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themselves in the direction of sending out missionaries among the Maoris of New Zealand, and already there are indications that their labour has not been in vain. I venture to express a hope that the various religious bodies in the colony will give the Maori religious question their very earnest attention. I refer to this matter in this report as lam decidedly of opinion that a religious and moral improvement in the Maoris will have a beneficial effect on their social habits and condition, and tend much to prolong the existence of the race. I have, &c, KOBEET "WaKD, T. W Lewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Resident Magistrate. Native Department, "Wellington.

No. 16. Mr. A. Mackat, Native Commissioner, Nelson, to the Ujstdee-Secketakt, Native Department. Sib,— Government Buildings, Nelson, 30th April, 1881. I have the honor to forward herewith the result of the census taken of the Maori population in the South and Stewart Island for the past triennial period. The total population residing at the various settlements is 2,061, and consists of 1,121 males and 940 females. The return for 1878 showed a total population of 2,160. The present census shows an apparent decrease of 99, but these figures do not fully represent the deficiency, the actual difference being 147, the population having been augmented by the return of 115 Natives from the Upper "Waitaki, not included in the census of 1878. The decrease is attributable to three causes : 1. The excess of deaths over births ; 2. The removal of a large number of Natives to the North Island ; 3. The exclusion in the present census of halfcastes residing amongst the European population. The number of births since 1878 amount to 175 and the deaths to 253. The only epidemic that prevailed was a type of low fever that occurred at Little River in 1879, and caused 23 deaths. The remainder of the deaths have been caused mostly by pulmonary complaints and other diseases, a few by accident, and some through old age. The largest proportion of deaths have taken place in the Canterbury District, the number being 118 out of a population of 534 since 1878, while the births only amount to 58. The present enumeration shows an increase of 67, but that is attributable to the return of a number of Natives from the Upper Waitaki. In Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland, the deaths amount to 71 and the births to 43 ; and in the Southern Districts the births were 74 and the deaths 64. This is the only district in which a healthy condition is exhibited. Another noticeable and interesting feature in the present census is the equality of the sexes amongst the non-adult population, but the same disparity still exists amongst the adults, and is more noticeable in some settlements than others. This condition of affairs affects the increase of the people to a greater degree than may be supposed, as the young men are prevented by olden customs from obtaining wives from families in other places who are unrelated to them or unconnected by tribal ties, and their habits and mode of life preclude the possibility of intermarrying with Europeans. I have, &c, Alexandee Maceat, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, "Wellington. Native Commissioner.

Ko. 17 Mr. S. DEiGnTON, 3J,M., Chatham Islands, to the TTndeb-Secketaey, Native Department. Sir,— Waitangi, Chatham Islands, 10th May, 1381. In accordance with instructions contained in your communication of 9th February (received here on 19th April), I have the honor to forward the enclosed census of the Native population of the Chatham Islands, including Morions and half-castes. There is a slight increase in the Maori population since last census, and 15 deaths from different causes, viz., two men, four women, six Morions, and one Kanaka. The general stale of health is, on the whole, very good, the only complaint of any importance being influenza. The Natives here are all in very good circumstances, having good substantial European houses, and instead of, as formerly, living all together in the pa, they each have their separate dwellings in different parts of the Island, and seldom assemble together at Waitangi except at shearing time. They have a large shearing-shed at that place, which is also used by the Europeans for storing wool and goods. I cannot say for certain what amount of sheep the Maoris own, but I should say at a rough estimate, about 10,000 or 12,000, that amount being divided among about ten owners. They have also a good many horses and a few working bullocks and other cattle. Notwithstanding the Maoris here, with exception of three, are followers of Te Whiti, they are upon the most friendly terms with the Europeans, and I am happy to say have almost entirely given up drinking, which vice used formerly to be very prevalent on the Island. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Office, "Wellington. S. Deighton, E.M.

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