13

G.—B

called Te Minei, one of Hira to Popo's tribe, the alleged cause being jealousy In this case the Urewera. are the accusers. There is no doubt that Raiha Apanui died from consumption; but nothing will make them believe that she was not a victim to makiUu. It is extraordinary that the most enlightened chiefs amongst the Natives should still possess such strong faith in this power to kill one another by witchcraft. Hira To Popo and Wiremu Kingi are about the only chiefs hero who are at all disposed to believe that no one possesses such power Several Natives are endeavouring to purchase small pieces of Government land about this district. Hira Te Popo has already purchased some one hundred and sixty acres up the Waioeka River. It is to be hoped that if they purchase these lands they will not let them lie idle, but turn them to good account. There are three small flocks of sheep owned by Natives in this district. The largest is that belonging to Rangitukehu, at Te Teko. Te Paku owns another at Omaramutu, and the Kaha Natives a third. Crops, The crops throughout the district are good this year; the Natives, therefore, should have plenty for their'own use, and also a large quantity of grain for the market. The grain crops this season are larger, and better than they were last year. A considerable quantity of wheat has been grown at Whakatane, but nothing like sufficient to keep their mill in full work. Public Works. The Kaha and Rakokore Natives have finished one contract on the East Coast Road, and are now engaged on another. This work is given them by the County Council. The Ngatipukeko, at Whakataue, have finished tneir contract on the Te Teko Swatnp Road, undertaken at a cost of £100; but they have not done anything more, I find, to the swamp drains, although they told me some time since that they were working at these drains. jßemarles. On the whole, there is a decided improvement for the better in every way, which I trust will be more and more perceptible every year, and ultimately tend to improve the Natives throughout the district. The five schools have been well attended, and I think an average amount of progress made by the scholars. The teachers in each case seem to have done their utmost to advance their scholars. I regret that other engagements have prevented my visiting the schools at the eastern end of the district for some months, but I hope to see these three schools very shortly My being called upon to fulfil the magisterial duties at the Court at Ohinemutu has prevented my furnishing this report so as to reach you by the date mentioned in your Circular. I have, &c, R. S. Bush, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 11. Captain Poetee, Gisborne, to the TJndeb-Secretary, Native Department. Sic,— Native Office, Grisborne, 20th May, 1881. 1 have the honor to furnish my annual report upon Native affairs in this district—Poverty Bay and East Coast. Nothing particularly worthy of notice has transpired during the last twelve months, the general behaviour of the Natives being quiet, peaceful, and law-abiding, the powers and authorities of the Resident Magistrate's Court being in full operation throughout all the Native settlements. In land and survey matters (invariably prolific sources of dispute and trouble) I have little of moment to chronicle, a few minor difficulties only having occurred, which were easily settled locally The known loyal Natives have been rather agitated at the spread of what is known as Te Kooti's karakia (religion), and the number of Natives visiting him in the King country from the various parts of the District of Poverty Bay and Wairoa. The loyal chiefs think steps should be taken by Government to suppress the religion, as, warned by past experience, they consider it means mischief. The sanitary condition of the Natives has been variable, yet free from any special epidemics; but vet there has been a large sacrifice of life, owing to the spread of low fever among those resident nearest European settlements, many dying from improper treatment and want of medical advice. It would be but an act of mercy upon the part of the Government to initiate some measure to provide for proper medical officers in the several districts, which I am assured' could be done without charge upon the revenue of the colony, and I would suggest that the Natives should be requested to establish a medical fund by a percentum yearly deduction from all rents accruing from lands leased by them ; by this means proper allowance could be made to medical officers, who, under existing arrangements, have no inducement whatever to practice in Native districts. I have just completed the compilation of the third triennial census of the Natives in the district under my charge ; the total being 4,251, showing a decrease of 215 since last census, upon which I have particularly reported in my census return. I have, &c, T W Porteb, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Captain, Commanding East Coast District. Wellington.

No. 12. Captain Pbeece, E.M., Native Office, Napier, to the Umdee-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Native Office, Napier, 10th June, 1881. In accordance with the instructions contained in your Circular of the 25th of April, No. 15, I haye the honor to forward the following report on the Napier and Wairoa Districts :—