25

Gk—l

The Natives whose loyalty lam doubtful of are not numerous—some thirty perhaps. They hare become Hauhaus, and at their respective settlements now observe the forms and ceremonies connected with their new religion. As a general rule their conduct is good, when they visit the township of Whangarei. I have noticed, however, that they mix but little with the European settlers, or with the Natives not belonging to their sect. Gum digging is the occupation that continues to be followed by most of the Natives here, and the money obtained by the sale of the gum is expended partly in provisions and clothing, and partly in rum—when they can get it. The favourite pursuit of the Natives throughout this district is gum digging. It is to be regretted that in following it they neglect their cultivations ; and were the demand for kauri gum suddenly to cease, those Natives (and there are many) who have omitted to provide for their subsistence by the tillage of their land would be reduced to a state bordering on starvation. The few criminal cases tried in my Court during the past year, in which Natives were the defendants, were not of a serious nature, and the fines inflicted were readily paid by the offenders themselves or their relatives. Punishment by confinement in a gaol the Natives hold in abhorrence, and would submit to pay almost any amount of fine that the Court could inflict, in preference to being deprived of their liberty. The civil cases in which they were concerned were for debts contracted at the stores of Europeans. Cases of this description, when the debt was not disputed, seldom came to a hearing, the service of the summons being sufficient to induce the Native debtor to discharge the claim against him appearing in the bill of particulars. From the Native Assessor of my Court, Taurau Kukupa, I have invariably received the most cordial support on the Bench, and assistance with his advice in all my adjudications in Native cases. It gives me pleasure to be in a position to add that on the part of the European settlers generally there exists a feeling of respect and friendship for Taurau Kukupa that he is well deserving of, for the endeavours he has alwas used to maintain peace and order, both in the township of Whangarei and the district surrounding. I have, &c, H. E. Atjbeey, EM.

RETURN showing the NUMBER of the ABORIGINAL NATIVES, and the NAMES of the SETTLEMENTS occupied by them, in the WHANGAREI DISTRICT.

No. 25. Mr. E. S. Btjsh to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Eaglan, 16th June, 1873. I have the honor to report for your information that a meeting took place on Friday last, at Wetini's settlement, for the purpose of crying over the remains of Hetaraka Nero, of the Ngatihourua tribe, who died last Monday. About 150 .Natives assembled, amongst whom were all the principal chiefs of this district, and of Waipa. The speeches that were made referred to the deceased, and his late relative Wiremu Nero Te Awaitaia. Hetaraka was buried in the afternoon, in a grave alongside the tomb of Wiremu Nero. Deceased was an Assessor, and commanded a certain amount of influence, acquired more through his excessive cunning than popularity. Hone Wetere has been seen in this township twice since your visit to Kawhia ; he had been absent for eight years ; his return is attributable to your having met him at Kawhia.

Name of each Settlement. Males. Females. Children. Totals. and Pataua ... 'ukepoto i'utukaka 'ehiaweri 'arua Cete Nikau ?e Poroti VTiarekohe Vhatitiri )taika 10 13 4 2 7 5 5 10 6 9 10 3 8 12 2 6 10 7 10 2 2 5 4 5 10 4 5 6 2 4 8 1 4 6 5 4 3 6 10 5 10 6 5 2 10 22 27 9 10 22 14 20 26 15 16 26 5 16 27 5 16 27 'auoma 4 7 2 6 11 langapai 'akahiwai taurnanga 'outouai launu Totals ... 122 S5 96 303 H. E. .UBEET, ;.M.