THE DECAY OF THE MAORIS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2233, 30 May 1881, Page 3

THE DECAY OF THE MAORIS.

The “ Hawera Star” has obtained from Oapt. Wilson, J.P., the enumerator of the Maori census from Oeo to Waitotara, a statement of the actual numbers of the Ngatiruanui, Pokakohi, and Ngarawia tribes. The figures show a decrease in the numbers of more than onefourth during the past three years, and this is attributed by the enumerator to constant travelling to and from Parihaka during the last three years, and through the Natives being exposed to severe weather in winter, the women and children suffering the most. The enumerator further states that barely one-fourth of the women are childbearing ; this tending also to the rapid decrease of the race. The following comparative figures show how the tribes are dwindling away. Wahamoko to Waingongora, in 1878 —Men 167, boys 74, women 145, girls 67 ; i total 453 ; in 1881—Men 139, boys 35, i women 108, girls 43; total 325. Wningon- i gora to Tongahoe, in 1878—Men 113, boys 1 30, women 92, girls 31; total 266 in 1881 — : Men 104, boys 30, women 84, girls 24; total i 242. Tongahoe to Whenuakura, in 1878 — Men 108, boys 49, women 98, girls 46 ; total < 301 ; in 1881—Men 74, boys 18, women 61, 1 girls 20; total 173. Whenuakura to Waito- I tara, in 1878—Men 88, boys 41, women 87, i girls 86 ; totai 302 ; in 1881—Men 76, boys 1 29, women 52, girls 17; total 174. Allowing ■ for any possible discrepancies, there is still i the significant decrease of about one-fourth of > the Maori population in three years in the i district referred to. The falling off among i the young people is equal to about 40 per i cent., and among the women about 28 per i cent.