E—No. 9 Sec. I.

the direction of the resident magistrate. The name of the successful candidate shall be made known in the most public manner; a letter shall be written to the President of the Runanga, naming the chief who is returned, when publicity shall be given to the same in the Maori Messenger. Should a vacancy occur through death, resignation, or dismissal of an assessor, warden, or karere, such vacancy shall be filled up by the resident magistrate and chief of the hundred, subject to the approval of the Governor and the District Runanga. The following chiefs have been nominated, and appointed members of the District Runanga by the Governor in Council, viz., Tamati Waka Nene, Maihi Paraone Kawiti, Hare Hongi Hika, Arama Karaka Pi, » Rangatira Moetara, Aperahama Taonui, Kingi Wiremu Taraha, Wiremu Hau, Hira Mure te Awa, Hemi Marupo. In every hundred there shall be as many village runangas as there are returned members for the District Runanga. The chief of the District Runanga shall be the President of the village runanga in which he resides, assisted by the magistrate of the hundred, with the assessors. The chiefs of the hundred, wishing to form themselves into a Village Runanga, shall, to the number of not less than 3, and not more than 12, signify the same to the resident chief of the District Runanga, and to the magistrate of the hundred, when they shall be nominated to the Governor and Council for approval. When the chiefs of the village runanga are desirous of calling a meeting to discuss any of the local questions assigned to them for consideration, not less than three of their number shall give notice of the same to their president and the magistrate, who shall consent thereto, signifying their intention of attending, and naming the time and place where they shall meet. Public notice of the same shall be given, that those residing m the village and its vicinity may have, an opportunity of attending. The chiefs who call the meeting shall provide for the same, as according to native custom, whenever a meeting is called, ample provision is made for those who are expected to attend. A secretary shall be appointed, who shall take minutes of all proceedings, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Civil Commissioner for transmission to the Governor. In every hundred there are many local subjects upon which the village runanga may justly claim to deliberate. The following will come more immediately under their management:— To decide upon the best fences for the hundreds. Cattle trespasses. Erecting pounds. Endowments for schools and religious establishments. Erection of schools, court houses, &c. Settling boundaries of land in the hundred, and referring the same to the District Runanga. Leasing or selling land. Providing for the peaceable settlement of families by marriage. Law of adultery. Carrying out the decisions of he courts.

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REPORTS OF OFFICERS: BAY OF ISLANDS.