Cultivation. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Maoris. Half-castes living as Members of Maori Tribes. Total Persons. Potatoes. Wheat. ' Maize. Other Crops. Sown Grasses. Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Other Crops. Potatoes. Wheat. Collingwood Kaikoura Marlborough Sounds .. D'TJrville Island Amuri Cheviot Ashley and Adjacent Islands Selwyn Akaroa Geraldine Waimate Waitaki Waikouaiti Taieri Maniototo Peninsula Clutha Southland Wallace Stewart Island and Adjacent Islands Lake Westland Grey Buller .. M. 15 33 49 56 17 1 1 69 59 87 56 30 77 37 8 F. 8 29 34 67 20 at. 2 F. 25 62 87 185 38 1 1 173 118 197 107 52 139 173 47 6 54 31 7 193 151 2 68 3 29 Acres. 4 48J 25f Acres. 41 3* Acres. 21 6_ Acres. 1* 201 14| Acres. 156 10 75 21 31 84 117 24 1 2 53 4 285 70 Acres. . Acres, j Acres. . .. 3 36 1 1 26 2*739 150 "2 '700 3 67 43 88 51 22 53 25 2 16 8 9 21 8 13 114 27 33 5 12 88 11 1SJ 1 3_ '29, 63£ 7 27 232 15 366 676| • 5 90 "l2 1,003 4 5 760 4,550 7 199 ! 177 I 69 10 i 35 209 39 76 14 6 5 1 1 57 17 1 7 8 54 20 5 10 '38J <30£ 4_ '561 34J 397J 62J '361 j 21; 109 11 .. 19 17 1 51 24 2 35 1 17 18 14 2 40 22 4 49 45 1 20J 14 'is 1 94 20 53J 228 6 250 79 ! 25 5 34 172 ! 8 2 32 295 ,. .. "53 60 2,643 32 1 2 2 14 37 6 "31 6 28 6 4 "2_ "l9 9 Total 1,242 l,630f 1,809| 20,502 J 21,523 17,645 1,022 41,432 3,941f 679 112,850 42,103 92,091 : 9,171 ' 5,748J 11,339t