15

G.—l2

By these papers you may perceive that there are no Maoris in cither Maniototo or Waihemo. There is a steady increase of population in W raikouaiti and Taieri, of 63 and 14 respectively, whereas there is a decrease of 39 in the hapu at Otago Heads, in the Peninsula County, that is, since the census of 1881. The increase is attributed to contentment, industry, and habits of temperance. The decrease, to the fact of the chief at Otago Heads having left there, and taken up his residence in Canterbnry; hence, some of his people followed his example. The Maoris generally in this district are an exemplary people; they give no trouble whatever, and I can vouch for their very good conduct. The children arc being brought up intelligently and well. They are regular in their attendance at school, smart at their lessons, and moral and upright in their habits. No disease or epidemic has existed amongst them since last census. They have been and are in a fairly healthy condition. When going amongst them I found that they are most anxious to have their land claims settled, so that each would know wdiat portion was actually his or hers to farm and live on; and, were their wishes in this respect granted, their happiness would apparently be much increased, and their industry greatly stimulated. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, T. K. Weedox, Native Office, Wellington. I.numerator cf Maori Census.

No. 22. Inspector Moore, Bawrcnce, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Bawrencc, Ist April, 1886. In obedience to the instructions contained in your circular of the 30th December last I beg to enclose herewith a return of the Maori census for the Counties of Tuapeka, Bruce, and Clutha. Total population, 31. There are no Maoris in the Tuapeka and Bruce Counties. The only place where there are any is at Port Molyneux, in the Clutha County, and they appear to be gradually decreasing. 1 am unable to get the population of last census for the counties named, but the Maoris themselves say they are fast dying out, and there is no doubt but they arc getting fewer every year. They have not been afflicted with any particular disease, but suffer chiefly from pulmonary ailments. They have a reserve of 725 acres, chiefly bush land, on which they run a few head of cattle and horses, their only property. They do no cultivation except grow a few potatoes. A few of the men go shearing and harvesting in the summer, but do very little work any other time of the year. I enclose voucher for ss. in favour of Constable Green, of Balclutha, for his services as Sub-enumerator. I have, &c, T. W. Bewis, Esq., Under-Secretary, Samuel Moore, Native Office, Wellington. Inspector of Constabulary and Enumerator.

No. 23. Inspector Buckley, Invcrcargill, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Invercargill, 2nd April, 1886. In compliance with your circular dated the 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to forward the enclosed census of the Maori population in the Counties of Southland, Wallace, Fiord, Stewart Island, and adjacent islands, taken in the third week of February last. There is but an increase of 2 since the last census was taken, which is so small that it needs no comment from me. From personal inquiry, also from inquiries made by the Sub-enumerators, I find that the health of the Natives is good, and that they have not been visited by any disease or epidemic, and also that a high moral tone generally pervades their settlements. Plcaso also find enclosed accounts from the Sub-enumerators for expenses incurred in taking the census as follows: Sergeant Charles Rutledge, _£l 55.; Constable W. Foulcy, .£4 75.; Constable James D. Beece, 2s. 6d. : total, .€5 14s. 6d. I would wish to mention that the teachers of the Native schools at Colac and at The Neck, Stewart Island, rendered valuable assistance to the Sub-enumerators in this duty. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, J. Buckley, Native Affairs, Wellington. Inspector A.C., and Census F.numcrator.

No. 24. Inspector Hickson, Clyde, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— N.Z. Constabulary, Inspector's Office, Clyde, 3rd April, 1886. Referring to your circular-letter of the 30th December, 1885, I have the honour to inform you that there were only 2 Maoris in my census district (Vincent and Bake Counties and interior boroughs) in the third week in February, 1886, and they were located at Minaret