Minute by Colonial Treasurer.

I fully concur in the desirability of taking an accurate census of the population of the northern peninsula, with a view to a more systematic treatment of that portion of the Native race than has hitherto been attempted. The census should be by pas, so as to show the location, as well as the number, of the population. The Native Secretary should be requested to report what arrangements he would recommend for testing the census. If possible, the officers of the Land Purchase Department should be employed for this purpose, and much useful information might be obtained from Archdeacon Williams, Mr. Busby, Mr. Atkins, and other old settlers.