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the testimony of a material witness. These documents were referred to the Commissioners by his Honor the Superintendent of this Province, and copies are now attached. The Commissioners will, however, confine themselves to making only one remark thereon, viz.: that although the evidence of Tamihana Te Rauparaha occupied a very considerable time, and was certainly conducted with scrupulous deliberation, not a single hint or word of caution was given, at the time, to the Commissioners, either by European or Native, as to the consideration due to his testimony or character. It may be stated that both before and after the public enquiry just referred to, the Commissioners went over the premises and lands belonging to the Institution, and examined for themselves; and that the result of these various modes of investigation may be briefly though not satisfactorily summed up. For His Excellency's Government will no doubt learn with surprise and regret that an Institution so amply endowed, and surrounded by a concentrated Native population, should, in the unanimous opinion of the Commissioners, have resulted in a failure, which is much to be deplored. Whether this result be attributable to Archdeacon Hadfield or not, the Commissioners forbear expressing their opinion; they believe they have performed their duty in having made a record of the fact. The Institution under the care of Bishop Viard, of Wellington, next claimed the attention of the Commissioners, who were here met with the utmost courtesy; their right to enquire being unquestioned, and, indeed, an anxiety evinced lest any portion of the Institution should escape scrutiny. All books of accounts were opened for inspection, and a most creditable examination of the children ensued, in which their proficiency in English reading and writing was most remarkable. Altogether, the Commissioners terminated their pleasing visit with the impression that this Native and Half-caste School was a complete model Institution. The Commissioners specially refer to the enclosed papers, containing replies of Bishop Viard to certain questions, as an interesting example of how much may be effected with very slender means. The labours of the Commissioners concluded with a visit to the Hutt, where they were met by the Rev. Mr. Watkin, on behalf of the Wesleyan body, at a Maori whare, in which a very intelligent Native teacher had extemporised a school-room and several scholars. The Rev. gentleman very candidly explained to the Commissioners that the School was entirely in its infancy, and any special remarks from them on the conduct of an Institution at that early stage would be obviously uncalled for. Having now faithfully described the present state of the Schools referred to them, it only remains for the Commissioners to offer any suggestions they may have for future guidance; and they accord., ingly, respectfully, but very earnestly, recommend to the notice of His Excellency's Government their opinion and recommendations as follows, viz: 1. That a great duty rests with the General Government to promote the education of Native and Half-caste children, and that a considerable proportion of such funds as may be at the disposal of the Government for Native purposes should be dedicated to the object of Native education. 2. That Government ought not to be discouraged by past failures, insomuch as the very nature of the object to be accomplished obviously implies difficulties. 3. That English Masters and Mistresses should be invariably employed, and the teaching of the English language made the prominent feature of instruction. 4. That the dietary, &c, &c, should be more judiciously regulated. (To this the Commissioners attach special importance.) 5. That a jealous care should be exercised, lest at any time grants of land made for. Native School purposes should be regarded as ecclesiastical domains. 6. That upon these views being carried out in a sustained manner and enlightened spirit, the longevity and peaceableness of the Native race greatly depends. 7. That it is desirable that one or more Inspectors should be appointed, with authority to make regulations in furtherance of the above objects, and generally to co-operate with the various persons in charge of Schools that are either in receipt of aid from Government, or are in the enjoyment of Grants of land made for Native purposes. William Fitzherbert, Chairman.