7

G—3

t enclose herewith a census of Ngatikowhatu, who reside at Te Reinga; these Natives belong to the Poverty Bay District, but I was unable to furnish Captain Porter with the numbers before he completed his return. I would suggest that they be included in the Poverty Bay returns. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. George A. Preece, R.M.

No. 11. Mr. E. S. Matiksell, Native Agent, Wairarapa, to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sib, — Greytown, Wairarapa, 28th April, 1881. I have the honor to forward you herewith the Maori census for. this district, showing a resident population of 744 souls and 333 visitors from other districts. A list of these was taken on the night of the 4th instant. They have since returned to their respective districts. The last census showed a population of 714; the increase is accounted for by the Forty-mile Bush Natives being included in this return to the number of 44, making a total of 700 Wairarapa Maoris. There are about fifteen absent at Kaikoura, Otago, and Poverty Bay, which will bring the numbers to about the same as in 1878. This return is as nearly accurate as it is possible to obtain one of a Maori population. There may have been some inadvertently omitted. There have been, in comparison with previous years, few deaths. Some Teainrjas —Hurunuiorangi, Kaitekateka, and Oahanga —show a larger average of children than heretofore. The numbers since the last census was taken have not decreased. The old men, with the exception of about ten, have died, leaving a healthy and robust population in existence. A census taken fifteen years ago gave in figures nearly 1,000. The decrease, about 250 in that period, is attributable to the ravages, seven years ago, of typhoid fever and pulmonary diseases, caused by exposure and irregular mode of living during the height of the Hauhau fanaticism, and also from some having joined in the West Coast war and being killed. They have now abandoned liauhauism, have become settled, and a general moral and social improvement is observable. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. S. Matiitselii.

No. 12. Mr. W J Butleb, Native Office, "Wellington, to the TTndee-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Wellington, 30th April, 1881. I have the honor to forward herewith a return of the Native population in the Wellington, Hutt, and Porirua Districts, as taken by me in accordance with the instructions contained in your Circular No. 14 of the 9th February, 1881. I have the honor to report that to the best of my belief there has been a slight increase since the last census was taken. The Natives generally are healthy, and there has been no serious disease or epidemic among them. The majority appear to be living in comfortable circumstances. In conclusion, I deem it my duty to report that the work of enumeration of the population in the Porirua District was obstructed by the chief Wi Parata Kakakura, so that I was unaßle to obtain a nominal return as I had at first intended. I have, &c, "W J BITTLEB, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Enumerator.

No. 13. Mr. E. Paeeis, New Plymouth, to the TTkdee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sib,— New Plymouth, 18th April, 1881. In accordance with instructions contained in your letter of 9fch February last, I have now the honor to forward the Maori census return for my district. By it you will perceive a considerable decrease in numbers since last census was taken in 1878, as follows:— Census, 1878 .. .. .. .. 3,440 Census, 1881 .. .. .. .. 2,801 Decrease .. 639 To this add. — Wanganuis residing at Parihaka, and not included in last census .. 174 And Awakino Natives who were not included in this district last census .. ~ .. 23 836 Deduct prisoners in South Island, say .. .. 310 Decrease .. .. 526 I have no particular epidemic to report; but the old enemy to the race, consumption in its different forms, is their great scourge.