G.—l

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the promulgation of their views on matters social and political. It is to be hoped, however, that those who have the conduct of same will take care that it is not made the means of spreading discontentment amongst the Natives, and thereby unsettling their minds at a time when their attention should be given to industrious pursuits and the education of the rising generation. The Native of to-day has a good chance of raising himself in the scale of civilization by abandoning the customs of his forefathers and adopting the style and habits of the more advanced race, and seeking to secure wealth and greatness, both of which are within his reach if he only knew how to attain unto them. The custom of giving large feasts upon the death of any Maori of distinction, and upon other occasions, tends much to impoverish the Natives; but they are beginning to see the folly of it, and some have expressed their intention of discarding all such extravagances, and adhering more to the customs and practices of the white man. A marked change is rapidly coming over this remarkable race, and by frequent contact with the Europeans it is to be hoped that they will as a people cut out for themselves a path to wealth, honor, and' fame by adopting our superior and more refined customs and habits, and eschewing all that is evil and debasing, particularly the crimes of drunkenness and immorality, which, I regret to say, prevail to a great extent amongst them. I would here take occasion to mention the late visit paid by Mete Kingi, Haimona, and the Tuhua chiefs, including Mamaku, to Waikato. They went, at the invitation of Tawhiao, to the March meeting at Te Kuiti, where they met with marked civility and attention from Eewi and other Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto chiefs; but did not see Tawhiao, who was away at Kawhia. The meeting lately had with him by Sir Donald McLean is considered by the Natives to be of great importance, and significant of a speedy arrangement of all differences, to be followed by a lasting peace and happy termination to all ill-feeling between the two races. A happy consummation ; now close at hand. The question of land-selling was freely discussed with Mete, and much difference of opinion expressed, some being for selling, others for locking up the country and preventing sales altogether. Tawhiao is reported to have expressed himself as being unconcerned in the matter, as the land would be sure to go, sooner or later. Eewi spoke strongly against selling land, saying that was the matter which he had most at heart, and which was a continued source of worry and anxiety to him, at the same time declaring that he had for ever laid by the sword, and that for the future his only weapon would be that of the tongue. I have regularly visited the people during the year, and as time goes on feel more and more attached to them. I have, &c, Eiciiaed W. Woon, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 10. Major Willis, E.M., Marton, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — - Eesident Magistrate's Office, Marton, 17th May, 1875. In accordance with a circular received, dated April 6th, requesting the usual annual report on the state of the Natives to be furnished, I have the honor to report that during the past twelve months nothing of moment has occurred amongst the Maoris in my district. Their social condition has not varied. As for agriculture, there has been but little among them, and so long as they are able to supply their wants by the proceeds of the sale or lease of their lands, as has been the case lately, Ido not expect them to exert themselves. There has been uniform submission to all decisions of the Eesident Magistrate's Court. As to the moral condition of the Natives, I believe there has been less drunkenness than during the previous year. I have, &c, Wm. J. Willis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 11. Mr. P. E. Hamlin, E.M., Maketu, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Maketu, 28tli May, 1875. I have the honour to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that I consider the aspect of Native affairs in the district under my charge to be satisfactory. A dispute arose between a section of the Ngatiwhakaue and Tapuika relative to the ownership of a piece of land situated on the Kaituna Eiver and named Te Karaka, which at one time threatened to disturb the peace of the district, but it was subsequently amicably arranged through the intervention of Mr. Under Secretary Clarke, myself, and some of the leading chiefs. The morality of the district is on a par with that usually found to exist in most Maori settlements. Drunkenness and larceny are not of frequent occurrence. Up to within the last six weeks the mortality amongst the Arawa tribes has been of the ordinary average, but latterly it has been excessive, especially among the children. The measles have been prevalent, and about fifty deaths have been caused by that epidemic, mainly arising from want of proper care after the disease had left those that it attacked. I have to report with regret the death of Ngahuruhuru, an old and influential chief of the Ngatiwhakaue tribe, and a firm supporter of the Government. It took place at Ohinemutu. With reference to the Native schools, they are not progressing so satisfactorily as I could wish, with the exception of that at Matata, which still maintains its standard of attendance. The Eotoiti