H.—l4a

15

The areas shown in the agricultural returns, under tin' headings of "Sown grasses" and " Tussock and other unimproved," can hardly be taken as reliable, there apparently being some misconception on the part of some of the sub-enumerators as to what class of land should be included under these headings. The other areas returned as being under cultivation, as also the stock returns, can, however, be assumed to be fairly accurate. In the latter an increase of over 22.000 sleep and. 2.000 cattle is shown on comparison with the 1906 returns. The general health of the Maoris in the counties allotted to mc appears to be good, and no epidemic of any kind has visited them. Tohungaism is referred to in the report by the sub-enumerator for Hawke's Bay. but. according to him. it has been practically suppressed. I attach extracts from the reports of the several sub-enumerators, which may prove to lie of interest. In conclusion. I might state that the sub-enumerators appointed by mc were in every case men thoroughly well acquainted with their respective districts, and, as I personally interviewed each one in regard to his duties and proposed itinerary,l have full confidence in expressing the opinion that the returns submitted are as correct as it is possible to obtain them under the circumstances. I have, &c, L. A. Teutenberg. Enumerator. Tin' ruder-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

Extracts from Reports of Sub-enumerators. Hawke's Bay County. — Sub-enumerator P. 11. Tomoana. There is a general improvement in dwellinghouses. The old whares have almost disappeared and the number of European houses has considerably increased. Ido not think the general health of the people has greatly improved, although I heard of no visits from epidemics. The population of some of the kaingas has decreased considerably, and, taking it on the whole, that weak appearance among the children is still there. The birth-rate, speaking generally, is low. although in a few kaingas it, was far above the death-rate. The decrease in the population of the county can only be put down to the death-rate being in excess, as no Natives have left the district. lam sorry to say that, everything points to "no industry." which means laziness. There are a few exceptions, but the majority have "no time " for anything but shearing, &c. Most of those who have rents coming to them are quite satisfied when the leases expire to either sell or lease again for long terms, because they can depend on the next shearing season to supplement their incomes. lam pleased to report, that I never once came across a tohunga during my visits to the kaingas. I am quite satisfied that the maua of the tohunga is rapidly weakening in this district, and the younger people are almost one in their desire to suppress tohungaism. The agricultural returns will be found to be very low. The lands the people used to crop are all sown back in grass. A few have successfully taken up sheep-farming and dairying. Patangata < 'ounty. — Sub-enumerator Hemi K. Rapaea. I noticed that the general health of the people was good, though there have been nine deaths since 1906. The houses, with their ma rues, are exceptionally well kept. There appears to he a, good deal of drinking, especially during tangis and meetings. I am afraid that the Natives here are very much behind time as far a.s cultivating and harvesting are concerned. A few years ago almost all were occupied in this way. but now there are only a few exceptional cases to he found. The main reason for this is thai, just at present they have plenty of money. They need, not work too hard. and. have le ised their paddocks to pakehas. Waipawa and Waipukurau Counties. — Sub-enumerator Tuuti Meha. I find that many of our people residing in these two counties are in poor circumstances, in spite of the fact that they are owners in several blocks of land which are under lease to Europeans. These Maori landlords, if 1 may so term them, go out to work lor the people who are leasing their holdings, live in miserable camps, and so exist from year to year. In the summer they are shearing, and about this time they are scrub-cutting, and for the rest of the year they have nothing to do but wait for the next shearing. Often when the next shearing season conies a Maori finds himself heavily in debt, which has accumulated during his inactivity in the winter months. Under these conditions the Maori is discouraged, and when the first opportunity presents itself he sells his land at whatever price he can get. It will he noticed from the returns that the Maori of to-day is not like his brother of ten or twenty years ago. He of former days was a farmer, and raised acres of wheat and oats. The Maori of to-day, speaking generally, is neither a farmer nor an agriculturist. The reason lies in the fact that he has no land under his immediate occupation. It is the same cry everywhere you go. "We have leased the land to the pakeha." lam glad to say that there is no sickness among the people. Only once did 1 come across a. sick person, and that was in a private hospital. Quite a. number of the people are progressive. They have sheep, and seem to be doing well. Dannevirke and Weber Counties. — Sub-enumerator ./. ll'. Done. The Maoris in Dannevirke County are distributed amongst four separate kaingas, all of which are within a six-mile radius of tTie Borough of Dannevirke The number of children of school age is forty, and these. 1 find, regularly attend the European school that is nearest to their respective kaingas. On my visit I was particularly struck with the cleanliness and neatness of many of tin- homes. The general health can be described as good. The houses in most cases are occupied by members of one