REPORTS ON NATIVE DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4782, 20 July 1876, Page 3

REPORTS ON NATIVE DISTRICTS.

In the present article we conclude our notices of the series of reports from officers in native districts, which were commenced in our leading columns. Mr. E. 11. Williams, -Resident Magistrate at the Bay of Islands, reports undisturbed good feeling between the two races in his district. The natives are engaged in gum-digging, falling and squaring timber, and a section of them at .Rawhiti, undaunted by a former failure, were making strenuous exertions to establish a whale fishery. The mortality had been considerable, and it was Mr. Williams’ opinion that the Maori race in bj-flistrict was diminishing in numbers. The of native schools, where the English language was taught and the children were disciplined in habits of cleanliness, had produced excellent results, and awakened a general desire at Wakare, Ohaewae, Rawhiti, and elsewhere for the opening of new schools, the natives having subscribed considerable sums of money, and set aside land for the purpose of sites. The Maori crops had suffered severely from inundations. The natives had exhibited much interest and a creditable degree of intelligence in the election contest, and a strong and general desire had been awakened “ for the full establishment of British law, administered alike to both races, the more intelligent beginning to discern the justice of our laws in comparison with the absurdity of their own.” They had also conquered their former repugnance to imprisonment for offences against law, recognising “ that the misconduct of one man does not necessarily disgrace a community.” Mr. H. T. Kemp, Civil Commissioner of Auckland, reports that the Waikato natives were rapidly exerting themselves to re-estab-lish themselves on their small holdings, and were becoming sensible of the advantages of education.

Mr, Puckey, native agent of the Thames, reports that the natives in that district arc thoroughly amenable to law, readily obeying any process of the courts. Hau Hanism was rapidly declining, but the natives were retrogadingin agricultural pursuits—a fact doubtless attributable to the inevitable consequences attendant upon the proximity of a large mining population, the considerable incomes realised from leases, and the larger profits offered by mining industry.'■ Drunkenness was diminish-

ing. No native school had been established, but a number of children received tuition at a European school. Major Mair reports from Alexandra, in May last, that grain-growing is extending, and that considerable numbers of the Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto tribes have moved down close to the confiscated boundary, in order* to be nearer a market; that the natives generally are devoting their' spare capital to the purchase of agricultural implements; and that owing to the extension of the temperance movement, and the disuse of intoxicating liquors at political and social meetings, drunkenness and crime are rapidly disappearing. The Hau Hau section of Ngatiraukawa, formerly bitterly hostile to Europeans, have become industrious and friendly, are expending large sums in the purchase of handmills for grinding wheat, and are engaging pastoral pursuits on a considerable scale ;’ while there are unmistakable indications that “it cannot be long before entirely satisfactory relations are established ” between the two races.

Mr. C. Marshall, of Lower Waikato, reports that “ the whole of the Ngatitahinga, Ngati-' tipa, and Ngatireko tribes” remain loyal, and conform to and uphold British law, and “ that they are sober and well conducted, abstaining from intoxicating drinks.” Mr. W. H. Harsant, B. M. at Raglan,: states that there is “less drunkenness and card-playing, and consequently less crime;” that the natives are anxious to obtain employment in road-making, and that it will not be difficult to induce the Kingites to resume their 1 former friendly intercourse with Europeans. Mr. Hopkins Clarke, of Tauranga, writes that there has been very little crime, that the natives are favorably disposed towards the Government, that the native school at Whareroa is progressing favorably, and that but for the heavy rains the crops in the district would have amounted to at least 25,000 bushels of wheat and 3000 of oats, in addition to large productions of maize, kumaras, &c. Mr. J. E. Hamlin, of Maketu, reports that while drunkenness is diminishing at Maketu, there is no improvement at the inland settlements, where the natives are supplied with the means' of intoxication by visitors. A European doctor was urgently needed; the native schools had improved both in attendance and status, and an increasing desire was evinced to individualise titles to land, and to fence in property. Mr. Campbell, R.M. at Waiapu, and Dr. Nesbitt, R.M., Gisborne, report that the schools are flourishing, that the natives are generally industrious and obedient to the laws ; in fact, in the latter district they “ have rather too great a desire to take advantage of the Resident Magistrate’s Court in all difficulties both amongst themselves and with Europeans.

Dr. Ormond, of Wairoa, reports that the natives “are quiet and obedient to our laws,” that intemperance has been steadily decreasing,” and that the natives exhibit an intelligent interest in public affairs, “ numbers of them being subscribers to the Waha Maori , and the amount both of letters and telegrams received by them is astonishing,” the very men who opposed the erection of the telegraph being now the most anxious to take advantage of it. The mortality amongst the natives has been heavy, “measles, influenza, and other epidemics sweeping them down indiscriminately.’ ’ Many of the natives find employment in sawing timber, splitting posts and sleepers, sheep shearing, &c., and a party are engaged in completing the Wairoa-Poverty Bay inland road. The natives are also anxious to establish their titles to land, and the native school at Waihiriri is in a flourishing condition. Dr. Ormond says:—“ There has been a deal of talk about witchcraft in the neighborhood, but since the check put on Himiona, a native of Whakati, and a perfect fanatic in his belief of his own powers, 1 it has suddenly ceased.” Mr. H. S. Wardell, Resident Magistrate of Wairarapa, reports in, the following laconic style;—“Sir;—ln reply to your circular letter of the 30th of March last, I have the honor to report that the natives of this district continue to recognise fully the authority of the courts of law, and that the relations between them and the settlers remain satisfactory.” Major Brown, Civil Commissioner of New Plymouth, reports that the Ngatiawa and Ngatitama tribes “ have subsided into the peaceful state that the two races in other parts of the colony have lived in for some time.” They have also been “ steadily alienating their lands to the Government,” partly, the commissioner thinks, “with the object of not affording an asylum again in Ngatimaru in the event of hostilities.” The Ngatiruanui natives south-of Waingongoro have sold some land outside the confiscated boundary, and have shown a disposition to meet the Government as regards the occupation by settlers of those portions of the confiscated lands that have not hitherto been occupied. The natives were insisting on the right of leasing their reserves to Europeans, and some difficulty had arisen in the settlement of the rights to the proceeds of these leases, of which Major Brown recommends a solution in future, by making small reserves in numbers, instead of in large blocks. He notices that the settlement of the Waimate plains continues to be obstructed by Europeans whose interests are adverse to the Government. The tribes between Stony river and Opunake continue to oppose land selling ; but in reference to the erection of the telegraph, Te Whiti had practically withdrawn his opposition. The-report says;—“ Their efforts have been, and are still, to keep the peace between the two races, and they deserve great credit . for their success. ... I can say that the indications of the native feeling in this province are altogether averse to any renewal of hostilities with us.”

Mr. E. W. Woon, Resident Magistrate of Wanganui, writes a long and intesting report. He says that the native mind is in a state of transition, “ searching out some means whereby advantage may accrue to the race ” ; but “ unfortunately suspicious are often raised in their minds by designing persons, and their faith in the good intentions of the Government rudely shaken, and a spirit of restlessness generated which cannot bntproveprejudicialinits effects.” He thinks “it will be well for the natives when they have disposed of their surplus lauds, and settle down to improve and make use of their ample reserves,” when they will engage in industrial pursuits. He tells us that “ the natives all around (Wanganui) are anxious to maintain peaceful relations with the Europeans,” and they exhibit an increased disposition to have recourse to the law for redress. He then quotes a remarkable instance of ready compliance with our laws. A young man, while playing with a Maori girl of another tribe, was accidentally pushed over a cliff, and sustained injuries from which he died. In former times a fend would have resulted between the 1 two tribes, but in this case a jury was held, and a verdict of accidental death recorded, with which the natives were perfectly satisfied. Hequotes anotherrCmarkableinstance of the law-abiding disposition of the Wanganui tribes. Tapa te Waero, a cousin of Titokowaru, and two other Ngarauru chiefs, having attempted to assert a right to resume possession of 'a portion of the confiscated laud, they allowed themselves to be brought into Wanganui by night under a public escort, so that the question of their rights might he decided by the Supreme Court. Regarding the result, Mr. Woon remarks :—“And I would take occasion here to remark that the prosecution in that case, as directed by the Government, has had a very good effect, and satisfaction at the decision and advice given to the trespassers by the Chief Justice has found full expression amongst the Maori population, who are, as a consequence, likely to evince still greater regard and respect for the law and the Queen’s Court in the future,” Mr. Woon believes that drinking habits are on the increase among the natives, the principal chiefs setting a bad example in this respect, and the bad example set in the towns having a baneful effect, the natives thinking “they cannot do bettor than imitate their white friends and: neighbors in their fondness for strong drink.” The natives had produced the usual crops of wheat, maize, and potatoes, a large portion of which had been disposed of to Europeans at good prices. The growing of hops had not been prosperous, owing to the Ignorance of the natives as to the proper methodsi of gathering and drying; but the Pipiriki natives were making a further trial on a ,considerable scale. An up-river chief named

Manurau had taken much pains in planting out and progagating the mulberry tree, had succeeded admirably, and was,being instructed by the Rev. B. K. Taylor in the manipulation and feeding of silkworms. Mr. Woon Bug-! gests : —“ If a nursery could be started by some competent European on the river under the auspices and fostering care of - the Govern-' ment, instruction might be given to the natives in these and like branches of, industry, and a further means of profit opened up to them. The matter is worthy of consideration, and has been specially reported on by me; for a variety of industrial pursuits might be introduced at same time to the advantage of both races, including the planting of forest trees." Very satisfactory progress had been made in the matter of flour-mills. The iron machinery: for the Kariniti mill, on the Wanganui river,; imported from Glasgow at a cost of £290, had * been placed in the mill-house, which was approaching completion, a machinist and two carpenters having been engaged in the work. Machinery for the Kavatia mill had been cast at Wanganui, at a cost of £110; the millhouse was completed, and as soon as the further machinery required—about £9O worth —was to hand, the mill was to be placed under i competent supervision, and be put in operation.; Timber was being prepared for the Pipiririki mill, and Mr. Prin had been engaged by the natives to superintend the completion of the various mills. Mr. Woon expresses a belief that the erection of these mills will stimulate grain-growing, and will improve the physical health of the natives by the increased consumption of flour. The natives at Jerusalem and London, on the Wanganui river, were anxious to place their dairy stock under the ■ charge of some trustworthy European, whereby milk and butter might be produced for , consumption among the tribes. The natives had manifested a desire to become extensive flockowners, they were “opening their eyes to the riches to be derived from wool-growing, and to the tending of cattle, and pastoral pursuits will ere long become the order of the day.” Mr. Woon then refers to an important native meeting held in February and March last, in the Tuhua country, some 230 miles up the Wanganui river. The meeting was called by Rewi Maniapoto, and other Tuhua and Wanganui chiefs, including Mete Kingi, late M.H.R., and thereat important land questions were discussed. Here Rewi “enunciated a fresh political principle respecting future land sales, to the effect that he had done with opposing actively the sale of land; that those who persisted in so doing must abide by the consequence of their acts.” After some reference to the historic reminiscences of the country, in order to show the altered feeling of the natives, Mr. Woon goes on to say that two native schools on the Wanganui river are in full operation under most efficient management, and that sufficient encouragement is offered for the hope that the Maoris “will ere long awake to the necessity of taking due advantage of these seminaries, which will open up to them the highway to learning and advancement as a people.” There had been much sickness amongst the natives in the up-river pas, but life had been saved in numerous instances through theinstrumentality of the school teachers and the thoughtful provision of the Government in dispensing medicines. The natives had willingly furnished numerous valuable exhibits for the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia ; the Waha Maori newspaper was largely read ; and in religious matters, Mr. Woon is of opinion that there is a promising field for missionary labor on the river, with its 2000 native population. The temporary disturbing influence created by the visit of Henare Matua was fast disappearing, and many of the natives who were prominent adherents of the movement had abandoned it, and were having recourse to the European Courts in all disputed questions. Mr. J. Booth reports favorably from Foxton as to the natives in the Wanganui-Rangitikei district. The Henare Matua agitation was dying out, and opposition to trigonometrical surveys had almost entirely ceased. Notwithstanding the opposition of certain Waikato chiefs, Topini te Mamaku and other Wanganui natives had passed a large block of land through the Court, and completed the sale to the Government. The natives generally were less inclined to take the law into their own bands, and in two cases, ••at Wangaehu and Rangitikei, had settled' one by arbitration, and in the other had accepted the terms offered by the Government. Mr. Booth repsrts an increasing desire on the part of the natives throughout the district to have their children educated. Referring to the industrial occupations of the natives, he says:—“During this year the natives have grown larger grain drops than I have noticed for many years past. They are also improving their stock,' especially horses, both draught and ’ riding horses. Many of them own small flocks of sheep, and at every village may be seen ploughs, harrows, carts, &c.. Many of the natives have during the year executed legal leases of portions of their estate, and are now enjoying the benefits thereof. They seem upon the whole to be prosperous and contented.” Respecting the Mauawatu-. Wellington district Mr. Booth reports general prosperity ; the abandonment of Hauhauism by a large • majority in favor of Christianity. At Otaki, formerly notorious for immorality, idleness, and dishonesty, and at other places, “almost the whole native population attend church regularly every day, morning and evening ; where there is a school, the children attend very regularly ; and the leading chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa tribe have determined to build churches at all the more populous villages. At Otaki three young men are preparing, under the Rev. J. MdWUliara, to enter the Church of England as deacons. There is a good (Bishop’s) school at Otaki, ‘ where only English is taught; and a school is to be commenced this month at Awahuri.”. Intemperance was still very prevalent, but the chiefs and teachers were strenuously exerting themselves to suppress it. A chief named Mateue te Whiwhi had attended a meeting at Napier, where it was proposed to form a league for the prevention of future land sales, or leases to the Government, or private individuals, and the obstruction of roads and telegraphs. But “ when Matene made his report to the Ngatiraukawa tribe they refused, one and all, to accept the proposals which were made to them, and they passed a resolution to the effect that none of their tribe should be allowed in future to attend political meetings. They further declared their loyalty to the Government, and their determination to live in obedience to the laws.”

Major Willis, B.M. at Marton, reports that the number of Maoris in his district is gradually decreasing, principally owing to their' depar-' ture to less settled districts, lleeent election contests had roused the Maoris to a sense of their political responsibilities, and - no fewer than thirty-two claims to vote had been sent in from the Manawatu district alone. Preparations were being made for opening a native school at Awahuri.

Mr. A. Mackay, of Nelson, reports that the natives are pursuing their usual avocations, and that their general conduct'has been good. Hop-growing had been commenced by the natives at Motueka, and the native schools were prospering. Mr. Mackay thinks—“ It would be advisable on moral grounds, if for no other, reason, that the practice of recognising marriages according to Maori custom should be discountenanced, and the people required, as far as possible, to conform to our laws.” He also recommends a system of registration for census purposes, and the individualisation of titles to land. , ,

Mr. Stack reports that the Maori population of Canterbury had hitherto been extremely healthy, but during the previous year epidemic diseases had thinned their ranks. Change of air and diet had, however, produced salutary results. The ■ natives appear to evince an extraordinary suspicion of. European agents in dealing with their lands, preferring rather to incur a bad bargain made by themselves, than a better one by any other person. In this way they are, constantly plunging themselves into difficulties, though in general they arc remarkably honest in their dealings with tradespeople. Upon the whole these-reports are eminently satisfactory and reassuring. They show that by a long interval of peaca nnd the absence of those disturbing causes which briiig out all the latent bad ■ qualities, of the Maori nature, the. race may gradually assimilate'its 1 mo'de .ot life to that of Europeans, may settle down to habits

of industry and. thrift, may be taught to value and enjoy all the advantages of education and intellectual progress, and may become largely contributory to the general welfare and advancement of the colony. A result such as this must be earnestly desired by all who have the real welfare of the colony at heart. It is a result far more creditable to our own Chris-; tian enlightenment, and to our colonising skill, 1 than any mere triumphs achieved by the sword—triumphs which are after all productive of barren results ; for while they leave behind them no conscientious approval, they, sow a plentiful crop of demoralization, debt,* and disaster, compensated for by no enduring or ennobling reminiscenoejj.