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1878. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Under Secretary, Native Department, to Officers in Native Districts. (Circular No. 11.) Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 25th April, 1878. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to request that you will be good enough to furnish your annual report upon the state of the Natives in your district, to reach this office, if possible, not later than the 31st May proximo, in order that it may be printed for the General Assembly. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke,

Under Secretary. No. 2. Mr. G. Kelly, Mongonui, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Mongonui, 9th May, 1878. In reply to your circular letter, No. 11, of 25th April last, I have the honor to report that the Native population of this district are quiet, peaceable, and loyal as usual. Nothing of any importance has transpired during the past twelve months to disturb the serenity of the district. The moral character of the Natives, I am happy to say, is much improved, and crime is on the decrease. The people are chiefly employed at roadwork and gum-digging. A road has been formed from Kaitaia to Victoria, with bridges, culverts, &c, the entire work of the Natives under the supervision of Europeans, which does them very great credit. The crops have been, on the whole, very good, and most of the Natives have laid in a good stock of provisions for the coming winter. They are about to start a new line of industry in the form of coast whaling, for which they are now preparing. Whales have been very numerous. It is believed that it will prove profitable. It is a difficult matter, however, with them to provide the necessary capital required to carry out a successful business properly. A very marked improvement is to be observed in the general habits of the Natives : they are becoming more civilized, and partaking more of the character of their European neighbours ; each year English is more freely spoken amongst them. This change is entirely to be attributed to the advantages derived from the establishment of so many schools amongst them. The general health of the district has been remarkably good throughout the past year. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Geo. Kelly, Wellington. (In the absence of Mr. White.)

No. 3. Mr. S. yon Stunner, R.M., Hokianga, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 13th May, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular No. 11, of 25th April, 1878, calling for the usual statement of the condition of the Native population in my district, and beg to report as follows : — I may remark that I have but little now to add to my reports of previous years. There has during the past twelve months been a considerable amount of sickness amongst the people, and I—G. 1.