G.—l

10

allowed to cover a multitude of sins. lam led to think that remarks have been made to induce the belief in those who do not know these people, that their loyalty is doubtful. But Ido not harbour any such opinion. The same statement was made some two years ago, and obtained circulation in the public prints of the Colony, but hitherto I have seen no manifestations of it. I am quite aware many of them have real or fancied grievances—and what mortal has not? —and if these red rags are flouted in the faces of undisciplined minds by designing persons, is it surprising that they, in a fit of unbridled passion, make remarks which they in their calmer moments would wish unsaid ? The principal matter which has occupied the attention of the Arawa is the Native Councils Bill. I need not say that they are warm advocates for it, inasmuch as it embodies most of their wellknown views. There are several important land disputes being held over till the proposed measure has become law. Some few disputes have already been partially inquired into onthe principles of the Bill, with favourable results. The serious consequences at one time imminent have been averted, and the causes for irritation in most cases have been removed. I am sorry to say that these intertribal disputes are of frequent occurrence amongst the Arawa and it will be a subject of gratulation to your officers, when they can look to a powerful body of chiefs; elected by the Natives themselves for assistance in the large questions often requiring their attention. Some of the tribes, and especially the Ngatiwhakaue, have been rather premature in the steps they have taken in regard to the proposed measure. They have, I am led to understand, laid down the boundaries of a district, and selected individuals for nomination. The Tuhourangi have not gone quite so far as this, but they have repeatedly called meetings and discussed boundary lines. They will watch with some interest the proceedings of Parliament in regard to this measure, and I devoutly hope they will not be disappointed. It has been a matter of some difficulty to settle these people down to steady industry. I regret to say that they are not famous for practising the art of husbandry, and in this respect they also differ widely from the Ngatiawa and Ngaiterangi; but I learned from Mr. Hamlin that the Maketu Natives disposed of to traders at least 2,000 bushels of maize, beside keeping a quantity for their own uses, and that they are now obtaining large supplies of seed wheat for the coming season. I have also had frequent applications for ploughs, which in cases of necessity have been supplied them, so that I hope the frequent demands for food which have been made will not only cease, but that they will have the means of making themselves comfortable, and consequently contented. They have a very good example in Mr. Hamlin, who is assiduous in giving practical advice and assistance, and in encouraging them to the extent of his power and means. The Arawas are as anxious as ever about the education of their young people. We have now four village schools established, one at each of tho following places:—Maketu, Eotoiti, Tarawera, and Matata; and the Eotorua Natives are clamorous for one to be established on their Lake, which I shall be prepared to recommend when I see the extent of the land they are willing to set apart for the purposes of the school, and the amount of support they will be able to afford. I have much pleasure in reporting the completion, or nearly so, of the road from Tauranga to Te Niho-o-te-Kioro. The convenience to travellers, and the political benefits likely to arise therefrom, are ample amends to your officers for the troubles and annoyances to which they may have been subjected in carrying out the sometimes difficult negotiations with the Natives to a successful issue. And I hopo it will not be out of place for me here to record my thanks to Captain Turner, the Eesident Engineer, for the patient manner in which he has on all occasions yielded to my advice in his dealings with the Natives, which at times must have been extremely irksome to him. A good deal of this work has been done by the Ngatirangiwewehi Tribe, two-thirds of whom went into rebellion, as I before observed. They are the principal owners of the soil through which the Mangorewa forest road runs. When Te Kooti was driven from Patetere, the disaffected portion of the tribe submitted; and while the wholesome dread of our arms was upon them, it was considered a favourable opportunity to press for the opening of the Mangorewa forest road. The work is now complete. These people are now anxious to open a branch road to Patetere and Cambridge, which I would recommend should be carried out as soon as all disputes between the tribes through which the road will pass are settled. I recommend this road as much for political reasons as any other, believing that opening up the country by roads is the best means of pacificating the country we possess. Opotiki. I regret that my time has been so fully occupied that I have not been able to personally visit this district; yet, on the other hand, I am happy to state that there has not arisen any questions of sufficient importance to require my presence. Mr. Brabant has proved himself to be au able and a judicious officer, and has settled on the spot any difficulties which may have presented themselves. The Natives are industriously employed in their cultivations. Tamnikowha, once the scourge of the district, is now employed in making a road from Ohiwa Harhour to the neighbourhood of his own pa. I think I am warranted in congratulating the Hon. the Native Minister on the progressive state of the Bay of Plenty. The Natives are advancing in prosperity, and 1 trust that nothing will transpire to disturb our cordial and peaceful relations with the Natives. I have, &c, Hy. T. Ci.abke, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.

No. 10. The Eesident Magistbate, Maketu, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. (No. 33.) Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Maketu, 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that the aspect of Native affairs in the district under my charge is on the whole satisfactory. The Arawa, in unison 2—G. 1.