CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, H-26b

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1901. NEW ZEALAND.

CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO).

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

Mbmoeandum for the Hon. the Native Ministeb. I have the honour to lay before you the preliminary results of the census of the Native population, which was ta.ken during the month of February last. It is not possible to take the Maori census in one night, as is done in the case of the European census, nor is the same degree of accuracy to be expected in the enumeration; but I believe the work has been done as thoroughly as circumstances would permit. The total Maori population amounted to 43,101 persons, an increase for the five years of 3,247 persons. For the purpose of taking the Maori census, districts are formed, consisting of groups of contiguous counties, and for each district an Enumerator—in all cases but one a Government officer is appointed. The Enumerators employ a sufficient number of sub-enumerators, whose duties are to visit all the Maori settlements in their sub-districts, and record the names, ages, and sexes of the inhabitants thereof, together with particulars of the tribes they belong to, and of their crops and live-stock. The Enumerator then makes up a summary for the whole of his district, and from these summaries the preliminary results given in this paper are compiled. Later on, the EegistrarGeneral will compile from the sub-enumerators' books the detailed particulars which will appear in the volume of census results. It will therefore be understood that the figures now given are liable to readjustment, being only the first rough results taken from the Enumerators' summaries. The first Native census was taken in the year 1874, but in 1867, and again in 1871, the various officers residing in Native districts had been instructed to furnish estimates of the number of Maoris in their respective districts. These estimates were, however, admittedly merely approximate, and must be regarded as imperfect. Since 1874 a census of the Native population has been taken coincidently with the European census. The following table shows the population at these respective periods : — Persons. Increase. Decrease 1867 (approximate estimate) ... ... 38,540 1871 „ ... ... 37,502 1874 (first census) ... ... ... . 45,470 1878 ... ... ... ... 43,595 ... 1,875 1881 ... ... ... ... 44,097 502 1886 ... ... ... ... 41,969 ... 2,128 1891 ... ... ... ... 41,993 24 1896 ... ... ... ... 39,854 ... 2,139 1901 ... ... ... ... 43,101 3,247 The fluctuations exhibited in the above table cannot be regarded as normal, and conclusions deduced from the figures must be regarded to a large degree, as conjectural. It was doubted whether the large decrease shown by the census of 1896 was a real decrease, or merely due to the non-inclusion of a number of Natives either by accident or through refusals to give proper information to the sub-enumerators. Similarly the large increase shown by the present census may, in part, be attributed to more favourable circumstances permitting a closer enumeration to be made on this occasion. It is obvious that any real increase in the Maori population must arise from an excess of births over deaths- —in other words, the Maoris must reproduce themselves, as, unlike the European population, they cannot be recruited from outside. It is therefore necessary to ascertain I—H." 26b,

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whether there is any increase in the number of children since the previous census. The comparative Table A attached hereto shows the number of persons under the age of fifteen at the present census to be 16,065, while in 1896 it was 14,248 —an increase of 1,817 persons during the five years. Detailed tables showing the ages at classified periods will be published later on. It was expected that the census of 1901 would disclose a substantial increase of half-castes, but this expectation has not been realised. The figures are as follows :— Half-castes living as members of Maori tribes— 1896 ... ... ~. ... ... ... .. 3,503 1901 3,123 Decrease ... ... ... ... ... 380 The explanation may lie in the fact that many half-castes are now living in European fashion, and will be included in the European census. This is more particularly apparent in the South Island, as will be seen on reference to the report of Mr. Bishop, S.M., the Enumerator for Canterbury, Otago, and Westland. It would be dangerous, I think, to build any elaborate theories on the result of the late census. The evidence seems to indicate that the Maori population is nearly stationary ; but, even on that assumption, it must be a matter of sincere congratulation to be able to hope that the decline of the race has been stayed. It remains to be seen whether education and more enlightened conditions of life will lead the Maori up the path of progress, as well in numbers as in mental equipment and material comfort. The health of the Natives has been generally good. There have been occasional outbreaks of typhoid and other fevers, influenza, and kindred disorders, but there has been no epidemic of disease. In all cases of serious outbreak that have been reported, the Government has promptly sent medical assistance, and has also supplied medical comforts and suitable food, at the discretion of the medical attendant. In one or two cases where it was necessary to isolate the patients, the Government has also provided nursing assistance. There are now twenty-four medical officers in the colony, subsidised from the Native Civil List, together with five " dispensers " in districts where no medical men reside, and who, though not legally qualified to practice medicine, are quite able to dispense simple remedies for minor complaints. The duties of these officers are to treat and prescribe for every Native who may visit them at their surgeries, and to visit all patients who, through age or illness, are unable to come to them. In addition, the services of the Nativeschool teachers are largely utilised in the same work. The department provides these teachers with a selection of useful medicines, with simple directions as to their use, and there is every reason to believe that by their efforts much suffering is spared, and many outbreaks suppressed. The good work performed by these ladies and gentlemen is deserving of notice, all the more so that it has not received due recognition in the past The sum expended last year under the head of " Medical attendance, medicines, &c," amounted to £1,776. From the reports received by the department, it would appear that the Maoris suffer most from coughs, colds, and various forms of influenza and fever. The causes contributing to the prevalence of these complaints may be attributed principally to the unhealthy positions in which settlements of Natives are often found, their mode of life, their indifference to the insanitary condition and surroundings of their dwelling-places, and last, but not least, a polluted water-supply. As a knowledge of sanitary laws increases among the Maoris, it may be expected that these causes of disease will gradually disappear. Bui. it is useless to expect the social habits of a people to conform to another standard all at once. While it is true that social conditions are susceptible of almost infinite modification, it is equally true that such modification can occur only after long periods of time. I have heard it said, that "It is useless to try to do anything for Maoris, as they will not do what they are told." They are blamed for living on low-lying ground, for wearing European clothing, for allowing drainage to flow to their water-supply, and for giving unsuitable food to their children and invalids, while it is almost a crime to hand over the treatment of the sick to their tohungas. Such criticisms are, in a sense, quite true, but they result from a failure to realise the mental attitude of the Maori. He has had no systematic training, but has picked up European customs and ideas just as it pleased him, and just so far as it pleased him, and he has not yet been built up to the stage where progress to a higher social development becomes a purpose of life. It is unreasonable, therefore, to expect from him an immediate response to the demands of our modern civilization, which has been evolved after centuries of progress. He must have time and opportunity, and our teaching must be measured by his capacity. We must not complain that he feeds his infants on pork and potatoes, and at the same time offer him an indigestible mental diet of nineteenth-century science. The diffusion of knowledge must tend to uplift the Maori. The transforming powers of education and association are at work, and must in time have their effect. The village schools are steadily improving the general standard of knowledge among the Maori people as a whole, while the higher schools turn out a number of intelligent young fellows who want only the opportunity to show the value of the training they have received. Suitable openings in the public service are limited, but the Government has displayed a sympathetic regard for deserving Maori youths wherever possible. There are now two Native medical students attending the Otago University, and the recent appointment of Dr. Pomare as Native Health Officer is expected to do much good in the direction of sanitary and social reform. Much also is hoped from the Maori Councils Act of last session, which confers on the Natives a limited measure of local self-government, and enables them to regulate and control habits and customs which are harmful alike to the individual and the community. Many of the older chiefs, as well as the educated younger generation, are showing a very intelligent interest in the reform movement, but they want to be shown what to do and how to do it,

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At the present time 1,098 Maoris are in receipt of old-age pensions. In the report of Mr. Blomfield, S.M., the Enumerator for the Bay of Islands and Hokianga District, it is stated that the pensioners do not get the full benefit of the pension, which is taken by their younger relations and spent. Mr. Blomfield's remarks confirm the views that have been expressed by others in a position to judge—viz., that a small grant from the Civil List expended in the purchase of rations is much more beneficial to aged and indigent Natives than any grant of money. A large number of Maoris are in receipt of rations supplied by local storekeepers in the shape of flour, sugar, tea, bread, tobacco, &c, and supervised as far as possible by some local officer. Bach individual application is scrutinised as closely as circumstances will permit, and though doubtless assistance is occasionally obtained on insufficient or unworthy grounds, on the other hand it may be safely asserted that the sufferings of old age, infirmity, and poverty are alleviated at a comparatively small expense, and that no really deserving case is allowed to go unrelieved. The reports of the .Enumerators and Sub-enumerators attached hereto, contain much of interest. Crime does not prevail in any marked degree. The Natives as a whole are becoming more and more temperate every year. The drunken ogies that were once common are in a great measure things of the past. In several of the reports reference is made to their adoption of the European style of living; some are sheep-farmers, others cultivate their land, while others again engage in various forms of remunerative labour. Every year the spread of settlement brings them into closer touch with their pakeha neighbours, and subjects them to the influence of European example. Their ultimate destiny must remain a matter of speculation. The pessimist sees a remnant of beggars wandering over the land their ancestors once possessed, while the optimist looks forward to a complete fusion of the two races. Whatever the outcome may be the Maori will always remain a picturesque and romantic figure in New Zealand history. In earlier times he both fought and cultivated. Happily the occupation of the warrior has passed away, but the gentle arts of peace still remain. Every well-wisher of the Maori must hope that he will remember the proverb of his own race, " Ehara te toa taua, he toa pahekeheke : Ka pa tau he toa ngaki kai, c kore c paheke," —the fame of the warrior is shortlived, but the fame of the man strong to cultivate is everlasting. F. Waldegbave, Under-Secretary. Wellington, Ist June, 1901. -

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Note.—The above figures for 1901 are subject to revision. The final return will be prepared and published in the Registrar-General's Department.

A.—Comparative Return of Maori Census, 1896 and 1901.

Males. Females. Males. I Females. Increase. Decrease. Actual Increase, 1896-1901. Persons, 1896. id CD j ! id CD 6 13 id o i-H 6 13 Persons, 1901. 1C r-J 6 id O 5 o 4 o 1C 6 CO o id CD la ID 6 North Island 37,102 7,097 13,2261 20 6,117 10,638 !40,665| i 7,990! 13,897 16 7,178[ 11,571 13 1,954 1,604 ... i Middle Island 2,207 473 6931 416 625 ! 1,916 396; 628 1 353| 538 140 152 Stewart Island ... 117 27 32 281 30J 112 29 37 20! 26 1 6 Chatham Islands — Maoris 179 39 55 45 40! 181 421 49 45! 45 3 1 Morioris ... . ; . 20 4 7 2 7 31 6 Q j 6 10 6 5 I ■" Maori wives living with European husbands... 229 229 196 I i 196 33 . i .. ,. Totals ... 6,608 8,463 14,620 17 7,602! 12,386 13 1,963 1,610 146 186 1,817 l,430 : 39,854 7,640 14,013 20 11,569; 43,101! * Including 6 persi ins whose ages 3 are not specified.

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APPENDIX.

I. CIRCULAR TO ENUMERATORS.

S IB> Department of Justice, Wellington, 12th December, 1900. I am directed by the Hon. the Native Minister to inform you that you have been appointed an Enumerator for the purposes of taking a census of the Maori population, and of all half-castes living as members of Maori tribes 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 subenumerator had better be appointed for each county. The remuneration authorised for subenumerators 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 as possible, say, the third week of 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 complete returns to this office, which should be done as soon as possible after the sth 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, F. Waldegeave, Under-Secretary.

11. REPORTS OF ENUMERATORS.

NOETHEEN DISTEICT. g IBj Magistrate's Office, Eussell, April, 1901. ' I have the honour to forward you herewith the returns of the Native census taken for the Counties of Mangonui, Whangaroa,* Bay of Islands, and Hokianga. Every precaution has been taken to prevent either a duplicating or omission of names from the returns, and, having carefully checked the work of my different sub-enumerators, I am satisfied that the returns forwarded you herewith may be accepted as accurate. Notwithstanding the generally accepted idea that the Maori is fast dying out, it is pleasing to note, from a comparison of my returns with those of the last census, taken some five years since, that the Natives of these northern counties are increasing and prospering. In 1896 the Native population of these four northern counties was 6,559, the present returns show 7,399. From careful inquiry I am satisfied that this increase is not caused by an influx of Natives from other parts, but is rather produced by a decrease in the death-rate and a large increase in the birth-rate. I think that this is undoubtedly due to the fact that the Natives are becoming more settled, and more tidy in their habits and style of living. In addition to information furnished me by native-school masters and others in a position likely to know, each of my sub-enumerators made careful observation and inquiry as to the general condition of the Natives. My opinion is corroborated by the reports of these gentlemen. I am informed that there has been no epidemic whatever of any serious nature during the past five years in any part of my district. Amongst all ages the death-rate has been normal. In the Counties of Mangonui and Bay of Islands, the Government having subsidised the services of resident medical officers, medicines, consultation, and advice are provided without charge to the sick Natives at the different surgeries. The same arrangement applies to Hokianga County, although, unfortunately, there is no Native medical officer at present resident in the county. The Hokianga County Council is, however, securing the services of a medical gentleman, who is, I understand, now on his way out from England.

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The effect of this system is undoubtedly good, and the Natives, by corning in contact with competent European doctors, and obtaining their medicines and advice, are gradually falling away from tohungas, with their incantations and ceremonial ruris, and becoming more Buropeanised in their style of living. From what little knowledge of the Maori character I possess, lam satisfied that the Natives would not have dropped into the way of seeking the advice and assistance of European doctors had the Government not stepped forward wilh the present arrangement of Native medical officers. The thought of payment would have deterred them. The old system by which the medical officer received a subsidy from Government to supply medicines and attendance to such Natives as were unable to pay did not work satisfactorily. It was unfair that a medical man should be called upon to fix a standard of ability to pay, and the effect of such a rule was undoubtedly to prevent a great many Natives from coming for medical assistance where they really deserved and required it. There can be no doubt that many Natives have great faith in certain herbs and plants, as applied by themselves for some complaints, and these remedies they continue to use in some districts. On the Taheke Eiver, Hokianga, one Hone Harris has, I find, had a large camp for some time past, and here he has bathed patients suffering from rheumatism, scrofula, and other complaints in hot baths of a decoction made from the bark, roots, and leaves of native shrubs and trees. The patients, lam informed, are not exposed to the cold air. From careful inquiry, I am satisfied that no known injury or injurious effect has so far resulted to the patients. Many of them aver that they have been much benefited by the treatment, although I am inclined to doubt this fact. I intend to visit this camp and make full inquiry at the first opportunity. This treatment can, however, scarcely be called the practice of a tohunga —a man who imposes on his patients' superstitions by sundry incantations and ceremonial ruris, giving them the belief that his power consists more in his authority from the spirits than in the direct power of the cold-water treatment itself, which is generally attended by such gross exposure to the cold air that serious results ensue. The incantations and ruriruris are often full of disgusting expressions and suggestions. Only one summary prosecution of a tohunga has occurred in this district during the past year, and, as a conviction followed, and the tohunga, his mana destroyed, left the district, I trust that tohungas are falling into disrepute with the Maoris. My sub-enumerators, as well as many others, inform me that they have been much impressed with the great number of young children at all the settlements, and with the general healthy appearance of such children. The returns of 1896 show 2,705 children under the age of fifteen years. The present returns show 3,412 children under the same age. There has therefore been an increase of over seven hundred children under the age of fifteen since the last census returns. It is, however, to be regretted that a great number of children of tender age, of both sexes, are acquiring the habit of cigarette-smoking, and it is to be hoped that before this vice has done much injury the Maori Councils, under the local self-government Act of the last session, will take vigorous steps to suppress it. Influenza, a kind of low fever, and chronic cough are the principal ailments among the Natives generally, whilst the old suffer from rheumatism and lumbago, the effect of exposure and neglect during their youth. Only in one or two places have syphilitic symptoms manifested themselves from contact with the Europeans. These cases are, however, fairly isolated, and I think that there is little chance of their spreading. One or two isolated cases of scrofula, and of consumption, brought on entirely through neglect of heavy colds, have also been reported to me, as well as a disease alleged to be brought on by eating what is known as kaanga pirau, or rotten corn. In the latter instance the head, arms, and legs become very much swollen. The skin becomes inflamed, and those attacked suffer severe pains, mostly in the joints. The sickness is not fatal unless the patient be greatly neglected, and it is often mistaken by the Natives for rheumatism. Fortunately this sickness is not common. A somewhat similar, but more uncommon kind of disease, better known in former times, still exists in one or two parts of my district. It is known as tuivhenua, and at first sight is often diagnosed as hereditary syphilis. Those who have made a study of the subject are, however, of the opinion that ib is a disease probably produced by the eating of bad fish. After the primary stage of inflammation and swelling, the extremities commence to perish and shrink away. The disease is seldom heard of, as those Natives afflicted keep out of sight. The district is, comparatively speaking, poor, but such wealth as exists is fairly distributed. Where cases of destitution are reported, an allowance in suitable stores, up to the maximum amount of £1 per month, is, on the recommendation of the Magistrate, allowed to each such destitute Native, through some local storekeeper. This system works most satisfactorily, and would, in my opinion, prove more suitable than the Old-age Pension Act, as regards all old Natives. The goods are supplied direct to the Native himself, and consist of only such things as are necessary to relieve his distress, while, as regards the old-age pensions, money is drawn which is often spent by the younger Natives in buying useless finery for themselves, while their older relations, the pensioners, are obliged to go short of necessary articles. Drunkenness is undoubtedly decreasing amongst the Natives. The Maori population is probably about equal to the European, yet during the past five years there have only been two convictions for drunkenness in Hokianga County, two in Whangaroa, six in Mangonui, and twentyseven in Bay of Islands, or in all thirty-seven convictions, as against fifty-one Europeans. The provisions of " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act, 1895," with reference to Native women have been well carried out and enforced by the police, and the effect of some three or four convictions has been to almost completely check drunkenness amongst Native women. The great influx of Dalmatian and other foreigners, in addition to British gum-diggers from other parts of the colony, has largely exhausted the gum supply, and during the last year gum has become so scarce that many of the Natives have given up gum-digging as a .following, and have

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paid more attention to the cultivation and improvement of their own lands and to other agricultural pursuits. Much of the kauri and other timber has been worked out from this district, especially from the lands of the Natives. The scarcity of bush-work has further thrown many on the resources of their own land for support. There can be no doubt that this, from many points of view, has been of the greatest advantage. Money has been scarcer, and less has been spent on drink, and otherwise wasted, than formerly, while the Natives have thrown more energy into the farming and improvement of their lands. They have in many instances forsaken the swamps near which they camped and in which they dug for gum, and have gone back to their more healthy permanent settlements. The unsettled occupation of gum-digging, the residence near these swamps, and the drinking of swamp-water, were probably greatly accountable for the high death-rate in the past. No benefit was ever derived from the gum-fields by the Maori. Even when gum was plentiful the money earned was squandered, and the digger nearly always left the field in debt to the storekeeper. The life was demoralising. The cultivations were neglected for the gum-fields, and the result was the loss of crops, with only big store-bills to show against it. It may fairly be predicted that when the gum is exhausted the Northern Maori will be in a more substantial position than he ever was. The increase of energy directed to the cultivations, together with a very favourable season, has this year resulted in abundant crops, especially of potatoes and maize. The nikau whare is gradually giving place to the weather-boarded dwelling. Many of the Natives are experts at shearing and ploughing, and as such readily find contract work and employment throughout the district, while a certain number are employed generally as farm hands. Some are engaged at bush-work, at which they make very capable hands, and control good wages, while many act as general labourers, especially at road-work. Farming will undoubtedly be the future of the Maori, and it is to the encouragement of this that the Government should largely direct its attention. Although much of the land is very poor and only useful for rough grazing-runs, yet there are large quantities of good land, suitable for subdivision into small farming sections, scattered throughout the different counties. Although gradually becoming Europeanised, the Maori still retains much of his old Maori nature in a latent state, and cannot be forced on too quickly to a condition of British civilisation without the danger of a complete reaction. A judicious assistance and encouragement in that direction to which he is most suited—namely, the settlement, occupation, and cultivation of his lands, and the running of stock thereon—will be the most conducive to the permanent advancement of the Native. Abandoning his whare, the Native requires to build a weather-boarded house. This means money. The house requires a fire which cannot be lit as of yore, on the floor, and this means a chimney; more money is required. He desires to fence, and this means wire, another expense ; and so each succeeding step in civilisation the Native finds it necessary to save or acquire more money wherewith to accomplish his advancement. His naturally indolent and thriftless nature is against this, and he requires continual supervision and encouragement in the formation of his modern kainga and the cultivation of those products from which he is is to derive his income. The Native schools are undoubtedly doicg great work in educating the Maori, in making him think more for himself, and so the better fitting him to meet his gradually altered circumstances. There are now very few Natives in the North to whom one cannot make one's self understood in English. The social condition of the Maori requires more attention. Unfortunately the women, not being trained to a satisfactory condition of domestic economy, gradually tire of the restraint of keeping a home clean, neat, and in the pakeha style, and eventually find it so irksome as to warrant falling back into the free-and-easy style of living pursued by their forefathers. The husbands fall back with them, and so also the children, even though receiving a European education. This has unfortunately been the case with many highly educated and intelligent Native men. More care and attention is required to the domestic education of the women. I notice that an experimental technical school for Maoris has just been opened at Hokianga. Possibly the domestic training of the women may eventually be taken in hand by this and other similar schools. Many large blocks of land are still unadjudicated upon. Not knowing who will be declared the owners, the Natives are naturally diffident about improving these lands to any extent, and this undoubtedly retards the advancement of many places in the district. This is noticeably the case at Kaikohe, Bay of Islands, where many thousand acres of magnificent land are still lying idle. Whether the compulsory passing of such land through the Native Land Court, or of vesting it in a Committee or Council, to lease or deal with in trust for the owners to be thereafter ascertained, would be practicable, is a question well worth considering. Undoubtedly when these various blocks have been thrown open for lease and occupation by the Maoris, many who no longer favour the holding of lands and goods in common as in olden times will largely adopt sections for their individual cultivations and homes. The old system of communism, which has paralysed individual effort and retarded advancement in the past, is gradually passing away. So great has been the demand for cattle and sheep during the past nine months that every part of the district has been searched by dealers, and a great quantity of stock taken away. In spite of this the returns show a very favourable increase since last census. In 1896 the returns showed 11,728 sheep, 4,169 cattle, and 8,394 pigs ; while the present returns show 15,573 sheep, 5,711 cattle, and 12,449 pigs. The price realised for stock has been high. The past season has been an especially good one for grass, and the stock remaining in the district is in very good order and condition. Had these present returns been taken six or nine months since, the stock would undoubtedly have numbered several thousand more than at present. During the past five years the unfortunate Waima disturbance has occurred. It is unnecessary to refer at length to this matter, as the facts are generally within the knowledge of all. From my own personal knowledge and observation I cannot, however, help thinking that never at any time

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was bloodshed or destruction of property intended. This is surely borne out by the fact that when the raid was made on Eawene, before the troops arrived, not one shot was fired nor was one item of property taken or destroyed, although every opportunity existed for both pillage and bloodshed. The demonstration of force against the rebels and their conviction and punishment were sufficient to show all that the power of the Crown is ample to enforce the law at all times, while the remission of a portion of the sentences has, I am convinced, had a very good effect. With the exception of this Waima trouble, there has been no disturbance of any kind during the past five years, and as this disturbance was confined to a particular district, and the Natives generally are gradually becoming naturalised as Englishmen, it may confidently be asserted that no serious trouble is likely to occur again. The old Hauhaus, so troublesome in the past on account of their defiance of all laws, have become almost extinct, and, whatever those few remaining may think, they outwardly observe the law. Just as drunkenness is decreasing so is crime. The percentage of crime is lower with the Maori than with the European part of the population in the North. The criminal statistics of this district show 386 Europeans convicted of summary offences and, other crimes, as against 299 Natives, during the past five years. The present war in South Africa has been watched with great interest by the Natives in all parts, and many would readily have volunteered their services if required. The death of her late Majesty Queen Victoria has everywhere called forth expressions of sympathy and respect. In many settlements a flag-pole has been erected, and a Union Jack or New Zealand Ensign, or such other flag of any other description as could be obtained, floating at half-mast, with the regulation streamer of black above it, bore witness to the loyalty and respect of the Natives. 1 cannot conclude this report without stating that the healthier state of the Natives, both young and old, is largely due to the training and assistance of the Native teachers and the present working missionaries of all denominations, whose encouragement of cleanliness and the primary laws of health, and whose assistance with medicines and advice in many cases of sickness, are much to be commended. Generally summarising the position, I think one can safely say that the condition of the Natives in this district is better now than it ever was. The population has increased, sickness has decreased, and, although there is no individual wealth (even comparatively speaking), there is what generally exists in the absence of individual wealth —an absence of poverty. The Natives are fairly contented ; there is little crime amongst them, and less immorality ; drunkenness is certainly on the wane ; and with the opening up of all the more valuable Native lands it is to be hoped that the time is still to come when the Native, instead of becoming extinct, as is so often predicted, will have increased and have developed into the steady if somewhat indolent settler, .looking on himself no longer as a Maori, but as an Englishman, one of the units of the mighty British Empire. So far, at least, as the northern part of this colony is concerned, I am satisfied that a judicious handling of the Natives (who are apt pupils), by encouraging them in education, in thrift, in social and sanitary reform, and in the settlement on and cultivation of their lands, will accomplish this. I have noticed that the ample scope of the Maori Councils Act of last session provides for all these matters, but it is to be feared that unless the official members of these Councils are prepared to spend a very considerable amount of their time in assisting and directing the Councils, the Maori members will experience great difficulty in realising the necessities of the case, and successfully coping with them. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, E. C. Blompibld, S.M. Wellington.

2. KAIPAEA, WHANGAEEI, ETC. Sm,— Auckland, 23rd April, 1901. I have the honour to transmit herewith the summary of the result of the Native census in the counties of Hobson, Whangarei, Otamatea, Eodney, Waitemata, and the Great Barrier Island. By separate parcel the sub-enumerators' books and the working sheets of my summary are also forwarded. The sub-enumerators experienced considerable delay in obtaining their results, owing to the Native population being widely scattered, and the country being in many parts exceedingly rough. Instead, therefore, of the enumeration being accomplished within one week, as was anticipated, more than three were in some instances required for its completion. I have not had the means or opportunity of making myself personally acquainted with the condition, of the Native population. Their settlements lie remote from the routes ordinarily traversed by me. My information, therefore, is derived entirely from the report of others. In some of the counties enumerated there appears to be an increase, in others of them a decrease, in the Native population. But the increase in one does not set off the decrease in another, and upon the whole there is a positive falling-off in the numbers. Something of this result may, perhaps, have to be discounted, because many of the Natives who employ themselves in gumdigging, are of a migratory disposition, and possible omissions may have thence arisen ; but these, casual and unimportant at the most, cannot affect the conclusion that the Native population in these counties, at all events, is a diminishing, and a rapidly-diminishing, quantity. Indeed, this conclusion may be deduced from the fact, brought out by the statistics, that in all of the counties enumerated the number of persons ageing fifteen years and over are in excess—in some greatly in excess—of the number of persons under that age ; and whatever may be the reason for this declension it does not lie on the surface of things. It is not apparent in the material conditions affecting the Native. No epidemic has assailed the population, and scarcely any sporadic disease is reported. Indeed, the only noticeable instance brought to my knowledge is that of a few

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oases of enteric fever in a settlement in the Waitemata County, which are obviously due, it is stated, to the insanitary state of the place. Again, the standard of living has been, on the whole, greatly raised, and approximates to the measure found among Europeans. The kainga, or settlement, associated with a cluster of ill-smelling raupo whares and promiscuous living, is disappearing, and the wooden house, in its own enclosure, or, at any rate, the slab hut, with individual domestic life, is taking its place. So, too, the Native is.now better clothed than formerly, and, for the most part, has a wholesome vocation. And these changes, which, curiously enough, are not so discernible among Natives living close to Auckland as among those more remote, have undoubtedly promoted health and wellbeing of the Maori. Accordingly it is reported that the health of the Natives throughout the several counties is good. In this connection, however, I ought to add that several sub-enumerators urge the expediency of the Government providing medical aid to the Native upon some definite system. But the improvement in the material condition of the Native does not stop here. " The old order changeth, yielding place to new." To increased wellbeing are added the amenities of life; and the practical and artistic sides of home-life are sometimes found represented by the sewing-machine and the piano. In the County of Whangarei a Maori mat is, I am informed, something of a curiosity, but starched and ironed, linen is common enough. The haka is a thing of the past, revived only on special occasions ; but the quadrille and the waltz have numerous votaries. With conditions so uniformly favourable to a continuance of the race the cause of the decreasing numbers of the Maori must be sought, it would seem, in some racial incapacity which it would be out of place, and scarcely profitable, to here speculate upon. The means of intellectual improvement are not neglected by the Natives. Their children are sent, where practicable, to the State schools, and become, it is said, apt and progressive scholars. An instance of the desire of the Natives for the education of their children has just come under my observation —an instance of an isolated Native community freely and unanimously giving a site for a school in its midst. On the other hand, although churches are to be seen, there is no systematic effort by any denomination, as far as I can learn, to inculcate religious truth in the Maori. A promising field is practically left vacant for the Mormons, who are propagating their principles with quiet assiduity and considerable success. The area of land cultivated bears a very small ratio to the population, and of this by far the greater part is individual cultivation. The Maori is inclined to follow pastoral rather than agricultural pursuits. This is to be explained, lam told, by the fact that the soil north of Auckland is more adapted for grazing than for cropping ; but also, I suspect, by the fact that the former lends itself more to the indolent life which the Maori is inclined to lead. On the other hand, the staple industries of the north absorb a large proportion of the Natives. Many are kauri-gum diggers, and many are employed in the kauri timber trade. Upon the whole it may be said that the Natives in Waitemata and Eodney are more indigent and less advanced than those further north. The numbers who have established claims for oldage pensions in the several counties, are : For Hobson, 16; for Whangarei, 10 (but of these 2 have since died); for Otamatea, nil; for Eodney, 8 ; and for Waitemata, 14. I will add that the Native population of the several counties are, on the whole, peaceful and law-abiding. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, T. Hutchison, S.M. Wellington.

3. WAIKATO, EAGLAN, KAWHIA, THAMES, ETC. Sir,— Eotorua, 18th May, 1901. I have the honour to forward herewith the Enumerator's summary showing total results in the Counties of Eden, Manukau, Waikato, Eaglan, Kawhia, Waipa, Piako, Ohinemuri, Thames, Coromandel, and Waiheke Islands, amounting to a population of 7,731. The instructions to the Chief-Enumerator were dated in November, but only reached me on 11th January; consequently I had great difficulty in procuring suitable persons to act as subenumerators, and in several instances those selected have not proved as capable as I at first anticipated. This, combined with my having to carry out elections of Councillors in three separate districts, under " The Maori Councils Act, 1900," and lately urgent work at Eotorua in connection with the Eoyal visit, has left me far too little time to do fulljnstice to the important census work ; and I regret having to confess that, after all the trouble and expense, the returns are only approximately correct, and of little real value for basing comparative statements as to the decline or otherwise of the Maori people. The Natives have always more or less evinced repugnance to census-taking, and this attitude is much more pronounced among the adherents of the so-called Maori King ; hence the very greatest difficulty was experienced in obtaining information. In my humble opinion the time has now arrived when any Native who endeavours to mislead or withhold information from the Enumerator should be punished in exactly the same manner as a European would be. I received an intimation from one of Mahuta's Ministers that I should have applied to him for permission, and then all information would have been given, but I did not consider it in accord with the fitness of things to do so —and indeed the less recognition given to this " mana Maori " business the better for all concerned, for the movement has only kept the Natives in a state of turmoil and unrest, with the result that there is no individualism among them, and they compare very unfavourably with Natives in other districts as regards cultivation, live-stock, and comfortable dwellings. The Piako County is an apt illustration of this baneful influence. Another difficulty, peculiar to the Counties of Thames, Coromandel, Piako, Ohinemuri and Manukau lies in the fact that these districts contain a large floating population of gum-diggers, who are without permanent settlements, and great efforts had to be made to prevent double counting. 2—H. 26b.

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The total population for the ten counties is shown to be 7,731, including 358 half-castes, whilst the number for the same counties iv 1896 was only 6,661 —an apparent increase of 1,070: but I very much doubt if there has been a real augmentation of numbers, and I attribute the increase more to the fact that my sub-enumerator visited every settlement and dwelling-place, which, I am assured by the Natives themselves, was never before attempted. There is a lamentable preponderance of males, no less than 601 more males than females, while the proportion of persons of fifteen to those under that age is more than two to one. There is also a strikingly large number of elderly people." So far as can be learned the health of the Natives generally is fairly good, and they do not appear to have suffered lately from any serious epidemic. Low fever, usually caused by the use of impure water, and pulmonary complaints are most to be dreaded, and when Natives are so attacked they seldom recover. Lying on the damp ground, ofttimes in swampy situations, makes it almost impossible that they should do so. The inordinate use of tobacco, and, worse still, vile cigarettes and crude tobacco-leaf (torori) is really becoming a frightful curse, and must be checked if the race is to continue. It is not unusual to see mothers give infants their pipes to quieten them, and so strong a hold has smoking obtained that it is a deadly privation to keep a Maori from smoking for half an hour at a stretch. 1 believe it, would prove a great boon if a small pamphlet containing simple rules of sanitation were printed and widely circulated, warning the Natives of the dangers of inordinate use of tobacco, sleeping on the ground, and drinking Maori tea, &c. Some years ago a very excellent work was written on these lines by Mr. Pope, but it was too large, and a small book such as I have indicated might be made more attractive, and would have a far-reaching effect. Several of the sub-enumerators state that they notice a considerable improvement in the Maori mode of living—an apparent desire to follow the example set by Europeans —and the almost universal use of better domestic utensils, crockery, &c. No doubt "there is such a movement now going on, and with a little judicious encouragement, such as is offered under the very liberal provisions of "The Maori Councils Act, 1900," there are grounds for justifying the fervent hope that the noble Maori race may yet live and prosper in their home, the " Land of the Long White Cloud." I beg to attach reports from the various sub-enumerators, also a voucher for your approval for 16s. 6d., for printing circular letters, &c. I much regret that I have not been able to make this report sooner. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Gilbebt Maih, Chief-Enumerator. Wellington.

Extracts fbom Eepobts of Sub-Enumebators. The sub-enumerator at Kihikihi states :— I have to report that the health of the Natives in the district in which I took the census is generally good, with the exception of that part about the Te Kumi and Hangatiki settlements, where there were several cases of low fever. I attribute the good health of the other parts to the fact that most of the Natives are now living back on their own land, and not, as of old, in large settlements, the old settlement of Te Kuiti, for instance, being a thing of the past. I still find great difficulty in obtaining the information required,'notably at Te Kumi and Mangaorongo. Many of the Natives belonging to Te Kumi are now, and have been for some time, away at Parihaka, and about sixty persons —men, women, and children—formerly living at Mangaorongo, Otewa, and Otorohanga, have gone to work in the bush at Mangapeihi, outside my district, and many Natives are working on Government roads. This, and the fact that the Natives are now living apart, is the reason why I had to apply for additional sub-enumerators. The sub-enumerater at Coromandel states :— At most of the settlements the Natives are in good health, and seem to be making themselves more comfortable in their methods of living than formerly. lam also glad to report that there is nothing like the drunkenness there formerly was among them in this district, and to see a Native drunk is the exception now. At Manaia many of the Natives possess buggies and drive in to town to transact their business, and return in sobriety. At Kennedy Bay the Ngatiporou are, to all appearances, most prosperous. There are large areas being fenced, and one chief told me he intended bringing some sheep from the south to run there. The Maoris have lately erected a very neat church and several houses, which form a neat uniform street, and I heard of no sickness among them. At Cabbage Bay all the Natives have left the old settlement and gone to Waiaro and Waikawau. The young men are engaged iv bush-work and the elder ones in gum-digging. At Opitonui the only work done by them is gum-digging, and a large number left there about a month ago, and are, I am informed, settled at Otama and that district, and engaged in gum-digging. This is now the fourth time I have taken the Maori census, and I must say I have never before seen the settlements so clean and prosperous as at present. The sub-enumerator at Waiuku states :— In many cases Maoris are living on European property, gum-digging, and, of course, have no crops or stock. Ido not know if there is any notice taken of the fact that the Flavell families are not living as Maoris, although not altogether as Europeans. They live on adjoining properties to the Maori settlement, near Waiuku, and mix with both whites and Natives. The sub-enumerator at Cambridge states : — In accordance with appointment and instructions received in re Maori census of Piako County

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I have the honour to inform you that I have done my very best under great disadvantage, contending all along the line with the great dislike of the whole of the Natives to supply me with the necessary information. On the 11th February last I left home for Tapapa, having laid out my plans to take furthest places first and work back. On arrival at Tapapa I put my mission before the Natives, who had nothing to say about your circular letter, only they could not comply with my taking the census. I saw at once that such would be the case all along the line, so I came to the conclusion that to be effectual in my work I must first see Tana Taingakawa. On telling Natives that such was my intention, they at once told me that if I saw Tupu I could then complete my mission. The next day I rode straight from Tapapa to Waihou, and the day following saw Tupu, when he, without any talk or demur, told me the names of all those who were with him at Tautiti, and also where I could find other camps of Ngatihaua ; but all information re cultivations, &c, I could get on arrival at Waharoa. After that it was not much trouble getting the names at the various camps and kaingas I visited ; the only trouble was the cultivations and pigs. I could not get them to give me such information. On arriving at Waharoa I came to a complete block. I could not get any information at all from them till they held a meeting about it; so I had, perforce, to leave them alone. During all my travels I have seen no sickness at all amongst the Natives. They are all in very good health, and the general condition of them at their settlements is fairly good—some of them in much better order than others. The sub-enumerator at Kawhia states :— Please find enclosed census-books for my part of Kawhia District. As to time I have done my best. After travelling for two weeks I found it impossible to do my district in the time mentioned. The Kawhia Harbour is the most difficult part, as it can only be clone by boat, and, furthermore, the tide must be studied. The whole of my district has been carefully scrutinized and ages taken from over twenty—adults over fifteen and under fifteen—to infants. With regard to health I may state in some parts —especially around the Kawhia Harbour—there has been a lot of sickness ; the cause is mud-fever. I reached Kawhia on the Ist, and completed my work on the 2nd. I had gome difficulty in obtaining information from the Tohuites and Kingites, but, knowing them, I got all the information required. Had I not known them my" census would have been 15 percent, less. You will see by my books I have made a careful entry and scrutinized the whole district, and a correct return will be seen in my books. The sub-enumerator at Te Aroha states :— The Natives all seem in good health ; they seem to live better than they-did some five years ago, and are now in many instances abstaining from drink. The sub-enumerator at Churchill states :— I took the Maori census in part of the same district in 1891. I find that the Maoris are altering a little. They are taking to the European ways a little more than they were at that time. They are taking to better houses, and some of them are living in slab houses, which is an improvement to their houses made of raupo and rushes. Most of them have taken to cups and saucers, and have taken a real clean way of preparing their food and laying the food after it is prepared. They have taken to work; if'there is work to be got, they always go to work. All the settlements I went to I never found a man loafing about the settlements. They have taken to cattle. I have never before seen Maoris so anxious to go in for cattle. Their principal occupations are : Skinning wattle-trees, gumdigging, cutting rushes, tea-tree, and bashfelling, draining for Europeans and a little for themselves. There is only one thing that will take ti m e that is, the Maori people have a great weakness for building on low grounds. Some of the Maoris have taken to bedsteads, which will be a great saving to their health. At times gone by Maoris would sleep and lie about the ground, which our bodies were not made for. The steam would rise, and it would cause sickness. The only complaint I find that is holding among the Maoris is consumption, caused by building on low grounds and sleeping on the ground. It is the older people that have this complaint; the younger people seem to be free from it. The Maoris are not great land-tillers; but, as they get'cattle, I have taken notice they are getting to know the value of grass. As regards Maori families, the families would be all right if they were not misled Dy these tohungas. ° Most of the Maori people think they can be cured by a tohunga just talking, and do without medicine. If the Maoris took to medicines more than half the people would not die. I say that is the greatest weakness among the Maori people—they put too great a faith in the tohunga. As regards tangis, they do not hold the tangis as long as they used to. They used to hold tangis till they actually starved some of the people. They are improving from that custom. The sub-enumerator at Te Mata (Raglan) states : — I found the Natives very much scattered owing chiefly to being employed by Europeans in harvesting and grass-seed cutting. I met with considerable difficulty in obtaining crop and stock returns, they (the Natives) saying the agricultural statistics were collected last October; another reason was that it was quite impossible for me to see each individual Maori, and those whom I questioned could only give me a very vague idea as to acreage of crops or number of stock owned by others. However, I have done my best, and I have every reason to think that I have got a good count. I found no sickness worth mentioning amongst them, and they all appeared to be fairly prosperous, and the crops everywhere are looking well.

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4. BAY OP PLENTY, EOTOEUA, AND TAUPO. Sib,— Magistrate's Office, Tauranga, 10th April, 1901. Be Maori census, 1901 : In accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of 12th December last, I have the honour to forward my Enumerators' summaries for the counties of Tauranga and adjacent islands, Whakatane, Opotiki, Eotorua, Taupo East, and Taupo West, and in reference thereto beg to report as follows :— Tauranga County. —The Natives in this county are plentifully supplied with food, the potato and kumera crops being exceptionally good this year. The health of the Natives is good, excepting, perhaps, that of some of the Tapuika Hapu of Te Arawa Tribe residing in the vicinity of Te Puke, who are employed on contracts for the supply of green flax to the flaxmill, and consequently they have to work on the low-lying lands and in the swamps adjacent to th,e Kaituna Eiver, and are therefore subject to chest complaints. No epidemic has visited this county since the last census was taken. I may say that the Natives living in the villages from Tauranga to Papamoa appear to be better off in the matter of crops than others, this being due to their aptitude for farming pursuits and industry generally. A slight increase is perceptible in the Ngaiterangi Tribe, but a decrease is notable in the other tribes, owing no doubt to their improvident mode of living and ignorance of sanitation. Several Natives are temporarily absent from their settlements, and are employed in gum-digging and other money-making pursuits in other counties, and no doubt will be enumerated in those places. Botorua County. —The health of the Natives in this county is good. The crops are small— probably insufficient for supply necessary, the Natives being generally lazy and improvident. Many of the younger people are employed on Government works, and, no doubt, the remuneration received by them will help to purchase necessaries required through shortage of crops. No epidemic has visited this county since last census was taken, nor is any increase in the tribes perceptible. Whakatane County. —The health of the Natives is good. No epidemic has visited them since last census. The food crops appear to be adequate for the needs of the number enumerated. A marked, though unaccountable, increase is apparent in the numbers enumerated this census as compared with the last one taken. Opotiki County. —The health of the Natives is generally good. A great change for the better appears in the habits of all ages, being more cleanly and better clothed (more noticeable in the young children) than at the time of the last census. No epidemic has visited this county. The crops are abundant. The full-blooded Maori is not on the increase, but the people who have a strain of European blood (i.e., three-quarter Maori and one-quarter European) appear to be considerably on the increase. Taupo East and West Counties. —The health of the Natives is generally good; crops are in fair supply. No increase is perceptible in the tribes in these counties. No epidemic to report. The sub-enumerator for Taupo West reports meeting with much opposition to his work, but it was eventually overcome. Although no serious epidemic has visited the Natives, several deaths from low-fever have occurred in the several counties. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, J. M. Bobekts, S.M. Wellington.

5. EAST COAST. Sir,-— Native Land Court Office, Gisborne, 4th May, 1901. In pursuance of your letter to me dated the 12th December, 1900, informing me that had been appointed Enumerator for the purpose of taking a census of the Maori population, and o all half-castes living as members of Maori tribes in the Counties of Cook and Waiapu, I have the honor to state that I appointed two sub-enumerators, Messrs. Ferris and Arthur, for the Cook County, and one, J. A. Brooking, for Waiapu County. In compliance with your request that I should accompany my return with a report on the increase or decrease, &c, of the Natives in this district, I beg to state as follows : that, from inquiries I have made, and from my own knowledge, I am of opinion that the Natives in this district are not decreasing, and that in the Waiapu County, at least, they are actually increasing. Their general health is decidedly good ; no epidemic has visited them, nor does any serious disease exist among them ; in fact, many complaints that they were formerly subject to appear to have, to a great extent, disappeared. I think there is no doubt that excessive drinking among the Natives has decreased considerably, and that it now occurs only on occasions when they for any particular purpose assembled in the towns. I noticed this during the elections of the Maori Councils I have lately held, which in each case was a considerable source of profit to the publicans. At the same time I am aware that in their ordinary life, or at their own huis, very little drinking is carried on. Serious crime very rare. The practice of Maori doctors or tohungas has, in some instances, caused crime which would not otherwise have occurred. A case which was before the Supreme Court at this session, when the tohunga was sentenced to imprisonment for twelve mouths, will no doubt have a salutary effect. You will see by the summary that a considerable number of sheep are bred in this district by Natives, especially in the Waiapu County. In cases where this is carried on by the hapu, it appears to work smoothly and satisfactorily, but in cases where individuals run their sheep on the land of the hapu, and retain to themselves the profits arising, dissatisfaction is caused. The only production from Native industry worth mentioning, beyond that required for their own consumption in this district, is wool. The breeding of cattle and pigs has decreased, owing to the Natives having

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turned their attention to breeding sheep. The young men earn a considerable sum during the year by bushfelling and other work, but do not plant much food, and, as their employment, as a rule, does not continue all through the year, they have, in many cases, when their money is spent, to depend on the elders for partial support. Within the last few years the custom of tatooing the women has been resisted in this district. It has been suggested by the sub-enumerator of the Waiapu District that it would be a better system to take the census of the population and the statistics separately, which he is of opinion would save time and expense. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington. John Bbooking.

HAWKE'S BAY. Sir,— . Magistrate's Office, Napier, 24th April, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of 13th December last, a census of the Maori population in my district, comprising the Counties of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, and Patangata, was taken during the last weeks of February, and portion of the first week of March last, and I am forwarding herewith my summary thereof. ;;; >!: ■[• ; !' £ ; i' In reference to your request for a report as to the increase or decrease of the Natives in my district since the last census was taken, the returns show an apparent increase of over six hundred persons Hawke's Bay County showing the greatest total increase, and Wairoa County a comparatively large decrease in the number of half-castes. I would, however, point out in connection with the above increase that when last census was taken there was a great indisposition on the part of the Natives in several of the hapus to give the sub-enumerators correct, or the fullest information. There has not been so much indisposition shown this time, and I am of opinion the sub-enumera-tors have done their work satisfactorily, and that the figures arrived at by them are substantially accurate, both as regards the population and the cultivations. With regard to the general health of the Natives in my district, and the other matters alluded to by you, I attach extracts from the reports of the several sub-enumerators thereon. The vouchers for the expenses of the sub-enumerators, &c, in connection with the census, are also forwarded herewith. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington. A. Tuenbull, S.M. Extracts prom Eepoets of Sub-Enumeeatobs. Mr. Flint, sub-enumerator for eastern part of the Wairoa County, states : — I have made diligent inquiries about the health of the Natives, and find that no serious sickness has taken place since last census, beyond the usual diseases common to human nature. I think a great deal of their trouble is caused by the bad sanitary state of the places they live in—the houses in which they live are generally in a filthy condition, swarming with all kinds of vermin. They should be taught to erect bedsteads instead of sleeping on the floor, which brings on all kinds of disease. They should also be taught to erect conveniences, and not make a convenience of any and every where ; this, in my opinion, is the cause of the fever that carries them off every year. If the Government were to appoint some one to visit them and deliver lectures in the different places, I think it would do them good. Mr. John Down, sub-enumerator for western part of the Wairoa County, states : — I found the health of the Natives has been fairly good, no epidemic having taken place since the last census was taken. Complaints were made in the Waikaremoana that the children attending school suffered hardship, having no one to prepare them properly-cooked food. A good result would be attained if the Government would supply them with biscuits, as done in the Wairoa District School. I am informed that several children have died from want of attention in being properly provided for. I would also recommend a medical officer to make periodical visits to them, and instruct them as to the best means of carrying out sanitary arrangements, and, if possible, a lecture of instruction as to the best means of preserving their health. Outside of the cases of the children mentioned, the death-rate has been caused by ordinary complaints. Mr. Shepherd, sub-enumerator for the Erewhon Eiding, Hawke's Bay County, states :— I have the honour to report that I have found the general health of the Natives in the Erewhon Eiding, County of Hawke's Bay, to be good, and, from all inquiries made, I found they have not been visited by any disease or epidemic since the last census was taken in 1896. Mr. Eichardson, sub-enumerator for the Petane Eiding, Hawke's Bay County, states :— The condition of the Natives, on the whole, is, I consider, better than it was in 1896, when I last took the census. There is no appearance of sickness and no complaints. The absence, however, of young persons between the ages of eight and sixteen is very marked amongst the Ngatihineuru Tribe. The latter tribe are anxious to have a master appointed to the new school at Te Haroto. Since my visit 1 see that one has been gazetted. The crops of maize and other grain are short, and potatoes above the average. Mr. Dennett Tomoana, sub-enumerator for that part of Hawke's Bay Provincial District west of Tukituki Eiver and north of Waipawa Eiver, excluding the above ridings, states :— Having made a thorough inspection of every pa in my district, I found that very little work ip required to change their present method of living. In most of the places which I visited the

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houses are built mostly after European fashion, and those houses which are built like Maori houses are most of them made with a floor and sufficient ventilation. There are one or two places which deserve great credit, but, above all, a pa called Opaka is perhaps the model pa in the Hawke's Bay District, situated on the left bank of the Ngaruroro, opposite the Whakatu Station. After much inquiry at the different pas the most common disease that visits them is influenza, and from that to bronchitis, and in some cases asthma and consumption are contracted. At the present time very little skin-diseases exist; the only one that does exist, but not to any extent, is that which is common to all —namely, hakihaki. Otherwise very little or nothing at all can be said about skin diseases. Maoris now seem to drop out of the idea of sleeping together in one house ;in fact, nothing of this sleeping together is done except at meetings. Looking into the sanitary condition of the Maoris, much of the filth can be done away with as soon as the new Council Act comes into force. There is also much draining to be done. The general health of the Maoris is very satisfactory, however, on the whole, in my opinion. Mr. Friday Tomoana, sub-enumerator for the remaining portion of Hawke's Bay County and the whole of the Patangata County, states : — Generally speaking, satisfactory progress has been made by the Maoris in my district as to looking after their health ; and a marked improvement can be traced in sanitation, water-supply, and work in general, and there has been no serious outbreak of fever or disease necessary to call special attention to. If I am allowed to express an opinion on the Maoris in my district, I will unhesitatingly say that they have advanced rapidly in European ways. The only thing in which the Maoris are short is the business nature of the pakeha. Unless they adopt this they cannot live independently of one another like the European. My opinion is that compulsory technical education is the only and proper way of bringing the Maori mind into the pakeha way of thinking. By knowing how a thing is to be done, and thinking in the right direction, we can do anything we are told to do or value. Mr. J. W. Down, sub-enumerator for that part of the Waipawa County to the south of the Waipawa Eiver, states : — The different settlements visited by me were at Woodville, Tahoraite, Makinkiri, Kaitoki, Waikopiro, Te Ohu, Rakautatahi, Takapau, Waipawa, and Mataweka, besides several houses in Dannevirke occupied by Maoris. At these kaingas I was pleased to see signs to show that the Native is commencing to pay more attention to the sanitary arrangement of his dwelling-places than he has been accustomed to in the past. Especially is this the case with the Waipawa settlement, where, on account of its elevated position, the laws of sanitation press less heavily on its inhabitants, and are therefore more easily and generally observed. The general health of the Natives appeared to me to be good. The greater portion of the deaths that have taken place of late years seem to be among the very young, the chief complaint being bronchitis, and not a few of the elder ones have also succumbed to the same disease. I am very thankful to report that no epidemic of any serious nature has visited any one of the above settlements since the last census was taken in 1896.

7. TAEANAKI, BATE A, ETC. Sib,— Hawera, 20th March, 1901. Having performed the duties entrusted to me as enumerator for the Maori census, by the appointment which you were pleased to have issued under date 12th December, 1900, I beg herewith to submit for your perusal and information a report thereon. The County of Stratford being sparsely settled by Maoris, and that of Patea settled only upon the borders, I required but four sub-enumerators. For these I selected men whose knowledge of the settlements of the various counties and large Native acquaintance specially fitted them for the work. In setting out the boundaries of their respective counties, I instructed them to commence on the 18th February, to use all diligence, and to make the census as accurate as possible ; also to report sickness, and, in the case of any serious hitch, to at once notify me of it. Only two awkward hitches occurred—one of threatened violence ; these I personally attended to, and put right. As you are no doubt aware, a very large majority of Natives in this (Taranaki) province are ardent adherents of Tohu and Te Whiti, of Parihaka, who exhibit a strong aversion to any manner of proceeding obtaining under enactments which emanate from Parliament and Government. Under these circumstances, before commencing the count, I interviewed and communicated with the more influential chiefs, conciliated them by explaining the practical utility of the work, and asked them not to actively canvass opposition amongst the rank and file. (By the way, they were then actively engaged in decrying the Ture Kaunihere, " Maori Councils Act, 1900," and the Pire Poari, which they stigmatised as the "Ture of Mahuta and Kaihau." Although, in answer to myself, they declared " Kahore a matou hiahia ki tena mahi " (We have no desire for that business), they made, and loyally kept, the desired promises, despite the subsequent command of Tohu, " Koutou katoa, me takoto kite mate " (Ye must all remain quiet (non-acquiescent) to the death), or the more incisive " Kia tupato i te Wuruhi haehae " (Beware of the lacerating wolf) — a caution which was supplemented by his lieutenant Tauke with " He hoari koe nooku " (Thou art as a sword (drawn) against me). The work of enumeration being fairly entered upon, observations of querulous irritability were frequently made. Some desired to know whether Government wished to ascertain their numbers, with a -view of sending them against the Boers, or otherwise deporting them. Many said, " Haere koe ki a Tohu, kite haina a ia, ka haina katoa matou " (Go thee unto Tohu ; if he signs, we will all sign). Inquiries as to the number of stock provoked replies of bitter resentment; " Me tatau tahi ano hoki nga Poaka " (Must the pigs also be actually counted in with us?).

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It is noticeable that during the month of February large numbers of Natives, bent on grassseeding and fungus gathering, are daily on the move from place to place in small parties. This state of unrest was, on this occasion, intensified by two race-meetings and sittings of the Native Land Court at different centres. As a consequence, some villages were virtually destitute of inhabitants, and the labour of discovering their whereabouts proportionately increased. But, notwithstanding these various drawbacks, I believe that the returns, as shown in the summary, set out the Native population for these counties with tolerable accuracy. General State of Health : Apart from the prevalent colds peculiar to an unseasonable summer, the general state of health, with a few individual exceptions, appeared to be very good. One serious case only (pneumonia) is reported ; the patient was receiving careful treatment, and appeared to be on the mend. The Natives are largely industrious, but the tidiness of their homes and surroundings is a variable quantity. An abnormal number of deaths are reported as having recently occurred at Meremere, Opunake, Puniho, and Parihaka. No sign of diseases or epidemics could be traced, and, as inquiries failed to discover mention of such, the deaths were accepted as resulting from ordinary causes. With respect to Parihaka, the death-rate is naturally high, from the fact that it is an asylum for the aged and otherwise feeble. It should, however, be observed that Parihaka is a particularly unhealthy place during the wet, cold, wintry months. It is then very damp, and fogs and mists hang about to such an extent that its denizens frequently crowd too closely together, resulting in the weak suffering from its ill-effects, and thus becoming a danger to the more robust. Four violent deaths are noticed, each resulting from a state of intoxication. Three (adult males) were thrown from horseback; the fourth (elderly male) was thrown from his trap, and died from the effects in a few days. With the increase of Europeans and imported forms of diseases, the rate of mortality will probably be accelerated. Observation, experience, and reference to the detailed returns point to a single conclusion— i.e., that the rate of infant mortality is very high. Many cases are recorded in which whole families of children have died off. Although in all probability many examples are unrecorded, a review of the returns will support the experience that with many regular unions, the parties to which are between the ages of twenty and forty-five, lack of issue occurs with remarkable persistency. Inquiries and a due consideration of the subject point to the conclusion that sterility in the males is very marked. Evidence of this is shown in the case of a male uniting himself to a young widow and no issue resulting during an intercourse of eight years, although she bore two children to her former husband. Also, in cases where the male dies without issue, after a union of over eight years, and upon his widow being again mated, she at once proves fruitful. Subject to a conclusive scientific "demonstration of the incorrectness of the deduction, common occurrences of the foregoing nature must be regarded as strong indications of the presence of sterility in the males. I have, &c, Heney M. Stowbll, Hon. J. Carroll, Native Minister. Census Enumerator.

Extracts fkom Ekpoets op Sub-Enumebatobs. Mr. S. J. Jackson, Eahotu, states :— In some parts of the district the Natives gave particulars quite freely; in other parts I' had considerable trouble. In cases where they would not give names, I either knew them myself, or got them from other Natives; however, I have taken them as accurately as possible, to the best of my ability, and I hope you will be satisfied with work done. Owing to the absence of a lot of Parihaka Natives, my returns are not as large as they might have been. Mr. A. G. Barns, Wanganui, states : — The Natives in the Waitotara County, if anything, are a more energetic and thrifty people, as there is far more cropping, &c, done, than in that part of Patea which I did. I did not hear or see one single instance of sickness in the Avhole of my work, except at Tukituki (Waverley), when the Native Tamati had rather a severe cold; but otherwise they all seemed in excellent health, and the villages generally seemed fairly clean and tidy. Mr. G. F. Phillips, Mawhitiwhiti, states : — On the 18th ultimo I commenced with the Natives at Whakarnara. They were reluctant to give their names and other information, but, thanks to a Native lay-reader there, I succeeded fairly well. The Natives here seem healthy, though they might be cleaner. Children are few in comparison with the number of Natives. Next day I was at Pariroa. Here my experience was much better, for the chief Tutange was pleased to give every facility and all the information required. The children looked healthy, and the younger people were all busy harvesting. I joined their evening meal, and noticed that their apparently customary manners trended towards our best domestic customs. There is general evidence of the good influence effected by the leading men. They evince considerable interest in the anticipation of having a school built here shortly for the children. On the whole, this was the most pleasant and successful experience of my takings. At Manutahi I was told that I must first get the name of the Parihaka chief Tohu, then theirs would follow ; but, nevertheless, while having a talk with the head-man (whom I knew), and after ■taking a look round, I succeeded in obtaining what I wanted. The people here seem indolent and careless, their cultivation and fences being neglected

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Te Hutinga Pa, near Normanby, was a warm shop. Having heard that I was on my way to them, I was met at the pa-gate, and told to "Clear out," one old lady becoming unpleasantly demonstrative. However, she talked and danced herself tired, and, as I knew the Natives, I managed, after a couple of hours or so, to gain, my end. Eraser Boad: The Natives here are industrious and thriving, having separate homesteads ; engaged in dairy-farming operations, and sending their children to the Board school. Although professed Te-Whiti-ites, they complaisantly complied with what I wanted. I managed all right at Kautu, no opposition, being offered. The children here were rather sickly, seeming to be not well nourished. Meremere Pa is kept neat and clean ; the children look well, the people robust and contented. Perhaps this had something to do with my being so vigorously opposed; for here they not only closed the gates on me, but set my horse loose and seemed inclined to use personal violence. But, though it took a long time and caused me to be benighted, I managed to get the names of the inhabitants, viewed their cultivations (which look well), and counted what stock was about. I think I may thank my consanguinity, or my persistency, here not resulting in my being assaulted, and my object ignommiously defeated. The Natives ultimately became assuaged, though moody, with the result before mentioned. I was hospitably treated at Manaia, but I had to obtain the names of the people subtly. They look fairly healthy; I saw no sick. I only saw two old people at Okaiawa Pa, the others being away grass-seeding; I took the area of their cultivations, number of stock that I saw, and noticed that the pa looked tidy. The Maori people around here are all zealous partisans of Te Whiti and his promulgations; hence, being malcontents, any statute Act is ignored by them as far as possible, and the attempted enforcement of it is bitterly resented. These remarks apply not only to Okaiawa, but to all the pas from there along the coast to Parihaka; therefore, although I saw all the people whom I have enumerated, in most cases (where I did not know them myself) I had to get their names from a second person, for, strange to say, they did not seem to mind giving the names of another as long as they could say that they did not give their own. On the whole, the Natives in the Pihama, Oeo, Otakeo, Kaupokonui, and the Hastings Eoad Pas seem healthy, and the children fairly lusty, though some were dirty and neglected ; but this state of things may just now perhaps be accounted for by the parents and elders being away from their homes busy grass-seeding and fungus-picking. I saw only one case of serious illness —pneumonia —and the patient seemed to be receiving careful and intelligent nursing. They gave some whimsical reasons for withholding census information, and quaint opinions as to why it is being taken. Many have professed great indignation at being counted at the same time as cattle, &c, an act that is obnoxious to them, as it degrades their mana. Others pretend to believe that the Government wish to ascertain their number with a view either of sending them to South Africa to fight against the Boers, or for the purpose of transporting them to some other island to get rid of them. Now, though these quixotic ideas are ridiculous, yet in many cases they have done the. work desired by those who advanced them, by deterring the Natives from freelygiving the required information ; but again, it is most probable that these puerile excuses are but a cloak to cover the avowed determination of the majority of these Maoris to endeavour to reject or thwart, as far as they possibly can, the execution of any Act affecting them that emanates from the Government.

8. WANGANUI, EANGITIKBI, MANAWATU, ETC. g IK) _ Wanganui, 29th March, 1901. I have the honour to report having completed the Maori census for the Wanganui, Manawatu, Oroua, Horowhenua, Kangitikei, Pohangina, and Kiwitea Districts. I find that there is a total of 3,769 persons living in the first five mentioned districts. Comparing the same with the total of last census I find there is an increase of 875 souls. The agricultural and pastoral statistics also show a substantial increase during the past five years, with the exception of sheep, which show a decrease of 8,111. Pohangina and Kiwitea appear to be practically deserted by the Maori people, only three persons being found living there, two Maori women and one half-caste male. Not having seen past records in regard to these two districts, I cannot say whether there has been a decrease or otherwise. During this period the general health of the Maoris has been good. There appears to have been no particular epidemic, with the exception of influenza. I might mention that a very old Maori disease, called ngerengere (Maori leprosy), has made its appearance at Tawata, Upper Wanganui. The appearance of both old and young is very satisfactory. The homes are cleanly kept aid well conducted, mostly on the European principle. The old mode of living in whares herded together is becoming a thing of the past, each head of a family having his own comfortable weatherboard house or wharepuni, in which chairs, tables, and bedsteads are extensively and properly used. Many of the young men in the Horowhenua and Whanganui, Districts seek European employment. A few are learning trades, while others are employed on farms, road-making, flaxmilling, shepherding, &c. The young women are tidy in their dress, refined in their manners, and it is the desire of some of them to enter our hospitals as probationers, so as to enable them to assist their own people in case of sickness. The older people still appear to cling to the old habits and superstitions, while a greater portion of the Muaupoko and Ngatiawa, and a few of the Whanganui Tribes, are still under the influence of the Parihaka prophets, Te Whiti and Tohu, whose chief object in life apparently is to baulk the Government as much as possible in any of its transactions with the Maoris. My sub-

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enumerator at Horowhenua had a slight experience of Te Whiti's influence at Levin, where several of the Maoris refused to give any information. This, however, was easily overcome after I had advised him how to act, and the required information was given without further trouble. The general topic of conversation among the Maoris is the new legislation. A great many are looking forward to the new Acts coming into force, to enable them to separate themselves and each have their own land to farm. The fruit-trees on the upper part of the river are gradually dying out, and the peach is very scarce. The quince is the only fruit now flourishing. I would like to see some of the pas supplied with a few trees each by the Government. The returns in a few years would be of special benefit to the Natives. It is pleasing to note that there are a few of the very old Maoris still living. In checking the returns I notice there are two males and one female considerably over the century who are still looking hale and hearty. With the exception of the slight friction already mentioned at Levin, all information and assistance was freely given to the sub-enumeraters by the Maori people. In conclusion, I would like to compliment Messrs. Cribb and Macdonald for the manner in which they carried out their duties in the Wanganui District, as their task was no light one. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, I have, &c, Wellington. W, E. Goffe.

9. WAIEAEAPA. Sib, Magistrate's Office, Masterton, 4th April, 1901. I have the honour to forward herewith all papers in connection with the taking of the census of the Maori population for the Counties of Akitio, Bketahuna, Masterton, Castlepoint, Pahiatua, and Wairarapa South. In Wairarapa South no epidemic has visited the Natives since last census was taken, and at present there is no sickness among them. Considerable improvement has been made in their homes, which are in .most cases very comfortable. Numbers of houses have been built by them in European style during the last four years. I regret, however, to say this does not apply to the kaingas on the East Coast. Miserable habitations, filth, and dirt are very much in evidence there. The births and deaths in this district, I think, are about equal. The children are attending school, and are, lam told, better cared for than formerly. They complain of the want of doctors and nurses. If some of the Native women, or half-castes, were taught in the first principles of nursing they could soon instruct the others, and it would aid materially in the saving of life. The Natives in this district are showing signs of wishing to advance themselves, and are keeping more sheep and trying to improve their lands. In Akitio and Castlepoint Counties the Natives say their numbers have decreased during the last five years. They seem to be enjoying good health at present, but have been visited by an epidemic of measles, and typhoid fever and influenza, which carried off, so I am told, great numbers. They also complain of the difficulty in obtaining medical assistance, the charges of £6 and £10 a visit being quite beyond their means. Their principal means of support, besides their rent (which is subdivided among the many) is from working for the sheep-farmers. In Eketahuna and Pahiatua Counties the population is not a fixed one. It includes visitors from Auckland, Taranaki, Canterbury, and Bangitikei, the fixed residents being very few in number. The acreage under cultivation, either individual or tribal, is very small, accounted for by the Natives having interests in other places. Cattle are few, horses being the only animals kept. The area under grass is small. Europeans lease the Native land, and the Natives are thus enabled to lead an indolent life, free from the trouble of clearing and grassing. They are adopting the European mode of living, and are sending their children to school. The death-rate has been small since 1896. Six persons died from old age, a female of-twenty-eight from consumption, and a girl of fifteen from inflammation of the brain. The health of the Natives, taken as a whole, has been very good. . The sanitary conditions, for Natives, are very good, and are inclined to improve. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Department of Justice, W. E. James, S.M. Wellington.

10. HUTT. Sib,— Wellington, Bth March, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that I have, in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 12th December, 1900, taken a census of the Maori population in the Hutt County. It will found that there is a slight increase, the total being 264 as compared with 259 of last census ; this, however, may be considered as a temporary increase merely, and due to the fact that there are at the present time a few Maoris from Otaki, Muhunoa, Levin, &c, at Paraparaumu, engaged in flax-cutting. The health of the Maoris in this county has been generally good. Some of their leading chiefs have passed away after reaching mature age. Several of the Maoris living at Porirua and in the Hutt District participate in the proceeds of the Wellington and Nelson " tenths"; added tothis they receive rents from small parcels of land which, with the produce from their small holdings, make them fairly comfortable. A reference to Parliamentary Paper G.-4, 1900, will show that there are over four hundred beneficiaries, principally on the west coast of this Island and in the northern part of the Middle Island, who receive small sums of money from these " tenths," 3—H. 26b,

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The Maoris in this county, as elsewhere, have been much interested in sanitary reform, which is very necessary in view of the present circumstances of the Maori as compared with his life before the advent of the pakeha. Then, for the sake of his own protection, he had to retire to fortified heights, where the air was pure and the drainage from the place he occupied, instead of as now, occupying low-lying ground, where water was easy of access and no doubt often polluted from want of proper drainage. The Maori at the present time is undergoing a change of thought. Some of the forces operating on him are education, closer contact with the European than heretofore ; to which may be added the effect of the fusion of the two races, resulting in the half-castes, who are now becoming a factor in the Maori polity. Having had many opportunities of seeing examination-papers for scholarships, &c, I can safely say that the work done during the last five years has shown a marked improvement on that done prior to last census. The question arises, to what is this all tending? The Maori youth and Maori girl on leaving boarding-school (or even the village school) find that they are returning to a different condition of things—different from what they had been accustomed to at the institutions at which they had been educated, where they have had regular meals and wholesome food, which are not to be found at the " kainga Maori." The only remedy, may be, for their social well-being is to give them object-lessons of home life, and to try and induce them to follow out the same when returning to their homes, and impressing on them the necessity as to their means of living each on his own holding, instead of being grouped together as they so often are. The march of events has not been without its valuable suggestions ; these, however, refer rather to individual cases than to the Maoris as a whole. As an example of such suggestions, I may call attention to the fact that closer contact with the European has, in a measure, made the individual more dependent on himself, as shown by the desire of not a few of them to occupy their own detached holdings, thus weakening their old conservative spirit of communism, and creating a spirit of emulation—a desire to live as their pakeha neighbours do. The advent of the half-caste is beginning to have this effect: being of a more forceful character than the Maori he is now beginning to lead him out of his old groove of want of continuity, the bane of the Maori. Many of their leading men at the present time are half-castes, and considering that the European parent had a more comfortable home in which the children were brought up, it is but natural to suppose that their offspring would like to follow their example, and thus imperceptibly affect the Maoris in their vicinity. * * * * * * I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, George H. Davies. Wellington.

11. MABLBOBOUGH. Sib,— Blenheim, 9th April, 1901. In accordance with your instructions I have forwarded this mail, to your address, the Maori census returns for Marlborough and Sounds, together with papers connected therewith. To save trouble I forward you herewith the report made by the sub-enumerator. With regard to his suggestion concerning the medical man, I understood that there was a medical man appointed to attend the Maoris. It could not be expected that he should make periodical visits to out-of-the-way districts in the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds. A medical man of any standing would require a heavy amount of remuneration for such services. If there is not a place in Picton where Maoris in cases of serious illness could be received, this should be provided for. As to the increase or decrease in number of Maoris, I cannot supply this information, as I have not a copy of the last census. I presume this information can be obtained in Wellington by reference to last returns. I have kept a copy of these returns for future reference. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, J. Allen, S.M, Wellington.

Bepoet of Sub-Enumeeatoe. Mr. Kenny states :• — In regard to the health of the Maoris, I am glad to say that there has been very little sickness during the period which has elapsed since the last census was taken. There have, however, been a few deaths, but they were chiefly young children and very old people. lam sorry to say that some at least of these deaths were, in my opinion, due to the fact that the Maoris trusted to their own tohungas instead of obtaining the services of a qualified medical man. Unfortunately the Maoris in some parts of the district do not appear to be capable of learning by experience, for they have still unbounded faith in their tohungas. I fear that if some steps are not taken to prevent these people from preying on the credulity of the Maoris, the consequences will be most serious. Before leaving this subject I would venture to point out the necessity for the appointment of a doctor to attend the Maoris now living at Okoha. In a case of sickness the patient has now to be taken to Wellington, and as the steamer only makes fortnightly trips the delay might lead to serious consequences. In fact a case occurred while I was at Okoha, which I feel certain would have proved fatal had it not been for the care and attention given to the patient by Mr. Cuthbert Ward, Messrs. Bedwood Brothers' manager. If these Maoris had been under the charge of a doctor in Picton this case could have been taken there either by land or water before it became serious.

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I wish also to say that I found a very marked improvement in the Maoris at Okoha. This is due in a great measure to the influence of the Misses Byles and Baigent, who are in charge of the Native school. These ladies appear to be very earnest in their efforts to improve the Maoris. I am pleased to say that since the sale of intoxicants to Maori women has been prohibited the Maoris appear to have in a great measure given up the habit of drinking. It will be observed that there is a very small area of land under cultivation this year. This is probably due to the fact that work has been so plentiful that the Maoris have not given much time to planting, and also that in many cases where crops were planted they were destroyed by floods. I did not find a single case where crops were owned in common. There appears to be a considerable percentage of children under fifteen years of age, and they seem to be healthy and well-grown, particularly where there is any pakeha blood. I would point out that the present census form is somewhat misleading in regard to the numbers of pure-blooded Maoris, as in cases where one parent is pure Maori, and the other halfcaste, the offspring is described as Maoris; and where one parent is pakeha, and the other halfcaste, the offspring is said to be half-caste. It may be of interest to know that in this district there are thirty-two persons over fifteen years of age, and eighty-two under fifteen years who have more or less pakeha blood, but who are returned as "pure Maori" ; and there are twenty-four persons over fifteen years and thirty-six under fifteen years who are more than half pakeha, but who are returned as " half-castes." It will be seen from this that there are really very few pureblooded Maoris in the district; in fact, out of all the children under fifteen years, only seventeen are pure-blooded Maoris. The children of mixed blood appear to be the healthiest and best grown. There is a considerable decrease in the number of Maoris in Peiorus Valley, but this is due to the fact that many of them have gone to Okoha and other places in the Sounds, where they are clearing their land and stocking it with sheep and cattle. With regard to the Natives of Queen Charlotte Sound, there is but little change to note except in relation to the drink question, and here the improvement is quite as marked as in the Peiorus. The school children at Waikawa appear to be well looked after, and the schoolmistress (Mrs. Greensill) seems to have gained the respect and affection of the children. In conclusion, I regret that, owing partly to bad weather, and partly to the great difficulty I experienced in finding the Maoris, I have so much exceeded the time I expected to take in completing the work. I may say that in some cases I had to visit the same place three times before I could get the people I wanted, and I frequently found it impossible to get about by boat, and had therefore to go by land, when in ordinary weather boating would have been much quicker.

12. CANTEEBUEY, OTAGO, AND WESTLAND. Sir, — Christchurch, sth April, 1901. I have the honour to forward to you herewith the Enumerator's summary of the census of the Maori population in that portion of the South Island allotted to me. Of the thirty counties named in your letter of instructions, there were Maoris resident in only sixteen. In those counties in which I took the census in 1896, there is this year an increase of seventy Maori males and thirty-four Maori females. Of half-castes, there is a decrease of 231 males and 188 females, but this is accounted for by the fact that in the 1896 returns there were evidently included a very large number of half-castes who could in no way be considered to be " living as members of Maori tribes," but who this year have been omitted from the returns of the sub-enumerators under amended instructions. By a reference to my report in 1896, you will see that I drew attention to the probable inclusion of a number of such half-castes as accounting for the increase of 304 persons shown in that return over the previous census return. The general state of health of the Natives during the past five years has been exceptionally good, and no special disease or epidemic has visited them. Their conditions of life are constantly improving, and the average Native of to-day is fairly alive to the necessity of strictly observing certain sanitary laws. The result is highly satisfactory, and affords strong hope for the future of the Native race in this Island. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, I have, &c, Wellington. H. W. Bishop, S.M.

13. NELSON. Sib,— Magistrate's Office, Nelson, 12th March, 1901. Re Maori Census : .Eeferring to my summary of Maori census for Counties of Waimea and Collingwood, which I am forwarding to you this day, I have to report that there is a slight increase in numbers since the last census (in 1896). There is a large increase in the acreage sown in grasses, and the number of sheep owned is fully three times that of 1896. There is also a less noticeable, but substantial, increase in the number of cattle. The health of the Maoris has been generally good, and they seem to be fairly prosperous and contented. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, H. W. Eobinson. Wellington.

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14. CHATHAM ISLANDS. Sib,— Magistrate's Office, Waitangi, Chatham Islands, 24th April, 1901. In continuation of my letter to you of the 13th instant, I find that there is very little to add. On the sth February I sent a full report upon the health of the Maori residents of this island to the chief health officer, but will repeat it to you if you wish. Perhaps a few words descriptive of the buildings may be of use to you. There are thirty-one what may be called superior buildings, of European style, and about thirty-three of an inferior kind, constructed of bush timber and fern-tree. The Natives possess three excellent woolsheds and three meetinghouses. With regard to their lands, quite an impetus has been given to improving the same by fencing, although the titles are not ascertained satisfactorily yet. Their sheep, too, are receivingmore attention in the way of dipping, but there is plenty of room for improvement. There seems to be a growing desire to "adopt " The Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900," but I do not think that they will thoroughly understand it till a few more Native copies of the Act and rules are distributed and read by them. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, E- Stone Floeance. Wellington.

Sib,— Magistrate's Office, Waitangi, Chatham Islands, 13th April, 1901. Be Maori and Moriori census for 1901: I have the honour to forwardto you under separate registered cover the undermentioned books and papers : (1) Book containing particulars of Maori and Moriori census separately arranged; (2) enumerators' summary of above in two pages. . ' I have retained the duplicate forms upon which I have drafted the information comprised in the above-mentioned enclosures. Mr. Shand was employed by me for three days at 15s. per diem. His knowledge was indispensable to the correct compilation of the return. The rest of the work was done entirely by myself, and my receipted account has gone forward this mail with the postoffice accounts. There is a rough copy of the Maori census of 1896 in the office, but I cannot say whether it is the one supplied to your department or not. It was not shown to me till after I had compiled my return, and, at any rate, I do not see how I can make from it a comparative statement. any rate, I will see what can be done before the departure of the next mail by comparing the statistics in the Year-book of 1900 with the results of my inquiries. From a hasty glance I have got out the following : —

From these figures it would appear that there is a decrease of thirty-three persons of the Maori race, consisting of nineteen males and fourteen females ; also, there is a decrease of seven Moriori persons, consisting of four males and three females. If the total Maori and Moriori population in 1901 be added—i.e., 212 persons—there is this year, as against 199 persons in 1896, an increase here of thirteen persons. Half-caste Maori and Moriori peoples were not shown in the 1896 census ; but, taking the Maori census, there appears to have been an increase of seven persons—the same number of males in each census year, but seven more females in 1901 than in 1896. There is an increase of eleven Morioris in 1901. The Under Secretary, Department of Justice, I have, &c, Wellington. E- Stone Flokance.

Maoris. I Half-castes. Morioris. Half-easte Moriori and Maori. Year. Persons, i Males. P. males. ! Persons. Males. Female?. Ptivons.; Males.; Females. Persons. Males. Females. , J I - 1896 1901 179 146 1 94 75 85 71 27 34 I 15 15 12 19 20 13 11 7 9 6 18 8 ib

k.—26b

21

Summary of Maori Census for 1901.

Maori Population. Age. Individual Cultivation.— Acres. Live-stock held. In Common Cultivation. —Acres. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Maoris. Half-castes living as members of Maori Tribes. Total Males. Females. Potatoes. Wheat. Maize. | q£^ i Sown Grasses. Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Potatoes. I Wheat. Other Crops. F. M, P. Under 15. i Over 15. U 3 eel " Under 15.| Over 15. | Dn fl 8 P, eoi - Mongonui .. Whangaroa Hokianga Bay of Islands Hobson Ofcamatea Whangarei .. Rodney Waitemata Eden (including Waiheke and Chamberlain Islands) Manukau Waikato Raglan Kawhia Waipa Piako Ohinemuri Thames Ooromandel.. Great Barrier Island.. Tauranga and adjacent islands Whakatane .. .. I Opotiki .. .. ' East Taupo .. ..I West Taupo.. .. j Rotorua .. .. I Waiapu Oook Wairoa .. ., Hawke's Bay Waipawa Patangata .. Eketabuna Akitio .. ..I Masterton .. Castlepoinfc Wairarapa South Pahiatua .. Hutt Rangitikei 1,211 387 1,214 1,129 532 95 348 87 86 182 360 528 762 741 132 202 342 398 311 18 676 901 681 328 563 472 1,170 962 i 1,056 846 201 96 11 ! 19 105 4 238 11 141 232 938 329 l,053| 1,011 404 78 262! 7.5 81| 88 22 17 42 61 33 8 68 5 3 20 11 2,092 9 742 21 J 2,330 34 I 2,235 15 ' 984 5 : 186 60 ! 738 6 ! 173 1 i 171 3 293 : 474 180 I 557 467 217 ; 40 164 ; 35 23 78 i 668 220 699 723 348 63 250 57 66 124 1 4 •2 421 161 490 444 165 34 124 40 25 29 j 528 175 584 601 254 49 195 40 57 62 2 3 1 291J 47 116| 189| 76 n i 37 2 I 1 255 I 331J| 36* 68 J 100J 65J 119 j 158 20} 58 93 j 86 4|| 4J 2i Hi 9} 2J 66 I 95j 142* 1344 182* 510J 17 | 19 "3Ji "5 48 J 49 24 ; 34J 713 539J 1,0524 541 1,102 1.488J 237 171 1,039 4,329| 1,220 599! 294 4,885 1,812 5,760 2,385 2,940 882i 394! 156| 1,901! 1,229| 700i 36 1 147] 1,280! 35 1,220 294 1,812 2,385 882i 156 1,229] 36] 147] 35 3,251 1,423 2,796 4,979 1,511 11 974 88 4 22 25 127 131 63J 24J 107 1 204 2 24 134 295 193J 99| 220 129| 22 18 341 438 701 747 85 182 274 319 240 18 585 19 12 17 88 3 6 3 33 11 14 734 5 983 19 ! 1,499 59 ! 1,635 6 ; 226 3 393 11 I 630 23 773 3 565 ; 1 : 37 16 J 1,303 36 , 1,830 18 I 1,341 12 ' 651 10 ! 1,130 39 971 82 , 2,474 ; 51 i 1,803 53 1,991 70 ! 1,602 ! 3 1 395 5 182 32 7 £7 12 234 4 13 16 475 24 14 264 . 25 459 : 122 : 205 308 ! 320 33 80 119 140 105 I 218 ! 321 l 317 136 [ 203 I 173 490 I 333 I 373 I 263 I 70 41 6 ! 10 i 40 1 86 5 42 94 257 335 471 509 102 128 226 291 217 13 484 611 388 206 395 326 788 706 758 643 133 72 5 20 74 3 169 8 112 158 124 ! 175 297 ! 297.! 20 79 ! 104 ! 109 j 95 ! 7 ! ■ 199 231 268 423 509 71 106 181 233 148 12 402 42 233J 356J 646J 89J 11J 8 115| 67J 21 39 271 34i 950 ! 145J 577 7,389 190 40 380| 401 467 430 1,896 1,775 6,296 185 15 917 53! 131 125 173 294 550 1,682 5,239 239 10 3,410 1,299 478 22 77 814 92 33J 23 236 25 8 3 77 I 31 I 19 27 214 108 55 336 "3JI 233 192 55 .; 26 240| -92 836j; 157| 225 '875j '320 l,14o! 450 1,710' 600 7,700] 344 20,107! 3,087 3,020 985 59,606 1,625 18,090: 491 33,550] 436 45,056! 391 17,500 391 6,200 176! 40 4 1,000 16 1,284 46 I 450 862 618 297 522 433 1,114 713 806 619 189 63 21 20 108 5 204 11 96 182 31 24 14 35 27 108 77 76 67 2 18 331 £76 116 I 186 173 j 454 246 317 241 76 24 6 45 5 86 ! 71 567 360 193 346 299 742 518 542 442 116 43 15 19 75 4 134 7 81 136 171 181 493,4 217 476J 78f 65 5231 128§ 10 3 1 42 1 69J 22 895 13j| 64 21|j 9 56|! 4J 585J! 618 3511; 72| 194J 16j! 65} 1,483 i 17| 710 3J 1 ! 200 22 171 15 17,748 1,674 1,880 269 3,264 733 7,610 1,084 1,985 784 270 74j 11 27 180 6 79] 1,045 22 246 3064 1444 204| 511J 86 133 304 30 10 28 5 374 2 231 2 5 J2,706 127 134 138} 8304 i 883 ! 110 471 20 1 10 1 7 6 '• 1,405 111 886 208 10 540 1 1 182 33 11 9 " 1 94 27J 76 30 9 17 2 13 20 '351 at 86 144 86 "n '91 138 680 6,7198 50 89J J 3,439 J 5,976 112 14 1,163 184 5,935 612 I * * 524 i

EL—26b.

22

Note.— The above figures are subject to revision. The final return will be prepared and published in the Eegistrar-General's Department.

Summary of Maori Census for 1901— continued.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,425 copies), £12 Bs. 6d. By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol. Price 9d.'_

Maori Population. ;e. Individual Cultivation. —Acres. Live-stock held. In Common Cultivation. —Acres. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Maoris. Half-castes living ! as Members of I Maori Tribes. Males. Females. Total Potatoes. Other Crops. Sown Grasses.J Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Potatoes.; Wheat.] Other Crops. I Wheat. I Maize. M. F. ! M. F. Unaerl5.|overl5. i 0^ 01 - Under 15.; Overl5 .j Un fi 8 P d eci - Manawatu .. Pohangina Oroua Horowhenua Wanganui .. 1 Waitotara .. j Patea Hawera Stratford Taranaki Clifton Waimea and adjacent islands Gollingwood and adjacent islands BulSer Westland Kaikoura Marlborough Sounds Ashley Selwyn Akaroa Geraldine .. ) Levels .. J Waimate >Waitaki -(Waikouaiti ■( Taieri t Peninsula .. •< Clutha v Southland -Wallace fStewart and adjacent islands Chatham Islands (Maoris) Chatham Islands (Morioris) Maori wives of Euro114 90 2 161 420 21 1 33 98 27 252 3 431 1,036 47 71 262 88 1 146 273 41 76 2 111 251 63 3 12 104 ! 1,032 893 149] '! 1521 5 1 184 437 53 81 103 250 66 290 i 107 98 •22! 175 ! 188 j 4S7 J 11,697 2,844 11,299 894 I '444! l,438l I 'io 2 ! "1 1 793 768 70 58 1,689 300 563 300 526 469f ! 126 129J 277 : : 7,311 17,200 548 2,688[ 50 ! * * 10 1501 443| 26| 510| 168 59| 114 365 16 420 173 40 4 27 46 42 6 6 13 44 37 2 274 848 42 1,020 420 107 57 147 I 1 ! 160 j 51 ! 26 97 323 25 396 159 38 47 114 126 64 15 73 264 j 16 J 338 146 i 27 J J 142J 1761 19 459J 222f 168 2 37 15 31 44 169 70J ■ 1 J 121j si 443 503J 81 759 235 279 182 2,533 3,365 220 3 884 5,067 254| 582J 1,882! 1,241 199 226 460 416 ■ 543 60 23 389 10 1 I 400 r 32J 135J 3 1 '■ ■;.<* ■10 6 5 1 22 2 ! 13 4 3 7 ■• 3 J J 114 87 ' 1 17 59 I 11 32 33 40 82 26 132 20 37 21 85 58 • 21 114 5 4 5 8 55 22 5 30 1 2 4 3 9 48 24 4 20 23 60 78 78 270 188 56 296 17 ! 20 61 44 11 57 j 10 20 21 28 76 62 20 105 2 10 15 13 63 29 7 50 5 14 25 17 70 53 18 J 84 9 1 11 7 24 8 36 17 H 3 1 181 28 16 121 16 6 5 119 988 61 230 773 513! 927 i 3,573 6 10 19 60 45 83 44 42i 143 7 5 29 109 26 ! 5 1 .. .. 260 34 t 1 1 2 1 42! I '■ 66 55 4 ! 7 13-2 29 j 41 22 40 11 6 "■ » 57 J ! 3 3 28 47 30 2 5 11 2 30 61 27 55 28 3 7 9 5 . 6 57 20 40 1 5 9 53 17 40 1 65 117 168 42 92 22 2 98 112 14 25 ! 35 5 j 7 29 19 28 52 17 27 9 2 40 37 15 27 40 4 23 3 17 37V 41 16 24 ! 7 I 11 23' 3 4 2 j 261 16 1 .'. V • • I I • 213 98 42 184 ! 234* I 1,164 286 67 12 ! 27 301 82! 204| 35! 4 461 366 300 17 124 3,1 70 2 ■ * 1 •■ .. .. '28 38 17 5 ! ! 23 8 11 20 40 26 15 11 •* ! 101 268 486 310 1,338! 132! •• 8 25 i 1 76 71 15 19 181 42 6 49 9 45 45 " i 23| " 2 15 1,386 11,190 172 ! j 148 5 7 1 8 10 31 6 10 2J I I I 100 2,862! 2lj 15 1961 196 196 ■■ i peans 21,387 18,591 1,713 3,724 4,943 : 8,780}' 78,628f 317,436: 57,642 3,444f 1.354J 8,054f 1,410 43,101 8,463 ] 14,620 i 17 7,602 12,386 13 7,369J 36,943!