A.—No. 16.

No. 48. Mr. W. N. Searancke to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Court, Hamilton, Ist July, 1870. After a connection of upwards of five years with the Waikato District, during which time I have had every opportunity of becoming acquainted with both the European and Native population of the district; also, of the Natives known as Hauhaus, or the King party; also, of seeing the injurious effect of the delusive inducements of the Thames gold field, and the periodical panics, from Native causes, on its population during the last two years; lam happy to be able to testify to the present improved and flourishing state of the district, the large amount of cultivation, the general content of the settlers, their increase in numbers of late, and the steady demand for labour for both agricultural purposes, and also for its numerous flax mills. I cannot but believe in the present improved prospect of this district. Many new settlers have lately taken up large tracts of land, and many of the old military settlers who had left tho district have lately returned to it. Confidence is felt in the peaceable professions of the Native King party, and, consequently, in the cessation of those periodical panics which have hitherto so much retarded the advance of the district; and this feeling has been increased by the (until lately) incessant ebb and flow of Natives (Hauhaus) into this district, and their invariably quiet, civil, and industrious habits. The so-called King party, it is now generally believed, and, I believe, with truth, are most anxious for a general cessation of hostilities throughout the Island. This would, in all probability, lead to a firm peace being made, and a renewal of friendly relations between the two races which formerly existed. Many of the farms of the Waikato are equal in extent and cultivation to any in the old, settled portion of this Province, and I have every confidence that, with the continuance of tho present peaceable prospects, a very few years will suffice to cover this magnificent district with thriving and reproductive farms. The Native population residing in the Waikato are also becoming much more industrious, having produced this year over five hundred bushels of wheat, and are now engaged in preparing ground for planting both wheat and oats. Many of the King party have lately settled amongst them, and a more friendly and amicable feeling appears to exist than formerly. Amongst the Hauhaus, ploughs are resumed and are constantly at work, and I have reason to believe that wheat will be extensively cultivated amongst them this season. On tho whole, I believe that a better feeling is rapidly springing up, which will, in time, put an end to their present state of isolation. I have, &c, William N. Searancke, R.M. The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

No. 49. Mr. J. A. Knocks to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir,— Resident Magistrate's Office, Otaki, 18th July, 1870. I have the honor to report that the Natives of this district continue, as usual, quietly disposed, and that there- is not at present anything of importance going on among them except the attempt the Otaki portion of the Ngatiraukawa are making to form laws to govern themselves under tho rule of a runanga, with Matene To Whiwhi at its head. I am informed by Matene Te Whiwhi that a meeting of the Natives was held here last night, to take into consideration the question of a railway that is to go through this district, and that, after a lengthy talk, it was thought that as it would affect their land, and the railway being a matter they did not understand, they had better not come to any conclusion on the question, but wait until they could see how to act, or until the question was put to the great Native meeting that is purposed to take place in March next. Wi Hapi, Heremia Te Tihi, and party, have returned to their homes at Orona. Matene Te Whiwhi states that the Hauhaus went away better disposed to law and order than he has known them to be for some time, and opines that there is an end to the Ngatiraukawa difficulties. The Natives have started a kind of Teetotal Society, with Matene Te Whiwhi at its head, and it is now observable that there is not so much drunkenness among the Natives. The want of money, I believe, is the main reason. —I have, <fee. J. A. Knocks. The Under Secretary, Native Department^ Wellington.

FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.