Native Population, South Island.

The South Island Natives number but about 2,000, and they are spread over an immense tract of country, living in groups of a few families on the reserves made for them when the lands were purchased; for the whole of the South Island has been bought from the Native owners by the Government. Whatever may be the cause, it is a fact that the Natives of the South Island are less restless and excitable than their brethren in the North.