FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session I, G-01a

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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

FURTHER REPORTS FROM OFFICERS IN NATIVE DISTRICTS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. REPORT ON THE UPPER WAIKATO DISTRICT, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th JUNE, 1879. Mr. W. H. Grace to the Under Secretary, Native Department. Sir, — Alexandra, Waikato, 22nd July, 1879. In compliance "with request contained in your letter of April last, I have tho honor to transmit you the following general report on the Upper Waikato District for the year ending 30th ultimo :— This large and important district is iniiabited by the Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatiraukawa, Ngatihaua, Ngatimahuta, Te Ngaungau, Ngatitahinga, Ngatimahanga, Ngatiapakura, Ngatiruru, Ngatihinetu, Ngatipou, Ngatitipa, Ngatiwhauroa, Ngatitamainu, Ngatiteata, Ngatitamoho, Ngatitinaho, Ngatihua, Ngatihouroa, Tainui, and Ngatihikairo. There are also a few smaller tribes or hapus -who are, in a more or less degree, connected with one or other of the abovementioned. The Waikato, as known to Maoris and those Europeans well acquainted with their history, consist of the tribes above named, except the Ngatiraukawa, and occupy the whole of the country between the Manukau Heads and the Mokau River. This people, who iv the days and at the mandate of Potatau te Whcrowhero rallied round his standard to the number of over 5,000 warriors, arc to-day much weakened in strength, so much so that it is doubtful whether Tawhiao, Potatau's successor, can now command 1,000 able-bodied men. About 800 friendly Waikatos of both sexes live outside this district in the Lower Waikato and at llaglan, and are under the leadership of the loyal chiefs Major Te Wheoro, Hone te One, Niui Kukutai, Hori Kukutai, and Te Awaitaia. Living amongst and to be added to that portion of the Waikatos inimical to our rule, are a number of refugees and exiles from the East Coast aud other parts of this Island. The protectors of these refugees and exiles, themselves but sojourners, possess comparatively but little land of their own, having been driven out of the Waikato and their land confiscated by the Colonial Government; and part of them are now living on Ngatimaniapoto territory on mere sufferance. The Waikatos, especially the Kingite section, are fairly industrious, growing a considerable quantity of wheat, oats, and potatoes. The Ngatimaniapoto, with its allies, at the present time, on an emergency could muster close on to 600 fighting men. To this tribe, with the exception of the portion owned by the Ngatiraukawa, and a small tract of country owned by Ngatimahuta and Ngatihikairo, belongs the whole of the territory commonly known as the King country. These people are, for Maoris, industrious, and grow fair quantities of grain and potatoes. The Ngatiraukawa is, as you are aware, divided into two, the one part living in this district, the other residing in the south of this Island at Otaki, Ohau, and other settlements near Manawatu. The section which lives in Waikato numbers about 400 men able to carry arms, but their strength is fluctuating, as they are constantly receiving accessions from their brethren in the South, and vice versa. The majority of the section last referred to may be reckoned as well disposed towards the Government, and the day is not far distant when the minority will follow their example. The visits these people receive from their clansmen in the South (which latter, coming as they do from a locality where European laws and institutions have long prevailed and been freely exercised amongst the Maoris resident there, are therefore fairly versed in our ways of thinking and doing things) have had a beneficial effect upon them; these visits being in a large measure the cause why they have of late become more and more tractable. The Ngatiraukawa, taken as a whole, I regret to report, arc much given to intemperance and other improvident habits, to which failings they will sacrifice their extensive lands unless watched over and prevented from so doing by the Government. - The Ngatihaua, once numbering over 600 fighting men, is now reduced to about 250 of the same description, who are very nearly equally divided into Hauhaus and Queenites. This I—G. IA.

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tribe, as a people, are addicted to drunkenness, and are great spendthrifts, in consequence of which their landed estate, at one time extensive, is now very limited in area, they having alienated it to supply their extravagant demands. Kingite Meeting. The most important event in the past year's proceedings in this district is the great Kingite meeting held at Kopua in the early part of May last. The occasion was a great one, comprehending as it did people from almost all the tribes in the North Island. There were there representatives from the Aupouri, in the extreme North; Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi, and Ngatiwhatua• from the forests of Taranaki and Te Urewera; from Ngatiawa and Ngatikahungunu, in the South j and Te Whakatohea and Ngatiporou in the East. The intermediate tribes also responded to the invitation of Waikato iv large numbers. It was the greatest meeting of the Maori race that had taken place for years. The number assembled was estimated at about 5,000. The following tribes were represented by the following chiefs : — Waikato: By Tawhiao, Whitiora Maneha, Tapihana, and Te Tuhi —the loyal portion of this tribe being represented by Major Te Wheoro, Hone te One, Nini Kukutai, Hori Kukutai, the Rev. Wi Patene, Aihipene Kaihau, Te Awaitaia, and others. Ngatimaniapoto: By Rewi Manga Maniapoto, Taonui, Wahanui, Wetere te Rerenga, Te Ngohi, Pumipi Tuhoro, Paku, Hauauru, and others. Ngatihaua: Hauhau Section—By Te Ngakau, Pokai, Te Kuiti, Pakeho, and others. Friendly Section —By Hote Tamihana, Tana te Waharoa, Raihi Toroatai, Te Hakiriwhi, and others. Ngatiraukawa North: By Hitire Paerata, Te Rei Paehua, Whitipatato, Te Rangitutia, Te Aokatoa, Arekatera te Wera, and others. Ngatiwhatua : By Paora Tuhaere, Paraone Ngaweke, Arama Karaka, and others. Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi: By Hone Mohi Tawhai, Hori Karaka Tawiti, M.H.R., Kerei Mangonui, Timoti Pumipi, Taiwhanga, Bryers, Tawakc, and about thirty other chiefs. Ngatipaoa: By Waata Tipa, Puhata, Wini Kerei, and a few others. Ngatitamatera: By Tukukino, Hirawa te Moananui, Hohepa te Rauhihi, Tareranui, and others. Ngaiterangi: By Hori Tupaea, Hori Ngatai, Hamiora Tv, Hone Makarauri, Enoka te Whanake, and others. Te Arawa : By Petera te Pukuatua, Maihi te Rangikaheke, Perenara, and a few others. Ngatituwharetoa: By Te Heuheu, Poihipi Tukairangi, Kingi te Herekiekie, Hohepa Tamamutu, and others. Ngatiterangiita: By Hori te Tauri, Wiremu te Tauri, Aperahama te Whetu, and others. Whanganui: By Major Kcpa te Rangihiwinui, Topia Turoa, Takarangi, Mete Kingi, Matuahu, and others. Ngatiraukawa South: By Enoka te Rauhihi, Karanama te Kapukai, Hema te Ao, and others. Te Whakatohea and Ngatiawa North : By Te Hura. Hurinui Apanui, Paratene, and others. Among the representatives from Ngatikahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Ngatiporou, Ngarauru, and Ngatiawa South, there were none of any rank. At this meeting spirituous liquors were prohibited by the chiefs, thus in this respect differing from similar gatherings amongst tho loyal tribes, at which, as a rule, much dissipation goes on. The general health and appearance of the people assembled was good, and, for Maoris, they were fairly clothed. Some sickness, however, prevailed, especially amongst the Kopua residents, owing, as lam informed, to diarrhoea, influenza, and whooping-cough. Large quantities of food were provided, thus showing that the Natives had not been idle during the last planting season. It is not necessary for me to recapitulate the business done at the meeting, as the Government are already in possession of full reports. Native Land Courts. A Native Land Court, presided over by Judge Monro, has been holding a sitting at Cambridge for the last two months or more, and is now attended by a large number of Maoris. Decisions by it have been given in the Okauia, Wairere, Karaka, Tuaraparaharaha, Mangawhara, and other blocks, in all containing over 50,000 acres, which, with the exception of Okauia and Wairere, have given entire satisfaction to the Maoris interested. The Okauia and Wairere cases were heard on tho application of the Ngatihinerangi, the Ngatihaua appearing as counterclaimants- and the difficulties in connection with these blocks have mainly contributed to the unusual time the Court has been sitting. The Ngatihaua fought desperately for an interest, but the decision of the Court, with the exception of eight individuals of Ngatihaua who were admitted, was given in favour of Ngatihinerangi. Immediately the decision was announced, about twenty-five of the Ngatihaua, led by Hoani Tuhakaraina, armed, started off to take possession, and are there still, doing the Ngatihinerangi some damage by killing their pigs and eating their potatoes. The sufferers, instead of taking the law in their own hands, have decided, under my advice, to take legal proceedings against the trespassers if they do not clear off. On first hearing of this I at once went and interviewed Te Raihi Toroatai, Hakiriwhi, and other Ngatihaua chiefs, who promised to recall the party despatched to Okauia; and, as a precautionary

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measure, I demanded the surrender of all Government rifles, which they did to the number of eight stand, these being all the arms they had in the village. These arms I handed over to the officer commanding the military forces in this district. Some applications to the Court have been withdrawn or disallowed, owing to deficient surveys and other irregularities. The Court is at present engaged in hearing claims to a tract of country known as Mangawhero. This block is under negotiations to certain Europeans, and contains about 10,000 acres. The blocks first mentioned are also being purchased by private speculators. A noticeable fact in connection with this Court was the attendance thereat of the chiefs Revvi Manga Maniapoto and Te Ngakau, who for the last twenty years have set their faces against all similar proceedings—the former as a claimant in the Okauia, the latter to ask for an adjournment of the hearing of the same block. What may also be considered of great importance, as expressive of a change for the better in the mind of a large number of Tawhiao's followers, was their coming into Cambridge and acknowledging the authority of the Government, by allowing the Court to adjudicate upon blocks in which they were interested, aud by accepting it's decision thereon—a tribunal which these people had never before, by their acts, openly confessed as competent to deal with their lands. These favourable signs are directly attributable to the late Kopua meeting, for since that time I have noticed a growing dissatisfaction with Tawhiao's rule amongst his adherents, doubts having arisen in their minds as to his ability to secure their lands to them. These people have come to me asking me for advice as to the best means of preventing their lands from being taken from them by their Queenite relatives, which, I need hardly say, I have at all times given them to the best of my knowledge and ability. They are evidently becoming convinced that to support Tawhiao is to lose their lands. Land Purchases. In addition to my ordinary duties has been added that of pushing forward, on behalf of the Government, the surveys of, and the negotiations for the purchase of, the Patetere, Tokoroa, Whakamaru, and Waotu lands, containing in all about 300,000 acres. These negotiations were commenced as far back as 1873, by the Government buying out the claims of certain private European speculators, but were allowed to remain in abeyance by the late Government. I have obtained the signatures of over 150 owners to a deed, wherein they agree to sell to tho Government, and consent to the necessary surveys being at once proceeded with. Next spring would therefore be a favourable time for commencing the surveys; by which period I hope to have overcome the objections of a few owners who still hold back, because they have received money, on accoutrt of their interests, from some private purchasers, some of whom are the very parties who, in 1873, sold out their interests to the Government. I have paid on above-mentioned lands a sum of between £800 and £900. __bout half of these blocks will bear comparison with some of the best lands in the provincial district, the balance being second- and third-class lands. Roads. In accordance with instructions received, I have, whenever opportunity offered, impressed upon the Natives the great importance of allowing roads to be made through their lands, and have to report that I have met with a large measure of success. The survey of the proposed road from Cambridge direct to Rotorua, via Tapapa, through the Patetere Forest, passing to the northward of Horohoro Mountain, and joining the TaurangaRotorua Road at a point near Puhirua, on the western shore of Rotorua Lake, was completed by Mr. L. Simpson last April. The owners of the land through which the proposed road will have to run, however, objected to the works being commenced until certain preliminaries and conditions were settled. Last month I held meetings with all the hapus interested with satisfactory results, they withdrawing all opposition. So soon, therefore, as certain monetary considerations agreed to at the meetings referred to are settled by the Government, the work of constructing the road may be at once proceeded with. This road is the one travelled, for the first time for a number of years, by Mr. Moss, M.H.R., last summer, and will throw open a large and fertile district, the purchase of which from the Maoris by the Government is now being negotiated. I am informed that no engineering difficulties exist, but that the road will have to pass through some heavy bush, which will increase tho cost of construction. I have also, during the last month, held meetings with the hapus interested in the proposed road from Cambridge to Atiamuri, with similar results to the Cambridge-Rotorua Road. As this road will run through the Tokoroa Plains, part of the Patetere country, no engineering difficulties will be met with. The expense will be comparatively small, bridges and culverts forming the heaviest item. Any quantity of totara timber for bridges, culverts, and, if need be, telegraph posts, can be got from To Waotu, Maungaiti, or the forest at Te Whetu. This road when finished will be most beneficial, and will connect this district with Taupo, Napier, and Hawke's Bay Districts. Whilst in Cambridge last month, I arranged for a weekly mail from that place, via Te Waotu, to meet the Tauranga-Taupo mail coach at Atiamuri, and now only await final instructions from the Postal Department before setting the project fairly afoot. This, if accomplished, will not only confer a benefit on both the settlers and Maoris, but, what is of more importance, will be recognized by the latter as evidence of the extension of the Queen's mana into their country.

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In addition to the above-mentioned roads, I have received proposals from the interested Natives for the construction of roads between Waikato and Tauranga. Three routes have been suggested—viz., one from Hamilton, through Te Aroha Block, thence over the dividing range by the Ecrc-a-tukahia Pass, and finally coming out at the new Katikati Settlement; another from Cambridge, passing through Mr. Firth's estate, through the Okauia Block, thence over the range by Te Tuhi; and a third, also from Cambridge, passing through Mr. Firth's land, but diverging to the right, leaving Okauia on the left, aud crossing the range by the Te Arapohatu Pass. Both the two last, after crossing the range, come out on the Kaimai Block. I have travelled all these tracks, and, of the three, pronounce the one via Te Rere-a-tukahia the best, for the following reasons : First, the gradients over the range are easier than in either of the other two • secondly, the route for a great part of its length runs through Government land, thus enhancing its value; and, thirdly, although not the most direct line to Tauranga, it must be borne in mind that seventy miles are already constructed—viz., forty miles between Hamilton and Te Aroha, and thirty miles between Katikati and Tauranga. Whilst on the subject of roads, I would respectfully suggest the employment of Maoris—Hauhaus if possible —iv their construction, which, in my humble opinion, would tend to break down the distinction between Kingites, Queenites, Hauhaus, friendlics, and Europeans. Social Condition. Under this head, I regret to say, there is much room for improvement amongst the Maoris resident in this district. In the matter of education, the friendly Maoris do not appear to avail themselves, as much as they might, of the advantages offered them, the attendance of their children at the schools being small. From the Kingites or Hauhaus we do not expect much to be done in this direction just yet. A few of the Hauhaus have, however, lately sent their children to school, a step which, I trust, will soon be followed by the majority of them. It is worthy of notice, as well as encouraging, that the chief Rewi, who since the commencement of the Waikato war has never countenanced schools, now lends a willing ear to any proposals of that nature, and, as a proof of his earnestness, has asked the Native Minister to build a school at Kihikihi, aud allowed the Government to place his two nephews at school itr Wellington. I regret to have to report that the mortality amongst the Maori population has exceeded the usual average, more especially at Kopua and the settlements in its neighbourhood, which on inquiry I find is attributable to the effects of low fever, whooping-cough, influenza, and chest complaints. The Kingites object to accept medical attendance j hence the high death-rate in their settlements. Amongst the Maoris, however, who have availed themselves of medical assistance, I am glad to report, tho deaths have been very few, only five or six having died out of 169 patients attended by Dr. Blnnden during the six months ended 30th ultimo. During the period of four months referred to, over thirty deaths have occurred in and about Kopua. Our local chemist has given the Maoris great assistance by attending to their immediate wants. The moral condition of the Natives in this district is on a par with former years. With the exception of acts (which may be taken to have political meanings) committed by Hauhaus or Kingites, and to which I refer elsewhere, the few offences against the criminal law that have come under my notice are petty thefts—the perpetrators being generally idle, good-for-nothing young men, a certain number of whom are always to be found in any tribe. Civil cases have also, on the whole, been of a trivial nature. Drunkenness amongst those of the Natives who reside near the European centres is much the same as in parts outside this district, and is to be measured by the state of each individual's purse • for I fear that their sobriety consists in their inability to get drunk for want of means. Those residing away from Europeans, however, are not so addicted to intemperance, which may be owing to the long distance they have to go to procure spirituous liquors. Last planting season, the Waikatos and Ngatimauiapotos were very busy ploughing arrd breaking up large areas of land, and sowing the same with wheat, oats, and potatoes ; from which in due course they reaped fair harvests. This, no doubt, was in a great measure due to the fact that they felt they were bound to do so, in order to provide a sufficient supply of food for the late meeting. Canoes conveying produce have for the last four months continued to come down the Waipa River to Alexandra; and, on making inquiries, I learn the Maoris have disposed of between 8,000 and 9,000 bushels of grain to our local storekeepers, which, added to what they have reserved for seed and home consumption, makes a total of about 15,000 bushels grown last year. Miscellaneous. • The movement now going on in Taranaki, under the leadership of Te Whiti, has no apparent support from this district. All the Waikato, Ngatimaniapoto, and Ngatiraukawa chiefs whom 1 have questioned declare that they will not give Te Whiti any help; and that, should any of the prisoners lately taken by our forces turn out to be members of their tribes, they would not exert their influence with the Government to obtain their release, but allow the law to take its course. This feeling is not confined to the chiefs only. The troubles between the Hauhau section of Ngatihaua and Mr. E. B. Walker, in connection with the Pukekura and Puahoe Blocks, which commenced in the year 1868, still smoulder

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on, and every now and then blaze up, by the aforesaid Hauhaus making a raid on Mr. Walker's cattle, and driving them off to Maungatautari. The matter briefly stands thus : Tho Pukekura and Puahoe Blocks, together containing 17,000 acres, are outside of, and bounded towards the north by, the confiscation boundary. The Native Land Court, at the application of certain friendly Ngatihauas, adjudicated upon, and in November, 1868, delivered judgment in, these blocks to the exclusion of certain Hauhaus of the same tribe, who no doubt had as much right to the land as those in whoso favour the Court had decided, but who, unfortunately for themselves, did not attend the Court, and of whose existence the Court was ignorant. These Hauhaus afterwards endeavoured to obtain redress, but failed. What further incensed these people was the alienation by lease of the blocks in question by the certified owners to Major Wilson, and the transfer of the same by Major Wilson to Messrs. Douglas and Walker. The sufferers, seeing no means of obtaining relief, retaliated on Messrs. Douglas and Walker, which, as you are aware, eventually led to the death of Sullivan, and has ever since been more or less a source of trouble. More for the purpose of keeping the matter alive than for any other reason, the party who think themselves aggrieved in February last drove off, from the blocks before mentioned, 150 of Mr. Walker's cattle. Immediately upon hearing of this, I went to Kihikihi and saw some of the Maungatautari Natives, but I had not been there more than an hour when it was reported to me that the cattle had been returned. In April last the same parties drove from off the same locality about sixty-one head of Mr. Walker's cattle. I saw Rcwi and To Ngakau on the matter, who at once gave orders for the cattle to be returned, which was accordingly done. Mr. Walker has since informed me that all the sixty-one head were not brought back, there being a few still missing. Another source of trouble is the dispute between the Europeans and Maoris, as to which is the correct confiscation boundary between Pukekura Hill and Orakau • the Maoris maintaining that the line cut by Mr. Campbell is the correct one, whilst, on the other hand, it is asserted that the line cut by Mr. Simpson is the true one (vide sketch-plan herewith, showing both lines*). Thus it followed that, because on Wednesday, the 17th inst., six head of cattle and three horses, belonging to Mr. Ramsay, strayed across the line cut by Mr. Campbell on to land situate between it and Mr. Simpson's line, and ate some hay which the Maoris claimed as theirs, the cattle were at once driven off to Aratitaha by the Maoris. On the matter being reported to me the following day, I at once started from Alexandra for Aratitaha, the place to which the cattle had been driven. On arriving there I succeeded in obtaining the surrender of the cattle and horses. Until the Government devise some means of satisfying the persons excluded from Pukekura and Puahoe Blocks, and of definitely fixing the confiscation boundary between the points before mentioned, it is hopeless to expect the Maoris will desist from repeating in the future depredations similar to those noticed above. During the last six months the aspect of affairs throughout this district, and our relations with the Maori inhabitants thereof, have greatly improved, and are now in a very encouraging condition, which, with attention, may lead to satisfactory and permanent results. This is largely due to the manner in which the Government managed affairs at the late Kopua meeting, consequent upon which there is now evident disunion amongst the supporters of the King movement, and an unmistakable falling away from the cause, as borne out by the following facts, viz. : — The attitude now assumed by Ngatimaniapoto towards Tawhiao, and by Rewi entering into negotiations with the Government with a view of bringing about a settlement of the Native difficulty. Rewi's visit to Auckland—a place he had not seen for twenty years —specially to await the arrival of the new Governor, His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson. The departure last month of about forty of Tawhiao's supporters for Lower Waikato to live with some Oueenite relatives they have there, because of the blunder Tawhiao made in letting what are now known as the " Hikurangi proposals " slip through his hands. The Ngatiraukawa North, tired of waiting for Tawhiao to bring about a consummation of differences which exist between the two races, have assumed an independent position; and, from once having a strong aversion to the idea of Land Courts, have by their late proceedings in Cambridge clearly shown that it is not their intention to obstruct the progress of settlement. And the evident disappointment which, I am told by fresh arrivals from the King country, now exists amongst a large number of Tawhiao's people, owing to the way in which he and his advisers managed affairs at the late Kopua meeting. In concluding this report, I would draw the attention of the Government to the cordial manner in which I have been assisted in carrying out my duties in this district by the chiefs Rewi Manga Maniapoto and Major Te Wheoro, and also by the officers of the Government here. I have, &c., W. H. Grace, Government Native Agent, Waikato. The Under Secretary, Native Department. * In Native Office. By Authority: Geoeoe Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lß79. Price 6d.l