H.—39a

The Maori Councils are responsible for splendid work in enforcing regulations which provide for improved sanitary conditions, and for the general uplifting of the standard of the Native race. The Maori Health Department, under Dr. Buck and his assistants (nurses and inspectors), is to be eulogized for the prompt and capable manner in which the ravages of sickness and disease have been combated in the northern counties, with the happy result that the district is in a clean and healthy condition. During my visits north I have observed little evidence of poverty among the Natives. Many families are amongst the suppliers to the dairy factories, their cheques ranging from £5 to £50 or more per month. They appear to be a happy, prosperous, and contented people, and there appears to be a much greater desire to be industrious than was the case some years ago. A great number follow farming pursuits, ploughing, draining, and shearing, while many are engaged in roadmaking, bushfelling, and gum-digging to " keep the pot boiling." The Maoris are honest and capable workers if left alone, and they would continue to be so if left unspoiled by the pakeha agitator who, unfortunately, at the present time is endeavouring to instil into their innocent minds all the vile tricks of his trade. Tohungaism is now little practised and is virtually extinct. It will remain in that condition until disturbed by some " bright shining light " trying to outshine the famous Ratana when he has completed his projected tour through the country. I understand that Ratana has received numerous invitations to visit various tribes in their centres ; but, in my opinion, he should be strongly advised to stay at home. Mr. W. H. Bowler, Enumerator for the Counties of Manukau, Franklin, Coromandel, Thames, Hauraki Plains, Piako, Waikato, Raglan, Waipa, Matamata, West Taupo, Ohura, Waitomo, Awakino, and Kawhia, and in Waiheke and adjacent Islands. It is pleasing to be able to report an increase of the Maori population in this district. Several of the sub-enumerators report that they have had difficulty in arriving at correct returns. In some cases information has been deliberately suppressed. Some returns, therefore, whilst substantially accurate, probably understate the figures. Certain sections of the Waikato Natives seem to fear that the census details may be used for military or taxation purposes. I would like to express my appreciation of the work of the sub-enumerators. They have had a rather difficult task, and have in all cases carried out their duties in a very efficient manner. Apart from particular cases, the general state of health is reported to be good. The influenza epidemic took a heavy toll in some localities in 1918, but there has been no recurrence or any other serious outbreak. My own conclusion is that the Maori is becoming gradually educated up to a better standard of hygienic living, and that his social and economic position is still on the up grade. A marked drift of population is noticeable in some cases. I think that the reason of this is that more Natives are working for Europeans. A large number are employed in Government works on the Hauraki Plains and elsewhere. It was a wise move to take this census in April instead of in October as was done on the last occasion. The sub-enumerators have generally been favoured with good weather, and I think that the returns are as accurate as it is possible to get them. Mr. T. Anaru, Enumerator for the Counties of Opotiki, Whakatane, Tauranga, Rotorua, and East Taupo. According to the reports of the sub-enumerators the health of the Maoris throughout the districts generally is good, save for whooping-cough in some parts, which is not considered to be serious. In the Whakatane County the majority of the population is engaged in farming and dairying, and the principal crop grown is maize. In the district around Rotorua the Natives are very industrious, most of the land in the vicinity of the kaingas being under cultivation. Mr. H. S. King, Enumerator for the Counties of Hawke's Bay, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Patangata, Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Mauriceville, Masterton, Akitio, Castlepoint, Wairarapa South, and Featherston. The returns show a marked decrease from the census taken in 1916, and there is no reason to doubt the accuracy of the work of the sub-enumerators, as, with one exception, they performed the same work on the occasion of the previous census, and they were all persons well acquainted with the districts and the Natives living therein. A fairly heavy toll was taken from the Maoris during the epidemic which swept through the country at the end of 1918, but I do not think that the total decrease can be attributed to this, and it may be that quite a number were away from their homes following Tahu Ratana, whose journeyings through the country were followed by a large number of Natives. In the Hawke's Bay District very few of the Natives are farming for themselves, but they do most of the shearing, for which they receive good wages. Elsewhere a considerable number of the Natives are farming and dairying in a small way, while a number are engaged in general farm work. The reports of the sub-enumerators show the health of the Maoris generally to be good.

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