G.— 4

11

evidence for the prosecution. The greatest chief of Ngatiporou, Te Hati Hokomau, was arrested on a warrant, and imprisoned for two months, without the slightest opposition from his people by whom he was surrounded. In regard to roads and trig, stations the Ngatiporou are not so easy to manage, one or two obstructive old chiefs being principally instrumental in this—notably Hamiora te Manunui, who at one time was an assessor, but was struck off pay owing to his action in destroying trig, stations on a former occasion, and who is now repaying the Government in kind by obstructing the inland Waiapu road and preventing the erection of trig, stations. Delay and trouble have arisen in the matter of both Government and private surveys in the Waiapu District through the non-appointment of a District Officer under the Native Lands Act, whose duty it would be to inquire into boundaries, title, &c, of each block before the surveyors commence operations. In many cases the first intimation that a section of the owners receive of sale or negotiation is the entry of the surveyors on the land, no previous inquiry having been made as to right or bona fides of vendors, so that, in these cases, the counter-claimants have invariably refused to allow the survey to proceed: hence a serious loss of time and money to the surveyors, the only innocent parties in the matter. A dispute has lately arisen in the Waiapu District for these reasons. Not unfrequently opposition to a survey will arise from the length of time allowed to elapse between the first payment and the entry of surveyors ; in these cases the money has been spent, and those who have received it, with a view to future benefits, have instigated other sections of the tribe to oppose the sale. I regret I cannot report satisfactorily of the health of the Natives. During the months of August and September, 1879, a very large number of deaths occurred among the Ngatiporou, principally, in the cases of children, from whooping-cough, and in adults from fever of an enteric type. These deaths have been variously estimated at from 70 to 150, but perhaps 100 would not exceed ihe actual loss. Pever is still prevalent among the tribes, though latterly of a milder form. This mortality has doubtless been caused by insufficient food, consequent on the failure of the potato crop of last season; and I have every reason to anticipate further sickness and death, inasmuch as the heavy raius of the last two months have almost entirely destroyed the kumara crops, and as they simply plant enough for a bare subsistence, putting their trust in Providence that each year will be a successful one, they will be for some considerable time without good food. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, E.M., The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Native Officer.

No. 13. Mr. E. Bakee, E.M., Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, to the Undee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Eesident Magistrate's Office, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, 15th May, ISSO. In compliance with Circular No. 1, of 16th March, I have the honor to forward my annual report upon the state of the Natives in this district. I arrived at Wairoa in August last year, and lost no time in visiting the principal Native settlements, and making the acquaintance of the chiefs. I vvaa everywhere received in a most cordial manner, and I am happy to be able to state that the greatest good feeling exists in this district between the Natives and. Europeans. There is only one Native school in the district, and even this is but poorly attended. I have been at considerable pains to try and induce the Natives at Mohaka, Eamoto, Euataniwha, and other settlements to convey pieces of land to the Government as sites for schools, but as yet have met with only partial success, the Natives apparently either not recognizing the importance of education, or else not being satisfied with the progress made by the children who attend the solitary school above mentioned. A few Native children from Wairoa are sent to the Mission schools at Te Aute and Napier, and seem to derive much benefit therefrom. There has been an average amount of sickness during the past year, but not a few of the deaths have mainly occurred through the patients being badly looked after. Dr. Ormond, the medical officer of this district, having resigned, the Natives are now without a medical attendant. Neat little wooden churches have been erected by the Natives at liamoto, Te Hatepe, Nuhaka, and Mohaka entirely at their own expense. They are well attended, services being held every day. Since my arrival here the Eev. J. S. Hill, of the Church Missionary Society, has been appointed to the charge of the Natives. There are a few misguided followers of what is called Te Kooti's religion, but they are hardly worth noticing, and are held in contempt by all the other Natives. I would desire to call the attention of the Government to the fact that each small kainga in this district has its homiti, and that most Native cases are tried by this tribunal. In most instances the fines inflicted are paid into some supposed church fund, and, where money is not obtainable, horses are taken in lieu thereof. In several instances the decision of the komiti has been objected to, and appeals have been made to the Resident Magistrate's Court. Actual crime is almost unknown ; a few cases of drunkenness, furious riding, &c, have been dealt with by me, and iv all cases the fines immediately paid. There has been some talk of having a flour-mill erected, but the amount of wheat raised at present is not sufficient to render such an undertaking remunerative. Maize is the main crop grown, for which a good price is obtained from the European storekeepers, to whom, however, the Natives are deeply in debt. The maize crop this year has been most abundant. I have already reported upon the Nuhaka-Whakaki disturbance. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. E. Bakee, E.M.