CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1891 Session II, G-02

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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO).

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

No. 1, CIBCULAE TO OfFICEBS. Sib,— Native Office, Wellington, Bth December, 1890. 1 am directed by the Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker, in the absence of 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 population, and of all half-castes living as members of a Maori tribe in the counties noted in the margin, inclusive of interior boroughs, and you are authorised 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 are 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 authorised for sub-enumerators not already in Government employ is 15s. per day, which must include all expenses of travelling. In cases where policemen are employed, they will be allowed 2s. 6d. a day, with actual travelling expenses. You will be 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 authorised to seek the co-operation of any officers in the Government service whose aid or information would be of value; and it is desired that you should use your best endeavours to make the census as accurate as possible. Books containing blank forms on which the results of the census should be taken down by the sub-enumerators are herewith supplied to you, to which I am to request that you will be good enough to adhere as far as possible. It will be your duty as enumerator to make up from the subenumerators' books a summary for your whole district according to the printed form entitled "Enumerator's Summary," copies of which are herewith enclosed. 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 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 as possible after the sth of April next. 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 have, &c, W. J. Mobpeth, For Under-Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. H. W. Bishop, E.M., Auckland, to the Undeb-Seceetaby, Native Department. Sib,— Auckland, 14th May, 1891. Referring to your circular (No. 12) of the Bth December last, I have now the honour to forward herewith my completed census returns of the Native population within the Counties of Mangonui, Whangaroa, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Hobson, Eodney, Otamatea and Waitemata, and adjacent islands. Very little difficulty was experienced by the various subenumerators in obtaining the necessary information, and in this respect the Native feeling must have altered greatly. I think that the numbers are fairly correct, and the persons I employed spared no trouble to make them so. Owing to my having no copy of the census paper of 1886 lam unfortunately unable to offer any remarks upon the increase or decrease of the Natives, and I must ask you to add to this in the office a comparative statement. I— G. 2.

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I calculate there are about one hundred and fifty Natives from other parts of the North Island —principally from Waikato—-included in these returns, who are temporarily engaged in gumdigging. During the last five years there has been no great mortality amongst the Natives, and deaths have principally occurred from old age or pulmonary complaints. Only three cases of " tuwhenua" (Maori leprosy) were met with, and these appeared to be of recent origin. 1 have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. H. W. Bishop, R.M.

No. 3 Mr. G. T. Wilkinson, Native Agent, Otorohanga, to the Undek-Seceetaby, Native Department. Native Office, Otorohanga, 2nd May, 1891. Having just completed my returns of the Maori census for the district allotted to me, I hasten to send you my enumerator's summary. I will send in my report as soon as I return from Te Aroha and Thames, to which places I am about starting. The total of persons of all ages and sexes within the Counties of Eden, Raglan, Manukau, Waikato, Coromandel, Thames, Piako, Ohinemuri, Waipa, Kawhia, and adjacent islands, with Great and Little Barrier—which was the district allotted to me—is 7,655. In addition to which, I also took a large portion of West Taupo County, and also part of Clifton County, as they were more easily worked from here than anywhere else. They show a return of 993 persons, making a grand total of 8,648. Geo. T. Wilkinson, Government Native Agent and Census Enumerator.

No. 4. Mr. G. T. Wilkinson, Native Agent, Otorohaiiga, to the Undek-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Native Office, Otorohaiiga, 16th May, 1891. Following my memorandum (W250/5) of the 2nd instant, accompanying my enumerators' summary of the Maori population within the counties and on the islands allotted to me, showing a total of 7,655 persons, added to which is a return of 993 persons living within parts of West Taupo and Clifton Counties, which I was requested by the enumerators of those counties to take because they can be better got at from here than elsewhere, I have the honour to report that the work of taking the Maori census through parts of my district has again been a difficult one, principally caused, as usual, by the King Natives or supporters of Tawhiao, wherever they were situated—with here and there an exception—refusing to give any particulars or information whatsoever to the sub-enumerators either as regards themselves, their cultivations, or their live stock. The returns so far as they are concerned have been obtained with great difficulty, and in some few cases are conjectural; but, in the case of Kingite settlements, I took the precaution to select as subenumerators either Natives, half-castes, or Europeans who were best qualified to get all the information obtainable ; I feel, therefore, that I am justified in saying that the best was done that could be done under the circumstances. I have attached hereto a comparative table showing the number of Natives living this year within each of the counties just taken by me, also the number that each of the same counties returned at last census, and the increase or decrease that has taken place within each county during the last five years. The whole shows a total decrease within the ten counties (but not including West Taupo and Clifton Counties) of 563—namely, 7,655 in 1891, as against 8,218 in 1886, equal to about 6-85 per cent. This, however, cannot be looked upon as reliable on account of the uncertainty of the returns affecting the King Natives. There are only three counties that show a decrease, whilst seven counties and Great Barrier Island show an increase. The greatest decrease is in Kawhia County—namely, 805. This is mostly accounted for by the large number of Natives who used to live with Tawhiao at Whatiwhatihoe, within Kawhia County, having removed to Pukekawa, near Mercer, within Baglan County; and some to Maungakawa, within Piako County. A large number of the Pukekawa Natives were absent gum-digging, and engaged in other pursuits, during the week in which the census was taken, which accounts for the Raglan County only showing an increase of 100. I think that the increase shown in the Raglan, Waikato, Waipa, and Piako Counties is mainly accounted for by the King Natives distributing themselves more or less throughout those counties for gum-digging and other purposes after the breaking up of the Whatiwhatihoe settlement. The increase in the last named county can also partly be accounted for by the number of Natives working for Mr. Fulton on the Rotorua Railway. The increase for Eden County would have been larger but for the instructions I received that only half-castes living as members of a Maori tribe were to be enumerated. As nearly all the halfcastes, male and female, living in Auckland and suburbs occupy wooden houses, and to all intents and purposes live like Europeans, they have not been returned by me. They number forty altogether. There are five Rarotongan Natives, two males and three females, living with Paora Tuhaere and his people at Orakei, within the Eden County, but I have not included them in my returns. I employed twenty-one sub-enumerators altogether— viz. : eight Europeans, seven half-castes, and six Maoris. The returns, however, from the Auckland Gaol, Lunatic Asylum, Hospital, and St. Stephen's School, all within the County of Eden, were kindly supplied by the respective officers in charge of those institutions.

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With the exception of a few cases of low fever prevailing within Kawhia, Eaglan, and Waikato Counties, none of my sub-enumerators have reported any epidemic sickness amongst the Natives when the census was being taken. The ailments from which the Natives suffer are consumption and pulmonary diseases, and rheumatism, amongst the middle-aged and old people ; and the almost universal hakihaki amongst the children, I have to record my thanks to Mr. George Brown, licensed interpreter, of Auckland, who kindly found me Natives to act as sub-enumerators for Eden and part of Manukau Counties, and Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands. The Europeans in Auckland with a knowledge of the Maori language, to whom I offered the work in the first instance, refused to act, because of the small payment allowed. Had it not been for the assistance rendered by Mr. Brown in supplying me with suitable Natives to do the work, I should have had to proceed to Auckland myself and make the arrangements that he made for me. Before closing this report, I would like to make a suggestion regarding the printing of the Maori census-books in the future, with a view to the reduction of the labour at present entailed on enumerators in getting out the details required to make up their returns to send to Wellington. The information regarding persons alone that is to be abstracted from each page is as follows (wcfepage 1, book No. 6, Manukau County, as an example):— Maoris, males ... ... ... 5 M. F. „ females ... ... ... 4 Under 15 ... ... ... 1 2 Half-castes, males... ... ... 1 Over 15 ... ... ... 5 4 „ females ... ... ... 2 Now, if this was printed at the bottom of each page, leaving blanks for the figures to be filled in, a great deal of time and an enormous quantity of writing would be saved. In my own case, I may state that my returns are contained within seventy-eight books ; each book has twelve pages, so that, assuming that each book was full, I would have to write out the above lines of words, figures, and letters 936 times ! It will be easily seen, therefore, the amount of clerical work alone that would be saved by printing them on each page. I would also suggest, as a further improvement and saving of time and labour, that each enumerator be supplied with a number of printed forms similar to those used by me, showing the totals under each heading in the "summary" on each page of the books. Having abstracted the particulars from each page of the book he could then fill in the printed form, and gum the latter on the outside of the book. All the information contained in that book could thus be seen at a glance by referring to the cover outside, and his final returns could thus be made out with despatch. I enclose herewith the schedules from which I made up my final returns for your information; and I am also sending by to-day's mail all my census-books for your inspection. I have, &c, Geo. T. Wilkinson, Government Native Agent. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 5. Mr. E. S. Bush, E.M., Tauranga, to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Tauranga, 20th May, 1891. I have the honour to forward by to-day's post the books supplied for census purposes of Natives resident in the Counties of Tauranga, Eotorua, and Whakatane. My return also includes sixty-nine persons who reside in the Taupo County; these were included in my sub-enumerator's return by arrangement; they principally reside at Ohaki, and small settlements in that locality. There are forty-five males and twenty-four females, of whom thirty are male adults and fifteen under fifteen years. Of the twenty-four females twelve are adults, and twelve under fifteen years. The total of Natives in the three counties is as follows: Whakatane, 3,748; of these, 1,261 are male adults, and 679 males under fifteen years; 1,104 female adults, and 652 females under fifteen; there are also seven females whose ages could not be ascertained. Tauranga, 1,473 ; being 544 male adults, and 264 males under fifteen years ; 421 female adults, and 244 females under fifteen years. Eotorua, 834; being 329 male adults, and 138 males under fifteen years ; 277 female adults, and 92 females under fifteen years. This gives a total of the whole of the Natives in my return 6,124. This number is a decrease of 538 from the last census, and, 1 think, may be accounted for to some extent as follows: Error in Urewera return of at least 250, now admitted by subenumerator, who compiled that portion of the census on both occasions. Absentees on railway and other works, 100 ; and further absentees digging kauri gum at Tairua and other places, fifty. These figures account for 400, and as the return generally shows a considerable excess of males to females, and considerably less male children than males, and the same with regard to females, the position demonstrates that the Natives have decreased in numbers to the extent of 138. Allowing that thirty-eight of these have migrated to other parts of the country, 100 are still left unaccounted for, which I presume must be put down as those who have died since the last census was taken, four years ago, which is equal to 16 deaths per 1,000, or 4 per 1,000 per annum. The general health of the Natives has been fairly good, no serious epidemic has affected them. Taking into consideration their irregular and careless mode of life, the mortality does not appear to be excessive. Only one case of violent death has taken place, so far as is known. Some six Natives, however, have lost their lives through eating alleged poisoned bush-honey .^ The subenumerators only report one case of supposed leprosy at Te Awahou, near Eotorua. This disease is termed ngerengere by the Natives. This man (Ereatara) has no family. I have to apologise for the delay in forwarding these returns, which have been completed some time, except so far as referred to Torere. The delay in this case was caused through the transfer of teachers. I ha\e, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington, E. S, Bush, E.M,

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No. 6. Mr. J. Booth, R.M., Gisborne, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Gisborne, 11th March, 1891. I have the honour herewith to forward the Maori census returns for the Counties of Cook and Waiapu. Not being able to lay my hands on the Journals of the House of Representatives containing the last census, lam unable to report on the increase or decrease. Of course the last census covered the district now known as Cook and Waiapu Counties. The general state of health amongst the Natives in this district is good. There is an almost entire absence of drinking amongst the Natives of this district, and they are much more industrious than formerly. I would call your attention to the fact that, in the case both of Maoris and half-castes, the males are in excess of the females, and that those over fifteen are in excess of those under fifteen. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. J. Booth, R.M.

No. 7. Captain Pbeece, E.M., Napier, to the Undeb-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Napier, 20th May, 1891. In accordance with the instructions contained in your Circular No. 12, of the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to forward herewith the census of the Maoris and half-castes in the Wairoa and Napier and Waipukurau Resident Magistrate's districts, which include the Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, and Patangata Counties. The return for Wairoa County shows a total increase of 304; the Hawke's Bay County shows an increase of 768; the Waipawa County shows a decrease of 162; the Patangata County shows an increase of forty-two. The whole district shows an'increase of 752, from which must be deducted forty-six Natives who are known to belong to other districts; leaving a total increase of 706. The increase appears large, but it will be accounted for through the absence of any epidemic amongst the Natives during the last few years, and also, probably, to some Natives from other places having moved here owing to the more prosperous condition of the district. East and West Taupo. —I have also taken the Maori census of the above counties, in addition to my own district. The County of East Taupo shows 769, against 679 in 1886 ; being an increase of ninety. The West Taupo County in my return shows 310, to which is to be added 919 shown in Mr. Wilkinson's report, making a total of 1,229, against 1,152 in 1886, showing an increase of seventy-seven. I may state that in some cases the Natives refused to give the sub-enumerators information, but this feeling of distrust is not so strong now as it was in 1886. Some of them have an idea that the census is in some way connected with taxation, and show a disinclination to give any information on the subject. In conclusion, I beg to state the general health of the Natives in my district has been good, and the number of deaths have not been on the increase during the last three years. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. George Preece, R.M.

No. 8. Lieut.-Colonel Eoberts, E.M., Wairarapa, to the Under-Secbetary, Native Department. Sib,— Masterton, Wairarapa, 7th March, 1891. In compliance with your circular (No. 12) of the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to forward census returns for the Wairarapa North, South, and Pahiatua Counties. The habitations of the Natives in the more civilised parts of the district are greatly improved; but in the more remote parts, especially near the coast, their dwellings are very poor. They do not appear to have had any special epidemic among them for a long time, except at Turanganui, where several suffered from typhoid fever; but asthma is very prevalent, and often confines them to their whares for several days. Their grain crops have suffered considerably this season from the heavy rains, and will, no doubt, be much less than in previous years. They have also lost a considerable amount of produce by recent fires in several parts of the district. I am unable to express an opinion whether the Natives have increased or decreased, as I have no means of referring to the last census returns. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. J. M. Roberts, R.M.

No. 9. Mr. G. H. Davies, Native Officer, Wellington, to the Under-Secketaby, Native Department. Sir,— Wellington, 13th March, 1891. In compliance with instructions contained in circular dated the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to forward herewith a return of the census of the Maori population residing within the Hutt County. The return shows a decrease of thirty-five; but this may in a measure be due to the fact that some of the resident Natives were attending sittings of the Native Land Court at Wanganui and elsewhere, I may also state that thirteen visitors were included in the census return of 1886. I

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would here remark that the practice of holding sittings of the Native Land Court in European centres is one that very much impairs the health of the Natives, as their manner of life on those occasions, which are frequently protracted, lays the seeds of disease that eventually cut them off at a comparatively early age. The expenses, too, are often ruinous to them through their having to part with their interests in land to meet liabilities they have incurred while waiting for their business to be called on. The health of the Natives in this county still continues fairly good ; the only complaint calling for special notice being that of la grippe, which, so far as I could learn, left no evil results. Two leading chiefs—namely, the Hon. Wi Tako Ngatata, M.L.G., and Henare te Puni, died since the last census was taken. The funeral of the former was largely attended by European residents from Wellington and its neighbourhood. Many of the Maoris in this county live in wooden houses, and, as many of them are in the receipt of rents from their European neighbours, no doubt those of them who have small farms find such receipts a sensible addition to their incomes. Unfortunately, however, the uncertainty of the present season, owing to the continued wet, has done some damage to their oat crops. The communistic habits of these people are a great bar to their social advancement; instances, however, are known where the Maori has freed himself from such habits and occupied his own run or farm with credit and success. Generally speaking, the diseases the Maoris are subject to are those of the respiratory organs, and, as it has been observed that once attacked they soon succumb, it would appear, therefore, that there was no reserve for Nature to call upon, and would lead to the conclusion that the Maori of the present day does not possess the vigorous constitution of his ancestors. In former times they lived on the tops of the hills and high ground, were clad with mats that protected them from the weather; whereas now they live where they best can get the desired requisites of wood and water with the least exertion, and as such are found in low-lying places, often very damp and wet, and where the drainage is to instead of from the place of abode, the natural result is fever and pulmonary complaints. Some very valuable and pertinent suggestions in connection with the preceding remarks are to be found in a little work by J. H. Pope, Esq., Inspector of Native Schools, entitled, " Health for the Maori.":;: The transition of the Maori to the condition of our modern civilisation has been so sudden that a predisposition to pulmonary complaints is induced, and the like effect has already been commented upon in connection with our own race. In a review of Dr. Koch's cure, a writer says, under the heading " The March of Civilisation, and of Consumption: " "My theory is that consumption is the result of certain inducing causes in modern civilisation; as civilisation advances, consumption increases. Fifty years ago there were classes and districts which were practically free from consumption. Butchers, for instance, seldom had it, and the Highlands were exempt. But now consumption is beginning to be at home there—Why ? Because the Highlands are becoming more civilised. Look, again, at savage races. Some of the missionary records are very instructive. At one station the missionaries took the ' savages' out of their healthy life and put them into clothes. A tendency to consumption was at once developed. They dropped the clothes, and the tendency disappeared." Seeing, then, the effect of modern civilisation in the savage, how much greater is it intensified when we add to that comfinement, such as our native prisoners are subject to, who, while they receive every possible care, kindness, and attention, pine for freedom and droop. Confinement to them means more than it does to their white brethren—the product of modern civilisation, and should, I venture to think, be taken into consideration when sentence is passed on them. It is not punishment in such a case but the infliction of great cruelty. It is through having had opportunities of observing its effects that I have referred to this matter here. When we bear in mind the manner of life of a barbarous people during many centuries, we ought not to expect a sudden change towards civilisation in a short period as is the case with the Maori. I fear that we expect too much from these people in their present transition state, and when we measure them by our own standard, allowances ought to be made in their favour. In this connection we should call to remembrance the slow progress in civilisation which was made by our own forefathers in Britain. In a recent article on " The African Element in America," which may be taken as treating of a cognate subject, the writer, whose words I quote, says; "In the position of dependent people, they must slowly and painfully win their way to the lessons in the art of self-government and of associated action, which, with like toil and pain, have been won by those peoples who removed their ancestors from the wilds of Africa. It is clear from his past history the negro seems clearly to be capable of winning his way upward in the same lines of advance as have been traversed by the whites. The problem of this advance is one of exceeding difficulty. To accomplish the task it needs more than the helpful good-will, it requires the devoted aid of our own race. It may be well that in this duty, which the sordid and short-sighted action of our forefathers imposed upon us, our people are to find the noblest field for the exercise and development of their highest capacities." I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Geoege H. Davies.

*A translation of this work has been supplied to the Native Schools, and it has also been freely circulated amongst the Maoris.—G.H.D.]

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No. 10. Mr. W. J. Butlee, Land-purchase Officer, Wanganui, to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic,— Wanganui, 11th May, 1891. I have the honour to forward by to-day's mail the census returns of the Maori population of Wanganui and Waitotara Counties, together with the returns collected by my sub-enumerator in the West Clifton County. The latter are contained in two books, marked "West Clifton" on the outside, and should be compared with the returns sent in by the enumerator for that district in. order to avoid duplication. I regi"et to report that, at several of the settlements in the Wanganui County, all information was refused the sub-enumerator. I am, therefore, in a position to furnish an approximate estimate only of the population of those places. The total number of the Maori population in the Wanganui County is 1,057, and 201 in Waitotara County. This shows a diminution of seventy-five in the Wanganui County since the last census was taken in 1886; but there is a more than corresponding increase in the population of Waitotara; and, as the Wanganui River is the boundary between the two counties, it may fairly be assumed that there is a slight increase in the total population, the reduction in the numbers in the Wanganui County being accounted for by their having moved across to the Waitotara side of the river. The health of the Natives in my districts has been fairly good. They have not been visited by any epidemic or serious diseases. On the Wanganni Eiver, from Pipiriki downwards, there is an evident desire to improve their social and sanitary condition; but in the more remote settlements their mode of life is most unsatisfactory, and it is a matter for surprise that the mortality among them is not much greater than it is. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. J. Buti/eb,

No. 11. Mr. H. W. Bbabant, K.M., Wanganui, to the Undee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Wanganui, 19th May, 1891. Eeferring to your Circular No. 12, of the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to inform you that I forwarded to you yesterday a summary of the Native population in the Eangitikei, Manawatu, Oroua, and Horowhenua Counties. This census has been carefully taken under my direction by sub-enumerators well acquainted with their respective districts, and may, I think, be relied on for approximate accuracy as regards the Native population. Speaking generally, very little assistance was given by the Natives themselves; indeed, in several cases, they positively refused information, which was, however, eventually obtained by quiet persistence. The amount of crops, &c, is necessarily in many cases merely the sub-enumerators' estimate. The Natives have not, as far as I am aware, been visited by any special disease or epidemic. They appear to enjoy a fair amount of health and prosperity. In some cases they have valuable farms and stock, and enjoy rents from lands leased to Europeans. It will be observed that the district (four counties) shows a decrease of eleven souls since last census in 1886, and the actual falling-off is larger, as twenty-four taken at Marton were strangers attending the Native Land Court. I have not any such intimate acquaintance with the Natives in this district as would enable me to give an opinion as to the cause of this decrease ; but I am informed by my sub-enumerators that a considerable number of Natives have changed their residences since last census, moving from one county to another, and in some instances leaving the district. The net decrease is from all causes about 2J per cent. I am glad to report that the moral condition of the Natives has considerably improved of late years. I have, &c, Heebeet W. Bbabant, B.M. The IJnder-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 12. W. Rennell, Esq., Reserves Trustee, New Plymouth, to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib,— New Plymouth, 11th April, 1891. I have the honour, as instructed by your letter of the Bth December last, to report to you that I have compiled the Maori census for the Patea, Hawera, Stratford, Taranaki and Clifton Counties, excepting the inland boundaries, and for these localities you will receive information from Mr. G. T. Wilkinson, of Waikato, and Mr. W. J. Butler, of Wellington, these gentlemen having kindly undertaken to collect the census of Maoris living in places where they could not easily be reached from the seaward part of my district. I have also collected for Mr. Wilkinson a few names, &c, of Natives that could be easier got at by me than by him. I shall have to ask you to be good enough, when these gentlemen's returns reach you, to cause their totals of Natives in my counties to be added to my totals herewith sent. Until this is done no comparison between last and present census can be made ; but I believe, and have always been of opinion, that the Natives in my district are decreasing steadily in numbers, through excessive mortality and paucity of births. One of my sub-enumerators gave it as his opinion that not more than one of three Maori children live to maturity. Ido not think this an exaggeration. There has been no severe sickness or epidemic in this district since last census.

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So far as the Taranaki County is concerned the census must be looked on as approximate only, and probably the same may be said to a lesser extent of the Hawera and Clifton Counties. With regard to crops, two of the sub-enumerators have given individual crops, and two are of opinion that it is difficult to distinguish individual from general crops, and have therefore called all •' common " cultivation. I incline to the latter opinion, but have given the crops as returned by the sub-enumerator. Sown grasses are also viewed differently by different sub-enumerators. All returns of sown grasses in my district mean self-sown, and not sown down by Natives. I believe the cattle are overestimated. I forward details and books of particulars. I have, &c, W. Eennell, Keserves Trustee. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 13. Inspector Atchison, Nelson, to the Undee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Police Office, Nelson, 9th March, 1891. In compliance with the instructions contained in your Circular-letter No. 12, of December, 1890, I have the honour to forward the returns of the Maori and half-caste population within the Sounds, Waimea, Marlborough, Kaikoura and adjacent islands, Collingwood, and adjacent islands. The enumerators' summary, herewith, shows a total of 509 persons, being an increase of sixteen compared with the census taken in 1886. The increase in the population is probably attributable to the births of half-castes, the number in 1886 being forty-six males and twenty-eight females, the present census showing fifty males and forty-two females, a total increase of eighteen. There is a remarkable distinction in the habits of the Maoris in the various localities. In the Waimea County they are industrious, and noted for sobriety. In one portion of the Sounds they are reported as being of indolent and intemperate habits, and living together in a crowded manner utterly regardless of the ill effects to their health, and raising crops barely sufficient to meet their wants. In another part of the Sounds it is reported that the Maoris are of industrious and sober habits. There is a school at Waikawa, where the Native children are taught to speak the English language, and several of the pupils at present are fairly proficient in the English language and lessons taught in the school. The health of the Maoris since last census has been fairly good. In Marlborough, typhus fever was the chief epidemic ; while at the Croixelles, Wakapuaka, and D'Urville Island, the disease known as la grippe was the prevailing cause of death. Enclosed are vouchers (ten) for expenses incurred by the various sub-enumerators employed in the work. I have &c, F. Atchison, Inspector of Police. The Under-Secretary, Native Office, Wellington.

No. 14. Inspector Pendek, Christchurch, to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Police Department, Christchurch, 21st March, 1891. In compliance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 12, dated the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to forward you herewith the Maori census returns complete for the Counties of Cheviot, Ashley, and adjacent islands, Akaroa, Ashburton, and Amuri. A comparison with the returns for 1886 shows an increase of one Native in tbe Cheviot County; Ashley and adjacent islands, a decrease of fifteen; Selwyn County, an increase of fifty-eight. In Ashburton and Amuri Counties there are no Natives. The total decrease in the four counties is as follows : Males, fifteen; females, seventeen. The health of the Natives throughout has been generally good: no disease or epidemic has visited them. La grippe, which has been so prevalent amongst the Europeans last winter, does not appear to have extended to the Maoris. They are all in fairly comfortable circumstances, live on good terms with the Europeans, and are generally a sober, law-abidiug people. I enclose claims submitted by the sub-enumerators for approval. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. Pendek, Inspector.

No. 15. Inspector Thompson, Oamaru, to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Oamaru, Bth April, 1891. In reply to your Circular No. 12, of the Bth December last, I have the honour herewith to forward five books from sub-enumerators, and from myself a summary of the results of the census of the Maori population for the Counties of Geraldine, Waimate, and Waitaki. In doing so, I would beg to point out that the number of pure Maoris is less, that of half-castes more, than when the last census was taken in 1886. Then the numbers were : Maoris, 298 ; half-castes, 25. Now it is : Maoris, 240; half-castes, 81; so that the gross total was two more then than it is now. The decrease in the Native population—fifty-eight—must, I fear, be attributed to careless habits, and sleeping on the bare ground, thus catching cold, which in some instances degenerated into consumption and became hereditary. There now seems to be a desire to participate in the advantages arising from the public schools, and as they become educated it may be hoped they will

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acquire more careful habits ; if not, I am afraid their extinction will become a question of time, at least, in this part of the colony. The Natives here are of sober habits, law-abiding, and although indolent in acquiring money, are careful when they have acquired it. Some are possessed of stock, and are fairly comfortable ; and I know of none who are entirely destitute. I have, &c, A. W. Thompson, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 16. Inspector Moore, Dunedin, to the Undee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Police Office, Dunedin, 31st March, 1891. In compliance with instructions in your Circular No. 12, of the Bth of December last, I forward herewith a return of the census, taken the third week in February, 1891, of the Maori population in the Counties of Waikouaiti, Taieri, Clutha, Peninsula, Tuapeka, Bruce, and Maniototo. The Maori population in this district is decreasing yearly, from old age and infirmities, and by some removing to other places. I may remark that the Maori half-castes in this district are not living as members of a Maori tribe; for this reason they have been omitted from the Maori census, and will be included in the European census. These Maori half-castes erroneously appeared in the Maori census in 1886, and hence the reason of the decrease in the census for the present year. The Maoris in the Peninsula, Waikouaiti, and Clutha Counties are generally well-to-do : some have land leased to Europeans and partly live on the rents thereof, others are fishermen ; some go shearing and harvesting; and I may say that the whole of them get along fairly well. They are a very well-behaved people, and their children attend school regularly. But the Maoris at the Taieri are very poor, badly-clad, with no boots for their children to wear, and can obtain little or no work in that neighbourhood. They work at shearing and general farm-work when they can get such to do. They complain of the small area of land allowed them—namely, 6^ acres on the flat, which, from constant cropping, is worked out; some of them have 20 acres on high ridges, but owing to its poor nature they make very little from it. They further complain of being badly treated by the Government in not giving their children land, as they say was promised them. Their health, generally, is good; but some of them are suffering from asthma. No disease or epidemic have visited them since the last census in 1886. Herewith are vouchers for expenses as per margin. I have, &c, S. Moobe, Inspector of Police and Enumerator of Maori Census. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 17. Inspector Hiokson, lnvercargill, to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Police Inspector's Office, lnvercargill, 13th March, 1891. In accordance with Native Office Circular No. 12, of the Bth December last, I forward herewith the Maori census papers for this year, taken in the third week in February, together with the summary compiled therefrom. There is a decrease in the Maori population since last census of six males and six females ; and in the half-caste population of eight males, the female half-castes showing an increase of seven; thus making a total decrease of Maoris and half-castes of thirteen. The amount of ground under individual cultivation shows a satisfactory increase, as does also the number of sheep and cattle held ; there is no land cultivated in common by the Natives in this district. Since the last census the Natives have enjoyed good health, have been free from any epidemic or disease; their moral and physical condition is good, and they appear happy and comfortable. As I found on inquiry that there were no Maoris in the Counties of Vincent, Lake, and Fiord, I did not appoint sub-enumerators for those counties. The total cost of taking the census has been £6 19s. 6d., vouchers for which are attached. Valuable assistance was afforded the sub-enumerators by the Native teachers at the Neck and Colac, Messrs. Traill and Nickless. I have, &c, J. Hiokson, Inspector of Police, Maori Census Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Native Affairs, Wellington.

No. 18. Inspector Goodall, Greymouth, to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib,— Police Office, Greymouth, 19th March, 1891. In reply to Circular No. 12, of the Bth December last, I have the honour to report having taken a census of the Maori population of the district comprising the Counties of Buller, Westland, Inangahua, and Grey, the result of which I beg leave to forward herewith.

9

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There is a slight increase upon the census of 1886, in the Counties of Buller and Westland, of three and eighteen respectively, and a decrease of three in the County of Grey, making a total increase in the four counties of eighteen. It will be perceived that at the present census there were no Maoris at all residing in the Counties of Grey and Inangahua. The general health of the Natives, who are all apparently in good circumstances, has been good. I have, &c, S. Goodall, Inspector of Police, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

Comparative Return of Maori Census, 1891.

Note.—This comparison is made with the figures in the Registrar-General's Table, page 359, Census Book, 1886; but does not include 201 " Maori wives living with European husbands," nor the population of the Chathams, which was 195 in 1886, and the returns for which for the present census have not yet been received. As regards the decrease, it should be borne in mind that 104 Natives are estimated to have lost their lives in the Tarawera eruption, which occurred after the census of 1886 was taken. The above figures for 1891 are subject to revision. The final return will be prepared and published by the RegistrarGeneral's Department. Recapitulation. Population, 1891 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41,303 Population, 1886 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41,573 Decrease .. .. .. .. .. 270

2—G 2.

Total Males, 1886. Total Females, 1886, Total Males and Females, 1886. Total Males, 1891. Total Females, 1891. Total Males and Females, 1891. Decrease. "orth Island .. [iddle Island (including) Stewart Island j 21,649 17,878 39,527 21,670 17,773 39,443 84 1,088 958 2,046 962 898 1,860 186 Totals 22,737 18,836 41,573 22,632 18,671 41,303 270

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Summary of Maori Census, 1891.

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Maori Population. Individual Cultivation. Live Stock held. In Common Cultivation. Counties (inclusive ol Interior Boroughs.) Maoris. Half-castes living as Members of Maori Tribes. Total Persons. Potatoes. Wheat. Maize. Other Crops. Sown Grasses. Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Potatoes. Wheat. Other Crops. Mangonui Whangaroa Hokianga Bay of Islands Hobson .. Otamatea Whangarei Rodney Waitemata Eden Manukau Waikato Raglan Kawhia .. Waipa Piako Ohinernuri Thames Coromandel Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands .. Tauranga and adjacent islands Whakatane Rotorua Waiapu Cook West Taupo East Taupo Wairoa Hawke's Bay Napier Borough Waipawa Patangata Wairarapa North Wairarapa South Pahiatua Hutt Rahgitikei Manawatu Oroua Horowhenua Wanganui Waitotara Patea M. 782 340 1.1S6 1,184 338 129 532 56 129 108 242 333 755 895 82 464 284 420 360 65 787 1,892 451 1,059 709 627 427 1,232 916 P. 667 299 1,049 941 212 110 362 50 102 35 221 212 619 812 72 366 218 359 239 69 647 1,758 349 968 536 550 334 1,045 641 39 109 86 122 170 16 97 176 79 119 301 481 97 141 M. 7 8 61 43 20 F. 5 9 59 37 20 1,461 656 2,355 2,205 590 239 912 129 246 160 484 565 1,433 1,907 154 846 512 844 615 162 1,489 3,748 836 2,213 1,328 1,229 815 2,435 1,605 75 263 174 300 399 40 259 432 193 278 728 1,057* 201 308 Acres. 30J 36J 11 295| 397J Acres. ' 14 1 5 31|95 Acres. 1314 44J 10 ■ 84| 84J Acres. 94 29| 14 66J 109| Acres. 368 7 23 342 234J 1,090 157 1,909 2,188 1,950 166 234 850 50 975 713 2,802 5,246 1,899 79 550 179 213 105 394 56 1,408 4,146 68 1,249 168 619 488 510 732 2,252 114 2,662 791 1,946 1,058 465 440 2,302 1,006 2,868 7,462 • 2,200 281 208 273 51 32 858 185 1,974 11,277 242 3,254 391 1,678 544 287 3,508 6,055 911 5,436 1,458 7,577 6,134 2,253 952 Acres. 78 19 191J 324 1,731 10 Acres. "l Acres. 299^ 116 242j 22; 1,186' 95 3154 13 16 8 14 11 13 38 96 5 7 7 3 10 7 21 104 *62 27| 22 110 44 410J 767| 25 1974 147-i 153J 61 2 "8 ■ 20J #27£ 54 ■ 9 ' 23f C3J 7 125 249 74 145J 86j 50 57 400 1,596 4 •501 284 49 11 45 : 99 103 14* 374 32| If 350} 397| 4 2,044 200 500 434 39 116 1,207 7 "l4 3 47 23 74 2101 22 517 "2 64 8, 53' 64J 583" 27 101 12,080 30 25 133 6 112 72 1952 3, 147' 12 7 35 12 15 32 51 16 89 50 28 24 96 40 4 3 30 4 13 23 47 20 97 33 24 30 62 8 36 199 102 228 405 211J 891 35 420 65 208 19 83 564 19 187 36 148 30 78J 178 36 855 167 433 i 58J 21 5 4,652 85 1,205 J 44" 39 200 650 1,100 4,021 '248 4 608 232 164 335 1 325 495 202 1,435 170 "29 2 529 874 5 227 12 157 62 109 1,526 17,400 31,581 3,628 3,150 17,006 28,200 3,400 9,500 1,510 34,400 1 134 77 468 1,826 343 241 371 640 154 84 160 215 20 136 239 99 142 372 555 104 163 'l2 "53 - 44 45 4 50 2 407 145 257 100 1 151 1 4 8 10 2 15 13 5 9 36 11 10 4 2 11 4 10 8 19 10 112 53 23 52 234J 68f 67J 177J 339J 25 399 10 156 322 3 81 8 187 5 38 21 7 2A 66j 17J 39J 190J 18 106 120 12 * 574 151 73| "lO 840 2,583 • 510 98 2,021 14,810 800 1,330 23,715 14,145 1,390 1,942 73 126 118 25 46 931 48 9 153 1,061 127 196 135 99 166 47 1,275 549 385 414 2,180 505 436 31 144 48 51 '55 98 984 57 'il 152 29 5 35 91 3 "29 67 "49 113 4 139

11

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Note.—These figures are subject to revision. The final return will be prepared and published by the Eegistrar-General's Department. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,450 copies), £810s.]

Price 9d.] By Authority : George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1891.

Hawera Stratford .. Taranaki Clifton .. Waimea Collingwood Kaikoura Marlborough Sounds D'XJrville Island Cheviot Ashley and adjacent islands Selwyn Akaroa Geraldine.. Waimate .. : Waitaki .. v Waikouaiti - Taieri Clutha Peninsula •/ Southland / Wallace Stewart Island Buller Westland 464 5 584 323 43 21 37 36 58 19 2 59 17 109 39 30 56 29 7 17 7 1 52 17 19 45 369 3 400 254 47 8 32 31 72 13 57 24 97 36 30 49, 25 4 13 15 2 41 15 11 36 15 57 23 5 2 42 1 - 20 27 9 4 24 17 38 11 5 "36 1 22 1 22 10 11 23«. 865 8 1,079 611 100 29 69 69 208 34 2 158 42 255 94 75 152 54 11 30 22 3 199 136 32 86 592 935 37| 13 11| 74 26| 2J 50 32 9 17 6 61 674 32| 1 170 15 "4 27 ■• 488 480 1 1 10 i 6 1,122 847 66 304 21 20J 18 172 13 108 4,044 422 2,035} 141 22 290 116J 63 135 181 5 161 568J 1,185 1,130 56 1,448 1,100 2 1,273 350 5,971 100 1,120 3,195 2,159 193 8 152 34 28 7 3 183 53 40 4944 2 18 21 2,350 3,288 2,323 76 2 22 36 72 63 10 3 13 296 79 36 10 31 327 15 8 495, 2,218 11 23, 153 54 '333; If "*S 10 8G 1 "50 40 .. "2 "l2 •• 4 51 54 1 2 55 50 1 3 - 38| 26| 'm '25 i "24 28 556 300 18 97 514 3,000 93 140' 33 97 22 36 2 11 "25 •• Total 21,323 17,559 5,598| 6,488| 26,718J 251,763 42,912 86,259 1,309 1,112 41,303 8,364 5,232 J 7,689 5,971 9,732; * Of this number, 237 persons are estimated, as all inf< irmation relating to them was refused.