256 
POPULATION. 
epidemics to the air, which being rendered extensively noxious, 
has a corresponding influence on man. This conclusion is 
also borne out by native tradition, which informs us of various 
diseases which have at different times visited the country, and, 
after occasioning fearful mortality, have again disappeared. 
Various names have been given to them, and one place where 
the mortality was excessive, bears the name of the disease, 
to perpetuate the remembrance of the plague: this is the 
Reiva-rewa, on the Manawatu river. 
But these visitations have been rare, and at long intervals 
of time ;—the diseases we introduce are permanent, and until 
the native constitution is assimilated to that of the European, 
the mortality will preponderate on their side. Our country¬ 
men, however, are inclined to fancy that all these circumstances 
are conspiring to exterminate the native race, and that before 
many years are passed it will be extinct; that the Maori 
population is rapidly diminishing ; that disease, induced by 
drinking, as well as other causes, are all aiding to cut off the 
aborigines, who everywhere disappear before the European 
race. America is a favorite example. 
There is good reason, however, for doubting the accuracy 
of this conclusion. From a census carefully taken in 1843, 
and another in 1853, it is found that the numbers have not 
decreased, but slightly increased, during that period. 
In 1843,, the population of Waitotara was as follows:— 
Males, 196; females, 157 ; total, 353. 
In 1853, the population of the same district was—males, 
211 ; females, 173 ; total, 384. 
Increase in ten years—males, 15 ; females, 16 ; total, 31. 
In 1843, the population of Whareroa was—males, 34; 
females, 20 ; total, 54. In 1854 it was—males, 49; females, 
33; total, 82. 
The results were similar in every instance ; but it is highly 
probable that another ten years will render them much more 
favorable. This opinion is grounded upon the alteration for 
the better which is taking place in their food. Ten years ago, 
in my district, the native did not cultivate wheat, and did not 
possess cattle ; he has now abundance of both ; in fact, of the 
