G.—2

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No. 14. Dr. Oemoxd, R.M., Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, to the Undee Seceetaby, Native Department. Sic,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, sth July, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith a return of all the Natives in the County of Wairoa. I may add that I could not obtain the slightest assistance from either the up-river chiefs, or those living at the Mahia end of the county ; I have, therefore, had to rely in a great measure on information furnished by the Assessors. 1 have, &c, Feedk. I\ Osmond, The Under Secretary, Native Office, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 15. Mr. S. Locke, E.M., Napier, to the Undee Seceetaet, Native Department. Sic,— Napier, 31st May, 1878. I have the honor to forward herewith the Maori census rolls for this portion of my district, including Taupo. Dr. Ormond will supply the return for Wairoa, and Captain Porter for Cook County. I would remark that determined opposition was shown in this neighbourhood, while collecting these returns, to render any information on the subject. With reference to the circular of September 25th last, and circular No. 12, of May 28th, on the subjects of keeping tribal register, and register of births and deaths and marriages, I would beg to suggest that a printed circular be forwarded to the Natives informing them that such arrangements have been made, and that it would be to their interest to assist in carrying them out; also informing them of the advisability of registering their marriages according to law; and, further, that districts for carrying out these matters be carefully defined. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. 8. Locke.

No. 16. Captain Pobtee, Gisborne, to the Undeb Secbetaet, Native Department. Sic,— Native Office, Gisborne, 30th May, 1878. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular of the 17th January, 1878,1 have now the honor to furnish a census of the Maori population within the East Coast District, comprising Cook County, the boundaries of which are nearly identical with Native tribal boundaries. In compiling the census, I have taken every precaution to render it reliable, in which I have been greatly assisted by Mr. J. T. Large, Native Assessors, and chiefs of hapus. I feel assured this is the most authentic return possible to be made, as I have had the name of each member of each sub-tribe distinctly written and also entered in the tribal register. The census shows a total of 4,4GG, which, compared with the return taken by mo in December, 1874, the total of which was 5,750, shows a decrease in four years of 1,254. Ido not, however, attribute this difference to death-rate alone, but to an error in compilation of the first return, wherein a number of reduplications of names occurred in the different hapus. The death-rate among children has been heavy, and. shows a decrease. Taking into consideration that no really authentic census has previously been made, I should not be justified in stating whether the race is increasing or decreasing ; but this comparison can be better made in a few years by carefully keeping the register posted up, to do which it will be necessary to use the Native Assessors to make quarterly returns of births and deaths in their several districts, for which purpose they should be furnished with small books of register. The established system of registration, as used among Europeans, would be exceedingly difficult and expensive to institute among Natives, and some simple system in accord with their own customs should be provided to enable the proper registration of births and deaths. The general health of the Native's is good; the principal causes of death being from bronchial affections, consumption, and natural decay. I have, &c, T. W. POETEE, The Under Secretary, Native Office, Captain and Adjutant Commanding East Wellington. Coast District.

No. 17. Mr. W. Butlee to the Undee Seceetaet, Native Department. Sic,— Greytown, Wairarapa, 24th July, 1878. I have the honor to forward a return of the Maori population of this district, in accordance with instructions contained in your circular letter. I may add that this return was compiled from information carefully collected, and may be accepted as being as nearly correct as it is possible to estimate a Maori population. I found on visiting the several settlements that the Maoris generally were in good health, prosperous, and contented. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department Wellington. William Butlee.