G.—l

1886. NEW ZEALAND

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS. [In Continuation of G.-2, 1885.]

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

No. 1. The Under-Secketary, Native Department, to Officers in Native Districts. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 24th March, 1886. I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to request that you will be good enough to forward to this office at your earliest convenience, but not later than the 30th proximo, the annual report upon the state of the Natives in your district, for presentation to Parliament. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. S. yon Stunner, R.M., Hokianga, to the Unber-Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Resident Magistrate's Office, Hokianga, 9th April, 1886. In reply to your Circular No. 2, of the 24th March, I have the honour to transmit herewith my annual report upon the state of the Natives in this district. During the year just past there has occurred but little change to report upon in the condition of the Natives in this district. The behaviour of the people has been exceptionally good, and no increase of crime is to be reported upon. In July last the Government survey party at Motukaraka were forcibly stopped work by a party of women. Upon complaint being made, I issued a warrant for the arrest of the ringleader, who, after a short confinement, was fined and released, the tribe giving a guarantee that no further opposition would be made. The survey has since been completed without the least trouble. A few years since a case of this kind would have given serious trouble; but all opposition to lawful authority has ceased to exist among them, and I do not think a more orderly or better-behaved body of people can bo found in the colony. The health of the district has been much as usual, and no epidemic has visited it. Among the deaths I am grieved to have to report that of Kereama Tawhai (a son of the well-known chief H. M. Tawhai, of Waima), of consumption. He was a young gentleman of much promise, and just prior to his death was studying the law in the office of Messrs. Whitaker and Russell, of Auckland. Though only twenty-one years of age, he had done much for his countrymen as a lecturer in the cause of tempei-ance. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and great sympathy was expressed by Europeans and Natives from all parts of the colony at his early death. The crops in the various settlements have been excellent; but the Natives, lam sorry to say, do not cultivate sufficient for their own use, and depend far too much upon bushwork, gum-digging, and work on the county roads for a means of living, and I fear in some of the kaingas there will be great scarcity during the coming winter. A large religious meeting was held at Matihetihe early in March, but no matters of a political nature were touched upon, and it passed off in the usual quiet manner, though I was sorry to find that a considerable quantity of food was consumed, which will be much needed further on in the season. The Native schools, which are a feature in this district, are still well supported and appreciated by all. I have, &c, SI'ENCEU VOX STURMER, The Under-Secrctary, Native Department, Wellington. Resident Magistrate. I—G. 1.