G.-2.

1878. NEW ZEALAND.

CENSUS OF THE MAORI POPULATION, 1878 (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Laid on the Table hj the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, with the leave of the House.

No. 1. Cibcexah to Officees in Native Districts. Sie,— Native Office, Wellington, 17th January, 1878. I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to take a census of the Maori and lialf-caste population of your district on or about the 1st March nest, furnishing the returns to this office as soon after as possible, in any case not later than the 31st May. You will be good enough to place yourself in communication with officers in districts adjoining your own, in order to prevent the possibility of any Natives being either omitted from the census or returned more than once ; and the Hon. the Native Minister trusts that you will use your best endeavours to obtain a correct return, or, if that cannot be done, as close an approximation as possible. It is desirable that the general name of the tribe, the name of the hapu, and the place of residence should be given. The males and females over and under 15 should be shown in different columns, and the totals made up for the district. A form of return is annexed. Tou will please also furnish a report showing the rate of increase or decrease since the last census was taken, noting any prevailing disease or epidemic, and any other information bearing upon the statistics of the Maori population of your district, which may be of interest. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, (for the Under Secretary.)

No. 2. Mr. G. Kelly, Mongonui, to the TJndee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, 9th May, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith the Native Census taken during the past quarter, which shows a falling oft' in the population of this district since May, 1874 (when the last census was taken), of 328 souls. This decrease is attributable to the ravages of typhoid fever of a very fatal character, which visited the northern parts of the district during the end of 1874 and the early part of 1875. Natives entirely without medical aid soon succumb to epidemics, even of a far milder nature than typhoid fever. The fever was followed by measles, which also added considerably to the mortality amongst them. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Geo. Kelly, AVellington. (in the absence of Mr. White.) I—G. 2.

']*■ trie Name of Tribe. Name of Hapu. Residence. :Mules over 15 Years of A ge. Females over 15 Y'ears of Age. Males under 15 Years of Ago. Females under 15 Years of Age.. Total.