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in erecting large buildings, had given them ancestral names, inviting Hongi and himself to attend their meetings. These invitations had been declined, Ngapuhi preferring to remain in their own district. This building had not been erected for any political purpose, but merely to do honor to the wedding which had that day taken place. A name was required for it, and Waitangi being the spot where the treaty was first signed, he considered the one he had chosen as most appropriate. Others followed in the same strain, approving of the choice made by Mangonui. The Treaty of "Waitangi, they said, although ridiculed by Natives in the South, had always been respected by Ngapuhi, and it was, they considered, a token of respect thus to name this building, especially when, in so doing, they were but following the custom of Europeans who named their ships after their wives and daughters, even after the Queen of England herself. Other subjects of local interest wore discussed during the night, and the meeting did not separate until early morning. By eight o'clock all were on the move, returning to their different homes well pleased with the manner in which they had been entertained. The conduct throughout was highly creditable to all parties, and I certainly never was present at a moro orderly and well conducted meeting. The health of the Natives during the -past year has on an average been good, with the exception of the usual sickness accompanying the measles, which epidemic has passed through the district, but in a mild form ; and in all the cases which have come under my knowledge the patients have recovered. One death, however, has to be recorded, which has been universally deplored. I allude to that of the aged and renowned chief Moihi Tawhai, of "Waima, who died suddenly on Sunday, the 14th of March last. He had attended service as usual, and, when in the act of mounting his horse to return home, over-balancing himself and falling heavily to the ground, he broke his neck, immediate death being the result. The melancholy intelligence spread rapidly through the district, and a large concourse of people, including many Europeans, assembled at "Waima, and followed his remains to the grave. Being absent at Whangaroa during that week, I was precluded the opportunity of paying the last token of respect to the memory of one who has ever been a faithful ally of the Government, and held in universal respect by the Europeans and Natives of the district. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Edwd. M. "Williams, E.M.

No. 5. Mr. J. J. Stmonds, E.M., Kaipara, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Court, Kaipara, 21st May, 1875. In compliance with the instructions contained in your letter of the Cth ultimo, I have the honor to report that the Natives in the- Kaipara District are in a very satisfactory condition, —peaceable, loyal, and holding friendly intercourse with the European settlers. They are mainly occupied in digging for kauri gum, cutting timber, and a few have been employed on the railway works for some months past. , Three Land Courts have been held in the district, and a fourth is now being held at Kaihu, on the Wairoa. Much interest has been evinced by the Natives in the settlement of some of the blocks, and they have conducted themselves at these meetings in a very orderly manner. Measles have been prevalent in the district, but I am happy to say but few cases have terminated fatally. Te Tirarau and Parore Te Awha have each built a church, and otherwise improved their settlements. Not having had an opportunity of mixing with the Native population for many years, I was much struck with the improvement that has taken place amongst those in this district. They appear well supplied with food and clothes, and the chiefs express themselves well satisfied with the policy of the Government towards them. I have no case of crime to record. The system of leasing land to Europeans seems to work well; it affords those who have adopted it a yearly income, and creates a mutual interest in the land to both Europeans and Natives. Some largo blocks are leased on the north and south of the Kaipara, amounting in all to some 100,000 acres. As I have only had charge of the district four months, during which time I have been engaged at several Land Courts, I am not prepared to furnish so detailed a report as I could wish, but will do so on a future occasion. I have, &c, John Jeemyn Sysioitds, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 6. Mr. "W. Haesant, E.M., Eaglan, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. Sin,— Eaglan, 19th April, 1875. The report on Native matters I have the honor to forward on this occasion can be, I fear, little more than a reiteration of the somewhat favourable one I sent last year. The Maoris in and around Eaglan, Aotea, and Kawhia are living quietly, and there has been less drunkenness and crime among them than usual. Up to the last two or three months there has been little disease, but since, measles, in a very mild form, has been prevalent with them. I have heard of the death of one infant imputed to measles, but at present have seen no fatal case. I would respectfully offer a few suggestions : 1. It is desirable, both for Maori and European offenders, to have a nearer gaol than Mount Eden. 2. It seems quite time to repeal the 104 th and 105 th clauses of the Eesident Magistrates Act. A fine, even of fourfold, with costs, does not, so far as my experience goes, act either as a punishment