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Session 11. 1906. NEW ZEALAND

CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION (PAPERS RELATING TO).

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

Memorandum for the Hon. the Native Minister. I have the honour to lay before you the preliminary results of the census of the Native population, which was taken during the month of April 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 47,731 persons, an increase for the five years of 4,588 persons, but these figures 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 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 43,143 3,289 1906 47,731 4,588 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-inclu-sion 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 bo 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 "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 18,417, while in 1901 it was 16,082, an increase of 2,395 persons during the five years. Detailed tables showing the ages at classified periods will be published later on. It is a matter of some difficulty to ascertain the number of half-castes living as Maoris. There is no very defined rule to guide the Enumerators and sub-enumerators in deciding what half-castes should be classified as " living as Europeans " and " living as Maoris " respectively. This applies especially to the South Island. Probably it would be not very inaccurate to say that all half-castes, and, indeed, a large proportion of the Maoris as well in the South Island, live now in European fashion. They mostly have separate holdings and separate homes, although the areas they hold and cultivate are much smaller than are usually owned by Europeans. It might be a more accurate way of getting an idea of the true condition of the Maori and half-caste population of the South Island if in the next census all half-castes, whether living as Maoris or as Europeans, were numbered in one class by themselves. To quote from the report of Mr. H. W. Bishop, S.M., the

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Enumerator for Canterbury and Otago, " I do not consider that the returns of half-castes are in any way satisfactory. In 1896 they were returned as 871, in 1901 as 446, and this year as 818. The real fact of the matter is that, as a rule, the sub-enumerators show no discretion in separating the half-castes who are living as members of Native tribes from those who are, to all intents and purposes, living on exactly the same footing as the pakeha. In my opinion, of all the half-castes returned in this summary, not 25 per cent, can be truly said to be living as members ot tribes. It is an idea of many people that the ultimate fate of the Maori race is to become absorbed in the European Whether any tendency is shown in this direction must be gathered from the increase or decrease in the number of half-castes. The present census shows that in the five years since last census, the number of half-castes living as Maoris has increased by 810. No valid deduction can be drawn except by taking account also of those half-castes who are living as Europeans. 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 thirty-three 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 practise 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 Native-school 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 £1,070 Is. sd. During the last five years there has been a considerable change as regards the observance of eanitarv laws by the Maori population of the colony. I quote from the Census Report of 1901 : — " From the reports received, 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. But 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 iust 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 civilisation, 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 nmeteenth-century S " e "lt will be seen from the reports of the Enumerators and sub-enumerators that in this respect there has been a great advance. This is attributed largely to the instruction example and influence of the Chairmen and members of the several Maori Councils appointed under Ihe Maori Councils Ace 1900." Credit must also be given to the efforts of Dr. Pomare, Health Officer, to Di Buck Medical Officer for the Wanganui District (both half-castes), and to the several Sanitary Inspectors appointed by the Councils. It is evident that the Maoris are beginning to realise that the excessive mortality amongst their children especially has been caused to a large extent by insanitary conditions prevalent in their settlements. While Maoris have in the past shown some indifference to the exhortations of European medical men, now that the matter has been taken in hand by their own leading chiefs, they may be expected to follow out more strictly the instructions given. 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 united, but the Government has displayed a sympathetic regard for deserving Maori youths wherever possible. Besides the appointment of Dr. Pomare as Native Health Officer in 1900, Dr. Buck, another young Maori who has qualified as a doctor, was last year placed in charge of the Wanganui DlSt The a renort 1 S C oI tlieTnumerltorTand sub-enumerators attached hereto contain much of interest. One matter especially may be referred to-viz., the establishment of a line of telephone from Waiomatatini to Te Araroa, /distance of twenty-seven miles, it being the intention of the Maoris who have done this work (those of the district of Waiapu) to continue the line to Whangaparaoa (Cape

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Runaway). The undertaking of the construction of this line without any assistance from Government is a very tangible proof that leading sections of the Maori race are waking up to the advantages of European modern methods—in fact, in this particular matter the Maoris of Waiapu can certainly be looked upon as an example to many European communities. It also shows that the Maori is still amenable to the controlling advice and example of his chief, or of those who become, by force of ability or strength of purpose, his leaders. It would not be too much to say that the Young Maori party, headed by Mr. Apirana Ngata, has here shown practical results more convincing than much more pretentious general schemes for the betterment of the Maori, or for redressing his supposed wrongs at the hands of Government, or of his European brother. In the Waiapu district there is also a strong movement in the direction of improving and farming the lands of the tribal owners, including the taking-up by Maoris of Crown lands opened for selection. In all these respects the Young Maori party has something tangible to show. Crime does not prevail in any marked degree. The Natives as a whole are becoming more and more temperate every year. The drunken orgies 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 pakelm neighbours, and subjects them to the influence of European example. Attached is a special report containing notes from the Enumerators and sub-enumerators upon the ravages of the potato-blight. These reports show that the blight has been almost universally prevalent. The only districts that appear to have escaped are Nelson and Stewart Island. The blight is said to have also attacked the kumara, though not to the same extent. Maoris have not altogether neglected the important matter of endeavouring to ascertain the cause of the blight; whether the conclusions they have arrived at are correct, or will assist in finding a remedy, will be for the decision of the experimental scientific agriculturist. The precaution of spraying has, to some extent, been adopted, but probably not with sufficient thoroughness. _ _ For the present planting season, a supply of seed-potatoes is being distributed of those varieties that have been found to be more blight-resisting. But it has not been possible to furnish sufficient seed to satisfy the requirements of practically nearly the whole Maori population of New Zealand Some provision for the spraying of the crop is also to be made. Kumaras are being imported from America, as it is thought that a change of seed would be beneficial, and that the cultivation of the kumara should, to a large extent, take the place of the potato. With the same end in view—the providing of a substitute for the failing potato-crop—a free distribution of seed of several of the common kinds of vegetables Kas been made this year. Wellington, September, 1906. H. F. Edger, Under-Secretary.

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APPENDIX.

I. CIRCULAR TO ENUMERATORS. g IRj Department of Justice, Wellington, 12th February, 1906. Referring to previous correspondence, 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 subenumerators as you may consider necessary to enable an accurate census to be taken of the Maori population in the district for which you are responsible. It is considered that the several counties should be the census districts, and probably one sub-enumerator had better be appointed for each county The remuneration authorised for sub-enumerators not already in Government employ is £1 per day, which must include all expenses of travelling. In cases where constables 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. You will probably find it convenient to enlist the aid of the Maori Councils, established under " The Maori Councils Act, 1900." The Chairmen of the Councils, or the Inspectors, should be able to afford valuable information, and very likely you could arrange for the Inspectors to accompany the sub-enumerators on their visits to the respective settlements, for a small remuneration of, say, 2s. 6d. to ss. per diem. 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 first week of April. You will then have the opportunity during the remainder of the month of April 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 Ist May 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 also to request that your sub-enumerators be instructed to furnish a special report on the ravages of the potato-blight. I have, &c, F. Waldegravb, Under-Secretary.

g IRj Department of Justice, Wellington, 12th February, 1906. Referring to previous correspondence, 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 subenumerators as you may consider necessary to enable an accurate census to be taken of the Maori population in the district for which you are responsible. It is considered that the several counties should be the census districts, and probably one sub-enumerator had better be appointed for each county. The remuneration authorised for sub-enumerators not already in Government employ is £1 per day, which must include all expenses of travelling. In cases where constables 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. You will probably find it convenient to enlist the aid of the Maori Councils, established under " The Maori Councils Act, 1900." The Chairmen of the Councils, or the Inspectors, should be able to afford valuable information, and very likely you could arrange for the Inspectors to accompany the sub-enumerators on their visits to the respective settlements, for a small remuneration of, say, 2s. 6d. to ss. per diem. 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 first week of April. You will then have the opportunity during the remainder of the month of April 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 Ist May 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 also to request that your sub-enumerators be instructed to furnish a special report on the ravages of the potato-blight. I have, &c, F. Waldegravb, Under-Secretary.

11. REPORTS OF ENUMERATORS. 1. MANGONUI, WHANGAROA, HOKIANGA, AND BAY OF ISLANDS. SIE Native Land Court Office, Auckland, 22nd May, 1906. I have the honour to report on the returns of the Maori census taken for the Counties of Mangonui, Whangaroa, Hokianga, and Bay of Islands. On comparing the figures with those of the last census of 1901, it will be seen there is an increase of 737 persons for the combined counties. The decrease in the Mangonui County is explained by the fact that in 1901 there were a number of Natives from the Hokianga and Bay of Islands Counties residing temporarily in the Mangonui County gum-digging, the gum at that time fetching a good price. Another factor is that during the last five years a number of timber and flax mills have been started, and are working in the Counties of Hokianga and Bay of Islands, thus giving employment to the Natives in their own counties. As to the Whangaroa County, the small increase is due to the fact that a number of Natives who were living near Takou, in the Whangaroa County, have crossed over to and are now living in the Bay of Islands County, and also to the fact that owing to the cessation of timber-work and the absence of flax-mills in the Whangaroa County, a number of the Maoris from that county have drifted into the other counties where there is more work, Taking the census of 1901 as correct, the general increase is only to be explained by a decrease in the death-rate and an increase in the birth-rate.

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The establishment of Native schools, the medical men in the out-districts, the Maori Councils, and the general inarch of progress all tend to so settle the Maori mind that the Natives themselves are becoming gradually accustomed to the new conditions of life provided for them. The benefits of the Maori Councils and Committees are very apparent, and the Natives are taking a great interest in their local affairs, which fills a long-felt want. Hitherto their minds have been occupied in scheming about the disposition of their land ; now there is an opportunity for them to assist in the control of local affairs, and I do not think that I am too optimistic in saying that this will prove to be a great factor in gradually preparing the way to the ultimate elevation of the Maori—viz., their fusion with the white race. This desirable state of affairs may be brought about by the continuance of the efforts for the prevention of disease, the education of the children, the greater scope allowed them in their local affairs, the good will of their fellow British colonists, and gradually by legislation. The statistics of crops and stock show that there is no remarkable increase in cultivation of foodstuffs, but a large increase in the area of sown grass (mostly within the last three years). Although the number of sheep has decreased, the cattle show a good increase, and in a few years the- increase in cattle will be much greater, as it is found cattle are less trouble than sheep. The Natives ought to be taught more about agricultural matters. I would respectfully suggest that the Agricultural Department have some of their pamphlets translated into Maori, and sent to the Native-school teachers and Maori Councils for distribution. As requested, a special report has been sent in by each sub-enumerator regarding the potato-blight. From these special reports and my own observations, there is no doubt that the blight is general, and has been very destructive. It is a question whether seed should be planted to any great extent. The Natives, of course, would be glad to receive a donation of seed, but is it worth risking further loss through blight? Would it not be better to cultivate some other article of food in place of the potato, pending the probable passing of the blight—say, beans, peas, and a number of other nutritious vegetables. It has been reported that the blight is likely to cause severe destitution among the Maoris. It is certain that it will cause them to work harder at something else, but they do not rely entirely on the potato-crop. If it is considered necessary to assist the Natives in the coming spring, then I would respectfully suggest that the scheme of assistance should include the translation of pamphlets into Maori, and the distribution of vegetable-seeds as above mentioned. In conclusion, I would say that the general health and condition of the Natives in the Northern District is fair, and that, with a little more energy infused, possibly by the imparting to them of useful agricultural information, their condition will be further improved. The reports of the sub-enumerators and Enumerator's summary are attached hereto. I have, &c, C. W. P. Scon, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington.

Extracts from the Reports of Sub-enumerators. Northern Mangonui. I have lived in this district about sixteen years, and I am well acquainted with the Native inhabitants and their ways and means of living. As sub-enumerator I have taken great pains in getting every Maori enumerated, and they have given me no end of trouble, as they are so much scattered, not like in olden days, when one could go to a kainga or settlement and get the lot. The chief occupation of the Maori in this district is gum-digging, it being a gum-bearing district The land is very poor, and not suitable for cropping purposes, as you will see by my returns The Maoris in this district do very little cropping; they depend entirely on what they earn by gum-digging. I find them scattered all over the gumfields, and but seldom find anybody in the old kaingas—the old homes are deserted. The reason is that they have taken all the gum near at hand, and therefore must move to better fields to make a living. ■ As regards the health of the Maori, at present I find them in very good health. Being summertime they are doing fairly well at the gum, and have plenty to eat; but I believe they have a very hard time of it in winter, the gumfields being wet and gum hard to get. A year or two back they had a very severe attack of sickness, which caused a great many deaths; they were dying like sheep and I believe this was caused through starvation and want of clothing. One great mistake in Maori custom is that at a death they assemble together from far and near, and feast for a week or two, leaving the poor few that belong to the kainga or home foodless, and in most cases in debt to the storekeepers. I think the huis and feasts are the cause of so many deaths, or rather of the spreading of diseases causing death. In reference to potato-blight, I can hardly comment on this, as there were no crops here to destroy. Mangonui. The Native settlements, from a sanitary point of view, have very much improved within the last five years. The old Maori hut is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and with the wooden cottages that they are now having built in substitution for the old raupo whares, it is hard for a stranger to distinguish the Maori settlement from the home of a European backblock settler. It will be noticed in my subdistrict, and possibly in others, that fewer pigs are kept in settlements now than was the case many years ago. At times of huts, tangis, k, communism still reigns, but their every-day life, their mode of living, re meals, beds, &c, is more in accordance with the lF The rising generation of Natives is quite conversant with matters of the day, and those youths who are now in their twenties and thirties appear to be very energetic and anxious to work, and it will be admitted that they are just as capable of taking on all classes of manual labour as are

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the European labourers, and, where skilled labour is required, they are quicker to learn than are Europeans. This marked improvement in the condition of the Maori people is owing to the presence of the Maori Council, which sits at intervals in the different settlements and imposes certain restrictions upon the Natives generally. The result is the improvement of their circumstances, and of the conditions that surround them. Hokianga (North-western Part). The condition of the Natives living in this district has on the whole somewhat improved during the last three years, which is due, no doubt, to the erection of certain flax and timber mills in and about the district, affording the more able of the younger Natives a considerable amount of employment. The result of education obtained at the Native schools is beginning to make itself evident in the younger generation, who are going in for better houses and greater cleanliness about their maraes. The Native Council is also responsible for much improvement in their kaingas, especially during their feasts. There appears to be an awakening among the Maoris just now, and they are beginning to go in for grassing their land and raising cattle. But the want of individualisation of land titles is a great drawback. Hokianga (Central Part). The Natives seemed to be very healthy indeed, practically no sickness to speak of—perhaps a little itch; but on the whole I should certainly say free from sickness. I should recommend that an ointment of some sort should be sent to the school-teachers for distribution amongst the Natives for the itch which some of them suffer from. If there is any decrease in the Native population I should put it down to the neglect of the children from the age of two to twelve, and the careless way some of the girls are dressed—practically nothing on except a single garmentPigs have decreased, and cattle have been substituted in most of the settlements. On the whole I think the Maori is not the working man he used to be. Hokianga (South). The subdistricts through which I acted as sub-enumerator included the Settlements of Waimamaku, Waipoua, Pakanae, Te Roherohe, Koutu, and Whirinaki, and, generally speaking, the condition of the Natives since the last census was taken is much improved. The parents and children I noticed, were all comparatively well dressed, their habitations were cleanly, their dwellings were mostly European buildings, and their financial condition seemed good. The establishment of various industries in the Waimamaku Valley has had the effect of providing employment for the Natives, who, I understand, give their employers general satisfaction. The cultivations appear to be languishing, probably the result of the potato-blight, and of the fact of other work more congenial to the rising generation being accessible. I observed a great dearth in the matter of stock In all the parts that I visited there were practically no sheep at all; cattle have decreased, and only a very few pigs are to be found about the settlements. Working bullocks and horses have taken the place of sheep and milking cows, and the scarcity of pigs is to be accounted for by the stringent measures of the Maori Council relating thereto. The health of the Natives I found to be excellent: no disease or epidemic has visited them for some years past. There were, however, a few isolated cases of an itching complaint known to the Natives as hakihaki. Bay of Islands. I beg to report that since I took a previous census the condition of the Maoris has most decidedly improved. In my opinion this is largely due to the work of the local Maori Council. In place of the old style of raupo whare, there are good comfortable two- and three-roomed cottages and huts; as these are all floored, it is quite evident that improved health must follow, the practice of sleeping on the ground being discontinued. The children are also much stronger owing to the improved state of affairs, and the fact of better facilities (in Native schools now being built in outlying districts) for educating them. Although the potato-blight has caused a heavy loss to the Natives, the fact of there being a fair amount of work offering in the district should help them to tide through the winter months. This, of course, would only apply to some of them. Their chief worry is as to how they are going to provide seed-potatoes for next planting-time. Taking all things into consideration, I have no hesitation in saying that the Maoris in the districts visited by me appeared to be in good circumstances. W hangar oa. Potato-plantations have in nearly every instance been destroyed by the blight, and the ground has been replanted with maize and kumaras. But kumaras are not promising well, and what with scarcity of gum and indifferent prices for same, the Maoris will be faring badly this winter—in fact, signs are already apparent. Hospitality is not as it used to be with them.

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2. HOBSON, OTAMATEA, ETC. R IR) — Native Land Court Office, Auckland, 24th May, 1906. I have the honour to forward herewith summary of the Native census in the Counties of Hobson, Otiimatea, Whangarei, Rodney, and Waitemata, and the Great Barrier Island. The results show that in some of the counties there has been an increase and in others a decrease since the last census ; but taking them on the aggregate, there is an increase of some 320 in the Maori population of the district allotted to me. The health of the Maoris in my district has been exceedingly good since the taking of the census in 1901, owing largely to the influence of the Maori Councils in inducing the Natives to live in better houses and observe more closely the laws of health and sanitation. They have not been visited by any epidemics, with the exception of an outbreak of fever amongst the Natives living in the Hobson County. Owing, however, to the exertions of the Health Department it was stamped out before many deaths occurred. Some of the Natives in the Otamatea County are at present suffering from a kind of low fever, particularly those living in the Kakaraea Settlement, where it appears to be caused by the non-observance of ordinary sanitary conditions. The attendance of the Native children at the various public schools in the district is good, and the teachers are unanimous in praising the high intelligence shown by them. The birth-rate throughout the district is high, but, on the other hand, the infant-mortality is equally high, and some steps should certainly be taken to as far as possible reduce it. It has been suggested, and the suggestion has been approved by various medical men who come into contact with Natives, that hostelries should be erected at the different centres in the North to which mothers could bring their sick infants, so as to be within easy reach and under the supervision of the local doctors. It is always exceedingly difficult to get proprietors of hotels and boardinghouse* to afford'accommodation to sick Natives. The potato-crops, owing to the blight, have been a complete failure throughout the North. The results, however, are not altogether so bad as might be imagined, for every one of the subenumerators in my district has reported that owing to it the men are compelled to go to work now on the gumfields, in the bush, at the sawmills, and flax-mills, and are gradually falling into line with Europeans in that respect. This I take to be a very good sign, for it is only by compelling the men to work that the remnant of the race will be saved. An effective method 'of compulsion has been revealed by the failure of the potato-crop—viz., by bringing them face to face with the fact that if they will not work their wives and children will starve. The Maoris within certain limits are quite as good workmen as Europeans, and all they require is an incentive. When they find that by working they can obtain for their families and for themselves many of the comforts and luxuries of civilisation, 1 am certain that with their naturally high intelligence they will come to the conclusion that work is the best thing for them. , Attention, however, should be directed to one matter, and that is to the manner in which they are housed during the time they are working away from their homes. They are peculiarly sensitive to lung-complaints, and if they are not provided with dry and comfortable quarters all the n-ood that the work will do them will be counteracted by attacks of disease. Therefore if it is desired to preserve the general health of the race the Government should take the matter in hand and see that under such circumstances they have proper accommodation. Maoris require educating on the subject. At present they do not pay much attention or attach much importance to it. ' Owing to the Natives being so widely scattered over the different counties and the difficulty of getting to their places of abod.e on account of bad roads, &c, it was impossible for the subenumerators to complete their work in a week. In one case—viz., that of Whangarei County—the sub-enumerator was a whole month over it. In all cases they availed themsleves of the permission to utilise the services of the Chairmen of the various Maori Councils, with, I consider, excellent rpsults * naye > &c Jas. W. Brownk. The Under-Secretary, Justice Department, Wellington.

Extract prom Report op Sub-enumerators. • Whangarei. Owing to the Natives having lost all their potato and kumara crops, they have been compelled to not only dispose of their cattle, but to leave "their homes to go on to the gumfields, flax-cutting, and doing bush and other work to obtain the necessaries of life, entirely deserting their settlements in many instances, and being scattered in twos and threes all over the field. This, together with the fact that in many instances they objected to give the necessary information, also the bad state of the tracks, has very much delayed the completion of our work as sub-enumerators. We did not find any instance of' Natives cultivating together as a tribe as formerly. Their manner of living is generally the same as in the case of the European population of the poorer classes in the bush district. . . , , ,i_ The general state of their health seems good ; we saw very few sickly persons amongst them; the young children seemed particularly healthy, the younger married people having fairly large families They are all very intelligent, many of them having been educated in the various Native schools—in fact, nearly all the Natives belonging to the district can speak, read, and write English. Through the work of the Komiti Marae, they are keeping the places where they are living in a very clean and sanitary condition. _ . : Judging from the number of young children, we should say the Native population of the district is on the increase since last census was taken.

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There are over forty Natives, mostly pure Maoris, belonging to the Waikato, in this district. During the past year a party of Natives from the south visited these Maoris, professing to heal them of all diseases by means of what they called the ringa tu. They also went through the settlements in the county, trying to convert the Natives belonging to the district, but most of the Maoris here make use of the European doctors in case of sickness. There seems to be much less drinking, and the Natives take every advantage of schools for their children. Including the forty Waikato Maoris, there are not more than a hundred and fifty pure-blood Maoris out of the 968 in the census taken by us; they are fast mixing with Europeans. There has been no serious illness amongst the Natives in this district for the past three years.

AUCKLAND-WAIKATO-TAUPO. Sir,— Wairoa, H. 8., 26th July, 1906. 1 have the honour to forward herewith a summary of the Maori census, taken during the month of April last, in the Counties of Eden, Manukau, Coromandel, Thames, Ohinemuri, Piako, Waikato, Waipa, Raglan, Kawhia, Waitomo, Awakino, East Taupo, and southern portion of West Taupo, together with Waiheke and Ponui (or Chamberlain's) Islands. As you are aware, the completion of my work has been delayed, first, by the illness of the sub-enumerator for the northern portion of West Taupo County, and then later by his returns having gone astray in transit. They have not yet turned up; but, in accordance with the instructions contained in your telegram of yesterday's date, I am now forwarding the summary so far as it can at present be completed, leaving the summary of the census taken in the northern portion of West Taupo County to be forwarded as soon as the missing returns have come to hand. I may mention that my work was begun at Taupo, and has been continued here. I would suggest that, in future, it would be desirable that the Enumerator for the district comprising the fourteen counties previously named should be stationed at some place on the Auckland-Thames-Rotorua Railway-line, so as to enable easy access for personal conference with his sub-enumerators when necessary. Every care has been taken to insure accuracy as far as possible. Clearly marked lithographic maps on the largest scale obtainable were supplied to each sub-enumerator, so as to prevent overlapping, and full instructions were issued, as you will see by the enclosed copy of my circular letter. I also forward for your information a list of the sub-enumerators employed by me. The total number of persons taken in my district (so far as returns are in) is 9,941, which, compared with the census taken in the same district in 1901, shows an increase of 429 persons, to which, of course, will have to be added the number of persons in the northern portion of West Taupo County when the missing returns come to hand. (Kawhia County, as it existed in 1901, has since been divided into Kawhia (minor), Awakino, and Waitomo Counties.) I fully believe that some few persons have been omitted, either owing to movements from one place to another, and so being missed, or to refusal to give information. lam glad to find that very few now refuse on the ground that they are adherents of Mahuta or Te Whiti. Some of the refusals were based upon supposed grievances, and in such cases the sub-enumerators had to do the best that they could to arrive at a fairly accurate estimate of numbers, sexes, and ages. I beg to enclose a collection of extracts from the reports of sub-enumerators, which I think will prove interesting. The health of the Natives in my district appears to have been very good. There has, however, been a terrible failure of crops, both potatoes and maize—parti}- owing to the blight, and partly to summer frosts—and I am afraid that, unless arrangements to afford relief are speedily made, semi-starvation will soon cause great mortality, more especially amongst elderly people and 3'oung children. In addition to the relief of pressing want, there will be the necessity to supply seed required for next planting season. In many cases Natives will abandon their homes, and will seek work amongst Europeans—in fact, some of the sub-enumerators report that they have never known the Natives to be so scattered as they were during the taking of this census. That state of affairs will doubtless affect the attendances of children at Native schools. Messrs. A. A. Preece, Gerring, and Marshall have drawn attention to the difficulty of getting old-age pensions, or other aid, for certain aged or afflicted Natives. If arrangements could be made to supply rations to the indigent persons brought under notice by the sub-enumerators, it would show the Natives generally that, instead of being harmed by the taking of the census, their old people might be benefited by it. The statistics as to crops will not give an accurate idea either as to the amount of work done by the Natives in planting crops, or as to probable results. In some cases the area cultivated has been given, although no crop has been harvested, and, in other cases, owing to the failure of crops, no area of cultivation is given. With regard to the statement made b} - Mr. Ihaka Hotene re the position of Murupara, I may state that I communicated with Colonel Roberts, S.M., on the subject. He replied that he had no map showing the position of that place, and informed me that his sub-enumerator found two women and five children there. In view of the small number concerned, I did not think it worth while to move further in the matter, although I believe that that pluce is really within East Taupo County. I think it desirable to draw special attention to Mr. Gerring's report as to loss of stock at Okauia and Whakaaratamaiti, in the County of Piako, caused by the reckless way in which poison has been laid by the Government rabbiter (11 breeding-sows, 33 suckers, 14 pigs, 6 head of cattle, and 1 horse). It seems rather hard that the privations of Natives owing to blight and summer frost should be intensified by the action taken to suppress the rabbit pest, which they did not introduce into the country. I would also draw your attention to the suggestion made by Mr. Te Nguha Huirama that the Maori census should be taken during the summer season. He was considerably delayed by snow-

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storms and floods. I notice that, as a matter of fact, the books supplied for the taking of this census were headed as for " the third week in February," which I know was the time when the Maori census was taken in 1891. Under separate covers, I am forwarding to you eighty-four books containing returns received from sub-enumerators, together with twenty-six unused books. 1 have, &c, H. Dunbae Johnson, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

Extracts from Reports op Sub-enumerators. Mr. Mita Karaka, sub-enumerator for Waiheke and Ponui (or Chamberlain's) Islands, states, — At both islands the general health of the Natives is fairly good. There were complaints, however, of a general attack of what appears to have been a kind of colic (he ngau puku), which lasted several days, but there was no mortality. The cause of this sickness is obscure. There was a general willingness to assist me in my inquiries. The potato-crop was a complete failure owing to blight. The people therefore hope that their distress will procure them help. Their only source of sustenance from the land is a small crop of kumara, which can only last a short time. I sincerely indorse the above application. The same remarks apply to the Maori crops on Ponui Island. Mr. A. E. Mellsop, sub-enumerator for part of Manukau County, states, — Throughout the district I found very few Maoris residing in their regular homes, except in Henare Kaihau's settlement, in Waiuku-Tahunakaitoto. They are scattered about, working in small gangs—usually about a dozen at each camp—either draining or clearing land, or cutting flax for Europeans, or else gum-digging. From Waiuku to Mercer I might say that the Natives have absolutely no potatoes, owing to the ravages of the potato-blight. This I believe to be the principal reason for their being out working, as really they have no food at their own home. Nevertheless, there appears to be plenty of suitable work available for them, at which they can make current wages, and, therefore, it cannot be said that they are suffering any hardships through the potatoblight, With regard to the health of the Natives, I did not see or hear of any sickness in any part of my district. I also found them more willing than I ever knew them to be previously to give the information required of them, with the exception of a few cases where they stated that they had previously been taken by Remana. Then I simply had to prove my district by the map, and they gave me the required information. I have taken n district for collecting the Maori census each of the last four or five times that the census has been taken, and never previously knew them to be even half so scattered as they are at present. Mr. A. A. Preece, sub-enumerator for part of Coromandel County, states, — The country (in Coromandel County) is very rough, wooded, and mountainous, and therefore cannot be got over as speedily as level country could be. The duty has been performed with the utmost care, accuracy, and speed possible, and can be relied upon as correct, every Native settlement and every cultivation being visited and inspected, thus extracting full information from the Natives of each settlement, which information I have noted down. The Natives were mostly away in the mountains and swamps digging gum, scattered all over the district—not many in each camp. This is the first time in this district that all the Native settlements have been visited by the subenumerators, and, therefore, a great difficulty lias been experienced in extracting the "necessary information from the Natives, as the matter appears entirely new to them. They think it is for the purpose of taxing them on their land, crops, and stock, stating that there must be some evil in connection therewith, as it was quite a new matter to them, and, therefore, must carry with it fresh troubles. The} , say that they are being continually troubled with suchlike, and refer to the dog and land tax, arguing on that as a proof of trouble. Re the health of the Natives in this district, I may say that they appear to be, as a rule, very healthy, there being very few cases of sickness. All I can report are a few cases of infantile ailments and two cases of consumption, which I have noted down in the census books. One of these Natives, an old man, has died since being entered—namely, Hopa Hakima, eighty-six years of age. So far there is no other sickness in the district, excepting a few cases of muscular rheumatism and a few cases of influenza. I have seen three cases of want—by two men and a girl. These are all crippled, and cannot do anything to support themselves, but they are not old enough to receive the old-age pension. Something should be done for them. The Charitable Aid Board say that the Act allows no provision for them, as it only applies to Europeans, not to Natives. Mr. J. W. A. Preece, sub-enumerator for part of Coromandel County, states, — The Natives in my division of the county, with a few exceptions, are merely gum-diggers, and are continually moving their camps from place to place in search of kauri-gum. As you will see, they are an entirely mixed lot, being Natives from all parts and all tribes, and very much scattered about in search of gum. A considerable amount of unwillingness was shown by the Natives in giving the necessary information, as they considered that there was some harm to result from the census-taking.

2—H. 26a.

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I found very little cultivation throughout my district, as the Natives occupy the most of their time in digging gum. They prefer to purchase all their stores in lieu of cultivating, as last year all their crops failed through the potato-blight. The Natives in my district appear to be in good health, with the exception of some few cases of influenza —not serious. Mr. G. G. Paul, sub-enumerator for Thames County, states, — I beg to report that nearly all the Maoris from Waiwarawara, near Miranda, thence along to Waitakaruru, as well as those camping about the Piako River, are engaged chiefly in cutting flax, and have paid little or no heed to the cultivation of crops. What little cultivations I saw are shown in the returns, and are really the labours of those who are left at home, and who are not able to cut flax or participate in other manual labour. At Turua the Maoris are engaged, some at the sawmill and others in the bush. There are very few Maoris in the Thames proper. There are a few round about the suburbs, and their cultivations are shown. Puketaiko and other places round about that locality are gum-diggers' camps, occupied principally by Te Arawa Tribe. They have their cultivations at Taungatara (about 20 acres), and at Paritu (15 acres). Most of the Maoris about this part of the district are employed in digging for gum nearly all the year round. Taking the district as a whole, the crops are better than last year, and pretty free of the blight. The extent of cultivation is small, owing to the scarcity of seeds. During the whole of my journey through the different settlements I never saw any signs of disease, nor heard of any epidemics, and, but for a slight visitation of the influenza, which removed a few of the Maoris about Taungatara, I am of opinion that the condition of the Maoris about here is good. Although my return shows a small decrease, yet, had it not been for the general rush to the new gum-find at Mercury Bay, I am certain my return would have shown a large increase. The state of the Maoris generally in this district, taking it as a whole, is good. The flax industry has been a boon for a great many of them —at any rate, it gives them employment. Mr. Maaka P. Patena, sub-enumerator for Ohinemuri County, states, — I found that the people were very inquisitive as to the nature of my mission, and whether it had been approved by Mahuta. When they were satisfied with my answers, they were quite willing to give information. In regard to potatoes, the yield was fair, but rotted before they got it to their store-pits. The maize and oats were poor, although the Natives do not know the cause. Judging by appearances I think it was due to frost. Mr. R. B. Gerring, sub-enumerator for Piako County and part of Waikato County, states, — I have much pleasure in stating that the general health of the Maoris in my district is very good. In all the places visited by me I saw only one case of sickness —at the Morrinsville flax-mill— and the man looked to me to have been overworked. In no other place did I see any one ailing, with the exception of one or two cases of colds. I particularly inquired as to the state of health for some months back, but was everywhere informed that there had been no epidemic or sickness for some considerable time past. In all my round I found the greatest willingness on the part of the Natives to give the required information, and in no case was the slightest objection made after I had stated my mission. Of course, there were always the usual questions as to why particulars were wanted, &c, but, after briefly explaining matters, the work went on without any discussion. The aspect of the kaingas is about the same as on my last round of census work. In some cases the whares were a little better, but in all places there was the same old-time appearance. There was no newness nor sign of particular care about their dwelling-places, but, on the whole, there was a slightly better appearance. I was requested to draw your attention to the action of rabbit-poisoners at Okauia and Whakaaratamaiti, where pigs and other animals had been poisoned. (Noted in returns: 11 breed-ing-sows, 33 suckers, 14 pigs, 6 head of cattle, and 1 horse.) I was assured by the owners that they protested against poison being laid so close to their kaingas, but the rabbiter would not pay the slightest attention to their protest. Thus they lost pigs and cattle and got no utu. In many cases I was asked to grant pensions to the old people. When I explained that I could not do so, and told them what steps would have to be taken to obtain a pension, the general answer was, " How are we to obtain pensions under those conditions? We shall have to go without. What is the good of such a pension?" Mr. B. W. Marshall, sub-enumerator for part of Waikato County and part of Raglan County, states, — The Maori people in this district are very scattered. They have left their proper kaingas where they might have houses to live in, and are dotted about all over the place. Their principal occupations are flax-cutting, gum-digging, bush and scrub cutting, draining, and working at flaxmills. The real cause of their having become so scattered is the fact that their crops have been nearly all destroyed by the blight. The potato is the staple food of the Maoris. Now that the potato-crop has been a failure, they have to do something by which to gain a living. I have never seen them so scattered. They are living in tents, which are not very nice houses for winter weather. Some of the Maoris are improving—the half-castes especially—by working more into Europeans' ways. Some very nice little cottages have been built since I took the last census. Some of the people are improving and some are at a standstill. The Maoris in this district are a healthy race of people, there being no disease amongst them. During my travels I only heard of two cases of indisposition, and those, I think, were only colds.

H.—26a

I t-hink it would be an improvement if Maoris were compelled to register the births of In my opinion. Maoris marry too young. Through the registration of births, information oould be obtained as to the ages of the parents. When they get married so young, the children cannot be healthy and strong. . ...,., ' the Maoris are ignorant as to the meaning of this writing-down of their names. 1 think it would do a lot of good if a few hundred leaflets were printed, giving the result of this Maori census, with explanatory heading in Maori. If such can b<j done please send me some, and I will set that they are distributed to every settlement in this district _ I came across seven old Maoris—two men and five women—who, I think, ought to get support of some kind, either by old-age pension or grant of rations. Mr. Pepa Kirkwood, sub-enumerator for part of Raglan County, states, — The Natives living at Tihirua are in very good health. Their children attend school. The people are engaged in milking for the creamery. Their potato-crop was entirely destroyed by 3 lg The Natives living at Te Kamupene, Onewhero, Takahikahi, Paharakeke, and Whangarapa have very bad houses. The existence of that state of affairs is due to the fact that the title to their land is vested in trustees, the result being that the people individually do not feel any inducement to make decent kaingas for themselves. It is desirable that something be done to improve their tenure of the land. These people depend upon flax-cutting as a means of subsistence. Iheir children do not attend school. Their potato-crops have all been destroyed by blight, including seed supplied by the Government. " . I have to state that all the people rendered every assistance in supplying the information required by me in connection with my work. Mr. J. H. Phillips, sub-enumerator for part of Raglan County and part of Kawhia County, states, — In accordance with your instructions, I have visited all the Maori kaingas and camps in the district allotted to me for the purpose of taking the census, and in every case I found the Natives very willing to give the information required. I did not notice any sickness worth mentioning amongst them. The children generally appeared to be well nurtured and fairly well clothed. The Natives appeared to be anxious to get their children educated at schools. I found that a great many of the people were working for Europeans, and that to some extent will account for the small amount of crops and stock at some of the kaingas. I fear that they will have a very hard winter in this district owing to the almost total failure of their potato-crops through the blight. Many ot them are now selling their stock to provide the means of buying flour, be., while others contemplate shifting to the harbours in order that they may be able to get fish and pipis. Mr. T. 0. Turnbull, sub-enumerator for part of Kawhia County, states, — The people have no potatoes. Their crops were badly blighted, and not worth digging. Most of the Natives are engaged in cutting flax. Some are road-making, and others are getting shell--1 There is no sickness worth mentioning in my district, with the exception of colds. I had no difficulty in getting all the information I required from the people I ™ited. The Natives at Te Taharoa are very anxious that a school should be erected there. Ihey have about forty children of school age. I may remark that the people on the south side of Kawhia Harbour are of a better class, and are naturally well informed. Mr R. L. Mainwaring, sub-enumerator for Waipa County, states,— In taking this census I experienced the greatest difficulty in finding the Natives' camps, as owing to the nature of their employment—potato-picking, flax-cutting, &c—they are continually moving e^tiyee j gaw appeared t0 be in remarkably good health. This, I think, is due to the fact that from the high wages they earn—from 10d. to Is. per hour—they are enabled to live on eood wholesome food; plenty of beef, flour made into dumplings and boiled with meat, puwha and water-cress with bread. Even men over sixty years of age can earn 10d. an hour for twelve hours per diem at the flax-mills. I did not see a single case of sickness, and only one of blindness—at Tuhikaramea—but this woman, to my knowledge, has been blind for many years. I had no trouble whatever in obtaining all the information I required, no doubt owing to the fact that I was well known to nearly all the Natives. _ It will be at once recognised that the acreage under crop is altogether out ot proportion to the copulation This, I think, is due to the fact that so many of the Natives are permanently engaged working at the different flax-mills and other work, such as draining, clearing ti-tree, and milking on shares or wages for farmers. t . Should suitable employment fail them during the coming winter, then I fear that there will be terrible distress amongst the Natives, as they have no potato-crops to rely upon. Mr. G. te P. Wilkinson, sub-enumerator for Awakino County, states,— Speaking generally, the health of the Natives seems to be good. With the exception of a few cases'of rheumatism and influenza, and one of asthma, there is no sickness calling for special mention I only heard of one case of fever. About twelve months ago Mahoenui was visited by the mumps but "with that exception there has been no epidemic during- the past year.

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I experienced some little difficulty in obtaining information in three instances—at Waikawau, Kiritehere, and Te Anga. In consequence I had to get what information I could from others. You will notice that in some cases I could not get the full name, and there were six children whose names I could not ascertain at all. At Waikawau and Kiritehere the excuse given was that they were followers of Te Whiti and Tohu, and in the other case, at Te Anga, the person was an adherent of Mahuta, and declined to give any information without his permission. Mr. J. Holden, sub-enumerator for Waitomo County, states, — The general health of the Natives in my district is good, although in some of the kaingas they are very short of food. Those who are able to work earn a few shillings by fungus-picking, flaxcutting, roadmaking, &c.; but those who cannot work have a very hard time. I had no trouble in getting any information required, excepting in one case, and that person was a religious fanatic. Mr. lhaka Hotene, sub-enumerator for part of East Taupo, states, — The Natives in the East Taupo County are all well. No sickness has visited them for some considerable length of time. On reaching Murupara I was told by the Natives there that they had been already taken by the sub-enumerator for the Galatea District. I looked at my lithographic plan, and found the position of that settlement, which is at the junction of the two streams marked thereon. That place is fully a quarter of a mile south of "my northern boundary, and those persons ought therefore to be included in the census as inhabitants of East Taupo County. Mr. Te Nguha Huirama, sub-enumerator for parts of East Taupo County and part of West Taupo County, states, — At Waione I saw a good many Natives, but did not know one of them. They gave me food, but when 1 told them that I was taking the Maori census they refused to give their names. The principal persons there were Marunui (or Te Wharekoka) and his wife. They told me that they had nothing whatever to do with the Government, and that they belonged to King Mahuta. They said, "You can stop here to-night, but to-morrow morning you can leave." Early next morning I went to Ongarue, and saw Te Houpapa te Whakauruhanga. He agreed to go with me Upon arrival there he addressed the Natives, but still they refused to give the required information. We returned to Ongarue the following day, and there I managed to obtain through him the names of the Waione people. At Taumarunui some refused to give information. I found that the Natives there were greatly upset in consequence of the way in which their cattle were being killed by the train, owing to the Government neglecting to fence the main trunk railway-line. That was one reason why they refused to give their names and other information. With the assistance of Hakiaha Tawhiao I obtained the names of those who had refused to give information. I may mention that I visited places which had never before been visited by any sub-enumerator. The weather was against me, and the rivers were high. I think that the census ought to be taken some time during the summer season of the year.

i. BAY OF PLENTY. g IK __ Magistrate's Court Office, Tauranga, 25th May, 1906. I have the honour to forward my summary of the Maori census taken in the Counties of Tauranga (including adjacent islands), Whakatane, Rotorua, and Opotiki, together with a table showing the increase (the most notable of which is that in the County of Tauranga) and decrease in population, crops, and cattle in the several counties as compared with the census of 1901. Through the failure of the different kinds of crops on which most of the Maoris are entirely dependent to meet their necessary requirements, I am of opinion that it will be found necessary as the winter advances to assist them by employment on road-work. _ The Maoris in the Urewera Country have already expressed a wish to be so employed. The general health of the Natives has been favourably reported upon by all the sub-enumerat-ors engaged. There is no doubt that considerably more attention has been given to sanitary arrangements, and a marked improvement is noticeable in several of the settlements in the method of living and housing. The labour required by the Rangitaiki Drainage Board (in the Whakatane County) to carry out their scheme was undertaken by Maori contractors, who are making good wages. The flax-milling industry at Whakatane, Matata, Pongakawa, Te Puke, and Waiotapu is largely supplied with Maori labour. The Maoris at Motiti Island are placed at a great disadvantage compared with those on the mainland in not having a school on the island. Those parents who are anxious to have their children taught can only obtain their desire by sending them to their friends and relations on the mainland, which some of them do. " I have, &c, J. M. Roberts, Stipendiary Magistrate, Enumerator for the Counties of Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua, and Opotiki.

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5. COOK AND WAIAPU. Sir,— (iisborne, 18th May, 1906. iVaiapu. —The health of the Maoris generally is good, and a great change is noticeable in the habits of persons of all ages, they being more cleanly and much better clothed —in fact, they are rapidly advancing in European ways. It is pleasing to see that the younger people are now taking an interest in the welfare of the old ones, an interest which at one time they did not appear to take. This is no doubt brought about by the present education and guidance of the Maori Council. In religious matters the Maoris appear to be very attentive, and by far the majority are adherents of the Church of England. I am pleased to be able to report that there is not the immorality that was at one time prevalent among them. There is nothing like the amount of drinking going on, and serious crime is rare. Tattooing is only carried on to a small extent. The two medical men stationed at Tolaga Bay and Waipiro Bay are a great benefit to the Natives, who readily avail themselves of their skill when requisite. In the northern part beyond Tokomaru, I am advised that the tohunga or Maori doctor has lost his prestige, whilst in other parts his mana is greatly on the wane. (Still it is astonishing how the Maoris still cling to these people.) Many of the young women earn considerable money cooking at sheds and rolling wool at shearing-time, planting crops, and performing domestic duties. There is an increase of 39 acres in individual crops, whilst crops in cultivation in common show a decrease of some 37J acres. The Maori Council has done good work since its inception. Sanitary and many other matters have progressed under its guidance. The children attending the various schools appear to be well looked after, and are, I am advised, progressing favourably with their studies, showing no signs of decay in so far as attendance goes. The Natives at Beporua are anxious to have a school built there, where, lam informed by a resident, there are thirty-five children. It is true there is a school at Tuparoa, and another at Port Awanui (.Reporua being about half-way—four miles—from each); but when it is bad weather they cannot go without arriving at school wet and tired, and consequently unfit to attend to their duties. I understand this matter was placed before the Hon. the Native Minister when in this district. There is an increase in the population since last census of 137 persons. It is pleasing to see that we still have a few of the early owners of the soil amongst us. No epidemic has visited the Maoris since last census. Many of the old Maori whares are a thing of the past, and European houses have taken their place. Considerable bushfelling is done by the Natives, not only for themselves but for Europeans, and being good hands at shearing and ploughing they easily find employment and earn good cheques. There is an increase in sown grasses of acres since last census. There is a very marked improvement in the way the Maoris maintain their fences, so very different from the old slovenly way. This is without doubt due to the influence of the Maori Council. It is gratifying to note that the Maoris are making such good use of their lands, their sheepfarming operations being on a large scale and efficiently managed, which is undoubtedly a sign of progress and prosperity. There is a large amount of country to be opened up, and if the Maoris can onlj- get advances made to them under the new Act (Land for Settlement Act) I am certain that greater progress will be made, for large areas of bush are waiting to be felled, which will afterwards be grassed and carry largely increased flocks.. There is an increase of 13,832 sheep, and this in the face of the fact that large numbers have been sent to the freezing-works, whilst many have been disposed of to dealers. The cattle increase is 1,573, and that of pigs 586. Wheat also shows an increase of 5J acres, whilst the cultivation of maize has decreased by 99 acres. From my own knowledge and from reliable information obtained, I regret to say that the potato-blight has played sad havoc with the potatoes, which will come very hard on the Maoris, for seed-potatoes are so high in price. It is pleasing to know that the kumara-crops were not affected. Upon going carefully into the figures, I find that out of 548 acres of potatoes, 53 acres were a total failure, and 390 acres affected, leaving a balance of only 105 acres of good potatoes. Cook County. —The general condition of the Maori is good, they being better clothed. They easily find employment at shearing, ploughing, and bushfelling. Weatherboard buildings are fast taking the place of raupo whares. I regret to say that there is a decrease of forty-four persons since the last census; this may be accounted for by the fact that many are temporarily away. Several deaths have taken place owing to old age. Consumption, coughs, colds, and bronchitis, being the principal ailments of the Maori, account to a certain extent for the demise of others. The tohungas still carry on their practices ; this is to be regretted, for there is no excuse whatever, seeing we now have eight duly qualified medical gentlemen in this county. No epidemic has visted the Maoris since last census. There is not such a large amount of drinking going on, and there is little crime amongst them. No wheat is grown in this county. There is an increase in cattle of 303 head. Sheep show a decrease of 2,705, owing no doubt to many having taken advantage of the high prices ruling to sell. There is a decrease of 239 in pigs owing to considerable numbers having been bought by the local bacon-factory, whilst some of the Maoris have sold and gone in for milking cows. By taking the combined population of the two counties (Cook and Waiapu), there is an increase of ninety-three persons. I have had the kind assistance of some of the members of the Maori

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Ccnincil, of leading chiefs, and of reputable Europeans in collecting reliable information, and, being a resident of some twenty-five years in this county, I believe the report to be fairly accurate. My sub-enumerators differ in their reports respecting the tohungas. Mr. Wyllie, who undertook one portion of the -district, states that tohungaism is on the decrease where his duties in compiling the returns lay. (To my own knowledge Karepa Taua and others are, however, undoubtedly practising in a quiet way there, whilst Wereta and others are still carrying on their operations in the district undertaken by Mr. Ferris.) The suggestion made by Mr. Ferris re cottage hospitals or nursing homes is an excellent one, for the Maoris are very shy about taking any of their sick to European houses or hospitals, and if a home could be erected here (of course, in charge of half-caste nurses who have their certificates), I honestly think that the Maoris would take their sick there, and not to the tohunga. I myself feel that this would be a good move in the uplifting of the Maori race. I have learned from a member of the Maori Council that the Waiapu Maoris have made a step towards progress — i.e., have erected a telephone on their own account. The Europeans would not let the Maoris use their telephone, so the Natives round Waiomatatini have collected money, and have now erected a wire for their own use from Waiomatatini to Te Araroa, and in the spring it is their intention to take it into Whangaparaoa (Cape Runaway). The wire will cross the Wharekahika River. The posts are in the ground for this extension, and the wires will be put in and communication established to Cape Runaway in the spring. The Waiomatatini Maoris are doing this on their own account without any help from the Whangaparaoa Natives, which shows they are rapidly falling into European ways. I have, &c, Alex. Keefeh, Enumerator. Extracts from Reports of Sub-enumerators. Cook County. (Charles Ferris, Sub-enumerator.) With regard to the condition, &c, of the Maori people at present in the County of Cook, I beg to report as follows: — 1. Mode of living, good. Under the direction of the members of the Council, appointed under " The Maori Councils Act, 1900," the mode of living of the Maoris is improving. Many Natives who formerly lived in whares are now comfortably housed in wooden buildings. 2. Health, fair. Since the last census the Natives have been free of epidemics. 3. Cleanliness: I am sorry to say that the Maori is in this respect behind the European standard, but, still, he is improving. 4. Birth-rate, hopelessly low, as compared with the number of married Natives. A remarkable feature is that the married Natives with any European blood bears more prolifically than the full-blooded Maoris, and, at this rate, I can only forecast that the remnants of the Maori race will ultimately be absorbed in the pakeha. 5. Industry: The Natives are on the improve, and are beginning to realise the fact they must keep pace with the times, and work hand in hand with the pakeha. 6. Tohungaism, combined with consumption especially, which is the most prevalent disease amongst the Maoris, is working an incredible amount of harm; I grieve to say this evil still prevails. This district, lam reluctant to state, is teeming witli tohungas or impostors. Wereta. for instance, has a large number of followers or apostles, and they also, with Wereta, practise tohungaism. . Remarks: In my opinion, the only means to increase and save the race trom extinction or absorption in the pakeha is is follows: (a.) Cottage hospitals or nursing homes erected here and there through the district, to be managed by European or Maori trained nurses. (&.) Make it compulsory for all Maori mothers to seek the advice of the nurses with respect to their children s health, &c, at all times, (c.) In cases of inattentive or careless mothers, their children should be taken 'over'by the nurses till healthy and strong, (d.) The institution to be kept and supported by imposing a tax on Native lands. («.) Total and sound education of all the Maoris. * I wish also to inform you that the majority of Maori mothers are absolutely unfit to rear and look after their children, being ignorant of the laws of health and otherwise careless. I, as a father of five children, speak from experience on this point; and had I, together with my wife, not been educated, the result would have turned out in our family about 1 per cent, saved. I and my wife also had to contend against our old people and tohungas re allowing ouf children to be doctored or cured by them in times of sickness, which were many : typhoid fever, measles, and other diseases would have proved fatal if the tohungas had got to work. I have often remarked to Native women that a common household fowl or hen could rear and look after her chicks better than a Native Cook County. (A. R. Wyllie, Sub-enumerator.) I am highly pleased with the great improvements that have been made by the Maoris of this district during the last five years. Now, the question has been put to me time after time, Are the Maoris improving in any way at all? From what I have seen and known of them in the past, and from what I see now, I can certainly reply to the question in the affirmative. The Natives of this district have made a big step forward in many ways. 1 Mode of Living. —l certainly believe that on this, and on this alone, hang the hopes ot the Maori race Comparing the present state of the Natives with their state prior to the taking of the census in 1901, one can plainly see the wonderful change in the houses and villages. Up to 1901 the Natives were living chiefly in miserable whares made of rushes and raupo, and more or less carelessly kept Now, hardly a Maori raupo whare is to be found in the Native villages, and, where they have been, may noV be seen standing in their stead neat wooden houses built after European style. Their big meeting-houses have been raised on blocks, and supplied with floors, lixtra

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ventilation also has been afforded to these by the addition of more windows. Families are living quite decently in their separate homes like Europeans, and the husband and wife are taking advantage of all the useful arts of civilisation —namely, education and industry. They send their children to school regularly, and in some of the backblocks there may be seen Native children exceeding European children in number. It is very pleasing to notice that in some of these schools Maori boys and girls are taking the lead in the majority of the subjects taught there. The men of the villages find employment on stations as shearers, wagon-drivers, &c, or at bushfelling, or roadmaking. When planting season comes round they return home and help their wives to plant their potatoes or kumaras, and away they go again to earn more money to keep down the grocer's bill, leaving the women to finish up the gardening duties. It is sad to state that in this particular district their crops proved an entire failure this year, due to the prevalence of the potato-blight. The small areas that have been allotted to potato-crops were altogether ruined by the blight, and it is a serious question whether the Natives will see the end of the year with the little they managed to save. The Natives of this district do not cultivate the kumara plant 'to such an extent as the Natives of the East Const. Kumaras, if planted, would, of course, have taken the place of the potato. Had they foreseen the result of this frightful blight they might have planted acres and acres of kumaras to support their families for a year or more. The blight was so widely spread over the country that it is almost useless to report its actual work of devastation in figures; suffice it to say that the Natives are suffering, and will eventually suffer, from the want of their main article of food, for their crops are all destroyed. Their seed-potatoes must be obtained from outside sources next year. The Maori villages, on the whole, do not need the complete system of sanitation necessary for Europeans, because the Natives do not live so closely together as pakehas do in towns. Besides, their villages are nearly all situated close to the sea or on the bank of some fresh-water stream, which acts as a powerful means of cleansing the whole settlement. Their needs as regards the sanitary question are simply confined to the matter of the water they drink, the houses they live in, and the food they eat. With regard to the houses, they have improved marvellously. There is, however, room for improvement in the second point—viz., water. The Maori Council, lam glad to note, is doing good work in this branch by reserving certain portions of the neighbouring streams for the purpose of obtaining fresh unpolluted water. The food of the Natives consists chiefly of shell-fish from the sea, potato, kumara, wild pork, and puwha. They have, upon the whole, imitated their white brethren very well in this line. The habit of purposely putrefying some of their articles of food before eating them has ceased. Their sense of taste has been educated as well as their sense of smell. Seeing that this has been the case with regard to the sanitary question amongst the Poverty Bay Natives, there has been no epidemic of any pernicious disease among them during my tour. The health of the Natives has altogether improved since the introduction of the Maori Village Councils. As a consequence of their success in imitating the European mode of living, I see a marked increase in the birth-rate. 2. Tohungaism and other Evils. —Under this head I wish to point out to the public that tohungaism is on the decrease. Two or three years ago the Natives went mad almost after tohungas ; now their attitude is entirely changed. They are beginning to see that the European doctor or chemist is far superior to the tohunga and all his witchcraft. Here and there, however, may be seen isolated families still clinging to their tohunga, still sympathizing with him, and upholding his mana. When Wereta was at his best, he and his apostles were the pests of the whole island. They worked hard to obtain followers everywhere they went, and did win over to his side many of the Poverty Bay Natives. But that is some time ago. His power is on the wane now, and is fast dying out. One or two of his apostles are still lurking in the Bay, but are making no headway, for the Maori mind is getting more and more enlightened. I will not close without touching upon the two great temptations which I consider are perhaps proving too much for the Maori—-namely, the hotel and the racecourse. Some of the Natives might have been owners of cattle, and perhaps living on independent means by this time if they had been able to resist the temptation and keep well out of the reach of beer and the totalisator. But what could the poor Maori do? He has the hotel next door with all it contains. He passes it day after day. One very hot day in summer does all the damage. He seeks shelter in one of these hotels. He* is tempted, and, like other human beings, becomes a prey to a fearful habit. It is hard to say whether the evil caused by drink exceeds that caused by gambling. Speaking generally, there is greater actual evil done by gambling than by drink amongst the Natives, because the former leads to the latter in very many instances. Waiapu County. (Arthur Brooking, Sub-enumerator). A great many of the Maoris during these last two years have been gradually separating into smaller communities, and making homes for themselves apart from their centres; others, both men and women, are numerously employed on the many sheep-stations of the district. These neither plant crops nor raise stock, but this does not necessarily make them poorer than those who stay at home and plant, although it is true that some of the younger Natives spend most of their earnings in drink, flash clothes, and horses. The numerous Maori sheepowners are collectively a considerable factor as a cause of the numerical decrease of the pigs. Straying pigs are looked upon by the people of these stations as vermin, and are destroyed indiscriminately. As an instance of the decrease, Wharekahika, in 1901, returned 600 pigs; this census the return is only 154, although there is a decided increase in the population there. Many other places show a similar decrease. The Maoris of this subdistrict, since the census of 1901, have not suffered from any fatal epidemic, and the death-rate has been comparatively low, notwithstanding the fact that many of them have suffered much privation during the last twelve months owing to the failure in a great many instances of their potato-crops owing to the blight.

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6. HAWKE'S BAY, ETC. Sir, — Magistrate's Office, Napier, 13th June, 1906. I have the honour, in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter dated the 12th February last, to transmit herewith the Enumerator's summary showing the results of the census of the Maori population taken last month in the Counties of Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Patangata, Woodville, Weber, and Wairoa. There are no Natives in the County of Weber. The total for the district is 4,390 persons, against 4,170 last census, taken in 1901. The Maori population of Hawke's Bay is 1,505 as against 1,602 last census. That of Woodville and Waipawa 479 „ 395 That of jPatangata and Weber 140 „ 182 That of Wairoa 2,266 „ 1,991 4,390 4,170 It is difficult to speak positively as to the reasons which have caused the difference in the present number from those returned in 1901. The Counties of Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Patangata, Woodville, and Weber contained last month 2,124 Maori persons, as against 2,179 in 1901, a decrease in the aggregate of fifty-five. The difference shown in the respective returns for the separate counties is probably due to the subenumerators not being familiar with the county-boundaries. Wairoa County shows an increase of 275 persons. The sub-enumerator for that county states that he was informed in several place* that nobody had ever visited them before for the purpose of taking the census, to which fact the apparent increase is probably due. I may say that I obtained as sub-enumerators the most efficient men willing to undertake the duty at the remuneration offered, and supplied them with proper plans of their districts. Their work has been checked as to localities, and compiled by a clerk accustomed to such work, and I think the result is at, least as accurate as the census of the Maori population usually is. With regard to the other matters on which you have asked information, I attach extracts from the reports of the sub-enumerators : — Mr. P. H. Tomoana, sub-enumerator for Hawke's Bay, states, — The general health of the Maoris in my district, I am grieved to say, is not promising. In some of the places I visited the children looked weak and consumptive, and there is a marked decrease in the populatioft. Most of the places looked dull, and there was no sign of brightness and prosperity to be seen ; but there is one thing I noticed, and that is the number of European whares that are up now. The prospect for the winter food is most depressing, owing to the destruction of the potato-crops by the blight. Mr. Wirihana Tipene, sub-enumerator for Waipawa County, states, — Having visited pas and places, I found private houses and meeting-houses in good order, and the Natives (with the exception of a very few old people) all in good health. I noticed in my journeying that the blight had destroyed the potato-crop in each pa. Mr. D. Ellison, sub-enumerator for Patangata County, states, — I found all the people well except one woman. Mr. J. W. Down, sub-enumerator for Weber and Woodville, reports that there are no Natives in Weber, and that the only Natives at present in Woodville County are a few engaged in a burning and grass-seed-sowing contract, who have their homes in Tahoraiti, Waipawa County. Mr. Walter Torr, who, with the assistance of Mr. Crearar, acted as sub-enumerator in Wairoa County, writes, — I met with a good deal of opposition in some parts of the district, some of the Natives thinking that the object was to tax them in some form or another. The agricultural part of the paper caused a great deal of trouble and delay, necessitating a lot of explanation before they would give any information. However, I have much pleasure in saying that I believe the returns forwarded to you are fairly reliable. The health of the Maori just now seems very good, there being very little sickness indeed from one end of the district to the other. From information gathered, I learn that their condition was the same last year. The potato-blight is very seriously affecting the Maoris in this district; it has completely swept their crops out of existence from one end to the other, and, as they live principally on potatoes, it means that a very hard time is coming for them during the approaching winter. As will be seen by the returns submitted to you, there is a substantial increase in the Maori population here, but I do not think too much reliance can be placed on this result, as I am informed in several places that nobody had ever visited those kiangas before for the purposes of taking the census. Paitai Kaimoana, the Maori Councillor, who accompanied me during my rounds, was of great assistance to me. The Maoris seeing him and hearing him speak favourably on the work were more confident, and easy to manage. The Maoris at Waikaremoana have asked me to state in my report that they are very anxious to have the school reopened up there. Some years ago the Government built a school for them there, but owing to poor attendance it was closed. They now assure me that there are sufficient children in the district to warrant the reopening of the institution. While taking the census I counted thirty-three children fit to go to school at Waikaremoana. I have, &c, _ Herbert W. Brabant, Stipendiary Magistrate. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington.

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7. TARANAKI, ETC. Sir,— Hawera, 29th May, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with instructions contained iiv your letter of the 12th February last, I now forward you the summary of the results of the Native census in the Counties of Clifton, Taranaki, Egmont, Hawera, Stratford, and Patea. Considerable difficulties have been experienced by some of the sub-enumerators in locating portions of the Native population in these counties, as, owing to the almost total failure of the potato-crop, very many Natives have been absent from their settlements gathering karaka-berries and getting other food from the bush for the coming winter. It is generally conceded by those in this -district who are most qualified to judge that the Maoris are rapidly decreasing in numbers, and, although the present enumeration shows an increase of nearly five hundred, still, considering the ditficulties in the way of getting a correct estimate of the Native population, I am of opinion that the Maoris in this locality are fast dying out, and the percentage of deaths over births is considerable. In one small settlement visited, out of ten married couples there has not been one single birth, and yet they had been married for a number of years. I am not aware, nor have my sub-en uinerators advised me, of any epidemic or sporadic disease in any of the settlements visited' during the taking of the census, but it is a regrettable fact that when any sickness does occur amongst them they generally call in the assistance of a tohunga, a "European medical man being seldom sent for until too late. This, I think, may be ascribed more to the fact that most of the settlements are distant from the towns where European doctors are to be found, and, the roads being bad to most of the settlements, heavy fees are charged by the profession, and, although there is a fairly large Native population residing between the Waitotara and Stoney Rivers, I am not aware of any medical man in that district subsidised by the Government to render aid to sick Maoris. There is little doubt that a small Native 'hostelry built in Hawera (as most central), where sick Natives could be brought from the outlying settlements in order to receive medical treatment, would induce Natives to abandon the tohunga, and would probably be the means of saving many lives. The influence of Parihaka is still very strong among certain of the Natives on this coast. Meetings are still held every month, and twice a year (June and December) large numbers of Natives travel from up and down the coast to hear the latest prophecies of Tohu and Te Whiti. These visitors carry with them contributions of either food or money, and consequently exhaust their own resources for several months. Houses, some of them costing several hundreds of pounds, have been built at Parihaka by many of these regular visitors, and these are only used on the occasions of the periodical visits. It is "generally understood that there is a reserve fund of cash at Parihaka. and when in conversation with the Natives there, it did not seem to me that there was any anxiety amongst them on account of the failure of the potato-crop. They remarked, " There was plenty of flour and rice to be bought," and " the atua would see they did not starve." During the last few years a number of the younger men have taken to dairying, and with the assistance of Europeans have in many instances done very well. (The European assistance is purely the pecuniary part, providing them'with cows and an advance in money.) Those who have undertaken it seem to realise there is money in it. It is a noticeable fact that the Natives are quite abandoning the old toetoe and raupo whare and are building wooden houses, even the cooking-houses are frequently roofed in with iron. Drunkenness amongst the Natives has greatly decreased, and alcoholic liquor is now never seen at a tangi. Whether this is to be attributed to the influence of the Maori Council or to the Native becoming more thrifty I am not prepared to say. Generally summarising the position and the condition of the Native population in this district, I should say that, although they are decreasing in numbers, the remainder are becoming more thrifty, and anxious to emulate European manners and customs. There is very little individual wealth, but as nearly the whole of the population are beneficiaries of the West Coast Reserves, they receive their rents regularly every six months from the Public Trustee, whereas before this arrangement was made the rent for any land leased was taken by the head men of the hapu, and the others benefited nothing. Of course, there are a few malcontents who are antagonistic to the jurisdiction of the Public Trustee with regard to these lands, but these would only number about 1 per cent and are mostly half-castes, who, having no children of their own, would like the inalienability of the land removed so that they could immediately realise on it. I feel assured that there is no better method of administering these West Coast reserves than the present one. _ There are many matters pertaining to the welfare of the Native race that come well within the scope of the Maori Councils Act, but the influence of Parihaka is so strong that the best and most influential Natives will, unfortunately, take no part in the formation of the Councils. I attach herewith extracts from reports of sub-enumerators. The sub-enumerator for Clifton and Taranaki Counties states, — Ido not find any serious disease or epidemic having visited the Maoris of this district. I find that many of them die simply owing to the want of medical aid. Owing to their poverty they are not in a ■position to pay the fees charged by the doctors. They also complain about the Native doctors, who are flying around the country, doing (as. they consider) no apparent good with regard to their health. I find in my knowledge, based upon over forty years connection with the Natives, that they are decreasing visibly—l am positive the death-rate far exceeds the birth-rate. The sub-enumerator, Upper -Clifton County, states, — From inquiries I find that there has been nothing serious in the way of sickness among the Natives, deaths being principally among the children. I have no hesitation in saying they are decreasing. Another remarkable thing you will observe is the proportion of males to females, which is about two to one.

3—H. 26a.

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The sub-enumerator for Hawera County states, — In general the villages are clean, and the people living after European methods. Weatherboard houses prevail, and I noticed that they are now being built well off the ground, also that bedsteads are more commonly used than hitherto. The old communism regarding meals is now seldom seen, each family observing its own domestic arrangements. The health of the people is good. Parihaka has still a pernicious influence among the Natives: some of the young men are desirous of engaging in the milking industry and cattle-raising, but owing to the elders being strong Parihaka partisans and adverse to any individual effort of working, these persons are thwarted in their efforts. Judging from my knowledge in the past of the Maori population of various districts and pas, I regret to say that I think the Native people are decreasing. Numerous proofs of the industrious desires of the young men are to be seen on the roadsides, where they are preparing road-metal. I regret that I have not been able to make this report sooner. I have, &c, C. R. Bayley, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington.

8. WANGANUI, ETC. Sir,— - Wellington, 25th May, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that, acting in accordance with your letter of'the 12th February, 1906, I have completed the taking of the census of the Maori population in the ten districts assigned to my supervision—viz., Waitotara, Wanganui, Waimarino, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kairanga, Oroua, Kiwitea, and Pohangina—and I herewith, under separate cover, forward you all the books and papers and sub-enumerators' reports in connection with the same. I have to state that I was considerably handicapped by not being able to frank my correspondence, and this meant delay in the accomplishment of my duties. I find that the total number of Maoris, including half-castes living as members of Maori tribes, in these districts as a whole, is 4,068, being an increase of 199 as compared with the census of 1901. There is a slight increase in the number of Maoris, fifteen years of age and under. I appointed one sub-enumerator to each district, with the exception of Pohangina and Kiwitea, which were easily attended to by one man. I find that there are no Maoris in these two last-named districts, a fact that has existed for a number of years, as I perceive, on referring to the census of 1901, that there were only three persons enumerated in Pohangina during the taking of the census of that year. With regard to the other districts, I find that Waitotara has a Maori population of 348, and Wanganui 782, which, bracketed—as was the case in 1901—shows a total of 1,130, being a decrease of 559. Waimarino, however, has a Maori population of 728, and it is probable that this district may have formed a part of either Waitotara or Wanganui Counties at the time the previous census was taken. Manawatu shows an increase of 8 souls. Kairanga has a population of 166, but, there being no previous census record of this district with which to compare, lam unable to say whether there is an increase or otherwise. Rangitikei shows an increase of 98. In Horowhenua there is a decrease of 21. Oroua shows a decided difference in its Maori population, there being a decrease of 219. This may, however, be due to the fact that Oroua has had its former area of territory somewhat diminished by the creation of the Kairanga County. I cannot say that the decrease can be attributed to mortality, nor can I attribute the increases mainly to a favourable birth-rate. I would say that both these matters can claim that their existence is due to migratory causes, arising from the fact that large numbers of Maoris have been forced to wander from one district to another in search of employment, whereby they may obtain means of pr-oviding themselves with food during the winter months, a necessity caused by the disastrous effects of the potato-blight and other uncontrollable evils that have attended their cultivations. The health of the Maoris appears on the whole to be good. They have been free from any epidemic or serious disease, with the exception of one case of ngerengere (a form of leprosy), at a place called Raorikia, situated on the upper reaches of the Wanganui River; and it is reported that a few persons living on the Whangaehu River are affected by a skin-disease called ha'kihaki (itch). But I understand that the Maori medical authorities are paying these cases the necessary attention. The sanitary conditions of the majority of the kaingas have been favourably reported upon, a matter of credit to the Marae Councils. It is quite apparent that the Maoris are preferring the European mode of living, and that communism is on the wane. From my own observation, and from information supplied by subenumerators, I gather that the old retrogressive Maori habits and customs are fast vanishing. This, I am sure, will tend towards the general betterment of the race. I found p great number of Maori homes luxuriously furnished. Some of the young women appear to possess a thorough knowledge of proper domestic affairs, and the finer arts, such as music, painting, and carving, also form a part of their accomplishments. Some of the young men are very well educated indeed, and it is they who are mainly instrumental in removing the disagreeable habits of the older Maori. Many of these young men are employed in offices, whilst others are learning trades. Quite a number of Maori men are employed in the various flax-mills, others on road-construction, bushfelling, &c. Several of these districts have great cause for demanding greater facilities from an educational point of view, there being cases where a number of children are being neglected in this respect, owing to the absence of schools, or the distance being too great to enable them to attend.

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I am pleased to say that the Maoris are becoming more and more temperate regarding the consumption of alcoholic liquors, another result of the good work being done by the Marae Councils. Many, however, are still under the influence of the Parihaka "prophets" Te Whiti and Tohu, and it is a significant fact that these disciples are among the least prosperous of their people. I might state, also, that they entertain antagonistic ideas concerning the government of the country, and also use their best endeavours to dissuade other Maoris from accepting European principles. Furthermore, 1 may mention that several of my sub-enumerators experienced great difficulty in obtaining the necessary census information from these particular individuals, retarding them considerably in the execution of their duties. In the agricultural statistics you will observe that there is a substantial increase in the acreage of land under cultivation; there is also an increase in the number of live-stock, with the exception of pigs, there being here a slight decrease. In concluding this part of my report, I beg to state that I have every confidence in the gentlemen whom I appointed to act as sub-enumerators. Several of them were known to me personally, whilst the others I accepted upon the strong and favourable recommendation of persons of position and repute in the respective districts; in the majority of cases they were thorough Maori scholars, and well acquainted with the nature of the people with whom they had to deal. Therefore I can confidently assure you of an accurate taking of the Maori census in the districts intrusted to me, and that the same has been as expeditiously conducted as possible. I have, &c, F. -H. Phillips, Enumerator.

Extracts from .Reports of Sub-Enumerators. Parinui Kaluga. There are a great number of apple and quince trees at this pa, and the Natives have already utilised apples for jam-making. I also saw apples in process of drying, and I should say, from the taste, they will be a complete success. The kitchen-garden, in which were grown carrots, two or three kinds of cabbage, onions, marrows, &c, looked as though more than ordinary attention had been paid to it. Owing to this garden, the food here was of a better quality than at any other pa I visited on the river. Wanganui. The Natives as a whole are in a healthy condition, with the exception of a few aged persons, who are frail and weak from old age. I noticed one case only of a serious nature, a young person being affected with leprosy, ngerengere, but he was about to be removed to Somers Island for treatment, on Dr. Buck's (Native Health Officer) authority, who was up making investigations on the patient the day previous to my arrival there. I made full inquiries as to the general health of the Natives, and found in all cases that there was no epidemic of any serious nature, and in conversation with Dr. Buck, who has been making special visits to the kaingas in this county of late, I learned that he also reports favourably on the general health of the Maoris. The Sanitary Inspector of Maori Kaingas, Hori Pukehika, was also met by me on his general round of inspection of the pas. This officer has done good work in the way of keeping the Natives and kaingas up to sanitary condition. I found nearly ever pa I visited to be very tidy, the inhabitants clean, and the general appearance of their dwellings of European style. The Natives on the whole I found to be very temperate; the drunken habits that were once common seems to be a thing of the past, only in two kaingas did I see liquor freely drunk, and that among the young people only. In a good many cases I found the Natives taking the example of their pakeha neighbours in the way of being industrious. Some are sheep-farmers, others cultivate their land for grain purposes, while others are engaged in various forms of labour, under their pakeha brethren. Many of the children that could attend school were attending, where the school was convenient. One school (Native) on the Wanganui River was once one of the largest-attended schools in the colony, but now I am sorry to say that the attendance is so low, that the school will eventually be closed down. The teacher informed me that this was owing to the children having to go away with their parents to where they could obtain work to get a livelihood, as their mainstay, the potatocrop, was a failure. I would recommend that some provision should be made for these people in the way of providing them with some kumara-seed to plant for the coming planting-season, as the potato, I think, will be hard to cultivate for a few seasons to come judging by the great extent of country that is affected by the potato-blight. I was informed by the Natives on the Wanganui River that they sprayed their potatoes last year—with no good result. I found in most of the kaingas that the Natives were mostly living on bread and biscuits. To see potatoes in a kainga was a rare thing, and what few there were I was led to believe cost £1 10s. per sack. lam glad to state that a good many of these foodless Natives are employed in some work or other by the Government in co-operative works on roads and railways, by which employment they are able to keep their families from starvation. In the eastern end of this county I find that the potatoes were not so badly affected. In Opaia especially I found that the only trouble with the potato-crop was the effects of the frosts. I had particularly long tramps on several occasions to find some of the Maoris, they being camped well back in the forest country with their families, felling bush, roadmaking, or flax-milling. I found the Natives very industrious and eager to secure work. The district, comparatively speaking, is poor, and the Maori has to compete against his pakeha fellow-labourer, which means bringing wages down to a bare living-wage. I should like to see steps taken to compel the Native

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to work his own land, and provision made for him to be able to borrow Government moneys under the same conditions as the European (Advances to Settlers Act). The Natives here hold large blocks, of land and cannot work them for the want of capital, and if such facilities were given them I am sure that the Maori in the near future would be a worthy settler, and not a burden to taxpayer and country. Other than this I cannot see a very bright future for this noble race of people. Putiki. This kainga is situated on the Right Bank of the Wanganui River, about a mile to the south of the town. There is a population of about 170. They live in good houses, which compare well with some of our pakeha residences. The people are very healthy, clean in their kaingas and habits, and by general appearances a thriving community. I notice two or three new buildings being erected of up-to-date pattern. Weraroa Kingi, the chief, gave me all information regard to his people. I also visited the school, which is situated in the kainga, and found that tHe children attending (about thirty) were very tidy and energetic in their studies, for which I give Miss Bridges (their teacher) great credit. I also found that a fair portion of the young men were employed in the town in offices, and some in prominent positions. On the whole I saw nothing to indicate that the Maoris were in want, with the exception that they had to pay a rather high price for their potatoes to the pakeha, and only those who could afford to buy could have this luxury, as it is now termed. Opaea. Here I found the houses in the pa of European type, and the sanitary condition of the kainga very good. The Maoris also have a church erected in this pa, and during my stay I found them very strict in attending their services. A large hall is used for a dining-room, which is well laid out, in pakeha style, at meal-hours. The Natives here did not seem in want of food. I visited their mahingas, and found that their potatoes.were only affected by the frost, and the yield on the whole was very fair. During the night the young people indulged greatly in spirituous liquors, which were brought up from Taihape by the bottle. I should like to see this stopped, and the hotel people brought to account for supplying the Natives. I only saw one person in delicate health, but this was owing mainly to old age; other than this the general health was good. I also found that the Natives had plenty of work, and worked their lands for growing grain. Rangitikti. In travelling from pa to pa I was very much surprised to find how the Maoris in this district are rapidly forgetting their old modes of living—packing them away on the back shelves as it were all( l adopting the better ways of European living. Some one may say, "In what way are they advancing? Do you mean to say that their continual presence at an hotel bar, saturated with the intoxicating liquors of civilisation, is evidence of improvement 1" No, my friend. Surely you can excuse a race that has only recently been retrieved from cannibalism for adopting in the first place the very worst customs of the pakeha. Remember that it took hundreds of years to civilise the pakeha, and some of them are not civilised yet. Common-sense will always allow that there are greater facilities for gathering bad habits than there are for obtaining good habits. But the new substantial European-built houses, well fenced in, the separate family mode of living, seems to show a deep chasm between their present way of living and their ancient superstitious ways and killing customs. Huddled together in wharejmnis as they used to be, shutters closed, breathino- filthy air, thereby ignorantly encouraging all manner of diseases; filthy jesting and very little if "anything, at all edifying; privacy, unknown; and we have the whole of the Maori ways described in that one word, " immorality." Many parts of the Old World have been crying out against the decrease of births. Why is it so? Immoral practices must have a big hand in it. My pen moves fast when I can say without exaggeration, being brought up from childhood in the Rangitikei District, that the tide has changed. Where immorality ruled the day, a change has taken place, and soon, in this part if not elsewhere, I hope, the old ways of the Maori will have been swept away only to be remembered in history. I have said a little about the improvements : I must now say something about what is still left unimproved. I noticed in my visits to the Maori villages the lack of drains to carry away the refuse and the water. This is dangerous to health. The fact that Maoris have learned to fence in their kaingas, and thereby fence out the pigs from making puddles near the doors, is to my mind the only reason that has prevented disease from getting a hold of them. No doubt the Government has taken very big steps to improve the Native race. Tlic institution of the Maori Council is sufficient evidence of that. I have no hesitation in suggesting that the Maoris now want some one to see that the rules laid down for their benefit are carried out. The Maori Council and the Village Committees in this part are not doing what they ought to do. In many cases they, by abusing the rules, are more discouragement to the rest of the community than otherwise.

9. WAIRARAPA, ETC. « Magistrate's Court, Masterton, 2nd June, 1906. I have the honour to forward herewith papers and books in connection with the taking of the Maori census in the Counties of Akitio, Eketalnma, Masterton, Castle Point, Featherston, Pahiatua, Wairarapa South, and Mauriceville, together with the reports of the sub-enumerators employed by me.

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Taking all the counties together, there appears to be an increase of twenty-two Maoris and eight half-castes since the last census was taken. Of these, twenty-six are males under the age of fifteen. There are 743 more acres of potatoes this year than in 1901, acres of maize, 10j acres of other crops, and 4,314 acres in grass. There is a decrease of 156 acres in wheat. In sheep there is a decrease of 327, pigs 78; but an increase of 550 head of cattle. Under Common cultivation there is a decrease of 58 acres of potatoes. Wheat is acre more, and other crops have an increase of 87 acres. The reports of the sub-enumerators fully explain the state of the potato-crops, and of health, and improvements made in the habits and dwellings of the Maoris in the various counties. I would like to oall special attention to the suggestion of Mr. Hutton, that some of the Maori girls should be trained as nurses. It seems to me an admirable one, and was suggested in my last report; it might, if adopted, be the means of saving many lives by instructing the young mothers how to look after their offspring. I have, <fee, Wμ. P. Jambs, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Justice Department, Wellington.

Extracts from Reports of Sub-Enumerators. Featherston and Wairarapa South. As I have no record of the last census I cannot speak with certainty, but apparently, judging by the number of children I saw on my rounds, there is a slight increase in the Maori population. 1 attribute the increase of the children to two facts—firstly, the Maoris, being permanently at peace, there is not nearly the same amount of tribal intermarriage as formerly; secondly, as soon as the children are old enough they attend school, and thus have a healthier occupation and more wholesome food. The death-rate is far greater among children under two years old than among older children, and if only six Maori girls from the Wairarapa could be trained as nurses they would be instrumental in saving the lives of many. Because, even if they married, they could still instruct the mothers (who are often very young themselves) how to treat their babies. The Natives have almost entirely given up the old Maori whare, and have built themselves houses of wood after the European style. No epidemic has visited them, nor did I see any disease among them; but one woman was ill when I visited her place and died before I completed my rounds. The Rougokako Council advised striking out her name, which I have done. At Moiki and Kahukuraawhitia the late potato-crop was not affected by the Irish potatoblight, but at Papawai, Hurunuiorangi, Kaingatahi, Kohunui, Turanganui, and Ranana nearly the whole crop was blighted, and the early crops at the last-named places were drowned, so to speak, by the heavy spring rains, and did not grow. At only one place did I have any difficulty in collecting the information required. A Maori tohunga was there, and he refused to give me his name, stating that as he was a tohunga it would be wrong for him to allow his name to be written in the census-book-—in fact, infra dig. His followers, however, after a little trouble, gave me all the information required. In conclusion, I am strongly of opinion that what is wanted is technical schools for the Maori children, so that they may learn to be of rise in other ways than those which are now open to them. This would be the surest way of breaking up their old communal habits, failing which the Maoris can never prosper, nor can they materially help their pakeha brother to advance New Zealand. Akitio and Castlepoint. The number of the Natives in both the Akitio and Castlepoint Counties is certainly on the decrease, although no epidemic has visited their settlements, except influenza. The number of children is very few compared with the married couples; their general health is good, and their condition generally has improved very much during the last few years, they having in most cases abandoned the old toetoe whares for more comfortable and healthy weatherboard cottages. The half-caste population seems to be in a more healthy condition, and their children seem to be bright and cheerful; a school at Aohanga is very much needed. The blight has made sad ravages in the potato-crops, especially amongst the late ones, and the Natives will feel the loss severely before the next crop comes in. Seed-potatoes will also be scarce and costly for the next crop. Pahiatua. The general health of the Natives has been very good, owing, no doubt, to the different families living in well-built houses, and each house in every case being well detached, and so far the Natives have not been troubled with any disease or epidemic. Since the last census was taken there lias been an increase of seventeen at Mangatainoka, due to the fact that a man named Aporo Hare and his family have removed from Greytown and permanently settled at the former place; but at Ngapaurua, situated about six miles from Pahiatua, there is a decrease of four; but at Tutaekara, six miles south of Pahiatua, there has been an increase of seven. I may sj;ate that in every instance upon my visits to the different pas I learnt that the boys and girls were attending school regularly.

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Eketahuna. From inquiries made by me, and from my own personal knowledge, the Maoris in the Eketahuna County are decreasing, several Natives having died during the past four years at Hamua, whilst only one child has been born in the same period. The Maoris of Hamua are not living in the usual Native whares, but in wooden houses built in European style. They appear to be in good health as a whole, and to have to a great extent adopted European habits and dress, especially the male portion. The children are sent to the Hamua State school, and appear to hold their own in the various standards. Some of the young men, I notice, are frequently employed by Europeans as farm labourers, and give satisfaction. All who are able during shearing-time seek employment as shearers. In a number of instances they are preferred to Europeans. The Natives at Hamua are very temperate, and allow no liquor to be taken to their homes. Mauriceville. There are very few Maoris in the Mauriceville County, the only ones being at Hastwell. There has been no increase during the past five years, and there have been no deaths. All dress in European clothing, and to a certain extent have adopted European habits and furniture. One house contains a piano, one of the children being taught music. Masterton. There is a considerable increase in the number of young children. There is no epidemic among them, but a few are suffering from asthma. The maize-crop has been ruined by early frosts, and will not ripen.

10. HUTT. y IK Wellington, 30th April, 1906. 1 have the honour to forward herewith the result of the census of the Maori population in the Hutt County. 1 have again to record an increase, being due partly to the large number of children, of which there are eighty-four under tifteen years of age, as against seventy-one when the last census was taken in 1901. It was quite a pleasure to see so many large families of young, healthy, well-grown children. (Several of the known residents were on visits at Otaki and elsewhere, and there was an influx of a number of Natives from other districts who were attending the Native Land Court, which commenced its sittings in Wellington in the first week in April.) The total number now returned is 288, being an apparent though not a real increase of twenty-four. The sub-enumerators report the general health of the Maoris in this county to be good. There has been no epidemic amongst them. Two of their old chiefs who were the connecting-links with their past history, and the well-known assessor, Wi Neera te Kanae, have passed away, leaving no one, I fear, of like influence to till their places. Fortunately for some of the Maoris of the Porirua and Hutt Districts, they are in the receipt of small yearly sums from the proceeds of their interests in the Nelson and Wellington "tenths" and the rents of small pieces of land. Some of the Natives of Hongoeka and Porirua supplement this by working for the"European settlers. Possibly the failure of the potato-crop and consequent want may infuse a little more energy into the Maoris generally, and cause them to be more keen in looking for work—want being a hard taskmaster. It is to be hoped that this will induce the Maori to grow other vegetables besides potatoes, such as carrots, parsnips, swedes, cabbages, brocoli, silver-beet, more extensively of marrows and pumpkins, and kumara and taro in the warmer portions of the colony. There is one exception, however, that I must mention, being the crop grown by a halt-casto farmer at Pukerua, who has some three hundred sheep on his farm, from which he sold over 100 pounds' worth of wool, besides selling wethers at 15s. a piece. He is a most progressive man, and, considering that he has only been in occupation of his present holding some four years, he has done very well indeed. He has a nice roomy house (built of wood), he evidently believes in keeping the'plough going, had a nice area down on sown grasses, wire fences well set up. Over two acres of freshly ploughed land had been put down in potatoes : the portion that had been planted with Derwents was a failure owing to the potato-blight. The remaining portion of the crop, consisting of two other distinct varieties, had been taken up and stored in what to me was quite a new and certainly a most effective way, instead of being stored in a shed or pit : Corner-posts, 17 ft. apart one way and 5 ft. the other/were sunk into the ground; on these a frame was built, length about 17 ft., width 5 ft., ft. deep, height above ground 4 ft, The bottom of the frame was floored with slabs some 2 in. "apart; this was then covered with an inch or so of manuka scrub to prevent the potatoes falling through. The sides and ends were enclosed by rails or battens nailed to the corner posts so as to enclose more manuka scrub, which was wattled in with a stay or two in the middle, let into the ground for extra stability and support to the structure. The potatoes were then stored therein, those that were selected for seed being placed in kits, and the whole covered over with about six inches of loose fern. The explanation given was that the potatoes did not heat, and, being fully exposed to wind and air, no matter how heavy the rain they soon dried. My informant told me that he had seen potatoes so stored at Parihaka in June last, and that they were quite sound then. A ton and a-half of the potatoes that I saw so stored have since been sold for £15 per ton. I examined these potatoes, and found them to be quite sound. From their appearance I should say that one of the two varieties so stored was very like the Dakota Red, which, I have heard, is a sturdy grower and a good blight-resister. I have been informed on very

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good authority that the Improved Dakota Red is almost immune from the potato-blight. Not having seen it I cannot say whether the potato mentioned above is the same or not. The other variety was one quite new to me, being what they called a Maori potato known by the name of " Huakaroro " — i.e., "Sea-gull's Egg." It is, strange to say, a dark-skinned potato, with occasional white markings, and is said to be a good cropper. The Maoris who have grown it assert that it is blight-proof. I have, &c, G. H. Dαvies, Enumerator. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington.

11. NELSON. Sir, — Magistrate's Office, Nelson, 26th April, 1906. 1. I have the honour to forward you the return of the Native census taken for the Counties of Collingwood, Takaka, Waimea, and the adjacent islands. Every precaution has been taken to prevent a duplicating or omission of names. 2. Collingwood County. —The Natives in this locality have increased from two since the end of February, 1901, to seven at the end of February, 1906. Good health has prevailed, and no epidemic or disease has visited the Maoris in this county during the past five years. The Maoris have no land propped in potatoes now, nor have they had for some years back. 3. Takaka County. —Here the Maori population has remained about equal to what it was five years ago, the deaths being balanced by the births. There is only one family of four away at Riwaka, but the deficiency is made up by the arrival of four visitors. The health of the Natives has been good, and there has been no epidemic among them during the period which has elapsed since March, 1901, the deaths which have occurred having resulted mainly from old age. There are two families who farm their land in European fashion. Both these families live in good houses, and have in a great measure departed from Native customs. The children of one of them go to the State school, and are considered by their teachers to have more than normal intelligence. The Natives in this part of the country are sober and industrious: The young men go out to work for Europeans, and do not remain idle dxiring the winter months. i. Waimea Count;/. —Subdivision of Nelson, Wakapuaka, and Croixelles: Since the census was taken in 1901, there has been a slight increase in the Maori population of this subdivision. In 1901 the number was sixty-four, and in April, 1906, it is sixty-nine. The general health of (ho Natives has been good, though there is a tendency to consumption. A few have died from thai disease during the past five years, and a few are now suffering from it. They have been free from epidemic; and hakihaki, a skin disease resembling the itch, rather prevalent in previous years, has disappeared. The housing accommodation is excellent, all the houses being built in European style. The majority of the Natives in this subdivision live at the Croixelles, and half of them are Mormons. There is a school at the Croixelles with an attendance of about fifteen pupils. It is supported jointly by the Education Board and the Church of England. Church services and Sundayschool are also held in it, conducted by the school-teacher, Miss Howard. There is absolutely no crime amongst the Natives in this subdivision, or indeed among the Natives throughout the Counties of Waimea and the adjacent islands, Collingwood, and Takaka. Subdivision of Motueka : The Native population stands at exactly the same figure as it did in 1901—viz., 43. The general state of health of these Natives has been extremely goo-d. They have not been visited by any epidemic, and this is probably due to the fact that the Maoris in this locality are all living under the same sanitary conditions as the European inhabitants. Subdivision of Richmond and Waimea West: Constable Cameron employed two days in making a thorough investigation through the length and breadth of this subdivision, and he could find only one half-caste living in it. He appears to be living Maori fashion, and it is probable that he is only a temporary visitant. In 1901 there was not a single Maori or half-caste to be found in this portion of my district. Subdivision of Spring Grove and Upper Waimea: There are no Maoris living in this locality, and only one half-caste, George Aldridge. This man is not living as a member of a Maori tribe. He is employed as a telegraph linesman, and his name should not have been included by the subenumerator. 5. To summarise: The Natives in the Counties of Collingwood, Takaka, and Waimea and the adjacent islands have slightly increased in number since the last census. They are in a healthy condition. Most of them are living in European houses and under European conditions, and there has been no epidemic. They are industrious and sober, and consequently exempt from crime. They have suffered very slightly from the ravages of the potato-blight. I have, &c, H. Etre-Kennt, Stipendiary Magistrate. The Under-Secretary, Justice Department, Wellington.

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12. MARLBOROUGH AND SOUNDS. g IR; Havelock, Marlborough, 28th August, 1906. I beg to advise having forwarded you, under separate cover, the details of population of Natives in the Marlborough and Sounds Counties, and enclose the summary herewith. There is little to report on the condition of the Natives in the portion of Marlborough and Sounds set forth. The Natives are practically Europeanised, and the majority speak English with fluency. They reside in dwellings equal in comfort to the usual country settler, have adopted European customs, are prosperous, and appear fully and cheerfully occupied in improving their holdings for agricultural and pastoral purposes—sheep-farming predominating. Those not in actual pursuit of these vocations find employment as labourers, and there is no indication of retrogression or want of stamina. The children are in the habit of attending school with regularity, and are apparently robust in health. For the convenience of Natives visiting Havelock, a Maori Hostelry has recently been erected in that township by the Public Trustee's Department. The hostelry (containing three rooms, two of which are fitted with sleeping " bunks " and the third with fireplace) is frequently occupied, and has removed the difficulty previously felt of visiting Natives obtaining accommodation. Inquiries in regard to the ravages of the potato-blight show that the crop has not been materially affected thereby. I am > & c -> The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. R. Stansfield.

13. CANTERBURY. g IK) Magistrate's Office, Christchurch, 7th May, 1906. I have the honour to forward you herewith the result of the census recently taken by me of the Maori population in that portion of the South Island, including Stewart and adjacent islands, allotted to me. By comparison with the returns of 1901 you will notice that, whereas in that year there were returned 1,103 Maoris, there are now 1,147. Although I do not place much reliance upon the correctness of the Maori census as usually taken, I believe these figures are fairly correct, and are certainly satisfactory as showing that that steady decrease that was so deplorable for many years has certainly been arrested for the present. I do not, however, consider that the returns of half-castes are in any way satisfactory. In 1896 they were returned at 871 ; in 1901 as 446, and this year as 818. The real fact of the matter is that as a rule the sub-enumerators show no discretion in separating the half-castes who are living as members of Native tribes from those who are to all intents and purposes living on exactly the same footing as the pakeha. In my opinion, of all the half-castes returned in this summary, not twenty-five per cent, can be truly said to be living as members of tribes. I have no means, of course, of checking the accuracy of the returns in this respect, and I therefore send them forward as furnished to me. As suggested by you, I utilised as far as possible the services of the officials of the Maori Councils. Where suitable I employed them as sub-enumerators. The general health of the Natives has been remarkably good, and there has been nothing whatever in the form of any special disease or epidemic amongst them. The sanitary conditions at all the main settlements have been greatly improved, and this has been due partly to the valuable oversight exercised under the regime of the" Maori Councils and partly to the great improvement in the° water-supplies at many settlements owing to the liberal manner in which the Government has dealt with the Natives in the matter of supplying water-tanks. I have, &c, H. W. Bishop, The Under-Secretary, Justice Department, Wellington. Stipendiary Magistrate. SPECIAL REPORT UPON THE POTATO-BLIGHT. Notes of Enumerators and Sub-Enumerators. Mangonui. Waihou, Taimaro, Waimahaua.—The blight has been very severe, cutting down all the crops. Fortunately there appears to be every prospect of a fair yield of kumaras. Otherwise the Natives would be in a very bad way. _ Keueua and 'Otongaroa. —Blight very destructive; no precaution taken, consequently all the small patches (in Keueua especially) were cut down. Feria, Mangatniere, Victoria.— Blight has also been very severe, particularly in Mangataiere, where it is also affecting the kumaras, onions, and cabbage. Takahue, Pama Puria, and Double Crossing. —Blight has cut down all the patches of potatoes, with one exception Himiona Po.peta, who had a beautiful crop of about 3 acres saved from blight through bluestone-spraying. Other crops are looking fairly well. Ahipara (the largest Native settlement in the INorth).—Was affected by the blight; there were no potatoes saved at all. The Natives also fear that the kumaras are not so good as usual. Many of the small patches are showing signs of the brown curled leaf.

SPECIAL REPORT UPON THE POTATO-BLIGHT. Notes of Enumerators and Sub-Enumerators. Mangonui. Waihou, Taimaro, Waimahaua. —The blight has been very severe, cutting down all the crops. Fortunately there appears to be every prospect of a fair yield of kumaras. Otherwise the Natives would be in a very bad way. Keueua and Otongaroa. —Blight very destructive; no precaution taken, consequently all the small patches (in Keueua especially) were cut down. Feria, Mangataiere, Victoria. —Blight has also been very severe, particularly in Mangataiere, where it is also affecting the kumaras, onions, and cabbage. Takahue, Pama Puria, and Double Crossing. —Blight has cut down all the patches of potatoes, with one exception—Himiona Po.peta, who had a beautiful crop of about 3 acres saved from blight through bluestone-spraying. Other crops are looking fairly well. Ahipara (the largest Native settlement in the North).— Was affected by the blight; there were no potatoes saved at all. The Natives also fear that the kumaras are not so good as usual. Many of the small patches are showing signs of the brown curled leaf.

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In Manuhau and on the northern bank of the Herekino River the blight has been very severe; all potatoes cut down with the exception of Wi Hunia's crop. He has the finest show of potatotops in the country, and, judging from the yield of the few that have been dug, the patch will realise about 50 tons. I may mention that he dipped his seed in a certain solution, home-made, and secretly known to himself. Awanui and Karepoonia. —Blight not so severe as in previously-mentioned settlements, but the' Natives did not plant to any extent. Pura Pura and Taipa. —Blight very severe through the potatoes. None saved; but the kumaras are looking very well. Eangiawhia. —Natives have been very fortunate with their potato-crops, having saved them all. Blight did not exist. Wi Johnston lost a small patch, but the disease did not spread: possibly it was not blight. Hokianga (North-western Part). The ravages of the blight have been most disastrous to the potato-crops throughout the whole of the north-west district of Hokianga; in very few instances did the Natives get any return whatever for the seed planted during the past two years, and there is now absolutely no seed for the next year's planting. • • I noticed that along the coast between the Hokianga and Whangape Harbours the blight had not been nearly so severe as further inland, a few fields coining near to maturity before being attacked, and then not so severely as to entirely destroy the crop. In some parts of the district,, notably Motuti and Whakarapa, the potato-blight has attacked also the maize, melons, and kumaras, though not to any very serious extent, apparently confining itself to the leaves only of the kumara, leaving the tubers intact. Spraying has been tried with partial success, various decoctions being used, though not always in the most scientific manner. Water, in which a quantity of blue-gum leaves have been boiled, is said to be the most efficacious remedy yet used. Though I made careful inquiries, I did not hear of a single instance where the potato-crop had matured without being attacked at some period of its growth by the blight. Early and very late planting has been tried; but neither cold nor hot and dry weather has checked its destructive ravages. Tloldanga (Central Part). Omanaia.— The blight took the potatoes soon after they had appeared above the ground. The same ground was reworked and planted with kumaras, and corn, <fee, which looked well. Waima. —The blight affected this settlement just the same as Omanaia—viz., took the potatoes off very early. The ground was reworked and planted with various crops, that look well. The noxious weed blackberry will eventually drive the Natives from this fine valley if steps are not taken to prevent the fast-spreading pest. Tahelce. —Much the same as Waima and Omanaia Settlements as regards blight. Corn and kumaras, dtc, look well. This settlement does not go in for much cultivating, mostly following up gum-digging. Otaua.—This was a great potato-growing district, but this season the whole of the potato-crop was ruined. Three-fourths of the Natives are on the Rakauwahi gumfields, which is close by. Mangakahia. —The blight took all the potatoes early, and the Natives have not replanted any crops of any kind, or only in a small way. UtaJcura. —Potato-blight very severe; potatoes all destroyed, and in some instances the kumaras have been attacked. Ilohianga South. In regard to the ravages of the potato-blight in the district for which I acted as sub-enumer-ator, I have to report that in every settlement which I visited I found its effects to have been most destructive. In some cases syringing according to the prescribed methods was tried by the Natives, but proved ineffectual. So far the blight is confined to the potato and the melon plants only, and the kumara still remains intact. I might, however, state that though the blight does not apparently affect the kumara plant, yet it has been found that the tuber itself has been contaminated, in that it will not keep as it did previously, though all the usual precautions have been taken to preserve it. Whether this is due to the potato-blight or not is, of course, doubtful, yet the coincidence is significant. During the past season the Natives of Whirinaki received asistance from the Government in the way of potato-seed, to compensate them in a measure for what they had lost in consequence of the blight. These, however, are perishing, as did their own, and though in my returns I have •shown that potato-cultivations are yet in progress, I must further add that these are all more or less stricken with blight. Bay of Islands. (South-western Part). The blight has played havoc with the crops of potatoes belonging to the Maoris, in no single instance have I seen a crop that has escaped it. In some cases the crops were dug before properly ripe, with the result that after being stored for a short time they became useless for eating purposes. The blight also attacked the kumara, but with a few exceptions these were not injured to any great extent.

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In several cases spraying was resorted to, but from what I could gather from the Natives this was not done until the crops showed signs of blight, the spraying thus done not having any permanent effect. In one case a crop was sprayed constantly from the time it showed above ground, and escaped the blight until well in flower, when, owing to sickness overtaking the owner, they had to be left to take their chance, with the result that they were attacked by blight and became a complete loss. The general opinion amongst the Maoris was that the blight became more prevalent and severe when the muggy, close weather came on soon after the cold westerly winds. Bay of Islands (Central Part.) The potato-blight has been general and very serious throughout my subdistrict, although one or two crops remained untouched —these were at Te Ti Waitangi—whilst at Paihia, about one mile distant, the crops were totally lost. Those planted early— i.e., in July, August, and September— seem to have been the most affected, and were in nearly every case a total loss; whilst those planted later, in October and November, although in most cases affected, have yielded good crops; but these do not appear to keep well after lifting. Cabbages, pumpkins, and marrows seem to have suffered more or less from the same disease. This is a very grave matter, as the potato forms the Maori's staple food. The kumara and maize crops look very well. Bay of Islands (Eastern Part). In all the places I visited in connection with the Native census, I made full inquiries re the potato-blight. I found in Wh*ngaruru that it had been very bad, destroying all the early crops and most of the later ones—in fact, so much so, that it leaves the Natives without seed for the coming season. Other places have suffered the same. Hobson, Otamatea, <kc. The potato-crops, owing to the blight, have been a complete failure throughout the North. The loss of their potatoes and kumaras has been a very serious one to the Natives, which it will take some time for them to recoup; in many places they do not intend planting potatoes or kumaras next year—in fact, they have no seed-potatoes, or money to purchase any with. They seem to have an idea that it would be better for them to plant wheat as a substitute, but are not able to purchase seed, and talk of applying to the Government to supply them. Waiheke. The potato-crop was a complete failure, owing to the blight. Manuhau and Eden. Most of the potato-crops were blighte-d. In one or two places the crops were fairly good. In other parts the Natives have absolutely none, owing to the ravages of the blight. Last year the Government gave them a quantity of potatoes to plant, but all seemed to have the same story — that very few of the seed ever came through the ground, and those that did grow were destroyed by the blight. Ohinemuri. The yield of potatoes was fair, but rotted before they were got to the store-pits. Waikato and Piako. As to the potato and maize crops, I found that the potatoes were completely destroyed by blight, and that the maize was destroyed by summer frosts. In no place did I hear that there was any crop at all. The promise was good, but the result was a total failure. In some places there were no cultivations on account of last season's dearth. The lamentation everywhere was great; potatoes were nowhere saved for winter food, and as to seed for the ensuing season, well, there is none at all. In all places I was requested to put the matter very plainly before you, as to the great hardship the Natives will suffer, having no winter store, and besides that, what are they to do for seed? Raglan. The potato-crops have been nearly all destroyed by the blight. The Maoris who had cultivations on the banks of tK"e Waikato River lost their first crops through floods. The Government gave most of them a fresh supply of seed-potatoes, but the resulting crops appear to have been damaged by blight, with a few exceptions. Kawhia. An almost total failure of the potato-crops through the blight. The crops are not worth digging. The maize-crop is very poor, and in some cases blighted. The blight nas even extended to fern and tea-tree, the latter being yellow in patches, as if scorched. The torori (tobacco) plants have also suffered from the blight. Waipa. The whole of the potato-crops have suffered from the blight. Those crops which were put in early, say, in July and August, although more or less affected by blight, gave fair returns, but these were only in small patches.

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Awakino. With the exception of those at the kaingas between Mokau Heads and Awakino Heads, the potato-crops v have been almost entirely destroyed by the blight. Waitomo. The potato-crop is an utter failure. The maize-crop has been destroyed by frost. Taupo. The potatoes were all blighted. Bay of Plenty. The potato-blight has been very general and destructive throughout the Counties of Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua, and Opotiki, with the exception of Motiti Island, which is the only place that has not been affected. The early crops at Matata escaped, and the main crop was only slightly damaged. With the exception of these two places, all the reports are unfavourable. The maize-crop, with the exception of Motiti Island and a few small patches near the coast on the mainland, has been very much damaged by frost, and in some places completely destroyed. The kumara-plantations have also suffered through the frost, and in some cases from what appeared to be potato-blight. Cook County. The potato-blight commenced about the middle of December, and lasted till the end of January, and it destroyed almost the whole of the Maori potato-crops; a few Natives that cultivated little early plots near the sea-coast beyond the reach of frost in the months of June and July saved their crops. From information gathered, potatoes planted in light loamy soil did not suffer so badly as potatoes planted in heavy soil; the middle and late crops planted in the month of August and September were almost totally lost, except three or four bags to the acre, which the Natives in many cases are saving for next planting-season. The Natives on the whole have not sufficient potatoes to last them through the year —in fact, some families are in a bad plight and depending on their neighbours at present. I observed during my round through the district the newer varieties—British Queen, Northern Star, and Up to Date —were some of the varieties which the blight did not affect so badly as the other sorts. I regret to state, however, that very few Natives got the opportunity of obtaining any of the said varieties owing to the scarcity of see-d and high prices ruling at the time—£l 15s. to £2 per sack. The Natives planted the old varieties, which all perished under the blight. I may state that only for the kumara the Natives would certainly starve, but with respect to the kumara I may state that owing to the extra labour in cultivating the same the Natives do not till it to any great extent; but one feature about the kumara is that it is blight-proof, owing, I presume, to the fact that it is grown from the shoots or plants of the tuber each year. You will wonder at the small area of potatoes grown in the district by the Natives, but seedpotatoes were so expensive they could not afford to buy any, and they lost nearly all their potatoes the previous season, so had none for seed. As far as I know, the Natives took no particular precaution to stay or check the ravages of the blight by spraying, <fee.; in two or three cases the Natives took the precaution to cut and pull the tops off "the potatoes when the blight first appeared, with the result that they saved their crops. Two crops in particular I know of personally —one owner, Honiana Tautau, cut the tops off his crop and saved the whole; the other, Wi Konohi, whose land adjoins, acting under advice, left his tops on and lost the whole. I understand that if the tops are cut or pulled at the first signs of blight it arrests further progress, because the blight seems to feed and work down to the tubers through the stems. With regard to checking blight by spraying with chemicals, I doubt the efiect and good of it. In my opinion new seeds and rebuilding the constitution of the old varieties in some way is the only preventive and the only means of killing the blight. I may draw your attention to our own crop at Wainui: On two acres, acting under advice, we left the tops on, and the result was that we lost the whole except three sacks. The seed-potatoes distributed to the Natives by the Government were of the old varieties— Derwents, I believe —and were subject to the blight. I would recommend any further aid in this direction to be by the distribution of the newer kinds—Up to Date, <fee. In my opinion, and that of the old Natives of this county, the blight is entirely a foreign parasite or disease brought to the colony from abroad, or bred in the colony through the constant use of old varieties of potatoes. In the history of this county no blight or anything of the kind was ever previously known either to Europeans or Maoris. Waiapu County. The potato-blight first made itself felt in this district last year, when several potato-planta-tions were destroyed; but this season the blight has been very severe, having completely destroyed more than three parts of the potato-crop of the whole district, causing much distress among a certain portion of the Natives. The Maoris maintain that there are two kinds of blight that affect the potato, and that they know the cause of both, but do not know how to remedy the evil. The less severe of the two is caused, they say, by a moth, that although small, is very strong and active; this moth alights in millions at night on the potato-plants, laying eggs on the underside of the leaf • one warm day is

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sufficient to hatch and bring forth a very minute elongated insect of no greater dimension than a horse-hair, which feeds on the leaf, and as these insects feed they inject a poisonous substance which not only kills the plant, but descends through the stalk to the tuber, causing the potato to rot within a short time. The above, they say, they have proved—that is, they have seen at night with a lantern the moths in thousands alight on a flourishing crop of potatoes, turning the whole crop white, and on going in the morning they found the moths had gone, but that the underside of the leaves were covered with very minute eggs, and that after one hot day the leaves were covered with the insect described, and the plants began to sicken, and a week later were quite -dead. Upon digging up the potatoes they were found half rotten. Although the Natives say the moth pest is the lesser of the two evils, it appears to be quite sufficiently severe. The other and greater pest the Natives maintain originates from the soil, and is of fungus growth, invisible to the naked eye, and arrives at its full strength about the time the mushroom shows above ground. This pest, the Maoris say, attacks the tuber first, and by the time the owner notices there is anything wrong with his crop the potatoes are mostly rotten. In the case of this pest even the few that may possibly be taken from the ground in a seemingly sound state will rot after being housed. The moth pest makes its appearance first in the month of December, and the so-called fungus pest about the month of February. There is only one supposed case in this district of a crop of potatoes being affected by blight before the month of December, and that was at Te Araroa. It is doubtful whether it is an authentic case. The Maoris are now unanimously of opinion that those who are fortunately situated with respect to frost, enabling them to plant their seed in the month of August, need not have any fear of the blight. West Coast, Taranaki, &c, Clifton. —A general failure throughout the district, although at Mimi, Pukearuhe, and Mokau not quite so bad as at other places—probably due to early planting. In many cases there will be no s-eed available for sowing this year. On the high lands between the Mokau and Mokauiti Rivers some of the crops have almost entirely escaped; but with this exception most of the others are complete failures. No attempt at spraying has been made by the Maoris in this locality. In one place 2 acres of potatoes were planted and only two sacks of very small potatoes taken off. At Purangi and Tarata the blight has been very severe, and the Natives are anxiously looking for work. Taranaki. —A general failure of the potato-crop throughout the whole district. Eg/iiont. —Hokinga Rangi Kaitu reports that 1,054 acres of potatoes and 121 acres of maize have been destroyed by the blight this year, between Oeo and Stoney Rivers; and he trusts that the Government will find some work for the Natives to do during the coming winter. Hawera. —William Fox, Omahuru, states: The havoc caused by the potato-blight may be said to be absolute throughout the district, quite 200 acres altogether are destroyed. Some of the people are using carrots, and are laying in stores of karaka for a stand-by. As to the outlook for the coming winter through failure of the potato-crop, it is most likely the pinch will fall on large families and some of the elder people. Patea. —Ngarangi Katitia reports an almost total failure of the potato-crops in his district, with the exception of about half an acre at Pariroa, the seed of which was given to Tutange by the Government. They took thirty-nine sacks from this half acre. The maize and the kumaras are also affected, although he thinks the constant rain and wet weather has prevented the former from ripening. The leaves of the kumaras have dried up and the plants did not mature. This is the first time within the knowledge of the oldest Natives that any similar disease or blight has visited their crops. Stratford. —There is no report of any Native cultivations in this county. Wanganui, dec. In the Waitotara district the ravages of the blight were extremely severe, at Parinui 10 acres yielding only one sack per acre, and there are now none for either eating or seed. At Te Itamanui 3 acres were planted, the whole of which were destroyed by the blight. At Rangitautahi the potato-crop was not worth digging up. At Kauaeroa 20 acres yielded only a few bags of miserablyformed potatoes, and at Te Aomarama, notwithstanding several dressings of bluestone and soda, the crop was a complete failure. At Pipiriki 5 acres were planted-—a complete failure. At Tawhitinui there are none left for seed. At Karitia, no yield at all; whilst at Kai Iwi, where three years ago the potato-crops yielded about 200 tons, this year the best yield was about one sack to the acre. At Taurangaika there were altogether about 50 acres sown, but none taken out; and 8 acres at Waitotara were completely destroyed. At Perikama 4 acres were affected, and at Rakaukahu, though 4 acres were planted, none were taken out. In the Wanganui district the ravages of the blight are grievously severe, though in the eastern parts of the district the effects have not been so destructive. In Opaea most of the destruction was by frosts. About 40 acres on the Whangaehu River were an abject failure owing to the severity of the blight. In the Rangitikei district the state of affairs can best be stated by quoting from the report of Mr. Richmond Davies, who acted as sub-enumerator for the district. He says, "After being right through the district, I have found that the Maoris have great reason to grumble, for the blight has been very unmerciful.' All through Parewanui, Turakina, and Whangaehu, the Maoris are crying out for potatoes. The only varieties that escaped were Northern Star, Up to Date, and in very rare cases Peach-blossom. The two first-named are not potatoes that the Maoris plant on a large scale. At Moawhango the blight had a little mercy on the people; a few of the crops escaped.

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I inquired of them as to how the blight seized the potatoes, and I learnt that it settled on the potatoes after a heavy rain, and would discolour a crop of two or three acres in a few hours. Those that are not rotten when dug up rot in the pits. I believe that the Maoris will suffer for the want of their principal diet during this coming winter. Onions, corn, and pumpkins were in many eases destroyed by this phantom disease." In the Oroua district, my sub-enumerator, Mr. Hugh Fraser, states regarding the potato crops, .... but they will be very badly off this winter on account of losing the whole of their potato-crop, as 1 think I am quite safe in saying that they will not have a single potato to eat in a month's time. You will see by the returns that they had a large area given over to potatoes, and would have had ample for their own use, and a great many tons for sale, had the blight not affected them. As it is they have not a single acre but what is completely rotten through the blight." In the Manawatu district, though about 133 acres were planted, the yield was so poor that a potato can hardly be found anywhere. I make the folowing quotation from Mr. W. T. It. Cook's report: "Throughout the district the ravages of the potato-blight are manifest, and at some pas the whole crops have been ruined. In other instances, notably at Kai Iwi, the Natives are now using the very small potatoes, of which they have a very limited supply, the larger potatoes having succumbed to the blight. The corn and other crops of vegetables, marrows, &c, have also been destroyed by frosts, so that the outlook for the Natives during the coming winter is not at all promising I look upon the destruction of their staple food in this district as a very serious matter, and one in which the Government may reasonably be asked to provide some means of help. The Natives are now practically without their potato for eating, or for seed purposes next year. The prohibitive prices now ruling for this vegetable will make it impossible for the Natives to purchase, with the exception perhaps of a few of the more fortunate hapus. I was therefore asked by many to approach you for assistance by providing some potatoes before the winter is really upon them, or, failing that, seed-potatoes for next spring." With regard to the Horowhenua -district, it is sufficient to quote Mr. S. M. Baker, the subenumerator. He says, " Everywhere I have been, from one end of the district to the other, the potato-crop is a failure; in some instances I should say that about seventy-five per cent, represents the loss; but in no case has a district been immune from the ravages of the disease. The Natives are afraid (and to me the outlook is very discouraging) they will have difficulty in procuring seed for next season. Some of them expressed the hope that the Government would assist them in procuring seed for the coming season. I promised to mention this, in the hope that assistance might be granted in this direction." With respect to Waimarino, the report is much the same, Mr. R. G. M. Park, sub-enumerator, states as follows : " The whole of the Maori potato-crops in this district were destroyed by blight, and some of the Natives are absolutely without potatoes. Bread is at present the principal foodstuff of these people, but it will not be long ere their means in this direction will be exhausted. Then, how will these people subsist? You are aware that this article is the life of the Maori. Deprive them of it, and where are they? These circumstances are deplorable. . . . There are only two instances where potatoes escaped the blight, and these are on land owned by the McDonald brothers, of Karioi. All the rest of the Natives, as I have already inferred, are dreading the approach of starvation." And "so it is quite apparent that the ravages of the potato-blight have been most severe—in fact, as Mr. Richmond Davies says, "unmerciful." In the majority of cases a solution of soda and bluestone and other disease-killing mixtures were applied, but with no satisfactory results. It seemed impossible to discover what kind of potato best withstood the blight, but I am informed that the varieties suitable for early cropping were probably the least affected. The kumara is recommended in some parts of the Waitotara and Wanganui districts. I take the liberty of suggesting that something should be done to assist the Maoris, who have suffered most, with a supply of potatoes, both for eating and seed purposes. Hawkt't Bay. The blight has done great damage to the potato-crops—the only crop the Maoris were depending on for the winter supply. In several places the potato-supply is already exhausted, and the rest will follow suit in a very short time. Potatoes dug for seed have already rotted. Waipawa. The blight has destroyed the potatoes. Patangata. Most of the potatoes had been affected with the blight; fortunately they were able to save some. I found this to be the case in all the different settlements, and I also ascertained that whilst the white potatoes withstood the blight fairly well, the dark-skinned varieties succumbed to its ravages very rapidly. Wairoa South. The potato-blight is very seriously affecting the Maoris in this district. It has completely swept their crops out of existence from one end to the other. Wairarapa. The blight has made sad ravages in the potato-crops, especially amongst the late ones, and the Maoris will feel the loss severely before the next crop comes in. Seed-potatoes will also be scarce and costly for the next crop.

H—26a

The potato-crop in the Pahiatua district is a failure in nearly every instance. Under general conditions, where the grower should have had, say, a crop of 20 tons, the general average will be about 2 tons. The crops of the Natives here are absolutely ruined, and they will not get the seed back, as not one took the trouble to keep the crops clean. In the Masterton district the potatoes are very few, except at Te Whiti. Most of the crops are rotten with blight, especially the late ones. Hutt. In this county potatoes are not grown very largely by the Maori, arid what crops they had have all, with one or two exceptions, perished from the blight. One sub-enumerator says, " The small crops of potatoes grown by the Natives are completely destroyed by the blight, and are not worth the trouble of digging —as a matter of fact, they are only fossicking here and there under any likely-looking stalk." The Maoris, who are close observers, soon found out, the result of bitter experience, that the dark-skinned potatoes such as the Derwent, &c, were more liable to be attacked than the white- or red-skinned varieties; all agree that the Up to Date gave the best results, the next in order being the Early Rose, the Beauty of Hebron, and a white-skinned potato with a pinkish eye, the name of which they did not know, which however was not a good keeper. Other potatoes such as the _E1 Dorado, the Northern Star, the Federal, and the Princess Victoria, they have had no opportunity of testing. I have come to the conclusion, from the information that I have received, that it is almost hopeless to expect the Maori to spray effectively. Marlborough and Nelson. Takaka County. —The potato-blight has been experienced in this county for the last two seasons, but it has not been of a severe type. The Maoris use means to check its ravages, and have this season been rewarded by a payable crop. They had sold, and will sell, some tons of potatoes, in addition to keeping a supply for consumption and for seed. Waimea County. —The potato-blight has not made its appearance here. Potato-blight is almost unknown at Motueka, and none of the Native crops have been affected by it. Canterbury. There is not a very large quantity of potatoes cultivated in this Island by the Maoris, but 1 gather that the blight is very prevalent and destructive in many parts. My sub-enumerators report that traces are to be found in every county in which inquiries were made, and in some of them the crops have been utterly destroyed. Seed has been very dear, and many Maoris have expressed themselves as feeling hopeless over cultivating potatoes at all. There has so far been no sign of the blight on Stewart Island.

H.—26a

Summary of Maori Census for 1906.

Live-stock held. Iu Common Cultivation. —Acres. Maori Population. Age. Individual Cultivation.— Acres. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Half-castes living as members of Maori Tribes. Potatoes. Wheat. Maize, Maoris. Males. einalee. Total Sown Grasses. Other Crops. Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Potatoes. Wheat. M. F. M. F. Under 15. Over 15. | U fl 8^"" Under 15. Over 15. Unspecified. Mangonui .. Wnangaroa .. Hokianga Bay of Islands Hobson Otamatea Whangarei .. R' dney Waitemata .. Oivat Eariier Island.. Eden (including Waihekear dCimmberlain - Islands) Manukau Waikato Raglan Kawhia Awakino EaetTaupo .. VVest Taupo (Southern) , (Northern) Waitomo Waipa Piako Ohinemuri .. Thames Coromandel.. Tauranga and adjacent islands Whakatane .. Roiorua Opotiki Waiapu Cook Hawke's Bay Waipawa Pa angata .. Woodville Wairoa Akitio Castlepoint .. Featherston Waira apa South Pahiatua .. ., MaBterton .. ., Eketahuna .. Mauriceville Hum 1,031 388 1,447 1,322 442 195 507 74 93 22 167 957 334 1,215 1,113 350 183 368 58 89 19 109 24 13 66 79 48 14 43 11 8 41 57 42 15 42 2,053 743 2,769 2,571 882 407 960 132 189 41 282 456 176 701 619 204 100 214 27 38 12 55 629 223 807 782 285 109 319 47 01 10 118 "2 5 1 385 158 580 531 164 97 158 21 32 9 35 583 182 673 639 228 101 238 37 58 10 74 "2 3 66J 98| 160| 321 156 191 273J 90 224| 109} 534 1334 420J lllj 396} 151 81 45 1074 2 124 1,374 J 2194 3,921' 6,372 2,524 2,043 5,091 2,014 553 212 3,697 1,550 330 102 100 1,344 314 3,180 3.S81 1,307 346! 1,433) 147 132 58 1,453 748 2,231 2,287 978 134 769 46 32 65 24 37j 94 192J 24 "is 2,000 17 14 "6 6 1 11 11 5 24 312 150 200J l,530| I •• 6 ■• I 6 .. •• 335 412 725 310 57 427 432 134 516 173 289 352 382 373 1,018 288 392 707 284 54 387 400 116 429 155 280 276 320 277 803 28 15 28 14 14 34 32 27 19 23 7 6 41 22 678 838 1,483 615 131 889 886 250 1,075 344 576 675 774 695 2,040 151 166 275 132 25 172 190 54 247 61 106 108 131 128 417 212 261 478 192 46 289 274 80 345 120 189 267 295 270 683 132 154 302 113 24 17C 178 45 173 67 95 127 125 100 376 183 257 428 178 36 252 244 71 310 96 186 173 223 197 548 20 58} 113 320 60 239J 276 * 22£ 40} 3 10 6 27| 59J 1154 69J * 51 74| 494 100 6 149J 36J - 445 5054 8,651 1,435 ' 1,211 i 1,799 2,222 I 450 380 150 260i 287 j 2,583 : 2,234| 727 ; 1,2301 1,298 104 175 889 667 297 820 957 28 "a 1,400 35 4 1474 eio 15: • 76 8 6 23 44 25 86 54 8 1 24 28 20 73 3404 40 114 180 95J 91* 410 20 1224 94 174 123 81 35} 1,000 319 J 5 854 144 314 55} 574 2,761 ! 20 40 1,296 451 72 I 2,335 i 1,250 •• 1,732 250 387 2,988 220 1,129 1,027 680 923 1,767 22 9 884 129 827 1,805 124 19 118 504 34 1 61 4 5 3i 78i 56 27, 4 12 96 388' 1,180 608 627 1,233 965 729 261 77 6 1,135 9 3 170 60 25 135 9 3 143 1,086 574 623 1,132 704 604 180 51 5 884 7 5 154 55 22 106 11 5 119 36 35 38 143 54 75 16 5 30 43 31 103 36 97 11 7 2,332 1,260 1,319 2,611 1,759 1,505 468 140 11 2,266 43 9 365 119 251 20 8 290 490 231 276 551 333 274 79 17 726 410 389 824 686 523 198 65 6 811 14 3 124 45 14 83 5 1 117 2 463 224 287 483 243 2C7 73 14 1 365 9 2 66 26 8 33 3 3 39 653 390 367 749 497 433 118 44 4 628 14 4 99 29 15 79 8 2 89 3 497 187 217 501J 342J 318J 138 14} 2,029 27 1,856 488J 2264 33 24 142 51 247 657 433J 358| 287 13 86 ! 274 1,140 20,1534 6,7144 586 30 2,451 680 923 902 3,198 794 239 292 362 1,475 335 2,167 8,196 845 585 163 5 30 21 35 47 90 70 398 96, 139j 1 "7 3 1 8 42 60 3 1,303 73,438 15,385 8,914 6,150 5,000 137 11 110 16 1 12 '459 6 2 "l 759J 8 TO 440 4 309 11,40041 36,278 1,839 1,553 "5 I •• - 29 4 2 4 i 6 75 19 13 55 4 2 45 "l 1 7274 53J 13 4 27J 6 7 104 76 6,207 345 429 4,182 40 93 487| 1J848 1,120 751 2,930 400 13 145 95 83 34 23 44 4 40 1 75 is 17 '22 'J)* 4 1 136 19 "9 "3 1 1J800 168 2,070

H.—26a

Summary of Maori Census for 1906— continued.

Maori Population. [e. Individual Cultivation.— Acres. Live-stock held. In Common Cultivation. —Acres. Counties (inclusive of Interior Boroughs). Maoris. Half-castes living us Members ot Mauri Tr.bes. Total Persons. M. F. Males. Females. Potatoes. Wheat. Maize. Other Crops. Sown Grasses. Sheep. Cattle. Pigs. Potatoes.! : Wheat.! Other Crops. M. P. Under 15. Over 15. j U^ ci ' Ui,derl-/Overl5. | U^P rt eci - I Waitotara .. Kairanga Rangnikei .. Wanganiii .. H rowhenna Waimarino Orcma Pntea Si ratf >rd Taranaki CI f ton Emiont Waimea Co I ing wood.. Takaka Bnlier Westland Sounds Marl borough Kaikoura Ashley Akaroa Mount Herbert Geraldine Levels Waimate Waitaki Waiknuaiti Peninsula .. Waihemo Taieti Clutha Southland .. Wallace Stewart and adjacent islands Chatham Islands (Maori*) Chatham Islands (Mori oris) Maori wives 183 129 64 265 355 515 359 104 184 361 31 112 316 495 58 1 13 16 37 38 86 50 78 23 51 35 71 9 19 50 19 27 156 127 73 244 312 489 310 97 148 314 21 117 281 434 43 5 2 15 27 67 10 35 5 4 2 14 21 48 1 24 6 348 260 166 557 782 1,015 728 212 332 699 52 295 704 1,008 113 7 30 36 94 80 158 109 198 83 141 106 151 25 54 115 140 144 13 68 22 93 276 100 76 47 36 105 139 204 144 39 59 123 2 49 126 136 28 2 3 7 25 14 40 29 50 17 26 21 53 7 6 28 17 32 7 2 4 22 50 20 112 84 43 187 283 321 250 70 125 254 4 106 236 405 39 4 14 15 31 30 50 30 81 21 40 34 •28 12 20 30 34 33 3 34 6 23 98 39 52 55 43 107 134 209 118 40 51 114 3 54 135 114 19 1 7 4 18 14 29 22 42 19 33 21 31 3 13 27 25 35 2 3 6 15 43 11 108 74 44 158 226 281 216 63 97 208 3 86 207 353 27 168J 113 123* 329J 263 266J 102 131 122 21 8 379 149J 61 19 102J 62J 25 2 32 132 449J 20 92 1874 217 i 86 278 836 2,454 3,257 4,119 ! 13,387 j 7,116 4,361 3.00U 3,237 664 1,100 540 8,465 9,054 10,387 1O,6U8 2,113 1,270 311 211 154 1,974 1,551 1,950 1,363 242 987 4101 700 71 123 930 1,298 711 1,573 304 390 86 116 20 32 2 9 9 40 < 72 2,364 5 1884 2 61 473 ! '22 I 49 * "8 ■ ■ 'as 15 ■■ I 43 46 46 9 5 4 6 19 6 4 9 53 16 15 20 10 10 7 8 41 38 10 28 3 43 52 35 23 61 33 3 1 2 2 8 4 6 8 36 19 15 23 13 2 7 7 53 56 2 17 6 48 47 29 68 105 864 16 52 56 49 85 443 142 465 115 52 1,650 3,983 178 2,842 - 250 4,800 279 1,302 3,49o 189 123 612 1,013 24 13 44 4 10 J -25 ' 182 "I - "d 30i 32 62 42 31 25 60 28 57 4 2l| 50! 27' 23; 1 15 6 6 10 20 22 39 28 25 25 42 30 39 3 15 30 47 44 1 29 6 33 85 29 6 - ! -i. •■I "23 - i 5 32 2 13 6 4 5 31 99 10 1 6 I 403 165 21 10 70 750 ; 1,775 396 231 156 177 133 9 500 4,646 1,620 1 3 170 43 11 101 44 133 148 201 63 76 90 6 6 71 96 460 688 5 93 14 8 173 38 9 43 35 13 23 6 - - - - - .. ■■ I .. I 84 445 2 9 5 17 7 41 "l 24 .. 278 i 311 j 940 i 1,398 8 287 17 3 1,163 174 .. 18 6 48 94 - •• 9 20 85 92 1 370 - 8 - - - "2 2 ia 18 ■>. "'2 8 7 2 96 25 i 81 11 is 8 .. 85 - 950 1,358 279 93 - 25 5 •• '2 "l i 58 47 31 36 172 48 41 35 48 36 250 10,090 208 220 6 3 12 9 30 4 14 3 9 11 I 3,090 56 J 211 - 211 211 •• 8,69of 8.851J 252,404 54,960 42,473 1,641$ I 76* I 123,367 20,406 2,151 47,731 9,741 15,719 78 8,676 13,454 63 '10,0751 1,457}I ,810, 1,787

H.—26a

Comparative Return of Maori Census, 1896, 1901, and 1906.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer. Wellington.— 1906

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £21 9s.

Price Is,]

5—H. 26a

Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Total Persons, 3896. a I •a 2 D O CO Total Persons, ,x 1901. S a in o Its CO a o 1 Total Total ! • I Increase,* ; Persons. » 1896-1901. 1906. *8 ! SO Total ncrease,* 1901-1906. 3 h 13 a o •6 H a o co 1 North Island Middle Island Stewart Island Chatham Islands — 37,102 2,207 117 179 7,09713,226! 20 4731 6931 .. 27J 32 .. 39 551 .. 4 71 .. 6,117il0,636 416 625 28 30 4 40,707 !7,99S 1,916 396J • I 112 29 - 13,909 16 628 1 37 .. 17,18711,584 353 538 20 26 13 3,605 44,362 -291 ' 2,256 -5 ! 100 9,179] 490J 20i 14*,915 67 8,195 12,551 55 \ 4,255 710 10 432 606 8 340 39 1 11 29 .. -12 41 .. 85 48 .. -9 14 .. 3 9 .. -1 ■ Maoris 45! 2 40 7 181 J 42 I45 45 6 10 2 172 48 Morioris 20 31 I 6 196 j 43,143 8,471 11 30 4 Maori wives living with European husbands 229 229 " i „ .. : 196j -33 211 211 .. 15 Totals 7,64014,013 20 6,60811,569 4 , j 14,6321 17 7,61112,399 13 i9,741 15,719 78 8,67613,454 63 4,588 39,854 3,289 47,731 ' * The minus (—) indicates decrease. Note. —The above figures are subject to revision.

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