G.-3

4

The returns have been prepared with as great accuracy as the scattered and semi-nomadic character of the Maori people, and the limited assistance at my disposal, would admit. The census of the Ngaiterangi Tribe may be taken as correct; that of the other tribes approximately so. The Ngaiterangi census shows a total of 930 against 973 in 1878, or a decrease of 7 On the other hand, there is an improvement shown in the percentage of young people to the whole population, which is 264 per cent, as against 224 per cent, in 1878. It may be observed that the percentage of the persons under 15 to the whole European population is nearly 43 per cent. The number of old people amongst this tribe is remarkable, those apparently over 00 numbering 108, or about 112 per cent.; the percentage amongst the European population of persons over 60 to whole number being only 242. The return for the Arawa Tribe (Maketu and Lakes), shows a total of 2,135 persons as against 2,219 in 1878 ? or a decrease of 84 ; but I believe that about 40 of the Natives at present shown as residing at Motiti, were, in 1878, on the mainland about Maketu, which would make the real decrease about 40. There is a remarkable difference between the number of male and female children in the Rotorua District, the former numbering 291, and the latter 193. When I noticed this. I referred the papers back to Mr. Hall, Clerk to the Bench,. Ohinemutu, who enumerated these people. He states, however, that the return has been carefully prepared, and that he is confident of its correctness. I have nothing particular to remark as to the state of health of the Maori population during the last three years. The only epidemic which came under my observation was the whooping-cough, which was prevalent for a time at Rotorua in 1879. I have asked Dr. Arro.itage to furnish a report on the subject, which I take leave to enclose. I have, &c , T. W Lewis, Esq., Under Secretary, Herbert W Brabant, Native Department, "Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

Enclosure in No. 6. Dr. Aemitage to Mr. H. W. Brabant, R.M. S,b,— Tauranga, 18th May, 1881. I have the honor to inform you that the health of the Natives in this district, so far as my own observation has extended, has been on the whole good. On referring to my notes, I find recorded a few cases of whooping-cough in April, 1879 ; but it did not become epidemic in this neighbourhood, or I must have known of it. I heard, however, that it prevailed severely at Rotorua. More trifling cases are brought to me than formerly, but Ido not regard that as of much moment; it rather indicates, I think, the increased facilities for travelling. The influence of syphilis in the affections of infants I find more extensive than formerly, though primary syphilis does not spread so severely as I had sometimes anticipated it would, for it is very rarely the Natives can be kept under treatment until a complete cure is effected, in consequence of which, of course, the offspring is frequently tainted. I have, &c, H. W. Brabant, Esq., R.M., Tauranga. F W Aemitage, M.E.C.S.

No. 7 Mr. R. S. Btish, R.M., Opotiki, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Memorandum on Census Return. It will lie observed that there is an increase of 856 since the return of 1878, which is accounted for by an omission of 720 Urewera. In 1878 their total was put down as 745, but I find upon a careful compilation of their numbers by name that they total up 1,471. This number does not include those members of the tribe living at Waikaremoana, Runanga, and Te Putere. The Waikaremoana and Te Putere people should appear in Captain Preece's return, as arranged ; and the Runanga people in that of Major Scannell, in the Taupo District. The difference between the 856 and the 720 is accounted for in this way :in 1878 the Galatea and Ahikereru people were shown in one total; in this return they are separately designated under their different tribal names. The total of the other tribes in this district is 2,019, being a decrease of 21 since 1678. The total, however, in the two districts allotted to me is 3,631, as against that of 1878—viz., 2,775. It will be observed, on reference to the return, that the Urewera are the only tribe where the children are as numerous as the adults; in most of the other tribes the adults exceed the children. So far as my experience goes, the same is the lamentable fact amongst tribes in other parts of the island. The Urewera appear to be the exception, and, for the want of a better reason, I can only attribute it to their keeping more aloof from civilization and its temptations than most other tribes. This probably may not be so much from choice as from compulsion, through the difficulties of perambulation in their country, and to and from it. Many of these people are never seen in our settlements, consequently they are not exposed to the same temptations for wasting their substances as those that are more frequent visitors to our townships, many of whom are addicted to strong drink, which necessarily brings with it neglect of their offspring, and also injures their own constitutions. Generally, the fruits of their industry, which should be devoted to procuring clothing for themselves and children, are wasted in finding food and drink for large meetings, few of which ever result in any benefit to themselves or others. I cannot but think that these meetings are one of the main causes of the decrease of the Native race, as the majority of those who attend have to put up with sleeping in the open air, or in erections which are not much better when compared, to their warm whare-punis. There has been no epidemic amongst these Natives this year. The Ngatiawa seem to have suffered most within the last six months by deaths, no less than seven of their number having died during that time. The principal chief who died here since the last census was Apanui—a great man in bis day; one of those old warriors, of whom very few are now left. There