H.—39a

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE ENUMERATORS. Mr. C. P. Newton, Enumerator for the Counties of Mongonui, Whangaroa, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Hobson, Otamatea, Rodney, Waitemata, Eden, Great Barrier, Waiheke and other islands in Hauraki Gulf. A comparison of the figures with those of last census shows a total increase of 956 in the population, as against an increase of 831 in the previous five years. This is made up by a slight increase in most counties. The increase may undoubtedly be attributed to the continued improvements of living. Except for the epidemic of smallpox in 1913 the health of the Natives generally during the last five years has been good. Some few cases of typhoid, &c, have occurred, but the Health Department in all cases has taken prompt action to prevent the spread of the disease. With the opening-up of the land for settlement and the better education of the younger generation it is evident that the Maoris of this district are becoming more civilized and industrious. Many are employed gum-digging, bushfelling, roadmaking, and working on farms for Europeans, and some are farming on their'own account—chiefly dairy-farming. The Natives take their cream to the factory and receive their monthly cheque. This encourages them to work harder and makes them more independent and self-reliant. The taking of the Maori census in the North was a matter of some difficulty, as the Native population is very scattered and is not so accessible as in districts where the land has been longer opened up. lam glad, therefore, of this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the manner in which the various sub-enumerators have carried out the work. Many of the sub-enumerators have complained of the reluctance of some of the Natives to supply information, thinking they were connected with the Recruiting Officers. I might mention that quite a large percentage of the Maoris who have enlisted have come from the northern districts. Mr. W. H. Bowler, Enumerator for the Counties of Manukau, Franklin, Coromandel, Thames, Ohinemuri, Piako, Waikato, Raglan, Waipa, Matamata, West Taupo, Ohura, Waitomo, Awakino, and Kawhia. I regret to have to report that the figures show a serious decrease compared with the figures obtained in 1911. The figures certainly give one ground for thought. Unlike the European population, the Maoris cannot be augmented by immigration, and the race must stand or fall by its own natural increase or decrease. lam not, however, inclined to take an altogether pessimistic view of the position, as I think I am safe in saying the figures now returned are not entirely accurate and that they underestimate the Maori population in the district. I say this advisedly, and with a full appreciation of the valuable efforts of the sub-enumerators, who have apparently carried out a difficult task in a conscientious and capable manner. Practically all of them, however, report that the Maoris have been reluctant to give them information, and that they have had great difficulty in carrying out their duties owing to it being suspected that the taking of the census had something to do with recruiting. Curiously enough, the Natives of this particular district are practically all opposed to the idea that they should be called upon to assist actively in the present crisis. It is difficult to arrive at a proper idea of the working of the Maori mind. Personally 1 think that the " king " idea was greatly responsible for the attitude taken up. Whatever the reason, I think that the decrease in the figures, as compared with those of the last census, is attributable not so much to loss by enlistments as to concealment of information, owing to fear that the census returns may be used for military purposes later on. There is in this connection one phase of the position which, calls for immediate and careful consideration : that is, the matter of insistence upon the children attending school. Two of the sub-enumerators referred particularly to this. The sub-enumerator for the part of Franklin County states that after a visit to Te Rata the children would not go to school, as it was thought that " if the children went to school their fathers would have to go to fight." The sub-enumerator for the Waipa County states that the Natives appear to fear compulsory military service, and adds, " I would recommend that some steps be taken to reassure them on this point, as I find that the children, are being kept from school through the idea prevailing that the school rolls will be used to obtain names for conscription. I think lam safe in saying that not more than 30 per cent, of the Maori children of school age are at present attending school." Socially and economically I fear there is not much improvement to report. Since the smallpox epidemic there has been no noticeable outbreak of disease, but at the same time there have been continual cases of fever and other ailments which have taken a steady toll of a race which it is obviously difficult to educate to an appreciation of the laws of hygiene and sanitation. Judge Browne, Enumerator for the Counties of Opotiki, Whakatane, Tauranga, Rotorua, and East Taupo. The time occupied in taking the census was much longer than was anticipated, owing to the very bad weather which prevailed almost continuously during the period sub-enumerators were engaged on the work. The condition of the Natives on the coast of the Bay of Plenty has improved very considerably since the last census was taken, and the outlook is now very hopeful indeed. They have, with the

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