3

H.—39a

object of obtaining separate holdings, availed themselves largely of any opportunities that have arisen of partitioning the blocks on which they are living or which they can profitably utilize. They build comfortable houses on and fence and grass these holdings out of the proceeds of the sales or leases ot their surplus land, and in some cases even out of the proceeds of their labour. They have made very considerable progre. s in this direction during the last two years, and there is every chance that the progress will continue. The old communal system is practically dead in most parts of this district. To the east of Opotiki the Natives are engaged mostly in sheep-farming, but in the vicinity of Whakatane, Ruatoki, and Tauranga they are large suppliers of milk to the factories near their kaingas. They have always grown large quantities of maize for market, and of late the supply has increased very considerably. Many of them own horses and drays and take contracts. Some parts of the district are wholly dependent on Maori labour, which is not always obtainable, for the Maoris in many cases prefer to work on their own farms. It is pleasing to note, too, the progress made during recent years by the Ureweras living at Ruatoki. Not so very long ago they were probably the most backward people in New Zealand but they are now, with some success, genuinely endeavouring to improve themselves and their mode ot living, and to make their country productive. They are large suppliers of milk to the cheese-factory at Ruatoki, and a considerable portion of the Ruatoki Valley is now under cultivation. They are, however, in want of expert guidance and advice in the matter of purchasing stock and as to proper methods of cultivation, and from a productive point of view it would be worth the Government's while to pay some attention to them, and show them how best to stock and utilize their land. These people take to work naturally, are eager to learn, and I have no doubt as to their future. Inland, in the East Taupo County, the progress is not so marked. As a general rule Maori progress synchronizes with the progress of European settlement. There is no European settlement to speak of in this county, and consequently the Natives living in it are practically in the same condition as they were at the date of the last census. The land in the county is very poor, and the conditions of life are much harder than they are on the coast. As to the health of the Natives, I have not noticed any very great improvement since the last census was taken. There have been the usual outbreaks 01 enteric, typhoid, and measles, and the usual number of deaths from those diseases. There are always cases of consumption amongst them as well. Most of them have wooden houses now, and are living much more comfortably than in past times, but until there is some radical change effected in their sanitary arrangements, &c, 1 do not think that any diminution can be hoped for, either in sickness or in the death-rates. Mr. Teutenberg, Enumerator for the Counties of Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Patangata, Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Mauriceville, Masterton, Akitio, Castlepoint, Wairarapa South, and Featherston. The figures disclose a net decrease of thirty-five over the whole of the counties affected. It must be noted, however, that the present returns exclude the population of Te Haroto Village, on the Napier-Taupo Road, which on the occasion of the last census was included partly in Hawke's Bay and partly in Wairoa Comity. It may be remarked that in some of the counties the population shows a somewhat marked decrease and in others a corresponding increase. This is, of course, largely attributable to Natives moving from one district to another, either to take up shearing and other work or to attend tangis, Native Land Court sittings, &c. In regard to general conditions affecting occupation, industries, &c, there has been practically no alteration worth recording since the last census was taken, and there is therefore but little that could be added to the report then made. A fair proportion of the men seem to be intermittently engaged in some kind of work, principally shearing during the season, and at other times fencing, scrub-cutting, &c. In a few cases Maoris are successfully farming their own land and raising sheep and cattle, but as a general rule any work that is undertaken is in the employ of the European. The general health of the Natives appears to have been on the average satisfactory. No epidemics of any kind have been reported, and the Maoris, under the guidance of the local Maori Councils, are said to be observing proper methods of sanitation. The sub-enumerators engaged were all men personally known to me, and were in every case not only thoroughly acquainted with their respective districts, but had also for many years been closely in touch with the Maori population. I have every confidence, therefore, in expressing the opinion that the census returns on this occasion are as accurate as it is possible to obtain them under the prevailing conditions. Mr. J. B. Hackworth, Enumerator for the Counties of Hutt, Makara, Horowhenua, Kairanga, Manawatu, Oroua, Pohangina, and Kiwitea. As to the general state of health and habits of the Maoris within the counties named, I gather from the sub-enumerators that no serious illnesses have been reported. The Maoris are living in wellbuilt houses and in European fashion. The children are being well cared for, and generally speaking are healthy. One sub-enumerator, however, reports that there have been occasional periods of sickness among children, with fatalities that might have been avoided if the services of a skilled nurse had been available.