REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS. [In Continuation of G.-1, 1883.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1883 Session I, G-01a

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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS. [In Continuation of G.-1, 1883.]

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

No. 1. H. W. Bishop, Esq., E.M., Mangonui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Mangonui, sth June, 1883. In compliance with the request contained in your circular letter No. 8, of the 11th ultimo, I have the honour to report as follows : — There is very little change to record in the condition of the Natives in this district during the past year. They continue as peaceful and loyal as ever, and nothing of note has occurred to disturb their usual serenity. The health of the people has been extraordinarily good, and very few deaths have occurred. Fevers of various types have been so constantly recurring of late years, with such fatal results, that it is a matter of no small gratification to be able to record a season without them. I am afraid, however, that this improvement cannot be attributed to any change for the better in their social and domestic habits, and it cannot therefore be expected to be permanent. They still exhibit gross carelessness of the most ordinary sanitary precautions. The few instances in which a better style of living has been adopted form the pleasing exceptions to the rule. It is very satisfactory to note the continued improvement of the people as regards their sobriety. lam only paying them a just tribute when I say that from Mangonui Township northwards the Natives are more sober than any with whom I have been brought into contact in any other part of the North Island. I regret, however, that I cannot say as much of those who reside in the southern portion of my district, that is to say, in the neighbourhood of Whangaroa. These latter are mostly engaged in the various kauri bushes as squarers, &c, and have probably not had very good examples placed before them in the way of sobriety. To say the least, they compare very unfavourably with their brethren at this end. It is very apparent that the Natives are cultivating less ground each year, and, as a natural consequence, at the present time they do not raise sufficient food for their own subsistence. The tuka/u is extensively cultivated in some places, and appears to be quite taking the place of the potato as the staple article of food. Natives throughout the district during the greater portion of the year subsist wholly on supplies obtained from the various stores, and the result is that they are rarely, if ever, out of debt. Several fine crops of tobacco have been grown in the district during the past year, one at Peria being particularly noticeable ; and, though the people have not yet quite mastered the art of properly sweating and curing it, so as to make it at all acceptable to the European consumer, yet they seem to like it themselves, and it is becoming a rare thing for a Native to purchase tobacco at the stores. Kauri-gum-digging is still the principal occupation throughout the North, and, as high prices have been ruling, an incentive to extra labour is given, large quantities have been obtained, and money has been proportionately plentiful. Fields supposed to have been worked out years ago have been made to yield their quota, and, the season having been a dry one, the swamps and low-lying lands have been thoroughly prospected. During the last spring a number of Natives were engaged in shore-whaling, though with very indifferent success. Several parties were thoroughly equipped with all requisites at very considerable expense, the cost being borne in every case by a company composed wholly of Natives with definite shares. The interest taken in the whaling is general throughout the district. Many Natives still find constant and profitable employment in the kauri timber, either as ordinary bushmen or as sub-contractors. The export of timber continues very large, and there is a constant never-ceasing demand for labour. Vaccination has been extensively carried out in all parts of the district. Considerably over three hundred Natives have been vaccinated during the past year. It appears that they do not object to the operation so long as they are put to no great trouble or inconvenience over it. In cases of ordinary sickness the services of Dr. Trimnell, the Native Medical Officer, have not been of late in great requisition. He^has had a formidable rival in the person of a tohunga, a Native woman residing at Ahipara, who apparently professed to cure in a very simple and agreeable manner all the many ills to which humanity is subject. According to the Native version she is reported to have effected most miraculous cures, and the belief in her healing powers has been G. la.—l.

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general. So unbounded was the confidence in her, that Natives have come from all parts of the Island to invoke her aid ; and I estimate that fully two hundred have arrived by steamer and sailing vessel at different times from south of Auckland with that object. Of late, however, her popularity has been somewhat on the wane, and as a tohunga she will soon be a thing of the past. The standing grievance troubling the Native mind at present, as of old, is the collection of the dog-tax. From a Maori standpoint this is a great hardship. Every old woman has her half-dozen curs, and she cannot understand why she should be compelled to pay so much a head for her own property. It is useless to argue the point: they will not be convinced. Very great trouble is experienced in collecting the tax, and, as it is impossible in a district like this to do so thoroughly, the great majority escaping their liabilities, it would almost seem better for many reasons that at present the Act should be allowed to remain a dead-letter. A growing desire is observable amongst the Natives to get their land-titles individualized, and for many reasons this is highly desirable, and a thing to be encouraged. The very great expense, however, attached to survey fees, &c, in connection with the subdivision of the blocks, makes it almost impossible for many of the grantees to bear their share. I think that it is worthy the attention of the Government as to whether it would not be well to establish some process by which owners of a block of land could obtain a subdivision without the attendant expenses eating up more than half its value. I cannot conclude this report without noticing the very favourable influence being exercised through our present excellent Native school system. To a casual and perhaps superficial observer the influence for good is not so apparent, but to one acquainted with the habits and customs of the Natives, being brought into daily contact with them, and able to look beneath the surface, the good results crop up in little matters at every turn; and it cannot but be gratifying to any person having the welfare of the Maori people at heart to observe that it is so. These results are slowly attained, but are none the less likely to prove lasting. I have, &c, H. W. Bishop, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 2. S. W. yon Stunner, Esq., E.M., Hokianga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 26th May, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter No. 8, of the 11th instant, and beg to forward herewith my annual report on the state of the Natives in this populous district. I am pleased to be able to report favourably on the condition of the Natives in the District of Hokianga for the past year. During that period no quarrels of a serious character have occurred either between themselves or their European neighbours, all minor disputes which may have arisen having been settled through the medium of the Resident Magistrate's Court or by arbitration. One Native has been imprisoned for three months for petty larceny; one for a similar period for wilful damage to property; three have been punished for drunkenness, and one for assault: in all six charges, which, in a population of upwards of two thousand, may be considered very slight. The health of the district has been excellent, and the number of births, as far as I have been able to ascertain, slightly in excess of the deaths, viz., deaths from the Ist May, 1882, to the Ist May, 1883, 41; births for the same period, 47. Drunkenness, which at one time threatened the destruction of the Native race, is now far less prevalent than formerly; and, though large sums of money are earned by them on the gum-fields or in the forests, and also from the sale of live stock and other articles, it is, I am glad to say, expended as a rule in the purchase of clothing and wholesome food, which doubtless in a measure accounts for the better state of health enjoyed by them; and gambling—another vice so general amongst them a few years ago—seems also to be quite dying out. Though the lands owned by the Natives are extensive and fertile, and when cultivated yield large crops of potatoes and grain, only a very limited portion is under tillage, not nearly sufficient to meet the requirements of the people, and considerable supplies of oats, maize, and potatoes are annually imported from the south; whereas twenty-five years ago large quantities of these articles were exported to Auckland and Australia. At Mangamuka and Waihou, and a few other Native villages, tobacco is grown and prepared, and lam informed by judges that it is of fair quality. The Natives residing in the large and rich valley of Waima—which, if systematically cultivated, would support two thousand persons—in December last, with a population of under two hundred and fifty, were in a state of absolute famine, the Native school there having to be closed, and the whole of them proceeding in a body to the Taheke gum-fields to earn money to purchase flour, &c, of the European storekeepers; and many other settlements were in a similar position. I much fear this state of things will occur in the future to even a greater extent, unless they become more provident in their habits. As in the course of a few years both kauri-gum and timber must become scarce—the area of the gum and forest land being but limited in extent—this means of obtaining a livelihood will be lost, and the cultivation of the soil will then be an imperative necessity. Hardly a month passes but some large hui oxjiahitnga is held in this district, at which more food is wasted or consumed in a week than woulot support the settlement in comfort for several months. These large meetings are held- in many instances to discuss land questions and the much-talked-of Treaty of Waitangi. Considerable interest is taken in the proceedings of Parliament, which they watch with some suspicion, appearing to think that each Act passed by the Legislature is an encroachment upon some Native right or privilege.

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There are ten Native schools in operation in this district, which are duly appreciated, being attended by upwards of four hundred pupils; and the marked improvement in the conduct and appearance of the youth of both sexes is noticed by all, more particularly by strangers or those who have been absent from the district for a length of time. And the improvement does not end here, for the children are taking home to their parents habits of cleanliness and order, which are slowly but surely having effect. The great advantage of these schools is not so much that the youngpeople learn to speak the English language (though of that they obtain a fair knowledge), but that they learn to appreciate our customs, to value time, and gain a desire for improvement both mental and social, which doubtless they will transmit to their descendants, who will thus become fitted to hold a fair position in the future. I have, &c, Spencer yon Stunner, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 3. J. S. Clendon, Esq., R.M., Whangarei, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Office, Whangarei, 28th May, 1883. I have the honour, in accordance with the request contained in your Circular No. 8, of the 11th instant, to report, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, that the Native population throughout the large district under my charge are perfectly quiet and peaceable, chiefly employing themselves in gum-digging, felling timber for saw-mills, &c, and cultivating their land. The only dispute of moment that has occurred was the Maunu Road obstruction in the Whangarei District, the particulars of which the Hon. the Minister is already aware, and which is now about being definitely settled. Very few instances of crime have occurred amongst them, and they have been unusually free from sickness during the past twelve months. The schools have been fairly attended, and in several a material increase of scholars has taken place. The uneasy feeling prevading the Natives a few months since in connection with Hirini Taiwhanga's visit to England has in. a great measure subsided. Doubtless the want of success in the object of their mission experienced by the delegates has been the cause of calmer and more rational views amongst them. They have disposed of a very small quantity .of land for some time, and consequently they have been under the necessity of becoming more industrious in their habits than hitherto. I feel much pleasure at being in a position to make so favourable a report of the large Native district under my supervision. I have, &c, James S. Clendon, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 4. Captain Jackson, R.M., Razorback, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Razorback, 4th June, 1883. I have the honour, as instructed by Circular No. 8, of the 11th ultimo, to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, my annual report upon the Native affairs in my district. During the past year nothing of importance has taken place amongst the Natives. On the whole they have been exempt from any serious disease ; many have suffered from colds, and a few from fever. Since my last report the Natives in this district have been well behaved :no convictions have been recorded against them, and drunkenness, judging from the number formerly convicted of that offence, is very much on the decline. The Native crops, as a rule, have been bad—barely sufficient for their own consumption. There are no Native schools in the district, and the Natives themselves do not appear to take much interest in the education of their children. A few Natives have been vaccinated during the past year, but many remain unvaccinated. Industriously-inclined Natives, when not engaged cultivating their lands, employ themselves digging gum and cutting flax. Since the game season commenced forty-two Natives have been granted permission to purchase each 1 lb. powder, 101b. shot, and 250 caps, for sporting purposes. I have, &c, Thomas Jackson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 5. H. W. Brabant, Esq., R.M., Tauranga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Native Office, Tauranga, 14th June, 1883. I have the honour to submit the following as my annual report on Native affairs in the Bay of Plenty : — Tauranga District. There is but little change in the state of the Natives of this district to remark on since my report in 1882 : any difference that there is, however, being in the direction of progress and improvement. More grain has been grown this year than for several years past, maize now being the crop in favour with the Natives, owing, probably, to its increased price. Many of the younger mne now make working for wages the rule and not the exception, some of them engaging with farmers, but a.

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greater number as navvies on the various road-works in the district. Formerly it was found impossible to get them to do any road-work, except by giving a tribe special contracts; now, however, they seem to prefer working for wages under a European contractor. At the western > end of the district gum-digging is engaged in by the Natives at intervals. Speaking generally, there has been little sickness or mortality in the district. One chief, old Heteraka, a staunch Hauhau to the last, has died : the other deaths have been children and young people. One settlement has been afflicted with fever of a typhoid form. Unfortunately this is the village where the only Native school in the Tauranga District is, and it has had to be temporarily closed, which is to be regretted, as it was, before the epidemic, in a very flourishing condition. Dr. Armitage has, as usual, attended to the Native sick, supplied medicines, and vaccinated. His quarterly returns have shown that his services are taken advantage of to a considerable extent. In regard to criminal statistics : In the Police Courts at Tauranga and Waterford, during the year, there have been seventeen cases brought against Natives, as follow: Larceny, 2; common assault, 4; drunkenness, 3 ; minor offences, 8. All of these cases except two were proved against the persons charged. During the past year the restriction on the sale of intoxicating liquor to Natives has been taken off in the Tauranga District. I have not found this to cause any increase in drunkenness ; on the contrary, there seems some improvement. Possibly the restriction was a dead-letter, even when supposed to be enforced. In the Resident Magistrate's Court twenty-six cases have been heard in which one party was a European and the other a Native, but only one in which both parties were of the Native race. Considerable numbers of the Ngaiterangi have been from time to time absent during the year attending Land Courts at Ohinemutu, Maketu, Cambridge, and Thames, as they happened respectively to be interested in those lands. This has very much' interfered with my work of completing titles as Commissioner of Tauranga Lands, as I had necessarily to postpone investigations where claimants had to defend their claims in other places. Still a considerable amount of work has been gone through, indeed as much as in consequence of my increasing duties in the Rotorua District I could myself find time for, and a large number of claims are awaiting the return of claimants from Cambridge. As I have made a special report to you on my work as Commissioner, it is unnecessary to enlarge on the subject here. I may say, however, as more belonging to this report, that, although, as you are aware, several applications have been made by the owners to the Government for leave to sell blocks of land, yet the Natives themselves are asking for a large proportion to be marked inalienable; and I regret that the provisions of the Native Reserves Act do not apply, as I understand them, to Tauranga lands, as, had they done so, I think they would have been taken advantage of, to some extent, by the Natives. I have heard wishes expressed by them on several occasions that their lands, or some of them, could be let by auction, as is being done under the Thermal-Springs Act, and as indeed was, in 1879, recommended by the Native Affairs Committee of the House for Tauranga lands. In my opinion, were a system initiated of Government acting as agents for the sale and lease of Native lands, instead of buying in competition with speculators, such a plan would have the confidence and support of the Native people. In accordance with the instructions, Government fencing has been supplied where the roads, under formation, have passed through their cultivations. I have continued to assist the county authorities in getting roads through Native blocks. Maketu and Rotorua District. Little can be reported worthy of remark on the general condition of the Natives in this district. I have heard of a few cases of typhoid fever. The deaths which have come under my notice have been mostly those of young people. . As was the case last year, I have taken the magisterial work at Ohinemutu, and Mr. Bush that at Maketu. I have visited the former place frequently, and the latter two or three times. The criminal statistics show an increase of offences on those recorded last year. At Ohinemutu the prosecutions were for larceny, 6 ; for assault, 3 ; for drunkenness, 3 ; miscellaneous, 1. At Maketu for larceny, 1 ; assault, 6 ; drunkenness, 11; miscellaneous, 3. At Ohinemutu the civil cases brought before the Court have been'—between Natives only, 19 ; between Maoris and Europeans, 8. The increase of offences is due, no doubt, to the sitting of Land Courts, the assemblage of large bodies of Natives being conducive to drunkenness and offences arising therefrom. In this district the Natives have, to a great extent, given up agricultural pursuits, and rely on money obtained from land sales and leases, and that spent by tourists. Just now they think and talk of little except the Land Courts, the cases to be brought before them, and the question of the restricted boundary under the Thermal-Springs Act. Much has been said in the public prints on the question of this restriction on the sale of land by Natives, and it is often contended that the action of the Government has raised discontent amongst them. As far as lam able to judge, the truth is that the prudent and patriotic amongst them are only too glad that the Government should act as their agents and protect their interests; while, on the other hand, those whose motto is, " Let us eat and drink ; for to-morrow we die," feel aggrieved that they are unable to take the money of the speculator, and obtain the luxuries it will buy. There are six Native schools in operation in the Maketu-Rotorua District, at which about two hundred and fifty children are being educated, the schools at Te Wairoa and Matata being the largest and most-successful. During the year the old dilapidated school at Te Awahou has been replaced by a new and comfortsble building the attendance has considerably increased since its erection. Opotiki District. During the past year I have been able to complete the settlement of the titles of the Opape Native reserves near Opotiki. The work has been a long time on hand ; but it will be found to have been done thoroughly, and, I believe, to the satisfaction of all the Natives concerned.

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I made a visit last December, in accordance with your instructions, to Whakatane in connection with the reserves there. There are still some confiscated land questions unsettled in that district, which the Natives brought under my notice, and with your approval they shall have my attention at as early a date as possible. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, R.M. Native Officer, Bay of Plenty. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 6. R. S. Bush, Esq., R.M., Opotiki, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Opotiki, 4th June, 1883. In compliance with your circular I have the honour to furnish the usual annual report on the Natives in this district. Condition of the Natives. A very decided improvement in the condition and personal appearance of the Natives throughout the district was perceptible during the time the sale of intoxicating drink was prohibited. At the time the new law first came into force there was a slight amount of grumbling amongst them, which very quickly wore off. The Natives, however, had no sooner become reconciled to the new regulations, and were just beginning to derive some benefit from the prohibition, when, unfortunately for them, the restrictions were removed, and I regret to say those who indulged in strong drink very quickly drifted into their old habits of hanging about the hotels when visiting the township. With the exception of an outbreak of typhoid fever amongst the Whakatohea Tribe residing in the vicinity of Omarumutu, the general health ot the Natives will bear favourable comparison with that of former years. With reference to the outbreak of fever, the services of Dr. Reid were employed, by direction of.the Hon. the Native Minister, to attend the sick Natives, ascertain the cause of the outbreak, and prevent the spread of the disease. Twenty-three known cases of this fever have occurred; only two, however, of those attended by the doctor have terminated fatally, viz., those of Puhikarua and Te Matau. In the former, death was caused through the fever being complicated with diphtheria, and in the latter, a case of relapse, through bowel complication. The cause of the outbreak is mainly attributable to these Natives living in damp whares, erected on a hill-side, and the bad state of their wells, which are situated below the level of the whares, and are consequently receptacles after every shower of rain for all the drainage from and about the whares. In one instance the well is situated below a burial-ground,~and is not only subject to the drainage from the whares but also to percolation from the grave-yard. Such being the state of affairs, the wonder is the fever has not attacked a much larger number than it has. The doctor has recommended the Natives to block up their present wells and use the water from the running streams, to leave the present whares, and erect fresh ones on the table-land above, and on no account to hold the usual gatherings around the sick and dead, but to bury the latter as soon as possible after death, and keep the Natives of other settlements away from theirs. I need scarcely say that, although I have written strongly several times, and spoken oftener, the doctor's instructions and suggestions have not been complied with. In fact, the Natives seem to be perfectly regardless of the danger of infection, and ridicule the idea of taking any precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease, saying that it is not fever, but simply a Maori complaint brought on by makutu. This being the Native view of the case, it may readily he imagined the difficulties under which any medical man must labour in effecting a cure. In the case of Puhikarua, though the great danger of infection was especially pointed out by both the doctor and myself immediately upon the death taking place, and a request made to have her body interred at once without any gathering whatever, two days subsequently I learnt that the instructions had been altogether disregarded, that her body was still unburied, and that nearly the whole of the tribe L.v. 1 assembled to tangi. I had then to threaten to send a constable to see that and all future dead bodies buried immediately after death, if they did not bury her at once. This had the desired effect, and she was quickly interred. It is most annoying to find one's efforts for their good thwarted by their foolish conduct; indeed, it appears to me that, unless a Maori can be attended in a hospital where there are sufficient attendants to see that the doctor's instructions are strictly carried out, it is useless to attempt any other mode of treatment, as they will not obey the medical attendant's directions. The doctor is of opinion that, if they do not carry out his suggestions and instructions, possibly the fever will again appear at this season next year. The Natives have been informed of this, and urged to strictly act upon his instructions. There is one peculiar feature with, reference to this outbreak of fever, and that is, that the majority of those whom it has attacked are either women or children. This the doctor accounts for from the fact of the women and children being more confined to the precincts of the settlement than the men. lam glad to be able to report that the spread of the fever has been checked, and that no fresh cases have been brought under my notice since I last communicated with you on the 22nd ultimo. The patients are progressing favourably, and I trust shortly to be able to inform you that there are none under medical treatment. I regret that I am not in a position to report some improvement in the habits of the Natives. I fear that so long as they continue to adhere so persistently to their ancestral customs, so long will they be nursing the greatest enemies they possess to their health and prosperity; and, until they are prepared in some measure tff-disregard these, there is very small prospect of any marked change taking place in their present condition. Disposition. The Natives still maintain their character for good behaviour. No crime of a serious nature has occurred during the past year, Seventeen Natives have been dealt with by the Court for

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criminal offences, and twenty-four civil cases have been adjudicated upon in which Natives- were concerned. The Natives in this district, with the exception of the Urewera, respect our laws. The Urewera are gradually beginning to refer their disputes to our Courts. I have no doubt, if the nature of their country made the task of visiting our settlements less difficult, they would refer their differences more frequently to our Courts than they at present do. The Te Kooti amnesty will, no doubt, make a considerable improvement amongst this tribe, the majority of whom have kept themselves shut up in their mountain fastnesses. Many of these people never visit any of our settlements. They are at present opposed to their lands being surveyed and passed through the Native Land Court. I shall not be surprised to hear of gold being discovered in the heart of their country, in the vicinity of Ruatahuna. The successful policy pursued with respect to the so-called Waikato King party and the subsequent journey of the Hon. the Native Minister through the King country to Taranaki without interference, will do more towards making the Natives generally settle down to peaceful occupations than anything that has occurred since the Native rebellion. So far as the Natives in this district are concerned, it is the Te Kooti amnesty that will affect them more than what has happened with respect to the Waikato King party, as a very large majority of these Natives adhere to Te Kooti's form of prayer, from which, I presume, it may fairly be inferred that he exercises some slight influence over them. The tariao, or Kingite form of prayer, I have never heard used in this district since I came into it. It is, indeed, very seldom that one hears the name of Tawhiao mentioned by them, unless it is in connection with some meeting held with the Hon. the Native Minister. So much so is this the case that, although Tawhiao and followers have for the past month been in the Bay of Plenty, I have not heard a single Native express a desire that he might come here. Those whom I have heard mention the subject have simply said they did not want him, and hoped that he would not come. In the event, however, of his coming, I presume Maori etiquette would compel them to make some demonstration on his account. There seems to be a growing desire amongst the Natives throughout the district to settle down quietly to agricultural pursuits, and a considerable sum of money has been and is still being spent in the purchase of agricultural machinery. Several Natives at different parts of the district are turning their attention to sheep-farming on a small scale. The Whanau-a-Apanui, at Maraenui, the Whanau-a-Ihitu, at Tekaha, and the Whanau-a-Maru, at Raukokore, have at last placed several blocks of land into the hands of a surveyor, preparatory to bringing them before the Native Land Court. I may say that, with the exception of the Puketauhinu Block, sold to the Government, these Natives have objected to surveys being made. So strict were they in this, that two stoppages took place when attempts were made to make a trig, survey of that part of the district. Things, however, have^much changed, and the trig, survey now being carried out will shortly be completed with the approval of the Natives, who objected so strongly to its being done on the former occasions. Crops. The crops throughout the district have been very good, particularly the -kumara and maize crops. Even at Te Kaha maize seems to have been preferred to wheat this season. The Natives have a much larger area of maize this year than they had last. An average crop in this district is from sixty to eighty bushels. It has been roughly estimated that at least fifteen thousand pounds' worth of this grain will be exported from this district this season, a fair share of which will be the product of Native labour. Notwithstanding their faults, the Natives in this part of the Bay of Plenty are perhaps more industrious than those in most districts. Public Works. The Kaha and Raukokore people have been employed by the Whakatane County Council on the track from Te Kaha to Raukokore. The work undertaken is nearly completed. Schools. There are eight Native schools under my supervision. In some instances they are not as well attended as they might be, but still considerable progress is shown. The Ngatira at Waioeka are anxious for a school, and arrangements have been made which will enable them to have one erected. The Whakatohea also have applied to have the Omarumutu School reopened. This school was closed owing to these people removing from that locality, but, as the Opape Reserve has now been subdivided between the different hapus of that tribe, they seem to be gradually returning to that neighbourhood. The Urewera, like the Waikatos, do not seem to appreciate schools. There are many chiefs in favour of schools being established in their midst, but there is a want of unanimity. So long as that exists I presume none will be asked for. Maketu. I have visited Maketu for the purpose of holding the usual Courts. The Natives there are much more litigious than at any other place I know of on this coast. The class of cases brought before the Court are generally trover, trespass, and detinue. The Court is generally occupied two days ; occasionally, however, three days are taken up. For the last four or five months the Native Land Court has been holding a sitting at that place ; consequently a large number of Natives have been gathered together. Taking into consideration the very large number assembled, their conduct has been remarkably good —far better than, I fear, would have been the case if a like number of Europeans of the same class h%d been collected together. Tawhiao and his Waikato followers are at present paying the Maketu Arawa a visit. The visit, I understand, is made" on the invitation of Te Pokiha and other chiefs. Great preparations have been made for some time past to procure provisions for the entertainment of the guests, who, I presume, will be the first important Waikato chiefs who have visited these people since the murder

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of Te Hunga and the Tumu and Maketu fights. This meeting, therefore, will be a Maori peacemaking in accordance with their old customs. Many presents will be exchanged, and I hear a large sum of money presented to the visitors by the Arawa. I have, &c, R. S. Bush, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 7. J. Booth, Esq., R.M., Gisborne, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Court, Gisborne, 15th June, 1883. I have the honour to forward herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, a report on the condition of the Natives in the East Coast District. Having but recently arrived in the district, and consequently not being able to report from personal observation, I have taken advantage of Mr. Brooking's presence in Gisborne, and have obtained from him the report attached. I may add that I returned yesterday from my first trip to Tolago Bay and Awanui, and I found the Natives apparently well to do in every village I visited. They seemed to be thoroughly loyal and law-abiding, and they gave me a most warm reception, being well pleased to find that I had a good knowledge of the Maori language, and that I conducted the cases brought before me in the Resident Magistrate's Court myself without the aid of an interpreter. I have, &"c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, James Booth, R.M., Wellington. Native Agent.

Enclosure in No. 7. Mr. J. Brooking to the Besident Magistrate, Gisborne. Sir, — Native Office, Gisborne, 13th June, 1883. In accordance with your request that I would furnish you with memoranda as to the state of the Natives in this district, I have the honour to submit the following remarks : — I think the general state of the Natives in this district may be considered highly satisfactory. There has been very little sickness or mortality among them for some time; no epidemic has existed. Vaccination has been carried on successfully among them, especially in the Waiapu portion of the district during the year. The last season's crops have been abundant, and, "although in portions of the district large quantities of food have been destroyed by heavy rain, there does not appear to be any danger of actual scarcity of food during the winter. The moral conduct of the Natives in the district is, on the whole, good; drunkenness has decreased, which may, I think, be attributed in a measure to the operation of the Native Licensing Act. Serious crime is rare; the principal exception is the shooting of Te Hamana Mahuika, at Kaitaha, near Waiapu, in February last, by a man named Te Naera Whareti, in a fit of rage caused by jealousy. This Native is now awaiting his trial for murder. The cause of this crime appears to have been contributed to by the action of a Native Committee, which, I may state, are recognized institutions by the Natives in the Waiapu and northern end of the district, and their decisions are, in many cases, submitted to, especially in regard to land disputes, in that part of the district. I think, however, a change in the feeling of the people towards these Committees, held in reference to land, will shortly take place, and is even now indicated by the number of applications for investigation of title by the Native Land Court, made by Natives in that part of the district, many of the applicants being persons who feel aggrieved by decisions of Committees in regard to their lands. An old dispute between Mr. Arthur, a runholder at Tokomaru, and the Native owners of his run, which has been in abeyance since an arrangement between the parties was made by Mr. Whitefoord, the then Resident Magistrate of Gisborne in 1879, was revived last September, and the services of the police had to be obtained, as the Natives had gone on to the run and were driving the sheep about. This matter has been fully reported upon.. The cause of the dispute still exists, but the Natives are looking forward to a subdivision of the land by the Native Land Court, which they consider will put them in a more satisfactory position. The district was visited in February last by one of Te Kooti's wives with a numerous following, bringing with them the bones of persons of the Rongowhakaata Tribe, who had died at Te Kuiti, for burial. She was cordially welcomed by a section of Natives who have sympathized with Te Kooti from the beginning. This woman is still resident in the district. A Native called Te Tatana has for some time past been causing some excitement among the Natives in the vicinity of Parihaka and Te Muriwai. He appears to be a religious enthusiast, and professes to have a gift of healing the sick. Numbers have adopted his karakia. This movement will probably collapse in a short 'time; at the same time, it may be advisable not to lose sight of the matter. A good deal of quarrelling and variance between hapus exist in the district about the survey of lands, notably in the vicinity of Whareponga. The Akuaku Block, among others, is a source of dispute between two sections. One party will not permit a survey to be made, but at the same time have leased the land to Europeans without the title being investigated. The other hapu, who are excluded under this arrangement, have negotiated a lease of the land to a different party. The organized opposition to surveys of land north of the Waiapu River, which has existed for many years in that portion, of the district, has now ceased, and a desire is prevalent among the Natives there to deal with their lands. Many are anxious for surveys to take place, in order to pass their lands through the Native Land Court, and are in some cases negotiating sales and leases before owners have been ascertained. This new feeling appears to have been brought about in a measure

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through the carrying-out of the survey of a block called Pukerangiora, the survey oi which was stopped in 1879 by an armed party of Natives, but which has lately been completed. The fact of the rule laid down by the Committees prohibiting surveys in that part of the district having been broken through by this survey, together with the fact of jealousies among themselves as to ownership having arisen, and grievances caused by decisions of Committees, appears to have decided them to do away with the old state of things and adopt a new course. The feud between two sections of Ngatiporou Tribe, namely, Te Whanau-a-Tawhiri (Wiremu Keiha's people) and Te Whanau-a-Pona, which has existed many years, is now dormant. Wiremu Keiha is living on the land from which he was ousted some time back; but the arrangement made at the meeting held in reference to this dispute, at which Captain Preece was present, to the effect that the title to the land in dispute should be investigated by the Native Land Court, has not been carried out, owing to the opposition of Te Whanau-a-Pona to a survey being made. Keiha has made frequent applications for a survey, but, as the work would probably be stopped, the Survey Department have not issued an authority. Captain Preece recommended a sketch plan being prepared for the purposes of the Court, which I consider would be a step in the right direction in this and in other cases of a similar nature. A sitting of the Native Land Court is anxiously looked forward to by the Natives in this district, more especially those resident at Te Kawakawa and Hicks Bay. Several large blocks in that locality are awaiting the operation of the Court, when the land will be dealt with. The Natives in that part of the district, receiving no rents to speak of, are comparatively badly off; but a sitting of the Court in the Waiapu District will put them in a position to deal with a large area by sale or lease. These Natives are anxious that the school at Kawakawa, which has been closed for some time past, should be reopened on the land lately handed over by Hatiwira Houkamau for that purpose under the Native School Sites Act. Preparations are being made at Waiapu for a large meeting, to be held shortly, to celebrate the opening of a carved house built for a chief called Anaru te Kahaki. He is a prominent man in Committee matters, and will probably take advantage of the opportunity afforded by the meeting to advance his views. Invitations have been sent by Ngatiporou to people of other districts to attend this meeting. The business will not be confined to local matters, but questions affecting the Maori race generally will be discussed. The meeting, I believe, has reference to a movement instituted by Ngapuhi, bearing on the Treaty of Waitangi. In conclusion, I beg to state that the general condition of the Natives in this district may be considered as satisfactory. They are as a rule law-abiding; they are in receipt of considerable rents, and have just gathered excellent crops of food; and, with the exception of the extreme northern portion of the district, have ample inalienable land for their maintenance. This exception in that part of the district occurs through the land there not having yet passed the Court, and being entirely in their hands; but, in view of the feeling now springing up among the Natives in that portion of the district to part with their lands, I think that every opportunity should be taken of making inalienable reserves there. I have, &c, ■ ' John Brooking, J. Booth, Esq., R.M., Gisborne. Land Purchase Officer.

No. 8. Captain Preece, R.M., Napier, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Napier, 2nd July, 1883. In compliance with your circular No. 8, of the 11th May last, I have the honour to forward the following report of the district under my charge : — Napier District. There has been very little of consequence to report in this district during the past year. The Natives at the several settlements on the plains have grown considerable quantities of wheat, but, generally speaking, they rely on the moneys they receive from rents for their support. Although these Natives are comparatively well off, they take little or no care of the money they get. It is satisfactory, however, to state that they spend more on clothing, and less on drink, than the Natives in some of the less settled districts. There have been two or three land disputes, which at one time threatened to be rather serious. In one case, the quarrel arose about the possession of a house and paddock. Two young men, accompanied by some others, turned the occupant out by force, and took possession of the house. The aggrieved Native took proceedings for forcible entry, the defendants were committed for trial at the Supreme Court, and fined £10 each. The second case was settled by the contending parties making application to the Native Land Court to adjudicate on the land. The case was heard in respect to one part of the land, the other will be dealt with at the next sitting of the Court. The Native chief Tawhiao, from the Waikato, with about three hundred followers, visited all the principal settlements in this district. .He was well treated by the Natives, some of whom appeared to give adherence to his policy of isolation, but this was merely done through courtesy, as they considered themselves bound to support the views of their guest when travelling with him from settlement to settlement. The chief Renata Kawepo welcomed Tawhiao here as a friend, but told him to put away all his ideas of isolation and separation of the two races; that there could be only one law in the country, and that both" races must submit to it. Only two Natives of any importance have died during the present year, viz., the chief Ereatara te Kuru, of Porongahau, and Haromi Tiakitai, the widow of the late loyal chief Karauria Pupu, both of whom were persons of considerable rank.

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Wairoa District. The Natives in this district maintain their character of good and orderly behaviour. They do not cultivate as much as they used in former years. Numbers of them are employed at the different stations shearing and working for Europeans during the shearing season. The Natives on the borders of the Waikaremoana Lake have joined with the Wairoa Natives in making an application to the Native Land Court to adjudicate on a large block of land extending from Waikaremoana to the vicinity of Te Papuni, including the Waikareiti Lake. The survey of this land has hitherto been opposed by the Urewera Tribe. The land is of poor quality, being principally black-birch country; but the Natives are very anxious to settle the title by passing it through the Court. At Mahia a number of Natives have been engaged whaling: they caught eight sperm-whales, valued at £1,200; also thirty-two whales of other kinds, valued at £1,400. At Nuhaka the Natives have planted small quantities of maize for sale. They have lately taken to sheep-farming, and own a flock of 4,000 sheep, which belong to the tribe, and are managed by one of themselves. The profits are divided; they realized £700 this year. The following are cases heard in the Resident Magistrate's Courts at Napier, Waipawa, and Wairoa, in which Natives were concerned: —Civil cases : Sixty in which Maoris were defendants ; amount sued for, £758 lis. 4d.; recovered, £381 19s. Bd. Fourteen in which Europeans were defendants; amount sued for, £129 Bs. 6d.; recovered, £50 3s. Five in which both parties were Maoris; amount sued for, £32 10s.; recovered, £9 4s. Summary cases : Assault, dismissed 1, convicted 6; Vagrant Act, dismissed 3, convicted 6; railway by-laws, dismissed 2, convicted 7 ; malicious injury, dismissed 16, convicted 1; larceny, dismissed 4, convicted 5 ; Impounding Act, dismissed 1, convicted 13; Dog Registration Act, convicted 2; Public Works Act, dismissed 11, convicted 12; Lunacy Act, committed 1; municipal by-laws, dismissed 1. Committed for trial: Escape from prison, 1; forcible entry, 2 ; forgery, 1; cattle-stealing, 3. With the exception of the cases committed for trial, the above were all minor offences, and the number of persons brought before the Court is not great considering that the Native population of the two districts is over 2,600 adults. Native Schools. The schools at Pakowhai, in the Napier District, and Waihirere, in the Wairoa District, have been closed owing to non-attendance of scholars and the general want of interest taken in them by the Natives. It is probable that an application will shortly be made by the Natives for a school in the northern part of the district. Poverty Bay and Waiapu Districts. I handed over charge of these districts to Mr. Booth, Resident Magistrate, on the Ist March last (who will probably report fully on them). I would merely state, with regard to Waiapu District, that the obstruction to the survey mentioned in my last report has been overcome and the work completed. I visited the district on the Ist January last, and had to make a special trip on the 19th February, in consequence of a reported murder of a Native chief at a settlement ten miles inland of Te Awanui. Immediately on my arrival I held an inquest on the body of the deceased, when a verdict of wilful murder was brought in against the accused, Te Naera Wheru, who was then at large in the bush. I issued a warrant for his apprehension, and he was captured by some Natives a few days after. He was subsequently tried at the Supreme Court at Gisborne, found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to penal servitude for life. In this case I have to thank the chief Ropata Wahawaha for the valuable assistance which he gave by instructing the Natives of the several settlements to capture the accused and bring him to justice. General Remarks. In my last report I urged that some new system, should be adopted in respect to the sale and disposal of Native lands, and suggested that the Government should undertake the survey, sale, and leasing of Native lands, and act as agents for the Natives. lam more than ever convinced of the necessity of a step in this direction. My suggestions were as follow: "I am of opinion that a new system should be inaugurated in respect to the alienation of Native lands. Under the present mode of direct purchase the Natives nominally get more for their land than they would if the Government had the absolute pre-emptive right; but, on the other hand, they have indirectly to pay high fees to surveyors, solicitors, and interpreters, so that by the time the land has passed the Court the expenses in many cases amount to the value of the lands. I would suggest that the Government alone should undertake the survey and sale of Native lands, acting as agents for the Natives, and that the land should be sold or leased in the same manner as Crown lands. But, in order that this plan should succeed, and that the settlement be promoted, the lowest possible commission should be charged by the Government to the Natives, say 5 per cent, on the price realized by the land, to cover survey, commission, and all charges. Even if the Government lost by the transaction, the country would gain by the speedy settlement of lands now unoccupied by Natives. The Natives I would also know that they were getting the highest marketable value of their lands, and that the proceeds were not being swallowed up by expenses. I think this system would be better for both Europeans and Natives, as the former would be certain of obtaining valid titles, and would not be put to the trouble and expense of negotiating with Natives and obtaining doubtful titles. The Europeans who purchase land held under memorial of ownership direct from the Natives have innumerable difficulties to surmount, and cannot obtain a good title in one case out of fifty. If some mode of alienation as suggested were adopted, I feel sure the Natives would part with their lands more readily than they do at present, although they would at first hold back owing to their suspicious nature." After the Natives have paid all the high charges above named, they have still to pay the Native land duty of 10 per cent, to the Government. This is always calculated by the purchaser, and, if not deducted directly out of the purchase-money,.so much less is given to the Natives for the land. 2— Or. IA.

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In conclusion, I would urge the Government to adopt some less expensive mode for passing Native lands through the Court, and for reducing the costs which the Natives are at present bound to bear in order to protect their own interests. I feel sure that the disposal of Native lands in the same manner as Crown lands would be very beneficial to the Natives, and there is no doubt that the success which has attended the sale by auction of the leases of the Waimate Native reserves and the Eotorua lands under the Thermal-Springs Act will in a great degree tend to remove the objections which Natives would otherwise have to placing their lands under the Government control. The success of the system would, however, depend entirely on whether the charges for commission, survey, costs of Court, duty, &c, were moderate or not. If the Natives could lease their lands for settlement, and receive their rent half-yearly through the Public Trustee, Commissioner of Crown Lands, or other officer appointed for the purpose, it would make them more provident than they are now, owing to the fact that each man would receive his share of rent, and could get it by personal application when due; whereas now they receive money in large sums, which are generally paid during the sittings of the Native Land Court, whore a large number of Natives are assembled, and every inducement held out to spend and waste their money. Should the Government at any time undertake the sale of Native lands it would be advisable that a Native member be appointed to each Waste Lands Board. I have, &c, George A. Preece, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 9. Major Scannell, R.M., Taupo, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Taupo, 30th May, 1883. In compliance with instructions contained in your Circular No. 8, of the llth instant, I have the honour to forward the following report on the state of the Natives in the Taupo District:— No Land Court has been held in the district since my last report, but several blocks, in which several of the Natives of the district were interested, were brought before the Land Court at Cambridge. The obstruction to trigonometrical and private surveys has, in a great measure, ceased, and a number of important trig, stations necessary to complete the survey have been erected with the tacit consent of the Native owners of the lands on which they have been put up. The initial survey of a line of road from Tapuaeharuru to Tokaano, and thence to Rangipo, was carried out with the entire approval of the Native owners of the country through which it passes. The road is now in course of formation, chiefly by Native labour. Tawhiao passed through Tokaano on his way to Whanganui, and was accompanied on his journey by several of the Taupo chiefs from that end of the district. On his return he remained a short time at Tapuaeharuru and Oruanui, but did not receive an enthusiastic reception from the Natives of those places. There have been no disturbances or serious crimes during the past year. I regret to say that drunkenness has increased since my last report, despite the efforts made to prevent it. A good many deaths have occurred during the year, principally among the old people and young children. These have not occurred from any epidemic, but from illnesses inherent to their mode of living. The cultivations during the last year were on a more extensive scale than usual. This was principally owing to a belief that a Land Court for the hearing of the Tatua Block would sit at Taupo, as a great number of those interested in that block were Taupo residents; but the hearing is to take place at Cambridge. As usual here, the Natives only cultivate food for their own consumption ; none to sell. Any money they may become possessed of is got by the sale of land, and that, as soon as got, is in the greater number of cases squandered in drink. The Natives at the northern end of the lake are parting with their lands wholesale. It will, I think, be necessary to prevent by some means their being able to part with the whole, as, if it is left in their power to do so, they will certainly in time sell it all. They are getting into that stage that they must have money, and will not work for it whilst any land available for disposal is left. At present those on the eastern and southern shores are not selling so freely; they lease the greater part of the lands they wish to dispose of. I have, &c, D. Scannell, • ■■■ The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 10. Major Parris, New Plymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. ■Sir,— New Plymouth, 9th June, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter of the llth ultimo, tailing for a report on the state of the Natives in this district. ■£. My report will be very brief, from the fact that, since the dispersion of the Natives who had for a long time been concentrating at Parihaka, nothing particular has occurred beyond what may be described as submission to the inevitable consequences of a state of things produced by the necessary action taken to dispel the Parihaka difficulties. Since the dispersion the Natives who had left their tribal districts to make a home at Parihaka have returned to the districts to which they properly belong, and, so far as I am aware, have never been guilty of any obstruction or unlawful interference with any work in progress for the extension of the settlement and occcupation of the country by Europeans (I am reporting on this the West Coast only); but, although this state of things has prevailed, for the time being, since the return of Te Whiti and Tohu Parihaka is without doubt the centre of attraction again, for there is a constant course of visiting and communicating with the place, and, what might seem strange to some, during the past month there have been large

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supplies ot iood sent irom nortn and soutn to EarinaKa, wnere tne produce ot tne crops is generally in abundance. The supplies sent chiefly consist of flour, sugar, &c, which the contributors can ill afford, and it must seriously affect their condition and the requirements of their own proper places of abode. These social gatherings and feastings are an old custom, which no reasoning will induce them to discontinue. I attach no political significance to it so long as there is no intention of trying to settle at Parihaka again. It is useless to speculate as to Te Whiti's future career; time alone will develop that; but his influence has not diminished, and it is to be hoped he will use it for the best interest of those of the Maori race who implicitly believe in him. I have not seen Te Whiti since he returned to Parihaka, but I hear he is very much altered and improved in his general demeanour. He is idolized by his followers to that degree that every wish of his is complied with; but it is to be hoped this will not carry him away into entanglements from which it would be difficult for him to extricate himself, as was his condition before the Parihaka dispersion; a state of things which they must see there is no chance of reviving with the altered state of the district. The most unsatisfactory condition of the Natives in this district is their strong aversion to education for their children, the result of Te Whiti's opinions on the subject, which he invariably inculcates on the people by denouncing it as useless whenever the subject is broached. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. R. Parris.

No. 11. R. Ward, Esq., R.M., Whanganui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — .... ,"■.", Resident Magistrate's Office, Whanganui, 19th May, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter of the llth instant. In reporting on the state of the Natives in my district, I do not know that there is much I can. say. As a whole they are peaceable and well conducted; they are quietly settled on their lands, portions of which they cultivate, while other parts are leased to Europeans. Those Natives living in the Whanganui part of the district, who have attached themselves to Te Whiti and Tohu, and were at one time residing at Parihaka, are quietly settling down again on their land here. Te Whiti's excellent conduct since his return from the Middle Island has done so much1 towards removing the sullenness Of his Whanganui followers. In the early part of this year Tawhiao, with a party of nearly two hundred WaikatoS, visited this district. He was well received by the Natives wherever he went, many obtaining advances on their leases, or borrowing money anyhow they could, and in many instances temporarily impoverishing themselves, in order to find means to feast their visitors, and to,present large sums of money to Tawhiao. Ido not think the latter added much to his pretentions to kingly power : his almost continuous drunkenness and licentiousness produced in the minds of many Natives mingled feelings of shame and pain. Putting on one side the excesses of their leader lam hopeful that the visit of these Waikatos will do good. Although Tawhiao was not accorded a public reception in the Town of Whanganui, still very many of our townsmen visited him and his party at Putiki. The Waikatos received their Pakeha visitors with great courtesy and manifestations of a friendly feeling; in fact, a thoroughly good understanding was shown to exist by both Europeans and Maoris wherever the latter went in the Whanganui, Rangitikei, and Manawatu Districts. lam inclined to think that the visit of these people will tend much to break down the barrier of isolation, and so bring about a better state of things than has existed for many years in the so-called King country. I am decidedly of opinion that it is only a question of a very few years when Maori difficulties and troubles will be known only as a matter of past history—a state of things to be thoroughly understood and appreciated only by those who have passed through the sorrow and gloom occasioned by a Maori war. I regret to say that, so far as I can see, the Maoris are very very apathetic about religious matters. I am glad to be able to report that the vice of drunkenness is still on the decrease among them. I have to repeat my regret of last year in saying that the Natives do not avail themselves of the advantages of schools for their children, or, except in a very few cases, take much, if any, interest in their education. At the last sessions of the Supreme Court, held in Whanganui, two Natives were charged with having committed offences against other Maoris, and claimed under "The Juries Act, 1880," to be tried by juries of their countrymen : they were accordingly so tried. Great interest in these proceedings was manifested by both Maoris and Europeans, as it was the first time Maori juries had been made use of. The local Press spoke very highly of the intelligence and upright conduct displayed by these jurymen. To those having a knowledge of Maoris and their customs the satisfactory conduct of these juries was not a matter of surprise, for the reason that Maoris have been accustomed for years to act in a somewhat similar capacity at their runangas, where, as a general rule, their minor offences are tried and determined. On the whole, I am glad t&be able to report favourably on the state of the Maoris of my district. I have, &c, Robert Ward, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

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No. 12. E. S. Maunsell, Esq., Greytown, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Greytown, 4th June, 1883. In compliance with your letter of the llth ultimo, I have the honour to report on the state of the Maoris in the Wairarapa District. Nothing has transpired to vary the friendly relations between the European and Maori population since my last report. The only event which caused some excitement with Maoris was the visit of Tawhiao, the Maori King. They assembled at Te Oreore, near Masterton, to see and hear him. He remained there about a fortnight. His utterances were not of an interesting character: he advocated the maintenance of peace and good-will towards Europeans. Though his visit was looked forward to as no ordinary event, his drunken and immoral conduct during his stay caused disgust and irreverence for him, and dispelled what remained of kingism here. Lately Maoris have elected a Committee of twelve members. Their duty is to inquire into and decide all questions relating to land titles and matters concerning their social being. They looked forward to the passing of the Maori Committees Bill, introduced during last session. Being disappointed by the rejection, of such Bill, they have agreed to abide by the decisions of a Committee constituted without Act of Parliament, and to adopt the European mode of conducting its deliberations, appointment of officers, and so forth. How long such a system of local government will stand remains to be seen. They now support churches and schools. The school at Papawai is fairly attended. The proportion of deaths to previous years has been greater. Native lands are being surveyed preparatory to passing through the Native Land Court. The opposition hitherto offered to surveys and the Court has ceased. The delay by Government in causing the ownerships of reserves to remaid unsettled still causes dissatisfaction. The Wairarapa Lake case, one in which Government is concerned and one of great public importance, still remains incomplete. Much opposition is shown by a faction, who seem to have doubtful claims; at least, their action in not proceeding with the investigation of such claims when before the Court makes it appear that the opposition to the acquirement by the Crown of such lakes is on factious and frivolous grounds. The sale of the lakes by their chiefs was confirmed in favour of the Crown by the Court (so far as their interests were concerned) at its last sitting here. These oppositionists have had about five years' opportunity extended to them to prove their claims. Had the old chief Hiko survived, the opposition now shown would not have been so frivolously and impudently advanced. Taking the condition of the Maoris in the district into question, on the whole it is very satisfactory. « I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. S. Maunsell.

Authority: G-bobge Didsbuby, G-orernment Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.