E.—No. 3.

No. 32. copy of a DESPATCH fro . governor sir george grey, k.c.b., to mis grace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. (No. 43.) Government House, Auckland, March 14, 1864. Mt Lord Duke, — I have much pleasure in transmitting for your Grace's information the two reports named in the margin from Mr. Bars tow and Mr. E. M. Williams, both Resident Magistrates in the northern districts of this Colony, showing that the feeling on the part of the native population in that part of this island towards their European fellow subjects appears to be good and continually improving. I have, &c., His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G. G. Grey. &c. <fee. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 32. Sir, — E. M. Court, Eussell, January 14th, 1864. I have the honour herewith to forward my report on the state of the Hundred of Kororareka for the past six months, and I rejoice in being enabled justly and truly to make a favourable one. The only point to which I would wish to call your attention is the still unsettled state of the land as regards fencing and cattle trespass. I have, &c., The Civil Commissioner, Waimate. E. C. Barstow, E.M. Sub-Enclosure. I have great pleasure in reporting that the natives in this Hundred generally are animated by a friendly feeling towards us Europeans, the excitement naturally consequent upon the commencement of hostilities and the uncertainty of their results having gradually subsided, and whether it has been that on more mature reflection the Ngapuhi have wisely concluded that they had more to fear from successful Waikato, their formerly incessant foe, than from any consequences that might arise from our victories, or perhaps even from a liking to " ride the winning horse," still there can be no doubt but that tlieir sympathies are drawing round toward us, aud instead of, as at first, endeavouring to throw the blame of the origin of the war upon the Governor, they now universally attribute it to the obstinacy and ingratitude of the rebels ; there has been a cessation too of those wonderful accounts of Maori advantages, which some months ago ran from mouth to mouth with almost miraculous rapidity, and which enjoyed general popularity even when wanting in credibility. I can notice that a more attentive way of listening and submissive and civil mode of speaking prevails at present in comparison with their demeanour of six months ago. I attribute this improvement to the favourable impression created by the bravery of our troops, which lias given us Englishmen a higher position in the eyes of the Maori, whose idea of respect is co-relative with their estimate of the strength of its object. I can write favourably also of the social and industrial, welfare of the people under my peculiar charge; wooden buildings, comfortably partitioned, floored, and lighted, are replacing damp, dark, stifling whares. I hope that the use of separate sleeping rooms may lessen the immorality naturally concomitant with the huddling together of both sexes in a nude state, and that the better ventilation of the new abodes may decrease the existing frequency of lung disease, engendered and spread by crowding together in closely shut up whares. Some substantial fences too have been erected, a source of much gratification to me, as tending to iessen litigation on cattle trespass; the crops, though from scarcity of seed but few potatoes were planted, arc looking well, and a large breadth of maize will somewhat compensate for the deficiency in the former article of food. The natives too seem more desirous than hitherto of possessing" cattle, partly with a view of ploughing with bullock teams. The procuring kauri gum, honey, and towai bark for sale to traders enables the people to supply themselves with clothing and European articles. There have been more than an average number of deaths during the past half year, chiefly of young adults, though just now but little sickness prevails ; intemperance too is on the wane, owing partly to the example and precept of a member of the Eunanga, partly to the Eawhiti Maoris just now hoarding their money for a hakari. E. C. Barstow, E, M. Enclosure 2 in No 32. Eesident Magistrate's Office, Waimate, Sir, — January 25th, 1864. I have the honour herewith to enclose my report for the half-year ending December 31st, 1863. I have, &c, EnwARD M. Williams, E.M. Sub-Enclosure. Eeport for the half year ending December 31st, 1863. During the last six months I have continued to visit the different native villages and settlements within the Hundred of Waimate, the usual circuit courts being held at Waimate, Whangawa, Te Nagaere, and Kawakawa. Among the cases brought forward I regret having to notice one of a serious character, viz., an assault with intent, made by a native youth upon the daughter of a settler living in the vicinity

41

THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.