E—No. 3a

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE

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X. A much larger staff of European officers will be required if the Government really undertakes the civilization of the Maori people At present, the difference of language places communication with the Maories in the hands of the religious bodies and a very small number of settlers; few of the latter being willing to enter the Native service. The consequence is that Government is dependant on a very few individuals, and in many places is almost unknown by the Natives. XI. Some of the most populous Districts—such as Hokianga and Kaipara—have no Magistrates resident among them ; and many—such as Taupo, the Ngathuanui, Taranaki, and the country about the East Cape have never been visited by an officer of the Government. The residents in these Districts have never felt that they are the subjects of the Queen of England, and have little reason to think that the Government of the Colony cares at all about their welfare. XII. In the Hudson Bay territory, and in other Colonies where the Europeans have assumed the duties connected with the Government of partially civilized tribes, it has been found necessary to have officers regularly trained and educated for those duties ; the Government relies on these officers for information, and for the steady maintenance of the influence by which the civilization of such tribes may be permanently improved. In New Zealand the Government is, and always has been, unable to perform its duty for want of a sufficient number of Agents so trained and qualified for the service required of them. In a short time, many of those on whom we now depend will cease to be available, and then there will be very great difficulty in replacing them. I am, therefore, strongly of opinion that the Native Department should be entirely remodelled ; that a Native service should be established, and that increase of pay and advancemement should be offered ss a reward for fidelity and efficiency. Without some s>uch system the Government will never be able to take its proper part in establishing institutions for the Native race, or obtain any real hold upon their confidence. XIII. The establishment of a central school for the instruction of Assessors in the practice' of the rudiments of our law is also another subject which I strongly recommend for consideration. Instruction in Maori, &c, &c, might be given, at the same Institution, to young men wishing to enter the Native service. XIV. The education of the Maoris has hitherto been entrusted solely to the religious bodies, and the effect has been necessarily confined to certain districts. There is n<i school at all north of Auckland ; no school has ever existed in many of the most populous placss—more particularly in the Ngatiruanui country; and in one school only is any attempt made to give instruction in agriculture. Government is not less bound to care for the secular instruction of its people than the Church is for their religious teaching. XV. To feed and clothe the pupils, as practised by the religious bodies, would require too great an outlay to admit of general adoption; but school-masters (having a knowledge of agriculture) might be appointed to reside in Native kaingas ; we should thus take education to the homes of the Natives, instead of bringing the children away for a short period, and then leaving them to relapse into former habits when they return to their own people. XVI. The system of purchasing land requires alteration. Ido not enter into this subject, as my views are explained in my printed Despatch (No. 80, of 29th September, 1859). XVII. Roads (not necessarily metalled) through Native districts are absolutely necessary for the progress of civilization and the maintenance of peace. The Assembly should, therefore, be asked to make advances for this purpose. In conclusion, I will recapitulate my opinions briefly ; — 1. Elicit the views of the Natives at the next Conference, and be guided by their wishes as far as possible. 2. If they will consent to the appointment of Chiefs (acceptable to themselves) to be organs of communication with the Government, give these Chiefs proper salaries. 3. In districts where Chiefs are so appointed, attach an English officer to each in order to act as his adviser, and assist him in the administration of justice. 4. Where this plan cannot be introduced, appoint a European Magistrate to act as adviser to the Runangas, and to make regular circuits through each district, accompanied by one or two Assessors. Policemen will also be required in each district. 5. Constitute Runangas legally, and allow them to make rules and elect Assessors, subject, in both cases, to approval by the Governor. The rules, when approved, to be carried out by the Assessors, under advice of the Magistrate. 6. Divide the Native territory into geographical districts, and appoint a European officer to reside in each district, as above stated. 7- Establish a central school for the instruction of Native Assessors in the rudiments of the administration of justice, and for instructing young Englishmen desiring to fit themselves for employment in the Native service. 8. Remodel the Native service, and increase the number of officers. 9. Open registers for land belonging to Native communities entering therein the names of" Trustees where such communities shall be willing to appoint them, engaging that the land so registered shall not be bought by the Crown without the consent of the said Trustees. 10. Pass an Act giving power to issue Crown Grants in commutation of the Native tenure to land. 11. Establish a tribunal to which resort may be had for the determination of any question* in difference relating to land between the Crown and any Natives, or between the Natives themselves.