TO NATIVE AFFAIRS.

35

A.—No. 16.

Education for some years past amongst the Maoris in all parts of the Island with which I am acquainted has entirely ceased, and for any chance of a scheme for its revival being started to be attended with success and permanent benefit to the Maori, some effort on their part towards that object, showing a desire to assist, is necessary. lam inclined to think that in some districts the Natives are desirous to make a move towards providing education for their children, were some encouragement given them. In any action that may be taken with this object in view, it would be necessary for it to be under the supervision of the Government, although with as little direct interference as possible, and to be of an undenominational character. I have, &c., The Hon. the Native Minister, S. Locke, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 47. Mr. S. Locke, R.M. to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Napier, 25th June, 1870. I have the honor to forward you the following report for the Taupo portion of my district. I enclose a separate report for the East Coast. Many important events have taken place in this district since the disaster at Opepe in June last ; but as every circumstance connected with those events have been recorded from time to time as they occurred, it will be unnecessary to refer to them but casually. In August last Lieut.-Colonel Herrick with a force of some two hundred men, European and Maori, first occupied Runanga, on the Taupo plains, and Hare Tauteka and Renata Kawepo took up a position at Poutu Rotoaira, and shortly after the first engagement took place with Te Kooti at Tauranga, on the shores of Taupo Lake, in which Te Kooti was defeated with loss. From that time he experienced one succession of repulses, until his final retreat into the Maungapohatu country, leaving the whole of the Taupo and Rotoaira district in our possession ; which, from its central position and the open nature of the surrounding country, placed in our hands the advantage the enemy had previously held, and for the possession of which they have always been so jealous ; giving, as it does, free and speedy communication with every part of this island south of Auckland. The Taupo district, as defined in the Resident Magistrates Act of 1867, is the largest in the island including, as it does, the whole of the country from Waikaremoana on the east, to the boundary of the Waikato settlements at Alexandra on the west. The inhabitants may be divided into two divisions : the east being inhabited by Government natives ; the west, stretching on to Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto country, by Kingites; the Ngatituwharetoa residing on the west shore of the Lake, having separated from the rest of their tribe and joined the King party, and have for some years kept aloof, holding but partial communication with the other division of their people, and with jealous precaution prevented Europeans from entering their country. My endeavour has been to open up a more friendly intercourse with the chiefs of this party, than has been maintained for some years, and to make myself acquainted with their wants, and the causes of existing differences. This object has been attended with success considering the short time that such a course has been pursued. The greatest ostensible obstacle to contend with is the mistrust with which they view our word and actions, and the fear that the " Mana o te tangata me te mana o te whenua," will be lost if they throw their country open. These and other reasons hinging on it, combined with the isolated position in which they live, are the principal causes for the unfriendly attitude they assume towards the Europeans, and to any improvement in the way of roads, &c, in their country. A short time back a deputation from the King came to Tapuaeharuru to Te Poihipi, and also to see the changes that had taken place. They said they wanted the Europeans to leave Taupo, and that the Maori should cease fighting Maori. By a straightforward and judicious course of administration on the part of those in authority many of the present doubts will be cleared away and a feeling of confidence restored, but as I mentioned in my report of February 11th, 1869, " Any effort in this direction having the amelioration of the Maori race and the peace of the country in view, should not be subject to sudden checks, but should be fairly tried for a few years." But as these people take their cue from the Kuiti it is in that quarter the initiative requires to be made. A great deal has been done during the pa3t year towards the opening up of this district. The central Telegraph station is now stationed at Tapuaeharuru at the outlet of the Taupo Lake, and the line through to Tauranga in progress. The road from Runanga to Tapuaeharuru has been made passable for drays, and other parts of the road much improved. A block of land has been transferred to the Government at Nukuhau or Tapuaeharuru, the outlet of the Lake, the site chosen by Sir George Grey for the locating of a Regiment of Imperial troops, and tho most central position for the purposes of keeping up communication with all parts of the interior. I wish to bring to special notice the chief Poihipi Tukairangi, who on all occasions has endeavoured to carry out the wishes of the Government. In 1857 he was the principal supporter in keeping up the overland mail between Hawke's Bay and Auckland; and for opening up communications through the country; and on the present occasion he took the first contract for making thirty miles of road for dray traffic to Taupo. Much labour at a low rate could be obtained in this district for the making of roads and other public works under a well organized system. And, from the Government Natives being so unsettled during tho past year in fighting, &c, and therefore unable to pay proper attention to planting their crops, I would urge on the Government the propriety of providing them with a chance of employment.