G.— l.

Steps have been taken to appoint capable persons as Eegistrars of Births and Deaths in the various Native districts. Many of the Maori clergymen have signified their acceptance of the office, and it is hoped that their efforts will insure an absolutely reliable census of the Maori race being obtained. The necessary register-books and forms have already been printed and distributed. I think a small allowance should be paid to all such Registrars to encourage them in this very important work. It would be advantageous to select a few reliable, intelligent Natives to act as policemen, under the general Police Department, in all districts where there are considerable numbers of Maoris. They would be of great assistance to the district constables, and save them much work. The Maori Councils are willing to pay these officers out of their own funds, but I think they will be found worthy of a small additional grant each. It has been found in some districts that it is very expensive to bring together the whole twelve members of a Council, particularly when, as in the case of the Whanganui, Ngatiwhatua, Whangarei, and Wairoa Districts, the members have to pay high fares for travelling by the river-boats, which are the only means of communication. As a rule eight would be a much more convenient number, five to be a quorum. It will be necessary to make some provisions for enforcing and teaching sanitation among the Natives. The trained officers of the Health Department might be utilised and paid a special allowance for visiting all Native settlements and instructing the various Maori Councils in performing their duties. At present there are but few Natives capable of carrying out this work, but some of the most intelligent might be induced to qualify for this very important service hereafter. Before concluding this report I ask permission to place upon record some expression of admiration for the splendid work performed by Dr. Maui Pomare, who never spares any efforts to uplift the Native race. The Maoris will be ungrateful indeed if they fail to recognise and appreciate, and profit by, such noble zeal. Dr. Pomare has been most ably assisted by Mr. Apirana Ngata, who abandoned a promising career at the bar in order to improve the condition of his countrymen. I trust, and honestly believe, that next year it will be my pleasing duty to record even much greater progress. I have, &c, Gilbert Maib, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Superintendent, Maori Councils.

Eepobt of the Proceedings of the First General Conference under " The Maori Councils Act, 1900," held at Eotorua on the 17th April, 1903. By notification under the hand of His Excellency the Governor in the Kahiti of the 20th March, No. 14, a General Conference of delegates was held in the ruuanga-house, Tamatekapua, at Ohinemum, Eotorua, on the 17th April and following days, the undermentioned twenty-four persons having been selected by the various Councils as representatives : For the Arawa District, Baureti P. Mokonuiarangi; Arapawa District, Tuiti Makitonore; Araiteuru District, Tiemi Hipi; Hokianga District, Tamaho Eawiri; Horouta District, Apirana T. Ngata; Kurahaupo District, TeEaika; Mahunui District, Hoani Hopere Uru ; Maniapoto District, Te Moerua Natanahira; Mangonui District, Eiwhi Heta; Matatua District, Pouwhare; Ngatiwhatua District, Poata Uruamo; Eaukawa District, Eere Nikitini; Eongokako District, Aporo H. Kumeroa ; Tamatea District, Ihaia Hutana; Taranaki District, Tutanuku; Takitimu District, HetekiaTe KaniPere; Tauranga District, Taipari ; Tokerau District, Eameka Waikerepuru ; Tongariro District, Parati Paurini ; Wairoa District, Waaka Te Huia ; Whangarei District, Taui Pepene ; Whanganui District, Neri Poutini; Wharekauri District, Henry Plough; Kahungunu District, Tuta-Hapimaana. Of these delegates, seventeen were Chairmen of their respective Councils, and the others ordinary members. The delegates appointed to represent the Councils of Kahungunu and Chatham Islands (Wharekauri) were unable to attend. Twenty-two members were present, and the Advisory Counsellors of several districts also attended, including Tamahau Mahupuku, Te Keepa Eangipuawhe, Waata Eangikotua, Hori Ngatai, and a number of other chiefs from the Arawa, Urewera, Matatua, and other tribes. The meeting was opened by Captain Mair, Superintendent of Maori Councils, on the 17th April and adjourned till Monday, the 20th. During the sitting of the Conference the members received much gratification and benefit from a visit by the Hon. the Native Minister, and the following prominent Government officials also attended and took part in the proceedings : Mr. J. Bman Smith, Eegistrar of Old-age Pensions ; Dr. Pomare, Health Officer; and-Mr. Sim, Eegistrar, Maori Lands Administration Act. As His Excellency did not by Order in Council appoint a President, the delegates unanimously elected Ihaia Hutana, Chairman of the Tamatea Maori Council, to that office. Moho Wi Hape, member of the Arawa Council, was appointed Clerk. The subjects discussed and resolutions adopted will be found attached to this report under the following heads: — 1. Pensions for elderly Natives : That power be given to the Maori Councils to exercise some supervision in order that the old-age pensioners may receive their duly authorised pensions without deduction of any kind. 2. That " The Maori Councils Act, 1900," be amended with a view— (a.) To having those portions which appear to conflict more clearly defined. (b.) That the general jurisdiction of the Maori Councils may be extended as far as possible, in order that they may the better carry out the intentions of Parliament in enacting the measure, (c.) That additional powers be given to the Village Committees,

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