11

H.—Uα

The Maori Councils have done good work, hut there still remains the fact that the sanitary conditions are to a, great extent not yet coped with ; much more diligence should be used if the Maoris are io he kept iii a state of good health and progress iii the European ways. On the whole. I found the Natives very temperate; many who used to be of drunken habits have taken to hi rilling and skilled labour. In my travels 1 noticed the children were attentive to their school duties, were kept tidy, and were obedient and respectful to their teachers. In most cases wooden cottages of European style have replaced the old-lime Maori raupo whare. and at first glance one would think they were inhabited by Europeans. Upon reference to the summary you will find, sir. in the Wairoa County, an increase of 318 sheep : of sown grasses, acres; of 727 acres in other crops; of 7 acres in maize; whilst wheat, cattle. and potatoes show a. small decrease. 11l Cook and Waikohu combined there is an increase ol 5K acres of potatoes. 71 acres in maize, and 11.2381 acres in sown grasses. There are 2.17b' horses in these counties, and an increase of 8,504 sheep : in cattle, an increase of 529 ; and. in pigs, an increase of 95. So. in general, the agricultural statistics show a considerable increase ; likewise in live-stock and acreage under cultivation, which tend to show the progress the Maoris have made in five years. The summary which I have forwarded, together with the various reports, give you an estimate of the population, statistics, and condition of the Maori race in the above-mentioned counties, and, having been taken in each case by those acquainted with the districts, people, and language, should be an accurate return. The certificates in each case speak for themselves. 1 regret the Waiapu returns are not yet to hand; upon arrival of same, no time will be lost in computing same and forwarding. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Alex. Keeper, Enumerator. [Note. —Waiapu census since completed, and show an increase of 329 persons since last census.]

Extracts from Reports of Sub-enumerators. Waiapu County.- — Sub-enumerator H. Mateke. Health. —All informations under this heading can be better treated by medical men. but from a layman's point of view the health of the Maori has improved somewhat during the last two or three veare. Wherever one goes there is evidence of robust manhood. Where can one find healthier children than the Maori children on. sees during one's itinerations amongst the kaingas ? I can only account for this healthy outlook to the better sanitary precautions now being taken. The Birth-rate. —The birth-rate is good, and but for the high percentage of infant mortality during the last year, when the whooping-cough carried off so many little ones, the census returns for this year would have shown a, larger increase. The Tangi. —This .Maori custom is carried on to an extravagant degree. Apart from the enormous consumption of food, which the relatives in many instances could ill afford, there is the presentation of m v. Maori mats, &c. A tangi party constituted of the tribes living round about Gisborne recently visited this district, and the presents to the visitors in hard cash amounted to something in tin' vicinity of £200. Then there is the danger of contagion at a tangi. No matter what the deceased died from, the custom demands a tangi. To this cause is attributed the spread of diseases. The Tohunga. —The Tohunga Suppression Act, 1908. is honoured more in the breach than in the observance. This is due to the extreme difficulty in. defining a tohunga. The tohunga, or mcdii line-man or faith-healer, imports so much Scriptural truths into his teaching as to captivate the credulous and superstitious, and, immuned from conviction, he plies his craft with impunity. The Drink Question. —At the present time, speaking comparatively, one sees far less drunkenness now than formerly. With the exception of Tuparoa, one can safely say there is a, tendency to moderation right through tic district. The Maoris now have the right to prohibit themselves, and the Horouta Maori Council have applied for a, poll to be taken on the question before the next general election. The Industrial Aspect. —Agricultural fanning to any extent is out of the question, so far as the Waiapu County is concerned. The east coast, owing to its hilly and broken-up nature, is purely a pastoral country. The Maoris both as communities and-as individuals, following the example of their European neighbours, have taken to sheep-farming with enthusiasm. There is a bright future before the Maoris of this district. They are anxiously looking forward lo the tune when the Waipiro and Tuparoa leases fall in, which is due in three or four years' time. Waikohu Count//.- Sub-enumerator E. E. D. Hooper. 1. Mode of Living. —Under the supervision and direction of Committee Maraes appointed under the Maori Council Act, 1900. the mode of living of the Natives is on the whole improving. All the Natives 1 visited who formerly livid in whares are housed in wooden buildings, the majority of which are lilted with brick and iron chimneys ; and in cases where they are devoid of chimneys, cookinghouses are built separately. 2. Health. —Good. Only saw one sick person, and heard of two deaths within the last three months. ;;. t 'leanlim ss. I am pleased to report there is a great improvement, thanks to the Maori Councils. 1. Birth-rate. —Very fair. A remarkable feature is that the married Natives with any European blood bear children more fruitfully than the full-blooded Maoris. 5. Industry.— -The Natives are improving, and are beginning to realize the fact that they must keep pace with the pakeha. A good many of their bushes have been felled and burnt, and the clea rings