C—l 2.

Station in Lake County, as per return herewith. There has been neither increase nor decrease of the Natives within my district since the hist census was taken, and 1 have no remarks to offer beyond stating that, the two men mentioned were in good health. I return unused books and forms herewith. No expense has been incurred. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary, J. Htckson, Native Office, Wellington. Inspector of Police and Census Enumerator.

No. 25. Inspector Emerson, Hokitika, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Police Office, Hokitika, Ist April, 1886. As directed by your circular, dated the 30th December, 1885, herewith returned, I have had the census taken of the Maori population in the Counties of Buller, Inangahua, Grey, and Westland. 1 enclose a summary of same, and also the returns from the various Sub-enumerators, from which it will be seen that the Maori population in this district is at present 100, all told; it was 99 in 1881, and is therefore almost equal with last census. There has been no serious illness amongst the Maoris; they arc all well to do, living in good houses in almost European style, receiving large annual rentals from reserves leased to Europeans at Greymouth and elsewhere. One leading member of them, Ihaia Tainui, committed suicide at Arahura last October, otherwise there is nothing particular to report; none of them are much addicted to drink, and most of them are total abstainers. They are all healthy, and seem happy and content. 1 have, &c, The Under-Secretary, John Emerson, Native Department, Wellington. Inspector A.C., and Census Enumerator.

Maori Census, 1886. —Comparative Return.

16

Trt -., Total Tot „, ' Total Total F „°*7„„ Male, and Total F „°Xs Males and Males, 1881. *e?__i Females, Males, 1880. i25- ' ' Females, 1881. lg81 1881,. 1(m - .. ... .. STorthlslaad .. .. .. 23,183 18,729 41,912 21,676 17,711 : 39,387 Middle Island* .. .. .. 1,121 940 2,061f 1,089 956 j 2,045 Totals .. .. 24,304 19,609 43,973 ! 22,765 18,667 ' 41,432 * Exclusive of Chatham Islands, the population of which was in 1881,126. i Exclusive of 310 northern Natives In prison in the Middle Island, which are In this return included in the North Isl Note.—The population of the Chatham Islands is not included, as the returns for the census of I88G have not been l Decrcas 2,525 16 2,541 land, received. Decrease. 2,525 16 18,667 ! 41,432 2,541 Becapitulation. Population, 1886 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41,432 1881 43,973 Decrease .. .. .. .. .. 2,541