3

H.—39a

Mr. L. M. Grace, Enumerator for the Counties of Hutt, Makara, Horowhenua, Kairanga, Manawatu, Oroua, Pohangina, and Kiwitea. A comparison of the figures with those of the last Maori census (1916) shows an increase of 176 Maoris and half-caste Maoris in these counties. The sub-enumerators engaged were all good reliable men, and thoroughly acquainted with their respective districts. I have every confidence, therefore, in expressing the opinion that the census returns sent in by them are as accurate as it is possible to obtain under the circumstances. The reports of the sub-enumerators indicate that the health of the Maoris throughout these counties is good. Mr. H. H. Carr, Enumerator for the Counties of Wairoa, Cook, Waikohu, Uawa, Waiapu, and Matakaoa. It will be observed that this return gives an increase in numbers of 1,391 over the figures of 1916. A great part of this increase is due, I think, to a more careful scrutiny on the part of the subenumerators, and also to the inclusion of those absent in 1916 on active service. With the exception of the influenza epidemic of 1918 no serious outbreaks of sickness have been reported. Speaking generally the health of the Maori is no better or worse than that of his pakeha brethren. Sub-enumerators have noticed an entire absence of the Maori whare as a place of abode, the wooden dwellinghouse superseding it almost entirely. The communal system of living is also a thing of the past. In regard to industries and occupations, there is practically no alteration from the previous state shown in 1916. Intermittent occupations, such as shearing, bushfelling, and cropping, are the main lines that are followed. The number of sheep-farms worked and owned by Natives is increasing. Dairying, however, is not so congenial and has fewer followers. The sub-enumerators were, with one exception, all Maoris, and were all personally known to me. I am confident that the work shown is as accurate as it is possible to be. The village of Te Haroto is situated in both Wairoa and Hawke's Bay Counties, being on both sides of the common boundary (the road). The portion in the latter county contains forty-seven inhabitants ; these figures are not included in this return, and will require to be added to those of the Hawke's Bay County. Mr. J. Thomson, Enumerator for the Counties of Clifton, Eltham, Egmont, Hawera, Inglewood, Patea, Stratford, Taranaki, Waimate West, and Whangamomona. The figures disclose a net increase of 153 over the whole of the counties affected. This is very gratifying, seeing that in 1918 the influenza epidemic swept over the whole of the Dominion, carrying off a large proportion of the population. Again nearly all the sub-enumerators report a difficulty experienced in getting the required information from the old Natives, followers of Te Whiti. They are to-day as loyal to their late chief and their " tikangas " as of old, and still continue their old custom of having a large meeting on the 18th of every month at appointed pas throughout the district, and the drink problem at these meetings and at tangis amongst the younger members is causing the leaders some considerable alarm. These gatherings are a great hindrance to the welfare of the Natives, more particularly to those who have started dairy-farming, as they often neglect their work to attend these meetings and tangis, which usually last two or three days and often a week. Another regrettable feature of the followers of Te Whiti is that they are letting pass by their children's opportunities and advantages by not sending them to school to educate them to fight their battles in the commercial world. Since the Maoris have received freehold titles to their unleased lands during the last seven years it has given impetus to their farming and dairying projects. Through want of financial assistance in the early stages most of them have started with but few cows and gradually increased their herds, and in several instances they are now milking over sixty cows. It is only during the last eighteen months, when the majority of the Maoris have received financial assistance from the sales of their leasehold lands to the Crown, who are purchasing on behalf of the lessees, that they have been able to get properly established, and there are now 220 families supplying milk to the butter and cheese factories. It is now widely known amongst the Maoris that a new Department — i.e., Native Trust Office— is being opened up to look after their welfare, and they are looking forward to receive financial assistance to further their farming operations, as they are now realizing it is only by improving and cultivating their lands that they will be able to hold their own in the future. The younger generation is gradually, by slowly breaking away from the old custom of communism and living in one large pa for the hapu, endeavouring to improve their mode of living by the erection of wooden houses, proper methods of sanitation, and working generally for Europeans. The health generally of the Natives in the district may be termed good, but they would be greatly assisted if skilled nurses were appointed to advise and assist. Mr. A. H. MacKay, Enumerator for the Counties of Waitotara, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Waimarino, and Kaitieke. The general health of the Maoris is very good. About forty-one succumbed during the influenza epidemic in 1918 in the Kaitieke County. The Natives are very industrious in their various avocations —viz., farmers, sawmill hands, labourers, &c. In the Rangitikei County some difficulty was at first experienced by the subenumerator, Rangi Marumaru, but on obtaining the help of Mr. Ratana he was able to proceed with his work without further trouble.