5

G.—IB

in a very emaciated state by some of their neighbors. I havo heard of other cases in which old people have died entirely from a want of suitable food. I hope, therefore, that the Government will see that the earnest entreaties of the Natives for food, and my strong recommendation that it should be supplied, were not made without very urgent grounds. Mr. Turner and myself left the Taheke early in the morning of the 14th to keep our engagement with the Ngatirangiwewehi hapu, who desired a meeting in reference to road work. We arrived at the place appointed, aud after two hours quiet talk, arranged satisfactorily the different points upon which they desired information. lam glad to be able to report the completely altered tone of this tribe. On almost all former occasions they displayed such an absence of reason and common sense in some of their proceedings, that at one time 1 almost despaired of getting tho road completed in any definite period. It is, however, but fair to state that in many cases they acted at the instigation of Europeans who had their own ends to serve, and as might naturally be expected, the Natives were in every instance victimised. They have learnt a lesson, and I hope will remember iv future who are their real friends. I returned to Tauranga the same evening. I would observe before closing this report, that I am of opinion that the friendly feeling of the Arawa tribe towards the Government is not by any means on the wane. With some of the hapus it is decidedly becoming more firm ; but I can see some of the more powerful sections consider that they as a political force cau play au important part in influencing the actions of the Government of the day. They believe that the fate of ministries is in their keeping, and that they can do as they please iv regard to tho appointment or removal of the subordinate officers of the Government. This, I consider is not a very favorable feature, and I hope that every opportunity will he taken to correct this evil tendency. It has surprised me very much to see the interest the Natives take in the proceedings of the General Assembly, and how well informed they are on most points. I regret that I am unable to visit the Lake District more frequently; constant personal communication would go a great way towards removing the wrong impressions the Natives are so apt to form. The sooner such impressions are corrected, the less likely are they to fasten upon the mind and assume the form of a real grievance. I propose taking a more extended journey through the district in February next. I have, Ac., H. T. Claeke, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Civil Commissioner. Wellington.

No. 4. The Hon. the Native Ministee to Mr. H. T. Claeke. Sib, — Auckland, 24th February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your very interesting report of the 23rd December, 1872, giving a full description of your visit to the Lake District. It is a matter of satisfaction to learn that the road by Mangarewa is progressing favourably, and that the Natives are becoming alive to the advantages they reap from it. I observe, with approval, your answer to the speech of Temuera Te Amohau, which, I agree with you in thinking, was a previously arranged thing. I am not quite satisfied as to the advisability of acceding, yet, to the request of Ngatiwhakane for a bust of Her Majesty, but I will give this subject further consideration. With regard to the complaint made by the Ngatitu Hapu, I consider it not unreasonable, and I should like to see the works carried on by contracts taken by the Natives over whose iands the road passes. I am glad to find that the Tarawera School is likely to be soon opened. It is gratifying to find so excellent a disposition towards cultivation as you report in the Arawa settlements; but with regard to agricultural implements, I should prefer to see the Natives helping themselves a little. It is better they should contribute some portion of the expense, say one-half, than that they should receive eleemosynary gifts of ploughs, Ac. I have great pleasure in noting the change you report in the conduct of the Ngatirangiwewete Hapu, which is chiefly attributable to your exertions. With regard to the proposed measure of Native Councils, I am glad to learn that the subject has so much engaged the attention of the Arawa, and I shall be obliged if you will suggest any alterations or improvements which you deem will prove acceptable to the tribes in the Bay of Plenty, or which may be propounded by the Natives themselves. I have, Ac, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Comissioner, Tauranga. Donald McLean.

No. 5. Mr. H. T. Claeke to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Tauranga, 30th January, 1873. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, that I left Tauranga for Maungatautari. via Rotorua, on the 20th instant, with the intention of being present at a meeting of the various tribes, whether friendly to the Government or otherwise, convened by the Waikato King party, but for what purpose was not stated. I was accompanied by Captain Turner, the Resident Engineer of the Public Works Department, and was joined at Ohinemutu, at my request, by Captain G. Mair. 2—G Ib.