5

G.—2.

Marokopa and Mokau, residing in the Kawhia District. The difference in the number of Ngatipuhiawe arises from a portion of that tribe now residing on the Wai pa, near Alexandra, who are now returned under the head of Ngatihikario, their general name. In the case of Tainui they are shown separately— viz., those at Aotea, and those residing here; on the last occasion they were returned together. Eegarding half-castes, who are included in the above numbers, I may say the Ngatihikario possess seven—four males and throe females ; the Patupo, seven females; the Ngatihaua, one female. This tribe also have a European lad who has lived with them since his infancy. He cannot speak English, and is about fourteen years old. The South Kawhia, Waikato, and Ngatimaniapoto possess fifteen males and eighteen females. There is also one Albino native woman at To Takaroa, who comes from Taranaki. This return includes no Natives on the northern shores of the Whaingaroa Harbour, except the few Tainui who sometimes resides there. The Ngatitahinga tribe, who live along the coast to Port Waikato, will be returned by Mr. Marshall. Out of the total number 1,321,1 calculate 820 as Kingites and 501 as " friendlies." There is not the slightest doubt that the Maori is slowly decreasing in numbers ; the average in this district for the last five years has been about ten deaths to eight births, and this without ny extraordinary epidemic. Eesident Magistrate's Office, Englan, 22nd May, 1878. R. S. Bush.

No. 11. Mr. E. W. Pitckey, Native Agent, Thames, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Thames, 27th June, 1878. I have the honor to enclose herewith census of the Native population of Hauraki District. I have taken great care to obtain the most accurate and reliable information. I have, &c, Tiie Under Secretary, Native Department, E. W. Puckey, Wellington. Native Agent.

No. 12. Mr. H. W. Brabant, R.M., Tauranga, to the Undee Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Native Office, Tauranga, Bth May, 1878. In response to your circular of 17th January last, I have the honor to forward herewith the Native census of the Tauranga and Maketu Districts, which I have had prepared with the greatest care. You will observe a considerable decrease since last census. The total of Tauranga District being 1,056, instead of 1,245 ; and Makotu 2,219, instead of 2,955. I have to observe, however, with regard to the Maketu figures, that in the census of 1874 about 400 Natives were included who more properly belonged to the Opotiki District, as being resident within the gazetted boundary. I have on this occasion endeavoured to adhere strictly to the proper boundary of the district (see Neio Zealand Gazette of 21st December, 1807, No. 69), and I have sent a copy of this return to Captain Preece, in order that no mistake may be made. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Under Secretary, Herbert W. Brabant, Native Department, Wellington. Native Officer.

No. 13. Captain Preece, R.M., Opotiki, to the Undee Secretaey, Native Department. Sin,— Resident Magistrate's Office, Opotiki, 10th April, 1878. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular of the 17th of January last, I have the honor to forward herewith a census return of the Natives in the Opotiki District. The number of Natives from Cape Runaway to Howai,as shown by Mr. Brabant's return of 1874, was 95 males under fifteen years of age, 220 males over fifteen years of age, 75 females under fifteen years of age, and 201 females over fifteen years. My return shows an increase of 12 males under fifteen years, a decrease of 8 adult males, a decrease of L female under fifteen years and 18 adult females, leaving a decrease of 15 on the total of last return. The Ngaitai show a decrease of 12 adult males and 21 adult females, and an increase of 11 male and 2 female children, leaving a total decrease of 20. This tribe suffered severely from typhoid fever in May of 187(3. The Whakatohea tribe, including the Upokorehe residing tit Ohiwa, shows an increase of 3 males under fifteen years, and a decrease of 23 adult males, 10 adult females, and 2 female children, leaving a total decrease of 35 : this tribe also suffered from typhoid fever in 1876. At Whakatane I find an increase of -10 ; but I think this is to be accounted for by the fact that a number of the Natives were away at the Thames when the last census was taken. I also make the Urewera 94 in excess of the last return. I account for this by one hapu having been omitted from the said return. Although there have been a number of deaths during the last four years, I do not think there is any actual -decrease in numbers ; the births having outnumbered the deaths. I enclose a return showing the difference between the last return and the one now furnished. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, George D. Preece, "Wellington. Resident Magistrate.