8

G.—2.

ancient chiefs, is a lamentable fact, that can only bo understood by those who have resided amongst them a sufficient time to become cognisant of this reality. I have, &c, James S. Clendon, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 6. Thomas Jackson, Esq., R.M., to the Undek-Secretaky, Native Department. Sir,— Razor Back, April 21st, 1885. I have the honor, in compliance with instructions in your Circular No. 3, of the 25th March, to forward my annual report on the state of the Native population in the Resident Magistrate's District of Papakura. During the past twelve months the Natives have behaved in a quiet and orderly manner, and have made no complaints to me of any kind. Drunkenness, judging from the number of cases coming before the Courts, is on the decrease, only two Natives having been convicted of that offence. The Natives on the West Coast from Waikato to Manukau Heads have decreased in numbers very much during the last ten years, principally from change of residence, many having located themselves permanently in the King country. As a rule, they do not cultivate their lands and store no food for the winter; nearly all employ themselves in digging gum at Awhitu, the sale of which provides them with, the bare necessaries of life. With few exceptions, these Natives have disposed of all their lands which were not inalienable. They were advised not to do so, but when short of food, etc., the temptation to sell and supply their pressing wants was too great for them. The Natives at Kohunga and Taupiri settlements, on the banks of the Waikato River, about ten miles from Port Waikato, stay, as a rule, on their lands, and cultivate sufficient for their own requirements, but have no surplus for sale. They own a large block of land on the south bank of the Waikato River. The Natives located by Government on the Onewhero Block, situated on the south bank of the Waikato River, immediately opposite the Tuakau landing, have not paid much attention to the cultivation of the lands allotted to them as returned rebels. They employ themselves; when necessity compels to provide food, in cutting flax, which they sell to the flax-dressers at Tuakau. They do not grow sufficient food for their own use, not even potatoes, and, from what I can learn, are given to drink. They are constantly on the move from one place to another, and are at present all away in the King country. The Natives at Mercer, on both banks of the river, are decreasing. During the past twelve months there have been many deaths from disease; also at a Native settlement at Mataitai, near Wairoa South, the Natives have been attacked by a disease new to them. By instructions from the Hon. the Native Minister, Doctor Dalziel, of Pukekohe, visited both settlements. He reported that the Mercer Natives, several of whom had died previous to his visit, on the Bth of November, 1884, were suffering from gastric fever and diseases of the chest, and that the Natives at Mataitai, near Wairoa South, were suffering from a disease which the white residents in the neighbourhood believed to be small or chicken-pox. After a rigid examination, he found in the symptoms of the disease many points of close resemblance to those of small-pox, but, other characteristic symptoms of smallpox being absent, he reported them to be all cases of exthyma, an inflammatory disease of the skin. Two of the cases were of a particularly severe character at Mataitai. The doctor found only one Native properly vaccinated, and the greater part of the remainder had not been vaccinated at all. Fearing the small-pox, they were anxious to be vaccinated, and on the doctor's next visit to them he vaccinated thirty-seven. Many still refuse to be vaccinated, wishing to see the result in those already vaccinated. The Natives in the above settlements of Mercer and Mataitai are very poor, and frequently leave their settlements for a long time for the purpose of digging gum on the Papakura Flats. The physical condition of those Natives who adhere to their old mode of living is, if not generally very good, much better than amongst the Natives who live near white settlements. The latter fall into the vices of the Europeans, but neglect to imitate them in taking means to preserve their health. A circular has been forwarded to all the chiefs and principal Natives in the Papakura Resident Magistrate's District, containing advice which, if followed, will promote a better state of health amongst them. The Natives in all parts of the district are rapidly decreasing in numbers, and their physical condition is very much inferior to that of the last generation. I refer more particularly to Natives who reside near European settlements. Politically, the Natives seem to be well affected towards the New Zealand Government. There are no Native schools in the district, and I do not know of any Native children attending the common schools. If some plan could be devised to educate the children, it would, without doubt, prove very beneficial to the Maoris of the next generation. Excepting the cases above alluded to, the general health of the district has been very good, and the Natives have not suffered from any infectious disease. I have, &c, Thomas Jackson, Resident Magistrate, Papakura District. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.