G.—l

16

district are in a satisfactory condition, numbering about 500 souls. There has not been much mortality amongst them for the last two years ; they are generally speaking amenable to the law, and willing to avail themselves of European institutions. There are three Native schools in the district, with an average attendance of fifty scholars in each. The Natives are in receipt of a considerable sum annually from rents, and are consequently well off for all the necessaries of Maori life, and are unfortunately able to indulge in some of the luxuries of European life in the form of drunkenness, which is rather prevalent. Great dissatisfaction is evidenced at the nature of land tenure, and much anxiety to have it altered. There is also a disposition lately apparent to repudiate former bargains in the disposal of their land. This tendency has, I think, originated in consequence of communications with Napier ; but, on the whole, the Natives seem to entertain a spirit of loyalty, and a wish to conform (as far as they know) to European customs. Their sanitary condition is good, no epidemics having visited the district since 1870, except low fever, which was limited in extent. About 250 have been vaccinated, including children and adults. I have, &c, G-. S. Cooper, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Office, W. K. Nesbett, E.M. Wellington.

No. 16. The Eesident Magistbate, Wairarapa, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Wairarapa, 10th June, 1873. I have the honor to report that this district is rapidly approaching a state in which the presence of the Maori people will cease to be felt as a source of difficulty and anxiety either to the settlers or the Government. The change which has taken place in the position of the two races in this district during the last ten years, is most satisfactory. Then, the majority of the Natives were domineering and insolent towards the settlers, and defiant and rebellious towards the Government; while the settlers were unorganized, unarmed, and entirely unprepared for the danger which seemed to threaten them. Now, we have a large and efficient body of volunteers, the European population has increased to the proportion of six to one of the Maori, the relations between the two races are most friendly, and the Natives yield generally a ready obedience to the law. The decisions of the Native Lands Court have been generally acquiesced in. There is, however, one exception, the case of Te Ahikouka, in which a decision was given against Ngatuere by a jury which he believes not to have been impartial, and which he does not accept as final. He retains possession of part of the land, and an action of ejectment is threatened by a European who has leased it. I shall be glad if an arrangement can be made which will prevent its being necessary to eject Ngatuere. Much sympathy is felt by Natives in this district with the proceedings of Henare Matua and his party at Napier, and I think it very probable that similar questions will before long be agitated here. With reference to the recent murder at Waikato, the feeling of the " Komiti Maori " is in favour of a surrender of the murderer; Karauria Ngawhara and his party taking that view, Ngairo and his few followers dissenting, While I am able to report so satisfactorily as a whole on the state of Native affairs here, it is my duty to point out that the Maori population in the district is sufficiently numerous, and their intercourse with the Waikato King party sufficiently close, to require that they should be still dealt with cautiously. I have, &c, Heebeet Waedell, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 17. The Civil Commissionee, New Plymouth, to the Undee Seceetaey, Native Department. Sic,— New Plymouth, 30th April, 1873. In reply to your Circular Letter No. 3, of 27th March, 1873,1 have to forward herewith the usual annual report on the state of tho Natives in my district: — Eepoet. In order to explain the state of the Natives in my district, I deem it best to report on each tribe or section separately, and for that purpose I will commence from the north with the section of the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe living on the Mokau, in this Province. These Natives for a number of years have maintained a very hostile attitude towards the Government, and have attacked and menaced our frontier settlement at Pukearuhe; but since the re-occupation of the old post at the White Cliffs, they have been quieter, and seem disposed to be friendly, judging from letters and messages I have received from them through the Ngatitama settled at Tongaporutu, with whom they are friendly, and frequently visit them. Some of them come into this district and to town sometimes, but the leading men are doubtful as to the propriety of their doing so from what I hear from Tongaporutu; but until they give us some substantial proof of their sincerity to become permanently friendly, it is as well to leave them to themselves.