G.—s

2

requirements by the proceeds of gum-digging. Every kainga in this district is wdthin easy reaching distance of a gumfield, and a few weeks' work by a family during the fine season suffices to provide funds for a long subsequent period of idleness. Tho belief that kauri-gum is an unfailing source of revenue has a most demoralising effect upon the Native mind. Whaling is still extensively carried on by the Natives of the northern peninsula during the season. They expend large sums of money in fitting out tho various parties, but I think that the average return is very small indeed. The industry, however, has that element of gambling in it which is so clear to the Maori, and therefore funds are never wanting, even under the most discouraging circumstances. In my last annual report I noted the fact that an element of danger to the public peace existed at Upper Waihou, in the Hokianga district, in the case of a small nest of fanatics, who were holding themselves entirely aloof from the rest of the Natives, and at the same time practising the most preposterous rites and ceremonies. My anticipation of possible trouble was fully borne out by subsequent events. After causing a scare throughout the district, and committing several outrages upon tho property of neighbouring Natives, tho fanatics, on the 4th July, 1887, seized a settler named Hearn, who was passing by, conveyed him within their enclosure (called " Mount Zion "), stripped him of his clothes, tied him up, and otherwise maltreated him. Upon hearing of this, and receiving certain information from the neighbouring Natives, I decided that, to prevent any more serious acts of fanaticism or lawlessness, it was necessary to take strong measures, and, if possible, to entirely break up the camp. I communicated with Inspector McGovern, who had been recently appointed to the police charge of the Northern District, but who was still at Kawhia, and he hurried here at once, immediately recognising the gravity of the situation. We arranged a course of action which involved the convoying of ten regular constables and ten specials to the locality, in view of possible contingencies. On the 21st July Hearn swore informations against all the Natives who were implicated in the assault upon him, and I issued warrants for their arrest. Bull reports of the manner in which the arrest of the fourteen men and nine women was effected have been already furnished to the Government. Suffice it to say they resisted most violently, and, although, unfortunately, it was found neoessar.j.to have recourse to arms, lam fully persuaded that it thereby prevented serious loss of life. Most of the Natives concerned were, on the 23rd July, sentenced by me to various terms of imprisonment, and in the case of the ringleaders I ordered each one, at the expiration of his sentence, to find.-sureties of the peace for a further term. The camp was completely broken up, and those of the Natives who have been since discharged from gaol have scattered among the various settlements in the district. ' Too much credit cannot be given to Inspector McGovern for the throughly able manner in which he carried out his duties, and for the great tact which he displayed'/' I consider myself extremely fortunate in having the advice and co-operation of so able an officer. The growth of this fanatical movement was very gradual, and was accompanied by some very peculiar phases. This is scarcely the place to enter into a detaileji^account of its history ; but it evidences the fact that the apparently intelligent Natives are stilßprone to cling to old superstitions, and are still liable to attacks of fanaticism, in spite of fifty years of civilisation. I have, &c, H. W. Bishop, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No! 3. Mr. J. Clendon, 8.M., Whangarei, to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sie, Native Office, Whangarei, 23rd May, 1888. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd April last, and, in compliance with the requost,_contained therein, to report as follows : — That the Native population within my district have during the past year conducted themselves in the most orderly and amicable manner. In one instance only has any dispute occurred amongst them —namely, in relation to a sum of £300 royalty for gum derived from land near Boroti, about fourteen miles from Whangarei. This matter is now virtually settled, the principal owners having applied to the Native Land Court to adjudicate upon the block of land from which the royalty was derived, in order to individualise the title. No instances of crime have occurred amongst them. Their health has been fairly good ; but a number of deaths have taken place, chiefly of old people, and caused principally by exposure to cold, and in some instances by typhoid fever. The schools have been, save in two or three instances, attended with successful results. Doubtless the report of the Inspector who has lately visited the district will deal with the details. The natural apathy of the parents, and the want of obedience in Native children generally, in a great measure prevents the attendance being so large as it otherwise would be. The Natives have been chiefly employed during the year in gum-digging and cultivating their lands. The timber industry has been almost at a standstill, and has prevented them from engaging in that description of labour. In concluding my short report, I would beg to remark that the attitude and good feeling of the Native population in the North towards the Government/and Europeans generally may be taken as an evidence of the amicable relations existing between tho races. I have, &c, James Clendon, The Under-Secretary, Native Office, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.