NATIVE MATTERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 242, 19 September 1872, Page 6

NATIVE MATTERS.

Oue of the most important papers which has been kid before Parliament during the present session is " Reports from officers in Native iiistricts," furnished in reply to a circular from Mr M 'Lean. From these reports it would appear that tbe condition of the Native population iv the North is superior to that of the remainder of their race, owing no donbt to the length of time which has elapsed since they were exposed to the disturbing influences, which have for the last ten years, more or less, affected the tribes living further South. The Resident Magistrate at Mongouui reports the Natives in his district as quietly and peacefully pursuing their usual avooations : an improving state of morality existing among them, and an enthusiasm, setting in favor of schools, though it is eaicl not to be probable that this enthusiasm wi'l be lasting. An improvement is aIBO noted in agriculture. At Hokianga intemperance has decreased considerably, without the introduction of- the Permissive .fill ; a desire for education exists, and the people fairly acknowledge their position as British subjects, and respect the law. A large section of them recently announced that the old Maori law of tapau no longer existed in the district. Agriculture, however, is at a low ebb, and the populatioa is decreasing, owir '_ in some measure, to the use o/' •* spirits, the money for the pnrcV ;**<"££* which is obtained by gum diggi**BMft> tbr of Islands a marked improvem be visible in tbe social habits and an increasing desire to ord' bul; fchp*

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are p t, friendly feelings Europeans are strengthening, but nn<>BS is increasing fast. From Raglan the report is not so f avora' »le. ' • As regards the religious, moral, and social condition, it is impossible to speak favorably." "In numbers the Natives are steadily on the decrease." Industry of all kinds seems to be languishing, an/* altogether the Maories me in a poor state. Major Hair's report from Alexandra on the Waikato. Ngatimaniapoto, and Ngatiraukawau tribes, deals principally with the political aspect of the question ; and, if his opinions are correct, the isolation of the Kingites is being gradually broken up. Their moral status is low, Hauhauism having had a pernicious effect upon them, and the desire for strong drink being on the increase. Hauhauistn is saul t> be dying oak. From Opottki the reports arc more favorable ; the Natives are recovering from the license and immoral habits engendered by Haukauisin, and are gradually devoting their attention to agriculture and other productive industries. Many of them lately in rebellion are now living quietly among the Europeans. From New Plymouth, Mr Parris reports that among the JNatives under his charge there is no sicrn of any progress towards more civilised modes of life ; and this, added to the weakeniug of the restraints of tribal influence, leaves little hope that their moral condition is in any way improving; they take no interest in education, nor manifest any strong desire to avail themselves of the European modes of agriculture. The Upper Wanganui Natives are in a somewhat similar condition. Those in the Otaki district are much more favorably reported on ; and it is said that a Ngatiiaukawau chief intends shortly to call upon all professors of Hauhauisrn to abandon that effete faith. — Pod.