REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS. [In Continuation of G.-1, 1886.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1887 Session II, G-01

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Sess. 11.—1887. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS. [In Continuation of G.-1, 1886.]

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

No. 1. The Undee-Seceetaet, Native Department, to Officers in Native Disteicts. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1887. I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to request that you will be good enough to forward to this office at your earliest convenience, but not later than the 20th proximo, the annual report upon the state of the Natives in your district, for presentation to Parliament. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. H. W. Bishop, 8.M., Mangonui, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sic, — Besident Magistrate's Office, Mangonui, 17th May, 1887. In compliance with the request conveyed in your Circular No. 1, of the 18th April, 1887, I have the honour to forward the following report upon the state of the Natives in my district. It will perhaps be well for me to state that upon the transfer, in last September, of Mr. Yon Stiirmer from Hokianga to another district, I assumed charge of the former. My report now, therefore, will deal with those Natives resident within the Counties of Mangonui, Whangaroa, and Hokianga. I have very great satisfaction in again noting that the health of the Natives throughout this large district has been wonderfully good. There has been no epidemic since the last severe one in 1883, and since that date the births have certainly exceeded the deaths. I dare not hope, however, that this highly-desirable state of things will last long, for it is plainly not due to any change for the better in the habits of living of the people, nor to any greater regard on their part for ordinary sanitary laws and precautions. This state of things is greatly to be regretted, for it must be apparent to everybody that it is only by a radical improvement in their mode of living, and by a complete abandonment of the system of communism, that we can possibly hope to stay the gradual decay of the race. In connection with this, lam glad to notice that there is an increasing desire on the part of many influential men to get their land titles individualised, and, although very little, so far, has been done in the direction of giving effect to this desire, I am hopeful that a good deal will be done during the next twelve months. A great sensation was recently caused throughout the district by the sudden and unaccountable deaths of Mr. lhaka te Tai, M.H.8., and the Bey. Benata Tangata, and Bupene Paerata. The Natives were greatly disturbed thereat, and the wildest rumours gained currency. These three men were worthy of the greatest respect, and I regard their deaths as a calamity to the Native race generally. So far as Benata Tangata was concerned—and it was with him that I have had most to do —he was a power for good amongst his people, and his great influence was invariably exercised to benefit and improve, socially and morally, his fellow Natives. At his funeral the Europeans of the neighbourhood showed their respect for the deceased by bearing the body from the settlement at Peria to the church (where he had laboured faithfully for so many years), a distance of over a mile. I have already reported to you that I was able, in this case, to induce the Natives to allow Dr. Trimnell to make a post-mortem examination of the remains, and to remove portions of the stomach and intestines for analysis. These portions were subsequently forwarded to Mr. Pond, Colonial Analyst; at Auckland, and he, after submitting them to the closest possible examination, has. reported that he was quite unable to find any trace of poison, or to account for the death, except by surmise. This negative result is unfortunate for more reasons than one, but any other result under the circumstances could scarcely have been expected. The Natives are naturally disappointed, for in consenting to the post-mortem, in the face of traditional prejudices, they were greatly influenced by the assurance, which then appeared justified, that an apparent mystery would be cleared up. At the inquest, the jury, a mixed one of Europeans and. Natives, returned an open verdict.

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During the past year the Natives have devoted more attention to the cultivation of the soil and some fair crops have been raised. In most of the settlements far more food has been raised than the wants of the people demanded, and, as the markets have been very limited, the result has been disappointing. The wave of depression now passing over the colony has, of course, affected the Maoris more or less. Both timber and gum, the two stock industries of the district, have been in very little demand, and the result is that there is a great scarcity of money in every direction. The Natives now only dig so much gum as is absolutely necessary to provide food and clothing, and luxuries are out of the question. Many avenues of employment are temporarily closed to them, and the young men are in a state of enforced idleness. If this has the result of compelling more attention to the tilling of the soil it will be a. source of congratulation. Whaling was carried out on the coast with great spirit during the season, and with fair success. I have heard of several additional parties to be fitted out for the coming season. I can still truthfully describe the northern Natives as being a sober people. Cases of drunkenness are seldom met with, and not a single Native has been charged with this offence in any of my Courts during the past year. A thorough appreciation of the evils resulting from intemperance is steadily growing, and I feel assured that this vice will never be a general one again. Great credit is due to those individuals who have been instrumental in inducing sobriety amongst the Maoris. The district has been remarkably free from all crime of a serious nature, and the people have been generally well-disposed' and law-abiding. A few there are who always like to show their fancied superiority to law and order, but I have found no difficulty whatever in dealing with them ; and they are always kept under by a want of sympathy on the part of the majority. At Upper Waihou, a small settlement in Hokianga, there is a slight cause of trouble in the case of a nest of Hauhaus. These people are blindly-devoted followers of Te Whiti, and practise the most absurd rites and ceremonies. They keep entirely aloof from the other Natives, and avoid, as far as possible all intercourse with them. They keep no Sabbath, and this is a source of great annoyance to their neighbours. I believe that the movement is the outcome of the " prophetess " scare at Kaikohe some time ago. The present leader is the father of the former prophetess, and there is a prophetess No. 2 in the person of the sister of No. 1. Several attempts have been made by leading Ngapuhi chiefs to induce these Hauhaus to listen to' reason, but so far there has been no result. It is curious to note that these people belong to the same hapu as, and are near relatives of, the late Tamati Waka Nene, who was so warm a friend and ally of the Europeans in troublous times. This fact has been urged by the chiefs to induce these people to cease their foolish work. One old chief recently told them that if Tamati were still living he would whip them like a lot of naughty children, and that they knew this to be true. I am watching the movement closely, for there is always a risk of these things spreading amongst so impressionable a people as the Maoris. lam hopeful, however, that the craze will die a natural death. The latest phase has been the cremation of dead bodies, under the belief that a new body would arise from the ashes. I have not yet heard what has been the effect of the probable disappointment in this respect. The outside Natives are very indignant and disgusted at the idea of cremation being habitually practised, and they have appealed to me to try and prevent it. They were shocked when I told them that cremation is now practised to a great extent by "pakehas." The European settlers in the neighbourhood are much alarmed at the aspect of things, and at certain alleged threats. I trust, however, that there is no real cause for uneasiness. The Natives in most parts of this district still evince their appreciation of the many and excellent opportunities afforded them of getting their children educated. There are now twenty schools in full operation here, and the support given by way of attendance is fairly satisfactory. I have, &c, H. W. Bishop, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 3. Mr. J. S. Clendon, 8.M., Whangarei, to the Under-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sir,— Besident Magistrate's Office, Whangarei, 17th May, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular No. 1, of the 18th April, 1887, requesting the annual report upon the condition of the Natives in the several districts under my charge, and, in reply, to report, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, as follows :—< Kaipara. The Natives throughout this large but sparsely-populated district have, during the past year, confined themselves to cultivating their lands, and gum-digging in the portions of the district where gum-fields exist. Their behaviour has, with very few exceptions, been quiet, orderly, and loyal; no instances of crime have occurred amongst them. Their general health has been good, but a few cases of typhoid fever have appeared, resulting in the death of only three or four patients. A periodical return of this disease is certain to take place whilst they continue to inhabit low, swampy settlements, and to disregard all sanitary precautions and arrangements. The Kaipara Native population are almost imperceptibly but surely decreasing. They are also slowly but surely giving up drinking to excess, and instances of drunkenness are very rare amongst them. Agitators still in a measure disturb the Native mind, but to a lesser extent than formerly; and they remain steadfast to their principles of loyalty to the Government, and peaceful relations to Europeans and themselves. Their schools are fairly attended, but the proverbial indifference of the parents in enforcing the attendance of their children at the schools prevents in a great measure the advancement in knowledge they would otherwise attain.

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The decrease in the timber trade has been a serious loss to the Natives in the timbered portions of the district; formerly a great number were employed in that industry. They now have to confine themselves to gum-digging, where practicable, and cultivating their small plantations-seldom more than sufficient for their own immediate requirements. Whangarei. This district contains the smallest Native population under my supervision, but is, at the same time, one of the richest in its natural resources of gum and timber. The Natives are in general very orderly and submissive to law, but the Hauhau colony at Karehunga is at times troublesome and obstinate. The schools in the district, at Mangakahia, Poroti, and Ngunguru, are fairly attended, and show beneficial results. Very few cases of drunkenness have occurred during the past year, and but two instances of crime have taken place (horse-stealing). The population continues about the same as last year in numbers, the increase equalling the decrease as nearly as possible. Bay of Islands. In the portion of this large district immediately under my charge the Natives have been during the past year quiet, well-behaved, and loyal. The schools are fairly attended, and the general health of the people very much better than before. The Natives occupy themselves in cultivating their lands, and in gum-digging. A few instances of smaller offences have taken place during the period, but only one indictable case. Drunkenness has diminished to a large extent, in fact throughout my whole district liquor-drinking has decreased in a remarkable manner. There is still a great amount of political agitation amongst them, caused in some instances by semi-educated Natives themselves, and in others by disaffected persons who ape the Hauhau principles ; but even then it is carried to less extent than formerly. The recent election has caused but little stir, and has not in any way interfered with their amicable relations to each other. In concluding this brief report I beg to add that the general good conduct of the Natives throughout my district has left little room for comment, and consider this fact to be a matter of great congratulation to the Government. I have, &c, James S. Clendon, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 4. Captain Jackson, 8.M., Bazorback, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sic, — Bazorback, 15th May, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Circular No. 1, of the 18th of April last, requesting me to furnish my annual report on the state of the Native population in my district. I beg to report as follows : — During the past twelve months nothing of importance has happened affecting the condition of the Natives in my district. ' They have as a whole conducted themselves in an orderly manner, and drunkenness is very much on the decrease amongst them, which may be partly accounted for by the great scarcity of money, and partly by the example set by a few total abstainers, who have influenced many of their Native friends to become, if not total abstainers, more temperate in their habits. The Native crops during the past year have been poor; only a few have grown sufficient for their requirements ; the potato crop has been a very indifferent one, the latter crops barely returning sufficient to pay for digging them out. The poorness of their crops has been caused by the very dry season we have had in this district, and if we had not several gum-fields I do not know how the Natives would make sufficient provision for themselves and families during the coming winter. The gum-fields give employment to those Natives in the district who neglect to cultivate their lands, and I am sorry to inform you that most of them prefer wandering about from gumfield to gum-field, and by doing so neglect their cultivations. There are about eighty Natives on the gum-field at Papakura Valley. Many of these Natives come from other districts. lam informed that the Natives can earn fair wages at gum-digging, and prefer that sort of work to cutting flax, which, they say, does not pay so well, and is more bulky and takes more time to shift from place to place. The price of green flax is now only 10s. per ton, and they have to carry it, when cut, long distances to the flax-mill or railway truck. There are no Native schools in my district, and the Natives do not seem at all anxious about the education of their children. The Natives during the past twelve months have not been afflicted with any epidemic,, and their general health has been good; no case of fever or other serious disease has been reported to me. The only Courts in which Native cases have been heard during the past twelve months are Papakura and Mercer. There has not been a single Native case, civil or criminal, in the Waiuku Court. Ten years ago this Court was the principal Native Court in the district, and at that time the Natives attended on Court days in great numbers ; now I seldom see a Native in the village. Five Natives have been charged with drunkenness, three of them were convicted and two discharged; there has been one case of larceny, and one of wilful trespass on property; in both cases the informations were dismissed. There have been seventeen civil cases—eleven in which Europeans were plaintiffs and Maoris defendants, five in which Maoris were plaintiffs and Europeans defendants, one in which both parties were of the Native race. Eleven of the seventeen cases were for debt; four, conversion of cattle ; one, conversion of a bridle ; and one for the cost of a Volunteer uniform supplied to a Native. I have, &c, Thomas Jackson, 8.M., The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington, Papakura District.

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No. 5. Mr. G. T. Wilkinson, Native Agent, Alexandra, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Native Office, Alexandra, 19th May, 1887. In accordance with request contained in your Circular No. 1, of 20th ultimo, I have the honour to forward herewith my annual report upon the state of the Natives in my districts. Waikato (including Waipa, Kawhia, and Upper Mokau). There is very little of a sensational nature to report in connection with this district during the past year. The breaking up or disintegration of the King party that has been going on during the last four years, increasing as it goes on, has entirely changed the aspect of affairs from what it used to be during the years when Tawhiao, with a large following of Natives, lived in sullen isolation at To Kuiti, at Hikurangi, and, later on, at Whatiwhatihoo. A great change has come over both the people and their country since then. At that time they were a sullen, dissatisfied, independent body of Natives, who, smarting from the effects of defeat at our hands in warfare, had betaken themselves to their mountain fastnesses, partly for safety, but principally for the purpose of removing themselves as far as possible from us, in whom they saw, or thought they saw, the destruction of their race. Now we find their sullenness broken down, and they, with few exceptions, are mixing as much and as fraternally with Europeans as ever they did in the days of the early missionaries and settlers. Their country —which until lately had been entirely closed as against Europeans —is now as open and as free and, I may add, as safe to travellers as is any part of New Zealand. Trigonometrical surveys have been made all over it; roads have, in places, been run through it; the North Island Main Trunk Eailway has advanced thirty miles into the heart of it; the telegraph now runs from Baglan across the Aotea Harbour to Kawhia—once the hotbed of Kingism ; the country has been systematically prospected for gold and other minerals by competent men (unfortunately 7 , without success, except as regards coal); and there are three Native schools within its boundaries, all of which are well attended. And, in addition, the whole of the country has already passed through the first stage of a Native Land Court investigation of title. A greater change or reformation than this could hardly be expected within so short a time even by Jhe most sanguine reformer, and it speaks highly, I think, for the leading chiefs and other Natives and half-castes, who, by their friendly attitude towards Europeans, their influence over their people, and their personal desire to bring about a change, have mainly assisted to produce the above-mentioned result. It is sincerely to be hoped that this great change which has been brought about—partly by their own wishes, but principally at our instigation—may not result in disastrous consequences to them as a race, or to their land, which is their inheritance. Now, if ever, is surely the time when they are entitled to our best endeavours to see that, whilst we as a civilized people reap benefits from their action, they shall not be allowed, if we can help it, to suffer either physically, socially, or financially. It is also to be hoped that they will soon learn to appreciate the efforts to bring about their well-being that are shown by the legislation of last year regarding the disposal of their lands and the money accruing therefrom. Health of the Natives. —The health of the Natives in this district has not been by any means good during the past year. Numbers of cases of sickness have had to be dealt with by Mr. Aubin, the local doctor, though, fortunately, with the exception of Tu-Tawhiao, son of Tawhiao, no deaths of chiefs or people of importance have taken place. The cases of sickness are mostly confined to the very young, or those past middle age —the former show a large percentage of cures. In the latter, however, the ailments are mostly of a chronic nature—such as asthma, rheumatism, lumbago, consumption, &c.; so that the giving of relief, and not perfect cures, is all that can be relied upon or expected. Social Condition. —It can hardly be expected that any very marked change should be discernible in the social condition of the Natives as a race during the short space of one year. A change that is marked and permanent is only to be seen by comparing them now with what they were some years ago. And though it may be difficult to show that there is any difference in their social condition now to what it was last year, if we compare them now with what they were, say, five years ago, a change for the better is plainly visible. In a great many cases now they are cleaner, better fed, and better dressed than they were then. Their health, if not better, is not, I think, any worse. The death-rate is not higher than it was then, and they are certainly much more temperate with regard to intoxicating drinks than they used to be. The question of their past and present industry'is one about which their are differences of opinion. So far as growing food is concerned, I think they were much more industrious from ten to fifteen years ago than they are now. Then, I believe, there were ten acres of food cultivated to one acre cultivated now. But, although that showed a large amount of industry, it does not by any means follow that the food planted in those days was for the benefit and sustenance of those who planted it. It was mostly grown for the purpose of feeding large numbers of Natives who came from other districts several times during each year to attend the periodical political meetings that were held at Te Kuiti, Hikurangi, and elsewhere, so that the food grown at the cost of so much labour was in one sense wasted—that is, those who grew it and who, with their wives and families, should have benefited by it hardly ever did so, or if they did, it was only in a very small degree. The industry of the Natives of this district at the present time is of a different kind, and is confined almost exclusively to earning money on public works. They have proved themselves to be excellent navvies, all work with which they have been intrusted on road and railway works here having been completed in a first-class manner, though, unfortunately, their labour has not always proved remunerative to them, but that is mainly accounted for by their bad system of management, such as putting on six men at a contract where three only are required, and such-like mistakes ; but they have profited by experience and are learning now to manage better. Some of the Natives and half-castes, in some instances, take sub-contracts from the European contractors, and the work that

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they do compares most favourably with that of their more experienced European brethren. lam sorry to say, however, that they neglect to a great extent planting food, for earning money on public works. If they only bought food and clothing for themselves, their wives, and families with the money they earn there would be no objection to their relinquishing the former industry for the latter; but it is very doubtful whether they do lay out much of their earnings in raiment for the wives and families, or lay in a stock of food, in which case, if that is a fact, they are losers by the change. Some of the King party who have not yet fully reconciled themselves to the present state of affairs sufficiently to allow them to take part in our public works, migrate during certain portions of the year to the kauri-gum fields either in the Thames or Kaipara districts, where they remain for some months before returning. Temperance. —The supporters of temperance and total abstinence will rejoice to learn that the Natives in this district are much more temperate than they used to be in years gone by. In fact, the change is most marked. In a great many cases they have given up drink altogether, and in others the quantity that they take is so small and they take it so seldom that, if they cannot be classed amongst the total abstainers, they are what is commonly called " next door "to them. Of course there are exceptions; but, whereas it used to be the rule for the majority of the Natives to be intemperate, and the temperate ones were then the exception ; now it is vice versa. The Police Court returns, which I supply herewith, will bear out my statements on this head ; and, as a further proof, I may state that, although a Native Land Court has now been sitting here (Alexandra) for two months, and is being attended by a large number of Natives, it has only been necessary for the police to arrest one Native for drunkenness. The Native Land Court in'the King-country. —The Native Land Court, which opened at Kihikihi on the 29th June of last year, and afterwards adjourned to Otorohanga (where the Natives had erected a large wooden building for the purpose of a Courthouse), marked a new era in the history of the King-country, as it dealt with 1,636,000 acres of Native land which, previous to that, had not been dealt with by any Native Land Court or European tribunal. Although this was the first time that most of the Natives had ever been in a Land Court, much less taken part in its proceedings, they behaved themselves with the utmost propriety and decorum, and it is worthy of remark that, notwithstanding that the Court sat continuously through four months of a most boisterous and inclement winter, and that nine-tenths of the Natives attending Court were living in tents the whole of the time, there was not a single case of death or severe illness amongst them. One cause of this absence of sickness can, I think, be accounted for by the fact that the sale of intoxicating drinks is prohibited in the King-country. There was not a drunken Native to be seen during the whole time that the Court was sitting. Before the Court adjourned, at the end of November, the title to the large area of land brought before it was decided ; that is, it was found out to which of the large number of tribes who claimed it, it belonged. Each tribe found to have ownership, sent in, as is the usual custom, a list of the names of its people who were entitled to be entered on the Court books as owners. The total number of names in the combined lists amounts to 4,369, and possibly some others.may yet be added. The next work that the Court will be asked to do when it reassembles will be to subdivide each tribe's and, where possible, each sub-tribe's or hapu's portion, as until that is done the land cannot be satisfactorily dealt with for the purposes of European settlement. Death of Tv Tawhiao. —Tawhiao's eldest son, Tv Tawhiao, also called Te Bata, died at his home at Whatiwhatihoe on the 9th November last. He was about thirty years of age at the time of his death. He was married, but had not any children. He had been ailing for some time, his constitution apparently having completely broken down during tho few months prior to his death. On account of his rank, and out of respect to his father, the Maori uhunga, or " crying for the dead," was carried out to its fullest extent, Natives coming from all parts of the North Island to take part in the uhunga ceremonies. He was buried at Whatiwhatihoe. A brick vault was made to receive the coffin, and over it h.as since been erected a small wooden building built by the Natives, and painted and carved in the most approved Maori fashion, the whole being enclosed within wirefencing. Election of Member for Western Maori Electoral District. —ln December of last year the election of a member to represent the Western Maori Electoral District in Parliament took place, and I was appointed Beturning Officer. There were eighty polling-places throughout the district, which necessitated the- appointing of eighty Deputy-Beturning Officers and eighty Maori Associates. It was thought at one time that the powerful Ngatimaniapoto chief, Wahanui, intended to be a candidate—in fact he intimated as much a short time before the election took place ; but, for some reason best known to himself, he gave up the idea, and he and his people gave their support to Hoani Taipua, the Ngatiraukawa candidate, who was elected. There were five candidates altogether, one of whom was Major Wiremu Te Wheoro (who, some years ago, represented the same electorate in Parliament). He was the representative of the King party, and was supported by them, notification to that effect having been sent by Tawhiao to Natives living in out-districts. As showing, however, how small now is Tawhiao's following within the Western Maori Electoral District, their candidate only polled 516 votes, as against 1,158 polled by the successful candidate. It is worthy perhaps of note, as showing the change that has come over this district, that for this election there were five polling-places within the King-country. Visit of the Hon. the Native Minister to Otorohanga. —During the end of January of the present year the Hon. the Native Minister paid a visit to the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe at Otorohanga. The journey from Te Awamutu was made by railway, which is the first time that a Minister has been able to get into the King-country by that means of conveyance. To reach there in former years necessitated the journey to be made either by canoe or on horseback. The meeting, which was held in the building used as a Native Land Court, did not partake of a political nature : the business consisted principally in the Natives laying before the Minister certain matters that were the result

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of their having commenced to put their lands through the Native Land Court, and the fact of public works being in full swing throughout it, about which they wanted some information and explanation :in fact, the result of their having adopted civilization. Matters connected with Native schools were also referred to, as were others about which they were in trouble or doubt. Wahanui, Taonui, and Bewi were all present (the latter having accompanied the Hon. the Native Minister from Te Awamutu); but Mr. John Ormsby (half-caste, and Chairman of Native Committee) acted, as on former occasions, as spokesman at the meeting. In the course of his address he assured the Native Minister that the Natives had fully made up their minds to make further use of the Native Land Court for the purpose of subdividing the large Bohe-potae (or King-country) Block, so that portions of it can be thrown open for settlement. After the public meeting was over the Hon. Mr. Ballance received several deputations from Natives who had personal and other matters that they wished to lay before him, and they all seemed pleased at his having gone to see them, and at the patient way in which he listened to what they had to say. He returned to Te Awamutu by train that evening, and went on from there to Kihikihi. Prohibition of Intoxicating Drink in the King-country. —Notwithstanding the fact that no licenses to sell alcoholic liquor are allowed to .be granted within the King-country that has not, unfortunately, been the means, as it was hoped it would be, of keeping intoxicating drink out of the district. Means have been found to introduce it; and, strange as it may seem, the first people whom the police found it necessary to take action against for selling spirits without a license were the Natives. To Europeans and others who are not acquainted with the Natives of this district it may seem strange that, after the speeches and efforts of Chiefs Wahanui, Bewi, Taonui, and of Messrs. J. and A. Ormsby to bring about the exclusion of drink from the King-country, the Natives themselves should be the first aggressors, and it is only just to the former and the immediate people that they represent to say that the aggressors, though belonging to the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe, are not always in " sympathetic accord " with Wahanui and other chiefs with regard to all their actions. They belong to the section of Ngatimaniapoto called Tekau-ma-rua, who some years ago identified themselves with Te Whiti and his doctrines, and who, with more or less wavering, have remained his disciples ever since. Their position, therefore, through being on a different religious and political platform, has made them in a way antagonistic and obstructive-to the other portion of their tribe, and has caused them occasionally to be a source of considerable trouble in the district. When Wahanui and others were willing that a line of railway should be surveyed through the country they stopped it and tied up the surveyors. This and other actions of theirs has shown that their policy is to play at cross-purposes with the rest of the tribe. When they found, therefore, that Wahanui and others wanted to keep drink out of the country it was quite in keeping with the policy of the Tekau-ma-rua to decide that it was necessary for them to be the means of introducing it. As soon as they saw that the large influx of European navvies and others created a demand for it they started a miniature publichouse in a Maori whare at their settlement called Te Kumi, and unblushingly sold whisky and brandy to those who were willing to pay for it. As, however, they did not make any distinction with regard to their purchasers, they soon fell victims to the police, who instituted proceedings against them, and they were tried and fined for sly grog-selling. They appear to have profited by the lesson that has been taught them, and have, I believe, given the practice up. Ido not think their desire was so much to break a European law as to act in opposition to Wahanui and other chiefs, who, so far, have taken the entire managenient of matters pertaining to the King-country in their hands. But, though the Maori sly grog-selling has been stopped, the Europeans, who are less simple and unsophisticated in matters of that sort than are their Maori brethren, manage to carry it on with impunity and, I presume, with profit. They, however, do not commit such indiscretions as selling bottles or glasses of whisky to all and sundry, in the way the Maoris did, but they dispense their intoxicants under the guise of hop-beer. This has now been going on for a long time, and, although it is possible that the first instalment of hop-beer introduced into the district might have been a genuine teetotal drink, it very soon became apparent that the compounds subsequently introduced were of a different nature. The police therefore decided to take action, and samples were seized and sent to Auckland to be analysed, the result of which, I am informed, is that they contain more ingredients than should be found in temperance beverages, and proceedings have therefore been taken against the vendors. The Native Land Court, which had adjourned from Otorohanga in November last to the 3rd March, opened on that date at Alexandra. It was thought that the Court's first work would be to finally settle the list of names for the large Bohepotae (or King-country) Block, and then proceed with the subdivision of the same ; but it was found that the Ngatimaniapoto were not ready, so the investigation of the title to a block of land of some 8,000 acres at Aotea (between Baglan and Kawhia) called Manuaitu was commenced, and is now being dealt with. It is expected that judgment will be given in a few days, as the evidence in the case is all concluded. After which, if Ngatimaniapoto are ready, the Court will most likely adjourn to Otorohanga, to go on with the subdivision of the Bohe-potae Block.. The Judge of the Court is Major Mair, and the Assessor, Paratene Ngata, of the Ngatiporou Tribe, who both gave such satisfaction during the first hearing of the Bohe-potae Block that the Ngatimaniapoto requested that they should also take the subdivision of the same. Troubles and Disputes with Natives. —lt is quite a natural consequence that, with the opening of the King-country and the introduction of public works therein, with the necessary influx of Europeans to carry them out, a number of disputes should occur between the latter and the Natives. Disputes have occurred in several cases, and in two instances the works have been temporarily stopped until they were adjusted—in one case the Europeans and Natives actually came to blows. But it can hardly be said that the Natives were to blame in the matter. They have always shown themselves amenable to reason, and desirous, if possible, not to commit a breach of the peace; at the same time being determined to stand up for their rights and not to be

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imposed upon; and it has mostly turned out, when any of the disputes have been investigated, that either the Natives were labouring under a misapprehension, or that the contractors with whom and the Natives the dispute took place were either attempting to take what the Natives thought an unfair advantage, or were endeavouring to take timber, gravel, or other products the property of the Natives without first paying the prices fixed by the Committee for them. I am glad to be able to state that all the disputes that have arisen have, so far, been satisfactorily settled. As a further proof of the decadence of the King party I may state that Tawhiao has not this year called his large yearly meeting of representatives of tribes, which is usually held in the month of March. These meetings have of late years been getting of a much less important nature than they used to be, and the attendance at them has fallen off very much of late. It is quite natural, therefore, that the usual meeting should be omitted altogether this year. Native Schools. —The three Native schools in this district—viz., at Kopua, Te Waotu, and Tapapa are in a flourishing condition, that at Te Waotu being especially so. It has a regular daily attendance of over fifty scholars, and additional accommodation has lately had to be added to provide for the increased attendance. The Natives seem now to appreciate the advantages of education for their children and the foresight of the Government in providing them with schools. There is also a Native school at Waitetuna, which is fairly well attended; and another one is about to be erected at a place called Bluenose, between Ngaruawahia and Whatawhata ; but these, though in my district, are not, strictly speaking, within the King-country. Land-purchase. —Part of my duty during the last few months has been to assist in landpurchase work. Three blocks of Native land (old compensation awards) near to Ngaruawahia, known as Lots 75, 76, and 77, Parish of Waipa, have been purchased from the Native owners for the purpose of special settlement. The blocks contain 446 acres, 483 acres, and 572 acres respectively, and are abutting on the road that is now being made from Ngaruawahia to the Hot Springs, at Waingaro. The land is of very good quality, and well suited for settlement. The purchase is not quite complete yet, in consequence of the number of Native owners ; but it is nearly so. I have also completed the purchase of the Pukehinau Block, within the Thames Goldfielcl; but that will be referred to in my Thames report. Te Kooti. —Te Kooti, with his followers, still live at their' settlement at Otewa. On the principle, I presume, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country, Te Kooti is very little thought of either by Natives or Europeans in this district. Here no one troubles himself about him. It is only amongst Natives in out-districts that he has any notoriety or is sought after. He is continually being visited by Natives from the Thames, East Coast, and other places, who have adopted his karakia or form of worship, and who believe in him as a prophet. I am told that whenever these people visit him they bring presents of money with them; so that, like some of his European brother-prophets, I have no doubt he makes the vocation pay. He is reported to have made some wonderful cures, and to have prophesied correctly with regard to certain events that have happened. But it is an open question whether the cases of cures should not be put down to faith-healing, and also whether some of his prophecies were not made after the events. Of course no mention is ever made of failures or misses. A. prophet's power will never stand that test. lam rather inclined to think that Te Kooti is aware of our proverb, " Never prophesy before you know," or has one of his own similar in meaning to it, and acts accordingly. He made a journey to the East Coast last year, where, he says, he was well received. That may have been so with regard to some of the settlements that he visited ; but, if the newspaper reports of his journey are to be believed, he visited some places where he was anything but well received, and it was said that, had he persisted in visiting Gisborne and some other places, scenes of his former atrocities, that he originally intended to visit, his reception there would have been a remarkably warm one, if not fraught with actual danger to his person. It did not take much of a prophet to discover this, so Te Kooti wisely decided not to visit those places at present. He may or may not be a prophet; but Ido not think that he cares to be a martyr, not if he can help it. I forward herewith return of Natives and half-castes who have been convicted of crime or misdemeanour within the Waikato, Waipa, Baglan, and Kawhia Districts during the year ended the 31st March, 1887: Drunkenness —Pukekohe, 1; Mercer, 3; Te Awamutu, 5. Cruelty to Animals—Mercer, 1. Assault—Te Awamutu, 1; Alexandra, 1; Kawhia, 1. Besisting Police—Te Awamutu, 1. Fighting—Te Awamutu, 1. Larceny—Te Awamutu, 1; Alexandra, 4. Sly grogselling—Te Awamutu, 1. Threatening language—Kawhia, 1. Breach of Police Offences Act— Kawhia, 1. When compared with the number of Natives living throughout the .district it will, I think, be admitted that the average of crime is a low one. Thames-Hauraki (including Te Aroha, Ohinemuri, and Coromandel). My report on this district will only be a short one, as my time has been so much taken up in the Waikato during the past twelve months that opportunities to visit the Thames District have been few. There is, however, very little to report. Matters throughout the district have been going on very much as usual, with the exception that our old friend Tukukino and the Ngatihako Tribe have during the past year been on their best behaviour, and no obstruction to surveyors or public works has taken place at their hands or at their instigation. The Thames-Waikato Bailway-line formation is now completed as far as Hikutaia, and the section from there to Paeroa is well in hand. The Natives in the Hauraki District are not by any means an industrious people—that is, when compared with former years. Instead of living together in large numbers at their different settlements, and cultivating large areas of food in common, as they used to do, they now separate themselves into families or parties and go away into the hills to dig kauri-gum, where they

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sometimes remain for months before returning. Their usual settlements have therefore a deserted and dilapidated appearance, which gives one an unfavourable impression when looking upon them, and causes the idea that the Natives are dying out faster than they really are. The members of the Tuhourangi Tribe, who used to live at Te Wairoa, near Lake Tarawera, and who escaped from the earthquake and eruption that took place there in June last, paid a visit to the Thames Natives during the past year. The reason of their visit was to personally thank the Thames Natives for the offer of a block of land to live upon, which the latter made to them at the time when it was thought that their own land was-enguiphed by the eruption, and that they had no land left to reside upon and cultivate. The visitors numbered in all about seventy. They were well received by the Natives both of Ohinemuri and Thames. The Ngatimaru or Shortland Natives have been very much exercised in their minds lately in consequence of the unfortunate death of lhaka te Tai, M.H.8., for the Northern Maori Electoral District, and two other Natives, caused by eating twice-cooked canned-meat. It seems that just previous to their partaking of the food at Auckland which caused their death, they had been paying a visit to the Thames as members of the Church Synod, the meeting of which was held in the Native church at Parawai. Their untimely death so soon afterwards gave the imaginative and suspicious Native mind a good chance to attribute it to witchcraft caused by the agency of some of the Ngatimaru people, in retaliation, so it was said, for the Ngapuhi attack, under Hongi Hika, on the Totara Pa, at the Thames, and the wholesale slaughter of the Ngatimaru by treachery in 1822. I cannot think that it was any of the leading chiefs of the Ngapuhi who circulated such a ridiculous charge, as the Ngapuhi Tribe is noted for the intelligence of its members and the advance they have made in civilization under the influence of missionary teaching during the last forty years. Possibly the rumour was circulated by some mischief-monger. Be that as it may, it naturally caused pain and annoyance to the Ngatimaru people, and a number of them, including their principal chief, W. H. Taipari, paid a visit to the Bay of Islands in connection with the charge. The result of the visit was that everything was satisfactorily explained, and good feeling restored before they returned. The Native school at Kirikiri is in a state of efficiency, and is fairly well attended by children of both races living in the locality. The Government schools at Te Aroha, Paeroa, and Parawai (Thames), where there are no Native schools, are also attended by the children of some of the Natives who live near enough for them to attend. I have lately, at your request, taken over from Mr. Warden Stratford, of the Thames, all the deeds and papers that were in his possession relating to incomplete Crown purchases in the Coromandel, Thames, Ohinemuri, and Te Aroha Districts. I have also completed the purchase of the Pukehinau Block, within the Thames Goldfield (between Grahamstown and Tararu). The block contains eighty-six acres. It is not suitable for settlement, but is valuable on account of the goldfields revenue that yearly accrues from it. The health of the Natives throughout the Thames District has been fairly good during the past year, no deaths of any persons of importance having occurred. I forward herewith a return of Natives and half-castes who have been convicted of crime or misdemeanour within the Te Aroha, Paeroa, Thames, and Coromandel Districts during the year ended the 31st March, 1887 : Drunkenness—Te Aroha, 1; Paeroa, 2 ; Thames, 1. Cruelty to Animals—Paeroa,!. Besisting Police —Coromandel, 1. Larceny —Thames, 2.' Breach of Peace— Te Aroha, 1. Horse-stealing —Te Aroha, 1. Prohibition Order—Paeroa, 2. Supplying Liquor to a prohibited Person—Paeroa, 1. Breach of Borough By-laws—Thames, 3. Obscene Language— Coromandel, 1. The average, as you will see, is a very low one. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, Government Native Agent, Waikato, Thames, and Auckland. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 6. Mr. H. W. Brabant, 8.M., Tauranga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Tauranga, 20th May, 1887. In reply to your circular dated the 16th ultimo I have the honour to submit the following remarks as my annual report on the state of the Natives in the districts under my charge. Tauranga District. Last year I had to report that considerable distress existed amongst the Natives of this district owing to a partial failure of their crops: this led to a large temporary exodus to the gum-fields. This year I am informed that, notwithstanding the long-continuing dry weather, the crops are very much better, though not up to the average. lam glad to find that the Natives are giving increased attention to agricultural pursuits, and are again commencing grain-growing, which they had almost given up. The health of the population has been good, and few deaths have occurred. The pursuit of digging gum, however, which has now become a yearly custom with the Tauranga Natives, accompanied as it is by living in temporary shelters and by exposure to weather, must prove injurious to their health, and I have heard of some deaths attributable to it. The Natives have during the year been assisted as usual with gratuitous medical advice and medicines. The public vaccinator has visited most of their settlements and performed the operation on the children and the adults willing to submit to it.

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They may now be said to be a sober people —the majority, I believe, total abstainers. It is seldom that a Native is seen intoxicated, and convictions for drunkenness are almost unknown. Mr. Matthew Burnett, the temperance lecturer, visited the district some months ago and addressed several Native meetings. His visit, I have no doubt, had an influence for good. Three Native schools are still in operation. They have hardly been so well attended as last year, but this is owing to the fact that many children accompany their parents to the gumfields. Tauranga having now been made a separate district under the Act, the Ngaiterangi Tribe have a legally-constituted Committee of their own, of which Mr. John McLeod, half-caste, is chairman. I believe, however, that they are not yet fully satisfied, but intend to petition for a further subdivision of the district. It may be mentioned that the soi-disant " King " Tawhiao has twice during the past year visited Tauranga with a party of followers. He seems to spare no effort to keep up his influence in this district, with what object it is difficult to say. The only effect I have been able to trace to it is the reluctance of the Tauranga Natives to individualize titles or to sell land. Maketu-Rotorua District. The eruption of Tarawera Mountain in June last was an event which has eclipsed all others during the year in this district. By it between ninety and a hundred Natives of the Tuhourangi and Ngatirangitihi tribes were killed, and hundreds of those and other tribes were rendered homeless, and forced to seek new abodes, owing to the heavy fall of volcanic ash. The public, both European and Native, subscribed liberally to a relief-fund, which was carefully distributed by a committee. Government also contriboted liberally ; but the relief, necessary and welcome though it was, could only be a temporary expedient. In those parts of the district where the ash fell lightly it is said to have improved the soil; but where it was more largely deposited the Natives had necessarily to leave; and whether the soil so covered will ever again become fertile is an open question. The Ngatiawa living on the Bangitaiki Eiver removed some to Whakatane, some to the neighbourhood of Te Whaiti, and a few to Tauranga; the Ngatirangitihi went to Matata ; and the Tuhourangi are at present at Te Awahou, at Te Whakarewarewa, and at Ngapuna, a new settlement near it. The last-named tribe have not yet decided where their future settlement shall be. They have had liberal offers of land from other tribes, but I think they are postponing their decision until judgment has been given and subdivisions defined in the Botomahana-Parekarangi case now before the Native Land Court. They must necessarily be for some time very badly off for the necessaries of life, as they have lost not only their cultivations, but nearly all the revenue of the tourist traffic, on which they greatly depended. The work on the railway-line provided by Government has been of great use to the Tuhourangi, and to the Ngatiwhakaue, who, from having assisted the former, are themselves in straitened circumstances ; and it is a blessing to see that they go into it with spirit, and are anxious that continuous employment should be provided. If the Government will give them work I think that no other assistance will be asked for. In this district there is little else to remark on the condition of the Natives. They are certainly improving in the matter of sobriety, though at Botorua there is still some progress to hope for in this respect. Of crime there has been little or none during the past year, if I except the pilfering by Natives which took place of goods from the wrecked houses after the eruption. A stop was, however, promptly put to this by the capture of a Native in the act, who was sentenced to imprisonment. Beferring to the schools, the schoolhouse at Te Wairoa was destroyed by the eruption, the teacher and some of his family losing their lives ; and there is, of course, no necessity for one there now. The schools at Botoiti, Maketu, Matata, Ohinemutu, and Te Awahou are still in operation, and the attendance has been well kept up. The schoolhouse at Botoiti was destroyed by fire in July, owing, it is supposed, to the earthquakes having injured the chimney; but the school has since been carried on in a temporary building, with an increased attendance. A new school has been established at Bangiuru, near Te Puke —where the Natives are pretty numerous—with every prospect of success ; the attendance at present reaches sixty scholars. I have, &c, Herbert W. Brabant, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Agent.

No. 7. Mr. B. S. Bush, 8.M., Opotiki, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Besident Magistrate's Office, Opotiki, 6th May, 1887. In compliance with your circular-letter I have the honour to furnish the usual annual report on the Natives in this district. Condition of the Natives. —The condition of the Natives is about the same as last year, when I reported that amongst certain tribes and hapus resident in the district there was a slight improvement. In a race such as the Maoris it is difficult to pick out a general improvement every year, as anything of the kind must be very gradual, and scarcely perceivable for some time to come ; but it appears to me that there is a slight advancement being made in this direction, which probably will be more perceptible as time goes on. The Natives appear to be well clothed, well supplied with carts and agricultural implements, are happy, industrious, and more contented; many are possessors of spring-carts, and a few own buggies. These are good indications, and predict a better state of things in the future.

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Out of a population of 3,951 Natives in this district only nine have been convicted of drunkenness, which speaks volumes for their sobriety, and is some proof of a desire on their part to abstain from intoxicating drinks. At Whakatane seventy Natives took the pledge the other day. The use' of spirits at gatherings, I am happy to report, is almost a thing of the past. Besides the cases of drunkenness already alluded to in the Police Court, three Natives have been convicted of furious riding, two for breach of the peace, six for petty larceny (five of whom were boys - convicted for stealing fruit), and one Native was committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court for breaking and entering, for which offence he was subsequently convicted and sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment with hard labour. In the Besident Magistrate's Court there have been twenty-one cases in which Maoris were concerned—viz., eighteen in which Europeans were plaintiffs, and three in which Natives were both plaintiff and defendant. In the whole of these civil cases the judgments have been satisfied or satisfactorily arranged for between the parties. The doctor has been fully employed since his appointment attending Natives for various ailments, his patients averaging over one hundred per quarter. There has, however, been no great epidemic amongst them, excepting the whooping-cough. Several Natives about Maraenui, while engaged in their annual slaughter of kahaw r ai at the mouth of the Motu Biver, were seized with a severe form of erysipelas, which caused their faces, heads, and the upper parts of their bodies to swell. Doubtless this disease was contracted through exposure to the sun while more or less wet, and from living in the midst of the decomposing portions of fish-refuse. There were also one or two cases of this complaint in Opotiki, but fortunately it did not take an epidemic form, nor terminate in any case fatally. Considerable difficulty is experienced in getting Natives who adhere to Te Kooti's religion to use hot-water fomentations or poultices, it being against their creed to apply hot water to any part of their bodies. The most disastrous occurrence that has happened during the past year is, of course, the terrible volcanic eruption of the 10th June last at Botomahana, through which the whole of this district suffered more or less. The Natives were heavy losers of stock, it not being their custom to provide fodder for their animals to meet cases of necessity, and help to keep them alive when the grass was scarce; they were therefore without any such provision when overtaken by the sand and mud deposits. For weeks the vegetation was covered, more or less, with volcanic debris —in places, notably at Te Teko, quite 6in. thick. These Natives lost a large number of sheep, cattle, and horses, as also did those residing about Whakatane; but, happily, with spring the grass sprang up, which prevented a much greater calamity and further loss. Many Natives from Te Teko and a few from Whakatane migrated, on the instruction of Te Kooti, to the vicinity of Galatea, he informing them that if they remained and ate the food grown on land affected by the volcanic dust they would die. These Natives abandoned their settlements and would not listen to reason, though the foolishness of the proposed removal was pointed out to them. I hear, however, that they have regretted leaving their homes, and are now anxious to return, which they are commencing to do in ones and twos, not liking to come back in a body for fear of being laughed at. The Natives were to remove for three years. This injunction applied to all Natives, and not only to those who adhered to Te Kooti's Church. Many Ureweras left their settlements for Buatahuna ; there is nothing about these returning to Buatoki and other kaingas. I need scarcely add that I have not heard of a death which has been attributed to the fact of the deceased having disregarded Te Kooti's warning in this matter. Paratene te Ara, of the Whanau-a-Apanui, is the only chief of any note who has died during the past year. During the same period only one Native has met with a violent death—viz., an old man named Enoka, who was thrown from his horse and killed. Disposition of the Natives. —The conduct of the Natives throughout the past year has been peaceful and friendly. No quarrels have taken place amongst themselves. The only disturbing element here appears to be the fact of the adherence of a very large section of the Natives to Te Kooti's religion, which is a source of uneasiness to those tribes which are averse to its adoption or introduction. These latter people do not hesitate to predict trouble in the future owing to the use of this form of Church service. They argue that sooner or later the Te Kooti-ites will endeavour to press their form of prayers on the whole of them, when, as a matter of course, those objecting will resist, and thus the two sects become involved in a quarrel. Indeed, the non-adherents to this faith are not backward in accusing Te Kooti with instigating all kinds of sinister work, notably the murder of Nuku and his wife in the vicinity of Gisborne lately. Some say that he is responsible for that crime, which was committed in consequence of what he said when visiting at Porangahau in the early part of this year. This section of Natives are anxious that he should not be permitted to visit this district, it being currently reported that he, with a large following, will visit the Whanau-a-Apanui Tribe at Maraenui towards the end of June, so as to be there on the Ist July to open a whare which has been erected there. It appears that the Ist of January and the Ist of July are very special red-letter days in his creed. It is, however, doubtful whether he himself will go, as it is stated that he only goes to places which he can reach in a buggy. He cannot, however, accomplish that in this instance. The worst feature about this form of religion is the frequent meetings which take place alternately at the various settlements ; many Natives attend, and several days are wasted on each occasion. These meetings are evidently attractive, like other Maori gatherings, because they furnish a ready excuse for feasting and idleness, time being of little or no value to the aboriginal. These meetings are held on the twelfth day of each month. The Saturday is observed as their Sab-bath-day, the ordinary Sunday not being reverenced by this sect, which is a great grievance to those sections of Natives who adhere to the Church of England religion. These " twelfth nights," if I may so call them, are designated " pou-takoto," which, I understand, means a fast night. It appears that the people present fast for a whole day. The Te Kooti form of religion evidently is attractive to the Native mind, as the numbers who adhere to it seem to increase : even old Piahana Tiwai has adopted it; but his adoption of it must

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be rather lukewarm, as he is unable to give any particulars as to the portions of Scripture upon which it is founded, or why those particular parts of the Bible have been selected as a basis for their creed. I have no reason for believing that Te Kooti, in promulgating his religion, has any thought of causing trouble; but I have no doubt he is, like the rest of his race, very suspicious. Being so, I dare say he considers it advisable to have as many adherents to his Church as possible, so that, in the event of his being " aggressed," some of them might be persuaded to assist him. There is no indication of any danger, excepting such as might arise out of any extensive combination. In this case the organization is under the leadership of a man who is looked upon by his adherents as something more than human, and who, if he desired, might use some of the most weak-minded and fanatical of them to carry out his wishes, without appearing to be an active agent. It is this phase of the religion that those sections of the Natives who have not adopted it are uneasy about. The Kooti-ites are somewhat like the Waikato Kingites, whatever they say or do is clone by Te Kooti's orders. The same was the case in Waikato a few years back. Whatever was done there by the Kingites was always attributed to Tawhiao, whereas such was not the case. It may be the same in this instance, Te Kooti's name simply being used to give more force to the speaker's words and wishes. Crops.- —The crops throughout the district have been unusually good. The volcanic deposit seems to have acted as a fertiliser—so much so that in those portions of the district where, in other seasons, the crops were poor, they are exceptionally good this year. All kinds of crops throughout the district are remarkably good this year, notwithstanding the long, dry summer that was experienced. Maize crops throughout the district, even where they have been languishing for some seasons past, show a very decided improvement. All lands which had been continuously cropped seemed to have been much benefited by the volcanic deposit, and the crops grown on those cultivations present a very marked and healthy appearance : there is nothing of the previous year's stunted growth visible. So far, therefore, the eruption appears to have been beneficial. Some crops belonging to the Urewera were destroyed at Buatahuna about the 17th of January last through what may be termed a meteorological phenomenon in the shape of a violent downpour of hail and sleet, which denuded the corn-stalks of leaves, and left nothing but the bare poles standing. This occurrence was fully reported in my report of the 16th February. It was stated to have been predicted by Te Kooti. Public Works. —Natives have been employed in various parts of the district on road-works. A section of the Whanau-a-Apanui have been engaged on a road being made over the hills to obviate the present shingle-beach travelling. Other sections of Natives have been employed on the Torere Boad, and others again on the Whakatane and Te Teko Boad. There appears to be an increased desire on the part of certain sections of Natives to be thus employed. Native Schools. —There are now nine Native schools at work in this district, that at the Teko having been closed since the eruption. The attendances at the schools are good, and very good progress is made by the scholars. Considerable difficulty is at times experienced in getting those children who have passed the Fourth Standard sufficiently well enough to receive the two years' further tuition provided by the Education Department at either St. Stephen's, Te Aute, or Hukarere away from their parents and relatives, who raise all manner of absurd obstacles to prevent the children going. It is seldom that any of the children object to go to these schools. At the end of last quarter there were 416 children attending these schools, 264 of whom were males and 152 females. The difference between the number of males and females is very marked. The Urewera do not appear to be at all anxious to promote schools in their district. I much fear it will be some time yet before successful schools can be established in their midst, as they appear determined not to agree on this point amongst themselves. The matter has been frequently urged upon them, but without success. These people, I may add, are likewise opposed to surveys, roads, and land sales; therefore it can scarcely be expected that they would be unanimous with respect to schools. A new school has lately been established at Baukokore, which bids fair to be successful, and which I feel sure will be well supported by the parents of the children. The attendance, I fear, will not, for a time, be very numerous ; but, as there are a good many infants in that locality, I shall expect an improvement in the course of a year or two. Maketu. I have visited Maketu periodically as heretofore, for the purpose of holding the Besident Magistrate's and Police Court there. There is a slight increase of business at that Court, and I think more cases would be brought into it if the Court sat oftener than it does. No Natives have been dealt with for any serious offence, and only a very few for disorderly conduct. Many of the Natives have been absent, attending various Land Courts, principally at Botorua and Taupo. The crops at this settlement appear much better than they were last year, no doubt owing to the volcanic dust. It is a pity that these tribes, though owning an abundance of land, cultivate such small areas. The food grown does not appear to be sufficient to feed them until the next season's crop comes in; consequently they have to beg food from their neighbours or the Government. I cannot see any reason why this should be the case if they would only be more industrious. They appear to waste a great deal of valuable time in attending Courts being held investigating land claims, which might be much better employed in growing food. It is astonishing how Natives hang about day after day, knowing full well that the case in which they professedly are engaged will not come on probably for days, or even weeks; yet they give up all useful occupations and rush off so as to be present on the opening-day if possible, quite regardless as to the season of the year, and as to how they are to get through the coming winter with their families. I cannot but think it will be a blessing for the Maori when all his lands have passed through the Court, and he has leased or sold all that portion not absolutely necessary for him to live upon. Probably when this comes to pass he will be forced to be more industrious.

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The Natives, and more especially the Tuhourangi, ought to be very thankful for the liberal assistance given them by those persons who so handsomely subscribed towards the Eotorua Belief Fund at the time of the Tarawera eruption. I have, &c, B. S. Bush, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 8. Mr. H. D. Johnson, Government Agent, Eotorua, to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sir,— Eotorua, 20th June, 1887. In compliance with your request, I have the honour to forward the following report upon the state of the Natives in the Eotorua District during the past year: — The Tarawera eruption, which took place on the morning of the 10th June, 1886, directly or indirectly affected the whole of the Natives in this district. The Tuhourangi were the principal sufferers, 104 of their number having been killed, and the survivors having been left homeless, besides losing all their cultivations, food supplies, and agricultural implements, and many of their horses and other live-stock. The Natives who lived or had their cultivations at Tikitapu were in an almost equally bad fix, and a number of those living on the eastern side of Eotorua and the southern side of Botoiti had to abandon their homes owing to the deposit of mud ejected from Tarawera and Botomahana. Most of the refugees congregated at Ohinemutu, and the Natives of that settlement and others living on the western side of Eotorua made them large presents of food out of their somewhat scanty supplies. I mentioned in my last annual report that, owing to the drought, there had been a partial failure of the crops in this district, and that the Natives would require assistance in some form to enable them to tide over the winter; so that it will be seen that they were not in a position to stand the strain of supplying food to meet the emergency, and that it was necessary that the Government should step in to relieve them. I was anxious that railwayand road-works should be put in hand at once, in order that the Natives might be made selfsupporting to a considerable extent, until the seasons came round for planting and harvesting new crops; but, owing to the non-completion of surveys and other causes, nothing was done in that way for about three months. During that time relief was administered at Government expense, and, although the total cost was somewhat heavy, it was doled out as economically as possible. A portion of the Tarawera relief fund was also distributed in this district. Since that time a good deal of road-making has been done by the Natives, principally to the southward of Eotorua. On the 24th February last the turning of the first sod of the railway to connect this place with Oxford, and so place us in touch with the civilised world, was celebrated by a grand turn-out of European and Ni'tive residents, and the first barrow-load was filled conjointly by Paora te Amohau, Petra te Pttkuatua, Perenka Ngahuruhuru, Eruera te Uremutu, Mr. James Stewart, C.E., and myself. A very large number of Natives have since found employment in the formation of the line by contract. Tney have proved themselves both willing and capable, and have given great satisfaction to the Government engineers. I sincerely hope that funds will allow of the work being continued, at least until the Natives can get through the winter and spring, as last season's crops were again a failure, ow 'ng to the exceptionally-inclement spring following the eruption, and the subsequent prolonged drought. I may mention that the Tuhourangi have now established themselves at Ngapuna, on the eastern boundary of the Eotorua Township ; and the other sections of Natives have located themselves at various places, principally on the western and northern sides of the lake. There has not been more than the ordinary amount of sickness amongst the Natives of this district during the past year, and nothing of an epidemic character. Excepting the deaths caused by the eruption, and a few which took place subsequently, but which were undoubtedly caused by the nervous shock and exposure experienced on that fatal morning, I think the death-rate has been below the average. One unfortunate Native woman whose brain was affected by the eruption is still a harmless lunatic. The temperance crusader, Mr. Matthew Burnett, visited this district in October last, and succeeded in securing a large number of Native pledges. Although some individuals (both European and Native) have since "backslided," and have dropped the " bit o' blue," the majority have, I believe, remained faithful. There has been a very light criminal record against the Natives permanently resident in this district during the past year. Some recent arrivals, however, have been guilty of obtaining money under false pretences by personating certain owners of land under purchase by me on Government account. The chief conspirator is also strongly suspected of incendiarism, my office having been burnt down, undoubtedly with the intention of destroying all proofs of the frauds which had been committed. All the Natives concerned —three men and one woman —have been arrested, and will be dealt with according to law. I have, &c, H. Dunbar Johnson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Agent.

No. 9. Major Scannell, 8.M., Taupo, to the Undee-Seceetary, Native Department. Sir-- Eesident Magistrate's Office, Taupo, 3rd May, 1887. I have the honour, in compliance with instructions contained in your Circular No. 1, of the 18th April last, to furnish, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the following report on the Natives in this district: —■

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The Natives generally during the past twelve months have conducted themselves in a quiet and orderly manner, and only two were brought before the Besident Magistrate's Court for assault, showing a decrease from last year's report of 50 per cent. During the greater portion of the year the majority of the Natives have been attending the Native Land Court at Taupo, and consequently there has been less cultivation undertaken than is usual, but I believe enough has been done to supply their own wants. A number of small contracts on the Taupo-Wairakei Boad have been let to Maoris, who earn fair wages, and their work appears to give satisfaction to the Engineer, Mr. J. Howard Jackson. A large quantity of land has been passed through the Native Land Court, and a considerable area has been acquired by the Government Land Purchase Officer. Considerable sickness, in some cases terminating fatally, has occurred among the Natives, chiefly, in my opinion, owing to the want of medical assistance. At present no medical man resides nearer to this district than at Napier on the one side, and Ohinemutu on the other, and they would charge such large fees for attendance as to be practically prohibitive. I have, &c, D. Scannell, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 10. Mr. J. Booth, E.M., Gisborne, to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Besident Magistrate's Office, Gisborne, 22nd June, 1887. I have the honour to report on the state of the Natives in my district, which I am pleased to be able to say is very satisfactory. There is now little or no drunkenness amongst them; and with the exception of the murder of the Native Nuku and his wife, for which four Natives stand committed to take their trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court, there has been very little crime. During the year six schools for the education of Native children have been opened — viz., one at Hicks Bay, one at Kawakawa, two at Waiapu (Bangitukia and Tikitiki), one at Tuparoa, and one at Tokomaru. These schools, as well as the schools at Waiomatatini and Akuaku, are all in full working order and are well attended. The Native school at Tologa Bay has been transferred to the School Board. A new school is shortly to be erected at Whareponga, and a halftime school at Waipiro, and application has been made to have a school at Whangara. Application has also been made for a school at a place called Hiruharama, nine miles inland from the coast at Waipiro, on the Government road, Gisborne to Waiapu, and the Natives are prepared to give ten or fifteen acres of land for a school site. There has been a great deal of fever of a typhoid type at all the coast settlements during the year, and many cases have proved fatal. The fever first broke out at Tokomaru, and was probably caused by some whales which were killed and towed ashore close to the settlement. The carcases became putrid after a time, and then fever broke out, which presently spread to all the settlements up and down the coast. It is now abating, and it is to be hoped that it will die out during the winter months. There is an excellent feeling between the European settlers and the Natives of the district. This feeling has been shown very prominently during the past few months on two several occasions : (1.) By a chief named Otene Pitau, who gave a feast to celebrate the opening of a church a few miles from Gisborne, to which he invited all the Europeans as well as the Natives of Cook County. A large number of Europeans availed themselves of the invitation, and were entertained most hospitably. And— (2.) The jubilee festivities were initiated in Gisborne by the giving of a jubilee Native festival which lasted three days, during the first week in April. All the Natives in the district were invited, and many hundreds attended. Several bullocks and a large number of sheep were killed, and other provisions were provided in great abundance. Sports and amusements were liberally supplied, and the guests seemed to enjoy themselves to the utmost. The camp, composed of many hundreds of Natives, together with the hundreds of European guests and visitors, was most orderly, and, although Crawford's beer was supplied gratis to those who cared for that beverage, there was not a single case of drunkenness reported at the police-station during the three days of the festival. The Ngatiporou Native Bines, under Major Bopata and Captain Tuta Nihoniho, supplied guards each day and night, and general good order and regularity prevailed. The crops during the past season have been abundant, and the Natives are now attending more to the cultivation of the soil than to the proceeds of sales and leases of land for their support. A large number of them are now beginning to turn their attention to the whale-fishing industry, and at the time of this writing extensive preparations are being made at various places on the coast for the approaching whaling season. I have, &c, J. Booth, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 11. Captain Peeece, E.M., Napier, to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department. Sir, — Besident Magistrate's Office, Napier, 6th June, 1887. In accordance with the instructions contained in your circular of the 18th April, No. 1, I have the honour to forward the report on the state of the Native district in my charge.

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Napier District. There is but little change in the condition of the Natives in this district during the past year. The health of the Natives has been fairly good, and no epidemic has visited the district. I regret to report the death of the loyal chief Harawira te Tatare, who was a thoroughly good man of the old stamp of Maori chiefs, who are now rapidly dying out. During the first part of the year a number of blocks of land were leased to Europeans, and a few were sold; but since the Ist of January only a few transactions have taken place—in cases where lessees wished to complete their titles. The Natives have not availed themselves of " The Native Lands Administration Act, 1886 ": the reason given is that they object to handing over their lands to Native Committees, as they have no confidence in them, and that they consider the proceeds of the land would be swallowed up in charges ; they think that the 5 per cent, should cover all expenses except survey, and that the Native land duty should be abolished with regard to sales under the Act. The following cases were disposed of in the Besident Magistrate's Court; Napier, Hastings, Waipawa, Ormondville, and Woodville, in which Natives were concerned:— Criminal cases : Cattlestealing—committed for trial, 2 : breach of municipal by-laws—convicted, 3 ; assault—convicted, 1; dismissed, 1; drunkenness—convicted, 9 ; disorderly conduct—convicted, 1; Sheep Act—convicted, 5; dismissed, 1 ; railway by-laws—dismissed, 1; wilful damage, convicted, 1; Police Offences Act —convicted, 1; vagrancy—convicted, 1; lunacy —convicted, 5 ; discharged, 1. There were only two cases of a serious nature, and, taking into consideration the Native population in the district, the number of cases is, lam pleased to say, very small. Civil cases : Between Europeans and Natives, 111; amount sued for, £1,495 14s. 7d.; recovered £976 9s. Between Natives and Europeans: Three cases—amount sued for, £29 18s. 9d.; recovered, £14 19s. 9d. Between Natives only : One case—amount sued for, £35 ; recovered, £20. Industrial Pursuits. —The Natives planted large quantities of wheat and oats, but the crops were not very good owing to the drought; they however harvested a very fair amount at the several settlements. The potato crops were generally a failure. Wairoa District. This district maintains its character for orderly behaviour amongst the Natives. The following cases have been heard at the Besident Magistrate's Court : Assault —convicted, 1; dismissed, 1; malicious injuries—convicted, 2; dismissed, 2; larceny—convicted, 3; Public Works Act —dismissed, 1; Dog Begistration Act—convicted, 11 ; dismissed, 3; drunkenness—convicted, 3; discharged, 1; dismissed, 2; lunacy—committed, 3. The Maori population is 2,044, against 1,115 Europeans. The criminal and summary cases against Maoris were thirty-three, against Europeans fifty-one, thus showing that there is comparatively little crime amongst the Natives. Industrial Pursuits. —The Natives have been fairly industrious this year. The following crops have been grown by the Natives of Wairoa and Mahia: Wheat, 4,42obushels; oats, 3,576 bushels ; maize, 10,882 bushels. Their sheep have produced 186 bales of wool, and at Te Mahia the Natives have captured thirty whales, which produced 43 tons of oil, valued at £879. A great deal of sickness has prevailed amongst the Natives of this district. The loyal old chief Maraki Kohea, I regret to say, died suddenly a few months ago ; and Hotene te Arahi, a minor chief of the Kahu Tribe, died recently. • I have, &c, George Peeece, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 12. Mr. W. J. Butlee, Land Purchase Officer, Wanganui, to the Undee-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Wanganui, 18th May, 1887. In compliance with the instructions contained in your circular letter of the 24th ultimo, I have the honour to report upon the state of the Natives in the Wanganui District. It is a matter for congratulation that, although large numbers of Maoris from all parts of the country lying between Taupo and Otaki have been congregated here during a considerable portion of the year, only a few criminal charges have been brought against them, and these mostly of a trivial character; a prosecution for rape being the only serious case, in which the accused was acquitted. About a dozen convictions for drunkenness for the year are recorded in the books of the Besident Magistrate's Court, which, taking into consideration the number of Natives moving about for months with nothing whatever to do but to try and amuse themselves, cannot be considered large; and, although it is possible that offenders against the law in this respect may have escaped punishment, it is none the less a fact that there has been less drunkenness among them during the last twelve months than there was in the year preceding, and not for the want of means for obtaining drink, because there has been more money circulating among them during the last year than ever before. This is a healthy sign, and, with the absence of serious crime, may fairly be taken as an indication that the moral character of the Maoris is improving. it is gratifying also to be able to state that fewer of the Natives properly belonging to Wanganui now find their way to Parihaka to waste their time and money in supporting Te Whiti, than was the case even so late as last year : in fact there are very few Wanganui Maoris at Parihaka to-day, and many,of those who have returned express their intention of remaining at home, being convinced that the prophet's predictions will never be fulfilled. Those living in localities occupied by Europeans around Wanganui are fairly prosperous, and evince a desire to improve their condition, a number of them having erected wooden dwelling-houses and invested in stock; but I regret to

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report that their relatives residing on the Upper Wanganui Biver above Pipiriki are living in a wretched state : their dwellings are mostly mere hovels, not even wind- or rain-proof, and with the most filthy surroundings ; their clothes are of the most unsuitable description, and not the slightest regard is paid to the most common laws of health. This is more particularly noticeable at Otapu and the Manganui-a-Te-Ao settlements, where the inhabitants are converts to the Paitini Hau religion, and employ most of their time in travelling about from place to place performing religious ceremonies. It is to this mode of life, I think, that the decrease in numbers of up-river Natives shown in the last census returns may, at any rate, be partly attributed. At Pipiriki and Hiruharama it is pleasing to note a very different state of things. Here the Natives are far more advanced. Their houses are neat and clean, and in good repair. Many wooden dwellings have been and are now being erected, giving the settlements an exceedingly attractive and home-like appearance. The advancement has, no doubt, been brought about to a great extent by the influence of the Boman Catholic Mission established at Hiruharama, where a fine church has been built and a school started, which is effecting a wonderful change for the better in the behaviour and condition of the children in. the neighbourhood. Judging by the results at Hiruharama, it would seem that the establishment of schools in the Manganui-a-Te-Ao Valley and at Taumarunui would be attended by the most beneficial results to the Natives there. The crops generally in the district have been good, and sufficient to provide plenty for all. There has been no lack of pork and potatoes at any of the kaingas visited on my trips, and in season, quantities of fruit, such as apples, cherries, and quinces, are produced without any cultivation or care—a fact which goes far to show that the valleys off the Wanganui Biver will, when brought into a proper state of cultivation, produce fruit of almost any kind, and in quantities to supply all demands. The Native Land Court, which has recently completed its session here, investigated the title to considerable areas of land, including the Baetihi, Ngapakihi, and Urewera Blocks, on the main trunk line of railway; and most of the Natives interested have returned to their homes, on the whole well satisfied with the Court awards. Serious complaints, however, have been made by them of the want of accommodation while attending Court in support of their claims to land, and with some reason, for no doubt they are subjected to hardships on these occasions when they are compelled, in their own interests, to be in attendance for a great length of time, which they would not perhaps feel so severely if sittings of the Court were held at shorter intervals, and were not so protracted as they are at present. Large areas of land have been acquired by the Crown from the Native owners during the year, the most important being the Waimarino Block, which has a frontage of about thirty-five miles to the Main Trunk Eailway. The purchase of this block was commenced on the 14th of April of last year, and last month the Court made an award of 417,500 acres to the Crown for the interests acquired, the balance of 41,000 acres remaining to those of the owners who preferred to retain their interests. The health of the Maoris has been as good as could be expected, taking into consideration the way in which they live. There has been no serious epidemic among them. During the last sitting of the Court, however, the death-rate, among them was seriously large: they were all living in tents, some of which were old and of inferior quality, affording little shelter in bad weather. The mortality was principally among children who caught cold from exposure, and invalids suffering from serious complaints who were brought down from the settlements, there being no one to attend, them there. There were also several deaths from measles, which might possibly have been prevented by the medical treatment applied, if the patients had been better housed. I have, &c, W. J. Butler, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Land Purchase Officer.

No. 13. Mr. W. Bennell, Native Officer, New Plymouth, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sic,— New Plymouth, 29th April, 1887. In my last annual report I mentioned that the Natives of this district were very unsettled, and employed themselves in inarching about in large bodies up and down the coast from the White Cliffs to Patea, at the instigation, primarily, of the Parihaka leaders, Te Whiti and Tohu. This at length culminated, during the month of July last, in their attempting to take possession of European freehold land and build thereon. The ring-leaders, including Te Whiti, were arrested, tried, and served a term of imprisonment in Wellington gaol. During the imprisonment of Te Whiti everything was quiet in Native matters along the coast. After his release and-return to Parihaka a me3ting was held here, at which a large number of Natives attended, expecting some important revelation or advice ; but, so far as I have learnt, nothing of a startling nature took place, Te Whiti merely advising the Natives in an ambiguous manner to stop at their own homes for the present. This meeting was held in February, and since then the Natives have been quietly living at their own villages, comparatively few visiting Parihaka, and no renewal of the marching up and down the coast by large bodies of Natives has since been attempted. It would be premature to say what effect the lesson Te Whiti has had will produce on his fanatical mind, but there can be no doubt that it has fully shown to the Natives the ability and intention of the Government to punish any attempt to disturb the peace of the district, and that no offender is now safe from arrest by the police, no matter where he may shelter himself. In the southern portion of the district (Patea and Waitotara) the Natives have returned

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apparently to the Christian form of worship, and very few of them ever go to Parihaka now, the reason given being that they are unable to sustain the strain on their resources which these journeys and the return visits of tho different tribes entail on them ; but, excepting this, I do not notice any great falling-off in the number of those who believe in Te Whiti, but they do not make such a show of their belief as formerly. The subdivision by the Native Land Court of the tribal reserves now going on must go a long way towards breaking up the communal interest, although Te Whiti's influence was much more extended than that, as he has always been looked on by the Natives as a gifted prophet. Several blocks of land have been satisfactorily subdivided by the Court, besides individual interests which have been cut out in other blocks, and the Natives are now anxiously awaiting the survey of the separate interests in the land. Many more applications for individualisation are now awaiting hearing by the Court from Natives all along the coast from Mimi on the north to Hawera on the south; and the movements for separate titles spread after each sitting of the Court. I noticed a short time since, near Parihaka and other places, that tribal lands are being fenced, which I look on as being done in the vain hope that it will arrest the movement in favour of individualisation of title. With regard to the occupations of the Natives I do not see any great addition to their cultivations, but they turn their attention a good deal towards getting congenial work from their European neighbours, such as harvesting grass-seed and similar employment.. Education is almost entirely neglected by the Natives, and, when advised to send their children to school, they only reply that it would be useless, as parental authority is not strong enough amongst them to compel regular attendance, and that their children have no clothes fit to go in. The health of the Natives has been good generally during the year, although the rate of mortality is still higher amongst them than amongst a similar number of Europeans. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. Bennell.

No. 14. Mr. S. Deighton, 8.M., Chatham Islands, to the Undee-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Chatham Islands, 7th June, 1887. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your circular asking me to forward my report of the Natives in my district. I was in New Zealand when the report ought to have been sent, and I regret to say that after my return here I quite forgot to send it by the " Omaha's " last trip. There is very little change since my last report. The Natives are still as strong on the Te Whiti craze as ever, but otherwise their behaviour has been very good, and they are very industrious and hard-working, and upon very good terms with the Europeans. They were rather bitter upon the subject of the Land Court sittings, and none would attend but those who were absolutely obliged. The population (Native) is on the increase, and lam expecting some more arrivals from Taranaki very soon. lam glad to say they have quite given over their habit of drinking, and it is a rare thing to find a case of intoxication now among them. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Office, Wellington. S. Deighton. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,375 copies), _10 83. 9d.l

By Authority: Geoege Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.