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with other loyal Natives of the Colony, view with abhorrence the sanguinary proceedings that have lately taken place in the Waikato, and several of the hapus of the Arawa would be willing to take up arms against the murderers and their supporters, should they be called upon to do so by the Government. The Ngatiraukawa, a large and influential tribe, residing partly at Kapiti aud partly on the banks of the Waikato, adjacent to the Arawa territory, a portion of whom are Hauhaus, have agreed to remain neutral in the event of a collision taking place between the Europeans and the Waikato tribes. This was effected through the exertions of one of the Native Assessors, who was despatched from here for that purpose. 2. During the last twelve months I have not been called upon to arbitrate in any case where the question of title to land has been in dispute, but I understand that a case of that nature between two sections of the Ngatipikiao was investigated by Mr. Civil Commissioner Clarke, at Te Taheke, but as I was absent from the district at the time, I am not in a position to report upon the merits of the case ; there are still, however, two or three of the old disputed cases waiting to be inquired into. 3. I do not consider that the moral condition of the district has at all improved since my last report; and lam sorry to be compelled to state that during the last few months drunkenness and debauchery have increased, more especially among those who are presumed to hold a higher social position than their neighbours ; but crime is not prevalent, very few cases of petty larceny having been officially brought under my notice. In two cases only have convictions taken place: in one instance the parties were sentenced to be imprisoned in the gaol at Tauranga ; and in the other, taking into consideration the peculiar features of the case, joined with the fact of the accused being a cripple, I dealt with him under the provisions of the 105 th clause of " The Eesident Magistrates Act, 1867." Litigation is certainly not on the increase ; and no case has yet arisen where the Court has been called upon in its civil jurisdiction to arrest a Native for debt. 4. The mortality of the district has been of the usual average, no epidemic having prevailed, excepting within the last six weeks, when influenza has been of frequent occurrence, but without any fatal result. One case of suicide took place. The Native was suffering from temporary aberration of intellect; he made three unsuccessful attempts by drowning, strangulation, and burning, and eventually succeeded by shooting himself with a revolver, death having been almost instantaneous. He belonged to the Ngatirangiwewehi Tribe, and fought against us at Te Eanga, where he was taken prisoner, after having been severely wounded in the leg, which necessitated its amputation. 5. With regard to the Native schools, a new one has been established at To Wairoa, but it has only recently been opened, and my absence from the district, attending the Hawke's Bay Native Lands Alienation Commission, together with the press of business since my return, has prevented me from visiting that settlement. I am therefore unable to make any report relative thereto. The several schools, both at the Eotoiti and Matata, are progressing very favourably, and great credit is due to the masters of both institutions. I understand that it is the intention of the Natives of Ohinemutu to apply to have the school there reopened; a great desideratum, as there are many children in that village who are not at present in a position to receive any education. With reference to the Maketu School, circumstances arose unfavourable to the master, which necessitated the Government suspending him, thereby causing a hiatus of about nine weeks. He subsequently resigned, and a new one has been appointed, who has reopened the school under very favourable auspices; and I have no doubt that that school will shortly again regain that position which it formefly held. 6. The agricultural pursuits of the Natives are decidedly on the increase; and although their potato crop was to a certain extent a failure, yet rhey were very successful with their maize and kumeras, being enabled to dispose of about 3,000 bushels of the former, besides large quantities which they have lying rotting in water for food, which they are still exceedingly fond of, although they are constantly cautioned of the ill effects arising from eating the kanga-wai. The great desire at present is to grow wheat. Having witnessed the prosperity of the Tauranga Natives, they are emulous to follow their example ; and the Government having supplied them with seed, they are at present busily engaged in preparing ground and in sowing wheat. In order to stimulate the Natives in their exertions to compete with their neighbours in the cultivation of wheat, a merchant who has large business connections with this district has stated that he is willing to procure for them from the adjacent colonies the very best seed-wheat that can be obtained, on the understanding that they return to him a similar quantity. I need scarcely add that this offer is very advantageous to this district. 7. Since my last report two very important public works have been undertaken and completed in this district —viz., a bridge across the Waikato Eiver at Te Atiamuri, and another across an arm of the Eotoiti Lake, at the Taheke. Both of these will prove of very great benefit both to Europeans and Natives travelling inland. 8. In conclusion, I have the honor to remark that, from the present great anxiety of the Arawa to extend their agricultural pursuits, 1 am very confident that I shall be in a position in my next annual report to expatiate more strongly on the improvements made in the social position of this district. I have, &c, E. E. Hamlin, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 11. The Eesident Magistbate, Opotiki, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sib,— Opotiki, 21st April, 1873. I have the honor to report for your information that the road between Ohiwa and Te Waimana, as far as the confiscation boundary, nine miles in length, and forming part of the Opotiki and