E—No. 9 Sec. II.

Native fences, which were constantly broken by the cows. I suggested ditching, and explained that if they accepted the institutions their Runanga would then have power to make laws respecting cattle trespass, and other matters binding on both races in the district, subject to the approval of the Governor. He then enquired how he was to obtain compensation for damage already committed. I replied that the Runanga could not legislate for the past but for the future, and that I would see Mr. Charlton and endeavour to arrange the matter between them ; if unable, that he could then apply to me for a summons on my next circuit, and I would adjudicate on the case. Mr. Charlton rents a Government Run for cattle on the sea coast near the Makaka. 'lhe people of this settlement applied to me for one Runanga for them, and a separate one for the tribes on the other side of the harbor. I declined acceding to this request, and insisted on one Runanga for both, but told them to express their views at the meeting to be held at Aotea. Wrote a letter to the Natives on the South side of Aotea lequesting them to meet me at Raoraokauere, the most central place in the district. Proceeded there in the afternoon, and waited for them. A deputation of them (Te Wetini and Hepata) shortly after arrived, and stated they had come to ask me to go to Rua Kotare, the South side of the harbor. I asked for a reply to my letter ; they stated they were the answer. I then enquired of them, if I acceded to their request, were there to be two Tikangas or Runangas for Aotea, or one only. They replied, very decidedly, only one. I then agreed to go. In the evening the Makaka people, who had accompanied me, sent for me to attend a Runanga as to the proceedings for the following day. Long discussion followed, some being in favour of proceeding to Rua Kotare, others to proceed at once to Kawhia and there hold a meeting of the Aotea Chiefs. No decisive result arrived at, and I left the meeting quite wearied out. Raoraokauere is the station of Mr. Skinner, a catechist of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, who hospitably entertained me for the night. 3rd April.—Left Sir. Skinner's at daylight, and crossed the harbour to Rue Kotare, W, Nera ant} a large party of Whuingaroa Natives, also Ngatihaua, from the Mokaka, accompanying me. Obtained the following particulars of the Aotea Natives from Mr. Skinner:— At the Makaka, and adjacent on the North side of Aotea. Name of Tribe. Estimated present population. Ngatihaua 90 Ngatinaho and Taranaki.., 20 Ngatiraparapa 20 130 At the Rua Kotare, and adjacent on the South of Aotea. Ngatitewehi 140 * Ngatiterangi 40 Ngatiwawhaki 24 Pattipo (King people) SO 284 Total estimated population of Aotea •. 414 Mr. Fenton's Census Return allows the gross numbers to be 338, but Mr. Skinner informs me there has been immigration to Aotea since, and the births have been very numerous there lately. All day at Rua Kotare, where Runanga held. (See report of speeches). The proceedings were highly satisfactory, and I would recommend that the nomination of officers there made he confirmed. The jealousies between the tribes on each side of the harbour are of ancient date, and though they have for the time waived them, in order to obtain the benefits of the Ture, &c., yet they might at any time be brought into action by any partiality shewn to one or the other. The proposed arrangement appears to have the acquiescence of all parties, and great discrimination has, I think, been shewn in the selection of officers. I intimated to the respective tribes that I did not think the salaries of the Assessors and Wardens would exceed £20 per annum, and they made no objection thereto. My instructions of date 21 th February last state "that only one Runanga should be formed for Aotea and Kawhia." To this arrangement, as before mentioned, the Natives will not consent. Had I urged them to adopt it, I feel assured the Aotea Natives would never have agreed to accept the new institutions. Taking, however, the Hundreds of Taupiri and Kohekohe as the standard for salaries, theve is still sufficient margin left for the salary of an Assessor, Warden, and two Policemen, for the Ngatihikairo, at Kawhia. The salaries at Taupari and Kohekohe are £120 per annum, with £60 a year for six Policemen at each place. Aotea, by the proposed arrangement of two Assessors and two Wardens, would require £80 per annum, and £40 more for Policemen. Ngatibikairo could (when the Runanga is established there) then have the balance of £40 for Assessor and Warden, and £20 for two Policemen. The Aotea Natives were very desirous to have four Policemen for each side of the harbour, and I had considerable difficulty in inducing them to acquiesce in the appointment of two only for each side, and then only upon the assurance that I would submit their wishes on this subject to His Excellency. It* the Government think proper to increase the number of Policemen hero (for which, however, I see no necessity), I think the number ought not to exceed six altogether, i. e., three for each side. They

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REPORTS OF OFFICERS: