FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIYB AFFAIRS.

E—No.

3

No. 1. Before he transmits the enclosed Memorandum for the consideration of Ministers, tho Governor requests the Commissioner for Old Land Claims, the Native Secretary, and the Assistant Native Secretary to consider it, and favour him with their opinion generally upon the subject to which it briefly refers. Thomas Gore Browne. Government House, Auckland, 26th February, 1861.

No. 2. I have not hitherto minuted upon this Memorandum of His Excellency, both because the matter required some consideration, and because Mr. White of Monganui was expected to arrive in Auckland. In making the attempt to introduce a system of local organization, and I may say an elementary form of self-government amongst the Natives, I am of opinion that it will be well to commence with the Rarawas; but we must at the same'time be prepared to extend the machinery to other tribes if it works well, and consequently very considerable funds will be required for the purpose. It is futile to hope that anything real can be effected in this direction without funds, —" Money and men." The men might however be found in time, if a career was opened to them. To do that requires money. It is my opinion that the Natives should choose from among3t themselves, those who are to take part in the proposed work of District Regulation as Council-men, or as their political representatives. That, in regard to Assesors, the Governor should reserve a right of approval, or of . ugo-estion even, to be exercised through the European Magistrates. I approve generally of Mr. White's suggestions and views on this subject. I doubt whether in any part of the Island, the appointment of one head Chief would be acceptable to the Natives. Ido not advise action on this subject prior to the meeting of the General Assembly, as there are no funds applicable at present, it would be proper that the whole subject should be brought under the consideration of the House of Representatives. Fred. A. Weld. May 22nd, 1861. _________________________-__»_

No. 3.

I concur in the opinion of the Minister for Native Affairs. The question of the means of providing for the future Government of the Natives, will no doubt receive the earnest attention of the Legislature in the coming Session. It will be most unfortunate, and indeed perilous, if no practical measures be E. W. STAFFORD. May 23rd, 1861.

No. 4. MEMORANDUM. The steady loyalty of the Rarawas, their almost isolated position, and the zeal and intelligence of the Magistrate, Mr. White, indicate this tribe as one among whom any proposed system of Government might be tried with safety and advantage. Concession to disaffected tribes would probably be supposed to indicate weakness; but the present time appears well suited for an attempt to introduce an improved system to a district where the loyalty of the inhabitants is undoubted. , . ■Experience may thus be safely gained, and success hoped for, and if, by degrees, the disaffected can be isolated, and surrounded by tribes, having a well ordered plan of Government, there is little doubt that so good an example will be followed. ■ ' I surest that the Magistrate, Mr. White, be desired to call a great meeting of the Rarawas, and to announce to them, that the Governor wishes to have a Native Chief, as his Deputy or Superintendent for the affairs of the Rarawa tribe. That he will give this Chief £100 a year, and (in order to mitigate the iealousy of others) £20 a year to two principal Chiefs who should act as his Assessors. of the Chief would be to visit the different parts of his tribe with the Magistrate, and administer iustice according to law. It will also be his duty (with the assistance of the Magistrate) to consult with his tribe, and suggest to the Governor such regulations for the local affairs of tne district as are likely to be conducive to good order, and acceptable to his people; and generally to recommend measures such as those indicated in the Resolutions of the House of Representatives,