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prosperity side by side with their friends the pakeha; that in so living they may improve their position , that they may advance with the times, and by that advancement be taught that it is in their interest to set a good example. I would like to see the sous of the Native race hold their position in the Civil Service of the colony I would like to see them holding their position in connection with the commerce of the colony I have no hesitation whatsoever in saying that mentally physically, and with cultivation they are capable of holding the highest positions in the land. But you cannot do that—you cannot hope for your sons doing this if things continue the way they are, and the way they have been drifting the last few years. You must see first of all that they have the creature comforts of life. It is no use living in a half European and half Native state, as you now live. It is impossible for you to expect the physical development that it is necessary for you to have. There must be something also for you to look forward to. When you have no hope, and nothing definite to do, that is bound to bring you to evil,ways. I have heard it said that all the young men care about is riding horses, drinking wdipiro, and playing billiards. There may only be a few and it is not their wish to do what is wrong. But, I ask, what causes them to do this ? It is because they have no occupation—nothing to do. They do not go on the land. Even their fathers do not know whether the land belongs to them or not. They do not go chopping down the bush and putting up fences, because they do not know who they would be doing it for , hence, I am sure that if this state of things was removed there would be more cultivation, and you would find greater prosperity among the Natives. Then, as regards the walks amongst the better paths of life, they must have the necessary education, without it they would simply hold inferior positions. I would like to see schools—the very best possible —maintained in the Native districts. I would like to see those sons of the Natives who have a natural gift above their fellows securing scholarships, and going to our colleges and getting a superior education. Then there is no doubt we should find them filling the most advanced positions in the colonies. All this is possible if you follow the advice I have given you. Follow the advice of a friend who has come among you to-day to try and do you good. I shall redeem my promise. And here I tell you, I shall take your representative, Hone Heke—a young man of superior education, desirous of doing you good —I shall take him by the hand I shall render him all the assistance I possibly can, and when he is away from you in Parliament and helping to pass laws in the interest of Europeans and Natives, do not have people behind his back doing him an injury, but be satisfied with what he is doing. Do not when he is in Parliament ask him to do what is unreasonable, and, if he attempts to do well, hold him up to ridicule, because if you do it will be a reflection upon him just as much aslipon you. Eemember that he is one of the sticks, and it is just as well to keep all the sticks together With the Europeans, when their member goes to Parliament they only ask him to do what is reasonable, they keep strengthening his hands and helping him, and that strengthens his position when in Parliament at Wellington. Then when the European comes back from Parliament he calls meetings of those he represents, gives explanations, and then they decide whether he has been acting as a faithful servant or not. I say to you, follow 7 the same plan : when Hone comes back from the House of Korero, get his explanation, and if he serves you faithfully, say "Go forward, we have every confidence in you." It is only after explanation that you are in a fair position to judge. Now, we may differ, as we have differed to-day, in opinion, but we are both striving to do what is right in the long run. * .'Generally speaking the majority is right, I have always found that the case since I have had anything to do with public life. I wish you good-bye, and leave you with a friendly greeting. An excellent tea was provided, and. while this was being partaken of a party of voting men sang a number of part songs, already made familiar to us by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The way the different parts were taken would have been a credit to many Europeans. The last feature, but not the least, was the capital way in which some of the children sang. At 9 p.m. the Natives took leave of their guests, and the party started for Bawene amidst much shaking of hands and cheering. The Natives seemed quite delighted at the result of the meeting. Eawene' was reached at midnight, and on the following morning a steamer took the party to the Heads, where the Premier spent a couple of pleasant hours with Mr Webster This gentleman s hospitality is proverbial, and his fund of information in connection with the early history of Hokianga is practically inexhaustible —he is a walking encyclopedia. At 3 p.m. horses were provided and the journey resumed. On arrival at Waimamaku, the Native School Committee, with the schoolmaster, met the Premier, and invited him to visit the school. This school was in excellent order and reflects great credit on the local dominie, who seems to be untiring in his efforts to make the Natives understand the incalculable benefit to be derived from having a good education. In opening the proceedings, Mr Iraia Toi (Chairman of the School Committee) said, —Our children are the cause of great consideration to us. We are sad in regard to the future. We heard the Premier express himself yesterday to the effect that his love for the Native people was strong, and that he would rather see a number of children about the Native settlement than dogs. We have for the last three years aspired to have a college. We have built up within our minds the hope that one would be erected. We have indicated this desire of ours to the Inspectors. What fathered this desire within us was the fact that great grief happened to us on account of our sending our children a long distance —to Te Aute College —and they there met with many ailments resulting in death. The result has been that it has prevented us sending our children to that College, and this feeling has permeated through the whole community and the various School Committees, and that has strengthened us in our earnest desire that a college should be established here, and our feeling on the matter has been made known in strong and vigorous terms to the different School Committees throughout this district. That is all I have to say or place before you. The Eev Wiki te Paa The Premier will reply in due course to what we lay before him. I wish on this occasion to indorse what has fallen from the Chairman of the School Committee. It is true that it is the feeling of the Committee, under the circumstances, that the school should be