ft.—l4a

4

Mauri Councils are responsible for much good work amongst the Natives in enforcing regulations which provide for improved sanitary conditions. &c, thus raising the standard of the Maori generally. The health of the Natives, generally speaking, has been good. Several outbreaks of typhoid fever occurred recent Iv. and a few deaths resulted, but in each instance the Health Depart ment rendered prompt assistance to the sufferers, with apparent good results: and ill all eases of infectious disea.se. as soon as the Health Department is notified, prompt action is taken to prevent the spread thereof and to relieve the sufferers. No other epidemics appear to have visited the Natives since last census was taken, but it is impossible to report the number of deaths or births amongst them, as at present compulsory regis! ra tion is not enforced as far as they are concerned, however desirable it may be. It is gratifying to note from the census returns the considerable increase in individual cultivation. as also in the sheep, cattle, and horses owned by Natives, as compared with last census (1906). The decrease in area, of the potato-crop (142 acres) is accounted for by the potato-blight which was prevalent for some years, but seems now to be dying out. and. the decrease shown in the number of pigs (1.098) owned by Natives is probably due to the action of Maori Councils in enforcing regulations which prevent pigs being allowed to stray at large, but it is difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of the number owing to the manner in which they are still allowed to stray. It is evident that the Maoris in my district are becoming more civilized and industrious as years roll on. Many are employed gum-digging, bushfelling, road-making, and working on farms for Europeans, and some are farming on their own account and doing well. Many have insufficient knowledge and means upon which successful farming could be undertaken, however industrious they may be : some method of instruction, advice, and encouragement by way of pecuniary advances would. I think. prove advantageous to them, and enable them to cultivate more of their own lands. As the Native lands arc now being opened up. no difficulty is experienced in obtaining employment such as above mentioned. Free education has undoubtedly had and is having most beneficial results amongst the Natives, who are in consequence brought into closer contacl with the European, and educated in their ways: and it- is noteworthj to observe thai the parents are anxious that their children should attend school and receive an English education. As will be seen from Sub-enumerator Cahill's report, the Natives at Awarua are prepared to supply a schoolroom and European teacher if the Government will furnish the necessary school equipments. In conclusion. I respectfully suggest that a, copy of the census (in Maori) be furnished to each Chairman of the Maori Council, for the information of Maoris generally. Extracts from the reports of sub-enumerators submitted herewith. W. Dinnie, Enumerator.

Extracts from the Reports op the Sub-enumerators. Mcmgonui County {South). Constable \\ . Drummoiid. su h-enumerator for Mangouui (South) reports, The Maoris in this district have apparently increased considerably since last census was taken (190(1). Their health has been good; then' has been no epidemic or disease, to my knowledge, amongst them during the past five years. Whangaroa ('ounty. Constable I. Carnioily. sub enumerator for Whangaroa Count)' reports, There is a decrease in the Maori population in this county of 117 (sixty-seven males and fifty females) as compared with the census of 1906. This decrease is accounted for by the fad that at the time of taking the census a great number of Natives were temporarily absent gum-digging in the north. principally at Waiharara. At the present time there are fully 100 men. women, and children away. I found quite a number of whares unoccupied at Touwai and Pupuke. The health of the Natives, on the whole, is fairly good, although some of their habitations are kept in a very insanitary condition, through keeping pigs and other animals in close proximity to their dwellings. I have remonstrated with them in respect, to this on several occasions, with good effect. In this county the Maoris are in very pour eireifmslances. with the exception of a few who are industrious. The most of them depend upon the result of their gum-digging as a means of livelihood. They really neglect cultivation beyond putting in a patch of maize or kumaras. At one time they used to cultivate potatoes extensively, but very few put any in now, in consequence of the blight. Nearly all children arc sent to school except those living too far away. Hokianga [North). Mr. A. Ngawaka. sub-enumerator for Hokianga. (North) reports, — Some of the Natives at Ilerekino make their living by gum-digging and bushfelling ; some live like the European, but a good many in the old style. They keep themselves clean. There is no Native school at Ilerekino. but some of the children attend the Board school. The Ilerekino Natives are not very healthy, some having skin-disease. There is no Native School at Manukau, but a. few of the children attend Ilerekino Hoard Schoo ; others are neglected as regards education. The Natives at Manukau are very backward, mostly living on gum-digging or working lor wages. The crops are growing well. A couple of Natives supply milk to the Ilerekino Dairy. The Manukau Natives are unhealthy, and seem to be suffering from some disease ; one old man. apparently suffering from leprosy, requires some attention ; a nurse in the district seems to be required.