G.—2.

4

infancy inured to the weather; and their bodies being covered with "red ochre" and oil, prevented them from feeling the changes in the weather as they seem now to do. Since taking to wear blankets and other warm clothing, they appear to have become more susceptible of cold; no doubt on account of the irregular way they clothe themselves, sometimes having sufficient, and at others having scarcely any. Most, and I think nearly all who live near European settlements, when they have funds sufficient after paying for drink and food, buy clothing ; at other times, when without sufficient to pa)' for the three necessary items, buy food and drink and neglect the clothing: they consequently are bound to suffer under such a state of things. This refers principally to Natives living near settlements where they can procure liquor. There are some Natives, leading men in this district, who never drink, and do all they can to prevent their people doing so —viz., Major Te Wheoro and Wini P. Kukutai, both Native Assessors. Such men do great good in preventing their people from cultivating habits of drunkenness. I have kuown them both, when their people have had cases in Court, to exert themselves and show anxiety to prevent them from taking too much liquor. I may say that I have been astonished to find that Natives when in liquor have not more frequently created breaches of the peace; they have a dread of the Court, and when summoned generally come or leave the district for good. During the last twelve months they have applied to the Court in cases of disputes among themselves, such as assaults and debt cases, and are now much more inclined to leave the settlement of their grievances to the Eesident Magistrate, than have them settled in their old way amongst themselves. "Whooping-cough and measles have caused many deaths amongst the Native children, many of whom would not have died if proper care had been taken, although they seem to be much more anxious about their children living than their fathers and mothers. If Assessors and policeman receiving pay from Government were obliged to attend Courts when held near their settlements, it would get them into a more regular and methodical way of doing things. "When hearing a Native case, it is better to have an Assessor to sit with you, even if ho brings no intelligence to bear on the case. The parties to the suit are themselves more satisfied, and, as the country opens up, Native cases will be of frequent occurrence. Assessors, when their own people are not interested, act very fairly, are good rcasoners, and some are remarkably clear and shrewd. The Natives in this district are anxious to be allowed to purchase powder, &c, for sporting purposes, and my impression is that a small quantity supplied to reliable Natives does good. They have on their lands birds to shoot, and it irritates them to think that they are not allowed to purchase ammunition to do so. They have this year been allowed the privilege more than formerly, and I feel sure that in this district it will cause a more contented feeling amongst the Natives. My real knowledge of the Native race is at present small, and I hope when the next census is taken to be able to furnish a more useful and reliable report. I have, &c, Thomas- Jacksox, E.M., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Papakura and "Waiuku District.

No. 9. Major Maie, Alexandra, to the Under Seceetaet, Native Department. Sib,— Alexandra, 7th May, 1878. I have the honor to forward an estimate of the Maori population of the Upper Waikato, or King country, not including the Ngatihikairo tribe, who, though partly resident in this district, belong strictly to Kawhia, and will be shown in the Eaglan returns; nor the bulk of Ngatihaua living at Moungakawa and Matamata, who will be included by Mr. Marshall in his return. As in 187 i, I have only been able to estimate the number; indeed I am satisfied that any attempt to procure accurate information would at the present time be viewed with great suspicion by the King Natives, and might possibly have a bad effect upon the negotiations now pending. I believe that the Maori population of this district is not increasing, but at the same time I fancy that the percentage of decrease is not large. Measles found a good many victims in 1875-76, and ■whooping-cough has carried off a few children during the past six months, but no other epidemics have been known, and I should say that the general health is perhaps above the average of Maori districts. I think that the non-increase of the Maori as a race may be readily traced to the prevalence of lung diseases, induced by sleeping in crowded houses; to the great infant mortality through neglect and superstition ; and, lastly, to the increasing sterility of the females. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, AVellington. W. Gr. Mair.

No. 10. Mr. E. S. Bush, Eaglan, to the Undeb Seceetaey, Native Department. Neaely the whole of the tribes on this occasion are taken by name. The Mokau and Marokopa people are the only ones not up to exact numbers, there being several omissions from my list, especially iD the case of Mokau, the population of which I should say, after careful inquiry, must be about 40 all told. It will be observed the return only shows 27, these taken by name. In the case of Marokopa there are not more than five omissions. The rest of the tribes I know personally ; their numbers are compiled from a roll made by myself, from which I do not think there are many omissions. "When the last census was taken no European was allowed to visit Kawhia, hence the estimate of many of the tribes much exceeded their actual numbers, particularly in the case of Ngatiinaniapoto, who were returned as 1,290 strong; whereas there are really only 17(3, plus about 20 for omissions at