7

a.—2

So far as the Taranaki County is concerned the census must be looked on as approximate only, and probably the same may be said to a lesser extent of the Hawera and Clifton Counties. With regard to crops, two of the sub-enumerators have given individual crops, and two are of opinion that it is difficult to distinguish individual from general crops, and have therefore called all •' common " cultivation. I incline to the latter opinion, but have given the crops as returned by the sub-enumerator. Sown grasses are also viewed differently by different sub-enumerators. All returns of sown grasses in my district mean self-sown, and not sown down by Natives. I believe the cattle are overestimated. I forward details and books of particulars. I have, &c, W. Eennell, Keserves Trustee. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 13. Inspector Atchison, Nelson, to the Undee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Police Office, Nelson, 9th March, 1891. In compliance with the instructions contained in your Circular-letter No. 12, of December, 1890, I have the honour to forward the returns of the Maori and half-caste population within the Sounds, Waimea, Marlborough, Kaikoura and adjacent islands, Collingwood, and adjacent islands. The enumerators' summary, herewith, shows a total of 509 persons, being an increase of sixteen compared with the census taken in 1886. The increase in the population is probably attributable to the births of half-castes, the number in 1886 being forty-six males and twenty-eight females, the present census showing fifty males and forty-two females, a total increase of eighteen. There is a remarkable distinction in the habits of the Maoris in the various localities. In the Waimea County they are industrious, and noted for sobriety. In one portion of the Sounds they are reported as being of indolent and intemperate habits, and living together in a crowded manner utterly regardless of the ill effects to their health, and raising crops barely sufficient to meet their wants. In another part of the Sounds it is reported that the Maoris are of industrious and sober habits. There is a school at Waikawa, where the Native children are taught to speak the English language, and several of the pupils at present are fairly proficient in the English language and lessons taught in the school. The health of the Maoris since last census has been fairly good. In Marlborough, typhus fever was the chief epidemic ; while at the Croixelles, Wakapuaka, and D'Urville Island, the disease known as la grippe was the prevailing cause of death. Enclosed are vouchers (ten) for expenses incurred by the various sub-enumerators employed in the work. I have &c, F. Atchison, Inspector of Police. The Under-Secretary, Native Office, Wellington.

No. 14. Inspector Pendek, Christchurch, to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Police Department, Christchurch, 21st March, 1891. In compliance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 12, dated the Bth December, 1890, I have the honour to forward you herewith the Maori census returns complete for the Counties of Cheviot, Ashley, and adjacent islands, Akaroa, Ashburton, and Amuri. A comparison with the returns for 1886 shows an increase of one Native in tbe Cheviot County; Ashley and adjacent islands, a decrease of fifteen; Selwyn County, an increase of fifty-eight. In Ashburton and Amuri Counties there are no Natives. The total decrease in the four counties is as follows : Males, fifteen; females, seventeen. The health of the Natives throughout has been generally good: no disease or epidemic has visited them. La grippe, which has been so prevalent amongst the Europeans last winter, does not appear to have extended to the Maoris. They are all in fairly comfortable circumstances, live on good terms with the Europeans, and are generally a sober, law-abidiug people. I enclose claims submitted by the sub-enumerators for approval. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. Pendek, Inspector.

No. 15. Inspector Thompson, Oamaru, to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Oamaru, Bth April, 1891. In reply to your Circular No. 12, of the Bth December last, I have the honour herewith to forward five books from sub-enumerators, and from myself a summary of the results of the census of the Maori population for the Counties of Geraldine, Waimate, and Waitaki. In doing so, I would beg to point out that the number of pure Maoris is less, that of half-castes more, than when the last census was taken in 1886. Then the numbers were : Maoris, 298 ; half-castes, 25. Now it is : Maoris, 240; half-castes, 81; so that the gross total was two more then than it is now. The decrease in the Native population—fifty-eight—must, I fear, be attributed to careless habits, and sleeping on the bare ground, thus catching cold, which in some instances degenerated into consumption and became hereditary. There now seems to be a desire to participate in the advantages arising from the public schools, and as they become educated it may be hoped they will