MINUTES OF EVIDENCE TAKEN

1. An office for all matters relating to the Government, and proper management of the Native people, under its own head—the Native Secretary. 2. An office for the despatch of all legal business connected with the Natives, under its own head—the Native Counsel. 3. An office for the despatch of all matters relating to land, under its head—the Commissioner. "By this very simple arrangement of the offices, the complaints of the Natives would be carefully investigated, and all their real wants attended to. " The benefits that would accrue from the adoption of these suggestions would, I am persuaded, be speedily felt, and that obedience to the Government, which we are unable to enforce, would be cheerfully yielded by the Natives, for they would discover that their interests were regarded, and that they were really cared for. They are a shrewd and discerning people, very susceptible of feeling, and easily managed; but our conduct towards them should at all times be based upon principles which will bear the strictest scrutiny, as they have a very high sense of natural justice, and their moral perceptions are of a very superior order. " I am not so presumptuous as to assert that the proper arrangement of the Native Departments will cure all the evils that at present exist; but the heads of these Departments will be able to confer great benefits on the Native Race, and they will be able from time to time to devise plans for the advancement of the people whose interests they represent. " In regard to the expenditure of these establishments, it would, I think, be comparatively trifling. Indeed, by this arrangement, large sums may be saved which are now lavishly thrown away, and these sums may be used for purposes that will really benefit the Native population. " As the Natives generally do their business in the forenoon, the Law Adviser for the Natives need not be in attendance beyond one o'clock, and no extra clerk would be required. I could do the necessary writing, interpreting, &c, &c; and I think that the Natives should be encouraged to pay the Solicitor's fee when their circumstances will permit. • " The Native Secretary will require my services, and another clerk. Nor is it necessary that the head of this Department should be fully acquainted with Maori, as will be seen by the past —that office having been filled by the Hon. C. A. Dillon, Major Nugent, Mr. Symonds, and. Mr. Fenton: he should be, however, a sensible and judicious man—one whose conduct will be based upon principle under all circumstances. "Referring to the Land Department, two clerks, perhaps, will be necessary; and, in regard to that important branch of Native affairs, all are agreed that it could not be entrusted to better hands than its present head, whose long experience and practical knowledge pre-eminently fit him for that deeply responsible office. " The questions arising out of the sale of land are so numerous and complicated, and often of so serious a nature, that it would seem most undesirable—to say nothing of the danger—to divert the attention of the Commissioner by introducing into his Department a multiplicity of other matters, many of which require much time to adjust, and are for the most part peculiarly harassing to the mind. " Should these suggestions be acted upon, I am not likely to be benefited thereby; but, in matters that materially affect the general good, I should be unworthy of the trust reposed in me, were I to allow my conduct to be shaped by the hope of gaining any personal advantages. C. 0. Davis. MEMORANDUM. " The desirableness of the Officers of the Native Departments having confidence in one another, and acting in concert, is too obvious to need comment; but unhappily under existing circumstances it is altogether the reverse. " To say that Mr. Fenton and myself would be able to conduct the business of our office with credit and satisfaction, is not a mere assertion, but founded on practical experience. Mr. Fenton is not carried away by popular notions ; he thinks for himself; he has discovered the baneful tendency of mere expediency in Native affairs ; his policy—if I may be allowed the use of the term—is based upon principle. The Natives, who are a shrewd discerning race, see these qualities, and in consequence respect his character, and confide in his judgment. And who shall say that such men are not the very description of persons required in the Native Departments at such a crisis—-when disaffection seems to be spreading in every quarter ? " It may not be out of place here to furnish a copy of a letter written by a Native to the people who propose to assemble at Matamata. [translation.] " Go forth 0 these thoughts of mine after the good news which is being brought to Auckland, this great city of the Europeans and the Natives. " The news of your searching for a King for us rejoices us greatly. Some of the chiefs of the Europeans are pleased with this mark of your chieftainship. "Do ye hearken, oye tribe 3, both great and small, even all people of all places. Let your call for a King be carried into practice ; and let the King be placed upon his seat of honor : then the ministers of all the Churches, and the assemblies of the Europeans, will pay their respects to this our great King. "Be strong to perform this :—will you ? Yes, you will. "Your call for the establishment of a kingdom is just ; the necessity of this step has been seen by those who look at the law of the Europeans and Natives. " All the people will protect. Do not suppose that the Europeans will stand aloof from this great King of New Zealand. Five thousand of them [the Europeans] will adhere to his cause, and there will be six thousand millions of Maories !

C. 0. Davis, Esq. 6 Oct. 1860.

22