E.—No. 4

With my reports, dated respectively the 25th January, 8th April, and 28th May, I have forwarded lists of persons nominated as Assessors, Wardens, and .Kareres, for the various settlements in this district. I enclose herewith a summary of the whole, showing present arrangements, which include some alterations found necessary, and which I beg to submit for the approval of His Excellency's Government. I would here take the liberty of suggesting that a notice of the appointments of Assessors and Wardens should be published in the Government " Gazette " and " Maori Messenger." With respect to the Kareres, I do not think this necessary, especially as it has been proposed to me that the Karere's office should not be made a permanent one, but that it should be held for a period of six or twelve months only, at the expiration of which, fresh men should be appointed, so that all the young men mny in turn take part in the work of administering the law and preserving order. This question is now being considered by the various Eunangas in the district. I would also further suggest that some public notification recognising the various local Eunangas as duly constituted, and giving the names of the members, should appear in the " Maori Messenger " at least. I have, &c, Thomas H. Smith, Civil Commissioner. The Honorable the Minister for Native Affairs, Auckland.

No. 5. THE CIVIL COMMISSIONER, BAY OF PLENTY, TO THE HONOEABLE THE NATIVE MINISTER. Civil Commissioner's Office, Maketu, June 17th, 1862. Sie,— I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of His Excellency's Government, a letter received by me from a section of the Urewera Tribe, recently visited by Mr. Hunter Brown on behalf of the Government, requesting me to visit them. I have replied to this letter, informing the writers that, as they reside beyond the limits of the district assigned to me, I have no authority to communicate with them in an official capacity; but that I should forward their letter to the Government, who, I did not doubt, would take steps to meet their wishes, with respect to the introduction of the Governor's system of Native Government. I have, <fec, Thos. H. Smith, Civil Commissioner. The Honorable the Native Minister, Auckland.

Enclosure to No. 5. Aoruataki, June 8th, 1862. To Maketu, to Mb. Smith, —■ Friend, this is our word to you:—We are living upon your regulations. Now, this is our request to you, to come and see us —namely, to bring your and the Governor's works for us to see. But we are searching for the principles of your work. But now, do not be deaf to our word. It ends. From Tb Tawheko, " Hoani, " Paoka Matenga, " Abamati Wi. To Mr. T. H. Smith, At Maketu.

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