21

G.—2

Chest diseases are as usual yery rife amongst them, and this, with the paucity of births, must necessarily be reducing the race rapidly in numbers. Having lately had occasion to go through the lists of names inserted by Sir W. Fox in some of the grants he recommended for lands on this coast, I was quite startled to find the number who had died since the lists were prepared (the earliest I dealt with being compiled not more than three years ago), and as comparatively no children take their place, only one conclusion can be arrived at, viz., that the race is dying out; in fact, the Natives realise it fully, as they often say, " We wish to sell our land to enjoy the proceeds ourselves, having no children to leave it to." This inclination was, no doubt, in Sir W. Fox's mind, when he recommended restrictions should be placed in nearly all the grants issued under his commission, as, on occasions such as the meeting before described, the Natives would, if they could, sell all their land to procure means of making a great showbefore their visitors. With regard to industrial pursuits (with the exception of the Waihi Natives, who cultivate wheat), I may say they have none, as the crops required for their sustenance being in, they do nothing more, unless some urgent motive, such as before mentioned, strikes them with sudden energy, and they will save grass seed, work for Europeans, catch fish for sale, or do any seasonable work to gather a little money for some temporary purpose, which being achieved, they return to their former apathy, or, rather, indifferent mode of living. I do not wonder at this apathy, as they see a powerful, industrious race rapidly taking their place, and with whom they are quite powerless to cope ; and even if they were able it is not worth their while, as they have not the -incentive Europeans have, i.e., to leave a heritage to their children, as it might almost be said that, as a race, they have none. They pay no regard to the education of the comparatively few children they have, as, with one or two exceptions, they do not take advantage of the free schooling now supplied by the State, probably from the reason that they see no reasonable hope of their offspring, where there are any, attaining an average long life; nor, on the other hand, do I think it very desirable that the Native children should crowd into the common schools, as, from the small regard the Natives have for cleanliness, and their liability to contagious skin and other diseases, they would speedily depopulate an ordinary European school, unless the Native parents exercised greater care with their children than they are usually in the habit of doing. With regard to the Natives politically, a large proportion on this coast are, as might naturally be expected, passively opposed to what they consider European encroachments, but they feel they are quite powerless against that powerful organisation which they but dimly understand, and which they are in the habit of vaguely terming Kawanatanga (Government), but to which they turn in trouble for help and protection. They acknowledge, however, the justness of some of our laws, especially that of succession, though they frequently find them costly and cumbersome. I cannot close this report without stating that I believe Te Whiti's influence to be as great over the Native mind as ever; but at present it is directed into a new channel, he being possibly compelled to find them some means to fill up their spare time to prevent idleness leading them into something worse. Natives in other districts may make light of To Whiti and his doings, but none of them ever come within reach of his influence, but are soon, more or less, his admirers and supporters. His eloquent (to a Native mind) figurative speech and earnest manner doubtless have a great deal to do with it, but be the reason what it may, his influence is not diminished along this coast. W. Rennell.

No. 16. S. Deighton, Esq., R.M., Chatham Islands, to the Hon. The Native Minister. Sir, — Chatham Islands, June 13, 1885. In answer to your communication of the 25th March, I have the honor to forward my report of the state of the Native population of this district. lam sorry I was not able to send it by the time named by you in your letter, but this is the first opportunity of doing so, since receipt thereof. There is not much change in the Natives since my last report, the only difference being, that they are more rabid Te Whiti-ites than formerly, so much so, that some of them arc really almost mad on the subject. They are very restless and unsettled, and are constantly sending up small deputations with presents to Te Whiti—preserved eels, albatrosses, and money—and, I am given to understand, that during the last twelve months nearly £500 has been sent to him by the Natives of this district,' a very large sum considering the small population. I can never find out what transpires after the return of deputies, as they keep everything to themselves, and are very jealous of the interference of the Europeans in all matters concerning Te Whiti. The Morioris, who for a long time held out, have now joined the Maoris, with the exception of two or three. All the Maoris on the island excepting Naera Pomare, a half-caste Chief, and about four others are Te Whiti-ites. They are all looking out very anxiously for the return of the Omaha from New Zealand, fully expecting news of great importance on her return. I see no difference in their behaviour to the Europeans, being quite as civil and friendly as ever, and quietly waiting for the fulfilment of Te Whiti's prophecy. lam pleased to have to report that they are very industrious and sober, and, being in receipt of good rents for their lands and having good houses and plenty of sheep and cattle, are very well off and comfortable. They appear to enjoy very good health, but I see very little increase, the children are few, and out of those few a very small portion reaching maturity, which cannot be attributed to the unhealthiness of the climate, as, during the period of my residence on the island extending over eleven years, there has not been a single death among the European children. With the Morioris there is no increase, only four being born during the period alluded to, out of which two only are now alive. I mentioned in my letter by last mail that the Natives here have a strong objection to the enforcement of the laws regarding working on Sunday, as they do not recognise that day in the light of a Sabbath, and I have been endeavouring to persuade them not to work on Sundays, before taking extreme