REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session I, G-01

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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Under Secretary, Native Department, to Officers in Native Districts. (Circular No. 5.) Sir,— Native Office, AVellington, 25th April, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, to request you will be good enough to furnish your annual report upon the state of the Natives in your district, to reach this office if possible not later than the 31st May proximo, in order that it may be printed for the General Assembly. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, Under Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. G. Kelly, Mangonui, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Mangonui, 9th May, 1879. I have the honor to report that the Natives of this district arc, as usual, peaceable and loyal, quietly pursuing their ordinary avocation of kauri-gum-digging and the cultivation of their lauds. The former, lam glad to say, is chiefly carried on during the summer months (as this article is only to be found in this district in payable quantities in swampy lands), thereby preventing a great deal of illness which frequently arises from exposure. There has been great competition for kauri gum lately; consequently the high prices ruling have induced them to return to this mode of living, and the great disadvantages they labour under for want of roads from settlements iv the interior portions of the district prevent their growing more produce than required for their own use : in fact they grow barely enough. On the 7th December last an unusually severe storm occurred at Pukepoto, causing a heavy flood and serious damage to cultivations in that neighbourhood, but the aid of the j£4o you kindly allowed was the means of saving the Natives from great privation, for which they were extremely thankful. Public works have been almost at a standstill in this district. AVith the exception of the few minor works carried on by the Road Boards, nothing has been done: the Natives are chiefly employed at this work, and it is found that they do their work well, even to building culverts and bridges. Great disappointment has been expressed at the road through A rictoria Valley not having been completed: it being little or no advantage to the district in its present state, stopping as it does at the very point where most required. I am very glad to state that habits of intemperance have almost disappeared amongst the Natives within the last two years, and the general health of the district has been good—a very fortunate circumstance, as we are most unfortunately situated in there being no medical man available nearer than Auckland, should he be required. During the summer months that part of the district about Awanui and Kaitaia was visited by scarlet fever, but of a comparatively mild form, very few cases proving fatal. I have been often strongly urged, by both Natives and Europeans, to represent to the Government the advisability of appointing a medical man to this district. lam satisfied that, if the Government could give a salary of £10!) per annum to a medical officer for a few years, if once established, that he would make a good income by general practice, and not require any assistance from the Government. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. George Kelly. I— G. 1.

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No. 3. Mr. S. yon Stunner, R.M., Hokianga, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 26th May, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular No. 5, of 7th April, 1879, and, in compliance, to forward herewith my annual report on the state of the Natives in my district. AVhen looking back on the past year, and comparing it with, the same period some ten or twelve years since, the change in the habits and general condition of the Native population in this district is very marked, and there is considerable cause for congratulation, though, at the same time, there is room for much improvement. But the change is so gradual that in the short space of twelve months, more particularly during the last year, there is but little of striking interest to report. The physical condition of the Natives has improved, and the health of the people has been remarkably good, and comparatively few deaths have occurred. No persons of note have died during the past year. The number of offences against the law docs not appear to be in excess of former years, and, with the exception of a case of attempted murder of a Native woman by her husband, none have been of a serious nature. In a case where I had sentenced a Native to six months' imprisonment for petty larceny, through the carelessness of the special constable in whose charge he was placed for conveyance to Auckland he effected his escape, and after a few days made his way back to the neighbourhood of bis former settlement. I was quickly apprised of the circumstance by the Natives, and, as it was almost impossible for the constable to find and arrest him, unless at great expense, I called together a few of the principal men of the "kainga/' and talked the matter over with them, and within a few days I had the satisfaction of seeing the prisoner again in custody, he having been brought to the lock-up by the Natives themselves at considerable trouble, and without any promise of reward of any kind being held out to them. This is in itself a convincing proof of the genuineness of the statement so often made by the northern Natives that they desire to live "under the rule of the Queen," and to maintain her laws to the utmost of their ability, and also of the advance they have made during the past few years. With reference to the pursuits of the Natives, of course a large portion of their time has been taken up by their cultivations, though I am sorry to say that the principal crops of potatoes and kumaras have, owing to the late extremely dry season, in many instances failed; and I have every reason to believe that there will be a great scarcity during the coming winter. Many of the people have also been engaged making roads under the supervision of the County Council and General Government; and many are actively employed in the forests, cutting timber to supply the saw-mills in the district. But with all this I am exceedingly sorry to say that I must still characterize the Natives as an indolent people : they will indeed work for a few weeks or even months at a time, as well as Europeans, and, having earned a few pounds, return to their homes, and, in too many instances, squander their savings in drink and extravagance. Intemperate habits have long been the curse of the Native race, and it will I fear be many years before, as a people, they will succeed iv overcoming this terrible evil. At present I am glad to say there are signs of improvement, and several Natives have opened accounts at the Post Office Savings Bank, and invested moneys in other ways for their permanent benefit, many amongst them being persons who were formerly much given to habits of intoxication. Referring to Native schools, as it is my intention to make a separate report on this subject, I shall say but little. The number of children receiving instruction is upwards of two hundred and fifty of both sexes ; and the older schools, instead of falling off—as I bad anticipated after a few years —are now even more flourishing than when first established. • I allude more particularly to the AATiirinaki and AVaitapu schools. At the former the average attendance is considerably over forty, and at the latter within two or three of that number. During the present month several chief's of Tc Rarawa and Ngapuhi have returned from Te Kopua meeting, having been invited to attend. They all unanimously condemn the action of Tawhiao and his party, both for their conduct at the meeting itself, and for the folly of the Kingites iv refusing the terms offered by the Government, which they consider were far too liberal. They look upon Tawhiao as merely a Native chief like themselves, and consider it great presumption on his part to have in any way claimed the chieftainship of any other part of New Zealand than that with which he is immediately connected. The effect of their visit is likely to do good, as they had previously no conception of the strength of the Europeans in the Waikato country, and the quantity of valuable territory which the AA'aikato Natives had lost through their rebellious action against the Government of the colony. There is one point which the Natives here are constantly impressing upon me, and that is that in former years when they sold large blocks of land to the Government it was held out, as an inducement to sell, that Europeans would settle amongst them : this, they say, has not taken place, and they are now most anxious that a portion of the purchased lands which are of firstclass quality, though rather broken, should be set aside for special settlement, and the promise made by the agents of the Government who purchased the land fulfilled. In closing this report I feci fully justified in congratulating the Government upon the state of the Natives in my district. 1 have, &c, Spencer yon Stunner, The Under Secretary, Native Department, AVellington. Resident Magistrate,

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No. 4. Mr. E. M. Williams, R.M., Bay of Islands, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Resident Magistrate's Office, AVaimate, Sir,— Bay of Islands, 19th May, 1879. In compliance with your circular of the 7th April last, I have the honor to forward my annual report ou the state of the Natives in the district under my charge. Since last reporting but little change has taken place in their conduct: taking them as a body the Natives are orderly and peaceable, still maintaining their character for loyalty and submission to British law. It cannot be denied that the Natives generally arc favourable to the due administration of the law, as evinced by their submission to the decisions given in the Courts of justice. Even in a criminal case, should a prisoner of high standing be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the sentence is submitted to and carried out without opposition, where, in former years, such an attempt would have been strenuously opposed, aud much trouble and annoyance occasioned. Two instances have occurred within the year where men of note have been arrested and lodged in gaol without the slightest opposition. In one case a European and Native constable arrested their prisoner in the heart of a Native district, aud escorted him a distance of twenty miles, no one attempting to interfere with them, although the friends of the prisoner were present when he was arrested, and witnessed his departure. Criminal cases, however, are of rare occurrence : they are the exception, and not the rule. Perhaps nowhere are they less frequent than in a Maori district. Complaints are seldom made, and the European settler, isolated in a Native district, feels himself as safe amongst his Maori neighbours as if he were living in the heart of a town. As regards the social condition of the Natives, little change is to be noticed. Here and there one may be found endeavouring to improve his position by the erection of a wooden house, adding thereto some of the comforts of civilization; but the majority are content to live on in their Maori whares, some of which are of the most miserable description. In agriculture they are backward, only growing sufficient for their own consumption, and in some instances not even that. The growth of wheat lias been almost entirely abandoned, partly through indolence and partly from the fact that at the time they should be preparing ground and sowing the crop they arc tempted to leave for the gum fields, which still yield a large export, affording employment to numbers of both sexes, at which they earn remunerative wages. Flour is consumed in large quantities, but imported entirely from Auckland. AVith reference to this laxity on tho part of the Natives, I have heard it remarked by some that it is useless for a man holding land in common with others to improve what may never be his; that if the property were individualized some inducement would be offered, but while held in common they care not to work beyond what is absolutely necessary for the growth of their crops. Many would gladly have their titles individualized, but for the difficulty experienced in deciding as to the division of the property. There arc lauds which will never be individualized. Such will ultimately be sold, when, as is often the case, the money will be divided in unequal proportions, the weaker members receiving but a trifling acknowledgment as their share in the proceeds of what was once their inheritance. I am glad to be able to state that drunkenness is by no means so common as formerly. There has been a change for the better in some who at one time were heavy drinkers, and their example is not lost upon their countrymen. There are but few who could be called confirmed drunkards, and even they do not manifest that yearning for spirituous liquors which characterizes the European drunkard. They will go for months without tasting a drop, yet are always ready to indulge during one of their meetings, or when visiting the towns. Sickness has not been so prevalent as last year, and the district at the present time is iv a healthy state. The deaths which have occurred are mainly attributable to want of proper care and attention. The Natives, from various causes, are ill prepared to meet sickness. Tho miserable hovels which some inhabit, their want of cleanliness, the manner in which they ruin their constitutions by often sleeping in exposed situations, especially on the gum fields during the most inclement season of the year, while at other times they will crowd together iv small, dirty, and ill-ventilated apartments —these circumstances combined render them an easy prey to sickness and disease, and the wonder is that deaths arc not more frequent. The Native schools are doing good work, although there has been a falling off in the attendance at some of them, caused by the parents removing their children to assist either on the gum fields or at their cultivations, and in some instances migrating for the winter months to distant settlements, where food is more plentiful. Many do not as yet see the importance of a regular education, and consider an occasional attendance to be all that is necessary. The Resident Magistrates' Courts have been regularly held at the following places : At Waimate and B,ussell, weekly; and at Kawakawa and AVhangaroa, monthly. The cases heard have been for the most part of a civil nature, many of them between Maoris only. The Natives continue orderly in their attendance, aud the decisions given arc readily submitted to. I have, &c, Edward M. AVilliams, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Resident Magistrate. Wellington.

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No. 5. Mr. T. Jackson, R.M., Papakura and Waiuku Districts, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Razorback, 26th May, 1879. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular No. 5, of the 7th ultimo, I have the honor to make the following report upon the state of the Natives in the Resident Magistrate's Districts of Papakura and Waiuku : — Since making my report for the year ending the 30th April, 1878, the Natives in all parts of my district have been orderly and peaceably behaved, although most of them living near European settlements drink a great deal more than is good for them, and by doing so injure themselves in many ways. It deprives them of necessary clothing, food, and other comforts, and tends to make them indifferent and neglect their ordinary ways of providing for their wants by cultivation of the ground, and as a necessary consequence they suffer in the winter months from scarcity of food, especially their old men and women. Should the Natives be induced to take advantage of the provisions contained in "The Native Licensing Act, 1878," passed expressly for their benefit, it may in a measure check the spread of drunkenness amongst them. By the desire of the Government, lam now in communication with some of the leading chiefs in this district, explaining to them the great benefit that will accrue to the Native race by their at once taking advantage of the above Act. I am in hopes that two localities, if not more, will be proclaimed to the south-west of the Waikato River. Last month Natives left from all parts of this district for the purpose of attending the Native meeting held at Te Kopua : about twenty left the Native settlement near Waiuku and Waipipi, and from the reckless manner in which they have mortgaged their rents two years in advance, and also sold and leased all the lauds they lawfully could, I am of opinion that it is their intention to remain in the King country. These Natives have cultivated very little during the last year, not nearly sufficient for their wants. They do not work for the neighbouring settlers, but eke out an existence by gum-digging and fishing. Nearly all the males of the Ngatitipa attended the meeting at Te Kopua, and a few of the Ngatitahingas. These Natives reside to the south-west of the AVaikato River, are sober and industrious, and have no European settlement or public-house near them. Forty-one applications have been granted for the purchase of powder, shot, and caps for sporting purposes, in quantities of 1 lb. powder, 8 lb. shot, and 250 caps to each applicant. Two applications to be allowed to purchase fowling-pieces have been sanctioned—to Hori Tauroa and Paul Katuhi, both of Waiuku. There are no Native schools in this district receiving Government support, and I do not think any of the district schools are attended by children of the Native race. The health of the Natives throughout the district has been remarkably good ; they have not been afflicted with any epidemic, and from inquiries I have made I find that only three females, one male child under eight years of age, aud one female child under two years, have died during the year. I have, &c, Thomas Jackson, R.M., The Hon. John Sheehan, Native Minister, Papakura and AVaiuku Districts. Wellington.

No. 6. Captain Preece, R.M., Opotiki, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Opotiki, 9th June, 1879. In accordance with the instructions contained in your Circular No. 5, of the 7th of April last, I have the honor to forward the following report on the state of Native matters in this district, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister:— Industrial Pursuits. Large quantities of wheat and maize have been grown by the Natives at Opotiki, AVhakatane, Waiotahi, Tc Kaha, Omaio, and Raukokore, this year; the maize crop at Te Kaha has not proved so good as usual. The Ngatiawa and Ngatipukeko Tribes at Whakatane are about to have two flour-mills erected at that place; the mill for the Ngatiawa is to be completed in three months. There is an increasing desire among the Natives to keep small flocks of sheep; the Rangitaiki Natives have over a thousand. There are also about two hundred at different places along the coast, and the owners of the sheep arc very much pleased at the appointment of a Sheep Inspector for the district, and express their willingness to obey all instructions relative to the management of their flocks. Native Schools. The Omaramutu and Fort Galatea Schools have been closed during the past year, and the services of teachers dispensed with, owing to the fact that no children attended. At Whakatane School the attendance of children has beeu very small, and the results very unsatisfactory. At

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Torere, Omaio, and Te Kaha the attendance has been good, and the scholars are progressing fairly; the discipline is good, and the schoolrooms clean. At Opotiki several of the Native children attend the district school, but I am unable to give the numbers, as the teacher has not furnished me with returns since he received instructions to include the Torere children in his returns to the Education Board. At AA raioeka the Ng§tira hapu of the AVhakatohca Tribe has built a raupo schoolroom 28 x 20 feet, and employed a teacher, Mr. 11. Sutton, whom they pay without assistance from Government. The school was opened on the 20th January last, and the attendance since that date has averaged twenty-seven. Condition, Moral and Social. In this district the Natives conduct themselves well. Although the number of convictions in the Police Court exceeds the previous year, still drunkenness is decidedly on the decrease; and I attribute this to the fact of their being kept constantly employed as labourers on the farms of Europeans, and not, like the Natives in adjoining districts, living on the proceeds of the sale of lands to Government and private parties. At a sitting of the Native Land Court, which took place here last June, the principal claim heard was to the AVaimana Block, which was awarded to the Urewera Tribe. There were over four hundred Natives in the township for about three weeks, and they conducted themselves in a very orderly manner, both inside and outside the Court. Although when outside the Court they talked in the way they generally do, yet they were very orderly and quiet under the control of the police, who showed great judgment in the way they managed them. There has been an increase in the number of cases brought before the Resident Magistrate's Court in which Natives were concerned, viz., — Criminal: Common assault, 5, summarily convicted ; malicious injury to property, 3, summarily convicted; larceny, 7, committed for trial, 1; summarily convicted, 6; cattle-stealing, 2, dismissed, 1; committed for trial, 1; drunkenness, 20, summarily convicted; resisting the police, 5, summarily convicted; fighting, 3, summarily convicted; perjury, 2 dismissed, 1; committed for trial, 1. Civil: European and Maori, 25 cases, amount sued for .€175 14s. 9d., recovered £146 4s. 9d.; Maori against Europeans, G cases, amount sued for £44 16s. 6d., recovered £16 16s. 6d.; Maoris only concerned, 15 cases, amount sued for £60 15s. od., recovered £33 lis. 3d. Although the number of criminal cases against Natives is larger than last year, yet, considering the large Native population of the district, it is very small. Public Works. The only public works on which Natives have been employed during the year are the Te Tcko and Whakatane Roads, and a portion of the Raukokore and Te Kaha Road: the latter was paid for by moneys due to the AVaikana Riding. The Natives of the district are living on good terms with the Europeans; several hapus, including some of the Urewera, have intimated their readiness to place their services at the disposal of the Government for active service, if required. The ex-rebel chief, Te AA raru, still resides at Waiotahi. Some short time ago some Poverty Bay Natives wrote to him, stating that the Government had consented that he should pay a visit to that place. This caused great uneasiness amongst tho Natives of AVairoa, Hawke's Bay, who threatened to kill him if ho attempted to return. Te AVaru, however, had no wish to return without the consent of Government, and when I informed him that he could not go be appeared quite satisfied. I consider that it would not be advisable to allow him to return to his own district, as the feeling against him is very strong in the AVairoa. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Native Department, George A. Preece, AVellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 7. Captain Gudgeon, R.M., Gisborne, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Gisborne, 21st May, 1879. In accordance with your Circular No. 5, of the 7th April, 1879, I have the honor to report as follows on the Maori race in my district:— I regret that my report will not be as exhaustive as is desirable, consequent on my being new to the department, and therefore finding it difficult to acquire the necessary information. On my arrival at Poverty Bay last December, I found that a subdivision of the Ngatiporou at Waiapu, led by Wi Keiha and llirini Kahe respectively, were engaged in a quarrel over a block of land known as Ptiohotcrangi: this difficulty they were trying to settle by force of arms. During a whole month much powder was expended, but I doubt whether a single bullet was used : in fact, the dispute was only continued in the hope that some member of the Ministry would appear upon the scene, and pay the combatants to leave off, as was actually done on a former occasion when AYi Keiha and Paora te Haenga quarrelled, and • man -was shot by Hakaraia Mauheni.

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Wi Keiha's grievance arose from the fact that the Committee of Inquiry had rejected his claim to Puohoterangi, whereupon AVi asserted, with more or less truth, that they had been bribed with rum by the opposite party. During the last four months, I find a growing inclination to sell and lease lands in the Ngatiporoti district, even among the people north of Waiapu, who have been most obstructive in this matter. Several blocks arc now under offer for lease at the Kawakawa and Te Kautuku. At Poverty Bay nearly all available land has either been dealt with, or is under negotiation with the Government, but I regret to say, in most cases, the titles under which Europeans hold are radically bad, and do not appear to be likely to improve, as the Maoris are too suspicious to allow fair settlement, and 1 believe will be satisfied with but little short of repudiation. For the last six months, committees elected by the Ngatiporou and Turanga Tribes have assumed judicial powers in their districts, and have fined offenders severely, particularly in the very numerous cases of crim. con. In the majority of cases these fines have been paid and absorbed by the committees, but a few bolder spirits refused, whereupon the judges have applied to me to enforce their judgments. lof course had to refuse, and point out that to the best of my belief they had no jurisdiction from a legal point of view. One man only has differed from me, and he assures me that by the Treaty of Kohitnarania they have power to try cases of adultery, and inflict any fine not exceeding £18. As a rule, I find these committees amenable to reason and easily managed, but such is not the case in the district north of AVaiapu River, extending to the Kautuku : here the local chairman, Anaru Kahaki, an assessor, has warned me not to allow European policemen to serve summonses, and informs me that they are capable of managing their own affairs. As I have fined no less than four different Natives for sly grog-selling in their district, and find that fourfifths of my other cases arise in the same small place, I can only conceive that Te Kahaki and his colleagues arc not capable of managing their own affairs. Notwithstanding these small eccentricities, I have much pleasure iv reporting that the tribes in the AA raiapu and AA rairoa Districts are not wanting in respect to the law, and that I have as yet found no difficulty in enforcing any judgment, whether fine or imprisonment, inflicted by mc in my judicial capacity. At the same time, I would respectfully submit that there is an clement of danger and discontent in these committees, unless their powers arc restrained and defined by Statute. As an instance, I would state that a Maori told me that they would rather have their committee, because the fines iv that case were kept in the district, aud did not go to the Government. I cannot report favourably on the sobriety of the Ngatiporou Tribe. The habit of hard drinking acquired during the period in which they were receiving large sums of money from the Government for service in the field is not easily shaken off; but there is this improvement to report: that, although there is probably much sly grog-selling, yet at the same time to nothing like the extent that existed some twelve months since, when rum of the very worst quality might have been obtained from every whare between Tokomaru and Hicks Bay. Such being the case, it will not be thought strange that I cannot at once persuade Ngatiporou to adopt the Native Licensing Act of 1878. The extent to which drinking has been indulged in may be judged from the fact that a chief of AVhareponga told me that his hapu had received about £12,000 for land sold, and that nearly all of it had gone in spirits. Te Aitanga-a-ilauiti have been more easy to deal with, and they have already petitioned the Government to proclaim the district lying between Tologa Bay River and the northern end of Tokomaru Bay a district under "The Native Licensing Act 1878." The Wairoa and Poverty Bay tribes compare favourably with their northern neighbours in the matter of sobriety, but to what extent the scarcity of money may affect them I find it difficult to say. Te Kooti's karakia is still used by the Upper Wairoa, Waiau, and Poverty Bay tribes; it would appear to be an amended form of Hauhaiiism, and evidently has a strong hold on its votaries. During the month of January Te Kooti sent warning to the tribe at Waikaremoana that a great misfortune was about to befall them, and that the only method of avoiding their otherwise hopeless fate was by leaving their kaingas and all pakeha camps, and going out into the wilderness for the time being until the danger had passed. These directions were followed implicitly by the people, who showed considerable uneasiness if visited by a European. AATiile on the subject I beg to report that the old Government party among the Maoris at AVairoa and Turanga have been greatly excited lately by a report that Te Waru would be permitted to leave Opotiki and visit this district. Should such a request be preferred to the Government I should most strongly urge that it be refused, for Te Waru would undoubtedly be shot in such case. I regret that in matters industrial I cannot report favourably of the Maoris in my district: they have, in fact, ascertained the minimum of cultivation necessary for a bare existence, and practise it. Among the Ngatiporou the potato crop has been an absolute failure, and their corn but little better; they have, therefore, only the kumara crop to depend upon, and this cannot last throughout the winter. Some of the old Maoris arc inclined to attribute the summer drought, and consequent failure of crops, to their having readopted the Christian religion only a few months previously. None of them will acknowledge that their utter laziness is the true solution of their troubles. At the same time they are very anxious as to how they shall live

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through the early spring; the more so as they have but little stock since the scabby sheer, were boiled down, scarcely any cattle, and but a few pigs. Even in the matter of fruit-trees I notice that they depend entirely upon the few old trees planted during the days of missionary influence : these are being rapidly destroyed by cattle and neglect, and no young trees are planted to replace them. These remarks made upon Ngatiporou will apply in a slightly less degree to Te Wairoa and Poverty Bay. Native Schools. The Ngatiporou Tribe appear to take greater interest in educational matters than the Poverty Bay or AVairoa tribes, but at the same time only a small percentage of the children attend the five schools in their district. Tologa Bay. —The master reports an average attendance of twenty-two children, with a fair proficiency in English and other branches. Up to within the last six months considerable jealousy existed between the hapus on either side of the river, caused by a dispute as to the site of the school, the disappointed hapu revenging themselves by refusing to send their children. This ill-feeling is now at an end, and a committee, chosen for each bank of the river, works in harmony. Tokomaru. —Mr. Warner reports that, notwithstanding the want of proper moral restraint on the children by their parents, the attendance (an average of twenty-one) is very satisfactory; their progress in the several branches of education, with the exception of arithmetic, is good; and that, although the facilities for conversation iv English are few, yet a very fair advance in this is obtaining among them. The Natives in this district look favourably on the school, and Mr. Warner is of opinion that the committee lately appointed in the Bay will be determined to encourage the acquirement of education among the children, and insist upon a more regular and punctual attendance. Akuaku. —The attendance at this school has been greatly affected by the large amount of sickness amongst the Natives ; the average amounts to about thirty-two for the year. Mr. Browne reports very favourably of the aptness of the pupils, and the progress they have made in acquiring the knowledge imparted to them. The Natives in this place have shown a very friendly spirit to himself and Mrs. Browne, and appear deeply sensible of the benefits to be derived from education. Waiomatatini. —The average attendance (thirty-eight) at this school has been greatly reduced by the flooded state of the rivers, much sickness, and numerous tangis. Mr. Green reports most favourably on his pupils, and the friendly disposition of the Natives, and especially the committee, of whom Major Ropata is the head. The master is also of opinion—and in which Ido most strongly second him, for obvious reasons —that it would be of great advantage to both the children and the masters to change their locale from time to time, a transfer of a new master introducing fresh matter into the business of the school, and the novelty (a feature dearly loved by the Maori) of a new teacher. The master, by change of scene, would have new life instilled into his system, and be renerved for the future performance of his duties. Kawakawa. —This school was without a master for about twelve months, but a gentleman has lately been appointed who is appreciated by the Maoris. This, in itself, is greatly in his favour, for the two previous masters had leftiu disgust. There are no purely Native schools in the Poverty Bay District. Those that have been opened were a failure, for the Maoris did not appreciate the advantages of education. The few Maori scholars who do attend are at European schools, and doubtless obtain a greater proficiency in a given time than would be the case in a Maori school. Wairoa. —There is one school, ill attended, and not particularly well conducted. The Maori parents take no interest whatever in the institution, aud have refused to convey a piece of ground on which a school might be built. At present the class is held in an old church, which is so leaky and out of repair that attendance during wet weather is out of the question. One man objected to send his children to school on the ground that the master was paid to teach them, and he objected to any one making money out of his children. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Native Department, AY. S. Gudgeon, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 8. Mr. J. S. Master, Native Officer, Napier, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Napier, 23rd May, 1879. I have the honor to forward the following report on this district:— Hawke's Bay. The general state of the Natives in this part of the country for the past year has been quiet. A great many of the Natives of this part of the district have sent in claims to the Native Lands Court for subdivision, surveys, and succession to deceased persons. Large quantities of grain have been grown here by the Maoris during the past year, but I am afraid that they were not so successful with their potato crop on account of the long and continuous drought during the

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summer. The Omaahu and Pakowhai Schools have, lam sorry to say, been closed for some timo. The several villages at Waiohiki, Moteo, Omaahu, and Porangahau do now boast of very handsome buildings for churches, and the Natives have all seemed to take to religion more earnestly than ever, and are very attentive and regular at their respective places of worship. lam also sorry to report the death of Mr. Karaitiana Takamoana, M.H.R., who, after a short and painful illness, shortly after his return to Napier from Parliament, departed this life on the 24th February, 1879, at his residence at the Maori Club, White Road. A great many Natives from Te Wairoa, Wairarapa, Taupo, and tho Urewera country, came to tangi over their late friend and chief. Wairoa. The Natives in this portion of the district arc still persevering in agricultural pursuits, and have been going in largely for wheat, and have had a flour-mill erected. An old and loyal chief named Maihi, belonging to this district, died at AA^airoa about the time of the death of Karaitiana Takamoana. There have been some accounts current lately of a slight disturbance at Takapau re obstruction to the railway line, but I happened to be at AA'aipukurau when the police were ou their way to Takapau, and proceeded at once to the spot, and found that the matter was not so serious as reported. I will send you a separate report on that subject. Other than the above, the Natives at Takapau are a very orderly, well-behaved, and industrious lot. I have not had an opportunity (since I have beeu in charge of the Native Department here) of visiting the remaining portions of my district, but, at the samo time, I believe, if anything unusual had occurred, I should have been informed of it at once, and I trust that by next year I shall be able to give a more concise report on this district. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Native Department, Jas. S. Master, Wellington. Native Officer, Napier District.

No. 9. Mr. H. S. AA'ardell, R.M., AVairarapa, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — AVairarapa, 28th May, 1879. I have the honor to report that the Natives in this district continue in the satisfactory state last reported. In two or three instances a desire on the part of local bodies to construct roads through certain Native land, the title to which had not been adjudicated upon by the Native Land Court, has given occasion for negotiations which I undertook at your request, and which in each case have led to satisfactory arrangements. The Natives resident in several villages having expressed a desire that one of their number should be sworn in as special constable, I acceded to their request; and, the result of six months' experiment being satisfactory, I recommended, and you were good enough to approve, that six Natives should be appointed constables, one in each village, at a salary of £5 a year and a suit of uniform. I believe that these men will occasionally be an assistance to the regular police force of the district. I have, &c, Herbert S. AVardell, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Resident Magistrate. AVellington.

No. 10. Mr. R. W. Woon, R.M., Wanganui, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Wanganui, 24th May, 1879. I have the honor, in accordance with the direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, as contained in your circular of the 7th April last, No. 5, to forward the annual report on the state of the Natives in my district. The Native feeling is much about the same as that of last year. The Maori is an impressionable being, and affected by influences from within and without, and as time passes on his character alters, and from the force of education he becomes a wiser if not a better man. The race, from increasing contact with the Anglo-Saxon (the great colonizers of the earth), advances every day in the scale of civilization, and soon all Maori customs and habits will become a thing of the past, and the one race will merge into the other, and we shall have a united people, speaking one language, aud conforming to the same manners, customs, and laws throughout the land. A very good understanding exists here between the two races, and all bitter feelings, arising out of the late strife, are fast dying out; and very soon the whole Wanganui Natives will become amenable to law, and no distinction will need to be made between the races, and class legislation will cease. Quite recently a Native of Manganuioteao (a most inaccessible country, 100 miles back) was given up to justice by his chief, AA riari Turoa, and tribe, the most warlike of the AVanganui hapus;

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and is now out on bail on the charge of manslaughter of a white man in a drunken fracas at a publichouse in AVanganui. The man (one Tawhana) had eluded pursuit, and had joined his people on their way in canoes up the river, when they, by the advice of their chief, brought him to town and handed him over to the police; and he now awaits his trial at the next session of the Supreme Court. A suspected accomplice has made off to the up-river districts, but will be given up if demanded. I mention this fact in proof of the disposition of the AVanganuis to abide by the laws, and hand over any criminals of the Maori race to be dealt with by our Courts of justice. As pointed out in my last report, the Natives of these districts have entirely reversed their land-holding policy, and the Native mind has become quite absorbed in, and unhinged by, landselling operations. In January last a Land Court was held in town, and the whole river population flocked thither to support their claims and watch their interests. For the summer they took up their quarters in town and neighbourhood, and have been continually engaged in offering block after block of land for sale to the Government Commissioner, Mr. Booth, who has been most successful in his negotiations, and has, by advances made, secured the pre-emptive right of purchase by the Government over hundreds of thousands of acres of the interior. As a consequence, large sums of money have passed to the Natives; a portion of which (some £4,000) 1 have got the owners to lodge in the Bank of New Zealand, as fixed deposits, bearing interest at d>\ per cent, per annum. Of course the greater portion of their money has been spent in town, in food, clothing, and, alas, drink! and a rich harvest has been reaped by the traders and publicans. The Maoris think it is the correct thing and quite in the fashion to frequent the hotels in which AVanganui abounds, and free access has been given to them to those houses contiguous to their quarters, where they spent their time from early morning to midnight in eating, drinking, and carousing. The effect has been most demoralizing, but I am in hopes that a reaction will take place: in fact, the Natives have become alarmed at the sad consequences resulting to the race from excessive and continuous drinking, and many of the most influential chiefs have signed a petition to the Government to bring the Native Licensing Act of last session into force in the up-river districts, so that no spirituous liquors may be introduced therein, and some check be put upon the drinking propensities of the people. They have further expressed a wish that some restriction should be placed upon the sale of spirits to the Natives in the town; otherwise the endeavours to stop the consumption of drink at the settlements will be neutralized by the Natives resorting more than ever to the town, where they can get as much as they like without let or hindrance. Reverting to the subject of land-selling, I would draw the attention of the Government to the necessity of extreme caution being used in carrying out the surveys of new blocks in the interior, so as to prevent strife amongst the owners thereof, as in some cases the title is much in dispute, and a collision will be sure to ensue if the surveyors attempt to push matters in the face of threats and manifest opposition on the part of those opposed to the sale of the laud, and counter-claimants thereto. A resort should always be made to the leading chiefs and assessors, so that the matter be discussed in runanga, where an amicable arrangement is often come to and a breach of the peace prevented. Further, those surveys which are likely to be opposed might be put off, as there are many that might be carried on without any opposition, and it will take years to complete the survey of all the land over which the Government have secured the right of purchase. Touching land-selling in general, the Maori mind is liable to fluctuate from a variety of causes; but, notwithstanding a few checks to some, the Natives are bound to sell their surplus lands, and it will yet become the duty of the Government to step in and prevent many of them from parting with every inch of soil, and thus becoming paupers and a burden to the country. An apprehension of this already engages the Maori mind, and applications will be made to the Government to constitute certain Maori reserves, where letting alone will be allowed, and measures will be sought to secure the descent of such locations to the descendants of the original owners, so that they may become possessed of ample means of support, and be able to maintain their positions as chiefs and landlords in the country of their ancestors, where they formerly held undivided sway and command. The Maori has now an opportunity, by discreet management, to secure ample estates for his posterity; and it is to be hoped the opportunity will not be lost, seeing there is an abundance of land for both races. I would further enlarge upon this subject by pointing out, in the interest of the Natives, the desirability of the Land Courts being held up the river—say at the Native schoolhouse, Parikino, twenty-eight miles from town —so as to keep the Natives as much as possible away from the publichouses. Said settlement is within riding distance from town, and very central, besides which it is situated within the boundaries of the district to be proclaimed under " The Native Licensing Act, 1878," and every effort will be made by self and Native assessors to prevent the introduction of any intoxicating drink within the boundaries of said district, which commences at Kaiwhaiki, twelve miles from town. A further exponent of Maori feeling in this neighbourhood was the action taken lately by the AVanganui and Ngarauru Tribes in response to the call of the Native Minister to pursue and take the miscreant Hiroki, and it was from no lack of energy or effort on their part that he was not captured, as a sharp look-out was kept on the AVanganui River, and the Ngarauru followed him up right to Te AA rhiti's settlement, from whence they had to retire owing to threats made by the Taranaki Natives, who gave them notice to clear out at once, or they would be shot. 2—G. 1.

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The action taken by Hiroki was his individually, arising out of anger with the chief of his tribe for not sufficiently recognizing his claims to awards made to it by the Government arising out of proceeds of sales of confiscated territory, and irritation caused by the supposed destruction of his pigs at Moumahaki by the survey party; and he subsequently enlisted the sympathy of Te AVhiti and people by telling them he shot McLean on account of the survey of the confiscated land at Waitotara, the enforcement of which confiscation on the West Coast is bitterly opposed by those suffering therefrom. To my mind the wisest course was taken by the Government with regard to the capture of Hiroki (short of making it a question of peace or war —one requiring most serious consiiteration, and open to question); and I believe he will yet be given up to justice, and receive the "just reward of his deeds." With regard to confiscation generally, owing to its non-enforcement in the past the matter has become more complicated aud dangerous of accomplishment. Naturally it is a sore question with the Natives, and patience and forbearance will have to be evinced towards them to procure a peaceful solution of the difficulty. I have great hope that the present trouble at Waimate may be amicably settled, and that a satisfactory arrangement will be come to, if we do not push matters; and that shortly we shall be in a position to enforce our claims with greater effect, and with far less danger of risking a disturbance of the peace of the colony which has now so long prevailed. AA Te can afford to " 'bide our time," as we increase and they (the Natives) decrease every day, and soon the Native difficulty will become a thing of the past. With regard to the moral and physical condition of the Natives no improvement has taken place : in fact, they have retrograded in these respects, owing to the all-prevailing habit of drinking, which seems to have increased since they have frequented the town; and unless a speedy change takes place they will become utterly demoralized. However, as already stated, there are indications of reformation in their manners, and I trust that when the fever of landselling has abated they will settle down to more regular habits. In religious matters an advance has been made, as funds have been raised for the support of a Native clergyman at Putiki, and a wooden church has been erected by Maori subscription at Koriniti, besides which the Catholic body have sent a missionary (the Rev. Father Pertuis) to reside and labour amongst the Maoris at Iruharama, the old mission-field, where the Rev. Father Lampila laboured so long, and which was abandoned during the war. I anticipate much good being done to the Maoris from the location of a missionary in their midst, and those of the Catholic body are renowned for their self-denying zeal and devotion to their work. A boarding-school will also be founded under the auspices of the Church, and with the promise of aid from the Government, so that the all-important matter of education will be seen to; and this is of all the more consequence, seeing that the two village day-schools have signally failed; and thus the AA'anganui Maoris will have another opportunity afforded them of having their children educated and fitted for filling positions of usefulness and profit. In agricultural pursuits no improvement has been made, and, as reported by me last year, much neglect has been shown on this important matter, and during the prolonged stay in town of the Natives this summer many of their crops were left to the tender mercies of the cattle and swine, who have made sad havoc therewith. So reckless were the Natives in this aud other respects that they completely abandoned their pas aud cultivations for the time being, and half-starved cats and dogs were the only inhabitants left at home to render day and night hideous by their wails and cries after their unkind and cruel masters. In fact, I do not think they intend taking much trouble to raise much crop next season, as they look to the moneys received for their land as a means of buying better food in town. They are turning their attention more to the raising of stock, and have several thousand sheep at the different river settlements, where at some of them they are doing well and rapidly increasing, particularly at Banana, where they have a flock of over 4,000, which is well shepherded and tended. Some thirty-two bales of wool, weighing 8,479 lb., were sold in town at 6d. to lid. per pound, as the produce of last clip. I believe the Natives will give the preference to pastoral pursuits as being less laborious and more profitable than growing grain or other crops, and an increased impetus will be given thereto as European settlement advances up the river. Already one European has settled forty miles up, where he intends herding cattle; and there is a prospect of more following, as land has been bought by settlers some sixty miles distant from town, on the river-bank; and the day is not far distant when there will be many a thriving little farm on the banks of the AVanganui, whose natural beauties will thereby be enhanced by cultivation and art. No public works have been commenced in my district this year, but inquiries have been instituted by the Public Works Department respecting the feasibility of forming a road up the Wanganui River to Pipiriki—an important centre in the interior. A work of that kind constructed by Maori labour, with a few ferries here and there so as to avoid the precipitous parts of the river's banks, would prove highly beneficial to the AA'anganui District, and tend much to open up the country, and give enhanced value to those tracts of territory about to revert to the Government, whose object is to open up the same for settlement. In matters likely to prove of interest to the colony, I might mention the progress made by the Harbour Board in the construction of works likely to improve the navigation of our noble river, which are now in a forward state. The result has so far proved satisfactory. The import.

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ance of these works cannot be over-estimated, as upon their success depends the future progress of AVanganui, and its becoming a first-class port, and the natural outlet for the produce of the interior. Considerable difficulty was experienced at first in procuring the stone necessary for constructing these works, and it was through the energy and influence of the Hon. the Native Minister that negotiations were successfully carried out with the Natives, from whose land on the rivcr-bauk, contiguous to town, the stone is quarried and removed to the works, at a reasonable price, aud to the benefit of the contractor and public at large. The Natives here take great interest in the harbour and reclamation works now going on, and the owners of the Putiki Reserve (a most valuable estate, abutting upon the river opposite the town) are anxious to have protective works constructed on their foreshore, whereby much valuable land will be recovered, and the inroads of the river, likely to be increased by the town reclamations, will be effectually prevented, and the value and importance of their reserve — where a township will spring up — much enhanced. The bridle-track from Banana and Iruharama to the Murimotu Plains, upon which some £400 of Government money was expended, have been much used by the Natives and some Europeans, as the nearest way of communication between the river aud the plains. The Natives both of AA'anganui and Taupo are alive to the importance of constructing a road to open the country between Wanganui and Taupo, and have collected money, and lodged the same with me, to help to defray the cost of such construction. The health of the Natives, from negligence and exposure, has not improved, although no serious epidemic—with the exception of whooping-cough, fatal to many of the children—has broken out. The wonder is that there is not more mortality amongst them, owing to their drinking habits, and crowded state of living, for months in the year, in tents in the Town of Wanganui. A kind of.cholera, or severe dysentery, broke out in this town last summer, and the doctors were of opinion that it originated in that part of the town occupied by the Maoris, owing to the crowded state of their camp and the want of proper sanitary arrangements. Something will have to be done to prevent a recurrence of this unhealthy state of things in the future by having some substantial and airy buildings, under proper surveillance, put up on a part of the foreshore recently reclaimed, to be used by the Maoris as a market and dwellinghouses when they resort to town to sell their produce. The wants of a Native population of some two thousand demand provision of this kind being at once made to meet the necessities of the case, and they have a claim upon the Government and the AVanganui community for immediate attention to this matter. The two village schools at Parikino and Iruharama have unfortunately proved a failure. They were well attended for the first two or three years, but the attendance gradually fell off to some half-dozen or so pupils, who attended very irregularly, when they had of necessity to be closed. This was most discouraging after all that had been done, and the promises of support given, and evident interest taken by the Maoris in matters of education. The main cause has been the ferment and excitement created by the adoption of the land-selling policy, as the Native mind has thereby become completely absorbed and taken up in seeing to the administration of their lands, which have latterly advanced greatly in importance and value. Much of their land being in dispute, a great deal of time has been consumed in holding meetings to discuss and arrange their differences; and thereafter the surveys, and attending the law-courts, have swallowed up most of their time, and their serious attention will of necessity be taken up on this all-important business for years to come, so that after all it is not a matter of surprise that the Maoris could not give their continued attention to other affairs, and in a manner be compelled, from the force of circumstances, to neglect the education of their children. They know full well the value of education, and some of their children have been sent to European schools here and elsewhere, and by-and-by when they become more settled I trust another effort will be made by them to start, support, and maintain a school or college of their own, which they will have hereafter ample means to endow. Unfortunately the number of the children is fast diminishing, so many having died, and there being but few to replace them, owing to the barrenness of many of the married women. The deaths of children during the past year out-number considerably the births, and of these there are but comparatively few. The causes for this are well known, and need not be repeated here. During the location of the river population in town the business of my Court was much increased, as all matters of litigation amongst Maoris themselves were referred to my Court for adjudication. I found the assessors of great assistance to me, particularly in those cases where disputes arose about the distribution of moneys received as advances in payment for their lands. Where titles to land were in dispute, I have got them to refer the matter to arbitration, and in one important case bonds have been drawn up by Mr. Duncan, solicitor, and two arbitrators and an umpire chosen, the award when made to be made a rule of the Supreme Court if necessary. Owing to tho frequent resort to the publichouses many cases of drunkenness and assault took place, and I inflicted several heavy penalties, which were all paid, and imprisonment avoided.

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The chief Hakaraia, one of the oldest assessors in Wanganui, and brother-in-law to Major Kemp, proved of most assistance to me. He is a very influential chief, much respected, and a firm supporter of the law. Another matter of interest is the increasing influence of the prophet Te Whiti over the minds of the Wanganui Natives. About one hundred and fifty of them, men and women, with their children, principally from tho lower pas, have migrated to Parihaka, where they are awaiting tho fulfilment of his prophecies—particularly tho speedy resurrection of the dead and the restoration of all lands to the Maoris. This is a very remarkable movement, and has been wisely let alone by the Government, for " if the work be not of God it will be sure to come to naught." Te AA'hiti is, like many European exponents of prophecy, a pre-millenarian, and counsels his people to be ready and waiting for the second coming of our Lord, which he says is close at hand. The belief has become so strong that many of his followers have given up thinking about earthly affairs, and live day by day iv constant expectancy of the return of our Saviour to the earth. Many of the AA Tangauui Natives neglected attending the late sittings of the Native Laud Court here, on matters in which they were interested, having handed over all their worldly possessions to their relatives, as being of small value to them now. This latter-day interpretation of prophecy is gaining ground at Home, and the propounders thereof, embracing able and learned ministers of all denominations both in Europe and America, are becoming more and more confirmed in their opinion as to the correctness of their interpretation of the prophetical books of the sacred page. It seems somewhat remarkable that a man like Te Whiti —certainly well versed in Scripture—should, without holding any communication with men of like faith in England or elsewhere, at this remote corner of the earth, have become so strongly impressed by the same views, and should have secured so large a following amongst his own countrymen. Of course he has advanced too far in his notions and belief, and has evidently become crazed in the matter of his religious opinions and interpretations of Scripture, and there is evidently much of design about the man. I believe he means peace, and advocates the same; but there is a danger of his suddenly turning round at any time and reversing his policy, should he find it necessary to do so from the force of circumstances, and with the view of maintaining his influence. By way of conclusion I would here record my gratitude and thanks to Almighty God for having raised me up from the " bed of sickness," and spared me yet another year to fulfil the duties of my office, one of the most pleasing of which is the compilation of this, my annual report for the information of His Excellency and both Houses of Parliament. The kindness shown to me during my illness by those in authority, and by very many AA ranganui friends, will never be forgotten by me, and the concern and sympathy and kind forbearance evinced towards me by the Maoris was particularly noticeable, and much affected me. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Native Department, Richard AY. AVoon, AVellington. Resident Magistrate, Upper Wanganui.

No. 11. Mr. R. AVard, R.M., Marton, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Marton, 27th May, 1879. I have the honor, in forwarding my annual report on the Natives of my district, to state as follows :— I find that the general conduct of the Natives during the past year has been good. There has been less crime recorded than in many preceding years. The great progress made during the last year by, and the general prosperity of, the Europeans in the district of Manawatu, have had a corresponding beneficial effect upon the Natives of the district. A few subdivisional surveys have been stopped on the south side of the Manawatu River, but, on explaining to the Natives that any differences as to the proposed boundaries of the land would be fully heard, aud, if possible, adjusted by the Native Land Court, the obstructions in each case were at once removed. I have noticed that a strong desire has been growing up for some legislation for legalizing Native marriages. Many of the leading men say, "You Europeans have your law regarding your marriages, and you consider it one of your most important ones : why should we not have our marriage laws placed on such a footing as would enable Courts of law to recognize them, and so as to make our marriage contracts legally binding ?" The Natives on the south side of the Manawatu River owning land through which it is proposed to take the Foxton-AVellington Railway are favourably disposed to the project, knowing that it will improve the value of their property, and afford them what they have always wanted —a means of transmitting their produce to a ready and good market. A county road is already in course of formation between Foxton and Otaki: this also is favourably considered by the Natives, who, with their European neighbours, are looking forward to the time when it will be open for traffic. So far as I have observed, there is a general desire to have claims to land individualized, and so Crown-granted.

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I notice that the Natives living contiguous to the railway line in my district make great use thereof, iv fact quite as much as, if not more than, their European neighbours. For many months past the Maoris have evinced a very strong desire that their runangas or committees should have certain powers given them by Parliament, enabling them to settle small local disputes and punish minor offences at their own kaingas. During the last year the Maori mind in my district of Rangitikei and Manawatu has been much exercised on this subject. And here I venture to say that 1 think there is in this something worthy of consideration. I believe certain restricted powers given to these committees, with rights of appeal to the Resident Magistrate of the district, would work well and be of great benefit to the Natives. During the past few months some of the leading Natives have been considering the licensing question, and in many of their kaingas have determined to do what they can to suppress the consumption of spirituous liquors in their villages. In some instances they have taken the initiative steps to bring into operation "The Native Licensing Act, 1878." One chief, Renata Ropiha, of Motuiti, in order to show his people that spirituous liquors should not be sold on his land, caused au information to be laid against one of his own tribe for selling spirituous liquors without a license on a Maori racecourse adjoining his village; the case was duly heard, and a fine inflicted. I think the introduction of "The Native Licensing Act, 1878," a step in the right direction, but would venture to say I do not think it goes far enough to put down the large amount of drinking that prevails among the Maoris; that until "The Sale of Spirits to Natives Ordinance, 1817," is actually enforced by the police I fear that not much will be done to lessen the evil of intemperance which does to a great extent affect the Maori race. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Robert Ward, AVellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 12. Mr. H. T. Kemp, Civil Commissioner, Auckland, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 20th June, 1879. Agreeably with your Circular No. 5, calling for the usual annual report, I beg leave to make the following remarks on the state of the Natives in the Auckland and Kaipara Districts, both of which come within the supervision of this office, and are composed of sections and subsections of the Ngatiwhatua Tribe, who for many years have occupied the Waitemata, and the tributaries east and west of the Kaipara proper : — Pacific Relations. The Hon. the Native Minister will have seen with satisfaction the steady maintenance of peaceful relations with these people, which is in a large measure due to the conciliatory spirit of the settlers, as well as to the fair and equitable dealing which, as a rule, has marked their transactions with each other. General Health. Upon this point Ido not think that there is any great apparent'falling-off. The births and deaths are numerically about the same as on previous years, and no fatal epidemic has yet made its appearance in any part of the district to cause any serious diminution or decay among the .leoplc. Social Condition. "While however the Native population has not on the one hand sensibly decreased, no decided improvement in their social condition is to be traced at present, their communistic habits still offering a serious impediment to any advance in this respect, which, together with their improvidence and lack of steady, industrial pursuits, cannot but fail to leave them behind in the march of civilization, which now lies before them. In other respects crime, as cognizable by the ordinary Courts of law, is comparatively unknown amongst the Natives in this district. Sales and Leases of Land. During the past year several blocks have been purchased and leased, some of considerable extent. From the purchase-money in the first instance, and from the rents which in other cases follow, a great part of the income of the superior chiefs is derived. Much of this is spent in various articles of useful English merchandise; but, however lavish as far as their own personal comforts are concerned, their dependents arc but scantily supplied, and were it not for the gum trade, which appears to be the only industry in which they excel, the middle and lower orders must otherwise during the winter months suffer hardship and privation. Political Aspect. With a view to ventilate their grievances, meetings have been held annually by the Ngatiwhatua at some of their principal settlements. This year one of the most important assembled at Orakei, the residence of the chief Paul Tuhaere, near Auckland.

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Several important points were brought on for discussion, but on this occasion the chiefs were anxious to devise some means of showing their desire to support Ministers in their endeavours to bring about a satisfactory solution of the matters pending between the Government and the Hauhau sections of the Waikato, who acknowledge Tawhiao as their leader; and, with this view, many of the principal men accompanied the Premier and Native Minister, aud were present throughout the interviews that took place at the Kopua. As to the loyalty of these people as a body there can be scarcely a question, but it is one partaking more of a passive nature rather than that of active interference beyond the limits of their own district. These meetings, which are purely voluntary on the part of the Natives (cost being defrayed by them), have this perhaps to recommend them, inasmuch as any real grievances amongst themselves are redressed, others are compromised, the influence of the chiefs brought together on these occasions is brought beneficially to bear upon the refractory members of the tribe, while it also gives them the opportunity of publicly declaring their political sentiments, and thus offering to the Government and the settlers a further pledge of their loyalty and respect for the laws, in so far as they are themselves affected by them. Schools. Under this heading I shall be expected to make a separate report, and will only add that on the whole they continue in a satisfactory condition and are tolerably well attended. Lastly, as connected with and constantly demanding the attention aud assistance of the officers of this department, are the visitors (many of them chiefs of rank) from different parts of the province on important official or private business, either in the city itself or in the districts round about. The assistance and co-operation of the assessors for the purpose of settling disputes out of Court have also been made available, chiefly through the good tact of the chief Paul Tuhaere, an officer of this department. The prosecution in criminal and civil cases in the ordinary Courts has been conducted through Mr. Brown, the interpreter attached to this office, while Mr. Vickers, as chief clerk, has now made himself familiar with the general requirements of the district, and is thus able to render good service to both Europeans and Natives who may from time to time require help, especially in the absence (on official duty) of the principal officer, who is also Resident Magistrate, District Officer, aud Local Manager of the District Native School. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, H. T. Kemp, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 13. Mr. E. W. Puckey, Thames, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Native Office, Thames, 26th June, 1879. In compliance with your Circular No. 5, of the 7th April, I have the honor to report as follows upon the state of the Natives in my district: — I do not think it will be necessary to go to great length in stating the social and moral condition of the Natives at Hauraki, as they appear some years since to have reached a stage beyond which, so far as civilization is concerned, they seem incapable of progressing. There cau be no doubt that their communistic habits surround the question of making permanent progress with so many difficulties that the object of raising themselves to a higher standard seems hopeless without giving a great wrench to their social manners and customs, which they are very chary of doing. As regards the political bias of the Natives the situation appears to be unchanged. All sections of the Hauraki people (excepting those whose proclivities have a tendency altogether the other way, and who live at Te Komata, Mataora, aud Piako) are, as they have been for years past, quite amenable to British law. The Hauhau section, though forming but a small minority, yet have amongst them men of considerable influence and singular force of character, but 1 think in a few years they will become weary of their self-imposed, though partial, isolation. The opposition of Tukukiuo to progressive works at Ohinemuri still continues, and I see no prospect of any change being effected in that quarter without having recourse to more active measures. Ido not think, however, that it would be wise to take such steps at present. I think it improbable that the Natives, as a people, will settle down to industrial habits whilst they have land left to hypothecate to settlers or storekeepers ; it is so much easier for them to get needful supplies in that way than by raising crops for sale. But they do like employment in making roads, and I think it would be good sound policy to employ them always in forming lines of road where such lines would pass over their own land. This course has hitherto been followed by both the Coromandel and Thames County Councils. And I think a good substantial vote for this purpose might be passed by the House during the coming session of Parliament, in order that the Natives might be more largely and constantly employed than during the past year.

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I may say they are anxiously waiting for employment on the Thames and Waikato Railway, in accordance with promises made them by the Hon. the Native Minister, and which have been of material assistance to myself in acquiring the land for the line of railway between this township and Puriri, which, owing to the exertions of the County Chairman and myself, assisted by an intelligent and influential Native committee, has thus far been carried to a successful issue at a very reasonable rate. I have, &c.; The Under Secretary, Native Department, E. W. Puckey, AVellington. Native Agent, Thames.

No. 14. Mr. R. S. Bush, R.M., Raglan, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Raglan, 2nd June, 1879. I have the honor to furnish, for your information, the usual annual report on Native matters in the Raglan and Kawhia District. Condition of Natives. I have visited the different tribes at their settlements throughout the district as heretofore. There has been no infectious disease amongst them during the past year; consequently the deaths have not been so numerous as in former years. The greatest mortality is amongst the infants, which may be attributed in a great measure to the neglect of the parents, Maori infants being exposed like their parents to all kinds of weather. No chief of any note has died, excepting Tukarawa, of the Ngatimahanga Tribe, a Hauhau residing at Te Kauri, Kawhia. I cannot say that the moral condition of the Natives has improved during the past year, but iv this respect the Natives of this district will compare favourably with those of other districts. So long as the Natives continue to follow their present mode of living, I fear no great improvement can be made in this respect. It affords me much pleasure to report that the tribes in these districts still maintain their character for sobriety, not a single Native having been convicted of drunkenness or other offence during the past year, although not a day passes without several Natives visiting the township, from all parts of the district. Disposition. There is no change in the disposition of the Natives resident in these districts, the majority of whom are Kingites; they are still anxious to live on in the same quiet way that they have for some years past. It is very probable that Tawhiao and his AA raikato followers will shortly take up their residence in and about Kawhia. AA rhares have been and are still being erected for Tawhiao near Pouwewe. It remains to be seen whether this immigration of Tawhiao will in any way alter the sentiments of these people; he is simply doing now what he was asked to do several years ago by the Kawhia people—viz., to come and live amongst them. AA'hile at Kawhia, the other day, Tawhiao is reported by Hone te One to have made an important declaration to the effect that all fighting in this country was to cease; that there would be no more fighting. AA rith respect to roads, he said, when roads are being made, persons will be sent to the makers of the roads to request them to discontinue the work; if they will not listen no further notice will betaken, and theroadwork will be allowed to be carried on. Tawhiao also ordered that the people should give up making evil threats aud talking in a bounceable manner, aud that they are not to take upon themselves to commit crimes. Tawhiao also states that the late AVaikato rebellion was not his work; he was always opposed to it; it was the work of the chiefs; and now he intends to live with a full determination that there shall be no more fighting. Hone te One thinks that matters will yet terminate satisfactorily, his words being, "Xi taku whakaaro tera c puta he marama" (in my opinion light will appear.) AVith reference to the late meeting at Kopua, I would state that it was the largest Native gathering that has taken place in AVaikato since the rebellion, and probably the largest that ever will take place. I estimate the number of Natives present at about six thousand. I was much surprised at the position taken up by Tawhiao and his chiefs at the meeting, as he seemed only to have had the one thought from the time of the Hikurangi meeting of last year up to the end of March, when I saw him last, and that was—Sir George Grey's and his day. Hone te One also, with whom Tawhiao has lived a greater part of the time since the Hikurangi meeting, and who accompanied him from Kawhia to assist in transporting the mataitai (fish, &c), states that Tawhiao to within a few days of the day of meeting continued to speak to him of his and Sir George Grey's day; that it was not until the arrival of Tc Ngakau with the Maungatautari flour at Kopua that he noticed a change in Tawhiao's sentiments, who then said that he had been informed by Europeans that the proposals of Hikurangi to return the lands were not bond fide, and that, if he accepted them and went to look for the lands therein alluded to, he would find a small piece in this corner, aud another small piece in that corner, to find which would cost more than the laud would be worth, and that it was never intended to give him more than these small pieces. Matters probably would have terminated very differently had Tawhiao not been tampered with,

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and had he been a free agent. During the whole time of the meeting he seemed to be treated much more like a prisoner than anything else, not being allowed to go where he liked: in fact, ho was scarcely ever seen outside the enclosure erected round his whare. When he did go out he was accompanied by a party of sentinels. When Sir George Grey withdrew the Hikurangi proposals, the assemblage appeared quite thunderstruck; it was some minutes after the Ministers withdrew that the Natives dispersed, thereby showing that such a coincidence was never thought of by them. Te Ngakau got up to speak as the Government party were moving off, but the Ministers did not return to hear what he had to say. The Kopua meeting will have this effect: It will enable all the tribes to withdraw their lands from Tawhiao's control; in fact it is said, at a subsequent meeting held at Hikurangi, it was agreed that AVahanui and some other chief's should proceed to visit all the different tribes who had handed their lands to the King at the time he was first made, and return them their lands, on the ground that the King had endeavoured to fulfil the trust reposed in him by doing his utmost to prevent the alienation of those lands by either sale or lease, which apparently had been a source of trouble instead of otherwise, owing to the Natives, who in the first instance had handed him their lands, subsequently dealing with them themselves. If this report respecting AVahanui turn out correct, which at present I have every reason to believe it will, this alone will be a step in the right direction, inasmuch as it will be the means of breaking up the land league which has been a source of trouble for many years past. Subsequent events have shown the wisdom of the withdrawal of the Hikurangi proposals. Rewi's conduct, both at the meeting and since, is one of the best proofs of the judiciousness of terminating the meeting in the manner in which it was. Rewi's actions scarcely require any comment; they speak for themselves. Rewi, no doubt, is acting sincerely and independently. The Waikato King party, with Rewi alienated from them, need scarcely be feared. Any future negotiations with them will have to emanate from themselves; they appear to have lost their chance. The worst thing they can do is to shut themselves up in some locality, and thus close that for a time ; but this will be no inconvenience if Rewi and Ngatimaniapoto once commence to utilize their vast territory. If Rewi persists in the course he has adopted, there is no reason why railways and roads should not pass through his country in a short time. The AVaikatos, even if they retire into sullen isolation, could only shut up a comparatively small area of country, the most of which is owned by the Ngatihikairo Tribe, the young men of which tribe I do not think would be inclined to have their lands locked up on account of AVaikato for more than a very brief period. En passant, I may say that Tawhiao, accompanied by his sons, has paid this settlement two visits since the Hikurangi meeting : on the first occasion he spent several days here amongst the Europeans; but, on his last visit, made about Christmas-time, he was ill nearly the whole time he was here. He however spent New Year's Day in the township looking at the sports. He and party returned to Kawhia the next day. Crops. Nearly everywhere throughout these districts the cultivations were more extensive than in former years"; but, owing to the large number of visitors who accompanied Tawhiao on the occasions of his visits, and subsequently to collect fish, &c, for the great Kopua meeting, I fear there will be a scarcity of food this winter, not only in these districts, but also in the interior. It is a pity this pernicious system of intertribal meetings, where the consumption of food is so great, and the results generally evil, cannot be discontinued. There is a great desire on the part of the Natives throughout these districts to obtain agricultural instruments, the Natives offering to bear one-half the cost of the articles. Several ploughs have beeu supplied to the Natives on these terms. The South Aotea Natives brought a threshing-machine all the way from Hikurangi across the Mountain Road. The machine was given to them at the Kopua meeting. The Natives throughout the country appear to become more industrious every year. Public Works. Some hundreds of Natives have been employed during the past year on the Raglan and Waipa Road, under the supervision of Air. AVallis. The road which these Natives made was over a very mountainous and rugged country; they performed their work carefully and well. Now that the road is finished, it would be a saving of money to employ a couple of good Maoris continuously upon the road for the next year, in order to keep the water-channels open, so as to prevent the water from washing away the newly-formed side-cuttings. Unless something of the kind is done, I fear, after the present winter, a great deal of fresh labour will be required on the road next summer, to make it passable for wheel traffic. In my humble opinion, the employment of two men constantly on this road will be the cheapest way to keep it passable, and make a good permanent road oft t. The men would find plenty of work on the road to keep them always employed. AA rhen they had nothing urgent to do they might be engaged in breaking up metal, quantities of which are to be obtained on the sides of the road itself. Besides the above vcik, some of the Kawhia and Aotea Natives are employed under myself making a road through the bush from Aotea Harbour to connect with the Waipa

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Road: this road will eventually be the main road to Kawhia. This work is not yet completed ; the Natives ceased work to attend the Kopua meeting. They will soon be ready to commence work again. Shortly after this road was commenced at the Aotea end, some of the Hauhaus under Kewene, Kereopa, and Kawharu came to order the discontinuance of the work. I denied their right to interfere ; they persisted, and went to the road parties, commanding them to cease. Neither of the parties would consent to stop work, and the Hauhaus returned to Motakotako, where they commenced to make all manner of threats as to what they would not do to me if the work was continued, and if I came there again. During the time this talk was going on, Tawhiao arrived from Kawhia, having heard that the Hauhaus had come across that morning to interfere with the roadworks. After tea I asked Tawhiao what he thought of the conduct of his people. He replied, "I have only one thought, and that is, ' Sir George Grey's and my day.'" I answered, "If these men persist in interfering, it will be said that they are doing so at your wish." He replied, " Wait a little; I will speak to them directly." Shortly after this Tawhiao and I went to the whare in which the Hauhaus were assembled. Kewene made a speech to his companions, so as to get an expression from Tawhiao of his approval or otherwise of what they had taken upon themselves to do. Tawhiao answered them, telling them they must not interfere, but return to their homes; that he had a day to come—when it arrived he would speak about all these matters; it was for him alone to speak about these things. They must therefore return to their homes. The Hauhaus wanted to have a prayer after Tawhiao spoke, as is their custom ; but to show his displeasure at their conduct he interrupted them three times, and then retired from the house. When we got outside,he told Wetini and myself we could now go on with our work. No further attempts to interfere with the work were made. The Ngatihaua. This tribe, who live within a radius of forty miles from Cambridge, I have visited periodically at their different settlements at AVharepapa, Aratitaha, Maungatautari, Tamahere, Maungakawa, and Matamata. Besides the people of this tribe residing at the above settlements, there are others who have lived with Tawhiao at Hikurangi since that kainga was established. Maungatautari is their largest settlement. Quite 500 acres of wheat were grown there last season. The most of this was ground into flour at their mill, and taken to the Kopua meeting. I notice no change amongst these people from last year, except that they, like other tribes, aro becoming more industrious. The Wharepapa people leave that settlement this year for Korakonui, a place much nearer Kihikihi than AVharepapa. These people have planted several acres of grass this autumn at Korakonui. Remarks. The Waikato Kingites do not appear to trouble themselves with what is going on in Taranaki. I have scarcely heard any of them even allude to the subject. For years past Te Whiti has been looked upon as a seceder from Tawhiao. This may account for the want of sympathy on the part of AVaikato. There is a slight amount of uneasiness amongst the Natives just now, no doubt caused by the unexpected withdrawal of the Hikurangi proposals, coupled with the rumours circulated about Ngapuhi and Ngatiporou being anxious to take the field against both Waikato and Taranaki, if required. The Kingites also have rumours amongst themselves, to the effect that Ngapuhi have offered to make the railway through to Taranaki. There is no doubt that these rumours are causing a small amount of uneasiness amongst a small section of the Natives, which is only likely to be temporary. Tawhiao's repeated declarations respecting there being no fighting most probably are made with a view to dissuade the Taranaki people from taking any warlike action likely to be construed into a declaration of war. Or perhaps Tawhiao may be smoothing the road for himself to retire peaceably from his present position, if his people persist in going to war, or joining those who are inclined to fight out of his territory. I cannot but think that in a few weeks all the present uneasiness will have passed away, and the Natives settle down quietly to their usual quiet mode of life. I have, &c, R. S. Bush, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 15. Mr. H. W. Brabant, R.M., Tauranga, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. g IEj Native Office, Tauranga, 31st May, 1879. In accordance with your circular, I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the following report on the state of Native population in the Bay of Plenty and Lake Districts : — 1. Tauranga District. There is little change to remark since my last report in the social or moral condition of the Natives of this district. A good many children have died during tho past year in this and 3—G. 1.

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the adjoining districts, generally of whooping-cough, but there appears to have been but little mortality among adults. Dr. Armitage continues to attend Natives, and medical comforts have been supplied to the sick as usual. The crops have been fair, and there is no prospect of distress this winter. I can trace an increasing desire amongst the Native population to obtain work as farm labourers, caused, I conceive, by the high wages now offered. It is of importance, as tending to show that, even if tho Natives divest themselves of land, the young men would be able to support themselves. There is also a desire on the part of Natives to obtain work on roads, which, I think, should bo encouraged by the Government. In the Police Court, Tauranga, the convictions of Natives during the past year were —For drunkenness, 12 ; for larceny, 4; for assault, 5 ; other cases, 2. I cannot trace any improvement in the matter of temperance, but this, I may observe, depends entirely on the quantity of money circulating amongst them. A considerable number of civil cases between Natives and Europeans have been decided at the Tauranga Resident Magistrate's Court. No political difficulties have occurred with the Natives of this district during the last year, and there is even nothing to allege against the Pirirakau, hitherto so troublesome to Government. No purely Native school is now in operation in Tauranga, but ten sons of chiefs, collected from the Bay of Plenty, attend the district school, and are boarded in the Government establishment. I have recommended the Natives residing near to send their children, but they are indifferent to the matter. 2. Maketu District. My previous remarks as to infant and adult mortality apply also to this district. Dr. Walker was sent by Government to assist during the epidemic of whooping-cough. The Natives, however, are very desirous to obtain a resident medical man at Ohinemutu, and, looking at the benefits which would result to both races, I trust Government will see fit to grant some subsidy for attendance on Natives to induce a man of ability to take up his residence there. Resident Magistrates' Courts have been held monthly, both at Maketu and at Ohinemutu, in this district. The criminal business has been light, and the convictions few. The Ohinemutu Natives continue litigious, and keep me and my assessors (to whom I am indebted for cordial assistance) fully employed on civil cases during my monthly visits to that place. Since my last report my .recommendation that police should be stationed there has been given effect to, and has already had its influence on the morality of the place. The question of the adoption of the Native Licensing Act has been brought by me under the notice of the chiefs, who will shortly hold a meeting on the subject. The paramount subject of interest to the Arawa tribes has been the establishment of the " Great Committee of Rotorua," as they term it. It consists of about sixty men, selected from the several hapus, having for its object the investigation of Native land titles, their prominent ideas being that, if the committee hold a preliminary inquiry before a case comes into tho Native Land Court, (1) money will not be wasted in overlapping surveys; (2) litigious claimants will not be able to oblige the owners to pay for surveys against their will; (3) they think the committee will have the confidence of the Natives, and could settle intricate claims better than the Court. They do not ask that the Court should be abolished, but merely that the committee should send up claims for confirmation. It has been the opinion of many Europeans, as well as of Natives, that a Native committee would be the best able to deal with Native claims, and certainly if this committee could carry out what they propose they would deserve the thanks of the Government and the tribes, for nowhere are land titles so complicated as in this district; but unfortunately up to the present time the " great committee " have been chiefly conspicuous for quarrels amongst themselves. However, they have amongst them chiefs who are really anxious for the good of their people, and they have appointed July next for a protracted sitting, when it is to be hoped that their proceedings may be more profitable than has hitherto been the case. The committee conduct their sittings with a sort of mimic parade, hoisting a flag on a carved flagstaff when they are sitting, ringing bells, sealing their decisions with a seal, and regulating all their proceedings by a voluminous set of rules. The Natives in the Maketu district are not large producers of grain, but I think they are improving in this respect; they have every encouragement to do so from the assistance Government have afforded them in repairing their mills. Those at Te Ngae and at Rotoiti have been under repair during the past year, and are now nearly ready for use. 3. Opotiki District, I have visited this district several times during the past year. In it the Natives are conspicuous for industry and for their amenity to the law; their superiority as agriculturists over those of the adjoining districts being caused, I consider, by their having no other means of obtaining money. Besides their own industries considerable numbers of Natives residing about Opotiki work as farm labourers. Large quantities of grain continue to be grown by the Natives. Besides the European mill at Opotiki, the Natives have one at Te Kaha, and will shortly have one, if not two, at Whakatane.

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With the exception of Government transactions the Bay of Plenty Natives are at present alienating but little land, either by sale or lease. It is not necessary that I should allude tj the Native schools here, as a special report on that subject will be forwarded by me. In conclusion, Sir, I may remark that the general good conduct and amenity to the law displayed by the Bay of Plenty Natives leave but little to report on. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, R.M., Tho Under Secretary, Native Department, Native Officer, Bay "of Plenty. AVellington.

No. 16. Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, New Plymouth, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— New Plymouth, 17th May, 1879. In reference to your Circular No. 5, of the 7th April, 1879, I have the honor to stato that my report of the 2nd April last will form the preliminary part of my annual report, and may at once be handed to the Government Printer, while I am writing what may be termed a supplement of it to date. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Chas. Brown, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1(J. Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— AVellington, 2nd April, 1879. I have the honor to make the following report on the present state of the AVest Coast confiscated land question, which has recently resulted in the forcible removal of the various survey parties from the AA raimate Plains. The present aspect of it being now very different from what it was on previous occasions, when the surveyors have been removed in the same way on the east side of the Waingongoro, have been deprived of their instruments and tools, or even threatened by armed parties, when I have always beeu able to surmount the difficulty by delay, by temporizing, and by a use of the compensation that was at my disposal. In the past three years I have thus carried out the confiscation over nearly 200,000 acres, under the instructions given to my predecessor and myself by the late Sir D. McLean, then Native Minister. The Natives saw that they were beaten, and that any struggle would leave them in a still worse position than the last war had left them in. I believe that the prophet Te AA'hiti and his coadjutor Tohu also recognized this, and therefore counselled that no resistance should be offered to the surveys, and, above all, that no blood should be shed. This is borne out by the advice he gave when he was asked if I should be prevented by force of arms from taking the survey ou to the AVaimate Plains : "There has been bloodshed enough for that land; let no more be shed." A small matter, as little desired by Te AVhiti as it was by the Government, and that might have happened at any time since hostilities ceased on that coast —the murder of McLean by Hiroki, at Waitotara—has changed the whole aspect of affairs. There are not the slightest grounds for regarding the murder as a political one connected with the survey of the confiscated land. But Hiroki, having escaped and reached Parihaka although wounded, claimed that it was, and Tc Whiti felt obliged on that ground to afford him an asylum, and he became the possessor of a white elephant. Te AVhiti said to me very plainly, "If he had been killed on the way I should have had nothing to say : as he has reached me, I am prepared to hear what the Native Minister has to say about it." Since then the aspect of the confiscation question has materially altered. The Native mind sees it in the light that, if the Government cannot deal with Hiroki, it cannot deal further with the confiscated lands. And Te AVhiti, when recently asked by the Hon. the Native Minister to give up Hiroki to be tried, feeling himself in a dilemma, lost his temper; and after the departure of tho Hon. J. Sheehan, yielding also probably to pressure, ordered that the surveyors should be removed from the Plains, which may be taken as his reply to the request to give up Hiroki. I believe still that Te Whiti is anxious to avoid bloodshed, but he has felt obliged to take the step he has to maintain his position, and he is not in a position, nor has he the will, to prejudice it by retreating, nor can he choose what further steps he will take. That the action of Te AVhiti was not anticipated by his people even the day before, is proved by the fact that Titokowaru visited the Hon. Native Minister the evening before, and preferred various requests —among others, that the road surveyed across his field of cocksfoot should be deviated : this was the only approach to a grievance, and he was informed that instructions had been given to deviate it. Titokowaru aud his people always said of the confiscation, "Go to Parihaka and talk about it;" and this same answer I received while the surveys were in progress, and I asked for some one to be appointed by the tribe to assist me in pointing out to the Govern-

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ment what sections they wished reserved for them, lest I should make omissions that might afterwards be irremediable. Other tribes (hapus) simply said, " AYe did not ask you to survey the land, and we decline to take any part in it by indicating what we want. If you had killed us, all the land would have been yours; as you did not, we deny your right to cut up the pig and say, • Here is a joint [reserve] for you.' " So far, however, the question of reserves has not been a material one, as the inland boundary of the land now offered for sale is seaward of all the Native settlements and cultivations, which, they have been told, will not be interfered with. The reserves that I have recommended concern, what may be termed, the friendly Natives most, the other reserves suggested being principally to meet questions of sentiment, such as old pas, graves, &c. The Natives on the Plains are about equally divided, one portion being willing to submit to the survey and sale of the laud, and take such reserves as the Government will make for them; the other portion believe in, obey, and will support Te AVhiti at Parihaka, who, with his following, will support them. But both parties deprecate auy hostilities taking place on the Plains, partly through the lingering doubt of even Te Whiti's supporters as to whether he will win the day, and a feeling that, if the question is tried at Parihaka and lost, payment will be exacted there, while the friendly Natives remaining on the Plains will claim to have maintained peace there, and be allowed to retain the reserves originally intended for them. As regards retaining possession of the Plains by survey or road parties, the survey parties will be again removed and their work obliterated. Road parties lam not so clear in opinion about, the Natives never having objected to road parties on the main line of road there from Waingongoro to Opunake, even of the Armed Constabulary Force encamped there in working parties, and there is the advantage that roadwork is not so readily obliterated as surveys. But, in any case, covering parties would only be met by armed parties, who would take it up as a challenge, and with but one result, —that the arms would be used. As regards purchasers of the land advertised to be sold settling on their sections, it is possible that they may not be interfered with. The Natives may recognize that, as that land has been surveyed without interference, they must be allowed to go. It has been proposed that an armed force should be stationed in a redoubt on the Plains. I think the result would be, like covering parties to survey or road parties, that it would be viewed as a challenge, and result in border warfare on the AVaingongoro as the present frontier line. Erecting a lighthouse at Cape Egmout, which is about six miles from Parihaka, and locating a force there, would establish a raw place, if it was not viewed as a challenge, as it probably would be, aud in any case could only be viewed as a step to something further. My communication has been lengthy, as I thought it best to notice the points and suggestions that have been made on the subject, besides those that suggested themselves to me. I have, &c., Charles Brown, The Under Secretary, Native Office. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 2 in No. 16. Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. g IR New Plymouth, 11th June, 1879. Mv report of the 2nd April last gave the then state of the confiscated land question on this coast. To this I have only to add that the Natives, having gained a confidence that they did not possess before Te AVhiti ordered the removal of the survey parties from the AVaimate Plains, and believing that he would be able to carry out his promise that all the confiscated land should return to its former owners, have taken the further step of assuming occupation of confiscated land that has been over twelve years in the hands of, first, a military settler, and then through other hands had passed to Mr. Courtney. It is situated on the left bank of the Tapuae River, about seven miles from New Plymouth. The Natives commenced ploughing it with several ploughs, by the order of Te Whiti, on the 25th ultimo, and have up to the last evening ploughed up about twenty acres of grass land, and consumed a stack of hay on it. They state that they are now preparing for the Parihaka meeting on the 17th instant, and do not intend to resume ploughing before their return. On the 4th instant ploughing on confiscated land sold some years ago to the Opunake Flax Company, and now the property at Opunake of Mr. AY. Bayley, was commenced byNgamareand his people. This is about fifty miles south-west of New Plymouth by the coast. They are all very orderly and good-tempered over it, but still very earnest and determined to do their work, with perfect faith in the supreme power of Te Whiti and Tohu to bear them harmless through what is ordered to be done, and would be equally so whatever they might be ordered to do. As regards the education of the children, I regret to say that, although schooling is free, the Maoris rarely avail themselves of it for their children. Nor have I heard a single objection to the few Native children that do attend from European parents, who have all a very good feeling

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to the Native race, and feel pity and regret that the Natives show no signs of becoming settlers like themselves, but prefer believing in the preaching of Te AA rhitithat the Europeans will return across the sea to whence they came. There has been a good deal of sickness and mortality amongst the Natives this year, in many cases from slight causes that would not have affected Europeans taking care of themselves. The medical officer is popular with tho Natives, and in many cases they have benefited by his attention, but they unfortunately expect the medicine to do everything for them, and in no case will they go into hospital, looking upon it as almost certain death, and preferring to die at their own places. A large quantity of grain was raised last harvest in the district, but the great bulk of it, as well as the rents for the Native reserves, have been taken to Parihaka as offerings to Te Whiti. In conclusion, I may say that the great source of anxiety of the settlers and friendly Natives here is the danger that Te AVhiti may feel himself obliged to go on prophesying, directing and ordering, and indorsing what may be done in his name ; and that no one, himself included, will be able to anticipate what that may be; and that he may, as in these last cases, know nothing of his orders until they are being executed. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, C. Brown, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 17. Rev. J. W. Stack, Christchurch, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Cranmer Square, Ist June, 1879. I have the honor to forward herewith my report on the Canterbury Natives for the year ending 30th June, 1879. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington. James W. Stack. Report on Canterbury Maoris for Year ending 30th June, 1879. As regards the moral and social condition of the Maoris in this district, I have nothing to add to what 1 have already reported during the last few years. The Natives continue to bear a good character for honesty and sobriety, but only very few can be commended for their industry. The prevailing practice of leasing their lands to Europeans fosters the habit of depending upon others, which is so prejudicial to the best interests of the Natives. There might be some excuse if only the lands held in common were so leased, as it is impossible for the owners themselves to cultivate satisfactorily lands held under such a title ; but unfortunately the individualized land is as eagerly let to Europeans as the estates held in common, and the money thus easily obtained is as easily spent, aud the impoverished people are always in debt. Agriculture having been from time immemorial a favourite pursuit of the Maoris, it might naturally be imagined that, wherever the conditions were favourable, they would readily engage in it: so far, however, is this from being the case, neither the pressure of want, nor the prospect of gain, nor the advice of friends, prevail to induce the Maoris here to cultivate their lands. I do not, however, despair of an improvement in this respect, seeing that the Maoris of Waikouaiti, under the direction of Tame Pratt and Merekihereke, have learned to utilize their reserve by cultivating grain and depasturing sheep. It is well known that the Maoris are very much given to follow whatever happens to be the prevailing fashion of the period; here at present it is to let land. AA re may hope that in a short time it will be the fashion to cultivate it. The periodical attacks of fever to which the Natives in this district are now subject are easily traceable to their persistent disregard of all sanitary precautions. The practice of pouring the water in which their food is cooked close to their dwelling-houses, and performing the offices of nature under the very walls, would alone be sufficient to accouut for the prevalence of fever; but when we add to these predisposing causes the personal uncleanliness of the people, their inferior diet, their overcrowded and ill-ventilated sleeping apartments, and their practice of wakeing the dead, however infectious the disease may have been which caused their death, the wonder is that maladies of a more malignant type have not broken out amongst them. Now that the Maoris are forced to live on from year to year in the same place, they cannot realize the fact that the refuse heaps, which were harmless when they were in the habit of frequently changing their places of abode, are now hot-beds of disease. They do not know that their healthiness in former times was greatly owing to the position of their villages, which were situated on sloping hill-sides, or on sandy soil, which aided drainage, and to their mode of cooking food in their ovens, which consumed much of what is now allowed to fester round their dwellings. They trace no connection between disease and dirt, and, though ready enough to call in the aid of a medical man, they are unwilling to do anything he tells them to aid recovery, or to prevent the spread of disease, beyond swallowing his drugs. In the early part of the year a fever broke out at Little River, and at the urgent request of the Natives the Government engaged a medical man to attend them; he was indefatigable in his attentions to the sick, and the Natives were loud in their praises of his treatment, which

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was eminently successful. After a stay of several weeks he succeeded in stamping the fever out; but no sooner had he left than it appeared again, entirely through the total disregard of his injunctions by the Maoris. They seem quite incapable (except under European pressure) of taking the precautions necessary to prevent the spread of disease. The crowded meetings which are now annually held at some centre are a source of much of the unhealthiness which has of late years prevailed. The reporter of one of the daily papers thus describes the atmosphere of the buildings in which two or three hundred Maoris met nightly for weeks during last May and June: "On entering there issued forth a hot, heavy, sickening blast; it could be seen—it could be felt: it attacked every sense but that of hearing." The Maoris themselves complained of the sickening effect of the foul air, and yet they went on holding their meetings, though they fully realized the risk of doing so, seeing that illness and death have always followed in their train. It would be fcr the benefit of the Natives if the Board of Health in each district were empowered to enforce upon them attention to sanitary measures, at least during the sickly season in each year. The Native Assessor might be employed as the local agents of the Board. The most important event of the year, from a Maori point of view, was the sitting at Kaiapoi of the Commission of Inquiry into the Middle Island Land Claims. More than two hundred Natives came from other parts of this Island to attend it, and all evinced the deepest interest in the proceedings. Very wild notions prevailed about it. Many thought that compensation would be immediately paid, and were very much disappointed at having to return home empty-handed. It is gratifying to bo able to state, and highly to the credit of Ngaitahu, that this gathering, which lasted nearly two months, separated without any serious offence having been committed by any one attending it; and, though nearly three hundred Maoris daily visited the town, where the publichouses were open to them, only two instances of drunkenness occurred during the whole time of the " hui." The conduct of the Natives was the subject of unqualified praise on the part of the townspeople. It is to be regretted that the Natives who took the law into their own hands and seized upon land in the Upper AA raitaki should not have been made to return before now to their reserves, and there to await inquiry into their claims. The effect of their conduct upon the Natives here generally is very injurious. They ask, Are not those who keep the law worse off than those who break it ? Such an opinion is apt to be confirmed by the difficulty the Kaiapoi Natives have experienced in obtaining possession of the 2,964 acres of land set apart for them by the Provincial Government, in 1876, as compensation under an award of the Native Land Court made eleven years ago. The Act passed last session for the purpose of putting the Natives in possession is, in the opinion of the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, rendered nugatory by the last clause of "The Native Land Act, 1873." This defect ought at once to be remedied, in justice to these people, who have for so many years been deprived of the use of property to which they are entitled. During the past year a school has been opened at Rapaki, and another is just completed and about to be opened at Akaroa. The attendance at the two other schools in the district has been fair, and the progress tolerably satisfactory. There have been a great many applications for charitable aid; about forty have received more or less assistance. I endeavoured to impress upon the Maoris that the Government cannot undertake the entire support of the aged and indigent, and that the relations and neighbours must furnish the greater part of what they require. It is often difficult to resist the pleadings of people who arc evidently very poor, and it is only by doing so that the amount to be expended can be kept within the limits fixed. James W. Stack.

No. 18. Mr. R. S. Bush to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Resident Magistrates' Office, Raglan, Bth July, 1879. I have the honor to report, for your information, that Hore Wetere, of Kawhia, arrived here ou Sunday last. He informs me that Tawhiao and the AAraikato King party have no sympathy for Te Whiti and Tohu, simply because they look upon them as seceders from the King movement, and that Tawhiao considers it is for all the tribes to visit him and act in accordance with his wishes, not independently of him, as the Taranaki people appear to be doing. AVetere further states that Tawhiao is adverse to anything of an aggressive nature, and that he has given out that if the Hauhaus do not act in compliance with his wishes he will go over to the friendly Natives, and if they do not please him he will then go over to the Europeans. AVith reference to the letter witten requesting you and Sir George Grey to remain at Alexandra, AA retere says Tawhiao's idea was to have had all the Maoris present, after which he intended to send for you himself, his intention was that you should simply remain at Alexandra until he sent for you. When he heard what was written in the letter he was displeased, saying that the chiefs had no right to interfere in the matter. Tawhiao also appears to have been offended at Rewi's invitation, and AVetere states that, if you and party had not left so soon for Thompson's house, you would have been fetched by Waikato and located near their camp.

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According to AVetere, Tawhiao considers Major Te Wheoro ought not to have allowed you to have gone to Thompson's, but that he should have kept you. AVetere, with whom Tawhiao spends a good deal of his time when in Kawhia, ought to be a good authority on these points, as he must hear a great deal of Tawhiao's' conversation. From the way AA'ctere spoke I could not but infer that Tawhiao had not given up the idea of meeting the Government again at no distant period, and I should not be surprised to hear of his sending invitations for this purpose. It is more than likely, if Tawhiao should really still be desirous of a meeting, that he will keep his views to himself, lest he be again thwarted byrthe interference of his chiefs. I have, &c., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. R. S. Bush, R.M.

By Authority: Gxobqe Didsbitby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Price !«.]