11

G.—l2

This census has been carefully taken: the printed forms of returns filled in with the name of each serve as a permanent record, and will be useful hereafter as a guide to Enumerators. It is possible there have been omissions of names, especially of children. Maoris are reluctant to give information, treating the taking of a census with suspicion and abhorrence. It was with the aid of Sub-enumerators (Mr. loins, Bicensed Interpreter and Ilono Ngatuerc), and also from information from other sources, that the present census has been so closely compiled. Disadvantages were great on taking the census in 1881; there were omissions made which are obviated by the present forms. The numerical state of the Wairarapa Maoris is nearly the same as in 1881—at least I conclude so from the fact that a more accurate list has been obtained; any omissions made previously, though few, could not so well occur on this occasion. There have been more children born within the last two years; this is due largely to marriages with women of distant tribes; such prove fruitful, and the progeny healthy. Such marriages Maoris now recognize as being a means of staying their hitherto decline. If it had been that children had not latterly increased more than in the past 1 should have had to report a considerable decrease. No epidemic has visited them for some time. I found it impossible to fix what each cultivated at the different kaingas; they cultivate in common. I therefore could not fill in the agricultural columns. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. S. Maunsell.

No. 13. Mr. G. 11. Davies, Native Office, Wellington, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Wellington, 10th March, 1886. I have the honour to forward herewith a census of the Maori population in the County of Hutt, showing a resident population of 281, and 13 visitors in Wellington, making a total of 294. The health of the district since the last census was taken has been fairly good; there has been no epidemic or unusual mortality amongst them. The Maoris in Wellington and its vicinity, and also at Porirua, arc in the receipt of rents sufficient for their maintenance, which, no doubt, is the reason that they cultivate but small areas of land. The Natives at the Hutt send large quantities of strawberries, vegetables, &c, to Wellington. In one instauce as much as .£l5O is said to have been received by one Native for one season's growth of strawberries for the Wellington market. There are some small families of young children at Porirua, about a dozen of whom attend the Government school regularly. The communistic habits of the Natives are against their advancement as a people. If the Natives in this county, most of whom live not far from a railway-line, could but be persuaded to occupy small farms, and send their produce to town by rail, they would, I think, materially supplement their incomes. There appear to be more Natives in this year's census for this county than in the last, which, no doubt, is owing to the fact that the work was obstructed last census, whereas this time the resident Natives cheerfully gave all the information asked for. It would, I think, have been interesting to have ascertained the proportion of Natives who can read and write; they would, in this respect, I think, compare favourably with most European nations. I have, &c, George H. Davies. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 14. Mr. R. Ward, R.M., Whanganui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Whanganui, 22nd March, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter directing me to take a census of the Native population within the Counties of Rangitikei, Oroua, Manawatu, and Horowhenua, and to inform you that, in compliance therewith, a census was taken of all Natives residing in the said counties on the third week in February last. I enclose, for the information of the Government, a summary of the Native population in my district, which, I am glad to say, shows an increase of 205; the number being 1,526 as against 1,321 as scheduled in 1881. The census in February last included somewhere about 20 visitors; but I should say fully that number of Native residents of my district were visiting in other districts, and are doubtless included in the returns of those districts. As between the number of Native inhabitants in 1881 and 1878 there was an apparent decrease of 217; but, as I remarked at the time in my report, the decrease was more apparent than real, as I considered fully that number were visiting at other districts. I therefore conclude that during the past eight years the Native