17

H.—26b

enumerator at Horowhenua had a slight experience of Te Whiti's influence at Levin, where several of the Maoris refused to give any information. This, however, was easily overcome after I had advised him how to act, and the required information was given without further trouble. The general topic of conversation among the Maoris is the new legislation. A great many are looking forward to the new Acts coming into force, to enable them to separate themselves and each have their own land to farm. The fruit-trees on the upper part of the river are gradually dying out, and the peach is very scarce. The quince is the only fruit now flourishing. I would like to see some of the pas supplied with a few trees each by the Government. The returns in a few years would be of special benefit to the Natives. It is pleasing to note that there are a few of the very old Maoris still living. In checking the returns I notice there are two males and one female considerably over the century who are still looking hale and hearty. With the exception of the slight friction already mentioned at Levin, all information and assistance was freely given to the sub-enumeraters by the Maori people. In conclusion, I would like to compliment Messrs. Cribb and Macdonald for the manner in which they carried out their duties in the Wanganui District, as their task was no light one. The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, I have, &c, Wellington. W, E. Goffe.

9. WAIEAEAPA. Sib, Magistrate's Office, Masterton, 4th April, 1901. I have the honour to forward herewith all papers in connection with the taking of the census of the Maori population for the Counties of Akitio, Bketahuna, Masterton, Castlepoint, Pahiatua, and Wairarapa South. In Wairarapa South no epidemic has visited the Natives since last census was taken, and at present there is no sickness among them. Considerable improvement has been made in their homes, which are in .most cases very comfortable. Numbers of houses have been built by them in European style during the last four years. I regret, however, to say this does not apply to the kaingas on the East Coast. Miserable habitations, filth, and dirt are very much in evidence there. The births and deaths in this district, I think, are about equal. The children are attending school, and are, lam told, better cared for than formerly. They complain of the want of doctors and nurses. If some of the Native women, or half-castes, were taught in the first principles of nursing they could soon instruct the others, and it would aid materially in the saving of life. The Natives in this district are showing signs of wishing to advance themselves, and are keeping more sheep and trying to improve their lands. In Akitio and Castlepoint Counties the Natives say their numbers have decreased during the last five years. They seem to be enjoying good health at present, but have been visited by an epidemic of measles, and typhoid fever and influenza, which carried off, so I am told, great numbers. They also complain of the difficulty in obtaining medical assistance, the charges of £6 and £10 a visit being quite beyond their means. Their principal means of support, besides their rent (which is subdivided among the many) is from working for the sheep-farmers. In Eketahuna and Pahiatua Counties the population is not a fixed one. It includes visitors from Auckland, Taranaki, Canterbury, and Bangitikei, the fixed residents being very few in number. The acreage under cultivation, either individual or tribal, is very small, accounted for by the Natives having interests in other places. Cattle are few, horses being the only animals kept. The area under grass is small. Europeans lease the Native land, and the Natives are thus enabled to lead an indolent life, free from the trouble of clearing and grassing. They are adopting the European mode of living, and are sending their children to school. The death-rate has been small since 1896. Six persons died from old age, a female of-twenty-eight from consumption, and a girl of fifteen from inflammation of the brain. The health of the Natives, taken as a whole, has been very good. . The sanitary conditions, for Natives, are very good, and are inclined to improve. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Department of Justice, W. E. James, S.M. Wellington.

10. HUTT. Sib,— Wellington, Bth March, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that I have, in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 12th December, 1900, taken a census of the Maori population in the Hutt County. It will found that there is a slight increase, the total being 264 as compared with 259 of last census ; this, however, may be considered as a temporary increase merely, and due to the fact that there are at the present time a few Maoris from Otaki, Muhunoa, Levin, &c, at Paraparaumu, engaged in flax-cutting. The health of the Maoris in this county has been generally good. Some of their leading chiefs have passed away after reaching mature age. Several of the Maoris living at Porirua and in the Hutt District participate in the proceeds of the Wellington and Nelson " tenths"; added tothis they receive rents from small parcels of land which, with the produce from their small holdings, make them fairly comfortable. A reference to Parliamentary Paper G.-4, 1900, will show that there are over four hundred beneficiaries, principally on the west coast of this Island and in the northern part of the Middle Island, who receive small sums of money from these " tenths," 3—H. 26b,