9

G.—2

The return from some of the districts have only recently come to hand, in consequence of the boisterous weather experienced of late in the neighbourhood of Foveaux Strait, hence the cause of the delay in furnishing the information ere this. The total population of the aforesaid districts computes 934, and consists of 519 males and 415 females. The present census shows an increase of 431 over the one taken in 1874; but that is attributable in a great measure to a large number of half-castes having taken up their abode at the Native settlements. The number of births during the past four years amount to 13G, and the deaths to 124. The purely Maori population at the several settlements number 476, and the half-castes 458; besides the latter, there are 302 half-castes residing among the Europeans ; these added to the former numbers make a total Native population in the South of 1,286, nearly two-thirds of which are half-castes. The total Native population in the South Island, inclusive of Stewart Island and Buapuke, number 2,567, in the proportion of 1,412 males and 1,155 females. I annex the following tables on the subject, viz.: — A. —Census of the Native population in Otago, Ruapuke, and Stewart Island. B. —Census of the Native population in the South and Stewart Island. C. —Census of the Native population in the South and Stewart Island, inclusive of half-castes. D. —Return showing the births and deaths at the several Native settlements in Otago since 1874; also the number of half-castes residing at each place. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Alexandeb Mackay, "Wellington. Commissioner.

No. 24. Mr. S. Deighton, E.M., Chatham Islands, to the Under Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — "Waitangi, Chatham Islands, 24th March, 1878. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 5, 1878, referring to a circular sent from your office in January last, which circular I have not yet received. I have, however, enclosed a census of the Native population of this place, consisting of Maoris, Morioris, and half-castes up to present date. If not in proper form, I will make it out as required on instructions from you. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Office, Wellington. 8. Deiohton, E.M.

2—G. 2.