E.—No. 3.

of Matauri, but having already reported on this case in a letter to the Civil Commissioner, bearing date October sth, 1863, I have only to add that the line imposed upon the party was paid in full. I am unable to report any great improvement either iv the moral or industrial habits of the natives, nor can I say the desire for ardent spirits is on the decrease amongst them ; some few instances of amendment might be named, but the majority continue as they were. Nothing has been effected iv the way of schools, beyond the one established at the Kawakawa, where from 10 to 15 children receive daily instruction from the teacher of the place. The indifference manifested by the natives upon this subject is much to be deplored, but until the parents themselves can be led to sec the importance of education, little I fear will be accomplished in behalf of their children. As regards the general disposition of the natives at the present time, I have much pleasure in stating that they continue to manifest a friendly feeling both towards the Government and the settlers, and although by no means uninterested observers of the progress of events in the south, have abstained from showing any disloyal feeling or desire to disturb the peace of the district. Rumours have been whispered of disaffection existing in the minds of some of the chiefs, but nothing of this nature has come under my notice, nor have I been able to trace these rumours to any authentic source, and do not therefore place much reliance upon such statements. That there arc some in the district who could be named as ready to take advantage of any cii cumstance which might favour a disturbance, I "have little doubt, but these stand so far in the minority, that they will not readily advance sentiments they know would not be responded to by the body of the Ngnpuhi tribes. Much satisfaction lias been expressed that his Excellency should have declined the offer made by Waka, of the services of a body of Ngapuhi to take active measures against the Waikatos-- several chiefs observing that, had this offer been accepted, they should have felt themselves bound to support Waka, by drafting off a few men from each of the tribes, thus not only weakening their own numbers, but endangering the peace of the distiict by exciting feelings of animosity in the minds of AVaikato natives who aro resident here, in bringing into remembrance those ancient feuds which still rankle in the breasts of these men, and amongst whom some might be found vindictive enough to commit some depredation, perhaps even murder, with the hope that by so doing they might embroil the Ngapuhi tribes, who I believe are anxious to maintain their friendly relationship with the Government. The success hitherto attending the efforts which have been made in behalf of the natives may bo but small, the progress towards civilisation, law, and order amongst them may be but slow, still 1 think an advancement lias been made; it is also encouraging to know that iv the present excited state of the Colony these tribes have remained peaceable, in no way taking part with their rebellious countrymen, whilst the decisive steps taken by the Government to suppress the rebellion, and the success which has already attended the British arms, cannot but have a salutary effect upon the minds of the natives, and we may hope that this rebellion, when once subdued, will lead to results alike beueficinl to the Maori and the settler. En. M. Williams, R. M. No. :?;?. cops of a DESPATCH fbom goveknob sin geoiu;e gbet, k.c.b., to iris gbace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. (Xo. 47.) Government House, Auckland, April sth, 1864. My Lord Duke, —■ I have the honour to transmit a copy of a letter I have received from Lieut.-General Cameron, C.8., enclosing a report of operations in which Her Majesty's Troops and the Colonial Forces under the command of Colonel Warre, C.8., have recently been engaged at New Plymouth, and which have resulted iv the capture of a very formidable position held by the rebel natives, without any loss of life ou our side. Tour Grace will observe with pleasure in what strong terms Lieut.-General Cameron speaks of the ability and judgment with which Colonel Warre planned and conducted those operations, and of the zeal, and intelligence, and gallantry with which they were carried out by the officers and men under his -command. T have, &c, His Grace the Duke of . cwcastle, K.G., (J. Gj.ky. Ac. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 33 Head Quarters, Pukerimu, April 1, ISGI. Sic, — I have the honour to forward to your Excellency the enclosed report of operations in which Her Majesty's troops and the Colonial Forces, under command of Colonel Warre, C.8., have recently been engaged at New Plymouth, and which have resulted in the capture of the rebel position at Kaitake. These operations were conducted by Colonel Warre with an ability and judgment which reflect the greatest credit upon him, aud that so formidable a position should have been taken without any loss of life, and with very few casualties on our side, is to be attributed to the admirable arrangements made by Colonel Warre for the attack, and to the zeal, intelligence, and gallantry with which they were carried out by the officers and men under his command. A company of the Melbourne and Otago Volunteers, under Captain Corbett, were engaged for the lirst time on this occasion, and distinguished themselves by the spirited manner in which they assaulted and took one of the stockades, considered to be the key of the enemy's position. I have. &c., His Excellency Sir George Grey, X.C.8., D. A. C._mebon\ &c. &c. &c. .

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