9

G.—l2

There is much less intemperance in the district than formerly; in a few places, however, they are still addicted to this pernicious habit. As a rule they are prosperous, contented, and healthy in appearance; there is very little sickness amongst them; there have been a low isolated cases of low fever, but no epidemic of any kind. It is very noticeable that, where there have been intermixtures by marriage of people of distinct tribes, the children of such marriages are more numerous and robust in health; whereas, on the other hand, where people of the same hapu have intermarried, the case is reversed. In comparing the accompanying summary with that of 1881 it will be seen that there is a decrease of 292 over the whole district. Of males over fifteen, a decrease of 171; of males under fifteen, a decrease of 16; of females over fifteen, a decrease of 161; of females under fifteen, an increase of 57. The disparity in numbers of those over fifteen compared with those under fifteen is very striking, as also is the preponderance of males over females, which extends to half-castes as well as Maoris. Of Maoris there are 315 more males than females; of halfcastes there are 21 more males than females. Over fifteen, there are, as compared with those under fifteen, an excess of 892 males ; of females, an excess of 616. T. W. Bewis, Esq., I have, &c, Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. James Booth.

Over Fifteen Years. Males . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,455 Females .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,184 Under Fifteen Years. Males .. .. .. .. .. .. ..663 Females .. .. .. .. .. .. ..568 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,870

No. 10. Major Scannell, R.M., Taupo, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Office, Taupo, 17th March, 1886. In compliance with instructions contained in circular dated Native Office, Wellington, 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to forward herewith the accompanying census of the Maori and half-caste population of the Counties of East and West Taupo in the third week of February, 1886. The returns include all the Natives residing in those counties at that date as nearly as could be ascertained, with the exception of a portion of the West Taupo County lying to the north and east of Aotcroa, the returns for which were collected by Mr. Wilkinson, of Waikato. A number of Natives not permanently residing in the district are also included, chiefly Tuhourangi, Ngatimaniapoto, and Ngatiraukawa. With respect to the County of West Taupo the returns arc necessarily only approximate, as the Sub-enumerator in very few instances succeeded in collecting any reliable information, in some cases the Natives absolutely refusing to give any at all; and this applies more especially to the agricultural statistics, which the Natives in both counties appear to regard with considerable suspicion; in fact, there seems to be a growing disinclination to give any information on either that subject or their numbers. I have endeavoured as far as possible to get the name of each person in order to be as accurate as lay in my power, but, owing to the refusal of many of the Natives to give them, I was unable to do so. It is nearly impossible to compare the numbers taken now with those taken at the last census, as, although there is a Native Band Court sitting here at present, there arc nothing like the number of strange Natives here as there were in 1881, when a block called Rangipo was being adjudicated on, and which attracted Natives from a great part of the Island. The Natives have lately, as usual, cultivated very little more than sufficed for their actual wants, and, as a very large consumption of provisions is now going on, there is likely to be considerable scarcity in the ensuing winter. The general conduct of the Natives has latterly been good, drunkenness and assaults, the usual crimes prevalent amongst Maoris, having been rare. Comparatively little sickness took place during the early part of the year; but I append a report from Dr. A. J. Beslie, the Resident Medical Officer, showing that during the spring and summer he treated a very considerable number of cases, mostly of a light nature, and stating that with the exception of whooping-cough no epidemic has visited the district. In conclusion, I beg to state that I considered it necessary to employ three Subenumerators, in consequence of the very large area embraced by the two counties, and the way in which the Natives arc scattered over them. One of them was, however, only employed for two days. I have, &c, D. Scannell, The Under-Sccretarv, Native Office, Wellington. . Resident Magistrate. 2— G. 12.