REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, G-01

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Presented to loth Souses of the General Assembly by command, of Sis Excellency. The Undee Seceetaey to Oeficebs in Native Disteicts. (Circular.) Sib,— Native Office, Wellington, 27th March, 1873. I have the honor, by direction of the Native Minister, to request that you will be good enough to send in the usual annual report on the state of the Natives in your district before the 30th of April proximo, in order that no delay may take place in printing tho reports for Parliament. I have, &c, G. S. Coopeb, Under Secretary.

No. 2. The Eesident Magistbate, Mongonui, to the Hou. the Native Minister. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, 22nd April, 1873. I have the honor to report that I have lately paid my annual visit to the Aupouri of the North Cape. I found them under some little excitement in consequence of a dispute as to how the purchase money for a block of land, to be purcliased by Messrs. S. Tates and S. Jones for £1,050, was to be divided. The dispute ran high, and was likely at one time to have ended in their retaining the land. In this emergency I was called upon to settle the dispute, which I fortunately succeeded in doing. The conveyance was signed, and the money paid. This was a portion of the Rev. Mr. Taylor's claim, which I some time ago recommended the Government to give up to the Natives. I feel assured that the course adopted was the best: the Government could not have taken possession without compensating the resident Natives. This would have led to much excitement and discontent; whereas, by the present course of allowing the Natives to sell, the Government, without trouble or expense, derive a revenue both directly by fees and indirectly by the beneficial occupation of the land by Europeans. I next fixed the site for a church and school-house, and a separate house for the teacher, and marked off a school reserve close to the settlement at Parengarenga. The contractor at onco commenced his work, which is to be completed in two months. A large piece of land was promised as an endowment when a surveyor went up that way. The people are occupied in digging gum. Hitherto there has been but one trader here, Mr. S. Tates, who is very much liked by both Natives and Europeans of this district. He is most kind and gentlo with the Natives, and has their confidence. Lately, other traders have started in opposition, and though opposition in trading is good, iv these out-of-the-way places it results in impoverishing the Natives, for they get into debt far beyond their means of paying: losing heart, they get idle, which soon leads to worse. I have often regretted that it cannot be in law that a trader could not recover more than a certain moderate sum from a Native debtor: this might have the effect of staying much of the reckless credit given them. Soon after my return, Colonel Russell, Inspector of Schools, arrived on his annual tour. I accompanied him, and though I am frequently in the habit of visiting the schools established in the district, I was very much gratified at the manner the children acquitted themselves. I have, since our return, addressed a letter to Colonel Russell ou this subject, which I presume he will make the Government acquainted with. Throughout the district there is a most eager desire to establish new schools. 1 am happy to report that the district is most quiet, the people steadily improving in civilization. The various Road Boards and public works carried on in the district give plenty of employment; laud has been sold both to Government and private individuals, enabling the people to live better; consequently the general health has been better. Petty thefts are not nearly so common, and I think the gradual dispersion of the people into families, residing in separate houses, is effecting improvement in their moral conduct. Altogether, I see much of steady improvement,—enough to give hope of better things. I informed the Natives that I contemplated retiring in consequence of my health breaking up, and I was much gratified at their affectionate and respectful conduct. Old Morenga presented me with a mere, with many expressions of regard from himself and people. Colonel Russell was much amused at Morcnga's apology that the mere was rather short, but in killing a man with it he splintered the end, and it had to be ground down. I naturally feel a strong interest in and regard for the people over I—G. 1.

ERRATA. G-. 7.—ln page 43, last line, instead of " equally accorded to them by others," read "by them to others." Page 44, line 15 from bottom, for "soas be " read "soas to be." Page 45, line 17 from top, for " sellers " read " settlers." Page 48, bottom line, for "competition" read "competitor." H. 7. —In page 2, line 5, for " 1872 " read " 1871." Page 4, in heading to " Table No. 2—continued," for " 31st December, 1872," read 31st March, 1873."

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whom I have presided for over a quarter of a century, and I sincerely hope that my successor in office may be one who will have corresponding interest in their advancement. A rumour is very general throughout the district that the Government do not intend to fill up the vacancy caused by my retirement. I trust, Sir, that this is but an idle rumour: I venture to say that it would be a very serious blunder not to appoint a responsible person to take charge of the district. The Natives would fall back into their old habits : I have witnessed this particularly in places seldom visited by the Magistrate, and one misunderstanding would cost the Government much more than the salary of a responsible officer. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister. W. B. White, Eesident Magistrate.

No. 3. The Eesident Magistbate, Hokianga, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Eesident Magistrate's Court, Sic,— Hokianga, 28th April, 1873. In reporting to you upon the condition of the Native population residing in this district, I have much pleasure in being able to state that the Natives residing at Wangape, Hokianga, and the adjoining settlements, are almost universally obedient to our laws ; so much so, indeed, that the majority of cases brought into the Eesident Magistrate's Court are between Natives only. There are a few turbulent, lawless spirits amongst them, but these are kept in check by the better disposed, and prevented from giving a serious amount of trouble. With regard to intemperance, I am decidedly of opinion that it is not on the increase, and in some of the settlements spirits are under no pretence whatever allowed to be introduced ; and as a hopeful sign, I may mention that the Natives freely acknowledge the bad eifects of drunkenness, and are most anxious that some means may be devised for the purpose of stayiug the increase, and if possible of decreasing the effects of this great evil amongst them. But still, I am sorry to say that large sums of money are expended by them in drink, as there is scarcely a Native meeting held at which there is not a very great quantity of spirits consumed. With regard to the physical condition of the Natives, I am inclined to believe that they are slowly but steadily decreasing in numbers; and from my own observations made during the past two years, and which are doubtless very imperfect, I should estimate the annual number of deaths to exceed the number of births by about a thirtieth. This is in a great measure to be accounted for by the absence of proper attention to the sick, and not from any want of will or natural affection, but from ignorance alone ; and I believe it would be a great boon to the Natives if simple instructions how to treat the sick were occasionally published in the Waka Maori, a paper which is eagerly read by the Natives here. The principal complaints from which they appear to suffer are gastric and low fever, asthma, and diseases of the chest. Fever has been very prevalent during the early part of the season, and from the effects of which many deaths have occurred. Amongst those who have passed away during the last year I may mention Te Tai Papahia, an influential chief of Te Earawa, and Te Whata Te Tahua, of Ngapuhi. Both of them were Native Assessors, and were upwards of sixty years of age. Both were fine representatives of the old Rangatira Maori. I may be prejudiced, but I am inclined to believe that the rising generation is not physically equal to that which is fast passing away. With reference to agriculture, a large extent of land has been planted in corn and potatoes during the past year, and the yield has been, upon the whole, good. Of wheat but a small quantity has been grown, and that only in the valley of the Waima and at the Taheke. More attention has been paid to agricultural pursuits than formerly, and large clearings have been prepared for cropping during the coming season. This is owing, to a great extent, to the at present low price of kauri gum, at the digging of which very few of the Natives have been engaged, and therefore have had more time to spend upon their cultivations. Owing to the increase of wild dogs in the forest ranges, it has become almost impossible to keep sheep in this district, but the number of oxen, horses, and cattle owned by the Natives is very considerable, and constantly increasing. Large numbers of the people are regularly engaged squaring timber for the Australian markets, and, from the large wages which they are enabled to earn at this kind of labour, are in the enjoyment of every European necessary and comfort. As regards public works, roads are in course of construction between Kaikohe and Te Taheke and from thence to Waima ; also from Omanaia to Whirinaki and from thence to Pakia and Waiinamaku, and the road from the Township of Hokianga to Omanaia is just in course of completion, thus, opening up a considerable extent of valuable land, affording easy means of communication between the various settlements both to European and Native, and giving employment to a great number of the Natives. It is further in contemplation to open up a road between Hokianga and Wangape through the rich and extensive district of Manga-nui-o-wae, of which but little is at present known, but from the general level appearance of the country, seems to be admirably adapted for settlement. The Natives are most anxious to open up the country by means of roads ; —arc not inclined to throw any obstacle in the way of the Government—freely giving up the land when required for that purpose; and the thanks of the community are undoubtedly due to the Hon. Wiremu Katene for the careful and energetic supervision he has bestowed upon these and other public works in the North. The question of education is at the present time occupying the attention of the Natives. In the early part of last year a school was established at Waitapu with a commencement of twenty pupils. This number has been steadily increasing, until at the present time it exceeds forty ; and the progress made by the scholars is most gratifying. Another school has also been established at Waima, with an attendance of upwards of sixty pupils. It is also in contemplation to establish schools at Wangape, Waimamaku, Whirinaki, and Mangamuka. In the schools already established the English language alone is taught, the Maori language not being allowed to be spoken during school hours.

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There is one subject to which I would respectfully wish to draw your attention, and that is the great desire of the whole of the Native people for the settlement of Europeans amongst them. The Karuhiruhi Block at Whirinaki, lately purchased by Mr. White for the General Government, was sold by the Native owners under the idea that it would be speedily laid out in farms and settled upon. The block is easy of access by both land and water, and a large portion of the land is well suited for farming purposes. In conclusion, I have great pleasure in stating that the loyalty of the Natives in this district is unchanged, and as firm as it ever has been, —that they feel as great an interest in the government and welfare of the country as the Europeans around them, —that they are year by year adapting themselves more and more to our habits and customs. In fact, the general condition of the district is decidedly progressive. I have, &c, , Spencee Yon Stuemee, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 4. The Eesident Magistbate, Waimate, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Waimate, Bay of Islands, sth May, 1873. The report I have now the honor to lay before you of the state of the Natives of this district, will differ but little from that which I submitted for your consideration in the month of June last. During the intervening months the Natives have been quietly pursuing their usual avocations, maintaining with the settlers that friendly intercourse for which they have been so long characterized, and manifesting amongst themselves a greater degree of harmony and good feeling. The expenditure of public money in the district is affording employment to many, who at the present time are engaged in the formation of roads at Mangakahia, Ohaeawae, Utakura, and various parts of Hokianga, the work being executed in a creditable manner. The timber trade at Hokianga and Whangaroa continues to give employment to many in those districts, but a depression in the gum trade has considerably reduced the number of diggers, keeping back many who otherwise would be obtaining their supplies from this source of industry. On the whole, however, the Natives are better prepared for the winter than they were last year, the crops generally having been good ; and but for the heavy floods which have lately swept through certain portions of the district, destroying large quantities of potatoes and kumera, they would have had an ample supply of provisions. Sickness has been prevalent in the district, and many deaths have occurred, principally amongst the aged and infirm. Two chiefs, however, neither of them elderly men, were, after a short illness, both taken off in the month of October last. The one a Ngapuhi, Te Whata, chief of Otaua; the other, Te Tai Papahia, of Waihou, Hokianga, a chief of the Earawa; both Assessors of the district. A desire for the establishment of schools is gaining ground. At Waimate, Mangakahia, Waima, and the Heads of Hokianga, schools have already been established and are progressing favourably. Other school buildings are in course of erection, with fair promises of support. Should these schools succeed, a spirit of emulation may be excited, other tribes induced to exert themselves, and the education of Maori children become general. I cannot omit to notice the very interesting meeting which took place at Eussell on Wednesday, the 19th of March last, on which occasion the monument erected by the Government to the memory of the late loyal chief Tamati Waka Nene was unveiled by Sir George Bowen in the presence of a large concourse of people. The ceremony was most gratifying to the Natives, and well calculated to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the races. Not less than a thousand Europeans and Natives were assembled at this meeting, which passed off in a most satisfactory manner. The melancholy intelligence of the murder of an European by Waikato Natives has been received by these people with indignation and disgust. But one feeling has been expressed by all whom I have met—that of utter detestation of the act, and a hope that the murderers may be brought to justice. I have, &c., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Edwd. M. Williams, E.M. .

No. 5. Mr. E. W. Ptjcket, Thames, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic,— Native Office, Thames, 30th April, 1873. The almost total want of change, during the past twelve months, in the tone of the Native mind in this district towards the whites generally, leaves little to report, —indeed there is absolutely nothing new that I can inform the Government of in this direction; but I have much pleasure in stating that the distrust as to the intentions of the Government which for so many years has been evinced by those sections of the Maori tribes which joined the Hauhau movement, and which has so prejudicially affected the repeated attempts made by successive Governments of this Colony to bring about a closer bond of union between the races, is passing away in this district, as I doubt not it is in most of those parts of this Island in which the seeds of discord were once sown, and the way for a better state of things is rapidly being paved. The Natives are devoting more time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and less to useless political meetings. This is the case at Ohinemuri especially, where, in)addition to ordinary cultivation, they are taking a good deal of trouble to lay down such portions of land as are not immediately required for cropping, in English grasses, and in fencing it ,in with wire. I have been urging upon

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them the desirableness of wheat-growing, the more so as they possess a mill at Ohinemuri, which is doing no one any good at present, and which might be tho means of adding most materially to their comforts. The conduct of the Thames Natives generally in the matter of the fracas between McCaskill and Hoani Pahau, and which resulted in the seriously wounding of the Native with a shot gun, may be taken as evidence of their desire for law and order; as, instead of inflicting a serious bodily injury, and it might have been a fatal one, upon the white man, when they had him down on the ground, the witnesses repaired at once to Shortland, a distance of about fifteen miles, and took the same course which in similar circumstances might have been expected from Englishmen in a European district. And although, upon the acquittal of the prisoner, there was a general outburst of dissatisfaction against our institutions, and a threat expressed that in case a similar attack was made by a white man upon a Native in the out-districts they would take the law into their own hands, it was nothing more than what might have been expected from a more enlightened people. I have, &c, E. W. PtrcaTET, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Native Agent.

No. 6. The Eesident Magistbate, Eaglan, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic,— Eaglan, 22nd April, 1873. Since the report I had the honor to forward to you last June, nothing very particular has happened in or around this district, the most noticeable occurrence being the appearance of the " Luna " in Kawhia Harbour in the beginning of the present month. That visit has rendered it evident that a large and increasing section of the Natives wish to resume trading and friendly relations with the Pakeha, and it is an opinion pretty generally held among us, " that, except distrust be engendered by the Europeans being too eager or by the friendlies being too forward and officious," before very long the harbours of Kawhia and Aotea may be opened again by the wish of the majority of the Natives themselves. I again venture to suggest that employment on the public roads and works would tend more to break down the distinctions of Kingites, Queenites, friendlies, or pakehas, than anything else. The season has been favourable, and the Natives better fed than they were last year. There has been no epidemic, and altogether I may say they have been and are remarkably healthy, but it is a melancholy though undeniable truth that they are decreasing. During the last twelve years the Europeans number at least six births to one death; the proportion among the Maoris is very different in this district. In accordance with your instructions, I have vaccinated very many of the Maoris ; in fact, all I could persuade to submit to it. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. We. Haesant, E.M.

No. 7. Mr. E. S. Bush, Eaglan, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Eaglan, 14th April, 1873. I have the honor to report, for your information, that I returned from Te Makaka, Aotea, on Saturday evening, where I had gone to be present at a meeting which was being held there for the purpose of an uhunqa, in consequence of the deaths of Kuni, and Mohi Tewara of the Ngatihaua. About fifty of the Ngatihaua from Wharepapa were present, among whom were Wikitoria Te Kanawa (wife of the late Wi Tamihana), her daughter Neta (till lately wife to Tutawhiao, the King's son, her tribe having taken her away in consequence of her husband having taken a second wife), Maiha Ngakuku, Te Timuhura, Karaka, and others ; Kopuera and Te Wharepu, sons of the late Wharepu, of the Ngatinaho Tribe, were also present from Te Kuiti. I attach an account of the speeches, of which only a few were made, Kopuera being the only speaker on the Hauhau side. His speech was a most extraordinary one, the speaker being apparently a very eccentric old man. After the speech-making was over, Kopuera sent for me, and told me not to take any notice of what he said, and that he did not mean it. I asked him what he thought of your visit to Kawhia? He replied that he did not approve or disapprove of it. He was not there: had he been there, he would have insisted upon your going back and into Aotea, so that that harbour might also be opened. He also told me that his expression about three years in his speech, meant either three months or three days. The Hauhaus appeared extremely friendly and well-disposed. So far as I could understand from their demeanour and their conversation, they would all be delighted if the two harbours, Kawhia and Aotea, were opened. I cannot but think that were it not for a little jealousy on the part of Tawhiao, this would be brought about almost immediately ; it is, however, to be hoped that in a short time his reason will have got the better of his jealousy, and that he will concur with the majority of his people, that it is to their advantage to remove all obstacles to the opening of these harbours. The Natives in this district are just recovering from their first surprise at your visit to Kawhia. One and all approve of it, and look upon it as being a severance of one of the last links which has hitherto been a barrier to a permanent peace being established. Tapihana is reported to have said to you " that his sword was now sheathed under your vessel." This speech, coming as it does from one of the most turbulent of the Kingites, must show to the small number of this party that their persistence in isolating them-

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selves and keeping Kawhia closed, against the overwhelming majority who are in favour of returning to their former occupations, is useless, and that they will have to consent to its opening at no very distant date. I will ascertain as much of the feelings as possible of the Hauhaus respecting the opening of Kawhia, and communicate with you as often as anything fresh transpires. I have, &c, K. S. Bush, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Clerk to the Bench.

Enclosure in No. 7. Kopuera (Ngatinaho, brother to Wharepu): I have to speak about some news which was brought to Te Kuiti by Te Kati, respecting matters at To Niho-o-te-Kiore. There arc 200 armed Ngatiraukawas and 100 Europeans all armed there. lam expecting to hear of a disturbance. Some of our people have gone there. If nothing has happened before this it has been amicably arranged, and all will be well. If they are found there by me they will be killed. " Heoi taku pai kite pakeha he kinaki pu ha maku, ki to mau he tangata maori, he kinaki puha hoki maku, kia reka ai te toroi." (The only liking I have for the European is as a relish to my cabbage.) If it be a Maori who is taken by me, he will also be made into a kinaki * for my cabbage, so that the toroif may be sweet. Sone Te One (Ngatihikairo) : What you say is correct with reference to the Maori, but wrong with respect to tho pakeha. Tou are my food, and I yours. Do not you say that the Niho-o-te-Kiore trouble is caused by the Europeans, as that is false. When I was at Ngaruawahia the other day to bid farewell to the Governor, the owners of that place, Te Kei and others, of Ngatiraukawa, interviewed Mr. McLean, Wi Parata, and Wi Take Major Mair and I were also present. They told Mr. McLean that formerly they were adherents of the King, but had for the last two years seen their error ; consequently they had come to tender their allegiance to him and the Governor, and to request that roads, telegraphs, &c, might be constructed in their districts, and that Te Niho-o-te-Kiore would be opened by them. Mr. McLean told them he was pleased with them for what they said. You are alone in your thought. Tou are the only outsider now, as Ngatiapakura, Ngatihinetu, and Ngatiraukawa have oifered land for sale. Will you tell me who but these comprised your party ? Where are they now ? Tou are alone. If you do not look smart you will be left behind. Ngatiapakuru wanted to sell land near Kangiaohia. Kopuera : What I say is correct, inasmuch as there are two redoubts there, one the old one, with 40 men, under Captain Mair, and the other at Te Nenuku (a new one), with 200 men. Mair is a companion of ours ; we have nothing to say against him, but it is in reference to the new pa that I am speaking. But I think this matter must have been satisfactorily settled, as I have not heard anything more. The slave* whom you went to visit has gone away; I care not for him. I have spoken plainly so that you should not turn round and say, on a future occasion, that I knew these things and did not acquaint you. Kewene Te Saho (Ngatihaua) : What Hone says is true ; I also was present at the interview of Ngatiraukawa with Mr. McLean. Why do you speak about these subjects ? Why not leave these things to the Hauhaus of Kawhia to settle ; they have met the Governor and Mr. McLean. What are you, or what weight have your words, now that your chief Tutawhiao has met and dined on board the steamer with the Governor and Mr. McLean ? Do not take us for children; we are aware that it is we, the people of the Government living here, who carry out the Proclamation respecting the not selling of lands ; but you tho Hauhau, which of you has a clean hand ? Not one. Who sold Maungatautari, Horohoro, Taramorahi, Turangamoana ? Why, you, the Kingites. I have no patience with such two-faced work. Are not you glad with the Europeans, and that they are here to purchase your lands for money, which no sooner passes into your hands than you swamp it in rum ? Don't be foolish ; allow the roads to made ; they will benefit no one more than they will you. Just reflect on the roughness of the road which you traversed to come here. There is only one European at Niho-o-te-kiore, and he has been there for two years —I mean living peaceably. It is no use your trying to get the better of the Europeans ; you cannot do it; you cannot do without the pakeha ration, which has been made clear by what took place on the steamer. All I can say to you is, Open Kawhia. It is no use your saying anything now. Tour chief has been on board the " Luna," and has been taken possession of by Mr. McLean. If you were to open Kawhia, you would not have to write to Hone to send you a bottle of rum as you do now, but would have it at your door. Kopuera: lam angry with Tapihana for thrusting himself so forward. The Governor will come to save me in three years. If your people, Hone, were making roads, your thighs would be eaten by me as a relish to my (puha) cabbage. Ido not care whether Tutawhiao has made peace or not: lam by myself, and intend to stick out till the last. Kewene Te Saho : Do not say that in three years you will make peace ; there is no time like the present. Do not procrastinate, but throw in your lot with the chiefs of Kawhia. If you do not make haste, you will be left without any land. Listen ! arc you aware that some of your people have lately sold land for £1,200? Kopuera : Tes ; I have the money in my hand. Kewene Te Saho: Well, then, what is the good of your talking in this strain? Why do not you make peace at once ? E. S. Bush, 14th April, 1873. Clerk to the Bench. * Food eaten with another kind to give a relish. t A kind of green weed eaten by the Hauhaus, cooked and steeped in water. j Xhe King.

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No. 8. The Eesident Magistrate, Waikato, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Hamilton, 19th April, 1873. I have the honor to hand to you herewith my report on the Natives in the Waikato District. Having now nothing to do with them except judicially, it is not in my power to report on their political views, or to give a fuller report. General Eeport on State of Natives in the Waikato District. The Natives in this district are now in a generally more prosperous state than they havo been for many years. Wheat and other grain have been extensively raised by them, and the yield has been on the whole very large —average of wheat about twenty-five bushels to the acre ; the whole crop of wheat will amount to about 4,000 to 5,000 bushels, besides oats and barley, grown principally in the upper portion of the district. In the lower portion the Natives are not progressing, planting but little food for themselves, and depending on what they earn by the cutting of flax for the mills and digging gum. The Natives are, generally speaking, very quiet and well conducted, not running into debt so much as formerly, and free from criminal charges (horse-stealing excepted). Taking into consideration their facilities and temptations for committing petty larceny, I am very pleased to be able to state this freedom on their part from crime. I can also state that they do not indulge so largely in alcoholic liquors, Natives about Cambridge excepted, who not only are frequently to be seen drunk or partially drunk, but also take large supplies to their different settlements in the neighbourhood. ;The Ngatihaua about Tamahere have lately made a law against, and impose a fine upon any Natives taking beer or spirituous liquors to their settlements. On the whole, I believe the prospects of the Natives in this district are improving, and will continue to do so. Idleness and drunkenness are on the decrease, and labour and desire to improve their position on the increase. They are now settling down on the lands given to them by the Government, and if the land questions still open were settled, I believe a general tide of prosperity would set in. I have, &c, William N. Seaeancke, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 9. Tho Civil Commissioner, Bay of Plenty, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Oflice, Tauranga, 9th June, 1873. I have the honor to transmit for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister the following general report of the Bay of Plenty District for the current year now closing. Tauranga is immediately under my charge ; aud as I am expected to exercise a general supervision over the whole of the Bay of Plenty, I may in the course of my remarks touch upon subjects which have already been reported by the local Officers of the Maketu and Opotiki Districts. Tauranga. The Natives of Tauranga bear the character of being the most manageable of any tribe on the East Coast, and justly so. But with this ductility they are also very susceptible of good or evil impressions, and, like the rest of their race, impulsive and excitable. This has, in years past, brought tlrem into serious conflict with the neighbouring tribes, and latterly involved them in the Waikato war of 1863, which led to the occupation and partial confiscation of this district by the English Government. This peculiar temperament necessitates their being carefully watched, and in times of excitement to have their minds led into a proper channel. Fortunately, with a moderate amount of tact, this is not a difficult task. In the early part of last Parliamentary year they became somewhat excited about political measures. The hope of having all their confiscated lands returned to them —for such was the report in circulation amongst them—was naturally a source of gratification ; and it was a great disappointment to some that their expectations were not realized. But after the matter was placed before them in its proper light, they confessed the impossibility of carrying out the idea without an immense expense. Another cause of irritation was the refusal of the Legislative Council to pass the clauses in the Native Representation Act of 1872, which gave them, conjointly with other tribes, a representative of their own. So sure were they of obtaining this advantage, that they held meetings and had decided upon a person to be nominated to the office. After having their expectations raised, naturally enough they ■were greatly disappointed. They felt that they had been slighted, and, not understanding our process of making laws, in their impulsive manner blamed the Government and its subordinate officers as the cause of the failure. A short explanation dispelled this idea. They then appealed to me to point out the best means of obtaining their wishes. I informed them that it was one of the privileges of British subjects to lay their grievances not only before the Parliment, but before the Queen herself, by petition, and that if the prayer of the petition is properly and respectfully worded it will always receive a certain amount of attention. This course they decided to follow, and I believe it is their intention to petition both branches of the Legislature on the subject. Tho proposed measure for granting a Council of Chiefs to Native districts, should such be desired by a majority of the Native inhabitants, has also engaged much of their attention, and, as I have already reported, has met with their cordial approval. It is with great satisfaction I have to report an entire absence of crime amongst these people, the gravest offence brought before the Eesident Magistrate's Court being for drunkenness only; and even this very common offence amongst Europeans is on the decrease. This is attributable in a great measure to the example and influence of the leading chiefs, one of whom, Hori Ngatai, will not even allow spirits of any kind to be landed at his settlement, and any Native coming to his kainga in a state of intoxication is summarily dealt with, regardless of his position or rank in the tribe. The Natives still evince a lively interest in the success of the Native village school; and I hope

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that as soon as we have completed our arrangements for the accommodation of scholars whose parents live at a distance, there will be a Large increase in the number of pupils. Those of the boys and girls who have been in constant attendance have made satisfactory progress under the tuition of Mr A. G. Oldfield, the village schoolmaster. It is with pleasure also that I have to report that the Natives have made considerable efforts to enlarge their cultivations during the past year, with satisfactory results. I believe there have been eight or ten thousand bushels of wheat produced in this district, an industry which has been almost abandoned since 1862, when tho Natives sent to Auckland more than twenty-one thousand bushels of this cereal. More than two-thirds of the grain crops this year has been grown by Natives; and I am informed that the Native-grown wheat realized higher prices in the Auckland market than that of their European neighbours. It is satisfactory to see that this success has greatly encouraged them, and that they are now preparing a much larger extent of ground to put under crop. There has not been much mortality amongst them during this year. A few of the aged one 3 have been carried off by severe influenza. I think the Native population remains much about the same —1,100. But I hope to be able next year to get a correct census of every " hapu," which shall be forwarded to your office in due course. We are in a state of profound peace in this district, nor do I see the remotest chance, under the conciliatory policy being pursued, that this peace will be disturbed. Our relations with our Hauhau neighbours is improving daily ; not only do they visit our settlements for purposes of trade, but they consult our officers in cases of perplexity, and almost invariably follow the advice tendered to them. With the Hauhaus, the one great source of trouble is the land. Many of them have claims on the Waikato side of the ranges, which are being dealt with by the Ngatihaua for their own benefit; and I am becoming more and more convinced that the Government ought to retain in their own hands largo restrictive powers to check tho eager advances made by European speculators and runholders. For, to my mind, it is a matter of serious consequence to the Colony that any single individual or set of individuals should through an imprudent act endanger the peace of the country; and I trust that the Government will seriously consider this subject, which I respectfully submit calls for some legislative action. In the event of a conflict with the Waikatos, should any such calamity arise, our altered relations with the Ngatiraukawa will greatly tend to tho security of the Bay of Plenty districts in general, and Tauranga in particular, inasmuch as the frontier of the settled district may now be considered to be removed from the forest line within fourteen miles of this town to the Waikato ; and I beg to suggest to the Government tho advisability of cultivating by every possible means our good relations with that once formidable tribe. I regret that tho inquiry into the Tauranga lands under the Tauranga District Lands Act is progressing slowly, owing to my many engagements and frequent interruptions. Still the disputes that have been the subject of investigation have been satisfactorily arranged, and the decision of myself, as Commissoner, abided by. lam unwilling to recommend the Government to appoint any other Commissioner, for many obvious reasons; but I may take occasion to suggest to the Government that I may be relieved of some of my other duties, in order that I may give more of my time to the important work of finally settling the title to the lands which have been restored to the Natives in this district. Maketu. The Maketu or Lake District, as it is sometimes called, is under the immediate care of Mr. F. E. Hamlin, E.M., and I suppose that he has furnished already minute details of the state of the district under his charge. I will therefore confine my observations to matters which have fallen under my own notice, and to the impressions which have been left on my mind from what I have seen. The tribes occupying this district have, within a very recent date, been designated the Arawa, a name adopted by one of their chiefs to distinguish those tribes whose ancestors migrated to this country in the Arawa canoe. The four most important sections of this powerful tribe are the Ngatiwhakaue, Ngatipikiao, Tuhourangi, and the Ngatirangiwewehi. The last-mentioned have become greatly reduced in strength, from the fact that two-thirds of them joined in the rebellion, and a great number of them, including their principal chief, fell at Te Eanga, in the Tauranga district, in 18G4. The Arawa are a very different people to the Ngaiterangi. They are more warlike, turbulent, and, from their extreme jealousy of each other, difficult to manage —and yet, withal, loyal to our Government. I have gathered from them in frequent conversations, that this was, in the first instance, made the subject of careful deliberation. The subject of taking part for or against us was discussed at many a meeting; and it was finally decided that it would be impossible for them,as a race,to cope with the dogged perseverance of the white man, and therefore it was to their advantage to ally themselves to the Pakeha. Whatever may have been the motive for their taking part with us, it must be acknowledged by all who have observed the course of events on the East Coast for the last twelve years, that they have been most active and valuable allies : while we were deploring our heavy losses at the Gate Pa, a handful of Arawas were driving back, with great slaughter, the East Coast tribes who were trying to force their way through Arawa country to take part in the struggle going on in Waikato and Tauranga. Had the 800 hostile Natives been aided by the Arawa, or had the Arawa remained neutral, our forces would have had their hands more than full. Then, again, when the master and crew of the cutter Kate, with Mr. James Fulloon on board, were massacred at Whakatane, it was the Arawas who took up our cause, and after a series of operations under Major Mair, the only European officer with them, they succeeded in capturing all the murderers; and up to a more recent date they have done us good service in the field. I have been led to make these remarks from a fear lest, after a lapse of years, we should overlook the valuable assistance rendered us in our time of need, and be tempted to indulge in disparaging remarks when the less pleasing characteristics of this tribe are brought prominently under our notice. No one knows better than myself that dealings with this people are trying to flesh and blood to a degree ; but I also think that their past services ought to be

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allowed to cover a multitude of sins. lam led to think that remarks have been made to induce the belief in those who do not know these people, that their loyalty is doubtful. But Ido not harbour any such opinion. The same statement was made some two years ago, and obtained circulation in the public prints of the Colony, but hitherto I have seen no manifestations of it. I am quite aware many of them have real or fancied grievances—and what mortal has not? —and if these red rags are flouted in the faces of undisciplined minds by designing persons, is it surprising that they, in a fit of unbridled passion, make remarks which they in their calmer moments would wish unsaid ? The principal matter which has occupied the attention of the Arawa is the Native Councils Bill. I need not say that they are warm advocates for it, inasmuch as it embodies most of their wellknown views. There are several important land disputes being held over till the proposed measure has become law. Some few disputes have already been partially inquired into onthe principles of the Bill, with favourable results. The serious consequences at one time imminent have been averted, and the causes for irritation in most cases have been removed. I am sorry to say that these intertribal disputes are of frequent occurrence amongst the Arawa and it will be a subject of gratulation to your officers, when they can look to a powerful body of chiefs; elected by the Natives themselves for assistance in the large questions often requiring their attention. Some of the tribes, and especially the Ngatiwhakaue, have been rather premature in the steps they have taken in regard to the proposed measure. They have, I am led to understand, laid down the boundaries of a district, and selected individuals for nomination. The Tuhourangi have not gone quite so far as this, but they have repeatedly called meetings and discussed boundary lines. They will watch with some interest the proceedings of Parliament in regard to this measure, and I devoutly hope they will not be disappointed. It has been a matter of some difficulty to settle these people down to steady industry. I regret to say that they are not famous for practising the art of husbandry, and in this respect they also differ widely from the Ngatiawa and Ngaiterangi; but I learned from Mr. Hamlin that the Maketu Natives disposed of to traders at least 2,000 bushels of maize, beside keeping a quantity for their own uses, and that they are now obtaining large supplies of seed wheat for the coming season. I have also had frequent applications for ploughs, which in cases of necessity have been supplied them, so that I hope the frequent demands for food which have been made will not only cease, but that they will have the means of making themselves comfortable, and consequently contented. They have a very good example in Mr. Hamlin, who is assiduous in giving practical advice and assistance, and in encouraging them to the extent of his power and means. The Arawas are as anxious as ever about the education of their young people. We have now four village schools established, one at each of tho following places:—Maketu, Eotoiti, Tarawera, and Matata; and the Eotorua Natives are clamorous for one to be established on their Lake, which I shall be prepared to recommend when I see the extent of the land they are willing to set apart for the purposes of the school, and the amount of support they will be able to afford. I have much pleasure in reporting the completion, or nearly so, of the road from Tauranga to Te Niho-o-te-Kioro. The convenience to travellers, and the political benefits likely to arise therefrom, are ample amends to your officers for the troubles and annoyances to which they may have been subjected in carrying out the sometimes difficult negotiations with the Natives to a successful issue. And I hopo it will not be out of place for me here to record my thanks to Captain Turner, the Eesident Engineer, for the patient manner in which he has on all occasions yielded to my advice in his dealings with the Natives, which at times must have been extremely irksome to him. A good deal of this work has been done by the Ngatirangiwewehi Tribe, two-thirds of whom went into rebellion, as I before observed. They are the principal owners of the soil through which the Mangorewa forest road runs. When Te Kooti was driven from Patetere, the disaffected portion of the tribe submitted; and while the wholesome dread of our arms was upon them, it was considered a favourable opportunity to press for the opening of the Mangorewa forest road. The work is now complete. These people are now anxious to open a branch road to Patetere and Cambridge, which I would recommend should be carried out as soon as all disputes between the tribes through which the road will pass are settled. I recommend this road as much for political reasons as any other, believing that opening up the country by roads is the best means of pacificating the country we possess. Opotiki. I regret that my time has been so fully occupied that I have not been able to personally visit this district; yet, on the other hand, I am happy to state that there has not arisen any questions of sufficient importance to require my presence. Mr. Brabant has proved himself to be au able and a judicious officer, and has settled on the spot any difficulties which may have presented themselves. The Natives are industriously employed in their cultivations. Tamnikowha, once the scourge of the district, is now employed in making a road from Ohiwa Harhour to the neighbourhood of his own pa. I think I am warranted in congratulating the Hon. the Native Minister on the progressive state of the Bay of Plenty. The Natives are advancing in prosperity, and 1 trust that nothing will transpire to disturb our cordial and peaceful relations with the Natives. I have, &c, Hy. T. Ci.abke, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.

No. 10. The Eesident Magistbate, Maketu, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. (No. 33.) Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Maketu, 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that the aspect of Native affairs in the district under my charge is on the whole satisfactory. The Arawa, in unison 2—G. 1.

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with other loyal Natives of the Colony, view with abhorrence the sanguinary proceedings that have lately taken place in the Waikato, and several of the hapus of the Arawa would be willing to take up arms against the murderers and their supporters, should they be called upon to do so by the Government. The Ngatiraukawa, a large and influential tribe, residing partly at Kapiti aud partly on the banks of the Waikato, adjacent to the Arawa territory, a portion of whom are Hauhaus, have agreed to remain neutral in the event of a collision taking place between the Europeans and the Waikato tribes. This was effected through the exertions of one of the Native Assessors, who was despatched from here for that purpose. 2. During the last twelve months I have not been called upon to arbitrate in any case where the question of title to land has been in dispute, but I understand that a case of that nature between two sections of the Ngatipikiao was investigated by Mr. Civil Commissioner Clarke, at Te Taheke, but as I was absent from the district at the time, I am not in a position to report upon the merits of the case ; there are still, however, two or three of the old disputed cases waiting to be inquired into. 3. I do not consider that the moral condition of the district has at all improved since my last report; and lam sorry to be compelled to state that during the last few months drunkenness and debauchery have increased, more especially among those who are presumed to hold a higher social position than their neighbours ; but crime is not prevalent, very few cases of petty larceny having been officially brought under my notice. In two cases only have convictions taken place: in one instance the parties were sentenced to be imprisoned in the gaol at Tauranga ; and in the other, taking into consideration the peculiar features of the case, joined with the fact of the accused being a cripple, I dealt with him under the provisions of the 105 th clause of " The Eesident Magistrates Act, 1867." Litigation is certainly not on the increase ; and no case has yet arisen where the Court has been called upon in its civil jurisdiction to arrest a Native for debt. 4. The mortality of the district has been of the usual average, no epidemic having prevailed, excepting within the last six weeks, when influenza has been of frequent occurrence, but without any fatal result. One case of suicide took place. The Native was suffering from temporary aberration of intellect; he made three unsuccessful attempts by drowning, strangulation, and burning, and eventually succeeded by shooting himself with a revolver, death having been almost instantaneous. He belonged to the Ngatirangiwewehi Tribe, and fought against us at Te Eanga, where he was taken prisoner, after having been severely wounded in the leg, which necessitated its amputation. 5. With regard to the Native schools, a new one has been established at To Wairoa, but it has only recently been opened, and my absence from the district, attending the Hawke's Bay Native Lands Alienation Commission, together with the press of business since my return, has prevented me from visiting that settlement. I am therefore unable to make any report relative thereto. The several schools, both at the Eotoiti and Matata, are progressing very favourably, and great credit is due to the masters of both institutions. I understand that it is the intention of the Natives of Ohinemutu to apply to have the school there reopened; a great desideratum, as there are many children in that village who are not at present in a position to receive any education. With reference to the Maketu School, circumstances arose unfavourable to the master, which necessitated the Government suspending him, thereby causing a hiatus of about nine weeks. He subsequently resigned, and a new one has been appointed, who has reopened the school under very favourable auspices; and I have no doubt that that school will shortly again regain that position which it formefly held. 6. The agricultural pursuits of the Natives are decidedly on the increase; and although their potato crop was to a certain extent a failure, yet rhey were very successful with their maize and kumeras, being enabled to dispose of about 3,000 bushels of the former, besides large quantities which they have lying rotting in water for food, which they are still exceedingly fond of, although they are constantly cautioned of the ill effects arising from eating the kanga-wai. The great desire at present is to grow wheat. Having witnessed the prosperity of the Tauranga Natives, they are emulous to follow their example ; and the Government having supplied them with seed, they are at present busily engaged in preparing ground and in sowing wheat. In order to stimulate the Natives in their exertions to compete with their neighbours in the cultivation of wheat, a merchant who has large business connections with this district has stated that he is willing to procure for them from the adjacent colonies the very best seed-wheat that can be obtained, on the understanding that they return to him a similar quantity. I need scarcely add that this offer is very advantageous to this district. 7. Since my last report two very important public works have been undertaken and completed in this district —viz., a bridge across the Waikato Eiver at Te Atiamuri, and another across an arm of the Eotoiti Lake, at the Taheke. Both of these will prove of very great benefit both to Europeans and Natives travelling inland. 8. In conclusion, I have the honor to remark that, from the present great anxiety of the Arawa to extend their agricultural pursuits, 1 am very confident that I shall be in a position in my next annual report to expatiate more strongly on the improvements made in the social position of this district. I have, &c, E. E. Hamlin, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 11. The Eesident Magistbate, Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sib,— Opotiki, 21st April, 1873. I have the honor to report for your information that the road between Ohiwa and Te Waimana, as far as the confiscation boundary, nine miles in length, and forming part of the Opotiki and

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Te Waimana road, is now being formed under the Public Works Department by the surrendered Urewera. The w-ork was allotted by me as follows: —2j miles to Hemi Kakitu ; 2 miles to Eakuraku ; and 4£ miles to Tamaikowha. When I visited Te Waimana a few days since, I found that each of these parties have completed a considerable portion of their several contracts ; altogether about five and a half miles being finished. Considerable difficulty and delay was incurred from Tamaikowha's unwillingness to undertake the work ; but although I told him that (being through confiscated land) the work would, if not done by him, be given to some other Natives or to Europeans, yet I refrained from recommending this to be done hastily, as I was of opinion that he would at last undertake it if repeatedly urged, and the event has justified this expectation. Tamaikowha expressed to me his wish that some of the Europeans to whom the land in the Waimana Valley belongs might be induced to reside there when the road is finished. I fear that the Government have no good land left there. If they had, the advantages of a special settlement there, more particularly if established with the consent of the Natives, are obvious. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 12. The Eesident Magistrate, Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Opotiki, Bth May, 1873. I have the honor to report for your information that a Native meeting, called by Wiremu Maihi, Hori Karaka, and others, took place at Ohiwa, on the 22nd ultimo, and following days. In addition to the Arawa stationed there, there were present 150 of the Ngatirangiwewehi and Ngatipikiao hapus, under Petara Te Pukuatua ; also 60 of the Whanau a Apanui, under Te Tatana and Hoani; 150 or more of the different hapus of the Whakatohea, and sundry Natives from Whakatane and other places. The primary occasion of this gathering was the removal of the bones of certain chiefs of the Arawa to Puhirua in the Eotorua district; the remains being those of Hakaraia Makiha, who was killed by Kemp's party in 1870, in the Waioeka Gorge, and whose bones were brought down from there by Wi Maihi last year ; those of Hetaraka, son of Wi Maihi, who was killed by Hauhaus some years since; besides those of other chiefs. The subjects discussed at this meeting were —1. The road from Taupo to Cambridge ; the meeting agreeing that the Ngatiraukawa and the Arawa were the only tribes entitled to veto this road, and that the Arawa could and would put it through in spite of tho " King," if the Government wished. 2. Tho proposed " Native Councils Act." The Act was approved of by all; the only questions discussed being the division of the coast into districts, the effect of such division, &c. 3. The only other subject discussed Mas that the meeting generally promised to support Wiremu Maihi at the next election as a Member for the Native District in opposition to a candidate from the Ngatiporou, or some other of the East Coast tribes. The Eotorua Arawas have since gone on to Cape Eunaway, to visit the different tribes on the coast. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 13. The Eesident Magistrate, Opotiki, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Opotiki, 23rd May, 1873. Eeferring to your circular No. 3, instructing me to send in the usual annual report before April 30th, I have the honor to explain that the circular did not reach me till the second week in May, just as I was leaving for Maketu on duty. I have forwarded it at the earliest possible moment. Eeport on the State of Native Affairs in the Opotiki District. In accordance with your instructions, I have the honor to submit the 'following report on Native affairs in the Opotiki District from the date of my last general report in June last to the present time. I.— Condition of the Natives : Physical and Moral. During the year I have visited all the tribes in my district, and have been able to make myself better acquainted with the persons and dispositions of the various chiefs than I was last year. It is difficult in the absence of statistics to speak with certainty, but I am of opinion that the Bay of Plenty tribes are slowly increasing in numbers, and that the births are considerably in excess of the deaths. There are few children as compared with the offspring of Europeans, but those born appear to thrive, and as the Natives, being well off, are ablo to give them a good deal of European food, they are better nurtured than those in some districts. The Natives have suffered from no epidemic during tho past year, aud the deaths have been few ; the only ones of any note who have died being Hohaia and Mita, of Whakatane. The Natives generally show a great desire for the services of European doctors in their illnesses, and I doubt not

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derive benefit from the medical attendance and drugs provided for them by the Government. When the small-pox broke out in Auckland, I received instructions to have as many Natives as possible vaccinated. I found most of them willing to have themselves and their children operated on, provided it were done at their own settlements. As a rule, however, they would not take any trouble themselves to get it done. The following statistics will show that I had considerable success in this matter:— Natives Vaccinated in OpotiJci District, July to December, 1872. Adults. Children. Total. Whakatohea ... ... ... ... 202 144 346 Whanau Apanui, and Whanau Te Hutu ... 186 62 248 Ngatiawa ... ... ... ... 46 70 116 Ngatipukeko ... ... ... ... 17 28 45 Ngaitai ... ... ... ... 82 83 165 Arawa ... ... ... ... 15 10 25 Vaccinated by Medical Officers at Maraenui") „_ and Whakatane, but not classified ) 1,025 In addition to these a considerable number were vaccinated by the Natives themselves, of which no record was kept. Most of those recorded were performed by the medical officer attached to the Armed Constabulary. In the remote parts of my district, however, from Omaio to Cape Runaway, the medical man, being unable to go so far, I, at the particular request of the Natives, took down lymph and instructed them in vaccinating, myself. The Urewera were to have been visited with this object, but by an accident the supply of lymph failed. I intend, however, to make arrangements for this to be done shortly, and I shall continue to urge the Natives to take advantage of the gratuitous vaccination provided by the Government. Some improvement may be seen in the morals of the Natives. The criminal cases brought before the Eesident Magistrate's Court in which Natives are defendants are few, and in no case has any serious crime been charged against them. Drunkenness certainly prevails to a great extent, especially among the chiefs, but I think there is improvement. In their social habits I fear, however, there is no change. One can only hope that the schools now being established may effect by degrees an alteration for the better. All the tribes, including those lately Hauhaus, now profess Christianity, and indeed seem very anxious for visits from clergymen, there being none who minister to Natives resident in the district. II. — Crops and Native Industries. After the poor harvest last season, lam glad to be able to report an abundant one. Throughout the district the crops of wheat, maize, potatoes, and kumera are above the average. More wheat has been grown than for some years past, and I hope the quantity sown will be further increased next year. In other crops, also, the breadth planted by the Whakatohea and the Whanau a Te Hutu exceeds that of last year. Hira Te Popo's farm, adjacent to the township of Opotiki, has been especially admired by Europeans. Out of the 100 acre reserve allotted him by Government, his small hapu have this year planted about 75 acres in corn, kumera, and potatoes, and were rewarded by large crops. The Whanau a Apanui have been as usual successful in whaling. The Ngatai expended some money in the purchase of lines, &c, for this pursuit, but did not kill any owing probably to their want of skill. The Kahawai fishery, at the mouth of the Motu River, has been as productive as usual, many tons of fish having been caught and cured. 111. — Disposition towards the Government, Political Feeling, Sfc. Last year this district had still Te Kooti's band concealed in the mountains; he however in June last escaped through the various parties who were watching for him into the Waikato, and since then nothing has occurred to disturb the peace of the district. The friendlies at Whakatane have been struck off pay, and have commenced again to depend on peaceful pursuits for their living ; the force at Ohiwa, although not entirely struck off, has been reduced in numbers. The Natives all through the district may now be said to be well affected towards the Government and hostile towards the Kingite faction. Perhaps I should except the Urewera, who are but half won over ; but unless under some strong temptation, I believe they will remain friendly. In December last, a Native named Hoani (a released prisoner), with six others, visited the whole of the coast settlements of the Bay of Plenty, as emissaries from Manuwhiri, Rewi, and the King party. Hoani's ostensible object in coming was to invite the different tribes to a great meeting at Maungatautari; his real one, however, turned out to be to endeavour to stop road-making through Native land, and to declare that Tawhiao had not given up his claim to the confiscated lands, cither here or in the Waikato. This man did not meet with the encouragement he evidently expected ; and it appeared to me that the Whakatohea felt what they told him, that the King had ruined them once, but they would take care that he did not do so again. The King party is at present very unpopular with the Bay of Plenty tribes, and, unless under the temptation of some signal success achieved, I think there is no probability of their again joining it. A rather unusual incident, resulting from the late war, occurred here some months since. A girl about fourteen years old, a daughter of Mokomoko (who was executed for Mr. Volkner's murder), had been taken prisoner by the Arawa, and had been with them about two years. She now claimed the right to return to her tribe, the Whakatohea, and ran away to them. The Arawa claimed her on the ground of conquest and of her being the allotted wife of one of them, and sent a large party to demand her back. At one time I feared the quarrel might have a serious result j but the Arawa,

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finding that they could not get her back by threats, gave in, and allowed me to settle the case, which I did by letting the girl take her own choice, she of course preferring her own tribe. The old hostile feeling between the tribes which have been at war with each other is of course often cropping up (more especially between the Ngatipukeko and the Urewera); but, on being appealed to, they have always allowed me to mediate, and no doubt are glad of having any dispute settled without either side having to give in—saving their dignity by giving in to the law. The interest felt by Natives in electoral matters is steadily increasing, and I think should be fostered, as showing them a way in which they may exert their influence legitimately. I not only refer to the Native Members—several candidates are already canvassing for the next election, —but I notice a good many new claims from Natives to be placed on the electoral roll of the East Coast District. Considerable attention is given to the Native Councils Act, which it is understood the Government intend to introduce into Parliament next Session, and the draft of which has been circulated. The Natives generally approve of the Act; the difficulty in regard to it will be, I gather, the boundaries of the districts to be proclaimed under it, if passed. As I am writing, the news of the late murder in the Waikato, and of the steps taken by Government in relation to it, is getting circulated. The general feeling appears to be that the murderer should be brought to justice, and that there is no chance of a lasting peace until the Kingite league is broken up. IV. — Public Works undertaken by Natives. Since my last report, the following public works have been carried out in this district by Natives :— Opotiki and East Cape Boad. —The Ngaitai Tribe have made a good bridle-track from Opape to Awakino —two miles, —the rest of the road between Opape and Torero being already in a satisfactory condition. They have also formed a bridle-road from Torere to Tunapahore, two and a half miles—-a portion of this work being some heavy cutting through rock. The Whanau a Apanui Tribe have accepted a contract to cut and form a bridle road, five and a half miles long, through the heavy bush between Maraenui and Omaio. They have not yet commenced work, but are to do so as soon as they have reaped their crops. This is now one of the worst roads in the district, and its completion will be a boon to the Natives themselves, as well as to the Europeans who may have occasion to travel that way. Further on, the Whanau aTe Hutu are anxious to make a road from Te Kaha to Raukokore (an almost impassable track at present). I doubt not arrangements will shortly be complete for their doing so, and I hope that next year I shall be able to report that the East Cape road has been continued, and formed a junction with the roads in the adjoining Waiapu district. The Opotiki and Ormond road (eighty miles) has been let by contract to Messrs. Simpson, surveyors. They have commenced work at both ends. On the Poverty Bay end they have a mixed party of Europeans and Natives working, and, lam informed, have twenty miles completed. This end of the road, as far as the Motu River (forty miles), they sublet to the Whakatohea Tribe, who engaged to cut the bush and form the road for a fixed sum, the greater part being through a rugged mountainous country, as unpromising as could well be imagined for road-making purposes. At first, this tribe worked with great vigour and industry; but I regret to state that, owing to a misunderstanding with the contractors, they abandoned the work when they had completed seven and a half miles, and I fear will not resume it, and that the road will eventually have to be finished by European labour. The ostensible cause of their striking was a frivolous one; but I believe the real reason is that they found the work more arduous than they anticipated, and that they had taken the sub-contract at a price at which they could not make wages. The other road in this district on which Natives have been employed is the Opotiki and Te Waimana road ; that section of it between an arm of the Ohiwa and the confiscated boundary line in the Waimana valley. This road is in course of formation by the Urewera and Upokorehe. The Urewera, as might be expected from a tribe living in a highland country, are steady opponents of roads ; and it is with reluctance that they are forming this one, which, although it stops at the confiscation boundary, yet renders access to their country much easier than before. Indeed, it is only now they are convinced that the Government insist on the right of road-making through the confiscated territory, and that if they did not do it that others would, that they have consented to undertake it, having first, however, exacted a pledge that the road shall stop at the boundary line. Now they have begun they are working well (the bridges put up by Tamaikowha being especially noticeable from their substantial construction) ; and if they had not had to leave off to get in their crops, the road would have been finished before now. In all works done by Natives, it must be remembered that they are done in addition to, and are greatly interrupted by, their ordinary avocations, and are never entered on, as by Europeans, as a means of earning a livelihood. V.— Native Schools. During the past year arrangements have been made for building and opening schools in different parts of the district. A school intended for the children of both Europeans and Natives is in operation at Opotiki, under Mr. Martin, a teacher of experience. It is at present carried on in a temporary building, but the new schoolhouse is nearly finished. This is built on a reserve of four acres granted by the General Government for educational purposes, and is estimated to cost when complete £200, of which £100 is given by the General Government, £50 by the Provincial Board of Education, and £50 is raised by subscriptions of the European inhabitants. The building would have been finished long ago, but for the difficulty of making arrangements with the Provincial Board for a mixed school, this being the first one of the sort established. The school is under the control of the Board, but, unlike other Provincial schools, is open to all Natives who choose to attend it. I regret to say, however, that not many have availed themselves of this privilege, and that those who do, attend but irregularly; two or three, however, have made good progress in elementary learning.

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The Ngatiawa and Ngatipukeko Tribes at Whakatane subscribed £50 towards a school building, and the Government having supplemented this with £100 j the building, consisting of a schoolroom and two small rooms for master's quarters, has been erected and is now ready for use. It is built on land in the confiscated block reserved by Government for the purpose. A sohoolhouse similar to this has been put up at Omarumutu for the children of the Whakatohea who are living on the block at Opapc, given them out of the confiscated lands. This building was erected wholly at Government expense, partly in consideration of these Natives being reduced in circumstances by the late war, and also of their church at Opotiki having been confiscated and used as a barrack ; the Natives, however, are giving labour, by fencing in the school reserve, road-making, carting, &c. The reserve consists of four acres of choice land given by the Natives. This building is also now ready for the master. The Ngaitai, living at Torere, and the Whanau a Te Hutu at Te Kaha, have each expressed a wish to have schools at their several settlements, and have given sites, which have been surveyed as reserves. Their several chiefs are collecting subscriptions during the harvest, and intend at an early date to apply to the Government to supplement their collections, the Te Kaha people having already £30 in hand. A Bchool has been started at Ohiwa by a competent European for the children of the Arawa Militia stationed there. The scholars average from 15 to 20, and have made very good progress in the English language. This school is assisted by a small subsidy from Government. In concluding this report, I regret to have to say that, notwithstanding the friendly relations existing between the races, and the public works completed and in progress, the settlement of the district by Europeans goes on but slowly. The present inhabitants, it is true, are rapidly extending the land under cultivation ; but it is very seldom that a new settler comes into the district. The known fertility of the soil in the whole of the Bay of Plenty suggests it as peculiarly adapted for the location of immigrants ; and although I know that this has in all probability received the attention of the Government, I beg respectfully to urge the advantage which would accrue to both races from the formation of a special settlement in this district. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Heebeet W. Beabant, E.M.

No. 14 The Eesident Magistbate, Waiapu, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic,— Waiapu, 17th May, 1873. I have the honor to report that during the past year the Natives of this district have continued peaceable and well-disposed to the Government. Land disputes have at various times arisen between certain hapus, which required careful watching to allay. The desire to submit these differences to the decision of Government authority 13 daily becoming stronger, as it appears that no satisfactory adjustment is likely to be arrived at by themselves. A Bill which was framed during the last Session of the General Assembly for the establishment of Councils in Native districts, but which has not yet become law, has, on being explained to them, drawn forth a strong expression of approval of the intention of the Government. If this Bill is passed, the Natives will then be enabled to refer all their differences to their Councils ; and if not there satisfactorily settled, they will be submitted to the final decision of any tribunal the Government may approve. The opening of good bridle-tracks through the district, which is now being pushed on, will be of great benefit on such a rough coast. The schools are progressing favourably, the parents appearing to take a deep interest in the children's advancement. At one school (Tokomaru) there are at present eighty-two scholars—almost more than one teacher can superintend. A very decided improvement in general industry is apparent. Wheat which has not been grown for some years, has been produced this season in some quantity, and preparations are being made for much larger sowing next season. Large quantities of crop were unfortunately destroyed by repeated floods, and. in some places much distress will be felt. The sale of the Patutahi Block to the Government, which they have decided upon, will be the means of providing for their wants for a time. A smaller diminution in the population has taken place of late than in former years. The great advantage of peace is apparent on all sides. Increasing industry, the people being no longer huddled up in pas, but scattered over the country, clearing and cultivating, and increasing their flocks. The occurrence of any event which should again disquiet them would be deeply deplored by all who desire the improvement of the Native race and the progress of the Colony. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. J. H. Campbell, E.M.

No. 15. The Eesident Magistbate, Poverty Bay, to the Under Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Gisborne, 12th June, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the Circular No. 3, dated March 27th, alluded to in your telegram, did not reach Gisborne until after the 30th April, too late for me to carry out the instructions conveyed iv it. In consequence of the receipt of your telegram of the 9th instant, I beg to forward the report of state of Natives in this district. The Native population of the Poverty Bay

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district are in a satisfactory condition, numbering about 500 souls. There has not been much mortality amongst them for the last two years ; they are generally speaking amenable to the law, and willing to avail themselves of European institutions. There are three Native schools in the district, with an average attendance of fifty scholars in each. The Natives are in receipt of a considerable sum annually from rents, and are consequently well off for all the necessaries of Maori life, and are unfortunately able to indulge in some of the luxuries of European life in the form of drunkenness, which is rather prevalent. Great dissatisfaction is evidenced at the nature of land tenure, and much anxiety to have it altered. There is also a disposition lately apparent to repudiate former bargains in the disposal of their land. This tendency has, I think, originated in consequence of communications with Napier ; but, on the whole, the Natives seem to entertain a spirit of loyalty, and a wish to conform (as far as they know) to European customs. Their sanitary condition is good, no epidemics having visited the district since 1870, except low fever, which was limited in extent. About 250 have been vaccinated, including children and adults. I have, &c, G-. S. Cooper, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Office, W. K. Nesbett, E.M. Wellington.

No. 16. The Eesident Magistbate, Wairarapa, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Wairarapa, 10th June, 1873. I have the honor to report that this district is rapidly approaching a state in which the presence of the Maori people will cease to be felt as a source of difficulty and anxiety either to the settlers or the Government. The change which has taken place in the position of the two races in this district during the last ten years, is most satisfactory. Then, the majority of the Natives were domineering and insolent towards the settlers, and defiant and rebellious towards the Government; while the settlers were unorganized, unarmed, and entirely unprepared for the danger which seemed to threaten them. Now, we have a large and efficient body of volunteers, the European population has increased to the proportion of six to one of the Maori, the relations between the two races are most friendly, and the Natives yield generally a ready obedience to the law. The decisions of the Native Lands Court have been generally acquiesced in. There is, however, one exception, the case of Te Ahikouka, in which a decision was given against Ngatuere by a jury which he believes not to have been impartial, and which he does not accept as final. He retains possession of part of the land, and an action of ejectment is threatened by a European who has leased it. I shall be glad if an arrangement can be made which will prevent its being necessary to eject Ngatuere. Much sympathy is felt by Natives in this district with the proceedings of Henare Matua and his party at Napier, and I think it very probable that similar questions will before long be agitated here. With reference to the recent murder at Waikato, the feeling of the " Komiti Maori " is in favour of a surrender of the murderer; Karauria Ngawhara and his party taking that view, Ngairo and his few followers dissenting, While I am able to report so satisfactorily as a whole on the state of Native affairs here, it is my duty to point out that the Maori population in the district is sufficiently numerous, and their intercourse with the Waikato King party sufficiently close, to require that they should be still dealt with cautiously. I have, &c, Heebeet Waedell, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 17. The Civil Commissionee, New Plymouth, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic,— New Plymouth, 30th April, 1873. In reply to your Circular Letter No. 3, of 27th March, 1873,1 have to forward herewith the usual annual report on the state of tho Natives in my district: — Eepoet. In order to explain the state of the Natives in my district, I deem it best to report on each tribe or section separately, and for that purpose I will commence from the north with the section of the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe living on the Mokau, in this Province. These Natives for a number of years have maintained a very hostile attitude towards the Government, and have attacked and menaced our frontier settlement at Pukearuhe; but since the re-occupation of the old post at the White Cliffs, they have been quieter, and seem disposed to be friendly, judging from letters and messages I have received from them through the Ngatitama settled at Tongaporutu, with whom they are friendly, and frequently visit them. Some of them come into this district and to town sometimes, but the leading men are doubtful as to the propriety of their doing so from what I hear from Tongaporutu; but until they give us some substantial proof of their sincerity to become permanently friendly, it is as well to leave them to themselves.

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The re-occupation of the old post at White Cliffs and the occupation of Tongaporutu by a section of Ngatitama, has very materially improved the condition of the district and given confidence to the settlers. The returned Ngatimutunga Natives from the Chatham Islands, who were disinherited by the Compensation Court, are most of them settled on the land between Mimi and Urenui j and although they pledged their word on leaving the Chatham Islands to settle on land here, to be allotted to them by the Government, they now altogether disregard their pledge and repudiate the confiscation, and lay claim to the original possession of the tribe before they were expelled from the district by the northern tribes, regardless of the rights of the resident Natives, who were in possession during their absence at Chatham Islands, and who obtained awards under the Compensation Court, which were never allotted to them. This is the only matter these Natives give me trouble about; in other matters they are not inconsistent, but generally governable. A section of the Ngatimutunga, chiefly old residents, are now proposing to cede to the Government the land between Urenui and Onaero, which meets the land I recently purchased in the Ngatimaru district, the acquirement of which, in addition to the Ngatimaru purchases, will be the means of making available for settlement a tract of country from the coast to the Waitara Eiver, inland. Having referred to the Ngatimaru district, I will now take that tribe next. The district of the Ngatimaru Natives is one which has been less frequented by Europeans than perhaps any other part of New Zealand, until within the last year. These Natives were warm Kingites, and fought against us in Waikato, Taranaki, and Ngatiruanui; and when Titokowaru was driven from the West Coast, he and his followers took refuge in that part over two years. When the latter returned to the West Coast, the Ngatimaru took advantage of what they considered a good opportunity to establish friendly relations with the Government, and commenced selling their land. Two purchases have been made from them, and more is under offer. The movement has already had a very beneficial effect, and promises to lead to more favourable results. They have been censured by non-selling tribes, but are not to be deterred, and avow their determination to sell all the land they do not require for their own use, and ally themselves to the Government. Considering their former position, and the footing it will give the Government in the centre of this Province, the change brought about by these Natives is deserving of the highest commendation and some substantial recognition hereafter. Wiremu Kingi te Eangitake lives himself at Parihaka, but his late followers most of them reside on the Waitara Eiver inland, at a place called Manutangihia, north of the district recently purchased at Ngatimaru. They never give any trouble, and about twice a year visit Parihaka, about 30 in number, and on passing through here they generally stop at the Native Office for two or three nights. The Ngatirahiri Tribe, as a body of Natives, have behaved better than any- other tribe in this Province ; and although they have a grievance about land that was taken from them for Military Settlers' settlement, they refuse to mix up in any disputes of other tribes about land, in opposition to the Government. The Hon. the Native Minister has authorized mo to givo them ample compensation for their land which has been taken from them; but for some time past an opinion has prevailed amongst the Natives that all the confiscated land will be restored to them. From Waitara to Stoney Eiver the Natives are all settled down upon land allotted them under the confiscation, and the only grievance in this part is from returned absentees, who either live with their relatives or upon a few general reserves never allotted. The district from Stoney Eiver to Te Namu is occupied by Natives who are very troublesome and lawless (except a section of the Ngatimahanga nearest to Stoney Eiver). They steal cattle, sheep, horses, &c, from Europeans passing along the coast while encamped at night, and take them away to their villages and kill the cattle and sheep, and when at last horses are found in their possession, they refuse to give them up without being paid an exorbitant sum, half their value and sometimes more. They are violently opposed to the extension of public works through the district; and at a recent meeting held to discuss the question, they threatened to shoot the first man who attempted it. I have nothing new to say of Te Whiti. Judging from recent meetings held at Parihaka, he is still for peace and quietness, and advocates non-interference with land selling or public works, which his followers do not approve of, and it remains to be proved whether he will change his tactics to sustain the position he has so long held amongst them. From Te Xamu to Omuturangi, the district (with the exception of the Opunake township) is occupied by the Opunake and Tangahoe Natives, who have for a long time been employed on public works, and behave very commendably. There is a large party amongst them, with Hone Pihama at their head, who would carry the road and wire through the before-mentioned district in defiance of the Natives opposing it, but there are considerations involved which require to be carefully dealt with. From Omuturangi to Waingongoro is a district occupied by'Manaia and Wharehuia and their followers, and Titokowaru and his late followers. The only difficult question with them is the surrender of part of the land, which Manaia and his people are as much opposed to as Titokowaru and his people are. In other matters they behave very well, and take employment on road-making. The Pakakohi, with Taurua, were all at Oeo the week before last, where there was a very large meeting of the Tangahoe and Titokowaru and his people. I met them on the 19th inst. Matters of interest were discussed freely, and tho Pakakohi behaved remarkably well, and recommended caution against evermore provoking hostilities, and advised no obstruction to public works. The road at the back of the mountain was freely discussed, and some of Titokowaru's late followers, under the young chief Heke, expressed their determination to carry it. Heke is a grandson of the late chief Hori te Pakeke, who with his tribe, the Ahitahi, cut the track for Colonel Wakefield in 1842. There is some opposition to the work at present, headed by a troublesome Native named Harawira, notorious amongst Titokowaru's lot. When I was at Ketemarae the other day, he came there and protested against it, but it was merely an oral protest, without any threat, and the working party are of opinion that beyond that nothing is intended. The working party purpose, however, crossing the Mangawhero at Araukuku this week, the disputed part, which will prove what tho opposition means.

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The Puketapu are going to have a meeting to discuss the matter, as the line of road will have to cross part of their tribal district from Whakangerengere, from which place the leading men are in favour of taking up the work. I will report the result of their meeting. I have, &c, E. Paeeis, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 18. The Eesident Magistrate, Wanganui Native District, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Wanganui, 7th June, 1873. In compliance with your request by circular letter of No. and date as per margin, relative to the state of the Natives in this district, I have the honor to state that, having been in charge of the district during only four months prior to this date, my report must necessarily be a very meagre one. Eepoet. I consider the present social condition of the Natives in this district as in some respects satisfactory. There is a very evident desire on the part of the younger portion of the population to raise themselves to the level of the European, which shows itself in a strong desire to possess weatherboard houses, furniture, horses (particularly draught), cattle, sheep, carts, ploughs, &c. Some of the young chiefs have very sensibly adopted the plan of erecting small weatherboard houses in the English style, just large enough to accommodate the owner and his family. These houses, being convenient and snug, are constantly occupied, and are, I consider, a great improvement, from a social point of view, on more pretentious buildings, which latter are only occupied on certain rare occasions, when every room in the house is filled with friends, who eat and sleep in them indiscriminately. On ordinary occasions, the only portion used (if used at all) is the kitchen, in which the whole family cook, eat, and sleep ; these large houses, therefore, being devoid of comfort to a Native, have failed in many instances to raise him socially above his countryman who lives in a Maori whare ; but if a Native can build a small comfortable house, lined and floored, with chimneys, and containing two or three rooms and a kitchen, according to the size of his family, the result is that, finding warmth and comfort in his own home, he gives up the habit of going to the whare-puni with his family every night, and the children are removed from those evils which are the natural result of a large body of both sexes sleeping in the same compartment. The majority of the Natives in this district possess at least a share in a team of draught horses or bullocks, a plough, cart, &c. As much as £95 has been given for a pair of good draught horses within the last four months. Some of the young men in this district are able to compete very favourably against all European ploughmen at the annual ploughing match held at Aramoho, in which prizes by the Government are given to the best Native ploughmen, and these are generally supplemented by subscription prizes to all comers. Two or three young chiefs are owners of small flocks of sheep ; several of them possess race-horses, and a few possess carriages or traps. But this great desire to adopt habits of civilized life has also its dark side in the vice of drinking, which I am afraid has been on the increase during the past few months, owing to rather large sums of money which have been paid to them on account of land sold to Government. It is not an uncommon occurrence for a young chief to spend £50 or £60 in giving a dinner, with beer, champagne, &c, to his friends, and this is to be particularly noticed after a sitting of the Native Land Court. If judgment has been given on a long-disputed question, both parties (claimants and counterclaimants) vie with each other as to who can give the most expensive entertainment, in order to prove to each other and to the world that no ill-feeling exists between them. In this manner hundreds of pounds have been squandered away during the past three or four months ; and I am afraid we must not look for much improvement in this respect whilst the Natives possess so large an extent of waste land, which can at any time be turned into ready money. In fact they are now in a transition state between barbarism and civilization, and consequently they cannot be fairly judged either by the former or the latter standard. Having a large amount of available capital in the shape of land, they are the more easily drawn into habits of idleness and careless extravagance. The remedy to this unsatisfactory state of affairs lies, I believe, in the disposal of all their waste lands; reserving sufficient land for themselves to yield a handsome income. When they have to turn their attention to the means of obtaining a living by their own industry, they will, I believe, compare favourably with the European settler, and will be led to adopt habits of industry and sobriety. Education. One great want, most keenly felt by the more intelligent chiefs of my acquaintance, is the want of literature in their own language, or (which comes to the same thing) ability to read and understand English. They are keenly alive to everything which is going on around them, and take the greatest interest in all questions interesting to colonists generally; but to obtain information on these points they are entirely dependent on the leisure or good nature of any friend who can speak both languages. It is true they have the Waka Maori; but there is a strong desire for information on all sorts of subjects beyond the province of a newspaper to afford. Having this feeling, therefore, the Natives very gladly welcome the establishment amongst them, by Government aid, of schools, in which their children can be taught the English language. One such school has been established within the last three months, at Matatera, on the Wangaehu Eiver. The schoolhouse, which was originally a dwelling-house belonging to Aperahama Tahunuiarangi and Hoani

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Maka, was handed over for school purposes, the expense of altering and repairing being borne by the Government. The master, Mr. T. Lewis, who is ably assisted by Miss Lewis, his daughter, reports very favourably of the attendance and progress of his pupils. The average daily attendance is about twenty-five, besides a class for young men in the evening. I noticed after the school had been in working operation one month a marked improvement in the appearance of the children, all of them having on decent clothes, and faces and hands clean. As neither Mr. nor Miss Lewis know a word of Maori, the pupils are of necessity obliged to try and speak in English. Preliminary meetings for the establishment of Native schools have been held at Putiki, Whanganu and at Kaipo, Waitotara. Before the end of this year I hope to have schools at both the above places. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, Esq., Under Secretary, Wellington. James Booth, B.M.

No. 19. Tbe Resident Magistrate, Upper "Whanganui, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Whanganui, 10th May, 1873. I have tho honor, in accordance with the direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, as contained in your circular letter of 27th March last, to furnish the following report on the state of Native affairs in my district. Firstly, "As to the state of Native feeling generally," lam again able to report favourably. lam not aware of any circumstance having arisen to weaken the feeling of confidence and friendship on the part of the Natives towards the Europeans during the past year, such feeling having rather increased than otherwise, owing to the friendly relations that continue to exist between the two races, and owing to the increased knowledge derived by the Natives in their frequent intercourse with the Europeans, thereby tending to secure a permanent state of tranquillity in these parts. A greater disposition has been manifested by the Natives to refer their differences to European Courts for adjustment, including several serious land disputes (which are of frequent occurrence) ; and as respects my own Court, no difficulty has been experienced in enforcing the law, through the instrumentality of the Native Assessors, a highly useful and influential body of men. A disturbing element that formerly existed, namely, the enforced banishment of the Ngatihine and Ngarauru Tribes from their homes in the Patea and Waitotara country does not nqw happily exist, said difficulty having been satisfactorily arranged by the judicious management of tho Hon. the Native Minister, with the terms of which arrangement the Natives of my district have expressed much satisfaction. Many of these Natives were living with their Whanganui friends and relatives at different settlements on the river, and the fact of their being allowed to re-occupy a portion of their ancestral homes has been the means of preventing disaffection amongst themselves and family connections, and will operate favourably in helping to secure a permanent state of peace and quietness in these districts. A further step has been taken towards securing the settlement of the Native difficulty, by enlisting on the side of peace and good government the services of the powerful chief Mamaku, of the Tuhua country, and his tribe, such result having been brought about during the late visit of the Native Minister to Whanganui, Te Mamaku having long previously sought an interview with Mr. McLean, which meeting was gratifying to both parties, and said chief has now returned to the interior, imbued with feelings of friendship and goodwill towards the Government and Europeans generally ; and I can safely affirm that he will in future be found to prove himself a staunch supporter of the Government, and that he will exert a powerful influence for good. Such men as Te Mamaku, Pehi, and Tahana Turoa, and others, chiefs of rank and power when maoridom held sway in the country, having now given in their adherence to the Government, is a matter of much importance, and will go a long way towards weakening and breaking up those hostile combinations now so difficult to counteract or in any way control. Said chiefs have still a name and influence throughout this Island, and much good may be effected through their instrumentality. I would here take occasion to mention the good effect produced by the example shown by Major Kernp —a truly loyal chief, and a worthy representative of his late uncle, George, King Te A nana, — (the former Tamati Waaka of the South), more particularly in the course pursued by him with respect to the settlement of land disputes as between his people and the Ngatiraukawa Tribes ; Kemp having given it out that he would look to the law, and to the law alone, for a redress and settlement of said outstanding and serious differences, which have now disturbed the Maori mind for a number of years, and which expressed determination has had a good effect upon the Natives generally in these parts, who are now much more likely to refer their local land disputes to the Land Court for adjustment, instead of having recourse to fighting as a means of redress, in accordance with the practices of their forefathers; and lam of opinion that more frequent sittings of said Court at Whanganui would, upon the whole, be attended with beneficial results, and give greater satisfaction to the Natives. The system of Native Councils in connection with the settlement of Maori titles to land might also be beneficially introduced, the Natives for the most part having expressed themselves as being much pleased with the intent and meaning of the Act introduced at last sittings of Parliament, which would have provided the machinery requisite for affording the Natives a further and more effectual means of adjusting many of their differences and disputes (particularly land quarrels) in a manner satisfactory to themselves and without the risk of future complications. I am not aware of the existence of any disturbing influence iv these parts at the present time, as most outstanding claims and matters of complaint have been arranged by the Hon. the Native 3—G. 1.

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Minister during his visit to Whanganui; and speaking of the Natives of my own particular district, I am led to look forward hopefully to the future, as I have met with much encouragement during the past year in my endeavours to foster and carry out amongst them such schemes and projects as are likely to prove beneficial to the race. .. j In the matter of Native schools,two districts have been duly defined,and sehoolhouses are about being erected at two of the principal settlements on the river, one in fact being now in course of erection. The Natives have agreed to support both schools, and will contribute their quota of the expense of putting up the necessary buildings, a matter of some difficulty, as the timber has had tobe conveyed from town by canoes poled by Natives over numerous and difficult rapids, and I hope by the end of the year to see two schools in full working order, to be followed by others. The Natives are becoming alive to the importance of securing an education for their children, whereby their status as a people will be much elevated, and a meaus afforded the rising generation of greatly improving their manners and habits of life, and taking an active part in helping to promote the happiness and welfare of themselves as a people, and of the country in general. A greater desire to obtain knowledge has been exhibited on the part of the Natives, and I have succeeded in obtaining over 100 subscribers to the Maori Messenger, at 10s. per annum. I cannot say that any marked improvement has taken place in the moral and physical condition of the Natives since my last annual report, and it will take time to work out any vital change in these matters, the Natives being much wedded to their old customs and habits, which, through the instrumentality of the schools, the course of time, .and further intercourse with the Europeans, will no doubt eventually lose their hold upon them, and a better state of morals and physical condition be attained to. More care and attention is now shown by the parents in nourishing and bringing up their children, and European medicines are in greater request than formerly. It is interesting to notice the great fondness exhibited by the Natives towards their children, and the strong desire shown for offspring ; it being; considered a matter for much regret and humiliation (if not of degradation) amongst them to be childless, and the more children a man has the greater is he thought of; and, as a result of this feeling (many of the women being barren), polygamy is on the increase, and is not considered incompatible with good morals ! The attention of the Natives to agricultural pursuits has not in any way diminished, and, owing to the enhanced prices received for grain and other produce during the past season, a greater extent of ground has been laid under cultivation this year than formerly. Tobacco is now grown in sufficient quantities to supply their own wants, and after some further experience and instruction as to the mode of culture, they will have a surplus stock for sale in the market, as the plant thrives amazingly in the up-river districts. The hop plants and mulberry trees introduced last year are in a thriving condition, and steps will be taken this winter to propagate largely these plants and trees, with a view to affording the Natives another means of obtaining wealth and its attendant advantages. I am also able to report favourably about the flour mills, the mill-house at Pipiriki having been entirely rebuilt at the expense and labour of Maoris, and the requisite machinery has been already ordered from Glasgow, Major Kemp having advanced £60 to the importer, so that there should be no delay in executing the order. Kemp has subscribed largely towards the cost of this particular mill, with the view of resuscitating the Pipiriki settlement, and encouraging its scattered inhabitants to return to that locality and settle down again there in peace and prosperity, a very praiseworthy object on his part, and of political importance, seeing that most of the Pipiriki Natives had turned Hauhaus, fought against the Queen's troops at Tataraimaka, where their principal chief, Hori Patene, and a number of his tribe were killed, and have since resided at Taranaki and elsewhere, including the chief Hori Patene the younger, in a state of sullenness and despair. The Natives at Karatia and Koriniti are also busily engaged in erecting their mills at those pas, and have lodged with me the greater part of the instalments—£so in each case —demanded by the importer as a deposit before ordering the iron machinery required to render the mills complete and efficient for grinding corn, a quantity of which is stored up awaiting the completion of the mills, when it will be turned into flour for home consumption and disposal at the nearest market, viz., the town of "Whanganui. The stones in these mills are of the best burr and of great value, tho ones at " Governor Mill," particularly, being of extra size, and were presented to the Natives many years ago by His Excellency Sir George Grey. Mr. McLean has promised a money contribution of £50 to each mill, on the part of tbe Government, upon the arrival of the machinery ; money which could not be better spent than in encouraging such industries. The Native ploughing match this season, where prizes were given by the Government, was very successful, one Maori particularly, a boy of about eleven years of age, and nephew of Captain Wirihana, having greatly astonished the spectators, Maori and European, by his clever handling of the plough, much to the delight of his uncle, who seemed most proud of his performances. Next year I would recommend the match being held at Turnkina or Rangitikei, so that the coast Natives may join ; and Maori contributions have been promised (in addition to that of the Government), so that larger prizes may be offered to the successful competitors. "With regard to public works undertaken by the Natives, the only one at present is the road from Banana to the Murimotu plains, which the Whanganui Natives are about commencing under the supervision of Mr. Booth, and which will prove of great advantage to themselves when completed, and which fact they begin fully to realize. As a proof of the loyalty and obedience to command, of the Whanganui Natives, I would take occasion here to mention that I have succeeded since January, 1872, acting under the instructions of the Hon. the Defence Minister, in recovering, for the most part from the up-river Natives, 226 stand of Government arms ; the greater part of those still outstanding (some 300) being for the most part in the possession of the Ngatinpa Tribe, who do not reside in my district, and from whom I have reason to believe they will eventually be recovered.

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With regard to the recent outrage at Waikato, such proceeding is universally condemned by the Natives here, and a unanimous opinion expressed that the perpetrators of so foul and barbarous a deed should be brought to justice, and made to forfeit their lives in expiation of their crime; and I make no hesitation in stating, lhat should circumstances unfortunately compel the Government to resort to force in order to secure the punishment of these murderers, no tribe will be found more loyal and true to its colours, if called upon to assist, than the Whanganui Natives, under the leadership of their brave and distinguished chief, Major Kemp. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, Esq., Richard W. Woon, Under Secretary, Wellington. Resident Magistrate, Upper Whanganui.

No. 20. The Resident Magistrate, Rangitikei, to tho Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Marton, 18th April, 1873. I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the appended report on the .Natives in this district for the past year. The condition of the Natives is unchanged since I sent in my last report, and the quiet of the district has been undisturbed with the exception of one case, which threatened at one time to assume a serious aspect, but which resulted in nothing but threats. The dispute was between Ngatikauwhatu aud Kawana 11 unia: the matter was the right to a block of land near Oroua, in the Manawatu district, which has since been adjudicated on by the Native Lands Court sitting at Foxton. The proceedings of the Court have absorbed the whole attention of the Maoris for the past six months, its doings being the only subject of interest long prior to its sittings. There has been a wish expressed by the Natives at two pas, Te Reureu and Parewanui, to have schools established, but I believe some dissatisfaction also at the amount of aid likely to be given them by the Government; but in the absence of all the principal men at Foxton, in attendance at the Native Lands Court, I have been unable to gather anything definite in the matter. The Natives have not been so much occupied on public works as last year. The principal crimes amongst them are pig-stealing and horse-stealing, both of which are common ; but it is most difficult to obtain convictions, from the reluctance of the injured parties to come forward in criminal matters against members of their own race, and their tendency to compromise such matters amongst themselves; but recently, in two cases in which Europeans were concerned, the Native culprits showed their respect for law by not awaiting its action, but absconding towards Taupo. There lias been no opposition in any shape during the past year to any process of the Resident Magistrate's Court. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Wm. J. Willis, R.M. Native Office, Wellington.

No. 21. Mr. Alexander Mackay, Commissioner of Native Eeserves, Nelson, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Native Reserves Office, Nelson, 15th April, 1873. In reply to your Circular No. 3, of the 27th ultimo, requesting me to furnish the usual annual report on the condition of the Natives of my district, I have the honor to state that there is nothing noteworthy to record since the date of my last report on this subject. The moral, social, and physical condition of the Natives is much the same as in past years; and being far removed from the various questions which have agitated the Native mind in the North Island, they pursue their usual avocations quietly and peacefully from year to year without interruption. There has been a great scarcity of provisions amongst the Natives during the last eighteen months, especially amongst the people of Motueka, the majority of whom have had to be maintained at the expense of the Native Reserve Fund since the beginning of last October, in consequence of the destruction of their potato crops by a heavy flood which occurred in that district during last July. A supply of seed potatoes had to be given them for the same reason, as they were entirely destitute, and would have starved if assistance had not been afforded them. The long continuous drought of the past sis months caused almost a total failure of the early crops of potatoes, and it is only now that they have sufficient to live on without further aid. The crops of the Wakapuaka Natives have also suffered by the drought; but, fortunately for them, the supplies they received as a contribution in aid of work done in forming a road through their laud, has kept them in provisions during the most trying period. The Natives in other parts of the district have not required assistance, as they were able through their own exertions to relieve themselves from want. I regret that I cannot report any progress as yet in the way of education. The school at Wakapuaka has only just been put iv hand, various causes having tended to delay its construction till now. A school is being erected for the Natives of the Wairau by the direction of Colonel Russell, to be completed by the Ist proximo ; and tho same provision will have to be made eventually at Waikawa, near Pic ton, for the benefit of the children residing in Queen Charlotte's Sound, who are more numerous than at tho Wairau.

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It will be requisite also to make arrangements at Takaka, Motupipi, and Collingwood, for the same purpose. The chief difficulty, however, to be contended with in bringing education within reach of the children in those districts, is the paucity of their numbers, and the scattered manner in which the parents are located over a large extent of country. The most feasible plan perhaps to adopt in tho first place, until tho children become more numerous, would be to appoint a master to itinerate amongst them, and visit each place at stated intervals. It is probable, nevertheless, that this plan even may not prove an entire success; and it will have to be borne in mind, while maintaining and fostering the the present desire of the Maoris to further the education of their children, that after the first novelty is worn off, many difficulties will arise in inducing them to keep to their purpose. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Alexandee Mackay, Native Department, Wellington. Native Commissioner,

No. 22. Rev. J. W. Stack to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sic,— Kaiapoi, 30th April, 1873. I have the honor, in accordance with your Circular, to forward the enclosed report on the Maoris in this District: — Eepoet on the Maoeis of Canteebdet foe the teae 1872-73. The excitement occasioned hy the discovery that the reserves were liable for road rates, which was agitating the Native mind last year, is now allayed by the judicious arrangement made with respect to this matter by His Honor the Superintendent. The fact that some Natives residing in the Ellesmera district have voluntarily contributed towards the formation of a road by the Local Board, seems to indicate that when the Maoris understand the real nature of the tax, their objection to paying it will cease. I am sorry to report that poverty is increasing, and as a consequence that the character of the people is deteriorating. The timber which has hitherto proved a source of wealth to the Natives of Kaiapoi, Arowhenua, and Eapaki is all consumed, and they have nothing left but the soil, which, instead of cultivating, they let to Europeans, but the area owned by each Native is too small to produce sufficient rental for the owner's support. The young supplement the deficiency by occasionally working for the settlers, but quite half the population are incapacitated for hard manual labour, either from age, ill health, or inexperience. From long use, European commodities have become necessaries of life. Hitherto the Natives have possessed the means of paying for them ; but in proportion as their expensive habits and tastes increase, so does their poverty. They readily obtain credit from the shopkeepers, owing to the character they have acquired for honesty and straightforwardness iv their business dealings. The difficulties they now experience in meeting the claims of their creditors force them to resort to every kind of mean device to out-wit them, and they are fast losing their good character. One good result, however, of their poverty is that it compels them to seek remunerative employment. The Maoris would probably have sooner become reconciled to their altered condition if some method could have been devised to prevent the chiefs being reduced to the level of their slaves. These men, accustomed before the colonization of the country to ease and plenty, cannot submit without murmuring to their altered condition, and their complaints are echoed by their inferiors. If the largest share of the reserved land had been assigned to the chiefs, they would have been spared much humiliation, and the inferior Maoris would have been more willing to adopt some regular calling. If it is objected to this view of the case, that Native custom would have obliged the chiefs to maintain their dependents on the land, I need only point to the controversy now being carried on here between grantees and allottees to show that no feelings of common kindred would prevent the former from expelling the latter from the reserves whenever it suited their interests provided the lawgave them the power to do so. The question which now occupies the Native mind is the nature of the Trusteeship of Reserves. It is very desirable that the nature and limits of the trust should be at once defined by the Government. The health of the Native community during the past year was in striking contrast with the unhealthiness which prevailed during the same period amongst the Europeans. The day school which was opened in August last has, up to this date, proved successful. It is attended by all the children in the neighbourhood who are old enough, and by several from places at a distance (these children being boarded by friends at Kaiapoi). The attendance is tolerably regular, and the progress satisfactory. The night school for adults was well attended during the first quarter, but the break occasioned by shearing and harvest operations during the two subsequent quarters has rather interfered with its success. I am at present arranging for the opening of a night school at Little River, on Banks Peninsula, where there are nearly as many children as at Kaiapoi. The Natives are looking forward with interest to the resumption by the General Assembly of the inquiry relating to the land purchases in this Island. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs. James W. Stack.

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No. 23. Major Mair to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Alexandra, Waikato, 12th June, 1873. In accordance with your circular, I have the honor to report upon Native matters in the Waikato District. The moral condition of the Maori in these parts has not improved in any degree since my report of July last. There is the same craving for strong drink on tho part of both Kingite and Kupapa. Among the former, several of the leading men have at last given way to drunkenness. I must again point to Ngatihaua as the most dissipated and unreliable Natives that I have ever met; numbers of them, of both sexes, may be seen any day lounging about the public-houses. The spread of this vice is owing in a groat measure to the numerous gatherings for the purpose of discussing important questions, or for mourning over the death of some person of rank. Spirits are openly procured in unlimited quantities in all the towns in Waikato, and no hui can be expected to be a success unless there is good store of rum. Upon one of my visits to a settlement between thirty and forty miles beyond Cambridge, the widow of the principal chief, lately deceased, informed me with great pride that at the several tangis for her husband " two hundred gallons of rum had been consumed, at acost of thirty shillings per gallon!" Prom this it is evident that they spend large sums of money in drink. Drunkenness induces pilfering, and cases of petty larceny are common. Horsestealing, too, is by no means rare. I am of opinion that only a limited number of these cases come before the Courts. The ancient custom of muru has not quite died out. Unlike the Bay of Plenty tribes there does not appear to be any desire on the part of the Waikatos for the establishment of schools among them. I cannot report favourably of the physical condition of the people. The Maori generally was a much finer animal twenty years ago than now. In this district they are suffering from what appears to me to be a severe form of influenza ; numbers are prostrated, and I have heard of several deaths ; Hetaraka Nero, a well-known loyal chief, and Assessor of Kaglan, being among them. The hospital erected in Alexandra for their benefit has not been patronised. They do not object to medical attendance at their own homes, but, like their brethren elsewhere, will not take the trouble to bring their sick to hospital. A considerable number were vaccinated by the District Medical Officer, but he was not permitted to go far up-country for that purpose. The people generally were anxious that he should do so ; but some of the leading Hauhaus, not giving the Government credit for humane motives, but affecting to believe that it was a ruse to gain ground, discouraged the idea, saying that the mana Maori would hold them safe from small-pox. The Waikato tribes are not nearly so well off as they might be; there is an ahsence of that air of thrift observable, for instance, in most of the villages in the Bay of Plenty. Among tho Kupapa this arises in great measure from indolence, and from tho fact that they are mostly working worn-out land; they grow barely enough for their subsistence. This is notoriously the case at Raglan, where the Natives are miserably poor. The Kingites are much more industrious, for, in addition to the large supplies of food lavished at their hui, they have recently brought considerable quantities of wheat, maize, and oats to market. Wi Karamoa and his brother Karauti, of Ngatiapakura, last year procured some hop roots which they planted at Whataroa some miles beyond Te Kuiti. A few days since they sold £15 worth of very fine hops to a brewer in Ngaruawahia. I have received a number of applications for roots, and anticipate that this new industry will take a firm hold. Pikia, a Kawhia chief, who met the Hon. the Native Minister here last year, and declared his secession from the King party, has, with a number of his people, settled just on tho confiscated line. Having been supplied by the Government with food, agricultural implements and seed, he has made good use of his opportunities, and was enabled to sell a good deal of wheat; his ambition is to obtain a threshing machine, and he has collected upwards of £40 for the purpose of purchasing one. At Kopua a number of Bewi's people, who also were supplied with seed, have become perhaps the most industrious and prosperous people in Waikato. Last autumn they sold upwards of a thousand bushels of wheat, besides oats and other produce ; the coming season they will sow largely. It is worthy of note that Eewi has charged these people not to pay any heed to warlike rumours consequent upon the Sullivan murder, but to go on steadily with their work, in which he hoped soon to join. Various meetings have taken place during the past twelve months. The first was held at Maungatautari in January. It was called for the purpose of checking tho sale and lease of land. There was a large attendance, including many Europeans. The Kingite speakers were so well answered by loyal chiefs of the Arawa, Ngaiterangi, and other tribes, that the Hauhaus broke up the affair suddenly, leaving an impression on the minds of both sides, that the Kingites had been beaten in argument, and had not in the least improved their position. The next gathering of any consequence took place at Ngaruawahia, and was for the purpose of bidding farewell to His Excellency Sir George Bowen, upon his leaving the Colony. A considerable number of Kingites attended, including several chiefs of rank, who had not visited any of our settlements since the war. The speeches were mostly of a valedictory nature, and showed kindly feeling. The last hui of an important nature took place at Te Kuiti; it was a purely Hauhau affair, called by Tawliiao for the purpose of again forbidding the traffic in land. This meeting was to have taken place on April 2Sth; but, owing to the late murder, it was postponed from day to day till May 15th, when Tawhiao's word was spoken by Te Ngakau, and met with general approval. It has since been embodied by Manuhiri in an ambiguous proclamation, and extensively circulated. The unfortunate murder of Sullivan while working on leased land, now admitted to belong to Mohi Purukutu, but leased to Europeans by others, furnishes considerable cause for uneasiness. Whatever may be tho result, I do not think that Tawhiao is directly responsible for the commission of the crime. It is well known that for some time past he has been endeavouring to remove Purukutu, Te Paekaun, Nuku, and other vindictive persons, to Te Kuiti, that they might be constantly under his eyes; but now that the mischief is done he may passively accept the responsibility, and allow himself to be dragged into a war. It is well known that the Ngatimaniapoto have no wish to quarrel with tho 4— G. 1.

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Europeans, for they have everything to lose ; as for the Waikatos, a small turbulent section, who have no land to risk, are eager for revenge for the loss of the Waikato country; but the bulk of them, including Tawhiao himself, are averse to fighting. Manuhiri not long since said that he had " ceased to anticipate death by the sword;" and further, that he would not "lift his hand, even to defend himself." The Tekau marua (the Twelve), —a political body founded by Te Whiti, of Taranaki, and consisting almost exclusively of men of no rank—are gaining influence with Tawhiao ; their motto is "Te rongo pai" (Peace), and their object to check the chief's, who, they say, have caused all the trouble. Tawhiao's influence for good is really very slight. He has, I believe, a firm hold on the affection of his people, but does not command their respect, and is afraid to take a decided stand on any point, for fear that the illusion of his authority over his people be effectually dispelled. In consequence of the repeated warnings about the selling and leasing of land, very few of the Kingites will admit that the slaying of Sullivan at Pukekura is a kohuru (murder) ; with them, it is simply a patu (killing) ; even Ngatitnaniapoto regard the attempt on Mr. Mackay's life as by far the greater crime. At the same time they think it only natural that we should expect utu (payment) for Sullivan's blood, and if Purukutu could be secured quietly, I believe that they would willingly let the matter rest; but the open advance of a European force into the King country even for the avowed purpose of pursuing the murderers of Sullivan, or the occupation of Kawhia, would, I am satisfied, lead to a war all along our Waikato frontier. Ngatimaniapoto, as a tribe, might for a time stand aloof, but the well-known Maori lust for excitement reckless of consequences, would be too much for the hot-blood of so warlike a people. Ngatiraukawa, on the west side of the Waikato Eiver, would, with a few exceptions, support the Hauhau party; but the bulk of the tribe, living on the right bank, are on our side. Since their meeting with the Hon. the Native Minister at this place last year, they have continued to show a very friendly spirit, and are reported recently to have leased large blocks of their land to Europeans. Te Kooti is still living with Ngatiinaniapoto at Upper Mokau. Although he came among them a fugitive a year since, his force of character has gained him a certain amount of influence, which, however, he does not appear to exert for evil, his desire being to live at peace ; but should the tribe go to war, he would, I am convinced, again come to the front. The visit of His Excellency Sir George Arney and the Hon. Mr. McLean to Kawhia in March last worked a wonderful reformation in the once turbulent Tapihana, who continues to evince the most friendly feeling. While on his way to attend the last Kuiti meeting he heard of the Pukekura murder, and to show his disapproval returned to Kawhia. A great deal has been said lately about the desirability of occupying Kawhia with an armed force to " overawe the Kingites" and at the same time put an end to the " trade in arms and ammunition." Were another Maori war an absolute certainty, the formation of a military post at Kawhia would no doubt be a useful step, although from the rugged nature of that country it would not answer as a base of operations ; but the occupation of Kawhia now would settle the question of peace or war, for the Natives would accept it as a casus belli, and we might be brought into collision with people with whom at present we have no cause of quarrel. The powder story, like many other " sensations" touching Native matters, promulgated recently by the press is a pure fiction. H.M.S. "Eclipse" and the Colonial gunboat " Luna " arc, I believe, the only vessels that have been inside Kawhia bar, or have communicated in any way with the Natives of that place since 1803. During the few years following the cessation of hostilities in the Waikato, some rifles and Enfield ammunition passed from the huts of militiamen to the hands of Maoris, and there has no doubt been some traffic in warlike stores at Ohinemuri and other places ; but taking everything into consideration, I am satisfied that the Natives of this district have never been worse prepared for a conflict with the dominant race than at the present time. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. W. G. Maie.

No. 24. The Eesident Magistbate, Whangarei, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. (No. 24.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Whangarei Heads, 17th June, 187.3. I have the honor to transmit the report on the state of the Natives in the Whangarei District, called for in your circular of the 27th March last (No. 3). The Native settlements, seventeen in number, are now occupied by about 300 men, women, and children, in the proportions shown in the statistical return which accompanies this report. Since 1856, the year I was appointed Eesident Magistrate for the above named district, the Natives have decreased very considerably, and settlements that were then, and for some years after, peopled with hapus of the Ngapuhi and other tribes, are now quite deserted. The causes -of the decrease of the Native population are various. At one time the Arawa and Ngatipikiau Tribes, from the East Coast, had a large settlement at Tamaterau, situated on the north side of the Whangarei Eiver: they left it, however, during the late war, and a few roofless huts and broken fences are all that now remain to mark the site of their once large village. Of the Natives of the Ngapuhi Tribe, the original owners of the land in this district, some have removed from time to time to Kaipara, the Bay of Islands, and Hokianga, and more have died of consumption and other diseases, brought on in many instances by their irregular habits, and imprudent excesses in drinking ardent spirits. Tho mortality has not been confined to the male adults, but includes also tho women and children ; and that so few of the latter are reared by their parents, may be attributed in a great measure to the want of nourishing food and warm clothing in their infancy. There are about 120 male adult Natives now living in this district. I consider them, with some few exceptions, loyal, well disposed towards the Government, and inclined to respect the law.

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The Natives whose loyalty lam doubtful of are not numerous—some thirty perhaps. They hare become Hauhaus, and at their respective settlements now observe the forms and ceremonies connected with their new religion. As a general rule their conduct is good, when they visit the township of Whangarei. I have noticed, however, that they mix but little with the European settlers, or with the Natives not belonging to their sect. Gum digging is the occupation that continues to be followed by most of the Natives here, and the money obtained by the sale of the gum is expended partly in provisions and clothing, and partly in rum—when they can get it. The favourite pursuit of the Natives throughout this district is gum digging. It is to be regretted that in following it they neglect their cultivations ; and were the demand for kauri gum suddenly to cease, those Natives (and there are many) who have omitted to provide for their subsistence by the tillage of their land would be reduced to a state bordering on starvation. The few criminal cases tried in my Court during the past year, in which Natives were the defendants, were not of a serious nature, and the fines inflicted were readily paid by the offenders themselves or their relatives. Punishment by confinement in a gaol the Natives hold in abhorrence, and would submit to pay almost any amount of fine that the Court could inflict, in preference to being deprived of their liberty. The civil cases in which they were concerned were for debts contracted at the stores of Europeans. Cases of this description, when the debt was not disputed, seldom came to a hearing, the service of the summons being sufficient to induce the Native debtor to discharge the claim against him appearing in the bill of particulars. From the Native Assessor of my Court, Taurau Kukupa, I have invariably received the most cordial support on the Bench, and assistance with his advice in all my adjudications in Native cases. It gives me pleasure to be in a position to add that on the part of the European settlers generally there exists a feeling of respect and friendship for Taurau Kukupa that he is well deserving of, for the endeavours he has alwas used to maintain peace and order, both in the township of Whangarei and the district surrounding. I have, &c, H. E. Atjbeey, EM.

RETURN showing the NUMBER of the ABORIGINAL NATIVES, and the NAMES of the SETTLEMENTS occupied by them, in the WHANGAREI DISTRICT.

No. 25. Mr. E. S. Btjsh to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Eaglan, 16th June, 1873. I have the honor to report for your information that a meeting took place on Friday last, at Wetini's settlement, for the purpose of crying over the remains of Hetaraka Nero, of the Ngatihourua tribe, who died last Monday. About 150 .Natives assembled, amongst whom were all the principal chiefs of this district, and of Waipa. The speeches that were made referred to the deceased, and his late relative Wiremu Nero Te Awaitaia. Hetaraka was buried in the afternoon, in a grave alongside the tomb of Wiremu Nero. Deceased was an Assessor, and commanded a certain amount of influence, acquired more through his excessive cunning than popularity. Hone Wetere has been seen in this township twice since your visit to Kawhia ; he had been absent for eight years ; his return is attributable to your having met him at Kawhia.

Name of each Settlement. Males. Females. Children. Totals. and Pataua ... 'ukepoto i'utukaka 'ehiaweri 'arua Cete Nikau ?e Poroti VTiarekohe Vhatitiri )taika 10 13 4 2 7 5 5 10 6 9 10 3 8 12 2 6 10 7 10 2 2 5 4 5 10 4 5 6 2 4 8 1 4 6 5 4 3 6 10 5 10 6 5 2 10 22 27 9 10 22 14 20 26 15 16 26 5 16 27 5 16 27 'auoma 4 7 2 6 11 langapai 'akahiwai taurnanga 'outouai launu Totals ... 122 S5 96 303 H. E. .UBEET, ;.M.

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Kawhia Hauhaus continually here with pigs for sale in large quantities. Hone Te One and Hone Wetere both tell me that notices have been received by the Kawhia Hauhaus proclaiming that Potatau's kai whakahaeres (managers), the old men, are to be removed, as they have caused murders. These are to be replaced by King Tawhiao's lambs, whose work is to be planting food. Kuiti people blame Maneha and Kawhia Hauhaus for tho attack on Mr. Mackay, in consequence of their having occupied the same whare with Euru. Maneha belongs to tho Ngatimahuta Tribe. I have, &c, E. S. Bush, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Clerk to the Bench. By Authority: Geobqb Didsbfbt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. [Price I*.]