A.—No. 10.

6

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS

law as affecting himself. A Native usually regards an adverse decision as an hostile measure, the execution of which he may ward off by force, if he is sufficiently strong to do so. Thus any offender deems that he has a right to secure himself from the punishment of his crime by the assistance of his friends or partisans ; hence the supposed necessity of arming the law to overcome such resistance. 8. I have doubts as to the readiness here expressed of assisting the law when one of their own relations or hapu happens to be the offender. 9. Purely a matter of consideration to the Government on the score of expense. 10-11. Very desirable, but by no means easy to accomplish—divorce laws, registration of births, deaths, and marriages, and many similar laws, could never be executed. 12. Entirely a matter for the Government. 13. A school at Waiina is much needed ; I. believe that a schoolhouse already exists there. To summarize, I recommend — 1. The erection of a lock-up and appointment of a district constable, to act also as bailiff of the Court at Eawene, Hokianga. 2. An arrangement, by Petty Sessions or otherwise, for holding Courts at Eawene, at not longer intervals than one month. 3. The establishment of a Native school at or near Waima. E, C. Baustow, E.M. Eussell, 13th November, 1868.

No. G. Copy of a Letter from Mr. E. M. Williams to the Hon. J. C. Eiciimond. (No. 93.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— Waimate, 28th December, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter No. 558, 28th November, IS6B, enclosing copy of a letter from Mr. Mailing on the subject of the Ngapuhi Petition, and authorizing me to act on the conjecture in the 3rd paragraph, should it meet the object of the petitioners. As the views expressed by Mr. Maning so nearly coincide with the suggestions given in my letter No. 80, 16th November, 1868, I presume the Government will sanction the enrolment of special constables if agreed to by the petitioners. But before proceeding to discuss the question with them, I should wish to be iu a position to guarantee a certain rate of pay when called upon for actual service, and also to be informed in what manner such pay would be drawn ; I have therefore to request that I may be instructed how far to pledge myself in arranging this question with the Natives. I have, &c, Ed. M. Williams, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. E. M. Williams to the Hon. Dr. Pollen: (No. 28.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sin,— Waimate, 22nd February, 1869. I have the honor to enclose two letters, number and date as per margin, addressed to the TJnder Secretary, Native Department, the one being a report of a Native meeting at Whangape, and the other transmitting copy of a letter from chiefs at Whangape, and to request that the same may be forwarded to their destination. I have, &c, Ed. M. Williams, The Hon. the Eesident Minister, Auckland. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 25, Feb. 22, 1869; No. 26, Feb. 22, 18G9.

Enclosure 1 No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. E. M. "Williams to Mr. G-. S. Coopee. (No. 25.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sir, —■ Waimate, 22nd February, 18G9. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, the following particulars relative to a meeting of the Earawa, held at Whangape on the 18th instant, at which I was present. Arriving early on the morning of the 17th, I visited the chiefs assembled, who, with their people, numbered about 300, my object being to gain some insight into the nature of the business to be transacted. In this, however. I was disappointed, each one questioned informing me that he had not been admitted into the confidence of those who had called them together. A degree of secrecy appeared to attend the proceedings ; and it was not until the meeting assembled on the morning of the 18th that, to the surprise of all, Winiata Tomairangi, of Kaipara, announced the object to be the election of a Maori Superintendent for the Earawa. This announcement was received by the Earawa north of Whangape with marked distrust; hints were thrown out as to its savouring of a King movement, and Winiata was upbraided for his uncourteous behaviour in keeping the subject a secret from them, instead of consulting with them how best to deal with the question; and being taken by surprise, they asked for time to consider the subject. I would here remark that Winiata, although residing at Kaipara, is himself a Earawa, related to some of the principal chiefs of the tribe ; hence the annoyance felt at his conduct. After some discussion an adjournment was agreed upon until the afternoon, when, on resuming business at 2 p.m., the Northern portion of the Earawa gave their opinion that it would be better to remain as they were; but, inasmuch as some members of the tribe appeared anxious for a change, they