Increase of Population.—The population of the colony (exclusive of Maoris) on the 3rd day of March, 1878, numbered 414,412, an increase since March, 1874, of 114,898, or 38.36 per cent. The rate of increase was, therefore, much greater in the 4 years from March 1, 1874, to March 3, 1878, than in the previous period from February, 1871, to March, 1874, the increase during that period having only been at the rate of 16.82 per cent.

Table V., p. 2.

Of the above increase of 114,898 the natural increase by excess of births over deaths amounted to 40,844, or at the rate of 13.64 per cent. for the period. The balance, 74,054, consists of the excess of immigration over emigration during the same period. With a natural increase at the rate of 13.64 per cent. every four years the population of the colony, if during the period there should be no excess of immigration over emigration, would in 1886 amount to about 535,000.

The rate of increase from all causes varied in different districts. The following figures show the actual and rateable increase in each provincial district:—

Tables VII., VIII., pp. 4,5.

Proportion of the Sexes.—The males in 1878 numbered 230,998, the females 183,414. The Chinese are included in these numbers, but exclusive of the Chinese the numbers would be 226,574 males to 183,405 females—an excess of males of 43,169. The increase of males since 1874 was 60,017, or 35.10 per cent. The increase of females was 54,881, or 42.70 per cent. There were on the 3rd March, 1878, 100 males to every 79.40 females. The disproportion between the sexes was less in 1878 than in 1874, in 1874 there having been 100 males to 75.17 females.

Table V., p, 2.

Table X., p. 6.

The proportions of the sexes in the various provincial districts in the years 1874 and 1878 were as follow:—

The inequality in the numbers of the sexes has been reduced in every district of the colony except Wellington, but the disproportion has been most lessened—in Marlborough by 8.50 per 100 males, in Nelson by 8.14, in Otago by 6.69, and in Hawke's Bay by 6.08. If allowance be made for the Chinese population in Westland, Nelson, and Otago, the proportion of females to males among the rest of the population, except Maoris, was—

Density of Population.—The population of the colony, exclusive of Maoris, amounted in March, 1878, to 3.95 persons to a square mile; but, as 151,160 persons resided in towns, the population outside towns, numbering 263,252, amounted to 2.5 persons to a square mile.

Table XI., p.6.

The average number of persons of the suburban and rural population to a square mile in each of the provincial districts, and the proportion of the population in each district that resides in towns, are herewith given.

The average number of persons to an inhabited dwelling throughout the colony was 5.02 in 1878, against 4.48 in 1874, 4.48 in 1871, and 4.05 in 1867. Of the population (exclusive of Maoris and Chinese)—

Table XIII., p. 7.

Table XV., p. 9.

There is a noticeable increase since 1874 in the number of persons (exclusive of Chinese) residing under canvas. In that year they amounted to 3,912, or 1.33 per cent, of the population; in 1878 to 5.,566, or 1.36 per cent.

Dwellings—Number and Character.—It has been attempted to group the houses according to their character or materials; but the result cannot be considered thoroughly satisfactory as showing the class of buildings. Some of the cob houses which are grouped in Table III. with sod and raupo houses and huts are, it is believed, well-built substantial houses, and should increase the number of better-class houses; again it is believed that dwellings returned as “huts” in some localities are in others described as one- or two-roomed wooden houses. The number of inhabited dwellings in 1878 was 82,588 against 61,356 in 1874, an increase of 21,232.

Table XV., p. 9.

The following table will show the increase since 1874 in the various dwellings, classified according to the number of rooms they contain.

The increase of 1,133 in the one-roomed dwellings is chiefly caused by the increased number of tents and dwellings with canvas roofs, such increase amounting to 964. More than half this increase was in Canterbury, where the number of such dwellings was 102 in 1874, and 669 in 1878, an increase of 567. The largest increase in the above classes of dwellings was in the houses containing three and four rooms. The increase in this class of dwelling comprised 39 per cent. of the total increase, and the number of dwellings in that class amounted to 35 per cent. of the total inhabited dwellings. The proportion of dwellings of a superior class containing more than six rooms is nearly the same as in 1874. In that year they comprised 14.98 per cent. of the total dwellings, and 14.96 per cent. in 1878.

The inhabited buildings of brick, stone, or concrete amounted to 3,001, or 3.63 per cent. of the total dwellings, against 1,901, or 3.10 per cent., in 1874.

The largest proportionate increase occurred in Otago, such dwellings having comprised 6.53 per cent. of the total number in 1874, and 8.07 per cent. in 1878. In Auckland the number of these buildings increased from 1.99 per cent. to 2.37 per cent. The following table shows the percentage in each provincial district of each class of inhabited dwellings:—

Of the 414,412 persons enumerated on the 3rd March, 1878, 8,225 males and 7,890 females were under the age of one year. The total number under 5 years of age amounted to 69,724, of whom 35,382 were males and 34,342 females. The number at the ages 5–15 was 105,244: of these 52,914 were males and 52,330 were females. 40,270 persons were between 15 and 21 years of age, of whom 20,062 were males and 20,208 were females. This is the only age-period in which the females were more numerous than the males. At all other ages the number of males predominated.

Table 1., p. 53.

During the year 1877 (immediately preceding the Census) the proportion of females born to every 100 males was 95.61, but at the Census the proportions of the numbers living under one year of age, and at the succeeding early ages, were as follow:—

The total population under 21 amounted to 215,238 persons, or 51.94 per cent. of the population; the proportion in 1874 having been 50.29 percent. The males under 21 amounted to 108,358, or 46.91 per cent. of the males living. The females under 21 amounted to 106,880, or 58.27 per cent. of the total number of females. This difference between the relative proportions of each sex at ages under and over 21 is attributable, firstly, to the presence of a number of Chinese, as of the 4,055 Chinese males of specified age only 191 were under 21 years of age; and, secondly, to the fact that the male immigrants over 21 are more numerous than the female immigrants over 21.

At the higher ages 75,759 males and 51,361 females were between 21 and 40; 35,613 males and 18,201 females between 46 and 55; and 9,907 males and 6,542 females over 55 years of age. 360 persons above 80 years of age were living. Of these, 167 males and 154 females were between the ages of 80 and 90; 18 males and 19 females between 90 and 100; and 2 males between 104 and 105 years of age.

The ages of 1,361 males and 430 females were not given, beyond the fact ascertainable that they were adults.

In my report on the results of the Census of 1874 I remarked that the decrease in the number of the males between the ages 21 and 40 since the Census of 1871 was evidently attributable to the want of a sufficient number of males at the ages 15–21 to supply the gaps in the ages 21–40; and I also remarked that the proportion of males at the ages 15–21 to the total number of males at 15–40 was then 17.75 per cent. in New Zealand, but was 29.84 per cent. in England. Since 1874, notwithstanding that the males between 21 and 40 have increased from 61,867 to 75,759, the increase in the males between 15 and 21 makes the number at that age in 1878 equal to 20.94 per cent. of the total number at the age 15–40. This was still considerably lower than the proportion in England (viz., 29.84), and still insufficient to maintain the present numbers at the age-period 21–40, the maintenance of the numbers at these ages being due to immigration. Although in the colony as a whole the number of males at the ages 21–40 increased from 61,867 in 1874 to 75,759 in 1878, yet in the Provincial Districts of Nelson and Westland there was an actual decrease of males at those ages. In Nelson the decrease amounted to 828, but as the decrease of males at the age-period 21–40 on the Nelson South-West Gold Field amounted to 1,129, there was an increase of males at those ages in other parts of the district to the number of 301. In the Westland Gold Field the reduction in numbers amounted to 520, but the decrease in the whole provincial district to 658.

Increase of Females, 21–40.—The females at the ages 21–40 were more numerous in 1878 than in 1874 by 14,108, an increase equal to 37.87 per cent. on the numbers in 1874. The total number of females at these ages amounted to 51,361, or less than the males at those ages by 24,398; thus to every 100 males at the ages 21–40 there were only 67.80 females.

Population at Supporting Ages.—The proportion of the inhabitants at the supporting period of life, viz., 15–65 years, was less than it was in 1874, but still somewhat greater than in the majority of the Australian Colonies at their Census of 1871. The following table exhibits the relative strength per 10,000 persons in New Zealand in 1874 and 1878, and in some of these colonies in 1871:—

The persons at unspecified ages in New Zealand have, for the purpose of this table, been included in the ages 15–65, as from the nature of the statements on the schedule it is evident that they were adults, and that very few, if any, would probably be older than 65.

Of the Chinese population 15 were under 15 years of age. These appear to be the offspring of Chinese fathers by European mothers. 4,045 of the Chinese were between 15 and 65, and 4 were upwards of 65 years of age. The ages of 369 Chinese were not given.

The information required to be given on the household schedule was, as to the measure of education, limited to reading and writing, reading only, or not able to read. The information under these heads was not obtainable in respect of 2,953 persons out of a total population of 414,412.

Table IV., p. 94.

The Chinese have not been included in the earlier tables in this part. The instruction in the Census schedule was that only those Chinese who could read and write English were to be enumerated as being able to read and write. They form an exceptional part of the population, for whom no educational provision is made, and, therefore, to have included them would have led to erroneous results as to the extent of rudimentary education among the European portion of the population. Of the 4,433 Chinese in the colony 93 males and 2 females were returned as being able to read and write, and 9 males as being able to read only.

Dealing thus with the population (exclusive of Chinese and Maoris) it appears that the proportion of those who cannot read to every 100 living at the various ages is least at the ages 13–14. At 9–10 5.88 per cent. of those living at that age cannot read. The proportion diminishes year by year, till at the age 13–14 1.60 per cent. cannot read. After that the proportion increases. At the age 20 to 21 2.10 per cent. cannot read; and at each age-period afterwards the percentage of those living who cannot read is greater: at 70–75 it is 6.58 per cent. The proportion of those who can read and write is greatest at the period 15–20 years, amounting to 96.03 per cent., the proportion lessening with age. At 65–70 only 85.61 per cent. could read and write, and the proportions were again less with the older people.

Table V., p.97.

From childhood to 21 years of age there was not much difference between the proportions of males and females who were able to read and write. After 21 the proportion of females able to read and write diminishes steadily, until at 55–60 the proportions are—males 90.65, and females 83.75; at 65–70, males 89.28, and females 80.34. Of the population at all ages 72.11 of the males could read and write, and 66.33 of the females. These are higher proportions than in 1874, when they were— males 71.40, and females 63.94. In 1874, however, only 18.61 per cent. of the population were between 10 and 21, but in 1878 20.99 Per cent. were at those ages—the ages at which the proportions who can read and write are greatest.

The proportion of those able to read and write is greater in the borough population at all ages, except 80 and upwards, than in the suburban and rural populations.

Of the total population (exclusive of Chinese) at 5 years and upwards, 85.65 per cent. of the borough population could read and write, against 82.74 per cent. of the outside borough population. At the school ages 5–10 and 10–15 the proportions were as follow:—

Table VIII., p. 101.

There is, however, a marked increase in the proportionate numbers who can read and write since 1874. For that year the following return was made:—

The efforts made on behalf of education thus show certain results in the increased proportions in every 100 of the children at the school-ages who can read and write. In comparing these results for different provincial districts it appears that, dealing with children between 5 and 15 years, the proportion per cent. not able to read was smallest in Auckland (17.65), and Nelson stood second on the list with a percentage of 17.71. The proportions for all the provincial districts were as follow:—

Table X., p. 103.

There is a greater difference in the proportions in the various electoral districts. The largest proportions unable to read are,—

Table XI., pp. 104–5.

The proportions unable to read are lowest in the following districts:—

and

The proportions of the male population over 15, unable to read, vary also considerably. The smallest proportion being 1.38 per cent. in Collingwood, and the highest 9.10 per cent. in the Hutt. This large percentage in the Hutt cannot be considered solely attributable to the presence of a large number of aged persons, for, of the youths, 15 to 21, 9 per cent. were unable to read.

Attendance at School.—In 1878 62,866 children were returned as attending Government schools, 14,611 as attending private schools, 62,273 as attending Sunday schools, and 9,706 as receiving tuition at home. While the numbers attending Government schools increased from 34,407 in 1874 to 62,866 in 1878, equivalent to an increase of 82.71 per cent., the numbers attending private schools only increased from 13,752 to 14,611, an increase of 859, or 6.25 per cent. The establishing of the system of free education at the Government schools has compelled many persons to close their private schools, as they have painfully felt their inability to hold their ground in consequence of their having to charge for education.

Table XIII., p. 108.

Table XIV., p. 109.

The percentages of increase or decrease in the public and private schools in the several provincial districts are herewith given:—

While the population at 5–15 years increased 45.89 per cent., the numbers attending school (including public and private schools) increased 60.88 per cent.; and the proportion of children attending school to the total number of children at the ages 5–15 increased from 66.78 per cent. to 73.64. A great improvement in the proportions of the children attending school obtains in all the provincial districts, although there are still great contrasts between the results in different districts; for while, in Hawke's Bay, only 60.54 per cent. of the children at 5–15 attend school, in Westland 91.13 per cent. attend school. In 1874 Nelson showed the largest proportion of children at the ages 5–15 attending school (71.23 per cent). In 1878 the highest proportion, 91.13, was in Westland. The next highest in. Canterbury, 76.51, and the next in Auckland, 75.74—Nelson taking the fourth place with a proportion of 73.15. The subjoined table gives these various heads of information for each provincial district.

In the year 1878, of the male population the colony (excluding Chinese) 27.99 per cent. were married and 72.01 were single. Of the female population 34.30 per cent. were married and 65.70 were single. Comparing the results of the last four Censuses it is found that the proportion of married out of every 100 males has been regularly increasing, while the proportion of married out of every 100 females has been regularly decreasing during the 10 years 1868 to 1877 inclusive. The growing proportion of the females under 21 years of age to the total at all ages has caused the decrease in the proportion of the married females to the single females. In 1867 the females under 21 years amounted to 54.86 per cent. of the whole number of females; in 1871 to 56.81 percent.; in 1874 to 57.96 per cent.; and in 1878 to 58.41 per cent. 158,388 males (excluding Chinese) were returned as unmarried in 1878; of these, 104,651 were under 20 years of age and 53,737 over 20 years. Of the females 114,736 were unmarried, and of these 86,665. were under 15 years of age, while 28,071 were over 15 years. Thus the number of bachelors over 30 years of age exceeded the number of spinsters over 15 years of age by 25,666; in other words, there were 191 bachelors to every 100 spinsters. At the Census of 1874 there were 2,38 bachelors to every 100 spinsters, so that the inequality between the numbers of the unmarried of both sexes of marriageable age has during the 4 years’ interval been considerably reduced. Out of 28,071 spinsters, 15,510 were from 15 to 20 years of age, and 12,561 of 20 years of age and upwards.

Table I., p. 177.

Table II., p. 177.

The marriages during 1877 of spinsters under 20 years of age amounted to 688, and of spinsters over 20 years of age to 2,113. At that rate about 4.44 per 100 of the spinsters under 20 years of age, and 16.82 per 100 of the spinsters over 20 years of age, would be married in the year.

Table III., p. 178.

In 1878 the husbands numbered 63,424 and the wives 62,909; the excess of husbands over wives being 515. In 1874 the husbands were more numerous than the wives by 710, although the actual number of married people was less than in 1878.

Table IV., p. 178.

The widows numbered 5,677 and the widowers 4,176, the excess of widows over widowers being 1,496. In 1874 the excess of widows over widowers was 719, and in 1871, 389. Comparing the numbers of widows and widowers at the different quinquennial periods of age for the Census of 1878, it is found that at all such periods the widows outnumbered the widowers, that at the periods 30–35 and 60–65 the differences (201 and 214) were greatest, while the difference at the period 45 to 50 was only 24. Under 30 years of age the widows numbered 355, the widowers 159. From 30 to 50 years of age the widows numbered 2,243, the widowers 1,758. At the age of 50 and upwards the widows were 3,074, the widowers 2,259. Under 30 years of age to every 100 widows there were 45 widowers at the Census of 1878 and 39 at the Census of 1874. At the ages 30 to 50 to every 100 widows there were 78 widowers in 1878 and 95 in 1874, while at 50 years of age and upwards there were to every 100 widows 73 widowers in 1878 and 78 in 1874.

Table V., p. 179.

In 1878 there were 50,995 married women between the ages of 15 and 45 years. The number of legitimate births in 1877 was 16,505, or 32.37 births to every 100 married women between 15 and 45 years of age. In the year 1873 there were 30.24 births to every 100 married women of 15 to 45 years of age, judging from the results of the Census of 1874. The Census of England for 1871 and birth returns show that there is one birth to every married woman of the above-mentioned ages in every 3.48 years in that country. The New Zealand Census of 1874 showed one birth to every married woman of the same ages in every 3.31 years, and the present Census shows a birth to every such married woman in every 3.09 years. The married women comprised in the age-period 15–45 are generally younger than the married women of the same age-period in England. Taking the whole number of married women in each country between the ages 15–45 as a basis of comparison, the following figures show the proportions per cent. at the respective ages in England and New Zealand:—

Conjugal Condition of Chinese.—The instructions in the household schedule were that Chinese were to be set down as unmarried, unless they either have or have had wives in New Zealand. 71 Chinese have thus been returned as married, 5 of whom had Chinese wives. The schedules evince the fact that in some of the instances the wife was a European resident in New Zealand, but in other cases the correctness of the description cannot be tested, as men alone are given in the schedule. It is at all events certain that the issue of the unions between Chinese males and European females could not have been numerous, as the total number of Chinese under 15 years of age (i.e., children of Chinese parents or of Chinese fathers and European mothers) given in the table of ages, page 64, only amounted to 15.

Table V., p. 179.

The birthplaces of 413,464 persons were returned in the household schedules. The birthplaces of the remaining 948 of the population were unspecified, but of this number 686 persons had British names and 26 foreign names, while the names of 236 were not given on the schedules.

Allegiance.—The number of British subjects in the colony was 395,607, or 95.52 per cent. of the population. In this number are comprised all persons born in British possessions; all naturalized British subjects; British subjects born in foreign countries; persons, having British names, born at sea; and those whose birthplaces were not given, but who had British names. The foreign subjects amounted to 18,569, or 4.48 per cent. of the population. In the year 1874 the foreign subjects were 4.44 per cent. of the population.

Table I., p. 225.

Number born in New Zealand.—The persons born in New Zealand numbered 174,126, or 42.02 per cent. of the whole population; of these, 87,787, or 38 per cent., were males, and 86,339, or 47.07 Per cent., were females. The number of New-Zealand-born in 1874 amounted to 122,635 persons. There has thus been an increase of 51,491 persons, or 41.99 per cent., on the New-Zealand-born population.

Tables II., III., p. 226-7

Numbers born outside the Colony.—The Australian-born were 16,091 in 1878, an increase in four years of 2,490, or 18.31 per cent. The English-born increased from 74,628 in 1874 to 106,493 in 1878, or 42.70 per cent. The Scotch increased from 38,431 to 47,949, or 24.77 Per cent.; the Irish increased from 30,255 to 43,758, or 44.63 per cent.; the Welsh increased from 1,381 to 1,702, or 23.24 per cent.; the Germans increased from 2,819 to 4,649; the Norwegians and Swedes from 1,780 to 2,375; the Danes from 1,172 to 2,225; and the Americans (including all returned as born in “ British North America,” “United States of America,” “North America,” and “America”) increased from 2,701 to 3,165. The Chinese-born decreased from 4,828 to 4,442, or 386 in number. Of the whole population, while 42.02 per cent. were born in New Zealand as above stated, 25.70 per cent. were born in England, 11.57 m Scotland, 10.56 in Ireland, and .41 in Wales, making a total of 48.24 per cent. born in the United Kingdom; 2.94 per cent. were born in other European countries, 3.88 per cent. in the Australian Colonies, and 1.07 per cent. in China.

In every 100 of the persons born in New Zealand 50.42 were males and 49.58 females; of those of Australian birth 51.40 were males and 48.60 females; of those born in England the females amounted to 41.31 per cent.; of those in Wales to 3461 per cent.; 40.79 per cent. of those born in Scotland and 42.45 per cent. of those born in Ireland were females. Of those returned as born in the United States 79.27 per cent. were males and 20.73 per cent. were females. Of the Germans 67.07 per cent. were males and 32.93 per cent. were females. Of those born in France and French Colonies 72.05 per cent. were males and 27.95 Per cent- were females. Of those born in other European countries and their dependencies, in which are included Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians, the males comprised 72.34 per cent. and the females 27.66 per cent. In considering the tables of birthplaces it should be borne in mind that the numbers given as born in any country are not necessarily natives of that country, the children born of British parents being included. These have all been separated in the table showing the allegiance of the population.

Full details of the information respecting birthplaces given on the Census schedules are exhibited in the table on pp. 228–30. The table is one of birthplaces arranged in groups according to the nationalities of the persons included.

Table IV., p. 228.

Of a total population of 414,412 persons 10,564 persons objected to state their religious belief. No entry was made in the column for religion in the household schedule opposite the names of 1,743 persons.

Table I., p. 253.

The Protestants of all denominations amounted to 334,745; the Catholics, including the Greek Church, to 58,945. Of the Protestant denominations the members of the Church of England (including Protestants not otherwise defined) amounted to 176,337, or 42.55 per cent. of the population. The Presbyterians numbered 95,103, or 22.95 per cent. of the population; and the Methodists numbered 37,879, or 9.14 per cent. The Roman Catholics numbered 58,881, or 14.2,1 per cent. of the population. Of the principal denominations the Roman Catholics increased, since 1874, at the rate of 45.85 per cent.; the Methodist bodies collectively at the rate of 50.20 per cent.; the Presbyterians at the rate of 31.22 per cent.; and the Church of England at the rate^of 38.66 per cent. In the case of the same principal denominations the proportions to the 100 of population were respectively, at the Censuses of 1874 and 1878, as follow:—

Table II., p. 253.

Of the smaller bodies the Baptists increased from 6,355, or 2.12 per cent. of the population, to 9,159, or 2.21 per cent.; the Congregational Independents from 5,441, or 1.82 per cent., to 5,555 or 1.34 per cent.; and the Lutherans from 3,914, or 1.31 percent., to 5,643, or 1.36 per cent. Hebrews increased in number from 1,215 to 1,424, but the proportion to the total population decreased from 0.40 per cent. to 0.34 per cent. Pagans (embracing nearly all the Chinese) decreased from 4,764, or 1.59 per cent., to 4,379, or 1.05 per cent. The number of persons who objected to state their religious belief amounted to 10,564 against 6,760 in 1874. Of persons belonging to no denominations Freethinkers numbered 490 against 135 in 1874, and Secularists 94 against 51 in 1874.

The occupations of the people have been classified in accordance with the system first adopted in New Zealand in compiling the Census of 1874. The classification is similar in character to that used in England and in Victoria, but slightly varied in some details to suit the circumstances of the colonial population.

The instruction given on the back of the household schedule was that the occupation which each person is following and deriving income from at the time of the Census is the occupation that should be stated; the tables given do not therefore necessarily represent the entire number of persons following each occupation, as many persons follow combined pursuits, but are only returned under one. It is to be regretted that, notwithstanding the precise instructions given on the schedule, many persons, either through carelessness, want of appreciation of the important bearing of the compiled results on many social and industrial questions, or from other causes, fill in the occupations in a negligent and indefinite manner, and use general terms applicable to employments under several of the classes, but without indicating the speciality of the occupation.

The occupations have been divided into 6 principal classes; these being again subdivided into 15 orders, and each order into sub-orders more or less numerous.

CLASS I. PROFESSIONAL.—This class comprises the officers .of the Government (colonial and local), except those whose occupations are of a special character, and require that they should be brought into other classes; the Defence and Militia Forces, the learned professions with their immediate subordinates, literary and scientific persons, and those engaged in the fine arts. The total number of persons in this class in 1878 amounted to 8,222, against 6,460 in 1874. It will be understood from the foregoing remarks that the number of persons employed by the Government cannot be ascertained from these tables, as the object of the classification has been chiefly to show the number of persons engaged in any special branch of occupation; officers employed in exceptional services, as in law-courts, railways, harbour and pilot services, lighthouses, telegraph services, &c., having been placed in the several classes to which these occupations appertain.

It will be useful in considering the above figures to select certain specific occupations or groups of occupations from each of the orders, and to. compare the numbers returned at the two Censuses.

Order I. Government and Defence.—A great reduction in the number of persons engaged in defence is noticed on comparing the figures for 1874 and 1878. In 1874 there were 897 persons in this Sub-order of Order I., while in 1878 the total was only 470. The cause was the reduction at that time of the Armed Constabulary Force, as belonging to which the following numbers were returned:—

Order II. Literature, Art, and Science.—The numbers of. persons engaged in certain specific occupations belonging to the learned and scientific professions were as follow:—

CLASS II. DOMESTIC—In this class. are included all wives, mothers, and others engaged in domestic duties (unless returned as having some other definite occupation), children including those attending school, relatives, and also those persons engaged in personal offices to man. The total number in this class amounted to 263,750, of whom 89,389 were males and 174,361 females.

Order III. Domestic.—The scholars given in the detailed tables are only those who were, not otherwise employed, and therefore the totals given are in all cases less than the full totals of scholars as shown in the tables relating to schooling in Part III.,. Education.

Order IV. Personal Offices.—The numbers relating to hotel-keeping and domestic service are important items of this order:—

Of the domestic servants the males. numbered 750 in 1874, and 1,004 in 1878.

CLASS III. COMMERCIAL.—This class comprises those who deal in money, land, goods, &c., or who are engaged in the transport and conveyance of men, animals, goods, or messages. In this class are included all persons employed by the Government, but who are engaged in railway and telegraphic services, and harbour arid pilot services. The total number of persons in this class amounted to 18,092, of whom 17,648 were males and 444 females.

Order V. Commercial—The numbers of the persons engaged in mercantile pursuits are highly significant, and are therefore given fully; the total number of this order having increased by 49.86 per cent., while the total population only increased 38.36 per cent.

The numbers for the years 1874 and 1878 of the principal occupations included in “Sub-order I., Mercantile Persons,” of this order are given herewith:—

Shopkeepers not having a special branch of trade, and their assistants, are included in the and Sub-order, “ Other General Dealers,” of this order:—

In connection with these it seems right to mention here that storekeepers (not shop) and storemen, to the number of 710 returned in 1874, and 944 returned in 1878, have been dealt with in the order following, but who are, probably, as much concerned in the buying and selling of goods as occupied in simple storage work.

Order VI. Carriers of Goods and Messages.—The numbers engaged on railways and in telegraphic operations are as follow:—

CLASS IV. AGRICULTURAL.—This class includes all persons engaged in working or cultivating land, raising animals or dealing in them, or following pursuits subsidiary thereto. The class includes 47,967 persons, 47,363 males and 604 females. Of these, 37,478 persons were classed as engaged in agricultural pursuits, and 5,516 in pastoral pursuits. This division is necessarily very imperfect, for, while the numbers engaged in pastoral pursuits have been limited to those who returned themselves as runholders, sheepfarmers, &c., and their employees, a large number of so-called “farmers” who are placed in the agricultural class make their living by keeping stock, and not by agriculture.

Order VII. Engaged on Land or Animals.—The two principal sub-orders of this group show the numbers of persons engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits.

in which numbers are included,—

The number of farm servants for 1878 does not include 599 harvesters. The distinction between farmer (agricultural) and grazier or runholder (pastoral) is not properly kept in the entries on the Census schedules, but it may fairly be said that, while the numbers above given for runholders cannot be taken as exact, there is no doubt that the number of servants whose duties are clearly given as of a pastoral nature has increased since 1874.

From the sub-order comprising those persons returned as engaged in land, but not cultivating or grazing, the following numbers have been taken:—

Among the number engaged about animals are noticed,—

The latter occupation being necessarily included in this class.

CLASS V. INDUSTRIAL.—This class comprises all persons working or dealing in art or mechanical productions, in textile fabrics and fibrous materials, in foods and drinks (except such as engaged in board and lodging under the domestic class, hotel-and inn-keepers being included in that class), animal and vegetable substances, and metals and minerals. The total number of persons in this class in 1878 amounted to 57,086, of whom 52,170 were males and 4,916 females.

It must be recollected, in using comparisons, that the numbers of persona engaged in trade and manufactures belonging to the industrial group include generally labourers, assistants, and apprentices, as well as principals. This is done in order that the relative importance of the different trades, &c., may be exhibited in the best possible manner.

Of persons working and dealing in books there were,—

Of those working in machines and tools,—

Amongst those working and dealing in carriages and harness,—

The full numbers of persons working and dealing in ships and boats (including Shipwrights, Boatbuildcrs, Sailmakers, &c.) were—in 1874, 669; in 1878, 732.

The sub-order consisting of persons working and dealing in houses and buildings shows a large development in certain occupations. From it are taken the following numbers:—

From the next sub-order is extracted,—

Order IX. In Textile Fabrics, Dress, and Fibrous Materials.—The numbers engaged in the local industries of woollen manufacture and in hat-making for 1878, although not considerable, are twice as great as for 1874, while the decline of flax-dressing has caused a reduction in the numbers employed at the mills and in rope-making during the period 1874–78,—

Order XI. Workers and Dealers in Animal and Vegetable Matters.—Conspicuous amongst those working in animal matters are fellmongers, tanners, and curriers. Persons to whom the timber and kauri gum industries afford employment are enumerated as workers in vegetable matters.

10 males were returned as employed in paper manufacture in 1878. The mill was in the Otago Provincial District.

Order XII. Workers and Dealers in Minerals.—This order deals with persons engaged in mining; working and dealing in coal; in stone, clay, earthenware, and glass (including road and railway labourers); in water; and in different metals. From it are the following numbers:—

The gold-miners were fewer in number in 1878 than in 1874, while the number of persons engaged in labouring on railways and roads increased during the period between the Censuses.

CLASS VI. INDEFINITE AND NONPRODUCTIVE.—This class comprises all labourers and other persons whose special branch of labour or employment is not defined so as to allow of their being placed in previous classes. They are included in the following orders.

Order XIII. Labourers and Others {branch undefined).—At the Census of 1878 11,355 persons returned themselves as “labourers;” in 1874 there were 7,880 so returned. Mechanics, shopmen and shopwomen, apprentices, engine-drivers, draftsmen, contractors, and foremen, with others not more specifically defined, numbered 2,2–71 in 1878, against 1,752, in 1874.

Order XIV. Property or Rank.—These persons, consisting of foreign pensioners, annuitants, and those described as private means, independent, &c, amounted to 385 in 1878, against 344 in 1874.

Order XV. Persons Supported by the Community.—The colonial pensioners, inmates of charitable institutions, and others living as a burden on Government or supported by voluntary private charity form one sub-order, while the criminal classes form the other:—

While the total population (of all ages) increased 38.36 per cent. between the years 1874 and 1878, the number living as burdens to the community increased 37.70 per cent., or at a slightly less rate. The criminal class increased during the same period at the rate of 35.78 per cent., which is again less than the increase per cent. on the total of population.

Under the heading “Sickness and Infirmity” householders were instructed to enter the words “Sick or accident,” as the case might be, opposite the name of any person who might at the time of the Census be prevented from following his or her usual occupation by reason of illness. The Census is thus the means of giving what could not be derived from any other source, viz., information as to the health of the whole adult population at a given time, accepting inability to work as a definition of. illness. No notice has been taken of the sickness of persons under 15 years of age, as with the instruction on the schedule above alluded to any entries found could not be regarded as of value. An account of the sickness of the population was taken at the Census of 1874, so that a comparison can be made for the two Census years of the numbers of the people at different ages and of different occupations who were sick or suffering from accident.

Tables I., II., pp. 319, 321.

The total number of persons of 15 years and over returned as suffering from sickness, accident, debility, or infirmity was 2,673, or 111.37 per 10,000 persons living. Distinguishing between the sexes, the proportion was greatest of males, mostly on account of their greater liability to accident, being 125.37 per 10,000 of males and 91.38 per 10,000 of females. Of these, the sick males amounted to 87.03 and the sick females to 80.63 per 10,000 respectively; the males suffering from accident to 31.19 and the females suffering from accident to 3.93 per 10,000.

The following figures, being proportions per 10,000, persons, males, and females, show the relative prevalence of sickness, accidents, and debility for the years 1874 and 1878:—

There was more sickness in March of 1874 than in March of 1878, but accidents and cases of debility existed in nearly the same proportions at both years.

The proportion of sick per 10,000 living rose steadily at each quinquennial period of age in the case of the males, and also in the case of the females, with some variations. The period 45–50 was the first at which the proportions of sick persons (males and females) rose above 100 to the 10,000 living at these ages. In 1874 the corresponding period was 40–45.

At 35–40 71.77 per 10,000 of males and 65.58 per 10,000 of females were returned as sick; at 40–45 the numbers were respectively 87.15 males and 94.92 females; at 45–50 113.08 males and 109.12 females; at 50–55, 166.62 males and 127.15 females.

The cases of debility and infirmity began to be numerous at the period 55–60, when they amounted to 16.77 on the 10,000 persons of both sexes. At the period 70–75 the proportion was 132.83 per 10,000. The proportions for males are higher than for females at the period 60–65 and onwards to the extreme ages, but for the periods 50–55 and 55–60 the proportions of females exceed those of males. A similar result was obtained in 1874.

Specified Infirmities.—Besides requiring from householders an account of the sick and of persons suffering from accident, instruction was given on the schedule that the deaf and dumb, the blind, the lunatics, idiots, and epileptics should also be stated. These have been accordingly returned, and the instructions have led householders to specify also the paralyzed and crippled or deformed. Although sickness in March, 1878, was not so prevalent as in March, 1874, the numbers of lunatics, epileptics, and paralyzed increased proportionately to the population since the latter date, as will be seen by the following extracted figures:—

The number of persons of all ages returned as suffering from all specified infirmities amounted to 1,564. The following are the infirmities, with the number suffering under each affliction:—

Deaf and Dumb.—The total number returned was 92; 25 of whom were stated to be “dumb,” but deafness from birth being a cause of dumbness, it is presumed that, in using the word “dumb,” deaf and dumb persons were referred to 58 of the total number were between 5 and 20 years of age, and 31 were upwards of 20 years of age. The occupations of the deaf and dumb males, other than those given as sons, relatives, scholars, or visitors, are as follow: 1 farmer, 6 farm labourers, 4 relatives assisting on farm, 1 bushman, 1 lithographer, 1 sawyer, 1 saddler, 1 carpenter, 1 cabinetmaker, 1 mining engineer, 2 tailors, 4 shoemakers, 1 tanner, and 1 labourer. In the case of the mining engineer, who was 60 years of age, the occupation was probably a past one. Of the females, one was a domestic servant, another a dressmaker, 3 were wives or widows, and the rest scholars, daughters, relatives, or visitors.

Of the males who were entered as deaf and dumb, 23 were under 15 years of age, 18 of whom were at home Without specified occupation, and 5 were scholars. There were 29 males over 15 years, of whom 3 were at home without specified occupation, the rest apparently earning their living by means of the occupations enumerated above. Out of a total number of 40 deaf and dumb females, 19 were under 15 years of age, 16 of whom were at home without specified occupation, and 3 were scholars. Of 21 over 15 years, 15 were at home without specified occupation, 1 was a scholar, 3 were wives or widows, 1 a domestic servant, and 1 a milliner.

The number of deaf and dumb persons in the colony in 1874 was 57, the increase in the period 1874—78 being 35 or 61 per cent.

Blind.—The total number of persons returned as blind was 106,56 of whom were males and 50 females. Of the total number, 16 persons were under 20 years of age, 19 from 20 to 40 years, 13 from 40 to 50, 14 from 50 to 60, and 44 of 60 years and upwards. 25 of the females were returned as wives or widows; 32 persons as sons, daughters, relatives, or visitors. In respect of 12 persons no entry was made in the occupation column. Various occupations, past or present, were returned for the remaining persons, which will be found specified in the table on pages 321–8.

Lunatics.—The 864 persons returned as lunatics were patients in various asylums. The occupations given for them are necessarily their past occupations previous to their admission to the asylums. 579 Were males, 285 females. 24 persons of the total number were under 20 years of age, and 30 between 20 and 25. There was a larger number (166) of patients at the ages 35–40 than at any other quinquennial period. The proportion of lunatics to the total population (exclusive of Maoris) was 1 to every 480 persons.

Idiots.—70 persons were returned as idiots or imbeciles, 39 of whom were under 20 years of age.

Epileptic.—101 males and 63 females were entered as subject to epilepsy.

Paralysis.—97 persons were returned as paralyzed, 47 of whom were under 50 years of age and 50 over that age.

Crippled and Deformed.:—171. persons were returned as being thus afflicted. Persons permanently crippled by accident have been included amongst the above persons,—not with those previously spoken of as prevented from working at the time of the Census by reason Of accident!, and in respect of whom the word “Accident” was entered, on the Census schedule.

Three tables are presented which deal with holdings of land and their acreages classified in groups or sizes. The first is a table of counties, and shows the number of occupied holdings and acreage in each county classified according to size, but Crown pastoral lands are omitted. The second table is a statement of the unoccupied and unused lands in the different provincial districts, which have been returned and kept apart from the rest. The third table is one showing for each provincial district and the colony the numbers of occupied holdings classified according to size, including the Crown pastoral lands leased.

Tables I., II., III., pp. 331, 333, 334.

Extent of Occupied Holdings.—The extent of occupied holdings over an acre in size in the colony in March, 1878, was returned as 25,269,146 acres. Of this territory p. 335. 8,869,547 acres were freehold, 3,709,525 acres were leasehold (including lands leased by Europeans from Maoris) or in process of alienation from the Crown by means of deferred payments, &., and 12,690,074 acres were rented from the Crown for pastoral purposes only.

Table IV., p. 335.

Unoccupied and Uncultivated Lands.—A place was set apart in the Census schedule for the entry of unused, and unoccupied lands, so that the real occupation of land might be shown correctly. 605,931 acres were returned as unused. This cannot be said to be a full statement of the unoccupied land held in the colony. What is given, however,"would have been treated in different ways by owners had not a special place in the Census schedule been set apart for its reception, and would Have thus vitiated the return or occupied lands.

Table II., p. 333.

Full Extent of Land held.—The extent of the holdings returned (whether as occupied or not in use) at the last two Censuses, and the increase or decrease during the interval, were as follow:—

Table IV., p. 335.

There was thus a total increase during the period 1874–78 of 2,950,908 acres of land in the colony held, other than the Crown land rented for pastoral purposes. This increase was apportioned amongst the provincial districts as follows:—

Sizes of Holdings.—The number of occupied holdings over one acre in extent in the different provincial districts amounted to 26,229; of these, 15,684 were holdings of various sizes up to 100 acres. There were 8,965 holdings from 100 to 1,000 acres, 904 from 1,000 to 5,000, 173 from 5,000 to 10,000, 183 from 10,000 to 20,000, 208 from 20,000 to 50,000, 86 from 50,000 to 100,000, and 26 of upwards of 100,000 acres.

Table III., p. 334.

Land Fenced.—The total number of acres fenced amounted to 11,567,565 in 1878, against 8,487,096 in 1874. These figures are a very rough approximation to the truth. The distinction between acreage fenced by wire and that enclosed by other kinds offence is made for 1878, and a somewhat similar distinction was made in 1874. The results compared tend to show that, while the acreage enclosed by all kinds of fencing has largely increased, the increase is in the land fenced by wire, taking the colony as a whole.

Tables IV., V., pp. 335, 336.

Land Broken up, but not under Crop.—The quantity of land broken up, but not under crop, was, in 1878, 253,742 acres, against 173,110 acres in 1874.

Tables IV., V., pp. 335, 336.

Land under Crop.—The total quantity of land under crop as shown by the Census of 1878 (including sown grasses) was 3,070,389 acres, against 1,547,645 acres in 1874. In the above total for 1878 were 226,354 acres of wheat, against 110,741 in 1874; 204,254 acres of oats, against 108,485 in 1874; 21,795 acres of barley, against 19,783 in 1874; 18,875 acres of potatoes, against 12,823 in 1874; and 2,418,651 acres of sown grasses, against 1,248,285 in 1874. In 1878 the extent of land in sown grasses after having been ploughed amounted to 1,058,652 acres, and the extent in sown grasses not previously ploughed to 1,359,999 acres. In other crops there were 180,460 acres. This amount includes 143,555 acres of turnips or rape. The quantities of turnips or rape grown in 1878 are so great compared with the same crops for 1874 and 1871 that the figures are extracted.

In the 180,460 acres or other crops, are also included 18,382 acres in garden or orchard, and 25 acres in tobacco.

The growth of tobacco would seem to be on the decrease, possibly owing to limewashes being now used for sheep to a great extent. The figures for three Censuses are as follow:—

Plantations of Forest Trees.—The extent of land returned as planted with forest trees amounted to 13,298 acres in 1878. The Provincial Districts of Canterbury and Otago possessed more than one-half of this acreage in forest trees.

Tables IV., p. 335.

Live Stock.—The aggregate number of live stock of all kinds (exclusive of stock belonging to Maoris, and excluding poultry) in 1878 was 14,007,838, against 12,438,778 in 1874. Taking the principal kinds of live stock separately, the numbers were—Horses, 137,768 in 1878, against 99,859 in 1874; cattle, 578,430 in 1878, against 494,917 in 1874; sheep, 13,069,338 in 1878, against 11,704,853 in 1874; and pigs, 207,337, against 123,921 in 1874.

Tables VII., VII., pp. 339, 340.

Between 1874 and 1878 the number of cattle increased 16.87 per cent., the number of pigs increased 67.31 per cent., and the number of sheep increased 11.66 per cent.

Production of Butler and Cheese.—The annual production of butter was returned in 1878 as 7,379,447 lb., and of cheese as 2,701,908 lb., against 4,861,309 lb. of butter and 1,964,809 lb. of cheese in 1874. In 1871, according to the Census, 2,547,507 lb. of cheese were made, being more than the quantity made in 1874, but less than in 1878. The accounts of butter and cheese made must be taken as only roughly approximate to the actual quantities, as dairymen and farmers do not keep records of the amount of their year's produce, and numerous cases of palpable mistakes made in filling up the schedules have been observed.

Table VII., p. 339.

Agricultural Machines.—The numbers of agricultural machines in the colony in 1878 were returned as follow: Threshing machines, 985, viz., steam 374, water 93, and horse 518; against 770, viz., steam 201, water 61, and horse 508 in 1874; reaping machines 4,829, against 2,744 in 1874; steam-ploughs 34, against 18 in 1874. There were also 32 steam-harrows in 1878, against 11 in 1874.

Table VII., p. 339.

In the set of tables now published relating to industries will be found fuller details than were given in the corresponding tables for 1874. The tables for 1878 relating to grain-mills, breweries, and general industries contain in each case new columns, showing the approximate value of the lands and buildings, with that of the machinery and plant used. Table No. V., showing the number of miscellaneous manufactories and works in the different provincial districts, states also for the first time the number of hands employed in each description of establishment, and notes are added embodying some important particulars as to quantities of produce or numbers of articles manufactured. The same table as it formerly stood was less valuable, as to state simply the number of the industrial establishments, without reference to the labour they engage, the magnitude of their operations, or the capital employed, is an insufficient guide to what is actually being done.

Grain-mills.—Returns were received for a total number of 102 grain-mills, 25 of which were worked by steam, 62 by water, and 15 by compound power. These mills employed 325 hands, and turned out 57,179 tons of flour, besides 3,028 tons of meal, during the year ending 31st March, 1878. The returns, like those for 1874, may not be quite perfect, and an absolutely correct comparison of the number of mills, their power and produce, at the two Census years cannot be made, but an approximately true increase is shown of 22 in the number of mills and of 11 in the number employing steam-power, also of 20,295 tons of flour produced. These mills were most numerous in the Provincial Districts of Canterbury and Otago. A great increase would appear to have taken place since 1874 in the quantity of flour made in Canterbury. The figures are 7,709 tons for 1874, against 21,903 tons for 1878.

Breweries.—The number of breweries in operation in 1878 was 91. 513 hands were employed, and 5,682,170 gallons of beer made in the year. In 1874 there were 82 breweries at work, employing 430 hands, and yielding 4,247,402 gallons of beer. Although the increase in the number of gallons of beer brewed in the colony between 1874 and 1878 is shown by the above figures to amount to so much as 1,434,768 gallons, a comparison of the amounts for provincial districts shows that. in Nelson and Otago the quantities brewed were not widely different at each Census year. Selecting from other provincial districts those which possess more than 10 breweries—Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury—the increase is found to be great in all.

Table II., p. 345.

Flax-mills.—The total number of these mills in 1878 was 31 (a decrease since 1874 of 79); 253 males and 9 females were returned as employed. The quantity of flax manufactured was only 1,190 tons, and the industry had evidently reached the lowest state of depression.

Table III., p. 345.

Manufactories, Machines, Works.—As before stated, the tables relating to the manufactories and works, other than those specially treated of, are an elaboration of the information previously given. Returns were received from 942 of such various manufactories and works in operation in March, 1870. Some of the most noticeable differences in the numbers given for 1874 and 1878 are the following:—

Tables IV., V., pp. 346, 347.

Quartz Mines and Machinery.—There were 103 gold quartz-crushing machines in operation in the year ending March, 1878. They employed 1,491 hands, and produced during the year 230,664 oz. of gold from 181,337 tons of quartz, or an average of 1.27 oz. of gold per ton of quartz. Of the 103 machines, 37 were in Auckland, 2 in Marlborough, 47 in Nelson, and 17 in Otago. In 1874 there were 67 quartz-crushing machines, and of these Nelson had only 2. While quartz-crushing in Auckland and Otago has by no means developed between 1874 and 1878, in Nelson the increase is 45 in the number of machines, 56,822 in the number of ounces of gold produced, and 60,124 in the number of tons of quartz operated upon.

Table VI., p. 347.

Land and Building Societies.—There were 48 land and building societies in New Zealand in March, 1878. The aggregate number of shareholders was 9,49a. The total number of realized shares amounted to 27,752, and the number unrealized to 55,522. The average amounts of monthly contributions for the preceding six months, for all the societies collectively came to £ 30,437 2s. 8d. in the total. Since the year 1874 the number of land and building societies in the colony increased by 19, and the average monthly subscriptions by £16,056 19s. 10d.

Table VII., 348.

Public Libraries, Mechanics’ Institutes, and other Literary and Scientific Institutions.—There were 187 institutions of this class in 1878, having 12,092 members and 173,021 volumes.

Table VIII., p. 348.

Places of Public Worship.—There were 831 churches and chapels in March, 1878, 136 schoolhouses used for public worship, and 68 dwellings or public buildings used for the same purpose. These provided for the accommodation of 158,705 persons. The average number attending service was 100,510.

Tables IX., X., pp. 348, 349.

Although the Census Act, which provided for the enumeration of persons of European descent, does not apply to members of the Native race, yet it was again considered desirable to obtain, if possible, an approximate estimate of their numbers. This has been done through the Officers in Native districts, who were desired to obtain information on the subject in a prescribed form, and report thereon. In some of the districts the numbers have been given with considerable accuracy, as the Natives themselves have afforded facilities to the Officers, and the names are entered in registers kept in the office; in other districts the numbers are given approximately, as, from the state of the Native feeling with regard to Europeans, and the jealousy entertained of any attempt to obtain their exact numbers, an accurate enumeration cannot be made. The Census, however, may be on the whole regarded as being more accurate than that taken in 1874, and probably as not differing materially from die actual numbers. In 1874 the total number of the Maori population was estimated at 45,470; in 1878 at 43,595. The numbers in 1874 are considered to have been slightly overestimated in some districts, although, on the other hand, there are Maoris enumerated in 1878 who were not included in the number for 1874. The numbers as they stand represent a decrease of 1,875 since 1874.

Tables I., II., pp. 353, 358.

A proper numerical tribal comparison can only be made respecting the numbers of Maoris belonging to two of the principal tribes at the Censuses of 1874 and 1878. The two that can be compared are the Ngapuhi and Rarawa, both living north of Auckland. It is necessary to mention that epidemics have recently reduced the number of the Rarawa:—

Turning to the reports of Officers in Native districts to ascertain their views as to the increase or decrease of the Maori race, it is found that the Magistrates or Officers at Mangonui, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, Pokeno, Alexandra (Waikato), Raglan, Tauranga, New Plymouth, and Nelson, all speak (some very decidedly) of the Natives as decreasing in number. They specify the following causes: Love of drink, bad food, bad clothing, and bad houses, neglect of infants, prostitution of women when very young, dirt, and generally low social habits. Some Magistrates consider the sterility of the females as a cause, but others are of a contrary opinion. Mr. Von Sturmer, of Hokianga, says the reason “is certainly not that the women are unfruitful, as it is not at all uncommon to find Natives who have been the parents of families of six or even ten children unable to succeed in rearing one.” Mr. A. Mackay says that while “the decay of the race has been attributed to the want of fecundity in the females, there would seem also to be a deficiency of vigour in the reproductive power of the males, as sexual unions between the females and Europeans are usually prolific, but unions with males of their own race are rarely so.”

There is only one district (Opotiki) in respect of which it is asserted by the presiding Magistrate that there was no decrease during the period 1874–78.

As the Census of the Maoris at Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, and Taupo is merely an estimate of numbers, it would not be right to speak of increase or decrease in such cases, and the Native Officers do not make any remarks on the subject.

If the most reliable of the numbers given of the sexes and ages be compared with similar numbers in 1874, a decrease in the proportion of the younger members of the population will be perceptible. In 1874 the proportion of males under 15 to the total males was (so far as ascertainable) 35.16 per cent., and of females under 15 to the total females, 36.39 per cent.

Of the numbers given in 1878 the returns for 15 tribes have been selected as apparently the most accurate. The total number of members of these tribes amounted to 22,074. In these the males under 15 only averaged 32.00 per cent. of the total males, and the females 31.63 per cent. of the total number of females. This reduction in the proportion indicates a decided decrease in the total numbers, as a deficiency of people at the younger ages must necessarily involve a decrease in the population. The proportions may be stated thus:—

These proportions do not, however, obtain in all the tribes, as in some of them the proportion of children under 15 to persons over 15 is even greater than in settled and growing populations like that of England, but it does not follow that an abnormally large proportion of children under 15 among the Maoris evinces an increasing population, as that large proportion may be caused by a greater proportionate mortality among adults than among children. This is illustrated by the numbers in the Ngapuhi and Rarawa tribes:—

Notwithstanding the high proportions of children under 15, the numbers of the tribes in the two years were returned as follow:—

That the number of Maoris has largely decreased of late years may be assumed as an incontrovertible fact, notwithstanding that the numbers given are admittedly only estimates. In 1861 the estimated number was 55,336, and in 1878 the numbers are estimated at 43,595, the decrease on these numbers amounting to 20 per cent. It may be of interest to refer to the rate and causes of decrease of another branch of the Polynesian race, which is also undergoing the ordeal of being civilized, viz., the Hawaiian. In Hawaii there have not been the difficulties to contend with in taking a Census that exist in New Zealand, as the natives of Hawaii willingly supply the required information. The numbers given for Hawaii can therefore be regarded as approximately accurate, for no Census can have the character of being perfectly accurate. In 1866 the pure aborigines in Hawaii amounted to 57,125; in 1872 to 49,044; and in 1878 to 44,088; the decrease in the 12 years amounting to 23 per cent. of the population. This, it will be observed, is a decrease of a more rapid character than appears to be taking place among the New-Zealanders; for, on the assumption of the approximate accuracy of the figures previously given, the decrease for 17 years, 1861–78, was 20 per cent.; whereas the decrease on the Hawaiian population, for 12 years, was 23 per cent., equivalent to 32.4 per cent. for 17 years. The causes of decrease in the two peoples are similar in character, although the Maoris have not been scourged by leprosy, as has been the case in Hawaii, and it is doubtful whether the term “syphilized race” can be so truly attributed to the Maoris as to the Hawaiians. It appears also doubtful whether the sterility of the women, from changed conditions, deemed by some authorities to be a natural law, and to have been a sufficient cause for the decay of the Hawaiian, obtains to so great an extent among the Maoris, possibly because a large number of the Maoris have remained in a state of isolation from the Europeans. These changed conditions, resulting from the partial grafting of civilized habits upon their native habits and customs, have not been so largely in operation amongst them as amongst the. Hawaiians. The rapid decrease that is taking place in the natives of Hawaii appears, however, to foreshadow an increasingly rapid decrease in the aboriginal population of New Zealand, as they more extensively attempt to assimilate their habits and customs to ours.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

Wm. R. E. BROWN,

Registrar-General.