REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1874 Session I, G-02

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1874. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Under Secretary to Officers in Native Districts. (Circular.) Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 24th April, 1874. 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 31st May proximo, in order that no delay may take place in printing the reports for Parliament. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke, Under Secretary.

No. 2. The Eesident Magistrate, Mongonui, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — ■ Eesident Magistrate's Office, Mangonui, Bth May, 1874. I have the honor to report that throughout this district the Natives are quietly pursuing the ordinary avocations of farming, kauri gum digging, and road making under the various Eoad Boards. This latter work is, of course, of a very limited description, and much anxiety is felt as to the resumption of work by the Public "Works Department. The road to Victoria, with the exception of a line being cut through the bush, appears to have been abandoned, to the surprise of the inhabitants, both Europeans and Natives, at a time when the Government are acquiring large tracts of country between Victoria and Hokianga. It was hoped that this road would have been pushed through, and immigrants located in the neighbourhood ; it would also have opened up the district through its most fertile country, and given employment to the Natives, who have been found by the Eoad Boards to do their work well. I may congratulate the Government upon my having so little to report; but with the exception of one case of reputed spirit selling—an attempt to establish a grog shop, which is shortly to be brought before the Court—the cases brought before the Courts are of a trifling nature. The schools throughout the district are well attended and very popular : they are six in number, and I verily believe they will prove a great success. The true principle of requiring the parents to contribute towards the education of their children being now tried for the first time, will give them, in my opinion, the interest wanted in all former trials, and will break down that constant craving for Government support which has been so conspicuous in all former efforts to raise the standard of Native character. If the inducement were offered by Government of a cadetship in one of the Government Offices for an advanced pupil, I believe it would act greatly as a stimulant to the boys. I would also suggest that a small annual Government prize given to the head boy, would be of great advantage. I cannot help thinking that money spent in this way would prove of great encouragement to the Natives, proving to them that the Government feels a continued interest in their advancement. It is only right that I should mention that deputations from various parts of the district have been to Whangaroa, to advise the friends of Papu, the murderer, to submit to the law, and give him up to justice. I have, &c, W. B. "White, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 3. The Eesident Magistrate, Hokianga, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 12th May, 1874. In forwarding my annual report of the state of the Native population in this district, owing to the quiet and orderly conduct of the Natives, there is but little change to communicate for the information of the Government since my last annual report in April, 1873. A considerable number of cases, between Natives only, have been brought before me during the last year, as also several between I—G. 2.

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Natives and Europeans, and the decisions of the Court have in every instance been complied with without further trouble. During the year two cases of petty larceny were brought before tho Court, and as they were of a very trifling nature, and the articles stolen in each case returned, I have thought that the ends of justice would be satisfied by dealing with them under section 105 of " The Eesident Magistrates Act, 1867," and in each case the fine imposed was at once paid. The health of the people during the year has been, on the whole, good ; and no persons of rank have died, with the exception of Te Otene Puru, a chief of Ngapuhi, residing at Mangamuka, an old warrior who took up arms, during Heke's war, on the side of the Government, and for which he received a small pension to the day of his death, at which time he is said to have been upwards of ninety years of age. Intemperance does not appear to have been so prevalent in this district as formerly, and I am of opinion that in many instances the Natives have seen the folly of former excesses, and are endeavouring to avoid them. A large number of the able-bodied young men have been engaged for the last six months in preparing railway sleepers in the forests, besides those regularly employed squaring timber, aud their being thus actively engaged may account iv some measure for the improvement in their habits of sobriety. Three Native schools are now in active operation in this district, viz., at Waima, Whirinaki, and at Waitapu, the average attendance at which exceeds 100 scholars, but upwards of 150 are on the school rolls. These three schools are conducted at an annual cost to the Government of a little over £300, of which sum the Natives are supposed to return £72 in the shape of school fees, which, I am sorry to say, have not been collected in every case ; and I think it probable that more pupils would attend these schools were they admitted free of all charges, as some of the parents, rather than pay the fees, keep their children at home, or take them to assist in the gum-fields or cultivations, thereby doing an injury to the children and the public at large. Two new school-houses are in course of erection, at Pakia and Eakau Para, which will, I trust, be completed during the next two months, the Native subscription of £50 for each building having been placed in my charge. I anticipate an attendance of not less than eighty pupils at these two schools. To complete the schools required for this district, it will be necessary to establish one at Waihou (Earawa settlement) and another in the neighbourhood of Waugape, for the benefit of the children residing at that place and at Herekino. Whilst on this subject, lam happy to be able to inform the Government that the Natives still take as great an interest in these schools as they did at their commencement. I may also mention that since the establishment of Native schools in this district, there is a marked improvement in the personal appearance of the parents of pupils attending them, as cleanliness and tidiness are strictly enforced amongst the children by their teachers. The Natives express great anxiety for the increase of settlers amongst them, and would, I am sure, do much to assist the Government in introducing Europeans into this district. It is certainly a pity to see so fine a country as this is, so sparsely peopled. The last season's crops of potatoes, maize, and kumaras have been good ; a small quantity of wheat has also been grown in the Waima district, and there is no likelihood of a scarcity of provisions during the coming winter. During the past few years a considerable extent of ground has been planted in sorghum (to huka), of which the Natives consume large quantities, feeding their horses and pigs on the leaves and refuse, which is of a very fattening and nourishing character. In sheltered places I have seen large cultivations of it reaching in very many instances to a height of twelve or thirteen feet. That which has been said on former occasions of the loyalty of these people still holds good, and I see no reason to expect any change in that respect. I cannot omit to mention that on the intelligence of a Native having been murdered at Whangaroa, in March last, by another, and a rumour that the supposed murderer would not be given up to justice, Mohi Tawhai, of Waima, though a connection of the accused, at once proceeded to Waugaroa to assist the Eesident Magistrate of that district in causing the arrest of the criminal. A serious cause of disagreement has lately arisen between the Natives at Taheke, regarding the right to dig kauri gum on a piece of land called Eakau Waahi, but which I have great hopes will be amicably settled in a few days. A meeting is to be held at Waima, on the 14th instant, to consider the matter, to which I am invited, the result of which I will forward to you in due course. Several hundred Natives are expected to attend the hui. I have, &c, Spencee yon Sturmee, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 4 The Resident Magistrate, "Waimate, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Resident Magistrate's Office, "Waimate, Bay of Islands, 12th May, 1874. In forwarding, for the information of the G-overnrnent, my annual report of the district under my charge, I have much pleasure in testifying to the friendly intercourse which has continued to exist between the European settlers and the Natives, undisturbed., during the last twelve months, by any incident calculated to affect the same. Amongst themselves, the Natives have also been orderly and quiet, taking an active part in the various branches of industry,—at Whangaroa principally in the timber trade, in other parts of the district in the construction of roads, and generally in kauri gum digging, which affords steady employment to a large proportion of the population of both sexes. On the question of education a more lively interest has been manifested than formerly, although generally they do not as yet fully appreciate its value. At Mangakahia, Waimate, Oromahoe, and Kawakawa, Native schools are already at work and progressing favourably; and at Whangaroa, Matauri, and Te Rawhiti, the Natives are anxious for the same to be established. The Maori cases brought forward for hearing in Court have been but few in number, the Natives not manifesting that desire for litigation which they once evinced. Disputes, however, do sometimes arise of so extraordinary and complicated a nature, as to preclude the possibility of their being heard in a court of justice, yet, if passed unnoticed, would be dealt with by themselves in a manner which might lead to serious results. These are settled either by arbitration or by calling a meeting of the parties

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concerned, at which the Resident Magistrate attends, when the merits of the case are discussed and conciliatory measures proposed. Such cases are sometimes difficult to deal with, requiring no small amount of patience in carrying them through, especially if the cause of dispute should happen to be a kauri gum field or a valuable block of timber land. The Natives, however, are generally open to reason, and by a careful handling of the questions at issue, the causes for irritation have been removed, and satisfactory arrangements made. This mode of settling their grievances is now substituted for the old system of taua, or raid upon any party charged with an offence, followed by an indiscriminate plunder of property or a declaration of open warfare. The physical condition of the Natives has improved: sickness has been less prevalent, and those attacked for the most part better able to combat with disease. Scrofula has almost entirely disappeared from amongst them. These favourable circumstances may be traced to improved diet, better homesteads, and warmer clothing. All are not now content to live in the miserable hovels they once occupied. Many inhabit respectable wooden cottages, and the adoption of European diet and clothing is becoming general; but, as a people, they are sadly wanting in personal cleanliness. Drunkenness, which at one time threatened the destruction of the race, is by no means so general as formerly, and although amongst some it is still carried on to a great extent, yet an improvement is visible. Many could be named, once notorious drunkards, who have become total abstainers, amongst them chiefs of rank, who, for the good of their people, have forbidden the introduction of spirits into their villages, the people on their part readily complying with the wishes of their chiefs. One peculiarity in the Maori is the absence of that wretched craving for intoxicating liquor which characterizes the European drunkard. Those of the Maoris who give way to this vice will some of them drink to an incredible degree even for days together, but when their debauchery is over they will return to their usual avocations without manifesting any desire for spirituous liquors, and unless again invited to some meeting or feast where spirits are produced, will abstain from partaking of it for months together. The Besident Magistrate's Courts have been held weekly at Waimate and Russell—at the latter place sometimes oftener. The out-stations have likewise been visited as often as possible, although, since the Eussell duties have devolved upon me, not so frequently as formerly. I have, however, endeavoured to meet the difficulty by requesting Natives at a distance to visit me either at "Waimate, Eussell, or my own residence. A census of the Maori population of the district is being taken, and would now have been ready for transmission but for unavoidable hindrances, which have delayed the work to a later period than was anticipated. I regret having to record one circumstance of a serious nature which has lately taken place in the district, namely, a murder committed at Whangaroa on the 26th of March last, the particulars of which I have already reported to the Government. Both the murderer and his victim were Natives, and both being well connected in the district, fears were at first entertained that serious results would follow. Some little excitement for a time prevailed amongst the relatives of the deceased, but they eventually expressed their willingness that the law should take its course. On the 16th of April, a meeting was held at Waimate, when it was decided that the chiefs and assessors should use their influence with the relatives of the murderer in persuading them to deliver him up to justice ; and on the following morning the old chief Moses Tawhai proceeded to Whangaroa for that purpose. The negotiations that followed, which I have also reported to the Government, resulted in the man being given up, and although not at the present time in custody, will be sent to Auckland during the present month. Much praise is due to Moses Tawhai for the part he has taken in these proceedings, not the first in which he has distinguished himself in support of the law, and in this instance against a relative. The Ngatiuru Tribe, to whom the murderer belongs, evidently felt themselves in a difficult position: careful to avoid even the appearance of opposition to the Government by refusing to deliver the man up, yet hesitating in their minds as to the course they should adopt. There existed a feeling that this call, when responded to, must be the act of his own relatives, and not that of strangers, and for this purpose it was proposed to hold a meeting at Waihou, at which the Hon. Wiremu Katene (who is a relative) and Moses Tawhai are to be present, when final arrangements are to be made. Some of the chiefs did speak in decisive language, and would have given up the man at once could they have acted apart from the tribe, whose consent they were obliged to obtain, for tho Natives have yet to learn that submission to the law which will permit the removal of a prisoner unopposed by friends, whatever be his rank or position in the tribe. An advance, however, has been made, and it may be assumed that in each succeeding case less difficulty will be experienced in carrying out the requirements of the law. I have, &c, Edwd. M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

• No. 5. The Civil Commissionee, Auckland, to the Under Seceetaet, Native Department. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 2nd June, 1874. Agreeably with instructions from the Hon. the Native Minister, I had the honor of accompanying His Excellency the Governor on his recent tour through the northern districts, including the Bay of Islands, Waimate and Ohaeawai, Hokianga, Wangaroa, and Mangonui. It was also His Excellency's intention to have visited the settlement of Wangarei, but was unavoidably prevented on this occasion. I beg leave briefly to note, for Mr. McLean's information, a few of the leading incidents as they occurred during the progress of His Excellency's visit.

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1. At Eussell, the Eesident Magistrate (Mr. Williams), the Hon. W. Katene, and Mr. J. Williams, M.H.E., were in attendance. An address was also presented by the white inhabitants, His Excellency landing at the village soon after his arrival for the purpose of receiving it, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather ; the resident Natives reserving the delivery of their address of "welcome" for the still larger meeting which had been appointed to take place at Ohaeawai, on the spot memorable for the conflict which unhappily subsisted between the English troops and the loyal and rebellious Natives during Heke's war. 2. Arrived at Ohaeawai, it was found that the meeting, in point of numbers, was by no means so large as was expected, the Maori address concluding with a request that His Excellency would be pleased to authorize the erection of a stone tablet in memory of the brave men (soldiers and sailors) whose remains were some time since removed by the Natives to the cemetery within which the village church now stands. 3. The journey resumed, we passed through the fertile district of Kaikohe, and from thence to the landing-place at the head of the Waima. At this place His Excellency was met by Mr. Yon Stunner, Eesident Magistrate, and the principal European residents of Hokianga, and by the chief, Moses Tawhai, and by them conducted in their boats to Herd's Point, the appointed place for a general meeting. 4. On the following morning Sir James Eergusson and suite, escorted by two large fully manned Maori canoes, proceeded to the Kohukohu, the residence of John Webster, Esq., where His Excellency was received under a salute of seventeen guns. On returning the same day to Herd's Point, a public meeting was held, the principal chiefs of the district introduced, and their addresses delivered in the usual form. After referring to the well-tried loyalty of the tribes at Hokianga, as shown by the marked support given at an early date by the late chiefs Tamati Waka, Macquarie, and Patuone, they respectfully urged the extension of Native schools, and the establishment of a special settlement for the purpose of increasing the trade and commerce of the district. 5. Allusions in terms of regret at the recent alleged murder at Wangaroa (in which some of their own people were unavoidably mixed up) were also made, Moses Tawhai observing that he had visited Wangaroa specially to induce a quiet surrender and submission to the law. 6. On re-embarking at the Bay of Islands, the Governor proceeded in his yacht, accompanied by H.M.S. " Blanche," to the settlement of Mangonui, where Mr. White, the Eesident Magistrate, and Timoti Puhipi, the principal chief of the Earawa, were ready, with the representatives of their people, to receive His Excellency. 7. At the hour appointed, addresses were delivered by the settlers and by the Natives. It was gratifying to find that here, as well as at the other settlements, the establishment of schools, introduced by Mr. McLean specially for acquiring a knowledge of the English language, was already held in the highest estimation by the Natives, and they frankly avowed, in His Excellency's presence, that they now saw before them the only means of preserving their race from premature decay. 8. Of His Excellency's replies it would perhaps be unbecoming on my part to speak, beyond remarking that they were couched in terms of frankness, earnest and dignified, mixed with wise counsel and admonition, and acceptable to the minds of a people who are not without a large measure of discernment and penetration, and whose demonstrations were on each occasion marked with loyalty and good feeling. Lastly. I humbly trust that that part of the duty devolving more particularly upon myself while in attendance, will not have fallen very far short in facilitating His Excellency's movements, or in making the Governor's tour acceptable to himself, as it has been acceptable to those people to whom he has been pleased to accomplish a visit on this occasion. I have, &c., H. T. Kemp, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.

No. 6. Mr. E. W. Ptjckey, Thames, to the Undee Seceetaex, Native Department. SiE,— Native Office, Thames, 29th May, 1874. I have the honor to inform you, in reply to your circular calling for a general report, that the feeling evinced by the Natives in this district towards the Government is highly satisfactory: this applies alike to the Queen Natives and Hauhaus (of these latter there are still a few), and I may say, though avowedly King Natives, and as such opposed to the Pakeha, especially as regards the acquisition of land, they are in the main quietly and peaceably disposed. The visit of His Excellency the Governor to the Thames in October last, although it afforded little opportunity to the Natives from the more distant parts of the district to be present at the meeting held at the house of the chief (W. H. Taipari), has left a most favourable impression amongst the Natives generally; and Te Hira has repeatedly said to me, "Ka pai nga kupu aTe Kawana hou." (The words of the new Governor are good.) I am glad to be able to say that the road between Ohinemuri and Katikati is nearly completed. The whole of the bush has been cleared to a width of half a chain ; it still remains, however, to have some cuttings made, and I hope in a short time to report that it is in a fair way of completion. Major Eopata Wahawaha came to the Thames in February last. His visit had the effect of relieving the minds of the Thames Natives from gloomy forebodings, they having entertained the idea, fostered as I understand by Waihi Tarawaru, that the East Cape Natives, being armed with Government rifles, were coming to seek " utu " for the doings of former times. So impressed were some of the Hauraki chiefs at hearing this, that suitable sites had been chosen for pahs, in order to resist the attacks of and repel the invaders. With respect to Native schools, I regret to say that after repeated attempts to get a school established at Ohinemuri or Taupo, there is no immediate prospect of my hopes in that direction being

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realized. It is reasonable to think that in a district like the Thames, where, within the past few years, something like £30,000 have been paid to the Natives in the shape of miners' rights fees, some provision might have been made for the education of their children; no provision, however, has been made by the Natives themselves, and I do think that the more that is done for them the more dissatisfied and less self-reliant they become. Before I leave this question, I beg to submit that out of the extensive land purchases that have been made and which are about to be made in this peninsula, suitable reserves for Native school purposes be set apart. I had hoped the great Native meeting at Whare Kawa —Miranda shore of Hauraki Gulf —would have come off in time to have enabled me to append my notes of the proceedings to this report. This has not been the case, but I shall not fail to furnish the fullest details possible as soon as the gathering takes place. The sale of the block of land at Ohinemuri, known as the Komata North, containing 880 acres, to a private party by seven out of eight grantees (two of the grantees being Hauhaus and one of them being a seller) caused at the time a great deal of excitement amongst the Natives at that place, and some of the Hauhau party went so far as to threaten an appeal to arms to enforce obedience to their wishes. This, however, has been overruled, and they now content themselves with avowing it as their intention to occupy the land and hold it against all comers. The chief grievance alleged by them was that there were burial grounds on the block wdiich were included in the sale. Whilst at Ohinemuri I privately proposed to the representative of the Hauhau party to have the share of the dissentient from the sale determined and cut out of the block, and to include in such share the burial grounds referred to. He refused to entertain the idea, but at some future time, when their excitement has subsided, a favourable conclusion may be arrived at. I have, &c, E. W. Puckey, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Agent.

No. 7. Natiye Offices, Tauranga, to the Undee Seceetaet, Native Department. Sib, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Tauranga, Bth May, 1874. In accordance with instructions contained in a circular received from your office, dated 24th April, 1874, requesting me to make the usual annual report on the state of the Natives in the Tauranga district, I have the honor to make the following remarks: — It is now four years since I undertook the immediate charge of the Natives in this district, under the supervision of the late Civil Commissioner, Henry T. Clarke, Esq. During that period I have found the Ngaiterangi Tribe loyal, well-behaved, and peacefully disposed. When the Waikato war of 1863 broke out, they were influenced by Tamchana Te Waharoa (the New Zealand king-maker) to take up arms against Her Majesty's Government, in consequence of which a considerable portion of their land was confiscated to the Crown. In 1864 they surrendered to certain terms made to them by the then Governor, Sir George Grey. From that time to the present they have borne the character of being the most easily managed, industrious, and best-behaved Natives on the East Coast, and to which I can testify. Hauhauism in this district may be looked upon as a thing of the past, existing only in name. Those that call themselves Hauhaus mix freely with their European neighbours, and in no way attempt to disturb the peace that both races are enjoying. When my other duties have allowed me time to visit them, I have done so, and found them very hospitable, and inclined to settle peacefully and cultivate their land. A large portion of the Pirirakau hapu have made a permanent settlement at Te Puna, and only return to the edges of the bush to plant their crops of early potatoes. It is with pleasure that I have to record the total absence of any very serious crime among the Natives during the past year, there having been only three cases of petty larceny, for which the prisoners were sentenced to imprisonment in the Tauranga gaol. There were also a few cases of drunkenness. Intemperance is greatly on the decrease within the last few months. There has been quite a reformation among the Natives, which is attributed greatly to the example and influence of the chiefs Hori Ngatai and Enoka, who do not permit spirits of any sort to be brought to their settlement. If the rule is infringed on by Natives of other hapus, they are strictly dealt with without regard to the offenders' position or rank in the tribe., In consequence of spirits being forbidden, all the large Native meetings are held there, and which invariably come to an orderly termination. lam sorry to have to state that the potato crop has again failed in this district. There are many instances where the produce has not exceeded the quantity that was planted. The wheat crop, I am happy to say, has been a great success, enabling the Natives to pay off debts that were contracted for food during the scarcity last winter. One of the hapus (Te Materawaho), Hamiora Tu's party, have not only paid off all their debts, but have also purchased a reaping, thrashing, and winnowing machine, as well as other implements required for farming purposes. The amount of wheat grown and sold by the Natives of this district is over 12,000 bushels, for which they have received money and goods to the amount of £3,300 sterling, the wheat having been sold at the rate of ss. 6d. per bushel. If the Court under " The Tauranga District Lands Act, 1867 " could be continued, and the claims settled, I feel sure that the quantity of wheat grown in this district would be doubled; for, as the planting season comes on, family disputes arise as to the ownership of the land. These disputes, I may say, are the only great hindrances to the friendly feeling existing among the different sections. The Natives are most anxious that the Court should be proceeded with at as early a date as possible. All decisions given as yet by the said Court have been strictly adhered to, and are law among the Natives. The mortality among the Natives for the past year is rather above the average, particularly among the aged and very young children. It is often the case that the sick do not get proper medical

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treatment until the Maori doctor has exhausted his skill, and naturally enough, when brought to the hospital, are past all hope. The Hauhaus often send their sick to the hospital for medical treatment. A little girl from one of their settlements met with a very serious accident from a thrashing-machine: one arm was broken and the other dislocated. On being brought to the hospital she was promptly attended to by Dr. Bell, who was in medical charge of the Constabulary and Natives during Dr. Armitage's severe illness. The child is so far recovered that she will be able to return to her own home iv a few days. The Whareroa School is steadily progressing, and since the building of a weather-board house for the accommodation of pupils coming from a distance, the attendance has been greatly increased. There are at present thirty-six scholars on the returns. The school is now under the charge of Major Wood, late master of the Eotoiti School, he having succeeded Mr. Oldfield, who resigned. During the summer vacation a certain number of the Maketu scholars came to Whareroa, by invitation of the scholars of that village, for the purpose of trying their skill at the different English games, such as cricket, football, &c, which were well contested, aud on the whole would have done credit to many of our English schools. I hope to be able to send in, shortly, a correct return of all the Natives in this district: the chiefs are making out lists of the names of every individual in their several hapus. I think, if I were supplied with a set of Eegistrar's Books, I might induce them to register the births and deaths occurring among them. I regret that my many duties prevent me from visiting the Natives as often as I would wish. They like to be visited at their own villages, and shown that some interest is taken iv their agricultural and other pursuits. When Ido visit them I always receive a very hearty welcome. During the past year no public work has been undertaken by the Natives. Many have been employed, during the harvesting, by the settlers: they have given great satisfaction, and are considered very good workmen. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in stating that we in this district are living iv a state]of profound peace at present, the fruit of which is seen in the progress that is being made. I have, &c, Hopkins Clarke, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Officer in Charge of Natives. Wellington.

No. 8. The Eesident Magisteate, Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sib,— Opotiki, 25th May, 1874. I have the honor to submit my annual report on the Natives in the Opotiki district, as follows: — I. — Condition of the Natives, Physical and Moral. "Within the last few weeks a census has been taken of the Native population of the district, which shows 1,547 adults and 614 children, exclusive of the Uriwera Tribe. This census is a nominal one, and has been taken with great care to insure correctness. I have before me Major Mair's return of the population in 1868, which shows only 1,288 adults and 490 children. lam not aware whether this return was an enumeration or merely an estimate, and therefore do not build any hypothesis on the apparent increase; but I am inclined to believe that some of the bapus on the coast have been increasing in number during the last few years, in which they have enjoyed peace and prosperity, while the others are not decreasing at the rapid rate reported to be the case in many Native districts. The proportion of children to the whole population of the district is 26 per cent., but in many of the hapus it is much larger; as, for instance, in the Ngaitama hapu of the Whakatohea, where it is 44, in the Ngatipukeko 36, in the Whanau Apanui 35, and in the Ngaitai 30 per cent. I beg to submit that some system for the registration of Native births and deaths might now be introduced with good effect, and, as I believe, without any great amount of opposition from the Natives themselves. The Natives during the past year have been visited by no epidemic, and the deaths have been few ; the only ones of any note who have died being Eewiri Te Bangimatanuku, of the Whakatohea— a good old chief, much respected by the Europeans —and Haimona, of the Whanau-a-Te-Ihutu, a Native catechist. The Natives have been assisted with medical advice and medicines to a great extent, and I believe that many lives are saved through the gratuitous medical attendance provided by the Government. Gratuitous vaccination is of course open to them as well as to Europeans, and I have continued to urge on them the importance of it. As regards crime, the charges brought before the Court against Natives have been few. During the year 1873 but one conviction took place for an offence against the person, and that merely one of common assault. Several convictions took place for larceny: these being mostly between the Natives themselves, and of a trivial nature, were dealt with under section 105 of " The Kesident Magistrates Act, 1867." In one, however, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. I fear that drunkenness is very prevalent, though I do not believe it is on the increase. The change in the law, by which the restriction on the sale of spirits to Natives has been taken off, does not appear to have any great effect, either one way or the other, chiefly, I presume, from the restrictive Ordinance having been constantly evaded in country districts. The drunkenness amongst the Natives is mostly confined to their feasts and liuis, their innate hospitality preventing even the sober and right-minded of them from refusing the rum that they know will be more acceptable to their guests than any other entertainment. One tribe has lately forbidden spirits to be brought into their pa, in consequence of a disturbance having taken place from its use, but I imagine this restriction will be

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only a temporary one. I hear of a temperance movement, initiated by the " Good Templars," being successful among the Natives of an adjoining district. I trust, in the course of time, sobriety may become more the rule here, but one almost despairs of seeing the Native population sober, where such an indifferent example in this respect is shown them by their European neighbours. I see some improvement in the Natives of the district as regards sexual morality, and nowhere was improvement in this respect more needed, where most of the tribes were more or less tainted with the license of Hauhauism. It may, however, be observed that in all countries some marriage law has been considered a necessity for the protection of the morals of the people, whereas at the present time there is practically none for many of the Native tribes of New Zealand. Their own laws and customs were given up at the time they embraced Christianity, and for a time the missionaries became their law-givers ; now, however, that the latter have ceased to influence them in any great degree, I would respectfully urge on the Government the advisability of legalizing some system of civil marriage for them, —that provided for Europeans being too expensive, and also impracticable for them at present, from their ignorance of the English language. Were such a system, suitable to their requirements, provided, I believe that it would be largely taken advantage of, and would lead in the future to a more healthy morality amongst them. The Natives all nominally profess Christianity. At some settlements service is conducted by a Native catechist, and they take advantage of an occasional visit from a clergyman to obtain baptism for their children. I much regret that there is no minister of religion (either European or Native) resident within the district: it will be conceded by persons of all shades of opinion, that were there such, it would be conducive to the general morality of the population. I remarked that, at the Uriwera meeting at Ruatahuna, one of the Ngatihuri, named Paumata, conducted service, morning and evening, according to what is called "Te Kooti's karakia." It consisted, as far as I heard, of chanting portions of the Psalms of David and saying prayers, some of which I recognized as extracted from the English Prayer Book. ll.— Crops and Native Industries. The condition of a people, moral as well as physical, may be said to depend, in a great measure, on their prosperity, or, in respect to an agricultural population, on the productiveness of the soil. My district is much favoured in this respect, and it is seldom that the " Bay of Plenty " belies its name. The last summer has been a very dry one, which has had an unfavourable eifect on the potato crop, especially in the coast settlements west of Opotiki. The crops of maize, wheat, kumara, &c, have been good all over the district, that of the latter being exceptionally abundant. A larger breadth of wheat was grown than last year, particularly at Torere, where the Itanga-a-Mahaki had a fine crop from the seed presented to them by the Government. Some of the Natives, incited by the reports from the Waikato of the productiveness of the crop, are preparing land for hops. The whaling on the coast has not been so successful as in past years, though the Ngaetai and the Whanau-a-Apanui have both been to some extent fortunate. The Whakatohea and other tribes are becoming cattle-owners, and I notice that the Whanau-a-te-Ihutu have commenced keeping sheep between Te Kaha and Raukokore. Several of the tribes are erecting large runanga-houses, on the carving and ornamentation of which a great amount of labour is expended. A large party of visitors are now assisting Apanui in putting up his house at Whakatane, the carving of the posts for which has occupied him and some of his people for years. lll.— Disposition towards the Government, Political Feeling, Sfc, Under this division of my report I shall allude to each tribe in succession, commencing at the eastern end of the district. The Whanau-a-te-Ihutu, the "Whanau-a-Apanui, and Ngaitai continue to sustain'their reputation for loyalty and general good conduct. I have visited every one of their settlements during the year, some of them several times, and have held Courts at Torere, Maraenui, Te Kaha, and Eaukokore, chiefly for hearing civil cases, on one or two occasions small land disputes being submitted to my arbitration. The Whana-a-Maru have lately leased a run near Cape Runaway to a sheep-farmer. Besides the rent which they will receive from him, I doubt not that this transaction will benefit the Natives, aa bringing European settlers and capital into their neighbourhood. The Whakatohea Tribe, though still somewhat inclined to be discontented with their land reserves and suspicious of the intentions of Government, are, I think, progressing in the matter of law and order, as they are certainly in material prosperity. They are somewhat unfortunate in having (except in the case of the Ngabiira hapu) no chiefs who have the confidence of the tribe. The Ngatirua and Ngaitama hapus have again been disagreeing about the subdivisions within the 20,000 acre reserve. The last-named hapu, being the weaker, are very anxious that the boundaries should be finally fixed by the Government or the Land Court, and, I believe, intend to prefer a request that such may be done. The Ngatiira are still living on their reserve close to the town of Opotiki, and are very energetic cultivators. The Itanga a Mahaki (surrendered rebels), some of whom, as you are aware, were leaving the district without the consent of the Government, have now all returned to Torere, and will not, I think, repeat their offence, although some of them are very anxious to return to Poverty Bay, and are continually urged to do so by some of the Turanga Natives. The licensing meeting under the new Act for the Native district of " Cape Runaway," was held a': Torere at the beginning of this month, the " Commissioners " sitting with me being the Native Assessors. No fresh licenses were granted for the ensuing year; but while the assessors showed every disposition to follow my advice, there appeared to be a great desire to grant licenses for the sale of spirits to ap-

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plicants of the Native race. Probably this may be done in one or two cases next year. lam not apprehensive, however, of any great evil arising from it. Te Waru and his people (surrendered rebels of the Ngatikahuhunu) have lately been removed from Maketu to the Waiotahe Eiver, near Opotiki; where, as they appear industrious people, I have no doubt that they will prosper. The Arawa militia are still stationed at Ohiwa, where their presence is undoubtedly an advantage. The Upokorehe and Eakuraku's small hapu of Urewera are living at Ohiwa: the former are progressing, the latter appear not to be very fond of hard work. Of the Whakatane Natives, the Ngatipukeko have now left their pa at Whakatane, and have gone again to reside up the river, as they did before Te Kooti's raid, and are prospering there. The Ngatiawa do not appear, during the past year, to have been so much interested in political questions as formerly. I regret that the crops of the Whakatane division of the tribe have suffered a good deal from the dry summer, and I fear they will be somewhat impoverished by the large number of visitors they are now entertaining to assist in erecting Apanui's large carved house at Whakatane. It only remains for me particularly to notice the TJrewera. The only political movement of any importance which has occurred in this district during the past year emanated from them. They have been endeavouring to induce the neighbouring tribes (especially the Whakatohea) to join them, 1. In demanding the return of the confiscated lands; and 2. In a sort of land league, by which the Urewera were to be the guardians of the "papa tipu " (hereditary land) of all the tribes who joined them, as well as of their own; the object being to prevent road-making, selling and leasing of land, &c. This they called the " Union of Mataatua," i.e., a league of all the tribes who are supposed to have come to New Zealand in that traditional canoe. As I have so lately had the honor to report to you on the Uriwera meeting which took place at Buatahuna to discuss these questions, I need not allude further to it here. A meeting has since been held at Te Waimana to discuss land leasing, and was attended by most of the Uriwera chiefs. The Ngatiawa, Whakatohea, and a few of the Uriwera are anxious to lease the Whakatane and Waimana valleys to Europeans for grazing purposes. Tamaikowha called the meeting to discuss the question, but the bulk of the Urewera decided against leasing. After the meeting, Kereru, Te Ahikaiata, and other chiefs of the Urewera came on to Opotiki to visit me. It is evident that this tribe are by degrees throwing off their sulky reserve, and mixing more freely with Europeans and the loyal Natives. This will, I believe, have a good effect, and although they are still opposed to road-making, land-leasing, English law, &c, being introduced within their boundaries, yet I think that, with careful management, they will before long submit to Government rule. It is perhaps worthy of remark that they sent agents to attend the Land Court which lately sat at Opotiki, to watch proceedings and to point out the boundaries of their claims, although they affect not to acknowledge the jurisdiction of our Courts. Of the tribes generally within the district, I take leave to remark that they appear well satisfied with the present Native administration of the Government; that they approve of the principles of the new Native Lands Act, although they have at present had no experience of its working ; that they are anxious for the establishment of the proposed Native Councils; and that they take increased interest in Parliamentary representation. It will not escape your notice that 736 Native claims to be placed on the electoral roll have been received this year by the Eegistration Officer for the East Coast district. I also observe an increased disposition to bring their disputes to the Magistrate's Court for settlement, as many as forty civil cases having been heard by me during the year 1873, in which either one or both of the parties were of the Native race; and this in spite of the high fees payable under the Resident Magistrates Act, which, in the case of Natives, are frequently prohibitory. There is a great desire on the part of the chiefs to possess some digest of English law and the procedure in Magistrates' Courts in the Maori language. I am frequently asked for copies of Nga Tare o Ingarani, and also of Judge Fenton's book on English law, both of which, I believe, are out of print. IV. — Public Works Undertaken hy Natives. Since my report last year, various public works have been carried out by the Natives. The Whakatane and Te Teko Eoad is under formation by the Ngatiawa and Ngatipukeko Tribes, assisted by other neighbouring hapus. About seven and a half miles have been formed; but on account of some five miles being through swamp, where it is impossible to work in the rainy season, this road will not be completed until next summer. The same tribes propose undertaking a portion of the road running up the Whakatane Valley to Euatoki. On the Opotiki and East Cape Road, a bridle path has been formed by the Whanau-a-Apanui, under Te Tatana, from Maraenui to Omaio, five and a half miles. This was formerly a very bad bush track, and much dreaded by travellers down the coast, but is now an excellent road for horsemen. The survey has been pushed on to Raukokore, and I believe the Te Whanau-a-te-Ihutu will shortly be working on the continuation of this road. They are at present inclined to demand an excessive price for road-making, but this will doubtless ultimately be arranged. This road is a most important one, as connecting Opotiki with the settlements all along the coast to the East Cape, with Waiapu, and with the road works being carried on between that place and Poverty Bay. I have lately returned overland from Waiapu, and judging from the apparent willingness of the Natives to accept road work, I hope that before long this road may be pushed through. At present it is very bad travelling, even in summer, and in winter generally impassable. Iharaira Te Houkamau is particularly anxious that that portion between Hick's Bay and Whangaparaoa should be laid out. I may remark that as there is only one Public Works overseer and surveyor in the whole of this large district, notwithstanding that that officer (Mr. S. Crapp) is very energetic, the work of survey must necessarily proceed somewhat slowly, The Opotiki and Poverty Bay Eoad, let by contract to the Messrs. Simpson, is approaching completion. A considerable portion of the work on this has been done by Natives, the Ngaitai, Whakatohea, and other tribes having taken sub-contracts for small pieces.

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V.— Native Schools. In this report I have purposely omitted any mention of Native schools, as I shall have the honor shortly to forward, as District Inspector for the Bay of Plenty and Lake districts, a special report on this subject. I have, &c., Heebebt W. Beabant. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 9. Major Maie to the Uhdeb Seceetaet, Native Department. Sic, — • Alexandra, Waikato, 25th May, 1874. In accordance with instructions conveyed in your circular of the 24th ultimo, I have the honor to submit the following general report on Native matters in the "Waikato district. Since the events of April and May ef last year, the district has been very quiet. Several meetings have been called by the Maori King at Te Kuiti, and though they have been little more than gatherings for the purpose of feasting, enough has been said to show that the majority of the Kingites desire to live in peace. The visits of Tawhiao, Tv, Tapihana, and other chiefs to Alexandra, were all intended to show that a friendly feeling is uppermost. The proclamations against dealing in land have not been revoked, but there is good reason for believing that the day is not far distant that they will be. An old chief remarked the other day, that their lands were " held together by a rope of rotten flax!" It was, I believe, supposed that the commencement of the railway works near Ngaruawahia would be the signal for some very strong expression of feeling on the part of the Kingites: I can only say that, to me, they have appeared utterly indifferent in the matter. Another strong proof of an improved state of feeling is the increasing desire to grow wheat, and to come as near our boundary as possible for that purpose. Several thousand bushels were harvested at Kopua and other settlements on the Waipa last summer, and sold in Alexandra. Preparations are now being made on a much larger scale. A number of Eewi's people have come from Kawhia to form a kainga not more than two miles beyond the confiscated line, and he informs me that if things go on smoothly he will next year live there permanently. Each year shows an increasing trade with the interior. I think that the physical status of the Natives of this district is about the average. There is a good deal of sickness prevalent, but nothing to call for special remark. As usual, there has been a large consumption of spirits at the different huis, but latterly some of the leading chiefs have forbidden the traffic ; but, on the other hand, unfortunately, Tawhiao, Wahanui, and others set an example of almost habitual drunkenness to the people. This conduct on the part of Tawhiao is losing him the esteem of his followers. It is reported that at a recent meeting at Kuiti, Rewi said openly that their " King thought of nothing but rum, and was not fit to manage their affairs !" There is a great absence of cordiality between Waikato and a section of Ngatimaniapoto, more especially between Rewi and the chiefs of the other tribe [Waikato]. This feeling culminated at the March meeting, when Rewi said that he was weary of Waikato procrastination, and would come out himself and see Mr. McLean. Manuwhiri has taken very little part in public affairs lately, but he is periodically active. There has not been much intercourse with the interior for the last few weeks, in consequence of a puru established by Tawhiao's advisers. Various reasons have been assigned for this act. One is that it is intended to check the return of Ngatiteata to Waiuku, and the contemplated departure of a portion of Ngatipou to Lower Waikato ; and another, that Tawhiao intends shortly to lay some important matters relative to peace-making before his people, and that in the meantime he wishes to keep them together; and a third, that he wishes them to witness his interview with some officer of the Government, for whose entertainment a house has been built at Waitomo [near Orahiri]. lam of opinion that there is a certain amount of truth in each of these reports. Purukutu keeps close at Kuiti. Rewi told me the other day that I need not heed any of the rumours of Purukutu's movements, for that he had told him in the presence of Tawhiao that if he attempted anything that could be construed into a hostile movement, he would " with his own hands give him up to the Pakeha !" I have little to report about Ngatiraukawa. Those on the west bank of the Waikato yet remain staunch Kingites, while the rest of the tribe on the other side of the river still contrive to steer a middle course. The Kupapa or loyal Natives in this district do not call for any special remark. They assembled in great force at Ngaruawahia last month, to meet His Excellency the Governor, and spoke very well. A number of them have been enrolled as Militia and employed road-making. They do not, lam sorry to say, improve their condition in any material degree, and will never, I fear, be a prosperous people. European settlement, on the other hand, is progressing steadily, in defiance of the temporary checks produced by sensational telegrams and canard-mongera. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. G. Maie.

No. 10. The Resident Magistbate, Eaglan, to the Hon. the Natite Mihister. Sib,— Eaglan, 21st May, 1874. It affords me great pleasure this year to be able to report more favourably of the Maoris in this district than I have done previously. I have the honor to state that they are generally orderly and law-abiding, and as loyal as any Natives in New Zealand. GL—2.

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Owing to the letting of the Te Akau Block, the demand for flax and firewood, and other causes, they are and have been better fed and clothed than usual; and, happily, there has been little crime or drunkenness laid to their charge. I give them also credit for more religious feeling, evidenced by their holding Divine Service more frequently, and by their building one chapel, and contracting (at a cost of £80) for the erection of another. This has been a remarkably healthy year with them, and I think the deaths are but very slightly in excess of the births. I have, &c, We. Haesant, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 11. Mr. E. S. Bush, Eaglan, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sic, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Eaglan, 12th May, 1874. I have the honor to furnish, for your information, the usual annual report on Native matters in the Eaglan district. Condition of Natives. During the past year I have visited the different tribes resident in the district, making myself acquainted with the persons and dispositions of their various chiefs. There has been no infectious disease amongst them, nevertheless the mortality from the Ist of January, 1873, to the 31st December, 1873, amounts to no less than forty, the births for the same period numbering only thirty-eight, thus it will be observed that the deaths exceed the births by two. I find that the greatest mortality is amongst the infants, no less than twenty-two having died out of the thirty-eight born. This circumstance may in a great measure be attributed to neglect on the part of the parents. The Eegistrar's records for the same period of the European population, numbering 305, show one death and twelve births. For full particulars on this subject, vide table attached to end of this report, compiled from records carefully kept by myself. The principal chief who died is Hetaraka Nero, of the Ngatimahanga Tribe, and a Native Assessor. Two marriages have also taken place during the above period, in accordance with the rites of our Church, one couple belonging to the Ngatitahinga Tribe, and the other to Tainui. In the latter case the bride was the daughter of Kereopa Te Apa, a leading Hauhau chief of Aotea South, who was present in the church during the ceremony. Their moral condition will bear comparison with that of other districts. I only do them justice when I say that they are the most sober and best conducted tribes I have ever been amongst, and in support of this I would here state that only three Natives were brought before the Eesident Magistrate from the Ist January, 1873, to the present date, —one, a Hauhau, for petty larceny, one for assault arising out of a dispute for wages, and one for drunkenness ; in fact, many of the Natives are staunch teetotallers. It is with great pleasure that I report so favourably on this point, the more so as it proves that they have the moral courage not to follow the exceedingly bad example set them by some of the inland tribes, more especially by those most attached to the so-called Maori King, who it appears have become great drunkards. Eewi and the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe are represented as being much annoyed and disgusted with Tawhiao and his more immediate supporters, for permitting and participating in so much unchecked drunkenness ; so much so, that this craving for strong drink is alleged to be one of the causes for the coolness which, without a doubt, is springing up between the Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto Tribes. The Tainui have erected a raupo church at one of their settlements. The building is neatly fitted up inside, and the cost of its construction was defrayed by the Natives themselves, assisted by a few European donations. The Ngatitahinga Tribe are on the eve of erecting a weather-boarded edifice, at a cost of £80, near Te Karaka, on Te Akau Block, for a religious purpose. Disposition. The tribes living in this district to as far as Aotea North are friendly, and were so throughout the late "Waikato rebellion. Those resident on the southern side of Aotea Harbour and northern side of Kawhia, though formerly staunch supporters of the King movement and party, appear now to take little or no notice of the acts or mandates of their quondam master. Many chiefs from Kawhia, such men as Hone Wetere, Te Tapihana, and others, who have kept aloof from all European intercourse since the commencement of the Waikato war, have, during the past year, come forth unsolicited from their isolation, and again visited our settlements. On the 21st of November Hone te One's carved whare at Aotea was opened by Tiria, Tawhiao's sister, who was accompanied by Parehauraki, one of his wives, and his infant daughter. It was stated that these women had been especially deputed by him to perform this ceremony. The mere fact of a party of women being detailed for this work was looked upon as a good omen, auguring peace, by the friendly chiefs, it being a custom amongst their ancestors generally to send women to negotiate a truce, who sometimes were given to the hostile tribes as a surety of good faith, and whose wives in many instances they became, thus connecting the two tribes previously at enmity with each other. Tiria and party after this visited Eaglan, where they remained three days, spending one afternoon at my house with Tawhiao's wife and infant daughter. Upon leaving in the evening she endeavoured to impress upon me " that if her brother and his party were not anxious to promote peaceful relations between the two races, she and her companions would not have entered a Pakeha's dwelling." There is a portion of the Ngatimahuta Tribe resident at Kawhia South who persist in isolating themselves. It is under the leadership of Maneha and Hone Kiwi. The former of these was accused of being the instigator of the attack on Mr. Mackay on the occasion of his proceeding to Te Kuiti last year; the latter is a man of more inferior rank than Maneha, and is celebrated for being the ring-

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leader, some four years ago, of the party who robbed Messrs. Ilbury and Higgins' store at Aotea. From all accounts he appears to be an evil-disposed man. Many of the influential chiefs, both resident here and at Kawhia, state that they attribute the late visit of Tawhiao, his son, Te Tapihana, and other leading chiefs to our settlements, in a great measure to the steamer " Luna's " appearance in Kawhia last year, and to the fact of Tv Tawhiao's having gone on board and dined there. None of the friendly chiefs responded to the invitations sent to them by the King party (although they were signed by Tawhiao himself), to attend the late Kuiti meeting. drops. Had it not been for the long drought that occurred this summer, the whole of the resident tribe would have been abundantly supplied with food, as they cultivated much more extensively this yea than they were wont to do, in anticipation of His Excellency the Governor accepting their invitation. As it is, all living in and about the neighborhood of Eaglan complain of the total failure of their potato crops; the maize likewise is stunted with small cobs, bearing grain only half-way up. The wheat was remarkably good, but I regret to say it was not extensively cultivated. Fortunately, the kumera crop is a prolific one ; it will be their chief article of food this winter, together with what they purchase from the Europeans. With the Aotea tribes it is quite the reverse, their potato crop being an exceedingly good one. Their wheat cultivations are much more extensive than those of their Eaglan relatives. I regret to say that a very pernicious system prevails amongst the majority of the Natives here, of selling the greater quantity of their produce as soon as it is ready for market, instead of storing it for the winter : consequently they almost reduce themselves to the verge of starvation, Many Natives prefer cutting green flax for the mill-owners at ten shillings a ton, and firewood for the settlers at six shillings, than working at their plantations. It appears that the tribes residing in the vicinity of Eaglan Harbour have from time immemorial been celebrated for a scarcity of provisions, so much so that their ancestors had a proverb respecting it, viz.: —" Ngatimahanga pare rae," meaning, Ngatimahanga sitting with their hands over their foreheads (shading their eyes) watching other persons at work. I regret to say many of them still deserve the name. Public Works. At the time Mr. Mackay visited here last January, the Natives, both friendly and Hauhaus, the latter being represented by Kereopa te Apa, an influential Tainui chief of Aotea South, expressed their willingness for employment on the roads in the district, Kereopa stating that he would come with two hundred Hauhau followers. To the best of my belief, they are still desirous of engaging in road making. Several Natives under Hone te One are at present at work improving the Aotea Eoad; they appear to be working with a good will. The employment of Natives on public works, where they are desirous of undertaking road works, cannot but prove beneficial to them, inasmuch as it will keep both their minds and hands engaged, thus diverting their thoughts to other and better channels. The JSTgutihaua. I have not visited Wharepapa or Aratitaha since poor Sullivan's death, in consequence of the Natives residing there having abandoned those settlements, and betaken themselves to Kuiti, where the majority of the Hauhau portion of this tribe now reside. Another reason for my not visiting them as frequently as I had been in the habit of doing, was in consequence of the residence of Mr. Mackay in Waikato, which circumstance almost made it unnecessary for me to go amongst them during the past year. I did, however, visit the friendly portion of this tribe residing at Tamahere, Maungakawa, Matamata, and adjacent settlements, upon all of which occasions I found them well disposed, and living in an exceedingly peaceable manner. I regret to say I cannot speak in their favour as regards sobriety : many of them never lose a chance of getting tipsy when drink is procurable. In conclusion, I consider I am justified in assuming that the Natives generally have shown a greater desire, during the past twelve months, to renew that intercourse with the European race which existed prior to the rebellion in Waikato; if not in all districts it certainly has been the case here. With respect to the aukati, the principal chiefs here are of opinion that the promoters of it will not be able to enforce it for any length of time in this or any other district. The object of the aukati is not stated (further than that it is an aukati). Some chiefs who consider themselves authorities, —amongst them Wetini Mahikai, one of the assessors lately returned from Kawhia—say it is a temporary one, to enable Tawhia to erect his new house, prior to his being conducted to Waikato (I presume Ngaruawahia), by all the friendly tribes of Waikato, who, it is reported, intend to proceed to Kuiti shortly for this purpose. After this ceremony is concluded, rumour says Tawhiao will meet His Excellency the Governor and members of the Ministry at Waitara, that being the place where the evil (war) first commenced. A short time will show whether there is any credence to be given to the above report. I have, &c, E. S. BrsH, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Clerk of the Court.

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RECORDS of BIRTHS, DEATHS, and MARRIAGES of NATIVES in the RAGLAN DISTRICT from 1st JANUARY, 1873, to 31st DECEMBER, 1873.

No. 12. The Civil Commissioiteb, New Plymouth, to the Undee Seceetaet, Native Department. Sib,— New Plymouth, 26th May, 1874. In obedience to the instructions contained in your circular letter No. 3, of the 24th ultimo, I have the honor to forward the usual annual report of the state of the Natives in my district. The district in which I have assigned to me the charge of Native affairs, embraces a seaboard or coast line of 120 miles, and occasionally beyond it, when questions arise which call for my services ; and as there are many distinct tribes within it whose social condition and habits vary in proportion to the influences working amongst them, my report will explain more clearly the state of things by referring to each separately. Commencing with that section of Ngatimaniapoto residing at Mokau, it affords me much pleasure to be able to report a marked improvement in those Natives since my last annual report, in so far as friendly relations may be called an improvement. Europeans are allowed to visit them, and have been received kindly and hospitably ; but their reports on returning have a tendency to mislead the public as regards the extent to which their friendship can be turned to account in the way of exploring and developing the resources of the district, where it is known there is coal and limestone, but which will not be available to Europeans until the more important questions with which Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato have for a long time been occupied with are disposed of, viz., whether their future line of conduct is to be disaffected sullenness, or whether they will free themselves from the unhappy delusion, and return to their former allegiance to the Government. The latter is more likely to be the course of events, and from information received from Mokau, I learn that the Natives of that part have a desire for its consummation, but feel that they themselves are not free to make choice until the question is disposed of at Tawhiao's head-quarters. The different tribes from Pukearuhe to Stony Eiver continue to live peaceably with the settlers, and some employ themselves in cultivating their own land, while others take employment on public works or for private individuals, as opportunities offer. The Mountain Road gave employment to a number of Natives during the summer, but the clearing the road for the last two miles was let by contract to Europeans, and will be finished next month. There is a party of Natives now employed opening a road from Onaero to the Taramouku Valley, in the Ngatimaru district, contract work. The progress made during the past year in the purchase of land has also been a source of employment for some Natives, who have been engaged on the surveys. This, and the money they have been paid for land, have very much improved their condition, and enabled them to obtain implements of husbandry and live more comfortably ; but the great mania with them is that for possession of spring vehicles, a luxury there can be no objection to if used discreetly. From Stony Eiver to Umuroa, with the exception of a section of Ngamahanga, the Natives are still under the baneful influence of the Parihaka Councils, where monthly meetings are still kept up with as much devotion and adoration of Te Whiti as ever; and besides the Natives of the Taranaki district, there is a large number from other districts who regularly attend the meetings, and implicitly believe in Te Whiti, and the effect it has upon them is to render them very impracticable in matters relating to public works and the acquirement of territory for the extension of the settlement of the country. The Opunake Natives continue loyal and well-behaved, although they have been disappointed by the failure of the flax works, which for a time were the life of the place, and gave them employment in addition to employment they have had on public works ; benefits they deserve for their perseverance in maintaining their allegiance to the Government for a period when their position was an isolated one, and when they were surrounded by disaffected Natives, who menaced and taunted them for so doing. A better feeling now prevails : all seem friendly, although there are differences of opinion on many subjects, such as the extension of public works and land questions; but considering the progress in that

Name op Teibe. I 'hQdren Bora iu 1873. 8 a 5 Jhildre: Died ir 1873. Ad. idts I in 1873 lied 00 p I Bemarks. I m o I i I i I I Tgatihaua, Aotea fgatihikairo, Aotea fgatitewehi, Aotea 'ainui, Eaglan fgatitahinga, Te Akau ... Tgatimahanga, Eaglan ... fgatitemainu, Eaglan ... fgatitehuki, Eaglan fgatihourua, Eaglan 3 2 1 3 3 4 4 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 5 4 3 5 1 5 4 5 9 2 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 4 3 5 5 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 Total Births 38, being 22 males and 16 females. Total Deaths 40, being 20 males and 20 females ; 14 out of 22 of the male infants died, and 8 out of the 16 female infants died. Of the adults, 6 males and 12 females died. This return does not include any tribes or hapus residing beyond Aotea. 1 1 "i 4 i 2 5 5 1 5 8 3 Totals 22 6 12 18 2

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direction, during the last two years, in what were disaffected districts, we must not despair of a change in the Taranaki district. At Oeo, the chief, Hone Pihama Te Eei Hanatana, has built a very decent hotel, insured it in the South British Insurance Office, and let it to an European ; also good stables and paddocks for the accommodation of travellers. He is also proprietor of Cobb's coach, and has the mail contract between New Plymouth and Hawera, a circumstance which has already had a good effect on the Natives of the district. A year ago there were over 150 Natives living at Oeo (Tangahoe), but last planting season two-thirds of them returned to their old places on the land allotted to them at Taiporohenui and Matangarara. Titokowaru and Tamati Hone and their following, who have been living at Omuturangi since they returned from the Ngatimaru district, are also gradually returning to their old places south of Kaupokonui; consequently the district between Oeo and Kaupokonui, which is a very fine one, equal, in my estimation, to the Waimate Plain, will soon have but very few Maori occupants; and as a section of those Natives are now offering a block of land next the Waingongoro River, with a prospect of its being acquired, I hope, ere long, to see the district in a fair way of being settled. The Natives of this part have done most of the road work in the district, and although some of them have been troublesome at times, by patience and forbearance their opposition has been overcome. The unpleasantness which has occurred, iv the district, in reference to cattle of settlers, and other disputes, has been caused by a few of the worst characters, acting upon their own responsibility, and without the sanction of the principal men, who have condemned their rash conduct. It is true, all have been opposed to the settlers' cattle running on the land across the Waingongoro River, but from the scarcity of feed on the settlers' side, and the abundance on the other side, it has no doubt been difficult to prevent it. The Ahitahi Natives, under the young chief Heke Pakeke, from whom I have recently purchased two blocks of land, have, by their action in supporting the opening of the mountain road and the sale of land, very materially altered the position and condition of the disaffected Natives. The Ahitahi were allies of Titokowaru and also Ngatimaru, and the change produced by the wise policy of the Government, and the judicious administration of the Minister at the head of Native affairs, on Ahitahi and Ngatimaru, will, I trust, have a favourable influence in districts where the same change is desirable. Heke has built a substantial wooden house on land allotted to him at Ketemarae, close to the bush by the mountain road, and at the last licensing meeting at Patea he applied for a license for the sale of liquors, which was refused ; but when it is difficult to prevent the sale of liquors without a license, it is matter for consideration whether it would not be better to grant a license, and legalize the business and obtain control over it, and also thereby secure influence for putting down sly grog shops which are in existence. Heke has since let his house to a very respectable person of Patea, for ten years, who I have no doubt will try to obtain a license, and put some one in charge, and be responsible for the business himself; and from its locality at the edge of the bush by the mountain road, which will be open for traffic in another season, a well-conducted house there will be a necessary accommodation for travellers ; and as the young chief has invested his money (obtained from the sale of land in support of the policy of the Government) in building the house, I hope his prospects of a small yearly income will not be disappointed. His habits are too expensive, and I took advantage of an opportunity, when paying him for land last week, to remonstrate with him, and advised him to adopt a more economical course. He has bought a small coach, and drives four horses in it, something beyond the spring-vehicles before referred to: a spirit of emulation carried to excess. From Waingongoro to Patea the Natives (Tangahoe and Pakakohi) are settled down on land allotted to them out of the confiscation; but one thing that disquiets them is the constant agitation of Europeans to lease their lands so set apart for them, by advancing money to a few, who will agree to lease for the sake of the money so offered to them, whereas the other Natives, who have an undivided interest in the land, are averse to it; and I maintain that a lease obtained from part of the Natives only would be illegal. I am fully sensible of the fact that to forbid the leasing of those lands to Europeans would be very unpopular, but there are other considerations involved besides the popular view of the question. The Natives must have land to live on, and it is very desirable they should, not be disturbed while the great problem is being solved of acquiring territory and settling it with immigrants ; for if the Natives should be led to feel that in the nature of things they cannot retain and enjoy land that has been set apart for them in a settled district, they will naturally oppose the cession of territory to the Crown. I should not have referred to this but for the fact that the Natives frequently complain to me about it. The Ngatimaru Tribe, whose country was a few years ago the refuge of the disaffected, are now as friendly as any Natives in this district; but, like most of the other tribes, are divided in opinion in reference to public questions. One section, under the chief Te Amo, is led away by the prevailing influence of Te Whiti, and the other section, under the chief Rangihekeiho, is exerting itself to get the country transferred to the Government for more profitable occupation. I was at Ngatimaru the week before last, and took with me about twenty of the Puketapu and Pukerangiora Natives to discuss the boundaries and make arrangements in reference to the land now being surveyed and negotiated for—three different blocks. We stopped at Te Amo's kainga, the Kawau, and were treated with great hospitality and kindness. In reference to the subject of education of Native children, I am unable to make a favourable report. The adult Natives in the district are totally indifferent to the education of their children, and in order that anything satisfactory should be done in this direction, either the parents must be aroused to take an interest in the matter, or proper schools must be provided without their co-operation. In my annual report two years ago, I suggested that perhaps the most hopeful and practical way of making a beginning would be to employ some trustworthy and competent European to visit in rotation the various Native kaingas, endeavouring to excite an interest amongst the adults, and organizing, wherever possible, daily classes. These classes would be taught by some of the Native youths, who are to be found in most kaingas, who have themselves acquired enough education to be able to teach children to read and write their own language, and who would receive occasional instruction 3—G. 2.

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from the itinerant teacher. Some small allowance would have to be made to the Native teachers, and for providing school requisites. At an Ordination service, held in the Waitara Chapel last March, by the Bishop of Auckland, a Native named Eruera was ordained deacon, for duty in the archdeaconry district of Taranaki. I trust that a main part of his duties will consist in giving instruction to Maori children. I may mention that the funds for the payment of the deacon's stipend for some time have been raised by the settlers. Wherever possible, I would suggest that free schooling in English should be provided for the children of the better class of Natives, in order that as many as possible may grow up with a knowledge of the English language, out of whom it may be hoped that some at least will be found to assist in raising the race to the condition of a civilized people. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Wellington. E. Paeeis, Civil Commissioner.

No. 13. The Eesident Magistbate, Upper "Whanganui, to the Usdeb Seceetaex, Native Department. Sib, — Native Office, Whanganui, 16th June, 1874. I have the honor, in accordance with the direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, as contained in your circular letter of the 24th of April last, No. 8, to send in the usual annual report on the state of the Natives in my district. As to the state of Native feeling generally, I find that it is a matter upon which much can be said, and I shall therefore somewhat enlarge upon the subject. The anxiety and excitement which resulted from the late hostilities have entirely subsided, and the Maori mind, ever active and ready to seek for occupation, has found abundant means of employment in the various questions now agitating the country, paramount among which is the all-absorbing topic of the proper administration of their landed estates. They have, as a first step in the matter (and a very necessary one too), commenced to adopt measures whereby all tribal differences as to boundaries, &c, may be adjusted ; and in April last a highly-important meeting was held at Putiki, whereat an arrangement was come to by Major Kemp and Eenata Kawepo, as representing the Whanganui and Ngatikahungunu Tribes, whereby the disputed tribal boundary of the Murimotu country is likely to be settled; said chiefs having consented to take charge of the survey of said boundary line, as in a manner agreed to at the great meeting at Kokako in 1860, and to use their united influence in settling individual claims of members of each tribe to land on either side of such boundary. The visit paid by Eenata Kawepo and other Napier chiefs on that occasion is likely to be attended with satisfactory results, as a friendly feeling has sprung up in consequence between the tribes, which will, in all probability, result in a final arrangement being come to as to the subdivision of this tract of country amongst them. A meeting attended with like results was held at Waitotara in March last, when an understanding was come to between the Whanganui and Ngarauru Tribes as to their boundary line in respect of land situate between the Wauganui and Waitotara rivers, which had been in dispute for many years. Over and above this, several local land disputes have been amicably settled by friendly discussion amongst the Natives themselves, whereby quarrelling has been prevented. I was present at two important meetings of this kind on the Whanganui Eiver in November, 1873, and February, 1874, where very serious differences were arranged, and a breach of the peace prevented. The Government lent its support to these meetings, which have had a good effect; and these amicable discussions of serious differences amongst the Whanganui and other tribes, in respect of their individual and tribal lands, have so far resulted in satisfactory arrangements being come to by the disputants, and serious complications and troubles have been averted. The land question has again become of paramount importance to the Native mind, and agitates and perplexes them in an inordinate manner. Owing to the enhanced value of lands in these districts, in consequence of the extension of European settlement and Government expenditure, and an increased demand resulting therefrom for further acquisition of territory, either by purchase or lease, the Natives are becoming every day more alive to the value and importance of their landed estates, and an evident anxiety exists as to how they can best administer the same, so that they may secure in perpetuity a large portion of their landed property for the benefit of themselves and their descendants. There is a feeling abroad (which is encouraged by certain chiefs who ought to know better) to put a stop to land selling altogether, and only to lease ; but this determination cannot be maintained, as there are many who are not indisposed to sell at a fair price, to procure money to satisfy their increasing wants and to meet their many liabilities and engagements, for the Maori of to-day finds far more means of spending money than formerly, having greater expenses to keep up, both ordinary and extraordinary. At present they are monopolizing immense tracts of country without deriving any benefit therefrom ; and I have frequently pointed out to them the desirability of disposing of large portions of their lands to the Government, so that the same might be opened up to European settlement, whereby an enhanced value would be given to those portions of their reserved estate deemed requisite to meet their wants, and enable them to maintain an independent position in the country. Over and above which, by stipulating for certain reserves (in both town and country) in all lands hereafter ceded to the Crown, a further source of income would be secured to them, and ample means provided to support them in ease and affluence for all time. Thanks to the Government, the Acts more immediately affecting their interests, viz., the Natives Eeserves Act and Native Lands Court Act of 1873, have been translated and widely circulated amongst them ; and those who have taken the trouble to read them for themselves cannot but admit that their interests are in every way protected by such measures ; and it now remains for them to take advantage of such wise and liberal legislation for the purpose of getting their titles definitely settled, and their lands so apportioned as to do ample justice

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to all, and of realizing their estates to the best advantage, by leasing or otherwise, as circumstances may point out. ' The Wanganui Eiver, from its source to the mouth—some three hundred miles—flows through an immense extent of country, which comprises a vast quantity of heavily timbered land, both level aud broken, and extensive plains of open country, clothed with fern, grass, and rushes. The climate is unexceptionable, such parts of the interior being well protected from the gales experienced on the West Coast of this Island, and, on being opened up by roads, would be capable of affording ample room for a population of millions. On the river itself there are many delightful spots that might well be let, or even sold, to the advantage of the Natives; and there is nothing to prevent, iv the course of time, the whole of the river settlements being connected with the town of Wanganui by a road on either bank of the river, which could be made to follow its tortuous windings to the source. The scenery in parts is romantic iv the extreme; and many a highland home, surrounded by nature's choicest beauties, might be formed amidst the mountains and valleys of this almost unknown part of the country. During the past month much excitement has been caused amongst the Whanganui and Ngatiapa Tribes, by the long-looked-for arrival of the Hawke's Bay chiefs, Henare Matua, Tikawenga, and other celebrities, with their wives and attendants, making up a cavalcade of one hundred or more. The principal meeting took place at Kaiwhaiki, Te Oti Takarangi's pa, about twelve miles up the Whanganui Eiver, and on the other side of the boundary of the Whanganui Block. Natives from most of the kaingas on the river, from Kai Iwi and Waitotara, and from Turakina and Eangitikei, mustered ou the occasion, to the number of some 800 souls. Major Kemp, Mete Kingi, Aperahama Tipae, Te Mawae, Kawana Hunia, and other leading Government chiefs, were iv attendance, and every effort was made to give the strangers a hearty welcome to Whanganui. No expense was spared in providing food of all kinds and suitable accommodation for the guests, and money (£100) was given to them to help to defray their travelling expenses up the coast. The meeting lasted from the 9th to the 16th May, and was no doubt an important one, and will have its effect amongst the Natives—whether for evil or for good remains to be seen, although, in my humble opinion, of the two, evil is more likely to result out of this movement and combination of the Maoris, which will require watching. Disaffection, bordering on rebellion, is at the root of this agitation, and the effect has already been to unsettle the Natives, and influence them with the belief that our rule over them is an unjust and oppressive one. Should this combination gain the support of any more of the tribes, and its adherents increase in number (of which there is some likelihood), the result of this organization is likely to prove dangerous to the peace of the country, for it can be looked upon as nothing more nor less than a fresh development of the Land League and King movement, only under another phase or garb ; and if their demands are not acceded to, there will be a danger of their openly casting off their allegiance to the Queen and setting up an authority of their own, utterly antagonistic to good government and the extension of peace and quietness throughout the country. This agitator, Henare Matua, seemed particularly anxious to convince the people that he wished them to look to the law alone for redress for their many imaginary grievances, and thereby has induced several here to promise him their countenance and support. Such assertions on his part are, I consider, to be looked upon with suspicion, being merely used as a means of securing further support and increasing his own importance, as he evidently is trying to gain a name for himself amongst his people. It strikes me that this movement is a final effort of the Maoris in these parts to stem the tide of advancement on the part of their European neighbours, as they are becoming alarmed at the inroads made upon them and their domains by the continued acquisition of large tracts of country by the Government in the interior, and they do not like the idea of losing the authority and power formerly held by them over the inland districts of this Island, one of the propositions of Henare Matua being that all land selling should cease, and also leasing, till they become wiser and better able to look after their own interests —which advice of Matua's seems to have had its effect upon the minds of tho multitude, for he has evidently succeeded in impressing them with the idea that they (the Maoris) have aud are being victimized through their ignorance of our laws, and that it is high time for them " to consider the position," and adopt some measures whereby a stop may be put to the advances made upon them and their territories by the dominant race, the Pakeha. The grievances complained of by Matua were —Ist. The heavy loans, which he said amounted to fifteen millions, and to secure the payment of which he alleged that the whole of the country, including Maori and European lands, was mortgaged to the English creditors. 2nd. The Native Land Court, which he said should be abolished. 3rd. The Eoad Board Act, and levying of rates on Maori lands. 4th. The unequal representation of the Maori race in Parliament, his notion being that every large tribe (in some cases including smaller tribes connected by family ties and like interests) should each have a member in the Assembly, making some twenty or more members, who should not accept any office of emolument under Government. sth. Crown grants. 6th. Eailways and the telegraph wire, which he said should not be allowed to traverse Maori lands, as the Government, in the case of railways, would take an area of land one mile in width all along the line as a railway reserve, and five chains on either side of the telegraph poles for a like purpose. That eventually all the lands would be surveyed, and the Europeans and Maoris placed on alternate sections, when all would be taxed alike. 7th. The Birds Protection Act, and the restrictions therein enacted. That he and his lawyers intended petitioning the Assembly for redress in these and other matters, which operated oppressively upon the Maoris. After which, they intended going in for an inquiry into all old land purchases, with the view of trying to recover some of their lands or getting a further payment for the same. He expressed his approval of both European and Maori Courts of justice—the one to have authority over the land of the Queen, and the other over that of the Maori. Matua spoke favourably of Maori schools, of which ho said every advantage should bo taken, as a means of adding to their stores of knowledge; and he further gave himself out as a staunch upholder of religious doctrines and teaching, he having been a teacher himself, and advised the Natives to return to their Christianity, and to give up Maori customs and practices, particularly their obscene dances and songs, which were largely indulged in at Kaiwhaiki, as customary at large meetings, by way of affording amusement and relaxation from the more serious business of the meeting.

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Some 230 men and boys from the lower Whanganui settlements and Kai Iwi, and, 91 Ngatiapas, about 323 in all, including some dozen chiefs, have given in their adherence as active supporters of Henare Koura, alias Matua, and a list was taken of their names, it being understood that a council of twelve or more should be chosen by them to attend the sitting of the Assembly next July, with Henare Matua and party, to urge their grievances before Parliament. The effect of Matua's visit to Whanganui may be summarized thus: The majority are favourably impressed with his views, upon his assurance that he looked to the law alone for redress. Some (those mentioned) have promised him active support, having given in their names as avowed adherents to his cause. Some are waiting to see the result of his plans and purposes when carried out, being somewhat afraid of what they may lead to, and from a vague suspicion as to his integrity. Others have held entirely aloof, prognosticating nothing but evil from his proceedings, and a like issue to that of the Land League and King movement and Hauhauism. One chief, Paora Poutini, when speaking for himself and tribe, the Ngatihau, said most significantly, " I am not going to be so foolish as to imitate the blind beetle that flies unconsciously into the flame and gets its wings scrorched. We all know what Kingism and Hauhauism led to, and I shall have nothing to do with this movement." The Native Minister will be surprised to learn that one of Mete Kingi's sons, Henare Takarangi, and Pehira Turei, of Aramoho, have joined Matua's party as active supporters of his, which proceeding is winked at by Mete, Kemp, and other leading Government chiefs, who are abettors in his cause. With regard to the Whanganui and Ngatiapa Tribes, who have for so many years been staunch supporters of the Government, lam not at all apprehensive that they will lend themselves to any movement which may prove subversive of order and good government; and that should such be its results, they will withdraw their support; for it cannot be supposed that they are at this period of time going to cast off their allegiance to the Queen, for the old and tried feeling of loyalty shown by them in times gone by is still in existence, and would again assert itself if occasion offered. But what lam apprehensive of is this, that by these and other tribes lending their support to this movement, good and bad will join it, and when it has gained sufficient strength and hold upon the Maori mind, the disaffected ones may succeed in carrying the day, and through their efforts (which will have derived strength by combination of the party), this movement may cause trouble to the Government. In conversation with the chiefs here on the subject, they seem concerned themselves on this point, and say that they still maintain their hold upon such of their people as have joined Matua, with the view of recalling their support should Henare's proceedings prove illegal, and likely to cause discord and trouble. But they lose sight of the fact that when once the thing is set agoing, and it gains strength and hold upon the minds of the people, it will be a matter of great difficulty to withdraw at once their countenance to the movement, which I am much afraid will exercise a baneful influence amongst the Natives. With regard to their moral and physical condition, I cannot say that any marked advancement has been made, although I am not without hopes that shortly we shall see an improvement amongst our Maori friends in these respects, for whenever we can succeed in getting them to abandon many of their ancient customs and practices, which are on the wane, we may look for a decided change for the better in this matter. I look with great hopes towards the rising generation, who are now receiving education at the Government schools, and I believe we shall see them cast off many of the evil practices of their forefathers; that they will cut out a path for themselves, and, by adopting many of our good habits and customs, raise themselves in the scale of civilization, and attain to a higher standard, both morally and physically, which would cause delight to all well-wishers of the Maori race. In matters of agriculture there is no lack of industry in these respects amongst the river Natives, who annually raise large crops of wheat, maize, and potatoes, and the plough and harrow are in universal use. A high price has been obtained this year for Indian corn (ss. a bushel), which pays the Maori producer well, and owing to the late dry season being most favourable to the growth of that cereal, much profit has been derived by the Natives by the sale thereof. And they are likely to benefit by the prices got for this commodity in another way, namely, the want of a supply of said grain for home consumption, in the shape of stinking, putrid, rotten corn, which has hitherto been a favourite dish with the Maoris, to the great detriment of their physical forms. Owing to the bountiful supplies of hop plants and mulberry trees presented by the Native Minister, the attention of the Natives has been turned towards the development of these industries. They both flourish most luxuriantly in the sequestered parts of the river, and soon we may make a trial of the silkworm, as shortly there will be abundant food for that insect, in the shape of extra fine mulberry leaves. With regard to the hop, information as to the proper time of picking, and the mode of drying by kiln, is required. lam hopeful of securing, next season, the services of an experienced European hop-grower, one who has expressed an inclination to settle amongst the Natives, and who will be prepared to give them every information on the subject, and assist in putting up an oast-house at one of the principal settlements. In the matter of public works and undertakings, the Iruharama and Ranana Natives have during the past year constructed about thirty miles of a horse road, connecting said settlements with the Murimotu Plains and the Government road in course of construction, between Whanganui and Taupo. I am given to understand by the Natives that this road, besides affording an outlet from the Whanganui River to the plains, open up much forest land, tracts of which consist of level bush country, with very little undergrowth, and soil of the richest kind, which is demonstrated by the remarkably fine potatoes and kumeras raised from the land in those quarters. There can be'no doubt that much valuable country lies in the region between Whanganui and the plains, to the north, east, and south, far up into the interior, which only requires occupation and culture to render it one of the most thriving districts in the Colony, the climate being unsurpassed in salubrity, owing to these localities being situated in the widest part of the North Island, where the devastating blasts experienced on the shores of Cook Strait are unknown. A little has been done by the Natives in making a road to connect their various pas, a work on their part which should be encouraged, and a helping hand afforded, as a work of that kind, besides assisting in opening up the river communication, would, in a strategical point of view, prove of immense service in case of disturbance.

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With regard to Native schools, the one opened at Iruharama in September last has proved a great success. There are over fifty scholars in attendance, and the progress made is truly astonishing. The teacher, Mr. Scott, has been most indefatigable in his labours, and gets on very well with the Natives, who seem to have a great respect for him. He has made himself very useful amongst them in dispensing medicine supplied by the Government, and, where his advice has been regarded, cures have teen effected and life saved. The Natives during the past year have been comparatively healthy, there having been no deaths from epidemic or fatal accident, and the mortality has been less than usual. A second, schoolhouse has been erected at Parikino, and will be opened in the spring, with, I trust, a good attendance of children. The site, a reserve of 137 acres, is favourably situated, and I have every reason to believe the middle and lower river Natives will take advantage of this institution as a means of affording some education to their children. A much greater interest is now taken in the matter of schools, the Natives having become fully alive to their importance, and I believe that these schools will be well supported, and that much good will result therefrom. Next Christmas it has been arranged that a school feast be held at Iruharama, to which the scholars at Parikino will be invited. The gathering will be a large one, as all the parents and relatives of the children will attend to witness the enjoyment afforded to the young folks by a Christmas gathering. By this means an impetus will be given towards the support of schools, and the effect upon the Natives generally will prove beneficial. The Iruharama people have subscribed over £50 towards the cost of the schoolhouse, and the quarterly subscriptions from parents of children attending the school have been paid very regularly. Considering that Native schools had become very unpopular in this part of the country, and education entirely neglected, the boarding-school system, and consequent removal of the childen from their homes, having utterly failed, I have much pleasure in congratulating the Native Minister on the success so far obtained for the village-school system at Whanganui. In re Maori mills, I would here mention that machinery, at a cost of £200, has arrived from Glasgow for the Pipiriki mill, and that the Natives are engaged in cutting fresh timber (totara) for a new mill house, to comport with the iron machinery, which is far too good to put into the old mill. By next year I hope to be able to report the completion of this mill, and its being in full operation. Some of the absent Natives are about returning to Pipiriki to assist in putting up this mill, and I believe it will be a means of attracting thither again the scattered remnant of a once powerful tribe on the Whanganui River. Pipiriki, a place already noted in the past, will, I trust, ere long again assume its importance as the most flourishing and advantageously situated settlement on the river. Owing to the high price of iron, there has been a delay in the operations connected with the mills at Karatia and Koriniti; but so soon as the necessary funds are raised (a portion having already been subscribed) steps will be taken to complete them, when there will be four flour-mills on the Whanganui Eiver. As shown by the late census (taken by myself), the Maori population on this river is over 2,000. I had previously estimated it at some 1,700, and I was much pleased at finding that the number exceeded my calculations. I found a great disparity as regards the children, who, including both sexes, did not come up in number to either sex amongst the men and women; and at some of the settlements the paucity of children was quite melancholy to behold, and fully accounted for the rapid diminution of the inhabitants in those localities. Owing to this disparity, we may look for a great falling-off of the river population during the next twenty years. The interest taken by the Natives in the Karere Maori still continues, and I have 120 paid Maori subscribers in my Ist, besides some ten European contributors, who have taken an interest in the paper now published in that language. This paper does great credit to the Editor, and has been the means of disseminating much useful knowledge amongst the Natives, and is well worthy of their support. I would further take this opportunity of referring to one or two other matters which may be deemed of interest. I am pleased to have to report favourably on the conduct of the old chief Mamaku, who, with his cousin Te Piki, are using their exertions for good in those districts, situated at the head waters of this river, and in the heart of the country. A survey has been commenced of a portion of their lands far away in the interior, by the sanction of these and other chiefs, and Mr. Munro, Government surveyor, is now at Tuhua engaged upon such service, which must be looked upon as a matter of great importance, seeing that it is the first instance of land being surveyed in those parts, hitherto looked upon as a sealed country. Mamaku considers himself as the representative of the Government in that part of the country, and his influence is now used in support of law and order. The chief Eopata Te Korohiti, brother of the late Wiremu Te Korohiti, of Waitara fame, paid a visit, with some sixty of his people, to Utapu this summer; and I have reason to believe that shortly he and the whole of his tribe, the Ngatiruru, some 200 souls, will entirely disconnect themselves with the Waikato King party, and will return to their homes on the Wanganui River. As soon as this takes place, it is my intention to extend my visits frequently to Utapu, the extreme boundary of my district, with the view of getting a school established there, and seeing after the interests of those Natives generally. lam glad also to be able to bear testimony to the important services rendered by Major Kemp in December last, in using his influence to keep back the tribes from interfering with the Horowhenua dispute, whereby serious complications were avoided, and the peace of the district kept and preserved. I was an eye-witness to his conduct on that trying occasion, and I feel bound once more to revert to another of the many services he has rendered the country. I would here refer to the late visit paid by His Excellency the Governor to Whanganui, when several of the leading chiefs of my district had the honor of being presented to Her Majesty's Representative. His Excellency's speech to the Natives made a most favourable impression upon their minds, and they frequently allude to it, and are satisfied that in the Governor of the country they have a true friend and protector.

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Before concluding, I would mention the fact that, in accordance with instructions, I have kept up regular monthly visits to the interior, during all kinds of weather, and that upon a review of the past, I congratulate myself upon the state of affairs in my district, and feel encouraged to'lay myself out in the future to do all I can to promote the interests of the people committed to my charge. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Eichd. W. Woon, R.M.

No. 14 Mr. S. Locke to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Sib,— Napier, 30th May, 1874. I have the honor to forward the following report, for the past year, of the general state of Natives in the East Coast and Taupo districts, including Hawke's Bay, Wairoa, Poverty Bay, Waiapu, East Cape, Taupo, Tuhoe or Uriwera, and Patea. Hawke's Bay. The Maoris of this part of the country are in that position where they find the balance of power turned in favour of the European. They feel that their old mana and customs and power of their chiefs are gone ; at the same time they have only acquired that amount of knowledge that makes them jealous of the change going on around them, without having, for the altered position in which they are placed, learnt those habits of steady industry and application of general principles for their guidance, to allow of their participating freely in the general progress. The rapid exchange of property that has taken place during the past few years put large sums of money into their hands, which, in many cases, they squandered in a most reckless manner, living at the same time an idle life without attempting to provide for the future, so that when the time came that this source of revenue ceased, and it became necessary to turn again to labour, a feeling of discontent arose, and in some instances with an appearance of reason in it, one of the causes being through the grantees getting all the proceeds of the sales or leases, and spending it themselves, without dividing it amongst their relatives, whom they were presumed to represent. An Act was passed by the Assembly, appointing a mixed Commission to inquire into the question: their report, showing the result of that inquiry, was laid before the Assembly last Session. Since the close of the inquiry by the Hawke's Bay Lands Alienation Commission, the excitement in regard to past land sales, &c, has gradually subsided, although some cases are still left which will require great care in adjusting. One of, the principal causes of these troubles, as in Poverty Bay, arise from the complicated state of the titles to land, through there having been no provision made in the old Native Lands Act, although this is remedied in the Act of 1873, for the subdivision of shares in Crown grants, subsequent to some of the grantees having dealt with the land. Although a large extent of the land in this district has passed from their hands, there still remains much more than the Maori population are likely to require, care only being taken that certain reserves, actually required for Native occupation, be restricted from lease, sale, or mortgage. There has sprung up from the past repudiation movements, a league consisting of a party calling themselves the Komiti (Committee), whose ostensible object is to look into past land transactions, and also practically for the passive resistance to all land sales, &c, and the opening up of the country. Amongst other things, they oppose the education of the children in English. Prom the popularity usually attending any measure of this nature amongst the Maoris, this movement will probably gain followers —at all events for a time. With an excitable, untutored people, such movements will speedily fall from the want of organization, or end in a far different result, and more disastrous than that contemplated by its promoters. A great authority, " Maine," says, "It is characteristic both of uneducated minds and of early societies, that they are little able to conceive a general rule, apart from the particular applications of it with which they are practically familiar. They cannot dissociate a general term or maxim from the special examples which meet them in daily experience." On the other hand there is a large party of industrious Natives in the district who cultivate extensively, paying all their attention to improving their properties and educating the rising generation. Over 2,000 bushels of wheat and 200 tons of potatoes, exclusive of maize, &c, were grown on the plains last year. There are two schools established in the district, under the provisions of the Native Schools Acts, one at Pakowhai, the other at Omahu, both of which are conducted in a most satisfactory manner^ and the children show great progress in their knowledge of the English language, considering the short time they have been learning; so much so, that it is time to consider some way of providing for some of them by apprenticing them to useful trades. It will be necessary shortly to start a fresh school in the Seventy-Mile Bush, in the neighbourhood of Tahoraite or Ngaawapurua. Wairoa. Dr. Ormond, Resident Magistrate, will doubtless have forwarded his report for this district. I would therefore only remark that the Natives here, as in other districts where much leasing and selling of lands and much Government expenditure have gone on, more particularly for warlike purposes, have got into a slothful, discontented, drinking state, which has been taken advantage of by designing Natives travelling from other parts of the country, telling the people that they can upset all sales, leases, mortgages, &c, and persuading them to join what is called the Komiti, for this purpose, and also for the purpose of obstructing the pakeha power and the general improvement of the country. Some trouble and hindrance to the erection of the telegraph between Napier and Wairoa and Poverty Bay has been given, the Natives demanding payment for the wire passing over their land; but by careful explanation, &c, this has been adjusted, and the telegraph office is open at Wairoa, and the work favourably progressing towards Poverty Bay.

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A good bridle track has been made by Native labour from the township at "Wairoa to Onepoto, on Waikaremoana Lake, and a road is also in progress from Wairoa inland towards Poverty Bay. An improvement in the general condition of the Wairoa Natives, I am glad to say, is beginning to show in the habits of the people, and it is to be hoped that ere long they will commence again to cultivate the large tracts of rich lands around their pas. Although a few years back these people were owners of three sailing vessels navigated by themselves, and exported large quantities of wheat and other produce, at the present time they grow barely sufficient potatoes for themselves. A school is about to be erected here, towards which the Maoris have subscribed £70, and have arranged to pay the usual portion towards the teacher's salary, by setting aside a fixed sum, to be deducted yearly out of rents accruing from leased inalienable lands. Dr. Ormond, Resident Magistrate, Chairman of the School Committee, who takes great interest in the question, is anxious to get the school erected without delay. The establishing of a redoubt at Onepoto, on Waikaremoana Lake, and the formation of the road to it, keeping up a constant communication with Uriwera Tribes, give a feeling of security to the Wairoa settlers, and tends to encourage them to stock the back country, and to make permanent improvements to their property. 'Poverty Bay. Great progress is going on in this fertile district, and the back country is becoming rapidly taken up, and the Natives are settled quietly to agricultural pursuits. The Poverty Bay Commission has concluded the object for which it was appointed, so that " The East Coast Lands Titles Investigation Act, 1866-67," and " The East Coast Act, 1868," could be repealed. One of the troubles likely to have arisen was from the complicated state of the titles of those Europeans who have either leased or bought from the Maori the lands that passed the Commission, no provision having been made for subdivisional shares in grants, but this flaw is provided for by " The Land Act, 1873 ; " there being some fifty or more grantees in a block, with no defined rights, some of whom have sold, others mortgaged, others leased, others again retaining their shares; and. all these transactions, perhaps, have taken place with different parties. The Patutahi Block is about being surveyed for farms, &c. Captain Porter, lam informed, has settled the questions in reference to this block with the Natives. As a portion of this land is low lying, great care will be required in marking it off. It would be better if the main drain were made through it prior to marking off the farms, &c. A good, dray road has been formed from Gisborne to Ormond, and a track cut through by Motu to Opotiki and Ohiwa, in the Bay of Plenty. It is of essential importance for the advancement of the district, and in a strategical point of view, that this road to Opotiki be made passable for drays, and that the road to the oil springs, which are about to be worked, be carried on to the Waiapu Valley, thus opening up for settlement a large extent of country now lying waste in the centre of the East Cape peninsula. The telegraph, which is expected to reach Gisborne in a few months, will be a great boon to this country. There are two schools erected for the Maori children here. Dr. Nesbitt, Resident Magistrate, is unceasing in his endeavours to encourage these and any other objects that have in view the good of the Natives and the district. Waiapu. The Ngatiporou, the numerous tribe residing along the coast from Mawhai Point to Cape Runaway, have taken steps during the past year to open up their country by roads, and are very anxious to get their lands leased to Europeans. Several leases have been already taken up, and surveys commenced, preparatory to their passing the Lands Court. One of the great impediments to the settlement of this part of the coast, and which is likely to lead to a considerable loss to the settlers, is the fact of some 15,000 or 20,000 scabby sheep, owned by Maoris, pasturing in and about Waiapu and East Cape. Some attention is urgently required, or the disease will spread rapidly, on account of the increase of the flocks along the coast and the unavoidable intermixture, besides the chances of shearers carrying the disease from flock to flock. Whether, with all checks put upon promiscuous dealing with Native lands, by " The Native Lands Act, 1873," there is any necessity for the Proclamation prohibiting the passing of lands through the Court, to the north of the line drawn from Mawhai to Kaha Point, is a matter for the consideration of the G-overnment. Should this Proclamation be withdrawn, it will be necessary that proper reserves, and of sufficient extent, be set apart, and excluded from sale, lease, or mortgage. A road through the Waiapu Valley to the Waipaoa River, Poverty Bay, above the oil springs, to join the Poverty Bay-Opotiki Road, would open up a large and good tract of country. Schools for the Maori children have been opened in this district, and the Natives generally are anxious to have their children taught; but so long as there are so few resident Europeans in the district, it is doubtful whether they will retain their knowledge of the English language any length of time after leaving school. Mr. Campbell, Resident Magistrate, like Drs. Ormond and Nesbitt, takes great interest in the advancement of this desire on the part of the Natives to educate their children. Taupo. The Natives of this district continue in the same peaceful state as mentioned in my reports of 1871-72 ; since which period that portion of the tribe residing on the west shore of the lake, referred to in those reports as having come in, have settled down, principally in the neighbourhood of Tokaanu. The poverty of the greater part of the soil at the North end of the lake prevents those improvements in agriculture one would wish to see, although marked progress is apparent, a sign of which is that, since the country has been opened up for dray traffic, the Natives have purchased drays and farm implements, and taken them into the district. Those of the Ngatituwharetoa or Taupo tribe living

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at the south end of the lake at Tokaanu and Eotoaira, being more fortunate regarding the quality of their land, are commencing to turn it to good account; although, from the deplorably low condition they got into during the occupation of their country by the enemy, it will take them some time to fairly rally again. A good flour mill is just erected, to which Government aid has been rendered, and a trade in oats, potatoes, &c, has sprung up with the township at the opposite end of the lake, at Tapuaeharuru, for the supply of the Armed Constabulary Force and the hotels, &c. The Maoris at Takaanu were greatly delighted on the occasion of the first sale of a few bushels of oats and some oaten straw to the Europeans. The steamer " The Victoria " that is now launched on the lake, and the cutter the " Lady of the Lake," will tend greatly to stimulate the Natives to the cultivation of their lands ; and should the knowledge of the curative properties of the Taupo warm springs become more circulated, and the number of visitors increase, the rich lands around Tokaanu will soon be reclaimed from their present waste. The formation of a road round the lake from Tapuaeharuru to Tokaanu, and on to Eotoaira, Patea, and Whanganui, is much required. The survey of a portion of it as far as Tokaanu is commenced, a special settlement at which place, or at Eotoaira, would tend greatly to the development of the resources of the interior and to the pacification of the Island. Substantial bridges over the Waikato Eiver at Tapuaeharuru and Atiamuri have been built, and the road from one to the other is completed. All the troubles in reference thereto are now of the past. Much fo the success of this work is due to the tact and patience with the Natives shown by Mr. Bold, the Government Engineer, under whose sole direction these works, and also the road from Napier to Taupo, were carried out, principally with Native labour. The road through from Atiamuri to Cambridge is only required to complete the connection between "Wellington and Auckland. Messrs. Davis and Mitchell, agents for the negotiation of lands for Government, have been very successful in acquiring large tracts of land in this district and the adjoining Arawa country. There are no schools at present in the district, but preparations are going on for the erection of one, promised to the Natives by His Excellency the Governor, on his late visit to the district. Tuhoe, or JJriwera. Hidden away amidst a portion of the roughest forest-clad mountainous country to be found in the island, living secluded for ages, may be found here, perhaps in greater perfection than in any other part of the country, the true type of what the Maori was some thirty or forty years ago. The Uriwera have always been looked upon by the surrounding tribes as the " Children of the Mist." Here, perhaps, may be found the traditions of the Maori less changed by contact with foreigners than in any other part. They still boast of their descent from the aboriginal inhabitants, Te Marangaranga, &c, who occupied the country prior to the arrival of the traditionary canoes, viz., the Arawa, the Matatua, &c, in the latter of which, they state, some of their own ancestors arrived. This tribe has been connected with the enemy in every outbreak since the commencement of the Taranaki and Waikato wars. It was the Uriwera who fought so bravely at Orakau, where they also lost many of their tribe. According to their own estimate, 160 men have fallen in the different engagements in which they have taken part. It was here Te Kooti took refuge for so long, till he fled to the Waikato. I have visited Euatahuna, the principal settlement of the tribe, twice during the past year, and met on each occasion the greatest civility, and heard the desire expressed by the people to remain on friendly terms with the Government. They say of the Waikato, that when they (the Waikato) were in need of help, and sent for them, they went at once, and fought for them ; but afterwards, when they (the Uriwera) required help, and applied to Waikato for assistance, none was rendered them. They therefore consider themselves free. Although these Natives have submitted, and, to all appearance, desire to live at peace, yet there is a latent suspicion amongst them that the desire of the European is to get possession of their lands. A strong desire is also evinced on their part to get back those lands that have been included in the confiscated blocks, and, in the hope of gaining this point, they have been led on by rumours that were circulated during the last Session of the Assembly. This question was brought up by them at the last meeting at Euatahuna, when they were distinctly told that such would not be the case; that the lands on the Whakatane side, in the Bay of Plenty, had passed into the hands of private parties ; that on the Wairoa and Waikaremoana side, the Government had taken a certain portion; the remainder had been handed back by Major Biggs, acting for the Government, and to settle the disputed title to it, they and the Ngatikahungunu had better take it through the Native Lands Court; and with regard to the land at Whaiti, in the neighbourhood of Fort Galatea, it belonged to themselves and the adjoining tribes, and had never been confiscated. I have, in going to and from Euatahuna, travelled the three principal roads through that district, viz., by Waikaremoana and Huiarau Eoad, the Ahikereru Eoad, and by the bed of the Whakatane stream, and found but slight difference in the difficulties to bo overcome. In their present state they are execrable, but without many engineering difficulties in the way. I think a fair bridle-track could be made from Fort Galatea, by way of Ahikereru and what is called Arawhakawhiri and Tarapounamu Eoad. The present track follows the bed of the Okahu and the Manawakiwi streams. If the Uriwera could be induced to undertake this work, and clear away some of the principal obstacles on the other roads named —and I do not consider they will continue their present opposition to such an undertaking for any length of time, —and, further, to take employment on the many public works going on around them, one of the chief difficulties to the advancement and pacification of the country would be removed. The Uriwera at present are not willing that a school should be started at Euatahuna, although they express a desire that their children should attend the Whakatane Maori school. I found a desire growing that a few of their leading men, such as Paerau, Whenuanui, Kereru Te Pukenui, Tamaikowha, Heteraka, Tipihau, and Ihaka should be appointed assessors. I would only state, further, in reference to this tribe, closed up as they are in their mountain fastnesses, wedged in between the rising settlements of the East Coast and the open plains of Taupo and the Waikato country, that too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of the position they hold, and the necessity of paying an extra amount

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of attention to whatever will tend to ameliorate their condition and open up the country. Agriculture is in a very backward state here : I doubt whether there be a plough in the district; if there is, it is not used, all the labour being done by hand, with a few spades and the old Maori ho, although with these primitive tools they contrive, through the light nature of the soil they have to work, to grow large quantities of potatoes, maize, and sufficient tobacco (torori) for their own use, but none for sale; and it is doubtful whether a dozen iron pots or other European household articles so essential for cooking, &c, could be found, the ancient oven or hangi answering for all purposes, with flax baskets for dishes, &c. Their religion is that taught to them by Te Kooti, being a short service morning and evening, in which all join, the only ceremony being a short prayer repeated by the priest, followed by a chant, by the whole congregation, of a string of verses culled from the Bible. No missionary visits these people. Physically, the Uriwera, appear to be a fine, healthy people, and morally, compare favourably with most other tribes. I know no place where there are so many children in proportion to the adult population. This may be partly accounted for by the large number of elders killed during the late wars. Patea. This part of the country, like the Uriwera district, although not formerly in this district, has lately, as regards matters connected with the Native Lands Act, been most inconveniently added, the Uriwera country properly belonging to the Opotiki district, and Patea to Whanganui. The Natives of this part of the country have continued loyal through all the late disturbances. Of all parts of the interior of this Island, it is doubtful if a more suitable position, as regards extent, quantity, and quality of land, could be found, for the purposes of special or other settlement, than that stretching from Tokaanu, at the south end of Taupo Lake, on to Rotoaira, Eangipo, Karioi, and Murimotu Plains, and on to Patea, a country of over half a million acres in extent, of level and undulating land, backed by well-grassed hills for runs, with plenty of excellent timber, and well watered, affording plenty of scope for all. There are no great obstacles to forming a good road from Taupo to Whanganui and Palmerston, and to Napier by way of Patea. Some disputes are going on, in reference to tribal boundaries, between the Whanganuia and the tribes of Ngatiwhiti and Ngatitama, living on the land, but not of a very serious nature. Europeans have commenced occupying the country, by leasing from the Natives, some 30,000 sheep being already on the ground, besides cattle. One of the Natives (Henare Kaka) has a small flock of sheep, to which he pays much attention. Eenata Kawepo, also, in partnership with a European, is stocking a large run at Owhaoko, adjoining the Omahu school endowment. This endowment, of some 60,000 acres, has been surveyed, and will be leased by public auction forthwith. The few Natives who reside at Patea are a healthy, thriving lot of people, paying much attention to agriculture. They are Christians, but there being no churches or schools, they send their children tothe Omahu school to be educated. I consider it a mistaken idea that the Maoris are dying out rapidly: it is the case in certain localities, but in others, if they are not on the increase, that rapid disappearance which seemed probable a short time back, is checked, more especially so in those places where no sudden change in their habits or manner of living has occurred, but where time has been allowed for them to some extent to prepare themselves. One of the rising generation of Maoris is an essentially different man from the generation now passing away. He has not acquired the habits of the past, nor unfortunately has he learnt many of the more useful requirements for the future. He lives too often a useless, monotonous state of existence, excepting when excited in plotting some mischief. The sooner, for his sake and the good of the Colony, that the country becomes opened up and settled, the better, and that to obtain any of the luxuries he sees around him, he be forced, through the example set by industrious settlers, to learn how to do so advantageously. I think if every inducement possible were held out to the Natives to take contracts on the public works going on, and encouragement given to the young men to take work under European contractors, some good might come of it, more especially with the Uriwera, and others situated in a like position. To do this effectually it would be necessary to circulate, in the Maori language, copies of such tenders as they would be likely to take. Much of the road work and metalling in Hawke's Bay was done by Maori contractors in an efficient manner. Less law and more physical and mental training in the arts of peace are required. Little opportunity has yet offered to test the working of the new Native Lands Act. There is a question in reference to tenants' rights or improvement clauses not touched upon in the Act, which, if made compulsory in the long leases, so that the lessee could feel certain of being recouped for permanent improvements, would tend much to benefit the country without injury to the Maori. The village schools will, it is to be hoped, by teaching the rising generation the English language,, help to do away with any antagonistic feeling of race. One of the greatest obstacles in carrying out the school system is the difficulty of obtaining fitting schoolmasters. The census of the Maori population that has lately been taken is a step in the right direction, if it were followed up by all officers in Native districts keeping a register, in which, as far as possible, all births and deaths, &c, should be entered, the next census would be much nearer correct than can possibly be the case with this one, besides the great service of such a register in regard to claims to land, &c. A statistical return of all varieties and quantities of crops grown by Natives, with amount disposed.of, would also be useful. Speaking generally, I consider the Natives of the East Coast and Taupo districts to be settling down quietly after their many years of excitement, and are beginning in earnest to appreciate the blessings of peace. I have, &c, S. Locke 4— G. 2.

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The Eesident Magistrate, Wairoa, to the Undee Seceetary, Native Department. Sir,— Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, 30th May, 1874. I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the following report of the Wairoa district, Hawke's Bay : —

The Natives are universally obedient to our laws, and the chief assessors always ready to enter into and unravel the somewhat complicated disputes now and again brought before us, and I am particularly indebted to Paora Apatu, the resident assessor, who invariably attends on behalf of his people, and is of much service in explaining the decisions arrived at. The chiefs generally support all Government measures, and carry with them the bulk of the people, after subjects are well discussed ; but each hapu contains an increasing number of freethinkers, who, strongly tainted with the opinions prevalent on the Napier side, oppose, on principle, every Government measure, so far, the hope of extorting money being the apparent object. During the past six months especially, discussions are perpetually going on (generally political ones), and runanga whares are built, or in course of construction, everywhere. Delegates from Waikato and elsewhere from time to time arrive and depart after a round of visitings. Our chief local orators are now strongly on their metal, the best of them ambitious to be the chosen ones to attend Parliament. At the present time they are striving to obtain money, and land is being sold to produce it; the establishment of the Maori press, and funds for a swarm of delegates to attend Parliament, being at present the object. The physical condition of the people is, I consider, much on a par with that of other Kuropeanized districts. They are in receipt of considerable sums annually for rents, and are able to indulge in some of the European luxuries, and drunkenness at times is very prevalent. The Public Works Department has furnished employment for many of our Native population. An excellent bridle track is being rapidly formed inland to Poverty Bay, a good road is established to Waikaremoana Lake, and travelling throughout the district is now easy. The telegraph line, completed to Wairoa, and rapidly extending on to Poverty Bay, proved a source of discontent while in progress. Certain of our turbulent ones wished to speak, and particularly desired to extort money ; but Mr. Locke, after patiently and ably ventilating the subject, carried the good wishes of all, and the line is now popular, and its great benefits duly appreciated. A Native school will shortly be established here on an acre section near the Waihereri, presented by Paora Apatu. Tenders for the building are out, and the work will be pushed on as rapidly as possible. Sums amounting to £65 per annum have been made a first charge on certain rents, and given by the chiefs towards the salary of the schoolmaster. Vaccination has been carefully carried on throughout the district, and several hundred children operated on. The parents, as a rule, seem perfectly willing to get it done, but do not take the slightest trouble about it. It is absolutely necessary to seek them out, whether in the tribal pa or away on the cultivation. I have, &c, Fred. F. Ormond, H. Clarke, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Department, Eesident Magistrate. Wellington.

No. 15. Mr. Herbert "Wardell to the Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Sir, — Wairarapa, 4th June, 1874. I have the honor to report that the state of the Natives in this district in respect to their relations with the European population, is very satisfactory, and that the authority of the Courts of law is fully recognized. A large section of the Natives here regards Henare Matua as their leader in political matters, and join with him in desiring increased representation in Parliament. A census taken last month gives a total Native population in the district of 742 ; this, when compared with the census taken by me in 1864, shows a considerable decrease.

I cannot account for this decrease except by attributing it to irregular habits of life, and to intemperance, which is greatly on the increase. War has had but little to do with it, epidemic ■disease less. I have, &c., Herbert Wardell, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 14.

-KS. Fem. .LES. Totals. Over 15. Under 15. Over 15. tTnder 15. 1864 1874 349 312 147 105 238 238 109 87 843 742 Decrease in 10 years 37 42 22 101

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No. 16. The Resident Magisteate, Eangitikei, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Sib, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Marton, 18th May, 1874. I have the honor, in forwarding this, my annual report on the condition of the Natives in the Otaki, Manawatu, and Rangitikei districts, to state that during the past year only two occurrences worthy of note have happened. The first was the Horowhenua dispute, between Muaupoko and Ngatiraukawa, which came to a head in December last, when Kawana Hunia took the law into his own hands, and attempted to assert his right over the land by burning a whare and destroying crops belonging to Ngatiraukawa. This provoked reprisals, and the two parties threatened to fight the quarrel out. Blood might have been shed but for the prompt interference of Mr. J. Booth, R.M., who was in the neighbourhood at the time, engaged in his duties as Land Purchase Commissioner. In January of this year the Hon. the Defence Minister was himself able to be at Otaki, and take the management of the dispute into his own hands. Kawana Hunia was summoned to Wellington to answer for his actions in burning and destroying crops. He appeared to answer the charge, but the prosecution was withdrawn. The prosecution, however, has done good, as it has proved to the Maoris that none of their chiefs are above the reach of the law. The other occurrence has been the action of Mr. A. McDonald, at Awahuri, who on two occasions has committed violent and premeditated breaches of the law, with the intention, as he states, of asserting the rights of Ngatikauwhata against the Government, alleging that Ngatikauwhata have been aggrieved in the matter of the issue of Crown grants for their reserves in the Manawatu Block. In January last McDonald destroyed a survey station, for which act he was fined £10 in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Wellington. On the 30th April he shot at and wounded a horse in a coach that was being driven across the Oroua Bridge at Awahuri, to be placed on the subsidized line of coaches from Palmerston to Waipukurau. Mr. McDonald has been committed for trial for the above offence, and is now out on bail. Mr. McDonald describes himself as an adopted member of Ngatikauwhata, and as their agent and servant; but in my opinion he is rather the originator and instigator of all the opposition to the settlement of the reserves. For the rest, many claims to land have been decided by the Native Lands Court, and a considerable portion of the land has been sold to the Government. On other portions advances have been made or they are under offer. During the year the Natives from Waikanae migrated to Waitara. The money that has been paid to the Maoris for land has kept them from want, and there has been less agriculture amongst them than in former years. I have not, in any single instance during the year, experienced any difficulty in obtaining the appearance of Natives to answer summonses, or in executing warrants. I have, &c, Wm. J. Willis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 17. Eev. J. W. Stack to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Sib,— Kaiapoi, 21st May, 1874. I have the honor, in accordance with your instruction, to forward enclosed report on the Canterbury Natives : — • Repobt on the Canteebuey Maobis foe 1873-74. I have referred in previous reports to the increasing poverty of the Natives : to this cause, in a great measure, may be attributed the meeting held at Kaiapoi on the 25th of March last, when 300 Natives from different parts of the Island, met to devise some scheme for acquiring more land and more money. As long as the Maoris had sufficient food and clothing without requiring to make any extraordinary efforts, they were happy and contented. The relief from the state of constant dread of hostile attack in which they lived prior to the settlement of Europeans in the country, caused them to regard those whose presence secured to them the blessings of peace, as friends and benefactors; and the uniform kindness and fairness with which they—a numerically inferior race —were treated, was a constant theme of admiration, presenting as it did so marked a contrast to what their own conduct would have been under similar circumstances. But too close contact with the pakeha has produced unhappiness and discontent; for whilst they have been deprived of many of their privileges and comforts, they have been forced to move onward in new paths faster than their natural inclinations prompted them. The modern Maori shrinks from regular labour and steadfast application to business. His habits of mind and body are the reverse of those required to secure the full benefits of civilization. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at that the whole Native community rush eagerly after those who promise a golden harvest from the nonfulfilment of the Land Purchase Commissioners' agreements; nor that they should jealously guard against doing anything to prejudice their claim to that fabulous wealth which will procure for them ease and plenty without labour or exertion. The procedure at the meeting was a strange medley of savage and civilized customs. The wild chant and violent gestures round the gory carcases of oxen and sheep and piles of uncooked food, with which the proceedings opened, ill accorded with the burlesque imitation of parliamentary formalities with which the meeting was conducted throughout. The sobriety and general good behaviour of the Natives attending the meeting was worthy of all praise, and spoke well for their moral condition.

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lam sorry to report that the opposition to the establishment of schools continues unabated. In February last I visited Little River, for the purpose of inducing the Natives to sanction the erection of a school on their reserve ; but though it was clearly explained that the Government would bear all the expense, and give their children free education, they refused to give standing room for the buildings, and this in spite of the earnest remonstrance of the Hon. Wi Katene, who accompanied me. Acting upon a suggestion made by the Natives, I applied to His Honor the Superintendent to allow the erection of the buildings on a road reserve ; but though this could not be, His Honor kindly offered to purchase a site if a suitable one could be obtained, but up to this date I have not succeeded in meeting with one. My efforts to establish a school at Aowhenua. were equally unsuccessful. I was told, in reply to the offers made, that the Government never thought of educating their children till they put in a claim for compensation for the nonfulfilment of the Land Purchase Commissioners' promises. They characterized the favour now offered as an attempt to prejudice their claim. They said that the places where schools were established would receive ■ less, when the compensation was divided, than places where they had never been. It was useless to remind them that the advantages of education had been urged upon them for at least twelve years, and that the statement that the education of their children had been wilfully neglected till now was untrue. The Natives are so thoroughly imbued with the idea that they will obtain a large sum of money from the Assembly, as compensation for the non-establisment of schools immediately after the cession of the land, that they will not listen to any contradiction of their opinions. It is greatly to be hoped that some final settlement may speedily be made of these floating claims. The feeling is becoming very general in favour of the individualization of the reserves. The independence of tribal interference enjoyed by the Kaiapoi grantees is an object of envy to the residents on all the other reserves yet unindividualized. The incessant squabbles that keep every Native community in a perpetual state of commotion and disquietude are, m most instances, due to disputes arising out of the joint proprietorship in land. It is only the cost of surveying that deters the Natives from subdividing and allotting their reserves. Considering how great a boon it would be to them, and how comparatively small the cost of accomplishing the work, it would seem a wise and generous course for the Government to undertake it. The health of the Natives has been on an average with that of past years, and they have enjoyed a singular freedom from the epidemic sore throats which have proved so fatal to Europeans here ; but in spite of the general healthiness, the census reveals a steady decrease in the numbers. There is some difficulty in administering relief to the sick and aged in such a manner as to secure to them the full benefit of the assistance rendered by the Government. It is found that food cannot be safely trusted to their friends,.whose shameless greediness would rob them of what was intended for their support. Hitherto, with one or two exceptions, relief has been confined to gifts of clothing, and this winter many an old Maori will bless the Government for the blanket which covers him. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington. James "W". Stack. By Authority : Geobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB74. Price Is.]